{"id":11537,"date":"2014-10-31T07:45:07","date_gmt":"2014-10-31T11:45:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11537"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:11:34","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:11:34","slug":"written-in-stone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=11537","title":{"rendered":"Captain Cartwright #10 – Written in Stone (by Krystyna)"},"content":{"rendered":"

SUMMARY<\/strong>:\u00a0 Under a new Administration, Commodore Cartwright is sent to search for a missing murder suspect. While on the Ponderosa, a tragic event at the school leads to disaster for the family.\u00a0 This is the tenth story in the world of Captain Cartwright.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (185,155 words)<\/p>\n

Captain Cartwright Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

To Soar on Albatross Wings<\/a>
\nTo Fly with Eagles<\/a>
\nCaptain, Oh My Captain<\/a>
\nThe Commodore<\/a>
\nInvictus<\/a>
\nCarpe Diem<\/a>
\nA New Command<\/a>
\nA Duty to Live<\/a>
\nAll Those Tomorrows<\/a>
\nWritten in Stone<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Written in Stone<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chapter 1<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The big room in the main Ponderosa ranch house was dark with shadows although there were lamps glowing faintly here and there as well as the flames from a fire that was still burning in the hearth despite the lateness of the hour. Beside the fire a solitary figure sat in a large leather chair reading from the Territorial Enterprise with the avid attention of a reader enjoying a favourite novel. After some moments and just as the clock struck the hour Ben Cartwright tossed the newspaper onto the table with a shake of the head as he then turned to reach for his pipe which he had left unattended for some time. He filled the bowl from a plug of tobacco and then lit a spill of paper from the fire which he conveyed to light his pipe, after some seconds of drawing hard upon the stem he finally succeeded in getting the tobacco to glow and released a light plume of smoke from his lips as he sunk back into his chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was March 1877 and a lot had happened since the end of 1876 . Ben smoked his pipe and gazed up at the ceiling as he thought over some of the events that had returned to mind since reading some items in the newspaper. He speculated, as many were at that time, upon the policies of the new President with regards to the Indian question, Ben recalled reading that there were concerns about China and the number of Chinese coming into the United States which figured largely upon the Presidents mind as well as the situation in regards to the economy at the time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben puffed harder and shook his head as he recalled the mess that had taken place with this particular electing of a President. The Democratic party had been secure of the majority number of votes in the South and had nominated Samuel J. Tilden as their Presidential candidate. The Republicans decided not to re-nominate Grant for various reasons and had put forward the Governor for Ohio, Rutherford B Hayes. Not much had been known about him except that he had served in the Union Army as a General and performed well in that capacity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the election Tilden had received 184 votes of the 185 needed to become President and Hayes only 165. It had seemed a clear result until the dispute concerning South Carolina, Louisiana and Florida which had resulted in Congress passing the Electoral Count Act in 1877 so that the votes could be counted in a fair way. As a result Tilden lost out and had to give way to Hayes after all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had all been very political, and the furrows on Ben\u2019s broad forehead deepened as he remembered the points that had been brought back to the readers\u2019 attention in DeQuille\u2019s Editorial, how the Democrats had agreed to let Hayes become President if he withdrew Federal troops from the South. This was agreed and on the 4th March 1877 Hayes was sworn in as President. DeQuille\u2019s Editorial had been a reminder of the fact that troops had been withdrawn from South Carolina and Louisiana. Politically it had become known as The Compromise of 1877 and had Ben been asked what he would have called it there would no doubt have been a more colourful title given. Although such a withdrawal was long overdue the circumstances in which it had been done smacked to him rather as a bribe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sighed, removed his pipe and glared at it as though it was the cause of most of his problems before sticking it back in his mouth . He stretched out his long legs and pondered a little over the events of the past few days sending smoke signals drifting up into the ceiling. He was slightly smiling to himself over some event when he heard the footsteps of his son, Hoss, and raised his dark eyes to see him appear from the half landing down to floor level. Hoss was yawning, rubbing his head with one hand and scratching his chest with the other, upon seeing his father observing him he stopped halfway across the room and frowned, blinked, and shook his head \u201cYou ain\u2019t abed yet, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cObviously not, son.\u201d Ben replied with an indulgent smile and watched as Hoss came and sat down on the arm of the settee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow come? Aint\u2019cha tired out after all that thar dancing around you did today?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, should I be?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa, you ain\u2019t -\u201d Hoss paused, even half asleep he was aware that he was about to utter a remark that his august father would not have appreciated, \u201cYou should get some sleep, Pa, we\u2019ve a busy day ahead tomorrow, I mean, later today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I\u2019m not senile, I do know the way to my own bedroom, and I do know when I\u2019m tired and need some sleep.\u201d Ben growled causing Hoss to wince with the awareness that tact had arrived too late and that Ben\u2019s feelings had been \u2019ruffled\u2019. \u201cNow then, why are you up so early?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? Oh, I jest wanted a drink.\u201d Hoss replied nonchalantly and scratched his chest and then under one arm pit as he turned to stare into the fire, \u201cIt all went off pretty well, didn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt did. I think Paul was surprised at just how many people came to see them get married. All credit to him, he and Bridie make a lovely couple.\u201d and if there was a hint of sarcasm in his voice it was lost on Hoss. Not that Ben intended any such thing in regards to his dear friend the doctor, just that he knew some did not \u2019approve\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMiz Rachel sure danced a lot with you, Pa. I thought for a while you were going to find yourself hog tied.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot to Mrs Brandon, Hoss. If that were to happen then you can certainly start thinking I\u2019m senile.\u201d Ben laughed quietly, \u201cShe\u2019s worse than Clementine Hawkins ever was.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShucks, yeah \u2026 remember how she used to chase after you, Pa?\u201d Hoss leaned forward and chuckled his warm laugh, his blue eyes twinkled, \u201cThat time she bought that thar emerald, and all the fuss that caused.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I remember it well.\u201d Ben smiled and puffed a perfect smoke ring<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how Adam said he would put \u2019Arry\u2019s pink pantaloons over the chimney and kept talking like he was a London Cockney himself?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDrove us all mad -\u201d Ben murmured with a sigh as the memory itself caused pleasant thoughts to trickle through his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWidow Hawkins sure don\u2019t seem so keen on you now, does she, Pa?\u201d Hoss frowned as though puzzled that the redoubtable widow would have \u2018given up\u2019 on such a catch as his Pa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWidow Hawkins is that much older and I\u2019m afraid feels herself upstaged by Mrs Brandon.\u201d Ben said with all the authority of the best Agony Aunt in town, but he had been told this by Hester who seemed to know all about that \u2018kind of thing.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear that Clem was thinking of resigning as sheriff?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did. It\u2019s a shame but he doesn\u2019t feel healthy enough for the responsibility.\u201d Ben leaned forward and tapped the bowl of his pipe against the hearth so that the tobacco drifted out to join the flames of the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDodds isn\u2019t competent enough for the job.\u201d Hoss sucked on his teeth, his lips puckering as a result, \u201cAnd I know for sure that Roy ain\u2019t interested in re-applying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Ben sighed and nodded before slowly preparing to clean out his pipe, unscrewing the bowl from the stem \u201cNo, he said he didn\u2019t like retirement as much as he had thought he would but he was too old to take up reins of office again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019d you reckon on doing the job?\u201d Hoss asked as he rose to his feet and stretched his arms out wide as he waited for his father to reply<\/p>\n

,<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, son. Are you thinking of applying?\u201d Ben looked up, his dark eyes twinkling as Hoss wrinkled his nose and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d Hoss grinned \u201cI got enough on my hands keeping this family in order. That includes you, Pa.\u201d he furrowed his brow in mock irritation \u201cYou should get yourself off to bed right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhile you raid the larder, huh?\u201d Ben raised a dark eyebrow and continued with his pipe cleaning as Hoss ambled his way to the kitchen. He heard the glug of something being poured into a glass and then the sound of doors opening and closing, crockery rattling. With a smile he reconnected the pieces of his pipe and stacked it upon the rack with the others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Hoss finally left the kitchen wiping a smear of apple pie from his face it was to see his father settling the fire down for the remainder of the night, a prelude to his going to bed at last. \u201cG\u2019night, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSleep well, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben listened to Hoss\u2019 footsteps and paused in his activity as he thought over their conversation, over the wedding of Paul and Bridie O\u2019Flannery that had gone off with such success. As he got to his feet and straightened his back Ben pondered over the emotion his friend had shown at seeing so many in attendance for the ceremony, as though he had never realised that so many had loved him for so long. Ben sighed and wiped his hands free from the ash and dust, well, it was good for it had been well deserved, there had never been a more loyal friend and doctor as Paul Martin. Bridie had been a beautiful bride too, blushing and proud and with an air of disbelief that such a joy could have happened to her. To make her joy more complete her children and their families had made their way to attend this, her most special day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yes, a success all round, Ben agreed to himself, no couple could have looked happier or prouder. With a sigh of contentment he turned and made his way up the stairs to his room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the sound of the door closing Hester sighed with relief and turned to her husband, \u201cYour father never seems to sleep nowadays. He\u2019ll wear himself out if he carries on like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa knows what he\u2019s doing,\u201d Hoss whispered back, \u201cHe ain\u2019t in his dotage you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester smiled and wondered if Hoss really knew what the word meant, but she leaned forward and kissed him anyway. \u201cI know, sweetheart, but I do worry about him, he isn\u2019t getting any younger after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoneybun,\u201d Hoss whispered back \u201cNone of us is getting any younger, so, unless you want to continue this conversation you had better turn yourself round and get yourself to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She laughed quietly and put her arms around his neck in order to draw him closer to her, then she settled her russet coloured head upon his shoulder \u201cI love you, you do know that, don\u2019t you, Mr Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShucks, so you should, seeing as how you have two children now, Mrs Cartwright.\u201d and he smiled as she nuzzled his face close to hers and kissed him again.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary Ann Cartwright slipped quietly from the bed and slipped her feet into her slippers as she reached for her dressing gown. Tying the belt as she walked quickly to the room across the landing from theirs she pushed open the door and stood for a moment before stepping further inside. The child in the cot immediately scrabbled to his feet and held out his arms to her with wiggling fingers as though to entice her to pick him up. Not that she needed much enticing for she loved to cuddle her little boy and smell the warmth of his body and feel the curly hair tickle her nose \u201cCan\u2019t you sleep, little boy?\u201d she whispered and held him close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMomma, Momma.\u201d Daniel sighed contentedly and wrapped chubby arms around her neck, if he could have put his feelings into words he would have said something along the lines of \u2018How great is this, and I didn\u2019t even have to cry very loud or for very long.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She carried him to the window and drew back the curtain to look down over the dark shadows of what lay beyond \u2026 the vague outline of the corral and stables, further afield the darker background of high mountains and above them the purple blue of the night sky pin pricked with diamonds as the stars twinkled down on them. She began to sing, very softly \u2018Twinkle, twinkle little star ..\u2019 while she swayed slightly too and fro with the infant in her arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From the doorway Joseph Cartwright observed his wife and son with an ache in his heart. The ache came from the emotion he felt whenever he caught her unawares like this, her slender form, the thick curls of her hair loose down upon her shoulders and the baby clinging to her. He sighed deeply and walked quietly towards them until he was at their side and had his arm around them both \u201cI didn\u2019t hear him crying, I\u2019d have woken up sooner if I had realised.\u201d he whispered as he leaned forward and kissed her brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he didn\u2019t really cry much at all, I was awake anyway.\u201d she smiled up at him, her dear Joseph and raised her face for another kiss. Daniel\u2019s dimpled hand reached up to catch at his father\u2019s mouth so that Joe laughed and played with his sons\u2019 fingers while he kissed his wife.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you sleep?\u201d he asked as they stood side by side framed by the window.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I keep thinking over today, and how lovely it all was, Paul was so surprised at seeing so many there, wasn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo was Bridie.\u201d Joe laughed softly as he noticed the way Daniel had settled his head upon Mary Ann\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, she did.\u201d Mary Ann nodded and turned to look at the stars before turning to look at Joe, \u201cI\u2019ll miss her, I mean, not what she did to help me around the house, I mean that I will really miss her, as my friend and – well – like my mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, sweetheart, I know.\u201d he rubbed her arm soothingly and sighed on her behalf.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever known anyone so warm, so kind \u2026 she was everything a mother should be, wasn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess so.\u201d Joe replied with his head resting close to her head and thinking of someone else entirely, someone who haunted his memories like a ghost drifting in and out of his life with just as much substance but someone who was nothing like Bridie at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Daniel gave a little snort, a snore of contentment and the fond parents shared a smile and walked together to the cot into which Mary Ann placed him. \u201cGoodnight, little man.\u201d she whispered and blew him a kiss from the doorway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 2<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was difficult to see where the shadows began and where they ended as Olivia Cartwright stepped onto the porch. She could hear the sounds of the horses in the corral to the left of her, but the night was dark enough to envelop all before her into one large unlit bubble. It was only after a few moments had passed that her eyes adjusted well enough to discern the shapes of the stables and barn that were ahead and to the right of the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She pulled her shawl closer around her shoulders and stepped out until the railings that ran around the porch prevented her from going any further. But it was sufficient, she had no desire to step beyond these perimeters and leaned against the barrier just enough to reassure herself of the wooden presence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The night sky enshrouded everything in that mystery of darkness that made a person feel utterly alone. She stared up at the vastness above her head and closed her eyes to prove that it was no darker then that it had been when her eyes had been open. A slight smile played around her well shaped lips as she slowly raised her eyelids to look up at the stars. So small, so infinitesimal did she feel as she stood there, it was even possible to pretend that the main Ponderosa house as well as the home of Joe and Mary Ann did not exist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were the sounds though \u2026 the horses pushing against the corral fence, their snorts and their breathing was loud enough for her to hear. There were the lesser sounds too of little animals scurrying along their secret passages, the flapping of the owls wings as he vacated the barn to hunt for prey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She drew in her breath and slowly exhaled, smiled again and drew the shawl tighter. This was home, and she loved it. She ran a hand gently over the wooden railing and remembered how her husband had carefully smoothed it down, insisting that he didn\u2019t want her hand to encounter any splinter due to his carelessness. Everything there reminded her of him, everything\u2026 even the smells borne upon the night air, even the emptiness around her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stayed for some moments leaning against the railings before the chill of the night, and the fact that time was ticking away into a new morning that she turned and re-entered the house, closing the door firmly behind her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took her little time to mount the stairs and cautiously look into the room where her eldest son slept. Reuben with his tumble of bed covers which she stooped down to pick up and put over him. He sighed in his sleep and she wondered if he were dreaming, and if so, of what it was he dreamt about\u2026 perhaps of school, perhaps of ships that sailed on black glassy seas at night. She leaned down and kissed his brow, brushed back some hair and tip toed quietly away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sofia was curled up into a tight ball with the covers over her head which she clutched at even in her sleep to prevent her mother from pulling them away. Blonde curls scattered over the pillowcase, tendrils of hair damp enough to stick to her cheeks and Olivia gently pulled back the covers so that some air could brush against the child\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMommy?\u201d and a small hand reached out to catch hold of the woman\u2019s hand, \u201cMommy, I got tummy ache.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ate too much cake.\u201d Olivia said with a smile in her voice and the child yawned and slipped instantly back into sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia closed the door and made her way to her room, the room she shared with her husband and infant son. Standing now in the doorway she gazed about her, looked at the lamps that were flickering on the dressing table and the chest of drawers before she turned to wards the little crib close to her side of the bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The infant didn\u2019t move, it seemed as though he were not even breathing so still was the little body. Black hair curled about an oval face, eyes were closed tight so that long lashes brushed against his cheek. She sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, leaned forward and stared at him, this little bundle of joy that had survived the loss of its twin and had arrived so perfect and so safely. As though aware of her presence the infant stirred, opened its eyes and blinked into the metal grey of its existence, turned his face and recognised the oval of her own face looking down at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t hungry, he wasn\u2019t in need of a diaper change, he didn\u2019t even want to be taken from the warmth of his little cocoon of a crib. He just yawned, turned his face away and closed his eyes again. Even when she gently caressed his cheek with her finger he didn\u2019t stir, and she sighed as though regretting the loss of a precious few moments of cuddling the little body against her own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was hard to sleep when Adam was away from home. Hard to settle her mind to laying in bed and spending the hours just sleeping. She slipped into the bed and settled down upon the pillows, closed her eyes and snatched back memories of the day. Dear Paul, dear Bridie. She remembered how Ben had danced with Rachel Brandon and Hester had whispered something to the effect that if Rachel moved into the Ponderosa then she, Hester, would have to move out. They had laughed a little at that, but there had been no denying the determined look on the widows face every time the music struck up and Ben appeared to be standing alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She drifted into sleep thinking about Clementine Hawkins, for some reason she felt a sadness for the little widow that she never had felt before, as though attending that wedding without her husband had placed her on a par with the older woman. She sighed again, poor Clemmie she thought, poor Clemmie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In his cabin Adam Cartwright put down the papers he had been reading and leaned back against the chair in which he was seated. The cabin was in near darkness, only the lamp on his desk had provided enough light to facilitate reading. He rubbed his face with long fingers and then stared down one again at the papers on the desk<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had been a strange meeting with Hamilton Fish some weeks earlier. No doubt he would have vacated his office now and his successor, William Evarts would have taken on the role of Secretary of State. Both men had been present when Adam Cartwright had presented himself at the office, in compliance to his orders, and both men had accorded him the respect due his rank. He had looked from one to the other and wondered which of the two would be spokesman, the one about to resign his post or the one about to take it upon his own shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you again, Commodore.\u201d Fish smiled, his craggy face under the mass of greying hair looked familiar and comfortable with the other man who now sat down at the chair indicated to him, \u201cDid you have a pleasant journey?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUneventful, yes, thank you.\u201d Adam replied and glanced sideways to observe Evarts who was seated and looking at the officer with a thoughtful look in his eyes. It occurred to Adam that Mr Evarts was no doubt wondering if he, Adam Cartwright, were up to the task of whatever it was they were going to assign him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTimes change, Adam.\u201d Hamilton Fish said, and sounded surprised at the fact that he had actually used the Officers first name, \u201cAs you must realise I am soon to retire from my duties here, and Mr Evarts will be assuming the role.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both Evarts and Adam nodded compliance, after all, the news was not unknown to either of them and if Evarts hadn\u2019t known by then it didn\u2019t say much for the administration he was about to take on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Evarts stood up now and passed an envelope over to Adam \u201cThese are your orders, Captain.\u201d he noticed the lift of a dark eyebrow and his lips twitched slightly, \u201cAs you will not be taking charge of the customary three ships as per your rank, you will now be referred to as Captain. The ship you will be taking over is not unknown to you, however, I think you will be pleased with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and felt that he\u2019d be the judge of that, he didn\u2019t need anyone who sat behind a desk all day to tell him what he would or would not be pleased with, he cleared his throat and looked at them both. Neither man now seemed sure who was to speak first but finally Fish gave a curt nod and began \u201cYour orders are quite specific, Adam. They require you to locate a party of men who have been missing for some months. It is imperative that they are found and returned safely to \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026 Washington.\u201d Evarts said, tapping the envelope authoritively, \u201cThe men were involved in a search and find operation for diamonds in the – huh hum – Brazilian forests.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHeading towards the Bolivian borders.\u201d Fish interjected, \u201cWe lost contact with them some while back and its imperative that they are located and returned here. The information they have is essential.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, he looked from one to the other, and picked up the envelope. He looked at his name scrawled in black ink upon its virginal whiteness and pursed his lips slightly, \u201cWhat if I can\u2019t find them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suggest you do,\u201d Evarts said, \u201cas soon as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt may be that they\u2019re dead by now. Diamonds -\u201d Adam paused, \u201cwell, a lot can happen to a man who possesses too many of such a commodity.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere are, to be exact, three men involved in this expedition. The details are in the envelope.\u201d Evarts said and looked at Fish as though to imply that no other information was necessary nor should be forthcoming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hamilton Fish gave a slight smile, he rose to his feet and extended his hand \u201cThank you, Commodore, I really appreciate all that you have done to serve President Grants administration over the years. I hope this – this particular assignment – goes well for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook the proffered hand and slipped the envelope inside his jacket, he nodded towards Evarts who was standing away from the desk and didn\u2019t indicate that he wanted to shake anyone\u2019s hand, so Adam nodded again, saluted and left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of his heels on the marble floor sounded hollow in his ears and he had clenched his teeth so tightly that his jaw ached by the time he had left the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy Coffee swung his feet over the side of his bed and set them firmly on the floorboards. He scratched his chin through bristles and then rubbed his head, lamenting the fact, as he did every day, that he was now quite bald.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He yawned, stretched and stumbled away from the bed to approach the bedroom window and after pulling aside the curtains glared down at the main street of town. It was still dark, and he reckoned on it being close to two o\u2019clock in the morning. He shook his head and sighed as he made his way to the bureau where a lamp still had a small flame flickering behind its funnel, he turned it up in order to bring more light into the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For some moments he just sat on the side of the bed staring at the flame while he gathered his thoughts together, his hands resting on his knees and his eyes half closed. He couldn\u2019t see that clearly, couldn\u2019t see his reflection in the mirror that stood beside the lamp but then he knew what he would see, he didn\u2019t really have to look. Since Rachel had taken up residence with him a year ago he had somehow collected two more chins, lost several more teeth – thankfully all at the back not that appearances mattered that much to him – and widened in girth. He didn\u2019t like being an old man, there was no pleasure in being retired, especially with Rachel living with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sighed again as he remembered the celebrations of his dear friends wedding only the previous day. Rachel had been in her element, totally eclipsing Widow Hawkins in the way she flaunted herself after Ben Cartwright. Did she really expect there to be another wedding this year? Herself as the bride? Pshchew, not if Ben Cartwright had any sense left in his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But then, Roy sighed again, Paul had never looked happier as he had with Bridget O\u2019Flannery by his side. They were a good team, Roy told himself, they worked well together and no doubt they would play well together too. That clinic of Bridie\u2019s was doing well, and Paul had told him only the day before the wedding that the number of winter and spring illnesses in the poorer quarters of town were lower than they had ever been. There had been fewer infant deaths and mothers were surviving the births of healthier babies.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy scratched his head again and coughed good and hard to clear his lungs. Rachel had kept him awake a whole hour after returning home, first gossiping about this and that, then after retiring to bed she had sang in her shrill voice that gave him headaches .. .. What woman would sing hymns past midnight after going to a wedding?? It was beyond Roy and he wondered what he could do, short of murder, to get rid of his sister from his home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had even considered going back to work but that had not worked out well. Clem had even asked him recently to stop going to the office because it was confusing people as to who really was the sheriff. Now here was Clem saying he was giving up the job anyway. Roy scowled down at the floor and knew that it was useless applying, he was too old. He had been too old years ago when Adam Cartwright had come to \u2018tidy things up\u2019 and keep him company while the town council had dithered about sacking him. That was a long time ago now, Roy smiled slowly, yes, that had been before Adam had that crazy notion of going to sea. Now why on earth did he go and do a tomfool thing like that for?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The old man got to his feet and poured out a glass of water, he was about to drink it when he realised that if he did then he would have to empty his bladder within the hour and he didn\u2019t really fancy a trip to the outhouse. He put the glass down and returned to his bed, it was still warm from earlier occupancy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He remembered asking Adam why he had chosen to go to sea and the eldest son of Ben Cartwright had smiled, shrugged and admitted that it had seemed a good idea at the time. He just hadn\u2019t thought out the long term complications, like getting married and having children. Things had happened in his life and he had convinced himself that he would never find a woman to love enough, and when he had, well, it was too late to change things although he had tried.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But, Roy had said, think of all the wonderful places you had been to, and seen. The lands no one else had, himself included. Roy yawned now, and closed his eyes, he remembered how Adam had looked at him and smiled that odd poignant smile of his and said that the most lovely sight in the world was the one that greeted his eyes every morning when he woke up and looked upon the face of the woman he had married. Roy sighed as he slowly drifted back into sleep, he could understand that too well, it had been something he had once enjoyed too, long ago when his Mary had slept by his side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 3<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright put aside his consideration of his meeting with the new and the old Secretaries of State, deciding that to dwell on it any further was unnecessary to what was now impending. He glanced at the book he had been reading and pushed it casually to one side having reached the conclusion that it had been of little benefit or help to him at this juncture of the assignment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reading about another person\u2019s assumptions and preoccupations of a country about which Adam knew a miniscule amount of information could, at times, be irritating and at other times, frustrating. It confirmed to him that he was quite ill prepared for this particular assignment and apart from the details laboriously typed out by some stenographer in Fish\u2019s labyrinth of offices there was little to really encourage him to think positively about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An expedition of a kind had been sent out to find some fabled diamond mine was the thrust of the first five paragraphs of the narrative. Adam had never known of diamonds being found in the swamps of Brazil but then, as he had told himself he knew little about the place so it was better not to prejudge. The men involved in fronting the expedition were an American, Howard Jefferson; a Russian Anatoly Sokolovich; an Englishman Michael Scolley. Each had been financed by their Governments which led Adam to conclude that all concerned truly believed that this diamond mine was going to be a sound economic investment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had scowled at the reference to a Russian involvement and wondered how Gorchakov had raked up the money to finance such an expedition considering his already considerable expenditure on wars and such, but then Russia was a vast country, a forever black cloud spreading over the eastern continent and swallowing up minor lands with impunity. No need to worry about one\u2019s own treasury when one can plunder those of other Governments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So the Shenandoah was sailing into the southern hemisphere, down to Brazil. A place where mosquitoes swarmed in lethal colonies, alligators and insects, snakes and jaguars, Indians with poison darts and the ability to move like ghosts and the only positive that Adam could find from it was that he wouldn\u2019t be cold, wouldn\u2019t freeze, and had a variety of methods by which he could be killed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He listlessly picked up the papers on the desk and began to read through the information so that he would know from memory everything that was necessary should any details be required at another time. The three men had commenced their expedition 18 months previously, each with their own guides – all native to the country – and their various porters, servants, cooks and scullions. In effect fifty men had entered the swamps of the Pantanal and during the course of time only a few stragglers had returned to the hotel at various odd times, rather like human flotsam and jetsam that the tide would wash in as and when it suited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There followed a description and brief history of each man, the names of their respective guides and contact names within the Government department that had merrily sent them on their way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Next came a description of the Pantanol itself which didn\u2019t leave Adam enamoured of the place, basically because it was still largely unexplored terrain and a lot of information was based on assumptions based on information given over the years by various so-called explorers, some of which had never been seen again when foolhardy enough to re-enter the place. The place was huge, hundreds of thousands of square miles of swamp with the River Paraguay its main tributary but with hundreds of lesser rivers, streams, lakes, swamps diverging from it and all of them, from what Adam could read, full of snakes and alligators and other death dealing creatures intent on destroying any intruder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were several tribes of Indians living within the Pantanol, some yet to be discovered, some reluctantly already located and quick to disappear as soon as possible into the swamplands again. They were primitive, superstitious, and prepared to kill anyone who survived the alligators, snakes etc etc. It made Adam\u2019s head ache to consider the pile of negatives that seeped from every page of the neatly typed out script.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was appended some cautionary notes about health, and advice on learning the language that most Brazilians spoke, which was Portuguese. To assist a dictionary and phrase book had been included.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He released a deep sigh and pushed everything away as though by doing so he could blot out the fact that he was on an assignment that seemed to lead nowhere. He got to his feet and walked to the port hole of his cabin and then without looking out turned to pick up a decanter of whiskey from which he poured himself an ample amount. Carrying it in one hand, and the Portuguese phrase book in the other he returned to a more comfortable chair and set himself down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An abrupt knock on the door which was pushed open to admit Adam\u2019s steward. Douglas Ames was middle aged and had served many officers on board numerous ships. He had heard of Adams reputation via the usual sources and had been looking forward to the privilege of someone with such a history. He was an intelligent man and kept himself aloof from the men which suited both them and himself, as the crew could then feel confident that no tales were being carried to the Captain, he would not be considered the first officer\u2019s spy. He did, however, tend to interfere a little with the cook who found him rather irritating and ingratiating, but as he said, if he was serving the best, then the best deserved \u2018the best\u2019. To that, the cook had no answer, which also annoyed him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The meal that was served before Adam now was done with a politeness that the Captain preferred, Ames was proving himself a worthy successor to the likes of Abbott whom Adam considered to have been the epitome of the perfect valet\/butler\/steward. He thanked Ames with a nod of the head, set the glass of whiskey to one side and began to eat. Ames busied himself around the cabin unobtrusively until there was nothing more to do except wait for the meal to be finished upon which he removed the remains and left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam listened to the footsteps as they retreated down the passageway and then picked up his glass. As often happened at such times he found his mind returning to those he loved back home, to Olivia and the children, to his father and brothers, their wives and children. A vague smile drifted over his face as he counted them one by one and reminded himself that at one time who would have thought the Cartwrights would have grown to such a size so quickly. He shook his head and chided himself, after all, it was hardly a case of dozens of offspring, and that led him to think of his very own infant son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It had always been hard to leave Olivia, for any reason it was difficult. He didn\u2019t even now want to dwell upon the likeness of her face, the laughter and the love because it made him ache with longing for her. He knew that among his crew there were men feeling the same emotions, but that was, although a reassurance of a kind, it was no comfort in knowing. The children – Reuben, Sofia and Nathaniel – his heart tightened at the thought of them, that last farewell with Sofia crying and clinging to him, begging him not to go, Reuben being so brave but holding onto him tightly and then the baby, sleeping contentedly, blissfully unaware as weeks old babies should be. He had stroked back the dark hair with one finger, smiled at Olivia who held the baby close in her arms, and then leaned across the infant to kiss her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The memory of that kiss made his throat tighten and he shook it off quickly, swallowed some whiskey and glared at the bookshelf on the other side of the cabin. One comfort, he told himself as he swallowed down t he whiskey, was that he was on a familiar boat, the Doctor was an old friend of his, and it wouldn\u2019t be long before his contract would be at an end. They may not have accepted his voluntary resignations over the past few years, but they couldn\u2019t retain him beyond the contracted time of his service. That, he drained the glass, was very reassuring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood up and picked up his jacket, shrugged himself into it and left the cabin to make his way to the upper deck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bridget O\u2019Flannery Martin stood beside her husband and watched as her daughters, their husbands, their children, entered the train carriage that was to bear them back to their various homes. She clung tightly to Paul\u2019s arm, hardly daring to believe that this dear man was now part of her life, a very, very important and dear part. His hand immediately came and rested upon hers, as though reassuring her that from now on they would always be together, in happy as well as sad times. This moment in time was, to Bridie\u2019s way of thinking, like a bridge between two parts of her life, the past and the future.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As she raised a hand to wave her family goodbye it occurred to her that no matter how much she loved them, all of them, it now no longer mattered that they were so far away from her. They belonged to some other Bridget O\u2019Flannery, one who had never assumed to be more than someone else\u2019s cook, someone else\u2019 servant. The Bridget O\u2019Flannery that was now, was a wife, someone loved and cherished, someone who had a responsibility not to a mere person, or household, but to a community. Her heart swelled with the thought and she looked, rather shyly, at the man standing by her side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul Martin was at that time looking down at her, and as t heir eyes met, they smiled at one another. The vows they had exchanged the previous day lingered in their minds, and he nodded at her as though acknowledging that he knew what she was thinking. The train chugged away, there were cries of \u2018Goodbye, mother\u2019 drifting from the vehicle amid the grit laden smoke and she found herself waving frantically even though she did wonder if they could see her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul watched her and smiled at the thought that this woman had come into his life, so different from his first wife, so strong in so many ways, so frail in so many other. He loved her for all she had brought to him, and as she turned, a smile on her face, a tear in her eye (although she said it was grit) he leaned forward to kiss her cheek. \u201cShall we go and have something to drink at Del Monico\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be very welcome, how did you guess that I was going to suggest that?\u201d she said and hugged his arm against her waist as though she didn\u2019t want to release him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI shall have to go and check on Mrs Pearson afterwards, my dear.\u201d he sighed, and stared ahead of him as though he were about to commit some arduous crime.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you need company?\u201d she peered up at him, a difficult procedure as the brim of her new bonnet prevented a good view of his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour company, my dear, is always welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They smiled at one another, confident that no matter what happened from now on, they would have the love and confidence of knowing that together they could conquer anything.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 4<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester Cartwright was carrying a basket of eggs to the house with Hannah by her side when the sound of a horse entering the yard caught her attention. Pausing for a moment to glance back she was more than pleased to see Candy approaching. He tipped his hat and grinned \u201cMorning, Hester. Is Ben at home?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe is, Candy. Have you had breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have, thanks.\u201d he dismounted and led the horse to the rail where he looped the reins, he gave the animal a pat on the neck as he walked past it to reach Hester\u2019s side, \u201cDoes Hop Sing have any of his coffee still hot?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe does indeed.\u201d she replied and stepped back to allow him space in order for them to reach the house together, Hannah was skipping ahead with her dark head shining in the early morning sunshine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Candy removed his hat and allowed Hester to precede him into the house, following close behind so that when Ben looked up to speak to his daughter in law he was surprised to see Candy so close by, he nodded a greeting \u201cYou\u2019re early this morning, Candy. Had breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I have.\u201d he glanced around him and nodded over at Hoss who had Hope on his knee and was feeding her gruel. \u201cHow\u2019re you doing, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine, Candy, jest fine.\u201d Hoss grinned, \u201cUp with the birds huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, I wanted to talk over something with you and your Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced over at his father who rose from the table, wiped his mouth on his napkin and once again nodded his head, \u201cWell, Candy,\u201d Ben said, \u201cWhy not pour yourself some coffee and come join us in the study.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester immediately picked up the coffee pot and poured the coffee for Candy, smiling at him as she handed it over. At the same time she tried to catch her husband\u2019s eye in an attempt to convey the question \u2018What\u2019s wrong?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hope was placed carefully back into her high chair and left to manage her gruel on her own while Hester went into the kitchen to give Hop Sing the freshly laid eggs. Hannah went with her, helping to take one egg at a time from the basket to place into Hop Sing\u2019s big blue and white striped bowl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell now,\u201d Ben settled down into his large leather chair and surveyed the younger man thoughtfully, \u201cWhat\u2019s the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not really a problem,\u201d Candy said as he took a seat opposite the rancher but the look on his face belied the statement for the blue eyes were shaded and the lips lacked their customary grin, \u201cWell, it may be a problem\u201d he amended quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow come? Best spit it out prompt,\u201d Hoss muttered as he leaned against the bookcase with his arms folded across his chest, \u201cWe got trouble with rustlers down your way?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothing like that,\u201d Candy replied looking sharply over at the big man in an anxious blue gaze, \u201cNo, it\u2019s something more personal.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou need a loan?\u201d Hoss guessed, \u201cYou in any kind of trouble, Candy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Candy cleared his throat, ran a finger around the collar of his shirt and shook his head \u201cNo, just that it\u2019s difficult for me to say what I cum to say, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled thoughtfully and nodded slowly, anticipating what was to come but being careful not to pre-empt a decision by being too quick to assume he was right, he now cleared his throat and said quietly \u201cWell, as Hoss said just now, Candy, best spit it out and get it over with.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard for me to say -\u201d Candy stammered and bit down on his bottom lip.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen just say it and leave us to deal with what happens after.\u201d Ben smiled, the dark eyes warmed with feeling for this younger man who had become such a friend of theirs over the years.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve applied for the job as sheriff, to replace Clem.\u201d Candy said immediately, and then looked from one to the other of them for their reaction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment there was nothing said or done, both Cartwrights seemed to absorb what was said and – nothing. Then Hoss blinked \u201cTemporary, kinda? While they find someone more permanent?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not temporary. I\u2019ve applied for the position.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you been accepted?\u201d Ben asked kindly, his head to one side and his expression thoughtful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI – er – get sworn in at the end of the week.\u201d Candy replied in a rather subdued voice, \u201cYou see, Ann and I have thought for a while about moving into town and when Clem mentioned about wanting to retire, it just seemed the perfect time and place. We can move into the house he\u2019s vacating, it\u2019s just big enough for us, and the pay\u2019s good too. It means that -\u201d he drew in his breath and released it slowly \u201cAnn feels happier being in a town and since that time I got shot last year, she was so afraid I\u2019d die that she wanted me to leave here then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can get shot being a sheriff, Candy.\u201d Hoss replied evenly while he tried to come to terms with the fact that one of his best friends would be leaving them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but a doctor would be close to hand wouldn\u2019t they?\u201d Candy swallowed embarrassment, and grimaced \u201cThe thing is, Ann reckons that it was because there was no doctor available soon enough that caused me to nearly die. It frightened her badly. Until then she was happy being on the homestead and for me working along with you here on the Ponderosa, but now that she\u2019s – er – well – she\u2019d like to feel safer in town with the next baby coming along.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss looked at one another, Ben raised his eyebrows and Hoss looked down on the floor \u201cCongratulations, Candy.\u201d Hoss muttered \u201cNumber 3, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Candy nodded and managed to smile slightly, \u201cWe\u2019re not leaving the homestead entirely. I\u2019ve arranged for a young couple to rent it out for us on a long term lease. Then, later, we can move back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben scratched the back of his neck \u201cSeems like you covered every contingency, Candy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you may think I should have come to talk to you about this beforehand, sir. The fact is, I knew that if I had done then I would never have managed to go through with it. I love working here on the Ponderosa with you all, you, sir, have been like a father to me, and I know that you\u2019d have talked me round to staying as easy as winking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have tried to change your mind if it was made up, Candy.\u201d Ben said in an even tone of voice, \u201cYou\u2019re free to make your own decisions, always have been, you should know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFact is, I hadn\u2019t made my mind up about it until they told me last night. Ann was so happy about it, and it seemed – well – it seemed as though that was it really. I owe you all so much and -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s alright, Candy,\u201d Ben said abruptly sensing the man\u2019s embarrassment and feeling awkward about the whole thing himself, \u201cWe\u2019ll miss you, being here I mean. But it\u2019s good to know that the town will have such a good and competent man as their lawman. I hope it all goes well for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that goes for me too.\u201d Hoss replied and struck out his hand to shake Candy\u2019s warmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A noise from the door caused them all to pause and turn to wait the arrival of Joe Cartwright who came in with a grin on his face \u201cSay, someone\u2019s eager to start work this morning. Hi Candy..\u201d he stopped, glanced from one to the other and frowned \u201cAnything wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled and looked over at Candy then at his son \u201cCandy\u2019s leaving the Ponderosa, he\u2019s taken the position as sheriff of Virginia City, so you had best behave yourself when you go into town in future, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, my trouble making days are long over,\u201d Joe laughed and shook Candys hand warmly, \u201cOur loss will be their gain, Candy. How does Ann feel about this?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s happy to be moving into town, Joe.\u201d Candy replied with a rather sheepish grin on his face, \u201cShe wants to be settled in before she has the baby.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe baby? Oh -\u201d Joe raised his eyebrows, white teeth flashed in the tan of his skin as he smiled a wide smile \u201cWell, congratulations.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They shook hands again and stood there grinning at one another until Ben said \u201cWell, for the time being, gentlemen, shall we get on with some work?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester looked at her cousin and watched as Ann carefully wrapped some plates in paper and laid them into a wicker basket, then with a sigh she picked up another and began to wrap it in paper before handing it to the other woman \u201cI wish you had told me, Ann.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCandy asked me not to, Hester.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you could have hinted, after all, we are cousins.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ann sighed and took the paper wrapped plate from Hester and placed it with the others, \u201cI didn\u2019t want to, in case it all went wrong. We\u2019ve shared so much together, haven\u2019t we? I know you must have felt rather angry with me -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, I wasn\u2019t angry, just – kind of sad.\u201d Hester sighed and bowed her head, her hands gripped the handles of a jug so tightly that they were in danger of being pulled off, \u201cYou\u2019ll be so far away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll make it even better then when you get to visit.\u201d Ann smiled and took the jug away before it was broken, \u201cWe can still have our weekly quilting mornings, we\u2019ll just make them afternoons instead.\u201d she smiled brightly \u201cIt means Olivia can collect Reuben from school that day instead of him having to come with Hank.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll miss going in with Rosie.\u201d Hester smiled and glanced over to where Hannah was playing spin the top with her cousin, David. Hope was chewing on a coloured brick and dampening her front with drool as a result.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t be long before Sofia will be going to school. Does Olivia know yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve not told her.\u201d Hester admitted, \u201cActually I\u2019ve not seen her for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe is alright, isn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester slowly wrapped some cups in newspaper and nodded although her face looked concerned \u201cShe\u2019s missing Adam. I guess that\u2019s to be expected really, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ann nodded \u201cThat\u2019s another reason why I wanted Candy to get this position, Hester. I can\u2019t handle it when he\u2019s away on those long cattle drives and with the baby on its way \u2026 it just makes me feel so much safer knowing he\u2019ll always be close by, and that there\u2019s a doctor available should anything go wrong. I don\u2019t think I shall ever forgot that time when Rosie was born. It was horrible, Hester, you know it was\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester nodded, reached out to touch her cousin\u2019s arm in a consoling manner. Of course it was horrible, she had been there at the time, hadn\u2019t she? She knew how bad it had been for Ann, such a hard difficult delivery and with only herself and Victoria there to assist her. She pushed a wisp of golden red hair behind her ear and looked again at the children playing together, so innocent and so unaware of the heart aches and troubles that were lingering in the future shadows to fall upon them. \u201cI know, I understand, Ann.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it means I can help in the clinic with Bridie for a while, without that long trip into town all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Bridie will be happy to have you there to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was never cut out to be a rancher\u2019s wife, Hester.\u201d she placed another well wrapped plate into the basket and stared down at the packed crockery as though to check whether or not there was room for any more \u201cIt\u2019s not the same for you, at the Ponderosa. You seem to have settled into the life so well, so happily. I never felt that contentment \u2026 that certainty of belonging to that kind of life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester said nothing but brushed her hands over the apron that covered her skirts. She just knew that wherever Hoss was, well, that was where she wanted to be, there were lonelier places, there were harder tasks, but Hoss belonged to the Ponderosa, and so, therefore, did she.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 5<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Olivia was told about Candy\u2019s appointment as sheriff to Virginia City she expressed how much she respected his decision, particularly as it was something that made his wife happy. It rather concerned Hester who wondered if her dear friends comment was a hint of how she felt about her own husband leaving her alone for who knew how long to go to who knew where. She fretted over it for a while and spoke of her anxiety to Hoss who shrugged and sighed, \u201cHoney,\u201d he grumbled good naturedly, \u201cI\u2019m a mere man, how\u2019m I expected to understand how a woman thinks about something like that \u2026 I reckon on her missing Adam, like we all do, shucks, that\u2019s pure natcheral ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was not the reassurance that Hester was looking for and she continued to worry about it for a few days until finally deciding it was time to find out for sure and the only way to do that was to ask Olivia herself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of a buggy driving into the yard could be heard through the open door to the buttery where Olivia and Sofia were putting the final touches to the little butter pats that would be safely tucked away in a cool place. Sofia was very proud of the way her mother allowed her the task of stamping each bit of butter with the rose mould, she would stand very patiently waiting until Olivia had patted and shaped the butter with the wooden paddle and then step back for Sofia to press down the mould.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The morning had dawned bright and warm, sunlight streamed through the open door to the buttery which had enabled Olivia to hear the buggy arriving. Pulling off her apron and wiping her hands free from grease as she did so Olivia walked to the door, draped the apron over a hook and stepped into the sunlight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester was clambering down, the sun shining on her golden red hair was a sight that would have made her husband sigh with longing for her and Olivia had to stop herself thinking what would happen if Hester suddenly woke up bald. That and the pure deep sapphire blue of her eyes were Hester\u2019s main claim to beauty, but then she never claimed to be anything of the kind, and Hoss recognised that his wife\u2019s beauty came from within, for she was caring, honest, strong willed and adored him\u2026 what more could a man wish for in a wife?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I would come to see how you were getting on, Olivia.\u201d Hester said as she leaned down to pick Hope up and straddle her on her hip, \u201cI\u2019ve not seen you for a few days and was worried about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWorried about me?\u201d Olivia smiled with slight bemusement, \u201cMy dear, you\u2019ve no need to worry about me. You\u2019ve enough to do with helping Ann move into town and everything. I should have been more helpful but with Nathaniel -.\u201d she paused, her face softened and she smiled this time with a tenderness at the thought of her baby son, then she laughed and slipped her arm through that of her friends \u201cCome on in, we\u2019re just in time for some refreshment. Sofia\u2019s been so busy helping me this morning she\u2019ll be glad to have Hannah here to play with, won\u2019t you, Sofee?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But Sofia was already running across the yard hand in hand with her little cousin, their laughter and shrill cries brought smiles to their mothers faces as well as a frantic cry from little Hope who wanted to join in with the fun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia slipped her arm through that of Hester\u2019s and together they made their way to the house. The room inside was cool and pleasant with the windows slightly opened to allow the warm fresh air to waft its way through. Cheng Ho Lee appeared, bowed and took Olivia\u2019s request for refreshments with his usual silence. Hester watched him return to the kitchen area and sat down slowly thinking as she did so how much she appreciated Hop Sings clamour over most things.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be missing Ann?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia\u2019s voice startled her and she glanced over at her friend as though she had forgotten she was there, but then she nodded, bounced Hope – who was grizzling – on her knee \u201cI sometimes think that there\u2019s something very wrong with that house, Livvy. You know Ben and the boys built a mill there years ago, and it\u2019s just rotting away. The couple who lived there first weren\u2019t happy either, he was murdered and his wife went away from here and was never heard from again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Adam told me.\u201d Olivia smiled at Cheng Ho Lee and thanked him as he set down a tray on the low table, \u201cTom blamed Ben for an accident which crippled him, it made him bitter and jealous, his wife, Joyce, had to put up with a lot of heart ache.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I mean – and then there was Barbara and Andrew Pearson, and we all know how that ended up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Olivia nodded and poured out a cup of coffee for Hester and herself, lemonade was available for the girls so she poured some for Hope who accepted it with a gummy smile. \u201cYes, but it all worked out for the best, after all Barbara\u2019s happy now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOnly since she left that house.\u201d Hester scowled into her cup and realised the conversation was drifting away from the point of her visit. She set the cup down and accepted a cookie which she nibbled slowly as she watched Olivia as she sipped her own drink, \u201cOlivia, why not come and stay with us in the main house. There\u2019s plenty of room.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would I want to do that?\u201d Olivia said in surprise, \u201cwhy do you ask, Hester?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I was thinking -\u201d Hester paused as she tried to juggle the words to make it all sound tactful, \u201cWith Adam away again, and having the baby -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOther women have their husbands absent from home, Hester, and they have babies too. I was fortunate in that Adam was here when Nathaniel was born and a while after, had he been a simple seaman he could well have been at sea for years and not even known he had a son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou must miss him dreadfully though.\u201d Hester sighed and leaned against the back of the very comfortable settee \u201cI know I would miss Hoss, I would miss him terribly.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia smiled slowly \u201cI do miss Adam,\u201d she sighed \u201cyes, I miss him as you put it, terribly. It\u2019s almost a physical pain sometimes but I knew that he would be absent from home at times when I married him, he made that quite clear to me, so I fully understood what I was taking on, so to speak. I\u2019ve a lot to keep me busy, and I\u2019ve never been a person craving a lot of company. Why, even in San Francisco I never had a wide circle of friends, I was always too busy with my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She looked then at the hearth, neatly laid logs piled upon the grate waiting for the cool of evening before being lit, her mind drifting back to the big house in the city with dear Abigail, the loneliness of widowhood, raising two little children with the odious presence of Booth and Morgan Phillips ever present. She shivered slightly, and then looked at Hester who was watching her closely, \u201cYou have to remember, Hester, I was a widow for some years before I married Adam. I do know what real loneliness really is\u2026 and Adam being absent from home, no matter for how long, isn\u2019t as finite as bereavement. It\u2019s a strange intangible thing, but it is different. It\u2019s the difference that makes his absence bearable you see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester frowned slightly, a little furrow between the eyebrows and she picked Hope up and set her down on the rug with a cookie, \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to sound as though I was prying, it was just that I worried about you, especially with Candy saying that part of the reason he was going to take on the job in town was because of Ann. It made me think -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia leaned forward and placed a gentle hand on her friends arm \u201cPlease don\u2019t think anything that causes you to worry about us, Hester. Ann and I are different people. I was raised on a ranch remember? I have always been alone to some extent, even as a child. Ann is a city girl from back east, she did well to put up with living in the rurals for so long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester nodded, \u201cAnn was a rich girl, pampered by her family until she married Candy, then things changed for them all. She\u2019s strong willed though, being pampered as she was didn\u2019t cause her to be selfish or proud as it could have done, she set her mind on finding Candy no matter what, and -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd she did, she found him and now here they are, happy and expecting their third child. I am happy for them, Hester. I think Candy will make a wonderful sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a handsome one.\u201d Hester laughed \u201cA bit different from Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Clem\u201d and the two of them began to giggle like two naughty school girls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you heard from Adam at all?\u201d Hester asked once they had calmed down, \u201cAre you getting letters through from him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had one or two.\u201d Olivia replied as she refilled her cup and that of her guest, \u201cHe\u2019s well, and concerned for us all of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From the corner of the room came the wail of a baby and excusing herself Olivia got to her feet and hurried to the crib where her little son cried for her attention. She wasn\u2019t surprised to find Hester right behind her, and both women leaned over to smile at the infant. Brown eyes twinkled back at them, a quivering lip was stilled and dimpled hands reached out for mother who quickly picked him up and held her close to him, across her shoulder, stroking his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat made you call him Nathaniel?\u201d Hester asked retrieving Hope from her attempts to clamber into the crib and take her cousins place. \u201cWas it a family name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all.\u201d Olivia sat down and settled the baby in her arms, stroked his face and gazed down upon him with such love that Hester felt her throat tighten with those emotions common to women who know and understand what it is to love the most vulnerable of beings, \u201cNathaniel was the name of a character in a book Adam was reading, he liked it, and so did I.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c It\u2019s a long name for such a small baby.\u201d Hester laughed and stroked the baby\u2019s cheek getting a narrow eyed look from him as a result as though he queried why she would do such a thing. He was all smiles soon though, his cheeks dimpled, the dark eyes twinkled \u201cHe\u2019s handsome, like his father.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s just like Adam.\u201d Olivia said with such conviction that if anyone dared to contradict her they would have immediately swallowed the words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing set down the pot of steaming coffee, just as Ben preferred it, with a tray of refreshments that he knew his friend would enjoy. He nodded over to the rancher as the big man came from the study area, stretching high to get the kinks out of his back which came from the piles of paper work that seemed to take up more hours in the day than ever. \u201cThanks Hop Sing. Any idea where Hester is today?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMissy Hester take girls to visit Miss Olivia, see how she is and maybe not missing Mr Adam too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c0h, that\u2019s what\u2019s been bothering her is it? I wondered what was going on in that head of hers lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCousin Ann going to town make Missy Hester worry too much about Missy Olivia.\u201d Hop Sing observed, always pleased to spin a little homespun philosophy whenever he could and satisfied when Ben grunted his agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once Hop Sing had left the room Ben looked around him, sunlight streamed through the big window at the dining room area. He wandered over to look out at the view of the mountains and nodded to himself, thoughts of other times slipped into his mind and with a sigh he turned to return to the settee and his coffee which awaited him on the low table. Some books had been pulled loose from the book shelf, possibly Hope\u2019s attempts to \u2018play\u2019 during her crawling adventure of the morning. He leaned down and began to tidy them up, but one caught his attention and he stood up with it in his hand. It fell open quite naturally and the first thing Ben read was:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou better not never tell nobody but God!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was written on a scrappy piece of paper tucked in between the books pages. Ben stared down at it for some seconds before moving to the low table and sitting down in his chair to read the words again and to check and see if there was anything else to follow them.. The paper was old and fragile and where it had been folded over in order to conceal its message the creases threatened to cause the paper to fall apart so it needed both his hands to hold the pieces together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou better not never tell nobody but God!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were words that grabbed one by the throat, demanding explanations, begging names. He glanced down to where someone had scribbled a diagram, cryptic and totally nonsensical to him but obviously important to the one who had written those words and to the one who would receive them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He realised upon looking into the book, which was still open at the pages where he had found the paper, that there was something else there and he touched it gently with his finger because it was so obviously the fine strands of hair from – who? Too long for them to have come from an infant, even too long for a man, so a woman then?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to the flyleaf and read the inscription : \u201cMy dearest wife, Jane from your<\/p>\n

husband, Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a sigh of dissatisfaction he stared at the writing. He could remember now having read it several times already, ever since he had picked it up at the book sale in town. He remembered reading it as he had first held it and had wondered who they were, this Jane and her husband, Paul. He had read the same words when he had first opened it to read the story it contained and had smiled because this Jane obviously disdained the light romantic novels mostly associated with women, a lady who preferred Homer to Dickens or Bronte and Austen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no date penned to the inscription, nor on that tell tale slip of paper. The hand writing was neither masculine enough for him to think of it as coming from another man. At the same time it was not feminine enough to belong to a young woman, and if this mysterious Jane, who appreciated Homer, had, in fact, written the note, then why had she written it in such ungrammatical terms?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He reopened the book and shook out the strands of hair and held them to the light – there were enough there to indicate the colour, a rich titian red. Ben sat for some moments trying to recall anyone who would have possessed such a magnificent head of hair as this promised it to have been. No one came to mind and slowly, reluctantly, he folded it within the slip of paper and returned it between the pages of the book<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 6<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Hester left the house Olivia returned to the buttery and completed the task of storing away the pats of butter. Doing so gave her time to think over her conversation with the other woman and she realised that although she had spoken honestly she hadn\u2019t truly revealed her deepest feelings about her husband\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She could weep easily at any time at the thought of him being so far away and even now she had to stop her work, hold onto the edge of the bench and struggle to keep back tears. She loved him desperately, so much so that it was a physical pain to be without him at times. She had said that being a widow made a husbands absence different to that of his being away at sea, and yes, that was true. But she had held back from qualifying the statement by describing how great a torment it was to be wondering where he was, whether or not he was safe, or ill. She had refrained from mentioning the agony of wondering as she lay in bed at night whether his ship was being tossed about in a storm from which he would not, this time, survive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t mention how hard it had been not to vent her anger on him when he had come to tell her he had to return to receive his orders. How he had held her in his arms and she had fought not to hit him, struggled inwardly to remain calm as he told her he loved her and would miss her but \u2026duty called. How could she blame him though when he had never thought to fall in love and marry when he had signed on all those years ago? How could she let her anger and resentment poison the love they had and cause him more anguish than he had to suffer anyway upon leaving them all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMommy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sofia was tugging at her apron and she looked down at her daughter \u201cWhat is it, sweetheart?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNatty wants you, he\u2019s crying real hard.\u201d a concerned puckered little face looked up into her own, and she wondered if Sofia worried and fretted over Adams departure, or noticed the times when she, Olivia, found it hard to hide her own sadness. She stroked back the fine hair that had loosened upon her daughters forehead and nodded \u201cGive him a cuddle, dear, I\u2019ll be in as soon as this is finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The child turned immediately and ran out of the room, while Olivia quickly finished her task. Memories of Adams last moments with them flashed through her mind again and she pushed them to one side, Hesters conversation had opened the lid to feelings she fought each day to suppress.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The baby was fretful, and even when she picked him up he continued to whimper. She stroked his back and walked around the room softly crooning to him until finally he stilled, quietened and drowsy eyed gradually fell asleep. She smiled over his head at Sofia who was nursing her doll, a new one that Adam had bought her before he had left them. \u201cWell now, sofia, I think he will sleep a while longer now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe cries loud doesn\u2019t he?\u201d Sofia observed as she gently wrapped her doll in the little shawl Olivia had knitted for it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he has a good pair of lungs on him.\u201d Olivia smiled and lowered the infant into the crib and pulled over the cover, \u201cI think he had tummy ache.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI get tummy ache sometimes,\u201d Sofia observed \u201cIt makes me want to cry too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia nodded but was too interested in looking at the baby, he was so fascinating to gaze at, so small and delicate. She could barely remember what Sofia and Reuben had looked like when they were new born. Sofia, of course, had been born when she was only recently widowed and was ill as a result for weeks afterwards. All of her early weeks were, for Olivia, a blur, a hazy period of time confused with pain and fever. With Reuben, well, time had passed and she had clearer memories of him as a fat little toddler than a newborn. Memories do fade, even precious ones and so now she wanted to gorge on the sight of this new son, little Nathaniel Erik Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t forget the message on that scrap of paper in the book. By the time Hester had returned from Olivia\u2019s he was re-reading it, and trying to recall when he had bought it home. Hester, as usual alert to the moods of her men folk, quickly discerned there was something on his mind and asked him outright if anything was worrying him, preparing herself to let him know that Olivia was just fine, so was quite surprised when he showed her the book \u201cCan you remember when I bought this, Hester?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She took it from him and examined it closely then shook her head \u201cNo, I can\u2019t, Ben. Why? Is it important?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d Ben said quietly letting the words fade away as he took the book from her and continued to stare at it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hop Sing came into the room with refreshments. He knew the road was dusty as the day had been dry and that Hester would relish a fresh drink. He put down the tray and said nonchalantly \u201cYou bring book home when Mr Frobisher leave town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I had bought it in a book sale.\u201d Ben said with a scowl and looking at Hop Sing as though daring him to say anything further to prove him wrong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Hop Sing said with a certainty in his voice that convinced Ben that his friend was not mistaken, \u201cMr Frobisher leave big library of books for town to use, he say to you take what you like and you bring three, maybe four, book home. You not read them much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Ben laughed \u201cI didn\u2019t. I have to admit I liked the thought of their appearance in the book shelf. I did start reading them though \u2026\u201d he glanced down at the book in his hand \u201cProbably why I never found it before, I didn\u2019t finish reading it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester smiled and looked puzzled \u201cWhat do you mean, Ben? What hadn\u2019t you found before?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He opened the book and extracted the slip of paper with the strands of hair folded within it. \u201cThis.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She read it through and frowned, \u201cI wonder what she meant, and what the diagram stands for\u2026 quite a mystery.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you think a woman wrote it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes, my instincts immediately thought of a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA woman with red hair.\u201d Ben mused and frowned, \u201cit\u2019s a nuisance, I wish I hadn\u2019t found it now. It\u2019s really annoying me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStop thinking about it, just put it back in the book where it has been for years, and leave it be.\u201d Hester said with a smile and reached out to take it from him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He smiled at her and she knew he was humouring her so let her hand drop back into her lap. She knew him well enough to know that he would fret away about it until he actually did something about it, or he would just tuck it away and leave it alone, but then she shook her head, no, that wasn\u2019t Ben\u2019s way, she knew that now he knew of the note\u2019s existence, he would have to scratch around until he discovered more about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia nursed her baby with the lamplight shining behind them providing them a soft glowing night light. It was a scene that had often enchanted Adam, a mother and child bound together in the most natural of scenes, and as she thought of him now she had to close her eyes and lean back against the pillows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was so hard letting go, even for the time ahead during which they would be parted. As Nathaniel\u2019s little hand clenched and unclenched almost in tune to his sucking she thought of Adam, and forced her mind to dwell upon happy aspects of their parting, if such a thing were possible. His letters for example\u2026 yes, his letters, such a source of encouragement, of love for her. That was one thing she could never doubt about him, that his love for her was so total. He had married later in life than many, because he needed to make the right choice and she felt privileged that he had chosen her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stroked the baby\u2019s head and closed her eyes as she mentally read the letters that she now knew by heart. Words of consolation at their parting, of love and his feeling of loss, his longing already to be together again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathaniel\u2019s fingers touched her breast, as light as feather down and she looked down upon him and kissed his dark head of hair. \u201cI love you so much,\u201d she whispered, \u201cso very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The baby blinked long lashed dark eyes, a button nose wrinkled and he paused in sucking to smile a milky grin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In his cabin Adam Cartwright signed his name to a letter he had just finished writing to his wife. He re-read it through, blotted it carefully and then folded it into the white envelope. They had crossed into the southern hemisphere now, the temperatures were rising, the constellations above them in the heavens were changing, and the ship moved onwards with a relentless motion, slicing its way through the waters and to its destination.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“My love for you is the one constant in my life, dearest Livvy. Without you, or thoughts of you, I am as nothing.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 7<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julian and Martha Frobisher were delighted to welcome Ben to their home again as since his retirement from his firm of solicitors Julian had become increasingly frail and isolated. Martha looked upon Ben\u2019s visit as some kind of therapy to get her husband interested in life again although she couldn\u2019t help but contrast the appearance of the rugged rancher to the more pallid one of her loved one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They passed the afternoon in non consequential gossip about old associates and laughed over the various misdeeds of the younger Cartwrights in the time of the Frobishers sojourn in Virginia City. A good meal was enjoyed by all washed down with splendid wine of which Julian was a connoisseur.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Despite the day having been warm the evening was cool so a small fire was soon burning in the hearth and the two men sat either side of it in large well padded leather chairs while Martha sat to one side leaving them to talk while she contented herself to listen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julian puffed on a cigar and blew out a stream of smoke before saying that he\u2019d been curious to know what was the reason for Ben\u2019s visit ever since he had received the telegram asking if it was convenient. Ben smiled enigmatically and passed his hand across the lower part of his mouth \u201cWell, you may think it all rather strange, and even fanciful, but I stumbled upon a mystery recently, one I thought you would be able to help me sort out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Martha leaned forward, like most women the mystical and mysterious appealed strongly to her, whereas Julian, the pragmatist and legal minded merely nodded \u201cNothing to do with that purchaser of the Ponderosa from some years ago?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed \u201cNo, nothing to do with that, although I don\u2019t think there\u2019s much mystery to it now.\u201d Ben frowned, the thought of his eldest son crossed his mind and he felt a second of anxiety. He flashed another smile, rather forced this time, \u201cHoss and Joe still have no idea who it was, although I think they\u2019ve forgotten all about it now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA lots happened since then.\u201d Julian said leaning against the back of his chair and surveying Ben thoughtfully, \u201cSo? What is this mystery?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Ben rubbed his chin and gave a rather weak grin, \u201cAs I said, you may think me rather fanciful when I tell you about it, although I did bring the book with me\u2026and what I found in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat book\u2019s that?\u201d Julian frowned and watched Ben produce a leather bound book from his kangeroo skin briefcase. He took it from his friends hands and glanced at it before looking first at his wife and then back to Ben \u201cWhat\u2019s so important about it? We had a copy of this ourselves once, can\u2019t think what happened to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is it,\u201d Ben said, glancing at Martha who had looked rather startled upon seeing it, obviously her recollection of where it had gone was better than her husbands. \u201cYou donated a large number of books to start a library in Virginia City at the time you left town, Julian. You allowed me to select some for my own personal use and this is one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo? What about it?\u201d Julian slumped back against the chair again and gave Ben the benefit of a sharp legal eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI found this in it when I was looking through it the other day.\u201d and Ben produced the note and the strands of red hair which the couple peered at closely for some while.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julian shook his head \u201cA strange note, either someone semi-literate or a youngster still learning how to write correctly. The diagram looks like the writer\u2019s indicating the way to go from one place to another \u2026 the hair \u2026 red, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s been in the paper for so long it hasn\u2019t lost its colour at all.\u201d Ben said and took the paper and hair from Julian\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I look at it again please, Ben?\u201d Martha put out a hand and despite her previous scrutiny now paid closer attention to what she held, \u201cWas – is there – an inscription in the book?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s from someone called Paul, to his wife, Jane.\u201d Ben replied and passed the book to her with a smile. \u201cThe book\u2019s a first edition, which is one of the reasons it appealed to me in the first place, I thought it would look impressive on the book shelf.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Martha nodded \u201cI\u2019m sure it did.\u201d she replied and after a moment had passed she said in her quiet voice \u201cPaul was my grandfather, which means that Jane was obviously my grand mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, so this is really a family heirloom?\u201d Ben nodded and frowned slightly, \u201cWould you prefer to have it back, Martha?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s alright, Ben, I\u2019ve no use for it and have got used to not having it here. They moved to the New World when they were newly weds, you know. Well connected and with money so life wasn\u2019t such a hardship for them as for so many others.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can imagine if they can afford to import first editions as they must have done.\u201d Ben smiled and glanced at Julian who was listening with his head to one side and a slight smile on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn time they had children, of course.\u201d Martha frowned, \u201cMy father was the middle of three children and rather high spirited, he often disagreed with my grandfather about matters and I believe he left home for some years at one time due to one extremely violent argument.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julian sighed and fidgeted, \u201cCome along, Martha, get to the point. You\u2019re prevaricating like an old woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Martha indulged her husband with a whimsical smile, \u201cThe red hair you found was mine, Ben. When I was much younger I have a mass of red hair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows and with a smile he nodded \u201cYes, of course, I remember now. Goodness me, how the memory slips with time. I should have remembered that, Martha. You were often referred to as the red headed \u2026\u201d he paused wondering if she would object to being reminded of her profession as a washer woman or laundress all that time ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh I can imagine what they called me back then.\u201d she laughed, the sound of youth in her voice and for an instant Ben could recall her back in the days when Virginia City was a place full of shanty cabins and tents and foul smelling odorous people all striving to hit the big Bonanza. She had scrubbed many pairs of pants, shirts and long johns, and after each wash would carefully seive through the washing water and collect more gold that had fallen from the seams of those clothes than all the miners had collected in a week.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt paid for Julian to set up in business.\u201d she said simply, \u201cAnd it was back breaking work too, but honest labour for all that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julian put down his cigar with an air of exasperation \u201cCome along Martha, tell us about that note. What does it mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt means what it says, my dear. You see, my father -\u201d she paused and reddened, looked down at the floor and sighed \u201cI suppose you would say he was a philanderer. He broke my poor mother\u2019s heart many a time with his amours, and caused me a great deal of distress into the bargain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at Julian who was frowning and staring into the fire, he sighed and wondered if perhaps he should stop the conversation from going any further. Revelations could be painful things, despite the years that had passed. Martha looked at him and smiled shyly, \u201cwe lived in a big house with lots of rooms and corridors. Once a week I was told to play in a certain room and to stay there with my governess and not to wander around the house at all. My mother was ill at the time, from child birth you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julian sighed, he was never a patient man and was finding this telling of an old story rather irksome, especially as it was coming from his wife. \u201cI never liked him, Martha\u2019s father, detestable man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His voice was sharp, and loud. It caught both Ben and Martha off guard and they turned to observe him in silence, at which he shrugged and mumbled how it had been because of Martha\u2019s father that they had arrived in Virginia City without a nickel or a dime to their name \u201cJust the things we were wearing and a change of clothes in a carpet bag.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he was a cruel man\u201d Martha nodded slowly and clasped her hands tightly in her lap, \u201cMy mother suffered so much from him, I – I swore I\u2019d never forgive him for what he did to her, and to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Martha. Would you prefer to leave the subject now? It\u2019s just something that piqued my curiosity, that\u2019s all.\u201d Ben said quietly and placed a gentle hand upon hers, noticing as he did so that her hands were trembling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be good to give this an airing now.\u201d she replied with a touch of bravado in her voice and a smile, \u201cBut let\u2019s have some wine to drink along with it, it will make the telling easier and the hearing more pleasant.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Julian nodded \u201cCouldn\u2019t agree more.\u201d he muttered and rang the bell which summoned their butler.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After some moments had lapsed and with a glass of wine at their elbows to pick up and enjoy whenever they wished the two men waited for Martha to continue her story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was worried about my mother that particular day, and when my Governess had nodded off for her afternoon doze I decided I would go out and find my way to the room where she was resting. I was very young but knew my way about the house well enough although there were certain rooms I was not permitted, of course. There was a separate wing to the house and a door that led to it. I knew my fathers study was there, and presumed that was where he worked.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fire snapped and crackled, Julian placed another log upon the burning embers in the grate and both men picked up their glasses and sipped their wine. Martha was lost in her memories, she was the little girl wandering down the corridors to find her mother but curious as to what was behind the door to her father\u2019s study.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI found mother and she was very ill. A woman was with her, a nurse I presume now. I ran to my mother but the woman held me back and told me to go away. I thought that my father needed to know about mother so I hurried to the door that led to the wing where his study was\u2026. But there were lots of doors, and I opened them one by one until I found him. He was with a young woman, she was a black woman, very beautiful. I knew her as Colette and had seen her in the house before. She was different from a lot of the slaves, she had an accent, dressed well, and didn\u2019t work in the plantations. Of course, although I didn\u2019t understand what was happening, later I realised that she didn\u2019t really have to work, my father took care of her very well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI never knew anything about this,\u201d Julian said stiffly, \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Martha looked at her husband rather thoughtfully and sighed \u201cIt had nothing to do with us, dear. Mother was beyond being hurt by the time we met and married.\u201d she looked at Ben, \u201cOf course, father was in a rage and I was beaten severely, I can remember Colette watching as he hit me. Her face was totally expressionless, her eyes just looked at me as though what she saw wasn\u2019t really happening. It was some days later when I was in the library that she found me and slipped me that piece of paper. She told me to keep it, to not forget it and she cut some of my hair and said that was like a vow, a sacred promise. I was to keep quiet about it forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the diagram?\u201d Ben asked after some moments of silence had elapsed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the way to get to her own private room.. She said I could visit anytime I liked, she said that perhaps soon I would like coming to see her.\u201d she frowned, she was elderly and her brow was creased with many years of frowning just as her cheeks had long lost the bloom of youth but she still retained a prettiness that indicated the beauty she had once been. \u201cI did visit her occasionally especially as she was seen so seldom in the house. There were whispers among the other servants but they always went quiet when I was there. Then one day when I went there she was in bed with a baby in her arms. My half brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood grief!\u201d Julian exploded as though such things didn\u2019t happen in real life, despite the fact he\u2019d been in law long enough to have dealt with countless similar cases. \u201cYour father was a down right scoundrel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never pretended that he was anything else, dear.\u201d Martha said soothingly, \u201cNow, drink your wine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to them?\u201d Ben now asked as he put the near empty glass down upon the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI saw Colette several times as I grew up. Sometimes she would put her finger to her lips and just say \u201cRemember\u201d, which reminded me of the note she had written and that I\u2019d hidden in an old book. Of course, being so young at the time, I\u2019d forgotten which book I\u2019d put it into.\u201d she smiled and Ben chuckled quietly while even Julian allowed himself a wry smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the child?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe last time I saw Colette with Silas, that was his name, was after I married Julian. They had left my home a long time ago, father had set them up in a home of their own. Mother was dead, of course, and my own brother had joined her years later. Silas was about 18 then, he was quite light skinned with beautiful hazel eyes, a handsome man, in fact, he resembled my father quite a lot. He was courting a young woman, if I remember rightly. I don\u2019t know if she knew about his mother but I rather think not -.\u201d she paused, \u201cFather set him up in business, as an architect I believe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s all you know about them, you never found out anything else?\u201d Ben looked at her and wondered how it must have felt to have been a little girl stumbling upon such a secret, one that she had kept hidden for so long that most of the participants in her story must have been long dead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, all I ever knew was that Colette died not long after father. I found that out when I returned home for his funeral.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a farce that was, you were his only legal heir and he left you nothing.\u201d Julian shook his head, \u201cA cruel man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe needed nothing from him, not by that time. Colette wasn\u2019t at the funeral but Silas was although I didn\u2019t see him. Apart from some bequests he was the sole beneficiary of my father\u2019s estate. I was allowed my mother\u2019s jewellery though.\u201d and she smiled as she said that and gently touched the strand of pearls that adorned her neck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you don\u2019t know if he had children or anything like that?\u201d Ben frowned and shrugged \u201cWell, not such a mystery after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing in life really is once examined and set out as fact.\u201d Julian replied, \u201cA mystery only exists in our own minds after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Martha placed a hand on Ben\u2019s arm \u201cNever mind, Ben, it was a romance, in a way, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing to that although he nodded and looked at the log burning in the grate. He felt cheated out of some excitement, disappointed. \u201cI suppose he never had children, just faded out of existence.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Martha said, \u201cHe may have had children for all I know. Strange to think that, my fathers name carried on through his illegitimate son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat name was it, Martha?\u201d Ben enquired while still looking at the flames in the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBarrington.\u201d she replied, \u201cMy father was called Henry Barrington. They lived in New Jersey if I remember rightly.\u201d and without another word she finished her wine and then in her usual quiet manner excused herself in order to retire to her bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben lowered his head until his chin rested upon his chest, it would be interesting to see what had happened to Silas Barrington of New Jersey, he mused. No story is completely without an end until ..well\u2026 until it ended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 8<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Due to the heat in the cabin the two men had discarded their jackets, Adam had loosened his collar and rolled up his sleeves while Eaun was content to lounge back with just his shirt unbuttoned at the throat. They had enjoyed a pleasant meal together and were now relaxing over a game of chess. Ames had brought in a tray for the coffee which both men enjoyed dark and sweet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you know about this land, Adam?\u201d Eaun asked as his hand hovered over his rook and his eyes scanned the board for the best strategy for his next move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat most would know from books,\u201d Adam replied with a slow grin as he sat back and crossed his legs while he waited for Eaun to continue the game. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of sugar plantations, have been since the 16th century when the Dutch brought in African slaves to work on them. The Dutch occupied the northern area of Brazil until 1654. France tried to snatch some of the territory but lost out and then the Portuguese came and established Rio de Janeiro. There\u2019s still an active slave trade here although the British demanded the slave trade to end if Brazil wanted to be recognised as an independent country.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He paused as Euan made his move, his fingers played over his mouth as he contemplated his own while it was Euan\u2019s turn to talk \u201cSo what happened? I understood that there was a king of Brazil for a time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, and there still is, but Dom Pedro was the first, known as the liberator. He was Portuguese. His family fled to Brazil when Portugal was having a little civil war of its own but when things calmed down Dom Pedro\u2019s father returned and left his son as regent, but Dom Pedro cared about the people and the land, he set himself up as King with the people\u2019s support and \u2018liberated\u2019 Brazil from Portuguese authority. Eventually he returned to Portugal to take up the throne there and left his son Dom Pedro the second in charge, although he was only an infant at the time\u2026Dom Pedro II \u2026 but he turned out to be pretty capable in ruling the place.\u201d he picked his chess piece and set it down carefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

.Having played his hand Adam got to his feet and strolled over to the desk in order to make them some coffee. He rubbed his brow thoughtfully and wondered how hot it would be outside. He carried the coffee over to Euan and resumed his seat, \u201cThere was a war between Brazil and its allies called the War of the Triple Alliance, that was in the years 1864-1870. I think the dust is just beginning to settle down, its still part of their recent history.\u201d he stroked his upper lip thoughtfully \u201cPedro is about 50 – 51 now, a very intelligent man I believe and well respected among the literary and scientific minds today. From what I know and have heard his rule over these people have kept them bound together despite the war against Paraguay and other incidents. Ah, I see you have check-mate, Euan.\u201d and he smiled as he raised his cup to his mouth and began to drink the strong brew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this venture we\u2019re on, will it involve him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPedro? I very much doubt it. We have to find three men, lost somewhere in the swamplands of Brazil known as the Panantol.*. I\u2019m not sure how that is going to happen as finding a needle in a haystack may be considerably easier.\u201d he frowned, \u201cPersonally I\u2019m doubtful about the whole assignment, there seems to be no logical plan set out, no reasonable explanation as to what they were doing -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSearching for diamonds I heard.\u201d Eaun muttered as he continued to collect up the chess pieces and reset them for a new game.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, searching for diamonds. It\u2019s strange -\u201d he paused and looked at Eaun thoughtfully, \u201cThey say the Panantol is rich with plants to heal any type of illness, a place that is as terrible as it is beautiful\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard that too.\u201d Eaun replied, \u201cI\u2019m hoping that I\u2019ll be able to see some of them while we\u2019re there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged \u201cNo doubt you will, doctor. But -\u201d he passed a hand over the back of his neck and stretched his shoulders as though to ease the growing tension \u201cit still doesn\u2019t make sense. Three men, from different countries, with a party of nigh on 50 go out to look for diamonds? The wealth of this country is in sugar, coffee and scientific discoveries, not diamonds.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Eaun laughed and shook his head as though he found Adam\u2019s philosophy incredibly na\u00efve, \u201cWhy not diamonds? Like gold and silver it\u2019s a precious commodity. Anyone finding an area to mine for diamonds would be making his fortune.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHis fortune\u2026\u201d Adam said quietly, \u201cand his country would certainly benefit.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it would.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting.\u201d Adam narrowed his eyes but instead of speaking any more he stood up and went to his desk to pour out more coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Euan glanced over at the clock and rose to his feet \u201cTime for me to go on my rounds or rather to check on the men who are in sick bay. Only got three invalids just now and none of them serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat could change once we reach our destination, Euan. The climate isn\u2019t the healthiest, you could have malaria, dengue fever and heaven alone knows what else.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThankfully I have three very good orderlies who know exactly what they\u2019re doing.\u201d Eua n replied with a grin, \u201cSee you in the morning, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cabin door closed and Adam retreated to the desk where he pulled open a drawer from which he took his orders. Once again he sat down to read through his instructions, the history of the men involved, the geography of the country to which he was going. It was all a very long way from home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Candy looked up from his desk and smiled as Hoss and Joe stepped into the Sheriff\u2019s office, \u201cHave you two come in for a social visit or to give yourselves up for some gross misadventure?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe laughed although Hoss looked serious as he considered over the words of their former foreman, \u201cI think I\u2019ve become too settled down nowadays to get up to any gross misadventures, even if I\u2019d like to have one.\u201d Joe chuckled and pulled out a chair, seating himself down and stretching out his legs, \u201cHow are you getting on, Candy? Ready to come back to the Ponderosa yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not yet.\u201d Candy grinned and the blue eyes twinkled, \u201cAnn\u2019s settled in and the children enjoy being able to walk to school instead of being up so early to hitch a lift from Hank.\u201d he looked over at Hoss \u201cYou alright, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJest fine. Jest missing an old friend is all.\u201d and Hoss sighed and crossed his arms across his chest, \u201cYou sure you ain\u2019t regretting this move just an itsy bitsy bit?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo far – no.\u201d Candy smiled although his eyes had grown solemn, \u201cWell, apart from missing you all. How\u2019s your Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in San Francisco just now, visiting some old friends.\u201d Joe volunteered, and picked up a pencil which he played about with for some minutes before setting it back down, \u201cWe\u2019re here to meet him and make sure he\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAny reason why he shouldn\u2019t be?\u201d Candy asked anxiously<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not really.\u201d Joe smiled and shrugged \u201cHe got it into his head that he\u2019d stumbled upon a mystery, which sent him off to visit the Frobishers – you remember them, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot really, before my time.\u201d Candy replied and nodded over to Hoss \u201cHey, Hoss, make us some coffee will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t you got deputies to do that for you?\u201d Hoss said glancing at the clock, \u201cWe gotta go anyhow, Pa will be gitting into town any moment now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me know what the mystery is\u2026that\u2019s what I\u2019m here for don\u2019t forget, solving mysteries and murders.\u201d Candy laughed as he watched them hurry out of the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the sidewalk they paused and looked at one another, Hoss thumbed back his hat \u201cPoor Candy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you can say that again, he sure is missing us, ain\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he sure is, poor guy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They turned together and began to make their way to the stagecoach depot which Ben preferred to use to the train, neither of them spoke as their thoughts lingered over their friends sad plight. Hoss sighed and shook his head once, and Joe rubbed his jaw and sighed as well, but the sight of the stage lumbering into town stopped them saying a word.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In his office Candy poured out a strong cup of coffee and sat down in a chair long polished by Roy over the years. He tilted the chair back and smiled, sipped his drink and thought over his two friends, long days chasing cows, digging out water holes, putting up fences\u2026 he grinned again, really, what was there to miss?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 9<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The rainy season had ended not long before their arrival and the heat was heavy and humid as moisture from the flooded lands was drawn up by the sun and evaporated in the air so that it clung to their clothes, to their skin so that clothes became damp and perspiration prickled their flesh. Mosquitoes were already out in packs, zipping around their heads and ears, landing on their exposed body parts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Andrew Beamish, first lieutenant on board the Shenandoah, resisted the urge to unbutton his jacket. Every so often he cast a look over at his Captain and longed to see him casually loosen his clothing but the man sat in the wagon transporting them to the hotel as though made from wood. Beamish had to settle for mopping his brow with a clean handkerchief and praying that when they were in the hotel there would be some cooler air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Children ran alongside the vehicle, scantily clad in rags or completely naked, brown skinned, with olive black eyes and white flashing teeth exposed in wide smiles as they shouted to the two officers and raised their hands in attitudes of beggars everywhere. They were lovely children but Adam had already instructed that they were to be given nothing, after all, there was only so much they could give, their largesse wasn\u2019t great and if one gave to just a few next time there would be a multitude thronging around them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beamish squinted up at the sun and lowered the peak of his cap, he looked at Adam who was looking thoughtfully ahead as though his mind was elsewhere, which, indeed it was.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill there be an interpreter there, sir? It\u2019s just that I don\u2019t speak Portuguese.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cleared his throat, clearly startled by the sound of his companions voice, he gave a slight shrug of his shoulders \u201cI don\u2019t think we will need to worry about that, Beamish.\u201d he paused, \u201cNot just yet anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think we\u2019ll find them, sir, these men that have gotten lost?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grimaced, a downturn of the mouth, \u201cWell, I don\u2019t know, Beamish. We can only do our best given the circumstances and the information. The Pantanol is vast, after the rains the floods can prevent even the most experienced boatman to get lost. We should be getting more details from our contact at the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beamish nodded and lapsed into silence. The children continued to run alongside the wagon and he wondered where they came from, so many hoping for a few coins to ease their way through the next 24 hours. He wondered about their lives, their families and felt uncomfortable at the thought that he had given nothing to help even one of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the hotel two children ran to hold the heads of the horses while the officers got down from the vehicle. They grinned at Adam and nodded, and Beamish was gratified to note his Captain flip a coin to them, obviously a worker was worthy of his wages after all. The owner of the vehicle was paid and the last Beamish saw of him was brandishing his whip at the children to get them to clear a path for him to drive through.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The respite from the sun and the brightness of its light was a relief, both men involuntarily relaxed as they stepped across the foyer to the desk. The hotel Splendide had indeed been superb when it was built, even now a hundred years later it still bore the dignified architecture of its Portuguese architect. Members of staff moved about in crisp clean linen uniforms, it was a world away from what Beamish had expected from any place in Brazil. He had neglected to remember just how much the Portuguese colonists had invested into the country and how their customs and traditions had been absorbed by the native community.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A tall distinguished man with a shock of white hair stepped from an office and approached them, he gave the slightest of bows in acknowledgement of their arrival. \u201cCaptain, please to follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Beamish removed their hats and complied with the request without a word. The darkness of the interior of the hotel had given a false impression as to its being cooler for it was not, Beamish felt sweat trickling down his back and hurriedly wiped his neck around his collar to relieve the discomfort there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Europeans and Brazilians watched them pass by, and then resumed their own business. Adam had no doubt that they all knew who they were, where they came from and which ship they had left berthed in the bay. He felt their curiosity but had no desire to look back to take more notice of it than that, he followed the Manager down some stairs and along a corridor \u201cHere, gentlemen.\u201d and a door opened, their host stepped back to admit them and then closed the door behind them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beamish glanced nervously around the shadows of the room and discerned several men who had risen to their feet upon their entry. Adam stepped forward \u201cJotham? I hadn\u2019t expected to see you here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham Morton smiled and extended his hand which Adam shook, \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you here, Captain. We were waiting for your arrival before we commenced any further proceedings.\u201d he acknowledged Beamish with a brief nod of the head before turning to the other men in the room \u201cThis is Mark Yates who is representing Michael Scolley. Mr Yates has been commissioned by the British Government to locate Mr Scolley, or failing that, to report back whatever findings we come across.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe?\u201d Adam snapped and looked with narrowed eyes at Morton who nodded and turned then to the person standing next to him,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I present his Excellency Baron Radamsky who -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Russian stepped forward, his head held up high so that he appeared to be looking down his nose at Adam and Beamish, he bowed, clicked his heels \u201cI am brother in law to Anatoly Sokolovich. I have requested this privilege to find him on behalf of my Government and for the sake of my dear sister. A distressing situation, you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave a mere twitch of the lips in acknowledgement and then looked again at Jotham, \u201cWell, I presume you and I will be representing Jefferson?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEr – you will be, Captain.\u201d Jotham said quietly, \u201cThe thing is that – it\u2019s considered to be a highly risky venture and we have orders that we keep our search as quiet as possible. The mistake the others made was in taking too large a party with them into the interior. It\u2019s impossible to hide over 50 men out there, they were mad to even contemplate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mark Yates leaned over the desk and turned up a lamp. He was sallow featured and hollow eyed, his movements were nervous and jerky as though he expected some large object to come by and whisk him into oblivion at any time. Without saying a word he began to unroll a large map of the Pantanol. He stabbed a finger at the left hand corner \u201cThis is where we are, gentlemen. The original party left here some months ago after several years of close research and planning. I\u2019ve Michael\u2019s notes here -\u201d he produced a thick wad of paper which he slammed down on top of the map, \u201cproving how hard they worked at this project.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo collect diamonds?\u201d Adam muttered innocently – or perhaps not – as he looked down at the notebook, \u201cIf I may?\u201d and he reached out a hand to pick it up, but Yates covered it with his own hand and shook his head<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps later, Captain.\u201d he looked at Morton who raised his eyebrows and looked tight lipped, \u201cThey took several boats down the Paraguay heading towards the state of Mato Grosso do Sul; to the city of Campo Grande located outside the basin of the Mato Grosso.<\/p>\n

It was before the rains came. We know that they arrived there safely and embarked on the next stage of the journey.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Radamsky cleared his throat and with his finger traced the route along the Paraguay river that would take the party from their town to the Campo Grande. He looked at Adam and the other men there with his eyes glittering behind spectacles \u201cFrom there they entered the wetlands. We have only eyewitness accounts of what happened to them from therein.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEyewitnesses?\u201d Adam raised his dark brows \u201cWho are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe few men who came back.\u201d Mark Yates muttered. \u201cThe survivors.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd are they here?\u201d Adam asked looking at Jotham who nodded slowly \u201cSeveral have gone back to their people, they didn\u2019t want to be any further involved. They believed the whole expedition to be cursed and didn\u2019t want to risk the wrath of their gods again, they may not survive a second time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and looked at Yates who was staring at him \u201cAnything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know how far they got into the interior. There are Indian tribes in there of whom we know nothing, some have or had never seen a white man before, never known our weaponry that\u2019s for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere was fighting then?\u201d Adam said quietly his eyes fixed to the notebook resting under Yates hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cApparently so. The accounts of the eyewitnesses differs somewhat as some had left the party before the fighting, scared off by taboo\u2019s and such. These Indians use poison darts, and who knows what else, they come like ghosts and disappear the same\u2026\u201d Jotham continued, \u201cWe have to find them, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beamish glanced at his Captain. It seemed to him that there was probably not much to find in the way of surviving white men, perhaps what the other men really meant was that they had to find the diamonds. He wondered what was going through Adam\u2019s mind now, whether it felt there was little point in proceeding further and getting back on board their ship and leaving the place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Radamsky was surveying them with a sharp eye, his lips twitching slightly while Jotham was intent on looking down on the map. Adam shrugged \u201cWell, what else is there for you to tell me, gentlemen? How many of you will actually be accompanying us on this little trip?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 10<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was Radamsky who answered the Captain. After removing his spectacles he looked Adam straight in the eyes and indicated that the time had come for them to sit around the table and discuss the matter. \u201cI don\u2019t know what information you \u00a0have about this situation, Captain, but I think you need to know more about the men involved and the story behind this expedition of theirs and why our countries are so interested in finding them now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded in agreement, glanced at Jotham and then at Yates who drew the notebook closer to himself. Chairs scrapped across the floor as the men sat down and waited for Radamsky to continue speaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to understand that each of these men became prominent in their own fields of expertise and each of them belonged to a society in their own country that would sponsor them to go on expeditions according to their specialised field. Anataly Sokovich was eminent in his knowledge of herbs, plants and flowers for medical purposes. A dedicated botanist of the highest order.\u201d he paused and glanced over to Yates who looked down at the notebook before he took up from where the Russian had ended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMichael Scolley was an archaeologist\u2026 I mean \u2026 he is an archaeologist. He\u2019s the eldest of the three men and probably their driving force once he had got them together to discuss this particular project. He belonged to several prestigious societies in his field of archaeology, and was the recipient of several notations and awards for his discoveries in Egypt, Africa – where he was involved with the American corps that had made so many discoveries on that continent. His note book indicates that it was while he was in Africa that he first heard of the legend which set him on an expedition some years ago in the Pentanel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where Jefferson met him\u201d Jotham said as Yates leaned back to think over what he had said and what he needed to say later, \u201cHoward Jefferson was a fluent linguist and anthropologist. He was fascinated by the culture and traditions of the native people of the wetlands here. He had learned some of their languages but he wanted to know more. When he met up with Scolley he\u2019d been ill with the dengue fever and was freer with his speech than he should have been, anyway, as it transpires he had heard of the same legend and myths as Scolley and the two men decided to see if there was any truth in them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded thoughtfully, it was rather a roundabout explanation of events but it filled in some gaps, he looked at Radamsky \u201cSo how did Sociologic get involved?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Baron had been polishing the lenses of his spectacles slowly as he had listened to the other two men, now he replaced them on his beak of a nose and nodded \u201cHe was sent here by our Tsar.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour Tsar – or Gorchakov?\u201d Adam murmured and Radamsky allowed a small smile to pass his lips, he shrugged slightly<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre they not one and the same? \u201c he said cynically and raised his chin as though mentally preparing to take a blow, \u201cwe are involved in a war with Turkey, there are other factors to be considered that do not concern anyone here but did influence my Tsar to agree to Sokolovich coming here. If the legend is true then there would be untold riches to bring home to Russia, if they were false, there would still be wealth gained from the information and knowledge of the plant life Sokolovich would discover on this expedition. Either way, he would bring good things to his Tsar that would enhance his name, further his career and give Russia glory.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyebrows and said nothing. Standing behind his Captain in a respectful pose Beamish observed all three men and the other men hovering in the shadows. He waited for one of them to speak and it was Yates who did so, \u201cYou can have his notebook, Captain. It will give you more information than I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took the notebook with a slight frown, then looked at Jotham who was staring steadily at him as though trying to divine his thoughts, \u201cWell, Jotham, haven\u2019t you anything further to add?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d Jotham nodded and leaned slightly across the table towards Adam, \u201cYou have to understand that the three men were leaders in their own field\u2026right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say so.\u201d Adam nodded, his thumb flicked the corner of the notebook thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey knew one another by reputation so it was not surprising that they would actually meet eventually.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho was financing them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey were being sponsored by the various societies they belonged to, the sponsors are wealthy entrepreneurs in their own right, prominent in the commercial world, politics and so forth.\u201d Jotham said and leaned back as though he had said enough<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBotanical societies worldwide gave Sokolovich the backing he needed. There are plants in the Pantanel that can cure so many illnesses that plague mankind today, Captain. Not only botanical societies but pharmaceutical and scientific bodies were interested also.\u201d the Russian spoke with an enthusiasm lacking in the tones of the two other men and he gave a sigh when he finished speaking as though awed by the very mention of the persons he had referred to in his speech.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded \u201cSo what is this legend?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s in the notebook,\u201d Yates said quietly, \u201cA legend that involves diamonds and riches that had been garnered by across Bolivia, Brazil, Peru .. Wherever the Spanish and Portuguese had been and whomever they had conquered \u2026\u201d he pursed his lips and stroked his chin, \u201cOf course the Catholic church intervened during the 16th and 17th century and the two countries split their interests, but they wanted to keep the land and they wanted to claim the wealth they had amassed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned back and shrugged \u201cI see.\u201d he looked at Jotham, \u201cSo it\u2019s a treasure hunt really, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham looked slightly affronted, Yates looked crestfallen and Radamsky contemptuous, Adam just looked from one to the other \u201cWell, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates inclined his body forwards slightly and placed a finger upon the notebook, \u201cHe explains it in there. Of course it\u2019s a treasure hunt, why else would the three men with such differing interests join together like this? Whatever they found would go to their countries and benefit them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow many people know about this?\u201d Adam asked in clipped tones as though to signify he was bored already.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo one knows outside of this room.\u201d Yates replied rather indignantly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean the Spanish and Portuguese just forgot about this treasure they had left abandoned in the middle of the Pantanal?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham shrugged \u201cThey\u2019ve made no attempt to get it back over the past centuries.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan you be sure of that?\u201d Adam raised his eyebrows, once more his thumb flicked over the corner of the notebook, \u201cThere would have been word of mouth reports from men who had existed then and knew of its whereabouts; written reports from the clerks and secretaries of the priests and nobles who lived then; there\u2019s sure to be some interest now merely because of the interest your three countries have shown to the Pantanal recently.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI – I don\u2019t think so.\u201d Yates said quietly, \u201cMy Government has given me no indication of any Spanish or Portuguese interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNor has mine.\u201d Radamsky replied, \u201cAny information would have been followed up much sooner but it was not. Like many conquering countries they abandoned what they had possessed, abandoned or lost it.\u201d he shrugged \u201cThe Pantanal is vast and wild, it must have been even more dangerous back then, there were more Indians for a start.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates nodded \u201cThat\u2019s true, and they wouldn\u2019t have tolerated being killed off by the Spanish or Portuguese, they would have fought back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned, he thought of other Indians who had been determined to fight back, and had lost. He sighed, and had to acknowledge that the American prairies lacked the natural dangers of the Pantanal, perhaps these Indians had won after all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what are you three gentlemen here to do? Accompany us into the swamps to find your countrymen? Or sit back here and wait while we go in, risk our necks and bring them back – I presume you want them back?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course we do.\u201d Yates declared, \u201cThey\u2019re as invaluable to us as a mountain of silver.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham raised his eyebrows and looked directly at Adam, \u201cWe have instructions to consult with you, give you the information that we possess and provide you with guides. That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, it was what he had expected, but it didn\u2019t exactly please him as he looked at the three of them, and beyond them the men in the shadows \u201cAnd who are they lurking back there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey are the men who survived the expedition and will be your guides.\u201d Radamsky replied, \u201cEach of them knows the Indian dialect of the tribes you may encounter there. They are also expert in the dangers of the wetlands and animals you will come across.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An uncomfortable silence fell upon them for a moment and then Yates pushed his chair away from the table and rose to his feet, \u201cI\u2019ll leave you with the notebook, Captain. Thank you for your help. I have to return to England now to report back but shall return here in a month, by which time I hope you will have good news to tell us.\u201d he put out his hand which Adam, rising to his feet in turn, shook.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Radamsky watched the Englishman leave the room, the door closed and he glanced at Adam, Beamish and Jotham, \u201cI think we should have a drink before we part company.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham shook his head \u201cNot for me, I have too much to think about\u2026\u201d he looked at Adam, \u201cI\u2019ll come along with you, Adam, if you have a mind for company that is ..?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled slowly and then looked across at Radamsky who was frowning rather darkly, \u201cYou\u2019re more than welcome, Baron?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNiet.\u201d the Russian shook his head, \u201cMy orders are to return to Russia. I leave tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood up and bowed in a manner very reminiscent of another Russian of whom Adam had fond memories, and then within minutes he was gone. Jotham smiled and shrugged, \u201cWell, I didn\u2019t expect them to stay, neither of them looked the sort who would want to get their hands dirty.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou think it will be that kind of trip then, Jotham?\u201d Adam said quietly and with a cynical expression on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you?\u201d Jotham replied and glanced swiftly at Beamish before looking straight into Adams eyes, \u201cIt isn\u2019t going to be easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam nodded, \u201cNo, I think you\u2019re right about that\u2026\u201d he looked at the men still hovering in the shadows \u201cWell, perhaps we should have a chat with these gentlemen and get a better idea of exactly what to expect.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beer and some crude rough wine was brought in along with dark coffee, some refreshments of meat and biscuits were provided and the three naval officers got to work in questioning the several men who had survived the first expedition. Most could barely understand English, so the questioning had to be carried out in halting Portuguese with English thrown in here and there. Slowly a picture was formed of what had occurred, and as Adam had surmised the size of the expedition had been its downfall. It brought too much attention upon them and too much trouble.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So they learned that the Indians in the interior slowly decimated the number until only a few struggled to survive the floods, the rains, the heat and the fevers. When asked about whether the three white men had survived, or were possibly dead, there were differing reports. Several said yes, they had managed to keep alive, friendly natives had cared for them. But there were also the comments made that no, they had died – the Russian first from fever, then the Englishman from a poison dart and the American had been carried off in the floods, last seen attempting to avoid becoming dinner to several alligators.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Beamish was sweating so much by the end of several hours in that claustrophobic room that when Adam declared enough was enough, he almost passed out from sheer relief. Jotham agreed, swallowed down yet another small cup of coffee and told the Brazilian guides to keep waiting for instructions from the Captain who would come next day to speak to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They nodded their heads vigorously before grouping together to consult with one another. Beamish had a feeling that they would promptly disappear as soon as he and Adam were gone. Jotham smiled and said \u201cAny room on board for me, Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, collect your traps and come along.\u201d Adam replied, \u201cSooner we leave this hole the better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham didn\u2019t like to mention that \u2019this hole\u2019 had once been the most splendid hotel in the city.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 11<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alone in his cabin Adam sat at his desk with the notebook of Michael Scolley open before him. It had taken him on a journey that had covered several years of the man\u2019s time consuming search for the truth of a legend he had heard when a young man. A story that had been conveyed by word of mouth from those who had suffered, the native Indians of the Pantanal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Generations before the Spanish and Portuguese had sought to subdue to lands that made up the wet lands. They sent in their missionaries and priests to convert the people while their armies plundered and robbed elsewhere and carried their treasures to this hidden location which was to become the equivalent to Mecca or Rome in South America.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took time to win the trust of some of the people but the religious zealots of the time were perpetually patient and when enough people had been converted they built their missions. The naivet\u00e9 of the Indians went hand in hand with an natural humility, untainted as they were then by the deviousness of a sophisticated civilisation. They gave more than they received.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A city began to grow and prosper, founded on the stolen treasures of other lands, on gold and silver and diamonds around about them. When they became prosperous enough, and formidable enough to present a problem to the Governments in their home countries the Spanish were told to drive out the Portuguese, and the Portuguese were told to do likewise with the Spanish<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The priests and missionaries attempted to keep this fledgling power united by directing their attention to the native Indians. Perhaps their land would be adequate for another city to flourish. Perhaps the gold and silver and the abundance of flora and fauna would provide prosperity for all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The deaths that followed were numerous and no one was spared. Adam read the familiar tragedy of villages being wiped out, young and old, babes along with women and old men. Villages razed to the ground. As he read the account he felt as though his heart was weary of reading such words, after all, he had seen those self same words being acted out before his eyes too many times.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The European Governments were not satisfied by this action and turned upon the priests and missionaries for attempting to thwart their authority. What amounted to a small civil war prevailed, those who survived fled into the swamps and were never seen nor heard about again. Others returned to their homelands, or to the parts of Brazil and Bolivia that would accept them as patriots.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As generations disappeared and were replaced by new, the story of the embryo city with its plunder was passed on by word of mouth by those who were descended from the survivors of the murders and the wars. It was only a small war, it was just a mere few thousand natives, it didn\u2019t merit a mention in any history book, not even in the annuals of their country.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scolley heard it however, and he spent time searching for it. Every so often his path would cross that of Jefferson, or Sokolovich. Their names became those he sought out thinking that their combined skills and knowledge would reveal the truth of this strange story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Was it such a strange story? Adam read on while thinking of the number of Cheyenne, Sioux, and other indigenous peoples of America whose story was only told from the white mans point of view and would, perhaps, eventually never get revealed to the generations to come. He wondered how much interest would be made into the myths surrounding many of these tribes\u2026 those of the plains who spoke of a mountain of gold, or those who spoke of rivers yellow with gold dust.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It caught at his imagination as he thought of the hosts of Spanish conquistadors who had sought El Dorado, the lost cities of gold. Was Scolley thinking of the same thing? Was he believing that this so called city was in fact, El Dorado?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His eyes grew heavy from lack of sleep and the heat in the room. It was impossible to find anywhere that was cool and refreshing. His head drooped upon his chest and within minutes he slept.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The morning dawned as harshly bright and hot as when the sun had fallen the previous day. Adam had breakfasted and had coffee when Beamish knocked on the cabin door. Upon entering he informed the Captain that there was someone outside who wished to see him. \u201cI think it is one of the guides.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou think?\u201d Adam wiped his mouth on a napkin and stood up, \u201cAsk him inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t come in. He wants to speak to you outside.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged and followed the lieutenant to the upper deck. Jotham Morton was already there and turned to acknowledge the Captain before turning to where the guide stood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man was short and stocky with a pot belly that overlapped the leather pouch affair that was his only garment and protected his private areas, he wore a feather through a hole in his ear lobe and bracelets upon his upper arms, his black hair was matted with clay \u201cDo you speak English?\u201d Adam asked slowly after they had both scrutinised the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian bowed his head, the spear in his hand was as tall as himself and he held it loosely. Adam had no doubt that he was proficient in its use, as he must have been with the knife that was unsheathed but struck through the throng around his waist that kept the leather cloth intact.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you have to say to me?\u201d Adam now asked looking into the mans near black eyes and wondering what the man would be thinking of all that was now happening and what the results would be for his people..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI – guide you – I Terena – people Terena.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The words were guttural and did not sound either friendly or interested. To Adam\u2019s ears the man sounded as though he had come as a duty that had to be performed and carried out. He stood straight shouldered and back rigid, sadly his belly protruded more so as a result.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ships crew were observing the interchange and obviously finding it amusing. Adam being so tall and broad shouldered almost dwarfed this stout and sturdy naked individual. Giving his men a withering glare Adam returned to observe this guide, \u201cWhat is your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou – Captain.\u201d the Terena said and nodded his head in affirmation of his own words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d another nod, and then he turned and walked to the side of the ship, he pointed skywards with his lance \u201cWhen sun sleeps – canoe come – you come.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then he was gone and by the time Adam had reached the bulwark of the ship his \u2018guide\u2019 was being taken to the shore in a dug out canoe with two younger men paddling with strong strokes of their oars. Jotham approached and stood by Adams side, he smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou obviously passed inspection, otherwise he would have just gone without a word.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know these people?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the Terena tribe are the most peaceful that we know about here. It\u2019s good to have a guide who knows the terrain as well as one of the natives. He\u2019ll probably not tell you his name, they\u2019re superstitious like that \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh.\u201d Adam grunted and nodded, he knew some Inuit who believed likewise and with a sigh he turned and indicated that Jotham joined him in the study.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeems we have to be ready to leave by sunset.\u201d he observed as they took a seat on opposite sides of the desk, \u201cWill you be ready to come with me by then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly. I know the others – Yates and Radamsky – are returning to their respective countries but I anticipated being required to work alongside you. Will you be taking anyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam shook his head \u201cBeamish will have his orders and take over command until I get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham nodded, he didn\u2019t allow himself to comment on Adam\u2019s statement as to his return, but mentally he did interject an \u2018if\u2019 into it. He looked over at the notebook \u201cDid you read it all?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and I\u2019ve checked the sketches and diagrams as well. The route he indicates seems to be ambiguous.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham allowed a slow smile to spread over his face \u201cEverything is here, Captain. Rivers disappear during the flooding season, tributaries exist that never were there before, the floods retreat and the silt left behind creates new land and new rivers are formed around<\/p>\n

It. It changes all the time. The Terena are good people, it would have been better if we had had someone from the Paigaua tribes or Guaicuru, they\u2019re known as the canoe people and know the waterways like you know the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam passed a hand over his face and shook his head \u201cI hope you aren\u2019t saying we\u2019ve pulled the short straw by having a Terena guide us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be fine unless there\u2019s fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat dagger and spear looked pretty dangerous to me\u2026\u201d Adam smiled as he leaned against the desk and folded his arms across his chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for protection against wild animals, snakes, alligators\u2026 you have to expect anything out there.\u201d Jotham sighed, and then shrugged as though by doing so he could shrug off the experiences he had gone through during the past few weeks when he had ventured out into the bogs. The anaconda\u2019s that were as long as 50 ft and body width thicker than his upper leg, the alligators that slid silently into the water, the spiders ..he shivered and looked at Adam with an attempt of a smile \u201cJust make sure you\u2019re well armed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

