IT'S ALL LITTLE JOE'S FAULT

Ben clenched his jaw tighter as he walked on and his sons avoided the "Pa glare" that he flashed their way every now and then.

Another one of Little Joe's schemes had gone awry and this time the whole family had to suffer the consequences.

Though at first inwardly horrified at the mere thought of it all, by this point Adam was a bit amused and the subtle gleam in his eyes reflected that amusement. After all, but for the boots, neckerchief, and hat, he was used to this attire - at least at night in his room. ;-)

Hoss, good ole Hoss, always seemed the hapless victim whenever his little brother's schemes collapsed. But his easy-going, good nature prevented him from clobbering Little Joe this time.

Little Joe grimaced with each step, anticipating the town's reaction and his family's inevitable retribution toward him later on. Oh, why did he bet he could outshoot that drifter and how in blazes was he supposed to know it was Wild Bill Hickup who could shoot a flea off the belly of a snake five miles away? And why on earth did Wild Bill set these terms for the bet? Oh yeah. Adam told him Wild Bill had just been abroad (abroad, not a broad y'all) and was still guffawing from the European beaches he'd visited where people with hairy underarms sunbathed in the altogether.

The Cartwrights had almost reached town and saw that a crowd had gathered along the streets, on porches, and on balconies. Wild Bill spat some chaw while the young ladies of the town blushed and hid their eyes yet peeked around their fingers at the studs approaching town.

Adam's amusement grew as he glanced at his pa who had steam blowing out his ears. Yep, Little Joe would be dead by sundown. Adam glanced over at Hoss. Hoss's face had turned beet red as he saw all the folks who had gathered to see them prance through town. And then Adam glanced at his younger brother. Little Joe was taking great pains to avoid looking his family's way. 'Revenge would be sweet,' Adam thought. 'Oh yeah. Even if took years, revenge would be sweet.'

The Cartwrights didn't stop walking as they made their way through town, and neither did the whistles and catcalls that followed them. Even Roy couldn't suppress a chuckle but made sure it was out of Ben's hearing for his knew his friend would let him hear about it later. Ben and his sons walked the length of the town, as per the bet, and into the livery, whereupon Hop Sing immediately closed the doors behind them and led them to their clothes. Gathering up their things quickly and dressing, Ben and his two younger sons hadn't noticed his eldest son wasn't getting dressed. Adam leaned against a post, arms folded, and just grinned. Hop Sing looked puzzled but didn't say anything. The other Cartwrights headed to their horses and it was then they noticed Adam.

Mounting his horse, Pa spat, "What are you waiting for?"

Hoss had already mounted up and scratched his head. "Adam, ain't 'cha gittin' dressed?"

"Yeah," Joe stood by his horse looking perturbed. "Let's go. I wanna get out of here."

With his arms still folded, Adam said to Joe, "Nope."

Ben was in no mood for this. "Adam. I've had enough foolishness for one day."

Adam let out a slow breath and just grinned.

Hoss cocked his head and asked, "Whazza matter?"

Adam said calmly, "Oh, I think the youngest Cartwright owes us."

Little Joe looked at Adam and could tell by the mischief in his eyes he was up to something.

Ben watched his eldest son, too, and picked up on Adam's idea. He replied harshly while looking in Little Joe's direction, "Yes. I think he does, too."

Hoss was puzzled and just darted his eyes from family member to family member.

Joe assumed his innocent, "Who me? look," and Adam nodded once.

Ben looked to Adam, "Go ahead," and Adam nodded once more and slipped his clothes on as he relayed, "Joe, we're taking Cochise back with us. And your clothes …" He winked toward Hoss who eventually figured out the plan and began to dismount. Little Joe was still standing next to Cochise and moved to the horse's other side as he saw his burly brother advancing on him. "Now, Hoss …"

Hoss smiled as he came ever closer and said, "Whazza matter, little brother?" Adam came around from the other direction, now dressed, and the oldest sons hemmed their youngest brother in. Joe hollered out, "Pa!" but Ben sat atop Buck and winked over at Hop Sing. Hop Sing stayed in the background, away from the antics and not approving of the crazy Cartwrights.

Ben couldn't see what was happening as Cochise hid the three sons from view but he could hear fabric ripping and a struggle and Little Joe hollering. Chuckling, he settled back in his saddle and waited for the unveiling. Hoss dragged his youngest brother out from around Cochise kicking and screaming, "I'll get you, Hoss! Adam, you just wait!" Adam followed them out then went to his horse after having gathered Cochise's reins. He nodded to Hop Sing who opened the livery doors. The crowd had gathered there and were awaiting the reappearance of the clan. Out rode Adam who was leading Little Joe's horse, then Ben, then Hop Sing. Hoss dragged Little Joe out, dressed as one of the European sunbathers, and deposited him at the feet of Miss Abigail, who had heard the commotion and come to see what was going on. Hoss mounted up and rode off to join his family. Miss Abigail fainted at the male nekkidness in front of her, and Little Joe got up and ran after his family vowing revenge and ignoring the young ladies' whispers and giggles as he ran by.

The other Cartwrights were heard laughing in the distance and singing the Bonanza theme song.

THE END.

By: Hope

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