{"id":12682,"date":"2006-08-14T17:17:03","date_gmt":"2006-08-14T21:17:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12682"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:10:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:10:24","slug":"chance-by-calim11-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12682","title":{"rendered":"To Bed, To Bed (by Calim11)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>With Ben in Denver and Hop Sing in San Francisco, Adam\u2019s in charge. What could possibly go wrong?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 (7,970 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To Bed, To Bed<\/strong><\/p>\n

October 10 <\/u><\/p>\n

The distant howling of a wolf and the sound of something hitting a solid piece of wood jerked Adam Cartwright into a vertical position, nearly unseating him from the green leather chair behind his father\u2019s desk. Blinking, it took him a moment to focus on the quiet room before him. Why is the fire so low? Where is everyone?<\/em><\/p>\n

Blinking again and rubbing his face, he winced as his fingers trailed across a sore spot on his forehead. The sound of banging wood came back to him and the dots connected. His chuckles turned into a yawn and a stretch.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder what time…\u201d Clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang!<\/em> The echo of the grandfather clock filled the room and it took a moment to register. Then he rolled his eyes. \u201cFour o\u2019clock! I\u2019ve done it again.\u201d Three nights in a row, up until all hours working on these damn contracts… Glaring at the paperwork and grinding his teeth, he closed his eyes and sighed as he rubbed his eyes. \u201cI know I promised to get these done, Pa, but it you don\u2019t get home soon, I might just decide the trees can remain standing.\u201d Sighing again. he began gathering up the paperwork strewn about the desk and thought back on these last two interesting weeks.<\/p>\n

It all began peacefully enough when he and his brothers waved goodbye to both Hop Sing and their father as their stages disappeared out of town; each of the boys had great plans to break horses, mend fences and paint the barn on the horizon.<\/p>\n

The barn they\u2019d managed in two days (mostly due to Hoss\u2019 persistence); Joe himself had broken a passel of horses, and Adam labored over broken fences. That was the first week. Piece of cake. They should\u2019ve worried.<\/p>\n

As the second week dawned, events began piling on top of one another like heaps of steaming manure. The first day of that glorious second week Joe tripped over one of Hop Sing\u2019s chickens, fell into the wood pile and sliced his arm enough to get twenty stitches and spraining his wrist along with it. On the third day, Hoss broke his leg when he and Chubb took a tumble into a rushing river, stopping almost a mile downstream. And on the fourth day of this extra long week, Adam nearly poked his eye out when he fell asleep on this very desk, landing face first on a newly sharpened pencil which produced a nice long lead burn stretching from under his right eye and down across his cheek. (No blood was spilled but Joe did remark how pirate-like it made Adam look.)<\/p>\n

Yes, that had been the week from hell with Paul Martin making a daily trip (or so it seemed) to the house, prompting Adam to offer him room and board for free, which was politely declined. Adam so didn\u2019t look forward to the third week of peril that obviously awaited them.<\/p>\n

A heavy sigh escaped. Bemoaning the current situation wasn\u2019t getting him any closer to his bed, so he doused the lamplight and yawned his way to the front door to make sure it was locked, then quickly checked the kitchen door. After banking the fire next, he moved upstairs, hoping to get at least a few hours sleep before the new day and a new disaster began. There was nothing worse than Adam Cartwright on ten minutes sleep or so his brother\u2019s kept saying (except for maybe Hoss on a diet.)<\/p>\n

After a quick glance back toward the great room, he lowered the hall lamp and headed to his room, opening the door onto a wondrously inviting sight \u2013 his bed. Easing himself down into its blissful softness, he smiled, reaching to tug off a boot, a yawn attacking and almost cracking his jaw as this week\u2019s problems began to seep away, replaced with happy thoughts of riding Sport through a meadow, feeling the wind in his face, wondering when he\u2019d find time to finish those contracts…<\/p>\n

\u201cStop,\u201d he admonished himself. Too soon would the sun be up; too soon would this night pass without a wink of sleep for said worry. Too soon… Why am I staring at the ceiling?<\/em> Looking about, he found himself stretched out on the bed, fully clothed – one boot on and one boot off. He\u2019d fallen asleep in mid-thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, I am<\/u><\/em> tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sitting up, he pulled off his other boot, tossing it to the floor with its partner. Cracking his neck as he began unbuttoning his shirt, his fingers lost their way when his attention moved to the niggling feeling running along his scalp. Something was off.<\/p>\n

It just so happened that he\u2019d been up at this very same hour three nights in a row, but this night . . . day just seemed different. It was a might early for morning birds, so that wasn\u2019t it; no creaking of the house waking up as dawn approached filled the hall; Hoss wasn\u2019t snoring . . .\u00a0\u00a0 He paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss isn\u2019t snoring.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ever since childhood, Hoss snored. Traveling together in a wagon for many years, you either got used to it or never slept. He reminded himself there\u2019d been many times Hoss hadn\u2019t snored, many times — too many to count — and he was too tired to count. I\u2019m not counting.<\/p>\n

Shrugging the thought away and reaching again for his buttons, he stopped again as a new thought raised its thorny head:\u00a0 Hoss never snored when he was sick.<\/p>\n

