{"id":14596,"date":"2017-09-27T20:25:50","date_gmt":"2017-09-28T00:25:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14596"},"modified":"2025-09-25T15:41:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T19:41:03","slug":"a-dish-best-served-part-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14596","title":{"rendered":"A Dish Best Served (by Puchi Ann)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary<\/strong>:\u00a0 The course of true love rarely runs smoothly for any Cartwright, especially when a vindictive father and son are determined to punish the one they hold responsible for their personal tragedy.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0Word Count:\u00a0 70,950 words<\/p>\n

Author’s Note:\u00a0\u00a0Part One of this story was submitted for consideration during the Ponderosa Paddlewheel Poker Tournament.\u00a0 Now, read the entire story.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A DISH BEST SERVED<\/strong><\/p>\n

Prologue<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Clouds hung low, gray and gloomy, heavy with an endless supply of dribbling rain, over the small group gathered to pay their last respects to a young woman taken far too soon.\u00a0 The weather had discouraged casual observers of the grief of more genuine mourners, who huddled beneath umbrellas as dark as widows\u2019 weeds.\u00a0 There were no widows here, only an anguished father and his distraught son and a few close friends of the family.<\/p>\n

On a bleak, barren hillside above the graveyard, a young man shrouded in black like the others, but unwelcome among them, stood in solitary grief, his head bare to the falling rain, his glazed gaze fixed on the open grave.\u00a0 Wind whipped his dark hair back from his face as the storm intensified, but he stood oblivious to the pelting rain, rivulets running down his neck, soaking his Sunday suit until it clung to his clammy skin.\u00a0 Why, though, should he care for the rain?\u00a0 Let it fall.\u00a0 His tears were falling in greater number than the raindrops, anyway, and why should they not?\u00a0 The love of his life was dead, and it was his fault.\u00a0 Care for the rain?\u00a0 He didn\u2019t even care whether he lived or died.<\/p>\n

William Walcott lifted his eyes from his daughter\u2019s grave, and bitter hatred hardened his face when he saw the young man.\u00a0 He dared defile this sacred moment?\u00a0 Had he no shame?\u00a0 Walcott had wanted to see the bastard dead, and while he knew that he himself was no match for a tough young gunman, he\u2019d urged his son Walter to avenge his sister\u2019s slaughter.\u00a0 Walter, however, had had no more stomach for a gunfight or a hangman\u2019s noose than his father, and in the end William had decided that it was better to wait.\u00a0 After all, revenge was a dish best served cold, so the proverb said, and this particular dish deserved service more frigid than ice.\u00a0 Waiting would give his heart time to cool and his mind to coldly calculate that young man\u2019s destruction, to refine the torment he must endure until it was the most exquisite torture this side of the hell to which the blackened soul of Adam Cartwright would then be consigned.<\/p>\n

Three years later\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n

Stepping down from the stagecoach, Adam Cartwright accepted his carpetbag from the man unloading the baggage.\u00a0 From sheer habit he looked up and down the street for some member of his family, but they could only have been here to meet him by sheer coincidence.\u00a0 He had returned from Sacramento a day earlier than expected, and he hadn\u2019t bothered to telegraph his time of arrival.\u00a0 Maybe he\u2019d even treat himself to a room at the hotel and a night on the town in celebration of business well transacted.\u00a0 For now, though, he\u2019d settle for a hot meal, as he\u2019d passed up the scanty opportunities to eat that the stage line had offered.\u00a0 Nothing fancy.\u00a0 Whatever today\u2019s special was at Daisy\u2019s Caf\u00e9 would suffice.\u00a0 He headed down C Street in that direction.<\/p>\n

He stopped when he heard a name called.\u00a0 Not his own, but one that still had the power to halt him in his tracks.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Walcott?\u201d the soft, accented voice had called.\u00a0 Perhaps that was what had made him stop.\u00a0 One didn\u2019t often hear a British accent on the streets of Virginia City, especially that of a lady.\u00a0 Miners from Cornwall, certainly, but never a lady, that Adam could recall.\u00a0 He turned and saw a pair of stunning sapphire eyes set in a creamy-cheeked face of surprising loveliness.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh!\u201d the lady said, a startled look in those enticing eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I thought you were . . . someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWalter Walcott?\u201d Adam asked, somehow getting the name past his urge to clench his teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, yes,\u201d she said, tilting her head.\u00a0 \u201cYou know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t trust himself to say more.\u00a0 He and Walter had never been friends and perhaps even now it was too much to call him an enemy, but they certainly avoided each other as much as was possible for members of two of the most prominent families in Virginia City.\u00a0 \u201cI take it you do, as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve met,\u201d the young lady said.\u00a0 \u201cHe was at a social gathering my father and I were invited to last week.\u00a0 We\u2019re new here, you see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know,\u201d Adam said with a smile, feeling more pleased than he liked to admit that her acquaintance with Walter Walcott was, apparently, a slight one.\u00a0 Seeing her inquisitive look, he explained, \u201cI\u2019ve lived here since I was a boy, so I know most of the long-term residents.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled, too, then.\u00a0 \u201cWell, then, as I plan to become one of those myself, I\u2019m most pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. . . ?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cAdam Cartwright.\u00a0 Is there anything I might assist you with, Miss . . . ?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWorthington,\u201d she replied.\u00a0 \u201cRose Worthington.\u00a0 I\u2019m embarrassed to admit it, but when I mistook you for Mr. Walcott\u2014you look somewhat alike from a distance, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t know,\u201d he said, and his voice grew almost cold.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u00a0 Well, perhaps it\u2019s the dark clothing.\u00a0 He said he was in mourning for his sister, who died under tragic circumstances.\u00a0 Are you in mourning, as well, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said gruffly, though he wondered for a moment whether that was the reason he generally wore black.\u00a0 Ridiculous, he decided.\u00a0 He\u2019d chosen that color long before Emily died, and though his heart still wrenched at her memory, he would never have paraded his grief with formal mourning garb, the way her father and brother still did.\u00a0 He straightened and made a deliberate effort to smile again.\u00a0 \u201cNow, what was it you were embarrassed to admit, Miss Worthington?\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed lightly.\u00a0 \u201cShameless woman that I am, I was hoping you were Mr. Walcott so that I might prevail upon our slight acquaintance to enlist his help with these cumbersome packages.\u00a0 I would not, of course, presume upon a stranger.\u00a0 Pray, do not let me detain you any longer.\u201d\u00a0 The demure dip of her chin hinted at a hope that he would not take that offer too seriously.<\/p>\n

He was happy to take the hint.\u00a0 \u201cAh, but we\u2019re old acquaintances now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no!\u201d she cried suddenly, her slender fingers covering her mouth.\u00a0 \u201cHow could I possibly not have noticed the load you\u2019re already carrying?\u00a0 You couldn\u2019t take on my packages, too!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I think I can,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cIt will be an interesting engineering challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you an engineer?\u201d she asked.\u00a0 She looked as if that pleased her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI took a few courses in college,\u201d Adam replied as he tucked his carpetbag under one arm, \u201cbut my primary interest was architecture.\u00a0 Now, if you\u2019ll just place the packages in my arms in the order in which I request them, I\u2019m sure we can build a structure sturdy enough to last until we reach your destination.\u00a0 Where were you headed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe International House,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re staying there until our new home is refurbished.\u00a0 If you\u2019re sure . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOddly enough I\u2019m staying there tonight myself, so I won\u2019t be going a step out of my way,\u201d Adam said, the decision quickly and easily made.<\/p>\n

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

Standing before the mirror over the dressing table in his hotel room, Adam brushed the last rebellious strand of dark hair into place.\u00a0 Then he stepped back and appraised the figure he cut in his well-fitting suit.\u00a0 The first thing he\u2019d done after checking in was to send it out to be pressed, and it showed no sign of the hours it had spent in his carpetbag.\u00a0 Thankfully, it was dark blue.\u00a0 That should demonstrate to Miss Worthington that he was not in mourning, though he was unsure why that mattered so much.\u00a0 It simply was not in his natural makeup to fall head over heels for any woman at first sight.\u00a0 That sort of ridiculous romantic behavior was more characteristic of his youngest brother, and goodness only knew, this girl was closer to Little Joe\u2019s age than his own.\u00a0 Still, it did matter that she see him at his best and that she consider him an eligible companion, ready at last for a new and fulfilling relationship.<\/p>\n

Was he ready?\u00a0 He had mourned for Emily for over a year before he\u2019d been able to even think about being with another woman, and then he\u2019d socialized sporadically, never more than a few times with the same lady.\u00a0 It was as though Emily\u2019s shadow hovered over every other woman, and anyone else paled in comparison with her sacred image, much the same way his own mother\u2019s memory had kept his father in miserable isolation until Inger had entered their lives.<\/p>\n

Even now, thoughts of Emily brought tears to his eyes, but though he\u2019d found the advice irritating in the early days of his loss, he\u2019d finally seen the wisdom in Grandfather Stoddard\u2019s words to a young, grieving Ben Cartwright, often repeated to his son that first pain-filled year.\u00a0 Now, at last, Adam thought, he could keep a warm place in his heart for his earlier love without carrying her on his shoulders for the rest of his life.\u00a0 Yes, he was almost certain he was ready to love again, and this little English Rose had stirred his heart in a way that made absolutely no sense, but somehow seemed absolutely inevitable.<\/p>\n

He checked his watch.\u00a0 Having skipped a late lunch at Daisy\u2019s in favor of having supper at an hour most people were inclined to eat, he was now starving, but he thought he should probably wait a little longer before going down to the dining room.\u00a0 He wanted Rose and her father to be there, of course, or there was no point at all to his eating downstairs, but since he had no knowledge of their regular eating habits, it was all pure guess work on his part.\u00a0 He had no way, either, of ensuring that he would have a table near enough to theirs to even see her, but surely he could use a little of the Cartwright clout to arrange that.\u00a0 He laughed at himself.\u00a0 All this maneuvering, just for another glimpse of her face.\u00a0 Oh, yes, this display of romanticism was definitely more worthy of Little Joe Cartwright than his logical, serious, too-educated-to-fall-headlong-into-love older brother . . . and Adam was loving every minute of it.<\/p>\n

Unable to wait longer, he went downstairs and crossed the lobby to the dining room.\u00a0 Entering, he quickly scanned the area and caught his breath when he saw Rose seated with a stately man with graying hair.\u00a0 A waiter appeared to seat him, and Adam at once pointed out the table closest to the Worthingtons.\u00a0 \u201cCertainly, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the waiter said, leading the way.<\/p>\n

Adam paused momentarily to smile and nod at Rose as he passed, and as he\u2019d hoped, she recognized him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d she said, her eyes dancing with pleasure.\u00a0 \u201cOh, do let me introduce you to my father.\u00a0 Father, this is Adam Cartwright.\u00a0 We met on the street this afternoon, and he assisted me in getting all those things I shouldn\u2019t have bought back to the hotel.\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright, my father, Isaac Worthington.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pleased to meet you, sir,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cSince I understand you to be new to our community, please allow me to welcome you to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, young man,\u201d Mr. Worthington said, rising to shake his hand.\u00a0 \u201cWon\u2019t you join us?\u00a0 We\u2019ve only just ordered.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was better than Adam had hoped for!\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re sure it\u2019s no imposition,\u201d he said, although he wasn\u2019t sure he could have resisted sitting down, even if it were.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d the English gentleman said.\u00a0 \u201cPlease do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam needed no second invitation.\u00a0 He sat down cater-cornered to both father and daughter at the square table and quickly placed his order.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard the name Cartwright mentioned about town,\u201d Mr. Worthington said.\u00a0 \u201cAm I correct in assuming you might be one of the Ponderosa Cartwrights?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I am,\u201d Adam at once replied.\u00a0 Clearly, this was one of the times when the Cartwright name would be an asset, and he had no scruple against using it to further his acquaintance with this particular family.\u00a0 \u201cYou have not met my father yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I haven\u2019t had the pleasure, but I hope I soon shall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you . . . and Miss Rose, of course . . . come for Sunday dinner?\u201d Adam said, trying not to look overeager.\u00a0 \u201cPa always likes to welcome newcomers to our fair city, and that would be an ideal time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019d be delighted,\u201d the older man said, \u201calthough, perhaps, you should check with your father first, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 \u201cPa prides himself on his hospitality.\u00a0 I assure you that, even had I invited you to supper tonight, he would have welcomed you with open arms, though our cook, Hop Sing, would definitely prefer more warning than that, so he could astound you with his culinary capabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

The English gentleman laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIn that case, I shall be most pleased to make your father\u2019s acquaintance, but I think we will not put his hospitality . . . or Hop Sing\u2019s . . . to such a test.\u00a0 Sunday will be, as you say, ideal.\u00a0 After church, I presume?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, after church,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He risked a quick glance at Rose and was excited to see a telltale blush darken her porcelain cheeks.\u00a0 Was it possible that she was experiencing the same precipitous plunge into emotional attraction as he?<\/p>\n

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

\u201cChecking out, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d the clerk behind the desk inquired.\u00a0 \u201cShall I charge your stay to the Ponderosa account?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, no, Tom,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll pay for this now.\u201d\u00a0 He took the appropriate amount from his pocket and handed it over.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good, sir.\u00a0 I hope you enjoyed your brief stay with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled dreamily.\u00a0 \u201cVery much.\u00a0 Very much, indeed.\u201d\u00a0 Carrying his carpetbag, he walked to the door and stepped out onto the boardwalk.\u00a0 Much as he would have liked to stay longer, he was expected home today.\u00a0 Besides, he really did need to get to the Ponderosa and let his father know about his invitation to the Worthingtons.\u00a0 He had no concern whatsoever that it would not be honored.\u00a0 His father was every bit as welcoming to newcomers or even passing strangers as Adam had indicated the night before.\u00a0 Hop Sing, on the other hand, could be decidedly more cantankerous than he\u2019d said when presented with unexpected guests.\u00a0 The cook prided himself on setting a fine table for visitors just as much, if not more, than Ben Cartwright did on his hospitality.\u00a0 Anything that forced him to lower his self-imposed standards could result in a loss of face, as well as some distinctly dissatisfying meals at the Ponderosa for days after the visitor left.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young voice was pitched higher than usual, a reflection of surprise, but Adam would have recognized it anywhere.\u00a0 He turned and looked back at his little brother.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are doing here this time of the morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe grinned back at him.\u00a0 \u201cMight ask you the same thing.\u00a0 I came to town to fetch you home, but I figured I was early.\u00a0 Stage in already?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam exhaled in frustration.\u00a0 Caught; might as well admit it.\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI got in yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe feigned shock.\u00a0 \u201cAnd didn\u2019t come straight home?\u00a0 Pa ain\u2019t gonna like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lips pursed, Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYou would be the expert on behavior Pa doesn\u2019t care for, all right.\u201d\u00a0 He moistened his lips.\u00a0 \u201cPa doesn\u2019t really need to know about this, does he?\u201d<\/p>\n

The expression of shock deepened visibly, and Little Joe clutched his chest as if in sudden pain.\u00a0 \u201cYou want me to lie to Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cOh, no, little buddy.\u00a0 I have no intention of giving you \u2018Adam said I could\u2019 as an excuse for any future deception.\u00a0 You, my boy, should tell the truth on any and all occasions.\u00a0 However, it isn\u2019t always necessary to tell everything you know.\u00a0 Silence, in many cases, can be truly golden.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, I\u2019ll have to think that one through, older brother,\u201d Little Joe said, stroking his chin between thumb and index finger.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe I could mull it over while sipping that beer you\u2019re gonna buy me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Adam drawled slowly.\u00a0 \u201cThat seems a small enough price to pay for a little discretion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 Probably too small,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd givin\u2019 in that quick makes it seem like you got something to hide, so just to protect myself, I probably ought to ask what it is.\u00a0 Hmm?\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment Adam stared at him from beneath an arched eyebrow.\u00a0 Of all people to trust with this information!\u00a0 But, then, who might be more likely to understand?\u00a0 In sudden decision, he said softly, \u201cI met a girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s face brightened in interest.\u00a0 \u201cYeah?\u00a0 She must be something!\u00a0 So, what\u2019s she like?\u00a0 Homely as a schoolmarm and twice as smart?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam snaked his arm around the boy\u2019s shoulders and began to walk down the street.\u00a0 \u201cCome on.\u00a0 I\u2019ll treat you to that beer and tell you about her.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

With Rose on his arm, Adam walked into the front yard of the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Sunday dinner could not have gone better had he orchestrated every movement.\u00a0 His father and Isaac Worthington had hit it off immediately.\u00a0 Both were avid gun collectors, and Ben was presently showing off his treasures, mounted and not, and while Adam had expected Little Joe to make a show, at least, of vying for the beautiful girl\u2019s attention, the boy had, instead, given him a discreet wink and challenged Hoss to a game of checkers.\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s broad wink had been anything but discreet; however, it revealed that baby brother had already filled middle one in on the news that Adam was smitten with the lady and would, of course, appreciate some privacy as they took the air together.<\/p>\n

Quite literally taking the crisp pine-scented air, Rose inhaled deeply.\u00a0 \u201cOh, so fresh and invigorating,\u201d she sighed.\u00a0 \u201cNot at all like the smoky haze over Birmingham.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmerica has its industrial cities, too,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cAt one time I considered living in one, to pursue a career in architecture, but in the end, the pines drew me home.\u00a0 Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision, but most of the time I wouldn\u2019t trade this, even for the cultural advantages of the East.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat cultural advantage could compare with that?\u201d she asked, as her hand swept across the horizon, where the descending sun was painting the forested hills in lavish shades of lavender and apricot.\u00a0 \u201cNever question your decision, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 She blushed.\u00a0 \u201cAfter all, I might never have met you had you settled in one of those cultural meccas.\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice lowered to a near-whisper.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps you would have met someone far more suitable.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up into his emotive eyes and said earnestly, \u201cThat scarcely seems possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pulled back slightly, knowing that if he did not, he would take her in his arms.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re very young,\u201d he said, \u201ccloser to my brother Joe\u2019s age than my own.\u00a0 Are you sure you wouldn\u2019t prefer him?\u00a0 He is quite the handsome boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he\u2019s beyond handsome,\u201d Rose said.\u00a0 \u201cHe possesses a rare masculine beauty worthy of a sculptor\u2019s chisel.\u201d\u00a0 She laughed at the woebegone expression that suddenly washed over Adam\u2019s face and quickly closed the distance between them.\u00a0 \u201cBut who would want a boy when she could have a man?\u201d she said, her eyes dropping as a modest blush tinted her cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d he asked, his palms resting beneath her elbows as he drew her closer.\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure you know your own mind?\u00a0 You are, after all, more fittingly a rosebud than a fully opened Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, I will open for you, only you . . . if you wish it,\u201d she murmured, laying her head against his expanding chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I wish it,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 As he kissed the top of her head, a bitter memory reared its ugly head.\u00a0 \u201cWill\u2014will your father approve?\u201d he stammered and held his breath.<\/p>\n

She looked up at him and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cHe will,\u201d she said and raised her petal-soft lips to him.<\/p>\n

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

Rose was right.\u00a0 When Adam asked her father\u2019s permission to court his daughter, Mr. Worthington enthusiastically gave it, and the young couple set about a whirlwind courtship.\u00a0 More accurately, the world seemed to whirl around them, while they stood at the calm center of that hurricane, completely absorbed in each other.\u00a0 Dinner together at least once a week, barn dances, nights at the theater or an educational lecture, picnics when the weather turned warm, rides around the ranch, in addition to visits by the entire family in each other\u2019s homes, during which Adam and Rose always managed to find some excuse for time alone.\u00a0 They couldn\u2019t see enough of each other, and each meeting showed them new depths to be explored.<\/p>\n

Adam was still amazed by the instant connection he had felt, but he told himself later that he must have seen in her eyes all that lay within, for had he sculpted his own Galatea, he could not have formed a more perfect match.\u00a0 They had read and admired the same authors; they shared the same taste in drama.\u00a0 Rose, being the daughter of an engineer, had inherited his ability to see to the heart of a problem and comprehend its solution.\u00a0 She understood and was thrilled to discuss Adam\u2019s dreams of improving the Ponderosa and clearly saw herself being part of the process.\u00a0 Yet for all her cultural sophistication, she, like him, enjoyed simple natural pleasures just as much.\u00a0 For her, a picnic near a rustic pond shared equal delight with an elegant dinner among Virginia City\u2019s elite, a long discussion with Hoss about the proper care of cattle with a lecture by a world traveler, a game of checkers with Little Joe with\u2014well, no, she definitely preferred chess with Adam, when they could wrest the board away from their fathers.<\/p>\n

Six months passed as if they had been six days . . . or six years.\u00a0 Time was timeless; it simply flowed around them without touching them.\u00a0 By now all of Virginia City was talking about an impending marriage; yet no wedding bans were posted.\u00a0 There were whispers that Cartwrights were not the marrying sort, although the fact that the head of the family had had three wives seemed to negate that notion.\u00a0 Darker rumors, too, made the rounds, sometimes spoken in stage whispers meant to be overheard, but Rose ignored them as community gossip until one evening in late September, when she was directly confronted with a sordid accusation.<\/p>\n

The Harvest Moon Ball was held in the Howard Theater, and the hall was already lively with music and dancers when Adam paid for two tickets and escorted Rose inside.\u00a0 She was dressed in flowing silk in her namesake color and once they were on the dance floor, her skirt swirled around her in graceful lines.\u00a0 \u201cBeautiful, my darling rosebud,\u201d Adam said, adding with a wink, \u201cand so very artistic.\u00a0 A pity we have no portrait painter worthy of such beauty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTease me all you like,\u201d she said.\u00a0 As an amateur painter, she had been pleading with Adam for weeks to let her try to catch his likeness, but he had, thus far, managed to sidetrack her endeavors.\u00a0 \u201cYou will let me make your portrait . . . or . . .\u00a0 or I shall nag you mercilessly until you do!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNag away,\u201d he suggested dryly, knowing by now that nagging was simply not in her nature.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then, perhaps I shall just paint Little Joe, instead,\u201d she threatened.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be much more cooperative.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d he laughed.\u00a0 \u201cAnything but that.\u00a0 Besides, you said he was worthy of a sculptor\u2019s chisel, not a paintbrush, remember?\u00a0 He\u2019s saving himself for the first female Michelangelo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNonetheless, I will,\u201d she insisted, deliberately trodding heavily on his left foot, \u201cif you don\u2019t let me begin your portrait this very week.\u00a0 I want to paint you by the lake in the moonlight, and it will soon be too cold for that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam spun her around until she was breathless.\u00a0 \u201cOh, all right,\u201d he sighed.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t leave you in the clutches of that Lothario, so I suppose I\u2019ll have to give in.\u201d<\/p>\n

She clucked her tongue.\u00a0 \u201cShall I tell him you compared him to that rake?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t faze him,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cHaving never read Don Quixote<\/em>, he doesn\u2019t know who Lothario is, and if he did, I fear he might take it as a compliment.\u201d<\/p>\n

She giggled.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re terrible, Adam.\u00a0 One would think you didn\u2019t even like the boy, when I know perfectly well that you love him dearly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s my brother.\u00a0 However, I believe you\u2019ve wasted enough time bantering about him, when you should be concentrating all your attention on my fine qualities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so I shall,\u201d she agreed quickly, adding with a mischievous twinkle, \u201cas soon as we\u2019ve set the date for your first sitting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst?\u201d\u00a0 Adam croaked.\u00a0 \u201cOf how many?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, many . . . many,\u201d she said as the music ended.\u00a0 \u201cI must get the likeness just right, and that may require countless revisions.\u201d\u00a0 In response to the provocative look in her eye, Adam bent to press his lips to hers, ignoring the heads that turned to take in a romantic scene rarely witnessed on a public dance floor.<\/p>\n

Rose was a popular partner that night, not only with Hoss and Little Joe, who claimed family rights, but practically every man in the room at some time.\u00a0 Despite the growth of the town from its beginning as a mining camp, men still outnumbered women, and women who were both beautiful and accomplished dancers were even fewer.\u00a0 Though she had at first been unfamiliar with American styles, such as the square dance, Adam had helped her learn the new steps.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t regret teaching her, but he was definitely disappointed by the number of men who cut in on him throughout the evening.\u00a0 \u201cWe may have to hold our next dance alone at the lake,\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can dance after each session,\u201d she whispered just before she was whisked away by another eager partner.\u00a0 \u201cThat will encourage you to book many sittings.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Adam went off in search of another partner, and being popular himself, he soon found one.\u00a0 He always relinquished his new lady at the end of each dance, however, and reclaimed his little English rosebud, as he persisted in calling her.\u00a0 It was no surprise when another man cut in after his next dance with Rose, but he stiffened when he heard the voice making the request.\u00a0 \u201cOf course,\u201d he said, though somewhat tensely, for this was the first time in three years that he and Walter Walcott had actually exchanged words, despite being in the same room many times.<\/p>\n

Although she sensed Adam\u2019s uneasiness, Rose had no reluctance in accepting Walter as her new partner.\u00a0 They were still only slightly acquainted, having met at a few social functions, since both her father and his had ties with the mining interests of Virginia City.\u00a0 Their exchanges had always been pleasant, and he had even offered to escort her to one of the mining association dinners.\u00a0 However, she and Adam had become involved with one another by that time, and she had felt obliged to refuse Walter\u2019s invitation.\u00a0 Though obviously disappointed, he had accepted her refusal graciously and had never asked again.<\/p>\n

Their dance tonight was a slow waltz, leaving ample opportunity for conversation, and Walter immediately said, \u201cMiss Worthington, there is a matter of great importance which I must discuss with you.\u00a0 I consider it urgent, but this is, perhaps, not the best place.\u00a0 It would be better if we could be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think that would be advisable, Mr. Walcott,\u201d she said cautiously.\u00a0 \u201cI scarcely know you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Miss Worthington, I implore you,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cIt concerns your personal safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I think you should tell me at once,\u201d she said firmly.\u00a0 \u201cPlease don\u2019t \u2018beat around the bush,\u2019 as you Americans say, but speak directly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, if you insist,\u201d Walter said.\u00a0 \u201cI feel that I must warn you about Adam Cartwright.\u00a0 He is not at all the sort of man that a young woman of your character should be seeing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease stop, Mr. Walcott,\u201d she said, indignant.\u00a0 \u201cWhom I see is none of your concern, and I think I can form my own judgment of any man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you had all the facts, I\u2019m sure,\u201d Walter continued, \u201cbut don\u2019t be entranced by his handsome features and suave manners.\u00a0 I had hoped you would soon see through his outward charm, but since you have not, I must in good conscience warn you.\u00a0 The man is a killer, responsible for the deaths of more than one man, as well as a young woman very dear to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She broke out of his hold, and her cheeks flamed as she said, \u201cThat is quite enough!\u00a0 Adam Cartwright is more man than you will ever be, sir!\u00a0 I am proud to be seen in his company and I hope never again to be burdened by yours!\u201d<\/p>\n

Walter grabbed her arm.\u00a0 \u201cAsk him,\u201d he hissed.\u00a0 \u201cAsk him how he led my sister to her death!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me go, Mr. Walcott,\u201d she demanded, her eyes flashing, \u201cor I shall scream loud enough to bring every man in the room to my rescue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Rose, you need some help?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose turned to the welcome and well loved voice in instant relief, while Walter instinctively released her arm after a nervous glance at the big man.\u00a0 \u201cNo, Hoss,\u201d Rose said.\u00a0 \u201cI only felt a momentary faintness.\u00a0 Perhaps you might escort me outside for a breath of air.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Miss Rose.\u00a0 Okay if Bessie Sue comes along with us?\u201d Hoss asked with a nod toward his partner.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d Rose said.\u00a0 \u201cI would welcome her company.\u201d<\/p>\n

As soon as they were outside, Bessie Sue turned to Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Honeybear, why don\u2019t you find Adam and let him know we\u2019re out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf\u2019n that\u2019s what Miss Rose wants,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Rose murmured.\u00a0 \u201cYes, please.\u00a0 I want Adam.\u201d\u00a0 Her voice broke as tears swam in her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack quicker than a fly lands on pie.\u201d\u00a0 The big man hurried inside.<\/p>\n

Bessie Sue stood before Rose, hands on her hips.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, Missy.\u00a0 What\u2019s really goin\u2019 on?\u00a0 That feller try to take liberties with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Rose said quickly.\u00a0 \u201cI just felt . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Frowning, Bessie Sue shook her head.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t hand me that hogwash!\u00a0 Hoss may be blind as a bat\u2014most men are\u2014but I\u2019m a woman, too, girl, and I know what I seen.\u00a0 You ain\u2019t in a faint; you\u2019re plumb fretted out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose\u2019s lip began to tremble.\u00a0 \u201cI should know better than to try to fool another woman, shouldn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure should, little gal.\u00a0 Now, what did that feller try?\u201d<\/p>\n

Blinking back tears, Rose looked up.\u00a0 \u201cHe didn\u2019t do anything.\u00a0 He just said very upsetting things . . . about Adam.\u201d\u00a0 She ended on a shaky whisper.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh!\u00a0 Sounds like pure jealousy to me,\u201d Bessie Sue said.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t give it another thought.\u201d\u00a0 She looked over her shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2019s bound to be here any second now, so you wipe your eyes and pinch your cheeks to bring back the color, unless you plan on spillin\u2019 the beans right off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose pressed her lips tight to keep from giggling at the American\u2019s odd idiomatic speech, and the moment of levity effectively stopped the tears from brimming over.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d rather keep them in the kettle, at least for tonight.\u00a0 Do you think he\u2019ll notice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a man, ain\u2019t he?\u201d Bessie Sue snorted.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019ll notice quicker than Hoss, but I reckon if you stick to that faintin\u2019 fit story, he\u2019ll fall for it.\u00a0 We call it the vapors hereabouts, if you was wonderin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe vapors, yes.\u00a0 I\u2019ll remember that.\u201d<\/p>\n

They established their strategy just in time, for Adam rushed out the door, with Hoss at his heels.\u00a0 \u201cRose, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked urgently.<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt somewhat faint inside,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cThe room was so warm . . . or, perhaps, it\u2019s the vapors.\u00a0 Bessie Sue thinks so.\u201d\u00a0 Bessie Sue gave her a nod of approval as she took Hoss\u2019s arm and steered him back to the dance floor.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyebrow arched at her invoking Bessie Sue as an authority.\u00a0 \u201cThe vapors?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t realize you were subject to those, Rosebud.\u201d<\/p>\n

The skepticism in his voice was not lost on Rose.\u00a0 \u201cI just felt unwell.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry, Adam, but would you take me home?\u00a0 I\u2019d like to lie down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, my dear,\u201d he said at once, his original concern reawakened.\u00a0 \u201cAnd if you wish, I could ask Dr. Martin to attend you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no,\u201d she hurried to say.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure it\u2019s a passing thing.\u00a0 I\u2019ll feel better in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I can see you later in the week?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled.\u00a0 \u201cOf course.\u00a0 Dinner after church tomorrow at the Ponderosa, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re up to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure I will be, and\u00a0 then we\u2019ll set a time for your first portrait sitting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam groaned.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if you\u2019re back to planning that, I won\u2019t worry any further.\u201d\u00a0 He offered her his arm.\u00a0 \u201cLet me escort you home, my little rosebud.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Adam took off work early on Friday, so he would have plenty of time to ride into town and drive Rose up to the lake for a supper picnic.\u00a0 Afterwards, he would submit to the portrait sitting that she was still insisting on, in spite of her suddenly subdued behavior, which had continued through Sunday dinner.\u00a0 Rose\u2019s father had been somewhat reluctant to grant them permission to be together after dark in such an isolated place, as this painting project would necessitate.\u00a0 He was not worried that anything dishonorable might happen between them.\u00a0 By this time he trusted any son of Ben Cartwright to be a gentleman, and he certainly trusted his daughter.\u00a0 However, since there still had been no proposal of marriage, the intimacy of such an occasion could be the source of enough gossip to damage a young lady\u2019s reputation, if she and Adam were not to consummate the union that both fathers believed and hoped was destined to come.<\/p>\n

Mr. Worthington had finally allowed them the liberty they both needed and deserved, while preserving their public image, by suggesting that Hoss and a female companion of his choice serve as chaperones.\u00a0 Hoss had, of course, invited Bessie Sue, and they were now holding their own picnic far enough down the beach at Lake Tahoe to remain within sight, but out of range for any private conversations either couple chose to have.<\/p>\n

What Adam found disturbing was that, for them at least, there had been almost none.\u00a0 Other than a few pleasantries, comments on the weather and such, Rose had been quiet during the long drive from Virginia City, and now she sat across from him on the picnic blanket, barely touching the food on her plate, but saying even less than she ate.\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure you\u2019re feeling well enough to be out?\u201d Adam finally asked.\u00a0 \u201cYou haven\u2019t been yourself since the dance.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked up at him quickly.\u00a0 \u201cOh, yes.\u00a0 I\u2014I wasn\u2019t really ill the other night, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI admit I wondered,\u201d he returned.\u00a0 \u201cI mean, honestly, Rose . . . the vapors?\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that what ladies declare when they want out of a man\u2019s company?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose examined the tablecloth from beneath veiled eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t know.\u00a0 I haven\u2019t employed them before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEmployed . . . used,\u201d Adam muttered.\u00a0 \u201cThat implies intention.\u00a0 To get out of a man\u2019s company?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she admitted.\u00a0 Then, looking up, she saw the pain in his face.\u00a0 \u201cOh, but not yours, Adam!\u00a0 Never yours!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m who you were with,\u201d he argued, a hint peeved.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not the only one I was with that evening,\u201d she said quietly.\u00a0 Then, momentarily losing her courage, she quipped lightly, \u201cI danced with Hoss and Little Joe and any number of attentive gentlemen, if you recall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, since Hoss escorted you outside, it can scarcely be him you were trying to evade,\u201d he grunted, \u201cand as you danced with Little Joe much earlier in the evening, you had ample time to report any disagreeable deportment even that young scamp might have tried.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a perfect gentleman, as I\u2019m sure you know,\u201d she chided.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, who?\u201d he demanded.\u00a0 Realizing how loud he had become, he lowered his voice and said more gently, \u201cI have never seen my little rosebud closed so tightly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just difficult, Adam,\u201d she said, tracing the design of the quilt on which they sat with her slender finger.\u00a0 Then she looked up with determination.\u00a0 \u201cBut I will open for you, only for you, as I promised long ago.\u201d\u00a0 She took a breath and then said, \u201cI was trying to escape from a man . . . the last man I danced with.\u00a0 He was . . . unpleasant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s mind was already racing back to recover the name of the man who had last cut in on him.\u00a0 \u201cWalcott?\u201d he growled.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

She reached across the quilt laden with food and grabbed his arm.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll do nothing of the sort.\u00a0 He isn\u2019t worth it; besides, it wasn\u2019t me he insulted.\u201d\u00a0 She bit her lower lip, reluctant to continue.<\/p>\n

Adam suddenly understood.\u00a0 He pulled his arm easily from her grasp.\u00a0 \u201cHe insulted me?\u00a0 You needn\u2019t hesitate to tell me, Rosebud.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure I\u2019ve heard it all before!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re old enemies, then?\u201d she asked.\u00a0 \u201cYou never told me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot enemies, exactly,\u201d Adam said with a careless toss of his hand.\u00a0 \u201cI was never his enemy, but . . . well, there are things he holds against me.\u201d\u00a0 He settled back and forced a laugh.\u00a0 \u201cTell me the worst, then.\u00a0 I assure you, you cannot shock me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make light of it, Adam,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cIt upset me at the time and, frankly, causes me even more concern, now that I\u2019ve thought of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reached to take her hand gently.\u00a0 \u201cTell me, then.\u00a0 Whatever concerns you concerns me.\u201d<\/p>\n

As sober as she felt, the words made her smile.\u00a0 \u201cI will, every word.\u00a0 He\u2014he began by saying he wished to warn me . . . about you.\u00a0 He said you were a killer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you believed that?\u201d Adam looked offended.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d she said at once.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t believe him, but I admit I was shocked by the accusation.\u00a0 He said you\u2019d killed several men, which I suppose could be true.\u00a0 Given the savage violence I\u2019ve observed on the streets of Virginia City, you might easily have gotten caught up in it and been forced to defend yourself or someone else, and you\u2019ve probably had to deal with rustlers and that sort of thing at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat has happened,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cand, of course, there was that brief war with the Paiutes.\u00a0 So, yes, Rose, I\u2019ve killed men, though I never wanted to.\u00a0 Only, ever, when necessary, my love.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you,\u201d she said earnestly, \u201cand I don\u2019t believe that makes you a killer.\u201d\u00a0 She took another breath.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Walcott also accused you of being responsible for the death of a young woman dear to him.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing Adam\u2019s suddenly gray countenance, she stopped, moistened her lips and continued softly, \u201cHe said I should ask you how you led his sister to her death.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEmily,\u201d Adam barely breathed.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u00a0 He . . . and his father, as well, have always blamed me for her death.\u00a0 For a long while I did, too.\u00a0 To this day I can\u2019t fully exonerate myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou knew her?\u00a0 Quite well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs well as I know you,\u201d Adam replied in agonized whisper.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps better, having known her longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd cared for her?\u201d Rose asked after swallowing hard.\u00a0 \u201cI can see you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam moved to her side of the picnic blanket, so he could put his arm around her.\u00a0 \u201cI wanted to marry her,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she died,\u201d Rose whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she died.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d\u00a0 She laid her head on his shoulder.\u00a0 From that position she gazed up into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cBut why would her family blame you?\u00a0 And why do you feel you need exoneration?\u201d<\/p>\n

He stroked her golden hair, as if touching this fresh wellspring of love could give him strength to face the dark shadow that still clung to the love of the past.\u00a0 \u201cDo you remember that first Sunday after we met?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery moment,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n

Chuckling at her intensity, he continued, \u201cSpecifically, do you remember that I asked you if your father would approve of our seeing each other?\u201d<\/p>\n

She breathed out a romantic sigh. \u00a0\u201cFor a girl brought up on tales of King Arthur, it seemed very old-fashioned and gallant and chivalrous.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laughed roughly.\u00a0 \u201cOh, no, Rosebud, it was none of those.\u00a0 It was fear, or the ghost of Emily, if you wish a more gothic romance to read.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat up.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t care for those.\u00a0 Did her father not approve?\u00a0 Is that why you feared mine might not?\u201d<\/p>\n

He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re very perceptive for a little rosebud.\u201d\u00a0 He dropped her hand to his lap, but continued to hold it.\u00a0 \u201cNo, her father did not approve, and his disapproval, of course, was echoed by her brother.\u00a0 Walter, you see, has always lived under his father\u2019s iron thumb.\u00a0 He thinks, feels, does nothing except what his father dictates.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Emily?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s smile was wistful.\u00a0 \u201cShe lived under his rule, certainly, as a woman must in our society, but, unlike Walter, she had a mind of her own, and a clear sense of what . . . and whom she wanted.\u00a0 She wanted me, as much as I wanted her, and in the end it was her undoing.\u00a0 It began, though, in the same way our courtship did.\u201d\u00a0 He squeezed Rose\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cI asked her father\u2019s permission, and that time it was the old-fashioned, gallant, chivalrous gesture you envisioned.\u00a0 I was certain it was a mere formality, but he said no.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gasped.\u00a0 \u201cBut why?\u00a0 Your family is prominent, well off, honorable, and you yourself . . . well, I\u2019m scarcely unbiased, but I can\u2019t imagine any father being less than ecstatic to have you interested in his daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s laugh this time was more genuine, although there was a hint of bitterness behind it, as well.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid I thought the same thing . . . for all the same reasons.\u00a0 Who wouldn\u2019t want a Cartwright as a son-in-law?\u00a0 With the obvious exception of Little Joe, who was only thirteen at the time, I couldn\u2019t imagine any one of us being turned down, and I considered myself the most eligible Cartwright of all.\u00a0 Prideful, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she said with a fond smile, \u201cbut not in the least inaccurate.\u201d\u00a0 She sobered.\u00a0 \u201cDid he give you a reason for his rejection?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, none at all.\u00a0 He just told me flatly that I was unacceptable and that I was not to see his daughter again.\u00a0 Emily later told me that he had ambitions of marrying her to one of the mining kings who were just beginning to amass their fortunes back then.\u00a0 Mere cattlemen, Cartwrights though they be, were simply not good enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe told you,\u201d Rose repeated.\u00a0 \u201cThen you did see her again, despite her father\u2019s wishes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes closed in evident pain.\u00a0 \u201cOh, yes.\u00a0 We met secretly time and again, and how we feasted on that forbidden fruit!\u00a0 It was sweet, sweet fruit, and we savored every bite, but those secret meetings were what ultimately led to Emily\u2019s being where she was when she was.\u201d\u00a0 He looked into Rose\u2019s upturned face.\u00a0 \u201cSo, you see, the Walcotts aren\u2019t entirely wrong about my being, at least partially, responsible for her death.\u00a0 If she had remained safely in her home . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder her father\u2019s thumb,\u201d Rose inserted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0 \u201cUnder his thumb, with no will of her own, no life of her choosing . . . but, at least, alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want to tell me what happened, Adam?\u201d\u00a0 She added quickly, \u201cYou needn\u2019t, if it\u2019s too painful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s painful,\u201d he admitted, \u201cbut I think I need to tell you.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled ruefully.\u00a0 \u201cI can scarcely let a tiny rosebud surpass me in candor, so, my sweet Rose, I will open for you, only for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She slipped back from his embrace to give him more freedom to move about, if he needed to, and folded her hands to still their trembling.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat night was no different from a dozen that had gone before it,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019d asked permission to spend the night with a friend, who was sympathetic to this hometown set of star-crossed lovers and willing to be complicit in our meetings. \u00a0There was nothing special about the night itself, just dinner at Caf\u00e9 de Paris, and then a slow stroll back to her friend\u2019s house.\u00a0 We were walking down C Street, so lost in each other that we were oblivious to anyone or anything else.\u00a0 Only at the last moment did I realize that a group of men were making\u2014well, shall we call it an unauthorized withdrawal from the bank?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA robbery,\u201d Rose surmised.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I see my Rosebud will have nothing sugar-coated.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose there is no way to sugar-coat the rest, anyway.\u00a0 As a good citizen and a Cartwright, of course I felt obliged to assist the sheriff, but I had an obligation to Emily, as well, so I pulled her into the nearest alley, showed her a place to hide and told her to stay there until I came for her.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe begged me not to go, but I had to play the hero,\u201d he continued bitterly.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a wonder I wasn\u2019t killed in that wild melee of bullets.\u00a0 I was, in fact, the only person not wounded that night.\u00a0 Roy Coffee went down, although thankfully his injury was slight, as I learned when I rushed to his side.\u00a0 Then, together, we shot it out with those felons, and they got the worst of it.\u00a0 One after another they fell motionless in the street.\u00a0 The shots slackened off and then stopped entirely.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought it was over, but there was one man unaccounted for, so we were cautious.\u00a0 Emily, unfortunately, was not.\u00a0 As soon as the shots stopped, she rushed into the street, crying out my name.\u201d\u00a0 He paused and looked at Rose through brimming eyes.\u00a0 \u201cShe was terrified that I\u2019d been hurt, you see, but I was fine.\u201d\u00a0 His voice took on an edge as sharp as a razor\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cAnd then . . . then . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose reached to take his hand.<\/p>\n

Drawing strength from her touch, he steeled himself and continued.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019d all thought\u2014hoped, really\u2014that it was over, but it was only a lull, while the one gunman left reloaded.\u00a0 And when Emily rushed into the street, he turned toward that threat from a new direction, as he perceived it, and fired automatically.\u00a0 I lost all sense of caution when I saw her fall, and I ran to her, without a thought of that man\u2019s freshly loaded gun.\u00a0 Fortunately, Sheriff Coffee covered me and was able to shoot the man . . . in time to save me, but not Emily.\u00a0 She died in my arms.\u201d\u00a0 He closed his eyes and his head dropped.<\/p>\n

Rose threw her arms around his neck, and his instinctively closed around her.\u00a0 \u201cOh, Adam, how horrible for you!\u00a0 I can see how much it still hurts you, but then, it would, being so recent a loss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRecent?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes opened and he looked at her in surprise.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019ll admit there are days when it seems like yesterday, but most people wouldn\u2019t think of three years as recent.\u201d<\/p>\n

She drew back, stunned.\u00a0 \u201cThree years?\u00a0 But when we first met, Mr. Walcott told me that he was in mourning for his sister. \u00a0I assumed . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d Adam said in sudden comprehension.\u00a0 \u201cBut the Walcotts, you see, maintain perpetual mourning for Emily.\u00a0 Maybe unforgiveness keeps the heart shrouded like that, feeds the blackness of mourning eternally.\u00a0 I can\u2019t say.\u00a0 I had a better example set for me.\u00a0 Like my father before me, I keep a warm place in my heart for my Emily, but my heart is no longer in mourning.\u201d\u00a0 He took Rose\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cAnd though I\u2019ve hesitated longer than I should, I think I am finally ready to open it fully to the new love that has been growing these past six months.\u00a0 Oh, my sweet little Rosebud, will you marry me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose looked deeply into his earnest eyes and saw the love there, but with a wistful smile, she said, \u201cNo, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo?\u201d\u00a0 Had someone hit him on the head with a sledge hammer, Adam could not have looked more dazed.\u00a0 \u201cI-I don\u2019t understand.\u00a0 I thought . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

She laid a gentle hand on his cheek.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not wrong, Adam.\u00a0 I do love you, with all my heart, and I hope you will ask me again.\u00a0 Just not tonight.\u00a0 Tonight your emotions are too raw, the memories too close and painful.\u00a0 You shouldn\u2019t make a lifelong decision on the wings of such emotion.\u00a0 Take a week, at least, more if you need it.\u00a0 Then, if you still feel the same, ask me again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reaching up, he took her hand, pulled it toward his lips and kissed her palm gently.\u00a0 \u201cYou are mature beyond your years,\u201d he said, \u201cproving what I\u2019ve said all along: you are far too old for my baby brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll take Hoss, then.\u00a0 He\u2019s closer to my age than you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this about takin\u2019 my man?\u201d a low-pitched female voice demanded.<\/p>\n

Surprised, Rose giggled like a silly schoolgirl caught doing something naughty.\u00a0 \u201cOnly teasing, Bessie Sue.\u00a0 I know Hoss\u2019s heart belongs to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoggone right!\u00a0 Well, we was a mite concerned about how quiet it had got, over to this end of the lake,\u201d Bessie Sue said with a playful grin, \u201cand figured it was time us chaperones did our duty and made sure no hanky-panky was goin\u2019 on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo hanky-panky,\u201d Rose said.\u00a0 \u201cAdam is a gentleman.\u201d\u00a0 She\u2019d never heard the term before, but she could guess at its meaning.<\/p>\n

