{"id":9454,"date":"2014-07-24T17:32:57","date_gmt":"2014-07-24T21:32:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=9454"},"modified":"2026-07-24T10:21:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:21:43","slug":"never-forgotten","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=9454","title":{"rendered":"Never Forgotten (by BluewindFarm)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 A most important day in the life of young Little Joe, and he feels neglected.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K \u00a0(2,075 words)<\/span><\/p>\n

A Seedling Challenge inspired story.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Never Forgotten<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Funny, he’d never noticed that loose board before<\/strong><\/em>. <\/em>How many times had he hidden there\u2026 for whatever the reason\u2026 Hiding from a brother or hiding from his father. Seeking solitude to quiet a perceived injustice, or to make them worry\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Squinting curiously, he wedged his fingers underneath and pulled.<\/strong><\/em> Normally he would have gone to retrieve a hammer and nail it back down; his father and brother were always telling him not to put off doing a job, but this time, he was mad. Mad because on top of everything else, as he ran his hand along the rough-honed wall, he\u2019d jammed a splinter into his hand. He was so mad that he wanted to throw something, anything. And that loose board was the next best thing, better than throwing a punch.<\/span><\/p>\n

It came up easily enough\u2026 <\/strong><\/em>His madness evaporated as the box within the hidden cubbyhole drew his curiosity. Cautiously he looked around to make sure no one from his family was close, nor any of their hands. He pulled out the box and set it on the ground at his feet. A smile graced his lips when he took note of the flimsy padlock that wasn\u2019t even fastened.<\/span><\/p>\n

The lid squeaked as it opened. His eyes widened as he saw…<\/strong><\/em> the coins contained within. He pulled out the scroll of paper and began to unroll the parchment. The words at the top captured his imagination.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA treasure map,\u201d he exhaled as he held the full sheet in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

He recognized his home and barn, and he recognized a few other landmarks and giggled at the X marked on the sheet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll show them. I don\u2019t need them,\u201d he said as he rolled up the sheet and went to saddle his pony. He\u2019d already slipped the coins into his pockets. Before leaving, he retrieved a trowel that Hop Sing used in his garden and slipped it into his saddle bag, along with several empty flour sacks in order to carry home his loot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, even if this isn\u2019t my home anymore, I still need something to carry all my treasure,\u201d he stated as he stared at the large home, having walked his pony out of the barn. \u201cCome on fella, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Without looking back, the boy rode away to start his adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded as he slipped back into his kitchen, their plan was working perfectly. Another set of eyes watched and followed the boy at a distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

Pleased he had made good time and that his family was not wise to his departure, the youngster jumped from the saddle and tied his horse to a low hanging branch. Being sure his pinto would appreciate the shady location; he loosened the cinch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling out his map, he proceeded to follow the instructions to the location marked; but was confused when he came up against nothing but boulders. Looking around he didn\u2019t know what to do next.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was wondering when you would show up…\u201d came from behind him. Joe spun around to see a stranger walking out from a nearby grove of trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

The clean-shaved man was taller than his father, with dark hair and ever darker eyes; wearing dark trousers and an off-white colored shirt. He didn\u2019t look mean, but Joe had been told by his father to never go anywhere alone. It was a rough territory, and the Cartwrights were making a name for themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Joe demanded, his hand gripping tight to the trowel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWaiting for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe? Why?\u201d Joe looked to the man who stopped short of where he stood and leaned against the boulders that blocked the boy from his treasure. With a carefree attitude the man crossed his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe canted his head sideways as a memory niggled its way into his consciousness, but he pushed it aside. \u201cYou\u2019re on the Ponderosa,\u201d he declared hoping his words sounded braver than he felt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy pa don\u2019t like trespassers,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not trespassing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Warily Joe began to back away from the man. \u201cYou better leave if you know what\u2019s good for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you supposed to be out here all alone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe thought about the man\u2019s request.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not alone. My pa\u2019s just behind me, so you better get.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI happen to know \u2018Pa\u2019<\/em> isn\u2019t anywhere near here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe turned to run, but felt a hand clamp on his shoulder, stopping his forward movement; but that didn\u2019t stop his fight. Elbows and feet were directed towards the stranger who easily evaded the blows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Growing breathless and weary, Joe stopped his struggles, and began to cry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe. I didn\u2019t mean to make you cry,\u201d the dark haired stranger stated as he let go of Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe felt arms wrap around him as he was picked up and sat onto the man\u2019s lap, after he walked over and took a seat on a nearby boulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not crying,\u201d Joe snuffled out. There was something familiar gnawing at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re okay, and Pa and Hoss are on their way home from town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know that? Hey\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d an eyebrow rose on the man\u2019s forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou said, \u2018Pa\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo I know you?\u201d Joe wiped the tears from his eyes and looked intently into the man\u2019s face. \u201cI know you, don\u2019t I?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would hope you\u2019d remember me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Joe quietly questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s me little buddy. How do you like your birthday present?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou remembered my birthday?\u201d Joe queried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure I remembered your birthday. You don\u2019t think I\u2019d forget the day my little brother turns eleven, do you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa and Hoss forgot\u2026 They didn\u2019t wish me a happy birthday this morning\u2026 They said they had important things to do and had to get to town\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Joe, I\u2019m the important thing Pa had to do\u2026 I wanted to surprise you today. I figured Pa\u2019s probably gone on and on about my return\u2026 Planning a welcome home party for all his friends to show off his college-educated son\u2026 It\u2019s been a long time since he was a young man such as you, and I\u2019m sorry my return coincided so close to your birthday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s okay\u2026\u201d Joe answered as he rested against his brother\u2019s chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wired Charlie and conspired a way for you to find your treasure map, just in case I was right. And Charlie followed you out here to make sure you arrived okay.\u201d Adam pointed to where their ranch foreman was leading his and Joe\u2019s horses from the trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome home, Adam,\u201d greeted Charlie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to be home,\u201d Adam answered as he shook the man\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’ll head on back to the ranch.\u00a0 See you soon,” Charlie offered with a wave of his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo if Pa and Hoss are on their way home, what are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well, I wanted to spend some time with my little brother. Just the two of us. You know if you came to town with Pa and Hoss, I wouldn\u2019t have gotten any time alone with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess there wasn\u2019t any real treasure\u2026\u201d Joe said disheartedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not enough?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, but you\u2019re not pirate gold\u2026 pantaloons\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you know about pantaloons?\u201d Adam asked in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that what they call pirate gold?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s doubloons,\u201d Adam laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. What are pantaloons?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should ask Pa that question, when you\u2019re older. Are you ready to head home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe replied as the last of his tears had died. Even if his father and brother had forgotten about his birthday, at least Adam hadn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

