Two Hearts, Seventeen Hands

By Debbie B

At the sound of approaching horses, both Ben and his youngest son glanced up from their places at the table.

“I bet that’s Hoss now!” squealed the sixteen-year old as he hurried to push back his chair. The chair nearly toppled over in his haste to get outside and meet his brother.

Ben had to smile to himself, his youngest son’s voice had yet to change completely and when the boy was excited, as he was now, the voice would become high pitched and shrill. Ben shook his head slightly, wiped his mouth and pushed back his own chair. Joe had already reached the door and having flung it wide in his excitement, ran to greet his middle brother.

“Hi ya, Hoss,” squeaked Joe, taking Chubb’s reins as Hoss dismounted.

Adam emerged from the barn, the sounds of Joe’s laughter and greeting alerting him to the fact that Hoss had returned home. “Say Hoss, glad to have you home,” smiled Adam as he joined his father and brothers.

“WOW! Will ya lookit at this horse?” Joe proclaimed while running his hands down the neck and sides of the new stallion that Hoss had brought back with him. “He sure is something, Hoss. How much did he cost you?”

“That, little brother, is none of your business,” muttered Hoss, hoping that his father would not ask him the same question. “Whatever I paid, it was worth it, just look at him,” beamed Hoss, following along with his hands, the same action of his younger brother.

“He is a mighty good looking animal, son,” noted Ben. “I hope you didn’t over extend yourself,” he stated softly as he watched his son swell with pride.

Hoss paused and turned to face his father, a slight twitching action of his lips told the senior Cartwright that his middle son was trying to find a way around his statement. Ben noted the glow of happiness in his son’s crystal blue eyes, and laughed.

“It doesn’t matter son, if you figured the horse was worth whatever you paid, and the price was right for you, then so be it. He is a beauty, though I’m not sure why you wanted to buy an Arabian stallion.”

“Aw Pa, he’s a jumpin’ horse, and…well…just lookit him!” beamed Hoss proudly.

“Can I ride him? Heh Hoss, can I?” begged Little Joe excitedly as his eyes began to shine in anticipation.

“Whoa…young man,” Ben quickly said, placing a strong hand on his youngest son’s shoulder. “This here stallion is way too much horse for you!”

“Pa’s right, short shanks…ya best stay clear of’em,” advised Hoss.

“But…who’s gonna exercise him, and if he’s a jumper, who’s gonna jump him? Ya can’t do it Hoss, not with the size of your…” Joe stopped, suddenly hearing his own words. He cast wary eyes up at his father and then his two older brothers half expecting his father to reprimand him.

Ben started to laugh and gently slipped his arm across Joe’s shoulder, pulling the young boy closer to him and giving him a hug. He couldn’t fault the boy for his excitement, but there was no way he was going to allow his rambunctious son to ride the big stallion that Hoss had just brought home, let alone jump the animal. Even now, the big stallion pranced nervously about, his eyes wide with fright as though given half a chance he would bolt and run. Ben did however consider his son’s question.

“For once, your little brother is right, who is going to be riding that animal, Hoss?”

“I will,” volunteered Adam. “He sure is a fine animal, Hoss. I’d be more than happy to have a go at him. How good is he?”

“One of the best, ya should see’em Adam, Mr. Gilmore had his boy put ole Gilley through his paces and I ain’t never seen a more spectacular sight in all my born days. It sure ‘nough was somethin’,” Hoss beamed as he led the new horse to the barn, with Adam trailing along behind.

Joe started to follow, but was stopped by his father’s hand pressing down on his shoulder. “Where do you think you are going, young man?”

Joe looked up, surprised, “I was gonna go with them, why?” he asked.

“Joseph, if I recall, you said something about having to finish some homework, am I correct?” smiled Ben, gently guiding Joe back towards the house.

“Oh, yeah, I forgot, sorry,” he muttered, giving his father a half smile.

“You forgot, why you little scamp, get going! And remember, if you plan on this being your last year in school, you better make sure that you finish up with good grades, or else!” laughed Ben as he watched Joe scurry off to the house.

“I will Pa, I promise…anything to finally get away from that place, and that old Miss Abigail Jones.” Joe uttered the last part of his statement to himself, knowing that his father would not approve of his thoughts, should he voice them aloud.

Joe lay awake long after he had retired for the night. When his father had slipped silently into his room earlier, Joe had faked at being asleep. His thoughts about the new horse that Hoss had bought had kept him from sleeping. He couldn’t wait until everyone had fallen to sleep so that he might slip out to the barn and inspect the stallion better, without having to constantly be under the watchful eyes of his father or one or the other of his brothers. As he waited for sleep to claim the others, his thoughts drifted back to earlier in the day.

Joe sighed, when he had at last finished his homework and gone back outside to join his brothers at the corral, he had marveled at the way in which Adam had put the new horse through its paces. It had been just as Hoss had claimed it to be, spectacular.

“Watch him go, Pa!” Joe exclaimed, proudly watching how Adam moved his body together with the rhythm of the horse’s movements.

“Adam sure looks good up there, doesn’t he son?” commented Ben, pride in his son gleaming in his dark eyes.

Joe glanced sideways at his father and then followed Ben’s gaze back to the horse and rider. Briefly the smile disappeared from his face. “I meant the horse Pa, not Adam. Adam looks just like he always does, uppity and swollen with pride,” Joe sneered, wishing that he could have a chance to show his father how he could handle the animal himself. Joe glanced again at his father, surprised to see Ben’s angry eyes glaring at him.

“That was uncalled for, young man,” Ben reprimanded sharply. “Your brother happens to be one of the finest horsemen around.”

Joe pinched his lips together and dropped his head. “I’m sorry, Pa, I know he is and I didn’t mean to sound so nasty about it. It’s just that…well…golly, he ain’t the only man who can handle horses you know. I ain’t no novice.”

“No, you are not, but you are not an expert either. Adam has been riding all of his life…”

“Well, so have I and Pa, it was Adam who taught me…so…I’ve learned from the best…so…why can’t I just ride him? Please, Pa…I promise I won’t make him jump anything…please?” begged Joe.

