{"id":13953,"date":"2007-12-12T15:31:06","date_gmt":"2007-12-12T20:31:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13953"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:11:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:11:13","slug":"the-paiute-necklace-by-susan-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13953","title":{"rendered":"The Paiute Necklace (by Susan G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 The return of a legendary necklace as part of a peace treaty could save countless lives.<\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a027,700 \u00a0Rated: \u00a0T<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Paiute Necklace<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI want you boys to be sure to check the fences while I\u2019m gone,\u201d ordered Ben Cartwright as he poured himself another cup of coffee. He glanced around the breakfast table at his three sons, then added gruffly, \u201cAnd don\u2019t forget to check the herd in the south pasture. If the grass is thinning, they may start to stray.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoggonit, Pa, you\u2019d think you\u2019d never left us alone at the ranch before,\u201d complained Hoss Cartwright, the middle and biggest of Ben\u2019s sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re only going to be gone a couple of days,\u201d stated Adam, Ben\u2019s oldest son. \u201cI think we can manage to hold the ranch together for that long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you worry, Pa,\u201d chimed in Joe, the youngest of the Cartwrights at age 22, in a slightly mocking tone. \u201cWe\u2019ll do everything you say. We\u2019ll check the fences, check the herd, and make sure the barn is clean. And in our spare time, we\u2019ll bake cookies and knit socks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t get smart with me, young man,\u201d Ben growled. \u201cI expect you boys to work while I\u2019m gone. No taking time off for trips to town. This ranch doesn\u2019t run itself, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Raising his eyebrows a bit, Adam studied his father. \u201cPa, you\u2019ve been as grouchy as a bear with a sore head for the past two days. Are you going to tell us what\u2019s really bothering you or are we just going to have to put up this with it until you leave tomorrow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A frown crossed Ben\u2019s face as he started to bark out an answer. Suddenly, though, he sighed. \u201cI know I\u2019ve been acting unreasonable,\u201d Ben admitted. \u201cI\u2019m just anxious about this treaty being signed, and I guess I\u2019m taking it out on everyone else. I\u2019m sorry, boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, what\u2019s got you so nervous?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cYou said the Army has made a deal with the Paiutes. All that\u2019s left to do is get the treaty signed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis treaty is so very important,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cIf Winnemucca agrees to let the supply trains cross his lands unmolested, it will save a lot a lives. Food, medicine and equipment will be able to get through, as well as new settlers. All those small towns and ranches that are just barely making it will be able to thrive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s a done deal, isn\u2019t it? Like Hoss said, all that\u2019s left is for Winnemucca and Colonel Marks to sign the treaty and for you to witness it,\u201d said Adam, sounding puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething could still go wrong,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cWinnemucca could change his mind. Some of his war chiefs don\u2019t like the idea of the wagons crossing their land. He might decide that having the necklace returned to the tribe isn\u2019t as important as protecting his land as well as keeping his braves happy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t understand why the necklace is so important to him,\u201d Joe remarked. \u201cGold doesn\u2019t mean anything to an Indian. You\u2019d think Winnemucca would want something like horses or cattle in exchange for signing the treaty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the gold in the necklace that\u2019s important,\u201d Ben explained, \u201cit\u2019s what the necklace represents. The legend says that a Paiute chief was out hunting one day and came across a man in the woods who was performing some kind of ritual. The chief thought the man was a white medicine man and decided to leave him alone. Then he saw a bear coming out of the woods, ready to attack the man. The chief killed the bear, saving the man\u2019s life. The man was so grateful that he took a gold chain from around his neck and gave it to the chief. He told the chief that if he believed in the power of the necklace, the chief would live a long time, and be considered good and wise by all men. The chief also was told that, as long as the Paiutes had the necklace, the Great Spirit would watch over them and give them good fortune.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe necklace has some kind of medallion on it, doesn\u2019t it,\u201d said Adam. \u201cMy guess it was given to the chief by a missionary and the message got a bit mixed up in the translation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould be,\u201d agreed Ben. \u201cBut the point is the Paiutes think it\u2019s powerful, and Winnemucca wants it back. He\u2019s willing to agree to let the supply trains through in order to get it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut if it\u2019s that important to them, how come the Paiutes lost it?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cAnd how did the Army get it and know to give it back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know the whole story,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cAll I know is that it disappeared three or four years ago and somehow ended up in a museum in San Francisco. Colonel Marks is the one who recognized the necklace as the one he had heard about from the Paiutes. He persuaded the government to acquire it so he could use it as a bargaining chip with the Paiutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt must have cost the government a pretty penny,\u201d Joe observed, shaking his head. \u201cI heard it was solid gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what it cost the government,\u201d replied Ben, \u201cbut it was worth every cent. That necklace is going to stop the Paiutes from attacking the wagons. There\u2019s no telling how many lives it will save, both on the wagons as well as in the places that desperately need those supplies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The sound of pounding on the front door of the house cut short the conversation around the breakfast table. Adam quickly got up from his chair and walked toward the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cColonel Marks!\u201d said Adam in surprise as he pulled open the front door of the ranch house. \u201cWhat are you doing here? I would have thought you\u2019d be heading for Spruce Meadow to get things ready for the treaty ceremony.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Adam,\u201d replied Marks in an abrupt tone. \u201cIs Ben here? I need to see him right away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, John?\u201d asked Ben as he emerged from the dining room and walked toward the door. He was followed by Joe and Hoss, both of whom looked at the army officer with curiosity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, we have a big problem,\u201d Marks answered grimly. \u201cThe necklace has been stolen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStolen!\u201d exclaimed Ben in alarm. \u201cDo you have any idea who took it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re pretty sure it was a sergeant named Kelly,\u201d replied the colonel. \u201cHe had guard duty the night before last, and was supposed to be protecting necklace in the safe in my office. When I got to my office in the morning, I found the safe opened and both Kelly and the necklace gone. I\u2019ve got men out looking for him, but so far, Kelly hasn\u2019t been found.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A worried expression appeared on Ben\u2019s face. \u201cThis is going to make getting that treaty signed very difficult,\u201d he said with dismay.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to make getting the treaty signed impossible,\u201d Marks corrected Ben. \u201cWinnemucca is going to think we lied to him about returning the necklace. He\u2019s going to think we deliberately tried to make him look like a fool. At the very least, he\u2019ll refuse to sign the treaty. It could even mean the Paiutes will go on the warpath.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWinnemucca isn\u2019t going to be happy with the turn of events,\u201d agreed Adam. \u201cHe could decide to take his anger out on every white man on the Washoe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s worse than that,\u201d Marks said bleakly. \u201cThere\u2019s already half a dozen supply trains on their way here. I sent a message to General Taylor in San Francisco to let him know we had a deal with the Paiutes. Once the word got out about the treaty, the suppliers decided it was safe to send their wagons. Winnemucca is sure to send his braves to attack them if the treaty isn\u2019t signed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you stop them?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cTurn them around and send them back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d have to find them before the Paiutes do,\u201d answered the colonel. \u201cAnd that\u2019s no easy task, considering we don\u2019t know exactly where the wagons are. And even if we find them, there\u2019s no guarantee we can get them back safely. I\u2019ll have to split my forces to try to find those supply trains. A small troop of cavalry won\u2019t be able to hold off a large band of angry Paiutes.\u201d Marks shook his head sadly. \u201cIt would be a massacre, and I\u2019m afraid there won\u2019t be just one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t you just explain to Winnemucca what happened?\u201d suggested Joe. \u201cTell him the necklace was stolen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019 don\u2019t think he wouldn\u2019t believe that,\u201d Ben said in a forlorn voice. \u201cThe Paiutes have been lied to so many times that Winnemucca doesn\u2019t trust much of what the white man tells him. The only reason he agreed to this treaty was to get the necklace back. Without the necklace as a token of good faith, he\u2019s going to think we’re lying to him again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould you make up another one?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cMaybe Winnemucca wouldn\u2019t be able to tell the difference.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s not enough time,\u201d Marks answered. \u201cThe treaty is supposed to be signed in three days. And even if there were, we couldn\u2019t duplicate the necklace. The Paiutes have scratch symbols on it as well as adding things like feathers and beads to it. That\u2019s how I recognized the necklace in the museum. But I don\u2019t remember enough of what was on it to be able copy them exactly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Winnemucca wouldn\u2019t be any happier if he thought we were trying to pawn a fake necklace off on him,\u201d Ben added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to do, colonel?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cCancel the treaty ceremony?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot until I absolutely have to,\u201d Marks replied. \u201cIf I delay or cancel things now, Winnemucca is going to figure out something is wrong. He\u2019s liable to demand the necklace right away, and is going to be angry when I can\u2019t deliver it. That will destroy any hope of ever getting the treaty signed. If I go ahead as planned, at least we\u2019ll have three days to try to find the necklace. There\u2019s always a chance one of my patrols will catch up with Kelly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have any idea where he went?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the sentries saw him riding toward the mountains,\u201d the colonel answered. \u201cThe sentry didn\u2019t stop him because he had no idea what Kelly had done.\u201d Suddenly, the colonel sighed. \u201cI hope one of the patrols find Kelly, but I have to admit the odds are against it. My soldiers are good fighting men, but I wouldn\u2019t call any of them great trackers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re just going to go ahead and act like nothing’s wrong until the last minute,\u201d Joe said, shaking his head. \u201cWhew! I wouldn\u2019t want to be in your shoes when Winnemucca finds out that the necklace is missing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not looking forward to it,\u201d agreed Marks glumly. \u201cI\u2019ll have some troopers at Spruce Meadows, and I hope that will discourage the Paiutes from doing anything rash. But if they\u2019re mad enough, the Paiutes aren\u2019t going to let a troop of cavalry stop them from shooting.\u201d The colonel turned to Ben. \u201cThat\u2019s why I rode over here this morning, Ben. I wanted to tell you what happened, and to tell you not to come to Spruce Meadows. It\u2019s too dangerous. There\u2019s no telling what Winnemucca and his braves will do if I can\u2019t produce the necklace. I can\u2019t put you in such a risky situation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Ben said nothing. A frown crossed his face, and he looked down at the floor, as if trying to make up his mind. Then he took a deep breath. \u201cJohn, I should go to Spruce Meadows with you,\u201d said Ben slowly as he looked up at the colonel. \u201cWinnemucca is going to be suspicious if I\u2019m not there when he arrives. And I might be able to help calm him down if you can\u2019t deliver the necklace. He might listen to me, since I\u2019m not a soldier.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you can\u2019t!\u201d exclaimed Joe in alarm. \u201cIf Winnemucca gets mad, you\u2019ll liable to find yourself in the middle of a war.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s right,\u201d Hoss told his father in an agitated voice. \u201cYou\u2019ll be right in the middle of a hornet\u2019s nest, only it\u2019ll be bullets flying around your head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have to go,\u201d Ben said grimly. \u201cIf there\u2019s any chance at all of keeping the peace, I have to take the risk. There\u2019s too many lives at stake, both Indian and white, for me to simply stay home and hope for the best.\u201d A small smile appeared on Ben\u2019s face. \u201cBesides, I\u2019ll have a troop of cavalry to hide behind if things go wrong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt least let us go with you,\u201d urged Joe. \u201cThat\u2019s three more guns in case there\u2019s trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d replied Ben in a firm voice. \u201cI don\u2019t need you three to help me sign the treaty, and if there\u2019s trouble, three more guns aren\u2019t going to make much difference.\u201d He looked at each of his sons in turn, then added, \u201cI mean it, boys. You show up at Spruce Meadows, I\u2019ll ask John to have some of his troopers escort you home. And that means fewer soldiers to help us if trouble starts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A look of unhappiness appeared on each of the Cartwright sons\u2019 faces, but all three of them heard the tone of Ben\u2019s voice and knew their father meant what he said. The young men exchanged glances and, as their expressions on their faces changed to resignation, almost imperceptible nods.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam agreed on behalf of his brothers. \u201cWe won\u2019t show up at Spruce Meadows. At least, we won\u2019t show up without the necklace.\u201d He held up his hand to cut off the words of protest from both the colonel and his father. \u201cWe know this country better than anyone, and Hoss is one of the best tracker in the territory. If we can\u2019t offer three more guns, then at least we can offer three more searchers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Kelly could be anywhere,\u201d said Ben doubtfully. \u201cYou could be wasting your time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can\u2019t stay home and hope for the best, than neither can we,\u201d Adam replied. He looked over his shoulder at his brothers, who nodded in agreement. \u201cWe\u2019ve got as good a chance as those soldiers at finding Kelly, maybe better.\u201d Turning to Colonel Marks, Adam asked, \u201cWhat does this Kelly look like?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a big Irishman, about 40,\u201d answered the colonel, a touch of hope in his voice. \u201cBlack hair, and a small scar above his left eye. The sentry said he was wearing his uniform, and riding a black horse. He was last seen riding toward Miner\u2019s Ridge. He probably went over the ridge and up into the mountains from there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiner\u2019s Ridge,\u201d mused Hoss. \u201cYou know, if I was on the run, I\u2019d go over that ridge and head west, rather than up into the mountains. There\u2019s some clear trails, lots of fresh water and game, and once you got through Crater Pass, you could head in any direction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that may be,\u201d Marks admitted with a shrug. \u201cI\u2019ve got my patrols searching the mountains, though. That\u2019s the most likely place for a man to go to hide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt would hurt to check out the trails to the west of the ridge,\u201d insisted Adam. \u201cKelly might have figured you\u2019d send patrols to the mountains and headed the other way. If we\u2019re wrong, we can always go back and help search the mountains.\u201d He cocked his head a bit and looked thoughtful. \u201cHow much time do we have?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cToday is Tuesday,\u201d the colonel answered. \u201cThe treaty ceremony is scheduled to start at noon on Friday. We\u2019ve only got three days to find the necklace and get it to Spruce Meadow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess then we\u2019ll have to have find Kelly and drag him and the necklace back to Spruce Meadows by Friday,\u201d Joe said with a cocky grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pulling his horse to a stop near a pile of large rock, Hoss peered down the hill in front of him. \u201cThis is the spot,\u201d he said confidently without bothering to look at his two brothers on their horses behind him. \u201cYou can see the entrance to Crater Pass. We\u2019ll get a good look at anyone coming down the trail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if Kelly has already gone through the pass?\u201d Joe asked sourly. \u201cWe got here in less than a day; maybe Kelly did, too. We\u2019ll be wasting our time just sitting here waiting for him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were a lot closer to Crater Pass to start with, and besides, we took the shortcut to get here,\u201d answered Hoss patiently. \u201cKelly would have to ride awful hard to make it from the fort to the pass in under two days. I don\u2019t think he\u2019d want to take a chance on hurting his horse with a ride like that. And he won\u2019t be rushing if he don\u2019t think anyone is looking for him over this way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t like the idea of just sitting here,\u201d Joe grumbled. \u201cWe ought to start looking for him. There\u2019s an hour or two of daylight left.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Joe,\u201d said Adam with more than a little exasperation in his voice, \u201cwe knew it would be almost dark when we got here. We agreed that we\u2019d watch the pass until morning. If we don\u2019t see Kelly, we\u2019ll start looking tomorrow. Let\u2019s stick with the plan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing softly, Joe nodded. \u201cI know, I know. I\u2019m just not very good at sitting around, especially when there isn\u2019t much time for us to find that necklace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you ain\u2019t good at sitting around, you can go get some wood and make a fire,\u201d suggested Hoss with a grin as he dismounted. \u201cI sure would like a hot meal and a nice warm fire while we\u2019re waiting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t get too cozy,\u201d Adam cautioned as he got down from his horse. \u201cI\u2019ll take the first watch, but you\u2019ll being doing the second one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me get this straight,\u201d said Joe as he dismounted also. \u201cI\u2019ve got to go get the wood, make the fire, and then get up in the middle of the night to watch for somebody who\u2019s probably not going to be coming down the trail when it\u2019s dark?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep, that\u2019s it, little brother,\u201d replied Hoss, still grinning. Seeing the look of displeasure on Joe\u2019s face, Hoss turned to his older brother. \u201cDon\u2019t he look cute when he\u2019s mad, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCharming,\u201d replied Adam dryly. \u201cNow let\u2019s get these horses out of sight and set up camp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The twilight of dusk had faded into the black of night as Hoss walked over to where Adam was sitting by the edge of the boulders. \u201cNothing, uh,\u201d said Hoss, as he stood over his oldest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot a sign,\u201d affirmed Adam, stretching his arms a bit. \u201cI don\u2019t think Kelly will try to go through the pass in the dark, but you never can tell. You keep your eyes peeled. I\u2019m going to get a cup of your bad coffee and then get some sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a step back to allow Adam room to get to his feet, Hoss looked out into the darkness. Suddenly, he frowned and stared hard into the night. As Adam started to walk by, Hoss grabbed his brother\u2019s arm. \u201cLook over there,\u201d Hoss said in a low voice. Adam turned his head; he saw nothing but black.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Adam in a puzzled voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

