Season Of Goodwill

By Dolores

The large living room of the Ponderosa was bathed in the soft light of a crisp winter early morning. Outside a light dusting of snow lay on the frozen ground, for the winter had been somewhat mild so far. Ben Cartwright strode purposely down the stairs and made his way to the front door. Opening the door to check the conditions, the Cartwright patriarch marveled once again at the majesty of his land. He loved this time of year; the cold weather always invigorated him, unlike his two older sons he mused, who grumbled constantly at the usually severe climate. His youngest son was however more like his father, reveling in this winter wonderland environment.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of boots clattering down the stairs and his eldest son materializing beside him at the door.

"Looks like a pretty good day for our trip to Virginia City, Pa," Adam said as he poked his head out the door.

"It does at that, but I don't like the look of those clouds gathering on the horizon," Ben replied and closed the door quickly when he noticed Adam shiver.

Father and son were then instantly drawn to the large fireplace were a glowing fire already blazed, courtesy of their Chinese housekeeper, to finish their discussion.

"Adam, are you sure you want to bring Little Joe with you this year. You and Hoss are going to have your hands full," Ben giving his eldest son a questioning look.

Warming his hands, Adam nodded his head in total agreement. "I know, Pa, but I promised we'd take him and I can't break my promise now. He's so excited about coming; just last night while I was putting him to bed, he showed me his money, all twenty five cents, that he had saved for Christmas presents. How much trouble can he be anyway?

Adam had to grin at his father's raised eyebrow at this statement, knowing his little brother and his penchant for mischief, the trouble he could cause could be endless. Still a promise was a promise and Adam was a man of his word.

"Okay son, but just be sure to keep a tight hold of him at all time," Ben automatically instructed, still not totally convinced that Adam was making the right decision.

"We will, Pa, don't worry," Adam said and smiling at his father added “At least you'll have a day of peace and quiet. Aren't you and Hop Sing going to decorate the house while we're away?"

"Yes son, without your little brother underfoot, we should be able to complete our tasks before you all arrive home"

Their conversation was then interrupted by some high pitched giggling and a deep roar coming from upstairs. Ben smiled and shook his head as he walked to the bottom of the stairs to await the arrival of his two younger sons. He did not have long to wait before Little Joe came running towards him boots in hands and shirt-tail flapping. The mischievous little boy chanced a glance across his shoulder to check on his pursuing older brother.

"I'm a gonna pound you, little brother, just wait 'til I git my hands on you. Ain't nobody gonna save you this time," Hoss shouted as he hopped on one leg towards the top of the stairway.

Ben wisely intervened before murder was committed by lifting his youngest son into his arms and walking over to the fireplace.

"What's all this about?" Ben asked as Hoss skidded to a halt before his father.

"Pa, he put some toy soldiers down one of my boots and I stamped my foot down real hard and now my foot hurts," Hoss held out the metal toys to back up his story.

"Well, what do you have to say for yourself young man?" Ben questioned his baby son, who was now squirming in his arms.

 Little Joe flashed his most angelic smile and fingering the buttons of his father's shirt said " I'm sorry, Papa; I was only playing a joke on Hoss. I didn't mean for Hoss to get hurt, honest, I didn't". He then added a very contrite, "I'm sorry Hoss", hoping to placate his father and save himself from any punishment.

Ben sighed. "I don't want to hear you doing anything like this again. Hoss could have really hurt himself. I won't let you off so easy the next time".

 Little Joe nodded and Hoss patted his little brother's leg, already having forgiven him when he saw Little Joe's forlorn expression. "It's okay, Shortshanks, I forgive you".

Watching from the dining table, Adam grinned; he had seen this same scenario played out a hundred times. Hoss could never stay mad with Little Joe for more than five minutes. His baby brother knew all the tricks for getting himself out of trouble with his father and middle brother. Ben sat down in his favorite chair and proceeded to put Little Joe's boots on. The small boots were very worn, despite only haven been purchased a couple of months ago; his youngest son was indeed very hard on shoes in general.

Ben picked up one of the boots and examined it closely. "I think these boots have seen better days. Just what have been doing with them?"

Little Joe shrugged his shoulders, never once having given his footwear a second thought. Judging from Little Joe's response, Ben decided it would be futile to continue with his interrogation on the subject. Placing the small boot on his youngest son's left foot, he stood the child on the ground and proceeded to tuck in his shirt.

Addressing his eldest son, he said “I’m afraid, Adam, that you'll have to make an unscheduled visit to Thompson's Mercantile to purchase new boots for this one. Remind me to give you some money before you leave".

"Sure, a," Adam perked up at this request, a trip to Thompson’s was always a welcome visit in his opinion, especially since pretty Nancy Thompson now worked there full time.