\u201cHope we didn\u2019t come trompin\u2019 in at the wrong time,\u201d Hoss said, looking uneasy.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour timing, as always, younger brother, is perfect,\u201d Adam assured him.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact, we were just about to come investigate how quiet it had gotten over at your end of the lake, weren\u2019t we, Rose?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely, Adam,\u201d she agreed, a twinkle in her eye.<\/p>\n

Their light-hearted banter fooled no one.\u00a0 Both Bessie Sue and Hoss could see the tracks of tears recently shed, but Bessie Sue only said that she needed to get home, so she could rise in time to milk the cows the next morning.\u00a0 Adam and Rose agreed that it was, indeed, time for their evening to end, and after gathering up the remains of both picnics, the two couples left together, separating when their paths diverged at the Virginia City road.<\/p>\n

One week later, almost to the minute, Adam Cartwright knocked at the door of the Worthington house.\u00a0 When Rose came in response to his request, he kneeled before her on the wooden porch and extended a closed hand, which he then opened to reveal a simple ring, set with one delicate diamond.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Worthington,\u201d he asked formally, \u201cwould you do me the honor of becoming my bride?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u201d Rose asked, carefully watching his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeyond sure, my love.\u201d<\/p>\n

She threw her arms around him.\u00a0 \u201cThen, of course, I will, my darling Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

News of the impending marriage was greeted by a variety of responses from the good people of Virginia City.\u00a0 Many a fair maiden sighed plaintively as long-cherished dreams evaporated, while her doting mother pointed out that there were still two eligible Cartwrights left, three if one counted Ben.\u00a0 Some loving parents actually sighed in relief.\u00a0 Adam, after all, had a reputation for being too smart for his own good and more than a little full of himself, not at all a comfortable sort of son-in-law to welcome into the family.\u00a0 Others sighed for the lost Ponderosa fortune that could have been theirs.\u00a0 Some simply didn\u2019t care; whatever the high and mighty Cartwrights got themselves up to had nothing to do with them; it was all they could do to keep their heads above water in the day-to-day grind.\u00a0 Most, though, seemed pleased for the young couple and looked forward to the wedding to be held at the Ponderosa some two months after that decisive night at the lake.<\/p>\n

In only one household was the news met with a darker response.\u00a0 \u201cThat man has no right to ruin another young girl\u2019s life,\u201d William Walcott fumed as he paced before his parlor fire.<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried to warn her,\u201d his son Walter, slumped in a nearby armchair, said.\u00a0 His feelings were torn, although none of them bore scrutiny.\u00a0 He\u2019d fancied the girl, such a pretty little thing, and he\u2019d met her first, but that foul Adam Cartwright had cut off his chances as smoothly as a man cutting in on a dance floor.\u00a0 He\u2019d taken Rose Worthington from him as surely as he\u2019d taken Emily.\u00a0 \u201cWe could have made a perfect couple,\u201d he muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n

His father, however, heard and growled, \u201cForget her!\u00a0 She\u2019s shown herself unworthy.\u00a0 She had her chance for a better match and chose, instead, to couple with a fiend.\u00a0 She deserves whatever misery that may bring her!\u201d\u00a0 A sinister smile inched across his face.\u00a0 \u201cAnd misery stabs deepest on the heights of joy, wouldn\u2019t you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Walter said.\u00a0 \u201cIf you think so, Father.\u00a0 Do you mean . . . ?\u201d<\/p>\n

His father nodded in sober contemplation.\u00a0 \u201cYes,\u201d he drawled slowly.\u00a0 \u201cYes . . . I think so.\u00a0 I think our time\u2014or, more correctly, Adam Cartwright\u2019s\u2014has finally come.\u00a0 Just a little longer, Walter, just a little longer, and your sister\u2019s death will, at last, be avenged.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t come soon enough,\u201d Walter declared, sitting up straight.<\/p>\n

William cupped his son\u2019s shoulder, pressing down hard with a restraining thumb.\u00a0 \u201cPatience, my boy, patience.\u00a0 The torment requires just a little more refining to make hell burn hot enough for that foul fiend to repay even a fraction of the pain he has caused.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet him burn, then, Father,\u201d Walter said, jumping to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cShow me how and I\u2019ll light the fire myself!\u00a0 I won\u2019t fail you this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you won\u2019t, son,\u201d the father, beaming with approval, said.\u00a0 Then, looking into the parlor fire, he prophesied, \u201cAdam Cartwright will burn!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The weeks sped past for Adam and Rose.\u00a0 So much to be done!\u00a0 Rose, however, insisted that she absolutely must complete her portrait of Adam before she could even think of lesser things like her wedding dress or the ceremony.<\/p>\n

\u201cComplete it!\u201d Adam protested.\u00a0 \u201cYou never even started that night at the lake.\u00a0 We were . . . um . . . distracted, if you\u2019ll recall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe started more important things,\u201d she said sweetly, adding with a roguish gleam in her eye, \u201cbut I simply cannot trust the marriage vows of a man who has not yet fulfilled a promise of such lesser weight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIs this what our marriage is to be like, me on the losing side of every argument?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I do hope so,\u201d she shot back.\u00a0 \u201cIs that not the key to marital bliss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think so,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cThis is.\u201d\u00a0 And sweeping her into his arms, his lips embraced hers in a long and lingering kiss.<\/p>\n

Three more sessions by the lake were required before Rose was satisfied that she had caught his essence in oil.\u00a0 \u201cOn our wedding night, it will be my gift to you,\u201d she said, when he asked yet again if he could see her work.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt this rate mine to you will be a roofless cottage,\u201d Adam complained, smiling as he did.\u00a0 \u201cOr a bedroom next to my brothers, if you prefer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe roofless cottage, please,\u201d she said, wiping her brushes.\u00a0 \u201cThe portrait can stay with your brothers, as it needs protection from the rain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you don\u2019t?\u201d Adam hooted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only protection I need is yours,\u201d she said.\u00a0 To demonstrate exactly what she meant, she stretched out on the picnic blanket and pulled him down over her prone figure.<\/p>\n

He stayed long enough for a light kiss, but rose almost immediately.\u00a0 \u201cAny more of this and our chaperones will come running down from their end of the lake to \u2018do their duty.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUmm, perhaps,\u201d she said, sitting up and hugging her knees.\u00a0 \u201cI asked Bessie Sue to be my maid of honor,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Hoss will stand up with me,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

She cocked her head.\u00a0 \u201cAnd Little Joe?\u00a0 We wouldn\u2019t want the dear boy to feel left out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe dear boy can drive us to the stage station,\u201d Adam said, one side of his mouth twitching up wryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019d prefer Hoss for that, too,\u201d laughed Rose, who had seen the pace at which Little Joe tended to drive a team of horses.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll think of something else, then.\u201d\u00a0 He pulled her into his arms.\u00a0 \u201cNow, let\u2019s give those chaperones something to worry about, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

As the date for their wedding drew closer, the happy couple saw less and less of each other.\u00a0 Adam was busy building their new home.\u00a0 He had, of course, asked Rose what she wanted in a house, but the structure itself was to be a surprise, his gift to her.\u00a0 It was a big job, though, and even with his brothers taking over most of his ranch responsibilities, he was still so tired by day\u2019s end that he didn\u2019t often feel like driving into town.<\/p>\n

Rose was busy, too, although less so than her intended.\u00a0 She had taken responsibility for sending out all the invitations, even though most of them went to friends of the Cartwrights, rather than her own.\u00a0 She and her father were too new to the territory to have formed many acquaintances outside Virginia City, but the Cartwrights had friends coming from as far as San Francisco.\u00a0 Consulting with Hop Sing, she planned the wedding dinner afterwards, and most important of all, she put together her trousseau and her wardrobe for the extended trip they would take as man and wife.\u00a0 She was having a local seamstress make the wedding dress itself of finest white satin and Swiss lace, but considering the numerous fittings the woman requested, Rose began to wonder if sewing it herself might have taken less time.<\/p>\n

Sunday afternoons were still devoted to being together, and sometimes Adam would push himself to come in for dinner on a Friday or Saturday night.\u00a0 They relished each moment they spent together, but it was never enough.\u00a0 They told themselves it didn\u2019t matter; they had their whole lives to be together.<\/p>\n

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

Adam laid his gun and hat on the credenza by the front door and moved toward the settee with full intentions of collapsing full length on it, feet perversely planted on the upholstery.<\/p>\n

His father looked over from his chair by the fire.\u00a0 \u201cYou look exhausted, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m tired,\u201d Adam admitted, \u201cbut we finished painting the sides of the house today.\u00a0 Now all that\u2019s left is the trim and some final touches inside, so it\u2019ll be finished on time, with a few days to spare.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cI know that\u2019s important to you, although as I\u2019ve told you time and again, your brothers and I could finish things up while\u00a0 you\u2019re on your wedding trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, there\u2019ll still be plenty to do,\u201d Adam snickered.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m leaving the three of you in charge of accepting all those shipments of furniture and seeing that everything is placed tastefully around the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, mercy,\u201d Ben moaned.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you think Rose would prefer to oversee the placement herself?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no doubt we\u2019ll move things around a dozen times before she\u2019s satisfied,\u201d Adam said smugly.\u00a0 \u201cFrankly, I prefer that the first rejected arrangement be done by someone other than me.\u00a0 After all, we wouldn\u2019t want to quarrel that early in the marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we\u2019re to be the lambs led to the slaughter, instead, then, are we?\u201d\u00a0 Ben shook his head, but a smile played on his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter you than me,\u201d Adam said, stifling a yawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, by the way, son, a message came for you,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cI was instructed to have you read it as soon as you returned.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s it from?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo idea.\u00a0 It\u2019s on the desk.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a weary sigh, Adam got up and walked across the room.\u00a0 Picking up the sealed envelope, he opened it as he walked back.\u00a0 He pulled out the single sheet and read it, standing beside the settee.\u00a0 \u201cOh, for pity\u2019s sake,\u201d he groaned.\u00a0 \u201cOf all the times!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam tossed the note into his father\u2019s lap as he dropped onto the settee.<\/p>\n

Ben picked it up and read:<\/p>\n

Dear Adam,<\/p>\n

I am sorry to trouble you in the midst of your wedding preparations, but a matter of great importance requires convening the school board tonight at 8 p.m. at the schoolhouse.\u00a0 Please make every effort to attend.\u00a0 Your vote is vital.<\/p>\n

Thank you for making time for this civic responsibility.<\/p>\n

Yours sincerely,<\/p>\n

Abigail Jones<\/p>\n

The front door opened, and Hoss and Little Joe came in to hear their father chuckling.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I seem to remember that Miss Abigail always did have an impeccable ability to select my busiest times for exercising my \u2018civic responsibility,\u2019\u201d he observed.<\/p>\n

Adam raked his fingers through his tousled hair.\u00a0 \u201cWhy, oh why, did I ever agree to take your place on the school board?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d Hoss asked.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Abigail need somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she seems to think she does,\u201d Adam grunted.<\/p>\n

Little Joe pressed his hand melodramatically to his heart.\u00a0 \u201cWhat she needs, brother dear, is one last chance to stare dreamily into your velvet eyes before they\u2019re lost forever to her fond gaze.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cArgh!\u201d Adam growled.\u00a0 \u201cSpare me your pathetic attempts at poetic speech, little buddy, or I will personally wring your scrawny neck.\u00a0 So help me, if this is just a ruse to get me alone and make eyes at me, I\u2019ll do the same to hers!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure it\u2019s not,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Abigail is a hopeless romantic, but she\u2019s too honorable to try to steal another woman\u2019s man, especially on the eve of their wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I\u2019ll have to go,\u201d Adam said, exhaling a long, perturbed rush of air.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, want some company?\u201d Little Joe asked, eyes brightening.\u00a0 A chance for a trip to town should never be passed up.<\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cOh, the energy of youth,\u201d he muttered.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s all right with me, so long as I have your sincere promise to stay out of trouble.\u00a0 I simply don\u2019t have the energy to deal with a typical Joe Cartwright catastrophe tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise,\u201d Little Joe quickly said and trotted up the stairs to change his shirt and brush his unruly chestnut locks into order.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you, Hoss?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

The big man shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m plumb tuckered, Adam, and I got plans with Bessie Sue tomorrow night, so I reckon I\u2019ll stay and keep Pa company.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSmart choice,\u201d Adam said with a yawn.<\/p>\n

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

Adam and Little Joe reined up before the darkened schoolhouse.\u00a0 \u201cI appear to be the first one here,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we are early,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cI reckon the rest of the board will be along soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so,\u201d Adam sighed.\u00a0 \u201cA late start would guarantee wasting even more time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe grinned.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t work on that house after dark, anyway.\u00a0 I wish you\u2019d quit frettin\u2019 about it.\u00a0 If you ain\u2019t afeard I\u2019ll ruin the paint job, I could lend a hand tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take you up on that,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand thanks.\u00a0 I really appreciate all you and Hoss have done to cover my chores while I\u2019ve been working on the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo problem,\u201d Little Joe assured him.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d do the same for me.\u201d\u00a0 He scratched his head.\u00a0 \u201cOn second thought, it\u2019d make more sense for me to do my own chores and let you build the house, when my time comes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cIt would, indeed, and I\u2019ll be happy to.\u00a0 Just not in the next month or so, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe raised his hands, palms outward, and waved them back and forth in negation.\u00a0 \u201cNot in the next year or so, older brother!\u00a0 I got some wild oats to sow first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam groaned loudly for effect.\u00a0 \u201cNot tonight, please.\u00a0 I want to go straight home, as soon as this is over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, come on, Adam.\u00a0 You need a little fun in your life,\u201d Little Joe protested.\u00a0 \u201cProbably help you relax, sleep better, wake up rarin\u2019 to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might,\u201d Adam conceded, \u201cand where will I find you when this is over?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSilver Dollar, I guess.\u00a0 They got the best sandwiches for the price of a beer.\u00a0 Hey, I\u2019ll even buy you one . . . if you get there before I\u2019ve spent my last penny.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat shouldn\u2019t take long,\u201d Adam quipped.\u00a0 \u201cHave a good time, kid . . . but don\u2019t overdo it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever do,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 He flashed an impish grin.\u00a0 \u201cWell, hardly ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh.\u201d\u00a0 Though there was more truth than not in his little brother\u2019s statement, Adam wasn\u2019t about to give him the satisfaction of agreeing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014uh\u2014want me to stick around \u2018til someone shows up?\u201d Little Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u00a0 I\u2019m not afraid of the dark, and they\u2019ll be along soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, see you later, then.\u00a0 Much later, I hope!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I hope not!\u201d<\/p>\n

With a casual wave, Little Joe headed further into town.\u00a0 Neither he nor Adam had seen the dark figure skulking in the shadow of the nearest building while they talked, and neither saw the man\u2019s crafty smirk as he watched Little Joe ride away.\u00a0 Every piece of the plan was falling into place, even down to the one that couldn\u2019t have been counted on.\u00a0 The master architect of the scheme had hoped to involve one of Adam\u2019s brothers, but there\u2019d been no way to lure either of them to town without arousing suspicion.\u00a0 Now, even that exquisite refinement of the torment was available to them.\u00a0 Obviously, the downfall of Adam Cartwright had met with the full approval of divine destiny.<\/p>\n

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

Pleading personal correspondence that must be attended to, Rose Worthington had retired to her room directly after supper.\u00a0 Now she sat, holding the note that had been delivered to her shortly before her father returned from his business meeting that afternoon.\u00a0 She opened it and again read the mysterious words:<\/p>\n

My darling,<\/p>\n

It is urgent that I see you tonight.\u00a0 Please meet me at 7:30 at Wilson’s old stable in the alley between Union and Sutton and, as you value our love, dearest Rose, tell no one.\u00a0 This meeting must be kept secret.<\/p>\n

I remain, your beloved,<\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

Whatever could this message mean?\u00a0 Of course, she welcomed the opportunity to see Adam, any time, any place, but he\u2019d never before asked for such a clandestine meeting . . . at least, not with her.\u00a0 She remembered how he had described the sweetness of the forbidden fruit of meeting secretly with Emily, and for the first time a smile curved her lips.\u00a0 Was he thinking of that, too?\u00a0 Was he hoping to share with her also the sweet allure of forbidden fruit?\u00a0 They\u2019d had so little time together this last week or so.\u00a0 Oh, yes, it was just like her romantic Adam to plan a special night for them, perhaps to show her that she was just as important to him as Emily had been, that he was willing to run risks for her, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell no one,\u201d of course, meant not to tell her father. He would not have disapproved of her seeing Adam, as Emily\u2019s father had, although he might have questioned an abandoned stable as a trysting place.\u00a0 To seek his permission, though, would spoil the illusion of forbidden fruit.\u00a0 Rose had always been close to her father, especially since her mother\u2019s death, and had never kept anything from him, so her response wasn\u2019t automatic.\u00a0 She shivered a little, more fearful of frightening her father, should he discover her missing, than of any consequences to herself.\u00a0 She wavered for a moment, but only a moment.\u00a0 No!\u00a0 She would not be less daring than her beloved Adam!\u00a0 She would take her fruit and enjoy every juicy bite!<\/p>\n

Pulling a light shawl from her bureau drawer, she opened her bedroom window and slipped through it into the dark alley behind her home.\u00a0 Moving gracefully through the shadows, she made her way to Wilson\u2019s stable, where Adam\u2019s sweet, surreptitious, kisses were waiting.<\/p>\n

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

Little Joe Cartwright\u2019s role in the night\u2019s unfolding drama had been scripted for hopeful inclusion weeks before; even the props had been prepared.\u00a0 Originally, its writer had presumed that the role would be played by Hoss Cartwright.\u00a0 As the protagonist\u2019s best man, it seemed more likely, though nothing was guaranteed, that he might accompany his brother into town on this fateful night.\u00a0 Perhaps this was better, however.\u00a0 For the coup de gr\u00e2ce<\/em> to come from the boy he had half-raised, might intensify the pain for Adam Cartwright, and intensity of pain was, after all, the desired end, the culmination of weeks of careful plotting.\u00a0 The script was written, the players all waiting in the wings.\u00a0 It was time for the curtain to rise.<\/p>\n

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

Rose hurried down the dark alley, eager to be with Adam, eager to be safe in his arms and away from the threatening shadows that seemed to lurk around every corner of that part of town.\u00a0 Somewhere along the way she\u2019d lost her sense of adventure, and she had every intention of giving him a piece of her mind, once she found him.\u00a0 That, at least, is what she told herself.\u00a0 Of course, safe in his arms, the fears would flee and along with them any desire to do anything but kiss him and laugh at how frightened she\u2019d been of a few shadows.<\/p>\n

Since she\u2019d never been on this street before, it was a good thing that the weathered sign still hung over Walker\u2019s Stable. \u00a0The door stood ajar, not exactly welcoming, since she barely had room to slip through it.\u00a0 A little moonlight filtered through the slim opening and through cracks here and there, where a slat was missing, but at first she saw nothing.\u00a0 \u201cAdam?\u201d she called softly.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

As the black-clad figure stepped out from one of the stalls, she laughed giddily.\u00a0 \u201cThere you are, you naughty boy!\u00a0 Whatever possessed you to have me meet you here?\u00a0 This is no place for a lovers\u2019 rendezvous.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though the man stepped forward, his face remained in the shadows.\u00a0 \u201cIf you want a better place, choose a better lover,\u201d he said bitterly.<\/p>\n

That wasn\u2019t Adam\u2019s voice!\u00a0 Terror springing into her eyes, Rose backed away and then turned and ran for the door.\u00a0 Before she could get through that narrow opening, however, the man grabbed her and pulled her back inside.\u00a0 She screamed, but there was no one near enough to hear, and then a harsh hand covered her mouth as she was pushed further into the savage shadows and forced to the ground.\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d she pleaded when the hand slipped from her mouth to rip the buttons of her bodice, but the man silenced her pleas by pressing his rough lips to her mouth as she lay struggling beneath him.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop it!\u201d he ordered, raising up for a moment.\u00a0 He slapped her across the face.\u00a0 Gasping, she reached out, trying to claw at his neck, but he encircled both her wrists and held her to the ground until she had no more strength to struggle.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s better.\u00a0 Don\u2019t make this harder than it needs to be!\u00a0 I\u2019ll be gentle if you let me.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he lowered himself over her again, she found the strength to raise her foot and kick upward between his legs.\u00a0 With a howl of pain, he pushed the offending leg aside and lunged forward, his hands circling her slender throat, squeezing tighter and tighter until she struggled no more and lay sprawled beneath him.<\/p>\n

He drew back, winded, and stared at her motionless form.\u00a0 Too soon; he\u2019d ended her life too soon, before he\u2019d had a chance to taste her sweet fruit.\u00a0 Unlike her ultimate death, that had never been part of his father\u2019s plan, but a man deserved some small reward for a job well done, didn\u2019t he?\u00a0 He\u2019d never have her now, but then neither would Adam Cartwright.\u00a0 A cruel leer crossed his face as he began to rip her skirt to ribbons.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t had her, but let the foul fiend think he had.\u00a0 No doubt Father would praise him for the embellishment of the creature\u2019s torment.\u00a0 He finished staging the scene and then took up his post by a gap in the wall to wait for the next act to begin.<\/p>\n

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

One of the scruffiest street urchins in Virginia City pushed through the bat wings of the Silver Dollar Saloon, planted his bare feet and ran his eyes slowly over the crowd.\u00a0 From behind the bar, Cosmo called out, \u201cWhat you doin\u2019 in here, boy?\u00a0 I don\u2019t serve kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike as not you ain\u2019t got nothin\u2019 fit to drink, nohow,\u201d the boy snorted.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m lookin\u2019 for someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour old man\u2019s more likely to be down at one of the bit places on South C,\u201d Cosmo said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m lookin\u2019 for Joe Cartwright,\u201d the boy snapped.\u00a0 \u201cReckon he\u2019s got the price of one of your fancy drinks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you want with Little Joe?\u201d Cosmo demanded.<\/p>\n

The boy held up a piece of paper.\u00a0 \u201cI was told to give \u2018im this.\u00a0 Now, is he here or ain\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he\u2019s here,\u201d Cosmo said.\u00a0 \u201cGive me the note and I\u2019ll see he gets it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy held the paper away from the bartender\u2019s extended hand.\u00a0 \u201cNope.\u00a0 I was told to put in his own hand.\u00a0 The gent who give it to me paid me good money, so I aim to do the job just like he said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat gent was that?\u201d Cosmo pressed.\u00a0 \u201cJoe might want to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cSome feller dressed all in black, didn\u2019t give me a name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like his brother Adam.\u00a0 Joe said he\u2019d be meetin\u2019 him here.\u201d\u00a0 Satisfied that the message was legitimate, Cosmo pointed.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s Little Joe at the table in the back corner.\u00a0 Young, curly-haired fellow with the little redhead in his lap.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see \u2018im.\u201d\u00a0 The boy sauntered to the back of the room and gave the pretty gal in the fellow\u2019s lap a grin.\u00a0 \u201cYou Joe Cartwright?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 How can I help you, young fellow?\u201d Little Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon it\u2019s me helpin\u2019 you, mister,\u201d the boy said.\u00a0 He held out the note.\u00a0 \u201cI was told to give this to you.\u00a0 Barkeep seems to think it\u2019s from your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe took the folded piece of paper and then dug into his pocket for a two-bit piece.\u00a0 \u201cHere you go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI been paid,\u201d the boy said.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want word to get back to this fellow\u2019s brother that he\u2019d taken money twice for the same chore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it anyway,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cGet yourself some sweetenin\u2019 or something over at the general store.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy\u2019s grin widened.\u00a0 \u201cOkay.\u00a0 Thanks, Mister.\u201d \u00a0He pocketed the coin and took off.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Miss Sal,\u201d Little Joe said, \u201cbut I reckon I\u2019d best see what that brother of mine wants.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThought he was comin\u2019, too,\u201d Miss Sal simpered.\u00a0 \u201cThought we could have us a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe grinned.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2019s not up for much of a good time lately.\u00a0 Gettin\u2019 hisself hitched a few days from now.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you fetch us another beer each while I read this, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

She slid off his lap, kissed his cheek and headed for the bar, and Little Joe unfolded the sheet of paper, his brow wrinkling as he read:<\/p>\n

Joe,<\/p>\n

Unexpected change of plans.\u00a0 Important you meet me at Wilson\u2019s old stable at 8 p.m.\u00a0 Don\u2019t be late!<\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh!\u00a0 Looks like the school board meeting got called off.\u00a0 Hey, Cosmo,\u201d Little Joe called.\u00a0 \u201cWhat time is it?<\/p>\n

\u201cTwelve minutes \u2018til eight,\u201d the bartender called back.<\/p>\n

Good<\/em>, Joe thought.\u00a0 That should leave me just enough time for that beer with Sal.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Sal\u2019s attractions delayed the youngest Cartwright a few minutes past his appointed time.\u00a0 Adam would probably read him chapter and verse on the virtues of punctuality, but Little Joe didn\u2019t care.\u00a0 He\u2019d heard the whole book before and, after all, what difference did it make if he arrived five minutes late?\u00a0 Adam owed him an explanation, not the other way around, for choosing a forsaken place like an old abandoned stable to meet, when he could just as easily have come to the Silver Dollar, like they\u2019d planned.<\/p>\n

He had just turned into the alley when he was startled to hear a shot fired.\u00a0 Then he ran forward, fearing he would find his brother sprawled in the ancient hay of that old livery.\u00a0 He was still half a block away, though, when he saw a familiar figure exit the barn and look directly at him from beneath the brim of his black hat, which was pulled down practically to his nose.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Adam,\u201d Joe called anxiously.\u00a0 \u201cYou all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man said nothing, but he held a finger to his lips; then he turned down a connecting alley and disappeared.\u00a0 Little Joe ran after him, but by the time he reached that alley, there was no sign of anyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Little Joe!\u201d a voice called from the first alley.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I heard a shot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, yeah. I did, too,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 Looking repeatedly over his shoulder, he walked back toward Scott McGrew, a hand from the Running R ranch.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou was closer than me,\u201d Scott said.\u00a0 \u201cYou see anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah,\u201d Little Joe said, trying to make sense of what had just happened.\u00a0 \u201cI saw . . . a man . . . came out of Wilson\u2019s and ran off that way.\u00a0 Tried to follow, but lost him.\u201d\u00a0 Pure instinct held him back from mentioning Adam\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh!\u00a0 What would anybody want in that old place?\u00a0 Reckon we better check it out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh . . . sure.\u201d\u00a0 He moved so slowly, though, that Scott beat him there, even though Little Joe was closer to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe!\u201d the other rancher yelled.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s someone hurt in here.\u00a0 Oh, man!\u00a0 It\u2019s a girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s legs felt like wooden stilts as he lumbered into the stable.\u00a0 He stared at the body lying motionless in the dust.\u00a0 Like a rag doll tossed aside by a child after a morning\u2019s play, her arms and legs were sprawled askew.\u00a0 Her bodice was open from neck to waistline, and her skirt looked like it had been shredded by a dozen cuts from a dull knife.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould we get the sheriff or the doc?\u201d Scott asked.\u00a0 \u201cI think she\u2019s dead, Joe, but maybe . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet Doc Martin,\u201d Little Joe said, \u201cand hurry!\u201d\u00a0 Oh, God, let her be alive<\/em>, he prayed, futile as the petition seemed.\u00a0 As Scott ran out, he fell to his knees beside the broken body and lifted the wrist, intending to feel for a pulse.\u00a0 However, he dropped the limb as soon as he touched it, for it felt cold, too cold for life to flow through its veins, though it hadn\u2019t yet stiffened with the ultimate frost of death.\u00a0 Why should it, though? \u00a0Not this soon; Adam had only just shot her.<\/p>\n

Adam had shot her!\u00a0 Little Joe still couldn\u2019t believe it.\u00a0 But he\u2019d seen his brother with his own eyes.\u00a0 Maybe he shouldn\u2019t trust his eyes, though, given the way everything was spinning right now.\u00a0 He thought he was going to be sick; then he knew he was going to be sick, and he barely had time to stumble away from the body before the two beers he\u2019d consumed came spewing up, along with undigested bits of sandwich.\u00a0 Rose!\u00a0 Why on earth would Adam shoot Rose?\u00a0 He loved her!\u00a0 He was going to marry her, only a few days from now.\u00a0 Nothing made any sense, and he couldn\u2019t think clearly enough to figure it out. . . not here, not with Rose lying there . . . not with Adam running . . . running . . . to escape a hangman\u2019s noose?<\/p>\n

\u201cIn here!\u201d Scott hollered and burst inside, closely followed by Dr. Martin.<\/p>\n

The doctor came in and hurried to the young woman\u2019s side.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe, what\u2019s happened here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . I don\u2019t know,\u201d Little Joe stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t Joe, Doc,\u201d Scott said.\u00a0 \u201cCouldn\u2019t\u2019ve been.\u00a0 I saw him going into this alley just seconds before I heard the shot.\u00a0 He don\u2019t know no more than me . . . except you said you saw a man run off, didn\u2019t you, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 It\u2019s Rose, Doc . . . Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son.\u00a0 What was she doing here?\u201d the doctor asked, shaking his head in disbelief.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor stood, took the young man by the elbow and led him over to a wobbly stool.\u00a0 \u201cSit down, Joe,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThis has been a shock, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, man, is that who it is?\u201d Scott asked.\u00a0 \u201cAdam\u2019s girl?\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry, Joe.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t recognize her . . . like that . . . in the dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cScott, you\u2019d better fetch the sheriff,\u201d Dr. Martin said.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s nothing I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scott gave his friend\u2019s shoulder a sympathetic tap and then ran out to do as he\u2019d been told.<\/p>\n

Dr. Martin squatted down before the young man and asked a few questions about how he was feeling, but nothing that might further upset him.\u00a0 The doctor knew shock when he saw it, and since there was nothing more he could do for Rose, he focused all his attention on treating the problem he knew how to handle.<\/p>\n

It seemed like an hour before Roy Coffee arrived, although only a few minutes had actually passed.\u00a0 He was all business from the moment he entered the barn.\u00a0 He examined the body and briefly looked around for evidence before coming over to the stool, where Little Joe still sat, eyes fixed on the straw between his feet.\u00a0 Dr. Martin and Scott flanked him on either side.<\/p>\n

\u201cEither of you boys see anything that might give a clue to who did this?\u201d the sheriff asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe did,\u201d Scott said at once.\u00a0 \u201cMe, I just heard the shot and come runnin\u2019, but I didn\u2019t see the man, like Joe did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw him?\u201d\u00a0 Roy at once turned to the Cartwright boy.\u00a0 \u201cDid you recognize him, son?\u00a0 Can you give me a description?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe looked up, and his mouth opened, but nothing came out.\u00a0 A sharp shudder shook his entire body, and he felt for a moment that he would be sick again.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf this can wait, Sheriff, it would be better,\u201d the doctor said.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s in a state of shock.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstandable,\u201d the sheriff said, \u201cbut these are the only witnesses I got, Doc.\u00a0 I\u2019m gonna need statements from both of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake Scott\u2019s first, then,\u201d Dr. Martin advised.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe can come with me to my office.\u00a0 I think you\u2019ll get a more coherent statement from him if you let him rest awhile first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Noting the boy\u2019s pasty face, the sheriff nodded.\u00a0 \u201cReckon you\u2019re right.\u00a0 You\u2019ll need to do an autopsy, Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d the doctor said.\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019ll arrange to have the body brought to my office, I\u2019ll do what needs to be done.\u00a0 All right if we leave now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead,\u201d the sheriff said.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen Little Joe blanch even whiter at the mention of an autopsy and figured the doc was right: the boy was takin\u2019 this hard, and the other Cartwright boy, the one who\u2019d planned to marry this girl was likely to take it even harder.<\/p>\n

As\u00a0 Little Joe was helped to his feet, he looked up at the sheriff.\u00a0 \u201cHer father,\u201d he murmured.\u00a0 \u201cSomeone should tell . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of it, son; that\u2019s my job,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Little Joe,\u201d the doctor said, taking the young man\u2019s arm and leading him from away from the stench of death and bile.<\/p>\n

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

Though there wasn\u2019t even a fence around the schoolyard, Adam Cartwright was pacing back and forth before the double doors leading into the building like a caged lion, more restive with each minute that passed without any member of the school board joining him.\u00a0 He lived further away than any of them, and he could almost guarantee that none of them had as important an event on his personal agenda as a wedding.\u00a0 Yet he was here, not only on time, but early, and by his watch it was now past eight o\u2019clock, and not one of them had, as yet, showed his face!<\/p>\n

Neither was Miss Abigail Jones here, however, and that was even more peculiar.\u00a0 She was punctuality personified, whether she was opening the schoolhouse each morning or attending choir practice on Thursday evenings.\u00a0 As his watch continued to tick away the minutes, his steps gradually slowed, and he began to ask himself whether something had happened to necessitate canceling the meeting.\u00a0 It was conceivable that the notice of such a change might have arrived at the Ponderosa after he had already left.\u00a0 At ten minutes past the hour, Adam decided that he had waited long enough; it was time to ask some questions.\u00a0 Obviously, the best person to ask would be the schoolteacher herself, who had sent the original message.\u00a0 Mounting Sport, he walked the horse into town and headed for the house Miss Abigail shared with her mother.<\/p>\n

Since she lived relatively close to the schoolhouse, he soon was knocking on her door and pacing new territory as he waited for her to open it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Adam Cartwright,\u201d she said, her surprise apparent.\u00a0 She modestly wrapped her dressing gown more closely around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to disturb you,\u201d he said, \u201cbut I\u2019ve been waiting almost an hour at the schoolhouse, and when no one showed up, I felt I must inquire.\u00a0 Was the meeting cancelled?\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him.\u00a0 \u201cMeeting?\u00a0 What meeting?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe meeting of the school board,\u201d Adam said with painful patience.\u00a0 \u201cYou sent me a note, asking me to be there at eight tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright!\u00a0 I most certainly did not!\u201d \u00a0She held her chin high, the very picture of affronted maidenhood.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I received a note,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand it was signed with your name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone is playing pranks,\u201d she said, \u201cand I, for one, find it offensive to be linked in this way with a man engaged to another.\u201d\u00a0 She looked studious for a moment and then asked, \u201cDo you suppose this could be your little brother\u2019s handiwork?\u00a0 I recall Little Joseph being quite the prankster when he was in my class.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he has, I\u2019ll kill him,\u201d Adam muttered.\u00a0 Collecting himself, he said, \u201cMiss Abigail, I sincerely apologize for whomever has perpetrated this prank on both of us.\u00a0 Again, I am sorry to have disturbed you.\u201d\u00a0 He tipped his black hat and started down the steps.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it was no trouble, Adam,\u201d she called and just as quickly chided herself, though she turned back to the house with a nostalgic sigh.\u00a0 There\u2019d been a time when even such a ridiculous call as this would have set her heart atwitter, just for the chance to gaze into the deep hazel eyes of the most eligible and educated man in town.\u00a0 Stop this, Abigail<\/em>, she scolded herself.\u00a0 He belongs to someone else now.\u00a0 It just wasn\u2019t meant to be.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

As he wandered down the street, Adam pondered what to do next.\u00a0 In sheer frustration, he wanted to plow his fist into someone\u2019s nose, but the only target that came to mind was the one Abigail Jones had suggested.\u00a0 Much as he wanted someone to blame for tonight\u2019s travesty, however, he didn\u2019t really believe Little Joe was behind it.\u00a0 Oh, the kid was a mischief-maker, no doubt about that, but he wasn\u2019t mean-spirited enough to pull a stunt like this, not when he knew how much his older brother had on his plate.\u00a0 He and Hoss both had been nothing but helpful during the craziness of this last week or so; they\u2019d both tried in every way possible to ease the stress their older brother was feeling.<\/p>\n

Or maybe that was it.\u00a0 Maybe, in Joe\u2019s foolish young head, a prank like this was exactly what big brother needed to break free of that stress.\u00a0 Maybe this was the kid\u2019s way of \u201chelping.\u201d\u00a0 Only one way\u2014and one place\u2014to find out.\u00a0 Adam turned his steps toward the Silver Dollar.\u00a0 When he entered the saloon, he scanned the room; then he exhaled in annoyance that seemed almost predictable.\u00a0 The kid wasn\u2019t here; of course, the kid wasn\u2019t here.\u00a0 Anything less would have been much too convenient for whatever the heavens intended for this nuisance-laden night.\u00a0 He turned to the bartender.\u00a0 \u201cCosmo, has my brother been here?\u201d he asked irritably.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hey, Adam, didn\u2019t see you come in,\u201d Cosmo said.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, Joe was here, not too long since he left.\u00a0 He missed you, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he missed me,\u201d Adam said dryly.\u00a0 Not surprising, since he was supposed to stay here!\u00a0 On the other hand, he hadn\u2019t said the kid could go nowhere else, and Little Joe had probably figured that the board meeting would last later than this.\u00a0 \u201cHe say where he was going, Cosmo?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cosmo shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI figured he was meeting you somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam said tersely.\u00a0 \u201cWell, thanks, anyway.\u201d\u00a0 With a careless wave of his hand, he went back onto the street.\u00a0 Now, where on earth might the kid have taken off to?<\/p>\n

He walked down C Street, stopping every once in a while to ask some acquaintance whether they\u2019d seen his brother.\u00a0 No one seemed to have seen hide nor hair of the boy until a young fellow from a neighboring ranch said, \u201cYeah, Adam, I seen him with Doc Martin.\u00a0 Looked like they was headed to the doc\u2019s office.\u00a0 Little Joe was walkin\u2019 kind of slumped over, too, like he might\u2019ve got hisself hurt somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took off, running.<\/p>\n

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

A broken man sat in Dr. Martin\u2019s office, tears streaming into the hollows of his cheeks.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u201d he sobbed.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u00a0 Who would want to hurt my Rose?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo way to know yet,\u201d Sheriff Coffee said, \u201cbut I promise you we\u2019re gonna find out, Mr. Worthington.\u201d\u00a0 As the doctor came out from the examining room, Roy asked, \u201cWell, Doc?\u00a0 Can you tell us anything useful?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUseful?\u201d\u00a0 The doctor shook his head sadly.\u00a0 \u201cNo, all I can give you is the cause of death.\u00a0 She was strangled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd shot,\u201d Roy added.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd shot,\u201d Dr. Martin agreed, \u201cbut that wasn\u2019t the cause of death.\u00a0 There was very little blood at the entrance point, which indicates that she was already dead when the bullet entered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas she . . . was she . . .?\u201d\u00a0 Isaac Worthington had to know, but he couldn\u2019t bring himself to voice the question uppermost in his mind.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen his daughter\u2019s tattered dress and feared the worst.<\/p>\n

The doctor laid a comforting hand on the man\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d he said definitively.\u00a0 \u201cIt was a savage attack, but in that way she was untouched, as pure as the day she was born.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank God,\u201d the father murmured.\u00a0 \u201cAt least, she didn\u2019t have to endure that . . . but why . . . why?\u201d\u00a0 He buried his face in his hands, somehow hoping to quiet the sobs that rose from the core of his being.<\/p>\n

The door flew open and Adam Cartwright burst in.\u00a0 He stared, stunned and puzzled, at the sheriff and the father of his intended, but then turned to the doctor and panted, still breathless, \u201cMy brother . . . I was told he was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son, Little Joe\u2019s here,\u201d the doctor told him, looking at him quizzically.\u00a0 \u201cI have him lying down in the next room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he hurt?\u201d Adam asked.\u00a0 \u201cBadly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no,\u201d Dr. Martin assured him.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s just resting; he\u2019s had a bad night; he found the body.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBody?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s confused eyes took in the others in the room.\u00a0 \u201cWhat body?\u00a0 Whose?\u201d\u00a0 He stared at Isaac Worthington.\u00a0 Why on earth was Rose\u2019s father here, head now raised, but tears flowing all the swifter?<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam!\u201d the grieving father cried.\u00a0 \u201cYou haven\u2019t heard?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Martin came close, in case the young man needed support.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s Rose, son,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 Adam backed away, his face blank with disbelief.\u00a0 \u201cRose?\u00a0 The body?\u00a0 No!\u00a0 It can\u2019t be Rose; you must be mistaken.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I were, son.\u00a0 Sit down, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Adam wouldn\u2019t.\u00a0 Instead, he kept backing away from the doctor\u2019s shocking words until he came up against the solid wall.\u00a0 \u201cRose?\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 Please . . . no.\u201d<\/p>\n

Isaac Worthington rose and took the young man in his arms.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t believe it, either, Adam, but it\u2019s true.\u00a0 She\u2019s gone; we\u2019ve lost our Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe came to the doorway of the other room and stared in disbelief at his brother.\u00a0 How could Adam put on a show like this, acting like he didn\u2019t know what had happened to Rose, when he was the one who knew more than any of them.\u00a0 Next thing you knew he\u2019d be going on tour with his friend, Edwin Booth!\u00a0 Sick at heart, the boy saw the sheriff and grasped at an inconspicuous way to get out of that room.\u00a0 \u201cUh, Roy, you still want that statement from me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re feelin\u2019 up to it,\u201d Roy said with a glance at the doctor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Little Joe said staunchly.\u00a0 To confirm his purpose, he moved toward the door.\u00a0 He paused long enough to say, \u201cI\u2019m sorry for your loss, Mr. Worthington.\u00a0 Rose was a beautiful person, inside and out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Little Joe,\u201d the older man choked out through a closed throat.<\/p>\n

In the emotion of the moment, no one noticed that Little Joe had omitted his own brother from the words of consolation; nor did anyone notice that Adam hadn\u2019t asked how his younger brother, who was supposed to have been waiting at the Silver Dollar, had happened to discover the body.\u00a0 In that moment nothing mattered except the overwhelming loss of a beautiful person, inside and out.<\/p>\n

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

With the light of day Roy Coffee examined the scene of the crime, hoping to find some clue to the killer\u2019s identity overlooked the night before.\u00a0 That alley was so filled with shadows, however, that it was almost as dark as it had been the night before.\u00a0 The barn was more so.\u00a0 There were simply too many other buildings around for much sunlight to penetrate, so the sheriff went for a lantern and returned, looking into every nook and cranny.\u00a0 Nothing.\u00a0 Nothing to tell him why a beautiful young lady, practically on the eve of her wedding, would go alone to a desolate place like this or why anyone, other than a complete madman, would want to kill her.<\/p>\n

Might as well give up<\/em>, he thought, kicking in frustration at the straw strewn across the stable floor.\u00a0 That\u2019s when the light from the lantern struck something shiny.\u00a0 He bent to pick it up and carried the small piece of metal outside, where the light was minimally better.\u00a0 It was a money clip, an expensive-looking one, and when Roy turned it over, he saw that it was monogrammed with two ornate initials: AC.<\/p>\n

His mind immediately went to Adam Cartwright, because of his connection to the murdered girl, but he almost as quickly dismissed the thought.\u00a0 Sure, Adam had been in town that night; that gave him opportunity, and any man with a strong enough grip and a gun on his hip had the means of committing the crime, but that was true of almost every man in town.\u00a0 What motive, though, could Adam possibly have?\u00a0 He\u2019d loved that girl.\u00a0 Anyone who ever saw them together knew it, and he would only have had a few more days to wait before she would have willingly given what her assailant had seemed determined to take by force.<\/p>\n

Besides, the sheriff could think of half a dozen men in Virginia City who had the same initials, and he could probably find even more if he consulted the city directory.\u00a0 He\u2019d investigate them first before he started making cockamamie accusations against his best friend\u2019s oldest son, a boy he\u2019d known from the time Adam had been a tall, gangly lad.<\/p>\n

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

The crumpled figure of Isaac Worthington stood before the open grave that had just welcomed the treasure of his life.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright stood on one side, supporting him, while Adam flanked him on the other.\u00a0 Adam could offer no aid, however; he was too near collapse himself and needed the support of his brother Hoss\u2019s strong arm.\u00a0 Beyond Hoss stood Little Joe, his puddling eyes fixed on the ground, as much in need of a strong arm as any of the others, though for different reasons.\u00a0 Around that inner circle of mourners hovered all the townspeople who had come to know and love Rose during her short sojourn in Virginia City.\u00a0 Except for the Reverend Holmes, they, too, were silent, but for the sobs of the women.<\/p>\n

Little Joe barely heard the words of the preacher.\u00a0 His mind, instead, reeled with confusion and guilt.\u00a0 He\u2019d looked upon giving a statement to the sheriff as a means of escape, when staying in the same room with Adam had become unbearable.\u00a0 But he hadn\u2019t counted on how detailed the sheriff\u2019s questions might be, and he had frankly forgotten telling Scott McGrew about seeing a man fleeing down the alley.\u00a0 Stupid of him to have mentioned that, but he hadn\u2019t known, then, about Rose, hadn\u2019t known that there was a murder to discover . . . and a murderer to hide.\u00a0 The sheriff, of course, wanted a description, and suddenly Little Joe felt like he\u2019d been thrown into a logger\u2019s flume and sent cascading down its narrow trough with a massive log looming after him, closer and closer with each passing second.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t sure what he\u2019d actually given as an answer, but it wasn\u2019t the truth, at least not the whole truth.\u00a0 How could he have told that?\u00a0 How could he possibly tell the sheriff that the killer, the one everyone was now calling a madman, was actually his big brother Adam, the man he\u2019d looked up to from the time he was in diapers?\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t possible!\u00a0 Yet he\u2019d seen that man in black with his own eyes.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen that finger raised to the lips, signaling him to keep quiet, and though his soul ached with guilt at holding back the truth, he couldn\u2019t accuse his own brother.\u00a0 It would kill Pa.\u00a0 Joe thought he\u2019d babbled something to the sheriff about it being dark, hard to see, and that was true enough . . . except he had seen.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen what he never would have believed otherwise, and now, standing before Rose\u2019s grave, his gut twisted in turmoil at the memory of those few awful moments outside Wilson\u2019s stable and all the moments since when Adam had acted like they\u2019d never happened.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d thought, at first, that Adam would want to talk to him, to explain what had happened and why he was being asked to keep such a dark secret.\u00a0 Not with anyone around, of course.\u00a0 Certainly, Adam wouldn\u2019t want Pa or Hoss to know!\u00a0 Yet, he\u2019d seemed to go out of his way to make sure that his youngest brother was in that alley; he\u2019d even sent that note, ordering him there.<\/p>\n

