Summary:<\/b> \u00a0Hoss’ birthday present goes missing, and retrieving it gives both Adam and Ben an opportunity to find a new perspective on\u00a0 important matters in their lives.<\/p>\n
Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (9,745 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A New Perspective<\/strong><\/p>\n There are many people for whose assistance and encouragement I am truly grateful, especially Marcia, Gwynne, Lissa, and Brenda. I must thank too all the other people who gave me the benefit of their insight. Thank you all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow I spend my free time is no one\u2019s concern but my own!\u201d Adam snapped at his father. \u201cWhat I did in Nevada City is my business!\u201d His eyes narrowed with anger, but he kept his voice down. \u201cI am sorry I wasn\u2019t here when you needed me, but I do have my own life to live, and it doesn\u2019t always include cleaning up after Little Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhile you are under my roof you\u2019ll answer to me, boy!\u201d Ben retorted, equally angry, but a lot louder.<\/p>\n Adam took a deep breath, trying to contain himself. He crossed over to stand in front of the fire and stared into it, his back rigid, his fists clenched. He didn\u2019t reply for a moment, then, quietly, \u201cLet me remind you, Pa, that I don\u2019t have to live under your roof.\u201d He closed his lips firmly, not wanting to say the next thought, but the words \u201cI chose to come home,\u201d hung there in the air, unsaid, but there nonetheless. Ben frowned but didn\u2019t reply. He changed the subject instead.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are still employed by me. I want you to get that horse,\u201d he ordered, jabbing his finger at Adam as he returned to the original point of discussion.<\/p>\n Adam turned from the fire. He glowered at his father, then abruptly swept a couple of books off the table and added them to the already well-stuffed saddlebags he was carrying.<\/p>\n Ben watched him in surprise. \u201cYou don\u2019t need that much for a few days on the trail!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt may just be time for me to strike out on my own,\u201d Adam said as he fastened the last buckle on his saddle bags and slung it over his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019ll see you get that horse \u2013 one way or another.\u201d<\/p>\n He stalked out of the house without a backward glance and slammed the door behind him. He didn\u2019t need to look back to see his father\u2019s expression \u2013 he\u2019d seen it before and all too often lately.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seething, Adam urged Sport into a gallop before he had barely left the yard. The horse\u2019s drumming hooves matched the pounding of his blood in his ears as he rode swiftly away from the house. He let the wind in his hair and the horse\u2019s motion cool him; easing the tightness in his chest. He didn\u2019t care much about where they were heading, so it was with some surprise that he realised they were near the lake. He opened himself to its majestic calm and let its cool beauty wash over him until his anger was exhausted. Both horse and man were weary now, and Adam began to set up camp for the night. He unsaddled Sport first.<\/p>\n \u201cHope you got more rest than I did last night,\u201d he told the horse as he rubbed his sweaty flanks down. \u201cI never expected that spending the night in Nevada City was going to make Pa so angry.\u201d<\/p>\n Sport snuffled his hair as if in answer. Adam patted him, rubbing him gently behind the ears. He grimaced as he recalled his words. He had behaved badly tonight.<\/p>\n \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have spoken to Pa like that, even if he did rile me,\u201d he admitted. \u201cSo what am I going to do, Sport?\u201d He sighed deeply. Angry as he was with his father, he couldn\u2019t just leave like that; like a child throwing a tantrum. \u201cNo choice, really, is there, boy? I have to get Hoss\u2019 present, and take it home. I\u2019m not going to waste three years planning!\u201d<\/p>\n But then what he wondered? Would the freedom he gained mean that he\u2019d be throwing away something more important?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf all the stupid things to do! You can read. Swenson asked for mares. Or can\u2019t you tell the difference? And now I\u2019ll<\/em> have to explain to the Cartwrights!\u201d Bill Worthington\u2019s face was red, and his voice rose with each word. He banged his fist on the corral rail.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n The foreman pulled off his hat and twisted it in his hands. \u201cI said I was sorry, boss! I didn\u2019t know. Besides, you told Joe Cartwright yesterday \u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou would have known if you\u2019d taken the time to look at that list I gave you! I told you it was important. So help me, if you weren\u2019t my mother\u2019s cousin, I\u2019d send you packing!\u201d Bill poked his meaty forefinger into the younger man\u2019s bony chest.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, boss, Joe Cartwright didn\u2019t seem all that upset,\u201d Jake tried to defend himself.<\/p>\n Bill snorted. \u201cJoe Cartwright is an irresponsible youngster. I\u2019m sure either Adam or Ben will be out here before the day is out. I can\u2019t afford mistakes like that, not with the Cartwrights. Besides being good customers, they\u2019re my friends. I don\u2019t like letting my friends down.\u201d He stood, hands on hips, glaring at his miserable employee.<\/p>\n Jake swallowed nervously. This job was important to him, and he\u2019d bungled it almost in the first week. He\u2019d heard a lot about the Cartwrights, and he knew they were important folk around here.<\/p>\n \u201cThey won\u2019t do anything, like, er, shoot me, or hit me or somethin\u2019?\u201d he asked nervously.<\/p>\n Bill folded his arms across his chest. \u201cYou\u2019ll find out soon enough. There\u2019s one of them now,\u201d and he nodded towards the horse and rider who had appeared in the ranch yard.<\/p>\n The tall, serious-looking man in black dismounted easily from the big horse. His hand rested gently on the gun on his hip. His handsome face looked tired and not particularly happy with life, but his voice didn\u2019t show it as he extended his hand towards Bill.<\/p>\n \u201cBill,\u201d Adam nodded. \u201cI\u2019ve come to see about that horse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThought you might have. You must have left the Ponderosa mighty early to be here now. The sun\u2019s barely up. Come in, have some coffee,\u201d\u00a0Bill offered, his voice a little agitated.<\/p>\n \u201cI slept out last night. I thought I could get an early start that way.\u201d He smiled wryly. \u201cIt was a mistake as far as actually getting any sleep was concerned. I\u2019ll skip the coffee, if you don\u2019t mind. What happened with the horse?\u201d The deep voice was just a little gravely with weariness.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m terribly sorry, Adam,\u201d Bill Worthington apologised. \u201cI\u2019m thinking about finding me a new foreman. I\u2019ll let Jake, here, tell you, since it was entirely his fault.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m real sorry, Mr Cartwright,\u201d the foreman abused his hat even more as he moved back out of Adam\u2019s reach. Mr Cartwright sure was a powerful big fella. Probably could hit real hard. \u201cI didn\u2019t check the lists proper before I sent that string out to Jim Swenson at Placerville. It\u2019s just what Mr Worthington told Little Joe yesterday. That stallion was sent out accidental. I ain\u2019t been on the job long,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cNo, it wasn\u2019t all your fault. It was a mistake anyone could make.