THE LITTLEST BANDITS

By Cindy

"Man, that Leroy Calhoun and his gang sure is something else ain't they?" said Billy, after he finished reading the last paragraph from the latest dime novel the boys read on a weekly basis.

"Sure is. I wish we could have some real adventures like the ones in these stories," said Mitch.

"Heck Mitch, we'd get tanned sure enough if we had that kind of adventure," piped up Little Joe. "But it sure would be fun." He put on his mischievous smile he was so famous for.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Well, I best be getting home. I have chores to finish," said Billy, as he rolled up this week's addition of "The Great Adventures of Leroy Calhoun-Outlaw of the Wild West," and stuffed it in his back pocket. "Remember, we'll meet here same time next week." They all nodded in agreement as they mounted their horses.

"See ya at school on Monday," said Little Joe. He waved as he put Cochise in a full gallop.

Billy, Mitch, and Little Joe tried to meet every Saturday afternoon in the cave to read the weekly stories.  Billy's pa was the only one who allowed his son to read the novels. Ben forbade Little Joe from reading them because of his over active imagination for one, and secondly, he felt the stories weren't suitable for children. They glorified outlaws and made them into heroes, something Ben didn't feel was proper. He had once said that they did nothing to improve one's mind, if anything they caused the reader to believe that robbing and killing was the thing to do to gain admiration from others. Of course Little Joe didn't view it that way. He and Ben had butted heads a couple of times before Little Joe decided for the sake of his behind, he best listen to his pa. That was until Billy had moved in the area, and began sharing the novels with the other boys.

For the last several months they had met in the cave. The stories were exciting and sometimes they would reenact one of the scenes they had read. Little Joe and Mitch knew that if their pa's ever found out what they did each weekend; it would be a long time before they were able to sit down comfortably.

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Little Joe was up bright and early come the following Saturday morning. Ben was amazed how his son seemed to bounce out of bed on the weekends, but come Monday morning; he had to practically threaten his life to get him to move.

"So, what is your plans today son?" asked Ben. He passed the eggs and bacon to Adam.

"Uh, after my chores me and Mitch w...,"

"That's Mitch and I," corrected Adam. Little Joe rolled his eyes and shook his head. His brother was always correcting his grammar it seemed. He almost uttered something rude under his breath, but caught himself, realizing it would only mean trouble for him.

"Mitch and I were hoping to go fishing. Is that all right?" he asked, stuffing his mouth with a biscuit dripping with butter.

"I suppose so. Perhaps you can catch enough fish for supper," said Ben.

"Hey Little Joe, maybe I'll come with ya, then between us, we can have a real fish fry," said Hoss. An expression of alarm swept over Little Joe's face. He wasn't going fishing at all. He was meeting the guys in the cave to read the latest story. He'd be in big trouble if Ben knew his real plans and even bigger trouble if he knew he had lied.

"Uh, well, uh, we really wanted to be by ourselves, but we could go another day. Just the two of us," said Joe. He waited to see how Hoss was going to respond. After heaping his plate with seconds, he glanced over at his little brother.

"Ah, I understand short shanks. I remember I didn't want you following me around when I was with my buddies neither. We'll go another time," he said. He poured syrup all over his pancakes.

"Thanks Hoss."

Adam had been watching his youngest brother, and his nervousness hadn't gone unnoticed by him. He could always tell when Little Joe was up to something. His facial expressions alone gave him away. He figured if it was something really bad, he'd slip up eventually, and the cat would be out of the bag. There had only been a few times Adam had to take matters into his own hands to discover what mischief his little brother was up to. Usually though, his conscience would take over, and he would confess all.

"May I be excused?" asked Little Joe. "I want to get my chores done." Ben excused him. He pushed back his chair and hurried out the front door.

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

Little Joe met up with Mitch on the trail, and they rode the rest of the way together. When they arrived at the cave, there were two horses tied up outside. Little Joe and Mitch exchanged puzzled expressions as they jumped from their horses.

"I wonder who's horse that is," said Little Joe.

"Don't know, let's go in and find out," said Mitch. They had to duck their heads to enter the cave, but once inside it were large enough for a man seven feet tall to stand straight. Billy had already built a small fire which provided the light to read by. They sat down in their usual spots and removed their hats.

"Rusty, these are my very best friends Joe and Mitch," announced Billy. "This is my cousin Rusty. He got here on Monday. He'll be staying with us for a couple of months, so he'll be joining us while he's here." Rusty was a couple of years older than the rest of the guys. He was here visiting while his Pa had business in San Francisco. He was tall for his age, and his hair looked like a flame of fire glowing on top of his head.

"Nice to meet you Rusty," said Little Joe. "So Billy, did you bring the latest story?"

"Sure did, its right here." He pulled it out of his denim jacket. He opened the novel to chapter one.

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"That was more exciting than last weeks," said Mitch. "I wish we got some excitement like that around here."

"Yeah, nothing ever happens around here. Here we are living in the west, and our life is as dull as one of them town meetings Pa goes to," complained Little Joe.

"That could all be changed," said Rusty casually. The other three looked at him with puzzled faces.

"What do ya mean?" asked Billy.

"I mean we could make our own excitement. To be honest, I have been quite disappointed ever since I arrived in Virginia City. Not once have I heard about or seen a robbery, a shoot out, and not even one Indian has showed his face. I always read how the west was wild, exciting, and even dangerous, but so far it's been nothing but boring." He yawned into his balled right fist. The boys glanced at each other. Rusty was right. Virginia City was duller than a butter knife.

"Hey Rusty, what did you mean when you said we could make our own excitement?" Little Joe asked eagerly.  All eyes were staring at the new boy.

"I mean we can cause a little stir. Give the people in Virginia City something to talk about.” He leaned back against the damp wall and crossed his leg over his ankle.

"How we gonna do that?" asked Mitch.

"You said you wished you could be like Leroy Calhoun, well, here's your chance. We can do exactly as he did in this week's story."

"You mean rob the stage?!" asked Little Joe, his eyes bugging out.

"That's exactly what I mean," he said simply.

"No way," said Mitch, “Sounds too dangerous." The other boys agreed with Mitch.

"Okay, if you want to continue to live dull lives, go right ahead," said Rusty, nonchalantly. "Of course my plan would have been a really funny prank, and in the end, we would have looked like a bunch of heroes, but if you don't want to hear me out that's all right." Their ears perked up and he now he had the boys full attention. They lived for pranks.

"All right, all right, tell us," said the boys in unison.

"It's so simple. All we have to do is get some bandanas to cover our faces so we can't be identified, and then we get some guns...," he was saying, but was interrupted by Billy.

"Guns, have you lost your mind!? I thought you said this was going to be a prank."

"Now hold on cousin. The guns won't have any bullets in them. We'll just use them for appearance sake. All we do is find out when the next stage is coming in, and then hide out at the edge of town so as not to be seen. Then, when we see it coming, we stop it, take the money, and then bring the loot back here to the cave. That'll surely stir up the folks, thinking there are some bandits running lose somewhere. They'll probably get a posse up and everything. It'll be funny watching the whole town go into a tizzy," said Rusty, laughing.

"You mean we actually take the money?" asked Mitch.

"It wouldn't be a robbery otherwise now would it?" answered Rusty, sarcastically.

"What would we do with it?" Mitch asked.

"I'd say give them about a week of worrying and searching for those terrible bandits, then lo and behold, we find the money and turn it in to the sheriff. We become heroes, and who knows there might even be a reward in it for us," said Rusty, proud for thinking up such a wild scheme.

There was total silence for a good five minutes. Dripping water could be heard from a distance. Each boy was mauling over the information they had just heard in their heads.

"Well, what do you think?" asked Rusty, breaking the silence. Mitch, Little Joe, and Billy quickly looked at each other. Little Joe was biting his lower lip, Mitch was wringing his hands together, and Billy was biting his finger nail. "Well, what's it gonna be?" Billy was the first to respond.

"I say yes, let's do it. It’s not like we’ll be really harming nothing." He turned and looked over at his other two buddies. He raised his eyebrows at Mitch.

"Ok, me too, I say we do it. It'll be fun having some excitement. What do you say Joe, you in?" Little Joe was thinking about his Pa, and all the trouble he'd be in if he knew he was even thinking of doing such a thing. Mitch noticed Joe's hesitation. "Well Joe, are you in or out?" Little Joe looked at his best friend and saw the enthusiasm in his eyes. All three boys urged him to join in the fun and before he knew it, he had banded together with the rest. They set out making their plans right there and then.

Since Billy lived closest to town, they decided he would be the one to find out when the next stage was to arrive. They agreed to get their own bandanas and guns. They were to bring everything to the cave the following week and keep it hidden there. They decided to meet back next week to begin mapping out where each person would be staked out while waiting for the stage. Afterwards, each one mounted their horses and headed home. Mitch and Little Joe rode together as far as the fork in the road. Little Joe got goose bumps each time he thought of what they were planning to do. He wasn't sure if it was because of the thrill of this venture or it was fear of being caught. He shrugged off the last thought and aimed for the ranch.

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At school each day, the boys gathered in the playground to discuss their plans. The more they talked about it, the more thrilling it sounded. They found out that the next stage would be arriving in two weeks on a Friday soon after school let out. They would have to carry all the things they needed to school with them that day, and ride out and get into their assigned positions on time in order to catch it.

“Has everybody got their gun and bandana yet?” asked Rusty. He, Billy, and Mitch were all set, but Little Joe still hadn’t managed to get all he needed.

“”I got my bandana, but I still haven’t figured out how to get a gun without pa or one of my nosy brothers finding out,” said Little Joe. “But don’t you worry none, I’ll have what I need come Saturday.” The teacher came out and rang the bell for the children to return to class.

“All right class, please take out your math homework and place it on top of your desk,” said Miss Jones, as she began strolling down the aisle and retrieving her students assignments. Little Joe went pale. He had forgotten to do his homework. He had been so preoccupied over his new and up coming adventure; it had completely slipped his mind. In fact, all week Miss Jones had been having trouble with all four of the boys. Their concentration had been distracted. Mitch had been scolded several times for daydreaming. She thought it must be because school would be out soon for the summer, and they were getting restless. Well, restless or not, school was still in, and she expected each of her students to do his or her best up to the very last day. When she came to Little Joe’s desk; it was empty.

“Where’s your homework?”  She asked.

“I, I forgot it.”

“But you did do the assignment, you just left it at home, is that correct?” she asked. Little Joe liked how that sounded, so he nodded his head up and down. “I see. Perhaps you could go up to the blackboard and do problem number five for me.” Little Joe didn’t move from his seat. “That wasn’t a suggestion Joseph, now go on. Take your book and complete problem five.” He slowly eased himself out of the seat and walked to the front of the class room. He opened his book and looked at the problem. He was busted. It was long division. Miss Jones knew he had a problem with it, and that either Ben or Adam usually had to help him. If he did his homework, then he should remember how to solve it. He stared at the problem, having no idea where to begin. He scratched his head and nervously moved from one foot to the other. “Joseph, the class is waiting.” He looked over his shoulder and saw that all eyes were on him. He gave an uneasy grin. Some of the kids snickered until Miss Jones silenced the room. She continued around the room collecting papers. Mitch hadn’t finished his and was told he had to stay after school to do so. Billy and Rusty managed to do theirs, but when Miss Jones glanced at their work closely, she noticed that both had the same exact answers for all the problems. She frowned, and told them that they too would remain after class and redo their assignment away from one another. After gathering up the papers, she looked up at the blackboard, and when she didn’t see Little Joe, she twisted around and found him sitting at his desk. She looked at the problem. It seemed to her like he had put just any number down so he could say he had done it.

“Joseph Cartwright, is that the way your father showed you how to solve this problem?” she asked.

“Uh, yes ma’am,” he said, boldly.

“Well, it seems he needs just as much help as you do in math. I’ll be sending a note to your father asking him to please not aid you in your math assignments until he understands the problems himself,” she said, while going to her desk and taking out a writing tablet. He knew he was in trouble now. He wanted to argue the issue, but realized it would do him no good. He covered his face with his hands and let out a sigh.

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The children ran out the front door once Miss Jones dismissed class for the day. Some of them lingered in the yard to play on the swings, but most of them headed for home, some on feet, others on horses.

Miss Jones separated Billy and Rusty on opposite sides of the room. She explained why she was doing it. They couldn’t argue, because they had copied each others paper. Mitch only had six problems to finish, and then he’d be free to go. Little Joe waited around until Miss Jones found an envelope to place the note in. She looked up and peered at each of the boys.

“Boys, I don’t know what has gotten into you lately, but I expect you to complete your homework assignments and turn them in on time. I expect each of you to do your own work as well. That’s the only way you’re going to learn anything. And Little Joe, next time I ask you a question, I expect an honest answer,” she said, with her hands on her hips. “Now take this note to your pa and have him sign it and return it tomorrow. And I want to see yesterday’s assignment on my desk first thing in the morning.” She handed the envelope to him. He slipped it in his green, corduroy jacket. “I really should be sending a note to each of your father’s, and if I don’t see some improvement, I will.” She stood tall, frowning. Little Joe left the school room and went to saddle his horse. He dreaded going home.

