BELIEVE IN ME

Written by: Jennie A.

                                                               

The sun had just started to peak in through the window when Little Joe opened his eyes. He lingered for a few minutes savoring the warmth of his bed. A smile
spread across his face when he realized what today was! He threw back the covers and jumped out of his bed, landing with a thump on the cold wooden floor. Joe
shivered as he rummaged through his drawers looking for his robe. He sat back on his haunches, in the middle of the pile of clothes that he had tossed aside, and
looked under his bed. He couldn’t remember where he had shoved it before going to bed last night.

"Oh well." Joe shrugged his shoulders and ran to the door and flung it open. He continued to run down the hallway to his older brother's room. Joe reached the room
and quietly turned the knob to open the door. He peeked his head around the door and saw that Hoss was still asleep. He skipped across the cold floor and jumped
onto his brother's bed.

"Dadburn it, Little Joe. What in the world has you up and awake at this early hour? There’s no school today."

"Aww, come on, Hoss. You gots to get up. Pa is taking us to town."

Hoss rolled over and had to smile when he saw the excitement on the face of his little brother.

"Okay, Little Joe. I'm getting up. Hoss placed his hand on Joe’s shoulder. "Hey, why don't you go on over and see if Adam is up yet? Wouldn't want him to miss out
on this trip to town, would ya?"

"Heck no, Hoss! I'll go get him up. That is, if you don't think that he will gets mad at me?"

"Little Joe, you oughta know better than that!"

Adam was like a second "Pa" to Little Joe. Joe's mother had died in a riding accident just less than one year ago. Ben had thrown himself into a state of depression
and relied heavily on Adam for his help and support. Adam was only seventeen at the time but had been a tremendous help to Hoss and Little Joe, as well as the
ranch.

Little Joe smiled sheeply and jumped off the bed. He ran out into the hall colliding with his father. He lifted Little Joe up into his warm embrace for a morning hug.
Ben couldn't help but smile at his youngest son.

"Whoa there, Little Joe. Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"Morning, Pa! Don't cha ya 'member? You are taking us to down today and I have to get Adam up!"

He threw his arms around Ben's neck and snuggling up to his cheek, and gave him a wet kiss. Ben laughed as he tightened his hold around Joe and returned the kiss
to his cheek.

"Well, don’t let me keep you from your chores. Go on now."

He released his hug and set him down on the floor. "Joseph, where are your robe and slippers? It’s much to cold to be running around with only your nightshirt on.

"I don’t know, Pa." Joe trotted off down the hallway towards Adam’s room. "Ask Hop Sing."

Adam was still in bed asleep as Joe made his way quietly across the floor. He crawled up on the bed and slipped down underneath the covers. His Pa was right. He
was cold. He snuggled up against Adam to warm himself up before deciding to wake Adam.

"Aghhhhhhh! My God, Joe, you’re feet are as cold as a block of ice. "Where are your socks?"

"Morning, Adam. Did ya 'member that we are going to town today?" Joe answered totally ignoring his question.

Adam swooped Little Joe up onto his arms and laughed.

"Why, of course, I remember. But first you need to get dressed and warm those feet up. Can't have you going into town wearing only your nightshirt, can we?"

Not waiting for Little Joe to reply, Adam began to tickle him until he was giggling so hard he had tears running down his face.

"Pa, you gotta help me - Pa! Pa!"

Ben was standing in the doorway. He enjoyed watching his sons interact, something that they didn’t seem to have a lot of time to do lately. Things had been so busy
on the ranch. Fall was just around the corner and there was so much work to be done to get the ranch ready for the winter.

"Come on, boys. You still have breakfast to eat and some chores to tend to before we can leave for town."

Adam listened to his father’s advice and put Little Joe down on the floor. "Go on, Buddy. I will be there in a few minutes to help you." He watched him skip out of
the room.

"We will be down shortly, Pa."

Adam took care of his personal needs and went to help out Joe. He opened the door and stood in the doorway shaking his head. "How does one little boy manage
to turn a room upside down and inside out over night?"

"Hey, Adam. I can’t find my socks." Joe sat in the middle of his bed with more than half of his drawer dumped in the middle.

"I wonder why." Adam crossed the room and picked Joe up from the pile. "Let me get your clothes and we will worry about cleaning this up after we get back from
town."

"Come on, let’s get downstairs before Pa leaves without us."

"Wait, gots to find my gun first." Joe had received a wooden gun from Santa Claus this past Christmas. Unable to carry a gun of his own, Joe always took the
wooden one with him when he left the house.

"Sorry, Buddy. We don’t have time right now. Come on." He took Little Joe's hand and the two of them headed down the stairs. Ben and Hoss were already sitting
down at the table. Adam lifted Little Joe up and into his chair before sitting down himself.

As breakfast was being eaten, Ben had to remind Joe on numerous occasions to please eat and to stop playing with his food. The three older Cartwrights were done
and Little Joe still had a plate full of food left. Little Joe moved the eggs around on his plate, attempting to make it appear like he had eaten some of his breakfast.
His mind was wondering as he thought about what he wanted to do in town. ‘First I want to go to the mercantile and use that penny that Adam gave me for helping
him fill the wood-box. Then maybe, just maybe, Pa would get him that pocketknife that I’ve had my eye on for a long time now.’ Little Joe's mind continued to
wonder further still. He was sitting on the porch at Hoss' feet whittling away at what he thought looked like a beautiful rearing stallion.

"JOSEPH!"

His head jerked up at the sound of his father's voice thundering in the room. "We will never get to town if you don't stop playing with your food and daydreaming.
Now, sit up and eat!"