\u201d Adam shrugged slightly. \u201cIf Joe had been here when he was supposed to be, he would have been long gone with the horse.\u201d<\/p>\n Bill Worthington chuckled. \u201cI suppose it was a girl again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, poker,\u201d Adam replied. He didn\u2019t return the grin. Jake watched as just the mention of Joe made Adam stiffen. It wasn\u2019t hard to see that Adam Cartwright was real mad with his brother. His jaw was set, and he pressed his lips together firmly. It was a moment before he spoke, his words clipped. \u201cJoe spent the night playing poker with a friend nearby instead of coming straight to the Bar W. Pa will deal appropriately with him. In the meantime I have to get that horse back. I suppose I\u2019ll have to go to Placerville.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can take Jake with you if you like,\u201d Bill offered.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir, I\u2019d sure be happy to do that,\u201d Jake said, wanting to make amends. He felt real bad about sendin\u2019 that horse off, but Adam Cartwright had been real nice to him. He wasn\u2019t going to believe anythin\u2019 bad anyone said about Adam Cartwright.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, but I\u2019ll travel faster on my own. I\u2019d best be on my way. No chance of catching up with the horses before they get to Placerville now, I suppose?\u201d Sport danced a little, and Adam took a moment to soothe the horse, patting his nose, and rubbing him gently under the chin; the long fingers getting to just the spots Sport liked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bill shook his head. \u201cNo, I\u2019d expect they\u2019d be there by now, even allowing for it to take longer with a dozen mares and Thunder.\u201d He laughed. \u201cThat Thunder is one cantankerous beast! Might slow \u2018em down considerable.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed, not looking forward to the trip. \u201cIf you give me a letter of introduction, and I have the paperwork,\u201d he patted his pocket, \u201cthere shouldn\u2019t be any difficulty. At least not once I get to Placerville.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll take me a few minutes to write it. Why don\u2019t you have that coffee while I do?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leaned back in his chair, frowning. That was the third time he\u2019d added that column of figures, and each time he\u2019d come up with a different answer. He rose and crossed over to the big fireplace to stand in front of it for a moment. There was a book on the table. One of Adam\u2019s, no doubt. Adam was the only one of his sons who read thick books like this one. He raised an eyebrow at the title. On Liberty <\/em>by John Stuart Mill.<\/p>\n As he flicked through the book, intrigued by Adam\u2019s choice of reading material, an envelope fell out. He picked it up. It was Adam\u2019s as he had expected, but\u2026it was addressed to Adam in care of the bank in Nevada City. They usually had their mail sent to Virginia City. Why was Adam having mail sent to Nevada City? And in care of the bank? He turned it over to see if there was anything on the back. It had been opened. His hand hovered over the opening for a moment then he resolutely put it down. That was Adam\u2019s personal mail. He couldn\u2019t believe that even for a moment he had considered invading Adam\u2019s privacy that way. The sooner Adam got back here and did the paperwork, the happier he\u2019d be.<\/p>\n But was Adam going to come back? His last words before he left had been ambiguous to say the least. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s time to strike out on my own?\u201d He thought about Adam\u2019s comment as he went back to his desk, envelope still in his hand. He had been adding figures for at least fifty years. He wasn\u2019t about to let one column of figures defeat him. He picked up the pencil to add them one more time, and his eye fell on the last set of entries on the previous page, written neatly in Adam\u2019s careful hand. He picked up the envelope again, hand hovering, and then the door slammed.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d he bellowed, startled. He hastily shoved the envelope under the ledger. \u201cHow many times have I told you not to slam the door?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d Joe said, looking curiously at Ben\u2019s flushed face.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you finished your chores?\u201d Joe nodded. \u201cThen go and\u2026and\u2026 get me a cup of coffee, please. And make sure it\u2019s properly hot!\u201d Ben ordered, searching for a way to get rid of Joe and cover his own embarrassment.<\/p>\n As Joe left the room Ben retrieved the envelope from under the ledger. He studied it a moment, flushing again, then quickly he put it into one of the desk drawers. He would return it to Adam, when Adam came home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Two days later Adam pushed open the outer door to Jim Swenson\u2019s office in the main street of Placerville.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to see Mr Swenson. My name is Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n The secretary, a young man with sharp features and a pale face, looked the travel stained man up and down slowly. His mouth pursed as though there were a nasty taste in it. Unconsciously he stoked the lapel of his fine suit. He was very proud of that suit and of working in a position where he could dress so well every day. It put him, he thought, at a higher level than the cowboys and miners of the area.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have an appointment?\u201d He looked down his nose as he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but I need to see him urgently. I\u2019ve travelled a long way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid Mr Swenson is busy. Perhaps you\u2019d like to make an appointment?\u201d The prim secretary\u2019s discomfort was almost palpable; he clearly just wanted the man on the other side of his desk to go away. His tone suggested that the sooner the unwelcome visitor left, the happier he\u2019d be.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I\u2019ll wait.\u201d Adam crossed the room to the spindly chairs by the wall. He sat down carefully, half-afraid the chair would break under his weight. Stretching out his long legs, he tried to relax in the uncomfortable chair. He waited. The clock chimed the quarter. He stared across at the secretary. He crossed his legs, trying to get comfortable. The secretary watched him but made no move. The clock chimed the half hour. Adam\u2019s patience was wearing thin. He rose and leaned up against the wall, arms folded, never taking his eyes off the secretary. His lips thinned. He was tired of waiting, and this young man had made no effort to tell his boss that he was waiting. He crossed the room and leaned on his hands over the desk. He was a big man, and his presence could be intimidating when he chose.<\/p>\n \u201cIs Mr Swenson in there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEr\u2026yes\u2026.\u201d the young man stuttered, recoiling in alarm. There was no mistaking the menace in this man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d Adam paused just for a moment then he strode across the room to the inner door.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t go in there!\u201d the secretary yelped even as Adam opened the inner office\u2019s door.<\/p>\n Jim Swenson looked up in surprise as the tall man, dressed in black, gun slung low over his hips, came in. His hand snaked out to the drawer where he kept a loaded pistol, and he eased it open carefully, never taking his eyes off his unexpected visitor.