BONANZA
Growing Pains
By Wendy Drinkwater
Hoss is 14 and has left School. Courtyard of the Ponderosa….
Hop Sing
Mr.Cartlight…what time you going into town? I got list….
Ben
Any time now. Once I’ve rounded up Hoss.
Hop Sing
I think he in barn.
Ben
Mm (he walks over. Hoss is tending to a rabbit)
Hoss
You eat plenty a this an’ it’ll make you strong. I’m not gonna set
you free yet.
Maybe in a couple a weeks.
Ben
It’s lookin’ better already.
Hoss
Yeah, the cut wasn’t as deep as I’d thought
Ben
Er….you ‘bout set?
Hoss
Ta go inta town, ya mean?
Ben
Yes. Hop Sing’s given me the list. It seems ta get longer every
trip.
Hoss
Yeah, well, I’m thinkin’ a findin’ maself a job. I can pay ma way
then.
Ben
You mean I can’t find you enough to do here? (smiling) I wasn’t hintin’.
Hoss
You don’t have have ta. Hop Sing’s alus jumpin’ on me and ma clothes
don’t fit proper. I’ve hitched up the buckboard.
Ben
I saw.
Hoss
Er…did you check it over?
Ben
Everything’s fine.
Hoss
That’s a relief. Adam’s comin’ later. Reckon he’s seein’a girl.
He wouldn’t come right out an’ say so.
Ben
That’s his business.
Hoss
Yes, Sir.
Ben
If we get a move on, we could be back before Joe returns from school
Hoss
Boy, am I glad ta be outa that. I got ta the stage where I’d wake
up all
twisted inside jus’ thinkin’ ‘bout it.
Ben
You seem more relaxed. (they walk to the buckboard)
Hoss
D’ya want me to drive?
Ben
Sure, I’m in a leisurely mood.
Hoss
You may not feel that way once we hit the road (grinning)
Ben
A few years from now you could be driving a team of six from the loggin’
camp.
Hoss
I’d like that! There’s some power in them horses.
Ben
Yes. (l. at him apprehensively!)
General Store. Mr.Jenkins is the owner……
Jenkins
Mornin’, Ben. Hoss.
Ben
Mornin’, Bob.
Hoss
Mr.Jenkins.
Jenkins
Looks like Hop Sing’s doublin’ up on everything (l.at Hoss). I can
see why. Ain’t you stopped growin’ yet, boy?
Hoss
Reckon not. I gotta stop soon though.
Jenkins
How d’ya like bein’ “retired”?
Hoss
Outa school? Fine, ‘ceptin’ I seem ta have more free time.
Jenkins
You’ll have ta set him on, Ben.
Ben
I have, but he’s got boundless energy. Hop Sing found him in the corral
at 3.00 this mornin’. He was none too pleased, ‘bout havin’ his slumbers
disturbed.
Jenkins
Havin’ trouble sleepin’, huh? Tell you what…..I need some grain shiftin’.
Reckon you could handle it?
Hoss
Where to?
Jenkins
From three wagons ta the barn out back.
Hoss
Sure.
Jenkins
Put in a day’s work, you git a day’s pay. What d’ya say,
Ben?
Ben
Well, he’s not 15 til December…..
Jenkins
Look at the size of ‘im. It ain’t gonna be sweated labour.
Ben
I wasn’t thinkin’ of that. I don’t like the thoughts of leavin’ him
in town.
Jenkins
He’ll be O.K. with me.
Hoss
I’ll be too busy ta roam the streets, Paw. (pleading)
Jenkins
It’s 11.00 now. It’ll take him the rest a the day.
Ben
All right. I’m outnumbered, but I expect you home suppertime.
Hoss
Sure Paw, I’ll take the shortcut.
Ben
That’s what I’m afraid of. You be careful.
Hoss
Ain’t I alus?
Ben
Just try an’ be home before dark. You’d best get started. I’ve
got ta see Mr.Bishop (Bank Manager). Take care.
