{"id":13923,"date":"2002-12-23T11:27:57","date_gmt":"2002-12-23T16:27:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13923"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:05","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:05","slug":"christmas-wish-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13923","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Wish (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Could it be that St. Nicholas himself ensures that Ben’s Christmas wish comes true.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (8,140 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Christmas Wish<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright placed the last of his purchases into an already full wagon. He sighed with relief as he loaded the box into the wagon. He seemed to have a lot of purchases to bring home, but then, he always did at Christmas. In addition to the normal supplies for the ranch, Ben\u00a0 had picked up extra flour and sugar for Hop Sing\u2019s baking. There also were several odd-shaped packages in the back of the wagon, items which seemed out of place among the other sacks.<\/p>\n

Ben had deliberately waited until his sons were busy elsewhere before making the trip to town. He wasn\u2019t looking forward to having to unload the wagon by himself when he got home but he knew the looks on his sons\u2019 faces on Christmas morning would be worth the effort. Ben mentally ran over his list once more. He had picked up the books for Adam, the boots for Hoss and\u00a0 the silk vest for Joe. The new saddles he had ordered for each of the boys were hidden under the sacks in the wagon, just in case. His last purchase had been a tea set for Hop Sing; the china cups and pot were carefully packed in straw inside a wooden crate.<\/p>\n

Ben moved the items in the wagon a bit, making sure each was secure and wouldn\u2019t bounce around during the ride home. As he finished, he heard a voice behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas, Ben!\u201d Sheriff Roy Coffee said cheerfully as he approached the wagon.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas to you, Roy,\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied with a smile. \u201cWhy aren\u2019t you out chasing outlaws or something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems to be a lack of crime in Virginia City these days,\u201d\u00a0 Roy replied with a twinkle in his eye. \u201cEveryone seems to be on their best behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this time of year does seem to bring out the best in everyone,\u201d Ben said with a laugh. \u201cYou\u2019re still going to join us for Christmas dinner, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be there,\u201d Roy promised. \u201cAs long as the weather holds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked at the clear blue sky above him. It has been a mild winter so far, with little snow and only a few cold snaps. \u201cI don\u2019t think you\u2019ll have to worry about that,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d replied Roy. \u201cMy knee has been aching all day. That\u2019s a sure sign of snow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, your knee aches during a warm day in July,\u201d Ben said with a grin. \u201cIt\u2019s as about as reliable as looking at woolly worms for predicting snow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy knee always aches when it\u2019s going to snow,\u201d Roy insisted. Then he smiled wryly. \u201cI figure it must be going to snow. Otherwise, the only reason for my aches is old age, and I know it can\u2019t be that!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben laughed with his old friend. \u201cHave time for a cup of coffee?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cI think Virginia City will be safe if I take a half\u00a0 hour or so off,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ben and Roy strolled down the street, heading toward the caf\u00e9. Ben stopped a few feet from the caf\u00e9, surprised at the scene before him. A large, portly man was sitting on a chair outside the building. The man has long white hair, and a snow white beard which flowed down to his chest. He wore pants made of\u00a0 brown cloth tucked into shiny black books. His ample girth was covered by a thick brown coat; a shiny black belt ringed his waist. But what surprised Ben was the long line of children waiting patiently near the man. One little boy was sitting on the man\u2019s knee, and the others seemed to be waiting their turn.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s that?\u201d Ben said, pointing at the man.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t rightly know,\u201d Roy admitted. \u201cHe showed up in town a few days ago. He sat himself down outside the caf\u00e9, just like now, and all of a sudden, all the kids in town started coming to him. They\u2019ve all been telling him what they want for Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSanta in Virginia City?\u201d Ben said with a smile. \u201cDidn\u2019t know he knew where to find us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy smiled back. \u201cWell, maybe it just took him awhile,\u201d Roy replied.<\/p>\n

Ben and Roy walked to the door of the caf\u00e9, carefully skirting the children in line. Ben was surprised when the man called to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood day, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d the man said cheerfully as he slid a young boy off his knee.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood day to you,\u201d Ben replied politely. He looked at the children waiting patiently. \u201cYou seem to have attracted quite a crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man nodded. \u201cA lot of the children have been visiting me,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to see so many young, innocent faces.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you have been telling them that they have to be good if they want Santa to come,\u201d Ben said with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I have,\u201d the man assured Ben. \u201cit\u2019s amazing some of the Christmas wishes I\u2019ve heard.\u201d The man peered up at Ben. \u201cWhat about you, Mr. Cartwright? What do you want for Christmas?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know I\u2019ve been good?\u201d Ben asked with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see things and hear things,\u201d the man replied. \u201cI know you paid for the rebuilding of the church after the fire last spring, and that you gave twenty head of cattle to the miners and their families to tide them over when the mines shut down for awhile. I even know you delivered water to some of the smaller ranches during the drought last summer.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Ben was stunned. How did this stranger know all about him, he wondered. Then Ben realized it was the children. Adults often forget their youngsters see everything that goes on around them. The children must have been telling stories along with their Christmas wishes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want for Christmas?\u201d the man repeated.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cI have everything I want for Christmas,\u201d he replied. \u201cI\u2019m going to spend the holiday with my sons. I don\u2019t want anything more than that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man nodded thoughtfully. \u201cChristmas with your sons,\u201d he mused. \u201cSeems a reasonable enough request.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSanta, is it my turn?\u201d\u00a0 a high pitched voice asked insistently. Ben looked down to see a little girl standing impatiently behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it is,\u201d Ben said, stepping out of the way. He smiled as the girl climbed up on the\u00a0 man\u2019s knee.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want a new dolly for Christmas,\u201d the girl announced without preamble.<\/p>\n