The family began their breakfast discussing their plans for the day ahead, while eating Hop Sing's hearty morning feast. Adam had almost regretted his decision of inviting his youngest brother for Little Joe was already bombarding him with questions about their purpose trip. Little Joe knelt up in his chair as he eagerly awaited the answers to his endless lists of questions, almost totally forgetting to eat. Although amused by these antics, Ben concealed his amusement and adopting a stern countenance, encouraged his youngest to chatter less and eat more. When this didn't work, he resorted to a threat. "Little Joe, eat your breakfast or you won't be going to town at all, do I make myself clear?”

Little Joe stopped mid sentence, smiled at his father and sighed, “Yes sir", then stuffed a piece of bread into his mouth.

After breakfast was complete, Hoss rushed outside to complete their morning chores with Little Joe hot on his heels, while Adam remained behind to listen to his father's last minute instructions. The purpose of their trip was not only the purchasing of Christmas gifts but also to pick up a lumber contract that was coming on the late afternoon stage from Carson City.

"I need that contract, Adam; it should be on the four o clock stage, be sure to meet it. But I know how unreliable the stages are at this time of year, so if it is delayed or it begins to snow, I think it would be wiser to stay the night in town and come home first thing in the morning. I don't what you boys traveling home in the dark or indeed poor visibility; use your own judgment Adam. Here's some money for a hotel room, meals and Little Joe's boots, I think you better pack some nightshirts in your saddlebags just in case you have to stay. I know I don't have to remind you to take care of your brothers, so have a good day and hurry home as soon as you can".

Ben and Adam joined the two younger boys outside, Hoss had both horses saddled and he and Joe were playing a game while they waited for Adam. Tossing one of the saddlebags he was carrying to Hoss, Adam checked one last time if he had everything he needed before departing. Saying goodbye to his father he mounted his horse ready for the journey, Ben, clapped Hoss on the back, as he too mounted his horse, then picked up Little Joe and hugged him goodbye. He then deposited him in front Adam and warned once last time "Stay close to Adam all the time, Little Joe. Be good, do you hear; don't cause your brothers any trouble".

"I promise, Papa." Little Joe waved to his father until he could no longer see him.

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

Virginia City was a hive of activity when the brothers arrived, two days before Christmas was indeed a profitable time for the shopkeepers of the town especially since the recent silver strike in some of the mines. Each shop displayed its wares in a most festive way enticing the Virginia City inhabitants to part with there new found wealth. Leaving the horses in the Livery stable, the boys set off on their quest. Adam took Little Joe to Thompson's Mercantile while Hoss went to the General Store to start his Christmas shopping. They arranged to meet up in a couple of hours so Adam could have some free time to make his Christmas purchases.

Nancy Thompson greeted the Cartwrights with genuine affection; she secretly harbored deep feelings for the oldest brother and absolutely adored the youngest one.

"What can do for you fellows today?" she smiled and blushed slightly when Adam returned the smile.

"Some new boots for Little Joe, Nancy please. He seems to have worn out the last pair Pa bought him already".

Taking Little Joe by the hand she took he over to a chair that was reserved for their shoe department and sat him upon it. "Well Little Joe, let me see what I have in your size".

She returned five minutes later with three sets of boots, Little Joe shook his head at all three.

"What's wrong, Little Joe? Don't you like any of them?" she asked somewhat confused, he was usually such an agreeable little fellow. Shaking his head, Adam intervened. Stooping down so that he was eye level with his baby brother he warned "Stop this nonsense and try the boots on; Nancy hasn't the time for this foolishness."

"No that's okay. Adam. What type of boots do you want Little Joe?”

"I want boots like Adam has." Little Joe said indicating with his finger his eldest brother's fancy black San Francisco bought boots.

Nancy focused her attention on the said boots and turning to Little Joe said "Well I don't know if I have a pair like Adam's but I do have a pair that are awfully special and have just been waiting for some little boy to take home and wear. Would you like to see them?"

Little Joe nodded his head and beamed up at the pretty girl. She left the brothers together while she went into the store to get the said items. Adam squatted down to face his five year old brother and said. "Just you behave little buddy and don't give Nancy any more trouble. There is nothing wrong with any of these boots so why don't you try them on.” Adam patience was beginning to wear and he yet again wondered how he always seem to get lumbered with his little brother and his obstinate ways. Nancy returned with a box which she presented to Little Joe. The child eyes lit up when he saw the little black boots that were even better looking than Adam's.

"Adam look, these are the bestest boots in all of Virginia City. Can we buy them?" Little Joe declared as he rushed to try them on.

"Slow down, little buddy; lets just see if they fit you first." Adam grinned at the little boy's enthusiasm. As luck would have it, the little boots fit perfectly and Little Joe walked up and down the store in obvious delight, while Adam paid for them.

