{"id":12066,"date":"2014-04-29T14:10:36","date_gmt":"2014-04-29T18:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12066"},"modified":"2026-07-28T11:49:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T15:49:06","slug":"pride-and-promises-by-barbara","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12066","title":{"rendered":"Pride and Promises (by Barbara)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0<\/strong>With an increase the boys’ workload; will it be smooth sailing or will this be the straw to break the camel’s back?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K+ (6,800 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pride and Promises<\/strong><\/p>\n

They\u2019d taken their usual places at the breakfast table \u2013 Ben at its head with his eldest son Adam opposite him. Little Joe sat on Ben\u2019s left and Hoss on his right. They exchanged \u201cgood mornings\u201d as they limped down the stairs into the living room. But they were more like grunts then greetings. The salutations were anything but genuine.<\/p>\n

The four men sat seemingly occupied by the plate of bacon and eggs Hop Sing had served them. The only sound was the rhythmic beat of chewing temporarily interrupted by the gulping of coffee and the grinding of forks against the china.<\/p>\n

Ben stared crossly at his food. Physically he was there but his mind was elsewhere. Little Joe yawned and picked at his eggs. They were too runny. He hated runny eggs. He did not complain though, afraid to break the silence that was so loud it made his ears ring.<\/p>\n

Hoss shoveled his breakfast into his mouth like he always had. Fatigued or not, there wasn\u2019t much that could stunt his ravenous appetite. He glanced up from under his brow periodically to see if it was safe. It wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Adam leaned his right elbow on the table encircling his plate with his forearm. It was like he was protecting his food from predators. There was no reason to \u2013 there was always plenty to eat.<\/p>\n

The three boys had been walking on eggshells for weeks. Their father had taken on a terrific workload and had nothing on his mind but business. Adam warned that he had bitten off more then he could chew but Ben dismissed his son\u2019s advice. That was rare as Ben often sot Adam\u2019s opinion on everything from town disputes to managing the Ponderosa. Yes, Adam was his son but Ben considered him a peer and respected his sensibility and intellect. Lately that didn\u2019t seem to matter.<\/p>\n

The Cartwright\u2019s had received several orders of timber. They\u2019d bid on three jobs and been awarded all of them \u2013 something they did not expect. One order would have been sufficient. The foursome along with their crew had been working fourteen-hour days for over a month. Tired was too tame a word to describe their exhaustion.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, most of the lumber had been cut and delivered but it had delayed their yearly cattle drive. It was quickly closing in on autumn and it would be a race to get the herd round up and driven from the high country before the snow flew. If it did they would be out of luck. There would be no beef to sell. The stock had been promised and Ben intended to deliver come hell or high water. A promise to Ben Cartwright might as well have been carved in stone.<\/p>\n

So, there was no rest for the weary. Adam, Hoss and Little Joe wanted at least a few days off but were afraid to ask. Their Pa\u2019s frame of mind prevented that. This morning the trip would begin and Ben wasted no time downing his breakfast. He sopped up his last morsel of egg yoke with his toast and wiped his mouth with his napkin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell boys,\u201d he barked tossing the cloth over his cleaned plate. \u201cYou ready?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh Pa?\u201d Adam interrupted nervously. If anyone could ask a favor or their father it was Adam. \u201cHoss and Joe and I were talking and we were hoping we could\u2026 I don\u2019t know\u2026 maybe take today off \u2013 at least one day to recuperate. We could start back to work bright and early tomorrow. Looks like rain anyway. I sure would like to finish that book I started last spring.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would, would you?\u201d Ben frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I would. Let\u2019s face it Pa, you\u2019ve been pushing pretty hard lately?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh I\u2019ve pushed you too hard have I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we got all the orders in on time. We\u2019re\u2026 a little tired,\u201d Adam chuckled forcedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTIRED!\u201d Ben shouted. \u201cNow listen here.\u201d He placed his elbow on the table and pointed his finger at each of his sons. \u201cWhen you boys were too young to help around here, who do you think cut the timber and drove the cattle and mended fences?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did, Pa,\u201d Adam sighed impatiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cTHAT\u2019S RIGHT. I did!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, aren\u2019t you tired, Pa?\u201d Little Joe piped up with a plastered grin. He regretted it when his father glared ominously at him. Joe steered his eyes back to the puddle of ocher that lay cold on his plate and drew lines through it with his fork.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Pa. One day isn\u2019t going to make a difference now. Not one day,\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was getting stronger.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you \u2018come on\u2019 me, young man. Those cattle are sold and need to be delivered and that\u2019s exactly what we are going to do\u2026 understood!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cOur reputation is at stake here. Can\u2019t you see that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReputation? Since when has there ever been an issue with our reputation? We\u2019ve always delivered Pa. And we will this time. And, I still don\u2019t think one day of leisure is going to compromise our reputation or our deadline,\u201d Adam spouted boldly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like your tone, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m sorry if you don\u2019t like my tone. But, I can\u2019t say that I like this obsessive attitude you\u2019ve adopted lately,\u201d Adam hissed. \u201cI thought the Civil War had missed Nevada but it seems slavery is alive and well on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Hoss and Little Joe ducked slightly at Adam\u2019s cutting remark. They could almost feel the breeze it produced as it flew across the table. Comments like that often passed their older brother\u2019s lips and they were never well taken. Their faces scrunched as if they\u2019d been pinched. They could feel the heat radiate from Ben\u2019s face. Adam lowered his head and sheepishly picked up his last piece of bacon and popped it in his mouth. He did not make eye contact with his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust \u2013 whom \u2013 do you think you are talking to?\u201d Ben retorted with fire in his eyes.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Little Joe stayed as still as possible. They didn\u2019t want to get hit by whatever might get thrown next. Their eyes shifted back and forth from Adam to Ben then from Ben to Adam. It was like they were watching a horseshoe match. After several moments of deafening silence Adam stood and rested his clenched fists on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuite frankly, Pa, I\u2019m not sure who I\u2019m talking to anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam then walked deliberately toward the front door and grabbed his coat, hat and holster. He left the house slamming the door behind him.<\/p>\n

