Changing Times

By Dolores  

"I'm sorry, Little Joe, but you cannot come with us this time and no amount of whining is going to change my mind," Ben declared as he quelled his youngest son's argument once again. "Now Hoss, if you are finished eating we had better get going, the stage leaves in two hours. Adam will you get the team hitched up," he continued, ignoring Little Joe's pouting expression and glanced once again at his pocket watch.

“Sure Pa," Adam replied draining the last of his coffee. As he stood he peered at Hoss who at that moment was making the largest sandwich Adam had ever seen, he glanced back at his father shaking his head. "You know, Hoss, they do have food in Sacramento and from what I hear it's pretty good too".

 "Ah Adam, this is jus' to keep me going, it's a mighty long way to the first way station. Which reminds me, I'd better have old Hop Sing make some sandwiches and stuff for us, Pa.” Hoss lifted his hefty sandwich and quickly departed in search of the Ponderosa cook.

 Little Joe ordinarily loved this kind of lively banter with his brothers but today the usually lively ten year old was too annoyed with his father and brothers to participate. He had tried his best to persuade his father to take him to the cattle auction, but his Pa had not been swayed by any of his arguments or indeed by any of his pleas or subsequent pouting. Now Little Joe sat at the table playing with his breakfast while his brothers disappeared to complete their various tasks.

 "I know you are disappointed, son, but you have school to go to and besides this is not a holiday for Hoss and me. We have a lot of meetings to attend and you would only be bored," Ben opened the conversation with his young son, hoping to make up with him before they had to leave but added when he saw Little Joe was about to plead his case one last time. "No, Joseph, you will be much better here with Adam and speaking of which, I don't want to hear of any trouble when I get home. You will do as Adam's says, is that clear?"

 "Yes sir," Little Joe muttered returning his gaze to his plate once more. Terrific! he thought five days of his bossy eldest brother issuing orders to him.

Ben watched his young son out of the corner of his eye, the youngster sure looked miserable, though not miserable enough for his father to give in to his request but maybe just pitiful enough to earn a little treat.

"Well Little Joe, how about I make a little deal with you?” Little Joe's lifted his head and looked at his father expectedly; a glimmer of hope in his green eye as he listened intently to what Ben had to say.

"If you stop pouting and promise to behave for Adam while I'm away, how about I get Adam to take you to the carnival that will be in Virginia City this weekend? Now what do you say, do we have a deal?" Ben knew this was the one thing that would placate Little Joe, but he wasn't sure how Adam was going to feel about the arrangement. Keeping track of the lively ten year old was hard enough on the ranch but practically impossible in crowded areas which is what the visiting carnival was sure to be.

Little Joe eyes instantly lit up at the prospect of going to the carnival, his bad mood quickly forgotten.

"Do you mean it, Pa? Is it a big carnival? Will there be lots of things to do at it?

"Slow down, Joseph. First of all, do we have a deal?"

"We sure do, Pa. I can't wait to go; you said it will be here at the weekend, it's Friday today, so that's tomorrow!” Little Joe said enthusiastically but then frowned as he thought of a possible dent in his plans. "What if Adam won't take me?"

"You don't worry about, Adam; I'll talk to him. You just concentrate on being good, okay?” Ben said as he ruffled his youngest son's hair. “Look at the time, get your books for school or we'll be late. You can ride in the surrey with us this morning and Adam can pick you up after school -- now scoot," Ben said, replacing his watch once again in his waistcoat pocket, while Joe left the table at speed to get his books.

Outside, the two elder brothers were also discussing the same carnival but from a very different view point.

"I hear tell that there are some good looking women at these here carnivals. Trust Pa to pick this time to go to Sacramento; I'd sure rather be going to Virginia City this weekend with you. Mebbe we could get Pa to give in to Little Joe and take him along, then you and me, brother, could have us a real good time at the carnival".

"I know what you mean, Hoss, but don't worry; I'll fill you in on all the details when you get home," Adam winked at his brother. "Ross heard that Saturday night is the best night to be there, so that's when he and I have planned to go. I need now for everything to go smoothly today with this contract in town and tomorrow to have a problem free day at the branding corral and then I'm home free".

"I hate to put a dampener on your plans, big brother, but ain't you forgetting something?" Hoss asked, and then continued when he saw the confused look on Adam's face. "What'cha gonna do with our little brother? Now ya know that he ain't going make life easy for ya.”

Adam sighed, he had completely forgotten about Little Joe in this whole scenario. His young brother was sure to cause some problems to interfere with his plans, especially since he wasn't too happy already with being omitted from the Sacramento trip. The eldest Cartwright brother began to mentally chide himself for this oversight but then eased up on himself. After all his little brother didn't need to know of his plans, he would be in bed when Adam and Ross departed for the carnival. Adam and Hoss both knew from previous experiences that the best way for them to proceed with any plan that excluded their little brother was to feign indifference to the particular event in question and this automatically improved their chances of success. This was a tried and tested procedure, Little Joe usually believed that his brothers were not interested and generally went to school or bed or wherever it was they wanted him to go and so the path was clear for Adam and Hoss to complete their plans. Now that he had solved this part of the dilemma all Adam had to hope for was that Little Joe managed to keep out of mischief for the next two days and give his big brother a chance to complete his tasks on time.

"Are you kidding me? I'm not going to tell him, Hoss. Anyway Saturday night is most definitely for adults. Saturday afternoon is for the kids and there's just no way I'm taking him or I'll never get everything done and believe me I'm not missing Saturday night on account of our little brother. Besides which, he doesn't appear to know about the carnival because you know if he did, he wouldn't stop pestering us about it".

“Ah Adam, you could take him on Sunday," Hoss said, as ever looking out for his little brother's welfare.

"Huh uh, I have a date with Melissa and I'm not breaking that to send the day running after Little Joe," Adam retorted quickly dispelling any notion of compromise to his plans.

Hoss let the subject drop knowing once Adam made up this mind, it was unless to argue with him. The brothers continued getting the team hitched up oblivious to their father's promise to their young brother. Hearing the ranch door closing, Adam looked up from securing the rig to watch his father and little brother approach the surrey. The two were engaged in a lively jovial conversation in complete contrast to the conversation they had at the breakfast table.

The little scallywag! thought Adam, he's got Pa twisted around his little finger. Wonder what has he wheedled out of Pa this time? Well whatever it is, at least I won't have a sulky child to deal with on top of everything else.

As they neared the surrey, Little Joe tugged on his father's sleeve and indicated Adam with his head. Ben grinned at his youngest son's none too subtle attempt for his father to speak to Adam. Ruffling Little Joe's curls, Ben acknowledge with a wink that he hadn't forgotten their deal. "Why don't you hop into the surrey with Hoss, Little Joe, while I talk to Adam."

"Sure Pa," a delighted Little Joe did as he was told, convinced his father would persuade his often stubborn eldest brother to comply with their plans.

“Adam, can I have a quick word with you on the porch, please, son.”