At first, Hoss didn\u2019t answer; he simply kept staring into the darkness. Suddenly, he pointed. \u201cThere!\u201d exclaimed Hoss. \u201cSee that light? Don\u2019t that look like a campfire to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing Hoss\u2019 voice and seeing his brothers peering out into the darkness, Joe got up from his seat on the ground near the fire and hurried to join the other two Cartwrights. \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d he whispered loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring Joe\u2019s question, Hoss kept his eyes focused on something in the night. \u201cThere it is again,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cThat light in the brush. It\u2019s there for a couple of seconds and then it\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw it,\u201d Adam replied with a nod. \u201cIt could be a campfire.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think Kelly would risk a fire?\u201d asked Joe in surprise. \u201cIf I was running, I keep a cold camp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe may think no one is looking for him,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cBesides, it looks like he\u2019s trying to hide the fire. The wind must be moving the flames around just enough so they\u2019re visible from time to time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf he\u2019s been on the trail for two days, Kelly is probably sick of cold beans and jerky,\u201d added Hoss. \u201cI sure would be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sick of cold beans and jerky after two hours,\u201d commented Joe wryly. He looked out into the night and waited. A minute or so passed before Joe saw the faint glow flickering through the blackness. \u201cThere sure is somebody out there,\u201d he stated. He turned to his brothers. \u201cHow do you want to do this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we ought to wait awhile,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cLet him get settled for the night. Then we\u2019ll work our way over there, surround the camp and surprise him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf that\u2019s not Kelly, we\u2019re going to scare the life out of some poor hunter,\u201d remarked Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s not Kelly, we apologize and come back here,\u201d Adam said. \u201cBut I\u2019ve got a feeling it\u2019s him. He\u2019s probably planning to go through the pass at dawn, when it\u2019s just light enough to see. That way, if someone is on his trail, he\u2019d be long gone before they got out of their bedrolls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re right and it is Kelly, Adam,\u201d Joe told his oldest brother. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get that necklace and get it to Spruce Meadows in time. If we don\u2019t, Pa\u2019s going to be facing a whole lot of angry Paiutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Moving furtively through the darkness, three figures approached the area from which the light had been spotted. The biggest one was in the lead, and he held out his arms to silently stop the other two. Hoss listened for a minute, making sure that nothing had alarmed whoever was near the fire. Satisfied that everything was quiet, Hoss nodded. Joe and Adam crept away in opposite directions, disappearing quickly into the black of night. Hoss silently counted to himself as he waited. When he reached 100, Hoss pulled his gun from his holster and started forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a big man, Hoss surprisingly was light on his feet. He quietly moved toward the figure wrapped in a blanket and apparently sleeping by the fire. But the man by the fire must have heard or sensed Hoss\u2019 presence. Hoss was only a few feet from the fire when the man whipped off the blanket and sat up, pointing his pistol directly at the largest Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold it, boyyo,\u201d warned the man, a trace of his Irish accent evident in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss was close enough to see the man clearly in the fire\u2019s light. An Army shirt with sergeant\u2019s stripes, the black hair and the scar over the eye all confirmed the man was the missing Kelly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do anything stupid, Kelly,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cYou\u2019re in enough trouble as it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Kelly\u2019s eyes widened a bit at Hoss\u2019 use of his name, but he held his gun steady. \u201cI don\u2019t know who you are or what you want,\u201d Kelly replied, \u201cbut I think the wisest thing would be for you to turn around and leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDrop the gun, Kelly!\u201d shouted a voice from the soldier\u2019s left.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re covered on three sides, so drop it!\u201d added a voice from the soldier\u2019s right.<\/span><\/p>\n

Never taking his eyes off Hoss, Kelly slowly lowered his gun and threw it to his right. Only when he heard Joe and Adam pushing their way through the bushes on either side of him did the sergeant glance to his right and left, merely confirming to himself that he had made the right choice. He watched carefully as the three Cartwrights came together near the fire, noting their revolvers were pointed at him the whole time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know who you lads are looking for, but I think you\u2019ve made a mistake,\u201d declared Kelly in a confident voice. \u201cI\u2019m just a soldier, out on patrol.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPatrolling by yourself?\u201d replied Adam in a dry voice. He jerked his head a bit to the right, and Joe, understanding the signal, walked over to pick up Kelly\u2019s gun from the ground. Taking a few more steps, Joe knelt and began going through the leather bags leaning against the sergeant\u2019s saddle near the fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow why don\u2019t you save my brother some time and just give us the necklace,\u201d suggested Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNecklace? What necklace?\u201d Kelly replied, feigning innocence. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about, lad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe necklace you stole from Colonel Marks office and is going to cause an Indian war if we don\u2019t get it back,\u201d clarified Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have any necklace,\u201d Kelly stated firmly. \u201cYou fellows have the wrong man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not lying,\u201d called Joe from a few feet away. \u201cThere\u2019s no necklace in his saddlebags. But look what I found.\u201d He held up a small leather sack, obviously full of something heavy. \u201cThere must be $5,000 in gold coins here. I found it hidden inside his saddle blanket.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, now! That money\u2019s mine,\u201d protested Kelly. \u201cI saved a long time to get it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn a sergeant\u2019s pay? I don\u2019t believe you,\u201d Adam said flatly. He considered Kelly for a moment, then added, \u201cYou sold the necklace, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI tell you, I don\u2019t know anything about a necklace,\u201d Kelly declared. \u201cYou lads are barking up the wrong tree.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019d you sell it to?\u201d persisted Adam. \u201cWhere\u2019s the necklace?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re wrong, dead wrong,\u201d Kelly answered, shaking his head. \u201cIf the necklace is missing, somebody else must have took it. I didn\u2019t have anything to do with it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWant me to shake it out of him, Adam?\u201d offered Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cocking his head a bit, Adam studied the soldier. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so,\u201d replied Adam in a deliberate tone. \u201cI think a bullet or two might be more effective.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBullets?\u201d squealed Kelly in alarm. \u201cYou can\u2019t mean it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring the sergeant\u2019s cry, Adam continued in the same deliberate voice, \u201cI think one in the kneecap might be a good place to start. If anyone asks, we can claim he was running away and we stopped him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cocking his gun, Hoss nodded. \u201cYeah, that\u2019s good, Adam. And if that don\u2019t work, I can put one in his foot. He won\u2019t be able to walk anywhere after that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys are crazy!\u201d shouted Kelly, the desperation evident in his voice. \u201cYou can\u2019t shoot me like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes we can,\u201d said Joe, who had walked over to join his brothers. \u201cSee, our Pa is at Spruce Meadows, and he\u2019s liable to be caught in the middle of a war if we don\u2019t get that necklace. So we don\u2019t have a lot of sympathy for the thieving coward who might start that war. You start talking or we start shooting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, all right,\u201d Kelly quickly replied. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what you want to know. Just\u2026just uncock those guns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Hoss released the hammer on his pistol, and lowered it a bit. He tried to hide his relief that Kelly had caved in. He knew that neither he nor his brothers would have made good on their threat to shoot the soldier, and if Kelly had still refused to talk, they might never have known what happened to the necklace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s the necklace?\u201d Adam asked, his tone decidedly unfriendly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI gave it to a man named Abe Chandler,\u201d Kelly answered, his tone a bit sullen. \u201cHe\u2019s the one who wanted the necklace. He paid me to steal it for him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would he want the necklace?\u201d Hoss asked curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know and I don\u2019t care,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cAll I know is he offered me $5,000 to steal the necklace and give it to him. I met him on Miner\u2019s Ridge, gave him the necklace, and he gave me the money. Then I took off. That\u2019s all I know, honest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s lying, Adam,\u201d growled Joe, raising his gun menacingly. \u201cHe hid the necklace someplace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s the truth!\u201d cried Kelly frantically. \u201cWhat do I care about some old necklace? I couldn\u2019t try to sell to a jeweler or someone like that; I\u2019d be arrested in a minute. I only stole it because Chandler paid me to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere can we find this Chandler?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe lives in Willow Bend or someplace near there,\u201d answered the sergeant quickly. \u201cI was in the saloon in Willow Bend about a week ago, crying in me beer about wanting to leave the army but having no money. This fellow Chandler comes up and starts asking me about the necklace. I told him what I knew, that the Paiutes wanted it back because they thought it was magic or something. Chandler starts buying beers for me and the next thing I know, we talking about how I could steal the cursed thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou knew that necklace was important to the Paiutes and you stole it anyway?\u201d said Hoss in a shocked voice. He knew people could be callous sometimes, but it always surprised him when they proved to him that it was true.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI needed money and Chandler was offering me a lot,\u201d Kelly replied, as if his words justified the deed. \u201cIt\u2019s not like I stole the payroll or something. It was just some old necklace that those dirty Indians wanted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you knew what would happen when the Paiutes didn\u2019t get the necklace,\u201d Hoss persisted. \u201cYou knew it could start a war, that a lot of people \u2013 including some of your soldier friends \u2013 could get killed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I tried not to think about that part,\u201d admitted Kelly. \u201cI figured to be up in the Oregon Territory where I wouldn\u2019t have to hear about what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKelly, you\u2019re the poorest excuse for a man that I\u2019ve seen in a long time,\u201d said Joe in disgust. He turned toward his oldest brother. \u201cWhat do we do now, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTie him up for now,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cIn the morning, we\u2019ll all ride to Willow Bend. After he helps us find this Chandler, we\u2019ll turn Kelly over to the sheriff there. Then we\u2019ll get the necklace and ride hard to Spruce Meadows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Most of the world was still sleeping as the first light of dawn filled the morning sky, but not the men in the rough camp in the woods. While Adam sipped the last of the coffee in his cup near the fire, Hoss was busy saddling Kelly\u2019s horse as well as the Cartwright\u2019s horses he had retrieved from their own camp during the night. Joe sat a few feet away from the fire with a rifle across his lap. His gaze was steadily fixed on Sergeant Kelly, who sat against a tree with a rope wrapped around his arms and chest, and a decidedly unhappy expression on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHorses saddled?\u201d asked Adam as he looked up to an approaching Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Hoss answered as he reached down for a cup half filled with coffee that was sitting near the fire. \u201cAll we need to do is pack up the gear and get Kelly on a horse, and we\u2019re ready to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey now,\u201d called Kelly. \u201cIt\u2019s bad enough that you boys woke me before the sun was even up for breakfast. Now you\u2019re talking about throwing me on a horse like a sack of potatoes. That\u2019s no way to treat an Army man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKelly, you\u2019re lucky we even fed you,\u201d Joe said with more than a hint of disgust in his voice. \u201cAnd I have a feeling your career in the Army is over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that may be,\u201d admitted the sergeant. \u201cBut still, I\u2019d like to keep what little of me honor I have left. At least let me ride in to Willow Bend like a soldier, not trussed up like some turkey.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a point, Adam,\u201d Hoss said grudgingly. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to travel some pretty rough country to get to Willow Bend. It\u2019ll be easier if we don\u2019t have to lead his horse or worry about picking him up off the ground.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking another sip of coffee, Adam considered the situation carefully. Slowly, he turned to look over his shoulder toward Kelly. \u201cIf we untie you, will you give me your word you won\u2019t try to escape?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI give you my word as a soldier,\u201d replied Kelly solemnly. Then a wry smile crossed his face. \u201cBesides, how far could I get with the three of you watching me?\u201d the sergeant added. \u201cI don\u2019t fancy ending up with a bullet in me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took another sip of coffee before answering. \u201cAll right, Joe,\u201d he said as he pour the last of the liquid into the cup over the fire. \u201cGo ahead and untie him. But watch him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe set his rifle on the ground, and then got to his feet. He took a few steps, then crouched to untie the knot that held the ropes around the sergeant. As the ropes loosened, Joe started to stand and pull his gun out of his holster. Suddenly, Kelly grabbed Joe\u2019s left wrist in an iron grip and yanked it hard, pulling the youngest Cartwright off balance. Dropping the pistol, Joe fell to the dirt, landing on his hip. Moving with cat-like quickness, Kelly jumped behind Joe, wrapping his left arm around Joe\u2019s neck. The sergeant gripped Joe\u2019s right wrist with his own right hand, and then stood, jerking Joe to his feet as he rose. Kelly twisted Joe\u2019s arm behind the young man\u2019s back and tightened his forearm against Joe\u2019s neck. \u201cAll right now, boyyos, let\u2019s see you drop those guns before I do some real damage to your brother here,\u201d Kelly threatened.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss had jumped to their feet and pulled pistols from their hostlers when they saw Kelly grab Joe. But both men knew they couldn\u2019t get a shot at the sergeant without hitting their youngest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDrop \u2018em!\u201d ordered Kelly again. He tightened his vise-like grip around Joe\u2019s neck and twisted the young man\u2019s arm a bit higher in the back. Joe gasped, both in pain and from the pressure against his neck that was cutting off his air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKelly, let him go!\u201d yelled Hoss angrily. \u201cYou\u2019re going to kill him!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou kill him and you\u2019re a dead man, Kelly,\u201d added Adam quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now, I know what I\u2019m doing,\u201d Kelly replied calmly. \u201cI know just how much it takes to crush a man\u2019s throat. I don\u2019t plan to kill the boy unless I have to. But I\u2019m not going to spend the next twenty years in an Army prison. So drop those guns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Not knowing whether to believe that the sergeant would release Joe, both Adam and Hoss hesitated, keeping their eyes as well as their guns aimed at the soldier.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once more, Kelly tightened his grip around Joe\u2019s neck a bit. A gurgling sound came out of Joe\u2019s throat. The young man\u2019s eyes were closed but his mouth was open, desperately seeking air for his lungs. Kelly pulled Joe\u2019s twisted arm a bit harder, eliciting a small gasp of pain from his prisoner. \u201cYou know, lads, I could get this wrong,\u201d Kelly said almost matter-of-factly. \u201cThe longer this takes, the more chance I\u2019ll make a mistake. At the very least, I\u2019ll fix it so the boy won\u2019t use this arm for a long time. So stop piddling around and drop those guns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost in unison, Hoss and Adam threw their revolvers to the dirt. \u201cNow let him go, Kelly\u201d Adam demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSoon as you two are laying face down on the ground, away from those guns,\u201d Kelly replied. He watched carefully as the two older Cartwright brothers lowered themselves to the ground. Both men lay on their stomachs, their heads turned to look at the soldier.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding in satisfaction, Kelly gave one last yank on Joe\u2019s arm and heard the strangled moan from his captive. Then the sergeant released his grip on both the young man\u2019s wrist and neck. Joe fell to the ground in a heap, alternately gasping for air and grunting in pain as he landed on the dirt. Calmly, Kelly stepped over the body at this feet and walked to pick up the rifle that Joe had dropped. \u201cI\u2019ll leave your horses down the trail a bit,\u201d declared the sergeant, kicking Adam and Hoss\u2019 guns into the brush. \u201cYou two stay on your bellies until you hear me ride off. I see either of you move before then, I\u2019ll be putting some bullets of me own into some bodies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Neither Adam or Hoss bothered to watch as Kelly untied and grabbed the reins of the horses standing near his own animal. The two had no interest in seeing the soldier mount and ride off. Both Cartwrights were watching Joe, who was laying on the ground a few feet away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cradling his right arm against his body, Joe was rocking slightly as he continued to suck in air. He coughed a few times, expelling the dust he took into his lungs as he gulped in oxygen. Joe was vaguely aware of the sound of hoof beats followed, by footsteps coming in his direction, but he was more concerned with catching his breath than watching the activity around him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d asked Hoss anxiously as he helped his younger brother to sit up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026think so,\u201d gasped Joe, but he winced as he tried to move his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Putting his hand on Joe\u2019s back for support, Adam looked around quickly. \u201cThere\u2019s coffee left in that pot. Bring some over,\u201d he ordered Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Hoss rushed to pick up the pot of now tepid coffee sitting near the flickering embers of what once was a fire. He grabbed a nearby cup and filled it with the liquid from the pot. Dropping the pot, Hoss hurried back to his brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, drink this,\u201d Hoss said as he help the cup to Joe\u2019s lips. Joe grabbed the cup with his left hand and began sipping the coffee slowly, grateful for anything that would erase the dryness in his mouth and throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

