The Essay

By Dolores 

Ten year old, Little Joe Cartwright walked wearily back to his desk, the letter to his father weighing heavily in his pocket. There was no way around it; his Pa was going to kill him. He had been warned, and in no uncertain terms, that if one more letter arrived home this month, he could expect dire consequences. Well here it was -- the letter that sealed his fate. Sighing, he slumped even further down in his chair, Miss Jones words still ringing in his ears.

"You will take this note home to your father, young man. I feel he has the right to know just what you have been up to in this week. I have requested a meeting with him to discuss your recent behavior in detail".

Why had grown-ups no sense of humor? All he did was have a bit of fun; it wasn't his fault that Becky Anderson had freaked when the frog he had bought into the class had jumped out of his hand and landed on her hair. Who could have imagi­ned the mayhem that ensued as she screamed and waved her arms? Knocking a large open ink container all over Miss Jones desk and destroying all the history tests that the teacher had yet to grade, not that he was sorry about that. He hadn't studied for the test after all, at least that was one thing he wouldn't be in trouble for with his father. This incident coupled with last night's homework assignment had been the icing on the cake, the final straw that had sent Miss Jones scurrying back to her desk to write the dreaded letter.

 The homework assignment been had straight forward enough or so Miss Jones had thought - simply write an interesting story that had happened to a member of your family.

Little Joe was pleased with his effort and for once was looking forward to reading his essay to the class. So what if it wasn't true, the class would enjoy it, particularly after listening to Louisa Thompson's mind numbingly boring account of her mother's trip to Carson City to purchase a new feathered hat. Finally Little Joe got his chance and he walked confidently up to the top of the class to begin his narrative.

His story at least had gripped his classmates particularly the boys, who seemed to hang onto his every word, that was until Miss Jones snatched the paper from his hands. She scanned the rest of the essay and sat down, this could not be true, she thought, Adam Cartwright seemed like such a nice young man so polite and well mannered. Well everybody knew including the teacher that Little Joe Cartwright was known for his vivid imagination, he probably made the whole ridiculous story up she surmised,  a well overdue meeting with the boy's father would confirm her suspicions.

The remainder of the day dragged on for Little Joe, not that he was over anxious to get home, knowing what awaited him there. Finally he and the rest of the children were released by their teacher and Little Joe filed out of the schoolroom along with his friends. Tuck, a round faced chubby eleven year old grabbed Little Joe by the arm and dragged him around the back of the school house, followed closely by Mitch and Seth.

"Go on, tell us the rest of the story,  Little Joe," Tuck pleaded, releasing Joe's arm.

Little Joe was the youngest and smallest of the quartet but the other three looked up to him as their leader. He knew he should tell them the truth, but what the heck, this was too good a story to waste and they were an eager audience.

"Let me see, were did I leave off? Well Adam was all about to ............."

Leaving his stunned friends to ponder on the validity of his tale, Joe vaulted onto Shadow's saddle to begin his journey home. Forgetting briefly about the letter for his father until he put his hand in his pocket. Oh, oh I better get a move on he thought, not wanting to add any more fuel to his father's temper. Approaching the ranch house, he slowed Shadow's pace to a more acceptable speed. His elder brother Hoss waved to him from the corral and sauntered over to the barn to greet him.

"Not kept behind today, Shortshanks. That must be some kind of record for you, home on time two days in a row". Hoss guffawed as his little brother stuck his tongue out at him.

"Pa up at the house, Hoss?" Joe asked nervously as he fingered the letter in his pocket.

"Why, you in some kind of trouble?" the elder bother inquired noting Little Joe's apprehension.

"No, I was just asking, big brother," Little Joe lied.

"Well, the answer to your question is no. Pa got called to San Francisco urgently; somethin' about some shippin' problem. He won't be back for ten days," Hoss replied. He couldn't help but notice the relieved look that crossed his little bother's face and the smile that followed. Hoss wasn't taken in for one second; he knew his little brother too well. The kid was definitely hiding something. Little Joe was always crestfallen when Pa was away, but this time he seemed positively happy at his father's unexpected departure. "Out with it, youngun, what have you done?"

"Doggone you Hoss, I ain't done anything. You were never this suspicious until Adam came home".

"Okay, don't tell me, but don't come runnin' to me to save your butt when Adam eventually finds out," Hoss said over his shoulder as he left his little brother alone in the barn.

Little Joe stood still for a moment reflecting on what Hoss had said. Miss Jones had stipulated that he give the note to his father; well, his father was away, there was nothing he could do about that, so there was no problem. Shrugging his shoulders he got on with his chores. He was just heading back to the house when his eldest brother rode into the yard. Adam had been back from college now for six months and had easily resumed his role, of being his father's right hand man, indeed, Ben trusted him wholeheartedly to take care of everything while he was away. The tall dark haired man dismounted gracefully from the saddle and greeted his baby brother "Hello, little buddy, had a good day?

"So, so.  Hey Adam, do you know Pa's away?"

"Brought him to the stage myself this morning and by the way he told me to tell you to behave while he was away. Got all your chores done I hope?" Adam inquired ruffling his little brother’s curly hair as he passed him on the porch. Little Joe groaned; his big brother never missed an opportunity to needle him.

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

"That there was some of the finest fried chicken I've tasted in along time," Hoss declared smacking his lips together and patting his stomach as he savored the taste.

"You say that every time we have fried chicken, Hoss. Can't you ever come up with anything original?" Little Joe retorted as he imitated Hoss’ actions.

Adam nearly choked on his coffee at Little Joe's exaggerated imitation; Hoss on the other was not the slightest bit amused. He leaned across to table and attempted to grab hold of Joe, but Adam intervened. "Alright, that's enough, fellas.  Little Joe, I presume you have homework to do, so if you're finished eating you can leave the table and start it".

"Aw Adam, can't I stay here for just awhile longer," Little Joe whined.

"No you may not. Now go,” Adam ordered sounding very much like their father at this moment.

Not one bit impressed with his eldest brother's authoritative tone Little Joe grabbed his books and went reluctantly upstairs to his room. Taking the letter from his pocket, he wondered whether or not he should show it to Adam. After all his big brother seemed in a good mood; maybe he wouldn't get too angry. There again, though, Adam could be worst than Pa. No, there was no need to go to Adam;, Miss Jones specifically said that the note was for Pa and hopefully by the time Pa came home, his teacher would have forgotten. Happy with his reasoning he opened his books and got on with his homework.

