The Cutest Little Trick in Cowboy Boots

by Kaci

"Marie, he's so adorable. I don't know how you let him out of your site." Mrs. Bailey always made appropriate comments to new mothers.

"Thank you. Little Joe is quite a handful but....do you think his ears are too large?" Marie stared at her new baby with pride and trepidation. His ears seemed to be growing at a alarming rate.

"Oh, I think he'll grow out of that. I mean, babies do don't they?" Mrs. Bailey really thought Marie should cover those child's outlandish ears with a hat. "Babies are cute no matter what they look like."

Marie's temper which was always short began to simmer. "Oh, I see. You want to me cover up Little Joe's ears?"

"My dear, I would never say that. I must run now." Mrs. Bailey made a swift exit. New mothers were quite besotted with their new children, but even a nitwit could tell Little Joe was never going to be a handsome child like her son Del Roy.

****

Marie laid Little Joe down on the blanket. He was a fine looking baby. Those beautiful green eyes, his chestnut curly hair, those beautiful little fingers. In fact he was perfect....except for his ears. Sniffing into her handkerchief she decided to look for a bonnet to match his dress.

Ben and the boys arrived home for dinner, exhausted and hungry. They had a long day working cows and Ben hoped that supper was on the table. What he hadn't counted on was a tantrum by his young wife Marie. "Darling, sorry we're late, but we will just wash our hands.

Soon everyone was seated at the table with Little Joe in his high chair. The food was passed around when Hoss who had been smiling at his little brother noticed something odd. "Mama, why is Little Joe wearing a bonnet at the table?"

"He's cold darling." Marie kept eating hoping that Hoss for once would be quiet.

"But, it's hot in here."

"No, it's not." Marie said firmly.

Ben looked up from his plate when he heard Marie's tone of voice. "Marie, Hoss is right." Ben reached over to untie Little Joe's bonnet, when he saw his wife rise from her chair, stalking around the table to pull the baby out of his high chair. "What's going on?"

"Nothing. I'm tired and so is Little Joe. Good night." She swept from the room with Joe breaking into tears, screaming at the top of his lungs.

"Marie, is something the matter?"

Ben rose from his seat ready to go after her but Marie held her hand up. "No. Leave me alone."

Ben wilted sitting back down in his chair.

Adam who had been listening but keeping his own counsel finally spoke. "She's noticed Little Joe's ears." Silence reigned at the table. They had all noticed Little Joe's ears but were hoping that Marie would not.

"Oh no." Ben said faintly. How could one little baby cause this much trouble? Adam and Hoss had been beautiful babies. Their little shell pink ears had been so cute. What had happened? Ben didn't mind that this child was not going to be as handsome as the first too, after all, not everyone could be good looking. It was a mystery with Marie for a mother, but it was definitely her side of the family. "Boys, whatever you do, don't mention Little Joe's ears."

The boys nodded their heads. Hoss thought Little Joe was cute with those ears, made him look like a mouse. Adam knew this was the absolute worst thing that could happen to a beautiful woman like Marie. Maybe the bonnet was the answer. Little Joe was cute....with a bonnet.

Several weeks passed but Little Joe was upset at having to wear a bonnet on his head all the time. He had started pulling on it and trying to jerk it off his head, but Marie had circumvented this with tying the strings in double knots.

Ben had almost had enough. Between Little Joe's screaming and he didn't blame him one bit, and Marie's silent stubborn determination to hide Joe's ears, he thought he might go crazy. Of course, he had taken the typical man's route by leaving the house for longer periods of time.

This left Hoss and Adam to the mercy of Marie. She had tried to pretend that nothing was the matter, but it's hard with screaming tantrums drowning you out. Adam tried to talk to his new step mother but she wasn't rational. She wanted her baby to be perfect and Little Joe was cute but with those ears, he wasn't going to win any baby contest.

Hoss had been thinking about Little Joe's problem. He loved his little brother more than anyone else in the family, because he was the Big Brother this time. Adam had taken care of him and he would take care of Little Joe. That morning Little Joe was laying in his crib in his bedroom upstairs. Marie had issued orders that no one was to wake the baby.

Hoss excused himself from breakfast then tiptoed up the stairs. Marie was busy in the kitchen and this was a good time to put his plan into action. He opened Little Joe's door peaking inside. For once Little Joe lay contently in the bed, playing with his feet. "Hi, Little Joe." Hoss leaned down picking the baby up in his arms. Little Joe was about fourteen months old, but he was a very tiny baby. Hoss held him kissing the fingers that Little Joe stuck in his mouth. "Shh...I want to try somethin' Little Joe, maybe it will make your Mama happier and we can all go back to a quieter house. Pa is stayin' away for longer periods cause Mama is just plain mad about your ears." At the word ears Little Joe raised his cubby hands putting one to his ear. "That's right, what a smart little boy you are." Placing Joe on the floor he shut the door to the room. Digging into his pocket he pulled out a bottle of glue that he had taken from the school. He knew it was a bad thing but this called for a bad thing so Pa would stay home and Little Joe would shut up.

Hoss sat on the floor with Little Joe crawling all over him. Keeping Little Joe still was near impossible. "Now Little Joe you stay still for just one minute for Hoss and I will give you a piece of candy." Hoss stuck the candy in Joe's mouth, then got behind him. Luckily Marie took off his bonnet for bed, so Hoss pushed aside his curls, showing the back of his ears. Pulling the stopper on the bottle, he pulled the brush from the bottle dripping with white wet glue. Putting a large dollop behind Joe's ear he pulled back and stuck it to his head. There, that looked plumb good. Hoss did the other ear quickly, hoping the ears stayed stuck. Little Joe happily sucking on his sucker sat quietly beside him. Hoss closed the bottle putting it back in his pocket. Now, he had fixed the problem and Pa would come home.

He sat Little Joe back in bed then tiptoed out of the room. Little Joe sat for a moment unsure of what was going on then in typical Little Joe fashion he yelled with all his might, he wanted his Mama. He heard his Mother coming up the stairs so he stood up in the crib, a smile on his face. Marie opened the door seeing her baby boy reach out for her and her heart melted. He was a beautiful baby....she picked him up kissing him on the cheek. She tasted a strange taste...what was that? Holding him away from her Joe looked all right, his baby curls laying around his face. "Little Joe, you need a bath." At the word bath Little Joe's face turned into a scowl, he hated baths. Gathering Joe's clothes she carried him downstairs setting him on the settee. "Hop Sing, we need that bathtub."

