“Bonanza”

 Period of Adjustment

 By Wendy Drinkwater


Adam has been away for three years, studying industrial architecture and engineering in Europe.  Now he is en route home via Boston.  Hoss is 20, Joe 15.

Breakfast at the ranch house one Friday in June -      

Hoss                            
Well, I’m gonna head for the creek.  You joinin’ me, Joe?
                                    
We still gotta catch that Grand Daddy?

Joe                               
I…er….got other plans.

Hoss                            
OK.  I’ll see you both at supper.                                    
(He goes to the barn)

Ben                              
You made a good job of that fence, Joseph.

Joe                                
Thanks, Pa.  “Practice makes perfect”.

Ben                               
Where’re you off to taday?

Joe                                
Only local.  I’ve got “things” ta do.

Ben                               
You sound like Hoss.  Mm….well, keep outa mischief.

Joe                                 
Sure, Pa.  I’ll go saddle up.

Ben                                
Saddle Buck for me, please.  I’m goin’ inta town.

Joe                                 
Will do.

Joe goes to the barn and sees Hoss getting his gear together……

Hoss                               
Where’re  ya goin’?

Joe                                  
Over ta the Mallory’s.

Hoss                               
Does Paw know?

Joe                                  
Nope.


Hoss                             
Don’t you think you oughta tell ‘im?  He an’ Mr.Mallory are
                                    
 good friends.  Does he know you’re sweet on Louise?

Joe                                
I don’t think so.

Hoss                             
Well, I ain’t said anything, but I do think it’s a might unfair…                                     
you tellin’ me an’ not Paw.

Joe                                
I didn’t tell you ‘bout her in the first place!                                      
You guessed.

Hoss                             
I’m jus’ naturally nosey…’specially if it leads ta you
gittin’ inta trouble.  Are you takin’ her ta the dance tamorrow?

Joe                                 
I’m gonna ask.

Hoss                              
Bit late.  You make sure you ask her Paw first.
Mind your manners.

Joe                                 
You sound more like my Father than Brother.

Hoss                              
We don’t want no trouble.  Paw’s enough on his plate.

Joe                                 
He’s goin’ inta town now.

Hoss                              
He’s seein’ Beth Kelly, after he’s bin ta see                                     
Mr.Bishop   (Bank Manager)

Joe                                 
Why don’t you go with him?  You’ve not bin inta town                                     
for two weeks.

Hoss                               
Are you checkin’ up on me? (smiling, then serious)                                        
Nuthin’ much of interest there.

Joe                                  
Bessie Sue….(grinning)

Hoss                               
Huh.  Like I  said , “Nuthin’…..”  I alus end up in a fight!

Joe                                  
Only when I’m with you (smiling).  You’re sumthin’                                       
ta be reckoned with.  How much d’ya weigh now?

Hoss                                
You got me on the grain scales a couple a months back. Around 320lbs.

Joe                                   
An’ gainin’.

Hoss                          
I’m tryin’ not to.  I’ll make tracks.  Sure you don’t want ta join  me?

Joe                                
Goin’ courtin’.  You should try it.

Hoss                             
Fishin’ comes easier.  Now you mind what I say,
li’l brother,  you speak ta Mr.Mallory first.

Joe                                
You worry too much.

Hoss                              
An’ you’re only 15.  Take it easy.

Joe                                 
Don’t fall in.

Hoss                               
I’ll try not to.  ‘Bye….

Hoss goes fishing.  Joe goes to the Mallory’s….

Joe                                 
Mornin’, Mrs.Mallory

Mrs.Mallory                  
Good mornin’, Little Joe.  Such a fine day.

Joe                                 
Sure is, Ma’am.  Er….

Mrs.Mallory                  
Louise is upstairs.  I’ll call her
(She does so and Mr.Mallory comes through from the kitchen)

Joe                                 
Mornin’, Mr.Mallory.

Mr.Mallory                    
Mornin’ Li’l Joe.  I was coming ta see your Pa ‘bout that                                      
stretch a water.

Joe                                 
He’s gone inta town, but he’s home tamorrow.                                     
Hoss has gone fishin’  There’s only Hop Sing home.

Mr.Mallory                    
I’ll ride by tamorrow.

Joe                                 
Er….Mr.Mallory….I’ve called to ask if I might escort                                      
Louise ta the social this tamorrow.






Mr.Mallory                    
Bit short notice, Son (smiling)  You’ll have ta join the queue.
(Watching the look of disappointment on Joe’s face)                                      
I appreciate you askin’ me….er…. have you asked Louise?

Joe                               
Not yet, Sir.  I thought I’d better talk to you first.

Mr. Mallory                
that’s commendable.  Well, if she’s in agreement, it’s                                    
all right by Mrs.Mallory an’ me.                                    
How’s Hoss gittin’ on with the sluice?