Hoss
Shortcut (grinning)
Ben
(silence!)
Hoss spends the rest of the day unloading the sacks and finishes around
4.00
Jenkins
You’ve made good time, Hoss. Didn’t doubt you for a minute.
Hoss
Er…..Mr.Jenkins…Ma horse is back home. If you don’t mind, I’d best
go now.
Jenkins
Certainly. There ya go….your first day’s pay. You did a good
job. Couldn’t have stacked ‘em neater maself. It’d taken me longer!
I know where ta come next time. I’ll put in a good word for you.
Hoss
Thanks, Mr.Jenkins. I’d appreciate it. ‘Bye.
Jenkins
‘Bye, son. You take care now.
Hoss walks down the street and into the woods and sees Jenny coming from
school…..
Jenny
Hi ya, Hoss.
Hoss
Jenny. How’s school?
Jenny
Borin’. I hope you realise how lucky you are (smiling up at him)
Whatya bin doin’taday?
Hoss
Workin’ for Mr.Jenkins. He gave me a day’s wages for humpin’ sacks
a grain.
Jenny
I’ll let you buy me supper some time. (he’s embarrassed) Aw
I’m joshin’. Ya don’t want ta spend your hard earned money on wimmin.
Take good care of it. Looks like you could do with some new clothes.
Hop Sing’s feedin’ you too well. You’d never git behind that desk
now.
Hoss
I didn’t then, but I had a good view from the windersill!
Jenny
Oh yeah, Joe got into a fight taday.
Hoss
(sighs) Dare I ask why?
Jenny
Well, I think he oughta explain, but the general gist is you’re takin’ on
three of ‘em. No date’s bin set yet. See you around.
Hoss
Yeah. ‘Bye, Jenny. Hey…
Jenny
What?
Hoss
Er…everything O.K. with you at home?
Jenny
So-so. You know.
Hoss
Well, don’t fergit what I tol’ you……
Jenny
“If ya need any help…..”. Sure. I’ve not forgotten. You’re
a good pal, Hoss. (hugging him) Mm….cuddly. ‘Bye.
Hoss watches her skip off. Back at the ranch…..
Hoss
Evenin’, Paw. I made it.
Ben
Evenin’. Hoss. In good time too. Supper’s almost ready.
Hoss
I’ll tend ta Chub and see ta the rabbit.
Ben
Has it got a name yet?
Hoss
Nope. I figger that’s up ta women ta name things. Er…put
this somewhere safe for me, please. (handing over his wages)
Ben
I’ll have to hire you out more often! Well done.
Hoss
I enjoyed it. He gave me a bonus. Back soon.
Ben
In time ta wash up.
Hoss
Yeah.
Hoss goes to the barn. Joe is polishing his pony’s bridle….
Hoss
Whatya say, li’l brother?
Joe
Oh hi, Hoss. Where ya bin?
Hoss
Workin’ in town.
Joe
You gonna do it all the time?
Hoss
When I git free time here an’ if somebody needs me. I…er…saw
Jenny…..
Joe
An’ what did “Blabbermouth” have ta say?
Hoss
Don’t talk ‘bout her that way!
Joe
Aw, Hoss has got a girlfriend! Ho, ho, ho!
Hoss
Cut that out! What you bin up to?
Joe
Nuthin’ much.
Hoss
Don’t sound that way ta me.
Joe
Billy was spoutin’ off ‘bout his brother.
Hoss
So you had ta stick your oar in.
Joe
Well, you could whup ‘im good!
Hoss
I like John. I don’t want ta take a crack at him!
Joe
I thought you enjoyed a scrap. It’s bin two weeks since the last one.
Hoss
I don’t know what I’ve done ta git lumbered with somebody like you.
Move outa the way.
Joe
Manners.
Hoss
I gotta see ta Chub an’ the rabbit. Then wash up afore supper.
Move!