The water was lapping gently against the sides of the Shenandoah as the sun set and total darkness enveloped them. Instructions had been given to Beamish to take the ship to Guanabara Bay where they could liase with other ships from all over the world, to get mail sent by the first ship leaving Brazil for America and to await their return on board within the month.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If Jotham looked at all doubtful about the time limit put on the venture he said nothing. He caught Beamishs\u2019 eye however and raised his eyebrows indicating to the younger officer that it would be wiser to ensure they stayed until their commanding Officer actually did return, however long it may take.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dressed in loose linen garments the two men scrambled over the side of the ship into the dug out and trusted to the keen eyesight of the Terena to get them safely to the shore. No one spoke. Adam could barely see through the darkness but he could hear Jotham breathing close behind him. His senses took on board that they were travelling swiftly and following the flow of the water, there was barely any wasted energy as the two men rowing plied the oars and within less time than he would have credited, the canoe was nudging into the undergrowth that crowded the shoreline.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cStay.\u201d the Indian put a hand on Adams arm \u201cGood place sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leaned forward and Jotham, assuming his Captain was attempting to leave the boat, whispered \u201cBest do as he says, he knows what he\u2019s talking about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam said nothing, he didn\u2019t like to say that he had cramp and needed to shift slightly to ease it. He settled into a more comfortable position with his few possessions bundled close to his feet in a bedroll.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t sleep at first as his mind sifted through the information he had about this venture. Was he to look for the three men, the so-called lost city or was it just a glorified treasure hunt? If it were the latter why hadYates and Radamsky been so happy to return to their own countries when there could have been untold treasures awaiting them somewhere amid the anaconda\u2019s and alligators?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wondered what his father and brothers were doing which led him to think about Olivia and the children, and that made him feel maudlin because it reminded him that he had left an infant son behind with the wife he adored. He shifted again in his seat, no longer plagued by cramp but heart ache and mosquitoes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 12<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The family had enjoyed the meal that Hop Sing had provided and thanked him profusely which always made him feel more than a little proud of his achievements. During the meal Ben had told them about Martha\u2019s story and they had listened attentively with the interest of any who found tales of such kind fascinating and slightly morbid.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou must have been a bit disappointed that your mystery was explained away so quickly.\u201d Hester said with a smile over at Ben while she helped Hope drink her milk by holding the cup steady for her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was at first,\u201d Ben replied with an answering smile to her own, and his dark eyes twinkled, \u201cBut then I thought perhaps it would be interesting to see what had become of Silas Barrington, after all it seemed he was given all the privileges of a white man in a white family, while Martha and her husband were practically left with nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat happened a lot though, didn\u2018t it?\u201d Olivia ventured to say, \u201cThere were those plantation owners who were not afraid to acknowledge their illegitimate children, and some were very faithful to their women, even if they did remain married.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester looked at Olivia and frowned, \u201cThey weren\u2018t particularly faithful to their wives though?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I suppose not.\u201d Olivia sighed and looked at Ben thoughtfully, \u201cSo what do you intend to do, Pa? Will you travel to New Jersey to find this Silas?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, a lots happened since Martha last saw or heard anything about him, there\u2018s been the war between the states for one thing,\u201d Ben frowned, \u201cThat may have had an adverse effect on Barringtons fortunes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head and reached for the coffee pot, \u201cYou aint\u2018 thinking of going to New Jersey though, are ya, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am thinking about it,\u201d Ben smiled as he replied to Hoss and then looked at Olivia \u201cBut whether I will actually travel there to find him, I\u2018m not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe could be dead by now.\u201d Joe observed holding his cup forward for Hoss to fill it with the coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr he could have a large family of children, and grandchildren.\u201d Mary Ann smiled and then looked down at Daniel who was trying to grab at another piece of pie, \u201cOh no, young man, no you don\u2019t, you\u2019ve had more than your fair share.\u201d she whispered to him and Daniel pouted and looked around the table as though hoping that someone, anyone, would take pity on him and feed him some more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo the red hair was Martha\u2019s.\u201d Hester smiled, \u201cThat is so interesting. I\u2019d heard before that red heads go totally white when they get older. Ah well, Hoss, now you know what to look forward too, soon I\u2019ll be a little white haired old lady\u2026\u201d and she pulled a face that made them laugh which surprised Hannah who looked at her mother and made big eyes at her,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMommy you isn\u2019t old, not yet, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cActually,\u201d Ben leaned forward a little and cut some more pie which he put on his plate along with some cream, \u201cMartha Frobisher was a ravishingly lovely woman in her younger days. That red hair of hers caught a lot of mens attention I can assure you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut not yours?\u201d Olivia laughed, her eyes greener than usual because of the green gown she was wearing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if anything had happened to Julian I wouldn\u2019t have objected to stepping in and giving the widow a helping hand.\u201d Ben chuckled and began to scoop pie into his mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester sighed and looked thoughtfully into space \u201cJust imagine that little girl wandering down the hallway and then finding her father in such a – well – situation with one of his slaves. She must have been shocked.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially when he started to beat her.\u201d Mary Ann said \u201cWhat kind of man was he for goodness sake, to do such a thing to a little girl, to his own daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathaniel began to wail which caused Olivia to excuse herself from the table in order to attend to the infant. Reuben and Sofia sat and listened to the adults conversation and wondered what exactly everyone was talking about, eventually Reuben asked where was New Jersey? Sofia added that if it were anywhere near where her daddy was then Gran\u2019pa would be able to see him. That comment caused a slight hiatus while everyone tried to think of something else to say.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Arthur Armstrong rubbed his jaw thoughtfully before getting to his feet and walking over to a tall metal cabinet, \u201cIf I\u2019ve anything pertaining to New Jersey architects there would be some information here, Ben. You\u2019re sure they\u2019re still trading under the name Barrington?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave a slight shrug of the shoulders and shook his head \u201cTo be honest, Arthur, I can\u2019t say. The only confirmation of it I can give you stops before the war between the states. He or they were architects in New Jersey before then, but I don\u2019t know about afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Arthur nodded \u201cI know what you mean, Ben. There were a lot of changes – afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing more to that, from the look on Armstrong\u2019s face he had obviously suffered some reverses himself as a result of the war and no doubt preferred to keep whatever it was to himself. He rummaged through the drawers and pulled out one folder which he carried back to the desk, he looked up and shrugged \u201cNot sure if this is the company, but seems we had some dealings with a Messrs Pettifer, Harris and Steward in New Jersey . It was about five years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He passed the folder to Ben who flicked through the paperwork without much interest in its contents other than the address printed on the letter heading and the names of the company directors also embossed thereon. He nodded and handed it back \u201cNothing else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m sorry, not in New Jersey anyway.\u201d Armstrong frowned and stood up to return the folder to its assigned place in the filing system. \u201cI\u2019ll look through and see if we have any contact with any persons by the name Barrington \u2026 Silas Barrington did you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head and settled back into his chair. Armstrong\u2019s had been the last architect in Virginia City he had visited and to whom he had made the same request. All the other offices had searched through their files and found nothing. It seemed as though Silas Barrington & Co, Architects, no longer existed. He looked up as Armstrong paused in his search and looked over at the rancher \u201cWhy not telegraph that company in New Jersey? They\u2019re more than likely know what happened to a local company of architects, wouldn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben allowed a vague smile to play over his mouth \u201cYes, I should have thought of that myself. Thank you, Arthur.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not thinking of hiring an architect to do some work on the Ponderosa, are you?\u201d Armstrong frowned, \u201cAfter all, we have our professional reputation to think about here, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile widened and he shook his head \u201cNo, no, nothing like that at all, Arthur. As you know if there was anything like that needed on the Ponderosa I\u2019d ask Adam -\u201d he paused, and sighed, of course, not so easy to do when he was who knew where! \u201cThanks for your time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Arthur nodded as he scribbled down the address of the New Jersey company Pettifer, Harris and Steward which he handed over to Ben, \u201cI hope you find who you\u2019re looking for, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, so do I.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He tucked the piece of paper into his jacket pocket, replaced his hat on his head and shook Arthur\u2019s hand. As he left the building he thought back to the time Arthurs father had arrived at the diggings, as they had called the shambles in the Washoe at the time. He had offered Adam a place in his establishment which Adam had turned down, and now, Ben scowled a little, now he wished to high heaven that his son had accepted it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within half an hour he had sent the telegraph away to the offices in New Jersey where some nameless unknown would pick it up, maybe throw it away and forget all about it. As Ben strolled over to the International for his lunch, he wondered whether that would be the best thing to do, just forget all about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ann Canaday saw him and hurried to cross the road, picking up her skirts as she did so in order to avoid various unpleasant things that could have ruined her skirts. \u201cBen? Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paused and removed his hat immediately upon seeing Ann hurrying towards him, her face alight with pleasure \u201cOh Ben, how lovely to see you here in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA pleasure to see you too, Ann.\u201d he smiled his charming smile that made most women feel that he had a sincere interest in them, his dark eyes twinkled \u201cHow is town life suiting you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh very well, thank you.\u201d she sighed and looked smug, as people contented and happy with their lot tended to look when asked such a question. \u201cHow are Hester and Olivia? Are the children all well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone\u2019s thriving.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so glad, and the baby? Little Nathaniel?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGetting fatter by the day.\u201d Ben grinned, his latest grandchild was a joy to him, as much as the others of course, but Nathaniel was his own first born sons and as such, he sighed, \u201cYes, they are all doing well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI miss seeing them all so regularly.\u201d Ann turned and together they began to walk towards the hotel, \u201cWe used to have such great times together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t you have great times now?\u201d Ben looked surprised, it seemed to him that Hester was regularly coming into town to visit her cousin so such a complaint appeared rather ungrateful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I\u2019m being selfish I suppose. Life just goes by so quickly, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d she sighed again and looked thoughtful, \u201cIt\u2019s only after one moves on that what we once had is seen in a more positive light. There\u2019s a lot I miss about the old place, you know, Ben? Town is excellent and I\u2019m happy here, but that doesn\u2019t mean to say that I wasn\u2019t as happy there as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded, he understood exactly what she meant \u2026hadn\u2019t Adam expressed exactly those self same thoughts at times? \u2018I love being at sea, but then I miss the Ponderosa, and when I\u2019m back home I can\u2019t wait to be back on board ship.\u2019 Ben frowned, of course Adam hadn\u2019t said that kind of thing for some time, not since he had got married in fact. He could only imagine that the sea no longer had that attraction at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They parted at the hotel and Ben entered and found a table at which he sat down deep in thought. What strange creatures we were, he mused, never content, always striving for something else and then, when we find it, never satisfied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA nickel for your thoughts, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grinned up at his son, Joseph, and beckoned to the chair opposite \u201cSit down, son. Have you eaten?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. I saw you come in here and thought I\u2019d join you for something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good, it\u2019s been a while since we ate together, just the two of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Joe grinned and looked over to the door where Hoss was talking to Mrs Browne, \u201cThe three of us \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and smiled, he stretched out his long legs and waited for Hoss to join them, and once seated he beckoned the waiter over and they placed their orders. Joe glanced at Hoss before asking Ben what it was he had been thinking about so deeply \u201cYou looked as though you had the weight of the world on your shoulders, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid I? Well, actually I was just thinking how good life had been when I was a chandler back in Boston, and why on earth didn\u2019t I just stay put there instead of going wandering off into the wilderness.\u201d he sighed and picked up his napkin, flicked it open and placed it slowly over his lap, \u201cWe\u2019re just so contrary, aren\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are?\u201d Hoss frowned, \u201cHow come?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there I was happy in Boston \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you weren\u2019t, Pa. Elizabeth had died and you had Adam and a dream\u2026 remember?\u201d Joe nudged his father and again glanced over at Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTrue enough, and it was because of that dream that I embarked upon years of trouble and pain, for myself, for Adam\u2026 what kind of man takes an infant into a wilderness? For goodness\u2019 sake, I must have been mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it paid off alright in the end, Pa, didn\u2019t it?\u201d Hoss said quietly, and offered up a bleak smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt could have been different.\u201d Ben responded, \u201cI was just thinking what would life have been like if I had stayed in Boston, built up that one store \u2026 perhaps I would have had a whole chain of them strung along the coastline by now, or owned some ships of my own \u2026 who\u2019s to know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo-one, because it didn\u2019t happen.\u201d Joe snapped rather tersely, \u201cAnd don\u2019t forget, while you would have been playing with your shops and ships back there me an\u2019 Hoss wouldn\u2019t have been born.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s right, Pa. There\u2019s no way you would\u2019ve met my Ma, or Marie\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d Ben clamped his lips together in that unmistakeable \u2018I\u2019m not entirely satisfied with that\u2019 expression on his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa? What\u2019s the matter? Aren\u2019t you happy with your life and how it\u2019s turned out?\u201d Joe asked gently, even placing his hand on his father\u2019s arm in a gentle manner as though to encourage him to get out of the mood he was in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, of course I\u2019m happy with life.\u201d Ben smiled, he nodded and he sighed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The conversation lulled as the waiter brought the food and the wine and set everything down on the table. Hoss darted an anxious look at his father, \u201cPa, you ain\u2019t been yourself since you got back from San Francisco. Is t hat old story of Martha\u2019s gitting to you somehow?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you still thinking of looking for that Barrington family?\u201d Joe added as he toyed with his fork and pushed the food around his plate a little.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was thinking of doing so,\u201d Ben replied and looked at the two other men sharply as though expecting some argument, but receiving none he began to eat his meal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t explain it to them, nor to himself, but he wanted to do something different. He just wanted to have someplace else to go, before it was too late and the only time he\u2019d ever leave the Ponderosa again would be in a pine box. He smiled to himself, not that his sons would settle for a pine box for their father, of course\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 13<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment Ben sat astride his horse to look at the house that Adam had had built for himself and his wife. It sat on a good site with views that were as rugged as they were beautiful. The river flowed at a good walking distance away, some trees were showing vigorous growth to the back of the property and the sun shone on the roof top making the shingles gleam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a handsome building and Adam hadn\u2019t strayed too far from the original design of the ranch house in which he and his brothers had been raised. The differences were obvious however, and Ben had to admit they were advantageous and attractive but evenso it still was not the Pondereosa. With a wry grin he dismounted and after securing the reins to the rail he approached the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He knocked and paused for a moment to think over what he was going to say but by the time he had pushed the door open, walked through the porch and opened the interior door he had got it jumbled up with other matters on his mind. He removed his hat and scratched his head thoughtfully before looking around the room for a sign of his daughter in law.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia was helping Sofia to write, guiding the childs hand carefully over the paper. Both of them looked up and smiled at the visitor, \u201cLook, Granpa, I\u2019m writing a letter to daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell done, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be very pleased to get it.\u201d Ben replied and smiled at Olivia who was looking proudly over at him above the childs head. \u201cAre you both well today?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d Sofia said as she clambered down from the seat to receive a hug from him for she loved him dearly, had done since she first saw him. \u201cReuben didn\u2019t want to go to school he said he had tummy ache.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nothing,\u201d Olivia assured him as she put the pencil and paper to one side, \u201cHe just didn\u2019t want to go to school because the essay he prepared isn\u2019t as good as he had hoped it would be. I\u2019ll ask Cheng to bring in some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He watched her as she made her way to the kitchen and once again found himself admiring the way she held herself, her head high, slender and slim, her pale blonde hair coiled into a crown on her head. He smiled and turned his attention to Sofia who was holding onto his hand and leading him to the chair he favoured \u201cI\u2019m going to school soon. Mommy said that I was so growed up I need an ed-u-chason.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMmm, well, I think she\u2019ll miss you around here, Sofia.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but she has Nathaniel to look after now, and I have to learn how to do math and how to read big books so that I can help her and daddy when he gets back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be back soon.\u201d he assured her and patted her shoulder as she leaned heavily against his knees, her chin resting in her hands and her elbows digging rather uncomfortably into the flesh of his thighs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s bin gone a long time already.\u201d she sighed, \u201cJanuary 10th he left here and now its April 12th 1877. That\u2019s a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose it is, but he has a lot of travelling to do, you know.\u201d he smiled and looked into her eyes that gazed earnestly up at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She was a pretty little girl, always had been since he had first seen her when she was just three years old. He could tell that when she grew up she would be a stunning looking woman and he pitied the young fellows in town then for without doubt she was going to break many a heart. \u201cSo how is your baby brother, Sofee?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alright. He doesn\u2019t do much yet, he\u2019s just a baby after all.\u201d she sighed, babies were boring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t wake you up at night crying does he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he only wakes mommy up.\u201d Sofia said matter of factly and then stepped away from him and returned to the table as Olivia came into the room carrying a tray which she set down on the low table by the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Coffee was poured out and lemonade given to Sofia who asked if she could go and play with her dolls now? Both adults watched her as she ran from the room with arms full of dolls, they heard the outer door close and turned to smile fondly at one another. Ben took a long sip of coffee and nodded \u201cGood coffee, Olivia.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cChengs an expert, I think, although I wouldn\u2019t tell him so, that he is even better than Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can recall a time when Hop Sing was away from the Ponderosa and we had his nephew No. 1 stay, my goodness, what a mess he made of everything.\u201d he chuckled then at the memory, life, it seemed, was full of memories nowadays.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s worrying you, Ben?\u201d she asked now, setting the cup down upon its saucer and looking straight at him with her disconcerting green eyes. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He said nothing for a moment and the cup held in his hand hovered by his mouth, he took several sips of the hot coffee and then smiled \u201cYou\u2019re very discerning, Olivia.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because I care about you, Ben. If one cares about someone then they should notice such things, shouldn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course.\u201d he cleared his throat and after looking at her more intently, as though to fathom out her thoughts, he swallowed more of the coffee before setting the cup down. \u201cThe fact is, Olivia, I\u2019m getting old.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded, she could have said that she was 24 hours older that she was the previous day, but she held her tongue and just nodded, and waited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou see, when I was a young man I could ride a horse from one place to another, or hitch a wagon to my horses and travel across the continent, or board a clipper ship to take me anywhere I wished. I lived during a time when there was always danger, and even if I was foolhardy enough to take myself into those situations where I feared for my life every moment, at least I knew I was alive, and I lived life\u2026do you understand what I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I understand. No one could deny the courage and strength of character it took to build the Ponderosa to what it is now, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He watched as she poured out more coffee and handed him back his cup, which he took and held gently in his big work worn hands. She held hers carefully as though at any moment it would break.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI visited Roy the other day.\u201d Ben said quietly, \u201cI knew him when he was a circuit lawman. That means he travelled from one settlement to another, stayed a few months to try and instil some law and order before moving on elsewhere\u2026 finally he came to be our resident sheriff. All those years working to maintain our safety in town, getting shot at, injured, all for our good. Now what is he? Just an old man trying to find something to do that gives him a purpose in life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She leaned towards him, her face earnest \u201cBen, you can\u2019t compare yourself with Roy. Your life is far more involved that his and your work isn\u2019t something you can retire from, not like Roy had to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I know.\u201d he nodded as though to assure her that that wasn\u2019t the problem, \u201cIt was just unsettling, because, well, life is changing. I read about inventions that are taking place now that will revolutionise society and I wish that it would never happen. I want to stop this so called progress which is ridiculous really considering how hard I pushed for it when I was younger.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen, you have so much work to do here still. We all need you as much as we ever did, your direction and experience and strength are as necessary now as they ever were, surely you realise that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He said nothing but drank the coffee before setting the cup down on the low table, then he nodded \u201cI wish with all these inventions they\u2019d find some way of holding back time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She laughed softly and nodded \u201cOh yes, so do I.\u201d they smiled at one another in a companionable manner \u201cHas this something to do with that note of Martha\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose it is really. Ever since I found it I\u2019ve been curious about the family, it\u2019s intrigued me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut why? It\u2019s Martha\u2019s family, not yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Olivia. In fact, after all this time of not being interested Martha has asked me to find out what I can. My finding that letter brought back a lot of memories and aroused her interest. Of course, Julian would rather not be involved, he has prejudices of his own – not because of colour or class, but because of the way Henry Barrington treated his daughter by disinheriting her and favouring his illegitimate son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what, in effect, do you want to do about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOnce I know where they are I want to go and -\u201d he paused, and shrugged \u201cI suppose I just want to see how they\u2019ve turned out so that I can tell Martha and she can follow on from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut surely it is her business, I mean, she could hire a Pinkerton Agent to do all that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d he smiled, his generous mouth stretched across his teeth in that impossibly wide smile that she loved, and the black eyes twinkled, \u201cI know all that, but I thought it would be something different to do, some kind of adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Pa, are you so bored with life here that you need adventure?\u201d she sighed and shook her head, a curl of pale blonde hair loosened and fell across her cheek which she brushed impatiently away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you think Adam got his taste for it? Hmm?\u201d he chuckled and sat back against the settee, \u201cI don\u2019t know when I\u2019ll go, I\u2019ve contacted a firm of architects in New Jersey in the hope that they\u2019ll be able to give me a clue, but I was wondering if you would do something for me when I\u2019m away?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly, if I can you know that I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you either move in with Mary Ann, take Cheng Ho Lee to help out of course. The spring round up\u2019s due to take place soon, and if I\u2019m away for any length of time, I wouldn\u2019t want to think that the three of you are rattling around these houses alone, apart from the children of course. With Candy leaving \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut don\u2019t you see, Pa, with Candy gone we need you here more than ever. Joe and Hoss can\u2019t be in two places at one time. Someone will have to stay here and run things if they go on the cattle drive together.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded, then smiled slowly, \u201cI know. But will you consider doing that for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood up, he was a tall well built man still, and looked down at her as she stood by his side so slim and slender, \u201cOf course I will, Ben, but I\u2019d rather you didn\u2019t leave us on this venture, I don\u2019t like the thought of you being so far away without one of the boys with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He kissed her brow and walked to the bureau where he picked up his hat \u201cWell, as you know, the boys can\u2019t be in two places at the one time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A slight frown furrowed her brow and she shook her head, then slipped her arm through his and walked along with him out into the yard to where his horse was nodding in the sunlight. He paused \u201cYou must be missing Adam very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am. It\u2019s the not knowing where he is, or what\u2019s happening that worries me most. I find it hard to sleep at night trying to imagine where he is and what he is doing. it\u2019s a good thing I have Nathaniel to care for \u2026\u201d she stopped then and turned her head away as though unwilling for him to see the sudden tears in her eyes, but he squeezed her arm and nodded, after all, he had the self same fears himself and had had them for years.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 14<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham startled awake as he felt his shoulder being roughly shaken and his name whispered urgently in his ear. He groaned a little and turned onto his back, then used his elbows to get into a sitting position. \u201cJotham?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat back a little now that he had finally roused the man from what was a deep sleep, something he envied him, but which had proved annoying when unable to wake him \u201cJotham, how much do you trust those men?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho? What men?\u201d Jotham yawned, blinked and waved away several mosquitoes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Russian and Yates of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI – er – took them on trust, sir. Does your question mean that you don\u2019t trust them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHumph, no.\u201d Adam snorted contemptuously, \u201cI don\u2019t know who Yates was trying to fool when he said he\u2019d was going to England and would be back in a months time! And Radamsky \u2026\u201d he paused and narrowed his eyes. Speckles of moonlight glimmered down through the foliage and created patterns over their faces, \u201cI don\u2019t know enough about what\u2019s going on and it bothers me, especially when I know those men were lying to me. Jotham, surely you got to know a bit more about whats going on while you were with them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI – er – I wasn\u2019t with them very long, sir. Only the day prior to your arriving in fact.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam blnked, scowled and shook his head \u201cI was under the impression that you had been there longer. How long had they been there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRadamsky said he had arrived a few days before Yates, and he\u2019d been there a week. They had spent time looking for the survivors and interviewing them, and getting guides arranged for this trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded then and stared at Jotham who felt rather disconcerted \u201cI\u2019m sorry, sir, I thought you realised that I had only been sent there a little sooner than yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s odd.\u201d the Captain said simply, \u201cOdd that knowing you would be there you weren\u2019t sent along with us as part of ships company on the Shenandoah. Why send you on a different ship so close to the time of my arrival.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham paused a moment then shrugged \u201cI was sent from my posting in Washington. When I got my orders to get here and join you it would have delayed things considerably if I had been sent to join you on the Shenandoah.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam said nothing to that but looked at him intently as though this presented yet another problem to worry over. He narrowed his eyes and the frown deepened \u201cWhy send you then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Captain. The same reason why they decided to send you I suppose. I\u2019m just an officer in the services as you are, and I obey my orders without asking too many questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He said this with a touch of bravado in his voice as though to remind Adam that he also should be obeying orders without asking too many questions. He raised his chin and the dappled light overhead played shadows over his face. \u201cI sometimes forget that you\u2019re Daniel\u2019s cousin.\u201d Adam said quietly<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to recall it to mind too readily nor too often, sir. I\u2019m not Daniel O\u2019Brien after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir, you\u2019re not.\u201d Adam agreed with a slight nod and he turned away from the other man as though he were disappointed not only in the fact that it was not Daniel O\u2019Brien to whom he was speaking, but that Jotham\u2019s comments were not those he wanted to hear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the guide? The other men?\u201d Jotham now whispered as though only now realising that the two of them were along in the boat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged \u201cThey\u2019re sleeping on the beach. They obviously thought we would prefer having something more substantial to sleep in, something that keeps us out of reach of the alligators.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDarn, I\u2019d forgotten about them.\u201d Jotham hissed and glanced anxiously around him but in the areas where the alligators lingered light from above couldn\u2019t penetrate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you were an authority on this place.\u201d Adam said with a slight smile which he didn\u2019t attempt to conceal, \u201cYou seemed to know a lot about the native Indians around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI studied up about them.\u201d Jotham replied, \u201cAnd I was here last year.\u201d he paused, \u201cPerhaps that\u2019s why they ordered me back, although I was dealing more with the Ipica then.\u201d he settled himself into a more comfortable position \u201cI don\u2019t think we\u2019ll find those men anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you say that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust a feeling I\u2019ve got.\u201d Jotham yawned, \u201cLast year the man with whom I was assigned to work with went into the interior with an Ipica guide, and neither of them came back. It was as though the jungle just swallowed them up. It does that, you know? People go into it, and you never see them again. It\u2019s beautiful, but it\u2019s terrible, really terrible at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy were you assigned here last year?\u201d Adam asked and he leaned forward in order to see Jotham\u2019s face more clearly. \u201cWould it have anything to do with Jefferson?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I\u2019m aware of it. It was merely a reconnaissance \u2026\u201d he paused and frowned, \u201cI was told it was just reconnaissance into the interior to locate the Paiagua Indians. The officer who was assigned with me and who disappeared had been here before, he seemed to know what he was doing and had a lot of respect for the Indians here. He said that there were tribes deep in the interior no one even knew about, hidden away so deep that no one ever sees them. He was the one who told me most of what I know of people and things around here.\u201d he paused and sighed \u201cHe was a good man, a good officer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould I have known him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so, sir. He served in a different branch of the navy to you. His name was Francis Yelland.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rubbed his chin thoughtfully, and then looked at Jotham again, \u201cNo, I never heard of him\u201d he sighed and turned away, \u201cTry and get some sleep, Jotham.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam settled himself in the bottom of the boat. It was not the most uncomfortable place in which to sleep for the dug outs were flat bottomed and quite dry and far better than some places he\u2019d slept. He used his kit for a pillow and lay down, closed his eyes and tried to think over everything, every detail, of what he had been told by the three men since he had arrived.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Radamsky, a Russian aristocrat, paid by Gorchakov no doubt to locate Sokolovich, a famed botanist. But now given the opportunity to join forces with himself and Jotham Morton, had seemed to have lost interest and taken himself off somewhere.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates, English, with possession of Scolley\u2019s notebook. Scolley who had been the instigator behind the collaboration of the original three men to investigate this fabled city, diamond mine or whatever it really was they were after. A nervous man was Mark Yates, yet he\u2019d lied, must have lied, by claiming he was going to England and would be back in a month. Why would he even think of going to England when he\u2019d been sent by his Government to locate Scolley?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham .. Ah, now, that was a puzzle \u2026 what was that reconnaissance expedition been about last year? Was it before or after he had been to Virginia City and assisted with the Russians who had been sent to assassinate one Adam Cartwright?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why? Why? Why? Adam Cartwright fell asleep knowing that he now had more questions left unanswered than before and the fact that he slept at all was mainly due to the heat having left him exhausted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham Morton found it harder to get to sleep. He had known and admired Adam Cartwright for some years now, not only because the man had been such a loyal and close friend to Daniel O\u2019Brien, Jotham\u2019s cousin, but because he had several times saved his life and was a man of integrity. If he were asked who it was he would most choose to be like he would have said \u201cCommodore Adam Cartwright.\u201d At the same time he accepted the fact that Adam Cartwright would never respect or admire him as much as he had Daniel. He knew and understood that he lacked his cousin\u2019s intelligence, perhaps even his courage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The questions Adam had asked him, for instance, were questions that he had never thought to ask himself. He accepted his orders and carried them out as best he could, whatever wrinkles appeared during the course of those orders being dealt with he never allowed himself to worry about unduly. Perhaps that was another aspect of his personality that was unlike his cousins, Daniel did ask questions and wasn\u2019t afraid to go in search of the answers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The mosquitoes kept coming, buzzing about their heads, he pulled his sleeves down to cover his hands and then burrowed down into the bottom of the boat in the hope that they would leave him alone. They didn\u2019t, and he spent a while slapping at them as they landed on his skin. When he finally fell asleep it was a mere few hours before dawn.<\/p>\n

The Terena Indian and the two other men appeared as the sun streaked the sky. Jotham was mortified to find that the Captain was already up, out of the boat and had actually shaved and washed. Food was provided which looked pale and unappetising but which they ate and washed down with some kind of beer. Drinking water was not available, it would have been unsafe to drink even if it had been.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They settled into the boat and pushed away from the shore. Large logs that lined the rivers edge suddenly slipped from the shore to seemingly glide through the water behind them. Adam watched six of them slowly submerge with only their nostrils and eyes in view, he forced himself not to think about them, but had to admit that he felt unnerved by the stealthiness in which they followed their prey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJacare\u2026\u201d one of the men, seated in front of Adam said and pointed to a particularly large brute that had slowly lowered itself into the water and pushed itself forwards as though determined to keep them within its sights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced over his shoulder and noticed the eyes protruding from the black waters. A shiver crept down his spine and he wished that he had at least a paddle to grab hold of for protection. The man who had spoken was called Luis, he was native born Brazilian and Pantaneiro. He had been one of the survivors of the original party and had testified to the fact that the three men were still alive. It had made sense to hire the men who had declared this to be a fact as it gave the edge on those who swore they had all died. Somehow it all made sense in a rather senseless situation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other man was called Pele, a less talkative man, although Adam had not heard either of them speak much. Pele was also a native of the land and older than Luis. He pointed now to the water and Adam glanced down, seeing only an immense blackness \u201cPiranha! Little fish. Big teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam knew all about piranha as did Jotham who closed his eyes and said a silent prayer that this trip was going to turn out successful even if neither of them knew exactly what it was all about just now. Pele grinned, what teeth had had remaining flashed in what light came through the thickly verdant foliage. He had enjoyed the moment and plied himself to the rowing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The oars kicked back against the water as the two men pushed them strongly back and forth. Adam looked for some sign of the jacare and noticed, with relief, that it was waddling back to the shore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His thoughts drifted back to other trips, the beauty of the Alaska landscape even though it had been freezing cold. He could recall going onto the snow laden decks to observe the aurora borealis and as he glanced up now through the dense trees knew for a certainty that he\u2019d see no such beauty here. He recalled the excitement of the men when a pod of whales would appear swimming ahead of them, creating huge waves that made the ship bounce upon them. All they could boast about here were piranha, horrible little fish that hunted in packs and could strip a horse down to the bone within minutes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He closed his eyes \u2026what, he thought, what on earth was he doing here!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 15<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pedro Alvares Cabral had been the first European to step foot in Brazil. He was Portuguese and the year was 1500, exactly 377 years previous to Adam Cartwrights arrival. Not that Adam derived any satisfaction from that point but as they slid along the Paraguay river this particular April day he wondered what it must have felt like to have been the first man to step onto such virgin soil.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What had Cabral expected to find? When he had stood on t he coast of Bahia that April day in 1500 and gazed about the wild untamed land all around him did he think it would ever be tamed? Would he or did he anticipate the discovery of gold or silver – or diamonds?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that time there were over 5 million Indians that they were aware of now, and an estimated nine hundred tribes. Adam knew, and didn\u2019t need the books to tell him, that number had been decimated. He knew because it seemed that \u2018civilisation\u2019 seemed determined to seek out and destroy any culture that it deemed alien to itself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His thoughts tumbled one over the other as mile by mile they were taken down the river, two American naval officers, a Terino Indian, and two Brazilians who Adam didn\u2019t trust for a moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Behind him Jotham was watching the rhythmic motion of the oars as Luis and Pele dipped them into the waters. He thought that the two men would more than likely cut their throats one night, throw their bodies into the river for the piranha and alligators to eat. No doubt the men they sought had been despatched in just such a way. He wondered why he had decided to join Adam in this search.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He leaned back slightly and stretched out his legs. There was only so much heat a man could stand, only so many mosquito attacks before one felt totally exhausted. He longed for a drink of cold water or some cerveja, anything to slake his thirst. He closed his eyes and wondered if they would survive the trip, if perhaps the mosquitoes would finish them off before Luis or Pele would take their machetes to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At mid-day the men rowed the boat to shore, where they all clambered out, batted away a cloud of mosquitoes, found their own particular place to relieve themselves and then returned to where the Indian waited. Pele nodded \u201cVou culinary,\u201d he said authoritively and Luis shrugged, walked to the boat and pulled out a sack containing some food. Pele had appointed himself chef for the day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam chewed the food mechanically and thought of the slaughter the native Indians had endured over the past 377 years. Diseases killed off as many as warfare, slavery, and murder. Priests burned them at the stake as heretics, pagans and devils. It seemed nothing they did could end the scourge of white mans domination over them. It was a story written through history, in blood, of countless hundreds of races.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked at the Terino Indian and wondered what he was thinking, what was going on behind those blank features and black glittering eyes. He turned his attention upon Pele and Luis, laughing together, quietly whispering and nodding . He then sat down beside Jotham who glanced at him and shook his head \u201cTo be honest, sir, I\u2019m regretting coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam merely smiled, a twitch of the lips and concentrated on eating the food. He would have liked to have said \u2019To be honest, Jotham, so am I.\u2019 but that wouldn\u2019t have been good for morale.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One of the surprising aspects of the Paraguay river were the number of subsidiary rivers that flowed from it. Having just gone through the rainy season these rivers were wider than usual, flooding over the land that existed like so many islands, then as the waters receded the islands would re-emerge, some larger than previously, others smaller. Silt would build up on some, while soil was eroded from others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had returned to the boat and Adam said he would like to take over one of the oars or paddles in order to do something other than just sit and think. It didn\u2019t take long for him to realise that paddling with the oar along this particular river was mind numbingly tedious, created more sweat and still gave him too much time to think.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a while even the sight of the alligators sliding in to investigate their boat held no threat. He paddled on until the Terina signalled time to make camp. Pele and Luis clambered out and began to talk, out of ear shot of the Americans, which made Jotham suspect they were planning whereabouts to kill them, and re-enforced Adams distrust of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ground was dry from the rains and after a meal of maize and some meat, dry bread and biscuit, Jotham and Adam found their place to bed down for the night. Jotham slapped a few mosquitoes and sat down on a log beside the Captain while his eyes lingered upon their three companions. The Brazilians were talking among themselves and laughing as was usual, swigging from a bottle which they shared among themselves. The Indian sat alone as silent and stationary as a statue.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain, I\u2019m wondering if we\u2019re doing the right thing in trusting these guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned, beads of sweat got trapped in the furrows upon his brow, he wiped them away with his sleeve, \u201cWe have no choice but to trust them, Jotham.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know where they\u2019re taking us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo the last known location of the three men we\u2019re looking for.\u201d Adam replied quietly, \u201cThey\u2019re the only ones who\u2019d know as they swore blind that all three were alive when they left them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but why did they leave them behind?\u201d Jotham hissed and Adam looked at him in surprise and shook his head,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the sort of question you should have asked them when you had the chance, Jotham. You were with Yates and Radamsky when they were interviewed weren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham bit his bottom lip and chewed on it a while, he shook his head, \u201cI was there, but everything was a muddle, Yates and Radamsky were arguing among themselves more than interrogating them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you should have exercised your authority and insisted on finding out these things, Lieutenant\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham withered slightly at the irritation in Adam\u2019s voice. Had Joe or Hoss been there they would have told him that he was fortunate to have had such a lenient \u2018scolding\u2019, after all, their brother was hot, sticky, sweating, uncomfortable, hungry, tired, frustrated and a lot of other things that would have had him yelling fit to bust at them by now. Adam turned away from the younger man and looked over at Pele and Luis, he stood up and walked towards them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPele? Luis?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They were immediately silent, their playful laughter between themselves vanished as Adam beckoned to them to draw near. They approached in a humbler fashion than they had previously shown, perhaps the fact that the American had done some of the work himself that afternoon encouraged them to think he was worth respecting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about the men you left behind.\u201d Adam asked, \u201cThe Russian – was he a good man?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, very good man.\u201d Pele nodded and looked at Luis who nodded along with his companion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was alive when you last saw him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery much. Very happy to be alive. He collect plants in little bag.\u201d Pele said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he collect plants in big bag.\u201d Luis corrected his companion, \u201cA big bag. He say very good plants, make good medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the Englishman, Scolley?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men looked at one another, Luis lifted he bottle and shook it \u201cHe like drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pele shrugged \u201cAlways.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlways drinking? He was drunk all the time?\u201d Adam frowned, \u201cWas he not a good man too?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen drinking – no drink, always angry.\u201d Luis looked at Pele and muttered something, to which Pele agreed before saying \u201cIs true, angry man. Drunk – good man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grimaced and shrugged, shook his head and looked at t hem both \u201cHe was alive when you left him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery much always, sir.\u201d Pele said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the American? What was he like?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men looked at one another, Pele rolled his eyes \u201cGet sick. Leave in Fazenda, big place.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSick with what?\u201d Adam asked and wondered why on earth no one had mentioned this before now. Had Yates or Radamsky any knowledge of this, or, come to that, any interest?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBad fever. Very sick. Jaquetta take care of him.\u201d Pele said thoughtfully, he stared down at the ground as though to concentrate, \u201cWe take him with us later. He very weak.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo he died?\u201d Adam looked at them both but they shook their heads vehemently, and denied that any of them had died.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo tell me exactly what did happen? Why did you leave them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They stood in silence for a moment, then Luis said something in his local dialect to Pele, there was a brief discussion before he turned to Adam \u201cWe tell this to those others, they tell you – no?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam replied shortly and raised his eyebrows, \u201cJust tell me what you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another altercation and this time Pele cleared his throat \u201cWe travel far into jungle. The Russian man always finding things he has to write down in little book -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd put in bag.\u201d Luis nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cScolley angry with him, says they – not fast – he keep them slow.\u201d Pele frowned and shrugged \u201cRains came, storms with black clouds, everywhere very bad, very wet. Boats overturn. Jacare attack one night, take two men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTwo men.\u201d Luis nodded and frowned, he sighed \u201cMy brother, Javir.\u201d he tapped his chest, it obviously still pained him to think about it and Adam felt a pang of sympathy for him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMuch rain. We leave boats. Walk. Walk long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRaining, flooding. Too much water. We find fazenda and stay but not long before we leave. All have to leave, fazenda flooded and vaca we help take high ground. More men go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKilled? Drowned?\u201d Adam queried and he glanced from one to the other, \u201cDo you mean they just left you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, leave us. They go.\u201d Pele made hand signs to indicate the speed at which the men left, they obviously had no intention of hanging around to drown there although there were no guarantees that the flood waters didn\u2019t get them elsewhere..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen rain stop we walk on. But then Indians attack us. Very bad time.\u201d Luis was the more excitable of the two, he looked nervously over at the Terina Indian who was squatting by the small camp fire. \u201cMen fall, dead – quick. Poison -\u201d he shivered and rolled his eyes, he was obviously scared stiff at the memory and Adam had the distinct impression that when they reached the area of the attack it would be a case of goodbye Luis.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you leave them then? The three white men, did you leave them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pele spread out his hands, palm upwards, in a gesture of appeal \u201cNo more for us to do, we ran. We hide. Leave or die.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo how do you know that the white men didn\u2019t get killed as well?\u201d Adam now asked and looked at them both, \u201cWas there no talking, no parley between them and the Indians before the attack?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Brazilians looked puzzled, they frowned, looked at one another and shook their heads. \u201cSo the Indians attacked, killed a lot of your men, you ran and left them to their fate. You don\u2019t actually know if they\u2019re alive or dead, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Luis gulped and his eyes darted back and forth, from Pele to Adam and back again. Pele scratched his neck \u201cWe know where they were, we know where they were attacked. Is good idea to go there and see, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam just stared at them. The whole thing was inconclusive and as intangible as ever. He nodded and then turned back to Jotham.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did they say, sir?\u201d Jotham asked, \u201cI couldn\u2019t hear a word that you were all saying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened his mouth, closed it again and slapped several mosquitoes dead\u2026 then he looked at his companion and shrugged \u201cNothing worth knowing. We should come across some ranch or homestead soon, they may know something that those two idiots don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham thought to ask something and then decided it wasn\u2019t worth it, the Captain was obviously not in the temper to answer banal questions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 16<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of a baby crying woke Ben Cartwright from a light sleep. For a moment it was a struggle to open his eyes, but the crying continued for some while and he had to force himself to remember that little Hope was teething or perhaps had had a bad dream. She was not yet a year old and a more sensitive little soul than her big sister, Hannah.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He rolled onto his back and closed his eyes. With a sigh he intertwined his arms behind his head and rested his head upon them while he stared up at the shadows that wreathed the ceiling above. He recalled his conversation with Paul Martin earlier that day, and how his friends complacent attitude to how Ben felt had nearly awarded him a box on the ears. Ben sighed and waited for the crying to stop, which it did, fading away with a long drawn out wail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy am I feeling like this? So restless and irritated all the time, as though waiting for something to happen in my life but not knowing exactly what, or whether it is going to be for good or bad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLife has changed so much that\u2019s the problem. Yet what did I want to achieve in life anyway ? Wasn\u2019t it all this that I have now? Wealth, the ranch, my boys settled and happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sighed then, and scrunched up his eyes, then shook his head as he told himself that one of his boys wasn\u2019t happy, not that he knew it for sure, because the \u2018boy\u2019 himself wasn\u2019t there to tell him. But Ben reasoned, how could he be happy so far from family and the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m being illogical now,\u201d he told himself, \u201cAscribing to Adam the very opposite of how I\u2019m feeling. Expecting that he\u2019s unhappy where he is, doing something that he chose to do for himself all those years ago, and here I am safe and sound in the heart and soul of my family and longing to be somewhere else.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with me? Am I being selfish to be thinking like this? Most men would give their eyes to have what I possess. What man wouldn\u2019t want to be surrounded by grandchildren and their sons and their wives \u2026 knowing that they are safe, healthy, and even wealthy. Ah, I wish, I wish I could just feel \u2026 content. Content? I should be more than just content, after all, every dream I longed to fulfill, has been achieved. It has been, yes, and more so than I ever anticipated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m not content. Perhaps I would be if I had Roys temperment or Pauls.. .. But then Paul has a new wife, and he\u2019s busy in town doing what he loves with her by his side. And as for Roy, well, he\u2019s retired and he\u2019s living out his life like so many old men who have nothing else to do but sit and think, eat whats put in front of them and just wait. For what? Death? Senility?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t wish that for Roy, not for anyone. But it happens, and I don\u2019t want it to happen to me. Time flies by so quickly that before one knows it life is over, all over. I want to hold onto life for a bit longer. After all I\u2019m not that old \u2026\u201d Ben paused a moment to calculate exactly how old he was and he sighed, shook his head making the pillows rustle as a result \u201cGuess I\u2019m old enough to start believing it! Darn, if it weren\u2019t for the occasional flare up of gout, and a bit of arthritis in my hands and arms, I think I could pass as much younger. I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve aged so bad really \u2026 and I\u2019m not bald, got most of my teeth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFact is, I\u2019m feeling sorry for myself. I don\u2019t want to let go of what I\u2019ve known in the past. Darn it, my boys are middle aged, even Joe \u2026and they can run this ranch without me, with both hands tied behind their backs. No, they don\u2019t really need me here anymore, and I guess that\u2019s the rub, I\u2019m the old man and I want to be able to tell them what to do like I used to, instead of how it is now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me see, what options do I have? If this guy Silas Barrington is still in New Jersey, that\u2019s going to be a pretty long journey. Cattle drive is due, and Candy isn\u2019t here anymore to help, nor is Adam. Darn Adam , he should be here helping out not sailing around the world. Why do I feel this compulsion to go tracking down this Barrington? Martha couldn\u2019t really care less about him, or his family, if he has any.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOn the other hand, I could get me a ship to England and visit the Dunsfords. Marion and Beatrice wrote only the other day – no, the other month – inviting me to stay over there. Never did get back to them after that visit they made here, not that that was really much of a success, mmm, Beatrice sure opened up a can of worms with her behaviour. Adam deserved -” he yawned and blinked, rubbed his face and sat up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The house was in silence now, apart from its habitual wheezing and creaking. There was barely a whisper of a breeze from outside. He got out of bed and thrust his feet into his slippers. As he tied the belt to his dressing gown Ben allowed himself to dwell on the visit of the Dunsfords from all that time ago. Things have changed, he told himself, even since then.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben Phillips Cartwright rolled over in his bed and listened to the sound of his brother crying. The house was silent apart from the baby\u2019s wailing and he frowned as he recalled the times when he would wake up and it was just quiet, maybe the wind would be blowing or the pattering of rain against the glass. Sometimes he would wake up to hear his parents talking, their voices drifting up the stairs and so reassuring and comforting to the little boy trying to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He yawned and was wondering if the baby was ill when its crying was stopped. He knew then that Olivia had got up and would now be taking Nathaniel from his crib and into her own bed, and she would feed him there. He sighed, he could barely remember the times when Sofia was a baby and would wake him up. It was all a long time ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The door of his room creaked and he glanced over to see the outline of his sister in the doorway, holding her night light carefully so that it didn\u2019t smoke too much.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReuben, that baby\u2019s crying, and I woked up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He sighed and moved a little over to the side of the bed to make way for her, he wanted to keep his feet as far away from hers as possible, she always had cold feet and they made him shiver if they touched him. She put the night light down on the table and slipped in by his side, sighed contentedly and whispered that \u2018that baby\u2019 was always crying.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it ain\u2019t.\u201d Reuben said defensively, \u201cIt\u2019s because he\u2019s getting teeth. Ma said he was teething.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I didn\u2019t cry all the time when I had my teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you did.\u201d he frowned, as if she would remember anyway. He couldn\u2019t recall crying when he had his teeth growing either but he sure didn\u2019t like the fact that they were falling out now, and sometimes it hurt when the new ones came through. He tried to imagine what it would feel like for a little baby.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish Daddy were here.\u201d Sofia said, \u201cDo you think he\u2019ll be home soon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Joe said he would be, I asked him today, and he said probably next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said that last time you asked.\u201d Sofia replied drowsily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe did, I was there, I heard him say it.\u201d and Sofia put her thumb in her mouth and remembered how excited she had felt at the thought of Daddy coming home and as the week had gone on how unhappy as the hope had withered with each day. \u201cThey don\u2019t even know where he is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because it\u2019s a secret mission, that\u2019s why. I asked Granpa and he said it was secret, see?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Why does it have to be secret?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d I know? I\u2019m only a kid, they ain\u2019t likely to tell me are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben scowled, and fidgeted to get more comfortable, as usual she was taking up most of the bed. \u201cGo back to your own bed, Sofia.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, don\u2019t want to.\u201d she whispered and cuddled in closer to him, \u201cMommy misses him too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course she does, that\u2019s why she\u2019s his wife.\u201d he yawned, he was tired and he wanted to go to sleep. \u201cAunt Hester misses Uncle Hoss when he goes away, and so does Aunty Mary Ann.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sofia said nothing to that, she thought that her brother didn\u2019t really understand what she meant, there were different kinds of missing but she remembered that Aunty Hester had told her that men didn\u2019t always see things the same as women, and Rueben, she was sorry to admit even to herself, was one day going to be a man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben knew when his sister had fallen asleep, her breathing was heavier and sometimes she gave a little snort. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep as well but something was bothering him \u201cWhen I get to school on Monday I\u2019m going to thump that blooming Leslie Downing. He didn\u2019t have any right to say those things about Nathaniel. He weren\u2019t right. Pa and Ma said that I was as much a Cartwright as Nathaniel, and so is Sofia. That\u2019s what they said, they did too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat Mr Downing didn\u2019t have no right to tell Leslie that if Pa didn\u2019t come back from sea Nathaniel would inherit the Ponderosa because he was the real son \u2026 the heir he said \u2026 that\u2019s stupid, stupid. I\u2019ll show him, I\u2019ll show that Leslie Downing I will \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He yawned, his eyes closed involuntarily and he drifted into sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t know when Olivia had come into the room and carried Sofia back to her own bed, he didn\u2019t feel the kiss on his brow nor the gentle brush of her hand upon his head. In his dreams he was giving Leslie Downing a real beating and feeling triumphant, he even let a little laugh slip from his lips and Olivia, standing at the door, wondered what happy event her son was dreaming about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She closed the door and plunged the room into darkness.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The baby slept soundly in his cot and Mary Ann leaned down to look at him, stroked back a dark curl and smiled. Daniel Cartwright stirred a little and smacked his lips, then clutched hold of his toy rabbit and hugged it closer to himself. Mary Ann smiled and quickly returned to her own bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How the time had flown by, and her little boy was now 14 months old, walking about like a little man already and as she pulled the covers over herself she smiled again at the memory of her son sitting in a saddle on top of Buster, being taken around the paddock on a lead by Reuben who had been so proud as he watched the infant so carefully. Of course Joe was running beside the pony, holding onto the back of the saddle and with his other hand ready to grab his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The child had loved it, shrieking shrilly every so often and kicking with his legs, thankfully quite ineffectively and Buster was totally unfazed by it all. Daniel\u2019s cheeks had been rosy red and the hazel eyes had glowed and he had looked so like Joe that Mary Ann had fallen in love with them both all over again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She turned now to gaze fondly at her husbands face as he slept by her side. His tanned skin looked darker than ever against the whiteness of the pillow, his hair was every bit as tousled and wild as it had been the very first time they had met, all that time ago when she had stopped them and asked for their help to get to Calico.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn my heart of hearts I knew I loved you, even when you told me about that Indian girl you had loved and lost, I so wanted to hold you and take the pain away. What barriers you put up though, you were so alone, so sad. Dear Joe, dear Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In her room Olivia paced the floor with the baby in her arms and gently patted its back. He was sound asleep already but she loved the warmth of his body against hers as she walked around the room, a little body to hold and to love, to kiss and to cuddle. She went over to the window and looked out at the shadows of the buildings outside, then raised her eyes to the moon and the stars that floated in the heavens above\u2026 she sighed, then turned towards her bed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How empty it seemed without him there, she longed for the day when he would return, when his arms would enfold hers and she could look upon his face and know that he was safe, he was there, right there, and safe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 17<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fazenda, or as it would be called in Mexico, the hacienda, was not as big as either Adam or Jotham had anticipated. From the time the Portuguese had realised how rich the Pantanel became after the rains they had encouraged the building of cattle stations at various stages along the rivers. Like the River Nile that flooded over Egypt and fertilised the land there, so the Paraguay flooded and enriched the land so that it made perfect pasture for cattle. The fazenda\u2019s and other outposts were flooded regularly during the rains so the properties were deserted and cattle moved to higher land until the dry season returned, and along with it the grasses, and pampas.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A lean figure of a man came out and approached the small pier that had been built on the shoreline. He carried a machete in his hand and for a few moments both Americans wondered if he were going to chase them off but when his leathery face broke into a broad grin and his head nodded in welcome they relaxed and followed Pele and Luis from the boat. The Indian remained seated, his features unchanged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAmerican?\u201d the owner of the fazenda said with another nod and he extended his hand to be shaken while he raised the machete in the other hand \u201cFor anaconda\u2026\u201d he explained and laughed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham glanced swiftly around to make sure the anaconda\u2019s weren\u2019t hanging around to grab at him, he\u2019d seen several on his previous trip and had never got over the fright of seeing a whole pig being consumed by one. The Pantanero introduced himself with a long list of names but told them they could call him Jose, his wife was Neva and she was inside preparing food for them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were expecting us?\u201d Adam said as he followed Jose to the building from where they could hear the laughter of children and the scolding voice of a woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWord gets around.\u201d Jose replied, \u201cPeople talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe all one family\u201d Pele said, and he shrugged as though it were not unusual for something said hundreds of miles away \u00a0becoming common knowledge within hours elsewhere.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Neva was a small woman obviously with more Indian blood in her than her husband but there was a flash of white teeth as she smiled at them and then recommenced her scolding although the two children were now standing silent and wide eyed by her side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSit. Be welcome.\u201d Jose said and tossed the machete into a corner. \u201cMy children -\u201d he gestured towards them and then clapping his hands ushered them out of the building as though they were two recalcitrant chickens.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Neva served up the food, some soja (soybeans) and boiled chicken. It filled their stomachs but wasn\u2019t the most appetising of meals. She stood by their side nodding and smiling, obviously unable to speak English and therefore a non participant of the conversation. Adam began by commending Jose on his knowledge of their language to which the man grinned broadly and informed them that he had been to mission school when younger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve always lived here, on the river?\u201d Adam asked as he chewed a particularly tough piece of chicken.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Only since I married Neva. There is more money in raising vaca (cow) and growing soja. It is lonely but there are always travellers on the river.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A platter of bread was produced and Jotham bit into some, enjoying the fresh yeasty taste, butter appeared wrapped in greasy paper. Luis and Pele larded their bread with it, buttercup yellow and melting in the heat though it was, they ate as though they hadn\u2019t eaten for days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jose poured out the cereja and looked at the two Americans thoughtfully \u201cLast year white people came on the river with many others, too big, too many peoples. Too many guns\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuns?\u201d Jotham stopped chewing \u201cGuns?\u201d he repeated and glanced at Adam, then at Pele and Luis.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pele shrugged \u201cGuides and others for protect the white men. You are fools to think no guns.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jose gave Pele a long rather hostile glare then turned to Adam \u201cToo many. Too many men, too many guns. Indians see, they know guns and white men mean trouble for them. Too many times Indians killed. No talk, just bang.,bang, bang.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pele shrugged and for a moment Adam wondered if Jose was going to grab for his machete and make good use of it on Pele\u2019s skull, it was obvious the two men had differing views of the native Indians. He cleared his throat and raised a hand \u201cWe haven\u2019t come for that kind of purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you had, my door would be shut to you. But -\u201d Jose offered Adam some more food, \u201cyou have the Terena with you. He is good, a wise man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA shamen?\u201d Adam asked and Jose paused to think about it before nodding, Adam smiled \u201cHe offered to guide us to where the others that you saw last year could be living now. Have you heard anything about them at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe white men?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the white men\u2026 an American, Englishman and Russian.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jose shrugged \u201cThey are white men, all the same to me \u2026\u201d he picked meat out of his teeth with a broken finger nail \u201cNo, I have heard nothing about them.\u201d he drank some of the beer and frowned \u201cThere was one white man was sick with the fever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo I heard\u2026the American, Jefferson \u2026 a woman called Jaquetta helped him and he recovered?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJaquetta Mendes, yes, she up along the river with her husband. They have a store there, they trade with the Indians.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019ve not heard anything at all about these men? About the attack on them and their guides?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jose sighed deeply, for a man who seemed to know everything \u2018because of family\u2019 it seemed suddenly strange that such a violent act only months earlier should not have become common knowledge along the river. He leaned upon his elbows on the table, \u201cI hear nothing. People go into the swamps and wetlands, perhaps jaguar get them, or anaconda, or jacare \u2026 even Indians afraid that they will be murdered again \u2026 then they never seen again you understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced around the room, it was just one big room which contained everything the couple owned to run the cattle station and grow their crops. Childrens clothing and toys were scattered in one corner, food and cooking pots in another. He smiled, nodded and rose to his feet \u201cThank you for your hospitality, Jose.\u201d he turned to Neva and said something to her in Portuguese which she seemed to understand because she smiled and nodded, her eyes twinkled and she put her hands together and bowed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jose followed them to the boat where the Terena still patiently waited, and stood back to watch them climb into the vessel. The children appeared from nowhere, shrill cries of playful words bantered between them as they darted back and forth. They were handsome children, black haired, black eyed and brown skinned and Adam followed them with his eyes as they darted into the house. He wondered if they would get any schooling or be condemned to live in this isolated spot until one day they would vanish either into the jungle or to some big city. It made him think of Reuben and Sofia, and the longing to see them had to be pushed away quickly before it took too firm a hold on his emotions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see you when you come back – maybe.\u201d Jose said and raised a hand in salute.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boat pushed away and soon entered the mainstream to continue onwards. The forestry grew denser, Jotham cast a glance over his shoulder and wondered what Jose was thinking as he stood there watching them paddlling away from the fazenda.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He leaned towards Adam \u201cHe knows something about our missing men, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, \u201cHe\u2019s either too afraid to mention it or prefers to keep quiet about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think he recognised Pele or Luis?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably.\u201d Adam replied but raised a finger to his lips to indicate caution in what was said where the two guides could overhear them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The water slapped against the side of the dugout and the paddles rose and fell in unison. Despite anything else to the negative, it was clear the two men knew how to handle their craft. The Terena Indian remained as stoic and silent as ever, he sat facing the direction they were headed as though oblivious of who they were, where they were going or even why.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The food they\u2019d eaten may have been unappetising but it had been filling so when Pele and Luis brought them to a halt to camp for the evening both Americans were loth to eat. They drank coffee and did manage to eat some of the dry biscuits they had brought with them. Luis and Pele made a small fire and sat close to the flames, it kept the majority of mosquitoes at bay while they ate their supper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t trust them, sir.\u201d Jotham muttered, \u201cEven less now than I did earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJose didn\u2019t seem too impressed with them either, I thought he was going to take his machete to them at one time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you think it is so important for us to find those three men, Captain? Are they so well known, or dangerous or what?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they are all three well known in their repsective fields. Politically though – I think that the fact that there are three differing nations involved or were involved in this expedition is one main factor as to why they have to be found. Each man represents their nation, whichever man survived and has the secret of the diamonds, or whatever it was they were really looking for, benefits their country.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it always come down to politics?\u201d Jotham groaned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt usually does.\u201d Adam smiled and emptied his cup of the coffee, \u201cBut it could all boil down to plain simple greed, ambition, national pride.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham stretched out his legs \u201cI don\u2019t think we\u2019re going to find a diamond mine at the end of all this, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cQuite honestly, no, I don\u2019t.\u201d Adam frowned, his face scrunched into a scowl, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t fit into the picture right, does it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut there were a lot of men going with them\u2026 fifty men, that is a lot. Jose was right, it was too many.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd armed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and armed.\u201d Jotham frowned, \u201cAnd Pele and Luis were among them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey may well believe that it was a diamond mine those men were after. That may be why they were so eager to \u2018help us out\u2019\u201d Adam mused, and pouted his lips in a familiar manner while he raised his dark eyebrows, \u201cWell, I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll find out for sure where their loyalties lay in the near future.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They pulled their blankets over them, the air seemed full of the buzzing of mosquitoes, Jotham shivered, \u201cSir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think they may be assuming that we believe we\u2019re looking for a diamond mine? I mean, they may be thinking that we know its location -.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh well, if they think that, then they\u2019re wrong, aren\u2019t they?\u201d Adam replied shortly and pulled the blanket over his head in the hope of escaping a major mossie attack.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But there was a lot to think about, and his thoughts were on what little Jose had said that meant more than what he had actually divulged. Pele and Luis, well, he had already decided they were both totally untrustworthy. Yates bothered him, the memory of his conversation with the Englishman had troubled him, what was he actually doing in the Pantanel if he were not actually actively looking for Scolley? Why claim he was going to return to England when he patently wouldn\u2019t achieve that journey in the time he had specified. And Radamsky? Why, Adam lamented to himself, why did there always seem to be a Russian involved whenever he was sent on one of these assignments?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As usual thoughts tend to trickle into a chain that links up with memories, and before long Adam was remembering Doestov, which led to Lebedev and the murder of the beautiful Irena Pestchouroff in Alaska. That then reminded him of O\u2019Brien, the battle on the frozen tundra where Rostov and Jack Lawson had died. By the time he eventually fell asleep Adam Cartwright had tortured himself anew with the self condemnation for the deaths of those men and the loss of his friend, Daniel O\u2019Brien.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 18<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The letter was handed over to Mrs Cartwright with a smile, after all Eddie had handled the Cartwrights mail and various telegrams for years and knew the ones that would bring the recipients pleasure, those would cause pain. He knew exactly how Mrs Cartwright would respond to this particular letter, and nodded with satisfaction at the sight of the smile on her face and the way she breathed \u2018Thank you\u2019 to him on her way out of the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSuch a nice lady,\u201d he said to his next customer who agreed with no particular interest in the lady at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sofia was walking beside her mother, her hand holding fast to the hem of her mothers jacket. It was comforting to hold onto her like that, just knowing she was close enough but not a baby like some who needed to hold their mother\u2019s hand. She wore her new blue dress with the white apron that went over her head and was tied neatly at the back. She felt very grown up. Her blonde curls were caught up in a matching blue ribbon and she wore white stockings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben had been deposited at school a little earlier and had ran off happily enough having promised not to thump the Downing boy but to be mature enough to \u2018turn the other cheek\u2019. Olivia had delivered a little sermon about the principle of turning the other cheek, but Reuben wasn\u2019t too sure if the Downing kid, as he referred to him, would comply with anything he said about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bridie Martin smiled her big warm welcoming smile as she saw Olivia and Sofia enter the clinic. As usual it was busy and noisy with the chatter of women, some old men, babies and pre-school children. In one corner Mary Ann was seated with a group of small children gathered around her as she read them a story. In another corner Paul Martin had screened off the area in order to carry out preliminary medical examinations, hopeful that these ones would benefit from this free consultation with better health.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so glad you came today,\u201d Bridie exclaimed as she dropped a kiss on Sofia\u2019s head \u201cI have to go and see Mrs Burgess, her eldest boy has just come in to tell me she\u2019s gone into labour.\u201d she stepped away from a table where she had been sorting out clothes, \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t mind finishing this for me, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Olivia replied and looked over at Mary Ann, waved briefly her letter to indicate that there was news at last, and then moved around the table to take Bridie\u2019s place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI put some into the basket to be laundered,\u201d Bridie said, \u201cFoo Ling will be here later to take them and wash them, then they come back tomorrow to be sorted through. The clean garments go into that basket, but the clothes for babies and infants go over there. I do hope you don\u2019t mind, Olivia.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I don\u2019t mind,\u201d Olivia said again and slipped her letter into her pocket, smiled at Sofia, \u201cDo you want to go and listen to the story, or stay and help me here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sofia didn\u2019t really want to rummage through dirty clothing, she had already caught a whiff of something that didn\u2019t smell very pleasant and looked longingly over at Mary Ann. It didn\u2019t take long for her to be joining the other children who, after the story had been read, were now taught a little song to sing, in time to clapping their hands to the tune.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia set to her task of sorting out the clothes while all the time her mind went over and over what could be the contents of that letter. It had seemed such a long time since she had heard from him and several times she had to stop her work just to catch her breath and touch the pocket to feel the crackle of the envelope beneath her fingers.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrs Burgess was a woman in her early thirties and about to produce her seventh baby. Two had been still born, and another had died in infancy. In the part of town where she lived infant mortality was high, and one of the ambitions of Paul and Bridie was to bring that number down so that every mother and child had the opportunity to survive birth and grow to their full potential.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She looked at Bridie with anguish in her eyes and shook her head, \u201cI think it\u2019s stuck.\u201d she groaned while her hands gripped tight hold of the ticking on her mattress.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust relax, Mrs Burgess, and let me see.\u201d Bridie said in her gentle no nonsense manner while at the same time she put a small box of food staples on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The eldest Burgess, who had ran to get help, began to rummage in the box and exclaimed with delight at his findings, while the other two crowded round with cries of \u2018Lemme see, Jimmy\u2019 \u2018What is it, Jimmy?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within five minutes the children were sitting eating some cookies, the kettle was boiling on the stove in order to make some tea, and Mrs Burgess was relaxed, holding onto Bridie\u2019s hand and struggling to obey the instructions she was being given.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bridie Martin patted Mrs Burgess\u2019 hand and when the next contraction happened uttered soothing words. Over her shoulder she called to Jimmy to take his brother and sister to the clinic so that they could play with the other children there. Jimmy was used to having babies born and didn\u2019t mind the fuss and noise but he was mindful of the lady and grabbed his siblings by the hands and led them away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s your husband, Mrs Burgess?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWorking. Down a mine somewhere, he works for the Yellow Jacket Mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill he be home soon?\u201d she moved to the stove and poured boiling tea over the leaves in the pot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot until his shift is over.\u201d the other woman said and gratefully took the cup from Bridie\u2019s hand, \u201cOh, milk as well? Oh my goodness, I can\u2019t remember the last time I had milk in my tea.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s sugar too, that\u2019s good for the nerves. Now, drink it while it\u2019s hot.\u201d and Bridie smiled her generous warm smile while she sipped her tea, keeping a wary eye on the woman as she did so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It took another hour before Baby Burgess arrived, safe and sound, bawling lustily. As Bridie cut the cord and lay the infant upon Mrs Burgess\u2019 chest, she wondered if the town Council would allow funds for the \u2018new\u2019 buildings to have extensions built onto the back in order to provide parents with more than one child a little privacy. For a baby to be delivered in the main room of the house seemed so unbecoming to a country that boasted to be among the wealthiest in the known world.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright received the cablegram from Eddie who smiled and nodded at the rancher as though to convey that the news wasn\u2019t so very bad. Of course it all depended on exactly what news the big man had been expecting but Eddie was unfazed, he was quite sure that Ben would see the positives of what the cable brought him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben walked out tearing the envelope and smoothing the paper, Hoss appeared immediately at his side and peered over his shoulder, \u201cWho\u2019s it from, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know yet. I\u2019ve not read it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs it from Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Ben\u2019s lips thinned, his mind slipped back to wondering if he would ever hear from that son of his again, he shook his head and glared down at the address \u201cIt\u2019s from the architects I contacted the other day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe New Jersey ones?\u201d Joe asked, having appeared at Ben\u2019s other shoulder in order to take a peek \u201cWhat\u2019s it say?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt says \u2018Regret to inform you the company you enquired about no longer exists here in New Jersey. Letter follows.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that all?\u201d Hoss sounded almost as disappointed as Ben felt, he watched as Ben screwed the paper up and stuffed it into his pocket, \u201cNever mind, Pa, that\u2019ll mean you\u2019ll be able to stay home and do the ledgers as usual while Joe and I go on the cattle drive .\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s right. Now Candy\u2019s gone we need you at home to deal with things here, Pa. No good sending Hoss on his own with a herd of cows, you know what trouble he gets into\u2026 and no point in expecting me to do all the paper work because you know for sure what a mess I make of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben intoned with a sigh in his voice \u201cI know exactly what kind of mess you\u2019d make of them, I\u2019ve had to clear them up often enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey did say a letter follows, Pa.\u201d Hoss pointed out as he steered his father in the direction of the saloon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe nodded, \u201cThat should prove interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded, frowned slightly and pushed open the door to the saloon. Interesting indeed when one thought about it. He steered himself to a table and sat down, it was Hoss who went to the counter and ordered the three beers before pulling out a chair to sit on, Joe was already leaning back in his and smiling over at Candy who had strolled in behind them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben removed his hat and set it down on the table, took the glass of beer from Hoss and nodded over at Candy. While the three younger men began to talk among themselves Ben gave the matter some serious thought. Why would anyone want to send a letter on after posting off a telegram saying the matter was, really, more or less closed. It was an hook that keep him wriggling at the end of it, there was still a mystery for him to solve after all\u2026or, just perhaps\u2026 he sat back and sighed, nodded at Candy, drank his beer. It was really proving to be quite intriguing.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Terena Indian had sat in such silence and with total stillness for so long that it was almost too easy to think he didn\u2019t exist at all. When he suddenly rose up and swung his arm to the left, indicating that they turned off to the shore no one made any movement at all, the two Brazilians continued to paddle and Adam and Jotham remained deep in thought and nothing else. The Indian stood up and thumped his lance down upon the bottom of the boat and pointed once more to the shore where several alligators were quietly minding their own business, dozing in the heat of the day very much like Adam and Jotham.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo as he says,\u201d Adam said with a puzzled expression on his face for the Indian had been with them for two days now and had given no indication of interest in the expedition. So little did he provide to the group that Adam had got to wondering why he was there anyway.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Muttering to themselves Luis and Pele paddled hard towards the shore which aroused the interest of the alligators who slid into the water and moved into the centre of the river. The Terena said something to Luis who shrugged then he turned to Adam \u201cHide boat. Hide here – .\u201d and he pointed to the thick roots of trees and shrubs, big leaved plants that concealed who knew what but behind which each man concealed themselves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As silence descended the sound of paddles striking the water reached their ears. Adam craned forwards, his eyes narrowed in order not to miss a thing. The Indian, close by him, put a hand on the officers arm as though to prevent him rushing forwards from their place of concealment which was certainly not Adam\u2019s intention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A boat slowly emerged into view with six men within it. Adam glanced at Jotham and raised his eyebrows, Jotham shook his head and mouthed \u201cWhat\u2019s he doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam watched as the boat slid out of view, two alligators followed it but then stopped and slithered back to the shore, seeking the damp shadows of the foliage that grew right down to the waters edge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYates!\u201d Adam hissed and shook his head, he looked at Jotham who could only stare back at the Captain in amazement. \u201cWhere\u2019s Ramdamsky? He must be around somewhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia smoothed out the letter upon her lap, her eyes scanned the words without taking notice of them but savouring them nevertheless because it was evidence that his hand had written them down With the children in bed, baby Nathaniel fed and dozing in the little crib nearby, she was now free to savour the letters contents at last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a sigh of contentment she began to read:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy dearest Olivia<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time you get this letter I shall have left for my assignment. It isn\u2019t the easiest I\u2019ve ever been on, and certainly not the most pleasant. Brazil just after the rainy season is not ideal, although I am told, and have read, that there are many things of beauty there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I can\u2019t really put into words the love I have for you, my dear, nor how much I miss you and wish I were there by your side right now. I wonder where you are as you read this letter, where the children are \u2026 are they playing? Is Reuben at school? Are you alone?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ship\u2019s company are mostly new to me, although the doctor is Euan MacPherson again, a good man, a most competent doctor. There are some who have served under me before now, which is always good to see.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Take good care of yourself, dear girl, thinking of you now makes me long for the day when I can hold you in my arms again and just know that you are safe, with me. Does that make sense? Do you understand how I feel?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My love always,<\/p>\n

Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 19<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The excitedly urgent whisperings of the two Brazilians behind them immediately drew Adams attention as soon as the other vessel had disappeared from view into the thick groves that overhung the waters edge. He hissed for silence and then, after a glare from dark eyes at both of them demanded what they were grumbling about now. Luis and Pele exchanged looks and Pele shrugged while Luis spread out his hands \u201cThe Inglisi.. He with other men \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey on walk with us. They survive like us.\u201d Pele gabbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot good men. Drink all time.\u201d Luis waved his hands and shook his head, \u201cNot good honest hombres like us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised a hand for silence and looked at the Terena who was watching them with his usual bland expression, \u201cYou heard them coming?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian nodded, and pointed his hand to the direction the boat appeared and then swept his arm to wards the direction it had gone \u201cHouse on stilts. Buy liquor.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked down at the ground for a moment, recalling to mind the comment about the Englishman, Scolley and how he had always been drunk. He sighed and then glanced over at the Indian and with a nod indicated that he wanted to speak to him alone\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell me more about yourself. What really is your connection with these men?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was still squatting on his haunches, concealed from the river by the amount of undergrowth, the Terena was also at that level, and looked thoughtfully at Adam\u2019s face and then glanced quickly to where Jotham and the Brazilians were still half hidden away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI, Terena people, shaman\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know that much already. Tell me something I don\u2019t know\u2026 like your name, why you\u2019re helping us.. What your involvement in this mess has been?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was obvious the Indian was at a loss to understand everything Adam had asked, he stared again into Adam\u2019s face \u201cQu\u2019an Tera.\u201d he pointed to himself and although his expression didn\u2019t change Adam was sure that there had been a slight uplift of the dark brows.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cQu\u2019an Tera?\u201d Adam repeated and when the Indian nodded he said \u201cIs that your name? Your title?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cQu\u2019an Tera.\u201d the man repeated \u201cYou – American – I – Terena. I see white men come with big many men.\u201d He then paused, obviously at his limits regarding the language. He stepped back. Then slowly acted out what he had seen, by his actions Adam was able to interpret that Qu\u2019an had seen the attack on the party that had gone into the interior and for some reason of his own had felt under obligation to act now as a guide, a better and more experienced guide that the two hapless Brazilians, Luis and Pele. Perhaps it was a matter of honour, perhaps it had been his people who had attacked the group when they had entered into their territory. Whatever the reason was left to conjecture, the man could say no more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood up and put out his hand as a sign that he accepted what had been said, the intention was to shake the Indians hand but whether Qu\u2019an understood what a handshake meant or implied he only stood back, his face as inscrutable as ever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So, he doesn\u2019t really trust us.\u201d Adam thought to himself as he made his way to where Jotham and the other two men were clambering back into the dugout, \u201cHardly to be expected really, perhaps he has reason not to trust any white men and that\u2019s why he\u2019s taken on his role as our guide.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He gave an almost imperceptible nod to Jotham and entered the dugout, settled into position and waited for the Indian to take his, which he did some minutes later. Without a word spoken Pele pushed away from the land and out into the water. A water snake, black and lithe, swam past them, weaving in and out and around the paddles with an ease that made Jotham shiver. Not far to the left of them the water rippled for no reason and Luis glanced over his shoulder at them \u201cPiranha.\u201d and pointed to where the fish were obviously having a feeding frenzy, making both American wonder what or who had provided the feast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The house on stilts as Qu\u2019an had referred to the store approached just as the day was nearly at an end. There was no sign of the other canoe with Yates and the other men in it so whatever they had been wanting must, Adam concluded, been provided, leaving them time to remove themselves further upriver. They pulled their dugout high into the groves and walked to the building, the Terena preferring to stay where they had left the boat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMendes? Mendes?\u201d Luis called cupping his hands around his mouth in order to create a better effect \u201cHey. You have visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They walked on without any reason to feel anxious or concerned, but when a bullet suddenly winged its way towards them, followed by another, each man there dived for cover. Pele had given a yell and clapped a hand to his leg so that he had fallen into the undergrowth with Luis not far behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A torrent of Brazilian words flowed heatedly from Pele, followed by more from Luis. \u201cMendes, Mendes\u2026 it is Luis\u2026 Luis Hernandez.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another bullet pinged against the trunk of a tree, birds that had flown screeching and squawking through the branches of the trees screeched and squawked some more, there was a chattering sound as a small family of monkeys skeetered away, scolding and angry at the sounds that had been disruptive to their peace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tugged at Jotham\u2019s sleeve and signed to him that he\u2019d go the back way round the property while they kept Mendes, if indeed it were him who was firing at them, occupied there. Jotham whispered to Luis to keep calling to his \u2018friend\u2019 so Adam crept away to the sound of Luis\u2019 pleading voice \u201cYou have shot your friend Pele Valdez, Mendes, do you not know that? Your friend Pele is bleeding like one of your peegs, my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam found it easy enough to move through to the building, there had been a pathway cut out of the wilderness around the area of the store, which had been built on stilts so that during the rains when the ground flooded the building would remain untouched. There was ample room for dugouts and canoes to be pulled up beneath, and a strong tin roof had been nailed down that wasn\u2019t going to be blown off at any time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had reached the back of the building when he found the first body. A thick set man lying in a huddled heap not far from rivers edge. When Adam touched him the body fell onto its back exposing the wounds that had killed him. At a guess Adam decided that a Machete had been wielded to good effect, and for a moment he wondered whether to proceed or return to the others.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had already withdrawn his gun and held it steady in his hand as he now approached the building, with his free hand on the wood walls, he carefully rounded the corner to where a verandah ran across the frontage of the store, and it was here that a man was kneeling behind some barrels by the doorway. Carefully releasing the safety catch to his gun Adam aimed and said \u201cPut the gun down, slowly \u2026 if not, I\u2019ll fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, No.\u201d the gun was thrown to one side, \u201cNo, don\u2019t shoot me, don\u2019t shoot me, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Almost weeping with fear and obviously shaking with shock the gunman hurriedly rose to his feet and turned to face his captor who now stood on the verandah and was staring at him in surprise \u201cYates? You?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, yes, it\u2019s me, it\u2019s me\u2026 for pities sake, don\u2019t shoot\u2026\u201d Yates closed his eyes as though he were about to offer up a prayer before, hopefully, he\u2019d be meeting his maker.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here? What\u2019s happened?\u201d Adam slipped his gun back into the holster \u201cPut your hands down, man, you\u2019re looking ridiculous. What\u2019s been going on? We saw you pass us earlier \u2026 where\u2019s the rest of your men? Who\u2019s the dead man out back?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Yates pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his face and neck, \u201cThank you? I thought it was them come back to get me. Thank you for not shooting first and asking questions afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike you, do you mean?\u201d Adam sneered and yelled out to Jotham that there was nothing to fear, they could come over to join them. \u201cYou shot one of my men, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did?\u201d Yates looked surprised \u201cI thought I was shooting over everyone\u2019s head or whatever, I didn\u2019t mean to shoot anyone, it wasn\u2019t on purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook, just stop jawing and get inside.\u201d Adam scowled over at the Englishman and then looked over to Jotham who was helping Luis to support Pele. He gave a slight shrug as Jotham caught his eye \u201cBest come and see who I\u2019ve found ..\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Together Luis and Jotham helped Pele into a chair that was nearby and then followed Adam into the building where Yates was pacing the floor, rubbing his hands together like a man terrified for his life. Adam looked at him and then around the room \u201cWhere are the owners\u2026 the Mendes?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoth of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates frowned and rubbed his forehead, he closed his eyes as though struggling to think straight and then opened them to look around him. He put out his hands as though imploring them for something, Adam wasn\u2019t sure what it was, for pity or understanding, perhaps? \u201cI don\u2019t know about Mrs Mendes, the woman I mean. Her husband was cut down by – by one of the men who I thought was going to guide me to Scolley and the other men. They said they were survivors of the expedition and that they knew where Scolley was, and that they\u2019d take me there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Mr Yates, just slow down. Catch your breath and take a seat.\u201d Adam gestured to a chair and Yates stumbled into it, hunched himself over and buried his face in his hands, \u201cJotham, see if there\u2019s anything we can drink around here. Hey, Luis\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Brazilian turned and nodded \u201cI\u2019m here, boss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo and see how Pele is, check and see how bad that wound is \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I go and do that now.\u201d Luis cried and scampered off, only too happy to be out of the place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While Jotham searched for something to drink the sound of the two men talking together on the porch could be heard in the background. Yates was calming down now, taking deep gulps of air and slowly looking more like the man they had known in the city. Jotham eventually appeared with some bottles of rough beer which he opened and handed round. Adam leaned upon the slab of wood that had served the Mendes as a counter, drank some and grimaced, swallowed and cleared his throat \u201cWhat\u2019s your story, Yates? Just who exactly are you representing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates took several swigs of the drink and looked at the two Americans, \u201cI should have been honest with you from the start but I panicked when I met Radamsky. He assumed I was a representative from the British Government but I\u2019m not, I\u2019m just a journalist, freelance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham lowered his hand and blinked, he stared from Yates to Adam and back again, \u201cA journalist? What in the name of heaven were you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI – I can explain. I can explain everything.\u201d Yates said with a slight quaver in his voice but before he could say another word Luis came running into the store yelling as though he were about to be murdered, pointing behind him and gibbering.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think,\u201d Adam said slowly, \u201cthat Luis has just found Mr Mendes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Jotham straightened up and then frowned \u201cSo why all the noise?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t bother to explain, Luis was doing sufficiently well without his help.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 20<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whatever Jothams thoughts on the matter he was despatched to attend to the body of the unfortunate store keeper and help Luis with Pele who was complaining that his leg hurt and no body was bothered whether it would drop off or not. Now that they were alone Adam pulled up a chair and sat astride it, looked thoughtfully at Yates and drew in a deep breath before exhaling slowly \u201cNow then, Mr Yates, perhaps you would like to start from the very beginning .. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mark Yates nodded slowly and ran thin fingers through lank hair that was clinging to his scalp due to his sweating so much. The atmosphere in the store was oppressively hot and he constantly licked his lips but when he looked at Adam it was with an honest straight appearance, he was out of his natural environment and shocked at the realisation that savagery had come so close to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a freelance journalist,\u201d he repeated as though that was the most obvious way to start the conversation and he fumbled in his pocket and produced a white card which he handed to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The details were as he had said, a small card with his name, profession and home address, in London, England neatly printed thereon. Adam slipped it into his own pocket and raised his eyebrows, \u201cGo on\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it was October 1875. I went to take notes of a meeting of the Natural History and Science Convention which was held annually. There were talks and discussions about the wetlands of the Brazilian and Bolivian mountains, they called it some Indian name or other but apparently the place was vast and its resources extraordinary. Scolley gave a talk about the Indians living there, undiscovered, primitive, and very savage. He showed some shrunken heads which I remember caused quite a stir. Some ladies actually fainted.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam inhaled again, as though he were either impatient for the man to finish his story and get to the crux of the matter or because he was hoping not to have his head shrunk. He had heard of such things but never seen one himself. Yates drank some beer and swilled it around his mouth a while.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDuring the discussions\u2026 well, questions from the audience and answers from the experts kind of thing, someone asked if there was gold and silver there, or diamonds and the answer was in the affirmative, that there were untold riches to be discovered there. During the sessions Sokolovich had a lecture on the plant life and said that the true wealth of these wildernesses was in the herbal qualities the plants contained. He put forward the hope that the Societies for Natural History and Science would sponsor an expedition. Someone ventured to say that as a Russian he would be better off getting help from his own Government, but he said that science, especially when it could benefit all mankind, should have no barriers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He scratched his head as though he needed to think things out and Adam shifted a little in the chair, the heat was becoming heavier as evening descended and shadows were drawing in closer. Yates frowned and recommenced his narrative \u201cIt was some weeks later when I saw Scolley again. The article I\u2019d written had been very successful and the Editor of the paper I\u2019d forwarded it to had asked me to look into it more if possible and send him anything I could find. Well, when I saw Scolley going in to the pub I naturally followed, keeping a discreet distance, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He took a sip of the beer and sighed, thought for a moment before he continued \u201cThere were several men there, they had their heads together over a map and Scolley was scribbling in his little notebook. I couldn\u2019t hear everything they said, but Scolley did say at one point \u2018Are you sure this isn\u2019t just another myth?\u2019 and the other chap pulled something out of his pocket, it was wrapped up in green cloth, and he was very cautious about showing it off. Scolley took it, whatever it was, and examined it carefully. He went pale before handing it back and said it looked authentic enough to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a pause now as Jotham came back into the store with Pele and Luis, they were supporting the injured man between them and then lowered him onto a truckle bed that was in the corner of the room. As the shadows were descending Adam suggested that a search be made for lamps or candles which Luis eagerly undertook. Jotham pulled up a chair and sat close by to his Officer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, what happened next?\u201d Adam asked just as Luis found some lamps and light burst out into the room. He carried one over to where Pele lay, taking a mug of something to drink to him before sitting cross legged on the floor beside the bed. Adam noted that they were at a distance from them and when Mark began to speak again he signalled to him to lower his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI found out that the pub was Scolley\u2019s favourite watering hole so met up with him several times after that, he liked to drink and when I told him I had been at the Convention and heard him talk about the Brazilian forests he was very impressed. I didn\u2019t tell him I was a journalist, that was a sure way of these so called experts suddenly losing their tongues. Well, he let slip that there was an expedition being arranged. An American, Howard Jefferson was being backed by an very affluent sponsors, and the Russian Sokolovich was going with the backing of his Government.\u201d Mark frowned, and nodded \u201cRussia\u2019s becoming an important player in the world now, they want to prove that they\u2019re as much ahead with the times as any other nation. They don\u2019t want to be thought of as a backward thinking country anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, he fully understood all about Russia, and asked Mark if he knew much about the American, Jefferson. \u201cSure, I did research on him as well. He\u2019s very well known in his field, very well respected as well. Scolley promised that he\u2019d let me know when they were leaving, in case I was interested. Well, my Editor was very interested and told me to get involved as much as possible but in the end Scolley just went without letting me know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you got his notebook anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes. You see when they all disappeared my Editor contacted me and said that there was an even better story now, and he\u2019d pay for me to come along and find out all I could. I wasn\u2019t sure what my cover story could be but Radamsky came along and assumed I was a Government official looking for an eminent scientist, because that was what he was himself. He\u2019d been here a while longer than I, we joined up, looked around to see what we could find, located some survivors and that\u2019s how I came in possession of the notebook.\u201d he looked at Adam and grimaced, a downturn of his mouth and a shrug of the shoulders \u201cI\u2019m sorry I lied to you, Captain. I didn\u2019t want Radamsky to realise that I was just a journalist.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe probably found that out sooner than you think, Yates, and saying that you\u2019d be off to England to put in your report and back again within a month was a sure fire way of confirming his suspicions.\u201d Adam said with a slight smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI realised I\u2019d made a mistake as soon as I said it,\u201d Mark replied with another shrug, \u201cI thought I\u2019d get some of the men I knew had been on the expedition and follow you. You had the advantage of one of the Terena Indians guiding you, and the notebook.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jothan now leaned forward, having been patient for so long his curiosity had now piqued and he asked Yates what had happened at the store house, to Mendes and Mrs Mendes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe got here some hours ago, and the men I\u2019d hired immediately demanded drink. They weren\u2019t content with beer, they wanted stronger, tequila one of them said. It wasn\u2019t long before they got drunk and quarrelsome, then they got to whispering together, laughing, looking at me and Mrs Mendes in a way I didn\u2019t feel comfortable about and I asked Mendes what was going on. He was getting worried and told them to quieten down, they started a fight with him, it just got out of hand. I got hit on the head – and then when I came round they\u2019d gone. Emptied my wallet, took my notes .. And Mrs Mendes as well. Then when I went outside I found Mr Mendes, he had a rifle in his hand which I picked up just as I heard you approaching. I thought they\u2019d come back to kill me off\u2026.I\u2019m sorry I shot at you, I\u2019ve never fired a weapon before in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Pele will be pleased to know that it was nothing personal, Mr Yates.\u201d Adam said and rose to his feet, pushed the chair aside and walked over to the injured man, \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFever. Not able to go on now.\u201d Luis said defiantly and his dark eyes flashed rebellion, but Adam didn\u2019t seem too bothered by the information he just nodded and said that they needed to eat, Pele may feel better after some food and sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Luis said nothing to that but shrugged and stubbornly refused to move from his position. If they wanted food, then they could get it themselves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was sufficient food and more for them to make a meal, a substantial one at that. Jotham returned to the dugout with maize and meat for the Indian, and to suggest that he join them closer to the store. It was an hour before Qu\u2019an eventaully arrived and sat, cross legged, on the verandah outside the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They settled down to sleep, and although Adam was quite sure that the Indian would remain alert he put them on four hourly watch through the night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Throughout his watch Adam thought over Mark Yates story. He was quite sure that the man was telling the truth, there was too much detail in the whole thing for it to fabricated but the fact that Radamsky had gone made the American feel uncomfortable. His only dealings with Russians hadn\u2019t been very positive, even his liking for Doestov had been founded on the fact of mutual respect for the person rather than the profession or integrity of either.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wondered why Yates guides would take his notebook. Perhaps to see just how much Yates knew, or in his conjectures and speculations would lead them to provide their own answers. It niggled, the fact that there were a bunch of murderous Brazilians paddling around close by and an invisible Russian to boot, was just too big an itch to scratch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Jotham relieved him he found a blanket and curled up on the floor. He could hear Pele groaning and moaning, Luis whispering which led him to wonder if the two of them would attempt to murder them as Yates men had to Mendes. He fleetingly wondered the fate of the woman and then drifted off to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham was preparing some food for them to eat when Adam woke up. The only sounds, apart from Jotham\u2019s preparations were the sounds of the wilderness waking up, monkeys gibbered, birds called out, song birds trilled. For a moment Adam lay still and listened, pondered over the diversity of creation, the beauty alongside the terrible. Along with the most colourful and lovely of creatures were the anaconda\u2019s, alligators, other reptiles and creatures that made him shiver just thinking about them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Qu\u2019an was still in his position on the porch and accepted the food without a word. Yates and Luis roused themselves and set about their ablutions, ate their food and drank strong hot coffee. Pele was weak, feverish. Adam examined his leg and noted that the bullet had passed through the fleshy part of his calf, had the man been cleaner there would, perhaps, have been less infection. He cleaned the wound thoroughly with salt water and bound it with some clean linen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI stay here, boss.\u201d Pele said hoping that his voice sounded weak and that of a near dying man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour arms aren\u2019t affected, man, you can still paddle a canoe.\u201d Jotham said with a scowl, and glanced at Adam who gave a slight shrug of the shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Luis defended his friend, declaring the man far too weak, too unwell. \u201cI suppose you feel you need to stay with him?\u201d Adam said and when Luis nodded very empathetically the Captain turned around and picked up his hat, buckled on his gun belt and checked his gun.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Luis watched as though fascinated and no doubt wondering if the American was going to threaten the two of them with a bullet each if they didn\u2019t get to the canoe, but Adam didn\u2019t bother. So far as he was concerned both men were pretty useless as far as they went, he knew that the two of them relied as much on Qu\u2019an as they themselves did and so without another look at them he walked out of the building.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Qu\u2019an was already in the boat, patiently waiting for them to set off. Casting his kit into the dugout Adam settled inside, followed by Jotham and then Yates. Picking up a paddle the two naval officers cast their vessel from the shore with the journalist hugging his belongings close to his chest and wondering if he would ever get back to his \u2019watering hole\u2019 in London ever again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 21<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Light from the sun broke through the thick canopy of leaves, boughs and overhanging growth in sudden bursts as though to surprise those travelling through the murky humid gloom of the Paraguay. Jotham sat in the rear with Yates between him and Adam, while the Indian sat in his usual position as the navigator.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two Americans used the paddles to good effect synchronising the rise and fall of each stroke to propel the rough hewn vessel through the waters. Every so often something would slither past which would cause Yates a shiver down the spine and the occasional curse. Alligators dosed in the heat on the shores and when Adam called for a break in order to drink or eat something they did so remaining in the boat and away from the reptiles which at times were grouped closely together and would open their eyes lazily as though to look them over as a possible meal.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Qu\u2019An remained silent and stationary, moving only when necessary and that was seldom. Yates on the other hand fidgeted and moaned, fussed and cursed so much that Adam had to order him to quieten down. During one of their breaks for a drink Adam asked Yates how he had managed during the time he was with Radamsky looking for the so called clues to the whereabouts of the missing men. \u201cYou must have seen enough alligators and snakes then surely?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot really,\u201d Yates said with a shiver as something stirred in the water nearby, \u201cI mean, from a distance, nothing like this -.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can understand why your guides left you behind at the Mendes,\u201d Jotham muttered, \u201cIf you made this fuss all the time when you were with them I\u2019m surprised they didn\u2019t throw you overboard.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned and looked thoughtfully at the journalist \u201cWhy exactly did you hire those men anyway? Surely you could tell they were a bad lot?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you before, I thought there was a good story to come out of all this. I want a scoop, Captain, and following you, being involved in this search, will provide me with one that could make my name as a journalist. They promised me their help so I took them up on it. I wasn\u2019t to know that they had their own agenda.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhich was?\u201d Adam raised an eyebrow and glanced at Jotham.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo get rid of me as soon as they could.\u201d Yates scowled darkly. \u201cThey said that the American, Jefferson, had been taken ill and Mrs Mendes had cured him. They were of the opinion that he may have told her something in his delirium that would lead them to this lost city.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you mention this before,\u201d Adam exclaimed in exasperation, \u201cDid they mention it to Radamsky?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates shook his head and his face screwed up with annoyance, \u201cLook, I only just remembered it, alright? I can\u2019t think of everything you know? And why should they have mentioned it to Radamsky, they didn\u2019t mention it to me until we were nearly at the place where she lived.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham looked thoughtful as he resumed his position in the boat. Being a dugout crude vessel there were no seats or benches up on which to sit, they had to kneel, paddle and keep their position steady as they worked. It was tiring work and he was feeling less than generous towards the Englishman, \u201cThis Radamsky fella is a bit of an enigma, don\u2019t you think, sir? He told me, prior to your arrival, that Sokolovich was his brother in law, that it was an honour to be asked by his Government to look for him, but more so because he wanted to find the husband of his little sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded \u201cTrue enough, that\u2019s what he told me when we met at the hotel, which is why I can\u2019t understand his going back to Russia without having found anything out at all. I doubt very much if Gorchakov would be relying on me of all people to find their missing scientist, and why would Radamsky expect me to do more than would be expected of him, the mans relative?\u201d he glanced over his shoulder at Yates who was scribbling down notes with nervous jottings of his pencil. \u201cIt was easy enough to see through Yates, his lies were so blatant, and he looks what he is, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham nodded \u201cBut Radamsky?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t imagine his sister being very pleased to see him without news of her husband, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you don\u2019t mind my saying so, sir, but this whole assignment is very strange. I have to admit I don\u2019t feel at all comfortable about it, my gut feeling is that there\u2019s something very wrong with it all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam narrowed his eyes and then sighed, shook his head \u201cMy gut is saying much the same, but there\u2019s not much we can do just yet \u2026 it\u2019s a case of following each lead until we can put them all together to make sense of them. Radamsky is just a loose thread \u2026he\u2019ll show up when he thinks it\u2019s convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo whom?\u201d Jotham sighed and his frown deepened when Adam shrugged and said \u201cTo himself, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned to Yates who was obviously deep in thought about what to write next \u201cYates?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRadamsky?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates sighed as though the subject of the Russian was now boring and he didn\u2019t really want to repeat himself, \u201cWhat about him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou spent a bit more time with him than Lieutenant Morton here \u2026 did he talk about his family connections? His sister ?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates stared at the officer and then shook his head \u201cNot really.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean? Did he or didn\u2019t he?\u201d Adam snapped irritably and picked up his paddle which Yates surveyed with speculative caution.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said that Sokolovich was married to his sister which was why he was so pleased to have been asked by Gorchakov to undertake the search. He said Sokolovich was all the things I\u2019ve already mentioned and that he would be t he proudest of men to be able to return back to Russia with him, safe and in one piece – or words to that effect, of course.\u201d and he licked the nib of his pencil and jotted down a few more words in his notebook.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo -\u201d Adam pursed his lips in a familiar pout and narrowed his eyes \u201cif that was the case why has he gone back to Russia now without any further information or a body or the man himself ? Having said one thing why is he doing the exact opposite?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates put down his notebook and pencil as though appeasing the officer with answers was a regrettable lapse and waste of his time, \u201cI don\u2019t know. Have you ever tried to get into the head of a Russian aristo and make sense of what\u2019s going on inside it? He didn\u2019t take me into his confidence, Captain, that\u2019s all I can tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t see him before he left?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot to speak to at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Yates frowned and rubbed his nose, he shrugged \u201cIf you recall we left the room together. He said he was returning to Russia and I said – well – what I said about going to England. I never thought any more about it, I mean, about what he had said because I was too worried about what I\u2019d said, I knew I had made a classic error and you would pick up on it. That\u2019s why I got busy rounding up some men to be my guides. But I never saw Radamsky after that meeting and we parted in the foyer of the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam fixed him with a long dark stare and then turned his back on him, he nodded his head as a signal to Jotham to prepare to commence paddling, the boat moved forwards creating small wavelets that trickled across the waters towards the shore. The sounds of the wilderness continued around them, a constant background noise to the sound of the paddles striking in and out of the currents. Qu\u2019an sat cross legged and silent, his thoughts and feelings were his own, his reasons for being where he was totally safe and locked within his heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It seemed to Adam that he was never free from Gorchakov\u2019s reach, even here in the wilderness a Russian was creating the most difficulty in an assignment that was proving to be nothing more than a gigantic conundrum. Behind him Jotham kept his eyes fixed on Yates back, if he could have done so without a myriad mosquitoes diving in on him he would have liked nothing better than to have stripped off his shirt which was sodden with sweat, and dived into the water, alligators and water snakes included. He felt miserably hot, and uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The light was fading now, even when the foliage above them was thin and enabling the sun to shine through, so the day was drawing to a close. Yates cleared his throat \u201cIf I recall rightly from the map, we should be reaching a tributary of this river soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded \u201cYes, I\u2019ve been looking out for it for the past ten minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan we trust that Indian, Captain?\u201d Yates hissed, leaning forward slightly in order to whisper the words in Adam\u2019s ear, but his question was met with a shrug of the shoulders, and Adam said quietly \u201cJust at present, Mr Yates, I\u2019m not sure who exactly there is we can trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That remark had the effect of making Mark Yates sit back, he slowly unbuckled his bag and placed his precious notebook and pencil within before rebukling it and clutching it to his chest. Nearby came the splash of something falling or entering the river, he didn\u2019t dare to look over his shoulder but sat rigid and straight backed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tributary appeared just ahead and Qu\u2019an raised his arm with the lance in his hand and pointed to the direction they were to take so with unhurried strokes of their paddles Adam and Jotham steered their way to where the Indian indicated and carefully beached the craft. After dragging it up into the undergrowth they pulled out their belongings while the Indian stood leaning upon his lance while balanced on one foot, waiting for them in his usual stoic manner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe walk.\u201d he said and after looking at each one of them in turn he began the trek through the dank foliage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam checked his gun to ensure that it could be removed from its holster swiftly and followed the Indian without faltering. Behind him came Yates, still hugging his possessions closely to his chest and his eyes roving everywhere in case there was a snake underfoot to bite him, or an anaconda overhead to fall upon him. Jotham brought up the rear, a rifle in one hand and his kit on his back. Sweat dripped down his back and mosquitoes gathered in swarms. He wondered, briefly, how his cousin Daniel O\u2019Brien would have handled such an adventure, no, correction he told himself, this was no adventure, this was an ordeal of the worst kind!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 22<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss Cartwright sat in the big armchair and stretched out his legs so that his feet could feel the heat from the fire. It had been a cooler than usual day and the evening was cold enough to warrant a fire, he wriggled his toes and watched his wife as she nursed Hope with Hannah playing on the rug with a doll.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was a contented man and thanked God for his blessings daily after all he had many compared to some he knew. His eyes lingered upon Hope whose fingers were playing with a strand of Hester\u2019s hair. It hardly seemed possible that she was just a month short of a year old, and the memory of her birth brought a lump to his throat as he recalled Paul telling him that he could well have to choose between his wife or his child. The scene played before his eyes vividly and he had to put a hand to his chest to stop his heart thumping so hard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hope with her bright blue eyes and blonde hair was smaller built than Hannah, she had her mother\u2019s shaped face, and quiet nature. It fascinated him regularly at noticing the<\/p>\n

