<\/p>\n
Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Brothers cover for brothers. For Little Joe it is just that simple, for Adam not exactly.<\/p>\n Rated:\u00a0 K\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0<\/span>7990<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Covering<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMorning, Adam. Morning, Hoss.\u201d Adam watched Little Joe slip onto his chair with a sideways glance at their father. \u201cGood morning, Pa. Sorry I\u2019m late.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTrue repentance, Joseph, results in changed behavior. Tomorrow you will be up at first call and at the breakfast table on time.\u201d Ben\u2019s fork hovered over his plate as he gave his youngest son a stern glare.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes sir, Pa.\u201d Little Joe fixed his eyes on his plate and reached for his napkin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019s glance went from his father\u2019s face to his younger brother\u2019s bowed head. \u201cYa best grab some of them hotcakes, Short Shanks, before I finish off the lot. Hop Sing\u2019s in fine form this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat he is!\u201d Adam\u2019s statement held a forced cheeriness as he picked up the platter of hotcakes and held them out toward Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI, uh, I\u2019ll just finish these.\u201d Little Joe picked up the serving bowl that held only about a tablespoon of scrambled eggs and slid them onto his plate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTake a hotcake, Joseph.\u201d All of his sons noted Ben\u2019s use of the boy\u2019s formal name.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d The boy\u2019s head bent lower as he obeyed his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam kept his sigh internal. After last night you\u2019d think the boy would have taken pains to get up on time. So much for a pleasant start to the day. Adam took a drink of coffee and studied his little brother over the rim of the cup. Little Joe cut off a piece of hotcake and pushed it through the syrup pooling around the rim of the plate not once but three times and then set down his fork. He reached for his milk and tilted his head upward just enough for Adam to see the darkened skin beneath his little brother\u2019s eyes. Adam looked first at his father whose own eyes were focused on the breakfast he was steadily consuming and then at Hoss who indicated his concern with a slight movement of his chin in Little Joe\u2019s direction. Adam searched for a comment that would lighten his father\u2019s mood and bit the inside of his lip when none came to his mind. He decided to address Hoss instead. \u201cWell, Brother, if you\u2019ve finished indulging in Hop Sing\u2019s culinary delights, the two of us had best head out. We need to. . .\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam,\u201d Ben\u2019s voice brought his son\u2019s to a halt. \u201cI need you to accompany me into town today.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut I thought Hoss and I. . .\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlans have changed. Hoss and Ned can handle things in the south pasture. The rest can wait until tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Pa, whatever you say.\u201d Adam looked over at his middle brother and then unconsciously tugged his left ear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll tell Ned and head out then.\u201d Hoss paused only long enough to gulp down the last of his morning coffee as he sent Adam an inquiring look. Adam gave Hoss a barely perceptible shrug of ignorance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, finish your breakfast. I don\u2019t intend for you to be late to school.\u201d Ben\u2019s attention had returned to his youngest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m through, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam could see clearly that while the hot cake had been cut into numerous pieces none of it appeared to have left the plate and at least half of the scrambled eggs also remained.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou will clean your plate, Joseph, and do it quickly.\u201d Little Joe picked up his fork, speared some eggs, and slowly lifted them toward his mouth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben set his napkin on the table and rose. \u201cI need to speak with Ned and then I\u2019ll meet you boys in the barn.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s fork clattered against his plate. \u201cThe three of us will be taking the buckboard into town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed the coffee in his mouth. \u201cI\u2019ll see that it\u2019s hitched. Uh, will we be in town the whole day? I mean until Little Joe\u2019s finished at school?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a number of things we need to do.\u201d Ben glanced at Little Joe\u2019s plate. \u201cYou will see to it that Joe\u2019s plate is clean before the two of you leave the table.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Pa.\u201d Adam watched his father\u2019s exit from the room before he spoke to his brother. \u201cPa\u2019s necessary talk didn\u2019t keep you awake all night, did it?\u201d Little Joe shook his head. \u201cWhat did?\u201d Little Joe\u2019s shoulders lifted and fell. \u201cJoe, you\u2019ve got rings under your eyes, you were late getting up, and you haven\u2019t eaten more than two bites this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2019s still mad.\u201d The words dropped softly toward the floor. Little Joe\u2019s next statement was spoken even more softly. \u201cAnd he\u2019s gonna be madder.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tensed. \u201cWhy?\u201d Little Joe bit his lip and voiced no explanation. \u201cAre you in more trouble than he knows about?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded once. \u201cLeast ways I will be if he talks to Miss Jones very long.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you do?\u201d When his brother did not answer, Adam drew in a deep breath. \u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If Adam had not already considered the possibility, Little Joe\u2019s answer would have been unintelligible. \u201cPlayed hooky Tuesday.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe!\u201d Adam\u2019s hand came down on the table with enough force to rattle the table settings. \u201cGood grief, boy!\u201d Adam saw the tears that filled Little Joe\u2019s eyes before the boy ducked his head. Played hooky! Boy, you\u2019re going to have good reason to cry when Pa discovers that.<\/em> Adam\u2019s eyes rolled. Lord, he knows that as well as I do.<\/em> Adam chewed on his lower lip and stared at the food still on Joe\u2019s plate. If I make him eat that, somebody\u2019s going to be cleaning it off the floor.<\/em> Adam shook his head, stood, and reached for his brother\u2019s plate. He then scraped a portion of the food on it onto his own dirty dish repeating the same action with both Hoss\u2019s and Ben\u2019s plates before replacing it on the table. To Little Joe\u2019s questioning look, he stated, \u201cI said I\u2019d see your plate was clean. Hop Sing will think that everyone else failed to clean theirs. Come on.\u201d Adam strode to the door and then paused to buckle on his gun. Little Joe slide off his chair and started toward the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have to get my books and things.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam bit his lower lip. \u201cDon\u2019t dawdle.