Joe                               
Fine.  He’s finished the framework and he’ll be in the forge next week makin’ the hinges.  He’s got ta make the mould key for the locks.

Mr.Mallory                  
Tricky work.  He fixed our plough in no time.  He had a good teacher in Luke.  If anything he works too hard.

Joe                                
That’s what I keep tellin’ ‘im, but you know Hoss.
 He’s down by the creek taday though, fishin’.

Mr.Mallory                   
Once the sluice is workin’ it might make it easier ta catch fish!

Joe                                 
He reckons the pool’ll be ‘bout 30ft deep.

Mr.Mallory                    
No doubt he’ll dive in to test it.

Joe                                 
He says the bottom’s sandy…as clear as a bell.

Enter Louise!

Louise                            
Good mornin’, Little Joe.



Joe                                  
Mornin’, Louise.  I like your dress.

Louise                         
Thank you.  Momma made it.

Joe                                  
Did you make the fancy collar too, Ma’am?

Mrs.Mallory                   
I crocheted it, yes.

Joe                                  
It’s pretty.

Mrs.Mallory                   
Would you care for some lemonade?

Joe                                  
Please.

Mrs.Mallory                   
You two go onto the porch.  I’ll bring it out to you.

In town.  Ben has seen Mr.Bishop.  Now he goes to see Beth Kelly…..

Beth                              
Come on in, Ben.  You look worried.                                      
I’ve just made some strong coffee……

Ben                               
Smells real welcomin’, thank you.

Beth                               
Go into the parlor.  Hoss not with you?

Ben                                
He’s gone fishin’.

Beth                               
They spend hours in that creek.

Ben                                  
Literally, but Hoss is alone.  I’m not sure where Joe, though I’ve got a good idea.



Beth                                
He’s growin’ up fast, Ben.

Ben                                 
Too fast in some ways!  The girls won’t leave him alone.                                       
Hoss is sensible, most of the time, but he tends to give in to Joseph’s little foibles.

Beth                                 
They need some release.  It’s harmless fun.

Ben                                  
Let’s hope it stays that way.

Beth                                 
Any word of Adam?

Ben                                  
I’m callin’ at the Telegraph Office on my way home.  Second time taday. (smiling)

Beth                                 
Three years have flown by.

Ben                                   
I sometimes think that!  It’ll be good ta have him home.

Beth                                 
You sound a little uncertain……

Ben                                  
All of us will have ta make adjustments.  I’ve leaned a lot on Hoss and in some ways I feel guilty because he’s had grow up fast.
                                     
Beth                                  
I’ve always looked upon Hoss as older than his years.

Ben                                   
Unfortunately people do because of his looks, but he’s  basically a big kid.  Having said that, he’s never really known how to play.  I wish he could find a nice, steady girl.

Beth                                   
One will come along, you’ll see.  We can’t plan these things and to interfere only makes things worse.  Be patient.

Saturday -  Hoss decides to go into town……

“Bucket of Blood” Saloon……

Barney                      
Afternoon, stranger.  What’ll it be?

Hoss                           
Barney.  Beer, please.

Barney                       
Joe skulkin’ outside?

Hoss                           
Nope.  He’d got other plans.  Anybody interested in a game a pool?

He plays Pool for a couple of hours and then goes over to the Hotel restaurant.  Lucinda (owner) is in the Foyer…..

Lucinda                    
Hello, Hoss.  Where’s Little Joe?

Hoss                           
Everybody asks me that. (smiling).  He’s….elsewhere. Afternoon, Ma’am.

Lucinda                      
How are you?

Hoss                            
Fine, thank you.  D’ya think you could squeeze me in somewhere’s.

Lucinda                        
Follow me.  Would you like a table with a view?

Hoss                             
Of the kitchen or the street?   Don’t mind.

Lucinda                       
There, you sit by the window and you can watch the world go by -

He’s having supper and sees Jenny and Mark walking down the street.  He beckons them in.  Standing he invites them to join him…….

Hoss                              
This is ma late lunch, early supper.  What’ll it be,  Jenny?



Jenny                             
Coffee and a beef sandwich’ll be fine, thanks.   

Hoss                              
How ‘bout you, Mark?

Mark                              
Same, please.  Haven’t  seen you around lately.  How’s life?

Hoss                               
Quiet.

Jenny                             
Joe not with you then?

Hoss                              
He’s busy.

Jenny                             
Oh yeah?

Hoss                              
He’s with a friend.

Jenny                             
Uh-huh.  Her name wouldn’t happen ta be Louise, would it?

Hoss                               
Word gits around.

Jenny                              
She’s bin moonin’ over ‘im fer weeks.

Mark                               
Tell Hop Sing them spices have arrived.  Came in yesterday.

Hoss                                
He never said.  Are we in for a treat?