Meanwhile downstairs, the elder brothers were passing a pleasant evening together drinking coffee, playing chess, and relaxing in one another’s company. This peace was, however, broken when less than half an hour later Little Joe reappeared claiming that his homework was finished and requesting a few games of checkers. Raising an eyebrow at his little brother, Adam decided to call his bluff and demanded to see this 'finished' homework. Muttering under his breath, Little Joe returned to his room to retrieve his books, coming back to the living room area he shoved his assignments roughly into Adam's hands.

"There you go, Professor; I'm sure you'll find it fascinating," he said sarcastically as he slumped down on the settee awaiting Adam's verdict. 

Shaking his head Adam scanned the untidy grubby work. "Fascinating is not what I would call this," the elder brother replied as he waved Joe’s history assignment in the air. "Incorrect facts, appalling grammar and misspelled words are more like it. Go over to the table and do it again, and properly this time, while I check the rest of your work".

"You can't mean that, Adam? I did it already and I ain't doing it again," Joe said. He was really mad and stood glaring at his brother with his hands on his hips.

"Do as you are told. Don't make me repeat myself, Little Joe, or you'll be sorry,” Adam warned, his brown eyes narrowing, a sure sign of his anger. 

For once, Little Joe's good sense prevailed as he snatched his history homework from Adam's hand and walked over to the table. Making as much noise as he could to convey his annoyance, the little boy sat down and began to redo the dreaded history assignment. Shaking his head, Adam ignored his baby brother's antics and continued to leaf through Joe's homework. Frowning at the numerous mistakes in his English and math work, the elder brother approached the table and said "While you're at it, you can redo these also.” 

Not bothering to wait for a reply, Adam returned to his chess game with his middle brother. Hoss had very wisely kept out of this little altercation between his brothers but couldn't help being on Joe's side when he saw his little brother's crestfallen face after Adam statement. He knew, however, that it would be futile to argue with his elder brother, so shrugging his shoulders, he turned his full attention back to the chess game. Both older brothers lost track of time as they battled against each other. For once, Hoss seemed to have the upper hand and Adam was trying to conceive how he had gotten himself into this predicament. Finally Adam won, when he noticed a weakness in Hoss' play and much to his relief called checkmate. Leaning back on his chair, the elder brother grinned while the larger but younger brother scowled. Suddenly becoming aware of the time, Adam glanced towards the table were his baby brother lay fast asleep over his books.

"It seems our little scholar has had enough for tonight," Adam said as he rose and walked quietly towards the sleeping boy. Removing the pencil from the grubby fingers, he gently lifted his little brother into his arms and took him upstairs to bed. Smiling at the scene, Hoss set up the chess board for one more game and sat back awaiting his elder brother's return.  

Adam quickly undressed Little Joe and managed to get him into bed without disturbing him. Tucking the covers securely around the sleeping boy, Adam extinguished the lamp and tiptoed from the room. When he returned downstairs, Hoss had disappeared to the kitchen in search of a nightly snack, so Adam tidied Joe's books away. He read the revised homework and was pleased with the new report; Adam knew his young brother was smart but he was also very lazy, as the first draft of the homework indicated. He just did as little as he could get away with and tonight demonstrated that -- with Pa away, Joe felt nobody would bother to check. Since Adam's return from college, Ben had only been away a few times and mostly then at weekends or holidays so Adam never had cause before to check his little brothers homework.

"Board all set up for a rematch big brother?" Hoss returned carrying a large plate heaped with food.

"Okay, I'll be right with you. Just putting away Little Joe's books."

"Poor little kid, never did get a chance to play tonight, thanks to you," Hoss muttered.

"What's that you're muttering? That kid can twist you around his little finger. Well he won't try that again if he knows what's good for him,” Adam replied sitting down opposite Hoss to start a new game.

"Ah Adam, don't you think you was just a smidge unfair making him do all his homework again." 

"No, I don't. That first attempt was appalling;  Little Joe is a bright kid, if he would just use his brain for completing the assignments instead of trying to find ways not to do them. Also if he could just harness that part of his brain that encourages him into mischief and redirect it into schoolwork, our little brother could be a genuine scholar." Adam sat back in his chair pleased with his opening move and his last statement.

Having no ammunition to argue back in either defense of his beloved little brother or response to Adam's annihilation of his chess pieces, so Hoss conceded to his grinning elder brother.

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

"Joseph, is your father waiting outside?" Miss Jones inquired finding it hard to believe that Ben Cartwright had not come straight in as he usually did.

"No, Miss.” Little Joe stood up and responded.

"Come here, Joseph.”.

Little Joe dramatically got up from his chair and walked the short distance to the top of the class to stand in front of his seemingly irate teacher.

"Did you or did you not give the letter I wrote to your father, Joseph?" 

"No, Miss Jones, Pa is away in San Francisco for ten days, so I couldn't give him the note,"  Little Joe said as he flashed his most cherubic smile up at his teacher, while some of his friends snickered behind him.

"Silence, this is no laughing matter boys and unless you would like some letters to take home to your parents, I suggest you continue with your work.” Miss Jones silenced Mitch and Seth immediately with this statement. Turning her attention back to the small curly haired boy in front of her she continued, "Well Joseph, just who is in charge of the Ponderosa whilst your father is away? “  

"Adam is," Little Joe was beginning to think that his strategy was not working out to plan as Miss Jones returned to her desk and penned another letter.

Little Joe stood at the teacher's desk, running his hand through his already tousled hair. Adam was not going to be amused about this and tonight was not likely to be one of the more pleasant evenings in the Cartwright household. His eldest brother was going to be livid and Little Joe winced just thinking about the lecture that his brother almost certainly would deliver. The letter Miss Jones was writing seemed to have taken on novel proportions as she wrote in detail the reasons for Adam's visit.

Secretly Miss Jones was delighted about the forthcoming meeting; Adam Cartwright was indeed a very eligible bachelor, whom she had admired from afar. He was so different from the uneducated, uncouth louts of ranch hands and other Virginia City inhabitants that shunned her refined ways. Although she was some years older than the young Mr. Cartwright, she still harbored aspirations that they could become acquainted romantically. A man of intellect like Adam would surely look beyond a pretty face and figure for a more mature woman of similar intellect to share his life with. Her daydreaming was rudely interrupted by a shuffle by her side; lost in her thoughts, she had almost completely forgotten about the small boy standing beside her. She hurriedly finished the letter and handed it to Joe saying rather sheepishly, "Give this to your brother Adam and tell him I will expect to see him sometime on Monday. Now go back to your seat and begin your work.”