Hop Sing rolled his eyes, with all the things he had to do, Ms .Cartwright had to give the baby a bath right now. "Ms. Cartwright, I very busy, maybe we could do later."

"No, he's smells funny." At Hop Sing's look at Little Joe's bottom, she scowled. "No, not there." Hop Sing bowed ready to do her bidding, but in his heart he wondered why on earth Mr. Cartwright remarry again.

"Now, Cherie, let's get you undressed." Taking off Little Joe's clothes was extremely easy, because Joe loved to be naked. As the last article of clothes disappeared from his body he jumped up toddling around the room. "Joseph! Come here. " Joe giggled trying to escape from his Mama. Joe went straight to the table to hide underneath with the chairs helping his cause. "Adam! Hoss!" Marie got down her knees to see Little Joe peaking out at her, she laughed, he was so adorable. The boys came running at her call helping retrieve one wiggling, giggling, naked little boy. Marie plopped him down in the water, while Hoss and Adam threw water toys into the bath.

As Marie was bathing her son Joe she noticed he looked different. What was it? Then her heart started racing, Little Joe's ears weren't sticking out. "Adam, look at Joe's face." Marie could hardly breathe....her baby's ears were normal....she had asked for a miracle and received one.

Hoss stood to the side grinning, it was all working out perfectly. "Mama, do you like Little Joe's ears?"

Marie pulled a wet dripping Little Joe into her arms with tears running down her face. He was so beautiful.

"Mama, are you happy now?" Marie nodded to Hoss not paying attention to him, but Adam turned to look at his little brother. Something was wrong. Adam pulled Hoss across the room, "what did you do?"

Hoss was so happy, "I glued them Adam." Adam eyes grew in sizes as he realized what Hoss had done. Oh.... "Hoss you go upstairs right now and don't come back down until I call you. Hurry!"

"But, why, Mama is happy." Hoss' gave Adam a surprised look.

"Just do it, now!" Hoss took off with the speed of light at his big brother's tone of voice, maybe he shouldn't have used the glue.

Marie called Hop Sing to see Joe's ears. "Hop Sing, look at our baby's ears!"

Hop Sing nodded not sure how this happened. He walked around Little Joe then smelled him. "Strange smell all right." Pushing his hands into Joe's curls grabbing one ear tugging it hard. Joe screamed as the ear plopped forward, Little Joe grabbed his ear rubbing it hard. Marie, almost dropped her baby, what on earth!

"Glue." Hop Sing shook his head then went back to work. Marie felt behind Joe's ear, feeling the wet sticky glue for herself. Turning to look at Adam who had a look of bland innocence on his face, Marie screamed loudly, "HOSS! Come down here right now!"

Hoss decided that maybe he was a bad boy, he hid in the armoire way behind the clothes. When he heard his Mama's tone of voice he huddled deeper hoping he wouldn't be found for the rest of his life.

Marie shoved Little Joe into Adam's arms rushing up the stairs. "Hoss you come to me right now!" Entering Hoss' room she looked under the bed then looked at the armoire. " You bad boy!" She opened the door pushing her hands back into the clothes until she finally felt Hoss at the back. She dragged him out of the closet then shook him hard. "How dare you put glue on your little brother! Hoss your Papa is going to spank you!" Hoss burst into tears as he realized the consequences to his actions. Marie pointed to Hoss' bed. "Stay there and don't leave this room until your Papa comes home." Slamming the door behind her she heard Hoss' crying behind her. Trying to take a deep breath...she stood still....the tears running down her face. Her baby was always going to have big ears! Sitting down on the floor of the landing, she cried while her heart broke, then she felt a little hand on her shoulder, "Mama, I'm sorry, I love Little Joe, I just wanted to make a happy house for us again." The little boys face was covered in tears, his big blue eyes drowning, but he kept wiping them away with his hand.

"Cherie, I know. I'm sorry I yelled at you." Marie pulled Hoss onto her lap, holding the crying child to her chest, she was making them all crazy. Little Joe would surely outgrow those ears someday. She would ask Dr. Martin, maybe he would have a solution.

Hoss felt his heart fill with love for his Mama. He loved her, and Little Joe and Pa and Adam. They would all just have to grow to love Little Joe's big ears.

Ben Cartwright stared at his two sons. "I thought you were not going to draw any attention to Little Joe's ears?"

Hoss looked down at the ground because he knew he was a bad boy. "I sorry Pa." He looked up at his father with his blue eyes simmering in tears. "I thought gluing them back would be a good idea."

"I don't want that kind of behavior again." At Hoss' nod Ben turned Adam. "Have you any ideas at all?"

"Pa, I swear Little Joe can't wear one more bonnet. He has purple bonnets, green bonnets, yellow bonnets, white bon..."

"Adam, stop. Every night Marie is knitting a new bonnet for Joe clothes. I never knew a baby had to have so many outfits. When you were a baby you had only a couple of things." And they were lucky to have them on the trail, thought Ben.

"Why doesn't Marie go to San Francisco. That should take her mind off Little Joe's ears."

"I thought about that, but I'm afraid she will look for a doctor to nip them." Hoss eyes widened in fear. His poor baby brother, was that like nipping a horses..."

"Hoss, Hoss! What's the matter with you?"

"Nothin' Pa. But, I don't want nuthin' nipped off of Little Joe."

Ben and Adam laughed at the thought. "I was just teasing, Hoss, even your Mama wouldn't go that far." Hoss nodded his head but he was not so sure. "Maybe Doc. Martin could speak to Marie about Little Joe. I will go by his office and ask him." They nodded their heads but didn't expect any hope. Marie was dead set on finding a solution to Little Joe's ears.

****

"Doctor Martin there must be something we can do. I love my little boy but I know they will make fun of him when he is older." Marie's green eyes glistened with tears.

"Marie I have no idea how I would correct Little Joe's ears. You know that his head will grow and it will all even out when he gets older." Doc Martin was just a bit put out that this vain Mother was taking up his time with this nonsense. If Ben Cartwright wasn't his best friend...."Marie, please be patient, Little Joe will be fine." Paul picked up Little Joe who had been playing on the floor with his toys. "He's a handsome baby boy and someday a handsome man."

Marie sniffed into her handkerchief, but decided to let it go. She would see a specialist in San Francisco. "Thank you, Doctor Martin. Come here, darling." Doctor Martin sat Little Joe on Marie's lap then watched as she placed a bonnet on his head. Green was definitely Little Joe's color with his little green dress. Most boys wore dresses until age three, but it was difficult to keep all the lace and silk clean. The poorer children in town usually wore little knickers.

