{"id":12991,"date":"2016-05-30T04:27:25","date_gmt":"2016-05-30T08:27:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12991"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:10:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:10:17","slug":"unexpected-changes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12991","title":{"rendered":"Unexpected Changes (by JulieS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong> The Cartwrights and Candy find that as a result of recent events, their lives are about to change unexpectedly. (13th story in the series)<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/strong> PG (7208 words)<\/p>\n

The Way Things Are Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Way Things Are<\/a>
\nHistory has a Habit<\/a>
\nWhen you Least Expect It<\/a>
\nThere\u2019s Always Something<\/a>
\nThe Choices we Make<\/a>
\nLooks Can be Deceiving<\/a>
\nOne Thing or Another<\/a>
\nJust One of Those Days<\/a>
\nNothing is What it Seems<\/a>
\nYou Can\u2019t Keep an Old Lawman Down<\/a>
\nTimes Like These<\/a>
\nThe Nature of Life
\n<\/a>Unexpected Changes
\n<\/a>Out on a Limb
\n<\/a>A Time to Decide<\/a>
\nThe Company We Keep<\/a>
\nWhen Opportunity Knocks<\/a>
\nA Moment in Time<\/a>
\nTo Live in Society<\/a><\/p>\n

Unexpected Changes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sacramento.\u00a0 The word seemed to hang in the air as Adam slowly lifted his head from the letter he had been reading.\u00a0 He stared blankly at the other men in the room.\u00a0 They were talking about something – he didn’t quite know what it was – he had stopped paying attention the moment he had seen who the letter was from.<\/p>\n

Ben gazed at Adam and was concerned by what he saw.\u00a0 His oldest son had the look of a man who had the wind just taken out of his sails.\u00a0 “Adam?”<\/p>\n

“Sorry Pa.\u00a0 Did I hear someone mention Sacramento?”<\/p>\n

Hoss cocked his head to the right.\u00a0 “Yeah, you sure did.” \u00a0He too had seen that Adam had been slightly shaken by whatever it was he had just read.\u00a0 “Pa’s goin’ to send Candy up there on business.”<\/p>\n

“Business,” Adam repeated slowly.\u00a0 Yes, there was business in Sacramento.<\/p>\n

Not sure what to make of the way Adam was acting, Ben continued.\u00a0 “Yes, we’re sending Candy up there with those two bulls that Ed Bracks wanted for his herd.\u00a0 I was just about to ask Hoss to go with him.”<\/p>\n

“I’ll go.”<\/p>\n

Hoss stared at Adam in amazement.\u00a0 “You sure?\u00a0 Considerin’ what happened between you and Candy last week.”<\/p>\n

“I’m sure.”\u00a0 Adam rubbed his chin a little as he remembered.\u00a0 Candy had caught him unaware.\u00a0 Commonsense should have told him that the foreman would have reacted this way when he found out.<\/p>\n

As he watched his son, Ben couldn’t help but feel helpless.\u00a0 Adam was usually a sensible man but he had the tendency at times to let his heart overrule his head.\u00a0 His oldest son’s involvement with Jane Talbot had been one of those times.\u00a0 Though he felt like doing something to fix the current situation, Ben knew that he couldn’t.\u00a0 Adam was old enough to take care of his own affairs.\u00a0 He nodded solemnly.\u00a0 “Can I assume that the reason you want to go to Sacramento has something to do with what’s in that letter?”<\/p>\n

Adam got up out of his chair. \u00a0“Yes, it does.”\u00a0 He went over to his father.\u00a0 “I’m sorry I can’t tell you what it is.”<\/p>\n

After glancing at the piece of paper Adam held in his hands, Ben placed his hand on his son’s shoulder.\u00a0 “I understand.\u00a0 The Secret Service isn’t called that for nothing.”<\/p>\n

“No it isn’t,”\u00a0 Adam smiled briefly as he saw the look of understanding in his father’s face.\u00a0 For a moment, he considered telling his father the real reason why he had to go to Sacramento.\u00a0 On second thoughts, he decided that now was not the time.\u00a0 It would better if his father and Hoss thought it had something to do with his work.<\/p>\n

Hoss silently observed the exchange between his father and brother.\u00a0 He could see why Adam would want to go with Candy.\u00a0 The disguise of going away on Ponderosa business would be perfect.\u00a0 However, that was not his main worry.\u00a0 He went over to the two men and placed his hand on Adam’s shoulder.\u00a0 “Yeah.\u00a0 I understand too.\u00a0 Only problem we’ve got now is how to tell Candy.”<\/p>\n

\n

“He did what?”<\/p>\n

“I done told you that already Joe.\u00a0 Adam went to Sacramento with Candy.”<\/p>\n

Joe gazed at Hoss in exasperation.\u00a0 “Why didn’t you stop him?”<\/p>\n

Hoss sighed heavily.\u00a0 “Adam had no choice.\u00a0 The Secret Service sent for him.”<\/p>\n

As he shook his head, Joe’s mind wandered back to the events that had happened recently.\u00a0 A few weeks had passed since Mitch Hawkins’ murder and it seemed that Jane Talbot had finally found the courage to tell Candy about her relationship with Adam.\u00a0 He had no idea what was said but it must have been bad.\u00a0 Candy had come home that day, grimed-faced and determined to confront Adam.<\/p>\n

That night, a heated argument had taken place in the front yard.\u00a0 The three of them who had remained inside were only able to capture snippets of the conversation – whenever someone outside raised their voice a bit louder than the other.\u00a0 The next day, Adam was gone by the time he had come down for breakfast.\u00a0 As for Candy, he had spent most of the day in complete silence, which suited Joe fine.\u00a0 He wanted no part in what was happening between his brother and his best friend.\u00a0 Towards the end of the day, Candy had left early to go back to the house.\u00a0 By the time he, himself had gotten home, Adam had returned.<\/p>\n