As Ben and Roy headed into the caf\u00e9, Ben heard the man ask, \u201cHave you been a good girl?\u201d\u00a0 Ben smiled to himself. The stranger was certainly acting in character. He would have all the children in Virginia City behaving themselves\u2026at least until Christmas morning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam, I want you to check the herd,\u201d Ben said as he poured himself a cup of coffee. The Cartwrights were sitting around the breakfast table, finishing their morning meal. \u201cMake sure they haven\u2019t strayed and that pond hasn\u2019t frozen over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d agreed Adam, wiping his face with a napkin. \u201cI\u2019ll go right after I finish eating.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Hoss, I want you to take those supplies up to the line shack on Watson\u2019s Ridge,\u201d Ben continued. \u201cI want to be sure the shack is ready for the winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa, can\u2019t that wait?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cIt\u2019s Christmas Eve. I don\u2019t want to be working on Christmas Eve!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly why I want you working,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI don\u2019t want you boys underfoot while Hop Sing is cooking and cleaning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d think we were twelve years old,\u201d Adam said with an ironic smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes you act worse than twelve year olds,\u201d Ben replied with a grin. He turned to his youngest son. \u201cIs that right, Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe looked up from his plate with a surprised expression. \u201cWhat do you mean, Pa?\u201d he asked in a puzzled voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw you poking around in the barn yesterday,\u201d Ben answered in mock anger. \u201cHow many times have I told you that you\u2019re not going to find anything until Christmas morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe reddened. \u201cI was just looking for my bridle,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the grain bin?\u201d Ben said with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about Joe?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cYou going to let him stay around here while we\u2019re working?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I have a little chore for your brother,\u201d Ben said. \u201cHe going to ride up to Sun Mountain and make sure those fences we put up near the ravine are still standing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat will take most of the day,\u201d Joe exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuit complaining,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cI\u2019ve got to take those supplies up to Watson\u2019s Ride. That\u2019s a three hour ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and I have to spend most of the day looking at some cattle,\u201d Adam added. \u201cNot exactly the way I\u2019d choose to spend Christmas Eve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, boys,\u201d Ben said patiently. \u201cYou know if you stayed around here, you\u2019d just be getting in each other\u2019s way. Remember last year? The three of you started arguing over who got to hang the wreath over the fireplace. I finally ended up doing it myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave his father a wry smile. \u201cI guess we did get a bit testy,\u201d he admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt did seem a bit crowded in here,\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all should be back by mid-afternoon,\u201d Ben said. \u201cBy then, Hop Sing and I will have everything ready. We can finish trimming the tree and have a nice, relaxing evening together. No arguments, no slamming doors, and no yelling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we did kind of get out of hand last year,\u201d Joe admitted.<\/p>\n

Ben put down his coffee cup. \u201cNow, get on your way,\u201d he ordered. \u201cThe sooner you get started, the sooner you\u2019ll get back. I promise Hop Sing and I will make up a batch of eggnog for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that eggnog has a little kick to it,\u201d Joe said with a laugh as he stood. \u201cCome on, brothers. We might as well get started.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben watched contentedly as his sons walked away from the table. The house looked festive, draped in garland and red ribbons, with a large tree standing in the corner by the fireplace. Tomorrow, friends would be stopping by for a visit. Roy Coffee and a few other special friends would join them for dinner. But tonight, he would be spending Christmas Eve with just his sons. Ben was looking forward to the evening.<\/p>\n

\u201cWear your heavy coats,\u201d Ben shouted after his sons as they gathered hats and gunbelts from the rack by the door. \u201cThere\u2019s a nip in the air.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, were not twelve any more,\u201d Adam said in a patient voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I know,\u201d Ben acknowledged in a resigned voice. He heard the front door close behind his boys. In a way, Ben wished they were twelve again. Life seemed so much simpler before his boys grew into men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Adam was daydreaming as he slowly rode around the herd. The cattle seemed quiet enough, and he was giving the animals minimal attention on his inspection. Adam had checked the pond and found only a thin layer of ice on it. He broke up the ice, confident the cattle would\u00a0 be able to do the same when they wanted a drink. Now all he had to do was finish his cursory inspection of the herd and head for home.<\/p>\n

Adam was remembering past Christmas celebrations as he rode. He thought about Boston and the formal parties with everyone dressed in their best. At the time, they seemed such a sophisticated way to spend the holiday. But he had learned that the elegance often hid a shallow and cynical attitude toward the holiday. Adam didn\u2019t feel nostalgic about those parties. He much preferred the family celebrations on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

