Rating: T

Word Count=10,632

Summary: A What Happened Instead story for The Lady From Baltimore. Deborah Banning’s scheme to marry her daughter to a Cartwright had come to fruition when Joe proposed to Melinda. But Melinda was in love with Adam. What if Melinda decided to have Adam, no matter the cost?

Disclaimer: I don’t own the Cartwrights or Bonanza. No copyright infringement is intended against Elliott Arnold’s script. Original plot and characters are property of the author. This story is for entertainment and no money was made from it.

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A Tangled Web

When Deborah Banning planned this trip out to the Ponderosa from Baltimore, her goal was to see how wealthy Ben Cartwright was. He hadn’t seen his old friend, Horace Banning, her husband, for twenty-five years. Since he didn’t know her or her daughter, Melinda, Ben would be a gracious host for the sake of his old friend.

Fortunately, Ben had three single sons. All she had to do was keep Melinda quiet and let the boys become intrigued with the girl. Deborah’s goal on this trip was to secure a wealthy husband for Melinda so the girl could take care of her parents.

Deborah was impressed upon meeting Ben Cartwright. Virginia City didn’t seem to be much, but Benjamin certainly dressed well. Upon crossing the boundary of the Ponderosa, she was stunned to realize that the Cartwrights literally had an empire. She knew she would have to tread carefully to secure a husband for Melinda. Benjamin must be used to women trying to worm their way into this kingdom.

Supper their first evening on the Ponderosa had been very enjoyable. Deborah saw to it that Melinda was seated next to Little Joe, Benjamin’s youngest son. The boy seemed to be easily impressed with stories of high society. She observed Benjamin’s two other sons during the meal. Adam, the oldest, had been to college back east and was not at all impressed and seemed rather disdainful of her talk of servants and dinner parties with the governor. Hoss, the middle son, was seemingly impressed with the talk of dinners but she didn’t think he would be well-suited for Melinda. Joseph, however, was perfect. Benjamin’s youngest son seemed to be naïve and rash. By flattering him and being coy, Melinda should be able to get Joseph to propose marriage very quickly. Surely Benjamin wouldn’t deny his youngest son anything, especially marriage to his old friend’s daughter. If everything went according to plan, Joseph and Melinda would be married quickly, her financial security would be assured, and Horace would never know she had exploited his old friend.

Following supper, Melinda and her mother had retired to their room. Deborah had said they were tired from their journey.

“I like Adam, Mother. He was so magnificent on that bronco this afternoon.”

“No, my dear, Adam is not for you. Joseph is far better.”

“But Adam is so dashing and daring. He’s…”

“Adam is far too cunning, Darling. He would be too difficult for us to control. I’m sure he would quickly grow tired of you. No, Joseph is definitely the one for you.”

“Mother, don’t I get a say in this?”

“I’m only doing what’s best for you, Darling. I can’t let you squander this opportunity by being flighty. Besides, how can you possibly be in love with Adam? You just met him this afternoon.”

“What if Little Joe grows tired of me?”

“That won’t happen, Darling. I saw the way he looked at you during supper. You’ll be able to twist Joseph around your finger to get anything at all you want.”

“What if…?”

“That’s enough, Melinda. I’m doing what’s best for you. Now come to bed.”

Over the next few weeks, Deborah made sure that any free time Joseph had was spent with Melinda. When not working, Joseph took walks with Melinda or took her horseback riding. He even took her on a picnic at Lake Tahoe. Melinda told her mother that she felt guilty for using Little Joe for financial gain. Deborah’s only problem was noticing the way Melinda was mooning after Adam. Fortunately, Joseph was oblivious to Melinda’s interest in his brother.

Melinda decided to cook supper one afternoon. Deborah had encouraged Ben to give Hop Sing the day off. Joe and Melinda were in the kitchen and she was making a beef stew. Joe was much more interested in kissing her than helping with the stew.

Taking a spoonful out of the pot, Melinda took a taste. She then took the spoon over to Joe.

He tasted the stew and said “It’s delicious. What other talents do you have?”

“I have many others, Little Joe” she said with a flirty smile.

Putting his hands around her waist, Joe brought her close for a kiss. Drawing back, Melinda asked “Do you have any wine?”

“Isn’t it a bit early for a glass of wine?” he asked.

“It’s not for me. The wine is for the stew.”

“Who puts wine in stew?” Joe asked with raised eyebrows.

“The recipe is French. Wine is used in many sauces in France.”

“What will the French think of next?” he asked, drawing her in for another kiss.

“If you think hard enough you’ll remember where Hop Sing keeps the wine.”

Adam’s voice startled Joe and Melinda. She blushed a bright red. Seeing Joe’s confused look, Adam said “Check the pantry. That’s where Hop Sing keeps the wine.”

“Oh yeah” said Joe, leaving the kitchen. 

Adam went to the pump for a glass of water. Melinda approached him nervously.

“I’ve missed you, Adam” she said.

“Have you? Seems you’ve been very busy with my brother.”

Thinking back to what her mother said, Melinda chose her words carefully. “I want to get to know you better, Adam.”

“What’s this? My brother’s back is turned and now you’re turning your attention to me?”

“Let me explain…” She realized she couldn’t tell Adam the truth without hurting Little Joe and ruining her mother’s plans.

Joe entered the kitchen with a bottle of wine to see Adam and Melinda looking very serious. “What’s going on?”

“I was asking Adam if he wanted to taste the stew. He said he wants to be surprised at supper.” Then she gave a flirty laugh as she took the bottle from Joe. He followed her over to the stove. Adam took this in with narrowed eyes.

At supper, everyone enjoyed the stew. Ben praised Melinda’s cooking skills frequently. Hoss kept saying he hadn’t ever had stew that good. Adam paid her a compliment, but kept close watch on her and Joe. Deborah went on and on about Melinda studying cooking with a French chef.

Following supper, Joe and Melinda went outside to talk. He kissed her and then said “I’ve never known a girl like you. You’re so beautiful.”

She blushed and said “I’m sure you’ve known lots of beautiful girls.”

After a pause, he asked “What are you thinking?”

“I miss home and Daddy.”

“You must be getting lonesome for all the things back in Baltimore.”

“I’m used to it back there. Everything here is still so new.”

“Do you think you could get used to the way it is out here?” Joe asked.

“When you get used to love, it doesn’t matter where you are, Little Joe.”