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Swenson? My name is Cartwright. I apologise for intruding in this way, but I have come a long way to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n At his words, Jim Swenson relaxed a little. The courteous, well-spoken manner of the man before him seemed at odds with the dusty black garb he wore. His interest was piqued. He recognised the name Cartwright. Who didn\u2019t, in this part of the world?<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr Swenson,\u201d the secretary bleated. \u201cI couldn\u2019t stop him!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Ted. Get some coffee, will you?\u201d Swenson dismissed his secretary with a wave of his hand. He slunk out of the room, two spots of colour burning on his pale face.<\/p>\n \u201cHave a seat,\u201d Swenson offered. \u201cDid you say Cartwright? Of the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cYes, I\u2019m Adam.\u201d He held out his hand, and the other took it. \u201cPlease excuse my appearance,\u201d he gestured at his dusty clothes, \u2018but I\u2019d like very much to conclude our business and go home. You have a horse belonging to us that was shipped to you accidentally.\u201d<\/p>\n He reached into his pocket and pulled out a packet of papers. He handed them to Jim Swenson, then sat back in the comfortable armchair he\u2019d been offered. He stretched out contentedly with a small sigh. A man could relax in this. He smiled politely at Ted when he brought in the coffee, but Ted wouldn\u2019t look at him.<\/p>\n Jim Swanson took his time examining the documents Adam had given him. He wasn\u2019t a successful businessman for nothing. Fifteen minutes later he put the papers down on the desk and smiled across at Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t argue that the horse is yours. I\u2019m sorry that you\u2019ve had to come so far, Mr Cartwright. I was surprised at the quality of that one, since I only wanted working animals, not breeding stock But that was such a fine horse, I\u2019ve sent it to my ranch just outside Sacramento. You wouldn\u2019t want to sell it to me, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n Sacramento! Adam thought. Just wait till I get my hands on Joe!<\/p>\n \u201cNo, sir,\u201d Adam\u2019s response was polite but firm. \u201cWe\u2019ve been looking for just the right stallion for some time, and this is a gift for my brother. If it\u2019s all right with you, I\u2019ll go and retrieve it. With a bit of luck I might be back in time for Hoss\u2019 birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve gone to a great deal of trouble for your brother. I\u2019d sure like to have a brother like you!\u201d Jim smiled as he returned the papers to Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll write a letter to my foreman so he\u2019ll know to give you the horse. Is there anything else I can do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so\u2026oh, yes! Could you send a wire to my father? I\u2019d like to get started as soon as possible, and I don\u2019t want him to worry.\u201d He quickly wrote the wire out and pulled a couple of coins out of his pocket.<\/p>\n Jim waved his money away. \u201cTed! See this wire goes today,\u201d Jim ordered.<\/p>\n Ted nodded and took the wire. He held it in the tips of his fingers, as though it were distasteful. He watched as the door shut behind the two men, then, with a malicious smile, dropped the wire deliberately into the wastebasket.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut, Pa,\u201d Joe protested as they left the livery stables and went towards the sheriff\u2019s office. \u201cI\u2019ve been getting the mail for years. I don\u2019t know why you had to come into Virginia City too.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stopped so suddenly that Joe almost bumped into him. His eyes flashed. \u201cBecause the last time I sent you on a simple errand you couldn\u2019t even manage that! Did I not tell you that you were not to set foot off the ranch without me?\u201d Joe scowled. \u201cAnd take that look off your face. If you\u2019d done as you were asked, I wouldn\u2019t have to be here at all. You,\u201d and he pointed a finger at his youngest son, \u201ccannot be trusted to carry out the simplest task without supervision! We don\u2019t even know where Adam is!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure Adam\u2019s fine, Pa. He\u2019s probably on his way back from Placerville by now.\u201d Joe looked hopeful, but his father wasn\u2019t placated.<\/p>\n Ben glared at him. \u201cIf you\u2019d done as you were asked, when you were asked, Adam wouldn\u2019t have had to go to Placerville at all! He should have been back by now. It\u2019s been over a week!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe opened his mouth to argue then shut it again with a snap. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d Ben repeated. His voice dripped with sarcasm. \u201cSorry isn\u2019t going to get Adam back here. I\u2019m going to talk to Roy. Do you think you can manage to walk across the road to get the mail without needing a keeper? I will meet you at the General Store when I\u2019ve finished with Roy, and you had better be there.\u201d<\/p>\n He stood with his hands on his hips waiting for Joe to go into the building opposite. Joe raised his hat to a young lady just leaving, and his eyes watched her as she strolled down the sidewalk. Ben gave a slight smile. Sometimes Joe was so transparent. The deprivation he felt at not being able to flirt with the girls, or, Ben had no doubt, have a beer was written plainly on his face.<\/p>\n Roy had heard Ben\u2019s angry tones and met him as he stalked into the office \u201cWhat\u2019s Joe done now?\u201d Roy asked, his voice recalling his friend to the present.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s Joe done now? Managed to lose Hoss\u2019 birthday present just because he can\u2019t do as he\u2019s told.\u201d He shrugged slightly. \u201cJust Joseph being himself. It\u2019s Adam I\u2019m concerned about.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy handed the worried man a cup of coffee. \u201cYou worry too much about that boy, Ben. You know he can take care of himself.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben plonked himself down in a chair. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t be so worried, Roy, if I knew where he\u2019d gone.\u201d He took a sip of his coffee, then put the cup down with a deep sigh. \u201cIf he has gone to Placerville, he should have been back by now. But I don\u2019t know that he did. He hasn\u2019t contacted us at all.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy was surprised. \u201cIt\u2019s not like Adam not to let you know what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. That\u2019s one reason I\u2019m worried. But if he didn\u2019t go to Placerville then he might not want to let me know where he is. I think he might have gone to Nevada City.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNevada City? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben picked up a pile of papers off the desk and leafed through them absently before putting them down again. His eyes met Roy\u2019s. \u201cThat\u2019s partly what the argument was about. I wanted to know what he\u2019d been doing in Nevada City, and he effectively told me to mind my own business. I suppose he was right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a grown man, Ben. He\u2019s sure old enough to make his own mind up about things. An\u2019 you know how he likes to do things for himself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I certainly had no right to ask, much less demand, an accounting of his time. Then I ordered him to go fetch the horse from Placerville \u2013 and that was when he told me he\u2019d see I got the horse \u2013 one way or the other.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben rose and wandered over to the window, staring out of it silently for some minutes. Roy watched him but said nothing, just waiting. His patience was one of the things that made him such a good sheriff.