{"id":13949,"date":"2007-12-12T15:10:46","date_gmt":"2007-12-12T20:10:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13949"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:13","slug":"treasure-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13949","title":{"rendered":"Treasure (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 Hoss and Joe end up with old Jim Bridger’s treasure map.<\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a023,100 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Treasure<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Sure is nice to be able to work at our own speed,\u201d commented Joe Cartwright as he stretched out on the sofa and rested his feet on the table in front of the stuffed piece of furniture. \u201cThis has almost been a vacation with Pa and Adam gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEnjoy it while you can, little brother,\u201d answered Hoss Cartwright from the red leather chair near the fireplace. \u201cI expect that the pace will pick up considerably once Pa gets home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you\u2019re right about that,\u201d Joe agreed ruefully. He turned his head toward the kitchen. \u201cWhat\u2019s Hop Sing doing in there? All we wanted was a couple of sandwiches.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Hoss said, frowning. \u201cBut if I don\u2019t eat something soon, I\u2019m going to fall right over.\u201d Hoss turned to look toward the kitchen also. \u201cHey, Hop Sing!\u201d he shouted. \u201cWhere\u2019s our sandwiches? We\u2019re starving out here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As if waiting for the summons, Hop Sing scurried out of the kitchen, carrying a tray piled high with sandwiches as well as a coffee pot and two cups. \u201cHop Sing need to make many sandwiches,\u201d he said curtly as he approached the sofa and chair. \u201cOtherwise, Mr. Hoss not get enough and Little Joe get nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it looks like you made just about the right number,\u201d Hoss replied, reaching forward to take the tray from the Chinese cook\u2019s hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

But Hop Sing stopped and pulled the tray back away from the arms stretched toward him. \u201cSons not work hard when father gone,\u201d he scolded. \u201cYou eat fast then go back to work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, we\u2019ve done most of the things Pa told us to do,\u201d said Joe in a tolerant tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou fix fence? You check cattle?\u201d asked Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd cleaned the barn and whitewashed the he house,\u201d Hoss added. \u201cNow give me that tray before I faint from hunger.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, very good,\u201d said Hop Sing, handing the tray to the biggest Cartwright. \u201cSons work hard. Father will be pleased.\u201d Suddenly, the cook frowned. \u201cTake feet off table,\u201d he ordered Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d agreed Joe with a sigh. He sat up and put his feet on the floorboards. Hop Sing waited until Joe\u2019s boots were firmly sitting on the wooden surface. Then the cook sniffed and shuffled back to the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d think I was two instead of twenty-two,\u201d grumbled Joe. \u201cHop Sing can be worse than Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but he sure does make good sandwiches,\u201d Hoss said. He piled one of the sandwiches on top of another, then brought them to his mouth. Opening his mouth wide, Hoss took a large bite out of both with one snap of his jaw.<\/span><\/p>\n

Watching his brother almost inhale the two sandwiches, Joe shook his head and commented dryly, \u201cYou\u2019re unbelievable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hungry,\u201d Hoss protested as he continued to chew.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWatch out you don\u2019t eat one of my fingers by mistake,\u201d said Joe as he snatched a sandwich from the tray.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNaw, they\u2019re too tough to chew,\u201d answered Hoss with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwright brothers ate in companionable silence for a time, with Hoss downing six sandwiches while Joe managed to get his hands on two. The coffee cups were filled from the pot and drained almost as quickly as the black liquid was poured. Only one sandwiches was left on the tray when the men heard a loud rap on the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I\u2019ll get it,\u201d said Joe, rising.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I\u2019ll just finish this up in the meantime,\u201d Hoss remarked, reaching for the last remnants of the meal. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be polite to eat in front of company.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust remember it\u2019s also not polite to eat the company,\u201d commented Joe as he walked toward the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling open the door, Joe saw a man about 30 standing on the porch, wearing a battered hat to cover his short cropped brown hair. The same brown hair grew on the man\u2019s face in a neatly trimmed mustache and beard. His gray shirt was tucked into a pair of faded black pants ringed by a worn tan gunbelt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi Pete,\u201d Joe greeted the man, a bit surprised. \u201cCome on in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Joe,\u201d replied the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho is it?\u201d called Hoss from across the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPete Dawson,\u201d Joe answered back to his brother. He turned to Dawson. \u201cI\u2019d offer you a sandwich but Hoss decided he\u2019d better store up on food in case of a blizzard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn July?\u201d said Dawson with a grin as he followed Joe into the house. He was familiar with the Cartwright brothers gentle teasing of each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou never know,\u201d Hoss replied with a wide smile. \u201cWe\u2019ve had some funny weather this year. A man can\u2019t be too careful.\u201d Dawson laughed as Joe shook his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome in and sit down,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI can at least offer you a cup of coffee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thanks,\u201d replied Dawson as he moved to sit on the sofa. \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can we do for you, Pete?\u201d asked Joe, lowering himself to sit on the wide ledge in front of the fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs Adam around?\u201d asked Dawson. \u201cI wanted to talk with him.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in Carson City with Pa, negotiating with the railroad on a lumber contract,\u201d explained Joe. \u201cHe\u2019ll be back in a couple of days, by the end of the week at the latest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Disappointment showed on Dawson\u2019s face. \u201cThat\u2019s too long,\u201d he said, shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something we can help you with?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rubbing his bearded chin, Dawson thought for a moment. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cI got this paper that I was hoping Adam could explain to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of paper?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, supposedly it leads to a treasure,\u201d Dawson answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA treasure map?\u201d exclaimed Hoss. \u201cWhere\u2019d you get that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWon it in a poker game,\u201d replied Dawson. \u201cOnly it ain\u2019t a map. It\u2019s kind of a code or something. I read it, but it don\u2019t make any sense to me. I thought maybe Adam might be able to figure it out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam and Pa will be back by Saturday for sure,\u201d said Joe. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come back then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait that long,\u201d Dawson stated, shaking his head. He saw the surprised look on the Cartwrights\u2019 faces. \u201cIt\u2019s kind of a long story, but I need some money fast. And I have to be in Texas by the end of the month with it. That means I have to leave real soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to come to work for us for a couple of days?\u201d Hoss asked. The offer wasn\u2019t a casual or unusual one. Dawson was a cowboy turned prospector. Whenever he ran short of money, he worked for the Cartwrights for a while, herding cattle or fixing fences. At the same time, whenever the Ponderosa was short of hands, the Cartwrights knew they could count on Dawson to help them out for a time. It was an arrangement that suited everyone and benefited both sides.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Thanks, Hoss, but a couple of days pay won\u2019t be enough,\u201d answered Dawson. He sighed. \u201cI knew this treasure thing probably wouldn\u2019t work out, but I had to try.\u201d Noting the curious expressions on the face of Joe and Hoss, Dawson went on. \u201cI need $635 to give to my sister in Texas so she and her kids won\u2019t get kicked off their ranch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a fair amount of money,\u201d commented Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yeah, it is,\u201d agreed Dawson. He shifted uncomfortably on the sofa. \u201cLook, I\u2019d better tell you the whole story. My sister and her husband have this ranch just outside of Fort Worth. They were doing all right \u2013 built up the place, started a family and so on. But then her husband decided he wanted to make the ranch into a real large homestead. He borrowed some money from the bank to buy land and cattle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now he can\u2019t pay it back,\u201d stated Joe sympathetically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Dawson said. \u201cI don\u2019t know exactly what happened \u2013 drought or maybe rustlers. But anyway, they weren\u2019t able to sell as many cattle as they thought or get the price they were counting on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t they ask the bank to wait a bit?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s not just the bank they owe,\u201d explained Dawson. \u201cThere\u2019s some taxes due too. My brother-in-law got pretty desperate, and then he did something real stupid. He robbed a Wells Fargo office.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he got caught,\u201d Joe finished for Dawson.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe got caught,\u201d Dawson agreed. \u201cThe judge gave him two years. It would have been worse only my brother-in law took just what he needed. There was over $5,000 in that safe, but he only took about $700.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill, Wells Fargo probably didn\u2019t look kindly on being robbed,\u201d Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they didn\u2019t,\u201d Dawson stated. \u201cI guess the judge went easy on him because he didn\u2019t take all the money, but that don\u2019t really matter. My sister and her three kids are all by themselves, and they\u2019re going to lose their home unless somebody helps them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re that somebody,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cBut Pete, over $600? That\u2019s a lot of money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got most of it,\u201d Dawson answered. \u201cI sold my claim for $200. It isn\u2019t worth much more than that. I never got more than about $50 a month out of it, sometimes less. Anyway, I took $100 of that money and got into a high stakes poker game at the Silver Dollar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was pretty risky, wasn\u2019t it,\u201d Joe said. \u201cYou could have lost the money pretty quick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a gamble,\u201d agreed Dawson. He smiled briefly at his pun. \u201cBut I figured if I lost it, I\u2019d still have $100 to get to Texas and see what I could do to help my sister. And if I got lucky, maybe I\u2019d win enough to pay her bills for her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you do?\u201d asked Hoss, curious.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won about $500, but then I started losing so I decided to quit,\u201d answered Dawson. \u201cWith the $100 I held back, I\u2019ve got $510.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a treasure map,\u201d added Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a treasure map,\u201d Dawson stated. \u201cThis fellow I was playing with, he got cleaned out. He put up this paper to cover his bet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPete, you don\u2019t really think this paper will lead you to a treasure do you?,\u201d asked Joe in a dubious voice. \u201cDon\u2019t you think this fellow would have collected the treasure by now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s what I thought until I saw the paper,\u201d replied Dawson. \u201cLike I said, it ain\u2019t a map. It\u2019s directions to the treasure, but it\u2019s written in a code or riddle or something. This fellow couldn\u2019t figure it out so he couldn\u2019t find the treasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you thought you could?\u201d asked Joe, a bit surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t sure,\u201d admitted Dawson. \u201cBut I thought it was worth a try.\u201d He grinned. \u201cBesides, I knew I had him beat. Four aces. Prettiest hand I ever did see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid this fellow say where he got this paper?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s a phony.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s a phony, then someone went to a lot of trouble,\u201d Dawson replied. \u201cBut according to this fellow, he got the paper from old Jim Bridger himself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe mountain man?\u201d said Hoss in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe same,\u201d stated Dawson. \u201cStory is that, a long time ago, Bridger found a man in the woods with an arrow wound. Bridger took the man back to his place and tried to help him, but the man died. Before he died, though, the fellow told Bridger about the paper and gave it to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid Bridger know who he was?\u201d Joe asked, his curiosity piqued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d answered Dawson. \u201cThe fellow was hurt bad and couldn\u2019t talk much. He also was out of his head with fever a lot. According to the story, the man rambled on about a treasure and how he was the only one who knew where it was. He begged Bridger to take the paper and find it so it wouldn\u2019t be lost. Then the fellow died.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“And Bridger never followed the directions?\u201d Hoss said, surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBridger could barely read and write his name,\u201d explained Dawson. \u201cHe couldn\u2019t make heads or tails of what was on the paper. So he just kept it. Bridger showed it to the fellow in the poker game a few months before he died, and this fellow said Bridger gave him the paper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr the fellow stole it,\u201d commented Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould be,\u201d Dawson agreed. \u201cAnyway, I won the paper, hoping maybe I could figure it out and get the rest of the money I needed. Only it don\u2019t make any sense to me either. Your brother Adam, though, he\u2019s real smart. Been to college and everything. I thought maybe Adam could figure it out for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould I see the paper?\u201d asked Joe. \u201cMaybe I could figure it out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d said Dawson. He reached into the pocket of his shirt and pulled out a paper yellowed with age and folded into a small square. Dawson opened the document carefully and extended it toward Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting up from his perch on the fireplace ledge, Joe walked a few steps to take the paper. The ink of the writing was faded and barely legible. Frowning a bit, Joe read the writing aloud:<\/span><\/p>\n

Where the sky turns to water, look to the setting sun<\/span><\/p>\n

See the white haired mothers reaching toward the clouds<\/span><\/p>\n

At the foot of the smallest mother, lovely dryads frolic<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiding the passage from dark to light<\/span><\/p>\n

Follow the path of playful Pan<\/span><\/p>\n

Until mighty Poseidon\u2019s scepter is etched in granite<\/span><\/p>\n

Turn to the nymphs aligned against the wind<\/span><\/p>\n

The zither\u2019s sound will lead to great Ida\u2019s immovable presence<\/span><\/p>\n

