Summary: 2nd story in The Battle of Wills series.  During a family picnic at the lake, Adam gets in trouble adding poison ivy to Hoss’ bouquet of wildflowers for Marie. After an argument with his father, Adam decides to leave home. A neighbor and old friend, Abe Garvey, shows Marie that there’s more to education than reading, writing, and arithmetic while leading the search for Adam.

Rating: K  Word Count=6007

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

Reviews from the Old Library are on the last page.

The Battle of Wills Series:

Begins
Education is More than 3R’s
The Shadow of Jean deMarigny
A Gift Horse
New Expectations
Remembering Childhoods
A Room Full of Memories
A New Pattern
Naming the Newest Cartwright
Presents from the Heart
Love’s Labor
Big Brother Lessons
No Regrets
Baby’s Breath
Ennui

Education is More Than 3 Rs

Ben had brought his family down to the lake for a picnic. Hop Sing had packed a hamper of fried chicken, potato salad, pickled beets, apples, and a peach cobbler. Marie had eaten her fill and was now resting with her head against her husband’s chest. Adam had left his book laying by the hamper and now he and Hoss were playing down by the lake’s edge.

Marie picked up Adam’s battered copy of The Pioneers. She looked at the well-worn cover and lined spine before thumbing through the pages. Adam had marked his place with a leaf but many pages were dog-eared. “Where did Adam receive his education?” she asked Ben.

“On the trail. I began his education with the alphabet. I couldn’t afford books then. When I brought home newspapers, we used those for reading material. That was when we lived in St. Louis. Inger bought him his first book—the one you’re holding. Why?”

“Hoss is five and is just now learning to write his name. I thought maybe we should bring in a tutor.”

“Hoss isn’t as interested in reading as Adam is. He’s happiest doing barn chores. Besides, Adam is teaching Hoss the alphabet.”

“There are other subjects they should be introduced to. Mathematics for instance.”

“Adam is very good with numbers, darling. Inger worked with him when she ran the store. They began with adding and subtracting items in the store’s inventory and later moved to multiplication and division. Adam balances the accounting books for me most of the time.”

“What about Hoss?”

“He’s good at simple addition and subtraction.”

“What about languages?”

“Adam speaks Paiute fairly fluently.”

“I mean real languages.”

Ben drew back from Marie far enough to look into her eyes. “Paiute is a real language. Knowing their language has been very helpful when trading or trapping on their lands. Besides, we don’t have much need for other languages out here.”

“I’m sorry, mon chere. I don’t mean to sound so snobby. It’s just that I was educated by the Sisters and I come from a city of many languages.”

Ben kissed the top of Marie’s head and relaxed back against the tree again. “Adam picked up a little French from Jean, but I think my son’s education in that language was limited to saltier words.”

Marie let out a small laugh. “Jean could be surprisingly coarse for someone so well-bred.” She sighed as she relaxed and looked at the book again.

Down by the lake, Hoss was picking wildflowers. “What are you doing?” asked Adam.

“Pickin’ flowers fer Mama.”

“Why?”

“’Cause they’s pretty like her.”

Adam snorted in derision.

“Why don’tcha like Mama?” Hoss asked.

“She’s not our Mama, Hoss.”

“Yes she is. Papa says so.”

“She’s Pa’s wife, not our mother.”

“Wasn’t my real mama married to Papa?”

‘Yeah.”

“You called her Mama, huh?” the boy asked. 

“Because she was my Mama.”

“But Mama is married to Papa. Don’t that make her our Mama?” Hoss was now very confused.

“That’s different!” Adam answered hotly.

“Why?”

“Whaddya mean why?”

“Why’s it different?”

“It just is!” was Adam’s retort.

Hoss was still confused. Adam wasn’t making any sense. Mama was the nicest and prettiest mama Hoss could’ve ever wished for. She was even prettier than the lady in the picture on his nightstand. Lately, Adam was pointing to that picture and telling his little brother that she was Mama, not the lady Papa had married. Maybe Adam had a touch of fever or something.

