{"id":14189,"date":"2002-02-18T07:23:58","date_gmt":"2002-02-18T12:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14189"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:05:58","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:05:58","slug":"what-child-is-this-by-anne-g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14189","title":{"rendered":"What Child is This? (by Anne G)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Synopsis:<\/strong> The Cartwright’s hire a new hand and his wife.\u00a0 A young Little Joe is especially drawn to the wife.\u00a0 The true meaning of Christmas revealed once again.<\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong>\u00a0T \u00a0due to language \u00a0(24,300 words)<\/p>\n

What Child is This?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201c10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…\u201d The boy held his breath as he waited for the teacher\u2019s final words of this semester.\u00a0 Of this year.\u00a0 \u201cJust one more year and I\u2019ll never have to hear those words again,\u201d Joe Cartwright reminded himself as he sat in eager anticipation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAttention, students.\u201d The teacher rapped on the top of his desk with a ruler.\u00a0 The class calmed as Mr.\u00a0 Schrader\u2019s hard gaze swept the classroom.\u00a0 Although this would be his last day in the classroom, there were still some unfinished pieces of business to which he wanted to attend.\u00a0 \u201cYou all know this is my last day at your school.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard that my sister in St.\u00a0 Louis is ill.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be leaving to help her.\u00a0 I have already been assured a job at the Dayton School which, unfortunately, requires I leave my position here in the middle of the school year.\u201d Mr.\u00a0 Schrader paused in his recitation.\u00a0 \u201cA replacement has been found, but, she will not be available until January 21.\u201d Joe contemplated what the new teacher might be like, but the thought passed briefly as he joined in the collective sigh of appreciation about that last comment as the noise level increased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rapping the ruler again, he waited patiently for the buzzing to stop, then continued.\u00a0 \u201cI expect you all to use this free time wisely.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe leaned over to James Williams, the boy in the desk next to him.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, hunting elk, riding fences, sledding.\u00a0 Think that\u2019s what he has in mind?\u201d he asked mischievously.\u00a0 James started to reply when he noticed the teacher had stopped talking and was walking toward them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr.\u00a0 Cartwright.\u201d Joe cringed, realizing that once again he\u2019d been caught.\u00a0 \u201cIt distresses me so, not to have met the one specific goal I had most hoped to meet for this school term.\u201d Joe looked up, curious as to where this discussion was headed.\u00a0 \u201cCan you imagine what that particular goal was?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head as Mr.\u00a0 Schrader turned to face the rest of the class.\u00a0 \u201cOne of my goals was to teach Joe Cartwright to speak when spoken to and to speak then and only then.\u201d The class giggled nervously and Joe risked a glance at the man\u2019s face, surprised to see a twinkle in the man\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve worn out one cane on this young man already, though, and won\u2019t jeopardize my new cane.\u201d He smiled at the class, noticing them all relax.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I will say, Mr.\u00a0 Cartwright, that your deportment has improved this school term as have your grades.\u201d He handed Little Joe his report card.\u00a0 \u201cYour father shouldn\u2019t chastise you this time, Joseph.\u00a0 It\u2019s a significant improvement from your mid term report.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe reached up to take the report card, realizing that his father\u2019s insistence that he do homework each night to be checked by him or Adam had actually been the cause of his improved marks.\u00a0 It surely wasn\u2019t any increased interest in school on Joe\u2019s part.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr.\u00a0 Schrader moved around the room, distributing the report cards to the students, making comments to each student as he did so.\u00a0 That task completed, the teacher returned to the front of the class.\u00a0 \u201cI want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.\u201d Waiting until the class had responded, he continued.\u00a0 \u201cMr.\u00a0 Cartwright, Mr.\u00a0 Williams, I would like you two to remain after class and help me ready the room for the next teacher.\u201d He ignored Little Joe as the boy rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI want all the boards erased, the erasers cleaned, desks moved to the side, and the floor swept and mopped.\u201d He glanced casually at the boys.\u00a0 \u201cThat shouldn\u2019t take more than an hour or two.\u201d He raised his eyebrows as he made eye contact with the two.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d the two replied morosely.\u00a0 They moved to collect the erasers as the rest of the class joyously ran from the school.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamn you, Cartwright,\u201d James muttered under his breath as the boys cleaned the blackboards.\u00a0 \u201cAll I did was sit next to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, who was I to think he\u2019d do anything with school just about out,\u201d Joe shot back defensively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I got things to do and they don\u2019t include hanging around here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked around quickly.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you saying, Williams?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m saying, I\u2019m out of here, that\u2019s what I\u2019m saying.\u00a0 Schrader\u2019s not even here.\u00a0 He said he\u2019d be back in an hour to see how we were doing.\u00a0 Well, I\u2019m going to be long gone by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t,\u201d Joe argued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t bet that big ranch of your daddy\u2019s on that, Little Joe.\u00a0 What\u2019s he gonna do? Come tell my pa on me? Hell, he\u2019ll be leaving town in a few days.\u00a0 He don\u2019t care what we do.\u00a0 Come on.\u00a0 There\u2019s still time to go sledding down Blackstone Hill.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe debated his friend\u2019s offer.\u00a0 Sledding down Blackstone Hill, the highest, most steep hillside outside Virginia City was always lots of fun.\u00a0 Someone always had a sled or toboggan to borrow and the ride down was a wild one.\u00a0 In the end, though, he just shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNah, not this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

James just shrugged his shoulders and slipped out the side door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was an hour and a half later, as Joe was finishing mopping the floor, that Mr.\u00a0 Schrader made his appearance. \u00a0“Where\u2019s Mr.\u00a0 Williams, Mr.\u00a0 Cartwright?”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders; hoping Mr.\u00a0 Schrader wouldn\u2019t question him too closely.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t about ready to tell on his friend.\u00a0 \u201cSaid he had to go.\u00a0 Guess he did,\u201d Joe responded tentatively.\u00a0 He braced, waiting for the outburst he was sure would follow.\u00a0 When it didn\u2019t happen, he returned to his mopping.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh, Mr.\u00a0 Schrader,\u201d Little Joe began a few minutes later.\u00a0 The teacher looked up from his desk.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve, uh, I\u2019ve uh finished, if you\u2019d like to check that it\u2019s satisfactory.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The teacher looked at the young man.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, while I can\u2019t say it\u2019s always been true with your homework, I\u2019ve noticed that anything you do for me around the school has always been done very well.\u00a0 I don\u2019t believe I need to check your work now.\u201d He considered Joe\u2019s look of amazement.\u00a0 The boy hadn\u2019t realized Mr.\u00a0 Schrader even noticed those things.\u00a0 With a smile, the teacher continued.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re excused, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Joe managed as he grabbed his books and headed out the door.\u00a0 \u201cFive weeks of FREEDOM!\u201d the thought sang in his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, almost freedom,\u201d Joe corrected himself.\u00a0 He still had to meet Adam at the warehouse and already he was an hour late.\u00a0 As he ran toward town, he saw a small gathering at the outskirts of Virginia City.\u00a0 Curiosity got the better of him and the boy walked over to the crowd.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sought someone he knew, finding James Williams, who, along with three or four men in the mob, was yelling at someone.\u00a0 Joe couldn\u2019t tell who was the focus of the crowd\u2019s interest.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Joe tapped his schoolmate on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Startled, James turned around, smiling when he saw Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s that escaped slave and his woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t you had them out to your place, Cartwright?\u201d Joe shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re looking for a place to light, asking for work…and it sure ain\u2019t gonna be Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Joe was confused with his friend\u2019s comments.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright always welcomed new families to the Comstock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re escaped slaves, that\u2019s why,\u201d James responded patronizingly.\u00a0 \u201cOn the run.\u00a0 Fugitives.\u00a0 Probably the law after them.\u00a0 Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes you think they\u2019re escaped slaves?\u201d Joe persisted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOpen your eyes, Cartwright.\u00a0 See how he walks?\u201d Joe looked to the man leading his very pregnant wife into Virginia City on an old, broken down mule.\u00a0 When he was sure his friend was paying attention to that bit of information, James continued.\u00a0 \u201cWhen they walk like that, it\u2019s usually because his master cut off part of his foot to keep him from escaping.\u00a0 I\u2019d say he\u2019s a dangerous one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say you\u2019re crazy, James.\u00a0 You don\u2019t know nothing about them except that she\u2019s about to have a baby and he walks with a limp.\u00a0 Leave \u2018em alone.\u201d Joe\u2019s sense of fair play was being sorely tested as he watched the small crowd taunting the couple.\u00a0 Unable to stand it any longer, Joe walked to the front of the mass, turning to face them before he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou all leave these people alone.\u201d The boy\u2019s face bore the same determination many in the crowd had seen from Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cThis close to Christmas, don\u2019t you have nothin\u2019 better to do?\u201d he challenged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou Cartwright\u2019s think you\u2019re so high and mighty.\u00a0 You\u2019re Pa ain\u2019t hired them on.\u201d It was an owner of one of the smaller ranches speaking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that\u2019s true.\u201d The boy acknowledged.\u00a0 He turned to the scared couple.\u00a0 \u201cBut my pa\u2019s looking for help at the ranch.\u00a0 He\u2019s got most everyone working that timber contract up by Springer\u2019s Roost.\u00a0 If you\u2019re interested in work, my brother Adam\u2019s doing the hiring.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to meet him now if you\u2019d like to ask him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man turned to his wife, recognizing the deep fear she felt as the throng moved closer.\u00a0 \u201cIt can\u2019t hurt to ask, Til.\u201d Her eyes begged the man to consider the offer even as her voice pressed her husband to action.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll talk with your brother,\u201d the man replied warily.\u00a0 \u201cJust show me where.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe smiled back at the man and extended his right hand, noticing the crowd had quieted as he addressed the newcomers.\u00a0 \u201cMy name\u2019s Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 It\u2019s my pa, Ben Cartwright, who\u2019s looking for men.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man grasped the young man\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cMy name\u2019s Til Ennis and this is my wife, Sarah.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tipped his hat to the man\u2019s wife as he acknowledged the introductions.\u00a0 \u201cUh, my brother\u2019s doing the hiring and he\u2019s over at the warehouse loading a wagon.\u201d Inwardly, Joe groaned, realized how late he was to assist Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWe can go over there, Mr.\u00a0 Ennis, but let me talk with him first.\u00a0 I was supposed to be helping him about an hour ago.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be really mad.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want his being so mad at me to keep him from considering you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ennis was not so sure that was the young man\u2019s motive in wanting to talk with his brother first, but he seemed sincere; and Ennis had no other plan right now.\u00a0 The man picked up the reins as he led his wife through the crowd that had parted as Joe moved forward, the boy\u2019s glare mirroring the distaste he felt for the fine folks of Virginia City.\u00a0 The two moved toward the warehouse, the plug mule following behind with the pregnant black woman astride.
\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n

At the warehouse, Adam was just tying down the last of the load, obviously disgusted that his younger brother had yet to make his appearance.\u00a0 As he worked, his anger toward Little Joe increased.\u00a0 So involved was he in his thoughts, he didn\u2019t hear his little brother\u2019s approach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh, hey, Adam,\u201d Joe began.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a flash, Adam was off the wagon, his anger so focused as to cause the younger boy to back off.\u00a0 \u201cWhere have you been, Little Joe?\u201d Adam yelled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve been loading this whole wagon without your help.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got half a mind…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe interjected before his brother could go any further.\u00a0 \u201cIt was my fault.\u00a0 I got kept after school to help clean the room for the next teacher.\u201d He took a quick breath and continued his rapid speech.\u00a0 \u201cBut I found someone to work at the ranch for a while.\u201d There, he\u2019d said all he wanted to say just now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head, confused at the rapid change in topic.\u00a0 He glared at his brother while Joe looked up innocently with what he hoped was a conciliatory smile.\u00a0 \u201cOk, Joe, out with it.\u00a0 Who\u2019s the man?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s actually a man and his wife, Adam.\u00a0 He\u2019s tried to get work at the Williams\u2019 place and the Jackson\u2019s and he really needs the work.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo what was wrong that he didn\u2019t get hired?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou see,\u201d Joe began with a shrug of his shoulders, \u201cshe\u2019s pregnant and he\u2019s got a limp.\u00a0 But he sure looks like he can work.\u00a0 You should see his arms.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled indulgently at his brother and reached out to ruffle his hair.\u00a0 \u201cI used to think it was only Pa you had wrapped around your finger.\u00a0 Okay, little brother, where is this man?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here,\u201d a deep voice answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two brothers jumped, neither realizing the man had come near them.\u00a0 The truth was, Ennis wanted some idea of what this family was all about.\u00a0 He was pleasantly surprised at the conversation he\u2019d overheard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam recovered quickly and extended his hand.\u00a0 He knew immediately why neither the Williams\u2019 nor Jackson\u2019s had hired the man.\u00a0 And it had nothing to do with his limp.\u00a0 \u201cMy name\u2019s Adam Cartwright,\u201d said Adam as he shook hands with the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cName\u2019s Til Ennis and this is my wife, Sarah.\u201d Like Joe, Adam tipped his hat in acknowledgment of the introductions.\u00a0 \u201cThe boy here says you\u2019re hiring.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Adam answered.\u00a0 He immediately liked the straightforward manner of the man.\u00a0 He felt terribly sorry for his wife who he knew must be miserable.\u00a0 \u201cPay\u2019s $40 a month for new hands, plus room and half side of beef a year.\u00a0 Interested?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am.\u00a0 My wife\u2019s part of the package, though.\u201d He looked Adam in the eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guessed as much.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got a small house we keep for married couples.\u00a0 It hasn\u2019t been used in a while, but it wouldn\u2019t take much to clean it out.\u00a0 Work\u2019s mostly with cattle right now, plus barn chores, some breaking horses if the weather stays clear.\u00a0 Have you done much of that, Mr.\u00a0 Ennis?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBroke horses at the Rolling D in Kansas for a time.\u00a0 I know how to work, Mr.\u00a0 Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam surveyed the man.\u00a0 He guessed his age about thirty-five, maybe a little older.\u00a0 His intuition told him the man would be a good employee.\u00a0 And it was true; they needed help.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, Mr.\u00a0 Ennis, you\u2019re hired.\u00a0 Get your gear and load it into the wagon.\u00a0 We can go out to the Ponderosa now, if you\u2019ve a mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah Ennis spurred her husband to action.\u00a0 \u201cYou heard the man, Til.\u00a0 If\u2019n you\u2019ll help me off this mule, that wagon looks a heap more comfortable.\u201d She smiled weakly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Solicitous, the new hand hurried to his wife and gently helped her off the bony mule.\u00a0 In a few moments, they had stashed their meager belongings in the back of the wagon.\u00a0 Adam tossed the reins of their mule to his younger brother, directing him to the back of the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cHold on tight, little brother.\u00a0 You fall off and you can ride the mule home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The couple smiled at the face Joe made while Adam assisted Mrs.\u00a0 Ennis up onto the wagon seat.\u00a0 In a few moments, they were on their way to the largest ranch in Nevada.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Ennis approached this new job with trepidation.\u00a0 Sarah shuddered as she remembered being run off from the last ranch.\u00a0 Even now, she wasn\u2019t sure why they\u2019d been hired at that ranch in the first place.\u00a0 The owner didn\u2019t like people of color, that had been evident early on.\u00a0 And the words the foreman used to them; she shivered as though a ghost had walked over her grave.\u00a0 Sensing her distress, Til quietly pulled her to him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled wearily, grateful for her husband\u2019s understanding.\u00a0 The menial jobs Til had been forced to perform were insulting, but that had been tolerable.\u00a0 The filthy names he\u2019d been called matched the filthy shack they\u2019d been given to live in; even that had been bearable as they saved to buy a ranch for themselves and their child.\u00a0 But when she\u2019d been accused of stealing from the owner\u2019s wife, they had been run off the ranch like criminals.\u00a0 In fact, even as the foreman was having the hands heat the tar, she and Til had barely managed to slip away on their old mule.\u00a0 Til had been sure it was the youngest son\u2019s doing; his stealing and framing it to look like her.\u00a0 Til always said Timothy was nothing but a spoiled rich kid who never knew a day\u2019s work in his life.\u00a0 It hadn\u2019t mattered that they were innocent.\u00a0 It never mattered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She could still taste the fear that first night as they\u2019d holed up in a deep cave.\u00a0 Til had held her tightly as they\u2019d watched the torches moving back and forth along the hillside.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t until the next night, under the protective watch of a new moon, that they\u2019d made their escape.\u00a0 The money they\u2019d managed to save had secured their passage as far as Virginia City, the boomtown into which they\u2019d thought to meld.\u00a0 Even here, though, it was the same; always the same…Slumping against her husband on the wagon seat, she drifted into an uncomfortable sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA simple task.\u00a0 I send my youngest son to school with directions to meet my oldest son after school and help load a wagon with supplies.