By Sara and Valerie

Albert had just finished studying medicine with Dr. Baker. There was nothing more either felt he could learn. As there were no medical schools in the area, this was all the education Albert would be able to receive.

Albert was so thankful that Ma and Pa had agreed to let him live at home while studying medicine. Ma seemed so proud to have 'a doctor' in the family. And now he was leaving. Pa understood his need to wander - after all, that is what brought Pa to Walnut Grove ultimately. Even Ma understood, grudgingly, she had married Pa after all.

Pa and Laura had been great in convincing Ma to let him leave. There had been mention in the newspapers of a town, Virginia City , where the Comstocks were, that was rapidly expanding. Hopefully they would need more workers - maybe even a doctor? Even if a doctor wasn't needed, Albert was not scared of hard work - he knew how to work on a farm, and even had some basics of cooking. Ever since that time Pa had been in charge of cooking, Albert had taken pains to make sure he learned how to cook to prevent that ever happening again. Albert rubbed his seat remembering the pain from that incident.

Ma came upstairs to the loft that Albert still shared with his siblings. "Are you almost done packing Albert?" she asked, with barely concealed tears in her eyes.

Albert nodded. All that was left to pack was his diary. "All done Ma, just have to fit in my diary," he said, choking back a sob.

Ma smiled at him. "We'll miss you. Be sure to write us every week."

Albert nodded. "I packed the paper, envelopes and stamps you and Pa gave me on the top of my trunk," he said.

Pa came up the ladder in time to hear this. "Don't forget to use them. I know it sometimes takes a while to get mail from the West, but I want you to write once a week anyways. Don't get lazy, or I might just come on out to visit you, and have a 'long talk' while I'm there."

Albert blushed. "I won't forget sir."

Charles rubbed his head affectionately. "I know you won't mean to, but sometimes being on your own takes over your time. Make sure to live up to what we taught you, and we'll always be proud of you son."

Caroline wiped tears from her eyes. When her two eldest children had moved away, there was still visiting available - but not with Albert - not for a long time at least.

"I'll make you and Ma proud Pa, I promise." Albert hugged Pa hard.

Caroline sniffed the air - "My pie!" and she ran down the stairs to get the pie out. She knew Charles wanted to have a private word with Albert before heading to the stage, and seeing as there was no one in the house at the moment, she gave them their time alone.

Charles sat down on the bed and patted next to him. "Sit down, son," he said.

Albert gulped, but did as told. Charles almost laughed at his expression. "You're not in trouble son, I just want to talk to you before you head off on your own."

Albert's sigh of relief could be heard. "Yes sir," he said, wondering where this was going.

"Albert, I've heard that in the West there are, well, women who aren't exactly proper. I hope your Ma and I have brought you up to respect all women, and not to get yourself into any uncomfortable situations. I want you to remember this when you are tempted. The best thing to do is not get into any situations where you may be tempted. I have never had a drink in a saloon, and I hope you to follow my example. I know the West is different, and you might want to go to the saloon with other men, and if you feel responsible enough to do so, then go ahead. But remember that beer is very much like morphine, and I do not want you to have to experience that again. I also know that there might not be a church nearby for you to get to every Sunday, but I want you to promise me that you'll read your Bible every Sunday and try to get to a church whenever you can."

Albert nodded, he remembered that time, and it was highly uncomfortable. "I won't drink Pa. I don't ever want to go through that again sir. And I promise to try to go to church every Sunday and read my Bible."

Charles sighed. "I know you feel like this now, but it might be different out there, I can't say for sure since I've never been there. But remember moderation is the key in everything, both good and bad. Remember your manners everywhere, even if no one else is displaying them. Keep your temper no matter what - there is a lot more guns and shooting in the West than here, and I don't want to hear of you getting injured unnecessarily. Finally, don't ever get involved with a woman unless you intend to marry her. This is the best advice I can give you on your ventures into a place I've never seen and barely heard of."

Albert nodded again. "Yes sir. Thank you sir. I'll remember Pa."

The two men drew in for a hard hug.

Caroline called up, "If we don't get going, the stage will be leaving without you Albert."

Albert and Charles pulled apart. Charles picked up Albert's bag, "Let's get going son."

Albert got up and took his other bag. "Yes sir," he said, giving a last, loving look at the loft that had been his home for as long as he could remember a home.

The three of them slowly left the house, and Albert took a last look back at the only home he had ever known. He climbed slowly into the wagon, behind Charles and Caroline, and held on to the back of the seat, probably for the last time. Tears came to his eyes as they passed landmarks and he said good-bye to them in his mind.

All too soon, town was reached. Charles put the team up, and went to get the rest of the family from the schoolhouse to say good-bye to Albert.

Charles opened the door to the school and peaked in. He caught Laura's eye. She had been expecting him. Unfortunately, today of all days, she had been asked to substitute for the ill teacher. She immediately turned to the class. "I want everyone to continue their silent reading. James, Cassandra, Carrie, Grace, you are dismissed to come with me."

The Ingalls children, and Laura, followed Charles to the stage stop. Mary, Adam, and Almanzo were already there, saying good-bye to Albert. The rest of the family joined in. Tears were shed all around, until the stage pulled up. Charles and Almanzo helped the driver load Albert's luggage onto the stage. Then it was time to go. "Have a safe trip."

"Write us soon."

"We love you."

"We'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too."

“Use that Braille slate we gave you.”

“I will, I promise.”

Then the stage door was closed, and Albert was gone.

The family sadly returned to their daily affairs, sure that Albert would never leave their minds, or their hearts.

Albert sat on the stage, already missing his family. He was off to the unknown. How would he survive alone? It had been ages since he was last on his own - not since in the city when he was shining shoes and stealing.

And now, he was off totally alone, to an unknown place, no job in store, just a ticket and a little money that Ma and Pa had managed to save up to help him on his way, along with the little he had earned helping Doc Baker. Well, it was time. After all, there were still four young- un's at home to be cared for. It was time he left the nest and made his way. And the West sounded like a good place. He had been reading the newspapers with Pa, and Nevada sounded like the best place to try. There was this big ranch out there, the Ponderosa, that Pa said sounded like a good place to try for a job. Mr. Edwards had told Pa about it, after one of his 'trips away.' Pa trusted Mr. Edwards, so Albert and Pa had decided on his trying for a position there. Albert hadn't had a chance to write ahead, so he hoped for the best. Maybe Mr. Edwards had managed to roam back there and put in a good word for him? Albert could only hope.

And then the railroad was reached. Albert got off the stage, and waited for his luggage to be taken off. He then thanked the driver and went to inquire about his train. It was the one on the tracks, so Albert loaded his luggage, with the help of a railroad worker, and found a seat. This would be a long trip. Albert hadn't wanted to spend the money on a sleeper, so he made sure to find a comfortable seat as he would be spending a lot of time in it.

Albert opened his carpet bag, to be sure he had all he needed in it - his diary, two books, his shaving kit, toiletries, and food from Ma that hadn't fit in the picnic basket Ma had packed full of foods that would last for most of the long journey. Albert hadn't wanted to take it from Ma, but she and Pa had insisted, and he didn't want to waste money, so he agreed and was thankful for it. Ma had plenty of practice packing food for long trips, with all the trips West she and Pa had taken the family on, and Albert was thankful to have food that would last most of the trip, enabling him to save his hard-earned meager savings for when he arrived at his destination.

The train started moving, and Albert watched out the window for a bit. He was remembering his last train trip - to Minneapolis , when Pa had saved him from being arrested for hitchhiking. That had not been a pleasant time in some ways, Albert remembered, shifting in his seat, but wonderful in others. It had been great to be alone with Pa - for the first time really ever. Albert thought back to it, lost in thought.

Albert then looked at the scenery some more. As the scenery started to bore him, and he felt tears forming in his eyes, he turned to the first of his two books. They had been gifts. One from his family, and one from Doctor Baker as a going away gift. Both were thick medical tomes - full of knowledge he was sure he'd need when he started practicing, if ever.

As Albert was starting to get into the new medical book given to him by Doc Baker as a going away gift, and realizing the importance and relevance of the information contained therein, his seatmate was deeply engrossed in an architectural tome, equally academic.

Hours passed, when the train stopped and the conductor called "Last stop! Change trains for further travel." Albert quickly packed away his book and got his luggage. His seatmate did the same, and they reached for their baggage above the seat simultaneously.

"Excuse me," said Albert.

"Excuse me," said the other man.

The two men retrieved the remainder of their luggage and continued on their respective ways to their connections.

When Albert arrived on the new train, he saw his previous seat companion. As it had been a restful, quiet trip thus far, Albert went to sit next to the gentleman again, hoping for a similar experience on this leg of the trip as well.

As Albert sat down in the seat, Adam glanced up. It was the same young man who had sat next to him on the previous train. "So we meet again," he said. "I'm Adam Cartwright, and you are?"

"Albert Ingalls," Albert said softly, shaking the proffered hand. Was this one of the Cartwrights he was hoping to find in Nevada ?

Adam realized this young man must be shy and not used to traveling from the way he was looking about and everything. "So, where are you from?"

"Walnut Grove," said Albert. Then, realizing his lapse in manners, he quickly added, "And you?"

Adam smiled inwardly - this young man was just like Hoss. "I live in Nevada, on the Ponderosa," he said. "I'm coming home from a cattle buying trip for my father. Where are you traveling?" Adam asked, wondering where such a young man would be going out West.

"I'm hoping to get a job somewhere out West, maybe near the Comstock mines," Albert explained, blushing a little at the brazeness of this statement.

"Well, my father has a ranch near there, and we're always looking for good workers, what do you do?" Adam asked.

Albert couldn't believe his luck - what good luck - he might even have a job before arriving. "A little bit of everything I guess. My Pa has a farm, and I help him out with everything, and I help Ma in the restaurant kitchen sometimes when she needs a hand, or with the sewing at the blind school if it gets to be too much for them." Albert kind of mumbled this last part - he was ashamed of having such a 'feminine' skill.

Adam looked him over. Albert looked a little thin, but Adam knew that looks could be deceiving - look at what Little Joe was capable of when he put his mind to it. "Well, if you want a job, you can come home with me and we'll see what we can find for you."

Albert looked at him gratefully. "Thank you kindly sir, I would greatly appreciate that."

Then, thinking he should offer something in return to such a generous man, Albert stood up and got his picnic basket. "Might I offer you some lunch?" he asked, opening the basket.

Adam sniffed the aromas gratefully. It smelled wonderful - not as good as Hop Sing's, of course, but close. "Are you sure there's enough?" he asked politely.

"Of course. Ma always packs plenty, she thinks I eat three times as much as I do."

Adam thankfully accepted a chicken leg from Albert. "Take as much as you want, please. I'd hate to see this food go to waste," Albert offered.

"Thank you, I am mighty grateful. This train doesn't stop for a meal break until at least two o'clock and I'm starved," Adam explained his ravenous inhaling of the proffered food.

Albert nibbled at a bit of pie, not sure if he would be able to eat much more, as he was quite homesick still and the taste of Ma's cooking was not helping.

"Homesick?" asked Adam kindly, feeling towards this young man as he would feel towards Joe in such a situation.

Albert nodded slowly, "Yeah, kinda . I've never been this far away from home before, and I really did love staying with the Ingalls."

Adam wondered at this - he thought Albert had said his name was Ingalls, and filed it away for future reference. "It seems like your Ma is nice, to pack such a lunch for you," Adam said instead.

"Yeah, she is. I never knew my mother, and Ma is just like one," Albert said.

"Yeah," Adam said, "I never knew my mother either, but Inger and Marie both became like mothers to me when they married Pa."

This was getting kind of personal for first time conversation, but travel on the train, and knowing they would be together in Nevada on the Ponderosa took down some of the barriers.

Adam took a good look at this young man next to him. For some reason, he looked vaguely familiar, but Adam couldn't figure out why. "What was your father's name?" Adam asked, trying to see if he could figure this out.

"Quinn," Albert said. "His Pa was originally from France, and changed his name when he got to America ."

Adam kept staring for a few more moments, then realized that Albert looked like Little Joe. That was why Adam was so drawn to this stranger instead of focusing on his new architectural digest. "By any chance, do you know if you had an aunt Marie?"

Albert looked at Adam - how did this stranger know of his family? "There's a Marie written in the Bible I got when my biological father passed away," Albert said. "I have it packed in my trunk," he added.

Adam nodded and decided to let this topic rest. "So, what are you reading?"

Albert showed his book on modern medical cures.

"Looks like deep reading," Adam commented. "You're interested in medicine?"

"I studied with the doctor in our town for two years, and then he said he couldn't teach me any more, so I decided to come out West," Albert explained. "What are you reading?"

Adam nodded at Albert's explanation. "I'm reading about building dams and bridges," he explained, showing the cover of his book. "I studied this at college back East, and want to show my Pa some ideas on improving the ranch when I get back. I use my traveling time to read as there's not much free time on the Ponderosa."

Albert could barely contain his intake of air. So this was a Cartwright of the Cartwrights of Ponderosa. How lucky he was. "I'll let you get back to your reading then," Albert said, putting away the picnic basket. "If you get hungry, feel free to take more, don't bother asking me. I usually don't realize people once I start reading," he explained.

Both young men immersed themselves in their books, until it was close to nighttime, and the porter came through the car offering pillows for rent. Adam rented one for himself. Then, seeing as his seatmate wasn't doing so, and having realized that this boy probably didn't have much money, rented a second.