 Adam nodded following his father to the porch of the sprawling ranch house. He was unperturbed by Ben's request to talk as there were often last minute instructions to be given before his father departed on a business trip.

"Adam, I need your help.” Ben paused not sure how his eldest son would take his next request. "It's just that I promised your little brother something".

 "Go on Pa" Adam urged, not at all looking forward to hearing whatever his father and young brother had concocted. 

"Well son, I promised that if he behaved himself that you would take him to the Virginia City carnival this weekend.” Ben paused yet again, trying to gauge Adam's reaction to his suggestion. Seeing a scowl creeping across his eldest son's handsome features, he continued quickly. "It's just for a couple of hours, Adam, and I have already warned him to stay beside you all of the time".

"Warning him to stay close to me is one thing; him actually doing it is a completely different story," Adam snorted, angry with his father for even contemplating the idea. How was he ever going to get out of this without sounding contrary? A solution suddenly formulated in his ever astute mind. "Pa, are you sure about this? I've heard they are a pretty unsavory bunch who run this particular carnival. I'm not sure it is at all suitable for a kid Joe's age".

"I wasn't thinking of the complete show, Adam; most of the stalls are only open in the evenings and you're right most of them are not suitable for children, but Roy Coffee has informed that some of the stalls are having a matinee performance for the children on Saturday and Sunday. I think you could spare your little brother a couple of hours of your time to take him; just think of the benefits -- a cheerful obedient child instead of a pouting disruptive one." Ben finished his request with his most persuasive part of his argument.

Adam rolled his eyes and, throwing his hands in the air, conceded defeat. His father grinned, clapping him on the back, and the two returned to the awaiting surrey.

**********

Adam waited impatiently outside the schoolhouse for his little brother. The timber contract negotiations had not gone well and he was not in a particularly good mood. It looked like he would have to return to Virginia City tonight with a revised plan and this was the last thing Adam had wanted to do. It was Hop Sing's day off, so not only did Adam have to prepare supper, he also had no babysitter tonight either. He couldn't take Joe with him to town, for he wouldn't be home until well past his little brother's bedtime. He was just wrestling with this latest dilemma when the solution rode straight up to him in the shape of his best friend Ross Marquette. Ross was an only child, who was for ever saying that he would love to have a little brother to take care of. Adam knew that while Ross claimed that he would love to have a sibling, the reality was that he was a self-centered carefree young man, with parents that indulged his every whim. Ross had never had any responsibilities and he could never understand Adam's sense of duty to his father, the ranch and in particular to his younger brothers. Ross did what he wanted, when he wanted without a care in the world. Adam, on the other hand, never forgot that he was second in charge on the Ponderosa and that he must be accountable for his actions at all times.

 Well my friend! thought Adam as Ross neared the surrey, how about I grant your wish for a night and give you my little brother to take care of. Let’s see then how you cope on your own with a mischievous ten year old for a night.

On too many occasions, Ross had seen fit to chide Adam on being too rigid and hard on his brothers, particularly Little Joe. Having never been disciplined himself as a child, Ross couldn't understand Adam's authoritarian approach to his brothers and as much as Adam tried to explain that children need rules and regulations to ensure that they grew up knowing right from wrong, Ross still could not comprehend. Adam had often pointed out in jest that if Ross had been disciplined more as a child and adolescent, his father would be a wealthier man having saved all the money he used to bail his son out of the trouble he got into. When they were both younger, they had often become embroiled in some mischief, but while Ross got off Scot free, Adam had to endure a stiff lecture and whatever punishment Ben Cartwright saw fit to impose. Adam had learned quickly that his father would not tolerate such behavior and so he matured fast into the reliable, responsible young man he was today. Ross on the other hand had learned nothing from these misadventures and still to his day, when away from Adam's influence could get himself into untold trouble.

 "Hiya, Adam, waiting for Little Joe? Are you all set for tomorrow night? Ross said pulling his horse to a halt beside the surrey.

 "It's funny you should say that because I'm in kind of a fix and I could sure use a little help," Adam said, looking his friend squarely in the eye.

"Anything, buddy; you name it and I'm your man".

  "Thanks, Ross, I knew I could count on you," Adam replied smiling, still not telling Ross the reason he needed his help.

 Their discussion was halted at that moment as the door of the school house burst open and the children boisterously filed out. Adam scanned the noisy group for the face of his youngest brother, hoping that the kid hadn't got himself kept back. He then noticed his little brother wedged in a group of four taller boys talking a mile a minute, the others hanging onto his every word. Shaking his head, Adam knew from past experience that from the grin on the kid's face and the tilt of his head, his little brother was planning some sort of prank. Well it better not be on me, Little Joe, because I'm in no mood today for any of your shenanigans!

Adam was brought back from his reverie by a hand shaking his arm.

 “Wake up buddy and tell me what you need me for? I hope it's to deputize for you with the sweet Melissa. I can just see myself strutting down Virginia City with that pretty lass on my arm," Ross jested and then quickly raised his hands in surrender at Adam's indignant expression. “Just fun'in, Adam; you know I like my gals more on the livelier side. Seriously, what do you need?" Ross's submissive tone quickly dispelling any ill feelings.

"Well Ross, the McGeary timber contract meeting didn't go according to plan today and I need to come back to town tonight to sort it out," Adam started but was interrupted when Ross interjected with. "C'mon buddy, you ain't suggesting I sit in on one of them boring meetings, are you?"

"No. I need you to babysit Little Joe." There! Adam thought I've said it.

"On a Friday night? You must be joking, partner. I have plans to chat up Daisy, you know, the new barmaid at the Bucket of Blood." Ross was genuinely shocked at his friend’s request.

 "It's only 'til ten; I should be back by then and that still gives you enough time to ride into town and chat up whoever you want. Come on, Ross, I wouldn't ask unless I was desperate," Adam said incorporating a small whine into his voice for added emphasis. Well, it usually worked for Little Joe, he thought, and from the expression on his friend’s face, it was working for him this time too.

 "Okay Adam, but you owe me big time." Ross gave in just as the object of their discussion shouted a loud goodbye to his friends and raced towards the awaiting surrey.

 “Hi Adam, hiya Ross," Little Joe greeted them climbing up side Adam. "See Adam, I'm out on time and do you know what, I've no homework either. I have the whole weekend free, so which day are we going to the carnival, huh?" he asked excitedly never once stopping for breath.

"Slow down Joe, I haven't made any decisions yet. I have to sort out a problem with the timber contract first, so hush now while I finish speaking to Ross,” Adam agitatedly responded, his patience already worn thin with his excitable kid brother.

 "What time do you need me tonight, Adam?" Ross inquired quickly trying to defuse any retorts from Little Joe that could land the kid in trouble. 

"Six thirty would be great. That gives me a chance to revise the offer and get something to eat and be back in town by seven fifteen," Adam calculated.

"See ya at six thirty then. Bye Adam, bye Squirt." With this, Ross spurred his horse in the town direction leaving the Cartwright brothers to begin their journey home.