\u00a0 Shouldn\u2019t take more than thirty minutes or so to get packed.\u00a0 Plenty of time to be back to get evening chores finished.\u201d Ben Cartwright was fuming as he closed the massive, solid door to the Ponderosa Ranch house, having just finished those same chores himself.\u00a0 The biggest ranch in all of Nevada, his home had always been the focal point of the Cartwright holdings.\u00a0 It was here that ideas had been dreamed, decisions had been made, boys had been given hugs or hidings; it was here that he\u2019d made love to his beautiful Creole wife, the mother of his youngest son, Joseph.\u00a0 Although she lay buried overlooking Lake Tahoe, and had for almost nine years, his reflections about his family turned to her.\u00a0 Christmas was her favorite time of year.\u00a0 Even now, while seething about his sons\u2019 tardiness, thoughts of her lilting voice, her dancing green eyes, and her beguiling smile began to work their magic as Ben felt the tension leave his neck and shoulders.\u00a0 He shook his head, again amazed at the affect even her memory had on him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His reverie was interrupted by the sound of the buckboard pulling into the barnyard.\u00a0 It was several minutes before he shook loose the warm caresses of his third wife\u2019s memory.\u00a0 Remembering the source of his tight shoulder muscles and tense neck, the man\u2019s anger resurfaced.\u00a0 In heavy, quick footsteps, he reached the front door and jerked it open as he moved to confront his two sons.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was the unusual sight of one son helping a very pregnant black woman off the wagon seat, of a tall black man watching them, and of his youngest son tying a woe begotten mule to the hitching post that quelled his intended outburst.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEvening, Pa,\u201d spoke Adam first, as a quick glance passed between him and his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh, yeah, evening, Pa,\u201d copied Little Joe, a hesitant catch to his voice.\u00a0 It was obvious to Ben Cartwright that the boy was taking his lead from his oldest brother.\u00a0 Ben shook his head, trying to ignore the nagging headache that threatened whenever those two sons took the peculiar posture of Adam assuming the principal role and Little Joe following willingly behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Even as Ben massaged the bridge of his nose and shook his head in dread of whatever would follow, Adam was forging on with his explanation.\u00a0 \u201cUh, Pa.\u00a0 While we were in town, we hired Mr.\u00a0 Ennis here.\u201d Adam stood back to acknowledge the man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up, not willing to share his family\u2019s foibles with this stranger and new hand.\u00a0 Extending his hand in greeting, Ben smiled, genuinely pleased that a new man had been hired.\u00a0 With the higher wages the mines offered, ranch hands were hard to find this time of year.\u00a0 \u201cPleased to meet you, Mr.\u00a0 Ennis.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The black man shook the proffered hand firmly.\u00a0 \u201cName\u2019s Til Ennis and this here\u2019s my wife, Sarah.\u201d His arm at his wife\u2019s back, he gently pulled her into the conversation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNice to meet you, Ma\u2019am,\u201d spoke the patriarch, tipping his hat as he did so.\u00a0 \u201cYou look like you\u2019ve come a long way.\u00a0 Please, come inside and rest and we\u2019ll talk about the job and accommodations for you both.\u00a0 My sons will see to unloading the wagon.\u201d A dark look was directed at the two boys.\u00a0 As the Ennis\u2019 moved into the house, Ben turned to his sons.\u00a0 \u201cWe will discuss later how it has come once more that I\u2019ve done your evening barn chores.\u201d It was obvious the man was not pleased having that task.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Little Joe grimaced as each thought of the impending lecture they knew would follow sometime this night.\u00a0 They turned to the task of unloading the wagon as Hoss rode into the yard.\u00a0 \u201cHey, big brother,\u201d Little Joe greeted his middle brother.\u00a0 \u201cPa wants us all to get this wagon unloaded.\u00a0 He\u2019s not in too good a mood with you being late.\u00a0 Better get a move on, if I were you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at his brother incredulously, starting to say something, then deciding he\u2019d see how this played out.\u00a0 \u201cLate? I ain\u2019t late, Little Joe,\u201d countered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders innocently.\u00a0 \u201cOkay.\u00a0 Don\u2019t take my word for it.\u00a0 But don\u2019t expect any sympathy from me neither.\u201d He turned back to the barn, carrying in a keg of nails.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a sigh, Hoss dismounted, tying Chubb to the hitching post along side the mule.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, maybe you\u2019re right, Little Joe.\u201d If he\u2019d seen his younger brother\u2019s smug smile, Hoss would have been outraged.\u00a0 \u201cWhose mule is that anyhow? Adam been horse trading again?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both brothers laughed, the tension loosening as they turned back to the task at hand.\u00a0 Adam explained about hiring the new hand while Hoss unloaded most of the wagon.\u00a0 How his little brother could manipulate his middle brother never ceased to amaze the oldest Cartwright sibling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The three sons walked into the house, the delicious aroma of roast pork drifting to them.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright was seated at his desk doing some paperwork as the chaos that was his three sons told him the boys were done with their work.\u00a0 Little Joe hurried to the fireplace, warming his hands in front of the warm flames.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss soon joined him; the three brothers in good humor as Ben\u2019s displeasure with their tardiness seemed forgotten.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked around, noticing for the first time that the Ennis\u2019 were nowhere to be seen.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are Til and Sarah, Pa?\u201d he asked, his curiosity piqued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben picked up his pipe from the desk and joined his sons.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing has drawn them a bath and they\u2019re cleaning up.\u201d His voice was very business like, drawing pained looks from his youngest and oldest as they realized the source of his flat voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, boys,\u201d Ben began, \u201cwe still have an unfinished discussion on the table.\u201d Hoss looked to his father, grimacing when he saw the man\u2019s taut face and his brother\u2019s strained expressions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReckon I\u2019ll get cleaned up for supper, Pa,\u201d the big man commented as he readily escaped the deepening tension in the front room.\u00a0 Moving surprisingly quickly, the middle brother was soon ensconced in his room, glad to be out of the firing line.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His two brothers were not faring nearly as well.\u00a0 \u201cSit,\u201d their father commanded as he pointed to the settee before him.\u00a0 Sidling around on each side, Adam and Little Joe took a seat on the couch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou both knew Hoss would be coming in late this evening, isn\u2019t that so?\u201d His sons nodded.\u00a0 \u201cAnd,\u201d he continued, his voice in a tone reserved for speaking to young children, \u201cdidn\u2019t I remind you of that before you left this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d the two responded in unison.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why do you suppose I bothered to remind you of that?\u201d Ben continued in that patronizing tone the boys knew brooked ill for them.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, perhaps you could share your thoughts on that matter with me.\u201d He looked to his son, a smile on his face that reminded Adam of one of those Nile crocodiles he\u2019d read about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa, it\u2019s this way,\u201d Adam began, trying to formulate an explanation that would satisfy his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d Ben interrupted, \u201cwhat way is that?\u201d The smile never left his face, although there was little warmth in it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s what I was trying to explain, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, don\u2019t let me distract you.\u00a0 This should be interesting.\u201d Ben crossed his arms in front of his chest; a stance that indicated the man was digging in for the long haul.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like this.\u00a0 Uh, it\u2019s, uh,\u201d Adam turned to his younger brother, not wanting to be the one to get Little Joe in trouble, yet wanting to avoid an out and out lie to his father.\u00a0 \u201cHow is it, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to his youngest, squirming beside his brother.\u00a0 Joe fully understood the dilemma Adam was in and, while not particularly wanting to step into the trap their father had so carefully laid for them, knew he couldn\u2019t let Adam take the blame for his folly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d Ben offered with his mirthless smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Pa.\u00a0 It\u2019s my fault again.\u201d As Ben raised his eyebrows at the boy, Joe continued.\u00a0 \u201cI got kept after school for an hour or so and Adam had to load the wagon himself.\u00a0 It took longer than it should have, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou guess?\u201d Ben exploded.\u00a0 \u201cYou two were almost two hours later than I anticipated you\u2019d be.\u00a0 For the second time this week, someone has done your chores for you, Joseph, while you\u2019ve been kept after school.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if I didn\u2019t go to school, it wouldn\u2019t be a problem,\u201d Joe mumbled under his breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut you do go to school,\u201d Ben continued, his voice rising to match his anger.\u00a0 Once again, Joe wondered at his father\u2019s keen sense of hearing, wishing he\u2019d kept his mouth shut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam began, trying to divert some attention from his little brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned quickly toward his oldest son.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re excused, Adam.\u00a0 Dinner will be in twenty minutes.\u201d His look quelled any further comments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked sympathetically toward his younger brother, then excused himself as he moved up the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, what has always been my response when any of you\u2019ve gotten in trouble at school?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked down at his boots.\u00a0 \u201cAw, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer me, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe get the same punishment at home that we did at school.\u201d Joe was glad his father didn\u2019t know about all the escapades he\u2019d been involved in.\u00a0 It was bad enough with the ones he did know about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, son.\u00a0 Just what were you doing in school to annoy Mr.\u00a0 Schrader? And what was your punishment this time?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed deeply, wondering where this would lead.\u00a0 \u201cI was talking when I wasn\u2019t supposed to again and Mr.\u00a0 Schrader made me clean the school house, Pa, getting it ready for the new teacher.\u201d He glanced up quickly to see his father\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was surprised to see his father so pensive.\u00a0 \u201cIn that case, boy, I have just the proper response for that.\u201d Joe cocked his head, wondering what his father would make him do.\u00a0 He\u2019d helped clean house with Hop Sing enough times that that possibility wouldn\u2019t be so bad.\u00a0 \u201cMr.\u00a0 and Mrs.\u00a0 Ennis will be moving into the foreman\u2019s house.\u00a0 It\u2019s not been lived in in several years.\u201d The man stroked his chin thoughtfully.\u00a0 \u201cYour job will be to make that place spotless for them before they move in.\u00a0 With school out, you\u2019ll have plenty of time to work on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe started to argue, then changed his mind as he saw his father\u2019s displeasure mirrored in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir,\u201d he responded dejectedly; so much for idle days hunting elk and sledding.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can begin in the morning.\u201d Ben turned to go back to his desk.\u00a0 \u201cDinner will be in about ten minutes.\u00a0 I expect you to join us, cleaned up and in a more pleasant frame of mind than I see now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d Joe climbed the stairs to his room, wishing once more that he\u2019d learn to keep his mouth shut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

After the Cartwright\u2019s and Ennis\u2019 finished Hop Sing\u2019s delicious meal, Sarah Ennis stood to retire to the guest bedroom.\u00a0 The men quickly stood, wishing her pleasant dreams as she bade them good evening.\u00a0 Pushing back their chairs further, the men moved to the great room.\u00a0 Ben and Til each took one of the stuffed chairs framing the fireplace while Little Joe and Hoss faced off over a checkerboard in front of the settee.\u00a0 Adam sat next to Hoss on the sofa, facing his youngest brother who was seated on the coffee table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr.\u00a0 Cartwright,\u201d the black man began, \u201cI\u2019m not in the habit of eavesdropping on other people\u2019s conversations.\u201d He paused, taking stock of how his new boss was taking all this.\u00a0 When Ben showed no objection, Til continued.\u00a0 \u201cBut, while me and Sarah was cleaning up, I couldn\u2019t help but overhear the talk you had with your sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A small frown formed on Ben\u2019s brow and the hired man was quick to explain.\u00a0 \u201cYou have to admit, Mr.\u00a0 Cartwright, your voice does carry in this house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d mumbled Little Joe, \u201cespecially as loud as you were talking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben jerked around and pinned his youngest to the coffee table with his glare.\u00a0 \u201cI was not yelling, if that\u2019s what that upstart comment was meant to infer.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cOf course not, sir.\u201d Adam and Hoss hid smirks behind their hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr.\u00a0 Cartwright, \u201c Ennis tried once again.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to intrude on family issues, but since fixing that old house seems to involve me and Sarah, I wanted to say something.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr.\u00a0 Ennis.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Til, Mr.\u00a0 Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The older man smiled.\u00a0 \u201cAnd it\u2019s Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ennis smiled slightly.\u00a0 \u201cOkay,\u201d he paused, \u201cBen.\u00a0 But I want to talk about fixing up that old house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was it you were curious about?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Til paused, not sure how to make his case for the boy without offending the young man\u2019s father.\u00a0 \u201cExactly how much work is involved in cleaning up that house?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although he could see where the new man was headed with this conversation, Ben kept his voice and attitude neutral.\u00a0 He was not surprised to see that the conversation had his youngest son\u2019s attention.\u00a0 \u201cWell,\u201d he rubbed his chin thoughtfully, \u201cmostly it\u2019s just routine cleaning; taking covers off the furniture, beating the rugs, cleaning the walls, washing the windows, sweeping and scrubbing the floors, dusting, airing the bedding, washing curtains, cleaning out the cook stove and the wood stove.\u201d Joe\u2019s countenance reflected the misery he was feeling as his father\u2019s list kept expanding.\u00a0 It would be days before he\u2019d be finished his task; girl\u2019s tasks at that.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t his father have any memories about being a boy? He dared not voice his opinion right now, though.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It turned out his father wasn\u2019t finished.\u00a0 \u201cAs long as it\u2019s been since the house has been vacant, though, it\u2019ll need more work, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d The small sigh that escaped his youngest son\u2019s lips was not lost on the patriarch.\u00a0 Ben turned toward the boy.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to hear it, Joseph.\u00a0 You\u2019ve no one to blame but yourself.\u201d His dark eyes bored into his youngest son until, embarrassed, Little Joe was forced to look away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned back toward the man who had asked the original question.\u00a0 \u201cThe fireplace chimney, cook stove chimney….\u00a0 They\u2019ll need cleaned out, checked to be sure no birds have nests in them, that sort of thing.\u00a0 And the roof needs checked.\u00a0 I don\u2019t have any reason to believe it\u2019s leaking, but I\u2019d like to be sure before you move in.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ennis shook his head, in disbelief as much as anything.\u00a0 \u201cThat sure sounds like it\u2019ll take time to finish.\u201d He glanced up at his new boss.\u00a0 He knew he\u2019d probably be stepping on toes, but it wasn\u2019t Til Ennis\u2019 approach to dance around any topic he wanted to discuss.\u00a0 It was an attitude that had gotten him in trouble on more than one occasion, but was as much a part of him as were his unruly hair and dark eyes.\u00a0 When Ben\u2019s expression revealed nothing of what the man was thinking, Ennis continued.\u00a0 \u201cIf Sarah and I work with your boy, we can get that done in a lot less time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cartwright smiled slightly, especially as he saw the hopeful look on his youngest son\u2019s face.\u00a0 Ben could see Ennis was uncomfortable with making the suggestion, yet he could respect the man\u2019s forthrightness.\u00a0 Still, he had his own ideas about discipline and would not be dissuaded.\u00a0 \u201cI appreciate that, Til, but this is Joe\u2019s project to complete on this own, isn\u2019t that right, son?\u201d His look dared the boy to contradict him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d Joe\u2019s demeanor belied the words that indicated his agreement with this father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd,\u201d Ben continued, \u201cthe rest of us won\u2019t be twiddling our thumbs while Little Joe is working.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got to get enough wood in to last you the winter.\u00a0 We can\u2019t get to the high country this time of year, but we\u2019ll still have to find a stand of trees to cut that we can get a team of horses into.\u00a0 And we\u2019ve got to get some trees down, cut up, wood split.\u00a0 That\u2019ll keep us busy about as long as Joe\u2019ll working at the house.\u00a0 Plus,\u201d he reminded them all, \u201cwe\u2019ve still got a ranch to run.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They all acknowledged Ben\u2019s comments and Ennis knew better than to push any further.\u00a0 He\u2019d said his piece and that was all he intended.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was just at that instant that Hop Sing made his entrance with a fresh pot of coffee and five china cups.\u00a0 Secretly glad of the interruption to this discussion, Ben poured coffee for his family and guests.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Hoss and Little Joe settled down to finish their game of checkers, Adam turned to their new hand.\u00a0 \u201cHow long have you been heading west, Til?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Til released a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cOh, upwards of a year, I\u2019d say.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat sorts of things have you been doing?\u201d Adam pressed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Feeling the camaraderie that comes with a full stomach, warm room and pleasant company, Til Ennis let his natural story telling talent flow.\u00a0 Someone who loved life, even as he struggled for an equality denied him because of his color, the man understood human imperfections and had made a study of human frailties and motivations.\u00a0 Combining this understanding with a warm sense of humor and uncanny grasp of man\u2019s basic nature, the new hired hand recounted funny and poignant tales of the trip west.\u00a0 Quick to avoid the harshness and cruelty that had been inflicted on them, he entertained the Cartwright\u2019s with his stories, mostly fact with a smattering of yarn included for effect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Til finished his story, entertaining the Cartwright\u2019s with yet another encounter, this time with a story about Jed Davenport\u2019s son getting bucked into a pile of manure that was \u201cso ripe it was steamin\u2019.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, that boy was so hot he just stood up, dancing and stripping fast as he could tryin\u2019 to get those burning clothes off hisself.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As three Cartwright\u2019s howled, Hoss seemed worried.