\u201d He watched Little Joe slowly mount the stairs. \u201cAnd get your lunch from Hop Sing. Don\u2019t forget!\u201d Adam grabbed his hat and exited closing the door with more force and noise than necessary or normal.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was nearly finished harnessing the team to the buckboard when Little Joe crossed the yard to stand beside him. \u201cYou do know that the right and best thing to do would be to tell Pa as quickly as possible?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe nobody will mention Tuesday.\u201d Hope flicker through Little Joe\u2019s despair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPossibly. Why does Miss Jones think you were absent?\u201d Adam still had not turned to look at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe, uh, thinks I was sick. I was kinda.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Only when you thought of what would happen if Pa caught you.<\/em> \u201cWhy does she think that?\u201d Adam turned and looked down at the top of his brother\u2019s bowed head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt said I was in the note.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe note?\u201d Adam reached out and lifted his brother\u2019s chin. “You didn\u2019t, little brother; tell me you didn\u2019t forge a note from Pa.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI had to give her a note, or for sure she would ask Pa about things when she saw him at church.\u201d Little Joe tried to drop his chin, but only his eyes were allowed to lower.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou forged a note from Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot \u2018xactly.\u201d Little Joe shifted from one foot to another and back again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot exactly?\u201d The muscles of Adam\u2019s hand tensed and put rising pressure on Little Joe\u2019s chin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t no way my writing could look anything like Pa\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhose could?\u201d The words come out of Adam\u2019s mouth like a low growl. Little Joe managed to snatch his chin from Adam\u2019s fingers and give a violent shake of his head. \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, no, Adam, Hoss don\u2019t know nothing about it.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s head had snapped up as the words burst from his lips. It dropped again as he muttered, \u201cHoss would never do that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Well at least I\u2019ll only have to attend one funeral.<\/em> \u201cThen who?\u201d<\/p>\n \\<\/p>\n Little Joe shook his head with increased vigor. \u201cCan\u2019t tell.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I don\u2019t suppose you can, little brother. Not being a tattletale has always been one of your better qualities.<\/em> Adam drew a lungful of air slowly in through his nose. \u201cIf it wasn\u2019t Hoss, I suppose it doesn\u2019t really matter to me who it was.\u201d Adam\u2019s right hand rubbed the bridge of his nose, \u201cMy best advice is still \u2018tell Pa\u2019, little boy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t think I can.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s arms had wrapped themselves around his body, and for a minute Adam thought his little brother was going to lose the two bites of breakfast he had managed to swallow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And I suppose at nine you could have walked right up and told him, couldn\u2019t you, Adam Cartwright?<\/em> Adam did not bother to answer himself. His left hand began tugging his right ear in a slow, repetitive motion. Damnation, why did you have to tell me!<\/em>\u00a0When the answer thrust its way into Adam\u2019s brain, he dropped to his heels and placed a hand on each side of his brother\u2019s waist. \u201cYou want me to help you tell him?\u201d Just once, he had confessed to Marie because he knew his father was bound to discover his offense.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI, I, I don\u2019t want a lickin\u2019 at the schoolhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You don\u2019t want this lickin\u2019 at all, baby brother.<\/em> Several memories flickered swiftly though Adam\u2019s mind. Then he heard his father\u2019s voice and shot to his feet. Glancing over his shoulder, Adam saw his father approaching, muttered an expletive he should never have allowed his little brother to hear, and swung back toward Little Joe. He grabbed the boy and slung him into the bed of the buckboard. \u201cDon\u2019t let Pa get a good look at your face!\u201d he growled into Little Joe\u2019s ear, and then turned to address his father. \u201cAll ready to go, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine.\u201d Ben hoisted himself onto the seat of the buckboard and reached for the reins.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam settled onto the seat at his father\u2019s side, saw Ben glance over his shoulder at Little Joe, and stated smoothly, \u201cLittle Joe\u2019s riding in the back.\u201d Adam reached back and pushed his little brother\u2019s hat down over his face, \u201cI figured it was better he started out there than fell in later; I\u2019ve never known a child who could fall asleep sitting on the seat of a buckboard faster than that one, and I just know he\u2019s going to take advantage of this chance to squeeze in some more shut eye. A friend of mine from college, Edward Windsor, I mentioned him in my letters I\u2019m sure, well, he told us a story about falling asleep\u2026\u201d Adam\u2019s voice droned on steering his father\u2019s thoughts away from Little Joe and any other subjects of concern.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The words streaming around them now were in Ben\u2019s steady tones. Adam kept his ears and a third of his mind monitoring his father\u2019s business discourse knowing he would need the information later in the day while the majority of his thoughts searched for a way to keep his father and his brother\u2019s teacher far enough apart to prevent discussion of any sort.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam glanced back at his little brother, sighed, and went with the only plan that he considered having even the remotest chance of success. Now if Joe will either catch on or keep his mouth shut.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUh, Pa,\u201d Adam shifted on the seat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, son?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, umm, it\u2019s just\u2026\u201d You owe me one, little brother, oh, most assuredly, you owe me a big one.<\/em> \u201cWell, it\u2019s this way; I was thinking we could drop Little Joe off at the top of the rise. We can see the schoolhouse from there, and\u2026\u201d Adam paused for breath.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd why wouldn\u2019t we take Little Joe all the way to the schoolyard?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019s just that, well, we wouldn\u2019t want to get detained.\u201d Adam shifted on the seat again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDetained in what way?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn any way.\u201d Ben\u2019s snort nudged Adam into continuing, \u201cIf you must know, Pa, Miss Jones, she, well, ever since I got back from college, if I so much as say good morning, I end up in some long discussion about something or other\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShakespeare or sonnets or stuff.