"I think you should let Nancy wrap them now, little brother, and put on your old ones," Adam said as he caught hold of his baby brother and lifted him up on to the counter.

"I wanna wear them, Adam, I don't like my old ones no more; these are much more ..... nicer".

"I don't know, we have an awful lot of walking to do today and new boots can sometimes be a bit stiff and hard to get use to." Adam could tell from Joe's expression that he was never going to convince the child to resort to his old ones and so he and Little Joe bade farewell to Nancy and left the shop.

Adam decided at this point to bring Little Joe to the General Store in order for him to buy his 'presents'. Mr. Davis, the Proprietor, was a kindly middle-aged man with a receding hairline, who clearly loved his work dealing with the public. He greeted the Cartwrights with a hearty hello and then presented Little Joe with a stick of festive candy. When Adam thanked him for his kindness, he simply smiled and declared "Tis the season of good will, Adam my boy. Now how may I be of service to you boys?”

"Well, Little Joe here wants to buy some Christmas presents. Show Mr. Davis how much you have to spend, little buddy." Adam said as he winked at the shopkeeper over his little brother's head.

Little Joe delved deep into his pants pocket to extract his money and handed the twenty-five cents to storekeeper.

"Well, young man, how many presents do you have to buy?”

Little Joe thought briefly for a moment and then motioned with his finger for Mr. Davis to bend down to his level so that he could whisper the answer. He didn't want Adam to hear what he was going to buy; after all one of his presents was for Adam himself. Adam chuckled to himself as the amicable shopkeeper responded to the child’s summons and knelt down beside him. Stepping back to give his brother some privacy to conduct his business, Adam watched from a discrete distance as Mr. Davis nodded his head at Joe's instructions.

When the secret discussion was concluded, Mr. Davis stood up straight again and counting the money in his hand ruffled the little boy's hair and said "I think you've made very wise decisions, young man, and have just the right amount of money too".

Little Joe was delighted with himself as he trotted back to where Adam stood, while the shopkeeper took care of his order. A short time later, Mr. Davis called Little Joe over to the counter, cautioning Adam to stay where he was. The kindly store manager had wrapped Little Joe purchases of assorted candy in brightly colored paper and divided it equally into four separate presents - one for his Pa, one for Adam, one for Hoss and the last for Hop Sing. He then placed all four presents into one bag to make it easier for Little Joe to carry them. Little Joe beamed up at the shopkeeper and took the proffered bag into his left hand. Mr. Davis waved the two brothers off with another piece of free candy and then returned to restocking his shelves.

An hour or so later the eldest and youngest Cartwright walked down C Street, stopping every once and awhile to glance at the charming windows displays en route to meet Hoss. Little Joe clutched his small bag tightly in his left hand, refusing to let his older brother to carry it for him, while Adam clutched tightly to Joe's right hand.

It had been quite awhile since the Cartwrights had any reason to come to town together and despite being a mischief magnet, Adam loved having Little Joe with him. The child just marveled at everything he saw and his constant chatter and unexpected questions always amazed his elder brother

They met Hoss at the appointed time and place, he too carrying his gifts in several bags. He had to brush aside Little Joe's probing questions on what he had bought for him, laughing along with Adam at the little boy's antics. The brothers' lunched together before Adam took leave of his brothers with a stern warning to stay together and keep out of trouble, eying his littlest brother all the time he was talking. He arranged to meet them again in front of the Sheriff's office at three o clock and warned them not to be late.

Little Joe and Hoss walked for what seemed to Little Joe for hours, his new boots were beginning to hurt him, but he wouldn't let on to Hoss that they were. Finally when he thought he could walk no more, they met Adam along the street and the little boy sighed with relief. It was earlier than the brothers rendezvous time, but Adam had nearly completed most of his tasks.

"Come on, Little Joe, stop lagging behind," Adam said as he tugged on his little brother's hand.

"I can't, Adam; I'm tired, Hoss made me walk for ages" he whined, still not letting on that it was mostly the fault of the new boots. He didn't want to give Adam any reason to say "I told you so", so blaming Hoss was the lesser of two evils.

Adam wasn't taken in for a moment, for he had seen his little brother limp slightly, a sure sign of a blister courtesy of new boots, but recalling Mr. Davis's words of "season of goodwill", he handed his bags to Hoss and lifted his baby brother into his arms. Little Joe was so relieved not to have to walk that he laid his head on Adam's shoulder and promptly fell asleep.

Just as Adam and Hoss were deciding what to do next, it started to snow, lightly at first but heavy enough for Adam to heed his father's advice. En route to the hotel, they stopped at the stage depot to check on the incoming Carson City stage, only to be told that it would delayed for two hours. That news confirmed Adam's decision to stay in town after all.

The hotel was a bustle with people, indeed Adam had never seen it quite so busy and he became suddenly anxious that they might have some trouble securing a room for the night.