Joe
OK. I’m through anyway. Boy, you’re touchy lately.
Hoss
You’re enough to make a parson swear.
Joe
An’ you sound more like Adam every day! When’s he leavin’?
Hoss
Dunno. He’s not said any more. Clear out! Quit stallin’!
You can be a real……
Joe
Oooh (Hoss moves and Joe tries to leg him over) Darn it!
Hoss
Don’t talk like that. I saw it comin’. Like I keep tellin’ you…
“anticipate your opponent’s moves”. Makes life a lot easier an’ don’t
let Paw hear you cussin’.
Joe
You do.
Hoss
Yeah, well….I’m older.
Joe
Why should that make a difference?
Hoss
Beat it!
They have supper. Ben and Adam are sitting quietly reading.
Hoss and Joe are at the corral looking at a horse…..
Joe
What’s the bettin’ I could break ‘im before you?
Hoss
There’s no contest.
Joe
You turnin’ chicken?
Hoss
No, I got more feelin’ for horses. This un is fine boned. It’d
end up swaybacked if’n I rode him. Hey, has Paw seen them spurs.
Joe
Sure.
Hoss
Like Hell he has….take ‘em off.
Joe
You’re not my keeper. Why should I?
Hoss
You know they’re forbidden. They can give an animal a lot a grief.
You’ll never win their confidence diggin’ them in. Where’d you git ‘em
anyhow?
Joe
I traded ’em.
Hoss
With what?!
Joe
Saddle blanket.
Hoss
Which one?
Joe
Oh, it’s bin tucked up in the hayloft.
Hoss
(sighs) You’ve got a short memory, li’l brother….that’s the one we
use for the brood mares. Come next month Paw’s gonna be askin’ for it.
You’ll have ta see if’n you can git it back. You should alus ask before
ya take things. Yeah, I know ya didn’t, because you knew
you were doin’ wrong. Take ‘em off…bury ‘em….do sumthin’ before Paw
or
Adam sees ‘em.
Joe
How come it’s alus me who gits picked on?!
Hoss
Probably ‘cos you never think of what might happen! Like this
fight you’ve gotten me into! Hopefully it’s a phase you’re goin’ through
an’ the sooner it passes the better….for my sake. I may leave home instead
a Adam yet.
Joe
You nearly alus say that. Did you go through this phase?
Hoss
One a many. In my case it never stops. Hurry!
Adam comes over…..
Adam
Fine evenin’…..
Hoss
Yeah. You gonna work ‘im?
Adam
The thought had crossed my mind. (moving to the barn where Joe
scurried)
Hoss
Er…Adam…..
Adam
Yes?
Hoss
Er…that stream…..which section d’ya want me ta clear?
Adam
It’ll be obvious to you if you walk towards the mountains.
Hoss
You mean I gotta walk the length of it ta find out? You’re real helpful.
Adam
The exercise will do you good. (smiling) Down by the meadow.
Though I
think the beavers have bin busy upstream.
Hoss
I get your point.
Adam
Where’s Little Joe? I thought he was here, with you….
Hoss
He’s in the barn.
Adam
Polishing his bridle, no doubt.
Hoss
Could be. I ain’t sure.
Adam
Ooh….it grates!
Hoss
Sorry. I’m not sure.
Adam
Better. What’s it like earnin’a wage?
Hos
Oh I like it fine.
Adam
You…er…didn’t find it too strenuous?
Hoss
Hell, no. Sorry.
Adam
Yep. You’re growin’ up. A man’s work’ll get you talkin’ like
a man. If you understand my meanin’.
Hoss
I reckon.
Adam
Just keep away from the “local talent”, or you’ll get into a load of trouble,
and I’m not jus’ talkin’ about Pa, either.
Hoss
I’ve got the message. I’ll help saddle you up.
He does so and watches Adam work the horse…..
Hoss
He’s a beaut.