When the fiery chariot starts its descent<\/span><\/p>\n

The shade of the rood will show the pit of darkness<\/span><\/p>\n

Lift the flinty cover carved with holy letters<\/span><\/p>\n

And find the treasure more precious than gold<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking up, Joe glanced at Hoss. He could see the puzzled expression on his brother\u2019s face and was sure his face looked the same. \u201cThis doesn\u2019t make any sense,\u201d Joe said, turning back to Dawson.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, not a lot,\u201d agreed the man. \u201cI spent some time thinking about it, and I figure the first line means Lake Tahoe. The lake is about as blue as the sky. And the setting sun is west. But after that, I couldn\u2019t make any headway with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhite haired mothers,\u201d said Hoss thoughtfully. \u201cWhat was that line again, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2019White haired mothers reaching toward the clouds\u2019 \u201c Joe read.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat could mean mountains,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cThere\u2019s mountains west of the lake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there\u2019s something at the foot of the smallest mountain,\u201d added Joe in an excited voice. He read the paper again, and his expression turned to one of dismay. \u201cBut what\u2019s a dryad?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All three men were silent for a minute as they searched their minds for an answer. Finally, Hoss shook his head. \u201cI got no idea what that means.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou fellows got further along than I did,\u201d Dawson admitted. \u201cI could only figure out the first line.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI bet Adam knows what a dryad is,\u201d asserted Joe. \u201cCouldn\u2019t you wait until he gets back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope, I have to leave for Texas in a few days if I want to get there on time,\u201d answered Dawson, shaking his head. \u201cIt\u2019s a long ride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t give yourself much time,\u201d Hoss commented in a surprised voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI figured on a day for Adam to work out what\u2019s on the paper, then another day or two to find whatever it led to,\u201d answered Dawson. \u201cI know it\u2019s not much time, but that\u2019s all the time I\u2019ve got.\u201d A woeful expression crossed his face. \u201cI got all but $125 of the money I need. I can pay the taxes and give the bank some of what it\u2019s owed. Maybe that will work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPete, why don\u2019t you let us lend you the rest,\u201d suggested Joe. \u201cPa knows you\u2019re good for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate the offer, Joe, but no,\u201d stated Dawson firmly. \u201cThe money the bank wants is only part of what\u2019s owed. The rest is due in six months. If I borrowed from your Pa, I\u2019d be owing both him and the bank, and I just can\u2019t see doing that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pete, Pa wouldn\u2019t expect you to pay it back right away,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cYou can pay us when you get the ranch back on its feet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Dawson again, his voice even firmer than before. \u201cI know you mean well, Hoss, but I ain\u2019t no charity case. If I can\u2019t make a deal with the bank, we\u2019ll sell up and move my sister and her kids someplace else.\u201d He smiled to soften his words. \u201cI\u2019ll work things out, Hoss. Don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Studying the paper in his hands, Joe looked thoughtful. \u201cPete,\u201d he said slowly, \u201chow much would you sell this paper for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSell the paper?\u201d Dawson said in surprise. \u201cYou want to buy it? Why would you want to do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause once Adam gets home, I\u2019ll bet he can figure out the rest of this,\u201d stated Joe. \u201cI bet we could find the treasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d agreed Dawson. \u201cBut I wouldn\u2019t sell it to you. The Cartwrights have been good friends, and besides, it ain\u2019t going to do me any good now. You can have it for free.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Joe in a voice as firm as Dawson\u2019s had been. \u201cIf we find the treasure, we want it to be because we bought this fair and square. We wouldn\u2019t feel right about the treasure if someone just handed the directions to us.\u201d He grinned. \u201cThe Cartwrights don\u2019t take charity either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well, the fellow in the poker game put it up to cover a $50 bet,\u201d Dawson mused. \u201cSo $50 would be about right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“I think it\u2019s worth more than that, don\u2019t you, Hoss?\u201d remarked Joe. \u201cI think this is worth $150.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“What?\u201d Hoss said, startled. \u201cOh, yeah. It\u2019s worth at least that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s way too much,\u201d protested Dawson. \u201cYou may not be able to figure it out, or it could lead to nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr it could lead to a treasure,\u201d answered Joe. \u201cI think $150 is a small price to pay for\u2026\u201d He glanced down at the paper. \u201c\u2026a treasure more precious than gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re sure you want to pay that, I\u2019ll take it,\u201d said Dawson in a hesitant voice. \u201cBut I don\u2019t think it\u2019s worth it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d Joe stated. He handed Hoss the yellowed document, then crossed the room toward the den. Walking behind the desk at the back of the den, Joe pulled open a drawer. He grabbed a small paper sheet from the drawer, then sat at the desk. \u201cI\u2019ll write a draft for the money,\u201d explained Joe, reaching for a pen. \u201cThe bank will cash it with my signature on it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI sure do thank you boys,\u201d Dawson said, his gratitude evident. \u201cThat money will cover the rest of what my sister owes and gives me a little extra for supplies or whatever else my sister might need. It\u2019s a big help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Finished writing, Joe waved the draft in the air to dry the ink. \u201cIt\u2019s us that should be thanking you,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s not often that we get a chance to buy directions to a treasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we ain\u2019t been on a good treasure hunt in a long time,\u201d added Hoss in a voice that was a bit too eager. He looked down quickly when he saw Joe scowling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s your money,\u201d Joe announced as he walked from the den. Dawson stood and took the paper from Joe\u2019s hand. He looked at it briefly, then folded the sheet and put it in his shirt pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Listen, I\u2019d appreciate it if you\u2019d tell your Pa and Adam about all this,\u201d Dawson said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d replied Hoss, giving Joe a pointed look. \u201cI\u2019m sure Joe is going to be happy to explain things to Pa.\u201d Once more, Joe threw a scowl at his older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell them I said good-bye,\u201d Dawson continued. \u201cAnd that I\u2019m sorry I won\u2019t be here to help with the fall round-up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll miss you, Pete,\u201d Joe said with genuine regret. \u201cIt won\u2019t be the same without you around here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck to you and your sister,\u201d added Hoss, offering his hand to Dawson. \u201cIf you get a chance, let us know how things turn out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do that,\u201d Dawson agreed. He shook Hoss\u2019 hand and then Joe\u2019s. \u201cOnce I\u2019m settled, I write and let you know where I am.\u201d His lips formed into a small smile. \u201cI\u2019m kind of curious to see how you make out with that paper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am, too,\u201d Hoss said, giving his younger brother another pointed look. \u201cI\u2019m real anxious to see what happens once Pa and Adam get home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The soft rays of the morning sun bathed Pete Dawson in a pale light as he exited the bank. Anxious to be on his way to Texas, Dawson had been one of the bank\u2019s early customers, trading the Cartwright bank draft and his own wad of bills for a new draft in his name. Outside the bank, the cowboy turned prospector stopped for a moment to read the slip of paper from the bank again, a bit proud that he was smart enough not to carry a large amount of cash with him to Texas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDawson! Hey, Dawson!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing his name shouted, Dawson hastily folded the draft and put it in his shirt pocket, resolving to find a safer place for it later. Then he turned to look at the source of the shouts. Recognizing the loud voice, he wasn\u2019t surprised to see two men coming down the sidewalk toward him.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man calling Dawson\u2019s name was a heavy-set cowboy, with thick black hair and bushy eyebrows, dressed in mostly in black. A light colored checked shirt contrasted his dark hat, vest, pants and gunbelt. Bart Peterson thought the black clothes added a touch of menace to his looks. In contrast, his companion \u2013 a tall, thin man named Hank Jones \u2013 seemed not to care how he looked. His light blue shirt appeared to have been hastily stuck into the waistband of his brown paints. The shirt and pants were lightly dotted with dirt, as was the blue bandanna tied carelessly around his neck. Only his tan holster and polished pistol seemed clean.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDawson! Hold up a minute!\u201d Peterson called as the two men hurried down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want, Peterson?\u201d asked Dawson cautiously when the two men stopped near him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe heard down at the saloon about that treasure map you won in the poker game,\u201d Peterson answered. He tried to flash a smile, but the barred teeth merely added to his menacing look. \u201cHank and I thought we would offer to help you look for the treasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would I want your help?\u201d Dawson asked, his suspicion growing.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You could use someone to help you dig, guard the treasure, that sort of thing,\u201d answered the dark clothed man, trying to sound friendly. \u201cHunting treasure can a bit lonely, not to mention dangerous. We thought you might want someone along to watch your back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

More likely someone to shoot me in the back, thought Dawson. Peterson and Jones were known as two men who tried to accumulate money with as little effort as possible. He was relieved that he wasn\u2019t going to have to deal with them. \u201cSorry to disappoint you fellows, but I\u2019m not going treasure hunting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not?\u201d Jones said in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d stated Dawson. \u201cI\u2019m leaving for Texas right away.\u201d He glanced toward a horse tied to the hitching post in front of the bank to emphasize his point. The animal was carrying a thick bedroll and the saddlebags draped over its flanks were bulging. \u201cGot to be there by the end of the month to help my sister out of some trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After exchanging a look with his partner, Peterson said in a sly tone, \u201cWell, if you ain\u2019t going to do anything with that map, maybe we could look for the treasure for you. We\u2019d give you a share of anything we find.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a map, boys,\u201d explained Dawson, who knew full well he would have never seen a penny from his would-be partners. \u201cIt\u2019s more like directions, only written in a code or something. I couldn\u2019t figure it out, and I doubt if you boys would be able to either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d be willing to give it a try,\u201d offered Peterson in a hopeful voice. \u201cGive us the paper and we\u2019ll see what we can do with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, I can\u2019t do that,\u201d Dawson answered, trying to hide a note of satisfaction. \u201cI already sold it to the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cartwrights!\u201d exclaimed Jones. \u201cWhat do they want with it? They already got more money than anyone in Nevada.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t ask them,\u201d said Dawson, shrugging. \u201cAnyway, Adam Cartwright is probably the only one who could figure out what it means. Might as well sell it to somebody who might actually be able to understand it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Abruptly, the cowboy turned to his horse. \u201cLook, I\u2019ve got to get going. You boys take care.\u201d Quickly, Dawson untied the reins of his horse from the rail and climbed into the saddle. He turned his mount from the bank and kicked the animal into a fast trot.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he rode out of down, Dawson looked over his shoulder and saw the two men on the sidewalk were still staring at him. He decided that he\u2019d better keep off the trail and cover his tracks until he was well away from Virginia City. The two men watching him were not above bushwhacking a lone traveler.<\/span><\/p>\n

“What are we going to do now, Bart?\u201d Jones asked, turning his attention away from Dawson. \u201cThe Cartwrights ain\u2019t going to let us help them find that treasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m thinking,\u201d snapped Peterson. He stared off into space for a minute. \u201cYou know, Hank,\u201d he said slowly, \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure that story about a treasure was true. But if the Cartwrights are willing to pay good money for that map, there must be something to it. The Cartwrights aren\u2019t fools.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but that doesn\u2019t help us any,\u201d complained his partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot right away,\u201d Peterson acknowledged. \u201cBut let\u2019s keep our eyes and ears open. We hear anything about the Cartwrights taking an unexplained trip, we might just want to follow them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd get to the treasure before them?\u201d Jones asked eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow how could we do that, since we don\u2019t know where they\u2019re going?\u201d answered Peterson, his voice tinged with disgust. \u201cNo, we\u2019ll let them do all the work. Once they find the treasure, we\u2019ll just take it away from them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRob the Cartwrights? I don\u2019t know about that, Bart,\u201d Jones said doubtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt isn\u2019t as if the Cartwrights own that treasure, Hank,\u201d Peterson explained. \u201cIt belongs to whoever gets their hands on it. We\u2019re just going to make sure those hands are ours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIf we\u2019re right about the mountains, then it has to be this range here,\u201d said Joe, pointing at a map spread on the table before him. He and Hoss were sitting on the ledge of the fireplace, looking a one of several maps scattered across the table. \u201cAnd the smallest mountain is this one,\u201d added Joe, stabbing his finger at rough outline of a mound which had been drawn on the map.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever we\u2019re looking for is at the foot of that mountain,\u201d agreed Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think the part about darkness leading to light means a canyon or maybe a tunnel,\u201d Joe said. \u201cThere\u2019s got to be some passageway at the foot of that mountain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Joe, there could be all kinds of canyons there,\u201d Hoss pointed out. \u201cWe don\u2019t know which one to follow unless we can figure out what this dryad is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know,\u201d Joe said in a discouraged voice. \u201cAnd even if we should find the right one, it wouldn\u2019t do us much good. We don\u2019t know what the \u2018path of playful Pan\u2019 means either.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two men sat staring at the maps and yellowed paper on the table, hoping that some inspiration would come to them. They were startled out of their reverie by the sound of the front door opening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi boys!\u201d Ben Cartwright greeted his sons heartily as he walked into the house, followed by his oldest son, Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe exclaimed in surprise. \u201cWe didn\u2019t expect you home for a couple of days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s obvious,\u201d Adam commented dryly. \u201cOtherwise you wouldn\u2019t be sitting around the house in the middle of the afternoon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring his oldest son\u2019s jibe, Ben threw a saddle bag on the bureau by the door and began to unbuckle his gunbelt. \u201cHop Sing! We\u2019re home!\u201d Ben shouted as he removed the belt. His call was answered by the sound of soft footsteps shuffling toward the living room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, Mr. Adam, welcome home.\u201d Hop Sing bowed slightly. \u201cIt good to see you back safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you, too, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben replied. He nodded toward his middle and youngest sons still sitting in front of the fireplace. \u201cThose two keep out of trouble?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSons work very hard,\u201d Hop Sing confirmed. \u201cAll work, no mischief. I tell them father be very pleased.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so I am,\u201d Ben replied with a smile. \u201cI\u2019ll be even more pleased if you cook up some chicken and dumplings for dinner for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Hop Sing cook good dinner, you see,\u201d the cook replied with a wide smile on his face. He bowed again and hurried into the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how have you boys been?\u201d Ben asked as he moved to sit in his favorite leather chair by the fire. He frowned a bit when he saw all the papers on the table. \u201cWhat\u2019s all this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, Pa,\u201d Joe said quickly, shuffling the papers into a pile. \u201cJust some maps Hoss and I were looking at. How did things go in Carson City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t,\u201d Adam replied for his father. He moved to sit on the sofa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Adam means is that the railroad wanted the lumber much sooner than we could deliver it,\u201d explained Ben. \u201cThere\u2019s no way we could meet their deadline, so we didn\u2019t bother to bid on the contract. We just packed up and came home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Pa, I told you we need a bigger sawmill,\u201d Adam said. \u201cIf we had expanded the mill six months ago, we could have handled that deadline with no problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Adam, but expanding the mill costs money,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cMoney that we don\u2019t have right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have the payment from the Army for those horses plus the profit from that last sale of lumber to the Virginia City mines,\u201d argued Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich I want to use to buy more cattle and upgrade our stock,\u201d said Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut we can wait on the stock,\u201d Adam insisted. \u201cA couple of months won\u2019t make that much difference. If we expand the mill, we\u2019ll make that money back and more from the new contracts we\u2019ll get.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we get them,\u201d cautioned Ben. He shook his head. \u201cI know your idea is a good one, Adam. But we just can\u2019t afford to expand the mill and upgrade the stock at the same time. There just isn\u2019t enough money in the bank. And upgrading and adding to the stock is safer. We can\u2019t afford to be cash poor. I want to make sure that any money we spend is used wisely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, Pa,\u201d said Joe in a hesitant voice, \u201cwhile you were gone, I wrote a draft for $150 from our account at the bank.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh oh,\u201d Adam said. He looked at the papers on the tables. \u201cYou spent $150 and you\u2019re looking at maps. What did you buy now? A deed to all of California? Or maybe the water rights to Lake Tahoe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoggonit, Adam, you make it sound like Joe and I don\u2019t have enough brains to come in out of the rain,\u201d grumbled Hoss. \u201cJust cause we spent some money doesn\u2019t mean we wasted it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is right,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cYour brothers are very responsible and they wouldn\u2019t have spent that much money unless they had to. I\u2019m sure they wouldn\u2019t do anything foolish.\u201d He turned to Hoss. \u201cWhat did you spend the money on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shifted his weight uncomfortably on the stone ledge. \u201cUh, Joe, why don\u2019t you tell Pa what we spent the money on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d said Joe in surprised voice. He saw his father and oldest brother looking at him expectantly. Joe swallowed hard, and scratched his neck nervously. \u201cWell, we bought something from Pete Dawson.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom Pete?\u201d Ben said in surprised tone. \u201cWhat could Pete have that was worth $150?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a paper,\u201d Joe replied slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