Tom Parsons, the hotel manager and good friend of Ben's, spotted the boys and beckoned them to the counter, assuring them that he did have a room for them. The room was large with two beds and was one of the better rooms in the hotel. Hoss dropped wearily onto one of the beds, thankful of the brief respite from shopping. The elder Cartwright gently laid his young charge onto the other bed, carefully removing his coat and boots and covering him with a blanket.

"He's exhausted and he probably sleep for a couple of hours. How about you stay here with him and I'll go and finish up my shopping?" Adam asked.

"Fine by me, older brother; I'm done too tired to go out there again. I jus' stretch out here and catch forty winks myself." Hoss yawned as he lay back on the other bed and stretch out his tired limbs.

Adam nodded. Hoss wasn't much of a shopper anyway, better to leave them here in the warmth of the hotel, he would be soon back and then they could go down to the restaurant and get something to eat. He looked over at his littlest brother once more. Little Joe was curled up on his side with his left thumb secure in his mouth, dead to the world; seeing him like this, Adam had no worries about leaving him in Hoss' charge. After all, he would be back inside an hour or so.

***********

A loud noise out on the street disturbed the little boy from his sleep. Yawning he opened his eyes and looked around the strange room. Panic was beginning to set in when he thought that he was here alone until he heard familiar loud snoring coming from his right. Hoss was propped up on the other bed with a large pillow behind his head snoring contentedly. Little Joe grinned with relief when he saw his big brother, instantly forgetting his initial panic; in fact he was so comforted by his brother's presence that his thoughts immediately turned from fear to mischief. Launching himself from his bed, he leaped through the air and landed with resounding thud on the bed occupied by Hoss. Hoss grumbled in his sleep something incoherent, swatting the air with his hand. Little Joe grinned at his brother's action, himself now fully awake and raring to go. He tried once again to get Hoss' attention by bouncing up and down on the springy mattress. Hoss, forgetting where he was in his exhausted state shoved his small brother off the bed, and without opening his eyes ordered him to "Stop that, will ya. Why don't ya jus' go and bother Adam for a bit" and instantly fell back to sleep.

Little Joe looked around him, a light suddenly appearing in his green eyes. This sure looked like a mighty fine place to go exploring, he thought. It never occurred to him that he shouldn't leave the room. So tugging on his new boots with a slight wince, ignoring his coat completely in his eagerness to depart, the five year crept from the room, closing the door carefully behind him to begin his adventure. Hoss had mumbled about go find Adam, but just exactly where was his big brother? All the little boy could see was a corridor full of closed doors and a staircase that led down to what seemed to be a lively room, judging from the noise; Adam was most probably down there, he thought. He walked along the corridor until he came to the stairway, the banister looked very inviting indeed for a fast trip to the lower floor. He tried to lift his leg high enough to climb aboard the wooden banister but try as he could he failed in his every attempt, he was just too small. Sighing dramatically, he opted for the conventional route to the lower floor.

The lobby was amass of people, some checking in, others merely chatting with friends. Tom Parsons was so occupied with fetching keys and assigning jobs that he failed to notice the curly headed little boy make his way through the crowded lobby and out into the streets of Virginia City.

Little Joe looked up and down the street - now which way would he go to find Adam? His attention was soon drawn by a bright display of lights off in the distance, so figuring that Adam might be down that way, he headed in that direction. There sure were a lot of people on the streets today, he thought as he meandered his way towards the rougher side of town. He was enjoying himself immensely, feeling like a big boy; his Pa never let him go anywhere by himself, always having to hold somebody’s hand as if he were a baby. The happy five year old proceeded without a care in the world except maybe one --  he should have brought his coat with him; it was indeed very chilly in Virginia City and the little boy shivered a bit. Shrugging off his coldness, he wasn't about to let a little thing like being cold interfere with his great adventure and so he proceeded on his destination to the bright lights and the lively music.

Adam greeted friends of his father's as he passed along the now snow dusted streets of Virginia City. Out on the Ponderosa there was an already quite a covering of snow but here in town with all the extra people and wagons, the previous falling of snow had all but disappeared -- that was, until now, of course. Nearing the hotel, he paused to check once again at the stage depot to check on the overdue stage.

Hitting the hand bell lightly to get the attention of the stage clerk who appeared to be entrenched in his sorting work in the back office, Adam leaned on the high desk glad of a moment of rest.

"Howdy Adam, ain't no sign of the stage yet, I'm afraid." Willie lifted his head and peered over his shoulder at the sound of the bell. Placing his hand on the pit of his back, he straightened himself and walked slowly to stand next to the desk.

"That’s okay, I was just checking. Thanks, Willie, I'll be over at the hotel if you hear anything".

"Okay Adam. You fixin' on staying in town tonight?"