Little Joe walked slowly back to his desk and slumped down on his seat; slowly opening his history book he began to read the next assignment. Recalling Miss Jones words about seeing Adam on Monday, he suddenly brightened up. He had forgotten that today was Friday; he could, therefore, wait to tell Adam until Sunday night. This would give him a chance to enjoy the weekend first and worry about possible consequences later.

***********

Adam and Hoss had ridden into town shortly after their little brother had left for school to get supplies. Splitting up to complete their tasks, they arranged to meet in the Silver Dollar for a quick beer before returning to the ranch. Hoss went to the General Store to get Hop Sing's requirements while Adam went to the bank.

Since arriving in town, Adam had the strangest feeling that the people in town were regarding him in a different manner. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but there was definitely something peculiar going on. Leaving the bank, Adam made his way to the saloon to meet Hoss; maybe he knew what was going on. The eldest Cartwright sauntered up to the counter and ordered a beer while he waited for his brother.

Slowly drinking his beer and pondering the sideways glances he was receiving from the other occupants of the saloon, Adam was lost in thought when eventually Hoss materialized beside him. "Beer please, Tom," Hoss cheerfully requested from the Silver Dollar bar man; at seventeen, he had just gained the privilege of going to a saloon for a beer -- that was, as long as Adam was with him

"Coming right up, Hoss"

Taking their drinks the brothers retired to one of the side tables.

"Have you noticed the people of this town acting strange today Hoss?"

"Can't say that I have, Adam. Why?"

"I don't know; it's just a feeling, but I seem to be getting peculiar glances everywhere I go. Yet I was in town yesterday, dropping Pa off at the stage and things were just fine then."

"It's just your imagination; ain't nobody looking at you. Come on Adam, ain't you the one that's always giving out to Little Joe 'bout his vivid imagination and here you are just as bad."

"You're probably right Hoss, but all the same I have a strange feeling about this. Well I suppose we had better drink up and head back to the ranch.” Adam said glancing once more around the saloon; perhaps Hoss was right, it was just his imagination.

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

"Don't even think 'bout cheating, little brother, while I'm in the kitchen,” Hoss warned over his shoulder on route to getting himself an after supper snack. Little Joe replaced the checkers on the board quickly upon hearing this remark. He was sitting on the round table in front of the fireplace with his feet tucked beneath him, trying now how to work out the quickest way to beat Hoss. Adam, on the other hand, was wrestling with his own problems and was not impressed with his brothers’ antics over the last few games that they had played. He was sitting at his father's desk, trying to sort out the monthly accounts, and no matter what he did, the columns just refused to balance. It was beginning to get on his nerves and his brothers constant bickering over missing checker pieces and illegal moves was doing nothing to improve his present humor.

Finally Little Joe's triumphant victory shouts and subsequent leap into the air, landing feet first on the settee was just enough to bring Adam to the end of his tether. Grabbing his ten year old brother by the collar of his shirt, Adam roughly lifted Little Joe from the couch and directed him to the stairs with a hard swat to the seat of his pants and a single word, "Bed".

"Aw Adam, it's only seven thirty; Pa always let me stay up till eight thirty on Fridays," Joe whined as he rubbed his now stinging backside.

"I don't care. I've told you repeatedly tonight to stay quiet which you have chosen to ignore, so now you're paying the price. Now get up to bed.”

Little Joe stood defiantly on the bottom step of the stairs for a few minutes, until Adam made an advance towards him, before retreating quickly upstairs to the safety of his room. Once inside the room the small boy walked over to the window and sat down. Taking out the letter for Adam, he congratulated himself on his decision not to hand it over until Sunday evening, judging on the foul mood his eldest brother was in tonight. He stood up and hid the letter in the top drawer of his bureau and then quickly got ready for bed, knowing his brother would soon come up and check on him.

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

Saturday morning was Little Joe's favorite day -- no school or church so after he had finished his chores he was free to do whatever he wanted…well, within reason. Unusual for him, he was awake and dressed before Hoss called him. 

"Well, wonders will never cease. What have you got planned today that has you up this early, Shortshanks?"

"Nothing, Hoss, it's just Saturday and after all Adam sent me to bed early last night so I guess I'm just all slept out"

"Maybe you should go to bed early every night; make my job a lot easier in the mornings,” Hoss mused, his little brother was notoriously hard to drag from bed on school mornings.

"Aw Hoss, don't you go putting ideas into Pa or Adam's head,” Little Joe pouted, annoyed by Hoss’ suggestion.

"I don't know now; sure sounds like a good idea. It was nice and quiet last night after you had gone up.” Hoss pretended to be giving serious consideration to his suggestion, but guffawed when he saw the stricken look on Little Joe's face. "Had you goin' there for a few minutes, Punkin".

"Doggone you Hoss, I thought you were serious,” Little Joe said as jumped on Hoss’ back. Lifting the child with ease, Hoss carry him piggyback fashion downstairs and deposited him at his seat at the table. Their elder brother was already started on his breakfast and greeted them with a cheery "Good morning", for he was genuinely sorry for his bad mood on the previous night and was determined to make up to them today especially his baby brother. 

"What plan's have you got for today, little brother?" Adam inquired as Little Joe helped himself to the bacon and eggs that were already on the table.

"Nothing much,” Little Joe answered somewhat sullenly; he hadn't forgiven his big brother for last night early dismissal yet.

"Well how about after you finish your chores coming into town with me. I have to drop Hop Sing in to visit his one of his sick cousins so I'll treat you to lunch in the International House. How does that sound?"

"Do you mean it, Adam?" Little Joe piped up, his bad mood completely evaporated.

"I sure do, little brother, now why don't eat up so we can be on our way,” Adam answered, delighted that he found a way to placate his little brother. It never ceased to amaze him how quickly Little Joe's moods could change.

While Little Joe bounded off to do his chores, Adam and Hoss remained at the table discussing the work schedule for the day.

"That was real nice of you, Adam, offering to take Little Joe into town," Hoss said as he sat back and grinned at his elder brother.