“A paper?\u201d Ben frowned. \u201cWhat was on this paper?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked at Hoss for help but found his brother was staring at the ceiling, seeming oblivious to the conversation around him. Joe turned back to face his father. \u201cIt was\u2026kind of\u2026 directions,\u201d Joe said in a hesitant voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDirections to what?\u201d asked Ben, his voice now full of suspicion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo a buried treasure,\u201d Joe blurted out. He winced as he said the words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBuried treasure!\u201d thundered Ben. \u201cYou spent $150 on a treasure map! Have you lost your mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, at least it wasn\u2019t anything foolish,\u201d Adam said in a sarcastic voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Pa, let me explain,\u201d said Joe hastily. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t exactly like what you\u2019re thinking. Pete needed some money in a hurry to help his sister.\u201d In a rush, Joe related the story of the plight of Dawson\u2019s sister, and how the cowboy was trying to raise money to help her. He told of Pete winning both money and the paper in a poker game, but was still short of the amount he needed. \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t take the money from us as a loan,\u201d Joe finished. \u201cSo I figured buying the paper from him was a way to help him out without hurting his pride.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that does put things in a different light,\u201d Ben agreed, somewhat mollified. \u201cI\u2019m glad you found a way to help Pete. He\u2019s done a lot for us over the years.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cBut I hope the story doesn\u2019t get around that you paid $150 for a treasure map. We\u2019ll have every con man in the territory knocking on our door, trying to sell you a map.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting forward on the sofa, Adam looked at the maps on the table. \u201cYou two weren\u2019t actually thinking of trying to follow that map, were you? Even if it isn\u2019t a phony, someone would have found whatever it led to years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the thing, Adam,\u201d said Hoss, suddenly interested in the conversation again. \u201cIt\u2019s not a map. The paper has directions on it, but it\u2019s written in some kind of code. Nobody has been able to figure it out. That\u2019s why Pete came out here. He thought if anyone could make sense of it, you could.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Adam said. \u201cWhy me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, listen to it and you\u2019ll see,\u201d said Joe. He picked up the yellowed document from the table and read the faded writing slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhoever wrote that was a Greek scholar,\u201d said Adam with a frown when Joe had finished. \u201cOr at least knew a lot about Greek mythology. Let me see that.\u201d He reached for the paper and his youngest brother handed it to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee, we figure the first part points to the mountains west of Lake Tahoe,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cAnd at the bottom of the smallest mountain there\u2019s some kind of canyon. Only we don\u2019t know which canyon because we don\u2019t know what a dryad is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA dryad is a spirit that lives in an oak tree,\u201d said Adam in a distracted voice, still reading the sheet Joe had handed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn oak tree!\u201d Joe exclaimed. \u201cThat\u2019s it, Hoss. There\u2019s some oak trees in front of the right passage through the mountain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you Adam could figure it out,\u201d Hoss said almost smugly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow wait just a minute,\u201d Ben interjected. \u201cYou boys aren\u2019t thinking of going treasure hunting, are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not, Pa?\u201d asked Joe, a bit puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s a waste of time, and there\u2019s plenty to do around here,\u201d answered Ben sternly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, all it would take is a couple of days,\u201d Hoss argued. \u201cJoe and I finished all but a couple of little chores on that list you left us. And you and Adam weren\u2019t even suppose to be home for a couple more days. It wouldn\u2019t hurt nothing to take a couple of days just to see what we can find.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if we do find something,\u201d Joe added, \u201cthat could mean a lot of money. Enough to expand the sawmill and buy all the stock we want.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, give me that paper,\u201d demanded Ben. His oldest son handed the yellowed sheet to him and Ben read the writing quickly. \u201cThese so-called directions could be meaningless. And look at this last line \u2013 \u2018a treasure more precious than gold\u2019. It sounds like whatever is hidden isn\u2019t even valuable, at least in terms of money. Most of the time, people use a term like this to describe something more intangible, like friendship or love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, you can\u2019t hide friendship under a rock,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cAnd that paper says to lift a cover to find the treasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s right,\u201d Adam stated. \u201cWhatever is hidden doesn\u2019t sound like a treasure. More likely, it\u2019s some kind of personal treasure, like a journal or picture. Besides, I\u2019m not sure I know what all those references mean. Some are pretty obscure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoseidon\u2019s scepter,\u201d Ben murmured in a soft voice as he continued to look at the paper in his hand. \u201cThat probably means a trident.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Joe and Hoss exchanged knowing grins. \u201cWhat\u2019s a trident?\u201d Hoss asked innocently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like a pitchfork,\u201d explained Ben without looking up. Suddenly, he frowned and shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of nonsense,\u201d he said, quickly putting the sheet of paper on the table. \u201cWe\u2019ve got a ranch to run. We haven\u2019t got time to go hunting for treasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d said Joe in a discouraged voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you mind if I take this for awhile?\u201d asked Adam, picking up the paper from the table. \u201cI\u2019d like to look up some of these references in a book I have.\u201d Seeing the frown on his father\u2019s face, Adam added hastily, \u201cI just want to see if I can piece this together. It\u2019s a\u2026intellectual challenge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, take the paper, Adam,\u201d Hoss encouraged his older brother. \u201cMaybe you can figure it all out, just like Pete thought.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to see if I can solve the puzzle,\u201d Adam stated firmly. \u201cI am not going treasure hunting with you two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not, Adam,\u201d Joe agreed solemnly. Then he turned and winked at Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The hunt for the treasure wasn\u2019t mentioned at dinner that night, but the thought was on all the Cartwright\u2019s minds. The idea was like an unwelcome visitor \u2013 pointedly ignored but still visible to everyone. Ben asked about the ranch and list of chores, questions which Joe and Hoss answered a bit too enthusiastically. Joe\u2019s queries to Adam about Carson City were answered by his oldest brother in a distracted tone, his mind obviously elsewhere. When Adam excused himself to go to his room as soon as the meal was finished, his younger brothers gave each other a knowing look. The looks disappeared quickly when Ben pointedly cleared his throat and frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until breakfast the next morning that the unmentionable topic was raised. Ben and his youngest sons were already seated at the table when Adam bounded down the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d Adam greeted his family with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a bit late this morning,\u201d Ben chided his oldest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd smiling,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cWhat\u2019d you do last night?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI spent most of the night going through some old textbooks on ancient history,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cIt took me awhile to figure out some of the reference points on that paper.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you did figure them out, didn\u2019t you?\u201d asked Joe eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow wait a minute,\u201d interrupted Ben before Adam could answer. \u201cI thought we agreed this treasure hunting business was a lot of nonsense.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you said it was nonsense,\u201d Hoss said a bit slyly. \u201cJoe and I didn\u2019t say nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, all I wanted to do was to see if I could decode that paper,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cI didn\u2019t say anything about following the directions to this so-called treasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you figure it out?\u201d Joe pressed his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost of it,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201cThe part about the nymphs had me mystified for awhile, but then I found a reference to something called ash tree nymphs. I think that part refers to a line of ash trees.\u201d Adam shook his head. \u201cBut the part about the zither has me stumped. I know a zither is sort of like a harp, but I don\u2019t understand how someone could hear a zither out in the middle of nowhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Maybe the wind through the trees makes that sound,\u201d suggested Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat could be,\u201d agreed Adam. \u201cBut it doesn\u2019t explain how that sound would lead someone to the next clue. Just hearing it wouldn\u2019t help much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA zither, hmm,\u201d mused Ben. He looked off for a moment. \u201cYou know, back when I was sailing, we stopped in a port down in Jamaica. I met an old Greek sailor there, and he was playing an odd instrument that looked something like a harp. He called the music it made the sound of the West Wind. I found out later that it was a zither.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it!\u201d Adam cried. \u201cThe zither\u2019s sound means to follow the line of ash trees to the west! That\u2019s the part I couldn\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you have to let us go look for the treasure,\u201d Joe pleaded. \u201cAdam\u2019s figured out the clues on that paper. We can\u2019t just sit here and wonder about what it leads to when we could find out for sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, I\u2019ve told you that I consider this a waste of time,\u201d Ben replied sternly. \u201cWe have other things to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you just a little bit curious, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cI mean, wouldn\u2019t you like to see where that paper leads us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo I\u2019m not curious,\u201d Ben answered but there was something in his voice that indicated his statement was less than true.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I certainly don\u2019t think there\u2019s buried treasure in Nevada,\u201d said Adam. \u201cBut I have to admit that document has piqued my interest. Why would someone go to all that trouble to write such obscure references unless there was something important that he was trying to hide?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot you too, Adam,\u201d groaned Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s bad enough your brothers have the treasure fever. I thought you\u2019d be sensible enough to know this isn\u2019t going to lead to anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it won\u2019t lead to anything, Pa,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cBut it would only take a day or two to look. What harm could it do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you once said that when a man has an urge to find out about something, he\u2019s better off going exploring than just sitting home. Otherwise, he\u2019ll wonder all his life what he missed,\u201d stated Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said that?\u201d asked Ben in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, something like that,\u201d Hoss admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

“If we don\u2019t go, Pa, we\u2019ll all go a little crazy thinking about what might be out there,\u201d added Adam. \u201cIt\u2019s better if we just get it over and done with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking around the table at the three eager and expectant faces staring at him, Ben knew that he had lost the battle. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said, throwing up his hands. \u201cYou can go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYippee!\u201d shouted Joe while Hoss slapped the table as a sign of his delight. Adam merely smiled and nodded, adding \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow hold on,\u201d Ben said sternly. \u201cI don\u2019t want you boys going off half cocked. If you\u2019re going to do this foolish treasure hunt, you\u2019re going to do it right. Adam, you make sure each of you has at least four days supplies and plenty of ammunition. And don\u2019t forget tools, like a hammer and chisel. Hoss, you go the Land Office and get an updated map of the claims staked in those mountains west of Lake Tahoe. I don\u2019t want you boys digging round on someone else\u2019s land. And Joe, you be sure you have a compass. I want to make sure you can find your way home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, why don\u2019t you come with us?\u201d Hoss urged his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d said Ben in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, why not,\u201d added Joe. \u201cYou were suppose to be in Carson City for the next couple of days so you can\u2019t have anything important to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you did figure out the clue about the trident and the zither,\u201d Adam said. \u201cI might have something wrong, and two heads are better than one in trying to understand this puzzle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026I have things to do,\u201d Ben answered in a hesitant voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing that can\u2019t wait,\u201d stated Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides, Pa, ain\u2019t you the least little bit curious about what we\u2019ll find?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll only spend the next few days wondering and worrying about us,\u201d added Adam. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come with us and see for yourself what happens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His sons waited patiently while Ben considered the idea. His face showed his practical nature struggling with his desire to see where the directions led. Finally, Ben shrugged. \u201cWell, I suppose a few days on the trail with you boys wouldn\u2019t be too bad. We haven\u2019t made a trip together in quite awhile.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019ll be sort of a family outing,\u201d Joe said with a grin. His brothers\u2019 faces broke into a grin also.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d Ben agreed, \u201cbut only if we\u2019re fully prepared, like I said.\u201d Then he grinned also. \u201cWhat are you doing wasting time around here? If we\u2019re going to leave first thing tomorrow, you\u2019d better start getting things together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir!\u201d said Adam as he and his brothers pushed back their chairs from the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As he walked into the Silver Dollar saloon, Hank Jones looked around. He spotted Peterson sitting at a table in the back, a half-empty beer glass in his hand. \u201cHey Bart,\u201d Jones called, walking toward the table. \u201cGuess who I saw in town?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d asked Peterson, taking another sip from his beer glass.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss Cartwright,\u201d Jones replied. \u201cI saw him coming out of the Land Office with some kind of map in his hand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow isn\u2019t that interesting,\u201d Peterson mused, placing the glass on the table. \u201cBecause I was over at the General Store, and Joe Cartwright was there. He was ordering some trail supplies. He also wanted a compass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“A map and a compass, eh?\u201d Jones said with a grin. \u201cSounds like the Cartwright boys are going exploring.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, Hank, I think you\u2019re right,\u201d agreed Peterson.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe going exploring, too?\u201d Jones asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, we are,\u201d Peterson stated. \u201cSoon as I finish my beer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWe\u2019re at the foot of the mountain,\u201d said Adam almost pensively. \u201cNow all we have to do is find the oak trees, and then look for\u2026.what was the phrase again?\u201d A small smile crossed his face as Adam heard crisp papers being unfolded behind him. As part of the preparations, Adam had copied the directions to the treasure on four separate sheets \u2013 one for each Cartwright. The reason he stated was to make sure they didn\u2019t lose the original or have only the one yellowed document to rely on. But privately, Adam had another reason \u2013 he knew his family. Each of them would want to see the original paper to check their progress for themselves. His copying had avoided the endless requests he had foreseen for the paper to be passed to from one Cartwright to another.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHiding the passage to light,\u201d called Joe, secretly pleased that he had been the first to find the right words.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Them trees ahead,\u201d Hoss said loudly, pointing to a small stand of hardwoods growing a few feet from the granite rock, \u201cthose look like oaks to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding his agreement, Adam kicked his horse lightly and led the trio behind him to the trees. By unspoken agreement, he had taken charge of the expedition; his father and brothers understood that Adam was best qualified to recognize each clue.<\/span><\/p>\n

The oaks grew in an odd formation. Several trees were clustered together, then two trees grew separately. A few feet from the lone oaks, another cluster of trees were grouped together. \u201cThis is it,\u201d Adam announced. \u201cStart looking for an opening in the rocks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Joe asked with more than a trace of doubt. \u201cThere could be another strand of oaks around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe paper said \u2018dryads frolicking,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cSee how these are growing? It looks a little like the beginning of a dance, with the two trees coming out of their separate groups to bow to each other. Dancing, frolicking \u2013 they\u2019re the same thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s right,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cStart looking for a canyon or some other opening.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It took the Cartwrights only a few minutes to locate the narrow trail that seemed to split the mountain in two. Flanked by both sides of the mountain, the trail was hidden in shadows \u2013 difficult to see if someone was simply riding by, but easy to spot if someone was looking for it. Adam took the lead up the trail, while his family followed in single file.<\/span><\/p>\n

The trail wound upward through the rocks for about a half a mile, a gradual ascent that horses could manage without effort. When the path became flatter, Adam could see sunlight ahead. He knew they had found \u2018the passage from dark to light\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