When they left the doctor's office Marie let Little Joe walk down the street in front of her. He was so independent it was far easier to let him have his way. At fourteen months he was a handful but a sweet baby. He didn't like to be told no, but would accept being talked into things. Adam was very good at getting Little Joe to see reason. Little Joe kept tripping on his dress but he kept getting up trying again so Marie held Little Joe's hand as they went into the mercantile to get supplies for the house.

"Hello little baby." Marie smiled as the old drover talked to her son. "You want a piece of candy?" At Marie's nod the old man handed a piece of licorice to Joe. "He sure is a pretty baby, mam. Is it a boy or girl?"

"Thank you. Little Joe is a boy. He can even speak a few words." The pride echoed in Marie's voice. She knew that Little Joe was going to grow up to be someone important. Adam had been working with Little Joe since he had been born to help him learn words.

"May I hold him?" She nodded then became busy doing other things, when she heard the old drover laughing hard. Little Joe was pulling on the man's mustache, jerking it hard, but what made Marie angry was that the drover had taken off Joe's bonnet.

"Give him here." She took the child from his arms when Mrs. Bailey walked up behind her.

"Oh...Mrs. Cartwright. Hello Little Joe, are you a good boy?" Mrs. Bailey smirked at his ears. "Well, I see he still has fine hearing." Mrs. Bailey pointed to the Baby Contest poster on the wall. "Are you entering your baby in the contest, Marie?"

"I don't know I haven't thought about it." Marie placed Joe's bonnet back on his head but he started screaming the moment she tried to tie it on his head. She was near tears with that old dragon watching her.

"I don't believe he likes that." Mrs. Bailey left the mercantile with a smile on her face. Her little Del Roy would win the contest hands down.

The old drover who had listened to the conversation felt sorry for Marie. There was nothin' wrong with her baby, but he knew she would never accept that. He walked over to the poster, the baby contest was three months away, plenty of time to change the baby's hair.

"Mam...don't' you be upset. My brother had big...uh...large ears too. But, my Mama solved it all right. She grew out his curls over those ears and stuck a cowboy hat on top, know one ever noticed those ears again. "

Marie stopped to listen, not because she was polite but she thought this man knew what he was talking about. "My husband likes the boys to have short hair."

"Well, that's fine....but if you like longer hair that should count too, shouldn't it?" He winked at her then left the building, just let it percolate awhile.

Marie had already been thinking of growing Little Joe's hair very long to hide his ears. This was all she needed to put the plan into action. Ben would just have to accept it.

Marie's back was ramrod stiff when she came home. She could have kissed that old man for his story. It felt good to know she was not alone with this problem. Several months went past and Ben was telling Marie to cut Little Joe's hair but she just kept ignoring him. "Marie, bring Joe to the table and I'll cut his hair for you."

"No, Joe's hair is going to stay long." Marie's eyes went emerald green, reflecting her temper was on the rise. "He's entering that baby contest with his curls intact." They had been fighting for months but Marie had used her wiles to keep her husband quiet.

Ben thought about raising a fuss but one look at Marie's face made him change his mind. It really didn't matter anyway. He hoped Marie would not be too disappointed if Little Joe didn't win the contest.

The morning of the contest, Marie gave Little Joe a bath, washed his silky chestnut curls then gave them a good brushing, twirling the curls around her fingers. The family was waiting to go to town but Marie took her time. She had sewn Little Joe some pants, shirt, with little chaps and vest. She secretly had a small cowboy hat and boots shipped from San Francisco. She put his new cowboy boots on his feet then put the hat on his head. He was so handsome she caught her breath. These were his first pants, she hoped that the old bitty's didn't say anything about that. "Little Joe, you're so handsome, Mama is very proud of you."

Joe nodded his head, marveling at his ability to move around without skirts. Marie picked him up in her arms sailing down the steps of the ranch house. Ben's eyes widened as he took in his' son's new look. The boy was definitely a Cartwright. Hoss grinned and Adam was wondering if his step mother knew what she was in for at the contest. With the longer hair and cowboy hat the ears were covered up.

Marie hummed all the way to town with Little Joe on her lap. Her baby was the most beautiful child in Virginia City. The family went into the hotel getting ready for the contest. The babies of ages 1-3 were on the left side. The small babies were in the middle and the older children to the right. Little Joe was the only one year old boy dressed in pants with a cowboy hat. All the others were dressed in lace, frills and bonnets.

Marie leaned down to whisper in Little Joe's ear. "Darling smile at the judges, be a good boy for Mama."

The judges walked into the room, first checking the babies. After many coo's and ah's....they made their decision on which was the prettiest baby. Next came Little Joe's group of children. Joe looked at Marie then smiled with a big grin of small white teeth. The judges talked among themselves but there was no doubt that Little Joe was the best looking child in the group. They started to award the prize when Mrs. Bailey spoke up.

"I think the children should take off their bonnets." The crowd became quiet, everyone in town knew the reason for this request. "Well, Judge?"

"Of course, take off their bonnets and ....cowboy hat." The mothers untied the strings of the bonnets...then Marie gently took off Joe's hat. She was almost at the point of tears when the judges walked around again. "We have made our decision.' The parents looked up in hope that their little darling had won, when the judge cleared his voice. " The winner is Little Joe Cartwright!" A smattering of applause erupted with Hoss and Adam whooping it up. Ben's chest rose in pride.

"Wait!" Mrs. Bailey knew this wasn't fair. "That child has big ears!" Silence settled over the crowd as the judges turned to look at Little Joe. Little Joe's hands went up to his ears as if to hide them.

"Mam....he looks fine to us." The head judge pulled his hat off his head then the room erupted into laughter. The judge's ears were very large. "Here is the blue ribbon." The judge gave the ribbon to Little Joe then patted him on the head..." he'll be able to hear any Indian's sneaking up on him." The judges walked on to the next table and Marie broke into tears of happiness.

The next morning the house woke to screams, Little Joe was having a tantrum. "NO, No!" He screamed over and over again. Finally Ben spoke sharply to his son.

"Joseph, stop this right now. What is the matter?"

"No dres." Little Joe ran over picking up his boot, pants and hat. Sticking the hat on his head over the curls he turned to his parents. "Butiful baby."