\u00a0 \u201cThe man didn\u2019t get burned too bad did he?\u201d the young man inquired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His younger brother rolled his eyes in exasperation.\u00a0 \u201cHell, Hoss, he was just funning.\u00a0 His damn clothes didn\u2019t catch on fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWatch your mouth, boy,\u201d Ben demanded, warning his youngest boy to mind both his choice of words and his attitude toward the middle Cartwright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Pa, I\u2019m no little boy.\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard Jake or Charlie either one talk like that.\u201d It was logic sure to rile his father and made in the form of an argument, guaranteed to be viewed as disrespectful.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, I\u2019ve had about all your smart mouth I intend to take today.\u201d Joe rolled his eyes even as an annoyed sigh escaped his lips.\u00a0 The combination was not lost on his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet up to your room, Joseph.\u00a0 None of us needs to be subjected to your childish temper.\u201d Little Joe looked at his father, hoping he\u2019d reconsider.\u00a0 He was eager to hear more of the Ennis\u2019 experiences as they traveled west.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you having as much trouble hearing as you are obeying?\u201d Ben demanded, quite immune to his son\u2019s beseeching expression.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir.\u00a0 I heard you,\u201d Joe replied, slowly standing as to comply with his father\u2019s command.\u00a0 With a cursory glance around the room, Joe ducked his head and mumbled a quiet \u201cgood night\u201d before trudging up the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head as he turned back to Til Ennis.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry for the interruption.\u00a0 There are days it\u2019s a wonder that boy ever gets out of his room.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Til laughed softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to apologize, Ben.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t all that long that we were younger.\u201d He looked at the older man questioningly.\u00a0 \u201cHow old is that boy, anyhow?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head, looking to Adam for reaffirmation.\u00a0 \u201cSurely he\u2019s not fourteen already.\u201d When Adam merely raised his eyebrows in agreement, his father closed his eyes as memories flooded his senses.\u00a0 \u201cWell,\u201d he sighed aloud, \u201chard to believe it was fourteen years ago that that boy entered our lives, but it seems it was.\u201d He shook his head again to clear the bittersweet memories that threatened his composure.\u00a0 Cartwright smiled self-consciously as he realized those fleeting memories must have been mirrored in his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFrom his size, I\u2019d of guessed him younger.\u00a0 You\u2019ve raised that youngun\u2019 right, Ben.\u00a0 No matter how you look at him, he seems younger, except for his presence today with that crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe I heard about that, Til.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Til relayed the encounter with the rabble in town, Ben\u2019s countenance softened as he contemplated being more patient with his obstinate son.\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d he concluded to himself, \u201cthose are two distinct issues, bravery and insolence.\u201d It was a distinction that confused his youngest frequently but was one that Ben would keep separate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The evening extended into a tranquil night as the Cartwright\u2019s and their guest exchanged pleasant memories of the trek west and their experiences in the untamed land.\u00a0 By unspoken agreement, all agreed that the traumas experienced were best left for another time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the grandfather clocked chimed ten o\u2019clock, Ben automatically compared his pocket watch\u2019s time with the old standard by the front door.\u00a0 Satisfied that the times were the same, Ben carefully wound his watch, a gesture his sons recognized as preceding the closing up of the house for the night.\u00a0 Falling into a routine long experience taught them was inevitable, Adam and Hoss rose, stretching their arms over their heads as they bade goodnight to their father and new hand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knowing the pleasant evening was drawing to a close, Til rose, and extended his hand to the elder Cartwright.\u00a0 A man who believed strongly in first impressions, he\u2019d accepted the entire family as genuine and honest.\u00a0 When Ben grasped his hand, Til spoke.\u00a0 \u201cIt was an evening I haven\u2019t had in months, Ben.\u00a0 You know, to feel safe, to feel that Sarah is safe, that she doesn\u2019t have to worry with the baby coming on.\u201d His voice grew husky.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t imagine the load you\u2019ve lifted from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not entirely,\u201d Ben responded.\u00a0 \u201cBut I can very much appreciate a safe haven in time of need.\u00a0 It\u2019s why I\u2019ve built this ranch as I have.\u201d Even as he spoke, though, Ben remembered the tragedy that had followed him even to the thick walls and well-made plans of the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men parted, each to be sure their families were secure.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben reached the top of the stairs, he heard muted voices and quiet laughter from his youngest son\u2019s room.\u00a0 As he knocked, the voices quieted, stopping when he opened the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three pair of eyes turned toward their father as the man entered the bedroom.\u00a0 Adam and Little Joe had tears running down their faces from being regaled by one of Hoss\u2019 recollections of the stories told downstairs tonight.\u00a0 \u201cYou forget the way to your bedroom, Pa?\u201d asked Joe, a cheeky grin lighting his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben feigned offense, a smile finally telling his sons what they all suspected…this time their father wasn\u2019t upset.\u00a0 \u201cNo, but it seems your brothers have,\u201d he replied generously.\u00a0 \u201cMorning comes early, boys, and we\u2019ve got a long day ahead of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taking their cue, the older brothers bade Ben and Joe goodnight, and crossed over to their own bedrooms.\u00a0 Joe turned to his father, \u201cI know, I know, Pa,\u201d he began as he bent his arms, palms out, as if providing a protective shield from his father\u2019s next comments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled, putting his arm around the boy and drawing him to him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not sure you do know, son.\u201d He ruffled his son\u2019s curls.\u00a0 \u201cTil told me about that angry crowd in town this afternoon.\u00a0 I just wanted to say how proud I am of you for the way you conducted yourself.\u00a0 That took great courage.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His son beamed back, a glint fleeting across his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cDoes this mean I\u2019m off house cleaning duty?\u201d he asked hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNice try, Little Joe, but the answer is no.\u00a0 Unless, that is,\u201d his son looked up in anticipation, \u201cunless that mob is the reason you were over an hour late meeting Adam.\u201d He looked at his son with his head cocked, waiting the young man\u2019s response, knowing what it would be.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir,\u201d Joe answered glumly.\u00a0 \u201cI was already that late when I left the school.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hugged him one more time.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll have that house done in no time, I\u2019m sure.\u00a0 They\u2019ll be plenty of days for sledding, hunting and snowball fights with your brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe glanced sheepishly at his father.\u00a0 Why did it always seem his father could read minds?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joseph,\u201d remarked Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re up awfully early this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned abashedly as he slid into his chair.\u00a0 \u201cAfter last night, I didn\u2019t want Til and Sarah thinking I was totally worthless.\u201d He shrugged his shoulders as reached for the pot of hot chocolate.\u00a0 \u201cWhere is everybody, anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSarah\u2019s in the kitchen fixing breakfast.\u00a0 Hop Sing\u2019s number three cousin has taken ill, it seems and he\u2019ll be gone for some time.\u201d Ben looked pointedly at his son as he continued.\u00a0 \u201cTil is out to the barn doing chores.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh, yeah, that\u2019s right,\u201d Joe mumbled, his face reddening as he pushed his chair back to stand up.\u00a0 \u201cGuess I\u2019d better get on that, too.\u201d He excused himself to attend to the horses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head at his son\u2019s forgetfulness, wondering what it would take for his youngest son to take responsibility for his own actions.\u00a0 As he considered some reasonable time lines for that, like ten or twelve more years maybe, his two oldest sons came trekking down the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Pa,\u201d they greeted.\u00a0 Adam moved to put on his coat while Hoss grabbed a biscuit from the table before joining Adam.\u00a0 Dressed for the cold winter morning, the two headed to the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was forty-five minutes later that the Cartwrights and Ennis were seated for breakfast.\u00a0 Still unfamiliar with the jovial atmosphere that usually permeated mealtime on the Ponderosa, Til and Sarah remained more passive than active participants in the good-natured bantering around the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The milieu was an infectious one, though, and soon Til\u2019s teasing brought quick repartee and laughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As breakfast drew to a close, Ben began assigning jobs for the day.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe, you\u2019ve got your assignment.\u00a0 And for today, Adam, I want you helping him.\u201d Both sons looked expectantly for further direction which they knew was coming.\u00a0 \u201cBefore Little Joe can work in that house for very long, it\u2019ll need heat and I don\u2019t want any fires built in there until those chimneys have been cleaned.\u00a0 That\u2019s the first order of business.\u00a0 After there\u2019s heat, Joe can do the rest of the jobs on his own.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moaned softly.\u00a0 Cleaning the chimneys was a dirty, tiring task; and there was that reminder that he had to clean the entire house yet.\u00a0 He was just thankful that Pa hadn\u2019t insisted he do today\u2019s task alone.\u00a0 His thoughts were interrupted as his father continued.\u00a0 \u201cAnd you be sure to put a barrier up so that soot doesn\u2019t get in the house more than necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d the brothers answered automatically.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTil, I want you and Hoss to hitch up Bess and Bernie to the wagon.\u201d He turned to his middle son.\u00a0 \u201cYou and Adam checked the axle, didn\u2019t you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 It\u2019s ready to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u00a0 I want you two to head up to Buckhorn Flats to that aspen grove near the river.\u00a0 You should be able to get within a hundred yards or so of the trees.\u00a0 Take the two-man bucksaw and a couple of axes.\u00a0 I think you\u2019ll find all the wood we\u2019ll need for heating the Ennis\u2019 home.\u00a0 Cut some trees and we can haul them back to the wagon.\u00a0 Oh, before you go, run by their home and drop off some wood from the bunkhouse so Adam and Joseph can get some heat in the house when they get those chimneys cleaned.\u00a0 They\u2019ll need it before the day is out.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Til and Sarah turned toward each other.\u00a0 Neither had missed Ben\u2019s reference to Ennis\u2019 home.\u00a0 It was a phrase they\u2019d used while saving for a place of their own, but to hear someone else talk that way made the dream more of a reality.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah smiled broadly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have lunch on the table at noon,\u201d she announced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d Ben objected.\u00a0 \u201cNot in your condition…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She laughed a full-throated laugh.\u00a0 \u201cMy condition? Ben, your cook is in Sacramento and you\u2019ve got five men who\u2019ll need to eat.\u00a0 Exactly how did you intend to feed them?\u201d She shook her head as though addressing a child.\u00a0 \u201cWomen have been in my condition<\/em> for centuries and still managed to cook full meals.\u00a0 I think I can handle it.\u00a0 No,\u201d she continued as Ben appeared to be making a rejoinder, \u201cI\u2019ll have no argument.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d listen to her, Boss,\u201d Til grinned.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a battle you\u2019re gonna lose.\u201d He rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cTrust me.\u201d The men at the table laughed and the issue was settled.
\nBy 10:30, both Joe and Adam were reacting with frayed nerves and quick tempers.\u00a0 It was not merely the old bird nest in the one chimney nor the ratted squirrel\u2019s nest in the other chimney that had pulled taut the brotherly bind until it neared a snapping point.\u00a0 The intrusion of the cold n\u2019or wester was a most unappreciated catalyst.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The cold wind thrust itself between the buttons of Little Joe\u2019s winter jacket as he straddled the steep roof, struggling to push the obstruction down further out the chimney at its base.\u00a0 The cold metal of the pipe fleshed its way through his winter gloves even as the biting wind reddened his exposed ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cold as he\u2019d gotten in just the thirty minutes or so he\u2019d been on the roof, Joe couldn\u2019t begrudge his brother\u2019s position down in the cold house.\u00a0 The two brothers had just traded positions and for the better part of an hour, Joe had been in the relative warmth of the enclosed building.\u00a0 While the inside job was the dirtier of the two, the trade off had been in not being on such intimate terms with that north wind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Joe pushed the rod back into the chimney, he swore that come next fall, he\u2019d ignore Hoss\u2019 tender heart….\u00a0 The squirrel that built this nest was going to be history.\u00a0 Not even sure how he was able to even hold onto the tamping rod, he continued to pound into the mound of tree limbs, grass and debris that had lodged in the narrow part of the chimney.\u00a0 Occasionally, he could hear Adam mutter some obscenity; Joe reckoned a large piece of tar or soot falling onto his brother was to blame for those outbursts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he straightened his back, arching it to loosen the kinks he could feel developing from his hunched position, Joe couldn\u2019t believe his eyes.\u00a0 Walking through the meadow from the house was Sarah Ennis, her thin coat wrapped tightly around her and a scarf tied around her head.\u00a0 What she carried, Joe had no idea, but he knew she shouldn\u2019t be out in this weather.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he called down the chimney, hoping the wind wouldn\u2019t carry his words too far astray.\u00a0 \u201cAdam; hey, Adam.\u201d Joe listened to the chimney hoping he could get his brother to hear him.\u00a0 Joe jerked around as a small rock hit him on the back.\u00a0 It was Adam, standing outside the house, trying to get Joe\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe quickly pointed toward the meadow through which Sarah was trudging with her burden.\u00a0 Adam shook his head as though not believing what he saw, then turned and hurried down the path.\u00a0 Joe smiled with relief when he saw his older brother had reached the woman.\u00a0 The ensuing argument was one Joe could witness, but not hear.\u00a0 He could guess the problem, though. \u00a0The younger boy was sure it dealt with Adam\u2019s feelings about what Sarah should be doing and Sarah\u2019s differing opinion.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen Sarah at breakfast and knew his brother had met a formidable opponent.\u00a0 Still, he smiled when the woman shrugged her shoulders and passed her burden to his older brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood a time as any for break, \u201c Joe decided, climbing off the roof to meet the two as they neared the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGee, Sarah,\u201d the younger boy began as he joined the pair on the porch, \u201cwhat ya got there?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle brother,\u201d Adam reminded him, \u201cyou leave your manners up on the roof?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked confused for a moment, blushing as he realized how selfish it sounded.\u00a0 \u201cUh, won\u2019t you come in to your humble abode?\u201d He mimicked his older brother\u2019s more formal speech as he bowed low, drawing a laugh from Sarah and a half smile coupled with a half hearted swing from Adam.\u00a0 They entered the house and Adam cleared a spot on the kitchen table on which to put the basket Sarah had brought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you two must be \u2018bout froze by now,\u201d Sarah began.\u00a0 \u201cI reckon the others are, too, but I don\u2019t figure I could walk that far, even if I knew where they were.\u201d She opened the basket, releasing delightful aromas of fresh baked, warm donuts, homemade bread and hot chocolate she\u2019d put in a commandeered coffeepot.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUmm,\u201d Adam rubbed his hands together in anticipation.\u00a0 \u201cGlad you don\u2019t know where they are.\u00a0 If Hoss saw this feast, none of us would get a bite.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the truth,\u201d Joe agreed, laughing; even Sarah, who had figured out the middle Cartwright\u2019s priorities, joined in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked around awkwardly, wishing he had more comfortable seats than the hard kitchen chairs he now offered the pregnant woman.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, we can only offer these hard chairs right now.\u00a0 Uh, with the soot still in the air, we\u2019d best not take the sheets off the furniture yet,\u201d he offered by way of explanation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah waved away his apology.\u00a0 Her eyes drank in the solidly built house while her imagination dreamed of what treasures might lie under the blankets and sheets.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah couldn\u2019t have timed her intrusion any better.\u00a0 The warm, home cooked snack melted any animosity Adam and Little Joe had developed in their struggle to clean out the chimney.\u00a0 For twenty minutes, the three of them laughed and told stories as they enjoyed the warm food.\u00a0 Inspired by Sarah\u2019s unexpected generosity, the two siblings returned to their work in a warmer frame of mind.\u00a0 When Sarah insisted on walking back to the ranch house by herself, Joe and Adam cleared the last of the dishes before going back to work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoy,\u201d Joe was ecstatic.\u00a0 \u201cThat was so nice of Sarah to do that.\u00a0 That\u2019s a first for me by someone other than Pa once in a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at his younger brother in amazement.\u00a0 \u201cShoot, Little Joe.\u00a0 Your ma used to do stuff like this all the time.\u201d When Joe looked at him in utter amazement, Adam continued.\u00a0 \u201cOne time, boy, I\u2019ll bet it was one hundred degrees outside.\u00a0 Me, Hoss, Pa and Charlie were all working out by the east section, trying to get that section of Goose Creek fortified before some big storm came.\u00a0 If the side of the creek had given way, we\u2019d have lost hundreds of yards of fencing and Lord knows how many cattle.\u201d He looked to Little Joe who was listening intently to Adam\u2019s description.\u00a0 \u201cAbout noon, we were starving, but no one wanted to take the time to go back to the house…it was obvious a storm was brewing.\u00a0 Anyway, here comes your ma with the buckboard…and with fried chicken, biscuits and you won\u2019t believe it…she\u2019d gone to the ice house and packed a bucket with ice, protecting it with some gunny sacks, and ice cold lemonade in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled as he enjoyed both the recollection and sharing it with his brother.\u00a0 \u201cAnd we got the creek bank shored up, too.\u00a0 You know, your ma used to do that all the time.\u201d In a good mood, he lightly punched his brother\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cUntil you came along, that is.\u00a0 She about didn\u2019t dare take you with her and she couldn\u2019t leave you home with Hop Sing very often.\u00a0 You used to pitch fits if she left you at the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did not.\u00a0 You\u2019re makin\u2019 that part up, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAm not.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t Pa ever tell you about that gouge in the living room floor by his desk?\u201d Joe shook his head, not sure if he should believe Adam or not.