Ben remained seated with his mouth a gap. Hoss and Little Joe looked at their father wondering what his reaction might be to Adam\u2019s dramatic exit. \u201cWhat are you two looking at?\u201d he barked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, Pa, nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, finish up your breakfast and let\u2019s get going. Time is money boys whether your brother thinks so or not!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

**********<\/p>\n

Adam was saddled and ready and sat atop Sport. Sport was a leggy chestnut quarter horse with four bright white socks. His coat shone like a new penny even though the sun was masked by storm clouds. But, the sky wasn\u2019t the only thing that was stormy. The tension in the air was thicker than molasses in February.<\/p>\n

Ben appeared through the front door of the house throwing on his coat like he was wrestling with it. He walked to the barn with mission in his step. His two younger sons followed. Adam did not acknowledge his family but rather curled his collar up to break the wind. He leaned both forearms on the horn of his saddle and looked off into the distance with a scowl.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d argued bitterly with his father before, but this time was different. This time Adam was angry at Ben not Ben\u2019s opinion. Their Pa had changed in recent months and the boys were feeling the pain. It would be a long drive. At least six weeks on the trail \u2013 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The prospect was daunting and Adam wondered if he could handle it.<\/p>\n

He waited patiently for his brothers and father to tack up and join him. Adam would keep his distance for a while \u2013 lay low. He was madder than a rabid badger right now and knew he\u2019d have to settle down before he could even look at his Pa. If he didn\u2019t he\u2019d say something else he might regret and that would be it. When he simmered down, maybe by supper, he\u2019d try and talk again. But would Ben listen.<\/p>\n

***********<\/p>\n

The rain did come. Steady and unrelenting. The weather just added to the Cartwrights\u2019 misery. Ben had taken the lead with Hoss and Little Joe in single file behind him. Adam kept up but just barely. His self-inflicted separation irked Ben and Adam knew it. It didn\u2019t make the trip any easier and Hoss decided to fall back and keep his brother company. He hoped he\u2019d be received. Hoss usually played arbitrator when disagreements came up. He figured Adam was a safer bet then Ben at this point.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow you holding up?\u201d Hoss asked as he rode closely beside his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHolding up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNasty weather ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen, Adam.\u201d Hoss paused. \u201cWe got a long trip ahead of us and it\u2019s gonna be a heck of a lot longer if you and Pa ain\u2019t talkin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave no comment.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Adam, Pa\u2019s just tired is all. We\u2019re all of us tired. Why don\u2019t you go on up there and talk to him. I cain\u2019t take this no more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo? Well why not, dadburn it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Pa has got to realize that we are just as much a part of the Ponderosa as he is. We put just as much blood and sweat into the ranch as he has. And, this \u2018all work and no play\u2019 regiment isn\u2019t healthy for anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts Hoss. You and me and Little Joe are not a cavalry regiment dictated to by a\u2026 well, never mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy a what, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind I said,\u201d he retorted curtly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Okay. I was just tryin\u2019 to help is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you and Little Joe don\u2019t need to worry. This is between me and Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s where you\u2019re wrong, older brother. We do need to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Why\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCause me and Joe\u2019s gotta live with ya. And lately \u2013 that ain\u2019t been easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss picked up speed and rejoined Little Joe and Ben. His last words dangled in the air like a swarm of bees and it stung. It made Adam feel like his brother was taking sides. He knew he wasn\u2019t \u2013 Hoss just wasn\u2019t that sort of person. But it sure didn\u2019t feel good. Now his self-inflicted exile seemed anything but. All of a sudden he seemed totally alone and he didn\u2019t like it.<\/p>\n