differences between his daughters, upon which thought his gaze now turned to Hannah who was encouraging her dolls to sit in a circle and read a book. Hannah with her black hair and bright eyes, she resembled her father with her round face and had Hester\u2019s build, but other than that she took after her grandfather Ben more each day. Hoss sighed and when he looked up it was to notice Hester looking fondly over at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMore than alright, Hester, I was kinda counting my blessings.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled slowly and looked lovingly down at the infant she was nursing, Hope\u2019s eyes fixed upon her own and her face creased into a smile at the recognition of her mother. Hester stroked back some of the fine blonde hair and then looked back again at Hoss, \u201cWe\u2019ve so much to be grateful for, haven\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I was remembering when Hope was born and how I nearly lost – could have lost you.\u201d he cleared his throat noisly, \u201cShucks, I don\u2019t know how I\u2019d have managed without you, Hester.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She said nothing to that but turned away at the sound of Ben entering the room and joining them, \u201cAre you alright, Pa?\u201d she asked, and waited for him to settle into his old leather chair before asking him if he had received any news from Adam as yet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d he sighed and frowned, \u201cAfter all this time in the service I should be used to it, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo news is good news.\u201d Hester murmured as she stood up and smiled over at him, \u201cAt least we can keep telling ourselves that, can\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, my dear, I suppose we can.\u201d Ben nodded and reached for his pipe, saw Hannah who was now on her feet and leaning against his legs \u201cHello, sweetheart, what have you been doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReading a story, granpa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, come here and sit on my lap, and I\u2019ll read one to you, if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbout a princess?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, if that\u2019s what you want.\u201d Ben smiled, his dark eyes gentled and he ran his hand over her head, \u201cDo you know, Hannah, I remember another little girl who looked just like you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWas she pretty?\u201d Hannah\u2019s eyes went round and she hugged her rag doll close to her chest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell yes, of course she was pretty, if she looked like you she would be very pretty, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hannah frowned, \u201cWhat was her name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHer name was Sarah. She was my sister and a year older than me, eighteen months younger than my brother John.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester glanced at Hoss and then over to Ben \u201cYou haven\u2019t mentioned her for some while, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t I?\u201d Ben\u2019s brow crinkled and he shrugged \u201cI guess it never struck me before just how much like the Cartwrights Hannah takes after, she\u2019s very like Sarah. There were five of us, John was the eldest, then Sarah, then myself, Martha came next and Francis was the youngest.\u201d he smiled slowly, and gazed into the fire while Hannah settled into his lap with her head upon his chest, \u201cSarah was never afraid to speak her mind if I recall rightly, different from Martha who was very quiet and rather timid. Yet for all her spirit she was the one who died when smallpox swept through the town. Martha was stronger, and survived.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to Martha, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked and leaned forwards a little in order to help himself to some apples.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh she became a schoolteacher. I left home when I was 14 if you recall, so I never really saw much of her growing up, but I remember getting back in time for her wedding. She had been a teacher for a few years by then and married a doctor, young man of the name of Gorman. That was the last time I saw her as he took her off to some settlement in the west. My mother told me that she\u2019d had a child at sometime but I can\u2019t recall when that was, letters seldom arrived even if they were ever written.\u201d he shrugged and looked at Hannah \u201cI think it\u2019s time for your bed, young lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you never told me a story, granpa?\u201d the child lisped prettily and blinked her eyelashes so that Ben laughed and tweaked her nose<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet to bed and I\u2019ll come up later and tell you one. You pick out a book, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, thank you, Granpa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her feet pattered lightly across the floor and Ben sighed, he could recall another little child who would run across the floor like that and as like as not trip over his own feet before he was half way up the stairs. Little Joseph Francis Cartwright had kept them all, more or less, on their toes with his mischief and ability to get into trouble. Ben\u2019s head drooped upon his chest and he forced the memory to float away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked, forgetting that his wife had asked just that same question only moments earlier.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Hoss, I\u2019m alright.\u201d Ben replied with a slight shrug of the shoulders as the only indication that he was irritated by this attention.\u201dNow, if it\u2019s alright with you, I\u2019ll go and tell my grand daughter a story.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa, sure\u2026\u201d Hoss let the words trail away as he watched his father\u2019s broad back and then with a slight frown bit into an apple.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The note paper seemed to taunt him by its whiteness. As ever when confronted with a blank page Hoss felt at a total loss as to what to put down onto it. He rummaged through his mind as to what he had intended to do and then dipped his pen into the ink well. The pen hovered for a fraction of a second before he began to write his letter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi Adam<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s late evening here, and apart from Hester and me everyone\u2019s gone to bed. Well, I guess that means Hop Sing, Pa and the girls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a busy day, spring time always is busy like as you know what with the branding and checking over things to make sure everythings in order for the cattle run. Luke Dent and the Jessops are joining with us this springtime, so likely as not it will be quite some herd being taken down for all them eastern folk to enjoy some Ponderosa beef steak.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anyhows, we\u2019re all doing well here and thinking of you. I heard you was in Brazil of all places. That\u2019s a big lot of land out there, brother, I saw it on the map and looks like to me you\u2019re as likely to get lost in that place as you would if you stayed on your boat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Well, fact is why I\u2019m writing this here letter is because we\u2019re a mite worried about Pa. Since he found that note like what I told you about in my last letter to you, he\u2019s been acting not like hisself – I mean – himself. Seems like he\u2019s waiting for something to happen. Well, he\u2019s actually waiting for a letter to come to tell him about this here family called Barrington who are related to Martha Frobisher. He\u2019s kinda all jittery and jumpy like a young calf waiting to get branded but not sure why and if he\u2019ll like it or not.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not sure what he intends to do when he gets this here letter, that\u2019s if it tells him much of what he wants to hear anyhow. He don\u2019t talk much about it, fact is, he don\u2019t talk about it at all. I ain\u2019t even sure he knows what he\u2019s going to do when he gets it either.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I thought I\u2019d jest write and let you know, Adam, so\u2019s you know what\u2019s going on here while you\u2019re enjoying your trip in Brazil. Leastways then when you git back home you\u2019ll know what to expect and if Pa aint\u2019 quite acting right, you\u2019ll know why as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I saw Olivia and the children today and they are all well. Nathaniel is looking good, a real Cartwright and no mistake. I ain\u2019t meaning by that, that Reuben and Sofia ain\u2019t Cartwrights, but you know what I mean, don\u2019t you?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shall write and let you know how everything is another time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thinking of you\u2026your brother, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mary Ann Cartwright checked the cot in which her son was sleeping and then moved the night light a little further away so that inquisitive fingers could not reach out and topple it over. For a moment she stood and watched the rise and fall of the infants chest as he breathed while he slept, just now and again his fingers twitched or his eyelids fluttered and he would sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She turned her head as she heard the sound of her husband mounting the stairs, took a last look at Daniel and then closed the door in order to walk with Joe to their room. Joe, tousled haired and yawning smiled \u201cIs he alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSleeping sound.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d Joe yawned again, \u201cShucks, it\u2019s been a long day. Every year I try and convince myself of some good reason why I shouldn\u2019t get involved with that branding\u2026but each year it\u2019s the same.\u201d he yawned again and sat down heavily on the edge of the bed. \u201cCome here, sweetheart, let me have a hug?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled and approached him, wrapped her arms around him and ruffled his hair \u201cWhat you need is a good nights sleep. It\u2019s just a shame that you don\u2019t have Candy to help, and with Adam gone too it must make it harder work than usual.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, some.\u201d he raised his face to receive her kiss and released her, slowly he began to unbutton his shirt while his features settled into an anxious frown, \u201cI wish Candy hadn\u2019t moved on, although I can understand why\u2026Ann is a town girl after all, and although she tried hard to be a ranchers wife it must have been difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh she was just finding it lonely.\u201d Mary Ann replied diffidently while she began to remove her dress, \u201cIt\u2019s a long day without adult company.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He paused as though to think about that and then turned to look at her \u201cDo you find it lonely, dear?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sighed and tossed her dress onto the back of a chair, \u201cA little more than I did. I didn\u2019t realise how much I relied on Bridie for – well – company, and help with doing things around the house.\u201d she shrugged a little \u201cDaniel is getting more active now and I seem to spend a lot of time with him, when I should be doing other things.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He grabbed at her hand and kissed her fingers \u201cI\u2019m sorry, sweetheart. I hadn\u2019t given it much thought, and I should have done\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing for you to worry about, Joe. I have Hester and Olivia closeby after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but they have Hop Sing and Cheng Ho Lee to help them in the house. Do you want for me to find someone to come and give you some help here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She shrugged slightly, \u201cThere won\u2019t be anyone as good as Bridie.\u201d she sighed and began to unfasten her bodice, \u201cShe was such a good friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe became a good friend, Mary Ann, but she started out as a stranger with a good reference from Olivia, and that was all. Let me at least try and see who I can find for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps I should just be grateful for what I\u2019ve got, Joe. After all there\u2019s a lot of women who have to work harder than I do, and with far less than I have got.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He dropped a kiss on the back of her neck, \u201cI know, but that doesn\u2019t mean to say that you can\u2019t have the same kind of help as Hester and Olivia.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She said nothing to that, as usual she felt pangs of guilt at the idea of complaining when she fully knew that many other housewives worked to exhaustion on homesteads and homes in the territory. One of the reasons many women died in childbirth was due to the fact they were too exhausted and worn out to get through labour, or so malnourished that the extra demands on their bodies killed them. She\u2019d seen enough hollow eyed women, with haggard faces looking ten years older than they were, when she helped at the clinic. There were times when she wished she had never volunteered to help there, she saw to much that reminded her that compared to some the Cartwright women were in a position much to be envied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe was asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow and for that she was grateful. She lay awake for a little while listening for sounds from Daniel\u2019s room as she always did, as every mother would do, and slowly drifted into sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 23<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miss Brandon looked up from her book and observed her class room with a critical eye. There were several new students who were settling in reasonably well and adjusting to their new lives in Virginia City. Some of her older students would be graduating this year and she longed to pay them more attention as several showed such promise for college but such just was not possible with having so many differing ages to teach, and all demanding her input. She thought being a teacher one of the greatest privileges to be given to her, and had that invaluable quality of never wanting to ruin any of her students opportunities to better themselves in their education.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Young Reuben Cartwright raised his head at that moment and caught her eye, she smiled and nodded but he quickly returned to his work. She leaned back in her chair and surveyed him as he scribbled industriously at the essay she had set his age group. He was a good student in the main, more given to grammar and literature than to math, although he was adequate in those subjects. He worked hard to achieve what he did, nothing came easily and there were times when he would be a trifle lazy and turn in sloppy work which she always made him redo.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She recalled to mind that his father, or rather, adoptive father, was absent from home again, and it was during these times that his work lacked the usual care and attention he would give it. She pondered on whether or not to have a private word with Mrs Cartwright about the matter and then turned her attention to the student sitting next to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Annie Sales was a serious little girl who wore spectacles and had freckles. Her father was one of the towns top Mercantile traders, and was already very aware of how to manipulate her fellow students into doing things her own way. She was charming, strong willed and quick minded. She never handed in sloppy work and was meticulous in all that she did. She was, to Miss Brandon\u2019s thinking, a model student.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It struck Lydia Brandon that since the cholera outbreak in town the previous year Annie had become an even better student, and even now her face was screwed up in concentration over her writing as though, to her, every single word was important.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both Reuben and Annie were popular among their class mates and with a sense of satisfaction Lydia stood up and walked to the youngest group of children to give them some assistance with their letters. As she did so she glanced once again over at Reuben and Annie and this time it was the girl that caught her eye. \u201cIs everything alright, Annie?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Miss Brandon.\u201d Annie said and with a slight blush lowered her head to return to her work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben didn\u2019t look up again as he concentrated on writing his essay. The topic had been about the future and what they had hoped to achieve when they grew up. Every so often he had glanced over at Annie to snatch a glimpse of what she had written down in her very neat and precisely rounded letters. It often irritated him that she was so good at every subject when she was a little younger than he, but a far better student.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sound of Miss Brandon clapping her hands together for attention made him jump, and he dropped his pen which caused a blot at the bottom of his paper. Annie of course had no such blemish upon hers and sat with upturned face and a slight smile on her lips. Annie, Reuben knew, was almost perfect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery well now, we have some time for a few of you to read your essays to the class. Who would like to be first?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben looked over at Annie and waited for her to put up her hand, but it was Tommy Conway, one of the new students who did that and was soon on his feet to read his hopes of the future. Mr and Mrs Conway had recently moved to Virginia City from Brooklyn where they had managed a music store, and had hoped for equal success in their new location. Tommy laboured over his essay but informed everyone there that he was going to own a whole string of music stores from San Francisco to New Hampshire, from Nevada to New York City. One day Tommy Conway was going to be rich and famous.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Annie was next and she stood up very straight and tall, her braids neatly tied in blue ribbons to match her blue dress that matched her eyes. She smiled at Miss Brandon who smiled immediately back,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am Annie Sales and my father owns the Mercantile Trading Store here in town. I am going to be a school teacher like Miss Brandon. I am going to be a teacher here in Virginia City. First of all I shall go to college and then I shall teach school. One day I shall get married and have children but I want to be a teacher first of all. The End\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Everyone murmured and nodded, every child there had no doubts whatsoever that Annie\u2019s goal in life was far more achievable than Tommy Conways\u2019. Miss Brandon gave her a special smile, Annie\u2019s ambitions obviously met with her full approval.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReuben, would you like to read your essay\u2026 we just have time for one more and it would be good to hear what you would like to do.\u201d she gave him an encouraging nod of the head and watched as he slowly, reluctantly, rose to his feet.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben felt his hands sweating slightly, he never liked to be the centre of attention and unlike Annie lacked her composure and confidence. He stared at his paper and cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy Pa is in the navy and goes to lots of different countries. He tells me about his ships. I have been on some of the ships and when I get old like him I shall be in the navy too. I did want to break in horses like he used to do and like my Uncle Joe does, but I think I would like to be in the navy now and go to all those different places like my Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence, then Lydia nodded, smiled and said he had made a very good effort. He sat down with his paper and looked at Annie who was staring at him but turned her face away when he gave her a very disdainful glare.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhereabouts is your father at the moment, Reuben?\u201d Miss Brandon asked \u201cWould you like to show us on the map?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He blushed to the roots of his hair as he got to his feet and dragged himself to the front of the class where the big map of the world was pinned to the wall. He lowered his head and said quietly \u201cPa\u2019s in Brazil.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBrazil?\u201d Lydia exclaimed and for a moment he wondered if she disbelieved him, but she stood up and joined him in front of the map and helped him to locate it before turning to the class \u201cChildren, for your next essay I want you to write all you can find out about Brazil. You older ones, I want you to write a story as though you were on board a ship sailing to that part of the world. Hand it in to me by the end of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were mutterings and mumblings as they shuffled their papers and books, the clock struck the hour, and Lydia watched as her classroom slowly emptied. Reuben was leaving his desk when she called him to her side \u201cReuben, are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2019m.\u201d he nodded and looked into her anxious face, he smiled \u201cThank you, m\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was surprised at your essay. I never thought you would want to be a seaman like your father?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI only thought about it the other day, Miss. I wanted to be a bronco buster like he\u2019d been, and work on the Ponderosa, but I was looking at the ship – you know, Miss – the model ship I brung to school that time – and it sure is a swell ship, I\u2019ve bin on it, you know? I thought then I would sure like to visit all those places like Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLife on board ship can be very hard though, Reuben. Your father\u2019s an officer, a very high ranking officer at that so he wouldn\u2019t have to deal with the difficulties many seaman of lower rank have to contend with on board ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t really understand what she was saying, but nodded and hoped he looked as though he did and that he could go before she got talking any more. \u201cDoes your mother know you would like to go to sea?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, Miss.\u201d he frowned, he hadn\u2019t thought about what his mother would think about it, and wondered if she would mind but then, he thought, he was only 9 years old so perhaps by the time he left home for the sea she wouldn\u2019t mind so much.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, off you go. Oh Reuben -\u201d she paused and her face softened \u201cHow is your mother? And your sister and little brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re fine, Miss, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded, his cue to leave and he did so quickly before she changed her mind. Outside Annie Sales was waiting for him and awarded him a wide smile. Together they walked side by side out of the school yard and into the town. This was one of those days when the three Cartwright ladies came into town and helped at the clinic, and then met at Ann\u2019s to do their quilting. It was the one day in the week when Reuben didn\u2019t have to ride home in the wagon with Hank, or Cheng Ho Lee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know you wanted to be a sailor, Reuben.\u201d Annie said in her clear high voice as she swung her books by the strap that bound them together.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI only decided the other day.\u201d he shrugged, \u201cI didn\u2019t know you wanted to be a school teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She sighed and fluttered her eyelashes \u201cI\u2019ve always wanted to be a school teacher, just like Miss Brandon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I see.\u201d Reuben frowned, \u201cWell, I want to be a seaman, just like my Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded and did a little skip along the sidewalk, her skirts flounced and her black braids bounced \u201cI see\u2026\u201d she replied and swung her books a little higher.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the store they parted, Reuben didn\u2019t look back as his mind was on getting to Aunt Ann\u2019s as soon as he could because today there would be cake. Oh cake\u2026yes, much better to think about cake and lemonade before Ma would bundle them all back into the buggy and head for home. He ran along the sidewalk, avoided bumping into Clementine Hawkins and Roy Coffee as they were standing talking together (or rather, one was talking while the other was listening) and waved over to the sheriff who was leaning against the doorframe of his offices, and reached the Canaday home just as Ann opened the front door.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy Coffee stroked his moustache and walked slowly away from the garrulous Mrs Hawkins. As if it wasn\u2019t enough that he had to listen to his sister Rachel yammering away every hour of the day back home, but he had to get collared by the widow as soon as he had stepped outside his door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shook his head, life had changed so much during the past months since his retirement. He narrowed his eyes and took out his spectacles in order to see what he was looking at more clearly. Of course he had to retire, there was no sensible option because he was old, and when one got old then things didn\u2019t function quite as sharply or quickly. He crossed the road, avoided getting run over by old Cruickshanks horse and wagon, and reached the other side of the road without incident. His feet just naturally took him to the sheriff\u2019s office where Candy was standing in the door way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood day to you, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHmph, g\u2019day, young man. Anything exciting happening around here lately?\u201d Roy raised his chin, glared at Candy – mainly to get him more clearly in focus – and waited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Candy smiled \u201cWhy not come into the office and have a cup of coffee, Roy. We can have a jaw together as it\u2019s pretty quiet just now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy pretended to mull that over, as though he had a thousand other things that needed his real attention, then nodded and followed Candy into the office. He looked around and felt that familiar sinking feeling in his stomach. It happened every time he stepped into the place that had once been more like home than anywhere else, all that he had known so well was still there, but – different.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Candy was a neat, tidy and efficient young man. Like his daughter he liked to be methodical and precise in what he did and the office now reflected his character. It was clean, bright and appeared bigger than previously because he kept everything in its proper place. Roy both envied him and felt aggrieved by him. Dodds appeared from the cells and nodded over at his former \u2018boss\u2019, \u201cHi, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDodds.\u201d Roy nodded and watched the deputy stroll outside, \u201cDoesn\u2019t he have any work to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s done what\u2019s necessary for the day. He\u2019s got his early evening rounds to do now, and then he can go home. Clem\u2019s stayed on as deputy, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? Oh,yes, I heard tell he had, good job too, he\u2019s a fine man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe is\u2026\u201d Candy smiled and indicated a chair for the ex-sheriff to sit upon, \u201cCoffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy nodded and was almost immediately handed a mug of the brew, strong and sweet smelling. He sniffed it, and nodded, another familiar part of his life but when he tasted it, he had to acknowledge that even that was improved on what he used to have on offer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo? Everything\u2019s quiet?\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAt present.\u201d Candy said with a nod of the head and sipped his coffee, \u201cI hadn\u2019t realise just how quiet upholding the law in town could be \u2026 apart from the drunks at night, and the brawling and fighting that we have to break up. Got old McInnes in the cells again right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, drunk huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery much so.\u201d Candy grinned, \u201cBroke two windows last night after he was thrown out of the Silver Dollar.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe haberdashery and Gents Outfitters I bet?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cS\u2019right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe must have had a skinful, it was always those windows he\u2019d smash when he\u2019d had a skinful.\u201d Roy muttered as he buried his face into his cup and gulped down more coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMmm,\u201d Candy nodded \u201cTell me, Roy, what do you recall of a man called Harry Cochrane?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy lowered his cup slowly, narrowed his eyes and looked at the younger mans earnest face \u201cCochrane?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHarry Cochrane.\u201d Candy repeated with a nod of his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment Roy sat in silence then he nodded \u201cI remember putting him behind bars years ago. He was sentenced to be hanged for murder but it was changed to life imprisonment due to some reason I don\u2019t rightly recall jest now. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI had a cable from the Yuma Territorial Prison that he had escaped last week. Last word they had on him was that he was headed this way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy pursed his lips and nodded \u201cHe always swore if he got out he\u2019d come for me\u2026 blamed me for getting him locked up, y\u2019see. Couldn\u2019t seem to accept that because he\u2019d murdered some folk he deserved to hang.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been in prison for seven years now, Roy. That\u2019s long enough for a man to do a whole lot of stewing about grievances.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWal, guess you\u2019re right at that, Candy.\u201d Roy nodded and rose to his feet, \u201cThank you for letting me know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be keeping my eyes and ears open, Roy. You won\u2019t be going unprotected, believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, sure\u2026 thanks, Candy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The old man shook the sheriff\u2019s hand and then picked up his hat, he left the office and stepped out onto the sidewalk. Just as in days past he walked to the edge of the boards and stood there awhile, looked up and down the street to observe what was happening and who was about before he began to walk towards the house he shared with his sister. He smiled slightly and felt a bounce to his step, for the first time since his retirement he felt that tingle of excitement that had been missing out of his life for so long. Danger, that\u2019s what he had loved , it had been like the best news he\u2019d had in an age\u2026 something to look out for, something that gave life an edge to it. It was good to be alive to enjoy it again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 24<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hanging from the bough of a tree the anaconda barely moved as they passed so close by, near enough for them to have reached out a hand to touch its thick glistening body. Yates shuddered at the sight and kept a wary eye until well away from it, following Adam and Qu\u2019an while doing so. He could never get used to seeing them, or to feeling the intense heat, or the buzzing of the insects. He hated it all and when Qu\u2019an stopped to indicate time to rest Mark Yates was more than grateful, even though he believed they were still closer to the snake than he\u2019d have liked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he sat down he noticed Morton and Adam standing apart from himself and Qu\u2019an, he was too tired to be interested in what they were saying and sunk his head between his hands in an effort to think. Jotham Morton meantime turned to Adam to ask him how much further they would have to go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham\u2019s voice seemed to come from quite a distance because Adam didn\u2019t respond immediately, then he turned to the other man and gave a slight shrug of the shoulders \u201cI don\u2019t know, Jotham. Qu\u2019an seems like a clam whenever I ask him.\u201d he sighed and squatted down by the small fire that they\u2019d built, he twisted a small twig between his fingers and after glancing quickly over at the Indian murmured \u201cWe\u2019re in his hands at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you trust him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another shrug of the shoulders before Adam replied \u201cI have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a strange assignment, isn\u2019t it, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no stranger than having to go to Alaska to find a list of names on a piece of paper.\u201d he smiled slowly, and tossed the twig into the flames, \u201cIf everything was cut and dried there would be no need for people like us to be sent into places like this, would there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat reconnaissance you did with Yellend, did you question why you were there at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHad no need to, Captain, it was pretty straightforward after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grimaced and drew in his breath \u201cI\u2019ve learned never to assume anything is straightforward when it comes to politics and anything to do with this part of the world has to do with politics, believe me, Jotham, there was more to reconnaissance on that mission than you\u2019d realise.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not exactly na\u00efve, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not saying you are, just that when we get orders, we obey them and by the end of the assignment we should get the answers to most of our questions – or doubts – whichever category you choose.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham bowed his head and pursed his lips as he thought over the officers words, then he glanced up and asked Adam if his cousin, Daniel O\u2019Brien, had ever questioned his orders to which Adam nodded, \u201cOf course he did, he was an intelligent man, and intelligent men don\u2019t like being treated like a child in being told to do this and that without some clear indication as to why. Unfortunately, in the services that is often what we have to do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you heard about what happened to him, and Maria -\u201d Jotham glanced quickly at Adams\u2019 face before lowering his gaze once again \u201cWere you surprised?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt made no sense to me whatsoever, a wanton waste of life and cruel \u2026\u201d Adam bit down on his bottom lip then stood up and walked to a tree against which he leaned, he crossed his arms and stared for a moment at what could be seen of the sky, \u201cI couldn\u2019t understand why it had happened, and then when I found out it seemed so callous. The Lebedev and Pelman situation had been resolved, why the retaliation after so long?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked Marek – you remember? – the Russian I took into custody and who committed suicide? I asked him why they had killed O\u2019Brien and how could he have been party to it, after all, he seemed a reasonable man.\u201d Jotham ignored the snort of contempt that his superior gave, and walked the few paces to stand by his side \u201cMarek said that had been their orders, and soldiers obey their orders or face the death penalty. When I mentioned that there had been innocent children killed, he just replied that in Russia and Poland the bodies of children freeze in the streets during the winter because there is no food for them. You have to step over those bodies as though they don\u2019t exist. But as a soldier he has money he can send to his family so that they don\u2019t have to starve, and if he dies while on active duty then they receive a pension. He said that there was no room for sentiment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then, like a good Russian, he killed himself.\u201d Adam said slowly and Jotham nodded, sighed and returned to the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Qu\u2019an listened to the murmur of the white men\u2019s voices and continued to stare into the distance where the shadows were darkest and all was as yet unknown. His squat figure remained still and stoic, what he was thinking about no one would know although it also ran along the lines of duty, obedience and discipline.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard to imagine this place as Eden, don\u2019t you think?\u201d Adam murmured as he also strolled back to the fire where the smoke succeeded to some extent in reducing the number of mosquitoes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe last place on earth I would consider as Eden.\u201d came the rather bitter response.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt must be something like that for Sokolovich though, he was finding a treasure trove of herbs and plants that would cure the ills of the world, according to Scolley\u2019s notes and what Radamsky said.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose once we\u2019ve found them, we\u2019ll get the answers to our questions\u2026 is that right, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOur assignment is to find just one man, and take him back to America, but until then, we just have to keep trusting in Qu\u2019an, and keep our strength up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a rustle of leaves and without a word Qu\u2019an was standing in front of them, he nodded and pointed southwards. It was time to move on.<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Indian guide moved as though by instinct brushing aside creepers and vines, seemingly impervious to mosquitoes and any other insect that happened to come his way. He cut through anything that prevented him walking forwards with his machete, and without once turning his head to check that the three white men were still close behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Small snakes slithered across their path, huge spiders swung on their silken threads from one web to another. Mark Yates shivered as the wet cloth of his shirt touched his burning skin, he wasn\u2019t sure just how much further he was going to be able to continue on this journey but was too afraid to say anything. Stubbornly he put one foot in front of the other and prayed for the time when the command came to stop and make camp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sounds of the river had long faded although there were large pools still remaining and becoming stagnant where ever they looked. Qu\u2019an threaded his way through them as easily as they could negotiate a main road in their home town. Smells drifted all around them that were both repellent and lovely, among the damp rotting leaves of plants that were not so long ago under water, beautiful and exotic blooms flowered, their colours like bright suns glimmering in the darkness of night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stunted trees that Mark informed them were referred to as scrub trees grew in thickets, usually close to the riverbanks but after the rains had stopped would spring up anywhere the water had reached and remained. Often they grew so closely together that the top boughs seemed to lean across to touch and grow into each other thus forming dark and dank avenues from which they would emerge into dappled light that would momentarily confuse their eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he walked Adam thought over the conversation he\u2019d had with Jotham, and realised yet again how much he missed having Daniel along with him on this trip. The Russians\u2019 reasons for the O\u2019Briens\u2019 deaths he dismissed, although he understood why it had been said. In war there were victims, and oftentimes children were the most vulnerable and saddest of them, but in Adams eyes the O\u2019Brien family were not victims of war, it had been a cold and calculated murder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thinking over the situation as it currently appeared Adam could well understand Jothams constant concerns about the assignment.\u00a0 Too many people had become involved in what had appeared initially a straightforward mission, Radamsky\u2019s absence niggled at him like a worm on a hook. He had to tell himself that just as he had told Jotham, when the time came and the men had been found, then they would get the answers they sought, perhaps not all of them, but enough .<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That night they made camp close to a tributary of the river. By the firelight Adam re-read Scolleys notes in case he had missed anything that would provide some indication of this expeditions importance to three nations. Their rations were meagre so eaten carefully, while he read and kept surveillance Jotham and Mark slept. Qu\u2019an simply disappeared into the shadows which caused Adam no worries as he knew the man would appear when needed come the morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

During the night Jotham took over the watch and Adam dosed. The heat and humidity were enough to bring on dreams about camels and flies so that when he woke up he felt dry mouthed and uncomfortable with a savage longing to be home on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had just risen to his feet when he became aware that they were no longer alone. Qu\u2019an was standing not far from him with several other Indians, all of similar shape and size as their guide, some younger, one definitely much older. Mark Yates was scrambling to his feet, gathering up his belongings and Jotham was whispering his apologies in Adams ear, telling him that they had suddenly appeared as though out of thin air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seeing that he had the white mens attention Qu\u2019an nodded \u201cCome.\u201d was all that he said, before turning to follow the other Indians along a narrow trail that led into the dark interior.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They walked along a narrow dirt path in single file for an hour by which time Mark Yates was muttering beneath his breath about the stink of the place, how much he loathed snakes and spiders and almost every other living thing in his vicinity at the present time. Jotham kept wiping sweat from his brow to prevent it gathering on his eyebrows and into his eyes while his shirt hung on him wet enough to need wringing out. Adam realised that the leg he had injured during the Jiang Peng affair was now aching severely and no matter how he tried to disguise the fact he was already beginning to limp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The trees thinned out and they became aware of other smells, of smoke and food cooking, of human habitation . It took another ten minutes before they stepped into a large clearing where several huts huddled together to form a small village. Children running about and playing stopped to turn and stare at them, then followed them until they came to a halt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Qu\u2019an and the old man began to talk in a dialect that none of the white men understood, then their guide pointed to a hut that was in a shaded area which was obviously where they were expected to go and wait for the leader to communicate with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mark Yates looked woefully around before whispering words to the effect that they were no doubt making plans on how to cook them and shrink their heads which Adam dismissed as rubbish. Women peered from their huts, some ventured out to look at them with curiosity. These were the first white men they had seen and young mothers called to their children who ran from their play to the safety of the huts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham and Adam kept their own eyes fixed on Qu\u2019an and the older man who were still talking animatedly together.\u00a0 Yates nervously found himself swatting flies and mosquitoes while his eyes wandered occasionally over to where the women peeked out from their huts along with their children.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once the women\u2019s curiosity was satisfied they returned to their work while the children ran back into the compound to play, casting inquisitive glances over at the three visitors who sat at the entrance of the hut they\u2019d been sent to, it seemed as though time hang heavily in the smoke laden air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 25<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A yellow dog came and sat opposite them and began to methodically scratch between his ears with his hind leg. Not long after his arrival two children came holding out bowls to these white strangers with big grins on their faces showing that like children everywhere they had reached the age when teeth fell out leaving wide gaps for new ones to grow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam signed an enquiry as to the contents of the bowls\u2026were they for eating? The children giggled and shook their heads, one gestured that it was to put on the body, to prevent the bugs biting. Yates grabbed one bowl immediately, he had removed his boots and had been massaging his aching feet until then but the hope of relief from the bites was music to his ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Qu\u2019an was talking to one of the village elders, squatting round a fire and eating some food that looked rather like a lizard on a stick. Women began to go about their business, like their men they were short and heavily built, but they also wore elaborate tattoo\u2019s all over their bodies. Adam and Jotham looked at one another as though to signify that no matter how interesting they appeared it was best not to look as it was all the women wore and for men raised in a society where the glimpse of an ankle could appear shocking – well, perhaps – they averted their eyes as best they could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates had prepared for the journey with a bountiful supply of notepads, and he was scribbling more notes down, sketching in the sights he was seeing and appearing very blas\u00e9 about the nakedness of the women. When two young and very attractive young women appeared with bowls of foods for them Adam and Jotham found it hard to know where to look, but Yates didn\u2019t seem to have any problem.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cD\u2019you see many naked women then in your part of London?\u201d Jotham asked sarcastically as he dipped his fingers into the meat and stuffed his mouth with something that tasted like pork.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBlimey, of course not.\u201d Yates laughed, \u201cBut doesn\u2019t mean I don\u2019t know what a woman looks like, anyway, seeing as you\u2019re sailors I\u2019d imagine you\u2019d seen your fair share of nubile young ladies?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham laughed and Adam just turned his head away with a slight grin as he chewed on the meat and the stringy root vegetables. A boy came with a gourd of water for them, and surprisingly it was pure and clean, tasting sweet to the mouth and refreshing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder what all the talk\u2019s about?\u201d Adam murmured as he indicated his concerns with a nod of the head over at the group of men chatting to Qu\u2019an<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re not the same tribe, are they?\u201d Jotham said, \u201cDifferent hair dressing, that red paint over their faces doesn\u2019t do much for their appearance.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and sat cross legged with his hands clasped together. In most other societies he would have got up and introduced himself but there was little point to that with people this primitive. They needed to converse with those they were familiar with, and three white men of whatever social standing they were back in their own countries, meant nothing to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Night was gathering when Qu\u2019an finally approached and squatted in front of them. He looked from one to the other of them before finally addressing Adam \u201cThey not see any other whites on the river. They unknown even to Teran, speak different words. They afraid of white man. You – different – . You stay here, not move. We go early when sun come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates spoke then, his words sharp \u201cAre we lost? Have we gone far from the trail?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Qu\u2019an looked at him thoughtfully then again at Adam \u201cNot lost. Indian here new to place. Not stay long. Go back into far off by mountains.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, thanked Qu\u2019an and together with Jotham went into the hut, \u201cBest get some sleep while we can. At least we won\u2019t be bothered with mosquitoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps Sokolovich will have found those herbs and will produce a medicine to protect mankind from mosquitoes.\u201d Jotham grinned as he settled down on the hard ground, he sighed slightly and after a moments pause asked Adam if he could make any sense as to why they had been sent on this assignment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still trying to make sense of it.\u201d Adam replied laconically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates entered now and found a place to sleep, putting his satchel under his head as a pillow. The small hut retained the heat and it was uncomfortable, but the long walk through terrain that none of them were familiar with had taken its toll, it was not too long before they had fallen asleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The previous inhabitant of the White House and President of the United States, U.S. Grant, lit a cigar and looked through the flame of the match at the man sitting opposite him. He then leaned back and exhaled smoke, a ritual that Hamilton Fish was familiar with and which certainly didn\u2019t bother him. Grant flicked the match into an ashtray and narrowed his eyes \u201cWhat on earth was the point of sending Cartwright to Brazil? Of all the unlikeliest places\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot as unlikely as you would think, sir, in fact, the perfect person really.\u201d Fish gave a slight smile and the skin around his eyes crinkled as a result.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grant gave his previous Secretary of \u00a0State a dark glare and bowed his head \u201cI suppose you would see it that way, he\u2019s got an uncanny ability to find the things Governments have lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fish condescended another smile and a shrug \u201cJotham Morton has also been sent along with him to find Professor Jefferson for this – er – current administration.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorton?\u201d Grant looked blank and frowned \u201cDo I know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s useful, we rather stole him from naval duties \u00a0to work for a department of our own. \u00a0 He knows what to do, a good man, and he\u2019s known Cartwright for some years now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, three scientistss from three different countries all specialising in their own fields of excellence and apparently lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBaron Radamsky proved very helpful to us in that respect.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRadamsky – who\u2019s he?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Russian Sokolovich\u2019s brother in law.\u201d Fish replied with a patience honed to perfection from long servitude to Grant, he leaned back in his chair, \u201cHe contacted our Department some months ago requesting assistance in locating Sokolovich, there were concerns about the length of time since they had heard from him.\u00a0 Not helped, of course, by all this rubbish talk about diamonds and lost cities.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, all rubbish of course.\u201d Grant blew out \u00a0smoke from his cigar and stared to the ceiling, \u201cAnd so you realised that where Sokolovich was, Jefferson would not be far behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCorrect, Mr Grant.\u00a0 They\u2019d been known to work together for some years now, good friends for a long time.\u00a0 Once we knew that the Russian was in Brazil, it was just a matter of finding the right people to go there and bring Jefferson back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoward Jefferson.\u201d Grant sighed and for a moment stared blankly at the far wall, \u201cHe\u2019s a pleasant, honest man. That\u2019s what I thought back then and that\u2019s how I view him today. I can\u2019t believe that \u2026\u201d he stopped himself and drew hard on his cigar, exhaled a cloud of smoke through which he peered with narrowed eyes \u201cDo they know exactly what is involved?\u00a0 Cartwright and Morton?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo either of them know exactly why we – or rather the present administration as you so tactfully call it – why they want to bring Howard back here ?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I doubt they would have been told anything at all.\u00a0 They\u2019ve been given orders, and will obey them, there\u2019s nothing more they need to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grant frowned and shook his head \u201cConsidering the kind of man his brother was \u2026but at the time of OUR administration Senator Jefferson was involved in some sensitive matters involving our country, we couldn\u2019t touch him.\u00a0 Now of course, times have changed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSituations have changed, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUndoubtedly.\u00a0 It would not have been wise for some people today to have a man like Sackville Jefferson creeping out of every closed closet in town, would it?\u201d \u00a0Grant\u2019s brows lowered so that his eyes almost disappeared, \u201cAll this talk about diamonds and gold mines that has been used to cover up the real reason for our expedition \u2026 I don\u2019t think that was wise, could have all kinds of people crawling through those swamps looking for what isn\u2019t there to be found.\u00a0 Makes it an even more dangerous place for our men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why Cartwright has been sent, as we know from long experience, he\u2019s one man that won\u2019t take a bribe or have his head turned by the promises of ill gotten riches.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe thing is, with Cartwright,\u201d Grant inhaled again, coughed some more, \u201cas we know all too well, is that he does tend to get battered and bashed about rather a lot, look what happened to him in China?\u00a0 Nearly got himself killed.\u00a0 Took forever to get better. And that Cassandra Pelman affair, that nearly saw the end of him as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fish said nothing to that, he wasn\u2019t interested in hearing about whether or not Adam Cartwright was going to get himself bashed and battered about, on this trip. \u00a0 He was only interested in anything that Adam Cartwright would find out that would further America\u2019s interests.\u00a0 He reached out to pick up a glass of fine malt whisky and sipped it, observed \u00a0Grant \u00a0closely and wondered how much longer Julia Grant would allow her husband to smoke himself much closer to death and frowned \u201cHow are you enjoying \u00a0life out of the public eye, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever \u00a0better,\u201d Grant grinned roguishly, \u201cI\u2019m writing my memoirs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be the first American President to do so, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever better.\u201d Grant grinned roguishly, \u201cI\u2019m writing my memoirs.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be the first American President to do so, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Grant laughed, a shout of a laugh containing a shade of the man he was when he ordered Atlanta to be razed to the ground all those years back. Fish sighed, and for a moment panicked as he wondered what sleeping dogs Grant was going to rouse from slumber with his \u2019Memoirs\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a moment the two men enjoyed their whiskey and silence, then Grant stubbed out his cigar and stood up, clasped his hands behind him and walked to the window of the big room in which they were seated. He bowed his head \u201cCartwright resigned not so long ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe was told that it would be kept in mind\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMmm, he has a wife and children now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe gets a good salary, and his pension will take care of them if anything happens to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s being rather callous.\u201d Grant muttered glancing over his shoulder at the other man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPragmatic perhaps, not callous.\u201d Fish replied and swirled the liquid in the glass, round and round, watching it as it caught the light and gleamed \u201cThere have been many good men pass through our hands over the years, Mr Grant. Brave and talented, just as much, if not more, than Captain Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always had an admiration for him.\u201d Grant sighed and resumed his gaze from the window, \u201cSomething about him caught my attention from the first. I\u2019d like him to return home to his wife and family safely.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI never could understand why you had such an -\u201d he paused, affection would be the wrong word, he struggled to find an alternative \u201cCaptain Cartwright\u2019s a strong minded character, obstinate and stubborn to an extreme.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably why I liked him so much and why you lot know he won\u2019t take a bribe \u2026\u201d Grant grinned. \u201cHe\u2019s also brave and resourceful with an uncanny instinct to sniff out what smells bad \u2026 which I presume is what everyone is relying upon now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d Fish shrugged, \u201cNot that it matters much to us anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grant sighed, raised his eyebrows and returned, slowly, to his chair. He sunk down into it as though grateful for its sturdy arms, and looked at his old associate thoughtfully, \u201cYou always thought Custer was America\u2019s hero, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo more than many others did.\u201d Fish replied quietly and emptied the glass, set it back down on the table. \u201cHe didn\u2019t live up to what was expected.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe lived up to everything that was expected of him, Fish. He was what he was, and we knew it, but we still gave him his head and let him ride to his death with all those men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now he\u2019s an American hero in every sense of the word.\u201d Fish smiled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he\u2019s dead \u2026 you have to be dead, it seems, to be an American hero.\u201d and Grant sighed long and loudly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alfred Stone was stocky in build, florid of face and balding, but what hair he did still possess was abundant and curled rather pleasantly over his collar. He had piercing blue eyes and a sharp beak of a nose, a face that indicated strength and character. He was wealthy, having made his money in wise investments back east.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood by the window of the room he was renting out in the Whitney Hotel and looked down upon the busy streets of Virginia City. He watched people as they went about their business but more than anything else he watched a particular house tucked modestly away, almost out of sight When he saw a woman leave the building in company with an elderly man who was once Virginia City\u2019s sheriff, he allowed himself a brief smile. His eyes followed the couple as they walked along, not arm in arm or holding hands, no a brother and sister, no matter what their ages, would not walk together like that, and he smiled again as he watched them step into the Mercantile store.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 26<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Qu\u2019an was sitting crosslegged close to the dwelling when Adam stepped out into the compound the following morning. After a quick glance around him he caught the Terina\u2019s eye and nodded \u201cThey\u2019ve gone then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Qu\u2019an said nothing but something in his eyes indicated that he was thinking a lot about what he would have liked to have said so Adam just nodded and returned to the interior of the hut, stood in silence for a moment while he thought over the situation and then went to where Jotham was still sleeping. He shook the younger man by the shoulder and when Jotham was looking up at him ordered him to get up and ready, \u201cWe leave in the next fifteen minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFifteen minutes?\u201d Jotham spluttered and yawned, shook himself as though to rattle his brain into action and scratched his head while he watched Adam walk out of the hut with his kit in his hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still yawning he went to where Yates was snoring and shook him awake \u201cGet up, Yates, we have to leave here in 15 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe what? Are you joking?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, just get up and stop wasting time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates blinked like some old owl and then scratched his head, yawned, stretched and struggled to wake up. He was used to a life full of activity such as hearing the noise<\/p>\n

of traffic roaring past his house, going to the theatre, going places where he could pick up news, getting well paid for what he \u2018turned in\u2019. He yawned again, and regretted yet again ever considering a follow up to the Scolley story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At that moment in time he didn\u2019t know who or what he hated most\u2026 Adam Cartwright, his Editor, Scolley or being where he was, which was a place he\u2019d prefer not to be. He stumbled out of the hut and the dappled sun hit him in the eyes so that he had to raise a hand to provide some shade. Looking around he noticed the absence of the Indians and asked where they had gone, to which Jotham replied \u201cProbably couldn\u2019t stand the way you were ogling their women.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned and regarded the two other men thoughtfully, as though he was wondering how it was that he happened to be stuck with both of them. He was shaving as calmly as though he had been back home in his own bathroom. \u201cThey left because we were here. No other reason.\u201d he nodded over towards the hut \u201cThere\u2019s food there, they left it for us, obviously of the opinion we can\u2019t fend for ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates frowned and watched Adam pass a razor over his jaw, flick away the lather and continue to shave. He shook his head, and walked over to where several small packages covered or wrapped in large leaves had been left. He slowly unpeeled one and raised the white meat it contained to his nose \u201cDo you know what it is?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged \u201cProbably crocodile. It\u2019s good, it\u2019ll help keep you going through the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates rubbed his face and yawned again \u201cWhat\u2019re we doing today?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe same that we did yesterday, we\u2019re walking\u2026\u201d Adam wiped his face dry and then cleaned his razor which he slipped into a sheath and placed along with his kit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Within another ten minutes they were walking behind Qu\u2019an in single file. Each of them careful as to where they placed their feet, watchful of what could fall from the trees down their necks or of any other creeping crawling thing that could do them harm. The mosquitoes bothered them less, although there was always some persistent brave bug who succeeded in nipping in and leaving its mark.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates felt his head swimming with the heat, the noise of the animals, the birds, the buzz of insects. He was never sure of where to step, when to duck down, what to do or say next. More than ever he wished he were back in London dodging the traffic and able to drop into the local alehouse for a beer. He couldn\u2019t even be bothered to jot down any notes, everything had just seemed to merge into an overheated hot house of misery.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Even when they came across a clearing covered with hundreds of butterflies with luminescent wings of green or blue Yates couldn\u2019t be bothered to really notice and admire the beauty of them. The shimmering wings covered trees and ground all around them and when they took off in flight the effect was dazzlingly beautiful. Adam told himself to remember the moment in order to tell his family when he returned home, but Yates just shivered and thought what a rotten life it must be to be any kind of explorer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham trudged along deep with thoughts of his own. He tried to recall how Daniel had told him about the Alaskan adventure and how they had forced t heir way through a frozen tundra with a blizzard blowing. Then he had raised his eyes to the dappled blue sky showing through the branches of many trees and wished for a blizzard right there and then.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At mid-day they stopped to eat a little more crocodile meat and wash it down with water from their canteens as well as to take some salt. Adam had insisted that they took salt from the Mendes supplies as Euan had warned him that the more they sweated, the more natural salts left their bodies, and if they didn\u2019t take precautions then they would suffer the consequences.. Cramping pain and fever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Late in the afternoon Qu\u2019an paused in mid-stride and raised a hand before sinking down upon his haunches, followed by Adam, the other two men did likewise automatically. Adam withdrew his gun from its holster and strained his ears and eyes to notice whatever it was the Indian had heard or seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Above the sounds of the jungle he heard a sigh, a moan\u2026 like whispers in the background of so many other noises. He glanced over his shoulder to catch Jotham and signalled to him to follow his lead. Slowly and carefully he made his way, crouching, through the undergrowth until he reached an area that had been trodden down by others having been there beforehand and making a rudimentary camp. He glanced around him and then saw her, no one else only her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jacquetta Mandes lay with her clothing ripped and bloodied, her black hair covered her face which, when they had gently brushed the hair aside, was revealed to be a mass of injuries, of bruises and blood. It was obvious that the men had abused her physically as well as sexually and then tossed her aside like a discarded toy thing. Jotham poured precious water from his canteen into his hand to wash her face but Adam shook his head \u201cThere\u2019s no point, Jotham, she\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The womans dark eyes seemed still to hold her fear within them, her face the starkness of her terror. He looked at the clear water puddled in his palm and raised it to his own face, drank some and washed the rest around his neck. Adam shook his head and gently set her back down on the ground \u201cWe\u2019ll have to bury her here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham nodded and called Yates over, the Englishman looked at Mrs Mendes and shook his head in disbelief \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe men you paid to bring you out here \u2026\u201d Adam said with ice in every word, \u201cYou can see for yourself what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Qu\u2019an stood on one leg patiently waiting as they buried her, scooping out from the soft soil a shallow bed in which she could rest. Then he waited a while longer as Adam said a short prayer before the trek recommenced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates stepped into line with Jotham \u201cWhy would they do that to her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause they have no sense of decency for a start.\u201d Jotham snorted with contempt. \u201cLook what they did to her husband? You were fortunate that you weren\u2019t killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates ran a damp cloth around his neck and throat \u201cShe didn\u2019t know anything, there was nothing she could have told them.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned his head \u201cJefferson was ill, she nursed him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but – but that doesn\u2019t mean that he told her anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe may not have told her anything intentionally, but in a fever things can be said, too much can be implied.\u201d Adam said quietly, \u201cIt\u2019s hard to keep your tongue under control when you\u2019re raving with fever.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates nodded and frowned \u201cShe never said anything about it to me. Nothing at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham shrugged \u201cShe hardly went willingly \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Yates sighed and shook his head \u201cNo, she screamed and fought to get away. I remember -\u201d he bit his lips and again shook his head \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything to help, nothing, I just ran to save my own skin. That poor woman, if I\u2019d known\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d have done just the same, it\u2019s called self preservation.\u201d Jotham muttered, but even as he said it he wished that Mrs Mendes hadn\u2019t been left and abandoned, not to men who treated her as they had done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mark Yates said nothing more, for the remainder of the trek he kept silent. When it was time to make camp at last he gratefully settled down close to the fire, pulled off his boots and began to slowly massage his feet. He watched as Adam and Jotham sat close and talked in low tones making him feel isolated and in effect shut out from what was going on. Eventually he took out the inevitable note pad and began to jot down some notes, several times raising his head to look around him as though he were trapped in a nightmare and didn\u2019t know how to get out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Mr Yates,\u201d Adam stood close by looking down at him while holding out a bowl of food which Yates accepted with a murmured thanks, \u201cDo you think your London readers will find the death of an unknown woman of any interest to them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His tone of voice held a slight edge, as though he felt the death and abuse the poor woman had suffered being made into an article to titillate readers miles away was adding to her indignities. Mark sighed and looked at the food, then looked up at him \u201cI don\u2019t know, Captain. I only know that writing about what is happening helps me to keep sane. This place gives me the willies\u2026\u201d he scowled at the blank look on Adam\u2019s face \u201cit gives me the creeps. Always having to look out for things that – what was that?\u201d he nearly dropped the bowl as a rumbling growl could be heard nearby, a growl that grew louder until it became a full throated roar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably a jaguar, they\u2019re common in this part of the swampland.\u201d Adam replied and squatted down upon his haunches so that he was face to face with the man \u201cYou know, I still can\u2019t figure out where you fit into the picture here. One moment pretending to be a representative of the British Government, and then -\u201d he made a sweeping gesture with his hands, gave a slight pout and raised his eyebrows \u201cIt makes me wonder if there was an actual Government representative and if there was, what happened to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates shrugged and shook his head \u201cI don\u2019t know, Captain. I came to follow up on a story, Radamsky introduced himself and scared the daylights out of me.\u201d he paused for a moment and from the way his eyes blanked it was obvious to Adam that the man was struggling to remember something significant. After some seconds had passed he nodded \u201cI didn\u2019t know there would be any representatives of any Governments there, I was just going to where my Editor told me, and then this Russian geezer comes up, introduces himself and talks as though he expected me to be the British representative. It seems to me that he must have known there would be some chap from England in that role, just assumed it was me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen why didn\u2019t you tell him the truth?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause he seemed so convinced, that\u2019s why, and I \u2018aven\u2019t dealt with that many Russians before, and to be honest, Captain, I don\u2019t think I want to deal with any more. There was something – sinister – about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned, then nodded and released his breath. \u201cSo if Radamsky was so sure there was -\u201d he paused and looked thoughtfully at Yates, \u201cwhich would mean -\u201d his brown eyes stared into Yates\u2019 face and then he stood up \u201cYou should have told him the truth, Yates. You got yourself into more of a mess than you can handle by not doing so, and the real Government official could be dead or wandering around lost somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, my Editor told me to do everything possible to get a good story. Believe me, Captain, I\u2019m a good journalist and I intend to make this a real cracker!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s nose thinned as he looked down it at the Englishman, then he shook his head, \u201cJust eat your food before it gets too cold, Mr. Yates.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He strode away, but after several paces stopped and looked back \u201cTell me something, did Radamsky refer to you by name when he first met you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if he was expecting someone from England to be there he must have known the name of the contact .. Or did he just introduce himself and appear ignorant of the name?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates shrugged \u201cHe just came up to me, said \u2018You are expecting me perhaps? You are English?\u2019\u201d he rubbed around his mouth slowly and narrowed his eyes, \u201cHe introduced himself then, which is when I got the collywobbles, being a Baron, and a Russian, and a Government official, I mean what was I to do? I just said that yes, I was English, was he expecting me and he said he was if I had come about the missing scientists. Then he said he was looking for his brother in law, Sokolovich. He didn\u2019t say any name at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t appear surprised when you told him who you were?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI told you already,\u201d Yates said tersely as though irritated by the constant repetition of the fact \u201cI told him I was Mark Yates. That was all. As it happens he knew just about as much as I did about the matter, even though he had been there a few days before I had arrived.\u201d he shrugged \u201cNow – can I get on with my food?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and said nothing more but continued on his way to where Jotham was sitting. In the distance monkeys chattered, there was the roar of the big cat and the monkeys screeched, silence fell for a short while until a bird began to warble and the monkeys, calmed a little, returned to their chatter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 27<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The music from the piano trickled through the house, the young woman sat intent upon her playing, her fingers moving perfectly over the keyboard. An infant played contentedly with his toys near by, his toes wriggling as though in tune with the music his mother was playing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not far from him another infant chewed contentedly on the ear of a worn out ragged rabbit, stopping every so often to look around her to find her mother before returning to her chewing\u2026 getting new teeth was always something of an ordeal and a good gnaw at something was some help, even if only temporary.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A baby slept in a wicker work basket close to the hearth lulled to sleep by the music and the peaceful surroundings of the light filled room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester stitched industriously at the quilt spread out over her lap, her head bowed as her needle plied in and out of the material. Every so often she would raise her head and pause in her work in order to listen to Mary Ann\u2019s music, then she would smile over at Olivia who would smile in return before she also returned to her work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The needles flashed in the sunlight that shone through the windows, the music drifted around them like some intangible thread bringing day dreams to each one of them. Olivia sighed and looked up to watch as Sofia walked over to the piano and stood by her aunt to watch the busy fingers flitting up and down, touching the black and white keys in just the right places to produce the music.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I could play music like you, Aunt Mary Ann.\u201d she said quietly, her eyes intent upon the keyboard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI could teach you, if you would like, but you would need to practise a lot at home if you want to be a good pianist.\u201d Mary Ann replied with a smile while her fingers continued to play faultlessly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh could you, could you really?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf your mom agrees.\u201d came the answer and a wider smile, at which Sofia gave a gasp of delight and ran over to Olivia \u201cOh mommy, did you hear? Aunt Mary Ann says I can learn to play like her. Can I, can I, mommy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia put down the needle and observed her daughter intently. They had a piano at home, an upright that stood grandly in the main room and which she hardly touched because she felt herself to be a very inexperienced player. When she was first married Robert had purchased the piano for her, taken her to piano recitals, tried to encourage her to develop a talent that she did not possess. She smiled and took hold of her daughter by the hand, \u201cWould you really like to play?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, oh yes, mommy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia looked over at Mary Ann \u201cWould you have the time, Mary Ann?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The younger woman nodded, concluded the piece she was playing and rested her hands in her lap before turning to face her sister in law \u201cI\u2019d love to teach her. If she has the talent and ability then it would be a pleasure.\u201d she stood up and walked over to where the other women were working on the quilt, \u201cHester, do you think Hannah would like to learn as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester glanced over to where Hannah was playing with her dolls, lining them up and letting Hope reach out for them before snatching them away before her sister could touch them. \u201cI don\u2019t know, she\u2019s never shown any interest in music. To be honest I think she\u2019s taken after her father and has no musical aptitude at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh dear, that\u2019s a shame.\u201d Mary Ann said as she threaded the needle and then looked over towards the piano, \u201cSofia, go and have a little play on it, see what you can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia snipped her thread with a pair of scissors, \u201cI was useless at it, perhaps it was because I was already grown up when Robert bought me the piano. I\u2019m afraid that I found it all rather a chore. But, there was so much going on in my life then, so many adjustments to make as a young bride and far away from family.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sofia drifted to the piano and began to put her fingers on the keyboard, it wasn;t long before Hannah was standing beside her, but with her hands clasped tightly behind her back as she watched her cousin with large eyes and open mouth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a pleasant day, a time that each woman enjoyed for the chance it gave them to chatter, for the children to be together to share time and play. As the mothers sewed then Hope crawled her way to the settee and pulled her self onto her feet, wobbled a little and then took a few steps towards her mother, Daniel began to grizzle and got to his feet to toddle over to Mary Ann. Hester laughed \u201cI think they\u2019ve decided its time for food.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you\u2019re right.\u201d Mary Ann replied and put her needle away carefully before leaning down to pick Daniel up and swing him onto her lap \u201cI miss Ann. I wish she had been able to come today.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not well with this baby,\u201d Hester said quickly in defence of her cousin, \u201cBut you\u2019re right, I miss her too.\u201d she sighed, \u201cPerhaps we should extend our sewing group to some others in town?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, Rachel Darrow for example?\u201d Mary Ann laughed, \u201cI can see her making us unstitch all our work and having to do it again until it comes up to her standards.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose Bridie would be too busy to come\u2026\u201d Olivia said quietly, \u201cBut then, perhaps Marcy would like to join us?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hester smiled and nodded \u201cIt would be lovely if she would come. She must be so lonely there on her own so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A wail of grief drifted towards them and they turned to where Hannah was bawling and sucking at her fingers which had been \u2019nipped\u2019 when Sofia had closed the keyboard lid down on them. Mary Ann sighed and stood up \u201cRight, it really must be time for cookies and cake now\u2026.come along, Sofia, you can help me. Olivia, do take Daniel for me or he will cause havoc before I get them to the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hope clapped her hands, a smile drifted over her face, the words cookie and cake meant food, she was happy. Daniel yelled and struggled to get down onto the floor and escape his aunt\u2019s tight embrace as he saw his mother disappear towards the kitchen. Hannah ran to Hester to show her the bruised finger tips, and was rewarded with a kiss on each one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nathaniel slept on, cookies and cake had no significance to him whatsoever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

David Watson strolled over to where Reuben Cartwright was eating his lunch, he sat down beside the younger child and looked across the school yard to where a group of boys were huddled beneath the big tree that provided shade for them on hot summer days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey causing you any trouble, young Cartwright?\u201d he asked as he slowly polished an apple on his shirt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s that Downing kid,\u201d Reuben scowled and narrowed his eyes at the \u2019Downing kid\u2019 who was whispering with sidelong glances over at him, \u201c He\u2019s saying things -.\u201d he paused and looked at David who not so long ago had been saying much the same insinuations that had caused problems between them. \u201cStill, it doesn\u2019t matter. I can fight my own battles.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

David grinned \u201cSure you can, you\u2019re a reg\u2019lar fire cracker, aint cha? Just like your Uncle Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben said nothing to that but chewed on his sandwich, David leaned nonchalantly against the wall of the school house, \u201cYou don\u2019t want to let anything they say upset you, kid. They\u2019re just jealous.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019re a Cartwright, of course.\u201d David grinned, bit into the apple and chomped on it, rather like Buster, Reuben\u2019s horse. \u201cLook, they cause you any trouble you just whistle and I\u2019ll come give you a hand.\u201d he clenched the fist of his free hand \u201cIt won\u2019t take much to beat the wind out of his sails, he\u2019s all blubber and talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben laughed and felt a lightening of the anxiety he had been feeling since arriving at school. Annie Sales and Rosie Canady walked over, hand in hand, Rosie really was a town girl now, Reuben thought to himself as he noticed the difference in his \u2019cousin\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello Reuben,\u201d Annie said, her eyes large behind her spectacles and freckles standing large over her nose \u201cI got some candy for you.\u201d she held out a bag of assorted goodies and Reuben thanked her politely as he took several out of the bag.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rosie smiled at him and then at David \u201cDo you want some candy, David?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She blushed a little, after all David was one of the big boys, he\u2019d be graduating soon and going off to work on his father\u2019s homestead. But even a little girl like Rosie could see that he was good looking and pleasant speaking, he smiled at her and took a humbug, then got up and walked away, looking back at Reuben and giving him a wink of the eye.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben was just enjoying his last piece of candy when a shadow fell across him. He looked up and saw \u2019The Downing Kid\u2019 standing in front of him, legs wide apart, hands on hips and a smirk on his fat face \u201cHow you doing, Reuben Whatever you call yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReuben Cartwright. That\u2019s my name. Reuben Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah, I forgot. What was it before then ? \u2019Cos you ain\u2019t really a Cartwright you know that don\u2019t\u2019cha?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben stood up slowly, his hands were sweating, he could see other children beginning to group close by, \u201cI know that, Downing, I had a Pa before Ma married -\u201d he paused, he realised he didn\u2019t know how to refer to Adam, should it be Mr Cartwright, or \u2019my new Pa.\u2019 He tossed his head \u201cAnyhows, I\u2019m called Reuben Cartwright now, so whats it to do with you anyhow?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw, my Pa -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t care what your Pa says. Just shut your mouth, Downing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah? You gonna try and make me ? Is that it? Go on then, you try ..\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Reuben clenched his fists and stepped forward, Downing laughed confident that it would be no problem flattening the younger and smaller boy, but when Reubens fist connected with his stomach, and the boys booted foot kicked him in the shin he soon stopped cackling and with a grunt lunged forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t get far, as much as his feet scrabbled in the dirt something prevented him from moving. Reuben stepped away to the side and then David let go of the Downings belt so that under his own momentum the boy staggered forward, found nothing in front of him to prevent him going a few more paces and then falling flat onto the ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He lay there for a moment gasping for air for the fall had winded him, but worse of all was the sound of laughter and the drifting away of his supporters. He managed to get to his feet, the bell was tolling, break was over \u2026 he dusted himself down and looked for a sight of Reuben Cartwright. He saw the other lad walking up the steps into the building with David Watson behind him, and Annie Sales by his side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Red faced and sweating he stomped his way to the building. War, he decided, had been declared!<\/p>\n

\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olivia dipped her pen into the inkwell and paused a moment to look at what she had already written. She wondered what Adam would think as he read the letter, one day, far away somewhere. She worried that perhaps he wasn\u2019t really interested in the small details of their lives, in the gossip and the worries and the events that made their little world spin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Having thought that she began to write a continuation to what had already gone before\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are all concerned about Pa. I told you in an earlier letter how he has set his mind to looking out for the family of Martha Frobisher, didn\u2019t I? We have teased him a little and tried to cajole him out of his stubborn refusal to give up on the idea, but he only becomes more determined to go. The cable he received a while ago said there would be a letter but so far there has been nothing and he is getting irritable about it now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think we are worried because it may mean him going away from us for a while, and alone. Who knows what may happen and we may not know anything about it. Perhaps we are being foolish and speculative but Joe and Hoss will be away on the cattle drive, Candy is in town now and busy. Oh my dear, how I wish you were here although I know your Pa would take as little notice of you as he does the rest of us. Why are you Cartwrights such stubborn men?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On a lighter note, Joe has finally got Mary Ann to agree to have some help in the house. So the hunt is on for someone suitable, although I don\u2019t think there will ever be anyone to replace Bridie. Mary Ann has also agreed to teach Sofia to play the piano, and after her first lesson she told me that she thought our little girl had great potential.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019m afraid Reuben got into a fight at school today and came home with scratches and bumps. Remember how upset I got when he came home after his first fight, that was with Billy Webb wasn\u2019t it? Now I just tell him to clean up in the yard. That sounds as thought it\u2019s a regular occurrence doesn\u2019t it? It isn\u2019t, thank goodness, he hasn\u2019t yet become a second Joseph Cartwright although I sometimes wonder if he is heading in that direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She paused a moment and chewed the end of her pen as she read over what she had written. She remembered the pride she had felt at the praise Sofia received from Mary Ann, and how she had immediately thought of how proud Adam would be when he knew, for he loved music so much himself. Then there was the matter of Ben – if only he had never found that wretched slip of paper. She sighed and picked up her pen once more, dipped it into the ink and made her concluding comments that are really too private for any other eyes but those of her beloved husband.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 28<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They stepped into the clearing and knew that this was the place where Scolley, Sokolovich and Jefferson had been attacked along with who ever still remained of the original party. Not one of them moved although their eyes took in as much detail of the sight. Only Qu\u2019an seemed possessed with the ability to act in any capacity as he strode forward to the centre of the clearing and indicated with the lance the remains of a body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The action prompted Adam to step forward and to order Yates and Morton to look around them and see what or who they could find. Possibly they would be able to account for a number of men, even discover if this was indeed the three scientists final location.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a shudder they discovered that what remained of the bodies had no heads, various limbs were missing and by the evidence of the prints and churned up undergrowth Adam surmised that wild animals had had their share of the victims. What ragged remnants of clothing remained was examined, some private possessions found and looked through, but nothing that led them to think the three men lay among the victims.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They finally succeeded in finding the remains of twelve men, among that number some were mere youths. The attack had obviously been a sudden ambush by Indians using poison darts to such good use that only a few of the victims had defensive wounds on them, showing that they had made some attempt to fight back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The whole area was a mess of decomposing bodies, rags of clothing, dismembered body parts scattered over some distance, some parts they never found and Adam had never expected to. It was a grim and unpleasant discovery and unsurprisingly Yates was violently sick for some while, leaving Adam and Jotham to deal with what they had discovered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMost of these men are Brazilian, some Pantaneiro.\u201d Jotham murmured, \u201cWhat has Qu\u2019an got to say about it? Anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said the men were attacked by Guaicuri -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey could come back?\u201d Jotham whispered and glanced uneasily over his shoulder at Qu\u2019an who was standing in his usual stance of balancing on one leg and leaning upon his lance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe thinks they have moved on.\u201d Adam frowned \u201cPossibly with the three men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t they murder them as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Jotham. Possibly because they looked different to the Brazilians or -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr perhaps they were told not to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Who\u2019d have told them that?\u201d Jothams brow clouded over and he straightened himself up in order to stand and turn in the direction of some movement from behind him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t bother to reply after all it had been a random suggestion, a fleeting thought, and he was still dwelling on it when Yates emerged bearing a leather pouch in one hand, \u201cI found this. It\u2019s Sokolovich\u2019s \u2026\u201d he handed it to Adam who opened it and found bundles of herbs and plants, now dry and quite dead but obviously still tied in their neat bundles. A hardbound book with precise notations and sketches written upon the pages gave more proof that it had indeed belonged to the Russian and that this was his catalogue of samples.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t have left this behind willingly.\u201d Adam said as he held a small bunch of wilted greenery to his nose and inhaled the aroma before replacing it. \u201cWhere did you find it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates was more than willing to show them, and watched Adams face closely in order to interpret the Captains reaction. Adam rubbed the side of his nose thoughtfully \u201cThis area is quite dry, the bodies are mostly in the same places where they had fallen although some were dragged a distance by some animal or other predator.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe rains didn\u2019t affect this place then?\u201d Jotham suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, not to any great extent,\u201d Adam agreed, and knelt down on one knee in order to see what else could be found among the thick foliage, but there was nothing and he stood up and looked about him, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t look as though they were taken in this direction, so the bag wasn\u2019t dropped by him along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Indians wouldn\u2019t want it, would they?\u201d Yates volunteered and Adam agreed that they wouldn\u2019t but Sokolovich would, he\u2019d not have just dropped it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked up and around him, mentally lamented the fact that Hoss was not with them. He examined the bag and then the plants and shrubs, and then looked at Yates \u201cWhere exactly was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust here?\u201d Yates said and pointed to a sturdy shrub with large fan like leaves, \u201cIt was resting right there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tugged at his ear lobe and frowned \u201cWell, seems possible that someone threw it in this direction. Perhaps to keep it safe for whoever came along -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSokolovich? You think he would have done that?\u201d Yates asked immediately.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay be.\u201d Adam said and led the way back to the clearing where they found Qu\u2019an waiting the them, \u201cQu\u2019an, no rains here? No big water?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo big water here.\u201d Qu\u2019an agreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, no floods, no alligators, the dead had fallen and been disturbed by land animals only. He looked around at the spectacle and then looked at Qu\u2019an \u201cYou know where Guaicuri are?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Qu\u2019an was silent for what seemed a long time then he pointed with his lance. .southwards. Jotham and Yates looked at one another and then at Adam who had turned in the direction Qu\u2019an had indicated, it was obvious that there was more walking ahead of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For a while Adam walked in silence. He was not overly talkative usually but now Jotham noticed there was even more reticence on his part to talk. After some time had passed he approached his senior officer and asked if he thought it a good idea to be going after the natives who had quite casually despatched twelve men and carried off who knew how many others?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been ordered to find Jefferson, Jotham, and that\u2019s what we\u2019re proceeding to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but -\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo but\u2019s, Jotham. There\u2019s really no other alternative, is there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham nodded and pursed his lips slightly, he wiped sweat from his brow and looked over his shoulder at Yates who was bringing up the rear in his usual nervous state. \u201cYates isn\u2019t up to this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe chose to come along, Jotham. What do you suggest we do with him. Leave him here on his own?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not.\u201d Jotham grinned, there was a flash of a resemblance to Daniel as he did so, \u201cHe\u2019d be a gibbering wreck in no time if we did that to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked over at the Englishman and observed that he was trailing further behind, \u201cAre you alright, Yates?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll take a break in a moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well, don\u2019t stop on account of me, after all, what does it matter if I collapse any time now from who knows what might strike me down in this blooming awful place.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou chose to come along.\u201d Adam reminded him with raised eyebrows as he observed the sweating labouring civilian forcing one step before the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think it was going to be like this though, did I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you thought it was going to be like, Yates,\u201d Adam replied and stopped for a moment or two for Yates to catch up with them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill we be stopping soon?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced up at the sky just peeking through the branches and then at Qu\u2019an who had halted when they had, he nodded, \u201cYes, we\u2019ll stop here for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates sighed with relief and sunk down onto the ground, then got up quickly and moved away \u201cAnts!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat decides it, we\u2019d best walk on.\u201d Adam said and signalled to Qu\u2019an to lead the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They had only been walking a few yards when Adam stopped and looked around him, Jotham asked what was wrong, more ants perhaps? \u201cNo, well, hopefully not. Look here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His finger indicated where some leaves had been broken, snapped down, the leaves drooping, wilting. He glanced around and pointed to another broken bough, slender though it was it had been bent down \u201cSomeone\u2019s passed here ahead of us\u2026 these have been deliberately broken.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think it was our men?\u201d Jotham murmured<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hoping it was \u2026\u201d Adam straightened up and looked more thoughtful than ever, Qu\u2019an was waiting, watching them with his black eyes glittering and Adam wondered what was going through the Indians mind at that moment. \u201cKeep your eyes open for anything – anything at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He nodded over to Qu\u2019an and the walking recommenced but the three men walked more slowly now as their eyes scrutinised the leaves, the trees, the shrubs \u2026 finally Adam called a halt, Yates was obviously wilting, it was time to make camp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was good to rest u p. Yates removed his boots immediately and began to massage his feet, while Adam stretched out his weaker leg and attempted to ease the pain in it. He looked up as Jotham approached and sat down beside him \u201cCaptain, I\u2019ve been thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam refrained from a sigh but pursed his lips and nodded \u201cWhat\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham licked his lips and his eyes flicked to Adams face, then over at Yates who was rubbing his feet but listening attentively. After a moment he said \u201cIt\u2019s just that, like I said before, this is an odd assignment.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so odd about it? We\u2019ve been ordered to locate and find Professor Jefferson,, that\u2019s what we\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut -\u201d he brushed back a strand of hair, \u201cBut don\u2019t you think it strange?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo stranger than some other assignments I\u2019ve been sent on. What exactly is bothering you so much about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Radamsky for a start?\u201d Jotham rubbed his chin and then looked over at Yates who had the good sense to look away and stare at some plants \u201cWhat about the real English agent?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and scratched at his shirt where some mosquito bites were particularly itchy, \u201cWell, we\u2019re just assuming that there would be an English agent, just as we\u2019re assuming that Radamsky is a Russian one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham grimaced and shook his head \u201cWhat do you mean by that? He said..\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone can say anything,\u201d Adam replied in that dismissive tone that so often irritated Joe and Hoss, \u201cLook, Yates said he was representing the British Government, but he wasn\u2019t. Radamsky says he was doing likewise for the Russian Government, but I have my doubts about that, although it may be true that he is Sokolovich\u2019s brother in law.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d Jotham sat back on his haunches and narrowed his eyes, again he glanced over at Yates who was showing more interest, he\u2019d stopped rubbing his feet for a start and had an intent look on his face as he observed the two Americans<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGovernment Agents, or whatever you prefer to call them, are always quite aware of who to expect will be sent by any other country, they usually know more about them than the person himself. But Radamsky didn\u2019t know anything about any Englishman, just latched onto Yates and assumed he was his counterpart. He\u2019d have known Yates wasn\u2019t if he had been a bona fide agent himself. Personally I doubt if Russia or Britain are particularly interested in sending any Government official to look for their men\u2026but a brother in law would be interested, and so would a newspaper who sent our Mr Yates.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut – this diamond mine?\u201d Yates blustered, \u201cThe lost city ?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRubbish.\u201d Adam dismissed such grandiose ideas with a shrug and opened his kit to take from it Scolley\u2019s notebook, \u201cI\u2019ve read through this book and I can\u2019t find any hint of any diamonds, any lost city. If there are such things then Scolley or someone else fabricated them to get sponsorship for this expedition.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates sank back and leaned against the trunk of a tree \u201cBut – why are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause Howard Jefferson is an American citizen and he\u2019s lost, and he\u2019s also related to a very prominent family in Washington and has connections with the new President.\u201d Adam shrugged again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you say so before now? I thought it was a matter of life and death \u2026\u201d Yates grumbled, \u201cI thought there were diamond mines and lost cities \u2026I thought..\u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter what you thought, Yates. \u00a0 At present it still is a matter of life and death, for them, perhaps for us as well.\u201c \u00a0Adam sighed now and stood up, stretched his legs and nodded \u201cWell, we had best get going. We\u2019ll make camp again in two hours unless we find what we\u2019re looking for before then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jotham nodded and glanced at Yates who was pulling on his boots, \u201cYour feet stink.\u201d he muttered as he leaned down to pick up his traps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you expect after tramping through this place for days on end\u2026\u201d Yates grumbled as he stood up, swung his pack upon his shoulder and turned to Adam \u201cI hope you\u2019re wrong, Captain. I\u2019ve pinned my hopes on finding at least a diamond mine\u2026 a lost city would have been better , but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe lives of three men would be better still, Yates. Or are you forgetting them?\u201d Adam said with a chill in his voice as he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yates had the grace to look discomfited, he looked at Jotham who turned his head away from him, Adams next comment \u00a0jerked them back to reality \u201cMy main concern just now is what\u2019s happened to those idiots who brought Mr Yates along on this jaunt? I can\u2019t believe they\u2019ve come along to help look for three lost scientists, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 29<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The letter had been placed in its pristine white envelope on Bens\u2019 desk where Hoss had left it for his father earlier that morning. If he had been tempted to open it and take a peek at its contents he never said, but had just said gruffly to his wife that he hoped it would put an end to his father\u2019s shenanigans. Hester had kept her own counsel and merely smiled as she continued to prepare for her day with the children.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Life was getting busier now as the spring round up got under way. Men from the Jessops and Dents ranches worked alongside the Ponderosa cattlemen in getting cattle branded and sorted out to take on the long cattle run to Tucson. It was a trip neither Hoss or Joe were looking forward to despite having taken it on for many years now. Being absent from home, wife and family, was something they became increasingly worried about, the fears of not knowing what could be happening to those they loved for so many weeks tore at their nerves even before they had started the trek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both knew, and most men in that situation also knew, that once they were started life would continue in its usual way, worries and fears would be put at bay, other factors would take over to be dealt with hour by hour. Feeling sorry for themselves and niggling over matters that may never happen back home was an indulgence they could not afford to dwell upon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both men were somewhat irritated by Ben\u2019s attitude to the cattle run this year. The fact that Ben was thinking more about some unknown family, and prepared to go scratching around for information on them which would take him from the family at the busiest time of the year, made both of his sons impatient with him. Worst of all was how Ben smiled and nodded at their reproaches, reminded them that they were grown men with good heads on them, had the ability to run the ranch single handed etc etc only annoyed them more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben entered the house slowly, his mind on the matters concerning a timber contract that Hoss had agreed with Hal Johnstone, Ben had never liked Johnstone very much and thought him a shifty character who ran up debts and seldom honoured them, not in full anyway. He was more than annoyed with Hoss for getting involved with the man and had decided to let his son know how he felt in strong terms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss home?\u201d he snapped at Hester who looked at him in surprise for Ben sounded angry, and she was unaccustomed to seeing him in such a mood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot at the moment.\u201d she replied, \u201cIs anything wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got himself a contract with Hal Johnstone.\u201d Ben growled as he untied his holster and unbuckled his gun belt. He coiled it carefully and set it down on the bureau, \u201cThat man always tries to get the cheapest deal and then never honours his debts. In all the years I\u2019ve known him, he has never paid any debt in full. I\u2019ve avoided getting tied up with him and now Hoss has walked right into a contract that the Ponderosa can\u2019t afford to take on.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss would have had a good reason for doing so, Pa.\u201d Hester reasoned and then with a bright smile added \u201cWhy not have some coffee while you read your letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He raised his dark eyebrows and grimaced, a downturn of the generous mouth that boded ill for Hoss if he were to walk into the house at that moment. She placed a gentle hand on his arm \u201cI\u2019ll get you the coffee, Hoss left the letter on your desk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He nodded and frowned, then kissed her on the cheek with a nod of the head knowing that Hester was doing her best to calm him down and appreciating the fact. He strolled into the study area, picked up the letter and frowned. He weighed it carefully in his hand before going round the desk to sit down in his big leather chair and then slowly tore the envelope open.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The letter heading of Pettifer, Harris & Steward appeared before his eyes, he pursed his lips, smoothed out the creases on the page and settled down to read the missive while Hester appeared with the coffee pot, his cup and saucer and set everything down near his elbow. He began to read\u2026.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dear Mr Cartwright<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With regards to your cablegram you should by now have received an response from our offices in connection with a Mr Silas Barrington.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the information you requested was of a personal nature it was felt more courteous on our part to contact Mr Barrington personally with regards to your request and proceed from there according to his instructions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Please find enclosed a letter which we have been requested to forward to yourself<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yours sincerely<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hal Steward\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grimaced and shrugged, tossed the first letter back onto the desk and proceeded to open the envelope of the second. His name was written in a heavy black ink and bold handwriting upon expensive vellum and the first thought that struck him was that whoever had written this second missive was very self confident, even perhaps, arrogant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He poured himself some coffee and then sat back to read it as he drank, with the cup in one hand and the letter in the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDear Sir<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I should address it, I know, as Dear Mr Cartwright knowing as I do that this is to go to the man who has built an empire known as the Ponderosa, but lacking a personal intimacy with yourself, perhaps it is best to leave it as it is \u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I understand that you request information about myself and my family, so my first response is to wonder why? Who in this world would want to know about us, now, at this juncture of our lives? I could only speculate, of course, and upon enquiry recalled that my half sister, Martha Barrington, lived in Virginia City with her husband for some years. Of course I have long lost contact with them but could find no other reason to suspect anyone other than her to be so inquisitive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That would mean, perhaps, that you, being in the vicinity of Virginia City, could be acting on her behalf. I can see no other purpose for the famous Ben Cartwright showing any interest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I should of course end this now, and request that you do not proceed with your enquiries, but I am prone to vagaries, and curiosity prompts me to wonder and want to know more about yourself, your Ponderosa, your interest in us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I and my sister live in Sacremento, not so very far from yourself, you see. Our address is given below. Should you wish to indulge your curiosity further then please feel welcome to visit us at any time that is convenient to yourself. Being retired from business I have long days to fill with idle gossip and matters that arouse my interest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yours truly<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. H. Barrington\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben raised his eyes from the letter to find himself being observed by his daughter in law who, upon realising he had noticed her, smiled sweetly and as innocently as she could \u201cWas it interesting? Your letter – was it interesting?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIn parts.\u201d he replied and put both the letter and the cup down. He refilled his cup and looked over the rim at her, smiled slowly and leaned back more comfortably into his chair \u201cThey live in Sacremento.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWho do?\u201d Hester replied with her hands folded neatly into her skirts as she surveyed him with a little more interest.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSilas Barrington\u2026 and his sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, Martha never mentioned he had a sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, perhaps she didn\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAre you going to let her know now? After all it means she has a half sister as well as a half brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you suggest? Would you like to know if you were Martha?\u201d he smiled, his dark eyes twinkled with mischief as he sipped the coffee and watched her from under his dark brows<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI think I would, yes, indeed I would.\u201d Hester nodded and sighed \u201cSo what do you intend to do now, Pa? Will you go to Sacremento?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben frowned, he picked up the letter again and read it through, felt instinctively that he would not like the writer of it, that bold black handwriting spoke too loudly of someone he could well find the very opposite of himself. He looked at Hester, noticed the little crescent of concern that furrowed her brow and smiled \u201cI don\u2019t know, dear, I\u2019ll have to think about it a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t forget that Hoss and Joe will be leaving for the cattle trail next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI won\u2019t forget.\u201d his smile faded a little and he emptied the cup and set it down on the saucer, then neatly folded the letters and returned them to their envelopes, both of them he put into his drawer.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He sighed and for a moment sat in deep contemplation which was broken by the door opening and heavy footsteps heralding the approach of his sons, he looked up and watched as Joe and Hoss came around to join him in the study area. Neither of them looked particularly happy as Hoss folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the book shelves while Joe perched himself on the corner of the desk<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, Pa?\u201d Joe said and rubbed his chin, \u201cGot your letter?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI did.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019s it say? Anything interesting? Anything that means you\u2019ll be leaving to go to New Jersey?\u201d Hoss asked, his brows lowered and blue eyes looked earnestly at his father.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNow why would it matter so much to you both if it did mean my going to New Jersey?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause we got a ranch to run, Pa.\u201d Joe protested.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, and a cattle trail to organise.\u201d Hoss spluttered indignantly<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh of course, and there\u2019s that timber contract you got yourself tied up with Hoss Cartwright!\u201d Ben snapped and pointing his finger at his son \u201cHow many times have I told you not to get involved with Hal Johnstone,, Hoss? Tell me, how many times?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHal Johnstone?\u201d Hoss gulped and stood upright, his arms flapped about a bit and he looked anxiously for help at Joe who only looked at him in amazement and echoed his word \u201cHal Johnstone?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, I\u2018m waiting for an answer, Hoss?\u201d Ben growled louder and thumped his clenched fist upon the desk, making everything rattle as a result.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHey, Pa, calm down some.\u201d Hoss cried, \u201cIt\u2019s only a little contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t care how little it is, Hoss, I don\u2019t want any dealings with that man or his family, do you hear? Now – I don\u2019t know and I don\u2019t care how you go about it – but you better go and tell him that the deals off, do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut, Pa, I can\u2019t -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou can\u2019t? Why can\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause – well – because -\u201d Hoss again looked at Joe for help but his little brother only shook his head and looked bemused as though, like his father, he couldn\u2019t believe Hoss could have made such a mistake.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t want excuses, Hoss. Nor reasons. I just want you to cancel that deal with that man, and do it now, today, do you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut, Pa, it\u2019s supper time and – and , Pa, I\u2019m sure hungry.\u201d again he turned to Joe, \u201cAin\u2019t you hungry, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t drag me into this,\u201d Joe said immediately and moved away \u201cFact is I\u2019ve got to get home, I promised Mary Ann I\u2019d be back home early.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut – Joe -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSorry, brother, but you\u2019re on your own here.\u201d Joe cried, \u201cSee you tomorrow, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben narrowed his eyes and watched as his youngest son disappeared and within minutes the sound of the door closing was to be heard. Hoss sighed, gulped, and looked at his father \u201cCan\u2019t I go tomorrow, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, he wasn\u2019t really so angry with Hoss now, but it had been useful to prevent any further questions about the letters and the Barringtons. He looked at his son and as usual found the sight of a very contrite Hoss Cartwright somewhat endearing, he sighed heavily as though it was hard to have to concede but \u201cVery well. First thing in the morning, Hoss, I want this matter cleared up, do you understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure, Pa.\u201d Hoss swallowed a lump in his throat, \u201cYeah, sure, Pa, I\u2019ll do it first thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben watched as Hoss hurried out of sight to be consoled by his wife. The sound of the table being set out for the meal, Hannah and Hope\u2019s laughter and chatter, drifted towards him. He rubbed his chin and stared down at the closed drawer where in the two letters nestled safely, and shook his head doubtfully. Perhaps he\u2019d send a cable to Martha and upon her reply make up his mind as to whether to take a journey to Sacremento or not.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 30<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy Coffee sat at the table in the kitchen of his home and slowly drank his morning coffee. He watched as his sister sat down opposite him and poured out tea into her own particular cup. Together they ate in silence having reached that stage in their lives like many a married couple where it seemed there was just nothing left to say to each other. The minutes consumed the time and niether spoke, the only sound was that of munching and swallowing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Finally the morning ordeal was over, Roy stood up and cleared his throat, wiped a hand over his moustache to dislodge any breakfast remains and nodded \u201cWell, I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel nodded in return \u201cDon\u2019t be late for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy raised his eyebrows but said nothing to that although he did wonder if his sister really would be bothered if he returned late or not for supper, to endure yet another evening ritual of silence. As he buckled on his gun belt he thought it odd that when two people sat together and said nothing the silence seemed so much more profound than when a man just sat down on his own to enjoy a meal. He rammed down his hat and scratched the back of his neck before opening the door and stepping out into the main street of town.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The sun was bright and for a moment he stood there in the porch way of his home blinking as it struck against his spectacles and made him blink. After a pause of a moment or two he began his usual habit of patrolling the town. He had done this walk every morning after breakfast ever since he first moved into town and had a roof over his head and a tin star fixed to his shirt. He knew every alleyway and every passage in town and who lived where and the circumstances of their lives. A good lawman, Roy had decided long ago, was like a shepherd with his flock. He\u2019d know each one by name and check them over regularly. By walking these streets in the morning he met up with folk who would stop and talk, as a result he knew their goings on and their problems. It helped if anyone got involved in any shooting or lawbreaking because he had some back ground knowledge of the people he was dealing with, whether or not they would be the kind of folk would commit a crime.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He finally reached the sheriff\u2019s office over an hour later having stopped by and spoken to a number of people all of whom seemed more than pleased to stop and talk. As he stepped into the office and glanced around at the men there he smiled, just a small private smile to himself, although Candy had noticed and gave him the benefit of a smile in return. \u201cGood morning, Roy. Time for a coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWouldn\u2019t say no -\u201d Roy replied and removed his hat, sat down and balanced it upon his knee. \u201cAny news about that Cochrane feller?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNone so far, Roy.\u201d Candy replied and passed over a mug of the hot brew \u201cI did get to know a bit more about the case though.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh. Interesting reading was it?\u201d Roy\u2019s moustache bristled and he frowned over the rim of his mug.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, he certainly seemed quite a character.\u201d Candy opened a drawer and pulled out a wanted poster and several pages of paper upon which some notes were scribbled. \u201cA charmer, good looking with a way around the women.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh-ha, that\u2019s how it would all start.\u201d Roy nodded and his eyes narrowed, \u201cHe\u2019d get them eating out of his hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen he\u2019d sweet talk them into getting engaged to marry.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWouldn\u2019t take him long to get round to doing that either.\u201d Roy grumbled.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen he\u2019d start complaining about debts he\u2019d run up, money needed to start up home\u2026and they would pay him until they had no money left themselves upon which he would kill them.\u201d Candy frowned \u201cI could never understand why he did that, if they had no money left then why not just leave them in peace, and get on with life elsewhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt was his way of doing things I suppose. Most criminals have their own way of doing things, you\u2019ll learn that as you go along, Candy. Adam Cartwright would call it their modus operandii or something like that\u2026 if he left them alone with no more money then they\u2019d go and get to thinking that they should sue him for their money back and all that kind of thing. He preferred a clean slate so he could start again. Of course -\u201d Roy stroked his moustache thoughtfully, \u201cthey died in ways that would bring about a whole lot of sympathy for him from the other females, so he always had a good selection to pick out his next victim.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSix women killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cS\u2019right, and one that got away. She was the one that had the sense to come and tell me about it. Didn\u2019t take long to get him to crack, had him arrested, tried and sentenced within six weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTook that long, huh?\u201d Candy grinned but Roy didn\u2019t notice that he was being teased, he just finished his coffee and stared at the far off wall as though seeing Cochrane all over again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe was an arrogant cruel man. You would never think it when you first met him, he had us all thinking well of him. But -\u201d he shook his head and sighed \u201cnow if\u2019n he\u2019d gone a-courting Widow Hawkins at the start of his campaign, I doubt if hed be alive to tell the tale.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy laughed and nodded, he was fond of Roy and understood the need of the old man to keep calling in most mornings. He showed Roy the current poster of the wanted man and assured him that he would be keeping his eye out for him. \u201cThat\u2019s good, then there\u2019s nothing for us to worry about then,\u201d Roy said and looked thoughtfully at the picture \u201cYep, that\u2019s him alright. I wonder if he\u2019s changed at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI did say it was the current picture of him, Roy. Do you think he\u2019s changed at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, he hasn\u2019t\u2026that\u2019s why I wondered if it was the latest picture, ain\u2019t no change in him at all. Prison changes a man, and nigh on ten years must have brought some changes I\u2019d have thought.\u201d he frowned and pushed the poster back to Candy \u201c Still, perhaps he charmed the jail keepers as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben Cartwright glanced over the cable and then folded it neatly and slipped it into his pocket. Glancing up and down the main street he noticed Roy Coffee leaving the sheriff\u2019s office and smiled to himself as he wondered how Candy was taking to the old man haunting the place. He hoped that Candy accepted it gracefully and made the old sheriff feel comfortable and \u2019at home\u2019. He raised a hand as Roy noticed him and began to cross the road, side stepping around Hogan\u2019s wagon and avoiding getting run down by Carmichael\u2019s barouche. \u201cMorning, Ben. You\u2019re early, ain\u2019t they feeding you so good back there anymore?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure they are, you old galoot. When are you coming over to have a meal yourself? You promised me that you\u2019d be a regular visitor when you retired and I\u2019ve not seen hide nor hair of you yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHmm, true enough.\u201d Roy rubbed his chin thoughtfully, \u201cI keep intending to but time seems to have a habit of just slipping by. Everything alright over there?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cFine, just fine Roy. The boys are getting ready for the big spring cattle drive next week.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019re not going, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNope, not this time.\u201d Ben clamped his mouth together and forced a smile, then looked at his old friend thoughtfully, \u201cEr, Roy, when was the last time you went to Sacremento?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy scratched his chin thoughtfully and shook his head \u201cCan\u2019t say as I can recall, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh, well, in that case how would you like to come with me on a trip to the city? Huh? I\u2019ve business to attend to there and would appreciate a companion.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy shot his friend an uneasy look, then raised his eyebrow, \u201cWell, it\u2019s something to think about that\u2019s for sure. When do you intend to go?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTomorrow?\u201d Roy shook his head \u201cThis business of yours must be pretty urgent.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, not really that urgent, Roy. Just something I want to look into myself, you understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI see.\u201d Roys tone of voice indicated that he was far from actually seeing anything, but he gave Ben a thoughtful look and nodded, \u201cVery well, Ben. I\u2019ll come along with you for the ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m glad,\u201d Ben grinned and clapped the other man on the back, \u201cBe at the stage by 11 o\u2019clock.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy tipped his hat and walked away, his mind considering exactly what was currently happening at the Ponderosa that could have precipitated this sudden departure.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben mounted his horse and walked it carefully through the traffic in town, he had not got far when he heard the crash and smashing of glass, a shout of fury and out of curiosity turned to see what had happened. He was in time to see two boys running as fast as they could down the sidewalk with Andy Downing thundering after them shouting and waving his fist as he went, which wasn\u2019t far as he was much overweight and had to stop to catch his breath.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben was wondering what to do in the situation when Downing caught sight of him and breathing heavily lumbered over to him \u201cDid you see that? Did you see what that grandson of yours did ?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben? No. I didn\u2019t see him do anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAre you blind? You turned round to watch, I saw you, I saw you turn and watch that brat of yours send a stone through my window. Do you know how much a plate glass window costs nowadays?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMr Downing, I don\u2019t want to argue with you, but I don\u2019t think it was Reuben who smashed your window.\u201d Ben said coldly as he surveyed the sweating panting fat man from his seat in the saddle.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, let me just assure you, Mr High and Mighty Cartwright, it was Reuben Cartwright and his pal Jamie Watts. The pair of them have been ganging up on my boy for the past few weeks and I demand that you give him the thrashing he deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben frowned and looked at the storekeeper with something close to loathing, but he checked himself, after all he hadn\u2019t recognised the boys who had been running away, who was he to say it wasn\u2019t Reuben. He cleared his throat, \u201cIf Reuben has been the cause of this, Mr Downing, rest assured, he\u2019ll get the proper punishment for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd the cost of the window?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf he\u2019s caused its breakage, I\u2019ll cover the cost of the window.\u201d Ben sighed and turned his horse away to resume his journey home. Just like old times, he pondered with a slight frown but also a slight smile puckering his lips. If it was Reuben, he wondered if a certain sling shot had been used, a familiar and oft used one at that\u2026<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The knock on the door came just as Rachel had put the last hat pin into her new bonnet. With a slight turn of the head to check that her appearance was acceptable to any visitor who called she walked quickly to the door and opened it with a smile. The smile faded though upon finding a stranger on the doorstep.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The man removed his hat politely \u201cMrs Coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, there\u2019s no Mrs Coffee here.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I was given the understanding that Sheriff Coffee lived here.\u201d the man standing in front of her gave a charming smile, his eyes were attentive and apologetic.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy brother lives here, Roy Coffee. He is no longer sheriff here, however. I\u2019m his sister, Rachel Darrow\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh!\u201d the gentleman\u2019s eyebrows rose and he smiled, gave a slight bow \u201cTo be honest with you, I\u2019m quite delighted to know that I\u2019m not addressing Mrs Coffee.\u201d and he gave her a look that made her blush \u201cI\u2019m Alfred Stone. I\u2019ve just arrived in town and had been told to look up the sheriff, but, as Roy Coffee is no longer the sheriff, I had better make my way to the correct official.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel smiled and nodded, paused with her hand on the door handle, \u201cWell, I can take you there, if you wish?\u201d she suggested, pulling the door shut, \u201cWe have a new sheriff in town now, a very able young man\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReally? Well, that\u2019s most kind of you, Mrs Darrow. So long as your husband won\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel simpered a little, glanced over to where she could see Widow Hawkins and Mrs Garston watching and whispering together, \u201cOh, I have no husband.\u201d she said with a flutter of the eyelashes, \u201cMy husband died some years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy dear madam\u2026\u201d Mr Stone said, removing his hat again, \u201cMy sincere condolences.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel smiled and lowered her eyes demurely, and then with a slight smirk to her lips she led the way down the main street leaving the two women watching, and whispering and speculating.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 31<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben squared up well to Ben\u2019s cross examination later that evening. Standing with his hands behind his back and his head bowed he listened as his grandfather explained why he had come to \u2018discuss something\u2019 with him, and then with a sigh he explained in turn why he had acted as he had done so.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t mean for the window to break, gran\u2019pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t suppose that you did, so what did you intend?\u201d Ben stood leaning against the settee with his arms folded across his chest and his black brows beetling over black eyes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben swallowed a large gulp and looked anxiously to where Olivia was sitting in the chair by the hearth, at her slight nod of encouragement he heaved a sigh \u201cGran\u2019pa, is it right for someone to tell lies about someone else and get people to say nasty things about them?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, it isn\u2019t.\u201d Ben answered with a slight pout to the mouth, \u201cWhy? Is that what happened to you at school today?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot just today, but other days too\u2026.and is it right for a fella to take another fella\u2019s books and hide \u2018em so that this other fella is late for class and gets into trouble with the teacher, only he can\u2019t explain why because then the other fella\u2019s in the class would call him a sneak.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, that\u2019s not right either.\u201d Ben frowned and raised his eyebrows as though realising this problem was not as straightforward as it had first seemed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd anyhow, gran\u2019pa, is it right that this fella who is big and older than the other one, gets to wait for him before school and after school and tried to beat him up every time?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, son, that\u2019s very wrong.\u201d Ben replied with a sigh.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, me and Jamie Watts decided enough was enough. We planned to show that Leslie Downing a thing or two, that he can\u2019t do those kind of things and get away with it. David Watson said he\u2019d help but he wasn\u2019t at school today as he had to help his pa at home. So it was just me and Jamie. But That Downing Kid was with a group of his friends so we had to wait til he was on his own, y\u2019see, and he was almost at the store by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo you let fire anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sir. We didn\u2019t want to go away without doing something, its just that one of the stones hit the window\u2026 I don\u2019t know if it was mine or Jamies, gran\u2019pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben rubbed his brow thoughtfully and sighed, he looked at Olivia and then back at the boy who was looking pale but proud in front of him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you really think that was the best way to handle the matter, Reuben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI thought so at the time, sir.\u201d Reuben blinked, it seemed to him that there was no other way, none that would have worked on Leslie Downing that was for sure.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd did David Watson approve of this plan?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, we didn\u2019t tell him. He had a plan of his own but -\u201d he shrugged, \u201cPa always says we have to stand up and take the fight to the enemy. Well, That Downing Kid is the enemy, and we took the fight to him \u2018cept it didn\u2019t turn out right like we thought it would.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cFights don\u2019t always go the way we want them to, Reuben. You can lose as many as you win, unfortunately. What do you think your Pa would do now if he were at home?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTalk some, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, what do you think he\u2019d say?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSame as you I guess.\u201d Reuben looked down at the floor and blinked back tears, \u201cI didn\u2019t break the glass on purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you think your Pa would have wanted you to take your sling shot to school and use it against Leslie Downing?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben didn\u2019t answer for a while, but recalled a time when Adam had told him never to fire a stone from the slingshot at anyone, especially if angry with them. He remembered the story Adam had told him of seeing a boy do just that, and as a result a child had died. He shook his head \u201cNo, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    His voice quavered slightly and a tear trickled down his cheek, \u201cBut Leslie Downing \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, you told me all about Leslie Downing and what he\u2019s been doing.\u201d Ben drew the boy closer to him, much the same way as Adam would have done, and Reuben sighed and longed to just hug his grandpa close and stay safely there for a while, \u201cWhat lies has Leslie been saying about you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe said I wasn\u2019t Pa\u2019s son, that Nathaniel was and that if Pa died then Nathaniel would be his heir.\u201d he frowned and looked quizzically at Ben, \u201cI don\u2019t know what that meant but it sounded something bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben forced himself not to smile but instead cleared his throat and nodded, \u201cWell, that wasn\u2019t a lie, Reuben. You know that you aren\u2019t Adams son in the same way that Nathaniel is, don\u2019t you? Your father was Robert Phillips, wasn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, I did say that to them \u2026but they made it all sound bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLook, Reuben, in life we have to face up to a lot of things said and done against us. Some things we have to let lie, ain\u2019t no point in making a fuss, we have to grow big enough to take it on the chin and walk away from it. You\u2019ll learn as you grow older, you\u2019ll have to after all you are a Cartwright now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut what did he mean about me not being Pa\u2019s heir? Is that bad? Did I do something bad, gran\u2019pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, of course not. And it isn\u2019t something you need to worry about at all, when you\u2019re old enough your father will explain everything. I can assure you though, that you won\u2019t receive anymore less than your brother or sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben\u2019s brow furrowed and he looked over at Olivia who smiled at him reassuringly, which caused him to feel slightly more confident. Ben pushed himself upright and put a hand on his shoulder \u201cNow, Reuben, I think you and I have to take a little walk, don\u2019t we? I\u2019m proud of you for telling me the truth of why all this happened but there are always consequences to our actions, so let me explain first what some of those consequences could be \u2026.or could have been\u2026firstly when that glass shattered it could have caused a lot of harm to anyone who was walking past the store at the time, or who may have been near the window inside. Do you understand what I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut, granpa, I was aiming at Leslie, not the window.\u201d Reuben expostulated with large tear filled eyes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cEvenso you missed – and the window broke. The other consequence is that I have to pay for the damage – I doubt if you have enough money saved to pay for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI will give you my pocket money, gran\u2019pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, well, let that be for the moment. Now let\u2019s consider something else\u2026 your Pa told you not to use that slingshot, didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo you disobeyed him, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben sighed, he looked over at Olivia who hurriedly became very busy with some sewing so that their eyes didn\u2019t meet for she hated the thought that her little boy was going to receive punishment from Ben, even though she understood the reason why \u2026the needle wove in and out of the hem until she heard the door close, and then her hands became still and she lay them down in the lap of her skirts and waited for their return.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mr Downing was puffing on his pipe when the bell tinkled over the door of the store and Ben walked in with young Reuben Cartwright beside him. He took the pipe out of his mouth and held it in one hand while he glared at the two of them, and then snapped out \u201cWell? Come to pay your dues?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe have -\u201d Ben said quietly and pushed Reuben forward slightly, \u201cReuben, say what you have to say, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMr Downing, I\u2019m real sorry I smashed your window, it was an accident, I didn\u2019t mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Downing scowled deeper and thrust his pipe in between his teeth \u201cWhether you meant it or not aint of no interest to me. Fact is the window got broke and it had to be fixed quick. Cost me extra as a result.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben cleared his throat \u201cI\u2019ve the money to pay for the damage.\u201d he said and pulled his wallet from his pocket, slowly thumbed out the notes which he put down on the counter, \u201cTell me when there\u2019s enough to cover the cost, Downing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Andy Downing licked his fat lips, his nimble brain did a quick sum as he wondered how much extra he could add to the bill, but then he recalled that Ben Cartwright knew everyone in town, and the glazier was sure to tell him exactly what the amount was\u2026he sighed and raised a hand \u201cThat\u2019s fine, just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGood. We\u2019re both sorry for the inconvenience you\u2019ve been caused.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHuh, well, no one was hurt,\u201d Downing grumbled as he gathered up the cash and stuffed it into his pocket. \u201cThat\u2019s the main thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThere\u2019s just another thing, Downing.\u201d Ben stepped forward, looked at Reuben and indicated that he could now leave the building. As the bell tinkled upon the door closing he turned to the fat man, \u201cYou tell your boy to stop bullying my grandson, d\u2019you hear? This wouldn\u2019t have happened if the boy hadn\u2019t been getting tormented by Leslie. If I hear that your son says, or does, anything to distress Reuben again \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou touch my son, Cartwright, and it\u2019d be the last thing you\u2019d ever do.\u201d Downing growled.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI wouldn\u2019t touch your son, Downing, I wouldn\u2019t need to, there\u2019s more than one way to stop a forest fire you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He left the building then, not quite satisfied with how the discussion had gone, he felt that there was still unfinished business hanging over them but at the same time knew that there was nothing more he could do. He looked up at the boy standing by the horse and pony and smiled, \u201cAlright, Reuben, let\u2019s get you to school.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs it going to be alright now, Gran\u2019pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, son, it\u2019ll be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAre you still going away today?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They had mounted up now and were walking the horses in the direction of the school. Ben frowned, and for the first time realised that this journey to Sacremento really was an indulgence on his part, perhaps, even, a selfish one. He looked over at Reuben, \u201cI won\u2019t be long, only a few days. I may even be back before Joe and Hoss are gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI sure wish you weren\u2019t going, gran\u2019pa.\u201d Reuben sighed, \u201cI miss Pa and now you\u2019re going, and then Uncle Joe and Uncle Hoss. Shucks, gran\u2019pa, I\u2019ll be the only man left in the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy Coffee was standing and reading the poster pinned on the wall of the depot building. At the sound of his friend approaching him he turned and nodded \u201cThought you\u2019d changed your mind, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben tossed his bag up to the stagecoach driver who caught it deftly and fixed it in among the rest of the luggage, \u201cJust something came up, Roy, sorry to have kept you waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy smiled and stood back for Ben to precede him into the vehicle, then followed and took his seat. \u201cGlad to be going away, to be honest with you, Ben.\u201d he stroked his moustache and frowned slightly, \u201cAin\u2019t sure what\u2019s going on with that sister of mine but she\u2019s going around looking like the cat that got the cream\u2026 I don\u2019t trust her when she\u2019s going around like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPerhaps you\u2019d be better staying in town then, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNah, I don\u2019t think I could stand it, her simpering and prissy-ing all over the place like she is\u2026\u201d he paused and grew silent as an elderly man boarded and sat beside him, followed by another who sat by Ben.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Each man settled into their positions on the well worn seats of the stagecoach and waited for the jolt as the horses took the weight of the vehicle and headed out of town. Ben watched as the buildings slipped by shrouded in a cloud of dust kicked up by the heels of the horses. He saw Downing standing at the door, his fat arms crossed over his chest and the bulge of his belly overhanging his pants, by his side stood the boy, Leslie, eating some candy and looking like a mirror image of his Pa. It crossed his mind then that the Downing family were not the best people to cross and he felt a slight unease of mind as the stage hurtled into open territory.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 32<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The water fall was vast, the noise of thousands of gallons of water crashing downwards into the river hundreds of feet below them made their ears ring, it was impossible to be heard above the mighty roar of the cascade before them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The three men stood at the edge of the precipice and watched for some moments as the sun created rainbows as the water made its descent, spray scattered everywhere, creating prisms that formed wondrous rainbows.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The earth shook beneath their feet as though amid the beauty lay also a most latent terror, and each man stepped back away from being too near in case by some misfortune they should misplace a foot and plunge headlong to their death.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    But the air was cooling, refreshing after so many days enclosed in the humidity of the jungle. Their clothes were soaked for another reason other than perspiration and sweat. It made the hairs on their arms stand on end and sent shivers down their backs so that in a spontaneous movement the three of them turned and retreated back to the forest. They didn\u2019t speak. The noise prevented speech for a while, but so also did the splendour, the beauty and majesty of what they had seen rendered them mute as they straightened their backs and resumed their trek.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As the sounds of the waterfall gradually receded so the need to talk returned and Yates was the first to break silence by commenting on how unexpected it had been to see so much water. \u201cI suppose all that rainfall they have has to go somewhere.\u201d he concluded as neither of the men seemed inclined to respond.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose.\u201d Jotham nodded and hitched his pack higher, he looked at Qu\u2019an who had stood in silence and waited for them to return before continuing the journey as though there had been no interruption. He wondered if the Indian had a sense of beauty, or had seen it so often that it no longer affected him in any way.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam kept his mind only on where they were going, he had an idea that they were nearing journeys end, that somewhere soon the men who had killed Mrs Mendes would have to show themselves, and that the three missing men would be discovered. In what order, however, he couldn\u2019t anticipate, and was therefore doubly wary as a result.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They had walked far enough from the waterfall for the sounds of it to have faded from their hearing when Qu\u2019an turned, straightened his back and stood erect and as tall as it was possible to do. He then said something equivalent to \u2018That\u2019s as far as I go.\u2019 and remained standing, his lance by his side and his eyes staring ahead in the dark vastness beyond them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam didn\u2019t argue, didn\u2019t attempt to persuade him. Knowing that when an Indian says \u2018no further\u2018, they meant it for various reasons, he merely nodded, and continued onwards. Jotham gaze Qu\u2019an a dark look but followed Adam without question whereas Yates paused, dropped his bag onto the ground and called out \u201cHey, what\u2019s going on? You\u2019re not going on without him, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam didn\u2019t respond, but walked on, pushing aside some large leaves, brushing away any ant or insect that fell upon him, but not pausing for a moment. He had decided long before that if Yates decided to stop anywhere then that was his decision entirely, and he, Adam, wasn\u2019t going to interfere. Jotham merely glanced back, shook his head, and walked forward.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI can\u2019t believe it. Are you both mad?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The words were swallowed up by the air and the humidity and the jungle. Overhead came the twittering of birds chiding the man for disturbing them, squawks and squeaks from other creatures echoed the birds protests. Yates looked at Qu\u2019an who resembled a wooden statue, and with a theatrical groan he followed in the footsteps of Jotham and the Captain.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Every so often Adam would pause, look about him and examine the ground, the leaves of the trees, and then continue. As the sun began to set he indicated that they would make camp, and set down his pack in order to settle down. He had just lowered his kit upon the ground when he froze, his eyes looked up and met those of a man standing a mere few feet from him. He very slowly straightened up and looked from one man to another, and very quietly said to Jotham \u201cDon\u2019t move, don\u2019t make any sudden movement.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There were at least twenty men surrounding them now, some were totally naked, others wore loin clothes. Red paint covered their faces and throats down to their chests, and their hair was the colour of ochre, seemingly baked hard like a crust on their heads. After some moments had passed where no one moved one stout figure finally stepped forward several paces, his eyes moving from Adam to Jotham to Yates and back again. Behind him and around them the other men closed in, their weapons poised.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The leader spoke to them in sharp guttural sounds, paused as though waiting for a response, then repeated himself. Adam shook his head, raised his hands to his side and shrugged, shook his head again. There was a murmur among the natives, they looked at one another and then back at the white men. Some of them raised their weapons, narrow pipes in which Adam was quite sure were some hidden poisoned dart. He kept his eyes on the leader and smiled, shrugged again \u201cI don\u2019t speak your tongue.\u201d he said slowly, and pointed to his mouth, shook his head, shrugged once more.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The leader snapped out a response of some kind and narrowed his eyes, took several more paces closer to them. He and Adam stared at one another and then he nodded, and signalled to them to follow him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates didn\u2019t know how he managed to get one foot before the other, as he struggled to keep up with the others. He felt sick with fear, his head was floating off his shoulders from fear and he was sweating profusely. He could hear the laughter and comments from the tribesmen who were in the rear, and knew for sure that they were making risqu\u00e9 comments about the white men. He fully anticipated that they were walking to their deaths.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The village into which they walked was much larger than the previous one they had come across. It also had a more permanent appearance as the buildings looked as though they had had the roofs re-patched here and there, and the tracks between buildings and the common area was worn down and dry of soil.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    All the buildings encircled what appeared to be a communal central area, with doors facing onto it. As the three men were led towards that compound a man stepped from one of the huts and stood in the entrance to observe them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates caught his breath and whispered \u201cScolley.\u201d and then more loudly he called out the man\u2019s name \u201cMr. Scolley, it\u2019s me, Mark Yates.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The white man didn\u2019t move but watched as the Indians led their captives forward, and then stopped. The leader approached the white man and after a short conversation between them signalled to his companions to go, while he himself remained by Scolley\u2019s side and walked with him towards the three men. Scolley smiled and held out his hand<\/p>\n

    \u201cMichael Scolley.\u201d he said in a manner that was both courteous and rather out of place.<\/p>\n

    Adam was the first to shake his hand \u201cAdam Cartwright.\u201d, this was followed by Jotham who also only gave his name while Yates just grinned and said \u201cYou know me, Mr Scolley, Mark Yates, I work for the London News Agency.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley looked slightly bemused but said nothing, except to the Indian who nodded and left them alone, his confidence and trust in the white man indicated by the fact that he didn\u2019t look back nor hesitate to fulfill Scolley\u2019s request. Scolley now shrugged and with a sweeping gesture of the hand asked them to follow him back to his hut.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The people of the village went about their business as though nothing untoward had happened, yet as an isolated and primitive people it struck Adam as strange that they should act in such a way, unless, of course, they were accustomed to seeing white men there. He watched Scolley with some interest and wariness as they entered the gloom of the building and were invited to sit and be \u2018comfortable.\u2019<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMr Scolley -\u201d Adam began but the other man raised his eyebrows and said quietly \u201cProfessor Scolley to be more accurate. And yourself, Adam Cartwright, who exactly are you and who do you represent? You\u2019re both American? Associates? Partners perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham glanced at Adam and decided to say nothing, Scolley waited a moment before going to a section of the hut to pour some refreshment which he brought to them, he smiled rather as though amused at what was taking place \u201cI presume you are part of a search party sent to find us – newspaper men are you? Met up with Yates and listened to his gossip, and decided to see how much you could both make out of a good story, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They accepted the drinks which were cool and refreshing, Yates was about to speak but then stopped when Adam gave him a look that would have made Joe and Hoss clam up immediately. Scolley didn\u2019t appear to notice but sat down and stretched out his legs, \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe\u2019re part of a search party, yes, you\u2019re right about that, we were informed that three famous scientists had been maybe killed in an ambush, or kidnapped or just plain lost in the jungle here.\u201d Adam sipped more of the drink and frowned slightly as he looked over at the Englishman, \u201cwe found the bodies of some of the men who were your porters and guides.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley nodded thoughtfully and stroked his chin, \u201cYes, that was unfortunate. Some of those men had listened to rumours about gold and a lost city, they came along hoping we would lead them to a fortune.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates paused in the act of drinking and stared round eyed at the other man, \u201cYou mean there isn\u2019t any gold or diamonds or anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley raised his eyebrows and shrugged again, he looked at Adam \u201cWhen the Guaicua appeared some of the men we were with – convinced that they were about to be attacked with poison darts or whatever – opened fire upon them. The Indians had to defend themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey defended themselves pretty well,\u201d Jotham remarked coldly, \u201cThe number of bodies we found certainly indicates that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe Guaicura suffered their losses, it could have meant our lives as well. It had taken a long time to build up trust with them, that was nearly destroyed as a result of that attack.\u201d Scolley almost spat out the words, it had obviously caused him considerable concern that there had been such an aggressive outcome, he scratched the back of his neck, appeared to struggle to calm down before he spoke again \u201cI met these people over ten years ago. Howard Jefferson and I were on an expedition together, got lost, nearly died from fever but these people found us and cared for us. We learned their language, their customs and traditions. We built up their trust in us.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He stopped speaking and glared at Yates and then at the two Americans, \u201cHave you brought anyone with you? Apart from yourselves \u2026 who else is out there looking for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates opened his mouth, closed it again and looked over at Adam \u201cWe were led to the waterfall by a Terena Indian, and from there we came on alone, following the track that you\u2019d left for anyone with any sense to follow.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley frowned \u201cI didn\u2019t realise we had left a track.\u201d he spoke almost to himself, and shook his head in dismay.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou obviously care about these people, Professor Scolley, but I can assure you that you provided anyone with any idea of how to hunt a clear passage to where you are now.\u201d Adam said quietly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m presuming you\u2019re the – er – hunter of the three?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, I\u2019m not a hunter.\u201d Adam said quietly but coldly, \u201cI\u2019m just doing my job.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhich is?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTo find Jefferson and if he\u2019s alive, to bring him back.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley laughed then, it was mirthless, and he shook his head as though Adams words amused him \u201cBring him back? Where exactly do you intend to bring him back to?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam glanced at Jotham who cleared his throat \u201cProfessor, just confirm, for our own peace of minds, that Jefferson is alive and well?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, of course, he\u2019s alive and well. But I can\u2019t say he\u2019d be too happy to go back with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was a disturbance now at the tent entrance as several women came into the hut with food which they set down close by, they were young and looked coyly over at the three strangers sending messages that were so obviously sexual that Jotham had to look away and coughed as though to cover his embarrassment. Scolley grinned \u201cYou have to excuse them, they don\u2019t live by the morals we do in our so called sophisticated society. Hospitality means more than just providing food and drink to their guests, you understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBlimey,\u201d Yates breathed, \u201cThey\u2019re just girls.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley shrugged \u201cWell, it\u2019s a compliment to me that they\u2019ve offered their services to you, my guests\u2026.\u201d he turned to the girls and said something in a sharp tone of voice which sent them scurrying from the hut, giggling and casting glances at the three men over their shoulders.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked from Scolley to the food provided, and then back to Scolley \u201cAnd the Russian, Sokolovich, is he here as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh,\u201d Scolley reached out and picked up some fruit, he looked at Adam and narrowed his eyes \u201cSokolovich – you\u2019re interested in him as well are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs there any reason why we shouldn\u2019t be?\u201d Jotham asked now, he waved a hand to brush aside several flies and mosquitoes. \u201cYou came here together after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley nodded \u201cYes, we did. We\u2019ve worked together on various expeditions for years. He\u2019s a good man, a good friend.\u201d he looked at the fruit in his hand with some intensity and then sighed, \u201cLook, eat your meal. You must be tired, I know how long a trek you\u2019ve had and how tiring it can be. Rest up and when you\u2019re feeling less weary we\u2019ll talk some more.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He stood up then and left the hut, leaving the three of them alone to eat. Adam scratched his neck and shook his head \u201cThere\u2019s something he\u2019s not telling us.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, and wanting time to work out a way to tell us.\u201d Jotham muttered as he bit into some sweet juicy fruit.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOr to spin us some story and send us on our way.\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cEmpty handed.\u201d Yates hissed, \u201cEmpty handed that\u2019s what it\u2019ll be\u2026 all this and for nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    To that Adam and Jotham didn\u2019t even bother to reply.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 33<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam found Scolley sitting on the far edge of the compound smoking a pipe and looking contemplatively over into the jungle that bordered the encampment. The man didn\u2019t move as Adam approached and only withdrew his pipe as though with great reluctance when Adam was standing in front of him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell?\u201d he asked quietly, \u201cFood not to your liking?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam shrugged and narrowed his eyes \u201cYou knew we were on our way, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam raised his eyebrows and gave his familiar pout as though the question was irrelevant and he didn\u2019t really need to answer, he then sat down opposite the other man and with a smile held out a notebook \u201cI believe this belongs to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley looked at it rather sceptically before a faint smile drifted over his face and he nodded \u201cYes, it does, thank you. Did Yates have it?\u201d and when Adam nodded the older man laughed \u201cHe\u2019s like a ferret.\u201d he drew on his pipe for a moment as he turned some of the pages over and then looked up at Adam \u201cHave you read any of it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAll the way through, several times over.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat did you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, there was no mention of gold, diamonds or lost cities so I got to wondering what would have brought Yates here, and what keeps you here.\u201d he scratched his jaw slowly with his thumb while Scolley seemed to be considering the matter, when no answer seemed forthcoming Adam quietly said, \u201cThere\u2019s a group of men on their way to find you, they killed the Mendes \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMendes? The storekeeper and his wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cFor information. Jefferson was ill if you recall, Mrs Mendes looked after him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley nodded \u201cOf course, I remember. These men, are they anything to do with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo. They\u2019re remnants of the party you brought with you, the so – called survivors. They<\/p>\n