After taking a sip of coffee, Hoss stared at the table.\u00a0 He too had been remembering what had occurred that day.\u00a0 Adam had been in a bad temper upon his return from Virginia City.\u00a0 Even though his brother had kept his emotions under control, Hoss could tell that he was mad.\u00a0 He had tried to reason with Adam for a minute but it was no use.\u00a0 Since there wasn’t much he could do he had gone back to the book he was reading.\u00a0 He didn’t notice that Adam had left until he heard the sound of timber breaking.\u00a0 By the time he got outside, Joe was getting off his horse.\u00a0 Together they had managed to pull Adam and Candy apart.\u00a0 Ever since then the two men had rarely been seen within three feet of each other.<\/p>\n

“You know if we hadn’t of stepped in and broke up that fight when we did who knows what might have happened.”\u00a0 Joe paused for a moment.\u00a0 “What reason did Adam give to Candy for wanting to go?”<\/p>\n

Hoss took another mouthful of coffee.\u00a0 “Adam told him that he had urgent business up there that couldn’t wait and left it at that.”<\/p>\n

“I bet Candy wasn’t too pleased with the idea of spending a week on the trail with two cantankerous bulls and Adam,”\u00a0 Joe smirked at little at the thought of that.\u00a0 “Too bad I wasn’t here to see it.”<\/p>\n

“Hmm.”\u00a0 Hoss nodded.\u00a0 “Let’s just hope that this trip is what’s needed to clear up any bad blood between them.\u00a0 I know Adam’s got enough sense not beat the livin’ daylights out of Candy while they’re gone.”<\/p>\n

Joe leant back in his chair.\u00a0 “Yeah, you’re right Hoss.\u00a0 Don’t see big brother doing anything that will bring attention to himself while he’s out and about on Secret Service business.\u00a0 He’ll probably wait till he gets home.”<\/p>\n

A frustrated look appeared on Hoss’ face.\u00a0 “Like I said, I hope they clear the air while they’re gone.\u00a0 I won’t be in the mood to be breakin’ up fights a month away from my weddin’.”\u00a0 He got up.\u00a0 “Time we got started with those chores.”\u00a0 Hoss waited for his brother to join him and then the two of them made their way out together.<\/p>\n

\n

Candy stared briefly at the man seated on the other side of the fire.\u00a0 They had been on the trail for five days now and would be in Sacramento tomorrow.\u00a0 For the last one hundred miles, they had barely spoken to each other.\u00a0 In fact, they spoke only when necessary.\u00a0 The resentment he had for Adam Cartwright had now waned since the fight they had nearly two weeks ago.\u00a0 All he felt towards his employer’s oldest son now was indifference.<\/p>\n

He leant back on his bedroll and gazed up at the stars.\u00a0 As he slowly fell asleep, Candy thought about Jane.\u00a0 Where was she tonight?\u00a0 When Jane had told him about Adam, he had set about changing her mind.\u00a0 No doubt, it was part of the main cause of why she had left Virginia City so abruptly.\u00a0 She had obviously told Adam what he had done – that’s why the man had been so livid.\u00a0 He didn’t regret his actions.\u00a0 She had kissed him back, confirming that she was not totally in love with Adam and he wasn’t about to let her go without a fight.<\/p>\n

Adam briefly glanced to his left.\u00a0 He could see that Candy had fallen asleep.\u00a0 Just as well – he wasn’t in the mood to talk.\u00a0 About half way into the trip he had decided to let Candy continue to think that his bad mood was due to what had happened with Jane.\u00a0 In reality, even though he still wasn’t happy that Jane had left, it didn’t matter.\u00a0 There was something more important waiting for him in Sacramento.<\/p>\n

This sudden turn of events was unexpected.\u00a0 He had already resigned himself to the fact that what was in place had been for the best.\u00a0 The death of the woman with whom he had been dealing with changed all of that.\u00a0 The request in her will had come as a complete surprise.\u00a0 She had despised him for what he had done.\u00a0 On the occasion of their last meeting, she had showed no signs of changing.\u00a0 The reversal in her attitude probably had more to do with her making peace with God, then with him.<\/p>\n

As he placed his book back in his saddlebag, Adam for a moment thought of Jane.\u00a0 The few weeks they had spent together had been a welcomed change.\u00a0 He hadn’t felt that way about a woman in years.\u00a0 However, the feeling that it wasn’t meant to be, was getting stronger.\u00a0 If Jane ever returned, he would think about it then.\u00a0 For now, she had to be put in the past.\u00a0 It was his present situation and the future that would bring that was now the main focus of his life.<\/p>\n

\n

Five days later Candy found himself on the main street of Sacramento.\u00a0 Upon their arrival in town earlier in the week, he and Adam had parted company.\u00a0 The plan had been to meet here today and then leave for home.\u00a0 He snorted.\u00a0 At least he was keeping up his end of the plan – Cartwright was nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n

As he looked at the clock in the town square, Candy noted that his travelling companion was over one hour late.\u00a0 He would give him another ten minutes to show up and if he didn’t, well that was Cartwright’s bad luck.\u00a0 After he had delivered the bulls to Bracks, he had spent a couple of very enjoyable days taking in the sights and sounds of the city.\u00a0 Now it was time to leave.<\/p>\n

While he continued to wait, Candy watched what was going on around him.\u00a0 His thoughts centred on the journey ahead.\u00a0 He didn’t want it to take any longer than necessary.\u00a0 In his mind, the trip home was bound to be a lot quicker since they weren’t herding two bulls.<\/p>\n

Suddenly Candy’s attention was captured by two young ladies.\u00a0 As they strolled passed him, he politely tipped his hat and smiled charmingly as the two women acknowledged him.\u00a0 He continued to watch the ladies as they made their way down the street.\u00a0 It wasn’t until he heard the sound of a buckboard coming to a stop right in front of him that he was finally diverted from what he thought was a most pleasurable sight.<\/p>\n