Adam was surprised to see a rider coming across the meadow. As the man neared, Adam could see he was an odd looking fellow. The man had long white hair, and a long white beard. His brown pants were tucked into shining black boots and his large waist was circled by a black belt. The man waved at Adam and rode over to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I help you?\u201d asked Adam, curiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I was just cutting across your ranch, \u201c the man said. \u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, \u201c replied Adam. \u201cWhere are you headed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I have one or two errands to take care of , and then I\u2019m heading home,\u201d the man answered vaguely. He looked up at the sky. \u201cYou\u2019d better be heading for home, too, son. You don\u2019t want to get caught in the storm that\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked at the man with a startled expression. He glanced at the blue sky above him. \u201cStorm? What storm?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee those clouds over by the mountains,\u201d the man said, pointing to the west. \u201cThose are snow clouds, and they\u2019re coming fast. Look at the cattle. See how they\u2019re all bunched up? Animals sense when a storm is coming, and they huddle together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked to the west. He could see some large gray clouds moving in his direction. He also looked around at the cattle. As the man said, they were beginning to bunch up. Adam wasn\u2019t sure if the man was right about the storm, but he thought it wise to head for home now\u2026just in case.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for your warning,\u201d Adam said. \u201cI guess I was daydreaming and not paying attention. What about you? Are you going to be all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m used to snow,\u201d the man said with a chuckle. \u201cWhere I come from, we get lots of snow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you need some place to bed down, come to the Ponderosa ranch house,\u201d\u00a0 Adam invited. \u201cIt\u2019s about two hours east of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll remember that,\u201d the man promised. He turned his horse and began to ride off. \u201cMerry Christmas,\u201d the man shouted over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas,\u201d Adam said in return.<\/p>\n

Adam took one last look around, making sure that the herd was settled. The cattle seemed to be as prepared for the storm as they could be. Adam looked up and was surprised to see the man was nowhere in sight. He must have ridden into that grove of trees, Adam thought. Suddenly, he realized the clouds were rolling toward him. A few flakes of snow fell to the ground. Adam turned his horse and kicked him toward home at a gallop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Ben and Hop Sing had been busy all day. Hop Sing had been working furiously in the kitchen, cooking and baking treats for Christmas. Ben had pulled his gifts out of the various nooks and crannies where he had hidden them around the house, and spent most of the day polishing the new saddles. Now he was trying to wrap his gifts. He was rapidly discovering that, no matter how large the sack, there was no way to disguise a saddle. Sighing, he put the saddles on the floor. The boys would just have to see them when they got home, he decided. A Christmas Eve surprise would work just as well as opening packages in the morning. Besides, he had the other gifts to wrap.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Cartwright, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Hop Sing yelled in an excited voice as he ran from the kitchen. \u201cLook, Mister Cartwright! Snow!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked out the window and saw flakes falling. \u201cLooks like we\u2019ll have a white Christmas,\u201d Ben said with a grin. Then he frowned. The snow wasn\u2019t falling in gentle flakes. He could see the wind blowing through the trees, and the snow was being blown almost sideways in the gale. It looked like a blizzard was trying to form. \u201cHow long as it been snowing?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know,\u201d Hop Sing answered. \u201cHop Sing busy cooking. Just see the snow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben got up and walked to the door. He pulled the door open and looked outside. Ben could feel the cold wind; the temperature had dropped considerably since this morning. The yard in front of the house was already covered with snow. Ben could feel the sting of the icy snow blowing on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to worry, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Hop Sing said in a soothing voice from behind. \u201cSons come home soon. You see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben silently berated himself for sending his sons out to take care of some almost meaningless chores. Nothing they were doing couldn\u2019t have waited for a few days. He had just wanted to get them out of the house for a few hours. Now all three were caught in the storm.<\/p>\n

Ben knew the ranch was deserted. He had given all the hands a Christmas holiday, to visit family or just have a good time. Only he and Hop Sing were left at the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019d better go look for them,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich way you go?\u201d asked Hop Sing in a practical voice. \u201cMr. Adam, he down with the herd. Mr. Hoss, he go to line shack. Little Joe, up on mountain. Three sons go in three different directions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben cursed himself again. He had sent his sons off in different directions. If they had been together, he might not have been so worried, although he doubted it. But Hop Sing was right. How was he to choose which one to go after?<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wait,\u201d Hop Sing advised. \u201cSons come home soon. You not help by getting lost in storm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d Ben said with a sigh, closing the door. It was still early in the afternoon, and the boys were due home soon. Ben hoped he was worrying for no reason. But somehow he felt that this was not going to be the Christmas he had planned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Hoss had stacked the supplies in the cupboard of the line shack and checked the building to make sure it was tight and dry. He even spread some blankets over the bunks. The blankets were what sparked his idea. The bunks looked inviting, and the blankets were warm. Hoss figured a little nap wouldn\u2019t hurt anything. He stretched out on one of the beds and went to sleep.<\/p>\n

Dreams of past Christmases filled Hoss\u2019 sleep. He saw himself at 12, lifting his little brother high so Joe could put the angel atop their decorated tree. He saw again the look of \u00a0pleasure on Adam\u2019s face when his older brother opened the package and saw the beautiful stag Hoss had carved for him when Hoss was 15. He dreamed of the happy look on his Pa\u2019s face when Hoss offered a toast to the \u201cbest family in the world\u201d at last year\u2019s Christmas dinner.<\/p>\n