That couldn\u2019t have been the plan from the beginning, could it, to kill Rose and make him a witness to the unthinkable?\u00a0 Of course not!\u00a0 Adam wasn\u2019t a monster; he wasn\u2019t capable of something so heinous.\u00a0 And he\u2019d been completely normal before they parted at the schoolhouse, tossing out the usual jokes about Joe\u2019s penchant for trouble.\u00a0 Just Adam, same as always.\u00a0 No, it had to have been something that happened on the spur of the moment.\u00a0 A man just doesn\u2019t invite witnesses to a murder!\u00a0 There must have been some other reason.\u00a0 Joe couldn\u2019t think of one that made sense, but it couldn\u2019t have been premeditated murder.\u00a0 He knew his brother, at least he\u2019d thought he had, but the brother he\u2019d known from his first breath just couldn\u2019t have killed anyone, much less Rose, in such a savage manner.<\/p>\n

When Adam hadn\u2019t come to him that first night, Little Joe had slipped into his brother\u2019s room after Ben and Hoss had gone to bed and asked if he wanted to talk.\u00a0 Adam had curtly told him no, that he wanted to be alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just want to know why, Adam,\u201d Little Joe had pleaded.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t you owe me that much?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head had come up, then, and he\u2019d stared at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u00a0 What reason could there possibly be?\u00a0 Rose is dead, Joe.\u00a0 What more can I tell you beyond that?\u00a0 My Rosebud is dead!\u201d\u00a0 Then he had stabbed his long finger at his brother\u2019s chest and growled, \u201cGet out!\u00a0 Get out and leave me alone.\u00a0 I have no answers for you!\u201d<\/p>\n

And Little Joe had done that.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t been able to get out of that room fast enough, and he had left Adam strictly alone from that moment.\u00a0 If he could have avoided it, he would never have spent another minute in his brother\u2019s company.<\/p>\n

The trouble with that, of course, was that Little Joe, too, was alone now, completely alone with the guilt and the shame and the lies.\u00a0 Whatever he\u2019d actually said to the sheriff, it had to have been a lie, because it certainly hadn\u2019t been the accusation any God-fearing citizen ought to have come forth with.\u00a0 Pa had taught him not to lie, especially not to someone like Roy Coffee, but he couldn\u2019t send his brother to the hangman\u2019s noose.\u00a0 So, the guilt of the falsehood would have to lie forever on his chest.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t ever unburden himself, not to the law, certainly not to Pa, not even to his best friend, Hoss, who didn\u2019t deserve to have that load of guilt crush his tender and innocent heart.<\/p>\n

Little Joe had awakened, screaming, that first night with the first of what were becoming nightly nightmares.\u00a0 His father and Hoss had hurried to his side, and even Adam had shown up in the doorway.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, kid,\u201d he\u2019d whispered and in answer to the quizzical looks that brought, he\u2019d mumbled something about Joe coming to him for answers and having spoken roughly to the boy.\u00a0 \u201cBut I just don\u2019t have any,\u201d he\u2019d choked out and drifted back to his own sleepless bed.<\/p>\n

Torn between his two sons, Ben chose the one whose need he thought was greater and followed Adam, leaving Hoss to comfort his younger brother.\u00a0 Both Ben and Hoss assumed that it was still the shock of finding Rose that had set off Little Joe\u2019s night terrors, and he was satisfied to let them think that.\u00a0 The truth was worse.<\/p>\n

Adam went back to work the next day, burying himself in back-breaking toil from sunup to sundown, refusing to speak of anything except routine ranch matters.\u00a0 Ben, recognizing the beginning stages of grief, let his taciturn son have his space, although he became increasingly concerned about the drawn lines on Adam\u2019s face that were the only signs of the young man\u2019s physical exhaustion and inner turmoil.\u00a0 All that was normal, and Ben and Hoss both equated his silence and apparent aloofness to his legendary emotional control.\u00a0 They understood.<\/p>\n

What was harder to understand was Little Joe\u2019s behavior.\u00a0 The shock, Ben felt, should have worn off after a day or two, but the nightmares continued, along with the silence that, for Little Joe, always signaled deep internal distress.\u00a0 Like Adam, the boy was barely eating, another typical signal of a troubled mind, but more perplexing, he\u2019d seemed to develop an aversion toward being anywhere near his oldest brother.\u00a0 Too sharp a reminder of what had happened or was he still sulking over Adam\u2019s rebuff of his questions that first night, as Hoss suggested?\u00a0 Neither explanation satisfied Ben Cartwright, but when he tried to ask Little Joe what was bothering him, the boy only answered, \u201cNothing.\u00a0 Nothing\u2019s wrong, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Clearly, however, something was.<\/p>\n

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

A week after the funeral Isaac Worthington entered his daughter\u2019s room for the first time since that fatal night.\u00a0 He\u2019d rushed there, calling her name in disbelief, when Roy Coffee came to the house to report that Rose had been found, dead, in a deserted barn.\u00a0 She couldn\u2019t be dead, he\u2019d assured the sheriff; she was upstairs in her room, attending to personal correspondence.\u00a0 He had hurried up the stairs, calling her name, and when she didn\u2019t answer, he\u2019d thrown open the door and stared, in silent shock, first at the empty room and next at the open window.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t possible, he\u2019d told the sheriff, who had followed him and then gently led him back down the stairs.\u00a0 His Rose was a good girl, he\u2019d said; she would never deceive him like this.\u00a0 And why would she be in some deserted barn?\u00a0 She wasn\u2019t well acquainted enough with Virginia City to have even known such a place existed.<\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee, of course, had been unable to answer his questions, and that was certainly no reflection on him as a law officer.\u00a0 How could anyone answer those questions, if her own father, who knew Rose best, could not?<\/p>\n

Somehow he\u2019d gotten through those first awful days with the support of the local pastor and friends he had made since coming here. \u00a0The Cartwrights had been bulwarks, sharing his grief as they all so poignantly did, Adam in particular.\u00a0 Isaac hadn\u2019t been able to bring himself to accept Ben\u2019s invitation to come out to the Ponderosa yet.\u00a0 There\u2019d been too many happy memories there: Rose gracing their table, laughing at Little Joe\u2019s silly jokes, listening to Hoss\u2019s animal anecdotes, taking long walks with Adam while her father played challenging games of chess with Ben.<\/p>\n

Adam\u2014the boy had been as distraught as Isaac himself, probably more so, the father acknowledged, remembering his own reaction, years ago, to the death of Rose\u2019s precious mother.\u00a0 Yes, it was time he accepted those invitations to the Ponderosa, time for him to think of someone besides himself, time to comfort the young man whose heart was as desolate as his own.\u00a0 Sunday\u2014he was confident Ben Cartwright would invite him after church, and this time he\u2019d say yes.\u00a0 It would be a good time, too, to give Adam the portrait that Rose had intended for him on their wedding night.<\/p>\n

In the meantime he had another task to face, and though there was no hurry, neither was there any point in putting it off.\u00a0 Today he would go through Rose\u2019s things, setting aside some for remembrance and others to bring benefit to the lives of others.\u00a0 Rose would want that, and the very act of giving on her behalf would bring him comfort.<\/p>\n

He started with her writing desk.\u00a0 Although these would have been the last things she touched, pens and papers, books and bookmarks still seemed less personal and, therefore, easier to handle than items such as clothing and jewelry.\u00a0 He picked up Rose\u2019s well-worn copy of Sonnets from the Portuguese<\/em>, her favorite.\u00a0 This he would keep.\u00a0 As he moved it toward the box he had brought for such items, though, something slipped from its pages and fell to the carpet.\u00a0 He bent to pick it up and, from either instinct or curiosity, unfolded the simple sheet of paper and read it.<\/p>\n

The color washed from his face, and he sat down at once, breathing heavily.\u00a0 His mind lurched away from what the note suggested.\u00a0 No, no, it wasn\u2019t possible.\u00a0 Yet there seemed no other way to interpret the brief message.\u00a0 And, sadly, only one thing to be done with it.\u00a0 He folded the note again and, hurrying downstairs, he put on his jacket, placing the note in its pocket and headed toward C Street.<\/p>\n

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

When Isaac Worthington came hesitantly into his office, Roy assumed he wanted to know how the investigation was going.\u00a0 Frankly, the sheriff was feeling frustrated.\u00a0 After consulting the city directory, he\u2019d made a list of every man in town with the initials AC, and then he\u2019d begun questioning all those he couldn\u2019t rule out on the basis of age or infirmity.\u00a0 Abe Carter, the crippled swamper down at the Bucket of Blood, for instance, couldn\u2019t have overpowered a frail ten-year-old, much less a healthy young woman.\u00a0 So far, his investigation hadn\u2019t produced even one viable suspect, and he wasn\u2019t looking forward to telling Mr. Worthington that.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, I-I\u2019ve found something,\u201d the man began and swallowed hard before continuing, \u201cin Rose\u2019s room.\u00a0 I really can\u2019t believe what it seems to indicate; in fact, I\u2019d rather believe anything but this, but I felt I had to bring it to your attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think it\u2019ll help with the investigation, Mr. Worthington, I\u2019d be glad to take a look at it.\u201d\u00a0 Glad?\u00a0 He\u2019d be ecstatic if the man had turned up anything to give him a better source of leads than the city directory!<\/p>\n

With a trembling hand Isaac extended the note to the sheriff and watched the man\u2019s face grow gray as he read the brief lines.<\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee\u2019s mouth set in a grim line as he scanned the note.\u00a0 This, coupled with the monogrammed money clip he\u2019d found at the scene of the crime, pointed an accusing finger at one and only one individual.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t need to question any of the other AC\u2019s in the directory; he had his man, and it broke his heart.\u00a0 It also gave him every reason to fear that what he had to do next would bring the heart of his best friend to a literal dead stop.<\/p>\n

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

These days supper at the Ponderosa was no longer the light-hearted, bantering highlight of the Cartwrights\u2019 day.\u00a0 Eating was simply one more chore that had to be done.\u00a0 Only Hoss had much of an appetite, probably because the big man simply needed more fuel to function, but even his intake had declined, as if the banter had somehow served as relish and, without it, the food seemed bland and tasteless.\u00a0 The Cartwrights said what needed to be said to one another and little else; after a week of fruitless effort, Ben had apparently decided to let Adam grieve in the silence his soul seemed to crave and to let Little Joe brood over whatever inexplicable problem was bothering him.<\/p>\n

So, although it was near suppertime when the knock came at the door, none of them felt irritated by the meal\u2019s possible delay.\u00a0 \u201cWho\u2019d come callin\u2019 this time of day?\u201d Hoss muttered, more by rote than from disgruntlement, as he walked toward the door after waving Hop Sing back to the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoever it is, invite them to supper,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 Anyone who would talk to him would be a welcome addition to the table!<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded in compliance.\u00a0 He opened the front door, and a genuine grin split his face.\u00a0 \u201cHey, Roy!\u00a0 Come on in.\u00a0 We\u2019re about to sit down to supper, and you\u2019re more\u2019n welcome to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Hoss,\u201d the sheriff said, \u201cbut I can\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 And once you know why I\u2019m here, you won\u2019t want me to<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Roy, I won\u2019t take no for an answer,\u201d Ben said, rising.\u00a0 \u201cYou owe me a game of checkers, if I recall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, this ain\u2019t a social call,\u201d Roy said bluntly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m here on official business.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood, too, as, more slowly, did Little Joe, fearful that the sheriff\u2019s \u201cofficial business\u201d might involve more questions, necessitating more lies, this time right in front of his family.\u00a0 At least, only Adam would know they were lies, and he apparently didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve learned something,\u201d Adam stated plainly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid so,\u201d the sheriff replied, looking soberly at the young man.<\/p>\n

To Ben\u2019s mind, any news regarding the investigation would be appreciated.\u00a0 Whatever it was, how could knowing possibly be worse than living under the shadow of ignorance?\u00a0 \u201cWell, tell us,\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n

In sudden prescience, Little Joe moved to his father\u2019s side. \u00a0Murder will out, folks always say<\/em>, he thought, wanting to be close, should Pa collapse.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not gonna like this,\u201d Roy said. \u00a0\u201cMuch as it pains me to say it, I\u2019m here to take Adam into custody.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!\u201d Hoss cried.\u00a0 \u201cRoy, have you been munchin\u2019 on loco weed?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright\u2019s face had gone white.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you saying, Roy?\u00a0 Not\u2014not . . . \u00a0Rose?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright, I have a warrant for your arrest,\u201d the sheriff said, calling up the official words to help him through the difficult duty.\u00a0 \u201cThe charge is murder, and, yes, Ben, we are talking about Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t be serious,\u201d Ben gasped.\u00a0 \u201cAdam would never . . . never!\u00a0 It\u2019s unthinkable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, I\u2019m sorrier than I know how to say,\u201d Roy said, voice shaking.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to believe it; no one wants to believe it, but that\u2019s where the evidence points.\u00a0 Adam, I\u2019m hopin\u2019 you\u2019ll come in peaceable.\u00a0 I\u2019ve come late like this, so\u2019s fewer folks will see you brought in and get stirred up, \u2018cause I can\u2019t answer for how this is gonna sit with the town.\u00a0 Now, will you come or have I got to restrain you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam headed for the door.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I\u2019ll come,\u201d he said sharply, taking his hat from the rack.\u00a0 \u201cI definitely want to come in and see whatever so-called evidence has led to this absurd conclusion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll all come,\u201d Ben said, eyes flashing with anger.\u00a0 \u201cI want to see that evidence, too.\u00a0 Hoss, Joe, saddle our horses, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d \u00a0Hoss paused only long enough to place a bolstering hand on his older brother\u2019s shoulder.\u00a0 When he looked at his other brother, however, he thought he caught an expression that looked more like relief than the shock the rest of them felt.\u00a0 He shook it off, though, figuring he must be wrong, and headed for the barn to do the practical service that could best express his love and support for Adam.\u00a0 Lips taut, Little Joe silently sidled out after him.<\/p>\n

Hoss saddled Chubby and Sport, while Little Joe readied his father\u2019s bay for the trip to town.\u00a0 \u201cGet a move on, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cor you\u2019re like to get left behind.\u201d\u00a0 His words trailed off at the look on his little brother\u2019s face, and he suddenly knew that was exactly what Little Joe wanted.\u00a0 \u201cJoe, Adam needs us,\u201d Hoss said, pained that he had to plead for what should have come natural.<\/p>\n

A wave of anger flushed the younger boy\u2019s cheeks, and he almost blurted out exactly how much he cared about what Adam needed, but he put a clamp on his tongue just in time.\u00a0 What Adam needed didn\u2019t matter much to him, true enough, but what Pa and Hoss needed did.\u00a0 They\u2019d done nothing to deserve this nightmare that had descended upon them, so for their sakes he\u2019d go along and he\u2019d keep his opinions to himself.\u00a0 \u201cYeah,\u201d he finally said and went back into the barn to saddle Cochise.<\/p>\n

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

As soon as they entered the sheriff\u2019s office, Roy said, \u201cBen, Adam\u2019s gonna need a lawyer.\u00a0 If you want to fetch one, I\u2019ll hold off questioning your boy until he can get here.\u201d\u00a0 Any prisoner deserved that much, although Roy had to admit he might not have been as quick to offer with anyone else.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to his middle son.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, would you . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go,\u201d Little Joe interrupted to say.<\/p>\n

Hoss frowned.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t matter to him who went.\u00a0 Truth be told, he\u2019d just as soon stay with Adam, but with his suspicions already aroused by how reluctant his little brother had been to come in the first place, Hoss thought he seemed a mite too keen to get away again.<\/p>\n

Ben, however, smiled at his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cYes, that\u2019s fine.\u00a0 You go, Little Joe.\u201d\u00a0 After days of avoiding his brother, this eagerness to help him seemed like a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cHiram Wood?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe asked.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 As the boy all but ran for the door, he added, \u201cWake him up, if you have to.\u00a0 Apologize, but tell him this is important.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Little Joe said and escaped into the cool night air.\u00a0 He stopped just outside the door and took a few deep breaths, releasing some of the anxiety he\u2019d felt on the ride into town.\u00a0 Maybe the sheriff didn\u2019t have any more questions for him, but steering clear of the jail seemed like the best way to avoid saying things that could only hurt Adam if he ever had to.<\/p>\n

Then he ran down C Street and turned up Taylor, toward the house of Hiram Wood.\u00a0 Though there were lamps lighted inside, he pounded on the door, loud enough to rouse the soundest sleeper.<\/p>\n

Back at the sheriff\u2019s office, Adam demanded to see the supposed evidence against him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to wait for your lawyer?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not!\u201d Adam spat out.\u00a0 \u201cShow me what you\u2019ve got, Roy!\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy\u2019s attitude was snappish, but the sheriff couldn\u2019t fault him for that.\u00a0 No man, guilty or innocent, ever took an accusation of murder with good grace.\u00a0 \u201cAll right,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Reaching into his desk, he removed a large envelope and took a shiny gold object from it and extended it to Adam.<\/p>\n

With Ben and Hoss looking over his shoulder, Adam examined the gold money clip and took note of the monogrammed letters.\u00a0 He handed it back to Roy.\u00a0 \u201cWell, those are my initials, all right,\u201d he said, \u201cbut I don\u2019t own a money clip.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t use one on business trips?\u201d Roy suggested.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI use a money belt when I\u2019m carrying enough to matter.\u00a0 Even if I did, I\u2019m certainly not the only man in town whose clip might be labeled AC.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d Roy said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve made a list of men with those initials, and I\u2019ve been questioning them.\u00a0 So far, every man can account for where he was the night Miss Rose was killed.\u00a0 You bein\u2019 set to marry her, I figured you for the least likely suspect, so I put your name to the bottom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd when, exactly, did you take leave of your senses and move me to the top?\u201d Adam demanded hotly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben admonished, as Hoss\u2019s massive hand came to rest on his brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a right to know, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

The sheriff again reached into the envelope, this time drawing out a folded sheet of paper.\u00a0 \u201cThis is what moved your name to the top, boy. \u00a0\u00a0It was brought to me this afternoon, and I was never sorrier to read any set of words in my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took the note, his countenance growing more ashen with every word he read.\u00a0 \u201cOh, my God,\u201d he murmured.\u00a0 \u201cWhere . . . who . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took the note from his son, read it and with a grave expression passed it on to Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to say her father found it in a book in her bedroom,\u201d Roy replied.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s the one brought it to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gasped.\u00a0 \u201cIsaac?\u00a0 And he thinks\u2014he thinks I . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else is there to think, son?\u201d Roy asked soberly.<\/p>\n

Adam threw his head violently from side to side.\u00a0 \u201cAnything but that!\u00a0 I did not kill Rose, Roy.\u00a0 I loved her!\u00a0 I . . . still love her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you did send this note?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u00a0 I\u2019ve never seen that before.\u00a0 I certainly didn\u2019t write it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy, you\u2019ve known Adam since he was a boy,\u201d Ben pleaded.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t believe . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter what I believe, Ben,\u201d the sheriff said, taking the note from Hoss and holding it up.\u00a0 \u201cI have to follow the evidence, and this kind of thing is hard to overlook.\u201d\u00a0 He returned the note and money clip to the envelope and placed it back in his desk drawer.\u00a0 \u201cNow, much as I regret it, I\u2019ve got to lock you up, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, no, Roy,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, son; I have no choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Head still shaking in disbelief, Adam stood up and, despite his suddenly blurred vision, somehow managed to place one foot after the other as he followed the sheriff into the cell block.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can stay with him, if you like,\u201d Roy said to Ben after he\u2019d shown Adam into the cell.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll send Mr. Wood back when he gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Roy.\u201d Ben sat on the narrow cot next to his oldest son. \u00a0Looking to his other boy, he said, \u201cSon, why don\u2019t you wait in the outer office, explain things to Little Joe?\u00a0 I think Adam and Hiram and I should talk alone first.\u201d\u00a0 He looked up at Roy.\u00a0 \u201cThe boys can see their brother again before we leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Ben,\u201d a saddened sheriff replied.<\/p>\n

When Little Joe returned with their lawyer, Hoss took him by the elbow and steered him outside.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s crazy, Joe,\u201d he said, \u201cbut Roy\u2019s got this evidence, and it\u2019s gonna be mighty hard to argue down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s he got?\u201d Little Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s this money clip Roy found at the barn.\u00a0 It ain\u2019t Adam\u2019s, on account of he don\u2019t own one in the first place, but it\u2019s got his initials on it,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cand then . . . then . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen what?\u201d Little Joe demanded.\u00a0 For all he knew, Adam might own a money clip, and his saying he didn\u2019t meant nothing.\u00a0 He\u2019d already proven he was willing to lie about something far worse.<\/p>\n

\u201cA note,\u201d Hoss quavered out.\u00a0 \u201cA note to Rose, telling her to meet him at Wilson\u2019s.\u00a0 Adam swears he never wrote it, but it\u2019s got his name on it, and it was her father that found it, Joe, so it\u2019s got to be real; it\u2019s gotta be what sent her to that barn.\u00a0 It looks bad for Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 His stomach rolled over.\u00a0 It was true, then, and not much way for Adam to argue his way out of it.\u00a0 Like the Good Book said, \u201cBe sure your deeds will find you out.\u201d\u00a0 And Adam\u2019s had, even without his younger brother saying a word.\u00a0 Joe was glad of that, but little else.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t been the one to bring his brother down, but he still felt like spilling his guts into the street.\u00a0 This was Adam, his brother, the one who\u2019d stood by him through schoolyard tussles and all the worse troubles Little Joe had stumbled into over the years, and no matter what his big brother had done,\u00a0 Joe\u2019s love for him remained.\u00a0 Only now, it brought nothing but pain.<\/p>\n

When Hiram Wood left, Hoss and Little Joe went inside.\u00a0 Hoss was as encouraging as he knew how to be, assuring Adam that the truth would come out, no one could seriously think he would kill Rose, not even Roy really believed it and a few other things he couldn\u2019t remember later.\u00a0 None of it made much impact on the man sitting behind the bars, who looked broken, defeated and even frightened, emotions none of them were used to seeing from the brother noted for his unwavering self-control.\u00a0 Finally, Roy suggested that they go on home, and they left the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

As they unhitched their horses from the rail, Ben said gravely, \u201cI noticed you didn\u2019t say a single word to your brother, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe kept his eyes on his dusty boots.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t know what to say, Pa,\u201d he finally whispered.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s face relaxed, and he rubbed the back of the boy\u2019s neck as he said, \u201cI guess none of us do, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

By the time the Cartwrights rode into town the next morning, it was obvious from the surreptitious looks and, in some cases, outright glares of those they passed that the news was out.\u00a0 They ignored them, as men on a mission, for Ben a particularly difficult one, but it was a commission he had promised Adam he would fulfill first thing this morning.\u00a0 \u201cYou boys go on to the jail, keep your brother company,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cTell him I\u2019ll be there as soon as I\u2019ve spoken with Isaac.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa,\u201d Little Joe added perfunctorily.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t make himself sound enthusiastic, but even if he wasn\u2019t as good an actor as Adam, he thought he\u2019d come across pretty normal.\u00a0 \u201cSure hope Mr. Worthington don\u2019t take it out on Pa,\u201d he said to Hoss, once their father had ridden on.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that mean?\u201d Hoss said, nose crinkling.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t nothin\u2019 for him to take out on Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust the hurt, I meant,\u201d Little Joe said hastily.\u00a0 \u201cWhether Adam did it or not . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss clamped his little brother\u2019s clavicle with vise-like fingers.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018Whether Adam did it or not\u2019?\u00a0 We know he didn\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe twisted out of his big brother\u2019s grip.\u00a0 \u201cWhether Rose\u2019s Pa thinks he did or not; that\u2019s what I meant.\u00a0 Doggone it, Hoss; findin\u2019 that note has got to put some doubt in his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019s shoulders slumped.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, that\u2019s been frettin\u2019 me all night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, me, too,\u201d Little Joe said, although in his case it wasn\u2019t true.\u00a0 With Adam behind bars and Joe himself apparently safe from uncomfortable questions, he\u2019d actually slept through the night, instead of fretting through the dark hours, for the first time since he\u2019d found Rose\u2019s body in that barn.<\/p>\n

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

Ben shifted from foot to foot on Mr. Worthington\u2019s front porch, as he awaited an answer to his knock.\u00a0 He was uncomfortable with the task he\u2019d been given, but it was the one thing Adam had requested, and he would have done anything to ease even an ounce of weight off his son\u2019s stooped shoulders.\u00a0 When he saw the lace curtain of the inset window pulled aside and recognized Isaac, Ben wondered whether he\u2019d simply be left standing there without acknowledgement, but after a long pause, the door opened.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d Isaac said flatly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsaac, I\u2014could I speak with you for a few minutes?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see what good that could do, Ben,\u201d Isaac said.\u00a0 \u201cI bear you no ill will; I know you had nothing to do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam didn\u2019t, either,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cPlease, my friend, just five minutes?\u201d\u00a0 When the other man started to shake his head, he quickly modified his request.\u00a0 \u201cThree, then?\u00a0 Or two?\u00a0 Just a couple of minutes, please, I beg of you.\u201d\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t good form to importune a grieving man this way, but for Adam\u2019s sake, he did it anyway.<\/p>\n

Though he still looked reluctant, Isaac opened the door wider and stepped aside so Ben could enter.\u00a0 He showed him to the parlor and offered him a seat.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, Ben,\u201d he said, head bowed like that of a prisoner awaiting the headsman\u2019s axe.\u00a0 \u201cSay what you came to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam was very distraught last night,\u201d Ben began, \u201cbut mainly because he feared you might have believed him responsible for Rose\u2019s death.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else can I think?\u201d Isaac asked, choking out the words.\u00a0 \u201cThat note . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam swears he didn\u2019t write it,\u201d Ben said urgently.<\/p>\n

Isaac looked over at his friend, tears springing unbidden into his gray eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou have no idea how much I want to believe that, if only to assuage my own guilt, to assure myself that I didn\u2019t let a viper into my home, but it\u201d\u2014his voice cracked\u2014\u201cit was signed \u2018Adam,\u2019 and Rose must have believed it came from him.\u00a0 She wouldn\u2019t have gone to meet anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat much, I\u2019m sure, is true,\u201d Ben agreed.\u00a0 \u201cShe must have believed the message came from Adam, but I can assure you it did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was in town,\u201d Isaac argued.\u00a0 \u201cI saw him myself . . . after.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was in town for a school board meeting,\u201d Ben said, \u201cso, you see, he couldn\u2019t have been meeting with Rose at the same time.\u201d\u00a0 His head came up sharply.\u00a0 \u201cWhy didn\u2019t I think of that?\u00a0 Adam was with the other school board members that night.\u00a0 They can verify that, and since he couldn\u2019t have been in two places at the same time, that will clear him!\u201d\u00a0 He stood abruptly.\u00a0 \u201cPlease excuse me, Isaac, but I must take this information to Roy at once!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Ben.\u201d\u00a0 Isaac rose, too, and his face held hope for the first time since he\u2019d found that vile piece of paper.\u00a0 As he followed his guest to the door, he said, \u201cI can\u2019t tell you what a relief it will be to me if this can exonerate Adam.\u00a0 I had already begun to think of him as my own son. \u00a0You\u2019ll let me know how this develops?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will; of course, I will.\u201d\u00a0 Excited as he was, Ben spared enough time for a quick embrace with the other father.\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Isaac, for your understanding; thank you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I want is justice, Ben,\u201d Isaac said, almost sobbing.\u00a0 \u201cNot vengeance, not vindictiveness, just justice . . . for my Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll find it together,\u201d Ben promised.\u00a0 He kept a dignified posture until he had rounded the corner and then he broke into a dead run.\u00a0 Old as he was, the thought of bringing good news gave the energy of a young man to his legs.<\/p>\n

He burst into the sheriff\u2019s office, where the lawman sat at his desk, perusing wanted posters.\u00a0 \u201cRoy!\u201d he cried.\u00a0 \u201cWe can prove that Adam didn\u2019t kill Rose!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Ben, if that\u2019s true, it\u2019s the best news I\u2019ve heard in a month of Sundays,\u201d Roy declared as he stood.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know why none of us thought of this before,\u201d Ben said. \u201cThere\u2019s been so much else going on that it just slipped my mind, and Adam\u2019s been so torn up over Rose and this horrid accusation that he isn\u2019t thinking straight.\u00a0 There are people who can vouch for his whereabouts that night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam has an alibi?\u00a0 That\u2019s great news, Ben,\u201d Roy said, relief flooding his face.\u00a0 \u201cWho is it?\u00a0 Reputable witness?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly the most reputable,\u201d Ben said with a wide grin.\u00a0 \u201cOnly the entire school board.\u00a0 Adam was in a meeting with them at the schoolhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s pretty reputable, all right,\u201d Roy agreed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have to verify this, of course, but if they say that Adam was with them at the time of her death, then that would clear him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The commotion had brought Hoss and Little Joe from the cell block.\u00a0 Hoss had wanted to go inside the cell with Adam, but Little Joe had argued that they should wait until Pa got back, to spare Roy the trouble of unlocking it twice.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s goin\u2019 on?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam has an alibi!\u201d Ben cried.<\/p>\n

Hoss beamed, ear to ear.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s great, Pa, best news I\u2019ve heard all month.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d Ben said, throwing an arm over each of the two boys\u2019 shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s tell your brother.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed and turned loose of his two younger sons when they reached the door to the cell block and he realized that they couldn\u2019t get through the door, three abreast.<\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled along with him.\u00a0 The whole world seemed sunny again.<\/p>\n

In their own excitement, no one noticed that Little Joe only looked confused as he trailed them into the next room.\u00a0 Was it possible?\u00a0 Was there hope, after all, that his brother hadn\u2019t killed an innocent girl?\u00a0 He wanted to believe that more than he\u2019d ever wanted anything in his life, but he couldn\u2019t match that hope with what he\u2019d seen with his own eyes.\u00a0 Maybe Adam could explain, \u2018cause Joe himself sure couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Adam was standing, the bars of his cell clutched in his hands.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d he asked as his younger brother had only a minute before.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Adam,\u201d Ben said, barely able to contain his relieved laughter.\u00a0 \u201cHow could we have forgotten?\u00a0 A man can\u2019t be in two places at the same time, and we know where you were that night\u2014at that tiresome school board meeting!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can give me the names of the other men there,\u201d Roy said, \u201cI\u2019ll talk to \u2018em soon as possible and compare their statements with what the doc said about the time of death, and if it\u2019s like your pa says, we\u2019ll have you out of here right quick, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam had slumped at the first mention of the school board meeting, and now only his tight grip on the iron bars seemed to hold him up.\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d he croaked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo?\u201d\u00a0 Three voices echoed simultaneously.\u00a0 Little Joe remained silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018no\u2019?\u201d Ben asked after they\u2019d all stared at the young man for what seemed like an eternity.<\/p>\n

Adam gathered himself and stood upright.\u00a0 \u201cNo school board meeting,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Ben turned to his youngest son.\u00a0 \u201cJoe?\u00a0 You were with Adam that night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe moistened suddenly dry lips.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know about the meeting, Pa.\u00a0 When I left Adam at the schoolhouse, no one else had showed up yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen was that, son?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

Little Joe shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t have a watch with me.\u00a0 I\u2019d guess about 7:30.\u00a0 Sorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all right, son,\u201d Ben assured him.\u00a0 \u201cThe truth is all we need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh, Pa<\/em>, thought Joe, if you only knew what the truth was!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd no one else ever showed up, Adam?\u201d the sheriff queried.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cApparently, it was a hoax, just as that note to Rose was.\u201d\u00a0 Hoax was the wrong word for the one she\u2019d received, but he couldn\u2019t think clearly enough to pick the right one.\u00a0 What difference did it make, anyway?\u00a0 She was dead, and it was her love for him that had led her to it . . . just like Emily.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo no one saw you that night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u201d\u2014he broke off as the recollections began to filter in\u2014\u201cWell, there was Abigail Jones, of course.\u00a0 When no one else arrived for the meeting, I went to her house; that\u2019s when I learned there was no meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd when was that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout fifteen after eight,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cI waited until ten after, hoping the others were just late, and then I walked to her house to demand an explanation.\u00a0 She wasn\u2019t too happy about it.\u201d\u00a0 His mouth twisted in a sour moue.<\/p>\n

His mind still sorting things through, Ben aimlessly lifted his hands.\u00a0 \u201cBut she can still verify Adam\u2019s story, can\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cAfraid it won\u2019t help, Ben.\u00a0 Timing\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTiming, Roy?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTime of death,\u201d Roy explained.\u00a0 \u201cDoc puts it well before 8:00.\u00a0 So does your boy, for that matter.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded toward Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cHe said he found the body about five after eight.\u00a0 Now, if young Joe here left his brother at the schoolhouse around 7:30 and Adam didn\u2019t show up to Miss Abigail\u2019s \u2018til 8:15, I\u2019m sorry to say that leaves plenty of time for a side trip to Miller\u2019s Stable right around the time it must\u2019ve happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

And just about the right amount of time to get from that alley to Miss Abigail\u2019s after he shot Rose<\/em>, Little Joe thought, stiffening.<\/p>\n

Face glum, Ben mumbled something about an errand he had to run and made his way slowly back to the home of Isaac Worthington, to fulfill the most painful promise he\u2019d ever made.<\/p>\n

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

The trial was set to begin a week after Adam\u2019s arrest.\u00a0 \u201cThat doesn\u2019t give us much time,\u201d Hiram Wood said to Ben over dinner at the exclusive Washoe Club.\u00a0 They, along with Hoss and Little Joe, found relative privacy at their secluded corner table.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you not ask for\u2014a stay?\u201d Ben asked, struggling for the correct legal term.<\/p>\n

Hiram lifted an eyebrow in surprise, as \u201cstay of execution\u201d flitted through his mind.\u00a0 Only a moment later, however, he understood.\u00a0 \u201cI think you mean a continuance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben quickly affirmed, for the same gruesome phrase had also passed through his thoughts as soon as he spoke the word.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it might be possible,\u201d Hiram said, \u201cbut I would need to offer reasonable grounds, and right now I don\u2019t have them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow good is the prosecution\u2019s case?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

Hiram shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cThe evidence is completely circumstantial, but it\u2019s fairly strong circumstantial evidence.\u00a0 It tends to prove that Adam had the opportunity to commit the crime, especially since he can\u2019t account for his whereabouts between 7:30 and 8:15.\u00a0 It\u2019s a pity young Joe here didn\u2019t keep his brother company while he waited at the schoolhouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat ain\u2019t Little Joe\u2019s fault,\u201d Hoss put in with a concerned glance at his little brother, who had winced when the lawyer said those words.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, of course not,\u201d Hiram hastily said.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to imply that, just expressing a little \u2018if wishes were horses.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill Joseph have to testify?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

The lawyer worked his mouth to one side and then the other in thought.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u00a0 I might need to put him on the stand briefly, Ben, just to establish when he left his brother.\u00a0 On the other hand, since that information doesn\u2019t particularly help Adam, it might be best to leave it unsaid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the prosecution?\u201d Ben pressed.\u00a0 \u201cThe boy did find the body.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cActually, Ben, he didn\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 At the surprised looks that met his statement, he explained.\u00a0 \u201cScott McGrew was the first in the barn, as I heard it.\u00a0 Is that right, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cI did come in right after, but he\u2019s the one that actually found Rose.\u00a0 You mean I might not have to . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe prosecution could still call you,\u201d Hiram said as he reached across the table to pat the hand of the obviously nervous young man, \u201cbut I wouldn\u2019t worry, son.\u00a0 The prosecutor really doesn\u2019t need to examine anyone other than Scott for that purpose, and if he has any sense at all, he\u2019ll settle for that.\u00a0 I personally avoid bringing family in as opposing witnesses whenever I possibly can.\u00a0 A jury can take offense to that sort of thing, so it\u2019s wise not to, unless that\u2019s the only way you can establish essential facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, that\u2019s good news,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 He clapped his younger brother on the back.\u00a0 \u201cYou can quit twistin\u2019 your long johns in a knot, \u00a0Shortshanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 I hope so,\u201d Little Joe said, little realizing how soon those hopes were to be dashed.<\/p>\n

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

Walter Walcott could barely contain his excitement as he rushed into his father\u2019s office and shut the door.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s finally happened,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that would be . . .\u201d William Walcott coaxed with a hopeful lift of his countenance.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright has been bound over for trial and the date set.\u201d<\/p>\n

William nodded in satisfaction.\u00a0 \u201cAt last.\u00a0 I had begun to fear that the Cartwrights\u2019 hold over the law in this town might once again circumvent justice.\u201d\u00a0 Waiting for all the pieces to fall into place had been an exercise in patience, but now that tortured waiting had been transferred to those who more rightfully should suffer it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it time, then, for our next move?\u201d Walter asked eagerly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour fervor does you honor, son,\u201d his father replied, \u201cbut we\u2019ll wait just a little longer, give the Cartwrights a day or two to sweat before we turn up the heat.\u00a0 It\u2019s better if we unleash the next act of our little drama closer to the opening of the trial.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHarder on the boy that way,\u201d Walter murmured.\u00a0 \u201cLess time to deal with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely,\u201d said his father with a crafty smirk.\u00a0 \u201cWe want the props knocked out from under him.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Mortimer Klein sat in his office, staring at the note that had been delivered to him only an hour before.\u00a0 He would have given a great deal to know who his benefactor was, but a note printed in block letters was hard to identify.\u00a0 Not that he would have recognized many of the scrawls of his Virginia City neighbors, anyway.\u00a0 Still, it was always best to know with whom he was dealing . . . and what the motives might be.\u00a0 He spared little thought on the unanswerable question, however, and focused, instead, on the more profitable one of how to use the information.\u00a0 He read through the note a third time:<\/p>\n

Dear Mr. Klein,<\/p>\n

Little Joe Cartwright can greatly assist you in your prosecution of his criminal brother.\u00a0 He saw more than he is willing to tell, but if you can get him away from the influence of his family, you may be able to press the truth from him.<\/p>\n

A friend of justice<\/p>\n

Klein stepped to his door and called to his assistant, Thomas Parsons.\u00a0 When the man had entered the inner office and closed the door, Klein handed him the note.\u00a0 \u201cRead that and give me your opinion,\u201d he directed.<\/p>\n

Parsons scanned the words, his lips pursing as he took in its import.\u00a0 \u201cEasier said than done,\u201d he opined.\u00a0 Klein cocked his head quizzically, and his assistant continued, \u201cGetting that boy away from his family, that is.\u00a0 The Cartwrights stick tighter than drying rawhide, even more so since the oldest son was arrested.\u00a0 From what I\u2019ve observed, they\u2019re either in Hiram Wood\u2019s office or at the jail most of the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you agree it might be profitable to bring the boy in, question him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Parsons nodded slowly.\u00a0 \u201cIf he did, indeed, witness the crime, as this seems to indicate, I believe it imperative that we question him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout his family\u2019s knowledge?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf at all possible,\u201d the assistant said.\u00a0 \u201cWhoever wrote this is right about one thing: as long as young Joseph Cartwright is under his father\u2019s influence, you\u2019re unlikely to get anything out of him.\u00a0 Separate him from that and\u2014well, the lad is only sixteen or so, isn\u2019t he?\u00a0 It shouldn\u2019t be too hard to, shall we say, influence a boy of that age.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly to tell the truth, Mr. Parsons,\u201d Mortimer Klein insisted, frowning.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not interested in subverting justice, only in seeking it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Parsons said at once, \u201cand if seeking justice requires a little pressure . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll press with a free conscience,\u201d the prosecutor declared.<\/p>\n

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

If there was a blessing to be found in the horrifying turn of events for the Cartwrights, it lay in their timing.\u00a0 Late autumn was the one of the slower times of year on the Ponderosa, so each morning they did a few minimal chores and set tasks for the skeleton crew they kept on after fall roundup.\u00a0 That left them free to ride into town by mid-morning and spend the rest of the day with Adam.\u00a0 Ben and Hoss cherished that time, fearing, though never saying it, that these might be the last few days they could ever have the privilege of conversation with him.<\/p>\n

Little Joe, on the other hand, seemed to almost look for excuses to do anything else, volunteering \u201cto manage things at the ranch,\u201d and when that stunning offer was rejected, for any errand that took him away from the jail, even briefly.\u00a0 He had visibly calmed down after their lawyer\u2019s assessment of his chances of having to testify, but he still seemed edgy during the hours at the jail and he never joined in sharing anecdotes of better times with Adam.\u00a0 Not that the well-worn tales and oft resurrected jokes did much to draw Adam from his demoralized stupor; if they got the barest smile out of him, Ben and Hoss considered their efforts a success.<\/p>\n

Most of the time Adam barely acknowledged their presence in the cell.\u00a0 His eyes seemed fixed, unseeing, on whatever wall he was facing, and if he spoke at all, he rarely got past an anguished, \u201cWhy?\u201d\u00a0 He seemed locked in endless self-examination, much as he\u2019d been after the death of Emily Walcott, as if he were again looking for something he could have done differently that might have kept the woman he loved alive.\u00a0 Having gone through it three times himself, Ben understood the haze that could envelop a man in the early stages of grief, but this was different.\u00a0 The haze had developed into a dense fog, with the accusation of murder adding a layer of grayer gloom, but much as Adam needed time and space to come to terms with the loss of Rose, time and space were luxuries they simply didn\u2019t have.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got to get through to him, Ben,\u201d Hiram Woods said urgently during one of his private lunch sessions with the father of his client.\u00a0 \u201cIf he goes into that courtroom looking guilty . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt isn\u2019t guilt; it\u2019s grief,\u201d Ben protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d the lawyer said, \u201cbut it looks like guilt . . . or shame.\u00a0 A man simply cannot enter into a trial for his life looking as though he doesn\u2019t care what the verdict is.\u00a0 And in the interests of helping your oldest son, for the love of mercy, get your youngest out of that jail!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Little Joe\u2019s his brother; he should be there, same as Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram sighed.\u00a0 \u201cHe clearly doesn\u2019t want to be there.\u00a0 Look, Ben, I\u2019m not saying that the boy\u2019s responsible for his brother\u2019s disheartened state of mind, but if you think Adam hasn\u2019t noticed . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see how he couldn\u2019t,\u201d Ben admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s gotten into Little Joe, but he\u2019s been this way since finding Rose\u2019s body.\u00a0 He\u2019s been a little better the last couple of days, but I don\u2019t understand his attitude.\u201d\u00a0 When did I ever?<\/em> Ben mused, though the only outward sign was a helpless spread of his open palms.\u00a0 His youngest always did react to inner turmoil in this same ridiculously unfathomable manner, and as a father, he\u2019d rarely been able to do anything but wait until the storm intensified enough to make the boy seek help.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s young,\u201d the lawyer said, falling back on the time-honored excuse, \u201cjust sixteen\u2014no, seventeen now; he had a birthday awhile back, didn\u2019t he?\u00a0 Still, it\u2019s hard for a fellow that age to sit still for any length of time under the best circumstances.\u00a0 To do it in a jail is even harder.\u00a0 I\u2019m not saying to keep him completely away from Adam.\u00a0 Just give him some time away from that cell; let him get some exercise out in the fresh air.\u00a0 Probably make a world of difference in his attitude.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might,\u201d Ben conceded, although he entertained doubts.\u00a0 Wasn\u2019t half a morning\u2019s exercise in the fresh air each day enough?\u00a0 He smiled slightly.\u00a0 Well, considering that was for chores, maybe not.\u00a0 Certainly, the lawyer\u2019s suggested course of action could do no harm.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll try that,\u201d he said to Hiram.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u00a0 Now, let\u2019s discuss the slate of witnesses, for and against Adam\u2019s case, and see if we\u2019ve overlooked anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Since Pa was having lunch with Mr. Wood, Hoss had asked his younger brother if it\u2019d be all right for them to eat up at the Chop House.\u00a0 Its hearty portions made it a favorite for the big man, but Pa always seemed to pick fancier places for family meals, the International House or the Washoe Club, for instance.\u00a0 They\u2019d been going to Daisy\u2019s Caf\u00e9 pretty regular, too, when they wanted something simple and quick, but much as he loved that place, Hoss was ready for a change.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make me no never-mind,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t much hungry.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s bein\u2019 off your feed that makes you so cantankerous,\u201d Hoss said as they walked up the hill toward the restaurant.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t bein\u2019 cantankerous,\u201d Little Joe grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t over-friendly, either,\u201d Hoss snorted.\u00a0 \u201cYou ain\u2019t said a dozen words to our big brother since this all started; be a stretch to call it half a dozen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s said even less.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the more reason to talk to him,\u201d Hoss insisted.\u00a0 \u201cHe needs our help, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes he?\u201d\u00a0 The only help Little Joe figured Adam wanted from him was to keep his mouth shut.\u00a0 Pa and Hoss might complain about his silence, but they shouldn\u2019t look a gift horse in the mouth.\u00a0 If they only knew how hard he had to bite his tongue to keep from blurting out an ugly truth no one wanted to hear!<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, doggone it, he does!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I got no pearls of wisdom for him,\u201d Little Joe retorted.\u00a0 \u201cNow, we gonna eat, so you can get back and give him yours, or we gonna stand here squabblin\u2019 in the street and give the good folks of Virginia City even more to talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, come on,\u201d Hoss growled, pushing open the door to the Chop House.\u00a0 Little Joe had hit him right where it hurt, \u2018cause he didn\u2019t have any pearls of wisdom, either.\u00a0 Joe was right, too, about them providing fodder for the town gossips.\u00a0 Maybe they\u2019d both feel better after a good meal, though he didn\u2019t think that skimpy bowl of clam chowder his little brother ordered would do much more than wet his whistle.<\/p>\n

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

Little Joe felt free for the first time in more than a week.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know what had made Pa suggest that he stretch his legs, go have a beer, whatever he wanted for a couple of hours, but he didn\u2019t care. \u00a0He didn\u2019t care, either, that Hoss had glared at him as if he were some sort of traitor for not wanting to spend every waking moment at Adam\u2019s side.\u00a0 Well, all right, he did care about that; he hated disappointing the man he considered his best friend, but doggone it, Hoss just didn\u2019t know what Joe knew, and if he had, maybe he wouldn\u2019t have been so keen on exchanging chit-chat with a murderer, either.<\/p>\n

Joe wasn\u2019t sure what to make of Adam.\u00a0 If he hadn\u2019t seen his brother leaving the barn that night, he would have sworn that Adam was innocent, same as Pa and Hoss did.\u00a0 He sure acted like he didn\u2019t know anything about how Rose had died, and at first Joe had thought, bitterly, that his brother was one fine actor.\u00a0 Now he wasn\u2019t so sure, \u2018cause he didn\u2019t think even Edwin Booth was good enough to pull off this attitude of grief and innocence all mixed up together.\u00a0 Was it possible that his older brother simply didn\u2019t remember what he\u2019d done?\u00a0 Had he just lost his head for a few minutes and then lost all memory of doing it?\u00a0 That would make him more crazy than evil, not that that was a whole heap better.\u00a0 Was it any better, after all, for Adam to spend his life locked up in a mad house than to end it at the end of a rope?\u00a0 He\u2019d be alive, at least, but, to Joe, that was a life worse than death.\u00a0 And wouldn\u2019t that be even harder for Pa to bear?<\/p>\n

