{"id":12971,"date":"2016-05-24T08:53:49","date_gmt":"2016-05-24T12:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12971"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:10:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:10:17","slug":"forsaking-wild-oats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12971","title":{"rendered":"Forsaking Wild Oats (by Childstar)"},"content":{"rendered":"

FORSAKING WILD OATS<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Based on the television characters created by David Dortort.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Written especially for Delci Marie Barkley at her request.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T (32,430 words)<\/p>\n

Forsaking Wild Oats<\/strong><\/p>\n

By Kyrila Scully<\/strong><\/p>\n

Delci Fuller rode her pony hard and fast into the corral just as the sun was beginning to set on Wild Oats Ranch.\u00a0 The fiery glow in the sky matched her mood, as well as her hair as it waved freely in the wind.\u00a0 The mountain for which the ranch was named stood watch over the land as it had for thousands of years, and stood watch over Delci now as she sewed a few wild oats of her own.<\/p>\n

\u201cLazy son of a gun!\u201c She muttered, fuming over a ranch hand questioning her orders to check the fencing along the north border of the ranch.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Strawberry,\u201d\u00a0 she led the horse into the barn and removed the saddle, throwing it over a sawhorse.\u00a0 She removed the bit and massaged his nose a little as she removed the halter.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get you into your stall, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

She grabbed a brush as the horse made his way inside the stall.\u00a0 The tub inside was dry of water and she knew her horse needed a drink.\u00a0 She also knew the horse needed to be rubbed down before the lather from their exertions made him chilled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get you some water, boy,\u201d Delci promised.\u00a0 \u201cFirst, we gotta rub you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Working quickly, her focus on her horse, she didn\u2019t notice another rider approach the corral.\u00a0 He startled her as she carried a bucket toward the trough just outside the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop right where you are,\u201d\u00a0 Delci shouted.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got a gun and I know how to use it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was lying, but she hoped her bravado didn\u2019t betray her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, miss, I didn\u2019t mean to frighten you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not the kind of girl you can frighten, mister!\u201d Delci slammed the bucket into the water trough, splashing the stranger just a little.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you didn\u2019t answer my question!\u00a0 Who are you, and what do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci\u2019s quick temper sized him up quickly.\u00a0 Dressed in black, the handsome man smirked as he tied his horse to the railing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe name\u2019s Cartwright,\u201d he told her.\u00a0 \u201cAdam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what would be your business here?\u201d\u00a0 Delci demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m on an errand,\u201d he explained.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve come to see Mr. Fuller, the man who owns this ranch.\u00a0 This is the Wild Oats Ranch, is it not?\u00a0 Would you be his daughter, Delci?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know who I am?\u201d\u00a0 she fumed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a hunch,\u201d Cartwright leaned against the rail and looked her over.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a long time since I last saw you, but you\u2019re about the same age as Delci would be now, and you certainly have the red hair I remember when your family\u2019s wagon broke down on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci barely remembered that wagon ride from Ohio to Nevada territory.\u00a0 She nervously shifted her weight from one leg to the other and back again.\u00a0 She swallowed hard and quelled her temper.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just what brings you down here from the Ponderosa, Mr. Adam Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

She knew well the reputation of the Cartwrights.\u00a0 Everybody in Nevada territory did.\u00a0 Her father spoke well of them frequently.\u00a0 But she had no remembrance of being on the Ponderosa, or of the people who lived there.<\/p>\n

\u201cI came to see your father,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cIs he here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s here,\u201d Delci said, nodding toward the house.\u00a0 \u201cLet me finish tending to my horse, and I\u2019ll take you up to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tend to my horse while you tend to yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci was reluctant to accommodate the man.\u00a0 She could see him from Strawberry\u2019s stall as she gave the gelding water and put on his feed bag.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot some feed to spare?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked.\u00a0 Delci jumped.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure have a way of sneaking up on people!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled.\u00a0 He grabbed an empty feed bag and helped himself to the oats.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose if you plan to stay the night, you could bunk your horse over there,\u201d Delci pointed to an empty stall.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, kindly,\u201d Adam tipped his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome to sleep out here with him, too!\u201d\u00a0 Delci pushed past him, deliberately bumping into him.\u00a0 His body was solid as a rock, but he moved with the motion.\u00a0 She stormed out of the barn and walked as fast as she could toward the house.\u00a0 Adam followed close behind, quickly retrieving a leather satchel out of his saddle bag to bring along.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa!\u201d Delci called upstairs as she entered the front door of the clapboard house. \u00a0\u201cSomeone here to see you.\u00a0 Says he\u2019s Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam entered the home and made a quick survey as he removed his hat and hung it on a post.\u00a0 The front room looked as if it had been cared for at one time, but was now in disarray.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa\u2019s upstairs in his room,\u201d Delci started up the stairs ahead of him.\u00a0 \u201cBut I warn you, mister.\u00a0 He isn\u2019t well and you\u2019d better not upset him, or you\u2019ll have me to contend with!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here on a friendly call, miss,\u201d he assured her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci?\u201d A weak voice called from behind a closed door.\u00a0 \u201cYou say Mr. Cartwright is here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci walked over to the bed and kissed her father on the forehead, then proceeded to light the lamps as Adam approached her father.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa sent me, Mr. Fuller,\u201d\u00a0 Adam reached for the sick man\u2019s extended hand and gently shook it.\u00a0 \u201cHe sends his regrets that he couldn\u2019t come himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine,\u201d Ethan Fuller admired the man Adam had become.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, it\u2019s been at least twelve years since I last saw you folks.\u00a0 How is your pa?\u00a0 Your brothers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re all well, sir,\u201d Adam took a seat near the bed as Delci leaned against the door frame and watched carefully.\u00a0 \u201cAnd how are you feeling these days?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that heart attack nearly done me in, son,\u201d\u00a0 Ethan replied.\u00a0 \u201cDelci here has taken over the running of the ranch, but it\u2019s no job for a girl like her.\u00a0 She needs to be around people her own age, having a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at the girl, dressed more like a boy than a girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe does seem formidable, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci muttered an oath and left the two alone.\u00a0 But she stayed in her own room across the hall in case her father needed her, and so that she could keep an eye–and an ear–on what was going on in her father\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019ll be frank,\u201d\u00a0 the old man intimated.\u00a0 \u201cSince Delci\u2019s sweet mother died, I\u2019ve done the best I could by her, but I\u2019ve let her work beside me like she was a son, not a daughter.\u00a0 I\u2019m too sick to get out of this bed and keep the ranch going.\u00a0 Delci\u2019s done the best she could, but I have to face facts.\u00a0 We can\u2019t keep this ranch any longer.\u00a0 As I wrote your father, I need to sell the place and set Delci up in a nice house in town near people I can trust.\u00a0 The town here is all right, but it doesn\u2019t have near what she could find in a big town like Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa sent a letter for you, responding to your request.\u201d\u00a0 Adam pulled the letter out of the satchel and handed it to Mr. Fuller.\u00a0 The man held it up close and tried to read it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s no use, Adam,\u201d he handed the letter back to the younger man.\u00a0 \u201cMy eyes have gotten worse in the last couple of weeks.\u00a0 I can\u2019t hardly read anything any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAllow me,\u201d Adam cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cDear Ethan,\u201d Adam began reading.\u00a0 \u201cI was glad to hear from you after so long a time, yet grieved to hear of your misfortune.\u00a0 After giving your request proper consideration, I believe I have found a solution for you.\u00a0 There is a family just arrived in Virginia City, looking for some land\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSell the ranch?\u201d\u00a0 Delci interrupted.\u00a0 \u201cPapa, how could you?\u00a0 This ranch means everything to us!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuiet down, Delci,\u201d her father waved his hand at her as best as he could.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not your decision to make.\u00a0 Let the man finish the letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam continued, once Delci sat down next to her father on the bed and took his hand in hers.\u00a0 He noticed tears in her eyes as he read.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re a good family of hard-working people, and they have the means to meet your price.\u00a0 In addition, I spoke to a widow who has plenty of room in her home to accommodate both you and Delci. She is quite willing to help nurse you during your recovery and to introduce Delci to the people of Virginia City.\u00a0 I believe you will be quite satisfied with the arrangements.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m not satisfied!\u201d Delci complained in a subdued tone.\u00a0 She turned her back to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cPapa, do we have to sell Wild Oats and move to Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan raised his good arm and placed a loving hand on his daughter\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 She rested against his chest, and he stroked her unkempt hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy darling girl,\u201d Ethan said.\u00a0 \u201cThis is not the dream your mother and I had for you.\u00a0 We wanted you to enjoy your youth with socials and pretty dresses and plenty of beaux around to choose a good husband to take care of you.\u00a0 We never meant for you to run this ranch like a cowhand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Papa!\u201d\u00a0 Delci protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, my girl,\u201d Ethan continued.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s no use.\u00a0 I\u2019m never going to be well enough to work this ranch again.\u00a0 I did the best I could by you, but you need a better life than I can give you now.\u00a0 We\u2019re going to sell the ranch and move to Virginia City.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to get the doctoring and nursing I need to stick around long enough for you to get yourself married and maybe have a grandchild or two for me to spoil in the time I have left.\u00a0 Let me do this for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Papa!\u201d\u00a0 Delci didn\u2019t want the stranger–even if he was Adam Cartwright–to see her cry.\u00a0 She ran from the room and threw herself on her own bed.\u00a0 She could hear the two men talking further, but she didn\u2019t want to hear any more.\u00a0 She wept bitterly, as she reminisced about this home her parents had built together, and the ranch he loved.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t hear Adam knocking on her door at first.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci,\u201d Adam caught her attention.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s someone on the porch asking to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci quickly wiped her face on her sleeve and headed for the front door.\u00a0 It was that no good ranch hand who refused to take orders from her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what is it?\u201d Delci stood straight and as tall as she could muster to face the lazy buzzard.<\/p>\n

\u201cI came for my pay,\u201d the man barked.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t working here any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never worked much while you were here!\u201d Delci snapped back at him.\u00a0 \u201cYou just sat around on your\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam came up behind her and pulled out his wallet.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much does she owe you?\u201d\u00a0 Adam began counting out bills.<\/p>\n

\u201cFifteen dollars!\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a lie!\u201d Delci shouted. \u201cYou only worked one week, if you could call it work!\u00a0 You agreed to five dollars a week!\u00a0 But you only worked a day\u2019s worth, so you only deserve a dollar!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam handed some cash to the man.\u00a0 \u201cHere\u2019s ten dollars,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cYour services won\u2019t be needed any more.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man counted the bills and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, mister!\u00a0 I\u2019ll be seeing you, miss\u201d\u00a0 The man tipped his hat and turned to ride off.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t count on it!\u201d\u00a0 Delci shouted after him.\u00a0 \u201cReally, Mr. Cartwright, why on earth would you pay that lousy bastard so much money?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes you have to pay a little more to avoid a lot of trouble,\u201d\u00a0 Adam folded his wallet and put it away.\u00a0 \u201cAnd a lady doesn\u2019t use such language.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re a fool!\u201d\u00a0 Delci followed him into the house.\u00a0 \u201cBut I intend to pay you back every last penny!\u00a0 We don\u2019t need your charity!\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked back up the stairs, ignoring her comment, and Delci marveled after him.<\/p>\n

Adam stopped halfway up the stairs and turned around.\u00a0 \u201cI nearly forgot to tell you.\u00a0 Your father wishes to speak with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci passed Adam on the stairs.\u00a0 Her steps were slow and her thoughts were in a jumble.\u00a0 She hesitated before she entered her father\u2019s room, not sure if she wanted to hear what he had to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in, child, and close the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci obeyed, and Adam walked back down the stairs and waited in the front room.<\/p>\n

After some time, Delci emerged from her father\u2019s room and closed the door behind her in her own room.\u00a0 Adam wondered if he should return to speak further with Ethan, but didn\u2019t hear him call out, so he remained in the chair and continued reading the book he had found on the shelf against the wall.<\/p>\n

More time passed, and Delci came down the stairs looking much different than she had before.\u00a0 Her hair was brushed and tied back.\u00a0 She had washed and put on a pretty dress of white cotton and pink flowers with just a little lace at the collar and cuffs.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled, but dared not speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just get supper going,\u201d\u00a0 Delci stepped quickly past the man and headed for the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I help you?\u201d\u00a0 Adam offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know how to pluck a chicken?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been awhile,\u201d Adam admitted.<\/p>\n

Delci pointed to a shed outside the back door.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s the coop.\u00a0 You\u2019ll find an axe hanging on the side.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Delci selected a few potatoes from the bin in the pantry, Adam complied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get my hat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam went out in the darkness and made his way to the chicken coop.\u00a0 He selected a young rooster and apologized to him for what he was about to do.\u00a0 With a snap, the neck was broken and he used the axe to trim the bird.\u00a0 It took awhile to pluck the chicken, as his plucking days ended when Pa hired Hop Sing to cook their meals, but he managed to complete the task.\u00a0 Pumping a little water, he washed the carcass and shook off the excess water.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere you go,\u201d Adam placed the bird on the butcher\u2019s block.\u00a0 \u201cShall I filet it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you wouldn\u2019t mind,\u201d Delci\u2019s hands were covered in flour as she kneaded the dough for biscuits.\u00a0 She nodded toward the knives hanging from nails next to the window.<\/p>\n

Adam went to work cutting up the bird. He watched Delci deftly roll out the dough and cut out biscuits with a drinking glass.\u00a0 It impressed him that she knew her way around a kitchen.\u00a0 She had the potatoes on to boil, and a jar of green beans ready to put in a pot.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you can those beans yourself?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBought them down the road from a farmer\u2019s wife,\u201d she admitted.\u00a0 \u201cRunning the ranch, well, I was just too busy to do any canning, you see.\u00a0 Besides, I haven\u2018t done any canning since Mama died.\u00a0 I\u2018m not sure I could do it by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long ago did your mother pass away?\u201d\u00a0 Adam already knew the answer.\u00a0 He wanted to keep the conversation going.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost two years ago,\u201d Delci said.\u00a0 \u201cI had just turned fifteen.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be seventeen in a couple of months.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci paused from laying the biscuits on the baking pan.\u00a0 \u201cIt just doesn\u2019t seem like that long ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you mean,\u201d Adam sympathized.\u00a0 \u201cI lost my mother and two step-mothers.\u00a0 Time passes both quickly and slowly, when you\u2019re grieving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, that\u2019s it, exactly!\u201d\u00a0 Delci said.\u00a0 She set the biscuits aside to rise while she tended to the chicken.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll just fry these up and we can eat in a bit.\u00a0 Would you check on Papa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be pleased to,\u201d Adam washed his hands and left her to her work.\u00a0 He climbed the stairs and visited with Mr. Fuller.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Adam,\u201d Ethan smiled.\u00a0 \u201cSit down a spell.\u00a0 I talked with Delci, and she thinks we can get everything packed in a week or less.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll head out early tomorrow to round up some men to help us load a couple of wagons,\u201d Adam offered.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll wire Pa to have your money set up in an account for you in Virginia City.\u00a0 I brought the papers with me, if you\u2019d like to sign them before we leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s very smart, Adam,\u201d Ethan patted his arm.\u00a0 \u201cYou never know what could happen on the road.\u00a0 I know it\u2019s only a three day trip by wagon, but I\u2019m a very sick man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll do everything we can to make your journey comfortable,\u201d Adam promised.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll arrange for two wagons, so you can ride inside out of the sun, and in your own bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a good man, Adam Cartwright,\u201d Ethan nodded approval.\u00a0 \u201cJust like your father.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam waved off the compliment.<\/p>\n

\u201cSupper\u2019s ready!\u201d they heard Delci call up.\u00a0 Adam stood up to leave, but Ethan weakly tugged at his sleeve.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust one thing, Adam,\u201d\u00a0 the older man looked at him in earnest.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like you to help me over to my wife\u2019s grave, so I can say good bye to her before we go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIt will be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci entered with a tray of food for her father as Adam started to leave the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be down as soon as I feed Papa,\u201d Delci said.\u00a0 \u201cYou help yourself downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be happy to wait for you,\u201d Adam offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need,\u201d Delci sat the tray on the chair and helped her father sit up to eat.\u00a0 \u201cThis may take awhile and I\u2019m sure you\u2019re hungry.\u00a0 You go on ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hesitated by the door, trying to be discreet, as he watched the young girl lovingly tend to her father.\u00a0 Not wanting to embarrass either one of them, he sauntered on down to the dining room where Delci had set out the food.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

With Adam\u2019s help, and the help of the men he hired, the Fullers\u2019 belongings were packed in the wagons in just two days.\u00a0 All that was left to do was to move into the wagons and head out on the road.<\/p>\n

The morning sun was still behind Wild Oat Mountain as they hitched up the horses.\u00a0 Delci couldn\u2019t remember being anywhere except in the shadow of this mountain and the small town of Topaz Lake.\u00a0 She stopped for a moment and took it all in.<\/p>\n

Adam carried Ethan Fuller from the house and carried him to his late wife\u2019s grave.\u00a0 The frail man seemingly weighed no more than a bale of hay in his arms.\u00a0 As Ethan paid his respects, Delci joined him and embraced her father as she gazed one last time at the small tombstone that marked her mother\u2019s final resting spot.<\/p>\n

Ethan\u2019s emotions got the best of him, and Delci used the corner of her shawl to wipe away his tears.\u00a0 Her own tears fell down her cheeks and she laid her head on her father\u2019s shoulder; her arms wrapped around him tightly.<\/p>\n

Adam stood a short distance away with his hat in his hand, as he gave the two the time they needed.\u00a0 Who knew if and when they would ever return to this spot?\u00a0 Delci hummed a hymn her mother had taught her.\u00a0 Adam recognized it and turned away.\u00a0 It reminded him of the song they sang at the grave of his step-mother, Marie Cartwright.\u00a0 The two straightened out the rocks that outlined the grave, and pulled at wild grass and weeds that had grown inside the border.\u00a0 Delci gathered a few wild flowers together and bound them with one of the weed stems, then placed it at the stone marker.\u00a0 Ethan muttered a short prayer, and the two Fullers bade their final farewells.<\/p>\n

Adam helped Ethan to his feet, then picked him up and carried him to the wagon with Delci close behind.<\/p>\n

It was a little awkward getting Ethan into the wagon, but Adam managed.\u00a0 With Delci\u2019s help, they settled Ethan into his soft bed near the seat, where Delci could keep a close watch on her father.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you comfortable, Mr. Fuller?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo far,\u201d Ethan nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose men will be back this morning to round up your cattle,\u201d Adam told Ethan.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ll keep the herd safe until the new owners arrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a good man, Adam,\u201d\u00a0 Ethan smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve thought of everything.\u00a0 Perhaps we\u2019ll pass the people who bought the ranch?\u00a0 I sure would like to meet them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a possibility,\u201d Adam nodded as Delci tucked the blankets around her father.\u00a0 \u201cAlthough we probably wouldn\u2019t know it, if we did.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never met them, myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust as well,\u201d Delci stated.\u00a0 The tone of her voice indicated that she was still not happy about the whole affair.<\/p>\n

Adam walked around the wagon for a final inspection of the ropes, gears and hitches.\u00a0 He made sure the brake lever was within Delci\u2019s reach.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2018s more than fifty miles to Virginia City,\u201d Adam explained to Ethan and Delci.\u00a0 \u201cWe have a good road, and if the weather holds out, we can make twelve or fifteen miles a day.\u00a0 But if it gets too rough for you, Ethan, we\u2019ll slow down.\u00a0 There won\u2019t be any doctors until we reach Dresslerville.\u00a0 It\u2018s only twenty miles away, or just a bit farther.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, Adam,\u201d\u00a0 Ethan nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we should push on to Dresslerville for the night, Adam,\u201d Delci frowned.\u00a0 \u201cPapa would be more comfortable in a hotel, and if he should need a doctor, we could find one quite easily.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci, I\u2019ll be fine!\u201d\u00a0 Ethan insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least, for the first night, we\u2019ll stop in Dresslerville,\u201d Delci argued.\u00a0 \u201cWe can have a doctor look you over to make sure you can undergo the rest of the journey.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci makes a good point, Ethan,\u201d Adam conceded.\u00a0 \u201cBut that means making two miles per hour, and it\u2019s an incline that will be hard on the horses hauling these wagons.\u00a0 I\u2018m not sure we should push the animals harder than we need to, especially on the first day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut could we try, Adam?\u201d Delci pleaded.<\/p>\n

Adam put his hand on his hips and let go a sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam conceded.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s see how it goes.\u00a0 But if the horses start having any problems, we\u2019ll stop and rest them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you!\u201d Delci\u2019s eyes twinkled with delight.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t kid you, Ethan,\u201d Adam warned.\u00a0 \u201cEven on the best roads, it\u2019s going to be a rough trip.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be jostled around quite a bit, and this good feather mattress won\u2019t cushion you from any potholes in the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, then,\u201d Ethan turned his head away from them.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get going.\u00a0 Daylight is burning away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hesitated before giving Delci the reins.\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure you can handle a covered wagon like this?\u00a0 The load is much heavier than a cargo wagon.\u00a0 Twenty miles is a long haul in one day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon if I need help, you\u2019ll be close by to give me a hand,\u201d\u00a0 Delci\u2019s tone had softened, if not her words.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I will,\u201d Adam laughed to himself as he walked to the other wagon and tied his horse behind it.\u00a0 \u201cJust stay close behind me and holler if you need anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

He mounted the larger wagon and gave the horses their lead in an easy trot.\u00a0 Looking behind him, he made sure he could see Delci trailing behind.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to get too far ahead of them, so that he could hear if she called to him.\u00a0 Adam knew this trip would be hard on Ethan, and he hoped the frail man could survive it.<\/p>\n

The sun crested at the top of Wild Oat Mountain.\u00a0 Adam knew they had daylight for about twelve hours.\u00a0 He worried to himself about the effects of driving through to Dresslerville.\u00a0\u00a0 Twenty-one and a half miles in one day was possibly foolhardy and Adam shook his head, questioning his own wisdom in making such an agreement.\u00a0 It would be hard on the horses, and hard on Ethan.\u00a0 He wondered if it would also be hard on Delci, but she seemed determined.<\/p>\n

They met few travelers on the road that morning.\u00a0 Adam could hear Delci singing to her father to pass the time.\u00a0 He was glad for the warm spring breezes that kept the chill at bay.\u00a0 Occasionally, he heard Delci chattering with her father and laughing at some joke between them.\u00a0 He hoped it was an indication that Ethan was handling the journey just fine.<\/p>\n

Delci wondered if Adam would ever stop the wagons for lunch.\u00a0 She knew the horses would need water and rest, also.\u00a0 Noon had already come and gone.\u00a0 As they reached the top of Simee Dimeh Summit, Adam finally pulled off the road and stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa, Strawberry,\u201d\u00a0 Delci called to her horse, and the gelding nudged the other horse to the side of the road where they stopped behind Adam\u2019s wagon.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like we\u2019ll be having lunch now, Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine, Delci,\u201d\u00a0 Her father replied weakly.<\/p>\n

