Chapter 7
Ben Cartwright touched a hand to Adam's forehead and looked him in the eyes. His color was off, and he looked weary, but he had a sparkle in his eye. Satisfied that he was reasonably all right, he turned to Joe. His youngest was sitting in a chair nearby, eating a sandwich. Ben then turned to Hoss, who was just finishing his own sandwich. He turned his gaze from one son to another, thinking.
Finally, Hoss couldn't stand it. "What's the matter, Pa?" he blurted.
Ben leaned back on the chair and scratched his chin with the fingers of one hand. "I was just tryin' to figure," he said, "how I can send the three of you boys out to three different places, to take care of three different errands, and I can find you all in Gardnerville," his voice slowly raised in volume until it was a shout. "AND I NEVER SENT ANY OF YOU HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!"
Hoss turned his head to the floor, looking apologetic. Joe stared at his Pa, the look on his face one of fear, like he was about to be punished. Adam chuckled. Hoss and Joe turned their attention to Adam, who continued to laugh. Ben turned a stern face toward his eldest son, then burst out laughing himself. Hoss and Joe glanced at each other, slapped each other's arms, and joined in.
THE END