    Brought Yates as far as the store, tried to kill him as well. They don\u2019t seem to believe that you\u2019re here just to study a primitive tribe of people, or to collect plants to further medical progress. They believe the rumours of gold mines and diamonds and lost cities\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley sighed and drew heavily on the stem of his pipe for a moment before looking at Adam more keenly \u201cAnd what about you? Is that why you\u2019re here, to find gold and diamonds?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo.\u201d Adam shrugged and gave the slightest of smiles, \u201cNo. I\u2019m here because the orders I had were to find Howard Jefferson and bring him back, and to make sure you and Sokolovich were safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOrders? From whom?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe American government.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley removed his pipe and once again narrowed his eyes to look at the American, he sighed \u201cSit down, Mr Cartwright .. I presume that is your real name?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam sat down upon the remains of an old tree trunk, and smiled \u201cThat\u2019s my name. Captain Adam Cartwright to be exact.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI see, and the other American, is he -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe belongs to another branch of the American navy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley nodded his head slowly and stared down at the ground for a few moments before he looked very earnestly at Adam again \u201cThese people – we think they are descendents of the Phoenicians. I take it you know something about them?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, most seamen know about them, they were a great maritime people, traders who travelled vast distances from their homeland of Phoenicia. What makes you think these Indians are descended from them?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley smiled, he again removed his pipe \u201cThey have their legends and their myths. Jefferson found artefacts that were old, made exactly to the pattern of utensils and designs that they had used since as long as they\u2019ve existed \u2026 their tattoo\u2019s are reminiscent of those designs found at the cities of Tyre and Sidon, where their ancestors must have sailed from thousands of years ago. Mr Cartwright – I mean – Captain Cartwright, for us this is really a great discovery and far more important than any lost city or gold mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam sighed and slightly shook his head \u201cProfessor Scolley, we found a satchel containing Sokolovich\u2019s collection of plants\u2026 I don\u2019t think he gave it away easily or would have abandoned it so casually.\u201d he looked directly now at the other man \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s here, is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley thought for a moment before saying anything, he emptied the bowl of his pipe and stuffed it into his shirt pocket before standing up \u201cI\u2019ll show you where he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They didn\u2019t have to go far from the compound, Scolley led the way through into the jungle and stopped at a newly dug out grave, then with a deep exhalation of breath he said very quietly \u201cHe was wounded in the ambush, we did everything we could to keep him alive but he died several days ago. You\u2019re right, he would never have left his satchel behind, he was dedicated to his work, he was so sure that he would be able to save mankind from so many diseases but \u2026 well \u2026 it\u2019ll never happen now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy not? There must be others as dedicated who will follow in his footsteps, surely?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley gave a snort of contempt and turned away from the grave to return to the village, with Adam following by his side. \u201cProfessor Scolley, what are you going to do about the men I mentioned to you earlier? They\u2019re not interested in science, in you as a scientist\u2026 they fully believe that somewhere there\u2019s a lost city, or a gold mine and that you know where it is. They aren\u2019t going to stroll in here and just parley over it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley continued to walk towards where he had been sitting earlier and folded his arms across his chest \u201cThey -\u201d he indicated the Indians with a nod of the head \u201cthey know those men are out there, they\u2019ve already set things into motion to give them a – what shall we say – give them a warm welcome? The Terena you had leading you is known to these people, and respected ..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam gave a slightly crooked smile \u201cIs he descended from your Phoenicians too?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPerhaps.\u201d Scolley gave a grudging smile as though the thought amused him, \u201cMaybe one day I\u2019ll have a chance to study his people as well.\u201d he paused for a moment and then frowned \u201cTwo Americans, an Englishman\u2026 I\u2019m surprised there were no Russians in search of Sokolovich.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThere was – is – but he didn\u2019t come with us into the wilderness, he stayed back in the town.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat was his name?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cRadamsky.\u201d Adam replied, \u201cYour Russian scientist\u2019s brother in law.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley merely shrugged as though now that he knew he was no longer interested, he looked up at the sky and then rose to his feet \u201cIt\u2019ll be dark soon. It\u2019s best that we get inside and try and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat about Jefferson?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ll take you to Professor Jefferson tomorrow, Captain. Don\u2019t worry, he\u2019s still very much alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The child woke up crying, her sobs so loud that they woke her mother who hurried from her bed into her daughters room \u201cMommy, mommy \u2026\u201d Sofia sobbed, \u201cMommy I had a bad dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Warm arms encircled around Olivia and held her tight while a little body sobbed against her, \u201cHush now, hush\u2026 it\u2019s alright, I\u2019m here, it was just a dream.. You\u2019re awake now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI want daddy home, I don\u2019t want him on that big boat anymore, can\u2019t you tell him to come home?\u201d Sofia sobbed and clung to Olivia more tightly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you dream about daddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYe- e- es, it was a horrible dream, he wasn\u2019t coming home to us, he was on a big boat.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia sighed, held her daughter close and stroked her back, crooned soft words in an attempt to pacify her, \u201cHe will come home, Sofia, don\u2019t worry now. It won\u2019t be long before he comes home.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPromise?\u201d trusting blue eyes filled with tears looked into Olivia\u2019s face, trembling lips whispered the word.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI promise. Now calm down now and get back into that warm bed. Here\u2019s Clarabelle\u2026\u201d Olivia picked the doll from where she had fallen on the floor and pushed her into Sofia\u2019s arms, \u201cGive her a cuddle and try to get back to sleep. You\u2019ll be alright, Sofia, it was just a dream and daddy will be home soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI want him home. I don\u2019t like that boat\u2026\u201d Sofia hugged old Clarabelle and stuck her thumb in her mouth. \u201cMommy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sweetheart?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    But there was no answer, Sofia was fast asleep. Olivia looked down at her daughter and gently drew the covers further up over her shoulders, put a night light in a safe place nearby and slowly left the room.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As she passed Reubens door she peeked into his room and gave a smile as the sound of his snores greeted her. On to her room and back into her own bed where she drew up the covers and lay down. She closed her eyes and wasn\u2019t ashamed of the tears that trickled from them, she whispered her husbands name and clasped her hands together in prayer. By the bed was the little cot where the child slept, Nathaniel Erik Cartwright undisturbed and unknowing of the fears and anxieties that stole into the hearts of those who loved him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 34<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Despite Yates snoring throughout the night both Adam and Jotham slept well, waking at a reasonable hour and feeling refreshed for the first time in days. Michael Scolley was already preparing a meal for them and nodded an acknowledgement as they rolled from their makeshift beds.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo, you\u2019re both navy men then? I suppose I should be honoured having you to entertain in my humble abode.\u201d he clamped his teeth more firmly on his pipe and turned his attention back to his cooking, \u201cSleep well?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Both men nodded and mumbled something in the affirmative as they stretched out kinks in their backs. Yates began to make sounds indicative of his waking, and towards him the professor nodded \u201cDo you trust him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham gave a half smile and shrug but Adam just said quite matter of factly \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley raised his eyebrows and smiled \u201cSomehow, Captain, I don\u2019t think there are many people whom you do trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTrue enough.\u201d Adam replied and picked up a cup of clean water that Scolley had poured out for him, he drank it gratefully and then looked over the rim to observe the scientist, \u201cWhat about yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose I trust people until I find out why I shouldn\u2019t. Here, sit down and eat something.\u201d he indicated grass matting on the floor as their seating area \u201cWhen we\u2019ve eaten I\u2019ll take you to Jefferson.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and sat down, \u201cWhat about the matter of those men who were -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh,\u201d Scolley shrugged and shook his head \u201cDon\u2019t you worry about them, my friends are already taking care of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam opened his mouth to say something, then stopped himself as he glanced at Jotham, raised his eyebrows and ran a hand over the back of his neck. It seemed matters had been taken out of his hands.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The loud rapping on the door brought Hoss to his feet, wiping his mouth on a napkin he slowly made his way to the door and opened it. McManus, the foreman of the timber camp, stood on the porch and removed his hat, smiled and nodded as Hoss stepped back to admit him into the house \u201cHi, Mac, want some coffee? You eaten yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure wouldn\u2019t mind some coffee, thanks, Hoss. I had breakfast in town. it\u2019s getting warmer. Morning Mrs Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGood morning, Mr McManus,\u201d Hester gave him the benefit of a bright morning smile and stood up to pour him coffee, \u201cDo sit down, Mr McManus.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Always a biddable fellow McManus did sit down, and handed over a wad of letters which he said he had picked up for them at the mail office. He nodded and smiled over at the little girls who stared at him for a moment before continuing with their breakfast. Hoss grinned over at Hester and then got back down to the serious business of eating his own meal.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI met Hal Johnstone in town, Hoss. He wanted me to pass on a message to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss faltered with his fork mid way to his mouth, some ham fell back onto his plate. He gave Mac a wary glance \u201cOh yeah, what was that then?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe wanted to know if we had started on his order yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDoggone it, what did you tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI said \u2018What order is that, Mr Johnstone?\u2019 and he went red in the face and said it was that danged order he gave you last week.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, that order ..\u201d Hoss sighed and filled his mouth with food.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, I said to him I didn\u2019t know about any order as I hadn\u2019t seen you to speak to and he said he thought your prices were too high. Anyhows, I said for him to give me the estimate and he showed me, and by Jiminy, the prices you quoted him were a lot higher than you\u2019d have quoted for anyone else. Anyhow, I said how those prices – if\u2019n you\u2019d writ them down – must have been accurate because no one knows his timber better than you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hester glanced at her husband and widened her blue eyes, it was true, her husband knew everything there was to know about trees, timber and pricing, but it seemed strange to her that Mr Johnstone should have complained about it, and even stranger that McManus agreed with the man. Hoss swallowed his food calmly and sliced through some more ham with a slight flourish \u201cSo what did Johnstone say to that, Mac?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe said to cancel the order, he didn\u2019t want anything to do with Ponderosa wood anyhow, said he\u2019d get it done by Archers instead.\u201d Mac emptied his cup and wiped his mouth on the back of his hand, he pushed back his chair and got to his feet \u201cThank you, Mrs Cartwright, that was mighty fine coffee, fair cuts the dust from my throat.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m so pleased, thank you for coming, Mr McManus.\u201d Hester smiled and thought how pleased Ben would be to know that Mr Johnstone had cancelled his order, and turned to attend to Hope who was struggling with spooning porridge into her mouth.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss ambled across the room with McManus and shook his hand, for some reason both men winked at the other, and Hoss watched the timberman stroll across the yard to the wagon, gave him a wave of the hand and with a smile closed the door.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPa would sure be pleased to know that Mr Johnstone cancelled his order even before we had started work on it, wouldn\u2019t he, sweetheart?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He sat down and smiled at Hester, who smiled back and nodded \u201cYes, dear,\u201d she said, \u201cHe\u2019d be more than pleased, and very relieved.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, I thought so too\u2026.\u201d Hoss grinned and heaved in a deep breath of contentment, there was, he knew from experience, more ways than one to skin a rabbit, or in this case, avoid getting stung by a miser.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben leaned against the corral fence and stretched out his hand towards the horse and colt who walked slowly towards him and accepted his offering as though doing him a great favour. The boy sighed contentedly and stroked the mare\u2019s broad nose and then that of the colt. Close by and braiding a lariat his uncle Joe watched with a look of contented pleasure on his face, when the boy glanced over his shoulder to flash a smile at him ,Joe nodded and smiled back.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhen can I ride her, Uncle Joe?\u201d Reuben asked with that slight touch of excitement in his voice that he always got when around the horses. Perhaps he had forgotten that he now wanted to be a seaman, perhaps being with Kamille and the colt just put that thought clear out of his mind but when Joe straightened up and said \u201cWell, why not now?\u201d he gave a whoop and holler that sent the colt skittering away.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It didn\u2019t take long for the saddle and bridle to be buckled onto the horse who stood patiently by, lowering her head every so often to nip at Reuben\u2019s sleeve and give it a playful tug. He stroked her jaw, fondled her ears, whispered sweet words in her ear, and then smiled at Joe, \u201cI think she really likes me, Uncle Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI think she does too, Reuben. Right, up you go now.\u201d he put a hand under Reuben\u2019s foot and gave him the necessary boost so that the boy could get into the saddle, then he handed the reins over \u201cDon\u2019t go above a jog.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, sir. I won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe leaned his arms upon the topmost rail and watched as the boy rode the horse around the corral. He was so intent on watching that he didn\u2019t even notice when Mary Ann came out with Daniel in her arms and came to stand by his side, it wasn\u2019t until she spoke that he realised she was there \u2026\u201dYou were miles away, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI was,\u201d he admitted and laughed, while at the same time he slipped his arm around her waist and tweaked Dan\u2019s chin, \u201cI was thinking that could be our boy one of these days, perhaps riding Kamille\u2019s colt.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAdam was very generous in giving him to us, wasn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, what are big brothers for?\u201d Joe laughed lightly and then sighed, \u201cHe must have done a big favour for that Sheik to have been provided such a beautiful creature, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mary Ann nodded and leaned her head into his shoulder, \u201cThe colt\u2019s growing every week, isn\u2019t he? Look how strong those legs are?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLook at the length of them? Pa would have him down as a regular hay burner and no mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They laughed softly at that, and then leaned together against the rails with Daniel perched on the top, held tightly by his mother. The little boy clapped his hands with excitement at seeing Reuben riding the mare, and called out to him in his baby talk which made his mother laugh. Then she looked at her husband \u201cI don\u2019t think that colt is the only one who\u2019s growing, your son seems to be getting bigger every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe grinned, pride swelled his heart, tempered by love. He had never been so content with his lot in life as he was right then.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Marcy Dent paused in her work at the sound of approaching horses and waited for a moment before going to open the door. She knew that her husband was going to be absent for the day as he had gone into Carson City to discuss some financial business with the bank manager so hoped that perhaps whoever had arrived would be dear friends from the Ponderosa, or, perhaps Mrs Jessop, Derwent\u2019s wife, with whom she had formed an attachment.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She was speculating on who her visitors could be as she opened the door and was more than pleased to see Olivia with Sofia, and in Olivia\u2019s arms was baby Nathaniel. Olivia laughed at the sight of her friends big smile \u201cI thought we would surprise you. It was such a lovely day and I didn\u2019t want it to go to waste.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCome in, come in.\u201d Marcy cried almost pulling at her friends sleeve to get her inside sooner \u201cOh Sofia, you\u2019ve grown since you last came.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI got a new tooth too.\u201d Sofia declared as she followed Marcy into the sitting room, \u201cBut another one fell out.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLet me see?\u201d Marcy leaned down to look at the gap between the childs pearly white teeth and smiled \u201cWell, it won\u2019t be long before a new one will grow there as well. I suppose that means you wont be able to eat any cookies while you are here?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh -\u201d Sofia\u2019s face pictured her dismay and she looked appealingly over at Olivia who was settling the baby onto the settee, \u201cMommy, can I have a cookie?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf Marcy has any for little girls who have teeth falling out.\u201d Olivia replied as she tucked the end of the shawl into a cushion to ensure Nathaniel\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCome along then,\u201d Marcy took the child\u2019s hand and led her along to the kitchen area where she began to get out plates and platters, and soon the kettle was boiling and fresh coffee was brewed, sweet lemonade prepared and food arranged for their selection.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhere\u2019s Reuben?\u201d Marcy eventually asked as though the boys absence had only just been noticed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, Reuben abandons us every chance he has to go to Joe and Mary Anns, since the mare and colt arrived he just loves to go and watch them. Joe said he would be able to ride the mare soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sofia opened her mouth then, she wanted to remind her mother that the colt was hers, but then she remembered that her father had told her that the colt would belong to Joe, so she promptly shut her mouth and sulked. Olivia ignored her daughters bad manners and listened as Marcy told her of Luke\u2019s plans for the ranch and how well they were getting on with the Jessops.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWho would ever have thought it, Olivia,\u201d she laughed \u201cThe Jessops being so friendly with us all now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt just needed a little compromise,\u201d Olivia replied, \u201cA pity no one thought of diverting the stream onto Jessop\u2019s land earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know,\u201d Marcy sighed and shook her head, she brushed some crumbs from her skirt, \u201cBut even if it had been I don\u2019t think it would have stopped that Brett Jessop from causing trouble, he was just plain evil.\u201d she leaned forward and put her hand on Olivia\u2019s arm, \u201cHave you ever heard any more from your sister, Katya?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, nothing at all. I don\u2019t even know if she ever reached England. Have you heard anything, or Luke?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo. Luke was hurt at first, he never said anything but I could tell that he hadn\u2019t expected his sister to just go and never be in contact with him again. I have to admit that I\u2019m more than relieved, she was – well – she was a strange one, wasn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cKatya always had a wild streak in her,\u201d Olivia admitted and looked anxiously at her friend, \u201cWhat about your brother, Marcy, the one you call Jacko?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, I had a letter from him a while back. He\u2019s on board the Baltimore still, the one that Captain o\u2019Brien used to be in charge of before he died. He wrote to tell me that they had a new Captain now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chatter resumed and slipped into familiar territory of pleasant gossip, Sofia went out to play in the orchard but missed her brother\u2019s company. Running through the trees was no fun without him with her so she returned listlessly to the house, where she found her mother feeding Nathaniel and Marcy doing some stitching. She approached her aunt and leaned against the chair \u201cI\u2019m learning to play the piano.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAre you indeed? That\u2019s lovely, Sofia.\u201d Marcy smiled and looked at Olivia \u201cAre you teaching her?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh no, I need a teacher myself as I\u2019m quite a novice. It\u2019s Mary Ann that is teaching Sofia.\u201d she looked down at the baby and stroked back soft downy hair, \u201cMarcy, why don\u2019t\u2019 you come and visit a little more. We would all love to see you, you do know that, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ll visit when I can, Miss Livvy, it\u2019s just that I\u2019m so busy here, there\u2019s so much to do every day.\u201d she frowned slightly, \u201cBut when I can manage to come I certainly shall do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Having elicited that promise Olivia said no more on the subject but listened as Sofia prattled on about her piano and how she had to practise so hard. She was lost in thoughts of her own when Marcy asked her if she had heard from Adam and for a moment she felt a cold shiver run down her spine, a brief memory of Sofia\u2019s nightmare from the previous night. She swallowed hard and shook her head \u201cNo, nothing for a while yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you know where he is?\u201d Marcy asked looking anxiously at the worried features of her friend, and hoping that Olivia wasn\u2019t going to faint with the baby in her arms.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBrazil, somewhere in Brazil\u201d Olivia stammered and looked down at Nathaniel who had stopped feeding but was looking intently up at her as though he understood exactly how she was feeling, and she kissed his brow with a fervour only a doting mother and wife could have understood.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 35<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The concerns over the fact that a murderous group of men were heading towards the village with full intent to do them harm played greatly on Adams mind as he ate the frugal meal offered him. Occasionally he would look at his companions and wonder if any of them were having similar misgivings and when Scolley stood up and indicated that they should follow him, Adam voiced his concerns in leaving the villagers unprotected and unarmed. Scolley looked at him with some bemusement and shrugged \u201cI assure you, sir, these people are well able to care for themselves. The Guaicura are the most warlike of the tribes in the Pantanol, you should be more concerned about the men you say are on their way here.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham cleared his throat and volunteered the information that the Professor hadn\u2019t seen the harm those men had done to the people who had been travelling with them when they had been \u2019taken\u2019 by the Indians. Scolley smiled again, and exhaled a cloud of smoke before re-inserting the pipe between his teeth \u201cWe weren\u2019t taken,\u201d he said, \u201cWe came here as arranged, but those idiot Brazilians had so convinced themselves that they\u2019d be deprived of hidden treasures that they refused to let us go.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked at the Englishman thoughtfully and sighed, \u201cWell, a lot of people have gone to a lot of trouble trying to find you, Professor. Perhaps if you had informed the authorities what your plans were a lot of harm could have been avoided.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley had the grace to look somewhat embarrassed and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, he looked thoughtfully at Adam and then at Jotham, \u201cI appreciate what you are saying. I\u2019m afraid expeditions of this kind always bring a certain amount of notoriety along with them, sometimes that\u2019s how we can get sponsored. Governments aren\u2019t always happy to shell out money just for information about people like the Guarani and Terena, or for plants that may or may not cure the nations.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates looked interested in the conversation and tore his eyes away from looking at a group of rather nubile and pretty young women \u201cYou mean, there\u2019s no hidden city, no gold?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley sighed and now scratched his head while he gave Yates a scornful glare \u201cOur main aim was to keep the whereabouts of these people hidden. How long do you think they would survive if the world knew about them? It\u2019s like walking a tight rope, trying to get backing from sponsors, trying to conceal most of what the expedition is really about, hoping that what we achieve will be beneficial for everyone concerned.\u201d he shook his head now and walked to the door of the hut where Yates had been standing moments earlier \u201cIn answer to your earlier question, Captain, you really do not need to worry about these people at present. They can defend themselves against a small party of even very well armed men.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s what the Cheyenne and Sioux thought once upon a time,\u201d Adam replied and was irritated by the look of indifference on the other mans features.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know much about what happened in your world, sir,\u201d Scolley said quietly, \u201cI\u2019m only concerned about these people and keeping them safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam and Jotham exchanged a look that indicated that both men felt that Scolley was being unrealistic but they picked up their packs and shouldered them without a further word as Scolley strolled out towards the compound, being immediately joined by several of the men from the tribe. Behind them Mark Yates trudged along, his nimble mind already working on the write up he would give to this story, so far as he was concerned it was going to be the scoop of the year.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben and Roy were both caught by surprise at the way Sacremento had grown since they had last visited. Roy admitted he had last been in the city in the year of \u201964 when there had been trouble with a group of thugs who had almost killed him, and had practically got Ben and Adam hanged. As he said to Ben he hadn\u2019t seen much of the city then really, having been despatched to the place while almost on his death bed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben preferred not to dwell on the incident of Hawkins and his gang of murderers, saying that he always got a queer tightening in the throat whenever he was mentioned which made Roy laugh. They found a cab which took them to their hotel where they were booked into two rooms. It was while Ben was getting his belongings unpacked that Roy knocked on the door and strode into the room<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, what do you intend to do now, Ben? See the sights or go visit that Barrington?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben glanced at the clock on the wall and nodded \u201cI\u2019m going to see Barrington. At least let him know that I\u2019m here anyway. What about yourself? Do you want to come along with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLan\u2019sakes why\u2019d I want to do that fer?\u201d Roy responded wrinkling his nose as he spoke, \u201cNo, sir, I thought I\u2019d just take a wander around and see if I can find anything worth looking at hereabouts.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019re welcome to come too, you know.\u201d Ben said in the assumption that Roy was only being polite, but the old man shook his head and insisted that he\u2019d rather not.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI ain\u2019t even got it figured out in my own mind yet as to how you got yourself involved in all this anyhow, Ben. Ain\u2019t as if these Barringtons mean anything to you or your family.\u201d Roy tugged at his moustache and strolled over to the window to look down on the sprawling city and to watch the comings and goings of the pedestrians, the hustle and bustle of traffic.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNow don\u2019t you start making me feel a fool, Roy. The family have been saying much the same thing for weeks now, ever since I found that wretched scrap of paper in that book.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHuh, well, you always were a romantic at heart. Your Adam\u2019s just the same if\u2019n you ask me otherwise he\u2019d never have gone off to sea like he did.\u201d Roy raised one eyebrow and observed his friend with a wry smile \u201cI\u2019ll meet you here later.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure, Roy. If I do happen to be delayed \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll find something to amuse myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bens mouth parted in his usual wide grin, and he nodded \u201cWell, that\u2019s alright then, just don\u2019t get into any trouble. I don\u2019t know who the sheriff is around here but I doubt if he\u2019ll be as lenient on you as Candy would be.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy gave a dry laugh at that and with a nod of the head left Ben alone in the room to get cleaned up and changed out of his travelling gear. Not long afterwards Ben Cartwright left the hotel wearing his best suit and silk vest, looking the epitome of a prosperous business man.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Silas Barrington stood up to greet his visitor in a slow movement, he was tall and slim and if Ben had not already been aware of the mans mixed parentage he would have assumed the darker skin was due to being well tanned and the crisp curling hair which he obviously took pains to have straightened, as well as the very dark brown eyes. He extended his hand \u201cMr Ben Cartwright, a pleasure to meet you, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you, Mr Barrington, I assure you, the pleasure is all mine.\u201d Ben replied and shook the offered hand with his usual firm grip, somewhat surprised at the rather limp one he received in return.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPlease, do sit down. I\u2019ll have refreshments brought up immediately.\u201d and he resumed his seat and leaned back as though he needed to do so in order to observe his guest more closely. \u201cWas the journey comfortable?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAs much as it could be.\u201d Ben replied and paused as the sound of footsteps approached, the rattle of cups and an elderly servant entered the room carrying a tray of coffee and cups, behind him came a younger man with food set out delicately on plates. These were placed carefully upon a table.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben cleared his throat, and realised he didn\u2019t feel comfortable here. The servants obviously knew their place so well as to not have to be given orders, they just provided refreshments because they knew that was what the master would want, and the whole house was grand, far grander than any other private place Ben had seen in a very long while. He looked up at the ceiling which had lavish decorations and paintings set among the mouldings there, and the paintings on the walls were so expensive that they seemed to scream at him that he was a mere peasant, a provincial. He was about to speak when there came the rustling of skirts, the light step of a woman and he immediately stood up to await her arrival. Silas Barrington remained seated, he had obviously stood up enough that day or perhaps felt that such courtesies did not extend to his sister.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMr Cartwright?\u201d her voice was light and contained a warmth that had been lacking in her brother\u2019s greeting, and the smile was genuine as it reached her eyes \u201cWhat a pleasure to welcome you to our home.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe pleasure, Madam, is all mine I assure you.\u201d Ben said, mentally noting that his own words, although an echo of those used formerly to Silas, contained more sincerity and warmth that they had previously.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She walked to the table and began to pour out the coffee, asking Ben how he would prefer his and then bringing the cup over for him. \u201cMy brother may have forgotten to tell you about me,\u201d she smiled as though it really didn\u2019t matter and was so commonplace as to not be worth mentioning, \u201cI\u2019m Paloma Barrington.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s a very pretty name.\u201d Ben smiled and inwardly groaned at such a pathetic thing to say but her smile was appreciative as she carried the cup of coffee over to her brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you, I think so too. Our father was in Mexico at the time I was born and chose the name. Sugar?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen try one of these biscuits, they really are very good\u2026\u201d she held out the platter to him, but again Ben refused although with a smile.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Silas cleared his throat \u201cWell, Mr Cartwright, pleasant though it is to have this visit, perhaps you could tell us why exactly you felt it so necessary to come? I find it interesting, indeed, that someone of your – er – prominence should just decide to look us out merely to titillate your curiosity.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben\u2019s smile drifted from his face, he looked at Silas thoughtfully for a moment and then sipped his coffee, which was very good, \u201cActually, that was exactly what it was \u2026 just curiosity. You see, I found a note in a book.\u201d and in his deep growl of a voice he explained about the note, the strands of red hair and how intrigued he had been about it. That it had led to a visit to his friends the Frobishers who had owned the book, and how Martha had remembered it so well, and the circumstances as to why it had been placed there.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou must lead a very quiet life, Mr Cartwright, if that was all that motivated you to seek us out.\u201d Silas drawled and stretched out long legs, he looked at Paloma and then at Ben, \u201cBut then I have to confess that your letters intrigued me, so I suppose I am as guilty as yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paloma laughed \u201cWell, really, that is just too funny for words. But it makes a good story, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d she looked at Ben and her eyes slanted as she smiled, \u201cI think, had I found such a note, with the hair, I would have been curious as well. But \u2026 now I am wondering why is it that our sister didn\u2019t make the journey herself? Of all of us, I would have thought she would have been the most inquisitive.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy so?\u201d Silas scowled.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy, to see how well we have done, to see what good use you have made of her fortune of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben frowned slightly, he wondered just for a moment if her words had held a hint of sarcasm, her eyes a gleam of distaste but as she had turned her head away and towards Silas it was hard for him to read. Silas\u2019 lips tightened and for a moment he seemed at a loss for words. It was Ben who answered \u201cShe has no interest in the matter, Ma\u2019am. She and her husband are wealthy, and settled comfortably in San Francisco. I believe that her estrangement from her father makes her feel that there is no need to rake over what is now dead to her.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paloma looked at him thoughtfully and nodded \u201cVery nicely put, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI can only tell you what she has said herself, and told me that she didn\u2019t mind having it repeated. You have to understand that \u2026\u201d he paused, conscious that he may now be straying into too intimate a story so he dipped his head and drank more coffee.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy father chose to consider me as his heir, rather than his daughter whom he felt was too giddy headed to make wise use of his money.\u201d Silas murmured, \u201cHe gave me – and my sister – a good education and established my career. We both made good marriages -\u201d he looked at his sister and his mouth tightened again, he said no more but shrugged his shoulders and set down his cup into its saucer, Paloma was immediately at his side to take it from him and carry it back to the table.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow long will you be in Sacremento, Mr Cartwright?\u201d Paloma asked as she poured her brother more coffee and carried it over to him, \u201cWould you like another \u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t intend to be in town for long,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cA few days only, I want to get back to the Ponderosa before my sons start on the cattle drive. And – yes, thank you, I would appreciate another cup of coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe Ponderosa.\u201d She sighed as she took his cup from him and her face took on a wistful expression \u201cHow romantic it sounds. I believe you have three sons?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, that\u2019s right.\u201d he accepted the cup and looked up into her face, an attractive face, liquid brown eyes, high cheek bones, too much like her brother in resemblance.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI had only one child, a daughter.\u201d she sighed and resumed her seat, \u201cShe died in infancy. Smallpox.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI am truly sorry \u2026\u201d Ben commiserated and glanced over at Silas whom he noticed looked uncomfortable, his fingers held the cup so tightly it was a wonder it didn\u2019t crack.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt was a long time ago, but it left it\u2019s mark\u2026\u201d she said softly and turned away to look at the pictures on the wall.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd your husband?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe died during the war, at the battle of Gettysburg.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded and glanced over at Silas who was staring at the unlit fire with an intensity that caused Ben to feel uncomfortable. He finished his coffee and stood up, \u201cWell, thank you, it was very good of you both to see me. I – umm – enjoyed meeting you both.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh we barely had a chance to get to know you, Mr. Cartwight. Please stay and have lunch with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI really have to go, I have a friend who travelled into town with me\u2026 he\u2019ll be wondering where I\u2019ve got to.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paloma looked at him in that way women have of letting a man know she had caught him in a lie, her lips parted into a smile \u201cwell, then, come this evening and have dinner, bring your friend with you.\u201d she glanced over at Silas who had risen to his feet, \u201cPlease do come.\u201d she repeated to Ben and extended her hand once again to bid him farewell.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 36<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Professor led the way, flanked by several of his native friends and with the three white men trudging along with them. Jotham was constantly wondering what had been the purpose of being sent on this assignment while Adam had long ago decided to forget the assignment and just learn what there was around him to notice and enjoy. Yates, an unwilling third to their party, grumbled and complained beneath his breath constantly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They could hear the roar of the water fall in the distance, and even though some mile away the air was already cooler and the foliage less abundant. When Scolley came to an abrupt halt Yates almost fell over his own feet, bumping into Jotham who released a curse which Adam chose to ignore. Scolley turned and smiled, his face was lit up with some inner excitement and his eyes gleamed as he looked at them \u201cGentlemen, tell me what you see?\u201d and he swept his hand in a sweeping gesture to encompass the land before them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Through the undergrowth could be seen a pathway made from slabs, made to fit and provide safe passage to whatever lay among the undergrowth. Adam narrowed his eyes and nodded \u201cThose slabs have been manufactured \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCertainly fashioned by hand, and laid out in an orderly fashion. The first clue to what lies ahead.\u201d Scolley took a deep breath and looked at Adam \u201cDo you realise what this meant to us when we first found it? Jefferson and I could hardly believe it, that here, right here among this mass of jungle, was this pathway.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMmm,\u201d Adam nodded, \u201cSo you followed it along and found Utopia?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley laughed \u201cAre you mocking me, Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCertainly not, but you spent a lot of time earlier trying to persuade us that there was no lost city, or gold mine or diamonds or anything else worth noticing for that matter\u2026 and then you lead us here. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley nodded, the smile faded and he looked serious as he turned to face away from them and regard the path ahead, \u201cI suppose it\u2019s vanity. As much as I want to preserve this hidden treasure, and protect these people, I want some recognition for its discovery. I\u2019m human after all.\u201d he shrugged and then allowed a scowl to settle upon his face \u201cThere were some in my profession who thought my idea of the Phoenician descendents to be ridiculous. They almost ruined me financially, certainly tarnished my reputation, it was deucedly difficult to get funding for this last expedition as a result.\u201d he cleared his throat as though emotion had got a stranglehold, \u201cNo one likes to be held up for ridicule, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen Yates will be the man to help clear it.\u201d Adam smiled slowly although his eyes showed a wariness that Scolley didn\u2019t seem to notice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYates?\u201d Scolley raised his eyebrows and looked surprised, then glanced over at the hapless reporter who was trying to listen to what was being said \u201cI don\u2019t know, I\u2019m not sure he\u2019s got the gravitas to take it on.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, he had the \u2019gravitas\u2019 to come all this way. He managed to persuade his editor to back him on your behalf.\u201d Adam said quietly, inclining his head a little towards Scolley so that Yates could not overhear.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley nodded and muttered he would keep Yates in mind. Then he looked again at the path \u201cWell, come along, let me show you the way\u2026\u201d he paused, smiled vaguely, \u201cJefferson should be there. He\u2019ll not be too pleased to have visitors so I must warn you he may be a little frosty.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI expect he will be, Professor.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Scolley led the way along the path, rutted and broken though the stones were, they still provided strong proof that sometime ago men had laid them down carefully and well. Adam noticed where wheels had once ridden over them creating well worn grooves. Despite the jungle reclaiming so much of it there was no doubt that this was a road that had led to some thing bigger than a primitive village of mud and straw huts.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you see?\u201d Scolley asked as he came to an abrupt stop and turned towards them with all t he pride of a man showing off his prize possession.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    To Yates it was just piles of stones camouflaged by the jungle, and not a mine shaft in sight. Jotham was more circumspect, he narrowed his eyes and looked from left to right before looking at Scolley \u201cA town?\u201d he ventured \u201cBuildings?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley smiled and looked at Adam with raised eyebrows \u201cWell, Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, it isn\u2018t the kind of town they talked about, the lost city of the Spanish and Portuguese conquerors. There\u2019s nothing European about these buildings.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo? You can see it then?\u201d Scolley\u2018s voice was almost high pitched with nervous excitement, \u201cYou can, can\u2018t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt wasn\u2018t what we were expecting.\u201d Jotham said honestly, \u201cWe had reports of a lost city of the conquisadores – more or less.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWith plundered treasure.\u201d Yates commented with a dismal lisp to his voice. \u201cI don\u2019t know how I\u2018m going to write this up for the readers.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou don\u2018t have to, Mr Yates.\u201d the Professor said quietly, \u201cCome along, we\u2019re go up a bit further. When you look down at it, you\u2019ll be able to see what we saw that time over ten years ago. We were the first white men to look down and see it for – perhaps – for a thousand years or more.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham looked at Adam who merely quirked an eyebrow. Such claims were not so very preposterous, he thought, considering the age of the Pharoah\u2019s tombs and pyramids that he had seen in Egypt. He followed behind Scolley, followed by Jotham and Yates. The Indians had stopped, waiting in a dignified silence further down on the paved roadway.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    With the heat and the humidity the toil up the hillside was difficult, all four men were breathing heavily by the time they reached the summit and even Scolley had to pull out a handkerchief and mop around his face and neck. Yates was bent double, his hands on his knees and gasping for breath. Adam realised his leg was feeling weak, there was little pain but it did ache. Scolley managed to smile and then pointed down the way they had come \u201cLook.\u201d he said, \u201cLook at that, and try, gentlemen, try if you can and imagine how we felt when we saw that?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Despite years upon years of growth, the jungle still had not entirely concealed the remnants of the buildings that some men had long ago formed into a township. Whoever they had been, whether as Scolley speculated ancient Phoenicians or not, what remained showed thought and order in the way the buildings had been laid out. Not much remained of actual walls, but enough of the foundation stones were there. Adam rubbed his chin thoughtfully as his eye caught the shape of some worn down statue half listing as though about to fall and further to the left another shape, a half column that could perhaps have supported a roof of a grand building.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He looked at Scolley and nodded \u201cI\u2019m impressed, Professor.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley couldn\u2019t speak. His excitement at showing these three laymen his prize was almost too much, it had robbed him of speech. Yates, having recovered his breath, came to stand beside Adam and looked down at what was spread out before him. He turned in a complete circle getting the full panoramic view of his surroundings before he looked at Adam, then Scolley \u201cWhy\u2019d they build here? The seas miles away.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe don\u2019t think it was when this was built.\u201d Scolley said, \u201cBut we\u2019re learning more all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSokolovich, what was his role in all this?\u201d Jotham demanded, \u201cHe was just a botonist, collecting plants, he wasn\u2019t interested in old buildings, no matter who built them.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTrue enough.\u201d Scolley sighed, \u201cBut he was interested in ancient remedies, he ventured to ask if we had found any evidence of the plants found here being used for medicine in the past. If we had been able to find any proof of that, it would save – perhaps – years of research into finding new drugs for what he found. He – he was a good man, sincere and honest.\u201d Scolley sighed \u201cBless him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He said it in almost a whisper but it caused all three of the other men to pause a moment, to conjecture as to why the Russian had come, and to sympathise with the fact that he had died. Adam cleared his throat \u201cA pity he had to die \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, he was unwell anyway. I did wonder if he had dengue fever but he said it wasn\u2019t, then when we were attacked -\u201d he paused \u201cI think it was then that we realised what a folly it had been to let people outside assume we were after gold and buried treasure and all that clap trap. We lost Sokolovich and some of the Indians as well as some of the men who came along with us\u2026 all unnecessary needless deaths.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLike the Mendes?\u201d Jotham said quietly and Scolley nodded and said \u201cYes, like the Mendes.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 37<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    David Watson stretched out his legs and tried to get comfortable at the desk in the school room. He was soon to leave, to graduate, and he was pleased at the fact that despite the hard work he had to do on the homestead, he had been able to get a decent education in town.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He smiled over at Lydia Brandon, who avoided his eyes with her usual adroitness, and then he glanced around the room and looked at his fellow students with a casual survey, after all, he saw them almost every day of the week. He nodded over at Reuben Cartwright and winked when the boy grinned back at him. He liked Reuben, they had got off to a bad start but it had soon smoothed out and now he felt a quiet protective friendship for the little fellow. That couldn\u2019t be said about Leslie Downing, the son of the store keeper in town. David frowned slightly and shook his head, as far as he was concerned Leslie Downing was trouble, an unpleasant unkind boy who seemed to want nothing more than to cause hurt and pain to whoever he chose as a victim. It was unfortunate that the current such one happened to be Reuben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    David sighed and picked up his pen and began to copy out his lesson. Not long before his graduation he told himself, then he would leave Virginia City behind and travel the world. Reuben Cartwright wasn\u2019t the only one with hopes of going to sea, David was equally as inspired and longed for the day when he could shed the dirt of his father\u2019s homestead and smell the fresh clean salt air aboard a ship. He looked up as Lydia said something relevant to his lesson and as he did so he glimpsed an action by Leslie Downing that caused him to look again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The boy was leaning across to the lad next to him and whispering, whatever he was saying had brought a pallor to the other boys face and a startled expression. Leslie sniggered, and shrugged. He indicated a bag on the floor next to his feet and grinned. To David the whole thing felt charged with danger, an instinct inside of himself warned that there was going to be trouble and yet another voice whispered caution, hold back, wait and see.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The morning dragged by until recess came at last, and David made his way out to the yard. He followed Reuben and caught up with him, \u201cHey, Reuben, you heard from your Pa yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, not yet. Ma said he was working on something important in Brazil. He\u2019ll be home soon though.\u201d Reuben grinned, freckles chased over his nose, \u201cMy Uncle Joe let me ride Kamille the other day, she\u2019s one fine horse, David, you should come and see her. Remember the horse you carved for me? She\u2019s just like that to look at \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI heard tell she was pure Arab, Reuben. That\u2019s one of the best breeds of horse you can get. Your Pa really must be proud to have her .\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A noise from the far corner of the yard distracted them and they both turned to see what was the cause. Jamie Watt was on the edge of the little group but when he saw David and Reuben he ran over to join them. He was pale and said in an awed voice \u201cLeslie Downing has a gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat?\u201d David exclaimed and looked at Reuben, then at Jamie, \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPip told me, he said that Leslie showed it to him when they were coming into school. It belonged to his Granpa.He got it out of his Pa\u2018s desk.\u201d Jamie declared, and looked at Reuben, then back at David. \u201cI don\u2019t think Miss Brandon knows.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019d best go and tell her, Jamie.\u201d Reuben said urgently, \u201cYou\u2019d best go and tell her right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    David thought of the bag that had been on the floor, the way the other lad had paled when Leslie had whispered over to him. Of course the gun must have been in that bag, but why would Leslie bring a gun to school? He looked at Reuben, \u201cStay here.\u201d and placed a hand on Reuben\u2019s chest and repeated \u201cStay here and don\u2019t move.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy not?\u201d was Reubens immediate answer as he looked from David to Jamie who was running across the yard as fast as his spindly legs could carry him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    David Watson walked with confident steps to where the huddle of boys were grouped by the big tree in the school yard, \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie Downing turned immediately and whereas any other boy would have taken pains to hide the weapon he merely laughed and brandished it in David\u2019s face, above the heads of the other children who had been grouped around him exclaiming and wondering and making Leslie feel invincible by their approval and obvious, to him, envy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    David frowned \u201cYou\u2019d best give that to me or to Miss Brandon, Downing. It\u2019s dangerous to bring a weapon to school, you know that, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWho says? I ain\u2019t never heard anyone saying so. Anyhows, who are you to tell me what to do, Mr Cocksure Watson.\u201d Leslie laughed and squeezed the trigger, the children stepped back, some ran away, some put their hands over their ears but nothing happened.<\/p>\n

    There was just the click as the hammer was released, the chamber had been empty, Leslie grinned.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat was stupid, Leslie.\u201d David said sharply, \u201cHand it over.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWho are you calling stupid, Watson? Are you calling me stupid, are you?\u201d and Leslie pointed the gun straight at David so that the barrel was a mere few inches from the older boys face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Younger children scattered to safety, and some ran yelling for Miss Brandon who was already coming from the school room and looking around the yard to locate the problem, James Watt ran across the yard to join Reuben who was slowly walking towards David.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJust give me the gun.\u201d David said calmly and put out his hand to seize it from the other boy who pulled it out of reach and fired it once again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    This time the gun exploded in his hand and the girls screamed, Miss Brandon screamed and Jamie Watt said \u201cOh!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben saw his friend fall just inches from him, right before his very eyes the unbelievable had happened and his young school companion just lay there, there were two more shots one after the after, Reuben turned to see David fall, stagger back, clutching at his chest, and then he saw Leslie\u2019s face, and the look on it as the big lad stared directly at him and their eyes met…<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben turned and ran, adrenalin fueled his body, pumped through him, he felt the ground beneath his feet impact hard upon the soles of his boots, he felt hot air drifting into his face and something wet stinging his eyes so that he could barely see through salt tears. He ran until he was breathless and couldn\u2019t run any further, and when he stopped he fell right into the arms of the sheriff.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy Canaday lifted Reuben up into his arms and ran, not in the direction of the school from where the bell was tolling wildly but towards Dr Martins surgery, he knew that Clem and Dodds were going to check what was going on there, but his first thought was to care for the boy who now lay in his arms and leaving splatters of blood puddling on the sidewalk as he ran to the surgery.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clem and Dodds reached the school yard and then stopped in their tracks at the sight that they beheld. Neither one of them had seen anything like it in their town before and both hoped they would never see it again. Lydia Brandon was tugging at the bell rope as though her hands were glued to it, her eyes streaming tears while little girls huddled behind her skirts and clung to one another.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou can stop ringing the bell now, Miss Brandon.\u201d Dodds yelled but the words made no impact on the shocked young woman and the deputy had to pull her fingers from the rope before the tolling ended.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    People from town were running towards the school, Bridie among them and unaware that her little Reuben was in the surgery being tended to by Paul. She looked around her and then hurried into the school room where she drew Lydia into her arms like the mother hen she was, and the children huddled into her like so many terrified chicks.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dodds and Clem could hear the hum of voices behind them but didn\u2019t look back, they just strode forward to where Leslie Downing stood with the gun still smoking in his hands, his face the colour of cream cheese and tears dribbling wet and heavy down his cheeks \u201cI – I didn\u2019t think it was loaded.\u201d he insisted as Clem took the gun from him,\u201dHonest, I didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Children peered around each others shoulders as they grouped close together, eyes were wide, glazed, some were tear laden, some defiant. Clem looked down at David Watson and shook his head, there was little point in even trying to stop the blood, the boy was dead , no doubt about it.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dodds was kneeling beside Jamie Watt, trying to find a pulse. When Clem walked over to him he looked up \u201cI think he\u2019s still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clem was about to speak when there was shouting from the crowd, a man ran forward \u201cMy son, my son \u2026 oh no no\u2026\u201d anguished cries as Mr Watt pushed Clem aside to kneel beside Jamie and gather him in his arms.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy was striding towards Leslie now, he put his hand on the boys shoulder \u201cYou\u2019d best come along with me, you\u2019ve a lot of explaining to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t know it was loaded. It was just lying around in a drawer. I didn\u2019t mean to hurt anyone.\u201d Leslie protested, his chins wobbling from his sobs.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou did, you did,\u201d someone yelled out among the huddle of children \u201cYou did know it was loaded too\u2026 you said so.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, you did.\u201d another cried, \u201cYou did.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t \u2026 I didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d Leslie shook his head, tears dripped from his chin and for an instant he struggled to get away from Candy\u2019s grip.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Fear for his own child was high on the range of emotions raging through Candy at that time, but a glimpse of her standing beside Bridie on the school steps reassured and calmed him. He looked at Leslie and shook his head, what a start to the serious side of law keeping, the arrest of a child responsible for the death of at least one other human being. He felt sick to the stomach at the memory of the limp body he had carried over to the surgery.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mr Watts was carrying his son in his arms, holding him close, blood was staining his shirt. Leslie Downings father was pushing his way through the crowd that had gathered, had looked from Leslie to the scene in the playground and then at Candy. He said nothing, and without a word followed the sheriff and his prisoner to the jail house.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Luke Dent knocked on the door of his sister\u2019s home and pushed it open, it yielded to his touch and he stepped into the cool interior of the house and called her name. She was holding Nathaniel in her arms and looked up and smiled \u201cI\u2019ve just got him to sleep. How lovely to see you, Luke. Sofia, ask ..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo,\u201d Luke raised a hand \u201cNo, Livvy, there\u2019s no time for that, you need to get to town. Somethings happened, Reubens been hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Now she could see Marcy standing beside Luke, and for a moment she thought she had misheard what her brother had said because she didn\u2019t move except to continue rocking her baby too and fro. Marcy came and touched her arm \u201cReuben needs you in town, Olivia. I\u2019ll stay here with the children.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Luke felt his blood turn cold at the sight of his sister\u2019s face draining of colour. He wondered if she were going to faint and stepped forward to catch her just in case, but Olivia collected herself together, shook her head as though to clear cob webs and then passed Nathaniel to Marcy \u201cI\u2019ve just fed him.\u201d she whispered, and then looked at Luke, \u201cReuben? Hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Luke just nodded and reached out to take hold of her by the elbow and lead her away, but she resisted for a moment and called Sofia to her side \u201cDarling, I have to go into town, be a good girl for Aunt Marcy will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sofia knew better than to argue, to protest or insist on going with her mother, she only nodded and slowly slipped her hand into Marcy\u2019s. The reassurance of her aunt\u2019s fingers curling around her own gave her the strength not to cry.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The town was shocked, stunned. Ann Canaday went to assist Bridie in caring for the shocked young teacher and the children who lived out of town, discussing ways in which to get them home to their parents. Children who lived in town had already been collected and taken away from the school, to the safety of their homes, to anxious cuddles and reassuring hugs.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    David Watsons body was taken to the mortuary where his parents and family gathered to say their last farewells and try to comprehend the fact that their eldest son would never come home again, and any ambitions he had, whether to go to sea or stay at home, would never be fulfilled. His dreams, like himself, were now mere dust.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jamie Watt was being operated on by Dr Schofield while his parents \u00a0blubbered and wept in a small ante-chamber close by. The bullet had struck him in the chest, had gone right through the little thin body. The problem was the amount of blood he had lost and the amount of damage to the internal organs\u2026 Scofield was still exploring to find out.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia sat in the waiting room with her hand in Luke\u2019s. Her face was white and her eyes colourless. She couldn\u2019t cry, whenever she tried to think of what was happening and where she was, her brain said \u2018I don\u2019t believe it\u2019. so she didn\u2019t, so she couldn\u2019t cry. When it was real, then she would cry. When she knew it was real\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paul Martin and Jimmy Chang found the bullet and extracted it carefully. They had looked at one another and raised their eyebrows, Jimmy glanced at the door and then the clock. Paul looked down at the still pale face of the child with freckles chasing over his nose and long lashes shading his cheeks.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe kept running even after he was hit.\u201d Jimmy whispered as Paul dropped the bullet into the bowl. It made a metallic cold clink and then rolled back and forth a little.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAdrenalin. He probably didn\u2019t even realise he\u2019d been hit. Saw his friends fall and then turned to run, and kept running.\u201d Paul muttered gruffly and put the bowl carefully on to the table close by.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat shall I tell his mother?\u201d Jimmy asked quietly<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNothing.\u201d Paul said with a deep sigh, \u201cI\u2019ll go and talk to her as soon as we\u2019ve finished here. I dread to think \u2026\u201d he paused, there was no point in speculating or assuming, no point at all. \u201cLet\u2019s get on, Jimmy, we don\u2019t want to drag this out any longer than necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The statements took a while to get written, children don\u2019t give very coherent details of events when in shock, terrified at what they had witnessed. Candy was patient with each one, each child accompanied by a parent, each parent frightened for their child. It took a long time before he could put them all together and set them to one side.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Lydia Brandon\u2019s statement was clear and concise, brief and to the point. She had known nothing until Jamie Watt had come running in to tell her Leslie had a gun. She had cried a little, wiped her eyes and given a sensible account of what she had seen happen.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    When they had all gone Candy was left with his deputies and the store keeper who was glaring at him constantly, protesting his sons innocence, insisting that the gun had been empty and no, he hadn\u2019t realised it had gone.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In a cell Leslie sat and stared at the bars that were in front of him. His father had hired Hiram Woods to defend him, and Hiram had said that a child of his tender years should not be in a jail but Candy had insisted on bail. Hiram had agreed that bail should be set at $5000. Leslie was twelve years old and Candy was wondering if the boy would live to be thirteen.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 38<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben pulled off his string tie and draped it over the door handle, he paused a moment to look at his reflection in the mirror and wondered what a woman would find attractive about him now, at his age. It seemed to him that Paloma Barrington had certainly paid him a lot of attention during that meal, while Silas had seemed to retreat further and further into his shell. In some ways he wished that Roy had come along with him, but in other ways he was glad that his old friend had chosen to find other amusements.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He sighed and shook his head, fleeting memories of those he had loved and lost drifted through his mind.. Joyce \u2026 he sighed again and wondered what on earth had happened to her. He turned as the knock came on his door and he smiled, only Roy would knock like that, so he called out for him to come in and stop hanging around. Roy was grinning like a Cheshire cat when he stepped into the room and closed the door behind him<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHave a good evening?\u201d he asked his friend who nodded and said it had been \u2018very pleasant\u2019. Roy removed his hat and tossed it onto a chair, then sat down on the ottoman. \u201cI had an interesting evening too.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m glad you did.\u201d Ben smiled and passed his hand over his hair, \u201cYou look pretty pleased with yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGuess that\u2019s because I am.\u201d Roy replied and regarded his friend with some interest which made Ben feel uncomfortable, upon noticing that Roy grinned \u201cLike the lady ,huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShe\u2019s very attractive,\u201d Ben began to slowly unbutton his shirt, hoping that as he did so his friend would get the hint and return to his own room, \u201cVery good company.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI heard tell she was .. Good company I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben sighed and frowned, then turned to face Roy \u201cWhat\u2019s on your mind, Roy? Best say something now or regret it later.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy shook his head \u201cYou planning on seeing them again?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, tomorrow as it happens. You\u2019re welcome to come along too, Roy. I have told them about you being with me so they won\u2019t be surprised.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s mighty kind of you, but I doubt if an ex-lawman would be of any interest to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d Ben gave Roy a rather narrow eyed look and slowly unbuttoned some more of his shirt.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt means that we should be getting back to town.\u201d Roy stood up and reached for his hat, \u201cBefore you get yourself all entangled with that female.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cRoy?\u201d Ben looked aghast as though the insinuation was ridiculous although as the back of his mind he knew that such a thing was possible, he shook his head \u201cWhat have you been doing, Roy? Making enquiries on my behalf?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYep, seemed like someone had to before you go making a fool of yourself. Heck, Ben, your boys take after you more\u2019n you realise\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t want to hear, Roy.\u201d he turned his back on his old friend and pulled off his shirt which he flung onto the bed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou should, it makes interesting hearing.\u201d Roy drawled as he walked towards the door .<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    His hand had barely touched the handle when there was an abrupt knocking, upon opening the door the bell boy nodded and glanced from one man to the other \u201cExcuse me, which one of you is Mr Ben Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI am.\u201d Ben barked which caused the lad to look rather startled and Roy to step back a pace or two.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMr Cartwright, sir, I\u2019m sorry but there\u2019s two telegrams arrived for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben scowled, looked at Roy as though it were all his fault and snatched the envelopes from the boy who stammered \u201cI think they want a reply.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you\u201d Ben muttered as he turned towards the window and ripped open the envelope of the first cable.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was brief and to the point, urging his prompt return as Reuben had been hurt in a shooting incident, it was signed Candy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u201d Roy asked immediately and stepped forward to take the cablegram from his friends hand while Ben opened the other and read \u201cREUBEN SHOT SERIOUS COME HOME PA SIGNED JOE\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He turned to the boy who was hovering on the landing \u201cWhen\u2019s the last stage leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s already gone, sir. Won\u2019t be another until the morning, but the last train to Golds Hill will leave in about an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe won\u2019t make it in time,\u201d Roy muttered and sighed, \u201cWe just got to sit it out til the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe could be – dead – by then.\u201d Ben said in such a hollow sounding voice that Roy had to lower his head and stare at the rug, \u201cWhat on earth happened\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The boy cleared his throat \u201cDo you want to send a reply to the cables, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded, the least he could do was send them some reassurance that he was on his way back home, he glanced hurriedly at Roy before putting his hand in his pocket and drawing out some loose change \u201cLook, son, do you think you could run to the station and ask them to wait on two passengers, it won\u2019t be long, tell them we won\u2019t be more than a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, I don\u2019t know, sir, it\u2019s about a 15 minute run to the station and \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTry, will you?\u201d Ben cried, snatching at the clothes he had just recently discarded, \u201cRun as fast as you can. Take this money and tell them it\u2019s Ben Cartwright and – and Sheriff Roy Coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The boy looked from one to another \u201cI\u2019ll try, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy was already heading for his own room, he gave a wry grimace at the fact that Ben had referred to him as Sheriff once more, but then anything to swing a favourable decision and to get to Virginia City as soon as they possibly could. By the time he had his grip ready Ben was hurrying from his room with his own carpet bag in his hand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It took moments, frustratingly long moments to settle their bills, to explain that their departure was due to an emergency. In the rush to leave the hotel they met the boy who was gasping for breath \u201cI managed to get a ten minute delay, sir, you should just about make it if you hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGood lad,\u201d Ben said with more hope in his voice than he actually felt as he hurried onwards with Roy puffing alongside him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The train departed within ten minutes, the two elderly men sat for a while struggling to catch their breath, and fumbling for money to pay the ticket collector who was already giving them a black mark for causing a delay to the train schedules. When finally they had the train compartment to themselves Roy said, between panting and puffing, \u201cWe could have got some horses, it\u2019s closer to Virginia City from here than it is from San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAs a last resort, Roy, I would have done even that \u2026\u201d Ben replied removing his hat and wiping sweat from his brow, he finally released a long breath and sat back with his eyes closed \u201cRoy, I shouldn\u2019t have left town.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNope, was a fools errand all round.\u201d Roy said which was really encouraging for his old friend to hear and he got a rather fierce scowl from Ben as a result. \u201cThose folk you were looking up on behalf of Martha Frobisher..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat about them?\u201d Ben sighed and the memory of Paloma\u2019s face drifted into his vision.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey\u2019re bankrupt, poor as church mice. They ain\u2019t got a dime left to their name.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben shook his head and pursed his lips \u201cHard to believe that tale, Roy. You never saw the house they were in, the servants \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBelongs to an old friend of theirs who owes them a favour. Fact is he\u2019s getting a mite tired of being beholden to them and hopes they\u2019ll move on soon. You coming along like you did, well, as I said, good thing we\u2019re leaving now rather than later.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    That comment did him no favours either, Ben scowled darker than ever and scrunched himself up into the corner of the compartment next to the window. His thoughts trickled from Paloma to Reuben, from Reuben to Olivia and from anxieties for her to fears for his son, Adam.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hester was crying, the tears caught at her throat and caused her to gasp for breath, even though Hoss had his arms around her and cradled her close to his chest she just couldn\u2019t stop crying. Mary Ann was pacing the floor, wringing her hands, dabbing at her cheeks as she walked while her husband stood watching her, forlorn and miserable at heart because she was too restless to gain the comfort from his arms.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh I hate it here, I hate it.\u201d Mary Ann suddenly burst out in a shudder of a voice \u201cAll this violence, this mindless violence.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMary Ann,\u201d Joe said quietly and caught at her hand, drew her closer to him \u201cI – please – just sit down and -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI can\u2019t, I can\u2019t just sit down.\u201d Mary Ann whispered and grabbed at his hands as though she couldn\u2019t bear to release them \u201cJoe, it was you a few months ago, I thought I was going to lose you \u2026 and there was that awful business with the Chinese when they nearly killed Hoss. Every day something awful is happening in this town, every day I wonder if you\u2019ll come home alive\u2026 I can\u2019t bear it any longer, I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She stopped speaking then as though she had put her feelings into words that couldn\u2019t be retracted and it frightened her. She looked at Joe, shook her head and leaned into him \u201cOh Joe, Joe, little Rueben of all people, why did it have to be him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAt least he\u2019s still alive, sweet heart.\u201d Joe whispered, \u201cHe\u2019s a real little fighter, he\u2019ll be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hester looked up with her eyes swollen and red rimmed \u201cYou can\u2019t guarantee that, Joe. No one can\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI believe he\u2019ll come through,\u201d Joe said as though that was all that mattered and turned his attention back to Mary Ann.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A door opened and Ann Canaday came in with a tray laden with coffee and some refreshments \u201cIt isn\u2019t much, but I thought you would need something by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hester whispered her thanks and her cousin nodded, looked over at Mary Ann and Joe, then again at Hoss and Hester \u201cThe children are asleep, it took a little while to calm them down but they\u2019re rested now. Sofia was upset, as you can imagine, but she\u2019s sleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs there any news yet, from Paul?\u201d Hoss asked but Ann shook her head, and said that there was nothing, no news yet.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe looked at his brother \u201cI wish Pa were here, he should never have gone like he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo one can tell when a bad things going to happen, Joe. You gotta be sensible about this kind of thing, can\u2019t blame Pa.\u201d Hoss sighed and picked up the coffee pot \u201cAnyhow, if anyone should be here, it should be Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    No one said anything to that, perhaps they all thought the same but didn\u2019t dare to put it into words.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia held her sons hand tightly within her own, every so often she raised it to her cheek and pressed it there as though bestowing upon it a blessing, a prayer, a kiss. Luke Dent stood close by as though guarding the door although he knew that no one would trespass upon them now, not even the family who had been such a stalwart support until Olivia had told them to go and get some rest. Yes, she had promised they would be called upon if they were needed and she had hugged them and gained strength from their loving hugs in return.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie had hovered and done what she could, providing food and drink, words of comfort, encouragement, but even she had been gently told to go to her bed. A mother, Olivia had said quietly, should be with her child at this time.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So she sat by his side, holding his hand, stroking his brow. Sometimes she would talk to him about the days events, about Kamille and the colt, about Adam and the ship. She watched his face all the time, hungry to see a glimpse of movement, a flicker of an eyelid. The pale still face with the scattering of golden freckles remained without motion, nothing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Luke came and placed a hand on her shoulder, leaned down to whisper in her ear but she shook her head, no, she didn\u2019t want to leave him, she was alright. She looked up at him and smiled, placed her hand upon his \u201cGo and see if Marcy is alright, Luke. You\u2019re tired, and she will be as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat about Nathaniel? Do you want me to bring him here .. I mean \u2026 you\u2019re nursing him after all and \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She nodded and then turned towards Reuben, leaned towards him to make sure there was no change since she had last looked, she heard the door close behind her brother but didn\u2019t turn her head to make sure he had gone.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 39<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Howard Jefferson was bent over some fragments that he was holding in his hands, he was so intent on looking at them that he didn\u2019t even hear their approach despite the fact that Yates slipped on some rubble and practically fell down the last remaining steps.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The path that they had been following had ended with a flight of stairs that led into some underground room. It was obvious to all that the walls had been constructed carefully by whoever had at one time lived in the ruins of the town above them. It was large, with the ceiling panelled in with tiles, some of which still displayed colourful designs. The three of them stared up at the evidence of some past mens endeavours as though they couldn\u2019t believe their eyes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWonderful, isn\u2019t it?\u201dScolley said in an almost reverent tone of voice, \u201cCan you imagine how we felt when we found it? The whole entrance was covered over with vines and growth but when we located this -\u201d his hand waved towards the ceiling, along the sides of the walls, \u201cEvidence of the people who were here many centuries ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo,\u201d Yates said slowly drawling out the word as he rubbed his thigh which had caught against the rocks upon his swifter than usual descent,\u201d This isn \u2018t that city they were talking about, the one the Spanish and Portuguese built all that time ago?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolleys shoulders slumped as though he couldn\u2019t believe the ignorance of the man, he looked at Adam and Jotham as though in sympathy for having endured the dolt for so long, \u201cNo, my dear sir, this city was built centuries before the Spanish and Portuguese even existed.\u201d he shook his head \u201cI don\u2019t deny there being such a place, I\u2019ve heard rumours before about its existence and the treasure it\u2019s supposed to have hidden within it, but this is much more important .\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates sighed \u201cWell, that\u2019s a matter of opinion really isn\u2019t it? After all, have you found any treasure here?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson turned now, his face creased in a scowl of irritation as he looked at the three newcomers, \u201cWho are these, Scolley?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Professor Scolley did the introductions but the scowl didn\u2019t fade from the thin features of the other man. He fixed Yates, in particular, with a dark look \u201cReporter huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes.\u201d Yates nodded, \u201cPleased to make your acquaintance, Professor Jefferson.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Howard Jefferson just shook his head and then looked at Scolley \u201cTake a look at these, Michael. Tell me what you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    His voice held a tremor of excitement, if he had found a ruby or a priceless emerald the excitement in his voice could not have been heard more clearly, Jotham and Adam looked at one another, Jotham shook his head \u201cThey\u2019re both as crazy as crickets, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, they\u2019re dedicated to this kind of work, that\u2019s all.\u201d Adam replied in a whisper.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s not going to be easy to get Jefferson out of here, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam pursed his lips and looked at the two men as they examined the fragments they held in their hands, turning them over and over, exclaiming about this, noticing something else and nodding their heads enthusiastically. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think it will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates tapped Adam on the shoulder \u201cThis place gives me the creeps.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMost things give you the creeps as you call it, Yates. Just wait a while, will you, there\u2019s nothing we can do about things at the moment.\u201d Adam responded and then looked at Jotham, \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know, sir, I don\u2019t know what to think. I have my orders \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo do I.\u201d Adam frowned and looked over at the two men, who, perhaps sensing that they were under observation turned to them, Scolley grinned and held up a fragment of pottery<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSee here? Evidence again of our findings, proof if ever we needed it of the fact that Phoenicians did come and build this city.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMay be so, but it doesn\u2019t prove that the people now indigenous to this area are their descendents.\u201d Adam said and Scolley frowned and pursed his lips, looked at Jefferson who shook his head in disagreement.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow else could they have got here?\u201d Yates ventured to ask and got a withering look in response.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson set down the fragment of pottery and approached Adam and Jotham as though he had only just realised that they were really there, flesh and bone standing in the middle of a place filled with the ghosts of his imaginings. \u201cExactly who are you both?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCaptain Adam Cartwright, American Navy. This is Captain Jotham Morton.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd why are you here?\u201d Jefferson asked in a strangely high pitched voice as his eyes moved from one to the other of them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, sir, we\u2019ve actually come to take you back to America with us.\u201d Adam replied as matter of factly as he possibly could.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson frowned and then looked at Scolley \u201cDid you hear that, Michael, they want to take me back to America.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo I heard.\u201d Scolley said, and stroked his chin, \u201cThat\u2019ll leave me awful short handed, Howard. What with Anatoly being dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson sighed and looked at the two Americans, \u201cYou know Sokolovich died?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe heard.\u201d Adam replied \u201cWe also heard that you\u2019d been ill, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, but it wasn\u2019t dengue fever or anything like that,\u201d Howard said in a conversational tone of voice, \u201cIt was because I\u2019d been drinking their filthy liquor for too long, gave me the D.T\u2019s. Mrs Mendes took good care of me, knew exactly what to do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMrs Mendes is dead, sir, she was killed by some men who are looking for you.\u201d Jotham said in not so amicable a tone of voice as Adams.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDead?\u201d Jefferson shook his head, \u201cPoor woman. Why did they kill her?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause they thought you may have told her about the location of a secret city where there\u2019s trea-sure, not the kind of treasure you look for, but the kind that the majority want to find ..diamonds and gold for instance.\u201d Jotham told him and saw a look of comprehension dawn over Jeffersons\u2019 face, \u201cYou do know what I mean, don\u2019t you, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, of course. How did those men come to know about all that?\u201d was the next question to which Jotham patiently explained that they had been part of their first expedition, and had been only too happy to help Yates out when he wanted to locate them. This brought Yates back to the attention of the two archaeologists who shook their heads and drew aside to converse together in low tones.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates took to wandering around the chamber, every so often he would kick some piece of rubble to one side or pause to stare at some design or inscription of the brickwork that formed the walls. He had his hands in his pockets and was whistling beneath his breath. Jotham and Adam watched him for a while and then turned to observe the other two men who were back to examining their shard of pottery.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe could be here forever,\u201d Jotham whispered, \u201cIt seems to me that those two have no idea of time or any sense of urgency about the matter we\u2019re here to discuss with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, he watched as the two men walked further into the cavern and began to examine something else, exclamations of \u201cThis is a beautiful piece, Michael.\u201d \u201cWonderful, simply wonderful.\u201d floated their way, Yates whistling became louder, echoing in the vastness of the chamber.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cStrange to think how old all this is, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Adam said quietly as he gazed once more up at the ceiling \u201cLook at that design, Jotham, what does it remind you of?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham looked up and craned his neck in order to do so \u201cA chart.\u201d he said, \u201cI mean, it looks like a map of some kind. Not enough to tell exactly what, too dark to see in places.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson looked over at them and smiled \u201cYou\u2019re right, though. It is a chart, so far as we have been able to make out it\u2019s a map of the night sky as seen from Tyre. That\u2019s one of the locations of the ancient Phonicians. We think they put it there so that they would be able to trace their way back home again.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley came over and stood by their side and looked up at the caverns roof \u201cOn a really bright day this cavern fills with light, the ceiling – what remains to be seen – looks quite wonderful. The first people who came here were seamen, like yourselves, and I suppose they would come here and imagine themselves back at sea, in their ships.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded \u201cI can see what you mean, so why did they stay and not return?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s what we want to find out, what we\u2019re looking for, clues to their past, clues to these people who live here now and their future.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates came up now, his hands in his pockets still and shrugged \u201cThey won\u2019t have much future if you go telling the world about this, not that many will be interested but it just takes a few wrong uns to get interested and you say Bobs your uncle to that lot.\u201d he jerked his head upwards to indicate his meaning.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson frowned \u201cThat\u2019s the problem, it puts us in an awkward position really.\u201d he removed his spectacles and began to wipe them slowly on his jacket \u201cWe need sponsorship, that\u2019s true, but we don\u2019t need the kind of publicity that will bring people here to harm our friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat exactly do you mean, Mr Jefferson?\u201d Adam asked with his head to one side as he looked at the two men as though with renewed interest.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, we can\u2019t let Mr Yates leave here thinking he can write up his stories of what we have found, can we?\u201d Jefferson looked at Scolley who stroked his chin and frowned as though this was a new consideration.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAt the same time,\u201d Adam said very slowly, as though weighing every word \u201cHaving made such a wonderful discovery, and as scientists, don\u2019t you want the world to know what you have found?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley bowed his head, it was something he had almost admitted to in an earlier conversation with Adam and now he felt guilty hearing it voiced in front of Jefferson. The other man shook his head \u201cWe can wait, we have to consider other factors.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham now stepped forward \u201cLike being taken back to America to stand trial for murder, Mr Jefferson?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley stepped back, obviously shocked at what Jotham had said and he looked first at his associate before asking Jotham to explain himself, Jotham nodded and raised his chin. \u201cI\u2019ve been sent here with a warrant for your arrest, Howard Jefferson, ,for the murder of your brother, Senator Sackville Jefferson, whose body was found at the family home in Albany.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley looked reproachfully at Adam \u201cAnd you, sir? Are you privy to this information?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded \u201cOf course. Its my duty to ensure that Mr Jefferson returns to America in order to stand trial.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates released a long whistle \u201cBlimey,\u201d he said quietly, \u201cThat\u2019s what I call a real scoop.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    For a moment there was total silence until Scolley looked at Jefferson \u201cIs this true, Howard?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The other man removed his glasses slowly, and it occurred to Adam that the man was weary to exhaustion, a dust covered hand swept over haggard features and the glasses were replaced carefully as though every action had to be thought out in order to be accomplished \u201cThis isn\u2019t the place to talk about it. Let\u2019s get outside into the fresh air so we can breathe.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley glanced over at Adam and raised an eyebrow, at the officers slight nod of the head the Professor led the way from the cavern and out into daylight. The sun was high in the heavens and the sky very blue, the five men made their way along the footpath to where there was a slight clearing, a place where once upon a time perhaps others had paused and sat to talk. Jefferson wiped his brow for he was sweating profusely now, and appeared glad to be able to sit down upon an upturned and dying tree.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s quite true. Sackville was the eldest brother, and as you rightly stated, a Senator. Our father had been prominent in politics and my brother followed in his footsteps. It was assumed that I would do likewise but my love was in the study of history, people of the past, their culture and traditions. I explored the world as much as I could, but whenever I returned home Sackville would insist that I followed the family into politics. You see, he had no children. He had a wife, but \u2026 he really wasn\u2019t the kind of man who should have got married, if you know what I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham and Adam said nothing to that, although Jotham now ventured to say that whatever Jefferson was going to say he would be required to put in writing later. Jefferson merely shrugged and appeared not to be bothered one way or the other. Yates however had a notebook and pencil poised immediately and began jotting down what he had already heard as a reliable record should Jefferson not get round to making his statement later.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI loved Matilda, she was a lovely woman and supported me as much as she could in my expeditions. Of course she was loyal to Sackville, he was that kind of man really, you couldn\u2019t help but love him.\u201d he groped about in his pocket as though in search of something and finally found what he was looking for, a silver flask which he looked at for a moment before flicking off the lid and taking a gulp of its contents. \u201cI was preparing for this expedition with Michael and Anatoly, of course, I needed funds. We always seem to need funds \u2026\u201d his lips twisted in irony and he took another sip from the flask, \u201cI begged, borrowed and did whatever I could to get as much as I needed then Sackville found I was leaving and there was an argument. We quarrelled, like brothers do, but this time Sackville was incensed about more than my leaving for this expedition. He accused me of -\u201d he paused and gulped some more of what smelled like brandy, \u201cof something disgusting regarding Matilda, I denied it, there was a tussle. He picked up a knife from a desk and that was it really, we fought, he had the knife and suddenly the knife was in him. He was dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you use the knife to kill him?\u201d Jotham asked but Jefferson shook his head vehemently in denial, \u201cHow do you explain his death?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI can\u2019t – I mean – I can, because it happened as a result of the struggle, we were rolling on the floor, knocking over furniture, it was hellish. I think it was just that in the struggle he fell upon the knife and killed himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou claim it to be an accident then?\u201d Jotham said to which Jefferson nodded with a sigh.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI knew he was dead right away, Matilda came into the room, there were some servants crowding round but she was marvellous, got them to leave saying there had been an accident. She helped me -.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Silence hung upon them all, Yates paused in his writing and looked up, ready to continue. In the distance came the sound of gun fire and Adam turned to Scolley who looked suddenly alert and terrified at the same time. He turned to leave but Adam put out a hand to prevent him. Adam narrowed his eyes, his head turned to wards the gunfire then he said quietly \u201cIt\u2019s too far away, we\u2019d never get there in time to help them.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 40<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was hard to know if the Indians had gained a victory or suffered a loss as their return to the village was dignified and silent. There was no change to the usual routine, their life continued with just one difference and that was the mourning of those women and children who had lost their husband, or son, or father.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was no evidence of any prisoners, or victims of any attack. Scolley and Jefferson offered no explanation, it was as though whatever had happened at the scene of the fight had never happened except for the weeping of women.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam found Jefferson sitting alone on the outskirts of the village, his head bowed and hands clasped as though in prayer. He glanced up briefly as Adam approached but said nothing. Adam glanced around, noticed that they were alone and sat down on a rock facing the other man. He cleared his throat \u201cSo? Do you want to finish explaining what happened when your brother was killed?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot really. I\u2019d rather forget all about it, I\u2019d almost managed to do that, you know, until you came.\u201d Jefferson mumbled and shook his head, he leaned forward slightly so that his head almost touched that of the Captains, \u201cLook, my brother was an unscrupulous man, to be honest this world is better off without him. Why not forget all about it and let me continue with my work here?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause I can\u2019t, I have my orders.\u201d Adam said quietly<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe law? So black and white? You had to come all this way to find me and take me back because my brother happened to kill himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe\u2019ve only your word for that, Mr Jefferson.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cProfessor – it\u2019s Professor Jefferson.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam drew in his breath and nodded \u201cVery well, Professor Jefferson. Let me explain a few things to you\u2026 firstly, no matter what kind of man your brother happened to be, he was still a human being and he was killed violently. Secondly he was important, a senator, and Government won\u2019t leave the matter alone, they may want a scapegoat, they may want a murderer, but they\u2019ll just keep on looking until they find one. Thirdly, you left someone at home, an innocent party \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMatilda?\u201d Jefferson looked up, fear flashed over his face at a thought that suddenly occurred to him, \u201cShe\u2019s alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded but only slightly, \u201cI was given this before I left, Professor. I suppose Mrs Jefferson still has contacts as she sent a friend of hers to my ship before I left America, it was to give me this for you.\u201d and he withdrew from his pocket a small square of paper, sealed with red wax. He held it out to Jefferson who hesitated slightly, and then reached out to take it. Adam cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Niether man spoke, Jefferson could only sit there and stare down at the little piece of paper and Adam could only sit and wait for the man to do something, say something. It was Jefferson who spoke first \u201cHave you ever been in love, Captain Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, I love my wife ..very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMatilda was – was always loyal to Sackville, she knew I loved her, had always loved her but the marriage had been arranged years before, she\u2019s from a very prominent family in Albany you see?\u201d he glanced at Adam to see if there was any sign of sympathy, \u201cI never even held her hand, not a glance between us that could be considered inappropriate. I stayed away on my expeditions for as long as I could, but she always drew me back there, always.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you want a moment alone to read your letter?\u201d Adam asked quietly and rising to his feet.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, it\u2019s alright.\u201d Jefferson whispered, and looked at the small missive, \u201cI doubt if there\u2019s much written in this, it\u2019s quite small, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam turned aside as Jefferson broke the wax seal, and heard the mans breathing get faster and then Jefferson stood up \u201cWhen do we leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam narrowed his eyes slightly, then raised his eyebrows as though to question what Jefferson had said, but the other man merely held up the paper \u201cThey\u2019re going to arrest her for murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and released his breath \u201cI was afraid that they would. Hoped that they wouldn\u2019t.\u201d he paused, \u201cThe death of your brother was over 18 months ago now, somehow she succeeded in covering for you until some new evidence was found and, of course, her attempts to help you only made her situation worse. Apart from other concerns with regard to this assignment, both Captain Morton and myself were ordered to find you and bring you back.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI can\u2019t let her be arrested for something of which she is totally innocent.\u201d Jefferson said as he tucked the letter into his jacket pocket, \u201cYou do understand, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, secretly he was delighted by the result of the letter, it had saved a lot of time talking the matter over and trying to persuade the man to come with them, perhaps even having to resort to force, which could have become very unpleasant.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ll tell Scolley.\u201d Jefferson said, and sighed \u201cPerhaps I\u2019ll be able to come back here some day.\u201d he glanced wistfully around the encampment, at the peaceful women and children, the men lounging against the doorframes of their homes taking their ease, he shrugged \u201cIt\u2019s so peaceful.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded again, he wondered how peaceful it had been hours earlier when there had been those gun shots, how many had fallen to poison darts, how many killed by bullets. It seemed beneath a peaceful surface anywhere, death and danger co-existed and broke forth at will.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham Morton was lingering by their dwelling, he had remained patiently waiting for Adams return and had watched the two men as they had spoken together at some distance from him. Jotham had a patience that his cousin Daniel had often lacked, and even though there had been times when he had considered this particular assignment difficult and somewhat strange he had doggedly continued on without complaint.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Both he and the Captain had been ordered to disclose to no one that one of the reasons they were being sent to the Pantonal was to locate and arrest, in Jotham\u2019s case, Howard Jefferson. There was to be no discussion between them within the hearing of any other person so with Yates always within hearing distance niether of them had disclosed their own concerns regarding this situation.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It had worried Jotham, the secrecy and the complexity of the whole matter all wrapped up with the promise of gold and diamonds, hidden cities and so much more. He wracked his brains while waiting for Adam to return as to why the powers that be had waited 18 months to send them looking for Jefferson in the first place.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He gave Adam a wry grin as the Captain returned to the hut, \u201cDid everything go alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam glanced around him, not that it mattered now about Yates or Scolley, they both knew now one of the reasons why two officers representing the American Government were there. \u201cYou know, Jotham, we\u2019ve said all along this was a strange assignment, haven\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham nodded, a slight frown on his brow \u201cWhat did he say? Did he deny it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot at all..\u201d and Adam proceeded to repeat what Jefferson had said, after which both men were silent for a while, \u201cI still wonder why it took them 18 months to decide to look for Jefferson.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI kept saying it was strange -\u201d Jotham murmured, \u201cWhat do we do about Scolley?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNothing, we weren\u2019t told to bring him back to America..and if there had been a real English Governmental representative then it would be up to him to deal with the Professor.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou gave Jefferson a letter\u2026 what was that, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam glanced at Jotham, then smiled after all Jotham was the one responsible for the arrest of the man, he, Adam, was merely sent to bring him back home. In his capacity Jotham was entitled to ask and Adam duly told him \u201cMatilda Jefferson wrote to tell him that she was being arrested on suspicion of Sackville\u2019s death.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut she hasn\u2019t been – not to my knowledge.\u201dJotham frowned, \u201cShe must think that she will be though. Did you read the letter?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know what the letter contains.\u201d Adam replied soberly, and pursed his lips, \u201cJefferson\u2019s a worried man, he loves her -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut does he love her enough to walk to the gallows in her place?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam didn\u2019t reply to that, he just stood and watched as Jefferson approached Scolley and the two men walked off together into their own hut.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 41<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie O\u2019Flannery Martin shook the woman gently by the shoulder, then whispered her name \u201cOlivia? Olivia?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It had been a long and anxious time for the family and for those who loved them. Su Ling and Bridie had been constant in their care, Mary Ann and Hester sitting with Reuben while Olivia nursed Nathaniel and tended to him, or spent a little time with Sofia who was scared by this sudden and terrifying turn of events.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Night fell again and still the little boy lay so still on the bed in Pauls\u2019 surgery. Olivia had dosed into a deep sleep for she was physically and mentally exhausted so when she awoke to Bridie\u2019s gentle urging she sprung up with nerves tingling as though she had experienced an electric shock \u201cwhat\u2019s happened? Rueben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s alright, well, as alright as he can be just now, my dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI thought – for a moment – oh Bridie, Bridie, why has it been so long? Surely he should be getting better now, stronger?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe is getting stronger, believe me.\u201d Bridie said and sat down beside her younger friend, \u201cI\u2019ve brought you some food.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, I can\u2019t eat it -\u201d she turned her head away like a child who found eating objectionable but Bridie persisted by bringing a tray of food to the bedside and setting it down on a table.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou must eat something, Olivia. You\u2019re feeding Nathaniel, and if you don\u2019t eat, then your milk will dry up and he\u2019ll be hungry. Come now, you have to think of your little one as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia shook her head and then turned to look at her little boy, she smiled briefly and touched his cheek \u201cHe\u2019s still warm to touch.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOf course he is, I told you, dear, he\u2019s getting stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s going to be a handsome man when he grows up.\u201d her voice wobbled, she was glad she hadn\u2019t said \u2018If he grows up\u2019 but the thought was there, under the surface.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe will be handsome, yes indeed he will be.\u201d Bridie returned to another area of the room where she had left the tray of coffee fixings and these she brought to the small table. \u201cNow, come, eat something otherwise you will simply faint away when he wakes up. He\u2019ll want to see you strong now, won\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe is a little like Robert,\u201d Olivia said, leaning closer to her little boy, \u201cHe has Roberts\u2019 nose, but other than that he looks more like Luke and my brother, Philip.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell there now, people often say boys resemble their mother\u2019s more, and girls their father.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh I don\u2019t know, Nathaniel is so like Adam \u2026\u201d Olivia sighed, and then closed her eyes and put her hands up to press her fingers against them in order to stop the tears flowing \u201cOh I\u2019m sorry, Bridie, it\u2019s so hard to be brave when I feel so alone. I feel so – bereft – I so wish Adam were here right now, I need him here, Bridie, I really really do.\u201d and with a sob she fell forwards into Bridie\u2019s comforting arms and allowed herself to be petted and whispered reassuringly to while she wept.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    If she could only put into words the longing she now felt for her husband to be by her side. This was just about the loneliest place to be, to sit by her son\u2019s bedside without her husband near by. It was just too much to bear.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAdam would be here if he could,\u201d Bridie whispered, \u201cYou know that he would be, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, of course.\u201d she whispered back, her voice suffused with tears, \u201cBut he seems so far away.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBe brave, Olivia, you\u2019ve managed so well so far, do take heart in knowing that you have so many here who love you and your little boy. So many prayers being said for you both.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, I know\u2026 I don\u2019t mean to be selfish \u2026oh Bridie, Bridie, I feel lost without him by my side.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHush now, I understand.\u201d Bridie whispered again and remembered a time in her own life when her husband had left home on a fishing trip, and she had been alone when her son had been born. A premature little boy who had died in her arms. It had been her loneliest time, a time she didn\u2019t like revisiting in her mind even now that she felt so happy and secure in her new life.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    After a while she calmed enough to sit and eat a little of the food Bridie had brought in for her, she paused a moment to look over at her friend who was sitting beside Reuben \u201cBridie?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, dear?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDavid Watsons parents and poor little Jamie\u2019s parents\u2026 how are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie sighed and shook her head, tears sprung to her eyes as she recalled the time spent with both sets of parents, she bowed her head \u201cOh, I can\u2019t describe their heartache, Olivia, only to say that in their grief they asked after you and told me to tell you that you were in their prayers.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A smile that contained so much sadness touched Olivia\u2019s lips and she nodded \u201cDavid carved Reuben such a beautiful model of a horse last year, it\u2019ll mean -\u201d her voice quavered \u201cIt\u2019ll mean more than ever to him now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDavid was a fine boy, little Jamie was an only child to older parents – they\u2019re suffering so much and -\u201d she paused and wiped her eyes, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, it\u2019s just that it\u2019s been so hard for everyone, poor Mr and Mrs Watts, little Jamie was so precious to them, just as David was to – to his parents. Poor Lydia Brandon is sick with shock \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia pushed the food away and stood up to begin pacing the room again, this time she began to beat one small fist into the palm of her other hand \u201cI just can\u2019t understand it, I keep trying to, but I can\u2019t understand how a child could be so evil, so cruel, as to take a loaded gun to school.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe claims that he didn\u2019t know it was loaded.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, he must have known, he\u2019s lived here most of his life, Bridie, children out here know when a gun is loaded or not. Why did his father allow him to take it? Why \u2026\u201d she paused and remembered the incident of the slingshot, the broken window, and Mr Downings threatening attitude when he had spoken to Ben, \u201cThat\u2019s it, Bridie, that\u2019s why, he was getting revenge on Reuben and Jamie for breaking the window.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat window?\u201d Bridie looked confused and then remembered the incident, after all Mr and Mrs Downing had made no secret of what had happened when explaining to their customers about it, \u201cOh, Olivia, try not to think about it, try not to keep going over and over it, after all, Leslie\u2019s going to be the only one who really knows why he did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia shook her head and came to stand beside her son, she took a deep breath and nodded, \u201cI suppose you\u2019re right, but I can\u2019t help feeling so angry, it\u2019s like a tight knot here-\u201d she clasped a fist against her chest \u201cand I feel I just want to explode, I don\u2019t know if I\u2019m angry at him or his father, after all his son is only a few years older than Reuben. Do you think they\u2019re feeling terrible, as alone and frightened as the rest of us?.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf they are they give no indication of it.\u201d Bridie said quietly as she reached for Olivia\u2019s hand, \u201cMr Downing is a pompous man, he\u2019s shouting the odds that his son was provoked, that the gun was fired by mistake. Hiram Woods has refused to act any further on his behalf, says he\u2019s acted for the Cartwrights since Mr Frobisher left and will act for them now. But the boy is still in the cells. Candy says that he wants him to stay there until his trial.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo bail? No freedom?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, Candy doesn\u2019t trust Mr Downing enough. He thinks that if he lets the boy out of his sight, then Mr Downing will send him out of town, somewhere the law can\u2019t get to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia shook her head, \u201cPoor little boy. I wonder if he\u2019s scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She began to slowly walk round the room again, touching this and that, then finally returning to the bedside, she leaned down and kissed the boys on the Olivia was wiping her eyes when Reuben looked up at her, blinked rapidly several times and then said very quietly \u201cMom? It hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Within minutes Paul and Jimmy Chan were in the room, ushering the ladies away and dealing with their young patients wound. Within less than half an hour they were out of the room and with a smile Paul was able to assure Olivia that her son was over the worst.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s still got a way to go, Olivia, but he\u2019s out of danger now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Out of danger\u2026Olivia sunk down upon a chair and buried her face in her hands, what more could she say but \u2018Thank God\u2019.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 42<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben Cartwright pushed open the door to the room where Olivia was sitting with Nathaniel on her lap, cradled within her arms and sleeping contentedly. Propped up by pillows and covered by a thin sheet slept the young boy who had hovered between life and death for all the hours since the shooting incident. At the sound of the door opening Olivia turned, saw her father in law and relaxed, her face beaming a smile of joyful pleasure at seeing him \u201cOh Ben -\u201d she cried, \u201cI\u2019m so glad you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She rose to her feet immediately and met him half way across the room as he was himself striding forwards to take her into his arms, the little infant almost crushed between them in the warmth of their embrace. Ben held her away from him for a moment and looked down at the woman whose eyes were filled once again with tears, gently he brushed them aside \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, Olivia, I\u2019m so sorry not to have been here for you and Reuben.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh no, don\u2019t be sorry, Ben, who was to know that this was going to happen\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut I should have been here especially after having seen the Downings and having a feeling that something could happen, although I never dreamt it could have been this – a child shooting down other children.\u201d he had his arm around her shoulder now and together they walked to Reubens bedside \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cVery weak. Jimmy is so good, Ben, he is so thorough in his medical practices and the wound is clean, Paul made sure that there were no greater injuries – he couldn\u2019t have been in better hands. Once they feel he is strong enough they said he can come back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPoor lad\u201d Ben looked down at the child and recalled the many times he had sat by his sons\u2019 when they were ill or had been injured for some reason or another, he shook his head as he recalled how it was only a few months earlier that he had been seated by Joe\u2019s bedside, willing him to live. \u201cCandy told me what had happened. I came over as soon as I could – I – I wish to heaven I hadn\u2019t left here.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She shook her head and smiled as though she no longer wanted to hear such things from him, Nathaniel stirred and fluttered his eyelids, yawned delicately so she passed him over \u201cHere, Grandpa, look after him for a moment while I get you some coffee. Bridie has just brought in some freshly made.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Emotion tightened around Ben\u2019s throat as he looked down at the baby, it seemed to him that he was seeing his own first born son all over again, and he felt guilt touch his heart when he remembered the hardships he had put that infant through after Elizabeth had died. He heaved in a deep breath and shook his head \u201cOlivia, this baby is like looking at Adam when he was this age. Do you know what I did to him? I took him from a home where he would have been secure and well loved, I took him away into a wilderness in a wagon, at times never knowing if there would be food to put into his stomach, or a safe haven in which to rest. I failed him then, and I\u2019ve failed him again now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia paused with a cup of coffee in each hand and looked at Ben in surprise \u201cHow do you mean, Ben? How have you failed Adam, I doubt very much if he would see it that way whatever it is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy dear, I promised to take care of you and his family while he was away, that was my role in his absence to be these childrens guardian, and what did I do\u2026 I went off chasing a stupid romantic notion because of something I found in a book.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia shook her head in remonstrance and passed him a cup \u201cDrink your coffee, dear, and stop feeling so guilty about things that were out of your control.\u201d she placed her own cup on a table and then took the baby from Ben and placed him in a bassinet close by, then returned to where she had a chair close to Reuben, she picked up her cup and drank a little of the coffee \u201cBen, life has been hard for you, and no matter what you think now about your decision to leave New England to follow -\u201d she paused wondering just how tactful her words would be but then decided to press on \u201cto follow the dream that you and Elizabeth had, it resulted in shaping Adam into the man he has become, hasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben bowed his head and sighed, \u201cI put him through hell, Olivia, it\u2019s a wonder to me that he is such a fine person.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou forget just how powerful your love and example were, Ben. Don\u2019t forget what a strong bond you formed between yourselves, and then Hoss\u2026\u201d she smiled and reached out a hand, stretched out over the body of her sleeping son, which Ben held gently in his own. \u201cI would hope that Adam forges just as strong a bond with his sons, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded, somewhat mollified now, calmed by her reassurances and the way she looked at him with such love. He looked once more at Reuben and again felt guilt well up inside himself, he imagined her grief and her fear, the childs pain and the doctors fight to keep him alive. He bowed his head and gulped down the coffee which he barely tasted due to the misery he felt.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHave you heard from Adam at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, nothing.\u201d she replied and looked away from him so that he couldn\u2019t see the pain in her eyes, instead she leaned towards her son and stroked back his hair, smiled slowly as he sighed in response to her touch, how light his sleep must be now, she thought, perhaps he would wake up again soon.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben said nothing more on the subject, he was sensitive enough to appreciate that she would prefer for it to be set aside for now. He put down the now empty cup and took hold of Reuben\u2019s hand, squeezed it gently, \u201cReuben, son, it\u2019s grandpa\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The boy sighed deeply, a slight smile drifted across his lips as though deep in his sleep he had heard and was happy in knowing his grandfather was there by his side, just where he should be.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy Coffee pushed open the door to his house and paused a moment at the sound of laughter that came from the direction of the best parlour. He frowned when he noticed a mans hat and walking stick on the dresser in the hallway. Scowling slightly he pushed open the door and stood framed within the doorway looking in upon the sight of two women and a man seated around a table laden with refreshments.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAm I intruding?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    His voice quelled the hilarity immediately, Rachel Darrow rose immediately to her feet and simpered \u201cOh Roy, I didn\u2019t expect you home today.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cObviously.\u201d Roy muttered and looked over at Mrs Lenox \u201c\u2019Good day to you, Hortense.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Lenox nodded and smiled, while she looked uncomfortably over to Rachel who was looking at the gentleman who was getting to his feet now and turning to meet Roy. He held out his hand \u201cAlfred Stone, Mr Coffee. A pleasure to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy narrowed his eyes and looked the other man over carefully even as he accepted the proffered hand and shook it. He saw a stocky florid faced man, greying hair was curling from the crown of his head which was bald, his eyes were blue and unsmiling. It seemed to Roy that the man was weighing him up as carefully as he was doing likewise to him,<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNew in town?\u201d Roy said as he sat down in his usual chair which Hortense had quickly vacated for him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, I moved here just about ten days ago.\u201d Alfred replied and pulled a gold watch from his vest pocket, \u201cDear me, is that the time? I should really be going.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou have work hereabouts?\u201d Roy asked and heard his sister say \u201cRoy!\u201d in her sharp little voice, admonishing him for his lack of courtesy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, I\u2019m retired. I worked in Pennsylvania as supervisor in a large mining corporation.\u201d Alfred replied in tones that indicated amusement rather than offence, he smiled over at the ladies and thanked them both for their company. \u201cIt\u2019s good to have made your acquaintance, Mr Coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy stood up and nodded as Rachel\u2019s guest made his way to the door where he paused and turned \u201cI believe you were the sheriff hereabouts for a while?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, that\u2019s right, I was.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, good, that\u2019s what Rachel told me \u2026 so you are also retired?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy nodded and for a moment wished that he could have said quite honestly that no, he wasn\u2019t retired, he was still working in the capacity as sheriff of Virginia City and had a feeling, a rather sinking feeling, that Mr Alfred Stone knew that fact very well.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel bustled out after her guest and Roy could hear her twittering on about something before the door closed. When she returned Hortense Lenox was getting her things together to leave while Roy was seated, and drinking his coffee with a thoughtful expression on his face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sheriff Canaday looked coldly at the two men who sat opposite him in the office. Downing was staring back at him with cold blank eyes and a hot flushed look around his fat face while the other man, the lawyer employed by Downing, looked exasperated.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLook, sheriff, it just isn\u2019t right that you keep a child locked up in your cells. You have to accept bail for him.\u201d Jacob Whiley insisted.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThere\u2019s no \u2018have to\u2019 about it, Mr Whiley.\u201d Candy replied, \u201cThere\u2019s no legal document drawn up to release the boy back into the custody of his parents, and no bail has been set.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Whiley frowned \u201cI was given to understand that Mr Hiram Woods had set bail for $5000\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat was before he was made aware of the full extent of what had happened and who exactly had been involved. Also at the time only one child had died at Leslie\u2019s hands, now there are two.\u201d Candy stood up, very tall and dark as he towered over the other two men, \u201cNow then, there\u2019s to be no further argument on the matter. The boy stays put where he is..\u201d he looked at Mr Downing \u201cHe\u2019s fed well, he\u2019s warm, and I make sure that he isn\u2019t getting any abuse or ill treatment from anyone else who has to be in the cells alongside his \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSheriff, I insist\u2026\u201d Downings voice was a droning wheeze, emotion, the heat and his weight were telling on him, he pulled out a handkerchief to wipe around his neck. \u201cI insist that you let my son come home on bail. Mr Whiley,\u201d he turned to Jacob, \u201csurely you can draw up the necessary papers? Set bail for whatever sum you feel is reasonable, I\u2019ll pay it, I\u2019ll double it .. Just let my boy come home.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMr Whiley,\u201d Candy said quietly, \u201cPlease take your client out of my office before he ends up sharing his sons cell with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOn what charge?\u201d Whiley said immediately.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPublic affray, wasting my time, anything else I can think of to add to the list\u2026\u201d Candy snapped, and his blue eyes hardened as he stared at the two men who looked at one another and turned to leave the office, Downing paused for a moment and gave Candy a long cold glare, a threat as obvious as words. Whiley said and noticed nothing but was heading for the door.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In his cell Leslie Downing ate a candy bar and sprawled out on the cot with a book he enjoyed reading. By his side was a box full of candies and cookies, some of his favourite toys , a reminder if ever there was one, that he was after all, still a child. He had heard some of the discussion from the other room but it didn\u2019t matter to him. In some ways he quite enjoyed his life in the cell. He was away from school, away from an interfering nagging mother, an empty headed sister and a domineering father. He enjoyed the company of the drunks who were the usual inhabitants of the other cells, he found them amusing and funny, they made him laugh when they sang their crude songs or hurled insults at one another. It was all part of life\u2019s education and he just lapped it up. In an odd way, Leslie Downing felt he was one of life\u2019s winners! For some reason, no one seemed able to convince him otherwise, nor get him to realise the seriousness of the charges to be brought against him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 43<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The sight of two white men standing knee deep in the river washing their clothes was a cause of great amusement with the women and children in the village. They crowded around to watch as though they had never seen a naked man in their lives before and certainly they had never seen any white man like this for Scolley and his companions had always kept themselves much to themselves.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Life on board ship removed many of life\u2019s niceties and both Jotham and Adam were only too glad to get the chance to remove the layers of dirt and sweat that had built up during their trek, as well as take the opportunity to wash their shirts and pants which were stiff with the salt of their sweat.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It wasn\u2019t long before the women and children were in the river with them, the mothers bathing their children, older children swimming and playing and even daring to swim close to the white men to splash them playfully, only to be splashed back and laughingly swimming away.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson observed the scene from a distance and then with a sigh turned to Scolley who was standing by his side \u201cI\u2019m sorry I hadn\u2019t told you before, Michael. I should have done.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPerhaps. What does it matter anyway, you\u2019ve enjoyed the past years discoveries with me, haven\u2019t you? I certainly have -\u201d Scolley smiled and then sighed as he turned aside and began to stroll slowly to the village \u201cYou don\u2019t have to go with them you know. I can make sure that they don\u2019t get to leave the village, and you could stay here a free man.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut not an innocent one, and if you are proposing what I think you are, Micheal then I would be doubly condemned. No, it won\u2019t do, I will have to go with them., there is more at stake here than this, believe it or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh, a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, a woman. I left her to carry the burden of that death, I should never have done that, it\u2019s only right and just that I go back and face the consequences of my actions.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley frowned \u201cBut you didn\u2019t kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat will be for a jury to decide. I certainly had no premeditated plan to kill him, nor would I ever had done so, but -\u201d he shrugged \u201cThere was a knife, a struggle, and he was killed, and I wasn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAs a dear friend of mine recently wrote in one of his stories \u201cThe law, dear sir, is an ass.\u201d\u201d Scolley sighed and put his arm around his friends shoulders \u201cWhether American law or English, I completely agree with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ve made up my mind to go back with them, Michael. Don\u2019t do anything that will prevent that, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf that is what you have decided, of your own free will, then so be it.\u201d Michael replied and without another word parted from him and strode hurriedly away towards a group of men who had returned from hunting wild pig.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham ducked beneath the water for another time and came up with a splash, dragged water from his eyes with both hands and then shook his head \u201cThat\u2019s the cleanest I\u2019ve felt in a long time. Thank goodness for it,\u201d he ran his hand over his head and shook his head again \u201cWhen do we leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTomorrow morning.\u201d Adam replied as he pulled on his wet shirt over his wet body, he began to walk towards the beach, nodding and smiling at the women and the children who were laughing and smiling at him as he passed \u201cThe sooner we leave the better, I don\u2019t want Jefferson to start thinking too deeply on the matter and deciding to stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you believe him. I mean, what he told you about the incident? Do you think he may be covering for the wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf there were any doubt about that, Jotham, you wouldn\u2019t be here with a warrant for his arrest.\u201d Adam smiled over at the younger man who laughed and nodded in agreement. \u201cNo, he\u2019s concerned for the woman, and he\u2019s quite sincere in what he\u2019s said. I believe him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s strange how it took all that time for the authorities to decide to look further into the matter of Jefferson\u2019s death and then decide it was murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam shrugged \u201cIt happens. I remember a time when a man cold bloodedly murdered his whole family. He lived ten years thinking he was safe from any accusation of murder, but he didn\u2019t realise there had been a witness.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jothan looked at Adam with a frown \u201cSo why didn\u2019t the witness come forward at the time?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe significance of what he\u2019d seen hadn\u2019t meant anything at the time, then one day it all fell into place, he saw something, heard something else and knew that he needed to speak up, and that was the end of a tyrants rule of terror. Unlike Professor Jefferson who is honest and quite unlike his brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWho was a senator, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOf course.\u201d they shared a grin and were fully clothed by the time they arrived at their hut where they found Yates huddled in the corner, looking terrified with his teeth chattering.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham had never liked Yates, the man had been a hindrance and a problem from the moment they had met up with him at the Mendes store, now seeing him as he was Jotham took the opportunity to tease him a little until Yates blurted out that he\u2019d be very grateful if he\u2019d not do so as he had just seen something pretty awful.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam frowned and smiled \u201cPretty awful, Yates?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sir. No other way to describe it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, just how awful is pretty awful?\u201d Jotham laughed as he began to pull on his boots.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou can laugh all you likes,\u201d Yates said with a shiver, \u201cBut I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll be sleeping comfortable or laughing at anything for the rest of my natural!\u201d he brushed aside some mosquitoes and wiped sweat from his brow \u201cI was walking about and found I was lost. I saw some of those Indians and followed them, and that\u2019s when I saw – I saw -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou saw?\u201d Jotham said jocularly and with a wink at Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI saw what they do to their prisoners. It\u2019s not nice I can tell you that.\u201d Yates curled himself up, buried his head in between his knees and put his hands over his ears.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam and Jotham lost their smiles along with their hilarity, Adam shook his head and approached the man, \u201cIt\u2019s best to try and put it out of your mind, Yates. This is an entirely different culture, a different way of life. It\u2019s a pity you had to see what you did, but how you feel about it won\u2019t change anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou didn\u2019t see -\u201d Yates stammered.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, but I\u2019ve seen similar sights no doubt, the Indians I\u2019ve known didn\u2019t treat their prisoners very kindly either.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe are leaving soon, aren\u2019t we?\u201d Yates whispered looking around him as though at anytime he would be hauled away to join with the prisoners he had seen.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIn the morning.\u201d Jotham assured him and Adam nodded and confirmed that the trek home would start at daybreak.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates refused to go out with them to eat with the people who had made a festival meal as it was the last one they would share with Howard Jefferson whom they treasured as a friend. The pigs they had caught had been slaughtered, gutted and filled with sweet vegetables and then wrapped in fragrant leaves before being placed in a pit on top of hot charcoal then covered over and left until the meal began.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley smoked his pipe throughout the evening and watched as villagers and guests ate and shared the evening together. Jefferson never left his side, as scientists in their own particular fields they had worked together like brothers, and it was in that way that they wished to spend their last hours.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was as the evening was drawing to a close that there was a commotion which drew the attention of the two Americans, as well as Jefferson and Scolley. The villagers gradually grew silent and turned to see what was happening while Adam and Jotham were on their feet at the sight of Yates being dragged from the hut by several natives. His screams for help had both seamen hurrying towards the group with Scolley and Jefferson close behind them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was Scolley who demanded what was happening and why were they treating a guest in such a manner for it was almost a sacred duty to these people to respect visitors and provide hospitality to them. A young man stepped forward, like most of his people he was short in stature but wiry in frame, his black hair was matted by the red clay and formed a stiff helmet appearance around his skull, the red clay covered the top half of his face so that his eyes darted back and forth as though through a red mask. He spoke hurriedly, angrily, the dark eyes glared at Adam and Jotham, his blow pipe he thumped several times on the ground as though to emphasise his words.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley listened, bowed his head and frowned before he turned to Adam \u201cThey say Yates broke a taboo. It\u2019s sacred to them, some things we have no right to trespass upon and I\u2019m afraid that Yates did so.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam rounded his shoulders and straightened his back immediately \u201cThen explain to them that he acted in ignorance. Without knowledge of their ways. Tell them we will take him far away, he won\u2019t disturb them again.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He knew it was a forlorn chance for his own knowledge of other tribes with their taboo\u2019s and rituals left him with that realisation of hopelessness. Indians many thousands of miles away in the swamplands of Florida, and others on the plains of Montana and Dakota held some of their taboo\u2019s so sacred that a stranger seeing them would have to be killed in order for their blood to prevent the evil that the tribe would fear about to befall them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley shook his head \u201cYou\u2019re asking a lot, Captain. If you push for his freedom you risk your own lives. These people can be very cruel when they choose to be, and I don\u2019t believe that you and your friend here will get out of here alive if you persist in getting Yates freed.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson put his hand on Adams arm \u201cThey have their ways of punishing their enemies, Yates saw things he had no right to see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe didn\u2019t realise that \u2026\u201d Jotham insisted at which Yates cried out \u201cHelp me, Captain, don\u2019t let them take me away to that place.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam put his hand to his hip and then realised his gun was still in the hut with his other belongings, he looked at Jotham who shook his head, then he looked at Jefferson \u201cI can\u2019t let him be taken away to be killed, he\u2019s innocent of doing anything wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot as far as these people are concerned.\u201d Scolley said and after a nod of the head as though that was his final word he turned away and returned to where the villagers had began feasting again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCaptain Cartwright,\u201d Yates cried with his eyes nearly popping out of his head \u201cPlease..please help me.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson spoke now to the young man, his voice was pleasingly gentle as though he was talking to a child and the young man listened with a patience that spoke a lot for his maturity. \u201cWhat did you say?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI suggested that they take me instead.\u201d Jefferson said quietly, \u201cAfter all, if I go to America they\u2019ll hang me. What difference if I die now or then.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cA lot of difference, Jefferson.\u201d Jotham said immediately, \u201cApart from which you claim to be innocent of any crime, so why anticipate the rope for nothing?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Howard sighed deeply and shrugged, he looked at Adam who felt helpless as he looked from Yates to Howard, \u201cWhat will they do with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Jefferson said honestly, \u201cIt is the one thing we accepted as none of our business.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham and Adam stepped back a few paces with Howard walking with them, it was an intolerable situation and all three men were struggling to find some solution while Yates was practically fainting out of fear. Adam asked Jefferson what would happen if they attempted a rescue at which Jefferson laughed \u201cDo you know how accurate these men are with their blowpipes? Those poison darts come out of nowhere, are 100% accurate and lethal. You\u2019d be dead before you got your gun out of your holster.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIsn\u2019t there anything we can bargain with, apart from your life?\u201d Adam then said and Howard frowned \u201cI\u2019m afraid this young man didn\u2019t want to take me in part exchange, Captain. He treasures my friendship too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen what else is there ?\u201d Jotham whispered noticing that the men were now getting restless and wanting to depart with their victim a limp figure of a man to be dragged away.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley now re-appeared with an elderly man with him, he looked at Adam and then at Jotham before talking to the young Indian who listened intently before speaking, then he turned to Adam, \u201cI spoke to the elder here, and he suggested a solution that may work.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat is it?\u201d Jothan snapped abruptly while in the background Yates was making weird gagging noises as though he were about to vomit.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey like to gamble.\u201d Scolley said and raised his eyebrows, \u201cIf you would be prepared to fight for him, and win ..\u201d he shrugged \u201cWinner takes all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd if we lose?\u201d Jotham replied.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, as it\u2019s a fight to the death, you\u2019ll die. And Yates will be taken away to face whatever punishment fit\u2019s the crime.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham and Adam looked at one another, Adam cleared his throat \u201cIsn\u2019t there anything else you can think of?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou can\u2019t bribe them, they have no concept of money, treasure or anything like that; you can\u2019t buy Yates back for the same reason. This is a sacred thing to them. A broken taboo.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham frowned and shrugged \u201cSeems to me rather unfair, a fight to the death \u2026 that means two lives instead of one.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s the gamble.\u201d Scolley said quietly and looked steadily at them both.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson stepped forward now with an anxious look on his face \u201cI would volunteer my services, but I\u2019m afraid my talents were in my brains, not my fists, or feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam and Jotham stood and said nothing. A light breeze came and stirred the leaves of the trees, mosquitoes buzzed about their faces and from the village came the sound of laughter and merriment as the people continued to enjoy their feast.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 44<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was obvious from the gleam in the young mans eyes and the smile that flashed across his mouth that the thought of a fight with one of the Americans suited him very well. No matter how stoic his culture and tribe he was young and his blood ran hot at any thought of violence. He spoke quickly to Scolley who nodded and turned to Adam and Jotham with a slight embarrassment<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe is willing to fight, he looks forward to the challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson made a movement as though to intervene but Adam stopped him by a movement of his hand, before turning to Jotham \u201cWell, Jotham, whatever happens as a result of this fight between him and myself -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, Commodore.\u201d Jotham shook his head and smiled as he addressed Adam in the manner he had done, \u201cNo, it is for me to take him on, not you.\u201d and when he saw the look in Adam\u2019s eyes and the determination in his face, Jotham seized hold of Adam by the arm \u201cLook, sir, you can\u2019t fight him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJotham, as your superior officer -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPlease, hear me out, sir, and off the record -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam inclined his head and looked at the younger man earnestly. The likeness to Daniel O\u2019Brien had never been more clear as it was at that moment, for it was obvious that Jothams mind was made up and he wouldn\u2019t take any order from Adam to the contrary.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhen Daniel was killed last year, well, he was the last of my family. I have no wife, no children, no aged parents to mourn my passing should I die -\u201d he shook his head when Adam opened his mouth to protest \u201cNo one sir, but my friends so please let me do this now?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow can I? We have our orders, Jotham?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, and I have carried out mine, sir. Professor Jefferson has been arrested. Your orders were to take him back to America, if I understand correctly?\u201d his eyes twinkled as he spoke and he glanced over to the group of Indians who were also consulting among themselves, \u201cThink of who you are leaving behind should anything happen to you? It\u2019s bad enough that this wretched jungle could kill us by disease or something else, but in an unfair and unmatched fight over Yates?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Both men now looked over at the hapless Englishman who was cowering close by and barely had the strength now to stand \u201cI couldn\u2019t bear to have to go to your wife and to tell her that the children were now fatherless, or to your father and brothers \u2026 you have far too much to lose, sir. I have nothing in comparison.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam shook his head and glanced over at Yates once again, then at the Indians who were laughing among themselves as though they saw it all as a fine joke. Scolley approached now and put a hand on Adams shoulder \u201cI think Morton is right, Adam. Don\u2019t throw your life away needlessly.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam shook his head \u201cIt\u2019s my responsibility as his commanding officer to ensure his safety, Professor Scolley. Therefore -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo,\u201d Yates stepped forward now, he shook his head \u201cNo, there ain\u2019t no point in you both arguing the toss about a fight. I\u2019ll go along with them, after all, I have even less to lose than either of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYour life means so little, Mr. Yates?\u201d Scolley asked sadly<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates shrugged and sighed \u201cMy life means a great deal to me, sir, but it won\u2019t be worth a penny if I have to live it knowing one of these gents died on my behalf.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam smiled \u201cYou don\u2019t seem to understand, Mr Yates. If whoever fights and loses, will mean your life as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBlimey, I didn\u2019t realise that\u2026\u201d Yates sighed heavily, \u201cWell, in that case, you might as well just hand me over right here and now. I\u2018ve always lived my life by the law, sir, and even though I don\u2018t understand what these laws are here, seems like I broke \u2018em so I should be the one who takes the punishment.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley smiled \u201cThat\u2019s very commendable of you, Yates, but I think our young friends have decided they would prefer to fight over you than allow you to go like a lamb to the slaughter.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham again turned to Adam, \u201cAllow me, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    For a moment Adams resolution to fight remained strong but then he thought of Olivia and in doing so, he wavered and knew only too well how news of his death would affect her. He couldn\u2019t bear to think further than that upon the matter but looked at Jotham and then at the young Indian \u201cDo you think you can take him, Jotham? These people don\u2019t fight in the way you may expect, it won\u2019t be according to any rules you know about.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI understand, sir.\u201d Jotham smiled and nodded, then saluted his commanding officer with some bravado, although inwardly he was feeling far from brave.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam brushed his hand over his face in a familiar gesture of anxiety and one his family would have recognised of old. Scolley was already discussing the matter with the youth and the elders of the tribe who had come up to see what was happening. There was a lot of nodding of heads and gesturing before they left to lead the way to a clearing which, from the amount of hard pressed ground was evidence of where the young men practised their \u2018games\u2019.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked again at Jotham \u201cIs there nothing I can say to change your mind? If I were to order you -?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham smiled \u201cJust think of your wife, sir, she\u2019s beautiful and so are your children.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam said nothing to that, throughout the days of this assignment he had put Olivia and his children to the back of his mind because the thought of them and what he would do if anything happened to them, or to him, weakened his resolve to carry out his orders. If he had been a man who would cut and run at the thought of his loved ones then he would have done so long before now.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    But it was the course of wisdom to follow along with Jotham. He still had his assignment to fulfill, and more than anything he wanted to get home to Olivia, to see her and his children again. He stepped back as Jotham removed his shirt and tossed it to the ground before walking to the compound to face his opponent.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The villagers had left their festivities and feasting to come now to watch the fight. It saddened Adam to look at the faces of the young gentle mothers and the children who had played only hours earlier in the river. Their primitive savagery was now evident upon their features as they crowded forward as eager to watch what was about to unfold as crowds once watched bear baiting long ago.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie tapped gently on the door and stepped inside the room, she carried Nathaniel in her arms as she approached Olivia and the little boy who slept in his own bed now. The baby saw his mother and stretched out his arms towards her, a smile on his face and his new tooth gleaming. \u201cHe\u2019s been so good, Olivia, but he needs his feed.\u201d Bridie said as she place him in Olivia\u2019s arms, \u201cHow is Reuben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAs you see him.\u201d Olivia replied and glanced towards the boy who slept with the wooden horse clasped in his hands. \u201cHe won\u2019t let go of the horse David carved him last year. He can\u2019t understand what happened, why Leslie would shoot them down as he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s hard enough for us to understand, Olivia, how could we expect a child to do better than us.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia nodded and unbuttoned her dress in order to feed her baby, \u201cWere the funerals today?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes. I came straight here from the cemetery.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI can\u2019t stop thinking of those poor families. Evelyn Watts is so frail, and her husband – how on earth will he be able to carry on without his little boy? I daresay the Watsons are heart broken as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt was hard for them all. Evelyn collapsed at the graveside and we had to help her as best we could. There were not many with dry eyes during the service and burials, that\u2019s for sure. I was glad that they chose to have the lads buried at the same time, it seemed appropriate somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, I know what you mean.\u201d Olivia looked down at the baby and then across to Reuben whose nervous fingers were clutching and unclutching at the little carved horse, \u201cWhat about the boy, the one who – who was responsible?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCandy said he shows no remorse at all. Mr Downing is the same, thankfully he and his wife did not come to the service. It would have been hypocritical of them had they done so.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was another gentle tap on the door and Ben stepped into the room, looked quickly at them both and gave them his gentle smile. He raised his hand in which he held some letters \u201c I was given these for you, Olivia.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She smiled her thanks and watched as he placed them on the bureau by the door. A buff coloured larger than usual envelope caught her attention and she asked Ben if he had any idea who it was from, Ben sighed \u201cIt\u2019s for Adam, from the Admiralty.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia\u2019s lips tightened and she turned her head away. Each one of them thought the same, how could they assign him another posting when he hadn\u2019t yet returned from the one he was on. She bowed her head and watched as Nathaniel began to slip into a light slumber, then she roused herself and looked over at Ben \u201cThank you, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Her father in law nodded and smiled while Bridie got to her feet and declared that she would go and make them something to eat, something that would cheer them all up, except they all knew the only thing that could do that was if Adam Cartwright were to walk into the room right there and then.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy looked over at Roy and shook his head \u201cSo you don\u2019t know anything about him at all, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNothing. He looks familiar, and I had an idea that I knew why but at the same time it\u2019s been ten years and even after ten years I\u2019d have thought I\u2019d have known him right away. No one changes that much in ten years, do they?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf you\u2019re talking about Cochrane, then no, I wouldn\u2019t have thought so.\u201d Candy replied and stroked his chin as he thought over the matter \u201cMind you he\u2019s been in prison for all those years\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHummm, this Alfred Stone claims to have been working in Pennsylvania until recently he\u2019s as tanned as brown as leather. No man whose been in prison ten years carries a tan on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTrue enough.\u201d Candy agreed, knowing from experience the pallor that men imprisoned for that long usually have about them. \u201cHave you contacted any of the references he gave you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWaiting for some response,\u201d Roy replied as he perched on the edge of the desk, \u201cBut I can\u2019t get much out of him, Rachel hovers like a vulture and clucks like a hen every time I ask a dang simple question, then when he goes she snaps at me like an old cat about prying and probing and making her friend feel uncomfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, uncomfortable or not, he keeps coming back for more.\u201d Candy grinned at the old man who sighed heavily and nodded in agreement, \u201cI\u2019m sorry there isn\u2019t anything more I can do to help you, Roy. I\u2019ll do what I can but there\u2019s only so much the law can do before it has to respect a mans individual right to privacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy shrugged and was about to speak when the door opened and Downing came in carrying a paper bag of candy for his son. The three men nodded acknowledgment of each other and Downing ambled on to where his son lounged in his cell. Roy and Candy looked at one another and shook their heads before Roy took his leave, making way for Dodds to come and take on his duties.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mr Downing handed over the paper bag to his son and watched the boy as the bag was opened and the close set eyes lit up at the sight of the goodies it contained \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey feeding you alright? Your Ma\u2019s worried that they ain\u2019t feeding you proper.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure, the grubs good, I get to eat second portions too if I want.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The bag rustled as Leslie\u2019s plump hand rummaged about inside and he popped a humbug into his mouth. Downing watched as his son chomped on the candy, he wondered what was going to happen at the trial, he had lined up excuses for his sons conduct but his own lawyer had knocked them down one by one. He still couldn\u2019t believe that his son had killed two boys and seriously injured another. He stared so hard at Leslie that the boy became uncomfortable \u201cWhats wrong, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know. I was wondering that myself. What\u2019s wrong with you, my own son, to go and get that gun and shoot those boys like you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to shoot thm,\u201d Leslie said looking at his father in surprise, \u201cI didn\u2019t know the gun was loaded.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Downing swallowed, the boy had told the lies so often he was believing them himself, he bowed his head and felt shame for the first time in his life. \u201cYou must have known.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie said nothing to that, he couldn\u2019t even remember now it seemed so long ago. He shrugged \u201cWell, ain\u2019t much I can do about it now. It\u2019s happened and that\u2019s all there is to say about it, aint that right, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Downing shivered, how often had he said that to his family whenever something had happened in the past, so many excuses, so many lies. He knew the shame he felt for his son was a mere reflection of the self disgust he felt ..he turned away and ignored his son\u2019s voice as he called after him. He just couldn\u2019t bear to be in the same room as him, even though bars separated them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He walked out of the building without saying a word, leaving Candy and Dodds looking after him in surprise at his silence.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 45<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Several times during the fight Adam had risen from his seat and stepped forward to go to his fellow officers defence but had to be pulled back by Scolley and Jefferson. Many a time he had to close his eyes, bow his head and clench his fists to control the feelings that were raging within himself at the scene of such a bloody fight. Yates was unable to handle it and kept his eyes shut all the time.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Time and again Jotham was flung around the small \u2018arena\u2019 like a rag doll, only to pick himself up and stagger back into the fray. At times it seemed the wiry little Indian was toying with him, at other times Jotham seemed to have the upper hand and push the man back.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There were no breaks just a consistent and constant pounding of flesh. No weapons were used, only hands and feet, and in the case of the Indian his teeth as well. Head butting, kick fighting, everything that a body could use as an offensive or defensive weapon was utilised to the full. The sound of their grunts and groans, their wheezing breath became louder, more constant as the fight wore on.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yet, at the end, when it came it was so swift and in Adam\u2019s eyes, almost ironical. The Marquis of Queensbury rules on boxing came to the fore as Jotham staggered to his feet, the younger man threw himself at him. Jotham adopted the stance of a good pugilist and clenched his fists, lowered his head and delivered an uppercut to the jaw that sent the Indian spinning, then Jotham waded in with two blows to the upper torso before his opponent had a chance to regain his balance. The final blow brought the boy down with a crash<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson and Scolley both stood up with a cheer, involuntary though it was while Adam just swallowed hard and slowly rose to his feet. The villagers were silent, not a murmur came from them as they watched and waited for the final coup de grace. Adam turned to observe the Elder who stepped forward with a machete in his hand which he held out to Jotham and pointed to the youth still struggling to regain his senses.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham pushed the machete away, shook his head and turned to walk back to where Adam was standing. Scolley sighed and shook his head \u201cIt\u2019s a fight to the death, Captain. Your man has to kill the boy for the fight to be finished.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked at Scolley and then over at Jotham \u201cIt is finished. Get them to realise that, we can\u2019t just kill an unarmed man when he\u2019s down.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey won\u2019t accept that.\u201d Jefferson murmured now and looked over at the Older man who was obviously insisting on the fight being finished \u201cThe lad\u2019s been humiliated by his defeat. They believe that he won\u2019t gain whatever is after death, the full glory of his immortality, if he remains with this stain on his honour.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam could only shake his head and glance over at the villagers who were now getting restive. Young men were leaning on their blow pipes and lances, some were fingering their machetes. The atmosphere in the camp was decidedly tense and getting more unpleasant as the minutes ticked by\u2026 Jotham had his hand on the machete and Adam could see he was trying to explain that it was dishonourable for him to kill an unarmed man. The youth was struggling to get to his feet, his hand was resting on his loin cloth and something gleamed momentarily between his fingers, it was Yates who yelled out a warning to Jotham who turned in time to see the small pointed flint spinning towards him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam launched himself forwards, his feet spurted up dust as they thrust against the earth in order to reach his friend before the missive could reach its destination. Both men crashed to the ground together and the weapon spun on its course to strike into the shoulder of the older man who had stood there as though in disbelief at the youths lack of integrity.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The villagers gave a howl, they moved forwards in one spontaneous wave, an undulating mass of human flesh that swept the young man away beneath it. Adam and Jotham were left to get to their feet in the middle of a dust cloud as the villagers meted out their anger upon the victim that had only hours earlier been an admired stalwart of their group.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat will happen to him?\u201d Adam asked as he watched what seemed a human tide surge into the jungle.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s already happened.\u201d Jefferson said slowly, then turned to Jotham \u201cAre you alright? Do you feel well enough for travelling?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham picked up his shirt and wiped the blood from his face and body, he nodded, unable to speak through a swollen mouth, he spat out fragments of tooth and nodded again at Adam\u2019s enquiring look of concern.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Scolley shook his head and cursed beneath his breath, \u201cThis is a bad turn out, Captain Cartwright. Your man did good there\u2019s no doubt about that, but he should have killed the boy when he had the chance. The people here will think over the matter of the boys breaking the rules as he did, they\u2019ll get to thinking that had you dealt the blow he would have had a wonderful after life, but you destroyed his chances of that by refusing to follow through when you had the chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI couldn\u2019t kill him so cold bloodedly. Had I seen that he had a weapon hidden on him then that would have made it easier .\u201d Jotham said amidst grunts as he struggled to get his shirt over his head.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt may be best if we leave now. The sooner the better.\u201d Jefferson muttered, \u201cI\u2019ll go and collect my belongings and meet you at your hut in ten minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and placed a hand on Jotham\u2019s shoulder \u201cAre you sure you can manage this, Jotham?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou did well.\u201d Adam allowed a faint smile to his lips and his brown eyes twinkled, \u201cFancy, the Marquis of Queensbury would have been proud of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s what I thought, sir. I was running out of resources \u2026\u201d Jotham wiped his face again with his shirt tail and groaned at the pain in his ribs, but raised a hand to prevent Adam expressing his concern \u201cIt\u2019s alright, sir, but I sure could use a cup of coffee right now, with a dash of whiskey in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates came forward rubbing his wrists and looking scared witless \u201cI\u2019m so sorry. If I hadn\u2019t got lost this would never have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham nodded but couldn\u2019t look at him, while Adam led the way to their hut and wished to goodness that Yates had been left behind on this trek long ago.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Within ten minutes and as good as his word Jefferson was at their hut, there was total silence around them and Scolley was no where to be seen. Without a word the four men collected their packs and hurriedly walked into the darkness of the jungle ahead of them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat will happen to Scolley?\u201d Adam whispered to Jefferson who replied that the man knew how to care for himself, the natives viewed him almost as a supernatural being, they wouldn\u2019t harm him. Adam said nothing to that, he didn\u2019t want to disillusion Howard Jefferson by mentioning the number of times he had heard of similar \u2019supernatural\u2019 beings who had suddenly become very human and upon the tribes disillusionment had come swift retribution. It seemed as if the words of wise King Solomon were true even here, there really was nothing new under the sun.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham was weaker than he had thought, or perhaps he had just overestimated his powers for he was soon flagging and Yates and Adam had to support him as they made their way through the darkening jungle. It was a furtive flight with each man there hopefully making as little noise as possible. Every so often Adam would strike a match around which they would huddle in order to prevent the light being seen, feeble though it was, but by this method he was able to check his compass and get his bearings before they could set off again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson gave Jotham something to chew on and rubbed some plant leaves into the worst of the injuries he had sustained. When Jotham commented that he was already feeling relief from pain Jefferson nodded and acknowledged the fact that Sokolovich would be pleased to know that, it had been part of his research, lost now to humanity of course.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They finally reached a point of no return, a time when Jotham\u2019s legs were collapsing from under him, when even Adam and Jefferson had to give in to nature and say, enough is enough. They hid themselves under the leaves of the trees and vines that grew so abundantly and fell asleep to the sound of the waterfall thundering so close that they could feel the ground trembling. To Adam that indicated they were on the right track, and with that thought in mind he left himself to the mercies of Someone greater than himself to ensure their safe delivery in the morning.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham\u2019s condition had worsened overnight, the sleep had refreshed him but the pain of his injuries were disabling. Jefferson gave him the last of Sokolovich\u2019s store of plants to chew on and after drinking clear water from a nearby stream they moved on towards the waterfall.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    What little sky could be seen was glowing pink and orange as they headed onwards with the thundering of the falls ever increasing. They were, all four of them, deep in thought when Yates gave a low curse and stopped in his tracks. The other three men turned to see what had happened or observe what he had seen and then wished that they hadn\u2019t bothered as the scene of the fight that had taken place not so long before was now displayed in flagrant horror before their eyes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam assisted Jotham in sitting down upon some rocks and insisted that he drank some water. Jefferson stood staring at the scene as though he had never seen such a thing in his life before, then he retched and had to rush to a bush to vomit. Yates had sunk down upon an old tree stump with his face buried in his hands. \u201cI wish I had never come to this blooming place.\u201d he moaned.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d Adam said sharply, \u201cJotham, we need to move on. Professor – when you\u2019re ready \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The alligators waddling around the remains of the corpses were bloated and full, they blinked their cold staring eyes uncaring of any who walked past them. Now and then there was the flick of a tail, gaping jaws stretched in a yawn, but mostly they slept in total repletion from their feasting.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The clearing by the waterfall was refreshing, not only in smells and air and light, but by its beauty and crashing continuous power of sound. Each man there raised their face to the spray that soaked through their faces and clothes, each felt that relief as of stepping from a nightmare into what promised something better at last.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam led the way along which they had come all those days earlier, as he walked he looked about him for a sight of their guide and companion, Qu\u2019an, and it wasn\u2019t until mid-day that he stepped out of the wilderness and into their path. He nodded as though everything had gone according to plan, and Adam smiled and nodded in return. Then Qu\u2019an turned and took the lead for the journey back to the boats.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson caught up to walk along with Adam while Yates generously gave his assistance to Jotham who was suffering considerably from the injuries. Yates, feeling ever more responsible for these, was more than willing to help as much as he could, showing a willingness of spirit that had been sorely lacking until then. Adam continued to follow Qu\u2019an with Jefferson toiling beside him. It was Jefferson who spoke first \u201cI hadn\u2019t seen that kind of carnage before\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt wasn\u2019t a pretty sight.\u201d Adam admitted with a sigh and slight grimace.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIts odd how you can read about things without really capturing the reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and said that he supposed that was true. Jefferson pursed his lips a little before saying that he and Scolley had been so caught up with the beauty of their findings, the history of a people so long forgotten that the nature of their \u2018hosts\u2019 had been mostly ignored, accepted yes, but ignored never the less.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam smiled slowly \u201cYou never want to grab hold of the tail of a sidewinder, Professor. Its liable to turn and bite!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes. Yes. Of course, you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe alligators – they made it look worse than it would have been.\u201d Adam observed reassuringly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, I suppose so.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd there are the other predators as well, you can\u2019t blame your friends for everything you saw there.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank goodness.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They plodded on in silence for a while before Jefferson approached the subject of Adam and Jothams assignment \u201cDid you really think that you were being sent to look for diamonds and gold mines? \u201c and grinned rather wryly as he spoke.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam smiled slowly, his eyes narrowed and he didn\u2019t look at Jefferson as he answered that no, they both knew exactly what they were assigned to do. Jotham to arrest Jefferson and he himself to take him back to America. Others spoke about diamonds and gold and even lost Spanish cities but they had allowed them to continue thinking what they liked, the main thing had been to complete their assignment. It had been, he explained, no one else\u2019s business and they had been warned to mention it to no-one, they hadn\u2019t even discussed it between themselves in case of being overheard.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI hardly think I merit that much secrecy and attention.\u201d Jefferson gave a slight smirk, a little shrug, \u201cAfter all, it was an accidental death.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOf a senator, Professor. Your brother was involved in highly classified procedures, his death came at an unfortunate time.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe was – he was an evil man, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know that, Professor. I know nothing about him and it isn\u2019t for me to make judgements. I only know that time passed after his death and certain things were revealed during the course of time to confirm that it was murder. Mrs Jefferson and yourself were implicated. It became necessary to locate you and bring you home.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMatilda wouldn\u2019t hurt anyone, she was a loyal wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and then looked thoughtfully at Jefferson \u201cAnd she\u2019s been a loyal friend as well – to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 46<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The walking through the mass of tangled vines and undergrowth, the vast canopy of trees shielding them from the light of day and locking in the heat so that the humidity levels soared, did nothing to ease Jotham\u2019s pains. They stopped whenever possible to bathe his wounds and help him get his breath, although he never complained and made every attempt to keep up the pace set by Qu\u2019an.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The scream of a jaguar tore at their nerves as did the constant mosquitoes that attacked their naked flesh despite the salve that Qu\u2019an had given them. Anaconda\u2019s coiled around the boughs of vine covered trees, ants scurried beneath their feet and other insects and snakes slithered away to avoid them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Apart from these natural horrors was the constant fear that the villagers they had left behind had metaphorically speaking licked their wounds and decided to hunt them down. Secret silent stealthy figures merging in the shadows of a world they knew so well, about which the four white men knew and understood so little. Their ears were constantly listening for the sound of footsteps, humans padding their way over the dead growth of the pantanol, threading their way through the vines and thick woodland. Their heads throbbed in the effort to hear their approach in order to protect themselves as best they could from those poison darts that could kill within seconds of touching their bodies.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Qu\u2019an was stoic, he never faltered in leading the way nor did he hassle them to hurry when they stopped. Not one of them spoke now preferring to keep as quiet as possible in order to hear the least sound that would warn them of an attack.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    When Qu\u2019an stopped and indicated that they could sleep, they did so gratefully. Food was quickly eaten, washed down by what water they still possessed. Jotham slept immediately, followed quickly by Yates and then Jefferson. Adam and Qu\u2019an remained awake, the American with his pistol in his hand and the Indian with his lance by his side.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Monkeys chattered and grew silent. A large cat padded past them, paused and opened its jaws in a hiss and growl before continuing onwards. Jotham stirred and groaned in his sleep while Yates woke up with a start and sat bolt upright, stared about him, saw Adam with the gun in his hand and with a sigh settled back to a restless sleep.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam\u2019s head lolled, fell forward upon his chest and his eyes closed. He was thinking of Olivia, of their parting that last time, the way she had smoothed out his cravat and then ran her hand down his sleeve, the sleeve of his uniform jacket. \u201cYou won\u2019t forget how much I love you and need you to come home to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He was almost asleep, savouring the moment when their lips had met in their last farewell kiss, his promise that they would return, and then he was awake and looking about him in horror as his heart hammered beneath his ribs.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates was waking, stretching and yawning. Jotham was awake rubbing his face and scratching his head while Jefferson was standing next to Adam looking about him anxiously. Qu\u2019an had prepared a small meal and was handing Adam some on a leaf \u2026 for a moment Adam stared at it and then realised that he had indeed fallen asleep \u2019while on duty\u2019. He shook his head in dismay and looked over at Jotham who grinned \u201cGood morning, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLet\u2019s hope so, Jotham. How are you feeling?\u201d Adam stood up, and looked around him. There was no change in scenery, no sounds that were different to those when he had settled down for the night. He looked at Yates who was picking at his food while his eyes were darting everywhere and Jefferson was looking strained and anxious.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI feel stronger for the nights sleep. Thank you, sir.\u201d Jotham replied.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s good. We should get to the boat today and then make our way to the Mendes store. It won\u2019t be long before we can get those wounds properly attended to.\u201d he smiled and looked at Jefferson \u201cAre you alright, Professor?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson nodded and looked thoughtfully at the seaman then smiled \u201cYou fell asleep on duty, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m ashamed to admit that I did,\u201d Adam sighed and passed his hand across his face, felt the prickle of stubble beneath his fingers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThere\u2019s no shame in it,\u201d Jefferson said instantly, \u201cHad you trusted me enough I would have volunteered to work a shift so you could sleep. As it was I hope you notice that I didn\u2019t take advantage of your sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDuly noted, Professor.\u201d Adam replied and frowned \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t have got far, Qu\u2019an never sleeps.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI had noticed.\u201d Jefferson smiled slowly and his eyes twinkled, \u201cYou are not a superhuman being, Captain, I hope that you don\u2019t think too severely of yourself, no man could have stayed awake throughout the night after the rigours of the day we had\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, but said nothing. Jefferson sighed and returned to where he had slept and sat down to eat his food. Yates now approached the Captain and smiled \u201cI woke up several times, Captain, it was reassuring to see you there keeping guard, I\u2019d like to thank you for that\u2026\u201d he paused a moment and his face became serious \u201cI was thinking that I\u2019d not turn in a report about all this. Newspapers like facts, honest facts \u2026and they don\u2019t pay well enough for the kind of jaunt we\u2019ve had here.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReally? So what do you intend to do, Mr Yates?\u201d Adam smiled good humouredly and realised that he was getting quite fond of the Englishman despite his initial feelings towards him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI thought I would write a novel about it all. That way I could disguise the true facts that the Professor would prefer the world not to know about, and make it all into one glorious long story \u2026action, drama, romance\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThere\u2019s no romance in this story, Yates.\u201d Adam laughed softly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh but there is, chum, I thought I\u2019d weave a story about the handsome brave Captain who leaves behind a beautiful wife, and the Professor who is in love with his murdered brothers wife\u2026 enough romance to capture the hearts of the female readers, enough to make the men wish they were that brave Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAre you trying to flatter me, Mr. Yates?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, not at all. Just telling you my plans, then when you see the novel when it\u2019s printed you\u2019ll know the real story hidden between those hundreds of words. You see, it\u2019s my plan to run it as a serial like Mr Dickens and Mr Wilkie Collins do\u2026 a penny for every word they get written and printed, that\u2019s how I\u2019ll make my fortune, Captain, see if I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and looked at the other man with amused but narrowed eyes, \u201cYou\u2019ve thought this all out?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh yes, I can understand what the Professors are saying and despite not liking any of them native peoples one bit and wishing them all to \u2026 well, you know \u2026 the fact is that I wouldn\u2019t want to see harm done. Professor Jefferson was telling me what would happen if the worlds newspapers got to hear about all this\u2026I don\u2019t want to be the one to set the ball rolling.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and then looked up to see Qu\u2019an observing him, a nod of the head and that was enough, it was time to move on.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The half hazy dream of Olivia had set his mind upon her now, and as he trudged forwards with his arm supporting Jotham, Adam wondered how his wife and his children were faring way back on the Ponderosa. He prayed for their safety, as he did each day, that all was well with them. He longed to see her again, so much so that the longing became an ache in his heart and he became depressed, Jotham had to repeat himself several times before he got the other mans attention.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt stinks here, doesn\u2019t it, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam raised his head and sniffed as though he had been unaware of the stench of rotting humid vegetation before, he nodded \u201cIt\u2019s what one could call \u2018ripe.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid Yates tell you his plans for his novel?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe did.\u201d Adam allowed a smile to lift the corners of his mouth and then he sighed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m being cast as the hero.\u201d Jotham said with an ironic twist of his lips, \u201cSome hero. He reckons I saved his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, you did\u2026\u201d Adam said quietly and heaved the man higher for Jotham\u2019s feet had began to drag \u201cDo you need to rest now?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m alright, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and they walked on, Qu\u2019an in the lead followed by the two seamen, Jefferson and Yates behind them casting anxious looks around every step of the way.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sorry I can\u2019t repeat poetry, sir.\u201d Jotham said suddenly as he noticed Adam\u2019s face dropping back into melancholy lines again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPoetry?\u201d Adam looked puzzled, \u201cHow\u2019d you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDaniel used to tell me how much you both quoted poetry to one another, he said it passed the time and in some way boosted morale.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTrue enough, it did ..\u201d Adam sighed and thought of his friend, he shook his head as though to banish the memory away \u201cYou don\u2019t like poetry?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, not really. Daniel was always into his books, but I enjoyed sport more. Our lives were quite different really, his family moved in different circles to mine. He had excellent schooling, I had enough schooling to last me my lifetime, I ran away to sea when I was 12.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and then felt ashamed that he, in all the years he had known Jotham, had never enquired about his life, \u201cI always assumed you and Daniel lived within each others pockets, so to speak, you\u2019re very much alike in some ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes we were, very close. But when the war came, the war between states, we went differing ways.\u201d he paused and Adam stopped for the man to catch his breath, ahead of them Qu\u2019an paused and patiently waited.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause of his commitment to the Confederacy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham frowned then gave a slight shrug of the shoulders \u201cI didn\u2019t think he would have told you that, considering what happened with Maria.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe told me\u2026 so you weren\u2019t in agreement with him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI chose my own path, kept as neutral as I could, it wasn\u2019t an easy time, being a seaman it kind of pushed you into one direction or another but when the war ended and Dan and I met up, it was as though nothing had happened to break our friendship. Our regard for one another \u2026 he was like my brother, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s how we always thought of you both\u201d Adam replied and together they stepped forward again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They were silent for some while before Jotham continued, as though he needed to speak \u201cI married a girl from my home town, she was a sweet thing but she died while I was at sea. It was a hard blow so I swore not to get involved in marriage again.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWas that when you decided to leave active service, at sea?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo sir, that was a while before then\u2026 it was actually that trial with Commodore Pelman and yourself, sir, that took me from the sea. President Grant was there, do you recall?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThere were some other politicians there, one in particular was head of a new unit within the navy \u2026 he approached me and that\u2019s what brought about a change of direction for me in the service.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They lapsed into silence again. Behind them they could hear Jefferson\u2019s heavy breathing, he had got out of the habit of walking for long. Yates was quiet, thinking out his story, how he would introduce his characters, grateful for the long notes he had written during the course of this venture. Qu\u2019an continued doggedly onwards, his sturdy figure like a beacon that they gratefully followed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 47<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The house was in shadows as the moon slid behind clouds, in the big room a fire burned less brightly, giving off a warm glow that was echoed by the lamp light on the writing desk at which the woman sat, pen in hand, writing materials at her finger tips.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She sat for some moments without moving as though she needed the time to gather her thoughts, her head bowed upon the slender shape of her neck, her long blonde hair braided and trailing down her back. She wore a pink gown that enhanced the colouring of her pale features, her face was all angles and set in stern repose while her large pale green eyes stared down at the blank page.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Upstairs slept her son, clutching his wooden horse, and beside his bed was his devoted grandfather, nodding dozing in his chair. The moon cast long shards of light across the bed but did nothing to disturb the child\u2019s slumbers. Nothing moved but the slight rise and fall of their chests as they breathed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In his little crib Nathaniel Eric Cartwright lay awake watching shapes and shadows across the ceiling of his room. He didn\u2019t understand them but they were always there although he knew they were sometimes changing. He followed one shadow with his eyes and when it disappeared turned his gaze upon another. His sense of smell told him that mother had been close for a while, it was enough to settle him, he smacked his lips and sighed, his eyes closed and within seconds he was asleep.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia picked up the pen and carefully wrote down the date, then she paused once more as though she needed to gather her facts and thoughts together<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy dearest, dearest Adam<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    This has been my first opportunity to put pen to paper for so long. However, in some way it is a good thing that was so because events as they stand now are better than the news I would have written for your eyes to bear a few days previous.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Where do I start? Can I start by saying how much I miss you, how much I have longed to have you here by my side, how much I have needed you, Adam, so desperately. I don\u2019t say this to make you feel guilty, my love, please don\u2019t think so, especially will you understand when I tell you what has happened. But, just for now, let me tell you how much I love you and how much I longed for you to be with me.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Now perhaps you are worried, and that was unfair of me to have written such an introduction but I needed to say it after all we have always been honest with one another, that was what you demanded when we first knew we were to marry, wasn\u2019t it? So now I am saying again, how much I love you, and need you here.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I need to tell you some tragic news, but, my love, be assured your father and brothers are all well. Joe and Hoss have left now for the cattle trail with Luke and Derwent Jessop. They left yesterday and Sofia is staying a while with Mary Ann, and Marcy. We thought it best for Marcy to stay with Mary Ann who has missed dear Bridie so much since her marriage to Paul.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Now I have to tell you what has happened\u2026 I suppose it all started just after your father left for Sacramento. There was an incident occurred between Reuben and his friend, Jamie Watts. They smashed the window of Downings Hardware store between them. Ben saw Mr Downing and it appears that Leslie Downing had, for some time, been bullying the younger boys while at school. It seems I am making a lot of this, it hardly seems relevant now in the course of events that followed but I believe that was the beginning of Leslie\u2019s plan to get his revenge on the boys.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I wanted to write it down to you as it happened, I think I need to write it down like that so I can get some sort of order in my own mind. Some understanding into the reasons why such actions take place and why a child would do such a bad thing. I am rambling again, but that is what I need to do because it has tormented me greatly as to why a child of 12 would take a loaded gun to school with the intention of using it.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I know the boy has a bully of a father but I don\u2019t know if the boy was himself bullied. Mrs Downing herself is a plain quiet woman who stands very much in her husbands shadow. Leslie is an only child and pampered by them both, or so I thought. Perhaps that is why he thought he could do something so monstrous and get away with it.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Now I need to tell you what happened, Adam. Reuben had gone to school as usual, and not too worried about being bullied because young David Watson had taken it upon himself to be his protector. Do you remember David? He himself had given Reuben a beating last year and I think the shame of that caused him to take on this role, however, it cost him dear, it cost him his life.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The children say that when David saw Leslie with the gun, he told him to put it away, and Leslie refused to do so, he aimed the gun at Reuben who was standing at some distance from him, but Jamie Watt ran past and was hit by a bullet. Now would you not think that the child would have thrown down the gun at realising what he had done? But no, he fired again and killed David, the poor lad just fell dead in front of them all, and then he fired again at Reuben who was already running away \u2026 Paul says that saved Reuben\u2019s life, had he been standing still he would have dropped dead just like David.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Even writing it down for your eyes to see, it still makes no sense to me. Two children dead, and Reuben almost died, but thankfully he lives and sleeps upstairs in his room with dear Ben guarding him as though he can\u2019t bear to let him out of his sight.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie is in jail and there is a trial to be held as soon as the circuit judge gets here. Candy, our new sheriff, refuses to allow the boy out on bail as he doesn\u2019t trust Mr Downing to stay in town with him. My heart keeps going numb at the thought of that boy, I can\u2019t get it out of my head that he is only a child\u2026why would he kill children in that way?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I\u2019ve written it down now and upon re-reading it wonder whether or not to send this letter on to you as I know it will cause you distress. Perhaps it would be wiser to tear it up and wait for your return. But then, how long will that be before I see your dear face again, and kiss those lips and know that I am safe in your arms once more?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben torments himself with guilt, thinking that he should not have gone to Sacramento with Roy, but who can see into the future and know what events will unfold? Who could ever have thought it possible for such as these events to have happened?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    My days are days of comforting my little boy, and nursing my baby. Nathaniel has two little teeth now, and he grows more like you than ever. He is so like you that he keeps me sane .. No, don\u2019t worry about that, I just mean that having him in my arms reassures me that you will be home soon.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I can\u2019t imagine what dangers you are going through right now, I can\u2019t and I don\u2019t want to think that you could be harmed or not come home to us. I long for you to be here again with us, my dearest. I long for it so much\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    All my love, your ever loving wife<\/p>\n