Delci jumped off the wagon box and made her way to the front of the lead wagon.\u00a0 As she approached Adam, she saw that he was still seated in the wagon, looking off to the side.\u00a0 She followed his gaze and noticed a Washoe woman coming towards them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHunga mi\u2019 heshi<\/em>,\u201d the old woman said.\u00a0 She pointed to the north.\u00a0 \u201cDe ek Wadapush.\u00a0 De ek Wadapush.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHunga mi\u2019 heshi<\/em>,\u201d Adam responded, nodding.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does she want, Adam?\u201d\u00a0 Delci climbed up on the wagon\u2019s tongue for a better look.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe said hello,\u201d Adam explained.\u00a0 \u201cI think she wants to hitch a ride to Cave Rock.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we\u2019re not going to Cave Rock,\u201d Delci protested.\u00a0 Addressing the old woman, she continued.\u00a0 \u201cWe are going to Virginia City.\u00a0 You understand, Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

The old woman nodded and looked the wagons over.\u00a0 She had quite a bundle tied to her back, and she carried a beautiful willow basket filled with branches, leaves and roots.<\/p>\n

Adam hopped off the wagon and spoke with the old woman.\u00a0 She spoke very little English, but Delci couldn\u2019t hear what was said.<\/p>\n

Adam motioned for Delci, and the three walked back toward the wagon where Ethan was resting.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Dabuda,\u201d Adam told Delci.\u00a0 \u201cShe was married to a Paiute, but he died, and she is returning to her own people.\u00a0 It seems she is a healer woman, and knows how to help your father on his journey.\u00a0 She wants to help, in exchange for a ride toward Lake Tahoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old woman nodded and pointed northwest.\u00a0 \u201cDa ow Aga<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci knew that Cave Rock was revered among the Washoe people as a sacred place for the spiritual leaders of the tribe.\u00a0 It overlooked Lake Tahoe, just west of Carson City.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, we\u2019re not going to Lake Tahoe,\u201d Delci reminded the woman, shaking her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told her,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He then climbed up on the wagon to explain it all again to Ethan.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think her roots and berries are safe?\u201d\u00a0 Delci asked.<\/p>\n

The old woman laughed.\u00a0 \u201cDatsa shut<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled as well and shook his head at the old Washoe woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe thinks we might eat your father, like the Donner party.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan laughed a little, but Delci fumed.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, I never!\u201d<\/p>\n

The old woman set her burden down and began gathering wood for a fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci, why don\u2019t you bring the lunch basket over and help Dabuda,\u201d Adam suggested.\u00a0 He turned to Ethan.\u00a0 \u201cWould you like to come down for lunch, or would you prefer to stay in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll stay in bed, if it\u2019s all the same,\u201d Ethan answered.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and left the wagon, then proceeded to make a place for them to camp for lunch.\u00a0 He found some rocks nearby and pulled a log over for seating.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can put the basket on the rock,\u201d Adam showed Delci.\u00a0 \u201cIt makes a fine sideboard.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took the basket from Delci and led her to the rocks.\u00a0 She pulled out a green cloth from the basket and spread it over the rocks.\u00a0 Adam set the basket on top.<\/p>\n

The old woman returned and dropped an armload of branches in a spot that Adam had cleared for a fire.\u00a0 Adam helped her arrange the wood and then produced a match and lit some dry leaves to kindle a flame.\u00a0 He left the old woman to tend to the fire while he tended the horses.\u00a0 When he finished he found Delci filling plates with ham and bread and boiled eggs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only have three plates, Adam,\u201d Delci said.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t expecting guests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t matter to her,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s not used to fine china.\u201c<\/p>\n

He folded a piece of ham in a slice of bread and gathered a couple of the boiled eggs. He carried the food to the Washoe woman.\u00a0 She smiled and ate it immediately.\u00a0 Then she produced a satchel of pine nuts and offered them to Adam and Delci.\u00a0 Adam accepted a handful graciously, but Delci only took a few.<\/p>\n

The old woman pointed to a pot hanging on the side of one of the wagons.\u00a0 Adam nodded and the old woman took the pot and filled it with some of the water from the barrel tied to the wagon.\u00a0 She then began to boil the water over the fire.\u00a0 When the water was hot, she threw in some of the bark and leaves and berries in her basket.<\/p>\n

Delci returned from taking food to her father and watched with fascination.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is she doing?<\/p>\n

\u201cMaking a tincture for your father to drink,\u201d Adam told her.\u00a0 \u201cThe Washoe healers know just which plants can cure your ails.\u00a0 I think she\u2019s using black willow bark and soap weed root.\u00a0 Those red berries are rose haw, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes she know Papa has a heart condition?\u201d\u00a0 Delci worried what the concoction might do to her father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told her, in so many words and gestures,\u201d\u00a0 Adam took another bite from his sandwich.\u00a0 \u201cYou really have nothing to worry about.\u00a0 If I thought she would put your father in any danger, I wouldn\u2019t have let her get this far.\u00a0 Washoe medicine is good medicine.\u00a0 It\u2018s helped my family many times.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old woman asked for a cup and Adam found one for her.\u00a0 She strained the hot liquid into the cup and motioned for Adam to give it to Ethan.<\/p>\n

\u201cShall I take it to your father, or will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci shook her head, not wanting to trust the Washoe woman\u2019s ability to help her father with a tea made from tree bark and berries.<\/p>\n

Adam carried the cup to Ethan and encouraged him to drink it.\u00a0 It was bitter, but he managed to get half of it down.\u00a0 Discreetly, Adam tossed the rest on the other side of the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe better get going,\u201d Adam looked up at the sun\u2019s position.\u00a0 \u201cWe still have about ten miles to go before sunset.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci wiped the plates and packed them up, placing the basket back inside the wagon.\u00a0 Adam and Dabuda put out the fire and cleaned up the camp.\u00a0 Dabuda pointed to Delci and Ethan\u2019s wagon, wanting to ride with the sick man, but Adam shook his head and pointed to his wagon, then helped the old woman up to the seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have any trouble on the way down this summit, don\u2019t hesitate to call out,\u201d Adam advised Delci.\u00a0 \u201cKeep your horses slow, because you have a heavy wagon behind them.\u00a0 Brake, if you feel the wagon pushing the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Adam,\u201d Delci assured him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve driven loaded wagons in the hills before, when Papa was able to drive the cattle to market.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood to know,\u201d Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll stay close, just in case.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they started down the road again, Delci had hoped the mile high vista would allow her to see Dresslerville, but she couldn\u2019t see the town yet.\u00a0 She wondered what Adam and the native woman would talk about for the next ten miles, and if she would continue on with them to Carson City.\u00a0 She worried about her father, having drunk the elixir made by the old woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling, Papa,\u201d Delci asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not having as much pain as I had this morning,\u201d Ethan told her.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever she put in that water must have helped some.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci felt better and smiled.<\/p>\n

Sunset came and went with a brilliant display of color in the western sky.\u00a0 The Washoe woman had bid them good bye and went on their way.\u00a0 They still had half a mile to go before they reached Dresslerville, but Ethan was resting comfortably, so Delci wanted to keep going.\u00a0 Before long, they entered the town and found the hotel, and Adam helped Ethan to a room before leaving to see about the wagons and horses for the night.\u00a0 Delci got her father ready for bed and made herself comfortable on the floor next to him.\u00a0 Adam would stay with the wagons.<\/p>\n

Just before Delci blew out the lamp for the night, there was a knock at the door.\u00a0 Adam had found a doctor and sent him over to look in on Ethan.<\/p>\n

After listening to his heart, the doctor assured Delci that Ethan was strong enough to continue on to Virginia City, and suggested that Ethan try sitting up during the next leg of the trip.<\/p>\n

He left, and Delci gave her father a hug before she blew out the lamp and settled on her pallet to sleep.<\/p>\n

The morning came all too soon, and Adam knocked on the door to wake them for the next day\u2019s journey.\u00a0 He was anxious to put another day\u2019s worth of miles behind them.\u00a0 Delci told him what the doctor said as Adam carried her father down the stairs to the dining room, where breakfast was already set out for them at a table.<\/p>\n

Delci got up and gave her father a hug and a kiss after Adam placed him in the chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Papa!\u00a0 My, it\u2019s good to see you up like this!\u00a0 I hope your appetite has come back.\u00a0 Look at all this good food they brought us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci, you\u2019d better stop your chattering and eat while you have the chance,\u201d Ethan chuckled.\u00a0 It had been a long time since Ethan had eaten a meal at a table, and he was enjoying his second cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust look at him, Adam!\u201d\u00a0 Delci gushed.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t seen Papa looking this good in months!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 The proprietor came by with their basket loaded with provisions.\u00a0 Adam paid the bill and stood up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tote this to the wagon and come back for you, Ethan,\u201d Adam told the man.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe Delci will have finished her breakfast by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

He winked, tipped his hat and walked out of the dining hall with the basket.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up now, child,\u201d Ethan said.\u00a0 \u201cDaylight\u2019s burning already!\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci gulped down the last of the fried eggs and toast and wiped her mouth.\u00a0 She grabbed an apple out of a fruit bowl and stuffed it in her pocket.\u00a0 Then she stuffed a second apple.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor later,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

Adam soon returned and picked Ethan up from his chair.\u00a0 He carried the man out with Delci close behind.\u00a0 When Ethan was settled, he helped Delci into the wagon seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you take the lead today,\u201d Adam suggested.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be right behind you, if you need anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Soon they were off.\u00a0 The road was a little more interesting this second day of traveling.\u00a0 Before noon, they had passed through Gardnerville and Minden, and were headed toward Carson City.\u00a0 They stopped for lunch at the Hot Springs Station, where a stage coach was just leaving as they arrived.\u00a0 It was headed south, and the driver spoke to Adam asking about any trouble that might be on the road ahead of them.\u00a0 Assured all was well, the driver climbed to his seat and snapped the reins.\u00a0 They left a cloud of dust in their wake, and Delci leaned over her father, shielding him from it.\u00a0 After they were gone, Ethan gently pushed his daughter aside and began to sit up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, if you don\u2019t mind, I think I\u2019d like to go inside the station for lunch today,\u201d Ethan said.\u00a0 Delci made no protest.\u00a0 She was pleased to see her father looking so well.<\/p>\n

Adam climbed into the wagon and helped the man out.\u00a0 It was always an awkward maneuver, since Ethan was bedded next to the wagon seat, and not the tailgate.\u00a0 Once again, Adam carried the man inside and set him in a chair at the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello,\u201d the station master said to them as they entered the shack.\u00a0 \u201cGot some coffee on to boil.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve brought our own provisions, if that\u2019s all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSuits me,\u201d the man told him.\u00a0 \u201cThose stage people done eat up everything anyways.\u00a0 I might have a bowlful or two of rabbit stew left, though, if anyone wants it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci struggled with the basket of food at the door and Adam rushed to her aid.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019ve got plenty,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 He set the basket on the table and helped Delci unpack the food.\u00a0 There was cold chicken and potato salad, boiled eggs and pickles, and a couple of jars of peaches.<\/p>\n

Delci noticed the station master looking over their feast.\u00a0 \u201cWould you care to join us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mind if I do!\u201d the man sat down next to her father.\u00a0 \u201cThe name\u2019s Cooper.\u00a0 Chester Cooper.\u201d<\/p>\n

He shook Ethan\u2019s hand and then reached over the table to shake Adam\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

Another man entered the station.\u00a0 \u201cGot any more grub to spare?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Delci sized up the stranger.\u00a0 He was a young man, covered in dust.\u00a0 The man took off his hat, revealing his thick, curly red hair.\u00a0 Delci could tell through the dirt caked on his face that he was a fair looking fellow, probably cursed with freckles.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose we have enough,\u201d Delci offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just wash the road off my face and be right back,\u201d the young man said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got a name, young fella?\u201d Ethan asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeclan O\u2019Malley,\u201d the man replied.\u00a0 \u201cEverybody just calls me Deke.\u201d<\/p>\n

He closed the door behind him, but Adam decided to follow him out.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be right back,\u201d he put his hat on and closed the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you headed, O\u2019Malley?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked the young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeard they were hiring up at the Ponderosa,\u201d he replied.\u00a0 \u201cThought I\u2019d try my luck up there.\u00a0 You know anything about the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know something about it,\u201d\u00a0 Adam was reserved.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they good people to work for?\u00a0 Do they pay a fair wage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMost people say so.\u201d\u00a0 Adam waited until the young man had shaken the pump water from his head.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are you from?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll tell you,\u201d Deke ran his fingers rigorously through his red hair.\u00a0 \u201cWorked on the railroad until they finished, then I\u2019ve been riding between Utah and Texas and Arizona, looking for steady work with a good boss.\u00a0 Haven\u2019t found a good boss yet, so I\u2019ve kept looking.\u00a0 Heard about the Cartwrights of the Ponderosa being decent folks to work for.\u00a0 You from up that way?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man looked him straight in the eye and he grinned broadly.\u00a0 He reached for Adam\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mr. Adam Cartwright, I am mighty pleased to make your acquaintance!\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke O\u2019Malley\u2019s jovial attitude and vigorous handshake didn\u2019t take Adam by surprise.\u00a0 He only wondered if the boy was sincere.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow old are you?\u201d\u00a0 Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust turned nineteen,\u201d Deke replied.\u00a0 \u201cI may be young, but I\u2019ve been on my own since I was fourteen.\u00a0 I\u2019ll work real hard for you, sir.\u00a0 You can put me to work at anything.\u00a0 I\u2019m a fast learner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you with a gun?\u201d\u00a0 Adam noticed the boy wasn\u2019t carrying one.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll admit, I haven\u2019t got much experience with a pistol,\u201d Deke replied.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019m a good shot with a rifle.\u00a0 I don\u2019t waste many bullets looking for food.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed to the Springfield rifle in his saddle pack.<\/p>\n

Adam motioned for Deke to join them inside.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you can follow along with us to the ranch, and you can talk to Pa about a job when we get there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

When they entered the station house, Adam could see that Delci had divided the provisions into five equal portions.\u00a0 The station manager had even found a couple of cans of beans to add to the meal.\u00a0 He was bringing them over from the stove as the men took their seats.\u00a0 Delci began slicing up a loaf of bread.<\/p>\n

They ate quickly, and while O\u2019Malley readied the horses, Adam helped Ethan back into his bed in the wagon.<\/p>\n

Delci stood back and watched it all. When Adam jumped down from the wagon, Delci came forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, can I ask you something?\u00a0 I didn\u2019t want Papa to hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam led her away from the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat Indian woman\u2026what did she mean about the Donner Party?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam inhaled deeply and thought about how he should answer her.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re familiar with the story of the Donner Party, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout going into details, that Washoe woman was one of the witnesses of what happened there,\u201d Adam told her.\u00a0 \u201cShe was a child when the Donners and Reeds came through the pass and got stuck there.\u00a0 The Washoe witnessed the cannibalism of those who died, and were shocked by it, as was everyone else who heard about it.\u00a0 They believed all white men ate their dead after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci shuddered.\u00a0 \u201cAnd she thought Papa was dying?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, she thinks your Papa will recover soon,\u201d Adam reassured her.\u00a0 \u201cShe meant no disrespect.\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked Delci back to the wagon and helped her up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish now I hadn\u2019t asked!\u201d\u00a0 Delci whispered to him.\u00a0 \u201cNow I\u2019ll be thinking about that all day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope not,\u201d Adam smirked.\u00a0 \u201cThink about going to the Ponderosa tomorrow.\u00a0 We\u2019ll stop there a few days before I take you on to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm,\u201d\u00a0 Delci smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThe Ponderosa.\u00a0 I remember Mama talking about how pretty it was there, and how nice your house is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the sun began to set, they arrived in Carson City.\u00a0 The Warm Springs Hotel was a welcome sight.\u00a0 Adam put O\u2019Malley in charge of taking care of the horses and promised to return soon to help Ethan into the hotel.\u00a0 He wanted to send a telegram to his father and let them know about their progress.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Sam\u201d Adam greeted the clerk as he entered the telegraph office.\u00a0 \u201cAny messages for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u00a0 I\u2019ve been expecting you.\u201d\u00a0 The man found an envelope in one of his slots and handed it to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cSadie will be pleased, if you stop in for coffee later.\u00a0 I think she may have made a chocolate cake, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at the contents and read the message from Pa.\u00a0 \u201cSounds inviting, but I have people traveling with me.\u00a0 Maybe after I get them settled.\u00a0 Oh, and I\u2019ll want to send Pa a reply.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d\u00a0 Sam said.<\/p>\n

Adam picked up a slip and wrote a simple message for Sam to key on his telegraph.<\/p>\n

\u201cArrived Carson City with Fullers.\u00a0 Have boy in tow needing job.\u00a0 Will come straight to Ponderosa tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get it out to Ben right away,\u201d Sam said, as Adam deposited some coins on the counter.<\/p>\n

Adam tipped his hat and left, heading back to the hotel.\u00a0 Delci was waiting.\u00a0 He saw that Ethan was sitting up in his bed, ready for Adam to carry him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d the older man started. \u201cI think I might like to try to walk, if you and that young man would let me lean on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Papa!\u201d\u00a0 Delci clasped her hands, not sure whether to be elated or frightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was in that woman\u2019s tea, I wonder?\u201d\u00a0 Adam said as he helped Ethan out of the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cO\u2019Malley, give us a hand, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan wrapped his arms around each man\u2019s shoulders and made his first attempt in months to walk.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy,\u201d Adam encouraged him.\u00a0 \u201cWe have you, if you get too tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt feels good to be on my own feet,\u201d Ethan\u2019s voice trembled as he struggled to move his legs.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t overdo it, Papa,\u201d Delci warned.<\/p>\n

When they reached the steps to the hotel, Ethan couldn\u2019t lift his legs to climb them and realized he had enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam,\u201d Ethan said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did just fine, sir,\u201d Deke told him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll bet you\u2019ll be dancing at the next social.\u00a0 Grab around my neck and I\u2019ll haul you up them stairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke reached behind him and secured Ethan\u2019s legs in his strong hands and carried him into the hotel.\u00a0 Adam marveled and the boy\u2019s strength as he followed them in.\u00a0 He extended his hand to Delci.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see that, Adam?\u00a0 He\u2019s never tried to walk since his heart attack!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s as if the journey has strengthened him instead of weakening him,\u201d\u00a0 Adam agreed.<\/p>\n

The hotel proprietor recognized Adam and arranged for rooms for the four of them.\u00a0 He arranged for Adam and Deke to move the wagons around the back of the hotel, where they would be safe overnight.\u00a0 There was a barn where the horses could be bedded down in a proper livery stable .<\/p>\n

Adam and Deke left the Fullers in the dining room, and went to lead the horses to the corral to unhitch them from the wagons and see to their needs.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you get this kind of treatment wherever you go?\u201d\u00a0 Deke asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbe Curry has been a family friend for many years,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good town,\u201d\u00a0 Deke went on.\u00a0 \u201cA fine place for a man to find a wife and raise a family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was pleased to hear Deke talk about such things.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there a Catholic church here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCarson City is the state capitol of Nevada,\u201d Adam told him.\u00a0 \u201cYou can find anything here.\u00a0 Virginia City is just as cultured.\u00a0 It\u2019s not like New York City, but we have our own brand of refinement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I plan to work hard and save my pay and set up a nice home where I can bring a wife,\u201d Deke daydreamed.\u00a0 \u201cI want a place where my kids can play in the field and also get a good education.\u00a0 I never had the chance to go to school much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are lofty dreams, Deke\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cMost young men your age aren\u2019t thinking about things like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA family is all I\u2019ve ever wanted, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Deke confided.\u00a0 \u201cI lost my family five years ago.\u00a0 My older brothers died at Fredericksberg, during the war.\u00a0 Small pox epidemic in Boston took my parents and sisters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very sorry for your loss, Deke,\u201d\u00a0 Adam said sincerely.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re done here.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go get some steaks.\u201d<\/p>\n

He slapped the boy on the back and led the way to the hotel dining room.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy the way,\u201d Adam teased.\u00a0 \u201cI hope that red hair doesn\u2019t mean you have a hot temper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m slow to anger, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d\u00a0 Deke admitted.\u00a0 \u201cBut when I do get riled, it\u2019s for a good reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

The first shades of color appeared in the sky as Adam and Deke helped Ethan into the wagon as Delci held her horse\u2019s bridle and spoke softly to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my boy, Strawberry,\u201d Delci\u2019s voice soothed the horse.\u00a0 \u201cJust stand still a little longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStrawberry?\u201d Deke chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cWhy\u2019d you ever name a horse \u2018Strawberry\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a colt, we couldn\u2019t keep him out of the strawberry patch.\u00a0 He\u2019d break out of the corral and nibble them down to the roots.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s a reason,\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n

Delci gave Deke a look that made him realize he needed to walk away, and quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Adam said. \u201cMaybe we can reach the Ponderosa before Hop Sing has supper on the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before long, they had crossed into the Ponderosa land, although it would still be hours before they reached the ranch house, which was closer to Virginia City.\u00a0 Along the way, they observed the Ponderosa\u2019s many ventures in operation.\u00a0 Ranch hands were either mining silver, or falling trees for lumber, or taking care of the large cattle herds that roamed throughout the beautiful land, all of which lay between Lake Tahoe and Washoe Lake, from Carson City to beyond Virginia City.<\/p>\n

Adam would stop occasionally to speak to the foremen and Delci could tell he was happy to be home again.<\/p>\n

Delci looked in on her father now and then.\u00a0 He seemed restless and in pain.\u00a0 Eventually he fell asleep.<\/p>\n

Adam led the wagons to a timber camp at noontime.\u00a0 The men were just coming in for lunch, and the cook was filling bowls with stew.<\/p>\n

Deke came over to help Delci down from the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam sent me to help your father,\u201d\u00a0 Deke told her. \u00a0\u201cHow\u2019s he doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe fell asleep about an hour ago,\u201d Delci replied.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s feeling well.\u00a0 I hate to wake him now.\u00a0 Let\u2019s ask Adam what he thinks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci?\u201d\u00a0 Ethan called weakly from the inside of the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cAre we at the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re just a couple hours away, Mr. Fuller,\u201d Deke said.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re stopped for some lunch and to rest the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Delci?\u201d Ethan reached up his hand, looking for his daughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Papa,\u201d Delci ran to his side.<\/p>\n

Ethan sighed and turned his head, comforted that Delci was near.\u00a0 He closed his eyes again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go get Adam,\u201d Deke was off after Adam before Delci could ask him or even reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa,\u201d Delci stoked her father\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

Ethan swallowed and licked his dry lips.\u00a0 Without opening his eyes, he turned his head towards the sound of her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Delci.\u00a0 It\u2018s all right.\u201d\u00a0 His head dropped and he went to sleep as Adam arrived.<\/p>\n

Adam looked in and saw that Ethan had taken a turn for the worse.\u00a0 Ethan\u2019s face had turned ashen since they left Carson City.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send someone to Virginia City for the doctor,\u201d Adam took charge.\u00a0 \u201cHe can be at the house by the time we arrive.\u00a0 Deke, you drive this wagon after lunch, so Delci can sit with her father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Deke nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll eat as fast as I can.\u00a0 Miss Delci, you just stay right there and I\u2019ll bring you some stew.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke ran to the chuck wagon.\u00a0 Adam slapped the buckboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cCall me, if you need anything,\u201d Adam told her.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be close by.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lunch was over quickly and Adam got the wagons ready for the final leg of the journey.\u00a0 Deke climbed aboard and took the reins.\u00a0 With a snap, the wagon lurched forward toward the road to the Ponderosa house.\u00a0 Their pace was noticeably faster than the previous days\u2019 ride.\u00a0 Delci worried that the jostling would be harder on her father, but she was too anxious to arrive at the house and get her father into a real bed to complain.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish that Washoe woman was still with us,\u201d Delci said to herself.<\/p>\n