Joe
Why don’t you try ‘im, Hoss? He seems ta like ya.
Hoss
That’s ‘cos I keep feedin’ ‘im. Same with me an’ Hop Sing.
(He takes a last look at the horse and then at Adam riding him and goes
inside)
Joe
What’s wrong with him? Is he in love?
Adam
No. He’ll be a giant among men, in more ways than one.
Here, your turn. Go easy on the bit.
During the night Hopsing sees Hoss at the corral, petting the horse.
Following morning….
Hop Sing
Mr.Cartlight…..
Ben
Yes, Hop Sing?
Hop Sing
I talk with you now?
Ben
Certainly. What’s the problem?
Hopsing
It Mr.Hoss.
Ben
Has he bin puttin’ frogs in the biscuit barrel again? Because if he
has…
Hop Sing
Oh no. He not done that for long time. They only in jar short
time.
He say they die without air. Not that.
Ben
Then what?!
Hop Sing
He up in night again. I see him by corral….talking to horse.
Ben
Yes. I’m sorry he disturbed you, Hop Sing.
Hop Sing
I not mind because I think something troubling him an’ I wish to help.
Ben
Has he said anything?
Hop Sing
Huh, you know Mr.Hoss, he like Mr.Adam, if he got secret, he keep
closed. I don’t think it any real problem. Just growing up.
Maybe he
need more exercise….make sleep better.
Ben
He unloaded three wagons of grain yesterday, then ran home!
Hop Sing
He tol’ me. He velly ploud of wages. I think he need turn extra
energy into something worthwhile…like job he did yesterday, but, also….he
must learn discipline. He velly strong now…by the time he reach 20 (shaking
his pigtail) he will be velly big and velly strong. He must learn how
to get….er…..solly, my English no good! (sighs) To work well,
he must learn how to use body ploperly…..yes?
Ben
Yes. (smiling) What did you have in mind?
Hopsing
My friend, Woo Chow….he saw Hoss fight. He say same as me,
he velly strong now…one day could hurt somebody bad…maybe kill.
Ben
Uh…..he’s turnin’ into a big problem. I found out from Jim Willy,
by
chance I might add, that they’ve bin teachin’him ta indian wrestle.
Hop Sing
Hoss not a problem. He gentle, caring boy, but other men…he will need
to watch them. I watch, listen to people in town. Some men want
to see if they can beat him. Now he must learn to face men and not hit
back. It velly difficult.
Ben
I understand. I’ll be pleased to meet your friend. He has some
special regime?
Hop Sing
He know different forms of martial arts which will build Hoss’ confidence
giving him inner strength and peace of mind.
Ben
Hoss has to agree.
Hopsing
I think you will find him more than a willing pupil.
Ben
Just how many are there of you Chinese folk in Virginia City now? (Smiling)
Hopsing
Quite a few. We are friendly, if left alone. My friend only wants
to help.
Ben
I’ll speak to Hoss.
Hop Sing
Er…it do Little Joe good too. He not too young for discipline.
Ben
Mm. You mean you’ve studied him as well?
Hop Sing
Oh yes, but kept quiet. Element of surprise always best.
Ben
Yes. We’ll see about Joseph later. I’d rather concentrate on
Hoss at present.
Ben goes to Hoss in the barn………
Hoss
I’m just about through, Paw.
Ben
No rush.
Hoss
Er…is it OK if Joe an’ me go fishin’ Saturday? That is if we finish
our chores on time?
Ben
I don’t see why not (he sits on a bale of hay) So you like working
for Mr.Jenkins?
Hoss
I’ll work for anybody who’ll pay me.
Ben
Mm.
Hoss
Aw, Paw, you know I’d help folks in a fix.
Ben
Yes and I’m pleased to hear it. I’ve…er…just had a word with Hop Sing.
Hoss
Yeah, sorry I finished off the fruitcake.
Ben
(smiling) He didn’t mention that.
Hoss
Dadburn it!