Adam and Hoss were repairing a broken wagon wheel, when Little Joe rode up in the yard. Hoss noticed right off that he wasn’t as free spirited as he normally was. Hoss was the sensitive one of the three brothers and had the knack of reading not only people, but also animals. He knew something was wrong.

“Hey short shanks, how was school today?” he asked. Little Joe jumped down off Cochise.

“Not so good,” he answered in a quiet tone.

“Get in another fight?” asked Hoss.

“I think we would have known that just by his appearance,” blurted Adam. He was plastering grease on the wheel.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” muttered Little Joe, as he started toward the barn to rub down Cochise. Just before disappearing inside the barn, he turned around toward Hoss. “Uh, is Pa here?”

“Nope, but he should be back soon,” said Hoss, holding up the axle so Adam could replace the wheel.

“I bet he has a note from Miss Jones again. I wonder what mischief he got himself into this time,” uttered Adam, sliding the wheel on and tightening it with bolts. “All right Hoss, you can put the axle down.” Though Hoss was big and strong for his age, he was grateful to be rid of that burden on his back. Ben rode up on Buck. He smiled when he saw the job he had left with the boys had been done.

“Good job, sons,” he smiled. He slid off his horse and had Henry, one of the hired hands, take Buck into the barn and prepare him for the night. “Is Little Joe home from school yet?”

“Yes sir, he’s in the barn rubbing down his horse,” answered Hoss.

“Fine.” He turned on his heels and headed toward the house.

Little Joe took his time rubbing down Cochise. When he saw Henry stroll in with Pa’s horse, a knot formed in his stomach. Once he was finished, he figured he might as well get it over with before supper otherwise, he’d have a hard time eating anything at all. He slowly made his way inside. Ben was sitting at his desk fingering through the mail he had brought home. Little Joe tossed his hat on the sideboard, and then made his way over to Ben. He stood silently in front of the desk. Ben glanced up and saw the somber expression on his young son’s face.

“Hello son, what’s wrong?” he asked. Without answering, Little Joe dug into his coat pocket and pulled out the envelope and extended it to his pa. Ben’s expression darkened as he took the envelope. “What’s this?” he asked, not expecting an answer, and none came. He ripped it open and drew out the note. He began reading it; as he did his eyebrows furrowed, and he glanced up at his son. He laid it down on the desk once he was finished, and propped both elbows on the desk, and intertwined his hands together. He stared at Little Joe for what seemed and eternity before he spoke.

“Miss Jones said you lied about doing your homework. Is that true son?” Little Joe bowed his head, looking down at the hardwood floor.

“Yes sir,” he humbly said.

“I see. You know what the punishment is for lying, don’t you?” Little Joe nodded his head. “And you know I expect you to do your homework, right?” Again, Little Joe nodded. “Then can you explain to me why you’re guilty of both misdeeds?”

“I, I don’t know,” he answered, as he shrugged his shoulders. Ben hated it when one of his sons gave such a lame excuse for something done wrong.

“That’s not an answer, son,”  his voice on edge.

“I forgot.”

You forgot. Why did you lie about it?”

“I don’t kn…,” he started, but stopped himself as soon as he saw his pa cast an ominous glare his way. He stood in silence. Ben let out a sigh. He knew he wasn’t going to get a straight answer from him.

“Go to your room, we’ll finish our ‘discussion’ in there,” said Ben, flatly. Little Joe turned and went to his room without argument. Ben signed the note, folded it, and placed it on top of his desk.

“Mr. Carlight, supper will be ready soon. Tell boys to wash,” said Hop Sing, as he entered the living room wearing a soiled apron. Ben nodded to show he had heard the man. Hop Sing grinned and happily went back to the kitchen to finish up the last minute touches. Ben pushed his chair back and stood. He walked to the front door and opened it. Adam and Hoss were at the water pump trying to clean some of the black grease they had managed to smear on themselves.

“Boys, supper will be ready soon. Come inside as soon as you can.”

“Yes Pa.” Ben closed the door and went upstairs to Little Joe’s room.

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

Little Joe had a difficult time riding his horse to school the following day. His pants had been warmed by his Pa’s strong hand. He was just happy he hadn’t been restricted to the ranch too. Mitch met him at the fork in the road, and they rode the rest of the way together to school.

“Did you get your gun yet?” asked Mitch.

“No, I was in too much trouble to even think about that,” said Little Joe.

“You best hurry up and get it; we only have one more week before the stage will be here.”

“I know I’ll get it. I’ll race you.” He put Cochise into a full gallop. Mitch tried to catch up with him, but Cochise was just too quick for him. When they arrived at school, Rusty and Billy waved at them. They jumped off their horses and walked them to the stable.

“Listen guys, we were thinking last night. We best not get on the teacher’s bad side anymore, lest we get in more trouble, and risk the chance of missing out on our plans,” said Rusty. They all nodded in agreement.

After Little Joe stabled his horse, he went inside and gave Miss Jones the note and turned in his homework assignment. She accepted it with a smile, and then sent him back outside to play until class began.

The day went along smoothly. None of the boys had gotten into any trouble. They had remained attentive and all of them had done their homework. Miss Jones had been very pleased with them and made sure to tell them so.

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

Little Joe knew he had to get his gun by tomorrow. It was harder for him than it was the other boys, because Ben didn’t allow him to even touch a gun. Ben told him when he turned fifteen he would teach him how to shoot, and then only for protection. He still had a whole year to wait. He also had Adam, Hoss, and Hop Sing to worry about. They were like three mother hens constantly watching him. It was difficult to sneak anything around here. When he rode into the yard, it was more quiet than usual. He was surprised, but pleased to see all three horses gone out of their stalls. He quickly rubbed down Cochice and then ran into the house.

“Hop Sing,” he called. “Hop Sing.” The small Chinaman came scrambling from the kitchen.

“Why you yell?” he asked.

“Where is everybody?” He put his books and hat on top of the sideboard.

“They out riding fence. Say won’t be home early. Supper be late tonight,” said Hop Sing.

“Thanks,” said Little Joe. Hop Sing turned and went back to work. Little Joe couldn’t believe it. Inside he was leaping for joy. This was the perfect opportunity to get the gun and hide it. As soon as he could hear pots and pans clinking together he made his move. Ben kept a collection of guns in the bottom drawer of his desk. He only went in there periodically to dust them and make sure they were clean. Little Joe had seen him polish them just a few days ago, so there shouldn’t be a problem with him sneaking one out. He opened the drawer very carefully so as not to make a ruckus. He found the gun he wanted and grabbed it. He looked over his shoulder to make sure he was still alone in the room. He shut the drawer and then stuffed the gun inside his pants and ran out of the front door toward the barn. He climbed to his favorite spot in the loft and hid the gun under some hay. No one would suspect a thing. He came up here quite often, especially when he had been in trouble and needed solitude. He breathed a sigh of relief once the gun was well hidden. He was all set for Saturday now, and he felt even more excited than before. He couldn’t wait until the weekend.

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The boys gathered around the fire in the cave and compared guns, and then they practiced pretending to hold up the stage.

“All right hands up, this is a hold up,” said Mitch.

“No, no, not that way. You weren’t very convincing,” said Rusty, standing up. He took his gun in his right hand and aimed it right at Mitch’s head. “You have to sound mean like this, put your hand up, where I can see them! Keep them up or I just might have to blow your stinking head off your shoulder!” he bellowed, in the deepest voice he could muster.

“Wow! That would convince me all right. How do you know so much of what to do?” asked Little Joe, truly impressed.

“I’ve heard enough and read enough about bank robbers to know what you’re suppose to say,” said Rusty. “Let’s all take turns pretending to hold up the stage using our deepest voices.” They did that for a little while, but got bored, so they decided to ride out to where the stage would ride through. They practiced coming out of their hiding places pointing their fingers as if they were guns, and tried sounding like grown men as they spoke. Unfortunately, their voices cracked every now and then making them go high pitched like a girl. They tried over and over. They got so involved with what they were doing they lost track of time. The sun was already beginning to set.

“I’m gonna get skinned alive if I don’t get home before supper,” said Little Joe. He scurried around grabbing his belongings and jumped on his horse. The others followed suit.

“All right, next Friday is the day. Immediately after school we meet here,” said Billy. They all agreed and then went their separate ways.

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Hop Sing was speaking in Chinese, something he did when he was upset. He was perturbed that Little Joe was holding up supper and causing it to get cold.

“Where little boy, Mr. Cartlight?” he asked. “Supper get cold. I work all day. Nobody appreciates Hop Sing. I going to quit,” he said, flailing his arms in mid-air. Ben couldn’t stand hearing any more of his complaining, so he and the boys sat down to eat. Little Joe was already twenty minutes late. Hop Sing calmed down a bit once they came to the table. The front door flew open in the middle of their meal. Little Joe slammed the door, and then threw his hat towards the sideboard but missed, his hat falling on the floor. He quickly joined his family at the table.

“Sorry I’m late Pa,” he said, out of breath.

“What kept you?” asked Ben, in a firm voice.

“Me and Mitch lost track of time, that’s all. I hurried home as fast as I could Pa.” He took a piece of chicken for himself.

“You know I expect you to be home on time for supper. Hop Sing was irate earlier. Watch the time in the future,” stated Ben. He gave his son a hard look, so he would get the point that he meant business.

“Yes sir. I’ll apologize to Hop Sing after I eat,” he said. Ben heaped his plate with potatoes and green beans.

“Hey Little Joe, exactly what do you and Mitch do besides fishing?” asked Hoss.

“Oh nothing much, you know a little swimming, skipping rocks on the water. Stuff like that,” he said, stabbing his fork into the beans.

“You sure haven’t been bringing home any fish for all the fishing you say you do,” said Adam. “You would think that at least you’d bring home something once in a while.” He buttered a slice of bread and gave his brother a suspicious glance.

“Well, the fish ain’t been biting too good, and the ones we have caught have been too small to keep,” said Little Joe, trying to come up with a logical answer to give to Adam’s statement.

“How about if you and me go fishing next Saturday little brother,” suggested Hoss. “You did promise we’d go, remember?”

“Yeah, but does it have to be next weekend?” asked Little Joe.

“Why not, you got something better to do?” asked Hoss dejectedly.

“Well, I’m supposed to meet Mitch on Saturday.”

“Dog gone it Little Joe, you’ve been with him every weekend. Can’t you take one day off from your friends?” asked Hoss. Little Joe was about to protest, when Ben spoke up.

“Joseph, I think Hoss is right. You have been spending an awful lot of time with Mitch these days. I believe it would be nice if all of us went fishing and had a picnic by the lake. What do you think about that?” Little Joe only shrugged, and took a big bite off his chicken leg so he wouldn’t have to answer. Hoss and Adam thought it was a great idea.

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

The following week seemed to crawl by for the boys. As each day past, the more excited they became. Some of that excitement would follow Little Joe home, so a couple of times he had to be reprimanded by Ben. He quickly obeyed both times, not wanting to rile his father to the point of being restricted to the ranch.

He went to bed without argument on Thursday night, which was out of character. He normally would do about anything to find a way to stay up even just for fifteen minutes longer. But tonight was different. He and his friends had to meet in the cave before school in the morning to get their guns and bandanas, and they wanted to go over the plan one more time to make sure everyone knew where they were suppose to be. That meant he would have to get up on time in the morning, so he thought it would be best to go bed when told.

“Pa, do you think Little Joe is feeling well?” asked Adam.

“Why do you ask?”

“Don’t you think it strange he didn’t balk even a little about going to bed?”

“I don’t think so. He did say he had a busy day in school. Maybe he’s just tired,” said Ben, not giving much thought to it. He was busy going through the monthly records.

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

Friday morning arrived and Little Joe jumped out of bed as soon as Hoss woke him up. Hoss was thrown back by this. Usually he had to end up pouring water over his head or go as far as threaten to bring him bodily harm. But this morning, he was up and dressed in a flash. He was at the breakfast table even before Adam.

“Now I know this ain’t my little brother,” said Hoss, taking a slice of bacon and chomping on it. “He got up after the first time I woke him; Little Joe doesn’t do that.”

“You all right, son?” asked Ben, half smiling.

“Sure Pa. I fell asleep early; I was ready to get up. Please pass the milk. Pa, would it be all right if I go over to Mitch’s house for a little while after school?” asked Joe, taking a gulp of milk. “His Pa brought home some lambs he wants to show me.”

“I suppose it will be all right, just be home on time for supper,” said Ben.

“Thanks Pa.” Little Joe grinned, as he took a bite of his biscuit. That was another plan the boys had come up with. Each would get permission from their parents to be at each other’s house. Rusty and Billy were asking to go to Little Joe’s house, and Mitch was supposed to ask to go over to Billy’s place. That way, they would all have an alibi if need be.