Deke looked over his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe picked up a Washoe woman our first day out,\u201d Delci explained.\u00a0 \u201cShe gave Papa some kind of tea made from bark and berries and he perked right up.\u00a0 I wish we had more of that tea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know what was in it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam may remember,\u201d Delci spoke low, trying to hear her father\u2019s breathing.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s real fond of Indian medicine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Chinese are like that, too,\u201d Deke said.\u00a0 \u201cHeard that from some of the Central Pacific boys while I was laying tracks.\u00a0 Said they would use all kinds of roots and stuff for medicines.\u00a0 Adam was telling me about a China man who cooks for them at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Maybe he\u2018ll know something about making medicines?\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci didn\u2019t reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow \u2018bout you?\u201d\u00a0 Deke asked.\u00a0 \u201cYou feelin\u2019 all right?\u00a0 You look rather peaked, yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine, once I know Papa is okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan remained unconscious for the rest of the trip.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Delci!\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci looked in the direction where Deke was pointing and saw the large, log house.\u00a0 It was bigger than she imagined, and every bit as grand.\u00a0 There were men working out front and she heard Adam whistle loudly to get their attention.\u00a0 A man in a green jacket mounted a beautiful Indian pony and rode out to meet them.\u00a0 He stopped to talk with Adam first, then rode back to greet Deke and Delci.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello,\u201d the young man tipped his hat.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m Joe Cartwright, Adam\u2019s youngest brother.\u00a0 We have everything ready for you.\u00a0 The doc hasn\u2019t arrived yet, but we\u2019ll make your father comfortable.\u00a0 How is he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s very weak,\u201d Delci frowned.\u00a0 \u201cHe was fine, until this morning.\u00a0 I think he overdid it yesterday, because he was feeling so well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be Delci,\u201d Joe smiled.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you worry your pretty little head.\u00a0 We\u2019ll take good care of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rode off to join Adam again.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmph!\u201d\u00a0 Deke snorted.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s a bold one with the ladies, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci was too worried about her father to care about what Deke thought.\u00a0 In minutes, the wagons pulled up in front of the house. \u00a0A hefty man in a tall hat came forward and excused himself to Deke, then lifted Ethan out of his pallet as if he weighed nothing at all.\u00a0 Delci marveled at his strength.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was my brother, Hoss,\u201d Adam told her as Deke helped her out of the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you met Little Joe. This is my father, Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 Pa, this is Delci Fuller and Deke O\u2019Malley.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben opened his arms to embrace Delci as any relative might receive her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci, my how you\u2019ve grown up!\u00a0 Why, you were knee high to me, the last time I saw you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci reluctantly accepted his warm welcome.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be tired, my dear, and worried about your father,\u201d\u00a0 Ben continued.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing is already tending to him, making sure he is comfortable.\u00a0 He will see to you as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, does your Mr. Hop Sing know about Chinese medicines?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked up at the young man.\u00a0 \u201cAs a matter of fact, he does.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben extended a hand as Adam led Delci to the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeke, is it?\u201d Ben welcomed the lad.\u00a0 \u201cAdam tells me you\u2019re a good man to have around.\u00a0 Come.\u00a0 Little Joe will see to the horses and wagons.\u00a0 You\u2019re welcome to rest in the bunk house for a little while, and join us later in the house for supper.\u00a0 Hop Sing will ring the bell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m mighty grateful, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d\u00a0 Deke held his hat in his hand.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s all the same, sir, I\u2019m concerned about Miss Fuller and her father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Ben smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll make sure you know everything as soon as we do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inside the house, Hoss and Hop Sing had made Ethan comfortable in one of the rooms upstairs.\u00a0 Hop Sing had brought ginseng tea in a kettle, along with a jar of syrup made from hawthorn berries.\u00a0 With Hoss\u2019s assistance, Hop Sing managed to get a little of the syrup into Ethan\u2019s mouth and then massaged his throat until he swallowed.\u00a0 The tea could wait until he had awakened.\u00a0 Hoss gently laid the sick man onto the pillow and tucked the blankets around him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Papa awake?\u201d\u00a0 Delci ran to the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe feel better soon, Miss,\u201d Hop Sing assured her.\u00a0 \u201cHoss will show you to your room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d Hoss smiled.\u00a0 \u201cOl\u2019 Hop Sing knows a thing or two.\u00a0 He gave your pa some syrup to help him feel better.\u00a0 And Doc Martin will be along soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing picked up another bottle from the table on the side of the bed.\u00a0 Opening the bottle, he placed two drops inside Ethan\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that?\u201d\u00a0 Delci asked, concerned about what Hop Sing was giving her father.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld Chinese remedy.\u00a0 Sheng mai<\/em>,\u201d Hop Sing told her. \u201cVery good medicine for heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing gathered the teapot and medicine bottles, and left the room.\u00a0 Adam passed in front of the door and stopped to look in.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve brought a few of your things,\u201d Adam told her. \u201cI\u2019ll just put them across the hall in this room.\u00a0 How\u2019s your father doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan\u2019s eyes opened, and he tried to focus on Delci.\u00a0 She smiled at her father.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re at Ben Cartwright\u2019s house, now, Papa,\u201d Delci whispered to him.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll be all right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam heard, and motioned for Hoss to leave the room.\u00a0 Adam deposited the carpet bags in the room across the hall and closed both doors, leaving Delci and her father to themselves.<\/p>\n

Before long, Ben arrived with Doctor Martin.\u00a0 Doc Martin greeted Delci and sent her downstairs so he could examine her father.\u00a0 Ben stayed with the doctor.\u00a0 Delci found Adam, Hoss and Little Joe waiting near the bottom of the stairs.\u00a0 They led her to a comfortable chair next to the huge fireplace.<\/p>\n

There was a knock on the door.\u00a0 Joe was closest and answered the knock.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw the doctor arrive,\u201d Deke barged in.\u00a0 \u201cMay I wait with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Adam answered,\u00a0 \u201cDeke, these are my brothers, Hoss and Joe.\u00a0 You met Pa.\u00a0 After things settle down a bit, we\u2019ll talk about what kind of work you can do for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA big, strappin\u2019 Irishman like you could do \u2018most anything he puts his mind to, I reckon,\u201d Hoss shook Deke\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cHow \u2018bout a game of checkers while we wait for the doc?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss brought the young man over to a table near the stairs and set up a checker board.<\/p>\n

Joe turned to Delci.\u00a0 \u201cWould you like me to show you around the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo thank you,\u201d Delci kept her gaze on the landing at the top of the stairs.\u00a0 Joe got the hint and went over to watch his brother and the new man play checkers.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Deke played several games before Ben and Doc Martin came back down again.<\/p>\n

Delci ran to the doctor.\u00a0 \u201cWill he live?\u201d<\/p>\n

Doc Martin gave the girl a reassuring smile.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll live a good long life, if he follows my instructions.\u00a0 Just keep him quiet a few more days.\u00a0 Let him build up his strength slowly.\u00a0 I daresay he\u2019ll be chopping kindling in about a month or so.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor turned to Ben and shook his hand.\u00a0 \u201cBen, I\u2019d sure like to know what Hop Sing put in that syrup.\u00a0 A lot of my patients could benefit from that tincture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I go see him now?\u201d\u00a0 Delci asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes!\u00a0 He\u2019s waiting for you!\u201d\u00a0 Ben waved her on.<\/p>\n

Delci ran up the steps as fast as she could.\u00a0 When she entered her father\u2019s room, she found him propped up with many pillows.\u00a0 Carefully, she embraced her father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was so worried!\u201d<\/p>\n

Her father had little strength to hug her back, but placed his hands behind her.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I wasn\u2019t feeling as well as I thought I was, yesterday.\u00a0 I should have taken it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you should have,\u201d Delci agreed.\u00a0 \u201cBut it was as much my fault for letting you!\u00a0 I was just so excited to see you feeling so well, trying to sit up at the table and even walk again.\u00a0 It was like a miracle, and I hoped you were well again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo did I, child,\u201d\u00a0 her father drew her head to his shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cBut now we know I have to pace myself and not be too quick to get up and move around. But the doctor says I should be able to walk in a couple of weeks, if I\u2019ll just rest for now.\u00a0 He told me to keep taking that Chinese medicine the Cartwright\u2019s cook gave me.\u00a0 It tastes like horse manure, but if it will make me strong again, I\u2019ll take it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, please get stronger, Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben knocked on the door.\u00a0 \u201cMay I come in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d\u00a0 Delci stood up and smoothed her dress.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit, sit!\u201d Ben insisted.\u00a0 \u201cI just want to make sure\u00a0 you have everything you need.\u00a0 We will have supper in a couple of hours.\u00a0 Hop Sing will bring a tray for you, Ethan.\u00a0 Delci, you\u2019ll have time to rest and refresh yourself before then.\u00a0 We must let\u00a0 your father rest now.\u00a0 Let me show you to your room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci didn\u2019t want to leave her father\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine, Delci,\u201d Ethan assured her.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m still a little tired.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to go back to sleep now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Papa,\u201d\u00a0 Delci kissed his forehead.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I\u2019ll be just across the hall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood next to her.\u00a0 \u201cAnd we will all take very good care of both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Delci finally closed the door to her assigned bedroom, she realized how tired she was, and lay down on the bed, falling asleep almost as soon as she hit the pillow.\u00a0 When she awoke, the shadows of evening had fallen.\u00a0 She rose, and felt around for a lamp.\u00a0 Then she looked for matches.\u00a0 She found a small drawer on the side of the lamp\u2019s table, and opened it.\u00a0 Inside she felt the match box and proceeded to light the lamp.\u00a0 As the flame glowed brighter, she looked around the room and saw a pitcher and a bowl, where she could clean up.\u00a0 She also found her bag with a few of her clothes.\u00a0 It was time to change her dress after a few days of riding in a wagon on a dusty trail.<\/p>\n

In no time, Delci had cleaned up as best as she could, and put on her clean dress.\u00a0 She gave her hair a final swipe of her brush and opened the door, then turned back and blew out the lamp.<\/p>\n

Across the hall, she saw that her father was still sleeping quietly.\u00a0 Delci could hear voices downstairs and made her way.\u00a0 One of the voices sounded like a woman\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere she is!\u201d\u00a0 Ben announced as Delci appeared.\u00a0 \u201cI trust you had a pleasant nap.\u00a0 Won\u2019t you join us for supper?\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci tentatively made her way into the room.\u00a0 She was more comfortable with Adam, having known him longer, so she walked toward him.\u00a0 Adam and his brothers were dressed in their Sunday suits, as was Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Only Deke O\u2019Malley was dressed in a flannel shirt and corduroy pants.\u00a0 But it was the first time she had seen him cleaned up.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I introduce Mrs. Emaline Shepard?\u201d\u00a0 Ben introduced the woman standing next to him.\u00a0 \u201cEmaline, this is Miss Delci Fuller.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been looking forward to meeting you, Delci,\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard came forward.\u00a0 \u201cYou and your father.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci stepped back when it seemed as if the woman would embrace her.\u00a0 She felt self-conscious in her plain cotton dress, and simple ribbon tied around her hair in a pony tail.\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard also stepped back, not wanting to frighten her.<\/p>\n

Adam saw Delci\u2019s hesitation.\u00a0 \u201cYou see, Delci, Mrs. Shepard has offered to open her home to you and your father.\u00a0 She has a lovely house in Virginia City, and she is well qualified to nurse your father.\u00a0 Her husband was a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci relaxed.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s very nice to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Shepard.\u00a0 You\u2019re very kind to take us in.\u00a0 I\u2019m just not used to being around a lot of people, much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s quite all right, my dear,\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard held out her hand.\u00a0 \u201cI hope we can become great friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci saw that the woman was very pleasant and sociable.\u00a0 She was an older woman, closer to the age of her father and Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 Her gown was the loveliest dress she ever saw in her life, with fabrics she had never seen before.\u00a0 The woman\u2019s dark hair had traces of silver at the temples, and drawn behind her head, twisted into a roll that curled at the top.\u00a0 A beautiful comb, studded with pearls, held it in place.<\/p>\n

Ben showed the ladies to their table when Hop Sing announced supper was ready.\u00a0 Ben led Mrs. Shepard to his right and Delci to his left. Adam sat beside the woman, and Hoss took his seat next to Delci.\u00a0 Little Joe sat next to him.\u00a0 Deke sat at the end of the table, opposite Ben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing brought the food around, serving the ladies first.\u00a0 \u201cMissy Delci, I take tray to your father shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci couldn\u2019t participate much in the conversation.\u00a0 She\u2019d barely been at the Ponderosa for a day, and knew nothing of Virginia City or the Cartwrights.\u00a0 She knew nothing about timberlines or mining shafts, and even talk of cattle prices seemed over her head.\u00a0 All she could think of was her father.\u00a0 True to his word, she saw Hop Sing take a tray up to her father, and since he had not returned, she wondered if her father was awake, and eating.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci, why don\u2019t you tell me about Lake Topaz,\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard asked her as dessert and coffee was being served.\u00a0 \u201cIs it as beautiful as our own Lake Tahoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, probably not, ma\u2019am.\u201d\u00a0 Delci said.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t have any forests around the lake, like you do up here.\u00a0 Mostly scrub brush.\u00a0 The hills are pretty barren.\u00a0 Good land for cattle, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Adam tells me you ran the ranch all by yourself, since your father took ill,\u201d Mrs. Shepard continued.\u00a0 \u201cThat was very brave of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how brave it was,\u201d Delci admitted.\u00a0 \u201cCouldn\u2019t keep any ranch hands around.\u00a0 The cattle scattered in every direction and if Adam hadn\u2019t come along and hired some men to do it, we wouldn\u2019t have any cattle left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know if things were as bad as that,\u201d Adam smirked.\u00a0 \u201cAll you had to do was bring the cowboys some of your good biscuits and coffee and they would have kept the cattle rounded up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou make good biscuits, Miss Delci?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss was never one to turn down a biscuit.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll say she does,\u201d Adam looked at the morsel of cake on his fork.\u00a0 \u201cMakes good fried chicken and potatoes, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci blushed.\u00a0 \u201cI just made \u2018em the way Mama taught me.\u00a0 Papa never complained.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, that\u2019s wonderful, Delci,\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard smiled as she set her cup back onto her saucer.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps I can count on you to help me in the kitchen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d\u00a0 Delci hardly looked at the older woman.\u00a0 \u201cAny chore you want, I\u2019ll be happy to do, to repay you for nursing my Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to enjoy the company you provide,\u201d Mrs. Shepard picked up the coffee pot.\u00a0 \u201cMore coffee, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Emaline,\u201d\u00a0 Ben held his cup.\u00a0 \u201cYou know, Delci, Mrs. Shepard is very active in town.\u00a0 She sits on many social committees in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow Ben, don\u2019t exaggerate my position in town,\u201d Mrs. Shepard gave him a wink. \u201cI host an occasional tea party.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the occasional quilting party, and the occasional church social, and the occasional recitals,\u201d Ben bragged.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re too modest, Emaline!\u00a0 You do a lot more for Virginia City than you\u2019re willing to take credit for.\u00a0 Shall we take our coffee to the sitting room?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rose from the table and his sons followed suit.\u00a0 Deke rose, following their lead.<\/p>\n

\u201cLadies?\u201d<\/p>\n

He escorted Delci and Mrs. Shepard to the sofa.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Ben, I think Delci and I might like to take a little fresh air,\u201d Mrs. Shepard placed her hand on Delci\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cWould you mind if we left you boys to yourselves for a few minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cLet me get your wraps.\u00a0 Joe, would you fetch Delci\u2018s shawl?\u201d<\/p>\n

The night air felt good on their faces.\u00a0 The starlight twinkled through the tall ponderosa pines for which the ranch was named, and the moon reflected on Lake Tahoe in the distance.\u00a0 Delci\u2019s shawl was rather thin and she shivered a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I share my fur with you?\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard asked.\u00a0 Delci was too proud to accept.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard kept walking.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose it\u2019s a little frightening to be in a new place, around people you don\u2019t know.\u00a0 And with your father sick upstairs.\u00a0 It must be quite lonely for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome,\u201d Delci admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI wish I wasn\u2019t so shy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, shyness is nothing to worry about,\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard assured her.\u00a0 \u201cWe all go through shyness when we\u2019re young.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t you have friends in Lake Topaz?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not really,\u201d Delci told her.\u00a0 \u201cWe stayed at the ranch, most times.\u00a0 Mama schooled me herself, until she died.\u00a0 We only went to town once a month or two, for supplies and to maybe go to church.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have several marvelous schools in Virginia City,\u201d Emaline told her.\u00a0 She noticed the girl stared at the ground and didn\u2019t respond to the idea of school.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, if you\u2019d prefer, I could continue your studies at my home.\u00a0 Help you to catch up with the other young people in town, so you won\u2018t feel left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci brushed a strand of hair from her face.\u00a0 \u201cWill I be able to keep my horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

Emaline put her arm across Delci\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, of course you may.\u00a0 There is a livery close by, and you may ride your horse every day, if you like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, ma\u2019am,\u201d\u00a0 Delci\u2019s voice still lacked enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u201dYou know, I\u2019ve never had children of my own,\u201d Emaline confided.\u00a0 \u201cI would love to take you shopping and buy you some new clothes and things to make you feel more confident about yourself.\u00a0 Nothing builds a woman\u2019s confidence like a new dress and hat.\u00a0 And nothing would please me more than to spoil you a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci finally looked up at the woman and gave her a half-hearted smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that would please Papa, too,\u201d Delci replied.\u00a0 \u201cHe always said he wished I could have pretty things like other girls my age.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen his wishes shall be fulfilled,\u201d Emaline insisted, patting her on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll buy you lots and lots of pretty things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, ma\u2019am,\u201d\u00a0 Delci said, almost excited by the idea.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019d be happy without new things.\u00a0 Just knowing my father has a chance to be himself again, is all I need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, your father will be well enough one day,\u201d Emaline assured her.\u00a0 \u201cDoctor Martin said he will make a full recovery in a few months.\u00a0 You can help me nurse him back to health.\u00a0 I\u2019ll teach you everything you need to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mrs. Shepard,\u201d Delci hugged her.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s all I really want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we go back in the house, then?\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t want the Cartwrights to think we\u2019ve been taken by a wild beast!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben greeted them at the door.\u00a0 \u201cWe were just wondering if you had gotten lost.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a chance, Ben!\u201d\u00a0 Emaline smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs it\u2019s getting late, you\u2019re welcome to stay here for the night,\u201d Ben closed the door behind the ladies.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take you up on your offer, Ben,\u201d\u00a0 Emaline removed her fur cape and draped it across the sofa.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, fine,\u201d\u00a0 Ben headed toward the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get Hop Sing to prepare a room for you.\u00a0 Little Joe, you won\u2019t mind bunking with one of your brothers, will you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The look on Joe\u2019s face belied his answer.\u00a0 \u201cNo, no, Pa.\u00a0 Not at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe glanced at his two older brothers, both of whom looked away and pretended to be deeply interested in other things.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just collect a few things,\u201d Joe added, and followed his father up the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go check on Papa,\u201d Delci excused herself and followed after Joe.<\/p>\n

Delci walked into her father\u2019s room.\u00a0 He smiled when he saw her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try to sit up, Papa!\u201d\u00a0 Delci fretted.\u00a0 \u201cYou do what the doctor says, so you can get well again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Delci, don\u2019t fuss, child!\u201d\u00a0 Her father answered meekly.\u00a0 \u201cThe medicine is doing what it\u2019s supposed to do.\u00a0 I promise I won\u2019t get up too soon, but I can sit up for a minute and talk with my little girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took stock in her appearance.\u00a0 \u201cOnly you\u2019re not a little girl any more, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached out both hands to her.\u00a0 \u201cCome sit down, Delci, and tell me what\u2019s on your mind tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI met Mrs. Shepard\u2026Emaline Shepard\u2026the lady we\u2019re going to be staying with in Virginia City.\u00a0 She\u2019s a widow woman.\u00a0 Her husband was a doctor and she was a nurse.\u00a0 She\u2019s going to teach me how to nurse you, Papa, and take me shopping, and teach me schooling, like Mama used to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad,\u201d Ethan smiled and patted his daughter\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cYou need a woman like her to help you be the young lady your mother and I always dreamed you\u2019d be.\u00a0 Tell me more about Mrs. Shepard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she is a pretty woman, for someone that old, although she doesn\u2019t have all that much gray hair, I suppose.\u00a0 And she wore the fanciest dress I ever did see!\u00a0 I think I\u2019ll like her very much.\u00a0 She seems very kind.\u00a0 I just didn\u2019t know how to act around such a fine lady like her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll get used to it, Delci,\u201d her father encouraged her.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a good girl, and you\u2019ll make a fine lady yourself, when you\u2019re all grown up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan pulled Delci into his arms and held her close.\u00a0 She could feel his strength returning to him through his embrace.\u00a0 She hugged him as tightly as she dared without hurting him.\u00a0 Then she let him go.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d better let you get back to sleep, Papa,\u201d\u00a0 Delci fluffed his pillows.\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Shepard is staying the night, so I\u2019ll bring her in to meet you in the morning, before she leaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

During breakfast the next morning, Mrs. Shepard and Delci were the only two people at the table.\u00a0 Hop Sing explained that the men had already eaten and gone to work around the ranch.\u00a0 He told Mrs. Shepard that her carriage was ready to go back to Virginia City whenever she decided to leave.<\/p>\n