Adam stepped down onto the sidewalk.\u00a0 He needed to make one final check to make sure everything was properly tied down.\u00a0 When he had done so, he turned to Candy, who now had a questionable look on his face.\u00a0 No doubt, the man was waiting for an explanation.\u00a0 As he rubbed the back of his neck, Adam went back to the front seat of the buckboard.\u00a0 In a calm voice, he addressed him.\u00a0 “Candy.\u00a0 I would like you to meet Thomas.”<\/p>\n

Candy raised an eyebrow and turned to the young child seated on the buckboard.\u00a0 While Adam had been securing the ropes at the back of the buckboard, he had time to study the child.\u00a0 There was no doubt in his mind who the boy’s father was.\u00a0 It seemed that Cartwright had more than one skeleton in the closet.\u00a0 He approached the buckboard, extended his hand and smiled.\u00a0 “Hi Tom.\u00a0 I’m Candy.”<\/p>\n

The boy gazed cautiously at Candy for a moment and then held out his hand.\u00a0 “Hello, Mr Candy.”<\/p>\n

After they had shook hands, Candy watched as the child placed his hands back on his lap.\u00a0 He had already noticed that the boy was not like other children.\u00a0 The child just sat there straight as a board, looking very prim and proper.\u00a0 Candy smiled at him again.\u00a0 “So Tom, how old are you?”<\/p>\n

Tom frowned.\u00a0 “Seven,” he said quietly.<\/p>\n

“Seven.\u00a0 You’re almost a man.”\u00a0 Candy grinned, which to his surprise brought a small smile to the child’s face.\u00a0 Then to his bewilderment, the smile quickly disappeared the moment Thomas’ gaze fell upon his father.<\/p>\n

Adam’s heart sank a little.\u00a0 This was the first time he had seen his son smile.\u00a0 Over the past few days he had come to see that Thomas was quiet and withdrawn, speaking only when he was addressed.\u00a0 The boy didn’t even act like other kids his age.\u00a0 Whatever Mavis Langton had done and said to her grandson had obviously worked.\u00a0 His son was scared of him and he had no idea how to overcome it.\u00a0 Perhaps by the time they got back to the Ponderosa, Thomas might be a bit more receptive towards him.\u00a0 What irked him now was that Candy had already made more of an impression in a few minutes than he had done in four days.<\/p>\n

\n

Three days into the trip back to the Ponderosa and to Adam’s dismay nothing had changed.\u00a0 His son remained as aloof as ever – at least when he was around.\u00a0 He thought again of what had happened the previous night.\u00a0 He remembered how he had returned from hunting that evening’s meal only to be greeted by the sound of laughter.\u00a0 Thomas was giggling at something Candy had said but it had abruptly stopped the moment the boy became aware of his father’s presence.\u00a0 All Candy did in response was to raise an eyebrow and shrug his shoulders.\u00a0 The fact that Thomas seemed to prefer the company of the foreman and not him was beginning to eat at him.<\/p>\n

As he turned his head to his left Adam could see that his son was staring up at something in the sky.\u00a0 Adam looked up.\u00a0 An eagle flying overhead had gained Thomas’ attention.\u00a0 He lowered his head and smiled a little.\u00a0 “It’s a beautiful bird isn’t it?”<\/p>\n

Thomas jumped the moment he heard his father speak.\u00a0 He immediately averted his eyes back to his lap.\u00a0 “Yes sir.\u00a0 If you say so.”<\/p>\n

Adam frowned.\u00a0 He wished his father was here.\u00a0 Pa would know what to do and say.\u00a0 Nothing he said or did had any effect.\u00a0 Without thinking, he placed his hand on Thomas’ shoulder.\u00a0 As soon as he did it he felt the immediate reaction.\u00a0\u00a0 The boy tensed up.\u00a0 He dropped his hand and grabbed the reins again with it.<\/p>\n

He knew that he had made a mistake.\u00a0 The boy wasn’t ready for any physical contact with him and for a brief moment he had forgotten that.\u00a0 Every part of him wanted to break through Thomas’ icy stance.\u00a0 After casting one quick look to make sure that his son was okay, Adam returned his attention to the road.<\/p>\n

Candy glanced back at the buckboard.\u00a0 From what he could tell Cartwright was not in a good mood.\u00a0 Sure the man had that calm and controlled look he almost always had but that was just his way of dealing with things.\u00a0 He knew Adam Cartwright would never give up on his son no matter how long it took.\u00a0 From all the years he had known the Cartwrights there was one thing he knew for sure – when it came to flesh and blood, they loved unconditionally.\u00a0 It didn’t help matters much that Tom liked him better then his own father.<\/p>\n

\n

Two days journey from the Ponderosa things changed drastically.\u00a0 Thomas started to show signs of fatigue.\u00a0 At first Adam put it down to the long trip but when his son started to complain about a sore head and joints, he knew it was something more.\u00a0 Since they weren’t that far from home and it didn’t seem life threatening, Adam made the decision to keep going.\u00a0 Once he got the child home he would be able to send for Doc Martin.<\/p>\n

One day from the Ponderosa, Adam found out that there was something wrong with Candy.\u00a0 He had been too pre-occupied with his son to notice the man was experiencing the same symptoms as Thomas.\u00a0 It wasn’t until Candy slumped while riding his horse out in front of the buckboard that Adam realised the man wasn’t well.<\/p>\n

Upon their arrival home, Adam was relieved to find Hank Collins working in the barn.\u00a0 The surprised ranch hand had cast a look at the buckboard as he left to get the doctor, leaving Adam in no doubt the rest of the hands would know by the next day.\u00a0 Although he was sure that Collins hadn’t had enough time to make the connection he knew that wouldn’t stop any speculation that might arise.<\/p>\n