Deciding he had enough flowers, Hoss started to head back to his parents. “Wait up!” hollered Adam. He came running up to Hoss with some flowers, too. Hoss beamed as he said “You think Mama should have flowers, huh?”

Adam got a glint in his eye as he said “Why don’t you add mine to yours?” He handed his posy over to Hoss. The boy looked at his older brother again and wondered why he looked like a cat that had gotten into the cream.

The two boys approached their parents’ resting place. Adam hung back a little bit, fully prepared to give Hoss all of the glory. Reaching their parents, Hoss held out the bouquet and said “These is fer you, Mama.”

Marie flushed with delight as she reached out for the bouquet. “Why merci, mon fils” she said, accepting the flowers. The bright yellows, oranges, and purples were spectacular. There was even some greenery that looked so pretty. Before she could get the flowers up to her nose, Ben said “Put those down, darling. There’s poison ivy in there.”

Hoss’ face fell as Marie tossed the flowers aside. She wiped her palms on her skirt, hoping to wipe off the poison ivy. Adam still had a glint in his eye, but it wasn’t as triumphant as before. “Ya don’t like the flowers, Mama?” Hoss asked with great disappointment.

“The flowers are beautiful, mon fils” she said with a smile for Hoss, who now had tears in his eyes.

“Then why don’tcha want ‘em?” he asked, starting to sniffle.

Marie stood and went to her younger son. She hugged Hoss to herself as the boy’s sniffles grew louder. She threw a glare at Adam, who tried his best to look innocent.

Ben stood, approached Adam, took his older son’s arm, and steered him towards the lake. “What is the meaning of this, Adam?” he asked, trying to suppress his anger.

“Whaddya mean, Pa?” Adam asked innocently.

“You know perfectly well what, young man. Hoss didn’t pick that poison ivy. I want you to admit what you did and then apologize to your mother.”

“What? Apologize? Why?”
“You know why, Adam. I’m still waiting for you to own up to what you did.”

Adam crossed his arms over his chest and glared at his father. He didn’t owe that woman an apology. Hoss gave her the flowers, not him.

Losing his patience, Ben unbuckled his belt and slowly slid it from his belt loops. Adam’s eyes widened. Pa hadn’t tanned him for four years. Surely Pa couldn’t be serious. “I’m only going to say one more time that I want to hear you tell me that you picked that poison ivy.” Ben slapped the belt lightly against his leg. Adam was scared, but he refused to back down.

Completely aggravated and frustrated now, Ben took Adam’s arm and propelled his eldest to the privacy of some reeds by the lake. There, he told Adam to bend over. Ben didn’t make the boy pull his pants down; instead, Ben figured that the shame of being tanned would be more than enough for his son. Adam bit his lip as the leather belt struck his backside. Pa wasn’t swinging as hard as he could have, but the belt still stung. 

After ten hits, Ben said “That’s enough. I’m disappointed, Adam, that you chose this over admitting to what you did. When we get back to your mother, you will apologize. Understand?”

“Yes, Sir” said Adam with downcast eyes.

“Look at me, Son.”

“Adam looked up and said “Yes, Sir.”

Ben drew Adam to him in a hug. “I love you, Adam. Your mother does, too. Now let’s get back.”

As the two approached the picnic site, they saw Hoss sitting between Marie’s legs. She had his head against her chest and was rocking the five year old back and forth. She was also singing a soothing song in French. Marie and Hoss looked up and smiled at Ben, who nudged Adam.

“Sorry about the flowers, Ma’am” was all he said.

“No harm was done, mon fils” was her answer.

Ben sat down next to the tree. Adam picked up his book and went a few feet away to lie in the grass and read. Hoss wasn’t sure who to sit with.

“Haallloooo!!” was shouted out.