He tossed off the uncomfortable thoughts.\u00a0 He had the afternoon free, and he wouldn\u2019t waste it with morbid speculations.\u00a0 Time enough for that when he dragged himself back to the jail later.\u00a0 Spurning the Silver Dollar for its bad memories of that gruesome night, he headed toward the Bucket of Blood.\u00a0 He had almost reached that haven of refuge from unpleasant thoughts when a tall young man ran up behind him, calling, \u201cMr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m one of \u2018em,\u201d Little Joe said with a twisted smile as he turned to face the man.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure it ain\u2019t my pa you want, mister?\u201d\u00a0 The way the man was dressed indicated a business purpose, instead of the cowboy\u2019s or miner\u2019s garb of most men who had any reason to talk to the youngest of the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want Joseph Cartwright,\u201d Thomas Parsons said.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s you, is it not?\u201d<\/p>\n

An instinctive shiver crawled up Little Joe\u2019s spine.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I reckon it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Parsons smiled, not particularly pleasantly.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright, you need to come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Little Joe demanded.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t even know you, mister!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy associate, Mr. Mortimer Klein, needs to speak with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know him, either,\u201d Little Joe snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou soon will,\u201d Parsons said with an oily smile.\u00a0 \u201cHe is, after all, the man prosecuting your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

The prosecutor!\u00a0 Little Joe could think of no man on earth he wished less to see.\u00a0 \u201cUh, well, I, uh . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease come with me now, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Parsons said.\u00a0 \u201cIf you refuse, you will only compel us to obtain a court order requiring your cooperation, and I\u2019m sure your family would prefer to avoid that unpleasantness, considering all they\u2019re currently facing.\u201d\u00a0 It was, in part, a bluff.\u00a0 Certainly, they could subpoena any witness for the trial, but Mr. Klein always preferred to depose potential witnesses prior to their public testimony, to avoid any nasty surprises hitting them from the stand.\u00a0 Their chances of obtaining a court order for the sort of questioning they had in mind for this young man were doubtful and might require the cooperation of Sheriff Coffee for its enforcement.\u00a0 That, they were unlikely to receive, given the lawman\u2019s well documented friendship with the Cartwrights.\u00a0 None of these speculations, of course, were revealed in the calm countenance he presented to the youngest Cartwright, and he gambled on the boy\u2019s youth and legal inexperience for his bluff\u2019s success.<\/p>\n

Little Joe had not even a teaspoon\u2019s measure of the lawyer\u2019s control, and the instant panic and uncertainty he felt showed plainly on his expressive face.\u00a0 He\u2019d harbored his guilty secret this long in hopes of sparing Pa and Hoss and even, though he knew it was a miscarriage of justice, to protect his oldest brother from the gallows.\u00a0 If he couldn\u2019t avoid the prosecutor\u2019s questions, perhaps he could, at least, continue to keep his father in the dark, if he went with this fellow now.\u00a0 And, maybe, all this Mr. Klein wanted to question him about was finding Rose\u2019s body.\u00a0 Sure, that had to be it, and unpleasant as that was to talk about, he could handle it.\u00a0 Now was probably the best time to get it out of the way, too, since he wasn\u2019t expected back at the jail for at least a couple of hours.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I guess I might as well get it over with,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Had Thomas Parsons been any less skilled at controlling his expressions, his face might have glowed with the rush of triumph that surged through him at that moment.\u00a0 The gamble had paid off; Mr. Klein would be most impressed with his young associate\u2019s performance and, perhaps, might reward him with greater participation in the trial itself.\u00a0 \u201cCertainly, certainly,\u201d Parsons said.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s a wise decision.\u00a0 If you\u2019ll come with me . . . this way, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Mortimer Klein stood behind his desk as his associate escorted Joseph Cartwright into the inner office.\u00a0 \u201cAh, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he said, extending his hand.\u00a0 \u201cThank you so much for coming in for this interview.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe took the man\u2019s hand and gave it a weak-fish shake.\u00a0 \u201cUh, sure, but, honest, Mr. Klein, I don\u2019t think I can help you much.\u00a0 I mean, it was Scott\u2014Mr. McGrew, that is\u2014that found the body, so he can tell you more\u2019n me.\u201d\u00a0 On the way here he\u2019d remembered what Hiram Wood had said and decided he should lean hard on the argument that Scott was the only witness the prosecutor needed.\u00a0 He\u2019d decided not to mention the part about the prosecutor being stupid to use a family member unless he had to.\u00a0 No sense in rilin\u2019 the man up needlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d the lawyer said, \u201cbut it\u2019s important to corroborate his testimony, you understand.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t want to put a witness on the stand, only to learn there that he hadn\u2019t told me the truth.\u00a0 That can be quite disconcerting, not to mention embarrassing.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled ingratiatingly at the young man.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, sure, sure,\u201d Little Joe agreed, relief washing over his face.\u00a0 If that was all the man wanted, he\u2019d be more than happy to back up Scott\u2019s story!\u00a0 That couldn\u2019t hurt anyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t you sit down, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, yeah, okay.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe took the seat across from the prosecutor.<\/p>\n

As Mr. Klein sat down, he noted how tightly the boy\u2019s fingers were wrapped around the wooden arms of the chair on whose edge he perched.\u00a0 Yes, this was definitely the attitude of an uncomfortable witness, one who, perhaps, was working hard to hold something in.\u00a0 For now, though, the prosecutor wanted to treat this young man with respect, hoping to win his willing cooperation.\u00a0 He could always take a harder tack, should the boy prove recalcitrant, as Cartwrights were reputed to be.\u00a0 This one was young, however; maybe the family obstinacy hadn\u2019t been ingrained in him yet.\u00a0 One could hope.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, it\u2019s my understanding, from Mr. McGrew, that you entered the alley before he did, is that correct?\u201d Mr. Klein asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, yeah, that\u2019s right,\u201d Little Joe replied.<\/p>\n

Still smiling, the prosecutor asked, \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe caught his breath.\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Klein said, leaning slightly forward.\u00a0 \u201cWhy did you enter the alley?\u00a0 You were walking down the street and suddenly turned into a dark, deserted alley, or so I\u2019ve been led to believe.\u00a0 Did you have some purpose there, cutting through to get somewhere else, perhaps, or did you hear something that you felt you should investigate?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s mind scrambled for any plausible answer. \u00a0He couldn\u2019t very well tell the prosecutor that he\u2019d gone there in response to a note from Adam!\u00a0 \u201cUh, I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 I mean, no, I wasn\u2019t cuttin\u2019 through there.\u00a0 I guess, maybe, I could\u2019ve heard something . . . the shot, maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Klein shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, according to Mr. McGrew, you had just turned into the alley before the shot was fired.\u00a0 He could still see you, he says, but you were definitely already headed that direction.\u00a0 Try to remember, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Did you hear something . . . or possibly see . . . movement, perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Little Joe said slowly.\u00a0 It seemed like the safest answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, perhaps,\u201d the prosecutor pursued, \u201cthat is what made you run down that alley and turn into the intersecting one?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe stifled a groan just in time.\u00a0 Why had he blurted that out to Scott, first thing?\u00a0 But he hadn\u2019t known then what they\u2019d find inside that abandoned stable.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d\u00a0 Noting the boy\u2019s increased discomfort, Klein pressed for an answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014uh\u2014I thought I saw someone run off that way,\u201d Little Joe stammered, \u201cbut when I got there, I didn\u2019t see anyone.\u201d\u00a0 Keep it simple<\/em>, he told himself, just what you told Scott.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, good,\u201d the prosecutor said.\u00a0 \u201cYour memory is returning.\u00a0 That\u2019s very good, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, sure.\u201d\u00a0 That much couldn\u2019t hurt Adam, could it?<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, this is very important, Mr. Cartwright, so please think carefully,\u201d Mr. Klein urged.\u00a0 \u201cDid you recognize this individual running from the scene of the crime?\u201d<\/p>\n

That was the question that had given Little Joe nightmares since that awful night.\u00a0 So far, though, he\u2019d been able to avoid speaking his brother\u2019s name, and he had no intention of saying it now.\u00a0 \u201cWell, uh, it was real dark, sir,\u201d he mumbled.\u00a0 Roy had been satisfied with that; maybe it would work here, too.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t.\u00a0 \u201cYes, it was dark, but did you recognize the man?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe took a long, slow and, to the lawyer\u2019s trained eye, completely revealing breath.\u00a0 \u201cI couldn\u2019t say,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Mr. Klein\u2019s face hardened.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I think you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d<\/p>\n

Palms planted on his desk, the prosecutor rose.\u00a0 \u201cI think you can most definitely say who you saw in that alley; I think you simply don\u2019t want to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe drew back in the chair.\u00a0 \u201cWhy would you say that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you were seen, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cScott was too far back to see anything, and there wasn\u2019t anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, but there was!\u00a0 I have received a most informative note from another witness, indicating that you know much more than you are willing to admit, young man.\u00a0 That you, in fact, know the identity of the killer and are only withholding it because you do not wish to indict your own brother!\u201d\u00a0 The note had not said all that in plain English, certainly, but the prosecutor believed he could read that inference between the lines. \u00a0Leading a potential witness to believe that his interrogator knew more than he actually did had always been a useful strategy in the past. \u00a0When a man\u2014in this case, a gullible boy\u2014believed that his secrets were already known, he was often less careful about hiding them.\u00a0 Obviously, as the note had stated, Little Joe Cartwright knew more than he was saying; that was apparent from the panic that flashed in his eyes when the prosecutor threw the truth in his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014uh\u2014I think I need to leave,\u201d Little Joe said, rising from the chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d Mortimer Klein shouted.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not going anywhere until you tell me the truth\u2014that you saw your brother, Adam Cartwright, kill Rose Worthington.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not!\u201d Little Joe yelled back.\u00a0 \u201cShe was already dead when I got there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she was,\u201d the prosecutor said, \u201cso you correctly state that you did not see the actual killing, but you did see your brother leaving that stable immediately after hearing that shot, didn\u2019t you?\u201d\u00a0 Another guess, but a well reasoned one.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Little Joe said, breathing heavily as he told the bald-faced lie.\u00a0 It went against everything he\u2019d been taught all his life.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Klein said, taking his own seat again, as well. \u00a0\u201cYou can be compelled to answer my questions, and there are certainly consequences to be paid if you do not.\u00a0 I would prefer to avoid that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got nothing to say,\u201d Little Joe insisted, moving toward the door.\u00a0 He turned the handle; it was locked.\u00a0 \u201cLet me out of here,\u201d he spat.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn good time, young man; in good time,\u201d the prosecutor said.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t wish to make this more difficult for you than necessary, but we must have the truth, and you and I both know that what you just said is not the truth, don\u2019t we, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Little Joe insisted, although his voice was less steady than before.\u00a0 Lying the first time had been hard; repeating it, still harder on his tortured conscience.\u00a0 By the forcible hand of Thomas Parsons, he was led back to the chair and pushed into it, facing Mortimer Klein.\u00a0 Released, he folded his arms tightly across his chest and stared at his opponent.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t make me talk,\u201d he sputtered.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, I can,\u201d Klein stated calmly.\u00a0 \u201cI can, if necessary, have you subpoenaed and even forcibly detained in the jail if you continue to show this obstinate refusal to testify.\u00a0 Would you like to occupy the cell next to your brother?\u00a0 I\u2019m sure Sheriff Coffee could arrange that for the son of an old friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe seemed to wilt before the man\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Of all the places he did not want to be, the cell next to his brother topped the list.\u00a0 And what good would it do, anyway?\u00a0 Yeah, he could refuse to accuse his brother, but Pa would be sure to find out the reason his youngest son was behind bars, and then everything he\u2019d tried to keep Pa from knowing would come out.<\/p>\n

Mortimer Klein couldn\u2019t discern the boy\u2019s thoughts, but he was experienced in reading faces, and the youthful one before him was flooded with indecision and a melancholy that hinted at a deeper reason for his reluctance than simple fraternal loyalty.\u00a0 Perhaps a gentler approach might be more useful than threats, although he could always pull those out of his arsenal, if needed.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe,\u201d he said softly.\u00a0 \u201cMay I call you that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly my friends call me that, mister,\u201d the young man said gruffly as he fidgeted in his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh.\u00a0 Of course, and you don\u2019t consider me a friend, do you, Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 Wishing to avoid giving offense, he moved effortlessly to the boy\u2019s first name as an alternative.\u00a0 \u201cI understand.\u00a0 I know you may find this hard to believe, but I really do appreciate the difficult position you are in and I genuinely sympathize.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen let me go,\u201d Little Joe grunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do that,\u201d the prosecutor said.\u00a0 \u201cI have a duty to the citizens of Virginia City, as well as to an innocent young girl, whose life was ruthlessly taken from her.\u00a0 To fulfill that trust, I have to find the truth, and there is a truth you\u2019re hiding, isn\u2019t there, Joseph?\u00a0 Truth will out, as Shakespeare says, and holding this ugly truth inside must be agony for you. \u00a0Wouldn\u2019t it actually be a relief to reveal it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Relief?\u00a0 Of course, it would be a relief to get that guilty secret off his chest!\u00a0 But what would that do to Pa?\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d Little Joe whispered to the floor.<\/p>\n

The prosecutor could barely contain his elation.\u00a0 The words were a virtual admission of information deliberately withheld.\u00a0 Time to tighten the screws a little.\u00a0 \u201cYou went to school under Miss Abigail Jones, did you not, Joseph?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 The question seemed so disconnected from the previous line of conversation that Little Joe\u2019s head immediately came up, and he stared at the man across the desk from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Jones was your teacher, isn\u2019t that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh . . . yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd a good one?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe almost smiled.\u00a0 There\u2019d been a time when he\u2019d thought Abigail Jones the worst teacher in the world.\u00a0 He still thought her romance-oriented approach to history and literature\u2014thank goodness, arithmetic had been spared!\u2014was ridiculous, but now that he was safely out of all that, he felt a certain fondness for the woman.\u00a0 She\u2019d actually taught him quite a lot.\u00a0 \u201cI guess I\u2019d say so,\u201d he answered now.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, she would have taught you the meaning of words like . . . perjury, I assume.\u201d<\/p>\n

The ghost of a smile disappeared, and the boy\u2019s face tightened.\u00a0 \u201cI know what it means,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d the lawyer said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad my tax dollars are not being wasted.\u201d\u00a0 Though it seemed impossible, his face sobered still more.\u00a0 \u201cAnd are you aware of the penalty for perjury?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe saw where this was headed and didn\u2019t like it, but he shrugged as if the matter were of little consequence to him.\u00a0 \u201cJail time, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

The prosecutor\u2019s voice hardened.\u00a0 \u201cNo, not time in your friend Roy Coffee\u2019s jail.\u00a0 This is not a misdemeanor, such as drunk and disorderly; perjury is a felony offence, and felonies mean prison.\u00a0 That, I assure you, Joseph, is a far different thing, and a boy like you would not do well there, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe wasn\u2019t sure what the man meant, but he instinctively agreed.\u00a0 He\u2019d spent a night or two in Roy Coffee\u2019s jail, on exactly the sort of misdemeanor charge Klein had mention, and even that relatively friendly confinement had been hard to take.\u00a0 From what he\u2019d seen of men who\u2019d been to the territorial prison, he knew that had to be infinitely harder.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t done anything,\u201d he said, but the slight quaver in his voice was an indication to the savvy lawyer that he\u2019d struck fertile soil.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet.\u201d\u00a0 Klein dug the razor-sharp bit of his plow in deeper.\u00a0 \u201cHowever, I fully intend to put you on the stand and under oath, young man.\u00a0 Should you refuse to speak the truth then, much as I would regret it, I would feel compelled to prosecute you for perjury\u2014and see you incarcerated in prison.\u00a0 Further, if you continue to withhold the truth, you will be making yourself an accessory after the fact to the murder of Rose Worthington, a criminal act that carries an even stiffer prison sentence.\u00a0 Is sheltering a murderer worth that price, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

The volume of the prosecutor\u2019s voice had risen with each sentence, until he was almost shouting by the time he asked the final question, and Little Joe was visibly shaken.\u00a0 Klein suddenly dropped his angry demeanor and adopted, once again, the attitude of a kindly uncle.\u00a0 \u201cTruthfully, Joseph, the fact that you haven\u2019t come forward before means that you are already guilty of being an accessory after the fact.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing the fear that comment quickened in the boy\u2019s eyes, he held up a hand and said, \u201cHowever, I am willing to set aside your guilt to this point and release you from the threat of prosecution on that score, if you will only agree to do the right thing now.\u201d\u00a0 He offered a conciliatory smile and made his voice still gentler.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe,\u201d he said, deliberately using the more familiar address to indicate that he spoke as a friend, \u201cyour silence will not help your brother, anyway.\u00a0 I have a strong case against him, even without your testimony.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s head came up.\u00a0 \u201cThen why make me?\u201d he challenged.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it is my duty to present the strongest case I can,\u201d the prosecutor insisted.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a hard thing for a juror to convict a man on such charges; in fairness to them, I need to demonstrate guilt beyond even the flimsiest shadow of doubt, although, in this case, I don\u2019t think even that exists.\u00a0 Do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe stared at him, and his breathing became more shallow and rapid.<\/p>\n

Klein leaned closer.\u00a0 \u201cAnd, Little Joe, I hate to suggest this, but you really should consider what the stress of seeing two sons convicted of serious crimes is likely to do to a man of your father\u2019s advanced years.\u00a0 I only hope he doesn\u2019t have a weak heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe wiped his sweating brow.\u00a0 He\u2019d thought of little else for days now, how Pa would take it if he learned that Adam was a murderer, but if Adam were convicted and sentenced to hang and he himself were sent to prison, what would that do to Pa?\u00a0 And to Hoss, who\u2019d be left alone to pick up the pieces?\u00a0 They were the ones that mattered.\u00a0 Eyes swimming with unshed tears, he nodded slowly.<\/p>\n

The prosecutor took that as confirmation that the boy\u2019s will had been broken.\u00a0 \u201cGood,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cNow, let\u2019s start at the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Ducking into the nearest alley, Little Joe sank to earth behind a large crate, legs drawn up and aching head resting on his cradled knees.\u00a0 Beneath his green jacket his sweat-soaked shirt clung to his clammy skin, the result of an hour\u2019s grilling by the persistent prosecutor.\u00a0 Gone was the feeling of freedom with which he\u2019d greeted his release from sitting attendance on his older brother at the jail.\u00a0 Little Joe had never felt more trapped in his life, even after the two lawyers finally unlocked the office door and let him go with instructions that insured his feelings of entrapment would crowd even closer, despite his apparent release.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a prospective witness,\u201d Mortimer Klein had ordered, \u201cyou cannot communicate with anyone about your upcoming testimony.\u00a0 This is standard procedure in a court case.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I need to tell Pa,\u201d Little Joe had insisted.\u00a0 \u201cLike you said . . . his heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

The prosecutor hesitated only a moment before saying with apparent kindness and concern.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry; that isn\u2019t possible.\u00a0 However, your father will have to know, eventually, of his oldest son\u2019s guilt, and perhaps it\u2019s best that he learn this sad truth from an unimpeachable witness and at a time when his personal physician is in attendance.\u00a0 Being a witness himself, Dr. Paul Martin will be in the court room.\u201d<\/p>\n

It made sense, at least as best as his exhausted mind could think, but Little Joe still felt like heaving up his toenails, except he didn\u2019t think he\u2019d find anything inside to bring up, even if he reached down that far.\u00a0 He lifted his head and wiped his beaded brow.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t sure what time it was, but he figured he needed to get back to the jail soon.\u00a0 Not looking like this, though.\u00a0 He had to pull himself together.\u00a0 Lurching to his feet, he ran his thick tongue around his parched mouth.\u00a0 He needed a drink, but beer didn\u2019t sound inviting any more.\u00a0 Too many people, too much noise to clang in his already ringing ears.\u00a0 Beer was too good a drink for a traitor, anyway.\u00a0 The nearest horse trough would do for the likes of him.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat a little fool,\u201d Thomas Parsons gloated within seconds of sending the Cartwright boy out the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cNone of that,\u201d Mortimer Klein said sternly.\u00a0 \u201cI will not hear that boy disparaged.\u00a0 He\u2019s in a difficult position, and as I told him, I genuinely sympathize.\u201d<\/p>\n

Parsons immediately changed his demeanor.\u00a0 \u201cOf course, sir; you\u2019re quite right, sir.\u00a0 I simply found it hard to understand why he would believe that he could not speak to anyone about this matter.\u00a0 There is no such law, as far as I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn my opinion, there should be,\u201d the prosecutor declared.\u00a0 \u201cWitnesses chattering to one another, comparing their stories, should definitely not be allowed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely not,\u201d his associate agreed.\u00a0 \u201cTo the best of my knowledge, however, his father is not scheduled as a witness, so even if there were such a law, it would not preclude the boy\u2019s speaking to him.\u00a0 Surely, he should have realized that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klein shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s young and not nearly as conversant with the law as you, my boy, for which we must be thankful, but never scornful.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly, sir.\u00a0 I meant no disrespect.\u201d\u00a0 Parsons looked intently at his employer.\u00a0 \u201cDo you think he will follow your instructions?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so; I believe I made my point strongly enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you did, sir, most strongly!\u00a0 You were especially effective in detailing the penalties he might expect, should he in any way hinder this prosecution. I was only concerned that his family . . . or their lawyer . . . might in some way influence him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a risk I hope we have prevented,\u201d the prosecutor said.\u00a0 \u201cHiram Wood is a highly competent lawyer, so it\u2019s certainly to our advantage to employ the element of surprise against him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a pity we couldn\u2019t just keep the boy here, under the proper influence,\u201d Parsons said, ending with a slight chuckle.<\/p>\n

Klein peered at him over his horn-rimmed glasses.\u00a0 \u201cKidnapping is a felony, I would remind you, Mr. Parsons.\u00a0 While I am willing to manipulate the truth in minor ways in order to see justice done, I do draw the line at that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was merely jesting, sir.\u00a0 I apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klein nodded.\u00a0 \u201cWell, it\u2019s only two days until the trial begins.\u00a0 Hopefully, young Mr. Cartwright can resist any need he feels to unburden himself for that long.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Little Joe arrived back at the jail after his outing looking no better than before he\u2019d left.\u00a0 Hoss, quite frankly, thought he looked worse and suspected he\u2019d indulged in a mite more liquor than was good for any man.\u00a0 Probably tryin\u2019 to drown out the sorry way he\u2019s been treatin\u2019 Adam<\/em>, the older brother concluded.\u00a0 He decided to just let the kid stew in his own juices awhile; most times that worked better than a hard punch to jaw, even though that was the medicine Hoss felt most like administering.<\/p>\n

Ben, as well, noticed that Little Joe did not appear to have profited much from his time away, but he thought that, not unlike other medicine, it might be necessary to administer multiple doses before it took effect.\u00a0 At any rate, Hiram had seemed to feel strongly that the boy\u2019s presence here was doing nothing but contribute to Adam\u2019s depressed state of mind, so Ben was determined to keep trying the lawyer\u2019s proposed cure.\u00a0 Personally, he thought it might be time for a \u201cWhat\u2019s tearing at you?\u201d conversation with his youngest, but at present he didn\u2019t feel he had the energy for a confrontation of that sort.<\/p>\n

For now, it seemed more important to channel all his strength into supporting the son who needed him most, the one facing the most dangerous threat.\u00a0 Maybe it was the trial itself that was keeping Joe on edge.\u00a0 If so, perhaps his tension, along with Ben\u2019s own and Hoss\u2019s and, most of all, Adam\u2019s might be relieved soon.\u00a0 If not, he\u2019d deal with Joseph once this crisis was past.\u00a0 Only two more days now.<\/p>\n

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

Little Joe plunked his carpetbag onto the bed nearest the window of the room he would share with Hoss that night and as many afterwards as the trial took . . . or as long as he was welcome, which might be only this single night.\u00a0 He\u2019d tried to convince Pa to let him spend one last night in his own room at the Ponderosa, assuring him that he\u2019d still be at the courthouse in time for the beginning of the trial.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t, of course, tell his father that he had no choice but to be there, if he wanted to avoid a trip to the territorial prison.<\/p>\n

Even without dropping that bombshell, he had apparently managed to sever the last of Ben Cartwright\u2019s frayed nerves.\u00a0 \u201cIt would not hurt you, young man, to be of some support to your family!\u201d Ben had bellowed before declaring the no-argument edict that they would all be staying at the International House for the duration of the trial.\u00a0 Only what he\u2019d actually said was, \u201cUntil your brother is exonerated and released.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe didn\u2019t have the heart, or maybe the courage, to tell him that was never going to happen.<\/p>\n

\u201cMight as well unpack, little brother,\u201d Hoss said, looking up from unloading his own carpetbag onto the other bed in the room.\u00a0 \u201cReckon we\u2019ll be here a day or so, leastwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe later,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 He walked over to the window and looked out, not so much to see anything as to make sure his telltale face didn\u2019t give away what he was thinking.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t intend to unpack, except for his nightshirt and the clothes he would wear the next day.\u00a0 There was a good chance that Hoss wouldn\u2019t want to share a room with him after what he\u2019d have to say on the stand tomorrow, so he might as well stay packed and ready to leave.\u00a0 He\u2019d even packed enough clothes to last a week, in case he needed to hightail it out of town.\u00a0 In fact, he\u2019d considered doing that tonight, so he wouldn\u2019t have to testify, but that would mean staying on the run the rest of his life, because he fully believed Mortimer Klein would demand his arrest and trial and eventual incarceration in prison if he stayed within reach of the law.\u00a0 Maybe New Orleans would be far enough, but he wasn\u2019t sure what sort of work he was fit for in a big city like that.\u00a0 Not to mention he didn\u2019t have the price of a stage ticket that far.<\/p>\n

They dined in a quiet corner of the dining room downstairs or, at least, they made an appearance of dining.\u00a0 Little Joe ate next to nothing, but that wasn\u2019t nearly as noticeable as usual.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s plate sat almost as untouched, and Hoss, too, was definitely off his feed.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s appetite, they noticed when they saw his plate later at the jail, was about as it had been since he was locked up, enough to keep a bird flying, but not much more.\u00a0 What interest could food possibly hold for any of them with what they were facing tomorrow?<\/p>\n

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

Little Joe bolted upright in his bed, breathing hard.\u00a0 He instinctively clapped his hand over his mouth, although he didn\u2019t think he\u2019d screamed out loud.\u00a0 It hadn\u2019t been that sort of nightmare, like the ones he sometimes had about falling to his death.\u00a0 This had been a more quiet horror, and it was someone else doing the dying.\u00a0 Shrouded in dark clouds, penetrated only by an occasional streak of lightning, Adam stood on a gallows, noose around his neck and an already ghostly look in his hollow eyes, as amidst the rolling thunder, he pointed a long accusing finger at the man responsible for his death, none other than his own brother.<\/p>\n

With a quick glance to assure himself that Hoss was still asleep, Little Joe got up and went to the window.\u00a0 He opened it and took deep breaths of the cool air.\u00a0 It helped quell his nausea, but he knew there\u2019d be no more sleep for him this night, and maybe never again.\u00a0 The trial would begin tomorrow morning, and once he\u2019d done what he had to do, it wouldn\u2019t be just Adam\u2019s finger pointing at him.\u00a0 All of Virginia City and, most painful of all, Pa and Hoss would have their accusing fingers stuck out, too.\u00a0 Before the sun set tomorrow everyone would know his treachery, but for now, none of them, unfortunately, realized that the stage had been set for a performance before the jury that would ensure a tragic ending for Adam Cartwright, nor that the star performer on that judicial stage, much against his wishes, would be his own brother.<\/p>\n

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

Another man in Virginia City sat sleepless beside an open window, but far from dreading the beginning of the new day, he welcomed it with lip-licking anticipation.\u00a0 This day would be the fulfillment of long-held dreams, the culmination of carefully crafted schemes.\u00a0 Today would begin the final defeat and ultimate descent into hell for the man who had destroyed a once-happy home by taking from it its shiny light.\u00a0 Today, at last<\/em>, William Walcott mused with mounting excitement, Adam Cartwright, will begin to pay for the death of my sweet Emily.<\/em><\/p>\n

In his cell at the jail, mere blocks away, Adam Cartwright lay sleeping, too exhausted even to dream and too depleted, heart and soul, to care what happened on the morrow.<\/p>\n

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

The courtroom was packed.\u00a0 It tended to be for any trial, but this one was the sensation of the season.\u00a0 The nature of the crime itself, the drama of a beautiful young bride, killed on the eve of her wedding, as well as the prominence of the defendant\u2014a Cartwright, no less!\u2014all added to the draw for what was deemed to be the best theater in town, and there literally was not standing room left in the hall of justice.\u00a0 The buzz in the room halted momentarily when Ben Cartwright and his younger two sons entered; then it \u00a0started up again, only to be hushed once more, this time indefinitely, as Adam Cartwright was ushered in by the sheriff and took his place at the defendant\u2019s desk, alongside his lawyer.\u00a0 Only soft whispers broke the silence now.\u00a0 It was time for the play to begin, and no one wanted to miss a word.\u00a0 This would be better than Shakespeare!<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss stood as soon as Adam came in and Little Joe, only seconds later.\u00a0 They reached across the rail separating them from the main participants in the trial, each touching son or brother supportively, as suggested by Hiram Wood.\u00a0 \u201cLet everyone see that you have no doubt of Adam\u2019s innocence,\u201d he had advised, \u201cor of his eventual acquittal.\u00a0 No hangdog faces.\u201d\u00a0 The words had been to all three of them, but his eyes were riveted on Little Joe when he said the final phrase.\u00a0 That boy had been anything but supportive, and the lawyer wanted none of that attitude conveyed in the courtroom, especially in the view of the jury.\u00a0 No matter how hard jurors tried to be fair, they were, in the end, only human and, therefore, could be swayed by the smallest things.<\/p>\n

The visible support and confidence of the family, Hiram Wood had assured them, was important.\u00a0 Ben and Hoss were eager to give it, and even Little Joe was making a fair show.\u00a0 Maybe it was because father and brother were flanking him on either side or, maybe, someone had finally gotten through that block of wood perched between the young man\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 Hiram didn\u2019t care; it was the appearance that mattered.\u00a0 The family unity could\u2014and he was confident, would\u2014be repaired, once his client was out from under that sword of Damocles hanging above his head.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen other families ripped apart by the sort of stress the Cartwrights were under, but if he\u2019d been a betting man, he\u2019d have laid odds on Ben Cartwright\u2019s power and determination to bring this one back together again.<\/p>\n

That, of course, was dependent upon his own ability to convince the jury of Adam Cartwright\u2019s innocence, and the lawyer would not have been nearly as willing to bet his bankroll on that.\u00a0 As he\u2019d continually emphasized to his client and the other Cartwrights, the evidence was solely circumstantial, but that didn\u2019t mean it wasn\u2019t strong.\u00a0 It was, particularly that signed note to Rose.\u00a0 Adam swore he hadn\u2019t written it, but there was no way to prove whether he had or not.\u00a0 Hiram himself was familiar with Adam\u2019s fine cursive penmanship, but this note had been printed out in block letters, which made it harder to identify, even if such an analysis were admissible as evidence.<\/p>\n

His slate of witnesses was weak, composed primarily of character witnesses, but it was always harder to prove a negative.\u00a0 How, after all, could a man prove he wasn\u2019t somewhere he could have been?\u00a0 The standard defense was an alibi, someone who had seen the man elsewhere at the same time, but so far, he\u2019d been unable to find anyone who had seen Adam Cartwright at all after his brother left him at the schoolhouse, other than Abigail Jones.\u00a0 While she remembered clearly the exact time of his visit, it didn\u2019t preclude his having committed the crime of which he was accused prior to his arrival.\u00a0 No, Miss Jones\u2019 testimony was more helpful to the prosecution, and she had, in fact, been subpoenaed as one of Mortimer Klein\u2019s witnesses.<\/p>\n

He could, of course, call Adam himself to the stand, but he generally advised against that and, in this case, he thought it risky.\u00a0 Adam could do nothing but deny his guilt and hope that his credibility and reputation convinced the jury, but given his state of mind, which had steadily deteriorated during his incarceration, that was another bet on which Hiram wouldn\u2019t have wagered much.\u00a0 Adam, at present, was his own worst enemy.\u00a0 Or so the lawyer thought.<\/p>\n

Judge Gregory Lawson entered from a side chamber and, taking his seat, banged the gavel by habit, for there was no need.\u00a0 The room had gone silent at first sight of him; the spectators were ready for the show to start.\u00a0 After the brief prologue of the defendant\u2019s weak plea of not guilty, the first act began with Mortimer Klein\u2019s opening statement.\u00a0 He outlined for the jury, as well as the larger audience, how Adam Cartwright had lured his betrothed bride to a secluded place, intending to take from her the precious gift she was holding sacred until their wedding night.\u00a0 \u201cWhen this virtuous and innocent Rose refused his amorous advances, however,\u201d Klein declared, looking with disgust at the defendant, \u201cAdam Cartwright flew into a rage and tried to take by force what she would have given willingly, had he only waited until they were man and wife.\u00a0 The people will prove that he had no other reason to be in town that night, and evidence will place him at the scene of the crime, at the time of the crime, without any doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n

When he sat down, and as the judge\u2019s gavel was rebuking a few unauthorized shouts of approval scattered throughout the room, Hiram Wood stood.\u00a0 \u201cWhat you have just heard is an elaborate fantasy, completely without basis,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cAs Mr. Klein has just stated, Adam Cartwright had no need to take what would be his by right in only a few more days, and any evidence that places him in any proximity to that barn on the night in question is purely circumstantial.\u00a0 Witnesses will demonstrate that he is not the sort of man to \u2018fly into a rage,\u2019 as the prosecutor suggests, but rather one with renowned self-control, and we will detail his movements in Virginia City that night, down to the minute.\u00a0 We are confident, when all true evidence is set beside Mr. Klein\u2019s mere speculation, you will return a fair and honest verdict of not guilty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mortimer Klein then called his first witness, and a visibly jittery Scott McGrew took the stand.\u00a0 He was soon released from his torment, though, for he only needed to describe how he and Little Joe Cartwright had found the body of Miss Rose Worthington and the steps they had taken to contact the doctor and Sheriff Coffee.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what time did you make this grisly discovery, Mr. McGrew?\u201d the prosecutor asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle bit after eight,\u201d Scott said.\u00a0 Hiram Wood had no questions for him, so he gladly got out of the chair and settled in the back row of the courtroom, visibly relieved to be a plain spectator like the others.<\/p>\n

Little Joe moved to the edge of his seat, but settled back, looking puzzled, when the prosecutor next called Dr. Paul Martin.\u00a0 He had assumed that he would follow Scott, to back up his story, as Mr. Klein had first said to him that day in the office.\u00a0 After the doctor, then?<\/p>\n

Dr. Martin\u2019s testimony also was routine, describing the young woman\u2019s medical condition, cause of death and time, as best he could judge it.\u00a0 \u201cI would estimate about half an hour before her body was found,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThere was only a little coagulated blood at the bullet\u2019s entrance point, so she had been dead at least a short while before the boys heard that shot.\u00a0 Gravity had begun to draw the blood downward.\u201d<\/p>\n

A low murmur rumbled through the courtroom when the audience heard that.\u00a0 So, the girl hadn\u2019t died from a gunshot, like they\u2019d heard?\u00a0 But if she\u2019d already been dead, that meant somebody had shot her lifeless body for no reason.\u00a0 What kind of sick soul would do a thing like that to a beautiful girl?\u00a0 Or, maybe, like the prosecutor suggested, one gone crazy with anger.<\/p>\n

The next witness was Sheriff Roy Coffee, and his testimony proved the most damaging thus far.\u00a0 The monogrammed money clip was entered into evidence, and the jurors looked gravely impressed that the initials on it were those of the defendant.\u00a0 Then when the sheriff produced the note brought to him by the dead girl\u2019s father, it was plain to see what direction most of the spectators were leaning.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re acquainted with a majority of the citizens of this town, are you not, Sheriff Coffee?\u201d Hiram Wood asked on cross-examination.<\/p>\n

\u201cI try to be,\u201d Roy said.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s part of my job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you do it well, to be sure,\u201d the lawyer said smoothly, \u201cso perhaps you are acquainted with the juror seated in the third seat from the left in the back row?\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing where he was being led, the sheriff was glad to follow.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir, I know Anthony Coolidge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs well as a number of other citizens with the initials AC?\u201d Wood suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral,\u201d Roy agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout suggesting that Mr. Coolidge or any of these others had anything to do with this killing, any of them could as easily own a monogrammed money clip as Adam Cartwright, wouldn\u2019t you say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I would.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mortimer Klein rose to his feet swiftly.\u00a0 \u201cOnly one question on redirect, Sheriff Coffee.\u00a0 Any man can own a money clip, to be sure, but do you, of your own personal knowledge, know that any of these men, other than Adam Cartwright, actually does own one?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy deftly sidestepped the trap laid for him.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t even know that he does, for that matter, Mr. Klein.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klein frowned.\u00a0 \u201cNo further questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Isaac Worthington was then called to testify, but only to verify where and when he\u2019d found the note introduced into evidence by the sheriff and the hour at which he had last seen his daughter, which was shortly after 7 p.m.\u00a0 In respect for his fresh grief, the questions were few and gently, compassionately asked.\u00a0 Mr. Wood asked none at all, and the tearful man stepped down from the stand and into the welcoming comfort of the entire town.\u00a0 With their eyes fixed on him, few even noticed that for the first time that morning, Adam Cartwright had looked at something other than the desk top in front of him or that his anguished eyes followed the gray-haired man as he walked with stooped shoulders back to his seat.<\/p>\n

Two men, seated in the far back, however, did see, and their faces all but beamed at the pain so vividly painted on that of the defendant.\u00a0 The match had been struck, the fire ignited, and every witness, they sincerely hoped, would only add fuel to the flames scorching the soul of Adam Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe people call Miss Abigail Jones,\u201d Klein next announced.<\/p>\n

Abigail Jones, in her buttoned-up best, approached the throne of interrogation and took the oath with the solemn regality she would wish her students to emulate.\u00a0 School had been dismissed for the day, and while children were, of course, not permitted in the courtroom itself, a good number of her students were peering in at the windows.\u00a0 She noticed them as she raised her hand and vowed to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.\u00a0 As an example to the youth of the town, she would do no less.<\/p>\n

One former student, seated in the first row behind the defense table, was watching her intently, as if to draw guidelines for his own behavior there.\u00a0 If he needed it.\u00a0 Little Joe was beginning to hope that the prosecutor had changed his mind about calling him as a witness.\u00a0 He had expected to testify much earlier, and his heart had hovered somewhere about mid-throat during every interval between one witness leaving the stand and the next being called.\u00a0 Mr. Klein had to be coming to the end of his string, didn\u2019t he?\u00a0 Calling Miss Jones to the stand seemed to imply that he\u2019d moved beyond the events of the barn, so maybe he\u2019d decided he didn\u2019t need Joe\u2019s testimony, after all.\u00a0 It was logical only to one in need of frantic hope, but the hope was born nonetheless.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Jones,\u201d the prosecutor began, \u201cmay I first thank you for your years of service to the youth of our community as an exemplary schoolteacher.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, thank you,\u201d she said, blushing in a modest manner that made her look almost pretty.\u00a0 Of course, she had paid special attention to dressing her hair neatly this morning and had even added a discreet touch of rouge to her normally austere cheekbones.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, sadly, I must direct your thoughts to the night of Miss Rose Worthington\u2019s murder,\u201d he continued.\u00a0 \u201cDid you receive an unexpected visitor at your home that night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, of course, I didn\u2019t know the young lady had been murdered at that time,\u201d she pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but knowing that fact now, are you able to remember the night in question?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. \u00a0It was the night Adam Cartwright came to my home,\u201d the teacher replied.\u00a0 \u201cQuite unexpectedly,\u201d she hastened to say.\u00a0 \u201cI had neither invited him, nor did I expect a gentleman caller, especially after dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

A titter rippled across the room, which the prosecutor quickly silenced by assuring her that no one would assume otherwise, knowing her reputation for virtue and circumspect behavior.\u00a0 \u201cDid Mr. Cartwright state the reason for his visit?\u201d Mr. Klein asked.<\/p>\n

She pursed her lips for a brief moment before answering.\u00a0 \u201cHe asked me if the meeting of the school board had been cancelled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHad it?\u201d<\/p>\n

She drew herself proudly erect.\u00a0 \u201cThere was no such meeting, as I informed him at once.\u00a0 He claimed that I had sent him a note, asking him to attend the meeting.\u00a0 I told him I had done no such thing!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how did he react?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe continued to argue that he had received such a note and that it was signed with my name.\u00a0 Not by me, certainly!\u201d\u00a0 Her indignation was clear.\u00a0 \u201cI suggested, then, that someone was playing a prank and reminded him that his youngest brother was renowned for that sort of thing when he was in my classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuckles resounded throughout the room, with the notable exception of the first row behind the defense.\u00a0 A few of the spectators had been to school with Little Joe Cartwright and chuckled from fond remembrance of the pranks he\u2019d pulled there, others simply from recollection of similar students during their own school days.\u00a0 The judge tapped the gavel, but only lightly, as he, too, was fighting back a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid Adam Cartwright respond in any particular way?\u201d\u00a0 the prosecutor asked.<\/p>\n

Miss Jones looked nervously at the handkerchief twisted in her hands; then she brought her head up and looked directly at the defendant with saddened eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHe said that if he\u2014that is to say, his little brother\u2014had pulled such a prank, he would kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shot a quick glance at his younger brother.\u00a0 Had Joe heard about that before?\u00a0 Was that why he\u2019d seemed put-out with Adam since he\u2019d come home that night?\u00a0 Naw, Little Joe looked as surprised as anyone else, so that couldn\u2019t be it.\u00a0 The kid sure was antsy today, though, squirming in his chair like he had real ants crawlin\u2019 in his britches.<\/p>\n

A hushed gasp echoed across the chamber, as everyone awaited the prosecutor\u2019s next question with bated breath.\u00a0 \u201cAnd what time did Adam Cartwright leave your house with murder in his heart?\u201d Klein asked.<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood burst to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cObjection, your honor!\u00a0 Counselor is drawing a conclusion in no way supported by the utterance of an idle remark.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for the jury to decide, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Mortimer Klein asked smoothly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNonetheless, counselor,\u201d Judge Lawson said, \u201csuch suggestions are better suited to your closing statement.\u00a0 Rephrase your question.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat time did Adam Cartwright leave?\u201d the prosecutor asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI looked at the clock when I went back inside,\u201d Miss Jones said, \u201cand it was exactly 8:15.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour witness, counselor,\u201d Klein said with a nod to the opposing lawyer.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo questions,\u201d Hiram Wood said.\u00a0 The problem, he mused as Miss Jones stepped down and walked through the small gate into the seating area, was that the prosecution\u2019s case might be completely circumstantial, but it was built on solid facts presented by solid citizens.\u00a0 Give him a nice impeachable town drunk or saloon hussy any day; those people were pure pleasure to cross-examine.\u00a0 But people like Dr. Martin, Sheriff Coffee and Miss Abigail Jones?\u00a0 Pointless.\u00a0 Facts were facts, and they\u2019d all stated them accurately.<\/p>\n

It would have been convenient, of course, if Adam had been talking to the schoolteacher at the exact time of the murder, but challenging her on the time of their conversation would have done nothing but paint the defense as desperate.\u00a0 He could, equally, have tried to make her admit that she had written the note luring Adam to town that night, but man-hungry as she was reputed to be, no one believed the spinster schoolmarm capable of that. \u00a0He didn\u2019t believe it himself.<\/p>\n

No, he couldn\u2019t prove those facts in error, but he could, hopefully, demonstrate that the prosecutor\u2019s interpretation of them, and all the others, was completely wrong.\u00a0 He waited expectantly for Mortimer Klein to state that the prosecution\u2019s case was complete, sure to happen any moment now, so he could begin to build his own.<\/p>\n

The prosecutor stood silent so long after dismissing Miss Jones that the judge finally asked if he had further witnesses.\u00a0 \u201cOne more, your honor,\u201d Klein said, and his eyes stayed riveted on the defense table as he loudly announced, \u201cThe people call Joseph Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 Still holding the other lawyer\u2019s gaze, he smiled triumphantly, like an Indian warrior counting coup.<\/p>\n

In the stunned silence that followed, the dropping of the proverbial pin would have peeled like thunder.\u00a0 As he stood, Little Joe could feel every eye in the room boring into him, but the only ones that mattered sat on either side.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t bring himself to look at them, but as he moved past his confused father, he murmured, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Walking the interminable distance to the stand, he prayed that his father would forgive him for what he was about to do.<\/p>\n

Stunned, Adam raised his head for only the second time that morning and followed his brother\u2019s steps.<\/p>\n

Hoss slid into the chair just vacated by his brother and whispered to his father, \u201cWhat\u2019s this about?\u00a0 I thought Mr. Wood said that feller\u2019d be stupid to call Little Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Ben shrugged, as dumfounded as his son.\u00a0 He only hoped the prosecutor was as big a fool as this move made him seem.\u00a0 Adam could use any advantage they could gain.<\/p>\n

Once in the stand, Little Joe placed his hand on the Bible and trembled as the clerk asked, \u201cDo you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?\u201d<\/p>\n

A sense of unbearable weight descended onto the young man\u2019s slim shoulders as he choked out, \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd began to murmur its speculations, one to another, and the judge pounded his gavel for order.\u00a0 Then Mortimer Klein approached his witness.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d he began, \u201con the night in question, did you ride into Virginia City in the company of your older brother, Adam Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

That one was easy enough, though Little Joe knew there was worse to come.\u00a0 He exhaled slowly, hoping to slow his pounding heart, and said, \u201cYes, I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere and when did you part company?\u201d the prosecutor continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the schoolhouse,\u201d Little Joe said at once.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t have a watch with me, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Klein frowned, for the boy had been more specific under questioning in his office.\u00a0 \u201cYou had no idea of the time?\u201d he pressed.\u00a0 \u201cI remind you that you are under oath.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing the undertone of threat, Little Joe moistened his dry lips.\u00a0 \u201cWell, not then,\u201d he said, \u201cbut I did see the clock outside the bank when I passed it.\u00a0 It was about 7:30, so we would\u2019ve got to the schoolhouse a little before that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the lawyer said gruffly.\u00a0 \u201cNow, did you hear the testimony of Miss Abigail Jones?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe looked puzzled.\u00a0 What did that have to do with anything?\u00a0 Another easy answer, though.\u00a0 \u201cYeah.\u00a0 I mean, yes, I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what time did she state that your brother came to her house?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt 8:15,\u201d he answered at once.<\/p>\n