“Does that mean what I hope it means?” he asked, gazing at her directly. 

“You’re sweet, Little Joe, and the nicest man I’ve ever known.”

“I haven’t been able to think of anything else since you arrived. When I’m working, I can’t wait until I have some free time to spend with you.”

“I’m glad I came here” she said, looking into his eyes.

Joe blushed and said “I’d like to ask you a question. I don’t know if you can give me an answer.”

“What answer would you like to hear?” she asked.

He reached for her and drew her in for a kiss. They kissed passionately before she drew away. Looking up at him, Melinda said “The answer is yes, Little Joe.”

Joe smiled and drew her into a hug. He was so happy that she had agreed to be his wife. Melinda knew she would have to tell her mother and seek her advice. As she hugged Little Joe, she thought of Adam. And she felt guilty for using Little Joe like this.

When Melinda and Joe came back inside, Deborah noticed that her daughter looked very flushed. “Are you feeling well, my dear?” she asked with concern.

“I think I need to lie down. Good night, everyone.” 

Deborah said, “If you gentlemen will excuse me? This has been a delightful evening.” Ben, Adam, and Hoss stood with Deborah and waited until she had gone upstairs to sit back down.

“You look happy, Lil Joe” said Hoss.

“I am” was his only response.

Adam gave his youngest brother a shrewd look. He hoped Melinda wasn’t going to break Joe’s heart.

In their room, Deborah helped her daughter undress. “Little Joe sort of proposed to me, Mother.”

“What do you mean by sort of? A man either proposes or he doesn’t. Did he ask you to marry him?”

“He said he wanted to ask me a question and then he kissed me. I told him the answer is yes. Are you happy, Mother?”

“Of course I am, Darling. Do you think Joseph has told his family yet?”

“I asked him to wait until tomorrow night. I wanted him to think it’s possible I might change my mind.”

“Good girl, Melinda. This will only make him want this marriage even more. You’re already learning to get him to do what you want.”

“What about Adam?”

“What about him, Melinda?”

“I’m in love with him.”

“Nonsense, Darling. You love the idea of being in love with him. Adam is too smart for his own good. You should avoid him until I can arrange your wedding.”

“What do you mean, Mother?”

“I’ll have to talk with Benjamin about the wedding arrangements. It’ll be better if we can set it up quickly. Perhaps you will be Mrs. Joseph Cartwright by the end of this week.”

“But what about Daddy? He won’t have time to make it out here for the wedding. He’ll be so disappointed.”

“The last thing we need is your father. If Benjamin knew our true financial status, he would never approve a marriage between you and Joseph. Besides, a marriage is a legally binding contract. Our true situation won’t matter one bit after you’re married.”

“This doesn’t seem right, Mother.”

“Oh nonsense, Child. You may even come to love Joseph. Tomorrow, we’ll ride out to see what kinds of chores are done on this ranch. After all, you will be the wife of a working rancher.”

“Yes, Mother” was Melinda’s only reply before blowing out the lamp.

The next morning, Deborah and Melinda dressed in their best riding clothes to inspect the ranch. Joseph had invited them to come out to watch the calf branding. As the two women approached, Adam looked up with aggravation. “Who asked them to come out here?” he asked.

“I invited them” said Joe defensively.

“Branding is not a sight for a lady.”

“They’re our guests, Adam” said Hoss. “We should make them feel welcome.”

Hoss and Joe went over to the ladies’ horses to help them dismount. Adam was exasperated. Deborah saw the fire and assumed they were camping out.

“What are you cooking?” she asked.

“Oh, we’re not cooking, Ma’am” said Joe with a slight laugh.

Adam approached the fire to check the branding irons.

“You don’t seem happy to see us, Adam” said Melinda.

“I was thinking of your comfort. This might be a rough sight to see.”

“Thank you, Adam” said Deborah, “but you’ll see that Melinda can accustom herself to anything that happens on a ranch.”

Adam’s eyes darted between the two women. They obviously were not going to be leaving. He told Hoss to bring over a calf and told Joe to get some more wood.

Hoss roped a calf and hog-tied its back legs. Then he dragged the struggling animal over to the fire. As he got it settled, Deborah looked on in astonishment. Adam pulled the red-hot iron out of the fire.

“You’re not going to burn that tiny thing?!? Melinda asked in disbelief.

“All cattle look alike. It’s the only way we have of putting our name on them. Besides, it’s not as bad as it looks.”

Melinda stepped back a few paces to give Adam room to work. He placed the red-hot brand against the calf’s flank. The smell of burning flesh and the calf’s bawl were too much for Melinda. She fell to the ground in a faint.

Adam dropped the iron, let out an aggravated sigh, and went over to Melinda’s limp form. He knelt down beside her, ready to assist in any way. At that moment, Melinda opened her eyes to see Adam’s face. She smiled as she realized that he did care for her. Adam helped her to sit up and Joe came running over in fright.

“What happened to her?” Joe asked with great concern.

“I told you women shouldn’t be here.” Looking at Deborah, he added “Why don’t you go on back to the house?”

“Don’t talk to her that way, Adam!” warned Joe.

“All right. The girl’s sick. Why don’t you take her home?”

Joe’s nostrils flared and his face hardened as he looked at Adam and said “I’ll take her home, but only because she’s sick.”

As Joe helped Melinda up, Adam said “I’m sorry you had to see the steer and keel over that way, Melinda.” With that, he stalked back to the fire. Melinda didn’t know what to make of that remark. Joe threw a glare at his brother’s back.

That afternoon, Melinda decided to apologize to Adam. She found out from Hoss that Adam was working at the forge. Garnering her courage, she went over. There had to be hope, she thought. Adam had been the first to help her after she fainted. Maybe the engagement with Little Joe would fall though and she could marry Adam.

As she approached, she saw him wearing a leather apron. She also noticed that his shirt was half unbuttoned, exposing his chest. He looked so handsome and ruggedly masculine. The sight of him made her think back to seeing him riding that bronco. There was something mysterious about him that made her want to find out more. If only she hadn’t been forced to pursue Joe.

Nearing the forge, Melinda tried to make light conversation. A coil of wire drew her attention. “What kind of wire is that?” she asked.

“Barbed” was Adam’s only response.

She reached out to touch the wire. One of the points pricked her finger. “It’s full of sharp points” she remarked.

“Experience, that’s the best way to learn” said Adam with a glance at Melinda.

“But it’s so cruel!” she replied.