Ben squinted towards the sound of the shout. He made out the figure of Abraham Garvey. Abe, or usually Old Man Garvey as people called him, had come out to the Nevada Territory in the 1820s when it was part of Mexico to trap for furs. Some said Garvey had come out to the desolation of the Sierras to flee a murder he committed. Others said he came out here on the trail of a woman he intended to kill. Whatever the reason, Ben had been glad to make the man’s acquaintence. Garvey had helped him and the boys through their first winter, introduced the Cartwrights to the Paiutes, and taught the boys how to read animal sign.

Excited to see Garvey, Hoss had jumped up and run to the man as fast as his legs would carry him. Garvey scooped the boy up and threw him over his shoulder. Hoss giggled as Garvey made bear-like snuffling sounds.

“Afternoon, Abe” said Ben. “What brings you out to the Ponderosa?”

Garvey set Hoss down, took off his battered leather hat, and said “I heared ya got a new missus. I jest wanted ta come by and say howdy-do.” Abe turned to gaze at Marie, blushed, and said “Howdy-do, Ma’am.”

Marie stood, smiled, and said “I’m pleased to know you, Sir. Won’t you sit with us?”

Abe wasn’t quite sure what to do and blushed a more scarlet shade. Opening the hamper, Ben said “We still have some of Hop Sing’s cooking if you’re hungry.”

Garvey happily sat down and helped himself to some of the chicken. Between mouthfuls, he told Ben about the beaver lodge at the eastern end of the lake, the 12-point buck he shot over the winter, and the doings at Winnemucca’s village. Marie had no idea what Abe was talking about, but Ben asked questions when he wanted more information. Hoss hung on to every word while Adam listened raptly. It was clear to Marie that Hoss idolized this man.

After finishing the chicken and licking his fingers clean, Abe decided to take his leave. He stood and held his hat in his hands again. Ben stood and extended hi hand to his friend. Hoss hung onto Garvey’s leg while Adam extended his hand, too. “Thank ye fer yer hospitality, Ben. And thank ye, too, Ma’am.” Garvey blushed again after looking at Marie. “Keep an eye on these two cubs” he said as he ruffled the boys’ hair. With that, Garvey turned and strode off.

Picking up the hamper, Ben said “We’d best get back to the house before Hop Sing decides that we’ve moved away. Hitch up the horse, Adam.”

Adam hitched up the horse with Hoss’ help. “Mama sings really pretty, Adam” the boy said. Adam just gave Hoss a look. He didn’t want to talk about her. “Mr. Garvey’s been settin’ lots of lines lately. Maybe Pa’ll let us help him some time.” The look of excitement on Hoss’ face told Adam that the boy would chatter non-stop about Mr. Garvey the whole way home. At least this way, he wouldn’t have to listen to Marie. He remembered the look of distaste she had had when Mr. Garvey had approached. She thought she was so much better than everyone else. What exactly did Pa see in her besides a pretty face?

As predicted, Hoss talked about Mr. Garvey the whole way home. Marie hadn’t realized what had gone into making the Ponderosa so successful. In New Orleans, Ben had said he was looking to sell furs. She hadn’t realized that he and Abe had done all of the trapping, skinning, and processing themselves. Instead, she had assumed that Ben had trappers working for him. In a way, she was glad that the timber and cattle operations were supplying most of the money now. She didn’t know if she’d make it in the wilderness if Ben had to leave her alone at the house for months on end while he trapped animals for pelts.

Once back at the house, Ben alit from the buggy and helped Marie out. After the boys were out, he told Adam to put the horse and buggy in the barn. He handed the hamper to Hoss with instructions to take it to Hop Sing.

After they were alone in the yard, Marie smiled at Ben and said “Hoss talked my ears off. He really admires Mr. Garvey, does he not?”

Ben let out a short laugh. “Hoss is in awe of Abe. Actually, Abe has taught Hoss most of what he knows about reading animal sign. That’s a really useful skill out here.”