Albert looked at Adam in surprise at the proffered pillow. "No, I couldn't, it's okay," Albert said.

Adam pushed the pillow at Albert. "I already rented it, and after saving all that money eating your ma's food, the least I could do is rent you a pillow," Adam said.

Albert felt guilty accepting more from this generous man - after all, he already had received a job and place to stay. "I couldn't," Albert said.

Adam pushed it at him again, "Well, it's already rented, and if you don't use it, I'm just going to have to hold it and that won't be comfortable for me," Adam said.

Albert admitted defeat. "Thank you very much," he said sincerely.

The porter came around collecting the pillows. The trip West seemed to take little time to both Albert and Adam. They had companionable seatmates in each other, and were able to hold intellectual discussions, as well as sit together quietly and read. Sooner than they would have thought possible, a conductor came around announcing the soon arrival at Carson City . Adam and Albert both woke up and quickly tried to freshen up before the train arrived at the stop. Adam didn't want his family to see him looking anything less than his normally well-groomed self. Albert wanted to make a good impression on the man who would have the ultimate say in whether or not he was hired.

Though he had told Adam about studying medicine, Albert hadn't mentioned that he didn't want to practice it, though he loved studying it. Ever since that time, Albert still couldn't think about it without shivers running down his back, Albert couldn't stand to doctor another patient. Doc Baker had understood, and kept Albert learning but not ever working alone on a patient again after it.

Doc Baker had kept telling him it wasn't his fault, it could happen to anyone, but Albert just couldn't believe that himself. Maybe starting over would enable him to eventually practice medicine again. Albert could only hope. But now, he had prospects of a job on a ranch, so maybe things wouldn't be so bad. Mr. Edwards had said good things about working for the Cartwrights, they were fair employees. Things seemed to be looking up, if only Mr. Cartwright would take him on.

Albert wiped his sweaty hands on his pants, then took up his luggage, skimpy as it was, it was all that he had left of his family. Then he slowly followed behind Adam.

Adam turned and looked at Albert, "Come on, I promise my family doesn't bite," he said with a smile. He had spotted his family, and braced himself for the whirlwind approaching him, otherwise known as Little Joe. "I'm glad to see you too Little Buddy," Adam said, mussing Joe's hair. Joe smiled up at Adam and took his bags, "Come on Adam, let's go home. I want to hear all about your trip. What kinds of horses did ya get? When are they coming? Who's that with you?" The last question came out as he saw the strange young man standing slightly behind Adam.

At this point Ben and Hoss had approached Adam at a more sedate pace and were welcoming him home as happily, if not as violently, as the youngest Cartwright. Ben's eyebrows rose as he noticed the object of Joe's question.

Adam gestured towards Albert. "This is Albert Quinn Ingalls," he said, looking at Albert for confirmation of his name. Albert nodded shyly. He was trying to hid the tears in his eyes. This family looked so loving - just like the family he had left behind. Adam looked at Ben, "Pa, he's looking for work, and I figured we could always use another hand on the ranch ...." Adam trailed off.

Ben trusted Adam's judgment, and if Adam felt this young stranger was a good choice to hire, then he would go along. "Of course, if you're willing to accept employment at the Ponderosa, I'd be more than happy to have you if Adam here recommends you."

Albert nodded his head, "Thank you kindly sir," he said politely, offering his hand. "I greatly appreciate the opportunity and take you up on it," he said.

Ben shook his hand in return. "Let's get all your gear up on the wagon, then we can head home," he told both young men.

Hoss and Joe went to help with the baggage. Ben noted when Joe and Albert ended up next to each other how much the two young men looked alike. The name Quinn had sounded familiar, but right now Ben just couldn't place it. Maybe later he would remember where he had heard it before.

Adam climbed up to sit with Ben on the bench, and Joe jumped up to sit next to him - "Pa, can I drive the team?" he begged, as usual. Adam smiled, it was great to be home.

Ben thought for a moment. "You can drive after we get out of town, just like last time." He looked over at Adam who's mouth had dropped in surprise. This was the first Adam knew of Joe's driving. "He's very good at it," Ben said, "but only when we're not in town, right Joseph?" Ben said sternly.

"Yes sir," Joe was quick to say, not wanting to lose his chance of driving the team.

Albert smiled, this sounded just like home - James kept begging to do everything he did because he was older. He then climbed in the back with Hoss. Ben noticed Albert not saying a word about being in the back, and figured this boy had been raised well.

"So, Albert, Adam tells me you're from Walnut Grove, and looking for a place on a ranch," Ben said.

Albert nodded, then realized he couldn't be seen. "Yes sir," he said. "My family is still there, but there were no opportunities for me so I came West like Pa was always telling us about his doing."

Ben could agree with that wanderlust feeling. "What kind of work can you do?" he asked.

"Well, I grew up on a farm sir, I've helped in the fields, at the mill where my Pa works, and I've helped Ma in the kitchen at the restaurant where she works, and done whatever was needed at the blind school where my sister Mary teaches," Albert said, studiously avoiding Adam's eyes as he did not mention his medical studies.

Adam wondered why Albert wasn't mentioning his medical training, but figured this might not be the best time or place to discuss it.

Little Joe was too busy with appearing adult driving the team to pester Albert with questions - for which Albert would have been thankful had he known.

Ben looked at Albert's profile, and then saw Little Joe's. They looked so similar. Ben got lost in thought as he tried to remember all of what he knew about Marie's family. Marie had been reticent with information about her family and her past, but something in his mind was nagging him about the name Quinn and the similarity between Albert and Joe's looks. Ben thought back and tried to remember what Marie had told him.

Before Ben could remember, he saw the Ponderosa. Adam turned to Albert, "That's our home. See behind it, over there? That's the bunkhouse," he pointed out.

Albert managed to keep his mouth shut in his surprise, but barely. It was so big - the Olesons' was but a sod house compared to this. He nodded his head at Adam, "It looks nice," he said, feeling this was inadequate, but not sure what to say.

Joseph skillfully brought the team to a stop right before the barn, as if he had been doing it all his life. Adam was impressed by his little brother's abilities - how did he grow up so fast? - but didn't want to say anything.

Little Joe stopped the wagon, and jumped down to take care of the horses. He looked toward Adam, as if hoping for some kind of praise, and his face went down a bit when none was forthcoming. Still, the horses came first, and if he wanted Pa to let him drive again, Little Joe knew he had to take care of them immediately. He unhitched the team and led them into the barn. Hoss got off the wagon and started to take Adam's bags upstairs. Albert got off the wagon, and, leaving his bags behind, helped with Adam's.

Ben smiled at the politeness of the young man, and wondered if this was his real way or if he was just trying to impress. Ben leaned toward the former, though he wasn't positive. He wanted a chance to talk to this young man alone, and to see if he could figure out why he looked so familiar, so like his youngest son.

Before Ben could follow his thoughts any more, Hop Sing came running out, "Supper ready - all come in eat." Then he saw Albert, "Why no one tell Hop Sing more for supper?" Then Hop Sing did a double-take. "Another Little Joe? Hop Sing return China now!" he threatened.

Ben went over to Hop Sing to try to calm him down. "Sorry Hop Sing, I didn't know. Adam met this young man on the way back to the Ponderosa. We have decided to hire him as we need more help. For supper he'll be eating with us, and then I will talk with him and decide where he will stay. I admit he looks a lot like Little Joe, which is why I'm having him take supper with us. I'd like to learn a bit more about him before deciding what to do."

Hop Sing muttered in Chinese as he returned to the house to try to salvage his supper to feed one more person.

Hoss had seen Albert's face, "It's alright, he's always like that," he reassured Albert.

Albert looked up. "I can find something to eat somewhere, or <gulp> make myself something," he offered hesitantly, knowing his cooking skills were not great, but not wanting to anger anyone. He clearly remembered the last time complaints had been made about food at home.Albert thought back, to it, and rubbed his bottom in memory while his stomach protested inside.

Ben came over at the second part of this sentence. "It's okay, Hop Sing just likes to rant, he's not really angry. He wants to make sure he's appreciated, that's all. Why don't you and I go talk about what you can do and what your chores will be here?"

Albert snapped out of his revere, catching what Ben said. Albert felt a little better, he really didn't want to have to face his own cooking. "Yes sir," he said, taking his bags and following Ben.

Ben pointed to the floor, "You can leave your bags there," he said. Albert neatly piled his bags where instructed and followed Ben to the desk.

"Have a seat," Ben said, pointing to the chair next to the desk. Albert remained standing next to the chair until Ben sat, then sat down himself. Ben was impressed by the manners being displayed. If nothing else, the boy had been well brought up.

Ben looked at Albert, again amazed by the similarity between this young man and his youngest son. "Adam tells me you're from Walnut Grove, Minnesota ," Ben started.

"Yes sir, I lived there with the Ingalls for many years."

"And you were adopted by them?" Ben asked.

Albert nodded his head, "Yes sir, Mr. Ingalls found me in the city, and when he heard I had no place or family, he took me home and adopted me."

"Do you remember anything about your parents?" Ben asked gently. He knew how it felt for a young man to not remember a parent, as his children all had that experience.

"I remember my father was Mr. Quinn, he had a farm, but he died. I don't remember my Ma at all," Albert responded. He wasn't upset about remembering, he didn't like his father, and his mother was a vague memory. Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls had been his real parents as far as he was concerned.

"Do you know if either your mother or father were French?" Ben asked.

Albert thought for a moment, trying to recall. "I think my mother might have been, I have a book of hers that Laura said was a Bible in French."

Upon seeing the questioning look in Ben's eyes, Albert explained, "Laura is my sister - one of the Ingalls children. She became a school teacher."

Ben nodded at Albert's explanation. "Do you still have that book?"

Albert nodded. "It's in my bags." He then paused. He hated to let anyone touch it. Pa and Ma had understood, and wouldn't let any of the kids near it. Then, realizing this man was going to be his employer and he should obey anything requested of him, "Would you like to see it sir?"

Ben nodded, "If I might?" he said.

Albert acquiesced, and rose to root through his baggage, to the exact place where he had placed the carefully wrapped book among his medical supplies and Braille slate and stylus and special paper needed for using it. Rising and returning to Ben, Albert carefully opened the packing and handed the book to him.

Ben took the book gently. He realized the importance and value of such an item to Albert, and treated it accordingly. Ben opened the front of the book, and looked, it was a Bible. There was a family tree listed in the front. Near the bottom of the page was listed a name, Marie Quinn Cartwright, with a date of birth but no date of death. Ben took a deep breath. This was the reason Albert looked so much like Little Joe, their mother's were related. Ben remembered Marie's talking about how her sister had married a man with the same last name as theirs, having changed it when he came to America from something that the Americans couldn't pronounce.

Ben carefully closed the book and returned it to Albert. "Thank you for sharing this with me."

Albert rewrapped the book and held it, awaiting his next instruction.

"Why don't you put it away and come to supper?" Ben asked, as the rest of the Cartwrights came in to supper. "We can continue this discussion after supper," he said.

Albert nodded, "Yes sir," and went to put the book away. Then he came to the table, and stood behind his chair, waiting for Ben to sit down before he did.

"Well trained indeed," thought Ben to himself. "Wonder if he'll rub off on Little Joe?"

Ben bowed his head to say grace, and everyone followed suit. After a brief grace, all raised their heads and started eating the food placed on the table by Hop Sing.

Albert was shocked by everyone reaching over for the food - he was used to Pa serving himself first, and then either the food being passed around or Pa serving everyone. He waited patiently until everyone else had taken food from what seemed like an overabundant amount of food.

Hoss saw Albert waiting, "Go ahead, take some, it's good," he said encouragingly with a smile.

Ben noticed Albert's empty plate, "It's okay, you'll insult Hop Sing if you don't eat."

Albert nodded his head, and took the plate Ben was offering him, "Yes sir, thank you sir," he stammered out. Mr. Edwards had been right when he said things were different out here than in Walnut Grove.

Soon, everyone was eating. Adam and Ben were discussing his business trip, while Hoss kept busy eating and Joe stared at Albert. Albert felt eyes on him and realized it was Joe staring at him. Albert smiled shyly at him and tried to be as polite as possible in his
eating, figuring he was doing something wrong.

When Adam and Ben had finished discussing the business, Ben cleared his throat. "Boys, I know you must be wondering why Albert is eating inside with us rather than in the bunkhouse."

All three nodded. Albert looked ashamed, and felt his face going red. He didn't want special treatment.

Ben saw Albert's discomfort and went on, giving him a reassuring smile. "Albert and I had a discussion before supper and we found out that his mother and Joseph's mother were sisters," as everyone's jaws dropped open, Ben hurried on before anyone could say anything uncomfortable for any of them. "Remember how Marie never told us of her background because ... well, anyways, that's why they look so much alike."

Joe was the first to find his breath, "Pa, ya mean he's my cousin?"

Ben laughed and nodded, "Yes son, that's what I mean."

Joe smiled broadly. "Did you know my Ma?" he asked Albert.

Ben was about to say something, not knowing how this type of question would affect Albert. Adam too was about to admonish his youngest brother for such a lapse in manners.

Before either of them could say anything, Hoss' arm almost about to nudge Joe, Albert answered. "No, I didn't know her nor my mother," he said softly.

Hoss' arm dropped, and both Ben and Adam swallowed the words on their tongues. If Albert was willing to answer Joe's questions, they wouldn't say anything.

