{"id":13438,"date":"2016-10-30T16:45:58","date_gmt":"2016-10-30T20:45:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13438"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:41:23","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:41:23","slug":"lost-and-found-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13438","title":{"rendered":"Lost and Found (by AC1830)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>While in San Francisco with his father, ten year old Adam gets lost and is cared for by a special person. \u00a0Several years later, Adam has the chance to return the favor when he unknowingly saves the man’s life. \u00a0Special thanks to my husband for the story idea.<\/p>\n

Rated K+\u00a0\u00a0 WC 5877<\/p>\n

Lost and Found<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lost <\/strong><\/p>\n

1840<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scampering down the crowded boardwalk, the dark headed boy took in every sight, sound and smell of the big city.\u00a0 He deftly dodged smartly dressed businessmen heading to work as well as ladies, servants and families heading to the market square for their morning shopping.\u00a0 Some of the harried folks frowned as the young lad scooted in and out of their paths.\u00a0 Even though he\u2019d stop to study a particular structure or glance at a decorated window, he was never more than a few feet away from his father who was leading their pack horse laden with furs toward the market area.<\/p>\n

The curious boy decided one thing was for certain: the streets of San Francisco were just as dusty and crowded as the ones round the trading posts back home, across the Sierras, but the difference between the two were the buildings.\u00a0 Back home there were a few log cabins and tents, lots of tents.\u00a0 In San Francisco, there were not only true buildings, but some buildings even had more than one floor.\u00a0 Those were the ones that fascinated ten year old Adam Cartwright the most. He had slowed to stare at one particular building.\u00a0 How did they get one floor on top of another and they not fall down?<\/em>\u00a0 As he moved forward again he tripped and bumped into his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u00a0 Watch where you\u2019re going, son.\u00a0 I can\u2019t keep my eye on you all the time.\u00a0 We\u2019re almost to the trading post.\u00a0 Now keep up and stay close.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Adam moved closer to his father in the crowded street but continued to look around.<\/p>\n

Father and son had been in San Francisco for about two days after nearly ten days of riding over the Sierras from their home.\u00a0 When the trip began, Adam was thrilled to be able to come along and watch his father sell his furs, but as the days wore on he began to miss his little brother, Hoss, who wasn\u2019t so little despite being only four years old.\u00a0 Ben had assured Adam that Hoss would be just fine staying with the Bakers and their five boys.\u00a0 Young Tommy and Danny were right at Hoss\u2019 age so he\u2019d have someone to play with.\u00a0 Adam nodded in agreement then set his mind on the journey ahead.\u00a0 It was the trip of a lifetime with his father to a big city, and the chance to watch and learn how his father bartered and traded with his furs.\u00a0 They depended on the money he could get so they could buy supplies, food and more land for their ranch.\u00a0 That was his father\u2019s big dream, to own land and raise cattle.\u00a0 Ben told his son one night on the trail that he would trap for furs only one more season.\u00a0 He planned to sell the last batch in New Orleans next year.\u00a0 If it went well they\u2019d have enough money to buy their first cattle and some horses.\u00a0 Adam couldn\u2019t imagine such a change but looked forward to it since it brought a great smile to his father\u2019s usually serious face.<\/p>\n

After a couple more blocks, Adam and Ben arrived at the trading post.\u00a0 Looking up Adam was awestruck by the huge tent.\u00a0 He\u2019d never before seen a tent that could hold more than five or six people.\u00a0 This tent looked like it could hold ten times that amount and they were already inside.\u00a0 Tying the horse to a hitching post Ben nervously looked around at the throng and tried to read the signs posted near the door.\u00a0 Finally getting the information he wanted, Ben turned toward his son and knelt down in front of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, we have to go to the next tent.\u00a0 When we get there I want you to stay right beside me until I finish everything.\u00a0 Do you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. Pa, when we finish here can we go look at some of those tall buildings we passed?\u00a0 They sure were interesting to look at. I\u2019m trying to figure out how they make \u2018em so tall and they don\u2019t fall down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son, marveling at the fact that he was always interested in how things worked and how things were put together.\u00a0 Adam had even come to him late one night to show his father some drawings he\u2019d made, his ideas to enlarge their current log house.\u00a0 Ben still had those plans and decided he\u2019d talk to Adam about his ideas when they got back.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course son. Perhaps we can go inside one of them.\u00a0 How would you like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned, \u201cThat would be great.\u00a0 Thanks Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Ben found himself the recipient of a rare hug from his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut first we have some negotiating to do.\u00a0 Shall we get started?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded vigorously.<\/p>\n