“Surely it’s not that dangerous?” she asked nervously.

Realizing that he’d scared his wife, Ben reassured her. “That skill comes in handiest for seeing what kinds of animals have disturbed Hop Sing’s hens. It’s usually raccoons but sometimes foxes.”

Marie wasn’t completely comforted. The ability to read animal sign was obviously needed for a reason. Of course, Ben used to live as a trapper. But now, with the ranch, things should be safer.

That evening, when the boys went upstairs to get ready for bed, Hoss asked Adam what had happened when Papa took him down to the lake. “He tanned me” was all Adam said.

Hoss looked completely surprised. “Why?”

“Just because” was Adam’s surly response.

“Papa don’t tan us without a reason” observed Hoss.

“Well he tanned me for no reason.”

“Was it about the flowers?”

Adam scowled at his brother. “Go to your room and go to bed, Hoss.”

“I wish Mama had kept those flowers. Why cain’t ya love her?”

“Would you drop it about those stupid flowers? She doesn’t love us, Hoss. She’s just pretending for Pa.”

“Yer lyin’” said Hoss.

“You callin’ me a liar?” asked Adam, eyes flashing.

“Yeah” replied Hoss.

Adam gave his little brother a shove to get him out of his room. Angry now, Hoss shoved back, knocking Adam into the dresser. Adam shoved Hoss harder and the boy tripped over his feet and fell to the floor. Hoss then launched himself at his older brother and they were soon rolling around on the floor.

Hearing several thumps from upstairs, Ben quickly went to investigate. Seeing his boys trading swats, he angrily entered the room and separated his sons. “What is the meaning of this?!?” he thundered.

Hoss pointed at Adam and said “He’s a liar! He says Mama don’t love us.”

Adam glared at Hoss and yelled “Tattler!”

“That’s enough!” roared Ben. “Go to your room, Hoss.” Hoss obediently left Adam’s room.

Once Hoss had left, Ben took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. “Adam, you’ve got to believe me, Marie loves you and wants to be your mother. Why can’t you open your heart?”

Adam crossed his arms over his chest and looked away from his father. He was trying to control his tears, but wasn’t having much luck. Men don’t cry, he thought as he sniffled.

Ben went over to the bed and sat down. “Son, you’re going to have to accept Marie. I know you’ll love her if you’ll just get to know her.”

Turning to face his father, Adam cried out “Why, Pa?!? Don’t you still love, Mama? Have you forgotten about her?” Men might not cry, but Adam began sobbing uncontrollably. The boy’s shoulders shook as he wept.

Ben went to Adam and then brought the boy over to the bed. He held his son as the boy cried. How could Adam think such a thing?

After several minutes, Ben heard Adam’s sobs slow down. “I still lover Inger, Adam. In fact, I still love your mother, Elizabeth. They’re gone from this Earth, but I still love them. I love the memories they’ve left me as well as the two boys they gave birth to. I see Elizabeth every time I look at you and Inger every time I look at Hoss.”

“But why did you have to marry her?” Adam asked. Ben knew exactly who Adam meant. He and Adam had not had a man-to-man talk and he hoped that could wait several more years. Treading carefully, Ben said “A man just isn’t complete without a wife at his side to help him raise a family.”

“What about Old Man Garvey?” Adam asked.

“Huh?” was Ben’s response.

“Mr. Garvey doesn’t have a wife. He’s doing just fine on his own.”

“He also doesn’t have any children. What does Abe have to do with this?”

“You weren’t happy with me and Hoss?”

“Of course I was happy with you boys.”

“Then why’d ya have to get married?”

“Someday you’re going to meet a woman you’ll want to spend your life with. As I got to know Marie, I realized that I couldn’t imagine not having her in my life.”

Adam just snorted in response. “I fell in love with your mother while I was sailing for your grandfather. She made me look forward to coming home from sea voyages. I fell in love with Inger and realized it when she told me to keep the memory of your mother in my heart. Up until then, I had vowed to never love again. Inger made me understand that I could. Thanks to her, I was able to make room for Marie, too.”