Glancing toward the door, memories of chasing after his brother as he was swept downstream and then standing in the cold water attempting to get Hoss on his feet after his fall, fell into place along with a small voice calling to them from shore.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you need help, mister?\u201d floated over the water, drawing Hoss\u2019 attention first, then Adam\u2019s, to a little blond girl standing on dry land.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, please!\u201d Adam shouted, managing to finally get Hoss up, arm slung about his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me help,\u201d came another voice and a large man appeared from out of nowhere, grabbing Hoss and lifting him bodily to shore all by himself. Handshakes all around found their saviors to be the Olsen family on their way to Oregon and the little blond was Abigail Olsen, all of six. An offer to use their wagon to cart Hoss home and an overnight stay found the Olsen\u2019s waving goodbye to Adam and Joe the next morning with a promise for the Cartwright\u2019s to visit if they were ever in Oregon. That seemed so long ago. Sometimes three days can seem like an eternity.<\/p>\n

Still Hoss wasn\u2019t snoring.<\/p>\n

Resisting the urge to lay back, he punched the bed. \u201cCheck it out or you\u2019ll never get to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rising and heading out the door, he headed down the hall to peek inside Hoss\u2019 room to view him as he\u2019d been left hours before: flat on his back, broken leg propped up on pillows, eyes closed. Hoss seemed comfortable; he could see him breathing from the door. He seems fine. Go in and see!<\/em><\/p>\n

That little voice pushed him forward to tiptoe in fully intending on feeling Hoss\u2019 forehead, just like Ben always did, just as a snore wafted up, catching him in mid-stride. Brows raised, he waited until another one struck the air then backed out of the room as silently as he\u2019d entered to stand in the hall perplexed. If it isn\u2019t Hoss\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Cracking open Joe\u2019s door next, he spied his younger brother curled into a ball, covers on the floor. Wondering why that boy didn\u2019t wake from the cold, Adam eased himself inside and retrieved the wayward covers, returning them to their proper place. A sudden thought of Joe not eating much dinner barged in on him but he shrugged it off. He was no Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

Satisfied that that niggling feeling may just have been lead poisoning from his close encounter with a pencil, Adam headed back out into the hall hoping for the now one hour of precious sleep he might get if he hurried his pace along. But as his hand touched the door, fleeting thoughts of burying himself in his blankets and pillow fled when he heard his name being called. It was a soft call, not at all like his middle brother\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rushing back into his brother\u2019s room, the scene was no longer placid but one of urgency as Hoss hung over the side of the bed vomiting all over the floor. Jumping onto the bed and grabbing his brother\u2019s shoulders, Adam tried to keep him steady lest his heaving efforts fling him to the floor, knowing he\u2019d never be able to get him back to bed.<\/p>\n

As he hung on, this situation reminded Adam of all the times he\u2019d been in this very same position with one brother or another throughout their lives together (he\u2019d even managed a time or two with Ben.) They never could seem to get to the washbasin in time and, thankfully, his stomach had finally gotten used to the clean up. He leaned in close when he realized Hoss had stopped redecorating the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cDone?\u201d<\/p>\n

Getting a slight nod, Adam immediately slapped his hand over his big brother\u2019s forehead, bringing with it a Pa comparison for Hoss and slight smile. \u201cYou\u2019re burning up,\u201d Adam announced as he eased Hoss back into his pillows then slid off the bed, walking about the large spot on the floor. Grabbing a washbasin, pitcher and cloth from the side table, he turned back to his brother as he turned up the lantern. \u201cWhen did this come on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m guessin\u2019 right now,\u201d Hoss answered as Adam grinned and dunked the cloth in the pitcher before cleaning his brother\u2019s sweaty and pale face. \u201cI feel awful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look awful, too,\u201d Adam quipped. \u201cYou\u2019re kinda green,\u201d he added handing over the washbasin to him. Hoss halfheartedly grinned as he took it and leaned back his head as Adam began working on the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t felt this bad since Miss Molly\u2019s spiced apple cobbler last Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean the one where you ate both of them then<\/u><\/em> had dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFoolish I know but it was worth it, at least, at the . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up at the unfinished sentence just in time to see Hoss bend his head into the basin for another go \u2018round. Dropping limply back onto his pillows, a nice cool cloth materialized out of nowhere to cool his face then drape itself across his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is probably my cooking,\u201d Adam admitted returning to work on the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, ya ain\u2019t that bad. It must be somethin\u2019 else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were in that river for a bit before I could get you out. Maybe you picked up a chill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr, if\u2019n I remember right, that little Abigail Olsen was snifflin\u2019. Maybe she sneezed on me or somethin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m real sorry, Adam,\u201d Hoss said, watching his brother finish with the floor out of the corner of his eye. .<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what?\u201d Adam asked, tossing the cloth onto the pitcher and wiping his wet hands on his pants before taking a seat on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t been much help ta ya since Pa left for Denver.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou practically painted the barn by yourself so stop apologizing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI jest feel so dumb. Chubb and I\u2019ve taken worse tumbles. Why all a sudden do I break a leg?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOurs is not to reason why . . .\u201d Adam\u2019s voice trailed off when he caught the look on his brother\u2019s face and quickly set him upright for the coming onslaught. But there was nothing left in his stomach.<\/p>\n