After several moments of thought, Adam gave in and he too picked up speed and joined in line. Ben glanced back at him, but they did not lock eyes. It was a minor victory for Hoss though and he and Little Joe exchanged grins.<\/p>\n

They would spend the rest of that day just getting to base camp where they would meet up with their trail cook and hired hands \u2013 eight in all. With sheets of rain pelting their soured faces the men plodded on.<\/p>\n

***********<\/p>\n

\u201cHere ya go,\u201d Hoss said as he offered Adam a plate of beans.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, come on Adam. Don\u2019t be so ornery. You gotta eat somethin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said I\u2019m not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you ain\u2019t eaten all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you? My mother,\u201d Adam scoffed. \u201cI don\u2019t want any!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss seemed hurt when he turned to go back to the fire pit. Adam realized he had no grudge against his brother and was just using him to vent. He stopped him with a friendly tap. \u201cWait,\u201d he said. \u201cGive me those beans.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss smiled and turned back to his brother.<\/p>\n

Adam had set up his own camp. He wasn\u2019t sulking; it was just more comfortable for now. He thought it would be easier on everyone if he and Ben were apart even if it was just by a few yards. He thought he\u2019d be less angry by now, but he wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Adam propped his saddle against a tree and reclined. He\u2019d already pulled out his blanket and had it draped around his shoulders. He clasped a cup of coffee hoping its heat might spread throughout his body. He was soaked to the skin and as tired as a cowboy could get. Hoss slide down the tree trunk scratching his back like a grizzly bear. He held the plate of beans level as he went and sat next to his brother. He passed the beans over. Adam took the plate and stared at it. \u201cHuh,\u201d he sniffed. \u201cI\u2019m almost too tired to chew.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too. I cain\u2019t remember the last time I was this tuckered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou? You were too tired to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, Adam. You know me better than that. Since when have I ever been too tired to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue enough,\u201d Adam chortled seemingly more relaxed just by conversing with his calming brother. \u201cSo. Do you think I\u2019m right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight? Right about what, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout Pa working everyone to the brink.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess he figures if he can take it so can we.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you are on his side.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam. You know I don\u2019t take sides. You\u2019re my brother and he\u2019s my Pa and ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 gonna change that\u2026 ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Adam exhaled, gesturing his fork full of beans like he was toasting a glass of champagne. \u201cYou\u2019re a better man than me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know if that\u2019s true but I do know one thing for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. What\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI sure am a bigger man than you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 double-entendre hit Adam over the head like a cattle prod. Hoss was unaware his remark actually had two meanings but Adam sure did. Was he being small about this he pondered? He\u2019d talked the whole thing over with his brothers before breakfast that morning but he seemed to be the only one overly upset. He\u2019d never been afraid of or complained about hard work before. Could it just be his fatigue that was making him such a curmudgeon or was he just being obstinate.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen, Adam. In a few weeks, the work\u2019ll all be done and Pa\u2019ll give us our due. He always does. It\u2019s just this year\u2019s been extra busy is all,\u201d Hoss professed. \u201cYou\u2019re just like him. You\u2019re both stubborn as mules in mud. Don\u2019t you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I do now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa ain\u2019t never gone back on a promise in his whole life and come to think of it older brother\u2026 neither have you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell… When you\u2019re right, you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nice to be right for a change. It\u2019s usually me saying that to you,\u201d Hoss quipped with a smirk. \u201cNow go and apologize so\u2019s we kin all get a good night\u2019s sleep. We sure could use it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll talk to Pa, but I can only say I\u2019m sorry for what I said this morning. I can\u2019t apologize about how he\u2019s been treating us lately. I still think I\u2019m right about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a start.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could be the start of something else,\u201d Adam warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur own little civil war.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh come on, Adam. That\u2019s not funny.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not trying to be funny Hoss,\u201d Adam cautioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell kin ya at least draw a truce or something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I can manage a truce. I just hope Pa can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll never know til you try.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you\u2019re right again.\u201d<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Ben sat on a makeshift bench close to the fire. He was the only one left after the crew had devoured dinner. Some of the men had already retired. Little Joe was busy cheating one of the cowhands at checkers while others chatted or treated their horses to carrots and apples.<\/p>\n