"Ross going to town with you tonight Adam?" Little Joe asked, a little confused at their conversation and what exactly was taking place at six thirty.

"No. I have to go back to town to sort out the contract, so Ross is going to sit with you while I'm away," Adam explained.

"I don't anyone to stay with me. Why can't I just go into town with you?" Joe returned indignantly, his voice increasing in volume at being treated in his mind of being a baby.

 "Because I won't be back until late and despite what you think, you're ten years old and you do need a sitter. End of discussion," Adam yelled back.

 Little Joe crossed his arms across his chest and refused to talk to Adam the whole long journey home.

***********

Adam leaned back in his chair at his father's desk, pleased with his reworked timber contract and the benefits it was sure to bring to the Ponderosa. He glanced at his pocket watch, a present from his father on returning from college, and smiled that he still had plenty of time to prepare supper for himself and Joe. His young brother seemed to be avoiding him since they came home, still obviously upset because Adam refused to take him back to Virginia City with him. Getting up from his seat he decided to investigate where Little Joe had gotten to. His little brother could be a real trial, but like everyone else Adam found it difficult to stay mad with him for any period of time.

"Little Joe, c'mon buddy, I need to talk to you," Adam called up the stairs. He knew Joe had to be there because he hadn't heard him go out.

Little Joe appeared at the top of the landing and sauntered slowly down the stairs to stand in front of his brother. "What'cha want now, Adam?" he said irritably still pouting at being left behind again.

"Well I'd like you to rephrase that response in a more civilized manner for one thing because I'm pretty sure this new adopted attitude of yours does not constitute you promise to Pa to behave. And the deal is, if I recall is that you have to behave in order that for me to take you to the carnival," Adam said determined to get his young brother to see the error of his ways and to make Ross initiation into big brotherhood as easy as possible.

Little Joe deliberated this over in his mind and quickly came round to his big brother's way of thinking. There was just no way he wanted to miss out on the carnival and knowing Adam the way he did if he didn't change his attitude fast his brother would refuse to take him.

"I'm sorry, Adam; I just feel like everybody is always going somewhere and I'm left behind. I didn't mean to annoy you," he apologized and added his best puppy dog expression.

Ruffling his little brother's hair Adam accepted the apology.

"Well how about you help me get supper ready, okay?" Adam said happy that he had defused the situation.

"Okay," Joe agreed following his brother into the kitchen.

Supper was prepared, consumed and cleared away in a now more sociable and amicable atmosphere. The brothers were just finished with the washing up when a loud knock at the door heralded Ross's arrival.

"Hello Squirt, I hope you're going to give me a break tonight and go easy on me," Ross jokingly sparred with Little Joe upon entering the spacious living room of the Ponderosa. As the two dodged and giggled around in a mock fight, Adam rolled his eyes and thought, I don't know which of them is worse? What have I let myself in for?!

"Ahem," Adam cleared his throat to get Ross's attention.

"Captain Marquette reporting for duty, Sir." Ross adopted a rigid stance and saluted Adam, imitating the soldiers who often frequented the Silver Dollar saloon when passing through Virginia City.

Little Joe's infectious giggle could be heard again resounding the living room at Ross's exaggerated actions, Adam couldn't help himself either as he too gave in to laughter at his friends comical theatrics. Composing himself again, he clapped his friend's back and said "You'll do just fine" as he passed on his way to the credenza to get his hat and gun.

"Any instructions, Major, before you depart?” Ross continued in mock soldier mode.

 "Just one, Captain; the Lieutenant has to be in bed by 8 o'clock." Adam delivered his only order entering into the spirit of the conversation.

"Aw, Adam, couldn't I just stay up a little longer tonight," Little Joe appealed.

"You have your orders, Lieutenant. Captain, see to it that my orders are carried out and without any incidents. Do I make myself perfectly clear?" Adam raised an eyebrow, which demanded only one response.

"Yes Sir. Rest assured I will take care of everything," Ross grinned, ushering Adam out the door with this reassurance, while Joe stood his ground muttering under his breath. Why does everybody treat me like a baby!

"Well Squirt, what's it to be then, now that's it's just you and me? Will I read you a story?” Ross asked tentatively, already feeling out of his depth. He wasn't sure he knew how to entertain a ten year old.

"Oh, not you too! I ain't a baby, Ross," Joe quickly responded.

"Of course you're not. Well how about a game of checkers? I've heard tell that your quite the ruthless player, beating them big brothers of yours all the time"  Ross winced hoping that he had salvaged the situation with this inspired idea.

Little Joe, on the other hand, had a different plan in mind.

"No I don't feel like playing. I'd much rather play cards," Little Joe entreated. He had overheard, when eavesdropping on his older brothers conversation, that Ross was quite the poker player, generally winning when he played in town. Adam had told Hoss that Ross had often won big against some of the finest players in Virginia City. Little Joe wanted to learn to play, but couldn't seem to con either of his brothers into teaching him. He knew also that his father didn't approve of gambling and discouraged both his older sons from playing, which both of them seemed to abide by, although Adam did play now and again. According to the conversations he overheard was that Ross loved to play, becoming so totally engrossed that he generally lost complete track of time. Little Joe decided that this was his best chance of learning, since he ordinarily never spent any time with Ross alone. It was time to get a poker education and for this to happen he would need to be at his most persuasive, which shouldn't be too hard, Ross always seemed to have a soft spot for him.

"Okay kiddo, we'll play some cards, though I'm not sure I know any kid games. Mebbe you could show me some." Ross sound less than enthusiastic.

"Well I was thinking more 'bout you teaching me some new games?" Little Joe ventured.

"What games had you in mind?"

"Em, Poker?" the youngest Cartwright asked hopefully, giving his brother's friend a look that most adults couldn't resist.

"Poker? You want Adam to skin me alive?"

"He wouldn't need to know. How am I ever going to learn if nobody teaches me and I've heard tell you’re the best?" Little Joe used his trump card appealing to Ross's ever expanding card playing ego.

"Well I am pretty good, if I do say so myself. Okay Squirt I'll teach you the basics," Ross said looking down at Adam's smiling little brother, not sure how he had been duped into accommodating the boy's request. Still it was what big brother's did, wasn't it? Teaching younger ones the ways of the world! Pleased that he had made the right decision, he sat down at the table and began the lesson in the fundamental rules of poker. He quickly found that Little Joe was an eager student who learned very quickly retaining all the instructions without too much help from Ross. He also discovered to his amazement that he was enjoying himself and the adoration he was receiving from his willing student. They had played for about two hours when Ross declared that he needed a cup of coffee, so this gave Little Joe the chance he needed to prolong his evening. After all it was already eight thirty, Ross didn't appear to notice that according to Adam's orders, Little Joe would have been in bed a half an hour ago. The youngster was not about to let this golden opportunity slip through his fingers, so now was the time to see if what Adam had said was true - that Ross lost all sense of time when playing poker. Glancing once more in the kitchen direction, he put his plan into action.