They were somewhat fidgety in their seats. Miss Jones gave them warnings to sit still or stay after school. It was hard, but they managed to get through the rest of the day without incident. As soon as Miss Jones released the children for the day, the boys flew out of there as if the building was on fire. They ran to the stable and mounted their horses, and as fast as they could rode out for the outskirts of town. The thought of the seriousness of what they were about to do didn’t even enter their minds. All they knew was they were finally going to have some excitement here in Virginia City.  When they got far enough away from ear shot, they hooted and hollered like a bunch of Apaches on the war path.

“All right, let’s get our bandanas on,” said Rusty. They helped each other tie them around their face tight so it would be sure not to fall off. When they put on their hats the only thing that showed was their eyes. Next they pulled out their guns and stuffed them inside their pants. “The stage should be here any minute. Let’s get to our posts. You ready?”

“Yeah!” they all shouted together. They went to their separate hide-away, while they watched for the coach. They didn’t have to wait long.

“It’s coming!” shouted Billy, as he saw it barreling down the dirt road towards them at full speed, leaving a thick cloud of dust behind it. When it was about two hundred feet in front of them, they heard the signal, “NOW!” Each one came galloping from their secret hiding place and surrounded the stagecoach. It came to a halt. The two drivers looked all around them. Each place they looked, they had a gun pointing at them.

“What’s the meaning of this?” asked the stout man. Rusty took the lead since his voice hardly cracked any longer.

“All right, hands up! Don’t move an inch or we’ll have to shoot you dead!” he snarled in his deepest voice. He motioned for Little Joe, Mitch, and Billy to keep a watch on the drivers and look out for anyone coming while he got the money.

“You won’t get away with this,” said the stout man in a tight voice.

“Please don’t hurt us,” said the other driver. His voice trembled when he spoke. He was a young man in his late twenties. This was his very first trip driving the stagecoach, and as nervous as he was, it would probably be his last.

“Shut up!” yelled Billy. The drivers kept glancing behind them to see what the others were doing. They watched while Rusty grabbed the canvas bag away from the coach. The stout driver began to lower his hands as if he was going after a weapon, but Rusty caught him. He clicked the trigger, which got the driver’s attention real quick, and he put his hands back in the air.

“Mister, you try bringing your hands down one more time, your friend there will see you die,” he said, in a nasty tone. Billy and the others had their guns pointing directly toward the men’s heads just as they had practiced. The two drivers were scared for their lives. They did exactly as they were told. Rusty took the bag and tossed it onto his saddle and then mounted. He signaled when it was time to leave.

“Good day gentlemen, hope the rest of your day is a pleasant one,” said Rusty, as he slowly started backing away. “Now, don’t go trying anything stupid. I have been known to kill a man from a quarter of a mile away.” He had read that line in one of the dime novels. The drivers remained still with their hands still in mid-air until the bandits were well out of sight. Then when they thought they were safe, the stout driver picked up the reins and smacked the horses on the rump. They took off in a full gallop.

“We have to get to town and report this to the sheriff,” he said franticly.

The boys were out of sight, but they could hear the stagecoach going for all its worth towards town. They were laughing and making fun of the men.

“Did you see how scared they were?” asked Billy, in between giggles.

“I thought the skinny one was gonna pee in his pants,” laughed Rusty.

“I can’t believe we really pulled it off,” said Mitch.

“Yeah, just like Leroy Calhoun!” exclaimed Little Joe, excitingly. Their adrenalin was still pumping hard. “Let’s go back to the cave and see how much money we got.” They all agreed and turned their horses in the opposite direction.

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

“Thirty thousand dollars!” screamed all four boys.

“Where are we gonna hide it?” asked Billy. “We have to keep it safe until we turn it in.”

“We can keep it right here behind this huge rock,” said Rusty, pointing to a boulder that was in the corner of the cave near the wall. They decided to leave their guns there too until a better time they knew their folks wouldn’t be around.  They agreed to the plan. They hid them underneath the money bag. In all their excitement, they hadn’t even noticed that the sun was going down quickly.

“Oh no, I’ve done it again,” moaned Little Joe. “I’m gonna be late for supper. I’ll catch it good from Pa for sure. I’ve gotta go. Oh, I can’t come tomorrow. My Pa has decided he wants us to go on a family picnic. I’ll see you on Monday.” He tossed himself on top of Cochise with ease and aimed for home.

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

It was dusk, and Ben was fit to be tied. He paced back and forth in the living room, while having to listen to Hop Sing grumble his usual complaint and threaten to quit.

“I told that boy to be home before supper,” he said, through gritted teeth.

“You want me to go look for him, Pa?” asked Adam.

“That might be a good idea, son. Thank you,” answered Ben. Adam went out to the barn, saddled Sport and took off toward Mitch’s house. Ben and Hoss sat down to eat supper. Hop Sing became even more agitated once Adam left the house.

“Nobody tell Hop Sing Little Joe and Adam not eat,” he said, as he laid the chicken pot pie on the table.

“I’m sorry Hop Sing. Adam will be back as soon as he finds Joseph,” apologized Ben.

“Little Joe say sorry about being late, then he late again. He no sorry, he bad boy,” complained Hop Sing.

“I agree, and he will get what’s coming to him when he gets here, I promise you that,” said Ben, his voice becoming icier as he spoke.

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

Adam knocked on the Devlin’s front door. Mrs. Devlin opened it, and when she saw Adam, a big smile covered her entire face. She was a big woman with rosy cheeks. She was the jolliest person Adam had ever known.

“Why Adam Cartwright, what brings you out here this time of day?” she asked. She invited him to come inside, but he declined.

“I just came by to pick up Little Joe,” he said.

“Little Joe? Oh honey, he’s not here.”

“He’s not?”

“No, Mitch is off visiting his friend Billy.”

“Little Joe was never here?” asked Adam, a puzzled look on his face.

“That’s right dear. Mitch went straight to Billy’s right after school. Little Joe didn’t make it home?” asked Mrs. Devlin, in a worried tone.

“No ma’am, afraid not. He told Pa he was coming here after school.”

“Oh my, I hope he’s all right. Maybe he went to Billy’s too,” she suggested.

“Yeah maybe, well thanks,” said Adam. He tipped his hat, mounted Sport, and took off for Billy’s house.

Little Joe was riding Cochise hard. He probably had another half hour at least before he’d get home. By that time, the sun would be completely gone. His butt prickled at the thought of facing Pa.

Adam knocked on the Walker’s door. Mr. Walker answered. He was a rough looking character with beady eyes, and he always looked as though he needed a bath. He was chewing, so Adam realized he was interrupting his supper. He tipped his hat.

“Hi Mr. Walker, I came by to see if Little Joe was here,” said Adam.

“What?” he asked. “Billy and my nephew Rusty said they were going to your house after school,” said Mr. Walker, with a concerned expression. “My boys aren’t at your place?”

“No sir, they’re not and neither is my brother,” said Adam, annoyance in his voice. “He never came home from school.” Mr. Walker looked over his shoulder, and then stepped outside and shut the door.

“I don’t want the Mrs. To know about this; she would be out of her mind with worry. I’ll saddle my horse, and we can search for them together. They better have a good explanation of their whereabouts,” he said. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. I’ll be right back. He went inside for a moment, and then reappeared. While he was saddling his horse, he heard the sound of horses approaching. It was Rusty and Billy.

“Where in blue blazes have you two been and don’t tell me the Cartwright’s,” he asked in a gruff voice. The boys noticed Adam sitting on Sport.

“Uh, hi Adam,” said Billy.

“Do you know where Little Joe is?” asked Adam.

“He’s on his way home.”

“So, he’s been with you two today?” asked Adam. They both nodded.

“You two best get to explaining yourselves before I take a switch to you,” Mr. Walker demanded.

“We uh, we went to the house where old man Malone use to live,” said Billy. “We heard it was haunted and wanted to find out for ourselves. You know what, there ain’t a bit of truth in those stories we heard.”

“You mean that’s where you’ve been all this time?” asked Mr. Walker.

“Yes sir. We did some exploring while we were there, but we didn’t take anything. We only looked,” answered Billy.

“Why did you say you were going to the Cartwright’s place then?” asked Mr. Walker, placing his hands on his hips.

“We thought you might not let us go, so we just told you we’d be at Joe’s so you wouldn’t say no. Sorry Pa, I guess we should have been up front with ya,” said Billy.

“Well yeah, you should’ve, but you’re okay, and you’re home now; so I guess no harms been done. Go on inside and eat your supper.”  He waved his hands toward the house. “After you eat, you make sure you come out and bed down your horses.”

“Yes Pa.” The boys jumped down and casually strolled into the house.

“I best be getting back to the ranch. Pa will be glad to know Little Joe is all right,” said Adam. He turned Sport around and aimed for the house. He couldn’t believe how Mr. Walker let his boys get away with lying to him. He knew Little Joe wasn’t going to be so lucky. Pa expected obedience even in small things, and he hated to be lied to. He was glad he wasn’t in his little brother’s shoes. He clicked his heels to push Sport faster.

When he rode up to the ranch, he saw Little Joe coming out of the barn. He jumped down from Sport and grabbed his little brother by the arm.

“I want to warn you, Pa is madder than a wet hen. He sent me out to look for you, and by the way, I wouldn’t lie if I were you. I know what you’ve been up to,” said Adam with a smirk.

“You do? How?” asked Little Joe. He wasn’t sure if he meant the story the boys had made up just in case something like this would happen, or the real story.

“I’ve already spoken to Billy and his cousin. They told me you were with them at Mr. Malone’s abandoned house.”  Little Joe relaxed a bit after he told him what he knew.  “I have to put Sport in his stall, but I’ll be in, in a minute. If I find out you lied, I’ll tell Pa the truth myself.”  

Little Joe walked slowly toward the house. He was rehearsing what he was supposed to say on the way in. He got up to the door, and just as he was about to push the handle on the door it swung open. Ben stood like a mountain and the expression on his face showed both relief and anger.

“Get in the house, young man,” he demanded, in an ominous tone. Little Joe didn’t dare say a word. He rushed by his father. Ben slammed the door, and then approached his wayward son. “All right, start explaining where you have been.” He had his hands on his hips.

“Yes sir. First, can I say I’m really sorry about being late again? I, we, I lost track of the time,” stuttered Little Joe.

“I remember hearing you say those very words just yesterday, son. And I also remember telling you to watch the time and to be home before supper tonight. Do you recall me telling you that?” asked Ben, frowning.

“Yes sir.”

“Then explain to me why you’re over two hours late.” He stood in his seaman’s stance with his feet apart.

“Yes sir.” At that moment Adam walked in. He put his hat on the sideboard. Little Joe glanced over his shoulder, and saw Adam staring at him. “We went to the empty house where Mr. Malone used to live.”

“You and Mitch?” asked Ben.

“Yes sir.” He glanced at Adam again. “And Billy and his cousin Rusty came too.”

“You told me you were going to Mitch’s house to see some lambs Mr. Devlin bought.”

“Yes sir, I did.”

“So, did you see them?”

“No sir.”

“Why not?”

“Because I, uh…, I didn’t go to his house,” he said, hanging his head down.

“So you lied to me,” said Ben, his voice getting deeper and more threatening.

“Yes sir,” he mumbled. He looked up at his pa and saw the deep frown and tight lips so he figured he better try to explain himself. “I didn’t tell you where I was really going, because I figured you wouldn’t let me go.”

“You’re right; I wouldn’t have let you go. Isn’t there a no trespassing sign posted on the outside of that house?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t notice. But Pa, we only explored a little. We didn’t touch anything. We heard the place was haunted and wanted to find out if that was true. But those stories are just a bunch of lies. It’s not haunted at all.”

Ben sighed. He pinched in between his eyes with his forefinger and thumb. Out of his three sons, Little Joe was the hardest one to bring up. He had a free spirit and a quick temper and always acted on impulse. Ben wished he would stop and think just once about what he’s doing or saying before jumping into something.

“Pa, I’m really sorry about lying and being late.” Little Joe shifted from one foot to the other. Adam was listening to his brother and wondered if Mitch was standing before his father right now telling him the same exact story. His mind drifted back once he heard his father’s deep voice.

“”Sorry doesn’t cut it with me. You were told to come home before supper, and you chose to ignore me. You told me you were going to Mitch’s house, and that was a lie. Instead you broke into Mr. Malone’s home.”

“We didn’t break in Pa, the door was unlocked.”

“Joseph, it doesn’t matter. You and your friends had no business being in that house. You have lied, ignored my instructions, and snuck behind my back. I believe you have earned yourself a trip to the barn, young man. Go on out there, I’ll be there in a minute,” ordered Ben.

“Yes sir.” He slowly opened the door and strolled toward the barn.

“Adam, Hop Sing has your supper warming in the kitchen,” said Ben. He breathed heavily as he went out the front door.