Two hours later, Ben tucked the cash he\u2019d received for his furs safely into a pouch hidden under his shirt.\u00a0 He was pleased that he had gotten more than he\u2019d expected.\u00a0 He decided he\u2019d treat himself and Adam to baths and a nice dinner at a cafe near their boarding house.\u00a0 Walking back through the trading area, Ben and Adam bought some bread and cheese from a vendor and sat down to eat their lunch. As they ate, Ben noticed some horses for sale on the other side of the market.\u00a0 He had wanted some brood mares and a stallion but didn\u2019t think he could afford the big city prices.\u00a0 Finishing his last piece of cheese, Adam noticed where his father was looking and took his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Pa.\u00a0 You always say lookin\u2019 is free.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed and ruffled his son\u2019s raven hair.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right son. It doesn\u2019t cost anything to look.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hand in hand, father and son made their way over to the corral.\u00a0 They heard a gavel strike and an auctioneer\u2019s voice announce the end of the current bidding session.\u00a0 As men began to move away from the fencing, Ben found an empty spot and hoisted Adam up to the top rail.\u00a0 Together they watched about a dozen horses chase each other around the corral.<\/p>\n

\u201cMighty fine lot, they are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben turned to see an older man standing beside him. His gray hair was matted to his head and he looked like he hadn\u2019t shaved in a few days.\u00a0 He was dressed in a blue plaid shirt, dark pants and chaps.\u00a0 His hat had seen better days. The man turned his head away as he spit out some tobacco juice then wiped his mouth on his sleeve.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes they are.\u00a0 Do you know much about them?\u00a0 Who owns them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, a man from down Stockton way.\u00a0 He\u2019s tryin\u2019 to thin his herd.\u00a0 These are some o\u2019 th\u2019 best \u2018round these parts.\u00a0 If yer lookin\u2019 ta buy the price is good.\u00a0 He\u2019s already sold nearly half the herd.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben simply nodded.\u00a0 He knew to be cautious and not let strangers assess his situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa.\u00a0 See that red one there?\u00a0 It\u2019s mighty nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour boy there knows his horses.\u00a0 That Chestnut, son, is one of the best.\u00a0 Good brood mare.\u00a0 She\u2019s got some thoroughbred in her too.\u00a0 Mighty fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben studied the horse.\u00a0 He had to agree with the old man\u2019s assessment.\u00a0 She held her head high and had long muscular legs.\u00a0 \u201cHow old is she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFive or six\u00a0 years, just coming into some good breeding years.\u00a0 The owner\u2019s wanting to move on though and add other breeds to his stock.\u00a0 She\u2019s a good rider too.\u00a0 Smooth gait.\u00a0 You lookin\u2019 ta be buying mister?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben worked hard to keep his face neutral.\u00a0 \u201cI think I need to look around some more.\u00a0 Nice talking to you.\u201d\u00a0 He shook the man\u2019s hand and lifted Adam down from the fence.<\/p>\n

Moving away, the man hollered back to Ben.\u00a0 \u201cName yer price mister.\u00a0 He\u2019s a fair man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up and saw a set expression on his pa\u2019s face.\u00a0 He knew not to say anything when his pa looked like that.\u00a0 They walked around the barn and found a nicely dressed man with a clipboard.\u00a0 Ben asked questions about the horses and was pleased with the answers.\u00a0 He then inquired after the owner.\u00a0 The man pointed into the crowd near the auction stand and Ben began to move that way holding tightly to Adam\u2019s hand.\u00a0 Ben expertly maneuvered himself and his son through the waves of men trying to get to the auctioneer.\u00a0 The owner of the horses was now moving in the opposite direction while speaking to another man. Trying to reach him, Ben understood how fish felt swimming upstream.<\/p>\n