"Yes sir," he whispered.

The last thing Little Joe wanted was to upset his father before he had the chance to ask him for the knife. He glanced around the table as he shoveled the eggs into
his mouth. Once again he was the last one sitting there.

Little Joe was a little nervous as he glanced over to his father. "Pa, is this enough?"

Ben shaked his head slowly. "You maybe excused to do your chores."

"Thanks Pa," exclaimed Joe as he pushed his chair back from the table and ran to the front door.

"Walk, Joseph, walk." Ben repeated the well-used words to Joe.

"Yes sir," Joe yelled as he slammed the door shut.

He ran into his brothers as he entered the barn. Adam swung him up into his arms. "Slow down, Buddy, the barn isn't on fire! Besides all the chores are done. So,
why don't we hitch up the team and get ready for that trip to town?"

Adam swung Little Joe up on the back of Star as he led her out of the barn to the buckboard. He transferred Joe over to the wagon. Joe grabbed the reins in his
hands while Adam and Hoss finished hitching up the team. Ben came out to join them just as the boys finished their task.

"Hey Pa, can't I drive the wagon into town? Can I Pa, can I?" Joe was excited about the possibility of driving the team into town. He was standing up in the wagon
jumping up and down.

Ben gently removed the reins from his hands. "No, Joe, you are not strong enough to handle the team."

Ben saw the disappointment on his son's face. "How about if I let you help me steer the team instead?" The smile was quick to return as Ben placed Joe in his lap
and let him hold the reins. Ben placed his hands over Joe’s and smiled down at him. "Let’s go, boy."

Joe returned the smile and slapped the reins down on the horses, giving them the signal to go. "Yah."

Ben enjoyed the ride to Virginia City. He was so proud of his three sons. Everything seemed to be going great. The timber contract had been signed; the mines were
doing better than they had in the last six months and the Army for thirty more horses had accepted another contract. What more could one man asked for? He sat
back and listened to his older sons laughing and joking with each other in the back of the wagon. Ben looked down into Joe’s face and was rewarded with a smile as
the boy concentrated on driving the team. The time flew by and what seemed like just minutes, they were pulling up to the mercantile.

Adam and Hoss were going to head over to the barbershop for their monthly haircuts, something that Little Joe always seemed to manage to escape from. As much
as Ben hated to admit to anyone, he knew by letting Little Joe grow his hair slightly longer than the times were accustomed to, he was avoiding a war. Besides he
really did like the curls that gathered around Joe's neck. It reminded him of Marie, Joe’s mother. Ben jumped down to the ground and reached up to help Little Joe
down. He grabbed his father's hand and pulled him towards the door.

Once inside Little Joe took off to the case where he had last seen the pocketknife. He got excited when he saw it in the display case and yelled across the store for
his Pa to come look at the knife. When he got no response Joe skipped across the floor and started to pull on his father's arm.

"Joseph, your Pa is busy at the moment. I need to get the supplies together. You will just have to be patient, son."

What seemed like hours to Little Joe were in fact just minutes. Again he tried to get his father's attention by pulling on his arm and calling out to him.

"Joseph, I said not now."

"But, Pa!"

"JOSEPH!"

"It ain't fair Pa. I always have to wait for you big people to get done before anyone realizes that I'm down here."

"Joseph, you will wait for me quietly or you can wait for me out in the wagon."

"But, Pa."

"Joseph, go now!"

"Pa, I just want.."

"Go, Joseph."

With tears running down his face and his shoulders slumped over, Joe shuffled his feet as he made his way across the floor. He passed by the candy case and
remembered the penny in his pocket. He turned around and saw his father was still gathering up supplies. He retraced his steps back to Ben's side and reached up to
touch his father's arm. Ben spun around and yelled, "I thought I told you to wait in the wagon, boy."

"Yes sir, you did, but Pa, can't I get a peppermint stick with my penny?"

"Joseph, I told you to wait outside until I was done. Now move!"

"Yes, sir." It was almost a whisper as he dragged his feet back across the store.

Bradley had been watching all that had taken place between Little Joe and Ben. A smile swept across his face as he thought of an idea that would help him as well as
Little Joe. He followed Little Joe out to the wagon. Bradley found him hunched over in the back of the wagon sobbing quietly. "Hey, boy. What's wrong with you?"

"Nuffin," Joe answered as he swiped his hand across his eyes trying to hide the remnants of his tears. He was embarrassed that the older boy had seen him crying.

"What's the matter, your Pa won't spend his money on ya?"

"I said it was nuffin'. How 'bout ya leafe me alone."

"Sure kid, whatever you want. But I saw the look on your face when you stopped and looked at the candy case."

Bradley snickered as he walked back into the store. Little Joe was starting to feel spent. It had been a long morning and with the crying he had done, he started to
fall asleep. He was rudely woken up when Adam and Hoss started loading the boxes into the wagon.

"Hey, short shanks. What's wrong?" asked Hoss.

"Nuffin', Hoss. Just tired. Is Pa done yet?"

"Sure is, taking us over to the International House for lunch before we head back to the Ponderosa."

As if that was his cue, Ben walked over to the wagon. "Little Joe, I want a word with you, son."

"Pa?"

"Joseph, I am disappointed in your behavior this morning. I told you many times that you are not to interrupt adults talking unless you were hurt. What was so
important in there that you could not have waited for me to get done?"

"I am sorry, Papa. I wanted to show you the knife that I wanted. Hoss has promised to show me how to whittle and I need a knife. I'm truly sorry, Pa. Just didn't
want anyone else to get it first."