Once the tanning was over, Ben had also restricted Little Joe to the ranch for the next two weeks, and the weekends he planned on giving him some extra chores to keep him busy. He then sent him inside to eat his supper and then go to bed.

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

“Ben! Ben Cartwright!” yelled Roy Coffee. He was banging on the front door. A light came on inside and suddenly the door flew open. Ben stood in the door way rubbing his eyes trying to wake up. Soon Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe were standing behind their father.

“Roy, what is it? Come in out of the cold,” said Ben. Roy took him up on the offer.

“Sorry to wake you up at this hour, but I have some troubling news. The stagecoach was robbed today. Thirty thousand dollars was stolen. I’m just glad Lewis decided not to pick up that gold in Placerville. We’re trying to gather up a posse. I’d be obliged if you and Adam would join me in the search,” explained Roy.

“Sure, of course,” said Ben. “What about the drivers, anyone get hurt?”

“Fortunately no, but they came into town scared out of their wits. They said there were four of them, but he said they looked more like boys instead of grown men. They wore bandanas over their faces and had guns. They threatened to shoot them if they tried to stop them. Thank goodness they were smart enough to cooperate with them. Lewis said they were a mean bunch.”  Roy rubbed his mustache.

“Were they able to get anymore descriptions of them?” asked Adam.

“Lewis said the one in charge had red hair and dark eyes. The one odd thing he told me was that all four of them were small in stature. Poor Danny Owens was taking his first run as being stagecoach driver. He was so scared when he got into town, he quit right on the spot.”

“That’s too bad,” said Ben. “That’s a good paying job too. I know he and his wife just had twins too. Wonder what he’ll do for work.” He buckled on his gun belt.

“Don’t know, but it won’t be a driver.” said Roy, scratching his head. The more Roy talked, the tenser Little Joe became. A twinge of guilt began to flow over him. It started to hit him what they had done was wrong.

 Adam kept glancing at his little brother and noticed he had turned slightly pale. He realized Joe was sensitive, but he wondered why his little brother seemed so nervous. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He shrugged into his coat and put on his black felt hat.

“Pa, what about me, can’t I help?” asked Hoss.

“I’d prefer you stay close to the house and watch your brother. Those men are loose out there somewhere. They could easily come this way,” said Ben.

“Yes Pa,” he answered, with disappointment on his face.

“Thanks son.” Ben patted Hoss on the back. He was grateful Hoss didn’t put up a fuss about having to baby sit his younger brother. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Little Joe. “Joseph, I want you to go back to bed now.”

“Ah Pa, I’m not even sleepy, I…,” he began to whine, but Ben held up his hand and gave him a look that would stop a clock.

“I mean now, son.” Little Joe rolled his eyes and sighed, but he obeyed his father.

He over heard Roy say he was heading on over to Mr. Devlin’s next and then on to the Walker’s place. He told Ben and Adam to get their gear ready and then meet him in Virginia City. The men were meeting at his office.

“I’ll see you two in town later,” said Roy, as he walked out the door.

“Adam, go saddle the horses. We might as well go prepared to stay overnight, so we’ll need the bed rolls,” instructed Ben.

“Yes Pa.”

Ben went to work gathering ammunition and a couple extra guns they might need. He filled canteens with water and brought along some canned beans and jerky. Who knows how long they’d be on the trail. Adam stuck his head inside the door.

“Pa, the horses are ready.”

“All right son.” He glanced over at Hoss. “We’re leaving now. Take care of yourself son. Little Joe is not to leave the yard.”

“Yes sir. I’ll watch him real close, don’t you worry none,” said Hoss. Ben gave him a smile that showed he had full confidence in his son. He threw on his coat and gathered up the canteens and guns and walked outside. Hoss really wished he could have gone too, but he also knew he had a big responsibility right here keeping an eye on his brother and keeping him safe.

Little Joe lay in his bed with his hands underneath his head. He couldn’t get back to sleep. His conscience wouldn’t let him. Here Pa and Adam were out searching for some horrible bandits who didn’t even exist. He had to find a way to tell the others so they could return the money right away before things got any worse and really out of hand. He decided to sneak out of the house when Hoss was sleeping and round up the guys.

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

He bent down and picked up a couple of small pebbles and threw them toward Mitch’s window. They pinged off the glass. The room lit up and after a few minutes, Mitch looked out. Little Joe came out of the shadows.

“What are you doing here?” asked Mitch, rubbing his eyes.

“I’ve got to talk to ya,” said Little Joe. “Can you get down here?”

“Guess so.” Mitch disappeared and in a few minutes the front door opened and Mitch slipped outside. “What’s so important?” He wrapped his arms around himself trying to keep warm.

“It’s about the money. Didn’t the sheriff come to see your Pa tonight?”

“Yeah, what about it?” He scrunched up his nose. “My Pa joined the posse, kind of funny, huh?”

“Funny! I think we best take the money to the sheriff’s office tomorrow,” suggested Little Joe.

“Why? Nobody can pin the robbery on us. I think we should wait just like Rusty said,” answered Mitch. Little Joe was surprised over his friends reaction to the situation.

“Ain’t you scared even a little?”

“Nope, should I be?” asked Mitch.

“I don’t know. I guess I didn’t think about all the trouble we might get into or that my pa might get involved with the search and all. They’re out there in the cold looking for four bandits who ain’t even out there. That doesn’t bother you just a little bit?”

“Not really. I was kind of nervous when Sheriff Coffee first stopped by, but after I thought about it, I realized this is exactly what we wanted, some excitement in Virginia City. Well we got it, so we should enjoy it for a little while, don’t you think?” asked Mitch, winking.

“I don’t know if I like it so much anymore,” said Little Joe. He had a slight paleness to his complexion.

“Oh Joe, you worry too much,” said Mitch, patting him on the back.

“I still think we should get the money tomorrow and turn it in.”

“Tomorrow, are you crazy!? We can’t turn it in that soon. They’d figure it out for sure, and besides, Sheriff Coffee is too busy out looking for the bandits, remember?”

“I’m going to go see Rusty and Billy and see how they feel about it,” said Little Joe. “You want to come along?”

“You’re wasting your time you know, but I suppose I’ll come. Then we can have a vote whether we tell or not,” said Mitch. Little Joe pulled himself up on Cochise, and then helped Mitch climb up behind him. He clicked his heels and they headed toward the Walker’s ranch.

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

The boys snuck out, and they all rode to the cave. “Little Joe, are you turning yeller on us?” asked Rusty, with his hands on his hips.

“I ain’t yellow!” barked Little Joe, frowning.

“Then why are you making such a big fuss over this?” Rusty asked, with his face right up to Joe’s. “If you ain’t yeller, then you’ll keep your trap shut. We’ll turn the money in just as we planned, but we need to wait at least a week, otherwise it might look suspicious. Billy and Mitch agreed. How about it Cartwright, can you keep quiet?”

“I, I guess so, but I want to get my gun.” He stuffed the gun into his pants and the rest of the boys figured this was as good a time to get theirs too. “Only until Friday, and then we meet at the cave, get the money, and take it to the sheriff, agreed?” said Joe.

“Agreed,” the other three said in unison. They shook on it, and then Joe and Mitch led Cochise back to Mitch’s house. He dropped Mitch off, and then trotted slowly back to the house. He suddenly remembered his punishment. He had totally forgotten about it when he had made the deal with the boys to meet them in the cave. His forehead wrinkled. Being restricted to the ranch was presenting a big problem. Now he would have to figure out a way to go with the guys and not get caught. He knew if he didn’t show up, he would be branded as being yeller for the rest of his life, and he wasn’t about to let that happen. Life could be so complicated sometimes.

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

Hoss woke with a start. He sat up in bed and perked up his ears. The sound was coming from outside. He quietly pulled back the covers, and gingerly went to the window and peeped out. He frowned as he tried to see if there was anyone out there. Everything seemed all right, so he figured it was probably just one of the animals making a fuss. He yawned and got back in bed, but just as he had gotten comfortable, he heard the noise again. He went to the window once more, slumping down while he glanced outside. This time he saw a dark shadow in movement. His eyes widened. He speedily stepped into his pants and ran down the stairs. He grabbed his rifle just before heading out the front door. He tip-toed on the front porch and then hid in the corner where the moon didn’t shine down. He kept peering in the darkness trying to see if he could make out anything or anyone. All was silent again.

“Man, I must be more spooked than I thought,” he said to himself. “There ain’t nothing out….,” but he didn’t get to finish his sentence. The door to the barn squeaked open and a figure came walking out. Hoss tensed up. He took aim with his rifle as the figure slowly began coming towards him. He suddenly stepped out under the moonlight and had his finger on the trigger.

“Stop where you are and you won’t get hurt,” he ordered. Whoever it was stopped dead in their tracks. “All right, now nice and slow get your hands up and get in the house,” said Hoss, his voice surprisingly steady.

“Hoss, it’s me, Little Joe.”

“Huh? Little Joe?” Hoss wrinkled up his brow.

“Yeah.”

“What in tarnation are you doing out here in the dark?” He asked with a deep scowl. “Get yourself in the house.” Little Joe ran past him like a flash of lightening and in through the front door. He was hoping to make it to the desk before Hoss made it in so he could replace the gun. He pulled the drawer opened with all his might, and quickly tossed it in. As he was closing the drawer, Hoss appeared. Little Joe turned swiftly and placed his hands behind his back. He tried to look innocent, but wasn’t too successful.

“What are you doing at Pa’s desk?”  He leaned his rifle up against the wall.

“Nothing,” responded Little Joe.

“Nothing huh, it didn’t look like nothing to me. What were you doing outside?”

“I couldn’t sleep. I’m worried about Pa and Adam, so I went out and visited with Cochise, that’s all,” said Little Joe. The frown on Hoss’ face lessened.

“I’m worried about Pa and Adam too, but I don’t want you to go outside alone. You could have gotten your head blown off, you know,” said Hoss, as he messed up Little Joe’s hair.

“I’m sorry if I scared ya. I think I’ll go to bed now, good night.” Joe scurried to his room, and after he closed the door he leaned against it and let out a long deep breath. That had been a close call. He climbed into bed, but had a hard time drifting off to sleep. He was feeling worse as the clocked ticked and his pa and brother hadn’t returned.

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

Adam and Ben didn’t return to the ranch until the next afternoon. They looked exhausted. Ben wearily took off his gun belt and hat and laid them on the sideboard. He stretched his back. He was stiff from sitting in the saddle for so long. Adam wasn’t much better. His body ached from head to toe. Hop Sing was the only one in the house who wore a smile.

“Mr. Cartlight, Adam, welcome home. I go get you hot coffee,” he said, grinning from ear to ear.

“That sounds great, Hop Sing,” said Ben, as he plopped himself in his favorite chair in the living room. He leaned back and closed his eyes. Adam sprawled out on the couch.

“It sure is good to be home,” said Adam, with his eyes shut. Ben just grunted in response. Hop Sing came out with a tray of coffee and some sandwiches.

“Thought you be hungry from long trip,” said Hop Sing. He laid the tray on the coffee table.

“Looks good, thanks,” said Ben. He took one of the roast beef sandwiches and bit into it. He didn’t realize just how hungry he was until he began eating. Before he knew it, he had downed two sandwiches and drank a couple cups of coffee. Adam had fallen asleep, so Ben let him rest. He glanced up when he heard a door slam from upstairs. Hoss came barreling down.

“Pa, when did you get back?” he asked. He reached down and grabbed one of the sandwiches and gobbled it down.

“Not long. How did things go here, Little Joe behave himself?” asked Ben, taking a slice of pie Hop Sing had brought out.

“Yeah, everything went along real smooth. So, did you get the bandits?”

“I’m Afraid not son. We must of had twenty men searching in every direction going, but they were no where to be found. They’re probably near the Mexico border by now,” he said, his voice tight, thinking of all the money that was stolen and how much the whole town would suffer.

”Did they call off the posse then?”

“Yes, so I suppose starting tomorrow we can get our lives back to normal. Those three horses we caught last week need to be saddle broke. Perhaps you and Adam can start on them early in the morning,” suggested Ben.

“Yes sir.”

Hoss excused himself and went outside. Little Joe had been eavesdropping from the top of the stairs. His heart leaped for joy when he heard the posse had been called off, but his conscience was still nagging at him. He couldn’t wait until the end of the week when they turn in the money and then this whole thing would be over with. Until then, he would be on edge.

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

Joe came home on time each day, did his extra chores, and finished his homework every night. Ben was very pleased with him, and he made a point to praise him for his obedience.

As the day got closer for him and the other guys to retrieve the money, the more nervous and guilt stricken he became. It felt good to have his pa be proud of him, but if he knew what he had done, he would be gravely disappointed.  Ben and Adam had returned from town a couple of times during the week, and all they could talk about were the bandits who got away and how the town folk was still in an uproar over it. Some of them had been counting on that money that was on the stage to keep their proprieties open.