“It goes along with everything else here. Breaking horses, branding calves. Everything’s done with pain.” He plunged the metal he was working into the bucket of water and hoped she would go away.

“You don’t have a patent on hurt” she said insistently.

“Melinda, you are a guest here and you’re free to come and go as you please. But it is a working ranch and, at the moment, I’m pretty busy.” He went back to shaping the metal he was working on.

Seeing she wasn’t making any headway, Melinda angrily turned to leave. Her skirt caught on the barbed wire, though, and she could hear it ripping as she tried to free herself. Hearing the sound of ripping fabric, Adam put down the metal and hammer and went to help her. He bent over to free her skirt. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ben and Joe heading for the forge. With one last rip, Adam freed her skirt and helped her stand up. His hands were on her upper arms and she was facing him. 

Knowing that Ben and Joe were heading their way, she quickly hatched a plan. She yelled “Leave me alone! Get away from me!” She reached up and tore the right sleeve of her blouse. Noticing the blood on her finger where it had been punctured by the barbed wire, she dabbed it on her lower lip. Adam looked at her in complete surprise. Melinda realized that perhaps she wasn’t completely lacking in scheming skills. If Adam wouldn’t love her, then she would break him like one of the broncos. He would just have to suffer the consequences.

Joe and Ben had increased their pace when they heard Melinda scream. “What’s going on here?” Ben asked, taking in Melinda’s appearance and Adam’s hands on her. Melinda disentangled herself from Adam and ran over to Joe.

“She got her dress tangled in the wire and I helped her. That’s all” said Adam.

Joe’s face was red and he quickly boiled with anger. Adam must be jealous of what he had with Melinda. However, he would never have suspected that Adam would try to take advantage of a lady in such a way. Joe wiped the blood from Melinda’s lip with his thumb as she cried in his arms. “Go back to the house, Melinda. I’ll be in soon.”

Melinda ran for the house, the sound of her sobs in the Cartwrights’ ears. “I’m awaiting an explanation” said Ben with a look of terror for his son. He had not raised his boys to commit acts such as this. What could possibly be going on?

“I told you what happened” said Adam, crossing his arms over his chest.

“How did her clothes get torn? Why was there blood on her lip?” demanded Joe.

“Her skirt got caught on the wire and it ripped as she tried to back away. She must have pricked her finger on the wire, too.”

“How did her blouse get ripped? Blood was on her lip, not her finger.” Joe began to advance on Adam. He couldn’t believe that his oldest brother would do such a thing.

Ben put out an arm to hold his youngest son back. “Adam gave us an explanation. Perhaps we should hear Melinda’s version.”

“We know what her version is” replied Joe, not taking his eyes off of Adam. “We heard her screaming as he tore her clothes.”

“That’s enough, Joseph!” Ben thundered.

“I won’t have him taking liberties with the woman I’m going to marry!” announced Joe. He then turned and ran for the house.

“Marry?” Adam asked his father in surprise. “When did this happen?”

“Son, I think you should stay in town for the rest of the Bannings’ visit. This way, we’ll avoid any uncomfortable encounters between you and Joseph.”

As they headed for the house, Deborah came stalking towards them. She reached the two men and slapped Adam as hard as she could. Adam stood there in complete surprise. “How dare you do that to my daughter!!” she yelled. “Benjamin, Melinda and I will be moving into the hotel in Virginia City. Joseph is helping Melinda pack our things. He will be taking us into town and staying with us.”

“Deborah, I’m so sorry. I’m not sure what happened…”

”I know exactly what happened” said Deborah with venom in her voice. “Your son couldn’t keep his hands off of my child. He’s been waiting for just the right moment to get her alone. Thank goodness you found them before he could really hurt my little girl.”

“Is there anything I can do?” asked Ben, looking dejected.

“You can keep this animal away from me and my daughter.” Deborah turned on her heel and marched back to the house.

Looking at his father, Adam said “Pa, you’ve got to believe me. I didn’t harm Melinda in any way. Her skirt got caught on the barbed wire. I was trying to help.”

“How did her blouse get torn?” Ben asked. He had never had reason to doubt one of his sons before. Now, though, the evidence was not supporting Adam’s statement.

“She tore her blouse herself because she was mad at me.”

“Why would she be mad at you, Son?”

“Melinda isn’t in love with Joe, Pa. She’s been making advances at me when his back is turned. I can’t believe that Joe wants to marry her.”

“Tell me the truth, Adam” Ben pleaded. “Have you given Melinda any reason to believe that you’re interested in her?”

“Of course not, Pa. She’s just a kid.”

“I want to believe you, Son. Maybe going into town will be the best thing for Melinda right now.”

Chet, one of the hands, had seen the entire exchange between Adam and Melinda at the forge. He knew exactly what had happened. However, he had an intense dislike for Adam. The man thought he was better than everyone else, even his own family, because he had an education. Chet had seen Miss Deborah slap Adam and heard her tirade. He decided to be helpful to Miss Deborah and Miss Melinda if it would bring about Adam Cartwright’s fall.

Hitching a horse to the buggy, Chet brought it around front to await Little Joe and the ladies. Chet was sure that Little Joe would appreciate having someone on his side. Miss Deborah brought Miss Melinda out, her arms holding her daughter tightly, steering her out of the house. The poor girl was still sobbing. Little Joe was carrying the bags. Chet noticed that Miss Melinda had changed her clothes.

Helping the ladies into the buggy, Little Joe said “Thanks for taking us into town, Chet. Please take us to the hotel. I’ll be staying there, too.”

Ben came out of the house, desperate to restore harmony with his guests. “Deborah, please reconsider. I can send Adam to town.”

“No thank you, Benjamin” she replied in a steely voice. “What’s happened here has marred our visit. I couldn’t stay here knowing how close my daughter came to being violated. Please come to see me at the hotel so we can work out the details of Joseph and Melinda’s wedding.”

“You still want to go through with the wedding? Shouldn’t Melinda have time to…”

“Pa, I love Melinda. Nothing is going to stop me from marrying her. Not even Adam.” Ben could only look at his youngest in disbelief. “Take us to town, Chet” Joe ordered.

