Summary: Short stories about the Cartwright family before the start of the series
Rated: K + WC 4900
Ben and Elizabeth under the mistletoe He was standing near the wall but without pressing it, standing very straight as befits an officer.Timidly, cap in hand, he looked at her.She was so young, she looked so pure, a fragile flower but perfect … or a bird, a sparrow singing and twirling … No, not a sparrow, a nightingale, that she dared not était.Il approach it.She was the daughter of his captain and she was only fifteen.The young man of nineteen years he had felt both too old and too young to make him cour.Mais they were on the eve of New Year. In a few minutes he would be midnight.Was not this a perfect opportunity to steal a kiss under the mistletoe?Even the captain could not find it redire.Saisi a sudden boldness, he put his hat on a chair and strode to the charming butterfly in her cream silk dress, made his way among the guests carrying a tray of sandwiches.He managed to cross it knew mistletoe, stopped preventing it from going further and stealthily placed a kiss on his cheek:”Happy New Year, miss Elisabeth,” he whispered and felt overwhelmed with joy to see the big smile who was digging dimples in her charming little face.
“Happy New Year, Mr. Ben,” she said, “let me ask this plateau and you invite me for the next waltz, would you? “.
*****
You will not fear, is not it, Adam?
Ben Cartwright was contemplating the scene. It was so peaceful. This tipi, a man with his shirt and kilt. Not a dog, not a child in sight. Nothing and no one seemed to disturb the village, at least from where he was.
However, the heart of Ben was anything but peaceful. Inside, he felt a mixture of anger and fear was the bubble. It was an Indian village and an Indian man was not very different from the one that killed Inger, his beloved wife, a few months earlier.
Of course, it was not the same tribe. This land belonged to the Paiute while the Indians who had attacked their caravan were Apaches. He had no reason to blame the Paiute but he could not help but be wary.
He walked away from the place where he had looked at the man, as quietly as he could. Not far away, Adam and Hoss waiting for him in the cart, the elder trying to keep the little silent. Ben approached, the illuminated face of a smile and a finger on the lips. “Hush, there are Indians in the area,” he said, and he regretted it instantly seeing dam become pale.
He climbed on the seat of the truck and clicked his tongue to start the horse. When they were far enough away from the village, he began to speak aloud:
“You know, Adam, you must not think that all Indians are bad just because some of them killed your mother. It is as if you thought all white men are bandits on the grounds that some of them are. It would be stupid to think that, you understand? »
“Yes, Pa,” the child replied thoughtfully as he gently moved the cradle of her little brother with one hand.
“In the country where we are going, there will be Indians. These are the tribes of Indians who have migrated to the West because of our farmers. They need large expanses of grassland in order to find food. They do not farm, they do know that hunt, you know what I mean? »
“Yes, Pa”
“So we might as well decide that we will meet these Indians and try to make friends. That’s what we’ll do. You will not fear, is not it, Adam. Tell me that you’ll be brave. »
The child took a deep breath and tried to smile, “Yes Pa”
Ben fell silent. Without another word, he went on his way, saying in his heart: “You will not fear, is not it, Ben. Tell me that you’ll be brave. »
******
The red scarf
It was a habit he had for some months exactly since the death of Mary, the habit of stopping at the turn of the stairs to look at his father. Every morning he hoped to see finally a sparkle in his eyes and his usual half-smile on his lips, but every morning he was disappointed. As every day now, Ben was there, staring into space and his mouth was permanently closed.
At this sight, he realized that the father he knew and admired was not there. He was there in body but his mind was elsewhere, somewhere in a place he could not reach. And he knew that today would be like yesterday and the day before yesterday. He would have to take over and the family and the ranch. Another day, another day. Obviously, Ben was not busy Little Joe, also said he turned around, climbed upstairs and he pushed the door of the room the child.
“Hi my little buddy,” he shouted as he did every day, “it’s time to get up. Hurry up, breakfast is ready. »
Usually, the kid ran to throw herself into his arms. He took a moment to cuddle, then in speed, helped him to dress, not without simultaneously shouted: “Hoss, are you ready? Your breakfast is getting cold! »
But this morning was different. Joe had managed to dress himself. Because of mourning, he wore gray clothing e looking sadly his image reflected in the mirror. Adam smiled:
“Congratulations, Joe, you’re ready and you did it alone! »
But the boy did not seem to notice the compliment. He continued to watch the vexed air in the ice.