Ben shook his head. He knew in his heart just how much the boy was aching to ride the big stallion, but Ben’s inner fear, a long ago accident, a death and the sudden vision of his child’s body laying broken on the ground, kept the reluctant father from granting the boy his wish. “No, absolutely not.”

Joe jumped down from the fence, fighting to control his sudden urge to cry, and marched back to the house. “Fine, just fine, treat me like I was still a baby.” Joe turned back to his father, his eyes showing his disappointment, “Don’t think I don’t know why you won’t let me ride that horse. As always, you’re afraid that the same thing will happen to me that happened to my ma. Well, it won’t!” Joe turned and fled from his father, not seeing the stunned looked on the astonished father’s face.

“What was that all about?” questioned Hoss who had caught just the last part of the conversation between his father and little brother.

Ben shook his head, “That boy. Always thinking he is old enough and big enough to handle everything that the two of you can do. I don’t know, son, I think maybe I am too hard on the boy. He tries so hard to be a man, but somehow, I just can’t allow myself to let go and see him as a man.”

Ben turned and smiled at Hoss and Adam who had dismounted and joined them at the fence. “He’s my baby, he always will be and I can’t help it if I have certain fears for him that I never had with the two of you. He’s so much like his mother, that it scares me.”

“I know Pa. I see a lot of Marie in him myself, especially in that temperament of his. He’s like fire one minute and ice the next. He can be kind and gentle one second and in a flash, his temper is akin to hot coals…I swear Pa, I don’t see how you’ve managed as well as you have,” laughed Adam.

He watched his father’s face brighten, and he smiled to himself. Yes, Joe could be temperamental at times, but there was no doubt that the youngest of the Cartwright sons was very much loved by the three men who stood in silent retrospect of the boy with the fiery temper.

Joe pushed back the covers and eased himself out of bed. He quickly slipped his trousers on beneath his nightshirt and then grabbing his boots from the foot of the bed, tiptoed into the hallway. Joe paused briefly before closing the door completely and once he was sure that the rest of his family was sleeping soundly, the over zealous boy continued on his way.

Quietly, Joe opened the heavy oak door at the front of the house and stepped out into the cool night air. He forced his feet into his boots and glancing over his shoulder, made a dash for the barn. The fact that the door stood slightly ajar, or the fact that a soft glowing lamp burned inside the barn, never occurred to the enthusiastic boy. Easily, Joe slid between the partially opened doors and over to the stall where Gilley was stabled.

The horse nickered softly and tossed his massive head up and down. Joe’s smile broadened itself across his face as he spoke softly to the stallion.

“Easy big boy,” whispered Joe, gently rubbing his hand up and down the front of the horse’s face. “You sure are a beauty,” he cooed.

Gilley lowered his head and nudged his nose against Joe’s chest, causing the boy to laugh softly. “I like you too, Gilley. Man, I sure would like to ride you. I bet you not only jump well, but I bet you can run pretty darn fast as well. Maybe someday, that ole brother of mine will let me try you on for size.”

“Not any time soon, little brother.”

Gilley tossed his head upward causing Joe to jump back and almost into the arms of his middle brother. Joe spun around on his heels, glaring at his brother. “What do ya mean, scaring the life outta me like that?” Joe all but shouted.

Hoss couldn’t help but grin, the look on his little brother’s face was worth a hundred dollars. “Sorry Joe,” snickered Hoss, “I didn’t mean to scare ya like that.”

Joe gave Hoss a frown and turned his attention back to the horse. “You didn’t scare me,” he mumbled, “ya only caught me by surprise, that’s all.”

“Sure Joe, whatever ya say,” Hoss laughed again and then stepped up beside the younger boy. He raised his hand and petted the long silky neck of the chestnut stallion. “Ya like’em Joe?” he asked, giving his brother a tiny smile.

“Sure, but I’d like’em better if ya was to let me ride him, just once? Please Hoss? Ya don’t even have to tell Pa that ya let me. I wouldn’t tell either, will ya Hoss, just once, that’s all and I promise, I won’t ask again.” Joe put on his most angelic expression, lowered his head just slightly and then turned his eyes upward to glaze longingly into his brother’s eyes.

Hoss seemed to be pondering the idea, he could tell by the look on Joe’s face that the boy was just about to burst at the seams to ride the new horse. Hoss scrunched up his face and scratched his head, trying to avoid meeting the probing hazel eyes of his younger brother.

“Please?”

He heard the tiny voice implore of him. Hoss glanced down, saw the questioning look in those probing eyes and was just about to give in, when a deep rich voice stopped him.

“I wouldn’t do it if I were you,” stated Adam from the doorway where he had been standing, watching his youngest brother browbeat the other brother into submission. “You know what Pa said about that stallion being too much horse for the kid.” His words were directed at Hoss, who stood gazing at him with an opened mouth.

“Aw Adam, why don’t ya mind your own dadburn business?” glared Joe, giving his oldest brother an angry look.

“Adam’s right, Joe. Pa would have my hide if’n I let ya ride this animal, especially if’n ya was to fall off and get yourself hurt,” Hoss said, thinking it best to agree with Adam’s statement.

“Fall off? Oh Hoss, come on, what do ya take me for? Ya know as well as Mr. Noisybody over here, that I can ride as well as either one of you, better in fact!” argued Joe, determined to have his way.

“Joe, you heard what Pa said, he said you were to stay away from this animal…are you going to defy him?” Adam had stepped up to face his brothers and he glared down at Joe. “Cause if you do, you know full well what Pa will do to you. Sixteen or not, he won’t hesitate to give you a good thrashing…he’s adamant about this and…”

“But Adam, just look at this horse,” Joe turned to the horse, his hands gently rubbing the end of the velvety nose and then turned back to Adam. “It would be worth getting a good thrashing for, just for the chance to ride him one time.”

Adam’s angry glare softened and he glanced in Hoss’ direction and together they smiled at one another. Both boys understood Joe’s desire, and, admitted Adam to himself, he couldn't blame his younger brother, Gilley had been everything to him that Joe knew he would be to himself if he just had the chance to find out.