The prosecutor smiled.\u00a0 \u201cNow, as a former student of the inestimable Miss Jones, I\u2019m certain you learned enough simple arithmetic to calculate the time between when you left your brother and when he arrived at her home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood rolled his eyes.\u00a0 His opponent was using the witness to introduce another comment better suited to final argument, but he let this one ride.\u00a0 The jury had probably already made that calculation for themselves, anyway.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, about forty-five minutes or so,\u201d Little Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd does it take more than forty-five minutes or so for a man to walk from the schoolhouse to Wilson\u2019s stable?\u201d Klein pursued.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh, no.\u00a0 I reckon it don\u2019t,\u201d Little Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you go after leaving the schoolhouse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Silver Dollar,\u201d Little Joe answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what did you do there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cHad a sandwich, a beer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe a little conversation with a pretty girl?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah, that, too.\u201d\u00a0 A chorus of chuckles greeted that response, as the prosecutor had intended.\u00a0 Considering what he was about to ask this witness to do, he wanted the audience, the jurors in particular, to view him sympathetically, as just a normal young man, suddenly finding himself caught up in a nightmare.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout what time did you leave the Silver Dollar, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust after eight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure?\u00a0 You had no watch, as I recall,\u201d Klein observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked the barkeep,\u201d Little Joe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u00a0 Now, we know from Mr. McGrew\u2019s testimony that you were passing the alley that led to Wilson\u2019s old stable when a shot was fired.\u00a0 Is that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what did you do in response to that sound, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ran toward it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoping to help,\u201d the prosecutor suggested.<\/p>\n

Little Joe shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI guess so.\u00a0 Maybe just instinct.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know.\u201d\u00a0 In that moment, he recalled, he\u2019d been running to help his brother, fearing he\u2019d been shot, but he wasn\u2019t about to volunteer anything about Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour instinct told you someone was in trouble, and you wanted to help.\u201d\u00a0 Mr. Klein made a second attempt to place his witness in a favorable light.\u00a0 He needed the jury to understand that this was a young man with a good and decent heart, not some brat with a grudge against an older brother.<\/p>\n

Little Joe again moved his shoulders in a gesture of uncertainty.\u00a0 \u201cIf I could.\u201d\u00a0 The prosecutor let the answer ride.\u00a0 Modesty, after all, was a favorable quality, as well.<\/p>\n

Mr. Klein walked back and forth in front of his witness, stroking his chin as if pondering the mystery of the ages.\u00a0 \u201cOne thing puzzles me, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he said as he turned to face Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cYou were closer to that barn than Mr. McGrew, and you responded immediately to the shot you heard. So how is it that he arrived there before you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s breath caught in his throat.\u00a0 Here it was, the moment he\u2019d been dreading, coming at him fast and hard now, but he was determined to hold it off as long as he could.\u00a0 Who knew?\u00a0 Maybe the earth would just open up and swallow him before he had to speak the words that would rip his family apart.\u00a0 A man could hope, couldn\u2019t he?\u00a0 \u201cI . . . stopped,\u201d he finally answered.<\/p>\n

Mortimer Klein was probably the only one in the courtroom who realized what the boy was trying to do, but procrastination would avail young Joseph Cartwright nothing.\u00a0 He fixed his witness with a stern look of admonishment and pressed, \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI-I . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

The prosecutor planted his palms on the rail between him and the witness and leaned in.\u00a0 \u201cWhy did you stop, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulling back in his chair, Little Joe swallowed hard and then said, barely above a whisper, \u201cI\u00a0 . . . saw someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

A rush of excitement wafted over the entire room.\u00a0\u00a0 Mr. Klein waited for the room to grow quiet once again and then asked, \u201cWhere, exactly, was this person you saw?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe exhaled heavily.\u00a0 \u201cHe was coming out of Wilson\u2019s stable.\u201d<\/p>\n

The room exploded.\u00a0 The killer had been seen!\u00a0 This was something no one had heard, not even guessed until this moment, and the revelation hit with the force of a cannonball.<\/p>\n

Nowhere was its impact felt more strongly than at the defense table and in the first row behind it.\u00a0 Hiram Wood’s face tightened, and he began scribbling notes as fast as he could.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s mouth hung open, and he shook his head in dazed pain as his suddenly sharpened mind deduced what must inevitably come next.\u00a0 With a flash of insight, Ben Cartwright realized that this horrid secret was what had been gnawing inside his youngest son all along.\u00a0 Why, in the name of all reason, had Little Joe not come to him with this?\u00a0 Shock?\u00a0 Fear?\u00a0 Why, why<\/em>, he asked himself, did I not make him talk to me?<\/em><\/p>\n

At his side Hoss was interpreting the news in a slightly different way.\u00a0 Joe\u2019d seen the killer?\u00a0 All this time he\u2019d had the proof in his hand of Adam\u2019s innocence and never bothered to speak up?\u00a0 Bitter anger ignited deep in the pit of Hoss\u2019s stomach and began burning its way upward.\u00a0 So help him, as soon as this was over, he was gonna drag little brother out behind the nearest barn and teach him a lesson he wouldn\u2019t soon forget!<\/p>\n

Not insensitive to the rising interest of the people behind him, Klein paused briefly to allow it to build.\u00a0 The next information he intended to elicit from his reluctant witness was vital to the prosecution\u2019s case, and he wanted every ear tuned to its revelation, especially those of the twelve men in the jurors\u2019 box.\u00a0 When the judge had gaveled to room back to order, the prosecutor stepped to one side, to give everyone full view of the boy on the stand.\u00a0 \u201cDid you recognize that person, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Though he\u2019d known this moment was coming, Little Joe nonetheless panicked, his mind desperately seeking a way to avoid saying the fatal words.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2014it was dark,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

With a cutting side glance at his witness, the prosecutor exhaled gustily.\u00a0 \u201cYes, it was dark; most alleys are,\u201d he said gruffly, \u201cbut that is not the question.\u00a0 I would remind you, Mr. Cartwright, that you took an oath to tell the whole truth, not just whatever part suits you.\u00a0 You do remember that, don\u2019t you, as well as the penalty for failing to do so?\u201d\u00a0 His voice had risen sharply as he spoke.<\/p>\n

Adam saw his brother flinch and knew in that instant that the boy had been threatened.\u00a0 His cheek muscles tightened, and his eyes hardened.<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood rose.\u00a0 \u201cI object, your honor.\u00a0 Counsel is browbeating his own witness!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA reminder to speak the truth is scarcely browbeating!\u201d Mortimer Klein declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe objection is overruled,\u201d Judge Lawson decreed, \u201cbut don\u2019t overdo it, Mr. Klein.\u00a0 More flies with honey, if you take my meaning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould your honor, at least, instruct the witness to answer my questions directly?\u201d the prosecutor asked, though he tried hard to keep the vinegar out of his voice.<\/p>\n

The judge nodded, almost reluctantly.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright, look at me, please,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Nervously, Little Joe did.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, you are directed to answer any question put to you with complete honesty and without any pussyfooting around.\u00a0 Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe tried to steady his voice, but was pretty sure he\u2019d failed completely.<\/p>\n

\u201cContinue your examination, Mr. Klein.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ask you once again, Mr. Cartwright: did you recognize the man exiting Miller\u2019s stable that night?\u201d the prosecutor demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0 The answer, though soft, came directly this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did this person recognize you, as well?\u201d Klein asked, adding, \u201cPlease speak loudly enough for the jury to hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so,\u201d Little Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why do you think that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2014well, he looked right at me,\u201d Little Joe said, hands nervously rubbing the rail of the witness box before him, \u201cand then he\u2014he held his finger up, like this.\u201d\u00a0 He held his index finger before his lips.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head in disbelief, but no one noticed, least of all Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how did you interpret that gesture?\u201d the prosecutor pursued.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo keep quiet,\u201d Little Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou took it as an instruction not to tell anyone who you\u2019d seen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0 It was small wonder his voice trembled; by this time his entire body was shaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you are going to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth as you promised, aren\u2019t you, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe merely nodded.\u00a0 Klein would have let it pass this time, but the judge intervened to remind the witness that his answers needed to be spoken aloud, and the witness responded with a singularly reluctant and quavering affirmative.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho is that man who left the barn after firing a shot into the body of Rose Worthington?\u201d the prosecutor demanded.<\/p>\n

Little Joe gripped the rail of the witness box so tightly that his knuckles turned white. \u00a0\u201cIt was . . . Adam,\u201d he choked out.<\/p>\n

\u201cLouder, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

A sob stuck in Little Joe\u2019s throat.\u00a0 He swallowed it down, and his voice sounded desperate as he raised it.\u00a0 \u201cAdam.\u00a0 It was my brother Adam,\u201d he said, his head collapsing on the white knuckles that still gripped the rail as if it were the only thing keeping him from falling into the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0 The agonized roar rang throughout the courtroom as Hoss Cartwright jumped to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cYou dirty, filthy liar!\u201d he screamed at his brother on the witness stand.<\/p>\n

The room exploded, Hoss\u2019s outburst seeming to grant permission to every man in the room to voice his own opinion.\u00a0 Some shouted derision at Little Joe; others yelled for a rope as they glared at Adam.\u00a0 The judge pounded his gavel over and over, and when that did not silence the room, he continued to hit it as he stood to his feet and shouted over all of them, \u201cOrder!\u00a0 I will have order in this court!\u201d\u00a0 He pointed the gavel directly at Hoss and bellowed, \u201cSit down, young man, before I declare you in contempt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben had been pulling frantically on his middle son\u2019s arm since he first stood, and Hoss finally responded and sat next to his father again, nostrils still flared, eyes still sharp as flint.\u00a0 At the center of the hurricane two young men, one in the witness box and the other at the defense table, appeared oblivious to the turmoil whirling around them.\u00a0 Little Joe remained with his head on the rail, while Adam\u2019s brooding eyes were riveted on his little brother, though with none of the anger flashing in those of his other brother.<\/p>\n

Two sets of eyes at the back of the courtroom watched the scene with growing, gloating satisfaction.\u00a0 William and Walter Walcott could not have asked for a better fulfillment of their carefully calculated plans.\u00a0 What they did not, in their moment of triumph, perceive was that they had just unleashed a beast.\u00a0 What they had intended to crush Adam Cartwright, to hasten his spiral into the pit of hell, had, instead, aroused a fierce protective instinct of ancient standing.\u00a0 He did not as yet know who was behind the nightmare that had befallen his family, but whoever it was had made one fatal mistake: he had hurt a brother.\u00a0 For the first time since Rose\u2019s death, Adam began to think of someone other than himself and his own oppressive yoke of grief and guilt.\u00a0 He still didn\u2019t care what happened to him, but for the first time, Adam was ready to fight.<\/p>\n

The judge continued pounding his gavel until the hubbub gradually began to die down.\u00a0 Frowning, he looked at the slumped figure in the witness box and then at the prosecutor.\u00a0 \u201cDo you have any further questions for this witness, Mr. Klein?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, your honor,\u201d Klein replied.\u00a0 He turned a victor\u2019s smile on the other attorney.\u00a0 \u201cYour witness, counselor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s head had slowly risen as the prosecutor began his answer, but his heart immediately sank.\u00a0 Until that moment it had never occurred to him that, in addition to the prosecutor\u2019s questions, he would also have to face those of Adam\u2019s lawyer, and it would be Hiram Wood\u2019s job to rip apart every word Joe had said.\u00a0 The ordeal he had begun to hope was over had, instead, only begun.<\/p>\n

Wood stared at the boy in the witness box and then quickly consulted his pocket watch.\u00a0 He needed time to prepare for this unexpected witness, and fortunately, the hour was ripe for the perfect excuse.\u00a0 He rose to his feet and addressed the judge.\u00a0 \u201cYour honor, the witness appears depleted, and my cross-examination is likely to be lengthy.\u00a0 Given the nearness to midday, perhaps it might be wise to take a recess now and reconvene when we\u2019ve all had the opportunity to refresh ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSurely, counselor can\u2019t have that many questions,\u201d Mortimer Klein argued, for he had clearly recognized the other lawyer\u2019s bid for extra time.\u00a0 \u201cThis being my final witness, the state could then close its case, allowing the entire afternoon for the defense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judge Lawson was savvy enough to see through the rhetoric of both attorneys.\u00a0 He looked, instead, at the witness.\u00a0 Hiram Wood\u2019s description of the Cartwright boy as depleted hardly stated the half, and no defense attorney worth his salt would pursue a\u00a0 cross-examination that was anything less than grueling.\u00a0 The boy needed a break, and the judge felt inclined to grant him one.\u00a0 \u201cCourt will be in recess until two o\u2019clock this afternoon,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Turning to Little Joe, he added, \u201cYou will return here at that time to undergo cross-examination.\u00a0 Is that understood, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Little Joe said, his voice barely audible.\u00a0 He understood all too well!<\/p>\n

\u201cCourt is dismissed.\u201d<\/p>\n

No sooner were the words said than Little Joe bolted out of the witness box, through the small gate in the separating rail and down the aisle.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben yelled.\u00a0 \u201cJoe!\u201d\u00a0 But his younger son was already out the door.\u00a0 Ben pulled Hoss past him, saying, \u201cFind him; bring him back!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Hoss said at once, and not from simple obedience.\u00a0 Getting his hands on his little brother was exactly what he wanted to do!\u00a0 The aisle was already packed with people trying to get out and grab a bite to eat before court reconvened, but Hoss never had any problem pushing his way through a crowd.\u00a0 Nonetheless, by the time he reached the street, his little brother had vanished.\u00a0 Hoss set his lips firmly together and set off to check any likely place the little varmint might be taking his ornery hide.<\/p>\n

Inside the court, Ben moved to the side of his oldest son and wrapped strong fingers of support around his biceps.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I-I don\u2019t know what to say,\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t know?\u201d Hiram Wood demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not!\u201d<\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee approached them.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, Ben, but I got to get Adam back to the jail.\u00a0 You can talk there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, of course, Sheriff,\u201d the lawyer said.\u00a0 \u201cMore private there, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy put the obligatory handcuffs on his prisoner and escorted him, accompanied by his lawyer, out the door.\u00a0 Ben trailed behind them, for as he passed the row where he\u2019d been sitting, he noticed that Little Joe had left his hat and stopped to pick it up.\u00a0 Only a handful of people remained in the courtroom as he headed out, but one man moved into his path.\u00a0 Forced to stop, Ben looked up into the enigmatic face of William Walcott.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard to watch one child face certain death, while another suffers unbearable strain,\u201d Walcott said unctuously.\u00a0 \u201cKnowing something of similar stress myself, I offer my sympathy, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scarcely knowing what to make of those strange words, Ben merely nodded and moved to one side, so he could pass through the door. \u00a0Making no further move to detain him, Walcott turned to his son with a satisfied smile.<\/p>\n

Ben left the courthouse, only to find his son facing a gauntlet of spectators who had decided to delay their lunch in favor of the chance to jeer at the man on trial as he passed before them.\u00a0 Sheriff Coffee warned them all to stand back, however, and Ben hurried forward to add his support, if needed.\u00a0 The taunts continued, but the four men reached the jail without incident, and Ben and Hiram Wood joined Adam in his cell.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to find some way to tear that boy\u2019s testimony apart,\u201d the lawyer said.<\/p>\n

Adam looked steadily at him and said but a single word, \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I must!\u201d Wood declared.\u00a0 \u201cIt doesn\u2019t get more damaging than an eye-witness account.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will not hurt my brother,\u201d Adam said with more force than anyone had heard from him in the last couple of weeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s your life, Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut I won\u2019t buy it at that price.\u00a0 Do not hurt my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lawyer frowned.\u00a0 \u201cIs there bad blood between the two of you?\u00a0 Not on your part, apparently, but his?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I\u2019m aware.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s been bothering the boy,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all know that!\u201d Hiram Wood snapped.\u00a0 \u201cAnd now we all know what it was.\u00a0 What I don\u2019t know is why.\u00a0 Why on earth would that boy concoct such a set of lies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe isn\u2019t lying,\u201d Adam said quietly.<\/p>\n

The lawyer stared at his client through narrowed eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAre you confessing to murder, young man?\u00a0 Do we need to consider a change of plea?\u201d\u00a0 Frankly, he wasn\u2019t certain he could handle another Cartwright bombshell, given the magnitude of the one he was already struggling to absorb.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course not,\u201d Adam said with a hint of exasperation, \u201cbut it\u2019s not a lie if he believes what he\u2019s saying.\u00a0 I was watching him carefully and he\u2019s in agony.\u00a0 He really thinks I did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow could he, son?\u201d his obviously anguished father asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said it right the first time,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cHe saw . . . someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone he mistook for you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben eagerly grasped at the straw handed him.\u00a0 \u201cOf course.\u00a0 That must be it.\u201d\u00a0 He exchanged a glance with the lawyer, and for the first time since his son\u2019s arrest, each saw hope in the other\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 Adam was back, thinking clearly again.\u00a0 Now, anything was possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got to talk to that boy, Ben,\u201d Hiram Wood insisted, \u201cbefore I cross-examine him.\u00a0 Do you think Hoss can find him?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Adam who answered, and he did so with confidence.\u00a0 \u201cHoss will find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, hopefully, bring him back in one piece,\u201d Hiram grunted.\u00a0 Having yet another Cartwright arraigned, this time on charges of witness battering, was the last thing he needed.\u00a0 At times he wondered why he had ever agreed to be the family lawyer.<\/p>\n

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

Hoss was fortunate, in that the first couple of people he asked had seen his little brother, running pell-mell down C Street.\u00a0 He headed the direction they indicated, stopping in at the bars his brother was most likely to frequent.\u00a0 If he\u2019d been Joe, he\u2019d have needed a stiff drink after pulling a stunt like he\u2019d just done.\u00a0 However, after going into three or four bars, without spotting hide nor hair of his little brother, it came to Hoss that he wasn\u2019t Joe.\u00a0 Joe wasn\u2019t much of a drinker, after all, and he usually did it to be sociable, not to find courage in a bottle.\u00a0 Only a growed man was stupid enough to think he\u2019d find it there, and Little Joe was still a boy, barely turned seventeen.\u00a0 If Hoss wanted to find his little brother, he needed to start thinking like a scared kid.<\/p>\n

If they\u2019d been back on the Ponderosa, he would have known exactly where to look, a time-honored hidey-hole where his little brother most often went to burrow until it was safe to come out.\u00a0 Suddenly, he knew that Little Joe had scurried into just that sort of place here in town, but which one?\u00a0 He took him less than a minute to reason it out, and he gulped down the sour bile that rose in his throat.\u00a0 It was the last place on earth he wanted to go, and he wasn\u2019t sure how Joe could stand it, either, but he knew, sure as the world, that was where the crazy little cuss had headed.\u00a0 He turned his steps toward Wilson\u2019s old stable.<\/p>\n

Big man that he was, Hoss shivered involuntarily as he entered the rickety building.\u00a0 He could barely see in the dim light, but the air was heavy with the fear and pain that had happened here and the sorrow of losing someone he had loved, not romantically like his older brother, but dearly, like the sister she was meant to be.\u00a0 There was fear and pain of another sort in here, too; he could feel that just as strongly, and by it he knew: Little Joe was here.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sense hidin\u2019 in the dark,\u201d he called.\u00a0 \u201cI know you\u2019re in here, Joseph.\u00a0 Now, come on out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou gonna kill me?\u201d\u00a0 The voice came from the darkest corner of the back stall.<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t in me to hurt a brother,\u201d Hoss growled.<\/p>\n

Unlike some I could mention<\/em>.\u00a0 Hoss hadn\u2019t said the words, but Little Joe heard them, nonetheless. \u00a0But, then, no one had to tell him that Hoss was a better man than him.\u00a0 He\u2019d always known that, now more than ever.\u00a0 Hoss would never, for one minute, have believed that their older brother was capable of murder.\u00a0 But then, Joe wouldn\u2019t have believed it, either, if he hadn\u2019t seen the proof with his own eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I have to drag you out of that stall, little brother, I won\u2019t be responsible for what condition you show up in for court this afternoon,\u201d Hoss warned.<\/p>\n

Brushing hay from his britches, Little Joe came out, although he was careful to keep more than an arm\u2019s length from his big brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t gonna kill you,\u201d Hoss grunted.\u00a0 \u201cPa said to fetch you, and that\u2019s what I aim to do.\u00a0 Now, are you comin\u2019 peaceable or have I got to haul you down to the jail by the scruff of the neck?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe bit his lower lip.\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t sure I can.\u00a0 Mr. Klein said I wasn\u2019t to talk to no one, not even Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t give a fig what Mr. Klein wants,\u201d Hoss snarled, \u201cand I don\u2019t much care what you want, neither.\u00a0 Pa wants you down to the jail, so to jail you\u2019re goin\u2019 and that\u2019s a pure fact.\u00a0 You can either walk there on your own or I can tote you like a sack of potatoes.\u00a0 Don\u2019t make me much never-mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll walk,\u201d Little Joe muttered, and head hanging down, he moved toward the door.<\/p>\n

They left the barn and moved down the alley, neither saying a word, and they continued in silence up C Street toward the main part of town.\u00a0 People caught sight of them, walking side by side, and some couldn\u2019t resist sending hoots and catcalls their way.\u00a0 Some spewed ugly names for what Joe had done, and angry as Hoss himself felt with his brother, he automatically snaked a sheltering arm around the younger boy.\u00a0 Joe might deserve every dirty name thrown at him, but he was still Hoss\u2019s baby brother, and no one outside the family had any right to give him a walloping, even if it was the kind that only left him bloodied on the inside.<\/p>\n

They finally reached the jail and went inside.\u00a0 Roy walked ahead of them into the cell block and unlocked the door to Adam\u2019s cell.\u00a0 Hoss went directly in, as the three men inside stood to greet the newcomers, but Little Joe lingered outside the bars.\u00a0 \u201cGet in here,\u201d Hoss ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Ben chided softly.\u00a0 Then he reached a hand toward his youngest son and said in as gentle a tone as his anxiety could afford him, \u201cCome in, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure you want me?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe kept his eyes on the gray floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure, son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s voice this time was tender with compassion.\u00a0 Whatever had made his youngest say the things he had on the stand, it was beyond obvious that he was a boy in need of help . . . and a father\u2019s love.\u00a0 Ben kept his hand extended, although Little Joe didn\u2019t see it.\u00a0 As he walked into the cell, he saw nothing but the cold, hard floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, could we have another chair?\u201d Hiram Wood requested.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing,\u201d Roy Coffee said and quickly moved into the outer office to get one.<\/p>\n

When he had brought back the chair, the lawyer placed it facing his own and said firmly, \u201cSit down, young man.\u00a0 We have a lot to talk about and not much time to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I can,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cI-I\u2019m not supposed to talk to anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho told you that?\u201d Wood demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, that other lawyer,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 \u201cThe kid was spouting that nonsense back in the barn where I found him.\u00a0 Said he wasn\u2019t even s\u2019posed to talk to Pa, if that don\u2019t beat all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Klein?\u00a0 Look at me, Little Joe.\u201d\u00a0 The defense attorney waited until the boy followed his instruction and then asked, \u201cDid Mr. Klein tell you that you could not speak to anyone, not even your father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Little Joe replied.\u00a0 He looked to his father.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u00a0 I wanted to tell you, in case your heart was bad, like he thought, but he told me I couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 It\u2019s how these law things are done.\u201d\u00a0 He looked back to Mr. Wood for confirmation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa, whoa,\u201d Hoss put in.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s this about Pa havin\u2019 a bad heart?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot now, Hoss,\u201d Wood said sharply.\u00a0 \u201cThis whole matter needs to be pursued, but we don\u2019t have time now.\u201d\u00a0 He turned back toward the younger boy.\u00a0 \u201cListen to me, Little Joe.\u00a0 While I often urge witnesses not to discuss their testimony with any other possible witnesses, there\u2019s no law against a boy of your years speaking to his own father.\u00a0 For that matter, you had every right to consult an attorney of your choice.\u00a0 Now, as your family\u2019s attorney, you may talk to me anytime you wish.\u00a0 I definitely want to talk to you.\u00a0 Will you sit down, so that we may do that more comfortably?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe looked at him through clouded eyes.\u00a0 \u201cAre\u2014are you sayin\u2019 he lied to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The lawyer took a deep breath.\u00a0 \u201cI hesitate to say so without hearing the full story, but, yes, it sounds very much as if he misrepresented your rights to you.\u00a0 We can talk more about that later, but for now, son, please sit down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaken by what he was hearing, Little Joe collapsed into the chair pointed out to him.<\/p>\n

Wood realized, of course, that there might be a conflict of interest in his providing legal counsel to both this boy and his brother, but for the time being, he chose to believe that possibility would not materialize.\u00a0 In his opinion, both sides of a case should be accorded the privilege of interviewing each other\u2019s witnesses, and Mortimer Klein had made no objection to his speaking with any of the others.\u00a0 He understood why the prosecutor had chosen to keep this one secret; the element of surprise was a powerful tool, but he strongly suspected that Mr. Klein\u2019s behavior in this regard had been less than ethical.\u00a0 Another matter to be pursued when time permitted.\u00a0 For now, it was more important to see if there was any way this boy\u2019s testimony could be countered without, as that young fool Adam so adamantly insisted, hurting his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Little Joe,\u201d the lawyer began, \u201cyou testified that you had seen Adam leaving the barn shortly before you and Scott found Rose\u2019s body.\u00a0 Why did you say that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s face hardened.\u00a0 \u201cBecause I saw him.\u201d\u00a0 After all he\u2019d been through on that witness stand, he wasn\u2019t about to start lying now, no matter what!<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, you didn\u2019t,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I did!\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe threw the words directly into his brother\u2019s face. \u00a0\u201cI wish I hadn\u2019t, but I did!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe,\u201d Adam repeated with deliberate calm.\u00a0 \u201cI realize you believe you did, but you couldn\u2019t have seen me because I was not there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw\u201d\u2014Joe stopped in response to the lawyer\u2019s raised hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou said it was dark, remember?\u201d Wood reminded the boy.\u00a0 \u201cJust how much could you see, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough,\u201d Joe grunted.\u00a0 \u201cMore than I wanted.\u00a0 It was Adam.\u201d\u00a0 He turned sad eyes on his father\u2019s troubled face.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u00a0 I wish it wasn\u2019t so, but it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Joe, it was dark in that alley this afternoon,\u201d Hoss argued.\u00a0 \u201cMust\u2019ve been even harder to see anything at night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me handle this, Hoss,\u201d the lawyer said.\u00a0 \u201cTell me exactly what you saw, Little Joe.\u00a0 No name, no identification\u2014just describe what you saw in that dark alley that made you believe the man was your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe took a deep breath and exhaled heavily before beginning, \u201cOkay.\u00a0 I heard the shot first and I started to run toward the barn, on account of I could tell that\u2019s where it came from.\u00a0 Then Ad\u2014a man came out.\u00a0 He was dressed all in black, like Adam always wears, and he had on his mustard-colored coat.\u00a0 That ugly thing stands out, you know, even in poor light.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u00a0 You recognized the clothes as similar to those worn by your brother.\u00a0 What about the man\u2019s height?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cSame as Adam,\u201d he said with exasperation.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd his features?\u201d the lawyer pressed.\u00a0 \u201cHow clearly did you see those?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe stared at the man.\u00a0 \u201cHis features?\u201d\u00a0 His voice squeaked with sudden uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood circled both hands as he listed, \u201cNose, eyes, chin, hair, the set of his jaw.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . don\u2019t know.\u00a0 It was dark, like I said, and . . . and he had his hat pulled down over most of his face.\u00a0 About all I could\u2019ve seen was his jaw, and, well, I guess I didn\u2019t pay much attention to that.\u201d\u00a0 He looked up sharply.\u00a0 \u201cI couldn\u2019t see what he looked like, just the clothes.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced timidly at Adam, and he started to shake, as the implication hit him.\u00a0 \u201cIt wasn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe, it wasn\u2019t me,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Little Joe buried his face in his hands.\u00a0 \u201cNo, no,\u201d he moaned.\u00a0 \u201cWhat have I done?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2019s a fine time to ask,\u201d Hoss muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough, Hoss,\u201d Ben cautioned as he stepped forward and began massaging his youngest son\u2019s taut shoulders.\u00a0 They only tightened beneath his fingers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, doggone it, Pa, I just don\u2019t see how he could\u2019ve thought it was Adam.\u00a0 I mean, even if the fellow was about Adam\u2019s size and dressed kind of like Adam, there ain\u2019t no way Adam would ever hurt Rose.\u00a0 Joe should\u2019ve known that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have believed it, either, if I hadn\u2019t seen him,\u201d Little Joe cried, head coming up.\u00a0 \u201cWell, thought I\u2019d seen him.\u00a0 And then when he looked right at me and motioned for me to keep quiet, I . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe killer saw you,\u201d the lawyer recalled from the boy\u2019s testimony in court, \u201cand indicated that you should keep quiet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s partly why I figured it had to be Adam, I guess.\u00a0 I mean, wouldn\u2019t anybody else have just shot me, to make sure I couldn\u2019t, you know, identify him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does add to the mystery,\u201d Wood said, \u201cbut you do agree now that you have some doubt as to whom you saw in the alley that night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 Oh, yeah!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u00a0 Now, son, when we return to court this afternoon, I will be asking you a number of questions similar to those I\u2019ve just asked.\u00a0 Do you have a problem with answering them as you have here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir.\u201d\u00a0 He swallowed hard.\u00a0 \u201cAnd then do I go straight to prison or does there have to be another trial?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d\u00a0 The astonished word echoed from more than one voice in the small cell.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would anyone send you to prison, son?\u201d the lawyer asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, perjury.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe looked from one astonished face to the next and slumped again.\u00a0 \u201cDid he lie about that, too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt depends on what you were told,\u201d Mr. Wood said.\u00a0 \u201cCertainly, perjury is punishable in that way, but as long as you speak the truth as you know it, you haven\u2019t committed that crime.\u00a0 It\u2019s not perjury if a review of the evidence leads you to change your mind, and that\u2019s all I intend to do in my questioning, just have you reexamine the evidence as we\u2019ve done here and draw whatever conclusion you believe is right.\u00a0 Now, if you can do that, you have nothing to fear, my boy.\u00a0 You understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so.\u00a0 Just tell the truth.\u00a0 Yeah, I can do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, then.\u201d\u00a0 Wood checked his watch.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid there isn\u2019t time for much more than a sandwich, gentlemen, but I would suggest we get that now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sounds good.\u00a0 Come on, Pa, little brother,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s meal, of course, was being provided by the sheriff\u2019s office, and although he hadn\u2019t touched it, a plate of food was already sitting inside the cell.<\/p>\n

Little Joe shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not hungry.\u00a0 Can I stay here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should eat, son,\u201d Ben urged.\u00a0 \u201cYou barely touched your breakfast this morning.\u201d\u00a0 The reason for that, too, was now obvious.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid I\u2019d heave it up in front of everyone, Pa,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t make me.\u00a0 Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, all right.\u00a0 We\u2019ll get you something afterwards.\u201d\u00a0 He stroked the boy\u2019s cheek tenderly, while Hiram called for Roy to unlock the cell.<\/p>\n

Adam patted the mattress of his cot.\u00a0 \u201cCom\u2019ere, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe was at his side a second later.\u00a0 Roy let the others out and relocked the cell, pausing long enough to take in the scene of the two brothers, sitting side by side, the arm of the elder circling the shaking body of the younger.\u00a0 Now, that\u2019s better<\/em>, he thought as he took the keys back into his office.<\/p>\n

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

Adam and Little Joe were still sitting together when the others returned after about twenty minutes.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure missed some fine pie, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe later,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cIs it time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost,\u201d his father said.\u00a0 \u201cIf you want to freshen up, better do it now, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Running the back of his fingers over his cheek, Little Joe felt its warmth.\u00a0 Maybe it would help to dash some water in his face.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I\u2019ll do that,\u201d he said, and as soon as Roy unlocked the cell, he led the boy into the back room where he stayed overnight, when needed, and poured some water into the basin there.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is he?\u201d Ben asked Adam when his youngest son was out of earshot.<\/p>\n

\u201cEdgy,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand small wonder.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s been telling me some very interesting things about his treatment in our prosecutor\u2019s office.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lawyer\u2019s eyes narrowed.\u00a0 \u201cAnything I need to know before I cross-examine your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam thought for a moment and then shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cLater, I think.\u00a0 There are laws against forcibly detaining a potential witness, aren\u2019t there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, there are,\u201d Hiram stated firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this about?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cA locked door and a lot of badgering, from what I could make out,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cI think the prosecutor scared the kid to death with threats of prison and what that would do to you, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll rip him limb from limb!\u201d Hoss said, scowling hard.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do no such thing!\u201d Hiram Wood snapped.\u00a0 \u201cYou will walk into that courtroom with dignity and sit there quietly, not responding to any testimony you hear, no matter how outrageous you find it.\u00a0 There will not be another outburst like the one you indulged in this morning, is that clear, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking completely cowed, the big man kept his lips pressed tight together, and his head bobbed like that of a puppet on a string.<\/p>\n

Little Joe came back in, looking puzzled at the scene that was just ending.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, why don\u2019t you and the boys go on over to the courthouse?\u201d Hiram suggested.\u00a0 \u201cSit just as you did before, with Little Joe between the two of you.\u00a0 And, son, you don\u2019t need to talk to anyone before court convenes, understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe would be happy to follow those instructions.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to talk to anyone, least of all that prosecutor, and he felt glad that he\u2019d have two pretty formidable shields sitting on either side of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u00a0 Adam and I will be along shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Voices rose and fingers pointed as the three Cartwrights returned to the courtroom, but they died down when the family sat together, apparently still intact after all that had gone on that morning.\u00a0 In fact, Hoss Cartwright, who had looked ready to rip his little brother apart when last seen, was now almost hovering over the boy, and any ire he felt seemed more directed at anyone that might bother him.\u00a0 Those Cartwrights were something, weren\u2019t they?\u00a0 Hung tight together, even when one of \u2018em was a black-hearted Judas . . . or a mad dog killer.\u00a0 Was it Adam or Little Joe that deserved their contempt?\u00a0 Opinions of the populace varied on that and had been the subject of much heated debate during the court\u2019s recess.<\/p>\n

Little Joe had seemed almost calm after his quiet time with Adam, but as the room continued to fill and the volume of the whispers rose, Ben could sense the tension returning.\u00a0 He laid his hand atop that of his son and began circling his thumb on the boy\u2019s wrist.\u00a0 The same gesture that morning would have accomplished nothing, but now Little Joe leaned into the support, and as he turned toward his father, a phantom smile touched his lips.<\/p>\n

Walking in just then, Mortimer Klein saw it, and his own mouth hardened.\u00a0 As he\u2019d feared, once Ben Cartwright had heard the truth about his oldest son, he\u2019d exerted his powerful influence over his youngest.\u00a0 Had that influence been used to support the pursuit of justice, however painful, or to subvert it by ordering young Joseph to lie under oath?\u00a0 Well, just let the boy try to change his testimony!\u00a0 The prosecutor was fully prepared to destroy him on redirect, if necessary, and, yes, to prosecute him for perjury, if merited.<\/p>\n

The judge entered from a side chamber and, taking his place, struck the gavel twice to bring the room to order.\u00a0 \u201cCourt will be in session,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Joseph Cartwright, please return to the stand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood to allow his son easier access into the aisle, and Hoss again slid over into his brother\u2019s vacant seat as Little Joe walked to the witness box and sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remind you, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the judge admonished, \u201cthat you are still under oath.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 He felt nervous, but nowhere near as shaky as he had that morning.\u00a0 No longer did he feel like an outsider in his own family; this time his testimony would have their full support.\u00a0 He only hoped it wouldn\u2019t be too little too late.<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood stood and approached the witness.\u00a0 \u201cGood afternoon, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed lightly.\u00a0 \u201cHaving known you from infancy, I feel a bit awkward calling you by your formal name.\u00a0 Do you mind if I call you Little Joe, as I usually do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine, Mr. Wood,\u201d Little Joe said.<\/p>\n

Seeing through the defense attorney\u2019s deliberate ploy to portray himself as the witness\u2019s friend, the prosecutor frowned.\u00a0 He would have loved to object, but he saw no grounds for it.<\/p>\n

Mr. Wood came closer and tapped the rail of the witness box a couple of times.\u00a0 \u201cI regret that the matter at issue places us on opposite sides, Little Joe, and I know you\u2019ve already testified extensively, but there are a number of questions I need to put to you.\u00a0 Should you feel at any time that you need a break, please let me know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Little Joe said firmly.\u00a0 There would be no breaks, if he could prevent it.\u00a0 He wanted this business over and done with and Adam set free, the sooner the better, but he\u2019d sit here all day and all night, if that\u2019s what it took to set things right again.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d the lawyer said.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go back to the beginning of that dreadful night.\u00a0 How did you happen to come into Virginia City with your brother Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe hadn\u2019t expected such a simple question, and he almost smiled as he answered, \u201cWhen I heard that he had to come into town for a school board meeting, I asked if I could come, and he said yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you ask to come?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe stared at him, wide-eyed, as if anyone should know the answer to that!\u00a0 \u201cIt was a trip to town,\u201d he said.\u00a0 He flushed as a few titters rippled across the room.\u00a0 \u201cI mean . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you needn\u2019t explain,\u201d Hiram Wood chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI think we can all understand the allure of a trip to town for a young country boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe frowned, and his forehead wrinkled in confusion.\u00a0 Was the lawyer trying to make him look like some kid that almost never got to town?\u00a0 It never occurred to him that painting him as an inexperienced, easily deceived youngster was exactly Hiram Wood\u2019s purpose.\u00a0 Joe had no chance to protest the characterization, however, for the lawyer continued without a break.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your much-older brother graciously agreed to your coming, is that right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said I could come,\u201d Little Joe replied.\u00a0 He remembered Adam making some typical jokes that night that weren\u2019t particularly gracious, but he didn\u2019t mind the lawyer using that word, especially if it helped his brother.\u00a0 Yeah, it was probably smart to make Adam look as good as they could.<\/p>\n

Wood took a couple of steps away from the witness and then turned back, as if another question had just occurred to him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat was your brother wearing that night, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cPretty much what he\u2019s wearing now, Mr. Wood.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lawyer smiled.\u00a0 \u201cCan you be more precise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlack shirt, black pants and hat, a mustard-yellow coat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you left him at the schoolhouse at about 7:25, assuming approximately five minutes for you to get from there to the bank.\u00a0 Is that right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething like that,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t time it to the minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, of course,\u201d Wood said smoothly, \u201cbut that would be your best estimate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou went to the Silver Dollar and after spending a short time there, you walked down C Street, near a certain alley and heard a shot.\u00a0 You testified, I believe, that you ran toward the sound, stopping only when the dark figure of a man exited Wilson\u2019s stable and motioned for you to be quiet.\u201d\u00a0 When Little Joe again agreed, the lawyer continued.\u00a0 \u201cHow well were you able to see this man, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot well at all,\u201d Little Joe emphasized.\u00a0 \u201cIt was real dark in that alley.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you describe exactly what you did see?\u201d<\/p>\n

Realizing the importance of this question, Little Joe straightened in his chair and made sure he spoke loudly enough for the jury to hear.\u00a0 \u201cI saw a man, sort of tall, dressed in black and\u201d\u2014he swallowed hard, for he realized this next detail would again point at his brother\u2014\u201ca mustard-colored coat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how well could you see his face?\u201d Wood pressed.<\/p>\n

Little Joe shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cHardly at all.\u00a0 He had his hat pulled down over most of his face, so I couldn\u2019t see much more than his chin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood faced the judge.\u00a0 \u201cWith the court\u2019s indulgence, your honor, I would like to stage a brief recreation of that moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mortimer Klein leaped to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cObjection, your honor!\u00a0 This is a courtroom, not a theater!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGiven the amount of acting I frequently see here, I\u2019m not sure there\u2019s much difference, Mr. Klein,\u201d the judge snorted.\u00a0 He glanced back at the defense counsel.\u00a0 \u201cIt will be brief?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery brief, your honor,\u201d Wood promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, go ahead.\u201d\u00a0 Then recollecting that he was, indeed, in a court and not a theater, Judge Lawson formally stated, \u201cObjection overruled,\u201d and waved for Wood to proceed.<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood approached his client and asked him to stand.\u00a0 \u201cWould you put on your hat and coat, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam, having been forewarned of this strategy in the few minutes he and his lawyer had spent together after his family left, had come prepared, so he simply nodded and calmly put on the requested items.\u00a0 He carefully pulled his hat down to conceal most of his face.<\/p>\n

The lawyer turned back to the witness.\u00a0 \u201cIs that what you saw, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe hat was a little further down,\u201d Little Joe said.<\/p>\n

Hiram nodded at his client, and Adam made the correction.\u00a0 \u201cIs that more like it?\u201d Wood inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Little Joe agreed.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what I saw.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam changed his position slightly, so that the jurors had a full view of what the witness had seen.<\/p>\n

The defense attorney scratched his head.\u00a0 \u201cFor the life of me, Little Joe, I don\u2019t see how you could identify any man with that much of his face covered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cObjection,\u201d Klein said.\u00a0 \u201cCounselor is commentating, not examining the witness.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSustained,\u201d Judge Lawson stated.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re only allowed to question the witness, Mr. Wood.\u00a0 As I told the prosecutor this morning, conclusions must wait for your closing argument.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, your honor,\u201d Wood said smoothly.\u00a0 \u201cLet me ask, then, Little Joe, that you look at this reenactment of your testimony, which you have already agreed is accurate, and explain exactly how, in much poorer light, you identified that man as your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I just saw the clothes,\u201d Little Joe replied, \u201cand figured it had to be Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

As he motioned for Adam to sit down again, Hiram blessed his client\u2019s little brother in his heart for actually sounding as if that were a conclusion he had just reached.\u00a0 In his confidence the lawyer went one step too far.\u00a0 \u201cAnd the similar clothing the man wore is the sole reason you felt that it was your brother Adam in the alley that night, is that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell . . . no,\u201d Little Joe, ever mindful of the need to be scrupulously truthful, said.\u00a0 \u201cI reckon the note had something to do with it, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood closed pained eyes, took a deep breath and then looked at the witness as he asked, \u201cWhat note?\u201d\u00a0 He absolutely hated surprises on the witness stand, and this boy, apparently, was chock full of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe one Adam . . . well, someone . . . sent to me at the Silver Dollar,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cIt was signed Adam, but I guess anyone could have written it.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing the attorney\u2019s reaction, Joe\u2019s nerves had clenched tight once again.\u00a0 Had he made another mistake fatal to his brother\u2019s chances?<\/p>\n

Another note!\u00a0 They must have been flying all over Virginia City that night.\u00a0 Hopeful he wasn\u2019t about to fall into quicksand, Hiram had to ask.\u00a0 \u201cWhat did the note say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat things had changed,\u201d Little Joe said, \u201cand he told me to meet him at Wilson\u2019s stable at 8:00.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lawyer bit the inside of his cheek.\u00a0 Why had no one thought to ask this boy before why he was in that alley?\u00a0 In his own defense, he\u2019d had little time to ask any questions, but surely Mr. Klein had ample opportunity, and he would scarcely have omitted introducing such a damning piece of evidence if he had known of it.\u00a0 The defense attorney would have preferred that that bit of information had never surfaced, since it was one more piece of circumstantial evidence that placed Adam at the scene.\u00a0 All the lawyer could do now was make the best of it.\u00a0 \u201cSo, Little Joe, are you saying that, in part, you thought you saw your brother because that\u2019s who you expected to be there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s what I meant.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was the right answer, and Hiram was back to blessing the boy again.\u00a0 Now, if he could just get young Joe to answer his next question without revealing any new surprises, he\u2019d quit satisfied.\u00a0 \u201cNow, this is important, Little Joe,\u201d he said, \u201cso think very carefully.\u00a0 In the light of all we\u2019ve discussed here this afternoon and the demonstration you\u2019ve seen, are you still completely convinced that it was your brother, Adam Cartwright, that you saw in that dark alley immediately after hearing a shot fired?\u201d<\/p>\n

Recognizing that this would be the most important answer he\u2019d given since he first took the stand, Little Joe straightened in his chair and said, clearly and forthrightly, \u201cNo, sir.\u00a0 No, I\u2019m not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve told the truth this afternoon, haven\u2019t you?\u201d the lawyer asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, just like I promised.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut a further examination of the evidence has led you to a different conclusion than the one you held before, is that right?\u201d\u00a0 That, thought Hiram, should be enough to quell any false notions of prosecution for perjury!<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 I realize now that it wasn\u2019t Adam I saw that night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Little Joe,\u201d the lawyer said and headed back to the defense table.<\/p>\n

Little Joe had started to stand when the prosecutor stood rapidly to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cStay right where you are, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d the prosecutor almost bellowed.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not finished with you, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI take it you have some questions on redirect,\u201d Judge Lawson said dryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do, indeed, your honor!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not deaf,\u201d said the judge with a caustic glare at the prosecutor.\u00a0 \u201cNor, I suspect, is the witness, given his youthful ears.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mortimer Klein took the hint and lowered his voice.\u00a0 \u201cMy apologies, your honor.\u00a0 The witness appeared to be under the impression that he was free to leave; I was merely trying to prevent that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking dubious, the judge said,\u00a0 \u201cProceed, Mr. Klein.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Klein said, approaching the witness with a scowl, \u201cyou\u2019ve certainly had a sudden change of heart.\u00a0 This morning you were absolutely certain that it was your brother, Adam Cartwright, you saw exiting that barn.\u00a0 Now, under Mr. Wood\u2019s careful guidance, you\u2019ve made a complete turnabout!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cObjection, your honor,\u201d Hiram Wood said, standing.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s no evidence that this so-called \u2018guidance\u2019 ever took place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSustained,\u201d Judge Lawson said.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t just say it, Mr. Klein; you have to prove it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me ask directly, then,\u201d the prosecutor said.\u00a0 \u201cDid you speak with Mr. Wood during the recess, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Little Joe admitted reluctantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did he suggest to you that you might have been mistaken in your identification of his client?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s forehead wrinkled in thought.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cAdam said so, but I can\u2019t remember if Mr. Wood did or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you accepted your brother\u2019s word, just like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0 The word came out slowly, with regret.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou still held to your conviction that he was guilty of murder?\u201d<\/p>\n