Hoss woke to the sound of a howling wind. He looked out the window and saw snow starting to fall. He realized that a storm was brewing.<\/p>\n

For a few minutes, Hoss considered staying in the line shack. He was warm and had plenty of food. Going out in the storm was just plain foolishness. Then he remembered it was Christmas Eve. Pa always had a family celebration on Christmas Eve, and Hoss didn\u2019t want to miss that. Besides, if he didn\u2019t come home, Pa, Adam and Joe would worry. They might even come after him. Hoss didn\u2019t relish the thought of his father and brothers being caught in the storm.<\/p>\n

Hoss looked out the window again. The storm didn\u2019t seem too bad yet, and if he started out now, he might be able to outrun it. Hoss considered his options again. He decided to try for home.<\/p>\n

Hoss quickly buttoned his coat and pulled his collar up. Walking rapidly, he left the shack, pulling the door secure behind him. His horse was standing patiently in the corral next to the shack. Hoss quickly tightened his saddle girth and mounted.<\/p>\n

Urging his horse to a speedy trot, Hoss started for home. It seemed, however, with each yard he covered, the storm picked up in intensity. Hoss could feel the snow stinging his face, and the wind nearly blew him out of the saddle. Hoss decided he should take the hill trail. It was longer, but the hills would offer him some protection. He turned his horse and started through the trees toward the hills.<\/p>\n

Hoss had been riding about half an hour when he realized he should have come to the hill trail by now. Somehow, he had missed the trail. Instead of heading toward the ranch, Hoss realized he was heading further west -\u2013right into the teeth of the storm.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t panic, he told himself. Just turn around and head back to the shack. But when Hoss turned his horse, he was surprised to see the snow had piled up behind him. His tracks had disappeared. Hoss shrugged. He was sure he could find his way back to the shack. Well, almost sure. The storm made the landscape look different, and without tracks to follow, Hoss was guessing as to which way led back to the line shack.<\/p>\n

Pulling his hat firmly down on his head, Hoss urged his horse forward through the snow. He tried not to think about what would happen if he couldn\u2019t find his way back to the shack. He kept his eyes firmly on the ground ahead of him, looking for familiar landmarks.<\/p>\n

Hoss was surprised to see another rider coming out of the trees. The rider was an older man, with long white hair and a white beard. He was dressed in brown, wearing shiny black boots and a shiny black belt. The man waved at Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome storm!\u201d the man shouted over the howling wind. Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you headed?\u201d the man asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack to a line shack,\u201d Hoss shouted in reply. \u201cI\u2019m going to wait out the storm there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man looked surprised. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just take the hill trail?\u201d he asked. \u201cIt would get you out of the storm and lead you down this mountain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was, but I couldn\u2019t find it,\u201d Hoss admitted. \u201cI guess I got turned around in the storm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s right over there,\u201d the man said, pointing behind Hoss. \u201cCome on, I\u2019ll show you.\u201d The man urged his horse forward.<\/p>\n

Hoss hesitated. He wondered how a stranger could find the trail when he, who had spent his life on the Ponderosa, couldn\u2019t. Then he shrugged. The man looked like some kind of mountain man, and mountain men always seemed to have an instinct for finding the right trail. Besides, Hoss wasn\u2019t sure he could find his way back to the shack on the storm. Hoss turned his horse and began riding after the stranger.<\/p>\n

The man had stopped, waiting for Hoss to catch up with him. With a grin, he pointed ahead of him and started to ride forward. Hoss followed the man. They had rode about thirty yards when Hoss started to recognize the land around him. He knew they were headed in the right direction.<\/p>\n

The pair rode for another twenty minutes before Hoss spotted the trail. He could see it winding between the large rocks. Even covered in snow, the trail was impossible to miss.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you find your way from here?\u201d the man asked with concern.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cYep,\u201d he answered. \u201cNo way to get off the trail now. It hugs these hills all the way down to the meadow. Once I get to the meadow, I\u2019m only ten minutes from the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d replied the stranger. \u201cNow you be careful, you hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t you coming with me?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, I have one more thing to do, and then I\u2019m heading home,\u201d the man replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister, you better come with me,\u201d Hoss warned. \u201cThis storm is getting bad. Whatever you have to do can wait.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it can\u2019t wait,\u201d the man said. \u201cBesides, this storm is nothing. Where I come from, we get storms three times as bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss couldn\u2019t imagine a place that got storms worse than this. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d\u00a0 he shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d said the man. \u201cNow, you get on home. And Merry Christmas to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas,\u201d answered Hoss. \u201cAnd thanks!\u201d<\/p>\n

The man waved off Hoss\u2019 thanks. He seemed to be waiting to see that Hoss got started down the trail all right, so Hoss turned his horse and started riding. He rode about ten feet, then turned to wave at the man again. He was surprised to see no one behind him. He must have ridden off right away, Hoss decided. Turning his attention back to the trail, he urged his horse forward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Ben paced in front of the fireplace. He could hear the howl of the wind outside as the storm seemed to be building in intensity. Once again he debated going out searching for his sons. But which one? Should he head down to the south pasture after Adam or up to the line shack after Hoss? Or should he ride to Sun Mountain, looking for Joe? Ben knew his sons were grown men, able to take care of themselves. He had taught each of them how to survive in the worst storms, and they had learned their lessons well. But that didn\u2019t keep Ben from worrying.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Ben heard the sound of footsteps on the porch outside. With a sigh of relief, he walked rapidly to the door, reaching it just as Adam walked in.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben cried. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam brushed the snow off his hat and shoulders. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cThe storm is getting pretty bad, though. It\u2019s a good thing I headed home when I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re back, son,\u201d\u00a0 Ben said, his voice tinged with relief.<\/p>\n