Ben arrived just as the man shook hands with another man and exchanged some money.\u00a0 The man turned to Ben and eyed him, assessing the plainly dressed, tall dark-headed man before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me sir.\u00a0 My name is Ben Cartwright. This is my son Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to speak to you about some of your horses in the corral on the other side of the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u00a0 Which horses?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben paused a moment.\u00a0 The man was well-dressed but had a relaxed demeanor.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t fit the image Ben had of well-to-do ranchers.\u00a0 This gentleman was calm and seemed used to handling his own business.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe chestnut for one.\u00a0 But I\u2019m might be interested in buying three or four broodmares if the price is fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u00a0 You already have a stallion, I presume?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no.\u00a0 I\u2019m seeking to start a herd and I figured I couldn\u2019t manage the stallion just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you live?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAcross the Sierras.\u00a0 I have a small ranch there.\u00a0 My sons and I are just getting it started.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s go inside this tent.\u00a0 We\u2019ll talk and see if we can come to an agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam sat quietly and listened intently to the discussion.\u00a0 He was learning a lot about his father on this trip; much he never knew before.\u00a0 His father was a shrewd negotiator.\u00a0 He kept a stone face and gave away very little information, personal or business.\u00a0 At times Adam tried to mimic his father\u2019s expressions and think ahead to see if he could guess what his pa would say next.\u00a0 By the time it was all over, they had six new horses, one of them the chestnut and one a stallion.\u00a0 When the two men stood to shake hands, the rancher extended his hand to Adam as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Adam.\u00a0 I watched you watching your father as he negotiated.\u00a0 You keep that up and you\u2019ll be as good as your Pa one day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam squeezed the man\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cThanks mister.\u00a0 I sure hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both men laughed and the rancher patted Adam on the back.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure you will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Cartwright.\u00a0 It\u2019s been a pleasure doing business with you.\u00a0 If you need anything else you can reach me in Stockton.\u00a0 I\u2019ll have those horses ready for travel day after tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you sir.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see you bright and early at the livery.\u00a0 Good day to you.\u00a0 Come Adam.\u00a0 We need to get going.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam followed Ben out of the tent.\u00a0 They stopped by the corral and looked at the horses one more time.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes followed the chestnut as she trotted around the corral.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Adam, do you think your old father did well on this deal?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up at his Pa and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYes sir.\u00a0 I sure do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing together they headed off to their boarding house.\u00a0 Ben was looking forward to a fun-filled evening with his son.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~<\/p>\n

The evening was as much fun for Ben as it was for Adam.\u00a0 They took long soaks in the tubs and Adam even played with the foamy soap bubbles a bit.\u00a0 For dinner they enjoyed roasted pork with potatoes, carrots and green beans.\u00a0 For dessert Ben let Adam choose apple pie.\u00a0 Both were quite satisfied and since the sun had not yet set they decided to explore the area a bit before heading back to the boarding house.\u00a0 After walking a few blocks, Adam heard drums beating and saw people dancing in the street.\u00a0 He and Ben stood and watched as dancers maneuvered a large paper dragon through the street, snaking this way and that.\u00a0 As the performers moved away, Ben saw fireworks up in the sky.\u00a0 He lifted Adam up onto some barrels and both watched for several minutes.<\/p>\n

As they made their way back up the street, Adam couldn\u2019t stop talking about what he had seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow, Pa, that was so much fun!\u00a0 Who were those people? Were they celebrating something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re from China, son.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know what they were celebrating but it was certainly loud and colorful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cChina, Pa?\u00a0 Is that a long way from here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sure is, Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s across the ocean.\u00a0 It would probably take a few months to get there. I\u2019ll show you where it is on a map sometime.\u201d<\/p>\n

Father and son were enjoying their leisurely stroll back to their boarding house when a large group of raucous, drunken men poured out of a tavern.\u00a0 They flooded the boardwalk, knocking Ben into the street.\u00a0 He slammed into a horse and rider and was knocked unconscious as he fell to the ground.\u00a0 Adam was caught up in the wave of men.\u00a0 Trying to get away from the shifting bodies, he tripped and fell, hitting his head against the edge of the walkway.\u00a0 He cried out for his Pa but his voice was swallowed by the loud singing and yelling of the men.\u00a0 Adam managed to get to his hands and knees and crawl toward the nearest wall.\u00a0 He was dizzy and felt sick.\u00a0 Not knowing what else to do, he drew his legs up to his chest and tried to will the world to stop spinning, all the time calling for his father.\u00a0 After the men had moved on Adam found he couldn\u2019t stay awake.\u00a0 He rolled over to his side and fell asleep.<\/p>\n

In his sleep, he was twisting and turning, driven every which way.\u00a0 Arms and legs, faces and loud voices.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t tell which way was up or down.\u00a0 Where was Pa?\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t he answer?\u00a0 He had to get away from the swirling sea of bodies.\u00a0 How could he do that?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re lost son, keep calm, don\u2019t move from your spot.\u00a0 I\u2019ll find you if you stay put.<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019m trying Pa. I\u2019m trying to do what you say, but, Pa, where are you?\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid.\u00a0 I can\u2019t see you. Pa!\u00a0\u00a0 Please help me Pa.<\/em><\/p>\n