With a quick apologetic look at his brother, Little Joe nodded and, when reminded, spoke the word aloud.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, how did either your brother or your father or Mr. Wood convince you to change your testimony?\u201d the prosecutor demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe drew himself up and stared the prosecutor directly in the face.\u00a0 He was through being intimidated by that man!\u00a0 \u201cAll Mr. Wood did was ask me the same kinds of questions he did here.\u00a0 It made me realize I hadn\u2019t really seen Adam, just someone that looked a lot like him, but he didn\u2019t tell me what to think; I decided.\u00a0 And don\u2019t go threatenin\u2019 me with prison again, either; I can change my mind without it bein\u2019 perjury.\u201d<\/p>\n

The judge gave the gavel a solid hit.\u00a0 \u201cThat will be enough, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he said firmly.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t get to make commentary any more than either of these attorneys.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sinking back, Little Joe exhaled heavily and glanced up at the judge\u2019s adamantine countenance.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, your honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

The judge nodded acceptance of the apology.\u00a0 \u201cAny further questions, counselor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, your honor.\u00a0 Several.\u201d\u00a0 Klein favored his young witness with a foreboding smile.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Mr. Cartwright, just to be certain that your present conviction is your final one, let\u2019s go over the facts one more time, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we gotta,\u201d Little Joe sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yes, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 We gotta.\u201d\u00a0 The prosecutor went back to the very beginning, taking his witness on a painstaking examination of every detail of the case, reminding him of his previous answers and excoriating him for any change, such as the sudden appearance of a hitherto-unmentioned note from his brother.\u00a0 \u201cWhy did you not present this evidence in our first discussion?\u201d Klein demanded.\u00a0 \u201cBecause it was detrimental to your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just didn\u2019t think of it,\u201d Little Joe insisted, \u201cand you didn\u2019t ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, and because I didn\u2019t ask about a note I did not know existed, you felt yourself justified in withholding evidence?\u201d\u00a0 The prosecutor leaned into the witness box, his face only inches from that of Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cDo you recall what I once said to you regarding the phrase \u2018accessory after the fact\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

His breath coming in short gasps, Little Joe closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer the question, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d Klein demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one?\u201d Hiram Wood asked from his desk.\u00a0 \u201cYour honor, I don\u2019t see how counsel can expect his witness to respond unless he takes a breath between questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer whichever you prefer, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the prosecutor snorted.<\/p>\n

Assuming the second had been more threat than question, anyway, Little Joe chose the first.\u00a0 \u201cI wasn\u2019t trying to withhold evidence,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI just didn\u2019t think about it after that night.\u00a0 A lot was going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGranted,\u201d Klein conceded.\u00a0 \u201cNow, on the night in question, you fully believed this note came from your brother, is that right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRestrict your answers to the questions I ask, young man!\u00a0 Now you expect us to believe that someone else sent this note, I take it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMust have,\u201d Little Joe insisted, \u201csince Adam didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor which you have his word.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI trust him,\u201d Little Joe said tersely.<\/p>\n

\u201cRather a newfound trust, isn\u2019t it?\u00a0 You needn\u2019t answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The barb struck home, reminding the young man of just how recently he\u2019d had no trust in his older brother, and he hung his head in both weariness and shame.<\/p>\n

Mortimer Klein paced a few steps to regain his own composure.\u00a0 \u201cDo you not recognize your own brother\u2019s handwriting?\u201d he then asked.\u00a0 \u201cSurely, you must have seen it numerous times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Little Joe replied, \u201cbut this wasn\u2019t written, just printed out like a little kid does.\u00a0 I\u2019m not used to seeing Adam do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram and Adam exchanged glances, each thinking the same thing.\u00a0 All these notes floating around town, all of them printed rather than written, all of them undoubtedly by the same hand.\u00a0 They knew it wasn\u2019t Adam\u2019s, but how to prove it?\u00a0 Except for the one to Rose, none of them existed anymore.\u00a0 Or was it possible this one did?\u00a0 Though Adam doubted it, knowing his kid brother\u2019s careless ways, the question was worth asking, once they got Joe in private.<\/p>\n

That opportunity seemed hopelessly far in the future as the prosecutor\u2019s redirect examination continued, on and on and on.\u00a0 The witness was visibly wilting, and the crowd was growing restless as each detail of his previous testimony was revisited and belabored.\u00a0 Even though his head was pounding and his stamina fading, however, Little Joe continued to insist that he had been mistaken in his previous identification of the killer, and the prosecutor finally walked away in disgust, saying, \u201cI have no further questions for this witness.\u00a0 The prosecution rests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny re-cross, Mr. Wood?\u201d Judge Lawson asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, your honor,\u201d Adam\u2019s counselor replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, you\u2019re excused,\u201d the judge said, \u201cand you may call your first witness, Mr. Wood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe gladly escaped from the witness box and back to his seat.\u00a0 Hoss moved over, so his brother could again sit between him and Pa, and as the boy almost collapsed beside him, he nudged his brother\u2019s shoulder and leaned close to say, \u201cYou done good, Shortshanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe smiled his gratitude for the support, although he didn\u2019t feel the same confidence about his testimony.\u00a0 He felt more like a used dishrag, wrung out and hung to dry.\u00a0 It was the wrong image to conjure up: it only made his mouth feel even more dry, and he couldn\u2019t leave, not after running out the way he had that morning.\u00a0 Folks needed to see the entire Cartwright family, giving Adam their full support, so thirsty or not, he was determined to stay for every minute of this afternoon\u2019s testimony.\u00a0 At least, these witnesses would be on Adam\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood called George Bristol, the first of a trio of character witnesses who had agreed to testify on Adam\u2019s behalf.\u00a0 Wood led him through a series of questions crafted to demonstrate Adam\u2019s respected place in the community and in the eyes of prominent citizens, such as this banker.\u00a0 Through Bristol, he addressed such qualities as Adam\u2019s business acumen, honesty in transactions and general bearing.\u00a0 Then, he asked if Bristol had ever seen Adam Cartwright fly into a rage.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly not,\u201d Bristol declared firmly.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact, I recall an occasion when someone tried to taunt him into a gunfight.\u00a0 Most men would have been reaching for their gun with far less provocation, but Adam repeatedly said an unvarnished \u201cNo\u201d and eventually turned his back on a man with a gun and calmly walked away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finally, thanks to information presented by Little Joe, Mr. Wood added another line of questioning.\u00a0 \u201cHow does Adam Cartwright customarily dress, if you know, Mr. Bristol?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

George Bristol laughed slightly at the unexpected question.\u00a0 \u201cHow he dresses?\u00a0 Well, most of the time the same way he is today\u2014in black.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd have you seen him wear the coat his youngest brother described as mustard yellow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn cooler weather, yes.\u201d\u00a0 By this time the witness was looking puzzled, but he answered honestly, as he\u2019d taken oath to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no other questions.\u00a0 Counselor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly a few questions, Mr. Bristol,\u201d the prosecutor said, rising from behind his desk.\u00a0 \u201cDid you hear young Joseph Cartwright\u2019s description of the killer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Bristol said reluctantly, for he was astute enough to see how the prosecutor would use his answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how does it compare with Adam Cartwright\u2019s customary mode of dress?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt sounded the same to me,\u201d Bristol admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo further questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The banker\u2019s testimony formed the pattern for the next couple of witnesses.\u00a0 Reverend Holmes was sworn in next and testified that Adam was a frequent attendee at church services, as well as being a regular supporter with both money and physical labor, particularly when the building needed repair.\u00a0 Hiram Woods again ended his questioning by inquiring into Adam\u2019s normal habit of dress.\u00a0 The prosecutor again asked no questions, other than those comparing Little Joe\u2019s description of the killer\u2019s clothing with that he had just ascribed to the defendant.<\/p>\n

Little Joe had been uncomfortable during Bristol\u2019s examination.\u00a0 When Hiram Wood took the same tack with the next witness, he was almost beside himself.\u00a0 \u201cWhy\u2019s he keep bringin\u2019 up his clothes?\u201d he whispered to his father.\u00a0 \u201cThe jury don\u2019t need no reminder of that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShh,\u201d his father warned.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sure Hiram knows what he\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The final character witness was fellow school board member, Winston Graham.\u00a0 He gave his opinion that Virginia City was lucky to have an educated man like Adam Cartwright on its school board.\u00a0 \u201cAble to foresee problems and their solutions, as well as presenting them in a way that\u2019s clear to everyone.\u00a0 I certainly hope we won’t be deprived of his services.\u00a0 It would be Virginia City\u2019s loss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d Wood agreed.\u00a0 \u201cThese meetings can, I assume, be contentious at times?\u201d<\/p>\n

Graham chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNow, don\u2019t go telling that to the citizens!\u00a0 But you\u2019re right; sometimes they can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how does Adam Cartwright comport himself during these tense times?\u00a0 Have you ever seen him lose control, fly into a fit of rage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly not,\u201d Graham said.\u00a0 \u201cHe always remains calm and clear-headed, even when the rest of us are at each other\u2019s throats.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd can you confirm what Mr. Bristol and Reverend Holmes have stated about his customary attire?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly, and I\u2019ve seen him wear that coat, too, I\u2019m sorry to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram smiled.\u00a0 \u201cNo need to be sorry.\u00a0 It is the truth that sets us free, as the Good Book says.\u00a0 I have no more questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe stared at the lawyer as he returned to his seat beside Adam.\u00a0 Was there any good reason to remind folks over and over that Adam\u2019s clothes matched those worn by the killer?\u00a0 Apparently, Mr. Wood thought so, and the family would just have to trust his judgment.\u00a0 Given recent events, though, the boy found himself reluctant to trust any lawyer.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Graham,\u201d Mortimer Klein said as he approached the witness, \u201cwere you in the courtroom this morning during the testimony of Miss Abigail Jones?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, yes, I was,\u201d Graham replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you heard her report Adam Cartwright\u2019s claim of receiving a note calling him to an urgent meeting of the school board?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I heard that,\u201d Graham answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did you yourself receive such a note?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo your knowledge, was there a meeting of the school board that night?\u201d Klein continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to my knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did you also hear her describe the words she heard Adam Cartwright say in regard to his youngest brother?\u201d the prosecutor pressed.<\/p>\n

Graham\u2019s breath caught in his throat.\u00a0 \u201cYes,\u201d he answered hesitantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you repeat them, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe he said that if his brother had written that note as some sort of prank, he would\u2014he would kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKill him,\u201d Klein reiterated as he stood tapping the rail between him and the witness with his open palm.\u00a0 \u201cIs that, Mr. Graham, an example of how Adam Cartwright \u2018always remains calm and clear-headed,\u2019 even when the rest of the sober-minded members of the school board lose control?\u201d he asked, his voice rising with each phrase he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no,\u201d an abashed Graham said.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose it\u2019s not.\u201d\u00a0 He sent an apologetic glance toward the defense table.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I would suppose not, either,\u201d Klein declared firmly.\u00a0 \u201cNo further questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Hiram Wood then called Ben Cartwright to the stand, the audience rustled with expectation.\u00a0 What could old man Cartwright testify to, other than telling what the whole town already knew, that he thought the sun rose and set in that oldest son of his?\u00a0 They didn\u2019t care.\u00a0 Just watching the old man get his comeuppance at the hands of the prosecutor, like his youngest boy had, would make for the best entertainment the town had seen in months.<\/p>\n

All their guesses were wrong.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright\u2019s testimony was both brief and, by public standards, boring.\u00a0 He only stated that he had seen the note his son had received about that make-believe school board meeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you recognize the handwriting?\u201d Wood asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t written,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cIt was printed out in block letters, like a kid does.\u201d\u00a0 His echoing of his youngest son\u2019s exact description was intentional.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Wood said, \u201cand do you still have this note, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, I saw no need to keep it.\u00a0 Unfortunately, I threw it into the fire after Adam and Joe left for town that night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour witness,\u201d Hiram said and went back to his place.<\/p>\n

The audience stirred in expectation.\u00a0 Now the fun would start!\u00a0 They were disappointed again, however, for Mortimer Klein, having seen little to be gained by it, declined to cross-examine the Cartwright patriarch.\u00a0 That note, whether it actually existed or not, neither added nor detracted from his case.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome people get off easy,\u201d Little Joe muttered to his big brother while their father walked back to join them.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh,\u201d Hoss answered absently.\u00a0 Joe could grouse all he wanted; Hoss was more focused on what would come next.<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood looked steadily at the defendant and emitted a soft sigh when he saw Adam\u2019s determined nod.\u00a0 He\u2019d advised against having his client take the stand, and until this afternoon Adam hadn\u2019t seemed to care one way or another about testifying in his own behalf\u2014or anything else, for that matter.\u00a0 In this case Hiram felt there was little to be gained and a lot to be risked.\u00a0 Adam had nothing to offer except his denial of having killed Rose, and that, Hiram had tried to convince him, he\u2019d already done by pleading not guilty.\u00a0 Adam, however, had insisted that her father, at least, needed to hear him say it, even if nothing else were gained, and not even the guarantee of a rigorous cross-examination by the determined prosecutor could convince him otherwise.\u00a0 Why am I surprised?<\/em> Hiram asked himself.\u00a0 Cartwrights don\u2019t come any other way than stubborn!<\/em><\/p>\n

There was no missing the look of outright exultation in Mortimer Klein\u2019s eyes when his opponent called the defendant to the stand.\u00a0 The man was a fool, of course, but the prosecutor happily suffered fools of that sort.\u00a0 This one looked to be in cool possession of himself as he placed one hand on the Bible and raised the other to take the oath, but that would change soon enough, as it had with many another cocky defendant.\u00a0 Just be patient<\/em>, he told himself, and you\u2019ll soon have this one as rattled as his baby brother<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, I have several questions for you this afternoon,\u201d Hiram Wood began.\u00a0 \u201cYour father, Ben Cartwright, just testified that you received a note, purported to be from Miss Abigail Jones.\u00a0 Is that correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

In a lighter moment Adam might have pointed out that the question could be taken two ways, either as an inquiry to whether his father had just testified or to whether the information itself was correct, but this was no time for word games.\u00a0 \u201cYes,\u201d he simply said.\u00a0 \u201cI did receive such a note.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that is why you came to Virginia City that night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe only reason,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cBeing very busy, I would have preferred not to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0 The attorney\u2019s slight frown was meant to remind his client not to offer any gratuitous comments.\u00a0 The slight inclination of Adam\u2019s head indicated that he had understood.\u00a0 \u201cYou went to the schoolhouse in the company of your youngest brother,\u201d Wood continued.\u00a0 \u201cDo you recall when you separated?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlmost as soon as we arrived,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThe time given in the note was 8:00, and I arrived approximately half an hour before that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly.\u00a0 Punctuality has always been one of your virtues,\u201d Wood said smoothly.<\/p>\n

\u201cObjection, your honor.\u00a0 Counsel is offering testimony . . . and he\u2019s not even under oath,\u201d Klein snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cSustained,\u201d the judge ruled.\u00a0 \u201cYou know better, Mr. Wood.\u00a0 Questions only.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, your honor.\u00a0 How long did you wait at the schoolhouse, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was ten minutes past eight when I finally gave up and headed to Miss Abigail\u2019s house to inquire if the meeting had been cancelled,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cI checked my watch,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a short walk, I believe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more than five minutes,\u201d Adam concurred.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there you learned that no board meeting had been called for that night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate to bring up utter nonsense, Adam, but did you give any credence to Miss Jones\u2019 suggestion that your little brother had written that note as a prank?\u201d\u00a0 The lawyer ended his question with a light chuckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe can be a prankster, sure, but he\u2019s not mean-spirited, and he would have realized there would be a price to pay if he wangled a trip to town that way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you say you would kill him if he had pulled such a prank?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably,\u201d Adam conceded.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t recall saying that, but Miss Abigail had no reason to invent such a statement, and I was thoroughly irritated at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut did you, as Mr. Klein has phrased it, leave her home with murder in your heart?\u201d Wood pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 If I said it, I was just blowing off steam, the way brothers do,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cNo one can get under my skin easier than that kid, and I\u2019ve probably said something like that a dozen or more times in his young life, but as you can clearly see, he\u2019s still alive and kicking.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram turned toward the young man under discussion and gave him a broad grin.\u00a0 \u201cHe certainly is!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe, embarrassed at again being the center of attention, slid back in his chair.\u00a0 Despite feeling self-conscious, however, he couldn\u2019t help being impressed with his oldest brother\u2019s performance as a witness.\u00a0 He himself had sweated and strained every minute he\u2019d sat where his brother now was, but Adam, facing a much grimmer penalty, was cool enough to crack a joke.\u00a0 Did that kind of control come with being older or just from being Adam?<\/p>\n

\u201cYour honor,\u201d the prosecutor pleaded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, give it a rest, Mr. Klein,\u201d the judge, chin cupped in his right palm, grunted.\u00a0 \u201cYou brought the issue up; you can\u2019t expect defense counsel to ignore it.\u00a0 Go on, Mr. Wood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter you had this conversation with Miss Jones,\u201d the defense lawyer said, \u201cwhere did you go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the Silver Dollar,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cThat was where Little Joe and I had agreed to meet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd was he there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 The bartender said he had been there, but he\u2019d left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you do then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI went to look for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram paced back and forth before his witness and then turned to face him again.\u00a0 \u201cYou heard your brother testify that he received a note there at the saloon, signed with your name\u2014and when I say \u2018signed,\u2019 of course I mean that it was your name printed at the end.\u00a0 Did you send such a note, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not,\u201d Adam said firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you had no idea that Little Joe had gone to Wilson\u2019s stable?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cObviously, I wouldn\u2019t have wasted time searching for him if I\u2019d known where he was.<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously,\u201d the lawyer agreed.\u00a0 \u201cWhile we\u2019re on the subject of notes, let me also ask whether you sent one to Miss Rose Worthington, asking her to meet you at that same stable.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the first time Adam\u2019s emotional control seemed to crack.\u00a0 Then he gathered his strength.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI did not,\u201d he said emphatically, his eyes fixed on Isaac Worthington, sitting quietly behind the prosecution team. \u00a0No one, not even the jury, was he more determined to convince.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long did you spend searching for your brother?\u201d Wood asked next.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t be sure.\u00a0 Probably half an hour, forty-five minutes at the most.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd where did you find him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt Dr. Martin\u2019s office.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice choked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s where you also learned, for the first time, that your intended bride, Miss Rose Worthington, had been brutally assaulted and killed.\u201d<\/p>\n

It had been phrased as a statement, but Adam answered, anyway, though barely able to squeeze the word from his tightening vocal pipes.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne final question, Adam,\u201d his lawyer said.\u00a0 \u201cDid you kill Rose?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised his head, and tears washed his eyes as he again looked directly at the father of his beloved Rosebud.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 How could I?\u00a0 I loved her.\u00a0 My life is empty without her.\u201d\u00a0 Then the man famous for keeping his emotions in his own chest turned away to wipe his trickling cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo further questions,\u201d Hiram Wood said gently and walked back to his desk in dread of what was sure to follow.<\/p>\n

As Hoss watched Mortimer Klein rise from his chair, he thought he saw the prosecutor lick his lips, like some hungry wolf slinking toward its next meal, and his eyes turned to blue ice.\u00a0 He\u2019d already seen that wolf devour one brother, and he wasn\u2019t sure he could sit through seeing another one gulped down, even at the risk of getting himself locked up for contempt of court.\u00a0 Glancing to his right, he saw Little Joe shaking, as if he were the one the wolf\u2019s teeth were about to bite into, and not caring what anyone thought, Hoss put his arm around the younger boy.\u00a0 He was only sorry he couldn\u2019t reach far enough to include his father \u2018cause Pa looked almost as sick and worried as little brother.<\/p>\n

There were no teeth showing as Klein approached the witness.\u00a0 \u201cWell, Mr. Cartwright, Virginia City saw quite a bit of you on the night in question, I must say,\u201d he said smoothly.<\/p>\n

Feeling no obligation to respond, Adam used the subsequent pause to again take rein over his grief.\u00a0 That was a private thing, not to be released for public show, if he could avoid it.\u00a0 Another feeling to be kept private, for now, was the anger he felt toward the prosecutor for what he\u2019d put Little Joe through.\u00a0 They say you have iron control, Adam<\/em>, he told himself.\u00a0 Now\u2019s the time to show it!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cShall we begin with what really brought you to town that night?\u201d the prosecutor asked.\u00a0 \u201cWe know it wasn\u2019t a school board meeting, don\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn the contrary,\u201d Adam said, \u201cthat is exactly what brought me to Virginia City.\u00a0 The fact that there turned out to be no meeting doesn\u2019t change the reason I came.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u00a0 Tell me, then, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Klein said, lifting his right hand with a puzzled air, \u201cwho actually wrote that note you purportedly received, inviting you to such a meeting?\u00a0 We know it wasn\u2019t Miss Abigail Jones.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour best guess?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI have none.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why did you threaten to kill him?\u201d\u00a0 The prosecutor tapped the rail between him and the witness with the palm of his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I stated before,\u201d Adam said, eyes hardening, \u201cif I said that, it was only because I was tired and frustrated with the whole situation.\u00a0 Words like that serve as a steam valve to release pressure and do not dictate future behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, so I say,\u201d Adam reiterated, \u201cand I have just taken an oath to tell the truth, the only party to this conversation to do so, I might add.\u201d<\/p>\n

The judge\u2019s gavel came down with a loud crack.\u00a0 \u201cWatch your tone, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Lawson warned.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded and moistened his lips.\u00a0 \u201cI apologize, your honor.\u201d\u00a0 Reminding himself to keep hold of his temper, he missed the prosecutor\u2019s next question.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr. Klein, I didn\u2019t hear you clearly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you,\u201d Klein said tersely, \u201cif it was not you yourself who wrote that note?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly not,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cWhy would I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m supposed to ask the questions,\u201d Klein said glibly.\u00a0 \u201cNonetheless, I\u2019ll answer that one: to provide yourself an excuse to go into Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stopped himself from laughing just in time, although he couldn\u2019t prevent an astounded cough from escaping his throat.\u00a0 \u201cWhy would I need an excuse to go to town?\u00a0 I\u2019m a grown man; I can go any time I choose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo disguise your real reason, then,\u201d Klein alleged, \u201cbut let\u2019s move on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s,\u201d Adam said with a sardonic smile.\u00a0 If this weren\u2019t such a serious matter, he might actually have enjoyed this verbal joust.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were two other notes circulating around town that evening,\u201d the prosecutor stated, \u201cand they were signed with your name.\u00a0 You wrote those, too, didn\u2019t you, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd were these notes, the one to Miss Worthington and that to your brother Joseph, also the work of some anonymous prankster?\u201d\u00a0 His very tone suggested how ridiculous he considered the idea.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied soberly.\u00a0 \u201cThose were the work of a killer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both of the prosecutor\u2019s eyebrows rose simultaneously.\u00a0 \u201cThe work of a killer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s obvious, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Adam asked.\u00a0 \u201cThey were both lured to the barn, and Rose met her death there.\u00a0 Who but the killer knew they would be there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho, indeed?\u201d Klein said, staring directly at the defendant.\u00a0 \u201cBut your brother was not killed\u2014not even when this killer saw him!\u00a0 One can only wonder why.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was obviously intended to be a witness,\u201d Adam reasoned.\u00a0 \u201cEverything, from the notes to the clothing the killer wore to having someone who would recognize me on the scene was all some elaborate plan to frame me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, really, Mr. Cartwright!\u201d the prosecutor scoffed.\u00a0 \u201cWould you have this jury believe a wild story like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam said, \u201csince that is the only explanation that takes in all the facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is another explanation, though, isn\u2019t there?\u201d\u00a0 Klein leaned in close.\u00a0 \u201cIsn\u2019t there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam rubbed his left temple, where a headache was beginning to form.\u00a0 \u201cYes, but that explanation does not take into consideration vital facts: I did not send the notes; I did not kill Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat, Mr. Cartwright, will be for the jury to decide.\u201d\u00a0 He gave a nod to the twelve men in the jury box as he walked away.\u00a0 Turning, he asked, \u201cHow many men have you killed, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood came to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cObjection, your honor.\u00a0 This is irrelevant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCounsel brought the man\u2019s character into consideration, your honor,\u201d Klein argued.<\/p>\n

\u201cObjection overruled,\u201d the judge decreed.\u00a0 \u201cAnswer the question, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know that I can give you a number,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

The eyebrows shot up again.\u00a0 \u201cReally?\u00a0 Have there been that many?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how many I killed in the Paiute War,\u201d Adam amplified. \u00a0\u201cI couldn\u2019t take time to count.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRedskins don\u2019t count, nohow!\u201d someone shouted from the back of the room, and the judge\u2019s gavel pounded for order in the hubbub that ensued.<\/p>\n

When the crowd was again subdued, Klein continued, with a smile toward the room, \u201cWe won\u2019t count men killed in war, then.\u00a0 How many others have you slain, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThree,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThree!\u201d the prosecutor exploded.\u00a0 \u201cThree men have died at your hand, and a dozen or so threats against your own brother\u2019s life, that you admit to.\u00a0 Quite a violent man, aren\u2019t you, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve only killed when I had to, in self-defense.\u00a0 A man\u2019s entitled to shoot back when he\u2019s fired on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what sort of ammunition was your young brother firing?\u201d Klein demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cBacktalk, mostly,\u201d Adam said wryly.\u00a0 Then he caught sight of his little brother\u2019s stricken face and wished he could take the words back.\u00a0 He sat up straighter and stared the prosecutor in the face.\u00a0 \u201cAnd all I fired back was words.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWords can lead to deeds,\u201d Klein declared.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps your young brother has good reason to fear you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll make things right with my brother,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cI always do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Little Joe was on his feet.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re already right!\u00a0 I ain\u2019t never been scared Adam would kill me!\u201d\u00a0 Then, reminded of the threat of perjury by the baleful glare of the prosecutor, he gulped and said, \u201cNot much, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

The judge, lips tightly pursed to maintain a sober judicial expression, hit the gavel once to quell the outburst of laughter that met that declaration; then he used it to point at the red-faced young man, who sheepishly took his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome folks get off easy,\u201d Hoss grunted in his ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrade places with you, any day,\u201d Little Joe muttered back, earning himself Ben Cartwright\u2019s strong grip on his right forearm.\u00a0 Unable to reach Hoss, Ben had to settle for a stern glare at his middle son.<\/p>\n

When the room was completely quiet, Judge Lawson told the prosecutor to continue.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d Klein said, \u201cdo you still maintain the illusion that someone other than you committed this crime?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it was someone other than me,\u201d Adam said plainly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u00a0 I certainly don\u2019t want to prosecute the wrong man,\u201d Klein declared, \u201cso perhaps you can assist me in my pursuit of justice by suggesting who might hate you enough to take the life of the woman you say you loved and frame you for the crime.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stared blankly at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome now, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the prosecutor pressed.\u00a0 \u201cSurely, there can\u2019t be many men with both the rancor toward you and the intellect to concoct such an elaborate scheme.\u00a0 If the killer isn\u2019t you, name him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d Adam admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t thought about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou haven\u2019t thought about it?\u201d Klein shouted, throwing both hands to the ceiling.\u00a0 \u201cWhat on earth have you found more important to think about than that?\u201d<\/p>\n

For the first time Adam broke.\u00a0 His body shook and his voice cracked as he said, \u201cRose.\u201d\u00a0 He\u2019d thought of little else but his Rose from the moment he learned of her death until he\u2019d seen this same man drag the mistaken accusation from his little brother that morning.<\/p>\n

Though the prosecutor said nothing, the sound that escaped his throat was one of utter disdain, and his voice spewed contempt as he said, \u201cNo further questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny redirect, Mr. Wood?\u201d the judge asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly one question,\u201d Hiram Wood, mindful of the state of his client, said.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright\u2014Adam, did you kill Miss Rose Worthington?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pulled himself together enough to face the jurors as he responded.\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d he said as firmly as he could through his still constricted throat.\u00a0 \u201cI did not.\u201d<\/p>\n

The witness was excused, and as Adam walked back to his seat, Judge Lawson consulted the clock on the courtroom wall and asked if the defense had anything further.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour honor, I have no additional witnesses, but I may have an exhibit to enter into evidence,\u201d Hiram Wood said.\u00a0 Having noticed the judge\u2019s glance at the clock, he added, \u201cGiven that it is now nearly 5:00, I wonder if we might deal with that small matter in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judge Lawson turned toward the prosecutor.\u00a0 \u201cCounselor?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mortimer Klein eyed his opponent with suspicion.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s only an exhibit, why doesn\u2019t defense counsel enter it now?\u00a0 Then we can have the entire morning tomorrow for closing arguments.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving only learned of its existence this afternoon, I don\u2019t have it with me at present,\u201d Hiram admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI would appreciate the court\u2019s indulgence, and I assure you that any testimony regarding this exhibit would be extremely brief, only a question or two to establish what it is and how it was obtained.\u00a0 That would still leave ample time for closing statements, your honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe court is inclined to grant that indulgence, Mr. Wood,\u201d the judge said.\u00a0 \u201cWithout objection?\u201d<\/p>\n

A close appraisal of the judge\u2019s face told Mr. Klein that there had better not be one, and he quickly agreed. \u00a0\u201cThen court will be in recess until 9:00 tomorrow morning,\u201d the judge said, bringing the gavel down to end the session.<\/p>\n

While the crowd filed out, Ben took a moment to speak to his oldest son before the sheriff put on the handcuffs for the trip back to the jail.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be over to see you later, son,\u201d he promised.\u00a0 \u201cI need to take care of something else first.\u201d\u00a0 The slight incline of his head communicated to Adam exactly what\u2014or rather, whom\u2014his father meant.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a moment, Ben,\u201d Hiram said as soon as Roy Coffee had led his client away, for Ben was starting to herd his other two toward the door.\u00a0 \u201cI need to talk with this young man.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded toward Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben said bluntly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly a moment, Ben,\u201d the lawyer promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben repeated more firmly.\u00a0 \u201cThis boy is exhausted, Hiram.\u00a0 He\u2019s had almost nothing to eat or drink all day, and he will not answer a single question until that is taken care of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019ll help Adam, Pa . . .\u201d Little Joe started to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joseph.\u00a0 Whatever it is can wait until you\u2019ve had a bite to eat.\u00a0 On the other hand, Hiram,\u201d he said, relenting a little, \u201cif you wish to join us . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

The lawyer smiled.\u00a0 \u201cYes, thank you.\u00a0 You\u2019re right, of course.\u00a0 We can all use a few minutes\u2019 escape from court business.\u00a0 Might I suggest the Washoe Club, for privacy\u2019s sake?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll meet you there, then,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cCome along, boys.\u00a0 Now, Joseph,\u201d he added when his youngest son hesitated.<\/p>\n

Little Joe rolled his eyes at his brother, who only shrugged.\u00a0 Hoss, never one to argue much with Pa, anyway, wasn\u2019t about to try it when his father-hen feathers were all flustered.<\/p>\n

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

Everyone except Little Joe had finished his soup course.\u00a0 Seeing their lawyer eyeing the boy\u2019s slow lift of his spoon, Ben finally said, \u201cOh, go ahead, Hiram . . . but keep eating, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Little Joe sighed.\u00a0 Sometimes Pa made him feel like he was about six years old.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to know, Little Joe,\u201d Hiram said, \u201cif there was any possibility you still had that note, the one supposedly from Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy lowered his spoon and cocked his head in thought.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I think so,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cIs it important?\u00a0 Will it help Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably not by itself,\u201d the lawyer admitted.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll admit I was mainly playing for time when I brought it up.\u00a0 I was afraid, even though the hour was growing late, that the judge might insist we begin closing arguments at once,\u201d he explained, \u201cand I simply wasn\u2019t ready.\u00a0 I\u2019ve had too much information thrown at me in too short a time.\u00a0 I need to absorb it and organize my remarks in light of a number of new developments.\u201d\u00a0 He looked at Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re not planning to spring any more surprises, are you, young fellow?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe grinned.\u00a0 \u201cNo, sir, but then I wasn\u2019t planning to spring any in the first place . . . well, except testifying for the prosecution.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat one was plenty big enough,\u201d Hoss grunted, reaching for another piece of bread.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know where the note is, Little Joe?\u201d Hiram asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt should still be in my desk,\u201d Little Joe replied after taking another sip of soup in response to his father\u2019s intentional stare.\u00a0 \u201cI put it in my pocket when I left the saloon that night, and it was still there when I undressed for bed, so I stuffed it into one of the cubbyholes in my desk.\u00a0 No reason it wouldn\u2019t still be there; I ain\u2019t cleaned out my desk lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t cleaned it since the dawn of creation,\u201d Hoss snorted.<\/p>\n

Hiram waved off the comment.\u00a0 \u201cNever mind, never mind.\u00a0 I\u2019m just glad it\u2019s there.\u00a0 That\u2019s the exhibit I want to enter tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe groaned.\u00a0 \u201cDoes that mean I have to get in that witness chair again?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly for a few minutes,\u201d Hiram cajoled.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll just remind the jury when and how you received the note and then tell what you did with it afterwards.\u00a0 Just a formality, and I doubt that Mr. Klein will ask a single question.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cI guess that means I\u2019ll be riding home tonight, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cThat means Hoss will be riding home tonight.\u00a0 You are staying here with me, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe slammed the soup spoon to the table.\u00a0 \u201cAw, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMind your manners, Joseph; we are in a public place,\u201d his father said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd finish that soup.\u00a0 Our entrees will be here soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe exhaled in exasperation, but did as he was told.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a pity you didn\u2019t keep that note purported to come from Miss Jones, Ben,\u201d the lawyer said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to have compared it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might help convince the jury that there really was an elaborate plot to frame Adam if they could see for themselves the similarity in the three notes,\u201d Hiram explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have two,\u201d Ben said, \u201cthe one to Joe and the one to Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but those two are both affixed with Adam\u2019s name,\u201d the lawyer pointed out.\u00a0 \u201cIf one signed with another name looked as though it were written by the same hand, it might help raise reasonable doubt in the jurors\u2019 minds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe pushed his empty soup bowl aside.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about the one to Mr. Klein?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know how it was signed, but it can\u2019t have said Adam, can it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Three sets of eyes stared at him.\u00a0 Then Hiram Wood voiced what they were all thinking, more or less.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you said there wouldn\u2019t be any more surprises, young fellow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Little Joe said with a sheepish shrug.<\/p>\n

Hiram chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI think I\u2019m beginning to take them in stride.\u00a0 You mean there was a note to Mr. Klein, as well?\u00a0 How do you know this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s how he knew about me seein\u2019 the killer,\u201d Little Joe explained.\u00a0 \u201cHe said he got a note from someone who\u2019d seen me and knew I\u2019d seen Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram stroked his chin in thought.\u00a0 \u201cAnother eye witness, one he didn\u2019t bother calling.\u00a0 That\u2019s very interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe Mr. Klein just made him up,\u201d Hoss suggested, \u201cto trick Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Little Joe said the prosecutor already knew that he\u2019d seen the killer,\u201d Hiram pointed out, \u201cso I would guess there really is\u2014or, at least, was\u2014a note . . . and I\u2019d be highly interested in seeing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he still has it,\u201d Ben put in.<\/p>\n

Hiram smiled.\u00a0 \u201cWe lawyers tend to save everything, Ben.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing their waiter approaching, his smile broadened.\u00a0 \u201cAh, I believe dinner is served, gentlemen, and my appetite is improving by the minute.\u00a0 However, if you have any more surprises, Little Joe, try to bring them up before we finish dessert!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Directly after dinner Ben insisted on returning to the hotel.\u00a0 Little Joe didn\u2019t argue about that, but the dictate his father laid down upon arriving in their suite at the International House brought an instant outburst.\u00a0 \u201cBed!\u201d Little Joe protested.\u00a0 \u201cPa, I didn\u2019t go to bed this early when I was six.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having expected the battle, Ben kept his voice calm.\u00a0 \u201cYou are beyond exhausted, Joseph.\u00a0 I realize I haven\u2019t been much of a father to you lately, and . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s ridiculous!\u201d Little Joe protested.\u00a0 \u201cYou are the best father God ever placed on earth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cThen do what the best father on earth tells you, young man.\u201d\u00a0 He laid a hand on his son\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve given almost all my attention to Adam lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe needed it most.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI thought so at the time.\u00a0 Now, I\u2019m not so sure, so will you please, this one night, let me take care of you?\u00a0 You are so desperately in need of rest, Joseph, that you are losing control of yourself.\u00a0 Do you really want to face another day in court in that shape?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe heaved a huge sigh.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to face another day in court, ever!\u00a0 Mr. Wood doesn\u2019t seem to think it\u2019ll be hard tomorrow, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour part shouldn\u2019t be,\u201d Ben agreed, \u201cbut I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll find the prosecutor\u2019s closing statement easy to listen to.\u00a0 He\u2019ll have a freer rein to say any vile thing about your brother that he thinks the evidence supports, and you will have to sit there quietly and take it.\u00a0 You cannot indulge in the sort of outburst you did today.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss did it, too,\u201d Little Joe pouted, \u201cand you ain\u2019t puttin\u2019 him to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now you do sound as if you were six.\u201d \u00a0Ben pointed toward the bedroom the two boys had shared.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Little Joe muttered, \u201cbut I thought we were gonna go over and see Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben arched an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cI am,\u201d he said, emphasizing the pronoun.<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s lower lip began to quiver.\u00a0 \u201cFirst I can\u2019t go home and get that note; now I can\u2019t even see my brother!\u00a0 All I wanna do is help, make up for all the trouble I caused, and you won\u2019t let me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben put his arms around the boy.\u00a0 \u201cYou are helping, Joe,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve given Mr. Wood vital information he didn\u2019t have before.\u00a0 He looks more encouraged than I\u2019ve seen yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you?\u00a0 Encouraged, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am.\u201d\u00a0 Ben quirked a smile.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I\u2019ll feel even more encouraged if I can ever get you into bed, so I can visit your brother Adam sometime before Roy locks the place up for the night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going; I\u2019m going,\u201d Little Joe said, shaking his head as he turned toward the bedroom.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Stretching and yawning, Little Joe rolled onto his left side and stared at the empty bed beside him.\u00a0 Even though Pa had told Hoss that he could stay overnight at the Ponderosa, Joe had hoped that his brother would make it back.\u00a0 Not that it mattered, he told himself.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t a kid, scared to sleep alone in a strange bed, after all, but he still didn\u2019t like the notion that they weren\u2019t all together at a time like this.\u00a0 Adam couldn\u2019t be, of course, but the rest of them should show a united front.\u00a0 He realized, with chagrin, that it was all the more important to him because he hadn\u2019t been part of that united front until yesterday afternoon.<\/p>\n

By the light from his window, it was still early, but he felt too rested to go back to sleep, so he got up and padded on bare feet into the parlor of their suite.\u00a0 It should have been no surprise to find his father already there, sitting and reading his Bible by the light of a lamp, and Little Joe grinned when he realized he hadn\u2019t expected anything less.\u00a0 \u201cMornin\u2019, Pa,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Joseph.\u00a0 Sleep well?\u201d his father asked, setting aside the book as his son joined him on the room\u2019s settee.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I did, and I feel better.\u00a0 Sorry I made such a fuss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled.\u00a0 \u201cRemember that the next time you\u2019re tempted to dispute your father\u2019s orders, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hungry, too.\u00a0 You reckon they\u2019re serving breakfast yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so, but I thought I\u2019d have breakfast sent up.\u00a0 Give us a little more privacy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s brow wrinkled.\u00a0 \u201cDo we need privacy?\u00a0 I mean, I\u2019m all for it, unless it means I\u2019m in for a lecture.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNo lecture.\u00a0 Just bacon and eggs or whatever else you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe we oughta wait for Hoss,\u201d Little Joe suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll have breakfast at home, if only to avoid Hop Sing\u2019s threats to return to China.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe laughed for the first time in days.\u00a0 \u201cWell, he\u2019d better tear himself away in time to get here before court starts or Mr. Wood\u2019ll have his hide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be here,\u201d Ben said with certainty.\u00a0 Hoss was as reliable as sunrise.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we go on over to the jail and see Adam after we eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

His heart too full for words, Ben only nodded.\u00a0 Was it only yesterday that his youngest had been avoiding any time spent with his oldest?\u00a0 Now he couldn\u2019t seem to get enough, but while Ben tried to maintain a hopeful outlook, he knew it was possible that his sons might have all too short a time to re-forge their brotherly bond.<\/p>\n

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

While Ben exchanged a few words with Roy Coffee, Little Joe made a beeline for the cell block.\u00a0 He was surprised to see both his brothers inside the cell.\u00a0 \u201cHey, you find the note?\u201d he asked through the bars.<\/p>\n

\u201cYup,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 \u201cWasn\u2019t easy, though.\u00a0 Had to sift through a pile of your old arithmetic papers to get to it.\u00a0 Some of \u2018em went back to your first day at school, I swear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHa ha,\u201d Little Joe grumbled.\u00a0 \u201cYou better get it down to Mr. Wood right quick.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlready did, Shortshanks.\u00a0 Oh, he said to tell you that he might have to ask you a few more questions than he thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, great.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t fret yourself.\u00a0 I think it\u2019s about that note to Mr. Klein, so shouldn\u2019t be anything hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLong as he don\u2019t lie about it,\u201d Little Joe grunted.\u00a0 \u201cHe don\u2019t seem to mind lyin\u2019.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to his other brother.\u00a0 \u201cHow you doin\u2019, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cHow about you, kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSlept like a baby and Pa ordered in a breakfast big enough to satisfy a bear comin\u2019 out of hibernation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoggone it,\u201d Hoss groused good-naturedly.\u00a0 \u201cSure hate to miss a spread like that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, like Hop Sing starved you at home!\u201d Little Joe snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he didn\u2019t,\u201d Ben said as he entered behind the sheriff, who unlocked the cell door to admit the two new visitors.\u00a0 They stayed together, each trying to bolster the others\u2019 spirits, until Hiram Wood arrived and said it was time to go.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cMr. Cartwright, you\u2019re still under oath,\u201d Judge Lawson reminded Little Joe as he again took his seat in the witness chair.<\/p>\n

Hiram approached him and laid a small piece of paper on the rail of the witness box.\u00a0 \u201cI show you Exhibit B, Little Joe, the note written to Miss Rose Worthington.\u00a0 Have you ever seen this before?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir,\u201d Little Joe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would also like to show you a second note.\u00a0 Have you seen this one before?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have.\u00a0 That\u2019s the note that was given to me at the Silver Dollar that night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe one that led you to Wilson\u2019s stable and the discovery of the body of the young lady?\u201d Mr. Wood asked for sake of clarification.\u00a0 When the witness affirmed that, the lawyer asked Little Joe to read the note aloud, and he did.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to have this entered into evidence as Exhibit C, your honor,\u201d Wood said.\u00a0 After the judge concurred, he continued, \u201cNow, Little Joe, would you compare the handwriting\u2014well, the printing\u2014of these two notes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cObjection, your honor,\u201d Mortimer Klein forcefully proclaimed.\u00a0 \u201cThere is no precedent for an analysis of printing, and even if there were, this boy certainly is no expert!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll withdraw the question,\u201d Hiram Wood said smoothly.\u00a0 \u201cThe jury can certainly decide for themselves if there is any similarity between the two.\u00a0 Of course, it would be even better if there were a third note to compare with these.\u00a0 Are you, perhaps, aware of such a note, Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am,\u201d Little Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how did you become aware of this third note?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Klein told me about it.\u201d\u00a0 A loud rustle went through the audience at yet another surprising piece of information from the Cartwright boy.\u00a0 Someone really ought to script this courtroom drama out and put it on the stage.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you describe its contents?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cObjection, your honor,\u201d the prosecutor protested, though far more weakly than any objection he\u2019d lodged before.\u00a0 \u201cThe boy never saw the note in question, so any testimony he gives about it would be mere hearsay and, therefore, inadmissible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, perhaps, I need to call Mr. Klein to the witness stand!\u201d Hiram Woods, his eyes snapping with disdain, boldly announced.\u00a0 \u201cSurely, our esteemed prosecutor would never be guilty of withholding evidence!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have done no such thing!\u201d Klein bellowed back.<\/p>\n

The judge\u2019s gavel came down with a resounding whack, and he joined the shouting match.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u00a0 I\u2019ll see both of you in my chambers at once!\u00a0 Court will be in recess for fifteen minutes.\u201d\u00a0 As he stood, he happened to glance at Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose you\u2019d better come along, too, young fellow.\u201d\u00a0 His use of that description seemed to remind him of another pertinent matter.\u00a0 \u201cHow old are you, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m seventeen, your honor,\u201d Little Joe said, his whisper in marked contrast to the ear-splitting volume of his elders.<\/p>\n

Judge Lawson frowned and then looked toward the first row behind the defense table.\u00a0 \u201cIn that case, your father should probably join us, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben, eager to support his son, stood immediately and made his way forward.\u00a0 Then all four of those called followed the judge into his chamber.<\/p>\n

The judge sat behind his desk and directed Ben and Little Joe to take the other two chairs available.\u00a0 The attorneys stood, Hiram Wood behind the two Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour honor, I strongly protest defense counsel\u2019s suggestion of calling me as a witness.\u00a0 It\u2019s unheard of!\u201d Mortimer Klein exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t; I called this young man,\u201d Wood said, laying a hand on Little Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cHearsay,\u201d Klein muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen shouldn\u2019t I be able to call the man with direct knowledge of the note?\u201d Wood countered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAm I going to need a gavel in here?\u201d Judge Lawson asked testily.\u00a0 \u201cJust what does this note say?\u201d<\/p>\n

When Mr. Klein hesitated, Little Joe answered, \u201cIt says I saw Adam commit murder.\u201d\u00a0 He quickly added, \u201cWhich I didn\u2019t; I just thought I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

The judge waved the remark aside.\u00a0 \u201cYes, yes, I\u2019ve heard your testimony.\u00a0 And you know that\u2019s what it said because Mr. Klein told you so?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u00a0 Where and when did this conversation take place?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour honor, please,\u201d the prosecutor pleaded.\u00a0 \u201cI can speak for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt length, no doubt,\u201d the judge grunted.\u00a0 \u201cI think I\u2019d rather hear from Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Where and when, young man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of days before the trial started,\u201d Little Joe replied, \u201cand it was in Mr. Klein\u2019s office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere he was forcibly detained,\u201d Hiram Wood inserted, \u201cwithout benefit of legal or fatherly counsel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly for an hour!\u201d the prosecutor protested.<\/p>\n

