THE SURPRISE VISITORS
By: Lynne G.
It
had been about three months since Little Joe had returned home from
Little
Joe was proving to his family that he was a hard worker and he hadn't
disappointed them at all. Ben was even letting him do some of the horse
breaking and he, Adam and Hoss were very impressed at the youngsters riding
skills, but then they all knew that he could ride any horse he got on.
"
That boy is a natural horseman," Ben proudly told Adam and Hoss one
day. " He really is
One
day while Ben was in
Once
Ben returned home he saw Little Joe chopping wood. He walked over to the
boy and he put his arm around his son and gave him a big hug. Then he
told his son that he was doing a good job with the wood. " Thanks
Pa," the boy answered back.
Ben
continued on into the house where he went looking for Hop Sing. He found
him in the ktichen making dinner. " Hop
Sing, I received a telegram from the Simons and they are coming for a visit in
two weeks. They want to surprise Little Joe, so don't tell him," Ben
explained. " Hop Sing not tell boy. He be very
surprised. Hop Sing very anxious to meet nice family who take care of
Little Joe," Hop Sing excitedly replied. " Thanks Hop
Sing. I'll tell Adam and Hoss when they get home. Even though I
have written to the Simons to express my thank you for what they did for Little
Joe, I am also very anxious to meet them too. For some reason, they feel
like family. Little Joe told me that they felt like family to him
too," Ben told Hop Sing.
As
soon as Adam and Hoss returned home, Ben told them that the Simons were coming
for a visit in two weeks. " That is wonderful news
Little
Joe had been very busy doing chores around the ranch, but he did seem to notice
at how special the inside of the house had been looking lately. "
Hey Pa, Hop Sing sure has the house looking extra special the last two
days. Wonder what's goin' on ?" the boy
questioned. " Oh, didn't I mention that my friend, Jack Carson
is coming for a visit on his way to
That
next morning after Ben had the buggy ready, he left for
Ben
arrived at the stage depot about ten minutes before the stage was due. He
was really looking forward to meeting the Simons in person. He had heard
all about them from Little Joe and also from Adam and Hoss too.
The
stage arrived right on time and soon came to a stop in front of the
depot. The only passengers on the stage stepped out. " You
must be the Simons. I'm Ben Cartwright," Ben greeted as he held out
his hand to Tom. " Yes we are. It's a real pleasure to meet
Mr. Cartwright," Tom said as he smiled at Ben and the two men shook
hands. " Please call me Ben," Ben suggested. " I'm
Tom. This is my wife Tess, and this is my
youngest son, Dan," Tom said. " I am so very happy to finally
meet you. Little Joe has told me all about the wonderful time he had at
your ranch. I can't thank you enough for helping him and especially for
letting him live with you," Ben told them. " He's a wonderful
boy Ben. He's a very hard worker, and he truely
has a way with horses," Tom added. " He felt like a son to us
and he was a real pleasure to be around as well," Tess
said. " He felt like my little brother, and we had a good time
together," Dan told Ben. " I thank you all so much for all the
wonderful things you said about Little Joe. He is a good boy," Ben
proudly said.
"
We found out something very interesting after Little Joe had returned
home. We can't wait to tell you all, which we will later," Tom
said. " Now that sounds interesting. We will be looking
forward to that," Ben replied.
On
the way back to the Ponderosa, Ben told the Simons what a mischief maker Little
Joe could be. " He can talk poor Hoss into doing just everything he
asks him to do," Ben said as he smiled. They told Ben about Little
Joe telling them about some of the mischief he had been in which made them all
laugh. " We love that boy's giggle too. It makes you want to
laugh," Tess told Ben. " Yes, he sure
does have a silly giggle," Ben replied. Ben told them about the
Ponderosa, and how he bought it and all the hard work it took to get it to the
way it was now. Tom, Tess and Dan were very
impressed.