Delci expressed hope that Mrs. Shepard would not leave before meeting her father.\u00a0 Emaline eagerly agreed to meet him.\u00a0 She delicately wiped her mouth and set her napkin on the table.\u00a0 Delci noticed the woman\u2019s actions and copied her.\u00a0 Then they both rose from the table and walked up the stairs together.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you do, Mr. Fuller,\u201d Emaline smiled at the invalid.\u00a0 \u201cI do hope you won\u2019t mind how I look.\u00a0 I hadn\u2019t intended to stay the night.\u00a0 I usually don\u2019t dress this formally in the daytime.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lovelier than Delci said you were,\u201d Ethan gushed.\u00a0 \u201cExcuse me, ma\u2019am. I didn\u2019t mean to be so forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan pulled his covers up to his chin, embarrassed by his outburst, and his own appearance.<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense, and I thank you for the compliment,\u201d\u00a0 Emaline said.\u00a0 \u201cAre you comfortable?\u00a0 Is there anything you\u2019ll need, once we move you to my house?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just grateful for your hospitality, Mrs. Shepard,\u201d\u00a0 Ethan said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I promise you, once I\u2019m well enough, I\u2019ll repay you for all you\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emaline shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cI shall be glad for the company.\u00a0 It\u2019s been very lonely for me since my husband died.\u00a0 The big house is very empty and quiet.\u00a0 I shall look forward to its being filled with noisy young people.\u00a0 I\u2018ll see you in a few days, when Dr. Martin feels it\u2018s safe for you to travel again.\u00a0 If Delci would like to, she may come early to help me get the house ready for your arrival.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t want to leave Papa here by himself,\u201d\u00a0 Delci really wanted to go with Mrs. Shepard and see Virginia City, after hearing so much about it from the Cartwrights.\u00a0 Ethan could tell it in her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be by myself,\u201d Ethan said.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, Ben and I are old friends, and he and his sons are plenty company for me.\u00a0 You go on, and enjoy yourself.\u00a0 That will help me get better much sooner!\u00a0 Go on, get your things and go with Mrs. Shepard this morning.\u00a0 You\u2018ll see.\u00a0 I\u2018ll be there in no time, to see what you ladies are up to.\u00a0 Shoo!\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci felt a tear running down cheek.\u00a0 \u201cDo you really want me to go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want me to get well quickly, don\u2019t you?\u00a0 Not having you here will make me want to get better faster, so I can get back to you that much sooner.\u00a0 Go on, now, and promise me you\u2019ll have a good time!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Papa,\u201d\u00a0 Delci cried as she kissed his cheek.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll miss you terribly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you go downstairs, and let me get acquainted with Mrs. Shepard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Delci turned and slowly left the room, looking over her shoulder several times before exiting the room.<\/p>\n

Emaline sat down in the chair beside Ethan\u2019s bed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat would you like to know about me, Mr. Fuller.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see you\u2019re a woman of the world,\u201d Ethan observed.\u00a0 \u201cBut Delci has lived on a farm with hardly anyone around us but her mother and me.\u00a0 She\u2019s very shy.\u00a0 She\u2019s a smart girl, and willing to learn, but you\u2019ll have to be patient with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Emaline replied.\u00a0 \u201cIs there anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Ben Cartwright has faith in you,\u201d Ethan said.\u00a0 \u201c\u2026then so do I.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen has been a friend of my husband and mine for many years,\u201d Emaline explained.\u00a0 \u201cMy husband grew up with Ben in Boston, and ten years ago, Ben invited us to move to Virginia City, to set up his medical practice.\u00a0 Unfortunately, William had a severe stroke, and passed away last year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very sorry for your loss, ma\u2019am,\u201d\u00a0 Ethan said.\u00a0 \u201cIf I didn\u2019t have Delci, when my wife died, I might have given up on life, myself.\u00a0 I live for her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emaline rose from her chair.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take good care of her, Mr. Fuller.\u00a0 That\u2019s a promise.\u00a0 You take care of yourself, and we\u2019ll see you in a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr sooner,\u201d Ethan called after her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI look forward to it,\u201d\u00a0 Emaline smiled and closed the door.<\/p>\n

With the door closed once again, Ethan settled back in his bed.\u00a0 He knew it was the right thing for Delci, but it would be the first time they had ever been separated since the day she was born.\u00a0 Tears welled up in his eyes as he thought about that.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing helped the ladies into the barouche, but Delci jumped out again.\u00a0 She had to say goodbye to her father one last time, and make sure he was going to be all right without her.\u00a0 Hop Sing followed her in, remaining at the bottom of the stairs, until she had satisfied herself that she was doing the right thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou not worry about Mr. Fuller,\u201d Hop Sing comforted Delci.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing and Cartwrights take good care of him.\u00a0 You go, stay with lady in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci nodded and followed him back to the carriage.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you ready, my dear?\u201d\u00a0 Emaline held her hand out to the girl.\u00a0 Delci climbed up into the barouche and Emaline snapped the reins.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have two hours\u2019 drive until we reach Virginia City,\u201d Emaline informed Delci.\u00a0 \u201cWhat shall we talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if I\u2019ll be very good company, Mrs.Shepard,\u201d\u00a0 Delci wiped a tear from her cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, then,\u201d\u00a0 Emaline looked down the road ahead, leaving Delci to her own thoughts.\u00a0 She knew time would take care of all of Delci\u2019s troubles.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are several churches in town, and an opera house.\u201d\u00a0 Emaline told her as they neared the end of their journey.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact, Edwin Booth will be here next month to perform Hamlet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci remained quiet.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no idea what I\u2019m talking about, do you, Delci?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind,\u201d Emaline said as the road veered to the north and Virginia City came into view.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll find out, soon enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

They passed a church and a few shops and businesses before Emaline turned the barouche to the left.\u00a0 After a couple more blocks, she turned left again and soon stopped in front of a large, ornately designed house.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re home!\u201d\u00a0 Emaline announced.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you\u2019ll like it here.\u00a0 Tomorrow, I\u2019ll take you on a tour of the town.\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d Ben carried a dinner tray in to Ethan.<\/p>\n

\u201cMighty tired of being in this bed, Ben,\u201d Ethan sighed.\u00a0 \u201cWhen did Doc Martin say I could go downstairs and eat at the table like a grown man again?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cAt least, you have your humor back!\u00a0 How about if we arrange for you to sleep in the extra room downstairs?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that!\u201d\u00a0 Ethan smiled as Ben set the tray on his lap and removed the napkins.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid we can\u2019t do much about the food for now,\u201d Ben\u2019s brow furrowed.\u00a0 \u201cDoctor\u2019s orders\u2026no heavy foods and no salt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan made a disagreeable sound and tucked the napkin in his bed shirt.
\n\u201cAin\u2019t there even a piece of meat in this soup?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grimaced.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 Nor butter or cream.\u00a0 Just\u2026.vegetables.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan took a bite of bread.\u00a0 \u201cAt least the bread is tasty.\u00a0 Oh, I don\u2019t mean to sound ungrateful, Ben.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t like being cooped up in bed, is all.\u00a0 And I miss Delci something awful.\u00a0 We\u2019ve never been apart, you see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Ben nodded.\u00a0 The boys and I will be up after dinner and move you downstairs.\u00a0 Mind you, you\u2019re not to climb any stairs or do any walking around the ranch, but maybe you can walk from your bed to the table at mealtimes.\u00a0 Maybe even sit up for a game of checkers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be a comfort, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou finish your soup,\u201d Ben told him.\u00a0 \u201cThen we\u2019ll help you over to the chair and move your things downstairs.\u00a0 Mind you, the accommodations won\u2019t be as fancy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind about that,\u201d Ethan smiled after he slurped down a spoonful of soup.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d just as soon sleep on the sofa as to be alone up here all day and night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded again and left the man.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing was bringing a plate full of ham to the table when Ben entered the dining room.\u00a0 Adam, Hoss and Joe were already seated at the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, we\u2019ve got a little job to do after supper,\u201d Bed started to tell his sons about the plan to move Ethan downstairs, but a knock at the door interrupted him.\u00a0 Ben walked over and opened the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvenin\u2019 Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Deke stood there, hat in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, Deke?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just wonderin\u2019 how Mr. Fuller is doing this evening?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in,\u201d Ben invited him.\u00a0 \u201cWill you join us for supper?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, sir, I didn\u2019t come to barge in on your supper,\u201d Deke said with embarrassment.\u00a0 \u201cI can come back later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d Ben marshaled Deke into the house.\u00a0 \u201cHave a seat.\u00a0 You can help us afterwards.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the two sat at the table, Ben continued his earlier thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cEthan is mighty lonely upstairs, and so we\u2019re going to move him into the little room here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pointed to the door behind Adam\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing smiled.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Ben should have thought of that before.\u00a0 Now Hop Sing no have to keep going upstairs and downstairs, and upstairs and downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben cleared his throat.\u00a0 \u201cBut before, we had Delci here, and I thought it best to keep the Fullers close to each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI make bed after eat supper,\u201d Hop Sing said.\u00a0 He returned to the kitchen and brought out a bowl of boiled cabbage and a plate of cornbread.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you and I will help Ethan down the stairs.\u00a0 Joseph, you and Deke bring down his personal effects.\u00a0 Adam, you make sure Ethan has a few interesting books to read while we\u2019re working.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boys all nodded as they filled their plates with food.\u00a0 Soon enough, the food was eaten and the table cleared, and everyone got up to attend to their tasks.<\/p>\n

Ethan was allowed to sit up in the living room with the men for nearly an hour, chatting about the day\u2019s work, before he tired and Hoss carried him to bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, don\u2019t we have a wheelchair lying around somewhere?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Adam stroked his chin.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I think we gave that away to someone a long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could ride into town and see if I could get one for Mr. Fuller,\u201d Deke offered.\u00a0 \u201cThat is, if it\u2019s all right with Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s a fine idea, Deke,\u201d Ben slapped him fatherly on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cAnd while you\u2019re in town, you could let Delci know her father is showing signs of improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam chimed in.\u00a0 \u201cWhile you\u2019re in town, you could pick up some supplies for the ranch.\u00a0 We\u2019ll give you a list, and a letter of introduction for the shop keepers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI go with boy,\u201d Hop Sing said.\u00a0 \u201cI need to pick up things in Chinatown.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can leave after breakfast,\u201d Ben told them.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll eat at sun-up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you in the morning, then, sir,\u201d Deke headed for the door.\u00a0 \u201cGood night, Adam, Joe, Hoss, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the morning, Ben handed Deke an envelope with the list of supplies and letter to show the shop keepers that Deke was with the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell them to put everything on my account,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cYou might want to visit Delci and Mrs. Shepard first, before you load the wagon.\u00a0 It\u2019s a steep road where Mrs. Shepard\u2019s house is located.\u00a0 Hop Sing knows where it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Deke tucked the envelope inside his shirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe go now,\u201d Hop Sing climbed into the wagon and took the reins.\u00a0 Deke clambered aboard beside him and the horses trotted off.\u00a0 Ben watched them leave, then returned to the house as his sons came out to mount their own horses and ride off to do their chores for the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay out of trouble, boys,\u201d Ben warned them, as was his habit.<\/p>\n

Joe chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat means you, Joe,\u201d Adam teased his younger brother.\u00a0 He patted his horse on the neck.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Sport.\u00a0 We have work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s chestnut stallion took off in a light gallop, and Joe followed after on his painted pony.\u00a0 Hoss shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo telling, if that boy will lead us into mischief today, or not!\u201d\u00a0 He muttered.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stores had already opened by the time Deke and Hop Sing arrived in Virginia City.\u00a0 Hop Sing pulled up in front of a shop with a sign that said \u201cGillig\u2019s Hardware, John Gillig, proprietor.\u00a0 Established 1860.\u201d\u00a0 The men climbed down off the wagon and Hop Sing tied the reins to the hitching post.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou go see Mr. Gillig,\u201d Hop Sing ordered the young man. \u201cShow letter and list.\u00a0 Tell him you be back soon.\u00a0 Then you go to number twelve, A street.\u00a0 Find Missy Delci and Mrs. Shepard.\u00a0 I go to Chinatown.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing pointed east.\u00a0 \u201cI come back one hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere will I find A Street?\u201d Deke asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis street, C Street,\u201d Hop Sing explained.\u00a0 He pointed west.\u00a0 \u201cNext street, B Street.\u00a0 A Street after that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke nodded, and the men parted.\u00a0 Deke went into the hardware store and introduced himself to the owner.\u00a0 He pulled out the envelope and displayed the letter and list of supplies.\u00a0 Mr. Gillig nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back in a bit to pick these things up,\u201d Deke told him as he tucked the envelope back in his shirt. \u201cI have an important errand to take care of, first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke exited the store and walked past a couple more shops on his way to the corner.\u00a0 He found A Street, and looked at the numbers on the building to find Number Twelve.\u00a0 Standing in front of the pretty blue house with its white spindles and trims, he couldn\u2019t help but admire its beauty.\u00a0 Upon closer inspection, he discovered some of the trim needed mending.<\/p>\n

Deke knocked on the door, but there was no answer.\u00a0 He had no extra paper on him, and certainly no pencil, to write a note.\u00a0 Perhaps he would run into them in town?<\/p>\n

\u201c\u201dS\u2019cuse me, ma\u2019am,\u201d Deke approached a woman walking toward town.\u00a0 \u201cCould you tell me where I might find Mrs. Shepard?\u00a0 I have a message for her from Mr. Cartwright of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYoung man, just parade up and down C Street,\u201d the old woman told him.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re sure to run into her at one of the shops.\u00a0 Just look for a fancy barouche.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course!\u201d Deke remembered Mrs. Shepard\u2019s barouche.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n

He tipped his hat and ran down the hill to the corner, finding his way back to C Street.\u00a0 He looked up and down the road and spotted the barouche and the black mare just a block away.\u00a0 As he made his way down the road, he passed by a saloon.\u00a0 A girl in a fancy costume was smoking a cigarette with her foot propped up on the water trough in the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, there, Sugar,\u201d the woman purred at him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s your hurry?\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke ignored her and pressed on to find Mrs. Shepard and Delci.\u00a0 As he reached Cohen and Isaacs\u2019 Clothing Store, he reached for the door, then realized Mrs. Shepard and Delci were about to leave, their arms full of packages.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me help you, ma\u2019am!\u201d\u00a0 Deke began to take the packages from the ladies and help them to the barouche.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy goodness, Mr. O\u2018Malley,\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYou arrived just in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Deke,\u201d Delci bubbled. \u201cDo you have news about my father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn fact, that\u2019s why I came to town,\u201d\u00a0 Deke deposited the packages in the back of the barouche.\u00a0 \u201cYour father is well enough to sit up some.\u00a0 We moved him downstairs, so he could eat at the table and sit company with the Cartwrights.\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright sent me to fetch him a wheelchair, so he can move around easier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDeke, I know just where you may find one,\u201d Mrs. Shepard said.\u00a0 \u201cMy husband used a wheel chair, just after his stroke.\u00a0 He only used it a month before he died.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you take it?<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am, thank you ma\u2019am,\u201d Deke nodded. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019ll come pick it up.
\n\u201cOh, I think we can squeeze you in this carriage,\u201d Mrs. Shepard said.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t mind, do you, Delci?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Delci said half-heartedly.\u00a0 Then she became animated.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you like my new hat, Deke?\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard bought it for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke noticed that Delci\u2019s hair had been swept up in a French twist under the fancy new bonnet.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look mighty pretty, Miss Delci,\u201d Deke said.\u00a0 \u201cAll grown up.\u00a0 Your father won\u2019t recognize you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci sat back and felt pleased with herself.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Shepard made small talk as the mare pulled the carriage back to the Eastlake styled mansion she called home.\u00a0 Deke helped the ladies with the packages and Mrs. Shepard invited Deke inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust for a minute or two,\u201d Deke said.\u00a0 \u201cJust show me where the wheel chair is.\u00a0 I\u2019ll need to be on my way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s right here in this closet,\u201d Mrs. Shepard opened a door and Deke pulled out the bulky chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, ma\u2019am,\u201d Deke said as he wheeled the chair toward the door.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Fuller will enjoy using this.\u00a0 By the way, ma\u2019am.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t help but notice, when I was here looking for you earlier, that you need some woodwork done on your porch trim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019ve been neglecting some of the chores around here,\u201d Mrs. Shepard admitted.\u00a0 \u201cMy husband usually took care of those sorts of things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019d be of a mind to it, I\u2019ll be glad to fix it for you,\u201d Deke offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I would pay you, of course,\u201d Mrs. Shepard said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t thinking about that, Mrs. Shepard,\u201d Deke looked down and shuffled his feet.\u00a0 \u201cI just thought it would be a way to repay you for all you\u2019re doing for the Fullers.\u00a0 I\u2019ll have to come when my work is done at the Ponderosa, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Mrs. Shepard agreed.\u00a0 \u201cBut a workman is worthy of his hire, so I insist on paying you.\u00a0 Delci is already a big help to me here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke nodded and picked up the chair, throwing it behind his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll come in a few days, then,\u201d\u00a0 Deke said, as he left.<\/p>\n

Delci stood at the door and watched him leave.\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard waved at him from the porch step.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a fine young man,\u201d Mrs. Shepard proclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you think so, Delci?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s all right,\u201d Delci turned away and went to open her packages.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDidja see Delci, boy?\u201d Ethan asked eagerly from Ben\u2018s chair by the fireplace.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Deke answered as he set Hop Sing\u2019s groceries on the table.\u00a0 \u201cShe got her some new duds, and looked real pretty.\u00a0 You wouldn\u2019t know her, she looks so grown up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine,\u201d\u00a0 Ethan leaned back and relaxed.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what I wanted for her.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t good for her to be dressed like a boy, doing a boy\u2019s work out on the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Shepard has a huge house in town,\u201d Deke added.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll tell you all about it when I bring the rest of the supplies in.\u00a0 Got you a wheel chair, too!\u00a0 Now, don\u2018t you try to stand up, Mr. Fuller.\u00a0 You sit right back and let us handle everything.\u00a0 Won\u2018t be but a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke was unloading the wheel chair as the Cartwrights rode up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Deke, I see you found everything just fine,\u201d Ben said, as Joe hopped from his horse and helped Deke with the awkward chair.<\/p>\n

The other Cartwrights dismounted, and while Hoss tended to the horses, Adam and Ben helped Hop Sing carry in the remaining supplies.\u00a0 Deke and Joe carried the wheel chair into the house and set it in front of Ethan.<\/p>\n

Ben put down his parcel on the floor.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you think, Ethan?\u00a0 Would you like to give it a try?\u00a0 The boys could build a ramp tomorrow so you can get outside into the fresh air.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be glad to build it, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Deke volunteered.\u00a0 \u201cIf you don\u2019t need me out on the range tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we could spare you,\u201d\u00a0 Ben nodded.<\/p>\n

Adam came forward.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s some lumber behind the barn under some canvas.\u00a0 You\u2019ll find everything you need in the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Hoss slapped at the dust on his pants with his hat, before coming in to the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you think we could make some sandwiches with the ham left over from last night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt there\u2019s any ham left from last night, brother,\u201d Joe laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing have cold chicken for Mr. Hoss.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 The Chinese man carried his bundle into the kitchen to prepare lunch.<\/p>\n

Adam hung his hat on the rack.\u00a0 \u201cI wonder what the rest of us will eat?\u201d\u00a0 he joked.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss jumped three black discs on the checkerboard.\u00a0 \u201cKing me, little brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you\u2026\u201d Joe scratched his head.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that\u2019s the end of that game.\u00a0 Ethan, you want another turn?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think I\u2019d better turn in,\u201d Ethan wheeled his chair toward his room.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t bother getting up.\u00a0 I can manage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re here, if you need us,\u201d Ben called after him.\u00a0 \u201cGood night, Ethan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be going, too, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Deke said, picking up his hat.\u00a0 \u201cAnd thanks for the advice about fixing Mrs. Shepard\u2018s trim, Adam.\u00a0 I really appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me know if you run into any trouble, Deke,\u201d Adam shook his hand.<\/p>\n

Deke left the house and went to the bunk house.\u00a0 Ben closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that all about?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked his oldest son.\u00a0 \u201cWhat kind of trouble were you referring to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing to worry about, Pa,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cHe offered to help Mrs. Shepard repair some trim, and Deke worried that he might not be skilled enough to mend some of the intricate woodwork.\u00a0 I merely explained a few tricks he could use.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s helping us, he\u2019s helping the Fullers, and now he\u2019s helping Mrs. Shepard.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be wearing himself pretty thin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn case you haven\u2019t noticed, Pa,\u201d Adam intimated.\u00a0 \u201cDeclan O\u2019Malley has only one person on his mind to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shoved the box of checkers into the cabinet.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I had better bow out of the competition, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI guess you\u2019d better.\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I won\u2019t know how to talk to these girls,\u201d Delci protested as Emaline tightened the new corset.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ve all gone to school.\u00a0 They\u2019re smarter than me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be fine, Delci,\u201d Emaline encouraged her.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what\u2026if there is anything you don\u2019t understand, just smile and sip your tea, and I\u2019ll change the subject.\u00a0 We can talk about it afterwards and I can explain it to you after the girls have gone home.\u00a0 Will that make you feel more comfortable?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d Emaline lifted Delci\u2019s new dress off the bed.\u00a0 \u201cPut this on, and you\u2019ll feel more confident.\u201d<\/p>\n

She slipped the lavender silk over Delci\u2019s head and helped her button it up in front.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake a look.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci turned around and looked in the mirror.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s you!\u201d\u00a0 Emaline squeezed her shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re just as beautiful as any of the girls who will be here today.\u00a0 You have nothing to be afraid of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci studied herself in the mirror.\u00a0 Her auburn hair was brushed until it shimmered in the light, and twisted into a neat roll at the back of her head.\u00a0 Here she was, smelling of French perfumed soap, and wearing an expensive tea gown, with corded lace, ruffles and peplum.\u00a0 Before this week, she hadn\u2019t even known what a peplum was.\u00a0 She looked so grown up.\u00a0 When had she become a young woman?\u00a0 The tomboy had completely disappeared.\u00a0 It frightened her a little.\u00a0 She didn\u2019t know this girl she was becoming.<\/p>\n

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts and Emaline hurried her down the stairs.<\/p>\n

The tea party was about to begin.\u00a0 Delci took a deep breath as Emaline introduced each girl in turn.<\/p>\n

Minnie Barker sat to her left.\u00a0 She was the chattiest of the group.\u00a0 Her dangling, chestnut curls draped the back of her neck like unfurled ribbons.\u00a0 They bounced when she moved her head, which was frequently.\u00a0 Her energy overwhelmed Delci.<\/p>\n

Lydia Evans sat to her right.\u00a0 She giggled at all of Minnie\u2019s jokes.\u00a0 Delci surmised that Lydia and Minnie were best friends.\u00a0 Her blonde locks were piled up in a bun on top of her head, with little tendrils of tight curls framing her face.<\/p>\n

Emaline sat directly across from Delci, monitoring the conversation for any areas that Delci might feel out of her element.\u00a0 The raven haired girl to her right, Samantha Bertrand, seemed preoccupied with the cakes and cookies, trying to be discreet about stuffing another petit four into her mouth.<\/p>\n

But Delci noticed the fourth girl was just as quiet as Delci.\u00a0 Her name was Adelia Mullins.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you lived in Virginia City, Adelia,\u201d Delci spoke up, surprising herself, but suspecting she already knew the answer.<\/p>\n

Minnie decided to answer for her.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adelia just moved to Virginia City.\u00a0 Her father just struck it rich just last year.\u00a0 Before that, they lived in a dugout.\u201d<\/p>\n

Minnie emphasized the word, \u201cdugout\u201d with an insolent tone and Lydia muffled a giggle.<\/p>\n

Samantha acted shocked by Minnie\u2019s disclosure.\u00a0 Adelia quietly excused herself and left the room.\u00a0 Delci was appalled by Minnie\u2019s rudeness and turned to Mrs. Shepard for help.<\/p>\n

Emaline stood up.\u00a0 Delci followed her lead and rose from her seat as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ladies, Delci and I have enjoyed your company.\u00a0 Look how the time has passed us by.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure your mothers will be looking for your return home.\u00a0 Shall I see you to the door?\u201d<\/p>\n