"Ross, I'm kinda hungry. Can you make me a sandwich?" he asked at the kitchen door.

"Sure, what kind of sandwich?" Ross answered thinking he too was a bit ravenous and a sandwich sounded like a great idea.

"Cheese; there's some in the larder"

 "Okay, no problem. You practice what I have shown you while I get the sandwiches." Ross was feeling quite happy with himself; this big brother thing was so easy.

Little Joe returned to the living room and peeking over his shoulder once more tiptoed to the grandfather clock that stood beside the front door. Taking a chair carefully from his father's desk, he dragged it into position in front of the tall clock. Standing up on the chair he carefully opened the clock face and turned the clock handles back one hour, he didn't dare go back any further than this. This should give him enough time to continue with his lesson and still be in bed before Adam came home. He would have to think of another excuse to get Ross to leave the room again so that he could return the handles to there correct time. Pleased with himself he replaced the chair at his father's desk and returned to the poker game. He was just back in his seat when Ross appeared with sandwiches piled high on a plate, a cup of coffee and a glass of milk for Joe. Little Joe grimaced when he saw the food for he wasn't at all hungry but pretended to eat some so as not to make Ross suspicious. He need not have bothered because not only did Ross notice the time change he also took little interest in Joe's eating habits. Little Joe was beginning to feel that having Ross, instead of the ever watchful Adam, as a big brother would be a real asset. Turning his attention back to the game again, he too lost track of the time.

The eldest Cartwright brother, having concluded his meeting ahead of schedule, lingered behind to toast the timber agreement in the Silver dollar with Mr. McGeary and his associates. After a couple of beers, Adam tactfully disentangled himself from the group and headed for home. It was a beautiful moonlit night and Adam thoroughly enjoyed the ride home. Slowing Sport to a slow trot, he pulled his pocket watch from his vest pocket and smiled when he noted the time. It was only nine fifteen and he estimated he had about no more than another fifteen minutes left to reach the ranch house. He was pleased with himself that his early arrival would allow Ross a bit more time to chat up the fair Daisy or indeed give himself and Ross some time to arrange for Saturday night. As he spurred his horse on again he wondered how his friend was managing with the ever resourceful Little Joe. He guessed that at least by now no matter what had happened, his little brother would be tucked up in bed, so allowing Ross a chance to put his feet up. Nothing could have been further from the truth, for at his precise moment or eight fifteen as Ross thought, the two were still bent over the table playing poker.

Stifling a yawn for about the tenth time in five minutes, Little Joe still wasn't about to give in and admit that he was tired. It was certainly true what his brothers had said, that Ross didn't notice anything when he was playing poker, for he would never have fooled Adam or indeed even Hoss for that matter, for this long. Little Joe shrugged off his tiredness once more and returned his full concentration to the game in hand. The minutes quickly ticked away unbeknownst to the two that Adam was soon to be upon them.

Little Joe laid his cards down on the table in front of him with a triumphant holler, his full house totally wiping out his opponent's three of a kind. Mildly disgusted by being beaten by a ten year old, Ross looked into the face of his young charge and muttered.

"Beginners luck, don't get cocky kid" but then laughed at Little Joe's unperturbed triumphant expression.

Little Joe was gathering the discarded cards when to his horror he heard the unmistakable sound of an approaching horse and rider. Glancing at the grandfather clock he quickly calculated the proper time. Oh oh! he thought, it must be Adam arriving home early. He had to get upstairs right smart or else he could kiss goodbye to ever going to the carnival.

"Ross, I think I'll go on up to bed. I am kinda tired," he said rising hurriedly from his seat.

Startled by his request, Ross too glanced at the clock and noted the time.

"I think that's a good idea Squirt," Ross replied somewhat shocked that it was already eight thirty. "It's well past your curfew; Adam would have a fit if he knew. So let's just keep this between us, okay?"

"Fine by me, Ross, and thanks for the poker lesson. Goodnight" With that he fled quickly up the stairs, glancing anxiously at the door in case Adam came straight in instead of going to the barn first. He needed to get undressed and in to bed before his big brother made an appearance. He also had to hope that Adam didn't notice the changed time on the grandfather clock or question Ross too closely. Little Joe decided he'd better get ready for bed and then sneak back to the top of the stairs to hear their conversation and think of possible plausible explanations for the ever accurate timepiece to have suddenly lost an hour, it never hurt to be one step ahead of Adam.

Ross watched him go and wondered why Adam made so much fuss about taking care of his little brother. Little Joe hadn't put a step out of line all night and he was a real fast learner too. Boy, the kid took to poker like a duck to pond. Shame the night went so fast, he had actually enjoyed teaching the kid. Mr. Cartwright was sure going to have a hard time keeping his youngest from the poker tables in a few years time, if tonight's performance was anything to go by.

Several minutes later the door opened and the oldest Cartwright brother entered the living room. Taking off his hat and gun he quickly greeted his friend and scanned the room, everything seemed to be normal and Ross appeared to be relaxed.

"Any problems?" he inquired, making his way to the large fireplace.

"Well let me see, I lost the ranch in a wild poker game and I shot your little brother," Ross joked gathering the cards from the table. "I had no problems Adam, relax. That kid is a pleasure to look after"

Adam raised his eyebrows at this statement. "Little Joe? We are talking about the same kid?"

"Yeah, I don't know what you make all the fuss about or mebbe it's just that I make a better big brother than you, ever thought of that?" Ross boasted.

"You did one night, Ross; don't get carried away," Adam interceded

"Anyway, you're back early; I thought at least you'd be another hour or so".

"Well we wrapped the contract up sooner than I thought, so I came back as soon as I could to let you have more time with the fair Daisy".

"Why thank you, partner; that was real accommodating of you".

  Upstairs, out of sight of the main room, Little Joe listened to the conversation below. So for so good, the boy thought, Adam hadn't noticed the clock or asked what they had been doing. He breathed a sigh of relief when their conversation turned to other topics and he was just about to creep back to his room when Adam started arranging with Ross their plans for Saturday night. Little Joe stopped in his tracks when he heard the word carnival, Adam hadn't told him yet when they were going but this sure sounded like they were going tomorrow night. The carnival at night was bound to be much more entertaining than at daytime, but he never in his wildest dreams imagined that his big brother would take him to the evening show. He never got to go to Virginia City at night, now he truly hoped that Adam didn't noticed the little prank he had pulled with the clock or he would never get the chance to see the town by night.

"What about Little Joe? Adam, whose gonna take care of him tomorrow night?" Ross asked seeing a possible glitch in their plan.

"Don't worry; Hop Sing will be here to take care of him. I'll get him to bed before I go; he'll never even know we've gone," Adam said sounding mighty pleased with himself.

Little Joe frowned when he realized that he was once again being omitted from a planned excursion. He had been feeling good that he had crept out to hear this enlightening conversation but now he felt utterly despaired and angry at his big brother and the next part of the conversation did nothing but add fuel to his frustration.

