{"id":7730,"date":"2014-05-09T14:43:09","date_gmt":"2014-05-09T18:43:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7730"},"modified":"2025-02-27T14:00:26","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T19:00:26","slug":"if-you-lie-down-with-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7730","title":{"rendered":"If You Lie Down with Dogs (by DJK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: <\/span>Adam tells a story of teenage rebellion. warning: mention of corporeal punishment<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a04067<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If You Lie Down with Dogs<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me a story, Papa.\u201d Her small voice carried the hint of command that she had inherited from her father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled down at her and replied, \u201cAnd what story shall I tell, my poppet?\u201d His hand smoothed the bouncing curls on her head and came to rest cupping her cheek. She took his large hand in her miniature ones and turned it palm side up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me the story of this one, Papa. I\u2019ve never heard about this one.\u201d Her finger traced a faint but long scar that crossed from the base of his thumb to sweep around his little finger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot every one of my scars has a story, poppet. Perhaps I simply cut my hand long ago. When one is careless, accidents happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She set her curls bouncing again with a shake of her head. \u201cThere\u2019s always a story, Papa.\u201d She tilted her face to his and attempted a stern glare. \u201cSometimes you just don\u2019t want to tell me.\u201d Then in a moment her expression changed, and she reminded him of his little brother far more than anyone would ever have expected, \u201cPlease, Papa, please tell me about this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He capitulated and lifted her onto his lap. \u201cI must, must I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded adamantly. \u201cYou must!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shook his head and ran his fingers lightly over her ribs provoking an eruption of high-pitched giggles. \u201cWell, then, if I must.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She settled contentedly against his chest. Her fingers found the lowest button on his vest and began rhythmically rubbing it while he repeatedly twirled one of her curls around his ring finger. \u201cI was, let\u2019s see, sixteen or so and feeling my oats as they say.\u201d His voice took the memory and wove the story for his child.<\/p>\n

\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! ADAM!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hearing his name, the boy rolled eyes but turned his horse and replied, \u201cYes, Pa.\u201d He saw his father striding towards him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you think you\u2019re going? Ben Cartwright\u2019s displeasure was clear. Adam lifted his chin and stiffened his back before replying. \u201cRiding.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s back did not simply stiffen; it turned to granite. \u201cNo!\u201d The syllable was not a bellow, but a growl forced through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve finished everything. There\u2019s no reason. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know the reason, boy, and if a lack of chores to do has you forgetting it, I can most assuredly remedy that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been over a week, Pa.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice had a petulant undertone that irritated Ben like an undiscovered burr.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it will be well over another before I shall consider\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not fair!\u201d There was no petulance only indignation in the declaration.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s right hand slowly left his hip, his arm extended, and he pointed to the earth before him. \u201cGet down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam considered complete defiance but slung his leg over the pommel and landed on the ground with a thud. He did not step into the prescribed spot before his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben let out a slow breath. \u201cDo you wish to sit comfortably at the table tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam chose to ignore the obvious implication of his father\u2019s words. \u201cI prefer to be excused from supper.\u201d His voice lost both volume and bravado. \u201cI\u2019m, I\u2019m not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will be joining your family at the table; the amount you choose to eat is entirely up to you.\u201d When Adam made no response, Ben cleared his throat. \u201cIs that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Three seconds passed before the boy added, \u201cPa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou will then help Hop Sing with the table and dishes before retiring to your room.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed the distance between himself and his eldest son. \u201cYou will not argue; you will not sulk; you will obey, or you and I shall have a necessary talk in the barn. As it is you and I shall be having a private discussion later tonight.\u201d Ben saw the involuntary movement of Adam\u2019s hand to behind his back and watched some of the defiance leave his son\u2019s stance. \u201cSince you have some time before you need to wash up, you can split some more kindling.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa.\u201d The words were flat and automatic. Adam turned and walked toward the wood pile. Ben watched and slowly shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stack for ya, Adam.\u201d Hoss bent over and began to gather the pieces of kindling around his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to.\u201d The anger brewing in the Adam sharpened his words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Hoss continued with his task. Adam brought the axe down with excessive force.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing don\u2019t really like nobody else working in his kitchen, maybe he\u2019ll tell Pa he don\u2019t need any help.