The Cartwright's were in shock until Hoss broke into laughter...."I guess he's through with dresses, Mama."

****

Things settled down at the Cartwright household until Joe turned three years old. His temper could match Ben's any day of the week. "Marie, we are cutting this child's hair! It's all the way down to his shoulders." Ben was tired of trying to comb through Little Joe's curls.

"Ben, you are being completely unreasonable. Lots of little boys have long hair."

"No cut." The words popped out of Little Joe's mouth. He covered his ears with his hands. "No cut." He stomped his foot on the floor to make his point. Ben swatted him twice then watched as his son turned to look at him with a hurt look on his face. "No cut. Big ears." The house settled into silence. They were all in shock that Little Joe had discovered the reason for his long hair.

Ben sat in his chair thinking about where he went wrong. His son was now very upset thinking he had big ears all because Marie had made a spectacle of herself. Little Joe was cute just the way God made him. Big ears and all.

"Ben, I finally got the baby asleep." Marie sat down on the settee she was exhausted. "I just wish you would leave his hair alone, then none of this would of have happened," she harped at Ben.

Ben sucked in a deep breath trying to keep his temper in check. "I believe you were the one that was making bonnets like crazy? And now that we have a five year supply what shall we do with them?"

Marie green eyes turned to a emerald hardness, "I don't care, you don't have any feelings for me. I'm only the mother of your son, and step mother to your other children. How dare you say hurtful things to me, Ben Cartwright. I don't have to live here you know. Little Joe and I can leave anytime we are to much bother to you.

Ben jumped to his feet dragging Marie up with him. "MY SON is never leaving this ranch, do I make myself clear on that? Tomorrow, Marie, you and Little Joe are going to go visit Mrs. Bailey. Maybe both of can get along if your try. I'm tired of this constant bickering. Go to bed, I'm too angry to talk to you!" Marie sobbed then ran up the stairs. Ben sat down again, wiping tears from his eyes. He had made a big mess of that. He would apologize tomorrow.

****

Marie rode into Virginia City the next morning with Little Joe sitting in front of her on the saddle. She was going to have a quiet talk with Mrs. Bailey. After all, almost two years had passed since Little Joe had won the baby contest. Surely Mrs. Bailey had gotten over that. She dismounted tying her horse at the mercantile post, then lifted Little Joe down. He loved riding but he also loved the mercantile where you could buy candy. Taking a deep breath she entered the room with a smile on her face. ' Hello, Mr. Cass. How are you today?" Marie let out her breath when she realized she was the only customer in the store. She always felt she had to be on her guard in Virginia City, she knew she wasn't popular.

"Just fine, Mrs. Cartwright. How is Ben today? Hi, Little Joe." Will Cass had opened the mercantile about five years before Ben had married Marie.

"Fine...fine. Have you seen Mrs. Bailey today?" Marie pulled out yardage thinking of making a dress.

"Well, I heard that she is planning a large Founder's Day celebration." Mr. Cass stopped then looked down and mumbled,"another baby contest but this time crowning a King and Queen baby at the fair."

"I see. Mr. Cass let me have gumdrops and suckers. I think I will pay a call on little Del Roy." Mr. Cass felt his eyebrows climb, if anyone hated each other it was Marie and Ellie Bailey. "Thank you." Marie carried the gumdrops like a talisman to fight the lions. "Come long, Cherie, we are going to see Del Roy."

"Can I play with Del Roy, Mama?"

"We'll see darling."

As Marie walked the streets she rehearsed what she would say to the old bitty. Trying to calm herself she knocked on Mrs. Bailey' door.

"Yes?" Mrs. Bailey answered the door then drew back saying quietly. "Mrs. Cartwright, do you need something?"

"Yes, Mrs. Bailey. I was wondering if I could speak to you for a moment?" Mrs. Bailey backed up allowing Marie and Little Joe to enter her house. Ellie quickly started picking up the room, toys were laying everywhere.

"I'm afraid the house is a mess." Ellie pushed her hair away from her face. For the first time Marie took a good look at her rival. Her hair was in a bun with straggles everywhere. Marie smiled to herself sitting on the sofa.

"I heard that you are planning another baby contest?" Marie smiled sweetly.

"Yes, for Founder's Day. I think that only town people will be allowed to enter though. We want to keep out the undesirables." Mrs. Bailey couldn't stop the grin on her face.

"I see, of course, you wouldn't want any real competition." Marie sniped back."Where is little Del Roy?"

"The doctor is with him now. Del Roy has been running a temperature." At these words Marie looked quickly at Little Joe. Childhood diseases were a big hazard in Virginia City. All the mothers tried to keep their children safely away from other sick children. The graveyard was filled with children that had died from childhood diseases. "I should leave then, you should have told me." Marie picked up Little Joe when the doctor came out of the back room.

"Mrs. Bailey, I'm afraid that Del Roy doesn't have a cold. It's measles."

"Measles, but that means...."

"Yes, you're under quarantine." Doc Martin turned to Marie, "I'm sorry but you will have to stay here until Del Roy is over the measles."

"No! I mean I have to go home, I have Little Joe and the boys, what about Ben?" Marie almost screamed in despair. "Little Joe can't stay here!" Marie pulled Little Joe closer to her. She feared for her child's life.

"I'm sorry, I will let Ben know that your are quarantined." Doc. Martin left the house with the biggest smile on his face he had in a long time. This was too good. Marie and Ellie Bailey under the same roof. Then his smile faded, he hoped both boys would be all right.

****

Marie sat still she really didn't know what to do. Little Joe was playing on the floor with Del Roy's toys. This was all Ben's fault! She was going to make him pay for this. "Mrs. Bailey where should I put Little Joe down for his nap?"

"Oh dear....I don't know what to do? Where am I going to put you?" Mrs. Bailey could have screamed, that stuck up Marie Cartwright, was the last person she wanted to be quarantined with. She had probably had never lifted a spoon in her life. Well, I'm not waiting on her.

"We do have a guest room, though we are not rich like the Cartwright's." Mrs. Bailey sailed across the room with Marie and Little Joe in tow. The room was small with a full size bed. It was not going to be comfortable with Little Joe with her but Marie decided she would make do. "Dinner will be at five o'clock.That is when my husband....oh dear."

"What's the matter?"

"Charlie won't be able to come home." Mrs. Bailey's lips thinned in anger, she had thought at least she would have help entertaining Mrs. Cartwright, now she realized it was just the two of them. Even Elsie her maid would not be allowed to enter. Ellie left the room slamming the door behind her. Marie wanted to laugh, but she was caught in the same position as Ellie Bailey.