"Well Hop Sing has to go to town -- so do I as a matter of fact -- and you will be away from the house all day, so I can't very well leave him here by himself. Lord only knows what he would get up to,” Adam answered, dismissing that he had an ulterior motive. He hated when his soft side showed through and always coolly covered it up. The eldest Cartwright brother had been feeling guilty all night; he did after all pride himself on his ability to keep a cool head, but last night he had acted in temper. An injustice had been committed in his book and his little brother was the victim. The only crime Little Joe had committed was being his usual exuberant self. Adam was a fair man and a great believer in the right punishment to fit the crime, but after the books had balanced and he had time to cool off, he came to the conclusion that the kid hadn't done anything wrong. He was just being a ten year old. By the time he came to this realization, it was too late to rectify; his little brother was sound asleep, so he decided a treat was in order and  so hence the trip to Virginia City.

Hoss smiled at Adam's rational explanation for the trip, but wasn't taken in for a second. Adam could con a lot of people with his hard hearted logical excuses but not Hoss; he knew his big soft hearted brother too well.

"Well I'd better get a move on or else our little brother is liable to leave without me. We should be back by late afternoon, Hoss. Think you can hold the fort until then?"

"You don't worry none 'bout me; you just take care of the little rascal, you hear.” Hoss slapped Adam heartily on the back propelling his older brother towards the front door. Adam went to the barn and hitched up the team and soon he, Hop Sing and Little Joe were on their way to Virginia City.

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

"Where to now, little brother?” Adam inquired as he concluded his business in the bank.

"How about Peterson's Mercantile, I promised Hoss I'd bring him some peppermint sticks home; he said you'd give the money and he'd pay you later," Little Joe said beaming up at his big brother, as the two walked side by side past the Sheriff's office.

"Oh he did, did he? Well I suppose I can manage that. How about you? Don't you want some?" Adam asked as he cupped his hand behind Little Joe's neck and steered him across the street towards to the aforementioned store.

Little Joe nodded his head; boy, his big brother was in a good mood today. The two brothers continued their journey to the store until Joe looked up and saw the one person he did not want Adam to meet -- Miss Jones large as life and heading for the same Mercantile. Oh Oh, thought the little boy as he slowed his pace considerably. Suddenly Adam realized he was talking to himself as his baby brother was some paces behind him, stopping completely he waited for Little Joe to catch up with him.

"What's wrong, Little Buddy, are you okay?” Adam asked, noticing the strange look on his little brother's face.

"I'm fine. Can we go to Davis's Store instead? They have much better candy,” Joe replied giving his brother his most persuasive smile.

"Okay, whatever you say.” Adam was thoroughly confused, but shrugging his shoulders allowed himself to be dragged in the opposite direction. Not that he minded all that much; he was quite taken with pretty Jennifer Davis and this would give him the opportunity to ask her to next Saturday’s dance.

 Little Joe heaved a silent sigh of relief; Miss Jones unexpected appearance had nearly ruined everything.

"Hello Adam, hello Little Joe, what can I do for you today?” Jennifer Davis sparkling blue eyes lit up on seeing the Cartwright brothers.

"Hello Jennifer, nice to see you. Just some candy for this one,” Adam said indicating Little Joe with nod of his head.

"Well, what would you like, Little Joe?” the pretty girl smiled down at Adam's little brother. He was such an attractive child with his hazel green eyes and curly brown hair framing his angelic little face; he sure was bound to break some hearts in a few years, she thought. Continuing her appraisal of the Cartwrights, she glanced in Adam's direction and reflected his big brother was quite handsome too. Little Joe took some time on his deliberations but soon pointed to the candy he wanted, not forgetting some for Hoss as well. Adam paid for it and placed the packet in his coat pocket, much to Joe's annoyance; it was much too close to lunch to contemplate eating some now.

Wanting a few minutes of Jennifer's attention, Adam sent his young brother to the back of the store to look at the new books that had recently arrived. Little Joe knew that it was only an excuse to get rid of him out of earshot so Adam could ask Jennifer out on a date. Relieved to get away from Adam's ever watchful eye for a few moments at least, Little Joe heeded his brother's request; however, he had no intention of looking at some boring old books, not when there were much more interesting things to see in the Mercantile. Adam and Jennifer talked for some time while Little Joe explored the many delights the general store had to offer.

"Adam, it's good to see you. How are things on the Ponderosa?” Jennifer's father said as he appeared from the store room dusting himself off. Mr. Davis was a small middle aged amicable man, who loved his job almost as much as his family.

"Hello Mr. Davis, everything is fine at home. Pa's away in San Francisco for a few days, so we are being kept quite busy,” Adam said, pleased that Jennifer had already accepted his invitation.

"Well I'm sure the Ponderosa was never in safer hands, eh Adam? That was some mighty fancy shooting you displayed at the fair last week. I put my money on Big Rusty Paterson; he won it, you know, for the last four years. Never thought you had a chance, being in 'college' and all." The storekeeper grinned strangely as he said this and then continued "But aren't you the sly one, Adam.” Mr. Davis leaned on the counter, shaking his head recalling Adam's almost total annihilation of the other competitors at last weekends Virginia City Fair.

Adam couldn’t quite make out whether his was being praised or insulted by the shopkeeper, but he did detect the definite undertones in Mr. Davis's statement, maybe because his surprise win cost the Mercantile owner to lose his money. Well he had nothing to be ashamed of; he had won the competition fair and square, even though he felt himself that he could have shot better. Before he had gone away to college, Adam had been quite prolific with both rifle and handgun, much to his father's annoyance. Ben did not agree with all the practice his eldest son did to improve both his aim and fast draw. Since returning from Boston, where he hadn't needed to wear a gun for four years, Adam felt initially that he was rusty, if not downright clumsy, with both firearms. A lot of practice, out on the range and away from prying eyes, soon brought him back to speed and accuracy. The ultimate test had been last weeks shooting competition which he had won with ease.

Maybe that was the reason he was getting all those strange looks from the people in town;  they also had lost money because off his win --  that must be it, but it still didn't account for the snide comments he seemed to be getting about his Boston education. Adam was confused, but before he could question Mr. Davis on his comment, Little Joe appeared at his side, interrupting the conversation rudely, saying he was hungry.

Little Joe had heard the storekeeper's comment and knew what he was referring to, after all, his younger daughter attended the Virginia City school and although five years older than Little Joe, she had heard the boy's essay and obviously relayed it back to her family. He had to get his big brother out of there quickly before Adam's ever alerted mind put two and two together.

Although annoyed by his young brother's rude interruption, Adam politely apologized and the brothers departed from the shop.

Outside the store, however, the elder brother admonished Little Joe for his rudeness.