Ben
You’re in his good books.
Hoss
Makes a change. He didn’t tell you ‘bout the coffee grinder either?
(grinning)
Ben
What about the coffee grinder? (trying to be stern)
Hoss
Tweren’t much….I put dried up bulrushes in it.
Ben
You could’ve poisoned us! Don’t do it again.
Hoss
I ain’t that stupid. Beggin’ your pardon, Paw. I tol’
him afterwards, straight afterwards. Well, after he’d poured it out.
He figgered there was sumthin’ wrong ‘cos a the smell.
Ben
Hop Sing has got a friend.
Hoss
Only one? I thought he had more’n that.
Ben
Do you mind if I finish? (Hoss looks down at his bridle)
This Chinese friend apparently has bin watching you.
Hoss
Yeah I reckon ‘bout three quarters a Virginia City have too. I git
this feelin’ every now an’ agin that folks’re starin’ at me. Reckon
I gotta git used to it ‘cos I ain’t gonna git any smaller.
Ben
He’s seen you fight.
Hoss
Now I didn’t start it, Paw!
Ben
You rarely do. I know you didn’t start the last one. Apparently he’s
a martial arts expert.
Hoss
I tried ta read a book on that. Looks interestin’. I tried ta
do some moves without fallin’ over.
Ben
Well, Hopsing’s friend, Woo Chow, wishes to teach you properly.
Hoss
How much it is gonna cost? I can handle maself pretty well without
any fancy coachin’.
Ben
No man is invincible. I’m pleased that you’re takin’ an interest in
financial matters. He’d teach you how to react in a heated situation.
How to apply yourself when provoked.
Hoss
Ya mean back off?
Ben
In a dignified way….not always. We..
Hoss
Who’s “we”?
Ben
Adam, Hop Sing, his friend and myself.
Hoss
(smiling) I’m outnumbered.
Ben
We feel that you would benefit from such training.
Hoss
Will it teach me how ta lift heavier things (grinning)
Ben
Not necessarily heavier but so that you get the maximum effect without hurting
yourself….build up your stamina, though you’re hardly lacking in that area.
Hoss
I know how to indian wrestle. Jim Willy tol’ me he’d blurted it out
to you.
Ben
Did you belt him for doing so?
Hoss
‘Course not! He’s a pal.
Ben
Not everyone will be your friend.
Hoss
I know that. I sense it in town with some a the men.
Ben
They’re jealous of you.
Hoss
Of me?! Now if you’d a said Adam….aw, Paw….
Ben
It’s true. They feel intimidated by you, so in a few years from now
they’ll want to challenge you and you must learn to tolerate their goading.
Hoss
I do now! I used ta get it at school. All the way along the
line. That’s one a the reasons I wanted ta leave. I know it’ll alus
be the same, Paw. I’m not tryin’ ta run away from it. I’m me
an’ that’s all there is to it. I’ll tell you this much though, I’ve
learnt more in these past six months than I ever learned at school.
I feel a lot happier.
Ben
You’ve bin readin’ more. You’ve got a good, strong body and you ought
to know how to use it properly.
Hoss
You mean I oughta cut down on eatin’. Try tellin’ Hop Sing.
Ben
You know what I mean.
Hoss
If it’s gonna be expensive, I’d rather not start. These things’re
“on-goin’”.
Ben
You’ve obviously looked into it yourself.
Hoss
It’s interestin’ an’ you know how the Chinese are with me. I think
I must be some kinda novelty.
Ben
I’ll have a word with Woo Chow. You can go with me. Call it a birthday
present.
Hoss
Make that Christmas too. They’re both in December. Reckon
Woo Chow must be Cantonese, same as Hop Sing. I’ll be able ta
practice my pronunciation. I’ll also know when Hop Sing’s swearin’
at me. Will I still need ta chop wood with an axe? (grinning).
Ben
It’d be a good idea. Just don’t practice on the furniture.