Adam approached his father pensively. He picked up the coffee pot and refilled his cup and took a seat at the opposite end of the bench. Ben pretended he didn\u2019t notice him, but Adam knew full well that he had.<\/p>\n

The rain had finally moved on leaving an indigo sky filled with a mass of stars. Adam gazed up at them, marveling at their shear volume. He sighed deeply, then sucked in as much fresh mountain air as his lungs could hold.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure am glad the rain\u2019s moved on, Adam finally muttered, hoping small talk might break the ice.<\/p>\n

Ben grunted if only to let Adam know that he\u2019d been acknowledged.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeautiful, isn\u2019t it, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Again Ben mumbled incoherently and a large pause filled the cool, brisk air.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026 I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Adam blurted. \u201cFor what I said I mean. That was a terrible thing to say and I apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou surprised me, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. How so?\u201d he questioned tentatively and then sipped his coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cComparing me to\u2026 well, I thought I raised you better than that son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou raised me just fine, Pa,\u201d Adam said. \u201cYou raised all of us just fine. What I said really had nothing to do with you. It\u2019s\u2026 well, it\u2019s just me, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut don\u2019t you see, it does have to do with me.\u201d Ben put down his cup and turned to face Adam. \u201cEverything you boys say and do has everything to do with me. Why do you think I built the Ponderosa? I didn\u2019t do it for me, Adam; I did it for you boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you, Pa? Did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes!\u201d Ben seemed shocked that Adam would question that.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a proud man, Pa. And so am I. WE built the Ponderosa. For all of us. That includes you too. YOU built it for YOU just as much as you built for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben slumped knowing full well that Adam was right. The ranch was a team effort.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you\u2019ve promised this beef. I know,\u201d Adam continued. \u201cI want to deliver them too. But we don\u2019t have to kill ourselves doing it, do we?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben did not look at Adam but rather stared at his hands \u2013 working one against the other. The sound they made was like sandpaper on wood.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m promising you now, Pa. I\u2019m promising you that we will get this cattle to market in Stockton no matter what. And do you know why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 why?\u201d Ben replied wearily finally looking up and into Adam\u2019s soulful eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I\u2019m a chip off the old block that\u2019s why,\u201d Adam commented allowing a curvy smile to take over his complexion.<\/p>\n

His charm was blatant but Ben was still upset by Adam\u2019s insolence that morning. It hurt and Ben was just not ready to forgive.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m going to hit the hay,\u201d Adam said as he smacked his hands against his thighs and pushed himself into a standing position. \u201cAre we alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure we are, son. Sure we are.\u201d But, Ben was not convincing.<\/p>\n

\u201cSleep well then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight. Oh and Adam\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake the rest of the day off,\u201d Ben smirked wickedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa; I think I\u2019ll do just that.\u201d<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

As Adam laid his head on his makeshift pillow, knots formed in his stomach. He knew his apology had not been accepted. It wasn\u2019t easy for him \u2013 admitting his tongue was sharp and could wound like a snakebite. His father had seen through Adam\u2019s attempt at a truce. Unfortunately it just wasn\u2019t sincere. Ben knew Adam just wanted to make the drive easier. He hadn\u2019t forgiven Adam at all.<\/p>\n

Adam had to prove himself now. He\u2019d work harder than his brothers and the hands put together and then Ben would see. He\u2019d work himself to death if he had too. He didn\u2019t realize then how dangerous pride could be. But, he didn\u2019t care. They\u2019d get the cattle to Stockton \u2013 every last one of them, and that Adam vowed was a promise.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Adam was awake before dawn. He\u2019d already been in the saddle for an hour by the time the sun peaked over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Lake Tahoe glistened in the distance through the majestic pines. His goal \u2013 to round up as many strays as he could. His quest to prove himself had begun.<\/p>\n