"
Well, here we are. Welcome to the Ponderosa," Ben said as they
pulled up in front of the large log home. " Oh Ben, I love your
house ! It just the way Little Joe described it," Tess excitedly said. " Tess
is right about that Ben. It's wonderful !" Tom replied. "
He even mentioned the rocking chair on the front porch too," Dan said as
soon as he saw the rocking chair.
Hop
Sing came out to greet the Simons. " Welcome to Ponderosa. Hop
Sing hope you be very happy here. Hop Sing very happy to meet such
loving, caring family who help Little Joe. He be very surprised to see
you all again," Hop Sing excitedly told the Simons.
"
We have been looking forward to meet you too Hop Sing. Little Joe told us
all about you and that you are like a father to him as well as being the best
cook in the world," both Tom and Tess told Hop
Sing. " Hop Sing feel very honored at what you just say," Hop
Sing softly replied as he was at a loss for words at the moment.
Once
Tom, Tess and Dan had freshened up from their trip,
they were sitting in the livingroom talking with Ben,
while Hop Sing was making lunch. The Simons loved the warm loving feeling
of the large ranch house. It made them feel very peaceful.
About
that time Adam, Hoss and Little Joe rode into the yard. " Looks like
Pa is back with his friend," Little Joe said as he got off Cochise.
" Sure does," both Adam and Hoss replied as they winked at each
other, as they began to tickle their little brother, who was now giggling
loudly.
"
Sounds like my son's are back, and something must be funny by the sound of the
giggling," Ben said as he smiled. " Can't wait to see that boy
again," Dan replied, as all eyes were on the front door.
As
soon as Adam opened the door, he and Hoss let Little Joe go in first. The
youngster didn't notice who was there as he hung up his hat and jacket on the
coat rack in the corner by the door, but as soon as he turned and faced the livingroom, his big green eyes opened wide and he gasped
and ran right over to the Simons, who had stood up.
"
I can't beleive you're here. I have missed you
all so much," Little Joe said as he hugged each one of them and he had
tears in his eyes as did everyone in the room. " We thought we would
surprise you honey," Tess explained as she
hugged and kissed Little Joe. " Boy, you sure did !" Little Joe
replied, as he had a big smile on his very happy face.
Little
Joe looked at his family and Hop Sing smiling at him and he asked, " How
long have ya known about this?" "
About two weeks now, son," Ben responded. " You guys are
sneaky," the boy said as he giggled. " Lunch ready now," Hop
Sing announced, and soon everyone was enjoying a wonderful lunch.
After
lunch, Ben asked Little Joe if he would like to give a tour of the Ponderosa
for Tom, Tess and Dan. " Oh yes. I
sure would. We can see different parts of it everyday," Little Joe
explained. " Would be it alright if we go on horseback?" Tess asked. " No problem at all Tess," Ben replied. " Great," Tess said as she went up stairs to change into her riding
clothes. Adam, Hoss and Little Joe went out to get three horses saddled
for the Simons.
Little
Joe was having a fun time showing Tom, Tess and Dan
around the part of the Ponderosa for that day. He answered all their
questions the best he could, and for the questions he wasn't sure about, he
would ask Ben later that day.
Tom,
Tess and Dan were very impressed at everything they
were seeing and enjoying listening to the excitement in Little Joe's
voice. Little Joe loved to see the expressions on Tom, Tess and Dan's faces as they took in all the incredible
scenery of the Ponderosa. He felt so proud of where he lived.
Little Joe took them to his favorite places on the ranch, including his
mother's grave. " I can see why your mother loved it here,
honey. It's just beautiful, and the air is so fresh and sweet from the
pine trees," Tess said. " Thank you Tess," the boy replied.
Hop
Sing had made a special dinner that night. " Hop Sing, this is so
delicious. I can see why Little Joe talked about your cooking. This
is the best roast beef I have ever tasted," Tess
told Hop Sing. " Thank you. Hop Sing love to cook," Hop
Sing replied. Tom and Dan agreed with everything Tess
had told Hop Sing.