"Yes, I've left Hoss and Little Joe there already, so I'd better be getting back to them. I've been gone longer than I should have," Adam bid the stage clerk goodbye and continued en route to his brothers.

The lobby had quieted considerably since Little Joe made his departure as Adam pushed opened the door and entered the establishment. He longed for a beer but thought better of leaving his brothers to their own devices for this length of time. He climbed the stairs carrying his presents, glad that Hoss would be there to let him in as he didn't have a free hand to search for a key. Well at least all appeared quiet and peaceful -- no horseplaying or tantrums. Little Joe was most probably still asleep. Transferring all the packages in his left hand to his right, he gently opened the door. The room was in darkness as it had still been daylight when he left. He could hear loud snoring coming from the bed nearest the door. That Hoss took every chance he could to snooze the day away, Adam grinned. Making his way to the lamp, he lit it and slowly brought the flame up to give light to the dark room. Listening to Hoss, he sure thought that he himself could do with forty winks before he woke his brothers, Christmas shopping was much more tiring than wrestling with ornery steers back on the Ponderosa. Turning his attention to the other bed to check on his little brother, he quickly noticed the crumpled bedclothes but no Little Joe. At first he wasn't too concerned as his little brother tossed and turned so much that he often fell out of the bed at home. Adam approached the left side of the bed, the side nearest Hoss, but no sign of his baby brother on the floor. He quickly walked to the other side, still no Little Joe. Adam frantically lifted up the blankets of the bed and searched underneath doing the bed occupied by Hoss at the same time. Fear began to grip his heart as his search yielded no sign of the small child. There was only one other place to look and that was the wardrobe, Little Joe must have heard him coming and hidden in the press to scare his oldest brother, but knowing his little brother avid fear of dark places Adam rational mind told he that he was unlikely to find his brother there.

He opened the door of the wardrobe, silently praying that he was wrong and his little brother would jump out into his arms laughing, but like the underneath of the beds the wardrobe was too empty.

"Hoss, Hoss, wake up! Little Joe is gone!" Adam frantically shook the sleeping boy awake.

Hoss struggled to open his eyes, clearly disorientated as he tried to focus on Adam’s irate face; he pushed his older brother’s hands from him in much the same manner as earlier whilst dealing with Little Joe. Adam, unlike their younger brother, though, was not about to be ignored or dislodge his grip on Hoss.

"Hoss, will you wake up! How long have you been asleep? Do you know where Little Joe is? What are going to tell Pa?" Adam bombarded him with questions as he continued to shake him in his iron grip.

Realization of what Adam was trying to tell him was quickly starting to register in Hoss’ brain. He jumped up, pushing Adam from him and frantically repeated his older brother’s search calling Little Joe’s name over and over.

"He’s not here, Hoss; that’s what I’m trying to tell you. Now how long have you been asleep? Did you talk to him or see him leave the room?" Adam was trying to calm down and think logically.

"C’mon Adam, I ain’t that stupid. I ain’t about to let our five year old brother loose in the hotel or Virginia City, now am I," Hoss retorted.

Adam nodded. "Sorry, of course you’re not. The little scallywag must have waited until you fell asleep. Just wait until I get my hands on him. He knows only too well he is not allowed to go anywhere on his own".

Adam anxiety over his little brother’s disappearance was beginning to get tinged with a hint of anger; the child seemed to thrive on causing headaches to his older brothers.

"What are we going to do, Adam? Where can he be?” Hoss rushed back to the bed he had vacated and pulled on his boots. He noticed Little Joe’s coat at the bottom of the bed where Adam had thrown it earlier. "He don’t even have his coat on Adam and its freezin’ outside".

"Who says he outside? He’s most probably down in the lobby or exploring the hotel…well, let’s hope he is".

With that, both boys departed the room, taking the small coat with them just in case.

"Hoss, you go down the corridor and I’ll go downstairs. I’ll meet you in the lobby," Adam ordered and Hoss instantly obeyed. The oldest Cartwright brother wondered once again why his littlest brother couldn’t be more like Hoss.

Once in the lobby, Adam quickly made his way to the desk. Tom Parsons had his head bent checking the hotel register.

"Hi Tom, you wouldn’t happen to have seen Little Joe, would you? He seems to have slipped away from Hoss.” Adam tried to sound calm, playing down the incident. There was after all no point in highlighting the fact that they had lost their little brother. That kind of news would no doubt find its way back to the Ponderosa and Adam could do without his father finding out that his baby son was alone and lost in Virginia City.

"No Adam, can’t say that I have. It’s been awful busy here since I talked to you last,” Tom replied with a worried expression.

Noting the worried look, Adam continued to try to appear casual about the situation and said, "I bet the little scamp is just in the restaurant hiding on us."