\u00a0 \u201cYou put it there with the poker from the fireplace.\u00a0 Marie wouldn\u2019t let you go out to the lake one time with me and Hoss.\u201d He paused, trying to remember.\u00a0 \u201cCan\u2019t remember why you couldn\u2019t go.\u00a0 Maybe you\u2019d been sick or something.\u00a0 Pa was watching you and you had a real temper tantrum.\u00a0 Smashed the poker onto the floor before it was over.\u201d Adam laughed imagining his father and his little brother at odds that early in life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa was not happy and neither were you.\u201d Adam laughed at the face Joe was making.\u00a0 \u201cYep, you definitely made it hard for your ma to have those surprises for us.\u201d He slapped his younger brother across the back.\u00a0 \u201cBut, little brother, it was sure nice while she had the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a more contemplative mood, the brothers turned back to the task at hand.\u00a0 As the morning wore on, Adam came around to Little Joe\u2019s way of thinking about the pesky squirrel that been building such a secure nest for itself in the old chimney.\u00a0 By noon, when they broke for dinner at the ranch house, Adam was viewing the cute squirrel as a fuzzy tailed rat and was sorry the damned rodent wasn\u2019t still in residence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the two brothers joined the family for lunch and bowed their heads for Ben\u2019s traditional grace \u201cBless this food to our use and us to thy service.\u201d Joe mumbled an addition, \u201cAnd put that blessed squirrel in our stew pot.\u201d As Adam and Sarah tried to cover their mouths at Little Joe\u2019s impudence, Ben glared at the boy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like to say grace next time, Joseph?\u201d the man demanded.\u00a0 While unsure of what Joe had mumbled under his breath, Ben suspected it had been a less than sincere supplication.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh, no, sir,\u201d Joe responded, wondering when he\u2019d learn to keep his mouth shut.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll have no more of that, do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Joe answered, embarrassed at being singled out again.\u00a0 He sat silently, warming inside as he felt Adam\u2019s foot nudge him under the table and Sarah\u2019s hand quickly squeeze his right arm he\u2019d put on his lap.\u00a0 He glanced quickly to his supporters, smiling to himself as he felt absolved of that particular sin.\u00a0 As he turned back to his meal, he vowed to make the Ennis\u2019 new house spotless before he was through.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Despite the rocky beginning to the noon meal, lunch was an enjoyable meal.\u00a0 Sarah had managed a delicious stew, hot biscuits with butter, and stewed apples.\u00a0 While the family, which now included Til and Sarah, chatted over the good food, Joe found himself wondering about this woman who was making herself a very integral part of his life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not having come to any conclusion by the time they all separated to go back to work, Joe tackled his job with a renewed enthusiasm.\u00a0 Surprised at finding his brother such an enthusiastic worker, Adam matched his ebullience and by three o\u2019clock, cheered with his brother as the last of the squirrel\u2019s nest was finally dislodged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, let\u2019s get Sarah and light the first fire in this house with the clean chimney,\u201d Joe suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam considered Joe\u2019s idea, wondering about Joe\u2019s fascination with Sarah Ennis.\u00a0 \u201cLord, Little Joe, it\u2019s too cold to have Sarah come out just for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave Sarah come out just for what?\u201d a female voice asked from the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two brothers turned to find the subject of their discussion standing inside the door.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve got the fireplace finally cleaned out,\u201d Joe bubbled.\u00a0 \u201cWe were just gonna start a fire in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joe was thinking you ought to be here for the ceremony,\u201d Adam continued by way of explanation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd are you making broiled squirrel to celebrate?\u201d Sarah mused aloud, trying to keep a solemn face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed loudly at his brother\u2019s discomfort.\u00a0 \u201cNo squirrel,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbut how about let\u2019s light the fire anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Needing no further excuse to be out of the limelight, Joe excused himself to bring in some wood and kindling.\u00a0 It was not long before there was a roaring fire, already warming the living room as the three sat on the covered chairs, eating the last of the donuts and bread that remained from the morning break.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe,\u201d Adam began, \u201clooks like you\u2019ll be on your own tomorrow.\u201d His brother nodded silently.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll miss working with you, little buddy,\u201d he continued, using a pet name he had christened the boy with years ago.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up, surprised at Adam\u2019s pronouncement.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a fun day, big brother,\u201d Joe admitted.\u00a0 \u201cFrozen ears and all.\u201d They all laughed at the amiable complaining.\u00a0 \u201cThanks for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The older man winked, vowing to tell his little brother more stories about his mother.\u00a0 \u201cAny time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Sarah gathered up the remains of the snack, Adam excused himself to hitch up the wagon.\u00a0 Joe brought in more wood for tomorrow, including some kindling, hoping the dry wood would catch easily in the morning.\u00a0 Finally, the three climbed onto the buckboard and rode back to the ranch, laughing once again at Joe\u2019s lunch prayer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben parceled out tasks the next morning, Joe longed to be assigned to work with Adam again.\u00a0 He\u2019d enjoyed yesterday and hoped to hear more about his mother.\u00a0 There were whole gaps in his memories and even now, he couldn\u2019t be sure what were actual memories and what were memories of others reminiscing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had other plans, though.\u00a0 Joe had his longstanding job cleaning house.\u00a0 Adam and Til were assigned the upper pasture field, checking to see how the cows were handling the winter and bringing a wagonload of hay to them.\u00a0 When they were done, they could join Hoss cutting and splitting the wood they\u2019d felled yesterday.\u00a0 Hoss had an additional charge-find a nice evergreen for their Christmas tree.\u00a0 They would all decorate it Christmas Eve before reading the Christmas story from the book of Luke in Ben\u2019s old, family bible.\u00a0 Ben made plans to go to Virginia City to pick up a well pump that was due in on today\u2019s stage.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grabbed thick gloves and his heaviest jacket as he prepared to head over to the old foreman\u2019s house.\u00a0 It would take several hours for the heat to warm the house sufficiently to make it a comfortable place to work.\u00a0 As he neared the house, two full columns of smoke were coming from both chimneys.\u00a0 The boy quickened his pace, glad his father had seen fit to get fires in both the fireplace and cook stove roaring.\u00a0 The house would be as warm as though someone lived in it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sure enough, despite the cold temperatures outside, the cottage was heated.\u00a0 In a happy frame of mind, Joe quickly turned to the task at hand, cleaning the kitchen first.\u00a0 As he scrubbed the walls, cabinets and floor, Joe wondered at his enthusiasm for this work.\u00a0 It actually felt good to be able to do something for the Ennis family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the morning progressed, Joe\u2019s eagerness dampened somewhat.\u00a0 The scrubbing was tedious work and the young man\u2019s shoulder\u2019s ached.\u00a0 At 10:30, though, as the temperature in the house began to drop, Joe stood, arching his aching back to clear the kinks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he put new logs in the fireplace and smaller pieces into the cook stove, he heard a sound on the front porch.\u00a0 He reached for the door just as Sarah Ennis pushed it open.\u00a0 \u201cOh, hey, Sarah.\u00a0 Come on in,\u201d Joe invited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smiling, Sarah came inside, placing a willow basket on an end table.\u00a0 Untying her scarf, she unbuttoned her winter coat that was stretched tightly over her belly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, that sure smells good,\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes were wide in anticipation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah laughed; glad to see her cooking appreciated, especially by this young man who seemed in need of some extra attention for some reason.\u00a0 \u201cWas this place warm enough for you his morning, Little Joe?\u201d the woman asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head jerked up as he stuttered, \u201coh, yeah.\u00a0 It was great.\u00a0 T-t-t-thanks.\u201d His face blushed as he realized it had never occurred to him that he had once again been the beneficiary of Sarah\u2019s kindness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He changed topics quickly.\u00a0 \u201cCome look at the kitchen.\u00a0 I\u2019m done in here.\u201d He proudly escorted her to the room, now spotless.\u00a0 \u201cHere.\u00a0 We can even eat off the table now and not compete with the cobwebs.\u201d Sarah\u2019s light laugh was infectious.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe,\u201d Sarah was ecstatic, \u201cyou\u2019ve done a wonderful job.\u201d Her dark brown eyes reflected the enthusiasm she felt for the project.\u00a0 \u201cAs good as I\u2019d do, and that\u2019s saying a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Joe was embarrassed by the effusive praise about his house cleaning skills.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll make someone a great wife,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah laughed, then put both hands on the boy\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cYou stop that talk right now or I\u2019ll turn you over my knee.\u201d She tried to look stern, but failed miserably.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll make someone a kind and loving husband.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you dare think otherwise.\u201d Joe looked at her sheepishly and she continued.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I\u2019ll let you in on a little secret, young man.\u00a0 Women like kind and loving over aggressive and dominant.\u00a0 And don\u2019t you forget that.\u201d She wagged a finger under the boy\u2019s nose as they both laughed in a lighthearted way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, land sakes, boy, did you even do up those dishes?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded and set the table for their snack.\u00a0 \u201cI was hopin you\u2019d be by.\u00a0 Without ol\u2019 Adam, it\u2019s not nearly as much fun here.\u00a0 Never thought I\u2019d say that,\u201d he ended, shaking his head in disbelief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah seemed to understand, as Joe knew she would.\u00a0 \u201cOlder brothers can seem like a pain, Little Joe, but mostly they\u2019re family.\u201d The boy nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d he started quickly, \u201cthat was really nice of you to start the fire.\u00a0 But you didn\u2019t have to, ya know.\u00a0 I know how to start a fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever thought you didn\u2019t, child.\u00a0 But I like to walk and it just seemed like the thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two ate in companionable comfort, talking about not much but speaking volumes between the\u00a0comments.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I\u2019d better get back to work,\u201d Joe decided finally.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get these dishes washed up.\u00a0 You go on with what you\u2019re doin’.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d the boy beamed at his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was not long after that Joe realized Sarah was busily removing the curtains from all the windows.\u00a0 \u201cHey, what are you doing?\u201d he demanded, feeling his territory was being impinged upon.\u00a0 \u201cCleaning this place is my job.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know as well as I do that there\u2019s no place for you to do up these curtains.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m takin\u2019 them back to the house to scrub up on the washboard.\u201d Sarah\u2019s look dared him to object.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two stared at each other until Joe finally acquiesced.\u00a0 \u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled at the boy.\u00a0 \u201cI won\u2019t tell your pa, child.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Grinning, embarrassed at her having seen through his subterfuge one more time, Joe turned back to his work as Sarah finished gathering the curtains and returned to the ranch house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By suppertime, Little Joe was finished with the downstairs.\u00a0 Although decidedly tired, the young man was pleased with his progress.\u00a0 He put more tinder, kindling and wood inside the house, then closed it up.\u00a0 This early, there was no point in banking a fire in either the wood stove or the fireplace.\u00a0 Both fires would go out by morning, no matter how carefully he stacked the coals.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIdle hands are the devil\u2019s playground.\u201d Ben Cartwright\u2019s mind vaguely pondered that saying as he rode into Virginia City, intent on picking up the well pump due in on the stage.\u00a0 Small groups of unemployed miners loitered near the Bucket of Blood or by the livery stable, unconsciously triggering that quote from some deep recess in the rancher\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man tied up his big buckskin in front of the stage depot, going inside to see to the stage schedule.\u00a0 Muttering under his breath as he left the office, his dark mood improved slightly when he bumped into Sheriff Roy Coffee and his deputy, Jed Armentrout.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Ben,\u201d the sheriff began.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure don\u2019t look like you believe that, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat damned stage line, Roy.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got a well pump coming in on the stage…you\u2019d think just once Harvey\u2019d be on time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee clapped his old friend on the back in a friendly manner, \u201cYou might as well wish the years away, friend.\u00a0 It just ain\u2019t gonna happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked over to Roy, smiling sardonically.\u00a0 \u201cThe more things change…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight.\u00a0 How\u2019s things on the Ponderosa these days, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThing are sure different.\u00a0 It\u2019s been a long time…\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before the rancher could continue, Armentrout jumped into the conversation.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, what\u2019s it like having a colored actually living with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyes darkened as they bored deeply into the ill-mannered deputy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh, didn\u2019t mean, nothin\u2019, Mr.\u00a0 Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The eyes never left the deputy.\u00a0 It was a look that promised a boiling temper just below the surface.\u00a0 \u201cAs I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted.\u201d He turned back toward Roy as though the deputy no longer existed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy seized the momentary pause to excuse his deputy, a man more than glad to be out of Ben Cartwright\u2019s presence just then.\u00a0 \u201cBen,\u201d Roy began after Armentrout was out of sight, \u201che\u2019s not saying nothin\u2019 lots of town folks aren\u2019t sayin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben\u2019s countenance darkened, Roy was quick to define his position.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not agreeing with them, Ben, but the fact is, with the mines shut down, there\u2019s a lot of hostile talk.\u00a0 And it seems people\u2019s looking to blame anyone but themselves.\u00a0 I wanted you to be aware of that.\u00a0 I\u2019d keep the Ennis out on the Ponderosa \u2018til things get better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben continued to stare at his friend, then sighed as he realized Roy was just making him aware of the hard feelings in town.\u00a0 \u201cAs if a pregnant woman and a man looking for work were responsible for the ailings of this town.\u201d He shook his head in disbelief.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not going to pay attention to any of that, Roy.\u00a0 I won\u2019t buy into it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s your business, Ben.\u00a0 Mine\u2019s to be sure you know what\u2019s going on to make your own decisions.\u201d His smile at the rancher was a hope to let by-gones be by-gones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s not your fault, Roy.\u00a0 And I know you\u2019ll do your best to see that all this doesn\u2019t escalate out of control.\u00a0 I just can\u2019t tell Til Ennis that he and his wife aren\u2019t welcome in Virginia City.\u00a0 I won\u2019t do it.\u00a0 This has been a good town since you\u2019ve taken over.\u00a0 I\u2019m just going to have to assume it\u2019ll continue that way.\u201d He shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cHey, let\u2019s get dinner at the International House.\u00a0 I\u2019m buying.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The sheriff smiled warmly.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re on.\u00a0 Just lead the way.\u201d Side by side, the two old friends crossed the street and entered the hotel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the two sipped their coffee and waited for the meal to arrive, Roy brought the conversation back to the one interrupted on the street.\u00a0 \u201cWhat were you saying about the Ennis being at your place, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben thought for a moment, trying to recall the dialogue.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I was saying,\u201d he began, \u201cit\u2019s been a long time since there\u2019s been a woman at the Ponderosa.\u00a0 I kind of like it.\u00a0 Why, my boys haven\u2019t been so well behaved in years.\u201d He laughed as he thought about his sons standing until Sarah was seated at the dinner table, standing when she\u2019d leave; about their coming to the table with clean shirts, hair combed neatly.\u00a0 He was certain it was Sarah\u2019s being there that was responsible for that transformation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, though, Little Joe is just smitten by her.\u00a0 They\u2019ve really developed a close relationship even in this short time.\u00a0 Why, she\u2019s even got his temper pretty well in check.\u201d Ben grinned at the sheriff.\u00a0 \u201cI ought to pay her double just for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy laughed appreciably.\u00a0 He was all too familiar with the youngest Cartwright\u2019s notorious temperament, quick to flare at the slightest insult.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you find out how she does it and then you tell me.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be sure to tell the new teacher coming in, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two men laughed with a common understanding, then dug in to the freshly prepared meal the waitress set before them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you have a Merry Christmas, Ben, if I don\u2019t see you again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His friend smiled back with a hearty, \u201cYou, too, Roy.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be coming out Christmas Eve, too, won\u2019t you? For dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI aim to try, but with Jed taking off for his wife\u2019s mother\u2019s place this afternoon, I reckon it\u2019s gonna be a long shot at best.\u201d The sheriff was obviously disappointed at the turn of events.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we may all be in town on Christmas Eve, this year.\u00a0 Everyone\u2019s been working so hard and Hop Sing\u2019s out of town.\u00a0 No one\u2019s had a chance to finish with last minute chores in town I don\u2019t imagine.\u00a0 There\u2019s not one of my boys who\u2019d turn down a chance to come to town.\u201d He smiled at his friend.\u00a0 \u201cIf we make it in, you\u2019ll be our guest for an early supper.\u00a0 We\u2019ll still have time to make it back home for decorating the tree and reading the Christmas story.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll look forward to it.\u00a0 Thanks.\u00a0 You bring the Ennis, too, Ben.\u00a0 You\u2019re right…this is a good town with good folk.\u00a0 I promise nothing will happen to them in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a more pleasant mood than he was when first he encountered the sheriff, Ben waved and strolled off toward the stage depot.