****

Marie Cartwright was bored. She had played with Little Joe for several hours before he finally fell asleep. Little Joe was use to playing outdoors most of the day and he didn't like being in a small room. Marie combed her hair then taking a deep breath she went out to battle the dragon.

"Mrs. Bailey, I was wondering if you wanted me to help you with dinner."

"Dinner? Oh...you mean supper. No, I have already fixed Del Roy's and mine. I'm afraid I didn't have enough for you but Little Joe can have the leftovers."

Marie's eyes snapped green fire, "that won't be necessary." Marie opened the front door looking for someone to take a message for her. There...."Sheriff Coffee! Come here please."

Roy couldn't believe his eyes, Marie Cartwright in Ellie Bailey's house? "Ms. Cartwright, what can I do for ya?"

"Oh...Sheriff, would you do me a little favor?" Marie's sparkling eyes glowed with pleasure at seeing the Sheriff. She couldn't help flirting it was a way of life for Marie.

"Yes, mam.' Sheriff Coffee removed his hat as a sign of respect. He had always envied Ben Cartwright his beautiful wife. " Do you want me to get Ben for ya?"

"Oh, I think Doctor Martin sent for him. I need you to send someone from the cafe to talk to me. Little Joe and I need three meals a day brought to Mrs. Bailey's house, since I can't leave because of the quarantine. My husband will pay all the expenses." Marie said sweetly. "You better have Cass at the Mercantile and Dee Dee from the dress shop drop by too."

"Of course, I'll go right away." The Sheriff excused himself hurrying to do her bidding. Marie closed the door, "Oh, Mrs. Bailey, you don't need to worry about Little Joe and I. The cafe will be delivering all of our meals."

"What?" Mrs. Bailey was furious. She had no maid to help her with the housework and she had to cook the meals for her and Del Roy! "What a good idea I will ask the cafe to deliver food for us too." She didn't even want to think what her husband Charlie would say.

"When Doctor Martin comes this evening I'm going to ask if Little Joe can go outside as long as he stays in the yard. It's too much being cooped up in this house."

"That sounds like a good idea....of course, my Del Roy is too sick to leave his bed. The children should stay away from each other." Marie nodded her head then sat down in a chair. She needed her sewing basket and books. This was going to be a long ordeal. Mrs. Bailey sat down across from Marie the two women pretending like the other wasn't there.

****

Ben was out working in the yard when Doc. Martin drove into the yard. "Paul, how good to see you." Ben shook his hand,"lets' go inside. I'm sorry but Marie is gone today, but I can have Hop Sing wrestle us up something."

"That's all right, I need to return to town soon. Ben, I have to tell you something."

Ben's heart started beating quickly, "Paul, Marie and Little Joe are alright, aren't they?"

"Ben, yes, they are fine. But there is a little problem." Ben's heart which had settled down soon started beating faster.

"What is it? Is Marie or Joe hurt?" As Ben uttered the words Adam and Hoss entered the house.

"No, nothing like that. Really it's sort of funny. Not of course that measles are funny, but Del Roy Bailey has the measles."

"Measles? What does that have to do with Marie?"

"I have no idea why, but Marie and Little Joe were at Mrs. Bailey's today. They are quarantined in the house."

Silence settled into the room then Ben Cartwright broke out into gales of laughter. He couldn't help it, he had no idea something so horrific would happen to Marie, but he wondered if this was retribution.

Adam and Hoss stared in horror at their father, Marie would be in a terrible mood.

Doc. Martin couldn't help but laugh with his friend, but he did need to throw in a word of caution. "While this is amusing, Del Roy is sick and Little Joe might catch the measles. Marie has had them of course."

It was like Paul had thrown a bucket of cold water on Ben. "Sick? Oh....measles are contagious aren't they? I don't want Joe to get sick he better come on home."

"Ben, he can't. He has to stay in that house until we see if he gets them. Marie wants you to bring her and Little Joe clothes to Mrs. Bailey's. It's a pretty small house."

The situation was just dawning on Ben Cartwright. His beautiful wife and son were not coming home that night or any night until the quarantine was lifted. Then he remembered Marie's temper....

"Adam, Hoss, help me gather your brother's things. Hop Sing! We need to fill a trunk for Marie...she's under a quarantine." The boys hurried up the stairs finding an old carpetbag, filling it with Little Joe's clothes. "Adam, we better put in his toys or Mama won't make it through the night." Soon the bag was heavy with all of Joe's necessities. " Let me check on Pa."

Adam walked into his father's room to find the trunk open while Ben was tossing dresses out of the wardrobe. Hats, shoes and nightgowns followed. "I'm not sure what to pack. Marie is going to be so upset." Like Little Joe's bag soon Marie's trunk was filled to the brim. Ben sat down on the edge of the bed, it was all his fault. He was getting even with Marie and looked what happened because of it.

Then Ben had a horrible thought, what if something happened to his son? Little Joe was only three years old, lots of children died that young in the west. Ben put his head in hands, what had he done?

"Pa..." Adam pulled his father into his young arms. "It's all right. Little Joe is so ornery he will be fine. Remember when he caught that fever, heck, he was over it in a day. He's tough Pa." Adam sat beside Ben on the bed. "We always worry over Little Joe because he's always in trouble, but I think he's going to be the strongest child you have."

Ben looked at Adam with a frown, "he's just a baby Adam. Hoss is going to be my largest son."

"I'm not talking about size, Pa. There is something in Little Joe ..." Adam broke off he couldn't explain his feelings to his father.

Ben hugged Adam to him, "he'll be fine, you're right. Well, we need to go to Virginia City, I'm sure your Mother has a few strong words to say to me."

****

Truthfully, Marie was in her element. She was organizing her stay at Ellie Bailey's house in a big way. She had settled on the food the cafe was to deliver to the house, she had ordered books, food, lamps, and toys from the mercantile. Dee Dee from the dress shop promised to make Marie several new dresses while she was in town. Mrs. Bailey was sitting in a stupor with all the activity. Marie had been ignoring her screams of outrage for the last few hours.

A knock on the door brought Marie. Ben stood with hat in hand with a hopeful look on his face. "Marie, I'm sorry, I really didn't mean for all this to happen, please forgive me."

Marie shut the door and locked it. She was not a happy person at the minute and Ben was not going to make it better. Another knock had her looking out the window. Adam stood on the porch with her trunk and Joe's bag. "Adam, where did your father go?"