After making sure that Candy was fine, he lifted Thomas into his arms and made his way inside.\u00a0 The boy was asleep.\u00a0 Since he had become sick, he seemed not to mind Adam touching him.\u00a0 Although it was not the way he had wanted it to happen, this sickness was a blessing in disguise.<\/p>\n

As he approached the front door, it flew open.\u00a0 Half-expecting it was his father, Adam felt relieved to see that it was only Hop Sing.\u00a0 The cook, for a moment looked confused but quickly took stock of the situation.\u00a0 Adam started upstairs to his room.\u00a0 “Where are the others?”<\/p>\n

“Mr. Cartwright gone to Virginia City.\u00a0 Won’t be back until tonight.”\u00a0 Hop Sing passed Adam in the hallway and held opened the bedroom door.\u00a0 As he watched his employer’s son make the boy comfortable, he continued.\u00a0 “Mr Hoss gone to San Francisco – not back till next week.\u00a0 Mr Joe in Carson City.”<\/p>\n

With Hop Sing’s assistance, Adam put Thomas to bed.\u00a0 “I’ll change him into his nightshirt later.\u00a0 Right now we’ve got another patient to get up here.”<\/p>\n

The two men went back downstairs and outside.\u00a0 Candy meanwhile, had somehow managed to sit himself up and was making his way over the edge of the buckboard.\u00a0 Adam and Hop Sing managed to grab him just before he toppled over.\u00a0 Candy grinned a little.\u00a0 “Thanks.\u00a0 Here I was thinking that you’d gone and abandoned me.”<\/p>\n

Adam smirked.\u00a0 “The thought did cross my mind.”<\/p>\n

“I have no doubt that it did.”\u00a0 Candy glanced to his left and smiled at Hop Sing.\u00a0 “I guess this is a first.”<\/p>\n

“Not first for Hop Sing.\u00a0 When grown man sick – all same.”<\/p>\n

Candy groaned.\u00a0 He felt awful and nothing the two men on either side of him were saying were making things any better.\u00a0 Since he was too weak to protest, he decided to let them escort him upstairs.\u00a0 Bed was beginning to look real good.<\/p>\n

When they reached the top of the stairs, Adam was about to continue on to Candy’s room when Hop Sing stopped him.\u00a0 He looked questionably at the cook.\u00a0 “What is it?”<\/p>\n

“Hop Sing not want two sick rooms.\u00a0 One enough.”\u00a0 He pointed to Adam’s door.\u00a0 “We go in there.\u00a0 I make up cot for Mr Candy.”<\/p>\n

The look on Hop Sing’s face told Adam that the man was serious.\u00a0 He was just about to put up an argument when he realised that the cook had a point.\u00a0 No use spreading infection around the house until they knew what Thomas and Candy had.\u00a0 “Ok.\u00a0 We’ll take him into my room.”<\/p>\n

After they took Candy into the bedroom, they sat him down in a chair.\u00a0 Hop Sing stared at Candy.\u00a0 “You stay.\u00a0 I go get cot.\u00a0 Be back soon.”<\/p>\n

“Don’t worry.\u00a0 I have no plans for moving anytime real soon.”\u00a0 Candy smiled weakly.\u00a0 The joints in his body were now aching and he felt hot.\u00a0 All he wanted to do was to lie down and sleep.\u00a0 He quickly glanced at Adam, who was checking on his son.\u00a0 A thought suddenly popped into his head which made him chuckle slightly.\u00a0 Until the doctor came, it looked like Adam Cartwright would have to take of him and that would indeed be something.<\/p>\n

\n

“I think it’s for the best until they’re both out of the woods.”<\/p>\n

“I understand what you’re saying but no-one said I have to like it.”<\/p>\n

Doctor Paul Martin grinned slightly.\u00a0 “Then you’ll do it?”<\/p>\n

“Yes I’ll do it.”\u00a0 Adam grimaced.\u00a0 “It’s not like I had a choice anyway.”<\/p>\n

“No, you lost that when they both became sick on the way home.”\u00a0 The doctor picked up his bag.\u00a0 “With Hop Sing helping to look after the boy and Candy, you should have no problems.”<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 He then placed his hand on the doctor’s shoulder.\u00a0 “Thanks, Paul.”<\/p>\n

“No thanks needed.\u00a0 It’s all part of the service.”\u00a0 Paul began to make his way to the front door.\u00a0 He then paused and turned around, the look of concern evident on his face.\u00a0 “Your father – he doesn’t know about the boy.”<\/p>\n

“He doesn’t.”\u00a0 Adam rubbed the back of his neck.\u00a0 “I would appreciate it if…”<\/p>\n

The doctor raised his hand to stop Adam in mid-speech.\u00a0 “You have my word.”\u00a0 With that, he continued to make his way out.<\/p>\n

Later, as Adam watch Paul drive his buggy out of the front yard, he contemplated the situation.\u00a0 Chickenpox.\u00a0 How on earth did his son and Candy catch the infection?\u00a0 The thought kept plaguing him as he made his way back inside.\u00a0 Just as he closed the front door, a tingling noise echoed from upstairs.<\/p>\n

Adam slowly began the trek to his bedroom.\u00a0 The bell that Hop Sing had given Candy had already started to get on his nerves.\u00a0 Canaday had obviously been told that in order to keep the infection from spreading that he and Hop Sing were the only ones who were going to take care of the patients. \u00a0Adam had no doubt that the man, no matter how sick he was, was going to milk it for all it was worth.<\/p>\n

\n

The next morning, Adam woke to the sound of a bell ringing.\u00a0 He moaned as he got out of bed and put his clothes on.\u00a0 Just as he was putting on his shirt, the bell stopped.\u00a0 As he sat on the edge of his bed to put his boots on he felt a great deal of gratitude towards Hop Sing.\u00a0 For a moment, he wondered if the cook too was regretting giving Candy that damn bell.<\/p>\n