\nAs the two men rode out toward the upper pasture, Til settled himself onto the buckboard seat, wondering how he was going to begin talking to the man beside him.\u00a0 Accepting that he really only knew one approach, he began in his straightforward manner.\u00a0 \u201cAdam,\u201d he started, a little awkward at having this discussion, but knowing it needed said.\u00a0 \u201cI want to thank you for hiring me back in Virginia City that day.\u00a0 I know you didn\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam considered what the man had said before responding.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I guess I didn\u2019t have to in the sense that no one had a gun to my head.\u00a0 But, Til,\u201d he continued, \u201cwe really were between a rock and a hard place.\u00a0 Fact is, we were right short handed.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s stretched a little thin just now.\u00a0 He\u2019s got to get that barn done so we can start cutting hay from that meadow up there…or he\u2019s got to sell some of our cows; and the saw mill\u2019s absolutely needed if he\u2019s going to fill that timber contract he won.\u00a0 He\u2019s got all the men he can spare working on those projects.\u00a0 None of us counted on the mines having such an allure.\u00a0 Hell, even when they\u2019re shut down, most miners won\u2019t do any ranch work.\u00a0 Damnedest thing I ever saw.\u201d He looked at Ennis a while longer.\u00a0 \u201cWe needed help as much as you needed a job.\u201d It was an honest assessment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two drove on in a comfortable silence.\u00a0 Similar with their logical, bright minds, and sense of fairness, right and wrong, they both cared more for substance than facade; competence than excuses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled along side some cows huddled behind a large rock outcropping.\u00a0 Hopping off onto the wagon bed, he and Til began pitching hay to the hungry cows.\u00a0 Half the hay unloaded, Adam did a quick count of the cows present and moved up the pasture, hoping he could get the wagon over the knoll ahead to any cows on the south side of the hill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he anticipated, the rest of the herd was hiding in a stand of firs half way down the south side of the hill.\u00a0 Til unloaded the rest of the hay while Adam did a quick inventory of the remaining cows.\u00a0 Satisfied that they had lost no cattle to the snow or predators, he turned the wagon around, heading them back to the stand of trees where Hoss was sawing logs and splitting wood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stopping the wagon maybe a hundred yards from where Hoss was working, it was obvious that the middle Cartwright son had been working diligently.\u00a0 The older men followed the snow packed trail to the stand of trees.\u00a0 Hoss was lopping off small branches from the main trunk of a large aspen log in front of him.\u00a0 Several other trees had been felled and were waiting similar attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re doing one hell of a job, Hoss,\u201d Til remarked.\u00a0 \u201cYou swing a mean axe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss smiled at the man.\u00a0 \u201cReckon it helps to be as big as some of these trees we\u2019re cutting.\u201d It was a good-natured response, not one seeking comment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Hoss continued his pruning, Adam and Til took up the two-man bucksaw and began sawing the logs into more manageable sizes that could be split and used for firewood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Except for a break for lunch, the three men worked steadily, rewarded with a wagonload of split wood and at least another load on the ground.\u00a0 Pleased with their progress, they stopped in late afternoon, knowing barn chores awaited.\u00a0 With Hoss riding behind, Til and Adam turned the wagon and headed back toward the ranch house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dinner was a quiet meal.\u00a0 Joe disappeared to the barn after supper while Adam and Hoss excused themselves and headed upstairs.\u00a0 Sarah and Til retired early while Ben lit a pipe and indulged in reading a good book, sitting comfortably in his favorite chair by the fireplace.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

About 9 p.m., Little Joe dragged in, cold and tired, but obviously pleased with himself.\u00a0 He bade his father good night and went into his room.\u00a0 Ben smiled to himself as he began closing up the house.\u00a0 He was sure Little Joe was working on a Christmas present out in the barn.\u00a0 If the satisfied look on his face were any indication, it seemed the boy had finished with the project.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah and Adam finished bringing in the serving platters for breakfast and took their seats around the table.\u00a0 Joe beamed at the woman sitting beside him as she passed a large platter of hotcakes to the hungry young man.\u00a0 \u201cBoy,\u201d Joe chortled, \u201cyou\u2019re about ready to see how I feel, Hoss.\u00a0 I get first dibs on the hotcakes this time.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be lucky if there\u2019s one left by the time this plate gets to you.\u201d He laughed as he made to serve a large stack of pancakes onto his late.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa,\u201d Hoss countered, \u201cthose look too good to let the likes of him eat \u2018em all.\u00a0 He don\u2019t appreciate good cookin\u2019 anyhow.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laughed as he joined in his son\u2019s\u2019 teasing.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t\u2019 know, Hoss.\u00a0 With you at the table, that boy hasn\u2019t gotten to eat a hot meal in years.\u00a0 I figure it\u2019s time he got his chance, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The folks around the table laughed with good humor as sausage, biscuits, eggs and pancakes made the rounds.\u00a0 Despite Hoss\u2019 dire predictions, the big man managed to load his plate as full as the rest of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben began discussing the plans for the day as the meal wound down.\u00a0 \u201cWell, it\u2019s Christmas Eve tonight.\u201d He looked around the table.\u00a0 \u201cLast chance to pick up anything you might need in town.\u201d\u201d He looked pointedly at his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re off the hook today, too, Little Joe.\u00a0 If you need to come to town, you\u2019re welcome to join us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy looked up, surprised at his father\u2019s invitation.\u00a0 \u201cUh, don\u2019t need to, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019m done with getting stuff for Christmas.\u00a0 And I\u2019m about done with cleaning Til and Sarah\u2019s house, too.\u00a0 I\u2019d kind of like to get it finished by tonight if I could.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe was no more surprised than his father was at his response.\u00a0 The man shook his head in disbelief.\u00a0 \u201cHow about you, Hoss? Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCount me in, \u201c Adam responded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTil, you and Sarah are welcome to join us if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah quickly declined, citing her near due date, but turned toward her husband.\u00a0 The offer was tempting for Til; it was obvious by the look on the man\u2019s face.\u00a0 While he had most of his presents already, he still hoped to find something to buy for Sarah that would help make up for those months of trial they\u2019d endured on the trip west.\u00a0 \u201cWell,\u201d he hawed, torn between not wanting to leave his very pregnant wife and hoping to find just the right surprise for her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo on, Til,\u201d she admonished him, reading him well.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve had two children already.\u00a0 It may look like this child\u2019s coming today, but I\u2019ve had enough babies already to know this one\u2019s days away.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOther kids?\u201d Joe\u2019s ears couldn\u2019t believe what she\u2019d said. \u00a0\u201cWhat happened to them?\u201d he blurted out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d His father\u2019s sharp command pierced the quiet that had permeated the room at Sarah\u2019s announcement and the boy\u2019s response.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe ducked his head, knowing he\u2019d been incredibly rude to ask about such a personal subject.\u00a0 He glanced at his father, sinking into his chair with a sigh as he saw his father standing at the head of the table, beckoning his son to join him for a discussion in the kitchen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy started to push back his chair when Sarah\u2019s hand stayed his movement.\u00a0 \u201cBen, it\u2019s all right.\u201d She smiled at Little Joe, squirming uncomfortably beside her.\u00a0 \u201cOne thing I\u2019ve noticed is your family is very open with each other.\u00a0 This shouldn\u2019t be a secret either.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSarah,\u201d Ben began, but she silenced his with a look that rivaled any the patriarch had mastered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost twelve years ago,\u201d she began, looking directly at Little Joe, \u201cI had a fine son.\u00a0 His name was Obadiah, but everyone just called him Obi.\u201d A melancholy look crossed her face momentarily as the memories returned.\u00a0 \u201cHe was a big, healthy boy.\u00a0 Not a thing wrong with him.\u00a0 And gentle as you could imagine.\u201d She turned to look at Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cYou remind me a lot of how I\u2019d hope Obi would be.\u201d Her eyes close momentarily.\u00a0 \u201cBut it wasn\u2019t meant to be.\u00a0 An epidemic of the croup came to the plantation and Obi just up and died.\u201d She shook her head as though shaking away visions.\u00a0 \u201cHe was layin\u2019 in my arms, couldn\u2019t hardly draw a breath.\u00a0 And then, I guess he just gave up…one minute he was struggling so hard, next time he just stopped breathin\u2019.” \u00a0Her husband reached across the table, a reassuring hand across her fragile one.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I know he\u2019s in a better place, now, but I surely didn\u2019t know it then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the silence that followed, the men didn\u2019t know what to say.\u00a0 After taking a minute to gather her emotions together, Sarah continued.\u00a0 \u201cAbout four years later, I had another son I named Jeremiah.\u00a0 We all called him Jem.\u201d Her eyes shifted to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam, he was so much like you.\u00a0 He was tall and lean; so very kind and thoughtful.\u201d She looked back to the table to arrange her thoughts.\u00a0 \u201cLike you, he was incredibly bright.\u201d Her voice lightened as she continued.\u00a0 \u201cAlways asking questions.\u00a0 Everyone noticed how smart he was.\u00a0 My best friend, Carmie, she worked as a cook in the big house.\u00a0 The missus there was teaching her to read and she started teaching Jem.\u201d Again, she gazed at Adam as though seeing her son another time.\u00a0 \u201cBy the time he was four and half, he was reading books.\u00a0 The world was like a study for him.\u00a0 He loved it all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her eyes darkened and Til rubbed her arm.\u00a0 \u201cSarah, it\u2019s okay.\u00a0 You don\u2019t have to do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She shook him off.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Til, it\u2019s not okay and I do need to tell this.\u201d She glanced at the Cartwright\u2019s; for some reason, surprised to see them attending closely to her words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just a couple of months after Jem\u2019s fifth birthday.\u00a0 I came back to the fields and Carmie was at our shack, crying.\u00a0 Jem was patting her like he was trying to make her feel better.\u201d A cold shiver stole across the woman as she remembered.\u00a0 \u201cCarmie said I was to be sold the next day.\u201d Tears slid unnoticed down Sarah\u2019s cheeks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stared at Ben, daring him to disagree.\u00a0 \u201cCan you imagine what that felt like? And it was like they knew I\u2019d try and escape.\u00a0 There were two men that stood outside my place all night.\u201d She gulped, trying to salvage her thoughts.\u00a0 \u201cI rocked my son back and forth, back and forth…all night long.\u00a0 But the next morning, when they came to get me, Jem went crazy.\u00a0 He was screaming for me not to leave him.\u00a0 Yelling at me to please come back.\u201d The tears flowed freely now.\u00a0 In a whisper, she concluded, \u201cYou can\u2019t imagine knowing your son is in such misery and that there\u2019s nothing you can do to fix it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben wiped away tears of his own memories: Little Joe standing beside his mother\u2019s grave, crying, calling her name, screaming not to go; not to put the dirt on his mother.\u00a0 For a moment, both parents\u2019 love was bared for the world to see.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A voice beside Sarah brought her back to the Cartwright\u2019s dining table.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened to Jem?\u201d Joe asked quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wiping away more tears, the woman turned toward the boy.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know, Little Joe.\u00a0 Carmie swore she\u2019d take care of him, but about six months later, I heard she\u2019d died.\u00a0 I was sold to a man with a farm in Maryland, a long way from Georgia.\u00a0 And even if I could read and write, there was no one back on the plantation who could have answered me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She looked up with a small smile on her face.\u00a0 \u201cBut the Lord works in mysterious ways, boy, that\u2019s a fact.\u201d She looked back at Til.\u00a0 \u201cThe lady on the farm insisted everyone there go to church.\u00a0 Not her church,\u201d she quickly added cynically.\u00a0 \u201cBut there was a church down the road from hers and I started going there.\u201d She looked up at Til with a broad smile.\u00a0 \u201cThere was this tall, handsome man going to church there, too.\u00a0 Every woman in the place was after him.\u00a0 Some right shamelessly, I might add.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Til laughed.\u00a0 \u201cBut I only had eyes for Sarah and she for me.\u00a0 I was from Boston, born a freeman.\u00a0 I worked and slaved harder than her I bet,\u201d his dark eyes sparkled.\u00a0 \u201cBut I saved enough to buy Sarah\u2019s freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we got married shortly afterwards,\u201d Sarah finished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy brother in Boston is a lawyer,\u201d Til continued.\u00a0 \u201cWe had him do some searches for Jem, but the farm had burned and no one had any idea what happened to the owners, let alone a young slave.\u00a0 We never did know what happened to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe finally decided to put that part of my life behind us and we headed west.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With an innocence of youth, Joe blurted out, \u201cI\u2019m glad you did, Sarah.\u00a0 And I\u2019m real sorry about your sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah\u2019s gaze shifted to the boy.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad I did, too, Joe.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t have met you or your family if we hadn\u2019t.\u00a0 And I needed you all to redeem my faith.\u201d She looked at Adam, Hoss and finally to Ben.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t imagine how glad I am that we came west.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

It was an amiable group of men who headed into Virginia City later that day.\u00a0 While the temperature was still uncanningly cold, there was little snow on the ground.\u00a0 What was there had drifted away from the road, causing a hollow clomping sound as the horses hooves struck the frozen dirt, the bells on the harness jingling in the dry, crisp winter air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With plans to meet for an early supper with Roy Coffee, the men separated to attend to their business.\u00a0 Adam and Til headed for the general store, Ben to the saddle shop while Hoss stopped to pick up a leather dye from the bootmaker\u2019s shop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although Til was worried about his reception in the western town, in general, the day went smoother than he anticipated.\u00a0 While several people looked askance as Til and Adam did their shopping, there were no overt comments directed toward the dark skinned man and his friend.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 day was not nearly so amicable.\u00a0 As he pocketed the bottle of dye and left the cobbler\u2019s, he was accosted by three intoxicated miners, intent on convincing the big man that their bigotry was biblically based.\u00a0 Hoss first tried ignoring their befuddled remarks, then tried just shining on the drunken louts.\u00a0 When his vest was grabbed for the fourth time though as the biggest miner tried to restrain the rancher so as to continue proselytizing his hatred, Hoss had enough.\u00a0 One blow cold-cocked the man who fell into his buddies, sending them all tumbling into an alley.\u00a0 Shaking his head, Hoss meandered down the boardwalk, wondering again at man\u2019s propensity to twist simple and loving bible teachings to his own end.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the saddlers, Ben quickly purchased his gifts, then hurried to the livery to hide them in his saddle bags.\u00a0 Satisfied that his presents were secure from prying eyes, and that the horses were bedded down well, he hurried through the cold air to meet his old friend at the Sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Relieved to be inside Sheriff Coffee\u2019s warm office, Ben fiddled with the buttons on his coat even as his eyes danced in a merry challenge to the checker\u2019s game that was being set up on the front desk.\u00a0 \u201cYou needing a lesson this early in the day, Roy?\u201d the rancher tweaked the constable\u2019s playing prowess.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI keep hopin\u2019 one of these days you\u2019ll pay me with some of that cold, hard cash you keep depositing in the Virginia City Bank; for my time teaching you this game, boy,\u201d Roy responded, playing on the fact that he was six months younger than Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust let me get some of this axle grease you try to pass off as coffee and we\u2019ll just see,\u201d Ben challenged.\u00a0 He took a sip of the strong brew and made a face.\u00a0 \u201cI swear, Roy.\u00a0 If I were a suspicious man, I\u2019d say Paul Martin pays you a kickback for sending him business from people poisoned on this stuff.\u201d He held up the cup to show the sheriff the stuff to which he referred.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019d got here on time, it\u2019d a been fresh, old man, so don\u2019t you go blaming me.\u00a0 I been drinking that for years and it\u2019s just made me more handsome.\u201d He smiled at the rancher, indicating no offense meant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben choked back a retort as the two friends settled across the table for some long overdue checkers matches.\u00a0 As the clock struck four o\u2019clock, Ben automatically checked his watch with the office timepiece.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go get those sons of mine and see if they\u2019ve totally corrupted Til Ennis,\u201d he suggested.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve got reservations at the International House for an early Christmas eve dinner; then you can come back and keep Virginia City safe from itself while we head on back to the ranch in time for a celebration there.\u00a0 Sarah\u2019s been doing most of the cooking these days and I just didn\u2019t have the heart to have her fix dinner tonight.\u00a0 She and Joe can manage on sandwiches tonight.\u201d Ben looked satisfied with his plans.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll have big dinner tomorrow if you\u2019d like to join us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not one to turn down a meal from the International House, Ben.\u00a0 You know that.\u201d The sheriff smiled at his friend.\u00a0 \u201cNot sure about tomorrow, though.\u00a0 If you need a definite answer now, it\u2019ll have to be no.\u201d He glanced back at Ben.\u00a0 \u201cIf a maybe will do, I\u2019ll try to make it out.\u00a0 I\u2019d love some home cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll save a place at the table for you.\u00a0 Dinner will be about one o\u2019clock, I\u2019d guess.\u00a0 If you can\u2019t make it, why Hoss\u2019ll be down right ecstatic.\u201d The two men laughed at the reference to Hoss\u2019 eating prowess as they headed for the International House to join the others from the Ponderosa for an early supper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe Cartwright was done with his chores.\u00a0 The foreman\u2019s cabin was spotless.