<\/p>\n Ben abruptly turned away from the window. \u201cI didn\u2019t think much of it at the time, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder. I assumed he went to Placerville, but I don\u2019t know that he did. I\u2026I don\u2019t know where he is.\u201d There was a catch in his voice, and he sagged back into the chair, looking suddenly old and tired.<\/p>\n Roy scratched his head a moment, trying to find a way to help. \u201cI could wire to Placerville and Nevada City. Ask the sheriffs there if they\u2019ve seen him,\u201d he suggested finally.<\/p>\n Ben thought about it for a moment. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t want my family business paraded around the community like that. I certainly don\u2019t want to be the subject of gossip.\u201d He rose, suddenly, decisively. \u201cI think I\u2019ll go to Nevada City myself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put Buck up at the livery stable in Nevada City. He looked around the stable but he could not see any horses that looked like Sport, but that didn\u2019t mean Adam wasn\u2019t about. He grabbed the arm of the liveryman as he walked past.<\/p>\n \u201cNo sir, I ain\u2019t seen Mr Cartwright for a coupla weeks now.\u201d The liveryman pushed his hat up on his head as he thought about it. \u201cNup, no sign of him.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded politely and set off. By noon, he had been into every place on the south side of main street, and he was hot, tired and getting more irritated by the minute.<\/p>\n He saw a saloon he recalled Adam mentioning and decided that having a drink would give him an opportunity to ask the barman. They usually knew what was going on.\u00a0He pushed the saloon doors open and went in, eyes widening a little in surprise at the opulence of the place, in contrast to its unusual name, \u201cThe Old Tin Cup.\u201d While he leaned on the bar, waiting to catch the eye of the bartender, he caught the eye of a pretty blonde girl in a pink satin dress that showed much of her considerable attributes instead.<\/p>\n Sashaying over to him, she cooed, \u201cHi there, mister. You want to buy a girl a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, thank you, miss.\u201d His eyes slid from her to the bartender. \u201cBartender, I\u2019d like a beer, please.\u201d Ben threw some money down on the counter, turning his back on the girl.<\/p>\n The bartender handed him his beer. \u201cYou look like a mile o\u2019 bad road,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Ben eased himself down into a chair and took a long drink. \u201cFeel that way too. I guess I\u2019ll have a steak dinner. I think I\u2019ve been in every building in this city,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI\u2019m looking for my son. Perhaps you know him. Adam Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c Mr Cartwright? If anyone one\u2019s likely to have seen him it\u2019d be Janie here.\u201d The bartender nodded towards the girl.<\/p>\n Ben cringed inside. Just how well did his son know this cosy little armful? Then it struck him that the bartender\u2019s tone had been extremely respectful. And he had referred to Adam as \u2018mister\u2019. \u201cCall her for me, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n Janie came back at the bartender\u2019s call. \u201cYou\u2019re Adam\u2019s father?\u201d She examined him in the dim light. \u201cI suppose you do look a bit like him. Adam hasn\u2019t been here for at least a week, and I\u2019d know. Adam\u2019s always real kind to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Just how kind was kind Ben wondered then squashed that thought down resolutely. That was the sort of question that had driven his son off. \u201cI\u2019ll have another beer,\u201d he said. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you have a meal too, miss, and tell me what you know about my son?\u201d<\/p>\n Janie\u2019s eyes lit up as she slid into the seat opposite him, eager to talk about her favourite customer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stretched lazily in the tub that he\u2019d been offered by the foreman, Chet Rogers, of Jim Swenson\u2019s ranch. The letter he carried from Jim was almost like a magic talisman. \u201cOpen Sesame\u201d from the moment he\u2019d produced it, unlike the suspicion he was greeted with.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Adam Cartwright,\u201d he told the man standing in the open yard, pointing a rifle at him. He kept his hands clearly in sight although offering his name was disarming in itself. The ranch hand didn\u2019t move his rifle.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d he asked suspiciously.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got a letter here from your boss, Jim Swenson. Mind if I get it out of my pocket?\u201d<\/p>\n The man nodded.<\/p>\n Adam reached very slowly into his pocket and pulled out the package of papers. He held out one.<\/p>\n The man called out. \u201cChet! Come out here!\u201d A man came out of the bunkhouse. \u201cThis guy says he\u2019s got a letter from the boss.\u201d<\/p>\n The newcomer took the letter and read it. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Dave. You can put the rifle up. He is from the boss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Chet Rogers, foreman around here. I\u2019m sorry, Mr Cartwright. We\u2019ve had a bit of trouble here lately. Ever since that string o\u2019 horses came in. So the stallion\u2019s yours? Pity. Good horse that, but mean as all get out. I suppose you wanta check it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes please,\u201d Adam said politely. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t mind somewhere to stable my horse, either. He\u2019s worked hard the last week.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n With the magic talisman of Jim\u2019s letter, Adam got a stall for Sport and an offer of a bed, a bath and a meal for himself, all of which he had accepted gratefully. It was too late to start out tonight, and there were parts of him that rebelled at the thought of getting back on a horse. The first thing he did after putting Sport up was check Thunder. The bay stallion was a fine looking horse and his sleek lines would improve the bloodlines of the horses Hoss was breeding. The horse had stood up to the rigours of travel well, but the trip back would be harder and take longer, with only one man to keep this difficult horse under control. It was much easier to take a string of docile mares than one ornery stallion, and as beautiful as the horse was, he didn\u2019t have a temperament to match. There had been trouble on the way up it was plain to see. One hand sported a black eye, given him when the horse had lunged unexpectedly. Another had extensive bruising.<\/p>\n \u201cI was lucky that danged horse didn\u2019t run right over the top of me!\u201d the hand had told him with feeling.<\/p>\n Just what I need \u2013 another ornery critter around the Ponderosa, Adam mused as he relaxed in the tub, the warm water easing tired muscles.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben finished his meal and left the saloon, determined to find out just how much that Janie had told him was true. At almost every place he went into, he was greeted with \u201cMr Cartwright? Sure I know Mr Cartwright, but I haven\u2019t seen him for a week or more.\u201d<\/p>\n He methodically went into every building on the north side. He went into the last saloon on the street.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me, sir.\u201d Ben turned to see who was accosting him and was astonished to find he was looking into the Sheriff\u2019s eyes. \u201cI heard you\u2019ve been askin\u2019 a lot of questions about Adam Cartwright. Just what is it you want with him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Ben Cartwright,\u201d Ben replied. He was a little taken aback when the sheriff showed no recognition of his name.