"He's at the side of the house, you scared him." Adam's dimples showed for just a moment and Marie smiled at him. "Let me push these inside for you."

"No, you better not, have you had the measles?"

"Yes, mam. I was about four years old when Pa and I was making the trip out here." Adam pushed as Marie pulled on the trunk until it sat in the living room of the house. "I wish I could help you. How is Little Joe?"

"Bored. Right now he's asleep but I dread when he awakens. The mercantile is sending over toys and other things I have ordered. You can tell Ben it would be helpful if he could help deliver them."

"Yes, mam." Adam stood ill at ease then he whispered to Marie,"Pa is really sorry, Marie. He was in tears when he realized that Joe is in danger from the measles."

Marie nodded her head but was unable to say anything. "All right, you go give your father the message. Thank you, Adam, give Hoss a big hug for me."

The door shut again leaving Adam standing on the stoop of the house. Sighing, he made his way to his father. "Pa, Marie has ordered a few things from the mercantile, she wants you to deliver them."

Ben nodded his head. This was going to be bad if Marie refused to talk to him. Usually they had a loud yelling argument then all was forgiven. The silent fights were always the worst.

Will Cass had the items ready on the counter. Ben sucked in his breath trying to quell his temper when he saw all the items to be delivered. Toys...it looked like Christmas had arrived. Lamps, pillows, blankets, were piled in boxes. Food, plates, cups, there was nothing that Marie had not asked for.

"Well, Ben I just put it all on your bill." Ben nodded his head picking up the boxes, motioning Adam to start carrying the toys. They put it all on the front porch of the house. With a hard knock showing his displeasure to Marie, Ben stomped off the porch.

Marie watched through the window smiling at the look on Ben's face. That was satisfying. Opening the door she pulled the things inside then started rearranging Ellie Bailey's living room. The lamps looked very nice on the side tables, the books on the coffee table.

"Mrs. Cartwright, you can't take over my house like this!" Ellie Bailey was wringing her hands in dismay. "I won't have it!"

"I'm sorry Ms. Bailey, but we are going to be your guests for awhile, and I am use to certain standards. You will get use to it." Marie glared at the women, she deserved it for saying Little Joe could eat leftovers.

Ellie glared at her but left the room to tend Del Roy. Marie was setting the toys in the corner when Ellie ran out of her son's bedroom. "I need the doctor! Something is wrong with Del Roy!" The tears were running down her face which had turned pale white. Marie ran to the door, screaming for someone to get the doctor, then she ran back to the boy's room.

Del Roy was laying so quietly it scared her. She checked his pulse it was there but very faint. She stripped the blankets off the bed, the child was suffocating in all the heat. She opened the window to let in air, then squeezed out a cloth in cold water running it across his face. The measles stood out on his little face like red blush on a doll's face. "Help me!" Marie started undressing the boy quickly. "Get a tub with cold water, hurry!" Marie kept running the cold cloth over his body as Ellie dragged in the small bath tub she used to bathe him. She filled it with cold water then watched as Marie picked up Del Roy and lowered him into the cold water.

"It's too cold! He'll freeze in that!" Ellie kept sobbing but didn't know how to help.

'Be quiet!" Marie let the cold water soak the boy completely. She kept feeling his forehead to see if he felt cooler. The boy was burning up. Where was the doctor? She didn't know if she should dunk his head in water or not, but taking courage in hand she lowered the back of Del Roy's head into the water. Marie held him for twenty minutes before she felt a change in the boy's temperature. The doctor had still not arrived. " Ms. Bailey, get Del Roy a gown to put him in and I need towels." Marie dried the child off then put him in a clean gown. She laid him on the bed testing his forehead every few minutes. Ellie went to close the window but Marie spoke sharply, "Don't close that window, he needs air in this room, it's stifling in here." She laid one sheet over the child's body sitting on the bed beside him. "Ms. Bailey I think he's better, please get me a drink." Ms. Bailey nodded her head then hurried to the kitchen.

Marie kept testing the boy's forehead wishing that she was anywhere else but here. The tears started running down her face, she wished that Ben was with her right now. She missed him so much.
****

The doctor arrived relieving Marie. She was exhausted, they had almost lost Del Roy because of his high temperature. Marie went to the living room and sat down on the sofa, the experience had been draining. "Mama, what ya doin?" Little Joe climbed into her lap. "Where's Pa?" Marie hugged Little Joe to her breast, fear like she had never known was swamping her in a wave of pain. "Little Joe, Mama loves you so much."

Joe pushed back, "don't hug!" He scooted off her lap looking around then his eyes lighted on the toys in the corner! Running as fast as he could he sat down pulling the horse and wagon to him. "Mama, Santa come?"

Marie laughed, "Yes, Cherie, Santa came." Marie fell back against the cushions letting her nerves drain, everything was all right.

"Marie, are you all right?" Doctor Martin was worried about Ben's wife. She had coped with a life threatening situation but had come through with flying colors.

"Yes, I'm okay. How is Del Roy doctor?"

"He'll be okay thanks to you. Where did you learn that?"

"In the convent. One year the girls in the sleeping quarters all broke out with measles. It ran like fire through the convent. Several girls had high temperatures and I believe they would have all died if it hadn't been for an old Sister that helped the sick. She knew just what to do." Marie whispered then crossed herself. "Sister Agnes saved my life."

"Thank goodness you were here. It's strange sometimes what fate has in store for us. You saved Del Roy and what are the odds that you would have even been here?"

Marie nodded her head. "What about Little Joe, Paul." Marie had finally used his first name. She had felt since she met him that Paul did not really like her.

"We'll have to wait and see. If you keep him separated from Del Roy he might not even catch the measles." Doctor Martin looked outside seeing dozens of people standing in the street waiting for word of the boy's illness.

"I have to go. Do you want me to tell Ben something for you?"

"Yes. Tell him ... I love him and Little Joe thinks Santa came today." They laughed then Paul Martin kissed her on the cheek. "Good job, Marie."

The doctor walked outside to many questions but he pulled Ben aside giving him Marie's message. Ben turned to the house with tears in his eyes, it could have so easily been his son that was so ill. Ben blew a kiss to Marie who he could see standing in the window. Thank God his wife and child were safe.