As the buggy pulled away, Ben was disconsolate. What had really happened? The romance between Joe and Melinda had progressed quickly. He knew romances could occur in a whirlwind. He had quickly fallen in love with Marie and set tongues wagging in New Orleans and Virginia City by marrying her. He had not seen any indication from Adam that he had an interest of any sort in Melinda. In fact, he seemed to be irritated by Deborah’s stories of dinner parties and Melinda’s many talents. Nor had he seen Melinda showing any interest in Adam. All of her time was spent with Joseph or her mother. Ben couldn’t put his finger on what was making him so uneasy.

On the way into town, Deborah told Joe “I want to make a report to the sheriff. Your brother’s actions cannot go unpunished.”

Still seething with anger, Joe was in complete agreement. He and Adam had been at odds many times and even come to blows before. However, he had never ever thought that his oldest brother would go this far to take a woman from him. Was Adam so jealous of him that he would stoop to such a level? Joe thought back to Adam’s disgust at seeing Deborah and Melinda arrive to watch the branding. Adam had been angry then and very annoyed when Melinda fainted. Did he decide at that moment that he would have the girl any way he could? Joe shivered as he thought about this. His relationship with Adam was never going to be the same. Especially if his brother went to prison for this.

Arriving in town, Chet took the trio straight to the International House Hotel. Bystanders stared curiously at the young lady sobbing on the older lady’s shoulder. Joe alit from the buggy and helped the ladies out. He quickly escorted them inside, secured two rooms, and took them upstairs.

After Deborah got Melinda settled in, she went to Joe’s room and knocked on the door. He answered the door looking very tired. “Please take me to the sheriff, Joseph. I wish to file charges.”

Getting his hat, Joe took Deborah to Roy Coffee’s office. When his door opened, Roy saw a lady enter followed by Joe. “Howdy, Little Joe, Ma’am. What can I do for you?” He noticed Joe looked miserable while the lady looked mad enough to spit nails.

Gesturing to a chair, Roy invited the lady to sit. Taking the chair, she said “I’m Deborah Banning. My daughter and I have been guests of Benjamin Cartwright for the past few weeks. Joseph and my daughter are betrothed.” Roy glanced between Deborah and Joe, trying to figure out what was going on.

“What seems to be the problem, Mrs. Banning?”

“I wish to file charges against Adam Cartwright.”

“What kind of charges?”

“He tried to take liberties with my daughter?”

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Roy asked in disbelief.

“She most definitely is” said Joe.

“Did either of you witness what happened?” Roy asked.

“No” answered Joe. “But we saw what Adam had done to her. My fiancée’s clothes were torn, her hair was disheveled, and there was blood on her lip.”

“I’m going to need a statement from your daughter, Mrs. Banning. Is she well enough to come here?”

“I should think not!” replied Deborah, eyes flashing.

“We’re staying at the International House” offered Joe.

“Would it be alright of I came to your room to take her statement?” asked Roy.

“That will be acceptable. Can you come now?” Deborah asked.

Putting on his hat, Roy picked up a small notebook and a pencil. He didn’t relish doing this. After he took Miss Banning’s statement, he’d have to go out to the Ponderosa to get Adam’s version of events. Roy hoped there was a witness who would be able to confirm or deny the events.

Deborah tapped lightly on her hotel room door. “Darling, I’ve brought the sheriff to take your statement. Are you up to speaking with him?”

“Yes, Mother” Melinda answered.

The trio entered the hotel room. Roy noticed that Melinda had no bruises on her face. If Adam had hit her, there should be bruising or at least a cut.

Sitting down in a chair, Roy opened his notebook and asked “Can you tell me what happened, Miss Banning?”

“I saw Adam working at the forge and decided to go talk to him. I thought he could give me some advice regarding Little Joe.”

“What was Adam doing?” Roy asked.

“He was pounding a piece of metal with a hammer.”

“What happened?”

“He told me to come closer, so I did. Then he threw the hammer and piece of metal and grabbed at me.” She put the handkerchief to her eyes and dabbed. Her voice began shaking. “I tried to get away, but my skirt caught on some barbed wire. He saw I was trapped and grabbed my blouse. He tore my sleeve as I tried to turn away. Then he slapped me.” She was now crying. Joe’s eyes were flashing in anger and his mouth was set in a hard line. Deborah was watching her daughter intently; making sure that Melinda’s story would have the desired outcome. “I screamed for help and Mr. Cartwright and Little Joe arrived just in time.” Her shoulders shook with her sobbing.

“May I see the garments you were wearing at the time, Miss Banning?” Roy asked.

“What for?” demanded Joe.

“It’s all part of an investigation, Little Joe. I need to see the evidence before I get Adam’s statement.”

“What do you mean?” asked Deborah.

“I have to get his version of the events” said Roy. “I need to be sure of the evidence before I lock a man up.”

Stalking over to Melinda’s valise, Deborah pulled out her daughter’s ripped skirt and blouse. “Here, sheriff. You can see for yourself what that animal did to my little girl.”

Roy carefully noted that the rip on the skirt was close to the hem, not the waist. The right sleeve of the blouse was torn. That was odd, thought, Roy—Adam’s right-handed. Also, if Adam had hit the young lady and there was blood, there should be a cut or a bruise. Her face had no marks at all. 

Finishing up, Roy said “I have to go out to the Ponderosa to get Adam’s statement. Little Joe, will you be staying here with the ladies?”

“Yes” answered Joe, putting an arm around Melinda’s shoulder protectively.

Roy left the hotel with a feeling of dread. He had a feeling that Melinda was lying about what happened. However, if there were no witnesses, he’d probably have no choice but to arrest Adam. The kind of charge Mrs. Banning had made required a trial. Not many people in town would be kind if word got out about these charges. Poor Ben, he thought. His heart must be breaking to have one son’s fiancée accuse another son of such an act.

Arriving at the Ponderosa, Roy dismounted and tied his horse at the rail. He slowly walked to the door and knocked. Hoss opened the door. “We’ve been expecting ya, Roy” said Hoss morosely.

Entering the room, Roy saw Ben sitting in his red chair, his shoulders slumped. Adam sat ram-rod straight in his blue chair. Sitting down on the settee, Roy pulled the notebook and pencil from his shirt pocket.

“Ben, I’m sorry, but Mrs. Banning has filed charges against Adam. I have to get his version of the events.”

“What do you mean my version?” asked Adam.

“Miss Banning has accused you of over-familiarity. She made some pretty strong statements about what happened. Ben, if you and Hoss would like to leave the room, I’ll understand.”

“No, Roy” said Ben, “we’ll stay.”

“Tell me exactly what happened, Adam” said Roy.