<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright? You any relation to Adam Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I\u2019m his father.\u201d<\/p>\n The Sheriff\u2019s face cleared, but there was still a hint of suspicion.<\/p>\n \u201cYou say you\u2019re Mr. Cartwright\u2019s father?\u201d the Sheriff said. \u201cI\u2019d heard that, but I thought you\u2019d be older.\u201d He scrutinised Ben carefully then nodded. \u201cYou do have a look of him about you. Is there some problem I c\u2019n help you with?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t quite sure he wanted to tell anyone else he\u2019d misplaced his son, but he had to say something. \u201cI was looking for Adam,\u201d he said, without further explanation.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t seen Mr. Cartwright in town lately. Perhaps he\u2019s gone over to check on the land that he\u2019s interested in. Tom Duncan over at the Land Office might know.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow. \u2018Mr. Cartwright\u2019, again!<\/p>\n The Sheriff introduced him to the land agent. \u201cThis is Mr. Cartwright\u2019s father, Ben,\u201d he said, unaware of the frown his words caused.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t seen Mr. Cartwright since he paid me for the land. A real bargain, that ranch he\u2019s bought,\u201d Tom Duncan told his client\u2019s father excitedly.<\/p>\n \u201cHow much did he pay for it?\u201d Ben cut across the excited sales pitch.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t tell you that, sir. That\u2019s his business.\u201d Tom was a little shocked.<\/p>\n \u201cI<\/em> own The Ponderosa,\u201d Ben informed him. \u201cThat\u2019s Ponderosa money!\u201d<\/p>\n Tom shook his head. \u201cNo, sir, I can tell you that I know the money was transferred out of Mr. Cartwright\u2019s personal account. The land belongs to him, not to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stared at him. \u201cAdam owns that ranch?\u201d he asked, barely able to control his voice.<\/p>\n Ton nodded. \u201cYes, sir. I have to ride out to check on something for him. Would you like to come with me?\u201d <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was a fine little ranch. It was right on the edge of the river, and it looked prosperous and inviting in the afternoon sun. A thin curl of smoke wisped away from the comfortable little house.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, the Davies have settled in, I see,\u201d Tom Duncan said. \u201cMrs Davies, I\u2019d like you to meet Mr Cartwright\u2019s father, Ben,\u201d Duncan said when she answered his knock.<\/p>\n Ben pressed his lips together firmly. That expression was really beginning to grate on him.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam has been so kind to us,\u201d Mrs Davies said. \u201cLetting us live here rent free and giving my Charlie a job. We really didn\u2019t know which way to turn, since Rosie needs us just now. This is my daughter, Rosie.\u201d She smiled as the pretty young woman sitting at the table rose, and Ben had to work hard to stifle a gasp. She was obviously pregnant.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Rosie being in the family way at this time is very difficult. Adam is such a good boy. We\u2019d be happy to have him in our family. You must be very proud of him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cer\u2026yes\u2026.\u201d Ben said, stunned. For a moment he didn\u2019t know what to say. Was Adam the father of Rosie\u2019s child? \u201cHave you known Adam long?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve known Adam for about five years,\u201d Mrs Davies said, thinking the question was for her. \u201cHe\u2019s always been helpful to us, and to Rosie.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben glanced at Rosie sharply, to see how she responded to those words, but the serene smile on her face didn\u2019t change. \u201cI really like Adam. He has been so very considerate especially now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you see Adam often?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot often enough,\u201d Mrs Davies replied. \u201cThe dear boy works so hard, but he always comes to see us whenever he is in Nevada City.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took the coffee Mrs Davies offered him with a smile as he tried to think of a way to ask the question consuming him, but there was no polite way to come straight out and ask. He had to leave with the question still unanswered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was up before dawn the next morning. He grabbed a quick breakfast with the hands in the bunkhouse and headed over to the corral to collect Thunder and be on his way. He swore softly and fluently under his breath as he stared at the gate swinging open and the dark shape of the horse on the other side of the field the corral led into.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve saddled your horse for you, Mr Cart\u2026\u201d Dave stopped, appalled, as he saw Thunder on the other side of the pasture. \u201cI\u2019m real sorry, I don\u2019t know how that happened\u201d, he babbled, apologising. \u201cPlease don\u2019t tell Chet, else I\u2019ll lose my job.\u201d His obvious distress touched Adam, even irritated as he was by the setback.<\/p>\n \u201cNever mind,\u201d Adam sighed. \u201cJust go get a couple of ropes and help me catch him. Otherwise I won\u2019t get away till lunchtime.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s prognosis was almost correct. Thunder was wily, and he didn\u2019t want to be caught. Dave wasn\u2019t much help either. Twice Adam managed to get close enough to the horse to lasso him, but Dave startled him, and the horse slipped by. Patient as Adam was, he was almost tempted to tell Dave to go away but relented when he saw the anxiety in his face. It was a long hour later before Adam could mount Sport, take up the stout leading rein that secured Thunder and be on his way.<\/p>\n Thunder didn\u2019t like being on a leading rein and fought against it whenever he got a chance. So Adam wasn\u2019t surprised when the horse\u2019s tugging and lunging broke the leading rein. Before Adam could catch him, Thunder was gone with a swish of his tail and a shake of his beautiful mane. Adam could do nothing but track the horse. It was almost dark before he caught up to Thunder, standing head hanging, wearily drinking from the rushing waters of a small creek. As he came nearer, Thunder raised his head, listening, and took a couple of nervous steps, but then dipped his head down to the water again. Adam breathed a sigh of relief. He knew how easily spooked the horse was. He approached as quietly as he could, thankful for the time he\u2019d spent as a youngster with Young Wolf. He\u2019d learned a lot then, and he was finding those lessons as useful now as he had then.<\/p>\n Without giving Thunder a chance to get away, he sidled up to the horse and dropped the rope over his head. Thunder was not happy. He reared and lunged, trying to shake this irritating human off, but Adam wasn\u2019t letting go. Pulling the lasso tight with one hand, he grabbed the horse\u2019s headstall with the other, all the while talking in a soothing, gentle voice. Tired as he was, Thunder soon calmed, and Adam took him back to where he had left Sport. The time he\u2019d wasted with Thunder today made it most unlikely that he\u2019d get back in time for Hoss\u2019 birthday, but he decided to try anyway. It was getting late, but he decided to at least get another few miles under his belt before they made camp. He began to regret that decision a while later. The rain began again, a slow drizzle at first, which seemed to get in every gap in his clothing. Then the wind picked up, and the slow drizzle turned into driving, soaking rain. It didn\u2019t seem possible that he could be any colder, wetter or more miserable. They plodded on through the rain.