“Look buddy, I’ll talk to Pa in the morning…”

“Really Adam? Honest, ya ain’t just saying that are ya?” Joe asked, the excitement showing in his happy expression.

“Honest, but you have to understand, if Pa says no, then there’s nothing more that I can do for you, understood? And…Hoss has to agree with whatever Pa says.” Adam glanced again at Hoss to confirm the agreement.

Joe turned around to face Hoss, giving his brother a winning smile. “You’ll let me ride him, right, if Pa agrees?”

Hoss laughed softly and ruffled the thick array of curls that adorned his little brother’s head. It was hard to refuse the boy anything, and Hoss nodded his agreement but added for good measure, “only if Pa agrees.”

“Aw gee, thanks Hoss, thanks Adam, you guys are the best!” Joe gave each brother a quick hug and headed for the door. “Night Adam, night Hoss…and…thanks!”

Adam slowly shook his head and grinned at Hoss. “Why do I suddenly feel as if we’ve been had?” he asked softly.

“Probably cause we have,” laughed Hoss. “Come on big brother, let’s go to bed, I’m bushed.”

“So am I. Debating with that rapscallion is enough to wear a man down to nothing.”

Adam waited until Hoss had extinguished the lantern and secured the barn door before tossing his long arm across his brother’s broad shoulders. “Life is never dull for a moment with that kid around, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Never. If’n I live to be a hundred and six, and that boy a hundred, he’d still find a way to sweet talk me. No matter what he does, I jist cain’t find it in my heart to say no to that boy,” laughed Hoss.

“That’s because you’re a push-over.”

“Oh, and I suppose you’re not?” laughed Hoss.

Joe was at the breakfast table earlier than usual the next morning. Adam and Hoss came down the stairs together and both were a little more than surprised to find that Joe had beaten them to breakfast.

“Morning Hoss, morning Adam,” Joe gleefully smiled at them both.

“Aren’t you the early bird this morning?” Adam said jokingly.

“What worm are ya plannin’ on catchin’?” laughed Hoss giving Adam a quick wink.

“Who me?” Little Joe tried to sound surprised.

“Who else would they be talking to?” Ben spoke up to ask. He had seen the silent exchange between his sons and knew enough to know that something was in the making.

No one uttered a word, each of Ben’s sons was well aware of the dark eyes that watched their faces. Joe glanced at his plate and poked at his eggs with the end of his fork. Adam busied himself with pouring his cup of coffee into his saucer to cool. Hoss stuffed his mouth with an overly large bite of ham and chewed very slowly.

“Okay boys, out with it, what’s up?” laughed Ben.

Two pairs of hazel eyes, one slightly darker than the other, and one pair of crystal blue eyes glanced up and as if on cue, turned to face the lone pair of deep brown, chocolate eyes.

Hoss started to mumble something, but Ben held his hand up to stop the boy. “Please Hoss, not with your mouth full.”

“Hm…sorry,” he tried to say.

Ben glanced at Joe, but Joe had lowered his head and Ben could plainly see that Joe was watching his oldest brother. Ben stifled a giggle, so, he reasoned, his oldest son had been selected as spokesman.

“Well Adam, why don’t you just spit it out?” Ben couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “I hope this isn’t going to be serious, because the three of you look as if you’ve all been caught with your hands in the cookie jar.”

“Pa…Hoss and I were talking last night, and Joe…he was there as well…and well…Hoss and I was wondering if you might change your mind about Joe taking a short ride on Gilley?” stammered Adam. “Of course I’d ride along with him, just in case…”

“Just in case…” repeated Ben, eyeing all three of his sons in one sweep of his eyes.

“Yes sir, we just feel that Joe should have a chance to…”

“You feel? That Joe should have a chance to…what? Get himself thrown off, maybe break an arm, leg, or maybe both. What about if he should get himself killed, then what?” Ben had stopped laughing, he had thought he had made himself perfectly clear last night that Joseph would not be riding the new stallion.

“Naw…tweren’t that Pa…we jist think…” Hoss stopped talking and took a deep breath, pressing his lips tightly together, he knew it had been foolish to even attempt to change his father’s mind.

“Joseph, did you put your brothers up to this?” demanded Ben, turning dark, angry eyes on his son.

Joe dropped his head without uttering a word.

“Pa, it was my idea, not the boy’s. All he did was ask Hoss if he could ride the horse if you agreed. I promised Joe I would ask you and that we would abide by whatever decision you made,” explained Adam. He wanted his father to know that though Joe had asked them both if he could ride, it had been his idea alone, to ask Ben for permission.

Ben’s eyes swept around the table a second time. “I thought I had made myself perfectly clear on the matter, yesterday. Joseph is not to be allowed on that stallion, do I make myself clear on the matter, now? My answer is the same as yesterday, NO!”

Adam and Hoss both nodded their heads in submission, knowing not to push any harder for Ben to change his mind. “Good!” Ben glanced at Joe who had said nothing at all.

“Joseph?” Ben said in a clear deep voice.

Joe raised his head slightly, but enough that Ben could see the defiant look in the eyes.

“No, I don’t understand. What harm can it do, especially if Adam rides with me? I think…”

“NO! You do not think, I said no and I meant no.” Ben saw the chin begin to quiver ever so slightly and he softened his voice. “Joe, I know you want to ride that animal in the worst way. But not now, please son. Give the animal time to get adjusted to being around us, to get acquainted with its surroundings and then in a month or two…”

“A month or two? Pa, that ain’t fair! Why do you always have to treat me like I was still a little boy?” Joe had pushed back his chair and stood to his feet, glaring at his father.

Ben gritted his teeth to keep from losing what little patience he had remaining. “Joseph, sit down, please,” he ordered gently. Ben cast his glance upward and waited with bated breath.

Joe studied his father’s face, noted how Ben struggled to maintain his composure and decided it would be in his best interest to do as instructed. Meekly he sat back down and taking a deep breath to still his own inner turmoil, looked over at his father.

“I’m sorry Pa, I shouldn’t have raised my voice. But I still don’t think it’s fair.”