He was surprised at how he felt. He\u2019d never been one to hold a grudge but this time was different. Ben was different. It saddened him. He wondered if their relationship could ever be repaired. Yes, they were father and son, but they were men too \u2013 men with strong convictions.<\/p>\n

Adam had traveled for several miles when he came across a small herd of Ponderosa cattle. He circled around them skillfully and they respected his expertise. He calmly and slowly got them moving back toward base camp. There were about twenty-five head, nothing he couldn\u2019t handle on his own. His father had taught him everything he knew about wrangling. He\u2019d been driving cattle since he was knee high to a grasshopper. It was second nature to him.<\/p>\n

Sport was a veteran too. He knew what to do. But, when a coyote sprang out of its den to protect its pups, the horse spooked and the cattle Adam had so carefully round up scattered in every direction. Sport turn tailed and was in a full gallop before Adam knew what had happened. It didn\u2019t take long for him to gain control but just as he did he was knocked out of the saddle by a low hanging branch. He fell hard and was winded. He lay on the ground gasping for breath. Once his lungs filled back up again he took several moments to sit up and assess the situation. The situation was that Sport was nowhere in sight and neither were the cattle.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn,\u201d Adam seethed out loud as he grabbed a fistful of dirt and threw it. \u201cThis just isn\u2019t my week.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stood unsteadily and brushed the dust off his clothes with his hat and made sure nothing was broken. Nothing was, but he did feel the warm wetness of blood. It trickled down his arm from his left shoulder. It wasn\u2019t anything major \u2013 just a scratch. He blotted it with his bandana and set out to find his trusty steed.<\/p>\n

By high noon he\u2019d found Sport grazing peacefully under the shade of a tree. Sport didn\u2019t look any worse for wear either. As Adam walked closer to his horse, Sport looked over at him as if to say \u201cWhere have you been?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy boy, Adam said with a cool, smooth voice. \u201cEasy.\u201d<\/p>\n

He managed to gather up the reins without incident, mounted up and set out once more to round up the cattle he\u2019d gathered that morning. It took several more hours but he did get them all back as well as several others. By supper he\u2019d have them back at camp. Not a bad days work considering.<\/p>\n

As Adam drove the stray herd the final mile, he could smell supper cooking. He was hungry but wasn\u2019t looking forward to another night of being outcast whether it was his idea or not. His stomach grew tighter and tighter as he drew closer and closer to camp.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam!\u201d Little Joe shouted to greet his brother at the temporary corral gate. \u201cLooks like you out did all of us put together. How many?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThirty-two,\u201d Adam smirked, relieved that at least one member of his family was happy to see him.<\/p>\n

Little Joe closed the gate after Adam had driven the cows into the pen and then Adam dismounted. Every one of his muscles ached. Every bone seemed to grind and creek. He limped ever so slightly just like every honest cowboy should and passed Sport\u2019s reins off to his little brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about bedding him down for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing. Why don\u2019t you go get some grub? You\u2019re the last one in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I, am I?\u201d Adam commented gleefully.<\/p>\n

Surely his father couldn\u2019t fault him for this day\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

\u201cThirty-two head huh,\u201d Little Joe gushed, \u201cIf that doesn\u2019t get you into Pa\u2019s good books, I don\u2019t know what will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was the other side of twilight and getting cold. Adam wore his coat and chaps and pulled off his gloves as he got closer to the center of camp. He walked up to the cook\u2019s wagon wearily. If he had to take one more step to get there he might not have made it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s in the pot?\u201d Adam asked Troy the cook.<\/p>\n

\u201cChicken stew,\u201d he answered as he threw several ladles of food onto a plate. He handed Adam a cup of coffee as well.<\/p>\n