After
dinner, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe went out to the barn to do their evening
chores. Dan and Tom asked questions about the cattle, the timber, and the
mines. Ben answered all their questions. The Simons found all of
this so very interesting, including Tess. About
an hour later, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe returned to the house.
Hop
Sing had brought in some fresh coffee and freshly baked cookies which everyone
was enjoying. Tom, Tess and Dan were looking
forward into sharing their big news with the Cartwrights.
"
Ben, about a week after Little Joe left for home, my older brother, Dave and
his family came for a visit. We had told them about Little Joe, and he
was very interested in to what we had told him. I noticed the surprised
look on his face as I told him about Little Joe, and I wondered what that was
all about," Tom said. The Cartwrights were very interested at what Tom
was saying and Little Joe had his mouth open as he couldn't figure out why Dave
was so interested in him.
"
Then Dave told us that our mother, Sara, was your mother's older sister,
Ben." The Cartwright was shocked at this. " I had no idea
about that. Sara married at an early age and moved away. You see
Ben, I am the youngest of four brothers. My mother was married when she
was sixteen years old. She and my father, Franklin Simon had known each
other for several years, and had planned to get married. The day after
they were married, they moved out west. By the time I was born, my mother
was twenty nine years old. Both of my parents were the same age, and they
both died of a fever fifteen years ago," Tom explained.
The
Cartwrights were totally amazed at what they had just heard. " I
didn't know that either.. I knew my mother had an older sister named
Sara, and that she got married and moved. She kept in touch with Sara
until she died right before Hoss was born. Well, I'll be darn. Talk
about a small world. I have to tell you that, and I know this is hard to
explain, but for some reason, I had the feeling like you were family," Ben
tried to explain.
Little
Joe sat there with his mouth still open in total surprise. " Ya mean, we're related? We're family?" Little
Joe asked as he wasn't sure if he had heard the story correctly. "
It sure does kiddo, and I couldn't be happier either !" Dan excitedly
replied. " You all felt like family to me when I was with you,"
Little Joe said, still finding it hard to believe what all he had heard Tom
tell them. " Ain't this something
Adam?" Hoss said. " It sure is, and we couldn't have asked for
better family members either," Adam replied.
"
We are going to have a huge party and invite all our friends to meet our 'new'
family members," Ben suggested. " Oh boy Pa, ya mean it?" Little Joe squealed. " I sure
do son," Ben replied as he put his arm around his son's shoulder. Hop Sing
heard that and he was excited about a party also. " Hop Sing make best
party ever at Ponderosa," Hop Sing declared.
Everyday,
Little Joe and Ben would show Tom, Tess and Dan
another part of the Ponderosa. " I can't believe how big the
Ponderosa is Ben. It's beauty is unbelievable !" Tom told Ben.
" Thank you Tom. It is a very special place," Ben replied.
Tom
and Dan were very impressed at the horses the Cartwrights bred. "
Ben, I have to tell you that you have some wonderful looking horses here.
You should be proud of them," Tom thoughtfully said. " Thank
you Tom. That means a lot coming from you. You really know horses.
The ones we bought from you are incredible animals, Ben told Tom and Dan.
The
party was a huge success. All of the Cartwrights friends warmly welcomed
the Simons and made them feel very loved. Everyone enjoyed hearing all of
the family's stories. Hop Sing had out done himself with all the
wonderful food he had made for the party.
A
couple of days later, Adam, Hoss, Little Joe and Dan went to the lake to do
some fishing. " We better warn you Dan that little brother here is
the best fisherman in the family," Hoss teased. " Really
? I haven't been fishing much, but the few times I have gone, I really
enjoyed it," Dan said. " Don't worry Dan, we'll teach ya everythin' ya
need ta know," Little Joe proudly
suggested. " That's what I was hoping you'd say kiddo," Dan
said as he messed up Little Joe's thick curly hair.