Before Ben could respond to Joe's explanation, Mr. Cass walked out of the store. "Excuse me, Ben. Could I please have a word with you?"

Ben nodding his head and guided Little Joe towards the wagon. "Boys, please keep on eye on your brother while I talk to Mr. Cass." Upon entering the store, Mr.
Cass approached him. "Ben, I don't know how to say this?"

"Say what, Cass?"

"Well Ben, I don't like to jump to conclusions, but I heard Little Joe asking for the peppermint sticks before you sent him out to the wagon to wait for you."

Not knowing where this was leading to, Ben simply replied, "Yes, that's right."

"Well Ben, this is hard for me."

"Out with it, Cass. What's bothering you?"

"Okay, Ben. The whole jar of peppermint sticks is empty."

"What! What exactly are you saying to me?"

"I'm........ I’m just letting you know that Little Joe was there eyeing them. You told him, well, Ben, basically, you denied him the candy by sending him out of the
store. I'm sorry, but what else am I to think?"

Ben was shocked. "Are you saying you believe Little Joe took the candy?"

"Ben, I'm not going to say no more. You have been a respectful customer for many years.....and hopefully for many more to come. Look, can we just ask Little Joe
about this?"

Little Joe had started to doze off again while waiting for his father to return. His thoughts returned to the knife. It was beautiful! The prettiest knife he had ever seen.
The pearl finish on the knife would one day match the gun that he would receive as a gift from his family. Oh how he wished that his Pa would get him that knife. Lost
in those thoughts, he fell asleep. Once again he was rudely awakened by a quick shove to his back and a very loud "JOSEPH"!

He rubbed his eyes and blinked them open to see his father and Mr. Cass glaring down at him. He tried to smile as he answered, "Pa?"

"Joseph, I need to ask you something."

"Okay, Pa" replied Little Joe. He felt nervous for some reason but didn't understand why.

"Joe, did you happen to put your penny on the counter and help yourself to the peppermint sticks?"

Little Joe's eyes grew wide and he felt that everyone was staring at him waiting for a reply. "No, Papa."

"Joseph, are you sure?"

"Yes, Papa. I am sure. He opened his sweaty hand. "See, Pa. This here is my penny." By now Adam and Hoss had joined in on the conversation that was taking
place.

Ben turned around to Mr. Cass hoping that he would be satisfied with what he just saw. "Mr. Cass, I am sorry, but I don't think it was Little Joe."

"Ben, I don't mean to question your belief in your boy but would you please search him to see if he has the peppermint sticks?"

Adam and Hoss both answered, "Mr. Cass, Joe doesn't steal. He knows better than that."

"Ain't that right, Pa?" asked Hoss.

"Of course, son. But to satisfy Mr. Cass I have to look at all aspects of this."

He turned back around to face Little Joe. "Little Joe do you have the peppermints?"

"Oh no, Papa! I looked at them and really wanted some but you told me to go outside. Honest!"

"Joe, I hate to ask you this, but can you empty out your pockets for me, son?"

Little Joe felt betrayed as he reached into his pockets and pulled them inside out to show he wasn't hiding anything. Ben put his arm around Little Joe's shoulders and
pulled him close. He turned to Mr. Cass. "I am sorry but Little Joe doesn't appear to be hiding any candy."

"Very well then, and thank you. You all enjoy the rest of your day in town."

Ben looked down at Joe and gave him a smile. He saw the disappointed look on his son’s face. Ben pulled him closer and gave him a hug. "Come on, son.
Everything is all right now. Are you boys ready for lunch?"

"Yes, sir" Hoss replied.

"Well then lets go. I'm starving." Ben lead the way to the International House as Adam and Hoss grabbed onto Little Joe's hands swinging him between them as they
walked behind Ben. Ben chose a table over by the window and the Cartwrights sat down to enjoy a peaceful lunch.

"Hey Pa, watcha gonna eat?"

"I think that I am going to order the pot roast, Hoss. How about you?"

"Well......let me see, Pa. Either the roast beef or the steak. I can't decide just yet. But boy, am I starved."

All of them laughed as they couldn't help but wonder where Hoss got his appetite from.

"Adam, have you decided?"

"Ah, yes Pa, if it’s alright with you, I would like to order the roasted chicken."

"That's a fine choice, Adam."

"Well, Hoss have you made up your mind yet son?"

"Gee Pa, I guess if I have to chose only one item from the menu then I guess it will have to be the roast beef. Can I have mashed potatoes and gravy too?"

"Of course, Hoss, of course! Okay, Little Joe, it's up to you and then your Pa can place the order."

"Pa, can I have just a bowl of soup? I ain’t feeling too hungry."

"Joseph, you know that you need to eat something heavier. You hardly ate your breakfast."

"Aw, Papa."

"Joseph."

"Okay, okay, can I have the stew then?"

"Yes, Joe I think that is a good choice for you, son."

After placing the order, Ben brought up the horse contract for discussion with Adam. Little Joe and Hoss exchanged stories and giggled the time away until lunch
was served. Ben was surprised to find that everyone, including Little Joe, had finished their meals. He also noticed that the smile had returned to Joe’s face. Ben paid
the check and the Cartwrights headed down the street to get the wagon. Things weren't so noisy on the ride home. Hoss and Little Joe both fell asleep while Adam
and Ben had a chance to just relax and enjoy the quiet sounds of the Ponderosa.