Adam thanked Troy and made his way to the fire to eat and heat up. Hoss and Ben sat there finishing a desert of apple crumble.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, that new cook Troy is the best.\u201d Hoss complimented. \u201cDon\u2019t tell Hop Sing I said so, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t, son. Don\u2019t worry, I won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, look whose back.\u201d Hoss welcomed with a wide smile. \u201cHow many\u2019d ya git?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThirty-two,\u201d Adam boasted gently as he took a seat beside his large, younger brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cThirty-two! Did ya hear that Pa?\u201d Hoss said boisterously as he gave Adam a slap on the back that made him wince. \u201cThat\u2019s quite a haul for one day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grunted not willing to give Adam his due, even though he deserved it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. And they weren\u2019t easy to get either,\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Whey\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDarn horse spooked and ran me into a limb,\u201d Adam explained as he wolfed down the stew pleasurably.<\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t help but give his oldest boy the once over to make sure he was all right. He was still angry with him, but he couldn\u2019t disguise his fatherly concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all right?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust banged up my shoulder a little. Nothing to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me look at it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said it\u2019s okay, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam went back to Troy for another helping of stew and a refill of coffee. When he returned to the fire pit, Little Joe had joined the rest of his family.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam round up thirty-two head today Pa. Did you hear that? That\u2019s gotta be some kind of record.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I heard.\u201d Ben grumbled seemingly unable to be proud.<\/p>\n

Adam just smiled at Joe\u2019s exuberance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t appreciate you leaving this morning without telling us where you were going,\u201d Ben complained.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026 well, Sorry Pa,\u201d Adam said still focused on his food. \u201cI just wanted to get a head start that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was tough giving out assignments.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry.\u201d Adam said curtly.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom now on, don\u2019t leave this camp without checking with me first,\u201d Ben ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout checking with you,\u201d Adam dropped his fork onto the plate. \u201cWhat do you mean Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean I can\u2019t be wasting time figuring out what areas have been covered if I don\u2019t know where all my men are at any one time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of your men?\u201d Adam exclaimed aghast.<\/p>\n

\u201cYES! One of my men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa. I am NOT one of your men. I\u2019m your son!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen act like my son and do as I ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t know what to say. Even if he did, he\u2019d be afraid of what it might be. He could feel his ears burning with pulsing blood \u2013 his anger rose so rapidly it made his eyes water. He placed his half-eaten dinner on the bench and stood. He sighed heavily and escaped the scene before anymore damage could be done.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing a little hard on him, ain\u2019t ya Pa?\u201d Hoss said guardedly, after several moments of uneasiness.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so. Is it too much to ask that he tell me where he\u2019s going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not. But thirty-two head? That\u2019s more than all of us brought in today all together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t have my hands operating on their own schedules and with there own agendas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you know Adam ain\u2019t got no agenda. He\u2019s just doing his job. And a darn good one too, if you ask me,\u201d Hoss proclaimed as he scrapped the remainder of his dessert from the bottom of his dish.<\/p>\n

Little Joe sipped his coffee and steered clear of the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Adam\u2019s got to work within the confines of a plan. It\u2019s better that way\u2026 for everyone concerned. It\u2019s just good business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, he was just trying to show you that he\u2019s working hard. Can\u2019t you see it\u2019s his way of saying he\u2019s sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe so,\u201d Ben grumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust take it easy on him. He\u2019s doing his best. All of us are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss left the circle and Ben soon retired as well, leaving Joe alone.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

Adam dutifully appeared at the briefing the next morning to receive his official assignment. And, he would the next day and the day after that. He went out everyday and consistently brought in more than his share of beef. He made sure his father knew exactly what territory he would cover and for how long. When the others stopped for a break or a mid-day meal, Adam continued to work. He didn\u2019t want to provide his father with any fuel. He would be the perfect son \u2013 the best cowboy.<\/p>\n

Within several weeks, the entire herd had been gathered and was ready to drive to Stockton. Adam had been early to bed and early to rise. He hadn\u2019t eaten much since his last set-to with his father. His appetite seemed to vanish anyway. Nothing could fill the emptiness he felt.<\/p>\n

The Cartwright feud continued but with less intensity. Adam was civil to Ben and Ben was civil right back, but that was as far as either would go. When the drive was complete and they got back home, they\u2019d settle it either way. Adam would evaluate his future then. That was the sensible thing to do and if Adam had one admirable quality it was plain common sense. But, that too seemed to be over ridden by his pride. It was a self-driving force that seemed to blind him.<\/p>\n

But the conflict between father and son was not the only thing that festered. Adam\u2019s injured shoulder had gotten worse and was beginning to hinder his performance. But, he wasn\u2019t about to let it stop his incessant workflow. His honor was at stake and he wasn\u2019t about to give in to a little pain.<\/p>\n

With Ben at its head, the drive moved on from their base camp high in the foothills onward to Stockton. Eight cowhands, one cook and meal wagon and three Cartwright sons, began to move over four hundred head of cattle. It would be slow going and two long weeks of cold winds, grit and dust. But for Adam, it would become a downward spiral into hell \u2013 a gut wrenching challenge just to survive.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