Strange voices and rapid talking invaded Adam\u2019s dreams. Gentle hands cradled his aching head. Adam felt something cool on his face and something warm at his lips.\u00a0 He opened his mouth and tasted something sweet.\u00a0 He liked that and wanted more.\u00a0 A voice was encouraging him to open his eyes.\u00a0 When he did it wasn\u2019t his father he saw.\u00a0 It was a man with black hair, slanted brown eyes and a worried expression.\u00a0 Adam panicked.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u00a0 Where\u2019s my Pa?\u00a0 Who are you?\u00a0 Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle boy be calm.\u00a0 No hurt boy.\u00a0 We find father.\u00a0 Cousins see father and son together at celebration.\u00a0 Cousins find father. You need food, rest now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, where is he?\u00a0 Where am I? Who are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name Hop Sing.\u00a0 I care for you.\u00a0 You got bad bump on head.\u00a0 You eat and rest.\u201d\u00a0 He held the cup to Adam\u2019s lips.\u00a0 Adam tried to take it and drink from it himself but his hands were too shaky.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I hold.\u00a0 You too weak.\u00a0 You drink, feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam let the man hold the cup for him.\u00a0 He really liked the taste of the drink.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s real good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYou like?\u00a0 I bring more.\u00a0 Good for head.\u00a0 What your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled weakly, finished the drink and snuggled under the covers to sleep again.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m Adam,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing set the cup down and gently tucked the covers around the young boy.\u00a0 His heart ached for the child.\u00a0 He hoped one of his cousins would find the father soon.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Ben was frantic.\u00a0 It was late when he regained consciousness and found himself in a back room of the tavern.\u00a0 A pretty young woman was tending to cuts on his face.\u00a0 Once he was alert enough to explain what had happened the owner went with him to look around outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister, it\u2019s been several hours since you were brought into my tavern.\u00a0 I done told you we didn\u2019t find a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got to keep looking.\u00a0 Adam wouldn\u2019t have wondered off.\u00a0 He would have stayed here until I came back.\u00a0 Bring the light over here,\u00a0 I think I found something.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled the lantern from the man\u2019s hand and looked more closely at the markings on the ground.\u00a0 Someone small had been sitting there but he couldn\u2019t find any small boot prints.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell now, looks like someone was a sitting here by this barrel and there\u2019s blood on the ground.\u00a0 These here footprints were made by Chinamen.\u00a0 We see them all around here and they don\u2019t wear normal shoes like the rest of us.\u00a0 Mister ifn one o\u2019 them found him you might never see him again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glared at the man.\u00a0 \u201cWhy would you say that?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just hear tales that them Chinese like ta take young-un\u2019s and keep \u2018em for themselves.\u00a0 Have to watch \u2018em around here.\u00a0 They like to steal other things.\u00a0 I just don\u2019t trust \u2018em.\u00a0 That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grabbed the man by his collar and raised him off the ground.\u00a0 \u201cYou listen and listen good.\u00a0 I need to find my son.\u00a0 If the Chinese have him then I need to see them.\u00a0 He may have been hurt and needed help.\u00a0 Tell me where I can find them.\u00a0 Now!\u201d<\/p>\n

The man pointed down the street.\u00a0 Ben dropped him and ran toward the Chinese district.\u00a0 Along the way a young man flagged him down.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister, you seek little boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stopped and gasped for air after running so fast.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 He has black hair, ten years old.\u00a0 He may have been injured.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou come.\u00a0 We find.\u00a0 You come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly Ben found himself surrounded by several excited Chinese men, all speaking rapidly in their native language.\u00a0 They guided him to a small hut and told him to go inside.\u00a0 Upon entering, he paused trying to take in the scene before him.\u00a0 A man was sitting by a small bed, humming a tune and gently stroking a little boy\u2019s hand.\u00a0 When Ben moved further inside his eyes grew wide and he flew to the side of the bed.\u00a0 He could barely speak for all the emotion lodged in his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u00a0 Son?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man stopped humming and moved away so Ben could get closer.\u00a0 \u201cBoy sleep, he be okay.\u00a0 You father?\u201d<\/p>\n

Without taking his eyes off Adam Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I\u2019m his father.\u00a0 What happened?\u00a0 How did you find him?\u201d<\/p>\n