Hoss
I don’t need a special technique ta do that…it comes natural. How
‘bout Joe learnin’ at the same time.
Ben
Funny you should mention that (sighs) Like I said to Hop Sing,
I’ll think about it.
A few days pass and Hoss is helping to erect a Mission building in town.
Man called
Steve……
Steve
Hoss, you hold the ladder steady. I ain’t got no head fer heights.
Hoss
It don’t bother me. How ‘bout I go up for you?
Steve
We don’t want no bowed rafters.
Hoss
Ready when your are. Hi, Jenny…..
Steve
Keep your eye on your job. No time ta be courtin’.
Hoss
Rest easy. (l. up)
Jenny
I heard it was gonna be another saloon. Lord knows we ain’t got enough!
Hoss
Meetin’ house. You O.K.?
Jenny
Couldn’t be better.
Hoss
You look different.
Jenny
I’m in love!
Hoss
Oh, who’s the lucky man?
Jenny
Mark. Who else? You shouldn’t need ta ask.
Hoss
Pardon me (trying to smile) I take it he feels the same way?
Jenny
Sure. Say, what about you?
Hoss
Too busy. Hey, I gotta concentrate on this. A man’s life could
be in danger (trying to joke)
Jenny
See ya.
Hoss
Sure (watching her walk down the street)
Steve
Hey, Moose!
Hoss
The name’s “Hoss” and you’re safe.
They have a break…..Hoss is wondering where to sit….
Steve
C’mon over here, boy. I’ll introduce you ta rest a the men.
They welcome him but he doesn’t really take part in their conversations….
Hoss
Reckon I’ll make a start. That wall?
Steve
What’s your hurry? Tryin’ ta set a good example for the boss?
Will
I like your manners. D’ya come from these parts?
Steve
His Pa owns a big spread outa town…”The Ponderosa”.
Will
Oowee! How come he’s workin’ here then?
Steve
Reckon they don’t feed ‘im enough. Probably eats ‘em outa house an’
home. Did your girlfriend turn you down, boy?
Hoss
Nope. She’s just a friend.
Will
Didn’t look that way ta me…the way you wuz eyein’ her.
Steve
Ah…let ‘im be. He’s only 14.
Will
I’d taken ‘ im fer at least 20. I’d had me ten wimmin by 14! I wuz
12 when I struck gold!
Steve
Yeah…me too, come ta think of it. You alus remember the first.
She wuz 16. I alus go fer older wimmin….pure honey. How old is she,
Hoss?
Hoss
14….15 come October.
Will
Aw…ain’t that nice….he knows her birth date.
Hoss
We were at school tagether (getting up and stretching. Will gets up and
faces him)
Steve
Enough, Will! He’d kill you!
Will
What your Momma mate with anyhow….a bear? I hate ta think what you’re
gonna look like in another 14 years.
Steve
Darnsight prettier’n you, if he stays a virgin! You’ll be rottin’
in your grave if you carry on womanisin’. Take no notice, Hoss. We’re
alus joshin’ with each other.
.
Hoss
Yeah. (he returns to work)
The end of the day….
Will
Well, I’m gonna git me a beer or two…clear the sawdust from ma throat.
Steve
Best thing you’ve said all day.
Will
How ‘bout it, Hoss?
Hoss
(downing a bucket of water) I don’t drink alcohol.
Will
I’d like to see you down a beer like that!
Steve
Quit gaulin’ ‘im. You’ve bin on all day. He cain’t go into a
Saloon…he’s too young.
Will
Never stopped me an’ he looks a darnsight older’n me when I first went in.
C’mon kid, I’ll vouch for you. Let’s git the “initiation” over with
before I die a dey…dehy…
Hoss
“Dehydration”.
Will
Yeah, like I said. C’mon. You an’ me make a good team.
Ya don’t bear any grudge, ha, ha. ‘Course ya don’t, and ta prove it…
I’ll let you buy the first round. Might even find you a woman!