<\/p>\n Morning came but brought little improvement in the weather. The rain stopped, but all that meant was they were no longer getting soaked. Adam pulled his coat around him tighter. The wind bit through him, and the horses plodded along, heads down, clearly as miserable as he was. Even ornery Thunder was too miserable to be ornery. The day passed in a kaleidoscope of cold rain, mud and weary horses. Towards late afternoon they topped a ridge some ten miles away from the ranch. As he approached the top of the rise, the wind dropped for a moment. He could see smoke from the ranch house in the distance.<\/p>\n \u201cNot long, now, boys,\u201d he told the horses, his spirits lifting just at the sight of his home. He snorted to himself. Home. No matter how annoying his father was, he could handle his father. The Ponderosa was his home. He wasn\u2019t going to move out. Not yet, anyway, but he wasn\u2019t going to tell Pa that without them clearing the air a little first. Sport danced a little where he stood, breaking into Adam\u2019s reverie. He could smell home, and he didn\u2019t want to wait.<\/p>\n \u201cOk, Sport,\u201d he said, slapping the horse\u2019s neck affectionately, \u201cI don\u2019t know what we\u2019re hanging around here for anyway! Let\u2019s go!\u201d<\/p>\n Thunder picked up the mood and followed eagerly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben decided he\u2019d had enough unpleasant surprises for one day, but still they kept coming. On his return to Nevada City he went to withdraw some money from the Ponderosa account. It looked like he was going to be staying overnight, and he hadn\u2019t brought much with him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to know the amount in my account, please,\u201d he asked the young man behind the counter.<\/p>\n The teller glanced up disinterestedly. \u201cThe account name, please, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c The Ponderosa account.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Ponderosa account? Do you have a letter of authority from Mr Cartwright? I can\u2019t give that information out to just anyone, sir,\u201d he explained politely in response to the surprise on the other man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you talking about? I am Mr Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, sir, but I know Mr Cartwright, and you aren\u2019t him,\u201d the teller declared<\/p>\n Ben stood with his hands on his hips. \u201cI am Ben Cartwright. I own the Ponderosa! How dare you stand there and tell me I need a letter of authority for my own account!\u201d<\/p>\n The teller was embarrassed by this yelling, red-faced man. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, sir, but I only know Mr Adam Cartwright.\u201d He stuck to his guns. \u201cIt\u2019s the rules, sir,\u201d he tried to placate Ben, at the same time wondering if this was a prelude to a robbery.<\/p>\n \u201cIs John Henderson here?\u201d Ben demanded. \u201cGet him. He knows me.\u201d<\/p>\n The teller debated for a moment between having this man thrown out and sending for Mr Henderson. Then he decided to err on the side of caution. If this man was who he said he was, there could be trouble otherwise.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a man outside who wants to look at the Ponderosa account, sir. He says<\/em> he\u2019s Mr Cartwright, but he\u2019s not the Mr Cartwright I know. He says he knows you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d better come out. If that voice is who I think it is\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n John Henderson came out, buttoning his jacket. \u201cBen! It is you! I am sorry for the mix-up, but Henry has only been with us for a few months. This is Mr Cartwright\u2019s father, Ben,\u201d Henderson said.<\/p>\n That expression, again! Henry apologised, but Ben waved the apology away. He was feeling much better now he\u2019d met someone who actually knew him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou staying in town tonight? Join me at the Cattlemen\u2019s Club for dinner,\u201d Henderson said.<\/p>\n Ben accepted eagerly. He didn\u2019t much like being \u201cMr Cartwright\u2019s father.\u201d He was, of course, immensely proud of Adam, but for over twenty years he<\/em> had been \u201cMr Cartwright,\u201d and he didn\u2019t much like being relegated to the sidelines as he had been all day. The President\u2019s invitation to join him at dinner was a balm to his wounded soul.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tugged at his shirt collar uncomfortably as he waited in the imposing lobby of the Cattleman\u2019s Club that evening. His work clothing was in stark contrast to the finery of the other men. Some of the well-dressed men frowned as they saw him, but most simply looked through him, their glance sliding over him as if he wasn\u2019t there, seeing only his clothing, not him. It had been a long time since he had felt so invisible, so out of place. One of the men paused to speak to one of the club stewards with a brief nod towards Ben as he stood there. His embarrassment was complete as the servant approached him.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me, sir,\u201d the man said, \u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u2019ll have to ask you to leave. This is a private\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n He was interrupted by John Henderson. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Tonkins, Mr Cartwright is my guest.\u201d He turned to his guest. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, Ben. My business took me longer than I expected. Come inside and let me introduce you to some of the men.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s embarrassment was betrayed only by a slight flush, and he smiled politely as John led him into the bar.<\/p>\n \u201cI hadn\u2019t thought about my clothing,\u201d he said in apology.<\/p>\n John shook his head. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter. You\u2019re my guest.\u201d<\/p>\n But it did matter, to Ben at least, who felt more and more self-conscious. John led Ben around the room, introducing him as he went. The men were polite but cool. He could hear the faint susurration of voices behind him, each quiet conversation stopping sharply as John introduced him to some of the more prosperous citizens of the town, then picking up as he moved on to the next group.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re Adam Cartwright\u2019s father?\u201d he was asked repeatedly.<\/p>\n The surprise in their voices echoed the astonishment in their faces. The Cartwright they knew was an urbane gentleman who would never have come into the Club dressed like that, although, some of them admitted, he did have a presence. It was easy to see where Adam had inherited his poise. When John mentioned that he owned the Ponderosa their coolness faded further. It turned to real warmth as the conversations turned to Adam. Time and again the business community\u2019s respect for Adam\u2019s business acuity and moral standing; indeed, for Adam himself, became apparent in what they said. Ben tried hard not to wince each time he was introduced as \u2018Adam\u2019s father\u2019, but he grew more and more irritated. Only his good manners prevented him from saying something. Good manners and more than a little embarrassment. He couldn\u2019t stop thinking about the pregnant girl in the little house by the river. When John Henderson excused himself for a moment Ben stopped trying to put the thought out of his mind. He sat there turning the question of the child\u2019s father over and over in his mind. How would these men, singing his son\u2019s praises, react to that? He was still thinking about this when John Henderson slid back into his seat.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry I was so long, Ben,\u201d he said cheerfully. \u201cI was just talking to someone about that land Adam bought. That\u2019s a fine piece of land,\u201d he continued, buttering a bread roll. \u201cIt\u2019s a good thing he\u2019s doing for the Davies, too. Things were difficult for them when they first heard about Rosie.