After watching to make Joe had no problems swallowing, Adam put his hand on his youngest brother\u2019s right shoulder and gently probed it with his fingers. \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s broken or separated,\u201d he declared. \u201cHow does it feel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly, Joe lifted his arm and moved his elbow in a small circle, flexing his fingers during the process. \u201cSore,\u201d he admitted, wincing a bit. \u201cBut everything seems to be working.\u201d He smiled a bit at his brothers. \u201cGood thing I\u2019m left handed though,\u201d added Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019m going to feel like using this arm much for a day or so.\u201d Then his face sobered. \u201cSorry. I just didn\u2019t expect Kelly to be able to move that fast.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNone of us did,\u201d Hoss consoled his brother. \u201cWe should have been smart enough to have one of us hold a gun on him while you untied him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo much for Kelly\u2019s word as a soldier to not try to escape,\u201d said Adam in a dry voice. \u201cThat man has about as much honor as a rattlesnake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do now?\u201d asked Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou rest a bit,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cHoss and I will go look for the horses. They can\u2019t be far. Kelly wouldn\u2019t have wanted to be slowed down by dragging three horses behind him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe going after him?\u201d Hoss asked almost eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Biting the inside of his lip a bit, Adam thought about Kelly and the necklace. \u201cNo,\u201d he said reluctantly after a few moments. \u201cAs much as I would like to get my own hands around Kelly\u2019s neck, we\u2019ll have to let him go for now. The important thing is to get to Willow Bend and find that necklace. We only have a little over two days left to get it to Spruce Meadows. We\u2019ll send the Army a telegram from Willow Bend about Kelly and let them deal with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think we can find this Abe Chandler without Kelly?\u201d Joe asked with a trace of doubt in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere can\u2019t be too many men in that area who can afford to pay $5,000 to have a necklace stolen for him,\u201d answered Adam confidently. \u201cIf we ask around, I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll find him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe what?\u201d Hoss pressed his older brother. \u201cWe just take it from him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d admitted Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to figure something out, though. We\u2019ve got to get that necklace to Spruce Meadows.\u201d He glanced at Joe and then shook his head a bit. \u201cThat necklace means a lot to the Paiutes. I just hope it\u2019s worth what it almost cost us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As the three riders started down the main street of the small town of Willow Bend, Adam glanced surreptitiously at Joe, as he had been doing most of the day. Despite Joe\u2019s claims that he was all right, both Adam and Hoss were keeping an eye on their younger brother, just to be sure. Other than cradling his right arm inside his green jacket, however, Joe seemed to show no ill-effects from his struggle with Sergeant Kelly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you want to start looking, Adam?\u201d asked Hoss as he walked his horse down the street.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe saloon sounds like a good place to me,\u201d Joe suggested before Adam could answer. \u201cThat\u2019s where Kelly met this Chandler. Besides, bartenders always seem to know what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you could get a cold beer while we\u2019re there, right?\u201d countered Adam with an arched eyebrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that could happen,\u201d Joe agreed with a grin. He coughed slightly. \u201cMy throat is still awfully dry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle brother, your throat is dry in the middle of a thunderstorm,\u201d Hoss complained but he softened his words with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking around the nearly deserted street of the town, Adam shook his head. \u201cI think we\u2019d do better to start with the sheriff,\u201d he told his brothers. \u201cIt\u2019ll be easier for us to get the necklace if the sheriff arrests Chandler for paying Kelly to steal it.\u201d Without waiting for an answer from Joe and Hoss, Adam pulled his horse to a stop in front of a building with a sign proclaiming it to be the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBet we won\u2019t find any beer in here,\u201d muttered Joe a bit sourly as he got down from his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pointedly ignored his youngest brother\u2019s complaint as he tied the reins to his horse around the hitching post. He waited a moment for Joe and Hoss to tie up their animals, and then walked into the sheriff\u2019s office with his two brothers in tow.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he entered the office, Adam looked at the man sprawled in the chair behind the desk with a bit of surprise. Wearing faded brown pants held up by suspenders that came up over a well-worn brown and cream checkered shirt, the man looked less like a lawman than any sheriff Adam had seen. He noted the scuffed boots on the feet the man had propped up on the desk, and the fact that the man wasn\u2019t wearing a holster. A badge sat on the desk next to a shotgun. The man looked up from a newspaper he was reading as the Cartwrights came into the office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Adam Cartwright,\u201d announced Adam as he walked further into the office. \u201cThese are my brothers, Hoss and Joe. Are you the sheriff?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJess McConnell,\u201d the man introduced himself from behind the desk. \u201cAnd no, I ain\u2019t the sheriff. I\u2019m just kind of keeping any eye on things while the sheriff and posse are out tracking down some rustlers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe you can help us,\u201d said Adam, trying to keep the frustration out of his voice. \u201cWe\u2019re looking for a man named Abe Chandler. We think he lives in Willow Bend or somewhere nearby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOld Abe?\u201d McConnell replied. \u201cWhy you looking for him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hesitating, Adam looked over his shoulder at Joe and Hoss before answering. Hoss shrugged while Joe nodded encouraging. Turning back to face the desk, Adam said, \u201cIt\u2019s rather complicated, but basically, Chandler paid someone to steal a necklace that is important to the Paiutes. We\u2019re looking to get it back before Paiutes go on the warpath.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA necklace, eh? I suppose it\u2019s a magic charm or some such thing,\u201d speculated McConnell. \u201cThat sounds like something Abe would want. Probably that gypsy woman put him up to having it stolen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGypsy woman?\u201d asked Joe quizzically. \u201cWho\u2019s she?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMadam Zola,\u201d answered the man behind the desk. \u201cAt least that\u2019s what she calls herself. Showed up here two or three years ago. She started telling fortunes over at the saloon for drinks and spare change. One day, she tells Abe that he\u2019s going to be rich and live easy for the rest of his life. And he believed her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like a prediction she\u2019d make to about half the people she saw,\u201d Adam remarked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably is,\u201d agreed McConnell. \u201cShe told me that I was going to be rich, and I\u2019m still waiting for it to happen. But in Abe\u2019s case, the day after she told his fortune, he hit a big silver vein up on his digs. One of the big mining companies paid him a whole passel of money for it. And ever since then, he\u2019s convinced she knows things that the rest of us don\u2019t. He listens to whatever she says.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think she told him to steal the necklace?\u201d asked Hoss. \u201cWhy would she do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t rightly say,\u201d McConnell replied, shaking his head. \u201cMaybe she told him it would bring him good luck or something. Old Abe always was kind of an odd duck, and he\u2019s been acting really strange ever since he hooked up with that woman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy Chandler stole that necklace isn\u2019t important,\u201d said Adam firmly. \u201cThe important thing is getting it back. Where can we find this Chandler?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe built a place about five miles north of town,\u201d McConnell answered. \u201cIt\u2019s a big house, with a ten foot wall around it. You can\u2019t miss it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you come with us to arrest Chandler and help us get the necklace back?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d answered McConnell in surprise. \u201cNo siree. I ain\u2019t going near that place. I ain\u2019t a real sheriff or anything; I\u2019m just filling in until the sheriff gets back. I ain\u2019t about to tangle with old Abe. He\u2019s got eight or ten men working for him out at his place. Real bad hombres, they are. And those men make sure that nobody bothers Abe unless he wants to be bothered.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s Chandler got that he needs armed men and a wall to protect?\u201d asked Joe curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the story around town is that Abe don\u2019t trust banks and he\u2019s got a pile of gold coins hidden up in that house,\u201d answered McConnell. \u201cDon\u2019t know if that\u2019s true. I do know that the gypsy woman is the one who told him to build the place and hire the men. \u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got to get that necklace from Chandler,\u201d said Adam with a tone of urgency in his voice. \u201cWhen will the sheriff be back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t say,\u201d McConnell replied with a shrug. \u201cShouldn\u2019t be any more than three or four days, I\u2019d guess. Depends on how long it takes him and the posse to catch the rustlers \u2013 or decide that they\u2019ve lost the trail for good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, we can\u2019t wait three or four days,\u201d Hoss said anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d agreed Adam. He studied McConnell for a minute, then said, \u201cLook, we\u2019ve got to get that necklace to Spruce Meadows by noon on Friday or there\u2019s going to be big trouble. My brothers and I\u2026well, let\u2019s just say we\u2019ll do whatever it takes to get that necklace from Chandler. Do you have any problem with that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot my concern,\u201d McConnell answered with an air of disinterest. \u201cThe sheriff just told me to keep an eye on things in town. He didn\u2019t say nothing about keeping an eye on what happens out at the Chandler place.\u201d He cocked his head a bit, and then continued. \u201cIf you three figure on robbing the place, though, I\u2019d recommend against it. Even if you could figure out a way to get it, those men at Chandler\u2019s shoot first and ask questions later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about this Madam Zola?\u201d pressed Adam. \u201cWhere can we find her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe lives out there by Chandler,\u201d McConnell answered. \u201cGot a little house of her own in back of his big house. Abe wanted her close so he could ask her questions or something, I guess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInside the wall?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d McConnell said with a nod. \u201cThose men protect her just like they protect Abe. Nobody gets to talk with her without Abe saying they can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe does sound like a strange one,\u201d commented Hoss, shaking his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe is,\u201d agreed McConnell. \u201cI wish you boys luck in getting that necklace from him. \u2018Cause you\u2019re going to need it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Sitting alone at a table in the back of the all but deserted saloon, Adam slowly sipped his beer. The only other person in the room was the obviously bored bartender who was reading a newspaper as he sat behind the wooden counter. Adam was glad of the solitude offered by the empty saloon; it gave him a chance to think while he was waiting for his brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam gazed idly at the door to the saloon, a small smile crossed his face. He could have predicted almost word for word the protests Joe had raised when Adam suggested Hoss take him down the street to be looked over by the town doctor. He knew his youngest brother would claim that he was \u201call right\u201d and that he \u201cdidn\u2019t need to be poked and prodded by some doctor\u201d. It had taken Adam\u2019s bribe of offering to buy beers for all of them, plus his suggestion that the doctor might offer some information about Chandler that they could use, to get Joe to grudgingly accompany Hoss to the doctor\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing Hoss and Joe come through the door, Adam loudly cleared this throat and raised two fingers, signaling the bartender that he was ready for the two additional glasses of beer he had already paid for. The man behind the bar began filling two mugs with foaming liquid as Joe and Hoss walked over to Adam\u2019s table and sat down. Joe\u2019s arm was resting in a sling of white cloth, but the youngest Cartwright seemed to find the sling more of a hindrance than a comfortable support.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you get that telegram sent?\u201d asked Joe as he awkwardly positioned his right arm on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, although I don\u2019t know how much good it will do,\u201d replied Adam. He gave a brief nod of thanks to the bartender as the man set glasses of beer in front of his brothers. \u201cAt least the Army will know where to look for Kelly. Whether they\u2019ll be able to find him or not is another thing.\u201d He took a sip of beer, then asked, \u201cWhat did the doctor say about your shoulder?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust what I told you he would say,\u201d grumbled Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s just bruised and a little twisted. He told me to rest in for a day or two in the sling and it will be fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid he tell you anything about Chandler?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot much,\u201d answered Hoss. \u201cHe said the same thing as that fellow over in the sheriff\u2019s office \u2013 that Chandler was always a bit strange and has gotten stranger since he found that silver and made a lot of money. The doc says Chandler comes to town once a month or so for a check-up. The doc never finds anything wrong with him, but Chandler keeps coming anyway. \u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvidently Chandler is afraid that something is going to keep him from living long enough to spend all his money,\u201d added Joe. \u201cAccording to the doc, Chandler\u2019s always looking for some medicine or something that will make sure he lives a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat explains why he wanted the necklace,\u201d said Adam with a nod. \u201cChandler probably heard the part of the legend that says the owner of the necklace will have a long life. I don\u2019t doubt that this Madam Zola also is giving him charms and predictions to insure a long life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, it\u2019s kind of sad,\u201d remarked Hoss. \u201cThe doc said that in a lot of ways, Chandler was happier when he was looking for that silver bonanza than after he actually found it. Now that he\u2019s got a lot of money, all he does is worry about living long enough to spend it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t be the first man to find out that money can\u2019t buy happiness,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cOur problem is to figure out a way to get that necklace away from him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if he\u2019s got all those armed men out at his place, we can\u2019t exactly ride in and take it from him,\u201d Joe said.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got the men, all right,\u201d Adam confirmed. \u201cThe bartender told me there\u2019s always at least six of them guarding Chandler\u2019s place. He never lets more than one or two of them come to town at a time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd even if we could figure out a way to sneak into the place, we wouldn\u2019t know where to look for the necklace,\u201d added Joe glumly. \u201cIt\u2019s a sure bet he\u2019s got it hidden or in a safe or something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we could just tell him how important that necklace is to making sure there\u2019s peace,\u201d Hoss suggested. \u201cI mean, if Chandler is worried about living a long time, he can\u2019t want the Paiutes to go on the warpath and start killing white folks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat would cut down on his odds for having a long life,\u201d agreed Joe with a wry smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam said doubtfully. \u201cIf he had to choose between keeping a necklace that would insure him a long life, or giving it up to insure peace with the Paiutes, I\u2019d bet Chandler would keep the necklace. After all, he\u2019s built himself a fort and got armed men to protect him. He\u2019s probably as safe as anyone could be in the middle of an Indian war.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t just give up, Adam,\u201d Joe told his brother with a frown. \u201cPa\u2019s life could depend on us getting that necklace to Spruce Meadows on time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNobody is going to give up,\u201d replied Adam patiently. \u201cWe just have to figure out the best way to do this. I\u2019ve been thinking, and I think the best idea is to try to trick him into giving us the necklace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGiving us the necklace?\u201d Hoss said in surprise. \u201cHow are we going to do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have got to convince Chandler that keeping the necklace is going to be worse than giving it back,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ll have a better chance of doing that if we get Madam Zola to help us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how are we going to get Madam Zola to do that?\u201d Joe asked. \u201cI don\u2019t think she\u2019ll do it out of the goodness of her heart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but she\u2019ll probably do it for money,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cWhen I sent that telegram to the Army, I also sent a telegram to the Virginia City bank, asking them to make a wire transfer of $1,000 to the bank here in Willow Springs in my name.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c$1,000!\u201d exclaimed Joe. \u201cThat\u2019s a lot of money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think Pa\u2019s life is worth a thousand dollars?\u201d asked Adam skeptically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I mean, sure, it\u2019s worth every penny if it will help us get that necklace,\u201d stammered Joe. He shook his head. \u201cBut how are we going to get to Madam Zola? McConnell says that Chandler doesn\u2019t let anyone talk with her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to come up with a story that will convince Chandler to let us see the woman.\u201d Suddenly, he looked at Joe speculatively. \u201cAnd I think I may have an idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Riding slowly, the Cartwrights approached the house surrounded by a high wall made out of rocks and cement. Only the very top of the house, which appeared to be sitting in the middle of a courtyard, was visible over the wall. The area seemed deserted; no guards were patrolling outside the wall and no activity could be seen or heard from inside the enclosure. But when Adam and his brothers approached the tall wrought-iron gate that was the only entrance to the compound, two men with rifles stepped into view inside the gate. Both were dressed in a well-worn shirt and pants, and had holsters strapped around their hips. Neither had a welcoming expression on their face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold it right there,\u201d called one of the men. \u201cMr. Chandler ain\u2019t expecting any visitors. So you three just turn around and ride off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not here to see Mr. Chandler,\u201d Adam told the man. \u201cWe want to see Madam Zola.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMadam Zola? That gypsy woman?\u201d said the guard, obviously taken aback. He blinked his eyes in surprise. \u201cWhat do you want with her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s\u2026personal,\u201d replied Adam carefully. \u201cWe need to consult with her about something very important.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d the guard said, obviously unsure of what to do. \u201cAin\u2019t nobody ever come asking to see her.\u201d He frowned for a minute, then turned to the man standing beside him. \u201cFeeney, go get Mr. Chandler. He ought to decide what we should do about these fellows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the other man trotted off, the guard turned back to the Cartwrights. \u201cYou don\u2019t really believe in this gypsy, do you?\u201d he asked skeptically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve heard that she told Chandler the he would find the silver vein,\u201d Adam answered, trying to keep an innocent look on his face. \u201cAnd we heard she\u2019s been advising him ever since. If a man like Chandler trusts her, why shouldn\u2019t we? Why? Don\u2019t you believe what she says?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t my job to believe her or not,\u201d said the man with the rifle gruffly. \u201cMr. Chandler pays us good to keep him and the woman safe and to keep strangers away from them. If he wants to believe in a bunch of hocus pocus, that\u2019s his business. I just do my job and collect my pay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI assure you that we only want a few minutes with Madam Zola,\u201d Adam declared as earnestly as possible. \u201cWe\u2019re not here to cause any trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to hear that,\u201d said a man approaching the gate from behind the guard. The man who spoke was a study in contrasts. A crisp, new-looking light blue shirt was tucked into faded black pants help up by a pair of old suspenders. Hatless, his thick black hair was visible, as well as a tanned face creased with lines of aging. Although he wore no gun, his demeanor and voice was as threatening as the men holding rifles next to him. \u201cI\u2019m Abe Chandler. What do you want?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Chandler, I\u2019m Adam Cartwright,\u201d replied Adam respectfully. \u201cThese are my brothers Hoss and Joe. Perhaps you\u2019ve heard of our father, Ben Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen Cartwright?\u201d Chandler said, frowning a bit. \u201cThe fellow that owns that big ranch over by Virginia City? Yeah, I\u2019ve heard of him.\u201d Chandler cocked his head a bit. \u201cFeeney here says you want to see Madam Zola. Why would Ben Cartwright\u2019s boys want to see her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs I was telling your man, it\u2019s a personal matter,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cWe\u2019ve heard of what she\u2019s done for you and we\u2019re hoping she can help us. Perhaps we could come inside where we could discuss this more privately.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can discuss it right there,\u201d growled Chandler. \u201cEither tell me what this is all about or turn them horses around and get out of here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving an exaggerated sigh, Adam looked over his shoulder to Joe, who was sitting on his pinto horse a few feet behind him. Joe\u2019s arm was still resting in the sling the doctor had given him, and his younger brother sported a look of what seemed to be great sorrow on his face. Adam couldn\u2019t keep a smile from his face, but he quickly erased it before turning back to Chandler.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy younger brother, Joe, has injured his shoulder,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cIt\u2019s a very bad injury. The doctors have said that the only way to fix it is with an operation. But the operation is very risky. If it doesn\u2019t go right, his shoulder could end up worse. It could even kill him. We\u2019ve been trying to decide what to do, and then we heard about Madam Zola. We\u2019re hoping she can see into Joe\u2019s future and tell him whether to have the operation or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a minute, Chandler stood and studied the three men on the other side of the tall gate. Finally, he nodded and turned to the men beside him. \u201cLet \u2018em in,\u201d Chandler ordered.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two guards walked forward and unlatched the gate, pulling it open and then stepping back. The entrance to the compound was narrow; only one rider at a time could pass through it. The guards carefully watched the Cartwrights ride into the courtyard, their fingers firmly on the trigger of their rifles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once inside the wall, Adam stopped his horse as did Joe and Hoss. He looked around, and noted the large clapboard house, painted blue with white trim, and fronted by a wide porch. \u201cWhere should we go?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet off them horses here,\u201d replied Chandler. \u201cMy men will take care of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the three Cartwrights dismounted, Chandler suddenly rushed forward and grabbed Joe\u2019s right shoulder. He pulled Joe\u2019s shoulder back with a hard yank.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d yelped Joe in obvious pain. \u201cWhy\u2019d you do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny fool can put his arm in a sling,\u201d explained Chandler. \u201cI just wanted to see if your brother here was telling the truth. Sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSatisfied?\u201d said Joe, rubbing his sore shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am,\u201d Chandler replied. His expression suddenly changed. All traces of doubt and threat disappeared, and a look of eager anticipation appeared. \u201cI\u2019m glad you fellows understand about Madam Zola. Most people, they just laugh and call me silly for listening to her. But she really knows what\u2019s she\u2019s talking about. It\u2019s nice to see someone else believes in her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ve heard good things about her,\u201d Adam said in a neutral voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we hear she\u2019s a real wonder,\u201d added Hoss with a smile. His face suddenly grew sober, as if he abruptly remembered the reason for their visit. \u201cWe\u2019re hoping she can tell us what to do about our poor, sickly brother here,\u201d Hoss said solemnly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure she can,\u201d Chandler assured the men. \u201cFollow me. Her place is just in back of the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t overdo it,\u201d Adam hissed to Hoss as the Cartwrights walked behind Chandler. Hoss nodded, but he couldn\u2019t keep the twinkle out of his eye as he looked over to Joe. The youngest Cartwright was struggling hard to keep the look of sorrow on his face, but the edges of Joe\u2019s mouth kept twitching upward into a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chandler led the Cartwrights to a small but well-built structure located about twenty yards behind the main house. The wooden walls were painted a bright yellow, and the door on which Chandler was politely knocking appeared to be made of solid oak. The door opened quickly, and a woman dressed in a white peasant blouse and brightly printed skirt stood in the doorway. Streaks of white in her dark hair and a body whose frame was solidly filled showed that the woman was past the blush of youth. Her dark eyes, however, were bright and penetrating as she looked out at the men who stood in the yard in front of the building.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbraham,\u201d said woman pleasantly, \u201cwhat brings you to my house?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMadam Zola, I bring three men who need your help,\u201d replied Chandler formally. \u201cThese are the Cartwright brothers. I promised them that you would talk to them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut of course,\u201d Madam Zola assured her benefactor as her eyes widened in surprise. She looked past Chandler to study the three young men standing behind him. \u201cMadam Zola always helps those who seek her advice. Please come into my humble home,\u201d she added in a heavily accented voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Chandler started forward, Adam reached out and grabbed the man\u2019s shoulder, stopping him. \u201cOur situation is rather personal,\u201d Adam said. \u201cPerhaps it would be better if we talked with Madam Zola in private.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sure, I understand,\u201d Chandler agreed quickly. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you fellows come up to the house when you\u2019re done. I\u2019ve got some good whiskey to offer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said Adam as he pushed past the man and walked into the house. Hoss and Joe followed their brother with rapid steps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, how can Madam Zola be of service to you?\u201d asked the gypsy woman as she closed the door firmly behind the Cartwrights.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked around quickly before replying. The room in which the Cartwrights were standing appeared to be a parlor, furnished with two overstuffed chairs and a sofa, as well as two small end tables. Books, sewing, and pieces of paper with sketches were scattered around the room, covering both tables and a good portion of the sofa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need your help,\u201d Adam declared bluntly. \u201cAnd we\u2019re willing to pay well for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCrossing a fortune teller\u2019s palm with a coin brings a clearer picture of the future,\u201d Madam Zola acknowledged in a theatrical voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCut the act,\u201d said Joe harshly. \u201cWe\u2019re not here to have our fortunes read. We need your help getting the necklace Chandler stole.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s real important, ma\u2019am,\u201d Hoss added gently, trying to soften the impact of Joe\u2019s words. \u201cA lot of lives depend on us getting that necklace back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment, Madam Zola simply stood and looked at the three men in her parlor. She seemed to be trying to make up her mind about how to reply. Finally, she nodded, and said, \u201cAll right, boys, what\u2019s the story?\u201d The accent in her speech had fallen to a mere trace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChandler paid to have a necklace stolen from the Army,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cIt was supposed to be given to the Paiutes on Friday at a treaty ceremony. If we don\u2019t show up in Spruce Meadows with the necklace on time, the Paiutes are going to be very upset. It could mean a war.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you want me to help you get it from Abe,\u201d Madam Zola said. \u201cWhy should I help you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we\u2019ll pay you for your help. I\u2019m sure we can offer you enough to make it worth your effort,\u201d Joe answered a bit cynically.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling, Madam Zola moved across the room and made herself comfortable in one of the chairs. \u201cDon\u2019t be too sure,\u201d she warned. \u201cI\u2019ve got a very nice set-up here. I don\u2019t know if I want to take a chance on messing things up.\u201d Madam Zola waved her hand in the air. \u201cThis house, it\u2019s the first real home I\u2019ve had since I was a little girl. I even have a flower garden in the back. Abe gives me everything I want or need \u2013 food, clothes, or whatever \u2013 and he pays all the bills. If I want, I can go up to the house and eat with Abe, drink his whiskey, and enjoy his company. And all I have to do in return is listen to him and give him some advice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all you have to do?\u201d said Joe skeptically. \u201cJust talk to him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mr. Cartwright, that\u2019s all I have to do,\u201d snapped Madam Zola indignantly. Then her tone softened a bit. \u201cI know what this probably looks like to you boys, but really, all Abe wants is someone to talk to and tell him what to do from time to time. I know he acts kind of strange, but he\u2019s not a bad guy. And he treats me with respect.\u201d The woman shook her head a bit. \u201cI haven\u2019t met many people who treat me with respect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut ma\u2019am, don\u2019t you get a hankering to be with other people?\u201d asked Hoss in a puzzled tone. \u201cAin\u2019t you upset that Chandler keeps you out here and away from the folks in town?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKeeps me here?\u201d Madam Zola said, surprised. \u201cThis isn\u2019t a prison; it\u2019s a refuge.\u201d She sighed a bit , and then continued. \u201cI\u2019m a gypsy. I\u2019ve been laughed at, spat on, and called every name you can think of. When I asked for help because I was broke or hungry or cold, people turned their backs on me or ran me out of town. I\u2019ve seen dogs treated better than I have been treated sometimes. I asked Abe to build the walls around this place. The walls don\u2019t keep me here. They keep people away from me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you ever get bored?\u201d asked Adam, genuinely curious.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever I feel an itch for a little excitement, I just tell Abe I need to go someplace to revitalize my gift,\u201d Madam Zola answered. \u201cHe takes me to San Francisco, or Sacramento or Denver for awhile. I spend time doing things which Abe thinks are refreshing my powers, and then we enjoy the city for a bit. But I have to admit, I like coming back to my little home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens when Chandler decides he no longer needs you?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cOr if he decides he no longer believes in you? What happens if he dies? Wouldn\u2019t it be nice to have a nice little nest egg in the bank to fall back on?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbe is a true believer,\u201d Madam Zola replied with a smile. \u201cAnd I\u2019m careful to tell him what he wants to hear, or what makes sense.\u201d She cocked her head a bit, though, and looked thoughtful. \u201cBut you have a point. It would be nice to have something squirreled away, just in case. After all,\u201d she concluded in a voice dripping with irony, \u201cno one can predict the future.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo nice to hear you admit that,\u201d said Joe dryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ignoring Joe\u2019s comment, Madam Zola looked directly at Adam. \u201cHow much are you offering?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Trying to gauge the depth of the woman\u2019s greed, Adam answered carefully, \u201cWe are prepared to pay you $500.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot enough,\u201d said Madam Zola quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe could make it $700,\u201d countered Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMake it a $1,000 and we have a deal,\u201d declared Madam Zola. \u201cI want the money first. And I get to keep it no matter what Abe decides to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c$500 now and $500 when we get the necklace,\u201d Adam stated firmly. \u201cYou only get the full amount if we get the necklace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDone,\u201d agreed Madam Zola, holding out her hand. She waited patiently as Adam pulled his wallet from the inside pocket of his vest, counted out some bills, and placed the money on the woman\u2019s palm. Madam Zola counted the money, then folded the bills and placed them inside her blouse between her breasts. \u201cNow tell me more about this necklace,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe haven\u2019t actually seen it, ma\u2019am,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cWe know it\u2019s a gold chain with some kind of medal on it, and it\u2019s got some other decorations like feathers and beads attached. It belonged to the Paiutes but somehow they lost it. The Army was suppose to give back to the Paiutes when they sign the treaty on Friday. But this soldier stole it a few days ago. He told us this Chandler fellow paid him to steal it and give it to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know the necklace you\u2019re talking about,\u201d Madam Zola told the Cartwrights. \u201cAbe showed it to me yesterday. He told me he heard about it from some soldier in town a week or so ago. His story was that the necklace was supposed to insure a long life.\u201d The gypsy shook her head in disgust. \u201cThe thing is almost ugly with all those feathers and beads on it. But Abe is very proud of himself for having gotten hold of it. I didn’t know he stole it. I thought he bought it. He\u2019s always buying charms and trinkets that he thinks will protect him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know where he keeps it?\u201d asked Joe eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re thinking about stealing it, forget it,\u201d advised Madam Zola. \u201cAbe wants nothing more than to be sure he lives a long time, and he seems to think that necklace will make sure it happens. He\u2019s got it locked up in a safe that I doubt you could open with dynamite. And even if you did, Abe would have his men shoot you before you got ten feet from the house.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there any way to convince him to give it back?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cIf that necklace isn\u2019t there when the Paiutes are ready to sign the treaty, they are going to be very angry. It could mean war. And when the Paiutes are on the warpath, a lot of white men could die. Including Chandler.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA war with the Indians wouldn\u2019t worry Abe,\u201d Madam Zola replied. \u201cIn case you haven\u2019t noticed, this place is built like a fort. And he\u2019s got plenty of men to defend it. Abe is a lot like me, too; he doesn\u2019t care much about what happens outside these walls.\u201d She looked thoughtful. \u201cHe\u2019s got to be convinced that keeping that necklace will shorten his life, not add to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are we going to do that?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d answered Madam Zola slowly. \u201cLet me think a minute.\u201d She looked around the room, then turned to Adam. \u201cHow did you convince Abe to let you talk to me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe told him that my brother Joe needed a risky operation on his shoulder,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cYou\u2019re suppose to predict whether the operation will work or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was a good idea,\u201d Madam Zola complemented Adam. \u201cAbe would feel sorry for someone who was sick or injured, since he\u2019s always worrying about that happening to him.\u201d She sat for a minute thinking, then nodded to herself. \u201cYes, I think I have an idea that will get Abe to give up the necklace. I\u2019ll need you fellows to help, though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell us what to do, ma\u2019am\u201d said Hoss eagerly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow good are you are at keeping a straight face?\u201d asked Madam Zola.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When Chandler heard the knock on the front door of his house, he was a bit surprised. It wasn\u2019t the knock that surprised him, but rather how much time had passed before it happened. He had expected Madam Zola to spend no more than a few minutes with the Cartwrights. Instead, almost an hour had passed before he heard the firm rapping on his door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling open the door, Chandler smiled at sight of Madam Zola standing in front of him. He looked past the gypsy and saw Adam, Hoss and Joe a few feet behind her. \u201cCome on in,\u201d invited Chandler in a hearty voice. \u201cI\u2019ve got some good whiskey ready, just like I promised.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Chandler turned and walked backed into the house, Madam Zola looked over her shoulder to give the Cartwrights a small smile and nod. Then she entered the house, trailed by the three men.<\/span><\/p>\n