"Ya lived with your Pa?" Joe went on.

Albert sighed. Pa and he had discussed this, he would have to tell his history, and it might as well be now rather than later. But it was so hard. He and Pa had decided in one of their talks not to mention what had happened that time he ran away back to his biological father. That was just too tough to mention. Not only had it been rough in terms of the punishment, but what he had done, burning down the blind school and killing Mary’s baby and Mrs. Garvey, that was horrid. Albert thought back to it, rubbing his bottom again, and fidgeting, feeling the harsh burning pain from the consequences of running back to his father’s farm.

Albert came back to the present, and started his story, "I grew up living with another family who adopted me, the Ingalls . Besides Ma and Pa, I have five sisters, Mary, who runs a blind school with her lawyer husband, Adam, Laura who teaches school in Walnut Grove and lives with Almanzo, including me for a while, Carrie, Cassandra, and Grace. I also have a brother, James. Cassandra and James were also adopted by Ma and Pa at a later point. Laura and Mary are older than me, and the rest are younger," he said, wanting to get it over with fast, as he and Pa had decided upon in one of their late night discussions.

Ben was glad to see that Albert wasn't going to hide secrets from his sons, but still felt Joe needed a bit of a reprimand. "Joseph, don't pry into other's lives, it's not polite," he said gently.

Joe nodded, "Sorry sir, sorry Albert."

Albert felt embarrassed for causing someone else to be in trouble, "It's no problem," he said sincerely.

Hop Sing came in to clear the table. Albert stood up to help him, piling dirty plates and rising to follow him. "What you do? Boy never help Hop Sing."

Albert put down the dishes, totally embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I always clear the table at home, I didn't mean anything." He felt horrid for doing something wrong.

Ben laughed, "It's okay Albert, it's just that none of my boys have ever helped with kitchen chores unless it was punishment. You shocked Hop Sing, that's all. Go ahead and help him if you want."

Albert nodded, "Yes sir, if it's okay, I kind of feel guilty not helping with the food and everything."

Joe tried to keep back a laugh, upon hearing Hop Sing's mutterings in Chinese, he shut up quickly. Adam and Hoss were turning red, they had never thought of it that way.

Ben smiled at his sons' discomfort. "That's fine. Afterwards, we'll discuss where you will be sleeping and what your main chores will be."

"Yes sir," Albert said, returning to clearing the table and helping Hop Sing.

The table was quickly cleared and Hop Sing brought in the dessert while Albert brought in the coffee, serving first Ben, then Adam, then Hoss, and then looked at Ben for approval before pouring for Little Joe and finally for himself. Ben admired his manners yet again - this Ingalls family must really have been strict with their rules on manners and respect. Ben approved.

Albert returned the coffee to the kitchen and sat back at the table, and, after making sure Ben had taken first, took a piece of the pie for dessert.

Ben looked at Albert, "So, what made you decide to leave home and come West?" he asked.

Albert put down the forkful of pie he was about to put in his mouth and looked at Ben. "Well, sir, I figured with so many people in the house, it would be good to leave, and Pa had told so many stories of moving West that I felt it was a good move to make."

Ben nodded, remembering the size of the family Albert had described. "What made you come to Virginia City ?" he asked.

Albert thought for a moment. "Well, Mr. Edwards, he's a friend of Pa's, he was over one night when Pa and I were discussing my leaving and where I might go. He suggested I try Virginia City , and maybe try to find my way to the Ponderosa to try for a position since it was a good place to work."

Adam thought for a moment. "Edwards? Isaiah Edwards?” At Albert’s nod, Adam continued, “He worked here, didn't he? He was a good worker, a bit too much at the saloon, but he always returned in time to give a good day's work. What ever happened to him?"

Albert looked to Adam, "He's fine, least last I heard. He's married now, and living in Walnut Grove. I'll send him your regards when I write home next, if you'd like," he offered.

Adam nodded, "Yes, thank you."

Ben had listened carefully to what was being said. He liked how this young man interacted with his sons. "So, what are you capable of doing?"

Albert thought, and though he wanted to practice medicine, after what had happened, he didn't want to at the same time, so he didn't mention that. "Well, being on the farm I got pretty good at working with horses, at a mill where Pa worked, farming, gardening, ciphering, and ... uh ... working in a kitchen helping Ma when the restaurant got too crowded ..." Albert couldn't bring himself to mention the medicine he had studied.

"Anything else?" Ben asked. "That's quite an array of achievements."

Albert thought. "Oh, and I helped Laura out by taking over the school a few times when she needed to be elsewhere, and go to help out at the blind school when they need an extra hand or set of eyes," he added.

Adam wondered why Albert wasn't mentioning the medicine, but figured he'd talk to Albert alone later, when he got to know the boy in this setting rather than just as passengers on a train.

Little Joe groaned, "A school teacher?" He turned to Adam, "You brought home a school teacher? Aren't you enough for me to deal with bothering me about my learning?"

Albert quickly raised his napkin to his mouth to hide a smile. "It's not so bad to live with the teacher. My sister was my teacher for a few years, and I didn't mind," Albert said, then, thinking back, he added, "well, at least not that much," with a smile, remembering when Laura had first started teaching, and how it came that the two of them were able to deal with it.

Ben looked at Albert. "Well, how about we start you out with helping Hoss or Adam around the ranch for a few days so you can get the feel of things out here, and then we'll see where you will best fit in the needs of the ranch?" he offered.

Albert jolted back to the present, and nodded, "Yes sir."

"As for sleeping, there's an extra bunk in the boy's room, you can join them in there."

"Thank you sir."

"You mind a bottom bunk?" asked Hoss. Adam had finally gotten a top bunk, and Hoss knew if Albert wanted a top, that Hoss would be the one to lose out.

"Whatever is free is fine by me," Albert said. He was happy enough to have a bed to himself, and not have to share. He had hated that the most when James and Cassandra had come to live with the Ingalls – giving up his own bed.

Adam and Hoss both sighed with relief, their top bunks were safe.

Ben took his coffee and went to sit by the fireplace. Albert saw the rest of the family rising, and cleared the remains on the table to the kitchen and helped Hop Sing in there.

Adam looked at Pa, "Well, he's definitely a help to Hop Sing, maybe, if Albert doesn't mind, you can have him help Hop Sing out a bit? I'm sure Hop Sing would appreciate it."

Ben nodded. "I think that might work, I'm sure he wouldn't say anything about it, and Hop Sing definitely could use the help. But I also want to give him a chance to help out on the ranch too, that seems to be at least part of the reason of why he came out here."

Turning to Little Joe, Ben said, "Did you finish your homework?"

Little Joe groaned. "Just a page of math left Pa," he said.

"Why don't you start on it at the table, and if you need help I'm sure either Adam or Albert will be glad to help you."

Joe got up and went to get his books without saying another word, not wanting to get Pa angry, maybe Albert would be more patient and helpful in his homework. He returned and sat at the table doing his homework.

Adam drew closer to Ben, "Pa?"

Ben rubbed his head, "Yes Adam?"

"Uh, on the train, Albert mentioned something about having studied medicine, and he was reading a book on medicine, but he doesn't really seem to want to talk about it, and he never mentioned it to you," Adam said softly, not wanting Albert to hear.

"Yes, I felt he was not telling all too, but that's his right. I'm sure he'll tell us eventually, but for now let's pretend we don't know anything about it."

"But Pa, we could really use someone with medical experience here on the ranch, especially with all the times we've had Paul out here for Joe," then, seeing the look on Ben's face, "Not that I would want to hurt Paul, but I'm sure he has plenty to do without the long trip here and back all the time - think of what a help it would be to him to have another doctor in the area."

Ben nodded, "I agree it would probably be a help, but if Albert doesn't want to mention it, I'd say we should respect him."

"Yes sir," Adam said.

Little Joe was rubbing fiercely at a sum on his tablet. Albert had finished helping Hop Sing and was passing by on his way to where the other Cartwrights were sitting. "Do you need help?" he offered quietly, not wanting to offend Joe.

Joe looked up gratefully. "I can't get these to work right," he complained.

Albert sat down next to him and looked at the problems and how Joe was trying to cipher them. "Why don't you start one, and let me see how you're doing it so I can help?" he offered.

Joe was grateful for the attention and the help. "Okay," and he started the first one.

Ben looked over at Joe, by this point he would have been complaining or pestering for help. Instead, there he was, studiously working away at the problems, with Albert looking over his shoulder and pointing out what must have been errors. Would wonders never cease?

Ben nudged Adam, and put his finger to his mouth. He motioned over toward Albert helping Joe with his homework, and Joe submitting willingly. Adam felt a mix of emotions - he was glad to see Joe was able to take schoolwork seriously enough to accept help, yet he was upset and jealous that it wasn't himself doing that for Joe.

Hoss was taking out the checkerboard, "Play ya Adam?" he offered, seeing a look that wasn't happy passing over Adam's face, not sure what it was, but figuring it had to do with what was happening at the table.

Adam looked over at Hoss, "Huh?" then, seeing the checkers out, "Oh, sure," he agreed.

Sitting down, the two elder Cartwright boys started a quiet game of checkers. Ben smiled looking at them, when they played it was so quiet, but when Joe played, it was always a loud event with his comments and movements and everything.

Before any of the Cartwrights could have figured, Joe put down his pencil, and stretched his arms above his head. Albert whispered into Joe's ear. Joe looked at him in surprise, then, looking over to Adam, playing checkers quietly with Hoss, nodded at Albert. He took up his homework and went over to stand behind Adam. When Adam didn't immediately recognize his being there, Joe cleared his throat loudly. Adam jumped and looked at Joe. "You cannot play until you have finished ALL of your homework Little Joe, you know that," he reprimanded his younger brother.

Joe looked crestfallen, "But I did finish it Adam, I just wanted to ask yata check it for me," he said.

Adam looked at Joe in disbelief. "You mean you finished ALL your homework this fast? What happened, is Miss Jones getting soft on you?"

Joe looked even more crestfallen, if that could be possible. Hoss noticed, "Aw, c'mon Adam, give him a break, if Joe says he finished it all, then he did," and looked at Ben, "Right Pa?"

Ben felt confused, it was rare for Little Joe to finish his homework so fast, but Albert had been helping him, and keeping him on target. "Why don't you look and see like he asked, Adam, before making any decisions," Ben said diplomatically.

Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose. "All right, but it had all better be there," he said, taking the proffered homework. Glancing over it, Adam saw the usual amount of homework had been done. Looking at it more carefully, he realized that all of it was correct, and neat too!

Joe shuffled his feet while awaiting Adam's verdict. He had really been hoping for praise from Adam, who had always been after him to take more care and more interest in his schoolwork. Finally, he couldn't take it any more, "Well, it's all there, ain't it?" he demanded.

Adam nodded, "It's all here Pa, and it looks like it's all correct too," he said in total shock.

Ben reached out his hand for the work, and Adam obliged. Joe looked at Adam, "Told ya so!" and stuck out his tongue.

Ben decided to ignore the disrespect at the moment, until he finished looking over the homework. It definitely was in Little Joe's handwriting, and was all correct. He looked at Joe, "This is very good. See what you can do when you set your mind to it?" he asked.

Joe nodded, "Albert helped explain it to me so I understood, not like Adam with his dictionary words," he explained.

Adam felt that jealous feeling come up again.

Albert saw Adam's feeling of jealousy and felt bad. He hadn't meant to come between the two brothers, he just wanted to help Joe finish his homework and he did what he would have done with any of his siblings. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interfere," he began, thinking back to the last time he had been involved in sibling rivalry and how it turned out.

Ben stopped him, "No, no, it's not a problem. We're just impressed that Little Joe managed to get all this done in such a short time period. Thank you," he added.

Hearing the words ‘Thank you,” Albert was snapped back to the present. “You’re welcome sir, it was a pleasure to help someone with their homework again – I miss that from home,” he admitted shyly.

Adam looked at Albert, and realized that it didn't matter who helped, if it meant Joe would begin to like school more and maybe continue his education. "Do you have as much expertise in doing accounts?" he asked.

Albert nodded shyly, "Well, I did help Pa with the accounts at the mill and in keeping track of the money at home," he said shyly.

Adam walked over to Ben's desk, "May I Pa?" he asked, with his hand over the ledger.

Ben nodded gratefully. If Albert would be willing to do the books, that would free him from the horrid task that weighted him down all the time. He looked at Albert, "Would you mind trying a page of the accounts for the Ponderosa?" he asked.

Joe looked at Ben and Adam, "Can I put my homework away?" he asked peevishly. He was still hoping Adam might give him some praise. Somehow it meant more coming from Adam since Pa gave it a lot more freely. Seeing Ben's glare, he added, "Please Pa?"

Ben nodded, and handed over Joe's homework. "This is very good - if you can keep this up for the remainder of the week, you can go fishing on Saturday afternoon instead of chores," he said, wanting to reward his son's diligence at schoolwork.

Joe nodded, "YES sir," he said. Then, he added slyly, "If Albert will help me," with a pleading look at Albert.

Ben added, "If Albert is willing, it's fine with me."

Albert smiled, "It's fine with me, I missed helping my sisters and brother with their homework when I was traveling."

Joe smiled happily and scampered upstairs to put away his homework and books. He came thundering back down, as Adam was sitting down with Albert to go over how the books were done at the Ponderosa. " Wanna play?" he asked Hoss, indicating the checkerboard.