\u201cYuck,\u201d Hoss grimaced, sticking out his tongue as Adam removed the full basin, sat behind him and then leaned his brother against him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want you to think of a warm spring day by the lake,\u201d Adam began, falling back on an old ploy. \u201cThe sun is out; you\u2019ve got a fishing line already in the water and a nice long nap ahead of you. A breeze carries the scent of pine and fresh grass and you can\u2019t help but close your eyes and sleep the day away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave I caught any fish?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned. They hadn\u2019t played this game in a long time. \u201cFive fat trout, and Big Eddie\u2019s just waiting out there for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll git that boy one day,\u201d Hoss said with a sigh. \u201cHey, Adam, did Hop Sing fix lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou up to it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t got nothin\u2019 left ta heave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOk,\u201d chuckled Adam. \u201cLet\u2019s see. How about a nice roast beef sandwich and sugar cookies fresh from the oven.\u201d He was making himself hungry.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm . . . sounds nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yes it does. <\/em>\u201cEddie\u2019s just waiting for you to finish lunch then he\u2019ll pay tag with your fishing line until the sun . . .\u201d Adam\u2019s voice trailed off when he realized he\u2019d lost his audience.<\/p>\n

Gently easing out from under his big brother, Adam quietly rose and placed the full basin on the table in the hall, returning to his brother\u2019s side and, once again, placing a hand on his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re really hot, boy.\u201d Worry creased his forehead. He had to get Paul Martin. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about a thing. Ol’ Adam\u2019ll take care of everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Removing himself from the room, he made his way back to Joe\u2019s room, quietly slipping inside to stand arms length from the bed, an outstretched hand on his shoulder carefully rousing his high-strung brother. It wouldn\u2019t do to have a fist to his nether regions.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? Joe, wake up,\u201d Adam called. He was finally rewarded with a squint, not at all what he expected.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d Joe asked in a scratchy voice full of sleep, rolling onto his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSick? His leg?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cHe\u2019s been throwing up and he\u2019s got a high fever. I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s from his river bath or something else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI remember that little Abigail was sneezing,\u201d Joe reminded Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever it was, can you keep an eye on him until I get back?\u201d Adam didn\u2019t wait for an answer but started for the door, reminding himself he had to get an empty basin back into Hoss\u2019 room, just in case.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d Joe began swinging his legs over the side. \u201cI\u2019ll go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped and turned, raising his brows in question. Joe rarely volunteered to leave his warm bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve been up late again. I can tell,\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n

Curiosity got the better of him. \u201cHow can you tell?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe just smiled and pointed toward his head. \u201cYou\u2019ve got a nice red spot on your forehead to go along with that pirate scar of yours. Had a close encounter with the desk again I see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Automatically reaching up, Adam fingered the sore spot and grinned, answer enough for Joe\u2019s giggle to begin.<\/p>\n

Leaving his little brother to get dressed, Adam grabbed the full basin from the table as he passed, heading for the stairs and the kitchen. I wonder what time… Clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang!<\/em>\u00a0 Joy! 5:00 am! Not even thirty blessed minutes of sleep. What other joys shall this day bring? His inner monologue came to a screeching halt when he heard a familiar sound behind him and up the stairs. But this time, it was coming from Joe\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

Cursing himself for making such a statement (even if it was only in his head), he left the basin on the stairs and raced back up to bolt through the open door in time to see Joe\u2019s head buried in his washbasin, pants hanging loosely about his ankles, puking his guts out.<\/p>\n

Well, at least he\u2019d made it to the basin! <\/em>\u201cOh, boy,\u201d Adam sighed, grabbing a hold of Joe from behind, careful of his injured arm. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Joe. I\u2019m here,\u201d he whispered in a soothing voice, rubbing his brother\u2019s arms, more worry piling onto his poor sore forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe mumbled between gasps interrupting his thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s probably my cooking,\u201d Adam joked again as he waited for Joe to finish.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re no Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snorted as his brother began to relax in his grip. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he said, slowly guiding Joe back to bed, tossing his pants over a chair as he lifted up his legs, covering him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s gonna get Paul?\u201d Joe asked curling into his quilt, all color gone from his face. \u201cNobody else here remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Damn! <\/em>Adam told himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the round up . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know.\u201d Why do these things always happen when no one\u2019s here?\u201d One hand on his hip, the other rubbing the bridge of his nose, Adam knew there was only one thing to do. \u201cThen I\u2019ll take care of you both myself. I\u2019ve done it before and I can do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Hoss…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about a thing,\u201d Adam answered sitting on the bed. \u201cThe basin will be on the table if you need it.\u201d Hmm. How fast can I run to the kitchen, empty them and return before they\u2019re needed?<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe looked so small and pale all wrapped up in that quilt, suddenly reminding Adam of Marie. The memory jolted him, not having thought of her in some time. And along with it came the promise he\u2019d made to both Marie and Inger \u2013 take care of the boys. Wringing out a wet cloth, he began to hum as he slowly ran it over his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s drifting hearing picked up on the tune, tossing various scenes from his childhood of all the times he\u2019d fallen asleep to those very sounds back at him. It always calmed him, always made him sleepy and tonight was no different. Within moments, his eyes grew heavy, slowly closing, his roiling stomach quieting, leaving Adam humming to himself.<\/p>\n

Peering over his brother\u2019s shoulder, Adam felt Joe\u2019s forehead and clucked his tongue. Two brothers down for the count and I\u2019m the only one ambulatory. Well, what did I expect?<\/em> This was a nice beginning of a third week of insanity.<\/p>\n