“What’s going on, boy? »
“Adam, why do I have to get dressed in gray? all the boys at school are in yellow, green, blue, red. And I, gray, gray always .. I hate gray. »
Stunned, Adam, at first, did not know how to react. He was, himself, dressed in black, and it’s not bored at all. It was just as it was going to him very well, but he had to admit that it was not very funny for a little boy to be dressed in gray.
“Listen, Joe, I do not have the means to buy you a new shirt or a new pants but I can arrange to give you a new scarf. What color do you want? »
Joe broke into a broad smile.
“You do that, Adam? So I want a red scarf, that would be fantastic! »
“Okay, buddy, you will get it. And now, come down. »
Hoss had heard them. He left Joe away pus asked his older brother:
“But Adam, it’s only four months since Mom died. That will tell Dad? »
Adam looked at his brother right in the eye with unspeakable sadness: “I bet you he will notice not even. And if it does, do not worry, I’ll find a reason. »
And he went down, his younger on the heels grimly.
*******
The secret to Julia Bulette
It was two o’clock in the morning but despite a hard day of work, Ben could not sleep.
It had been three days since Joe had left Ponderosa bag and baggage, to settle in the city, in the establishment run by Julia Bulette. At the beginning of the romance between Joe and Julia, Ben was convinced he had the situation well in hand and thought he could kill the romance in the bud but today he was not sure. Julia had quickly extended its grip on Joe and Ben knew for what purpose she continued.
Julia was an old friend of Ben. After Mary’s death, he had to return to New Orleans to meet the businessman and his wife out the details of the estate on behalf of Joe. The legacy of Mary did not represent much, but there was no reason to deprive Joe.
For a year after the death of Mary, he had not felt the strength to accomplish what seemed to be a pilgrimage but when finally he was out of his long mourning period, he realized that he does was high time to do so, before Adam will leave the University. He could stand a few more weeks on his elder and his manager, Charlie, to take care of the ranch. They did for a year, they would do well for a month or two more.
It was hardly in the mood to party with women or passing relationships, but how could he have imagined that the businessman Mary was a jolly fellow and he would give him an appointment in a gallant home? This very strange man law had been hasty (as unaware of Clay, no one disputed the Joe rights) and once the set record, it was clearly intended to afford a good evening with Ben. Before it has had time to open his mouth, he had ordered two half-worldly, Véronique for him, Julia Ben.
Distraught, Ben wondered how to get out of this shoe-hatch. Julia looked very young. Ben was willing to bet that she had not yet reached its twentieth anniversary. Ben had very strict moral standards, the limit of Puritanism but his years as a sailor Bourlingue had removed him naively. He knew that the young woman had come back with the money if she would not be punished. Also, while the notary came up, Veronica, he proposed to Julia conversation paid at the same rate as other “services” that could have made it.
Julia had accepted without scoring any reaction. Was she relieved or humiliated, he could have said and would never know.
Twelve years later, when Julia had appeared in Virginia City, a few weeks earlier, he had decided not to say anything to anyone. He would keep the secret. At first, Julia had been suspicious of him, but seeing that he was careful all slander and gossip of sudden, she had regained confidence in herself so much that she decided to take revenge for all the citizens of Virginia City and elsewhere seducing Joe. From there to become the daughter of Ben and capture third of Ponderosa, there was only that she was about to cross blithely.
But even to prevent it, Ben could not bring himself to reveal his secret.
He could take it to Joe without breaking his heart. He could take it to Hoss without hitting his innocence. And he could not entrust it to Adam without the risk that it discovers that he was more experienced in matters of gallantry as his father.
Ben sighed: it only remained to pray for him that Providence gives him the famous helping hand that she often had it (alas, not always) lavished when he was in trouble …
*******
The Frog
Little Joe came home at an unusually slow pace. The letter he had in his bag worried terribly. Especially since this was the second copy. First, he claimed to have lost and, in fact, he had completely lost because he had thrown in the wind. But Miss Jones was not deterred and wrote another. This time, it was necessary that he gives Pa, he saw no other solution.