A gentle hand touched Ben\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 He looked up and saw the man for the first time.\u00a0 His face radiated kindness and compassion.\u00a0 \u201cYou come. Let boy sleep.\u00a0 I tell story.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben rose and they moved outside to sit in the warm night air.<\/p>\n

An older woman brought tea and some kind of biscuit for Ben to eat. \u00a0While he sipped the tea he listened to the story.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name Hop Sing.\u00a0 Three cousins find boy asleep in alley, see blood.\u00a0 Bring here.\u00a0 He have bad bump on head.\u00a0 I fix and give tea to heal head.\u00a0 He ask for father.\u00a0 Many cousins see boy and father at Chinese celebration.\u00a0 They not find father until now.\u00a0 You stay with boy.\u00a0 He be happy when he wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing stood and indicated for Ben to enter the hut.\u00a0 \u201cThis Hop Sing home.\u00a0 You stay.\u00a0 Hop Sing stay uncle\u2019s home.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed to one next door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what to say.\u00a0 Thank you for helping my son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing put his hands together and bowed his head.\u00a0 Ben copied the gesture then went inside to sit with his son.<\/p>\n

Near morning, Ben felt a small hand on his head.\u00a0 He had been sitting on the floor by Adam\u2019s bed and realized he\u2019d fallen asleep with his head resting on the edge of the bed.\u00a0 He moved his head and saw Adam curled up with his hands reaching for Ben.\u00a0 Shifting stiffly to his knees, he caressed his son\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u00a0 Wake up.\u00a0 It\u2019s time to wake up son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shifted and moaned.\u00a0 His eyes fluttered open and landed on Ben.\u00a0 Adam shot straight up and threw his arms around his father\u2019s neck.\u00a0 Both cried tears of joy at their reunion.<\/p>\n

In a shadowy corner of the hut, two dark brown eyes lit up with joy.<\/p>\n

A few days later, Ben and Adam were saying goodbye to a new friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoy be very good. Listen to father on way home.\u00a0 Eat food Hop Sing cook.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will Hop Sing, I promise. I\u2019m gonna miss you.\u00a0 I wish you were coming with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow son, we\u2019ve talked about that.\u00a0 This is Hop Sing\u2019s home.\u00a0 His family is here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam dropped his head.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir.\u201d\u00a0 A small finger lifted his head and Adam saw Hop Sing\u2019s smiling face.<\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Adam not be sad.\u00a0 Have new friend but friend needed here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam hugged Hop Sing and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cWill you come see us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo far for Hop Sing.\u00a0 But you come see Hop Sing, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked up at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, when we are here again we will find you.\u00a0 If you ever travel east over the Sierras, Hop Sing, you will always be welcome in our home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing put his hands together and bowed deeply.\u00a0 Ben and Adam did likewise.\u00a0 Ben put his arm around Adam and walked toward their waiting horses.\u00a0 Once mounted, Ben took the lead for the new horses and kicked his horse into a steady walk.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s horse followed but he looked back once more and waved at his new friend.\u00a0 What Adam saw was a smiling friend, waving his hand vigorously.\u00a0 What he couldn\u2019t see was the small tear trickling down the Chinese man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Found<\/strong><\/p>\n

1847<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The rain fell in large, wet drops making the area gray and brown – gray for the dark, never ending clouds and brown for all the never ending mud.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s mood was just as dreary.\u00a0 He had come to the trading settlement to run some errands for the ranch.\u00a0 He was tired, soaked and chilled to the bone.\u00a0 After paying the last of some bills, Adam decided to treat himself to one shot of whiskey before heading home.<\/p>\n

Shaking most of the water off his slicker before entering the saloon, he draped it over his shoulder and strode through the swing doors.\u00a0 It was at least warm inside.\u00a0 Laying a coin on the bar he asked for a shot of his favorite whiskey.\u00a0 Strolling over to his favorite table by a small fireplace, Adam threw his wet coat over a chair and sat down to face the rest of the room.\u00a0 Dropping his soggy hat on the table he stretched his long legs out in front of him.\u00a0 He enjoyed watching the comings and goings of the patrons.\u00a0 At the moment though, his thoughts were elsewhere as he sipped his smoky drink.<\/p>\n