\u201d Little Joe spoke for the first time since the ride to school had begun. \u201cI\u2019ve had to listen.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Perhaps you\u2019re not totally dimwitted, little brother.<\/em> \u201cExactly. She tends to go on and on, Pa. Sometimes, well, it can be hard to be polite and still, um…\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEscape!\u201d Little Joe giggled and added, \u201cShe makes cow eyes at him, Pa.\u201d He giggled again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe!\u201d Just why am I trying to save his behind?<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe does, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, that will be enough.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure Miss Jones simply enjoys a discussion with an educated person over the age of twelve.\u201d Ben bit the inside of his cheek and kept the smirk off his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t hurt Little Joe to stretch his legs for that little bit. He could walk that far on his hands.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlready have,\u201d Little Joe asserted and then whined. \u201cBut I don\u2019t see why I have to walk part of the way just \u2018cause big brother don\u2019t want to make cow eyes back at Miss Jones.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n So, you do have the sense to know if you agreed right off Pa would know something was up<\/em>. \u201cLittle Joe, if you don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBoys!\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was curt. \u201cJoseph, it will not hurt you to walk a few hundred yards, and I want to hear no more comments about Miss Jones and your brother. Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s settled then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Pa.\u201d The sincerity in Adam\u2019s voice was apparent. Now there\u2019s only this afternoon to worry about.<\/em><\/p>\n cccccccccc<\/p>\n Adam saw Little Joe sitting on the bottom step in front of the school, glanced around, saw no one else, and whistled. Little Joe looked up, popped to his feet, and took off at a run toward his brother. Adam stopped his advance and waited for Little Joe to join him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSent me on to fetch you. We\u2019re to get the wagon and retrieve Pa at Mr. Wood\u2019s office. Evidently Pa had something he wanted to discuss with him that didn\u2019t require my presence. Thank the Lord.\u201d Adam started walking back the way he had come, and Little Joe fell into step beside him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes caught the flash of sunlight glinting off the lunch pail swinging in Little Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cDid you eat your lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPail\u2019s empty.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That might work with someone else, little brother, but not with the master.<\/em> \u201cThat\u2019s not what I asked.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s steps slowed. \u201cI ate some.\u201d Adam heard his brother\u2019s sigh. \u201cDo ya think Pa… well, is he in a good mood, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThings went well today.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, you done real good saving me, big brother. Uh, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s hand went to the top of his brother\u2019s head and rested there even as they continued walking. \u201cI might not have done you a real favor. Pa could still talk to Miss Jones or find out some other way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLess likely all the time.\u201d Little Joe turned around and walked backwards. \u201cI was good today; Miss Jones said.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat, at least, is a step in the right direction.\u201d This time Adam\u2019s hand pinned Little Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cNo more playing hooky, no more forged notes. I\u2019ll not cover for you again. Hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hear.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice sunk to a whisper. \u201cBrother\u2019s cover for brothers, though.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but the books are really unbalanced toward you in that area, little boy.\u201d He ruffled Little Joe\u2019s hair a little roughly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe grinned. \u201cThat\u2019s \u2018cause I\u2019m the little brother.\u201d He took off running, and Adam was forced to follow.<\/p>\n \n cccccccccccc<\/p>\n \u201cI can have it done by the end of next week, I should think.\u201d Hiram Woods put down the pen with which he had been making notes. Leaning back in his chair, he studied Ben Cartwright, cleared his throat, and said, \u201cUh, Ben, have you spoken with Adam about, well, about the revision in guardianship.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s brows drew together slightly. \u201cHave I spoken to Adam? Well, no, he\u2019ll be with me when I sign the new will; I expected we\u2019d go over the details with him then.\u201d Ben looked at the lawyer. \u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hiram tapped the fingernail of his pointer finger against his front tooth and then leaned forward. \u201cBen, hasn\u2019t it even occurred to you that\u2026well, Adam just turned twenty-one. He\u2019s young, college-educated. I know he came back to the ranch, but\u2026well, if something did happen, the ranch could be sold and with a third share of that and the income from your other investments, well, they would provide a young man with a comfortable living, a myriad of choices. Have you asked him if, say a year from now, if- God forbid- if you should pass, have you asked him if he would be prepared to take guardianship of a ten and a sixteen-year-old?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHiram! They\u2019re his brothers.\u201d Ben\u2019s tone made it clear that he thought Adam\u2019s answer was so obvious that asking the question was an insult.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, Ben, I\u2019m not inferring that Adam has any but the deepest feelings for his brothers. It\u2019s just that, well, the situation may be more complicated. . . Perhaps guardianship should remain with your brother as it has been since Captain Stoddard passed. After all, their uncle is a mature man with a son of his own.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA man whom neither of my younger sons has ever met.\u201d Ben\u2019s initial reaction had caused him to half rise; now he settled back into his chair. \u201cHiram, I don\u2019t even know for sure if I could contact John. While Adam was still underage, well, there was little choice. If something had happened a search would have had to have been made. Of course, John would have come. Still, for some years now, even though legal guardianship would have been in John\u2019s hands, Adam would have. . . You know after Marie\u2019s death Adam. . . he was only seventeen.\u201d Ben sighed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou told me more than once, Ben, what a help he was, how he stepped up, but that was for a short time during a difficult period. A temporary situation is not the same as a long term commitment.\u201d Hiram rested his hands on his desk. \u201cAs I said, the revisions will take until sometime next week to prepare. There is time if you choose to speak privately with Adam even if it is just to prepare him for the idea. These are difficult matters for families to consider. That\u2019s the basis for my suggestion, nothing more.