If anyone had described the room into which he walked to Adam, he wouldn\u2019t have believed them. His jaw almost dropped as he looked at the opulent but incompatible furnishings. A huge picture of what looked like Greek nymphs hung over a large stone fireplace. On the mantle above the fireplace stood small marble statues, wooden crosses, and several small painted cards of angels and saints. The walls of the room were white, trimmed in carved wood gilded with bright gold. On the walls were hung paintings of various sizes and subjects, none of which seemed to have any logical relationship to the others, as well as a pair of crossed swords, a woven tapestry, and a wooden carving of The Last Supper. An overstuffed sofa covered in green printed satin was flanked by two chairs whose fabric consisted of white cloth with thin red stripes. In front of the sofa sat a highly polished mahogany table; an old deck of cards and cribbage board sat on the table next to a silver bowl of apples. A marble statue of a nude woman stood in one corner of the room, looking blindly at the painted wooden Indian chief standing in the opposite corner. Chandler stood in front of an intricately carved sideboard near the fireplace, pouring whiskey from an old brown bottle into small, cut-glass tumblers. He glanced at Adam and smiled at the look on the man\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBet you never saw anything like this before,\u201d stated Chandler smugly as he handed a tumbler half-full of whiskey to Madam Zola and then to Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can truthfully say that this room defies description,\u201d Adam replied. When Chandler went back to the sideboard to pick up more glasses, Adam looked at Hoss and Joe. His brothers seemed almost as stunned as he was by the odd furnishings in the room. Clearing his throat loudly to get their attention, Adam shook his head at Hoss and Joe. Both of them understood his silent warning, and quickly changed their expressions to one of solemn interest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbraham buys things which interest him,\u201d explained Madam Zola in a voice which was heavily accented once again. \u201cAs you can see, he has many interests.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d agreed Hoss. \u201cI can see that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSit down and make yourself comfortable,\u201d offered Chandler as he handed glasses to Hoss and Joe. He sat in one of the chairs next to the sofa on which Madam Zola gracefully lowered herself. Joe moved to sit next to the woman while Adam sat down on the chair on the other side of the sofa. Hoss walked over to an overstuffed red velvet chair and eased his bulk into it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow did things go?\u201d asked Chandler in an eager voice. \u201cDid Madam Zola tell you what you needed to know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking down into his glass, Joe gave an exaggerated sigh. \u201cMy arm\u2019s not going to get better,\u201d he said in the most tragic tone of voice he could muster.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMadam Zola told us that if Joe has the operation, he will die,\u201d clarified Adam. \u201cAnd without the operation, his shoulder won\u2019t improve.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that, boy,\u201d Chandler sympathized. He looked across Joe to Madam Zola. \u201cAin\u2019t there anything that can be done?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI looked into his future, and saw only darkness when I pictured the doctor with a knife in his hand,\u201d replied Madam Zola theatrically. \u201cI heard a voice in my head that said that no power on earth can help him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re ain\u2019t sure what to do,\u201d Hoss stated sadly. \u201cI mean, with only one good arm, Joe here can\u2019t do much around the ranch. And we can\u2019t have the doctor operate or he\u2019ll die.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I\u2019ll have to go away. I\u2019ll have to leave my family and the ranch,\u201d added Joe, still using what he considered a voice full of sorrow. \u201cI\u2019ll have to try to find something that a one-armed man can do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to miss you, Joe,\u201d Adam said solemnly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s terrible,\u201d Chandler declared, shaking his head. \u201cI wish there was something I could do to help. I hate to see a young man lose his family and his livelihood like this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbraham!\u201d exclaimed Madam Zola suddenly. \u201cThe necklace!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe necklace? What about it?\u201d asked Chandler, puzzled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said no power on earth could help him,\u201d Madam Zola replied. \u201cBut a power not of this earth might. You said the necklace was charmed. Perhaps if you let him hold the necklace, it will help him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know about that,\u201d Chandler said doubtfully. \u201cThe necklace brings long life. I never heard that it cures anyone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it might!\u201d insisted Madam Zola. \u201cWho knows what power such an object might hold? At least let the boy hold it. If it does no good, no harm has been done. But if it can help him, you will have done a great service.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d started Chandler.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Mr. Chandler, please let Joe hold the necklace,\u201d interrupted Adam in a pleading voice. \u201cIt may be our last hope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou said you wanted to help,\u201d Hoss added. \u201cThis is the best thing you can do to help him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After looking around the room at the faces staring at him with beseeching expressions, Chandler sighed. \u201cAll right,\u201d he agreed. \u201cI guess it can\u2019t do any harm to just let him hold it. I\u2019ll go get it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as Chandler left the room, Madam Zola turned to Adam. \u201cDon\u2019t forget; I want the rest of the money before you leave,\u201d she said in a low voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we get the necklace, you\u2019ll get your money,\u201d Adam replied softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust do what I told you and you\u2019ll get the necklace,\u201d promised Madam Zola.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chandler returned to the room with a small leather sack in his hands. He sat down on the chair again and slowly opened the sack. Then he pulled out the object for which the Cartwrights had been searching.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dangling from Chandler\u2019s hand was a necklace made of gold. Stands of gold had been woven into a chain about as thick as a man\u2019s finger. At the bottom of the chain hung a medallion the size of a $20 gold coin. The image of a man in a long robe originally etched into the medallion was surrounded by newer, smaller scratches \u2013 symbols that seemed to represent a bird, a tree, and some animals. Two short strings of beads and several small dyed feathers were tied with rawhide strips to the bottom of the chain also; the beads were to the left of the medal while the feathers were on the right.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere it is,\u201d announced Chandler almost proudly. \u201cThe Paiutes say this necklace insures long life to whoever has it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard about that necklace,\u201d Hoss said excitedly. \u201cIt\u2019s real powerful. It\u2019s supposed to bring good luck as well as a long life to the person who has it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2026can I hold it?\u201d asked Joe hesitantly, reaching out his left hand. Chandler nodded and passed the necklace to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Holding the chain tightly, Joe pressed the necklace against his right shoulder and closed his eyes. No one said a word; everyone in the room just watched and waited.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can feel something,\u201d Joe announced suddenly. \u201cMy shoulder feels warm. The pain is going away. I can feel it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan you move your shoulder, Joe?\u201d Adam asked anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cI can feel this tingle. It\u2019s running down my arm. It\u2019s like\u2026I don\u2019t know\u2026like some magic power is working.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRaise your shoulder, Joe,\u201d urged Hoss. \u201cRaise it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling the necklace away from his shoulder, Joe looked around the room. Slowly he pulled his arm out of the sling. Then he raised his elbow until it was even with his shoulder and moved it in a small circle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHallelujah!\u201d shouted Hoss dramatically. \u201cJoe, you\u2019re cured! You\u2019re cured!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt still hurts some, but I can move it,\u201d Joe agreed with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you can stay at the ranch now,\u201d Adam said enthusiastically. \u201cYou can stay with Pa and the rest of us!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a look of awe on his face, Joe stared at the necklace in his hand. \u201cIt really is magic,\u201d he murmured.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are powers far beyond what earth-bound men can understand,\u201d said Madam Zola dramatically. \u201cThis necklace truly is an object of magic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGive me back the necklace,\u201d Chandler demanded suddenly. \u201cGive it to me, boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Mr. Chandler,\u201d replied Joe meekly as he handed the gold chain back to the man. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t try to steal it. I know the legend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe legend? What legend?\u201d asked Chandler as he snatched the necklace from Joe\u2019s hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe legend says that if the necklace is freely given to someone, it will bring that person good fortune and long life,\u201d explained Adam. \u201cBut if anyone steals the necklace, they will be cursed and die.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCursed?\u201d repeated Chandler, suddenly turning pale.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, the legend says that after three days, whoever stole the necklace will be dead,\u201d Joe said in a solemn voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard tell of a Bannock brave that stole the necklace,\u201d added Hoss, relishing the opportunity to spin a yarn. \u201cThe Paiutes tracked him and a few days later, they found both the Bannock and his horse dead. Just laying there in the woods. No marks or wounds or anything. It\u2019s like they just laid down and died.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey died?\u201d Chandler said, turning even paler. \u201cJust like that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust like that,\u201d Hoss declared. \u201cI also heard about the fellow who stole the necklace from that museum in San Francisco. The sheriff chased him for three days. On the fourth day, they found him dead in a hotel room. The way I heard the story, it looked like he just laid down and died. \u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he still had the necklace?\u201d asked Chandler, his voice trembling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d confirmed Hoss. \u201cThen there was this other fellow\u2026.\u201d Hoss stopped abruptly when he saw Adam glaring at him from across the room, understanding the silent message that he shouldn\u2019t get carried away. \u201cWell, all I know for sure is he died after stealing the necklace,\u201d Hoss finished in a rush.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe curse must be real,\u201d Joe interjected quickly. \u201cI mean, the necklace cured my shoulder, so it stands to reason that it must work the other way too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026but\u2026you can\u2019t be sure of that,\u201d stammered Chandler.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no, we can\u2019t be sure,\u201d agreed Adam. \u201cBut it did cure Joe\u2019s shoulder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me hold the necklace,\u201d offered Madam Zola, holding out her hand. \u201cI will be able to tell if the curse is real.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a shaky hand, Chandler passed the necklace over to the gypsy woman. Madam Zola clutched the necklace in both hands and held it tightly against her chest. Closing her eyes, she lifted her head and began chanting softly in a language which none of the men recognized. Suddenly, Madam Zola\u2019s eyes opened wide and she shrieked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo! No!\u201d shouted the gypsy as she dropped the necklace onto the table in front of her. \u201cIt is cursed! I can feel the evil spirits running up and down the chain, waiting for a chance to escape.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it cured the boy!\u201d exclaimed Chandler. \u201cHow can it be cursed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou gave the necklace to the young man freely,\u201d Madam Zola answered. \u201cBecause of that, the good spirits kept the evil ones in check and worked their magic. It is only when the necklace is stolen that the good spirits become displeased. They refuse to stop the evil spirits from attacking anyone who wrongfully takes the necklace. After three days, the evil spirits work their way out of the necklace, and are ready to kill whoever has the necklace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chandler licked his lips nervously. \u201cWhat\u2026what if someone didn\u2019t actually steal it?\u201d he asked. \u201cI mean, what if somebody stole it for someone else?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think the spirits don\u2019t know what is in a man\u2019s heart?\u201d chided Madam Zola. \u201cThe spirits know who had them taken from the place they were meant to be, whether the person did it himself or not.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Picking up the necklace from the table, Joe offered it to Chandler. \u201cHere\u2019s the necklace,\u201d Joe said in an innocent voice. \u201cLike I said, I wouldn\u2019t steal it. I don\u2019t want to be cursed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Keep it away from me!\u201d shouted Chandler, jumping to his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it\u2019s your necklace, Mr. Chandler,\u201d Joe persisted. \u201cYou should have it back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not my necklace! Do you hear me? It\u2019s not my necklace!\u201d screamed Chandler. \u201cTake it away!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, you\u2019re giving the necklace to me?\u201d Joe asked almost politely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, it\u2019s yours,\u201d Chandler answered in an agitated voice. \u201cI don\u2019t care what you do with it. Just get it out of here!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I can see Mr. Chandler is upset,\u201d Adam said calmly. \u201cAnd now that you are well, we had best be getting home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa is going to want to hear about all this,\u201d Hoss added, trying hard to keep a smile off his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, Adam,\u201d agreed Joe. He picked up the necklace and put it in the leather sack that Chandler had dropped on the floor. After sticking the sack inside his sling along with his right arm, Joe turned to Chandler. \u201cThanks for the necklace, Mr. Chandler,\u201d he said in what he hoped was a grateful voice. \u201cI\u2019m going to keep it right here next to my arm, so that I\u2019ll be entirely cured. I appreciate your help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, well, you\u2019re welcome,\u201d answered Chandler, sounding calmer now that the necklace was out of sight. \u201cBut I\u2019d agree you\u2019d better go. Just tell my men to get your horses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d better go too, Abraham,\u201d suggested Madam Zola as the Cartwrights headed for the door. \u201cI will come back later when you are feeling better. I will read your palm and see what the future holds for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Madam Zola,\u201d replied Chandler gratefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once outside the house, Madam Zola hurried to catch up to the Cartwrights, who were standing in the yard waiting for their horses. \u201cMy money, please,\u201d she said to Adam, holding out her hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching into his vest pocket, Adam pulled out his wallet and counted out some bills into the gypsy woman\u2019s hand. Madam Zola quickly re-counted the money, then folded and stuck the bills between her breasts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour plan worked like a charm,\u201d admitted Joe with more than a little admiration. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t have thought that Chandler would believe that story about the curse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I didn\u2019t see how \u2018curing\u2019 Joe would help,\u201d added Hoss, \u201cbut he sure bought the idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbe is a believer but he\u2019s no fool,\u201d Madam Zola explained. \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t have shown you the necklace just because you asked to see it, and he wouldn\u2019t have believed the story of the curse just because you told him about it. The \u2018cure\u2019 was the best way to get Abe to show you the necklace and to convince him it contained powerful spirits. Without the \u2018cure\u2019, he would have never believed the curse was real.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to be all right?\u201d Adam asked with concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling, Madam Zola nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll go back later and tell Abe that I see that a dark cloud has been removed from over him, that I see a long life ahead of him. That\u2019ll make him happy. Besides, now I have $1,000 to fall back on if I ever have to leave. But I doubt that will happen any time soon.\u201d A wry smile crossed the gypsy\u2019s face. \u201cI see a long and happy life for me living here with Abe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the guards brought the Cartwrights\u2019 horses to them and handed the three men their reins. As he mounted, Hoss said to the gypsy, \u201cMa\u2019am, if you\u2019re ever over Virginia City way, come see us. I\u2019m sure our Pa would like to meet you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d added Joe with a grin from atop his pinto, \u201cmaybe you could look into the future and tell our Pa that we need to go into town more often. \u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou two better stop jawing and start riding,\u201d suggested Adam with a scowl. \u201cIt\u2019s a long way over those mountains to Spruce Meadows, and we need to cover as much ground as possible before night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe smiled once more at Madam Zola, then turned his horse toward the gate. \u201cBye, ma\u2019am,\u201d called Hoss as he turned his horse to follow Joe. Adam looked at the woman standing a few feet away and slowly raised his hand to the brim of his black hat, tipping it a bit. With a small smile on her lips, Madam Zola nodded, acknowledging the oldest Cartwright brother\u2019s gesture of respect.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he followed his brothers through the gate and out of the compound, Adam was already calculating how long it would take to ride to Spruce Meadows to deliver the necklace.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The Cartwrights rode for about almost four hours along the mountain trail, long past the time when the sun had gone down. Hoss finally called a halt to their travels when the shadows of the mountains and the canopy of tree limbs over their head blocked out the moon and made it impossible to see. Even though Joe understood the reason for stopping \u2013 he could barely see his hand in front of his face, much less the rocky, precipitous trail ahead of him \u2013 he chafed at the delay in reaching Spruce Meadows. Joe knew that the sooner the necklace was in the hands of Colonel Marks, the sooner his father would be safe from the wrath of the Paiutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he sat near the fire after eating a hastily prepared dinner, Joe reached opened the saddlebag which laid next to him and peered inside, making sure that the small leather pouch holding the necklace was still there. He had discarded the sling which supported his arm shortly after leaving Abe Chandler\u2019s walled home. Joe knew he could ride faster without being encumbered by the sling, and that the pouch holding the necklace would be safer within his saddlebags. He had checked on the necklace twice while the Cartwright brothers were riding, and once after they had stopped for the night. Now he felt the need to look one more time, to make sure the object that would insure his father\u2019s safety was still in the bag beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoggone it, Joe, you\u2019re going to wear out that leather if you keep looking into those saddlebags,\u201d grumbled Hoss from a few feet away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to make sure the necklace is safe,\u201d protested Joe. He looked across the fire to where Adam was sitting and sipping coffee from a cup. \u201cAre we going to take turns doing guard duty tonight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d replied Adam in an unconcerned voice. \u201cNobody knows we have the necklace except Chandler and Madam Zola, and I hardly think they\u2019ll be coming after us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Joe said, shrugging a bit. \u201cI\u2019d just feel better if we were keeping a close watch on things tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s got a point,\u201d Hoss told his older brother. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t hurt none to keep an eye out. Even if there\u2019s nobody after us, there\u2019s all kinds of things in these mountains that ain\u2019t friendly \u2013 wolves, coyotes, and maybe a hungry bear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you two feel that strongly about it, I guess it wouldn\u2019t hurt,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cHoss, you take the first watch, and Joe, you take over after Hoss. If there\u2019s any night left after that, wake me and I\u2019ll do the last shift.\u201d He stared at Joe for a minute, and then asked, \u201cHow\u2019s your shoulder feeling?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPretty good,\u201d answered Joe. He raised his arm and moved it around to give proof to his words. \u201cJust a little twinge now and then, but nothing that really bothers me.\u201d Joe suddenly grinned. \u201cMaybe that necklace really is magic. My shoulder has felt a lot better since we left Chandler\u2019s place.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMore than likely it was all that time resting your arm in that sling than the necklace that helped it,\u201d commented Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss,\u201d Joe replied. He suddenly changed his voice to give it a low, heavily accented tone. \u201dZere are powers far beyond what zee earth-bound men can understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou do a very bad imitation of Madam Zola,\u201d Adam remarked. He dropped the coffee cup from his hand onto the ground. \u201cWe\u2019d better get some sleep. We\u2019ve got a long day in front of us tomorrow. I want to be gone as soon as it\u2019s light, and ride as long as we can, maybe through the night if we can see well enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe probably won\u2019t get to Spruce Meadows until mid-morning, even with riding all night,\u201d said Joe with more than a trace of concern in his voice. \u201cThat\u2019s cutting things pretty close. Maybe we should have gone around the mountains instead of over them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a little late to be deciding that, little brother\u201d Hoss declared, stretching his arms. \u201cWe can\u2019t turn around now and still get to Spruce Meadows on time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides, going around the mountains would have taken twice as long,\u201d added Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but we could have ridden faster and it would be easier on the horses,\u201d Joe argued. \u201cI\u2019m just worried about that stretch right before we get to the lake. Hoss and I have hunted that area. It\u2019s pretty rough country.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Joe, stop fretting,\u201d advised Hoss. \u201cWe\u2019ll get there in time. Besides, like I said, it\u2019s too late to turn around. Now get some sleep. I figure I\u2019m only good for a couple of hours of standing guard, and you\u2019d better get all the rest you can before I wake you up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe grabbed his bedroll and quickly unfurled it. He stretched out on the ground cloth and wrapped the blanket around himself, pillowing his head on the saddlebags which held the necklace. Joe knew he was being unreasonable, insisting on a guard and arguing about going over the mountains, but he couldn\u2019t help worrying about what might happen if the trio didn\u2019t get to Spruce Meadows in time. An image of whooping Indians with tomahawks and rifles charging toward his father kept flashing through his mind, adding to his worry over his Pa\u2019s safely. Joe wished there was a way he could be sure he and his brothers would deliver the necklace in time to prevent any trouble. Sighing, Joe turned over and tried to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Despite Joe\u2019s anxiety, the Cartwrights had a peaceful night and started up the mountain trail as soon as the sun came up. The three men rode as fast as the twists and turns of the trail would allow, but Joe still chafed at their slow progress. Although they weren\u2019t as vocal about their concerns as Joe, Adam and Hoss also felt apprehensive about the time it was taking to get up the mountain, and neither offered an objection when Joe suggested they skip setting up a noon camp. Pieces of beef jerky, bits of stale biscuits, and anything else that could be eaten as they rode filled their bellies .The three men pushed their horses hard up the steep path through the trees, stopping only to give the animals a breather when absolutely necessary, and for as short a time as possible. Each of them silently promised their faithful steed a long rest and plenty of oats when they got back to the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