Adam could feel anger returning. “Inger will always be my mother. You can’t change that by marrying someone else.”

“You’re going to have to be an adult about this, Adam. You’re not a child anymore. Why can’t you be as accepting as Hoss?”

“Because Hoss is a kid and doesn’t know any better. Besides, he never knew Mama like I did.”

Deciding to reason with his son, Ben asked “Do you think you loved Inger so much because you never knew your mother?”

Adam was definitely angry again. “That was different, Pa! My mother died when I was born. Mama died when Hoss was a few months old. He had a chance I never had but was too little to know any better. Hoss is just happy now because she fusses over him and speaks in French. The newness’ll wear off soon.”

“That’s it!!” roared Ben. “I won’t give you another tanning, even though you deserve one. Get in that bed. Now!” 

Once Adam had changed into a nightshirt and gotten into the bed, Ben blew out the lamp and headed downstairs. Marie was on the settee. Hoss was stretched out beside her, sleeping with his head in her lap. She turned her tear-streaked face to the stairs and saw her husband.

Ben came over to her and sat down on the coffee table. Taking her hand in his, he brought it to his lips and kissed her palm. He placed her hand on his chest and said “I love you with all of my heart, Marie.”

She looked into his eyes and said “I love you with all of my heart, Ben.” With her other hand, she wiped her eyes and nose. “Adam reminds me of Madame de Marigny. That old crone hated me for loving Jean.”

“Adam doesn’t hate you for loving me, darling. He’s just a confused young man.”

“He’s still a boy, mon chere.”

“Adam is eleven, darling. He’s a young man now. It’s hard for him to understand that I can love you as well as Inger and Elizabeth.” Looking down at Hoss, Ben smiled and said “Hoss is so much like Inger. A generous heart, full of love, and quick to see the good in people. I wouldn’t be surprised if he found something good in Madame de Marigny.”

Marie giggled in response. Even Jean had had trouble seeing good in his own mother.

Standing up, Ben leaned over and picked up Hoss. “Let’s go on upstairs, darling. It’s been a long day.” Marie blew out the lamps downstairs, bolted the door, and followed Ben upstairs.

In the morning, Hoss woke up and stretched really big. He didn’t remember going to bed the night before, but he must have. How else could he be in his room? Smelling bacon and fried potatoes, he got up and dressed. He wondered if Adam was up yet. Adam was usually up first.

Once dressed, Hoss left his room and went to Adam’s. The door was still closed, so Hoss tapped lightly. Adam was usually awake early and reading until breakfast was ready. There was no answer, so Hoss tapped a little louder. Again, there was no answer. Hoss opened the door and looked in. Adam wasn’t in his room, but the window was open. Not sure what to think, Hoss left Adam’s room, shut the door, and went downstairs for breakfast.

Arriving downstairs, Hoss joined his parents at the table. “Morning, Papa. Morning, Mama.” He then tucked his napkin into his shirt.

“Where’s your brother this morning?” Ben asked.

“I dunno” said Hoss as he reached for the potatoes.

“What do you mean you don’t know?”

“He wasn’t in his room. I looked.”

“Adam isn’t down here. Are you sure he wasn’t in his room?”

With a mouthful of potatoes, Hoss replied, “He ain’t there, Papa. But his window was open.”

“What?!?” Ben asked. He shot a glance at Marie, who put a hand to her mouth. Could Adam have run away during the night?

Ben jumped up from the table and ran to the door. He flung open the door and quickly scanned the yard. Not seeing Adam, Ben ran for the barn. Adam wasn’t there, either. His pony was still in the stall as were the horses. Ben was beginning to panic. His chest had become tight and he was having difficulty breathing. What had come over Adam?

Going to the bunkhouse, Ben went in and called to Bill, his foreman, who came outside. “Bill, I need you to go get Abe Garvey. Adam has run off.”