Fortunately, Pa came back later that night. Nevertheless, he wanted to make sure that Joe had done his homework and asked the book of texts. The letter was there, impossible not to give it.
Ben frowned while reading “Miss Jones wants to see me, without fail tomorrow. Why? Have you any idea about it, Joe? »
Joe blushed, “Well, Pa, I’m not quite sure … It could be so much … You better ask him …”
“That’s what I’ll do and I’ll have the heart net, you may be sure … So if you want to relieve your conscience …”
but Joe does not have time to answer. As he opened his mouth, was heard in the courtyard the sound of several people running around, “Mister Cartwright, Cartwright mister …”
Ben turned to the door and saw his manager, Charlie, followed by two thugs visibly distraught:
What is happening? »
“The cattle in the pasture in the North, it was stolen …”
What? »
“Tim and Ted, they were ambushed. By five men wearing hoods. They threatened them with their guns … ”
“We could not do anything, boss. »
“Well, I’m coming. Hoss, Adam … ”
“Yes, Pa.”
Come with me. Hop Sing, take care of little Joe, please, may we returned later. »
“But I’m coming with you, Pa, I want to help. »
“Joseph, you’re only ten years. We have not BESOI to have kids in the legs in such expeditions. Be wise with Hop-Sing is the best way to help me. »
A minute later, they were gone and Joe found himself alone with the Chinese cook. They returned around midnight. They had spotted traces but could not continue in the dark.
“We will resume tomorrow. Hoss, you accompany me. You Adam, you will remain to ship current affairs. Oh, I think it will also require you to go into town to see Miss Jones. I do not know what Joe did but she called me with some firmness. »
“But Pa …”
“I beg you, Adam, no buts. You make me more Service by doing what I tell you that in discussing to participate in the patrol. Maybe it’s not glorious but it must to be done is done. Understand? »
“Yes, Pa,” muttered Adam.
The next day he was at four o’clock, at the exit of the school. It was really the kind of steps he hated. Miss Jones had a knack for making a storm in a teacup. Another hour wasted. Joe came out and did not seem surprised to see his big brother waiting. Certainly, Pa had sent for him to take care of the problem between him and Miss Jones and it made her very happy Adam could never take Miss Jones seriously and knowing what she wanted to talk, Joe was almost sure he would not be punished by Adam. On some matters, big brother could be much more forgiving than Pa.
“Wait for me, Joe,” made Adam, sternly.
Taking off his hat, he approached the teacher, a shy smile on her face.
“Excuse me, Miss Abigail …”
Miss Jones greeted him with a broad smile.
“Oh, Adam, what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? »
“I do not know if it’s a pleasure. In fact, it is this letter you sent to my father. He is too busy to come himself and he sent me to replace it if it does not bother you too much. »
“But that does not trouble me at all. Enter Adam, we will be quieter to talk. »
A little worried, Adam went inside. “Please, Miss Jones,” he asked, “get to the point, I’m pretty rushed.
“Well, Adam,” she replied with a smirk, “It is not easy to tell such things offhand. It is about a frog. »
A frog? »
“Yes. Your brother, I mean little Joe … ”
Adam was a mimicry exasperated. Of course it was Joe, Hoss had left school last year!
What did he do? »
“He caught a frog and has rolled in flour. »
“Really? And then? »
“So? The grenuille was in his pocket. He laid out on my desk and then he begins to blow it. »
Adam could not understand why Abigail Jones had found it necessary to call his father for so little and could not help saying.
“It is … Adam, you do not understand … The frog was scared and jumped in my … in my …”
She had become scarlet. “Oh, Adam, I really can not tell you where the frog jumped. No, really, I can not. »
While making these denials, she showed so clearly with his hands her cleavage Adam could not help, too, blushing slightly. Immediately, he was vexed and is recovering quickly.