The mid-June sky stayed light until almost 9 pm, and then the rays of the rising full moon offered a pale imitation of the brightness of day. Adam, Hoss and Joe rode doggedly toward Spruce Meadows, until Adam called a halt to the journey around midnight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, why are we stopping?\u201d asked Joe in a voice that clearly implied he wanted to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we\u2019re tired and the horses are exhausted,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cYou said yourself that area before we get to the lake is pretty tough. I don\u2019t want to take a chance on covering that ground on tired horses, especially at night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not that far away,\u201d argued Joe. \u201cIf we keep pushing, we can make it to Spruce Meadows before morning. If we stop now, we\u2019re going to lose four or five hours. I don\u2019t want to cut it that close.\u201d He turned to face his larger brother, sitting on his horse to Joe\u2019s right. \u201cWhat do you say, Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The indecision was clearly visible on Hoss\u2019 face as he sat silently. Finally, Hoss voiced his opinion. \u201cI have to go with Adam,\u201d Hoss said reluctantly. \u201cThat stretch up by Six Forks is hard enough to travel by daylight, and I sure don\u2019t like the idea of covering it at night. Besides, ol\u2019 Chubb is about done in. He could use a few hours rest and so can I.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Hoss and Adam dismounted, Joe sat stubbornly on his horse, considering the idea of going on alone. Then he noticed his pinto\u2019s drooping head, and thought about the animal\u2019s heaving sides as the horse gulped air during the climb up the hill a few miles back. He knew he wasn\u2019t being fair to the horse, or to his brothers, by insisting on continuing their journey without rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe agreed, as he dismounted, \u201cwe\u2019ll give the horses a breather and catch a few winks ourselves. But I want to be traveling again as soon as it\u2019s light.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t plan to do anything else, little brother,\u201d said Hoss with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Pushing open the flap of the tent, Ben walked unannounced into the makeshift office of Colonel Marks. The officer was seated behind a small wooden table covered with papers. A glowing lantern hanging from a small peg on the tent pole to the colonel\u2019s right filled the small space with light. Marks looked up as Ben stopped in front the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw a courier ride in. Any new word from my sons?\u201d asked Ben hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