"I'm surprised at you, Little Joe; you know only too well not to interrupt grownups when they are speaking. Don't do it again"

"I know, I'm sorry, Adam; it's just that I was a long time waiting for you and I'm ever so hungry, almost as hungry as Hoss," Little Joe apologized.

"That will be the day, little brother, but come on, we can't have you fading away on us. It's not often you ask for food," Adam chuckled, forgiving his brother and accepting his explanation.

Dinner at the International House was always a treat for Little Joe; he loved to watch the other diners and imagine what jobs and lifestyle they had. His brothers knew that he did this and often questioned him on his assumptions, generally laughing at his detailed analyses.

"Well Little Buddy, what pray tell do you think the gentleman smoking the cigar does for a living?” Adam asked sitting back drinking his after dinner coffee.

"I'd say he's a professional card player who recently lost a lot of money and is here to arrange a big game. I wouldn't trust him, though. I'd say he cheats; his eyes are too close together and that moustache is obviously a fake,” Little Joe said his eyes never leaving the gentleman's face.

Adam nearly choked on his coffee laughing; the gentleman in question was a Mr. Leonard D. Higgins, a well respected business man and one the Ponderosa regularly did business with. He made a mental note to remind his father never to send Little Joe to business meetings when he grew up.

"I must say, little brother, lunch with you is never boring. What do you say to heading back to the ranch now? It's nearly time to pick up Hop Sing,” Adam said as he motioned for the waiter to give him the check.

"I suppose so; I had a great time, thanks Adam.”

"You're welcome, little brother,” Adam smiled ruffling his brother's hair.

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

Little Joe chatted incessantly at the supper table that night, filling Hoss in on everything he and Adam had seen in town, including 'the card shark'. Adam shook his head at Hoss' questioning look and mouthed "I'll tell you later".

"Well it's seem's you boys had quite a time today, maybe I'll jus' join you both the next time," Hoss said winking at Adam as he said this.

After supper the brothers relaxed in front of the fire, Hoss and Little Joe playing checkers and Adam reading. The younger brothers were just as noisy and boisterous tonight but Adam chose to block them out and content himself with his book. An hour or so later, he did notice his young brother's repeated yawns and gently told him to go to bed. Little Joe didn't even bother to protest as he was feeling rather tired, so bidding good night to his brothers he went upstairs.

Sunday morning on the Ponderosa was the most laid-back morning of the week; even chores started an hour later. Despite getting an extra hour, Little Joe groaned when Hoss unceremoniously yanked the covers from his bed.

"Doggone you Hoss, give them back; it's too early to get up,” Little Joe moaned only, half awake as he shivered sitting up on his bed.

"No way Shortshanks, Adam told to get you up and that’s what I aim to do. If I gave 'em back, you'd just go back to sleep. Now jump to it,” Hoss ordered advancing menacing towards his little brother. Little Joe wisely knew when he was out matched, so rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he got out of bed. As he splashed some water on his face,  a realization came to him that he would have to give the letter to Adam tonight. He had completely forgotten about the dreaded thing and now regretted having ever written the stupid essay. Looking on the bright side, however, he still had the rest of the day to enjoy; so dismissing any gloomy thoughts from his mind, he got dressed quickly and joined his brothers for breakfast.

The sermon that morning was a boring as usual, Little Joe thought, as he fidgeted in his seat once to often which earned him a glare from his eldest brother. Finally though the Rev. Samuels ramblings came to an end and they all stood for the final hymn. Outside he caught sight of Mitch so while Adam and Hoss were chatting with friends, he disappeared to speak to his friend. The two young friends scampered off behind the church, sneaking away before either of their families noticed them.

"Well, was Adam mad?" Mitch asked his friend, anxious to hear about the fireworks.

"I didn't give him the letter yet, I kinda waiting 'til tonight," Little Joe confessed somewhat sheepishly.

Before Mitch could give his opinion on this, a tall dark figure loomed beside him.

"How many times have you been told not to disappear without telling one of us where you are going?” Adam addressed his young brother.

"You were talking and you said yesterday, it was rude to interrupt,” Little Joe retorted.

Adam let out an exasperated sigh and grabbed hold of his little brother's arm.

"Come on, lets get home or Hop Sing will have a fit. Mitch, you better hightail it back too; your mother's looking everywhere for you".

On hearing this, Mitch darted ahead of the Cartwright brothers but called back over his shoulder to his friend, "See you in school tomorrow, Little Joe; it should be real interesting.” He then ran in the direction of his family.

"What did he mean by that?" Adam asked, his curiosity peaked by Mitch's remark.

"Oh, you know Mitch, he was just joshin'.” Joe nervously covered for his friend's inadvertent slip and abruptly changed the subject before his big brother could continue his interrogation. "I race you back to Hoss," he said shaking himself free from Adam's hold and not bothering to wait for his brother to agree, took off like a race horse. Adam let him go, much too dignified at twenty three to be seen participating in a race with his kid brother.

Hoss was waiting patiently at the buggy for his wayward brothers; it wasn't long however before his little brother came sprinting towards him, shouting at the top of his lungs that he had won the race. Curiously Hoss wondered who were the other competitors in this so called race, until he saw Adam coming around the church building, walking sedately in Hoss' direction with his hands up to quiet Little Joe. Little Joe refused to be quieted as he whooped and punched the air in victory until Hoss unceremoniously grabbed him from behind and clamped his hand over his little brother's mouth.

"Thanks, Hoss. Will you pipe down, Little Joe? This is neither the time or the place for this sort of behavior," Adam warned

"Heck Adam, you know this is the only way to quiet this here little rascal,” Hoss said, his hand still firmly in position over Joe's mouth, despite the little boy's struggles.

"Come on, Punk in, time to go home.” With this, Hoss dumped Little Joe in to the back of the buggy, while he and Adam took their places in the front seat.

"Hoss, I telling you, there is something very strange going on. People keep nudging me and winking every time they mention my education. I don't understand; I've been back for six months, so why now?” Adam was getting quite suspicious.

"Yeah Adam, I thought the other day you were just imagining it, but now I ain't so sure. Folks are acting mighty peculiar towards you all of a sudden,"  Hoss said scrunching up his face to come up with a plausible reason,  coming up with none he concluded "Well  Pa will be home in a little over a weeks time; I bet he'll be able to find out what's botherin' folks".