"I promised Pa I take the kid, so I’ll take him on Sunday to the matinee for a couple of hours. That should keep him happy. By the way, what did you two do tonight?"

"Nothing much, just played cards," Ross said not elaborating too much.

"Cards? I didn't know you knew any other games other than poker.”

Ross looked a bit uncomfortable as he tried to think of another game that he knew, knowing his friend would not be too pleased that he had taught his kid brother poker.

 Don't tell me, he conned you to teaching him poker?" Adam asked but already he had surmised the reply from the look on Ross's face.

"I'm sorry, Adam, I guess I'm not as good at this big brother thing as I thought I was," Ross quickly apologized.

This night was just going from bad to worse! thought the little boy standing in his nightshirt at the top of the stairs. All Adam has left to do is glance at the clock and I'm a dead man. With a heavy heart, he retreated the last few steps to his room.

The conversation below continued outside as Adam walked Ross out to his horse.

"Don't worry about it. I know what a determined little rascal he is when he wants something. He's been badgering Hoss and myself for months to teach him poker. So I guess I should have seen this coming".

"He sure is a real fast learner; I've never seen anyone take it up so quick"

"It's a pity he doesn't take to history or math so quickly. Well, I'll see to it he doesn't get to practice what he's learned tonight and hopefully like everything else, he'll probably forget it in a few days".

"I don't know about that, Adam; we sure played a lot of hands tonight. I'd say he's pretty much mastered it by now." With this Ross got on his horse and bid goodnight to his friend.

Adam returned to the ranch house thinking over what Ross had just said. He had left at six thirty and if Ross had sent Little Joe to bed at the appointed time, that would only have given them an hour and a half and surely at least half of that was given over to the rules and instructions of the game. Making his way to the large fireplace, he glanced down at the half eaten cheese sandwich beside a half drank glass of milk. His little brother never asked for food before going to bed, least of all a sandwich. Shaking his head, he wondered just what Joe had been up to tonight. He decided that he would probably never find out, so went about the task of cleaning up after the two. He lifted the glass and noted immediately that the milk was still reasonably cold, knowing the precise time, he wondered how this could be. Glancing at the grandfather clock he filled in the missing pieces. The crafty little devil! he thought. Yeah Ross, you sure were conned in more ways than one tonight; no wonder he didn't give you any trouble.

Adam walked over to the clock and proceeded to correct the timepiece. He was just about to close the clock face when he suddenly he grinned and thought of his revenge. Yes sirree! two can play at that game little buddy! he laughed, then made his way upstairs to check on his wayward brother.

***********

"This is your last warning, so I strongly suggest you heed me and get up, little brother, or suffer the consequences," Adam warned from the door of Joe's room. Little Joe muttered something incoherent from deep beneath the blankets but managed to open his eyes at that threat. It couldn't be morning already, he thought, completely forgetting that he had almost two hours less sleep than normal, for it had been nearly ten o clock by the time he had got into bed last night. Although his body and brain strongly protested he managed to drag himself from the warmth of the covers and slowly began to dress for the day ahead.

Unenthusiastically he made his way slowly downstairs, hoping to put off for as long as possible the confrontation he was sure to have with his brother. Adam was not likely to forget how he had conned Ross into teaching him poker. He frowned when he thought of Adam's possible lecture, nervously he hoped Adam hadn't also noticed the clock change or he would be in even deeper trouble.

Adam was already at the table helping himself to another cup of coffee before tucking into his breakfast again. "Well good morning, sleepy head, nice of you to eventually join me," he said cheerfully.

Little Joe slid into his seat somewhat confused by Adam's cheerful greeting; he had rather expected his brother to be in a grumpy bossy mood this morning after last night's revelations. Peeking sideways at his brother to make sure his countenance matched the tone of his voice, the young boy quickly ascertained that it wasn't just his imagination; his brother looked to be in a very affable mood.

"Yeah, but I'm still tired," he yawned in response. 

"That's odd because I let you sleep late this morning; in fact. I had a bit of a sleep in myself since it's Saturday," Adam said as he set his plan in motion.

 Little Joe shrugged his shoulders, unwilling to divulge the real reason he was so tired and proceeded to eat his breakfast. Adam continued making conversation throughout the entire meal, never once mentioning Ross or poker. The youngest Cartwright couldn't quite make out what had overcome his usually very strict brother this morning but was sure glad to take advantage of this unexpected turn in good fortune. The only thing Joe could think of was that Ross must have said something last night after the two went outside, that had produced this unforeseen result in Adam's behavior.

Adam could read his little brother expressions like a book; the kid had been edgy and weary when he first came downstairs, like he was hiding something, which of course he was. But as their conversation progressed and he thought he had gotten away with his little subterfuge, he became animated and quite relaxed. Adam sat back and smiled inwardly at the changes in his little brother's facial expressions, his plan of retribution was working beautifully. Ross Marquette may be the finest poker player in Virginia City but Adam Cartwright had him beat hands down when it came to poker faces.

Rising from the table, Adam glanced over his shoulder at the grandfather clock, frowning for Joe's benefit he reached into his vest pocket and took out his own watch. Little Joe squirmed in his seat as he watched his brother.

"Hop Sing, can you come out here please for a moment?" Adam called

“Yes Mr. Adam, you want something?" Hop Sing appeared at the table, looking straight at Adam.

 “Hop Sing, have you noticed the clock is running an hour slow this morning or is it my watch that's fast," Adam asked suitably confused.

Hop Sing walked a short distance so that he could see the grandfather clock more closely. "You right, Mr. Adam, clock one hour slow. Hop Sing not notice until now; time should be eight fifteen".

'That's what I thought, thanks Hop Sing. I'll change it now but I've never known that clock to miss a minute let alone a full hour in all the years we've had it. I'd better talk to Pa; it probably needs some sort of service," Adam said and opened the clock face to correct the time.

 Little Joe had taken great interest in the remains of his breakfast during their entire conversation; he breathed a sigh of relief that Adam hadn't asked him about the ever accurate timepiece. This good fortune couldn't last could it?

“Little Joe, I think you'd better come with me to the branding corral today. I don't want you here on your own; Hop Sing has to go into town," Adam said closing the clock face.

"Aw, do I have to Adam? It'll be boring, especially since you never let me help," Joe whined. He had other plans in mind like riding over to Mitch's and persuading him to sneak out tonight to go to the carnival with him. Since he had overheard Adam and Ross's conversation last night, he was determined to sample the delights of the carnival by night and not some kid performance on Sunday afternoon. He was sure that he could easily convince his friend to join him but if he had to spend the entire day in Adam's company, he would never get the chance to arrange a rendezvous with Mitch. Adam on the other hand had his own reasons for keeping Little Joe away from his friends and near him all day.

"Yes you do, so come on now and no arguments." Adam chose to ignore the thunderous expression on Little Joe's face while he buckled on his gun belt and reached for his hat.