Little Joe would sit quietly at the supper table and listen to his father and brother grumble about how they wish they could get their hands on those no good for nothing bandits. And then they would describe what they’d do to them if they did catch them. Little Joe’s stomach would turn into a knot and would lose his appetite. He wanted to get up and run away somewhere and hide until the money had been returned and Virginia City was back to normal again.

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

It had been a rough week for Little Joe having to endure listening to his Pa’s complaints and threats all week, but today was Friday and life seemed a bit brighter. After school, he and his buddies could get this mess they had created all cleared up and by tonight instead of his pa being upset with him about not coming straight home, he would be a hero and pa would be proud of him.

“All right class, I’ve decided not to give you any homework since you all have been especially well behaved this week. Just go and enjoy the weekend,” announced Miss Jones. The class cheered as they scrambled out of the door to freedom.

“Okay guys, let’s go and get the money,” said Little Joe. They all agreed and mounted their horses. “I want to get the money and ride into town right off.”  They all agreed.

When they stepped inside the cave, a sickening feeling came over them. Someone had been in there. They could smell the stench of vomit and the combination of old cigars and whiskey in the stale air. It was as if the walls had been a sponge and saturated the odors. Billy was getting nauseated and ran outside to get some fresh air.

“The money!” panicked Little Joe. He ran to where they had hidden it. It was gone, every last dime of it. “Oh no, what are we going to do now?” he asked and sat down, covering his face with both hands.

“What are you so worried about?” asked Rusty. “If whoever took it gets caught, the sheriff will think he’s one of the bandits that got away.” Little Joe glanced up at him, not believing what he had just heard.

“You really think so?” asked Mitch, in a hopeful voice.

”Of course, they can’t pin anything on us,” said Rusty with confidence.

“We can’t let someone else get in trouble for something we did,” said Little Joe.

“There you go, gettin’ yeller again,” said Rusty.

“I ain’t yeller, and if you say it again, I’ll bop you right in the nose!” yelled Little Joe. Rusty ignored him and told the guys there was nothing else they could do, but go home. As Little Joe rode toward home guilt kept gnawing at his insides.

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

Roy Coffee had left the Ponderosa and was on his way back to town when he came across Little Joe on the trail. He reined his horse, leaned forward, and spoke to him.

“Howdy Little Joe.”

“Hi,” he said meekly. He was afraid to look Roy in the face; otherwise he might notice the guilt he was feeling inside.

“Something troubling you boy?” He saw that the youngster wasn’t his usual jovial self.

“No sir,” he answered, with a shrug.

“Well then I’ll be seeing ya.” Roy clicked his heels and rode away. Little Joe turned and watched him ride over the hill. A part of him wanted to confess everything to him, but fear of what might happen prevented him from doing so.  He pondered things over in his mind for a moment, and then clicked Cochise forward. He rode at a slow pace. He thought about all the planning he and the guys had gone through, but look at them now, everything had gone wrong. He knew he was in trouble for not coming straight home after school, but if things had worked out the way they should have, Ben would have probably forgotten all about his punishment and patted him on the back for a job well done. But he was anything but a hero. He leisurely trotted into the yard. Adam was on his way to the barn to do Joe’s chores, when he noticed his brother. He stopped and stared at him, a smirk coming across his face.

“Well, it’s about time you decided to show up. Do you know what time it is?” he asked, with his hands on his hips.

“Yeah, I know what time it is,” answered Little Joe, with a sigh. He didn’t need a lecture from Adam right now. He dismounted and slowly began strolling towards the barn with Cochise.

“If I were you, I’d pick up my pace a bit. Pa is fit to be tied. The longer you dawdle out here, the worse it’ll be for you in there,” he suggested, pointing his thumb back towards the house.

“Leave me alone, Adam,” snapped Joe, in an angry tone. He already knew what he would be facing when he found himself on the other side of the front door. He didn’t need to be reminded from his older brother.

“All right, suit your self. Pa sent me out here to do your chores, but now you’re home, I do believe you can do them yourself.” At that he turned and sauntered back to the house.

Little Joe put Cochise in his stall, and then brushed him down real good. Next he fed and watered him, preparing him for the night. Afterwards he started on his usual afternoon chores.

“Adam, I thought I asked you to do Joseph’s chores,” said Ben flatly, when he saw Adam sitting in the living room reading a book.

“Oh I don’t have to; your baby boy is home. He’s out doing his chores now,” said Adam, pointing toward the front door.

“Oh he is, is he,” said Ben, trying to hold his temper. “Well, when he comes in the house, tell him I’d like a word with him.”  Adam kept silent, watching Ben amble his way to his desk. He went back to his book. Ben began shuffling through some paperwork he had neglected the last couple of days. He came across the article Adam had cut out of the newspaper regarding the fathom bandits, as the writer of the article had called them. He balled it up and tossed it in the garbage, as he thought of the surprise visit Roy had made earlier.

He had stopped by to tell Ben that at least part of the money had been returned and that he had  a young man in his twenties in jail. He was small in stature; sort of fit the description Lewis had given. He had arrived so drunk he could hardly stand upright, and stunk to high heaven from a lack of soap and from getting sick. He ordered a bottle of champagne and said he had come to celebrate. Mr. Hawkins, the bartender, asked him what he had to celebrate, and the man had bragged he had discovered his pot of gold inside a cave. Naturally with all that had expired over the last few days, Mr. Hawkins became suspicious, excused himself and ran to the sheriff’s office. He and Roy had rushed back to the bar, seeing the man pull out a wad of bills from his pocket.  Roy had asked if there was anymore money where that came from. To his surprise the man waved for him to follow him outside. He had his horse in the alley where he had hidden the bag of money  inside his bedroll. Once Roy saw the bag, he recognized it right off.  The more Roy tried to question the young man, the more he became agitated and hostile. Apparently he was too intoxicated to answer any real questions sensibly, so Roy had arrested him and put him in jail. He figured after he slept the liquor off, he would be more apt to start remembering things and cooperate with him. Ben hoped Roy was correct. He hoped that the man behind those bars was one of the four he and half the town searched for. If he was as mean as Lewis described, he wouldn’t be the type of person who would be the only one to take the rap alone.

Hop Sing came out of the kitchen carrying a tray of fried chicken. “Supper ready,” he said.

“Thank you Hop Sing,” said Ben. He pushed his chair back and walked to the dining room and took his place at the end of the table. Adam put his book down and went to the table.

“Should I go get Little Joe?” he asked before sitting.

“No,” answered Ben quickly. Adam didn’t say anymore, but took his seat and began helping his plate with string beans.

“Where Little Joe?” asked Hop Sing, returning with a pot of coffee.  With Hoss having supper with Mary Jane and her family this evening, it only agitated him to see an extra empty chair.

“He’s out doing his chores. He’ll be in shortly,” said Ben, buttering a biscuit.

“Be in shortly, humph, food be all cold. He should be here now,” complained Hop Sing.

Ben let out a weary sigh. Adam didn’t dare say a word. The boys had learned in the past that if one of them was in trouble with Pa, it was best if the other two kept quiet as possible, not drawing attention to themselves. With Hoss gone for the evening visiting Mary Jane, he was the sole target, so he wisely ate in silence. Ben took out his pocket watch and peered at the time and then put it back in its place. He scowled. It had been an hour since Little Joe had arrived, and he still had not shown his face.

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

 Ben had given Little Joe a long lecture and told him he would be staying behind while his he, Adam, and Hoss went the fishing trip they had missed the week before. Ben gave Hop Sing specific rules for Little Joe, and Little Joe knew Hop Sing would follow every rule right to the letter. He was quite aware too, that if he tried any funny business that Hop Sing wouldn’t hesitate to take a wooden spoon to his bottom. He had done it in the past. He didn’t take any nonsense from any of the boys when he was the head honcho.

After breakfast he put Little Joe right to work clearing off the table. “After you finish cleaning table, you clean out fire place,” he said with authority. Little Joe was quick to obey. His ears perked up when he over heard Hoss mention the stolen money.

“I sure am glad Roy got the money back, but don’t you think it’s kind of funny that the man he threw in jail had all the money, I mean besides what he had already spent? It seems to me he’d only have a share of it,” he said, looking puzzled.

“Well Hoss, did it ever occur to you that maybe he killed the others and took the money for himself, or that he may have been telling the truth and really did find the money?” asked Adam, always being logical.

“I reckon not,” said Hoss.

“He may not even be one of them, but Roy should find out today once he sobers up,” commented Adam.

Little Joe laid the stack of plates he had in his hands on the table and walked over to his brothers. “Did you say the stolen money was found and given back?”

“Yeah little buddy, that’s right. Ain’t that good news?” said Hoss.

“Sure is,” his face brighter than five minutes ago.

“Little Joe!” yelled Hop Sing, when he came out of the kitchen and found the table still full of dirty dishes. “You come do your work! No play for you today, you bad boy.”

“I’m coming, sorry Hop Sing,” said Little Joe, as he scurried to the table. Inside he felt as if a huge weight had just been lifted off his shoulders. Since the money had been returned maybe it was over and there was nothing for him to worry about anymore. He bit his lower lip suddenly remembering the innocent man sitting in jail. The knots in his stomach started forming again. He was in such deep thought he hadn’t heard his pa calling him until Ben bellowed his name.

“Joseph!”

“Huh?”

“Are you all right son?”

“Yes sir.”

“Remember what we talked about last night. I want to see every chore on that list completed by the time we return home, understand?” said Ben, in a serious tone.

“Yes sir.”

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

There was only a couple of days of school left, and then the children would be free for the rest of the summer doing as they please. It was difficult for Miss Jones to get the class to settle down each morning.

“Class, vacation hasn’t begun, so take your seats and be quiet,” she said. “Let’s take out our readers and practice our reading skills.” The class moaned. “Quiet. Ruby, you may start on page eighty-five please.” The small girl stood and began reading. She had trouble pronouncing her r’s, so some of the kids giggled and snickered, but Miss Jones put a stop to it real quick when she rapped her ruler hard on her desk. It served as a warning that the next rap would be administered to the child who chose to be so rude.

After reading they went on to math, and then history. The morning seemed to crawl for the children. It was such a perfect day outside, one too nice to be stuck in a stuffy old school house. When Miss Jones dismissed the class for lunch they hurriedly ran out doors.  

Little Joe, Mitch, Billy, and Rusty sat under the shade of a large fir tree. Each one opened their lunch pail to see what their ma’s had packed for them. Little Joe may not have a ma, but he always came with the best lunches. Today Hop Sing had given him two pieces of fried chicken, an apple, and a large piece of chocolate cake with lots of gooey icing. The other three licked their lips when they saw the desert. Their own lunch didn’t seem appealing anymore. They all tried to get Little Joe to trade his lunch, but he was no fool. He did however share his cake with them.

“Did you hear about the money being returned to the sheriff’s yesterday?” asked Little Joe, icing on the tip of his nose.

“Yeah man, and what a good thing for us,” said Mitch. “We’re in the clear for sure now.” He stuffed his mouth with his share of the cake.

“We’re not in the clear yet,” said Joe.

“What ya mean?” asked Mitch.

“The man they arrested, he’s innocent. We can’t just sit back and watch him get punished for something we did.”

“Why not?” asked Rusty. “He stole the money from us, didn’t he? That makes him a thief, so he’s really not innocent.”

“Yeah, but he only found it, he didn’t rob the stage to get it like we did,” said Joe. “I say we have to tell the sheriff the truth.”

“Are you crazy?” asked Rusty, and the other two agreed with him. “Do you want to go to prison?

“No.”

“Well, that’s what will happen if you tell.” The thought of going to prison caused Little Joe to shiver. He couldn’t imagine being locked up in a tiny cell for the rest of his life. But deep inside he also knew it wouldn’t be right to let an innocent man go in his place.

 “I, for one, would like to rob the stage one more time. It would really put the town in a state of confusion. They think one bandit is caught and the others are in ten buck two by now. They wouldn’t be expecting it. What do you guys think about that? Maybe this time we can get our reward money.”

Billy was quick to join in with his cousin. Between the two of them, they convinced Mitch to join them as well. Then all eyes turned to Little Joe.

“Well, how about it Cartwright?” asked Rusty.

“No! Leave me out of it!” he said firmly.

“”Oh, you’ve suddenly turned yeller on us?” asked Rusty, sarcastically.

“No, I’m not yeller; I just don’t think it’s a good idea is all. I still think we should tell what we did.”

“Well, that ain’t gonna happen, and if you open your mouth to anyone, you’ll be sorry,” growled Rusty. Billy threatened Little Joe too. Mitch was quiet through all of it. He felt he was stuck in the middle. He didn’t want to lose his friendship with Joe, but on the other hand, he didn’t want to be branded yeller either. He glanced at his friend, but then cast his eyes downward. He remained with Rusty and Billy. Little Joe got up and left the three of them making their plans.