Minnie seemed unperturbed that her boorish outburst had interrupted their lovely party, but she obviously felt the sting of Mrs. Shepard\u2019s subtle reprimand.\u00a0 Delci heard the girl utter a private word to Lydia as they gathered their shawls and hats.\u00a0 Adelia and Emaline had retreated to the hallway and Delci could see that Adelia had been crying.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for a lovely party,\u201d Samantha leaned in close to Delci so the others couldn\u2019t hear her.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t mind Minnie.\u00a0 She\u2019s really not as snobby as all that.\u00a0 She just likes to be the center of attention.\u00a0 But she has a good heart. \u00a0She really does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNice to meet you, Delci,\u201d Lydia\u2019s handshake was a bit weak and insincere.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps we\u2019ll see you at church?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Delci managed an equally weak smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very lucky to be living with Mrs. Shepard,\u201d Minnie stated.\u00a0 \u201cShe knows all the right people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd maybe a few of the wrong ones?\u201d Delci suggested acidly.<\/p>\n

Minnie\u2019s eyes widened.\u00a0 \u201cGood day, Delci.\u201d\u00a0 The three girls left together and, as Delci closed the door, she could hear Minnie talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear what she said to me?\u00a0 Why, I never!\u00a0 What do you think she meant by that?\u00a0 Could she have been talking about me?\u00a0 The nerve!\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci didn\u2019t care what Minnie thought of her.\u00a0 She turned her attention to Adelia.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so glad you came, Adelia,\u201d Delci gave her a hug.\u00a0 \u201cI hope we can be good friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019d like that,\u201d Adelia smiled.\u00a0 \u201cMay I come again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny time you\u2019d like,\u201d Delci looked at Emaline.\u00a0 \u201cIf that\u2019s all right with you, Mrs. Shepard?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, of course!\u201d\u00a0 Emaline helped Adelia with her shawl.\u00a0 \u201cAnd do ask your mother to visit as well.\u00a0 We\u2019d be very pleased if you\u2019d both visit often.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adelia departed, feeling better and happier than she had all afternoon.\u00a0 Emaline and Delci waved from the porch as the girl walked toward her own house.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci, you showed good disposition this afternoon,\u201d Emaline complimented her.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m very proud of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did that girl have to be so mean?\u00a0 I suppose she thinks I\u2019m just as backward as she thinks Adelia is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not backward,\u201d Emaline reminded her.\u00a0 \u201cA person\u2019s character is measured on how they treat the poor and weak.\u00a0\u00a0 You showed you\u2019re worth a great deal more than silly girls who have always lived in luxury and privilege.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci blushed.\u00a0 \u201cWould it be unkind for you to tell me more about Adelia?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps you should let Adelia tell her own story.\u00a0 Friendship builds on discovery, and that can be a gift.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci saw the wisdom of her benefactor\u2019s words.\u00a0 She gave Emaline a hug after they went back into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you so much for everything!\u201d\u00a0 Delci cried tears of happiness.\u00a0 \u201cI wish my mother could have known you.\u00a0 You remind me of her in so many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad,\u201d Emaline held the girl close to her bosom.\u00a0 \u201cI wish I could have known her, too.\u00a0 And you remind me so much of myself when I was a girl.\u00a0 You even make me feel young again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emaline stroked a few loose strands of hair out of Delci\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cShall we tidy up?\u00a0 We\u2019ve been invited to the Prescotts\u2019 for supper this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci wasn\u2019t sure she was ready for more social activity, but she helped Emaline clear away the china and leftover pastries.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrudy will take care of the dishes in the morning,\u201d Emaline wiped her hands.\u00a0 \u201cNow, let\u2019s put on our evening clothes.\u00a0 The carriage will be here in an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy can\u2019t we just wear what we have on?\u201d Delci asked.\u00a0 \u201cThis is the prettiest dress I\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it\u2019s very pretty, and it looks lovely on you, my dear,\u201d Emaline said, \u201cBut when one is invited to an evening supper at the home of one of the more prestigious families, one is expected to dress a little more formally.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome with me, Delci,\u201d\u00a0 Emaline led her up the stairs and into her own bedroom.<\/p>\n

Laying across the bed were two taffeta gowns.\u00a0 One was a copper colored taffeta with brown lace ruffles tiered around the hem and sleeves.\u00a0 The other was also taffeta, the color of a bright blue sky.\u00a0 There was a bustle in the back from which pink silk flowers descended to the hem.\u00a0 A blue ruffle went around the squared neckline and the edge of the puffy, short sleeves.\u00a0 Delci picked it up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the prettiest thing I ever did see!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s yours, Delci,\u201d Emaline told her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, ma\u2019am, Mrs. Shepard!\u00a0 I can\u2019t possibly accept any more gifts like this.\u00a0 You\u2019ve already done too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci threw the gown back onto the bed and turned to run out of the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci!\u201d Emaline called after her.\u00a0 \u201cPlease don\u2019t run away.\u00a0 Delci!\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci ran down the stairs and out the front door. She became confused about what to do next.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci, please listen to me,\u201d Emaline pleaded.\u00a0 \u201cPlease come in and sit down.\u00a0 I must talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci hesitated, and against her better judgment, followed Emaline back into the front parlor.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Shepard, my father and I can\u2019t possibly repay you for all these things you\u2019re buying,\u201d Delci spoke before Emaline could confuse her any more.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not asking for repayment, Delci,\u201d Emaline\u2019s eyes welled up with tears.\u00a0 \u201cPlease understand.\u00a0 I\u2019m a widow.\u00a0 My husband left me a woman of independent means.\u00a0 I have no children of my own.\u00a0 All I want to do is share what I have with someone deserving of what I can do for them.\u00a0 Like you and your father.\u00a0 Please let me do that for you.\u00a0 I\u2018m not trying to replace your mother, no one could do that.\u00a0 But please indulge a widow woman, and let me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m not a doll either!\u201d\u00a0 Delci raised her voice, then saw Mrs. Shepard react as if she had been hurt by those words.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry, Mrs. Shepard.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to seem ungrateful, it\u2019s just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Mrs. Shepard raised a lace handkerchief to her eyes.\u00a0 Her voice was so low, Delci could barely hear her. \u201cI know you\u2019re not a plaything to dress up and show off\u2026If you could only know how lonely I am.\u00a0 If you only knew how much love I have in me to share, and no one to share it with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci collapsed at Emaline\u2019s feet and buried her face in the woman\u2019s lap.\u00a0 She wept bitterly.\u00a0 Emaline cried with her, indulging their tears for a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome,\u201d Emaline lifted Delci\u2019s chin. \u201cLet\u2019s put pride and fear far away, wash our faces and put on those pretty gowns upstairs.\u00a0 All this crying and fussing has given me an appetite!\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci laughed at Emaline\u2019s remark and the two women rose and climbed the stairs, arm in arm.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held the fence post steady, while Deke hammered it deep into the hole.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I just don\u2019t understand, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Deke caught his breath and wiped his brow.\u00a0 \u201cHow can there be so many saloons and whore houses in the same block as fancy restaurants and shops and music halls?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must understand that Virginia City built up rather fast,\u201d Ben told him.\u00a0 \u201cIt started up as tents and dugouts when the Comstock Lode was found.\u00a0 By the time building began, it was every man grabbing what he could.\u00a0 There was no order of what business would go where.\u00a0 Oh, naturally, the Chinese and Mexicans were pushed away from the center of town, but nobody gave much thought about the rest of it.\u00a0 Some of the men who became rich off the faro tables and saloons cared little about proprieties.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it just don\u2019t seem proper that a man has to pass by these places when he\u2019s taking his family to church.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it must seem like people don\u2019t care about these things,\u201d Ben added.\u00a0 \u201cBut there are people in town who are working to make changes.\u00a0 It\u2019s a slow process, but changes will come in time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI sure hope so, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Deke helped Ben place another post in a hole and picked up his hammer again.\u00a0 \u201cIt just seems unfair that rough and vulgar men find all this gold and silver, and then pretend to be fancy men with their wives, all of whom were floozies.\u00a0 They\u2019d still be working in saloons if these men hadn\u2019t struck it rich.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGold and silver does strange things to men,\u201d Ben agreed.\u00a0 \u201cIt confuses their minds.\u00a0 It makes them do things they wouldn\u2019t do under different circumstances.\u00a0 You\u2019ve seen and heard things in town that you\u2019ve never imagined before.\u00a0 You\u2019ve seen the worst of humanity working on the railroads and the mines.\u00a0 But don\u2019t be too harsh in your assessment.\u00a0 There are good people, too.\u00a0 Some of them made their fortunes selling hardware or dry goods.\u00a0 Some are builders and inventors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mr. Cartwright, one thing I do know, is that you\u2019re about the most honest and fair-minded rich man I ever come across.\u00a0 That\u2019s why I appreciate working for you.\u00a0 I hope to learn all I can from you, so I can be a good man people will look up to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m flattered, Deke,\u201d Ben unspooled the wire and wrapped it around the post.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019m not perfect.\u00a0 When you put someone on a pedestal, remember, it\u2019s easy for them to be knocked down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll remember that, sir,\u201d Deke said, nailing the wire to the post.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I offended you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad to teach you, and advise you when you need it.\u00a0 The boys and I like you very much, and hope you\u2019ll stay on the Ponderosa for as long as you like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that, sir,\u201d Deke grunted as he lifted the last post into the final hole.\u00a0 \u201cI just hope I can stay in your good graces and always make you proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rode up and joined them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have the cattle rounded up in the box canyon for the night, Pa,\u201d he said, dismounting.\u00a0 \u201cBronc Evans sent word that they had some trouble at the timber camp near the Washoe watershed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of trouble?\u201d\u00a0 Ben stood up straight and put his hands on his hips.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing they couldn\u2019t handle.\u00a0 Hoss and Little Joe went up there to make sure of it.\u00a0 They may not be home tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Ben kicked at a rock that had been under his boot.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re almost done here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me help.\u201d<\/p>\n

In no time, the fence was repaired and the men mounted their horses for the dusty ride home.\u00a0 The wind was picking up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope we get home before it starts to rain.\u201d\u00a0 Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood to see you, Hoss, Joe,\u201d Bronc met them outside the bunkhouse as the brothers arrived at the timber camp.\u00a0 \u201cCome in out of the rain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to ask me twice!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss bounded up the steps and Joe followed close behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cHope you\u2019ve got the coffee ready,\u201d Joe ripped off his jacket and hung it on the back of a chair.\u00a0 He took off his hat and gloves and found a place near the stove to dry them out.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot some extra blankets here in the storage box, if you want to get out of those wet clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The timber man opened the wooden box in the corner and pulled out a couple of blankets.\u00a0 Without a word, Joe and Hoss pulled off their clothes and dropped them to the floor.\u00a0 Bronc found a length of rope and some nails and a hammer and set up a line to hang the wet garments where they wouldn\u2019t drip on the bunks.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou here by yourself?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of the fellows went out hunting,\u201d Brock poured some coffee.\u00a0 \u201cThe rest decided to go home before the rain sent in.\u00a0 Spend the night with their families.\u00a0 Listen, I don\u2018t know why you boys came out here.\u00a0 I told Harley to tell you we quashed the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat exactly happened?\u201d\u00a0 Joe pulled his chair closer to the stove and tightened his grip on the blanket.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much to speak of,\u201d Bronc handed Joe a cup.\u00a0 \u201cWant me to put a little edge in that cup?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI could use a touch of whiskey,\u201d Joe grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take a drop of that myself,\u201d Hoss held out his cup.\u00a0 \u201cGot any eats around here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can wait, the boys will be back soon with some rabbits for stew.\u00a0 I was getting ready to cut up some potatoes and onions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good to me,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot any cornmeal?\u201d Hoss asked.\u00a0 \u201cSure would be good to have some cornbread with that stew.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want to get soaked again, there\u2019s some butter in the creek,\u201d\u00a0 Bronc laughed.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Hoss.\u00a0 When Cookie gets back with the rabbits, he\u2019ll fix you up with some cornbread.\u00a0 And butter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou never said what the problem was,\u201d Joe reminded Bronc.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome Paiutes were camping on the lakeshore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey jumped the reservation?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Bronc said, putting the whiskey back under his bunk\u2019s mattress. \u00a0\u201cCouple of old elders, looking for a place to die, from the looks of it.\u00a0 The reservation agent showed up about the time we spotted them.\u00a0 Had a couple of men with them to take the old boys back.\u00a0 Told you it was no use you boys coming out here.\u00a0 You all got soaked to the bone for nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we just had to be sure.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss said.\u00a0 \u201cYou know how Pa is.\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a night of rain, the sun rose bright come morning.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe were saddling their horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, that\u2019s Harley!\u201d Hoss said to Joe as a rider galloped toward the bunkhouse.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up, Harley?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked the breathless old man.<\/p>\n

\u201cBronc says you better come quick!\u201d\u00a0 Harley gasped.\u00a0 \u201cThe men are all riled up down by that place where the Indians were camped.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss checked their saddles and mounted up.\u00a0 They followed behind Harley and rode toward the lake.\u00a0 The loggers were splashing along the edge of the water, digging up mud and holding it up in their hands, shouting with excitement.<\/p>\n

Bronc shot his gun into the air to get their attention as Joe and Hoss jumped off their horses.\u00a0 The loggers stopped in their tracks and saw the Cartwrights.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss had seen this kind of thing before, and knew immediately what was going on.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou men need to remember, this is Ponderosa land,\u201d Hoss spoke out.\u00a0 \u201cWhatever you think you\u2019ve found in that mud, it don\u2019t belong to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Hoss, you wouldn\u2019t begrudge us a little mud, would you?\u201d one man protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you Cartwrights already got yours,\u201d another man chimed in.\u00a0 \u201cWe just want a little for ourselves and our families.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with that?\u201d\u00a0 A third man spoke up.\u00a0 The other men began to grumble.\u00a0 One man reached for his gun.\u00a0 Joe spotted him and drew first.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t do that, if I were you,\u201d Joe told him.\u00a0 \u201cPut your gun back in the holster and get back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t fight us all, Cartwright!\u201d\u00a0 someone shouted.\u00a0 \u201cWe outnumber you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they\u2019re better shots than the lot of you!\u201d\u00a0 Bronc told them.<\/p>\n

Harley walked toward the men, his gun drawn.\u00a0 He grabbed a handful of mud that one of the men had scooped up in a bucket and studied it, holding it to his face for a good look. He smelled it and tasted it.\u00a0 Then he tossed it down.\u00a0 His actions took only a few seconds, and then the grizzled old timer laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, this here mud ain\u2019t worth nothing,\u201d Harley said as the mud hit the ground.\u00a0 \u201cYou fellers got yourselves all worked up for nothing.\u00a0 Bunch o\u2018 fools, you are!\u201d<\/p>\n

The men protested again.<\/p>\n

Harley continued as Bronc and the Cartwright brothers watched.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been prospecting up these hills before some of you were even born!\u00a0 I oughta know what silver and gold look like.\u00a0 Besides which, if\u2019n it really was ore, the Cartwrights own this land, and the law would never allow you to keep it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet back to work, all of you!\u201d\u00a0 Joe held his gun on the mob.\u00a0 \u201cOr you can go home and never come back.\u00a0 How are you going to feed your families then?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grumbling, the men left the Indians\u2019 campsite and returned reluctantly up the hill to cut timber.<\/p>\n

Hoss and Bronc holstered their guns, but Joe kept his ready to fire, until the last man had reached the crest.\u00a0 Harley came towards the men.<\/p>\n

\u201cI lied, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Harley kept his voice low.\u00a0 \u201cThis here mud is pure ore, and I think some of them know I lied about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, keep on making the rest of them think otherwise,\u201d Hoss said to the old man.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll let Pa know, and get some help up here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, with Sunday coming, it\u2019s possible one or more of these men will find a way to take that mud to the Assayer\u2019s office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if we get there first,\u201d Hoss said, climbing into his saddle.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Chub, ol\u2019 boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe mounted Cochise.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be back soon, Bronc.\u00a0 I hope you can hold them off until we get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so, too,\u201d Bronc scratched his chin.\u00a0 \u201cMeanwhile, we\u2019ll be collecting all their guns.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe raced after Hoss, and the brothers headed quickly for home.<\/p>\n

Adam and Ben were just getting ready to head out when the boys arrived.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we got real trouble up at the lumber camp,\u201d Hoss told him.\u00a0 \u201cBig trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe loggers found silver ore on the shore of the Washoe,\u201d Joe added.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s ore, alright, Pa.\u00a0 Harley confirmed it.\u00a0 The mud is sticky and gray along the banks, and the men were busy scooping it up this morning, hoping to take it in to town this weekend and get themselves some extra money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that a bucket of mud would amount to much,\u201d Adam surmised. \u201cBut they sure won\u2019t be satisfied with a bucket full.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben became angry.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t they realize that this is Ponderosa land, and their efforts would be useless?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe told them, Pa,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 \u201cBut it don\u2019t make no never mind to folks when they see gold or silver.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Cartwrights didn\u2019t notice that Deke had joined them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess that\u2019s what you were trying to tell me yesterday, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the young man observed. \u201cCan I help?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know where the timber camp is?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon I could find it,\u201d Deke answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know how to use a gun?\u201d Hoss asked.\u00a0 \u201cWould you be prepared to kill a man, if it came to it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I could, if it was his life or mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you and Joe take Deke with you back to the camp,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll send Adam to Virginia City to wire the fort and notify Clem Foster of the trouble.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be along later.\u00a0 I want to visit the other camps and make sure nobody else knows about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The brothers, with Deke, gathered extra supplies, including guns and ammunition, and headed back to the timber camp.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll join you, as soon as I get back from town,\u201d Adam told his father, before he rode off for Virginia City.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m counting on it, Son,\u201d Ben slapped Sport\u2019s hindquarters, and Adam galloped down the east road.<\/p>\n

Every minute counted.\u00a0 An uprising could occur before his sons reached the camp, leaving Bronc and Harley in serious danger.\u00a0 Ben would have to think very carefully what he would do, should the men rebel.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMay I introduce Mr. Oliver Maddock, and his wife, Judith?\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Prescott said to Emaline and Delci.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ve just moved here from San Francisco.\u00a0 And this is their son, Colton.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci thought Colton Maddock was just about the handsomest young man she had ever seen in her life.\u00a0 His piercing blue eyes never left her as he took her gloved hand by her fingers and kissed the back of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very delighted to meet you, Miss Fuller,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cMay I escort you to the table?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before she could answer, Colton tucked her arm inside the crook of his own and walked her to the splendidly set table in the dining room.\u00a0 Delci looked around as Colton assisted her into her chair.\u00a0 A cheery fire warmed the dark paneled room.\u00a0\u00a0 Candlelight and a chandelier provided an additional glow.\u00a0\u00a0 Fine white linen, fresh cut flowers in crystal vases, and beautiful, gold-rimmed china adorned the long table.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Clemons, you sit at the end of the table, next to Mrs. Shepard,\u201d Mrs. Prescott told their other guest.\u00a0 \u201cColton, I see you found your place next to Miss Fuller.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man nodded.\u00a0 His father sat across from him, and his mother beside him.\u00a0 Mrs. Prescott sat next to his father and Mr. Prescott sat at the head of the table.\u00a0 Liveried footmen proceeded to serve the first course as Mr. Prescott seated themselves.\u00a0 A butler stood by at his right hand, observing everything.\u00a0 Delci had never seen such elegance before.\u00a0 She felt out of place, especially after she noticed how the table was set.<\/p>\n

Emaline nudged her foot under the table and winked at her, hoping to give the girl encouragement.\u00a0 Delci then remembered what Emaline had taught her about the table settings and exhaled.\u00a0 Colton sensed her uneasiness.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust follow my lead,\u201d he whispered to her.<\/p>\n

Delci\u2019s cheeks turned bright red.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you implying I don\u2019t know which fork to use, Mr. Maddock?\u201d\u00a0 she whispered.<\/p>\n

Colton\u2019s cheeks turned red this time.\u00a0 \u201cI do beg your pardon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how is Mollie?\u201d Emaline said to her dinner companion.<\/p>\n

The bearded gentleman set down his wine glass.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s doing as well as can be expected,\u201d\u00a0 he replied.\u00a0 \u201cMollie went back east to Iowa to visit her family, as you know.\u00a0 Neither of us have gotten over Jennie\u2019s passing.\u00a0 It\u2019s very hard.\u00a0 I\u2018m selling the house, you know.\u00a0 We\u2018re leaving Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I heard, and we\u2019ll be sorry to see you both go,\u201c\u00a0 Emaline patted the gentleman\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cI shall write to Mollie in the morning.\u00a0 You\u2019ll let me know where to post it?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Delci observed that the ladies seated next to Mr. Prescott were more interested in discussing the latest fashions illustrated in Godey\u2019s Ladies Book.\u00a0 The men at the table seemed rather bored and quiet, being seated so far from each other.\u00a0 Emaline enjoyed talking with Mr. Clemons about politics and land values.\u00a0 That left Delci and Colton to entertain themselves.\u00a0 Colton described the differences between San Francisco and Virginia City, making San Francisco out to be a paradise of prosperity and beauty.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s so wonderful there,\u201d Delci took a small bite of potatoes, \u201cthen why did you move here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Colton paused before answering.\u00a0 \u201cMy father\u2019s business partners were anxious that he should represent the company here in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess you\u2019ll just have to make the best of it,\u201d Delci teased him.\u00a0 \u201cSame as I.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy yes,\u201d Delci said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m out of my element also, as you put it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see your head isn\u2019t as full of feathers as most girls your age,\u201d Colton observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I could say the same about young men,\u201d Delci disparaged.\u00a0 Colton laughed, realizing that she included him in the mix.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a remarkable girl, Delci,\u201d Colton raised his wine glass in a salute.\u00a0 \u201cA worthy match for any prince.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re a prince, now?\u201d\u00a0 Delci said with a note of annoyance.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf sorts,\u201d Colton replied, leaning toward her.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you, my friend, are truly a princess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci couldn\u2019t help but laugh out loud, startling the adults at the table.\u00a0 She realized her outburst was improper, but Colton came to her defense.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my fault,\u201d Colton told them.\u00a0 \u201cShe finds me utterly charming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Colton then turned his attention to the gentleman at the end of the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw your brother, Samuel, in Nob Hill a couple of weeks ago, Mr. Clemons,\u201d Colton told the man.\u00a0 \u201cI told him we were coming to Virginia City.\u00a0 He sent his regards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHarumph!\u201d Orion Clemons snorted.\u00a0 \u201cI highly doubt it.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the end of dinner, the guests were treated to a violin concerto by a musician hired for the evening.\u00a0 The man looked as if he might feel more comfortable playing in one of the saloons.\u00a0 The melody was played, and the guests clapped in appreciation.\u00a0 A second tune was played followed by more clapping. The violinist bowed and made a hasty retreat toward the kitchen, signaling the end of the evening.\u00a0 The liveried footmen helped the ladies and gentlemen with their coats and wraps, and carriages arrived to take them home.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you enjoy yourself, dear?\u201d Emaline asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMostly,\u201d Delci muffled a yawn.\u00a0 \u201cColton was a bit stuck up, but I knocked him down a peg, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood for you,\u201d Emaline patted her ward\u2019s knee.\u00a0 \u201cNever let a man know he has an upper hand over you.\u00a0 It\u2019s dishonest.\u00a0 In the long run, honesty between a man and a woman is the foundation of their love.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa,\u201d Delci sat up straight.\u00a0 \u201cWho said anything about love?\u00a0 I just met him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a very nice looking boy,\u201d\u00a0 Emaline noted.\u00a0 \u201cYoung ladies are drawn to boys like him.\u00a0 He seemed rather taken with you, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he is rather handsome,\u201d Delci admitted.\u00a0 \u201cIf you like that sort of boy.\u00a0 But he acts like he\u2019s better than the people around here, just because he\u2019s from San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are a lot of families here from San Francisco,\u201d Emaline explained.\u00a0 \u201cHe will learn that, soon enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