When they arrived at home, Ben gathered Little Joe into his arms and carried him upstairs to his room. He was hoping that Little Joe slept long enough to give them
time to unload the wagon. Ben pulled off Joe’s boots and covered him with a blanket that had been folded at the foot of his bed. Ben frowned when he saw the mess
that was thrown onto the bed as well as the floor. "No wonder he can’t find anything in here." Ben bent down and kissed Little Joe on the forehead wishing him
pleasant dreams.

Adam woke up Hoss to help unload the wagon. Hop Sing had arrived to give his assistance as well. Lucky for all, the wagon was unloaded and things put away in
its proper place before Little Joe came bouncing down the stairs. He still had on only his socks and slid across the recently waxed floor, coming to a stop at Ben's
side.

"Well, Little Joe, did you have a good nap?"

He shook his head yes and climbed into his father's lap only to curl back up against his father's chest. Little Joe loved the feel of his father's arms that encircled him
and pulled him closer. He could smell the remnants of the tobacco from Pa's pipe.

"Hey sport, how would you like to go fishing tomorrow after church," asked Adam.

"Oh, goodie, can Hoss and Papa come too?"

Adam smiled back at his youngest brother and answered, "of course they can, that is if they want to."

Little Joe looked at Hoss with a toothless grin, waiting for his answer.

"I guess I could go, being I have nothing else to do."

Laughing, Little Joe turned to look up at his father's face. "You too, Papa?" he asked anxiously.

"You mean you want your Papa to tag along?"

"Heck no, Papa. You can ride Buck."

Adam, Hoss and Ben laughed at the innocence of the six-year-old boy. Not knowing quite sure what was so funny, Little Joe joined in laughing anyway. The
laughter was interrupted by dinner being served.

Little Joe had a hard time keeping his eyes open while trying to get through dinner. It had been a long day in the eyes of a little boy. After the dinner plates had been
cleared away, Hop Sing entered with strawberry shortcake and homemade whipped cream. Mouths were watering as Ben dished out the dessert. Little Joe was still
having trouble staying awake and finely exhaustion won over as his head bopped down into the whipped cream on his plate. As fast as his face hit the whipped
cream, his head jerked back up. Laughter once again bellowed in the house as Ben walked around to help clean up his youngest son's face.

"Come along, little one. Let your Papa clean you up and get you tucked back into that bed or yours." This was one night that Little Joe was in no mood to argue.

Ben carried him up the stairs and soon had Little Joe undressed and tucked in safe and sound. Little Joe was asleep almost before Ben left the room to head back
downstairs to his other two boys. Ben thought it was a good idea that the other boys turned in as well since fishing was on the agenda for tomorrow.

"Ah gee, Pa, it isn't even 7:30 yet," complained the older Cartwright boys.

"That's true, but is has been a long day for all of us and we have another busy day tomorrow. Now, no arguing. Off to bed."

"Good night, Pa."

"Good night, Adam. Good night, Hoss. Pleasant dreams to all."

Hoss had a hard time getting Little Joe to get out of bed the following morning. "Come on, Short Shanks. The fish are biting."

"Ah, Hoss, just a little longer, please!"

"No way. Adam done said if you aren't up and ready for church in time there would be no fishing."

"That's right, Buddy. It’s time to get moving," Adam yelled from across the hall.

"Okay, okay stop your holler'n. I'm up."

Adam made his way over to Little Joe's room to help the youngster dress for church. Little Joe always gave everyone a hard time about having to wear a string tie.
He didn't like the way his shirt had to be buttoned all the way up to his neck. "It chokes me, Adam. Why do I hafe ta wear it?"

"Afraid so, Buddy. Pa makes the rules when it comes to getting dressed for church."

"But, Adam. I can’t breath right." Joe tried another excuse hoping that Adam would give in to his plead. But Adam won the war again this Sunday. Little Joe made
his way down the stairs. He followed in his brother’s footsteps and tried to keep up with him. The other two Cartwrights were already seated at the breakfast table
when they arrived. Little Joe was still carrying one boot in his left hand and the other was tucked up under his right armpit. Joe walked over to Ben. He was rubbing
his eyes with his right hand causing the boot to fall to the floor. "Morning, Pa" he yawned. " Could ya help me?"

"Of course, Joe but lets eat while it’s still hot. Then I will help you."

"Kay, Pa."

Adam served up some pancakes for Little Joe, careful to pour on the extra syrup the boy loved. This was one meal that Ben didn't have to encourage the littlest
Cartwright to eat.

While Adam and Hoss hitched up the team for church, Ben helped his youngest son finish dressing. Little Joe had a hard time paying attention in church. His thoughts
keep wondering back to the knife he had wanted and then jumped over to the lake. Little Joe was so engrossed in his daydream that he didn't notice that the last
hymn had begun. Ben had to shake him to get him back to reality and to stand up. Little Joe quickly glanced up at his father's face fearing the worst, but got a little
smile instead. Little Joe smiled back and sang his heart out. Ben continued to smile as he heard him trying to out-sing the whole congregation. He understood how
hard it was for a six year old to pay attention, never mind stay awake during the Reverend's sermons.

After changing into their play clothes, the Cartwrights headed out to the lake to enjoy an afternoon of fishing and swimming. Little Joe was the first one out of the
wagon while trying to pull Hoss with him.

"Hey slow down, Short Shanks. Plenty of time to fish."

"Come on, Hoss! We have to hurry up before Adam and Papa gets the good spot," explained Little Joe.

Hoss laughed and followed Little Joe over to the boulder and helped his brother set up his pole. Before long, Little Joe had caught four trout. Hoss hadn't caught
anything but didn't care. He just enjoyed the peace and quiet of the lake. Adam and Ben had caught another four trout between the two of them. Ben decided that
was plenty for dinner and gave the call for them to come eat lunch. Hop Sing had packed a picnic basket. Hoss opened it to reveal fried chicken, corn on the cob,
potato salad, red juicy apples, peppermint sticks and a large cold tin of milk.

