The Chinese cook Hop Sing has worked for the Cartwright family for many years. They lived and worked on their ranch the Ponderosa.
One morning, Hop Sing went with an idea to his employer Ben Cartwright (who owned the ranch).
“Mr Cartwright, I have an idea for your sons. And also for you of course”, said the cook mysteriously smiling.
The rancher looked at him and asked, “What’s your idea?”
“Cartwrights learn to eat with chopsticks. With Hop Sing as a teacher”, answered Hop Sing.
Ben didn’t know what he was hearing and was speechless for a moment.
Then he asked, “Do you really mean that?”
“Hop Sing no joke”, replied Hop Sing.
“Good. You can teach the boys. But first you have to teach me. Agreed?”, Ben suggested.
“Agreed Mr Cartwright”, said the cook.
He went back to his domain, the kitchen, contentedly. Ben was already enjoying how his sons (Adam, Hoss and Little Joe) would react at their cook’s food class.
Over lunch, Hop Sing taught Ben how to eat with chopsticks. The cook had signed it exactly with an explanation. Ben quickly learned it to the satisfaction of Hop Sing.
“Hop Sing, put chopsticks on our plates tonight instead of cutlery. Then Adam, Hoss and Joseph learn right away”, said Ben.
The cook nodded approvingly.
That evening, Hop Sing covered the table as with every meal. But instead of cutlery, he put two chopsticks on each plate. Then he went back into the kitchen.
By nightfall, the brothers were coming home. As usual, it didn’t go quietly. The boys had worked hard and had to take all the frustrations out on each other.
“I had to do all the heavy lifting and you guys did nothing but watch”, said Hoss.
“You’re the strongest of the three of us”, responded Joe.
Adams’s rebuttal was, “I’m older than you and I’m tired faster.”
Ben heard the discussion amused and knew what was in store for them.
“Boys, you’re going to wash first and then there’s a very nice surprise waiting”, said the rancher when the discussion had come to an end.
That happened and with fresh courage the Cartwrights went to the dining room.
“Uh, Dad, Hop Sing forgot to put down the cutlery. With each plate are sticks”, said Joe surprised.
“You’ll get text and explanations in a way. Sit down. The teacher comes soon”, answered his father.
Ben and the brothers took their seats and waited for the teacher. Hop Sing entered the dining room with smiling eyes and a smile around his mouth. He put the food on the table and looked at the Cartwrights.
“Gentlemen, meet your teacher: Hop Sing. He’s going to teach us how to eat with chopsticks”, said Ben.
The boys wanted to protest, but their father raised his hand.
“It’s good for your development so Hop Sing, go ahead”, spoke Ben.
The boys were paying attention and soon they too could eat with chopsticks.
“Cartwrights now eat with chopsticks on Ponderosa”, Hop Sing joked.
Then he got three pairs of indignant looks thrown at the brothers. Ben understood it a long time ago and just watched with a smile.
“Joke by Hop Sing. Tomorrow just food with cutlery again”, said the cook.
He quickly went to the kitchen where the Cartwrights were allowed to come as little as possible.
Hop Sing kept his word and put cutlery on the plates.