"C'mon little buddy, I'm in kind of a hurry. Hop Sing, we should be back for lunch." Adam called back over his shoulder, while Little Joe reluctantly got into his jacket and followed his brother to the barn.

At the branding corral, the men were already assembled. Charlie, the Ponderosa foreman was just assigning jobs when the Cartwright brothers rode up.

"Adam, the men have been briefed and everything is going according to plan," Charlie winked at Adam over Little Joe's head. Adam nodded his acknowledgement and instructed Little Joe to go sit on the fence and keep out of the way of the men.

This was going to be one long boring day if all I'm allow do is sit on the fence and keep out of the way. Why did he insist on me coming if that's all I can do! thought Little Joe giving his brother one last undisguised exasperated look before doing what he was told. He climbed up on to the fence beside where the men were setting up the branding irons, he might as well have something interesting to watch and he could chat with the men while they worked. A lot of the ranch hands were very fond of their Boss's youngest son, he was endearing little fellow who always seemed to be in one scrap or another; so none of them objected when he set himself up next to them for the day ahead, heck he was probably going to make the day a lot more interesting. Adam watched his little brother laughing and joking almost immediately with the men, the kid sure had a way with people.

Eventually the day came to an end much to Joe's delight. Although he had enjoyed chatting with the men it wasn't the same as being free with his friends and away for Adam's ever watchful eye. The two brothers returned to the ranch house just shortly before six. After they had rubbed their horses down, Adam declared it was bath time. Little Joe groaned at this suggestion, claiming he had done nothing all day and was still clean, so why did he have to have a bath?

"Because it's Saturday night and I say so, that's why. Now, for once will you just do as you are told and go take a bath, okay?" Adam said calmly, not wishing for a confrontation this early in the evening.

"Okay," Little Joe conceded also, not wishing to argue now with his big brother and maybe a bath didn't sound that bad after all especially with his proposed trip into Virginia City tonight. He ran off in the direction of the washroom, leaving his brother behind bewildered that he had won a battle so easy.

 Little Joe relaxed in the tub, the warm water lulling him to sleep. He still couldn't quite understand why he felt this tired; after all Adam had let him sleep late this morning and that should have made up for the two hours he'd missed last night. Finally giving into his need to rest, he closed his eyes and drifted off thinking about the delights of an evening at the carnival. He was, however rudely awakened a short time later by a persistent hand shaking his shoulder.

 "Wake up, little brother. Supper is almost ready and I still have not had my bath yet. It would appear from this that your bedtime needs to be reviewed, if you're dropping off this early in the evening. I'll have to talk to Pa about that," Adam said wickedly, knowing full well why his brother was exhausted.

"Don't you dare, Adam, and anyway for your information I was not asleep, I was just thinking, so there," Little Joe retorted quickly, needing to change Adam's mind about talking to their father. He hoped that Adam was only bluffing about this threat, but it never hurt to be sure. Little Joe had in fact every intention of asking his father the exact opposite, extending his bedtime until nine o clock but this plan would be in jeopardy if Adam informed Ben that he had found him asleep at six thirty. Little Joe scowled at Adam for good measure and in response Adam raised his hands in surrender and said.

"Okay, little buddy, I believe you, but hurry up. Here, Hop Sing sent you out a clean nightshirt." With that, he disappeared leaving his young brother to once again to ponder on the injustice of being a child in a household of adults.

 Adam too took his time grooming himself for his night in town. At some point in the evening he would have to pay a call on Melissa, his date for Sunday and explain that he would have to meet with her later than planned on account of his promise to take Joe to the carnival. He wasn't looking forward to this, for although Melissa was beautiful and fun to be with, she also possessed a sharp tongue and probably wouldn't take too kindly to this arrangement. He was going to have to be at his most charming to placate her. Besides liking her date to be punctual, she also preferred him to be impeccably dressed, so it wouldn't hurt his cause to turn up on her doorstep in something other than work clothes. Selecting one of his white shirts, Adam put it on and returned to the mirror to brush his hair just as Hop Sing called that supper was ready.

 After supper, the Cartwright brothers retired to the living room area. Adam sat down in his favorite chair to read the newspaper whilst Little Joe set up the checkers board to play an imaginary game with Hoss. He hated when Hoss was away as Adam rarely played with him, preferring to bury himself behind the newspaper or some book as a form of relaxation.

Glancing at the grandfather clock, Adam smiled to himself everything was proceeding nicely. Feeling a small tinge of guilt, he almost startled his small brother when he put aside his paper and declared that he would like to play a game or two. Recovering quickly, Little Joe turned the board in Adam's direction before he could change his mind and the two brothers began their game. They were very evenly matched, much more so than Hoss and Little Joe, since Hoss wasn't as ruthless a player as these two. After a well contested couple of games, which the elder brother won, Adam proclaimed that it was Joe's bedtime. Completely forgetting about the carnival, Little Joe complained that he wasn't tired and begged for one more game. Adam shook his head and pointed to the stairs, Little Joe knew it was pointless to argue so he said goodnight and trudged reluctantly upstairs. Adam grinned at the retreating small figure. Finally! he thought, I've gotten one up on him. I've played him at his own game and won and he rubbed his hands together triumphantly. Adam sat back and savored the moment, a rueful smile crept across his features as he thought, moments such as these were getting rarer and rarer as Little Joe grew.

Upstairs the youngest Cartwright remembered his planned evening excursion; all he needed now was for Adam to leave so that he could slip away unbeknownst to anyone. Hop Sing always retired early so he posed no threat to the youngster's escapade. He had to be careful, though; Adam was bound to check on him before departing. He estimated that he had been in his room for about twenty minutes, so his brother should be making his rounds any minute now. Sure enough no sooner than he had thought this when he heard footsteps coming up the stairs. He jumped into bed and tossed the covers, so that it would look like he was really asleep, then he lay down closed his eyes to complete the pretence. The door creaked open and Adam tiptoed over to the bed. He straighten the covers, tucking them securely around his little brother, then lowered the lamp to its lowest setting and crept quietly from the room.

 Little Joe opened his eyes and sat up in bed, tossing the covers aside he sprang from the bed and crossed the room to look out the window. Below his brother was exiting the barn leading his Sport behind him. A smile illuminated the child's face as he saw his brother mount his horse and depart, leaving the coast now clear for him to explore the wilds of carnival night in Virginia City. He hastily dressed and climbed out his window, just in case Hop Sing was still awake and soon he too was on his way town.

*************

Little Joe rode hard all the way to town, although he would never admit it, not even to himself,  but he was a little scared to be out at night all alone. There was however a full moon, which eased his mind somewhat, but there had also been quite a few undistinguishable noises that he didn't care for but didn't dare investigate on the ride in, so he just kept Shadow at a steady pace and hoped for the best. On arriving in town, he stowed his pony out of sight at the school house, knowing that Adam always left his horse on the other side of town, outside The Silver Dollar when he came to town at night. Patting Shadow one last time, he ran off in the direction of the carnival. He would have preferred to have Mitch with him to share in this adventure but that was not to be thanks to Adam assistance in keeping him at the branding corral all day. Banishing these thoughts from his mind, he headed for the largest brightest stand, determined to have a good time despite being on his own.