“Run off!?” Bill asked. That didn’t sound like Adam. “I’ll go right away, Mr. Cartwright!”

Ben then went to the barn where he hitched up the wagon. If Adam was hurt, he wanted to be able to bring his son back home easily. Hoss came out to the barn to see if he could help. “Can I ride my pony, Papa?” he asked hopefully.

“No, Son. You ride in the wagon with your mother and me. I need you to be brave for Mama. Can you do that?”

“Yes, Sir” answered Hoss while puffing out his chest with pride. Mama would have nothing to fear while he was with her. And Adam was okay. He just knew it.

Once the wagon was hitched up in the yard, Marie came outside. Her eyes were red from crying. She had to join the search for Adam. He had to be alright. If something happened to the boy, her relationship with Ben would never be the same again.

Bill and Abe Garvey rode up after what seemed to be an eternity. “Howdy-do, Ben, Ma’am. Bill here tole me that yer boy done run off. Don’tcha worry none, Ma’am. We’ll find him right quick-like.”

“There’s a lot of tracks in the yard, Abe. I’m not sure which way Adam went.” Ben was starting to feel frantic again.

Garvey dismounted and began to look at the tracks in the yard. Hoss came to his side and looked, too. Abe crouched down and smoothed some dirt away from a set of tracks. He followed the tracks forward a ways with Hoss by his side. When Abe stood up, he looked off into the distance. “I reckon yer boy is headin’ west. We’d best git started.” Garvey took his horse’s reins from Bill and led the animal over to the hitching post where he tied the creature. He then pulled his rifle from its scabbard.

“Will you be riding with us, Mr. Garvey?” asked Marie.

“No, Ma’am. I believe I’ll walk. It’ll be easier fer me ta track the boy.”

“Hoss, come get in the wagon” said Ben.

“I wanna walk with Mr. Garvey. Can I, Papa?” he pleaded.

Ben exchanged a look with Marie and then said “Okay, Son. But if Mr. Garvey thinks you’re in the way, you’ll ride in the wagon. Understand?”

“Yes, Sir” the boy answered.

The party started off in search of Adam—Abe and Hoss walking, Bill riding his horse, and Ben and Marie in the wagon. Abe strode forward with long strides down the road that led away from the Ponderosa. Once they reached the Virginia City road, Abe stopped to look around. “Whaddya see, Boy?” he asked Hoss.

Marie watched in amazement as Hoss examined the packed earth of the road. Hoss scanned the road and then went over to the grass. “Looks like he went off the road here and then went that way.” The boy pointed in the direction he was sure his brother went.

“Good work, Boy” said Garvey with a pat to Hoss’ back.

The party set off through the tall grass, the wagon creaking as it went along. Ben realized that they were heading towards the lake. Had Adam gone down to the lake just to think? Ben hoped so. At least this meant that Adam hadn’t started walking east to go to his grandfather’s in Boston. If Adam was going to the lake, maybe that meant he wasn’t intending to leave home forever.

Marie was amazed that Abe had been walking for over an hour without complaint. The man’s stride hadn’t shortened and he didn’t seem to be tired at all. Hoss, on the other hand, had been having trouble keeping up and Abe was carrying the boy on his back. The additional weight didn’t seem to bother Abe at all.

They finally reached the lake after traveling for a few hours. Abe let Hoss down and the two examined the tracks. “What all ya see here, Boy?” he asked.

“Lotsa prints. Raccoon, deer, possum, rabbit, coyote, and lynx.

“What else?”

“These prints look like the ones from me and Adam when we was here yesterday.”

Abe ruffled Hoss’ hair and said “Good work, Boy.” Marie was surprised by Hoss’ knowledge of animal tracks. Maybe there were other skills that were needed out here.

Garvey inspected the cat prints carefully. He left Hoss looking at the tracks and approached the wagon. Looking up at Ben, he said “Them cat tracks is from a young lion. He’s prob’ly on the prowl for easy food. We’d best get a move on.”