Mark                                
I ain’t heard a most of ‘em.  The Store’s closed now, or  you could’ve taken ‘em back with you.  We’ve a new shipment of candy canes.  Want me ta save you some?

Hoss                                 
No thanks.

Mark                                
What?  You sick?

Hoss                                 
If there’re any left next time I call in.

Jenny                               
You goin’ ta the Social?

Hoss                                 
Nah.  I’ve jus’ spent two hours leaning over a Pool table.  I won.

Jenny                                
So, finish the evenin’ off an’ join us!

Hoss                                 
(Sees Waitress)    Check, please….one bill.

Mark                                 
I’ll pay for ours.

Hoss                                  
I invited you ta join me.  It’s OK.

Mark                                 
My treat next time.

Hoss                              
You may live to regret that invitation. I’d bankrupt you.  (half smiling)

Mark                               
I’ll risk it.  Thanks, a nice start ta the evenin’.

Hoss                                
It’ll give you more energy for dancin’.

Jenny                              
You haven’t had dessert.

Hoss                                
I’ll survive.  More coffee?

Mark                               
Thanks.

They carry on talking and then they leave….

Jenny                               
Sure you won’t join us?  Lotta people goin’.

Hoss                                 
No, thanks.  I gotta make some moulds for the new sluice.

Jenny                                
Cain’t you ease up jus’ once?

Hoss                                  
I find it pleasurable.

Mark                                 
Don’t forgit ta tell Hop Sing.

Hoss                                  
Soon as I see ‘im.  He’s with his relatives tanight.

Mark                                 
You take care in the forge if you’re on your own. Thanks for the coffee an’ sandwiches.

Hoss                                  
Any time.  ‘Bye, Jenny.  You mind you save the last waltz for Mark.  (trying to smile)

Jenny                                  
See ya, Hoss (concerned)

Hoss                                   
Go on.

They part and Hoss bumps into Ben and Beth….

Beth                                    
Ah good, you’re joinin’ us at the Social.

Hoss                                    
Evenin’, Mrs.Kelly.  No, Ma’am.  I’m goin’ straight home.

Ben                                     
Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll wait til Monday, Son.

Hoss                                
Two Cartwrights at one Social should be more’n enough.

Ben                                 
Do you know sumthin’ I don’t, young man?  (smiling)

Hoss                                 
I doubt it.  There’s every likelihood Joe’ll be there, but don’t worry, I’ve lectured him on etiquette etc.  Everything, hopefully, will be legal an’ above board.  Mr.and Mrs.Mallory will be there too (grinning).  Like as not he’ll collar you ‘bout the stretch a water.

Ben                                   
Uh. some Social.  Well, if we can’t twist your arm….

Hoss                                  
I’m OK Paw.  Leastways, I will be if I remember ta tell Hop Sing his spices have arrived.  Maybe I should write it down somewhere’s.  Night, Mrs.Kelly.

Beth                                  
Good night, Hoss.

Hoss                                  
Night, Paw.

Ben                                   
Good night, Son.  Hop Sing said he was leavin’ supper for you.

Hoss                                  
Dadburn it, I’d forgotten ‘bout that.  I’ve jus’ eaten a full-scale meal at the hotel.
Oh well, I’ll climb the hard way home ta make room for it.
                               
Ben                                    
You be careful.

Hoss                                   
Ain’t I alus? (grinning)  Chub cain’t climb rocks, and  at the rate I’m expandin’, I won’t be able to either. Have a good time.  Good night, Mrs.Kelly.

Beth                                    
Good night, Hoss.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      
They watch him walk to the livery stable….

Beth                                    
He’ll be OK.  Just be patient.  She’ll come along.

There was no word from Adam.  They know he’s back East and due home, but they don’t know when.

Ben gives Hoss a hand in the forge on the Monday…..

Hoss                           
We make a good team, Paw.

Ben                             
You definitely have an aptitude for this kinda thing.  Now, let’s see if it fits….perfect.
I think we deserve supper now.

Hoss                            
Huh, I ain’t sa sure.  Hop Sing’s tryin’ out them weird spices.                                    
I don’t like the smell a most of ‘em.

Ben                             
Some things don’t taste the way they smell.

Hoss                            
That’s true….worse!  Maybe he’s doin’ me a favour ‘cos I ain’t eatin’ sa much!

Ben                              
Let’s get washed up.

Hoss                             
Paw…

Ben                              
What?

Hoss                             
Has Joe said anything to you?

Ben                               
About what?

Hoss                             
Where he’s bin goin’ lately.

Ben                               
You’re in an awkward position, Son.

Hoss                             
You could say that.

Ben                               
Len Mallory and I have had a little chat…and not just about water rights!  If that’s what’s on your mind.

Hoss                              
I thought as much because you didn’t seem concerned when I said I thought he might be at the Social.