Hoss nodded, and soon a game was underway.

Ben was very happy to see Albert fitting in, and being of so much help too. He settled down to his newspaper, hoping Albert was as good with the books as he was with Joe, and that the miracle with Joe would continue to occur.

An hour later, as the clock was chiming, Adam closed the books, "You are a natural at this Albert. If you don't mind," then he looked at Ben, "and Pa agrees," he continued, "it sure would be great if you could do the books for the Ponderosa."

Albert nodded, he missed mental work like he had done at school and was only too glad to do whatever was asked of him by this wonderful Cartwright family.

Ben nodded too, "I would be extremely grateful Albert. I must admit it's not one of my favourite chores," he admitted.

Albert nodded his head in return, "I don't mind sir, as long as I may work with one of you on it until I am comfortable with doing it myself?" he said.

Ben nodded, and Adam nodded too, this was definitely a responsible young man, they both felt simultaneously. "Of course," they said in unison and smiled.

Adam put the books away, and Albert took careful note so he could do it the next time, asking a few quiet questions to make sure he understood, which were answered readily by Adam.

Ben then looked at the clock, "Time for bed Joe," he said. Joe looked up with a complaint on his tongue. Albert looked at the clock and yawned. It was later than he was used to staying up at home. Pa would have sent the younger ones to bed an hour ago, and Albert usually went up within half an hour of them. "Is it all right if I go to bed now sir, or do you have other chores that need to be done?" he asked politely.

Joe looked at him in surprise, then at Adam too when Adam started yawning, and Hoss, getting the hint, started yawning too.

Ben smiled, "No, you can all go to bed, I think I'll turn in shortly myself."

"Good night sir."

"Good night Pa, Adam, Hoss"

"Good night Pa, Adam, Joe"

"Good night Pa, Hoss, Joe."

"Good night boys."

They all went up to the bunkroom and the three Cartwrights changed and went into bed. Joe watched Albert surreptitiously to see if he wore drawers in this weather or not. The answer made Joe smile. Albert changed, not realizing he was being watched, glad to not have to go elsewhere or wait for the girls to go behind the quilt in order to change, and kneeled down to pray, like he had promised Ma and Pa he would do wherever he was. Then they went to sleep.

Ben stopped in the room to check on the boys before going to bed. He retucked Joe in and kissed his head, then went to Hoss, and kissed his head, finally kissing Adam's head. None of the boys woke. Then, Ben looked at Albert, and sent a brief prayer that he would be as good as he seemed this first day.

The week passed, with Albert learning to do the books on his own, helping Hop Sing with a lot of the house chores, and helping with the barn chores as well. It seemed that no task was beneath him, not even darning socks, amazing and pleasing Ben, while making the 3 Cartwrights a bit jealous, some more than others.

On Friday morning, Joe was excited, he had managed to do well on his homeworks all week, and he knew it meant a free afternoon on Saturday. Unfortunately, Mitch and the rest of his friends were restricted due to bad reports from school, so there was no one to go fishing with. Still, having no chores to do would be a welcome break.

Adam and Hoss were preparing to go fix fences in the pastures, and do some other routine chores. Ben needed to go to town to take care of some errands, and looked to Joe. "I'll ride in with you today Little Joe, I have some things I need to take care of in town," he said.

Joe almost groaned, but managed to swallow it in time, not wanting to get Pa angry today, he wanted his afternoon off tomorrow. "Yes sir," he said without much enthusiasm. It was embarrassing to be seen riding to school with his Pa.

Ben noticed the look, "You're not in trouble Little Joe, I just wanted to spend some time with you, maybe check with Miss Jones on how your schoolwork has been this week," he said.

Hoss nodded, "Yeah, we don't wanna have to do ya work fer ya if ya ain't earned it," he joked.

Little Joe was about to come back with a sharp retort when he saw Hoss' big smile.

"Oh, all right," he conceded, "it will be nice to have a good report coming from Miss Jones for a change," he said.

Ben then looked at Albert. His face had reddened up, and was starting to turn to tan, "I think we need to get you a hat," he said.

Albert looked down. He was embarrassed at not having a hat like everyone else, but hadn't wanted to say anything. "It's okay sir, I'm fine like this," he said.

Adam looked at Albert, "We treat all our hands fair, and you need a hat to keep the sun off of you."

Ben added, "I've let it go too long, and I'm sorry, I hadn't realized how much you were getting burned."

Albert felt even more embarrassed at all this attention from his employer. "Thank you sir," he said at last, knowing Pa didn't like him taking charity, but not knowing if this constituted charity or not.

Hop Sing had heard this conversation, "You take boy today get hat. Hop Sing give list for store, boy get all things Hop Sing need, and get hat. Need keep boy healthy he big help Hop Sing."

At this point Albert admitted defeat. He had really come to respect and admire Hop Sing, and if Hop Sing felt this was a necessary purchase, then he would go along. He had become quite fond of the Chinese man. Pa and Ma had brought him up to not be prejudiced, and he always seemed to have an affinity for relations with people of other races / religions, like the Jewish carpenter he had worked for who died. Now he was becoming a good friend of Hop Sing, and unbeknown to Little Joe, he was picking up Chinese from Hop Sing. It had been a mutual decision between him and Hop Sing to not let Little Joe know right away, in case Little Joe got jealous. Albert was enjoying learning a new language, and had even begun to learn a few of the easier characters from Hop Sing, as well as gaining a basic understanding of the speech in under a week.

Albert had a feeling that Hop Sing knew a lot more than he let on, he was almost positive that Hop Sing knew he had studied medicine and still had a hidden desire to know more about it - after all, Hop Sing was always discussing the medical uses of the herbs they gathered, and other things as they came up. All without any mention of what was being done, Albert was learning a lot about Chinese medicine from Hop Sing. Maybe he had shown some interest somehow without realizing it? Albert figured he'd never know how Hop Sing did it.

So, Albert was set up with a horse, and rode with Ben and Little Joe to town. Ben held back, and let Joe go to school first, and then went in himself, while Joe was in the stable, to talk to Miss Jones. "You might as well come with me, Albert, it won't take but a minute, and then we can get our chores done in town," he said.

Albert nodded. He was slightly interested in what the schoolhouse looked like out here, and knew Laura and Ma would be very interested. It would be nice to have something to share with them in the next letter he wrote. He had been finding that writing a letter home each week wasn't as bad as he had expected. For the trip, he had written about all the places he'd seen, people he'd met on the train. Now he'd have something else to write about. He was still waiting his first letter from home, missing everyone terribly, but knowing it would take a while for his first letter from the Ponderosa to reach Walnut Grove, after all, he was just mailing it out today, so his family did not even know where to reach him.

They entered the schoolhouse and saw Miss Jones writing on the blackboard. Ben cleared his throat, and Abigail turned around.

"Mr. Cartwright, how nice to see you," she said, glancing behind him to see if Adam was with his father. She didn't see Adam, but she did see a younger man behind Ben.

Ben nodded to her, "Miss Jones," then, noting her glance at Albert, "This is my, uh, nephew Albert, he's staying by us on the Ponderosa."

Albert blushed a little, this was the first time Ben had ever mentioned their relationship since that first time with the Bible. Ben noticed the blush and made a note to discuss the topic with Albert on the way back to the Ponderosa.

"Nice to meet you Miss Jones," Albert said, putting out his hand.

Abigail took his hand, "Likewise," she said, flirtingly, though he looked a little young. "Will you be joining our school?" she asked.

Ben answered for him, "No, I'm afraid he won't be taking advantage of your wonderful education Miss Jones, he already graduated from school back home."

Abigail looked crestfallen.

Albert added, "I'm sorry to be missing out learning from such a wonderful teacher," politely.

Abigail smiled at the compliment. "Why, thank you," she said.

Ben turned the conversation to the reason he was there. He could understand why Adam didn't like talking to Miss Jones, he already had an idea before, but this was horrid - she was flirting with someone the same age as one of her eldest students. He figured he'd either have to talk to Albert about Miss Jones, or have Adam do so. Ben decided to have Adam do it - he didn't want the embarrassment of it. "Miss Jones, I'm here to find out how Little Joe has been doing in his schoolwork this week," he explained.

Abigail turned to Ben, "Why, he's been doing just wonderful Mr. Cartwright. I've never seen him do so well on his homework or in school before - what miracle has happened?" she asked.

"I'm glad to hear that Miss Jones," Ben said, avoiding the second part of her statement. "He's been working very hard at home, and I'm glad to see it's paying off," then, wanting to end the conversation, "Thank you much ma'am. We need to get going, and I'm sure you want to finish up what you were doing before the school day starts."

Miss Jones got flustered, "Oh, of course," she said. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Albert."

"The pleasure was all mine," he said with a smile. He was glad Ben hadn't mentioned his part in Joe's improvement, he didn't want to make Adam jealous of him or anything.

Ben put his hand on Albert's shoulder to lead him out, "Good day Miss Jones."

"Good day Mr. Cartwright," Abigail said, and turned back to her work. She made a mental note to ask Little Joe about this stranger staying at his house - how old he was, if he had a girlfriend back home, what he did. Of course she would always love Adam foremost, but it wouldn't hurt Adam to have a little competition.

Ben and Albert left the schoolhouse and headed to do Ben’s errands. As they were walking down the street, Albert cleared his throat. “Uh, Mr. Cartwright?” he asked tentatively.

“Yes?” Ben responded, wondering what caused this young man to be so scared all of a sudden.

“I kind of promised my Pa I’d write home every week. Is there a place I might mail this week’s letter sir?”

Ben almost laughed with relief. “Of course, I wanted to pick up the mail for the Ponderosa anyways.”

Ben’s errands were soon completed, including the mailing of the letter, and depositing some of Albert’s money in his own account at the bank, at the insistence of Ben who felt it would be better for the money to be earning some interest rather than sitting alone in the Ponderosa. At the explanation of Ben, Albert readily agreed, seeing the sense in his arguments.

At each stop, Ben had made sure to introduce Albert as his nephew coming to work at the Ponderosa. He wanted to make sure that Albert didn’t get any trouble, and also that Albert would be able to do errands for the Ponderosa the same as his boys. Ben was so happy to have a relative of Marie’s living with him at last. And none of his sons seemed to sense anything wrong about Albert, and the telegraph that Ben had picked up first thing from Walnut Grove proved that all Albert had said about himself was true. In fact, Mr. Ingalls had only had good things to say about Albert’s work ethics and everything else. It seemed that Albert indeed had worked in the office at the mill, at the mill itself, in the kitchen of a restaurant, doing menial work at the blind school, taking over the school occasionally, and apprenticing with the town’s doctor.The telegraph from the town’s doctor hadn’t proved nearly as enlightening – all Doctor Baker had said was that Albert completed his apprenticeship and would make a wonderful doctor. Nothing was said that might lead to understanding why Albert refused to mention this skill of his. Ben would be sure to talk to Adam about this at some point today.

Finally, they were at the store. Ben picked out a hat for Albert at Albert’s insistence that Ben knew the merchandise better than he. Albert tried to pay for his own hat, but lost the battle of wills with Ben, to the amusement of the others in the store. Throughout the battle Albert had remained calm, polite, and respectful, but determined. Unfortunately for Albert, Ben was more determined.

Seeing as it was only an hour before school let out, and Ben was feeling more than ready for a late lunch, he led Albert to the International. “Let’s go grab a bite to eat and then we can ride home with Little Joe,” he offered to Albert.

Albert looked to where Ben was pointing, and shuddered. He didn’t feel comfortable going into such a place as a customer – he didn’t have enough money to spend on food and he didn’t want Mr. Cartwright to feel obligated to pay for him. “That’s okay sir, I’d like to walk around and see the town a little if that’s okay with you sir?”

Ben nodded.It seemed Albert and Little Joe had more than their looks in common – their eating levels were similar. Though, Little Joe had never turned down a chance for a meal at the International before. “If you’re sure,” he said, not positive how to read this quiet, polite young man.

“Yes sir,” Albert said with relief.

Ben nodded again. “I’ll meet you outside the schoolhouse in an hour,” he instructed.

“Yes sir, Thank you,” Albert said, and started walking around the town. Ben went into the International and ate lunch.

Albert went over to by the schoolhouse and sat down by the horses. He reached into his pocket and took out a pencil and scrap of paper. He figured he’d use this time to start his next letter home. Though he figured Pa was only joking about coming after him if a letter was missing, Albert didn’t want to risk it. Pa didn’t need to take all that time and effort, not to mention money, to check on him when it wasn’t necessary. Also, Albert admitted to himself, he missed his family and felt a little closer to them when he could write a letter. He could just see in his head the family gathered around the table for supper, and he knew that Ma and Pa would be waiting for after the meal to read the letter.He wasn’t sure how James would be feeling, but he knew that Carrie would be dying to hear his news. And maybe Ma would have stopped off and invited Laura and Almanzo, Mary and Adam over to visit after supper to hear the news. Albert knew he wasn’t that important to cause such a stir, but the family loved any reason to get together anyways. Hopefully a letter would come soon. Maybe he’d save up his money and as a Christmas present send home a telegram to his family of a few words for the holiday.

Albert didn’t know exactly how true his imagining was – that evening the Ingalls family, the Wilders, and the Kendalls, and Hester Sue of course, were sitting around the table in the little house on the prairie. Supper was over, dishes were cleared, and the adults were enjoying a last cup of coffee.Pa had taken out the letter from the top of the mantelpiece and given it to Laura. “Would you read it aloud half-pint?” he asked his daughter, as he got his pipe off the mantelpiece as well.