Marie paled at the idea of Adam out here defenseless. Ben’s chest felt tight again. What if they were too late? Marie touched his arm and he met her eyes. Her face held a look of hope. He gave her a tight-lipped smile and gave her hand a squeeze.

Abe had gone back to the prints. “Which way ya reckon he’s gone?” he asked Hoss.

The boy pointed to the north. Garvey patted Hoss’ back and again said “Good work.”

They set off again in search of Adam. Suddenly they heard screams of terror from a grove of trees about a quarter of a mile ahead. “Git in the wagon, Boy” he said to Hoss. “Come on” he said to Bill. Garvey took off running with long, ground-covering strides. He was running almost as fast as Bill’s horse. Ben had whipped the team into a gallop and they were racing behind Bill and Abe as fast as they could.

Screaming could still be heard from the grove. A yowl was then heard. The hair on the back of Marie’s neck stood up. She grabbed Hoss to herself.

Bill dismounted before they reached the grove and pulled his rifle from its scabbard. Abe had readied his weapon before running for the trees. He planned to shoot when he saw the cat.

Adam’s red shirt was visible through the tree’s foliage. He was about fifteen feet up in the tree. The lion was climbing the tree and all that was visible of the cat was the tail, which was swishing in anticipation. Adam couldn’t climb higher, so he tried to edge out on his branch. The cat was hungry, though, and determined to eat.

“Hold on, Boy!” yelled Abe. “We’re here fer ya!” He then turned to Bill. “You git over closer to the tree. I’m gonna shoot that cat afore it can git that boy.”

The branch was starting to bend under Adam’s weight. Thinking its prey was cornered, the lion swiped at Adam with a paw. Sharp claws raked Adam’s shin and he screamed in pain. All of the color left Marie’s face and she held Hoss tighter. Ben leapt from the wagon, determined to do something for his son.

Abe aimed carefully and squeezed the trigger. The lion screamed and fell from the tree. He had cleanly shot the animal through the heart.

“Come on down, Adam” urged Ben.

“I’m scared” shouted Adam.

Ben was looking up through the branches. “I’m here, Son. It’s safe to come down now. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“Where’s the cat?” Adam asked.

“It’s dead. Abe shot it. Come on down.”

“I’m scared” whimpered Adam.

“I’ll come up. Hang on, Son.”

Ben was starting to climb the tree when the branch Adam was on finally gave way. With a loud crack, the branch snapped and Adam fell to the ground. Ben jumped down from the tree and ran to his son.

Abe was already at Adam’s side and inspecting the claw marks. He pulled a bone needle and some sinew from his belt pouch and began to loosely stitch the wounds together. “He’s out cold, Ben. It’s best I do this now. Yer boy seems okay. Nothin’ seems broken.”

Ben knelt down and stroked his son’s face lightly. Marie and Hoss waited in the wagon. Both were crying, fearing the worst for Adam.

The boy opened his eyes to see his father kneeling by him. A look of relief washed over Ben’s face. “What hurts?” he asked his son.

“My leg. That cat got me pretty good.”

“Anything else?”

“No, Sir.”

Ben helped Adam sit up and then stand. Adam saw the wagon with Marie. Not wanting to look weak, he said “I think I can walk, Pa.” He tried to take a step, but fell face down in the grass. Ben helped him up and decided to carry his son. Adam protested but didn’t have much of a choice.

When they reached the wagon, Hoss climbed into the back to sit with his brother. He was so glad that Adam wasn’t dead. Ben got Adam into the wagon as Abe strode over with the lion over his shoulder.

“Mind if I keep this cat?” he asked Ben. The lion was killed on Ponderosa land and technically belonged to the Cartwrights.

“He’s all yours, Abe” said Ben. “How about a ride back?”

“Don’t mind if’n I do” Abe replied.