“I know you think I am being too hard on you son. I just think that for right now, it’s better to wait. I’ve given you a direct order, and I expect each one of you to obey it.” Ben looked up at Adam and waited until his oldest son nodded his head.

“Yessir,” Hoss muttered. “I’m sorry short shanks, I didn’t think my buyin’ that stallion would lead to all of this.” Hoss’ expression was one of worry and regret and one that reached out to his youngest brother.

“It’s all right Hoss. I’m glad you bought him, even if I can’t ride him,” he added for his father’s benefit. “I’ll just be happy watching you and Adam ride him.” Joe flashed his brother a smile. There was no use taking away Hoss’ pleasure on his account reasoned Joe.

“Thanks Joe.” Hoss winked at his brother and the tension around the table eased, the conversation turned to other things.

“You mean your Pa won’t even let you ride him?” Mitch seemed amazed that Joe had not been allowed to even ride Hoss’ new stallion.

“Nope, he won’t even let me sit on him, guess he’s afraid I’ll get hurt or something. You know how he is Mitch, always scared that the same thing that happened to my ma will happen to me,” Little Joe sighed deeply, his voice ringing with disgust.

Mitch shrugged his shoulders, “Ya can’t really blame him, Joe…I mean after all…” Mitch didn’t finish his sentence, but instead turned to check his friend’s reaction.

“Yeah I know, Mitch. But I sure do get tired of being treated like a baby all the time. All I want is just one short ride on the horse.” Joe turned to face Mitch. “You should see him Mitch, he’s beautiful. He’s chestnut color and he’s got a white blaze all the way down the front of his face and he has three white socks; he’s really something!”

“He sounds super, how old is he?” Mitch questioned.

“I think Hoss said he’s about two years old. His name is Gilley…guess Mr. Gillmore named him after himself,” laughed Joe. “Ain’t much of a name for a horse like that. Hey, did I tell you that Gilley’s just over seventeen hands tall?”

“Wow! I can’t wait to see him. Mind if I come over tomorrow after I finish my chores and take a look at him?” Mitch asked.

“Sure, Pa’s going into town, and Adam’s gone up to the lumber camp and won’t be home until Sunday night,” Joe explained.

Mitch stopped suddenly and grabbed Joe’s arm. “Hey, Little Joe…where’s Hoss gonna be?” Mitch’s eyes had grown large and dark and he wore a mischievous grin on his face.

Joe stopped along side his friend and studied Mitch’s expression, noting the sly look. “I don’t know why? What have you got up your sleeve, Mitch Devlin?”

Mitch rubbed his hands together and smiled broadly at Joe. “I was just thinking Joe, if your Pa’s gonna be gone for a while, and Adam’s not there, well if Hoss takes off, what’s to keep ya from taking a little ride on the stallion?”

It was Joe’s turn for his eyes to grow wide. He was silent for several moments, lost in thought. Suddenly his face broke into a smile. “Nothing I don’t reckon, but…”

“But what? Nothing, just like ya said. Listen, Little Joe, it would be the perfect time. Who’s to know? No one, just you and me and what they don’t know won’t hurt them. What’ll ya say?”

Joe continued on his way toward the schoolhouse with Mitch following slowly behind. “I can’t Mitch, if I did and Pa found out…there would be hell to pay. He gave me strict orders that I better stay off that horse.” Joe shook his head as he walked along.

“Okay, but I think you’re missing a golden opportunity. I’d do it in a heartbeat. Golly, Joe, you’re one of the best riders around, I don’t see why your old man won’t let ya, but since he won’t,” Mitch giggled softly, “I’d do it when he wasn’t around to find out.”

They were almost to the doorway, when Joe stopped and turned around to face Mitch. “You probably would, wouldn’t you?”

“You better believe I would, and any other time, you would too. I don’t know what’s gotten wrong with you Little Joe, use to be, you’d take a dare and not think twice about it,” grumbled Mitch.

Joe started giggling; “But you didn’t dare me!”

Mitch sobered and studied Joe’s expression. Did his friend want him to make a dare? It sounded like it. “Okay Cartwright, I dare…no, I double dare ya to ride that big stallion the very next time that your Pa and brothers are not around!”

Joe gulped, why had he all but begged his friend to dare him? Was it because he knew that if Mitch did, he would be forced into taking the dare? Joe pushed opened the door and together with Mitch, the two friends stepped into the classroom.

“I’ll take that dare,” Joe whispered to Mitch as they parted ways and began moving toward their assigned seats. Behind him, Joe heard his friend snickering softly.

That night as Joe lay in his bed, his thoughts continued to rehash the conversation that he had had with his best friend, Mitch. Joe knew that what he was contemplating was wrong, but a driving force from deep within himself begged to prove to his family that he could ride the tall chestnut stallion. Joe didn’t take into consideration the fact that his father had no desire for his youngest son to have a need to prove anything. The wrong thought, in Joe’s mind was his own desire to ride the forbidden horse, and that thought would lead to trouble, for which Joe had given no thought to whatsoever, or the consequences of his actions.

Morning came the same time, as always but to Joe, the night seemed to have past far quicker than usual. With a groan, Joe pulled himself from his warm bed and dressed quickly. By the time he had arrived at the breakfast table, Ben was wiping the last crumbs from his mouth, Hoss had just snatched the last pancake from the serving platter and Hop Sing had just set down another plate of hot pancakes for the late comer.

“Morning son,” greeted Ben with a bright smile for his youngest son.

“Morning Pa,” Joe returned. “I sure hope you left something for me to eat,” he growled at Hoss.

Hoss looked up and saw the tiny frown on his brother’s face and pointed to the cakes that Hop Sing had just set down. “Better grab’em for I do,” he mumbled, as he pointed with the end of his fork to the fresh stack.

Joe laughed and quickly filled his plate before Hoss could make good his threat. “You leaving already, Pa?” Joe said as he turned to his father.

“Yes, I have to meet with Roy this morning before getting the supplies. Then I have to ride up to the lumber camp and help Adam get things back on track. I probably won’t be back until after dark,” Ben explained as he strapped on his sidearm and grabbed his hat from the peg above the credenza.