“I was working at the forge when Melinda approached me. She touched the barbed wire and asked me what it was. I told her what it was and she must have pricked her finger when she touched it. She tried to engage me in conversation, but I told her I was busy. I went back to work and she turned to leave. Her skirt got caught on the barbed wire and ripped. I went over to help her and bent down to free her skirt. As I freed her skirt and helped her to stand up straight, she yelled at me to leave her alone. Then she ripped her sleeve and dabbed blood on her lip. Pa and Joe arrived then.”

“Which sleeve was ripped” asked Roy.

“She tore her right sleeve.”

“Where were your hands when her blouse was torn?”

“Roy!” Ben protested.

“I need the facts, Ben. Where were your hands, Adam?”

“On her arms.”

“Did you slap her?” asked Roy.

“Of course not!” Adam answered angrily.

“Adam would never hit a lady” Hoss said.

“What did you see, Ben?” asked Roy.

“I heard Melinda scream at Adam to get his hands off of her and to leave her alone. Joseph and I rushed to the forge. Adam had Melinda by the arms. Her skirt and blouse were torn. There was blood on her lip.” Tears were in Ben’s eyes. He was only making Adam sound guilty of the alleged crime.

“Is it possible her skirt was torn on the barbed wire?” Roy asked Ben.

“Maybe” said Ben. Adam was stunned that his father didn’t believe him.

“Were there any witnesses, Adam?” Roy asked.

“No” was the answer.

”I’m sorry, Adam. I’m going to have to take you in. Ben, I’m sorry to have to do this.”

Adam stood angrily and marched over to the door. He snatched his hat and jammed it on his head. He glared at his father before opening the door and going outside to saddle Sport.

“What am I going to do, Roy” asked Ben miserably.

“Are Little Joe and Miss Banning still planning their wedding?” Roy asked.

“Yes. Deborah wants me to come into town to assist in the arrangements. I think she wants our children to be married before the end of the week.”

“Why would she still want her daughter to go through with the wedding so quickly?” asked Roy.

“I don’t know. Maybe she hopes that marrying Joseph as planned will restore some normalcy. Now I’m afraid that she’ll insist they live in Baltimore instead of here.”

“What do you mean, Ben?” asked Roy. There seemed to be something behind this intrigue after all.

“I hoped that Melinda would remain out here after she and Joseph are married. But the Bannings are used to a social life back east that just doesn’t exist out here. If they return to Baltimore, Melinda can throw herself into a whirl of social engagements and put this incident behind her.”

“Why would she want to be the center of attention so quickly?” Roy wondered aloud.

“You know how women are, Roy” said Ben with a shrug.

“Yeah” was Roy’s only response. “I’m going to go by the forge before leaving with Adam.”

Roy walked over to the forge, expecting to see the hammer on the ground. He was surprised to see the hammer and a piece of metal on the anvil. Pulling out his notebook, he saw where he had written that Adam threw down the hammer before grabbing Miss Banning. Looking at the coil of barbed wire, he saw cloth on the barbs. The material was near the bottom of the coil. He pulled it off and put it into his shirt pocket. Adam’s footprints were facing the forge and then went over to the barbed wire. The prints were walking steps, not deeper prints made by lunging. The set of prints near the coil of wire appeared to reflect squatting. He jotted some notes in his book and realized that he was going to have to carefully review the two statements.

Leaving the forge, he headed for the hitching rail. Adam was waiting there with Sport. Hoss was standing with his hands jammed into his pockets, looking at the ground. Ben had his hand on Sport and looked miserable.

Mounting up, Roy said “Let’s go, Adam. You’re free to come visit, Ben, Hoss.” With that, the sheriff and his suspect headed for Virginia City.

Back at the hotel, Deborah was talking with Melinda about her wedding to Joseph. “But don’t you see, Mother? Adam will be forced to marry me now.” Melinda’s eyes shone as she said this.

Deborah was appalled. “Is that what this is about? You’re trying to trap Adam into marriage?”

“How is that different from what you wanted me to do with Little Joe?”

“Joseph adores you, Darling. Adam will hate you for this. Think of how difficult your life would be with Adam for a husband. Besides, you can’t just cast Joseph aside when he’s about to marry you.”

“Adam and I will just have to live in Baltimore. He’ll do whatever I want out of guilt for what he did to me.”

“Melinda, a man’s reputation often precedes him. How on earth do you think you could have any kind of life with a man you’ve accused of accosting you?”

“But nobody in Baltimore would ever know what happened out here. Adam would support me in a grand lifestyle.”

Deborah found her temper rising. “You will drop this notion of marrying Adam. You are going to marry Joseph and that’s final. I will not have you making us into gossip-fodder.”

“But I don’t love Little Joe, Mother.”

“I don’t care, Melinda” she answered hotly. “You will marry who I tell you to marry. I don’t want to hear any more of this nonsense about Adam.”

A knock on the door abruptly ended the conversation. Deborah opened the door to see Chet standing there. “Kin I talk to ya, Ma’am?” he asked.

“Do come in” Deborah said, opening the door wider.

“No, Ma’am. I’d like to speak to you alone-like.”

Coming out into the hall, Deborah shut the door behind her. “Where would you like to talk?”

“Can we go to the lobby?”

The pair went down to the lobby and sat on a settee in a secluded corner. “I saw what happened at the ranch, Ma’am” said Chet. Deborah could see the scheming in his eyes. “Fer ten dollars, I could keep quiet about it.”

Deborah thought quickly. Maybe a way to get Adam Cartwright out of the picture was available after all. She took a glance out the window and saw the sheriff and Adam go by. Going to the window, she saw them stop outside of the sheriff’s office, dismount, and go inside. Chet appeared at her side, seeing the two men enter the office.

“I’ll give you twenty dollars to gain your silence and to get your help in removing Adam Cartwright from the picture.”

“That’s a deal, Ma’am” said Chet with a wicked leer. He would have to devise something painful for that Adam Cartwright.

Deborah went back upstairs and tapped on Joe’s door. “I saw the sheriff bring your brother in, Joseph. I thought you’d want to know.”

Joe grabbed his hat and sped down the stairs. He went over to Roy’s office. Not seeing his brother, he asked “Where’s Adam?”

“I have him locked up in a cell for now, Little Joe.”

“What’s gonna happen to him?” Joe asked.

“I’ve got to telegraph the circuit judge and then get the evidence together. If the judge decides to order a trial and Adam is found guilty, he could go to prison.”