Grabbing Joe\u2019s basin, he hurried for the door and made his way down the hall, making sure both doors were open as he picked up Hoss\u2019 basin. How fast can I run to the kitchen and back up before either of them wakes?\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Moving quickly past the settee, his goal of the kitchen in sight, a clang!<\/em> pulled him to an immediate stop. Aargh!<\/em>\u00a0 Clenching his teeth, he turned a fiery glare onto that oversized timepiece that sat so proudly by the front door and would\u2019ve raised a fist if he could. He settled for nasty thoughts and angry words. \u201cOnce I put these down, I\u2019m going to smash your face with my fist, pull out your clapper and toss it into the forge if I\u2019m reminded again that I haven\u2019t been TO BED AT ALL<\/u><\/em> THIS NIGHT . . . DAY!\u201d<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll break your hand. <\/em>Anger burned in his narrowed eyes at that little voice of reason echoing between his ears, sending him to his second choice for clock damnation \u2013 a few choice curse words inspired by thoughts too blue to write down that would\u2019ve sent even a saloon girl into a tizzy. If his hand had been free…<\/p>\n

Turning from that bedeviled construct, lest he follow through with his furious thoughts, he came to the conclusion that this was all the time he could spend on delirious thoughts of clock destruction. He had sick brothers to take care of and a ranch to run and . . . well . . . he didn\u2019t have time to sleep anyway! So there!<\/p>\n

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

October 14<\/u><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam? Adam? ADAM!\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyes shot open and arms flew out as Adam slid off a bale of hay, landing with a thud on the barn floor, a hand quickly finding his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cSteady there, boy,\u201d came Roy Coffee\u2019s familiar voice. \u201cIt\u2019s just me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Breathing hard, Adam dropped his head into his hands, taking deep breaths to slow his rapidly beating heart, pushing away the unexpected moments of sleep he\u2019d inadvertently managed to catch, then glanced up at his friend with an embarrassed look. \u201cHi, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, yerself. Missed ya at the town meetin\u2019. Thought I\u2019d better come out ta see if somethin\u2019 was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas that this week?\u201d Adam asked followed by a yawn, his hands vigorously rubbing his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday as a matter of fact. You was the featured speaker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Closing his eyes, Adam moaned. \u201cForgot. Sorry, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d the sheriff said, holding out his hand. Accepting the help, Adam pulled himself up and began dusting stray bits of hay from his pants.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I know somethin\u2019s wrong. Adam Cartwright don\u2019t never forget the town meetin\u2019, especially when talkin\u2019 about the railroad.\u201d<\/p>\n

That\u2019s right. He was going to talk about a spur line into . . . wherever. Rubbing his eyes, he didn\u2019t bother stifling another yawn.<\/p>\n

Roy raised his brows. Looking at this boy, he realized something was just wrong by the looks of him \u2013 messed up hair, stubble, bags under his eyes. Something was going on.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019ve just gotta ask. What\u2019cha doin\u2019 sleepin\u2019 in the barn? Somethin\u2019 wrong with yer own bed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Another yawn cascaded into another and Adam scratched his head. \u201cNo, Roy, there\u2019s nothing wrong with my bed. In fact, I\u2019d love to see my bed for more than ten minutes, bury my head in my pillow, close my eyes and dream of…\u201d He stopped in mid-sentence when he caught Roy\u2019s concerned look, then yawned again. \u201cJust ignore me. I\u2019m sleep deprived. I\u2019m not even making sense to myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I was wonderin\u2019. Ya look done in, boy, ya surely do. What\u2019s keepin\u2019 ya from sleepin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s gone to Denver and Hoss and Joe are sick and I can\u2019t leave them to go for Paul. So, between taking care of livestock, doing the paperwork and nursemaiding, sleep\u2019s become a distant memory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRunnin\u2019 yerself ragged is what yer doin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t be helped,\u201d Adam answered, rubbing his neck and turning back to the bale of hay to finish what he hadn\u2019t even started.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing ain\u2019t around neither?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cHad to go to San Francisco for . . .\u201d He stopped himself and gave a short laugh. \u201cWell, I knew last week.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy just shook his head. \u201cAdam, ya need ta get some sleep before ya keel over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t,\u201d he answered, clipping the wire holding the bale together and spreading the hay into the empty stalls. \u201cToo many things to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me what things cain\u2019t wait until ya\u2019ve had a little shut eye?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grabbed three buckets off the wall and handed one to Roy, heading for the water trough in the yard. \u201cLet\u2019s see. The horses have to eat and their stalls need to be cleaned,\u201d he began, Cochise and Chubb nickering to him as he passed. \u201cI\u2019ve got to finish the lumber contracts before Pa gets home, chickens have to be fed…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll things that can wait for an hour or two while ya rest yer head,\u201d Roy reasoned, taking a full bucket Adam handed him.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately, I\u2019m afraid that an hour or two could turn into a day or two. Can\u2019t take the chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Always responsible<\/em>. Roy shook his head, following him back to the barn. He\u2019d known Adam since he was a boy and always liked him, liked his clear thinking and responsible ways even if it caused him harm. He would\u2019a made a great Sheriff. \u201cWell, I can stay a couple hours and make sure them hours don\u2019t turn into days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned as he poured water into Sport\u2019s trough, picked up the second bucket and headed toward Chubb\u2019s stall. \u201cI can\u2019t ask you to do that, Roy. You\u2019ve got responsibilities in town that are far more important than babysitting the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t nothin\u2019 gonna happen in a couple of hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s always something happening, Roy, especially in a couple of hours.\u201d He took the last bucket from Roy and headed for Cochise\u2019s stall. \u201cWhat you could do for me is get Paul out here to make sure I\u2019m doing everything I can.\u201d Lack of sleep making him a bit slow on the uptake; it took a moment to realize Roy hadn\u2019t answered, and turned to see a downcast look upon his friend\u2019s face. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf all the things ta ask for ya had to ask for that,\u201d the sheriff answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? What\u2019s the matter?\u201d he asked, never taking his eyes from Roy\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Doc\u2019s taken sick hisself. Must\u2019a caught whatever Hoss and Joe have. We was wonderin\u2019 how he got sick, but then being Doc, I\u2019m surprised he ain\u2019t always sick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam just sighed. His last hope vanished.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I should send a wire to Ben, bring him home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam finished pouring the water into Cochise\u2019s trough and actually gave the question great thought. He wanted Ben home more than he could say but he shouldn\u2019t drag him back for this. The Cattleman\u2019s Association annual meeting was something he looked forward to year round. Besides, he\u2019d probably get home just as Paul managed to get out to the house. No, he\u2019d have to take care of this himself.<\/p>\n