Ben went back to the table where he placed a hand on Joe’s shoulder. Joe turned his head upward, waiting for his father to speak as he chewed the food he had just crammed into his mouth.

“You can go fishing son, when you finish with your chores. I know you and Mitch were planning to go today, just be sure you get everything done before you do,” smiled Ben.

Joe nodded his head and gave his father a smile. “I will Pa, don’t worry.” Joe returned the smile, feeling somewhat guilty about what he and Mitch were really planning on doing.

“What are your plans, Hoss?” inquired Ben.

Hoss took a swallow of coffee, wiped his mouth and pushed back his chair, standing to his feet. “I gotta go over to Genoa this morning, Pa. Mr. Gillmore told me about a man over that way, what’s got a mare he was wantin’ to breed with an Arabian stallion and I thought I might have a talk with’em about using Gilley as stud. I should be back before supper time.”

“Well, good luck. Are you taking the stallion with you?” Ben asked, unaware that his youngest son had suddenly become very interested in the conversation between his brother and his father.

“No, I thought if the man was interested, he could bring the mare here. Mr. Gillmore advised me not to take the stallion to the mare, but vice-versa.” Hoss had walked to the door with his father and neither Hoss nor Ben had heard the wind expel from the youngest Cartwright’s lungs.

“Joseph, you behave yourself. Hop Sing will be here if you should need anything,” called Ben as he followed Hoss out the door.

“I will Pa,” Joe called in return. The door closed with a slight bang and Joe smiled to himself, unaware of the dark almond eyes that watched his face.

“Boy seem pleased with self,” muttered Hop Sing, startling Joe from his thoughts. Joe glanced up and saw the piercing look of the little Chinaman. “Boy best heed father’s words…number three son, mind what papa say and be good boy!” Hop Sing pitter-pattered back to his kitchen mumbling under his breath with each step he took.

Joe had just finished with his breakfast when the front door flew opened and a loud voice resounded in his ears. “JOE, YOU UP YET?”

Joe rounded the corner and surprised Mitch who was still standing in the doorway. “Do you have to rattle the walls like that?” he laughed.

Mitch giggled, “Well, it’s Saturday and you’re rarely up this early, I just wanted you to know I was here, that’s all,” he laughed. Mitch glanced around the room to be sure that they were alone. “You ready?”

Joe gulped, not sure if what he was planning to do was the right thing or not. “I suppose,” he grunted.

“Ya ain’t backin’ out are ya?” Mitch whispered.

Joe grabbed his hat and jacket from the peg and glared at his friend. “No, I’m not backing out, I’m just not sure it I should do it or not, that’s all.”

“Ya ain’t chicken are ya?” Mitch taunted.

Joe grabbed his friend by the shoulder and spun him around, glaring angrily. “You know better than that, I ain’t chicken, and I ain’t backin’ out! Now come on!”

Joe allowed his hand to drop away from his friend’s shoulder and stomped off toward the barn. Quickly he saddled the tall stallion and led Gilley from the barn. His eyes briskly scanned the yard to be sure that he was not being watched.

Joe had to jump to make his foot reach the stirrup and then pulled his body up and into the saddle. He couldn’t help but smile, he felt like a king sitting on the back of the magnificent animal.

“Well, come on,” he ordered Mitch, grinning.

Joe nudged the stallion gently with his knees, urging the horse into a gentle cantor. Joe glanced back over his shoulder and smiled at Mitch who was trying to catch up with him. Together the boys rode in companionable silence as they made their way from the house. For more than half an hour the pair rode until Joe finally reined Gilley to a stop.

“This is about far enough, by the time we get back, it’ll be near lunch and then I’ll have to rub Gilley down and get started on my chores. I promised Pa I’d have’em finished before he got home,” said Joe, leaning up from the saddle and petting the long silky neck of his stead.

“Aw, all right,” groaned Mitch. “But I was hopin’ to see ya jump him, just once,” Mitch said, knowing he was tempting his friend. “There’s that fence over yonder, why don’t ya try one time before we head back?”

Joe glanced in the direction that Mitch had pointed. The fence wasn’t too high and Joe felt sure, after seeing how high that Adam had forced the animal to jump that Gilley could clear the fence easily. For several moments he pondered the idea, knowing in his heart that he should not tempt his luck. He suddenly turned to his friend, throwing all caution to the wind and giving in to his desires, Joe smiled down at Mitch. “Watch this!”

Joe turned Gilley toward the fence and kicked hard at the stallion’s flanks. Gilley bolted into action and raced toward his target. Joe felt the wind whipping at his face; his hat flew from his head as Gilley gained in momentum. As rider and horse neared the fence, Joe leaned low over the stallion’s neck as he had seen his older brother do. He heard himself laugh out loud with glee as Gilley’s hooves left the ground. Joe heehawed as he and Gilley sailed across the fence. He was jubilant, he was flying and then suddenly he felt the pain pierce his shoulder as he landed with a thud onto the hard packed earth.

Joe groaned as he pulled himself into a sitting position and quickly looked around him. Gilley was standing just yards from where he had landed, Mitch was no where to be found but when he looked up behind him, he found something he had not expected to find.

Hoss stood over him, his massive shadow blocking the sun from his little brother’s eyes. His eyes were dark with anger, his lips pressed into a thin straight line as he glowered down into the startled face of his kid brother.

“Just what in thunder do ya think ya was adoin’?” shouted Hoss.

Joe gulped, temporarily forgetting the pain in his shoulder as he staggered to his feet. “I…I…I…”

“Yeah, I seen what ya did, ya dang fool kid! Dadburnit Little Joe, don’t ya know Pa will have a fit when he finds out?” shouted Hoss, turning Joe around and dusting the back of his trousers off.

“Ouch!” moaned Joe.

Hoss froze as he stood gazing into the hazel eyes that had suddenly filled with tears. “Ya hurt short shanks?” Hoss asked with concern.

“I…I…it’s just my shoulder, I must have sprained it. Hoss…ya ain’t gonna tell Pa what I’ve done, are ya? Please Hoss…I’m begging ya…please don’t tell him,” pleaded Joe.