Laura sat up off Almanzo’s lap on the rocker, and stood to get the best light. Carrie quickly brought over the extra lantern to help Laura to see better. Laura took a hairpin from her bun, and carefully slit open the envelope. “Are you sure you want me to read it Ma?” she asked again.

Caroline simply nodded at her. Laura unfolded the letter carefully, in case Albert had slipped anything inside. It was a good thing she did – a few dried flowers fell into her outstretched hand. She passed them over to Mary for her to feel and see where Albert had been. Mary shared them with Adam whom she was sitting on, then they passed it to the rest of the family.

Laura started to read the letter:

“Dear Ma and Pa and everyone else,

It has been only one day since I left Walnut Grove, yet it feels like forever.I miss all of you so much – the rush in the mornings, the crowded table, Pa’s fiddle, everything. I am glad to be on my way to something new, and I have hope that I will find the Cartwrights Mr. Edwards had told us about.

Well, this rest is about to end, so I’ll continue this letter the next time we have a stopover.

We are now in another state, I’m sure when you came West it was nowhere near this fast or smooth a trip. There are so few bumps, it is nothing like riding in the back of a wagon. The book you gave me is wonderful, I am enjoying reading it when there is light and the scenery is monotonous. It helps the time to pass and keeps my mind from missing all of you as I do every minute of every day.

I just made the acquaintance of my seatmate. The L-rd sure works in mysterious ways – my seatmate is Adam Cartwright, of the Cartwrights Mr. Edwards told us about. He has offered me a job when we arrive. I am so thankful.

The train is loading again, so I must end here.

May you be well and healthy, you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Respectfully yours,

Albert Quinn Ingalls.



Laura passed the letter to Ma’s outstretched hand. The letter was written in Albert’s perfect copperplate handwriting, just as all his homework assignments were. Laura had to take out her handkerchief to wipe the tears from her eyes. It had seemed as if Albert was in the room with them.

Pa finally broke the silence, “I’m so thankful that Albert met a Cartwright on the way West. It should make his trip and finding a job so much easier. The L-rd truly works in mysterious ways.”

Ma managed to control her quiet tears of missing Albert, “Yes Charles, He certainly does.”


“Albert?Albert?”

Albert was jostled back to Virginia City by Little Joe’s shaking him.“What? Oh, is school out already?” he asked, trying to remember where he was.

“We just got out. You looked like you were a million miles away. Are you okay?Should I get someone?”

“No, I’m fine, thanks,” Albert answered. “How’d school go today?Any homework?” he asked, trying to gain a few seconds to gather himself from those memories he had been having.

“Awww, it was school, how good could it be? But I got a good report for Pa from Miss Jones, so I can go fishing tomorrow after lunch. Wanna come?” he offered graciously.

“That’s great. I’m glad for you,” Albert praised Joe. “But why don’t you ask Adam to go with you? I think he misses being with you,” Albert said diplomatically. Albert loved fishing, but he also knew that he didn’t want to cause any more of a rift between the two brothers. Adam had spoken with such pride of Joe, and how their relationship had taken so long to fix after Adam’s being in Boston for college.

Joe looked so downcast that Albert had a hard time keeping from laughing, “It’s not that I don’t want to go with you, it’s just that I think your brother is feeling a little, well, jealous of my helping you with your homework. I think he enjoyed doing it, though he may not have seemed like he did. Why don’t you try to spend some time with him? I promise I’ll join you next time,” Albert offered.

Joe seemed to be thinking about it, and was still thinking when Ben came up.“Sorry it took me so long, I got into a business conversation. Ready to leave?” he asked.

Joe and Albert mounted up, “Yes sir,” they replied, almost in unison. Ben mounted up as well and led the way.

As they were leaving town, Ben turned to Little Joe, “I had a pleasant conversation with Miss Jones about you,” he said.

Joe started to fidget. Usually a conversation starting like this ended with ‘consequences.’ He didn’t like those.

Ben laughed at Joe’s squirming. “Anything I should know about son?”

Joe thought hard. “I don’t think so Pa,” hoping Miss Jones hadn’t mentioned that paper fight he had started during recess this week when it was raining out.

Ben laughed again, “It was a good conversation Joseph. I wish all my conversations with that woman were so pleasant and swift.”

Joe smiled, “Me too Pa,” he said earnestly.

“So make it that way,” Ben said, stopping the joking.

“I’ll try Pa,” Joe promised.

Ben tried to bring the light mood back, he didn’t want his youngest to be upset with such great news. “So, what are your plans for tomorrow afternoon?”

Joe thought. “Can I go fishing?”

“May I go fishing?” Ben automatically corrected.

“If you really wanna come too ya can Pa,” Joe offered innocently.

Ben groaned, and Albert almost joined him under his breath. If Laura or Ma had ever heard him speak like that he would have been in trouble. “Thank you Joseph, I think I might.”

“Pa?” Joe asked, figuring he should take Albert’s advice. After all, everything else the man had told him so far seemed to be working in Joe’s favour.

“Yes son?”

“Is it alright if Adam comes?”

Ben looked at Joe, thought for a moment, and decided to agree. “Sure, why don’t we all take the afternoon off and enjoy a picnic lunch and fishing and maybe some swimming at the lake?”

Joe got all excited, “Really Pa? That would be great!”Then he remembered, “Albert too?” he asked hopefully.

“If he wants to,” Ben offered, looking at Albert.

Albert felt shy under their stares. “If you’re sure you can spare me from the work sir, and Hop Sing doesn’t need my help, I’d be honoured to join you,” he responded finally.

Then the Ponderosa was reached. As Ben got off his horse, Albert was standing waiting to take both mounts in to care for them.Joe took Cochise in to care for her and the two worked in companionable silence at the barn chores.Joe barely complained when Adam and Hoss came in towards the end of the chores. “Glad to see ya came back in time for supper,” he groused.Then, realizing Albert really had done most of the work, “Guess what,” he cried, before his brothers could say a word about his attitude.

“What little buddy?” Hoss asked, hoping to keep Adam from responding to the comment by Joe.

“Pa said we can go fishing and picnic and swimming tomorrow ‘ cuz Miss Jones gave me a good report this morning,” Joe bubbled out.

Hoss looked at Joe with pride, “Great job little buddy. I was hoping for some fish for supper tomorrow.” Then he looked at Albert, “You’ve never seen what Hop Sing can do with fish – it’s great!” he boasted.

Joe looked towards Adam, hoping for some sign of recognition of all the work Joe had done.After all, Adam was always after him to do good in school.

Adam managed, “Good job,” at a nudge from Hoss. Then he turned to walk to the house. Albert went to follow him.

Hoss kept Joe in the barn, “I think Albert wants to try to fix things up with Adam, why don’t we finish up out here and let them talk?” he said.

Joe nodded and finished up the chores with Hoss.

While Joe and Hoss were busy in the barn, Albert caught up to Adam. He really respected this man who had given him a job at first meeting. Albert did not want to cause any rifts in this seemingly wonderful family. Albert remembered how he felt when it seemed like James was coming between him and Pa, and he didn’t like that feeling. How much worse must Adam feel since Adam was the one who invited Albert here?

“Uh, Adam?” he asked tentatively.

“What?” Adam almost snapped at Albert. Then he realized, “Sorry, it’s been a rough day for me,” he explained almost sheepishly.

“I was wondering if we could talk?” Albert said, even more tentatively if possible, not sure how to start this type of conversation with an almost stranger.

Adam really wanted to be alone to stew about Joe’s abandoning him for Albert, but he realized that was not the best way to deal with this. Pa always said to face your problems or else they would become worse. “Sure,” he said unconvincingly. “What’s up?” he asked wearily.

Albert started to fidget. This was harder than he thought.Then he remembered Pa always saying that nothing could be done if no one knew what was wrong. “Uh, it’s … well … I’m sorry if I’m coming between you and Joe …”

Adam was amazed. How did Albert know this was bothering him? He nodded and motioned for Albert to continue.

“I didn’t mean to – it’s just, well … he asked me for help …I know you value homework and schooling – just like I do – and I figured it would be best to help him if he asked. I didn’t mean to usurp your position or anything. If you want me to, I’ll stop helping him,” Albert managed to finish, somehow managing to get it all out.

Adam was staring at Albert in amazement. He thought for a moment or two.“No, I’m glad Little Joe is taking an interest in schooling,” he said finally, not sure how much more he wanted to expose of himself to this stranger. True they had shared a lot on the trip West, but still …”I kind of just wish it had been me to show him the good of an education,” he finally said so softly that Albert could barely hear.

Albert felt horrid. “I’m so sorry. Do you want me to stop helping him? Maybe now he’ll accept help from you more?” he offered sincerely.

Adam shook his head. “No, he’s right, I’m a bit too serious and stiff to be able to help him with his schoolwork. I really am glad he’s taking an interest, even if it’s not because of me. It just hurts a bit,” Adam managed to admit. He was shocked at himself. How was he able to talk to this stranger more about his feelings than anyone else he ever knew, for much longer?

Albert looked at Adam, almost wanting to put his arm around him like he did with James sometimes. But he restrained himself, from what he had seen of Adam, he knew Adam was not demonstrative at the best of times. “I’m sure it does.I remember when James came to live with us, and he started taking time from Pa away from me, and Carrie started looking to him for help instead of me, and Laura and Mary had him come to help with stuff instead of me. It really hurt,” he admitted, amazed that he could since he had only recently exposed these feelings to Pa at Christmas during his outburst.

Adam looked at Albert in amazement, seeing the tears forming in his eyes, almost like looking in a mirror. This boy really did know more about what Adam was going through than he thought. Maybe he would become a good friend despite the difference in ages. Ever since college back East, Adam had missed having someone he could talk to, and Albert seemed like he might be the one to take the place. “I’m sorry,” was all he could get out. “Is that why Little Joe asked me to go fishing with him?” he asked suddenly realizing what might have been behind that offer.

Albert tried to be diplomatic. “He and I discussed it, and came to the decision that he should spend time alone with you, he really does miss being with you. He wanted to feel approval from you over the improvement in his grades too,” Albert said, trying not to sound accusing.

Adam rubbed his nose, “and I didn’t give it, did I?” He came to a decision, “I think I’ll go ask Pa if Joe can come with me to town tonight, so we can spend some time alone. Do you mind?I’ll take you in another time,” he said.

Albert nodded. He had wanted to see what a town was like at night, but brotherly relations were much more important, “Not at all. I saw a book in your bookcase that I’d like to read, if I might borrow it tonight?” he asked.

Adam nodded with a smile, how diplomatic this young man was. Must have come from living in such a small house, with just a loft, a main room and a bedroom, and so many children. “Of course, feel free to help yourself,” he offered graciously. “And if you’d like to unpack your books onto it, you can feel welcome – Joe knows better than to touch any of the books on there without my permission. I’m sure yours will receive the same respect,” Adam offered, knowing Albert still kept most of his belongings in his trunk for lack of a place to put them.

Albert was pleasantly surprised at such an offer. “Thank you, I greatly appreciate it.”

Then Hoss and Joe came in, and Hop Sing called the family in for the meal. Albert quickly went to help Hop Sing bring out supper and set the table.

During the meal, the topic of the night’s activities for the family came up.Albert admitted to being tired and wanting to stay home with a book. Adam looked at Ben, “Pa? I was wondering, if it’s alright with you, if I could take Joe to town with me?” Seeing Ben’s face, he hurried on, “I promise it will be a short night, but I’d like to spend some time with him,” he explained, “And reward him for such wonderful work at school this past week,” he finished, with a smile at Joe.

Joe squirmed with pleasure at such rare praise from Adam. Ben saw this, and figured it wouldn’t hurt this once, “If your brother wants, to, it’s fine,” he said, and Joe started nodding his head vigorously, “With a few conditions,” Ben quickly added.

Adam nodded, he figured he knew what they were. Joe too nodded, anything to be able to go to town with his older brother.

“First, only one beer for each of you – total,” Ben started.

Adam was a bit shocked at the limit on himself, figuring Pa knew he could handle his alcohol, but anything to heal this rift that he himself felt and rid himself of the guilt he was feeling.

“Second,” Ben continued, “No cards, and be home by eleven,” he finished.

Adam nodded, “Yes sir, one beer each, no cards, and home by eleven. That’s fair,” he conceded. This would put a bit of a damper on his evening, but for one evening, and to assuage this horrid feeling of guilt he had, it would be worth it.

Joe nodded, “Yes sir,” he agreed readily.

“One more thing for you Joseph,” Ben continued sternly.

Joe squirmed under the glare of his father’s eyes.

Ben continued, “Adam is in charge, anything he says goes. If I hear of even one bit of misbehaviour you won’t be going to town again at night for a very long time, do I make myself clear?” he asked sternly.

Joe squirmed again. He hated being treated like a little kid. But anything to be able to go to town on a Friday night. “Yes sir, I understand.”

Ben then turned to Hoss, “What about your plans for tonight?”

Hoss stretched luxuriously, “Well, I believe Hop Sing has some extra pie in the kitchen that’s been calling me, a hot fire, and maybe we can make popcorn?” he asked slyly.

Ben nodded, “That sounds good to me son.” Then he turned to Albert, “Care to join us?”