Ben                               
You don’t miss much.  Sumthin’else worryin’ you?

Hoss                              
Seein’ Adam agin.

Ben                                
Mm..

Hoss                               
I wonder if he’s changed?
                                                                                 
Ben                            
In some ways he’s bound to have done.  Look at it this way, we haven’t pressured him.  You’ve worked really hard and  I’m extremely proud of you.

Hoss                           
Maybe he’s got some high falutin’ ideas. Maybe he’ll look upon us as peasants!

Ben                             
He’s always had that air about him.  We’ll jus’ have ta bring him down a notch or two. (slapping him on the shoulder)  Let’s eat.

Hoss                           
I never thought I’d say this, but I don’t find eatin’ fun any more!

Ben                             
Think of  your waistline.

Hoss                            
I try not to.

Couple of days later and a ranch hand brings a telegram….

Ben                              
It’s from Adam….confirming he’s on his way home. He’ll arrive in Virginia City this Friday!

Hoss                            
That’s good news.

Joe                               
I wonder how many crates he’ll have?

Ben                              
I’m sure he’ll bring you a present, Joseph. Give him time ta settle.

Hoss                            
Don’t ask him as soon as he gits off the stage  (cuffing Joe)

Joe                               
Ow!  I ain’t that stupid.  It’ll be good ta see ‘im.

Hoss                            
Can you remember what he looks like?

Joe                               
Sure!  It’s only bin three years.

Hoss                            
A man can change a lot in that time.

Joe                                 
Yeah, he can gain 50lbs (belting Hoss in the stomach)

Ben                                
That’ll do you two.  We have to prepare….

Hoss                              
You want me ta git Hop Sing ta put up lanterns?  (grinning)

Ben                                 
No.  Adam’s room will need airin’.

Hoss                                
Hop Sing’s way ahead of you.  

Joe                                   
I hate ta think what he’d do if you moved out! He’d turn your room into a shrine!

Hoss                                 
I’m here ta stay.  For the forseeable future, that is.

Joe                                   
You’re gittin’ hooked on the spices, huh?



Hoss                                 
That’s a thought….if he don’t quit usin’ ‘em, I might consider leavin’.  My innards ain’t bin the same since he started usin’ ‘em.

Joe                                    
Yeah, you have bin actin’ a might strange lately.

Ben                                   
Calm down you two.

Hoss                                   
I think we oughta brew you some chamomile tea, Paw…steady your nerves.

Ben                                    
Why should my nerves need calmin’?

Hoss                                  
(Deep breath!)  The return of the “Second in Command”.

Friday at the Stage Depot.  Adam alights from the stage….

Ben                                    
Welcome home, Son. (hugging him)

Adam                                  
Pa, it’s good to see you.  You’re looking well.  Joe…

Joe                                      
How ya doin’, Adam?

Adam                                  
I’m very well, thank you.  You’ve grown a might. (taking Joe’s hand.  He sees Hoss and moves towards him. They embrace)  Hoss….

Hoss                                
I’ve missed you.

Adam                             
And I you.

Hoss                              
Good ta have ya home.



Adam                             
Thank you.  It’s good to be home.  There’s hand luggage…crates ta follow.

Hoss                                
I’ll see ta things.  You go with Paw an’ Joe.  Sport’s waitin’ (nodding in the direction where he’s tethered).

Adam                              
He looks in good shape.  Thank you.

Hoss                                
Reckon he’s missed you too.

Hoss loads up the buckboard and the others ride home -

Hop Sing comes running out of the kitchen….

Hop Sing                        
Mr. Adam!  So good to see you!  Welcome home!

Adam                              
Thank you, Hop Sing.  You haven’t changed a bit.  I see you’ve bin taking good care of Hoss.

Hop Sing                         
He work very hard.

Adam                               
I have no doubt of that.  The ranch looks in good shape.

Ben                                   
It was a hard winter, but things are lookin’ up.

Hoss                                 
We’ve left you a few chores….break you in gently, so ta speak.

Adam                                
I’m ready.

Joe                                    
How was Paris?

Ben                                   
Let your brother get through the door, Joseph! (laughing)

They have an early supper and sit around talking….

Adam                                 
I still have a soft spot for England.  I saw Jane and  Christopher.  They were due to leave London for Cornwall so I joined them on John’s estate.

Hoss                                
Some place, huh?

Adam                              
You said it.  You in particular would like the house – sumptuous carpets, vast easy chairs, velvet curtains.  He has a fine herd of Herefords as well as pigs and arable.  He’s starting a dairy herd. I met up with Johann and Sven in Falmouth.  They were bound  for Rio and I missed Shimen by four days.  She’s accompanying an acquaintance of Janette’s to Paris…as companion.  I really can’t take to Janette, a scheming, manipulative woman.  Shimen is your age, Joe.  Pa, you may remember her Mother, Morgana, died when she was three, and with Johann and Sven being at sea so often, John became her Guardian, he being Morgana’s brother.  Shimen will attend School in Paris.