"Don’t think so. I’ve just come from there and there’s nobody there except Mr. & Mrs. Crabtree. They like to dine early -- his digestion, I think," Tom replied quickly.

Adam digested this piece of information with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He scanned the lobby once more to satisfy himself that his young brother was not just playing hide and seek. Turning back to the hotel clerk he managed a smile and said, "I’m sure Hoss has found him by now upstairs; thanks anyway, Tom.”

Tom couldn’t help but notice the nervous way in which Adam rubbed his hands together as he retraced his steps to the staircase. He sincerely hoped that Hoss had indeed located the child because he sure wouldn’t what to be in Adam’s or Hoss’ shoes when confronting Ben Cartwright with news that they had lost his baby.

Hoss was coming down the stairs as Adam approached the bottom rung. "He ain’t anywhere upstairs that I can see Adam".

"Doesn’t appear that he’s downstairs either, Hoss. C’mon, let’s search the town and pray that we find him before he gets into too much trouble." Adam rubbed his hands through his thick dark hair, sighing deeply.

Hoss gulped, he didn’t like the thought of his little brother alone and cold in Virginia City and followed quickly in his older brother’s wake.

**********

While his brothers were debating which direction to take, Little Joe was nearing his ultimate destination -- the bright lights and lively music of ‘The Bucket off Blood’ saloon. The doors to the establishment seemed to swing and were high up, so high in fact that he could almost walk straight underneath them. Once inside, he marveled at the large crowd of men, although there were some ladies too -- though not ladies like he had ever seen. These ladies were all painted and wore frilly bright clothes and they all appeared to laughing and helping to pour drinks for the men who sat at the numerous tables. Taking a few more steps deeper inside the door, Little Joe noted that he was warm for the first time since he left the hotel. Yes, he quite liked it here. There was a man playing a piano in the corner while a few others were trying to sing. They looked extremely funny to the little boy and he began to giggle. His giggles were high pitched and they drew the attention of one of the pretty ladies. She left were she was standing by the bar and made her way over to the little lad.

"Lookin’ for your daddy, sugar?" she asked as she bent down to talk to him.

"Huh, huh," Little Joe shook his head. Now he’d wasn’t so sure that he should be here alone; the mention of his father putting doubts into his mind. He hadn’t thought of the consequences when he began his adventure; now he better find Adam and he better do it quick. Adam was as bad as Pa sometimes; he didn’t like to be disobeyed and Little Joe knew that he was probably in a lot of trouble with his big brother already for leaving the room in the first place. He shivered at the thought but before he knew it the pretty lady had taken his hands between her own and rubbed them gently.

"You’re freezin’, child; here let me warm you up." With that she took a shawl from a coat rack and placed it around his shoulders, rubbing his shoulders and arms at the same time. It did feel good to be warm again and he smiled up at her with his most cherubic smile.

"Now, if you’re not looking for your daddy, who are ya looking for?" she probed once more. He was such a beautiful child and judging from the clothes, he was wearing didn’t come from a poor family.

"My big brother," he replied as he scanned the room once more in search of Adam.

Thinking that his brother was just outside playing, Angel took his hand and led him back to the swinging doors. He seemed such a trusting child and allowed himself to be led to the exterior of the saloon.

"Well sweetie, I don’t think your brother is big enough to be in here; he’s most probably playing outside. Why don’t we take a look now? Now where was the last time that you saw him?”

Little Joe shrugged his shoulders. He remembered being tired and Adam carrying him but that was the last thing that he could remember. Looking up and down the street, he nervously bite his lower lip unsure what to do next. He never made decisions for himself; somebody else - his Pa or Adam - always knew what to do and where to go. He was scared now and sorry that he left the hotel; he wished with all his might that he was back there now secure with his brothers. Seeing the little boy’s now distressed state, Angel bent down and said, “Don’t worry, darlin’, we’ll find your big brother." She winked at him and gave his hand a quick squeeze and was rewarded by a warm smile. "Now tell me, just how big is your big brother?”

Little Joe lifted his arms and reached as high as he could standing on his tippy toes for maximum affect. Angel grinned at his antics and decided to help him out. She stood up and asked "Is he as tall as me?”

Little Joe bent his head to the side and gazed up at her and replied. “He’s much bigger than you."

"Oh, he is, is he?" she said, thinking that she just might have a few choice words to say to this young man when she meet him, in regard to letting his kid brother wander around Virginia City, alone and with no coat.

"What is your name honey?"

"Joe, but everyone calls me Little Joe. What's your name?"

"My name’s Angel, Little Joe. and I’m pleased to meet you"

"Are you a real angel? My Papa says my Mama’s an angel and that she watches from Heaven over me?" His little innocent face was lit up in anticipation of her reply.