The
boys were having a great time fishing and had been catching a lot of fish for
dinner. Dan even managed to catch some fish too, and he was excited by
that. " Hey, I don't know bout you guys, but I'm plum starvin' ta death. Let's
see that Hop Sing made for us," Hoss announced. " Dan, Hoss is
always hungry," Little Joe teased. They all laughed and were soon
enjoying the picnic lunch Hop Sing had made for them. Dan told them about
his older brothers, which Adam and Hoss found very interesting. Little
Joe had heard the stories from Dan when he was living with them.
After
lunch as they continued to talk, Little Joe fell asleep. Hoss looked over
at the sleeping boy, since they hadn't heard anything from the boy for a while
now. Hoss motioned for Adam and Dan to look over at the sleeping
boy. Adam and Hoss smiled and began to take off their socks and boots,
and they rolled up their pant legs. Dan did the same thing. They
gently took off Little Joe's socks and boots, and Hoss gently picked up his
sleeping little brother and he started to walk down to the lake with the
sleeping boy in his arms. They were all having a hard time at not
laughing out loud.
Hoss
was now standing in the water as were Dan and Adam. Hoss slowly started
to swing his little brother out towards the deeper water and he tossed the boy
into the water. Little Joe came to the surface fast as he was spitting
water out of his mouth and shaking his head as water went flying in all
directions.
A
shocked Little Joe stood up and yelled, " WHAT HAPPENED ?"
" Looks like you went for a swim little brother," Adam said as he
started to laugh. " Hum," the youngster replied as he started
to splash his brothers and Dan. Soon all four of them were having a big
water fight.
Hoss
and Dan grabbed Little Joe by his arms and ankles and they started to swing him
back and forth and they tossed him back in the water. All of the boys
were laughing and they were all soaking wet by now.
Little
Joe swam under water and he attacked Adam, and Adam fell into the water.
Then Little Joe went after Dan and knocked him into the water. Hoss was
looking around for is little brother, knowing that he was probably going to be
the next one to be knocked over.
Suddenly,
Little Joe leaped up on Hoss's back and he wrapped
his arms around Hoss's shoulders. Then he
climbed up on Hoss's strong shoulder's and dove back
into the water, which knocked Hoss over into the water.
A
couple of hours later, the four tired boys walked out of the water.
Little Joe was tossed back in the lake as Adam, Hoss and Dan ran out of the
water laughing. " I have to tell you all, that this is the most fun
I've ever had. My older brothers, Tom Jr, Tim
and Chuck were all very serious and they would have never done anything like
this," Dan sadly said. " Adam here is serious most of the time,
but our baby brother can get him to have fun like this sometimes," Hoss
explained. " Yes this boy can drive me to go crazy just like
now," Adam said as he started to tickle Little Joe, which caused the boy
to giggle loudly.
"
We have to watch for our little brother, Dan, because he is full of mischief
and he loves to pull jokes on us. He can be good sometimes too,"
Adam teased. " Ah Adam, I ain't that
bad. I'm always good," Little Joe declared. " Yeah right,
only when you are sleeping. That's when he's a good boy," Hoss
added. They were all laughing.
Once
their feet were dry, they put on their sock and boots, grabbed the picnic
basket and the fish they had caught, which they had kept in the water to keep
them cold, and they began to walk home.
Adam
whispered something into Hoss's ear, and Hoss in
return whispered into Dan's ear, which all three of them were laughing.
" Hey, what's so funny? Whatcha talkin' bout? Me?" Little Joe asked.
" What makes you think we are talking about you little brother?" Adam
asked. Little Joe gave Adam one of those looks, but Adam just smiled at
him. " We was talkin' bout you little
brother," Hoss told the youngster as he smiled at the concerned look on
the boy's face. " Me?" the boy questioned again. All he
got were big smiles from Adam, Hoss and Dan, and that worried him, thinking
that they were palnning something else to do to
him. " I have to tell you, that I wish you were my brothers,"
Dan said. That surprised Adam, Hoss and Little Joe.