Joe                                   
Poor kid!

Adam                               
Well, she’ll be attending what is known as “Finishing School”.

Hoss                                 
Er…what do they “finish”?

Adam                               
They’re taught poise and etiquette, how to entertain.  In general how to be a good wife and consort.

Hoss                                 
Seems ta me it should come natural, if ya love somebody.

Adam                               
It’s a different world, Hoss.

Hoss                                 
Reckon you can keep it.  Poor li’l gal.

Adam                                
Mm…they’ve already got as prospective husband lined up for her upon her return to Cornwall, in three years.

Hoss                                  
I’m agin that kinda thing.  I think nature should take its course.
                                         
Joe                                    
I agree!

Ben                                    
Joseph!

Joe                                     
Well, I mean, Pa…….

Adam                                 
Putting the jigsaw together about our absent little friend, I think they’ll have a fight on their hands.  It wouldn’t surprise me if she doesn’t jump ship or go on safari…something like that.  Sven says she’s demure but she’s a fighter.  Apparently she favours Morgana, petite and quiet, whereas Johann and Sven are big and noisy!  We cracked a few jars. I hope their voyage will be as uneventful as mine was. We made good time and I had no difficulty tracking down  everyone in Boston and New Bedford.  Both towns have                                                                                                                                                   
changed.  Everyone is well.  I have letters……

Ben                           
I look forward to reading them.  I’m pleased you were able to spend some time there.

Adam                             
Don’t look so worried, Pa.  I have no desire to return permanently to the East.  I know where my roots are.  Now…perhaps you’d all like to tell me how the ranch is doing?  I appreciated your letters…though Hoss’ were thin on the ground.

Hoss                               
Most a the time I was kept busy.  I’ve bin workin’ on a new sluice of late.

Adam                              
And the winter months?

Joe                                   
He was at the railhead.  When he wasn’t eatin’?

Adam                              
Have you kept on with your studies now you’ve left school?

Joe                                   
Miss Elliott has lent me some of her books.

Adam                               
I’m pleased to hear it.  I’ve, er, brought you a few more.



Joe                                    
(grimace!)

Adam                               
You never stop learning.

Ben                                   
Well, I think it’s time we let Adam go ta bed.  Save some stories for another day.

Hoss                                  
Yeah, you jus’ take it easy for a few days.  Git your bearings.

Adam                                 
Sounds good, Hoss.

Joe                                      
Thanks for the penknife, Adam.


Adam                            
It’ll last a life time with care.

Joe                                 
Oh I’ll take care of it.

Adam                            
Goodnight, Pa.

Ben                                
Good ta have you home, Son (hugging him)

Hoss                               
Night, Adam.  It’s like ol’ times.

Adam                             
You can show me around tomorrow.

Hoss                              
 Look forward to it.  Sleep well.

Joe                                  
Night, Adam.



Adam                             
Yes, you’ve definitely grown.  A fine young man.  Goodnight, folks.

A few days later.  Adam and Ben are at the desk.  Hoss is coming from the kitchen, munching an apple.  He stops and listens……

Adam                              
But if only you’d have waited until I got back!

Ben                                 
We didn’t know when you were arrivin’!

Adam                               
I could have saved you all this bother….and expense.  Times are changin’…the theory is….

Ben                                  
We don’t work on theories that haven’t been proven.  We don’t have the time!  I can’t wait for some manual that’s packed in a crate to arrive from Boston, which disputes
everything I’ve bin practicin’ for years!  Tried and tested theories we’ve found adequate in the past.

Adam                               
But with this other method you get a better yield.

Ben                                   
It would be more expensive initially.

Adam                                
“Initially”, yes…but long-term.  Oh I can see there’s no convincing you.  Carry on with the “old way”…you’ve got by so far quite well!
                                         
(Storming towards the door he stops short as he’s confronted by Hoss.  He then goes out the door,  slamming it.  Hoss, still munching the apple, goes over to Ben…….

Ben                                        
Hoss.

Hoss                                      
Yeah.  I know, Paw.  It’s gonna take a long time.  Listenin’ never hurt anyone.  Reckon we might learn sumthin’.

Ben                                        
Trouble is, I’m too like Adam.  Its times like these I wish I was as placid as you are.



Hoss                                       
I got ma boilin’ point an’ it ain’t too far off.  Is he in fer supper?

Ben                                        
I dunno.

Hoss                                      
Think I’ll ride inta town.  Change a scenery.

Ben                                         
OK, Son.

One day at the corral.  Joe has been helping Hoss to break in a horse and now he’s
riding Sport round the yard.  Adam comes out of the house…..