Grief once again raised its ugly head as Adam indulged his dreary mood.\u00a0 He still couldn\u2019t believe it had only been a few months since Marie had died.\u00a0 It felt more like years.\u00a0 His father had gone into such a deep mourning he was neglecting his entire family.\u00a0 Adam had to oversee the ranch hands, handle all the bookkeeping, and on top of all that care for twelve year old Hoss and six year old Joe. It was a lot for a seventeen year old to suddenly have to take on. He was exhausted.\u00a0\u00a0 But do it he would and to the best of his abilities.\u00a0 Even if it kills me<\/em>, Adam thought sardonically.\u00a0 He thought he\u2019d seen some signs that his father was beginning to pull out of his grief but not at the speed that Adam needed it to be.<\/p>\n

Adam finished his whiskey in a big gulp and headed outside.\u00a0 The rain had stopped but only to look like it would start back at any moment.\u00a0 I just wish something would change to bring Pa back to us, to ease Pa\u2019s hurting and make the sadness to go away.<\/em>\u00a0 Seeing his horse across the street patiently waiting for his master, Adam was reminded, not for the first time, how much Sport resembled Beauty, the mare Ben had bought all those years ago in San Francisco.\u00a0 Adam always recalled that trip with fond memories.\u00a0 He had learned so much about his father and it had strengthened their relationship.\u00a0 Sport had been Beauty\u2019s first foal and Ben had allowed Adam to raise the colt as his own.\u00a0 The two now were inseparable and it seemed Adam was the only one who could ride the spirited gelding.<\/p>\n

Adam patted his horse on the rump and spoke quietly to him as he approached.\u00a0 \u201cWell, boy, guess we better get home.\u00a0 I\u2019m hoping the rain will hold off but I\u2019m not counting on it, like everything else lately.\u201d\u00a0 Adam chuckled mirthlessly as he mounted the faithful horse.<\/p>\n

He guided his horse into an easy walk down the street, taking it slowly in the sticky mud.\u00a0 As they passed an alleyway, a man\u2019s body suddenly sailed through the air and landed face down in the mud in front of Adam.\u00a0 Sport shied and reared up.\u00a0 Adam hung on and managed to calm his spooked mount.\u00a0 As he pulled the horse around, another man ran out and pointed a gun at the man on the ground.\u00a0 Adam drew his gun as he reined Sport in.<\/p>\n

\u201cPull that trigger and it\u2019ll be the last thing you do.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man looked up at Adam and swayed.\u00a0 He tried to take aim on Adam but couldn\u2019t hold his hand steady.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s hand didn\u2019t waver as he stared down the drunken man, watching him weigh his options.<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t nothin\u2019 but a stinking Chinaman, not even worth the bullet.\u201d\u00a0 The man looked angrily at Adam then holstered his gun and staggered off toward the nearest saloon.<\/p>\n

Holstering his gun, Adam quickly dismounted and crouched down to check the man for injuries. He had a gash on the back of his head and some broken ribs.\u00a0 Adam retrieved some cloths from his saddle bags and wrapped the man\u2019s head and bound his ribs.\u00a0 Once he felt the ribs were secure, Adam slowly and gently rolled the man over and wiped the mud from his face.\u00a0 Shocked at seeing the man\u2019s face Adam suddenly rolled back and ended up sitting in the mud.\u00a0 He clambered up on his feet again and looked more closely.\u00a0 He knew that face.\u00a0 It was older but he\u2019d never forget the face of his friend from San Francisco – Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

Frantically Adam tried to revive him but to no avail.\u00a0 He realized he had no choice but to get his unconscious friend to the ranch.\u00a0 Talking gently to Sport to keep him calm, Adam managed to get Hop Sing on his horse and climbed up behind him.\u00a0 He clicked to Sport and nudged him into a slow walk.\u00a0 Once they were clear of the settlement and Adam could see the trails were not as muddy, he encouraged Sport into a lope.<\/p>\n