A small smile crossed Mark\u2019s face before he answered. \u201cDo you think I\u2019d keep something like that to myself?\u201d he countered Ben\u2019s question. Then he shook his head. \u201cNo, I haven\u2019t heard anything from your boys since the courier brought that telegram yesterday saying they had caught up with Kelly and we’re going after the man Kelly gave the necklace to. The trooper was just bringing a message that Kelly was caught in California and the Army has him in custody there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t expect anything, but I had to ask,\u201d Ben admitted with a sigh. \u201cIt\u2019s hard just sitting here and waiting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Ben,\u201d Marks replied gently. \u201cBut that\u2019s all we can do right now. Wait and hope your boys make it here with the necklace before noon tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen is Winnemucca arriving?\u201d Ben asked, more to make conversation than anything else.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe probably won\u2019t get here much before noon,\u201d the colonel answered. \u201cHe\u2019ll want to make an entrance, riding in just in time for the ceremony. I\u2019ve got the area set up already, though, just in case he does show up early.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I saw,\u201d Ben said. He had observed soldiers building a large lean-to, tall poles which held up a long length of canvas. Brightly colored rugs had been spread on the ground inside the structure on which the men would sit, and a wooden table with very short legs was positioned in the middle of the tent. If the ceremony did take place, the colonel and the Paiute chief would display the gifts they were exchanging on the table for all to see, as well as use it for the actual signing of the treaty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve ordered my men to leave the rifles inside their tents and to only wear sidearms,\u201d added Marks. \u201cI want to make that a show of good faith to Winnemucca, as well as prevent some trigger-happy young trooper from starting a shooting war if things turn ugly. I\u2019m hoping I can persuade Winnemucca to have his braves put their rifles off to the side, also. That way if Winnemucca gets upset, maybe we can keep it to angry words flying around, instead of bullets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen are you going to tell Winnemucca about the necklace being missing,\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope I won\u2019t have to,\u201d the colonel replied. \u201cBut I thought I\u2019d wait until after the speeches, when the formal exchange of gifts begins. That will give your boys a little extra time to get here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if that\u2019s a good idea, John,\u201d Ben advised. \u201cIf you drag things out before telling him the necklace is missing, Winnemucca might feel like you were deliberately trying to make a fool of him. It might be better to tell him the truth as soon as he arrives. He\u2019ll be upset but at least he can turn around and leave with some dignity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think he\u2019ll accept the idea that the delivery of the necklace was delayed and that it will arrive shortly?\u201d Marks asked hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t be sure my sons found the necklace, or that they were able to take it back,\u201d Ben answered doubtfully. \u201cThere\u2019s no telling when or if they\u2019ll arrive with the necklace. I don\u2019t want to lie to Winnemucca. That\u2019s the worse thing we can do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right, of course,\u201d Colonel Marks agreed reluctantly. He shook his head ruefully. \u201cBen, this whole thing has the makings of a disaster. I have a feeling that what started out as a way to insure peace is going to end up as the spark that starts an Indian war.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t give up hope yet, John,\u201d Ben consoled his friend. \u201cWe\u2019ve still got some time. There\u2019s still a chance my boys will show up with the necklace. Those sons of mine are pretty remarkable. They\u2019re smart, tough and audacious.\u201d Ben\u2019s face broke into a grin. \u201cBut don\u2019t ever tell them I said that. I have a hard enough time keeping them in line without them getting swelled heads.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Marks returned Ben\u2019s smile. \u201cWell, I have to admit that they managed to do in one day what all my patrols couldn\u2019t do in several days, which is catch up with Kelly and find out where the necklace is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf anyone can get that necklace here in time, my boys will,\u201d Ben declared. \u201cThey\u2019ll give it everything they\u2019ve got \u2013 and then some \u2013 to try to deliver the necklace by noon. I wouldn\u2019t bet against them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re right, Ben,\u201d replied Colonel Marks fervently. \u201cI hope to God you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sun bathed the riders in the dull of light of early morning as the Cartwrights emerged from a strand of trees and started riding over the much barer ground that led to the crest of the peaks. Adam raised his hand to stop his brothers and give their horses a chance to catch their breaths before starting the final ascent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re almost there,\u201d stated Hoss, the relief evident in his voice. \u201cOnce we get to the other side, it\u2019s not far to the lake. Then it\u2019s a nice easy ride around the lake to Spruce Meadows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou make it sound like that\u2019s no distance at all,\u201d complained Joe. \u201cTahoe is a pretty big lake, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d agreed Hoss. \u201cBut it ain\u2019t like we\u2019re going to ride around the whole lake. We\u2019ll come in on the east side and just follow it for a little ways \u2018til we reach the meadow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking up the trail, Adam frowned. \u201cAre you sure this is the right way, Hoss?\u201d he asked with a sense of uneasiness. \u201cIt looks pretty steep and rocky. The horses could have a hard time getting up there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d Hoss answered confidently. He pointed to the right. \u201cSee those bushes over there? There\u2019s a trail that goes around them to those rocks, and then up to them passes above. It\u2019s a lot easier and gets us to the other side without having to go straight over the top.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes shifted toward the brush to which Hoss had pointed, and followed the barely visible trail up the mountain until it divided into six separate trails. Each of the paths led to what looked like six notches carved into the rocky crag.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s half a dozen passes up there,\u201d Adam observed. \u201cDo they all go through to the other side?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly three of them,\u201d Joe told his oldest brother. \u201cWhen Hoss and I were up here hunting, we found out the hard way that the other three end up running right into a wall of rock. They\u2019re all kind of narrow and twisty, so you don\u2019t know if you can get through until you reach the end.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich ones are the right ones?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Joe could answer, he heard a loud crack followed immediately by the tell-tale whoosh of a bullet speeding past his head. Joe looked over his shoulder quickly, pulling his gun out of his holster as he did so. His eyes opened wide in surprise. Charging out of the trees and up the hill was a band of Indians, shouting and firing their rifles as they rode toward the Cartwrights. The whooping braves with rifles and tomahawks whom Joe had feared would attack his father were, in fact, coming toward him. Joe fired his revolver twice, missing both times as his nervous pinto danced around the ground underneath him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet up into the rocks!\u201d shouted Hoss, urging his horse forward. Joe and Adam needed no second directive. They quickly followed Hoss around the bushes to their right and up the trail to the large boulders which offered protection. Once behind the large stones, all three of the Cartwrights dismounted, pulling their rifles from their scabbards as they did so. Leaving the horses sheltered by the largest rock, the three men ran to a small boulder and crouched behind it. Two bullets whined at them from below, hitting the rock before careening off harmlessly.<\/span><\/p>\n

More concerned with quickness than aim, Joe fired his rifle at the yelling Indians below. The attackers had dismounted and were working their way up the hill toward the rocks. He fired again and saw one man grab his leg then hobble off behind a rock. The rest of the band scattered, finding cover behind whatever they could \u2013 rocks, bushes, and even the small ravine which ran beside the trail. The braves fired upward to the boulders where the Cartwrights were hiding. Bullets bounced noisily off the stone or dug themselves into the ground. Adam, Hoss, and Joe shot back, but their bullets did no more damage than those that had been fired in their direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold it!\u201d yelled Adam. \u201cSave your ammunition. Those Indians are too well hidden for us to hit any of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re probably saying the same thing about us,\u201d observed Joe as he watched two more bullets hit the ground in front of their protective rock. \u201cWho are they? Paiutes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lifting his head cautiously, Hoss peered over the boulder and studied what he could see of the braves below for a moment. Then he ducked back down behind the large stone again. \u201cLooks like Utes to me,\u201d declared Hoss. \u201cAs near as I can tell, that\u2019s a Ute headband on the one in the ravine, and Ute markings on the horse standing over their near the trees.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUtes?\u201d Adam said in surprise. \u201cWhat do you suppose they\u2019re doing so close to the Paiutes? You think they\u2019re here to try to stop the treaty being signed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould be,\u201d acknowledged Hoss. \u201cBut there\u2019s only eight or ten of them. If they were going to cause trouble at Spruce Meadows, there\u2019d be more of them. More likely they\u2019re a hunting party who decided to make trouble for anybody they met up with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat difference does it make why they\u2019re here?\u201d Joe snapped in frustration. \u201cThe longer they keep us pinned down, the more time we\u2019re going to lose getting to Spruce Meadows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once more, Hoss lifted his head cautiously above the bolder, but quickly ducked down when two bullets from below smashed into the rock. \u201cWe do have a situation here,\u201d agreed Hoss. \u201cThey can\u2019t get us, and we can\u2019t get them. We\u2019re both kind of stuck.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should grab the horses and make a run for it,\u201d suggested Joe. \u201cOnce we get up into the canyon, they\u2019ll never catch us.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning his head, Adam studied the trail that led from the boulders to the six passes, then shook his head. \u201cWe\u2019d never make it, Joe,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing between us and the canyon but a couple of scrubby bushes. We\u2019d be sitting ducks. Those Utes would pick us off before we got anywhere near those canyons.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe just can\u2019t sit here and do nothing,\u201d Joe insisted. \u201cThey could keep us pinned down for hours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI kind of figure that\u2019s what they\u2019re planning on, little brother,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cThey\u2019ll keep us pinned down until we run out of ammunition, or until they can figure out a way to sneak up on us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we should just stop shooting,\u201d suggested Joe. \u201cIf they think we\u2019ve run out of ammo, they might come charging up the hill. Then we can pick them off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot a good idea,\u201d Hoss replied, shaking his head. \u201cThere\u2019s too many of them. We can\u2019t get them all with the first shots. They\u2019ll just find cover again, only this time they\u2019d be closer. They\u2019d be in a better position to do some real damage. We\u2019re better off just waiting them out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to horde the ammunition and make sure we don\u2019t waste it,\u201d observed Adam. \u201cWe might be stuck here for awhile.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long do you think it will be?\u201d said Joe anxiously. \u201cWe were cutting it pretty close as it was to get to Spruce Meadows on time. If we have to wait a couple of hours to get moving again, we won\u2019t get there by noon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s not much we can do about it,\u201d Adam advised. \u201cAbout all we do is hope they get tired of trying to wait us out and leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His frustration boiling over, Joe rose and quickly fired his rifle three times — once toward the rocks on his right, once toward the ravine in front of him, and once toward a clump of bushes. \u201cGo home, you idiots!\u201d he shouted as the echo of his shots faded. Then Joe slumped down behind the boulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFeel better?\u201d asked Adam with an amused smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d grumbled Joe in discouragement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Raising his head a bit, Hoss looked over the rock. \u201cDon\u2019t look like they took your advice, little brother,\u201d he observed mildly. \u201cThey\u2019re still out there.\u201d He crouched low behind the rock as a hail of bullets whizzed into the boulder as well as the ground in front of it. \u201cI think you made \u2018em mad, Joe,\u201d Hoss added with a grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting with his back against the rock, Joe looked up at the passes through the mountain, knowing that they were the path both to escape and to Spruce Meadows. As he stared at the side of the mountain, an idea began to form in Joe\u2019s head. He frowned a bit as he tried to work his way through his thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe, what are you thinking about?\u201d Hoss asked as he saw the look of concentration on his little brother\u2019s face. Joe didn\u2019t answer; he merely shrugged a bit and continued to look up to the passes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Adam fired three shots toward the Indians below. For the first time, the Cartwrights heard a muted yell as one of Adam\u2019s bullets hit home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you two stop daydreaming?\u201d barked Adam. \u201cThey\u2019re moving around out there. If you were paying attention, we might have hit more than one of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Hoss apologized quickly. He turned his attention to the ground below the rocks, but glancing over at Joe. Joe\u2019s expression hadn\u2019t changed much; he was still looking at the canyons, only now with a frown of concentration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I should make a run for it with the necklace,\u201d Joe announced suddenly. \u201cIf I leave now, I still have a chance of getting to Spruce Meadows by noon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019ll never make it,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cThose Indians will shoot you before you get five feet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t the biggest fellow, Joe, but you\u2019ll still make an easy target sitting on your horse,\u201d agreed Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t thinking about going on horseback,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cI was thinking about going on foot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d exclaimed Adam in astonishment. \u201cAre you crazy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can do it, Adam,\u201d Joe replied eagerly. \u201cIf you and Hoss give me cover, I can run up to the pass. I\u2019ll keep low, and run behind the brush. The shadow of the mountain will hide me some, too. Those Utes will never see me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, even if you get to the pass and get through it, you\u2019ll never make it to Spruce Meadows on time,\u201d Hoss argued. \u201cIt\u2019s got to be close to 15 miles, and that\u2019s as the crow flies. There\u2019s hills and rocks and all kinds of rough ground between here and there. It\u2019s a tough country for a man to cross on horseback, much less on foot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re better off waiting,\u201d Adam added. \u201cOnce we get away from here, we can push the horses hard. There\u2019s still a chance we could make it by noon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there\u2019s a chance we wouldn\u2019t,\u201d countered Joe. \u201cLook, Adam, I can travel faster than the horses through some of that country. The canyon itself is so narrow that the horses would have to walk. I can run through it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if the Utes spot you? They\u2019ll just send some men to look for you on the other side,\u201d Adam said. \u201cAnd they\u2019ll be on horses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t know which canyon I\u2019m taking,\u201d replied Joe confidently. \u201cThey\u2019ll have to guess where I would come out, and there\u2019s only a one in three chance that they\u2019ll guess right. Besides a man on foot can hide a lot easier than a man on horseback.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s just too far,\u201d Hoss argued. \u201cYou\u2019d kill yourself trying to get to Spruce Meadows by noon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, once I make it to the lake, I can cut over to Sam MacAfee\u2019s place,\u201d Joe told his brothers. \u201cI can borrow a horse from Sam and ride the last couple of miles or so to Spruce Meadows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat still leaves a lot of hard country for you to cross on foot,\u201d Hoss said doubtfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can do it,\u201d Joe replied with certainty. \u201cIt\u2019s the best chance we have of getting that necklace to Spruce Meadows by noon\u2026and it\u2019s our best chance to save Pa from getting caught up in a fight with a bunch of angry Paiutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Neither Hoss nor Adam said a word as they thought about Joe\u2019s proposed action. Both men knew that Joe would be taking a risk crossing miles of untamed land on foot; the dangers he could face ranged from wild animals to hostile Indians to exhausting expanses of rocky ground. But they also knew that Joe was right \u2013 the odds were against them making it to Spruce Meadows on time if they waited to leave their mountain hideout. The question that Adam and Hoss were turning over in their mind was whether Joe actually could make it to the treaty site by noon \u2013 and whether they wanted to risk their brother\u2019s life on the that possibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe nothing will happen if the necklace isn\u2019t at Spruce Meadows by noon,\u201d suggested Adam tentatively. \u201cMaybe the Paiutes will just go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen was the last time you saw a Paiute who felt he was insulted just pack up and go home?\u201d argued Joe. \u201cIt\u2019s not just Pa I\u2019m thinking about. What about those soldiers who could die if there\u2019s a fight? What about the supply wagons the Paiutes will attack if they go on the warpath? What about the Paiutes who might die? There\u2019s a lot of lives depending on us getting that necklace to Spruce Meadows by noon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a point, Adam,\u201d Hoss reluctantly agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath and let it out slowly. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said grudgingly. \u201cI don\u2019t like the idea but I agree we don\u2019t have much choice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou two just cover me,\u201d Joe stated with confidence. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of the rest.\u201d He took off his hat and laid it on the ground next to his rifle, then shrugged out of his jacket. He unbuckled his gunbelt and laid it next to his hat. \u201cI can go faster without a holster.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo gun?\u201d commented Adam doubtfully. \u201cWhat if you run into trouble?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019m going to avoid anything that even looks like trouble,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cTrouble will just slow me down.\u201d Crouched low, Joe hurried across the few feet of ground between the boulder and the rock behind which the horses were standing. Patting his pinto reassuringly on the rump, Joe reached into his saddle bag and pulled out the small pouch which contained the necklace. He stuffed the leather sack inside his shirt, pushing it down toward his waist to keep it secure between the cloth and his body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake a canteen,\u201d Adam called from the boulder. \u201cYou\u2019ll need water and you won\u2019t want to waste time looking for it.\u201d Joe nodded his agreement, and reached up to slip the strap of his canteen off the horn of his saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou be careful out there, little brother,\u201d Hoss called as he watched Joe prepare for his trek. \u201cDon\u2019t take no unnecessary chances.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Hoss,\u201d replied Joe with a smile. He slung the canteen strap over his shoulder and slid it up a bit so that the contained of water would be as close to his body as possible. \u201cI\u2019ll be waiting for you at Spruce Meadows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake care, Joe,\u201d Adam said, giving his brother a tight smile. Joe nodded his understanding of both Adam\u2019s words and his concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we start shooting, you start running,\u201d ordered Adam. \u201cAnd don\u2019t stop until you get to Spruce Meadows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Crouching, Joe waited until Hoss and Adam were ready. He knew the hazards ahead of him, but he was willing to take them on. Lives were at stake, especially his father\u2019s. Nothing was going to stop him.<\/span><\/p>\n

As soon as Hoss and Adam started firing their rifles, Joe took off. He bent low, keeping behind the bushes and small boulders that dotted the ground that led up to the passes. As he zigzagged across the ground, Joe heard the echo of the shots behind him, but nothing that indicated any bullets were coming in his direction. It took him only a few minutes to reach the top of the trail, where it separated into six distinct paths. Joe headed for the second pass from the right \u2013 the one he knew was the shortest way through the mountain.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he reached the start of the pass, Joe stopped for a moment. He glanced over his shoulder, catching a quick look at his brothers hiding behind the boulder. Then he squared his shoulders and started running. Joe knew he was racing the most unyielding opponent of all \u2013 time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As he ran the trail through the mountain, Joe\u2019s thoughts were on the journey ahead. He didn\u2019t need to pay attention to the canyon trail \u2013 the steep sides of the pass kept him on course and prevent anyone from surprising him \u2013 so, as he ran, Joe planned the strategy for the trek he had to make. Joe knew he couldn\u2019t run the whole way to Spruce Meadows; no man had the strength to do that. He figured he could run for about twenty minutes, walk for another five or ten minutes, and then force himself to sit and rest for a several minutes before starting the process over again. Joe knew that, at least initially, stopping to rest would be the hard part. He would have to suppress his anxious desire to keep moving toward his destination in order to avoid collapsing in exhaustion before he got there.<\/span><\/p>\n