"I'm not waiting for Pa to come home; I going to find out tomorrow what this is all about. If someone has been spreading rumors about me, I’ll........” Adam declared leaving the sentence unfinished as he urged the horses to quicken the pace.

The small figure seated behind them winced when he heard this; Adam would indeed find out tomorrow the reason for the strange attitude towards him and Little Joe wasn't looking forward to the consequences.

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

Little Joe opened the top drawer of his bureau and took out the once neat white envelope; taking a deep breath, he summoned his courage as he knew that time had ran out and he had to give the letter to his big brother now. He had been up in his room for fifteen minutes and should be in bed, Adam would soon be up to check on him. Opening the door, he crept outside and stood at the top of the landing listening to his brother’s conversation. He waited until Hoss went into the kitchen before going downstairs; he didn't need an audience for what he was about to do. 

Adam had settled down in front of the fire in his favorite chair with his book and was momentarily startled when Joe appeared at his side. Setting aside his book he said somewhat annoyed. "What are doing out of bed? Do you know what time it is? You have school tomorrow.”

Nervously Little Joe just smiled in response to the barrage of questions and handed Adam the letter he was hiding behind his back. Eying his little brother suspiciously, Adam took the letter, opened it and scanned the contents quickly. Little Joe gulped when he saw the angry expression on his brother's face as he read the teacher's letter. 

"You've had this since Friday and you're only giving it to me now?” Adam angrily said as he stood up, towering over Little Joe and waved the letter in his brother's face, before continuing "What have you been up to? No, never mind answering that; I'm sure to get a full detailed account from Miss Jones tomorrow. What have you got to say for yourself?"

"I'm sorry Adam, I forgot to give it to you,” Little Joe lied and then regretted it when his brother made another advance on him, making him retreat a few steps.

"Forgot to give it to me! What kind of fool you think I am? You planned this right from the start. I ought to tan your hide right here and now but I won't; I wait and see what Miss Jones has to say before I dish out any discipline. Now get up to bed.” Adam dismissed him and Little Joe ran quickly upstairs, happy at least for the moment to escape from his brother's wrath.

Adam slumped into his chair and buried his head into his hands, dreading the forthcoming meeting with the overly amorous school teacher. Since his return from college, his father had sent him a couple of times into the school to deal with some of the mischief Little Joe got himself involved in. During these visits, Adam couldn't help but notice the way the teacher was so obviously flirting with him and when he mentioned it to his father, he just laughed, saying Adam was imagining it. The same thing happened after church most Sundays, Miss Jones would somehow manage to sidle up to Adam and ask him to join her for tea to discuss the morning sermon. Trying hard not to encourage these unwanted advances, Adam would politely doff his hat and would apologize that he had a previous engagement. He knew that he would have to come up with a more plausible excuse as he couldn't keep using this same pretence. Now his baby brother and his unrivalled knack for mischief had placed him in a rather awkward position. Slumping even further into his chair, Adam vowed to throttle his little brother.

"What’s the matter, Adam? I heard you arguing with Little Joe,” Hoss inquired, noticing the despondent look on his elder brother's face.

"Oh, our little brother just conveniently forgot to give me this -- until now, that is, “Adam declared waving the teacher's letter in the air.

"What's he done now?” Hoss said as he accepted the teacher's letter from Adam. The letter didn't say too much --just that Miss Jones requested a meeting at the school to discuss Little Joe's recent behavior and a particular homework assignment. Scrunching up his face, as he finished the letter and looked at his older brother's angry countenance, Hoss couldn't help but feel sorry for Little Joe. 

***********

  Breakfast the next morning was a somber affair; Adam was in his blackest mood and best left on his own. Little Joe was silent for obvious reasons and only played with his food, only Hoss chatted and ate as if nothing was wrong. 

"Do you want me to finish the fences up at the north pasture and then meet you in town, Adam?” Hoss interrupted his elder brother's silent thought, needing to know the plan for the day ahead. 

Adam slowly shook himself from his silence to respond to Hoss’ question "Sorry, Hoss, I was miles away. That sounds okay, but I don't think you'll be able to get all the repairs done by yourself; it’s a two man job, so take Charlie with you. That way you should be finished on time to meet me in town. I know that I wanted Charlie to start on the branding today and this is going to leave us a day behind but I don't have any other choice now. Do you see now all the trouble you cause by not behaving in school?" The last sentence directed squarely at his rarely silent baby brother.

Little Joe looked so despondent that soft-hearted Hoss completely forgave him and decided to try and talk to his older brother before the two left for school. With all pretence of eating over, Little Joe excused himself from the table to get ready for school, giving Hoss the opportunity that he needed to talk to Adam.

“Come on Adam, ya ain't really that mad with him, are ya? He's only ten and that Miss Jones seems to send home a note about any little thing. I think she's takin' a powerful likin' to you, older brother, and this is the only way she has to talk to ya".

Glancing towards Hoss, Adam smirked for the first time since last night and said, "That's just the problem, Hoss; I think you're right. I'm not even that angry with Little Joe, more frustrated with him for getting himself into mischief while Pa's away. But I have to sort this out and see what he has done. I know you want me to take it easy on him -- he has you twisted around his little finger and all it takes is for him to look forlorn and you immediately jump to his defense -- but I'm not promising anything until I hear the full facts from Miss Jones".

Getting up from the table, he walked over to the credenza to get his hat and gun. As he buckled his gun belt he smiled ruefully and added, "Hey Hoss, if I not in the Silver Dollar by the time you come to town, please come rescue me.”

"No problem, older brother,” Hoss guffawed, delighted that Adam now seemed in a much better mood and this boded well for his little brother.

***********

Abigail Jones was ringing the school bell to herald the start of the school day when she spotted the tall dark haired young man of her dreams escorting his young brother to the steps of the school house. Ushering the children quickly inside, she turned her full intention to the Cartwrights. 

"Joseph, I'm glad to see you gave this letter to the appropriate recipient. Now go inside and start the work for your grade that is on the blackboard, while I discuss your recent behavior with your brother,” Miss Jones said as she too ushered Little Joe into the classroom.

Little Joe looked apprehensively over his shoulder as his teacher began her narrative that would no doubt seal his fate.

Miss Jones and Adam stayed in the small room that adjoined the main classroom, that way they could speak in private but could keep an eye on the children through a small glass panel on the connecting door. From his position inside the classroom, Little Joe could also keep watch on the conversation and gauge his big brother's expression.