The shadowed trail led to a large meadow ringed by the mountains. The grass was thick and lush, and wildflowers were sprinkled among the blades. The meadow was bathed in sunlight, and the distant chirps of birds drifted through the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t that pretty?\u201d commented Hoss as he pulled his horse to a stop next to Adam\u2019s halted mount.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder if anyone besides the man who wrote that paper has ever been up here,\u201d Adam replied in a quiet voice. \u201cIt\u2019s almost like finding a new world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy guess is that the Piute know it\u2019s here,\u201d remarked Ben from behind his oldest son. \u201cThere\u2019s not much they don\u2019t know about these mountains.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right,\u201d agreed Adam, a little disappointed. For a moment, he had felt like an explorer, experiencing the thrill of discovery. Quickly, he cleared his voice. \u201cThe next line talks about \u2018the path of playful Pan\u2019. Pan was the god of goats and goat herders, so I\u2019m guessing that means a path that the mountain goats use.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat could be pretty tough to follow, Adam,\u201d Joe said. \u201cThose goat trails are usually pretty steep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt must be passable,\u201d Adam insisted, \u201cbecause the fellow who wrote this out followed it. Let\u2019s split up and look for it. It must be pretty close to here; I doubt if this man would have gone clear across the meadow. Pa, you and Joe go right. Hoss and I will take the left side.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For over an hour, both pairs of men rode around the edge of the meadow, looking almost casually at first, and then searching more carefully for a trail that had been trod by mountain goats. The pairs passed each other as they searched, hoping that the other two Cartwrights would spot something that the first duo had missed.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the four met at the top of the meadow once more, they pulled their horses to a halt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d said Ben shaking his head. \u201cNot even tracks of a mountain goat. Are you sure you\u2019re interpreting it right?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can\u2019t be positive,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201cBut \u2018the path of playful Pan\u2019 sure sounds like a goat trail to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should have brought along our own goat and let him find it,\u201d Hoss suggested with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Staring off in the distance, Joe said nothing. His eyes searched the rocks around the meadow. \u201cHey, Adam,\u201d he said suddenly. \u201cLook over there, about ten feet to the right. See the way that moss is growing in those rocks? Doesn\u2019t that look like the horns of a mountain goat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d agreed Hoss enthusiastically, \u201cand that long piece of rock in between looks kind of like the face of a goat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat must be it,\u201d Ben said in an eager voice. \u201cYou can\u2019t see it up close, so we rode right by it. You have to look at it from a distance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s check it out,\u201d Adam ordered, as he urged his horse forward. The four men rode to the mossy rocks, then stopped to look around.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t see a path,\u201d said Hoss, frowning,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s up there,\u201d said Joe, pointing. \u201cSee, right at the top of the horns; there\u2019s a small path cutting through the rocks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have to leave the horses here,\u201d Ben advised, frowning. \u201cI\u2019m not sure I like that idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s plenty of grass for them,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cThey\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the horses I\u2019m worried about,\u201d said Ben. \u201cI\u2019m not sure I like the idea of us trekking through these mountains on foot. Maybe we\u2019d better call this whole thing off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we can\u2019t quit now, not when we\u2019re so close,\u201d Joe argued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s four of us, Pa. It\u2019s not like it\u2019s one man by himself,\u201d added Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Ben said nothing; he merely looked at the three eager faces around him. \u201cAll right,\u201d he agreed reluctantly. \u201cWe\u2019ll go on. But be sure each of you takes your bedroll, canteen and supplies. Hoss, you carry a rope with you, just in case. Joe, you take the saddle bag with the tools. Adam and I will carry the rifles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope we can walk carrying all that stuff,\u201d grumbled Joe softly as he dismounted. He hurried to find a good spot for his horse when he saw his father frowning at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

After spending twenty minutes or so tying up horses and gathering the items they needed, the Cartwrights returned to the mossy rock. Joe approached the side of the mountain first.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, there\u2019s some footholds here,\u201d Joe shouted. Despite being burdened by heavy saddle bags and a bedroll, he easily scrambled up the side of the rock and stood triumphantly on the ledge atop the image of the goat. \u201cI can see a path through the rocks. It widens after a few feet. Nothing to it.\u201d Joe started up the path at an easy gait.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph! Joseph! Wait for us,\u201d Ben shouted. He hurriedly climbed the rock after his youngest son, followed by Hoss and Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

The four men walked slowly along a path that snaked through the rocks. The path led them upward, toward the top of the mountain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow far do you figure we have to travel along this trail, Adam?\u201d Hoss asked his older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUntil we see something that looks like a trident\u2026a pitchfork,\u201d answered Adam with a shrug. He looked at the backs of his father and youngest brother ahead of them. \u201cKeep your eyes open. At the pace Joe\u2019s going, he could walk right by it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The trail seemed to coil through the mountain, zigzagging right and left, but always upwards. Ben was about to suggest they halt for a rest when he saw Joe stop a few yards ahead of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s another meadow up here,\u201d Joe called over his shoulder. Quickly, the other three Cartwrights climbed up to stand next to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

This meadow was smaller, but just as lush and green as the one below. Trees formed a boundary on either side of the grass \u2013 a single row of ash trees, some bent to the wind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the ash trees,\u201d Adam said. \u201cNow all we have to do is figure out which set to follow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich way is west, Joe?\u201d asked Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Joe dug into one of the saddle bags slung over his shoulder and pulled out the compass. He positioned it a bit, then studied it. \u201cThat way,\u201d he said pointing down the middle of the meadow. He looked up at the men around him. \u201cBoth lines of trees go west.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why that pitchfork thing is important,\u201d Hoss said, nodding. \u201cIt shows which side of the meadow is the right one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling out a sheet of paper from his pocket, Adam studied it carefully. \u201cThe directions say that the trees lead to \u2018great Ida\u2019s immovable presence\u2019. Ida is a mountain. Both sets of trees lead to the mountain, but they go in different directions at the end.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo if we pick the wrong set of trees, we won\u2019t see the next clue,\u201d Joe stated. He shook his head. \u201cI suppose we could follow one line of trees and if that doesn\u2019t work out, come back and follow the other one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary, little brother,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cLook behind you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning quickly, Joe\u2019s eyes opened wide in amazement as he looked at the rocks over his right shoulder. Three small trickles of water ran down the rocks, a small but steady stream of liquid. The water evidently had been running for a long, long time because it had etched deep grooves into the rocks. For some unknown reason, the rivulets on the right and left abruptly turned inward, joining the middle stream to form a larger flow which spilled into the ground. The water had etched the perfect image of a trident into the rock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess we follow the line of trees on the right,\u201d said Joe, grinning. He hefted the saddle bags a bit higher on his shoulder. \u201cShall we go, gentlemen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once more, Adam took the lead, strolling almost leisurely through the thick grass as he walked a parallel line to the ash trees. The wind whistled through the trees, shaking the leaves and branches. While he wouldn\u2019t have compared the sound to a musical tone, Adam had to admit the noise had a certain timbre to it.<\/span><\/p>\n

The line of trees edged the meadow, then veered in an uneven line to the right. The Cartwrights followed the line of ash trees until they ended a few feet from the base of a large slab of rock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow what?\u201d asked Joe as he looked around.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to make camp for the night,\u201d Adam answered. He pulled the paper out of his pocket and read it again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to this, after noon there\u2019s some kind of shadow that points to a certain rock with some letters carved on it. Under the rock is the treasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t we just look for the rock?\u201d asked Joe impatiently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d replied his father. He waved his hand around him. \u201cOn that slab of stone? On the ground at the bottom? Or maybe it\u2019s behind those trees?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, I guess it wouldn\u2019t hurt to wait,\u201d agreed Joe reluctantly. \u201cIt\u2019s getting kind of late anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa,\u201d shouted Hoss from a few feet away. \u201cCome over here and look at this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With long, quick strides, Ben hurried toward his middle son, Adam and Joe close behind him. \u201cDid you find something?\u201d Ben asked anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot a carved rock, if that\u2019s what you mean,\u201d Hoss answered. He pointed to the ground. \u201cLook here, though. Somebody built a campfire here a long time ago. See how the rocks make a ring around the bare ground, and there\u2019s bits of burned wood stuck in the ground.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re in the right place,\u201d said Joe, almost gleefully. \u201cWhoever wrote that paper must have camped here. We found it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ever doubt we would?\u201d asked Adam in a wry voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have to admit, son, that those clues were a bit obscure,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWe could have easily missed one of them.\u201d He put a hand on his oldest son\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou did a fine job interpreting that paper, Adam, as well as leading us here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe actual indicators weren\u2019t that hard to find once we knew what we were looking for,\u201d replied Adam modestly. \u201cWhoever wrote these directions knew that they could be found pretty easily if he put them in plain English. That\u2019s why he couched them in the terms of Greek mythology. He couldn\u2019t hide the signs, so he tried to hide the clues.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPretty clever,\u201d commented Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf he went to that much trouble to hide the clues,\u201d said Joe, \u201cthen whatever is here must be pretty valuable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt least, it was valuable to him,\u201d Ben cautioned. \u201cDon\u2019t get your hopes up. We still might find this leads us to nothing valuable, maybe even to an empty hole.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wrong, Pa,\u201d Joe asserted. \u201cThere\u2019s something here. I can feel it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly a pair of eagles shot into the sky, screaming in loud voices.<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning as he looked up, Hoss said, \u201cWonder what scared them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re too high for most animals,\u201d Ben answered in a reflective voice. \u201cBut not for a bear or a mountain lion. Let\u2019s get a fire started. And let\u2019s be sure to take turns keeping guard tonight.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Deep in a dreamless sleep, Joe barely felt the large hand shaking him gently. \u201cGo away,\u201d he mumbled, swatting at the hand and shifting to a more comfortable position on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

The hand shook him harder, and then harder yet, while a voice said in a loud whisper, \u201cGet up, little brother. Your turn for guard duty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Joe pulled himself from the throes of his slumber. He squinted up at the large brother standing over him, then yawned and stretched. \u201cWhat time is it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout three hours after Adam woke me to relieve him,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cYou got the last shift. Now get up, \u2018cause I want to get some sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe pushed himself up to a sitting position, yawning once more. \u201cDid you see anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cAdam said he thought he heard something moving around in the woods, but I haven\u2019t heard or seen a thing. It\u2019s been quiet as a graveyard since I took over.\u201d Hoss thrust a rifle into his brother\u2019s hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the gun, and there\u2019s some coffee on the fire. You keep awake, you hear; I don\u2019t fancy getting eaten by some bear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, older brother,\u201d said Joe with a grin, almost fully awake now. \u201cIf a bear came into camp, he\u2019d probably think you were one of his long-lost cousins and give you a big hug.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m afraid of,\u201d Hoss stated. He stretched his long arms toward the sky. \u201cI\u2019m turning in. Your turn to keep watch for ghosts, goblins and whatever else is out there roaming in the dark.\u201d Hoss turned on his heels and walked a few feet toward a ground sheet and blanket laying on the dirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving slowly, Joe got to his feet and strolled toward the dying campfire. He threw a few sticks on the blaze from the pile next to it, then pour himself a cup of coffee from the battered old pot warming on the rocks that surrounded the fire. He settled on the ground with his back to the fire and the rifle across his bent legs. Sipping the coffee slowly, Joe looked around into the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

As his night vision started to focus, Joe could make out the outline of a few trees. Other than that, the view before him was as black as ink. Looking up, Joe saw the dark sky was filled with twinkling stars. He spent a few minutes admiring the sight, picking out the North Star and a few constellations. Then he turned his gaze back to stare into the darkness.<\/span><\/p>\n

The blackness and silence around him didn\u2019t worry Joe as much as it bored him. His thoughts began to drift to the treasure and to musings about what they would find. He was convinced they would find something tomorrow, but couldn\u2019t seem to grasp what it would be. In his mind, he saw pictures he had seen of pirate treasure \u2013 large chests filled with gold coins and jewels. Joe smiled at the image; he figured a pirate would have had to gotten really lost to make it to the mountains of Nevada with a chest full of gold. His thoughts turned to what else might be hidden, what valuables someone logically would leave in this area. Visions of gold nuggets, silver coins, and saddlebags full of paper money drifted through his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

With that much money, he could do whatever he wanted, Joe thought. Then, with a start, he realized that he wouldn\u2019t know what to do with a fortune. He could build a fine house in Virginia City, except that he liked and was comfortable at the ranch house on the Ponderosa. Joe thought about traveling, visiting cities like New York, London and Paris. That idea would excite his brother Adam, but it had little appeal to Joe. He didn\u2019t particularly like big cities, and while he enjoyed short breaks from living on the ranch, Joe always was glad to return home. He rejected the idea of fine clothes and fancy meals, both of which made him uneasy; he preferred his comfortable work duds and the plain but tasty meals Hop Sing put on the table for him each night. Joe envisioned hiring people to do his work for him, but he knew his father would never stand for that. Ben Cartwright believed that a man handled his own responsibilities. And besides, Joe knew he would get bored fairly quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe finally admitted that he already had just about everything he needed out of life \u2013 a comfortable home with good food, a fine ranch, and most of all, a family with whom he shared great affection and respect. A large throve of valuables would add little to the riches he already had. A wry smile appeared on Joe\u2019s lips. It would be nice, he thought, if the treasure turned out to be worth a little something though. Joe would be happy if they recovered enough to allow his father to expand the sawmill, buy a few luxuries for each of the Cartwrights, and maybe stake him to poker games for the foreseeable future. He would be disappointed if they came home empty handed.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he continued to watch for movement in the night, Joe began making a mental list of things the treasure could buy the Cartwrights. A new saddle for Hoss was on the list, as well as a fine shirts for Pa, books for Adam, and a rifle for himself. He grinned as he realized that he was making what amounted to a Christmas list. Christmas in July, thought Joe, what an extraordinary event that would be. He began thinking about the celebration he could organize with gifts for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing the sound of movement and stirring behind him, Joe looked around. He saw his father and brothers were beginning to wake, and realized that the dark of night had turned into the lightness of dawn. The night had been quiet, with nothing to cause Joe alarm or disturb his thinking. Nevertheless, Joe felt his hours staring into the blackness had been productive. He had spent his hours of guard duty dreaming about the treasure they might find, but more importantly, reflecting on the treasures Joe had finally understood that he already possessed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201c \u2018The fiery chariot starts it descent\u2019 is what the paper says,\u201d Adam argued over breakfast. \u201cThat means the shadow or whatever won\u2019t be visible until after noon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Adam, but we can\u2019t just spend the whole morning sitting around the fire,\u201d countered Ben. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t hurt to start looking for this, this \u2018flinty cover with the carved holy letters\u2019, whatever that is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, I thought you were the one who said yesterday that looking for that rock would be a waste of time,\u201d said Hoss with a twinkle in his eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can change my mind, can\u2019t I?\u201d Ben snapped at his middle son. Hoss nodded quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSitting around the fire all morning sounds like a good idea to me,\u201d remarked Joe in a soft voice as he brought his coffee cup to his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the one who was so anxious to find this treasure,\u201d Ben said sharply. \u201cI\u2019d think you\u2019d jump at the chance to start looking for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to find it,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cI just don\u2019t want to spend all morning climbing over rocks and digging through brush to do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving his youngest son a look of displeasure, Ben turned back to his oldest. \u201cAdam, how long ago do you think that papers was written? Ten years? Fifteen? Maybe more?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say at least ten years, given the age of the paper,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Isn\u2019t it possible that whatever causes this shadow or shade has grown, or maybe fallen down?\u201d continued Ben. \u201cWe could waste all morning just sitting around, and then find out we need to start searching because the clue isn\u2019t there. I don\u2019t want to waste another day on this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have a point, Pa,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cJust because all the other signs were still there doesn\u2019t mean this one will be.\u201d He took a gulp from his coffee cup, then placed it on a rock by the fire. \u201cAll right, we start searching. Now, let\u2019s do this logically. Hoss, you check out the area by the trees. Joe, you see what you can find around the left side of these rocks, and I\u2019ll look around the right side. Pa, you search the area around the camp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Initially, the four treasure hunters eagerly searched the area, scrambling up the uneven sides of the mountain or walking through the brush. They turned over or moved every rock that had an unusual marking, and many that did not but seemed large enough to be hiding something. But as the morning wore on, the search slowed down. Enthusiasm was replaced with frustration, and excitement with impatience.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re never going to find it, Pa,\u201d said Joe in a hopeless tone as he flopped on the ground at the campsite. \u201cWhatever is hidden here is probably going to stay here forever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking up from the pan of beans he was heating over the fire, Ben gazed at his son with sympathy. Joe\u2019s disappointment in not finding the treasure was almost palatable. \u201cWell, it\u2019s coming up to noon, Joe. Maybe when the sun shifts position, we\u2019ll see the clue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d said Adam, walking up to the campsite. \u201cBecause if we don\u2019t see it, we\u2019ll never find what\u2019s here. Whoever hid this treasure did a good job of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo sense hiding a treasure if just any fellow can find it,\u201d Hoss offered as he joined the rest of his family. His rubbed his hands together. \u201cAre those beans about ready, Pa? I\u2019m plumb starved.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re always starved,\u201d commented Joe, who could barely muster enough energy to tease his older brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