“Miss Abigail, I really am very sorry but I would like to point out that the intention of Joe did not send the frog in your … your … uh, where she went. I do not think it would be clever to punish him for that. Do not you think it would be more educational than I take him to the florist you buy, to be forgiven, a bouquet of flowers he would pay with his pocket money? »
Abigail smirked more, “Oh, Adam, Adam,” she said, threatening to the index, “you spoil brat but I accept it because it’s you. »
Adam left school and recovered his little brother, “You’re lucky, a little mischievous, it was me who came in place of Pa She accepts you as you sort by offering it, with your own money. , a bouquet of flowers. I saved your post paternal belt. Let’s go to the florist and promise me, never again, do a frog will roll in flour. »
*******
How does it Ponderosa map of caught fire?
Adam Cartwright left the post office, the air clearly meets a bundle under his arm. Lost in thought, he hurried when a female voice startled him.
“Hey, Adam, where are you? Are you in such a hurry that you can not even stop for a chat with a friend? »
Amanda Ridley was an eighteen-year-old girl but she behaved as if the word “timidity” never existed. She was past master in the art of tease the young people and neglected no male with less than thirty years in the Virginia City area. When, two years ago, Adam Cartwright had returned from Boston where he went to study architecture, she vowed that this man would belong to him. The previous Saturday at the party organized in her home by her father on the anniversary of his mother, they had danced together almost all the waltzes, and she was sure she pleased him greatly. He had proved by driving outside in the garden surrounding the house and giving it a memorable kiss. Then she had expected a declaration of love in formal but had simply uncheck this ambiguous smile that he was familiar, half ironical, sweetheart, and he brought her back to Interior for a new dance.
Today was Wednesday and since Saturday night, she had waited in vain for him to visit him. Also do could she say if she was happy to see him finally annoyed or to realize that he would not stop at her if she had called.
Adam raised his hat and said only: “Hi Amanda, how are you? Nothing more. Resorting to the artifices of coquetry, Amanda pretended to be near tears.
“How do you want me to go then you neglect me? »
“You neglected? But Amanda, if I remember correctly, last Saturday, I all but ignore you. »
“Exactly. And after that kiss you stole, I was expecting a visit as soon as possible. Were you so busy Sunday that you have not been able to find a few hours to devote myself? »
A smile appeared at the corner of Adam’s lips to hear about that kiss “stolen”. In his memory, his “victim” had not put up fierce resistance to his business … but it was quite chivalrous for not noticed. He replied simply:
“Indeed, Amanda, I was very busy and I still am. If this does not bother you, we will wait for Sunday this small conversation, obviously, you burn to have with me. Now, excuse me but I have to leave you. See you at the picnic Mrs Tuckerton. »
And he was withdrawn by extending the no.
Upset, Amanda decided she would not expect the following Sunday. It was not Wood for flutes and he was going to notice. She went to her mother as soon as she found a good reason to go to Ponderosa
“Mom, you remember that you promised to buy me a closet, just for me, when I am eighteen years? »
“Yes, Amanda, but I have not found the time to …”
“Do not you worry, Mom. I believe it is possible to order an Adam Cartwright. »
“But Amanda, Adam Cartwright is not a carpenter!”
“But if, Mom,” Amanda lied. “He told me the other day that he was perfectly capable of making furniture. I just need to go to the mill and to show him, in a catalog, the model I would like to have. And he said that since we are friends, we will not have to pay as wood. »
OK so. You can take the cart Saturday. I’m sorry but I can not go with you, I have too much work here with Sally and dad also with its business. Be careful and get back before six. »
A Ponderosa, she found Hoss and asked where was Adam. “I think it’s at the mill,” said one. “Since he returned to the University, he made his lair. Whenever he has a moment, he rushes there. »
After asking his way to the giant, she went to the sawmill. Indeed, Adam was there. He had arranged a local who was his office, as he liked to say, and in the moment, it was absorbed by a drawing work.
Regardless of whether it bothered him, Amanda exclaimed, “Hi, Adam! What are you doing? »
Adam looked up, slightly annoyed but not much. After all, it was a really pretty girl, and when he had time, he delighted in his company.