When he reached the end of the trail through the mountain, Joe stopped behind a pile of rocks and cautiously studied the area ahead of him. Seeing no sign of a Ute brave waiting to attack, Joe decided it was safe to continue. Nevertheless, he ran as fast as he could over the open ground between the end of the pass and the start of the woods about thirty yards away. As soon as he reached the protection of the trees and bushes, Joe slowed his pace. He slowed not only to save his energy but also because the ground sloped downward sharply. He had to move a bit cautiously to avoid falling as well as maneuver around the thick wooden trunks and thriving shrubs. Joe had known he would have to travel through the woods but he hadn\u2019t remembered the forest as being so thick nor the hill so steep. He kept to a straight path as much as possible, but Joe still found himself weaving through woods as he carefully descended to the bottom of the hill. He chafed a bit at the time it was taking him to get down from the pass but tried to console himself with the fact that a man on horseback couldn\u2019t have traveled any faster.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ground finally leveled out and Joe was able to break into a trot as he wended his way around the trees and other growth. He made himself stop after what he calculated was about a half-hour since he had left Adam and Hoss, resting on a rock and taking a sip of water. He was able to hold his anxiety in check for a few minutes, forcing himself to take deep breaths and relaxing his body. But the self-imposed break lasted less than Joe knew it should. He couldn\u2019t stand the thought of just sitting when there was so many miles still to cover.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another thirty minutes or so passed before Joe finally emerged from the woods into a grassy field. It had taken a lot of discipline for him to adhere to his regimen of running, walking and resting, but it had been worth it. Joe still felt relatively fresh and strong. He stopped for a moment to get his bearings. He spotted the ridge he would have to cross over to get to the lake, and figured it that, with a little extra effort, he could reach it in less than an hour. Joe took a deep breath and started running.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After firing a few shots down the hill toward the still hidden Utes below, Adam crouched down behind the boulder. \u201cThey sure are patient,\u201d he remarked to Hoss, who was sitting with his back against the boulder. \u201cI would have thought those Indians would have gotten tired of this by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe they ain\u2019t got any place to go,\u201d answered Hoss in a distracted voice. He was staring at the passes at the top of the trail. \u201cSay Adam, did you see which pass Joe took?\u201d he asked suddenly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d answered Adam, a bit perplexed by his brother\u2019s question. \u201cWhy? Don\u2019t they all come out in pretty much the same place?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they don\u2019t,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cThat one on the far left there, it\u2019s pretty straight and kind of angles off to the east. But it comes out in the hard rock and that\u2019s pretty tough country for a man on foot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the rest of them?\u201d asked Adam curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the next two passes don\u2019t lead anywhere; they just twist back into the mountain,\u201d Hoss explained. \u201cThe one in the middle twists and turns, too, but it goes through. If you took that one, you\u2019d come out on the edge of the woods. There\u2019s a deep ravine running down the hill there, though, and the ground is full of loose shale and dirt. It\u2019s pretty slippery. A man would have to be real careful about his footing or he\u2019d end up in the ravine. But once he got past all that loose stuff, he\u2019d be able to get down to the meadow without much problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the last two?\u201d Adam prodded his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe one on the far right doesn\u2019t go through,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cIt\u2019s real short and runs into a dead end. The one next to it is probably the fastest way to get through. It\u2019s not that long and only has a couple of little bends in it. But if he took that trail, Joe\u2019d come out right in front of the woods. He\u2019d have to go through all those trees to get down the hill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one do you think Joe took?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just it, Adam; I don\u2019t know,\u201d answered Hoss, sounding a bit frustrated. \u201cI wasn\u2019t watching. He could have taken any of the three. There\u2019s plus and minuses to all of those trails, and Joe knows it. I don\u2019t know which way he figured would be the fastest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t make any difference, does it?\u201d said Adam with a shrug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I was kind of figuring that once we got out of here, we\u2019d go the same way Joe did,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cThat way we\u2019d be able to follow his trail, and help out if he ran into trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf he runs into trouble, Joe will never make it to Spruce Meadows by noon,\u201d observed Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, both Joe and Pa could end up in a heap of danger,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cIf the necklace don\u2019t get to Spruce Meadows in time, there\u2019s not much we can do to help Pa. But if Joe runs into trouble, we should be there to help him. Only we don\u2019t know where he is.\u201d Hoss sighed, and then added, \u201cI sure hate the thought of both Pa and Joe being in trouble and we couldn\u2019t do nothing about helping either one of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sat silently for moment, absorbing his brother\u2019s words. \u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d he agreed slowly. \u201cDo you think we could find Joe\u2019s tracks?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Over hard rock?\u201d scoffed Hoss. \u201cNobody\u2019s that good a tracker, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich pass do you think Joe took?\u201d Adam pressed his brother. \u201cWhich one would you have taken?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Staring at the passes through the mountain, Hoss thought hard. \u201cMy guess is the middle one,\u201d he responded. \u201cThat loose rock would be tough to cross for awhile, but after that, it\u2019s an easy trail.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll go through the middle canyon, too,\u201d declared Adam. He ducked down a little as a hail of bullets suddenly crashed into the boulder from the Indians below. \u201cIf we ever get out of here, that is,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

Abruptly, Hoss turned and got on his knees. He positioned his rifle atop the rock, and fired in rapid succession, spreading the bullets over a wide range. He paused, looking to see if his shots had caused any activity below. Hoss\u2019 eyes widened in surprise when he heard several shots \u2013 but these shots seemed to be coming from further down the mountain. His surprise grew when he saw five men in Army uniforms riding out of the trees, firing pistols at the Indians who were kneeling or lying behind rocks and bushes. The Utes immediately realized that they were going to be caught in a crossfire and got to their feet, running toward their horses which were grazing at the edge of the woods. Two the braves limped, and one had to be helped by another Ute.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Army patrol\u2019s intent seemed to be to scatter the Indians, rather than actually kill anyone. The soldiers\u2019 bullets struck the ground and careened off rocks. The Utes, however, were in no mood to fight the patrol, especially when Hoss and Adam started adding their rifle fire to the mix. The braves quickly mounted and rode off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting to his feet quickly, Adam waved the troopers below. Both he and Hoss had big smiles on their faces as the soldiers moved up the rocky trail to join them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, are we glad to see you!\u201d exclaimed Hoss as the patrol stopped their mounts near the Cartwrights.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSergeant Williams, sir,\u201d the soldier in front introduced himself. \u201cWe were searching this area for a deserter when we heard the gunfire. Thought we\u2019d better check it out. We could see those Indians had someone pinned down and figured you might need a little help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSergeant, you are a most welcome sight,\u201d Adam affirmed. He cocked his head a bit before adding, \u201cDid you say you were searching for a deserter? You wouldn\u2019t be looking for a soldier named Kelly, would you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d replied Williams. Now it was his turn to show surprise. \u201cSergeant Kelly deserted the fort a few days ago and took something valuable with him. We\u2019ve been searching for him ever since.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you fellows are looking the wrong place,\u201d Hoss told the soldier. \u201cWe ran into Kelly about two days ago over near Crater Pass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou did?\u201d replied the sergeant. \u201cWhat did you do with him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe got away from us,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cBut not before he told us what he had done with the necklace.\u201d Seeing the puzzled expression on Williams\u2019 face, Adam explained, \u201cI\u2019m Adam Cartwright and this is my brother, Hoss. Our father, Ben Cartwright, is the one who helped Colonel Marks negotiate the treaty. The Colonel came to the Ponderosa and told us about the missing necklace. We\u2019ve been looking for Kelly and the necklace also.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have the necklace?\u201d Williams asked eagerly. \u201cThe Colonel told us what could happen if we don\u2019t get it to Spruce Meadows by noon today. I got a lot of buddies in the detail at that meadow. I sure would like to save them from having to get caught up in a fight with the Paiutes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have it, but not here,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cWe got trapped up here by those Utes. We didn\u2019t think we\u2019d be able to get the necklace to Spruce Meadows on time if we waited until the Utes got tired of shooting at us, so our younger brother Joe took the necklace and made a run for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf he\u2019s on his way to Spruce Meadows, he should make it in time,\u201d remarked Williams, sounding relieved.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe he will,\u201d Hoss said cautiously. \u201cSee, Joe couldn\u2019t make across the open ground to the passes above on a horse, at least not without getting shot. So he left here on foot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn foot! He\u2019s trying to walk all the way to Spruce Meadows from here?\u201d Sergeant Williams\u2019 voice expressed a mixture of dismay as well as admiration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a pretty tough kid,\u201d Adam told the sergeant. \u201cOnly now that you\u2019re here, we can try to find him. If we can catch up with Joe, one of us can take the necklace by horseback to Spruce Meadows. We\u2019re sure to make it on time if we do that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know which way he went?\u201d asked Williams.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe think we do,\u201d Hoss answered in a tentative voice. \u201cIt\u2019s worth it to try to find him, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d agreed the sergeant. \u201cAnything we can do to maybe stop an Indian War is important in my book.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGlad you feel that way, \u201cAdam said. \u201cWith all of us looking, we\u2019ve got a better chance of catching Joe. Give us a minute to get our horses, and we\u2019ll show you the trail we think he took.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When he reached the top of the ridge, Joe paused to catch his breath. His chest heaved, and trickles of sweat ran down his neck and back. He wasn\u2019t sure how long it had taken him to reach the crest, but Joe was sure that it was less than an hour. He had run almost the whole way across the field, then climbed as quickly as possible up the stony side of the ridge. Joe had stopped only to gulp some water during the previous hour; he had decided covering a lot of ground was more important rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lowering himself to the ground, Joe leaned back against a rock and slipped the canteen from his shoulder. He took a long swig from the metal container before reaching up to pour some of the water from the canteen over his head. The water revived him a bit, but Joe knew he was tiring. His legs were beginning to ache, and his back felt stiff. And he was only about half-way to Spruce Meadows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe patted the left side of his shirt, reassuring himself that the sack containing the necklace was still tucked inside. Picking up the canteen, Joe shook it a bit and then frowned. He had used up more water than he realized; the canteen was almost empty. Looking around, Joe tried to picture the countryside around him in his mind. He knew there was a creek at the bottom of the ridge where he could refill his canteen. The problem was that the creek was to the east, away from the direction he wanted to go to reach the lake. But the creek was much closer than the cool waters of Lake Tahoe, and Joe knew he would need to continue to refresh himself in order to keep going. Once more, he thought about the geography of the area. If he followed the creek bed, thought Joe, he would be going east, the direction that led to Spruce Meadows. But the pathway beside the creek would be harder to travel than the trail that ran along the lake, and he would be heading away from the MacAfee ranch where he had planned to borrow a horse. On the other hand, if he hiked over to the creek and then doubled back to the lake and Sam MacAfee\u2019s place, he would be adding two or three miles \u2013 maybe more \u2013 to his journey, plus losing precious time. It was a no win situation, Joe concluded. Either he\u2019d have to walk all the way to Spruce Meadows, or take the chance he could make up the lost time once he got on horseback.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, Joe looked up at the sky, hoping for some kind of inspiration to help him decide. He saw that the sun was continuing its unstoppable rise in the sky toward its peak. Joe figured he had about two hours until noon. He knew he couldn\u2019t waste time doubling back; he\u2019d have to travel to Spruce Meadows on foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

With his decision made, Joe was eager to be on his way again. After pulling the strap of the canteen over his shoulder, Joe got to his feet. He ignored the twinge of protest from his tired muscles as he rose. With a look of stubborn determination on his face, Joe started walking rapidly along the top of the ridge to the east.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe traveled over a mile before he spotted the dark ribbon of the creek below him. He also saw a trail through the grass and scrub brush down to the water. As he trotted down the gently sloping path, Joe wondered idly who or what had first broken the trail. Probably it was a small herd of deer or maybe wild horses. Animals instinctively knew the easiest way to get to water. There was evidence that many other animals \u2013 and perhaps men \u2013 had followed the now well-worn path to the stream.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once he reached the water, Joe paused only long enough to refill his canteen before heading east along the side of the creek. The ground was surprising smooth and even \u2013 probably it had been flattened over time by the feet of the many animals which had come to drink from the stream \u2013 and Joe found he was able to jog along the side of the water. He looked up from time to time to make sure the ridge was still on his right. With the sun hidden by trees, the east-west boundary of the ridge was Joe\u2019s best guide to insure the creek was taking him in the right direction. As he continued to make what he felt was good progress toward Spruce Meadows, Joe was feeling better and better about his decision to turn east.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once more, Joe fell into the routine of running, walking and resting as he continued to follow the creek. Joe covered what he felt was several miles before the ground next to the stream started to become more uneven and difficult. He stopped to rest and also to survey the terrain ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

The creek was winding its way through several hills, each one of which seemed to be larger than the last. Joe knew he was going to have to cross over one of those hills to get down to the lake trail which would lead him to Spruce Meadows. The larger hills would take time to cross as well as being difficult to traverse. Joe decided it would be better to turn toward the lake now, while the hills were relatively small.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking around, Joe tried figure out which of the grassy mounds would be the easiest to climb. Suddenly he spotted a gorge that seemed to separate two of the hills. The split between the hills wasn\u2019t very wide, but it certainly was wide enough for a man to get through. And there was no question in Joe\u2019s mind that it would be easier to follow the gorge than to climb one of the hills.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe knelt down by the creek and scooped several handfuls of water into his mouth. He was thankful that he hadn\u2019t had to tap into the water supply in his canteen since he had refilled the container; whenever he had gotten thirsty, he simply drank from the stream. He calculated the full canteen should last until he reached Spruce Meadows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaving the creek behind him, Joe started jogging to the gorge. He reached the chasm between the hills in less then ten minutes. Breathing hard, Joe stopped to study the gorge carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

The gorge was peppered with rocks, tree branches and bits of bushes, but the dirt bottom looked solid. Moving cautiously, Joe climbed down into the ravine and was relieved to feel hard ground under his feet. He had to walk a bit carefully to avoid the debris that littered the gorge, but Joe found it was possible to use the gully as a way through the hills.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he walked, Joe kept his eyes on the ground in front of him. weaving a bit as he walked to avoid anything in his path if possible. His tired legs felt like they were made of lead when Joe had to lift them to step over a tree limb. Joe tried to ignore the aches and pains of his protesting muscles as he continued on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t see the large trees and rocks which blocked the end of the gorge until he came right up to them. He stopped and looked at the barrier with dismay. It appeared that the side of one of the hills had slid down into the gorge, and the landslide filled the ravine. For a moment, Joe just stared at wall of dirt, stone and wood which blocked his way. He couldn\u2019t believe that he had come so far only to find himself trapped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Joe squared his shoulders and stiffened his spine. He knew he couldn\u2019t go back. He would lose too much time retracing his steps through the gorge and then climbing one of the hills to reach the lake trail. Joe made up his mind that he was going to get to the end of the ravine and down to the lake, and if he had to climb over the landslide in front him to do it, then so be it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspecting the landslide, Joe looked for the best part over which to climb. He ignored the area to his right \u2013 the hill down which the trees and other debris had tumbled \u2013 knowing that the ground was liable to be soft and crumbly there. The middle of the slide offered some promise of handholds for Joe to use to pull himself up, but not enough to satisfy the youngest Cartwright that this was the way to go. Joe moved to his right and studied the opposite hillside. The rocks and tree limbs were pushed up against mound and crammed together tightly. Joe could several places where he could place his hands and feet as he climbed. Without further hesitation, he started toward that part of the slide.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although it took only several minutes to scramble up to the top of the landslide, Joe felt like he was climbing for an hour. It was slow and difficult work, and his legs and shoulders \u2013 especially his recently injured right shoulder \u2013 protested the effort with waves of dull pain. He was breathing hard when he finally reached the top of the pile of debris, but Joe also felt a sense of accomplishment. He stood still for a moment, both to catch his breath and to search for an easy way down to the ground below.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe noted that the hill sloped downward along the side of the debris to the dirt floor of the gorge. He figured the landslide must have carved a niche into the mound, with the bulk of the materials falling toward the part of the ravine behind him. Joe decided if he moved slowly and carefully, he could walk down the hill to the gorge, saving himself a difficult climb.<\/span><\/p>\n