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

Little Joe was quiet through out supper. He played with his food, pushing it around his plate. Ben scolded him a couple of times to eat his food, not play with it. He finally asked to be excused saying he wasn’t feeling well and wanted to go to bed.

“You do look a little pale son. Where do you hurt?” asked Ben.

“My stomach.” Ben checked his forehead for a fever, but there was none. He allowed him go to his room and told him he would be up there shortly. 

As he lay in bed, tears flowed onto his pillow. His conscience was eating him up inside. He thought about telling Hoss, but kept backing out. He was scared. Ben had come up later to check up on him and was surprised to see him still awake. He sat on the bed next to his son.

“Are you all right son?” he asked, lovingly.

“Yes, uh no, uh I’m ok,” he stuttered. Ben’s face filled with concern.

“Would you like to talk about it?” Little Joe looked up at his father. He wanted to jump up, hold him and tell him all the things he had done, but instead he remained quiet. He shook his head.

“No Pa, I’m ok. It’s nothing. I just don’t feel well,” he said, trying to keep the tears out of his eyes.

“All right, but if you decide there’s something you would like to talk about, you know I will be here for you.” Ben smiled kindly to his son.

“I know Pa.” He sat up and hugged his father. He held him tight afraid to let go, for fear he would start crying. Once he felt he had his composure back, he let go and lay back down. Ben looked worried, but figured in his own time Joe would come to him, if whatever it was, was something serious. He stood up and left the room. Joe rolled over and cried himself to sleep.

“Has Joe said anything to either of you about something bothering him?” asked Ben, when he came downstairs.

“Nope, he ain’t said nothing to me,” said Hoss.

“Me neither, why?” said Adam.

“He acted like he wanted to tell me something, but for some reason he didn’t or couldn’t. If he comes to either one of you, I want you to let me know what might be going on. I don’t like to see him keeping things all bottled up inside like that. I hope it doesn’t have anything to do with school.”

“You don’t reckon Miss Jones gave him a bad report card and he’s afraid to tell you Pa?” asked Hoss.

“Maybe, but I’ll wait a couple more days and if he’s still acting like this then I’ll sit and have a talk with him,” said Ben. “I want to give him the chance to come to me first.”

The next morning Little Joe got up, did his morning chores, and ate his breakfast as if it was any other normal day. Afterwards he left for his last day of school.  Ben, Adam, and Hoss gave a fleeting glance at one another, Adam raising his eyebrows as they heard the front door slam.

“Well, whatever was bothering little brother last night seems to have cleared itself up this morning,” said Adam.

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

Mitch met up with Little Joe on the trail on the way to school. They normally rode in together each day, but today Joe had opted to go in by himself. He needed to do some thinking. Mitch had seen him and caught up to him.

“Hey Joe, you aren’t mad at me, are you?” he asked. Little Joe remained silent for a few minutes while he studied his friend.

“Listen Mitch, you’re not really going to go through with the plans you made yesterday with Billy and Rusty are you?”

“Uh, well, why not?” asked Mitch, stumbling over his words.

“Because I’ve thought about what we done, and though we did it as a prank, it was wrong, and I’m feeling really bad about it,” said Joe.

“You haven’t told anyone have you?” asked Mitch, panic in his voice.

“No, but I almost did. I think it’s stupid to do it a second time. We were just lucky that it turned out the way it did, but you might not be so lucky this time.”

“The guys are counting on me. I’ve already promised them I would. I can’t go back on my word now. They would think I was yeller,” said Mitch.

“Let them think what they want. I don’t think you should do it. Just think about it, ok?” said Joe. Before Mitch could answer, they had reached the school grounds and Miss Jones was ringing the   bell indicating it was time for class to start.

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

 At the end of the day, Miss Jones handed each student their final report card. Little Joe quickly opened his. He looked up at her and gave her a huge smile. He had received good marks and had passed to the next grade.

“You have a fun summer, Little Joe,” she said. Secretly she adored the boy, but he was surely one of her most difficult pupils being so full of mischief all the time.

“ I will. Bye,” he said, running out the door toward the stables to get Cochise. He was anxious for his pa to see his report card. He knew he would be pleased. He saw Billy, Rusty, and Mitch huddled in a circle near the rear of the stall. He was really hoping Mitch would have seen things his way, but apparently he hadn’t. He saddled Cochise and headed for home.

They were going to stop the stagecoach today. They were planning their positions, and then they swung themselves in their saddles and rode toward the outskirts of town.

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

“Pa!” called Little Joe, when he saw his father outside when he arrived home. He jumped down and ran to Ben. He gladly held out his report card to his father.

“What’s this?” asked Ben, as he took it from his son. As he studied it, a smile slipped across his lips. He glanced down at his son. “This is very good. I’m proud of you Joseph.” He patted him on the back. Little Joe beamed with pride.

That evening at supper, it was a festive atmosphere. Ben had asked Hop Sing to prepare a special desert for Little Joe. He brought out a three layer chocolate cake. Little Joe’s eyes widened, and he licked his lips in anticipation of having a thick slice. The rest of the evening went by pleasantly, but when Little Joe went to bed he lay wondering if the guys had went through with their plans.

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

Ben had arisen early and was sitting at the table enjoying a cup of coffee and leisurely reading yesterday’s newspaper. He enjoyed the peacefulness of the house. It gave him time to relax and get ready to brace up for another day of hard work on the ranch. He heard a loud pounding on the front door. He laid the paper down, pushed his chair back, and ambled his way to the front door. He was taken by surprise to see Roy Coffee so early in the morning.

“Roy, come in.” said Ben. Roy had a dead serious expression on his face. “What’s wrong?” Roy stepped inside and took off his hat. Ben led him to the couch. “How about a cup of coffee?”

“No thanks Ben,” he said, somberly. “I didn’t come this early for a social call. There’s been trouble in town.”

“Oh?” asked Ben, sitting in the chair across from him. He could see Roy was having a difficult time getting whatever the trouble was out.

“Ben, the stagecoach was held up again yesterday afternoon.”

“Oh no,” moaned Ben, in a low voice.

“That’s not the worst of it. I don’t know how to say this.”

“Just say it Roy, what’s wrong?”

“We’ve got the bandits who did it; they’re in jail. One was shot in the leg. He’s going to be all right, but he lost a lot of blood and will be laid up for a while. But Ben, they’re just kids. One of them was Mitch Devlin, and the other Billy Walker.”

“Mitch and Billy?” asked Ben, shocked from what he had just heard.

“Yes, and the other boy is Billy’s cousin Rusty. He’s the one who got shot. The driver had hidden an extra pistol underneath his seat cushion ever since the last robbery. You can’t blame him none. I know he wouldn’t have shot him if’n he had known he was just a kid.”

“I can’t believe it. What in the world would make them do something so foolish and dangerous?” asked Ben, sitting on the edge of his chair.

“Ben, that’s not all. They fit the same description that Lewis gave the first time the stage was robbed.”

“Are you saying those boys are the ones who robbed the first stage?” asked Ben, frowning deeply.

“Afraid so, but Ben,” he stopped, his eyes downcast and picking at his hat.

“Spit it our Roy!” bellowed Ben. He stood up in frustration.

“Ben, it seems Little Joe was involved in the first stagecoach robbery.” Roy quickly looked up at his friend and saw his face turn completely white. He jumped up and helped Ben to sit down.

“He what?” asked Ben, quietly not sure if he heard Roy correctly.

“Rusty told me Little Joe had been part of their gang and had taken part in the first robbery.” He spun his hat nervously in his hands. “I’m sorry Ben, but I need to speak to Little Joe.”

Ben sat back in his chair and stared past Roy. He was in denial. Little Joe, breaking the law?  His beloved son, a criminal?

“Ben, where is Little Joe?” asked Roy. It took a moment for Ben to realize Roy was asking him a question.

“W, what?” he asked.

“Where’s the boy?”

“Oh, he’s up in his room,” he said, almost in a whisper. “Roy, are you sure it was Little Joe?”

“Yes Ben. There were four last time, this time only three. When I began to question the boys Mitch and Billy clammed right up, couldn’t get a word out of them, but Rusty broke down and told me everything. The other two finally admitted that it was true.”

Ben slowly stood. His emotions were going from total shock to seething rage. “I’ll go get him,” he said, in a controlled voice. He knew he must keep his temper in check. He climbed the steps two at a time. He stopped when he came to his youngest son’s room. His eyes misted for a second. He wasn’t just angry; he was hurt and disappointed that Little Joe would even dream of doing something like this, none the less actually participating in it. He took a deep breath, and then opened the door.

“Joseph.” He gently shook his son. He looked so small to Ben at that moment. “Joseph, you need to wake up.” Slowly Little Joe began to stir and then opened his eyes. “Get dressed and come downstairs,” said Ben, his voice deep and sober.

“Yes sir.” Little Joe saw in his father’s eyes that something was wrong. Ben stared at him for a minute, and then quickly turned and left the room. Once in the hallway, he met Adam coming out of his room. He wiped his eyes dry.

“Morning Pa,” said Adam, with a smile, but then he noticed the expression on Ben’s face, one of great sorrow. “Pa, what’s wrong?” he asked, as he finished buttoning his shirt and following his father down the stairs. Adam was surprised to see Roy standing in the living room looking just as sorrowful as his Pa. “Will someone please tell me what’s going on here?” Before Ben could answer him, Little Joe came barreling down the stairs like there was a fire. As soon as he noticed Roy, he came to an abrupt halt.

“Joseph, Roy needs to ask you a few questions. Come over here and sit down,” said Ben, pointing to the couch.

“Yes sir.”

“Little Joe, I have some of your friends down at the jail in town, one with a bullet in his leg,” said Roy. Little Joe’s face suddenly showed fear. He stared up at his Pa and by his expression; he knew Ben was aware of everything. He quickly looked away. “Mitch, Billy, and Rusty were arrested for trying to rob the stage yesterday. They confessed to robbing the stage that came through here a couple of weeks ago too, and Little Joe, they told me you were in on it. Is that true, son?” Little Joe twirled his fingers together and looked down at his feet.

“Joseph, answer Roy,” ordered Ben. He peered up at his father who was standing like a tall Ponderosa pine with his arms crossed over his broad chest. Adam stood with his mouth agape.

“Uh, y, ye, yes sir.” He held his head down in shame.

Hoss appeared at the top of the stairs. He was his usual jolly self and hungry as a bear. He hoofed it down the stairs. “Hi Roy, what brings you hear this time of morning? Man, I’m starving,” he said, not paying a bit attention to the tension in the room. He glanced over to Adam who quickly put his forefinger to his mouth and shook his head. Hoss frowned, and then became aware of everyone’s expression. He swallowed hard. “Somebody die?” he asked. Adam rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“No Hoss, nobody died. Why don’t you go eat some breakfast,” said Ben, sounding irritated.

“Yes sir.”

“All right little Joe, were you aware of what the boys were up to yesterday?” asked Roy, he frowned and his mustache twitched. Little Joe nodded his head up and down.

“I see. Do you realize that makes you just as guilty as they are?”

“How?” asked Little Joe, finding his voice.

“You knew, but you kept it to yourself. That makes you an accomplice. You could have prevented it from happening if you would have told someone. By the way, why didn’t you join in with them this time?” he asked.

“I, I felt bad about what we had done,” he answered in a low voice.

“But not bad enough to stop it from happening again,” said Ben. He was glaring at his wayward son. Little Joe was lost for words.

“Where’s the gun you used and the bandana?” asked Roy.

“Hoss had been trying to figure out what they all were talking about, but when they mentioned a gun he couldn’t take it anymore. He put his fork down and left the table. “Will somebody tell me what’s going on? What in tarnation did you do Little Joe?” he asked, confusion written all over his face. Joe only peered at his brother. He realized that not even Hoss could save him this time. He looked away.

“We have been informed we have a criminal living among us,” said Ben. Little Joe’s face shot up as he gazed at the anger in his Pa’s eyes. “Your brother aided in robbing the stage coach two weeks ago, and on top of that is an accomplice to another robbery.”

“Little Joe? Really?” asked Hoss in disbelief.

“Joseph, where is the gun?” asked Ben in a stern voice.

“It’s in your drawer,” he said. Ben hurriedly walked to his desk and opened the drawer he kept all his guns. The gun had been tossed inside with no care. Ben pulled it out and let out an angry sigh. He took it to Roy.

“Is this the gun you used, boy?” asked Ben. Little Joe nodded. “Where’s the bandana?”

“I, I threw it away.”

“Ben, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to take Little Joe into town with me,” said Roy. “We’ll have to wait and see what the circuit judge wants to do with them. This is more than just a childish prank.”

“I understand Roy.”

“All right son, let’s go.”

“Pa?”

“Go on Joseph. You broke the law, now you must face the consequences of your actions,” said Ben. “Roy, how soon will the circuit judge get here?” He walked Roy to the door.