The boy was more frightened than hurt, but he wanted to be sure that Hoss would keep his secret. He had thought that a good thrashing would be worth getting a chance at riding the Arabian stallion, but now, with the throbbing pain in his shoulder, Joe wasn’t too sure anymore. And he had suddenly begun to regret his decision.

Hoss had pulled Joe’s shirt up and examined the shoulder that Joe said was hurting and sighed in relief that he found nothing more than an ugly bruise forming. “Doesn’t seemed to be broken, but ya sure gonna have an ugly bruise,” the middle brother commented.

Hoss pulled Joe’s shirt back down and turned the boy around to face him, holding both of his hands on each of Joe’s shoulders. “I saw what ya was fixin’ to do and I almost shouted at ya to stop, but I was scare to, I didn’t wanna spook Gilley. Then, when I saw ya fall off, I was scared ya might have kilt your dang self. Short Shanks, I swear, I oughta tan your hide right this minute. But I think I’ll let Pa do it instead.”

Joe could do nothing to stop his eyes from filling with tears and when he dropped his head, they ran down his cheeks. Hoss heard his brother sniff his nose and with his big hand holding Joe’s chin cupped firmly between his fingers, he tipped the boy’s head upward. He could see the fear in the hazel eyes, and knew that Joe was aware of what would come later.

“I oughta know better than to do this Short Shanks, but if’n ya promise me that you’ll never do a dang fool thing like this again, I won’t tell Pa. I’ll probably live to regret it, but…well…dadburnit…I know how much ya wanted to try riding ole Gilley and I can’t say that I blame ya none. But ya gotta swear on your mama’s grave that ya won’t never do it again,” demanded Hoss, already having doubts as to why he was trying to save the boy from a much deserved thrashing.

Joe buried his head into Hoss’ vest and flung his arms around his brother’s middle. “I promise, Hoss, I promise. I won’t let ya down, honest…I cross my heart.” And Joe did just that, the tears now stopped and his face broke open with a wide smile. “Thanks Hoss, you’re the best!” beamed Joe.

Hoss pressed his lips together and gently bobbed his head. “Just don’t make me regret it. And don’t let me down, Little Joe, you understand?”

“I won’t Hoss, you can trust me,” smiled Joe.

Hoss ruffled his brother’s thick mane of dark curls. “Sure I can…I see how trustworthy you are,” Hoss muttered, shaking his head harder. “Come on, you might as well ride him home. Go fetch’em, we’d better get him back to the barn afor Pa finds out what ya dun.”

Joe didn’t have to be told a second time. He rushed to gather Gilley’s reins and slowly pulled himself up into the saddle. He pinched his lips tightly to keep from crying out from the pain in his shoulder. Joe twisted his shoulder just enough to try to work the soreness out, but even that caused the pain to shoot across to his other shoulder and down his back.

Hoss had watched with growing concern as Joe had mounted up and then saw his brother twisting around to try to stabilize the pain. Hoss eased Chubb along side Gilley. Gilley danced around, not liking the other horse coming so close.

“Hold him, Joe, don’t let’em get away from you,” ordered Hoss.

“Whoa boy,” Joe said softly, gaining control of his mount.

“Ya sure ya gonna be all right, little brother? I mean, ya shoulder, does it hurt badly, cause if it does, we might need to go see the doc.”

“NO! I mean, it’s fine, just sore, honest, Hoss,” Joe was quick to put his brother’s mind at ease.

“Okay, but when we get home, you’re gonna take a good hot bath, it’ll help with the soreness and then I’ll rub some liniment on your back.” Hoss turned then and urged Chubb toward home. “Come on, let’s ride,” he called over his shoulder.

For the rest of the weekend, Joe was forced to ignore the constant pain in his right shoulder and to carry on as if nothing were wrong. Hoss had been true to his word and had not tattled on his brother. He had even helped Joe with his chores in order that Joe might give his shoulder time to heal properly. By Monday morning, most of the soreness had faded away and when Joe left for school, none had been the wiser about what had taken place early on Saturday morning.

“I’ll see ya tonight, Pa,” Joe called as he rode out. “Bye Hoss,” he smiled at his middle brother as Hoss came out of the barn, “thanks again,” he whispered in passing.

Ben had stepped beside of Hoss, thus Hoss had no chance to respond other than to smile and nod his head.

“He seems in an awfully good mood,” commented Ben, smiling at Hoss.

“He should be,” muttered Hoss softly as he turned and walked back into the barn.

Ben stood silently, wondering at his son’s words and then shrugging off the statement, returned to the house, where Adam waited, his head bent over the ledgers and trying to make sense out of his father’s entries.

“Why’d ya run off?” shouted Joe.

“I’m sorry Little Joe, but when I saw Hoss riding up, I guess I just panicked,” offered Mitch, his head bowed low.

“And ya asked me if I was chicken? Well, old friend, I guess we know who’s chicken now, don’t we!” continued Joe. “I dang near break my neck, just to satisfy my best friend and then that so-called friend, turns tail and runs, leaving me to face the music all alone. Some best friend you are!”

Joe turned from the other boy and headed for the schoolhouse, kicking stones with the toe of his boot as he ambled along. Mitch stood alone, watching as his friend walked away. When he could stand it no longer, he ran to catch up with his best friend.

“So, did ya get a thrashin’ or not?” he asked, never looking at Joe.

Joe glanced over at Mitch and smiled in spite of himself. “No, Hoss didn’t tell on me.”

“What?” Mitch all but shouted as he grabbed Joe’s arm, halting their steps. “You’re jokin’, right?”

“Wrong, he promised not to tell if I promised not to do it again,” smiled Joe as he continued on toward the building.

“You lucky son-of-a-gun,” laughed Mitch, hurrying to catch up to Joe. “Hey Joe,” said Mitch in a voice so soft that Joe stopped and turned to face him. “I’m sorry about what I did…runnin’ off I mean.”

Joe slung his arm across his friend’s shoulders and laughed, “Aw…that’s okay, I’d probably would’ve run too, if I had been you. Forget it,” smiled Joe, never one to stay mad at his best friend for very long.