"
Why is that Dan?" Hoss asked. " You three know how to have a
fun time. Don't get me wrong, my brothers are wonderful and I love them
very much, but you three have something special. I can't explain
it. When Little Joe lived with us for those three months, I wished he had
been my little brother, and I felt like he was my little brother for some
reason. I knew in my heart that we were family, and then when you two
arrived at our ranch, you felt like family too," Dan explained.
"
We had the same feeling about you, Tom and Tess too,
Dan," Adam replied. Hoss agreed with that. " Me
too," Little Joe added. " Oh you did, did you ?" Adam
declared. Little Joe nodded and smiled.
As
the boys entered the yard, Adam, Hoss and Dan looked at each other and nodded
their heads. Hoss handed the picnic basket to Adam while Dan held the
fish. With a sudden move, Hoss grabbed Little Joe, who let out a
surprised loud squeal and Hoss dropped him into the water trough. The
three stood there laughing.
Little
Joe surfaced, shook his head and spit water out of his mouth and he
yelled," WHY DID YA DO THAT FOR HOSS ?" Adam, Hoss and Dan
continued to laugh at Little Joe who sat in the water with his arms folded
across his chest.
Inside
the house, loud laughing and a cry for help could be heard coming from the
yard. " I wonder what is going on out there?" Ben said.
He, Tom and Tess walked outside onto the porch and
watched as Adam, Hoss and Dan kept pushing Little Joe under the water.
"
Dan, what are you doing?" Tom yelled. " Oh hi
"
Ma, look at all the fish we caught for dinner," Dan excitedly said as he
held up all the fish that had been caught that afternoon. " Oh my
goodness, that is a lot of fish," Tess
said. " I'm going to take them in for Hop Sing now," Dan said
as he headed for the for the kitchen door. " Ben, did you notice
that the boys are all wet?" Tess stated.
" Yes I did and I have a feeling that I know why too. Am I right
Little Joe?" Ben asked as he already knew the answer to that question.
Little
Joe sheepishly looked at Ben, and he said," Well, I..um...
um, I guess so, but we sure did all have a fun time." Tom, Tess and Ben were smiling at what the boy was trying to
say. " Son, why don't you get out of the water, and go into the
washroom and get out of those wet clothes. Hopefully your brothers and
cousin saved you a towel," Ben suggested as he pulled his son out of the
water trough. " Thanks Pa," the boy said as he walked towards
the house. " That boy !" Ben declared. " He sure is
a character. He was so good when he was with us. I tell you Ben, it
is wonderful to see that boy so happy and to see his true fun side," Tom
told Ben. " He made us laugh so much, but he was nothing like
this, not this relaxed or this carefree. He's precious Ben," Tess said as she looked at Ben. " That boy
certainly has kept us on our toes ever since he was born," Ben told Tom
and Tess, as he laughed.
The
month that Tom, Tess and Dan were at the Ponderosa
went by much too fast. They all treasured all the family stories that
were shared with each other. It was a special time for both families as
they found out that they were related.
It
was very hard for Tom, Tess and Dan to leave the
Ponderosa and their newly found family. The Cartwrights hated to see
their family members leave too. They were all very close now.
"
Tom, Tess, Dan, take care and please have a safe trip
home," Ben said. " Thank you cousin. We all felt at home
here. Who knows, maybe one of these days, we can move our horse ranch
here," Tom told Ben. " That would be wonderful Tom. If I
hear of any large ranches for sale, I will let you know," Ben
declared. " That would be great Ben!" Tom replied. After
all the hugs and many tears, Tom, Tess, and Dan were
on their way home.
"
You alright Little Joe?" Ben asked as he looked down at his very sad
looking youngest son. " I think so
"
I sure hope they move here Pa," Little Joe hoped. " I hope they
do too son. It would be nice to have family close by," Ben
told the boy.
The
Cartwrights headed home with heavy hearts, but with hope Tom, Tess and Dan would move to
The
End