Adam looked around. \u201cHoss and Joe aren\u2019t back?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, and I\u2019m worried about them, \u201c Ben admitted.<\/p>\n

Adam began taking off his coat. \u201cPa, they\u2019ll be all right,\u201d he said in a reassuring tone. \u201cThey probably started back as soon as they saw the storm clouds. They\u2019ll be home any time now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think so?\u201d Ben asked. He wanted to believe his oldest son, but his concern nagged at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, they\u2019re too smart to get caught in a storm,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cBesides, it\u2019s Christmas Eve. You know they wouldn\u2019t miss that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re right, Adam,\u201d Ben said fervently. \u201cI hope you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Joe hated checking fences. It was a lot of lonely riding interrupted by periods of hard work. He especially hated checking the fences up on Sun Mountain. It was a long ride up to the ravine, and most the time, the ride was for nothing. The fences the Cartwrights had built to keep animals from straying into the ravine were solid. They seldom needed repair.<\/p>\n

Joe sighed as he rode on. He would take a quick look, then head for home. If the fence did need work, he would come back later to fix it. He was half tempted to turn around and head for home now. But he knew his Pa would ask him if he checked the fence. He couldn\u2019t lie to his Pa, especially not on Christmas Eve.<\/p>\n

Joe grinned to himself. He did like Christmas. The gifts, the parties, and the wonderful food made it his favorite time of year. The best part was kissing all the girls under the mistletoe. Joe wondered if he could get Susie Parker to stand under the mistletoe again this year. She hadn\u2019t seemed too reluctant last year.<\/p>\n

Lost in his musing, Joe didn\u2019t realize he had reached the ravine until he was almost on top of it. Pulling his horse to a stop, he studied the fence. As he expected, the trip was for nothing. The fence was standing firm and whole, looking as if it had been built yesterday. Joe dismounted and walked to the fence. He gave it a shake, just to be sure, and was rewarded with the feel of a solid structure. He walked back to his horse and vaulted into the saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Cochise,\u201d Joe said to his pinto. \u201cLet\u2019s get home and get some of Pa\u2019s eggnog.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe was starting down the mountain as the snow began to fall. The storm seemed to come out of nowhere. One minute, the trail was dry. A few minutes later, it was covered with a fine sheet of snow. Joe slowed his horse as the path began to get icy. The trail headed downward at a steep angle, and Joe let his horse pick his own way. Twice, he felt Cochise\u2019s back legs slip, but each time, the horse regained his balance. Joe patted the pinto reassuringly on the neck, and hung on tight to the horn of his saddle. Joe knew he was going to be late getting home. But he wasn\u2019t about to hurry his mount on an icy trail.<\/p>\n

Joe relaxed a bit as he felt his horse walking on seemingly firmer footing. He hoped that they had passed the worst of the ice. He gave Cochise a nudge with his knees, urging the horse on. The pinto picked up the pace a bit.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the horse\u2019s legs seemed to slide out from under him. Cochise screamed as the animal lurched to his side. Joe was thrown from the saddle and hit the ground with a thud. He rolled several times across the rocky ground, then laid still.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Day was turning into the evening and still the storm raged. Adam was sitting in the blue chair by the fire, pretending to read, but really watching his father pace by the door. He had tried to distract Ben from his worry by admiring the new saddles. He had even helped his father hang a few decorations on the Christmas tree. But Ben had quickly lost interest in that activity.<\/p>\n

Ben paced worriedly near the door. Periodically, he would stop and open the door, peering out into the storm for some sign of Hoss and Joe. Each time, he closed the door in disappointment.<\/p>\n

Ben paced a few more steps and then stopped. \u201cAdam, we should go out and look for them,\u201d Ben declared. \u201cThey should be home by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa, relax,\u201d Adam said. \u201cJoe and Hoss aren\u2019t that late. They probably got slowed down by the storm, that\u2019s all. Besides, what\u2019s it going to accomplish by us going out and getting lost in the storm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey could be in trouble,\u201d Ben insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you\u2019re working yourself into a state for nothing,\u201d Adam said. \u201cHoss probably decided to wait out the storm in the line shack. And Joe had the furthest to come. Even in good weather, he wouldn\u2019t be home yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben was about to insist on a search again when he heard the snicker of a horse. He quickly pulled open the door and sighed with relief when he saw the figure of a big man wearing a tall white hat leading his horse into the barn. Ben peered out across the yard, hoping to spot another rider. He was still staring into the snow when Hoss emerged from the barn.<\/p>\n