Hoss
I cain’t, Mister.
Will
Frightened of your Paw?
Hoss
I respect him.
Will
Aw, ain’t that nice. A man should alus respect is Pa. Look, son, you
work alongside growd men, you should drink along side ‘em. So c’mon,
time’s a-wastin’.
Hoss
The bartenders know me.
Will
I reckon everybody knows you. There cain’t be two the same.
If I remember rightly, Barney’s laid up with a bad back. You should
show him how ta lift barrels. You’d make a good teacher. There’s
a new man, so who’s ta know?
This goes on whilst they’re clearing up…..
Hoss
OK., but only ‘cos I’m workin’ with you tamorrow. I don’t want no trouble.
They go to the Saloon. Hoss gets drunk. His blacksmith friend,
Luke, comes on the scene….
Luke
Anything for a buck (to the barkeeper)
Barkeeper
What’dya mean?
Luke
He’s 14. His Pa’ll skin ‘im.
Barkeeper
How was I to know. Nobody said….
Luke
Figgers. What’s he bin drinkin’?
Barkeeper
Started off on beers….finished on rye.
Luke
How much has he had?
Barkeeper
Lost track a the beers. He passed out on the 4th whiskey.
Luke
He could end up brain damaged, thanks ta you scum. Give ‘im his money
back. An’ if you so much as speak to ‘im agin, you’ll have me
ta answer to. Now give me some strong, black coffee. I gotta git
his on his feet. He can spend the night at my place.
Luke gets him to his house/forge….
Luke
How’dya feel?
Hoss
Lousy.
Luke
You’ll know what ta do next time.
Hoss
Paw…
Luke
I’ve sent word you’re spending the night here an’ tamorrow you can sweat
it out in the forge. I’ve bin watchin’ you lately.
Hoss
Yeah.
Luke
I’ll teach you a trade. A town alus needs a good blacksmith,
an’ when I’m pushed, your Pa can let you help me out. Livin’ on a ranch,
there’re alus things ta fix. If your Pa is in agreement you can serve
an apprenticeship here. I cain’t afford to give you a proper wage,
but I earn a steady livin’. If your Pa sees fit ta help with feedin’
you, you can stay here free a charge, but mind me, and mind me good,
keep away from the likes a them. They’re nuthin’ but trouble.
Hoss
Yes, Sir.
Luke
More coffee?
Hoss
No thanks.
Luke
Well, sleep it off. We’ve an early start. You can face the music
when your head’s clearer. Somebody did me a good turn once. ‘Ceptin’
it was my Pa who was the drunk. Now git some shut-eye.
The following morning Ben comes to town. Luke has put his proposition
to Ben….
Luke
Hoss is in the forge. He’s OK. He’s bin up since dawn.
Ben
Thanks, Luke. (walking through)
Hoss
Paw…
Ben
It had ta happen sooner or later.
Hoss
Is that all you’re gonna say?!
Ben
There’s no point in shouting. Would you have me take a whip to you?
Hoss
I might feel better.
Ben
Beatings never solved anything. Though I admit I felt like it last
night! Luke has told me what happened and I’ve agreed to his suggestion.
But, mark my words, Eric, if I hear the remotest story about you and saloons
again…there’ll be more than trouble! When you’re older you can socialise
in such places, but think of the degradation to yourself, not just
your family, if you overstep the mark. You, above all people,
should be
wary about leaving yourself wide open to ridicule. Work with
Luke. He’s a good man and you can learn a lot from him.
Hoss
Yes, Sir.
Ben
Good. Keep busy and you’ll do all right. Joe’s expectin’ you
ta go fishin’ with him Saturday.
Hoss
I can still go?
Ben
You’ll upset Joe if you don’t. (smiling, then serious) What’s
troublin’ you son?
Hoss
Jenny’s goin’ steady with Mark.
Ben looks at him but says nothing and goes out.
…………..
The End
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