“It’ll take at least a couple of days. The one thing I am worried about is the town folk. Some of them have gotten wind of this and have already paid me a little visit. If the boys hadn’t been protected by those cell bars, I do believe Mr. Bailey would’ve tried to tear into them. I had to threaten to lock him up if he didn’t leave. I have Clem standing guard while I’m here. They’re plenty upset Ben, but I guess you can’t blame them. Come on boy.” It was the hardest thing Ben ever had to do, to see one of his sons being dragged off to jail. His fatherly tendency was to run and hold his son, but he knew Little Joe needed to understand the seriousness of what he had done.

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

Mitch and Billy shared a cell and were sitting on their beds talking when Roy brought Little Joe in. Rusty had his own cell because of his injury. He had been at Doc Martin’s undergoing surgery. Doc was successful retrieving the bullet from the boy’s leg, but it would take a while for it to heal up. He would be in bed for a couple of weeks more at least, which meant by the time he could get around, it would be time for him to leave to go back home.

“Boys, you got company,” said Roy, as he unlocked the cell Mitch and Billy were in. “All right Little Joe, go on, get inside.” He hated his job at times and this was one of them. But the laws the law, and if you disobey it, no matter who you are, you must pay the price. Little Joe looked like a frightened kitten as he stepped his foot inside the cell. He shuddered when Roy slammed the door shut and locked the door behind him. He walked out and sat behind his desk writing up the paperwork on his newest prisoner.

Mitch tried to talk to Little Joe, but he wouldn’t answer back. He lay on his bed and curled up, facing the wall. He had never felt so awful in his whole life. He had done some stupid things in his young life, but as he lay there, he thought this had to be the stupidest thing yet. He wished he could just disappear. When he thought about having to face a circuit judge, he shivered all over. He was scared, really scared for the first time in his life. What if the judge puts them in jail for good, or worst, sentences them to hang? He tried with all his might to take that image out of his head, but each time he shut his eyes, all he could see he was hanging from the gallows. He cried in silence until he fell into a fitful sleep.

The next morning, Ben rode into town to see his son. Roy was just returning from having breakfast at the International Hotel, when Ben rode up. “Morning Ben,” Roy smiled. “Come to see Little Joe?”

“Yeah, how is he Roy?” He was worried.

“He’s better this morning, but I think he had a bad night. He woke me a couple of times having nightmares.”

“Can I see him?”

“Sure. The keys are hanging on the wall over yonder,” said Roy, pointing his finger in the general direction. Ben took them and then walked to where the cells were. He stood for a moment, staring at the boys, one at a time. A deep frown crossed his forehead.

“You boys sure got yourself in a mess this time,” he said gruffly. Ben had a way about him that could intimidate a person just by the expression on his face. Mitch was the first to hang his head in shame. The others soon followed.

“Pa, I’m sorry, I really am,” said Little Joe, on the verge of tears.

“I’m afraid being sorry won’t get you out of this mess son, not this time.” His voice was stern, and he had his hands on his hips.

“Yes sir. Pa?”

“Yes.”

“Pa, can they hang a person for doing what we done?” His voice cracked at the thought of it.

“No son, they don’t hang people for robbery, but there’s a possibility of going to jail.” Mitch’s head shot up.

“Mr. Cartwright, I can’t go to jail, I just can’t,” he started to cry. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks.

“Well Mitch, you should have thought of the consequences of your actions before you decided to disobey the law. We’ll just have to wait to see what the judge has to say. I’m hoping he’ll take your ages in consideration.” He sighed heavily. “Well, I have some business to tend to. He turned to leave, when Little Joe jumped up.

“Pa please, can’t you bail me out? Can’t I stay home until the judge comes, and then you bring me back?”

“I’m sorry Joseph. But the answer is no. You did wrong, and now you have to face up to it. I have to go now. I’ll be back tomorrow.” He turned and left Little Joe clinging to the cell bars with tears streaming down his face. He seemed shocked that his pa wouldn’t even try to get him out.

Hoss and Adam never got the chance to get into town to see their brother. Hoss especially wanted to visit him. He knew Little Joe had to be scared to death. He was hoping to ride in and try to reassure him that Pa would make everything all right, but Ben had him and Adam riding the north fence all day, and by the time they got home, he was completely tuckered out.

“Pa, how was Little Joe today?” he asked at the supper table.

“He’s frightened. They all are. Mitch broke down crying. I think what they’ve done is starting to sink in. The circuit judge should be here sometimes tomorrow afternoon,” answered Ben. He helped his plate with roast beef and gravy.

“Hoss and I would like to come in town with you Pa,” said Adam. Ben saw the worried expressions, and realized he wouldn’t be able to keep them away. He started to eat, but he lost his appetite. Tomorrow they would find out what the future held for the youngest member of the family.

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

The circuit judge arrived earlier than expected, so Roy filled him in of the events that had expired over the last couple of weeks.  He took him to see the boys, but the judge didn’t speak to them. He only gave them a long, hard stare. He wanted them to wonder what their fate would be. He set the time for the hearing for two o’clock in the afternoon, and then he departed and strolled to the International Hotel.

“Did you see how big he was?” asked Billy. “He looks real mean. We’re dead, I just know it.” He plopped down on the cot and stared up at the ceiling.

Samuel H. Powers was the name the judge wrote in the guest book at the hotel. He was as big as a mountain, not only in height, but also in width. He wore a brown tweed suit with a red necktie. His eyes were the color of ebony, he possessed a bulbous nose, and his thinning hair resembled salt and pepper.

“Mr. Powers, welcome to Virginia City,” said Ralph, the hotel clerk, showing his pearly whites. “Your room is right up those stairs and to the right, room number twelve. I hope you enjoy your stay in our fine city.”

“Afraid I’m not here on vacation,” said Samuel, as he picked up his suitcase and ambled his way to the stairs. He needed some time to go over the paper work Roy Coffee had given him about the boys.

Ben, Adam, and Hoss arrived in town around one in the afternoon. They went straight to the jail and spoke to Roy. He told them about the judge arriving early and the hearing would be in just one hour. They went to see Little Joe. He sat on the edge of the cot with his head hung down.

“Joseph,” said Ben. Little Joe glanced up to see his whole family standing there. He burst into tears, but never rose from the cot. He was so ashamed of what he had done, and he was scared for his life. He wondered if this would be the last day he would ever see his family again. “Joseph, we’re here for you son.” Little Joe kept his head down, wiped his eyes, and nodded his head up and down, but never uttered a word. He couldn’t find the words he was feeling inside. At that the three left Little Joe alone.  They chose to go to the saloon to wait until the hearing began.

“Little Joe is sure shook up, ain’t he Pa?” asked Hoss. He ordered a beer and sat at one of the empty tables.

“Yes he is, and with good reason,” sighed Ben. Mr. Grant and Mr. Owens came through the swinging doors of the saloon. They were here to testify against the boys. They trekked up to the bar and ordered themselves a cold beer. Ben saw them. “Excuse me boys.” He rose from his chair and approached the two men. “Mr. Grant, Mr. Owens,” he said quietly. The men twisted their heads. “I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for what my boy did, and I….,” he continued, but was interrupted by Lewis Grant.

“You ought to be sorry, Mr. Cartwright. Your boy could have killed us. I hope they lock him up and throw away the key,” he growled. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’d like to be alone.” At that the two men sauntered their way to the back of the saloon, leaving Ben standing alone, all eyes peering at him. He was embarrassed, but stood tall and rejoined his sons at the table.

“It’s not looking so good, is it Pa,” said Adam. Ben didn’t answer. He only stared into his empty glass.

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

Mr. Powers allowed only the immediate families to attend the hearing, since it was children that were involved. He had already spoken privately to Mr. Grant and Mr. Owens about the incident, so they didn’t have to show up in court. They stuck around town though, because they wanted to know what the outcome was going to be. Ben saw Mr. and Mrs. Devlin, and Mr. Walker for the first time since this whole thing had come about, as he found his own seat. The men just eyed one another, but no one spoke. Mr. Devlin looked haggard and had bags under his eyes from a lack of sleep. Mrs. Devlin’s eyes were red from crying. Mr. Walker was unshaven and seemed totally humiliated. His wife had to stay home with their younger children.

Roy walked in with the boys. As he entered the court, angered voices and threats could be heard directed to the boys. It was clear all of the boys were shaken when they entered the room. Roy had them sit in the three chairs that had been placed right in front of the judge. Rusty was wheeled in by a nurse. She settled his wheel chair next to the others. They looked scared to death. Little Joe glanced around at his family, and he saw the worry on his Pa’s face. It made him tear up so he quickly turned back around. After everyone was settled in their seats, Mr. Powers sat quietly just peering at the boys. The room was filled with an eerie silence. Suddenly he spoke, and all four boys practically jumped out of their skin. His voice was boisterous.

“I see before me today four young boys, four boys who have their whole life ahead of them; a life that’s full of choices and wonderful adventures, but I also see before me four young boys who have committed a serious crime, one that’s beyond their years and was well planned out. That concerns me a great deal,” he said, his voice calm, but forceful.

He stopped to sip on water he had in a glass next to him. The boys were so nervous their knees were shaking. Mitch turned and saw his mother crying. A lump formed in his throat, and he turned in his seat and hung his head in shame. Billy and Rusty only glanced at one another. They were too afraid to look back at Billy’s pa. Little Joe sat shivering. Mr. Powers observed their behaviors as he drank his water. As he laid the glass down, the boys straightened in their seats as if they were back in school.

“I would like to ask you boys a few questions, and I expect an honest answer. Can one of you tell me why you did what you did?” asked Judge Powers. The boys looked one from the other, but nobody spoke up; so Mr. Powers peered down at the paper and picked out one of the names. “Mitch Devlin, would you mind explaining to me why you chose to do this?” Mitch froze in his seat. He was totally lost for words, but the judge just sat patiently waiting until he could compose himself. He slowly stood.

“Uh, I, uh, I, I mean we, we were bored sir, your honor sir,” he blurted out, and fell back in his seat.

“You were bored, I see,” said the judge, looking cross. “Joseph Cartwright, how about you, was you bored too?” Little Joe stood to attention just as he would if he was standing in front of his own father when he was in trouble.

“Uh, no sir, I mean yes sir, uh,” he stumbled. The judge gave him a hard stare. Little Joe glanced back at his Pa.

“Son, your pa can’t help you now. You best go on and tell the truth,” stated the judge. He sat back in his chair and placed his hands behind his head. Little Joe nervously shifted from one foot to the other. He swallowed the lump that seemed to be caught in his throat and then continued on.

“Well, it was like this Judge, your honor. Me and my friends had been reading these stories from the dime novels about the great adventures of Leroy Calhoun. Well, anyway sir, your honor sir, we got to talking about how our lives were boring and all and how we wished we could do something exciting like Leroy.” He took a deep breath.

“This Leroy Calhoun, wasn’t he a famous outlaw?” asked the judge.

“Uh, yes sir, your honor.”

“Your pa allows you to read such things?”

“Uh, not exactly sir. I uh, I snuck away and met the guys in the cave, where we would read the stories. If my pa had known about it, he would have tanned me for sure,” he explained.

Hoss bent over and whispered in his father’s ear. “At least now we know why he never brought home any fish.” Ben let out an irritating sigh.

“What led you to robbing the stage?” asked the judge. He intertwined his hands together and placed them on his desk.

“We uh, we just started talking about what it would be like to rob a stage like Leroy Calhoun. One thing led to another and before we knew it, we had decided to do it. But your honor sir, we didn’t mean any harm. It was meant just as a prank. Heck, we didn’t have any bullets in the guns we used. We only carried them so it would look like a real hold up,” he babbled. Adam rolled his eyes.

“Uh-hum, and where did you get the guns?”

“I uh, I took mine from my Pa’s desk drawer, sir.” He could feel his pa’s eyes boring into him right now.

“So what you are telling me is this robbery was just for fun for some excitement for you boys because your life was so boring, is that correct?”

“Uh, yes sir, I guess so. Like I said, we didn’t mean any harm.”

“Well, this so called fun of yours almost scared the life out of the drivers. They had no idea you were just out looking for excitement. They tell me one of you threatened to kill them, is that true?” The judge leaned forward in his chair and eyed each one of the boys.

“Y, yes sir, but we didn’t mean it sir. We wouldn’t have hurt them for nothing. Like I said, we didn’t have any bullets.”

“That doesn’t matter son, they thought you meant it. That was a crime in itself. Did you ever think that one of you could have been killed?”

“Uh, no sir, we didn’t.”

“As I see, one of you did come close of getting killed, and it would have been justified. Now tell me this, if you were doing this all in fun, why did you take the money?” His voice became deeper. Little Joe shrugged and shifted back and forth. “I can’t hear you. Please answer me.”

“I, I don’t know sir, your honor.” Ben was fit to be tied. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He was in shock. He had never been as angry with his son as he was right now.