“Hi Amanda! As you see, I draw a map. »
A map? What card? »
“A Ponderosa card. Do not tell anyone, it’s a surprise for the birthday of my father. It remains for me to tweak a few details and framing. »
“It’s amazing, Adam! You drew landforms, rivers, lake, forest … ”
“Yes, and it took me longer than I thought. When I met you in town on Wednesday, I had just received my charcoals. That’s why I have to apologize but as birthday is Tuesday, I do not think I can participate in the picnic tomorrow. I want this card is perfect and I still have to work there. »
Amanda smirked: “No matter, Adam. Take your Sunday to finish your design and grant mid afternoon. This’re much better to see one on one rather than the middle of a crowd of noisy people. »
“I’m sorry, Amanda, but I can not today or tomorrow. »
What? »
“Understand me, Amanda, I really want to make a beautiful card for my father. It means a lot to me and I want to show him. After Tuesday, I’d spend all my time on you … ”
“Would you say you prefer the old man to me? »
Adam hesitated. Not because he was not sure of the answer but because he did not want to hurt her. He stammered, “Well, Amanda …” but she did not let him finish. She had spotted a box of matches. Furious, she grabbed it, took out a match and, having turned, threw it in the middle of the map and setting fire to the masterpiece of Adam.
He rushed to stop the damage, but it was too late: there was a big hole in the middle of the card. He sat up and stared Amanda. What she saw in his eyes made her draw back. It was a mixture of sadness, anger and disgust.
“Go away, Amanda,” he said almost in a whisper. “Go away and disappear from view. I do not want to have anything to do with you for the rest of my life. “Then, on a more hard, he repeated:” Go away! “. This she did, terrified.
Left alone, Adam sat down, crossed his arms on the desk, there buried his head and began to cry. It was nice to be a guy twenty-four years and feel a man, it does not prevent you from crying when someone destroys a labor of love.
After several minutes, he raised his head in shame. “What’s the matter with me? Here I am crying like a kid. Well, I still have one and a half and three nights until Tuesday. Start again. »
And the following Tuesday, he offered his father a beautiful card which earned him the praise of Ben, delighted. And he stopped to speak to Amanda … to date, six years later. But this is another story …
Note: Amanda Ridley appears in China
********
The Blue Chair
A stride, Adam down the main street of Sacramento. Tom Layton gave him an appointment and he wanted to be on time. Tom had recently married to Helen Blake and, as a friend of Tom, he wanted to impress his new wife. Assuming it was going to be invited to lunch, Adam knocked on the door of Layton.
Tom opened the door and Adam gave a start. Her boyfriend, usually jovial and well fed now had the pale face, the face devastated and gloomily.
“Hi, Tom,” he shouted, hesitating.
“Hi, Adam, to see you,” Tom replied, his eyes belying his words
Adam eyes scanned the room and asked, “Where is your wife? I thought to know her … ”
“It will not be the case,” Tom replied, his voice that exudes a smoldering anger, “she came out, there is a time and at this hour, it is certainly very busy losing a few dollars to me remained. »
Suddenly Tom slumped into a chair and began to cry. He looked devastated, unable to stop the tears that streamed down her cheeks. In hiccuping, he told Adam the story without hope of marriage. “I am ruined Adam completely ruined, I’m not even able to offer you two fried eggs for breakfast. »
“Do not lose hope, Tom, I can help you. I can lend you money. »
“Pay? But I could never make you. No, Adam, there is nothing to do. »
Adam stood helplessly moment. Again he looked around the room and idea emerges:
“If you do not want me to borrow money, then sell me something. This blue chair, there, by the fireplace. It’s been years that I see in you and I have always wanted. It is very comfortable and I love the slate blue velvet that covers it. I can already imagine myself to read them a book. It will fit in the Ponderosa living room. Bargain? »
Tom could not help but smile at this surge, “It’s okay, the deal is done. Fixed a price. »
“Well, I think three hundred dollars would be a reasonable price. »
“Three hundred dollars for this old thing? »
“When one loves, one does not count. Come on, Tom, help me to pack, I have to put in the coach and I do not want it to be damaged by bumps. After, I invite you to a good restaurant. Come on! »
“Adam,” Tom called out.
“Yes, Tom? »
“I do not know if I’ve already said, but you’re the best friend I have ever had. You, you can say that you know what the word “friendship.”
There was nothing to add. There was silence while the two friends were packing the blue chair.