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both men heard the door to Hiram\u2019s office open and watched has the young man in question walked into the room. \u201cExcuse me, Pa, Mr. Woods. I just wanted to let you know Little Joe and I have the wagon waiting just down the street whenever you\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank you, son. I\u2019m ready now.\u201d Ben stood. Turning toward the lawyer, Ben caught the man\u2019s eyes. \u201cI\u2019ll give what you said some consideration, Hiram.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n cccccccccccc<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam raised his eyes from his book and located his father standing next to the side table that held his decanter. \u201cYes, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI thought I might indulge in a brandy now that the boys are settled in bed. Perhaps, you would like to join me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had to swallow his surprise before he could answer. \u201cYes, uh, I would.\u201d He watched his father pour a measure of the amber liquid into two glasses and walk toward him with an extended hand. What in the world? The last time Pa offered me a brandy was on my birthday.<\/em> \u201cThank you, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSir?\u201d Ben Cartwright\u2019s eyebrow rose, and the corner of his lips curled. \u201cIs there something you\u2019re feeling guilty about, son?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He can\u2019t know about Joe; he would never have held his temper and just let him go up to bed.<\/em> \u201cGuilty? Why ever would you ask that?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took a sip from his glass before answering. \u201cThe sir<\/em>, you\u2019ve rarely used the word unless you were in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh. Well, I\u2026well, it\u2019s just that you seemed so serious, so formal. Is there something you want to discuss, Pa?\u201d I\u2019m going to have to watch that from now on.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cActually, there is.\u201d Ben settled into his favorite chair. \u201cWhen I was with Hiram earlier, well, I spoke with him about some revisions to my will.\u201d Ben paused to sip his brandy once more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour will?\u201d Adam\u2019s brow furrowed; then he suddenly leaned forward his face filled with worry. \u201cPa, you\u2019re not\u2026there isn\u2019t\u2026I mean\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben recognized his son\u2019s anxiety immediately. \u201cNo, no, Adam, I\u2019m fine, healthy as a horse.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, yes, I\u2019m sure. The reason for my discussion with Hiram had nothing to do with my health. In fact, it had more to do with you than with me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMe?\u201d Adam\u2019s face showed his confusion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, take a sip of your brandy, and I\u2019ll explain.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam leaned back and did as instructed, but his eyes remained glued to his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSon, I had my first will written before I came west. Most men of my age wouldn\u2019t have yet considered doing so, but, well, life had made me aware of how suddenly\u2026and, well, I had a son to consider. Since then I have always had a will prepared and ready. As things changed in my life, I have seen that that document was revised for new circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNew circumstances?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy eldest son has reached his majority.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose. \u201cPa, I still\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, you are an adult now and a partner in this ranch, in everything that is the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know, Pa.\u201d Adam\u2019s dimple appeared as he remembered the legal documents he had found next to his breakfast plate on his twenty-first birthday. \u201cI even have the papers to prove it.\u201d The slight cockiness in Adam\u2019s voice was not missed by Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyebrow arched. \u201cAs the senior partner who provided them, I am well aware of that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Point taken, Pa.<\/em> \u201cI can see how that might have repercussions for your will.\u201d Adam leaned back more relaxed than he had been since his father had first spoken. \u201cAs long as that\u2019s all there is to it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, son, there is one point that Hiram felt we should discuss, the two of us.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben drew in a deep breath and set down the glass in his hand. \u201cYour brothers are minors and will be for some years. If, well, if anything should happen to me, you are now of age to become their full and legal guardian.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour will now names me as guardian for Hoss and Little Joe?\u201d Adam had leaned forward once again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt will as soon as the new version is prepared and signed.\u201d Ben\u2019s eyes were locked on his son\u2019s face prepared to read the slightest flick or twitch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank God!\u201d The exclamation was voiced softly but with definite vehemence, as Adam sank back into the chair like one relieved of a heavy burden.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hadn\u2019t thought to speak to you about it, but, thank God, I didn\u2019t need to.\u201d Adam\u2019s smile was deep and obviously genuine. \u201cThank you, Pa, thank you for always thinking ahead, for\u2026well, for being the pa that you are. You don\u2019t know\u2026I mean I\u2019ve never said, but\u2026I worried about it, Pa, about\u2026but, well, now at least that won\u2019t be a concern.\u201d Adam brought his glass to his lips and took a deep draught.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve worried? Adam, are you saying that you\u2019ve worried about not being able to. . .\u201d Ben\u2019s voice faded away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, I know my grandfather loved me, but I don\u2019t remember knowing him. I know Uncle John must be a good man, but I barely remember him and the boys have never met him. I\u2019ve always, well, it\u2019s not like I fretted over it every day, but from time to time when something- you have given us a scare or two- well, I worried sometimes I wouldn\u2019t be able\u2026that someone might legally be able to keep me from taking care of them, Pa, raising them the way they should be raised, the way you would want.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I never; I didn\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter now. Not that anything is going to happen to you, but if it does, well, I\u2019ll see to everything, and I\u2019ll take care of the boys.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leaned back in his chair as if to gain distance and perspective. \u201cI have no doubt that you could, that you would, but, Adam, Hiram pointed out that you are a young man, and Little Joe is only nine, he would become your responsibility for many years.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, what are you trying to say?