\u201d Hoss had overheard the discussion between his father and brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was not surprised; if Ben Cartwright had anything he had a voice that carried. \u201cPa won\u2019t change his mind.\u201d Adam followed the statement with an unintelligible growl. Hoss bit his bottom lip; he knew how much Adam hated kitchen chores.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, umm, maybe ya better, well, stop pushing Pa so much. After last week. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop, little brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was just saying. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s none of your business.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss straightened and looked Adam in the eye. \u201cIt is too. When you stir up Pa, well, it ain\u2019t the best for the rest of us, and ya been stirring him up a lot lately. Me and Little Joe have been walking around on eggshells.\u201d The axe stopped its downward motion. Realizing his brother was actually listening, Hoss continued, \u201cAnyways, ya just got a blisterin\u2019 last week for sneaking off and drinking that beer. Ya know Pa said it\u2019d be a long while \u2018til ya was allowed to go off by yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201d The exclamation was vehement. \u201cA week\u2019s long enough!\u201d This statement came with less assurance. Adam sighed. \u201cI just wanted to go for a little ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould ya have met up with them new friends of yours?\u201d Hoss watched his brother\u2019s reaction to his question.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. How would I know where to meet them even if I wanted to; I haven\u2019t seen them since. . .well, for the past week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa know where they might be.\u201d Hoss\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cThey know where to wait and see if ya can come.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam threw a glare at his younger brother who had the bad habit of knowing too much about the very things he should know nothing about at all. \u201cThat\u2019s something you best stay out of Hoss; I mean it!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if ya want me out of your business so bad, I get out of it right now!\u201d Hoss dropped the kindling he had in his arms and stalked off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had decided it made little sense to cut off his nose just to spite his face, so he ate as much dinner as usual though he spoke only when asked a direct question and answered in as few words as possible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I be excused, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked around the table. \u201cAs soon as Little Joe is finished you may begin clearing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s jaw tightened, but he managed an automatic \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie\u2019s eyes meet her husband\u2019s. \u201cIf you are finished, Hoss, you are excused; Little Joe, drink the rest of your milk, and you may play for half of an hour before bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe raised his glass to his lips. \u201cAn hour, please, Mama, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph.\u201d Ben needed to speak only that one word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa. Hoss, wanna play with my fort?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure!\u201d Hoss slid his gaze toward his older brother, bit his bottom lip, and then rose. \u201cCome on, Little Joe\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rose also. \u201cWhen you\u2019ve finished helping Hop Sing, wait for me in your room.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood and started picking up the dishes from the table. \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie studied her stepson for a moment and then followed her husband into the sitting area. When Adam had disappeared into the kitchen, she spoke. \u201cBenjamin, you will talk with Adam tonight?\u201d There was a faint but noticeable emphasis on the word talk<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised one eyebrow, cocked his head, and reached out to draw his wife nearer to him. \u201cIn an effort to keep from having to talk to him again in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe attitude, I know, still\u2026 he is\u2026what is it that Ned says\u2026 \u2018between hay and grass\u2019. It is a time for testing the papa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ran his hand over his face. \u201cHay or grass, Adam is my son, and he will act with respect.\u201d Marie\u2019s hand had slipped around his neck and begun to massage the tension there. \u201cI\u2019ll not have him becoming some. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll not have him becoming like those Bonners.\u201d Her hand stilled. \u201cIt is they\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam has a mind of his own and is responsible for his own choices.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey are older; they goad, they are the demons on the shoulder whispering in the ear.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Adam, had better start listening to the angel on the other shoulder!\u201d At the flaring of Ben\u2019s temper, Marie\u2019s hand began to move soothingly once again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Temper feeds temper\u2019, Sister Celeste used to say.\u201d Marie ran her fingers through Ben\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo everyone or just to you, my love,\u201d Ben teased and then brought her hand to his lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs you were not there, perhaps it was to me the most. It is true, though, my husband. You will try to remember as you speak with him tonight, n’est pas<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI shall try.\u201d Ben brought Marie\u2019s lips to his.<\/p>\n

\n