Albert nodded, “I’ll read in the room with you if you don’t mind sir,” he said politely.

Ben nodded back, wishing he could get this boy to be a little less stiff, but that would take time. Maybe tonight he could do something about it.

Seeing as everyone was done eating, Albert started clearing the table and bringing out dessert and coffee.

As soon as coffee and dessert was done, Albert started clearing the table, Adam and Joe went to get ready for the night on the town, and Hoss headed for the fire to build it up. Ben leaned back and indulged himself in a few moments of contented reflection on how things were turning out.

Joe came thundering down the stairs, followed by Adam at a more leisurely pace.“C’mon Adam, we ain’t got much time, and I wanna spend as much as possible in town,” he urged his older brother.

Ben raised his eyebrows at Joe, then turned to Adam, not wanting to put a shadow on this joyous night of Joe’s. “Got your watch wound?” he asked.

Adam nodded his head, patting his pocket. “YesPa. Back by ten, one beer each, no card playing,” he reiterated Ben’s words back.

Ben nodded, “Joseph? Remember those, and especially that Adam is in charge tonight. If I hear of any ‘occurrences’ this will be your last night trip to town for a long time, understand?”

Joe nodded his head. “ YesPa. ” He was raring to go, but didn’t want to give Pa any reason to take away this trip, so he tried to stay polite.

“Then have a good time you two,” Ben said, waving them off. He laughed at the way Joe raced to the barn, with Adam a good ten paces behind.

Albert finished helping Hop Sing in the kitchen, as far as Hop Sing would accept help in the kitchen, and returned to the main room with a large book in his hands. He had decided to take Adam up on the offer of borrowing a book, and had slipped upstairs while Adam was changing to borrow one. It was such a pleasure to have new reading material available to him, and not ‘girly’ stuff either like Laura was always offering him.

Then, realizing what day it was, Albert sighed, and put the book to the side. He took out a sheet of paper, ink and pen, and started his weekly letter home.

Dear Pa and Ma and everyone else,

It has been two weeks since I’ve arrived at the Ponderosa with the Cartwrights, and while you all are constantly in my mind and my heart, I feel like I have come to a place I can belong at. The family is so nice, they have accepted me as one of the family rather than as a ranchhand . I think this might be due to the fact that my mother and Little Joe’s mother (I’ll explain who he later) were sisters.

Let me describe this family to you. There is Ben Cartwright, the father of the family, and the owner of the Ponderosa. Then, there are three sons, Adam, Eric (who everyone calls Hoss – I haven’t figured out why yet), and Joe (who everyone calls Little Joe). Each of the brothers had a different mother, each one having died. Adam is 26 years old, he went back East to college to study architecture and engineering.He is very intelligent and serious.Hoss (I can’t think of him as Eric since no one ever calls him that, though I know it is considered rude to do so to an elder) is 20 years old, though he looks much older, probably because of his large build.He is very strong, but also kind and caring – he is so tender with the animals or anyone who is in need of help. Joe is three years younger than me, he’s 14 years old, so I feel kind of weird calling him Little Joe.However, everyone, even his classmates, call him Little Joe, so I’m not sure if I’m insulting him or not.He is a real troublemaker, but he means well, kind of like Willie Oleson – they’d get along great but I’d be real feared of what they could do together.

The Ponderosa is so huge – it seems it’s bigger than Walnut Grove but I can’t be sure. The Ponderosa house makes the Oleson’s home look like a sod hut or a shanty.I was so amazed when I first saw it.But the Cartwrights are very down to earth. They don’t flaunt their wealth like Nellie, Nancy and Mrs. Oleson . If you didn’t know they were from the Ponderosa, you wouldn’t think they were rich at all.

There’s another person who lives in the house, his name is Hop Sing – he’s from China .He does the cooking and cleaning and stuff for the Cartwrights. I guess not having a wife or mother makes this need a bit stronger. I’m not sure, but I think Hop Sing might be happy that I came – Mr. Cartwright (Ben) assigned me to help out Hop Sing in his chores every day. Not exactly what I saw myself doing out West, but whatever is asked of me, I do with a smile, just like you told me to. I have gotten much better at cooking, Hop Sing has been teaching me, and I’ve even done some sewing and laundry.

All my time is not spent helping Hop Sing though. I also have chores out on the ranch proper. I get to work with the horses and do some woodwork too. Admittedly, the woodwork is not the fancy things like I did with you Pa, or during my apprenticeship, usually, but more like fence mending. Still it’s a new experience and I’m enjoying it. The Cartwrights capture or purchase untamed horses and then tame them. From what I’ve seen and heard, though Joe is the smallest, he is also the best at taming the wild horses, though no one has told him that yet. I do know that he is the one assigned to teach me about the horses. I decided to act like I don’t know much at all, and to let him teach me everything, even the mending of harnesses, so to make him feel better. He is younger so I want to make him feel like he can teach me, a newcomer, something.He seems to enjoy it, and I don’t mind relearning the things – a lot of it is done differently here than at home anyways, and Joe is fun to spend time with, being with him reminds me of being with a combination of James and Willie.

Also, and this should make you proud, I have been given the task of keeping the ledger updated. It seems that Mr. Cartwright and Adam both prefer to do other things, and I enjoy the mental activity of performing the sums in the ledger. I practiced for a few days with Adam, and now I am able to do the task alone. I cannot talk about the sums that I do, for I fear that would be invading the privacy and taking advantage of the trust the Cartwrights have put in me. But I will say that the sums are equal to the ones Laura, oops I mean Mrs. Wilder, assigned during my last year at school.

I have my Braille slate with me, Mary, and will write a letter to you next week for you and Adam to share with the family. I hope this is alright with Ma and Pa, that I make one letter each month a Braille one so that Mary and Adam can read it for themselves, with all my mistakes.

The Cartwrights attend church most Sundays, but not all, as it is a long trip to the nearest church and sometimes it just isn’t feasible. The Sundays we do not go, I make sure to read the Bible, learn a text, and not do any unnecessary work.This is sometimes hard, as there are many animals on the ranch that need care. I know that the care of an animal comes before the Sabbath rules, so I hope you understand my performing work on the Sabbath when necessary.

I am hoping to keep up with my learning, as Adam has a large collection of books, both from college and novels. He has graciously offered me the use of any of his books whenever I wish. I plan to take him up on this offer, and have offered him any of my few books in return.A poor trade, I know, but it was the best I could offer.

I hope all of you are well and in good health. I miss all of you and wish I were back home with you. Please give my regards to Doc Baker, the Garveys , and Willie Oleson.

Your obedient son,

Albert Quinn Ingalls.

Albert sealed the envelope, and addressed it home. He put it away safely to be mailed the next time he was in town, and put away his ink and pen as well. Then he sat down with a sigh of relief to read the book Adam had so graciously loaned him.Ben was reading the newspaper, grateful that he could afford a daily paper, and Hoss was enjoying time to simply sit.

Seeing as Albert had finished his letter, Hoss spoke up. “Hey Albert,” he said.

Albert looked up from the book. He had barely started, but he was used to this at home, it seemed every time he started a book there was something needing to be done or someone needing attention.“Yes?” he asked, managing to hide his annoyance from years of practice.

“Is there any of that cherry pie left?” Hoss asked hopefully.

Albert thought for a moment. “I believe so.Would you like a piece?” he offered.

Hoss nodded, “Yeah, but I’ll go fer it. Ya want some Pa, Albert?” he offered.

Ben lifted his head from the paper. “Huh?” he asked.He had been reading with great concentration a story of a timber contract that he was following closely.

“Want some pie?” Hoss offered again.

“Thank you son, that would be nice,” Ben answered, turning back to his paper.

“Albert?”

“Sure, I’ll come with you. I could do with a bit of coffee with that pie. I think there’s still some left.” he said, placing the book carefully aside and hopping up to help Hoss.

The two young men went into the kitchen in search of more food. Though how anyone could want more food after all that wonderful food Hop Sing had cooked was still a weird sensation to Albert. He was glad there was always food here on the Ponderosa, it was a nice change from being at home where food was sometimes something that was a rare thing. The life of a farmer dependent on the environment was much different than a rancher’s life it seemed.Sometimes, though, Albert wished he could pack up some of his food and send it to his family in Walnut Grove – an impossible dream, but one he indulged in occasionally anyways.

The pie was soon split among three plates, and coffee poured in three cups, with sugar and milk as preferred by each proposed drinker. The two men carried all the food, forks, and napkins out, and shared it around before sitting down to enjoy all the food. When the dishes were cleaned of food, Albert collected them and took them to the kitchen to wash and put away, not wanting Hop Sing to wake to find dirty dishes.

Hoss looked to Ben, “Pa, can I ask ya a question?”

Ben looked at Hoss, “Sure, you know that,” he said reassuringly, wondering what was bothering Hoss.

Hoss played with his hands a bit before coming out with the question, “Pa, do ya think Joe likes Albert more than me?” he asked finally.

Ben looked at Hoss in surprise. He wondered where this had come from. Then, thinking back, he realized that Joe was spending less time with his brothers now that Albert was here.It wasn’t Albert’s fault, Ben realized that Albert was trying every chance he could to send Joe back to his brothers, and Joe was sometimes listening. Then Ben turned back to Hoss, “No, I don’t think so. Hoss, you know you are his brother, and he loves you. Albert is someone new, nearer to his age, and you know how Joseph is with new things – he becomes obsessed.I’m sure he’ll spend more time with you soon,” Ben tried to reassure Hoss.

Hoss looked at Ben, “Pa, I know that it ain’t Albert’s fault, I see him all the time trying to push Joe back to me and Adam, but I still wonder.”

Ben looked at Hoss with concern. It was rare for his middle son to fear any separation from his younger brother. He thought for a moment.“You know what Hoss?”

Hoss looked at Ben, “What Pa?” he asked worriedly.

Ben smiled at the worried look on Hoss’ face. “It’s nothing bad.I was just thinking,” he continued as he saw the worry leave Hoss’ face, “Why don’t I put you and Joe to work together tomorrow morning, and you can talk to him about it then, I’ll make sure Albert is busy here, or if you want you can talk to him so he knows what’s going on, and then you and Joe can spend the morning together before we go on the picnic for lunch.”

Hoss’s face brightened by a large smile. “That’d be great Pa, thanks. I’ll go talk to Albert now, if ya don’t think he’d mind?”

Ben smiled at Hoss’ cheerful face. “Nah, I don’t think he’d mind,” he reassured his son. “I’m going to call it a night. I don’t think I’ll sleep before your brothers get home, but at least I’ll be comfortable.”

Hoss nodded, “Good night Pa,” he said politely as required, then went in search of Albert.He found Albert in the kitchen, finishing up the dishes. “Hi Albert,” Hoss said nervously.

Albert turned, Hoss sounded like one of his siblings when they needed to talk about something uncomfortable. “Hi,” he replied, putting down the dish he was wiping, and drying his hands.

Hoss stood a bit uncomfortably, trying to figure out how to start this conversation. “ Uhm, well, I was wondering, …” Hoss was having a hard time getting this out.

Albert waited patiently, figuring whatever it was that would come out was really bothering Hoss.

Hoss appreciated Albert’s silence, and finally managed to get out his question, “I’m kinda worried … it feels like Joe likes ya more than me …. I know it’s silly …”

Albert interrupted, “It’s not silly, I felt that way when Ma and Pa adopted James and Cassandra. I didn’t mean to make it seem like that. I’m sure it’s just the novelty. I’ll try to push him more back at you if you want,” he offered.

Hoss rubbed his hair, trying to figure this out if this would work. He finally figured it wouldn’t hurt. “If ya wouldn’t mind, I’d be most appreciative,” he said.

Albert smiled at Hoss, and held out his hand, to shake, “I’ll start tomorrow,” he offered.

Hoss smiled back, “Thanks,” and shook Albert’s hand.

Albert yawned, stretched, and said, “I think I’ll go to bed, if your Pa doesn’t need anything else tonight.”

Hoss couldn’t believe the politeness of this youngster. “I don’t believe so, he already went to bed,” he assured Albert.

Albert nodded his thanks. “Goodnight Hoss,” he said.

“’Night Albert, I think I’ll turn in too” responded Hoss, following Albert up the stairs to bed.

Adam and Joe came back, and quietly let themselves in the house, seeing as no lights were on.

“See, I told ya we coulda stayed in town longer,” Joe said to Adam, “No one’s up,” as his jaw dropped at the sight of Ben at the top of the stairs.

“Have a good time?” Ben asked, with raised eyebrow.

“YesPa , it was so exciting to see the town on a Friday night,” Joe gushed on, hoping Pa hadn’t heard his earlier statement.

Adam gave a worn out grin, and added, “It was an experience to see it through new eyes like Joe’s.”

Ben smiled at the two of them, “I’m glad to see you’re home on time boys. Joe, it’s past your bedtime, so go to bed please.”

Joe was about to protest, he wasn’t tired, when a large yawn betrayed him. Darn his body – doing things he didn’t want it to do. “Good night Pa, ‘night Adam,” he said. Then, seeing Pa’s glance, “Thanks for taking me tonight Adam.” He went up the stairs, yawning and stretching the entire way, he really was more tired than he wanted to admit. Soon, he was fast asleep in bed, Bo in his arms, blankets already all twisted up.

Ben waited until the door of the bunkroom was shut. “So, how was it really Adam?” he asked, wanting to hear the story from this side.