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat, for example, what if you should want to marry, some women would not want to take on the raising of two half-grown boys.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s temper sparked, and his glass thudded down on the chair-side table. \u201cAny woman I would consider marrying would know\u2026 wouldn\u2019t consider anything but helping me raise my brothers. Mama didn\u2019t hesitate; Marie knew you had sons.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head ruefully. \u201cI nearly bit off Hiram\u2019s head when he suggested you might not be happy to be named your brothers\u2019 guardian. I guess I was right in the first place.\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cI\u2019ve relied on you so often. Relied on you even when you were too young.\u201d Ben rose and went to place his hand upon Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cA man, well, to see your son become a man, a good man, a man of his own\u2026\u201d Ben\u2019s hand squeezed gently and then patted his son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWe\u2019ll go together when the will is ready, and I\u2019ll have a word or two to say to Hiram, I certainly will.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam listened to his father\u2019s steps upon the stairs and sipped the rest of his brandy slowly. Guardian. I\u2019d be responsible for raising them. I wouldn\u2019t be just their brother anymore. \u2018Brothers cover for brothers.\u2019 I\u2019d be the one they\u2019d be hiding things from, the one\u2026<\/em> An ember popped in the fire, and startled Adam who turned his eyes toward the flames.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n cccccccccccc<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBucko, you\u2019ve been chewing on something for the past three days, now don\u2019t ya think it\u2019s about time you spit it out.\u201d Adam jerked and then watched as Old Ned punctuated his statement with a spit of his own.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam dropped his chin and focused his eyes on the ground before him. \u201cThat\u2019s just it. It may be that I\u2019ll just have to swallow it down.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHave ya talked to the boss about it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed and plucked a long piece of grass from the ground. His eyes moved to the small campfire they had built to boil the lunchtime coffee, and he purposely keep his head tilted so that his hat kept his features in shadow. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam raised his head. You just might. I should have had better sense than to let Pa send me out on an all-day job with you.<\/em> Without conscious thought, his right eyebrow rose slightly. Or is that the reason I am working with you. Did you ask Pa?<\/em> His breath came in quickly. Did Pa ask you?<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned spit again. \u201cYou keeping something from the boss, boy?\u201d He watched as Adam dropped his head and plucked at the grass beneath his fingers. \u201cIs that the way of it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not a boy anymore, Ned.\u201d Adam\u2019s words came out a soft whisper without a trace of challenge.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Old Ned smiled slowly. \u201cNot in some ways and not to some folks, but I\u2019ve got enough years on ya to call you that and mean no offense.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tossed the grass in his fingers toward the fire. \u201cAlways will, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlways. Now, are ya gonna tell me what burr\u2019s stuck in your hide, or am I gonna have search it out myself.\u201d Old Ned straightened and leaned forward.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam drew his legs up and rested his forearms on his knees. \u201cAre you gonna tell Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d Adam eyes widened and settled on the old man. Of all the times he had asked Old Ned the same question, he could not remember one simple, immediate negative. \u201cLike ya said ya ain\u2019t a boy, so when it comes to you, Bucko, I ain\u2019t got to carry tales no more.\u201d Old Ned\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cUnless ya come up with some grand foolishness I don\u2019t think I can handle myself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing you\u2019ve ever thought you couldn\u2019t handle yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, there\u2019s some truth to that when it comes to you boys, so get to talking.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I most always end up telling you anyways, old man.<\/em> Adam smiled weakly. Don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever come straight at it though.<\/em> \u201cPa\u2019s having a new will written. It names me the boys\u2019 guardian if, well, if one should be needed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBoss always sees to what\u2019s needed. You\u2019re not fretting over what might happen to the boss?\u201d Old Ned suddenly stiffened. \u201cThere ain\u2019t no special reason Boss thinks he needs to tend to his will, is there?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, no, not like that. He just thought with me having reached my majority it needed updating.\u201d Adam\u2019s front teeth sunk into his lower lip. \u201cIt\u2019s, well, it\u2019s kind of like his acceptance that I\u2019m an adult.\u201d Adam looked at Ned and gave a sheepish grin. \u201cHis son always but not a little boy anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen I\u2019d think you\u2019d be busting your shirt buttons not looking like you\u2019re working on a whole plate of old leather that needs chewing down.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s something I\u2019m not feeling to grown about.\u201d Adam let his breath out slowly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDone something boy foolish, have ya? Happens to us all. That feeling won\u2019t go away until the man steps up and faces the consequences.\u201d Old Ned watched Adam\u2019s face and read a great deal there. \u201cThe consequences wouldn\u2019t be all yours, is that the rub?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice faded away as he plucked another handful of grass from the earth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou covering for Hoss or Little Bit?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNeither of them is old enough that you think you don\u2019t have to carry tales.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t name names.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo details then.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI helped one of the boys keep something from Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSomething dangerous?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot really, well, probably not. Serious though.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot the first time you covered for either of them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, it\u2019s not; it\u2019s just, well\u2026\u201d Adam let his eyes meet Old Ned\u2019s fully for the first time since the conversation had started. \u201cI\u2019m thinking that maybe this time I should have been the grown brother not the big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt may be that you should have, but are you thinking that for this one what\u2019s done is done?