"Mr. Cartwright, or would you prefer I called you Adam"

"Please call me Adam"

"Well Adam," Miss Jones grinned, momentarily lost in her daydreams again as she gazed into Adam's dark expressive eyes and then mentally chastised herself for the musing -- 'time for that later' she thought -- and continued "As I have stated in my letter, Joseph has been quite a handful in the past week. He has brought frogs into my classroom and terrorized the girls with them, resulting in ungraded history tests being ruined. I cannot tolerate this type of behavior from any of my students and I know your father would not accept it either".

"You're quite right, Miss Jones; my father would most certainly not approve and neither do I. Rest assured that I will deal with Joseph tonight and please accept my apologises for the trouble he has caused you. I will endeavor to impress on him that this sort of behavior is unacceptable in the future. Well, if that is all, I will take my leave of you and let you get back to your class," Adam said relieved that he had sorted it this quickly and could soon be on his way. Nothing too serious after all -- just frogs. Well a quick session across his knee tonight should convey to his little brother that this sort of mischief was inadmissible.

"I'm sorry Adam, but that is not quite all. Last Wednesday I gave the class an essay to write for homework. This essay was supposed to be about an interesting story that had happened to a member of their family, a true story. Your little brother ­ chose to write a rather interesting story concerning you and I wish to find out whether or not there is any truth in its contents. Please wait here whilst I retrieve it.” With this, Miss Jones entered the classroom to get the said essay. Adam caught hold of Little Joe's eye through the glass. Little Joe knew that look all too well; it meant, wait till I get you home.

Adam read the proffered assignment quickly -- he would have laughed at the contents and his young brother's vivid imagination if he had been in a better and more accommodating mood. Little Joe had after all quite ingeniously reinvented his big brother's life to what he had thought was a much more interesting and appealing lifestyle.

Out went the college education, which his little brother obviously felt was boring and in came, a circus performer and hired gun which were much more appealing to the ten year old, and by the looks of it, to half the population of Virginia City as well.

No wonder he was getting peculiar looks for the past few days; Little Joe story was indeed plausible, which he himself had reinforced by winning the shooting competition. Around the time that he had left for college, a circus had come to town; the owners of the circus turned out to be friends of Ben's and so the two families had spent some time together while the Hartleys performed in Virginia City. Adam had become quite attached to the daughter, the very pretty Francesca, and had kept in touch with her while he was in college. The Martelli Circus and Adam departed Virginia City about the same time, thus bolstering Little Joe tale.

The circus performing had been bad enough but the hired gun part of the essay was inexcusable; it seemed according to his little brother, that he had quit the circus after Francesca had run away to marry another performer from a rival circus. Reluctant to come home before the four years were up, he then hired himself out as a hired gun to towns in need of protection. Shaking his head he continued reading, smirking when he got to the passage of why he favored to dress in his favorite color of black. Apparently it had nothing to do with sophistication or individuality; no, according to his young brother, it was so ‘the baddies would get scared of him', to quote his exact words. 

Were the people of Virginia City that inept that they would believe the ramblings of a mischievous ten year old with an overactive imagination? Apparently so, Adam thought, as he exhaled the breath he didn't know he was holding.

His little brother had just earned himself a much longer session across his big brother's knee tonight as the result of his overactive imagination. Looking over at the teacher, he wondered how she of all people could believe this, knowing Little Joe as she did.

"You don't believe this, do you, Miss Jones?" he asked anyway to gauge her reaction

"Of course not, Adam; that is why I stopped Little Joe from reading it to the class before he was finished, but alas, I think I left it too late as his cohorts rushed to him at recess to hear the rest of his narrative. I simply knew it was not true; you of all men would never deceive the good people of this town like that and neither would your fine upstanding father. Alas, though, I feel your good name and reputation has indeed been tainted by this, as there are a great deal of uncouth inhabitants in this town who will believe this nonsense. I will do my best, however, to correct this misinformation," she promised as she saw the stricken look on Adam's face.

"Thank you, Miss Jones"

"Oh please call me, Abigail, Miss Jones sounds so formal don't you think"

"Thank you, Abigail,” Adam said politely but inwardly flinched once again as he heard the obvious flirtation in her voice, time to depart and quickly he thought.

"Oh Adam, I have just thought of a wonderful idea that would dispel these nasty rumors and restore your good name. As you know I have recently started a literary group that meets in my house on Monday evenings. What better way to show off your education than to put on a production of a Shakespearian play, like Romeo and Juliet? We have no gentlemen as yet in our group, but I'm sure with your influence, you could entice a few of your more cultured friends to join." Her eyes gleamed as she unfolded her plan. Adam now realized how a fly felt caught in a spider's web; he was truly going to kill his little brother for getting him into this mess.

His brain was working overtime to come up with a good reason to decline her offer. How could he break it her gently that he would much rather to be branded a circus performer or indeed a hired gun than to endure evenings in her company acting out a production of Romeo & Juliet. And you didn't have to be a genius to work out who was going to play the lead parts.

"That sounds awfully tempting, Abigail, but I feel I must decline. Things are rather busy at the ranch at the moment with my father being away," he stammered.

"But surely when he returns, you will then have some free time to join us," she interrupted hopefully, not about to give up on her plans for such a paltry excuse.

Adam sighed; she had him here, but then was saved by some quick thinking or was it divine intervention.

"Yes that may be so, but I'm sure you know that before I left for college, not only did I help with the running of the ranch but also I supervised the upbringing of my brothers. My father is a very busy man and being a widower, he has come to rely on me to take care of my brothers. Since my return from Boston, I have taken up my ranch duties but I seem to have neglected to resume my supervision of my brothers, Little Joe in particular. I feel at this moment in time, any free time I have should be spent with him and judging from today’s revelations, I am going to have my work cut out. Now if you will excuse me, I have some business to take care of in town." Not waiting for a reply, he hastily retreated out the door before she could think of anything else to say.

Little Joe watched as his big brother eventually departed, wondering what they had talked about that had taken so long. Usually when his father came, he was in and out in a matter of minutes; there again, though, Adam was long winded about most things. Little Joe sighed. All in all, Little Joe was not looking forward to going home tonight.

Adam concluded his other business, ending up in The Silver Dollar for a much needed drink and to wait for Hoss to arrive. The more he thought of his little brother's bizarre tale the more he despaired for the gullible citizens of Virginia City. How could any rational person believe such a story? Well the facts spoke for themselves; there were a great deal of people in the town that believed this nonsense as recent comments would suggest. He would just have to correct these misguided souls and the best way to do that was to refute the story with the people most likely to have spread the rumors - saloonkeepers, shopkeepers and the general gossip mongers of Virginia City - the Ladies Auxiliary.       