He put the dead cat in the back of the wagon and then climbed in to ride with the boys. On the way home, he bragged on Hoss’ tracking abilities. Adam half listened; the other half of his mind was wondering what kind of punishment would be in store for him when they got home.

Finally reaching the house, Abe jumped out of the wagon and helped Adam out. Ben alit and helped Marie down. “You git yer boy in the house and I’ll see to yer critters” offered Abe. Ben thanked his friend and then carried Adam into the house with Hoss on his heels.

“Thank you, Mr. Garvey” said Marie with sincere gratitude. She then went to the man, stood on her toes, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Abe blushed a bright shade of red and said “I was jest bein’ neighberly.”

She again thanked him for his help. “You must come for supper one evening” she said.

“Thank ye, Ma’am. I shore will do that.” Still embarrassed, he led the horses off to the barn. Marie saw him to the barn and then went to the house. She nervously paced the first floor while Ben was upstairs.

In Adam’s room, Ben was sitting on the side of the bed, looking down at his son. “Why did you run off, Adam?” he asked.

“Are you gonna give me another tanning?” he asked nervously.

“No, Son, I’m not. You’ve earned one, but that cat taught you more than my belt can. Why, Adam?”

“Why are you trying to force me to love her? I don’t even know her.”

“I’m not trying to force you, Son. Marie is your mother now. She only wants to love you and Hoss. Why don’t you take the time and get to know her?”

“I’m tired, Pa. Can I sleep now?”

“Sure, Son.” Ben leaned forward and kissed Adam on the forehead. Hoss ambled in to check on his brother. “Can I stay with Adam, Papa?”

“That’s a good idea” said Ben. Hoss climbed into the bed and snuggled up to his brother. Both boys were soon asleep.

Ben went downstairs and saw Marie pacing the floor. “Adam is going to be okay, darling.”

“He left because of me, didn’t he?” she asked.

Ben jammed his hands into his pockets and hunched up his shoulders. “Adam feels I’m forcing him to love you.” Marie looked at the wall and wiped her eyes. “He hates me, doesn’t he?” she asked in a quavering voice.

Ben walked to his wife and hugged her to him. “He’s very confused right now, darling. This is a hard adjustment for him.”

“I’m doing the best I can” she said. “Hoss is so open and loving. Adam is so cold and distant. No matter what I do, he works against me. Like with the flowers at the lake yesterday.”

Ben kissed the top of her head. “I punished him for that. He knows better than to fool around with poison ivy.”

“What should I do, mon chere? I could never thaw the frost from Madame de Marigny.”

Ben hugged her a bit tighter. “Why don’t you just try to be a friend instead of a mother? Maybe he’ll slowly become accustomed to you mothering him. How does that sound?”

“I’ll try that” said Marie. She pulled back from Ben and looked up at him. “I realized today that there’s more to learn than I ever thought. Hoss’ education is coming along just fine, thanks to Mr. Garvey.”

“I’m so glad you don’t want the boys tutored” said Ben with relief. “Although, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Maybe we could find a really mean tutor for Adam.”

Marie stifled a laugh and said “You’re terrible, Ben Cartwright. Although it’s worth a thought.” She stood on her toes and kissed her husband. “Math and writing wouldn’t have helped Hoss and Mr. Garvey find Adam today. I’ll always be grateful to Mr. Garvey for helping us. He may not be educated, but he’s the most learned man I’ve ever met.”

Ben hugged Marie to him. She would become accustomed to life out here. Maybe she and Adam could just be friends from now on. Perhaps a truce could be declared between his son and wife so the Cartwright household could live in peace.

The End

Next Story in The Battle of Wills Series:

The Shadow of Jean deMarigny
A Gift Horse
New Expectations
Remembering Childhoods
A Room Full of Memories
A New Pattern
Naming the Newest Cartwright
Presents from the Heart
Love’s Labor
Big Brother Lessons
No Regrets
Baby’s Breath
Ennui