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI guess that\u2019s about the way of it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd the next time?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m thinking, well, if I\u2026 I know I\u2019ve always kind of been, um, responsible when it comes to Hoss and Little Joe, and it\u2019s not like I\u2019ve never told Pa when I felt I had to. It\u2019s just, well, have to is one thing; should is another.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo, thinking about how things could change between you and the boys has got ya fretting over how things are gonna have to change some now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u201cPa could have taken less time to give me each of my brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGod could have given pigs wings, but then we\u2019d be eating less pork.\u201d Old Ned stood, picked up the coffee pot, and poured the remaining coffee onto the fire. \u201cIf boys knew what being a man really meant, most of them would quit trying so hard to grow up fast. By the time they do; it\u2019s too late.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rose and started kicking dirt over the smoldering wood. \u201cSo, I take a pass on this one and buck up the next?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUnless you plan on confession being good for the soul if not some other parts of a body. Works waiting, Bucko.\u201d Without a response, Adam went back to work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ccccccccccccc<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n He stopped and stretched his back. One job down and oh so many more to be done. What next?<\/em> Adam considered what would be the most productive use of his time. Hop Sing will have the noon meal ready in less than an hour, so it makes little sense to get involved in anything major.<\/em> Adam gave a slight smile. His family often teased him about hating to interrupt a task at a point he had not chosen as appropriate. I could give myself a slight break, and then get to work right after lunch. It won\u2019t really be slacking if I \u2026. say go check on Goldenrod. Hoss thought she would probably go into labor sometime today.<\/em> He headed toward the stables with an easy but purposeful stride. When he entered the building, he was not surprised to find Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs she in labor yet?\u201d Hoss looked more startled at Adam\u2019s presence than he should.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUh, yea, for about the last half hour.\u201d Hoss ran his hand down the leg of his pants.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEverything going as it should?\u201d Something in Hoss\u2019s demeanor had Adam focus his gaze on his brother instead of the horse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUhh, yea, everything\u2019s going fine so far. It\u2019ll be a while, I expect, seeing as this is her first. Did ya, uh, want something? Pa knows I was gonna work around the stable if she started.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, I had a few minutes, and I thought I\u2019d check on her before lunch. Will you come up to the house, or do you want Hop Sing to fix up a plate for me to bring down?\u201d Adam studied Hoss\u2019s face as he asked the question.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUmmm, you don\u2019t have to bother none. I\u2019ll go up and fetch something then bring it back here.\u201d Adam could discern the nervous edge to Hoss\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOkay then.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere something else?\u201d The question gave Adam the distinct impression that his brother wanted him to leave. He considered several possible reasons that Hoss might. He took a few steps closer to get a better view of the mare and the area around her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo. I\u2019ll be heading up to the house then.\u201d Adam walked out of the stables but left the door slightly ajar and stopped to listen. In a few minutes, he heard what he expected. He turned on his heel, pushed open the door, and strode back inside. \u201cJoseph!\u201d His eyes caught and followed the movement of his younger brother darting behind Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, Adam,\u201d Hoss started in his most placating voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s supposed to be at school.\u201d Adam\u2019s words were as forceful and staccato as his footsteps. He stopped within inches of his brothers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe just wanted\u2026.\u201d Hoss made sure that his bulk stayed between Adam and Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss knew Goldenrod\u2019s baby would come.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice carried a distinct whine as he peered around Hoss to assess his elder brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa said you were to go to school.\u201d Actually, he bellowed it.<\/em> The discussion at breakfast had ended with his father\u2019s threat to give Little Joe a lesson in obedience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI started to go, but\u2026\u201d Little Joe\u2019s words faded as he bit his lower lip.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cObviously, you decided to disobey, play the truant, be deceitful, and do as you\u2026\u201d Adam caught the first expression that came to his mind, swallowed the expletive, and continued more appropriately. \u201c\u2026as you pleased.\u201d Adam swung his glare to Hoss. \u201cAnd you let him. Pa\u2019s liable to skin both your hides.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow you make it sound a lot worse than it needs to be.\u201d Drops of perspiration began to dot Hoss\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa won\u2019t do anything if he doesn\u2019t know.\u201d Little Joe stepped from behind Hoss and gazed up at his older brother. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t have to know.\u201d Adam drew in a long, slow breath and held it. His fingers came up to pinch the bridge of his nose. Little Joe decided not to blink away the tears that filmed his eyes. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to tell him. Ain\u2019t any good reason to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe was here when I came in. It weren\u2019t much more than an hour ago. Didn\u2019t seem to make sense to send him on to school when he couldn\u2019t get there before it was half over. Missing one day ain\u2019t so very much.\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice sounded almost as young as Little Joe\u2019s and just as pleading.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss will be in nearly as much trouble as Joe. He didn\u2019t go anywhere unsafe. Really, it\u2019s not as if he put himself in danger. He loves horses; he thinks they feel like people about things. He just\u2026<\/em> Adam gave his head a sharp shake. \u201cThis is becoming a bad habit, little boy.\u201d Hoss\u2019s expression grew confused, and Little Joe\u2019s lower lip slipped forward.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGoldenrod needed somebody and all of you got things to do. It was important. You\u2019re not gonna tell Pa, are ya?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Am I? Is it really so important for Pa to know? It really is different than the last time.<\/em> Adam let out a slow sigh. \u201cSchool\u2019s important.