Nearly three hours later Adam rode into the yard of the Ponderosa.\u00a0 He slid off the back of Sport and eased Hop Sing down into his arms.\u00a0 Carrying him into the house he laid him on the floor near the fireplace and stoked the fire to get it burning hotter.\u00a0 Not knowing where his father and brothers were Adam gathered supplies and began to undress his friend to clean him up.\u00a0 Once he had him comfortable on several blankets by the fire, Adam went out to tend to Sport and clean himself up.\u00a0 An hour later he sat on the floor holding Hop Sing\u2019s hand, praying for him to wake up.\u00a0 Oddly, he recalled Hop Sing caring for an injured Adam and now the tables were turned.<\/p>\n

~~~~~~<\/p>\n

Ben, Hoss and Joe strolled through the front door laughing and talking excitedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was the best dang time.\u00a0 I can\u2019t believe we caught five good-sized rabbits.\u00a0 We\u2019re gonna have a good meal t\u2019night, ain\u2019t we Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019ll even eat some too Pa.\u00a0 You gonna make soup or stew?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know yet boys.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just clean up.\u00a0 We\u2019ll talk to Adam and see what he wants to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, where is Adam, anyways Pa?\u00a0 He should be… \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa.\u00a0 I found Adam.\u00a0 He\u2019s fallen down.\u00a0 Maybe this man attacked him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 Ben ran over to where Joe stood by the fireplace and saw his oldest son laying on the floor holding the hand of a Chinese man who appeared to be injured.\u00a0 But it was the face of that man that startled Ben more than the scene.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys go wash up and change your clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, is Adam okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Hoss, your brother is fine.\u00a0 He\u2019s just sleeping.\u00a0 Now go. Do as I say.\u201d<\/p>\n

A couple of \u201cyes sir\u2019s\u201d were heard as the boys moved into their room.<\/p>\n

Ben knelt down to examine Hop Sing.\u00a0 He seemed to be resting comfortably.\u00a0 It looked like Adam had done a good job wrapping his wounds.\u00a0 Next he checked on Adam.\u00a0 As he looked over his son he couldn\u2019t stop the waves of guilt he felt.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s face was gaunt and he looked much thinner.\u00a0 Ben had just begun to realize he was neglecting his sons.\u00a0 Now he knew for sure.\u00a0 Since the rain had finally stopped he\u2019d taken Joe and Hoss on a small hunting trip for some rabbit.\u00a0 It had gone well and all three had had a time to share their grief and some laughter.\u00a0 Now Ben knew he needed to do the same thing for his oldest.\u00a0 But for now he had other tasks to take care of.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, son.\u00a0 Wake up.\u201d\u00a0 Ben gently shook Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u00a0 I…where?\u201d All of a sudden it all hit Adam.\u00a0 \u201cPa, it\u2019s Hop Sing!\u00a0 Some drunk was beating him.\u00a0 He was going to shoot him. I-I pulled my gun on the man.\u00a0 Pa, I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t shoot but I had to stop him somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben helped Adam get up and sit in a chair.\u00a0 He pulled another chair closer and laid a hand on Adam\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cSon, you did the right thing.\u00a0 You had to protect Hop Sing.\u201d Trying a bit of redirection, \u201cYou did a good job on his bandages.\u00a0 What are his injuries?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam told his father what he\u2019d found. \u201cPa, why is Hop Sing here?\u00a0 Do you think he was looking for us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, we\u2019ll just have to wait until he wakes up to get our answers.\u00a0 Listen to me.\u201d Adam looked at his father, realization dawning on him that his father was back to normal.\u00a0 \u201cI have to apologize to you for leaving you ladened with all the responsibilities of your brothers and the ranch.\u00a0 I was wrong to just abandon my family.\u00a0 But I\u2018m back now.\u00a0 Today we have to take care of Hop Sing but tomorrow I\u2019d like for us to work together catching me up on things.\u00a0 When it\u2019s a bit calmer you and I will go fishing or hunting or whatever you\u2019d like to do. I\u2019ll see if the Bakers can let Hoss and Joe stay with them for the day.\u00a0 How does that sound?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam could only nod; he was too choked up with relief and joy to have his father back.\u00a0 Ben waited a moment then took his son into his arms for a rare but heartfelt hug.<\/p>\n

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

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

\u201cCan we go riding? When we have time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure son.\u00a0 Anything you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

~~~~~~<\/p>\n

While Hop Sing was recovering, he told the Cartwrights all about his journey from San Francisco.\u00a0\u00a0 San Francisco was becoming unsafe for the Chinese and he wanted to leave there.\u00a0 He knew of only one place to go so he worked hard and saved enough money to travel over the Sierras.\u00a0 When he arrived at the trading station he began to ask for the Cartwrights. Most everyone ignored him until he met a friendly shopkeeper.\u00a0 He was trying to rent a horse when someone hit him from behind. He didn\u2019t remember anything more until he had awakened at the Cartwright home.<\/p>\n

As he healed Hop Sing began to do little jobs around the house to help pay for his care.\u00a0 Ben told Hop Sing he didn\u2019t need to repay him.\u00a0 He\u00a0 just needed to rest and get better.\u00a0 After Ben lost that argument with him, he never tried to contradict Hop Sing again.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s sons got a big kick out of the fact that Hop Sing was the only person who could stand up to their father.<\/p>\n