"No." She shook her head sorry to dent his fate in her. "I’m not an angel. My real name is Angela but everyone around here calls me Angel. But I’m sure your Mama is a proper angel, just like your daddy told you. Now how about I get a wrap and we go find this big brother of yours?"

Little Joe’s smile returned and he skipped back inside with her to get her wrap, secure in the knowledge that this kind lady may not be an actual angel but seemed awfully like an angel to him.

*********

Adam and Hoss had walked for what seemed like hours checking out anywhere there brother could have got to.

"We ain’t got any other choice, Adam; we’ll have to tell Sheriff Coffee. It’s getting mighty late and the temperature seems to have dropped again.”

"I know Hoss. Why didn’t I just listen to Pa and leave Little Joe at home? Pa is going to kill us. He warned me not to let Little Joe out of my sight and I sure let him down."

"It weren’t all your fault, Adam; I fell asleep when it was my turn to watch him. You had a right to do your Christmas shopping".

"Yeah, well, I can just see Pa’s face when we tell him that. Here’s your Christmas present, Pa, and by the way we lost Little Joe. Boy, I can see that going down like a ton of bricks. You’re right, though, Hoss, we don’t have any other choice left; we have to tell Sheriff Coffee and face the consequences later.”

With that, the two boys turned and headed towards the sheriff office with heavy hearts.

Meanwhile Angel and Little Joe were coming towards them hand in hand, Little Joe chatting as if he hadn’t a care in the world. Angel looked fondly down on him -- oh how this one little child had made her feel special, if only for a short while. He was so endearing and a joy to be with; she almost hoped that they wouldn’t find his family too quickly. At that moment, he tugged on her hand waking her from her daydreams and said, "Will Santa Claus visit you at the saloon?"

"I don’t think so, sweetie; Santa Claus hasn’t come to me in such a long time, but I know he will definitely be coming to you. You are such a good little boy".

"I don’t know that I have been that good. Ya see I left the room and went outside and I’m not ‘pose to go anywhere on my own. My big brother is gonna real mad and he might even tell Santa that I was bad."

"No, he won’t, honey. Ya just leave your brother to me." She winked at him relieved to see the smile return to his face.

Turning the corner to the sheriff office, Hoss grabbed Adam’s arm and pointed across the street at a woman and a small boy. Adam followed his brother’s outstretched arm and smiled with relief when he identified a certain baby brother skipping along side a very pretty young lady. The two brothers ran to meet the pair as they started to cross the road.

"Adam, Hoss! Look, Angel, there’s my brothers!" Little Joe tugged on her hand and released his grip as he ran towards his brothers. In all his excitement, he nearly slipped on the icy ground but Adam strong arms were there to catch him before he did.

"Little Joe, where have you been? We’ve looked everywhere for you," Hoss said relief evident in his voice at the sight of his little brother, now safe and sound in Adam’s arms.

"Yes, Little Joe, that’s what I would like to know? You were very naughty boy to leave the hotel like that. You know only too well that you’re not allowed to go anywhere alone." Adam tried to sound mad, but at the moment it was just a show. He hugged the small bundle to him before Little Joe could answer him.

Little Joe was only too aware that once the relief wore off Adam would be demanding answers to his questions and he was not going to happy with Little Joe’s explanation, no not one little bit.

Adam turned to Angel and remembering his manners, tipped his hat and introduced himself and Hoss to their brother’s rescuer.

"Hello, I’m Adam Cartwright and this is my brother Hoss. Thank you for taking care of this little rascal for us. We have been frantic, looking for him for hours now; you don’t know the relief it is to find safe and obvious well taken care of. How did he come to be in your care anyway?"

"He wandered in to the ‘Bucket of Blood’ about two hours ago, looking for his big brother. I’m Angel, by the way, and believe me, Mr. Cartwright, the pleasure was all mine."

Turning to the child in his arms, Adam put the next question to him. "Just who gave you permission to come look for me in the cold, alone and without a coat hmm?”

Little Joe brightened; there was a way out of this after all he thought. Smiling he turned in Adam’s arms and pointed at Hoss and said emphatically "Hoss did” and then returned his head to Adam’s shoulder and yawned. It was getting late and he was very tired.

Adam turned his attention to Hoss, who at that moment had the good grace to blush, digging the heel of boot into the ground as he recalled the sleepy conversation that he had with his little brother. "Dadburnit Adam, I was plumb tuckered out. I don’t even remember what I said."

Shaking his head, Adam spoke to Angel once again to thank her wholeheartedly for all her kindness.

"How can I ever repay you for looking after him the way you did?" He smiled at her; she really was a very beautiful young lady and he hoped that he might just see her again. He usually drank in the ‘Silver Dollar’ but if the ‘Bucket of Blood’ is where she worked, he could easily change.

She smiled back at him. He really was handsome she thought with his dark hair and dark eyes and so well spoken. He also seemed to have a very caring nature, the way he hugged his small mischievous brother to him.