Adam                                       
What are you doing?

Joe                                            
Same as usual.

Adam                                        
Well, there’s no need for you to handle Sport now I’m back.  I thought you took care of him?

Hoss                                           
I groomed and cleaned him out…along with the others.

Joe                                             
An’ I rode ‘im.

Adam                                         
Your diction!  “And I rode him”….

Hoss                                            
(sighs)  I should have thought  you would have realized that it’s obvious he couldn’t take my weight.  That plain enough English?

Adam                                        
Little Joe, you concentrate on your own horse from now on.

Joe                                               
His name is “Cochise”.  Suits me.


Adam                                
A fine animal.

Joe                                     
Pa gave him to me last birthday.  He… is a good friend! (getting off Sport and handing Hoss the lead rein, who in turn hands it to Adam)

Adam                                 
Thank you.  

Hoss                                   
You’re welcome.

Adam mounts and rides off…….

Joe                                      
Whatya thinkin’, Hoss?

Hoss                                    
I cain’t say out loud.  How ‘bout we go fishin’.

Joe                                       
Let’s invite Adam, then we can drown ‘im….HIM.

Hoss                                    
That’s a might strong, li’l brother, but the same thought had crossed ma mind. (smiling)

This atmosphere permeates throughout the dwellings and beyond for days!  Ben decides to hold a “welcome home” party and about forty people attend.  Quite a few girls with their parents!  Everyone has a good time…….

Beth                                       
(looking across at Adam who’s dancing)
Still as dashing as ever.  The Grande Tour has enhanced his bearing.

Ben                                         
A might poetic.

Beth                                        
Every inch a Cartwright.  Er…you look a might strained, Ben.

Ben                                          
Period of adjustment.

Beth                                         
Mm…it wasn’t totally unexpected, was it?

Ben                                          
No.  One tries to prepare, but…..we take each day as it comes.

Beth                                         
He dances very well.  Little Joe is a lot like him in that respect (watching Joe dance with Louise)

Ben                              
Yes.  Adam has bin teaching him all the latest European dances….as well as re-educating him over his diction!  I’ve bin a failure in that respect.  Joe picks things up very quickly.

Beth                             
Sibling rivalry.

Ben                              
I think you’re right.  Hoss is tryin’ to steer clear.

Beth                             
Where is he?  I haven’t seen him since he greeted us at the door.

Ben                              
Oh he’s around somewhere.  You know Hoss at socials.

Hoss has been in the stable looking after a colt and now he’s in the kitchen with Hop Sing….

Hop Sing                      
You go through.  I bling sandwiches.

Hoss                              
I’ll help you carry them.

Hop Sing                       
I not trust you!

Hoss                             
I’ve washed ma hands. (grinning)

Hop Sing                       
Lots of plitty girls here tonight.

Hoss                              
Yeah, I know.  Adam an’ Joe have cornered the market.

Hop Sing                       
Mr. Adam taught you new dances….same as Little Joe.

Hoss                              
He tried.  (reaching for a cake)

Hop Sing                       
Bad boy!  Go through!

Hoss goes through and speaks to Mr. and Mrs.Mallory…..

Mrs.Mallory                   
You’re not dancing, Hoss…..

Hoss                                
I’d just as soon watch, Ma’am.

Mr. Mallory                    
You can learn a lot from watchin’.

Jenny comes up to them……

Hoss                                
Evenin’, Jenny.  Ya look real pretty.

Jenny                               
Thank you, kind Sir.  Er…can I have a word?

Hoss                                 
Sure.  Excuse us, folks.

Mr.Mallory                      
Go right ahead, Hoss.

Mrs.Mallory                     
Such a nice boy.  He doesn’t want to tangle with the likes of her though.

Mr.Mallory                      
Now, Martha, it’s the parents, not the daughter.

Mrs.Mallory                     
Huh, her brother’s goin’ the same way!

Mr.Mallory                       
Hush now.



Hoss                                  
What’s your problem?

Jenny                                 
Does there have ta be a problem?  I jus’ want ta talk to you.

Hoss                                  
What about?

Jenny                                 
Jus’ “small talk”.

Hoss                                  
You know I ain’t much good at that.

Jenny                                  
Adam seems ta be settlin’ down OK

Hoss                                   
He’ll do.

Jenny                                  
Ya don’t sound too enthusiastic.

Hoss                                   
He’s bin away a long time.  We were kids when he left.  We had ta grow up fast.

Jenny                                  
You’ve alus bin old (hugging him)

Hoss                                    
Thanks!

Jenny                                   
You two bin arguin’.

Hoss                               
Nope.

Jenny                              
What then?

Hoss                                
Jus’ life in general.  It’ll sort itself out.

Jenny                               
They’re playin’ a waltz….a slow waltz….I kinda like this tune….