The carriage arrived at the Shepard home, and the driver assisted the ladies out of the cab.\u00a0 Emaline slipped him some coins as he took her hand. \u00a0The driver stood by and waited until Emaline and Delci entered the house and locked the door behind them.<\/p>\n

The women walked up the steps and separated into their own rooms for the night.\u00a0 Delci undressed, carefully hanging her new gown in the closet next to her other new clothes.\u00a0 Even the nightgown she wore was new.\u00a0 She pulled back the covers and climbed into bed.\u00a0 A knock on the door prevented her from blowing out the lamp.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I come in?\u201d\u00a0 Emaline poked her head in the doorway.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease do,\u201d Delci smoothed the quilts over her legs.<\/p>\n

Emaline sat next to her.\u00a0 \u201cI was very proud of you, this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, but I laughed too loudly,\u201d Delci admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I embarrassed you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d Emaline said.\u00a0 \u201cBut what was so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe tried to flatter me by calling me a princess,\u201d Delci chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cIf he only knew.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emaline laughed a little.\u00a0 \u201cYou did look like a princess tonight.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure he couldn\u2019t help himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it just felt strange,\u201d Delci felt a sudden shiver.\u00a0 \u201cBut you know, it felt good to put him in his place.\u00a0 He tried to say that girls are empty-headed, and I let him know I thought he didn\u2019t have much in his head, either.\u00a0 I really surprised myself at how bold I was speaking to him.\u00a0 I mean, when the girls were here, I could barely put two words together.\u00a0 He just brought out something in me.\u00a0 I couldn\u2018t stop myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t ever be afraid to speak your mind, Delci.\u00a0 Especially if you feel like someone is mistreating you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emaline stood up and Delci laid back on the pillows.\u00a0 Emaline pulled the quilt up to her shoulders and tucked her in.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll meet a lot of young men in town, Delci,\u201d Emaline said. \u201cSome of them are fine young men, and others are unprincipled.\u00a0 Some of the unprincipled young men may be poor and some are rich, and I know you have enough wits about you to discern a person\u2019s true character.\u00a0 This will become more important as you reach the age when\u00a0 you\u2019ll want to be married.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emaline sat down again.\u00a0 \u201cGirls your age are attracted to bad boys, believing they can change them, but you\u2019ll find that the bad boys don\u2019t treat these girls as they deserve to be treated.\u00a0 Boys like that treat people like property and pawns.\u00a0 They have no respect for people.\u00a0 No respect for the girl who might love them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe that,\u201d Delci said.\u00a0 \u201cI hope I don\u2019t lose my head over some silly boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so, too, my dear,\u201d Emaline said. \u201cYou know you can always come to me, if you feel you need advice about anything\u2026or anyone.\u00a0 Pleasant dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Shepard closed the door behind her.\u00a0 Delci leaned over to the table beside her bed, and blew out the lamp.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Most of the men were armed only with axes and saws.\u00a0 Brock had already confiscated the few guns and rifles.\u00a0 Harley had taken them back to the chuck wagon, where Cookie could keep an eye on them.<\/p>\n

Ben stood before the men.\u00a0 His gun was holstered, but Hoss, Joe, Deke, Brock and Harley had their rifles aimed at the crowd shouting at them.<\/p>\n

Ben held his hands out, palms down, trying to quell the anger building.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd besides,\u201d he shouted.\u00a0 \u201cAssayers have already been out here and determined that the land around here doesn\u2019t have any gold or silver.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re lying!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d say anything to keep all this gold and silver to yourselves!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just want our share!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want to stake a claim and find your own gold and silver, I won\u2019t stand in your way,\u201d Ben continued.\u00a0 \u201cBut not on the Ponderosa. I\u2019ll give you your wages and you are free to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Mr. Cartwright, you wouldn\u2019t begrudge us a couple of buckets of mud from the creek banks.\u201d one scrawny man held up a bucket full of the sticky, gray mud.\u00a0 \u201cIt could make all the difference to our families.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s worthless!\u201d Ben insisted.\u00a0 \u201cAll you\u2019ll do is stir people up, give them false hope and find out for yourselves that this is all in vain.\u00a0 Even if it was silver sludge, you\u2018d have to dig up a ton of it to make as much as I pay you in a month.\u201d<\/p>\n

The men continued to protest and move closer to the Cartwrights.\u00a0 The men behind Ben cocked their rifles to show the mob they meant business.<\/p>\n

Ben kept trying to reason with them.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, you men need to understand that the Cavalry has been sent for, and Sheriff Foster is bringing deputies out here right now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll take \u2018em awhile to get here, though!\u201d\u00a0 One man took the lead and raised his axe.\u00a0 He started toward Ben in earnest.<\/p>\n

Brock fired a warning shot in the air.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you\u2019ll be the first man I plug, Woody.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brock aimed his rifle right at the man with the axe.\u00a0 The man froze in his tracks.\u00a0 The others also backed down.<\/p>\n

Adam came galloping up the ridge with Sheriff Foster and several deputies behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe heard a shot,\u201d Clem Foster said to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was me, Clem,\u201d Brock told him.\u00a0 \u201cJust a warning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam dismounted and stood in front of his father so the mob couldn\u2019t hear him.\u00a0 \u201cClem thinks we should close the timber camp for a week or so, until things calm down.\u00a0 Brock and a few of the boys could keep an eye on things by themselves, if there weren\u2019t so many to watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clem rode up and dismounted.\u00a0 The mob saw the lawmen and decided to scatter, though their movements were rather slow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with you, Clem,\u201d Ben told him.\u00a0 \u201cWould you make the announcement?\u00a0 Hearing it from you, might give the order more weight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBe glad to,\u201d Clem Foster said.\u00a0 He whistled toward the loggers and motioned them to come forward and listen.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom this moment, until further notice, this camp is closed!\u201d\u00a0 Sheriff Foster announced.\u00a0 \u201cYou men get on home, and better pray you still have your jobs when I lift the decree.\u201d<\/p>\n

The men grumbled, and threw down their tools, heading for their tents to gather their things.\u00a0 The deputies, with the Cartwright brothers, watched to make sure everyone left peacefully, while Ben conferred with Brock and Clem.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s your ranch, Ben, and you can do what you want,\u201d Clem advised.\u00a0 \u201cBut I\u2019d give it a couple of weeks, at least, before you reopen operations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have deadlines on that timber,\u201d Ben complained.\u00a0 \u201cBut no deadline is worth the life of even one man, if we can prevent it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want me to hire another crew, Ben?\u201d\u00a0 Brock put his hands on his hips.\u00a0 \u201cI could head over to Modesto.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I need you here,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve only got you and Harley and Cookie I can trust to keep an eye up here.\u00a0 And Harley and Cookie are old men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t no spring chicken, myself,\u201d Brock chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cBut if that\u2019s what you\u00a0 want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not what I want, but it\u2019s what I need,\u201d\u00a0 Ben turned and went back to his sons.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, boys, Clem has closed the camp for at least two weeks,\u201d Ben told his sons.\u00a0 Brock only has Harley and Cookie to help him keep an eye on things up here during that time.\u00a0 I\u2019d like for you boys to stay up here with them and help with the timber contract.\u00a0 We might not get too far behind, if you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be glad to stay, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Deke volunteered.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood man, Deke,\u201d Ben clasped him on the shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cI thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, we\u2019ll stay, Pa,\u201d Hoss volunteered his brothers and himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can count on us, Pa,\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be hard work, but we\u2019ll manage,\u201d Adam made it unanimous.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send Hop Sing in the morning, with supplies,\u201d Ben said, walking toward his horse.<\/p>\n

Brock walked up to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWell, we\u2019re in the soup, now, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Cartwright, be reasonable,\u201d Mr. Maddock placed a hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 Ben looked at the man\u2019s hand and shrugged free from him.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s all over town that your loggers found a new lode on the Washoe Lake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing of the kind,\u201d Ben insisted.\u00a0 \u201cMy land has already been assayed from one end of the Ponderosa to another.\u00a0 I already have my mines operating in the only places ore has been found.\u00a0 There is no ore on Lake Washoe!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Cartwright,\u201d Maddock continued. \u201cLet me just send someone up there to check it out.\u00a0 If you\u2019re right, no harm done.\u00a0 If ore is found, I have investors in San Francisco who will take care of everything to mine it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen to me, Mr. Maddock,\u201d Ben got in his face and used his finger against Prescott\u2019s chest for punctuation.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re new in Virginia City, so I\u2019ll forgive your impertinence.\u00a0 But hear me now and don\u2019t forget it!\u00a0 Nobody comes on to my land, and nobody is going to tear up that watershed.\u00a0 Is that understood?\u00a0 If I see any of your men on my land, I\u2018ll have you arrested for trespassing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben left the Millionaire\u2019s Club in a huff.\u00a0 He needed to have a chat with Clem Foster, before he completed his errands and returned to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Young Maddock watched the elder Cartwright leave the building.\u00a0 He had heard the exchange between his father and the stubborn rancher.\u00a0 Standing next to his father, whiskey glass in hand, he had an idea.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather, would you say you\u2019re a patient man?\u201d\u00a0 Colton asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t you, Son?\u201d the senior Maddock answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to try something, if you\u2019ll give me some time to work it out,\u201d\u00a0 Colton said guardedly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll tell you more about it, when we get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Colton set down his glass and rushed out of the club.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Ben!\u201d Emaline greeted her old friend at the door.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s so good to see you.\u00a0 Have you brought news about Delci\u2019s father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have,\u201d Ben took off his hat and entered the parlor.\u00a0 \u201cIs she home?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d Delci raced down the stairs to greet him.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019s Papa?\u00a0 Is he getting better?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe certainly is, Delci,\u201d Ben smiled and gave the girl a hug, swinging her in a semi-circle.\u00a0 \u201cAnd look at you.\u00a0 My, don\u2019t you look beautiful.\u00a0 Emaline, you\u2019ve done wonders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I did was buy her a few dresses,\u201d Emaline belied her effect on the girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Delci pulled him to the sofa and sat down with him.\u00a0 \u201cWhen can Papa come to Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll bring him here on Sunday morning.\u00a0 You\u2019ll see him after church services.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDay after tomorrow?\u00a0 Really?\u201d Delci squealed with delight.\u00a0 \u201cOh, thank you!\u00a0 How\u2019s he doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been using the wheelchair to get around the house,\u201d Ben started.\u00a0 \u201cGot to be quite the expert at maneuvering.\u00a0 He even goes outside for an hour or so.\u00a0 Before long, he\u2019s going to be telling me how to run the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, you must plan on staying for supper tonight,\u201d Emaline suggested.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s getting late.\u00a0 Oh, and on Sunday, you should stay for lunch.!\u00a0 Bring your sons with you.\u00a0 This is a real occasion, and we must celebrate it properly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to get back to the Ponderosa tonight, but I\u2018ll mention your invitation on Sunday to the boys,\u201d Ben told her, not mentioning the trouble at the logging camp.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and Delci, you should know that Deke O\u2019Malley has been very helpful in taking care of your father.\u00a0 The two of them have become good friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s nice,\u201d Delci noted.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright, do you think it might be all right for my friends and I to have a picnic up at Beaver Falls some time?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben mulled on the request for a moment.\u00a0 \u201cWell, there are timber camps up that way, and it could be dangerous.\u00a0 But I suppose if you young people stay together, and don\u2019t roam off toward the camps, I have no objection.\u00a0 Just remember to tell everyone what I expect of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, thank you, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d Delci hugged the man.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2018ll send word when we can all get together!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll arrange for someone to accompany you there,\u201d Ben told her.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019d better be going.\u00a0 It will be dark before I get home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUntil Sunday, then,\u201d\u00a0 Emaline waved at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSunday can\u2018t come soon enough,\u201d Delci danced around the parlor.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see Papa!\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello, boys,\u201d Minnie Barker addressed a group of young men standing outside the church.\u00a0 \u201cDelci, I\u2019d like to introduce you to Philip Cockrell, Benjamin Wheeler, Franklin Newcombe and Lucas Baxter.\u00a0 I believe you already know Colton.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very pleased to make your acquaintances,\u201d Delci curtsied.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m hosting a picnic at Beaver Falls next Saturday.\u00a0 I hope you\u2019ll all come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeaver Falls?\u201d Benjamin asked.\u00a0 \u201cIsn\u2019t that on Ponderosa land?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt certainly is,\u201d Colton smiled.\u00a0 \u201cIt was my idea.\u00a0 I talked Delci into it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like fun,\u201d Philip nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cCount me in,\u201d Franklin said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you girls going to bring all the food?\u201d Lucas asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, silly!\u201d Minnie said.<\/p>\n

Colton took Delci aside.\u00a0 \u201cSo, Ben Cartwright gave his permission for this picnic?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I asked him on Friday afternoon, when he came out to tell us Papa was coming home today,\u201d Delci explained.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact, I need to get going!\u00a0 Excuse me everyone, my father should be at Mrs. Shepard\u2019s house by now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be over later this week to meet him,\u201d Colton brazenly kissed her hand.\u00a0 Delci recoiled out of embarrassment, but did not protest.<\/p>\n

The other boys took notice of Colton\u2019s display of affection.\u00a0 Lucas shuffled his feet, while Franklin and Philip nudged each other and chuckled to themselves.\u00a0 Benjamin\u2019s chin dropped, in shock at Colton\u2019s public expression.<\/p>\n

Delci looked over her shoulder at Colton, as she and Minnie walked back toward Mrs. Shepard\u2019s barouche.<\/p>\n

Emaline was waiting for the girls.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you tomorrow, Delci,\u201d Minnie giggled.\u00a0 \u201cI need to speak to Lydia before she leaves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci waved at her friend.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll bet she can\u2019t wait to tell Lydia that Colton kissed my hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I noticed,\u201d Emaline\u2019s brow furrowed.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s hurry home, Delci.\u00a0 The Cartwrights should be here soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci climbed into the carriage and Emaline followed after her, gazing at the group of young men, and watching Colton Maddock in particular.\u00a0 There was something about that boy she was beginning to dislike.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll have to speak to Mrs. Maddock<\/em>, Emaline thought to herself.<\/p>\n

Delci thought the horses took forever to trot the few blocks to Mrs. Shepard\u2019s house.\u00a0 She was a bit disappointed not to see the Cartwrights\u2019 wagon already there.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure they will be along any minute,\u201d Emaline assured her, as they got out of the carriage.<\/p>\n

Delci helped Mrs. Shepard unhitch the horse from the carriage and followed her into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHurry and change your clothes,\u201d Emaline said.\u00a0 \u201cThen come help me set the table for luncheon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, must I?\u201d Delci complained a little.\u00a0 \u201cI wanted Papa to see my new dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emaline smiled and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cOh, all right.\u00a0 Just put on an apron, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d Delci ran to the kitchen pantry and pulled an apron off the inside of the door.\u00a0 She could smell the turkey roasting in the oven.\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard motioned for Delci to check the vegetables on top of the stove.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe stove is plenty hot,\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard said.\u00a0 \u201cI hope they\u2019re not scorching from the heat.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything looks fine, Miss Emaline,\u201d Delci said as she placed a towel back over the green beans.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Shepard checked the contents of the oven.\u00a0 \u201cI hope the potatoes didn\u2019t bake too long.\u00a0 The sermon took longer than I thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pulled the potatoes from the oven and placed them in a bowl, covering them with another thick towel.\u00a0 Delci brought her a plate of shucked corn, and Mrs. Shepard put the ears in the oven to roast a few minutes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought the preacher never would finish!\u201d\u00a0 Delci giggled as they worked.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t wait for Papa to get here!\u201d<\/p>\n

A knock on the door caused the girl to shriek.\u00a0 She ripped the apron off and tossed it on a chair.\u00a0 Emaline calmly removed her own apron and walked to the front door.<\/p>\n

Hoss brought the wheelchair up the stairs while Ben and Deke helped carry Ethan to the door.\u00a0 Adam and Joe tended to the wagon and team, taking them to the barn behind the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust be patient a little longer, Delci\u201d Ben warned.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll have your father seated in just a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Papa, I\u2019m so glad to see you!\u201d\u00a0 Delci prattled.\u00a0 \u201cI have so much to tell you, too!\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Shepard guided the men to the parlor, where Hoss had set up the wheelchair near the sofa.\u00a0 Deke and Ben carefully helped the man into the chair and Deke wrapped a blanket around Ethan\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you need anything else, Mr. Fuller?\u201d\u00a0 Deke asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, son,\u201d Ethan said.\u00a0 \u201cI just want to get a good look at my daughter.\u00a0 My, Delci, don\u2019t you look like a real lady!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan admired his child as she twirled around to show off her new Sunday suit.\u00a0 The pale green skirt was trimmed with black soutache embroidered near the hem.\u00a0 The bolero jacket matched the skirt.\u00a0 Her white blouse had a cascade of lace from the collar to the waist.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure look pretty, Miss Delci,\u201d Hoss admired her.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t she, Deke?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gave Deke a friendly nudge. \u201cPrettiest girl I ever did see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look lovely, my dear,\u201d Ben stood by the door as Adam and Joe entered the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, look at you,\u201d Joe stared.<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t have recognized you,\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

Delci soaked up all the compliments and then knelt by her father to give him a hug.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve missed you, so much!\u201d Delci laid her head against her father\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI missed you, too, Delci girl,\u201d Ethan attempted to stroke his daughter\u2019s hair, as he used to do, but feared he might muss the styling.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, don\u2019t I get a hug?\u201d\u00a0 Ben opened his arms and Delci squeezed him tightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t thank you enough for everything you\u2019ve done for Papa,\u201d\u00a0 she said.\u00a0 Then she gave Hoss and Joe each a quick hug, before going to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Adam,\u201d Delci embraced her first friend among the Cartwrights.\u00a0 \u201cYou were right about everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re more than welcome,\u201d Adam replied, awkwardly nudging himself from her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are the uncle and cousins I always wanted,\u201d Delci told them.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright, may I call you \u2018Uncle Ben\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI would be very pleased if you did,\u201d the elder Cartwright placed his hand around her shoulders.<\/p>\n

As Delci spoke with the Cartwrights, Mrs. Shepard gave her attention to Ethan Fuller.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Fuller,\u201d Emaline addressed him.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve converted my husband\u2019s office into a room for you, so you won\u2019t have to climb the stairs.\u00a0 When my husband was alive, we built a ramp off the back porch, for his convenience.\u00a0 You\u2018ll be able to get around quite easily.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thank you, ma\u2019am,\u201d Ethan lifted his hand to the woman and she accepted it in friendship.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know how I\u2019ll ever repay you for all this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you won\u2019t always be an invalid,\u201d Emaline reminded him.\u00a0 \u201cAs soon as you\u2019re able, I\u2019ll put you to work around the house.\u00a0 That will be payment, enough.\u00a0 But this is Sunday.\u00a0 Let\u2018s not talk business today.\u00a0 I have a dinner to serve.\u00a0 Won\u2018t you gentlemen follow me into the dining room?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am!\u201d Hoss led the way, licking his lips in eager anticipation.<\/p>\n

Deke stood by to help Ethan with the wheel chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right, Deke,\u201d Ethan told him.\u00a0 \u201cI can manage from here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBesides,\u201d Delci pushed herself in front of Deke.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take care of him, from now on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Deke,\u201d Joe slapped him on the back.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s follow the ladies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDeke, why don\u2019t you help Delci take the corn out of the oven?\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard suggested.\u00a0 \u201cBen, would you help me with the turkey?\u201d<\/p>\n

The men helped the ladies set the food out on the beautifully appointed dining table and they sat down to eat, giving thanks to the Lord for all His many blessings and asking for His continued grace.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp yourselves, gentlemen,\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard tucked her napkin in her lap and watched as the food was passed around the table.\u00a0 She felt satisfied, having her table surrounded again by good friends, and now, a man and his daughter, who would become her family for a spell.\u00a0 It made her feel alive and, more importantly, needed.<\/p>\n

The afternoon passed quickly, and the Cartwrights and Deke said their goodbyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and Delci,\u201d Ben added.\u00a0 \u201cDeke will accompany you and your friends to Beaver Falls on Saturday.\u00a0 He\u2019ll make sure you\u2019re all safe from any trouble that might occur.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Uncle Ben,\u201d\u00a0 Delci waved.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, are you sure you won\u2019t join us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid your friends will all think I\u2019m too old for your crowd,\u201d Joe smiled.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, I\u2019ve got too much work to do at the ranch.\u00a0 Maybe another time.\u201d<\/p>\n

He winked and mounted Cochise.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks again for a fine dinner,\u201d Ben shook Emaline\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very welcome,\u201d Emaline replied.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, I hope you enjoy the rest of the pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, ma\u2019am,\u201d Hoss tipped his ten gallon hat.\u00a0 \u201cI surely will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt the pie will make it home,\u201d Adam quipped as he mounted Sport.\u00a0 Joe laughed and turned his horse toward the road.\u00a0 Deke checked the reins and hitches on the horses and wagon and waited as Ben climbed into the seat.\u00a0 He took his place beside him and cast a last glance at Delci, who seemed not to notice him.\u00a0 But then, it was only natural that she should only be concerned with her father now.<\/p>\n

Ben snapped the reins.\u00a0 Deke looked over his shoulder and watched the ladies and Ethan disappear back into the house.<\/p>\n

Delci spent the rest of the afternoon fussing over her father, showing him to his room, and helping him into bed.\u00a0 She sat on the side of his bed, telling him about Virginia City and all the people she\u2019d met, and about how much fun it was to go shopping for new clothes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci, your father should rest now,\u201d Emaline stood in the doorway.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s had a long trip into town, and I\u2019m sure he\u2019s worn out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Papa,\u201d Delci smoothed out her father\u2019s hair.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve just been so lonely without you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t think you\u2019ve been that lonely,\u201d Ethan patted her shoulder as she kissed him on the head.\u00a0 \u201cNot with all your new friends and all.\u00a0 But that\u2019s okay.\u00a0 That\u2019s why I wanted you to come to Virginia City.\u00a0 But I am tired.\u00a0 I\u2019ll just take a little nap.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome help me in the kitchen, Delci,\u201d Emaline called to her.\u00a0 \u201cYou can visit with him later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci made sure Ethan\u2019s pillows were fluffed and his blankets were warm enough.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you, Papa,\u201d Delci kissed him again and then left his room.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you need anything, Mr. Fuller,\u201d Emaline reminded him.\u00a0 \u201cJust ring the bell on the table.\u00a0 It saves your voice!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ethan reached over and rang the bell.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d Emaline turned to see what he needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you can start calling me by my Christian name,\u201d Ethan grinned.<\/p>\n