The four men ate in silence, each lost in their own thoughts about what they had seen \u2013 or rather not seen \u2013 and the prospect of returning home empty-handed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Adam jumped to his feet. \u201cLook!\u201d he exclaimed, pointing to the mountain. \u201cSee that shadow? It looks like a cross. A cross.\u201d He looked at the men around him who were staring up at his face. \u201cA rood is a cross. \u2018The shade of the rood\u2019 means the shadow of a cross.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Where\u2019s it coming from?\u201d asked Hoss with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUp there,\u201d Adam answered, pointing to the top of the mountain. \u201cSee those rocks piled up in an odd way? When the sun shines on left side of them, they cast a shadow that looks like a cross.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho cares where it\u2019s coming from,\u201d said Joe eagerly, his enthusiasm for the hunt renewed. \u201cLook where it\u2019s pointing to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The other three men followed Joe\u2019s gaze. The shadow was pointing to a narrow ravine, a thin break in the large granite slab.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you check that ravine, Joe?\u201d Adam asked in a quiet voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI looked in it, but I didn\u2019t see anything,\u201d Joe answered, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s look again,\u201d stated Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

The four men walked quickly to the ravine, then slowly began climbing up alongside of it. As each man scaled the granite, his eyes searched for a rock with something on it, a manmade etching or scratches which would show it was the final clue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once again in the lead, it was no surprise that Adam found the telltale stone. The rock was near the top of the ravine, angled upward so that the markings would not easily be seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is it,\u201d Adam said almost reverently as the rest of the Cartwrights gathered around him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are those marks on it?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlpha and Omega,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cThat\u2019s the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In the Catholic religion, those symbols are often used to represent God.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Holy letters\u2019. That\u2019s what the paper said,\u201d Hoss remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Silently, the four men knelt around the rock, simply staring at it. No one seemed to want to touch it. Finally, Joe cleared his throat nervously. \u201cWell? Are we going to lift it or just sit here looking at it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Without answering his brother, Adam reached down and put his hands around the rock. He tugged hard, trying to lift the heavy stone without success.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, let me do it,\u201d offered Hoss, pushing his older brother aside.<\/span><\/p>\n

The biggest Cartwright put his large hands around the stone and pulled. He grunted a bit, then pulled harder. At last, the earth gave up its hold and the stone moved. Hoss lifted the granite from the ground, then dropped it a foot or so down the ravine.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rock had hidden a hole dug into the dirt, one that was fairly large and deep. None of the Cartwrights could see anything but blackness in the cavity. Adam reached into the void, and at first, felt nothing. Then his fingers brushed something hard. Laying on his side, Adam stuck his arm further into the darkness and felt rough leather. He moved his hand over the object, determining from the feel that it was some kind of satchel. His fingers found a handle, and closed tightly over the grip. Adam pulled the bag toward him, maneuvering it carefully against the uneven sides of the hole. Slowly, he lifted it until the case at last emerged from the darkness.<\/span><\/p>\n

The satchel was made of stiff black leather, and shaped similar to a doctor\u2019s bag. Dirt was clinging to the case, large clods which could easily be brushed away as well as smaller specks ground into the rough material. A rusty clasp held the bag closed at the top.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOpen it!\u201d Joe urged his brother. Now that the container which held the treasure was actually in view, his eagerness to see the treasure was difficult to repress.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Adam undid the clasp and pulled the satchel open.<\/span><\/p>\n

Laying on top was a leather book, tied together with rawhide string. Adam picked up the book and pulled the looped string loose. He flipped open the cover and saw it was filled with loose pages, all of which had been written on. Pulling out the first sheet, Adam read, \u201cThe Journal of Anthony Papagora.\u201d Adam shook his head. \u201cNo wonder the clues all referred to Greek myths. A Greek hid this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else is in there?\u201d Hoss asked eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Putting the journal aside, Adam took the next item out of the case. Like everything in the bag under the journal, the object was wrapped in oilcloth and tied with a rawhide thong. Adam quickly undid the leather string and opened the cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

A small statue carved in marble laid in Adam\u2019s hand. The figure was the image of a beautiful woman, wearing the draped dress of ancient Greece. Around her feet was a representation of bubbling foam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAphrodite,\u201d declared Adam. \u201cThe goddess of love who emerged from the sea.\u201d He turned the statue over and inspected it carefully, then whistled softly. \u201cI\u2019m no expert but this doesn\u2019t look like a copy. This statue is old \u2013 very, very old.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Impatient with his brother\u2019s slow progress, Joe reached into the bag and grabbed the next object. This one was a thick, flat slab with uneven edges. Joe untied the leather string and opened the oilcloth. In his hand was a piece of limestone on which figures had been painted. One was of a man holding a large piece of land on his back, the other was a man holding sticks of fire. A bit of the painting had been scratched or fleck away, but the figures, tan background and ornate border were still very visible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAtlas holding up the world, and Prometheus discovering fire,\u201d Adam announced, looking a the picture in his brother\u2019s hand. \u201cThat looks like it could have come from a Greek temple.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All of the Cartwrights began reaching into the bag, pulling out wrapped items. They uncovered two more small statues, a pewter goblet decorated with elaborate images of men hunting, and another piece of painted limestone. The cloths covered two copper bracelets with symbols and drawings delicately etched into them, and small alabaster box with a crouching lion on the lid. The last item in the satchel was a velvet bag closed by a braided drawstring. Joe opened the bag and poured a handful of tarnished silver coins with uneven edges into his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is all this?\u201d asked Joe, bewildered. \u201cWhere\u2019s the treasure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the treasure,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cAll of these objects are artifacts, pieces of art from ancient Greece. I bet some of these things are thousands of years old. They\u2019re priceless in the minds of collectors and scholars.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd these coins?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObols \u2013 ancient money,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cThe silver used to make them isn\u2019t worth near as much as their historical value.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo this is what the man meant by a \u2018treasure more precious than gold\u2019 \u201c said Ben. \u201cThey\u2019re pieces of ancient history, his country\u2019s ancient history since the fellow was obviously Greek.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder where he got all this?\u201d Hoss said in a puzzled voice. \u201cAnd why did he hide them way up here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, but I\u2019m guessing the answer is in this journal,\u201d replied Adam, picking up the leather cover.<\/span><\/p>\n

Disappointed by the artifacts in the bag, Joe reached into the hole. His hand searched the dark void until he was sure there was nothing else to be found. \u201cThat must be all there is,\u201d he stated in an almost sad voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suggest we pack this all up and take it home,\u201d said Ben in a voice that indicated he would stand for no objection. \u201cWe\u2019ve spent enough time on this. We can decide what to do about these things once we\u2019re back at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As his sons began re-wrapping and placing the objects back in the satchel, Ben reached over and put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m sorry we didn\u2019t find a treasure of gold, Joe,\u201d he said gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking up at his father, a small smile crossed Joe\u2019s face. \u201cI guess I didn\u2019t really expect to find gold. Down deep, I think I knew that whatever we found wouldn\u2019t be worth much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese objects might not have any intrinsic value, but I wouldn\u2019t consider them worthless,\u201d stated Adam as he placed the journal in the bag and closed the satchel. \u201cThere are scholars, collectors, and maybe even the government in Greece who would love to get their hands on these.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s still ain\u2019t the same as a chest full of gold and jewels, though,\u201d Hoss said in a discouraged voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d look pretty silly in a diamond necklace, Hoss,\u201d Ben kidded his middle son. His attempt to lighten his sons\u2019 gloomy mood was rewarded by an embarrassed \u201cAw, Pa\u201d from Hoss and loud laughs from Adam and Joe. \u201cCome on, boys,\u201d Ben added. \u201cIt\u2019s time to go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Despite the additional burden of the black satchel, the Cartwrights made good time on their trek back to the first meadow. They were walking downhill, which made the walk easier, and none of them stopped to look for signs or symbols along the way. Adam, in the lead once again, reached the head of the trail above the mossy rock first. He turned and handed the bag and the rifle in his hands to Hoss, then quickly climbed down to the meadow. Hoss threw the rifle down to his older brother, and then, after a few seconds of hesitation, the black bag. Adam caught them both easily. He nodded at Hoss to imitate his actions. It took several minutes until all four men and their gear were on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

With their attention focused on the process of descending from the stone ledge and shifting saddlebags onto their shoulders, none of the Cartwrights heard the two riders who approached them until a horse snickered softly, and a voice shouted, \u201cDrop your guns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As one, the Cartwrights whirled around. Two men, sitting atop brown horses, were aiming their rifles directly at Ben and his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDrop the rifles,\u201d Peterson ordered the men standing before him. \u201cAnd the pistols.\u201d He lifted his rifle a bit. \u201cNow!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, no one moved. Then Ben threw his rifle to the ground. \u201cDo what they say, boys,\u201d he advised his sons, as he slowly pulled his revolver from its holster. Ben threw the gun down as his sons followed suit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBart Peterson,\u201d Hoss said in a speculative voice. \u201cDidn\u2019t you get fired from the Bar J when some of their cows went missing? I thought you\u2019d be behind bars by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr for robbing the general store,\u201d added Joe. \u201cI remember the sheriff was planning to have a long talk with Peterson and Jones about that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one could prove anything,\u201d Peterson replied with a smirk. \u201cThere weren\u2019t any witnesses.\u201d He turned to his partner. \u201cI told you waiting here by their horses was a lot easier than trying to follow them through the mountains.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the smart one,\u201d Jones agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot so smart this time,\u201d said Ben in a tight voice, trying to hide his anger. \u201cWe don\u2019t have anything worth taking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know about that,\u201d Peterson replied. He slowly dismounted, keeping his rifle trained on the four men in front of him. Once Peterson was firmly on the ground, Jones did the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow then, I\u2019ll just take that treasure off your hands,\u201d said Peterson. \u201cHand it over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere wasn\u2019t any treasure,\u201d Ben explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

Frowning, Peterson didn\u2019t say anything. He studied the Cartwrights, then gestured a bit with his rifle. \u201cThat black bag? What\u2019s in there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is what we dug up,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cBut I\u2019m afraid you\u2019re going to be disappointed. There\u2019s no gold or jewels in it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019ll see for myself,\u201d said Peterson. \u201cBring it over here.\u201d Adam walked slowly across the grass and offered the satchel to the man with the rifle. Peterson snatched the bag from Adam\u2019s hands. \u201cGet back with the others,\u201d Peterson ordered. He turned to his partner. \u201cHank, keep a close eye on them. Anybody moves, shoot them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the Cartwrights watched, Peterson knelt on the grass and opened the black bag. He pulled out the leather case containing the journal, looked it over, then threw it in the grass. Reaching into the bag again, he pulled out a small object wrapped in oilcloth. Opening the package quickly, Peterson frowned at the marble statue in his hands. Adam winced a bit as the statue was also thrown aside, but the lush grass cushioned the figure\u2019s landing.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the next several minutes, Peterson opened packages and threw the items inside the oilcloths aside. The grass around him with littered with the statues, bracelets, and paintings. In anger, the man turned the case upside down and watched the remaining objects tumble out of it. Then he felt around the inside of the empty case, looking for a false bottom or some other recess where an object could be hidden. Finally, Peterson threw the case aside also. Getting to his feet, he demanded, \u201cWhere\u2019s the gold?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told you there was no gold,\u201d Ben replied patiently. \u201cNow why don\u2019t you fellows just get on your horses and ride out of here. No harm\u2019s done. Let\u2019s keep it that way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe went to a lot of trouble for nothing,\u201d Jones said in disgust.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not,\u201d remarked Peterson. He looked at the Cartwrights in speculation. \u201cWe got ourselves four Cartwrights. That ought to be worth something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know to who,\u201d said Ben with a shrug. \u201cYou\u2019ve got all of us here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor now,\u201d stated Peterson. \u201cBut I don\u2019t aim to keep all of you with us.\u201d He pointed his rifle toward Adam. \u201cYou, come over here and pick up all this stuff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Adam walked across the grass and retrieved the black satchel. He picked up items from the grass, not bothering to put the oilcloths around the pieces that had been unwrapped. With rapid movements, he placed items back in the bag, cushioning the antiques as best he could with the cloths. When the antiques returned to the bag, Adam snapped it closed and stood up. \u201cNow what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet back over there with the others,\u201d ordered Peterson. He waited until Adam had rejoined his family. \u201cAll right, here\u2019s what we\u2019re going to do. Adam and Hoss, you are going to ride into Virginia City and get $20,000 out of the bank. If anyone asks why, you\u2019re going to show them the stuff in the bag, and tell them you need the money to buy equipment to help you find the rest of the treasure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo one is going to believe that,\u201d Adam said in a grim voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019d better convince them,\u201d Peterson replied. \u201cBecause your Pa and youngest brother is going to be with Hank and me, and if we don\u2019t get that money, well, they\u2019re just liable to have an accident. These mountains can be dangerous, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing better happened to them,\u201d Hoss threatened angrily. \u201cBecause if it does, I\u2019ll make sure you regret the day you were born.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis could get\u2026complicated,\u201d suggested Ben. \u201cIt would be better if you simply got on your horses and rode away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think we want to do that,\u201d answered Peterson with a sneer. \u201cAnd you\u2019re going to behave nicely until these two get back. If you or the kid cause us any problems or try to get away, we\u2019ll just put a bullet in your knee. A man can\u2019t get very far in these mountains if he\u2019s crawling.\u201d He raised his rifle again. \u201cMaybe it\u2019d be safer if I just made sure you can\u2019t walk now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d shouted Joe in a frantic voice. \u201cDon\u2019t do it. We\u2019ll give you the gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! What are you\u2026\u201d Ben started.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s not worth it,\u201d Joe interrupted his father. \u201cThe gold\u2019s not worth getting killed over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is it?\u201d asked Peterson in a suspicious voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn here,\u201d answered Joe. He lifted the saddlebag off his shoulder and shook it a bit. The hammer and chisels inside clinked together in a metallic sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew you found gold,\u201d said Peterson in a smug voice. \u201cYou just bring that bag over here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning his head, Joe stared hard at his father and brothers, then nodded almost imperceptibly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up,\u201d Peterson shouted. \u201cI\u2019m getting tired of waiting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming,\u201d answered Joe, walking slowly forward. He let his arm drop to his side, holding the saddlebag only a few feet above the ground. As he walked, his arm began swinging a bit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGive it to me,\u201d demanded Peterson.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d agreed Joe. His arm swung back, and then quickly arched upward. The saddlebag full of tools flew forward, hitting Peterson in the side of the head.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stunned, the bandit staggered a step. Joe rushed up to him and knocked the rifle out of Peterson\u2019s hands with his left arm while his right fist landed squarely on the man\u2019s jaw. He followed that punch with a solid blow to the man\u2019s midsection. Peterson let out a small grunt, then crumpled to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