The slant was steep so Joe took small steps as he started down the hill. The dirt seemed firm as he pressed his heels against it. Joe had taken only a few steps when his foot landed on a small rock which he hadn\u2019t seen. The weight of his body caused the rock to loosen from the dirt and tumble down the hill. Off balance, Joe slipped and fell forward. He started rolling and sliding down the slope, plummeting toward the ravine below. The fall happened so fast that Joe could do nothing to stop himself. His freefall finally came to a halt when his body hit the edge of the ravine, but his momentum pushed Joe over the rim and into the gorge. Bathed in the light filtering through the trees, Joe laid sprawl on the bottom of the ravine, unmoving.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Groaning softly from aches in what felt like a hundred places on his body, Joe slowly scraped his arms along the dirt floor of the gorge. He felt dazed, unsure where he was or what had happened to him. He blinked his eyes and lifted his head a bit, wondering why he was on the ground. Then, in a rush, he remembered the fall as well as his mission to deliver the necklace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat up quickly, a move he instantly regretted as a sharp pang of pain ran through his body from his head to his legs. Wincing and taking a quick breath, Joe waited a moment until the pain ebbed into a dull ache. Then he move his right arm slowly toward his body, not to determine if his arm was uninjured but rather to feel for the small sack which he had stuffed inside his shirt. Joe sighed with relief as his fingers closed around the lumpy parcel under the cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving his arms and legs, Joe decided he had broken nothing in the fall. He could see that his pants were ripped at the left knee and stained with blood from a cut on his leg. When he reached forward to pull the cloth wider in order to examine the cut, Joe noted his right hand was scraped and bleeding. He flexed his right fingers, making sure they worked, and decided the injury was not serious. Joe eased the torn cloth on his pants apart and studied the cut on his leg. The jagged slash hadn\u2019t penetrated very deep and the blood around it was already clotting and beginning to dry. He could see no other signs of bleeding, although he suspected that he was bruised in several areas that he couldn\u2019t see.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou idiot!\u201d Joe berated himself in a loud voice. \u201cLot of good it would have done Pa if you had broken a leg or something. You have to be more careful!\u201d He got to his feet slowly, and took a tentative step, testing the result of weight on his injured leg. He felt a twinge, more of an ache than a sharp pain; it was the type of soreness which could easily have been caused by hours of traveling across country by foot as much as by a fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he looked around to get his bearings, Joe saw that the sun shining through the trees. He figured he had been unconscious for a short time, no more than a few minutes. Still, his fall had cost him time, a commodity which he had little to spare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning his head a bit, Joe saw his canteen laying a few feet away, and walked over to the container. He opened the canteen, took a long drink, and then splashed some water on his scraped hand. Satisfied that he was in as good a condition as could be expected, Joe took a deep breath and started walking.<\/span><\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long for Joe to reach the end of the gorge and emerge from the hills to a flat expanse of grass. He knew that this was an area across which he could start running, and Joe tried to make his legs work. He ran a few feet, but his tired legs felt like rubber. He realized no longer had the energy to do more than trudge wearily across the field.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking almost mindlessly, Joe concentrated on simply moving forward. His body ached and the cut on his leg and hand burned. The sunlit meadow seem to be spread endlessly before him. Joe felt the rivulets of sweat running down his face and back, and stopped once or twice to take a drink and splash some water on his face. He wanted nothing more to sit down and rest, but refrained from doing so, fearing he might not have the strength to get back up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe lost all sense of time and distance so he was surprised when he reached the top of a small knoll and saw the deep blue water of Lake Tahoe simmering in front of him. Joe estimated that the lake was about half a mile away, which meant he was close to Spruce Meadows. Wearily, he glanced up at the sky, and figured from the position of the sun that it was not yet noon. Joe was too tired to try to calculate whether he could make it to Spruce Meadows on time. Instead, he simply lifted his foot and started walking.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The military encampment at Spruce Meadows was bustling with activity. Soldiers were cleaning rifles, grooming horses or policing the grounds. Two soldiers walked back and forth in front of the canvas lean-to where the treaty was scheduled to be signed, guarding it from unknown intruders. Ben sat quietly outside a tent, sipping coffee, a seemingly island of tranquility in the midst of the commotion. But Ben was anything but tranquil. He was worried \u2013 about the treaty, about Winnemucca\u2019s reaction to the missing necklace, and most of all, about his sons. He knew his boys well enough to guess they were taking risks in order to get the necklace to Spruce Meadows by noon. He wished there was some way he could tell Adam, Hoss and Joe that no treaty, no token of peace was worth their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly a shout echoed across the camp and men started walking quickly toward the edge of the meadow. Ben looked up, more curious than anything else, then immediately dropped his coffee cup to the ground. He stood and hurried to meet the patrol that was riding in, with Adam and Hoss at the front.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! Hoss!\u201d called Ben happily as he rushed to where the riders had halted their horses and dismounted. He stopped abruptly and frowned. \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d Ben felt a lump in his throat as he realized his two older sons were leading his youngest son\u2019s pinto.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not here yet?\u201d asked Adam, looking around. \u201cWe thought he might have made it to the camp by now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s not here,\u201d Ben confirmed. \u201cWhy would you think he would be? How did you get separated? Is he all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, as far as we know, Joe\u2019s fine,\u201d Hoss replied in a soothing tone. \u201cHe just went on ahead of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben heard footsteps coming up behind him, followed by the voice of Colonel Marks asking eagerly, \u201cDo you have the necklace?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe has it,\u201d Adam answered. He glanced at Hoss, then added, \u201cHe must be still on his way here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d said Ben, still frowning. \u201cWhere is Joe? Why isn\u2019t he with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sensing that mood of the conversation was growing tense, Sergeant Williams decided it was time for a graceful exit. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of the horses,\u201d he announced quickly, and grabbing the reins of the Cartwrights\u2019 horses, led the animals, as well as his patrol, toward the end of the meadow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I want an answer,\u201d Ben demanded. \u201cWhat happened to Joe? Where is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sighing, Adam decided there was no way to avoid telling his father what happened. \u201cWe got trapped by a band of Utes. It looked like they were going to keep us penned in for a long time, and we wouldn\u2019t be able to get the necklace here on time. So Joe took the necklace and started for Spruce Meadows on his own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe should have been here by now, shouldn\u2019t he?\u201d Ben asked, the lump in his throat growing larger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, not necessarily, Pa,\u201d Hoss replied hesitantly. \u201cSee, Joe was making his way to Spruce Meadows on foot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn foot!\u201d exclaimed Ben. \u201cHow far away were you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got trapped up by Six Forks,\u201d Hoss answered, wincing a bit in anticipation of his father\u2019s reaction to his bit of information.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSix Forks!\u201d shouted Ben in both anger and astonishment. \u201cYou sent Joe on foot over that rough country? How could you do that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t send him, Pa,\u201d Adam tried to explain. \u201cIt was Joe\u2019s idea. We didn\u2019t think we would be able to get away from those Utes in time, and Joe was sure he could make it here with the necklace. We didn\u2019t know an army patrol was going to show up.\u201d Adam shrugged a bit. \u201cWe thought it was the best thing to do at the time,\u201d he finished lamely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe started looking for him as soon as we could,\u201d Hoss added quickly, trying to calm his father\u2019s anger and distress. \u201cMe and Adam and the whole patrol looked everywhere for him, but we couldn\u2019t find him. We finally figured it would better to ride on in and see if he was here. We figured we could get a lot more men to help look if he wasn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt probably wasn\u2019t the smartest thing to do, to let Joe go off like that,\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cBut he was so worried about you, and about what would happen if the necklace didn\u2019t get here in time. We all were. We thought it was worth a try.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe knew it wasn\u2019t going to be easy getting here,\u201d Hoss said almost plaintively. \u201cBut he was willing to try, so as to make sure nothing would happen to you. Joe was the best one to go, but Adam and I would have done it if we had to. All of us would have done anything to keep you safe, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood silent, digesting his older son\u2019s words. His anger dissipated and was replaced by another emotion \u2013 pride, affection, gratitude \u2013 Ben wasn\u2019t sure what it was. Maybe a combination of all three. \u201cI understand why you let Joe go,\u201d he finally said softly. \u201cI just wish you hadn\u2019t done it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019ll get some men organized into search parties right away,\u201d offered Colonel Marks. \u201cIf Joe is anywhere near here, they\u2019ll find him. We still have a little time until Winnemucca shows up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you don\u2019t,\u201d Adam stated, looking over his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving with surprising quiet, Winnemucca was riding into meadow from the trees near the canvas lean-to. The old chief was wearing his ceremonial clothes \u2013 full headdress, leather shirt and pants decorated with fringe and small paintings, a bright red cloth draped over his left shoulder and tied at the waist to his belt. Winnemucca was flanked by two younger men also dressed in decorated buckskins and wearing feather headdresses. Behind the three men rode a line of braves which stretched back into the trees, all of whom were wearing the Paiute version of formal clothes \u2013 and carrying rifles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Winnemucca led his party of men into the middle of the meadow, and then stopped. The stony expression on the chief\u2019s face was reflected on the face of his men. The Paiutes waited for the white men to make the next move.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, what do we?\u201d hissed Colonel Marks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreet our guests,\u201d Ben replied, trying to keep a neutral expression on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Winnemucca will go for the idea that the necklace is on its way here?\u201d Marks asked in the low voice. \u201cThat sounds better than saying we don\u2019t know where it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben started to reply, but stopped when he heard a faint call from a distance. He frowned, and listened hard. Then a small smile broke out on his face as he heard the shout of \u201cPa\u201d coming closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning, Ben watched with both relief and pride as Joe hobbled across the meadow from a strand of trees at far end of the field. Ben was shocked, however, at his son\u2019s appearance. Dirty, clothes torn, and streaked with blood and sweat, Joe limped forward doggedly until he reached his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry I\u2019m late, Pa,\u201d Joe said wearily. He reached inside shirt and pulled out a small leather sack. \u201cHere it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking the pouch, Ben opened it and poured the necklace into his hand. He looked at it for only a moment \u2013 just long enough to insure it was the right artifact \u2013 and then quickly the necklace back in the pouch. \u201cHere\u2019s your peace treaty, John,\u201d Ben told the Colonel as he handed the small sack to the officer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marks looked from Ben to Joe and back again. He seemed to be trying to find the right words to say, but could only come up with a heartfelt \u201cThank you, thank you very much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWinnemucca is waiting, John. You\u2019d better go greet him,\u201d Ben urged the colonel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you coming with me?\u201d asked Marks, looking surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you don\u2019t need me,\u201d Ben replied. He looked toward Joe for a moment, then turned back to the Colonel. \u201cMy son needs the help now, much more than you do.\u201d Marks nodded his agreement and walked with military precision toward the waiting Paiutes, shouting orders to his soldiers as he went.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the Colonel marched off, Joe put his hands on Ben\u2019s shoulders and slumped forward, too exhausted and sore to do anything more than hang on to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you all right?\u201d Ben asked anxiously as he clung to his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Pa,\u201d Joe answered honestly. \u201cI\u2019m too tired to feel anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss rushed up to join Joe and Ben. \u201cJoe, you had us worried, boy,\u201d Hoss said with concern. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d Joe nodded a bit, too weary to answer his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you go?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cWe looked for you but we couldn\u2019t find you.\u201d Joe just shrugged, finding no strength to talk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can sort this all out later,\u201d Ben declared. \u201cHoss, help me get Joe over to one of those tents. Adam, get some water.\u201d He slipped Joe\u2019s left arm over his shoulders and wrapped his own arm around his son\u2019s back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can manage by myself,\u201d Joe protested in a barely audible voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure you can,\u201d Hoss agreed in a disbelieving tone as he grabbed Joe\u2019s right arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou made it on your own this far, Joe,\u201d Adam told his brother. \u201cLet us help you the rest of the way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben sat by the cot in the tent, watching Joe as his youngest son slept peacefully. It seemed like he had been sitting here for hours, although Ben knew it couldn\u2019t have been that long. Inside the tent, it was quiet; the only noise was the faint sound of Joe\u2019s breathing. Ben waited for\u2026something; he wasn\u2019t sure what. All he knew was he had to be here, to watch over Joe until he was satisfied his son would be all right.<\/span><\/p>\n

The current stillness in the tent was a sharp contrast to the flurry of activity that had occurred when the Cartwrights initially arrived at the canvas structure. Ben and Hoss had carried Joe across the meadow, because his youngest son\u2019s legs could no longer support him. Once inside the tent, Ben had carefully laid Joe on the cot, and Joe had immediately fallen asleep. He hadn\u2019t stirred even an inch as Hoss pulled his boots off his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost immediately, Adam had barreled into the tent, carrying a bucket of water and a cloth, as well as the canteen. One look at Joe told Adam that the canteen wasn\u2019t going to be used, and he had dropped the container to the floor. Adam and Hoss had set to work removing Joe\u2019s filthy clothes while Ben had cleaned the dirt off his youngest son. Ben had seen the scratches and bruises on Joe\u2019s head, shoulders, ribs, and legs. He could only wonder what misery Joe had endured in order to get to Spruce Meadows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout all the attention and care he was receiving from his father and brothers, Joe had showed no reaction. In a sleep fueled by exhaustion, Joe felt nothing, heard nothing. His only thought for hours had been to get to Spruce Meadows by noon, and he had accomplished that task through sheer willpower. Once he had handed the sack containing to the necklace to his father, Joe let the fatigue had had been holding at bay run through his body. That fatigue had forced him into a deep, dreamless sleep from which he showed no sign of waking any time soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

And now Ben waited for some sign that Joe had moved from that frightening deep sleep to a more natural slumber. Leaning forward, Ben felt Joe\u2019s forehead, checking for fever, and then move his hand to gently brush some stray strands of hair to the side of his youngest son\u2019s head. He was surprised when Joe stirred and opened his eyes a bit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe,\u201d said Ben softly. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to wake you. Go back to sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs everything all right?\u201d Joe asked in a groggy voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, everything is fine, thanks to you,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cNow go back to sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI made it, Pa,\u201d Joe mumbled as he closed his eyes. \u201cI made it in time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure did, son,\u201d Ben agreed. He knew he would get no reply; Joe obviously was asleep once more. Ben watched his son\u2019s even breathing for a bit, then stood. He bent forward to pull the blanket up to cover Joe\u2019s shoulders and to pat his son gently on the top of the head.<\/span><\/p>\n

If anyone had asked Ben what he was feeling at that moment, he would have had difficulty putting his feelings into words. He was proud of his son\u2019s courage and endurance. He was grateful for the risk that Joe had been willing to take to insure his safety. And he had an urge to grab his youngest son by the shoulders and make him promise to never, ever do anything like that again.<\/span><\/p>\n

Straightening, Ben watched Joe for a moment, once more assuring himself that his son was sleeping normally. Then he turned and walked out of the tent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben wasn\u2019t surprised to see Adam and Hoss sitting on two stools in front of the tent. He was surprised, however, to see that the meadow in front of him was virtually empty. The Paiutes were gone, the canvas lean-to had been taken down, and the soldiers seemed busy doing mundane tasks around the camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs the treaty ceremony over?\u201d asked Ben in a startled voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt ended about twenty minutes ago,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cEverything went fine. The treaty is signed, and both sides seemed satisfied. The supply wagons shouldn\u2019t have any trouble getting through Paiute land any more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou should have seen old Winnemucca,\u201d Hoss added with a grin. \u201cHe rode out of here wearing that necklace and looking proud as a peacock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cStill sleeping?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI think he\u2019s going to sleep for a week. There\u2019s no sign of fever, though, and other than those scratches and bruises, he seems fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid he say anything about how he got them?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he didn\u2019t,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cWe\u2019re going to have to wait until he wakes up to hear about that.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cThat was quite a feat he accomplished, getting all the way from Six Forks to here on foot in a little over four hours. I wouldn\u2019t have believed it could be done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s a tough kid,\u201d observed Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI always said he was half jackrabbit,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cGuess this proves it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cocking his head a bit, Ben looked at Adam and Hoss. \u201cI also wouldn\u2019t have believed you boys could have found the necklace so quickly. How did you do it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think maybe we should wait until Joe wakes up to tell you what happened,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cHe deserves to be there when we tell you.\u201d A wide smile suddenly broke out on Adam\u2019s face. \u201cYou\u2019re going to like this story, Pa; it includes a reclusive miner, a gypsy and a magic cure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget about the curse,\u201d Hoss chimed in with a grin. \u201cThat\u2019s the best part.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMagic cure? Curse?\u201d Ben said incredulously. \u201cJust what have you boys up to?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust doing what you taught us, Pa,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cMaking sure we finished what we started out to do, no matter how difficult it seemed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe stopped an Indian war and saved a whole bunch of lives,\u201d Hoss added. \u201cThat makes everything we had to do, including Joe\u2019s little trip, worth it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

For the first time in days, Ben smiled. \u201cYou know, I told Colonel Marks that I have some pretty remarkable sons,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I don\u2019t think even I knew how remarkable my sons really are.\u201d<\/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 The return of a legendary necklace as part of a peace treaty could save countless lives.<\/p>\n

Word Count: \u00a027,700 \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-13953","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-drama","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":840,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14872,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14872","url_meta":{"origin":13953,"position":0},"title":"Shadows of Friendship (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"August 27, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: In The Paiute War, Adam and Young Wolf, son of Chief Winnemucca, were once friends. What made Young Wolf end his friendship with Adam, although Winnemucca continues it with Ben and Adam?\u00a0 Rating - T, Word Count\u00a0- 4799","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\/2017\/08\/Shadow-Collage.jpg?fit=1023%2C767&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Shadow-Collage.jpg?fit=1023%2C767&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Shadow-Collage.jpg?fit=1023%2C767&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Shadow-Collage.jpg?fit=1023%2C767&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2466,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2466","url_meta":{"origin":13953,"position":1},"title":"Mutual Trust (by Devonshire)","author":"Devonshire","date":"December 21, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0An afternoon swim takes an unexpected turn, and Joe is forced to test his survival instincts. Rated K+ (9,995 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\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12498,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12498","url_meta":{"origin":13953,"position":2},"title":"Forget Me Not (by Tauna Petit-Stawn)","author":"Tauna Petit-Strawn","date":"February 6, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A what if I got off Love Me Not. Instead of getting on the stagecoach, Joan disappears in the middle of the night. Ben is riddled with guilt. Will the Cartwrights ever see her again? Rated: T (24,000) Forget Me Not Series, links to all the stories within the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15765,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15765","url_meta":{"origin":13953,"position":3},"title":"The Legend of the White Grizzly Bear (by mo1427)","author":"mo1427","date":"December 26, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: On a visit to Chief Winnemucca's Paiute Camp, Adam hears a legend that he wonders later if it could be true. Word Count = 1421 Rating = K","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\/2017\/12\/bear.jpg?fit=298%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15525,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15525","url_meta":{"origin":13953,"position":4},"title":"Ben Raised His Boys RIGHT (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"December 4, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The trials of a Cartwight father. Rating: T (1,080 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\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":38505,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=38505","url_meta":{"origin":13953,"position":5},"title":"The Children Shall Lead (by BettyHT)","author":"BettyHT","date":"January 21, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: This is a prequel about how Ben found the spot for the Ponderosa, but it is told as a story about Adam and Hoss and how they met Young Wolf.\u00a0 There is also some insight into how Adam developed into the man he became. 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