\u201cNow THAT, was one long day,\u201d Hoss exhaled as he joined Little Joe and several of the hands.<\/p>\n

The men had settled the herd and tended to their horses. All the chores were done for the day and they\u2019d eaten a hearty supper. Troy the cook had outdone himself tonight \u2013 roast beef, potatoes, beans and cornbread. Every man was satisfied and happy. Now they were gathered around a card game with Joe smack dap in the middle. There wasn\u2019t much in the way of entertainment on the trail and this was the closest thing to socializing. They had five weeks under their belts with one to go\u2026 at least \u2013 that was the plan.<\/p>\n

Hoss stretched out on his bedroll and was on his third helping of cherry pie when he noticed his older brother coming towards him. He thought Adam was going to join them as well, but he just walked passed. He didn\u2019t even seem to notice that anyone was there.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Adam! Why don\u2019t ya come on over and set a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. No thanks. I\u2019m a\u2026 I\u2019m going to bed,\u201d he answered vacantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam? You all right?\u201d Hoss asked, sensing strain in his brother\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

But, Adam did not respond. Hoss watched him until he was engulfed by the darkness. He was worried about him. Adam had been distant the last few days. The rift between he and Ben had mellowed somewhat. But, Adam seemed to be in a daze. Hoss decided he\u2019d keep an eye on him for the rest of the trip.<\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

The pressure in Adam\u2019s shoulder was intense. He laid in the fetal position with his hand firmly clutching his left arm at the elbow. He rocked slowly back and forth hoping it might distract him. Infection had invaded his body like a swarm of ants on a carcass.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s teeth chattered and he lapsed in and out of consciousness. His body quacked, erupting in feverous chills. He was too sick and in too much pain to realize just how much trouble he was really in. He could hear the crew laughing and talking somewhere in the distance but they sounded like they were underwater. It was almost musical. Delirium had taken over every fiber of his being.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to check on Adam,\u201d Hoss announced as the circle of friends dispersed for the night.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Joe questioned.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething ain\u2019t right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, leave him alone.\u201d The younger Cartwright dismissed. \u201cHe\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss considered Joe\u2019s comment but thought better of it. \u201cNope. I\u2019m gonna check on him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right. But watch you don\u2019t get your head bitten off. He and Pa are moodier than mother bears lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had already started over to where Adam was. As he got closer to him he could hear noises that he didn\u2019t quite recognize. He thought it might be a wounded animal or a bird in distress. It was the sound of helplessness. When Hoss finally reached his brother, Adam was writhing. \u201cPa?\u201d Adam whimpered. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss knelt beside Adam and placed his hand on his left shoulder and was startled by his yelp of agony.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you okay?\u201d Hoss asked with concern. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

But, he could not hear him. He\u2019d transfigured to another plane. But, was it heaven or hell?<\/p>\n

Hoss gently rolled Adam onto his back and only then could he see how sick his brother was. Sweat covered his ghostly face. His chest rose and fell rapidly, sucking in air like it was priceless.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d Hoss yelled out. \u201cPa! It\u2019s Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe was the first to respond to Hoss\u2019 alarm. He too knelt to comfort Adam. Ben had been fast asleep but was at his son\u2019s side within moments as well. \u201cWhat is it Hoss?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s sick as a dog Pa. Look at him. He\u2019s sweating like a race horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben felt his son\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you suppose it is?\u201d Little Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam tried again.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy boy. I\u2019m here,\u201d Ben assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I touched his shoulder, he just about jumped out of his skin,\u201d Hoss commented.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s take a look.\u201d<\/p>\n