Hoss walked quickly across the snow covered yard. \u201cHi, Pa,\u201d he said cheerfully as he neared the house. \u201cSorry I\u2019m late.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, are you all right?\u201d asked Ben in a worried voice as Hoss entered the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa,\u201d he said in a reassuring voice. \u201cYou weren\u2019t worried, were you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you are late and with the storm and everything\u2026..\u201d Ben\u2019s voice trailed off. \u201cI\u2019m just glad you\u2019re home, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss removed his hat and coat. Both were covered with a thick layer of snow. He shook them and then hung both items on a rack near the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you want to know the truth,\u201d Hoss admitted sheepishly, \u201cI took a little nap up at the line shack.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat figures,\u201d Adam said ironically from his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think it would do any harm, \u201c Hoss protested. \u201cI didn\u2019t know there was a storm coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re home safe,\u201d said Ben. \u201cThat\u2019s all that\u2019s important. You didn\u2019t see any sign of Joe, did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d answered Hoss with a frown. \u201cIsn\u2019t he back yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s not,\u201d Ben replied, the worry building in his voice once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told Pa not to worry,\u201d Adam said. \u201cIt\u2019s a long way from Sun Mountain. Joe was just slowed by the storm. He\u2019ll be along soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right, Pa,\u201d added Hoss with a nod. \u201cJoe can take care of himself. He\u2019ll be home soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

The snow continued to fall on the unmoving figure by the trail. Joe\u2019s horse kicked nervously at the snow. The animal was unhurt by the fall, and had been trained to stop when his rider dropped his reins. But Cochise had been standing in the snow a long time, and the pinto didn\u2019t like it.<\/p>\n

Joe was almost completely covered by snow when the rider approached. The man with the long white hair and long white beard pulled his horse to a stop next to the pinto. Dismounting, he gave the horse a reassuring pat on the neck. The he quickly walked over to the figure lying by the trail.<\/p>\n

Joe was laying on his stomach, and his head was turned to the side. The man quickly brushed the snow off Joe\u2019s face, and turned the young man over. He could see a deep cut over Joe\u2019s left eye; blood had flowed down the side of Joe\u2019s face. Quickly the man ran his hands over Joe\u2019s arms and legs, and then felt Joe\u2019s ribs. \u201cNothing broken,\u201d the man said in satisfaction. He looked down at the unconscious figure. \u201cBut you\u2019re half frozen, ain\u2019t you, boy,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

The man looked around, trying to spot some type of shelter. But the land was dotted only with boulders and trees. With a sigh, the man laid Joe gently back on the snow. He stood and walked a few feet away. Then he began digging into the snow.<\/p>\n

Within a few minutes, the man had hollowed out a small cave in the snow. He returned to the unconscious figure on the ground. The man picked up Joe and carried him to the snow cave. He set the injured man gently inside the cave, offering him some protection from the storm. Then the man walked into the woods. He emerged a few minutes later, carrying an armful of branches and twigs. Quickly he arranged the wood a foot or so from Joe, then reached into the pocket of his brown coat. He pulled out a handful of matches.<\/p>\n

It took several tries, but the man finally got a small fire going. He slowly added branches to the fire, being careful not to smother it. Satisfied that the fire would blaze for awhile, he picked up a handful of snow and began cleaning the blood off Joe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Almost half an hour passed before Joe began to stir. Even with the heat from the fire, Joe felt miserably cold. His teeth were chattering as he slowly opened his eyes. His vision was fuzzy. He saw a white haired man peering anxiously at him. \u201cPa?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not your Pa,\u201d the figure answered. \u201cBut we\u2019ll get you home to him. How are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe tried to answer but he couldn\u2019t. His head ached and he seemed to hurt all over. But mostly he was cold, colder than he had ever been in his life. Joe began to shiver.<\/p>\n

\u201cTry and move your legs,\u201d the man said to Joe.<\/p>\n

Joe tried. It seemed to take a lot of effort, but finally he managed to move both his legs.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow your arms,\u201d the man ordered.<\/p>\n

Joe moved his right arm. But he cried out when he tried to move his left.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s it hurt?\u201d the man asked quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSh..sh..shoulder,\u201d Joe managed to say through his chattering teeth.<\/p>\n

The man reached under Joe\u2019s coat and felt Joe\u2019s shoulder. Joe moaned at the pain the man\u2019s gentle touched caused him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDislocated your shoulder,\u201d the man said. \u201cIt\u2019s painful but not serious. Once we get you home, your Pa will fix it up. Doesn\u2019t look like you broke anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. Suddenly, he felt sleepy, and he started to close his eyes. He grunted in pain when he felt a hand gently shake him.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, boy,\u201d the man said. \u201cWe got to get you home. You have to spend Christmas with your Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t sure how the man managed to get him on the horse. He knew he was dragged from the little warmth offered by the snow cave and into the howling wind. He groaned as he felt himself being lifted and pushed onto a saddle. Joe leaned forward, clutching the horn of an unfamiliar saddle with his right hand. His left arm hung uselessly from his body.<\/p>\n