"Peppermint sticks! Where did they come from?" asked Hoss.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Hoss. He was holding up a fistful of those peppermint sticks that him and Little Joe so much loved.
Ben threw his glance to his youngest son, and fighting to control his anger, asked him. "Joseph, where did these peppermint sticks come from?"

Little Joe wasn't sure what kind of an answer his father expected to hear, but he really didn't know where they came from. So, as innocent as could be, Little Joe
answered. "Gee Papa, from the store!"

Ben was furious, yet he tried his hardest to try to control his anger. "Joseph, that's not the answer I was looking for. Now for the last time where did those
peppermint sticks come from?"

He was starting to feel frightened and confused and could not bring himself to answer his father. Instead he looked down at the ground and waited for his father to
continue.

"Joseph, I am still waiting and my patience is running thin. And for heaven's sake, look at me when I am talking to you."

Slowly, Little Joe raised his head so his eyes were fixed on his father's. "Pa, I don't know. Honest, I don't."

His father stood up and grabbed Little Joe by the arm. He pulled him up beside him. "Well, that answer is not good enough. I believed you in town yesterday when
you not only told me but also showed me, that you had nothing to do with stealing those candies. How dare you lie to me and make a spectacle of this family. Now,
march yourself over to that wagon and wait for me until I can gather our belongings to go home."

Ben turned to the other two boys and continued. "You two may stay and finish your afternoon, and I will leave the wagon for you. Just be home in time for supper."

Little Joe threw a glance towards his brothers as he slowly made his way to his Pa's horse, not understanding what had just happened. The looks he received back
from his two older brothers were enough to scare him. They too, looked like they believed that he had lied. Standing next to Buck and waiting for his Pa, Little Joe
could feel the tears starting to over flow from his eyes. This time nothing he could do would stop them.

The ride back to the ranch was a silent one. The only sound to be heard was an occasional sob from the boy's throat. When they arrived at the house, Ben lifted
Little Joe down from Buck and told him to get upstairs to his room and wait for him there. Ben first had to take care of his horse. That was something he always
instilled in his family. He entered the house and handed Hop Sing the trout that had been caught for tonight's supper. He made his way up the stairs and entered Joe's
room. Little Joe had thrown himself on top of his bed, never bothering to remove his boots. He had tried to figure out why his father was mad at him. He thought his
father had believed him yesterday in town and sensed that it was a forgotten issue. The poor boy had cried himself to sleep while trying to piece together the events
of the last two days.

Ben reached down and shook the boy awake. "Little Joe, you need to wake up. We have something very important to discuss."

Little Joe rolled over and sat up, rubbing his eyes with the back of his left hand. "Papa, why are you so angry with me? I didn't take those candies. Honest, I didn't."

Ben sighed, knowing that this conversation was going to end up nowhere. "Little Joe, the candy disappeared from the mercantile yesterday. You were searched and
nothing was found on you. Today, at the lake, the candies suddenly appear out of nowhere. Now, you explain to me, how that could be?"

Those words tugged at Little Joe's heart. He knew his father was blaming him for the candy disappearing but he also knew that he did not take them. Looking at his
father, Little Joe answered him with the only thing that he knew how. "Papa, I swear I didn't take those candies."

That was the last straw, Ben could take a lot of things from his boys but never them lying. On top of that, Little Joe had sworn. This was going to be a long night
ahead for all the Cartwrights.

"Little Joe, you know that I don't condone lying and for you to swear on top of that. What is wrong with you?"

"But, Papa."

"Joseph, you are not to interrupt me again while I am talking. You did that in the mercantile yesterday and I thought I made that clear to you that it is wrong."

"But, Papa." Joe knew he had to try at least once more to let his father know that he had not stolen those peppermint sticks.

"Joseph Francis Cartwright. For the next three weeks you are restricted to the house. The first of those three weeks you are to remain in your room, except for meal
times. You will have some extra chores to do around the house and the next time your brothers and I go to town, you will have to remain home. Is that understood?"

"Yes, papa. But can't I say something?" asked Little Joe, trying hard not to let the tears start again.

"Joseph, I am not done talking. First thing tomorrow morning after breakfast you will ride into town with me to pay Mr. Cass a visit. You will take the penny that you
have and pay for those candies. With that exception, the restriction starts now." Not even giving the boy a chance to respond, Ben stood up from the bed and turned
to leave the room.

"Little Joe, I am deeply disappointed in your actions. It will be a long time before your brothers and I can gain back your trust. I will send one of them up later to
fetch you for supper."

Yes sir, Papa," Joe whispered. Joe waited until his father had left the room. He then turned over on his side and let the tears come. He could not believe that his
father had just called him a liar and that really hurt. The hurt was coming from inside of his chest and he didn't understand how his father's words could make such
pain. Little Joe cried himself asleep for the second time that week.

 

Ben was seated in his favorite chair smoking his pipe when Adam and Hoss entered the great room. "Hi, boys. Did you enjoy the rest of your afternoon?"

"Yes, Pa we did," replied Adam.

"How is Little Joe?" asked Hoss.

Ben chose his words carefully. "That little one still denies stealing and even swore on it. I don't know what to do with him at times."

"Ah, Pa. Little Joe really didn't mean any harm. He really loves those candies, ya know."