    Olivia.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Carefully she folded it and slipped it into an envelope which she sealed and addressed. Then she weighed it in her hands and with a sigh set it down on the desk top. She would decide in the morning whether or not to ask Cheng Ho Lee to post it.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 48<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Alfred Stone stood at the window of his hotel room and watched the slowing down of town life. The store owners or their staff were removing their wares from the sidewalks and then sweeping the dust of many feet from the stores before their doors closed and notices put up to indicate that fact. Children disappeared from the streets as though by a mutual signal every mother opened the doors to their homes for their offspring to be sucked back into the centre of family life once more.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Busy housewives made their way to their homes with laden baskets and last minute purchases, pausing here and there to gossip a moment or two before separating to make their own way to their houses. Cowboys rode slowly into town, miners appeared in their worn and soiled denims heading for the eating houses and saloons. In a few hours time the whole place would be transformed as the genteel calm of domesticity gave place to the riot and chaos of the gambling tables, alcohol and other vices available to those with money in their pockets.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He turned away and removed his jacket while he thought over the events of the past few days. It still amazed him that Roy Coffee had accepted his new personna, but then he had ensured that the change he had created in himself would have fooled his twin brother, had he had one. He unbuttoned his shirt and peeled it off, removing the quilted garment beneath along with it. He placed that upon a hook in the wardrobe and smiled, without that next to his skin he lost the appearance of two stone from his girth. Next he peered into the mirror and slowly removed the padding from his mouth that plumped out his cheeks, then carefully he peeled away the bushy eyebrows.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Years ago when he had been a young man he had taken to the stage as his profession. All the artifice and creativity of that profession were put to adept use and his popularity as an actor was considerable. He was, as they say in the profession, a natural. After some years however, he realised that his own good looks and abilities caught the attention of the female audience to a considerable and flattering degree. Middle aged matrons, giddy spinsters of a \u2018certain age\u2019 particularly fawned over him, and ever a one to make the best out of any situation that presented itself, he had decided to \u2018tap this particular vein\u2019 for all he was worth. .. .. And he discovered that his worth was considerable.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There were risks involved, of course, the pond in which he fished was a small one so it had been necessary at times to use his actors skills, to become proficient with his paints and padding, to be able to talk,, eat, drink with his mouth padded out, to look one day thin and another day plump. All had gone well for some years until he made the fatal mistake of following one lady to Virginia City and met his Nemesis, a sheriff called Roy Coffee.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As he leaned forward to check that all sight of stage glue and paint had been removed Alfred Stone – or rather Harry Cochrane – smiled faintly as he recalled his trial for the murder of Mrs Valerie Mather.\u00a0 By rights he should have been hanged, if not for her death then for the deaths of others for which he was responsible.\u00a0 But there had been the issue of reasonable doubt and his lawyer, a wily young man, had swung the jury to consider that and thus send the accused to prison for a term of ten years.\u00a0 Ten years of his life forfeit because of Roy Coffee …<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Looking at himself in the mirror he nodded with approval, if Roy Coffee had seen him now, he would have realised who he was right away. Pouring warm water from the jug into the basin he washed his face and hands thoroughly, within minutes the dark tan which indicated a healthy outdoor lifestyle had gone, leaving his own natural colour, the pallor of a man who had long been incarcerated away from the sun and fresh air.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He stretched his arms above his head and yawned, scratched his head where the new hair was growing through the bald patch he had shaven weeks earlier. He reminded himself that would have to be dealt with soon as he pulled on his shirt and jacket, glanced at his more slender shape in the cheval mirror by the window and then left the room.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had no fear of anyone recognising him, he was no longer Alfred Stone, but there were not that many in town who would recognise him now as Harry Cochrane, only a few, Roy was one of them, Paul Martin another. He made his way to the Sazarac and to the gambling table where he pulled out his regular seat and smiled benevolently at the other men. Life was good, he told himself, and likely soon to be better.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In the sitting room of the home she shared with her brother Rachel Darrow darned Roy\u2019s socks with her mind on something else entirely with the result that she stabbed herself with the darning needle several times before deciding to put them away and do something different. She looked over at Roy and frowned at the sight of his balding head, his aging face and untidy moustache. His spectacles were pushed up onto his forehead as usual and his eyes were closed, he was snoring, a sure sign he had dozed off midway through their conversation.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Not that there had been much of a conversation , it had been more a one way monologue with her telling him about her day. How the town was impatient for the trial of Leslie Downing, how wrong it was to keep the boy in that cell where hardened criminals were taken every night exposing him to all manner of evils. Would they hang him? As a lawman would he know whether a 12 year old would be hanged? There was talk in town that Reuben Cartwright was hanging onto life by a thread and his uncles had gone off on a cattle drive as calm as you please. Did nothing matter to those Cartwrights anymore?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Then there was the care group or whatever fancy name that Bridie person chose to call it, well, Rachel declared, was it for medical purposes or social? She for one was at a loss to know what it was, and that Widow Hawkins should mind her own business when it came to telling her that at her age she was being foolish to consider courting a man whom she had barely known a matter of weeks.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel Darrow stood up and set aside her darning. She looked thoughtfully around the room at the cosiness of it all, there were some of her bits and pieces she had brought with her when she had chosen to move in with her brother, there were Roys books and maps and old posters that he liked to browse over and she sighed, shook her head and then turned to look at him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They had been estranged for a number of years but when she had written to say she needed his help he had not hesitated to provide it. His heart was as generous as any mans could possibly be, what troubles had existed before he had wiped out as easily as a wet sponge removed chalk marks from a board. He had assured her that this was a new beginning for them both, let not the past intrude and spoil it for either one of them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She walked now to the window and stared out into the darkness, her reflection was dim but it stared back at her. \u2019Is this all there is\u2019 it seemed to say to her, \u2019Is this what the last years of your life will consist of?\u2019<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The boat slid easily into the water as the three men pushed it from its covert. Jotham was seated in the middle with Qu\u2019an at the prow with the paddle in his hands, Yates behind him with another paddle, Jotham and then Jefferson, and Adam in the stern with his paddle. Striking the water in unison the little wooden vessel slipped through the water with an ease that was both soothing and reassuring. That is, if one ignored the alligators who opened their cold eyes and upon seeing the vessel waddled clumsily to the waters edge and then floated easily into the water.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The strokes of the paddles became stronger, firmer as the three men strove to remove themselves as far away from their reptilean enemy as possible. Adam wondered as he plied his arms to the oar, how they would fare if one of the creatures decided to glide beneath their boat and then re-surface. Who would survive? Could they survive? His pistol was in hands reach between his knees and his eyes moved from left to right constantly to ensure their safety.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates had discovered that if he concentrated on \u2019writing\u2019 his novel, chapter by chapter, word by word, then whatever was happening beyond that world could be handled and eventually incorporated into the book he was going to create. Sometimes he was so hard at thinking out phrasing and adjectival clauses that he forgot to keep in time with the rowing and even once fumbled with the paddle nearly losing it to the river.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson was thinking of the discoveries he was leaving behind. The marvel of that ceiling, the beauty of the carving of some pillar that must at one time supported some grand ceiling. He thought of the people who must, so long ago, come in their own boats along this same vast causeway in order to erect the city that time had forgotten. He had decided to shut his mind to the fears of what awaited him in Albany, of Matilda Jefferson and the murder charge. It was easier to allow his mind to slip into the mysteries of what he was convinced must have been a far better time, a far richer splendid time altogether.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The alligators stopped and wallowed as alligators were wont to do\u2026 looking like submerged logs cruising in the waters where vines and roots of trees and scuttling creatures existed. Their eyes blinked open and shut \u2026 but the little boat sped on.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie O\u2019Flannery Martin patted the horse on its nose as she passed it by and approached the house that Adam had built so long ago and that had been the home of Candy and Ann Canaday for so long. She knocked on the door and pushed it open, peeked into the porch just as Olivia opened the other door and stepped forward to embrace her dear friend. The cry of a baby wafted towards them and Olivia gave a little laugh as though in apology for her sons bad behaviour \u201cHe\u2019s been grizzly all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt is very warm,\u201d Bridie said removing her light cape and bonnet which she placed on the bureau by the door, \u201cHow\u2019s Reuben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, I thought Paul would have told you, have you seen him this morning?\u201d Olivia led the way into the main room where Mary Ann, Hester, Marcy and the children were gathered. The materials and threads indicated the purpose of their being there, it was their quilt making day, the time they gathered together each week to talk together as family should about the things that mattered, the things that didn\u2019t, and to laugh, if one could, or weep if one needed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ve some letters for you.\u201d Bridie said, \u201cAnd no, I\u2019ve not seen Paul yet. He had several calls to make before getting back to me. I did tell him I was going to call in and see you here. Hello, Marcy, how lovely to see you here as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There were kisses, hands squeezed, smiles shared. Olivia looked at the letters, and sighed, looked momentarily dejected and then looked up, saw the expectant faces and smiled \u201cIt looks like Reuben has a letter from Billy Webb.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh he will be pleased.\u201d Hester said re-threading her needle carefully, \u201cHe and Billy became so close eventually.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHere\u2019s a letter for Ben,\u201d Olivia said and passed it to Hester, \u201cI don\u2019t recognise the writing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hester sniffed \u201cPerfume! And it\u2019s a woman\u2019s handwriting.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mary Ann leaned over and sniffed the envelope, she nodded \u201cMmm, lavender, not the choice of a young woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie laughed and sat down, she stooped to pick up little Hope and bounce her on her knee and hugged her, the little blonde haired child snuggled in close, confident of nothing but security and love from this newcomer.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Nathaniel stopped his moans when his mother picked him up and carried him to the group, he blinked long lashed eyelids dewy still from tears, and gurgled a smile, dimples formed in his cheeks and Mary Ann shook her head and said \u201cOh my goodness, look at him, a little Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia sat down with the baby in her lap, she passed a hand over his downy head to smooth the black curls and looked over at the family\u2026 there was Sofia with her dolls chatting to Hannah who was looking intently at Clarabelle as though the doll was the cause of all the worlds woes. Little Hope now asleep against Bridie\u2019s breast, her rosebud mouth a little heart shape in her pale face. Daniel was eating a cookie with a look of grim determination on his face and his eyes on a plate balance rather precariously on a low table nearby, this was the new generation of Cartwrights, and upstairs was her little boy, her Reuben, clinging to life, wavering one day towards strength and good health, and then wavering towards weakening the next.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 49<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben held the envelope to his nose and sniffed, smiled and looked at his daughter in law with a twinkle in his eye \u201cWell now,\u201d he drawled, \u201cI wonder who this could be from?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hester fluttered her eyelashes and smiled back \u201cWell, we won\u2019t know until you open it, and tell us, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben laughed and leaned forward to pick up Hope who was toddling towards him with a bunch of wilted wild flowers in her hand, Hannah paused in her running into the house to grab his leg and give it a hug before continuing onwards. He turned with Hester beside him and Hope in his arms \u201cDefinitely a lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh yes, definitely.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPost mark?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSan Francisco.\u201d Hester laughed \u201cI thought at first it might have been from Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNow what, I wonder, would have made you think of Sacramento?\u201d Ben swung Hope down and watched the little girl toddle off to join Hannah in play \u201cHow was Reuben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    His tone was serious now and he avoided looking at her as he kept his eyes on the girls, so she placed a gentle hand on his arm and squeezed it \u201cHe\u2019s holding his own. Some days it seems he is recovering very well, and then suddenly he just seems to struggle again. Paul said it was almost as though he was afraid to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben frowned \u201cPauls getting very involved with all this mind controlling the body kind of thing, ever since the time we had trouble with Ross Marquette he\u2019s been intrigued by how the brain works. I wish he would just stick to his doctoring and get the boy well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hester sighed and said nothing, she didn\u2019t like to mention to her father in law the progress being made in medicine that had revealed how great a part the mind had to do with the physical well being of a person. Jimmy Chang had helped Paul so much in that field, the Chinese having been so knowledgeable about the way the body had to be balanced in order to be healthy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben strolled to his study and settled down in the old captains chair that he had brought in San Francisco years before, he had claimed at the time that it still had the smell of the sea worked into the leather. He opened the letter and smiled as he recognised the signature, so, no mystery there after all. He smoothed the paper out and began to read:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDear Ben<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Just a few lines to let you know that I recently had a letter from Paloma Barrington, as she put it, to introduce herself! She requested the possibility of visiting San Francisco with her brother in order for us to meet as \u2018family\u2019. It was a request that I had no intention of accepting as their circumstances prevent me from believing it is just to make our acquaintance.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Another reason for my declining is Julian\u2019s health. He is far from well now, weakening it seems almost very day. His mind is sharp, Ben, but his body very frail. The Doctors tell me it is to do with his heart condition but I never knew he had any heart condition! Be that as it may, I have been warned to expect his death very soon.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It is sad times, Ben. No one can halt time no matter how much one would wish to do so, but upon looking back upon our brief span of years on this earth, it has been a wonderful adventure, hasn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sincerely yours<\/p>\n

    Martha Frobisher.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben re-read the letter and sadly slipped it back into its envelope. Hester bustled into view bearing a cup of coffee which she placed upon the desk with a smile which faded at the look on his face \u201cBad news?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSad news, my dear. Julian Frobisher is dying. He\u2019s been a great friend to us over the years, he and Martha -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMartha of the red hair?\u201d Hester smiled gently as she recalled the strands of hair Ben had found in the book some months earlier.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, Martha with the red hair, and Julian – always so dapper and smart. You would never have guessed that his wife was a mere washer woman, but then one would never have guessed that she had once been heiress to a vast fortune -\u201d he paused and stared into the space above Hesters head as his mind travelled back in time, seeing again the wild washoe diggings, the very attractive young woman industriously scrubbing the miners clothing while her husband practised law while at the same time proving to be a useless miner on their \u2018claim\u2019. He smiled dreamily \u201cShe would sift out the water through fine muslin every wash and gradually saved away more gold that Julian ever found in his claim. That set him up in business \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hester murmured her sympathies and asked if he would like more coffee which he declined, \u201cNo, I think I\u2019ll just write Martha a reply \u2026\u201d his voice trailed away as he set down the cup and saucer and with a sigh picked up paper and pen.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia plumped up the pillows behind her sons back and smiled at the pale face, the large eyes that looked back from dark hollows hardly seemed to be those of her fiesty little boy. She sat down on the chair beside the bed and took the letter from her pocket, \u201cGuess who this is from?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs it from Pa?\u201d the child replied eagerly but when he saw the way her face fell he sighed and shook his head \u201cI don\u2019t know, who is it from, Ma?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s a letter from Billy Webb.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He looked a little more alert then, a smile came to his pale lips and his eyes dilated a little, \u201cWill you read it, Ma?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright. Now, are you comfortable? Good .. This is what he says:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2018Dear Reuben<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I have settled into school pretty well here. The teachers are strict but it is a bigger school than the one in Virginia City and all boys here. You would like it, Reuben.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Grandpa and Grandma are very kind. Life is very different here. No cowboys.. No miners. Big posh shops and stores. I have a horse of my own called Robbie. It\u2019s black and white, I wanted to call it Cochise because I remember your Uncle Joe had a horse called that which was black and white.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The house is big and there are some servants. It takes some getting used to. I have to have a bath every week. That\u2019s the worst of the place.<\/p>\n

    I hope you are all doing alright over there. I am going to write novels and books when I get older all about Virginia City. I met Mark Twain last week he came to tea here and told me he knew your Pa. Your Pa hit him on the jaw and knocked him over. He said he really liked thos Cartwrights. I said I did too.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Write soon like what you promised\u2026 your friend, Billy Webb.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben leaned back against the pillows and closed his eyes. He remembered wild Billy who had nearly killed Sofia, caused trouble all the time, that poor bruised beaten body. He sighed and looked up to see his mother gazing anxiously down at him \u201cMom, is David \u2026 is it real? Did Leslie really shoot David?\u201d his lips trembled a little and he turned his head to look at the wooden horse that stood proudly on the low table by his bed \u201cIs David really dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, Reuben, he is, and so is Jamie.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He reached out hot feverish hands and grabbed at hers, held them tightly between his own \u201cWhy did he do it, Ma?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t think even he knows why, dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWill they hang him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat depends on the judge when it comes to trial, Reuben.\u201d she stroked his hands gently, and looked at his face \u201cYou must get well, dear. You have to get stronger for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI am trying, Ma. I just feel tired all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She said nothing to that, just brushed back some of his hair with her fingers before taking hold of his hands again. At the movement from the doorway she turned and Sofia ran into the room, Clarabelle in her arms, she held out her hand to her brother who grabbed hold so limply that even Sofia realised that her big brother really was still unwell. She looked at Olivia with a troubled expression on her face before clambering up onto the bed and cuddling into him just as she used to when they were smaller. \u201cDaddy\u2019s coming home soon,\u201d she whispered, \u201cYou\u2019ll see, you have to get better, Reuben, or he\u2019ll be upset.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia bowed her head, what faith her little girl had in Adam Cartwright, she thought as she shielded her face with a hand, for a moment she had doubted that he would ever come back, it already seemed such a long time since he had left them.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel Darrow looked at the little note that she had taken from her pocket and smiled as she read the scrawled message \u201cDearest, meet me at Del Monico\u2019s \u2026 supper tonight at 8. I have something I want to speak to you about.. Alfred.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She hurried to her room and opened her wardrobe doors to pick out her outfit for the evening. Roy had taken himself out, no doubt to visit Candy and Ann for an hour or two. He had taken to visiting them lately and for that she was glad, it gave her some respite from his presence and he always came home late enough for her to be in bed .<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    By 7.30 p.m she was dressed and primped to perfection. She picked up her maroon cape with the fringe of feathers and draped it over her shoulders, tweaked a curl loose here and there and smiled at her reflection in the mirror, in a good light she appeared at least ten years younger.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Norman Evans had worked at the hotel for some years and had found one of his greatest reliefs from boredom was watching the clientele and guessing what work they did, or what they would be doing in Virginia City during their visit. He was concerned about one of their guests however, and that was Mr Alfred Stone, the rather florid faced portly gentleman who occupied room 201.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He watched him as he came down the stairs, jaunty as ever with that pleasant smile on his face and his eyes, very blue eyes, seeming to see right through a man. For all his affability, Norman thought, Mr Stone was rather intimidating. He stepped forward with a slight cough \u201cEr – excuse me, Mr Stone?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Alfred paused and looked at the young man, he smiled \u201cYes, Norman?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI was – I was just wondering if the gentleman found you in, the gentleman who went up to your room a while ago only I didn\u2019t see him come back down again.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat gentleman do you mean, Norman?\u201d the blue eyes looked blank, wary, and the smile was less welcoming.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, a gentleman, sir, thin, medium height, wearing a bowler hat he was, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI haven\u2019t seen any man of that description, Norman. Are you sure he was looking for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe went to your room, sir. Went right into it\u2026\u201d Norman faltered a little realising that he was about to commit a blunder as Mr Stone had every right to demand how the stranger could enter the room without a key, unless a key had been provided by a member of staff of course, in which case\u2026he gulped \u2026 \u201cI thought you were inside, Mr. Stone, no other way he could have got into the room otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Alfred looked at Norman thoughtfully, then smiled rather vaguely \u201cThat\u2019s right of course, an old friend. I met him earlier today \u2026\u201d he stepped forward, paused and smiled again at the young man \u201cThank you, Norman.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Norman wasn\u2019t sure why he was being thanked but he nodded and tapped his brow politely, after all 201 was a very expensive suite and the Manager would have his hide if Mr Stone were to vacate it because of something he had said to upset their customer. He watched Mr Stone leave the building, his bald head covered by a smart bowler hat.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 50<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Mendes store remained as they had last seen it and the fact that neither man nor wife would ever be occupying the property again gave it an air of poignancy as they approached it. The door opened after a slight push and shove on Adam\u2019s part while he wondered if the two men who had acted as their guides would still be there, enjoying free food from the Mendes store room.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    An overpowering stench as soon as the door was opened caused all four men to step back with some haste. Jotham blanched \u201cSmells like rotten eggs\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSmells like something worse than that,\u201d Adam muttered as he pulled the door wider to allow some clean air into the building while mosquitoes and flies were able to find an way out.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBad meat.\u201d Qu\u2019an said with an emphatic nod of the head.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cVery likely,\u201d Adam agreed as he stepped inside with a cautionary hand warning the others to remain where they were outside.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Pele and Luis had never been handsome men even in their prime, but now, in death, their appearance was horrific. Adam blanched and stepped back at the sight of them, turned his head away and swallowed bile. He hurried to the doorway and stepped out, pushed past the others and leaned against the bars of the verandah as he shook his head \u201cThey\u2019re both dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDead? But I thought only one man had been injured?\u201d Jotham said with a swift glance at Yates who was looking rather green.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey\u2019ve been killed, not very pleasantly.\u201d Adam replied and stared out at the wilderness with its lush abundance of greenery, he shook his head \u201cWell, whoever did it could well be among those men who found a worst ending in your village, Professor Jefferson.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson shook his head and surveyed the Captain with a regretful shrug of the shoulders as though to say he had nothing to do with it, sad as it may be. \u201cWell,\u201d Adam muttered, \u201cWe need to eat, and to rest. Jotham, you need to get some attention to those wounds so it\u2019s best that we get the mess in there cleared up. Yates, steel yourself now, and come and help. Professor?\u201d he looked at Jefferson who nodded and waited expectantly for his next orders.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham was left to sit on the veranda\u2019s ricketty old chair while Qu\u2019an stood a silent guardian. Inside the building the other three men removed the mens remains, wrapping them in blankets and hurriedly carrying them out to the back of the building. Windows were opened and then brooms efficiently applied to clean out the remaining mess. It took over an hour before Adam could agree that it was safe for re-entry and occupancy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou did well, Yates.\u201d Adam said as they helped Jotham into the back bedroom, which was untouched by the dramatic events that had taken place in the main store room with its simple truckle bed that the Mendes had set up for travellers in the past.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt didn\u2019t compare with what I saw in the village, Captain. You wait \u2018til you read my book, it\u2019ll make your hair stand on end.\u201d Mark Yates said with such cheerfulness that one could almost believe the book had been published and his pockets were weighing him down with sovereigns.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham sunk gratefully upon the bed and relaxed for the first time since the fight. He closed his eyes and released his breath \u201cThis feels good,\u201d he murmured, \u201cThank you, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam smiled slightly before saying that he would check the stores and see what medical equipment there was available to give the younger man further relief. Yates said something about looking for food and having a decent meal for once and then promptly disappeared. By the time Adam had left the bedroom Jotham had fallen into a deep sleep.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson had been scouring around the shelves seeing what provisions there were but looked over at Adam as he came out of the other room \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019ll be alright once he sleeps.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI reckon we all will,\u201d Jefferson replied, \u201cI ache all over I\u2019m that tired. It\u2019s been a long time since I had such a trek through this wilderness. Scolley and I have led a rather sedentary life since we reached that village.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates looked up from where he had been rummaging about a cupboard \u201cYou really think that place you was in had been built all them thousands of years ago?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cProbably before the time the city of Tyre was defeated by Alexander the Great.\u201d Jefferson replied with great authority which caused Yates to whistle in awe \u201cYes, that long ago, they were great seamen, remnants of their world have been found as far as Cornwall in England, so I\u2019m quite sure that they were the ones who built that old city.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cS\u2019trewth, and you reckon those villagers were their descendents?\u201d Yates asked as he surveyed some tins of food on a shelf with some suspicion.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat I\u2019m not so sure about, Scolley thinks so, but I\u2019m inclined to disagree with him. I\u2019m always prepared to be proven wrong of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam listened to their chatter for a while before asking if they had found food to last them for at least one decent meal to which Yates said there was enough food to last them a week \u201cWell, 24 hours will be enough,\u201d Adam replied to that with a slight furrow of the brow, \u201cWe all need sleep, Jotham in particular. Any medicines there, Mr Yates?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, Mr Yates is it now, I am doing alright for myself ain\u2019t I?\u201d Yates muttered to himself as he searched through another cupboard and produced a box containing various medical stuffs that a man living in such a remote and dangerous area could require in case of any emergencies.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCan you cook, Mr Yates?\u201d Jefferson asked and upon receiving a nod of the head \u201cIn which case I\u2019ll leave it to you, all I can do is make the coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam was already returning to the other room where Jotham was sleeping. He\u2019d collected clean water in a bowl and with the ointments and bandages available proceeded to tend the wounds as best he could without waking the man. By the time he had finished Jotham was awake and grumbling at being disturbed, but the smell of food cooking soon placated him and with the help of Adam\u2019s arm limped his way into the other room.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates hadn\u2019t exaggerated his skill at cooking and the food he had dished up was a credit to him. Bottles of cerveja (beer) had been found along with bottles of a rough reddish wine which they drank sparingly with the meal. Qu\u2019an had eaten out of politeness but had insisted on staying outside the building on the verandah, it was strongly suspected that he threw most of the meal over the side for the rats and other wild life to enjoy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    By the time darkness fell the four men were sleeping soundly. Qu\u2019an had found a safe place among the trees, a stoic and sturdy sentinal while inside, although he slept, Adam kept his gun close to hand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    If an army the size of Alexander the Great\u2019s had arrived at their doorstep not one of them would have known, even Adam slept so soundly that nothing could have disturbed him or roused him from his sleep. Exhaustion, relief at having found some security, false or not, had taken their toll on them all and overpowered them more successfully than any threats or beatings could have done.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The sleep was dreamless for it was total and when each man eventually awoke it was to find their heads clear, their bones aching, and their stomachs rumbling. Only Jotham slept on, a healing sleep from which he didn\u2019t awaken until he was roused by Adam shaking him by the shoulder in order for him to eat the breakfast Yates\u2019 had conjured up.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhen do we leave here?\u201d Jefferson asked as he finished his meal and pushed away the plate.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTomorrow morning.\u201d Adam replied, crading his cup of coffee between his hands \u201cThat will give Qu\u2019an time to rest, Jotham needs to recover his strength as well, there is still a way to go before we reach the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd from there?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe board my ship, Professor, and head for America.\u201d Adam looked up over the rim of his cup, \u201cOr had you forgotten?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, of course not.\u201d Jefferson replied quietly and looked away from Adam to survey Yates, \u201cThank you for the meal, Mr Yates.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Englishman nodded but continued scribbling his notes with an industry that had been part of his manner throughout the trip, but his vague smile indicated that these notes were of a more interesting angle than the previous he had taken down. Adam excused himself and returned to sit with Jotham who had fallen back to sleep again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was going to be a long day with hours of inactivity but Yates was happy enough to write his notes, chatter about what the story was going to be about to whoever happened to be around to listen and cooked the meals.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam and Jefferson buried Luis and Pele close to Mr Mendes grave. Thereafter they ate and slept the day away. Twenty four hours of total peace and relaxation, it had been a long time coming and all the more welcome as a result.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In the morning they ate a light breakfast, packed food and clean water into the boat, and with Qu\u2019an in his designated position as guide, began the journey through the pantonal rivers many tributaries towards the city.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A slow progress, hampered by the humidity, the flies and mosquitoes. Alligators followed in their wake as though their main aim in life was to have them for lunch. Each man there, apart from Qu\u2019an, found no beauty in their surroundings, their antipathy towards it only made them more anxious to reach their destination as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 51<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Fazenda came into sight as they paddled around the curve in the river, a more ramshackle affair than Adam could recall it from their previous visit. The children ran out onto the pier waving their stick thin arms and laughing at them followed by their father with his machete in his hand. There was no comment about any anaconda\u2019s this time as he recognised them and Qu\u2019an and waited for them to bring the wooden vessel up to the pier to be secured.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The children stepped back in order for Jose to give a hand to the injured man and assist him onto the wooden planks of the little pier, while Neva, his wife, hurried forwards to also help, her face softening at the sight of the younger man. As the couple helped Jotham to the building with the children skipping and running alongside, Jefferson and Yates followed along behind them while Adam had a short dialogue with Qu\u2019an.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Captain stepped into the building just as Neva was unbuttoning Jothams shirt to examine the injuries for herself and Jose was pouring out cerveja (beer) into various mugs. \u201cWhat happen to \u2019ombre?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson and Yates exchanged a look but said nothing, accepting their beer and nodding their thanks, it was left to Adam to explain that there had been a fight and Jotham had come off the victor which made Jose laugh heartily and Neva to shake her head and murmur something beneath her breath.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It took little time for Neva to attend to Jotham and the younger man insisted he was feeling much better and thanked her profusely. Jose looked around at the four of them and frowned \u201cIt seem to me trouble come when you -\u201d he pointed to Jefferson \u201cand your friends come to look for diamonds and cities that no one speaks about before you come. Now more \u2019ombres come and more trouble with forest people. It\u2019s good you go and leave now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHave there been more people travelling the rivers since we left here, Jose?\u201d Adam asked as he turned the mug round and round in his hands<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSome.\u201d came the grunted reply and Adam looked at Yates and Jotham, then nodded but said nothing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The children were called in to eat with them, an innocent laughing giggling duo who lightened the mood that would otherwise have settled over the meal. Neva was a good cook and mother, attentive as she had ever been, providing a simple meal that Qu\u2019an would prefer and which she carried out to him as he remained seated on guard at the boat.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you know the Mendes were dead?\u201d Adam asked Jose when Neva had gone from the table.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJacquetta?\u201d Jose started and his eyes went large in his face, he shook his head \u201cShe also?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and watched as the other man\u2019s face fell into the expressions of grief that a loved one would show, \u201cBut – this is not possible -\u201d Jose cried, shaking his head in disbelief \u201cHe was a good man, a good man -\u201d he bowed his head \u201cJacquetta, such a good woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShe cared for me,\u201d Jefferson said, \u201cwhen I had the fever.\u201d he looked over at Adam as though to indicate his gratitude that no mention was made of the exact cause of his illness \u201cshe was a good woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jose stood up and placed a hand upon the shoulders of his children \u201cJacquetta was my sister. We were – how you say it – she – I loved her.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Neva came in and was told, her hands covered her face and she wailed at the loss of her sister in law, followed by a long spiel of dialogue that only her husband and children understood. Jose finally turned to the four men and simply asked how had she died, and who had been responsible.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam spared them the details of her ordeal and told them how she had been killed by the men who had killed her husband. She had been buried correctly and her murderers had been duly executed for what had happened. He spoke as briefly about it as he could, too many details would have led only to further recriminations and for the Latin temperment the demand for revenge and justice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates listened and became filled with remorse and melancholy. He blamed himself severely for the cause of the storekeeper and the wife\u2019s deaths after all, he had brought the man to the place. He retreated to a shadowy corner of the building and made himself as small and unnoticeable as possible while Neva ushered her children away in order to prepare them for their bed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He could hear their whispers, the name of their aunt mentioned by them and in Neva\u2019s response. He could only imagine that they were asking about what had happened and she was explaining that their aunt was dead. He felt further remorse as a result. He watched as the Pantaneiro refilled the mugs with the crude beer and then abruptly left the building.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates approached Adam and in a low voice asked if he could spare a few minutes, in private. \u201cWhat\u2019s on your mind?\u201d Adam asked as they drew into a further section of the room.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat happened was my fault, I led those men here, to the store.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked at him thoughtfully and shook his head \u201cThose men knew about Jacquetta helping Jefferson, they knew where the Mendes store was, they didn\u2019t really need you to take them to the place. You were just useful to have around at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t think her brother would see it that way,\u201d Yates said with a sigh, \u201cHe\u2019d blame me. People like him always blame Europeans or Americans, it\u2019s part of their culture.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam gave a thin smile \u201cYou\u2019ve made a study of them, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI may be a weak man in many ways, Captain, but I can read people. He\u2019s out there thinking things over, he\u2019s already decided that Jefferson and his friends caused more problems than they have before so now he\u2019s trying to think of a way to fix Mrs M\u2019s murder on us as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam ran a thumb across his mouth and frowned, then looked over his shoulder at Jotham who was dozing and Jefferson who was pushing his mug around the table as though debating within himself as to whether or not to drink any of the beer still in it. He put his hand on Yates arm and nodded \u201cI think you may be right.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you think we should do?\u201d Yates voice trembled slightly, and he looked over at the doorway through which they could see that Jose had returned.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe\u2019ll leave.\u201d Adam said \u201cThe sooner the better.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Yates face revealed the depth of his relief, he nodded and walked with Adam to where Jose had seated himself once more at the table, the flagon of beer was pulled out and made available but before he had refilled the other mugs Adam placed some coins down by his arm \u201cJose, this is to thank you for your hospitality. We leave now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou? Leave? But already it is dark outside\u2026the jacare and jaguar \u2026 they wait out there for you.\u201d Jose stood up, his square solid body a barrier between them and the door.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI have a big ship waiting for me, Jose.\u201d Adam explained slowly, \u201cMany men will come if I am delayed. You understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jose understood. His eyes narrowed and shifted from one man to the other, they fixed upon Jefferson and he stared at him for a moment \u201cYou come – cause trouble here – you go.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson was only too pleased to go, he helped Jotham to his feet and together made their way to the door. As they passed the table Jose brought up his machete from where he had placed it close at hand, it thudded down upon the wooden surface and the look on his face was sufficient for Adam to know that they had made the right decision to leave as promptly as they were.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Qu\u2018an said nothing as the four men approached the wooden dug out, he waited until they were seated, paddles in hand, and with them pushed away from the pier.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They were extra cautious in how they paddled, slowly, aware of the dark sinister shapes that swam alongside them, brushed against the little dugout and sometimes nudged it out of the route they had chosen. Sounds drifted past them indicative of night noises, and amplified by the silence of darkness. Bugs flitted across the surface of the water and shone like little lanterns, providing the only light by which they could make their way.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The dipped their paddles into the water first to the left and then to the right. Each man silent, not a word spoken, water dripped black into the vastness of dark that rippled away from before them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 52<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The sheriff\u2019s office was empty when Norman Evans stepped into it and looked around just in case one of the officials happened to be in the cell area but when he went there the only person he found was the boy, Leslie Downing who stared at him with pale eyes in red rimmed lids. \u201cHave you seen the sheriff, kid?\u201d Norman asked staring at the fat boy he had heard so much about but never actually seen before.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, sir, you done brung me some food?\u201d Leslie snivelled, wiping his nose across the back of his hand as he spoke.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, I come to see the Sheriff on official business.\u201d Norman replied and then after another look at the boy he turned and walked back into the office just as the door opened and Deputy Dodds entered<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat are you doing here, Mister?\u201d Dodds demanded immediately and narrowed his eyes in order to make himself look more official and mean.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI came to see the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, as you can see he ain\u2019t here. You got anything to report, you report to me in his absence.\u201d Dodds strutted to the desk and poured himself some coffee, then sat down in the sheriff\u2019s chair \u201cWhat do you want to report?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, nothing really, except\u2026\u201d Norman paused and bit his bottom lip, perhaps he was being fanciful, perhaps he should just leave well alone and ignore it. His mother told him he was too imaginative for his own good, but since he was knee high to a grass hopper and Sheriff Coffee would walk around town with him on his shoulders talking about being a sheriff, Norman had always wanted to be a law enforcement officer.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou wasting official time, Mister.\u201d Dodds said squaring his shoulders, \u201cNow either you have a problem to report, or you leave before I charge you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut I ain\u2019t done nothing wrong.\u201d Norman quailed and stepped back a pace or two.<\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019re standing there doing nothing, telling me nothing, that\u2019s wasting my time.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, I wanted to talk to the sheriff about something that I was thinking kind of odd. It\u2019s about a guest at our hotel, you see\u2026\u201d his voice trailed away as Dodds stared at him and slurped at his coffee \u201cYou should be writing this down, Sheriff Coffee always wrote things down.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m not Sheriff Coffee.\u201d Dodds said slowly, and stared at Norman again, \u201cYou weren\u2019t in here intimidating our prisoner, was you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, no, of course not.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell then in that case I suggest you go and talk to Sheriff – I mean – Mr Coffee about your problem and see what notes he makes about them.\u201d Dodds smirked, he thought that was really witty of him and he gulped down more coffee which was rather hotter than he bargained for as it scalded the roof of his mouth and he jumped up cursing \u201cNow look what you got me a-doing, you best git outa here before I lose my temper, dangblast it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Norman \u2018got outa there\u2019 as quickly as he could and for a second or two hurried down the sidewalk before stopping to think. Having made up his mind he calmed himself down and made his way to Roy Coffee\u2019s house, knocked smartly on the freshly painted door – a man has to do some kind of work in his retirement – and waited for it to open.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy came to the door and upon recognising Norman gave him a smile \u201cWell, young Norman, what can I do for you? Come on in ..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you, Sheriff.\u201d Norman removed his hat and clutched it against his chest, he nodded over to Mrs Darrow who was walking quickly towards the door with a grim look on her face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cRoy\u2019s no longer sheriff here, people should remember that by now and leave him in peace. Now, off you go, young man, and take your matter to Sheriff Canaday.\u201d she waved a gloved hand at him and then turned to Roy \u201cAnd you shouldn\u2019t be encouraging them here either.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s a social call,\u201d Roy snapped at his sister, \u201cYoung Norman\u2019s paying me a visit as an old friend of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReally?\u201d she fixed Norman with a scowl, \u201cWell, let me remind you that you have no time for a social visit just now as you\u2019re due for your appointment with Dr Martin. In fact, you\u2019re five minutes late.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She nodded again at Norman and swept past him adjusting her hat as she went as though having vented her spleen on her brother had ruffled not only the proverbial feathers but also her bonnet. Roy sighed and shook his head, he looked regretfully at Norman \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Norman, but I have to go and see Doc Martin. Is it anything important?\u201d he asked as he closed the door behind him and turned to face Norman who stepped back to let the old man go pass him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t suppose so, Sheriff Coffee. Just something I thought a bit odd about one of our guests at the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh yes, the hotel, that\u2019s right, you work there at the Whitney Hotel, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sir, I do, and I see things that are really interesting too, if I were a real live sheriff I reckon I would really find some things going on with some of our clients that would really be illegal.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs that right?\u201d Roy nodded, and strolled on past the picket gate which he closed behind him and Norman. He smiled at the young man and thought nostalgically of the days when the boy would sit on his shoulders and he would take him on his rounds with him and folk would look and think what kind of way was that to do any sheriffing, but Norman was eager to learn about being a lawman, it was just a pity he had such a vivid imagination. Not that a bit of imagination wasn\u2019t essential to be a good sheriff, Roy was all for having a \u2018bit\u2019 but not as much as Norman had, sadly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI got a guest right now who is a real mystery.\u201d Norman said, keeping pace with Roy who still walked too fast when he chose to put his mind to it, \u201cRoom 201, our best and most expensive suite. The guest there is a real puzzler.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIn what way?\u201d Roy stepped into the road, looked both ways and hurried across towards Pauls surgery.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJust odd, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy nodded, and then pursed his lips so that his moustache bristled in the old familiar way, he looked at Norman thoughtfully, \u201cWell, I got to get this appointment over and done with, Norman. Keep an eye on your guest in 201 and let me know what\u2019s happening.\u201d he put his hand on the door and smiled at the youth \u201cWell done, lad. You\u2019ll make a good sheriff one of these days.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Norman blushed, that was praise indeed coming from the best ever sheriff in the whole world, in his opinion anyway. He muttered his thanks and left Roy there to face Pauls scrutiny while he himself did some more investigating.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel Darrow smiled over at her companion and relaxed, he was five minutes later than usual but he had arrived and that was the main thing. She leaned over to wards him and was rewarded with the familiar smell of a male perfume. She wasn\u2019t too sure she liked a man who smelled of perfume or cologne, it wasn\u2019t something that she was that familiar with and thought rather fanciful, but the smell was pleasant despite her objections. She smiled again \u201cRoy had to go to see Paul, a health check.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNothing serious, I hope.\u201d Alfred said quietly as he nodded over at the waiter who came to present the menu to them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJust a routine check over. He\u2019s not getting any younger after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Alfred looked at her thoughtfully and then smiled in that way he had which she found so endearing, she placed her hand upon his and squeezed his fingers affectionately.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Alfred Stone glanced around the room, several other tables were occupied, he noticed the way Mrs Garston and her daughter were watching them, eyes quickly averted as his gaze swept over them. He looked at Rachel and nodded, she was an attractive woman, must have been beautiful when younger, a real eye turner. He put his hand upon hers \u201cRachel, you look charming today. Is that a new bonnet.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She put her head to one side as though wishing to look at her best angle, she smiled how like him to notice \u201cI only took delivery of it yesterday. It came all the way from Chicago.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t they have a decent milliners here in town, my dear?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose so, but I\u2019ve always had my hats made by Louis in Chicago.\u201d she replied and removed her hand, \u201cIt\u2019s just that I don\u2019t like wearing a model that anyone else here in town may be buying a few days later, if you understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He nodded and looked at her again thoughtfully, accepted that the woman was a snob and then cast his eye down the list on the menu, he gave his order, and hers, and handed the leather bound cover to the waiter who hurried off with it under his arm. Now the two sat and smiled at one another, Widow Hawkins gave them a curt nod of the head as she did so with an audible sniff once she was pass their table, Alfred raised his eyebrows but Rachel gave a soft laugh \u201cDon\u2019t mind her, Alfred, it\u2019s just sour grapes.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He sighed and leaned towards her, the aroma of his cologne drifted past her nostrils as he did so, he reached out and took her hand in his \u201cRachel, I want to ask you something very personal.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhich is?\u201d she looked puzzled although deep down in her heart she was hoping against hope that it was the one thing she longed for him to ask her, her breathing became a little faster as a result and a slight colour mounted her cheeks. \u201cWell, Alfred?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThis isn\u2019t really the setting I had planned – it should be moonlight, music and stars in the sky, but I\u2019m an impatient man and I couldn\u2019t wait any longer\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, moonlight, music and stars all have their place in the order of things I suppose,\u201d she muttered with a slight furrow upon her brow<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cEspecially in view of the matter I want to discuss with you.\u201d his fingers tightened upon hers and she moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue, wondering what they would have to discuss, \u201cRachel, would you give me the honour of accepting – I mean – would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She blinked, now that he had asked her she felt surprise, she had wanted him to propose and yet suddenly here she was having to make a decision, a major decision. She looked at him, into his eyes, the clear deep blue of them and the smile on his lips, she smiled \u201cI hadn\u2019t expected you to ask that \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSurely you must have known how I\u2019ve felt for you? Oh of course, we\u2019ve not known each other very long have we? Does that disturb you? Do you want to wait longer? We don\u2019t need to marry right away, just enough time to settle arrangements.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cArrangements?\u201d she whispered as she watched him bring out a little box from his waistcoat pocket.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, like where we will live, that kind of thing\u2026.\u201d he fumbled with the lid as though he had never done this kind of thing before in his life and then it flicked open and there was a perfect blue stone, the colour of his eyes, flanked by diamonds, small but perfectly cut. She gasped and her cheeks coloured as she reached out to take it from him \u201cI mean, you wouldn\u2019t want to live at your brothers, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh no, certainly not.\u201d she breathed and took the ring from the box \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful, Alfred.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf it\u2019s too small or too big\u2026\u201d he blustered as though he were some nervous teenager.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    From their table Mrs Garston and Lucy watched as Mr Alfred Stone slipped the ring on the finger of Mrs Rachel Darrow\u2019s left hand, they looked at one another, Lucy went a little red in the face and got up to leave the restaurant, closely followed by her mother. But Rachel didn\u2019t notice, she was looking at her ring, then at Alfred, and thinking herself the happiest person on earth.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 53<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben hugged the little wooden horse close as he watched Dr Martin talking to his mother. He could see that his mother was worried because of the way she was screwing the handkerchief between her fingers and the little creases in her forehead, her eyes kept darting over to him and then back to the doctor in little nervous movements while the doctor\u2019s voice just seemed to drone on and on.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The little boy sunk back into the pillows and stared up at the ceiling. He didn\u2019t want anyone worrying about him like this, he wasn\u2019t worried about himself, he just felt too tired to worry until they came and stood by his bedside and started talking to him about getting better, trying to do more, doing this and doing that as if he really wanted to he could. Sofia seemed to be the only person who didn\u2019t worry him, she just came into his bedroom, and played with her dolls quietly on the floor, chatting nonsense to him, or perhaps she would creep into bed with him and go to sleep.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He closed his eyes and thought about Billy Webb. He could remember the shock he had felt at seeing all those bruises and scars on the boys body, and how his Pa had explained that not everyone had a happy secure life like the one he had \u2026 he sighed and opened his eyes again at the touch of a cool hand on his brow.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReady for something to eat now, dear?\u201d Olivia said and smiled, that gentle patient smile that made Reuben feel tight inside.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you.\u201d he said quietly and sensed that she was pleased about that, \u201cMom, has it been a long time since I got shot?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cA few weeks now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs Uncle Joe here?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, dear, he and Uncle Hoss left a while ago on the cattle drive.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWho\u2019s looking after Kamille and the colt?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHank and several of the hands. She\u2019s alright, she\u2019s being well looked after. It won\u2019t be long before you can go and see her again.\u201d she smiled, that sudden hopeful look springing into her eyes, another straw drifting her way to clutch at and she dropped a kiss on his cheek.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He didn\u2019t say anything just smiled and clutched the wooden horse tighter to his chest. It would wrestle in his head for a while, getting better to go and see Kamille, staying here safe and secure away from danger \u2026 away from Leslie Downing and school.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMom?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, dear?\u201d she was standing by the door and turned to look at him, a hopeful smile on her face as she did so.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHave you heard from Pa yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, not yet. He\u2019ll be home soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He didn\u2019t answer to that, he\u2019d heard it enough times to dismiss it as something that would happen eventually but not today, nor tomorrow \u2026 he closed his eyes and lay alone with his thoughts, the sound of birds singing drifted into his room along with the familiar sound of the yard outside.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paul Martin stopped talking to Ben and turned to her as she entered the room, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Olivia, I wish I could do something more for him, but his wound has healed well, and his vital signs are strong. I couldn\u2019t be happier about his recovery except for the one thing \u2026\u201d he sighed and shook his head \u201cIt\u2019s as if he just doesn\u2019t want to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s afraid to get better, isn\u2019t that it?\u201d Ben growled folding his arms across his chest and scowling darkly at the doctor who nodded and removed his spectacles as though he needed to take them off in order to look more closely at Olivia.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sofia came and stood close to her mothers skirts, holding her new doll tightly in her arms. She looked up at the three adults and wondered why they couldn\u2019t understand why Reuben wanted to stay in his bed. She couldn\u2019t understand why they would want him to go to that horrible school and be shot at again by that fat Leslie boy. Why would anyone want to after being hurt, and after seeing his friends shot down as well. She turned away and ran upstairs to Reubens\u2019 room<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSofia?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She stood for a moment and looked at him thoughtfully, then walked to the window and looked out to the views beyond, she could see the chimney of Aunt Mary Anns house just peeking above the hill and if she wriggled halfway out of the window and leaned to the left she would be able to see the trees that were in the Ponderosa yard. But she didn\u2019t lean out, she just stood there thinking about her brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben, Mommy wants you to get better, she\u2019s upset.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, but I can\u2019t get better, I\u2019m not well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t you want to get better?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He didn\u2019t say anything to that but frowned and closed his eyes. He could hear the sound of her skirts rustling as she came near the bed and then her weight beside him \u201cI wouldn\u2019t want to get better and go back to that school and be shot by that fat boy again.\u201d she rested her head on the pillow beside his, \u201cGran\u2019pa says he\u2019s in prison. Uncle Candy has locked him up real good.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDoesn\u2019t mean he won\u2019t get out and get me anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t you miss going out in the sunshine though?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo.\u201d he didn\u2019t think about that, he just didn\u2019t want to think about thinks like the sun warming his skin and making him feel like running, jumping and swimming in the river.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou can\u2019t go fishing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t want to go fishing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhen Daddy gets home he\u2019ll want to go fishing with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He didn\u2019t say anything to that, he could feel her warm breath on his cheek and looked at her freckles and the blue eyes that stared at his face \u201cSofia, you weren\u2019t there, you don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She thought she understood, but she didn\u2019t say anything more just held her doll and lay there by his side with her eyes fixed on his face.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Hotel Splendide looked much as it had appeared when Adam had first entered through its doors, but at least upon his initial entrance he had appeared immaculately dressed in his uniform whereas on this particular afternoon he and his three companions brought looks of horror and dismay to the faces of not only the hotels clientele but to the management and staff as well.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A hasty explanation at the managers office was sufficient for them to be led to their suite of rooms without further ado with promises of hot water for baths, a room for Mr Yates whom they recalled with a slight reluctance, and a doctor to be summoned to attend to Captain Morton. Jefferson trailed along in their wake with his head down and his thoughts upon the fickleness of fate.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Within a few hours the four men assembled in the dining room for the evening meal, Adam and Jotham in their \u2018whites\u2019, the Professor in a smart clean outfit provided by a local retailer and Mr Yates looking as though he had stepped out of a smart Saville Row, London Gentlemans Retailers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A short letter written to Lieutenant Beamish was sent to the Shenandoah by a very willing young man in the hotels livery, anxious to please and confident that such well attired gentlemen, particularly two officers in the American navy, would tip extravagantly. They had just sat at the table when the Maitre d\u2019 arrived and after some polite hmming and hawing of the throat managed to convey to Adam that there was a lady wishing to speak to him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The woman was of middle height, dark haired with deep blue eyes. She was not beautiful, but her poise was sufficient to attract attention as were her clothes. She was standing in the foyer of the hotel appearing to be deep in thought when Adam appeared. He approached and introduced himself upon which she surveyed him cautiously and then with a sigh asked if he had time to talk with her for a while. \u201cWhom am I addressing, Madam?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She smiled wistfully \u201cI am the widow of Anatoly Sokolovitch, Commodore.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He sighed inwardly but as always where women were concerned felt immediately attentive and protective. He took her elbow cupped gently in his hand and led her to a private area where they could sit together \u201cI wasn\u2019t aware that you knew of your husbands death, Ma\u2019am, I am sorry. I have a friend of his here with me..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, I am aware of that, I saw you arrive at the hotel. I know Professor Jefferson well enough to recognise him.\u201d she sighed then, deeply, and adjusted the exquisitely embroidered jacket she was wearing, then looked at him again, \u201cMy brother, Baron Radamsky, heard about Anatoly\u2019s death from some source, a man who had been with them \u2026 that is why he, my brother, did not accompany you into the wilderness as he had first intended. He wanted to come to me and tell me, and then wait for your return \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d Adam murmured in a quieter tone of voice \u201cHe told us he was returning to Russia.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She shrugged slightly, and gave a slight pout, \u201cSo he told me but is not a Russian ship considered to be Russian territory? I was waiting for him on board ship, and had expected to be waiting a very long time to be truthful, but it turned out that it was not for so long after all.\u201d another long sigh, and she looked down at the floor, \u201cMy brother is a good man, Commodore, he was only thinking to spare me a futile wait for news that he was already knowing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYour brother claimed to be working for the Russian Government \u2026\u201d Adam frowned, his mind recalling now the details of his conversation with the Baron all those weeks earlier.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat is so. My Government sponsored my husband on this expedition, and my brother was the man they ordered to come here to ensure it was successful. But,\u201d she shrugged, \u201cit was not successful, my husband is dead, there is no victory in his death is there?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIn what way do you mean exactly, ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She released her breath in a long sigh and shook her head \u201cAnatoly wanted to find the cures for all the illnesses in the world, he was convinced he would find many plants here that would lead to those cures. My Government wanted to – how do you say the word – they wanted to be able to prove to everyone they were humanitarian, wanting the best for all.\u201d she paused then and a slight frown puckered her brow, \u201cMy brother said that you were well thought of by a friend of ours, Dimitry Doestov?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adams smile was brief, he nodded and narrowed his eyes \u201cWhat did Dimitri have to do with all this?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNothing, just a recommendation of your courage, integrity and honesty. My brother said that if anyone could find the truth of my husbands death then you would do so.\u201d she cleared her throat and blinked moist laden eyes that now spiked her eyelashes \u201cHow did my husband die?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe was ill, fever ridden, and during a skirmish between the men who were with them and the Indians they were seeking, he received some injuries that led to his death.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd – and who told you this?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cProfessor Scolley, and Professor Jefferson.\u201d Adam looked at her thoughtfully as she dabbed at her eyes \u201cProfessor Jefferson is here now, if you would wish to speak to him about your husband, I\u2019m sure he would be delighted to meet you and tell you all you would wish to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She said nothing for a while merely sat there with the handkerchief to her eyes staring down at the floor, then she nodded at which Adam beckoned a boy over and asked him to bring Jefferson to them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was a poignant meeting between a mans widow and his friend, the one confirming the sad loss to the other, both consoling and giving comfort. Adam retreated and waited nearby, until the conversation was concluded and Madam Sokolovich made her farewells, thanked Adam and was about to leave when he asked her about the time of her ships departure. She answered that it would be in the morning and upon that note she bowed her head slightly to them and made her departure.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Within the hour Sokolovitch\u2019s note book and the sad little bundles of plants and herbs were on their way to his widow, a poignant and sad post script to his life.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 54<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCompliments of Commodore Cartwright of the United States Ship Shenandoah \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    A snappy salute and a pristine white envelope held out to the officer seated at his desk \u201cYour orders, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you, Ensign. If you\u2019d just wait one moment\u2026\u201d a ripping of paper and then silence as the brief handwritten lines were perused, refolded and re-inserted into the envelope \u201cThank you, Ensign, please inform Commodore Cartwright I\u2019ll be in his ready room at 5 bells.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A snappy salute and Ensign Phillips left the cabin of Captain Wilson of the ship USS Agammenon.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A similar scene was being carried out on board the USS Endeavor where Captain Mayhew received his orders with a slightly grumpier response, due mainly to indigestion and nothing personal against his superior officer.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam ran a finger around the collar of his jacket and wondered briefly just how much weight he had lost during his weeks sojourn in the jungle, his uniform fitted loosely and he knew that his face looked haggard and sunken eyed. Lieutenant Beamish stood stiffly by the door awaiting the arrival of the two Officers while Jotham sat at the long table looking remarkably well despite the sling that supported his left arm and the bandages around his head, beneath his uniform bandages swathed various other parts of his torso but that was only for him and Eaun to know.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam smiled at nothing in particular as he heard the sound of voices from the corridor outside his ready room. He recalled with pride the pleasure he felt at seeing the ship in harbour awaiting his return, the greeting his men gave him when he boarded the deck, Beamish\u2019s look of relief at seeing him in one piece as he saluted a welcome. Yes, it had all been good, and now, with Jefferson comfortably ensconced in his cabin with a guard at his door, he could really feel that this was the first step towards going home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He turned to the door as it opened and the Captains were announced, made their salute and then stepped forward to shake the Commodore\u2019s hand. He indicated the chairs \u201cPlease be seated, gentlemen, while we discuss our orders for the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mayhew eased into his chair, \u201cWe\u2019re very pleased to see you, sir. Some of us had doubts that you\u2019d get out of there alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He smiled, a friendly face, an older man overdue for his retirement and he placed his cap upon the table and glanced over at Jotham whom he acknowledged with a nod of the head. Wilson shook Jothams hand, nodded at Beamish and took his seat<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot a very comfortable assignment, Commodore, but I\u2019m pleased to see you came out of it in better shape than Captain Morton \u2026although you have my sympathies, Captain.\u201d he smiled at Jotham but his grey eyes were steely.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you, gentlemen.\u201d Adam murmured and took his seat, \u201cI doubt if any of us would be here today if it had not been for Captain Morton\u2019s courage and determination.. But we can talk about that over dinner. Now, let us proceed \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He looked over at Beamish who brought over to the table a bundle of maps which were spread out flat and weighed down at the corners for the officers to look at, Adam glanced over the top one and smoothed his hand over it, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface. It was good to be here, comfortable in his ready room, men of his own kind around him, he sighed and glanced at Jotham and shared a brief smile with him before beginning \u201cVery well, gentlemen, this is our position here\u2026.\u201d and his finger pointed at the bay in which they were berthed\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy looked at the ring on his sisters\u2019 finger and frowned, then looked at her beaming face and sighed \u201cThis really what you want?\u201d he asked, although he really meant was Alfred Stone really the man you wanted to saddle yourself with for the remainder of your natural life?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOf course, otherwise I wouldn\u2019t have said yes, would I?\u201d she withdrew her hand and shook her head \u201cwhy do you always spoil things, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow did I spoil anything, I simply asked you a question\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She shrugged and muttered beneath her breath before leaving the room leaving her brother regarding the empty space where she had been standing with a bemused expression on his face. He shook his head, something he just knew for sure, wasn\u2019t right. He sat down in his old chair and half closed his eyes, there was something he remembered from some time back, someone he recalled from way back then\u2026 he stood up and brushed his hands down his shirt front and walked over to his desk which he unlocked and after a moments scrabbling about he found what he was looking for, a small book which contained notes from various incidents in which he had been involved over the years.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Once upon a time he had met a man called Samuel Clemens, now known as Mark Twain, and he had been fired up by the mans enthusiasm for writing stories, it had been this Sam Clemens who had told him about the Cartwrights of Virginia City, which had led to his eventual arrival in the town as their lawman. But the advice Sam had given him had been good and that had been write down anything and everything that would make up a good story, the most mundane lives could always provide some small nugget of gold one day.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He scratched his nose and turned the pages and then paused, well, there it was, this one small morsel of gold, he jotted down the name and tucked the piece of paper into his pocket. Upstairs in her room Rachel turned her hand too and fro to catch the light upon her ring and see it flashing, she heard the sound of the door closing, the picket gate snapping shut and leaning over to look out of the window watched as her brother strolled into town.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Eddy took the message Roy had written down and tapped out the words which sent the little note winging its way to Placerville. He smiled \u201cDo you want to wait for a reply, Sheriff\u2026I mean.. Mr Coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, I\u2019ll come on by for it later on.\u201d Roy nodded and smiled, flattered at being remembered as the sheriff even if it no longer applied. He went out and stood on the sidewalk for a moment to survey the town and then took himself off to see Candy.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Widow Hawkins listened in amazement as Mrs Garston and Lucy related what they had seen the previous evening. The elderly widow shook her head \u201cShe\u2019s only known the man a matter of weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cProbably afraid he\u2019ll do a runner on her if she said no.\u201d Mrs Garston sniffed and Lucy nodded thoughtfully, \u201cHe\u2019s not even good looking, and the amount of cologne he splashes on. He must bath in it, my dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie strolled up and looked at them anxiously \u201cIs everything alright, ladies?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Garston stuck her nose in the air \u201cI was just telling them about Mrs Darrow. The latest developments.\u201d she nodded significantly and fluttered her eyelashes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Lucy smiled at Bridie in case she hadn\u2019t picked up on her mother\u2019s attempts to signify that there was \u2018big news\u2019 to divulge \u201cMrs Darrow has got engaged to Mr Stone.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie felt awkward, she knew these ladies may well have reacted in much a similar way to her own swift engagement and marriage to Paul, yet at the same time she couldn\u2019t see that Rachel Darrow had made a wise choice. She just stood in silence for a moment and then nodded and walked on, Mrs Garston sniffed loudly \u201cWell, there you are then, that sums it all up, doesn\u2019t it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Lucy looked at her mother blankly \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Widow Hawkins shook her head and patted Lucy on the shoulder \u201cMrs Martin agrees with us but didn\u2019t like to say so because \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh yes, of course.\u201d Lucy nodded, she smiled \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The three of them exchanged smiles and then parted to \u2018spread the good news.\u2019<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Norman Evans looked around the room and hugged the clean towels to his chest anxiously. He gulped slightly, he really hadn\u2019t expected to be feeling so nervous as he carefully closed the door behind him and forced his feet to move across the thickly carpeted floor.\u00a0 He had felt quite confident on the landing, but nerves hit him as soon as he had crossed the threshold to begin his investigation.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had decided on this course of action only an hour earlier when he had seen Mr Stone leave the hotel. A good lawman goes into action, not hesitating if he needed to find clues. No one else seemed interested in what he had to say, so that meant he had to look for some indication of something suspicious that would back up his story. He took a deep breath and began to look more closed around the room.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The smell of cologne drifted around the air, and he shook his head in distaste as he moved from the sitting area to the bedroom. There was a different smell here, he sniffed, wrinkled his nose, there was the smell of the cologne but something else as well. He approached the dressing table and looked at the array of bottles and pots then with a shake of the head turned to the wardrobes and opened the doors.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Now there was another surprise, quite a sizeable range of clothings, suits and jackets and pants ..on the left were clothes to fit a big man, but on the right were clothes to fit a far slimmer man. He stared at them and struggled to find the significance of what this could be telling him, then he looked back to the dressing table and looked at what he saw there, he shook his head doubtfully. Perhaps if he told Sheriff Canaday, or even Roy, they would understand what this all meant.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He turned to go and stopped dead in his tracks. Alfred Stone smiled \u201cWell, good day to you, Norman. And what can I do for you today?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Norman gulped \u201cEr – clean towels Mr Stone. Management likes to make sure the linen is changed regularly.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Norman nodded, he nodded so hard it was a wonder his head didn\u2019t drop off.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cheng Ho Lee approached the bed and looked at the boy, he nodded and smiled \u201cYou feel good now?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot really.\u201d Reuben said pushing aside the book he had been reading.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLegs weak?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey feel wobbly. My head aches.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCheng Ho Lee think may have good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReally?\u201d Reuben blinked, he wondered if Cheng Ho Lee\u2019s good idea would remove the nightmares he had every night, the constancy of seeing Jamie Watt fall at his feet with the blood spurting out over his, Reuben\u2019s, boots, and the way Leslie Downing stared at him with the gun aimed at him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes. Weak legs need exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut I can\u2019t stand on them, Cheng Ho Lee. They keep bending too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI show how you exercise bendy legs.\u201d the Chinese bowed and began to peel back the covers, Reuben shivered as the air touched his body and the warmth of the bedding left him, he looked up into the face of his father\u2019s friend and their cook, and noticed grim determination in those sloe black eyes. \u201cNow,\u201d Cheng Ho Lee raised one finger and pointed to the ceiling which Reuben looked up at until he realised that Cheng was meaning, not the ceiling, but that this was item 1 on a list of who knew how many more fingers \u2026 he closed his eyes and resigned himself to his fate.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The three ships \u2026The Shenandoah, Agammenon and Endeavor left the bay in Brazil in graceful formation, with the Shenandoah in the lead followed by the two other ships flanking her. At the bridge of each one stood their commanding officers. Their orders had been simple and direct but could be simply summed up in to several words\u2026 they were heading for home. The Agammenon would eventually peel away from the convoy and continue on to San Francisco where it would deliver its mail bags from the other two ships. Long awaited letters would be posted from various mail depots in the city to wing their way homewards while the other ships continued onwards towards Washington.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy Coffee read the cable and frowned, nodded to himself and then released his breath in a long sigh. \u201cAnything wrong, sir?\u201d Eddy asked<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot really, nothing I hadn\u2019t expected.\u201d Roy replied glumly and tucked the cable into his pocket. It had been a list of items that an elderly lady had once possessed and had been given to a younger man some years previously, before he had attempted to murder her, before he had been arrested and jailed for the murder of one other.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cheng Ho Lee massaged the thin little legs with the oil that smelled so pleasant and was cooling to the skin. His slender fingers kneaded and pressed, bent and twisted, until Reuben fell asleep. The exercise wasn\u2019t that invigorating, he hadn\u2019t had to leave his bed at all, he had simply relaxed, enjoyed it and gone to sleep.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In the kitchen of the Ponderosa Hop Sing peeled the vegetables for the main meal, he wondered how his friend Cheng Ho Lee was getting on with the \u2018exercises\u2019 that they had devised between them. He had cleaned up the wheelchair that Mr Adam and Little Joe had used at various times in their lives, but that was for later \u2026 probably stage 3 of the enterprise.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 55<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    President Hayes looked up as Senator Evarts entered the office, he frowned slightly as he had hoped not to be disturbed for a few more hours but seeing that the man was there he knew it would be foolish to turn him away. Evarts was a man who was always on a mission, miss the opportunity to talk to him when he was present and before you knew it he was away somewhere else and the chance to find out what he wanted was gone.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts put down the folder with the red letters \u2018Classified information\u2019 stamped on the front and proceeded to sit down at the desk. Both men looked at the folder and then looked up at one another, Hayes nodded \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe Jefferson matter, Mr President.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hayes winced, he hadn\u2019t wanted to be reminded of Sackville Jeffersons death nor of Howard Jeffersons involvement in it. He sighed and fingered one corner of the file before pushing it slightly to the left of him \u201cAny further developments?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMrs Jefferson is still protesting her innocence along with that of her brother in law.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAny news about him? Has – who did we send to get him? – found him yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCommodore Cartwright,\u201d Evarts paused, recalling now how he had insisted on referring to Adam as Captain, a matter of current procedure when only one ship was involved, \u201cAnd Captain Morton.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReliable men?\u201d Hayes asked trying to remember them, there were so many names, so many ranks and military operatives to think about when taking on this new office.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cVery reliable, Mr President.\u201d Evarts tried to recall what the men looked like and what the report on them both were, he was loath to nudge the President to open the file because it was obvious Hayes didn\u2019t want to, instead he kept flicking the corner of it in an absent minded way.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cRemind me where they were going .. Where Howard had gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts sighed and placed a hand on the folder which stopped Hayes from creasing the corner beyond repair and making the man realise the information was all there, at his finger tips for him to look at whenever he chose. Hayes nodded \u201cVery good, and what is the latest?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe\u2019ve not heard from them since they went into the wilderness, Mr President.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLooking for diamond mines and lost cities\u2026.\u201d Hayes mused and smiled vaguely, he nodded \u201cYes, I remember now, so Matilda still maintains that Sackville was killed by accident?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes Mr President.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hayes nodded \u201cVery good, thank you Evarts\u2026 I\u2019ll read through the file and give you my opinion later.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts recognised his dismissal when he heard it and rose to his feet, nodded and bade the President his farewell. He thought of Sackville Jefferson as he left the room and shrugged slightly, if ever a man deserved to \u2018be disposed of\u2019 then Sackville Jefferson was the one. He was more than grateful that he had \u2018died\u2019 before the election otherwise his demands would have been overwhelming, and, considering what he knew about certain ones in Government, many of t hose demands would have been met which would not have suited Evarts and his policy makers one bit.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Euan MacPherson handed his Captain the report he had written up on his patients and watched as Adam glanced through it. He observed his first officer with a somewhat critical eye before saying in a rather \u2018tongue in cheek\u2019 manner that he would like to have the opportunity of now conducting just as thorough an examination upon him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam smiled slowly before turning another page and without looking up at the Doctor said that there was no need, he was in good health.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat may be your opinion, Captain, but it isn\u2019t a medical one and as ships\u2019 Doctor it is my responsibility to carry out an examination on you as well as your crew members to ensure the safety of this ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh, so it\u2019s the safety of this ship about which you are mostly concerned, Dr, and not my health at all.\u201d Adam observed as he turned over another page and sighed as he ran his eye down the list of patients \u201cSeveral men with fevers? Nothing too serious?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf you\u2019re reading the report, Captain, you\u2019ll see that I\u2019ve already noted the cause of the fevers, their duration, and expected recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDuly noted, Doctor, my apologies for such an inane comment.\u201d Adam smiled again and then handed the notes to the other man with a slight shrug of the shoulders, \u201cDengue fever is incurable, you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI do, and I assure you none of my patients are suffering from dengue fever, malaria or any other kind of swamp fever that this hell hole can throw at us.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo you\u2019re happy to be leaving\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMore than happy.\u201d Euan said and slowly sunk down on the chair opposite Adam who was now seated and looking thoughtfully at the port hole through which the sky and sea appeared to meet, \u201cwhat\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh I was thinking of Qu\u2019an.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cQu\u2019an\u2026 who or what is Qu\u2019an?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAn Indian of the Terina tribe, he was a really loyal friend out there on that journey. I just feel that I didn\u2019t let him know how much he was appreciated, we all owed him so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sure he would have realised that, Captain.\u201d Euan said in a rather indifferent tone of voice which caused Adam to look at him again with a sterner countenance.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe\u2019d not have survived that journey without his help. I asked him once why he was so willing to help us -\u201d he paused and stroked his upper lip with his forefinger, his brows contracted and the dark eyes became hooded<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd what did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat he owed a debt which needed to be repaid.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh well then, not so much out of friendship or personal loyalty then if a debt was involved.\u201d Euan looked over at the door which had opened to admit Ames who was bringing in refreshment.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe repaid it a hundred fold.\u201d Adam replied wearily and nodded his thanks to his steward as he accepted the cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Euan said nothing but took a cup and sipped at the coffee appreciatively \u201cCaptain Morton is doing very well now, most of his wounds were superficial, if he had been in a more decent climate he would not have been so debilitated.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHmm,\u201d Adam nodded and his mind travelled back to that dug out canoe, the alligators and the piranha, the anaconda\u2019s ..he blanched slightly and hastily gulped down more of the coffee.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019ve lost too much weight, and your skin looks unhealthy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, but some good food and a brisk walkabout on deck regularly and I\u2019ll soon be as usual.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI could insist\u2026\u201d Euan raised his eyebrows and gave Adam the benefit of a long hard look which caused Adam to shake his head with a smile,<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPlease don\u2019t, just concentrate on those who are really ill. How\u2019s our guest?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cProfessor Jefferson? Jaundiced of course, due to the weather and the heat and the lack of proper food. Liverish as a result as well. Apart from that he\u2019s in good shape.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and finished his coffee, he stretched out his legs and then asked Euan to give an account of how the weeks had gone for him, how had the crew been, was Lieutenant Beamish a capable first officer? Euan launched into a narrative of long weeks in conditions not fit for any sensible man to live in, with a bad tempered first officer who lacked self confidence and refused to listen to any advice from anyone while crew men were falling ill with fever and goodness knows what else \u2026by the time he had finished speaking Adam was asleep.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Howard Jefferson was more than pleased to be allowed the freedom of the quarter deck to walk about for an hour a day. The weather was good, a fine south westerly blew warm and the sea was reasonably calm.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    His existence as a prisoner under guard, as regulations insisted, were improved by the supply of books to read that were sent to him by the Captain and which he gratefully read several times over before returning. The doctor had given him a thorough examination and provided some medication that after a few days had a good effect upon him as his health, which he had assumed to have been tolerably good, improved.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    After a week at sea Adam paid him a visit in his quarters in the brig. The two men regarded one another without speaking for a moment or two before Adam expressed the hope that the other man was comfortable.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAs comfortable as a man can be in these conditions, Captain.\u201d Jefferson replied with a wry smile.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He rather liked the look of the officer now standing before him looking so different from the bedraggled individual who had appeared out of the jungle to arrest him and take him back to America. The uniform, although it didn\u2019t hang so well on a thinner frame than the one it was tailored to fit, looked smart enough to give him an air of authority ..Adam smiled \u201cDo I pass \u2019muster\u2019, Professor?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou certainly do, Captain. I would never have guessed you for the same man who appeared before me not so long ago \u2026\u201d he sighed, \u201cIt was hard for me to leave that place. There is still so much to discover, to catalogue and consider. Even now I can\u2019t stop thinking about what we have learned, Scolley is good in his field but he needs a more disciplined associate to keep things in order and to stretch his mind on certain aspects of our discoveries.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPerhaps you will be able to get back there soon, Professor.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh, well, the key word in that sentence is, of course, \u2019perhaps\u2019. I don\u2019t take anything for granted, Captain, I know my brothers friends well enough to realise that there is more to this so called arrest that even you could know.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPolitics, Professor, is a dirty business, I\u2019ve never thought anything otherwise \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, you\u2019re right, it is a dirty business, and some who deal in it are dirtier than others. My brother was – \u201c he paused, then sighed and shook his head, \u201cThere\u2019s no point in talking to you about it, there\u2019s nothing you can do in the circumstances.\u201d he began to pace the floor for a while, his head downcast and his eyes fixed to the ground \u201cDid you ever meet Matilda?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, the letter was given me by a friend of hers.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson nodded, \u201cAt least she still has friends, but then she was a woman who did inspire loyalty. My brother didn\u2019t deserve such a woman, she was 100% loyal to him, despite the foul things he was involved in, the things he did.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam watched him for a moment or two before asking if there was anything he could do to help the Professor endure his confinement more comfortably. \u201cI would like to have some company, if you wouldn\u2019t mind, Captain. Someone to play a game of chess perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded \u201cI shall see what I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhen we get to Washington, where will you be taking me?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI won\u2019t be taking you anywhere, Professor. Government officials will come to take you from my custody and that\u2019s where we part company.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson nodded and sighed a deep long sigh of misery \u201cI didn\u2019t do it, you know. I didn\u2019t kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI believe you, but you have to convince a Judge and jury I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, if it comes to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked at him sharply, his tone of voice implied darker events ahead which Adam didn\u2019t feel comfortable with at all, \u201cWhat exactly are you implying, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Howard shrugged \u201cNothing, it hardly matters, not to you anyway. You and Captain Morton have done what you have been assigned to do and that\u2019s really where your responsibility towards me ends, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded slowly although his eyes never left Jefferson\u2019s face and read within it the mans thoughts that life was going to be far shorter than any of them may have anticipated.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 56<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The knocking on the door seemed to echo throughout the house bringing Olivia hurrying from the small room where she had been nursing the baby. Having settled him into his crib she was still buttoning up her blouse when she reached the door and flung it open with a smile of greeting on her face. The smile faded rapidly however when she saw who stood on her threshold and glancing from one to the other of the formidable couple she waited for them to speak. It was Mr Downing who addressed her, removing his hat as he did so and obviously struggling to frame the right words to suit the occasion<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know this may seem very tactless on our part, Mrs Cartwright, but we really do need to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut, Mr Downing, I really have no desire to speak to you,\u201d Olivia replied feeling embarrassed as she felt the colour slowly mantling her cheeks.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing stepped forward slightly so that she was placed just a little ahead of her husband \u201cPlease, Mrs Cartwright, please \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing was a woman as large as her husband, but over the past few weeks the firmness of her plumpness had faded, her skin resembled that of a withering apple, her eyes sunken into their sockets, and her lips dry and colourless. If grief had touched Olivia it had been kindly, but with Mrs Downing it had been more than cruel. The ravages of her despair were sufficient for Olivia to step to one side and allow them admittance into her home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mr Downing glanced around the room as though in anticipation of being ambushed by concealed relatives of the woman they were visiting, but seeing that the room was empty he straightened his back and looked at Olivia with the curious ambivalence of emotions flickering across his features. It was obvious that the prime motivator of the visit was his wife, who stood restlessly fidgeting with her purse while she waited for him to speak.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow – how is the little fellow?\u201d the wretched man asked in a voice that he hoped sounded compassionate but to Olivia\u2019s ears was nothing less than patronising.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf you mean my son, Reuben, Mr Downing, then please say so.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, of course, Reuben \u2026 how is he? Is he – is he improving now?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing interrupted \u201cIt has been some weeks, we thought, perhaps he would be feeling stronger now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben -\u201d she paused and struggled for a moment to find the right words, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I really don\u2019t understand why you\u2019re here. I can\u2019t believe for a moment that you \u2018re here out of concern for my son. So, if you don\u2019t mind, I would rather you just say what you really came to see me about and then go.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Downings lips tightened, his small eyes narrowed and he glanced angrily at his wife as though to say \u2018There you are, I told you it was useless to come here.\u2019<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing only raised her chins slightly higher \u201cI can understand how you feel, really I do, Mrs Cartwright. This has been a terrible situation for us all, but – but you see I – I really – really wanted to say how sorry we are about it all, about what happened to Reuben and the other children.\u201d she gulped back tears, then pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed at her eyes \u201cLeslie swears that he didn\u2019t mean to harm them, he didn\u2019t know the gun was loaded, he keeps saying that he didn\u2019t \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe did, he did,\u201d the shrill voice of a child broke through the womans speech, \u201che did mean it too, and he did know it was loaded.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The three adults turned to look at the boy who was seated in the wheelchair his eyes far too large for his face, the pale skin taut over the high cheekbones. Sofia was standing beside him, her hand on the armrest while she hugged one of her dolls under her free arm.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing stepped forward \u201cNo, no, Reuben, no, you\u2019ve got it all wrong. He didn\u2019t know \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe did.\u201d Reuben insisted and glanced with anguished eyes at his mother before looking back at the two Downings \u201cI saw him shoot Jamie and then David, and then he looked aright at me, and I knew he was going to shoot me too, that\u2019s why I ran away, but then – then he -\u201d it was too much, the tears welled up and spilled over so that Olivia hurried over to him and knelt beside him, whispering reassurances in order to calm him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mr Downing sighed heavily then shook his head \u201cUseless, absolutely useless coming here to plead for any compassion and mercy from you that\u2019s obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia turned instantly and stood up to glare at them \u201cCompassion? Mercy? What compassion and mercy did your son show those boys, and my son?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPlease, Mrs Cartwright,\u201d Mrs Downing sobbed, \u201cLeslie is just a little boy too\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u201cMay be so, but your little boy is and always has been a bully, and if you had both taken him in check then what took place the other week would never have happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAre you insinuating that – that we\u2019re to blame?\u201d Downing shouted<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYour son, Mr Downing, obviously takes after you. Good day to you\u2026\u201d Olivia grabbed at the door and pulled it open wide enough to indicate it was time for them to leave.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Downing strode out cursing and swearing while his wife faltered at the door, she turned her sad face to Olivia \u201cMrs Cartwright, as a mother yourself \u2026\u201d she blinked, fresh tears seeped from her eyes, \u201cI have no right to encroach upon your time, I know that, I know \u2026 but I wanted you to know that I\u2019m so sorry, so very sorry\u2026 and that \u2026it\u2019s hard for us as well. My husbands a proud man, and this has hit him hard, harder than you may realise.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She stared mutely into Olivia\u2019s face and then lowered her eyes and shook her head with a deep sigh \u201cI can\u2019t change what has happened, I wish I could, but sheriff Canaday says the Circuit Judge will be here in a few weeks. They won\u2019t let Leslie out of jail, you know \u2026\u201d again the mute look of appeal and then the tears as she lowered her head \u201cThey won\u2019t let him home, even though my husband is prepared to pay any size bail they set.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia said nothing, her heart was touched by the woman\u2019s tears, as a mother she sympathised, but her mind told her that facts were facts, and if Candy wasn\u2019t prepared to allow the boy out of the cells then he had a good reason for so doing. She put her hand lightly on Mrs Downings arm \u201cI do feel for you, Mrs Downing, I truly do, as you say, being a mother myself one can\u2019t help but sympathise with the pain you must be feeling now. But \u2026 but there\u2019s nothing I can do to help you when \u2026\u201d she glanced over at Reuben and Sofia before returning to look at the other woman, \u201cGood bye, Mrs Downing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She stood at the doorway and watched as they made their way to the buggy, shook her head slightly and then quickly closed the door before turning to her children, hurried over to them and kneeling beside the wheelchair encircled them both in her arms in a close embrace as though only by doing so could she protect them from further harm.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy Coffee glanced over at his sister and frowned, then looked over at the clock on the wall, \u201cAren\u2019t you going out tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, Alfred has had to go to Placerville on business. He won\u2019t be back until Friday.\u201d she stabbed a needle into her tapestry and pulled through some thread, \u201cHe\u2019s a very busy man.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReally\u201c.\u201d Roy muttered with a touch of sarcasm in his voice, \u201cI thought from something he said that he had retired from business?\u201d but Rachel continued to smile complacently as she inserted the needle once again into her sewing. \u201cRachel, I know you feel that I am some kind of an old fool\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI never said so, brother.\u201d she replied sweetly although she didn\u2019t look at him at all.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, some things don\u2019t have to be said.\u201d Roy replied matter of factly, before he continued \u201cI don\u2019t like this Alfred Stone of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She said nothing but rather primly pursed her lips, the needle remained poised in thin air, before she lowered her arm and continued with her sewing. Roy cleared his throat \u201cI feel there\u2019s something about him that puts you in a lot of danger.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNonsense, you\u2019re just talking a load of rubbish, Roy.\u201d her sallow cheeks reddened and her eyes hardened. \u201cWhat kind of danger do you mean anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy scratched his head and wondered for a moment if he had left it too late for her to be reasonable were he to explain his fears now. He looked at the ring sparkling on her finger and then at her face, so pretty once upon a time in her youth, and still attractive despite the sadnesses she had endured during her life, he approached her and put his hand on her shoulder \u201cRachel, Alfred Stone is not the man you believe he is, and I accept the fact that you think that you love him, and that he loves you but \u2026 \u201c<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAre you jealous, Roy? Is that it? A man comes along and loves me enough to want to marry me, a man who has worked hard all his life, and now wants to settled down and provide for me\u2026 you\u2019re jealous because he still has his good looks, he\u2019s wealthy and he has romance in his soul\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cFor goodness sake, woman, he has no more romance in his soul than the man in the moon\u201d Roy snapped angrily, \u201cAll he\u2019s interested in is romancing you in order to get close to me -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat?\u201d her horror and amazement couldn\u2019t have been greater, the needle stabbed into her finger and she gave a gasp as it did so \u201cLook at what you made me do, you meddling silly little man.\u201d she got up from her seat, pushed him away and looked at her finger upon which a bead of blood was forming \u201cDon\u2019t you dare say another word about him. Don\u2019t you dare.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLan\u2019sakes, woman\u2026\u201d Roy cried as his sister turned and ran from the room, the door slammed hard enough to make the pictures on the wall swing back and forth, while he stared at it as though seeing it for far more than the barrier it presented between himself and his sister.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Norman Evans\u2019 mother looked at the clock on the wall of the little parlour in the home she shared with him. She had been a widow for nearly ten years now and Norman was her only son, her pride and joy. Like many lonely children Norman had grown to be an accommodating son, a young man who never gave her a moments anxiety \u2026 until now.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She looked at the plates and cutlery on the table and then at the clock again. Norman was late, and not by just a few moments which can happen after all due to some errand or other at the hotel, but by a full hour. That was something unheard of, Norman was never as late as an hour knowing that his mother would fret over every minute of it. He was that dear a son to her, considering her every feeling which revolved entirely around him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She sat down and forced herself not to look at the clock again, not until it struck the next hour.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Finding a body is never pleasant. Well, it just isn\u2019t something that many people actually do, that is, find a real body \u2026 dead and rather gruesomely so at that with the eyes distended in horror as though still seeing who had drawn the knife and thrust it into their vital organs.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The young couple had sat down on the bank of the river to watch the reflection of the stars in the dark mirror of the water – that\u2019s what they said in their statement to the sheriff later anyway – but as she stretched out a hand to recline further upon the bank, it touched something cold, something not very pleasant and when she looked she found her hand resting upon the cheek of a person she recognised as Norman Evans. It\u2019s just that he didn\u2019t really look like Norman Evans now, not the Norman she knew who had worked alongside her at the hotel for several years, he looked decidedly very unpleasant.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 57<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was no getting away from the fact that the man was ill. The jaundice and liverish condition of Profession Jefferson, noticed by Eaun, when they had first boarded had developed into a fever that the ships doctor pronounced as malaria. The diagnosis was given with some uncertainty but the treatment the patient was given was excellent, Eaun was a truly compassionate doctor and for that Jefferson had to be truly grateful.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    When Adam entered the cabin that had been allocated to him, Jefferson made some attempt to sit up, but failed to do so, sinking back against the pillows with a sigh and a trembling of his limbs that caused Adam to look reproachfully at Eaun as though the younger man were the cause of the Professors condition. \u201cHe\u2019s been ill for a long time,\u201d Eaun whispered, \u201cI\u2019m not saying that as an excuse for not diagnosing this earlier, merely stating the fact as he told me.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs that true, Professor Jefferson?\u201d Adam asked as he pulled up a chair upon which he seated himself by the mans bedside<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, yes, off and on for some months, managed to keep it at bay thanks to Anatoly but since he died -\u201d he waved a feeble hand as though the rest of what he wanted to say was unnecessary.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam leaned back against the chair and looked thoughtfully at the other man before looking at Euan \u201cJust how bad is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    MacPherson shook his head \u201cThere\u2019s not much more I can do for him\u2026 except keep him clean and comfortable. His constitution has weakened by continually fighting it off without proper medication for so long. If he had only said something when he came on board\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019re the doctor, you shouldn\u2019t have had to be told.\u201d Adam snapped angrily, and shook his head as though he was past patience with the man, he looked again at Jefferson, \u201cI had a message to say you wanted to talk to me in private.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, your steward very kindly said he would let you know I needed to speak to you, and perhaps, Captain Morton.\u201d Jefferson closed his eyes, the effort to keep them open was tiring him, so he was ignorant of Eaun leaving the cabin and his place being taken by Jotham.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you want to say, Professor?\u201d Adam asked gently as he placed a hand upon Jefferson\u2019s shoulder and felt the burning flesh through the cloth of the shirt the man was wearing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs Captain Morton here, Commodore?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI am.\u201d Jotham said in his deep voice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI want to tell you about my brother, so that you would understand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy you killed him?\u201d Jotham asked, stepping closer to the sick mans\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo. So that you could understand why some people would be glad he was dead, but not want too much attention paid to it.\u201d Jefferson sighed and indicated by a wave of the hand that he need to sit up in order to see them and speak.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Once the pillows had been positioned in a way that would not make sitting uncomfortable Howard Jefferson looked seriously at them both before he began to speak, mentioning immediately that he was not about to make a death bed confession to a crime and then he explained once again how Sackville Jefferson died, in the struggle between them while he, Sackville, had a knife in his hand and with it, either fell upon it or stabbed himself with it.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMatilda came into the room as a result of the noise of the fight, but Sackville was already dead by then. Niether of us is guilty of any crime. It was mere chance and unforeseen occurrence as the good book tells us happens\u2026 the knife could just as easily been stuck into me, which was Sackville\u2019s intention when he grabbed it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was a pause, neither Adam nor Jotham were inclined to speak, but waited for Howard to continue with what he had to say\u2026 after some seconds had passed the Professor opened his eyes and looked at them, first one and then the other, \u201cI want you to be witnesses of what I am saying. It\u2019s possible that you may never need to repeat what I say to anyone, in fact, it may be wiser if you never said a word – but I need you to know so that you will understand should anything – strange – happen in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cStrange? In what way do you mean?\u201d Jotham demanded rather impatiently, a little too much so for Adam raised a hand to signal him to calm down.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHave you ever heard of the Hellfire Club?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe what?\u201d Jotham glanced over at Adam who looked mystified, as an introduction to a confession or statement it was a strange question and at the lack of a response Howard sighed and closed his eyes as though mustering up the strength to explain for himself.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe Hellfire Club was the name given to clubs held during the last century in Britain and Ireland by the very worse kind of men. Rich men, involved in politics mostly, and usually from the aristocracy \u2026 they were depraved immoral assemblies where these men would meet to carry out the worst possible crimes. Because of their positions in politics and society they felt themselves immune to any form of punishment. The worst was the one established by Sir Francis Dashwood during the 1750\u2019s and 60\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He paused and gratefully accepted some water from the glass Adam held to his lips, \u201cMy brother was fascinated by the history of these clubs, and formed such a one himself. Men who are now prominent in our country\u2019s politics, in society, in industry, were happy to be members along with him. I doubt if any one of them would want it known now and \u2026and if it happens that I am brought to trial \u2026\u201d his voice faded and he sighed, \u201cWell, there would be some who would prefer that it did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYour sister in law, did she know about these clubs?\u201d Adam asked quietly and the man on the bed shook his head,<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, Matilda was – is – an innocent. I have no idea as to why anyone would want to involve her in this so called \u2018murder\u2019 when she wasn\u2019t even in the room when the struggle between us took place.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham and Adam looked at one another as though unsure as to how to now proceed, it was Adam who asked Howard why he felt it necessary to mention it to which the poor man said he had thought he had already made it quite clear. Jotham cleared his throat \u201cNot clear enough, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy brother was blackmailing some of those men who are so active in Government now, when he died they must have been delighted at having had such a pain in their sides removed at last. For some reason, I don\u2019t know what, or how, but they want to make sure – perhaps – that anyone involved with my brother who may know, have the faintest clue – should be removed, but -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cA murder trial will hardly remove information it will only bring it to everyone\u2019s attention.\u201d Adam murmured.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, yes, that\u2019s right – but if the accused are removed before there is a trial – do you see? Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam said nothing but sat very still, tapping his mouth with his forefinger as though the need to consider what had been said needed time and attention. Jotham began to pace the cabin, back and forth, before he stopped and looked thoughtfully down at the man on the bed \u201cIs this what you think could happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jefferson smiled coldly, a smile that spoke volumes \u201cI know it can, people in high positions can\u2019t afford to – to have people like me and Matilda around to be a reminder of their past infamous deeds.\u201d he heaved a sigh and closed his eyes \u201cI suppose it all sounds rather melodramatic, to you, perhaps \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you want of us? What can we do?\u201d Adam asked, leaning in closely towards the man in the bed who gave the slightest of shrugs and whispered \u201cI don\u2019t know what you can do, except help Matilda, keep her safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut if she knows \u2026\u201d Jotham said to which Jefferson replied with heartbreaking earnestness \u201cShe knows nothing about it, nothing at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam stood up, placed a hand on Jeffersons\u2019 shoulder and told him to sleep, that he had said all there was to say, now he had to get himself well. With a brisk nod of the head he indicated to Jotham that they left the cabin, by the time the door closed Professor Howard Jefferson was sound asleep.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It wasn\u2019t until they were in Adams quarters that Jotham asked Adam what was to be done about the man, and about the information he had passed onto them. Adam shook his head \u201cI don\u2019t know, Jotham. It feels like an almighty big albatross has just been hung around our necks, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He sat down behind his desk and stared over at the younger man who shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck, before admitting that he found the whole thing hard to believe only to hear Adam say that he had heard of such clubs, such activities, but only whispered about years ago when he was a student in Boston<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou mean, you really believe him?\u201d Jotham asked with his face looking slightly strained, he shook his head \u201cI find it all rather fanciful, unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded \u201cI agree, but there are some things in life that do appear unbelievable. While people accept that to be so, they don\u2019t look any further into matters that appear to be that way, and as a result evil perpetuates without justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI understand that view of it, but at the same time Professor Jefferson is expecting us to believe some very unpleasant things \u2026evil things as you put it \u2026 from some of our superiors.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam frowned and opened his desk drawer from which he withdrew a file, this he placed on the desk and without looking at Jotham asked him if he even believed that Jefferson was innocent of his brother\u2019s death. Jotham raised his eyebrows, paused to think for a moment and then said that he wasn\u2019t sure, but that he was only obeying orders anyway so it wasn\u2019t for him to judge.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m not asking you to do so,\u201d Adam responded with heavy emphasis on his words \u201cTell me, what precisely were you ordered to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIn this case?\u201d Jotham grimaced as though he found it strange to be asked this question when the matter had been dealt with now, \u201cI was ordered to locate and then arrest Professor Jefferson for the murder of his brother, Sackville Jefferson and then to turn him over to you in order for you to transport him back to America.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs that the precise wording of your order?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham stared at Adam for a second before he gave a slight shrug of the shoulders, his injured arm caused him to wince by doing so but he replied quietly \u201cYes, to locate him and arrest him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWere you not also to ensure whether he was in fact dead or alive?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham gave a slight laugh \u201cBut that\u2019s obvious\u2026 if he was dead the case was closed, but if alive then to arrest him and bring him back to your ship to be transported back to America.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNothing else?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, my responsibility to him was at an end when I handed him over to yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded \u201cVery good, thank you, Jotham.\u201d he looked thoughtfully down at the file and raised his eyebrows \u201cI have to deliver him – dead or alive – but somehow or other, I get the distinct feeling that it would be preferred if he arrived – dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham shivered, and passed a nervous hand across his mouth \u201cI hate to admit it, Adam, but I was thinking the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd by passing on this information – if it is true – then Professor Jefferson passes on the danger to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham stared into Adam\u2019s brown eyes and then turned away \u201cThat, sir, is not a comforting thought at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 58<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was happening all over again \u2026 the boys cold eyes in that round smooth face staring at him, the gun raised and the knowledge those eyes contained that sent adrenalin pulsing through the younger boys veins, propelling him to move as fast as he ever could and not even feeling the slap of the bullet in his body, nor the warm gush of blood flowing down his clothing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMa. Ma.\u201d he turned and twisted, the clothing was suffocating him all over again, he couldn\u2019t breathe and the horror was that when he opened his eyes there was Leslie Downing staring down at him, gloating, a smile widening his fat lips so that they stretched across his teeth and he was laughing, even as he aimed the gun another time \u201cMa. Ma.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He couldn\u2019t see, he couldn\u2019t feel anything other than t he panic that was choking him, he wanted to cry, but he couldn\u2019t catch his breath to do so, all he could do was gasp and heave for air so that when hands finally reached out and touched him he screamed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia bowed her head and closed her eyes as she kept one hand on Reuben\u2019s shoulder and covered her face with the other. She was exhausted with the worry of this child, from the care of the baby, from the demands of her daughter, and now with Downings visit had come the nightmares, the screaming at night which, at times, woke the baby.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben, Reuben darling, wake up, come on now, wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He struggled to let go of the dream, it wasn\u2019t clear really whether the dream possessed him or he the dream, but finally he opened his eyes and leaned into her to sob until he was too tired to sob any more. She stroked his back and his hair while all the time whispering endearments, and reassurances that she was there, she would never leave him, he was quite safe.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy did they come, Ma? Why did they come?\u201d he finally whispered as he felt the cool air touch his burning skin.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cProbably to reassure themselves that you were alright.\u201d she replied and kissed his brow, \u201cThat\u2019s all, they were concerned for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWill they tell him?\u201d his voice wavered, \u201cThey will, won\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She sighed and looked down at the frightened little face staring up at her, then she cupped her hands around his face and looked into his eyes from which tears trickled \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter if they do tell him, he can\u2019t do anything to you, Reuben, he\u2019s locked up in a cell and Candy won\u2019t let him go. You\u2019re safe, you\u2019re here, with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey said he didn\u2019t know the gun was loaded but that was a lie, he did know.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sweetheart, he did, but-\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy did they lie? Do they want me to lie as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She wiped a tear from his cheek and smiled down at him although her throat was tight as she spoke \u201cReuben, you know that we wouldn\u2019t want you to lie, you have to tell the truth always. Always.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut – I\u2019m scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to be scared about, darling, nothing. All you have to do is go and walk into that courtroom and tell the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben looked at her, his eyes flicked away and stared at the corner of the room, \u2018walk\u2019 she had said, but how could he? How could he walk into the room, any room, ever again?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut .. But I \u2026 I can\u2019t.\u201d he stammered and moved back as though to get away from her now, as though the comfort she had brought was now insufficient, something he no longer needed or desired.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben, my dear boy, look at me now\u2026\u201d she gave him the slightest of shakes, just enough to reinforce the fact that she needed him to pay her attention. \u201cWhen we moved to the little house in the woods, with gran\u2019ma, do you remember what it was like?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYe-es\u201d he looked doubtful, wondering what she was intending to say with this talk about the Double D.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd do you remember that time when Adam was ill? He was found by Matt who brought him to our house \u2026 do you remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He frowned, a vague memory stirred, it wasn\u2019t really that long ago but life had been so full of adventures since then, rather than say anything he nodded and waited for her to continue.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe reason he was ill was because of the injury he had to his leg. It was a very severe burn, Reuben, and it caused him a great deal of pain..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201c\u2026 but he could still walk on it, couldn\u2019t he?\u201d he interrupted her, hoping to divert attention from the story so that the subject could be discontinued.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWith enormous difficulty. It was so bad that Dr Martin wanted to cut his leg off, but Adam refused, he wanted to be able to walk on both his legs, not be crippled which would have happened if Paul had had his way.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut he walks just fine now, doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, most of the time he does.\u201d Olivia smiled and then her face dropped back into anxious severity \u201cReuben, Adam refused to give in to his pain, his fight was to beat the pain not let it beat him.\u201d after a slight pause and staring into his eyes, she whispered \u201cDo you understand what that means?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut – but Pa didn\u2019t see what happened, he didn\u2019t see, Ma, he doesn\u2019t even know what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia lowered her arms and shook her head as though now words had failed her. What could she say to those words, it seemed more like an accusation than a statement of fact and it was true, after all, where was Adam now when she needed him so much? She walked to the window and drew back the curtain to gaze up at the sky and tried to imagine her husband doing the same wherever he happened to be at that moment in time. Then she turned to her son and smiled \u201cHe may not be here, but he\u2019s missing us, thinking about us, I know that for sure, and he\u2019d want to know we were all safe, and well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMa, I do want to walk again, I truly do, but my head doesn\u2019t let me. I sometimes think that I\u2019ll get up and go for a walk, but then my head says not to go, not even to try and then when I do try my legs won\u2019t work, they just won\u2019t, Ma. Cheng Ho Lee\u2019s exercises make me think they will and Hop Sing helps but it doesn\u2019t make my head tell my legs to walk no matter what they do.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He could hear the rustle of her clothes over the rug as she came to his side and knelt down beside the bed, once again her hand touched his face, very gently, and he could see she was smiling at him \u201cJust keep doing the exercises, darling, your legs will get stronger and one day you will find yourself able to walk again. Adam had to do exercises, and they caused him so much pain, but he didn\u2019t give in. So, Reuben, don\u2019t give in, keep fighting to make your mind want your legs to walk again. Will you do that for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, ma. But my mind -\u201d his voice trailed away and he looked across to the window where the curtains, still pulled aside, exposed the vast span of stars in the night sky \u201cI\u2019m scared that it\u2019ll happen again, that he\u2019ll get me next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe can\u2019t get you, dear. He\u2019s in prison.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut his Pa might, his Pa doesn\u2019t like us and he\u2019s mean, like Leslie, and he might come and – and get me.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIn which case, dear,\u201d Olivia rose to her feet and tweaked his nose \u201cYou\u2019ll need your legs to run away and get Gran\u2019pa to help you, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben frowned and thought that over a little while before saying in a whisper \u201cI\u2019d rather it were Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy listened to what Candy had to tell him about the finding of Norman\u2019s body and bowed his head. He listened to Candy\u2019s slow deliberate way of passing on the facts before he looked up and glanced around the room, shook his head as though in denial, and then tugged at his moustache \u201cWhere was Alfred Stone at the time?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlfred Stone?\u201d Candy looked bemused and raised his eyebrows \u201cWhat has Mr Stone to do with all this?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause Norman was worried, concerned if you prefer, about Alfred Stone. He told me, and he told your deputy, that he thought the man was suspicious, that there was something odd about him. I didn\u2019t listen as close as I should have done, having things on my mind at the time, but I told him to get more facts and come back with them later. Seems he won\u2019t be doing that now. I let him down. It\u2019s my fault he\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t think you can blame yourself, Roy.\u201d Candy said gently and placed a h and on the old mans shoulder, \u201cNorman was always thinking up mysteries, you know that \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI always told him to look out for anything that struck him as odd. When he was a boy he used to \u2019ride\u2019 on my shoulders, it was after his Pa died.\u201d Roy frowned at the memory and shook his head \u201cHis Pa died while out looking for a killer, riding with my posse trying to hunt down some no goods, so I took a kinda interest in the boy. The council didn\u2019t like their sheriff walking around town with a little boy perched on his shoulders, they tried to get rid of me then \u2026 but Norman was a good lad, inquisitive, intelligent too. No, Candy, you\u2019re being kind but it ain\u2019t true, it\u2019s my fault .. All my fault.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDodds told me that Norman had come in and talked about some customer in the hotel but Dodds didn\u2019t pay no mind to it, perhaps he should have done.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPerhaps.\u201d Roy sighed and settled down into his chair with a deep frown on his face as he tried to remember all that Norman had said about the customer in room 201.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy shook his head and glanced anxiously at the old man before deciding to take his leave, he knew Dr Martin was tending to Mrs Evans, and that Dr Schofield was checking on the body in the hopeful fancy of finding some clue as to the killer. He bade Roy goodnight and quietly left the house.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 59<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Julian Camms looked up as Roy entered the hotel early the following morning, he gave the old ex-sheriff a wide smile and nod of the head \u201cGood morning, Mr Coffee, a pleasure to see you here today.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs it?\u201d Roy sighed and then shook his head \u201cI take it you don\u2019t know about Norman?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNorman? You mean Norman Evans?\u201d Camms frowned and looked worried, he glanced over at a fellow member of staff who drew closer, curious as to what was going on \u201cHe\u2019s late for work, that\u2019s all I can tell you. Is his mother ill again?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNorman was killed last night, he\u2019s dead.\u201d Roy replied bluntly and watched as the two men reacted much as he had expected them to, \u201cI need to ask you some questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, such as?\u201d Julian leaned forward, eager to give what information he could in order to gain information himself.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The other man cleared his throat loudly \u201cYou can\u2019t ask questions now, Mr Coffee , you ain\u2019t the sheriff here anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cS\u2019right, you ain\u2019t,\u201d Julian sighed and stood straighter although he looked disappointed. \u201cI suppose sheriff Canaday will be in to ask questions soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo doubt, but I wanted to ask you about a client of yours, not about Norman\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, well, that\u2019s different \u2026what client is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlfred Stone.\u201d Roy puffed out his cheeks and raised his eyebrows \u201cHe\u2019s jest got himself engaged to my sister, and I need to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cUnderstandably, of course you would\u2026 but I\u2019m afraid he isn\u2019t in town. He left for Placerville – oh let me see – not yesterday, but the day before. He\u2019s kept his room though, said he\u2019d be back in a day or two.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs that right? Gone to Placerville huh?\u201d Roy frowned and pursed his lips, he looked at Julian who was regarding him steadily still hopeful for some grains of information to drop into his lap and which he could pass on to others later. \u201cHmmm, I need to get into his room, leave him a message.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr Coffee, you can\u2019t do that, if you want to leave him a message you\u2019d best leave it here and I\u2019ll make sure he gets it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Both men looked disappointed for similar reasons, both men regarded the other before Julian got involved in looking at the register and Roy turned to leave, his chin resting on his chest as if he were in deep thought.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He strolled over to the telegraph and cable depot and scrawled out a message to the sheriff in Placerville. After passing it over to Eddy he walked to the sheriffs office where he found Candy and Clem Foster, he looked around the room \u201cWhere\u2019s Dodds?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMr Dodds has retired from the law keeping business.\u201d Clem drawled and gave his rifle a brisker polish with the old cloth he had in his hand, \u201cHe decided he\u2019d had enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI decided I\u2019d had enough of Dodds to be more accurate.\u201d Candy said as he placed the rifle he\u2019d been cleaning back on the rack, \u201cWhat can I do for you, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI wanted to know if you had any information about Norman yet, or if I have to go and get it from Schofield.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy frowned and walked over to the stove where the coffee was brewing, he poured some into the three mugs \u201cRoy, this isn\u2019t your business any more,\u201d he handed the hot brew over to the older man \u201cDon\u2019t interfere.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m not interfering, and if you don\u2019t mind my saying so but I object to that word being used, I just want to have some information in order to help with enquiries.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clem looked over at Candy and knew from the fixed look on the mans face that Roy was going to lose on this particular matter, he sighed and picked up a cup and sipped the coffee, \u201cDodds said that Norman was concerned about a guest at the hotel, he even mentioned the room number -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201c201\u201d Roy muttered, which caused Candy and Clem to glance over at one another before they looked at Roy \u201cBelongs to Alfred Stone.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cStone\u2019s in Placerville. He went long before Norman was killed, Roy\u201d Candy said quietly, \u201cThat much I can tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou found the weapon that killed the boy?\u201d Roy stared at them over the rim of his cup, steam rose and misted his glasses but he pretended that had no effect on whether or not he could still see them, he continued to glare in their direction.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, the killer must have taken it with him.\u201d Candy replied slowly and sat down at his desk, \u201cRoy, I\u2019m really busy right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy emptied the cup and put it back on the stove, he nodded over at Clem and bade Candy goodbye before leaving the office. He stood for a while on the sidewalk and looked up and down to watch the comings and goings of the people he had so often called his family. He knew some were good, some weren\u2019t so good, and some were plain evil\u2026 but he cared for them, even now, he cared for them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Eddy passed over the slip of paper and watched as Roy read it. He could tell from the tightening around a mans jaw whether or not it contained good news, or bad. Roy re-read it slowly, his lips framing the words and then he tucked it into his pocket and thanked the clerk before strolling back to the Whitney Hotel.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The key was on a hook just dangling there for all to see, and there were no members of staff around to see him as he reached out and removed it. Without breaking his stride he hurried up the stairs until he located the room, and very quietly turned the key in the lock and pushed it open.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The rooms were very tidy and neat, the strong smell of the mans preferred cologne still permeated through and around the whole suite. As Roy carefully made his way from room to room he half expected to find Stone lounging around somewhere, nonchalant and smug, with those dark blue eyes staring at him in brazen challenge. Roy opened each door with a caution that he had learned through many years of experience.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He opened the wardrobe and found some suits hanging there, some shoes highly polished, and clean shirts. In the drawers everything that was folded there was clean and in order. Under the bed yielded nothing, except some dust and a brass button. He stood up, brushed down his pants and then stared thoughtfully at the dressing table. What, he asked himself, had Norman seen that had made him so concerned about Alfred Stone.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As he stood there he wondered if he had got it all wrong, perhaps Stone was an innocent businessman who had fallen in love with Rachel, perhaps \u2026 but then there was the cable in his pocket, and this Roy pulled out to read over once again before tucking it back out of sight.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The dressing table yielded no clue as to Stone being anything other than what he claimed to be, and Roy felt disappointed that his examination had yielded no results. He shook his head at his reflection in the mirror and bowed his head in thought\u2026 then he smelt it, that strange smell that he had caught a drift of once or twice after Stone had been in the house. It wasn\u2019t strong, after all the cologne he used smothered most smells for miles, but this particular odour lingered \u2026Roy opened the drawers of the dressing table but found them empty, all except for some stands of hair that was stuck to the bottom of one drawer, and the reason it was stuck was because of the glue, the kind of gum that actors used when they needed to disguise themselves.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He left the room quickly, locked the door and replaced the key before anyone had had a chance of noticing it had gone. Without pausing for a moment he went to the livery and had his horse saddled, there was only one man he could think of who could help him now and with thoughts of what to say to him, Roy slowly rode out towards the Ponderosa<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 60<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The cable did not really say very much but what was said signified enough to Roy that the man who was supposed to be in Placerville had never arrived. Ben read it thoughtfully and then handed it back with a furrowed brow and half hooded eyes \u201cRoy, what do you propose to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cFind him, of course, and bring him back to hang for what he\u2019s done. He got away with murdering those women, Ben, he can\u2019t be allowed to escape justice for what he\u2019s done to Norman.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben sighed, rubbed the back of his neck and paced back and forth several times before reminding Roy that there was no proof, no evidence whatsoever, to pin the murder of Norman Evans on Alfred Stone. Roy listened patiently but only because it was Ben who was speaking, had it been Candy or anyone else he would have exploded with exasperation.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know that, but I don\u2019t need no evidence, I know that he killed Norman.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cRoy, how can you know?\u201d Ben shook his head and then stared at the old man intently, he could see the resolve in Roys face, the stubborn determination to go ahead with or without him, \u201cWhere do you think he would have gone if not to Placerville?\u201d he asked with resignation.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cA rat always returns to its hole, don\u2019t matter where it is, but I know where he\u2019ll have gone and that\u2019s back to where he lived before he was arrested.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019re still convinced Alfred Stone is Harry Cochrane?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPositive. Young Norman provided me with some facts, which I should have paid more attention to at the time, and I found some proof in his rooms.\u201d Roy sucked his teeth for a moment and narrowed his eyes, then glanced over at Ben \u201cI don\u2019t blame you for not wanting to be involved, after all, I ain\u2018t the law any more, but seems to me that young Candy is dragging his heels somewhat, apart from which he don\u2019t have the motivation to get this dealt with like I have.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat motivation is that, Roy?\u201d Ben sighed as he walked to the bureau to get his gun belt and hat.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTo stop him murdering my sister, of course.\u201d Roy frowned and shook his head now as he followed Ben out of the house, \u201cRachel may not like it, but if she carries on like she is, she\u2019s going to end up deader\u2019n than last weeks steak. She may be annoying in some of her ways, and in a lot of ways she\u2019s a pain in the – mmm – but she\u2019s still my sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben said nothing to that but called over to Hester who was coming from the barn \u201cI\u2019m with Roy for an hour or so.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She smiled and nodded, called a greeting to the other man and went on her way, Hope held in her arm and straddling her hip with Hannah skipping along beside her.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The building to which Roy led Ben was nestled in among some trees on the road to Carson City. It had taken them over two hours to reach it and when Ben looked down at it from the crest of the hill a coil of smoke appeared to prove Roys speculations correct. He glanced at his old friend and noticed the way Roys eyes had narrowed and his fingers touched the butt of his gun as though already in anticipation of a shoot out with his adversary.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you think it\u2019s him down there? Could be anyone?\u201d Ben murmured.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, it\u2019s him. He had to go someplace to hide out and then hed have returned and pretended he\u2019d been in Placerville all along. No one believes me that he\u2019s Cochrane so they don\u2019t think about his place. Candy don\u2019t even know it exists.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCan\u2019t blame Candy for that\u2026\u201d Ben said evenly, and followed Roy as he walked his horse down a narrow track through the trees down the hill. \u201cWhat do you intend to do? Knock on the door and expect to be invited in?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMay be.\u201d Roy said sourly, \u201cHe ain\u2019t expecting no visitors. He especially won\u2019t be expecting us.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben shook his head \u201cI really think that we should just make sure that he\u2019s there and then go and get Candy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy?\u201d Roy scowled and pulled his hat lower<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause that keeps things within the confines of the law. Stone or Cochrane whoever he is, could accuse us of attacking him while he was innocently going about his business.\u201d Ben heard himself saying the words while his mind was occupied with how to prevent Roy from acting in a way that at one time he would have considered unlawful.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy responded with a shake of the head and a shrug of the shoulders. He observed the building thoughtfully for a moment or two before edging his horse around to the back where a horse was feeding from a hay bag, he glanced over at Ben and nodded towards the animal \u201cRecognise it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s one that Amanda has at the livery, hired out regular, I see it almost every week being used by someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