"Well, you could buy a gal a drink sometime," she said speaking directly to his face.

He nodded but before he could say anything else, Little Joe interrupted. "Angel’s not a real angel like Mama, Adam; her real name is Angela, isn’t that a pretty name?"

"It sure is, little buddy. Now don’t you have anything to say to Angel before we leave?"

Little Joe thought for a moment until he too remembered his manners. He beamed at Angel and held out his arms to give her a hug. She willingly leaned forward to receive the embrace, thinking once again what an adorable child he was. "Thank you, Angel"

"No, thank you, Little Joe".

Little Joe tugged at the shawl that she had wrapped him earlier in. "Adam, we gotta give this back to Angel"

"Okay little brother, let me help you. Here’s your own coat to keep you warm until we get back to the hotel." Adam took the wrap from around the little boy’s shoulder and replaced it quickly with the small coat. He then folded the shawl and handed it back to Angel, smiling once again in appreciation of her kindness.

"Well I’d better let you fellas’ get back to the hotel and I’d better be hightailing back to the saloon before I’m missed. Our little wandered seems all tuckered out." She nodded her head at Little Joe who was nearly asleep on Adam’s shoulder.

Adam and Hoss smiled and bid her farewell. With that she turned and retraced her steps back to the saloon, while the brothers’ went in the opposite direction.

***********

Ben had spent the night worrying and missing his sons in equal proportion, he knew in his heart that they had made the right decision in staying in Virginia City, but like all good fathers, hated to be without them. It was early afternoon when he spotted two horses approaching the ranch off in the distance, heralding the return of his boys. Calling to Hop Sing, he ordered some hot chocolate to be made to warm the boys after the long journey. Ben grabbed his coat and stood on the porch to greet his sons as soon as they arrived.

“Papa, Papa, I missed you,” Little Joe shouted and bounced up and down on the saddle upon seeing his father. Ben smiled and rushed to lift his youngest from Adam’s arms as soon as Sport came to a stop.

“Hi Pa,” Adam and Hoss said in unison as Little Joe was bestowing on Ben a great big bear hug.

“Hi boys, I’m glad you’re all home safe and sound. Did you have a good time in town?”

Little Joe nodded emphatically but Ben couldn’t help but notice the look that passed between his two older sons. All the boys had agreed that they wouldn’t tell their father about Little Joe’s little adventure, since no real harm was caused and Adam had already talked to his little brother about the dangers of wandering off alone.

Ben wasn’t fooled for a moment; he knew they were keeping something from him. No doubt it would all come out soon; he would just have to bide his time and wait until one of them let something slip. Opening the door to the large room of the Ponderosa, the boys stood in the doorway and admired the festive decorations. Ben and Hop Sing had really outdid themselves this year. The massive tree stood in the corner and festive garlands adorned the fireplace and staircase. The smell of hot chocolate and fresh cinnamon cookies filled the air and the boys needed no second invitation to shed their coats and partake in the feast before the large fireplace.

Later that evening after supper, Ben sat in his favorite chair with Little Joe on his lap, reading the story of the first Christmas from St. Luke’s gospel. When he got the part about the Angel Gabriel, Little Joe piped up with, “ Ya know, Papa, we met an Angel in town but she wasn’t a real angel; she was just called Angel,” then realizing  what he had just said, he clamped his hand over his mouth and glanced over at his brothers who winced as he said this. Ben continued with the story as if he hadn’t heard and Little Joe, thinking that he had gotten away with it, settled back once more. His eyes soon became heavy and by the end of the reading his was fast asleep in his father’s arms. Ben closed the family Bible and kissed the top of his youngest son’s head and then turned his attention to his two other sons asking casually “Now just who is this Angel that your little brother was referring to and why are you all acting suspiciously?”

Hoss looked at Adam and nudged his older brother. “Why don’t you tell the story, Adam?” Sighing, Adam once again marveled how his little brother could cause him headaches. “Well you Pa, it all started….............”

Later as Ben stood at the bed of his youngest son, he grinned at how easily Little Joe had let the cat out of the bag. He covered his small son, tucking the blankets securely before turning in himself. He wasn’t angry with his sons -- more relieved that everything turned out fine and his three sons were safe and sound under his roof once more. How could he be angry with them wasn’t it the season of goodwill as Adam had reminded him upon completion of his sorry tale. Ben had a lot to be proud of -- a fine home, a large ranch and, most importantly three fine sons. What more could any man ask for?

EPILOGUE

Santa Claus did indeed visit the Ponderosa that night and Little Joe, Hoss and Adam all received their special gifts the next morning, as did one very special Angel in the ‘Bucket of Blood’ saloon, courtesy of one very grateful Ben Cartwright.

Happy Christmas.

***** The End*****

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