Later that afternoon, Joe and Mitch sat with a group of their classmates. Joe couldn’t help but smile as he listened to Mitch singing the praises of the Arabian stallion’s jumping ability.

“It was only a fence railing, Mitch, you make it sound as if we jumped Pike’s Peak or something,” laughed Joe.

“I bet he could have,” Mitch snickered loudly.

“So Cartwright, when ya gonna give the rest of us a chance to see this fine Arabian jumpin’ horse that you’re so proud of?” asked Lucas Tatum, a fellow classmate of Joe’s and not one of his favorite people.

“You can come out to the Ponderosa anytime ya wanna and see him…” started Joe.

“No, I mean, when are ya gonna show us how ya can ride and jump him?” snapped Lucas in a cocky voice.

Joe glanced at Mitch, who was smiling at him and nodding his head. “He’ll show ya, just name the day and time,” spouted off Mitch.

“Mitch!” shouted Joe.

“What’s wrong Cartwright, ya ain’t been lyin’ to us now have ya? Ya really do have one of them Arabian jumpin’ horses don’t ya?” taunted Lucas.

“Yeah, Little Joe, you ain’t just funnin’ with us, are you?” asked another of Joe’s friends.

“No, he really does have a bonafied Arabian stallion, a pure-bred jumpin’ horse,” Mitch was quick to defend his best friend, “I seen him jump with my own eyes!”

“Mitch, the horse isn’t exactly mine…”

“Then ya lyin”!” sneered Lucas as his face spread into an evil looking smirk and glanced around at the group of boys, knowingly.

“I’m not lying. We do have the horse, he ain’t mine though, he belongs to Hoss, my brother. Hoss bought him a couple of weeks ago from a man somewhere around Genoa, honest,” Joe explained in his own defense.

“Okay, prove it, show us how he jumps!” Lucas Tatum dared.

Joe cast anxious eyes at Mitch, wishing that his friend had not brought the subject of Hoss’ big stallion up in conversation.

“I wish I could, but…I’m not allowed to ride him,” Joe muttered in a low voice, keeping his head lowered and not wishing to look into the blue eyes of his tormentor, Lucas Tatum, who had taunted him since they had started school together, years ago.

“I thought you said you had already ridden him and jumped him,” stated one of the boys in an accusing tone of voice.

Joe glanced at the boy, “I did, but I wasn’t suppose too,” he confessed.

Lucas snickered loudly as he looked from boy to boy and then back to Joe. “Wonder what you’re pappy would say if’n he were to find out that ya snuck behind his back and rode the ole nag?” laughed Lucas.

Joe’s eyes darkened in anger and he glared at the other boy. The look went unobserved by Lucas as he continued to taunt the worried, youngest Cartwright. “Either ya show us how the nag jumps or I tell your pa.” Lucas turned his eyes to check Joe’s reaction to his threat and couldn’t help but laugh to himself. It wasn’t often that he had the upper hand on Joe Cartwright, but this time, things were going his way. He could tell by the anxious look in the hazel eyes, that Joe was taking the threat seriously.

“What’s it gonna be, Little Joe?” Lucas added emphasis to Joe’s nickname. “What’s gonna happen when that big oaf of a brother of yours finds out that ya been riding and jumpin’ his stallion behind his back?”

“Ya don’t gotta worry about Hoss, he already knows!” snapped Mitch.

Joe groaned, furious at his best friend for not knowing when to keep his mouth shut. Mitch had just given Lucas more information to use against him. When he heard Lucas burst into boisterous laughter, Joe spun around and faced him.

“Why don’t you shut up?” snarled Joe to Lucas.

“So, Hoss knows too and covered your butt by not ratting on you? That’s not bad Little Joe, not bad at all. Now, either you jump the horse for us, or I tell your old man your secret, plus your brother’s,” smiled Lucas. “You wouldn’t wanna get your brother in trouble too, now would you?”

Lucas’ eyes seem to glow with pleasure and it took all the will power Joe could muster to keep from wiping the smirk off the other boy’s face.

“I’ve a good mind to pound you into the ground right now,” snapped Joe.

“But ya won’t, will ya? Cause if’n ya do, you’ll hav’ta explain to your old man why ya was fightin’. I happen to know, Cartwright, that your father don’t take kindly to his boys takin’ part in a brawl. So’s, what’s it gonna be? Ya gonna ride or not?” laughed Lucas.

Joe took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He wasn’t sure how it had happened, but Lucas Tatum had managed to get the best of him this time and as far as Joe could see, there was no other way out but to ride the stallion one more time. Hoss’ words echoed in his ear along with the promise he had made to his brother. But Joe shook his head free of the disturbing thoughts, he would take his chances and protect his brother from the lie that they had concocted about his injured shoulder and told to their father.

“All right, Tatum, you win. But when this is over, just watch your back, cause I aim to beat the crap outta you!” snorted Joe, turning on his heels and stomping back to the classroom. Lucas’ wicked laughed reached his ears as he flung open the door and turned for one last look at the group of boys, which were quickly following, trying to catch up with him.

The group of boys hounded Joe the entire week to set a date and time that they could watch him put Hoss’ jumper through his paces. Joe had tried to stall for as long as he could, but when Lucas threatened to go to his father the very next afternoon, Joe set the date.

“Saturday after noon. Pa and Hoss will be in town; Adam had to go back to the lumber camp so I reckon I’ll meet you over at the old Wilson place. There’s a good fencing there that we can set up to make the jumps with. I’ll be there about twelve-thirty,” Joe informed the group on Thursday during the lunch break.

“I been thinkin’ Cartwright,” leered Lucas. “My old man has a pretty good jumper too. Oh he ain’t no purebred Arabian jumpin’ horse, but he ain’t bad. I’ve had a notion of tryin’ him out myself. I think I’ll ride him over to Wilson’s on Saturday and we can have ourselves a little contest, what’cha say?”

