On his return to the house it was Ben’s intention to once again bring his youngest son to task. But, catching the end of a conversation between Joe and Hoss, and by the pouty look of shame on his errant son’s face. It was obvious to Ben that Hoss had taken the role of parent. He therefore decided a glare of disapproval was sufficient enough a reproach. Joe’s lowered head and mumbled apology, Ben took with grace. He reminded his son that he wasn’t the only person who had caught the disrespectful side of Joe’s tongue.

Returning to his seat by the fire, Ben agreed to Hoss’s suggestion of a brandy. Taking the offered drink he swirled the glass and watched the golden liquid sparkle in the glow of the fire. Before he could take a sip. Hoss’s question, inquiring about his trip to San Fransisco, caught Ben by surprise. He had wanted all his son’s to be present to hear the outcome of his visit. Adam especially as the lumber contracts and anything to do with that part of the Ponderosa business concerns, were now under his control. Before Ben could make any reply. As if on cue, Adam and Etta, arm in arm, strolled back into the house. Waiting until they were seated, Ben did his best to cut a long story short. Taking no heed of his own words. Ben didn’t start at the beginning.

Not only Adam, all his boys were pleased to know that the contracts had been renewed for another three years. Also that a new contract had been negotiated for additional lumber and ties. A proposed new section of railroad was already passed the planning stage. Plus the wood for two more bridge trestle’s was needed. Adam interjected, worrying that they may have taken on too much. He questioned his father as to what Barney had to say? Had he too picked up another lucrative contract?

Ben’s sons cast looks of concern at one another. They watched their father sink into the leather upholstered chair. Laying his head against the comfortable furnishing he closed his eyes. Ben’s memory drew him back to the last seven days he had spent in San Fransisco.

Even now he couldn’t recall the exact moment it had happened. They were both still laughing at the events of the day. Barney’s guffaws took on a choking, gargling. Ben suddenly realised the man was gasping for breath. He remembered roaring at the top of his voice. Trying to get the attention of the driver. Barney was slumped against Ben’s shoulder. Finally the driver pulled open the flap. Ben asked him for help. He now assumed Barney to have had a seizure or heart attack. The driver advised that as they were very near to the hospital. He would take Ben straight there. Within moments Barney was whisked away. Ben and the driver were left standing. In no time at all the doctor returned. It came as no surprise to Ben when the doctor advised that there was nothing that they could have done. The surprise was that Barney had in fact been shot. Nothing came from a police investigation. The driver had offered his services. As there was a lot of toing and froing, Ben was indeed happy to retain the man. There was a burial, attended only by Ben, the driver and his wife.

That evening the Manager of the Hotel called to Ben’s room and handed him an envelope. At first Ben thought the man was being a bit previous. He took the envelope, thanked the man and went back to his cigar and brandy. His mind being elsewhere. However curiosity overcame him. Opening the envelope he read the contents. A smile twitched at his mouth. Refilling his glass he drank a toast to his departed friend.

The following morning Ben had to return to the offices of the Railroad for the signing of the contracts. A Mr Turner from Turner, Lawson and Rawston was already present in the office. Ben nodded to the man. The meeting went ahead, apparently much to the annoyance of Mr Turner. The contracts were signed and Mr Turner left as he had arrived, with nothing. He did though make Ben an offer for the late Barney Fuller’s lumber business. An offer that Ben not too gracefully declined.

“Aint no wonder Pa, yer weren’t up ter much when yer came home. Dadburn Barney could be a burr under yer saddle, but l reckons weren’t no reason ter kill the man.” Hoss made the first comment.

“Aint ya got any idea who did it?” Joe questioned.

“You’re right Hoss, Barney Fuller didn’t deserve that. No Joe, although l have a good idea, just as Barney did, but l have no proof.”

“What yer saying Pa? Barney knew it was gonna happen?”

“You never said what was in the envelope…would l be right in thinking it was a document giving you power of attorney to handle Barney’s business.”

“Not just that Adam… there was also a copy of Barney’s will. Barney gave me the legal right to sign any document on his behalf. Allowing me to handle all his business affairs. Until his wishes could be carried out, and the beneficiary could take over.”

“He must have trusted you a great deal.” Etta commented, “how dreadful that he knew what was going to happen, but could do nothing about it…how sad. Did he not have any family?”

In answer to Etta’s question Ben related all that Barney had told him about his life. A look of shock and compassion was reflected on all four faces. “such a terrible thing to happen. He must have been so lonely. All he wanted was a family waiting for him to come home to…such a tragedy.” at Etta’s sympathetic comment Adam snaked an arm around her shoulder. She welcomed his embrace. Ben’s smile of love for his new daughter was clear for all to see. With all that the girl had endured. That she could then find such compassion in herself for a man she never knew. Only endeared her more to her father to be.

The evening ended on a happier note. Adam and Eva set a date for the wedding. Another, earlier date was set for them too return to Turner’s Town and collect the rest of Etta’s belongings. They would also call on Thomas and Harriet with their wedding invites. It was decided to take a wagon. Hoss and Candy, and if needed another hand, would accompany Adam and Etta. Little Joe wasn’t too put out that he wouldn’t be gong along. He was determined to work on strengthening his leg and arm. He was not, he fervently told everyone, going to be using a cane in six weeks time. He was also determined, regardless of his father’s sidelong looks, not to get his hair cut until the day before the wedding. Everyone knew they were ready for bed, but the warm comfort from the hearth, and the second glass of brandy had everyone languishing, too lazy too move.

“Yer never said Pa?”

“l am thinking Hoss, l have said quiet a lot this evening.”

“Yer have at that Pa, but yer never said…” Little Joe finished his brothers words.

“Who Barney left everything to Pa, yer never told us.” Scratching the back of his neck, Ben cast his gaze on the four expectant faces.

“You’ll never believe me.”

“At least allow us to be the judge of that.” Adam advised, giving his father a wry smile.

“Well you asked…Barney left everything, lock, stock and lumber business to a Mr Candy Canady.”

“You’re joshing!!” Joe exclaimed trying to keep a straight face.

“Why Candy Pa? Didn’t think he even knew the man.” Ben shrugged at Hoss’s question.

“To tell you the truth boy’s…Etta, l’m beat. why don’t we discuss this tomorrow with Candy present.”

Everyone turned in that night relaxed and happy. All except for Adam Cartwright, the thought that Etta’s was sleeping downstairs was torturous. In fact he hoped that she, like him, was not sleeping. Six weeks was beating in his head like a tom tom. He had to stop thinking about the feel and warmth of her skin next to his. Tomorrow he would take Etta on a tour of the Ponderosa. He knew exactly where to go. Eventually he did close his eyes and slowly sleep came. A half smile of awaited pleasure lingered on his mouth.