\u201d Little Joe tried mightily but could not prevent a slight rolling of his eyes. \u201cAnd you\u2019re being deceitful and disobedient is even more important.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe bristled at Adam\u2019s tone. \u201cLike you ain\u2019t never disobeyed Pa or been deceitful. Maybe you never skipped out of school, but that\u2019s just because ya hardly ever had a school to go to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAll of which is no concern of yours.\u201d Adam\u2019s hands had settled on his hips.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd whether I go to school or not ain\u2019t any concern of yours!\u201d Little Joe\u2019s arms crossed his chest, and his jaw jutted forward.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWrong, little boy, very wrong.\u201d Hoss heard the anger mounting in Adam\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow maybe just this once\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s not just this once, is it, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t matter if it was once or a hundred times, I wouldn\u2019t tattle on you. We\u2019re brothers.\u201d Little Joe turned his back on Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss and Adam both considered the truth of their little brother\u2019s statement. Little Joe had never been one to carry tales. \u201cYou\u2019re not gonna tell Pa, now are ya, Adam, and you\u2019re gonna promise not to do nothing like this again, aren\u2019t ya, Little Joe?\u201d Hoss inserted his questions in a soothing voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe turned back toward his brothers. \u201cI\u2019ll promise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d The word had a flat, hard tone. \u201cI am going to tell Pa; you make your promises to him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d Hoss\u2019s exclamation held pure surprise.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Little Joe\u2019s eyes widened as he recognized the resolve on Adam\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes. It would be best for you to come with me. Pa planned to eat lunch at the house.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, Adam, please! Hoss will be in trouble too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe heard no change of mind in Adam\u2019s voice. \u201cYou\u2019re just being mean!\u201d He pushed past his brothers and ran toward the open door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Neither Hoss nor Adam followed. \u201cYou know what Pa\u2019s gonna do if you tell.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know. I\u2026it\u2019s something I think I should do; I wish it wasn\u2019t, but it is.\u201d Adam looked at Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, little brother.\u201d Hoss knew his brother well enough to see the truth in his words.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa always says a man\u2019s got to do what he thinks is right.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u201cThat\u2019s it; a man has to.\u201d Goldenrod whinnied, and both Cartwrights turned to gaze down at the mare. Hoss went to her side.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe still has a time to go. I\u2019ll settle her, and then come up to the house.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine.\u201d Adam\u2019s left hand tugged his right ear as he walked toward the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n cccccccccccc<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam knocked but received no response. This did not surprise nor impede him. There was no lock on Little Joe\u2019s bedroom door, so Adam simply opened it and stepped inside. His brother was sprawled on his stomach across the middle of his bed. \u201cLittle Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not talking to you.\u201d The statement was muffled by the pillow under Little\u2019s Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen you can simply listen.\u201d Adam crossed to the bed in three long strides.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Little Joe jammed his pointer fingers into his ears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, I just want to say\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe began humming loudly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Evidently, it doesn\u2019t matter what I want to say. You know I could pull those fingers out of your ears, little boy!<\/em> Adam swallowed the thought and the remainder of his explanation. He turned and walked out of the room. Leaning against the hall wall, he ran his hand over his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe being stubborn?\u201d Hoss was leaning against the doorjamb of his own bedroom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOur little brother was born stubborn, and at the moment he is not in a forgiving mood.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa really lit into him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa really lit into you too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave a slight shrug. \u201cNot so much. I knew I shouldn\u2019t have let him stay; I just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know. You know that I hate that you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cKnown it since we was both little uns.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam arched his eyebrow and curled up the corner of his lips. \u201cLittle ones?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019s own mouth curled upward. \u201cSo to speak.\u201d He shifted his weight onto both feet. \u201cIt\u2019s different for Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re different than Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo are you. Guess God didn\u2019t want Pa to get bored raising the same boy three times over.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head as he smiled. \u201cMaybe.\u201d Then he sighed. \u201cI guess I should be grateful for one brother who can\u2019t hold a grudge.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s easier for me. I can remember, well, being boys together.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re still a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can remember you being a boy lots clearer than Little Joe. You\u2019ve always been the big brother to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlways been your big brother too.\u201d Hoss heard the thin edge on Adam\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYea, but sometimes, well, you\u2019ve been just my brother. We\u2019ve been in trouble together, equal like, like Joe and me today. Little Joe, well, it ain\u2019t never really been that way for you and him.\u201d Hoss saw Adam was about to speak and spoke more quickly. \u201cYou being so much older, ya always took the responsibility off Little Joe. He was little when you went back East. He don\u2019t remember all what you and I do. I know when you took the whipping, so I wouldn\u2019t have to; Joe doesn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI would have today, if it was that simple.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know; in all my born days you ain\u2019t never told Pa except when you felt you had to.\u201d Hoss swallowed. \u201cDon\u2019t rightly know if I understand why you had to today, but I trust you had your reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou have a trusting soul, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGot good folk to trust in. Little Joe\u2019s temper will burn itself out, and then I\u2019ll have a talk with him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll talk with him when he\u2019s ready to listen.