He shook his head. \u201cHe\u2019ll be home soon enough. No need to worry him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYa sure ya don\u2019t want me ta stay? I don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Roy. We\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy watched him replace the buckets on the wall and knew he\u2019d better leave it alone. Once this boy made up his mind… \u201cAll right then. I\u2019ll let Doc know and he\u2019ll get here as soon as he can. Take care now, Adam, and try ta get some rest, even if it\u2019s just ten minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Giving him a tired nod, he followed Roy out of the barn and watched him mount, returning his wave as he disappeared from sight.<\/p>\n

For a brief second, Adam\u2019s mouth opened, intent upon calling Roy back, berating himself for tossing aside a chance for some sleep, but he shrugged the thought away. Deliberately walking toward the water trough, he bent over and dunked his head, coming up sputtering a few moments later, hoping this would wash away the cobwebs still looping about his brain. Sport snickered at him.<\/p>\n

Eyeing his faithful mount, he splashed water across the horse\u2019s muzzle, producing a whicker and a quick one-two bob of the head. Clang \u2013 clang!<\/em> washed the smile from Adam\u2019s face as he hung his head, watching the water drip on his boots, hands on his hips. Lord, give me strength not to commit clock murder<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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

October 18<\/u><\/p>\n

Adam sagged against the wall outside Hoss\u2019 room and took a swig of milk from the tray of half eaten food he held in one hand, and rued the day man invented time.<\/p>\n

Some days there wasn\u2019t enough of it, with the sun riding the sky for too short a time to get anything of value done, to disappear on the horizon, the day complete. Then there were days when there was too much of it – moments when time stretched onward until you thought you\u2019d just break into little pieces to be swept under the rug and forgotten. This had been not only one of those days but one of those eight days where time weaved itself together, one day to the next, without any breaks in-between until they became indistinguishable from the other.<\/p>\n

Of course the fact that he didn\u2019t really seem to have the energy to care anymore made it much easier to ignore the passage of time until he saw himself in a mirror and noticed that he\u2019d apparently stopped shaving some days before. And, it seemed, he hadn\u2019t changed his shirt or socks in who knew how long (both in a sorry state of disrepair). Hmm. Adam Cartwright was well known for being fastidious even under the most trying of circumstances. Tough. Too tired to worry about it now.<\/p>\n

Heading for the stair, he held tightly to the tray with one hand and the stair railing with the other, determined that as soon as he made the bottom step he was going to sit his butt down in his favorite chair, put up his dirty feet and get a few winks. It wasn\u2019t so much that he felt he deserved it; it was just that he was having a difficult time avoiding it.<\/p>\n

This new desire to rest came upon him once he\u2019d spied the beautiful but haggard face of Paul Martin that very morning standing on their stoop. Help was here! Thank God!<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve never seen a sorrier sight,\u201d Paul stated, looking at the disheveled form before him – pale skin, an unkempt beard and a black eye to go along with the bags under them. Adam looked like hell.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave thee looked in a mirror lately, Doctor?\u201d Adam retorted.<\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u201cUnfortunately I have. Come on then. Let\u2019s have a look at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the boys . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve waited this long, they can wait another ten minutes. Now sit!\u201d Paul ordered, pointing toward the settee and skewering him with a look. Adam obediently sat. \u201cThat\u2019s better,\u201d the good doctor muttered disappearing into the kitchen to quickly return with a bag of ice. \u201cOkay, I know you haven\u2019t left the ranch, so a barroom brawl is out. What or who smacked you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe. Who knew he could punch with his right hand and that; apparently, I don\u2019t have any reflexes left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many days?\u201d Paul asked pushing the ice bag into Adam\u2019s hand then up to his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cDays?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t you slept?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSleep?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, boy,\u201d Paul sighed, noticing his patient wincing as he moved, favoring his right side. Pulling open his shirt he tsked at the sight.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss.\u00a0 I always forget now quick he can be,\u201d Adam groaned as Paul poked and prodded his ribs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they aren\u2019t broken, just bruised. It\u2019ll be purple for a couple of days then the rainbow of colors will begin. You should\u2019ve given him a wide berth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he did warn me,\u201d Adam admitted as Paul pulled some bandages from his bag.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow so?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe yelled something like \u2018get away ya dadburned rattlesnake!\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n