~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened the door to Adam\u2019s bedroom without enough sound to attract the attention of the boy inside. He paused in the doorway to study his eldest. Adam stood leaning against the window jam staring out into the night. The lamp was unlit, and the moonlight coming through the glass seemed to melt the years away. Ben cleared his throat. \u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s body jerked and stiffened. He turned from the window. \u201cYes, sir.\u201d His tone was both formal and wary.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben motioned with his left hand as his right hand took the chair next to the desk and turned it toward the bed. \u201cSit down, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI prefer to stand.\u201d The insolence in his voice left no misunderstanding; Adam preferred to stand simply because he had been told to sit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s hands went to his hips as his own back stiffened. \u201cI could make that preference a burning desire, young man.\u201d He drew in a long breath. \u201cI would prefer that we talk, Adam.\u201d He turned his back to his son and busied himself lighting the oil lamp. When he turned back, Adam had perched himself on the edge of the bed. Ben pulled the chair closer and took a seat facing his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThings have not been going well of late,\u201d Ben began. His voice deep and soft, he continued, \u201cI don\u2019t think you are really any happier about that than I.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam remained silent with his gaze fixed on the rug at his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps if we talked\u2026\u201d Ben made his words an invitation and waited for a reply. None came. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will my punishment be over?\u201d His eyes had come up to blaze at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned the glare. \u201cWhen will I be able to trust that you will obey the rules that have been set for you!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t trust me!\u201d There was pain beneath the indignation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI trust you, Adam, in many, many things.\u201d Ben\u2019s reply was quick and certain. \u201cBut, well, recently you have given me reason to doubt that you will follow all of the rules.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle boy rules!\u201d The words snapped like a whip as Adam jumped to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben rose also in one swift move. He still had enough height advantage to stare down at the boy. \u201cRules appropriate for a boy of barely sixteen.\u201d The words were growled and the emphasis on the word boy<\/em> was pronounced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam met his father\u2019s stare. \u201cI do a man\u2019s work; I should be treated as a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice lowered to almost a whisper, \u201cHoss has worked side-by-side with you many days, Adam. Should we declare him a man also?\u201d Adam blinked. \u201cMany things make a boy a man; putting in a day\u2019s work is the least of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou treat me like a child!\u201d There was now a petulant whine beneath the indignation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI treat you like my child, like my son. It will be sometime before I shall view you as old enough to set your own rules. It will be five years before the law sees you as a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUntil then, I\u2019m to be Papa\u2019s good little boy and do as I\u2019m told or get\u2026or get a spanking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben let out his breath slowly. \u201cI expect you to obey me, yes, and if you do not, yes, I will chastise you as I deem necessary.\u201d Ben took another slow breath. \u201cI believe some of your\u2026\u201d Ben searched for his next word. \u201cYour discontent comes from your recent companions. The Bonner brothers. . .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t like them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like many of the things they do. I do not like many of the attitudes they show. I do not like how my son behaves when he is with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to pick my friends!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, and though I have considered it, I will not forbid you to have any contact with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow kind of you.\u201d Sarcasm seemed to drip from Adam\u2019s tongue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben caught the boy\u2019s chin in his hand and held it in a vise. \u201cHear me well, Adam. You know how I expect you to behave. You may choose the company you keep within the rules I have set, but if you choose to break those rules, if you choose to defy me, the consequences will be of my choosing, and most definitely not to your liking.\u201d Ben\u2019s hand dropped to his side. \u201cIt is a wise man who chooses the company of those who bring out the best in him; it is a fool who lies down with dogs and then complains about the fleas.\u201d Ben turned and walked out of the room. Adam flung himself back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, your pappy let you off your tether.\u201d Jake Bonner\u2019s words were followed by his guffaw.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not on a tether!\u201d Adam\u2019s retort snapped through the air as he dismounted with an angry thud.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCourse he\u2019s not.\u201d Luke Bonner gave his brother a broad smirk. \u201cThat\u2019s a pair of apron strings his pappy keeps him tied with.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes blazed as he came at Luke. Jake\u2019s booted foot came out and caught Adam\u2019s ankle. Adam landed on his backside. Jake pinned the younger boy before he had a chance to rise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSettle down; settle down; he\u2019s just joshing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not funny.\u201d Adam spat the words into Jake\u2019s face and bucked against his hold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine. He\u2019ll shut his mouth. Hear me, Luke.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Luke shrugged. \u201cCan\u2019t talk and swallow at the same time.\u201d He brought the whiskey bottle to his lips and took a large swallow. Jake released Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHand that here. Maybe a swig will cool down the kid.