“Serves him right for what he did” said Joe angrily.

“You weren’t there, Little Joe” reminded Roy.

“Can I see him?” Joe asked.

“Only if you agree to behave yourself” said Roy. Joe just nodded. Roy opened the door to the cells and let Joe in. He decided to keep the door open so he could listen for trouble.

Joe felt his anger boiling when he saw Adam. How dare he sit on the bunk and look at him with irritation? Adam was the guilty one here.

“Why did you do it, Adam?” asked Joe.

“I didn’t do anything. You should know that.”

“All I know is that you’ve compromised the woman I’m going to marry. I never figured you for such a jealous man.”

“I’m not jealous of you, Joe. I just don’t think Melinda loves you like you think.”

“What is that supposed to mean?!?” demanded Joe. “I know she loves me. She accepted my proposal.”

“Oh come on, little brother” said Adam.

“You’re no brother of mine!” said Joe angrily. He turned and left Roy’s office. 

Chet was sitting outside of the hotel and saw Little Joe come storming out of the sheriff’s office. There had to be a way he could use the boy’s anger at his brother. Deciding he needed a plan, Chet went to the saloon as Joe went back to the hotel.

That evening, Chet burst into Roy’s office. “Sheriff!” he yelled. “Ya gotta come out to the Ponderosa! Mr. Cartwright is threatenin’ to kill hisself and Hoss is havin’ a devil of a time with him.”

Roy quickly grabbed his hat and said “Go get Dr. Martin, Chet.”

“Roy!!” Adam yelled. He had heard Chet and couldn’t believe that Pa would do such a thing. “Roy!!!!” he yelled again. There was no response.

Chet got Dr. Martin saddled up and over to Roy. “You comin’ with us, Chet?” asked Roy. “I had to leave my horse at the livery ‘cause I ran her so hard to get here. I’d best go tell Little Joe what’s goin’ on so he can get home.”

“Good idea, Chet” said Roy. He and Paul then took off at a gallop for the Ponderosa.

After giving the sheriff and doctor five minutes, Chet went over to the saloon to get his co-conspirators. He and his men, followed by a couple of the saloon girls, went to the jail. Chet and another man went inside while the others went around back to wait.

Going inside the sheriff’s office, Chet picked up a set of manacles. He and his friend, Bart, went through to the cell. Bart had his gun drawn. “We’re here for ya, Cartwright” said Chet with a wicked grin.

“What do you want, Chet?” demanded Adam. “What’s going on with my father?”

“Yore Pa is jest a wild goose chase fer the sheriff” he said as he unlocked the cell door. “Now come along real quiet-like.”

“For what?” asked Adam, taking a step back.

“I’m gonna make sure ya don’t interfere none with Little Joe and Miss Melinda’s wedding.” Chet then lunged for Adam and grabbed the man’s hair. With a hard jerk, he threw Adam out of the cell. Adam landed on his knees. Bart hit Adam a glancing blow to the back of the head with the butt of his gun. They just wanted Adam to be dazed so they could get him around back.

The two men dragged Adam behind the jail. Once there, Bart pulled Adam upright and Chet manacled Adam’s hands to the bars of the jail cell. Chet then gave Adam’s face a few slaps to bring him around.

“Go get Miss Deborah, Bart” Chet ordered. Bart ran for the hotel. Chet had said revenge was best served cold, but Bart didn’t think they were going to be having any food tonight.

Adam came out of his daze to see a small fire burning about thirty feet away. There were several men and a few saloon girls. His arms were above his head and he could feel cold metal against his wrists and hands. Realizing he was chained to the bars, he struggled a bit but only heard laughter as the manacles clanked against the metal bars.

Deborah approached Adam and slapped him hard across the face. “You’ve badly hurt my daughter. But I want you to know that she’ll still be marrying your brother.”

“What are you trying to do?” Adam asked fearfully.

“I’m removing you from the picture” she said with an evil smile. She turned to the crowd and said “You know what to do.” Then she left for the hotel.

Adam was terrified now. There weren’t many people in the crowd, but he knew it didn’t take much to spark a mob.

“We’re gonna have us an old-fashioned stonin’” said Chet. He bent over to pick a rock out of a pile. He tossed it in his hand a couple of times and then hurled it at Adam’s head. The rock’s sharp edge caught Adam above the left eye. A gash opened up and blood began to trickle down his face.

One of the girls picked up a rock and threw it at him. Her aim wasn’t as good, but it hit him on the chest. He knew that was going to leave a bruise.

The small crowd continued to hurl rocks at Adam, opening numerous cuts and gashes on his face. Blood was flowing down his face and neck. His arms had gone numb from being over his head. The crowd was disappointed that no scream had left Adam’s lips. He had only gasped and moaned as rocks hit him.

“Ya got that two-by-four, Bart?” asked Chet.

“Sure do” he replied as he picked it up.

Bart advanced on Adam. He left eye was swollen shut but he could see Bart coming with his right eye. The pit of his stomach fell when he saw the board. He was just going to have to stand here and take whatever Bart dished out.

The first swing caught the lower ribs on Adam’s right side. When he cried out, the crowd clapped and cheered in approval. Bart then caught Adam’s left hip. He knew he had to make this more of a spectacle to keep the crowd interested. Bart took a step back and then swung directly at Adam’s left knee with all his might. The board broke in two as Adam’s kneecap shattered. No longer able to support his weight on both legs, Adam’s body sagged. Some of the men in the crowd whistled in approval.

Hearing cheering and whistling, Joe looked out the window of his hotel room. He could see a fire behind the jail. His curiosity piqued, he deiced to see what was happening.

As he arrived, he heard Chet say “Who wants a try at making him into a pin cushion?”

A woman’s voice answered. Joe was shocked to see one of the saloon girls nock an arrow into a bow. The arrow flew and hit Adam in the upper right chest. He screamed in pain even though he was close to unconsciousness. 

Joe was revolted to see Adam’s condition. He wouldn’t have recognized his brother through all of the blood on his face. There were dozens of rocks on the ground all around Adam. Joe could feel his temper rising and knew he was going to lose control.

Chet saw Joe and said “C’mon over here, Little Joe. You deserve a turn.” He steered Joe over so he was standing near the fire and in line with his brother. Adam’s head was hanging forward and his body was sagging. Joe drew his gun and Chet leered in approval.