Paul chuckled. \u201cDidn\u2019t take him seriously did you?\u201d Adam just shook his head. \u201cNext time try to stand at the end of their beds until you can get enough sleep to get out of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t have to tell me twice,\u201d he gasped as Paul pulled the bandages tightly about his ribs, pressing him back against the settee as he finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you just sit here while I go check on the boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come with…\u201d he began. His attempt to rise stopped by the feel of Paul\u2019s heavy hand on his chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no. You\u2019re staying right where you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need you hovering over me when I examine them, and I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve taken good care of them,\u201d Paul quickly added as Adam opened his mouth to respond. \u201cNow, I\u2019m going to have a look-see then make myself a cup of coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can do that . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll stay put.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Paul . . .\u201d Adam shut up when Paul raised a finger and gave him that look.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor once in your stubborn life, listen to your doctor. You\u2019re out on your feet; any fool can see that, and I\u2019m the only other fool here. So take this time that\u2019s been given you and rest while I work my magic.\u201d Adam opened his mouth again but the finger came up. \u201cI\u2019ve been sick, too, you know. Don\u2019t mess with me when I\u2019m cranky.\u201d Adam nodded and settled back. \u201cThat\u2019s better. Now, I won\u2019t let you sleep the day away; just a couple of hours.\u201d Grabbing his bag, the doctor headed for the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mention it. Now, go-to-sleep!\u201d<\/p>\n

Yawning, Adam turned onto his side and was out before the yawn ended.<\/p>\n

That had been early this morning and the supposed couple of hours turned into a little over forty-five minutes when Paul shook him awake to inform him he\u2019d been called away. They\u2019d both shared pained looks and parted, Adam longingly watching after him as his buggy cleared the yard. Now night had fallen and it was\u00a0 . . . clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang!<\/em> How do I do that?<\/p>\n

Sighing, he glanced down at the great room. There sits my beautiful chair, all alone, waiting for me to put it to use. What a sight.<\/p>\n

And then there\u2019s Pa\u2019s desk. What a mess!<\/p>\n

Scrutinizing the rest of the great room brought into focus scattered books and cups and towels and he knew what the kitchen looked like \u2013 it looked like something had exploded in it. Hop Sing may not be due back for another . . . well, whenever but the longer he left it, the worse it would be to clean up.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t have that,\u201d he muttered, a sneeze creeping up on him making his foot slide off a step jostling the tray enough to spill tea and milk down his chest and across those nice white bandages wrapped about his ribs. Normally that would\u2019ve peeved him enough to change them, but he was beyond that. Caring was something well-rested men had time for and, since he didn\u2019t qualify as a well-rested man, to hell with it.<\/p>\n

When asked later about what happened next, his memory was cloudy at best. The slamming open of the front door and its pounding echo against the sideboard encompassed the great room followed closely by Ben Cartwright\u2019s booming voice loosed as if from a giant bellows.<\/p>\n

\u201cA-D-A-M!\u201d<\/p>\n

Being that the great room was indeed great, and that Adam was working on practically zero sleep, the sound of the banging door coupled with Ben\u2019s large voice startled him enough to make him lose his balance, stocking feet providing the added thrill of skipping the step they\u2019d just reached.<\/p>\n

Stopping himself was out of the question but he gamely tried only to find air within his grasp. Knees plowing into the railing spun him around and down to fall backwards towards the landing and possible salvation, the half-filled tray flying over his head to crash and slide across the main floor.<\/p>\n

Disoriented upon reaching the landing, salvation came and went and he continued his bounce down the first flight of stairs to the main floor, rolling into the wall hard enough to rattle the gun rack above. Forward momentum stopped, the room spun and darkness crept up on him just as he spied a box of buckshot teetering from the shelf overhead. Dreading the thought of having to clean up those dastardly little things, he shut his eyes and welcomed the darkness just as the box tilted and fell striking him squarely on the chest, the tinkling sound of buckshot echoing distantly in his ears along with two familiar voices.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis why no yelling in house!\u201d<\/p>\n

I can hear Hop Sing.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was Pa.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHe have black eye.\u201d<\/p>\n

And now a headache. Adam forced the darkness back and groaned, raising a hand to the back of his head. \u201cMy head.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, son,\u201d Ben soothed smiling down at his rumpled boy. \u201cAnything broken?\u201d<\/p>\n

Doing a mental check proved untrustworthy at this point so he\u2019d just wing it. \u201cJust my pride . . .\u201d he finally said, leaning on Ben who helped him sit up, hearing buckshot fall from his shirt and run across the floor into the broken teacups, glasses and plates strewn about the room. Oh, boy. I\u2019ve broken Hop Sing\u2019s favorite teapot<\/em>. A sharp pain lanced through his head making him wince. \u201cWhat are you two doing here?\u201d he asked continuing to hold his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe live here,\u201d Hop Sing answered thinking there might be something wrong with Number One son.<\/p>\n