Hoss                                 
An’ Mark’s watchin’ us.  (Mark raises his glass to them)

Jenny                                
He don’t pay no nevermind.  Come dance with me….

Hoss                                  
I was gonna help Hop Sing.

Jenny                                
He don’t need help.

Hoss                                  
Meanin’ I do?

Jenny                                 
Have you seen Bessie Sue lately.  She ain’t here tanight.

Hoss                                   
Reckon no one thought to invite her.

Jenny                                  
C’mon, it’ll soon be over.

Hoss                                   
You’ll regret it.

Jenny                                  
I’d sooner you hold me than that li’l tike over there. He jus’ ‘bout crushed ma ribs.

Hoss                                    
Well…I’ve warned you….watch your feet.  (they dance)

Jenny                                   
You’re a good mover.  You hold a woman jus’ right.

Hoss                                    
D’ya reckon.  I’m alus scared a flattenin’ ‘em.

Jenny                                   
We’re made a strong stuff.  This tune’ll alus be special after tanight.  Mark knows I ain’t flirtin’ with you.

Hoss                                     
I wouldn’t ‘ave accepted the invitation if I thought that. I’d never try ta come between the two a you.  You made it clear years ago where your feelings lay, but I want you ta remember, that if you need any help…no matter what…I’ll be there for you.


Jenny                          
You’re a good friend, Hoss.  Mark admires you.

Hoss                            
He does?!

Jenny                           
Sure.

Hoss                            
Why?

Jenny                           
He says you’ve got ‘integrity’.  Ya speak your mind and stick ta your principles.

Hoss                             
That’s a might deep for me, but you talkin’ has taken ma mind off dancin’.  For once I don’t feel self-conscious!

Jenny                            
You’ve no need ta feel that way….you’re a good mover…ta say you’re sa big.  There…it’s over….unfortunately.  See, it was painless.  Thank you, Hoss, you’ve made my evenin’.

Hoss                              
The pleasure was all mine, Ma’am. (bowing)  I’ll go help Hop Sing now.  (grinning)

Hoss escorts Jenny back to Mark….

Mark                              
Thank you for returning her in one piece.  It’s gittin’ busy on the dance floor.

Jenny                              
Mark, thank you for lettin’ me dance with him.

Mark                               
Hoss is a good and trusted friend.

Hoss                                
The feeling’s mutual.  Enjoy the rest of the evenin’, folks.

He goes towards Hop Sing……

Jenny                               
He’s a lonely man….dance with me?

Couple of days later.  Adam is still being Adam and Ben, Hoss and Joe are treading on
eggshells!  Adam is at Ben’s desk when Hoss comes through from the kitchen munching a doughnut.  Adam looks at him and winces, then carries on studying the map…..

Hoss                                 
Cain’t you remember the route?  (grinning and munching)

Adam                                
It’s branded on my brain.  Has Washoe changed much?

Hoss                                  
Bigger, dirtier.


Adam                           
Uh.  I’ll go over next week and check on the stamp mill.

Hoss                             
Have you told Paw?

Adam                           
Not yet.

Hoss                             
I’d discuss it with him…otherwise you’ll git your lines crossed an’ undo all that he’s done.  There’s plenty a ‘good will’ there now, but it’s fragile.  They’re a bunch a mean
hombres.

Adam                            
When were you there last?

Hoss                                   
Jus’ before you arrived.

Adam                            
It used ta be a good place for a scrap.

Hoss                              
Still is (grinning).  I alus go with Paw, jus’ in case.

Adam                            
Do you have ta eat that sticky thing over the desk?

Hoss                               
If you hadn’t bin talkin’ ta me, I’da finished it by now.  Why don’t you jus’ come right out an’ say it?

Adam                             
Say what?

Hoss                               
That I shouldna bin eatin’ it in the first place.  People change in three years.

Adam                              
I hadn’t noticed much difference in you.

Hoss                                
Nope.  I’m still pig-headed an’ fat.

Adam                              
I didn’t say that.  What’s with you and Jenny?

Hoss                                
Nuthin’.  She’s Mark’s girl…alus has bin…you know that.

Adam                              
You still seem close.

Hoss                                 
I’ve alus liked her.  I felt sorry for her.

Adam                               
That can be dangerous.


Hoss                              
I said “felt”, I don’t any more.  She an’ Mark are gonna settle down when he’s got some cash tagether.  She’s workin’ hard too.

Adam                            
Doin’ what?

Hoss                              
She cleans and waits tables for Lucinda at the hotel.  Does a good job too, by all accounts.

Adam                              
Well, I’d steer clear, if I were you.

Hoss                              
You ain’t me and I’d be obliged if you’d keep your nose outa my business.

Adam                             
As you wish.  Er….read that clause out for me, please.  I need to be au fait with everything…before I discuss it with Pa.  I can carry on studying the map and see how it’s applied  if you read it out at the same time.