\u00a0 As he wrung out the cloth after a final wipe down of the east bedroom upstairs, he contemplated this concept of \u201cchore\u201d as it related to cleaning the old foreman\u2019s house.\u00a0 The light from the south and east window cast this one room in a warm glow as it reflected off the pale yellow wallpaper.\u00a0 Memories flooded Joe\u2019s thoughts; times spent here with Charlie and his wife, Emma.\u00a0 While he couldn\u2019t generate the particulars of when or why, the boy could remember the pleasant times spent playing up in this room.\u00a0 In a melancholy mood, he walked to the dresser and opened the bottom drawer, knowing the toys he used to keep there would be long gone, but needing to do it anyway.\u00a0 Pleasantly surprised, he reached down to pick up a wooden horse Charlie had carved for him years ago.\u00a0 The ball, the wooden soldiers, and the top were undoubtedly somewhere, lost with his childhood.\u00a0 An old crib quilt was neatly folded on the other side of the drawer.\u00a0 Joe fingered it gently as memories surged, receded, surged, receded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Closing his eyes, he could almost feel the rocking motion of the old chair Emma used.\u00a0 He picked up the quilt, holding it tightly to him as the secure feeling when being held by Emma returned.\u00a0 He could almost pretend he was on her lap again, the old quilt pulled tightly to him in his left hand as the right tightly clutched his beloved toy; together, Joe and Emma warded off the demons of the boy\u2019s childhood, keeping fears and slights at bay.\u00a0 The old rocker was long gone; Joe could remember when they\u2019d burned it the day Charlie had moved back to the bunkhouse after Emma\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a sigh, Joe brought himself back to the present.\u00a0 \u201cHello, Little Joe.\u201d The boy jumped, not realizing anybody was in the house right then.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Sarah,\u201d he breathed, a sigh of relief.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t really expecting anyone just now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman responded very gently, \u201cNo, I didn\u2019t think you were.\u201d When Joe blushed, embarrassed at being caught in his dreams, she walked to him and drew him to her side as she continued.\u00a0 \u201cFeelings are never anything to be ashamed of, son.\u201d She squeezed his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cYou looked like you were thousands of miles away just now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scuffing his feet along the floor, Joe looked up at his friend.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I guess I was someplace else.\u00a0 Only not miles away.\u201d He shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cMore like years away.\u201d He drew a deep breath, letting out the air in a long sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWant to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d the boy glanced at the woman who was becoming such an important part of his life.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not all the exciting, honest.\u201d As Sarah raised a questioning eyebrow, Joe smiled resignedly.\u00a0 \u201cWhen Pa\u2019d go on a business trip or something, like in the fall when everyone was so busy getting ready for the cattle drive, I used to stay here with Charlie and Emma.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Sarah looked confused, Joe explained.\u00a0 \u201cCharlie\u2019s our foreman and has been for as long as I can remember.\u00a0 He\u2019s working up at the trailhead now, though.\u00a0 Him and Emma used to live here.\u201d Joe drifted off to years ago, then brought himself back.\u00a0 His hands made an expansive gesture encompassing the whole room.\u00a0 \u201cThis was my favorite place in the house, I expect.\u00a0 Emma let me have this for my very own.\u00a0 She kept toys for me here, just for me.\u201d He opened his hand to show her the carved horse.\u00a0 \u201cCharlie made this one year.\u00a0 There was a pig and a cow, too.\u00a0 And a barn,\u201d he quickly added.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know what happened to the rest of them,\u201d he continued sadly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shook his head to clear his thoughts, then pointed to the east window.\u00a0 \u201cRight there, right there, Emma had this big rocking chair.\u201d Sarah watched, transfixed, as Joe\u2019s memories took over.\u00a0 \u201cI remember her coming and waking me up in the mornings.” Joe laughed.\u00a0 \u201cGuess I never was a morning person.\u201d A beatific smile crossed his face.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019d pick me up and walk over to that big rocker.\u00a0 She\u2019d never forget this old quilt either.\u201d He showed Sarah the coverlet he clutched in his left hand.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s how she\u2019d wake me up.\u00a0 We\u2019d rock in front of that big window there and she\u2019d sing me old songs she knew.\u00a0 I remember the sun was so pretty making designs on the floor.\u201d He looked up.\u00a0 \u201cI never could understand why Pa wouldn\u2019t do that.\u00a0 I reckon I know now, but back then, I missed it at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy laughed some more.\u00a0 \u201cShe used to make me take naps, too.\u00a0 When I was little,\u201d he was quick to add, glancing to Sarah to be sure she understood he hadn\u2019t taken naps when he was older.\u00a0 \u201cAnd she\u2019d come in, in the afternoon.\u00a0 Even if I was already awake, I used to wait for her to come in, pretending I was asleep.\u201d Little Joe pointed out the window.\u00a0 \u201cShe used to feed the birds out that east window.\u00a0 Emma had a big tray Charlie\u2019d fixed there somehow.\u00a0 Anyway, we\u2019d sit in that old rocker and watch the birds in the afternoon.\u201d He smiled as he thought of it.\u00a0 \u201cI bet Emma knew every kind of bird there ever was.\u00a0 She taught me their names and even was teaching me to know \u2018em by their song.\u00a0 When she…\u201d Joe stopped his narrative.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He gulped to gather his emotions.\u00a0 \u201cWhen she died, Charlie moved out.\u00a0 Said there were too many memories here.\u00a0 He burned an old chiffarobe and that old rocker.\u00a0 I guess it was in pretty bad shape.\u201d His voice dropped its volume.\u00a0 \u201cBut he burned some wonderful memories for me.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t been in this house til Pa had me cleaning it for you and Til.\u00a0 And I couldn\u2019t even come in this room until today.\u201d He looked directly at Sarah.\u00a0 \u201cBut I can\u2019t imagine anyone Emma would rather have living in her house than you.\u00a0 She loved kids, but she never did have none.\u201d He smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThis house will be filled with love again, I just know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah wiped away tears of her own as the boy before her spoke his piece.\u00a0 The Lord truly had a hand in their decision to stop in Virginia City that afternoon, she was sure of it.\u00a0 \u201cI hope so, Little Joe.\u00a0 Want me to save this room for you again?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe giggled, breaking from the emotion of the moment.\u00a0 \u201cHeck no, Sarah.\u00a0 This room is for my namesake.\u201d He smiled at the woman.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYour namesake, young \u2018un?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Joe cackled.\u00a0 \u201cYou had a boy like Adam, one like Hoss.\u00a0 I figure this one\u2019ll be just like me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah rolled her eyes heavenward.\u00a0 \u201cHeaven forbid,\u201d she teased the boy.\u00a0 \u201cAnd if it\u2019s a girl, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I guess I can teach a girl a few tricks I learned along the way, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t you let me catch you, young man,\u201d Sarah responded in a lighthearted manner.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got supper ready if you\u2019re hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI sure am.\u00a0 This house cleaning is hard work.\u201d Laughing, the two walked back to the ranch house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time the Cartwright party had finished supper, it was already dark.\u00a0 The five men stopped on the corner, Roy to head back to his office and the Cartwright\u2019s to go to the livery stable to get their horses for the trip home.\u00a0 \u201cYou have a safe trip back,\u201d the sheriff admonished.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe will.\u00a0 See you tomorrow,\u201d Ben replied, turning to head for the livery.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The click of six-guns being cocked froze the men in place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t goin\u2019 nowheres, Sheriff.\u00a0 You neither, Cartwright.\u201d The voice in the dark was harsh and unrelenting.\u00a0 \u201cWe got that colored buck,\u201d the voice called to someone in the dark.\u00a0 Carefully, the five men had their pistols taken from them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben turned, he felt the cold steel of a .44\u00a0jabbed into his back.\u00a0 \u201cYou make one more move, Cartwright, and I\u2019ll blow you in two.\u201d With the gun positioned against his ribs, the rancher had no doubt the threat was a real one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet moving,\u201d the voice demanded.\u00a0 \u201cThe rest of you, move, or Cartwright here won\u2019t live to draw another breath.\u00a0 That means you, too, sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although keeping in the shadows, denying the captives a clear look at their nemesi, the captors seemed to number about ten hooded, armed men.\u00a0 They efficiently herded their prey into an abandoned building at the edge of town.\u00a0 A big man pushed open the door while his cohorts shoved the disarmed men onto the rough plank floor.\u00a0 Still covered by armed gunmen, the captives were quickly bound and gagged, their hands pulled tightly behind them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Only after the prisoners were secure did their abductors speak again.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you damn buck nigra.\u201d The tall man who was obviously the leader was addressing Til Ennis.\u00a0 \u201cWe got you and we\u2019re goin\u2019 after your whore next.\u201d The man lunged at his tormentor as much as was possible from the trussed up position in which he found himself.\u00a0 The big man seemed to find humor in the black man\u2019s predicament.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re leaving here for your ranch, Cartwright, in just a bit.\u00a0 Soon as Billy gets back.\u201d The man turned back to Ennis.\u00a0 \u201cWant to know what we\u2019re gonna do to that bitch out at the Ponderosa?\u201d Although Til Ennis was unable to speak, the hatred he felt for his captors was loudly expressed through his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re gonna bring her back, boy.\u201d He cackled at the predicament in which his captives found themselves.\u00a0 \u201cCourse, Billy and Johnny may want to sample some of that dark meat themselves.\u00a0 You don\u2019t care, do you?\u201d He laughed at Ennis\u2019 reaction.\u00a0 \u201cSee if everything we heard about them black bitches is true.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another man came into the building.\u00a0 \u201cYou men ready to ride?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are, Billy.\u00a0 What about them?\u201d The tall man pointed to the prisoners.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCheck the knots.\u00a0 You got \u2018em tied to those posts don\u2019t ya?\u201d As his men nodded, Billy continued.\u00a0 \u201cLeave \u2018em then.\u00a0 They ain\u2019t going nowhere.\u00a0 I want to see their faces when we bring that colored woman back here.\u00a0 Him and that bitch is gonna learn the hard way that we don\u2019t want their kind out here.\u201d He turned on his heel and strode out the door, his henchmen following.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Pa and the rest of them are all right?\u201d Joe asked as he fiddled with the sandwich Sarah had placed before him.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s dark already.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah Ennis looked up and hid a small smile that played on her lips.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, you\u2019ve asked me four times in the last half-hour, I\u2019ll bet.\u00a0 It\u2019s dark by five o\u2019clock and you know they had plans to take the sheriff to supper.\u201d She placed her hand over the boy\u2019s forearm.\u00a0 \u201cYour pa said to expect them about seven o\u2019clock or so.\u201d She looked out the window, drawing Little Joe\u2019s attention outside.\u00a0 \u201cWith that full moon, they\u2019re not gonna have any problem getting home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed, just as he had three other times that evening, then smiled apologetically.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I know.\u201d He twisted the napkin still on the table.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I just want everyone home for Christmas Eve.\u201d Looking up at this friend, the boy continued, \u201cPa always reads us the Christmas story from the bible.\u00a0 And Hoss said they was gonna stop by where he was cutting wood to pick up a spruce tree he cut for our Christmas tree.\u00a0 So, we\u2019ve got the tree to decorate, too.\u201d He shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve got a lot to do,\u201d he offered by way of explanation.
\nSarah rubbed the boy\u2019s arm in a gesture of concern.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ll be all right, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up, grateful that Sarah didn\u2019t think his fears silly.\u00a0 Since his mother\u2019s death almost ten years earlier, Joe had found his father\u2019s absences disturbing.\u00a0 Try as hard as he had, he\u2019d never been able to fully throw off the fear that his father might never return.\u00a0 For the most part, those fears now only surfaced at special times, Joe realized…like when the boy was tired with idle time on his hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked out the window one more time, calling excitedly to Sarah as he saw the light from torches reflecting off the snow.\u00a0 Although still too far away to see clearly, Joe was sure his family had lit torches to see better for the trip home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Sarah,\u201d he pointed to the window.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re coming.\u00a0 And they\u2019ve lit torches for seeing better.\u201d He jumped up to run to the door, but stopped abruptly when he saw a look of horror on the woman\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cSarah, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d He touched her arm to get her attention; the woman seemed almost catatonic.\u00a0 He shook her arm gently.\u00a0 \u201cSarah?\u201d The boy\u2019s fear for his friend turned his thoughts from his family\u2019s homecoming.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d she whispered urgently.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow!\u201d The woman\u2019s voice was more urgent.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stood, confusion paralyzing his actions.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s not your pa, Joe.\u00a0 They\u2019re come to get me.\u00a0 My God, where\u2019s Til?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe tried reasoning with the terrified woman, but she wouldn\u2019t budge.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s Pa and Til, Sarah.\u201d He moved to the window for a better look.\u00a0 The sight stopped short the assurances he had intended to say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you know, Sarah? Who are they?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re everyman, Joe.\u201d The woman sounded defeated.\u00a0 \u201cWhat have they done to Til? He\u2019s dead, I know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey ain\u2019t done no such thing.\u00a0 My pa and brothers wouldn\u2019t let anything happen to him.\u201d Joe shoved the obvious conclusion to that scenario, should Til be dead, out of his mind.\u00a0 \u201cWe gotta get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt don\u2019t matter.\u00a0 They\u2019ll still find us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not to you it doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d The boy was desperate.\u00a0 \u201cBut it sure matters to that baby.\u00a0 You got to run, Sarah.\u00a0 For her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He tugged at the woman\u2019s arm until he had her attention.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u00a0 There\u2019s a way out of here.\u201d Joe pushed Sarah toward a back window, then helped ease her heavy body out onto the hard ground.\u00a0 He quickly followed, grabbing a sweater of Hoss\u2019 that was hung over a chair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once out of the house, Joe took, a moment to get oriented.\u00a0 \u201cYour house, Sarah.\u00a0 Come on.\u201d He dragged her toward the shadows, thankful for once that the ground was frozen and the snow had drifted from the path.\u00a0 Angry voices and the crackling sound of the pine pitch on the torches wafted across the dry mountain air.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The full moon was a blessing and a curse, Joe realized that, but for now, he was satisfied it was to his advantage.\u00a0 By staying in the shadows, the two were protected from sight, yet the moonlight reflecting off the drifted snow afforded them enough vision to make trip to the house quickly.\u00a0 Once inside, Joe barricaded the front door, leaving a back door open in case they needed a quick exit.\u00a0 \u201cSarah,\u201d Joe whispered to get her attention. \u00a0\u201cPut this sweater on.\u201d As the woman demurred, Joe shook her slightly.\u00a0 It\u2019s way too big for me, but it\u2019s all I had time to get.\u00a0 Put it on!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Surprised at Joe\u2019s demanding voice, Sarah complied, grateful for the added warmth.\u00a0 After a few moments, she quietly laughed.\u00a0 \u201cSeems a shame we can\u2019t use that fireplace you and Adam went to all that trouble to clean up.\u201d Joe smiled, glad his friend\u2019s sense of humor was returning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I reckon that\u2019s a luxury we can\u2019t afford right now.\u201d He took a quick look out the window, then ran up the stairs, returning with two wool blankets.\u00a0 \u201cThis is all I could find.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBetter than nothing, I\u2019d say,\u201d Sarah smiled, even as their predicament seemed so threatening.\u00a0 \u201cThat one there\u2019s a mighty small blanket, boy.\u201d She pointed to the crib quilt Joe had showed her earlier in the day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He blushed at being caught.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, well, they ain\u2019t getting this if we have to run.\u201d He stuffed it inside his shirt, then parceled out the blankets, wrapping one around his shivering form.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For several hours, the two sat huddled under the blankets in the cold house, with Joe periodically going out to listen to the mayhem and loud voices from the ranch house.\u00a0 On Joe\u2019s last trip out, though, the words he was dreading pierced the crisp air.\u00a0 \u201cCheck that old house on the other side of that meadow,\u201d a deep voice called out.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re here somewhere.\u00a0 We\u2019ll find \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked, frantic to find a place to hide; finally remembering the tall fir with the long hanging branches.\u00a0 He rushed inside, his eyes telling Sarah what she didn\u2019t want to know.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve got to leave.\u00a0 We\u2019re sitting ducks in here.\u201d The woman nodded in agreement, knowing more than Joe how dangerous it would be for them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two slipped out the back door, careful to stay away from any snow that might leave tracks.\u00a0 \u201cCome on,\u201d Joe whispered, leading her to the thick fir branches, parting them to invite her in.\u00a0 \u201cThey can\u2019t see us from out there.\u201d Sarah looked uncertain, and Joe tried a brave smile.\u00a0 \u201cTrust me.\u00a0 I hid from Charlie one time under here and he never did find me til I took to sneezing so hard.\u201d Joe tried to lighten the mood.\u00a0 \u201cJust prolonged the inevitable, that was for sure.\u201d The boy rubbed his backside at the memory.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Sarah tried to get comfortable, Joe disappeared for a few moments, returning with pine boughs he laid on the ground.\u00a0 \u201cNot as nice as that rocker, but maybe better than the cold ground.\u201d Sarah smiled appreciatively.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Feeling her tense, holding her breath as a pain passed, the boy thought his friend was cold and scared.\u00a0 He quietly patted her arm, neither daring to speak.