week205

POTW challenge

Hoss Cartwright clapped long and loud he had enjoyed the show, especially this last act of the Magician and his lovely assistant, she had long dark hair, and a smiling face,
My, my, she sure looks fine, he thought while wishing he could pluck up the courage to speak to her, she had seemed to be looking at him during the act.

Joe didn’t much fancy the assistant, not his type, he was glad she was more intent on looking at his brothers than him. He had been intrigued with the Magicians skill, “how does he move his hands so fast” he asked turning to Hoss then Adam.

They both shook their heads, “It’s all practice I expect, little buddy” Adam replied, Hoss was just as mystified as Joe had been, “I’d sure like to know that shortshanks”

Although Ben Cartwright clapped alongside everyone else, he was truly happy that the evening had come to a close, because he had not really enjoyed the show, he preferred a good singer or speaker to light entertainment, he just wanted to get home.

Adam Cartwright thought she’s looking at me, but then who else would she be looking at, he didn’t enjoy it. He felt as if he was on display in a shop. Turning his back to the stage he addressed his family, “Anyone coming for a drink before going home?” He tried to gently push his father towards the door as he said this.

Ben raised an eyebrow at his eldest and said “No, I’m going straight home, but you three go to the saloon if you wish.”

“Your not ill are you Pa?” Joe raised the question before either of his brothers could.

“No, no I’m fine son, just a little tired, you go ahead and I’ll see you all in the morning” Ben smiled to assure them he was okay. Nothing would make him tell them that pride must go before the fall, and the expensive boots he had bought were just too small for him!

The boys went out, and headed towards the Saloon. Joe stopped just before the wooden steps leading up to the door, “Do you really think Pa is okay?”

Adam gave an indulgent smile, “He said he was didn’t he, why should he lie?”

“Well I was watching him during the show, he looked uncomfortable, as if he wasn’t enjoying it or something was troubling him” Joe addressed his brothers.

Adam rubbed his hand over his chin, his thumb and forefinger staying there for second or two. “I think Pa’s sensible enough to go see Paul Martin if he’s ill, Joe”

“Yeah, I’m sure you’re right Adam, let’s go get that drink” Joe smiled reassured somewhat, he stepped through the swing doors.

Hoss followed Joe through the doors, but Adam stayed a while watching Ben mount his horse Buck, who was tethered across the road, it seemed to be taking his father longer than usual to mount, he took a couple of attempts at getting his foot in the stirrups.

Adam watched until his father rode out of town then went inside to join his brothers at their table. They were already half way down their drinks when Adam sat and picked up his glass.

“What kept ya, Adam?” asked Hoss.

“I was watching Pa ride out of town,” he stopped, had a drink of his beer, before continuing, “Joe, I think you might be right after all, it took him a long time to mount Buck, and I’d say he was in pain of some sort.”

Hoss smiled “It always takes Pa an age to mount up”

Adam looked at Hoss with look of annoyance that swept the smile from his younger, bigger brother’s face. Then Adam relented, and gave slight laugh, “Any other time, I’d agree with you, brother.”

“Think we’d better get the Doc and ride after him Adam?” Hoss started to rise from his seat as he asked.

“No, he’d be mad if we fetched Paul for nothing, you know he doesn’t like us to know if he is feeling unwell, you two stay here and I’ll go after him.”

“Sure you don’t want us to come as well Adam, I’d like to come if Pa is poorly” Joe looked worried.

“No, I’ll send for you and the Doc if necessary, don’t worry, he’ll be okay.”

“If you say so Adam, we thought we might go talk with the Magician after this drink, but we won’t be late home.” Joe said.

Joe and Hoss decided to stay for another drink then went in search of the magician and his assistant, Joe wanted to know how the tricks were performed and Hoss wanted to know if the lovely assistant would be staying in town long enough to go to the Saturday night dance with him.

Adam arrived home just a short while after his father.

Ben was surprised to see him so early. “Saloon run out of beer?” he chuckled.

“No, I was a bit tired and thought I’d come home see if you wanted some company,” Adam lied.

“Not tired no; nice to have some company, get the whisky Adam and we will share a glass, but before you do that son, would you mind coming over here, these new boots are killing my feet and I can’t get them off they seem to be stuck”

Adam after much effort managed to pull off the offending boots. Then as they sipped their whisky and Ben twitched his now released feet, he asked after Hoss and Joe.

“Oh! They were staying in the saloon, then going over to see the Magician, Hoss and Joe really liked the show Pa.”

In silence Ben and Adam looked at each others face, both agreed to disagree with the missing pair on the shows merits.

Ben sighed. If anyone would enjoy a show like that; Hoss would, that boy was always intrigued with new things and finding out how they worked, Ben just hoped he wouldn’t be tempted to be talked into buying anything again, things like guns that were made to fire around corner’s, came into his mind.

Maggie. July.2007

 

 

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