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben flushed and looked down at his plate, not wishing to meet his friend\u2019s eye. He wondered if all the men in this town\u00a0 were usually so cavalier about an unexpected pregnancy. Henderson didn\u2019t notice his embarrassment and just kept talking.<\/p>\n \u201cHer home was tied to her husband\u2019s job. When he died, she had to move, and where else would a girl go except back to her parents? At least she\u2019ll have the baby to remember him by. He was a good man, and she adored him. Adam offered the Davies the ranch to live on.\u201d<\/p>\n Henderson kept talking, but Ben didn\u2019t hear him. The words rolled around in his head \u201cHer husband\u2019s job!\u201d Adam wasn\u2019t<\/em> the father! He felt like shouting to the rooftops with relief, but he didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n \u201cIt sounds like just the thing Adam would do,\u201d he said mildly, while all the time he had trouble keeping the grin off his face. The rest of the evening slipped by him. He didn\u2019t know many people there and those he did only wanted to talk about Adam. Adam Cartwright wasn\u2019t just Ben Cartwright\u2019s boy, Adam, here. He was Adam Cartwright, businessman in his own right. An eye-opener indeed. If, no, he corrected himself firmly, when<\/em> Adam came home he would do better, he promised silently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHappy birthday, Hoss!\u201d Joe loved birthdays. It didn\u2019t matter whose it was \u2013 he was always so excited by them. Adam had once said that he thought Joe enjoyed birthdays \u2013 anyone\u2019s birthday \u2013 more than any other two people he knew; Hoss remembered, grinning, as he took the eagerly offered gift. Hoss took his time unwrapping it, watching Joe dancing with impatience out of the corner of his eye as he carefully took off the paper and folded it. Then he carefully folded back the inner wrap to show a beautiful new bridle adorned with silver conchos.<\/p>\n Joe could wait no more. \u201cDo ya like it, Hoss?\u201d he asked, his eyes sparkling.<\/p>\n \u201cI shore do, shortshanks,\u201d Hoss held it up to admire it. \u201cChubb\u2019ll look real fine wearin\u2019 that.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe opened his mouth but the faintest shake of his father\u2019s head stopped him from speaking. Hop Sing placed another platter on the table and paused to look at the gift.<\/p>\n \u201cThat very fine, Mr Hoss,\u201d he said in his quiet way.<\/p>\n Ben handed his gift over. \u201cHappy birthday, son,\u201d he said. Hoss forbore to tease his father as he had teased Joe. He opened the package and drew out a fine pair of new chaps. The smell of new leather rose from them, adding to the more usual smells of the food that Hop Sing was bringing in to put on the table. Hoss sniffed appreciatively. He liked the smell of new leather. He liked the smell of good food too, and Hop Sing had gone to a lot of trouble for him today.<\/p>\n \u201cSupper leddy, Mr Hoss. You eat special supper for birthday.\u201d Hop Sing announced.<\/p>\n Hoss nodded, smiling at the cook.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Hop Sing, you sure done me proud today. I sure ain\u2019t had food like this up in them mountains.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing beamed. \u201cMr Hoss eat good supper now. Happy birthday!\u201d He bowed to Hoss and went back into his kitchen. The men took their seats. Adam\u2019s chair was conspicuously empty.<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 eyes fixed on Adam\u2019s empty chair, and he drooped. \u201cNo word from Adam, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u201cI was sure he\u2019d be here for your birthday,\u201d he said, sadly. \u201cOr even a wire, or a letter.\u201d His shoulders sagged, and for the first time Hoss realised just how old his father was. Hoss was worried. It sure wasn\u2019t like ol\u2019 Adam to not even send word if he was going to be away, especially not on his birthday.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure we\u2019ll hear soon,\u201d Hoss said, trying to ease his father\u2019s mind. He didn\u2019t care what it was that Adam had gone to get \u2013 he would have much preferred to have his older brother home with him to share the day. Not much of a birthday with his older brother missing and his father worried so. Perhaps if he\u2019d been home earlier he could have helped, but he\u2019d barely made it home for his birthday, himself. Hoss saw his father force a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure we will, son,\u201d Ben said with obviously false cheeriness. \u201cWe\u2019d better eat, or Hop Sing will threaten to go, and we can\u2019t have that on your birthday!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss joined Joe in laughing at the old joke dutifully, but he wasn\u2019t fooled.<\/p>\n They moved across to sit in front of the fire after the meal was finished. Ben offered both sons a brandy and then sat there silently as Hoss played a game of checkers with Joe in their never-ending competition. The only sounds to be heard were the occasional clack of a checker piece, the homely sounds of Hop Sing in the kitchen, and the wind as it rustled through the treetops. Ben\u2019s sudden movement startled them all as he sat bolt upright, listening, then sank back into his chair, disappointment clear on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I heard a horse,\u201d Ben explained.<\/p>\n Hoss listened then shook his head. \u201cI can\u2019t hear\u2026.\u201d He broke off what he was saying and listened again. There was something out there. The sound turned unmistakably into hoof beats. \u201cI think you\u2019re right, Pa. There is something.\u201d<\/p>\n All three rushed out into the cold wind, not even stopping to grab a coat. The wind brought the sound of hoofbeats closer and they strained to see in the evening light. Adam rode into the yard, with Thunder behind him. He looked like a drowned rat, soaked from head to toe, even with his oilskins.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is Adam, Pa!\u201d Joe yelled, jubilantly. \u201cAnd he\u2019s got it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot what?\u201d Hoss wondered, but he didn\u2019t stop to think about it. In front of his eyes, his father suddenly looked ten years younger.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam! Son!\u201d Ben exclaimed. \u201cWhere have you been? You\u2019re soaked! Thank God you are all right!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou got it!\u201d Joe yelled.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m sure glad to see you safe!” Hoss glanced up at Thunder. “Shore is a fine looking horse ya got there,” he added.<\/p>\n Adam dismounted slowly, his movements showing his weariness. \u201cI\u2019m glad you like it, since it\u2019s your birthday present. Happy birthday, Hoss.\u201d He handed the rope to Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cMine?\u201d Hoss\u2019 face was filled with pleasure. He looked at the horse, patting its neck and taking in every aspect. \u201cHe\u2019s a beauty, all right. Where d\u2019ya get it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Bar W, we\u2019ve been planning this forever!\u201d Joe told him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a fine animal, but you coulda told us where you were,\u201d Hoss scolded, too worried about his father to accept the gift properly. \u201cWe\u2019ve been worried sick about ya.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt only takes four days to get there and back to Placerville,\u201d Ben added. \u201cAnd I wasn\u2019t even sure you\u2019d gone there.