\u201d Adam pushed away from the wall and started toward his bedroom. \u201cWhenever that may be.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam.\u201d Hoss\u2019s hand stilled his brother. \u201cYou be ready to listen too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked back into his brother\u2019s eyes and nodded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ccccccccccc<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBucko!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam raised his head at Old Ned\u2019s call and wiped his hands on his pants. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou just get yourself up to the barn loft and talk to your brother.\u201d Old Ned turned his head to glower over his shoulder at the barn door. Turning back to see that Adam had yet to move, he spit at the ground. \u201cI said get!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put himself into motion but stopped when he reached the older man. \u201cJust which brother am I going to speak with?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you start with no sass; I\u2019ve done had enough of that from Little Bit.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo sass intended; I assure you.\u201d Adam took two more steps forward. \u201cNed, Little Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNeeds settling, and you\u2019re the man for the job. Now get.\u201d Ned\u2019s hat whipped from his head and swung toward Adam\u2019s thigh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Having learned to read Old Ned many years before, Adam\u2019s forward motion avoided any contact and carried him to the barn door. After scanning the interior, he waked to the ladder. He considered calling out but shrugged and began to climb. When his head rose above the loft floor, he paused to search for his little brother. Little Joe stood in front of the open upper door. Adam pulled himself up and then sat down blocking the stairs. \u201cLittle Joe.\u201d His brother did not turn to face him. Adam drew in a slow breath and released it. \u201cI can\u2019t leave; Ned sent me to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe saw us before\u2026 he\u2019s mad. He\u2026 he says I\u2019m the one being mean.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If he heard you this morning\u2026<\/em> \u201cNed didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo. Almost, but no.\u201d Little Joe turned to face his brother but kept his eyes on the loft floor. \u201cHe said Pa didn\u2019t raise me to act that way toward nobody, and he ain\u2019t gonna watch me act so disrespectful to no adult that way again.\u201d Little Joe lifted his head, and Adam could see the red that rimmed the boy\u2019s eyes and colored his nose. \u201cYou may be grown, but you\u2019re still my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlways will be, and that does make a difference. Anyone else who spoke to me like that, well, I wouldn\u2019t have let it pass.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe dropped to the floor and pulled his knees up under his chin. \u201cHoss is mad at me too; Pa would be if he wasn\u2019t up at the lumber camp.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss just doesn\u2019t like being pulled in the middle.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss should be mad at you. He didn\u2019t deserve for you to get him in trouble. Maybe I did, but he didn\u2019t.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s glare made it clear that his temper had yet to cool.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That\u2019s why he\u2019s holding a grudge<\/em>. \u201cHoss and I settled things; I want to settle things with you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Cause Old Ned told you to?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause you\u2019re my brother and always will be.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2026\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice broke. \u201cWhat did I do to make you so mad? You told on me; what did I do this time that was so bad? Last time you covered for me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLast time I shouldn\u2019t have.\u201d Adam plucked out a piece of hay and twisted it around his finger. \u201cI should have taken you to Pa and helped you tell him the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut you didn\u2019t \u2018cause brothers cover for brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBoys cover for boys. I\u2019m not a boy anymore.\u201d He tossed the hay to the floor and rubbed his hands against his knees. \u201cI have to face up to my responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not fair; I won\u2019t be a man for a long time. Hoss and you will be men, and I\u2019ll still just be a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s true. You\u2019ll still have Hoss for a while though.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s arms crossed on his knees, and he buried his face in them. Adam rose, closed the distance between them, and then sat down beside his brother. His hand settled on Little Joe\u2019s back. Little Joe turned and buried his head in Adam\u2019s lap. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I was mean.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBrothers are mean to brothers sometimes. I didn\u2019t want to be mean to you though.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you gonna have to be, well, responsible all the time now?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMostly, well, mostly I\u2019ll have to try.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo, you can\u2019t ever be just my brother now?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSomeone said somewhere that the boy always exists in the man.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe raised his head. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt means sometimes I\u2019ll just be your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow.\u201d Adam took two large handfuls of hay and dumped them on Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d Little Joe\u2019s shout preceded his retaliation. It had been a long time since they had fought a hay war. When it was over, they both lay in the hay and felt at peace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Family,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright,\u00a0Old Ned<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary: \u00a0Brothers cover for brothers. For Little Joe it is just that simple, for Adam not exactly.<\/p>\n Rated:\u00a0 K\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a07990<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":143,"featured_media":6846,"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_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1091,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7669","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-joe","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-1091-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7669","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\/143"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7669"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7669\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7669"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7669"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7669"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}