Adam gave Ben a look, and Ben walked over to the brandy snifter. “Am I going to need one to hear this story?” he asked Adam somewhat jokingly.

Adam shook his head, “Nah Pa, it wasn’t that bad. Joe and I mainly sat and talked, had a beer each, and then he tricked me into ordering him two sarsaparillas as well,” seeing Ben’s face, Adam hurried to reassure him, “It’s okay, I really didn’t mind.It was nice to be having fun with him for a change.We got some stuff hashed out, and had some fun, it was worth.”

Ben smiled, “I’m glad it went so well son,” he said.

Adam yawned and stretched, “However, I think I am going to follow Joe and go to bed, I’m worn out and want my energy for tomorrow. Somehow, I think I’m having a contest with someone in terms of amount of fish caught.”

Ben was glad it was such a productive night. He had been worried about his eldest and youngest being alone together, in a bar, in town, away from any other family who might keep their flaming tempers from exploding.“I think I’ll go back to bed too son,good night.”

“Good night Pa,” Adam said, heading to the bunkroom.

Before anyone could have guessed, thundering footsteps awoke them all. All that is, except the one making the noise. As everyone jumped up, they saw Joe, already dressed, making noise, waking them all up. Adam groaned and reached for his pocket watch, a graduation gift from his grandfather in Boston , as the door opened to admit a ruffled looking Ben. “What is the meaning of this Joseph?” he asked sternly.

Joe looked innocently at Ben, “I wanted to make sure everyone was up this morning, chores need to be done so we can get to the picnic, so I figured the sooner we start, the sooner we can go,” he said eagerly.

This brought a groan, and barrage of pillows, from the rest of the inhabitants of the bunkroom, and a strange look on Ben’s face. “Son, I think we can all sleep until our regular time. The chores I have for today will be finished before lunch which is when I said we would go.Of course, if you want to get started this early, I’m sure I could find some extra chores ….”

Joe quickly cut Ben off, “No, I’ll go back to sleep,” he said, tossing the pillows back at their respective owners. “No need to find extra chores for me,” he reassured Ben.

“Are you sure?” Ben asked with a serious look on his face. “Since you’re already up and dressed and all,” he continued the teasing.

Joe was tugging off his boots, and getting under the covers. “I’m sure Pa,” he said, putting his head on the pillow, “See, I’m already going back to bed.”

Ben finally stopped the joke, “I was just kidding, go back to sleep. I promise you will get up on time today, when the rest of us get up, and not before,” he gently reprimanded Joe.

Adam finally managed to speak up, “Wish it was this easy to get him up the rest of the time,” he grumbled, then went back to sleep.

A few hours later, everyone was up and at breakfast. During breakfast, Ben gave out the chores for the day, “Hoss, I want you and Joe to go up to the North pasture and check the fences and cattle up there. Adam, you and I will work on the South pasture. Albert, you will help Hop Sing with the house chores, and take care of the regular chores around the house so that the rest of us can get going right after breakfast.”

Everyone nodded their heads and went about their days. Ben and Adam worked in companionable silence at their chores, having worked together often enough to know what they were doing when they worked together, and each enjoying the peaceful time to contemplate things on their minds.

Albert worked quietly for Hop Sing, getting a few lessons in Chinese and how to do some new things in the house and with herbs, and getting the rest of the chores around the house and barn done quickly. The house and barn chores were easiest for him, he often did them back in Walnut Grove, and though he wouldn’t outright admit it, he enjoyed the chance to do something he was already good at and reminded him of home.

Hoss and Joe, actually Joe, talked on the way to the North pasture. Hoss rode along silently, enjoying the banter and non-stop chatter of Joe that he hadn’t heard in a few days. He realized Pa and Albert had been right – Joe was just taken up with the novelty of Albert, he didn’t like Hoss any less. Hoss was very reassured by this, and tipped his hat a bit while enjoying listening to his younger brother on the way to the chores. Somehow, Hoss knew for a fact, Joe would try to get out of the chores. Hoss vowed to be determined not to let this happen today.

Ben left Adam to finish up at the South pasture while he went home to take care of a few contracts that needed finishing. He saw Albert helping Hop Sing pack the picnic baskets (baskets? Ben wondered, then figured extra food wouldn’t go to waste with Hoss around), and went to his desk to finish up the contracts so he could enjoy himself this afternoon as well without any worries.

Hop Sing and Albert had put a snack out on the table for everyone to eat before heading out on the picnic. Albert was talking to Hop Sing as they placed out the food, “Sure you don’t want to join us Hop Sing? I’m positive Joe won’t mind.”

Hop Sing replied, “No, no, you go have fun, Hop Sing stay here and prepare big supper for return.”

Ben heard this conversation, and decided to try to get Hop Sing to join them as well, “Hop Sing, why don’t you come? I’m sure we’ll get enough fish for supper, and you can’t cook it until we come home anyways.You’re a part of the family too, and it’s a family celebration of Joe’s good work at school,” he pleaded with Hop Sing.

Hop Sing seemed to consider it. “If you sure Mr. Ben, Hop Sing be very glad to come. But must make bread for supper first. Be quick quick,” and Hop Sing disappeared into the kitchen, followed by Albert.

“Hop Sing, wait, I’ll do the potatoes, you do the bread,” he called out, chasing after the Chinese man.

Ben smiled, and went back to his contracts, he was almost done, and he wanted to finish.

Ben put the contracts away and stretched, rubbing his eyes. He needed to talk to Doc Martin about his eyes bothering him after this close-up work. He might need glasses soon, he thought with a groan – the tribulations of growing older.

Ben sat quietly at the table. It had been such a hard time with the contracts and all the legalese in them, Ben was all too happy to sit quietly at the table away from them so he wouldn’t have to look at them again.Could this morning be any worse?The contracts for new horses and cattle were tough to deal with, with all the broken fences that comes with them, loose cattle and horses, horses and cattle that would need to be put down, a crick in his back from all the sitting and leaning over the contracts, a spelling error in a previous correspondence regarding one of the contracts that made him look less trustworthy – the day was just a total disaster.

The odors wafting from the table brought a smile to Ben’s face. Trust Hop Sing to make such a large ‘snack’ to tide them over until the picnic. Just the smell of the soon to happen ‘snack’ was enough to start Ben’s rise from despair. All that lacked was the presence of his three sons. He knew Albert was busy helping Hop Sing in the kitchen and would be out as soon as his three sons arrived.

As if on cue, Ben heard the telltale sounds of three horses riding to the house.He wondered at the lack of voices firm his offspring – this either meant they were all too tired from a good morning’s work, or else …. Ben pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration – they were too mad at each other to speak.Ben fervently hoped it was the former.

A few minutes later, the door to the Ponderosa slammed open and in stalked three silent young men. Ben groaned inwardly at this row of stonily silent faces approaching the table. Each young man grunted what could barely pass as a polite “ Hi Pa ’ as he pulled his chair to the table.

Hop Sing and Albert must have heard the door open and shut, as they started bringing out the rest of the food for the ‘snack.’ Ben smiled appreciatively at Hop Sing. “This looks as great as it smells, thank you,” he said sincerely. Ben was studiously avoiding his sons’ faces in the vain hope that the problems would go away.

Hop Sing smiled at Ben, “Thank you Mr. Ben. Hop Sing make most, but Albert make biscuits and gravy.”

Ben smiled at Albert, “And they look just as good as Hop Sing’s.”

“Thank you sir. I made them for my Ma sometimes at the restaurant, but Hop Sing showed me a different way to make them.I hope they turned out all right,” Albert said.

“Hop Sing taste, are very good,” Hop Sing reassured Albert, then glanced at Hoss.Hoss almost always had some compliment for Hop Sing about any upcoming edibles from Hop Sing’s kitchen.Unfortunately for innocent Hop Sing, Hoss was in such a mood that even his kind heart couldn’t find words to express his ever present appreciation of Hop Sing’s cooking.

Hop Sing gave up and stalked to the kitchen, to clean up before the picnic, muttering in Chinese about unappreciative eaters and returning to China . Ben groaned, this was just what he needed – Hop Sing and his threats to return to China . Though Ben couldn’t understand Chinese, he had heard this rant often enough, in a mixture of Chinese and English, to get the general gist of it. Instead of dwelling on unhappy thoughts, Ben turned his attention to the food in front of him.

Hoss, as usual, was piling his plate high with large portions of food. Ben then looked at Adam, who was taking more moderate portions of food. He glanced at Albert, who was silently waiting until everyone else was served – though it might have been important back in Walnut Grove, Ben made a note to try to get Albert to take food as it passed him instead of waiting. Bracing himself, Ben then gave a look at Joe. Just as he had feared, Joe’s plate was almost empty as usual. Again, Ben smothered a groan as he didn’t need a fight with Joe added to this day that was supposed to be happy.

Adam noted Ben’s glance toward Joe’s plate and braced himself for the predictable storm. When Ben simply picked up his fork and started eating, Adam sighed internally. He could see by Pa’s face that this was not a good time to start anything, yet once again, just like in the North pasture where Adam had swung by to ride home with his brothers, Joe was again getting special treatment. Admittedly, Ben didn’t know about Joe slacking on his share of work, but it was so natural of Joe, and Ben wasn’t stopping it often enough to make it stick in Joe’s mind, at least as Adam saw it.

Hoss broke out of his intense rapture with his plate of food to look for Hop Sing.As if on cue, Hop Sing popped out of the kitchen to see if anything was needed by his beloved, yet irritating, Cartwright family. Hoss spotted Hop Sing, “Great food as usual Hop Sing. Got any more?” he asked.

Hop Sing smiled, taking the serving plates back to the kitchen, aided by Albert.“Of course Mr. Hoss, Hop Sing and Albert make lot food. You good boy, eat lot food,” he said with a glare for Joe. “Unlike number three son,” giving Joe a cuff to the head on his way back to the kitchen.

Albert wondered why Hoss hadn’t asked him, and figured he’d eventually find out – maybe it was force of habit?

Ben had been silently watching this exchange, studiously avoiding the idea of glimpsing his youngest’s plate, not wanting to deal until Ben had finished his own meal, and maybe not even until tonight to enable everyone to enjoy this rare afternoon when all of them were free to enjoy themselves on a picnic, fishing and swimming.

Albert silently placed a serving plate on the table, and sat down at his place to finish. As Hop Sing brought back the other refilled serving plates, he almost banged them onto the table in front of Joe, causing Joe to jump. He looked at the food, at Hop Sing, and back at his plate. He was not so hungry.He had been hoping since Pa hadn’t said anything that his eating would be ignored. Joe was more interested in going on the picnic, fishing, swimming, and having fun.Why bother eating now first? Hop Sing’s clattering had shot that hope. Even if Ben hadn’t noticed before this, the sound had drawn Pa’s attention to this part of the table and Joe fidgeted under Pa’s glare.

“Eat some of that food on your plate Joseph,” he said, pointing, “and stop playing,” he finished ordered, turning to his coffee brought out by Albert. It seemed Albert was learning from Hop Sing the little things known about the Cartwright family, like Ben’s cup of coffee after his first plate of food.

Hop Sing cuffed Little Joe’s head again and pointed at the freshly filled plates of food. “Eat!”

Joe sighed, all he needed now was for Adam to join in – that would be the perfect ending to this morning. He slowly started adding food to the scanty portions on his plate. He glanced at Ben and Hop Sing for approval of his portion sizes.

Adam couldn’t take it any more. “Dad-blast it Little Joe, just take food and eat it! There’s no call for these kiddoes every time we sit at the table!!”

Joe shrunk into his seat – just what he needed – another Pa! Just when he thought he and Adam were getting back to how it was before Adam went East to college. Wasn’t it bad enough that both Pa and Hop Sing were on his case – Adam had to stick his enormous, prying nose in too! A glare from Pa caused Joe to bite back the sharp retort on his tongue. Joe did not see the glare from Pa to Adam reminding Adam that Joe had finally opened back up to him, to try not to jump in unless necessary.

Adam shrunk in his seat at the glare from Pa. Still, he saw part of the reason behind it, and nodded his understanding of the glare.

Joe had finished serving himself what the two men overseeing him considered a decent amount of food. He picked up his fork and started eating. It hurt to get the food down, but Joe refused to admit this. He wanted to stay away from Doc Martin, which meant he couldn’t get sick, until the events earlier this week in town had died down. And he really wanted to spend this afternoon with his family relaxing and having fun, not stuck up in his room bored. So, he forced himself to eat some of the seemingly Hoss-sized portions that he had been led to serve himself.

Amazingly enough, even Hoss was too stuffed to eat anymore before Joe had made a visible dent in the food on his plate. Ben excused Adam and Hoss from the table to go prepare for the afternoon, and Albert to help Hop Sing clear up. As Joe put down his fork and napkin, Ben turned to him. “Not you Joseph.You are going to sit here until you eat a decent amount.” Ben rose and went to look over some other contracts that he had been putting off, as they were not due for a while. At least in the war with his contracts, the contracts didn’t talk back, they just confused him and didn’t always add up for him.

Adam and Hoss finished saddling the horses and packing the seemingly never-ending supply of food from Hop Sing’s kitchen, the fishing gear, with Albert’s help, and came to sit in the main room as well. Seeing as almost no progress was done on Joe’s plate, they brought out the chessboard. Adam’s mind was only half on the game of chess. With one eye he was watching Little Joe, waiting for the outcome of this battle of stubborn Cartwright wills. Hoss was ignoring this regularly occurring event and instead focused on the game at hand. Noticing Adam’s distraction with Joe, Hoss had hopes of winning the game for a change.