Holding up a hand for silence, the judge closed his eyes and shook his bowed head.\u00a0 When he lifted it and opened his eyes, he fixed them on the nervous young man seated before him.\u00a0 \u201cIs that true, son?\u00a0 Were you prevented from leaving Mr. Klein\u2019s office?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cI mean, I guess I could have fought my way out.\u00a0 I figure I\u2019m tougher than Mr. Klein and that fellow he had with him, put together, but they\u2019re the law and he was talkin\u2019 about puttin\u2019 me in prison and . . . well, the door was locked, and I ain\u2019t sure I could have broke it down, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have had to,\u201d Ben Cartwright said with a glare at the prosecutor.<\/p>\n

The judge exhaled heavily.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t have time to pursue this, gentlemen,\u201d he said, \u201cbut I would strongly recommend you make some sort of amends to this boy, Mr. Klein, because from what I\u2019ve heard, Ben Cartwright would have every right to bring charges of kidnapping on his boy\u2019s behalf, him being, legally, a minor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was only an hour.\u201d\u00a0 The prosecutor\u2019s prior protest had faded into a plea.\u00a0 \u201cAnd only in the interest of justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lacking a gavel, the judge pounded his doubled fist on his desk.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t serve justice by doing injustice, counselor!\u00a0 Now, do you still have this note?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, your honor.\u00a0 It\u2019s in my office.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen send your man for it and present it into evidence,\u201d the judge ordered.<\/p>\n

Klein moistened his lips.\u00a0 \u201cFor what purpose, your honor?\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t speak to either the guilt or innocence of the defendant, only to the existence of this witness.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded toward Little Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs well as another,\u201d Wood stated gruffly.\u00a0 \u201cWhere, might I ask, is the person who sent that note?\u00a0 Surely, he, too, is an eye-witness to the crime.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Judge Lawson agreed.\u00a0 \u201cWhere is that witness, Mr. Klein, and why have you not presented him?\u00a0 Because a boy was easier to manipulate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, your honor!\u00a0 The note was anonymous,\u201d Klein explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps if it had been turned over to Sheriff Coffee, an investigation might have revealed his identity,\u201d Wood suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cProduce the note, Mr. Klein,\u201d the judge again ordered, \u201cor, since you seem to be fond of threats, I promise to charge you with contempt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, your honor; I\u2019ll do it at once,\u201d Klein promised.<\/p>\n

The judge huffed out a few heavy breaths and then looked steadily at the two lawyers, one after the other.\u00a0 \u201cWill this require further testimony or can we just enter the note into evidence and present it to the jury along with the others?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two attorneys looked at each other and both murmured their agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019m . . . through?\u201d Little Joe asked hesitantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot quite, son,\u201d Judge Lawson said with an understanding smile.\u00a0 \u201cYou will need to go back on the stand long enough to be formally dismissed.\u00a0 Think you can handle that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir!\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s relieved grin was the brightest thing in the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, counselors, are we prepared to go back into court and finish this trial with a modicum of decorum?\u201d the judge asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m prepared, your honor,\u201d Hiram Wood declared.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, your honor,\u201d Mortimer Klein said meekly.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said the judge, \u201cand I would suggest that you both resolve to make your closing remarks uncustomarily brief.\u00a0 My patience is growing thin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mentally editing their planned speeches, both lawyers left the room, with Ben and Little Joe following.<\/p>\n

As promised, Little Joe\u2019s remaining time on the witness stand was blissfully brief, and he all but scampered back to his seat between Ben and Hoss, sinking into it with such an air of relief that he earned himself a nudge in the ribs from his father\u2019s sharp elbow.\u00a0 He straightened up immediately.\u00a0 Then the judge read the note to Mr. Klein aloud and entered it into evidence himself as Exhibit D.\u00a0 Mr. Wood indicated that the defense case was closed, and Mortimer Klein approached the jurors\u2019 box.<\/p>\n

Facing the twelve men seated there, he opened with words of ingratiating praise.\u00a0 \u201cGentlemen of the jury,\u201d he began, \u201clet me first thank you for both your willingness to serve and the patience with which you have endured a difficult day of testimony and some occasional theatrics.\u00a0 I will be as brief as possible in my closing remarks.\u00a0 I simply wish to remind you of the mountain of evidence that leads to the conclusion that the lovely Miss Rose Worthington died at the ruthless hands of Adam Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst you will recall that a money clip monogrammed with the initials AC was found in the barn where the young woman died.\u00a0 As has been suggested, there are certainly other men in Virginia City with those same initials, but none of them, to our knowledge, had any acquaintance with the deceased.\u00a0 Adam Cartwright did, and it seems logical to assume that the money clip belonged to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

The prosecutor walked the length of the jurors\u2019 box.\u00a0 \u201cBut this is not the only evidence that points to the defendant.\u00a0 There is also the note received by Miss Rose Worthington, the one which lured her to her death.\u00a0 It was signed \u2018Adam,\u2019 you will remember, and as you will be able to see for yourselves when you have the exhibits available. \u00a0Can there be any doubt that she believed it to have come from the one to whom she was engaged?\u00a0 No, that is beyond question.\u00a0 She expected to meet him in that barn, and evidence indicates that that is exactly who she did meet.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam Cartwright claims that he was in town that night, not for a clandestine meeting with his sweetheart, but at the behest of Miss Abigail Jones for an urgent school board meeting.\u00a0 We know from her testimony that there was no such meeting and that she sent no such note to him.\u00a0 We have only the word of the defendant and his father, a scarcely unbiased witness, to its existence.\u00a0 It seems obvious that this note was either the work of a prankster or of Adam Cartwright, written to afford himself an excuse.\u00a0 I realize, as he testified, that he is a grown man and needs no excuse to come to town, but sometimes even grown men wish to keep their movements secret from a prying family.\u00a0 Had those reasons been, as the prosecution contends, the premature deflowering of his bride-to-be, he would certainly have motive for disguising them from a man with the high moral stature of Ben Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked gravely into the faces of each juror as he made another pass down the line.\u00a0 \u201cThere was, as you have seen, another note, this one delivered to Little Joe Cartwright at the Silver Dollar Saloon, directing him to come to Wilson\u2019s stable at 8 p.m.\u00a0 We all know what he and Mr. Scott McGrew found there.\u00a0 What was not clear until young Mr. Cartwright\u2019s testimony yesterday morning was that he not only found the body, but he had actually seen the killer!\u00a0 And whom did he identify as that killer?\u00a0 None other than his own brother, Adam Cartwright!\u00a0 Gentlemen, you saw how difficult it was for him to make that accusation, but he bravely did so, because he could not let a murderer escape justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

The prosecutor stopped at the center of the box and spread his hands before the men seated there.\u00a0 \u201cOh, yes, I know: he withdrew that identification; he tried to convince you that he\u2019d been mistaken and that he had somehow come to realize the error of his thinking in the space of two hours.\u00a0 Is it not far more likely that during the recess, some overpowering influence was brought to bear on the young man, who is, after all, a boy of barely seventeen?\u00a0 Once they got him alone, gentlemen, they pressured him to change his testimony, and he simply did not have the fortitude to withstand the combined demands of his brother\u2019s formidable legal counsel and his father, one of the most powerful men in Virginia City.\u00a0 Is not his original testimony by far the more credible?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe moaned, bringing the immediate response of his father\u2019s hand tightening around his kneecap.\u00a0 He nodded to show that he\u2019d gotten the message, and the pressure eased, though the hand didn\u2019t move.\u00a0 Along with the rest of the family, he\u2019d heard Mr. Woods\u2019 admonishment to show no response to whatever the prosecutor said, but it was hard, especially when the man was trying to make Joe the one responsible for putting a noose around his brother\u2019s neck.\u00a0 Looking to his left, Little Joe noticed that Hoss wasn\u2019t doing much better at hiding how he felt about the garbage Mr. Klein was spewing, and if his older brother got riled, he was likely to cause a whole lot more hullabaloo than a little moan.\u00a0 Maybe he should be the one sitting next to Pa\u2019s firm hand.<\/p>\n

The prosecutor seemed to be winding down.\u00a0 \u201cNow, gentlemen of the jury, let us examine the three factors generally agreed to indicate guilt: motive, means and opportunity.\u00a0 Did Adam Cartwright have the opportunity to commit this murder?\u00a0 He has admitted being in town that night, and his conversation with Miss Abigail Jones demonstrates that he was near the scene of the crime shortly after its commission.\u00a0 Indeed, if you accept the more credible testimony of his own brother, he was at that barn when the shot was fired.\u00a0 Rarely have I seen an example of opportunity more precisely proven.\u201d<\/p>\n

He moved a few steps closer to the jurors.\u00a0 \u201cMeans?\u00a0 The actual cause of death, according to Dr. Martin, was strangulation.\u00a0 I invite you, gentlemen, to examine the hands of the defendant and judge for yourselves whether they would be large enough to encircle the slender neck of a young woman and strong enough to squeeze the life from her.\u00a0 From my observation, the conclusion seems obvious.\u00a0 Not only did Adam Cartwright have opportunity; he also had the means to commit the crime.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Klein stepped still closer to the jurors\u2019 box.\u00a0 \u201cThe prosecution is not required to establish motive, but we cannot help asking ourselves why a suave, educated man, within days of his wedding, would brutally strangle and then shoot the woman he claimed to love.\u00a0 I believe the answer lies in that very brutality.\u00a0 This, gentlemen, was a crime of passion.\u00a0 It is doubtful that Adam Cartwright intended to commit murder when he rode into Virginia City that night, but something angered him enough to bring his crushing hands around that delicate neck.\u00a0 He simply lost control.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe defense has contended that a loss of control is not in the nature of Adam Cartwright.\u00a0 Yet I am certain you have all heard the gossip circulating through town about his behavior earlier this year toward a visiting artist, Miss Lotta Crabtree.\u00a0 She herself joked about how he threatened to break her arm if she did not reveal the whereabouts of his youngest brother.\u00a0 Little did she realize it may have been no joke at all!\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe slid down in his seat, but not even the two guards on either side paid him any heed.\u00a0 Everyone\u2019s attention was riveted on the prosecutor as he concluded, \u201cAny man, gentlemen of the jury, especially one used to getting his own way, can lose control when he is thwarted in its pursuit, and that, I contend, is exactly what happened that fatal night.\u00a0 Adam Cartwright wanted to claim his marital rights before he had any right to them, and when a virtuous woman refused his advances, he tried to take what he wanted.\u00a0 He failed in that only because she defended her virtue with her very life.\u00a0 Perhaps he grieves for her now, but not enough to take responsibility for his vile deed.\u00a0 It remains for you, gentlemen of the jury, to bring him to account.\u00a0 I call upon you to find Adam Cartwright guilty of murder!\u201d<\/p>\n

As the prosecutor took his seat, Hiram Wood rose from his and walked slowly forward.\u00a0 \u201cGentlemen of the jury,\u201d he said, \u201clet me also begin by thanking you for your service and for your willingness to sift through all the base elements presented by the prosecution to see whether there is even a hint of color worth assaying.\u00a0 Mr. Klein promised to present a mountain of evidence as high as Mount Davidson, but what he has actually offered is little more than a slag heap of worthless rock.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us examine this so-called mountain of evidence, pebble by pebble, beginning with the money clip.\u00a0 Certainly, it was found in the stable and it is etched with the initials AC, but Adam Cartwright does not, in fact, even own a money clip, monogrammed or otherwise.\u00a0 I would remind you, also, that it was found in a long-abandoned stable.\u00a0 Who knows how long it had lain there before the sheriff found it?\u00a0 Roy Coffee himself stated that he could not say that it belonged to Adam Cartwright, and he indicated that he personally knew a number of other men with the same initials.\u00a0 It need not have been dropped there by anyone from Virginia City, however; it could have been lost years ago by some passing stranger.\u00a0 Since it cannot be proven to be linked to the crime under investigation, much less to Mr. Cartwright himself, I believe you should discount it altogether.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Wood held aloft three small sheets of paper.\u00a0 \u201cNow we come to the matter of the notes, which seemed to be flying across the territory in flocks on the night in question.\u00a0 We do not have the one written to Adam Cartwright himself, but we have the word of his father, Ben Cartwright, whom even the prosecutor describes as a man of high moral stature.\u00a0 His description of the summons to what turned out to be an invented school board meeting matches that of these others exactly.\u00a0 You will see for yourselves that each is printed in block letters with the probable intent of disguising the identity of the author.\u00a0 While there is no scientific way to prove that they all came from the same hand, I invite you to examine them closely and decide for yourselves how similar they appear.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe prosecutor also agrees that they all came from the same person, with the convenient exception of the one directed to him, and he contends that, except for that one, the writer is Adam Cartwright.\u00a0 But ask yourselves, gentlemen, how reasonable that is.\u00a0 Under the prosecution\u2019s theory, Adam wrote a false summons to himself in order that he might slip away to Virginia City for a clandestine meeting with his sweetheart.\u00a0 Ridiculous!\u00a0 As he told you himself, he is a grown man, free to come and go as he pleases.\u00a0 If he wanted to see his betrothed, all he had to do was come to her door, and he would have been welcomed by both Miss Worthington and her father.\u00a0 There was no need for secrecy, certainly no need to ask her to meet him in a wretched place like an abandoned stable.\u201d<\/p>\n

He laid aside the note to Rose and held up a second one.\u00a0 \u201cHere we have the note sent to Little Joe Cartwright.\u00a0 I ask you, gentlemen, why on earth would Adam Cartwright order his little brother to Wilson\u2019s stable?\u00a0 To witness the seduction of his sweetheart?\u00a0 Ridiculous!\u00a0 No one would invite a younger brother along for that!\u00a0 Then the prosecutor asks you to believe that having strangled the young woman he loved, Adam Cartwright waited for his brother to arrive, so that he could fire a shot into her dead body.\u00a0 Again, I ask why!\u00a0 Wouldn\u2019t it have been more logical for him to flee, rather than deliberately set himself up to be seen by his own brother and force the boy he helped his father raise into the ordeal of testifying against him?\u00a0 Again, ridiculous!\u201d\u00a0 He laid aside the note to Little Joe.<\/p>\n

Holding high the third sheet of paper, Hiram Wood said, \u201cAnd now we come to the last and most inexplicable note of all, the one directed to Mr. Mortimer Klein.\u00a0 You will see for yourselves how much it resembles the others.\u00a0 So, if Adam Cartwright wrote those, then he must also have written the one ensuring that the eyewitness\u2014his own brother, I remind you\u2014would be discovered.\u00a0 Is that something any man who had just committed murder would want? \u00a0Ridiculous!\u00a0 Wouldn\u2019t it be simpler to confess, rather than putting himself and his family through the stress of a trial, if he wished to be held accountable?<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Klein, of course, would have you believe that while Adam Cartwright wrote all the other notes, someone else wrote this one.\u00a0 If he is right, then there is a second eyewitness to this crime, but has he produced such a witness?\u00a0 No, he has not, and we are left to wonder why.\u00a0 Why has this supposedly concerned citizen not come forward and taken the witness stand himself, rather than pushing that responsibility onto the slim shoulders of a boy barely seventeen?\u00a0 What reason does he have to hide his identity?\u00a0 Can it possibly be because this so-called concerned citizen is the actual perpetrator, a person intent on framing the defendant for the crime?\u00a0 Since it is ridiculous to think that Adam Cartwright wrote this third note,\u201d the defense attorney concluded, \u201cit seems obvious that he wrote none of the others, either.\u00a0 They are all, instead, the handiwork of the man who actually killed Miss Rose Worthington, and those interested in justice\u201d\u2014he looked directly at the prosecutor\u2014\u201cshould begin an immediate search for this person.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Wood approached the jurors and looked intently into their faces, one by one.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Klein has made much of the testimony of young Joseph Cartwright.\u00a0 While it is true that Little Joe originally identified the killer as his brother Adam, we have seen how he was led to that conclusion, both by the way the killer was dressed and by the fact that the note was signed with his brother\u2019s name.\u00a0 He went into that dark alley, expecting to see his brother, and that is whom he assumed was standing in the shadows, waiting for him, until further reflection showed him that what he had identified was only a set of clothes, deliberately fashioned in a manner to which a number of citizens have testified was habitual to Adam Cartwright.\u00a0 Looking at the supposed evidence with fresh eyes showed Little Joe Cartwright that he had been wrong, and I am confident that when you gentlemen do the same, you will come to the same conclusion and find the defendant not guilty.\u00a0 Thank you for your kind attention and your diligence in considering the evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Mr. Wood returned to his place at Adam\u2019s side, Little Joe whispered to his brother Hoss, \u201cHe did good, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss whispered back.\u00a0 He would have said more, but his father\u2019s reproachful gaze made him gulp down any further comment.<\/p>\n

Judge Lawson turned toward the prosecutor.\u00a0 \u201cAny rebuttal, Mr. Klein?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, your honor,\u201d Klein said, standing and walking toward the jury.\u00a0 \u201cGentlemen, thank you for your continuing patience.\u00a0 I will address only three areas in which the defense counsel\u2019s eloquent oratory may have obscured the truth.\u00a0 He does bring up a valid question regarding the note sent to Mr. Joseph Cartwright.\u00a0 Why, indeed, would a man invite his young brother to either a murder or a seduction?\u00a0 I submit that Adam Cartwright\u2019s original motive may have been something far more innocent.\u00a0 Perhaps he only planned to convince his bride-to-be to elope with him.\u00a0 In that case, he may have intended his brother to act as driver, to take them to his chosen destination and then return a hired buggy to the livery.\u00a0 Let us give him the benefit of that much doubt, but there can be no doubt that, whatever his original intent, he lost control and strangled that poor girl when she resisted him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs to the printed notes and whether they were written by Adam Cartwright or some anonymous enemy in an attempt to frame him for this murder, let me say only that both Little Joe Cartwright and Miss Rose Worthington had no doubt from whom they came.\u00a0 If they looked enough like his writing to fool his own brother, as well as his sweetheart, should we, then, doubt?\u00a0 I see no room for that.<\/p>\n

\u201cFinally, I must refute the absurd conclusion of defense counsel that the note sent to my office had to be written by the same person as the other two\u2014or three, if you accept Ben Cartwright\u2019s biased word that another exists.\u00a0 As has been pointed out, hand-printed words are less singular than a man\u2019s signature, so there is no reason not to believe that there were two separate authors, including a concerned citizen who wished only to see justice done.\u00a0 Why, Mr. Wood asked, did this individual not come forward?\u00a0 Isn\u2019t it obvious?\u00a0 The most likely reason is fear, gentlemen of the jury, the fear of retaliation by the powerful Cartwright family, an influence so powerful, in fact, that it compelled a hitherto honest young man to retract his original testimony and deny the truth he had taken an oath to speak.\u00a0 But I see no fear in your eyes, gentlemen, and I know that you will bring in an honest verdict of guilty, as charged!\u201d\u00a0 Spinning toward the defense table, he said the final words with an accusing finger pointed directly at the defendant.\u00a0 Then with brisk steps he returned to his side of the courtroom and sat down.<\/p>\n

Judge Lawson gave instructions to the jury, charged them to render a true verdict and struck his gavel one final time as he dismissed the court.\u00a0 As it was still not quite noon, the Cartwrights all trailed along in the wake of Adam and his lawyer to the jail, where they gathered inside Adam\u2019s cell.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did right fine, Mr. Wood,\u201d Hoss enthused.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t see how no one could vote against Adam after you laid it out so plain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hoss,\u201d the lawyer said.\u00a0 \u201cI did my best, but it\u2019s entirely in the hands of the jury now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon we got time for lunch before they come back in with the right verdict?\u201d Hoss asked, for his stomach was beginning to rumble.<\/p>\n

Hiram Wood chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I would hope so, Hoss.\u00a0 If they come back sooner than that, the verdict is likely to be exactly what we don\u2019t want!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Little Joe, who had stood silent in the corner of the cell until then, asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarly verdicts generally mean a guilty verdict, son,\u201d the lawyer explained.\u00a0 \u201cWe want them to take their time and think about it.\u00a0 That means they\u2019re, at least, considering all the evidence and, hopefully, seeing it our way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo we wait,\u201d Ben said, holding back a sigh.\u00a0 Waiting, as any father knew, was the hardest work a man could do, but if a longer wait indicated a better chance at the correct verdict, he\u2019d wait until Lake Tahoe dried up.\u00a0 \u201cWell, perhaps we should go along and get some dinner, then.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure your meal will be arriving soon, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRegular as clockwork,\u201d Adam said, forcing a smile.\u00a0 Though he would not have shown it for the world, his stomach had begun tightening from the moment he heard the judge address the jury, and though he was hungry, he wasn\u2019t sure he could push a bite past the hard knot forming there.\u00a0 As Little Joe passed him on the way out of the cell, though, he reached out to touch his elbow.\u00a0 \u201cYou all right, little buddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s smile was just as forced as his brother\u2019s and about half as successful.\u00a0 \u201cSure, Adam,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cJust tired,\u201d when he saw the doubt mirrored in the hazel eyes that met his own.<\/p>\n

Hoss clapped his little brother on the back.\u00a0 \u201cYou just need to feed up a mite, Shortshanks.\u00a0 Miss Daisy told me she\u2019d be making beef stew today.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 better\u2019n that and a slice of her apple pie!\u201d\u00a0 He smacked his lips in anticipation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be sure to tell Hop Sing that when I see him next,\u201d Adam commented dryly.\u00a0 He only hoped that would be at the Ponderosa, not through the bars of his cell, with Hop Sing delivering the condemned man\u2019s final meal.<\/p>\n

The others took his quip as an indication that Adam was feeling hopeful, and they were all smiling as they left the jail and headed toward Daisy\u2019s Caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n

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

Ben stood at the window of their suite at the International House, looking out, but seeing little.\u00a0 Not that there was much to see.\u00a0 The bits of black sky that were visible between the buildings were void of stars, and while he could still hear voices from the street below, he couldn\u2019t make out the words or clearly see the men uttering them.\u00a0 Ladies, of course, except those working the saloons, had long since retired.\u00a0 His sons slept in the next room, Hoss deeply, his trusting soul calm in the assurance that his older brother would be acquitted. \u00a0Little Joe had tossed restlessly, but he had finally dropped off or, perhaps, Ben conceded with a rueful smile, he\u2019d only managed to look as if he were sleeping.\u00a0 The boy was getting far too adroit at deceiving his father.<\/p>\n

Ben was worried about Little Joe.\u00a0 The boy had been quiet all through dinner and beyond.\u00a0 It was easy to understand why, of course.\u00a0 Ben knew his youngest well enough to guess at the way his mind was running.\u00a0 Running was the right word, too; like all of them, Little Joe was running from the fear of what would happen to Adam if those twelve impaneled men decided to convict.\u00a0 In Joe\u2019s case, however, the fear was coupled with guilt.\u00a0 Though none of them would say it, each knew that the boy\u2019s original testimony had been devastating.\u00a0 He\u2019d retracted it, but each juror would have to choose which version to believe, and there were many in Virginia City who would accept at face value the prosecutor\u2019s baseless theory that the overbearing influence of a powerful family had forced that change of testimony.\u00a0 Ben could only pray, as he did fervently, that none of those people were sitting on the jury.<\/p>\n

He was worried about Adam, as well.\u00a0 His oldest was never as easy to read as his youngest; from boyhood up he\u2019d been more adept at disguising his emotions than Little Joe could ever hope to be.\u00a0 Was Adam feeling fear tonight, as his father was?\u00a0 Probably, Ben conceded, but there was reason to hope.\u00a0 After all, the jury had deliberated all afternoon without coming to a verdict.\u00a0 By Hiram Wood\u2019s reasoning, that meant they were mulling over all they\u2019d heard, and the longer they mulled, the greater the odds of their seeing the truth.\u00a0 Twelve men, though, all twelve men had to see it, so perhaps the best they could realistically hope for was a hung jury, and then they\u2019d have to go through the whole thing again.\u00a0 Ben closed his eyes.\u00a0 Better for Adam than facing a gallows, of course, but Little Joe would probably have to face testifying all over again, and while he would certainly not identify his brother a second time, it would be hard to find a jury that hadn\u2019t heard his original accusation.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s heart wrestled with the alternatives, knowing that the only acceptable one might also be the least likely.\u00a0 And if the hand they drew was the least acceptable, it would be hard, he thought, as he walked away from the window, to watch one son die, while the other suffered in torment.\u00a0 His head came up abruptly.\u00a0 Where had he heard those words before?\u00a0 Slowly, the memory returned.\u00a0 Only yesterday, as he\u2019d been walking out of the courtroom, William Walcott had stopped him and said almost those exact words.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t known what to make of them then, but now, remembering the smug expression on the other man\u2019s face as he\u2019d uttered them, they settled within him with a certainty that overpowered his incredulity.\u00a0 He had no idea how to prove it, but he knew: William Walcott had orchestrated the entire thing, with one express purpose: to destroy the man he blamed for the death of his daughter.<\/p>\n

Ben hurried into his bedroom, threw off his nightshirt and changed into his street clothes.\u00a0 He needed to talk to Adam.\u00a0 It was late, but Roy would let him in, and he could think of nothing better for his oldest son to do during this time of waiting, however long it lingered, than to put that fine, fertile brain of his to work.<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Ben practically tiptoed back into the suite an hour or so later.\u00a0 Hearing Hoss\u2019s raucous snores as he entered, he smiled.\u00a0 Good.\u00a0 Both of his younger sons were unaware of his brief absence, for there was no way that Joseph would have let his brother sleep if he\u2019d awakened and discovered his father missing.\u00a0 No doubt there\u2019d be a price to pay later, in angry words and hurt feelings, but he and Adam had agreed that Little Joe, impulsive under normal circumstances and on the raw edge of uncontrollable emotion in these, should not be told of their unproven suspicions.\u00a0 If Little Joe couldn\u2019t know, then it naturally followed that Hoss, too, must be kept in the dark, for if little brother caught the tiniest hint that older one had a secret he wasn\u2019t sharing, there would be begging and finagling and outright trickery of a sort Hoss had never been able to withstand.<\/p>\n

For now, he and Adam, whose composed face would never show so much as a trace of the new possibilities, would keep their own counsel.\u00a0 Ben wasn\u2019t as confident that his own face wouldn\u2019t reveal his growing excitement, but he\u2019d make the effort, at least until the jury\u2019s verdict was delivered.\u00a0 If Adam were found not guilty, they could afford to be more deliberate in their search for justice for Rose; if the verdict went the other way, they\u2019d need to move quickly.\u00a0 Hiram, he knew, already planned to request a new trial, based on the prosecutor\u2019s unethical confinement of his star witness.\u00a0 That might give them extra time, but they\u2019d put the plan he and Adam had developed into action the minute the verdict came down, either way it went.<\/p>\n

Though it was not yet time for the sun to rise, Ben didn\u2019t feel like going back to bed.\u00a0 Instead, he sat down in the suite\u2019s parlor with the small Bible he often carried when traveling and began to read.\u00a0 This would probably be the day the jury rendered its verdict, and he needed to face that moment of decision with peace and calm in his soul.\u00a0 Lost in the words and his meditation on them, he was unaware of the passing of time until the door to the next room opened and one of his sons emerged from the adjoining room.\u00a0 Nothing could more effectively have proven that their world was off its axis than seeing which one it was.<\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019, Pa,\u201d Little Joe said, stretching and yawning as he entered the parlor.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re up early.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrow arched.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m up early?\u00a0 Why, Joseph, I wasn\u2019t aware you even knew what sunrise looked like.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe gave him a sheepish half-smile.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve seen it a time or two.\u201d\u00a0 Yawning again, he settled down next to his father.\u00a0 \u201cWhat you reading?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben clucked his tongue.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, Joseph, you should, at least, recognize the cover.\u00a0 It\u2019s my Bible, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe rolled his still sleepy eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI know that.\u00a0 I meant which book.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben patted the boy\u2019s thigh in apology for the teasing.\u00a0 \u201cPsalms\u2014always a reliable source in hard times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s a good one.\u201d\u00a0 He took more one good stretch and seemed to rouse more fully.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019re we doin\u2019 today?\u00a0 Just stayin\u2019 at the jail \u2018til we hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to,\u201d his father said gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I want to,\u201d Little Joe insisted with the most energy he\u2019d shown since waking.\u00a0 \u201cI want to be with Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right.\u201d\u00a0 Ben closed the book in his lap.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t really have plans for the day, son.\u00a0 We\u2019ll wait until Hoss wakes and then go down to breakfast, although you\u2019re welcome to eat sooner, if you\u2019re hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll wait,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cThen straight on to the jail?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 After that, we\u2019ll just play it by ear,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cIf the jury returns a verdict this morning, of course that alters everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe averted his eyes.\u00a0 The very thought of what that verdict might be and how he had influenced it filled him with fear and shame.<\/p>\n

His father turned the boy\u2019s face toward him with tender fingers.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s going to be all right, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eyes brimming, Little Joe nodded toward the book his father had set aside.\u00a0 \u201cThat what it said to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave the boy\u2019s cheek a single stroke.\u00a0 \u201cIt calmed my heart, and that\u2019s what my heart said, once it was calm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHand it over,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cI can use some of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

About mid-morning the Cartwrights, all sitting inside Adam\u2019s cell, looked up in expectation as someone entered the cell block.\u00a0 Expectation was swallowed up in surprise on each face, for it was not someone bringing notice that the jury was in that met their gaze, but a person no one had expected to see there.<\/p>\n

His eyes full, Isaac Worthington walked toward Adam\u2019s cell.\u00a0 \u201cCan you ever forgive me, son?\u201d he asked, the question ending on a sob.<\/p>\n

Adam had come to his feet as soon as he saw Rose\u2019s father.\u00a0 \u201cForgive?\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing to forgive, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how I could ever have doubted you,\u201d the grieving father said through a tight throat, \u201cbut your lawyer laid it out so plainly, and like young Joseph there, I see things clearly now.\u00a0 Please forgive me, Adam, for not being at your side, supporting you all this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, sir,\u201d Adam pleaded as he approached the bars that stood between them.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to forgive.\u00a0 I\u2019m only grateful that you do realize the truth.\u00a0 That means everything to me!\u00a0 I didn\u2019t . . . I couldn\u2019t . . . not ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Isaac whispered.\u00a0 \u201cI know.\u201d\u00a0 Reaching through the bars, his fingers closed around Adam\u2019s outstretched hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, for mercy\u2019s sake, Roy!\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cLet this man in here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Isaac stepped back.\u00a0 \u201cNo, that\u2019s all right,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to disturb your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIsaac,\u201d Adam said, \u201cyou are family.\u00a0 Please join us.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a tearful nod Isaac walked through the door Roy quickly opened and took Adam into his arms in the certain knowledge that while he had lost a daughter, he had, as consolation, gained a son.\u00a0 And how he prayed he would not soon lose him, as well.<\/p>\n

When the morning and then the afternoon passed without a verdict, all their hopes began to rise.\u00a0 Surely, if they were taking this long to decide, it must mean that Hiram Wood had made the truth plain to those twelve men, as well.<\/p>\n

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

When the jury deliberated all through the next morning, too, Hoss declared that Adam was bound to be turned loose any minute.\u00a0 \u201cThey wouldn\u2019t take this long, if\u2019n they thought he was guilty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey wouldn\u2019t take this long if they all thought I was innocent, either,\u201d Adam pointed out.\u00a0 \u201cWhat it means is that the jury is split.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that\u2019s the second best option, son,\u201d his father insisted.\u00a0 \u201cA hung jury would, at least, give us more time to\u201d\u2014he broke off suddenly.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo do what?\u201d Little Joe asked.\u00a0 He had an awful feeling that his father had intended to finish that sentence by saying they\u2019d have more time with Adam before it wasn\u2019t the jury that was hung, but his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo find the real killer,\u201d Adam inserted, for he had read his little brother\u2019s expressive eyes and wanted to steer his mind off that dangerous path.\u00a0 \u201cTo find justice for Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe all want that, Adam,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cbut how\u2019re we \u2018sposed to find the real killer when he made all the evidence point to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have an idea or two,\u201d Adam said, \u201cbut let\u2019s talk about it later.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got enough on my plate for now.\u201d\u00a0 Roy walked in just then, carrying his prisoner\u2019s lunch.\u00a0 Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I quite literally have a full plate to attend to . . . and you\u2019d better go find some for yourselves before younger brother here fades away to a shadow of his hefty self.\u201d\u00a0 He playfully tapped Hoss\u2019s belly and got a toothy grin as reward.<\/p>\n

\u201cHiram know where to find you?\u201d Roy asked as he unlocked the cell door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told him we\u2019d eat at Daisy\u2019s,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cI assume that\u2019s all right with you, boys?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing!\u201d Hoss said with a smack of his lips.<\/p>\n

Little Joe only nodded.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t care whether he ate or not.\u00a0 His hope that Adam was going to be acquitted had been somewhat shaken by his brother\u2019s analysis of what the long wait meant. \u00a0Besides, he\u2019d had a good breakfast, and there was just so much food a nervous stomach could hold.<\/p>\n

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

They were about halfway through the light lunch that was all even Hoss felt like tackling when Hiram Wood\u2019s assistant rushed in to inform them that the jury was in.\u00a0 \u201cJudge Lawson says court will reconvene for the verdict in about half an hour,\u201d he hurried to say.\u00a0 Having been sent before finishing his own meal, he was eyeing the half-full plates greedily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, son,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cTell Hiram we\u2019ll be there.\u201d\u00a0 Though he knew they had time to finish eating, he doubted that any of them could consume another bite until that verdict had been read, so he motioned to Daisy for their bill.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll be back for pie when Adam is acquitted,\u201d he told her.<\/p>\n

Daisy beamed at him.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019ll be good to see Adam again.\u201d \u00a0Only when they\u2019d left the caf\u00e9 did her confident smile fade.\u00a0 She surely hoped she would be serving up four slices of celebratory pie, but maybe she\u2019d better have some good old-fashioned comfort food on hand, as well.\u00a0 She headed into the kitchen to see if she had the makings for a pot of chicken and dumplings.<\/p>\n

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

The Cartwrights had been among the first to enter the courtroom.\u00a0 They took their usual seats, and Ben turned to his two younger sons.\u00a0 \u201cRemember,\u201d he cautioned.\u00a0 \u201cNo response, whatever the verdict.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight, Pa,\u201d Hoss agreed at once.\u00a0 When his brother said nothing, Hoss elbowed him.<\/p>\n

Little Joe winced.\u00a0 \u201cSure,\u201d he said, his voice shaky.<\/p>\n

Ben wanted to reach out to him, to say something supportive, but he was afraid either touch or word would only make his most vulnerable son fold in on himself, so he just settled back in his chair, in hopes that a good example would do the trick.<\/p>\n

The room behind them slowly filled, whispers echoing down the rows as each person speculated on the likely outcome of the most fascinating trial Virginia City had seen since its founding, or so, at least, several were claiming.<\/p>\n

The crowd hushed in respect as Isaac Worthington entered and then gasped when, instead of heading for his usual seat behind the prosecutor, he moved toward the opposite side.\u00a0 He started to enter the row behind Ben and the boys, but then he recalled Adam\u2019s saying that he was family.\u00a0 Wanting his allegiance to be plainly evident, he stepped to Ben\u2019s side and asked simply, \u201cMay I?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben stood and clasped Isaac\u2019s hand firmly.\u00a0 \u201cOf course.\u00a0 Please do.\u201d\u00a0 He motioned for Hoss and Little Joe to move down, and they did, just as Judge Lawson entered from his side chamber.<\/p>\n

Moving quickly through the preliminaries, the judge received the slip of paper on which the jury had recorded its verdict, read it silently and had it returned to the foreman.\u00a0 Then he requested the defendant to stand, and Adam did, with Hiram Wood at his side.\u00a0 From the calm manner in which he faced the jury, no one would have guessed the turmoil inside.\u00a0 In the last few days Adam had moved from not caring whether he lived or died to caring very deeply, and the ricocheting emotions had taken a toll, even on his remarkable equilibrium, if not his self-possession.\u00a0 Behind him, his younger brothers were struggling to maintain theirs, Hoss with some success, but Little Joe with a shakiness he could only pray no one but those seated on either side would notice.<\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Foreman, will you read the verdict?\u201d the judge requested.<\/p>\n

The foreman, an accountant for one of the mining companies, stood and in a clear voice read, \u201cWe, the jury, find the defendant, Adam Cartwright, guilty of murder, as charged.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo say you all?\u201d asked the judge and was answered in the affirmative.<\/p>\n

A shiver shook Adam\u2019s shoulders as he heard the verdict, but that was the only reaction anyone saw.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s lips trembled and his breath caught in his throat; a silent tear trickled down Hoss\u2019s cheek.\u00a0 Little Joe tried to hold his plummeting emotions in check, but perhaps because he\u2019d already held them in so long already, he simply couldn\u2019t.\u00a0 His body folded forward, and he buried his face in his hands as he sobbed.\u00a0 It sounded like thunder in his own ears, though only muffled sobs escaped to those of anyone else.\u00a0 Ben leaned forward, whispering, \u201cShh, shh,\u201d but then he stopped.\u00a0 Courtroom decorum be hanged!\u00a0 Why shouldn\u2019t the boy cry?\u00a0 Why shouldn\u2019t the whole town know that he loved his brother?\u00a0 He began to stroke the curls straggling down the boy\u2019s neck and heard his son\u2019s ragged breathing start to even out.<\/p>\n

The judge tapped his gavel once, to caution those who had started to whisper their opinions of the verdict, and they fell silent, waiting.\u00a0 \u201cAdam Cartwright, it becomes my sad duty now to pass sentence,\u201d Judge Lawson said, and the eyes he fixed on the defendant seemed filled with genuine sorrow.\u00a0 \u201cIn accordance with the severity of the crime of which you have been convicted, I hereby sentence you to be hanged by the neck until you are dead, this sentence to be carried out one week from today.\u00a0 May God have mercy on your soul.\u201d\u00a0 The gavel banged again and court was dismissed.<\/p>\n

Hoss held one hand to his mouth, to keep from crying out, while he wiped his face with the other.\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s folded torso shook even harder, and Ben, torn for a moment, finally nodded at Hoss, who put an arm across the shivering frame of his younger brother; then Ben stood to reach out and take Adam in his arms.\u00a0 Isaac, too, placed a supporting hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder, not wishing to interfere between a father and son in their hour of greatest need, but wanting the world to know that he, at least, did not believe that this fine young man had killed his beloved Rose.<\/p>\n

Time raced; time stood still.\u00a0 With the encouragement of the deputy, people began to file out.\u00a0 A hand came to rest on Ben\u2019s back, but he didn\u2019t know whose it was, nor did he care.\u00a0 A voice penetrated the fog surrounding him.\u00a0 It was saying, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben, but I have to take Adam back to the jail.\u00a0 You can see him there, much as you want, and, uh, judge says you can stay here long as you need to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head slowly rose, and he stared blankly into the face of Sheriff Roy Coffee.\u00a0 Stay here?\u00a0 Why on earth would he want to stay here?\u00a0 Then he heard the soft sobs behind him and knew.\u00a0 \u201cThank you,\u201d he managed to say.\u00a0 Looking to his right, he saw that Rose\u2019s father was still with them.\u00a0 \u201cIsaac,\u201d he said, \u201cwould you go with Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I will,\u201d the other father replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019ll\u2014I\u2019ll be over as soon as I can,\u201d Ben promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Pa,\u201d Adam assured him, eyes resting on his youngest brother\u2019s quivering form.\u00a0 \u201cTake care of our boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded, eyes filling with tears of pride and love, and though he knew such demonstrations always made Adam uncomfortable, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek.\u00a0 His eyes remained with his oldest son until the sheriff had taken him out of his sight; then he sat down and began comforting his youngest or, rather, trying to.\u00a0 Little Joe, always the quickest of his boys to fall into his embrace, seemed oblivious to his father\u2019s loving touch and soothing words.\u00a0 Finally, Ben said, \u201cJoseph, you are going to have to get hold of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Little Joe choked out.\u00a0 \u201cWhat difference does it make?\u00a0 I\u2019ve killed my brother!\u201d<\/p>\n

Gripping the boy\u2019s shoulders and hoisting him upright, Ben said, \u201cYou have not killed your brother!\u00a0 In the first place, your brother is not dead, and we are going to do everything in our power to make sure he does not become dead!\u201d\u00a0 Seeing a ray of hope spark in Little Joe\u2019s eyes, he lowered his voice.\u00a0 \u201cIn the second place, this is not your fault.\u00a0 You told the truth as you saw it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw it wrong,\u201d Little Joe whispered, regret in every word.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you did,\u201d Ben agreed, \u201cand I wish that hadn\u2019t happened, both for your sake and certainly for your brother\u2019s, but, Joe, because of your testimony, we now know that your brother was deliberately and skillfully framed, and we also have a description of the real killer.\u00a0 What we need to do is find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFind someone who looks a mite like Adam?\u201d Little Joe scoffed.\u00a0 \u201cMust be dozens.\u00a0 How will we prove which one killed Rose?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll find a way,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 \u201cDidn\u2019t Adam say he had an idea or two?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe dashed the tears from his cheeks.\u00a0 \u201cWell, let\u2019s talk to Adam, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben said at once with a grateful look at his middle son.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s why you\u2019ve got to get hold of yourself, son, so we can leave here and go talk to Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, \u201cLittle Joe insisted.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben restrained a smile at the typical response.\u00a0 Long as he lived, he thought, he\u2019d never really get used to his youngest\u2019s mercurial mood swings.\u00a0 No one could rise from debilitating despair to buoyant hope as quickly as Little Joe, but his emotions could plummet the other direction just as quickly.\u00a0 Wanting them to settle onto a more even keel before they faced the crowd in the street, he said, \u201cTake another minute, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stood and walked across to the judge\u2019s chamber, where he tapped on the door.\u00a0 When someone inside called, \u201cEnter,\u201d he did and saw that it was Judge Lawson himself.\u00a0 \u201cI was wondering if I might find a glass of water in here,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, help yourself,\u201d the judge said, motioning toward a pitcher and glass that sat on the corner of his desk.\u00a0 \u201cHow is the boy?\u201d he asked as Ben poured.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be all right,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cI think you should know that Mr. Wood will be filing an appeal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Judge Lawson smiled.\u00a0 \u201cHe already has.\u00a0 Hiram rarely lets grass grow under his feet.\u00a0 I can\u2019t promise I\u2019ll rule the way you hope, but you do have my sympathy, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 This sort of thing is hard on fathers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben nodded and thanked the judge for the water.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeast I can do.\u00a0 Just leave the glass in the courtroom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again thanking the judge, Ben returned to his son\u2019s side and offered him the water, which Little Joe gulped down like a man who\u2019d spent three days in the desert without a canteen.\u00a0 Setting it on the rail that had separated them from Adam, he looked up, steadily, and said, \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d\u00a0 To indicate he wouldn\u2019t take no, or even wait, for an answer, he stood.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss flanked the youngest Cartwright as they left the courtroom and crossed to the jail.\u00a0 Thanks to their delay, the crowd had thinned and few of those that remained said anything.\u00a0 Those who did drifted off when none of the Cartwrights appeared to either see or hear them.<\/p>\n

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

Adam and Isaac both stood when Roy unlocked the cell door for the other Cartwrights, and Isaac moved toward the open door as they entered.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll leave you for now,\u201d he said, \u201cbut I\u2019ll be back this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Isaac,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cI appreciate your support more than I can say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m family,\u201d the other man reminded him.\u00a0 \u201cCall on me for anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam placed both hands on his youngest brother\u2019s slim shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cAre you all right, little buddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Adam, I\u2019m fine.\u201d\u00a0 There was a hard core of bitterness in the boy\u2019s voice, but anguish in his eyes as he said, \u201cI\u2019m sorry; I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been all through that,\u201d Adam reminded him, \u201cand you don\u2019t need to say it again.\u00a0 We have more important things to talk about.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa said you had some idea of how to find the galoot who framed you,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand it\u2019s all based on your description, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t see him that clear, remember?\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 \u201cExcept for him bein\u2019 about your height, I just saw the clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s what we look for,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He laughed roughly.\u00a0 \u201cWell, what you look for.\u00a0 My search area is a little limited.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlack shirt and pants ain\u2019t that hard to find,\u201d Hoss said with a scowl.\u00a0 \u201cI know most fellers don\u2019t wear \u2018em together, like you do, but they sell \u2018em \u2018most anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but the coat is more distinctive,\u201d Ben put in.\u00a0 \u201cSomeone probably had it special-made for the purpose of copying Adam\u2019s look.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s countenance lifted.\u00a0 \u201cSo all we gotta do is find some tailor that took an order for an ugly yellow coat!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll thank you not to disparage my wardrobe choices, you scamp.\u201d\u00a0 Grabbing him by the scruff of the neck, Adam gave his brother a light shake and was rewarded with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, where do we start?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I\u2019m sending you to Placerville,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cFind a city directory if you can.\u00a0 Otherwise, just ask around for a good tailor and visit everyone recommended to you.\u00a0 See if they can remember someone ordering or even just inquiring about a coat like Adam\u2019s.\u00a0 You can describe it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYup, sure can,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll head right out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake time to pack a bag,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll need to stay overnight, at least.\u00a0 And if you come across any place that might sell a monogrammed money clip, you can check that, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d\u00a0 While Hoss hollered for Roy to let him out, Little Joe lined up behind him.<\/p>\n

Ben snared the boy\u2019s elbow.\u00a0 \u201cWait a minute, young fellow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going with Hoss,\u201d Little Joe announced with determination.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joseph, you\u2019re not.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, please!\u00a0 Let me help!\u201d he begged.\u00a0 \u201cWe can cover Placerville quicker if we both go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need you here,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, you need to keep an eye on your baby boy!\u201d Little Joe sputtered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat, too,\u201d Ben said calmly, \u201cbut you and I will be covering Virginia City, Gold Hill and Carson City, son.\u00a0 You\u2019ll do your share, Joseph, and you can start by asking Roy if we can borrow his copy of the city directory.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can,\u201d Roy said, swinging open the cell door.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, then, let\u2019s get started,\u201d Little Joe said with enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

Ben and Adam exchanged a significant smile.\u00a0 If nothing else, the project would keep the boy\u2019s mind off his overpowering guilt.<\/p>\n

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

When the others vacated his cell, Adam sank to the thin mattress of his cot, and his famed control began to fade.\u00a0 How, he wondered, could anyone possibly believe a man could hear a death sentence levied against him and still smile and even toss out the odd joke here and there without a trace of fear?\u00a0 So far, though, he thought he\u2019d carried it off.\u00a0 He had a reputation to uphold, after all.\u00a0 How had he gained such a reputation in the first place?\u00a0 Of course, he preferred to hold his emotions in.\u00a0 What man didn\u2019t?\u00a0 But some\u2014Little Joe, notably\u2014seemed incapable of it.<\/p>\n