He was just in the process of correcting Little Joe's tale with Tom, the bar man at the Silver Dollar, when Hoss arrived.

"Adam, there you are. Didn't know if I had to come rescue or not?" Hoss guffawed as he slapped Adam heartily on the back and then continued anxiously "Everything go alright at the schoolhouse? I mean, is it safe for our little brother to come home?"

"Well let me put it this way, Hoss; I now know why I have been getting those peculiar looks recently and I have my little brother to thank for them,"  Adam said and then drained his glass before he answered Hoss questioning look.

"It seems our baby brother wasn't content with having a college graduate for a big brother, no, so he just up and reinvented my life. I stand before you now not Adam Cartwright, college graduate, but 'The Black Bullet', top billed shooting act with the Martelli Circus,” Adam laughed at Hoss’ stunned expression.

"But that’s not all. It seems according to our mischievous little brother that I became bored with circus life after two years and quit and then used my considerable talent with firearms in a much more needed and dangerous profession -- that of a hired gun. It appears that I single handedly cleaned up nearly half the towns in the wild west, sometimes by just turning up as most gunfighters feared my unmatched fast draw and accuracy. Well there you have it, gentlemen,” Adam said as he raised his newly filled glass to both Hoss and Tom.

"Well I'd say that is a mighty handy reputation to have there, Adam. I could sure use your help here some nights with the ornery lot we sometimes get in here. I could just point in your direction and say that there is the Black Bullet -- ain't you never heard of him?” Tom laughed as Adam winced at the suggestion.

"No thanks, Tom, and I'd be most appreciative if you would dispel any such notions and please pass the word along that there is no truth in the story, that it was just simply the overactive imaginings of a ten year old. Do you know the hardest part of this? Not that Joe wrote this nonsense -- he's only a child after all -- but that people actually believed it," Adam quickly answered. He knew that the bartender was joking but it was better to be safe than sorry. Tom looked away quickly, ashamed with himself for even thinking that it could be true; he knew that Adam surmised this and said this last part for his benefit.

"That little rascal, who'd ever believe that he could come up with such a story. Mind you, Adam, I done told you that wearing all that there black would get you in trouble one day," Hoss grinned.

"Very funny. Come on, Hoss, it's getting late and I have a few more stops to make to clear up this fiasco before we can go home. By that time it should be time for school to be letting out, and wouldn't it be a nice surprise for our baby brother for us to be waiting to escort him home, just in case he has other ideas” Adam said rather ominously.

**********

The elder brothers waited a discrete distance from the schoolhouse, Adam not wanting to attract anymore attention form Abigail Jones today or to alert their little brother to their presence until it was too late to escape.

Little Joe said goodbye to his friends and vaulted onto Shadow's back to begin his long trek home along the much longer alternative route to the Ponderosa. He was just deciding whether or not he should hide out for awhile, well at least until Adam had calmed down, and this route offered more hiding possibilities, when he noticed two figures resembling his brothers waiting to evidently escort him home. This was worse than he thought as he rode up slowly to confront his brothers.

"Hi Adam, hiya Hoss, what'ya doing here? I was coming home, honest I was," Little Joe stammered.

"Sure you were, little brother; you were just taking the long way home. I'm sure you were about to tell me that you were just going  to admire the scenery and it had nothing what so ever to do with hiding on your big brothers. We wouldn't want you to get lost. I have my reputation to think about; after all, it just wouldn't look good for The Black Bullet, savior of so many towns to lose his little brother whilst he was in his charge now would it?” Adam looked down on his brother from his lofty position on Sport's back a menacing smirk on his handsome face.

Little Joe just shook his head unsure on what to say to placate his seemingly irate brother.

"Good, because I'm sure you wouldn't want to add to your current list of misdemeanors, as you're in quite enough trouble already. Okay let’s go home then.” With this Adam turned Sport in the direction of the Ponderosa.

Little Joe found himself flanked between Adam and Hoss the whole long journey to the Ponderosa, his horse being dwarfed by his brothers much larger mounts. His brothers chatted on for most the trip ignoring his presence. About a mile or so from the ranch house, Little Joe plucked up the nerve to ask the question upmost in his mind. "You ain't really that mad, are you Adam?"

Adam looked down on him for the first time since they began the long journey and slowed Sport to a walking pace to answer his question. "Well little brother, let me put it this way, I think I'll add an epilogue to your story, since you’re so fond of little stories. That way you'll understand me better".

"An epi' what?” Hoss and Little Joe said in unison.

"An epilogue, a kind of, what happened next, or conclusion to a story, so to speak. Ahem, where do I begin? Ah yes,  I knew my life as 'The Black Bullet' was only going to be shorted lived; after all I had to come home and I couldn't very well turn up as hired gun to my Pa and little brothers. Whatever would they think of me? No, I had to change, get my life back on the straight and narrow, fool them and everybody else into thinking that I had succeeded with my college education. To do this, I would have to turn my back on the lifestyle I was leading for the past four years. I had to change, so I cleaned up my last town and vowed never to be 'The Black Bullet” again. I was indeed ashamed of myself and what I had become, until I met a wise old man who told me to set the past behind me and start over again. From that moment on, I became 'Adam The Avenger'." Adam stopped his narrative at this point, peaking at his young brother, to see if he had his attention. He nearly laughed at the pained expression on Little Joe's face as he clutched Shadow's reins, riveted to Adam's every word. Adam almost relented, until he thought of all the trouble his brother's little story could ‘cause to his reputation and so he continued.

"You see, Little Joe, 'Adam The Avenger', seeks to correct any wrongdoings, especially those created by mischievous little brothers, who make up stories and disrupt classes with frogs. Unlike 'The Black Bullet', I feel 'Adam The Avenger' will be around for quite some time; at the very least, until you become an adult, correcting wrongs whatever they may be and punishing misdeeds. Now does that answer your question, little brother?"

Little Joe nodded slowly. He usually loved Adam's stories, but this epilogue seemed to have ominous undertones, ones Little Joe didn't care for, like lectures and spankings. The little boy sighed; if 'Adam The Avenger' had anything to do with it, this was going to be one very long and sore night indeed for Little Joe Cartwright.

The End

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