Removing Adam\u2019s coat and shirt caused more discomfort. He conversed incoherently as his family and several other hands tried to diagnose the problem. It didn\u2019t take much to realize that the scratch Adam received several weeks earlier had blossomed into an injury as dangerous as a gunshot wound. His arm right down to the tips of his fingers had swelled. His skin seem stretched to the breaking point.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew I shoulda looked at that when it happened,\u201d Hoss hissed. \u201cWhat was Adam thinking, Pa? He knows you have to tend to this kinda stuff out here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what he was thinking. I know exactly what he was thinking.\u201d Ben said shaking his head. \u201cDamned pride.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you talking about Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cME! Me and Adam and this silly disagreement. He promised me he\u2019d get this herd to market no matter what. He didn\u2019t want anything to get in his way\u2026 don\u2019t you see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, that\u2019s crazy. He couldn\u2019t help what happened. It was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been a fool,\u201d Ben hissed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve both been fools if you ask me,\u201d Hoss remarked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve put the goodwill of my children over the running of this ranch. Get me some more blankets, will you Joe?\u201d Ben asked as he lifted Adam\u2019s head and spilled water into his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what are we going to do?\u201d Hoss queried.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m taking him home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHome? That\u2019s a day away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat choice do we have?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss thought a moment but he had no other ideas. Joe arrived back at the scene and threw several more blankets over his brother. Adam was on the edge of death \u2013 poison surging through his body. His Pa knew it. He knew that Adam\u2019s arm could probably not be spared. But, he would save his life. He wasn\u2019t about to lose a son. That would be inconsolable.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat have I done?\u201d Ben chided, scolding himself for being so bull headed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Pa. Let\u2019s get Adam to a doctor,\u201d Hoss ordered. \u201cIt\u2019s nobody’s fault and even if it was, there\u2019s no time to fret about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss pushed everybody out of the way and squatted beside Adam. He pulled the blankets off him and cupped his right hand under his knees and gingerly placed his left arm under Adam\u2019s torso. He picked up his brother as easily as lifting a bail of hay. Adam\u2019s head rested on Hoss\u2019 shoulder then fell back, too weak to hold it there.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to use the wagon,\u201d Hoss said as he headed towards it.<\/p>\n

Troy had already started unloading his kitchen on wheels and prepared a bed inside for Adam to lay on. Time was of the essence now. It had all gone too far.<\/p>\n

EPILOGUE<\/p>\n

Ben instructed his foreman to continue with the drive. He sent Joe on ahead to Virginia City for Doc Martin. He would be there when Hoss and Ben arrived back at the ranch house with Adam. It would be an excruciating ride over two full days but they finally reached home.<\/p>\n

Within a week, the infection was under control but only due to a bedside vigil by all members of the family. Adam needed constant care. Ben especially worked to keep the wound clean and drained and was the main factor in preventing amputation. The doctor too worked incessantly to save Adam\u2019s arm. In the end they were successful but it would be a long time before he\u2019d get full use of it.<\/p>\n

Finally, Adam\u2019s fever broke. He was unaware of all the fuss. He was in another world. When he opened his eyes for the first time, he found himself safe in his own room and Ben at his side. He\u2019d fallen asleep and laid his head on his folded arms on the edge of Adam\u2019s bed. The sun was just coming up.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam whispered \u2013 his throat as dry as gravel.<\/p>\n

Ben awoke and raised his head slowly. He looked squarely at his son and smiled gratefully. \u201cYou\u2019re all right son,\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Adam. I\u2019m the one who should be apologizing to you. I don\u2019t know what got into me boy. I\u2026 I just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we both need to set our priorities straight, huh.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDid we get the herd to Stockton?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you said we had to prioritize things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s still important, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, your brothers and I brought you home but yes, the beef got delivered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Adam replied simply.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou go back to sleep now,\u201d Ben said as he gently patted Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cYou\u2019ve had quite a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you forgive me, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I do, son. But, there\u2019s really nothing to forgive. We were both wrong and we were both right. It seems we are too much alike. Too proud to admit we\u2019re wrong and too involved in our promises.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA chip off the old block,\u201d Adam murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore like a chip off the old blockhead,\u201d Ben chuckled.<\/p>\n

Adam reached over to touch his arm. He sighed \u2013 relieved that it was still there.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought\u2026 well, I thought\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe saved your arm, son.\u201d Ben assured. \u201cWe almost didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can I thank you?\u201d Adam asked with flooded eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank me\u2026 well just promise me one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t let pride cloud our judgments again\u2026 ever. The price is too high.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try not to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so will I.\u201d Ben pulled the covers up over Adam\u2019s shoulders just like he had when Adam was boy. \u201cNow go to sleep. Rest will make you strong. Then I can put you back to work!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019m just pulling you\u2019re leg. I\u2019ve learned my lesson\u2026 the hard way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo have I, Pa. So have I.\u201d<\/p>\n

*****End*****<\/p>\n

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Summary:\u00a0With an increase the boys’ workload; will it be smooth sailing or will this be the straw to break the camel’s back?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K+ (6,800 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":113,"featured_media":11211,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12066","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/fam.jpg?fit=276%2C282&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12066","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/113"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12066"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12066\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11211"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12066"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12066"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12066"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}