At first, Jones didn\u2019t realize what was happening to his partner. He heard the clink of the tools in the saddlebag, then Peterson\u2019s grunt. Puzzled, Jones turned to look. It took several seconds for his brain to register the fact that Peterson was on the ground while Joe stood over him with the rifle. Jones swung his rifle toward Joe, but his reaction was too slow. The shoulder of a charging bull of a man hit him solidly in the body, knocking Jones backward. For a big man, Hoss Cartwright was surprisingly fast on his feet, especially when his little brother was in danger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Snatching the rifle out of Jones\u2019 slack fingers, Hoss pointed the weapon at the figure at his feet. \u201cGet up,\u201d he ordered. \u201cAnd do it real slow.\u201d Jones scrambled to his feet and put his hands in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rushing forward, Adam stopped next to Hoss. He reached down and pulled the pistol from Jones\u2019 holster, pointing the gun at the now cowed outlaw.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben came up to stand next to Joe, stopping for a moment to pull Peterson\u2019s pistol from his holster. Then he turned to Joe. \u201cIf you ever do something like that again,\u201d Ben said angrily to his youngest son, \u201cI\u2019ll\u2026I\u2019ll\u2026\u201d He stopped, unable to think of a punishment bad enough to equal the scare Joe had given him. \u201cYou took ten years off my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d Joe replied apologetically. \u201cBut I thought he was going to shoot you.\u201d An impish grin crossed Joe\u2019s face. \u201cBesides, I didn\u2019t like the thought of being with stuck these two idiots for the next day or so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t\u2026going\u2026to shoot,\u201d gasped Peterson as he pulled himself to a sitting position. \u201cThat was\u2026just a bluff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo was this,\u201d stated Joe, picking up the saddlebag from the ground. He opened the flap and showed the tools inside to the outlaw on the ground. \u201cThere never was any gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, you dirty little\u2026\u201d Peterson started. His eyes narrowed in anger and frustration. Suddenly, his hand shot out and grabbed Joe\u2019s ankle. Yanking hard, the bandit pulled Joe\u2019s foot toward him. Surprised and off-balance, Joe fell backwards. His head twisted a bit as his body slammed into the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI always did say you were the graceful type,\u201d Hoss yelled at his younger brother with a grin on his face. His grin quickly faded, though, when he saw Joe was laying still on the grass.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, watch Peterson,\u201d said Ben, his voice tinged with panic and fear. He hastily knelt on the grass next to Joe. Turning his son\u2019s head slowly, Ben saw the gash on the side of Joe\u2019s head, and the blood streaming down from the cut.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe hit his head on something,\u201d called Ben, his voice now frantic. He raised his hand so his other sons could see the blood from Joe\u2019s wound which had stained it. \u201cGet me some water!\u201d Ben pulled at the bandanna around his neck, untying the cloth so he could use it as a bandage. As he pressed the bandanna against the gash on Joe\u2019s head, Ben saw something lying in the grass.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Adam collected the relics and oilcloths from the grass, he didn\u2019t realize he had more cloths than objects. Adam didn\u2019t know he had missed something in the tall grass, that he had overlooked a small statue made of hard marble with sharp edges on the figure and base. Lying among the green blades was the statue of Aphrodite, now streaked with blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

For most of the time, Joe\u2019s mind was locked in a black void, unable to register any sensations and not allowing the rest of his body to do so either. Occasionally, he would emerge from the void for a while, but those were the times his brain would be in a fog, beset by strange images and dreams. Joe felt himself being lifted, and believed he was being raised to join the beautiful pattern of stars he had seen in the night sky. He felt himself moving among those stars, bumping into them from time to time as he walked between the twinkling lights. Sometimes, Joe dreamed of a beautiful woman all in white, who offered him a pewter goblet. She held the cup to Joe\u2019s lips and he drank from it. The liquid was alternately cool, designed to ease his burning throat, or warm, offering him nourishment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Joe thought he saw a crouching lion, readying itself to spring forward. He tried to cry out a warning but wasn\u2019t sure if he was able to make those around him understand. Another time, he dreamed of a man carrying fire, a bearded image who came so close that Joe could feel the heat. Once more, he tried to shout a warning but again was unsure if anyone heard him.<\/span><\/p>\n

At first, each emergence from the blackness to the fog was brief, and Joe would sink back into the void quickly. But during each visit to the land in his dream, Joe lingered longer and longer. He felt he was pushing away the mindless emptiness and moving forward through the haze of jumbled images and confusing thoughts. Joe knew he had to fight to push himself out of the cloud of befuddlement which surrounded him. He wasn\u2019t sure why, but Joe somehow understood that he had to get to the clear expanse that seemed far in the distance. Despite feeling tired and in pain, Joe fought hard to leave the fog and come into the clear light of day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAny change?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning a bit in the chair by Joe\u2019s bed, Ben squinted at the dark figure in the doorway. With tired eyes looking through the dim light of Joe\u2019s bedroom, he needed a few seconds to recognize his oldest son.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Ben answered, \u201cNot really. A little while ago, Joe started mumbling again. It was still gibberish, though. He\u2019s been\u2026sleeping ever since.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving into the room, Adam stood at the bottom of Joe\u2019s bed. He looked at the still figure lying on the mattress. Joe\u2019s face was as white as chalk, almost as white as the thick bandage which was wrapped around his head. Heavy blankets covered the youngest Cartwright to his chin. Joe\u2019s breathing seemed regular and even, as if he were asleep. The only problem was that Joe had been asleep for almost three days.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you get some rest, Pa?\u201d suggested Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll sit with him for awhile.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring his son\u2019s suggestion, Ben turned back to the bed. \u201cIf only there was something we could do, some medicine we could give him\u2026.Adam, I feel so helpless.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa,\u201d Adam sympathized. \u201cHoss and I feel the same way. But the doctor said there was nothing to do but wait.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait and see,\u201d Ben agreed, repeating the doctor\u2019s advice. \u201cIt could be a long time before he wakes up, Adam.\u201d He swallowed hard. \u201cHe might never wake up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not going to die,\u201d said Adam sharply. \u201cYou heard the doctor. He has a concussion, complicated by loss of blood and a fever. There\u2019s no sign of a fracture. The fact that his fever is down, and that he\u2019s trying to talk is a good sign. He just needs some time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and let it out slowly. \u201cYou\u2019re right. I\u2019m sorry, Adam; I shouldn\u2019t have given in like that. We need to be strong and hopeful, both for Joe\u2019s sake as well as our own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“You\u2019re just tired,\u201d stated Adam. \u201cYou haven\u2019t had but a couple of hours sleep over the past few days. Go get some rest; I\u2019ll stay with Joe. Things will look better in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

O<\/span>nce more, Ben ignored the suggestion. \u201cIf only we hadn\u2019t been so far from home,\u201d he said almost to himself. \u201cIf only we had been able to stop the bleeding sooner, or done something to prevent the fever, things might be different. \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we did everything we could,\u201d replied Adam in a firm voice. \u201cWe cleaned out the cut, and wrapped the wound as tight as possible. You held him in your arms on your horse for all those miles, held him until your arms were almost numb. There was nothing more we could have done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe should have never been out there,\u201d Ben said in a bitter voice. \u201cIn the middle of nowhere, hunting for some foolish treasure.\u201d He looked up at Adam. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you boys? Why can\u2019t you be satisfied with what you have,\u201d Ben railed at his oldest son. \u201cWhy are you always cooking up some crazy get-rich-quick scheme?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not fair, Pa,\u201d protested Adam. \u201cNone of us could have foreseen what happened. And we all wanted to see where that paper led. Even you. You wanted to go as much as we did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Adam, \u201c admitted Ben a bit sadly. \u201cI let my greed get the best of me. I wanted to find that treasure as much as you or Hoss or Joe did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow you\u2019re not being fair to yourself,\u201d Adam chided his father gently. \u201cYou\u2019re not greedy, Pa. You\u2019re the most unselfish and generous person I know. You wanted to see where that paper led because you were curious. You wanted to see if we could figure out the clues, and what they led to. You probably wouldn\u2019t have known what to do with a fortune if we had found one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be so sure, son,\u201d said Ben, a small smile crossing his face. \u201cI\u2019m not quite the saint you seem to think I am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t say you were a saint. In fact, I can make a list of all your faults if you\u2019d like,\u201d Adam replied, returning his father\u2019s smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary,\u201d said Ben, still smiling. Then his face sobered. \u201cYou\u2019re right that I was curious. But I\u2019m old enough to know better than to go traipsing through the wildness on some fool\u2019s errand. We were just asking for trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we took every precaution; you make sure of that,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cYou\u2019re just looking for someone or something to blame when the truth is that this just happened. Joe could have just as easily cracked his head breaking horses.\u201d The smile returned to Adam\u2019s face. \u201cJoe\u2019s got a hard head; we all know that. And he\u2019s stubborn. He\u2019ll be fine, and he\u2019ll wake up when he\u2019s good and ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose,\u201d said Ben, but his voice lacked conviction. \u201cAnd you\u2019re right about looking for someone to blame. I just can\u2019t quite figure out who.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about Peterson?\u201d said a voice from the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both Ben and Adam snapped their heads toward the bed, astonishment evident on their faces. Joe looked back at them with his eyes wide open and a crooked grin on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d exclaimed Ben. \u201cHow long have you been awake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLong enough to hear myself described as hard headed and stubborn,\u201d answered Joe in a voice that was weak and a bit hoarse. He started to push himself up a bit, but collapsed back to the bed when his arms didn\u2019t seem able to support him. The fact that room seemed to be spinning and tilting didn\u2019t help things.<\/span><\/p>\n

At once, Ben reached over to adjust the pillows on the bed so the cushions would offer more support to Joe\u2019s head and shoulders. His hand moved to Joe\u2019s head and lingered there as his fingers softly rubbed his son\u2019s hair. For a moment, his hand slipped down to Joe\u2019s cheek, lightly stroking the wan skin as a gesture of comfort as well as to make sure he felt no heat of fever. Then Ben\u2019s hand moved back to rest on the top of Joe\u2019s head. He peered into Joe\u2019s eyes, noting that they seemed to be focusing properly. Nevertheless, Ben asked, \u201cCan you see me, Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning his head slightly, Joe nodded to his father. \u201cI can see you, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMove your arms and legs for me,\u201d Ben ordered his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obediently, Joe moved his limbs under the covers, bunching the blankets a bit. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Pa, really,\u201d Joe added. \u201cEverything works.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stroked his son\u2019s head a bit, then sat back in the chair. He sniffed a little and quickly brushed a knuckle under his eye. \u201cYou gave us quite a scare, Joe. You\u2019ve been unconscious for a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d Joe replied in a tired voice. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to worry you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI always worry about my sons,\u201d answered Ben softly. Then he cleared his throat and said in a stern voice,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, you, Joseph, are going to make me old before my time.\u201d Joe gave his father a small smile, knowing the admonition wasn\u2019t meant to be taken seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you really feeling?\u201d Adam asked his brother, trying to keep the intense relief he was experiencing out of his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy head hurts and I\u2019m thirsty,\u201d replied Joe, turning to look at the end of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben reached to the small bedside table and grabbed the glass sitting on it. He poured some water from a small pitcher into the glass and handed it to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Joe gratefully as he took the glass. He took several rather large gulps of water, then began sipping. As he drank, Joe looked around. He had no idea how he managed to get to his bedroom at the Ponderosa, or even why his head hurt so much. He saw the rings of fatigue and unshaven bristles of hair on his father\u2019s face, and concluded he must have been unconscious for more than a day. Even his brother Adam\u2019s face looked more sober than usual, a sure sign of worry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Handing the now empty glass back to his Pa, Joe pushed back against the pillows which supported his head. He suddenly felt very tired and a bit dizzy. Slowly his eyes began to close.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWake up, Joe,\u201d Ben said quickly. He shook his youngest son a bit. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to stay awake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d asked Joe drowsily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019ve been unconscious for three days,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cThe doctor said once you woke up, you had to stay awake for at least an hour.\u201d Joe was a bit surprised at the length of time he had been asleep, but not totally shocked. He had already figured out his time in that black void and foggy dreamland had been rather lengthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy head hurts,\u201d Joe complained. \u201cWhat did I hit it on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat statue of Aphrodite,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cI left in the grass by accident, and when Peterson knocked you over, you hit your head on it.\u201d Suddenly, he grinned. \u201cIt figures you\u2019d be brought down by the goddess of love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI always fall for the pretty ladies,\u201d agreed Joe. He winced and put his hand to the side of his head. \u201cShe sure packs a wallop.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor left some powders for your headache,\u201d Ben said quickly. \u201cI\u2019ll get them.\u201d As he stood up, Ben added, \u201cI\u2019ll let Hoss know you\u2019re awake. He\u2019s been in here most of the past three days. I only convinced him to go to bed a few hours ago.\u201d He turned and walked toward the doorway. As Ben passed his oldest son, he said in a low voice, \u201cKeep him talking.\u201d Adam nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Adam studied the pale figure in the bed. Joe\u2019s eyes seemed clear but the lids were beginning to droop. \u201cDo you remember what happened?\u201d Adam asked his brother, calling Joe\u2019s attention back to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Biting his lip a bit, Joe thought about his last clear memory. \u201cI remember showing the tools to Peterson,\u201d he said slowly. \u201cAfter that, nothing.\u201d He decided not to talk about his strange dreams and the odd images that had populated them. His brothers already thought Joe was a bit crazy sometimes; he didn\u2019t need to give them additional ammunition to use against him. \u201cDid I miss anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot much,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201cPeterson grabbed your leg; that\u2019s when you fell and hit your head. After that, it was a matter of getting you bandaged up and heading for home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe winced again as another wave of pain seemed to rattle around in his head. He took a deep breath, then looked up at his oldest brother. \u201cWhat happened to Peterson and Jones?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, for a minute, it was a close call on whether Pa was going to bring them in or just strangle them with his bare hands,\u201d Adam answered with a wry smile. \u201cI can\u2019t remember when I\u2019ve seen Pa that upset and angry. He finally decided to let Hoss tie them on their horses and bring them with us. We turned them over to the sheriff. They\u2019re going to be charged with assault, attempted robbery, attempted kidnapping, and whatever else Sheriff Coffee can think of. They\u2019ll be seeing the inside of a jail for a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding a bit, Joe said, \u201cGood. I don\u2019t remember exactly what happened, but I figure it must have been their fault.\u201d He cocked his head a bit. \u201cWhat happened to the\u2026what we found.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI brought it back with us,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cI\u2019m not sure what we should do with it, but it didn\u2019t seem right just to leave it behind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven the statue?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven the statue,\u201d Adam replied. His smile widened. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to clean some blood stains off of it, but it\u2019s was too nice a piece to just forget about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I wouldn\u2019t let a little thing like my bleeding all over it prevent you from keeping such a nice statue,\u201d said Joe ironically. He yawned a bit. \u201cBoy, could I use some sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSleep? You\u2019ve been sleeping for three days,\u201d Adam stated. He thought quickly, trying to come up with a topic that would keep Joe talking. \u201cTell me, Joe. If the treasure had been gold, what would you have done with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking down the hall with Hoss, Ben heard his youngest son\u2019s voice drifting out of the bedroom. He became concerned, wondering if Joe had become disoriented, because the words he heard seemed to be describing a Christmas party, complete with presents.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When Joe descended the stairs for dinner ten days after he regained consciousness, his elation at being able to leave his bedroom was echoed throughout the Ponderosa. The first few days after he woke up, Joe had only nominally complained about staying in bed. In truth, during those days, his head hurt, and he felt dizzy and nauseous. But once over those symptoms, he began his campaign to get out of bed. The battle of wills between Joe and both this father and doctor caused a clash that upset the entire household.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe complained, begged, and even tried deception to win the right to get dressed, but to no avail. Twice he was caught trying to get up \u2013 once by Hoss who pushed back into the bed and threatened to sit on him if he tried again, and once by Hop Sing who retaliated by hiding all of Joe\u2019s clothes.<\/span><\/p>\n