\u201d Jake took the bottle from his brother and took a long drink before holding it out to Adam who had risen to a sitting position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ll pass.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake thrust the bottle closer to Adam. \u201cGo on. Brought some cinnamon drops. Your pappy ain\u2019t got to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pushed the bottle out of his face. \u201cI don\u2019t want any!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSuit yourself.\u201d Luke Bonner leaned over and took the whiskey from his brother\u2019s hand. \u201cMore for us, brother, more for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, if ya didn\u2019t come to drink, what do ya want to do?\u201d Jake had settled back into a half-reclining position.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u201cJust wanted to get away and have some fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we do have something planned for later, but it\u2019s way too early to head out, so cool your embers and have a drink. Your pappy know you\u2019re outa the house?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Adam\u2019s tone was clipped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere does he think ya are then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMatters if he expects ya back early.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t expect me back at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t?\u201d Luke sounded unconvinced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe \u2026he thinks I\u2019m hunting with Old Ned.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake laughed. \u201cSo,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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he ain\u2019t worried you\u2019re off his tether \u2018cause he thinks you\u2019re on that old coot\u2019s. How\u2019d you work that one?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I was going hunting, but, well, Old Ned ended up sending me back. I came here instead.\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes dropped, he shifted uncomfortably and then reached for the whiskey bottle.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFigured ya might as well hang for a goat as a lamb, uh, Kid?\u201d Jake watched his young friend take a swig. \u201cWell, then, we might as well make it a really big goat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~*~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShhhhhhhhh<\/em>!\u201d The sound was overly loud and followed by a louder hiccup. Adam swallowed and put his finger to his lips as both Bonner brothers stumbled and emitted another set of low curses. Adam turned back to the heavy door and pushed against it. It moved open slowly with only a slight creaking. He smiled; the church door was never locked. \u201cCome on.\u201d The words were intended as a whisper, but the whiskey he had eventually imbibed had blurred his perception of volume along with hampering his balance and agility. Still, he was considerably less inebriated than the companions who staggered in his wake as he entered the church and made his way to the stairs leading up to the steeple. Entering the small area which held the iron bell, Adam barely managed to avoid it; Luke Bonner did not. A loud clang rang through the night. Adam, Jake, and even Luke himself put finger to lip and emitted a loud Shhhhhhh<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou want somebody to hear!\u201d Jake\u2019s admonishment rang out nearly as loud as the bell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at Jake and then Luke. \u201cMaybe we should forget about the bloomers and just set off the\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNoooo, no, no!\u201d Luke shook his head and wagged a finger in front of Adam\u2019s nose. \u201cYou know how much trouble Jake and me had getting those bloomers! The whole town\u2019s going to see that old witch\u2019s unmentionables flying from the steeple. Folks is gonna be mentioning them all over town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTeach her a lesson about bellyaching our business around.\u201d Jake let out guffaw. \u201cAin\u2019t another woman in town has ta wear \u2018em this size.\u201d He pulled a large pair of white cotton ladies bloomers from where they had been stuffed beneath his shirt. \u201cOle busybody\u2019s the one got ya in dutch with your pa the last time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Adam went to the side leaning out over the half wall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa scared, kid?\u201d It was half question and half taunt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Luke, I ain\u2019t scared!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jake come closer and draped his arm over Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cCourse he ain\u2019t. A little steeple climb ain\u2019t nothing for boy like Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the word boy, Adam shrugged off Jake\u2019s arm. \u201cNothing at all.\u201d He looked down at his feet. \u201cBetter without the boots.\u201d After nearly falling on his head, he sat down and with Jake\u2019s help managed to pull off his boots. Rising once more to his feet, he thrust out his hand. \u201cGive \u2018em here.\u201d Jake handed over the bloomers, and Adam stuffed them halfway into his waistband. Then, with a deep breath he began levering his body onto the side of the steeple roof. He managed to stand and grab the iron cross that rose from the center point and pulled himself into position. The wind blew around him and nearly snatched the cotton from his fingers as he labored to tie a leg to each side of the crosspiece. Satisfied he began making his way to the edge of the roof. When he reached the edge, he found a hand hold as he slipped his legs over and called to Jake to pull him in. He felt Jakes hands on his knees the second before the sound of an exploding firework caused him to jerk and lose his grip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLuke had not waited. He set off the first firework, and it exploded just as Jake was starting to pull me back in.\u201d Adam paused and looked down at his daughter\u2019s face. He had been carefully editing his account, but he recognized fear in her face. He squeezed her to his chest. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, pretty poppet. I did not fall. Well, I didn\u2019t fall off the steeple; I fell in on top of Jake. But in trying to save myself I managed to slice open my hand. Luke didn\u2019t even notice until after he had sent the other two rockets into the air. By the time we made it down the stairs and out the door, at least a dozen people had arrived in the churchyard including Sheriff Roy Coffee. He took the Bonners to jail and me to the doctor. Then he sent for your grandfather.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGrandpa was mad.\u201d Her soft voice carried an abundance of worry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery! What I had done was stupid and dangerous and just plain wrong.\u201d Adam felt her small fingers tug at the buttons on his shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou got a spanking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was not the word Adam used when he thought of that particular punishment, but he answered, \u201cI certainly did.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGrandpa spanks hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen he has reason.\u201d Adam adjusted his child so that they were looking each other in the eye. \u201cHe had a very good reason. I had put myself in needless danger. That is something no father can allow his child to do without punishment.\u201d She nodded; he smiled. \u201cI learned my lesson and did not repeat my mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood!\u201d She smiled and nodded managing to sound a great deal like her mother. Then she titled her head back and cocked it to the side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid those bad brothers get a spanking?\u201d Her expression made it clear that she desired an affirmative answer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they spent the rest of the night in jail, but they didn\u2019t get a spanking.\u201d Adam\u2019s lips curled slightly at the thought. Glancing down at his daughter again, he was surprised that one so young could achieve such an indignant expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tugged his left ear once before he answered. \u201cThey didn\u2019t have a pa. They only had a mother; a little bit of a woman she was.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The child\u2019s next question surprised him. \u201cDid she love them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course she did, my poppet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen she should have seen to it.\u201d Her tone was definite. \u201cMama would have.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Bonners were a little older than I, and both were significantly bigger than their mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She dismissed that idea quickly. \u201cThen she should have borrowed Grandpa.\u201d Her confidence in Ben Cartwright\u2019s ability to deal with bad boys of any age or size was clear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam chuckled slowly. \u201cPerhaps she should have. Pa\u2026\u201d Before he could finish his thought a knock at the front door was followed by a loud call.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone to home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Joe!\u201d Delight was clear in the child\u2019s voice, and she sprang from her father\u2019s lap. \u201cIn here, Uncle Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched his brother appear in the doorway, and his daughter hurl herself into his arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s my pretty princess.\u201d Joe picked up his niece and twirled around with her in his arms. Looking over her shoulder, he smiled at his brother. \u201cAt least you taught this one the proper way to greet a favorite uncle.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFavorite?\u201d Adam arched his eyebrow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know, Uncle Joe, that the bad brothers never got a spanking?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s perplexed look went from his niece to his brother. \u201cWhat bad brothers?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Bonners.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPapa told me the story.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gave his brother an even more questioning look. Adam raised his left hand and pointed to the scar with his right.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe did, did he?\u201d Joe was not sure if he had ever been told the entire story of that scar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His niece nodded solemnly. \u201cPapa was naughty, but Grandpa made him learn his lesson. The bad brothers didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, they never did.\u201d Joe kissed the top of the child\u2019s head and hugged her close. \u201cLucky your pa and I had Grandpa to see to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The child\u2019s curls bounced as she nodded in agreement while her father walked over and put an arm around his little brother. \u201cVery lucky indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Bonner brothers,\u00a0Old Ned<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: Adam tells a story of teenage rebellion. warning: mention of corporeal punishment<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word 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Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Marie.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3186,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3186","url_meta":{"origin":7730,"position":3},"title":"The Trail Series #1 – Pokey the Baby Porcupine (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"April 25, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0First in the trail series. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (4,500 words) Trails series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate 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Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3158,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3158","url_meta":{"origin":7730,"position":5},"title":"The Solo (by Fozrulz)","author":"Fozrulz","date":"May 1, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ellie is asked to sing a solo at church - she doesn't want 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