Joe glanced around at his friends who were all nodding their heads. “Fine by me,” Joe said at last, turning and walking away. He was totally disgusted with the group of boys, with his best friend, Mitch, and with himself for allowing this so-called contest to take place to start with. Joe suddenly wished that he had a way to back out, for he knew that he was headed for trouble of his own making. But the Cartwright pride ran wide and deep within the boy's heart and soul, and Joe realized that there was no turning back. Saying no, or the fact that he could, had not entered his mind…until much, much later.

The railings were set in place as Joe sat mounted on the big stallion’s back and tried to hold the nervous animal under control. Lucas was mounted on his father’s big black gelding and appeared to be having as much, if not more, trouble controlling his horse, as was Joe. Each time that the gelding inched closer to Gilley, the stallion would snort and toss his massive head, unnerving Joe more each time.

It had not been easy to slip away from the house in time enough to meet with the group of spectators that had been gathering to watch the jumping contest. Ben and Hoss had been delayed nearly an hour, Adam had shown up unexpectedly and further delayed his departure. Joe rushed around the barn, pretending to be busy with his chores until finally Ben and Hoss bid him good-bye. Joe tossed his hand in the air at his departing family members and gave a sigh of relief. Minutes later, Adam came from the house and mounted Sport.

“See you in a couple of days little buddy. Stay out of trouble,” he warned in good spirits as he kicked at his horse’s sides and waved bye.

Joe swallowed the lump that had suddenly risen in his throat and wished that he could stay out of trouble, for in the back of his mind, he was very aware of the dark cloud that hung over his head. Joe waited another half-hour before leading Gilley from the corral and saddling him. Joe wanted to be sure that Adam had ridden far enough so as not to witness his riding away from the house on Hoss’ horse.

“It’s about time,” mouthed Lucas. “We was beginnin’ to think you weren’t gonna show up, what kept ya?”

“I had things to do,” snapped Joe, hating himself already for allowing this person to con him into doing what he was about to do.

“Let’s get this over with then,” someone called out.

“I’m ready when Cartwright is,” Lucas called out.

Joe looked around him at the small crowd that had gathered. He was surprised to see some of his father’s friends there with their sons. Joe groaned, there was no way that he could pull this jumping contest off now and his father not find out about it. Suddenly, Joe’s vision was blinded as tears rushed to fill the depths of his eyes. He brushed them away, willing himself not to cry, but his stomach began to churn, and Joe could taste the bitter hot acid that slowly made its way up his throat and into his mouth.

“Joe, you go first,” called Mudd Taylor. Mudd was an older classmate of Joe’s who had gotten the nickname, Mudd, years ago after he had stumbled and fell into a grimy, thick puddle and came out covered with the dark wet earth. Joe couldn’t help but smile at the sudden memory, but just as quickly as it materialized, it vanished.

“You ready Little Joe? You gotta clear both hurdles and then come back here and wait until Lucas makes his jumps. Then we’ll raise the bars and you go again. You gotta keep jumping until one of the horses touches or knocks down a bar. The one who jumps the highest without knocking down no bars, wins the contest,” explained Mudd.

Joe nodded his head in understanding and waited until Mudd gave the signal. Mudd’s arm raised over his head and dropped quickly. Joe kicked Gilley in the sides and the big stallion leapt forward at a run. Easily, the stallion cleared both hurdles and returned to the starting point. Joe glanced over at Lucas and smile.

“That was easy,” sneered Lucas. “Hell, my old pony could have done that!”

Mudd’s hand came down a second time and Lucas was off. When he returned he glared at Joe. “See, ya ain’t got nothin’ special.”

“Just you wait, I’ll show you,” snapped Joe and turned to give the go-ahead to Mudd.

The bars had been raised higher, again Gilley cleared the bars with no problem, followed by Lucas and his father’s big gelding. The crowd had begun to cheer the boys on and for a while Joe forgot that he was here, when he should have been elsewhere. The fact that he had disobeyed his father, broken a promise to his brother and was on the verge of disgracing himself, never entered his mind.

Twice more the bars had been raised. Joe was having to encourage Gilley into a faster pace and lean low over the horse’s neck, but still Gilley jumped each hurdle effortlessly, as if the bars had been laying on the ground.

When the bars had been placed at the highest level, Joe glanced at Lucas. The other boy had begun to sweat, tiny beads of water had broken out on his forehead and Joe saw Lucas gulp. Joe knew that Lucas was worried, it showed in his eyes and on his face. The gelding had nearly faltered on the last jump and Joe, confident that Gilley could clear the bars, smiled at Lucas.

“Now we’ll see whose horse is a true champion.” Joe could not help from gloating, as he nodded his head at Mudd to give the signal, something his father had said to him years ago, suddenly entered his head. ‘Pride, cometh before a fall.’

Mudd gave the signal, Gilley sprang forth, and from somewhere behind him, Joe heard his name shouted out.

“JOSEPH!”

Lucas, who was not paying attention, pressed his knees into his gelding’s flanks, and the big horse shot forth behind Gilley. The race was on, Lucas tried to pull the fleeing animal under control but the horse had a mind of its own and had set its course of the horse in front of him.

Within seconds, the gelding was running side by side with Gilley. Together they cleared the first hurdle. From the corner of his eye, Joe caught of glimpse of Lucas as he struggled to reset himself in his saddle from where he had nearly fallen when he and his mount jumped the first set of bars.

Joe urged Gilley on, the gelding was running neck and neck with Joe and his horse as they approached the next hurdles. Joe could feel Lucas’ leg brushing against his own, and cut his eyes to the side to glare at the his opponent.

“Pull him over!” shouted Joe.

Lucas ignored Joe’s warning and again Joe felt his leg being crushed against the side of the gelding. The bars loomed out in front of them. Lucas’ horse was crushing into his leg as Joe tried to move the big stallion aside but it was too late. Joe felt Gilley’s body leave the ground and suddenly, it seemed as if the big horse stopped in mid-air. Joe’s body was flung through the air and crashed to the ground.

Joe groaned, the pain shot through his leg and shoulder, sending trillions of pain filled projectiles throughout his entire body. Joe barely had time to glance up, his eyes widened in horror, he opened his mouth to scream, and then his world went black.

“Joe, can you hear me son?”