Hoss reaches for the paper, having licked his fingers and rubbed them together.  Adam ignores this!

Hoss                                
Er…which bit?

Adam                              
Second paragraph…..1a…..

Hoss                                
Oh yeah….(he studies it….)

Adam                              
What does it say about the boundary?

Hoss                                 
Er…left or right?

Adam                                
Just read it out so that I can get an overall picture…If its not too much trouble.

Hoss                                  
(Silence!)   It’s in funny writin’.

Adam                                 
‘Italics’.

Hoss                                    
I ain’t no lawyer.

Adam                                  
I didn’t say you were.  No one has asked your advice on the matter….yet.  Now, will you just read it out…word for word, then I’ll know what has to be done.



Hoss                                    
I wish I had your confidence.  How come you’re alus right?

Adam                         
Please read!

Hoss                           
(Silence!)

Adam                          
Hoss?

Hoss                            
I cain’t.

Adam                          
What do you mean?

Hoss                            
Like I said, it’s funny writin’.  I don’t know how!  I’m good at sums.  I can tell you how many trees we planted this spring…how many cords I’ve cut  an’ shipped.

Adam reaches for an ordinary book…

Adam                           
Try this….

Hoss                             
Oh Adam….I ain’t got time fer readin’ an’ writin’.

Adam                           
You should make time!  You’re missin’ out on a lot.  You were doing so well before I left….

Hoss                              
I was doin’ OK with your help before you left.  Sometimes I’ve bin so plum “wore” out I could hardly keep ma eyes open.
                                    
Adam                            
Surely things eased off during the winter?





Hoss                              
I’ve bin workin’ in the forge, fixin’ folks’ tools for extra cash.  Helpin’ new homesteaders settle in, as well as workin’ at the railhead.  I really enjoyed that.  Them steam engines are huge, but you’d know all about them.  I’ve bin doin’ anything ta get  
cash tagether.

Adam                           
What did you do with it?  You never go anywhere ta spend…you’ve not taken up gambling?!

Hoss                              
Oh Adam.  I’ve put some by.  The rest helped ta keep you in your studies, which I ain’t heard much about since you got back.  I know all about the great social side a things, but you probably think I’m too stupid ta take any of the educational stuff in.  I’m not very bright.  In fact, now I know I’m downright dumb because all the you’ve bin away
I’ve bin saying ta myself, “Now I wonder if Adam would’ve done it this way?  Would he approve?”
                                                                            
                                      

Adam                           
I’m sorry you feel that way.  

Hoss                             
You’ve done nuthin’ but criticise since you got back.  I’m not perfect.  I try an’ do ma best, and obviously I don’t come up to your expectations.  I’m not like you or Paw. I cain’t hold intelligent conversations an’ be charmin’ ta women.  Reckon God passed me by an’ gave it all ta Joe, but I’m not jealous.  I’m proud a him and I used ta be proud of you.  I looked up to you and tried to emulate you.  See, I know some fancy words!  I cain’t be you….I’m stuck with bein’ me… fat an’ ugly.  All I ask in life is ta help out on the ranch in any way I can.  I’ve no desire ta go gallivantin’, ‘cept maybe take an occasional ride on a train.  I can sit comfortably in one a them carriages….all plush an’ cosy.  I peeked in on the Rail Boss’.  He didn’t see me.

I’m disappointed in you, Adam.  I thought travellin’ around would’ve made you more tolerant of others.  I knew you’d find it difficult ta settle down an’ we’ve all made a determined effort an’ made allowances, but I cain’t stand by any longer, listenin’ ta you talk down ta Paw.  He cain’t afford that new fangle machine you keep spoutin’ off about, but he’s too proud ta tell you.  Next year, maybe, if we all pull tagether..Joe included.  He needs encouragin’ not brow-beatin’ all the time. You’ll get more sense outa him if you treat him like a young man instead of a kid.  I know he can be a handful.  He tries my patience, believe me!  He experienced a proper childhood, unlike us.  I know you had it rough.  So did I because I was right there with you.  I still am.  I’ve alus thought a the two of us as bein’ close.  Not a day went by that I didn’t think of you…wonderin’ where you were… who you were with.  Wonderin’ if you’d come home with a beautiful European bride!  Wishin’ I could share your work experiences with you.
Adam                        
We could’ve done with you on that building.

Hoss                              
I enjoyed readin’ about that.  I’d’ve helped.  I’ll help you now,  but I cain’t be doin’ with all this criticisin’.  I cain’t change  who I am.  I don’t particularly want to, except ta lose  weight.  I’m me an’ you either take me as I am or….I’m gonna check on the sluice….I gotta adjust the gate.

Adam                             
Do you need a hand?
           
Hoss……….Please.





                                                                        oooOooo

                                                       
1997


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