    He dismounted carefully and walked towards the other animal with the reins of his own horse in his hands, behind him Ben did the same, feeling slightly vulnerable as they were clearly exposed to anyone who happened to step out through the door and stroll around the back. Roy paused \u201cYou keep hold of the reins while I go and check if he\u2019s here.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI thought you were sure he was.\u201d Ben muttered through gritted teeth<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cUh-huh, but then I was acting on what my gut said, now I want to be sure 100% \u2026 ain\u2019t that what you jest suggested?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded and took the reins with one hand although he withdrew his gun as a precaution. Roy walked stiffly but quietly to the cabin, stepped onto the porch and very carefully made his way along until he disappeared from Ben\u2019s sight.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben waited for some moments with the sun scorching his back thinking over the reasons why he had decided to accompany Roy on this trip. He was beginning to think what a waste of time it had been, and what a fool he was feeling, when the silence was shattered by gunfire. It was so sudden that Ben hadn\u2019t time to think but ran towards the wall of the building with his gun raised and as he prepared to make his way to the front a man ran towards him, gun in hand and obviously with no intention of anyone getting in his way.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Both men paused momentarily, Ben stood straight and shouted \u201cYou\u2019re under arrest.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was only one answer to that statement, the other man fired his gun several times and Ben went down, falling heavily like a sack of grain upon the hard backed ground. He was dimly aware of the sound of a horse cantering away until the sound faded along with the echoes of the gunshots.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hop Sing observed Reuben thoughtfully as Cheng Ho Lee went through the exercises they had devised to strengthen the legs. Olivia had told the old man of the conversation she had had with her son, and now he was wondering how he could turn it to good use.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben was staring up at the ceiling, his mind drifting over various inconsequential things, he had become accustomed to the exercises, but as they appeared to have no effect in enabling him to walk he attached no importance to them any more. Hop Sing came and placed a hand on his shoulder \u201cWhy you not try to stand on feet now?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut I might fall over.\u201d the child replied.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh, no worry, you fall, I catch.\u201d Hop Sing smiled and looked at Cheng Ho Lee who nodded and began to help Reuben into a sitting position. \u201cWhen Mr Adam have bad leg, sometimes it was very painful for him to stand.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s not painful for me.\u201d Reuben replied, \u201cit\u2019s just that my legs don\u2019t want to stand up.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hop Sing nodded as though he understood entirely why legs performed one day and then chose not to do so another, he watched as Reuben was helped to stand up with Cheng Ho Lee supporting him. \u201cNow see if you can stand alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reubens face registered panic, his hands flailed, and his eyes rounded as he felt his support leave him. As expected his legs crumpled and Hop Sing caught him before he fell onto the floor \u201cSee? I told you what would happen? My legs don\u2019t want to stand \u2026 they don\u2019t want to do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSometimes mind tells body not to do things, when the mind has been hurt it gets scars, just like your father has scar on leg, you have scar on mind.\u201d Hop Sing said quietly as he assisted Cheng Ho Lee in getting the boy back onto the bed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut the bullet went into my side, not my head.\u201d Reuben mumbled rubbing at his face in case tears were evident.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh, that wound heal very good, little scar, no pain. But wound in mind very serious. Not healed yet. Scar painful.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you mean, Hop Sing?\u201d he blinked, toppling over had been humiliating and he felt ashamed that so much time spent on helping him to have strong legs had failed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou sleep and dream .. Is that not so?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, always the same dream. I keep seeing Leslie Downing with that gun\u2026 and his face..and his eyes staring at me. I keep seeing Jamie fall down. He bounced you know, when he hit the ground, I remember it \u2026and I keep seeing it in my dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhen mind heal good, you will stand, you will walk. We must heal your mind as well as make sure legs strong for you when brain say to legs \u2026walk.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow can I heal my brain, Hop Sing?\u201d the boy whispered. \u201cCan Dr Martin make it better?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBoy make own brain better. You see \u2026 you will heal yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben frowned and closed his eyes. For a moment he lay very still willing his brain to get better until a little doubt crept in, and he realised he wasn\u2019t very sure about what to say or how to say it. He opened his eyes and looked over at Hop Sing who appeared to be interested in something else, a recipe for a soup he wanted to prepare that evening.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHop Sing, how do I make my brain better?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The old man smiled and nodded as he approached the bed, he put a hand on the boys shoulders much as he would have done years before when Hoss or Joe were small like Reuben was now \u201cFirst you teach yourself to change your dream. You can do that, it is not hard. You cannot change what happened, but you must remember ..you are alive. You did not get killed by bad boy \u2026 so, you tell your mind that next time you dream it will be different, you will not be afraid of the boy with the gun. You tell brain when I sleep I will be brave. I will change my dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI will change my dream.\u201d Reuben intoned and frowned, \u201cI think I can do that, at least I can try, can\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hop Sing nodded, his smile widened \u201cWhen dream change, you get courage. You will see, you will see.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cheng Ho Lee bowed as Hop Sing turned to leave the room, they were in agreement, they understood how mind and body worked together, now it was for the boy to do his part.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben felt as though everything was whirling around, as though he were on a carousel. For a moment all he could do was raise himself by one arm and lean upon it, then wait until the ground stopped spinning. After some moments he was able to get to his feet, staggered a little and made his way to the wall of the building upon which he could lean. He felt blood down his arm and upon checking noticed that a bullet had creased the skin, torn his shirt, and the blood wasn\u2019t gushing so it was nothing too severe. He felt his head and realised that a bullet had obviously creased across his scalp, probably what had caused him to pass out.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cRoy?\u201d he yelled, his voice raising an echo but nothing more. \u201cRoy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He stumbled along for a few paces until he was able to get strength in his legs and get to the front of the cabin. Then he stopped, froze in despair at the sight of his old friend lying on his back, his gun still in his hand, blood seeping into the ground from the wound in his chest. \u201cRoy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Panic and fear for his friend brought him swiftly to Roy\u2019s side, he knelt there, with Roys hand in his own while he checked for some sign of life. After a moment or two the faded blue eyes of the ex-sheriff opened and a vague smile appeared on his lips \u201cBen? I was right. It was him. Harry Cochrane.\u201d a sigh and the eyes closed \u201cI was right.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 61<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was a surreal moment, one that Ben thought he would never forget for the rest of his life. As Roys eyes closed and the fingers around Ben\u2019s hand tightened and then slipped away to fall lifeless upon the earth the rancher could only stare in horror and then, when the sound of horses approaching could be heard, wonder if Cochrane had returned to make sure his adversary was dead.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was instinct to draw out his gun and get to his feet, standing as though on guard over Roys body Ben faced the approaching horsemen before lowering the weapon with relief as the three men drew nearer. It was Joe who dismounted and reached his father\u2019s side first, swiftly followed by Hoss while Luke Dent shouted that he\u2019d go for the doctor even without knowing whether an undertaker would have been more appropriate.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCarry him into the cabin,\u201d Ben said in a whisper, as though speaking too loudly would have killed Roy off for certain.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss scooped Roy up in his arms and most carefully made his way to where the door stood open, followed by Joe who was holding Roys hat as though it were some kind of sacred relic, and Ben who was rubbing his chin and wondering if Roy really could be dead after all.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s still breathing, Pa.\u201d Hoss said quietly, \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ll tell you in a moment.\u201d Ben replied placing his hand upon Hoss\u2019 chest, \u201cThank goodness you came along when you did\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe heard gun fire,\u201d Joe glanced around the cabin \u201cWho does this belong to?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDoes it matter?\u201d came the answer as Ben slowly knelt at the bedside and felt for Roy\u2019s pulse. \u201cHe\u2019s an old man, a bullet in the chest could kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGet something to stop the blood, Joe.\u201d Hoss suggested as he hovered near the bed and looked down at the pallid features of one of their oldest and dearest friends, \u201cAnd some water.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He tore open the shirt and both he and his father looked at the wound, then looked at one another. \u201cI hope to goodness that there\u2019s a doctor available in town, and gets here fast.\u201d Hoss muttered, \u201cIts missed his heart, and his lungs, for Pete\u2019s sake, that was a miracle in itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHere -\u201d Ben turned and took the bowl of water and towel from Joe, \u201cI\u2019ll clean him up. Joe, if possible, make some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut, Pa, you\u2019re hurt too\u2026\u201d Joe stammered, \u201cWhat\u2019s been going on while we\u2019ve been away?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMake the coffee and I\u2019ll tell you. Hoss, I\u2019m alright, stop fussing, it\u2019s just a graze, took off some of my hide that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Staying close to Roys side, wiping around his face and moistening his lips with water, Ben told the younger men about Roys suspicions regarding the man who was courting Rachel Darrow, how no one seemed to be concerned and how Norman had been killed. Roy had done some detective work of his own which had led them both here, the cabin where Harry Cochrane had once lived all those years ago.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPoor Norman.\u201d Hoss sighed and shook his head, \u201cI can remember how he was always tagging around after Roy when he was a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy groaned a little then, perhaps somewhere deep in the recesses of his mind the name of his young companion had triggered some memory, he raised a hand and seized that of Bens even though his eyes didn\u2019t open and he said nothing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe poured out coffee, thick, black and strong, as he did so he glanced around the cabin \u201cHe kept it pretty clean and tidy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose he had the time to get it spruced up, he said he was going to Placerville for a few days, but he never got there, just sat the time out here.\u201d Ben murmured and again wiped around Roys face to remove the perspiration. \u201cHe\u2019s getting feverish.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you expect?\u201d Hoss replied \u201cThat\u2019s a pretty nasty wound.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe sighed and cradled his mug between his hands, \u201cWhat else has happened since we\u2019ve been gone? Is everyone alright? What happened about that incident at the school?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben swallowed a lump in his throat and drew his hand across his mouth, \u201cCandys waiting for the Circuit Judge, Leslie Downings in jail\u2026 Candy wouldn\u2019t allow bail.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGood, nor would I have done. I\u2019d have thrown away the key if\u2019n it had been me sheriff instead of him.\u201d Joe muttered between clenched teeth, \u201cHow\u2019s Reuben? The last cable I got from Mary Ann said that he was still unable to walk.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded, \u201cYes, but Hop Sing and Cheng Ho Lee are working on it, hopefully they may have more success than the conventional doctors.\u201d he smiled although it was more of a grimace than a smile \u201cEven I\u2019ve began to appreciate just how well their treatments seem to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss gave the briefest of smiles \u201cThat\u2019s because they love their patients, Pa\u2026 Cheng Ho Lee and Hop Sing, they love our family, you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded, for a while all three men allowed their memories to wander down the years and together they shared some of the time Hop Sing had used his knowledge of herbs and old Chinese cures to get them through some terrible times. Eventually Ben pushed his empty cup to one side and looked at Roy who was beginning to breath with more difficulty \u201cI hope to goodness he survives this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss and Joe shared a quick glance between them and said nothing. Hoss pulled up a chair and sat down opposite his brother and pushed his mug towards the coffee pot which Joe refilled. \u201cWe had a good trip, Pa. No problems, really straightforward and good prices for the cattle.\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss turned sideways in order to see Ben \u201cLuke did well too, well enough to build a new barn and pay off some of his debts.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded but his mind was on other things, his sons might as well have told him that they had gone to the moon for all the interest he showed.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel Darrow read the letter and frowned thoughtfully before slipping it back in the envelope. She was standing at the depot waiting for the stage to Placerville and just needed to re-read the letter from Alfred to make sure she had got her directions correct. It had been harder than she had thought it to be, leaving her brothers house and protection in such a furtive manner and she now regretted some of the harsh things she had said to him recently.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    If only Roy had been more accommodating, a little pleasanter towards Alfred, instead of making him feel so unwelcome in their home and looking at him as though he suspected every word he uttered. It was just too bad, too bad.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie Martin passed her by and then paused \u201cWhy, Rachel, are you going on a holiday?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel flushed a little around the neck and then nodded graciously \u201cYes, just for a little while. I thought it would be good for Roy and I to have a break from one another.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie looked at the other woman and recognised a shifty look when she saw one, she sighed, knowing that Rachel was not a woman to tell anyone anything that she didn\u2019t want them to know, so she nodded in acceptance of the lie \u201cI hope you have a pleasant time, Rachel, and come home safely.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As she walked away from the depot with her parasol shielding her from the heat of the sun and the dust from the road, Bridie wondered why she had said that, \u2018come back safely\u2019, why on earth shouldn\u2019t Rachel Darrow come home safely. She paused at the haberdashery shop, recently opened and doing very well, she glanced back to the depot where Rachel was now boarding the coach. It was all very strange.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Walking briskly through town she turned from the main thoroughfare to the street where Roy shared his home with his sister. Hoping that she wasn\u2019t going to appear an interfering busy body and earn herself a scolding from her husband she hurried along the path and knocked on the door \u2026 the silence from within was sufficient to confirm the house was empty.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Feeling now quite uncomfortable Bridie composed herself and decided that really she had no business being there anyway and left the premises. As she closed the gate behind her she turned back to look at the house. Its closed windows only seemed to stare silently back as though they were hugging a secret to themselves which they had no intention to divulge.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSilly woman,\u201d she scolded herself and with a slight shake of the head, which required an adjustment to her bonnet, she made her way to her own home.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Marcy Dent gave Mary Ann a kiss on each cheek before she got into her one horse buggy. As always she was excited at the thought of seeing Luke again, the weeks had seemed never ending since he had gone on the cattle drive with the Cartwrights and Derwent Jessop. Now it was time to get back home. She tied the strings of her bonnet neatly and turned to wave goodbye to Mary Ann who was standing at the door with Daniel in her arms with a smile and a wave for her.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mary Ann watched the other woman leave and stepped slowly back into the house. It seemed so empty. She hugged Daniel close and whispered \u201cDaddy will be home soon, won\u2019t that be fun?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDaddy\u201d Daniel said and nodded, then wriggled to get down so that he could run about and find his toys to play with and as she watched her little boy running across the room his mother smiled thoughtfully and followed along behind him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It had been a pleasant few weeks with Marcy to keep her company. It made her realise just how much she missed Bridie\u2019s company and how much work that dear woman had spared her from day to day. She was grateful indeed that Hop Sing collected the laundry to take to his cousin for washing every week, although that never included her own little personal bits and pieces which she preferred to wash herself and see blowing in the breeze on the line.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Now as she watched her son playing contentedly with his toys she was reminded that Joe would soon be home and he would be hungry, and with a slight skip in her heart she turned to her kitchen to continue preparations for their first meal together for weeks.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel sat in the stage and watched as the town slipped away from view. She smiled secretively to herself and thought of this new beginning in her life with Alfred. It was sad that even he had had to refer to Roys antipathy towards him, as he had written in the letter \u2018 I cannot see us being happy together while you brother harbours this strange dislike of \u00a0me. So, my dear, I have sought out and found the perfect property for us.\u2019<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She day dreamed a little as she wondered what kind of property it would be and the couple sitting opposite her smiled at her because they assumed that her dreamy smiles were intended for them. The further the town faded from view the less reproach Rachel felt for leaving her brother in this sudden manner. She thought over some other phrases from Alfred\u2019s letter \u2018I have asked the preacher to conduct the wedding once the banns have been read. Please do not be angry with me, my darling, for doing this, I love you too much to want to offend you but when you see your new home .. I am sure you will understand my longing to make you my wife so quickly.\u2019<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The only cause for anxiety had been Alfred\u2019s request not to let Roy know where she was going, or when. She nodded over at the other couple as they nodded at her, it wouldn\u2019t be long before she was with him, her future husband, and, she had to admit to herself with some sincerity, this wasn\u2019t the first time in her life she had kept a secret from her brother.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A horseman galloped past the stage and for some moments she struggled to remember who it was, she could recall the face but not the name.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy listened with mounting anxiety to what Luke Dent told him and Clem about Roys condition and then wanted to know the answer to so many questions that Luke had to insist he knew nothing about ..\u201dI left Joe and Hoss to attend to them, it was obvious a doctor and yourself were urgently needed, there was no point in hanging around there while Roy bled to death.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou\u2019ll have to come back with us,\u201d Candy said, \u201c I have no idea where this cabin is that you\u2019re describing – do you, Clem?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clem nodded, and with a sigh walked to the rack of rifles from where he took down one of them, \u201cIf I recall rightly it belonged to Harry Cochrane -\u201d he darted a sharp look at Candy who had released a sharp intake of breath, \u201c No doubt that was the reason why Roy went there, because he believed that Cochrane had gone back there.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Luke frowned, having no idea of who they were talking about he just shook his head and then muttered \u201cWell, looks like he found him, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dr Scofield was in his buggy and already proceeding out of town with a vague idea of the location of the cabin from Luke\u2019s description. When the three horsemen galloped by he flicked his reins and got the horse into a steady canter. The dust from the stagecoach had settled a long time ago now, and Rachel Darrow was getting bumped about while her mind was full of dreams of wedded bliss once again. For the first time in a long time she really felt young again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 62<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The constant attention that Roy had been given by Ben, Hoss and Joe had staunched the blood flow sufficiently to sustain his life so when Schofield arrived, full of his usual self importance and bombastic manner they were able to step outside the cabin to leave him in efficient and unemotional hands.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Despite Ben\u2019s initial misgivings when he saw Schofield arrive he had to admit to himself that he was no doubt the best of the doctors to deal with Roy\u2019s condition.\u00a0 Paul, an excellent doctor, was also an old and trusted friend of the old sheriff and there was just possibly the mischance that sentiment, or emotion, would affect the procedure. In any case, should Roy die under Paul\u2019s hands then he would have been blaming himself for the rest of his life.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    While Scofield dealt with the wounded man in the cabin Hoss, who had already cleaned up the wounds his father had incurred, now turned to Candy \u201cWhats been going on, Candy?\u00a0 How come you weren\u2019t here with Pa and Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause I didn\u2019t know they were going to be here,\u201d Candy retorted angrily and then lowering his voice admitted that he had dismissed some of Roys speculative comments about Cochrane \u201cI\u2019m at fault, I admit it. I guess I\u2019m not such a good sheriff as I had hoped to be and should have listened to Roy more closely.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, you should have done,\u201d Ben agreed \u201cA man with Roys experience is invaluable to a young man like yourself, it\u2019s not just the law Roy knew but the years of experience that makes how he feels, his gut reaction to things, essential to learn from\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They had found some old barrels plus a rickety chair to sit upon on the porch while they waited for Schofield to deal with Roy, to be available should the doctor call and require some assistance.\u00a0 Ben put a hand on the young sheriff\u2019s arm, \u201cIf its any consolation, Roy thinks you are making a very good lawman.\u00a0 He said you have all the necessary \u2018equipment\u2019 as he called it, to do good things for the town.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know, Ben, I feel I\u2019ve let Roy down, and I should have followed through on what he was telling me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat,\u201d Hoss asked while chewing on a blade of grass \u201cwhat exactly was Roy telling you, Candy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clem looked at Candy and raised his eyebrows and then turned away to view the horizon.\u00a0 Nothing stirred, there was no breeze, the leaves on the trees remained static, not even a tremble and the sun created a haze over the distant hills.\u00a0 He sighed and looked again the younger man who was appearing to have trouble assembling his thoughts, eventually Candy nodded \u201cWell, he was convinced that Cochrane was the man who was courting his sister.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s right, he believed Alfred Stone was in fact Harry Cochrane, courting Rachel was just a way of rubbing Roys nose in the past, taunting him .. That\u2019s how Roy described it to me.\u201d Clem muttered.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI met Alfred Stone several times, he bore no resemblance to the description we had of Cochrane.\u00a0 He was pleasant and businesslike, gave me his business cards as a matter of fact.\u201d Candy bit down on his bottom lip and shook his head \u201cHe was so pleasant that I thought Rachel had done really well for herself.\u00a0 You met him one or two times, didn\u2019t you, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben frowned and shook his head, \u201cI don\u2019t recall, Candy. There\u2019s been too much going on at home with other things \u2026but maybe I did, he doesn\u2019t stand out to my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clem stood up to stretch his legs, like Ben he was listening more to the sounds of the doctor dealing with Roy in the cabin than anything else.\u00a0 He leaned against a post and sighed, \u201cYoung Norman came with what he called evidence that there was something odd about one of the guests at the Hotel he worked at\u2026 he told Dodds who sent him packing so the story we got was pretty garbled.\u00a0 He also told Roy, but for some reason Roy didn\u2019t give him much attention either\u2026 then Norman gets killed and Roy suddenly went on a crusade of his own.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy nodded \u201cNorman was killed 24 hours after the man called Alfred Stone had left for Placerville.\u00a0 It\u2019s not possible for a man to be in two places at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTrue enough \u2026 he must have got off the stage, or possibly never even boarded it \u2026 hired a horse, dealt with Norman and then came out here until he could slip back into town as Alfred Stone again.\u201d Ben sighed, \u201cThat\u2019s how Roy explained it anyway.\u00a0 He cabled Placerville\u2019s sheriff for information about Stone, but the man was unknown there, and hadn\u2019t got off the stage at the time Roy mentioned.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy was about to speak when the door opened and Schofield stood in the entrance drying his hands on a towel. \u201cThankfully this place was remarkably clean.\u00a0 As it happens the bullet that should have killed Roy Coffee glanced off the sternum, I\u2019ve done what I can to put it in good order.\u201d \u00a0he stared at them coldly and tossed the blood stained cloth to one side, and began to adjust the cuffs of his shirt sleeves \u201cSome coffee would be appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow is he?\u00a0 Is he going to recover?\u201d came a chorus of voices which caused Schofield to shake his head and hold up a hand for silence<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s a very sick man. I can\u2019t – dare not – move him from here for a while.\u00a0 Someone will have to come out here and stay with him until he\u2019s strong enough to be moved. Any jostling about could kill him.\u00a0 It\u2019s a wonder he didn\u2019t drown in his own blood \u2026\u201d he glared at Joe \u201cCoffee?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cEr – sure, coming up.\u201d Joe leapt up and hurried into the cabin, glancing as he passed the bed at the sick man lying upon it.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Poor Roy.\u00a0 Loyal friend and servant of the people.\u00a0 How under estimated and how loved a man he was and as he hurried to make the coffee Joe\u2019s hand shook at once again the realisation of the frailty of man.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss came in with him and stood by his side although he was looking at Roy \u00a0\u201cSure hope he pulls through this.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSchofield seems pretty certain that he will.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Hoss frowned and then looked around the cabin \u201cHe\u2019s right though, this cabin sure is spick and span.\u00a0 That Cochrane must be one fussy character to keep it so neat.\u201d \u00a0he looked at the large trunk that stood against the wall and frowned, \u201cOdd how so much has been going on while we\u2019ve been away.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe nodded, he could hear the murmur of voices outside and concentrated on pouring out the coffee \u201cDo you think Candy will resign?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat for?\u00a0 It ain\u2019t his doing what happened to Roy.\u00a0 If Roy had been less impatient he\u2019d be alright now.\u00a0 Candy ain\u2019t got nothing to blame himself for.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    On the bed Roy remained in a deep unconsciousness, there was no pain, no memory, no anxiety about anything to disturb him.\u00a0 His friends, one by one, came and sat by his side, patted his shoulder, or held his hand, worried about the pallid features, the clammy skin, wondered if their old friend would survive what had been an emergency operation performed in the cabin, it certainly didn\u2019t comply with Schofields standards of a sterile unit despite his initial pleasure at how clean and neat the place happened to be. \u00a0 But then how many men had fallen on battlefields even worst and lived due to the prompt attentions of a skilled and efficient medic?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Standing on the porch Dr Schofield blew upon his coffee in order to cool it while his eyes scanned the sunlit horizon.\u00a0 He was wondering who he could get to come out to this out of the way place and care for the old man, after all, he\u2019d worked hard to save him, he didn\u2019t want his work wasted.\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The sound of horses in the yard brought Hester hurrying from her sewing with little Hannah and Hope trailing along behind her. \u00a0 Flinging open the door she gave a cry of delight at the sight of her husband and ran with open arms to greet him, to be swung off her feet and spun around and around in the middle of the yard for all the ranch hands to see.\u00a0 Hannah was dancing about, trying to get her father\u2019s attention while little Hope had tripped over her own feet and was sprawled out in the dust bawling piteously.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was only when Hoss bent down to pick Hope up and gather Hannah into his arms that Hester realised that Ben had been hurt, the arm in a sling, his head bandaged (Schofield had eventually given him some attention before leaving), and pale features brought an anxious exclamation to Hesters lips and then \u201cRoy? Is Roy alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, not really.\u201d Ben said very quietly as he reached out an arm to slip through hers, after all Hoss had both his arms full of little girls to accommodate his wife. \u201cBut we have Doctor Schofield to thank should Roy pull through.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI wish you hadn\u2019t gone \u2026\u201d Hester moaned and shook her head, \u201cYou should have told him, Pa, that he needed to talk to Candy about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know.\u00a0 Perhaps I didn\u2019t really believe him either, perhaps \u2026\u201d he paused and then forced a smile to his face, kissed her cheek \u201cThank you, Hester.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat for?\u201d she said as she gave him a sidelong glance and a doubtful smile.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cFor being you\u2026\u201d was all Ben could find to say in answer to that question.\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mary Ann listened to what Joe had to tell her and held his hand within hers, she kissed him several times and said \u2019Poor Joe\u2019 occasionally as he told her how they had come across Ben and Roy and what had happened at the cabin.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt was the longest time ever\u2026\u201d he sighed, and then rubbed his face, \u201cWaiting for Schofield to be finished with Roy, wondering if he would be able to save his life.\u00a0 Then he comes out and demands coffee\u2026\u201d he gave a wry smile, \u201cI\u2019ll say this for him, he\u2019s a great doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe. I know how fond you are of Roy, this isn\u2019t the best homecoming for you, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, it could have been a lot worse.\u00a0 It might have been Pa, or they could both have been killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI suppose so.\u201d she looked across to where Daniel was stirring from his afternoon nap, then she smiled at her husband and squeezed his hand \u201cHe\u2019s missed you. He wanted to know where his daddy was \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s flushed a little with pride and love, he kissed her hand and then got to his feet and walked over to where the child slept.\u00a0 Very gently he picked Daniel up and smiled as the child yawned, rubbed his eyes and then, blinking like a little owl, looked at him<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDaddy?\u201d the child squeaked, rubbed his eyes again \u201cDaddy home?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, son, daddy\u2019s home.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mary Ann came to his side and slipped her arm through his, stroked Daniel\u2019s cheek and kissed Joe again, \u201cJoe, I\u2019ve something to tell you \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He stopped from tweaking Daniel\u2019s nose and turned to her, noticed the sparkle in her eyes, and not from tears \u2026 he regarded her thoughtfully with his head to one side \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat would you say if I were to tell you that Daniel may have a little brother or sister by the fall?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    What would he say? What could he say? He gave a whoop that made Daniel jump and then he grabbed at her, held her close and spun the three of them around and around \u2026wasn\u2019t it just the best news ever?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 63<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie O\u2019Flannery Martin was the first in a long queue of volunteers to sit and care for Roy.\u00a0 The town that he had viewed as his family for so many years now showed in an abundance just how much they loved the old man.\u00a0 Men lined up to form a posse to catch Cochrane, and some were despatched to the cabin to stand guard in the event of his returning.\u00a0 A rota was formed, by Dr Schofield, for women to care for Roy throughout the time required at the cabin.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So when Bridie sat by his side with a small fire burning in the hearth to stave off any night chill, she felt quite privileged to have the chance to spend the time caring for him.\u00a0 Outside she knew at least six men were stationed around the vicinity of the building and when she was relieved from her \u2018duty\u2019 then six other men would take the place of those now guarding her.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paul had of course insisted on riding out with her and checking on the patient which he did with his usual gentle thoroughness.\u00a0 He could not fault Schofields work and sat for half an hour with Bridie at the bedside of his old friend, talking soothingly to him about old times, even though Roy was too far in the place a mind goes when overwhelmed with shock, pain and blood loss.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Now Bridie sat alone, occasionally stroking his hand, wiping his brow with a damp cloth, checking the dressings to make sure that nothing unwarranted was happening beneath the bandages.\u00a0 Her thoughts roamed and then she remembered Rachel, and how that determined little woman was on her way to Placerville.\u00a0 She had said it was for a short break from Roy, but was she in fact going to meet with Roy\u2019s hopeful murderer?\u00a0 If so, was she complicit with this attempt on Roy\u2019s life?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    For a while she paced the floor with her worries and uncertainties before calming down sufficiently to return to Roy\u2019s bed and with a sigh lament over the things that had befallen him.\u00a0 What a strange world she had stepped into when she had accepted Olivia Phillips\u2019 invitation those few \u00a0years ago?\u00a0 But she was happier and more fulfilled now than she had ever felt before in her life, so as she sat beside Roy she counted her blessings just as her old mother used to tell her, and was indeed grateful for each one.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel Darrow stepped from the stagecoach and looked around her anxiously.\u00a0 The other passengers were walking away as though they knew exactly where they were heading, but she just stood there and waited, turning this way and that while everyone was getting on with their business.\u00a0 She was about to complain about being jostled aside by the driver when she heard a familiar voice and turning saw Alfred walking towards her with a wide smile on \u00a0his face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Her heart leapt as she saw him and like a young girl she ran to him and flung her arms around him \u201cI thought \u00a0-\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo,\u201d he put a finger to his lips, \u201cNo thinking, no worrying, my dear.\u201d he picked up her valise and proffered his free arm to her so that they walked happily together along the sidewalk \u00a0\u201cThe house won\u2019t be available for me to show you until to-morrow so I have booked a room for \u00a0you at the hotel. I hope you don\u2019t mind, my angel?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOf course not.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd Roy didn\u2019t mind you coming away ?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, I thought you mentioned not to say anything to Roy?\u00a0 I slipped away while he was out visiting Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGood.\u00a0 You did the best thing, no point in ruffling his feathers any more than they are already.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She glanced anxiously at him, his voice had changed just a little, a strange tightness but then he turned and smiled at her and she let go of her fancies to smile back.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd you did bring the money?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, of course.\u00a0 Every cent that you said we would need.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cExcellent.\u201d he paused and smiled, raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers, \u201cI was really annoyed at the fact that I had moved the money in my account to pay for some extra expenses. Wrong timing really \u00a0but then I didn\u2019t expect to find such an excellent bargain of a home for us so quickly.\u00a0 You will love it and \u2026\u201d he sighed dramatically \u201cAs soon as my accountant has moved my money from my investment portfolio I shall be able to repay you, every cent.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They smiled at one another, she actually laughed, and hugged his arm against her side. In the shadows two men watched, one stepped forward only to have a hand rest upon his chest \u201cNo, not yet \u2026\u201d came the cautionary whisper \u201cWait.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam and Jotham stood close to the bedside of the dying man and watched as Euan tended to him, there was little doubt now that Jefferson was dying and it was obvious that the doctor was both irritated and annoyed that his patient had chosen this alternative to life.\u00a0 He looked over at the two officers and shook his head \u201cIts as if he has just given up any desire to live.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s his choice\u201d Jotham said with a slight hardness in his voice \u201cPerhaps he felt there was nothing left for him to live for.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and stepped closer to the bed, \u201cJefferson, can you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Howard\u2019s eyes rolled in their sockets as he forced himself to concentrate on Adam\u2019s voice, he blinked several times and managed to articulate the word \u2019Yes\u2019<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs there anything at all that we can do for you?\u00a0 Anything at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The man struggled to get his thoughts together, he closed his eyes and sighed, then reached out his hand which he felt gripped between Adam\u2019s, his fingers tightened their hold, \u201cMatilda.\u00a0 Look after Matilda.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOf course, I\u2019ll do all that I can \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou don\u2019t know, you don\u2019t understand \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat don\u2019t I know?\u00a0 Can you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Howard tried to lift his head from the pillow but the effort was too much, he sunk down again and his eyes rolled, a gagging sound came from his throat and then slowly his laboured breathing ceased.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Euan glanced up at Adam and shook his head, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I did all that I could for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Both officers said nothing for a moment, they just stared at the lifeless form that had once been so full of life, Adam remembered the excitement the man had shown at the sight of some ancient pottery, Jotham recalled his delight in being among a primitive people who demanded nothing from him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey said to bring him home, dead or alive.\u201d Jotham said quietly<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe obviously preferred it this way.\u201d Adam murmured and then looked at Euan \u201cDid he speak much to you, Euan?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHardly at all.\u201d the doctor replied as he stepped away from the bed and washed his hands in the water he had previously poured into a bowl.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNothing when he was delirious?\u201d Jotham suggested and Euan shrugged \u201cNo, he wasn\u2019t really delirious, barely at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWho attended on him apart from yourself?\u201d Adam asked now and Euan looked at them both thoughtfully before giving the names of two orderlies.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI could only spare the two of them, they\u2019re good men, they wouldn\u2019t have neglected him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo need to be so defensive, doctor.\u00a0 Could you send the men to my ready room\u2026 one at a time.\u201d Adam asked and then paused \u201cYou are sure he said nothing to you about his brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHis brother?\u00a0 I didn\u2019t even know he had a brother.\u00a0 He did talk about Matilda though\u2026 rambled on about how much he loved her, how she obviously didn\u2019t love him not even a token of her love \u2026 \u201c he shrugged and sighed, threw down the towel beside the bowl \u201cI\u2019ll send the men to you, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam inclined his head and then, together with Jotham, left the cabin without a further word.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The first orderly to appear was a middle aged man by the name of Pratt who admitted that he had been part of a watch duty assigned to the sick man during the past three days when his condition had worsened.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWas he delirious at any time?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe was what one would term as feverish at times but never delirious in my presence, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam observed him thoughtfully, he was seated behind his desk and his long fingers toyed with a pen although it was Jotham, seated near by the port hole who was actually writing down the questions and responses. Pratt was a patient man, and one not fazed by much, he was given orders and carried them out to the letter.\u00a0 He was a man who lacked imagination but was efficient in doing what he had to do no matter what the circumstances.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMr Pratt, did you engage Professor Jefferson in any conversation at all about his private life?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, once or twice, sir.\u00a0 He told me about some of the expeditions he had been on and the kind of discoveries he had made, it all sounded very exciting.\u201d Pratt replied in the tone of voice that implied the skin of a rice pudding was equally as enthralling.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid he mention to you that he had a brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, sir.\u201d Pratt frowned as a man deep in thought then shook his head \u201cHe never mentioned a brother but did say he had come from Albany.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid he mention to you why he had been brought from Brazil, from his latest expedition?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, sir. It was none of my business anyway.\u00a0 He was actually a man of few words, the only time he really got carried away with talking was when he was telling me about his finds on those expeditions.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and after thanking the man dismissed him.\u00a0 The next orderly to come was a man called Fletcher.\u00a0 He was a younger man, sharp eyed and quick witted, he glanced around the room, noted Jotham at the port hole, Adam at his desk and accurately assumed that something was \u2018up\u2019.\u00a0 Adam asked him the same initial questions that had been asked of Pratt and was told that the Professor had never become delirious until the last few hours before his death when he, Fletcher, had summoned the doctor.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhen he was delirious what exactly did he talk about?\u201d Adam asked slowly, his eyes on the man\u2019s face in order to catch every expression as he had quickly realised Fletcher was a more discerning man than Pratt.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot what, sir, but who \u2026 he kept on about a lady called Matilda.\u00a0 Swore that he loved her and wanted to spare her any pain which was why he never fully revealed to her the depth of his love. \u00a0 He never said that exactly, sir, but the bits and pieces he did say could be summed up in those words.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid he mention anything about his brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSackville Jefferson, sir?\u00a0 Yes, he mentioned him once or twice, swore on oath that he had never killed him, never wanted to harm him.\u00a0 He was quite troubled by that, in fact, he wanted me to be clear of his innocence.\u201d \u00a0he paused, then shrugged \u201cFor some reason, at the time, he thought I was you, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam just gave him the benefit of a cold glare before proceeding to his next question \u201cOn other occasions, when he was lucid, did he talk to you about anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh well, the kind of talk one would expect from a man like himself\u2026 he was an explorer, an archeologist.\u00a0 He talked about his expeditions, some of the things he had found, a book he had written a long while back which he recommended that I read. But nothing else other than that .. Oh, he did complain about the food.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, thanked him and dismissed him.\u00a0 As the sounds of Fletcher\u2019s boots faded down the corridor Adam turned to Jotham \u201cWell, I think that should sufficient information for our report, Jotham.\u00a0 Do you have any comment to make?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Morton shook his head \u201cNo, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe always said that it was a strange assignment, didn\u2019t we?\u201d he leaned back into his chair and stared thoughtfully at the far wall, \u201cOf course, we ourselves will come under scrutiny, having spent so long with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIn which case, sir, we had better make sure that we give them the same information, whoever Senator Jefferson knew as a former club member -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201c-or members\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cExactly – whoever they were, may not be happy at our having some knowledge of what was going on .\u00a0 I think, personally, it may be wise if we forgot all about Howard Jefferson\u2019s mention of that particular club.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam twirled the pen thoughtfully between his fingers and looked at Jotham with a little anxiety before he nodded and with a sigh, put the pen down. \u00a0\u201cI agree.\u201d was the only comment he felt he could have made.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 64<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel Darrow put the money down on the table in neat little bundles and with a trusting look at her fiance stood back for him to count them although he insisted, of course, that it was far from necessary as he trusted her implicitly.\u00a0 However he drew closer to observe the quantity of money and shook his head as though it quite dazzled him \u201cI\u2019m amazed that you could get this amount of money so quickly, my dear.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She shrugged her shoulders as she began to remove her cape and bonnet \u201cI had most of it under my bed.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never trusted banks, especially out here where there\u2019s always reports of bank hold ups and robberies.\u00a0 Nothing is safer than knowing where your money is, and that is as close to oneself as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut such a large sum of money, my love.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know.\u201d she turned to regard it dispassionately, as though it were somewhat vulgar to show too much affection for it \u201cMost of it was insurance from my husbands death during<\/p>\n

    the war.\u00a0 My sons \u2026 \u201c she sighed and sat down, reached out her hand to take hold of his, \u201cWell, that\u2019s in the past now.\u00a0 This is almost all the money I possess, Alfred, you can see how much I love and trust you by placing it in your hands, can\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Once again Alfred Stone kissed her fingers and held her hand against his chest \u201cYou won\u2019t regret it, Rachel.\u00a0 This will pay for the house and more besides.\u00a0 Much more in fact.\u201d he looked at the money stacked on the table again \u201cYou had this under your bed all these years?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, it was safe in a bank for a while but it was only when I came west to stay at Roys that I brought it along with me and put it under the bed.\u00a0 Roy never suspected, of course, he\u2019s the least mercenary of men.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou won\u2019t regret this, my dear, you really won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She smiled again and sat down on the chair he had pulled away from the wall for her to recline upon.\u00a0 She sighed a little and hid a yawn, \u201cGoodness me, I\u2019m tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWould you like to have something to drink?\u00a0 To eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She thought about it a while giving him time to move behind her and place his hands upon her shoulders, \u201cI didn\u2019t realise how tired I was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen close your eyes and try to sleep for a little while.\u00a0 Perhaps if I just massage your shoulders a little here, it will help you to relax ?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, really, Alfred, I\u2019m feeling more than relaxed already,\u201d she gave a laugh, rather thin and then yawned again, \u201cBut I won\u2019t object if it keeps you near me for a little longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t worry, my dear, I\u2019ll not leave you for as long as you live.\u201d Alfred said and dropped a kiss upon the top of her head as his hands gently rubbed her shoulders, moved higher a little and then higher and his fingers tightened and tightened<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlfred \u2026Al – fred \u2026\u201d she gasped, half rose in her chair and brought her hands up to pull his hands away but still his fingers squeezed and squeezed<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Someone – it seemed a very long way away to Rachel – shouted \u2018NOW!\u201d and the door burst open to what sounded like a herd of elephants charging into the room.\u00a0 The pressure on her neck and throat lessened, she felt herself falling onto the floor which seemed to be spinning faster and faster out of her control until it spun her straight into a black hole.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sheriff Hayes stepped forward with his gun levelled at Stone while behind him came Candy Candaday.\u00a0 Several other people seemed to fall into the room behind Candy so that it wasn\u2019t long before the place seemed overcrowded with people.\u00a0 Hayes looked at Alfred and shook his head \u201cWell, well, Mr Cochrane, you sure prove that a leopard don\u2019t change its spots, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m – my name -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe know who you are, Mr Cochrane, don\u2019t try bluffing your way out of this one.\u201d Candy said coldly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A woman was kneeling beside Rachel waving some smelling salts beneath her nose, the smell drifted into the room which was now emptying leaving the two lawmen, Cochrane, the two women and a man who professed to be a doctor and was helping to minister to the unconscious woman.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hayes looked at Candy who nodded and said in his deep voice \u201cHarry Cochrane also known as Alfred Stone, I\u2019m arresting you in the name of the law on the charge of the murder of one Norman Evans, the attempted murder of Rachel Darrow, and the attempted murder of Roy Coffee.\u201d \u00a0he smiled slightly at the way Cochrane\u2019s eyes bulged at the mention of Roy \u201cOh yes, you didn\u2019t kill him, much as you had hoped you had.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy then proceeded to tell Cochrane his rights as he handcuffed him and led him out of the hotel room, leaving Rachel to the tender mercies of a caring doctor and nurse.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The money remained in its neat little piles upon the table.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben woke up, he rubbed his nose with his fingers and then looked around the room. It was still dark but he could see and recognise familiar shapes.\u00a0 He stared at them for a while and then closed his eyes. He was really tired but as he slowly drifted back to sleep he remembered his dream, the last lingering remnants of it still in his memory \u2026there was Leslie Downing just as he had been in the playground, there was Jamie falling and there was David.\u00a0 He had been staring at Lesley, seen the deliberate intent in those eyes and had felt the familiar pang of fear, dread and as his heart began to beat his Pa\u2019s voice said \u201cIt\u2019s alright, son, you can wake up now.\u201d \u00a0 \u2026 and he had.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy opened his eyes and stared up into a face he had known for a long time, they shared a smile before he closed his eyes again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019ll be alright now,\u201d Paul said softly to his wife, and reached for her hand, \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure at first, although Schofield had done an excellent job, but sometimes it\u2019s more than careful stitching that heals a man, it has to be the desire within him as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie smiled and squeezed his fingers, she nodded and stood beside him as they both looked down at the man now sleeping steadily in the bed. \u00a0\u201cWhen do you think he can be moved to \u00a0his own home?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnother 24 hours, just to make sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A sharp tap on the door drew their attention away from the patient, Paul\u2019s face creased into a smile as Ben stepped into the cabin \u201cWell, Ben, as you can see, Roy\u2019s going to get well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI never doubted it for a minute, he\u2019s far too contrary a cuss to die from a bullet in the chest.\u201d Ben chuckled, he looked over at Bridie \u201cMary Ann said if you could call in and see her sometime soon, she has something she wants to talk to you about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, there\u2019s no time like the present,\u201d Bridie replied releasing her fingers from her husbands hand, \u201cI\u2019ll be back home later.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paul gave her a kiss on the cheek and watched her leave the building, then he looked at Ben \u201cHow are you feeling, Ben?\u00a0 How\u2019s the arm?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, that\u2019s nothing\u201d Ben waved away the problem with his arm and approached the bed \u201cI was passing this way into town and wanted to make sure he was alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paul smiled, he knew it was a good hour or so detour from the road into town and not a matter of \u2018just passing\u2019 at all. \u00a0\u201cHave you heard any more from Candy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s in town now with Cochrane.\u00a0 I\u2019ve not spoken to him yet about what happened in Placerville.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow\u2019s Rachel?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAll I know is that she is in a state of shock.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paul only nodded and then looked at \u00a0Roy, \u201cWell, Cochrane nearly got two birds with one stone\u2026\u201d he shook his head, \u201cI\u2019m glad they caught him in time before Rachel could have been killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded in an absent minded manner, his memories of Roy Coffee filling his mind, the first time they met, the number of times he \u2018arrested\u2019 Little Joe and let him off with yet another caution, the camaraderie the old man had with Adam \u2026he sighed, \u201cI would have \u00a0hated to have lost him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paul looked from one man to the other, two men who had been part of his own life for so long, he felt a lump in his throat which he cleared noisily before walking to the window to look out at the hills.\u00a0 He knew that not only Ben Cartwright would have missed the old man, so many others would have done equally as much.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The three ships had split now, the one ship heading to San Francisco and the two others continuing on towards Washington.\u00a0 In the hold of the Shenandoah was a well shaped coffin with the body of Howard Jefferson lying within it.\u00a0 It moved slightly with the motion of the ship as the waves heaved the vessel up and down, side to side.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In his cabin Adam turned up the flame in the lamp and then sat down at the low table where the chess board had been set up.\u00a0 Jothams hand was hovering over the bishop, but he looked up and smiled when Adam had rejoined him \u201cWell?\u00a0 Not much further now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, it will be good to be home again\u2026 once I\u2019ve left Washington that is.\u201d Adam picked up his glass of wine and after smelling it took a sip, he looked over at Jotham \u201cAny worries?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOnly at the back of my mind.\u00a0 Hopefully there\u2019s no reason for anyone to doubt what we say or cause any difficulties.\u00a0 It should go perfectly straightforwardly.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam gave a rather lop sided smile as though he only half believed the other man, then he took a swallow of the wine before setting down his glass \u201cWe can but hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    With those words he sat back and watched as Jotham contemplated his move, but his mind was on the matter of what could happen in Washington with those unseen men who had control, it seemed, over his life.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 65<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy Canady was more than tired, he was plain exhausted and as he sat down behind the desk in the sheriff\u2019s office he was more than grateful for the thick strong black coffee \u00a0Clem passed over to him \u00a0\u201cThanks, Clem.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The older man smiled and nodded \u201cYou deserve it, Candy.\u00a0 Why not go home and get some sleep while you can?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy gulped down the hot coffee and then shook his head \u201cI\u2019d like to but I\u2019ve this report to fill in first.\u201d he rubbed his face with one hand before lifting the mug to drink more from it, \u201cHow\u2019s Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHolding his own.\u00a0 They\u2019re hoping to bring him to his own home tomorrow.\u201d Clem pulled out a chair, looked over in the direction of the cell where Harry Cochrane was sprawled on the cot, \u201cYou did well bringing \u00a0him in.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJust in time too.\u201d Candy put the mug down, \u201cHe actually had his hands around her throat, another minute and she\u2019d have been dead. Sheriff Hayes sure knew his stuff, Clem, he knew exactly the right time to pounce on the man.\u00a0 We bust in to the room and Rachel Darrow was going blue in the face, her heels drumming on the floor\u2026 and all her money stacked up in neat piles on the table -\u201d he frowned and shook his head \u201cHe sure must have been mighty persuasive to have got her to part with all that money, I got the idea from Roy that she was a mite mean and it was his money that kept them afloat.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut she is alright, isn\u2019t she?\u201d Clem got up to stroll over to the stove with the empty cups in his hand, he poured more coffee into each of them and returned to his side of the desk. He pushed Candy\u2019s mug over to him<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHayes got a doctor and a woman close by in case they were needed, and they were for sure.\u201d \u00a0he sipped at the coffee now, his thirst reasonably sated but appreciating the need for a refill, \u201cDid she scream and holler once she realised she was still alive, and then she sobbed and bawled like a crazy woman when she realised that Alfred Stone had tried to kill her.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHas she seen him without his disguise?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYep,\u201d Candy heaved in a big breath of air and slowly exhaled \u201cYep, \u00a0Hayes stripped off the eyebrows and beard and false hair to prove to her that he was an imposter, out for her money and nothing else.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI almost feel sorry for her,\u201d Clem muttered as he leaned back against his chair and crossed his legs \u201cAnd there\u2019s Roy nearly dead because of him.\u00a0 You must have ridden your horse to Placerville full belt all the way to get there in such good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI did \u2026\u201d Candy said quietly, \u201cI overtook the stage at one point while they were at the way station.\u00a0 Cochrane admitted to killing Norman and the shoot out at his place, he thought he had succeeded in killing Roy and Ben, wasn\u2019t happy when he found out that Ben was just fine, and Roy had survived. I didn\u2019t tell him that it was still touch and go, mind you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He pulled some paper towards him and picked up a pen, dipped it into the inkwell \u201cHe was clever, Clem, give him his due.\u00a0 He left town as Alfred Stone, telling everyone he was going to take the stage to Placerville, only got as far as the livery stable ..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cRidleys?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, the other one right on the outskirts. \u00a0 Then he got rid of his disguise and sent a note to Norman, killed him, then he went to Ridleys and hired a horse\u2026 with all his makeup and disguise in a carpet bag.\u00a0 He stayed at his old home for some days to give Rachel the illusion that he had spent the time in Placerville house hunting, and also to provide himself with an alibi should anyone suspect he had had dealings with young Norman.\u00a0 He was heading for Placerville when Roy and Ben came across him \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clem nodded \u201cWhere\u2019s Rachel now?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cStill in Placerville.\u00a0 She wanted to stay there for a while, said she couldn\u2019t face coming back here.\u00a0 When I told her about Roy she just bawled and cried all the more and said she couldn\u2019t handle that as well.\u201d \u00a0he frowned \u201cShe\u2019s just plain selfish.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShe\u2019s had a shock, Candy, gotta feel sorry for her someways.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy was about to speak in reply when the door opened and Downing the storekeeper burst in followed by his lawyer, Candy sighed and put the pen down. \u00a0\u201cWhat can I do for you, Mr. Downing?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Downing drew \u00a0himself up to his full height and glared at both Candy and Clem \u201cMy lawyer says it ain\u2019t right for my boy to be locked in a cell with a murderer in the cell next to him.\u00a0 I demand you release Leslie on bail right now, Sheriff, or I\u2019ll sue you for – for -\u201d he cast a frantic look at the lawyer who muttered something \u201cI\u2019ll sue you for putting my boy in a position where he could be corrupted by unwholesome association with Cochrane.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clem rose to his feet, rolled his eyes and walked over to the rifle rack where he began to check them with considerable care and attention. Candy rubbed both hands over his face and through his shock of black hair, then stared at Downing with cold blue eyes \u201cMr Downing, are you really serious?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cRelease my boy now, or -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMr Downing, I suggest that you and your lawyer go somewhere nice and quiet and talk<\/p>\n

    This over sensibly.\u00a0 For a start your son can\u2019t be corrupted, secondly you seem to forget that you son has killed two people – children – and seriously injured another.\u00a0 He\u2019s a murderer, Mr Downing, just like Cochrane \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The lawyer stepped forward \u201cSheriff, he is not a murderer like Cochrane. Cochrane is a hardened criminal.\u00a0 Leslie Downing is a child, and, may I remind you, he hasn\u2019t been tried yet so you can\u2019t go around calling him a murderer.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy closed his eyes and then opened them again, he stared at the two men and then shook his head \u201cThe formalities of a trial have, I know, still to be got through, but the fact remains, Mr Whiley, that the boy has shot those children, there\u2019s a whole playground of other children who witnessed it, a school teacher who witnessed it, and other of us who saw him with the smoking gun in his hands.\u00a0 Why is it, Mr Downing, that you just can\u2019t seem to grasp the fact that he\u2019s guilty.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Downings face dropped, the colour changed from mottled red to puce and then to a strange oatmeal, he shook his head and mumbled something before grabbing Whiley\u2019s arm and turning him towards the door where they hurriedly made their exit.\u00a0 Candy sunk back into his chair and shook his head, stared at the blank page in front of him and then got to his feet \u201cClem, I\u2019ll leave you in charge here, I\u2019m too tired to think straight.\u00a0 I practically killed my horse to get to Placerville in time and then had to deal with Cochrane there, before catching the coach back to town\u2026 I\u2019m so tired I could sleep right here and now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen best get home, Candy.\u201d Clem smiled and placed a friendly hand on the other mans shoulder \u201cAnd don\u2019t forget, when you get back, we have to swear in another deputy, we\u2019re a man short now Dodds has gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    With a groan at the thought of having to find another willing man to replace Dodds, Candy dragged himself away from the office and after picking up his hat made his way to his home.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben was fussed over by his womenfolk and when Olivia arrived with Sofia and baby Nathaniel she was quick to add her attentions to those of her friends.\u00a0 Sofia ran off to play with Hannah, Hope was asleep and Nathaniel dozing so she was able to sit beside her father in law and take hold of his hand and commiserate with him, all of which he accepted manfully and with great delight, as he gave his orders for this and that, even to having Hester fill his pipe for him\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou know, Pa,\u201d Hester remarked as she carefully stuffed tobacco into the bowl of his favourite pipe \u201cYou are becoming like one of those Potentates from the east who have harems full of women doing their masters will.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia laughed at that and warned Hester to be careful with what she was saying as there were some things she for one wouldn\u2019t be doing and that led to them all giggling while Ben looked affronted and said such things wouldn\u2019t even cross his mind.\u00a0 They were still laughing and giggling when Hoss and Joe arrived, tossed their hats on the bureau and smiled over at them \u201cWhat\u2019s the big joke.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben sighed dramatically \u201cIt seems that I am \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh well, that\u2019s understandable,\u201d Joe quipped, and smiled over at his wife \u201cHow much \u00a0longer are you going to keep the poor patient act, Pa?\u00a0 Considering you\u2019ve been riding around all over until yesterday\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh yes, that was when the pain really set in\u2026I should\u2019ve been more careful,\u201d Ben frowned and smiled at Olivia \u201cHow\u2019s Reuben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s doing well, Pa.\u00a0 The dreams are fading, he can talk about what happened without any distress now and Cheng Ho Lee is quite sure that he will be out of that wheelchair soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe and Hoss looked at one another, but it was Joe who spoke up \u201cThat\u2019s good, because the circuit Judge is coming next week.\u00a0 The trial\u2019s fixed for Tuesday.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia went slightly pale but nodded, she looked at Ben who saw the sudden anguished look in her eyes before she seemed to recover herself, \u201cWell, that\u2019s good isn\u2019t it?\u201d she said quietly, \u201cAfter all, it\u2019s no good to anyone for it to hang on much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss nodded and looked at his father \u201cSome letters for you, Pa.\u201d he held out several and walked to the blue chair into which he sat down despite its protests at the weight, \u201cI think there\u2019s one from Martha Frobisher.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded and after sifting through found the one with Martha\u2019s familiar handwriting, and paused as the black edge around the envelope warned them of its contents. With a sigh he ripped the paper open and read the sad news that Julian Frobisher had died of heart failure three days previously (to the time the letter had been written) and that if Ben could possibly attend the funeral which was to be held on the 26th of the month the writer would be very pleased to see him.\u00a0 Ben folded the letter and slipped it back into the envelope, the 26th was the day of the court hearing, the trial of Leslie Downing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia gripped his hand and forced a smile \u201cYou must do what you think best, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss frowned \u201cYou gotta be here, Pa, Reuben will \u00a0be depending on you being there for him, seeing as how \u2026\u201d he paused and bit down on his bottom lip and wished he had held his tongue because they all knew what he intended to say, and Olivia flushed a little pink but just bowed her head and squeezed Ben\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know that,\u201d the old man replied, \u201cI\u2019ll get a cable sent to Martha to explain why I can\u2019t be there, and I\u2019ll write her a letter.\u201d \u00a0he smiled down at Olivia \u201cDon\u2019t worry, my dear girl, our boy won\u2019t be alone on Tuesday.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, Pa.\u201d Olivia whispered and dropped a kiss on the work worn hand before looking up into his face, still handsome, still that generous smile and the near black kindly eyes. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 66<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The room was bathed in the late sunlight of the fading day so that golden swathes of warmth gleamed over the furniture to touch the spines of the books on the shelves along the wall.\u00a0 Sofia had been sent to bed with a kiss and hug accompanied by the promise that Olivia would be up soon to read a story and say her evening prayer with her.\u00a0 For a moment, as the house seemed to settle itself down for the evening, Olivia stood at the window and watched some birds wheeling about in the cloudless sky and then she turned to look at Reuben who was reading a much loved book.\u00a0 The sunlight gleamed upon his hair and caught the line of his cheekbone and the nose that was so much like Roberts. She approached him slowly so that only the rustle of her skirts could be heard to distract him from what he was doing, he smiled sleepily \u201cIs it time for me to get to bed, Ma?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, soon,\u201d she sat down and put her hand on the arm of the wheelchair, then looked at it, up and down before her eyes returned to look at him \u201cHave you tried to stand or walk today?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He blinked rapidly for a second or so, then shook his head \u201cNo, Ma.\u00a0 I guess I should have done but I – I was afraid I would fall down if I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t be afraid, dear.\u00a0 There will always be someone here to catch you should you fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He bowed his head and frowned a little while he thought to himself \u2018she doesn\u2019t understand\u2019 and sighed as he glanced up \u201cI\u2019ll try another time, Ma.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She leaned back into the cushions of the settee and nodded although her eyes never left his face, \u201cMy mother used to say to me – whenever I said I was too afraid to do anything – \u2018Fear knocked on the door, faith answered and there was nothing there.\u2019 \u00a0Do you understand what that really means, Reuben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He crinkled his brow and lowered his head again, for a moment his mind went blank and then he nodded \u201cDoes it mean that you can feel afraid, but that if you face it – whatever the problem may be – it might be that there really wasn\u2019t anything to be afraid of after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d she sat upright again and smiled, her eyes darkened and she reached out a hand to take hold of his, \u201cDid I ever tell you about the time when the Bannocks came and took us from our home?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He shook his head and looked at her with rather excited curiosity so she drew in a deep breath and began to tell him of the day when the Bannocks came to the Double D. \u00a0\u201cThere had been trouble with the Bannocks for some time, they had burned down some homesteads and killed people so when we heard the sound of their horses and the war whoops we knew that we faced great danger.\u00a0 My mother was in the yard and screamed to us to run and hide while at the same time she picked up Katja, put her in the washing basket and ran to the well, then carefully lowered her down\u2026 thankfully Katja was asleep, and never knew a thing about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhere was your Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe was with Ben – Ben Cartwright – clearing some land further afield.\u00a0 Philip, my eldest brother, had ran into the barn and Luke had grabbed my hand to haul me along with him, but I was too frightened and my legs were shaking and my feet just wouldn\u2019t move.\u00a0 Mother came and picked me up and just as she was about to run across the yard the Bannock came.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben heaved a deep breath in and then slowly released it, his hazel eyes stared into her face \u201cWere Uncle Luke and Phil scared?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTerrified, we all were, \u00a0Ma held me close in her arms and I remember looking at her face and knowing that my Ma was frightened and that made me even more scared than ever.\u00a0 I wanted to cry but didn\u2019t dare so the tears got stuck in my throat so that I could hardly breathe.\u00a0 Phil and Luke had been caught by the barn, I remember one of the Indians had Luke by the shirt, and Phil picked up a pitchfork and ran at him in the hope of Luke being set free.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think I shall ever forget the fear I felt then and my Ma tried to run towards them crying out \u2019No, no \u2026\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben swallowed hard, he could see from the way she was staring at the far wall that she was reliving that moment and so he squeezed her fingers \u201cI would have been scared, Ma, really scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She nodded and turned her head to look at him \u201cWe all were and I cuddled close into my Ma in the hope that they wouldn\u2019t see me but then one of them came and pulled me away from her and I remember screaming for her, and then she just looked at me and said \u201cIts alright, Livvy, it\u2019s alright.\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd then they took you away?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOne of the men had dismounted, he walked towards Ma and reached out to touch her hair, he held it between his fingers for a long time and then turned to me and stared at me. I looked at him and he smiled, nodded his head and said something to the others so that they put down their weapons and just rode away \u2026Luke and Phil and me, and my Ma \u2026 we were taken along with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd that\u2019s when you lived with them?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, we got to the camp and the villagers came and stared at us, and we were set down with Ma in the middle of the camp.\u00a0 The Indian who had spoken was a chief, and he said something to another older man who nodded, and I just felt quite sure that everything was alright now.\u00a0 Then some children came, we stared at each other for a while and then suddenly we were playing with them\u2026 there was nothing to be afraid of at all.\u201d she laughed a little then, \u201cOh Phil and Luke loved it, there were no chores, they went fishing and playing with the boys, and I played with my little friends and in the evening we were with Ma.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd then you went home?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSome months passed before we went home to the Double D\u201d the lightness of her voice faded, became serious and she sighed, bowed her head, then looked up to smile at him, \u201cLife went back to some kind of normal.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    For a moment neither of them spoke, then she squeezed his arm \u201cReuben, sometimes we have to face things in our lives that come upon us that can scare us very \u00a0much, even when we are grown up, even more so when we are small\u2026or young \u2026 but we have to find courage to face them.\u00a0 Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, Ma, I think so\u2026\u201d he replied rather doubtfully. \u00a0\u201cIs – does that mean that – I mean – does – is the trial soon?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She nodded \u201cYes, it will be on Tuesday.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd I\u2019ll have to go to the court house?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, my dear.\u00a0 But Mr Woods is coming here to see you tomorrow, to talk to you and explain all about what will happen. \u00a0 It\u2019s to help you so that you won\u2019t have anything to be fearful over.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He frowned and looked away from her, then looked at his book \u201cPa would want me to be brave, wouldn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPa would want you to be honest, Reuben, to tell the truth, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWill Pa be home by then?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia shook her head, \u201cI doubt it very much, darling.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut -\u201d he paused, felt tears prickle behind his eyes \u201cWill he be angry with me if I can\u2019t walk?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She smiled then, slowly but the smile came just as the tears welled up in her eyes despite her attempts to stop them \u201cNo, of course he won\u2019t \u00a0be angry.\u00a0 He loves you, Reuben, he loves you too much to be angry about something like that \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben nodded \u201cI guess I\u2019d better get to bed then.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rachel Darrow had sobbed and cried until there were no tears left and her eyes had swollen shut. \u00a0 She lay in the bed and shivered beneath the covers as though she had ague, her head ached intolerably and she longed to have some medication to take the pain away but worse than her head ache was the pain in her heart.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The doctor has assured her that she had not had a heart attack, that in fact her heart was very healthy.\u00a0 He had explained to her that her aches and pains were due to the distress she had been caused by the cruel deception she had been put through by Alfred Stone.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She chewed on the corner of her handkerchief while her mind went over and over the scene of Stone\u2019s confrontation with Candy and Sheriff Hayes.\u00a0 The posturing protesting man had blustered away and protested his innocence to her while she was screaming and crying and begging him to forgive her for whatever it was she thought she had done wrong.\u00a0 Then Hayes had pulled away all the false hair, forced Alfred to remove the disguise and she had watched him remove the false cheeks, the padding under the jacket, and then stand there before her a quite different man altogether.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A different man \u2026she shivered and shook again at the memory of this stranger looking at her with those intense blue eyes that she had loved.\u00a0 How could anyone have been so evil?\u00a0 Then Candy had come back and explained to her all that this man, Harry Cochrane, had done in the past.\u00a0 The ring on her finger had belonged to another woman, been used to lure others to their deaths with false promises and lies for the sake of the money they would give him.\u00a0 Just as she had \u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Worst than that was the fact that Roy had been right – again – and that in his stubborn way of proving himself right had nearly been killed.\u00a0 Candy had shown her a telegram he had just received in reply to one he had sent to Dr Martin earlier, confirming that Roy was alive, but only just.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Only just! To think of it!!\u00a0 Roy was nearly dead because of this wretched evil man whom she had loved and had been prepared to give her all ..not just the money but herself .. It didn\u2019t bear thinking about but while she was thinking about it Rachel found more tears to shed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Her head was burning with pain.\u00a0 She couldn\u2019t see out of her eyes and all she wanted to do was die, just simply quietly and inconveniently die like any heroine in a novel should .. And not only that, she was never going to set foot in Virginia City again, not for as long as she lived. \u00a0 At that thought she burst into tears yet again.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie Martin and Hester Cartwright smoothed down the sheet in the bed and plumped up the pillows before stepping to one side to allow Schofield and Hoss to very gently lift Roy up and lower him down into the bed.\u00a0 Once he was comfortable they covered him over with the quilt, Bridie hovered by the bed while Hester lit a lamp close by while Hoss drew over the curtains.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was pleasantly warm and cosy in the room with the soft glow of several lamps bringing light like so many little halo\u2019s that were not too bright to harm the patients eyes, but enough to provide comfort upon his waking. \u00a0 A light tap on the door and Paul Martin slipped into the room. \u201cHow is he ?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had looked over at Bridie and it was Bridie who answered while Schofield washed his hands in the bowl filled for that purpose, Hester stood by her husbands side and looked thoughtfully at the ex-sheriff and squeezed Hoss\u2019 hand as she wondered what things he was thinking about, what memories he would \u00a0have of the old man.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ll stay and keep watch for this evening.\u201d Paul said very quietly, \u201cIf that\u2019s alright with you, Dr Schofield?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPerfectly perfectly\u2026\u201d Schofield muttered as he dried his hands \u201cHe\u2019s healing well enough, he needs rest and care.\u00a0 I believe Mrs Armitage is coming to watch over him from ten o\u2019clock this evening until early morning, then Mr and Mrs Petrie followed by Mrs and Miss Garston.\u00a0 It\u2019s all in good hands\u2026\u201d \u00a0he picked up his hat, nodded his farewells and left the room, they heard his steps going down the stairs and the front door closing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Bridie smiled rather thinly \u201cHe means well,\u201d she said as though to answer all their unspoken questions about Schofields bedside manner, she kissed H ester\u2019s cheek \u201cThank you both for everything, we\u2019ll let you know how he gets on.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou sure he\u2019ll be alright soon?\u201d Hoss demanded with his eyes still fixed on the pallid features of his old friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Paul assured him that all would be well, Roy was no longer at risk and none of them need fear him dying on them anymore, well, not for a while anyhow. \u201cHe isn\u2019t getting any younger, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    With that reassurance in mind the younger couple left Paul and Bridie together to care for the ailing man in the bed. \u00a0\u201cShucks,\u201d Hoss whispered to his wife \u201cI\u2019d hate for anything to happen to Roy, he\u2019s like a member of the family.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They closed the front door very quietly behind them and more or less tip toed away from the house.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 67<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe Senandoah<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    June 21 1877<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Dearest sweetest Olivia<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    At last the chance to write to you before I set sail from here to Washington.\u00a0 The mailbag will reach America before I do so this letter will arrive home before I land, but I couldn\u2019t let this opportunity to slip by without letting you know that we have fulfilled what we were set out to do, and have only to return with our report and the person involved before I, at least, will be able to get back to you.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Here on the ship my crew and officers are all scribbling away frantically to their loved ones with the same hope as myself, that their letters finds everyone at home safe, and well.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    This has not been an easy assignment, a challenging one and in a way I am not solely satisfied with its outcome, even though we have done what we were ordered to do.\u00a0 Sometimes the old mantra \u2018just obeying orders\u2019 makes things easier to accept but there are other times when it just isn\u2019t sufficient.\u00a0 However, be that as it may, my dearest, it will soon be over.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Are you well?\u00a0 How are the children?\u00a0 I have thought of you so often over the past weeks, and then when it seemed I was becoming totally unmanned by my love and concerns for you all, I have had to switch off my thinking until it was impossible to prevent myself doing so again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    You would have been enthralled at some of the sights I have seen in the Brazilian wilderness \u2026 so much beauty alongside so much horror, but enough of that, suffice to say my mind recaptures the beautiful things about which I shall tell you all about when I get home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The sea is calm and it is a pleasant trip homewards.\u00a0 I pray all is well and be assured of my love and impatience to be back with you.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Enclosed are letters for Reuben and Sofia .. .. I guess Nathaniel has changed some since I last saw him?\u00a0 I have written to Pa, and everyone at the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I can\u2019t wait to see you, Livvy, and hold \u00a0you close to me again, I have missed you so much, my dearest love.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Your husband..Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShenandoah<\/p>\n