Thinking that Joe was going to kill Adam, Chet stepped aside a few paces. He was wrong, however. Joe quickly turned to Chet and shot the man.

The crowd was stunned to see their leader on the ground. Joe went over to Adam and couldn’t believe his condition. Seeing the manacles, he asked “Where’s the key?”

“It’s inside” said Bart.

“Go get it” said Joe menacingly, pointing the gun at Bart. 

Bart couldn’t run fast enough to get the key. Coming back with it, Joe told him “Help me get him to Dr. Martin’s.”

“The doc ain’t in town” said Bart.

“Where is he?”

“Chet told the sheriff and doc that yer Pa was gonna kill hisself. They’re out at yer place right now.”

Joe was flabbergasted. Why had Chet planned this out in this manner? What did Chet have against Adam?

Before undoing the manacles, Joe asked “Why have you done this to my brother?”

“Because of what he did to your girl” said Julie. She was a new girl at the saloon.

Joe started crying silently as he unlocked the manacles holding Adam to the rear of the jail cell. Catching Adam before he could fall to the ground, he asked Bart to help him take Adam inside the jail.

“Be careful of his broke knee” warned Bart.

“How did his knee get broken?” asked Joe with a glare at Bart.

“I..I ..I done it” stammered Bart. “Chet made me.”

The two men got Adam into one of the cells and onto the bunk. “Go get a pail of water and be fast about it” Joe told Bart. The man rushed to comply.

At this moment, Joe knew that he could never hate Adam. No matter what, Adam would always be his brother. They might not be full-blooded brothers, but they shared enough blood for that tie to never be broken. Both were Cartwrights, regardless of who their mothers were.

When Bart came back with the pail of water, Joe ripped one of the sleeves off of his shirt. He dipped the fabric into the water and then began to gently clean the blood from Adam’s face and neck. Joe couldn’t believe how many cuts and bruises were on his brother.

After cleaning off most of the blood, Joe turned his attention to Adam’s left knee. As he cut away Adam’s jeans above the knee, Adam moaned. Joe hoped his brother would open his eyes, but there was no such luck. The knee looked terrible; Adam might not ever walk or ride again.

Joe’s hands shook as he unbuttoned Adam’s shirt to look at his chest. The protruding arrow struck fear in Joe’s heart. Again, he was stunned by the numerous cuts and bruises mixed among the chest hair. Dipping the sleeve back into the red water in the pail, Joe set about cleaning up the cuts on Adam’s torso.

Bart had carefully held the lamp for Joe the entire time. The man was dim-witted and hoped that Joe would take his helpfulness as a sign that he hadn’t meant what he did out behind the jail.

The sound of horses out front caught Joe’s attention. He hoped that Roy and Dr. Martin were back. The door opened and in walked Roy, the doctor, Pa, and Hoss. “Pa!!” Joe cried out on seeing his father in Roy’s office.

Roy, Paul, and the two Cartwright men quickly went to the jail cell and were stunned at the sight that met their eyes. Joe leaped up and ran into his father’s arms for comfort. All Ben could do was stroke his youngest son’s back as he looked at his oldest son’s battered body.

“Can you do anything for him, Paul?” Ben asked.

“I’ve got to get this arrow out. Hoss, would you come help me?”

“How did this happen?” Roy asked Joe.

Joe sobbed out “I don’t know. I was in my room at the hotel when I heard cheering and whistling. When I looked out the window, I saw a fire behind the jail. When I came to see what was happening, I saw Julie shoot Adam with an arrow.” Joe wiped his nose with his remaining sleeve. His anger starting to rise again, he added “Chet asked me if I wanted a turn. I drew my gun and shot Chet.”

“Chet told me to ride out to the Ponderosa, Ben” said Roy. “This can’t be a coincidence.”

Roy decided to go out back and Ben followed. They saw bloody stones lying around on the ground near the jail. The manacles were still looped through the bars. Ben was nauseous with revulsion. Who could do this to another human being? Noticing Chet, Roy went over to the body and nudged it with his boot. Chet stirred and then sat up in pain, a hand against his head.

“What’s been goin’ on here, Chet?” Roy asked, his gun pointed at the man.

Chet looked at the sheriff in fear. What was going to happen to him?

“I’m only gonna ask one more time, Chet” Roy said, cocking the pistol.

“Miss Deborah paid me” Chet blurted out. “She told me to remove Adam from the picture.”

“Why?” Roy asked.

“Because I saw what happened at the forge this afternoon.”

Ben’s anger was rising into full bloom. Chet had witnessed the event between Adam and Melinda but had not come forward. Ben couldn’t help himself from lunging at Chet and clasping his hands around the man’s neck. One of his sons was physically damaged and another was psychologically damaged by the events of today. Roy holstered his gun and tried to pull Ben off of Chet.

Successfully pulling Ben back, Roy told Chet “If you don’t tell me what happened at the forge, I’m gonna let Ben loose on ya again. Only this time I ain’t gonna pull him off.”

With a hand at this throat, Chet gulped nervously. “Miss Melinda’s dress got caught on the barbed wire and Adam tried to help her. After she got free, Miss Melinda gave him a wicked look and tore her sleeve.”

“Did my son hit that young lady?” asked Ben menacingly.

“No, Sir” said Chet, now fearing for his life. If the sheriff let go of Mr. Cartwright, the man would no doubt kill him.

Roy pulled Chet to his feet and dragged him into the jail. Throwing the man into the other cell, Roy locked him in.

Joe looked at his father, tears still flowing down his cheeks. “I heard what he said, Pa. Why?” Hugging his son to him again, Ben said “I don’t know but I’m going to find out.”

Ben then went into the cell to check on Adam. Paul had gotten the arrow out and bandaged Adam’s chest. “Will he recover?” Ben asked desperately.

“He’s got broken ribs, a broken knee, a hole in his chest, numerous cuts, and several contusions. If he can pull through any infection or fever, he’ll have a good chance of recovering.”

“Can I take him home?” Ben asked a pleading look in his eyes.

“No, Ben. That’s too far to travel in his condition. I’m sorry.”

“Can we take him to my room at the hotel?” Joe asked hopefully.

“Sure, Little Joe. We can move him in the morning.”

With relief, Joe sat down on the bunk next to Adam and kissed his brother’s forehead. Hoss gently placed his hand on his little brother’s shoulder and gave a light squeeze. Ben was touched by this scene, but the sight also made his anger rise to the surface again.