****

Time turned into one week then the next. Ms. Bailey had at least turned civil toward her but Marie longed to be home. Little Joe was still measles free which delighted the Cartwright family. Del Roy was up and around playing in his room to keep him separated from Little Joe. Doctor Martin decided that Marie and Little Joe could finally go home.

All the Cartwrights were happy with Hop Sing throwing a big dinner in Marie's honor. Ben and Marie had made up long ago so they were in perfect harmony when disaster occurred. Little Joe had taken Marie scissors out of her sewing basket, cutting his own hair. "Joseph!" Little Joe looked sheepish then grinned at his Mother. "Pretty hair." Little Joe held his hair in his hand his long curls partly cut away. He held it out to Marie, " you want some Mama?" Marie nodded her head wrapping the curls to be kept in his baby book. Well, Ben would surely be happy, the only problem Founders' Day would soon be here and she had planned to enter Little Joe again in the contest for King and Queen. Well, it couldn't be helped. She sat Little Joe in the chair finishing cutting his hair, it lay short around his head with a few curls on top. The door opened with Ben and the boys coming in. They stopped to stare at Little Joe.

"Mama, you cut Joe's hair?' Hoss was very surprised at Marie's actions.

"No....Little Joe decided he had enough of long curls.'" She smiled then grinned then started laughing out loud. The boys joined in with Ben. Little Joe scowled then started to laugh unaware of the joke.

The house settled down for the next two months but soon Founder's Day was upon them. The day was bright and sunny with huge white clouds in the sky. It was going to be hot later on but the morning was beautiful.

Ben and the boys were waiting at the bottom of the staircase for Marie to appear with Little Joe. They couldn't help but wonder what outfit that Joe would be dressed in this time. Marie was resplendent in a dark blue taffeta but it was Joe that brought a gasp of surprise. He was dressed in his every day pants and shirt, with his cowboy boots and hat.

"Marie, are you waiting to dress Little Joe at the fair?"

"No...he's not going to be in the contest. We know he's perfect and we don't need to enter him in any contest to prove it." Ben's smile grew as he realized his wife had finally accepted Little Joe the way he was, ears and all.

"Let's go!" The family made the trip laughing and talking about what each was going to do at the fair. Hoss was entering the greased pig contest, while Adam was shooting his new rifle. Ben had thought he might be persuaded to test his shooting skills in the men's division. Marie was placing her quilts in the ladies bazaar. Which left only Little Joe.

Little Joe was listening to all the chatter about what everyone was doing, but no one mentioned what he was doing. "What am I goin' to do Mama?"

"What?" Marie holding Little Joe on her lap hugged him tightly.

"What do I do at the fair? Am I shootin' or chasin' a pig?"

Adam and Hoss laughed but with a stern look from their father they settled down. "Well, Little Joe. We'll see what they have for boys your size."

"Good, Pa." The rest of the trip was short and they pulled into Virginia City fairgrounds outside of town. They walked around the exhibits but soon Hoss and Adam went off to follow their own pursuits. Hoss to run around with his friends and Adam to watch the girls. Marie and Ben kept Little Joe between them holding his hands so he wouldn't get into trouble.

After lunch the pig contest started. Hoss and ten other boys were at the starting line when the gun fired! The boys ran this way and that, each trying to hold on to a pig, but many just kept falling, covering themselves in mud....then Hoss saw his opening! He dived straight at the biggest pig at the fair, grabbing him by the tail....the squealing was loud and Hoss was being dragged around the pen....but he worked his way up that pig until he had the pig in his hands! Yelling in glee, he had won the pig contest!

The Cartwrights clapped with enthusiasm, there was going to be a blue ribbon for Hoss! After the contest, Marie insisted that Hoss go to the spring and wash himself off and change his shirt. She pinned the blue ribbon to his shirt so everyone could see it. Little Joe kept hopping up and down, "I want one too! I want one too!"

"Joe, you have to wait to until you get bigger for the pigs. Let's see if we see can get you a piece of candy." Little Joe walked on but his mind was on that blue ribbon. He wanted one just like Hoss's.

Adam's turn came soon at the rifle booth. Ten young men his age were lined up in the shooting contest. The target was set up a hundred yards away. The target was a large round circle with a red dot in the middle. Each young man took his aim then fired. Several had missed the target when Adam's turn came up. Taking aim, he sized up the distance and target, trying to remember all of his father's instructions he gently squeezed the trigger, the aim was true, Adam hit the bulls eye! Another blue ribbon for the Cartwright family. The townspeople were starting to talk about their luck.

Little Joe watched enviously as Adam took the blue ribbon as if he was embarrassed to win. Joe shook his head, Adam should be wearin' that ribbon like Hoss.

The day wore on and the heat became unbearable. They went into town for dinner at the cafe. It was great to be sitting down enjoying a nice dinner. They stayed for a couple of hours talking to all their neighbors that came to the cafe. "Well, Marie, the boys are getting their energy again, so should we head back to the fairgrounds?"

"Yes, that's fine. I should check on my quilts. They should be judging soon."

Adam had been looking out for Judy. "Pa, can I ask Miss Judy to walk with us?" Ben saw a pretty young girl with sparkling brown eyes staring at his son.

"Sure, Adam." Marie smiled at Ben, Adam was growing up. The young couple fell in behind them whispering words to each other.

They found the judging in progress but sat down in the few chairs available. " After careful consideration, the blue ribbon belongs to Marie Cartwright!" The applause was loud as Marie accepted the blue ribbon. The tears were close as she took the blue ribbon in hand. Ever since she had saved Del Roy Bailey the townspeople had taken her to their hearts.

"Mama, you have a blue ribbon! I want one too!" Marie knelt to pin her ribbon on Little Joe but he backed away. "NO! I don't' want yours I want mine!" Ben frowned as he heard the commotion, he didn't like it when the boys acted up in public.

"Little Joe, you quit that right now. Your Mama offered you the blue ribbon, do you want it or not?"

"NO!" Little Joe turned his back on them which made Ben angry, but Marie grabbed his arm. "He's all right, he's very tired Ben." Ben let his anger go, he realized that Marie was right.

Ben picked up Little Joe in arms carrying him around the fair. Joe soon fell asleep on his shoulder. "Pa, it's time for the contest you entered. Here give Little Joe to me." Adam took Joe in his arms holding him while they watched Ben shoot in the contest.

"Your family is so talented, Adam." Judy said sweetly. "I love your little brother, he's so adorable."

"You're the one that's adorable, Judy." She blushed then turned to watch Ben whip every other contestant. Clapping their hands they woke up Little Joe.