Joe felt someone climbing on the horse behind him. He could feel strong arms around his body as the man reached for the reins. Joe leaned back against the man. The body heat of the man behind him and the horse underneath his legs warmed Joe a bit. Joe felt his hat being placed firmly on his head. Then Joe\u2019s chin fell toward his chest as he drifted into darkness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Ben\u2019s worry had increased tenfold as night had descended. Joe should have been home by now. He should have been home hours ago. The blizzard still raged, and with each hour that passed, Ben\u2019s worry grew.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss no longer tried to reassure their father. They too were now worried about their youngest brother. Visions of Joe being lost or hurt danced in both their heads, but neither were willing to voice their concern.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s almost ceaseless pacing continued by the door. Even though he couldn\u2019t see anything in the dark, Ben continued to check outside.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to go look for him,\u201d Ben said to Hoss and Adam. \u201cWe can\u2019t wait any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, looking for Joe at night in the middle of a blizzard would be like searching for a needle in a haystack,\u201d argued Adam . \u201cWe\u2019re just as worried as you are, but there\u2019s nothing we can do until morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI should have never sent you boys out,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI should have let you stay home like you wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa, stop blaming yourself,\u201d Hoss told his father. \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault. There\u2019s no way you could have known that storm was coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is right,\u201d added Adam. \u201cYou didn\u2019t do anything wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf anything has happened to Joe, I\u2019ll never forgive myself,\u201d muttered Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Joe\u2019s a smart kid,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cHe\u2019s probably holed up somewhere, waiting out the storm. He\u2019ll probably show up in the morning, wondering why we were worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben tried to be comforted by his sons\u2019 words, but it was a futile effort. He knew Joe was in trouble, he just knew it. The fact that he could do nothing to help his youngest son just added to his frustration and worry.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing walked slowly into the room. \u201cMr. Cartwright, you eat something,\u201d he demanded. \u201cYou no have food since breakfast. You eat some of Hop Sing\u2019s cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not hungry,\u201d Ben snapped back at the cook. He instantly regretted his words. Ben walked over to the cook, and placed his hand on the man\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hop Sing. I didn\u2019t mean that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded in understanding. He knew how worried Ben, Adam and Hoss were about Joe. He felt the same worry. \u201cLittle Joe be all right, you see,\u201d Hop Sing said with a confidence he didn\u2019t feel.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go to bed,\u201d he said to the cook. \u201cI\u2019ll wake you if\u2026if we have any news.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing not tired,\u201d replied the cook. \u201cHop Sing go make eggnog. Have everything ready for big Christmas when Little Joe get home.\u201d With a determined nod, Hop Sing walked purposely toward the kitchen.<\/p>\n

Ben looked around the house, still decorated with Christmas garland. The thought of celebrating Christmas was the last thing on Ben\u2019s mind. Ben had a bad feeling that he would never want to celebrate Christmas again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Joe felt a hand gently shaking him. \u201cWake up, boy,\u201d a voice said. \u201cYou\u2019re almost home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe roused himself and opened his eyes. He was surprised to see the barn and the ranch house of the Ponderosa looming ahead of them. The barn was a dark outline in the snow, but the house was ablaze with lights. Joe shook his head. He didn\u2019t remember giving the stranger directions to the house. But then, Joe didn\u2019t remember much of the ride from Sun Mountain. He suppose that he must have forgotten that he told the man how to find the house.<\/p>\n

The stranger guided the horse past the barn and across the yard. He stopped just short of the porch and dismounted. He helped Joe off the horse. Joe knees buckled a bit but the man held him firm.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think you can walk to the house?\u201d the man asked. \u201cI want to put your horse up in the barn. I don\u2019t want to leave him outside on a night like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe turned his head to look over his shoulder. Cochise was standing patiently behind the horse that had carried Joe and the stranger. Joe shook his head, trying to clear it. He couldn\u2019t see where his pinto was tied to the other horse. He knew the stranger had had both hands full of his own horse\u2019s reins. Joe wondered how the man got the pinto back to the ranch.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you can walk?\u201d the man repeated.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. He was cold, and sore, and tired, but he felt he could walk the few feet to the front door of the house. Clenching his teeth, Joe straightened and took a step.<\/p>\n

Joe staggered rather than walked but he made it to the door. He leaned his right shoulder against the door jamb and stood for a few minutes, breathing hard. Then he lifted the latch and pushed the door open.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben cried as the door opened.<\/p>\n

Joe stood in the doorway, covered with snow. His left arm hung uselessly, and blood from the cut over his eye trickled down his face. His skin had a bluish look and his teeth were chattering. Joe tried to take a step forward, but his knees started to buckle again.<\/p>\n

Ben rushed to his son and grabbed him as he began to fall forward. For a just a moment, he held Joe tight. Then Ben pulled his son into the house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, help me!\u201d Ben shouted unnecessarily. The big man was already rushing to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, stoke up that fire,\u201d Ben said as Hoss put his massive arms around his little brother. \u201cJoe\u2019s almost frozen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had started toward the door also, but stopped at his father\u2019s command. He turned back to the fireplace and began jabbing at the logs with a long poker, turning the fire into a roaring blaze.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss slowly guided Joe to the red leather chair near the fireplace. Joe moaned slightly as Ben eased him into the chair, unintentionally bumping his son\u2019s left shoulder against the hard leather.<\/p>\n