 On the other side of the same stand his little brother was making his way to, Adam Cartwright was sharing the day’s events with his friend Ross.

"I can't believe he put the clock back an hour last night. I'm sure I would have noticed that?" Ross said shaking his head in disbelief.

"Don't feel so bad, Ross; he's the master of deception and a regular little con artist to boot. You always have to be one step ahead of Little Joe and his nightly delaying tactics for going to bed. Well I got him back today good and proper" Adam grinned.

"What did you do, read him the riot act?"

"Never said a word." Adam shook his head. "But I did do a little altering of time myself" he went on to explain on noting Ross's confused expression. "You see I noticed the time before I went to bed last night and quickly put two and two together. Despite being Saturday and being exhausted, I forced myself to get up at six thirty and alert Hop Sing and the hands to my plan, they were all willing to play along. I woke Joe up at seven, letting him believe that it was eight because we always sleep an hour later on Saturdays. At breakfast I made a fuss about the clock being slow with Hop Sing and put it on an hour. Little Joe didn't know where to look during our conversation, I can tell you. Well, what my imp of a brother doesn't realize is that I fixed the clock last night and that I fooled him in to believing that it was an hour later than it was. He's actually been in bed since seven o clock tonight. Serves him right; Pa would have a fit if he knew Joe was playing around with his prized clock. So this is how I managed to get here ahead of time.” The two men laughed and Ross congratulated Adam on his deviousness, before they headed for some refreshments.

Totally unaware that Adam was so near, Little Joe stopped to explore the stand in front of him. It was a shooting stall, with gifts for successful clients piled high in the background. Little Joe had taken all the money he processed with him, but it only amounted to three dollars and sixty five cents and practically all the stands he had seen so far were out of his financial reach. He hadn't thought of this; usually when he went to events such as these, his Pa or indeed Adam would pay for him to enter a show or compete in an event. He looked once again at his paltry funds and grimaced; this was not turning out the way he had planned. Stuffing the money back into his pocket, he chewed on his lip to come up with a plan. He then heard an announcement that helped lighten his mood.

ROLL UP, ROLL UP, CONTESTANTS NEEDED. WHOEVER CAN GET PAST THE MIGHTY SAMPSON, CAN SEE THE SHOW FOR FREE. C'MON LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TRY YOUR LUCK.

Little Joe made his way to the strong man's tent. A giant of a man clad in very unusual clothing stood outside with his arms folded across his chest, Sampson, the little boy surmised. Quite a few of the locals had tried their luck and failed for Sampson was indeed a formidable obstacle with his legs planted apart and his meaty arms a match for all his opponents. But Little Joe saw his chance, growing up in a house full of large men, sometimes had its advantages. The little boy knew quite a few evasive tactics which he employed frequently when his mischief was detected and he needed to get away fast. He waited his turned and while Sampson was game fully employed in shaking off yet another hopeful, Little Joe leapt quickly onto the dais and skillfully negotiated his way though the large mans legs. Leaping into the air, the youngster claimed his free admission into the show. The management were about to refuse, claiming that Sampson was distracted, but the crowd jeered and demanded the boy be given his ticket.

"Okay kid here's your ticket, but aren't you a bit young to be out this late by yourself?" A small man in a check suit inquired before handing Little Joe his ticket.

"Ah, my Pa and my brothers are right over there," he lied, pointing to a large section of the crowd, afraid that he wouldn't be given permission to enter alone.

"Okay, here you go then," the man said, really not bothering to look. Heck it wasn't his job to supervise kids.

Little Joe clutched his ticket and disappeared inside the tent just as his big brother accompanied by Ross left the refreshment tent and approached Sampson's corner.

"Care to take your chances, gentlemen, against the Mighty Sampson for free admission?" the little man in the check suit asked.

The two young men eyed up their opponent and simultaneously declined the offer.

"Where to now, Adam? I rather like the look at that," Ross said indicating a nearby poster of scantily clad dancers outside the next tent.

"Come and see the enchanting dance of the seven veils,” Adam read the brightly colored poster. "Why not, it sounds more entertaining than watching old Sampson there".

While Adam and Ross paid their admission, Little Joe sat engrossed in the next tent watching Sampson's very impressive performance. He was in fact enjoying it so much that he was making mental notes of each part of the act so that he could persuade Hoss to try some of the feats back at the ranch. Then when Hoss was accomplished, Little Joe could organize his own strong man show and charge his friends to watch just like Sampson's here. Yes sirree! that was a great idea, Little Joe thought. He didn't worry about the smaller details, like convincing his brother; he knew he could twist Hoss around his little finger, so all he had to do now was sit back and memorize as much about this act as he could.

Twenty minutes or so later, Sampson had finally run out of steam and Little Joe and the rest of the crowd filed out of the large tent. If the boy had been excited by the strong man's show, it was nothing compared to the thrill he was about to witness at the stand of the performing ponies. Little Joe's favorite thing about living on a ranch was the Ponderosa horse operation. Although too young yet, in his father's eyes, to participate in the breaking of the wild horses, it didn't stop the youngest Cartwright from performing some stunts of his own on his own pony, away from his father's and brothers eyes of course. His Pa didn't take too kindly to his youngest son's need to perform these so called horse stunts and Little Joe had often felt his father's none too gentle hand on his backside when he was caught showing off to his friends.

He walked over to the entrance and noted the fee, three dollars, this would almost clean him right out but Little Joe felt that he had to see this, even if it meant that he couldn't go to anything else. He dug into his pocket and gingerly gave his money to the teller and purchasing his ticket and some candy to eat during the performance, went inside. There was quite a large arena in the center of the tent and the seating circled this zone, so everybody had a good seat to see the performance. He hadn't long to wait before the first palomino pony pranced into the arena with a pretty lady seated on its back. The lady trotted around a few times waving to the crowd, before she suddenly stood straight up on the pony's back, much to the crowd's delight. This was nothing new to Little Joe since he'd already attempted this, but what she did next, now that was new to the boy. The lady lifted her left leg whilst balancing on the horses back on just her right leg, the crowd and Little Joe applauded the lady's acrobatics. Sitting back on the pony's back once again, her assistant threw her a rather large hoop, the performer than with the hoop preceded to lower her body to the pony's side, she looked like she was about to fall off. She held onto the horse's mane with one hand and the hoop with the other hand, she then extended the hoop in front of the pony's nose. The pony bent his head and smarting trotted though the hoop earning another loud applause from the crowd. The stunts went on and on until Little Joe couldn't believe his eyes; the feats of the strong man now completely forgotten. He couldn't wait to get home to try out some of the spectacles he had just witnessed. His friends would sure be impressed when next he treated them to a show. Alas though, the show came to an end and Little Joe made his way out with the rest of the crowd. Lost in thought he completely forgot that he had to keep an eye out for Adam, so when a hand grabbed him from behind, he was momentarily lost for words when he looked up into the face of one very unamused big brother.