"Yes, Hoss, I know. But, I cannot, and will not, allow any son of mine to steal and then on top of that, lie about it. I am taking him into town tomorrow to make him
pay for the candies and to apologize to Mr. Cass. I shouldn't be gone that long. I guess you two need to clean up and Adam, if you don't mind, please fetch your
brother so he may eat some dinner." Adam nodded his head as he made his way up the stairs.

Adam knock and didn’t wait for an answer. He pushed open the door to find his brother laying on his side sound asleep. Adam approached the bed and sat down
on it. He reached across and placed one hand on Little Joe's back. He began to rub it, hoping to wake him up gently. This technique failed him, so Adam had to
resort to shaking him. "Hey, Buddy. Time to wake up. Supper is almost ready." Little Joe slowly rolled over and rubbed his eyes. He blinked them open to see his
older brother Adam smiling at him. "Come on, let's wash your face and go downstairs to eat that fish you caught today." Knowing Adam was trying to be nice to
him, Little Joe forced a fake smile as he got down from the bed. Adam watched the boy trying to wash his face. He was making a mess with the water, so Adam
walked over and took the cloth from Joe and helped him out.

"Adam, why doesn't Papa believe me?"

Squatting down so Adam was at Little Joe's level, he put his hands onto his shoulders and answered him. "Little Joe, why did you lie to Pa? Yesterday was your
chance to come clean with what you had done."

"But, Adam. I didn't take the candies, honest, I didn't."

Adam saw that he wasn't getting anywhere with the boy and tried to hurry up with the washing so they could precede downstairs. Little Joe could not take it
anymore; his young mind was swirling around in circles trying to understand how the candies got there in the first place. "Adam, why doesn't anyone believe me?"
trying again. "I swear I didn't take the candies, Adam. I did look at them and Papa did not answer me 'cept to yell at me to get outside and wait. But I didn't steal
them."

Adam could see the tears starting to form again in the little boys eyes and quickly wiped them away with the cloth. "Let's go downstairs for now and we will work on
this later, okay, Buddy?" Joe just nodded. He was starting to believe that no one really cared to set things right again.

The dinner table was very quite that night as no one had anything to really say. Hoss had tried a few times to comment on how good the trout had tasted. No one
was really paying attention to him so he decided to just sit quiet and finish eating.

"Little Joe, if you are done playing with your dinner, you may go upstairs and get ready for bed. I will be up shortly to tuck you in." Putting down his fork, Little Joe
pushed back his chair and dragging his feet, made his way to the staircase. "Aren't you forgetting something, Little Joe?" reminded his father.

Mumbling, Little Joe said goodnight to everyone and turned once more to the staircase.

"Goodnight, Buddy."

"Goodnight, Short Shanks."

"Goodnight, son."

 

Morning came all too soon for the youngest Cartwright. Little Joe didn't have a good night sleep. Every time he managed to fall asleep, he dreamt that he was being
arrested by Sheriff Coffee and taken to jail for stealing. Even in the courtroom, Little Joe could not find anyone to believe his story. Strangely enough, there was one
face that Little Joe kept on seeing in his dream. That was the one of the boy who had talked to him while he was waiting in the wagon for his father. Little Joe
couldn't understand why he was seeing this boy in his dream; it had made no sense to him. He woke from his dream crying. His eyes were hurting and so was his
head. Afraid to seek comfort from his family, Little Joe had no choice but to turn to his one and only friend, Bo. He buried his face into his pillow and hugged his
friend tight. The pain had returned to his chest and that was another thing the Little Joe could not comprehend.

"Joseph, time to wake up. We have to get to town this morning so I can get back here and meet with the Colonel for the horse contract. Let's go, I don't have all day
to waste on you."

Little Joe reluctantly dragged himself out of bed. It really didn't matter to him so he took his time getting ready. His Papa was still mad at him anyway. Once again
lost in thought, Little Joe was still sitting on his bed when Ben threw open his bedroom door.

"Joseph, I thought I told you to hurry up. I have to meet the Colonel back here at noon. Why aren't your boots on yet"?

Despite the pain in his chest, Little Joe answered, "I can't get my boots on. You always help me, Papa."

Ben knew that him being upset at his youngest was still not an excuse not to help the boy. "Get downstairs and eat your breakfast and then I will help you with your
boots. And, Joseph don’t expect me to treat you to lunch today, understand?"

"Yes, Papa," whispered Joe.

The trip into town was just as unbearable as the silence that he experienced at the breakfast table. The pain in his chest was still there and his stomach was starting to
flip flop. He fought hard not to cry, but every time he looked over at his father he would feel the tears threatening to overflow. His only course of action was not to
look at his father. The ride into town lasted a lot longer that it had on Saturday and finally they reached the mercantile. "Come along, Little Joe. You need to go in
there and apologize to Mr. Cass. I don't have all day, so let's get to the point of the matter at hand."

Joe dragged his feet slowly and Ben got annoyed at him. He jerked his hand pulling him forward. They entered the mercantile and Ben waited patiently while Mr.
Cass waited on other customer. Minutes later, Mr. Cass grabbed Ben's attention by saying hello to him and Joseph. "What brings the two of you back into town so
soon, forget something?"

"No, Mr. Cass, I didn't forget something. But my son, Joseph has something to talk to you about."

"Oh, what is it, Little Joe? Did you talk your Pa into the nice pocketknife you have been eyeing for the last three months?"

Drooping his head, Little Joe answered, "No, sir. My Papa has made me come in here to tell you that I was the one that took the peppermint sticks and to pay you
for them. Here's the penny that Adam gave me." He placed in on top of the counter and slid it towards Mr. Cass.