As he walked down the hall, Adam met Hop Sing at the door to the bedroom.\u00a0 “How are our patients this morning?”<\/p>\n

“Little boy and Mr. Candy not eat very much.\u00a0 Not sleep well either.\u00a0 Still no sign of spots.”<\/p>\n

Adam peaked his head inside the bedroom.\u00a0 He watched for a moment as Thomas and Candy took tentative bites of the oatmeal Hop Sing had prepared for them.\u00a0 He could see that his son was studying the foreman and imitating his actions.\u00a0 The child only ate after he had seen Candy do it.\u00a0 Still feeling unsure of what to do, Adam closed the door gently behind him and started to make his way down the stairs.<\/p>\n

When he had reached the landing, his thoughts were interrupted by the good morning his own father greeted him with.\u00a0 “Morning Pa,” Adam replied and promptly made his way to the table.<\/p>\n

Ben watched Adam take his seat.\u00a0 There was something bothering his oldest son.\u00a0 He was sure of it.\u00a0 “So, Adam how was the trip?”<\/p>\n

“The trip was fine.”\u00a0 Adam stared at the food on his plate.\u00a0 It was best to wait for his father to initiate the conversation that they were building up to.<\/p>\n

“I see Hop Sing took two bowls upstairs.”\u00a0 Ben took a sip of coffee.\u00a0 “When I asked him who they were for he said they were for two sick people.\u00a0 He told me one was Candy.”<\/p>\n

“That’s right.\u00a0 He somehow caught chickenpox while we were in Sacramento.”<\/p>\n

“Hop Sing said as much.”<\/p>\n

In order to gather his thoughts a little, Adam ate a piece of bacon before he continued.\u00a0 “Yeah.\u00a0 Doc Martin tended to him yesterday.\u00a0 He asked that Hop Sing and I look after him.<\/p>\n

“I understand that he is in your room.”<\/p>\n

“Yes.\u00a0 I had no choice.\u00a0 Paul doesn’t want the infection to spread.”<\/p>\n

As he looked at Adam, Ben felt a little frustrated.\u00a0 His son apparently was avoiding telling him about the second person in his room.\u00a0 “I assume that the other patient has chickenpox as well.”<\/p>\n

“He does.”<\/p>\n

So, it was another man in the room with Candy.\u00a0 Ben took another sip of coffee.\u00a0 If he was going to get a straight answer from Adam, he would have to be direct.\u00a0 “When I asked Hop Sing about the other patient he said that I would have to ask you.\u00a0 So now I’m asking.”<\/p>\n

“It’s a child.”\u00a0 Adam gazed into father’s face.\u00a0 He may as well as get it over and done with.\u00a0 “My son.”<\/p>\n

Ben raised his eyebrows in surprise.\u00a0 He stared at Adam.\u00a0 “Your son?”<\/p>\n

Adam abruptly stood up.\u00a0 “I’m sorry Pa.\u00a0 I should have told you about this a long time ago but I decided not to.”<\/p>\n

“Are you sure he’s your son?”<\/p>\n

“I’m sure.”<\/p>\n

“How old is the boy?”<\/p>\n

“He’s seven years old.”\u00a0 Adam took another deep breath as he collected his thoughts.\u00a0 He looked straight at his father.\u00a0 “It happened on one of the last trips I took to Sacramento before I left.”<\/p>\n

“The boy’s mother?”<\/p>\n

“She died when Thomas was nearly a year old.\u00a0 His grandmother, Mavis Langton looked after him until recently.”\u00a0 He knew the next question his father was going to ask.\u00a0 “No, we weren’t married.”<\/p>\n

As he studied his son, Ben wondered how much more information Adam was going to give him.\u00a0 He could see that Adam was having a hard time.\u00a0 “I won’t press you about this Adam.\u00a0 You know my views.\u00a0 When you’re ready you can tell me the rest.”<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 “Thanks, Pa.\u00a0 I think, for now, maybe you should go and see your grandson.”<\/p>\n

\n

Candy watched the expressions fly across the face of Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 His employer stood at the door to the bedroom in accordance with the orders from Doc Martin.\u00a0 Mr Cartwright had introduced himself to his grandson but had stopped short of telling the child the full truth.<\/p>\n

Seeing that Ben needed some help, Candy spoke up.\u00a0 “Tom, Mr Cartwright here is your grandfather.”<\/p>\n

After a few moments, Thomas turned to face Ben.\u00a0 “Good morning, Grandfather.”<\/p>\n

The way Ben had reacted told Candy a lot.\u00a0 Adam obviously hadn’t told his father everything.\u00a0 There was a whole lot more to this.\u00a0 He remained a silent observer as the other two conversed for a few minutes.\u00a0 The conversation was polite and formal.<\/p>\n

When they had finished, Ben looked at Candy.\u00a0 “How are you feeling today?”<\/p>\n

“A little better but not out the woods yet.”\u00a0 Both he and Tom had improved since yesterday.\u00a0 It was only a matter of time before the dreaded spots started showing up.<\/p>\n

“Good to hear.”\u00a0 Ben again took a look at his grandson.\u00a0 The boy was watching him, no doubt trying to work out what type of man he had for a grandfather.\u00a0 What worried him most was Thomas’ behaviour.\u00a0 The child was not like other children his age.\u00a0 Hopefully, Adam would be able to explain it.<\/p>\n

When Ben left a couple of minutes later, Candy noted the change in Tom.\u00a0 The boy seemed to be more relaxed when he wasn’t around his relatives.\u00a0 In a way, he felt sorry for Adam.\u00a0 Whoever had raised the boy knew what they were doing.\u00a0 It reminded him of his own childhood and how manipulative an adult could be where a child was concerned.\u00a0 As for Tom, if anybody could repair the damage that had already been done, it would be the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