A wide smile had broken out on Joe\u2019s face on the fourth day when the doctor had removed the bandage from around his head and declared it could stay off for good. The smile had turned into a frown, however, when Joe reached up to feel the wound and realized a chunk of his hair had been shaved away. \u201cIt\u2019ll grow back,\u201d the doctor had assured him with a chuckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had been cheered on the fifth day when the doctor had agreed he could sit up in a chair, but his exhilaration had been dampened when the doctor had added that the time in the chair would be limited to one hour sessions. Almost immediately, Joe began to devise plans to lengthen the time, but his schemes were thwarted by his father, brothers and Hop Sing. By then, the four men had organized a \u201cJoe watch\u201d among themselves, despite the disruptions that caused to their normal day. When the time Joe was allowed to sit up was lengthened, so was the amount of time his family spent with him. Their excuse was that each one was trying to entertain Joe during his convalescence, but he wasn\u2019t fooled. Joe noted his father and brothers checking the clock in his room frequently, and abruptly ordering him to bed when the specified time allowed in the chair had expired.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the doctor finally agreed that Joe could get dressed and join the family for dinner that evening, a collective sigh of relief was almost audible throughout the house. The doctor hadn\u2019t admitted to anyone but himself that he couldn\u2019t have kept Joe in his room any longer anyway, even if he wanted to. Instead, he merely told Ben that Joe seemed to have recovered completely but suggested the other Cartwrights keep an eye on him, just in case.<\/span><\/p>\n

At dinner, Joe was careful to eat heartily and act as normal as possible. He knew without looking that his father and brothers were watching him like hawks, ready to whisk him back to the dreaded bed at the first sign of any distress. So Joe asked about his father about the ranch, kidded Hoss on his appetite, and disagreed with Adam on whether a new Army contract for horses was possible, while at the same time cleaning his plate of food. He had a hard time hiding a grin as the faces around the table gradually relaxed and lost their watchful expressions.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the dinner was finished, the Cartwrights moved to the living room. As the men settled in various chairs with coffee, Joe decided he could finally bring up the subject of the treasure hunt.<\/span><\/p>\n

“So, Adam,\u201d Joe asked casually, \u201care you going to tell us what you read in that journal?\u201d He laughed at the startled expression on his oldest brother\u2019s face. \u201cI figure must have finished reading it by now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was curious about what was in it,\u201d admitted Adam, a bit guiltily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid explain about the treasure?\u201d pressed Joe. When Adam nodded, Joe continued, \u201cWell, then tell us what it said. We just as nosy as you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Glancing at his father and Hoss, Adam could see the interest on their faces. He took a deep breath and began his story.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnthony Papagora was born in Greece, but moved to America with his father and brother when he was about eight, not long after his mother died. He writes about his memories of the ancient temples and fine statues he saw before he left, and said his father filled the time during the long sea voyage by telling Anthony and his brother all the tales and myths of ancient Greece. By the time the family arrived in San Francisco, Anthony knew by heart the stories of Hercules, the Greek gods, and all the other legends of his homeland. His journal says he was fascinated by those legends and kept begging his father to repeat the stories as he was growing up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Anthony\u2019s father started a small shipping business in San Francisco,\u201d continued Adam. \u201cWhen he was old enough, Anthony became the business agent for the company. Basically, that meant he would meet with clients to work out the details of their transactions, and try to drum up new business. He started visiting the homes of wealthy clients in San Francisco and other cities, both on a business and a social basis. That\u2019s when he began noticing the number of Greek artifacts that were displayed in many of these homes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow did those folks get them?\u201d asked Hoss with a frown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome were brought back as souvenirs from trips to Europe, and others simply purchased from importers,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cAmerica is a young country, and we don\u2019t have much in the way of relics. It became very fashionable for people to acquire and display items from ancient cultures. I remember when I was in Boston, people were eager to show artifacts from places like Greece, Italy and Egypt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess hanging an Indian war bonnet on the wall wouldn\u2019t be very fashionable,\u201d commented Joe wryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway, the more Anthony saw these pieces, the more he became convinced that it was wrong for people to be stealing them from his homeland,\u201d Adam continued. \u201cHe resented the fact that what he considered to be important heirlooms of Greek culture were being acquired by these wealthy people and displayed in America as knickknacks and decorations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo he began to buy them back,\u201d Ben guessed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Adam, shaking his head. \u201cHe began stealing them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStealing them!\u201d exclaimed Joe. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well, Anthony didn\u2019t have the money to buy more than a few pieces, even if the owners were willing to sell them,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cBesides, in his mind, it wasn\u2019t really stealing. He felt he was just acquiring things that ought to be returned to their rightful place in Greece.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t he afraid of getting caught?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was very clever,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201cHe only took small items, things that he could easily slip into a coat pocket, for example. And he never took anything that was made out of a precious metal such as gold or silver. He was sure that the police wouldn\u2019t spend a lot of time and effort looking for a small marble statue or a pewter goblet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s right there,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI can\u2019t picture Sheriff Coffee organizing a posse to search for someone who took a pewter cup.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut didn\u2019t the owners wonder about the thefts and suspect him?\u201d asked Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnthony made sure he never took more than one thing from any house, and he also spread the thefts out over time, sometimes going months before taking another piece. He\u2019d continue to return to the houses for social or business reasons, so no one ever suspected him. Anthony wrote in his journal that some people never even realized the piece was missing, which reinforced his feeling that he was doing the right thing in rescuing artifacts which were considered mere trinkets by their owners.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut how did this stuff end up in the middle of nowhere in Nevada?\u201d asked Hoss in a puzzled tone of voice. \u201cAnd why did he write those crazy directions?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m getting to that,\u201d answered Adam in a calm voice. \u201cOnce Anthony had what he thought was a number of important items, he contacted the Greek consul in San Francisco. His pretense was that he had the opportunity to acquire some artifacts and wanted to know how the Greek government would go about returning them to Greece. Imagine his shock when Anthony learned the Greeks didn\u2019t particularly care whether they were returned or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t care?\u201d Joe said. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to the journal, the consul told Anthony that there were thousands of these small pieces spread throughout Greece,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cThey already had warehouses full of them, more than they could ever display or study. The government preferred to emphasize the preservation of large items, such as temples or life-size statues. As for the other items, well, if someone wanted to sell them and make a little money, that was fine with the Greeks.\u201d Adam looked up to the ceiling for a moment, trying to recall something. \u201cThe journal said the consul indicated that there were goat herders using 1,000 year old pots to collect their milk, and if these people could improve their lives by selling their milking pots, why shouldn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe must have been terribly disappointed by the Greek government\u2019s reaction,\u201d commented Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt gets worse,\u201d Adam said. \u201cAnthony went to his father to complain about the Greeks\u2019 attitude toward what he considered important pieces of his heritage. His father merely laughed at the idea of returning these pieces to Greece. When Anthony insisted they were part of history, his father said something like \u2018you can\u2019t eat history\u2019 and told his son that selling such artifacts was a long tradition in Greece. He told his son that it was foolish to even think of trying to return artifacts to Greece, that the idea was ludicrous. When Anthony told his father he had a number of pieces that he thought should be returned to their homeland, his father got suspicious and asked where he had acquired them. Evidently, Anthony gave his father some vague explanation, but he could tell it wasn\u2019t satisfactory. His father began lecturing Anthony on the foolishness of getting into trouble just for some antiques that no one care about. Then he told Anthony what must have been the most devastating information that Anthony could hear: that his father had funded the family\u2019s move to America and the start of their business by selling artifacts to wealthy visitors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo the life he enjoyed was the result of the very thing he was trying to prevent,\u201d Ben said, shaking his head. \u201cThat was devastating news.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but that still don\u2019t explain how those things got out here,\u201d insisted Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe entries in the journal got very bizarre after that,\u201d Adam said. \u201cI think Anthony must have gone a little crazy at that point. Think about it. He risks everything \u2013 his reputation at the very least, and jail or worse if he\u2019s caught \u2013 for what he thinks is an important cause. Only then, he finds out that no one else cares about his cause. He\u2019s laughed at and called a fool. Worse, his own father had built their lives on what Anthony considered tainted money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt would probably drive me to drink,\u201d agreed Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need any excuses to drink, little brother,\u201d Hoss chided. \u201cAll it takes is for you is to get within ten feet of a saloon.\u201d He laughed at the scowl that crossed Joe\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs near as I could tell from what he had written, Anthony decided everyone was wrong, that the artifacts had to be returned to their homeland, \u201d continued Adam. \u201cHe also starts writing about conspiracies against him, about how people are out to stop him from doing his important work. The entries are very confusing. At some point, though, Anthony devised this grand scheme. He was going to steal as many artifacts as he could. Then he was going to return to Greece and force the government to acknowledge righteousness of his cause, as well as to accept the pieces back. He wrote about envisioning a triumphant return, and people in the streets cheering him for bringing parts of their history back to them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t seem very likely,\u201d said Ben, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it doesn\u2019t,\u201d agreed Adam. \u201cBut he seemed to think so. Anyway, Anthony decided to hide the pieces that he had acquired from what he termed his enemies so that they would be safe while he continued to acquire artifacts. He decided hiding them in the wilderness would keep them safe. He knew about the first meadow from an old fur trader who liked to tell stories about his younger days trapping in the mountains. Anthony got the old trader to show him how to find it on a map. Once he got to the first meadow, Anthony looked for an even safer place to hide his treasures. He must have explored those mountains for a long time, looking for just the right place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u2019d he write those crazy directions?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cAnd why did he leave the journal?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnthony was convinced that there was an army of enemies out to get him,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cHe decided to write the directions to his treasure and send them to his brother, in case anything happened to him. He also left the journal behind so that his brother would understand what he had done and why. Anthony put the directions in a kind of code, using references which he knew his brother would understand but wouldn\u2019t make sense to almost anyone else. He thought that would prevent the artifacts from falling into the hands of his so-called enemies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he never got the chance to send the directions,\u201d Joe said, the course of events suddenly clear to him. \u201cHe must have been returning from hiding his treasure when he was attacked by Indians. The story Pete told us was that Jim Bridger found him almost dead from an arrow wound. He gave the paper to Bridger right before he died, insisting that Bridger find his treasure so it wouldn\u2019t be lost forever. Only Bridger couldn\u2019t understand the directions, so he didn\u2019t do anything about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my guess,\u201d agreed Adam. \u201cThat paper got passed around but no one could understand it. So the artifacts stayed hidden.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUntil you came along and were smart enough to figure it out,\u201d Hoss complimented his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith a little luck and Pa\u2019s help,\u201d said Adam with a shrug, downplaying his ability to understand the directions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis Anthony fellow\u201d continued Hoss, \u201cHe must have thought these things were more important than any jewels and such, which is why he called \u2018more valuable than gold\u2019.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s kind of sad. He took all those things thinking that he could return them to their home and instead, they were almost lost forever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The four men sat silent for several minutes, each lost in their own thoughts of Anthony Papagora and his mad quest to restore what he considered the heritage of his homeland to Greece.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we going to do now?\u201d Joe asked, finally breaking the silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cThere\u2019s probably no way to tell who owned those pieces, not after all these years. And I\u2019m not sure we can even contact his family. I don\u2019t remember a Papagora shipping company in San Francisco.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy thought is that we ask the Territorial Enterprise to run a story about the artifacts,\u201d suggested Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe someone will recognize one of the pieces or Anthony Papagora\u2019s name and contact us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cAt the very least, it would be nice to let his family know what happened to him. They must have been wondering about him for a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and it also will let people know we didn\u2019t find any fortune in gold,\u201d added Joe. \u201cThat should discourage anyone from trying to take our \u2018treasure\u2019 away from us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Joe, ain\u2019t you up to wrestling with a few outlaws?\u201d asked Hoss innocently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve done my wrestling, thank you,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cIt\u2019s kind of embarrassing to admit that I could take on Peterson without any problems, but a little marble statue almost did me in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKeep working on it, Joe,\u201d said Hoss with a grin. \u201cWe\u2019ll let you have another crack at it. I bet you can outwrestle that statue at least two falls out of three.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHey, Pa, the troops are back!\u201d announced Joe as he marched through the front door of the Ponderosa ranch house. He stopped a few feet inside the house, making room for his brothers to follow him in, and started unbuckling his gun belt. Adam and Hoss stopped next to Joe and began doing the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he descended the stairs to the room below, Ben said, \u201cWell, you boys are home early. Everything go all right?\u201d His eyes briefly scanned Adam, then Hoss, and finally Joe. His visual inspection of his youngest son was much longer than his look at the other two. Ben knew that in the six weeks since the accident, Joe had showed no ill effects, but checking on him had become a habit with Ben. He saw a vibrant young man, gently jostling his brothers as the three young men moved to put rolled gun belts on the bureau by the door and hang hats on the pegs on the wall. For what seemed the hundredth time, Ben told himself that Joe was just fine and he should stop worrying about him, but it was a habit that he found difficult to break.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything went fine, \u201c said Adam, who was the first to emerge from the knot of moving arms and bodies by the door. \u201cThe Army accepted all the horses and paid in gold, like they said they would.\u201d He tossed a small pouch to Ben. \u201cThere\u2019s $500 in gold pieces; 20 horses at $25 a head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, good,\u201d replied Ben, nodding in satisfaction. The clinking of the gold pieces in the pouch reminded him briefly Joe\u2019s deception of Peterson in the meadow, but he quickly and firmly pushed that thought aside. \u201cWe\u2019ll deposit this in the bank tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben walked across the living room toward the den and the small safe behind his desk in the room, Hoss called after him. \u201cThat going to be enough to expand the saw mill?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt helps,\u201d replied Ben over his shoulder, as he continued walking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure working us hard enough, Pa,\u201d grumbled Joe but with good nature as he walked toward the sofa by the fireplace. He flopped on the stuffed piece of furniture with a sigh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hardly think rounding up and breaking a few extra wild horses is going to kill us,\u201d commented Adam dryly as he walked to the blue chair near the bottom of the stairs and sat down. \u201cThe Army was pretty eager to get the horses once Pa let them know we had extra remounts available.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, what about the thirty head of cattle I had to round up and deliver to Carson City last week?\u201d Joe continued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou make it sound like you drove a whole herd to Kansas City by yourself,\u201d said Hoss, sitting down on the sofa next to Joe. \u201cAs I recall, you volunteered for that job. And somehow you got delayed and had to spend an extra day in Carson City.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, things happen,\u201d Joe replied, grinning. \u201cBesides, since Pa wouldn\u2019t let me break any of those horses, I\u2019d rather deliver cattle to Carson City than cart that lumber into Virginia City. How many trips did you make, anyhow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI lost count after four,\u201d admitted Hoss. \u201cI think I delivered enough lumber to shore up every mine in Virginia City twice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, boys, you know what we agreed,\u201d Ben chided his sons mildly as he walked to the living room to join them. \u201cWith some extra work and maybe a small loan from the bank, we can expand the sawmill and still make those improvements in the stock.\u201d He didn\u2019t add that the story in the journal had reminded him of the importance of not simply dismissing an idea that one of his son\u2019s believed in, whether it was a practical one like the sawmill, or an unrealistic one like finding a treasure. The journal was a warning of the possible dire consequences that could occur when a father ignored his son\u2019s hopes and ambitions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa,\u201d said Joe, grinning. \u201cI\u2019m just complaining because I don\u2019t have anything else to do right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Ben could retort that he could think of plenty for Joe to do, his attention was distracted by a sharp rap on the front door. Ben walked to the door, thinking it a bit odd that someone would be visiting this late in the day. He pulled open the door and looked out.<\/span><\/p>\n