    21st June 1877<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    My dear son, Reuben<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It won\u2019t be long before I am home, son.\u00a0 I have missed you a lot and have often wondered how you were getting on with Kamille and her colt. Has your Uncle Joe allowed you to ride her yet?\u00a0 Have you thought of a name for the colt?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I have seen some wonderful things on this trip, Reuben, jaguars and alligators, the biggest snakes you can imagine, and once there was a time when I saw a whole mass of trees and the ground covered by butterflies, big with wide wingspans of luminous green, the whole place seemed to shimmer and then they all flew away in one great cloud.\u00a0 It was a never to be forgotten moment.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    But it has been a pretty dangerous place too, nothing pleasant about paddling a log boat with alligators sliding into the water and swimming up and alongside and always fearful that they would flip the boat over.\u00a0 But we managed and are now safely on board ship.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I hope you are keeping up well with \u00a0your school work and that when I see \u00a0you again I will find you fit and well.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Your everloving Pa\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy dear Princess<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I will be home soon, my dear.\u00a0 When I get to Washington I shall send a cable to Ma and ask her to let me know what present you want from the big city.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Are you keeping well and helping Ma with the baby?\u00a0 Has Miss Brandon said when you can start school?\u00a0 Perhaps you already go with Reuben \u2026 it seems a long time since I saw you, sweetheart.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It won\u2019t be long before I am home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Your loving daddy \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They read their letters over and over, smoothed out the paper upon which they were written and glanced up to smile at one another.\u00a0 Reuben sighed with pleasure \u201cHe\u2019ll be home soon.\u00a0 Do you think he\u2019ll be home by Tuesday?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI want him home now.\u201d Sofia pouted, \u201cWhy can\u2019t daddy come home now?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s probably still on that boat.\u201d Reuben said, and frowned \u201cI wonder what it looked like with all those butterflies? I wonder if there were more than a hundred there or maybe even a million?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia smiled over at them and for a moment her eyes lingered on both her children before looking over to the baby and thinking how indeed her husband would find little Nathaniel much changed.\u00a0 The baby caught his mother\u2019s eyes on him and gurgled with glee, dark eyes twinkling with pleasure and almost disappearing in the folds of his cheeks as he grinned and chuckled over at her.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, it won\u2019t be long before he\u2019s home anyway.\u201d she stated as she got to her feet and tucked the letter into her pocket, \u201cWe\u2019ll have a lot to tell him, won\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben nodded and turned his head away, a slight frown and downcast mouth chased the pleasure away \u201cMa, I haven\u2019t seen Kamille and the colt for a long time now \u2026 \u00a0Pa will be annoyed with me, I promised to care for them with Uncle Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou couldn\u2019t help it, dear.\u00a0 Perhaps -\u201d she stopped and then with \u00a0a sigh turned away \u201cI\u2019ll get some thing for us to drink.\u00a0 Perhaps we can write Pa a letter so that he has it at the hotel \u00a0where he stays.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you know where that is, Ma?\u201d Reuben asked turning to look at her while Sofia ran immediately to the bureau to find paper and pencils, saying as she went that she was going to draw her daddy a picture of butterflies.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, dear, of course I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben watched her as she walked from the room, he could tell that she was worried, even though she kept her back straight and head high.\u00a0 He looked at Sofia already happy in spreading out a sheet of paper on the table and concentrating on finding the sharpest pencil.\u00a0 He looked down at his feet and felt miserable, how would his Pa feel on finding him like this?\u00a0 Would he be ashamed? Angry?\u00a0 Sofia looked up and smiled over at him<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben, come and write a letter to Daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He sighed heavily and shook his \u00a0head, downcast he pushed the wheelchair away from the settee and then paused to stare at the bookcase, then at the fireplace \u2026 he looked over his shoulder to see Sofia, her tongue sticking out at the corner of her mouth as she concentrated on Pa\u2019s letter.\u00a0 In two days time it would be Tuesday, he blinked as his eyes filled with tears .. Just two more days.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben Cartwright dipped his pen into the inkwell and paused a moment to gather his thoughts.\u00a0 He pursed his lips, furrowed his brow and then slowly began to write \u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe Ponderosa<\/p>\n

    Nevada Territory\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDear Martha<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I was more than sorry to receive your letter with the sad news relating to Julian.\u00a0 He was, as you know, a dear friend, a loyal friend.\u00a0 I shall miss him tremendously\u201d \u00a0he paused and then crossed out that word and replaced it with \u201cvery much.\u00a0 I knew that whenever I needed his help he always provided it, unstintingly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy dear, I am unable to attend the funeral on Tuesday as something of a serious concern has arisen here.\u00a0 You may recall in one of my previous letters to you both I mentioned about the shooting incident at Reuben\u2019s school and how he had been injured ?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The trial of the boy who shot down two of his students and injured Reuben is fixed for the same date as Julian\u2019s funeral and although I would wish to be with you and many others of Julians\u2019 friends I will not be able to attend. \u00a0 My thoughts will be with you, however, as will my prayers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It will not be an easy day, nor an easy time for you.\u00a0 Julian and yourself have been together for many years and the bond you shared, the love that you wrapped around one another, will not be easily broken.\u00a0 It will take time, my dear Martha, for life to ever appear normal again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Should you at any time wish to come and spend a little time here on the Ponderosa with us, please always feel welcome.\u00a0 My home is your home, please believe that \u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    With heartfelt sympathy<\/p>\n

    Ben\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He re-read it and after deciding it was fit for purpose slipped it into the envelope and sealed it.\u00a0 After writing the address of Mrs Frobisher he set it to one side and then picked up another sheet of paper, dipped the pen into the ink and then stared at the blank whiteness that confronted him.. Well, he told himself, time to write as a father should to his son irregardless of the fact that no doubt his brothers and perhaps his wife would have written in exactly the same vein.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He wrote the address and date on the letter and paused, pen aloft and brow furrowed then after dipping the pen back into the inkwell he began<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy dear son,<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I was more than overjoyed to receive your letter and to know that you were safe and en route to Washington.\u00a0 Of course I would have preferred had you been heading to San Francisco and that instead of a letter we would have seen you home again.\u00a0 But needs must and your orders have to be obeyed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Son, theres no other way to say this but how it is \u2026 you are needed home, so don\u2019t hang around and delay if at all possible because certain events have taken place here that require you to be back home with your wife and family.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    No doubt Olivia has written to tell you all about the shooting incident at the school.\u00a0 Reuben has recovered from his injuries but is unable to walk, Paul assures me that he will one day but that fear has caused problems\u2026 well, I can\u2019t explain all that in a letter I don\u2018t understand half of what he was saying anymore than I ever could.\u00a0 The boy needs you home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    On Tuesday the trial will take place of the boy who shot Reuben and two other boys at the school.\u00a0 There\u2019s no doubt of his guilt, of course, but there may be mitigating circumstances that may be taken into consideration. \u00a0 Homer tells me that nothing is guarantee\u2019d after all he is only a \u00a0lad of 12.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Apart from that Roy Coffee was seriously injured by Harry Cochrane?\u00a0 Remember him? You were in the posse that rode with Roy to arrest him years back.\u00a0 I think he\u2019ll hang now though.\u00a0 His trial is set for the 22nd \u2026Wednesday.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    This isn\u2019t the best of letters to send to you, Adam, I\u2019m sorry for that \u2026 but for all that wish only for you to be home again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Your father<\/p>\n

    Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Far out at sea the Shenandoah dipped into the waves and pushed her way through the seas.\u00a0 On the bridge Adam Cartwright stood with his face towards the coastal line of his country coming into view.\u00a0 He heaved in a deep breath of relief, not long and he would \u00a0be walking on American soil again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham Morton entered the bridge and glanced around him, nodded at Beamish and then approached Adam \u201cEverything alright, Commodore?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam said nothing for a moment, then he nodded \u201cAll\u2019s well\u201d he replied and kept his face turned towards the approaching land.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 68<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The court room was prepared by late Monday evening when Candy did his final check that everything was in order.\u00a0 It had seemed to have been a long time in coming but at last the families of the bereaved were about to get some form of justice for their sons.\u00a0 All the weeks he had had young Leslie in his cell he still had been unable to get the boy to realise the seriousness of the charges against him, or to get him to explain the reason why he had acted in such a manner.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He still worried about whether or not he had acted fairly towards the boy, after all, that was what he was, just a boy. \u00a0 Candy rubbed his fingers across his jaw line and stared at the trappings of law in that court room, and then with a sigh made his way from the building to his home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Judge had arrived earlier that day, his clerk had collected all the relevant papers and had taken them to the judge\u2019s room almost immediately upon arrival.\u00a0 Candy had met him briefly when he had been asked to bring the Defending and Proscecuting counsel to his rooms in order to discuss the case.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Judge Hardy was not the elderly Judge whom Candy had thought would be hearing the case, that gentleman had been ill with gout and unable to take on the responsibility of the Circuit work, appointing Hardy instead.\u00a0 Judge Hardy was much younger and ambitious with an eye to making a name for himself.\u00a0 He had seen this case as a means to get noticed, a murderer of 12 years of age was sure to capture the attention of newspapers everywhere.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He was however thorough, as both Whiley and Woods were to confirm to their respective clients.\u00a0 Candy was warned to expect Cochrane\u2019s case to be put back for at least a week to give everyone time to prepare once Watts, Watson and Cartwright v Downing had been concluded.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Due to the age of the Defendant Judge Hardy had ordered that the case be heard \u2018in camera\u2019 \u00a0that meant a closed court, which didn\u2019t please anyone apart from those actually involved in the trial.\u00a0 De Quille was fuming, he had hoped to make a lot of money from the sale of the \u2018hot news\u2019 the trial would elicit.\u00a0 Hardy wasn\u2019t that pleased either, it narrowed his chances of becoming famous quite a bit if no one was to hear about the proceedings, but he knew from long experience how often the more salacious aspects of a trial \u2018leaked\u2019 out to the public.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Watts arrived with the Watson family followed by Lydia Brandon and her fiance, and the families of the children who would be called as witnesses.\u00a0 The Cartwrights came but the court usher told them only Ben could enter the court room with Olivia and Reuben.\u00a0 Finally the Downings came and were led to a separate room away from the witnesses and victims of the atrocity.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie Downing cut a sorry figure as he sat alone on the bench for all those present to stare at and wonder over. \u00a0 He held his head down and sometimes during the examination he was seen to wipe his eyes and nose with the sleeve of his jacket.\u00a0 Mrs Downing was glassy eyed with exhaustion and misery, she constantly looked over at her son whom she had made sure was wearing his very best suit.\u00a0 He had lost weight while in the cells and although it made him look fitter, to his mother\u2019s eyes he looked like a lost soul wasting away to nothing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mr Downing sat straight back and red faced, every so often during the cross examination of the childrens evidence he looked as though he was going to burst, several times he jumped up and had to be pulled down onto his seat by his wife and Mr Whiley.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    One by one the children testified to what they had seen and heard, their young voices shrill in denunciation as they confirmed the fact that they knew Leslie had known the gun was loaded.\u00a0 One boy stated that Leslie had \u00a0been asked if it was loaded and had replied \u2018What would have been the point of bringing it to school if it wasn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie squealed in protest \u201cI never did say that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou did too..\u201d the boy yelled back and Hardy had to bang his gavel for order while the boy was led away leaving Leslie red faced and crying.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy watched the proceedings with a sinking feeling in his chest.\u00a0 The children had been so sure of their facts, and of course they would have been, such an action that had taken place that afternoon would be indelibly imprinted on their young minds.\u00a0 Leslie was a woeful figure in the \u2018dock\u2019, staring around him, lowering his head and weeping or just looking intently at his parents as though to say \u2019You\u2019re adults, get me out of here\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Lydia Brandon gave her evidence in a clear voice, the shock of the event had worn off now and she was definite in what she had to say.\u00a0 Whiley tried to make her statement sound less harmful but she wasn\u2019t prepared to be sidetracked into watering down what had happened.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    When she came to the part of her evidence about Jamie Watt running to tell her that Leslie had a gun her voice wobbled and she looked sadly over at the boys\u2019 parents as Mrs Watts sudden sob broke into the quietness in the room where only Lydia\u2019s voice had been heard.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Then Reuben was called to the witness stand and with a pale but determined face he rose to his feet and leaning upon Candy\u2019s arm walked to the stand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia felt tears welling up and dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief while Ben groped and found her hand to give it a gentle squeeze.\u00a0 Reuben looked over at her and smiled, he had done it, whatever else happened that day, he had walked and proven to himself that he wasn\u2019t afraid after all.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He gave his name and age and answered the questions in a clear voice.\u00a0 Mr Whiley had asked the questions first and hadn\u2019t seemed too happy at the answers, he was losing any chance of gaining any mitigating evidence that would lessen the sentence for his client.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you know that Leslie had a gun?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, sir, not at first.\u00a0 Not until I heard them saying he had and then I saw him with it in his hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat did you do then?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI told Jamie to tell Miss Brandon.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCouldn\u2019t you have done that?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben lowered his head a little and thought about it, he sighed \u201cNo, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy not? \u00a0 After all, if you had gone to Miss Brandon perhaps James Watt would still be alive today?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben looked at his mother then at Leslie who was crying, tears streamed down his cheeks, and Mrs Watts was sobbing, trying to muffle the sounds in her handkerchief.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI couldn\u2019t, sir, Leslie was looking at me and staring and I was frightened to move. My legs wouldn\u2019t move and David had said he\u2018d deal with it, and I was to stand still and -and so I did..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPerhaps if you had told Leslie to put the gun down he would have listened to you, after all, you were school pals, he wouldn\u2019t have really wanted to hurt you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben shook his head and looked at Mr Whiley as though the man were mad, who ever had told him that Leslie and he were friends were wrong, they had lied, \u201cNo, that\u2019s not so, \u00a0Leslie wasn\u2019t my friend, he hated me, he was always ganging up on me and Jamie. He was looking at me with that gun in his hand and I knew he was going to shoot me, I knew it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow could you have known he had any such intention, young man?\u201d Whiley\u2019s voice said dismissively<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause – he shot Jamie and then he pointed the gun at David, in his face, just shot him and David fell down and then he was looking at me with the gun pointed at me and his eyes – his eyes were telling me I was next so I turned and I ran as fast as I could -\u201d he stopped, his heart was pounding, his knees knocking together so that he was glad he was sitting down even though the edge of the chair was cutting painfully into his legs.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hiram Woods asked him questions next so that Reuben was able to explain about how Leslie bullied him and some of the younger ones, how he had \u00a0been shot but hadn\u2019t realised it but had kept running.\u00a0 He explained how ill he had been and how his legs hadn\u2019t worked properly for a long time.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Finally his ordeal was over, Judge Hardy even leaned down to thank him for his clear evidence and he was walking back to his seat beside his Ma.\u00a0 He looked at Leslie Downing who was blowing his nose and didn\u2019t look like the fearsome monster of his dreams, just a boy who had suddenly become very frightened indeed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    After a brief recess everyone returned to the court room for the evidence or rather, the cross examination of the Defendant, Leslie Downing. \u00a0 The boy cut a sorry figure as he walked pass all those who had given evidence, the grieving parents, his own parents who looked pale faced and stared at him with wide wet eyes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLeslie, you know who I am, don\u2019t you?\u201d Whiley said with more kindness in his voice that had been there during the morning session.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWould you tell us how old \u00a0you are?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m twelve years and two months old.\u201d Leslie said quietly and was told to repeat it because no one could hear at the back.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWere you popular at school?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you have a lot of friends?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, some\u2026\u201d Leslie shrugged, and looked woodenly over at the children seated on the benches in front of him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCan you explain to the court why you took the gun into school that day?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie frowned, he had been asked that question so often that he knew the answer by heart but now, in a court room with a stern faced Judge, and the others there looking at him, he felt awkward, he fidgeted and rubbed his face with his hand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, you see, Don Murhpy said his Pa had a gun that was kept in a drawer and that it had belonged to Jesse James.\u00a0 I said that weren\u2019t true.\u00a0 But he said it was so I said to him \u2018Well, then, bring it to school and prove it.\u2019 \u00a0But he didn\u2019t so I said he was lying but he said that his Pa told him he\u2019d get a thrashing if he touched it. So I told him I had a gun at home that belonged to my Gran\u2019pa, and that\u2019s why I brung it to school because I didn\u2019t want the kids to think I was lying.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you know it was loaded?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was a sudden tension in the room, the Judge looked over his spectacles at Leslie and the faces of everyone seemed to harden, the eyes glared hate filled and hungry at the boy and he swallowed hard because his mouth had gone dry \u00a0\u201cI – I didn\u2019t think it was loaded.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It wasn\u2019t good enough an answer, Hiram Woods immediately stood up and asked loudly \u201cDid you or did you not KNOW it was loaded?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Whiley then protested that Woods could ask his questions when he had finished his own cross examination and Judge Hardy advised Hiram to sit down and wait his turn.\u00a0 He banged his gavel again and Leslie jumped nervously, everyone there could see he was as nervous as a cat.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe children have testified that you fired the gun at point blank range at David Watson\u2026can you explain why you did that, Leslie?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDavid was one of the older boys in the class, he was always telling us what to do, he told me to put the gun down in his usual bossy way of talking and that really riled me up some.\u00a0 He was standing there with a smirk on his face as though he thought I was an idiot.\u00a0 I just wanted him to go away but at the same time I didn\u2019t want him to think I was frightened of him. I just squeezed the trigger and next thing I knew he fell down\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you purposely shoot to kill David?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat about Jamie Watts?\u00a0 Can you explain why you fired at him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Leslie looked bewildered as though he had never heard about this before, he looked at Mr and Mrs Watts \u201cI don\u2019t know, I had the gun in my hand and I guess I was scared and just fired it but I didn\u2019t think it would hit Jamie, he just ran into the bullet.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo you didn\u2019t deliberately aim to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie looked over at Mr and Mrs Watts again, neither of them were crying now, they were just staring at him as though they wished he was hanging from a tree already.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo really it was an accident that caused Jamie to die that day?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNow, what about Reuben Cartwright?\u00a0 He claims that you bullied him a lot at school, was that true?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t think I was bullying him.\u00a0 Just playing around and larking about really.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo you didn\u2019t hate him at all, or make him feel frightened of you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, \u2018course not.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy do you think he thought you were bullying him?\u00a0 Didn\u2019t he try and retaliate once?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie allowed a faint grin to emerge among the tears, he nodded \u201cYeah, he and Jamie, they were going to ambush me on the way home from school with their slingshots, but I was too quick for \u2018em. I got home before they expected me to and they smashed Pa\u2019s store window instead.\u00a0 Boy, was Pa mad, but he got Mr Cartwright to pay for it and \u2026\u201d he stopped, something in the way Whiley was looking at him warned him that he was saying too much<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you deliberately aim the gun at Reuben Cartwright and shoot him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, sir.\u201d Leslie lowered his eyes and when he raised them again he was staring at Reuben \u00a0\u201cNo, not on purpose.\u00a0 It just happened.\u00a0 When he ran away I didn\u2018t think I had shot him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Whiley nodded and sat down.\u00a0 Judge Hardy looked at Hiram Woods and said \u2018Your witness.\u2019<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLeslie, you do know how serious this whole business is, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd you know that if you tell a lie while you are answering any of our questions you would be committing what is called Perjury \u2026 that\u2019s a serious offence .. Has Mr Whiley explained that to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie shot a glance at Whiley who inclined his head so Leslie said \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhen you took the gun from the drawer, was there a box of cartridges with it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie blinked and tried to remember, he nodded \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you touch them at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTo load the pistol with perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Whiley jumped up \u201cObjection \u2026 Mr Woods is leading the witness to incriminate himself.\u00a0 He\u2018s putting words into the child\u2018s mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hardy raised his eyebrows, Mr Whiley was certainly making good use of his ace card, which was Leslie\u2019s age\u2026 \u201cA little more care, Mr Woods.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hiram bowed his head and looked again at Leslie \u00a0\u201cLeslie, did you know the gun had been loaded?\u00a0 That it still had bullets in it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie gave a sigh, more like a grunt, as though he were tired of being asked the same questions all the time, he shook his head \u201cI didn\u2019t touch the cartridges, I didn\u2019t think the gun was loaded.\u00a0 The first time I squeezed the trigger nothing happened, so I thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNothing happened the first time you fired?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, so when I pulled the trigger again I didn\u2019t think it would shoot anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hiram looked at the boy thoughtfully, no one had mentioned that he had fired a blank first of all, this could be the very thing that would shift the case in his favour.\u00a0 He could see Whiley scribbling away, and knew that it hadn\u2019t come up before in cross examination and that Whiley was going to make the most of it.\u00a0 He walked away from Leslie and towards the audience of witnesses and bereaved \u2026he could feel their discomfort and unease.\u00a0 He then casually asked if he had liked David and Jamie and Reuben.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey were alright, they weren\u2019t my friends though.\u00a0 David was always telling me what to do as if I were an idiot, Jamie just tagged along with Reuben because \u2026\u201d he paused and remembered that there were some things he had been warned not to say.\u00a0 But Woods noticed and prompted him to go on \u201cHe liked Reuben because he was a Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWas there something wrong with being \u00a0a Cartwright?\u201d Hiram asked with raised eyebrows.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI guess not, Jamie thought it did though.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, Cartwrights have been around since forever, haven\u2019t they? They own a lot of land and my Pa says that they\u2019re really rich.\u00a0 My Pa says ..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cObjection\u2026\u201d Whiley stood up \u201cWhat Mr Downing says has no relevancy to this trial.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSustained.\u00a0 Mr Woods, keep the questions relevant to the case in hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo, when you fired the gun and nothing happened did you think that the gun was safe?\u00a0 That it had no bullets?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI guess so.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPip Underwood testified that you bragged about it being loaded, you said that there wasn\u2019t any point in bringing an unloaded gun to school\u2026 \u00a0why did you say that if you thought the gun was unloaded?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie frowned, he shook his head \u201cI didn\u2019t say so.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hiram sighed and then walked to his desk from which he picked up a pistol \u201cThis look familiar to you, Leslie?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s a gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s the gun you took to school.\u00a0 Now, would you like to stand up and take hold of the gun, and show us how you held it when it \u2018went off\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Whiley fidgeted, he looked anxiously over at the Downings and then at the boy who was standing up now holding the gun.\u00a0 Woods nodded \u201cHold it how you had it when David Watson stood just so close to you \u2026\u201d and he walked up and stood opposite Leslie \u201cWas he this close?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie nodded and raised the gun, but Hiram shook his head \u201cYou\u2019d have to raise the gun higher, Leslie. David was a tall boy for his age, his Pa tells me he was as tall as I am so – a little higher – now look at the gun, what can you see?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Whiley jumped up \u201cJudge \u00a0– Objection \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Judge Hardy raised a hand for silence and nodded to Woods to proceed with the cross examination. \u00a0\u201cLook at the gun, Leslie, what can you see?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie looked along his arm to his hand and to the pistol.. He could see the way his fingers held the handle, he could see the chamber where the bullets would be put, \u00a0he could see that the chambers were empty and then he could see the barrel with the sight, he shifted his gaze to look at Hiram \u00a0\u201cThere ain\u2019t no bullets \u00a0in the gun.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow can you tell?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie wrinkled his nose and shrugged \u201c\u2019Cos I couldn\u2019t see \u2018em in the chamber.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you notice that when you held that gun and fired at Jamie, at David and Reuben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hiram took the pistol and weighed it in his hand for a moment before setting it down on the desk.\u00a0 Then he turned to the boy \u201cYou didn\u2019t like Reuben Cartwright because your Pa didn\u2019t like the Cartwrights\u2026\u201dhe turned to Whiley \u201cNo point in objecting to that statement, the fact is that children are influenced by how their parents talk about folk.\u00a0 Mr Downing has never kept it a secret in town about how he feels about that family. You resented David Watson for telling you what to do and after you shot Jamie -\u201d he paused and looked at the audience \u201cOne bullet felled Jamie Watts, whether the accused knew the gun was loaded or not is no longer in debate, he knew that there was every chance of the gun being loaded when he shot David Watson in the face, and then aimed and fired it at Reuben.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie said nothing, he sat there and the tears trickled down his face, his fat lips blubbered, he blinked rapidly in order to see anything at all \u2026Hiram turned to him \u201cI am sorry, Leslie, you may have been ignorant when you fired the bullet that killed Jamie, but you can\u2019t claim the same for the bullets you fired thereafter.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Judge Hardy banged the gavel and looked at the two lawyers, then at the bereaved, the children\u2026 he nodded to Candy who came and stood beside the witness stand where Leslie was still sitting.\u00a0 Judge Hardy stood up \u201cBecause of your age, Leslie Downing, there has been no jury called to hear this trial.\u00a0 It is my legal duty and responsibility to pass judgement upon you \u2026 do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy indicated that Leslie had to stand up, which he did his mouth open and his eyes blinking at the judge \u201cLeslie Downing, after hearing the evidence from these witnesses and from your own mouth I declare you guilty of the charges \u00a0brought against you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was a ripple of sound around the court room, some weeping, whispering, the rustle of womens skirts \u2026the Judge frowned and sighed \u201cI find you guilty on the charge of deliberate murder in the case of David Watson. You are guilty on the charge of the accidental death of Jamie Watt.\u00a0 You are guilty on the charge of attempted murder \u00a0of Reuben Cartwright.\u00a0 In view of your age I shall have to take time to consider the sentence. \u00a0 Court will re-convene tomorrow morning to hear sentence passed.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The gavel fell, the usher announced \u201cAll stand.\u201d and Judge Hardy left the court room.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 69<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia looked down at Reuben with an immense surge of so many conflicting emotions within her, her hand lightly brushed over his face as he looked up at her \u201cWell done, son, \u00a0you did so well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy legs were kinda funny, Mom.\u00a0 But I did it, didn\u2019t I?\u00a0 I walked over there by my own, didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She smiled, a rather tremulous smile and nodded, he was still such a child, just a little boy.\u00a0 She looked up and met Ben\u2019s eyes and noticed there was moisture there which he didn\u2019t hide from her for his heart had been in his mouth when the child had stood up and walked over to the stand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Parents were leading their children away, hardly anyone spoke, the whole room seemed saturated with tension and a combination of relief and misery.\u00a0 Mr and Mrs Watts went away weeping, his arm around his wife\u2019s shoulders and the Watsons were looking hard faced with \u00a0hatred at the Downings who were grouped around Jacob Whiley\u2019s desk while Leslie sat, abandoned, with only Clem standing by his side.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Andrew Downing turned towards the Cartwrights now, his face was pale with blobs of red rouging his cheeks, he resembled a rather distraught clown, a rather frightening one and Reuben stepped back behind his mother as the man\u2019s eyes bore down on him \u201cWell, you soon recovered \u00a0yourself, didn\u2019t you, you little weasel.\u00a0 Only too quick to come and tell all, weren\u2019t you?\u00a0 I\u2019m surprised they didn\u2019t recommend you use your wheelchair to get the sympathy vote and wring some more -\u201d he stopped when his wife placed a hand on his arm and Whiley made shush-ing noises to prevent him venting his spleen any further.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben stepped forward with his fists clenched and his mouth fixed in that stubborn way that meant he was liable to connect his fist with Downings jaw, but managed to stop himself. He put a protective hand on Reuben\u2019s shoulder and just murmured \u201cCome along, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben kept close to his grandfather\u2019s legs, peeking over at the Downings as they passed.\u00a0 Hiram Woods called over to Ben which stopped them leaving the room as the two men went into a quiet conversation leaving Olivia standing beside her son.\u00a0 Reuben tugged at her sleeve \u201cMa, Lesley looks awful scared.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia glanced over her shoulder at where the boy was still seated his eyes red rimmed and his lips trembling while he stared intently at his parents willing them to pay him some attention.\u00a0 She then looked at the Downings and wondered why it was that they didn\u2019t go to their sons aid, he was obviously suffering.\u00a0 Candy had now approached Clem and they were talking together so that Leslie seemed even more isolated.\u00a0 Reuben tugged again at his mothers\u2019 sleeve \u201cCan I talk to him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you want to?\u201d she was leaning down towards him, their whispered conversation unnoticed \u201cDo you want me to come with you?\u00a0 Will you be able to walk over there on your own?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben thrust out his lower lip, so reminiscent of one of Adams mannerisms that Olivia had to blink fast to not get teary eyed.\u00a0 He nodded \u201cI can walk, Ma, I\u2019ve been practising and practising, haven\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    True enough, ever since that letter had come from Adam the boy had seemed resolved to get up and use his legs.\u00a0 More than once he had faltered, staggered and fallen, but doggedly straightened the legs and set off again.\u00a0 She had heard him walking around his bed at night and even early in the morning when she peeked around the door she had seen him in his night shirt, a little figure pacing the floor and it wrung her heart as she remembered the terrible time when Adam had done the same during that long and painful time when Jimmy Chang had been treating his leg<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    How grateful she had been that Hop Sing and Cheng Ho Lee had insisted on those exercises, and \u00a0how thankful that those letters had arrived, like divine providence, at such a pivotal time in these proceedings.\u00a0 She had hugged him and kissed him, and wept, which made Reuben cry as well and then Sofia came in and wailed at the sight of them, Olivia on her knees hugging Reuben and both of them crying.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI had to get better, Ma, I had to \u2026 Pa would want me to be riding Kamille and looking after her and the colt.\u00a0 He\u2019d be expecting me to be helping with chores as well\u2026\u201d and he had cried and laughed and so had she and then Sofia had began to dance around the bedroom with Clarabelle being swung by a raggedy arm \u00a0in the air.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So now Olivia nodded and stood up, gave her son a pat on the back and stepped aside for him to walk to where Leslie sat\u2026 Candy turned and was about to stop him, but then looked over at Olivia, nodded and allowed him through.\u00a0 Leslie remained with his head down, although he did raise a hand to brush away some tears.\u00a0 Reuben stood closer and placed a hand on the wooden railing that ran the top of the stand where the boy was seated. \u00a0\u201cHi Leslie \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you want?\u00a0 Come to gloat?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben shook his head, unseen by the other boy who now looked up at him \u201cThought you were in a wheelchair?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI was.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow come you\u2019re walking then?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201c\u2019Cause I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie scowled and lowered his head again, Reuben stood for a moment wondering what to say \u201cYou scared?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie sniffed several times and then wiped his nose on the back of his hand, he nodded \u201cPa said they might hang me.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben swallowed hard and looked over at Candy who was keeping at a discreet distance but listening to everything that was being said, as was Clem.\u00a0 Olivia had joined Ben and Hiram who were making a pretence of discussing something while they kept an anxious eye over at the boys and at the Downings still deep in discussion with Whiley.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey won\u2019t hang you, Leslie \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow\u2019d you know?\u201d Leslie sniffed again and blinked \u201cYou don\u2019t know nothing, you don\u2019t know what that Judge might do.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey might just send you to prison.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to kill anyone though.\u201d the boy whined \u201cI know I fired the gun but I thought – \u00a0I didn\u2019t think they\u2019d die – I didn\u2019t know – I mean – once the gun went off like that I just couldn\u2019t stop from firing it, Reuben, and I thought \u2026 they\u2019d get back up again.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Reuben bowed his head and thought of Jamie, the little boy who had just gasped \u2018Oh\u2019 and fallen down, had bounced as he hit the ground with his arms and legs all floppy and blood drops splattering the dust.\u00a0 He looked at Leslie \u201cDon\u2019t be scared, Leslie.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cEasy for you to say.\u201d Leslie whispered and then he firmed his lips and looked at the younger boy \u201cAnyway, it\u2019s alright for you, you\u2019re a Cartwright.\u00a0 Pa always said everything turns out good for Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben said nothing to that, he could tell by the boys eyes that there was no longer any time for sympathy, or consolation, there was the familiar look in Leslie\u2019s eyes that made Reuben step back and regretfully return to his mother\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy put a hand on Leslie\u2019s shoulder \u201cCome on, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhere you taking me?\u201d Leslie whispered as though he could already see the gallows before him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBack to the cells.\u201d \u00a0Candy replied and although his heart had initially softened during the course of the conversation the two boys had had, he remembered that his little girl, Rosie, could have been one of the victims that day, and still had nightmares \u00a0having seen David Watson shot in the face and falling dead to the ground.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The family had remained in town for the remainder of the day and stayed at the Hotel Internationale overnight in order to be available at the court house for the sentencing of twelve year old Leslie Downing for the murder of David Watson and James Watt, and the malicious shooting with intent to kill of Reuben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    This time the Judge did permit the court room to be opened to members of the public and the press.\u00a0 Daniel De Quille had his note book open and was already scribbling down views and opinions as people entered and took their seats.\u00a0 He wrote how the families of the victims \u00a0were led to designated seats and how the women were dressed and how they looked, he described how Reuben Cartwright had walked – alone and unaided – to his seat, adding a brief reference to how the boy had been in a wheelchair since recovering from his injuries.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Judge entered and the gavel fell, \u201cBe upstanding \u2026 Judge Hardy presiding over Watson, Watts and Cartwright versus Downing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was the rustle of dresses and subdued murmur of voices as everyone stood up, eyes slanted in the direction of Hardy and then over to the boy who stood in the dock.\u00a0 Leslie may have been a big built twelve year old, but for some reason he seemed to have shrunk and many a mothers heart went out to him before they turned to look upon the haggard faces of the mothers who had lost their children due to the accused.\u00a0 The reason they were all there once again hardened their hearts.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Judge Hardy looked at the assembled crowd and then at the families of the bereaved, his eyes dwelt a little while upon the poor child whose sentence he was about to pronounce. He had spent long and deliberate hours pouring over the statements and courtroom notes taken down by the Clerk.\u00a0 He had wondered how sentencing to hang a 12 year old would affect his future, he wanted to become famous but not in the same way as Federal Judge Isaac Parker who had the nickname of the Hanging Judge, having executed over 70 men, women and children during his time at Fort Smith*. \u00a0 He cleared his throat and in a strong voice made a small precise speech about the case in which he concluded:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDeath of a child is always heart rending, their loss irreparable and this court offers its deepest sympathies to Mr and Mrs Watts for the death of their only child, and to Mr and Mrs Watson for the death of a young man on the threshold of his future.\u00a0 We are truly thankful that we do not have the death of another child upon our hands and that young Reuben Cartwright survived his injuries, the physical ones at least.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDeath of children by another child though brings about it a spectre from which we cannot escape.\u00a0 Can we really and truly believe that a child who takes a gun from his home and secrets it to his school, does not have the intention to use it? \u00a0 Can we really and truly be sure that when taking that gun from the drawer of his parents home he did not know it was loaded?\u00a0 We cannot believe that a child raised in this territory is ignorant of the result of firing a loaded gun at point blank range at any target.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe find Leslie Downing guilty of the murder of James Watt and David Watson.\u00a0 Guilty of intent to kill Reuben Cartwright. \u00a0 Whether or not these murders or killings were premeditated has reasonable doubt.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNow herein is the difficulty \u2026 as Federal Judge of this territory I have the full authority to sentence you, Leslie Downing, to death by hanging.\u00a0 Were you a few years older there would be no doubt of that sentence being carried out at dawn tomorrow morning.\u00a0 However, you are but twelve years old and reasonable doubt could be considered to various aspects of this case.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI hereby sentence \u00a0you, Leslie Downing, to a life imprisonment at the Yuma State Penitentiary with hard labour.\u00a0 Life imprisonment means this : \u00a099 years for the life of James Watt, 99 years for the life of David Watson and 50 years for the intended killing of Reuben Cartwright, to run concurrently.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A murmur trickled through the court, it resembled the sounds a train makes as it slows to enter a station.\u00a0 Mrs Downing was sobbing loudly while her husband sat as though unable to move, frozen literally to the spot with shock.\u00a0 Hardy banged down the gavel \u201cSentence has been passed and will be carried out immediately.\u00a0 There will be no appeal.\u00a0 Sheriff, take the prisoner away.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Leslie was forced to stand \u00a0upright as the Judge left the building, Candy could feel the boy trembling as he stepped forward to put the handcuffs on him. \u00a0\u201cPa.\u00a0 Ma.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The cry sounded like the bleatings of a lamb about to be taken from the flock, his cry floated over the heads of those assembled. Olivia, Mary Ann and Bridie were crying, wiping their eyes with their handkerchiefs as were many other women. Hester and some who kept the facts closer in mind stood and stared without expression as the boy was led away, followed by Whiley and the store keeper and his wife.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was all over now.\u00a0 People left the court room, trickling away and returning to their daily lives, some too numbed and shocked to talk about it, others wanting to talk in order to make sure the facts were right in their minds.\u00a0 Mr and Mrs Watts gravitated over to Olivia and Reuben and Ben, whispering their comments, shaking their heads and the women weeping together. \u00a0 David Watsons parents and siblings marched out of the court room straight backed and ashen faced, whether or not they felt justice had eluded them no one knew for sure.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben thought he would never forget the sight of Leslie Downing being led away in handcuffs.\u00a0 He watched the boy all the way until Leslie turned and looked back at him, those same hate filled hard eyes glaring at him, that same cold grin\u2026Reuben turned his head away, he knew that had Leslie held a gun in his hand at that moment he, Reuben Cartwright, would be dead, no running to escape this time.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 70<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The officers on the bridge of the Shenandoah stood in silence as they watched the coffin being taken down the gangway to the waiting vehicle on the quayside.\u00a0 As a mark of respect the ships company had been ordered to turn out in their best uniforms and stand in silence as the coffin had been taken from the hold and passed along the decks to be taken away from the vessel.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They stood with legs slightly apart, hands clasped behind them and straight backed with chins held high with eyes straight ahead.\u00a0 From the bridge Adam, Jotham and Beamish watched and after looking briefly at one another as though to confirm the deed was done, they separated.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam went to his cabin to collect the necessary documents relating to this latest assignment, the death certificate signed by Euan, ships\u2019 doctor, and after picking up his hat, hurried to the upper deck in order to meet with Jotham who had gone to his cabin for the same papers relating to his area of the assignment.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Beamish presented himself with a salute \u201cShips company awaiting orders, Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and followed his first lieutenant to the deck where the men were assembled. As a body they turned to him, eyes fixed on him, faces stern.\u00a0 Everyone glad the trip was over, the coffin had gone, but anxious now about any forthcoming changes which could occur now the ship was back in Washington.\u00a0 Adam gave them a brief speech of thanks, dispersed them back to their duties and then turned to Beamish \u201cThe ships yours, Beamish. \u00a0 I shouldn\u2019t be gone long -.\u201d he paused and looked at Jotham before returning to look at the younger officer \u201cThank you, Beamish, you did very well on this trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you, sir.\u201d Beamish relaxed a little, allowed a smile to touch his lips and saw a brighter future ahead of him as a result of his Captains commendation.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham gave him a brief nod in passing, both men were too similar to ever become close friends but had a mutual respect, the older man appreciating the years he had known Adam while the younger had only just began that particular voyage.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They were piped from the ship and made their way to where a carriage was awaiting them.\u00a0 Beamish watched them enter the vehicle and saw the door close upon them, as he watched it roll away he became aware of Euan Macpherson standing by his side with a slightly anxious look on his face \u201cAnything wrong, Doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, nothing, I\u2019m just annoyed at not being here to see them off.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Beamish shrugged \u201cThe Captain said they\u2019d not be gone long, Doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid he?\u201d Euan nodded his head slowly, \u201cWell, that\u2019s good.\u201d he murmured almost to himself and stood beside Beamish until the carriage had disappeared from sight.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Neither Adam nor Jotham said a word on the journey, both deep in thought and aware that their escort was watchful of their every move and action.\u00a0 Adam stared down at the floor between \u00a0his feet and went over the last few hours – \u00a0the tugs coming out to tow the Shenandoah to her berth, the sails being taken up and cleated.\u00a0 They had seen the military escort waiting for their arrival, the one to take the coffin or prisoner to his destination and another for them.\u00a0 He stroked his upper lip thoughtfully as he wondered who he would be seeing this time, certainly not Fish nor Grant, they were figures from the past now.\u00a0 Remembered, perhaps, by their policies, food for history buffs, but as human beings their use was over. \u00a0 In Great Britain when a King died it was a case of \u2018Long Live the King\u2019 as the new replaced the old, in America it was a case of business as usual and little point in grieving over a man who held his position for a mere 4 – or in Grants case – 8 years.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham sat as though carved in granite as he thought over the last conversation he had had with the Commodore, a resume of facts relating to the case of Howard Jefferson, what would be said and what would be forgotten even should any question be raised with regard to certain topics.\u00a0 He went through the kind of questions that would be asked of him and repeated his rehearsed answers, as Adam had said, they needed to represent the same case from their own personal viewpoints.\u00a0 He sighed and stretched out his legs, glanced at the officer seated opposite who was to escort them to their superior officers, and nodded his head before glancing out of the window to watch the bustle of a typical afternoon in Washington.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSeems strange to be on land again,\u201d he muttered and beside him Adam grunted in agreement, \u201cTakes a while to get used to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He watched a woman walking with her children into a florists and wondered what she would be doing for the rest of the day, then he remembered that Adam would be thinking, no doubt, of his own family and he glanced sidelong over at the other officer but there was no indication of what was passing through Adams mind so he nodded again at the other occupant of the carriage and continued watching as the street passed by.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    When they came to a halt the officer, Captain Henry Williams, leaned across Jotham and pushed open the door, stumbled across their feet and once he had gained the street stood by the door and saluted \u201cReady to escort you gentlemen, if you would follow me?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Their feet echoed along the corridors of the vast state building, doors opened and closed, civilians and military as well as naval personnel came and went.\u00a0 Those of lesser rank saluted the group of three officers and continued with their assigned tasks, it was like, Adam mused, a gigantic ant hill, everyone busy doing something.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Henry Williams paused at a door where two armed guards flanked each side, he pushed it open \u201cIf you would wait here, Captain Morton. \u00a0 \u00a0Commodore, if you would follow me?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam didn\u2019t even glance in Jothams direction but followed Williams along the corridor, which was now richly carpeted, to a familiar door which was opened by one of the guards outside. \u00a0 He followed the other officer who stopped, stepped aside and saluted him \u201cIf you would just wait here, Commodore.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, listened as Williams left the room and closed the door behind him.\u00a0 He removed his hat and looked around him thoughtfully, then sighed as the subtle changes of the new regime touched his senses.\u00a0 No familiar smell of Grants cigar smoke, no sight of Sherman, or Sheridan or Custer.\u00a0 The map that had caused such controversy years back had been replaced by a very expensive original painting by \u00a0Antonio Canaletto, and the d\u00e9cor of the room had been changed although the desk remained an impressive reminder of the many who had sat behind it.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He turned immediately he sensed that someone had entered the room and recognised William Evarts, \u00a0Secretary of State who was standing by the concealed door in the wall. Adam acknowledged him and waited for the man to approach while he wondered if the President would make an appearance behind him.\u00a0 Evarts closed the door and turned to observe the other man, after a moment he allowed a brief smile and nodded to a chair \u201cSit down, Commodore. \u00a0 It\u2019s good to see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you, sir.\u201d Adam sat down and glanced at the desk behind which he had only ever seen Grant seated.\u00a0 Evarts noticed and smiled again but said nothing, instead he reached out for the documents Adam had under his arm and upon taking them put them down on the desk.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow did you like Brazil?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot much.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cToo hot?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cToo much of everything I dislike most \u2026 insects, snakes, alligators \u2026\u201d \u00a0Adam sighed, \u201cAnd it was hot.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts smiled \u201cwell, I guess discomfort comes with the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI guess it does.\u201d Adam replied hoping he didn\u2019t sound too cynical, he glanced around the room and then stood up, Evarts frowned and asked him if the chair wasn\u2019t comfortable to which Adam said he preferred to stand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He watched for a few moments as Evarts read the report Adam had so diligently written out, then he read the Death Certificate whereupon he frowned and looked up at Adam with a stern look that reminded the Commodore of his head master at college.\u00a0 Adam quirked an eyebrow \u201cA problem, Mr Evarts?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cJust a pity that Mr Jefferson died while on board ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s a pity Professor Jefferson died at all, sir.\u00a0 He was a fine man.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, you liked him?\u201d Evarts now leaned against the desk and folded his arms across his chest while he gave Adam the full benefit of a dark scrutiny.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, I did.\u201d Adam sighed and shrugged \u201cHe was a sick man, had been for a while. Malnutrition didn\u2019t help, nor did the climate.\u00a0 Dr Macpherson did all he could to save him but he was halfway dead when he came on board ship anyway.\u00a0 I liked his dedication to his work, he was an enthusiast for all things ancient.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts nodded \u201cSo I had heard and he will be a loss to all those who are equally dedicated, I\u2019m sure.\u201d he looked at the death certificate again before slipping it into the other papers.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam strolled over to the window and stared down at the sprawling mass beyond, his eyes roved around the city and for a brief moment he thought of the Pantanol, the vines and creepers, the claustrophobic way everything grew there to close and trap you within it.\u00a0 He became aware that Evarts was standing beside \u00a0\u201cIn your report you say Mr Jefferson denied the charge of murdering his brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe did.\u00a0 Strenuously.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you believe him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, I did.\u201d Adam raised his eyebrows and nodded \u201cYes, definitely.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou weren\u2019t influenced by your liking for him and his work?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t allow myself to get influenced, as you call it, sir.\u00a0 I may like the man but I don\u2019t tolerate anyone lying to me.\u00a0 Had Professor Jefferson lied to me I would have known.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWould you really?\u00a0 Would you really have known, Commodore?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow?\u201d \u00a0Evarts stroked his chin.\u00a0 He had an expressive face, heavily lined already with an overlarge nose and intelligent eyes.\u00a0 He stared into the Commodore\u2019s face and raised his eyebrows.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAn honest man doesn\u2019t lie well,\u201d Adam shrugged \u201cIn my opinion the Professor was a very honest man.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow did you find Captain Morton?\u00a0 Was he equal to the task?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat task was that, Mr Evarts?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts smiled slowly although his eyes darkened slightly \u201cTo arrest the man on a charge of \u00a0murder of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, was that it?\u00a0 I thought it was to keep his eye on me.\u201d Adam shrugged again and returned to look at the view from the window, \u201cThere we were told to find this man, to say nothing, not even discuss it with one another just in case \u2018someone\u2019 heard, to embellish a story about diamond mines and lost cities \u2026\u201d \u00a0he smiled slightly \u201cI think it took a while for either of us to trust the other.\u00a0 Then of course there was talk of an English contact – \u201c he pursed his lips \u201cIt took a while to sort out the truth from the lies, to be honest.\u00a0 To arrest an honest man was the easy part, to bring him back, dead or alive, even easier.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou Don\u2019t have a high opinion of politicians, do you, Commodore?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNone whatsoever, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, at least we understand one another.\u201d \u00a0Evarts laughed and almost raised his hand to place on Adam\u2019s arm, \u201cYou went to the Boston Latin School, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam squared his shoulders and said \u201cI did.\u201d \u00a0he paused \u201cI remember seeing your name as a previous student there.\u201d*<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes.\u00a0 I was impressed that you had been there though, a youth from the wilderness\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam pouted and again raised his eyebrows \u201cI believe you went onto Yale and Harvard Law School where you became a member of the Linonian *Society and \u2026\u201d he turned to look at the other man thoughtfully \u201cand the secret society Skull and Bones.\u201d*<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts did laugh now, a hearty laugh and he actually slapped Adam on the shoulder \u201cYes, I did.\u00a0 How thorough of you to – er – find that out.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam shrugged \u201cOnly something any \u2018old boy\u2019 from the Boston Latin School would know about a prestigious former student.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI like you, Commodore.\u201d Evarts said expansively, \u201cI didn\u2019t think I would seeing how well favoured you were with Grant, I had assumed that like so many of his associates you would be -\u201d he paused and became solemn \u201cWell, let\u2019s not go into that, I can see for myself that I am wrong, and mistaken.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He turned away from the window now and pulled out a chair upon which he sat, he then indicated the chair that Adam had already vacated \u201cSit down, tell me in your own words what took place in Brazil.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam took his seat and looked thoughtfully at the other man while he mentally went through the facts that he knew about him \u2026 he had been admitted to the bar in New York, in 1841, married the daughter of a prominent businessman and banker, and had 12 children between 1845 and 1862*.\u00a0 He had recently made a speech about secret societies at colleges as breeding grounds for snobbishness which he had found distasteful in later life.*<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So Adam briefly related the events of his trip to Brazil, finding Scolley and Jefferson, the subsequent denial of the murder charge and the willingness of Jefferson to return to America to face his accusers and prove his innocence.\u00a0 Adam shrugged slightly in conclusion \u201cI\u2019m not sure how he was going to prove his innocence except by the evidence provided by Mrs Jefferson.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh yes, Mrs Jefferson.\u201d Evarts rubbed his chin and looked again at Adam \u201cAnd what did the Professor think of Mrs Jefferson.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam pouted slightly before saying \u201cHe loved her. He left America never thinking for a moment that she would be charged with murder, or that there would be any doubt about Sackville Jefferson\u2019s death as being anything than an accident caused by their fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd what was the fight about, did he say?\u201d \u00a0Evarts asked casually, perhaps a little too casually as his eyes wandered from Adams face to observe the picture on the far wall.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSenator Jefferson had accused his brother of having an affair with his wife, which Howard denied strongly.\u00a0 He admitted loving her but also that Mrs Jefferson had never once given him any reason to think she loved him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs that all?\u201d Evarts asked blandly as he looked at Adam once again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat do you mean \u2018Is that all?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt seems – well – insufficient.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nearly laughed, his eyes widened and he shook his head as though amazed \u201cInsufficient?\u00a0 From what I have heard about Senator Jefferson he was a hot headed man, and as such the thought of another man having an affair with his wife would lead most definitely to a fight, especially when his brother was wanting money for yet another ex-pedition.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI agree \u00a0Sackville did have a temper on him.\u201d Evarts nodded in agreement, \u201cBut to kill your brother because of such an accusation – which he knew was false -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoward Jefferson did not kill his brother, Mr Evarts.\u201d \u00a0Adam frowned, the dark brows lowering over his near black eyes \u201cWhere I come from men have been killed for less, fought over less.\u00a0 If I thought any of my brothers were \u00a0having an affair with my wife I would beat the tar out of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd would you kill them?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo more than they would think of killing me\u2026 no, of course not.\u201d Adam shook his head, and then rose to his feet \u201cI\u2019m sorry that Professor Jefferson isn\u2019t here to defend himself as he would have wished, and I\u2019m sorry that I make a poor ambassador pleading on his behalf. \u00a0 He denied the murder of his brother on his death bed \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd did he say anything else ..on his death bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOnly that he loved Mrs Jefferson.\u201d \u00a0Adam replied quietly and reached for his hat, \u201cThere\u2019s nothing more I can tell you, sir.\u00a0 Everything is in my report, I believe you will find all the papers correct but should you wish to see me, then I\u2019ll be on board my ship.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts stood up, regarded Adam steadily \u201cDid he ever mention anything about Sackville that would lead you to think the man – well – could be involved in nefarious actions?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe never mentioned anything – he did say that his brother was an unpleasant man, arrogant, and he believed that Senator Jefferson didn\u2019t – couldn\u2019t – love his wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo, Howard Jefferson hated his brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPlease don\u2018t twist my words, Mr Evarts. \u00a0 He saw his brother for what he was, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd he didn\u2019t mention – any club at all?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked puzzled \u201cA club?\u00a0 What kind of club?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCommodore, you have just reminded me that I was in a secret society while at college \u2026 \u00a0 a society of which I am not ashamed and have nothing to be ashamed about except perhaps for its elitism \u2026 did Professor Jefferson ever mention that his brother was associated with a secret society like Skull & Bone?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked thoughtful, this was the crux of the matter now, this was leading to the questions he and Jotham had been prepared to lie about were they to be raised, he shook his head \u201cIf Senator Jefferson was associated with a secret society like skull & Bone then there would be no reason for either Howard or the Senator to be ashamed of being a member, would there, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts smiled slowly, his eyes glinted and he nodded \u201cVery well, Commodore.\u00a0 Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He placed a hand on Adams shoulder as he walked him to the door \u201cIf anything else is required of you, Commodore\u2026 please remain on board ship for now, would you?\u201d \u00a0he paused \u201cYou are still on active duty, remember that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, said nothing but with a grim look on his face left the room and made his way, alone, down the long corridor.\u00a0 As he walked he played over and over what had \u00a0been said, and was about to wonder where Jotham was when Captain Williams stepped forward and saluted \u201cA carriage is ready to take you back to your ship, Commodore.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat about Captain Morton?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCaptain Morton isn\u2019t part of your ships crew, Commodore.\u201d Williams replied smartly, \u201cI\u2019m sure you will see him again soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He gave the Commodore a salute and opened the door of the vehicle in which Adam stepped.\u00a0 He leaned against the seat, folded his arms across his chest and scowled darkly as he wondered just where Jotham was, and how he was handling his \u2018interrogation\u2019.\u00a0 He wondered if it would \u00a0be as subtly conducted as his own had been and began to consider what more was going to occur before the day ended.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 71<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam had thought to delay the return to the ship in order to send a cable to Olivia and his father, to \u00a0let them know he was back on American soil and would be returning home soon but instinct, that strange twisting of the gut that chimed so perfectly with that something that clicks in the brain, discouraged him from following what was his chief desire.\u00a0 He sat in the carriage and prepared himself to wait.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Patience was never a virtue that he had cultivated although time and again life had attempted to teach him, even in the cruellest of manner.\u00a0 Back in his cabin he tried to read a book, then went on the bridge to oversee his bo\u2019sun paying off the men, most of whom were hoping to serve on the Shenandoah again along with him.\u00a0 Some caught his eye on them and nodded, smiled their thanks, and went on their way.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The cook prepared a light meal and as the evening closed in he began to think that there would be no further summons, but could only therefore worry about Jothams whereabouts.\u00a0 He put a light to the lamps in the cabin, poured himself a glass of wine and sat at his desk to write a letter to Olivia.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The glass was empty when there came a knock on the door and without looking up he continued to write saying \u201cCome in\u201d in a perfunctory manner. \u00a0\u201cCommodore?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Now he did look up, nodded to Captain Williams \u201cGood evening, Captain.\u00a0 What can I do for you at this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYour presence is required, sir.\u00a0 If you would care to come along with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam pursed his lips and hesitated, then looked warily at Henry Williams who was standing very erect and straight backed. \u00a0 With a sigh and nod of the head he left his letter unfinished, covering it with the log book to protect it from prying eyes, and pulled his jacket from the back of the chair \u201cYou\u2019re rather late, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Williams merely stiffened his back a little more \u201cMy apologies, Commodore.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Shrugging his jacket on and carefully buttoning it as they left the cabin Adam wondered what it was that Evarts had to say to him now.\u00a0 Had Jotham said anything at an unwise or unguarded moment?\u00a0 He led the way down the corridor to the deck, saw Beamish \u201cMr Beamish, I have to leave the ship again, take command will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, of course, sir.\u201d Beamish nodded, saluted and watched as the two men made their way down the gangplank\u2026 the notes of the whistle indicating the senior officers departure fading into the evening air.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He was led to a small ante-chamber and asked to remain there for a short while, Williams saluted his superior officer and then left him alone, closing the door quietly behind him.<\/p>\n

    It was a pleasant room, well lit and comfortably furnished and for a while Adam made use of the time by walking around it and studying the pictures on the wall, and then the titles of the books on the shelves.\u00a0 He estimated having been there for at least 15 minutes when the door opened again and he turned expecting to see Williams again but found himself confronted by a woman instead.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They both looked at one another as though slightly surprised at the presence of the other, then he smiled \u201cAdam Cartwright, M\u2019am,\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She nodded \u201cMatilda Jefferson, Commodore.\u201d she stretched out her hand which he took in his and shook lightly, she smiled and the blue eyes shone a little from the moisture in them, \u201cI believe you are the officer who brought Howard \u00a0back from Brazil, aren\u2019t you?\u201c<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, Mrs Jefferson, I am.\u00a0 My condolences – \u00a0he was a very sick man.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes, then shook her head \u201cI wish I hadn\u2019t sent that letter to him now, he may have stayed there if I hadn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI doubt if you have any reason to blame yourself, Mrs Jefferson.\u00a0 Howard would have come had you written to him or not.\u00a0 He was an honourable man and would have wanted to defend his name, as well as to protect yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She glanced over at him then and looked a trifle embarrassed \u201cI – I didn\u2019t encourage Howard to love me, I gave him no inducement at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, he told me that you loved your husband and was never unfaithful in any way.\u00a0 He respected you for that, even though he had loved you since before your marriage to the Senator.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, I know.\u00a0 He came to me a few days before the wedding to ask me to think about what I was doing, to cancel the wedding and marry him instead but I didn\u2019t love him, not after having met Sackville.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and regarded her steadily for a moment; \u00a0she was an attractive woman and took care of her looks, by her poise and style of dress she could pass for a woman several years younger than she was, and Adam suspected that she was warm hearted with a good sense of humour despite her rather cool demeanour now.\u00a0 He turned slightly away from her and looked around the room, so that to regain his attention she explained the reason why she was there \u00a0\u201cThey told me about Howard.\u00a0 I had to identify the body, I being his closest relative.\u201d she paused and looked at him, \u201cThey didn\u2019t seem to believe me at first, asked me if I was sure it was him \u2026\u201d she raised her chin slightly \u201cI wasn\u2019t prepared – I wasn\u2019t aware that he could look like that -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d Adam went to her side and gently led her to a settee where she sat down and wept a little into her handkerchief, \u201cMy doctor did everything he possibly could to preserve the body but -\u201d he winced slightly, it couldn\u2019t have been a pleasant sight for a lady of her class to identify the body of a man dead some time,, in fact he knew it wouldn\u2019t have been, \u201cI\u2019m sure they could have found someone else, a man who -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCommodore,\u201d she laughed lightly through her tears and wiped her eyes again, \u201cYou are kind, and thoughtful, but honestly, I\u2019m not one of those silly women who faint at the sight of blood, I\u2019m really quite – usually – I\u2019m quite resilient and can handle most things.\u00a0 They did warn me of what to expect but the reality isn\u2019t always the same, is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSadly not,\u201d he sat down opposite her and once again regarded her steadily, watching as she blew her nose, dabbed her eyes and stared down at the floor, \u201cYou recognised him well enough though?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOf course, it wasn\u2019t so difficult once I\u2019d got over the initial shock.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded as he thought of what she had gone through, the experience was one of the most unpleasant he could imagine, the smell alone could have been repellent although perhaps the worst of that had already faded.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoward was under the impression that you were being charged or accused of Sackville\u2019s murder, he insisted on coming here to clear both his and your name from any such accusation. He was arrested on suspicion of your husbands murder, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid he tell you much about Sackville?\u00a0 About what he was like?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe told me enough for me to know that he had no respect for him -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She laughed a little at that and then wept a little more, dabbed at her eyes, \u201cOh, dear, he had no respect for him, what a sweet way you have of expressing how he felt for his brother.\u00a0 Howard hated Sackville, positively hated him.\u00a0 Sackville likewise hated Howard.\u00a0 Sometimes when they were together it was like being in the middle of a tug of war.\u00a0 But Sackville was always generous to Howard, would pay for his expeditions mostly.\u00a0 Probably just to get rid of him I suppose.\u201d she sighed heavily at that and stared at the picture opposite her.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you think Howard may have tried to kill Sackville?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey\u2019ve asked me that question so often, Commodore.\u00a0 You have no idea how many times I have gone over that scene in my mind, over and over it.\u00a0 No, Howard didn\u2019t kill my husband, but my husband had the knife in his hand to kill Howard.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo it could have happened as Howard said, in the fight, rolling over and over the floor, against the furniture \u2026the knife intended for Howard ended \u00a0up in Sackville instead?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She didn\u2019t answer that but remained very quiet, staring now into nothing, her face pale and the tears still damp upon her cheeks. \u00a0\u201cDid you know that my husband belonged to some sort of club?\u00a0 A secret club?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam paused in his thoughts and looked at her with his face blank while his mind whirled round and round \u201cMr Evarts mentioned that earlier \u2026\u201d he said quietly, \u201cIs it important?\u00a0 I mean, did it matter so much? Many men – and women – have particular clubs or societies they enjoy attending.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDidn\u2019t Howard mention it to you at all?\u201d she asked with an intensity in her words that caused Adam to pause once again before he made a careful response.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy should he?\u00a0 All he was concerned about was the fact that he was being accused of murder, and you also, by implication.\u201d he leaned forwards and looked into her face, but she sighed and brought the handkerchief to her eyes again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI just wondered if he had – if you knew – \u00a0Howard had found out, you see, and that was why they argued that night.\u201d \u00a0she frowned, \u201cHoward was so angry about it, very angry.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou didn\u2019t know about this – er – club?\u201c and when she shook her head he added \u201cHave you told Mr Evarts or any one involved in this crime about this club?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, not really. I had forgotten all about it until it was mentioned here today.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy did it take so long for anyone to think that Sackville had been murdered?\u00a0 Surely if there had been any suspicion at the time of his death \u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh there was none, none at all.\u201d she replied simply, \u201cIt all looked so obviously an accident, and then suddenly, out of the blue, I was being accused of – of helping Howard to murder my husband.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam leaned back against the chair and regarded her thoughtfully, he glanced around the room and stroked his upper lip with his forefinger, twisted the ring on his little finger and then looked at her again.\u00a0 She had been observing him from under \u00a0her eyelashes but now turned away and bowed her head, \u201cI suppose now that he\u2019s been returned, and he\u2019s dead, it will be an end to all these accusations.\u00a0 Do you think so, Commodore Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know, Mrs Jefferson.\u00a0 It depends on how much the authorities feel you were involved and why\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She was quiet for a moment and then leaned forward, lowered her voice a little \u201cThat other officer, the one who arrested Howard, I think he told them about this secret society Sackville belonged to..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He moved away slightly and shrugged, \u201cIf he did then he knew more than I about the matter, Howard must have confided in him about it at some time when they were together. They played chess some evenings, before Howard became too ill.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She rose to her feet now, her shoulders drooped slightly \u201cYou really have no idea about what Sackville was involved in, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf this society had been involved in anything treasonable, or any such thing, I am sure that it would have been mentioned in my despatches when I was sent to Brazil.\u00a0 Perhaps whoever killed your husband did this country a favour. I can\u2019t think of anything else that would give Mr Evarts so much cause for concern.\u201d and he shrugged as though to dismiss the whole subject.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She sighed then, sadly, and placed a hand on his arm \u201cCommodore, I truly wish I had your naivet\u00e9.\u201d and without another word she turned to leave the room.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat reason would you have for killing your husband. Mrs Jefferson?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She stopped, her hand on the door, and half turned \u201cKill him?\u00a0 Sackville?\u00a0 But I loved him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut he didn\u2019t love you, did he?\u201d \u00a0Adam walked towards her now looking thoughtful, \u201cHoward told me about the fight, he saw Sackville with the knife in his hand, he remembered thinking he had to get hold of it before someone was killed and then he couldn\u2019t remember anything until he was pushing himself away from the body, and you were there in the room, standing by the door.\u00a0 He thought you were just entering the room and noticed what had happened, but really, is it not possible that you were actually trying to leave the room before he came round from where you had struck him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She just stared at him for a moment then shook her head \u201cAs I said, Commodore, you really are very na\u00efve.\u00a0 You \u00a0can\u2019t really believe that?\u00a0 Is that what Howard told you, that he had been struck by someone \u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked at her now, recognised the small gleam of triumph in her eyes, quickly hidden by her handkerchief as she dabbed away non existent tears \u00a0\u201cI think, Commodore, you are really very cruel.\u00a0 I may not have loved Howard, but I did care about him, and I loved my husband\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam stepped away from her and gave a slight roll of the shoulders \u201cVery well, as you say .. You\u2019re innocent and so was Howard \u2026 so who do you think had any reason to \u00a0kill your husband?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know, that\u2019s what they\u2019re trying to find out.\u201d and with a slight toss of the head Matilda Jefferson left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam resumed his seat and stared at a vase of flowers on the far corner of the room.\u00a0 He stared until it blurred in his vision, he didn\u2019t even move when the door opened and Williams said \u201cCommodore, the President will see you now, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 72<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rutherford Hayes, 19th President of the United States watched from behind the big desk as Commodore Adam Cartwright stepped into the room.\u00a0 William Evarts stood to the right of the desk with his hand resting upon a thick file while his face was as inscrutable as that mostly seen on carved wooden Indians outside tobacconists shops.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Rutherford Hayes looked like a genial grandfather, his bushy beard and mild eyes were benign and kindly. \u00a0 Adam had known from the tittle-tattle that goes around the best of societies, including on board a ship and on the Ponderosa, that Hayes had been an officer in the Union army, wounded five times and had been in the legal profession.\u00a0 His election to the Presidency was one of the most muddled and confused in the history of elections and Adam did wonder if getting his position thanks to a muddle and a compromise would affect the way his administration would be conducted, after all, Hayes now had to prove to the American people that he had been the right man to elect as their President after all.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hayes stood up and smiled, extended his hand \u201cGood to meet you at last, Commodore, my apologies for holding this meeting at such \u00a0a late hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam merely nodded, shook the President\u2019s hand and stood in front of the desk much as he would have done when at college and hauled before the headmaster.\u00a0 He smiled to himself having realised that was twice in the one day he had been given that impression.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A light knock on the door and a rather officious clerk scurried into the room, handed a document to the President and quickly left although the swift glance he gave at Adam gave the Commodore the impression that the document concerned himself.\u00a0 He watched as it was passed to Evarts for his perusal before it was placed on top of the file.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    For a moment Adam raised his eyes to observe the picture of Venice by Canaletto before looking down at the President who was observing him from the comfort of his chair.\u00a0 He was as unlike Grant as a man could be and seeing that he now had Adam\u2019s attention again, tapped the file \u201cAll this is about you, Commodore.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam wasn\u2019t sure what to say to that but inclined his head and clasped his hands behind his back, Evarts indicated a chair and suggested that he \u2019took a seat\u2019 which Adam did, while Evarts found a chair and also sat down.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s an impressive load of information there,\u201d said the President, \u201cI\u2019ve enjoyed reading through it and find that I\u2019m inclined to agree with the previous incumbent of these offices. You are an interesting man, Commodore.\u00a0 I believe that \u00a0President Grant often referred to you as his maverick, and his friend – which makes one wary, you understand, when considering you as one of Grant\u2019s friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam raised his eyebrows and gave a slight shrug of the shoulders \u201cI\u2019m merely an officer in what is the President\u2019s navy, I obey my orders, nothing else.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019d disagree with you, Commodore.\u00a0 You go beyond obeying orders. I think President Grant thought of you as a friend \u00a0because he knew you could be trusted, because of your loyalty and honesty, qualities seldom found among \u2019his friends.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam merely narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Evarts before returning to observe Hayes who was stroking his moustache.\u00a0 Before anyone could speak the door opened again and a man entered with a tray of refreshments which he set down upon the desk.\u00a0 Hayes smiled \u201cCoffee, Commodore?\u00a0 Or tea?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCoffee, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hayes nodded and the man poured out the dark brew into three cups, Hayes leaned back and smiled \u201cI\u2019m a Methodist by religion and abhor alcohol, so I do hope that you were not expecting any, Commodore.\u201d*<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam merely smiled and accepted the cup, sniffed it and nodded \u201cColumbian?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The servant nodded and smiled before leaving the room. \u00a0 Adam sipped it and enjoyed the best coffee he had tasted in a long time, Hayes had set his cup and saucer beside his elbow and was re-reading the document that his clerk had brought into the room earlier.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou have met Mrs Matilda Jefferson?\u201d \u00a0he said quietly<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cFor the first time a few moments ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow did you find her?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDistressed.\u00a0 She had the misfortune to have to identify her brother in laws body. It couldn\u2019t have been pleasant for her.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hayes smiled but it was Evarts who said in his dry manner \u201cWe had to ensure that it was Howard Jefferson who was returned to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy orders were to return him dead or alive, I\u2019d have preferred him to have returned alive of course, but sadly he was too ill to survive the journey.\u201d Adam replied equally dryly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou felt he was an honest man,, Commodore?\u201d Hayes raised his eyes to look at his officer and Adam realised that although he looked like a pleasant grandfather he had an element of steel in him the eyes were bright with intelligence and shrewd.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe was an honest man, Mr President.\u201d Adam replied, \u201cI don\u2019t think he would lie under any circumstances.\u00a0 He wanted to return in order to defend his name and clear Mrs Jefferson of any implication in this crime.\u00a0 He had the opportunity to escape from us several times over but never attempted it once.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDrink your coffee, Commodore, and read these papers, will you?\u201d Hayes handed a small batch of newspaper cuttings to Evarts who gave them to Adam.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    For a while there was silence, Evarts was a noisy slurper of coffee but apart from that and the clink of cup upon saucer the ticking of a clock there was no sound.\u00a0 Adam read each account of the crime as reported in various newspapers, once or twice he would return to an account and re-read it through.\u00a0 After he had finished he sat for a while in deep thought before he ran his hand over the back of his head as though smoothing the curls that touched upon his collar.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnother cup of coffee, Adam?\u201d \u00a0Hayes murmured but Adam shook his \u00a0head although he did stand up to place the cup and saucer on the tray and the newspaper cuttings upon the desk.\u00a0 His eyes glanced over to the document by Hayes\u2019 hand and he sighed as though in disappointment at seeing it was a transcript of the conversation he had just had with Mrs Jefferson.\u00a0 He looked up and at Hayes before returning to his chair.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you still think Howard Jefferson innocent?\u201d Hayes asked quietly<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMore so than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYour conversation with Mrs Jefferson \u2026 didn\u2019t that make you feel any differently about the case?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam bit down on his bottom lip and chewed upon it a moment while with downcast head he surveyed the carpet at his feet, \u201cI know that Sackville Jefferson was a Senator, and that Howard referred to him at one time as pure evil, but I am -\u201d he paused and frowned, looked up and observed both men \u201cI\u2019m confused as to why his death is being looked into so closely by yourselves and was not just left to the Police Department.\u00a0 Even sending Captain Morton and myself to Brazil to apprehend him, I could understand would seemingly fall into the province of the law, but I don\u2019t see why it would take up so much time and attention for it to become a Classified Government matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hayes smiled and again stroked his moustache \u201cI was told you speak your mind, and I like that, I can see why Grant thought you honest.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI speak as I find, Mr President.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen may I ask you to indulge us on this matter.\u00a0 Sackville Jefferson was a Senator, a very brilliant man, a clever strategist, a prime mover in some of the previous Administrations decisions at home as well as abroad. \u00a0 \u00a0Howard Jefferson was right in saying that he was evil – if evil can exist in a man – sadly Sackville Jefferson was the embodiment of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked at Evarts who merely inclined his head in agreement with the President. He now leaned towards Adam \u201cYou have read the accounts in the newspapers, and you have met Mrs Jefferson \u2026 you still believe Howard Jefferson innocent \u2026 so what do you think happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam shook his head and gave a cynical twist of the lips \u201cSackville was killed nearly 2 years ago, and suddenly it becomes a crime and I\u2019m supposed to know what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright, you may not know exactly what happened, but you have read these accounts, you have spoken to Mrs Jefferson, you have Howard Jeffersons last words on the matter. You must have formed some opinion?\u201d Evarts demanded.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hayes cleared his throat and his bushy eyebrows seemed to meet together over his eyes as he stared at the officer, \u201cCommodore, you\u2019re an intelligent man and has served this Government well in the past and as you know when a matter enters the \u00a0Classified category there\u2019s good reason for that, it also means that there are some things that you are not meant to know, nor for that matter, anyone else.\u00a0 It means we need your co-operation to handle a situation that will have reverberations beyond the death of Sackville Jefferson.\u00a0 You will have to trust us, Commodore, despite your opinion of politicians \u2026\u201d beneath his beard his lips twisted into a parody of a smile.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts nodded \u201cYou have to remember you have spent more time with Howard Jefferson since his arrest than anyone else – apart from Captain Morton of course – and we really feel that it is now necessary that anything he may have told you, in confidence, should now be disclosed so that this -\u201d he cleared his throat, but his eyes held, fixed, upon Adams, \u201cthis can be dealt with, internally, and discreetly.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam raised his eyebrows, pursed his lips in his familiar manner \u201cI\u2019d need to read the statements that were given to the police at the time of death, and any subsequent statements from Mrs Jefferson and members of their staff who were at the house at the time.\u201d he looked at Evarts \u201cAnd if there were any others involved and questioned, then their statements as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat makes you think anyone else was involved?\u201d Hayes asked quietly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSomeone must have said something to have brought the matter to your attention, Sir. After all, the Law had obviously not pursued it very carefully when the murder took place.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cVery well,\u201d Evarts replied and after a quick glance at the President for his approval left the room.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hayes leaned towards Adam, his hands clasped upon the surface of the desk and his kindly face looking with a smile at the other man \u201cCommodore Cartwright, you know that we have a transcript of the conversation you have just had with Mrs Jefferson, you asked her if she had any reason to murder her husband \u2026 why did you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause I believe she is guilty, but instinct and conjecture don\u2019t and aren\u2019t sufficient proof to arrest any one on the charge of murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPresident Grant had a very high opinion of your instincts, Commodore.\u00a0 I\u2019m beginning to understand why.\u201d for a moment there was silence between the two men, \u201cThis Administration has a lot of work to do in order to stabilise the economy, to restore the confidence of the people in Government.\u201d \u00a0he picked up a pen and \u00a0began to roll it between his fingers, \u00a0You have always had a very keen interest in Indian affairs, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam frowned \u201cThat\u2019s going rather off the subject, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know, I\u2019m taking advantage of Evarts\u2019 absence.\u201d \u00a0Hayes smiled slowly, \u201cIt\u2019s all on record, Adam,\u201d he tapped the file, \u201cAll your opinions, your thoughts on what Grant should do to give the Indians a better quality of life.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTrue enough, I don\u2019t deny what my opinions were then, which are much the same now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI daresay.\u00a0 I feel very much the same, Adam.\u00a0 Have done for many years.\u00a0 I intend to redress the matter as much as possible while I am in office.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how much you know about my life, but as a Judge I saved many a slaves life when they were able to reach our side of the river in their flight to freedom*.\u00a0 I hope to give every American whatever colour, race or creed, an equal standard of life .. Or at least an equal opportunity to gain it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, he wondered if that had been part of Hayes\u2019 manifesto when he was elected.\u00a0 He was about to speak when the door opened and Evarts entered the room again with a sheaf of papers in his hand which he passed over to Adam. \u201cYou won\u2019t mind remaining here, do you, Commodore?\u00a0 We appreciate the hour is late but we would like this matter dealt with sooner rather than later.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and stood up to carry the papers over to a small bureau nearer the window, from somewhere a man appeared to remove the refreshments but before he did so he brought a lamp to the desk and set it down in order for Adam to read through the statements.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The clock in the room chimed eleven strokes, the three men remained undisturbed as the hand of the clock ticked away another hour.\u00a0 The servant returned with another tray, this time with sandwiches, tea and coffee, some fruit.\u00a0 Evarts and the President had a murmured conversation by the desk while Adam continued to read through the statements, returning to some, discarding others.\u00a0 Finally as the clock struck the half hour past mid night he stood up and brought the papers to the President\u2019s desk where he set them down with saying that he could now put forward a theory that would prove Howard Jefferson innocent.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd Mrs Jefferson?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGuilty.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 73<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A look of some satisfaction passed between the two statesmen which made Adam feel a twinge of sympathy for Matilda Jefferson, but then he pushed that aside, just as he chose to shut his mind to the fact that they had not trusted him to bring back Howard Jefferson alive or dead, had eavesdropped on his conversation with the woman earlier.\u00a0 His long fingers spread out the statements across the desk as he told himself that whatever they had done would stand him in good stead as they would not be able to turn his words or actions against him in the future.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe original statements are self explanatory and show how the law enforcement officers were happy to accept that the death of the senator was due to a fight between the brothers.\u00a0 They accepted that he had been stabbed by the knife that was still in his hand.\u00a0 Howards statement was as would be expected from a man whose brother had just died, \u00a0and who would feel guilty for being the cause of it – due to the argument and fight you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Water was poured from a carafe into three glasses, the President sat down and prepared himself to listen patiently to what was being said, Evarts took his glass of water and sat down in the chair that he had brought closer to the desk.\u00a0 Adam remained standing his fingers upon the written statements \u201cMatilda\u2019s statement was typical of a woman who had lost a husband she adored, she was hysterical, weeping, fainting.\u00a0 She elicited a lot of sympathy from all around her.\u00a0 The staff claimed they heard nothing until her screams were \u00a0heard whereupon they came running to see what was wrong and Howard sent the butler, Mr Hughes, to send for a doctor and police.\u00a0 One maid, Evelyn Poole, says she heard a lot of banging and crashing of furniture and then suddenly her mistress\u2019 screams.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He drank some water and pushed the statements to one side. \u201cBy the time a doctor attended the scene Sackville Jefferson was dead, one stab to the heart, very bloody.\u00a0 He had to attend to Mrs Jefferson who had fainted, needed sedation and had to be taken to her bed. \u00a0 The Officers who had come stated that Howard Jefferson was distraught, there was a lot of blood on his clothing.\u201d he paused for a moment, \u201cThe maid also mentioned that while undressing Mrs Jefferson and preparing her for her bed, she noticed blood on her mistress\u2019 dress.\u201d his hand now rested upon those statements made more recently \u201cThe matter was left as a domestic argument that resulted in an accidental death. Mrs Jefferson apparently disclosed that her husband had confronted his brother with a false accusation on \u2019a private matter.\u2019 \u00a0 Howard told the officers that they had fought over a \u2019private matter\u2019 but no mention of any false accusation.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts and the President looked at one another, nodded, Evarts raised his eyebows and Hayes stroked his beard \u201cAll that is obvious, it\u2019s there for us to read, and we have noted everything that you have said – so far.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe facts are always there to be read, sir, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that they are obvious until the pieces are put together to fit a pattern.\u00a0 When the pattern becomes clear then one can say, with all honesty, that the facts were obvious.\u201d \u00a0he smiled, that slow smile that his brothers knew meant their brother could now see the \u2018pattern\u2019 quite clearly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAs I have said before, Howard was amazed when we told him it was now a murder case. He wanted to know, as did we, why the case had been re-opened now. As we know this kind of thing happens.\u00a0 A death occurs, no one thinks anything about it and the years later someone remembers something, or says something and then that death no longer appears as innocent as it had before.\u201d \u00a0 he picked up some of the papers from the desk now and scanned them with his brown eyes before setting them back on the table. \u00a0\u201cWhat Howard did not know was that while he was busy digging up his artefacts in Brazil, \u00a0a Miss Emily Demarny who had been engaged to a Mr Claude Callaghan came forward with a statement that her fiance had told her that Senator Jefferson had been murdered, Mr Callaghan upon questioning denied saying such things. \u201c<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam drank some more water, his looked thoughtfully at Evarts as though he wasn\u2019t sure he liked what he was looking at and then he returned to the statements \u201cClaude\u2019s disappearance caused Miss Demarny to resume her charges \u2026 in her last statement she accuses Mrs Jefferson of \u00a0having an affair with Claude, and when Sackville Jefferson discovered it, she killed him, using Howard to \u2018do the deed\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat,\u201d Evarts said \u201cwas what brought attention back to the case, of course. Miss DeMarny was ademant that Claude was having an affair with Mrs Jefferson and that when she had found out she confronted him, and he told her what had happened – about the murder.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam shook his head \u201cReturning to the time prior to the murder, and before Howard left for Brazil \u2026 Matilda Jefferson was obsessively in love with her husband.\u00a0 He had no feelings for her, he never demonstrated them to her but the more unattainable he appeared to her, the more she loved him. She would never risk losing what she had by a casual affair.\u00a0 But Howard knew his brother well, as, it seems, gentlemen, so do \u00a0you. He was convinced that his brother was having an affair with Miss DeMarny, as she says in her statement, Howard called on her to ask for confirmation, he wanted to confront Matilda with the truth, and so Miss DeMarny told him – the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhich gives him a motive for the murder, implicating Matilda \u2026\u201d Evarts murmured.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam bowed his head, his brow creased as he thought over the reasonings and conclusions he had reached then he shook his head. \u00a0\u201cI believe that when Howard \u00a0told her that her husband was having an affair, Matilda was more or less relieved to know that there was a reason for her husband\u2019s coldness to her.\u00a0 Another woman was no threat to her, after all, she was his wife.\u00a0 As a Senator\u2019s wife she had position, status, among the best circles, the circles in which he himself was so closely involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCommodore, you may be touching upon certain aspects of this case that, should they be looked into by the law, could affect several prominent men in Government and social circles which will also affect national policy.\u00a0 We need to protect certain people from the mud that could be flung about as a result of this case becoming public knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam said nothing but looked down at the papers on the desk \u201cWell, what you do is none of my business, sir.\u00a0 I can only speak as you have asked me to, \u00a0and as I have said before I already thought Mrs Jefferson guilty before I saw these statements. Matilda loved her husband, when Howard told her about this affair she thought Sackville was involved with Miss Demarny, so she just laughed Howard off and told him to go about his business and leave the matter alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The clock struck the hour, the three men reached for the glasses of water \u201cFrom what Miss DeMarny says it was that which prompted Howard\u2019s visit to Miss Demarny, you see, Howard already knew it was highly unlikely that his brother would be having an affair with any woman, he then saw Claude and was told the truth, that Claude and Sackville were lovers. Howard then told Matilda – this is now conjecture on my part – she had not any idea that her husband, a man with whom she was so obsessively in love with would have such perverted inclinations. It was, to her, a terrible rejection, and the more people that knew about it the more she could see her life in ruins.\u00a0 Who would believe that a woman would not know that her husband was \u2026 as \u00a0you yourselves have said \u2026evil.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoward confronted Sackville about it, he always knew that Sackville was more interested in men than he ever would be in women, which is why he asked Matilda to marry him before she went through with her marriage to his brother.\u00a0 Now he wanted Sackville to tell Matilda to her face and they fought.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou don\u2019t sound surprised at these disclosures, Commodore?\u201d Evarts said in his dry voice while his eyes remained upon the statements under Adam\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ve not lived my life with my eyes shut, Mr Evarts.\u00a0 Whatever my own opinions of such matters these things happen \u2026 as a basis for this murder it provides the motive for Matilda to kill her husband.\u201d \u00a0he \u00a0shrugged slightly, and pursed his lips before going on \u201cThese affairs were nothing new, I should think during his career Sackville indulged his appetites quite freely\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Neither of the other men spoke until Evarts gave a dry little cough \u201cVery well, those are the facts, but what made you suspect Matilda Jefferson, even before you read those statements?\u00a0 Just instinct?\u201c Evarts turned aside and walked towards the window with his hands behind his back<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMrs Jefferson herself \u2026 most women could never have faced identifying a corpse that had been in a coffin as long as Howard had been, especially considering the climate in which we had travelled.\u00a0 She was acting the part of a distressed woman, but she wasn\u2019t shocked, not reacting the way one would have expected.\u00a0 She was either a really hard woman or she hated Howard so much that it gave her some pleasure to see him dead -after all, he had been the instrument that brought her castle in the air tumbling down.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnything else?\u201d President Hayes asked, \u201cWe can\u2019t arrest her just because of how you feel about her.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe maid said that she had heard banging and the crashing of furniture and after a while her mistress was screaming.\u00a0 What is curious is why that lapse in time\u2026 that comment \u2018after a while she heard her mistress screaming.\u2019 \u00a0 If Matilda had stepped into the room, as Howard was led to assume, upon seeing her husband dead she would have screamed right away, there would have been no pause, and no blood on her clothing\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlso, the dead man had the knife still in his hand, but the doctors statement says the blood was right up to the hilt, it had been plunged into his heart with such force that it would have taken some strength to remove it from the body.\u00a0 Do you know how much strength it takes to drive a knife into a mans heart?\u00a0 With such force as to drive the knife up to the hilt?\u201d \u00a0he nodded as though more to himself at the thoughts that were going through his mind, \u201c I have seen men killed in knife fights, even killed by their own hand, and I have never known any of them able to pull the knife out afterwards, usually their fingers tighten around the hilt during the final death throes.\u00a0 Sackville Jefferson was killed by one blow right in the heart \u2026 that doctor was either a fool,, a novice or -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOr ?\u201d Evarts suggested<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOr there was a cover up for some reason at that time.\u201d \u00a0Adam pursed his lips and rounded his eyes as he looked down at the papers \u201cPerhaps that is for you to look into, internally, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hayes wiped across his mouth with his hand and nodded \u201cIt will be looked into, Adam, I assure you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo what happened, if you put all the pieces together?\u201d Evarts now asked turning towards Adam to give him greater attention.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoward insisted that Matilda had just stepped into the room but he also said at one time to me that they were rolling on the floor, he and Sackville, bumping into the furniture – which is what the maid and obviously Matilda heard – he saw that Sackville had grabbed a knife, he fought, grabbed at Sackvilles arm, and couldn\u2019t remember what happened until he opened his eyes, his brother was dead, blood everywhere and Matilda just stepping into the room, seeing what happened she screamed \u2026 the maid and the other servants came running.\u201d \u00a0he gave a slight sigh, a roll of the shoulders, his fingers pinched the bridge of his nose as he concentrated on what to say next.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI think what actually happened was that Matilda heard the sound of the fight, she was, after all, \u00a0expecting some reaction to the discussion between the two men.\u00a0 It was late, the staff had already retired to bed but she was still in her day clothes. She entered the room, saw the knife in Sackvilles hand, hit Howard hard enough to knock him cold, her husband thinks she has come to stop the fight, relaxes his hold on the knife, which she takes from him.\u00a0 She knows she only has this one chance, she had to make that one blow matter, make sure that she hits on the right place.\u00a0 He\u2019s thinking he\u2019s safe, the knife comes down, she kills him, puts the knife back into his hand, and runs to the door, there\u2019s blood on her dress, unavoidable but then Howard comes round just as she is leaving the room upon which she starts screaming.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts nodded \u201cSo the staff come running from their rooms, and no one thinks of the blood on her dress and she gives a good reason for the fight \u2026 her husband accusing Howard of having an affair with her, Howard defending her honour.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded \u201cHoward loved her so much, he thought the bump on his head was a result from knocking into the furniture \u2026\u201d he shrugged slightly, \u201cMiss DeMarny, not knowing the truth as to Claude and Sackville\u2019s relationship was happy to let things blow over, after all, she still had him\u2026I should imagine that it was when she discovered or was told about Claude\u2019s personal preferences that he was forced to disclose what little he knew, perhaps she made up the rest but whatever she knew, it opened up the case again for a fresh look and \u2026Claude disappeared.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The two men regarded him in silence for a moment, Hayes shook his head finally and stood up, \u201cCommodore, you painted a good picture there, plausible and enough to build up a case against her.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThis Claude Callaghan \u2026\u201d Adam said as he stretched his leg slightly to ease the ache in it, \u201cHave you located him yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The other two men looked at one another, Evarts shook his head \u201cNot yet, but perhaps we shall do soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He stepped away from the desk now and looked towards where he had left his hat, the clock now chimed twice, Hayes extended his hand \u201cThank you, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019d prefer you kept this interview to yourself, it\u2019s highly confidential as you must realise.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, saluted his superior officer and nodded over to Evarts before leaving the room.\u00a0 He closed the door behind him and walked slowly down the corridor.\u00a0 Evarts and the President shuffled the papers together \u201cWell,\u201d Hayes said quietly, \u201cHe\u2019s just about everything Grant said of him \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCan we trust him?\u201d Evarts asked as he placed the papers into a large envelope which he sealed with red wax.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes,\u201d The President replied, \u201cYes, undoubtedly.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Evarts nodded, the Presidential seal was placed on the hot wax and the words \u2019Classified\u2019 stamped across the front of the envelope.\u00a0 The matter was now closed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham Morton was snoring in the big chair in Adams cabin when the Commodore entered it.\u00a0 He smiled and shook \u00a0his head slightly before slowly removing his jacket, he went to his desk and sat down, removed the log book and surveyed the letter he had began to write to Olivia.\u00a0 He picked up his pen and then set it back down as weariness swept over him.\u00a0 He wanted to get home and put the whole sordid matter of the Jeffersons behind him, that and the realisation yet again that politicians could never be trusted. He smiled to himself as the memory of a familiar figure with silver box in one hand and a cigarette in another spat out \u201cPolitics, pah!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 74<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The two officers shared the morning meal together before Jotham departed for his new assignment.\u00a0 With a smile and twinkle in his eye Jotham confirmed to Adam that his interview with Evarts had been run along similar lines to his own, and that he had turned a deaf ear to any comments about clubs or secret societies.\u00a0 He was quite perplexed when Adam told him that Mrs Jefferson had accused him of disclosing the \u2018club\u2019 and that was the reason the point was laboured so much during both their interviews.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI think,\u201d Jotham said as the two men made their way to the deck \u201cthat Mrs Jefferson was afraid that we did know the kind of social circles her husband preferred and wanted to ensure that we didn\u2019t know, for her own peace of mind.\u00a0 A woman in her position would not want the world to know exactly what her husband was getting up to in the privacy of this so called club.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI think we shall be able to leave it to Mr Evarts to deal with the matter, Jotham, and put it out of our minds. I know for sure that I\u2019ll be more than glad to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Jotham smiled and nodded \u201cAs I\u2019ve said all along, Adam, this has been a very strange assignment.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGood thing our English friend isn\u2019t here taking notes now, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They laughed a little over that, shook hands and then parted.\u00a0 Captain Jotham Morton was piped from the Shenandoah by the ship\u2019s company and took his place inside a cab waiting for passengers on the wharf side.\u00a0 He leaned out of the window to give a final wave of the hand to the Commodore who was watching him leave before he also turned to make his way back to his cabin.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAmes?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, Commodore?\u201d the steward paused in the act of carrying a tray which bore the detritus of the officer\u2019s morning meal.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHas there been no mail drop since we berthed?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ames frowned, then shook his head \u201cThe last mail we received was while we were in Brazil, just before we left, sir.\u00a0 The Aggamenon delivered some, but we have received nothing since then.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam scowled slightly, gave a nod and made his way to the cabin.\u00a0 This was frustrating, having to wait in order to know what he could do next.\u00a0 No mail to read, no news to catch up on.\u00a0 He recalled the last letters contained information regarding Ben visiting Sacramento, to see some lost relatives of Martha Frobishers, which had rather amused him when he had read it.\u00a0 Then Olivia\u2019s letter saying how Reuben had been bullied at school but seemed to be holding his own, Sofia having piano lessons.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss were about to go on a cattle drive .. He rolled his eyes heavenwards, what if something had happened to them?\u00a0 Surely there was some means to receive some news!<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He returned to his desk and picked up his pen, at least he can write but then, no, he put the pen down, why write when, hopefully, he would be home and able to relay any news he had to tell them by word of mouth.\u00a0 He lounged against the back of his chair and stared at the far wall, knowing that most of his men were on shore leave, some had even been granted extended leave which meant that if his orders were to sail within the coming week they would be without the correct number of men.\u00a0 He picked up his pen again and dipped it into the ink, it hovered over the white paper and he was about to write down something when there was a knock on the door, and to his gruff \u201cEnter\u201d the young man who had been his escort the previous day \u00a0stepped into the cabin.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He put down the pen \u201cGood morning, Captain Williams, what can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCompliments of Admiral Barlow, sir.\u00a0 He would like you to attend upon him within the hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam scowled again, this could only mean another assignment and something within him rebelled.\u00a0 He remembered, as he pulled on his jacket, that he had tendered his resignation several times now, but this time when he handed it in, he was not going to be persuaded to take it back.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben stepped back from the horse and admired her from a few feet away, the curry brush still in his hand \u201cShe\u2019s beautiful, Uncle Joe, isn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShe is, she lives up to her name that\u2019s for sure.\u201d Joe smiled and reached out his hand to stroke the silky mane of the horse who nodded her head as though she agreed with him entirely, yes, she was beautiful, she was perfect just as her name said.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe colts come along real fine, hasn\u2019t he?\u201d Reuben observed standing closer to his Uncle Joe to watch as the gangly colt raced round and round the corral as though showing off his long legs and strong young body.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe is, I think they both settled in real well here now.\u00a0 The weather has been good and they don\u2019t seem to be missing Egypt at all, do they?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe put his hand on Reubens shoulder and together they walked out from the corral, closed the gate and leaned against the bars to watch the two horses, \u201cThought of a name for him yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, I wanted to wait til Pa came home, after all \u2026\u201d the boy paused and sighed, folded his arms on the corral bar and leaned his chin upon them \u201cThey were his present really, weren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMmm,\u201d Joe nodded and imitated his nephews stance, folding his arms on the top most bar, \u201cStill, I think you\u2019re right, it would be a good idea to wait for Adam to get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI guess he\u2019ll be home real soon now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI guess he will.\u201d Joe said quietly, and frowned slightly, \u201cHave you heard from him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, not yet.\u00a0 Ma said there ain\u2019t no mail boxes in the oceans.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe smiled and ruffled the boys hair, then looked over at the house \u201cThere\u2019s your aunt, guess that means lunch is ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMa said she wouldn\u2019t be too late, she was just going to make sure Sheriff Coffee was alright and do some shopping.\u00a0 Aunt Hester went with her too.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know,\u201d Joe smiled, \u201cYour aunt Hester said she was going to stop by Bridie\u2019s to see if there was a chocolate cake ready for collection.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben flashed a wide grin and looked up at his uncle\u2019s smiling face \u201cI really like Bridie\u2019s chocolate cake.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe\u2019s laugh floated towards where his wife was standing waiting for him, she shook her head \u201cHurry up you two or there will \u00a0be nothing left, Hoss and your Pa are here already don\u2019t forget.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There couldn\u2019t have been a more pleasant scene that that as the man and the boy walked together to the house, his hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder, the young woman at the door with her white apron drifting in the breeze and the two horses wheeling around the corral feeling the sun upon their backs with a blue sky above them \u2026 it couldn\u2019t have been more perfect.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy Coffee was propped up by pillows and tucked up safely in a wheelchair.\u00a0 He was reading the letter that had arrived from Genoa for him that morning, safely delivered by Hester who had arrived with Olivia to make sure he was safe and sound in wind and limb. \u00a0 Flowers, cakes, calves foot jelly, pickled walnuts, pickled beetroot, pickled almost everything one could think of , plants, books, cakes and pastries and cards continued to arrive daily as a testimony of the affection the old man was held by his family, and even beyond those in VC.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had been amazed and bemused by the correspondence that was arriving from all manner of locations, all from men and women and children who remembered him with loving affection and gratitude for some thing he had done on their behalf at some time in the past.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnyone would think I was already dead the amount of flowers there are here\u2026\u201d he had grumbled to Hester when she had come into the room<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThere are a lot,\u201d she replied, \u201cI can barely see you for them all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had smiled at that and nodded over at Olivia \u201cHow\u2019s the boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s very well, Roy, he doesn\u2019t mention what happened any more, and he doesn\u2019t dream about it either.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThat\u2019s good. I\u2019m glad about that.\u201d Roy nodded and bowed his head thoughtfully as Hester had plumped up the pillows and tucked in a blanket around his legs \u201cI should be up and about soon.\u00a0 I\u2019d actually be up now if it weren\u2019t for Bridie, she\u2019s bossier than her husband.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShe just wants to make sure you\u2019re well enough,\u201d Hester had scolded and then handed him the letter, \u201cHere you are, I think this is the letter you\u2019ve been waiting for.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cRecognised her writing, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So now here he sat with the letter in his hand while Hester and Olivia prepared some coffee and food for him in the little kitchen.\u00a0 With their voices as a back drop sound to his concentration he began to read:<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    My dear brother, Roy<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I was very pleased to hear that you are now well on the way to recovery.\u00a0 Mrs Hawkins and Mrs Garston have been very kind in keeping me informed as to how things have been with you.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Roy, please believe me when I say I didn\u2019t think anything like this could or would happen.\u00a0 It has been the most horrible experience of my life, you can\u2019t imagine how it has been for me, Roy.\u00a0 I still dream of his hands around my neck and that awful darkness falling down upon me.\u00a0 I am so grateful to the doctor here for his care, I think I would have died, Roy, my heart is utterly broken.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    I had such faith in him, I thought at first it was some one pretending to be Alfred when Candy pulled off all that false hair. I thought poor Alfred had been killed and this monster was acting to be him so he could get my money.\u00a0 But then .. I was only fooling myself, it was his eyes, those cold \u00a0blue eyes, that told me how much he hated me. All he wanted was my money.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Well, I have moved to Genoa, Roy.\u00a0 I have bought a small house in town with a little garden, and shall settle here very nicely.\u00a0 I have enough money to live on, certainly to see me through this miserable vale of tears.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Affectionately<\/p>\n