\n

“What do you want now?”<\/p>\n

Candy snorted.\u00a0 “That’s a fine way to talk to your patient.”<\/p>\n

At this point in time, Adam didn’t care how he talked.\u00a0 He was about ready to shove that damn bell down the throat of the man who held it.\u00a0 For the last few days he had been at Candy’s beck and call.\u00a0 Sometimes it was for legitimate reasons and other times it wasn’t.\u00a0 After casting a glance at Thomas, who watched intently, he once again looked at Candy and nodded.\u00a0 “Sorry.\u00a0 What can I do for you?”<\/p>\n

“That’s better.”\u00a0 Candy smiled.\u00a0 “What I would like is a glass of water.”<\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyebrow.\u00a0 “You have a whole jug of water on the table next to your bed.”<\/p>\n

A look of mock surprise appeared on Candy’s face.\u00a0 “I do?\u00a0 Must be still feeling the effects of the fever.”<\/p>\n

“You’ll be feeling the effects alright,” Adam mumbled.<\/p>\n

“What was that?”<\/p>\n

“Nothing.”\u00a0 With that, Adam went over to Thomas and sat on the edge of the bed.\u00a0 “Would you like a drink of water?”<\/p>\n

The boy nodded and Adam reached over to the table beside the bed and poured him a drink.\u00a0 As he watched his son sip the water, he noted the child’s appearance.\u00a0 The spots had started to appear early yesterday and now covered most of his body.\u00a0 Things hadn’t changed much since they had arrived home.\u00a0 The only bright spot was at least his son didn’t jump every time he touched him.\u00a0 It was going to take some time and remembering the advice his father gave him – a lot of patience.<\/p>\n

As he got up, he took a quick look at Candy and didn’t like what he saw.\u00a0 “Will you stop that.”<\/p>\n

Candy stopped mid-scratch and smiled weakly.\u00a0 “Sorry but I’m itching like crazy.”<\/p>\n

“You’ll have to learn to control yourself,” replied Adam in a sarcastic voice.\u00a0 “If you can.”<\/p>\n

“If I can?\u00a0 I have more control than most men.”<\/p>\n

“Really?\u00a0 Shame you didn’t use it the other day.”<\/p>\n

Knowing exactly what the man was hinting at, Candy chose to remain quiet.\u00a0 He didn’t need to explain his actions to his rival.\u00a0 Things concerning Jane were currently at a standstill.\u00a0 However, once he got over this damn chickenpox, he knew that this temporary truce would be over.<\/p>\n

\n

Adam stood on the front porch as he watched Joe ride away.\u00a0 His brother had only been home a few hours when they received word about some trouble up at one of the timber camps.\u00a0 Joe, quickly sizing up the situation at home, had volunteered straight away to go up there to check it out.\u00a0 In a way, it was a bit of a relief.\u00a0 He still hadn’t gotten around to fully explaining things to his father and it had been nearly a week since they had returned from Sacramento.<\/p>\n

After Joe had disappeared from view, Adam made his way to the bench.\u00a0 He needed to think about how much he should tell his father about that night.\u00a0 She had been so hard to resist.\u00a0 The way she had made him feel had been hard to ignore.\u00a0 The woman had been temptation in the flesh.<\/p>\n

It was hard to believe that it was almost eight years ago.\u00a0 He remembered that he had decided to spend one more night in Sacramento before catching the stage home.\u00a0 Felicia Langton was a very beautiful and desirable woman.\u00a0 He could sense that she wanted him as much as he had wanted her.<\/p>\n

The noise of a horse approaching broke Adam out his thoughts.\u00a0 He got up to greet the rider.\u00a0 “Pa.\u00a0 How are things in town?”<\/p>\n

Ben dismounted.\u00a0 “Things are fine.\u00a0 There’s a couple of new families in town.”\u00a0 He tied his horse to the hitching rail.\u00a0 “How are our patients?”<\/p>\n

“They’re doing fine.\u00a0 Hop Sing is seriously thinking about tying Candy’s hands.”\u00a0 Adam grinned a little as he contemplated the idea.<\/p>\n

“I see.”\u00a0 Ben laughed.\u00a0 “And the boy?”<\/p>\n

“Thomas thankfully listens to what I tell him.\u00a0 I think it’s because he still fears me in some way.”<\/p>\n

“Adam,” Ben frowned.\u00a0 “Why do you call him Thomas?\u00a0 I’ve heard Candy call him Tom and the child seems to like it.”<\/p>\n

Turning away from his father, Adam shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 “I don’t know why.”<\/p>\n

As he studied his son, Ben toyed with the idea of stepping in.\u00a0 If he interfered it could do more harm than good.\u00a0 Adam had to do this on his own.\u00a0 He placed his hand on Adam’s shoulder.\u00a0 “All I can offer you is advice.\u00a0 What you do with it is up to you.”<\/p>\n

“Thanks, Pa.” \u00a0Adam walked a few steps before he turned around to face his father.\u00a0 “But before you go on giving me more advice I think it’s time I told you what happened.”<\/p>\n

The two men walked over the front porch and sat down on the wooden bench.\u00a0 Adam then told his father about the night he had met Felicia and the events that lead up to the birth of Thomas.\u00a0 As he listened, Ben could see that his son had regretted his actions.\u00a0 “It must have been hard for you to leave the boy with his grandmother.”<\/p>\n

“Not really.”\u00a0 Adam glanced at his father to gauge the man’s reaction.\u00a0 “Just before she died Felicia sent for me.\u00a0 She asked me to let her mother keep the child.\u00a0 Mavis Langton seemed to be decent and loving mother, so I granted Felicia her last wish.”<\/p>\n