\u00a0 As the young man prayed for safe deliverance from this mob, the woman next to him prayed for a very different safe delivery.\u00a0 The duo pressed close together, sharing the little warmth they had.\u00a0 Torches and raised voices passed within five feet of them and the two cringed at the burning hatred heard from the men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you check the barn?\u201d a deep voice from a tall, hooded man spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe and Johnny checked it.\u00a0 Jake told me he just come from the barn.\u00a0 They ain\u2019t there.\u00a0 Frank\u2019s taken some men to check the house again.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDamn,\u201d the first voice muttered.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ve got to be somewhere.\u00a0 It\u2019ll go bad for them two when we find \u2018em.\u00a0 I promise you that.\u00a0 Stump, you take some men and block the road into this ranch.\u00a0 They don\u2019t dare go overland as cold as it is.\u201d The voices faded off as the men drifted off to their tasks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the pains came more quickly and more intense, Sarah could no longer hide them from the boy beside her.\u00a0 \u201cJoe!\u201d He looked over to her, surprised to find the pinched look to her face.\u00a0 \u201cThis baby\u2019s gonna come sometime soon, I can tell.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s face blanched.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019ll die if she\u2019s born out here.\u201d Sarah nodded; her face taut with agreement.\u00a0 \u201cCan you move?\u201d he spoke lowly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The woman beside him nodded.\u00a0 \u201cClouds are moving back and forth over the moon.\u00a0 Next time it\u2019s dark, we\u2019re gonna make a run for the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe.\u00a0 They\u2019ll find us there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s our only choice, Sarah.\u00a0 You heard \u2018em.\u00a0 They\u2019re covering the roads and it sounds like they\u2019re still wrecking the ranch house.\u00a0 The barn\u2019s it.\u201d Knowing he was right, yet dreading the options, Sarah nodded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet ready,\u201d Joe whispered.\u00a0 \u201cWhen I say \u2018go,\u2019 we\u2019ve got to slip out this back side and make for the south side of the road.\u00a0 Don\u2019t make a sound.\u201d Sarah\u2019s head dipped in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy watched the clouds, judging when the time was right.\u00a0 He tapped his friend\u2019s shoulder, pointing to the back of their hideout and she nodded in agreement, willing back the pain that was coming at regular intervals now.\u00a0 The two moved quietly into the shadows of the tall pines that afforded the ranch its name; Joe carrying the blankets and Sarah leaning against the boy as they headed for the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two hunkered in the brush near the barn as they reconnoitered the barn area.\u00a0 They flattened against a tree as a short man opened the barn door, a fat man following him out.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t staying in that damned barn,\u201d the first man complained.\u00a0 \u201cThey ain\u2019t here and I don\u2019t see them strolling into this snake\u2019s den any time soon.\u00a0 Not if they got a lick of sense.\u00a0 They\u2019re long gone, I\u2019d bet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, let\u2019s go to the house.\u00a0 That big fireplace is gonna feel fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The first man laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAnd that liquor cabinet\u2019s got more liquor than the Bucket of Blood, I\u2019m guessing.\u00a0 I aim to get me my share.\u201d Laughing, the two men headed for the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the big door closed behind the intruders, Joe and Sarah slid out of the shadows into the barn.\u00a0 \u201cQuick,\u201d Joe hurried the woman inside.\u00a0 \u201cUp in the loft.\u201d Together, the two maneuvered themselves up the wooden rungs.\u00a0 In her pain, Sarah almost fell, but Joe kept her balance.\u00a0 Exhausted, she fell into the sweet hay only to be aroused as another sharp pain moved through her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For once in his life, Joe felt totally out of his element.\u00a0 Here he was with a pregnant woman trying to have her baby…hiding in a loft, hoping against hope that a bunch of drunken bigots wouldn\u2019t find them…so cold that he\u2019d long since lost the feeling in his toes.\u00a0 There was nothing Joe had any control over.\u00a0 It was a state he planned never to experience again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the night dragged on, Joe alternated between lying beside Sarah to try and keep them both warm to rubbing her shoulders and back as the terrible pains struck.\u00a0 Nothing seemed to matter from his perspective.\u00a0 Sarah was still in great pain and it was still cold as blue blazes.\u00a0 Neither the blankets nor the hay offered enough protection from the chilled night air.\u00a0 At least none of the drunks from the house had felt it necessary to check the barn again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Around three in the morning, Sarah\u2019s labor began in earnest.\u00a0 \u201cJoe?\u201d Her urgent whisper warned the boy immediately that something was different.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Sarah.\u201d He held her hand, feeling her grip cutting into his circulation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, the baby\u2019s coming.\u00a0 I can feel it.\u00a0 You\u2019ve got to help me.\u201d The fear in her voice terrified the young man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The boy\u2019s face blanched.\u00a0 He\u2019d watched more than his share of calves born, even delivered a few by himself during the heavy part of calving season when they were short handed.\u00a0 But he\u2019d never seen a baby born.\u00a0 He\u2019d never even given much thought to it.\u00a0 He drew in a deep breath to calm himself.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do I do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah gasped as the pains came harder and more frequent.\u00a0 \u201cCheck if the baby\u2019s head is showin\u2019 yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe backed into an upright.\u00a0 A baby only came from one place.\u00a0 That meant he had to look at her…he shook his head.\u00a0 She was asking more than he could do.\u00a0 \u201cI, I, uh, I can\u2019t, Sarah.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t never done that before.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In different circumstances, Sarah would have laughed at the boy\u2019s sudden modesty.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve got to Joe.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t help me now, this baby\u2019s gonna die.\u00a0 Please?\u201d Her voice was pleading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gulping several times to calm himself, Joe nodded, then pulled up the dress that covered the pregnant woman.\u00a0 Somehow it was different than he expected.\u00a0 Even with the moonlight coming in the hayloft door, though, Joe was having trouble seeing as well as he\u2019d like.\u00a0 Tentatively, he reached between her legs, trying to feel what the bulging area shadowed in the moonlight was.\u00a0 The slick, almost slimy bulge could only be the baby\u2019s head.\u00a0 \u201cSarah,\u201d his voice cracked in his excitement.\u00a0 \u201cThis baby\u2019s coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet a blanket to catch her with, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pulled off his shirt, glad he had his long johns underneath.\u00a0 \u201cPush, Sarah.\u00a0 I felt the top of the head!\u201d The woman grunted as she labored to give birth.\u00a0 Nothing changed from Joe\u2019s point of view.\u00a0 \u201cAgain.\u00a0 That\u2019s right.\u201d A head emerged, haloed in the moonlight, giving Joe added enthusiasm.\u00a0 He cradled his shirt, ready to catch the infant.\u00a0 \u201cOnce more.\u00a0 Hard.\u201d In a Herculean effort, Sarah managed one large push and the tiny baby slid onto Joe\u2019s shirt.\u00a0 With tears in his eyes, Joe showed the baby to her tired mother.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s beautiful, Sarah.\u00a0 A little girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a wail, the baby made known her presence and her thoughts about the cold temperature.\u00a0 Joe quickly dried her off as best he could and wrapped her in his shirt.\u00a0 Taking the crib quilt, he wrapped that around her as well, finally handing Sarah her daughter.\u00a0 Taking only a moment to memorize as much of the baby\u2019s features as she could, Sarah slipped the baby under the oversized sweater and onto her chest.\u00a0 Comforted by the warmth in which she now found herself, the baby settled down, ceasing her crying.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t long before she was nursing contentedly at Sarah\u2019s ample breast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Try as he might, Joe couldn\u2019t stop staring at the mother and child in front of him.\u00a0 Never had he experienced anything as rare and beautiful as he\u2019d witnessed with the birth of this baby girl.\u00a0 A fierce protectiveness arose in the boy as he vowed they would all get through this night.\u00a0 Sarah smiled at Joe, as though understanding all he felt and sharing in the joy of this new life.\u00a0 The boy turned to the more mundane tasks of cleaning up after the birthing while Sarah drifted into a light, but well deserved sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not a half an hour later, Sarah woke, moving slightly to get more comfortable.\u00a0 The baby rested contentedly under the large sweater, feeling the even breathing and steady heartbeat of her mother to comfort her this cold night.\u00a0 \u201cHow you feeling?\u201d Joe asked her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTired,\u201d Sarah spoke the truth.\u00a0 \u201cAnd cold.\u201d She laughed very quietly.\u00a0 \u201cAnd so incredibly happy.\u00a0 Oh, Joe, you have no idea how this baby makes me feel.\u201d When she saw the hurt look in his eyes, she recanted her observation.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I think maybe you do no how I feel.\u201d She squeezed the boy\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cThis baby would be dead if it weren\u2019t for you, Joe.\u00a0 We can never pay that back.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not over yet, Sarah.\u00a0 But I promise you, I won\u2019t let anything happen to you or this baby.\u201d He glanced to the barn door, continuing as it remained closed.\u00a0 \u201cHave you thought of a name for her?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a quiet laugh, Sarah answered him in her straightforward manner.\u00a0 \u201cI have, Little Joe.\u00a0 Let me introduce you to your god-daughter, Josie Ennis.\u201d She pulled the baby from under her sweater, checking to see if Josie were doing all right<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Josie.\u201d Joe reached to shake her hand formally, laughing as the baby gripped his index finger instead.\u00a0 He looked to the baby\u2019s mother.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s sure got a strong grip, Sarah.\u201d His voice dropped.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s the most beautiful baby I\u2019ve ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah smiled in understanding, slipping the baby back under the sweater.\u00a0 She sat up straighter, helping the baby find a nipple on which to suckle.\u00a0 The happiness died as the barn door was thrown open.\u00a0 There was little consolation in knowing they couldn\u2019t be seen from the barn floor.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men spent some time searching the downstairs part of the barn.\u00a0 Joe wasn\u2019t totally convinced they were simply looking for them, but realized it really didn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 As horse beats raced into the yard, the short man turned to his cohort.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like they must a found her.\u00a0 Billy\u2019s gonna have him some fun.\u201d He turned toward the man with him.\u00a0 \u201cHell, I ain\u2019t gonna miss the fun outside for nothin\u2019.\u00a0 They ain\u2019t in here.\u00a0 Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was as the men turned that Josie decided to make her presence known.\u00a0 Wet and uncomfortable, she announced her displeasure in the only way she knew.\u00a0 With the first wail, the two men below stopped.\u00a0 The tall one turned to the other, \u201cYou go tell Billy we done found \u2018em.\u201d He grinned lasciviously.\u00a0 \u201cThis is gonna be great fun.\u201d As the shorter man left the barn, the other garnered his six gun and mounted the rungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the shadow from the lantern cast a hideous shadow on the wall, Joe and Sarah fought to contain their fear.\u00a0 Looking desperately for a way out, the two realized they were cornered.\u00a0 \u201cLeave her alone,\u201d Joe called out.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s just had a baby.\u201d He stood up, a protective presence between the mother and child and the evil countenance ascending the ladder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lurid grin still in place, the intruder topped the loft and found himself confronted by a fourteen year old boy, standing with the demeanor of his principled father.\u00a0 \u201cBoy, it don\u2019t matter to me if you want to die for that colored or not.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t no skin off my nose.\u201d Hesitating only a moment, he drew his gun and fired.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s first thought was how surprising it was that being shot was a painless ordeal.\u00a0 His second thought was to protect Sarah and her baby.\u00a0 He started toward the gunman; startled when he saw the man collapse at his feet, sightless eyes already set.\u00a0 As he saw the dark stain oozing through the hole in the man\u2019s jacket, Joe finally realized help had arrived.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTil,\u201d the boy yelled at the man who had fired the shot.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re up here.\u201d He held his breath once more, though, as the barn door opened, releasing it finally when his father entered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The black man pointed up to the loft and Joe waved to his father whose relief matched that of the woman and boy above them.\u00a0 Til clambered up the ladder, stopping for just a moment by Little Joe.\u00a0 Taking both shoulders in his broad hands, the man simply squeezed the boy\u2019s shoulders, unable to speak at all.\u00a0 Joe smiled, understanding as Til rushed on to see to his wife and new daughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he climbed down the ladder, the reality of the last hours dawned on the young man.\u00a0 He stood facing his father, unable to take those last few steps to the secure embrace that awaited him.\u00a0 Recognizing Joe had given all he could give, Ben stepped forward, pulling his son to him.\u00a0 Joe, lower lip trembling, cried shamelessly on his father\u2019s shoulder as Ben caressed the dark curls; the left hand patting the boy\u2019s back as he had years ago to comfort a younger, broken hearted youngster.
\nIt was thirty minutes or so before Ben, Little Joe, Til, Sarah and Josie were ready to leave the barn.\u00a0 What had begun as an emotional reunion turned into a celebration of life.\u00a0 With the realization of how close they came to losing their beloved son, daughter or wife, neither Til nor Ben were willing to give up the closeness as they held their loves to them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Supporting each other as they left the barn, the small group turned as the deputy sheriff arrived with ten or so of the town\u2019s leading citizens.\u00a0 Together, they finished securing the prisoners that Roy and the other Cartwright\u2019s had captured.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss soon joined the family circle and a feeling of wholeness enveloped them all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fred Mason, president of the Virginia City Bank, approached, his hand extended.\u00a0 The other fine citizens of the town followed closely behind.\u00a0 \u201cBen,\u201d Mason began, clasping the elder Cartwright\u2019s hand, \u201cI\u2019d like to begin offering my apologies to your new hand and his family.\u00a0 But I don\u2019t believe I\u2019ve met them yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, well, Fred this is Til and Sarah Ennis and their new baby, Josie.\u00a0 Til, Sarah, this is Fred Mason, president of the bank.\u201d Ben\u2019s hand gestured to the group behind him.\u00a0 \u201cUh, going around the circle, that\u2019s Bill Jenkins.\u00a0 He owns the hardware store…\u201d To Til and Sarah, the names became a blur, the wariness obvious in their eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But, their heads jerked around as Mason continued.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to apologize to you both for what\u2019s happened here tonight.\u00a0 We all want you to know, that\u2019s not Virginia City\u2019s way.\u201d Sarah and Til exchanged quick glances.\u00a0 Mason had seen the look and he turned to Til.\u00a0 \u201cMr.\u00a0 Ennis, every town has its citizens who don\u2019t belong in a civilized community.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got ours, too, regretfully.\u00a0 Please don\u2019t judge us all by those men who were here tonight.\u201d Mason looked Ennis in the eye.\u00a0 \u201cWelcome to Virginia City, Mr.\u00a0 Ennis.\u201d The banker extended his hand to Ennis.\u00a0 With just a moments hesitation, Til smiled, and the two shook hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A man in the back of the crowd stepped forward.\u00a0 \u201cJust how new is that baby, Mrs.\u00a0 Ennis?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah smiled proudly and looked to Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cTwo hours old would you say, Joe?\u201d The boy nodded in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The group murmured words of encouragement as Tom Blake, owner of the mercantile spoke up.\u00a0 \u201cCongratulations are in order then.\u00a0 And I expect this is the first Christmas baby we\u2019ve ever had isn\u2019t it? As the crowed murmured in agreement, Blake continued.\u00a0 \u201cThe Virginia City business community has been collecting money every year for the last five years at least to be donated to the first Christmas baby born in our town.\u201d He turned to the other businessmen.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d say little Josie here is the recipient of that money.\u201d The men applauded the decision.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou come to the Virginia City bank as soon as your able, Mr.\u00a0 and Mrs.\u00a0 Ennis, and we\u2019ll get a savings account set up in your daughter\u2019s name with that money.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd all the merchant\u2019s in town each have gifts for Josie, too,\u201d Blake continued.\u00a0 \u201cCome by my store when you can and I\u2019ll take you around and introduce you all.\u00a0 The basket of gifts is in the front window of the store.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah moved closer to Til as her husband slid his arm around her waist.\u00a0 Jim Morton, from the hardware store came forward.\u00a0 \u201cBen, it looks as though the sheriff and his deputy have this riffraff under control.\u201d They all looked to the buckboard that had been borrowed from the Cartwright\u2019s.\u00a0 Ten men, hoods removed, were squeezed into the back of the wagon, hands tied behind their backs.\u00a0 With a wave, Roy and Jed headed back to town with the prisoners.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mason spoke again, \u201cLet\u2019s get that house of yours put back together, Ben.\u201d He clapped the rancher on the back.\u00a0 \u201cThen, I don\u2019t know about the rest of these men, but this Santa\u2019s got to get home before my kids wake up.\u201d The crowd laughed as they headed to the ranch house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In less than an hour, the house was relatively restored to its original orderliness.\u00a0 The businessmen all left and Dr.\u00a0 Martin was making his exit after examining Sarah and Josie.\u00a0 Adam, Hoss and Little Joe were all asleep and even Ben was yawning.\u00a0 Til noticed and laughed as he stifled his own yawn.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t know about you, Ben, but I\u2019m ready for a few hours sleep.\u201d He glanced out the window as already the false dawn was lighting the early morning sky.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou get that sleep, Til.\u00a0 You, too, Ben.\u00a0 Between Josie and those boys of Ben\u2019s you two will be up before you know it.\u00a0 I don\u2019t care how old they are now, Ben,\u201d Paul anticipated Ben\u2019s objections.\u00a0 \u201cI know how excited this whole family is about Christmas.\u00a0 And Til, your wife would probably appreciate seeing you, too.\u201d He laughed as he closed the door behind him, ready himself to head back home.