After rushing back to the door and slammed it shut, Hoss turned to the chest near the door and yanked the bottom drawer open. He began pulling blankets from the drawer.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing came rushing out of the kitchen, his attention attracted by the loud voices. Ben turned to him. \u201cHop Sing, get some hot coffee, quick,\u201d Ben shouted at the cook. Hop Sing turned and hurried into the kitchen. \u201cAnd lace it with brandy,\u201d Ben yelled at the retreating figure.<\/p>\n

Ben turned back to his son. He slowly began to unbutton Joe\u2019s coat. He had noted Joe\u2019s moan and didn\u2019t want to hurt his son any more than he had to. Once the coat was open, Ben slid it gently off Joe\u2019s shoulders. He pulled the hat from Joe\u2019 head and threw it to the floor.<\/p>\n

Immediately, Hoss handed his father a blanket. Ben wrapped the warm woolen cloth gently around Joe\u2019s body. He took a second blanket from Hoss and wrapped it around Joe\u2019s legs. Joe was still shivering, but the spasms seemed less violent. Joe laid his head against the back of the chair and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

Hop Sing rushed into the room, carrying a white porcelain mug. Steam was rising from the dark liquid in the mug. Ben took the mug from the cook and held it to Joe\u2019s lips. \u201cCome on, Joe,\u201d he urged gently. \u201cDrink this. It\u2019s will warm you up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes opened slightly, no more than a slit. He began sipping the hot liquid and could feel the warmth flowing through him. For the first time in hours, Joe felt the cold fading away. He drank eagerly from the cup held to his mouth. Then fatigue, the warmth of the fire and the brandy all seemed to catch up with Joe at once. As the cup was pulled away from his lips, Joe drifted off to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Joe could hear the clock striking as he woke. He figured he must have been asleep for hours. Joe opened his eyes to see three anxious faces staring at him. He was still wrapped in blankets, but Joe also could feel his arm resting in a sling. He no longer felt cold. In fact, he was beginning to feel uncomfortably warm. Joe shifted slightly in the chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Ben asked as he peered anxiously into his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pa,\u201d Joe answered with a weak smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to you, boy?\u201d Hoss asked. He was standing behind his father, his face a mixture of anxiety and relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy horse slipped on the ice,\u201c Joe said. \u201cHe threw me. Guess I banged myself up some.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have a dislocated shoulder, a bad cut over the eye and some bruises, but nothing is broken,” explained Adam.<\/p>\n

Joe nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s what he said.\u201d .<\/p>\n

\u201cHe?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe man who brought me home,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat man?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

Joe looked around the room. He realized that there was no one there but the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is he?\u201d Joe asked in a puzzled tone. \u201cYou asked him to stay, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, there wasn\u2019t anyone with you,\u201d Adam insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cI went out to take care of your horse and found him stabled in the barn. There wasn\u2019t anyone else around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t get it,\u201d he said. \u201cThat fellow found me and took care of me. He got me home. Why wouldn\u2019t he stay around? Where would he go in that storm?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did he look like?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a heavy set man with long white hair and a long white beard,\u201d Joe answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas he wearing a brown coat?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd black boots?\u201d added Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about the boots,\u201d Joe said. \u201cBut he was wearing a brown coat. Had a big black belt around his waist, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the man who warned me about the storm,\u201d Adam exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s the man who helped me find the trail home,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at his sons in amazement. The man they described was the one he had seen outside the Virginia City caf\u00e9, listening to Christmas wishes from the children. Ben suddenly remembered his Christmas wish. He wanted to spend Christmas with his sons. Somehow, the man had made sure it happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonder who he was?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably some trapper or mountain man,\u201d suggested Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI don\u2019t know who he was, but he wasn\u2019t any ordinary man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe suddenly yawned.<\/p>\n

Immediately, Ben turned back to his youngest son. \u201cWe\u2019d better get you up to bed,\u201d he said to Joe.<\/p>\n

With sleepy eyes, Joe looked across the room \u00a0at the clock. \u201cHey, Pa,\u201d he announced, suddenly brightening. \u201cLook at the clock. It\u2019s after midnight. It\u2019s Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas, little brother,\u201d Hoss said with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas, Pa,\u201d added Adam.<\/p>\n

Ben looked at each of his sons in turn, his eyes shining with love and happiness. \u201cMerry Christmas,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd it is going to be a Merry Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get little brother up to bed,\u201d Hoss said to Adam. \u201cHe\u2019ll be up early enough tomorrow, looking for presents.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cHop Sing went to bed an hour ago. He said he had to get some sleep before Joe woke the house up with his yelling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI only do it because you two put me up to it,\u201d Joe grumbled good naturedly.<\/p>\n

Ben watched as Adam and Hoss helped Joe from the chair and guided him slowly up the stairs. He couldn\u2019t begin to express the relief and gratitude he felt that his sons had made it home. Christmas wishes, he thought, are powerful things.<\/p>\n

Ben knew his Christmas wish had been granted.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Could it be that St. Nicholas himself ensures that Ben’s Christmas wish comes true.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (8,140 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":13924,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-13923","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1027,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/St.-Nicholas.jpeg?fit=182%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":25338,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=25338","url_meta":{"origin":13923,"position":0},"title":"The Christmas Hostage (by Belle)","author":"Belle","date":"December 25, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Can one good man overcome three Great Men?\u00a0 With gratitude to L. 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