She gave Ethan a large smile and closed the door.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The week passed quickly as the ladies fussed over Ethan and helped him find his own way around the house.\u00a0 The steep hill prevented him from venturing too far from the house and into town, but with help from the young men in the neighborhood, Ethan was able to sit in the barouche while the ladies carried out their errands in town.<\/p>\n

Before long, it was the weekend, and Delci awoke with excitement.\u00a0 She was hosting her first picnic for her friends, and she wanted everything to be perfect.<\/p>\n

Delci dressed quickly in the pink and white frock she had laid out the night before.\u00a0 Eliptical skirts were now all the rage in fashion, and Emaline Shepard made sure Delci was up to form with her peers.\u00a0 The dress was perfect for the occasion.\u00a0 Soft white cotton material with a print of wide pink stripes and cascades of flowers with a touch of green leaves in between the stripes flowed from her waist to the three ruffles at the hem.\u00a0 Her bodice and sleeves were trimmed in delicate lace.\u00a0 It was fancier than her everyday ginghams and plaids, but not too fancy for sitting on a blanket on the ground.<\/p>\n

Delci could not believe her good fortune.\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard was too generous in shopping for new clothes and other things a young girl needs.\u00a0 As she looked at herself in the mirror and made her final primps, Delci saw herself for the first time as others in town were seeing her.\u00a0 She had blossomed into a very pretty young lady.\u00a0 She unfolded the last bit of cloth curling her hair and lightly coaxed the curl into its fullness with her brush.\u00a0 She grabbed her straw bonnet off the top of the coat rack and then rummaged through the bric-a-brac on top of her dresser for a hat pin.\u00a0 Finding one, she pierced it into the hat for later, and descended quickly down the stairs.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Shepard and her father were already at breakfast.\u00a0 Ethan was reading the morning paper as he sipped his coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Papa!\u201d\u00a0 Delci kissed the top of his head.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning, Aunt Emaline.\u201d<\/p>\n

They greeted her as Delci sat down to a breakfast of grits, eggs, sausage and coffee.\u00a0 A bowl of fruit and a plate of fresh baked bread were also in reach.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you excited about your picnic, dear?\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard asked as she passed the butter dish to the teenager.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore than you can imagine!\u201d\u00a0 Delci gushed as she stuffed a sausage link into her mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t talk with your mouthful, Delci,\u201d\u00a0 Ethan gently admonished.\u00a0 \u201cRemember your manners.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Papa,\u201d\u00a0 Delci picked up a glass of milk to wash down her food.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to hurry, girl,\u201d her father reminded her.\u00a0 \u201cYour friends won\u2019t be around for awhile yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

A knock on the door brought Mrs. Shepard out of her chair.\u00a0 \u201cThat must be Deke.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke stood outside with his hat in his hands as Mrs. Shepard opened the door and invited him in.\u00a0 He ran his hand through his hair, hoping it wasn\u2019t too mussed, as he walked into the dining room where Ethan and Delci were eating.<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t you join us for breakfast?\u201d \u00a0Mrs. Shepard pointed to a chair across from Delci.<\/p>\n

\u201cI might just have some coffee, if it\u2019s no trouble,\u201d\u00a0 Deke hesitated before he sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you feel free to help yourself,\u201d Mrs. Shepard got a cup and saucer for him.\u00a0 As Deke poured himself some coffee, she also set a plate and silverware in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s plenty, so don\u2019t be shy,\u201d\u00a0 Mrs. Shepard sat down again to finish her own meal.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, ma\u2019am,\u201d Deke reached for some eggs and sausage.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like some grits?\u201d\u00a0 Ethan held the bowl of steaming cornmeal towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mind if I do, sir,\u201d\u00a0 Deke accepted the bowl and set it down, spooning the hot grits onto his plate.<\/p>\n

Delci wiped her mouth and pushed her chair from the table.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I should see about packing the basket.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrudy has already seen to it,\u201d Mrs. Shepard told her gently.\u00a0 \u201cJust enjoy your breakfast and slow down.\u00a0 You have the whole day ahead of you.\u00a0 More coffee, Deke?\u201d<\/p>\n

Although Emaline had not been brusque with her, Delci still felt a sting of being reprimanded.\u00a0 It confused her for a moment, but Delci realized it would have been rude to leave their guest at the table.\u00a0 Even if it was only Deke.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you want to put up with us, Deke?\u201d\u00a0 Delci served herself a spoonful of scrambled eggs and another sausage.\u00a0 She offered the sausages to Deke.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m not much older than you and your friends,\u201d Deke admitted.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I\u2019ve never really been on a picnic before with people my own age.\u00a0 Just wasn\u2019t time, what with trying to keep myself working and all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMust have been a rough life for a boy like you,\u201d\u00a0 Ethan folded his paper and turned his attention to the young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s what I had to do to get by,\u201d Deke replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving lost your family at so young an age, to be out on your own,\u201d Ethan mused.\u00a0 \u201cI admire that you\u2019ve worked hard, made a good man out of yourself.\u00a0 Most boys would have run off with the wrong kind of people, ended up as outlaws.\u00a0 Maybe wound up hanged or shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI admit I knew boys that felt like that was the way to go,\u201d\u00a0 Deke nodded.\u00a0 \u201cBut my parents raised me to think about the consequences of my choices in life.\u00a0 I could see there weren\u2019t no future in being wild and reckless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have a good head on your shoulders,\u201d Mrs. Shepard rose from the table and Deke stood up out of respect.\u00a0 \u201cAnd your parents taught you well.\u00a0 You have manners that betray your secrets.\u00a0 I suspect you were brought up in a fine home, in spite of your hard luck.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you think so, Delci.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d Delci admitted.\u00a0 \u201cDidn\u2019t you tell Adam you were from Boston?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am, I am,\u201d Deke smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t believe you remembered that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s because Adam was born in Boston, too,\u201d Delci explained.\u00a0 \u201cUncle Ben was born in Boston, too.\u00a0 And Mrs. Shepard and her husband are from Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, ma\u2019am,\u201d Deke looked at Mrs. Shepard.\u00a0 \u201cMy family was from the Irish side of town, so I\u2019m sure you wouldn\u2019t have had any opportunity to know any of my kinfolk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did your parents do, in Boston?\u201d\u00a0 Emaline sat down again.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy da, he brought us to America in 1847, the year of the potato famine in Ireland,\u201d Deke began his story.\u00a0 \u201cMy ma was in the family way, carrying myself inside her.\u00a0 My two brothers and a sister were also quite young.\u00a0 It was a struggle for them, trying to find a room to rent, and work to feed the family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I remember,\u201d Emaline said wistfully.\u00a0 \u201cThe slums were horrible and the rents were outrageous.\u00a0 I also recall the fighting for jobs, and the inhumanity of it all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re quite right, there, missus,\u201d\u00a0 Deke\u2019s voice grew sadder.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t have any memories of those early days, and my parents weren\u2019t the kind of people to dwell on the misfortunes of the past, but my brothers told me a few things they remembered.\u00a0 We only had one room for the six of us, and soon enough, there were seven.\u00a0 But the little baby girl only lived a short time.\u00a0 She got the cholera.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m so sorry!\u201d\u00a0 Delci reached across the table and touched Deke\u2019s hand.\u00a0 Her sincerity moved him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a miracle we all didn\u2019t die from it,\u201d Deke said.\u00a0 \u201cSo many people did.\u00a0 But we managed to survive.\u00a0 We almost moved to New York City.\u00a0 We heard the Irish weren\u2019t treated as badly there as in Boston.\u00a0 My da was lucky, though.\u00a0 He had a trade.\u00a0 He managed to get work in the shipyards, building boats.\u00a0 When the talk of war started, he made quite a good living, and my brothers got work there as well.\u00a0 We managed to find a better house to live in, a house just for ourselves, and sharing only with my mother\u2019s brothers, who had come to America as well.\u00a0 We were doing all right for awhile.\u00a0 Then the war broke out, and my brothers and uncles joined up with the Union army.\u00a0 They were all killed.\u00a0 My brothers at Fredricksburg, my uncles in other battles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke took a breath and continued.\u00a0 \u201cWhen the war was coming to an end, there was a small pox epidemic.\u00a0 That took the rest of my family.\u00a0 I don\u2019t have a clue how I managed to survive.\u00a0 I was only fourteen years old, and had nobody to turn to.\u00a0 I heard about work out west, on the railroad, so I made my way along the tracks until I could find the camps where they were hiring.\u00a0 I managed to save a bit of money and buy myself a horse and a rifle, and decided to better myself working at different jobs until I could find one I liked.\u00a0 And here I am today, working for the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s quite a story, Deke,\u201d\u00a0 Ethan remarked.\u00a0 \u201cWhat will you do now?\u00a0\u00a0 Will you stay on with the Cartwrights?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as they\u2019ll have me, sir,\u201d Deke pushed away from the table.\u00a0 \u201cAnd once I have enough money saved, I\u2019d like to get myself a piece of land and find me a good wife, and raise up a family of my own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood plan,\u201d Mrs. Shepard said emphatically.\u00a0 \u201cAnd a good man to have around!\u00a0 Well, it\u2019s time you young people meet up with your friends and journey on to your picnic.\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was quite a crowd of young people at the school where they had agreed to meet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are all these people?\u201d Deke asked.\u00a0 \u201cI thought it was just supposed to be a few couples?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo did I,\u201d Delci replied.<\/p>\n

Deke drove the wagon up to the group and pulled back on the reins.\u00a0 \u201cWhoa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lydia and Minnie rushed to the wagon as Deke helped Delci down from the seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind,\u201d Minnie gushed with excitement.\u00a0 \u201cI invited all the girls and boys from school.\u00a0\u00a0 The more, the merrier, I always say.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lydia continued Minnie\u2019s news.\u00a0 \u201cYou know some of them already from church.\u00a0 There\u2019s June and Ruby Gregg, and the Thompson twins, George and John.\u00a0 Come, we\u2019ll introduce you to the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci looked around until she spotted Adelia.\u00a0 She smiled, and left Lydia and Minnie to greet her friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdelia!\u00a0 I\u2019m so glad you came!\u00a0 Won\u2019t you ride with me in our wagon?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adelia\u2019s dispirited face brightened when she saw Delci.\u00a0 \u201cOh, thank you!\u00a0 Yes, I would.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci!\u201d\u00a0 Minnie called out to her.\u00a0 \u201cCome along!\u00a0 I want you to meet the others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Colton came up quietly and suddenly behind Delci.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Delci,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cAfter all, you\u2019re the hostess of this shindig.\u00a0 You should greet all of your guests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrying to say I don\u2019t know my manners again, Colton?\u201d\u00a0 Delci opened her parasol and turned her back on the young man.\u00a0\u00a0 She heard him laugh as she left him standing there.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Adelia,\u201d Delci said.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get these introductions over with.\u00a0 You stay by me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci gently took her friend in arm and went to meet the others.\u00a0 Soon, everyone was climbing into the two wagons.<\/p>\n

Deke mounted the seat next to Delci and Adelia.\u00a0 \u201cI counted about twenty-two people.\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright wasn\u2019t expecting your party to be more than ten of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all I expected, too,\u201d Delci said with a hint of frustration in her voice.\u00a0 \u201cMinnie took it upon herself to invite everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you ask me,\u201d Adelia leaned over so no one else could hear her.\u00a0 \u201cI think that Colton Maddock put her up to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would you say that?\u201d\u00a0 Delci asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw them talking together before school started on Tuesday, and right after that, everyone was talking about going to the picnic with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear that, Deke?\u201d\u00a0 Delci said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t surprise me,\u201d Deke answered.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s something about that guy I don\u2019t trust.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNor I,\u201d Delci looked over at the other wagon, where Colton was sitting.\u00a0 \u201cHe didn\u2019t like it, when I suggested the boys ride in one wagon, and the girls ride in our wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a very good idea, Delci,\u201d Deke snapped the reins.\u00a0 The horses responded and pulled up ahead of the other wagons as the road narrowed.<\/p>\n

The two hour ride went quickly as all the young people chattered or sang songs to pass the time.\u00a0 Soon, they reached the waterfall at Washoe Lake.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this the waterfall?\u201d\u00a0 one girl questioned.\u00a0 \u201cI thought it would be much higher.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s still very pretty,\u201d another girl replied.\u00a0 \u201cSo what, if that\u2019s all there is?\u00a0 We\u2019re not in Oregon, you know!\u201d<\/p>\n

The conversation continued among the young people, as they spread out blankets and laid out baskets of food.\u00a0 Colton insisted on helping Delci and Adelia, while Deke and a couple of the other boys tended to the horses.\u00a0 The boys were all eager to eat and drink lemonade after the dusty ride in the wagons.\u00a0 Soon, the food was consumed down to the last cookie, and Minnie suggested they play some games.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about Old Mother Wobble?\u201d Samantha suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe could play Quack!\u201d\u00a0 another girl called out.<\/p>\n

One of the boys nudged another boy, who shouted, \u201cI want to play Pick Three Cherries!\u201d<\/p>\n

The girls all giggled at this forward suggestion.<\/p>\n

Deke stood up, \u201cNow we\u2019re not turning this into a hug social, so why don\u2019t you start out with the games the girls suggested?\u201d<\/p>\n

Colton stood up.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got a great idea!\u00a0 Why don\u2019t we boys try to catch a fish with our bare hands?\u00a0 The first boy to catch a fish, wins.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, Indian style?\u201d\u00a0 Benjamin asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Colton grinned.\u00a0 \u201cWhy not?\u00a0 What do you say, Deke?\u00a0 Does that sound okay to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke thought about it for a moment, scratching at the bristle on his chin.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems harmless enough,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight then!\u201d\u00a0 Colton waved his arm, motioning for all the boys to follow him down to the lake.\u00a0 The girls followed close behind, and soon they were gathered at the shore, and the boys pulled off their boots and rolled up their britches.\u00a0 They waded knee-deep in the water and made a ruckus about how cold it was, or where the fish could be found.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpread out,\u201d Colton told them. \u00a0\u201cThe fish won\u2019t show themselves, if we\u2019re all together.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girls watched as the boys made attempts to catch fish with their bare hands.\u00a0 Deke stood close by, keeping an eye on the game.\u00a0 Nobody seemed to notice that Colton had distanced himself from the rest of the boys, and found a place where he could hide behind some overhanging brush a few hundred yards from the rest of the group.<\/p>\n

Colton pulled out some vials from his pants pocket.\u00a0 Quickly, he managed to fill three of them, and put them back in his pocket, before Deke found him.<\/p>\n

\u201cKinda muddy there, for fishing,\u201d Deke remarked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Colton replied with a laugh.\u00a0 \u201cI nearly had me one, but he got away.\u00a0 I guess I thrashed around too much, trying to get him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, come on back and join the rest of the group,\u201d Deke said.\u00a0 \u201cThat Campbell fellow already got him a fish.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid he, now?\u201d\u00a0 Colton stood up, hiding the remaining two vials behind him.\u00a0 \u201cThat was fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s time to be heading back to town, anyway,\u201d Deke said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be right with you, Deke,\u201d\u00a0 Colton told him.\u00a0 \u201cI think I\u2019ll relieve myself here, out of view of the ladies, if you don\u2019t mind.\u00a0 I guess I can\u2018t hold my lemonade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t take too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

Colton waited until Deke was several feet away, then quickly filled the last two vials and tucked them into his pocket.\u00a0 He climbed out of the lake and ran toward the rest of the group.<\/p>\n

Deke tapped Delci on the elbow.\u00a0 \u201cI think that Colton Maddock is up to something.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Deke looked behind him to see that Colton was indeed on his way back to the party.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he said suspiciously.\u00a0 \u201cBut I just have a bad feeling about him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adelia heard what Deke said.\u00a0 \u201cI heard some of the girls from school, talking about their fathers working up here at the timber camp.\u00a0 They said their parents were upset that the men had been sent home because of some trouble up here.\u00a0 Do you think it might have anything to do with that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may have something, Adelia,\u201d Deke kept his eyes on Colton, as the boy avoided the three of them to help gather up all the blankets and baskets into the wagons.<\/p>\n

\u201cColton\u2019s been very cool towards me today,\u201d Delci noticed.\u00a0 \u201cFor a boy who thinks\u00a0 I\u2019m a princess, he\u2019s totally ignored me and all the other girls.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not going to complain about that!\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t mind having you all to myself!\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci blushed.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, Deke!\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know you felt that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why not?\u201d Deke asked her.\u00a0 \u201cAre you not the prettiest girl here?\u00a0 And the nicest one, as well.\u00a0 Excluding yourself, Miss Adelia.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned away to hitch the horses to the wagon, leaving Delci to think about what he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelci!\u201d Adelia exclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s in love with you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he isn\u2019t,\u201d Delci blushed again.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re just friends, is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned away quickly, pretending to help with the chores, and Adelia crossed her arms and shook her head.<\/p>\n

One of the boys approached Adelia.\u00a0 \u201cMay I help you into the wagon, Miss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, thank you, Jesse,\u201d Adelia offered her hand, and the young man helped her into the wagon box.\u00a0 \u201cI think Delci and Deke want to sit by themselves, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jesse squirmed a bit.\u00a0 \u201cGosh, Miss Adelia\u2026if it weren\u2019t for the fact that the boys have to sit in the other wagon, I\u2019d be pleased if I could sit with you\u2026that is, if you wouldn\u2019t object.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adelia smiled.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps you can call on me sometime?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jesse grinned and stood a little taller.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I, Miss Adelia?\u00a0 Why thank you!\u00a0 I will do just that!\u201d\u00a0 With a lighter step in his walk, the boy leaped into the other wagon and waved his hat at her, as the wagons began their journey back to Virginia City.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood job, son!\u201d Mr. Maddock exclaimed, as Colton presented him with the vials.\u00a0 \u201cMy boy, you\u2019re going to make a fine partner in my new firm, one day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir,\u201d Colton shook his father\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send these to the assayer at once.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Maddock took another look at his son.\u00a0 \u201cAnd perhaps you should change out of those muddy duds before your mother sees you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clem Foster and his deputies rode alongside the loggers as they returned to the timber camp.\u00a0 He made sure none of them were armed, nor carried anything other than their tools.\u00a0 They reached the camp by dawn.\u00a0 The Cartwrights were already there, along with Deke, Bronc, Harley and Cookie.\u00a0 Although the two older men were no longer in their prime, they still looked formidable.\u00a0 But the Cartwrights and their foreman meant to intimidate the crew.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get back to work!\u201d\u00a0 Ben bellowed.\u00a0 As the men headed for the tall ponderosa pines with their axes and saws, Clem rode up next to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be happy to stick around for a bit,\u201d the sheriff offered.\u00a0 \u201cMake sure they\u2019re settled down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I made my point last week,\u201d Ben told his friend.\u00a0 \u201cAs long as they believe the mud is worthless, I think they\u2019ll concentrate on their work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, just so you know,\u201d Clem leaned forward, \u201cOliver Maddock is still stirring up rumors about silver ore being found in the mud.\u00a0 Somehow he got hold of some of that mud and took it to the assayer\u2019s office.\u00a0 Or so he said.\u00a0 Could be, he got the mud from somewhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke walked up as the sheriff was speaking.\u00a0 \u201cI think I know how Maddock got that mud, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 I can\u2019t prove nothing, but that Colton Maddock was messing around in the lake at the picnic.\u00a0 He got everybody to play like they were fishing Indian style, sort of a contest to see who could catch the first fish.\u00a0 But I caught him up by himself behind some manzanita bushes, acting mighty suspicious.\u00a0 If I had known what he was up to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke made a face and turned away.\u00a0 \u201cI let you down, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had no way of knowing, Deke,\u201d Ben assured him.\u00a0 \u201cBut now we know what we\u2019re up against.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat boy used Delci to do this!\u201d\u00a0 Deke spat on the ground.\u00a0 \u201cThat no good\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what\u2019s done is done,\u201d Clem pushed back his hat.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe I\u2019d better keep a closer eye on Maddock.\u00a0 If he\u2019s using his son to get to the young lady, knowing her connections with the Cartwrights, then he\u2019s capable of a lot of things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Clem,\u201d\u00a0 Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cDeke, let\u2019s go warn my sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the men returned to work after their lunch break, Adam heard horses approaching.\u00a0 He looked to the east and saw three men riding toward the camp.\u00a0 He alerted his father and his brothers.<\/p>\n

One of the riders was Oliver Maddock.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, Cartwrights,\u201d Maddock dismounted his horse.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been quite some time since I rode in a saddle.\u00a0 One gets used to buggies, when one lives in town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cState your business, Maddock,\u201d Ben Cartwright placed his hands on his hips.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s not waste time.\u00a0 I\u2018ll tell you again, this area has no silver, if that\u2018s what you\u2018re after.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Ben, we\u2019re reasonable men,\u201d\u00a0 Maddock attempted to put his arm across Ben\u2019s shoulders, but Ben pulled away.\u00a0 \u201cI happen to know for a fact that the shore of this lake is teeming with silver ore.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss spoke up.\u00a0 \u201cWe know you used Delci Fuller, in order to have your son get some mud samples.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes,\u201d Joe added.\u00a0 \u201cWe know all about your scheme.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave his sons a warning look that meant for them to keep quiet.\u00a0 Adam stepped closer to his father, his hand resting on the grip of his gun.\u00a0 Deke and Bronc moved forward, as well.<\/p>\n

Maddock observed their intentions.\u00a0 \u201cGentlemen, gentlemen\u2026let us not become hostile towards one another.\u00a0 There\u2019s no need for brutality here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen turn around and go back to Virginia City,\u201d Ben advised him.\u00a0 \u201cAnd there will be no need for violence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Ben,\u201d Maddock derided him.\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come into town, where we can discuss the future of this rich deposit of silver over a few drinks?\u00a0 I\u2019m sure we can come to an amicable arrangement.\u00a0 You and I both know this lakeshore is very rich in silver.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t we?\u201d\u00a0 Maddock knew he had Ben\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen to me good, Maddock,\u201d Ben pointed a finger at the man, nearly poking him in the eye.\u00a0 \u201cThis is my land!\u00a0 Ponderosa land!\u00a0 You will not conduct any mining here whatsoever.\u00a0 This is a watershed!\u00a0 Do you know what happens to a watershed when the drainage from a mine contaminates the water?\u00a0 The entire area is destroyed!\u00a0 All the wildlife, all the trees, all the land depends on the purity of that watershed!\u00a0 I won\u2019t have it!\u00a0 Not in my lifetime!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOr ours,\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