As they rode, Adam explained why it had taken him so long to return\u2026 saying goodbye to friends, there were so many parties celebrating their graduations, and he wanted to spend considerable time with his grandfather; who knew if he\u2019d ever be able to travel east, again. Their conversations floated to what Joe had been up to since the last letter Adam received before he left Boston.<\/span><\/p>\n

“By the way,” Adam began to ask, “What are those flour sacks for?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I was gonna use them to carry my treasure.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Don’t think I’d fit inside,” Adam answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Nah, \u2018sides you wouldn’t want to, you’d get all caked with flour,” Joe responded with a giggle.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon entering the yard, Adam and Joe began to lead their horses into the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of your horses for you,\u201d Charlie said as he reached for the reins and nodded to the eldest son that all was as planned. \u201cI can smell Hop Sing\u2019s cooking from here, and you don\u2019t want to be late.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie\u2019s right, Adam. Hop Sing threatens to go back to China whenever we\u2019re not there when he puts food on the table.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Adam laughed as Joe fell into step beside him. It felt good to be home, and he couldn\u2019t wait.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam reached the door first and opened it, allowing his youngest brother to enter in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHAPPY BIRTHDAY!\u201d assaulted Joe\u2019s ears, causing him to jump back into the expectant arms of his oldest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGotcha!\u201d Adam whispered. \u201cWe got you good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked around the great room, gaily decorated with streamers and a large banner above the fireplace reading, \u201cHappy Birthday, Joe!\u201d On the low table in front of the fireplace were a multitude of presents of all shapes and sizes from all their friends who were in attendance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cB-b-but?!\u201d Joe stuttered as his Pa and Hoss approached, both with large smiles across their faces. Adam grinned and nodded, their plan had worked to perfection.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHappy Birthday, Joseph,\u201d Ben greeted as he held out his arms to which Joe eagerly jumped into them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHappy Birthday, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss offered as he slapped his brother on the back. \u201cI think we got him, Pa\u2026 He\u2019s speechless.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2026 You\u2026 You didn\u2019t forget,\u201d Joe answered as he wrapped his arms around his father\u2019s neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever. Can you forgive us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou planned this surprise party all along?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we did. By the way, I hope you\u2019ll put your birthday money to good use.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Joe was a little disappointed that the money had been intended for him all along, but hey, it was intended for him, he realized as a smile reappeared. \u201cDid Hop Sing bake me a chocolate cake?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith chocolate icing,\u201d Hop Sing announced as he waited at the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

*****<\/span><\/p>\n

The guests had long left and it was way past Joe\u2019s bed time when Ben finally carried his sleepy, eleven year old son upstairs and placed him in bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe roused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for my surprise birthday party. You really had me going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTHAT, was the plan.\u201d Ben poked his son in the chest. \u201cI don\u2019t know how you\u2019ve always done it in the past, but you\u2019ve always figured out what we were trying to plan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou and Hoss, and Adam got me good\u2026 Huh\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we did,\u201d Ben answered as he pulled the blankets over his son\u2019s chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa, Adam said when I was older I should ask you\u2026 and since I\u2019m older\u2026 What are pantaloons?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

~The End<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Authors Note:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019d love to read more of Little Joe and pirates, I highly encourage you to read Frasrgrl\u2019s story Captain Joe.<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n

~ B ~ O ~ N ~ A ~ N ~ Z ~ A<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This story was written in response to a Seedling Challenge; however, when it came time to post in the library I realized how prophetic this title was, even though it wasn\u2019t planned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Never Forgotten alludes to the fact that none of the Cartwrights would ever forget Little Joe\u2019s birthday, and everything in the story led up to the surprise birthday party for the youngest member of the family. But once I decided to post in the library, the title took on another meaning, that we will never forget the men who made such an indelible impression in our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Long live the memories of: Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon, and Victor Sen Yung.<\/span><\/p>\n

~ B ~ O ~ N ~ A ~ N ~ Z ~ A<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The prompt given for this July 21st<\/sup> Seedling Challenge:<\/span><\/p>\n

Funny, he’d never noticed that loose board before. Squinting curiously, he wedged his fingers underneath and pulled.\u00a0\u00a0 It came up easily enough\u2026 His eyes widened as he saw…<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags: Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright, Birthday, Hoss Cartwright, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 A most important day in the life of young Little Joe, and he feels neglected.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K (2,075 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":375,"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":[23,1007,30,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9454","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-joe-cartwright","category-prequels","category-challenges","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1007-id","wpcat-30-id","wpcat-40-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\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9454","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\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9454"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9454\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9454"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9454"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9454"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}