A couple of weeks later, the boys woke up to the delectable smells of breakfast. Intrigued they jumped out of bed and met in the living room, thinking their father was cooking (but Hoss pointed out that it smelled too good for that). When Ben walked in from outside the boys knew it wasn\u2019t their father. Before anyone could form another thought, Hop Sing came from the kitchen with a large knife in hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo wash then eat.\u201d\u00a0 He scowled at the boys.\u00a0 \u201cWhy boys not dressed? No eat if not dressed!\u201d<\/p>\n

The brothers scrambled over each other trying to be the first to dress and get to the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cMistah Cartwright!\u00a0\u00a0 Why you no wash?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going Hop Sing, I\u2019m going.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they returned to the table, they found a feast – ham, eggs, bacon, biscuits, jams, coffee and milk. Everyone sat down and Ben said grace.\u00a0 After passing the dishes they begin to eat.\u00a0 Not hearing any chatter, Hop Sing went out to check on them.\u00a0 They all stopped eating.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, this meal is\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you stop eat?\u00a0 You no like?\u00a0 Humph!\u00a0 I go back San Francisco.\u201d\u00a0 He brandished the knife he was still carrying and turned to leave.<\/p>\n

Ben jumped out of his seat after seeing the worried looks on his sons\u2019 faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, no, you misunderstood.\u00a0 We love the food.\u00a0 Thank you for fixing it for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked at each one, who confirmed with a nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u00a0 I stay.\u00a0 I cook for little while to pay for care from family and so boys don\u2019t starve.\u201d\u00a0 He looked pointedly at Ben.\u00a0 Ben started to defend himself but Adam cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Hop Sing.\u00a0 We would like that very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded firmly then went back to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Hoss, looking worried and hopeful, spoke up. \u201cPa, does that mean he\u2019s gonna stay and cook for us?\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked at Joe who was hopeful and nodded vigorously as he shoveled more food to his mouth, Adam who gently smiled and winked, and back to Hoss who now had a pleading look on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Hoss, I guess that means he\u2019s going to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boys let out a loud cheer and plowed into the feast of a breakfast.\u00a0 In the kitchen, a smile broke out on Hop Sing\u2019s face as he began chopping veggies for a lunch stew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

_____________________________________________________________________<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A\/N –<\/strong> Considering the time period of this story, I wanted to make sure of some facts about the history of Nevada.\u00a0 Below I\u2019ve listed a timeline of Nevada history.\u00a0 At the time of my story, Nevada (and Virginia City) didn\u2019t exist.\u00a0 It was all still part of Mexico and\/or California.\u00a0 It was just being explored in the 1840\u2019s as part of the Western movement, explorers and settlers looking for more passages over the Sierras.\u00a0 Ben and his two sons lived in the Sierras with only a few trading posts around due to gold camps being set up.\u00a0 The most prominent camp at the time would have been what was to become Eagle Station, then Carson City.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1840-45 – Exploration of the land from Humboldt River (Northeast of Reno) to Truckee, CA (areas off the Oregon-California Trail across the Sierras)<\/p>\n

1848 – US acquires land north of Mexico (present day NM, AZ, CO, UT, NV, southern CA) in the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo<\/p>\n

1849 – Gold discovered in Gold Canyon, about 10 miles southeast of \u201cfuture\u201d Virginia City<\/p>\n

1850 – Utah territory established (includes land to the Sierras – \u201cNevada\u201d)<\/p>\n

1851 – Nevada Territorial history begins (provisional gov\u2019t but not official territory for another 10 years). Eagle Station trading post established (will eventually become Carson City).<\/p>\n

1856 – First Chinatown at Dayton, Chinese laborers for Gold Canyon mining.<\/p>\n

1857 – First stage from Placerville CA to Genoa, Utah Terr.<\/p>\n

1858 – First Territorial Enterprise in Genoa, Utah Terr.;\u00a0 Carson City laid out.<\/p>\n

1859 – Silver discovered, Virginia City springs into existence overnight. Territorial Enterprise moves to VC.<\/p>\n

1861 – Nevada becomes a Territory.<\/p>\n

1864 – Nevada becomes a State (Union side).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.ereferencedesk.com\/resources\/state-history-timeline\/nevada.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Nevada Timeline.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Ben Cartwright<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 While in San Francisco with his father, ten year old Adam gets lost and is cared for by a special person. \u00a0Several years later, Adam has the chance to return the favor when he unknowingly saves the man’s life. \u00a0<\/p>\n

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