Sighing, Adam clarified his statement. \u201cI mean, didn\u2019t you two go to separate destinations?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMet in town,\u201d Hop Sing answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you weren\u2019t supposed to be back until\u00a0 . . . until . . .\u201d He frowned at the memory loss then just shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re not supposed to be flat out on the floor either,\u201d Ben added to fill in the gap, worry etching his face as he took in the burn along Adam\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cYelling,\u201d Hop Sing reminded Ben, drawing a reluctant nod as he fingered Adam\u2019s head, finding the point of impact.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy wired us about Hoss and Joe and we came home as fast as we could. It just so happens both stages arrived in Virginia City within ten minutes of each other. We met with Paul and he told us what was going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you know the boy\u2019s fevers conveniently broke when Paul was here?\u201d Adam began, seeing Ben nod. \u201cAnd that he took all the credit?\u201d Again Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that you haven\u2019t slept much since this all began.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he added that, did he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that you look like hell,\u201d Hop Sing finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cPot calling the kettle . . .\u201d Adam began as he moved his legs beneath him, pushing himself up, Ben grabbing him as he doubled over, stocking feet slipping on buckshot.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have black eye,\u201d Hop Sing stated as Adam carefully eased himself onto the settee.<\/p>\n

\u201cA present from Joe,\u201d he admitted with a groan. \u201cAnd some bruised ribs from Hoss. I now know what not<\/u><\/em> to get them for Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that would be?\u201d Ben asked taking a seat on the low table in front of the settee.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoxing lessons,\u201d he grunted as Ben chuckled, watching his eldest lay his head back and squeeze his eyes shut as it made contact with the pillow Hop Sing magically placed there.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get back to Hoss and Joe hitting you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were delirious,\u201d Adam began, \u201cand I wasn\u2019t fast enough. Both of them knocked me clean off their beds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou no learn second time?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam opened one eye and glared at Hop Sing. He couldn\u2019t really say anything because he was right. His first encounter should\u2019ve been his last.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need sleep and plenty of it. I bring ice pack for head.\u201d Hop Sing hurried toward the kitchen as Ben stood, holding out his hand toward Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI second that motion. Let\u2019s get you to bed,\u201d declared Ben.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cWant to hear about your speech, and I\u2019ve still got to clean the kit . . .\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 They both cringed when a high-pitched Chinese curse floated through the air. \u201c. . . chen,\u201d he finished shrinking as far into his seat as possible, watching a composed and quiet Hop Sing return, ice pack in hand to slap it none too gently onto his head. Adam dared to look up, seeing a fake smile plastered on Hop Sing\u2019s face. (The steam coming out of his ears was an extra). Ben tried to hide his grin as he watched Adam attempting to compose something that would sound apologetic and, failing so miserably, stopping himself before he even got started.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter, Mr. Adam,\u201d Hop Sing answered, holding up his hands. \u201cHop Sing clean up mess and get everything back in one piece. Not go back San Francisco for long while. Will need long while to clean up mess!\u201d Hastily shutting his mouth on his rising voice, Hop Sing\u2019s smile returned and Adam knew it\u2019d take a long time before he was forgiven. \u201cI go check on boys, Mr. Cartwright. You take Mr. Adam to bed.\u201d With that, he moved up the stairs, mumbles reaching the ears of the two who cringed with each stomp until he disappeared into Hoss\u2019 room.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is going to take some extra special talking on your part, Adam,\u201d Ben stated, patting him on the knee.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m not up to that just now,\u201d he said through a yawn.<\/p>\n

Trying again, Ben rose and stretched out a hand toward Adam, who didn\u2019t move a muscle. Sighing, he slapped his leg and sat back down again. \u201dYou\u2019re not going to move until I tell you about that speech are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam just smiled; Ben knew the only reason he wanted to hear about it was he\u2019d helped Ben write it. \u201cAdam, you can barely keep your eyes open…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019ve been stuck here with two delirious madmen and only my horse to talk too. Just tell me how the speech went.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked exhausted and, if he\u2019d let himself, the moment his head hit a pillow, he\u2019d be out. But if Ben knew nothing else, he knew his son\u2019s determined nature and gave in. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said, tossing up his hands. \u201cAll right, but just for a few minutes then it\u2019s off to bed. Deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDeal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it was better attended than we thought and my shareholders\u2019 address to the railroad bigwigs went off without a hitch. In fact, they gave me a big hand. Now, whether or not they were listening was another matter . . .\u201d Ben\u2019s voice trailed off as he realized his audience of one had just become none. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jerking awake, he blinked a few times. \u201cOne of the railroad bigwigs had big hands. Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head at the serious look on Adam\u2019s face and stood for the third time. \u201cAll right, young man,\u201d he began in his most fatherly voice, \u201cthat\u2019s enough for tonight. To bed with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, the speech . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill wait until tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe and Hoss . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing and I are here now. Your responsibility to them is over for now. Go to bed before you fall over . . . again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Closing his mouth on a \u2018but, Pa\u2019, Adam finally acquiesced and accepted Ben\u2019s help to stand, replacing the ice pack on his head as he made his way slowly toward the stair.<\/p>\n

Ben watched for a moment then started for the front door – the horses were waiting to be stabled and it wouldn\u2019t do to have them stand out in the cold air all night.<\/p>\n

Clang!<\/em><\/p>\n

After two steps, Ben stopped, a funny sound making him turn. Adam seemed stalled on the stairs, knuckles white as he gripped the railing, unwilling or unable to continue up, glaring at the clock.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Clang!<\/em><\/p>\n

All Adam could see was that irritating clock leaping about the room mocking him. Clang \u2013 clang \u2013 clang! <\/em>\u201c. . . damned clock . . .\u201d were the only intelligible words that came out of his mouth and then he found himself staring up at the ceiling . . . again. Hmm.<\/em> Strong arms encircled him and a hazy face bent over him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing!\u201d<\/p>\n