\u201cLives can be shortened very quickly out here,\u201d Maddock quipped.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t threaten me or my sons, Maddock!\u201d\u00a0 Ben advised him.\u00a0 \u201cJust remember, your life can be shortened just as easily.\u00a0 You aren\u2019t the first man to come against me over matters like this, but you\u2019ll soon learn that no one has ever succeeded.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, I suggest you get back on your horse and ride off, before my brothers and I decide to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam moved toward the man and he quickly turned away and mounted his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t heard the last of me, Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe started to shout something in turn, but Ben held him back.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joseph,\u201d Ben said. \u201cIt will do no good to get into a shouting match.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would make me feel better, having the last word!\u201d\u00a0 Joe went back toward the chuck wagon and Hoss followed behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think we should do next, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is nothing to do,\u201d Ben answered.\u00a0 \u201cUntil we see what Maddock tries next.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben started to walk away, then turned back to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019d better ride into town and let Clem know about Maddock\u2019s visit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight, Pa,\u201d Adam started toward his horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Adam,\u201d Ben continued.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d better wire Fort McDermit, and alert Captain Wells that we may need help.\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanted to see me, Father?\u201d\u00a0 Colton entered the library where his father sat behind a desk, brooding over papers.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son,\u201d\u00a0 Maddock said.\u00a0 \u201cCartwright is being stubborn.\u00a0 But he will have to surrender, by the time I\u2019m through with him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have a plan, Father?\u201d\u00a0 Colton sat down and folded his hands in his lap.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do, and I will need your help to make it work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maddock sat down behind his desk and put his papers together.\u00a0 He tapped them on the desk to straighten them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m getting some men together,\u201d Maddock told his son.\u00a0 \u201cAbout a hundred of them.\u00a0 Maybe more.\u00a0 But we\u2019ll need a distraction, and that\u2019s where I will need your help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Colton got up and placed his hands spread out across his father\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell me what to do, Father.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maddock smiled and ruffled his son\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew I could count on you, Son,\u201d Maddock sat back in his chair.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re going to need a distraction.\u00a0 Something to get the Cartwrights to leave the timber camp and as far away as possible, while I lead my men in place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I know just how to create such a diversion,\u201d Colton nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYou just leave it to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mrs. Shepard opened the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, hello, young man,\u201d\u00a0 Emaline greeted him.\u00a0 \u201cHow may I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPardon my intrusion, Mrs. Shepard,\u201d\u00a0 the boy took his hat off and brushed his hand through his hair.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m Jesse Haines, and I think you know Miss Adelia Mullins over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emaline looked across the yard and saw Adelia sitting on a horse, holding the reins of the young man\u2019s horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Adelia,\u201d\u00a0 Emaline waved.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Mrs. Shepard,\u201d Adelia called back.<\/p>\n

Jesse continued.\u00a0 \u201cWe was\u2026I mean, we were wondering if Miss Delci could go riding with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we ask her?\u201d\u00a0 Emaline turned to look up the staircase.\u00a0 \u201cDelci, your friends are here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci descended quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Jesse,\u201d\u00a0 She greeted him warmly.\u00a0 \u201cHow are you?\u00a0 Is Adelia with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2019m, she\u2019s right out here in front.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJesse and Adelia came to invite you to go riding with them,\u201d Mrs. Shepard explained.\u00a0 \u201cWhere will you be riding, Jesse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUp toward Silver Strike Farm,\u201d Jesse told her.\u00a0 \u201cWe won\u2019t be more\u2019n an hour or two.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to go!\u201d\u00a0 Delci squealed.\u00a0 \u201cMay I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Emaline nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go tell Father,\u201d Delci picked up her skirt and ran into her father\u2019s room.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be just a minute!\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrs. Shepard laughed.\u00a0 \u201cJesse, why don\u2019t you head over to the livery and saddle up Delci\u2019s horse?\u00a0 She\u2019ll be along in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2019m,\u201d Jesse turned and hopped off the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell Delci to meet you at the livery,\u201d Mrs. Shepard called out to the young people.<\/p>\n

Jesse mounted his horse, and took the reins from Adelia.\u00a0 She waved at Mrs. Shepard as they trotted toward the livery stable.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are they going?\u201d Delci asked, out of breath.\u00a0 \u201cThey didn\u2019t wait for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey went ahead to saddle your horse for you,\u201d Mrs. Shepard explained.\u00a0 \u201cRun along, and have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci arrived at the livery and found Jesse and Adelia were cinching up the saddle on Strawberry.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere she is!\u201d\u00a0 Adelia said.<\/p>\n

The trio brought their horses out of the barn and Jesse helped the girls climb up into their saddles.\u00a0 He mounted his own and the three of them turned toward the north road out of town.<\/p>\n

Just as the town disappeared behind them, they came upon a horse and a rider on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Colton!\u201d Jesse shouted and galloped toward the young man.\u00a0 \u201cColton!\u00a0 Are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Colton groaned as Jesse dismounted and the girls rode up closer.\u00a0 Jesse gave Colton a quick examination.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you hurt, Colt?\u201d\u00a0 Jesse asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJesse?\u201d Colton whispered.\u00a0 \u201cIs that you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cColton!\u201d Delci grabbed her canteen and brought it to the young man\u2019s lips.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA snake spooked my horse,\u201d Colton muttered.\u00a0 \u201cI hit the ground\u2026can\u2019t feel my legs!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no!\u201d\u00a0 Adelia cried, clutching her hands to her mouth to keep from alarming the young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo get my father,\u201d Colton asked Jesse.\u00a0 \u201cDelci can stay with me, while you get help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you be all right out here by yourselves, Delci?\u201d\u00a0 Jesse asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Delci answered.\u00a0 \u201cHave Adelia fetch Mrs. Shepard, while you go find Mr. Maddock.\u00a0 I\u2019ll take care of Colton, until you get back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing we aren\u2019t that far from town!\u201d\u00a0 Jesse and Adelia climbed up on their horses and ran off down the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Colton,\u201d Delci assured the boy.\u00a0 \u201cHelp will be here soon!\u00a0 You\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel a little better,\u201d Colton said.\u00a0 \u201cLook, I can move my legs again.\u00a0 Will you help me sit up?\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci got behind Colton and helped him sit up against a boulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must have fallen on this boulder when your horse threw you,\u201d Delci surmised.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Colton said.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s all a blur.\u00a0 But I\u2019m feeling better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Delci said.\u00a0 \u201cWe were all worried about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think there\u2019s a cabin just a stone\u2019s throw away from here,\u201d Colton pulled himself up to a more comfortable position.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps someone is there who could help?\u00a0 Will you help me over to the cabin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just sit still and wait for the doctor!\u201d Delci ordered.<\/p>\n

Colton surprised her when he stood up and dusted himself off.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I think we\u2019d better go to the cabin, where I can lie down and rest comfortably.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, you\u2019re not injured at all!\u201d\u00a0 Delci fumed.\u00a0 \u201cIt was all a ruse!\u00a0 Just what are you up to, Colton Maddock?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m feeling rather dizzy, Delci,\u201d\u00a0 Colton lied.\u00a0 \u201cI want to go to that cabin and lay down.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go find that cabin.\u201d<\/p>\n

He grabbed her wrist and made her get up on his horse, then grabbed Strawberry\u2019s reins and climbed into the saddle behind her.\u00a0 Digging his heels into the horse\u2019s hindquarters, they went off to the northwest, along a narrow and rarely traveled road.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u201d Emaline called out when she saw the Cartwrights come out of the sheriff\u2019s office and get on their horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen!\u00a0 Come quick!\u201d\u00a0 She called again.\u00a0 \u201cDelci is missing.\u00a0 She may be with the Maddock boy!\u00a0 We can\u2018t seem to find them, and Ethan is very upset that he can\u2018t leave the house to go look for her!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEmaline, we were just getting ready to ride back to the Ponderosa,\u201d Ben explained.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s a battle brewing up at the timber camp.\u00a0 We have to get back there before anyone is hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can go look for her, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Deke offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of us can go with him,\u201d Hoss suggested.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe\u2019s a real good tracker.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I\u2019ll need you and your brothers to come with me,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cDeke, I\u2019ll spare you, but I\u2019ll need you up at the camp as soon as you find Delci.\u00a0 And don\u2019t you go getting yourself in trouble with that boy, you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hear you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Deke promised.\u00a0 \u201cI guarantee that boy won\u2019t be any trouble at all, especially if he\u2019s laid one hand on Delci.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Ben said, organizing his sons.\u00a0 \u201cEmaline, you go back and tell Ethan that Deke will find Delci.\u00a0 It will be a couple of hours before the cavalry gets here, and another hour before Sheriff Foster can round up some men to help us.\u00a0 It seems a lot of men in town have been hired by Maddock to raid our timber camp.\u00a0 We have to get up there and stop them, if we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake care of yourself, Ben,\u201d Emaline shielded her eyes from the sun as she looked up at her friend.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be praying for all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben and his sons rode south, back toward the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Deke placed a reassuring hand on Mrs. Shepard\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you worry about a thing, ma\u2019am.\u00a0 I\u2019ll find Delci, you can count on it.\u00a0 And the Cartwrights will manage to keep Maddock\u2019s men at bay.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emaline reached for the boy\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Deke.\u00a0 They went north, up toward Silver Strike Farm.\u00a0 Hurry!\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched as he jumped into his saddle and galloped toward the north end of town.<\/p>\n

Deke spotted Jesse and some other men and boys.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Deke,\u201d Jesse greeted him.\u00a0 \u201cThis is where we left them.\u00a0 We figure they went east toward the canyon.\u00a0 Lots of caves along there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke dismounted and looked around the outer perimeter where the riders gathered.\u00a0 A bright color behind an outlying sagebrush caught his attention.\u00a0 He scurried to the bush and bent over to pick it up.\u00a0 It was a silk scarf, similar to the one he saw banded around Delci\u2019s straw hat at church one Sunday.<\/p>\n

He looked around, closer to the ground and spotted tracks.\u00a0 Two horses, going towards the north west.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think they went up this road,\u201d Deke held out the scarf for all to see.\u00a0 \u201cI think Delci dropped this on purpose to show us the way.\u00a0 Come on!\u201d<\/p>\n

Deke led the others, keeping them behind him, so that he could follow the tracks.\u00a0 The trail was narrow and, in some places, steep and rocky, and some of the searchers opted to turn back toward town.\u00a0 It was going to be dark in a couple of hours.<\/p>\n

Deke focused on keeping the tracks in sight.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow far do you think they\u2019ve gone?\u201d\u00a0 Jesse asked him when they stopped at a spring to water the horses.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo telling,\u201d Deke said.\u00a0 \u201cWe just have to keep on the trail until we find the end of it, or them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the boys think we might be ambushed,\u201d Jesse admitted.\u00a0 \u201cThey want to go back to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Deke asked him point blank.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think, if it was my girl, I\u2019d keep going,\u201d Jesse said matter-of-factly.\u00a0 \u201cBut I also think if we were heading into an ambush, there\u2019s more chance of us getting out of it, if we all stick together.\u00a0 But these boys, they\u2019re not used to fighting and only a few of them have guns.\u00a0 We might be better off, just the two of us, and letting the rest go back.\u00a0 I\u2019d rather take my chances that we\u2019ve only got Maddock to contend with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re right,\u201d Deke told him.\u00a0 \u201cI think Colton\u2019s father has all his men headed up to fight the Cartwrights at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 I think Colton\u2019s job was to use Delci to pull men away from that fight, to make the odds better for his father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t be the first time a boy took advantage of a girl,\u201d Jesse said, hoping not to upset Deke more than he was.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he\u2019s harmed her in any way,\u201d Deke pledged, \u201cI just may have to hurt him worse!\u201d<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A bullet ricocheted off a rock and hit Hoss in the calf of his right leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss shouted. \u00a0He peeked over the boulder shielding him from the battle and fired off several rounds in rapid succession, before settling back to reload his revolver.<\/p>\n

Little Joe grinned.\u00a0 \u201cWhat got you so all fired up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDag nab it!\u00a0 I\u2019m shot in the leg!\u201d Hoss said angrily.\u00a0 \u201cJust made me mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me have a look,\u201d Joe bent over to examine Hoss\u2019s wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right, Joe,\u201d Hoss was testy.\u00a0 \u201cJust a knick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe pulled a bandana from the pocket of his jacked and tied it around the wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor a knick, that little bugger is bleeding a lot,\u201d Joe told his brother.\u00a0 \u201cThat will keep you from losing too much blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, little brother,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 Peering towards their enemies, he fired off a few well aimed rounds, then picked up his Henry repeating rifle and emptied the sixteen rounds in its tube magazine.<\/p>\n

Joe fired his weapon as well.\u00a0 \u201cMaddock sure got his war, didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked over at their father and brother, Adam.\u00a0 The men were also fiercely engaged in the fight.\u00a0 He cast a glance over at Bronc, Harley and Cookie.\u00a0 They were holding their own.\u00a0 Some of the cowboys from their cattle drives were also hidden behind trees and boulders, assisting the Cartwrights against the army of men Maddock had hired to force Ben to give up the mining rights.\u00a0 On the south flank, he could see Sheriff Foster and his deputies holding their line.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you got enough ammunition over there?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss called out to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need a box?\u201d Adam called back.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cToss us a couple, if you can spare them.<\/p>\n

As Adam fired his weapons for cover, Ben pitched two boxes of bullets over to his younger sons.\u00a0 Joe caught them, while Hoss shot cover to protect him.<\/p>\n

Ben leaned back into the safety of the rocks to reload his own Colt revolver, while Adam continued shooting toward the hired gunfighters.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see how Maddock figured this would convince you to turn over the mineral rights,\u201d Adam remarked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe figures, if we\u2019re all dead, he can move in and take what he wants,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0 \u201cYou can bet, he\u2019s nowhere near here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I noticed that,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He sat back to reload, while his father shot at the gunmen.<\/p>\n

A bugle call sounded close by.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cavalry!\u201d Hoss called out to his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cMusic to my ears,\u201d Ben mused, continuing to fire his weapon at their assailants.<\/p>\n

Captain Wells and his men were approaching rapidly, their horses leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.\u00a0 The hired gunmen saw that they were now outnumbered, and began to pull back, firing ferociously at the soldiers in a last ditch effort.\u00a0 The soldiers attacked, giving the Cartwrights and their men a chance to breathe.<\/p>\n

Some of the gunfighters were killed, some were captured and taken prisoner.\u00a0 Many men on both sides lay dead on the ground.<\/p>\n

When the fighting was over, Captain Wells approached the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry we couldn\u2019t have gotten here sooner, Ben,\u201d the captain tipped his hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re very grateful you came, Captain,\u201d Ben put his revolver back in his gun belt.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve lost a few good men here today, but it would have been worse, if you hadn\u2019t come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll take these prisoners back to the fort with us,\u201d Captain Wells advised him.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think your local jail could house them all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clem Foster strode up to the men as they spoke.\u00a0\u00a0 His arm was bleeding badly from a wound near his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s much appreciated,\u201d the sheriff told him.\u00a0 \u201cBesides, I\u2019ve got another prisoner to house there, and he wouldn\u2019t like being cooped up with the likes of these fellows.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, don\u2019t you think we should go see about Delci?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his injured son.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll send Adam and Joseph,\u201d Ben answered.\u00a0 \u201cWe need to get your leg looked after, and see to the injuries of these other men.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m all right, Pa,\u201d Hoss insisted.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, it\u2019s barely a scratch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took a closer look.\u00a0 \u201cNo, you need to get the bullet out of your leg, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWha-a-a-t?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s more than a scratch, Hoss,\u201d Adam nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re hit worse than you thought,\u201d Joe added.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t tell you, \u2018cause I didn\u2019t want you to worry about it too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it don\u2019t barely hurt a bit!\u201d Hoss argued.\u00a0 He stamped his foot for emphasis.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss screamed in pain.\u00a0 The medic from the cavalry unit came over to see about Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight this way, sir,\u201d the medic led Hoss toward his wagon.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll get you fixed up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe followed after his brother, teasing him as they made their way to the medical wagon.<\/p>\n

Bronc walked up to the Cartwrights with a somber look on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe lost Guevara, Morgan and Brady,\u201d the foreman informed them.\u00a0 \u201cMight lose Henson, too, and Jeb Green is badly hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill Jeb be all right?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHard to say,\u201d Bronc answered.\u00a0 \u201cBut Harley caught a shell in his ribs.\u00a0 That army doc thinks he\u2019ll be okay.\u00a0 But it don\u2018t look good for Henson.\u00a0 Got a stomach wound.\u00a0 Lost a lot of blood.\u00a0 I\u2018m surprised he\u2018s still breathing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSad to lose such good men,\u201d\u00a0 Ben sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad it\u2019s over. Good to hear about Harley, though.\u00a0 I\u2018ll be over to see him in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas anyone else hurt?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of my deputies got hit in the foot,\u201d Clem said.\u00a0 \u201cOther than that, I\u2019m surprised we came out as well as we did.\u00a0 That was a lot of fire power Maddock sent you.\u00a0 He won\u2018t get away with it, though.\u00a0 The west isn\u2018t as wild as he thinks it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWild enough!\u201d Adam slapped his thigh.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get Joe, and we\u2019ll head back to Virginia City to see about Delci, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded his approval, then went to see about the dead and wounded.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jesse and Deke crept up behind the cabin they found in a small, hidden gulch.\u00a0 A light was shining through windows flanking the only door in the front.<\/p>\n

Deke motioned for Jesse to work his way around the right side of the cabin, while he approached from the left.\u00a0 Each man moves stealthily towards the two windows.<\/p>\n

Jesse stole a glance through the window first.\u00a0 He nodded to Deke, signaling that he had spotted either Delci or Colton.\u00a0 Both young men crouched and crawled under the windows as silently as they could, before standing upright in front of the door.\u00a0 Deke had his gun drawn, ready to defend, if it came to it, and hoping Colton wouldn\u2019t be stupid enough to fight fire with fire.<\/p>\n

Deke raised his foot and kicked in the door.<\/p>\n

Colton jumped in alarm, stunned that anyone had found them.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeke!\u201d Delci shrieked and ran to her friend.\u00a0 Jesse quickly entered the room and made sure Colton didn\u2019t make any sudden moves.<\/p>\n

Deke welcomed the girl into his arm, still holding the gun on Colton, and keeping a sharp eye on him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right, Delci?\u201d\u00a0 He asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Delci cried softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t hurt you, none, Miss Delci?\u201d Jesse asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m fine,\u201d she assured them.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, listen fellows,\u201d\u00a0 Colton attempted to explain, but Jesse pushed him into a chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shut up!\u201d Jesse warned him.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re in a heap of trouble, Maddock!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about, friend,\u201d Colton sheepishly chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t your friend, Maddock!\u201d Jesse said firmly, as he whipped a bandana out of his pockets and forcefully tied Colton\u2019s hands behind his back.<\/p>\n

Deke put his gun back in the holster and gave Delci a proper embrace, kissing her hair, and then her forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was so worried,\u201d Deke whispered in her ear.\u00a0 \u201cI would have killed him, if he had done anything to hurt you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Delci looked up at Deke, now understanding the depth of his affection for her.\u00a0 She reached up and ran her fingers from his cheek to his chin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t going to let him,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

Deke scooped her up in his arms and carried her out of the cabin.\u00a0 Setting her back on the ground, out of sight of the others, he took her head gently in his strong hands and kissed her.\u00a0 It was a long, lingering kiss, full of relief that she was safe, and full of promise for their future together.<\/p>\n

***\u00a0\u00a0 ***\u00a0\u00a0 ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The trial had ended, with both Colton and Oliver Maddock sentenced to prison on several indictments of conspiracy, kidnapping and other charges, felonious and miscellaneous.\u00a0 It would be a long time before their hard labor would allow them freedom again.<\/p>\n

Judith Maddock quickly sold their luxurious manse and returned to San Francisco.\u00a0 Peace reigned once again in Virginia City and at the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Music and laughter filled the yard in front of the Cartwright home, as a celebration took place.<\/p>\n

Ben raised a glass of champagne and offered a toast.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s to the happy couple,\u201d\u00a0 He began.\u00a0 \u201cMay your days be long together, may your hearts be filled with love, and may your home always be filled with joy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHear, hear!\u201d Joe shouted and everyone clinked their glasses together.<\/p>\n

Ethan Fuller, standing tall and healthy, kissed his beautiful bride, and Emaline glowed with happiness.<\/p>\n

The guests all clapped their approval and swarmed the happy couple to shower them with affection and good wishes.<\/p>\n

Ben, Adam, Hoss and Joe stood on the sidelines and gazed at the scene.\u00a0 The musicians struck up a happy tune, and soon, the boys each found a pretty young lady to dance with.<\/p>\n

No one was happier than Delci.\u00a0 With her father married to the most wonderful woman she had ever known, and Deke by her side, the young woman stood back to enjoy this special moment.<\/p>\n

One day, it would be her wedding, and Deke would become her husband.\u00a0 But that would be later, as she promised her father and new mother.\u00a0 The time would pass quickly, as Deke fulfilled his plans to save money for a farm and house all their own.\u00a0 A place he would be proud to give his future wife, and where they would raise their children, just as he always dreamed.<\/p>\n

And now, it was Delci\u2019s dream, too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Ben Cartwright,\u00a0Hoss Cartwright,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Written especially for Delci Marie Barkley at her request.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T (32,430 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3382,"featured_media":14812,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12971","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1818,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Wild-Oats.jpeg?fit=276%2C183&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7367,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7367","url_meta":{"origin":12971,"position":0},"title":"Monday Morning (by Sibylle)","author":"Sibylle","date":"May 8, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0A short vignette about a morning on the ranch Rated:\u00a0K+ WC: 570 Adam Vignette Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Hoss"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Hoss","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1090"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Showdown3.jpg?fit=761%2C669&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15737,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15737","url_meta":{"origin":12971,"position":1},"title":"Baby from the Forrest, Baby from the Heart (by mumu74)","author":"mumu74","date":"December 25, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"This story was written for the 2017 Advent Calendar - Day 23 Summary:\u00a0 The start of a new life is a joyous occasion. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a01,380 words","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Advent.jpg?fit=791%2C680&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15532,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15532","url_meta":{"origin":12971,"position":2},"title":"Fondue #1 – Marie, My Fondue (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"December 3, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe asks Ben about his mother, and learns more than he wanted to. Rating:\u00a0 T\u00a0 (980 words) Fondue Series, links to all the stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":48257,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=48257","url_meta":{"origin":12971,"position":3},"title":"BTR Sourdough Starters #23 – March 2020 (by BZTrailriders)","author":"BZTrailRiders","date":"March 31, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: If Horses Could Talk...Spring is coming and we know what the Cartwrights will be doing - chores, round ups, girls, picnics. But what do the horses think of all this activity? Pick a scene from an episode or create one of your own and give us the horse\u2019s perspective.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sourdough Starter"","block_context":{"text":"Sourdough Starter","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1323"},"img":{"alt_text":"Preserving Their Legacy","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/BTR.png?fit=442%2C255&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":14438,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14438","url_meta":{"origin":12971,"position":4},"title":"Love Hurts (By Home Alone)","author":"Home Alone","date":"July 7, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Hoss rides up to Ima Hogg\u2019s goat farm to deliver a message and barely escapes an unwanted marriage. Rating:\u00a0 K+\/G \u00a0 \u00a0Word Count:\u00a0 2,148","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Hoss-smile.jpg?fit=285%2C326&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5310,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5310","url_meta":{"origin":12971,"position":5},"title":"Jenny and David Series #2 – Love Me Tender (by Cinderella)","author":"Cinderella","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Jenny gets her first teaching job, and she and David build a house. Short but sweet\u2013more of a happy story, doesn\u2019t really have any action. All reviews are very appreciated!! Sequel to Love is Blind Rated: K+ (6,050 words) Jenny and David series, links to all the stories within the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12971","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\/3382"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12971"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12971\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14812"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12971"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12971"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12971"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}