A tall man in a fawn suit and top hat stood on the porch. The stranger\u2019s clothes had a look of wealth and class \u2013 well cut, stylish, and made of fine material. His black string tie matched the inky color of the vest he was wearing beneath the coat, and the highly polished boots on his feet. A trace of gray was visible in the thick black hair which jutted out from under the tall hat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d asked the stranger. When Ben nodded, the man continued. \u201cI apologize for stopping by without any warning but I was eager to meet you as soon as possible. My name is George Papagora.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d replied Ben, a bit puzzled. Then the significance of the stranger\u2019s name hit him. \u201cYes,\u201d he said again, this time a statement rather than a question. \u201cMr. Papagora, please come in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two men walked from the door toward the fireplace, while three faces watched them with open interest. Ben escorted the stranger to his favorite red chair by the fire and invited him to sit. He introduced his sons to their visitor, then announced to them, \u201cBoys, this is Mr. George Papagora.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Immediately, the three younger Cartwrights jumped to their feet. \u201cAny relation to Anthony Papagora?\u201d asked Joe in an eager voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Anthony is \u2013 or rather, was \u2013 my older brother,\u201d Papagora replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019ve heard the story about the journal and the satchel we found,\u201d stated Adam, a bit of excitement also evident in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just heard about it a few hours ago,\u201d admitted Papagora. \u201cI\u2019m in Virginia City on business, and when I checked into the hotel, the clerk recognized my name. He mentioned the article that was in the Virginia City newspaper a few weeks ago about a man with the same last name. He got a copy of the article for me, and when I read it, I had to come out to see you right away. You see, my brother Anthony disappeared almost fifteen years ago. This is the first time in all those years that I\u2019ve had any indication of what happened to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cartwrights resumed their seats, with Adam moving to sit on the ledge in front of the fireplace so that his father could have the more comfortable blue chair. \u201cThe article in the paper pretty well summarized what we know,\u201d stated Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA summary, yes,\u201d agreed Papagora. \u201cBut the article mentioned a journal. I suspect that the journal provided you with a lot more details. I would be grateful if you would tell me everything you could.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam glanced toward his father, who nodded at him encouragingly. Taking a deep breath, Adam once more launched into the saga of Anthony Papagora.<\/span><\/p>\n

Listening intently, George Papagora sat silently as Adam recounted the tale. Once or twice, he interrupted with a question, but for the most part, Papagora just listened. He barely acknowledged the tray of coffee and cups that Hoss brought from the kitchen after quietly slipping out of the room. Papagora took the cup of coffee offered to him and sipped it, but his expression showed that he was merely being polite. His attention was focused on Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all we know,\u201d said Adam with a trace of regret as he finished the story. \u201cWe assume what your brother wrote in the journal was true, at least from his perspective. What happened to him is really based on stories we\u2019ve heard, but it fits with what\u2019s in the journal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI agree,\u201d said Papagora with a nod. He sat still for a moment, as if trying to make sense of Adam\u2019s story. \u201cIt all fits together, now that I think back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe would have contacted you about your brother but we didn\u2019t know how to reach you,\u201d Ben apologized. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t find any trace of Papagora shipping business in San Francisco.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, I sold the shipping business when my father died eight years ago,\u201d explained Papagora in a somewhat distracted voice. \u201cI only stayed with the firm for my father\u2019s sake. After Anthony disappeared, I felt I couldn\u2019t abandon him too. When my father died, though, I got out of the shipping business. I\u2019m in banking and investments now. I came to Virginia City to check out some mining interests we\u2019re considering.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a shame that your father died without knowing what happened to his son,\u201d said Ben in a sympathetic voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps it was a blessing,\u201d replied Papagora. \u201cMy father always believed that Anthony returned to Greece. I never did understand why he thought that. Maybe it was kinder that he believed his son was in Greece, working on his dream to restore the ancient pieces to their rightful place, rather than knowing Anthony died almost alone in the wilderness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen you didn\u2019t know anything about this scheme of his?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t,\u201d Papagora answered. \u201cI knew something was wrong. Anthony had been acting secretive and, well, frankly a bit strange for quite awhile. But I had no idea what caused his odd behavior. Then one day, he just disappeared. I wanted to contact the police and try a number of things to see if we could find him. But my father always refused, saying Anthony knew what he was doing. Now I understand why my father didn\u2019t want him pursued. He suspected Anthony was stealing artifacts, and was afraid that Anthony would be caught with the stolen items and sent to jail.\u201d He sighed. \u201cAnthony always was a romantic. Father filled his head with tales of the ancient glories of Greece, and Anthony dreamed of reliving those times. When we were boys, he used to make up stories about how he would have fought in the Trojan War or battled with the gods. I thought they were just stories, but now it appears Anthony really believed he could do heroic deeds that would restore Greece to its glory.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry it took so long for you to find out what happened to your brother,\u201d said Joe. \u201cBut no one could figure out the directions on that paper he left until Adam and Pa got a look at it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I would have been able to figure it out myself,\u201d admitted Papagora. \u201cAnthony was much more versed on Greek legends than I am.\u201d He looked at Ben. \u201cWhat did you do with the artifacts you found?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe still have them,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cFrankly, we didn\u2019t know what to do with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to buy them from you, along with the journal,\u201d Papagora said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t buy them,\u201d stated Ben firmly. Seeing the startled look on Papagora\u2019s face, he added with a smile. \u201cYou may have them at no cost. They\u2019re not ours; we can\u2019t sell what we don\u2019t really own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you found them,\u201d protested Papagora. \u201cYou found the treasure so it belongs to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe found them,\u201d agreed Ben, \u201cbut we look at it more as recovering lost pieces of someone\u2019s history \u2013 your brother\u2019s history, as well as that of the Greek people. You don\u2019t sell history. Right, boys?\u201d He looked around and saw three heads nodding in agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get the satchel,\u201d offered Adam, getting to his feet. He walked to the stairs and quickly climbed them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat will you do with the artifacts?\u201d Ben asked Papagora.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, first, I\u2019ll try to find the owners \u2013 the people Anthony stole them from,\u201d Papagora answered. \u201cI doubt if I\u2019ll be very successful, but I at least have to try.\u201d He looked into the fire for a minute, thinking hard about something. \u201cI think I would like to open a museum, a place where people can come and look at pieces which represent the ancient culture and glories of Greece.\u201d He nodded to himself, as if confirming a thought. \u201cYes, a museum. Any unclaimed artifacts in the satchel will be the start. And I\u2019ll begin looking right away for other items I can add to it.\u201d Smiling at Ben, he added. \u201cI\u2019ll begin buying artifacts, not stealing them. I\u2019m a wealthy man, Mr. Cartwright, and I can\u2019t think of a better way to spend my money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the satchel,\u201d announced Adam as he descended the stairs. He carried the black bag, now cleaned of the dirt that had clung to it for so long. \u201cThe journal is inside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Papagora, getting to his feet. He took the satchel from Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s one thing I would like as a reward,\u201d Joe said suddenly. His father, brothers, and George Papagora looked at him in surprise. \u201cI\u2019d like to keep the paper with the directions on it. Sort of a souvenir of our great treasure hunt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a reminder that hunting for treasure rarely brings the rewards you think you\u2019ll find,\u201d added Ben. He grinned, along with Adam and Hoss, as Joe acknowledged the truth of that statement with an sheepish look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you may have the paper,\u201d said Papagora. \u201cIs it in the satchel?\u201d After noting Adam\u2019s nod, Papagora opened the bag. He pulled out the paper, which was sitting on the top of all the other items in the case, and handed it to Joe. Under the paper was the journal. Papagora ran his hand over the leather folder slowly, almost lovingly. Then, with a determined air, he shut the bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, gentlemen, for your kindness,\u201d stated Papagora. \u201cYou\u2019ve restored my brother to me. I appreciate that more than I can say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019ll invite us to see your museum when it\u2019s opened,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cI would really like to take a look at those things again some time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d agreed Papagora, with a smile. \u201cYou all have lifetime invitations to visit the Anthony Papagora Museum of Greek Culture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I think your brother would have liked that,\u201d remarked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I know he would have,\u201d stated Papagora.<\/span><\/p>\n

After an exchange of addresses and a round of handshakes, Papagora and the satchel of artifacts left the house. Ben and his sons stood silently as they watched the door close behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there goes our treasure,\u201d said Hoss, a bit sadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t find any gold,\u201d Adam added, \u201cbut you have to admit it was an interesting experience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you boys have learned something from this,\u201d Ben stated in his best lecturing tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI learned one thing,\u201d said Joe in a serious voice. \u201cTo appreciate the things you already have, including family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I learned that the ancient legends and past glories are nice to know about, but it\u2019s the future that is really important,\u201d added Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you, Hoss?\u201d Ben asked, looking at his middle son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa,\u201d said Hoss solemnly, \u201cI learned that there ain\u2019t no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.\u201d Then an impish smile crossed his face. \u201cBut it sure is a lot of fun to go looking for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Joe hooted with laughter as a frown crossed Ben\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben watched as his sons walked back and sat down on the chairs near the fireplace, laughing and kidding each other as they settled in. No one had asked Ben what he had learned, but he knew what the answer would have been. It wasn\u2019t really a new lesson, just the reinforcement of something he had known for a long time. Ben Cartwright understood that he already had his treasure. He had the greatest treasure of all \u2013 his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 Hoss and Joe end up with old Jim Bridger’s treasure map.<\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a023,100 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10338,"featured_media":0,"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":[],"class_list":["post-13949","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":965,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":63574,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=63574","url_meta":{"origin":13949,"position":0},"title":"The Snake (by JoanS.)","author":"JoanS","date":"March 16, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A snake causes chaos in the Cartwright house. Rating\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a02,140 words","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7353,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7353","url_meta":{"origin":13949,"position":1},"title":"The “Polluter Pays” Principle (by Sibylle)","author":"Sibylle","date":"May 7, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0If you would like to know why Adam always\u00a0wears black you must\u00a0 look at an incident that seriously affected not only him but the whole family. Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a02100","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/vlcsnap-error737.png?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/vlcsnap-error737.png?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/vlcsnap-error737.png?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/vlcsnap-error737.png?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12768","url_meta":{"origin":13949,"position":2},"title":"Christmas Comes Early (by DonnaM)","author":"DonnaM","date":"December 22, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0 Joe's story about Santa getting lost in Texas is based on \"Santa Got Lost In Texas,\" a song from the \"Christmas on the Ponderosa\" album. Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (6,500 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Christmas.jpg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":10378,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=10378","url_meta":{"origin":13949,"position":3},"title":"Scrumptious (by bahj)","author":"bahj","date":"February 20, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A little tale about helping a friend in need and making wishes . . . Rated: Family Friendly \/ Word count: 1108","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/brothers.jpg?fit=296%2C226&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":12211,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12211","url_meta":{"origin":13949,"position":4},"title":"Twiddle Dee Twiddle Dum (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"October 1, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Ben finds his two youngest sons doing nothing...and Adam and Hop Sing aren't doing much either. He's dumbfounded when he finds out just why they are doing nothing. Rated G \u00a0WC 1850","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Ben-1.jpg?fit=234%2C234&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7686,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7686","url_meta":{"origin":13949,"position":5},"title":"Singing Lessons (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"December 9, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0This is my contribution to the Dan Blocker Birthday Challenge. Hoss and Adam learn more than just a song. \u00a0\u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0 Word count:\u00a02315","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13949","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/10338"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13949"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13949\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13949"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13949"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13949"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}