The wheel of the stagecoach hit a deep rut, throwing the only passenger from one side of carriage to the other. The cuss, that emitted from the man’s mouth, if it had been uttered by one of the man’s son’s, would have brought about a stern glare or verbal castigation.
Why? He asked himself in all that’s sane and Holy, hadn’t he taken the newest form of transport. Wasn’t he supplying the ties for the track…But no, he had to stick to the old, tried and tested form of travel. He felt he was being more than tested.He could hear Barney Fuller’s laughter. It was later, after they had rested from the equally bruising, outward journey. They they were seated comfortably having dinner at the ‘Grand Palace’ Hotel. The man’s words echoed in Ben’s ear. They took him back to their first evening in San Fransisco.’Cartwright, those darn seats don’t get any softer do they?. Only time l can really appreciate my lard lagged butt.’They had both enjoyed the joke. Just as much as they had enjoyed the meal.“Thought you were a steak man Cartwright?” Barney queried Ben’s menu choice. Before answering, Ben chewed, swallowed and refreshed his palate with a sip of the fine, chilled Chablis that was glistening in a cut glass, goblet.“You’re forgetting l can have steak for breakfast, dinner and tea.” Ben wiped his mouth on the crisp, white, cotton napkin and smiled amiable at the large man who was making short work of his own meal. “and what’s more l often do.” he added. “and that is most probably Ponderosa you have on the end of your fork.” cocking his head to one side the steak eating man viewed the large piece on meat speared on the end of the silver cutlery. He nodded his approval and agreement.“I do hope so Ben, l surely do. When l order the best l expect to receive the best.” The two men continued the meal in silence. Both relishing the soft cushioning on their bones. The stability of the floor beneath their feet, and the food before them. The larger man broke the shared silence. “aren’t your boys keeping the suppliers stocked as we speak…and eat?” Ben laid his knife and fork together on the cleared plate. The meal couldn’t be faulted. It had more than suited his taste and hadn’t left him feeling bloated.“Yes. Though they should be back home by now. I was hoping to see them before l left.” Ben’s brow puckered. Even though he knew about the fault in communication. It was still a niggling worry that he had not heard from his boy’s. He decided to check with the reception desk after the meal. Dessert having been dispensed with. Ben preferring a refreshing fruit salad to the stodgy pudding that Barney had enjoyed. The men were now sat in the even more comfort of deep seated, leather armchairs. Brandy and cigars to hand.

“Come now Cartwright, don’t get those mother hen feathers of yours ruffled. Those boys are sitting in the Silver Dollar. Adam and Hoss will be drinking beer’s, discussing the profits. While Little Joe will have a gal on his lap, one on his arm. Five cards clutched in one fist and a whisky in the other …spending the profits.” Ben glared across the rim of his glass. Barney raised an eyebrow and pursed his lips he wondered whether he had over stepped the mark. He knew Ben Cartwright. He was an adversary of old. He was not a man to push too far, especially when it involved his beloved boys. Ben swallowed the contents of his glass and placed it carefully on the table.

“Barney, l cannot say that l haven’t been a little concerned. But when you put it like that, l am beginning to wonder if l will have enough to pay my hotel bill.”

A moments silence preceded an uproarious burst of laughter. As they had the room to themselves there was nobody to take umbrage at their boyish behaviour. Barney signaled for a refill. Which was brought by a nervous, thin man. He fixed both men with a glazed smile as he hesitantly placed the fresh drinks on the table and removed the empty glasses. His eyes flicked from the huge laughing man to the silver haired laughing man. In the waiters opinion both of these men were behaving like overgrown school boys. His look of disapproval was clearly picked up by Barney and Ben. It only added to their joviality, especially when Barney gave out a loud ‘BOO’ which caused the thin man to stumble, almost dropping the tray in his haste to return to the safety zone behind the finely polished wooden bar. The man took to buffing the bar to an even higher gloss. Intermittently giving furtive glances in the direction of the two ruffians.