“Let’s go to the hotel, Roy. I have a wedding to cancel.”

The two men went over to the hotel and up the stairs to the Bannings’ room. When Ben knocked on the door, Deborah asked who was there. “Ben Cartwright, Deborah. Won’t you open the door?”

Deborah opened the door just a crack and Ben used the opportunity to shove the door open and enter the room. Melinda turned up the lamp and fearfully backed into a corner.

Ben advanced on Melinda, his hands clenched into fists at his side. “How dare you try to destroy my family?!? What kind of game have you been playing with my sons?”

Melinda only cowered in the corner and began to cry. Deborah imposed herself between Ben and her daughter. “My plan was to have Melinda marry Joseph so she could have some financial security. He proposed to her and she accepted. Unfortunately, she fell in love with Adam, which would have ruined everything.”

Ben was completely stunned by this revelation. “But Horace is a successful newspaper publisher. Why would you be in need of money?”

“Because I lied about Horace. That man has never been able to keep a job for more than a couple of months. I only wanted my daughter to have a better life. Am I wrong to want a better life for my child?”

“At the expense of my children, yes!” Ben replied.

“I want you ladies on the outgoing stage tomorrow morning” said Roy. “If you don’t go, I’m going to lock you up for attempted murder.”

Melinda sobbed even louder. Deborah fixed both men with a steely gaze. “If I was a man, I wouldn’t have to do these things to secure my daughter’s future.”

“If you were a man” said Ben icily, “I’d tear you apart with my bare hands.” All of the color drained from Deborah’s face at Ben’s remark. Ben then turned on his heel and left.

Roy went to the door and turned back. “Like I said, I want you on the morning stage outta here.”

The next morning, both ladies were packing their valises. “I’d like to apologize to Little Joe, Mother.”

“No, Melinda. I don’t approve. Besides, we have to get on the stage.”

As they descended the stairs to the lobby, Melinda caught sight of Joe. He was coming out of the restaurant with a tray. She hoped they could have some pleasant words before she and her mother left.

“Little Joe?” she said.

“Melinda” Joe replied with no emotion.

“I’m sorry for what happened.”

“Just leave, Melinda. I don’t ever want to hear from you again. You’ve done more than enough to my family.”

“But all I ever wanted was to feel the love of a family, Little Joe” Melinda whined desperately.

“Well, you’ll still have to wonder what that’s like.” With that, Joe went upstairs with Pa’s breakfast.

Entering the room, Joe set the tray on the small table. “If you want to eat, I’ll sit with Adam” offered Joe.

“I’m not hungry” Ben replied.

“When’s he gonna wake up?” asked Joe.

“I don’t know. Paul said it might take several days since he’s been through so much trauma.”

“I’ve got to tell him I’m sorry that I doubted him. I should never have believed Melinda.”

“You thought you were in love, Son” replied Ben. “Besides, she put on such a convincing act that she even fooled me.”

“She did?” was all Joe could say. He was stunned that Pa had doubted Adam.

“That little witch and her mother played their roles so well and planted enough seeds of doubt that I didn’t know what to believe. I just couldn’t stand to see a girl come between you and Adam. I should have immediately known something was wrong when Deborah wanted to continue arranging your wedding in spite of what had supposedly happened.”

“How can Adam ever trust me again?” said Joe. “I said some terrible things to him. What if he never forgives me?”

“Adam has loved you from the moment you were born, Joseph. It’s the same with Hoss for him. Adam must have seen through Deborah’s scheme, unlike the rest of us. He’ll forgive you, Joseph.”

“I hope you’re right, Pa.”

“You did save him from those people, Son.”

“But I was too late. The damage had already been done.”

“He’ll heal, Joseph. You’ll heal, too.” He hugged his youngest son to him. “Where’s Hoss?” Ben asked.

“He’s eating all of the steaks and eggs in the restaurant.”

Ben let out a chuckle at that. No matter what, Hoss rarely lost his appetite.

When Ben fell asleep in the chair, Joe covered his father with a blanket he had gotten from the manager. Joe sat on the edge of the bed, looking down on his brother’s battered face. He tenderly brushed Adam’s hair back, like Pa tended to do. Dr. Martin had been by to change the dressing over the arrow wound, check the leg cast, and take Adam’s temperature. Adam was running a slight fever, but there was still a chance he could take a turn for the worse. 

Joe wondered how he could have believed that Adam was capable of taking such liberties with any girl. For all of his reserve and brooding, Adam was one of the most gentle men he knew. Hoss won hands down, though. Adam’s concern for Melinda and her mother when they came to watch the branding had been genuine. Adam had known that their delicate sensibilities couldn’t withstand the sights and smells of the branding. Joe realized he hadn’t even given a thought to that; he was so concerned with impressing Melinda. If only Adam would wake up so he could apologize and ask for his forgiveness.

Four days later, Adam opened his eyes for the first time since Chet had tried to kill him. The swelling of his left eye had gone down enough so that he could open the lids. Joe was sitting on the side of the bed looking down on him. The sight of those green eyes gave Adam comfort.

“How do you feel?” asked Joe.

“Like I was run over by a stampede” Adam rasped out.

Joe began sniffling. Adam hadn’t accused him of anything. All he had seen in his oldest brother’s eyes was love.

The sound of crying woke Ben, who came over to the bed. Sitting down opposite Joe, Ben stroked Adam’s cheek. “Welcome back, Son.”

“How long?” Adam asked.

“Four terribly long days.” 

Adam let out a long sigh at that. “Deborah?” he asked.

“Roy sent her and Melinda home. They can’t hurt you anymore.”

“Chet?”

“He’s in jail for attempted murder. His trial is tomorrow. The judge said no testimony is required from you. Several of the participants have guilty consciences and have given testimony to Roy to be used against Chet.”

Turning his head slightly, Adam saw Joe’s tear-streaked face. “Please forgive me, Adam” Joe begged.

“I love you, buddy.” Adam’s eyes closed from all of the effort of talking and he fell asleep.

Joe would have cried on Adam’s chest if Hoss hadn’t held him back. Hoss pulled his little brother into a bear hug and let Joe cry himself out. Once Joe exhausted himself, Hoss laid Joe next to Adam on the bed. Ben looked down at both of his sons. Their lives were too precious to be destroyed be a web of deception. Hoss gave Pa’s shoulders a squeeze and said “Those two are gonna be okay now.”

The End