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared at them both in surprise. \u201cBut I told you where I was. I sent a wire from Placerville. Do you mind if we go inside? I\u2019m cold and wet, and I\u2019ve been riding for days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course,\u201d said Ben. He reached as if to put his arm across Adam\u2019s shoulders then dropped his arm again. Hoss watched them, hesitated a moment then thrust the reins of the horses into Joe\u2019s hand and followed the other two men into the house.<\/p>\n Adam peeled off the wet coat and shirt and stood in front of the fire to get warm, rubbing his wet hair and drying off his wet chest with a towel that Hop Sing handed him. He pulled on a dry shirt and sat down to remove his boots.<\/p>\n \u201cAhh, that\u2019s better, I\u2019ve forgotten what it\u2019s like to be dry,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n The cook brought out a tray of food and coffee, and Adam dug in eagerly.<\/p>\n Hoss waited till Adam had downed a cup of coffee and had started in on the food.<\/p>\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t get a wire, Adam,\u201d he told his brother. Pa was watching Adam as though he was half afraid he\u2019d disappear while Adam started his meal.<\/p>\n Adam put his fork down. \u201cYou mean you didn\u2019t know I had to go almost all the way to Sacramento to get Thunder?\u201d Hoss shook his head.<\/p>\n Ben scrubbed at his face a moment. \u201cI didn\u2019t know if\u2026if\u2026you had gone to get the horse,\u201d he said, delicately. \u201cI didn\u2019t know where you were or if you were coming back. You don\u2019t usually take books with you for a few days on the trail. I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stopped speaking suddenly. Hoss glanced across at him. He could tell from the look on Ben\u2019s face there was something more their Pa wanted, or maybe needed, to say, but somehow the words just wouldn\u2019t come.<\/p>\n Adam leaned back to see his father\u2019s face properly. He blew out his breath.<\/p>\n “I won\u2019t deny, Pa, that I was blazingly angry when I left. I did consider not coming home. But I decided that it wasn\u2019t fair to Hoss not to get his gift or to you if I just took off in such an uncivilised fashion. So I decided I\u2019d go and get the horse. I\u2019m sorry you didn\u2019t get the wire I sent from Placerville. Jim Swenson\u2019s secretary was supposed to send it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you are stayin, ain\u2019t ya, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked. Now he knew what the problem was, although he had no idea how to fix it. This was something Adam and Pa had to fix for themselves.<\/p>\n Adam tilted his head on one side. \u201cHow old am I, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled a little. “You are thirty years old. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n “What were you doing at thirty?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what I was doing. I was travelling west with one extremely inquisitive small boy.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss once again showed the uncanny perception that so often surprised his family. He looked from one to the other. \u201cThere weren\u2019t no one around to tell you what to do, huh, Pa?\u201d he said, getting to the heart of the matter.<\/p>\n There was a very long silence. Ben stared first at Hoss and then at Adam. He nodded slowly. “You\u2019re right, Hoss.\u201d He turned to Adam. \u201cAll right, son. I take your point. You are a grown man, and I should try to remember to treat you as such.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned at him. \u201cThat\u2019s it, Pa. I just want you to remember I\u2019m not Joe\u2019s age anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll always be my son, Adam,\u201d Ben pointed out.<\/p>\n Adam laughed. \u201cTrue, and I\u2019m proud of that. But I want you to remember I am no longer a boy.\u201d He rose and crossed the room to his father\u2019s side. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t move out without telling you, Pa. You should know me better than that.\u201d His voice was gentle. He rested his hands on his father\u2019s. \u201cI promise you, Pa, if ever I do go, I will tell you first.\u201d He squeezed his father\u2019s hand briefly.<\/p>\n The door banged. \u201cWhat did you do to those horses, Adam? It took me forever to clean \u2018em up\u2026\u201d He stopped as he took in his oldest brother kneeling by his father\u2019s side.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s goin\u2019 on here? How come I always get to do chores while you discuss things? You never tell me anything! I wish you\u2019d all stop treating me as a kid!\u201d he grumbled in disgust as he flung himself down onto the settee.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph! Don\u2019t put your muddy feet all over the furniture!\u201d Ben barked.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not treating you as a kid, shortshanks,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cIt\u2019s just something Pa and Adam had to discuss. And it is my<\/em> birthday, an\u2019 I want some o\u2019 that pie Hop Sing made. Hop Sing!\u201d he yelled. \u201cYou wanna bring some o\u2019 that pie in?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing brought in the pie and a birthday cake. \u201cI keep till Mr Adam come. Know Mr Hoss want to celebrate with brother,\u201d he said, handing out plates and cups. The clatter of china made them all relax, easing whatever tension and emotion that was left.<\/p>\n The cake was almost all finished when Ben put his plate down on the table with a decisive snap.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d The tone was questioning, but a little nervous. Adam looked up quizzically.<\/p>\n “I went to Nevada City while you were away. I wasn\u2019t prying,” he added hastily. “I just wanted to see if you were there. You seem to have made quite an impression.” He paused, uncomfortable. \u201cI found out about that land, that ranch you bought. I met the Davies.\u201d<\/p>\n How did you find out about that? I suppose Tom told you. He has a big mouth! I thought it would be useful for the timber operation. I was planning to hire a new manager for the Nevada City end of things, then when I heard how hard things were for the Davies, I thought Charlie would do for it. He knows about timber, and with the grandchild to support, I knew they could do with the money. And before you ask, I used my money because I\u2019m going to be using that land for some deals of my own, so I didn\u2019t think it right to use Ponderosa money.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled tentatively and a little shamefaced.<\/p>\n Adam was momentarily puzzled by his father\u2019s embarrassment. \u201cYou can go where you like, Pa,\u201d he said, \u201cand I appreciate that you cared enough to look for me.\u201d Then he realised the cause of his father\u2019s embarrassment. \u201cRosie\u2019s a wonderful girl,\u201d he said, a touch of malice in his voice. Ben glared at him, the colour rising in his cheeks. Adam took pity on him. \u201cDid you enjoy your visit to Nevada City?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMostly,\u201d Ben said, then he grinned. \u201cI can\u2019t say that I much enjoyed being introduced as “Mr Cartwright\u2019s father. Made me feel old.\u201d<\/p>\n “But you are my father.\u201d Adam\u2019s lips twitched. \u201cHow else should people introduce you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, finish your supper,\u201d Ben said, crossly, but Adam could see the smile lurking in his father\u2019s eyes. He grinned back, ate his last bit of cake and sat back.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s good to be home,\u201d he sighed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n June 2003<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, I\u2019d like to go and see it,\u201d Ben managed.<\/p>\n