“You don’t know. How about..,” he glanced down at the paper, “How about you Rusty Thornton? Do you know why you took the money?” Rusty shifted in his chair, being caught off guard. He cleared his throat.

“We, we uh, I guess we just weren’t thinking, your honor, but we were going to return it.”

“But you didn’t return it, you hid it instead, correct?” Rusty nodded. Little Joe stood again.

“Your honor, we were going to return it, but it was stolen before we had the chance,” he said. Judge Powers propped his elbows up and aimed his next question directly toward Little Joe.

“Young man tell me this, you were the only one who didn’t participate in the last delinquent act, why?”

“I, uh, it wasn’t because I was yeller, but I was sorry about what we had done, and didn’t want to do it again, your honor.”

“How about you Billy?” asked the judge. “Why did you repeat the crime?”

“I, I don’t know sir, your honor sir.” He looked down at his feet. The judge let out a weary sigh.

“I’m going to take a fifteen minute break. When I come back, I will be giving my verdict. The courts adjourned.” He stood. He stared at each boy long and hard before going into his private chambers. The boys seemed to relax a bit as soon as he closed the door behind him. Mrs. Devlin ran up to her son and held him and cried.

“I’m sorry Ma, I’m sorry,” he began crying. He couldn’t stand to see his ma upset. Mr. Devlin was too upset with his son to console him. He was ashamed of him.

Mr. Walker stayed in his seat. Billy glanced around at his pa, but saw no comfort there. His eyes were cold and hard. He glared at his son as if he didn’t even know who he was. Little Joe walked up to Ben.

“Pa, I am sorry. I hope you believe me. It was a stupid thing to do.”

“Yes it was son. I’m sorry too, but whatever the judge orders you to do, you will do it without complaint,” stated Ben flatly.

“Yes sir.”

“Hey Joe, I’m sure everything’s going to be all right,” said Hoss, trying to be positive. Little Joe looked at Adam. He saw disappointment in his eyes just like he had seen in Ben’s. He hung his head and went back to his seat.

As Judge Powers returned to the room, everyone stood until he took his seat. He sat flipping through some files before speaking. “Well, I’ve read over everything a second time and I’ve heard you boys, and to be honest, this is the hardest thing I’ve encountered. I am use to dealing with grown men, not children. I see that none of you have ever been in trouble with the law before. You all come from fine homes. Your parents seem to care a great deal about you, which is good, because they will want the best for you, and I am sure that what I am about to say, they will back me up. I would have thrown the book at you if you had been grown men, and you would be spending the next five years in prison. But you’re not grown men. You’re just young boys with apparently too much time on your hands, which can be very dangerous as we have witnessed here today. So I have made my decision. Please stand up.” The boys stood one at a time. They nervously glanced at one another before giving the judge their undivided attention. “As for you Rusty, since you are injured and you will be returning home in a short time, I will see to it that your father punishes you severely. As for the rest of you, I have decided that for the next year you will be sentenced to hard labor working for your community. You have caused a great deal of trouble to all your neighbors, and you will pay them back by performing chores for them of their choosing. They will give the sheriff a list of what they want you to do; what they feel is fair. For the entire summer starting tomorrow morning, you are to report to the sheriff’s office no later than nine o’clock in the morning. He will then give you the day’s assignments. If you are late or you refuse to perform any task given to you, you will be sent to jail for delinquent boys, and believe me, if you think what you have to do here is hard, it’s a piece of cake compared to what you will face if you find yourself in that place. When school starts up again, you will report to the sheriff’s office every weekend at the same time. I expect you to do your very best in school. I don’t want to get a report that any of you are slacking in school, or you will have to deal with me. Also, after school, you are to go straight home, no fooling around. And finally, for the next year, you boys are not to associate with one another. You don’t seem to accomplish much good when you’re together, and one last thing, no more reading dime novels.” He picked up his gavel and hit it twice. “All right, courts adjourned. You boys may go to your parents. I am sure they will have some things to say to you as well.” As the boys begin to rise, Judge Powers turned and said, “Oh, one more thing I almost forgot to mention, if I ever hear of any of you getting involved in any illegal activities again, I promise you, you will be facing prison time. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes sir,” the boys said in unison. At that the judge left the room and motioned for Roy to follow him.

“Well Roy, you have your work cut out for you, think you can handle it?” asked Samuel, as he were putting the files into his brief case.

“I think so. The question is, can the boys handle it. The way some of the folks feel around here, I am sure they will find the hardest, most disgusting jobs they can come up with,” he stated. “But I reckon they have it coming.” He smiled slightly.

“Yes they do. I’ll be leaving tomorrow morning, but if you need me, you know how to reach me. I really hope I don’t hear from you,” said Samuel. He signed his name to the sentence he had just dealt out to the boys.

“I hope not either. I’ll go and let it be known what you want the boys to do. Thanks for coming,” said Roy, shaking the judge’s hand.

“My pleasure, I only hope it helped.” He put on his hat, picked up his brief case, and left the court house.

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

Mr. and Mrs. Devlin hugged their son. Mitch fell into his mother’s embrace and cried, glad the hearing was over and he wasn’t being sent away. He looked at Little Joe forlornly as he past him on the way out of the court house. It was going to be difficult not to see his best friend for an entire year.

Mr. Walker wasn’t as loving to his son Billy. He yanked him by the collar, and dragged him outside, telling him how ashamed he was and that he had disgraced the family. He then told Rusty he would be glad when his father took him away, and it would be a very long time before he would be allowed to come back to visit. They rode away on their buckboard, Mr. Walker yelling all the while.

Little Joe stood before his father and brothers. Ben had his arms across his massive chest and let out a long sigh, as he looked down at his wayward son. “All right Joseph, lets go home. We’ve got some talking to do.”

Little buddy, didn’t I tell ya everything would be all right?” asked Hoss, with a gaped-tooth smile. Little Joe glanced up at him as if he had lost his mind. If Hoss thought things were so right, then let him take his place for a second.

“Well little brother, at least we won’t have to worry about your whereabouts everyday,” said Adam, with a smirk. He thought the judge had been very fair in his punishment. He hoped Joe would learn from it. Joe didn’t say anything back to his oldest brother, his expression said it all. They mounted their horses and started for home.

As they walked through the front door of the ranch, the aroma of fried chicken, cornbread, and greens filled their senses. Hop Sing met them. “Glad you back Little Joe. Now all family back. Supper be back soon.”

Suddenly Little Joe felt famished. He hadn’t eaten hardly anything since he had left home. He had been too nervous. But now he felt as if he could eat every piece of chicken on the platter. He didn’t have to be told twice to wash up for supper.

After supper, Adam excused himself, and went into the living room with a cup of coffee to read a book. Hoss decided to turn in early, since tomorrow he had a long day ahead of him. That left Ben and Joe sitting at the table. Little Joe was afraid to look at anything except for his plate. Ben poured himself another cup of coffee and cleared his throat.

“Joseph, I believe we need to have a serious talk. I would like for you to go wait in the barn for me. I will be there shortly,” he said.

“Yes sir.” Little Joe rose slowly from his chair. He drudged himself toward the front door. Adam watched him out of the corner of his eye. He did feel sorry for him for a brief moment, but then, he thought about all he had done, and thought to himself he was getting what he deserved. Joe closed the door behind him and slowly strolled to the barn. He had never felt so bad in his life. He sat on an up-turned barrel and waited for the worst to happen.

Ben strolled in about fifteen minutes later. His jaw was set; his face solemn. Little Joe immediately stood at attention. Ben sat down on the barrel and eyed his son. Little Joe couldn’t take the disappointment that was written over his father’s face. He cast his eyes downwards.

“Son, I, I don’t even know where to begin,” he said, combing his fingers through his thick silver hair. “I have never been as disappointed in you as I am right now.” Those words hurt Joe right down to the core. Tears filled his eyes.

“Pa, I’m sorry,” he cried.

“That’s good you feel sorry, maybe you won’t do something so foolish next time. But Joseph, have you taken the time to really think about what you did? My God son, you committed a terrible crime, one that could have taken you away from us for a very long time, or worse, you could have gotten yourself shot and killed.” Ben’s voice began rising as he spoke. “And there are the lies you told week after week about your whereabouts trying to cover up what you were doing.”

“I know Pa, and I am sorry. I won’t ever do something like that again, I promise,” said Little Joe, wiping his eyes.

“I hope you mean that.”

“I do, sir.”

“Well, don’t think just because you have to work in town that it means you can slack off with your own chores here at home. I will be waking you an hour earlier each morning so you can finish them in plenty of time before you head into town, and I am warning you now, I don’t want to hear one word of complaining from you, is that understood?” he asked, frowning deeply and pointing his finger toward his son.

“Yes sir.”

“I love you son, but I don’t love what you did, but I do love you. You know the reason I asked you to come out to the barn, don’t you?”

“Yes Pa,” he answered, hardly audible.

“Before I take the strap to you, is there anything else I need to know or that you have been keeping from me?” asked Ben.

“No sir.”

“All right then, drop your pants.”

“Huh?”

“Drop your pants. I want to make sure you remember this night, and won’t be so quick to rush into trouble next time,” said Ben. His expression was dead serious. His eyes were dark and his muscles taut. He only had the boys drop their pants for very serious offenses. It pained him to punish his son in this way. Little Joe slowly abided his father’s request.

Once the punishment was over, Ben sent him off to bed. As he lay on his stomach crying, he knew in his heart he had deserved every lash he had received. And his pa was right; he would never forget this tanning as long as he lived.

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

“Joseph, it’s time to get up,” said Ben, as he gently shook his son. “You have morning chores to do before you have to be in town.” Little Joe tried to pull the blankets over his head, but Ben pulled them off. “Come on now, you can’t be late, remember what the judge said.” Joe stirred and slowly got up. He tried to sit on the edge of the bed, but his bottom was too sore. He hoped whatever work he was assigned today, it didn’t include sitting down.

Adam and Hoss were already at the breakfast table when Little Joe joined them. “Morning little brother,” said Hoss, in his jolly voice. He picked up the platter of eggs and ham and passed them to Joe. Joe didn’t want to eat, but Ben insisted. He chose to eat while standing.

“Pa, do you want Hoss and I to start breaking those new horses today?” asked Adam.

“Yes, that would be good. I really need them to be ready by the end of the month, or I’m afraid we might lose the contract with Mr. Sneed.” He poured another cup of coffee.

Hop Sing came into the dining room with a lunch pail. “I make lunch for you Little Joe. You work hard, you get hungry.”

“Thanks. Pa, I can’t eat anymore, can I go and start on my chores now?” asked Joe.

“All right son, but don’t dally. You only have one hour before you leave for town.”

“Yes sir.” He wiped his mouth and went out to the barn. He did his chores without complaint and then he saddled Cochise. “I don’t know how I’m gonna ride you boy. My butt is so sore; I can hardly walk much less ride saddle.” He rubbed Cochise on the nose. He led him out of the barn and rechecked the cinch.

“You ready son?” asked Ben, standing in the door way.

“Yes Pa.” He mounted his horse. “Owwwwwie!” he hollered when his rear end met the saddle. Once he was half way comfortable, he waved bye to his pa and rode toward town. Ben watched him until he went over the hill. Adam came outside, pulling on his work gloves. He saw the worry etched on his father’s face.

“He’s going to be just fine, Pa,” he comforted, patting Ben on the back. Ben answered with a grumble, and then went back inside. “Would you tell Hoss to hurry up? The horses won’t break themselves.”

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

“I’m sure glad to see that all of you got here on time this morning,” said Roy. “Well, let’s not waste anytime. Mitch, you are to go to the general store. Mr. Potter is having you do some spring cleaning. Have him sign this paper when you’re done and bring it back to me.” He handed the slip of paper to the boy and he was off. He groaned when he saw what Mr. Potter meant by spring cleaning, but he didn’t dare say a word.

“Billy, you’re going to Mrs. Andrew’s place. She has a lot of yard work that needs to be done. Here’s your paper for her to sign when you’re finished.” Billy took it and left to go face his task.

“And Little Joe, you’ll be spending the day with Mr. Landers at the hotel. It looks like you’ll be painting all day. Do the same with this paper when you’re done.”

“Yes sir.”

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

Every morning the whole summer, all three boys met and received their assignments. Some weren’t so bad, but most of them were just as Roy had thought. The town’s people saved the dirtiest jobs for the boys to do. They wanted to make sure they learned their lesson. At the end of each day, it was all they could do to eat supper and go straight to bed.

Their entire summer was full of hard work and aching bodies instead of fun and adventure. Once school started back, the boys got better grades than they had ever received. By the end of their punishment, they had most definitely learned their lesson. They found out the hard way that the kind of life Leroy Calhoun led wasn’t the kind of life that led to fame and happiness, but one that led to nothing but pain and sorrow, not just for themselves, but also for those that loved them. The never complained about being bored ever again. Just going fishing and perhaps swimming every now and then was enough excitement for them.

The End

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