Mr. Cass was looking very disappointed as he walked over to the counter and picked up the penny. "Little Joe, the amount of candy that was taken is a lot more
than just a penny."

Ben interrupted, "Just how much more does the boy owe you?"

Mr. Cass turned to Ben. "Actually, Ben it was almost five cents worth."

"What!" Ben exclaimed, "The amount of candy we found in the picnic basket was only about one penny's worth. Couldn't have been more than five sticks." He
turned to Little Joe and cupped his hand under Joe's chin and brought his head up. "Joe, look at me when I talk to you. What did you do with the rest of the candy?"

Little Joe already knew that his father didn’t believe him. He saw no sense in trying to justify himself again. So, he simply answered, "Nuffin', sir."

Shaking his head, Ben turned once more to Mr. Cass and placed a nickel on the counter top. "This should cover the cost of the candies and rest assured that Little
Joe will be working this off for the next three weeks." Mr. Cass returned the penny to Joe.

Ben turned to the littlest Cartwright and asked him for his penny. "I am sorry, Little Joe but your penny is now mine. Please hand it over."

He dug deep into his pockets and slowly withdrew the penny. He handed it over to his father. Ben placed his hand onto Little Joe's shoulder and asked him, "Isn't
there something you need to say to Mr. Cass, Little Joe?"

Fighting back tears once more, Little Joe swiped his hand across his nose and looked up into Mr. Cass' face. "Sir, I was told to apologize for taking the candies, so I
am sorry for that. I was also told to tell you sorry for lying to you, but Mr. Cass I didn't take the stupid candy and I won't tell ya I am sorry for lying because......

That's as far as Little Joe got before he felt the sting of his father's hand on his backside. Normally he would have busted out in tears, but he held his ground. "Joseph
Francis Cartwright, you get your bottom out to that wagon and I will be with you in a moment."

As Little Joe walked out to the rig, the tears could not be contained any longer. They poured out from his eyes, running down his cheeks. But it wasn’t from the fact
that his father has just embarrassed him by swatting him, it was from the pain in his chest. It hurt more than the slap his father had just administered. Little Joe hadn't
felt that kind of pain since his Mother had died one year ago in the horrible riding accident. He climbed into the back of the wagon and curled up on a horse blanket
that someone had left lying there. While waiting for his father, Little Joe heard a boy call out to him.

"Hey, every time I see you in town you're crying. What did you go and do now, little boy?"

Looking up while wiping away the tears, Little Joe recognized the same boy that he had seen in town on Saturday. Not wanting to talk to him, Little Joe just stared
back at him.

Finally the boy asked him. "Did you get the candies that I hid in the box of supplies?"

Looking a bit confused, Little Joe asked. "You.....you put them in the wagon?"

"Sure, did. I bet your father was surprised to find out that his little boy had ended up with the candy after you were told no. Now what do you think of that? A
Cartwright that not only steals but gets caught lying about it too." Laughing, the boy turned to walk away.

"Not so fast, young man." A strong hand reached out and grabbed the boy by his shoulder before he could walk away. Turning the boy around to face him, he found
himself looking straight into the face of Adam Cartwright. "What was that you were saying?"

"Uuuhhhh......nothing.....nothing at all." He stammered helplessly, trying to look for an avenue to escape.

"Well, that is were you are wrong. I happened to hear everything that you told my little brother. Now, let's go inside and tell this to Mr. Cass as well as my father."

The young man knew he was defeated and walked into the mercantile with Adam. While Bradley was telling his story to Mr. Cass, Adam was telling Ben what had
taken place outside. "Adam, what brought you into town in the first place?"

Adam began to tell him how he was feeling concerned over the actions that had taken place in the last two days concerning his younger brother. Hop Sing had heard
the conversation taking place between Hoss and myself and told me that he had placed the candies into the picnic basket upon finding them wrapped in one of the
boxes. It was then that I remembered that only Hoss and I had loaded up the wagon. Little Joe had been inside the store at the time with you, Pa discussing the
whereabouts of the candy.

Ben turned to the boy in question and told him that he had caused a lot of heartache with his family, especially his youngest son. He was warned to stay away from
the store and the Cartwrights. While Ben was discussing things with Mr. Cass and the boy, Joe walked into the store. "Pa?"

"Joe, please wait outside. I am rather busy at the moment."

"But, Pa."

Ben turned around abruptly and snapped back at Joe. "What did I tell you about....."

Ben stopped when he saw what Joe wanted.

"Pa, I really need to go bad."

"I’m sorry, son. Adam could you take Little Joe to the outhouse while I finish up here with Cass?"

"Sure." Adam slipped his arm around Joe’s shoulders and took him out back.

With his business complete, Ben waited for the boys to return in the wagon. He asked Adam to please drive the wagon home. "I need to discuss a few things with
your brother."

Adam tied Sport to the back of the wagon and climbed aboard to take his family home. Ben moved over to where Little Joe was still curled up on the blanket. Little
Joe’s feelings and his pride had been hurt again. He was expecting to get another lecture and possibly more smacks, so he pretended to be asleep. He didn't dare tell
his father what the older boy had told him concerning the peppermint sticks. His father had made it perfectly clear the night before that it would be a long time
coming before he could trust in Little Joe's words again.

Ben reached over and pulled Little Joe up from the floor of the wagon and into his lap.

He embraced his son and began to tell Little Joe what happened between Adam, Hoss and Hop Sing at the ranch house. He explained that the boy, Bradley had
confessed to Mr. Cass that he was the one that had placed the candies into the wagon hoping to get Little Joe into trouble. "Would you be willing to forgive me?"