"Well, well, well, look what we have here, Ross, a Little Joe look alike. For this couldn't be my little brother because I tucked him into bed two hours ago," Adam said as he crossed his arms across his chest and adopted his no nonsense stance.

  Little Joe gulped, unprepared for the interrogation.

  "Start talking little brother"

"Em, Adam, I can explain,” Little Joe stalled, frantically trying to think of a plausible excuse.

"Oh, I'm all ears Little Joe"

Little Joe chewed on his bottom lip; Adam watched his little brother with a disguised amusement, trying to come up with an explanation. Adam knew that one would be forthcoming; his kid brother could concoct the most fantastical explanations from seemingly nowhere. Here it comes! thought Adam as he noted the sparkle return to Little Joe's eyes.

"Adam, are you okay? I've been looking everywhere for you. Gee, am I glad that I found you!" Little Joe started.

"You're glad that you found me? Now back up a minute, little brother; I thought that it was the other way round. I found you," Adam interrupted, raising his eyebrows in a suitably confused expression.

"Well, if you'd let me finish, I'd explain," Little Joe retorted and sighed for added emphasis.

"I thought somebody had kidnapped you and that why I came into town to alert Sheriff Coffee," Little Joe concluded his story and looked up into his brother's face to check for some sign that he was buying this explanation.

"Kidnapped me? And how pray tell did you arrive at that conclusion?" Adam said trying to keep his tone even but not really succeeding. Behind him, Ross suppressed a giggle at the kid's wild imagination.

"Well, I woke up with ah, a...a pain and I went looking for you in the house but you weren't there," Little Joe continued, throwing in a bit of sickness for good measure and perhaps some sympathy, just in case his big brother wasn't buying his story. He was quite pleased with his tale so far and so continued. He frowned at his brother to add a little guilt at this point. "You never said that you were going out tonight so how was I to know? I thought somebody had come and kidnapped you, so you see I was only trying to help".

Adam leaned back and shook his head at Ross, who at this point looked like he was about to burst if he didn't laugh soon. Stooping down with his hands on his knees so that he was eye level with his young brother, Adam theatrically placed one of his hands on his heart  and stated "Why Little Joe, you were so brave to come all this way in the dark by yourself. I am truly overwhelmed over your concern for my welfare but why didn't you just go wake Hop Sing or indeed alert some of the hands?"

 Little Joe tensed a little; he truly wished that Adam wasn't always so logical. He had no response, so he just smiled nervously and shrugged his shoulders.

Adam stood up straight again and continued his interrogation. Scratching his forehead he glanced at Ross to verify his next statement. "Ross, the last time I looked, wasn't Sheriff Coffee office on the other side of town?"

"You’re right, Adam, clear right across town," Ross confirmed.

Little Joe gulped. Things weren't going too well; Adam was being analytical again.

"That's what I thought. And you, little brother, were so concerned about my safety that you thought you'd take the scenic route and perhaps take in a show or two on the way. That is indeed very heartening to know," Adam continued sarcastically.

"I can explain, Adam. I figured these were the people who took you and they probably had you stashed somewhere in one of the tents,” Little Joe said hopefully.

"Oh, I see. So you decided you blend in, buy yourself some candy, sit in on a show and do a little bit of investigating before you went to the Sheriff," Adam retorted fingering the candy wrappers sticking out of Little Joe's pocket. Little Joe nodded emphatically, naively thinking that Adam was truly believing his story.

"By the way, he said you had a pain. Where?"

 Little Joe responded without thinking. "In my stomach; it hurt real bad Adam".

"Aw, tut tut tut, but I bet the candy fixed you right up, didn't it, little buddy? You know Ross, I've heard tell that this particular candy," Adam reached into Joe's pocket and extracted a sticky wrapper and held it up for inspection "has great medicinal properties in alleviating stomach ache. I bet all the kids would love if Doc Martin prescribed this." Discarding the wrapper in a near by trash can, Adam cleaned his finger in his brother's jacket and then straightening up again grabbed Little Joe by the arm, all pretence and play acting dispensed with now.

Ross watched as Adam dragged Little Joe in the direction of his horse; he laughed as he heard the boy still trying to validate his tale, the elder brother having none of it. Shaking his head he followed the brothers, glad that he was an only child and didn't have to deal with such problems. He knew his friend, however, was well equipped to deal effectively with his young charge. Ross did feel some sympathy for the boy; it was after all a valiant try, but boy he wouldn't want to be Little Joe when Adam got him home, no sirree.

Upon reaching The Silver Dollar, Adam located Sport and as he boosted Little Joe onto the horse back, he turned to have a quiet word with his friend.

"I'm sorry about this, Ross, but I have to take the scallywag home. His little escapade, however, did have one positive aspect; I don't have to rearrange with Melissa because he won't be going anywhere tomorrow." Adam raised his voice at the end of the sentence for Joe's benefit. This had the desired effect as his little brother sank deeper into the saddle upon hearing it.

 Ross pulled Adam slightly away before saying, "Don't be too hard on him, Adam; you have to admit it was some story the kid thought up on the spot. I don't know how you didn't laugh; I had to pinch myself to keep a straight face."

"I've had plenty of practice in listening to his preposterous explanations, that's how. I must say, though, that this was one of his more far-fetched stories. I better get going; it's a long ride back to the ranch and it already very late for him. He'll probably be asleep by the time we get there."

Adam saluted his friend as he climbed up behind his now sleepy brother and Ross watched as the two disappeared in a cloud of dust.

 Where have you left Shadow, Little Joe?" Adam inquired before the boy nodded off to sleep.

 "Over by the school house." Little Joe yawned completely forgetting about his mount.

Swinging by the school house, Adam dismounted and retrieved the little pony. Little Joe protested that he was fine to ride but Adam refused, saying that he was almost asleep and that the last thing he needed at the moment was Little Joe falling off his horse. Little Joe decided that it was best not to argue seeing that he was already in enough trouble, so he settled back and let Adam negotiate the way home. They hadn't traveled very far when the elder brother noted that the child in front was fast asleep. Smiling to himself, Adam wondered if anything really bothered his little brother; if he himself had been in this much trouble as a child, he wouldn't have been able to sleep. His young brother on the other hand seemed to thrive on mischief, never dwelling too much on the consequences of his actions.

 Tomorrow Adam would endeavor to impress on his young brother that this type of behavior was unacceptable but for now he couldn't help but smile at the audacity of Little Joe's explanation.

Clutching the child closer to him, Adam hoped that his little brother would never change, that he would continue as he grew, to fill their lives with his unmistakable and unpredictable approach to live. After all life would be very dull indeed on the Ponderosa without this Little Joe's unique brand of mischief and mayhem.

THE END

   If you would like to send comments on this story to the author, click on the author's name at the top of this page.