\nDespite all that had happened, or perhaps because of it, the miracle of Christmas was no more felt than it was that Christmas with the Cartwrights, their new hand, his wife and the couple\u2019s new baby.\u00a0 Examined by Dr.\u00a0 Martin who found both Mom and daughter fit, Sarah and her new baby were sitting on the settee in front of the fireplace.\u00a0 Gifts were piled high on the blanket over the rocker, along the base of the hearth and onto the floor.\u00a0 Although they had never even put up a tree this year, no one seemed to need its beauty to understand the meaning of the holiday this year.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Til, his face beaming as he looked into his new daughter\u2019s face, was seated beside his wife, a protective arm around her shoulders as he drew her to him; Hoss sat, leaning against the arm at the other end of the sofa.\u00a0 Ben was in his favorite chair, turned facing the flames as he enjoyed the fellowship of family, realizing how close he had come to losing his youngest son.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s chair completed the circle drawing the small group into the comfort and love of the family circle.\u00a0 Joe, sitting at his oldest brother\u2019s feet, could barely contain his enthusiasm.\u00a0 Not even the events of the night could dampen his natural optimism, his love of family that now extended to the Cartwright\u2019s newest hand and his family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSarah,\u201d Adam began.\u00a0 \u201cYou and Joe never did tell us all that happened last night.\u00a0 You feel like filling us in?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah smiled at the man, then looked down at Little Joe who was leaning against the front of his brother\u2019s chair.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t mind.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s the hero in this story, though.\u00a0 If it weren\u2019t for him, Josie would be dead, I\u2019m sure of that.\u201d She shivered slightly.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I hate to think what would have happened to me.\u201d She quickly told them of the events from the hours before.\u00a0 Although scary then, it didn\u2019t seem nearly so frightening now, when told in front of the warm fireplace, in the company of loving family and friends.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDespite all that happened, I don\u2019t think they\u2019d ever have found us if it hadn\u2019t been for little Josie here.\u201d The audience looked up, eager for her to continue that captivating tale.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe interrupted.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, those guys were ready to leave when Josie just started crying.\u00a0 She gave us away, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d He reached over and tweaked the baby\u2019s tiny toes as Josie kicked her little legs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Adam commented, \u201cshe surely is your namesake, Little Joe.\u201d His brother looked confused, so Adam continued.\u00a0 \u201cJust like you, she doesn\u2019t know when to keep her mouth shut.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d Joe reacted, then grinned as everyone else laughed in agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pa,\u201d Joe wondered.\u00a0 \u201cWhat took you all so long to get here?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Like Sarah, Ben found the tale easier now that he knew his family was safe.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019d caught us leaving the International House.\u00a0 Took us to that abandoned boarding house on the edge of town.\u00a0 Then they bound and gagged us.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam continued as his father paused from his delivery.\u00a0 \u201cThey took our guns, but were just too lazy to search any further.\u00a0 And I\u2019d taken to carrying a knife in my boot.\u00a0 They left two men to guard us, though, so we didn\u2019t have a chance to get the knife until the two passed out drunk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfter we got everyone untied, Roy found his deputy and sent him to get some men to come out to the Ponderosa.\u00a0 We came on ahead with Roy.\u00a0 They weren\u2019t expecting us, that\u2019s for sure.\u00a0 Wasn\u2019t a shot fired except for when Til shot that man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd,\u201d Til took up the story.\u00a0 \u201cThe sheriff\u2019s done told me it was a case of me defending my family, so there won\u2019t be any charges pressed.\u201d He seemed surprised at that turn of events. \u00a0\u201cDoesn\u2019t happen often when a black man kills a white man and doesn\u2019t get tried for murder.\u201d His smile was a genuine one.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d say between having Sarah and Josie safe, knowing you Cartwrights and not ending up in jail, this is the best Christmas I\u2019ve ever had.\u201d His wife\u2019s eyes spoke her agreement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the shoulder massage Adam delivered threatened to put the youngest Cartwright back to sleep, Ben decided they\u2019d better open presents so they could relax before supper.\u00a0 He handed out the gifts, selected with care for each recipient.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For Adam, Joe had found an autographed copy of James Fennimore Cooper\u2019s Last of the Mohicans.\u00a0 It had been in a peddler\u2019s wagon and the man had not realized its worth.\u00a0 For his father, the boy had made a leather headstall for Buck, silver conchos decorating the front.\u00a0 He\u2019d braided a set of reins for Hoss that were long enough for his brother\u2019s over-sized horse, a gift his older brother was most appreciative of.\u00a0 For Til, the youngest Cartwright had managed to braid a lead rope of fine leather, beautiful and utilitarian.\u00a0 Even Josie, born earlier that day, had a gift of an old rattle of Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 The boy felt pleased with his presents.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While he realized the Cartwrights were an unusual family, Til was amazed at the thoughtfulness of each of them, both towards each other and toward the interlopers.\u00a0 He smiled to himself.\u00a0 No, he, Sarah and Josie were not intruders within this family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From Adam, Josie had a new cradle of cherry.\u00a0 Hoss had made a feather bedding that just fit it while Ben had purchased a beautiful hand made quilt for the baby from the church guild.\u00a0 To the man who had saved his son\u2019s life, Ben gave his new riding horse, complete with saddle and bridle.\u00a0 For Sarah, he had a large family bible, a tender inscription welcoming her family to the Comstock written inside, Josie\u2019s birth carefully recorded.\u00a0 For Joe, a new saddle pad was given; Adam, the complete works of Charles Dickens; Hoss, a book on veterinary\/farrier techniques.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had a bottle of cologne for Little Joe, the kind Adam wore and which Joe was constantly borrowing.\u00a0 He\u2019d had a large shirt made for Hoss, complete with sleeves large enough for the man\u2019s massive arms.\u00a0 The promise of a new porch on Til and Sarah\u2019s house was his gift to them from him and Hoss.\u00a0 A new pipe for his father, to replace the one Joe had knocked off the end table while roughhousing with Hoss one time, completed his gifts.
\nHoss presented his father with a fine tooled rifle scabbard.\u00a0 For Adam, he\u2019d hand tooled a breastplate for Sport and for Little Joe, he\u2019d made a rattlesnake hat band, the rattle still attached.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Even Til and Sarah had managed gifts for their new friends.\u00a0 Til had hand made beautiful picture frames for each of the Cartwright siblings, ones that would match the size of the pictures he\u2019d seen in their rooms.\u00a0 For Ben, he\u2019d made a map of the Ponderosa and framed it in a beautiful frame.\u00a0 Sarah had crocheted a lovely afghan to place over the settee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the group settled in to a quiet mood, contemplating all that had transpired in the last twenty-four hours, Ben turned a puzzled face to his youngest son who was squirming under Adam\u2019s constraint as the older brother rubbed the younger boy\u2019s back.\u00a0 Although he wasn\u2019t sure what Joe had had in mind, he felt sure his son had been making something for the Ennis\u2019.\u00a0 \u201cJoe,\u201d he began cautiously, not wanting to embarrass the boy if anything had gone wrong.\u00a0 \u201cIs there anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked embarrassed, hoping he\u2019d be able to present the Sarah her gift in private.\u00a0 He\u2019d brought it out anticipating giving it to her with the others, then realized how silly his idea seemed.\u00a0 He shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 I guess so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood up, straightening his pants as he did so.\u00a0 Walking over to the rocking chair, he pulled off the old quilt.\u00a0 There sat the lovingly reconstructed old rocker that Ben had tossed up in the barn loft years ago when it had been in broken pieces.\u00a0 \u201cIs that that old rocker I had planned to use for kindling?\u201d asked Ben, amazed at the transformation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, a smile on his face.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s the one, Pa.\u00a0 Adam helped me in a couple of places, but mostly, I did this myself.\u201d He was proud of the job he\u2019d done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah sat transfixed.\u00a0 As she remembered her conversations with the boy, her heart swelled.\u00a0 \u201cFor the east window?\u201d she ventured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe nodded shyly.\u00a0 \u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d He looked down at his feet.\u00a0 He\u2019d rehearsed what he wanted to say to Sarah, but he really hadn\u2019t planned on speaking in front of his entire family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s lovely, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am.\u201d He stood awkwardly.\u00a0 It was obvious the boy had something to say, but equally apparent that he didn\u2019t know how to begin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah reached out a hand, cradling Josie in her right arm; Joe responded to her invitation.\u00a0 As he held her left hand in his, he gazed lovingly at the new child protected in her mother\u2019s arm.\u00a0 His own eyes misting, Joe tried to explain the full meaning of the gift of the rocking chair.\u00a0 \u201cHonest, I hope nothing happens to this baby and I sure hope nothing happens to you.\u201d He looked into her eyes, desperate that she would understand what he was revealing.\u00a0 \u201cBut if anything ever happened to you, if you had this rocker now and you were to rock Josie a lot, maybe,\u201d the boy\u2019s voice cracked as he tried to control his own confused emotions, \u201cmaybe, if anything did happen to you, maybe she could remember, too, and she could feel your arms around her and smell the rosewater cologne.\u201d He looked at his friend, and his time line grew fuzzy as his feelings threatened to carry him where he didn\u2019t want to go just now.\u00a0 \u201cAnd she\u2019d know she\u2019d been loved by her mother, even if she couldn\u2019t for sure remember much else.\u201d Convinced by the silence, that he\u2019d made an utter fool of himself, Joe turned and ran up the stairs to his room, leaving a still void to fill the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sarah looked to Ben, then stood as though to follow Little Joe upstairs.\u00a0 \u201cWait,\u201d Ben spoke in his deep voice as he, himself, stood to see to his son.\u00a0 \u201cWhat Joe is feeling, well, he\u2019s always been pretty transparent.\u00a0 What\u2019s not been so obvious, though, is WHY he\u2019s feeling the way he is.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to talk with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved quietly up the stairs, knowing he had to speak with his young son, yet not sure of what to say to ease the emotions the boy was feeling.\u00a0 At the top of the stairs, he paused, then turned and knocked on Little Joe\u2019s door.\u00a0 \u201cGo away,\u201d he heard the voice inside demand.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph,\u201d he reacted calmly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to talk with you.\u201d Ben waited patiently for his son to make up his mind.\u00a0 Had the man been intent on punishing his son for some indiscretion, he\u2019d not have waited for a response, but this time, Ben knew Little Joe would have to make the next move.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was several moments before he heard Joe\u2019s muffled affirmation to his father\u2019s entreaty.\u00a0 Entering, Ben quietly closed the door behind him as he sought out the boy.\u00a0 Little Joe was standing in a beam of moonlight by the window, shadows from the flickering flame of his lamp playing, oddly out of place as they danced on his shirt.\u00a0 Ben stood unruffled just inside the doorway as he waited for Little Joe to acknowledge his presence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Again, it was several minutes before the boy turned to face his father.\u00a0 As his son lifted his head, Ben was struck by the desperation in the boy\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cPa,\u201d the words were hard to hear and the father listened carefully for the spoken and unspoken thoughts Joe would share.\u00a0 \u201cJust tell me why I can\u2019t be like Hoss or Adam.\u201d The tears Ben had been surprised Joe had kept at bay now trickled quietly down the young man\u2019s cheeks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Although anxious to pull his son to him, to protect him from his own thoughts, Ben moved slowly, still unsure of the right response.\u00a0 \u201cJoe,\u201d he began uncertainly, \u201cwhy would you want to be like them?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe looked up, surprised at his father\u2019s denseness.\u00a0 \u201cPa,\u201d the boy was desperate, \u201cAdam is so smart.\u00a0 Hoss is so nice.\u201d He looked back down as he continued, \u201cI just muddle through, Pa.\u00a0 None of them makes a mess of things like I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tempted to enlighten his son about his brothers\u2019 foibles, instead Ben stood silently and waited for his son to continue.\u00a0 \u201cYou heard Sarah! Obi was big and healthy.\u00a0 Gentle, like Hoss.\u00a0 Jem was tall, smart, thoughtful, like Adam.\u201d His son\u2019s voice took on a plaintive tone.\u00a0 \u201cWhat would she say if one of her sons had been like me?\u201d He shook his head in disdain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan you hear her, Pa?\u201d The boy gestured as he spoke, imitating Sarah.\u00a0 \u201cThen there was my son, whatever.\u00a0 He\u2019s so much like you, Little Joe.\u00a0 He has a temper he can\u2019t control; he acts before he thinks; he\u2019s always in trouble with his Pa; when the chips are down, he can be counted on to make a fool of himself.\u201d Joe sat on the bed, cradling his head in his hands.\u00a0 \u201cYou know she\u2019d love a son like Jem or Obi more than the one that might be like me.\u201d Sorrowful eyes locked onto his father\u2019s as the boy whispered so low Ben was not sure he\u2019d heard correctly, \u201cwho can\u2019t even be sure he even remembers his very own ma.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was then that Ben fully realized this discussion was not about Sarah and Little Joe at all.\u00a0 It was a talk long overdue.\u00a0 Softly, he pulled the stuffed chair until it was across from his son, sitting silently as he tried to choose the best words.\u00a0 With an unspoken prayer for wisdom and understanding, Ben pulled from an inside vest pocket, a picture of Marie Cartwright, a beautiful woman whose eyes and smile were incarnated in her son, Joseph, along with her fiery personality, her slim build and her love of life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he passed the tintype to his son, the boy wiped away tears on his shirtsleeve.\u00a0 \u201cShe was beautiful, Pa.\u201d He stared intently at the image.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben paused, then responded, \u201cThat she was, son.\u00a0 Beautiful in so many, many ways.\u201d He turned to share the picture with Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cThose were such happy years here.\u00a0 At first, Adam was such a beast to her.\u00a0 I thought she\u2019d just move in and both my sons would be as happy as I was.\u201d He shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI couldn\u2019t have been more wrong.\u00a0 But you know what finally put us, as a family, on the right path?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe shook his head, only half listening as his mind absorbed the image of his mother.\u00a0 \u201cYou were the catalyst that pulled our family together, Joseph.\u201d His son looked up, confused.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMarie loved Hoss and Adam, of that I have no doubt.\u00a0 But, son, her love for you was matched by no love I\u2019ve ever seen…not even her love for me.\u201d Joe stared at this father as the man continued.\u00a0 \u201cShe was powerfully protective of you, boy.\u00a0 From forces seen and unseen.\u00a0 It\u2019s no wonder that rocking chair is your strongest memory of your mother.\u201d He looked up to see if his son were listening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShe rocked you when you were unhappy, when you were tired, confused or, as she said, when you were just in need of a hug.\u00a0 It was as if she dared the world to intrude when you were on her lap or in her arms.\u201d Ben smiled to himself.\u00a0 \u201cI certainly knew when to keep my distance.\u00a0 You were her son, Joseph.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t what you did that made her love you.\u00a0 It was who you were, of her flesh, that made her love you so intensely, more than life itself.\u201d Ben\u2019s large hands rested on his son\u2019s slender shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cAnd it\u2019s for that very reason I love you so very, very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa,\u201d Joe was not to be assuaged as he turned away from his father.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you see?\u201d he argued as he turned back, his stance somewhere between a challenge and a plea.\u00a0 \u201cWhat kind of a son am I?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Ben began, but his son cut him off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou just said my ma loved me more than life itself.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t you?\u201d The boy wrapped his own arms around himself, rocking back and forth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI did, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d the boy\u2019s voice was raised with agony, \u201cI can\u2019t be sure if I even remember what she looked like.\u00a0 If I didn\u2019t have these pictures, I just don\u2019t know.\u201d His shoulders shook as he continued.\u00a0 \u201cHoss and Adam, they weren\u2019t even her real kids, Pa.\u00a0 And they know more about her than I do.\u00a0 Me!\u201d He poked himself in his chest.\u00a0 \u201cMe, the son she loved more than life itself.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t even know she used to bring out snacks to you when you all were working on the ranch.\u00a0 God, think of all the things I don\u2019t know about her.\u201d He glared at his father.\u00a0 \u201cWhat does that say about me, Pa?\u201d His voice dropped to a soft whisper.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt says about you that you were five years old when your mother died, Joseph.\u00a0 That\u2019s all it says.\u201d He pulled his son into his embrace, his hands caressing the soft curls on the boy\u2019s head.\u00a0 In a quiet tone of reflection, Ben continued, \u201cand I guess it says that I left out a very important part of your life…those memories that are as precious as the life itself.\u201d He held the boy as the emotions and fears of a lifetime were finally released in a torrent of tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

When Little Joe and his father came back downstairs, almost an hour later, they were surprised to find a houseful of women in the great room.\u00a0 Most had come bearing gifts of food; for the dining table was covered with baskets with delicious smells.\u00a0 In addition, a pile of baby clothes, blankets, and diapers were stacked beside Sarah.\u00a0 A small group of women were engaged in some fun conversation with Sarah, that was obvious.\u00a0 Ben had to search to find Josie, locating her in Mary Blake’s large lap.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, ladies,\u201d he greeted them.\u00a0 \u201cAnd a Merry Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas to you, too, Ben,\u201d they responded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMrs.\u00a0 Thompson, the preacher\u2019s wife, came over and squeezed Little Joe\u2019s cheek.\u00a0 \u201cMerry Christmas to you, too, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2019m,\u201d he mumbled, searching frantically for a way out of this crowd of women.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sensing his discomfort, Ben suggested he help Hoss and Adam in the barn.\u00a0 Grateful for a way out, Little Joe wished them all a Merry Christmas, stooped to give Josie a kiss, grabbed his coat and hurried out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ever the gracious host, Ben saw to his guests until, one by one, the women bid their farewells as they headed back to their families.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Relieved that his family and friends had survived a trying ordeal, pleased by the response of Virginia City\u2019s civic leaders and local ranchers, Ben leaned against the door after saying good bye to the last of the visitors.\u00a0 As his family and the Ennis family gathered in the living room for Ben\u2019s reading from the book of Luke, the rancher closed his eyes and said a silent prayer of thanks…for peace on earth and the goodwill toward men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Ben Cartwright,\u00a0Hoss Cartwright,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Synopsis: The Cartwright’s hire a new hand and his wife.\u00a0 A young Little Joe is especially drawn to the wife.\u00a0 The true meaning of Christmas revealed once again.<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0T \u00a0due to language \u00a0(24,300)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10415,"featured_media":11514,"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":[23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14189","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":2105,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Joe-copy-7.jpg?fit=594%2C592&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6626,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6626","url_meta":{"origin":14189,"position":0},"title":"Forever – I Would Do Anything For Love – #2 (by Rider)","author":"Rider","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0As the birth of Alice and Joe's first child approaches, things take a turn for the worst. \u00a0Part II in \"Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cartwright\" Forever WHI series. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (2,230 words) Forever Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","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\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5637,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5637","url_meta":{"origin":14189,"position":1},"title":"The Dash (by Dogwood)","author":"Dogwood","date":"May 2, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0The Cartwrights have faced many challenges in their lives.\u00a0 Now they face one that will be with them always. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K (1,075 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\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/Bonanza24.jpg?fit=526%2C372&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1281,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1281","url_meta":{"origin":14189,"position":2},"title":"A Child’s First Christmas (by KateP)","author":"KateP","date":"December 20, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ben Recalls each of his sons' first Christmas Rated: K (620 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/G-1-DVS.jpg?fit=574%2C690&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13349,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13349","url_meta":{"origin":14189,"position":3},"title":"Providence (by Questfan)","author":"Questfan","date":"October 5, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: When Joe returns home with a child that he claims is his, the story is not quite what anyone expects. Word Count - 14,709 Rating: T","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2043,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2043","url_meta":{"origin":14189,"position":4},"title":"One Hell of a Trip (by JoanS)","author":"JoanS","date":"June 7, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Ben finds it necessary to take a young Little Joe on a long stagecoach trip Rated: K (7,090 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Ben \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Ben \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1015"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":40558,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=40558","url_meta":{"origin":14189,"position":5},"title":"A Surprise Delivery (by Questfan)","author":"Questfan","date":"December 25, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 A winter storm, a broken-down shack and a couple of strangers in need makes for a different kind of Christmas celebration. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 Words 2,700 Written for the 2022 Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar","rel":"","context":"In "Joe Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Joe Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1007"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/10415"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14189"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14189\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11514"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14189"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14189"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}