Little Joe not sure what to say or do, just cried. "Papa, I tried to tell you.....you made my chest hurt real bad......why Papa.....why?"

Not understanding what Little Joe meant, he asked him. "Little Joe, where does it hurt?"

Taking his father's hand into his own little one, Little Joe placed it over his heart and whispered "here, Papa....here."

Finally understanding the pain that his youngest had been carrying around, Ben pulled him even tighter to his chest and while kissing the top of his head, told Joe how
sorry he was for doubting him. "Little Joe, I mean it, from the bottom of my heart, I will never doubt you again. Can you forgive your Papa, for being a fool?"

Little Joe looked up lovingly into his father's eyes and shook his head. He was still crying and couldn't get the words out. But this time, the tears were from
happiness. A happiness that slowly took over that pain he had been carrying around.

"Now I need to also apologize for snapping at you in the mercantile?"

"I needed to use the outhouse."

"Joe, I’m sorry. I guess that was an emergency and I didn’t give you a chance to tell me so.

Joe turned and looked up at his father. "Pa, I really tried to hold it longer but I couldn’t."

"That’s okay, son. That was a good example of what I have been trying to explain to you for interrupting me when I am talking."

"I thinks I gots it now, Pa. Can I help Adam drive the wagon home?"

"If it’s all right with Adam, then it’s all right with me."

Adam had heard his younger brother’s request. "Hey, how about coming up front here and helping me with the team? They are giving me a hard time today."

Joe smiled and gave his father another hug before climbing up front with Adam. He sat down next to Adam and held out his hands. "Nice try, Little Joe. I said that
you could help me, not drive them on your own. Move on over here."

Joe smiled. "I had to at least try, Adam. One day I will drive them all by myself and you can helps me if they give me a hard time, ‘kay?"

Adam chuckled and hugged his arms around his brother. "I might just take you up on the offer one day, Little Brother. I just might."

By the time the Cartwrights got home that afternoon, the three of them were laughing and joking around. Hoss was waiting to meet the clan as they arrived in the
front yard. Hearing them laugh, Hoss smiled as he strolled over to help his little brother down. "Hey, Short Shanks, it is sure good to hear that laugh of yours again."

"Hoss, it's good to laugh. I don't likes to cry."

Ben jumped down from the buckboard and put an arm around Hoss. "I learned a valuable lesson today. Never again will I doubt any of my sons. I really hurt Joe
and I feel just awful about it."

"Ah, Pa, we understand. Heck, it took us almost a whole day to figure out why we even doubted you, Little Joe. But mark my word, little brother, never again will I
not trust your word."

"That goes for me as well, Buddy," added Adam.

Little Joe reached over to his father and Hoss delivered him to his father's arms. Wrapping his short arms around Ben's neck, Little Joe kissed his father and told him
that he loved him no matter what he thought.

Dinner was a happy event that evening. All the boys, including Ben, were in good spirits. While Ben had been in town with Little Joe, the Colonel had arrived at the
Ponderosa and signed the contract, leaving it with Hoss to give to his Pa. After the dinner plates were cleared away, Ben suggested that they have dessert over in
front of the fireplace. Little Joe had climbed into his father's lap and leaned back to enjoy the closeness when Hop Sing brought out Little Joe's favorite dessert. Ben
even allowed Little Joe to join in with them in having a cup of coffee with the apple pie. Not known to Joe, Hop Sing had filled the cup with mostly sugar and cream
and added just a touch of coffee to give it some color. The silence was broken when Ben asked Adam to get a small package out of his coat pocket.

Adam handed the package to Ben and went and sat down on the coffee table. Ben turned Little Joe to the side so he could see the boy's face as he talked to him.
"Little Joe, I think you have earned my respect and trust in what you say and do. This here is a small token of that trust and respect. I only hope that this makes up
for what happened the last two days." He handed the small package to Little Joe.

Little Joe couldn’t control his excitement and ripped the paper off in one swift movement of his left hand. Gasping out loud, Little Joe could only stare at what he held
in his little hands. Unable to control the tears, they slipped uncontrollably down his face as he gazed into his father's eyes. "Oh, Papa, thank you......thank
you.....I've.....I've......"

Joe was unable to finish the sentence, so Ben did it for him. "I know son, you have been wanting that little pocketknife for sometime now. I figure I owe that much to
you. It isn't much...."

This time Joe interrupted not letting his father finish. "Papa, this means more to me than you will ever know. But Papa, all I really wanted was for someone to believe
in me."

Adam and Hoss walked over to the small boy and held out yet another package to him. "This is from us, Little Joe."

Grasping the package into his hand, Little Joe torn into that package as well. Little Joe again gasped out loud as he opened the box. In the box were a real live silver
dollar and a whole bag of peppermint sticks. With tears still running down his face, he turned to Adam and Hoss and tried to thank them as well. No words were
really needed to feel the thanks the small boy had to give. He gave them his biggest smile and turned back to snuggle into his father's chest wanting this moment never
to end.

Ben looked up as the clock struck ten and motioned to his older sons that it was time to turn in. Standing up with Little Joe still in his arms, Ben walked up the stairs.
He decided that it wouldn't harm neither one of them to let Little Joe continue the snuggling and sleep with him tonight. Ben didn’t want the snuggling to end and was
looking forward to sharing the night with Joe. As Ben tucked Little Joe into his bed for the evening, he couldn't help but whisper to him, "Little Joe, I DO BELIVE
IN YOU! And never again will I doubt your word."

The End



RETURN TO LIBRARY