Clang!<\/em> was the last thing he heard as sleep, precious sleep, claimed him.<\/p>\n

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

Epilogue<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n

The high-pitched giggle that could only be Joe broke through the odd dreams and cascading rows of clocks surrounding him, pulling open his heavy eyelids to take in the scene before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s game #32.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYer cheatin\u2019, Joe, I just know it,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cProve it,\u201d came the rebuttal.<\/p>\n

\u201cCheck . . . his . . . sleeves.\u201d A hoarse response from the bed made both Joe and Hoss turn with startled looks toward its occupant.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Joe cried, rising quickly to yell out into the hall. \u201cPa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he . . . have to . . . yell?\u201d Adam whispered cringing at the sound that pierced his skull, trying to focus on Hoss\u2019 face as he leaned toward him.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, it\u2019s mighty fine to see them eyes of yourn lookin\u2019 like they got some sense,\u201d Hoss began in a soft voice, patting his brother\u2019s leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you two . . . doing out of bed?\u201d came the brotherly question, drawing a chuckle from Hoss as Joe returned to sit next to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cOlder brother here wants ta know why we\u2019re outta bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLost track of time, hasn\u2019t he?\u201d Joe asked Hoss, drawing a confused look from Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa been lyin\u2019 in this bed fer six days, carryin\u2019 on a one-sided conversation with a clock and some gal named Abby,\u201d explained Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is this Abby anyway?\u201d Joe began, wringing out a cloth to wipe Adam\u2019s sweaty face. \u201cAbigail Jones?\u201d Both Joe and Hoss smiled that knowing smile that people who think they know the answer always pass between them, while he just couldn\u2019t seem to follow.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr maybe that little blond gal, Abby Olsen?\u201d Hoss added looking at Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat little girl with the wagon?\u201d Joe asked as Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s mighty powerful, Joe. I think she\u2019s the one that got us all sick, includin\u2019 Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat seems so long ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot fer me,\u201d Hoss answered, knocking on his cast. \u201cWhat do ya think, Adam? Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

He heard the words, tried to follow them and just gave up when they jumbled up into a little wad making his head ache.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon,\u201d came Ben\u2019s voice from the door, cutting through the mush, and he turned wobbly eyes up to his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled down, taking up his customary bedside chair, Hop Sing grinning over his shoulder. \u201cWell, you\u2019re looking a might better. Gave us quite a scare falling down the stairs not once but twice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStairs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Hoss interceded. \u201cDon\u2019t look so green \u2018round the gills no more neither.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a shade of green I\u2019ve never seen before,\u201d Joe admitted while Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou was more yella,\u201d Hoss said over his shoulder, catching Joe\u2019s look out of the corner of his eye. \u201cWell, that\u2019s what Adam said ya looked like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he said you looked liked . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat . . . happened?\u201d Adam asked forcing the question out, not sure he\u2019d understand anything anyone would say anyway.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems ya done run yerself into the ground,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cWhat with my fallin\u2019 in the river and gettin\u2019 sick, then Joe pukin\u2019 all over hisself and then that nasty fall down the stairs . . . well, what\u2019dya expect? Ya slept more these last days than all the other days put together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd those were full of yelling and squawking and getting sick,\u201d Joe added. \u201cI don\u2019t know how you ain\u2019t already back to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t,\u201d Adam corrected, finding himself beginning to float away, caught only by Ben\u2019s dulcet tones and pulled back to the present.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got a concussion when you fell down the stairs the first time and aggravated it the second, then proceeded to catch whatever the boys had. Since you were so rundown, it wrecked havoc with your system. Paul said you were hit the worst,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n

Adam frowned. \u201cI don\u2019t remember much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t doubt it. We had a time of it, didn\u2019t we boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir,\u201d they both said as Adam tried to keep the room and everyone in it from weaving about. I wish they\u2019d just sit still<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Focusing on a patch of light streaming into his room, he wondered what time . . .\u00a0 Before the thought cleared take off, the telltale clang! <\/em>drifted through his open door bringing a lopsided grin to his face. Joe and Hoss exchanged a questioning look with their father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy he smiling?\u201d Hop Sing had the nerve to ask as Ben shrugged.<\/p>\n

An explanation lay on the tip of his tongue but it took too much effort to break it loose and string the words together, and besides, no one would understand the irony. Ranting for days how unfair time was, now it appeared to be on his side as he\u2019d finally achieved what he\u2019d been after:\u00a0 stretched full length in bed and given time to sleep.<\/p>\n

Heavy eyelids lost their battle to stay open and slowly closed, the last clang! <\/em>resonating around his brain, calling up an image of an axe striking the face of that damned clock, one hand wrapped about the clapper, the other a pistol. Tossing the offensive object into the air, all it took was one shot to shatter it into a million pieces and send it cascading back to earth as little bits of useless quiet metal. Man may have invented time but he\u2019d just managed to destroy a little piece of it if only in his mind. Take that, you damned clock!<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd still smiling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, he needs his rest. Leave him be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy he smiling?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI bet it\u2019s that Abby girl again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich, though?<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s Abigail Jones.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWeren\u2019t there an Abby Pierce in Reno that was sweet on him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith the wart on her nose and the long . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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Summary:\u00a0 With Ben in Denver and Hop Sing in San Francisco, Adam\u2019s in charge. What could possibly go wrong?<\/p>\n

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