“You did what you thought best at the time.”<\/p>\n

“I did.\u00a0 If Felicia had lived then she would have kept Thomas with her.\u00a0\u00a0 Besides, when she died I was on my way to the ship that I served on for those few months.\u00a0 Later on, my work with the Secret Service got in the way.”\u00a0 Adam stood up, went over to a post and leant on it.\u00a0 “I guess I wasn’t prepared for the responsibility of taking care of a child that I really didn’t want.”<\/p>\n

“A child that you didn’t want?”<\/p>\n

“I know it sounds bad but that’s the truth.\u00a0 I made arrangements to pay for his upbringing and made that sure he got anything he needed but that was about it.\u00a0 At that point in time, I had no problems leaving him with his grandmother.”<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 “When did you realise that you had made a mistake?”<\/p>\n

“Last year.\u00a0 I hadn’t seen Thomas since the day Felicia died.\u00a0 After I caught up with Cody Wallace and brought him back to Placerville, I decided to go on up to Sacramento.\u00a0 A few things had happened during that assignment that gave me cause to think over some of the things in my life.\u00a0\u00a0 By then it was too late.”<\/p>\n

“It looks as though you’ve been given a second chance.”\u00a0 Ben smiled as he got up.\u00a0 He went over to Adam and placed his arm around his son’s shoulder.\u00a0 “I can’t say that I am pleased with the way you handled things but what\u2019s done is done.\u00a0 I know that you will be a good father.”<\/p>\n

Adam half-smiled at his father.\u00a0 “Thanks, Pa.”<\/p>\n

The two of them stood there in silence until the sound of bell tingling interrupted the mood.\u00a0 Adam rolled his eyes and made his way inside.\u00a0 Ben smiled as he watched the retreating form of his oldest son.\u00a0 The way Adam had handled this situation was unfortunate and he wished that Adam had told him about the child years ago.\u00a0 At least he was safe in the knowledge that he given Adam the things he needed to meet the challenge of raising his own son.<\/p>\n

\n

“How much longer do I have to stay here?”<\/p>\n

“Not go till tomorrow.\u00a0 You sick long time.”\u00a0 Hop Sing picked up the tray that was on the table next to Candy’s bed.\u00a0 “Then you scratch.\u00a0 Now you pay.”<\/p>\n

Candy stood up.\u00a0 “But I feel fine.\u00a0 What difference are a few spots going to make?”<\/p>\n

Hop Sing studied the man standing in front of him for a moment.\u00a0 “Spots on face make big difference.\u00a0 Men see.\u00a0 Think they get sick.\u00a0 Mr Cartwright don’t want crazy men.”<\/p>\n

“I suppose you have a point.”\u00a0 Candy sighed.\u00a0 “At least I’m back in my own room that’s more than I can say for Adam.”<\/p>\n

“Mr Adam get his room back yesterday.\u00a0 Put little boy in own room.”\u00a0 Hop Sing turned to walk out.\u00a0 “Little boy get better quicker than Mr Candy.”<\/p>\n

Before Candy could answer they were interrupted by the appearance of Hoss at the doorway.\u00a0 “Hey, I hear you’ve got to stay in here until tomorrow.”<\/p>\n

“Yeah I do.\u00a0 Hop Sing thinks it’s for the best.”<\/p>\n

“Hop Sing not make decision.\u00a0 Mr Adam says doctor tell him that you stay till spots all gone.”<\/p>\n

“Really?”\u00a0 Candy frowned.\u00a0 Something was beginning not to feel right about this whole situation.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded.\u00a0 “Yep.\u00a0 That’s what I heard too.”<\/p>\n

“If I didn’t know any better I’d think that there was a conspiracy.”<\/p>\n

“A conspiracy?\u00a0 What’s all this talk about a conspiracy?”<\/p>\n

Hoss turned to greet his father.\u00a0 “Hi, Pa.\u00a0 Hop Sing was just explainin’ to Candy that he has to stay in bed till tomorrow.”<\/p>\n

“Now you here Mr Cartwright, you explain.”\u00a0 Hop Sing nodded once and walked out of the room.<\/p>\n

After having made the path clear for Hop Sing to leave the room, Ben returned to the entrance.\u00a0 He smiled.\u00a0 “I’m afraid you have no choice Candy.\u00a0 Doctor’s orders.”<\/p>\n

“Hmm.\u00a0 Did Doc Martin tell you this himself?”<\/p>\n

Ben looked thoughtful for a moment and then shook his head.\u00a0 “No, not personally.\u00a0 He did tell Adam.”<\/p>\n

“Just as I thought.”\u00a0 Candy threw his hands up into the air.\u00a0 “It is a conspiracy.\u00a0 Adam just wants some payback.”<\/p>\n

Hoss’ head poked around the corner of the doorway.\u00a0 “Hang on a minute, are you sayin’ Adam is deliberately makin’ sure you stay cooped up as some sort of revenge?”<\/p>\n

“I’m saying exactly that.”<\/p>\n

As he raised his hand in a stopping motion, Ben stared at Candy.\u00a0 “Do you honestly think that Adam do something like that?\u00a0 The only reason that you’re staying confined for another day is that some of the men aren’t as educated as the rest.\u00a0 Any sign of chickenpox is more than likely to create some trouble.”<\/p>\n

Candy lowered his head and rubbed the back of his neck.\u00a0 Nothing he said was going to make him get out any quicker. “I guess you’re right.\u00a0 I hadn’t thought of it in that way.”\u00a0 He sat back on the bed.\u00a0 Even though he wasn’t fully convinced there was a bright side.\u00a0 Adam would be still at his beck and call.\u00a0 A smile began to creep back on his face as moved his eyes to the bedside table.<\/p>\n

Satisfied that Candy knew the reason why he had to stay indoors for another day, Ben was about to walk away when all of a sudden Candy started to move frantically all over the bed.\u00a0 “Anything wrong?”<\/p>\n