"Let me down!" Joe kept yelling until Adam set him on feet.

"It looks like it's time to go home....we Cartwright's won all the prizes." They laughed but missed Little Joe's look of dismay when he saw his Pa's blue ribbon. "Marie, are you going to the King and Queen contest for the children?"

"I don't know. I would like to support little Del Roy Bailey."

"Marie, Mrs. Bailey still cuts you at every opportunity even after you saved Del Roy's life. Why do you put yourself out for her?'

"It's not her, Ben. When I saved Del Roy he became part mine. I know that sounds funny, but that little boy is so sweet, that I want to help him."

"All right, let's go help him then." They set off for the contest when Del Roy and Mrs. Bailey walked by them. Ellie Bailey had thanked Marie several times for saving her son, but that didn't mean she still liked her. Smiling a tight lipped smile she walked on to the contest.

All the children were standing in a line. Ten little boys all dressed in beautiful western outfits. After Little Joe had won wearing cowboys clothes instead of his dress and bonnet, the other Mama's decided that they would change to Joe's dress. The Cartwright's sat down in chairs to watch the program.

Each child had to have a small talent. Most of the boys recited a few lines or sang a little song. Everyone was sure their son was going to win.

Little Joe watched the children and wondered why he wasn't in the contest. Everyone knew he was the winner last time. Then Little Joe saw the judge with a blue ribbon in his hand. Little Joe was known for his temper and this time it was aimed at his family. They didn't want him to get a blue ribbon like everyone else. Well, he would show them!

Little Joe edged away from his family. He stood behind the last boy in line. Of course, Little Joe had worn his old clothes all day, and they were not the dress clothes the other kids were wearing, but he didn't realize any of that.

The last child stepped on the stage reciting his poem.
"Star Bright, Star Light, may I have my wish tonight." The audience clapped then he went to stand with the other children.

"All right, ladies and gentlemen, we have our contestants..." that was as far as the judge got when he was interrupted.

Little Joe Cartwright walked on stage. "You forgot me!" The judge looked around unsure then he stepped forward. "I'm sorry, I thought we had ten contestants. What is your name?"

Marie and Ben both stood up to get Little Joe but were soon shouted to sit down. They sat down with surprised looks on their faces.

"My name is Little Joe Cartwright." Little Joe grinned at the audience waving at his parents. "Hi Mama, Pa !"

"Fine, that's fine. What are you doing for talent?" The judge waited while Little Joe stopped smiling. He didn't have a talent. Then he remembered the thing he did best. "My talent is tellin' a story."

"Go right ahead Little Joe." The judge stood back to give the young man a chance.

"Once upon a time...." Joe paused as his Mama smiled encouraging him to go on..." Heck, I can't mimbr that." Joe started again. "One day old Charlie gave me a whippin' for tryin' to ride old Thunder." Everyone started laughing, "he was a bad old horse that Pa bought in a poker game." By now the audience was leaning forward to listen, and Ben was ready to duck in embarrassment. "so, Pa he said that old horse ain't worth crow bait," the laughter grew in the audience, "he said I'm goin' sell that horse to the first person I can." Little Joe started rockin' on his heels, "my Pa is a fair man but he don't understand horses like me." The guffaws were almost drowning out Little Joe's story. "So, I decided to make old Thunder a good horse. I climbed on the fence then onto old Thunder's back....we rode around the pen several times before old Thunder jumped up in the air!" Little Joe made a big motion with his hands, " he tossed me to the ground." The audience clapped in delight, " then old Charlie sees me and I get picked up an whipped real bad." Marie hung her head she had not heard a word of this story before. "then Charlie tells my Pa, who whips me again." This time Little Joe rubbed his butt, "but Pa tells me , 'don't you tell your Mama, you hear me!" And I never did...did I Pa?" The crowd jumped to their feet clapping as Ben cringed away from Marie. "Oh...and I have to tell you somethin' I have big ears!" Little Joe pulled off his cowboy hat so all could see.

"Thank you, Little Joe, that was an interesting story. Stand right here next to Del Roy.' All the children smiled at their parents as they waited for the judges' ruling.'

"Ladies and Gentlemen's this is our ruling. Third place goes to Mitch Devlin."The judges handed the tow headed child a white ribbon. "Second place to Del Roy Bailey!" He handed a red ribbon to Del Roy.

"And first place to Little Joe Cartwright!" He gave Little Joe the blue ribbon, raising the boys' hand. Joe green eyes were beaming happiness at the crowd. "Thank you, my Pa says I have to say it!" Everyone laughed as Little Joe parents came up to the stage.

"Little Joe, did you have to tell that story?" Ben couldn't help asking.

"Yep, cause I member it, cause you told me not to tell Mama."

"Thank you,darling you did a wonderful story." Marie picked her son up giving Ben," wait till I get you home look.

"Oh, Mrs. Cartwright may I have a word with you?" Ellie Bailey nervously tucked her hair behind her ear. A sure sign that she was doing something she didn't want to do. "Congratulations on Little Joe's win." Ellie Bailey held out her hand to shake Marie's.

"Why thank you Mrs. Bailey, Del Roy was so cute." Marie shook her hand feeling that maybe everything was going to be all right.

"Well, how a child can win twice with those ears is amazing. But, I want you to know I don't' hold a grudge because he became a contestant unfairly." Mrs. Bailey took Del Roy's hand walking off with a stiff back.

Marie and Ben rolled their eyes. Mrs. Bailey would never change.

They watched as Little Joe received his King crown with Miss Sara Smith receiving the title of Queen. The two kids looked at each other then Little Joe kissed his first girl. The look on his face was priceless, making Hoss fall off of his chair laughing.

That night all the blue ribbons hung off the fireplace mantle. "Little Joe, are you happy, Cherie?"

Joe shook his head yes, then leaned against this mother's side. "I'm glad I have big ears. It makes me hear better and Hoss says I looked like a mouse." Marie laughed, she would always cherish her son.

****

Little Joe in later years would pull the blue ribbons out of the box he kept for keepsakes. He was now the only son at the Ponderosa , but once in a while it was good to remember days long past. A time when his brothers were happy and carefree, when his Pa was a tall man of stature. A man that had made the Ponderosa only with his strong hands and his sons to help him.

Joe closed the box putting it away. Glancing at himself in the mirror he smiled. His hair was long enough to cover those large ears. He laughed, maybe he still had that small boy inside him somewhere.

Finis

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