    Rachel,\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Well, that was that then.\u00a0 He folded the letter up and slipped it back into its envelope.\u00a0 Perhaps he\u2019d get down to replying – one day.\u00a0 He wondered if she had read the newspaper accounts of Alfred Stone\/Harry Cochrane\u2019s trial and execution.\u00a0 Judge Hardy hadn\u2019t wasted much time sentencing the wretched man.\u00a0 Everyone was glad that he had given them a day to recover from the shock of Leslie Downing\u2019s sentencing before he had got a jury arranged and allowed the public in to hear testimony against him.\u00a0 Roy had still been too ill, but the Doctor and Sheriff Canaday had testified about his condition and Ben had been the witness to tell how it had all happened.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Evans had been there as well, stony faced and cold eyed, she had stared hard at Cochrane throughout the trial and everyone could see that as far as she was concerned he was going to hang, and if the Judge didn\u2019t pass that sentence then she would, by heaven, she would.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    But Cochrane had listened to his confession being read out by Candy concerning Norman Evans\u2019 death and had confirmed to the Judge that it was true.\u00a0 Judge Hardy had barely any time at all to wash his hands before the jury had come back and entered its verdict ..Normans murder they already had the confession of that one, but to the attempts on the lives of Roy Coffee, Ben Cartwright and Rachel Darrow the townspeople were thrilled to hear old Judd Hogan declare the man guilty.\u00a0 They were further thrilled at the verdict ..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHarold Cochrane, you have been found guilty by this court and I now sentence you to be hanged by the neck until you are dead.\u00a0 Sentence will be carried out tomorrow morning at ten o\u2019clock.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So, that was it then.\u00a0 The crowd had cheered and whooped, Cochrane had been led away, Candy, Ben and his boys had stood as a quiet island amid mayhem, Dan DeQuille had bustled away scribbling notes and with a determined look on his face.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    At the end of the next day Harold Cochrane was dead and buried in Boot Hill just outside of town, much to the delight of most there .\u00a0 No one ever found out who had left a bunch of violets on his grave \u2026<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In the carriage on the way to Admiralty Head Quarters Adam watched the streets of the city pass him by.\u00a0 He thought over the past few days, thought of Howard Jefferson and of Brazil.\u00a0 For some reason he found himself humming a tune, a tune he had forgotten long ago but one which now slipped unbidden into his head ..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPoor Howards\u2019 dead and gone,
    \nPoor Howard\u2019s dead and gone,
    \nPoor Howard\u2019s dead and gone
    \nNo one left to hear his song ..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 75<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The Admiral had aged since he had last seen Adam but his smile was genuine as he extended his hand to shake that of the younger mans. \u201cWell, Commodore Adam Cartwright, safely home again and your hide intact for once?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam smiled and nodded, \u201cFor once,\u201d and he sat down on the chair that the equerry had drawn over for him.\u00a0 He looked around the room and then at the desk which shone like a mirror and reflected the Admirals image almost perfectly, the files and papers stacked around him indicated a man who liked things tidy which reminded Adam of his father\u2019s desk, which seldom was – tidy, that is.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow were things in Brazil?\u201d Barlow asked as he folded his hands together, entwining his fat fingers in a way that resembled sausages Hop Sing would create for their supper.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHot and steamy, Admiral.\u201d \u00a0Adam glanced over at the sound of a door opening and closing but it was only the equerry leaving the room for the two men to talk in private.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOdd affair altogether,\u201d Barlow mumbled with his brow creasing into plump folds above his eyebrows, \u201cMust admit, I never liked Sackville Jefferson, he was too good at his job and made my skin crawl.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam said only that he had never met the man so would take the Admiral\u2019s word for it which earned him a sharp narrow eyed look from Barlow that indicated that he wasn\u2019t fooled and that Adam shouldn\u2019t expect him to be.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI understand that the matter is now closed, \u2018put to bed\u2019 so to speak?\u201d Barlow murmured and leaned forward to take a folder from the top of the pile on his right hand side.\u00a0 He opened it and took from it an envelope \u00a0\u201cDo you remember this?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked at it and nodded.\u00a0 It seemed such a long time ago since he had handed that letter to Levy, he remembered how it had been slipped into the folder, \u2018Could be there for years yet\u2019 Levy had said with a cynical smile.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Not exactly that many years, Adam mused as he watched Barlow remove the letter that was folded so neatly within the envelope.\u00a0 It \u00a0had been before his marriage to Olivia, perhaps that would constitute sufficient time.\u00a0 Suddenly he could feel his chest tightening, the pulses in his ears began to thud loudly, like drums in the distance.\u00a0 He straightened his back and sat taller in the chair in order to maintain a steady breathing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMmm,\u201d Barlow read through it and then looked over the top of it to stare at Adam \u201cStill feel the same way?\u00a0 Still want to make it official?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy resignation?\u00a0 Yes, of course.\u201d Adam heard himself saying but that sounded like it came from a long way away as well.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe President found this letter among your paperwork, a big fat file that sits on his desk and which he enjoyed reading so much. He sent it to me earlier this morning ..\u201d Barlow tapped his fingers on his desk leaving slightly smudged prints on the highly polished surface. \u00a0\u201cDo you know that he\u2019s forbidden alcohol to be seen anywhere in Government offices?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI had heard,\u201d Adam muttered with his eyes on the letter and wondering what exactly Barlow was playing at, why he couldn\u2019t just come out and say whatever it was to be said.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLook, Adam, I\u2019ll tell you something straight, man to man ..\u201d the Admiral leaned back and tossed the letter onto the desk, \u201cI don\u2019t want you to leave the service, you\u2019re too valuable a man, you\u2019ve proven time and again just how much we can rely on you.\u201d he frowned and started to tap on the desk again \u201cYou rose quickly through the ranks, far quicker than many which didn\u2019t sit well with the old guard around here, but then they didn\u2019t get to know or understand your qualities in the way that I have been privileged to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you, Admiral.\u201d Adam said with a sigh.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI remember the first time we met, shortly after that Pelman affair, and then his wife \u2026goodness me, what a monster she was, beautiful though, have to admit, she was lovely. \u00a0 Nearly did for you though, didn\u2019t she?\u201d fleshy lips parted in a smile and he nodded as though to himself, \u201cThe Jiang Peng affair \u2026 there are still ripples over that, you know?\u00a0 Can\u2019t trust the Empress for a second, and I\u2019m expecting further trouble from her to erupt at any time.\u201d \u00a0he grinned as though at a private joke \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you would like to take command of the Baltimore again and sort things out for us over there, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs that an order, Admiral?\u201d \u00a0Adams voice held a slight note of anxiety but Barlow laughed and shook his head before he became serious again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, no, nothing like that \u2026\u201d he muttered and picked up the letter again, \u201cI was more than sorry about the loss of Captain O\u2019Brien, \u00a0he was a good officer, and a fine man.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, sir, he was\u2026 I was privileged to serve with several good men.\u201d and Adam remembered Hathaway, who had died so suddenly along with the majority of his crew.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAdam,\u201d Barlow paused, he sighed, \u201cI\u2019m sorry that I have to say this, I feel as though I am losing one of the best men in the service but I\u2019m under orders from the President\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam felt his heart quicken, his mind fluttered from one idea to another, before he nodded and said \u201cFrom the President, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAs I say he found this letter among your papers, along with Levy\u2019s report\u2026you refused to go to China again at the time \u2026\u201d Barlow sighed, again, and nodded \u201cNothings written in stone, you know, Adam. \u00a0 The President has ordered that should you still wish to tender your resignation \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI do.\u201d Adam said and raised his chin as though to challenge whatever the Admiral was to say next.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Barlow nodded and stood up, he slipped the letter back into the envelope \u201cYour contracted time of service was coming to a close, Commodore.\u00a0 You realise that, of course?\u00a0 But as from today your resignation has been accepted. The President wishes you well in your future, as do I.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Was that it?\u00a0 Was that all there was to it?\u00a0 Adam stood up, stared at the Admiral who smiled and extended his hand \u201cAs I said, Adam, nothings written in stone, even if, sometimes we would wish it were \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They shook hands, Adam dithered, he was at a loss, what did he do now?\u00a0 Just march out?\u00a0 Where did he go?\u00a0 To the ship \u2026 not his command anymore obviously \u2026 he cleared his throat \u201cWho will take command of the Shenandoah, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCaptain Myers.\u201d \u00a0Barlow said, having sat down and signed a paper which he handed to Adam, \u201cAll paperwork relating to your leaving the service will be forwarded to you, Adam.\u00a0 All you have to do now is collect your private belongings and as from mid day today, you become merely a private citizen.\u201d \u00a0 he paused \u201cOf course, you do know that should America be drawn into a war, should your services be required, you will be called upon to resume active duty immediately, you understand that, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, he knew that clause in the legalities of service only too well, a case of a man being free to go but only upon certain conditions.\u00a0 He saluted the Admiral \u201cThank you, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, thank the President, if it had been me I\u2019d have torn the damn letter up and forgotten about it.\u00a0 I\u2019ll miss you, Commodore.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, picked up his hat and saluted again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He heard the click of his heels as he marched from the room, the sharp closing of the door behind him, navy personnel saluted him as he passed them by and he thought how in a few hours they\u2019d not do that anymore, they\u2019d not see him as anything other than a private citizen.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He stood outside the building now and looked around him, inhaled deeply and then released his breath.\u00a0 As he went down the steps to the main road he recalled the times he and O\u2019Brien would walk down together, open their envelopes to see what their next assignment would be .. .but not this time. \u00a0 This time was different, there were no envelopes to rip open, no more orders to be obeyed and complied with and for a moment he was overwhelmed with a feeling of loss, of bereavement.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He hadn\u2019t expected that, not such an emptiness in the pit of his stomach, an ache in the heart.\u00a0 He stood there as though lost, totally and utterly lost.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCab, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He looked at the cab driver, then the cab itself and nodded, clambered inside and directed the man to the harbour where his ship was waiting for him, where his ship for the next two hours would welcome him back, enfold him in its claustrophobic warmth as he collected together his belongings and packed them away. \u00a0 He leaned against the back of the seat and closed his eyes, put his hands to them to press against his eyelids\u2026 he was free, and suddenly the overwhelming fact hit him with the force of one of Hoss\u2019 fists\u2026he was free to go home, to be a real husband and father, to be with his family at the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He could go home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 76<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    From where he was standing at the doorway of his store, or what had been his store until he had signed the contract selling it to Amanda Ridley, Andrew Downing watched the comings and goings of those who had been his neighbours for so many years.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He could recall moving in and taking over the store not long after the situation with Sam Bryant, when he had purchased the place from the widow of the previous owner, Mr Cameron.\u00a0 Leslie had not even been born then and it all seemed such a long time ago now.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He moved away from the door to step into the store itself, and watched as his wife did a last inventory of the goods there\u2026 lamps and glass funnels, bales of cloth, pretty and plain; chinaware dainty as well as hardy; pots, pans and pails; candles and matches, books and papers and pens and inks. \u00a0 He sighed deeply and shook his head sorrowfully. .<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Since Leslie had been taken to Yuma Mr Downing had shrunk, his flesh hung upon him like a suit that was too big for its owner.\u00a0 His eyes bulged from their sockets and there were days when he didn\u2019t bother to shave, even when he had gone through the pretence of serving in the shop.\u00a0 There hadn\u2019t been that many customers since the shooting incident, even less after the trial.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    That was what really worked in Mrs Downings favour with regard to selling up and moving out.\u00a0 All she wanted really was to be near her boy, but Andrew had stuck his heels in and determined that they would just stay where they were and no Cartwrights were going to run him out of town. \u00a0 Even when she screamed at him that there were no Cartwrights to blame, that there was no one at fault except themselves he had remained stubborn.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    But a man has to live and do the best by his family, and with custom slacking off, the profits – well, there were no profits – and Miss Ridley sniffing around, it made no sense to just see everything go to ruin when he could sell and start afresh elsewhere.\u00a0 So Mrs Downing had won in a curious kind of way, and while she crowed in triumph and joy at the thought of being able to visit her son in prison more regularly, he had to be content with seeing everything he had worked for being docketed and packed away for someone else\u2019s profit.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He saw Hester Cartwright walking past the store with her children and Olivia Cartwright with the baby and her little girl, he watched them as they laughed and chattered together.\u00a0 Cartwrights!\u00a0 Everywhere he looked there were Cartwrights.\u00a0 He watched them as they crossed the road and – would you believe it – there was that other Cartwright woman, Mary Ann, coming out of the doctors surgery with a big smile on her face, her little boy holding her hand and jumping up and down as though he had swallowed a whole passal of jumping beans.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So far as Downing was concerned the family from the Ponderosa haunted him.\u00a0 From the moment the Downings had moved in to Virginia City it seemed to him that whenever there was any trouble in town the Cartwrights would be involved in some way.\u00a0 If the sheriff formed a posse, they had to be included.\u00a0 If a decision about cattle and such they had to be part of the Cattlemans Association and voice their opinions, same with the school, same with practically everything that seemed to be happening in the territory he could guarantee that there would be a Cartwright involved somehow or another.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Then there was that one that decided Virginia City and the Ponderosa wasn\u2019t good enough or big enough for him. He had to go get on a ship and mess about and interfere with things all over those oceans.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing looked over at him and felt a niggle of unease settle in the back of mind, \u201cAndy?\u00a0 Are \u00a0you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAlright? Alright?\u201d his eyes bulged a little more and veins stood out at his temples, \u201cHow do you expect me to feel alright while my whole life is being dismantled right before my eyes?\u00a0 Everything we worked for – gone !\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Her shoulders drooped and she lowered her arms from where she had been noting down some linen on a top shelf, \u201cWe\u2019ve talk this over and over, Andy. \u00a0 Please don\u2019t start all over again.\u00a0 We\u2019re doing this for Leslie – remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAs if you\u2019d ever let me forget.\u201d he grumbled and returned to the door, he could see the three Cartwright women now taking themselves and their brood down to the restaurant on the corner, getting on with their lives with no thought of having ruined his .. .. He shook his head and stormed back inside, slamming the door so hard that everything on the shelves rattled.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing decided that she would say and do nothing.\u00a0 She continued with her inventory and with one eye on her notepad and the other on her husband \u00a0mumbled down item by item.\u00a0 It had been, so far as she was concerned, a real blessing that Miss Ridley had decided to expand her \u2018empire\u2019.\u00a0 Ever since she had come into that money from those shares in Timothy O\u2019Brien\u2019s mine she had been spending lavishly and getting profits back.\u00a0 It seemed that suddenly everything that Amanda Ridley touched turned to gold.\u00a0 It was she who had approached them with the idea of selling to her, she wanted to open a very special dress and hat shop and they were in an ideal location for just such a one.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Tracy paused a moment and waited as she heard her husbands heavy footsteps on the stairs that led to their domestic quarters.\u00a0 She knew what he would do now, he\u2019d find that half empty bottle of whiskey and drink himself into oblivion.\u00a0 Dr Martin had warned him that if he carried on drinking so heavily he\u2019d kill himself.\u00a0 Sometimes Mrs Downing wished he would, and hurry up about it as well. Most times she just wept inside and kept quiet, thought of her son and felt guilt overwhelm her once more.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was an hour later when she went up to see if her husband would like a drink of coffee with some seed cake she had bought from the bakers across the road.\u00a0 She had entered the room with a smile on her face even though her eyes were blank with exhaustion and worry \u201cAndy, I\u2019ve -\u201d \u00a0she looked around and even turned herself in a circle to see if she could find him, but he had gone, the room was empty.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hurrying downstairs she ran to the back of the yard where the buggy and horse were kept, and that was empty too.\u00a0 She looked around her and called his name, hurried to the front and looked up and down the main street, but there was no sign of him anywhere.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She watched as Eddy from the Telegraph Depot stepped out of the building and stood there with his thumbs through his braces just to look up and down and get the air, she crossed over the road \u201cEddy, have you seen my Andy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, Mrs Downing, not a sign. Been too busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy Canaday was strolling towards them and nodded.\u00a0 He felt extremely sorry for Mrs Downing, it seemed to him that she had been more a victim of the tragedy around that school yard killing than anyone else in that family so he had more time for her as a result, he removed his hat politely \u201cAnything I can do to help, Mrs Downing?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, nothing, thank you.\u201d Tracy replied with her nose in the air, after all, it was him, the sheriff, who had been so unkind to her boy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShe\u2019s lost her husband.\u201d Eddy said and turned back into the building as the sound of the machine clicking out another message was heard from within.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mrs Downing.\u00a0 Did your husband give you any idea of where he was going to go?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She heaved an exaggerated sigh and glared at him \u201cIf he had told me that then he wouldn\u2019t be lost now, would he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Duly rebuked Candy stepped back and watched the irate woman return to the store.\u00a0 He watched as the door slammed shut and then shook his head, Eddy came out and joined him, for a moment the two men stood side by side staring at the store before Eddy asked Candy if he had seen Mrs Olivia Cartwright. \u00a0\u201cLast I saw of her she was going into the restaurant with the other Mrs Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Eddy nodded and glanced at the cable in his hand \u201cDon\u2019t suppose you could go and give this to her, could you?\u00a0 I reckon on how she\u2019d be mighty pleased to receive this one.\u201d he grinned and Candy glanced at his kindly face, then down at the cable and smiled, nodded and hurried off down the road with it in his hand.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Downing urged the horse onwards, he looked up at the sky and saw only the blue smattered with white clouds, a few birds wheeled and dived and sought shelter among some trees.\u00a0 If all went well he\u2019d show those Cartwrights what he really thought of them.\u00a0 He would prove to them that he wasn\u2019t going to slink away like a beaten old man, he\u2019d leave town with a bang, people would know he wasn\u2019t going to take being ordered about by any Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The horse loped along and the dust billowed about its hooves, but Downing continued to muse over his fancied grievances with the Cartwrights.\u00a0 Tracy had said the previous night that he was envious of them, she had reminded him how many times they had helped them out when times were tough by making sure they ordered and purchased things from them instead of anywhere else.\u00a0 He had only told her to stop \u2018rubbing it in\u2019, he had told her that had been their way of softening her up so that she couldn\u2019t see what they were really like.. Envious, him?\u00a0 Of the Cartwrights?\u00a0 Ridiculous.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He hadn\u2019t taken the road to the Ponderosa for a long time and had forgotten just how long it was and how far from town it turned out to be but eventually he reached the branch in the road that led to the houses. \u00a0 He passed the first one nestled down a track \u00a0someway, and urged the horse onwards until he came to the part of the road which forked to the left where Joe Cartwright lived, he took the fork to the right towards the Ponderosa itself, the main house, the original one that had been built even before Virginia City had existed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He drove into the yard and waited for a while, just long enough for a curious ranch hand or \u00a0house boy to come out to see who had arrived\u2026 \u00a0 he watched the house carefully for signs of life, after all he rather liked old Hop Sing, he wouldn\u2018t want him to come to any harm.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Emboldened he walked to the front door and banged on it loudly.\u00a0 It echoed slightly \u2026 he pushed the door open, amazed at the conceit of these people who never locked their doors, and then stepped into the room.\u00a0 Not a sound.\u00a0 No fire in the hearth either.\u00a0 For a moment he was almost overwhelmed by panic, a fear of what he was planning to do, a wish now that he could turn back the clock or at least get into the buggy and ride on home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    But, he had set his mind on a course of action, no one would be hurt, no one would be injured, not even the mighty Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 He returned to the buggy and unloaded the two jars he had brought along with him and then re-entered the house, the contents of the jars he liberally splattered over furniture and floors and rugs.\u00a0 After that came the small barrel containing the black powder which he set on top of the bureau that was positioned behind the settee, a trail of black powder from the keg to the door, from the door across the porch, and then the match .. He glanced skywards, everything was calm and still. He smiled as he struck the match and put it to the end of the thin black line that led to the door.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The rapidity of ignition caught him rather by surprise, he dashed for the buggy and got it turned around in the yard as the flare of the flame made its way to the door, crept under it and into the big room.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had reached the track that led to Adam Cartwrights house when the explosion went off\u2026 it made the ground shake momentarily, and the horse, frightened and now confused bolted for its life, bearing the buggy with its occupant along with it.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you hear that?\u201d Hoss asked, and raised his eyes to the sky \u201cThunder?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo rain.\u201d Joe replied and wiped his brow on his shirt tail, \u201cSky ain\u2019t got a cloud in it, not a rain cloud anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben rubbed his jaw and looked around him, then shrugged \u201cIt came from the Ponderosa\u2026\u201d he paused, then turned in the direction of the ranch house and dropped the mallet that was in his hand \u201cwhat in heaven\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The black plume of smoke rose skywards like a probing finger stabbing at the sky. \u00a0\u201cThe house\u2026\u201d Joe cried and threw his spade down onto the ground, \u201cThe house is on fire\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss felt panic hit his throat \u201cHester \u2026 the children \u2026\u201d \u00a0it was all that he could do to get his legs moving and it was only when he was actually in the saddle that he remembered, with relief, that Hester was in town, as were the other women, and children.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    All except one.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 77<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    At the end of the day there was little one could say about what had happened.\u00a0 Joe, Hoss and Ben were so exhausted and so emotionally drained that they were incapable of speech only the memories of everything kept rolling before their eyes as though they were hundreds of little pictures flicking through their brains as a constant reminder of all they had just witnessed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Now they stood in a cluster with the men who had been close enough at hand to hurry to their aid in an attempt to save the Ponderosa ranch house.\u00a0 Cheng Ho Lee and Hop Sing, who had been engaged in a battle of Mah Jong at Adams house, had added their own assistance as best they could and one memory that Hoss would always hold dear was that of Hop Sing getting into the kitchen area in order to save whatever he could from there, re-emerging with his pig tail on fire and his arms full of pots and pans.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The women and children had arrived from their trip into town, and after their initial shock and distress Mary Ann was sent to her home with the children \u00a0to look after \u00a0– being told firmly to remember her condition and just stay where she was – while Hester and Olivia joined in helping with the water chain.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Once she had arrived home with the children Mary Ann told Sofia to keep an eye on the little ones, making sure Nathaniel was settled (blissfully unaware and still sleeping) while she began to prepare some food knowing that at the end of what was going to be a terrible day, there would be a need for nourishment of the body, even if the mind and spirit were broken.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Men \u00a0working on the range, upon seeing the column of smoke, rode in and promptly fell to working the sluices and filling buckets which were passed along the chain.\u00a0 Hester worked alongside her husband, afraid to look at his face, to catch his eye while he hurled bucket upon bucket of water into the flames, his eyes glazed although filled with tears brought on by the smoke, heat as well as emotion.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben\u2019s breathing was ragged, occasionally his hand would grip that of Olivia as they passed a bucket from one to the other and their eyes would meet but expressionless as though only the urgency of what they had to do was more important than anything else.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe felt his heart raging against his ribs, he had attempted to run into the house but the force of the explosion and fire had started in that location so had made it impossible for him to enter the building, and he had been beaten back by the ferocity of the flames.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As more and more men joined them and helped he tugged at Hoss\u2019 sleeve \u201cLet\u2019s go round the back, see if we can salvage anything from there?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss didn\u2019t speak but pushed Joe forwards as though to make sure he was actually moving as fast as he could, so that together they reached the back of the building, Joe pointed to the window that had been Adams bedroom \u201cIf I can get up there and we can get a water chain organised we might be able to stop the fire from reaching higher and -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s too risky, Joe.\u00a0 The roof could collapse in on you and we\u2019d never be able to get you outa there.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen what do you suggest?\u201d \u00a0Joe wept and dashed a hand across his eyes to remove tears.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The roar of the flames was now tremendous, Ben had told Hester and Olivia to get back and join Mary Ann but both women refused to listen, only redoubling their efforts to help the men get the fire under control. \u00a0 Hester suddenly noticed that her husband was missing and screamed for him at the top of her voice only to have Hop Sing assure her he was alright, \u201cGone round back of house -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cheng nodded \u201cWe go – see if need help.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hester watched as they scurried off and rounded the corner to disappear amidst flames and black smoke, she wiped her the bedraggled remnants of her sleeve across \u00a0her face and looked despairingly at Olivia \u201cOlivia?\u00a0 I don\u2019t think we\u2019re going to beat this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia didn\u2019t hear her she was too busy passing yet another water filled bucket along the chain while she struggled to maintain her balance in the muddy puddles that were forming in the yard now, slopped water soaked her clothing, the mud clung to the hem of her dress so that it made her efforts to walk clumsy as the sodden skirts wrapped around her feet.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was a lull for moments at the arrival of more men, Candy at the head of them, all of whom momentarily paused in awe at the sight of the fire – an unbelievable event – the Ponderosa in flames.\u00a0 After that initial shock they all dismounted like one man and hurried to get more water, Hester grabbed at Candy\u2019s arm \u201cHoss is round the back \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    With a quick nod of the head Candy beckoned to several men to join him and rushed to where Hoss and Joe had been, only to find no sign of them.\u00a0 Candy looked up and pointed to the roof \u201cSeveral men, get up higher and see if you can get water on those shingles\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He was about to hurl some water at the building when Hoss suddenly appeared from the window of Adams room, followed by Joe \u2026 \u00a0\u201cGood to see you here, Candy.\u00a0 The top floor ain\u2019t burning yet, we\u2019re trying to keep the flames down but I ain\u2019t sure we\u2019re gonna have much success.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo long as we have enough men and water we can at least try.\u201d Joe yelled to which Candy nodded and said he\u2019d get more men and organise a water chain to get water round to the back.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was an explosion of sound, the tinkling of glass \u201cWhat the heck?\u201d one of the men muttered<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cA window just blew out,\u201d Hoss growled, and looked upwards, through the smoke he could see the windows were still intact \u201cLet\u2019s get to work here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Over the course of the hours they fought to save the ranch house more men and some women had come from town to help fight the blaze. Someone \u00a0had, thankfully, gone to the aid of the horses in the stables, leading them out and settling them loose to run free in the fields.\u00a0 This enabled Dr Martin and Jimmy Chang to stay in the stables with first aid to assist those who suffered burns, smoke inhalation or exhaustion.\u00a0 Bridie went to help Mary Ann prepare nourishing food which Hop Sing and Cheng Ho Lee took to the barn in order to provide the men with something to sustain them.\u00a0 It seemed as though the minutes were stretching into hours and nothing could possibly save the ranch house.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was Ben who almost carried Olivia into the stables and set her down upon the straw in one of the stalls.\u00a0 He looked around him at the blackened faces of the men who had come to help him, familiar faces, old friends, loyal ranch hands., even some strangers, all weary with drooping shoulders, exhaustion obvious.\u00a0 Su Ling had arrived with several other women who had brought more food earlier, she now reached Olivia and began to wash around her face, she didn\u2019t look up when Ben put a hand on her shoulder and then disappeared leaving his daughter in law in the care of someone who loved her.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It wasn\u2019t long before Hester joined her, sent in under orders from her husband and Ben, so that when Olivia opened her eyes it was to see Hester looking down at her with tears running down her face \u00a0\u201cOh my goodness, Hester, is that you?\u201d Olivia cried, and then began to laugh, hysterically, at the sight of Hester\u2019s singed hair and black face where the only white to be seen were from where the tears that streaked her cheeks.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They clung together, crying unashamedly, until Su Ling forced them to eat some bread and soup. After some minutes had passed Olivia managed to ask, through a hoarse croak of a voice, had they seen the smoke from town, was that what brought them so quickly to help.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Su Ling shook her head slowly and sat down on a bale of straw \u201cNo, it was Reuben.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben?\u00a0 Oh nono, Reuben \u2026 is he alright?\u201d and Olivia promptly burst into tears at the realisation that she had forgotten that her little boy had not been with them, had stayed at home, had been alone.\u00a0 How could she have forgotten?\u00a0 What kind of mother was she to have forgotten?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hester held her close and looked over at Su Ling for an explanation but the other woman was not one to be rushed, she waited until Olivia had calmed enough to hear what she had to say \u201cReuben came into town on Sport\u2026 rang the emergency bell and was shouting about the Ponderosa being on fire.\u00a0 He was a real little hero, Olivia, you have every reason to be very proud of him\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI forgot – I forgot he hadn\u2019t been with us -\u201d Olivia wept and buried her face in her hands while Hester made strange shushing noises through her own tears and rubbed her back<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cTry and drink this,\u201d Su Ling said gently, forcing Olivia\u2019s \u00a0hands away from her face, \u201cCome along now, drink this, it\u2019ll help calm you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Several other men came into the stable and barn for medical attention. Jimmy Chang had arrived with more men and more buckets, although the main need now was for the use of blankets soaked in the water to be used to extinguish what flames remained among the charred and smouldering ruins.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss stepped inside the stable, located his wife and made his weary way to slump down by her side. He gratefully accepted some coffee from Hop Sing while Hester leaned against him, \u00a0Joe came and settled down beside Olivia, he wiped soot and grease from his brow \u201cI can\u2019t believe so many came to help in such a short time\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben sounded the alarm in town, he rode in on Sport.\u201d Hester said quietly and hugged into Hoss, \u201cHe must have seen the smoke from their place and gone straight there to get help.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe nodded, so tired that he could \u00a0barely lift his head from his shoulders which ached as though he had personally climbed a mountain unaided. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m so tired\u2026\u201d he murmured, and passed his hand across his face, keeping his face shielded for some time before he accepted the coffee that Cheng Ho Lee gave him \u201cDid you tell Reuben to get into town, Cheng Ho Lee?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cheng shook his head \u201cNo, he go alone\u2026 not say when or where \u2026 later only Hop Sing and Cheng Ho Lee see the smoke and hear the bell from Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss nodded, he had a somewhat hazy memory of ringing that bell like a crazy man for as long as he could withstand the heat of the flames, he swallowed bread and washed it down with some coffee.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So, now they stood, the three Cartwrights, separated from the other men who had difted into groups of their own, or were beginning to disperse back to their homes.\u00a0 Memories of all those hours fighting to save their home whittled down to a mere few, sharply defined, forever after pictures of horror and of loyal friendship and courage.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia and Hester had been sent to Mary Ann where the children were tucked up in their beds, their weary mothers washed, bathed and wrapped warm blankets around themselves and fell onto the beds to fall immediately asleep, with Olivia reassured that her son was safe in Ann Canaday\u2019s home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Finally Hoss spat into the churned up mud, evidence of so many feet trampling so much water back and forth in the attempts to save their home, \u201cGuess it could have been worse.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow?\u201d Ben intoned in a voice that indicated that as far as he was concerned, it was just about as bad as it could possibly be.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo one was killed.\u00a0 Injuries were light.\u201d Hoss muttered with his eyes fixed on the skeletal outline of what had been \u00a0home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, and we saved most of upstairs and half the roof.\u00a0 Most of the damage was downstairs, Pa.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t the end of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben said nothing to that, he only shook his head and wiped moisture from his eyes. \u00a0\u201cWell, I guess there isn\u2019t anything we can do now, best get home \u2026\u201d his voice caught, he shook his head again at the realisation of what he had said \u201cGuess we had better find a bed for the night.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be able to see the damage more clearly tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss glanced up at the sky and blinked \u201cIt\u2019s raining \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cA bit late.\u201d Joe muttered as he turned towards the stables where Paul and Bridie were tending to the last of the injured and Mrs Garston was collecting up dirty dishes helped by Cheng Ho Lee and Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCandy said he\u2019s posting some men around the place to make sure that no fires break out from smouldering embers, that kind of thing\u2026\u201d Paul Martin said as he watched them enter the building, \u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m alright, \u201c Ben said gruffly, \u201cI\u2019m alright,\u201d \u00a0but at the door he turned to look back at the smoking ruins of his home and bowed his head, yes, he could thank God that no one was killed or seriously injured, but it seemed to him that something more than his home had come to ruins that day, and he couldn\u2019t really explain to anyone else what exactly that was.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 78<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The three Cartwright men, along with Hop Sing, were up before dawn the following day to make their way to the main house with sobering thoughts and fears gnawing at them like so many mice nibbling away frantically with sharp little teeth. When they finally reached the yard to stand before the smouldering ruin of their home, each one of them felt their hearts sink under the weight of despondency they felt.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss looked over at the stables and wandered in to check over the building, and wipe away tears, it seemed to him a miracle that it wasn\u2019t worse, that the barn and stables were intact, with only the smell of fire lingering.\u00a0 He looked over as Joe came in and stood like a dark silhouette in the entrance with the smokiness of the dying fire a miserable backdrop behind him. \u00a0\u201cHey, Joe – good thing someone thought to let the horses loose, they\u2019d have gone kinda crazy in here otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, sure was -\u201d Joe nodded and regarded his brother anxiously \u201cYou alright, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure, I\u2019m alright, could have been a whole lot worse after all.\u00a0 How\u2019s Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe said the same as \u00a0you, keeps saying it in fact, guess he\u2019s shocked, like we all are.\u201d Joe licked dry lips and glanced up at the roof trusses and then around the stable, \u201cWe\u2019ll have to get fresh feed in here, straw for the stalls, the horses won\u2019t like being where there\u2019s smoke about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThey\u2019ll be alright in the open pasture for now, at least the air\u2019s clean and fresh out there.\u201d Hoss wiped his nose \u00a0and dabbed at his eyes \u201cShucks and dad burn it, Joe, who\u2019d want to do anything like this?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSomeone with a grudge I guess.\u201d Joe placed a hand on his brothers\u2019 shoulder, \u201cC\u2019mon, Pa wants to take a look around and see what can be salvaged.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They walked out together, side by side, and then joined their father who was prowling around the charred and still smoking ruins of the front of the house.\u00a0 Ben turned and nodded over at them as though he hadn\u2018t seen them earlier that morning nor taken that walk from Joe\u2018s home, his face was haggard, his eyes red rimmed but he mustered a smile \u201cWell, boys, looks like we got some rebuilding to get on with.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShould keep us occupied for a while, Pa.\u201d Joe said as light heartedly as he could although when he looked at the house he wondered exactly where they would start.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben made no reply but raised a hand to his brow and rubbed along his temple with his fingers, he pursed his lips and shook his head before striding forwards as though to survey the building at a closer distance.\u00a0 Hop Sing suddenly emerged from the rear of the building and nodded, a smile creasing his face \u201cNot much damage at back of house, all very good.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss walked to the back with Hop Sing to check for himself and was confronted by several men who approached him with weary warmth, Henry, the man Adam employed for the buildings of Joe\u2019s property, was among them. \u201cRode in earlier this morning, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cEarlier!\u201d Hoss exclaimed \u201cShucks, you must have started out when it was still dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Henry grinned and rubbed the back of his neck then nodded over to Ben and Joe as they rounded the corner of the smouldering building \u201cMorning, Mr Cartwright, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, Henry, good to see you, and the rest of you boys \u2026 been here on night watch, huh?\u201d \u00a0Ben looked at men who nodded, yawned and stretched, Clem was among them, \u201cWell, you\u2019ll need some food inside of yourselves, best go up to Joe\u2019s place and there\u2019ll be something to eat for you there.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clem rubbed his nose and then approached Ben with a concerned look on his face \u201cBen, that fire didn\u2019t start by itself you know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSadly, Clem, we didn\u2019t think that it had.\u201d Ben drawled and then sighed \u201cWhat\u2019s on your mind?\u00a0 Speak plain..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSome of us had a good look around once it was safe enough to do so\u2026 seems like this fire wasn\u2019t that well thought out, a kind of chance affair with everything thrown in at random.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGo on,\u201d Hoss urged, pushing his very begrimed hat to the back of his head<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe fire was concentrated by the bureau behind the settee, and that took the main brunt of the explosion, looks like a small keg of dynamite was placed there, and kerosene thrown about the room..\u00a0 What I\u2019m saying is that it looks a real mess just now, but once you get rid of the debris you may find there\u2019s more of your house standing than you\u2019 think.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cA small keg of gunpowder?\u201d Joe frowned, \u201cSomeone took a mighty big risk toting that around, with kerosene too\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah, that\u2019s what I mean, it wasn\u2019t very well thought out.\u00a0 There\u2019s even some charred remains of the keg, shows how small it was\u2026\u201d he beckoned to them to follow him and eventually came to where a small mound of debris had been collected and piled close to the back wall \u201cWe collected this together to show Candy\u2026 it\u2019s evidence of someone wilfully and deliberately attempting to destroy your home, arson it\u2019s called\u2026\u201d and Clem sighed and tried not to look too proud of himself for sounding so \u2018efficiently legal\u2019.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben probed with a finger at the circular metal ring that would have held the wooden slats of the barrel together, some wood still remained, charred and blackened, there were several fragments of broken jars where the kerosene must have been stored, he nodded, \u201cSomeone wanted to do us some damage \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIf they had brought more gunpowder and had a proper fuse they\u2019d have done a more effective job, whoever it was sure didn\u2019t know much about priming a barrel of this stuff,\u201d Clem walked now to the front of the house, \u201cGuess once they did the job of lighting the powder, \u00a0whoever it was got on their horse and -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOr buggy.\u201d Joe interjected with his hands on his hips, his face set into a scowl, \u201cCarrying that stuff would have needed a buggy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, he didn\u2019t hang around to see if the gunpowder would blow, he just went right away.\u201d Clem said.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, thanks, Clem.\u201d Ben said without the enthusiasm that Clem had expected, his summary seemed to him to have been perfect and worthy of commendation but to Ben and his boys it was just an idea of what could \u00a0have happened, anyone of them could dredge up an idea after all.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hop Sing had been right though, the back of the house was quite sturdy still, and part of the kitchen was still intact although the part that wasn\u2019t caused a storm of Cantonese outrage to pour forth from the irate cook.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe chimney\u2019s still where it should be\u2026\u201d Joe observed with a slight smile and looking upwards he could see that Clem was right, there was more house still standing than they had first realised.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Henry approached from another angle of the house with his thumbs in the pockets of his vest \u201cI\u2019ve had a look around, Mr Cartwright, \u00a0and I reckon that there\u2019s more salvageable here than you may think.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He stepped back, tugging at Bens arm as he did so and pointed to the roof and upper floor of the \u00a0house \u201cThe rooms at the back of the house were protected because all the doors were closed you see, most of the stairs are still there and half the roof as well .. It\u2019s just the front of the building that\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded, he sighed and looked at Hoss and Joe who were staring at the roof as though they were regarding a miracle, then he looked at Henry \u201cThanks Henry.\u201d he looked over at the other men who were still hanging around muttering in low voices to Clem, \u201cYou men, don\u2019t you want to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They nodded, smiled, chuckled and began to make their way from the blackened building, Henry turned \u201cI\u2019ll head home and start doing some drawings, sir.\u00a0 Do you want it to be built as it was or are there some changes you would like to make?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben rubbed his chin, then looked at Joe and Hoss, he shook his head \u201cI don\u2019t know. Best ask Hoss what he would prefer\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They watched as he turned to walk away, then looked at one another, Henry bit down on his bottom lip, \u201cTook it real bad hasn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss nodded \u201cYeah, this building was like a dream that came true, Henry.\u00a0 Adam designed it, you know, and Pa always said he\u2019d build our home as true to Adams design as he could\u2026 after all, Adam was just a kid at the time. \u00a0 We worked hard on getting it done, I can remember watching my Pa on his hands and knees smoothing out the floorboards, and working on the shingles for the roof .. It ain\u2019t just a house that got burned down, it\u2019s kinda like he\u2019s been robbed of his dream.\u00a0 Guess that don\u2019t make much sense does it, but you\u2019d have to understand the hardships my Pa and brother went through to reach here, to get this place built.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As he finished speaking there came a crash and a thud, dust and soot and smoke billowed out from the remains of the front of the house\u2026 Joe coughed and waved his hat in front of his face, screwed up his eyes to see more clearly and shook his head \u201cOh well, that\u2019s the rest of the stair case come down.\u201d \u00a0he muttered and with bowed head put his arm across Hoss\u2019 broad back and slowly walked away.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The sound of horses approaching stopped Ben, Hoss and Joe along with Hop Sing and Clem while they waited for the riders to show themselves, and it was only when a shout of \u201cGran\u2019pa \u2026 Gran\u2019pa\u201d drifted towards them that they finally saw a smile spread over Ben Cartwrights face as he turned to welcome his grandson into the yard.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy and Reuben dismounted and it gave Candy a leap to the throat to watch as Reuben ran across the yard and threw himself into Ben\u2019s arms \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Gran\u2019pa \u2026I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat for, son?\u201d Ben knelt down to give the boy a closer hug \u201cWhat are you sorry for?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t think, I should have told Hop Sing and Cheng \u2026I should have rang the bell here and forgot, I just only wanted to get \u00a0help soon as I could.\u201d Reuben buried his face into Ben\u2019s shoulder as tears welled up in his eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHey now, you did all that you could have done,\u201d Ben said gently and Hoss leaned forward and gave Reuben a clumsy pat on the shoulder \u201cYou sure did, little fella, you got a whole heap of help in here that we\u2019d never have got if\u2019n you\u2019d taken time over it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHoss is right, Reuben\u201d Joe said with a smile in his voice \u201cIt would have taken forever to get Hop Sing and Cheng Ho Lee to stop playing Mah Jong.\u00a0 You did the right thing -\u201d he paused and looked at Candy who gave a slight nod of the head \u201cand the bravest thing too, you rode Sport all the way into town by yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI was grooming him for Pa.\u00a0 I promised I would take care of him so it seemed just the best idea to ride him into town but \u2026\u201d he sighed \u201cdid it really help?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded and smiled, he stood up and stretched out his arm to point at the remains of the ranch house \u201cIt really did, Reuben, without all the help that came from folk in town there would have been nothing left at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clem and Candy were talking in quiet tones closer to the house where Clem was showing the sheriff the debris he had found, then they both disappeared looking anxiously for further clues as to who the arsonist could have been.\u00a0 Ben smiled down at the boy and ruffled his hair \u201cCome on, your mother\u2019s anxious about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIs she alright?\u00a0 I saw Flannel in town, she was all of a mess.\u00a0 Sofia\u2019s alright isn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSofia stayed with Aunt Mary Ann, but your Aunt Hester and your Ma were here to help put the fire out, they were very brave.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben felt his heart swell with pride at the thought of his Ma and aunt fighting the fire, then he glanced over his shoulder at the house, \u201cPa will sure be mad that he missed it,\u201d he sighed, \u201cHe\u2019d have been sure to have found who did it too.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss and Joe looked at one another and grinned, Hoss winked at his brother \u201cDon\u2019t say much for us, does it, shortshanks?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAw, what does he know, he\u2019s only a kid.\u201d Joe smirked but it gave him a glow of pleasure to hear Reuben talking about Adam in such a confident manner and he saw from the way that Ben squeezed the boys shoulder the pride he had in him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 79<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sometimes the lack of news from home can cause more concerns than if the very worst of news had been written in a ream of letters.\u00a0 Adam had checked with the hotel where he normally lodged and had been told that no mail had been sent to him.\u00a0 He had rechecked with Ames before disembarking and the steward had confirmed that there were no letters, nothing at all, in the mail drop since Brazil.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Now as he sat on the train making its slow and laborious way home Adam began to worry and fret. \u00a0 He told himself that no news was good news, only to counter it with no news was the worst of news.\u00a0 He imagined the worst of everything so that sleep became elusive and when he did get some sleep dreams chased after themselves throughout.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had time however to consider his departure from the ship, and from his naval career. The ships crew had given him a rowdy farewell and he had been whistled from the deck and saluted in a memorable way.\u00a0 Yes, it had been memorable, his men assembled in their best to give him a brisk salute, men from the rigging, on the deck and at the gangway, saluting, the whistles going, fog horn blasting so that ships up and down the harbour had joined the medley.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    And it had been hard.\u00a0 Much harder than he had imagined it could have been after so many years of longing to be free to pursue his own life, especially since his marriage. As he had watched his trunk and other baggage being stowed into the boot of the cab he had scanned the harbour and looked at the ships and felt that tug to the heart that was so familiar to him.\u00a0 Memories of good friends \u2026O\u2019Brien, Hathaway, Myers, Jeffrey Jamieson and Morton were just that now, just memories.\u00a0 And there were the foes too\u2026 Pelman, Cassandra, Metcalfe, Doestov and Lebedev \u00a0\u2026 all gone leaving their imprint upon his nightmares.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There had been memorable others as well upon whom he could think with fondness – Laurence and Rachel Willoughby, Ibarim, the camel, as if he would ever forget that camel.\u00a0 Still others who left their mark on his hide and he heaved in a deep sigh when he thought of Jiang Peng.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So many \u00a0brave men who had been at his side through the darkest of times, and others who had fallen, whom he would never see again in this life time.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He watched the cities drop away during the days it took to journey home.\u00a0 Every so often he would send a telegraph just to let his loved ones know that he was coming home, and each cable indicated that he was drawing closer, and nearer.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing sat beside her husband and wondered if she had done wrong by leaving Virginia City with him instead of going to the sheriff to tell him what she knew.\u00a0 Even now she closed her eyes in order not to look upon her husband or to see once again the things that had caused her suspicions of him; he could never pretend, never lie and get away with it to her. Throughout their lives together he lied, that was for sure, and because he was a bully she had said nothing, but she always knew that much of what he had said, hadn\u2019t been true.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Even now as the train made its way through the territory she couldn\u2019t help but think over what she had seen the day the Ponderosa ranch house had \u00a0been burned down.\u00a0 The bell clanging and the child yelling for help as he pulled on the rope, and the way the townsfolk had responded, men getting on their horses, couples clambering into their buggies or rigs and hurtling out of town.\u00a0 Everyone seemed to be making a mass exodus to wards the Ponderosa leaving those unable to standing and feeling useless and strangely alienated.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She had remembered the empty stable where she and her husband had kept their horse and buggy, perhaps he would see these people on his way from wherever he had gone and go to give some help as well. She had hoped that was the case, somehow it made her feel a little less worthless and when Amanda Ridley had come in to check the place over, and commented on Mr Downings absence, Tracy had just said no doubt he was on his way to help on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    But then that had just made the disappointment worse\u2026 when he had entered the store from the back room he had looked ill.\u00a0 Not just sick, because he\u2019d been looking the worst for wear ever since Leslie had been sentenced.\u00a0 He looked guilty, but of what?\u00a0 He had turned his narrow beady eyes on her and then hurriedly looked away, shouted at her to stop standing there like some kind of fool and get on with her business.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was the smell too, that smell she knew so well from having poured so much kerosene from a jar into small containers for their customers.\u00a0 Then going to the stable and seeing the poor horse, head down, breathing heavy, sweating\u2026and she had had to unharness it, check on it and feed and water it. Poor creature, he had been driven hard to reach town so fast.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Then when she had gone upstairs and the way he had rounded on her, accusing her of going behind his back, doing this, doing that and she didn\u2019t have a clue as to what he was talking about until he grew silent and just slumped into a chair. \u00a0\u201cGet me something to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat about the horse?\u00a0 It needs looking after\u2026 where\u2019ve you \u00a0been?\u00a0 The poor creature looks like its been driven to exhaustion.\u00a0 What have you been doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    All the wrong questions, of course.\u00a0 It had been her fear that had made her ask, fear and loathing.\u00a0 It was the realisation of how much she loathed him that had fed the fear, she hadn\u2019t wanted to acknowledge that about herself.\u00a0 He had blustered about her not having the right to question him, what kind of wife was she to badger him when \u00a0he had been busy all day because it was HER who wanted to leave town.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat business have you \u00a0been on?\u201d \u00a0she could hear herself now, that taunt in her voice, the sharpness of word brought about by bitterness and he had responded with a raised fist.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She could remember the calm setting in, the way she had just folded her arms across her ample chest and said \u201cSo that\u2019s what it comes down to is it?\u00a0 Raised fists, is it?\u00a0 After all this time when I\u2019ve been loyal to you, watched the way you\u2019ve bullied Leslie, tormented him until he didn\u2019t know what kind of son you really wanted so all you ended up with was a replica of yourself.\u00a0 Go ahead, hit me and prove to me what kind of man I\u2019ve been married to all these years.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So he had hit her, not once, but several times so that she shut her mouth and said nothing to anyone and left the store, left the town, and no body knew, except her, that \u00a0her husband had burned down the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Now he sat beside her, a passenger on a train whom nobody knew but herself. He fell asleep eventually, snoring loudly in tune with the sounds of the train wheels turning endlessly towards their destination. \u00a0 Mrs Downing opened her purse and extracted some paper, a pencil and envelope.\u00a0 After thinking deeply for some minutes she began to write, the address was to Sheriff C. Canaday, Virginia City.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben had moved in with Olivia and the children, promising that it was merely a temporary measure until the Ponderosa had been rebuilt.\u00a0 At the back of his mind he was hoping that Adam would return home and set everything to rights, and the telegrams that arrived truly appeared to make that hope a reality very soon.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss and Hester with their children had moved in on Joe and Mary Ann, with Hop Sing taking over the kitchen so that \u2019little missy\u2019, as he called Mary Ann, would not become too weary from the responsibility of the sudden influx in numbers living with them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Over the days the ranch hands worked alongside the Cartwrights to remove the debris and rubble from the house.\u00a0 What was salvageable was shored up to be incorporated into the new building.\u00a0 Each day Ben felt more convinced that the Ponderosa, like the fabled phoenix, would indeed rise from the ashes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben spent his time with Kamille and the colt, while Sofia enjoyed time with her cousins.\u00a0 Daniel was running around on sturdy little legs and Hope was his faithful shadow, although she still fell down occasionally.\u00a0 Nathaniel had discovered he could be mobile as well, and succeeded in shifting from one place to another so quickly that Olivia had Hoss build a little barred cage where she could put him and know he would stay put while she went about her work.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was during one of those leisurely days that Candy arrived with Ann and their children, and while they ran into Mary Ann\u2019s home to mix and mingle with the family there, Candy rode down to the old ranch house and joined Ben and the boys.\u00a0 He dismounted and strolled over to look at the blackened shell of the front of the house \u201cIs it safe?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWe had a structural engineer come and check whether or not it was,\u201d Ben pushed back his hat and frowned, \u201cWe\u2019ve had to remove the whole front of the house, that includes the bedrooms that were over the sitting room and main area of the kitchen.\u00a0 The rooms at the back have only been damaged by smoke but are sturdy enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWouldn\u2019t it have been better to have pulled it all down and restart again?\u201d Candy asked rather ruthlessly, as he pushed his hands into the pockets of \u00a0his pants and stared at the blackened joists that seemed to be suspended over thin air.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSome may have done,\u201d Hoss muttered, \u201cPerhaps rightly so, but as there\u2019s nothing wrong with what remains we\u2019ll keep it as it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben frowned and looked thoughtfully at the sheriff \u201cWhat exactly have you come to see us about, Candy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI actually wanted to see Reuben.\u201d Candy replied, \u201cduring the course of the past few days I\u2019ve been thinking a lot about what happened and I just need to ask him a few questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat about?\u00a0 I don\u2019t want the boy upset, Candy, he\u2019s gone through a lot over the course of the past few months as it is.\u201d Ben scowled darkly, his lips thinned over his teeth, the black eyes darkened.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI know it,\u201d Candy replied, \u201cBut I still have to ask him a few things. It won\u2019t take much time, and it may not even amount to much \u2026 just to put my mind at peace, if that\u2019s alright with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben sighed and nodded, and beckoned to Reuben to join them.\u00a0 The boy came with a smile and looked fondly up at his grandfather, \u201cReuben, Candy wants to ask you some questions about the day of the fire.\u00a0 Are you alright about answering them?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben nodded and with wide guileless eyes looked at Candy with a smile so that the sheriff apologised for having to ask but could Reuben just repeat what had happened . With a slight pucker of the brow the boy told Candy all he could remember, how he was grooming Sport in the yard, there was a huge bang and Sport got nervous, shied away a little and knocked him off the hay bale. \u00a0 \u201cThen when I was getting up again I looked over to where I saw a big cloud of smoke, and fire, it was coming from the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you run indoors and get Hop Sing and Cheng Ho Lee?\u201d Candy asked seriously and Reuben shook his head and shrugged<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI don\u2019t know, sir.\u00a0 I was there with Sport so just got on his back and galloped out of the yard.\u00a0 Up on the track I could see more clearly that the house was burning.\u201d he paused, then looked nervously at Ben \u201cI guess I should have gone for help then, I mean, got Hop Sing \u00a0or some of the men, but I thought they\u2019d have seen it and would help Gran\u2019pa.\u00a0 I just thought I had to come and get help, as much as I could, and that meant coming into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben, can you tell me if you saw anyone on the track to the town on the way in?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow d\u2019you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, I got to thinking that whoever set fire to the house didn\u2019t hang around very long.\u00a0 They rode back to town or maybe went somewhere to hide away before coming back\u2026it was just possible you may have seen them.\u00a0 In a buggy or wagon maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben\u2019s face settled into a scowl and he pouted slightly \u201cThere was only old Mr Downing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDowning?\u201d Candy and Ben both exclaimed together, loudly enough to draw Joe and Hoss\u2019 attention from their work.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019s this about Downing?\u201d Joe asked, wiping his hands on a rag as he approached them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben saw Downing on the track to town on the day of the fire.\u201d Ben said, and then looked at Reuben, placing a hand on his shoulder for reassurance \u201cWhereabouts did \u00a0you see him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben thought hard, then shrugged again, \u201cI don\u2019t recall exactly where, except that there was an outcrop of big boulders just off the road and he was driving the buggy up there.\u00a0 I was a bit scared \u2026\u201d his voice lowered and he bit his bottom lip, his teeth made little indentations in the flesh as he did so.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy were you scared?\u201d Candy asked.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, I thought he had come to kill me.\u00a0 He called me names at the trial, and Leslie\u2019s in prison now, and it was my fault that he is\u2026 I thought for sure he had gone up there to hide in the rocks and shoot me so I put Sport into a fast run and bent real low so that he couldn\u2019t get a bead on me \u2026\u201d he stopped then and looked up at the four anxious faces looking down at him, \u201cThat\u2019s all really. I didn\u2019t see anyone else until I got to the edge of town and I just yelled to anyone I saw passing by that the Ponderosa was on fire and we needed help.\u00a0 There was Mr Hogan, and Mr Carmichael and \u2026\u201d \u00a0he paused as Ben placed a hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s alright, son, they all came to help, except for Mr Downing of course.\u201d Ben smiled but above Reubens head he looked directly at Candy and raised his eyebrows, Candy nodded his agreement with the unspoken comment<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy smiled, his blue eyes twinkled as he looked into Reuben\u2019s freckled face, he cleared his throat now to ask another question \u201cHow did you get to town so quickly, Reuben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben looked down at his feet and shuffled them about a bit \u201cW-e-ll, its supposed to be a secret\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben sighed and gave him a slight nudge of the shoulder \u201cGo on, Reuben, you can\u2019t keep secrets from the law, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPa showed me a short cut to town, \u00a0when I noticed Mr Downing going off the road I remembered what Pa said and about the short cut.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat did Pa say?\u201d Hoss asked gently wondering if what he was thinking could actually be what had taken place, a memory from way back when Adam had taken a ride to prove a man could arrive in town sooner than anyone would have thought possible.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cPa said if ever we were in any danger and needed to get to town real quick to go by this route, and then he took me all the way to town by it – it wasn\u2019t too bad, a bit wild in some places though but Sport knew where he was going.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThank you, Reuben, that was very helpful.\u201d his blue eyes twinkled and he bent his knees to look into the boys face, \u201cYour Pa\u2019s going to be very proud of you, you know that, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDo you think so?\u201d Reuben\u2019s face lit up with a smile that went almost from ear to ear, \u201cHe\u2019s on his way home, you know, he\u2019ll be home soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Candy straightened up and nodded \u201cWell, that\u2019s the best news I\u2019ve heard in a long time.\u201d he said, and with a smile turned to make his way to his horse and as he mounted into the saddle he called out \u201cMary Ann said Hop Sing has lunch prepared\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 80<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There is a scripture in the book of Ecclesiastes that tells us that chance and unforeseen occurrence befall us all\u2026 and perhaps that principle applied in the case of two trains, going in opposite directions that drew up at the same station in a small town in the mid-west.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The platform alongside which the trains pulled up formed a small island that separated the tracks in order for the trains to proceed in their predestined directions.\u00a0 With loud screeching of brakes and hissing and spitting involved the one heading west came to a \u00a0halt and passengers were encouraged to get out in order to \u2018stretch their legs\u2019.\u00a0 There then followed the sounds of carriage doors opening and being slammed shut as passengers did as \u00a0was suggested.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    One of the passengers was a broad shouldered man who stepped down onto the platform and looked about him with the curious air of someone looking for something.\u00a0 He was about to direct his steps towards where a sign indicated civilisation lay beyond that exit when the other train drew up into the station.\u00a0 He paused to watch it with a bemused expression on his face, not that he had never seen a train before but that two in a location which until recently could only be reached on horseback or wagon train provided some novelty to the visitor.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Doors from the carriages opened and closed with much slamming and banging, passengers stepped down to mix and mingle with the passengers already taking advantage of the stop over.\u00a0 A young man stretched and looked around him, did a double take and then with all the bravado of youth cried out in a loud voice \u201cCaptain Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam turned slowly, unsure as to whether or not he had actually heard his name being called but when it was repeated he turned and watched as a tall young man pushed his way through the other passengers to reach him.\u00a0 While Adam looked rather blank faced the youngster appeared flushed and delighted \u201cCaptain Cartwright?\u00a0 I never thought I would live to see the day when I\u2019d meet \u00a0you again.\u00a0 It\u2019s me, sir, William.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWilliam?\u201d Adam shook the hand that was thrust out towards him, \u201cWell, yes, of course it is..\u201d he smiled and the brown eyes twinkled, \u201cYou\u2019ve grown.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    William shrugged \u201cIt happens.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They laughed together before Adam asked him where he was going and why wasn\u2019t he on board ship now? \u00a0 William sighed \u201cWell, sir, that time when I came to the Ponderosa with Mr Jamieson changed my life.\u00a0 I did go back to \u2019Frisco, but I couldn\u2019t settle back at sea, I just kept thinking how much I\u2019d love to have a ranch like the Ponderosa.\u00a0 So soon as I could I left and got work on land\u2026 its taken a little while but I\u2019m \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He got no further as a large red faced corpulent man thrust himself between William and Adam and grabbed at Adam\u2019s jacket \u201cYou? \u00a0 You here \u2026?\u00a0 You\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Both William and Adam stepped back in an attempt to create some distance between themselves and the other man, but the hold on Adam\u2019s jacket was a tight grip, and the anger in the mans eyes, the purpling of his face was sufficient to warn both of them that calmer measures were necessary.\u00a0 Adam placed his hands around the wrists of his assailant and held them fast \u201cLet go, sir.\u00a0 Otherwise you could cause yourself some harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhy?\u00a0 Why did you have to be here?\u00a0 Of all the people\u2026here\u2026now\u2026 why?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam\u2019s lips tightened but as much as he tried to get the man to release him the tighter the other man\u2019s grip came to be, \u201cLet go, sir.\u00a0 I warn you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCartwright.\u00a0 Always the same, always the same \u2026\u201d the fat man was practically weeping with rage, sweat trickled from his brow, his hat had fallen with a thud on the ground and rolled unnoticed across the platform \u201cWhy now? Why now?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A large woman came now and after a look of terrified anxiety at Adam she grabbed at her husband\u2019s shoulder \u201cCome away, dear, come way.\u00a0 Leave him be, now.\u00a0 Come on.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMadam, if you don\u2019t get your husband to release me -\u201d Adam growled and gave the man an even stronger push which, combined with the woman tugging at him, was sufficient for the man to fall back, releasing Adam in the process. \u00a0\u201cIf you could explain\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He paused now, the woman was familiar to him and now the name came to mind \u201cMrs Downing?\u00a0 What are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing opened her mouth to speak, her hand was still on Downings shoulder but he twisted himself free, swung his fist and struck her forcefully across the face which prompted Adam and William to grab at him in order to prevent any further attack upon the poor woman who had fallen heavily upon the ground.\u00a0 People were clustering in groups, stopping to look and watch, a porter came bustling forwards full of pomp and vanity shouting \u201cwhat\u2019s going on here, what\u2019s going on\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    As though aware that he was drawing too much attention upon himself Downing turned and made an effort to run only to be caught by William who placed his hand upon the big mans arm and forced him to stop. \u00a0 Adam was helping Mrs Downing to her feet and wishing that someone, somewhere, would take the poor weeping woman away.\u00a0 He looked up and over to William who was attempting to persuade Downing to return to his wife and face up to things, but Downing was shouting the odds and looked as though he were about to strike the younger man \u00a0with raised fists.\u00a0 Mrs Downing, once on her feet, only clung more tightly to Adam and sobbing loudly kept repeating \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The people were dispersing now, they only had so long to stretch their legs and the incident was of little concern now that it seemed to be calming down.\u00a0 Carriage doors opened and slammed shut again\u2026Adam glanced anxiously over at his carriage and was about to pull away from the womans grasp in order to board before the train shunted off when Downing appeared like an enraged bull and threw himself upon him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    William was running towards them, blood streaming from his nose; \u00a0the porter was yelling \u201cNow then, now then\u2026you can\u2019t do that, you can\u2019t go around attacking folk, my good man.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing was screaming and sobbing while Downing seemed to hang, suspended by his hands clutching onto Adam\u2019s arms, his eyes protruding from their sockets, and his fat lips opening and closing like a fish snatched up from the sea. \u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s going on, Downing?\u201d \u00a0Adam hissed and gave the other man an impatient shake which succeeded in loosening the mans grip upon him<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Downing staggered back, from his throat came a guttural sound, then a gasping, he fell forward into Adam\u2019s arms and slowly slid down with his hands groping as though for a hand hold on Adams jacket, slowly \u00a0he crumpled upon the platform, rolled onto his back and lay still.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The porter stared from one to the other of group, from Mrs Downing who was staring soundlessly down at her husband, to Adam who was glancing from Downing to the departing train, and to William who was looking at Adam as though only he could provide the answers to everything.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThis ain\u2019t right.\u201d the porter finally said and waved a hand towards the small kiosk which appeared to be some kind of office, several men in uniform spilled out and ran towards him, paused at the sight of the body and then looked confused \u201cDave – you\u2019d best go and get the doctor.\u00a0 Pete, Jake, you two carry this gentleman to the office.\u201d he turned to Adam and William \u201cReckon you two had better come along with me.\u00a0 I think the sheriff will have something to say about all this.\u201d \u00a0 Adam released his breath in a long sigh, it seemed as though returning home was going to far more difficult than even he imagined.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It took another hour before the sheriff could assemble the three of them together in his room.\u00a0 The Doctor had declared the late departed Andrew Philip Downing dead due to a massive stroke which Mrs Downing had accepted with a calm that indicated her husbands death was a release not only for him, but also for herself.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam paced the floor and attempted to keep calm as the sheriff went through his questions.. Names, addresses, date of birth \u2026why oh why bother, the man was dead, wasn;t he? \u00a0 William gave his statement and then wryly muttered that he had lost the opportunity of a lifetime as he\u2019d never get to an appointment in time having missed the train due to Downing\u2019s attack on the Captain.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    From henceforth the sheriff insisted on addressing Adam as Captain \u2026 despite Adam insisting that he no longer held that rank, nor any other rank, he was a private citizen and would prefer to be addressed as such.\u00a0 Mrs Downing sat in silence with her head bowed as she tried to work out some way to refer to her husband without having to relate the incidents that had taken place in Virginia City.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sheriff Everson sat back with his arms folded across his chest and stared at Adam gloomily \u201cSo you ain\u2019t got no reason or explanation as to why this gentleman made an unprovoked attack upon you, Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cFor the third and last time, I have no idea\u2026 why not ask Mrs Downing, perhaps she would be able to give you an explanation, because I can\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLosing your temper won\u2019t help, sir.\u201d Everson intoned gravely in a manner most likely to cause Adam to lose it altogether, \u00a0he gave the \u2019Captain\u2019 a lofty glare and then turned to Tracy.\u00a0 He lowered and gentled his voice considerably as he remembered that she was now a widow of only a few hours duration.\u00a0 Casting a quick glance over at Adam to make sure he was \u2019behaving\u2019 Everson said softly \u201cMrs Downing, can you give any explanation as to why your husband attacked the Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing sighed and cleared her throat \u201cTo be honest, I mean, well, you see \u2026 it\u2019s like this, sir, my husband and I have ran a mercantile store in Virginia City for a long time, and recently, due to some reverses, we decided to leave there and see if we could do better in Yuma.\u00a0 Our son lives there now, you see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam paused in scowling and looked at the woman thoughtfully, he opened his mouth and then closed it again as he waited for her to continue with her version of events.\u00a0 The sheriff looked over at him with narrowed eyes and then returned his attention to her \u201cI see,\u201d \u00a0he paused, not seeing anything at all, \u201cBut that doesn\u2019t explain \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI was coming to that\u2026 my husband has always had a resentment against the Cartwright family, I don\u2019t know why, I could \u00a0never understand it myself, as I said to him the other day, they\u2019ve always been generous to us, helped us when we needed help and he – he just couldn\u2019t see it himself.\u00a0 He was always angry you see, when other people got on well in life, it made him bitter – some people are like that, aren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She looked at him, wide eyed, appealing to his sense of tolerance of other peoples weaknesses and so he nodded and muttered something while William and Adam exchanged sighs and raised eyebrows.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAll he wanted was to leave Virginia City and get away from the Cartwrights, he kept on and on about them \u00a0and then seeing the Captain\u2026 I mean Commodore \u2026 er – Mr Cartwright \u2026 he just went \u2026\u201d she paused as she tried to put into words what had happened in that train carriage, the way her husband had sprung up in his seat and shouted aloud at seeing Adam Cartwright on the platform, how he had just unravelled there and then in front of her very eyes, as though he had seen a ghost or the devil himself. \u00a0\u201cIt was just that he was the last person on earth my husband would want to have seen, he just went crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe Captain did nothing to cause your husband to attack him then?\u00a0 Apart from being there \u2026\u201d Everson asked again<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh Mr Cartwright was doing nothing but chatting to the young man here, Mr Cartwright, like all his family, have only ever been kind and generous to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Everson gave her a long hard look, as hard as he could considering her condition, he sighed and nodded, looked over at Adam and then at William \u201cVery well, if that\u2019s all you can tell me, you can go.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    None of them were very happy about just up and going\u2026 William had lost his chance of an interview for the job he was hoping would launch him into a prosperous future, Adam had missed the train and was not going to be at the station where his family would be waiting for him and Mrs Downing just wished that she could slip away somewhere and never see any of them again.\u00a0 The last thing she wanted to do was have the situation in Virginia City open for discussion now, not with Adam Cartwright and so she sat there with slumped shoulders and head bowed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She jumped as a hand touched her gently on the shoulder and upon looking up saw Adam smiling kindly at her \u201cMrs Downing, is there anything I can do for you now?\u00a0 Any arrangements that need to be seen to that I can assist you with?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    For a moment the thought crossed his mind that she was going to go the same way as her husband, but thankfully she rallied and shook her head \u201cNo, that\u2019s alright, Mr Cartwright. Thank you.\u201d \u00a0she stood up then and pulled an envelope from her purse \u201cWhen you see Sheriff Canaday could you give him this.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCertainly, of course.\u00a0 If that\u2019s all I can do for you?\u201d he paused, a little puzzled by the expression on her face as she stared at him \u00a0\u201cCan I get a room booked for you, in the hotel?\u00a0 There won\u2019t \u00a0be another train for a few days to Yuma.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She shook her head and forced a smile, \u201cNo, no, I can manage.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He nodded and stepped back with his \u00a0head slightly to one side as he watched her leave the office.\u00a0 Everson was shuffling papers about and William was standing by the door, looking helpless and anxious. \u00a0\u201cI have things to do..\u201d Everson muttered which was clear enough indication that they should leave him in peace to get on with things.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The two men left and walked down towards the hotel, William looked over at Adam \u201cHave \u00a0you long to wait for the next train, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMonday morning.\u201d Adam sighed and looked across to the telegraph office which had a big CLOSED sign, \u201cWhat about yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cA few days to wait, I\u2019ll go back to the place where I\u2019ve been working lately.\u00a0 Mr Madely won\u2019t mind, he might even give me a reference so I can reapply for the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam smiled and nodded \u201cCome along, I\u2019ll treat you to a meal\u2026 looks like the restaurants open if nothing else is in this place.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He pushed his hat slightly back from his brow and walked more confidently along the sidewalk to the restaurant with William at his side, they fell into chatter about old ship mates, their adventure when Mr Jamieson had to help the Captain with Mr Metcalfe, oh it seemed so long ago.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing watched them as they passed the hotel door, she wondered if he knew, Adam Cartwright that is, whether he knew that her husband had burned down the Ponderosa, that her son had nearly killed his son\u2026 she wondered what he would have done had he known, when Andy Downing had grabbed at his jacket would Adam Cartwright have managed to contain his anger\u2026 or would he have struck out that final blow and seen Downing fall.\u00a0 She shook her head, it hardly mattered now, her husband was dead, and she was free.\u00a0 Her only regret was that it hadn\u2019t \u00a0happened sooner, so that Leslie could have had a decent life, and been happy; \u00a0so that she could have been free and never feared that fist raised to her in anger ever again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was a strange thing, she mused as she made her way to the hotel to register for a room, but it seemed almost like fate that Adam Cartwright had stepped off that train just as Andy Downing had looked out of the window and seen him\u2026 \u00a0almost as though it just had to be !<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 81<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam threw another handful of twigs onto the fire and then sat back to watch as the flames slowly ate into them.\u00a0 Of course it would have been more comfortable to book into the modest hotel in that settlement and wait out the hours until noon the next day when the train would be available, but that meant over 24 hours just wasting time.\u00a0 Again it could have been argued that a train would have taken him onto his destination far more quickly, once he was on board, but \u2026 he shook his head\u2026 all that time just kicking \u00a0his heels when he could be on a horse and using his time to greater effect.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He wasn\u2019t really sure though if that was the real reason, he just knew that hanging around with time ticking away, just waiting\u2026 nothing could have been more frustrating, irritating and annoying than just watching a clock tick away hours and minutes and doing nothing!<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He leaned forward now to pick up the coffee pot and pour out the hot brown liquid into the cup.\u00a0 Meat was sizzling over the flames and he had brought along some bread, some fruit to eat as his supper. He could hear the sound of his horse cropping the grass nearby, and with a sigh leaned \u00a0back against a boulder to drink the coffee and think over all that he had learned from Mrs Downing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing\u2026 yes, and that meant thoughts of a very unpleasant nature coming to mind about Mr Downing and his wretched son.\u00a0 As he swallowed the coffee Adam wished he hadn\u2019t found out about the events that had been taking place during his absence, too many emotions raged through him at the thought, and his \u00a0brain wouldn\u2019t leave the matter alone, not for an instant. \u00a0 As he had ridden away from the town, as he had made up his camp fire and hunted down his meal, every minute had been consumed by thoughts of what had happened to his family, to his son, to his home\u2026it ate him up so much that he wondered if he would have been sane had he stayed back in town waiting for that wretched train.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mrs Downing \u2026 he sighed deeply and refilled the cup, turned the meat over to burn more evenly \u2026 leaned back again and hugged his drink against his chest as he recalled to mind, for the umpteenth time, how Mrs Downing had appeared just when he and William were shaking hands and parting company.\u00a0 She had just stood there staring at him and he had smiled, nodded, removed his hat and smiled back \u201cIs there anything I can do for you, M\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She had shaken her head, gulped and then looked at him with the utter misery of a broken woman so obvious upon her face that he had approached her and kindly led her to a table and some chairs, \u201cSit down for a moment.\u00a0 Can I get \u00a0you a drink, something \u2026 you\u2019ve had a shock and \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She had shaken her head and then grabbed at one of his \u00a0hands, \u201cMr Cartwright, I\u2019m so sorry, so sorry.\u201d \u00a0she had started to cry then, shaking her head and moaning so that he had felt rather embarrassed, people had been walking past them and looking over at them and he had sat down opposite her and tried to look sympathetic.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    A waiter had arrived and asked if anything was needed, so Adam had requested some coffee for them both, then he had waited for her to calm down and explain what it was that she was so sorry about, and after a few moments she had told him\u2026 everything.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It had all gone back such a long time, right back to the time when Tom Sladen had become The Boss. \u00a0 The Downings hadn\u2019t long moved into Virginia City and were just starting up with their Mercantile Store.\u00a0 Sladens ideas on running a haulage company had practically seen the embryo business nearly die there and then, and of course, everyone knew that Sladen and Cartwright were good friends.\u00a0 Andrew Downing hadn\u2019t believed the story that was not the case especially when it had all seemed to calm down and business began to perk up.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s like this,\u201d she had blubbered, \u201cMy husband was a small minded jealous kind of man.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t like seeing folk get on.\u00a0 He was probably among those who were quite happy to see Mr Cameron get shot that time when Sam Bryant tried to take over, it meant more business for us, you see?\u00a0 He – he grew to hate your family\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam had fidgeted a little, and she had noticed and blubbered a bit more, \u201cPlease be patient, I want you to understand why – why he did what he did, why Leslie turned out how he is, and why he shot those children.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShot what children?\u00a0 Who?\u201d \u00a0she had his attention now, his eyes had darkened and his mouth went tight so she told him all about the shooting in the playground and watched as the colour had drained from his face and then rushed back again as though his collar was too tight and he needed to loosen it.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He hadn\u2019t asked her any questions but beckoned for more coffee while she had sat there telling him how Reuben had broken the store window with his sling shot, and Jamie Watt had been there as well, and how angry her husband had been about it.\u00a0 She had blown her nose loudly at that point \u201cI didn\u2019t blame them, I could understand why they had done it, because Leslie bragged about how he tormented the \u00a0younger kids at school, and how he enjoyed it as well.\u00a0 My husband and he would laugh about it over supper some evenings, that\u2019s why it was so hard to listen to all that talk at the trial\u2026\u201d she had paused then and looked over at him \u201cDidn\u2019t you read about it?\u00a0 I thought perhaps \u00a0you would have known about it from the newspapers?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He had shaken his head, gulped down coffee, marvelled that his hand wasn\u2019t shaking as he did so. \u00a0\u201cThere was a trial then?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh yes, there had to be after all two children had died, Reuben had been hurt.\u00a0 We went to see them, my husband and I, we went to see your wife and Reuben \u2026 that made my husband angry too, he said that his being in a wheelchair -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWho was in a wheelchair?\u201d Adam had snapped abruptly and when she had stammered \u2018Reuben\u2019 he had moved back in his chair so quickly that the table had shook, he had seemed frozen to the spot, unknowing what to do next and so she had reached out to touch his arm \u201cIt\u2019s alright,\u201d she had said, \u201cThat\u2019s what made my man so angry, we went to see them and Reuben was in a wheelchair, Andy said he was playing for a sympathy hearing from the bleeding hearts on the jury\u2026 but there was no jury you see, because of Leslie being so young\u2026 and Reuben could walk, he wasn\u2019t in a wheelchair at all.\u00a0 He was just fine, he really was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So having reassured him and calmed him down she had gone on to tell him about the verdict, how Leslie was taken to Yuma and they had sold up everything in order to be with him.\u00a0 Adam had listened then to her stammering and gulping and weeping throughout the telling of her husbands going to the Ponderosa and setting it on fire.\u00a0 He had sat and listened and stared at the empty cup of coffee and said nothing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t know for sure, he never said he had done it, but there was so much going on..the smell, the whole way he acted, his hurry to get away\u2026 I knew inside myself that he had done it.\u201d \u00a0she had blown her nose again \u201cHe beat me when I said so, beat me as usual and it made me realise that I had lived my life with a bully and that Leslie \u2026\u201d and she had began to cry again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He hadn\u2019t said anything, he couldn\u2019t find the words but had stood up and walked away.\u00a0 What else had she expected him to do?\u00a0 Thank her for the information that had shattered any illusion he had nourished for weeks on end about the safety of his family?\u00a0 No, of course not.\u00a0 He left her there sobbing into her handkerchief and had walked out of the hotel and stood there staring out into the distance trying to make sense of it all.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    That was why it was impossible to have stayed there in that town with so much going on in his head, so much misery and anxiety and fear \u2026 and now he sat by a camp fire like he had on many occasions before in the past, and thought it all over, again and again and again.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The small group standing on the platform smiled at one another as they saw the train pulling into the station.\u00a0 At last the wanderer was home again.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t matter how long for, just that he was home again at last. Ben put his hand on Olivia\u2019s shoulder and smiled down at her, while she hugged the baby closer and felt excitement shiver through her.\u00a0 As the carriage doors opened and closed with much slamming and \u00a0banging they moved forward a little, and Ben laughingly said \u201cHe\u2019ll probably be the last off, knowing him..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, no,\u201d Olivia had laughed back, \u201cHe\u2019ll be the first off.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She was glad that Reuben and Sofia were both at school and they hadn\u2019t told them about Adam coming home. It was going to be a surprise.\u00a0 She hugged Nathaniel closer to her, and heaved in a big deep breath so that she wouldn\u2019t burst right there and then with excitement.\u00a0 Nathaniel wriggled in protest, she was holding him too tightly, he wanted to get down, he wanted his grandfather, he wanted to be anywhere other than there with so much noise and so many confusing horrible smells.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Passengers were walking past them to the exit of the station and to where the cabs waited for them.\u00a0 The steam from the train was fading away leaving a clear scene ahead of them.\u00a0 Porters walked back and forth with luggage, the railway guard was checking the wheels, another man in oil streaked dungarees was carefully applying oil to rivets and nuts and bolts, and the driver was leaning on the window frame of his cabin chatting to another railway official.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben and Olivia looked at one another, their smiles had vanished and was replaced with concern as they looked around them and saw no one else leaving the train, the only luggage to be seen now was piled on the platform awaiting its owner.\u00a0 Ben stared at the trunks and boxes, Olivia\u2019s eyes roamed from one carriage to the other \u2026then they looked at one another \u201cHave we got the wrong date?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ve checked and re-checked.\u201d Olivia said, \u201cIt was this train.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben nodded and strode forward, patting her on the arm in a \u2019I\u2019ll deal with this\u2019 manner as he approached the guard \u201cCan you tell me -\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAh, yes.\u201d the portly little man nodded \u201cWe couldn\u2019t wait I\u2019m afraid, had to leave, schedules to keep to and all that. We brought his luggage though.\u00a0 It\u2019s over there.\u201d he pointed to the luggage they had noticed earlier<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat happened to prevent my son getting the train?\u201d Ben asked, surprised at how breathless he felt and how jerky the words were coming out.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThere was an incident at Somerville. A man collapsed and died on the platform.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia, close behind Ben, gave a gasp and grabbed at her father in laws arm, but the guard just frowned \u201cA fat man, name of Downing.\u00a0 He and his wife were on the other train, going in opposite directions, not sure what happened except that he saw Commodore Cartwright – that is right, ain\u2019t it, ma\u2019am, sir?\u00a0 Commodore Cartwright is who you are waiting for?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They both nodded and waited for the telling of the events that had taken place to prevent Adam boarding the train. \u00a0\u201cHe\u2019d have sent a cable I\u2019m sure except that it shuts on a Saturday, early.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWill he be on the next train?\u201d Olivia asked with a slight shakiness in her voice.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI should imagine so, unless the sheriff decides there was foul play involved. \u00a0 No doubt he\u2019ll cable you when he can.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    People were arriving now to board the train for their destination, the guard looked officious and stepped back to do his duty to these new passengers having dealt, he hoped, satisfactorily with the situation regarding a previous one.\u00a0 He nodded at Ben and Olivia and returned to his work.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell,\u201d Ben said at last, \u201cAt least we can take his luggage back home with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd he is on his way home.\u201d Olivia said with a firmness in her voice that was reassuring to Ben who was afraid of tears and an emotional trip home. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019m glad I didn\u2019t tell the children, they would have been disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben said nothing to that, he beckoned to a porter and indicated the trunks and packages awaiting attention.\u00a0 He frowned slightly, it seemed to \u00a0him that there was a bit more than usual in the way of baggage but then, with a shrug, he left it to the porter to deal with in transporting it to the wagon.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 82<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia heard the sound of the children before she saw them so was unable to prevent them seeing the trunks still waiting to be taken upstairs.\u00a0 Sofia was the first to see them and gave a shriek of delight \u201cDaddy\u2019s home, daddy\u2019s home\u2026\u201d and her feet skeetered across the floor as she ran to where Olivia now stood in the open doorway of the study.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The child threw herself into her mother\u2019s arms in delight, hugging her closely \u201cWhere\u2019s daddy?\u00a0 Where is he?\u00a0 I want to see him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben was right behind his sister his face flushed and eyes wide \u201cMom, where\u2019s Pa?\u00a0 Is he home?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia drew in her breath and glanced over the heads of the children at where Ben stood his face registering his dismay at the children having returned sooner than expected, or perhaps they had just delayed the removal of the trunks for too long.\u00a0 He cast his eyes in the direction of the clock, silently cursed the darn thing and then entered the other room<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYour Pa\u2019s on his way home.\u201d He said in his calm \u2018let\u2019s be reasonable\u2019 manner \u201cYou know that, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben frowned and looked from his grandfather to his mother \u201cSure, he sent us a telegram.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut where is he?\u201d Sofia insisted, her voice shrill as she stared up at her mother, \u201cMommy?\u00a0 He is here, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo -\u201d she said it quietly, released within a sigh and the children stepped back as though doubtful that she was telling the truth, Sofia looked immediately over at the trunks, \u201cNo, he sent those ahead of him, just to remind us that he\u2019s on his way.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen why isn\u2019t he here as well?\u201d asked the forever logical Reuben who couldn\u2019t see how a pile of luggage could arrive but his father couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBecause something happened in the town the train stopped at, and \u2026\u201d Olivia paused as Reuben bowed his head and grunted \u201cSure, I know, Pa had to do something about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben cleared his throat \u201cHe had no choice, Reuben, a man died and your father was involved and had to deal with it. The train driver had to keep to his schedules and wasn\u2019t prepared to wait while it got sorted out\u2026 that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben\u2019s shoulders merely slumped a little more and it was Sofia who asked why it was that her daddy had to stay and sort it out. \u201cWhy did the man die, Gran\u2019pa?\u00a0 Did daddy shoot him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben shook his head \u201cNo, nothing like that.\u201d \u00a0he beckoned Sofia over to him and naturally Reuben followed closely \u201cThe man who died was Mr Downing.\u00a0 He and Mrs Downing were at the same place as you Pa and it seems that Mr Downing was taken ill and died. Your Pa didn\u2019t feel he could just leave them\u2026 could he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHuh, he woulda if he\u2019d known what he\u2019d done, that Mr Downing..\u201d Reuben scowled.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019m sure he did know,\u201d Olivia said, \u201cI mean, we all sent enough letters keeping him informed of everything that was happening here.\u00a0 It just goes to show that sometimes we just need to be more tolerant than others, doesn\u2019t it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The two mutinous little faces glared at her and she shook her head \u201cYour Pa wouldn\u2019t want you both to be growing up into unkind people now, would he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMr Downing was \u00a0unkind.\u201d Sofia said with a frown marring her pretty looks, \u201cHe was unkind and burned down Granpa\u2019s house.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, we don\u2019t know that for sure\u2026\u201d Ben said quietly, \u201cWe\u2019re just assuming that from the fact that Reuben saw him driving around the Ponderosa that day.\u00a0 He may have been there for some perfectly innocent reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    His voice trailed away, he saw Olivia looking at him with a \u2018I don\u2019t believe you just said that\u2019 look on his face. \u00a0\u201cAnyway, why don\u2019t you clean up and then we can eat.\u201d he took hold of Sofia\u2019s hand \u201cDid you enjoy school today?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sofia shook her head \u201cI don\u2019t like school.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia gestured towards Reuben as Ben and Sofia disappeared into the other room, \u201cIs Sofia managing alright at school, Reuben?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure she is,\u201d he replied with a nonchalant shrug of the shoulders \u201cShe moans all the way there because she likes being in bed and being with you and Nathaniel all day, and she moans all the way home because she doesn\u2019t want to admit she enjoyed herself.\u00a0 But she is alright, Mom.\u00a0 She\u2019s got some friends at school, \u00a0Rosie and Betty sales .. Betty only started school the same day she did \u2026 Annie says she\u2019s always moaning about it too.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou are looking out for her, arn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure, mom.\u201d he nodded, he didn\u2019t like to admit that his playtime was being seriously disrupted by his constant \u2018looking out for her\u2019.\u00a0 He looked at her wistfully \u201cPa really is coming \u00a0home, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, of course he is.\u201d she smiled down at him and smoothed back a lock of hair from his brow, \u201cNow, go and do what gran\u2019pa suggested, get those hands washed.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss\u2019 mouth gaped open when he was told that Adam had not arrived after all.\u00a0 He looked around the room as though he didn\u2019t believe his father, nor his sister in law and expected Adam to jump up from behind some furniture \u201cDadgum, if that don\u2019t beat all! You mean he really ain\u2019t home?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben piped up from where he sat \u201cHis luggage did, piles of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYep,\u201d Ben rubbed the back of his neck \u201cHis luggage arrived, but he didn\u2019t.\u201d and once again he explained the reason for the delay that he had been given, \u201cI couldn\u2019t contact the sheriff because the telegraph office there was closed.\u00a0 Will be until Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShucks, that\u2019s downright orful.\u201d Hoss lamented.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe shook his head and grimaced, \u201cWhat are we going to do about the party we were going to give him?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cParty?\u201d Sofia jumped down from her chair, \u201cParty. Party. Oh yes\u2026 oh yes, a party.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShush up,\u201d Reuben muttered, \u201cThere ain\u2019t going to \u00a0be any party, Pa ain\u2019t here is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Mary Ann laughed and looked pretty as she leaned forward to ruffle the boy\u2019s hair \u201cWe can still have a party.\u00a0 When your Pa gets home we can just have another one.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben and Sofia turned eager eyes to Olivia who smiled over at Ben \u201cAdam may be home by Friday evening anyway\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot according to the train schedule.\u201d Ben muttered.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell,\u201d Hester sat down rather regally and clasped her hands within her lap \u201cWe can still have a party.\u00a0 We\u2019ll have it for Sofia\u2026 her going to school at last party.\u201d \u00a0she smiled as the little girl pranced about clapping her hands \u201cThe children will all love that, I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI\u2019ll enjoy it too.\u201d Hoss grinned and dropped a kiss on the top of his wife\u2019s head, \u201cWe\u2019ll just let folk in town know that the real party ain\u2019t until next weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe sighed melodramatically \u201cHe should be home by then, surely?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd trust it to be the Downings to interfere, yet again.\u201d Mary Ann lamented which made Ben laugh for some reason \u201cwhat\u2019s so funny, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThe poor man dropped dead in front of Adam .. I was just thinking he must have had quite a shock at seeing my son if he had to go and do that ..just to interfere with our plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Olivia looked at them fondly, she shook \u00a0her head and as she turned to the coffee pot to provide drinks for them all she thought briefly of Mrs Tracy Downing, and how she was affected by the death of her husband.\u00a0 Did she see it as an interference in her life, or as a blessed relief?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sofia couldn\u2019t contain herself, she kept asking every so often \u201cIs it really for me?\u00a0 Is this party really for me?\u201d so that in the end Olivia had to tell her to get to her bed before she forced them to change their minds and have no party at all.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam avoided riding into Virginia City but instead took the short cuts of which he knew so well.\u00a0 His heart did a leap when he crossed into Ponderosa land, familiar views and sights tantalised the eyes wherever he looked, the air was clean and pure, and the sky was a perfect blue.\u00a0 He had plunged the depths of despair during the ride home but now as he was so close to reaching the houses, he had felt optimism soar afresh, remembering that Mrs Downing had assured him that Reuben was well, justice had been meted out, divine justice too if Downings death was anything to go by\u2026 now all he wanted was to get home, to see them all and hold them close.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The horse had been a good sturdy creature and carried him well as he had galloped, cantered and slowly loped the distance to home\u2026 as he finally reached the track to \u00a0his house he paused a moment just to quell the fluttering in \u00a0his heart that made his throat ache with emotion.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    His home was basking in late afternoon sun, and he walked the horse into the yard and slowly dismounted.\u00a0 One of the hands, Jed Affleck, strolled from the barn, did a double take and exclaimed \u201cHey, Mr Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam turned, smiled and nodded as the young man approached him, a bridle that he was cleaning in his hands \u201cGood to see you again, Jed.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMore than good to see you, sir.\u00a0 The family sure will be pleased to clap eyes on you again, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d \u00a0he glanced over at the house \u201cAin\u2019t anyone home jest yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, where are they all?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWal, the Missus and Mr Cartwright, they went into town to get some things, the kids are at school.\u00a0 Probably on their way home soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and then flicked the reins of his horse back and forth from one hadn to the other, \u201cI see. \u00a0 Well, in that case, I\u2019ll go and check out the main house.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAin\u2019t anybody there, Mr Cartwright, on account of the fire you see.\u00a0 You heard about that, didn\u2019t\u2019cha?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure, I heard\u2026\u201d Adam nodded and mounted the horse, eased himself into the saddle again, \u201cSee you later, Jed.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSure thing, good to have you home, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam smiled, nodded and turned his horse round. It was good to be home, even if they weren\u2019t there to greet him, it didn\u2019t matter, because he was home. He\u2019d see them soon, he\u2019d see them all soon.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was a jolting shock to ride into the yard and see the house, the remains of the house.\u00a0 He sat in the saddle and felt despair and sadness well up into his chest, shook his head and removed his hat as though he were witness to a death.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He sat some moments there, staring at the gaunt blackness of burned timber, seeing the chimney and hearth intact with the gridirons still in place, and the old kettle\u2026 \u00a0the rack where the rifles were kept was still where it had always been although the weapons had been removed. \u00a0 There was no furniture, no burned or sodden remains of any of the furniture of which he had so often dreamed about, seen like old friends in his memories with the family sprawled upon various settee\u2019s or chairs.\u00a0 His eyes roamed to where the stairs had been but saw them ending as though truncated in mid air\u2026 the walls were blackened with smoke evidence of the fire having attempted to reach the rooms beyond the landing.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He dismounted and slowly walked into the building that remained.\u00a0 Over his head he could see the floorboards of \u00a0the bedrooms.\u00a0 Some he could see would need replacing but in the main they were still solid and sturdy.\u00a0 Good Ponderosa Pine had even defied such a furnace as this must have been.\u00a0 The back wall of the kitchen remained with Hop Sings stove but most of everything else was gone, removed and no doubt thought beyond repair. He wondered how Hop Sing had felt about that and sighed as he ran a hand over the surface of the cold oven.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He walked back into the yard and gazed about him sorrowfully, there was no sign of the porch, nor of Marie\u2019s roses that had entwined the roof for so many years.\u00a0 Nothing, but an emptiness with the rooms above hovering as though taunting the viewer to get up there somehow and visit them.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    In the barn he found the things that had been rescued from the flames\u2026 Ben\u2019s cast iron horses, a book case – but no books – there were some boxes full of kitchen ware, the familiar pink china that Marie had loved so much.\u00a0 He picked \u00a0up a cup and held it in his hand, and turned it this way and that as he recalled the numerous times he may have held it in the past.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He turned \u2026 Hoss\u2026well, it had to \u00a0be Hoss.\u00a0 Yes, his brother was running across the yard, a beaming smile on his face, his eyes lost in the crinkles wrought about by the smiles \u201cAdam, I done been watching you for the past five minutes.\u201d \u00a0and his arms came and hugged around his brother in his familiar old way that made Adam gasp and laugh all at the same time \u201cShucks, you look skinny.\u00a0 You feel skinny.\u201d Hoss exclaimed as he released Adam and stepped back to observe him more seriously<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou look well, Hoss.\u201d Adam said and had to clear his throat, \u00a0bow his head and shake it as though by doing so he could stop the tears coming to his eyes. \u201cYou sure look good, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid you get our letters?\u201d Hoss demanded as they left the barn and walked towards the house, \u201cDid you hear about the house? Downing\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDownings dead.\u201d \u00a0Adam muttered off handedly.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh yeah, sure, we heard about that\u2026\u201d Hoss tried to pull his face straight but he was too full of delight at seeing Adam right there before him, he nudged his brother in the ribs \u201cDropped dead in front of you, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI think he was attempting to throttle me at the time.\u201d Adam replied with a wry grin, \u201cBut yes, he dropped dead..and Mrs Downing told me about what had been happening here.\u00a0 So much for thinking everyone was safe and well\u2026 I ..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHang on thar, you mean you didn\u2019t know before then?\u201d Hoss looked amazed, stared at Adam so hard that Adam almost blushed, he shook his head, \u201cNo, nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss shook his head \u201cAin\u2019t that a fact\u2026 nothing, huh?\u00a0 Olivia was writing so many letters she could\u2019ve written a book.\u00a0 Kept her sane..\u201d he paused at seeing the expression on his brothers\u2019 face \u201cDon\u2019t worry, she\u2019s alright now, just that while there was all that carry on with the trail ..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReuben – Mrs Downing said he was in a wheel chair?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHe\u2019s safe and sound, a tough little guy if ever I saw one.\u00a0 He was kinda ill for a while,\u201d he paused and looked at Adam, \u201cBest you hear it all from Olivia, ain;t worth me telling you now.\u00a0 Anyhows, \u201c he paused and looked back at the house \u201cWhat do you think of the place?\u00a0 Henry reckons it\u2019s salvageable.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, I guess so.\u201d Adam nodded and turned to look at the building, standing shoulder to shoulder with his brother, \u201cYes, but there\u2019s a lot of work to be done first.\u00a0 Where are you staying just now, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAt Joe\u2019s \u2026\u201d Hoss slipped his hat back on \u201cYou coming along for a coffee, they\u2019re all there.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAll?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, Hester, Mary Ann, and Joe\u2026and the children.\u201d he grinned, \u201cPa\u2019s staying with Olivia, they went into town probably collect the children from school.\u00a0 They\u2019re planning on coming up to Joe\u2019s as well.\u201d his grin widened \u201cBe like old times, all the family together.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded.\u00a0 He walked to his horse and remounted it, looked at the house and then turned the horse to follow along with Hoss.\u00a0 He wanted to see Olivia, alone, and he wanted to see Reuben and Sofia and Nathaniel\u2026and of course, he wanted to see Pa.<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hoss pushed open the door to the big room \u201cHey, folks, look who\u2019s home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe was standing by the fire when Hoss stepped in and turned, paused and then gave a shout of delight at the sight of his eldest brother strolling in behind Hoss. \u00a0 \u201cFor heavens sake, Adam, when did you get home?\u00a0 We thought the train..\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI got a horse, rode home\u2026 couldn\u2019t wait for the train.\u201d Adam said quickly and laughed as his sisters in law hugged him and kissed his cheeks, while he extended his hand to grab that of his little brothers \u201cYou\u2019re looking well, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMore than can be said for you.\u201d Joe declared once he could see his brother for himself as the ladies stepped back and he hugged Adam to himself \u201cIt\u2019s good to see you, by heaven, it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hester and Mary Ann began to talk at once together, laughed and started again, but Adam only smiled, until his face ached, answered as and when he could, while all the time Joe and Hoss observed him anxiously, both coming to the same conclusion that their brother was too thin, looked weary, needed rest.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam of course didn\u2019t tell them how many hours he had ridden to \u00a0be at the Ponderosa as soon as he could, he didn\u2019t mention to them about anything but listened to their accounts of the past months while they plied him with coffee, food, and he had to see Hannah, Hope and Daniel who all stared at this tall dark stranger as though unsure as to who he was, even little Hannah was hesitant about greeting him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Finally, with his eye on the clock, he said he would have to leave, he wanted to see his own family in his own home.\u00a0 Understanding as always they released him, the children watched him go and Hannah gave him a big smile as though finally realising who he was, it made him appreciate the fact that he had been gone too long, the thought was no comfort, as he worried now that his own children would greet him with that same puzzled air, the bemused \u2018Who are you?\u2019 look in their eyes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Joe and Hoss walked out to the yard with him, Joe nodded over at Kamille and the colt who were pushing against the fence of the corral \u201cThey\u2019re doing well, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cSo I can see.\u00a0 Thank you, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cMy pleasure.\u00a0 Come for supper, it\u2019s all prepared\u2026. We were expecting the family tonight anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He smiled and remounted into the saddle, nodded \u201cSure\u2026\u201d he shook their hands again, Joe and Hoss both, then turned his horse towards home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Chapter 83<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cheng Ho Lee was in the kitchen, Adam could hear the sound of pans and pots rattling on the top of the stove.\u00a0 The delight on the cooks face was sincere and heart warming, and when Adam shook his hand Cheng Ho Lee practically bobbed his head off as he bowed his welcome \u201cLong time you gone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cToo long,\u201d Adam agreed with a sigh and leaned against the table as Cheng began to prepare his master some coffee<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou go far?\u00a0 Long way where no food perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, there was food, but not the kind I prefer eating\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh, not good cook?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot good food.\u201d Adam smiled as he recalled the crocodile meat, wild pig, roots and herbs that were tough and seemingly inedible. \u00a0\u201cDo you know when everyone will be home?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cheng Ho Lee nodded and pointed to the clock on the wall \u201cMaybe two hour yet.\u00a0 Go on business, visit Missy Ann, collect children from school, then home\u2026take long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, \u201cI\u2019ll just go and get reacquainted with the place then\u2026\u201d \u00a0he accepted the hot coffee and bearing the cup and saucer in his hand he made his way from the kitchen into the big room, paused, sipped more coffee and stared at the fire, smiled at Clarabelle who was where Sofia had left her that morning, and noticed the toys in a neat pile by the settee.\u00a0 It made him realise the reality of Nathaniel\u2019s development while he had been away, no longer a little baby in a crib, but a child crawling around, perhaps even talking.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He sighed and then smiled to himself as he remembered that the long absences from home and family would be consigned to the past now, it was all behind him.\u00a0 He strolled into his study and looked around, noticed the letters on the desk and frowned\u2026Hoss had said they had written reams of letters telling him about what had been going on, but if that were the case\u2026where were they?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He picked up a large brown envelope which had the Naval headquarters address and weighed it in his hand, surely not orders rescinding his resignation?\u00a0 He tore it open and smoothed out the letter, which he noted had been dated some months previous<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCommodore Cartwright<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The enclosed journals were recently located among Captain Daniel O\u2019Brien\u2019s personal belongings on the Baltimore.\u00a0 His wife\u2019s family felt that they should more rightly be sent to you as they contain details of your travels to Alaska and the Kurils, and the more recent incidents in China.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    With our best wishes<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Admiral Levy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    O\u2019Brien \u2026 he sighed and flicked the pages over while his eyes scanned the neat writing of his old friends, there were sketches as well, excellently executed.\u00a0 With a pang to the heart he closed them up and set them down.\u00a0 He simply put the other letters back on the desk and decided to continue with what he had told Cheng he would do\u2026get familiar with his home again and notice the changes.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The guest room was obviously being used by Ben, the portraits of his 3 wives in their gold frames were grouped on the tallboy and had obviously escaped the ravages of the fire.\u00a0 The childrens rooms, the room he would share with Olivia all brought moments at which to pause and dwell over fond memories. \u00a0 There was no crib or bassinet at the side of their bed with the beautiful quilt on it, another reminder that Nathaniel was no longer a babe in arms.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    With a bowed head he made his way down the stairs, paused once more by the fire place and finished his coffee, then placed the cup and saucer on the low table.\u00a0 He pulled a face at Clarabelle as he passed the ugly thing on his way to the study and once there sat down and began to open his letters.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The ticking of the clock intruded upon his thoughts, the sounds of the hour striking caused him to put the mail down and get to his feet.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t be long before they were home and with the fluttering in his stomach that reminded him of when he was a small child expecting something wonderful to happen he strode over to the door that led to the porch.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The rig pulled up as Ben heaved on the reins and then slowly clambered down, rubbing his hands on his pants as he did so, and walking past the horses to help Olivia down, his hands round her waist he smiled as he set her feet upon the ground. \u00a0\u201cAlright, my dear?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She smiled back at him and nodded, then turned to get something from the back, and then she heard Reuben yell \u201cPA! PA!\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sofia squealed \u201cMe, me, me first\u2026\u201d and then everything was a blur as the children jumped down shrieking like a pair of wild Indians, Ben had turned, slightly puzzled, mostly hopeful and then yelled \u201cAdam \u2026 when did you get home\u2026\u201d and then she turned slowly to take in the moments she had imagined so often, the return of her husband \u2019home from the sea\u2019.\u00a0 Except this wasn\u2019t how she had imagined it\u2026 \u00a0she stood there and watched as Reuben and Sofia flung themselves \u00a0upon the tall figure of a man who was laughing and hugging them close while one hand was being shaken by Ben who also had a hand on his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh Pa ..\u201d Reuben cried, \u201cI\u2019m so glad you\u2019re home.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDaddy.. You won\u2019t go again, will you.\u00a0 Daddy?\u201d and Sofia squirmed into his arms as close as she could to put her arms around his neck and hang onto him so that he nearly fell over and laughed as Ben pushed him upright again \u201cDaddy, don\u2019t go again.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He looked up and over at her then, their eyes met and almost shyly they smiled at one another.\u00a0 Ben put a hand on Reubens shoulder and a hand in Sofia\u2019s free hand and said \u201cCome on, let\u2019s go on inside\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cLivvy?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Her throat was too tight with tears and emotion to say a word, she couldn\u2019t even get his name out through her lips, but stood there shaking her head blinking her eyes and trying to move her legs and then he was there by her side, his arms around her waist drawing her close and into him, holding her and kissing her face so that she could barely breathe until she wrapped her own arms around him and kissed him again and again.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh Livvy, my dear girl.\u201d he whispered as he held her close to him, so close that he could smell her hair, see the tears in her eyes, notice the slightest of lines upon her dear face, he kissed her brow \u201cI\u2019ve missed you so \u00a0much.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI – oh Adam Adam – just keep hold of me for a moment longer\u2026 I just want to make sure this is real, not some dream.\u201d \u00a0she gave a slight laugh, \u201cIt is real, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI hope so, I\u2019d be really annoyed if it isn\u2019t.\u201d he grinned, and leaned down to kiss her nose, \u201cHoss said you\u2019d written letters\u2026\u201d he kissed her throat.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI did, we all did \u2026\u201d she whispered and kissed him in return.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI didn\u2019t get them.\u201d \u00a0he sighed and raised her hands to his lips so that he could kiss her fingers, \u201cNot a one.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThen you wouldn\u2019t know about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYes, I know about that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShush now..\u201d and he held her close again \u201cLivvy, I love you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She was about to reply when the sound of whimpering came from the back of the wagon against which they were leaning, and then \u201cMom mom\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She bowed her head and laughed a little beneath her breath, her brow touched his, and he looked over her shoulder to meet the dark brown eyes of the child who was now standing up gripping to the sides of a large box and staring at them with a slight scowl. \u00a0\u201cAdam, your son\u2026 he\u2019s grown a bit since you last saw him.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam grinned and looked from the child to her, nodded \u201cHe has that\u2026 I don\u2019t think he knows me.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, why should he?\u00a0 He was only weeks old when you left.\u201d she laughed as she said this and leaned over the side of the wagon to lift the child up, \u201cCome along, sweetheart, say hello to daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Nathaniel didn\u2019t want to say hello to daddy, he wanted his dinner.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    There was so much to say, so much to talk about that for the first few moments voices rang around the room and got in the way of each other, words tripped over words so that questions and answers got muddled and Ben had to call out and say \u201cQuiet, quiet now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Nathaniel clung to his mother staring at this newcomer with a serious look on his face and not a dimple in sight while Sofia clung to Adam like a limpet and kissed his face until Olivia scolded her to stop it before she wore her father out.\u00a0 Adam laughingly said he was more than happy to \u00a0be kissed by his favourite daughter and didn\u2019t mind at all.\u00a0 Reuben sat on the arm of the big settee leaning against his father and staring at him as though he couldn\u2019t believe he had finally arrived home.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben looked at the clock \u201cWell, seems to me if we don\u2019t leave here soon we\u2019ll \u00a0be late for supper at Joe and Mary Ann\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam looked over at Olivia and crooked an eyebrow, she pursed her lips thoughtfully, and looked over at Ben, \u201cOf course we should go, they\u2019ve been so busy cooking \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAw, Mom, Pa\u2019s only just got back.\u00a0 I want to tell him about everything\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, I want to tell him, I want to tell daddy about that horrible Leslie Downing and that horrible Mr Downing and I want to tell daddy about the fire and \u2026\u201d she paused and stopped in her tracks as she tried to think of what else she had to tell her daddy.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben chimed in \u201cYes, but it was me that got shot\u2026 Pa, did you know that I got shot?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI heard something about it.\u201d Adam replied with the smile slipping from his face, and he stood up, with Sofia still clinging with her arms around his neck so that she was more or less suspended from the floor\u2026he smiled and kissed her nose \u2026\u201dWhen we get back, we\u2019ll have to have a serious talk all about your adventures.\u201d and gently unwound her arms and set her down on the ground.\u00a0 He smiled at Reuben and then looked very seriously into the boys eyes \u201cAnd I want you to tell me everything that has happened to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Everything was a rush again, here and there, things to pick up,, things to leave behind\u2026 finally they were crowded back on the wagon and rolling their way to Joe and Mary Anns home for supper.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Being with his family now made Adam realise once more how much he had missed them.\u00a0 Laughter, jokes, hilarity toppled one after another throughout the meal, and then when the women went to clear away and chatter together and the children played around them the four men settled down to talk.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow long for this time, Adam?\u00a0 Any idea?\u201d Hoss asked as he leaned forward to look at his eldest brothers dark features.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow\u2019d you mean, Hoss?\u201d Adam pretended to look puzzled, raising his eyebrows and looking at his brother as though he didn\u2019t understand the question.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cShucks, you know what I mean.. how long before you go back to sea?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah,\u201d Joe nodded \u201cWhat leave have you got this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHow long do you want?\u201d Adam smiled and looked over at the children, \u00a0it amused him to see the changes the months had brought to them all.\u00a0 No doubt about it, they were beautiful children and he sighed at the thought of how much of Nathaniels growth he had missed.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell,\u201d Ben said slowly as he stretched out his legs \u201cHow about giving us a straight answer so we know, if that\u2019s alright with \u00a0you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He nodded \u201cI\u2019m retired.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    They looked at him, at one another \u201cYou\u2019re what?\u201d Joe stammered<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat\u2019s that mean anyhow?\u00a0 You home for good?\u201d Hoss\u2019 eyes widened and he looked from one to the other of them, \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReally, yes, my time\u2019s up and I\u2019ve been allowed to come home and stay home.\u201d Adam grinned and leaned forward to pick Nathaniel up \u201cWhich means I can see my son grow up -\u201d he looked up and saw Reuben watching him, and smiled \u201cto be as brave as his big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Ben swallowed the lump in his throat \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of work to be done, that\u2019s for sure, could do with an extra pair of hands now that Candy is the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYeah\u2026 and the house needs to be rebuilt.\u201d Hoss nodded<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cOh,\u201d Adam grinned \u201cI\u2019ve already got plans for that\u2026\u201d he paused and held his son at arms length \u00a0\u201cLivvy\u2026 someone\u2019s awful wet around here\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The stars were shining by the time they had returned home.\u00a0 Ben and Reuben walked ahead of the couple while Olivia carried Nathaniel in her arms and Adam held Sofia.\u00a0 At the doorway they paused and turned to look up at the stars, then at one another \u201cHome for good?\u201d Olivia whispered<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWell, until Pa sends me off on a cattle drive\u2026\u201d he smiled and kissed her.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo more going to sea?\u201d she murmured as she followed Ben and Reuben into the house.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, no more going to sea.\u201d he whispered as he closed the door, his hand on his daughters back and his eyes on the sight of his wife as she walked slowly, regally, into the house.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Sofia sat in her bed with Clarabelle and Jessie crammed in beside her, she had her hand in those of her father who was seated on the little chair next to her and patiently listened as she told him about school, about Miss Brandon and Betty Sales and Rosie Canaday.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t like school she told him, she liked being at home with Ma and Nathaniel.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t you like learning new things?\u201d he asked gently<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDon\u2019t you like playing with your new friends?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cWhat about the stories Miss Brandon reads to you, don\u2019t you like them?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo.\u201d she shook her head and the golden curls trembled upon her shoulder \u201cI only like being home with Ma and Nathaniel.\u00a0 I want to stay home, Daddy, can I?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He sighed and looked thoughtful, then nodded \u201cTomorrow and the next day, you can stay home.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReally?\u00a0 Truly?\u201d \u00a0her eyes grew round and luminous with delight \u201cOh daddy, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGo to sleep now.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cAnd will you be here in the morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cEvery morning, sweetheart.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Her arms came up and cuddled him close \u201cI love you, daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI love you too, princess.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    He watched a moment by the door as she settled down to sleep, then smiled as he closed the door.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t \u00a0have the heart to tell her that tomorrow was Saturday and the next day was Sunday\u2026 but he anticipated the tantrums to come on Monday with a chuckle.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben was still downstairs in his nightshirt and looked over at his father as Adam came down the stairs. Olivia was sitting beside him but stood up on the pretext of getting something from her work basket in order for Adam to take her seat, which he did.\u00a0 The boy immediately leaned into his father, his head upon Adam\u2019s shoulder \u201cDid you have a horrible time, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cIn Brazil? Oh, I guess it was alright, not much to eat, and the heat was bad \u201c<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou didn\u2019t get shot or hurt or anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNot this time.\u201d Adam smiled slowly and put a hand on the boys hands that were clasped in his lap \u201cTell me what happened at school, about the shooting\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    So the boy told his father about what had happened, his childish voice was the only sound apart from the ticking of the clock.\u00a0 Every so often Adam raised his eyes to look over at Olivia who was sitting quietly opposite, her hands in her lap and her face thoughtful while her sea green eyes shifted colour as she listened to her son, and watched her husband as he sat beside him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    It was a picture she had not been able to conjure up in her imagination but which now, seeing them together, seemed so right, so perfect.\u00a0 The boy poured out his fears, his horror at what happened until Adam placed a hand upon the fluttering chest and said \u201cIts alright, son, I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Cheng Ho Lee came into the room with hot chocolate to drink and some cookies, he bowed and asked if they wanted for anything else and then bade them goodnight.\u00a0 Time was ticking away, Adam gave the boy a mug of the sweet drink and then asked him about the wheel chair, about the trial and then sat patiently listening as it all poured out about his fear of walking again in case he had to go to school and be shot at once more.\u00a0 But then he had to walk and he did, he walked and practised and everything went well, even the trial was not as bad as it had seemed to be.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam listened with his head bowed and nodded occasionally, then when Reuben had finished he hugged the boy close to him \u201cI\u2019m proud of you, son, really proud.\u00a0 You faced up to an enemy that has beaten many brave men, \u00a0you know that, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cDid I, Pa?\u201d Reuben gazed up at Adam with big eyes and a milky chocolate moustache and his father smiled \u201cYou did, son.\u00a0 Fear has brought more brave men to their knees than you\u2019ll ever know.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben nodded thoughtfully, then looked over at his mother and smiled. Olivia sighed and told him gently to finish his drink as the hour was late now, he needed his sleep.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cCan Pa take me up to bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The parents smiled at one another, Adam got up and hauled Reuben to his feet and swung him up onto his shoulders and then, almost at a run, crossed the room and went up the stairs to where \u00a0Reuben\u2019s room awaited him. \u00a0 He lowered the boy down \u201cWell, son, anything else you have to tell me?\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, Pa.\u201d Reuben frowned and pulled the covers up to his chin, \u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHmm, Uncle Joe told me that you saved the Ponderosa from being burned down worse than it is\u2026 perhaps he was mistaken, perhaps he meant another little boy\u2026 maybe it was Daniel?\u00a0 Or Nathaniel.\u201d \u00a0and he pretended to look very seriously thoughtful about it all.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cNo, no, it was me. It was me Pa.\u201d \u00a0Reuben giggled \u201cYou knew that really, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded and pulled up a chair to the bedside \u201cReuben, you\u2019ve done a lot in these past few years, you\u2019ve been a \u00a0real man of the house, you know that, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI only did what you told me to do, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cYou did it well, son.\u201d Adam dropped a kiss on the boys brow \u201cYou did well. I\u2019m really proud of you, you know that, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cThanks Pa.\u201d Reuben whispered and hugged his father tightly, \u201cI was scared though\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHeroes are always scared, son.\u201d Adam said very quietly, \u201cThat\u2019s what makes them so brave.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Reuben frowned slightly, that was something to think about because he couldn\u2019t imagine his Pa being scared of anything, and yet he was the best hero of all, wasn\u2019t he?<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cGoodnight Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Adam nodded, tweaked Reubens nose and then very slowly walked away from the bed, closed the door and made his way to the room where his wife waited for him.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She turned to look at him as he stepped down from the stairs, \u201cYou look tired, darling.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cI am.\u201d he admitted, and came to her, slipped his arm around her waist \u201cNot too tired though.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    \u201cHmm,\u201d he nodded and held her close, his fingers found hers and entwined them within his own, \u201cI think we should get to bed now, and get some \u2026 sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She nodded but they didn\u2019t move, just stood there together side by side, hands clasped together, her head upon his shoulder, until he sighed and smiled and turned to her \u201cI love you, Mrs Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    She just smiled dreamily and then laughed as he swung her up into his arms, so that her petticoats and skirt tumbled about her ankles and he took her upstairs to their room \u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The moon slid coyly behind some clouds leaving the room in darkness, but they didn\u2019t need any light from the moon, nor any lamp or candle flame.\u00a0 They knew one another so well, fitted together so well, loved one another so much \u2026 \u00a0 what joy to be home, and what better joy was to be found than this, to be loved, to love in return and be together in this way in the sweetest expression of their love. \u00a0 Time didn\u2019t matter now, it lay all before them \u2026<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The End<\/p>\n

    Shetland Islands
    \n31st October 2014<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    The reader is encouraged to continue reading as a new era begins in<\/strong>:\u00a0 Home is the Sailor<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Tags:\u00a0 Family<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n

    <\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    SUMMARY:\u00a0 Under a new Administration, Commodore Cartwright is sent to search for a missing murder suspect. While on the Ponderosa, a tragic event at the school leads to disaster for the family.\u00a0 This is the tenth story in the world of Captain Cartwright.<\/p>\n

    Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (185,155 words)<\/p>\n

    Captain Cartwright Series, links to stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":145,"featured_media":14530,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,7,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-a-u","category-drama","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2693,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Captain-Cartwright.jpg?fit=384%2C512&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2979,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2979","url_meta":{"origin":11537,"position":0},"title":"Captain Joe (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"November 24, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 \u00a0This story is in response to November's Chaps and Spurs Challenge. Joe on the high seas.\u00a0 Word Count: 546\u00a0\u00a0Rated: K","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ponderosa-lj.jpg?fit=640%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12737,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12737","url_meta":{"origin":11537,"position":1},"title":"Ghost Wagons (by GinnyF)","author":"Ginny F","date":"October 23, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Tall tales?\u00a0Ghost Stories?\u00a0 Or did it really happen? Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (850 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":11537,"position":2},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. Rating:\u00a0 R\u00a0 (65,725 words) Due to subject matter contained in this series, the stories are only available via e:mail from the author -- ryjennie@comcast.net","rel":"","context":"In "Action\/Adventure"","block_context":{"text":"Action\/Adventure","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=2"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5398,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5398","url_meta":{"origin":11537,"position":3},"title":"A Lost Bonanza (by BnzaGal)","author":"BnzaGal","date":"November 1, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0When I read the challenge to write a \u201cSpooky\u201d poem or story for ML\u2019s birthday challenge I had to think about it. What would be spooky\u2026 frightening, horrifying. Rated:\u00a0K (1,255 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":15597,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15597","url_meta":{"origin":11537,"position":4},"title":"Yes, Virginia, There is a Cartwright Family (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"December 23, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The question every little girl wants to know the answer. 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