Candy’s head shot up.\u00a0 “No nothing\u2019s wrong.”\u00a0 He went back to what he was doing.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss just looked at each other and smiled.\u00a0 The two of them then left without saying another word.\u00a0 A short time later a distinct noise caught Candy’s attention.\u00a0 He slowly lifted his head and moved his eyes towards the doorway.\u00a0 To his dismay, he found Adam standing there with a smug grin on his face.\u00a0 Adam nodded once and left.\u00a0 As he watched the man leave, Candy could hear the distinct sound of a bell ringing.<\/p>\n

\n

“Nice night for a party.”<\/p>\n

“Sure is.”\u00a0 Hoss took a deep breath.\u00a0 “Now that Candy’s up and about, when do you think he’ll get his revenge?”<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 “Don’t know for sure.\u00a0 I’d keep a careful eye out though.\u00a0 He’s bound to have figured out that we were all behind his extra day in bed.”<\/p>\n

“Yup.\u00a0 I don’t regret it though.\u00a0 We were all sick of that constant bell ringin’.”<\/p>\n

“Yeah.”\u00a0 Adam glanced around the front yard and then returned to brother.\u00a0 “Say isn’t it about time you go back inside to your fianc\u00e9?”<\/p>\n

“I reckon so.\u00a0 Her dance with Pa would have finished by now.”<\/p>\n

“Keep your eyes open for Candy.”\u00a0 Adam winked at his brother.<\/p>\n

“I sure will.”\u00a0 Hoss patted his brother on the back before returning inside.<\/p>\n

For the next few minutes, Adam was deep in thought.\u00a0 His son had been up and about for a couple of days now and things hadn’t changed that much.\u00a0 Thomas was still reserved amongst most of the family members including himself.\u00a0 The only good thing was that the boy had started to relax a little when Hoss was around.\u00a0 He snorted.\u00a0 Hoss had a way with kids that he had always admired.\u00a0 Too bad his brother was getting married in a month’s time – he needed all the help he could get.<\/p>\n

The sound of the front door opening brought Adam out of his reverie.\u00a0 When he saw who it was, a slight look of concern appeared on his face.<\/p>\n

Candy smiled and held up his hand.\u00a0 “It’s okay.\u00a0 I’m not planning anything tonight.”<\/p>\n

“That’s a relief.”<\/p>\n

“I figured it’s time we had a talk.”<\/p>\n

“A talk?”<\/p>\n

“Yeah.\u00a0 It’s time we sorted out some things, especially where Jane Talbot is concerned.”<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow.\u00a0 “I see.”<\/p>\n

Seeing that the man he was talking to was going to keep his cards to himself, Candy nodded.\u00a0 “I had a lot of time to think over what happened.\u00a0 Jane Talbot is a grown woman and she is capable of making up her own mind.\u00a0 Right?”<\/p>\n

“Right.”<\/p>\n

“So then, if and when she comes back, I say we leave her alone.”\u00a0 Candy shifted uncomfortably.\u00a0 This was a little harder than he thought it would be.\u00a0 “What I’m trying to say, is that we let the lady decide for herself.”<\/p>\n

“I can live with that.”\u00a0 Adam could see that it was the only thing left to do where Jane was concerned. \u00a0He didn’t want to make her more unhappier than she had already was.\u00a0 It was time to resolve the situation between him and Candy.\u00a0 “As for you and me – how about we call a truce?\u00a0 Let’s just agree to get on with each other and leave it at that.”<\/p>\n

“Sounds good to me.”\u00a0 Candy held out his hand.<\/p>\n

The two men shook hands.\u00a0 When they had finished, Candy made his way back inside the house.\u00a0 He was passed on the way by Ben, who was now headed towards Adam.\u00a0 He had seen Candy go outside and had decided to check up on things – just in case.<\/p>\n

“Pa.”<\/p>\n

“Adam,” Ben cocked his head backwards.\u00a0 “Have you and Candy have sorted out your differences?”<\/p>\n

“We have.”<\/p>\n

Ben felt the relief wash over him and smiled.\u00a0 “That’s good.\u00a0 How about coming back inside and enjoying what’s left of this party.\u00a0 I’m sure Annie would like to have a dance with her future brother-in-law.”\u00a0 He put his arm around his son’s shoulders.<\/p>\n

“Yeah, why not,”\u00a0 Adam grinned.\u00a0 He would have plenty of time to think later.\u00a0 One thing was certain – it was going to get a lot harder before it got any easier.\u00a0 As he followed his father inside, he just hoped that there wouldn’t be any more unexpected changes for quite some time.<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary: The Cartwrights and Candy find that as a result of recent events, their lives are about to change unexpectedly. <\/p>\n

Rated: PG (7208 words)<\/p>\n

The Way Things Are series, links to all the stories in the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":375,"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":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12991","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1992,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12136,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12136","url_meta":{"origin":12991,"position":0},"title":"The Rebirth of Joe Cartwright (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","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\/10\/feature-2.jpg?fit=338%2C338&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12147,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12147","url_meta":{"origin":12991,"position":1},"title":"He Said Not To Tell (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"The author requests those who wish to read this series contact her via eMail: DLB1234@aol.com","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\/11\/1-joe.jpg?fit=238%2C226&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12135,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12135","url_meta":{"origin":12991,"position":2},"title":"Prelude to Rebirth (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"August 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this story should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","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\/2015\/09\/4Cs.jpg?fit=400%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12132,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12132","url_meta":{"origin":12991,"position":3},"title":"Chinese Molasses (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"January 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"DebbieB passed away Christmas 2021. Any reader wishing to read this series should e:mail the Brandsters:\u00a0 Brandsters2020@gmail.com","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\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":12991,"position":4},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. 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