Ben kept glancing over at his youngest, to be sure he stayed at the table and ate some of the food. Ben figured once the plate was half empty they could leave for the picnic.

After close to an hour, Ben put away the contracts, and stretched his arms over his head again. He looked over to his elder two sons first, wanting to avoid unpleasantness for as long as possible.He looked at the board to see how the game was progressing. He was amazed to see Hoss was winning, Adam must really be distracted by something.Looking at where Adam kept staring, Ben realized it was Joe.

Hoss looked up to Ben, “Hiya Pa,” he said.

Adam grunted a barely respectable greeting.

Ben leaned over Hoss’ shoulder to study the board more carefully. Hoss looked up to Ben, “Want to make the next move?” he asked, unsure of what to do next to assure his win.

Ben stared a bit longer, the moved a piece. “Check,” he and Hoss said to Adam in unison.

Adam stared at the board in amazement – he’d never had to pay much attention to the board when playing Hoss – how’d he get the board like this? Adam knew Ben had just come over for this move. After studying the board a bit more, Adam admitted his defeat. “Great game Hoss,” he said sincerely, “You beat me.”

Hoss smiled – elated at the win over Adam and the praise from him as well.

“You must have been practicing. I want a rematch tonight,” Adam insisted.

Hoss nodded his agreement, “Sure, if we have time.”

Ben wandered over to the table, and saw that Joe had made some inroad into his plate.He put his hand on Joe’s shoulder. “That’s enough son. Take your plate to the kitchen, clear it, wash it up – ask if you need help, and then we can get going,” he instructed his son.

Joe obeyed, glad to be up and almost on the way to the picnic.

Before anyone expected, Joe was back out, followed by Albert and Hop Sing. “Let’s go,” he urged, as if he had been waiting for them all this time. Everyone laughed, and followed him out, Ben stopping to give a few reminders to the hands, and then they were on their way.

Upon arriving at the lake, the men quickly set up their horses to enjoy the leisure by the water (always take care of your horses first they all believed); and then started fishing. Hoss had been eying the picnic baskets, but Ben felt as they had recently finished the ample snack by Hop Sing before leaving, that the fishing could be done first.

The boys (and Ben) were soon settled with fishing rods, waiting to catch enough for supper. Hop Sing had started wandering to look for herbs that he needed. He rarely came this way, and always took advantage to look for herbs and other plants that did not grow in his garden or near the Ponderosa.

The peaceful quiet of the afternoon was suddenly shattered by Hop Sing’s loud yelps of pain, followed immediately by the clattering of rods dropping as everyone ran to see what had happened.

Hop Sing was jumping around, mumbling in Chinese, holding both his ankles. Albert walked closer over, while the others were staring at Hop Sing as if he were possessed, Hop Sing had never acted like this before. Albert looked carefully at the ground, as Ben ran for his gun, thinking maybe an animal had bit Hop Sing. Albert suddenly gave a shout of triumph. “Aha!!”

Albert turned to Hop Sing, while the others looked at him as if he too was becoming possessed. “Did you walk over here Hop Sing?” he asked the wildly dancing cook.

Hop Sing nodded his head, still trying to hold both his painful ankles, muttering something in Chinese.

Albert walked over to Hop Sing, and helped him to sit, “Sit down Hop Sing, it’s just needle grass.”

Everyone gave a sigh of relief, at least they knew why Hop Sing was acting so unusual.“So, what can ya do fer it?” Hoss asked, puzzled.

“We have to carefully work it out of the cloth, one piece at a time. The patch of grass also needs to be burned carefully, to be sure that all is killed, and not even one seed is left. It is a dangerous weed, and can kill cattle if eaten. It works it’s way into things, such as tongues or cloth, and is very hard to remove,” he explained, slowly working pieces out of Hop Sing’s pants and making a neat pile of them.

Hop Sing carefully started helping to remove the painful needles, as did Hoss, while Ben, Adam and Joe looked carefully at the patch of grass. Ben sent Adam back to the house to get matches so they could start a small fire, and cloths to wet to help keep the fire in the place they wanted it only.

Soon the patch of grass was cleared, and Hop Sing’s pants were fixed up as well. Albert stood up, and looked at Ben. “Mr. Cartwright?”

Ben looked at Albert, “Yes?”

“You might want to look around the Ponderosa a bit more to see if there are any more patches of this grass – it really can be quite dangerous. We lost our milk cow to it a few years ago,” Albert said, not sure how Ben would take to being given orders by Albert.

Ben nodded his head, “Good idea Albert, I’ll be sure it’s done tomorrow. Thank you for helping with this.”

Albert blushed shyly, and busied himself fixing his fishing rod to avoid having to look at anyone.

Soon, everyone was back to their previous work, and enough fish were soon caught.The fish were carefully put aside in the lake, then the men stripped and jumped in the water to enjoy some cooling off – especially after having been so close to that fire. Ben hadn’t thought to ask Albert if he could swim, and before the question could be asked, Ben saw Albert joining in the fun in the water with the other boys, and the question was answered.

All too soon, it seemed, Hop Sing was calling all of them to eat, so that they would have room for supper when they got back.

The meal passed quickly, with large amount s of hunger felt by all from the vigorous playing in the water. Even Joe seemed to have somewhat of an appetite. As soon as the food was put away, Ben looked at the sun, and realized Hop Sing had been right, it was time to head back already. Amid groans and complaints, everyone packed up, and headed back to the ranch. Of course, Joe had to try to find someone to race him, but everyone was feeling so lazy that no one would.

Upon getting back, Albert took the reins from Hop Sing, and set about caring for the two horses, while the remaining Cartwrights cared for their own. Hoss was the first finished, and took over Albert’s remaining horse, “Go on and help Hop Sing, I’m so hungry I’ll do anything to get supper faster,” he said with a grin.

“Thank you,” Albert said, heading to the kitchen, where Hop Sing had the fish ready for him to prepare for cooking.

“Take out bones and skin, Hop Sing make fried fish,” Hop Sing instructed Albert.Albert walked over to get the fish, watching what Hop Sing was doing, rather than where he was walking. He tripped over a large …. Thing he guessed.

Hop Sing turned at the noise, “What happen?”

Albert mumbled, ashamed, “I tripped over this thing. What is it?” he asked curiously. “I’ve never seen it before.”

Hop Sing looked at Albert. “How mother wash clothes?” he asked puzzled, “father no buy machine for her?”

Albert looked ashamed again. “What do you mean, machine? Is this one of those washing machines I’ve read about?”

Hop Sing nodded, “Yes, Mr. Ben buy for Hop Sing when first come here. Very useful. Is ‘small tub with hand-turned paddle for agitating the clothes…’ (Jones, Mary Ellen. Daily Life on the Nineteenth Century American Frontier. CT: Greenwood Press, 1998, p. 193). Make wash much easy to do. You see when help Monday.Now go do fish.”

Albert obeyed, looking forward, for once, to wash day, so he could see how one of these machines worked. Maybe, he could describe it well enough to Pa so that Pa could make one for Ma. Ma would greatly appreciate it, Albert was sure.

When Albert finished the fish, Hop Sing sent him for water to set to heat for the weekly Saturday night baths. Hop Sing was especially grateful for the help with this tedious weekly chore. Lugging and heating enough water for the entire household to bath on one night was a pain for him. Just keeping up with the wood was chore enough. Unless one of the boys had been in trouble and ended up with wood chopping as a punishment chore, it was very hard to get help to get enough wood ready unless he asked Mr. Ben.

The rest of the family came into the house, and sat at the table. Hop Sing heard them come, and sent Albert in with the first part of the meal. Albert brought it out and sat down to join the meal. As everyone was tired out from the pleasant day, it was a peaceful meal, and ended without any fuss. Then baths started. Hoss and Ben dragged Joe in for his weekly bath, the regular ritual, and Albert went to fetch more water to heat for the next. When Joe’s torture, according to him, was done, he sat in front of the fire and brooded while Hoss took his bath, though, as usual he wondered why it was necessary since he got splashed so much from Joe’s. Once in the tub though, Hoss relaxed and enjoyed the warmth of the water.

Albert sat down with Joe, taking a break as Hop Sing had told him there was enough wood for the night, and no more water would be needed until the next bath was drawn. He saw Joe playing with something.

When Joe felt Albert looking over at him, he smiled and showed what was in his hand – a small grasshopper.

At the sight of the little insect, Albert felt a shudder go through his body.He remembered hearing how much havoc the grasshoppers had wrecked on the Ingalls and everyone in Walnut Grove.

Joe didn’t realize Albert’s aversion, and offered the grasshopper to him, “I got him in a trade, wanna hold him?”

Albert shrank back. “That’s okay,” he said, holding back his first instinct to kill such a dangerous pest.

“Why not?Isn’t he a great one?”

“I’d rather not,” Albert said, trying not to shrink back any more, hoping Hop Sing would call for him to haul more water, anything to get him away from this bringer of doom.

Ben had been playing chess with Adam during this conversation. The two men turned to watch the two younger men. Albert did indeed seem to have a horrid aversion to the little insect. Ben and Adam suddenly remembered what they had heard in the towns they had passed through on their way West. Adam barely remembered, he had been so young and not interested at the time, but Ben suddenly remembered. “Did your family suffer from the grasshopper plague?” he asked gently.

Albert nodded his head gratefully, glad someone else had brought it up. He wasn’t sure how much he should share with Joe, Joe’s life seemed so sheltered compared to what he had experienced. “Yes, it was before I came to them, but they often spoke of it, how Pa had to go back East for two years in order to earn enough money to survive the year; the horror of the grasshoppers crawling over you; the loud sound of them eating all the crops up; everything. No one could ever stand to see one, and it kind of passed off onto me, I guess,” he explained.

Joe looked at Albert in wonderment – how could such a little thing cause trouble.But Pa and Adam were both nodding their heads in understanding. Joe started to feel a little guilty for bringing such memories back to Albert. “I’m sorry,” he said, tears forming in his eyes.

Albert looked at him, taken in by those cow eyes. “It’s okay, you didn’t know,” he soothed the younger man.

Adam suggested, “Why don’t you try to trade him back though? I’m not sure how I feel about sharing a house with one of those after hearing this.”

Joe nodded, and put the cause of discomfort away. Hop Sing called to Albert to bring more water, and the subject seemed closed. Adam and Ben returned to their game, and Hoss came out to sit next to Joe. “Wanna play checkers?” he offered.

Joe nodded, and soon a game began, while Adam started his bath. Ben sighed and leaned back. This would be a while, Adam sure loved his bath, Ben knew. The clock chimed before Adam had returned, and Ben sent Joe and Hoss off to bed, “I want to try to get to church tomorrow,” he told them.

As the two young men went up the stairs, Adam came in, stretching and yawning. “That looks like a good idea, I think I’ll turn in too, ‘night Pa, Albert.”

Ben bid his son goodnight and turned to Albert, “Why don’t you go next? I can bring water for my own bath,” he offered.

Albert gratefully went for his bath, wondering what it would be like to have a full tub of hot water all for himself. He soon found out, and was happily surprised at the wonderful feeling of it.He rushed through the bath though, not wanting to make Ben wait, and refilled the tub before turning in for the night.

In the middle of the night, Albert thought he heard a noise and woke up. He crept down the stairs, not wanting to wake anyone else, in case it was nothing, to see what all the noise was. What a shock he saw. Ben, Adam, and Hoss were rubbing their heads with … leaves? Were these those peach leaves Adam had run after him with as an addition by Hop Sing?And why Hoss has so willingly helped bring the gatherings back to Hop Sing – Albert had been wondering what happened to those leaves when he was watching Hop Sing unpack. Now he knew who they were for, but what was the meaning?

Suddenly, Ben noticed Albert staring at them, and beckoned him down, “Guess the game’s up boys,” he told his two eldest sons as Albert joined the men around the fireplace.

Adam looked at Albert, “Promise you won’t tell Little Joe about this? It’s our family secret,” he begged.

Hoss’s eyes were pleading as well as he stared at Albert.

Albert figured why not, after all, Mr. Cartwright was in on it too. “Sure, I won’t tell,” he promised.

As the men nodded at each other, Ben filled Albert in. “You see, Adam here read that rubbing peach leaves on your head is a good way to help prevent baldness. So, as we’re all getting a little thin, we decided to try it out.”

Adam continued, “We didn’t want to let Little Joe know since he’d just tease as he has a wonderful head of hair; or he’d let people in town know, possibly by accident, and we don’t want anyone to know. It was getting hard to gather these leaves without Joe knowing, and we’re supposed to do it twice a week.Now that you know, and Joe won’t go with you to do Hop Sing’s chores as he thinks they’re boring and tedious, that is, if you don’t mind, you could gather them for us.”

Albert had a bit of a hard time following all this, as he was still half asleep.But he gathered enough to understand that these men were embarrassed by their hair loss, and that peach leaves were supposed to help. Joe couldn’t find out, and they were having a hard time gathering them. He figured it would be the least he could do to help out this family who had so generously opened their house to him, “Sure, why not?” he said. Then, yawning, “I was worried there was something wrong, I’m going back to bed.Good night,” he said, heading up to the bunkroom, shaking his head in wonder.


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