What makes me different?<\/em> Adam thought.\u00a0 Why is it such anathema to me for anyone to see I have feelings?<\/em>\u00a0 Heredity, perhaps?\u00a0 His father always kept himself under good control, so maybe he\u2019d gotten a measure of his own from Pa.\u00a0 However, no one ever thought Pa had no emotions, that he could face the direst threats without concern, and they did think that about Adam.\u00a0 They were wrong.\u00a0 They honestly thought he didn\u2019t feel things like they did.\u00a0 Rubbish.<\/p>\n

Still, he was glad that his little brothers, at least, believed the rubbish.\u00a0 He smiled softly.\u00a0 Little brothers.\u00a0 He still thought of them that way, even though Hoss now outstripped him in size a couple of times over.\u00a0 Big as he was, though, Hoss was still a child at heart, as vulnerable to hurt as when he\u2019d been a tyke of three.\u00a0 Little Joe, of course, still was a boy, still very much in need of protection, and in this situation, particularly, in desperate need of seeing his big brother face the future unafraid.\u00a0 So the mask would remain in place whenever the boy was near him.\u00a0 Little brothers.\u00a0 Yes, they were, at least, part of the reason he\u2019d developed that reputation for facing things with a calm exterior that people thought he felt inside, too.\u00a0 Little brothers had to be protected and directed, and a man had to be in control to accomplish that.<\/p>\n

It was a relief, actually, to be alone at last, so he could drop the mask.\u00a0 While he had appreciated Isaac\u2019s staying with him, more than he could have said, until now he\u2019d not had a single moment to himself, to try to deal with the judge\u2019s edict that he would die a week from today.\u00a0 A week\u2014seven short days.\u00a0 A man needed solitude to face a fate like that!\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t nearly as sure as he\u2019d tried to convey that his family\u2019s quest for the real killer would be successful, but at least their search would keep them out of this cell for long stretches.\u00a0 It would give him the solitude he needed to prepare his mind and heart for death, and it would comfort them, even if the quest failed, to know they had done all they could.<\/p>\n

He wanted them near, though.\u00a0 Pa and Little Joe, at least, he\u2019d see more of, and he needed to.\u00a0 Pa would give him the strength and courage he needed to face whatever the future brought, and Little Joe would take his thoughts off himself, for that boy needed help with the horrible load he was carrying, his help for as long as he could give it, and then, if worse came to worst, he\u2019d have to trust that job to Pa and Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss.\u00a0 His best friend.\u00a0 In a way he regretted that Hoss was the one sent to search Placerville.\u00a0 He\u2019d looked after his little brother from the time Inger had left them, and Adam often visualized the big man, not as the infant she\u2019d placed in his arms, but as that altogether adorable tyke of two or three, when Adam had been most responsible for his care.\u00a0 Somewhere along the line, though, they\u2019d become equals.\u00a0 He needed Hoss at his side for this final leg of the journey, but when he and his father had discussed how to organize the search, there\u2019d been no question of whom to send further afield.\u00a0 Hoss could handle himself alone; Little Joe, in his current state of mind, needed both the oversight of his father and the extra time with his big brother. \u00a0Still, Adam wished he could have seen Hoss one more time before he left.\u00a0 A man needed his best friend when\u2014he fell back onto the mattress.\u00a0 Enough rumination.\u00a0 It had been a long, hard day, even though it was little more than half over, and he was tired.\u00a0 His eyes slowly closed.<\/p>\n

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

In their parlor at the International House, Little Joe was reading aloud entries from the city directory as his father made a list of menswear stores and tailors.\u00a0 In these boom days of Virginia City, there were a surprising number of them, although it couldn\u2019t begin to rival the number of saloons.\u00a0 More diligent than he\u2019d ever been with Miss Abigail\u2019s assignments, Little Joe read through the listings and then had his father read back his list, while Joe double-checked, to make sure they didn\u2019t miss a single possibility.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s it,\u201d he said, practically jumping to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s tear it in half and get after it!.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s settle down a minute first,\u201d his father said. \u201cThat\u2019s not how we\u2019re doing it.\u00a0 We\u2019re going together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll go faster if we split \u2018em up,\u201d Little Joe argued.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going together,\u201d Ben repeated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t trust me!\u201d Little Joe spewed<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to see how you handle yourself,\u201d his father said calmly, but firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can handle myself just fine!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrow rose at the shouted words, and Little Joe had to grace to flush at how little his declaration matched the manner in which he\u2019d delivered it.\u00a0 \u201cI want to see how you handle yourself,\u201d Ben reiterated with equal calm, but a measure\u2019s more firmness.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d the boy muttered, deflated.<\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he stood.\u00a0 \u201cAll right, then.\u00a0 We\u2019ll start with the stores on Main Street.\u00a0 I\u2019ll do the talking at the first couple of places, and then I\u2019ll let you try your hand.\u00a0 We won\u2019t visit many this afternoon, but if I like what I see, then we\u2019ll split up tomorrow.\u00a0 You can cover Gold Hill, while I finish up Virginia City, and then we\u2019ll ride on to Carson afterwards.\u00a0 Agreed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 I won\u2019t disappoint you, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben gave his son\u2019s shoulder a couple of light taps.\u00a0 \u201cI know you won\u2019t, son.\u201d\u00a0 Putting on their jackets, they headed out together.<\/p>\n

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

William Walcott paced the carpet of his parlor with strident steps.\u00a0 \u201cA week!\u201d he protested.\u00a0 \u201cWhy does that creature merit an extra week of life?\u00a0 If he were anyone but a Cartwright, he\u2019d be swinging by dawn!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve waited so long, Father,\u201d Walter said.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s another week, when we\u2019ve waited three years, almost four, already?\u00a0 Let\u2019s just savor it and anticipate the glory of the spectacle a week from now.\u201d<\/p>\n

His father paused and pondered, until a dark smile settled onto his features.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re right, my boy; the judge was right.\u00a0 This dish has been on ice for almost four years, but it needs one more week for the chill to seep into Adam Cartwright\u2019s very bones.\u00a0 Yes, let him dwell on death for the next seven days; let him feel the rope cinching tighter and tighter around his worthless neck, and then, when the final moment comes, let him taste to the full the wrath that is due him!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe dropped the carpetbag onto his bed in the room he and his father were sharing at Carson City\u2019s Ormsby House.\u00a0 Since they were traveling light, they also shared the carpetbag.\u00a0 Even so, it wasn\u2019t heavy, although from the droop of the young man\u2019s shoulders anyone observing would have assumed it held a twenty-volume set of Encylopaedia Brittannica.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>Ben, who was observing, thought he knew why, but he only asked if his son would prefer to have supper at the Alcove Restaurant or the Antelope.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not really hungry, Pa,\u201d Little Joe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNonetheless, you will eat,\u201d his father stated firmly.\u00a0 Then he said softly, \u201cI know you\u2019re disappointed, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe\u2019s head snapped up.\u00a0 \u201cAren\u2019t you?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot exactly,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0 Seeing his son\u2019s skeptical expression, he amplified, \u201cOh, I wish we\u2019d already found what we\u2019re looking for, just as you do, but I\u2019m not surprised that we haven\u2019t.\u00a0 Our man would be a fool to make his purchases in a town where Adam himself does his shopping or even in Gold Hill.\u00a0 The similarity might be recognized, and the last thing the killer would want would be some clerk or tailor asking, \u2018Oh, you mean like the outfit Adam Cartwright wears?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess that would be pretty stupid,\u201d Little Joe admitted, \u201cbut I reckon we had to check.\u00a0 What about Carson?\u00a0 It\u2019s still fairly close to home, even if we don\u2019t get here as much as we do Virginia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is,\u201d Ben agreed, \u201cbut I\u2019m hoping for the best.\u00a0 If not, maybe Hoss will have better luck in Placerville.\u00a0 Now, Alcove or Antelope?\u00a0 If you have a preference, you\u2019d better speak up, boy, or I\u2019ll pick for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine by me,\u201d Little Joe muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlcove it is, then,\u201d Ben said with forced brightness.\u00a0 He put an arm around his son\u2019s shoulders and steered him toward the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think that man would go any further than Placerville, Pa?\u201d Little Joe asked anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cPossibly,\u201d Ben admitted as they walked out.\u00a0 It was the thought that had tormented him throughout this search.\u00a0 The killer\u2014and he fully believed it to be Walcott\u2014could have gone to any town large enough to support a good tailor, but they couldn\u2019t question everyone from here to the west coast.\u00a0 There simply wasn\u2019t time.\u00a0 He could only hope that Walcott wouldn\u2019t have felt it needful to go further than Placerville, although he\u2019d have had more options in Sacramento.\u00a0 And God forbid he\u2019d gone as far as San Francisco.\u00a0 In that event, all their hopes were dashed.<\/p>\n

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

Adam stood as Hiram Wood entered his cell.\u00a0 \u201cI received your message that you wished to see me,\u201d the lawyer said.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s about your appeal, I\u2019m afraid it\u2019s bad news, Adam, at least in part.\u00a0 While Judge Lawson was personally appalled by the way Mr. Klein dealt with your brother, he felt that it had no direct bearing on your guilt or innocence and that Little Joe had had ample opportunity to reverse his testimony in the jury\u2019s hearing.\u00a0 However, I took the liberty of telling him that we might have a lead to the man who framed you, and he agreed that if we were to bring forward new evidence on such a significant point, that he would entertain an appeal.\u00a0 Any word from your father yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged as he sat back down on his cot and gestured for Hiram to take a seat on the opposite one.\u00a0 \u201cOnly that neither he nor Joe found any sign that the clothes or the money clip had been purchased here in Virginia City or Gold Hill; they\u2019re in Carson City now.\u00a0 That\u2019s not why I sent for you, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d\u00a0 The lawyer looked mildly surprised.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if there\u2019s any other way I can assist you, my boy, you have only to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam moistened his lips.\u00a0 \u201cI need to make a will,\u201d he said, \u201cjust in case.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wood sobered at once.\u00a0 \u201cCertainly,\u201d he said softly.\u00a0 \u201cA wise move for a man of property in any case, and you do own some, even outside the Ponderosa, as I recall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t actually own any of the Ponderosa.\u00a0 As you should recall, it\u2019s all in my father\u2019s name.\u00a0 Although I know he considers that it belongs to all of us, he\u2019s never transferred title of any part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram gave an obligatory chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps I should suggest he rectify that oversight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps,\u201d Adam agreed, \u201cbut in the current circumstance it simplifies matters.\u00a0 My share of the Ponderosa will go to my father and my brothers without action on my part.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that, I presume, is where you wish the bulk of your property to go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the bulk,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0 \u201cI have some land adjoining the Ponderosa, and it can be added to the ranch itself and remain in Pa\u2019s name, like the rest; I know he\u2019ll treat my brothers fairly.\u00a0 I\u2019d like the title on my building on C Street, currently being rented by Grainger\u2019s saddle shop, to go to Isaac Wentworth for the love and admiration I bear him.\u00a0 I\u2019ll leave my stocks to my father, to be sold or kept at his discretion.\u00a0 He\u2019s the one best equipped to manage them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cGoodness knows, Little Joe is not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smiling softly, Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cNot yet, but don\u2019t sell the kid short.\u00a0 I have a feeling he might have just the sort of crafty mind well suited to stock manipulation, but let\u2019s keep that to ourselves for a few years, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram laughed outright.\u00a0 \u201cThat sounds wise, very wise, indeed!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s expression grew more sober.\u00a0 \u201cI would like a special provision regarding the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hiram sobered, too.\u00a0 \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe remainder of my property in town is to be divided between my brothers, including my bank account.\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s share can go to him immediately; I know he\u2019ll put it to good use.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want Little Joe\u2019s portion put into a trust, is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s smile returned.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re very perceptive.\u00a0 Yes, a trust, with this proviso:\u00a0 if he wishes to use the money to further his education, he can have it at once, under my father\u2019s supervision; otherwise, the funds are to be kept for him and invested wisely until he reaches the hopefully mature age of twenty-five.\u00a0 In Joe\u2019s case, I should probably make it fifty, but he might have forgotten me by then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt he\u2019ll ever forget you, Adam,\u201d Hiram said, his voice choking most unprofessionally as he added, \u201cNone of us will, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d\u00a0 Adam squared his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cNow, as to my personal belongings. . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Hoss gave the door of the business a frustrated kick.\u00a0 It was the last place on his list, and he\u2019d been banging on the door for the last five minutes, but evidently the Closed sign hanging in the window meant what it said.\u00a0 Doggone!\u00a0 Now he\u2019d have to wait overnight for this one last, slim hope of finding where someone had bought a jacket to match his brother Adam\u2019s or, maybe, that monogrammed money clip.\u00a0 From the looks of this place, chances were pretty poor of anyone coming here for something special like either one.<\/p>\n

He kicked up dust as he moved down the street, headed for the caf\u00e9 inside the El Dorado, where he was staying.\u00a0 Placerville just plain wasn\u2019t the right town to be looking in, and he guessed his pa and baby brother hadn\u2019t had any better luck, \u2018cause Pa\u2019d said he would wire if they found anything.\u00a0 He asked as soon as he got to the hotel, and just as he\u2019d feared, there was still no telegram from his father. \u2018Course, they probably weren\u2019t through searching Carson City yet.<\/p>\n

With slow, heavy steps he went into the dining room and ordered the 18-carat hash.\u00a0 Only a quarter more than the low-grade, and it came mixed with corned beef and, on the side, your choice of dill pickles or poached eggs.\u00a0 When it came, he put the eggs on top of the hash; he kind of liked the way the yolk ran over everything and made a sort of sauce, but tonight he did it by habit.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have much appetite, but he knew from experience that he got cross as a grizzly and as easy set off as Little Joe when he didn\u2019t eat regular.\u00a0 He wondered idly if he ought to drag his little brother to the nearest eating place the next time he got contrary.\u00a0 He\u2019d teased him about it before, but it might be worth trying.<\/p>\n

Then his mind moved on to more productive wondering.\u00a0 Was there anything else he could try that might help Adam?\u00a0 Placerville had been a dead bust for him.\u00a0 Had it, maybe, been that for the feller lookin\u2019 to frame Adam, too?\u00a0 If it had, where would he have gone, instead?\u00a0 The closest place of decent size was Sacramento, which, bein\u2019 the state capitol, was bound to have more and better men\u2019s shops and tailors.\u00a0 It was, in fact, likely to have more than he had time to search.\u00a0 As he polished off the last of his hash, however, Hoss knew that his chances would be better there than in that one last, piddly place here in Placerville.\u00a0 He hurried up to his room to get his gear, checked out of the hotel and headed toward the livery to get his horse.\u00a0 He\u2019d be riding into the night, but he\u2019d be in Sacramento by the time the stores opened tomorrow morning.<\/p>\n

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

Carrying a large, wrapped package, Isaac Worthington entered Adam\u2019s cell.\u00a0 \u201cShe intended this for you,\u201d he said, \u201cand I thought you might enjoy having it to keep you company while your family is away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Realizing from its shape what it had to be, Adam accepted it with shaking hands.\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure?\u201d he asked.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s her last work, and I wouldn\u2019t want to deprive you of it, though I would greatly appreciate borrowing it a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have others,\u201d Isaac said softly, \u201cand this was meant for you.\u00a0 I hope you are able to enjoy it for years to come, my boy, but if not, then I trust it will bring comfort to your family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Adam said simply as he carefully untied the string and lifted away the paper to reveal a portrait of himself with the moonlit lake, surrounded by pines, behind him.\u00a0 \u201cShe was good,\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 Though Rose had described herself as an amateur artist, she had obviously been deft with her brush, and the likeness of him that she had created seemed almost to breathe.\u00a0 Looking up, he smiled at her father.\u00a0 \u201cMy family will treasure it, always.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Isaac nodded, pleased, but also concerned.\u00a0 His family would treasure it, Adam had said, as if he had accepted that he would soon be unable to treasure it himself.\u00a0 Did that mean he had given up hope?\u00a0 As Isaac laid a fatherly hand on the young man\u2019s shoulder, he prayed, as he had since the verdict came down, that the Cartwrights would soon return with the proof needed to raise all their hopes from the grave into which they were slowly falling.<\/p>\n

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

Two weary men dismounted before the jail in Virginia City and tied the reins of their horses to the hitching rail.\u00a0 Little Joe, usually the liveliest member of any group, dallied over the job.\u00a0 His father looked down at him from the boardwalk.\u00a0 \u201cComing, son?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess so,\u201d Little Joe said.\u00a0 He scuffed at the dirt with the toe of his boot.\u00a0 \u201cJust hate to give Adam the bad news, is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell him,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

Little Joe shook his head.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t Pa realize that it didn\u2019t matter who did the talking?\u00a0 All that mattered was that they\u2019d failed; he\u2019d failed.\u00a0 He\u2019d wanted so badly to be the one to make things right for his big brother, since he\u2019d been the one to make things worse, but now Adam\u2019s only hope was Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have to stay long,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cI know you\u2019re tired, but surely you want to see your brother, at least briefly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, I do,\u201d the young man said honestly.\u00a0 \u201cI just thought I could take our things down to the hotel, see if Hoss sent a wire and then come back and spend more time with Adam, maybe even bring him some good news.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, why don\u2019t you do that, then?\u201d\u00a0 Ben chuckled with warm understanding.<\/p>\n

Little Joe looked up, his face brightening.\u00a0 \u201cYeah?\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back in two shakes, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMake it three, at least,\u201d his father said with a half-scolding smile.\u00a0 As the boy snatched up their shared carpetbag and trotted down the street, Ben shook his head.\u00a0 If that wire weren\u2019t there, and the odds said it wouldn\u2019t be, Joe would probably come dragging back in more like ten thousand shakes than two.\u00a0 He opened the door to the sheriff\u2019s office and went inside.<\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee rose from behind his desk.\u00a0 \u201cHow\u2019d it go, Ben?\u201d he asked at once.<\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWe weren\u2019t able to find anything, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy nodded, glumly.\u00a0 \u201cSorry to hear that.\u00a0 Well, maybe Hoss,\u201d he offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Ben said, though his hope was a mere flicker at this point.<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon you\u2019ll want to see Adam, let him know how things stand,\u201d Roy said, taking his key ring and moving toward the cell block.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d \u00a0Ben had no more desire to give his oldest son the news of their failure than had Little Joe, but it had to be done, and a duty like that should be borne on a father\u2019s broad shoulders.<\/p>\n

As the two men approached his cell, though, Adam said, \u201cYou don\u2019t need to say anything; I can see it in your faces.\u00a0 Well, it was always a needle in a haystack.\u00a0 Thanks for trying.\u201d\u00a0 His brow furrowed as he looked beyond the two men.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d\u00a0 His voice sharpened as he asked anxiously, \u201cYou didn\u2019t leave him back in Carson, to go on looking, did you, or let him go on to Placerville to meet Hoss?\u00a0 He shouldn\u2019t be alone, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that.\u201d\u00a0 Ben didn\u2019t have the heart to chide Adam for anything at present, but if the circumstances had been less dire, he might well have reminded his eldest just who was Joseph\u2019s father and who was not.\u00a0 \u201cHe ran down to the hotel to see if Hoss had sent word,\u201d he explained.\u00a0 Then he smiled wryly.\u00a0 \u201cHe begged me to let him search Sacramento on his own, but I said no.\u201d\u00a0 He shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe we should have concentrated our efforts there in the first place.\u201d\u00a0 He\u2019d wanted to give in to Little Joe\u2019s pleas, but Adam had insisted that he needed them here, and Ben couldn\u2019t deny him any request now.<\/p>\n

Adam shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cJust a bigger haystack; the needle could\u2019ve gotten lost there even more easily.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich might be the point,\u201d Ben argued.\u00a0 \u201cGetting further from Virginia City\u2014probably smart\u2014and goodness knows a man as rich as William Walcott could afford to go that far for his tailoring needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe burst through the door into the cell block just in time to hear the last few words.\u00a0 He stared at the others for a moment, and then as he came through the cell door that Roy had not yet shut, he asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s Mr. Walcott got to do with anything?\u201d\u00a0 Then it hit him.\u00a0 \u201cYou think he\u2019s the one, the one that framed Adam?\u201d\u00a0 He looked at Adam, then at his father and, finally, at Sheriff Coffee.\u00a0 The looks on their faces told him all he needed to know.\u00a0 \u201cYou knew,\u201d he accused.\u00a0 \u201cYou all knew and kept me in the dark!\u00a0 How could you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, we don\u2019t know,\u201d his father said urgently.\u00a0 \u201cWe only suspect.\u00a0 We could be wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you\u2019re not wrong!\u201d Little Joe sputtered.\u00a0 \u201cWe should\u2019ve figured it out sooner.\u00a0 Who else would hate Adam that much?\u201d\u00a0 He headed toward the door, but with quick thinking Roy slammed it shut and turned the key, locking him in.\u00a0 \u201cLet me out!\u201d Little Joe yelled.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just where do you think you\u2019re going, young man?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo get Walcott, what else?\u201d Little Joe snapped.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll kill him!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam spun him around and shook him by the shoulders with fear-fueled force.\u00a0 \u201cNo!\u00a0 You will do nothing!\u00a0 You hear me?\u00a0 How can I face going to the gallows, knowing that my baby brother will follow me there?\u00a0 Don\u2019t you dare make me die with that weighing like lead in my heart!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Adam, stop,\u201d Ben pleaded.<\/p>\n

In sudden realization Adam released his brother and took a step back, breathing heavily.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2014I\u2019m sorry, Joe.\u00a0 Did I hurt you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Little Joe said, though the way he was rubbing his neck gave lie to the word.<\/p>\n

Adam reached out and took over the stroking.\u00a0 \u201cYou can\u2019t.\u00a0 You understand?\u00a0 You just can\u2019t; you have to promise me you won\u2019t, that you won\u2019t even think about it.\u00a0 I can\u2019t bear it if . . if . . .\u201d\u00a0 His legs suddenly caved, and he would have fallen to his knees had Little Joe not grabbed him under his armpits and guided him to his cot.\u00a0 Ben crouched at his side, resting a concerned hand on his thigh.<\/p>\n

Little Joe sat beside his brother.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, Adam.\u00a0 Seems like I\u2019m always making things harder for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPromise me,\u201d Adam said, breath still coming in ragged gasps.<\/p>\n

Eyes welling, Little Joe nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI promise, Adam.\u00a0 I won\u2019t do anything to his . . . but, well, I ain\u2019t sure I can promise not to think about it, \u2018cause I sure want him to pay for all he\u2019s put you through.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam uttered a harsh laugh.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that only proves we\u2019re brothers: I want that, too, not for my sake, but for yours . . . and for Rose.\u201d\u00a0 The man who never lost control was hard put to stop the trembling of his lower lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake that three,\u201d Ben said, \u201cbut we stay within the law, understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to hear that!\u201d Roy said.\u00a0 \u201cYou gonna stay awhile, Ben?\u00a0 I\u2019m inclined to leave the young one in there, no matter what you do!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m inclined to let you,\u201d Ben grunted, \u201cbut I guess I\u2019ll take him with me.\u00a0 We\u2019re going to get settled back in the hotel and have some supper, Adam; then we\u2019ll be back, hopefully for a calmer visit this evening.\u201d\u00a0 He suddenly noticed the envelope clutched in Little Joe\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u00a0 From Hoss?\u201d\u00a0 His voice rose in sudden excitement.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, I forgot.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe flushed as he handed over the telegram.<\/p>\n

Ben ripped it open, pulled out the wire itself and scanned the brief message.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood news?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust news,\u201d Ben answered.\u00a0 Looking at his youngest, he said, \u201cHoss is doing what you wanted to; he\u2019s gone on to Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew it!\u00a0 I knew we should\u2019ve gone there!\u201d Little Joe cried, springing to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cGood for Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBigger haystack,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He seemed reluctant to get his hopes up, as if their falling again would make it harder to face what, in all likelihood, he would still have to.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll find it, Adam!\u201d Little Joe insisted.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled, solely for the boy\u2019s benefit, and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIf he can.\u00a0 I hope he knows when to quit, though; I\u2019d like to see him again . . . before . . .\u201d\u00a0 He bit his tongue, lest he once again give way in front of his impressionable little brother and his sad-eyed father.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYour bag, sir?\u201d the clerk at the hotel called to the Cartwrights as they entered and headed for the stairs.<\/p>\n

Ben chuckled as Little Joe sheepishly went to take it.\u00a0 He understood, though; he might have dropped everything and run, too, if he\u2019d been handed a telegram from Hoss.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t the good news that they had hoped for, but it kept hope alive, and for that Ben Cartwright was grateful.<\/p>\n

Once they were in their suite, Little Joe set the carpetbag on the settee in the parlor.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get my things out,\u201d he said as he opened it, \u201cand take the bag to your room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, take everything into your room,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be sleeping there tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe stared at him.\u00a0 \u201cYou really don\u2019t trust me!\u201d he said in the voice of an offended child.<\/p>\n

Ben arched an eyebrow.\u00a0 \u201cIs there good reason I should?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0 The boy\u2019s face fell, but in a moment the anger was back, though tempered by a strong dose of self-reproach.\u00a0 \u201cI gave Adam my word.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you mean it or were you just saying it for him?\u201d Ben asked pointedly.<\/p>\n

Little Joe ducked his head.\u00a0 \u201cI meant it . . . for Adam.\u00a0 I won\u2019t do that to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot even . . . after?\u201d Ben pressed.\u00a0 \u201cAdam isn\u2019t the only one who would be hurt if you broke that promise, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard, Pa,\u201d Little Joe said, swallowing hard, \u201cand it\u2019ll be even harder if that man\u2019s scheming lies take my big brother from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen let me help you,\u201d Ben said, \u201cand you help me, because I want to put my hands around that man\u2019s throat every bit as much as you do.\u00a0 Did it never occur to you, Joseph, \u00a0that I might prefer not to sleep alone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll share the room, then, just like we did in Carson,\u201d Little Joe said, wrapping his arms around his father, \u201c\u2018til Hoss gets back to watch over both of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Fog hovered low over C Street as Adam Cartwright, escorted by Sheriff Roy Coffee, walked steadfastly down it and with his assistance mounted the steps to the gallows.\u00a0 Below him stood Ben Cartwright, struggling to maintain his composure, and his son Hoss, a pillar of strength.\u00a0 Little Joe, feeling unworthy to stand beside them, stood off to the side as the citizens of Virginia City ranged behind the grieving group to watch the pageant. \u00a0In the front row stood William Walcott and his weak-willed son Walter.\u00a0 Unlike the rest of the crowd, they were grinning, ear to ear, eager to see the man they blamed for the death of their loved one meet his fate.\u00a0 As the noose was cinched around Adam\u2019s neck, William cackled in satisfaction, and when nudged by his father\u2019s elbow, Walter joined in the raucous sound echoing down the gray-cloaked street.<\/p>\n

His visage grim, Adam raised his arm, his long finger pointing at the crowing pair, but then he let it slowly swing toward an equally deserving target.\u00a0 Little Joe felt the stab of his brother\u2019s sharp nail against his chest, and though Adam\u2019s mouth never moved, he heard the message, loud and clear: keep your promise; do not make this harder for me than you have already done!<\/em>\u00a0 Then the trapdoor opened, and Adam was falling . . . falling, and his little brother was screaming . . . screaming, as he fell to earth alongside his brother and then, leaving Adam on its dusty surface, continued to fall . . . down . . . down . . . down to the level of hell reserved for traitors, still screaming . . . screaming . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u00a0 Joseph!\u201d\u00a0 Ben Cartwright\u2019s voice seemed far away, barely audible.\u00a0 \u201cWake up, son!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWha . . . ?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe struggled in the tangle of damp sheets.<\/p>\n

\u201cWake up, son,\u201d Ben said urgently.\u00a0 \u201cEasy, boy.\u00a0 You\u2019re dreaming; time to wake up.\u201d\u00a0 He stroked the sweat-soaked curls until he saw his son\u2019s eyes begin to focus.\u00a0 \u201cNightmare?\u00a0 Bad one?\u201d<\/p>\n

Still panting, Little Joe nodded.<\/p>\n

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

The boy shook his head adamantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure?\u00a0 It might help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe still couldn\u2019t talk, but he shook his head again, even more forcefully.\u00a0 Would it help him to talk?\u00a0 Probably, but not for all the silver in the depths of Sun Mountain would he put those gruesome images in his father\u2019s mind.\u00a0 As the Adam of his dream had charged, he\u2019d done enough harm already, and while he knew full well that the Adam of the real world had never and would never blame him, it didn\u2019t help in the least.\u00a0 He clung to his father, drawing strength from the sound of his heartbeat, thumping away in his chest with a love as strong as ever, whether a fellow deserved it or not.\u00a0 Finally, he was able to raise his head, and he asked with a wry smile, \u201cStill want to share a room with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben pulled him closer.\u00a0 \u201cMore than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Adam Cartwright had never been as subject to nightmares as his youngest brother.\u00a0 He was more given to sleepless nights when he was troubled, and he was definitely troubled this night.\u00a0 His mathematical mind could calculate the odds against him, and the odds said he had only a couple of days to live.\u00a0 He\u2019d made what preparations he could, at least in terms of material bequests, and he\u2019d made his peace with his Creator.\u00a0 What remained was concern for those he would leave behind.\u00a0 He\u2019d seen the haggard cast to his father\u2019s countenance and feared the toll his death might take on a man of his father\u2019s years.<\/p>\n

There\u2019d been no missing, of course, the interwoven knot of emotions on Little Joe\u2019s expressive face.\u00a0 Guilt, fear, shame, anger\u2014all swirling inside with the force of the hurricanes Pa used to describe from his years at sea.\u00a0 Adam would do all he could to counteract it, to still the storm in the time he had left, but ultimately that responsibility would have to be relinquished to Pa and to Hoss.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2014how he longed to see Hoss!\u00a0 He didn\u2019t need to see him, though, to know exactly what that big heart was feeling.\u00a0 He knew Hoss through and through, just as Hoss knew him, and he thought that even in heaven he\u2019d miss the instant empathy and comradeship that he shared with no one else.\u00a0 Hurry back, Hoss<\/em>, he prayed as he stood, staring out at the night sky through the barred window, Good news or bad, hurry back<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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

Snorting his disdain, Hoss came out of the little hole-in-the-wall tailor\u2019s shop.\u00a0 He should\u2019ve known better.\u00a0 A place like this hardly knew the meaning of \u201cspecial order,\u201d much less ever did one.\u00a0 He looked down at the list in his hand and wondered where to try next.\u00a0 All morning he\u2019d been making his way down J Street, stopping in every store and tailor\u2019s shop he came to, but he wasn\u2019t making any more headway here than he had in Placerville, and there were more places left than he had time available to check.\u00a0 If he had any hope of getting back in time, he\u2019d need to leave this evening, so he couldn\u2019t waste time trying places that had no chance of being the one he needed.\u00a0 But which one was?\u00a0 He scratched his head and then shook it, side to side; he still had no idea which way to go.\u00a0 Looking up at the cloudless sky above, he pleaded, \u201cYou gotta help me, God; I got no idea where to look, so you got to show me or else I ain\u2019t gonna have a big brother no more.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gulped down the lump rising in his throat and continued to look skyward, but he just couldn\u2019t hear whatever God might be saying.\u00a0 Having no better idea, he shrugged his shoulders and headed down the street toward the next place on his list.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t gone more than a few steps, however, before he stopped.\u00a0 No, he\u2019d been right before; he wasn\u2019t getting anywhere that way; he needed to skip places like the one he\u2019d just been and find ones more likely to take special orders.\u00a0 The man who planned all this had to have money if he\u2019d come this far for a coat, so he could skip all the cheap shops and visit only the ones likely to attract a man of means.\u00a0 Maybe it was God, after all, putting the notion in his head, but he stopped the next well-dressed man he saw on the street and asked him where he had his tailoring done.\u00a0 And if that one didn\u2019t work out, he\u2019d do the same again, until he found the right one.\u00a0 Adam was counting on him, and he wouldn\u2019t quit until the stores all closed and he was forced to give up and ride back to Virginia City, empty-handed.<\/p>\n

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

Little Joe was driving everyone crazy.\u00a0 Well, Ben and Adam seemed to be handling it well enough, with the fond tolerance that only family could muster, Roy Coffee had to admit, but he was getting pretty aggravated with being called to let the boy out of his brother\u2019s cell what seemed like every few minutes.\u00a0 The fiddle-footed youngun just had to trot down to the hotel or telegraph office every little bit to see if that all-important wire from Hoss had come yet, but he couldn\u2019t bear bein\u2019 away from Adam for long, either, so back he\u2019d drag, so long-faced it was a wonder he didn\u2019t trip over his own<\/p>\n

chin, only to repeat the whole thing all over again the minute Roy got busy with something else.\u00a0 After about the fourth time that morning, the sheriff had had enough.\u00a0 \u201cLook,\u201d he said, \u201cI\u2019ll come back here every hour, on the hour, and let you out to go wherever you want, but that\u2019s it.\u00a0 Believe it or not, I do have more to do than jump up and come runnin\u2019 every time Little Joe Cartwright quirks his twitchy finger!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI apologize, Roy,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cWe can sit on him if you need us to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure about that?\u201d Roy asked with a scoffing chuckle.\u00a0 \u201cI reckon it\u2019s better this way, but you do need to slow down a mite, young fellow.\u00a0 I\u2019m about half wore out, and it ain\u2019t even noon yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Little Joe said sheepishly.\u00a0 As the sheriff began to walk away, however, he called out, \u201cHow long \u2018til next time?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The sun was beginning to dip, and Hoss still hadn\u2019t found the miracle he\u2019d prayed for.\u00a0 He might have time to try one more place, but he\u2019d have to hurry.\u00a0 Then, one way or the other, he\u2019d have to ride\u2014long and hard\u2014to get back to Virginia City before it was too late.\u00a0 As he approached the tailor\u2019s shop, however, he saw the sign being turned from Open to Closed.\u00a0 No!\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t be deterred, though, not when it was Adam\u2019s last chance.\u00a0 Pounding on the door with his doubled fist, he yelled loud enough to turn heads on the street and possibly even wake the dead.\u00a0 \u201cOpen up!\u201d he hollered.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a matter of life and death!\u201d<\/p>\n

At first there was no response, but Hoss kept up the ruckus until the door finally opened, and the glaring proprietor demanded, \u201cHow can a suit of clothes possibly be a matter of life and death, mister?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can explain,\u201d Hoss said as he pushed into the shop.<\/p>\n

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

As Little Joe turned away from the desk clerk at the hotel, his father noticed the taut lips, the quiver of the cheek, the rapid steps toward the stairs.\u00a0 He started to call out to his son, to remind him that they had been headed to dinner; then he checked himself and turned toward the desk clerk, instead.\u00a0 \u201cTom, I believe we\u2019ll have dinner in our suite tonight,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good, sir,\u201d Tom said.\u00a0 \u201cWhat shall I have them bring you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, whatever\u2019s available,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0 \u201cIf Martha is working tonight, she knows our taste well enough to select for us.\u00a0 Two plate dinners and two pieces of pie, apple if you have it.\u00a0 Half an hour or so will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMartha is here tonight; I\u2019ll tell her right away,\u201d Tom promised, his sympathetic eyes following Mr. Cartwright as he mounted the stairs.<\/p>\n

Opening the door to their suite, Ben saw his youngest son sprawled disconsolately on the settee.<\/p>\n

\u201cThought you were going straight to dinner,\u201d Little Joe said.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s eyebrow lifted slightly.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you were, too,\u201d he said pointedly.<\/p>\n

The boy shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d his father started to chide.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d Little Joe interrupted to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try to convince me it\u2019ll all be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not time to give up yet,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0 \u201cHoss is still looking, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe pulled to his feet and faced his father, his youthful features hardening.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not stupid, Pa; I can count the hours . . . and I know how long it takes to ride here from Sacramento.\u00a0 Adam hangs day after tomorrow, and if Hoss is gonna get back in time, he\u2019d need to have left by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he has,\u201d Ben suggested.<\/p>\n

Little Joe rolled his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHe was supposed to wire if he found anything, right, just like we were supposed to do for him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe hasn\u2019t wired, so that means he didn\u2019t find anything,\u201d Little Joe charged.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt does suggest that,\u201d Ben admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt suggests my brother is gonna die!\u201d Little Joe cried.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t add, \u201cAnd it\u2019s all my fault,\u201d but Ben knew he was thinking it and quickly wrapped his arms around his son, both giving and taking comfort in the embrace.\u00a0 He could count the hours, too.<\/p>\n

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

The incessant pounding felt like a railroad spike being driven through the brain or, perhaps, through the soul, if your name happened to be Cartwright.\u00a0 Every nail pounded into the gallows was a reminder that Adam would die tomorrow, and there was nothing anyone who loved him could do to stop it.\u00a0 The only one who could was Hoss, and there\u2019d been no word from him since the telegram stating his intention to go to Sacramento.<\/p>\n

Sheriff Roy Coffee had seen a lot of families face the death of an incarcerated member, and they ran the gamut of human emotion.\u00a0 Some wept without hope, in most cases with good reason, for the men concerned were guilty beyond doubt; others yelled their anger and frustration for a life gone bad.\u00a0 Some didn\u2019t give a hoot and let their\u2014well, it seemed wrong to say loved one with folks who didn\u2019t even have enough feeling to hate, folks who just plain didn\u2019t care and let their guilty-as-sin relative die without a word of comfort.\u00a0 Thankfully, there hadn\u2019t been many of those.<\/p>\n

Just as thankfully, there hadn\u2019t been many like the Cartwrights, families facing the loss of someone they loved and knew to be innocent.\u00a0 That\u2019s when the mothers\u2019 tears flowed like rivers and the fathers reacted with shouts of anger and even threats of revenge if their boys were put to death.\u00a0 The Cartwrights, though, beat all with the way they\u2019d run the gamut all by themselves: anger, grief, love and support, even spurts of laughter here and there as some childhood memory or other was brought out for airing in the light of mature reflection.<\/p>\n

Roy had seen them in despair, and he\u2019d seen their spirits rise with hope when they\u2019d come to realize who was behind their tragedy and how to go about proving it.\u00a0 He believed what they\u2019d outlined to him, but unless he got proof and the judge called a halt to the proceedings, he\u2019d have to lead young Adam to the gallows tomorrow.\u00a0 Judge Lawson hadn\u2019t specified a time, though, so Sheriff Coffee had exercised his own discretion and set the execution for sunset, instead of the more traditional sunrise.\u00a0 Let the citizens wait for their gory drama to play out; Roy intended to give Hoss every possible chance to make it back in time to save his brother\u2019s life, and he hoped and prayed the big man would succeed.<\/p>\n

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

The final day dawned, as gray and overcast as it had been in all of Little Joe\u2019s nightmares, and he couldn\u2019t shake the idea that it would end the way all of them had, too, with him screaming his head off as his brother fell through a trap door.\u00a0 There was none of the fog that usually saturated the streets of his dream, but he felt like he was walking through a gray haze, nonetheless, as he and\u00a0 his father made their way to the jail.\u00a0 The fog wasn\u2019t in the atmosphere, though; he carried it with him, in his mind and in his heart.\u00a0 Hard to think or feel through the haze, he thought, but maybe that was the point; otherwise, it would all be just too much to bear.<\/p>\n

Adam looked calm when they entered his cell, but then he always did.\u00a0 Little Joe thought that was the thing he\u2019d remember most about his big brother, how calm he\u2019d always stayed in any crisis, even when he was facing Death itself.\u00a0 He vowed that he\u2019d spend his life trying to live up to that example, failing most of the time, he was sure, but still better for having made the effort to be like Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam stood as they entered the cell block, and he reached for both father and brother as soon as Roy unlocked the barred door.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad you came early,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cI want to spend as much time as I can with you both today.\u201d\u00a0 He looked toward his young brother and added, \u201cIf you think you can stand it in here, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can stand it,\u201d Little Joe said softly.\u00a0 A flush of shame deepened his color as he recalled how fearful he\u2019d been of the prosecutor\u2019s threat of prison if he didn\u2019t testify against Adam; now he was sure he could face a lifetime behind bars if it just meant that his big brother would live.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t afford to think of things like that now, though; he had to be strong for Adam.<\/p>\n

Time dragged by, though they spent it sharing memories of happier times.\u00a0 Finally, Adam looked up and said with a teasing smile, \u201cIsn\u2019t it about time for you to trot off and see if there\u2019s a telegram from Hoss yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want,\u201d Little Joe said flatly.<\/p>\n

A line of concern furrowed Adam\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to know,\u201d he said gently, \u201cif it\u2019s not too much trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing\u2019s too much trouble, Adam,\u201d Little Joe assured him.\u00a0 He stood and hollered for Roy.<\/p>\n

Roy came in with the key and a grin.\u00a0 \u201cBeen wonderin\u2019 how long you could hold out, boy.\u201d\u00a0 As he unlocked the cell, he said, \u201cNo more than once an hour, though, same as before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever,\u201d Little Joe muttered and walked out with none of the hopeful spring in his step that had been there just the day before.<\/p>\n

Adam arched an inquiring eyebrow at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s given up,\u201d Ben admitted.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI suppose I have, too, if I\u2019m honest.\u00a0 It seems unlikely that Hoss found what he was looking for, but I do hope he makes it back in time for me to have a few minutes with him.\u00a0 If not, I need you to give him a message from me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, son.\u00a0 Anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell him\u201d\u2014his voice choked\u2014\u201cTell him to look after little buddy for me; he\u2019s going to take this hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

We all are<\/em>, Ben thought, but what he said aloud was, \u201cI\u2019ll tell him, and I\u2019ll look after your little buddy, too; he\u2019ll be all right; we all will, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better be,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s all that matters now, Pa\u2014him and Hoss and you.\u00a0 As long as I know you\u2019re all right, I will be, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben grasped his hand and squeezed it firmly, imparting what little strength he felt he had left to give.\u00a0 Then, taking advantage of Little Joe\u2019s absence and the absence of their need to be strong for him, father and son rested in each other\u2019s embrace, and their two hearts throbbed as one.<\/p>\n

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

Shaking his head, Hoss led his limping horse by the reins.\u00a0 Doggone it all, he\u2019d known better than to push a horse like that, but Chubby had ridden his heart out, seeming to understand his master\u2019s need for speed.\u00a0 He\u2019d been making good time, too, until the exhausted animal had lost his footing when he raced through that last creek.\u00a0 One slip and now he was forced to walk, in deference to his horse\u2019s need.\u00a0 It had slowed him down considerable, but now, at last, he was only a few miles outside Genoa.\u00a0 He\u2019d have to keep on babying poor ole Chub those few miles, but he was sure he could find a fresh mount in town and be on his way again.<\/p>\n

Would the delay make him too late?\u00a0 No way to know, since he had no idea what time the hanging had been set for.\u00a0 If it had been dawn, he was already late, and he\u2019d grieve over it forever.\u00a0 Roy knew what they were trying to do, though, and was in full sympathy with it.\u00a0 At times like this it paid to be best friends with the local law, and Hoss figured he could count on Roy to stall that hanging as long as he could.\u00a0 He\u2019d still need to push hard, though, \u2018cause he was sure anxious to see his big brother before . . . well, before he couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

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

When Ben and Little Joe returned from lunch at Daisy\u2019s Caf\u00e9, they saw Isaac Worthington sitting in the cell with Adam.\u00a0 \u201cIsaac,\u201d Ben said as Roy unlocked the door.\u00a0 \u201cHow good of you to come.\u201d\u00a0 As soon as he was able, he grasped the man\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only wish there were something more I could do,\u201d Isaac said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWanna help us stage a jailbreak?\u201d Little Joe, still outside the bars, suggested with a cocky grin at the sheriff.\u00a0 Personally, he didn\u2019t think it was a half-bad idea, maybe the only one left to them, but Adam had nixed it when he\u2019d hinted at it the day before.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, now, don\u2019t let me hear no more of that kind of nonsense,\u201d Roy Coffee snorted, cuffing the boy\u2019s ear.\u00a0 \u201cYou goin\u2019 in or stayin\u2019 out?\u00a0 I can\u2019t stand here, holdin\u2019 this door all afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStayin\u2019 out, I reckon.\u201d\u00a0 In response to his father\u2019s quizzical look, he said, \u201cI\u2019ll be back; I just want to walk off that heavy lunch we had.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy all means,\u201d his father said, knowing full well that neither he nor his youngest son had done more than nibble at the excellent plates of food Daisy had brought them.\u00a0 If Little Joe felt the need to be alone for a while, though, he had no objection.\u00a0 The boy had faithfully sat with his brother for hours on end since their return from Carson City, and it had to be hard on a young fellow as energetic as Joe to do nothing but sit.\u00a0 Besides, it would give him and Isaac a chance to speak more freely with Adam.\u00a0 Then Ben smiled softly, as he realized that that was exactly the reason Little Joe was leaving.\u00a0 That boy had done some significant growing up in the last few days.<\/p>\n

Leaving the jail, Little Joe walked aimlessly up the street.\u00a0 He had no destination and no real direction, either.\u00a0 Perhaps from habit, he was headed toward the telegraph office, so he figured he might as well check one more time, but he was pretty sure there\u2019d be nothing there.\u00a0 Hoss could count the hours, same as him and Pa, so surely he knew when to stop looking for that needle in a haystack, as Adam called it, and get on home while he still had a chance of seeing his big brother alive.<\/p>\n

A shiver went up his spine as he suddenly wondered whether something had happened to Hoss.\u00a0 Folks, the Walcotts being the only ones that mattered, must surely have noticed and thought it odd that all three of the other Cartwrights had left town as soon as Adam was sentenced.\u00a0 If the Walcotts suspected that he and Pa and Hoss were on the hunt for evidence of the frame-up they\u2019d engineered, what wouldn\u2019t they do to stop them and make sure the law took their revenge on Adam?\u00a0 Stop it!<\/em> Little Joe told himself as the image of his big brother lying somewhere with a bullet in his back pierced his brain.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t you got enough to fret over, without adding in the murder of another brother?<\/em>\u00a0 It had better not be true, though, \u2018cause if the Walcotts killed Hoss, too, there was no way the surviving Cartwright brother would be able to keep his promise to Adam.\u00a0 There\u2019d be another death, maybe two, and then another hanging, for sure.<\/p>\n

As he\u2019d expected, there was no telegram from Hoss, so Little Joe reluctantly headed back toward the jail.\u00a0 He hated not being with his brother, but he\u2019d thought the two fathers might need some private time with Adam, and he probably needed any strength he could draw from them, too.\u00a0 Goodness knows, Joe had none to give.\u00a0 He only hoped he could keep from collapsing himself until Adam had passed in peace\u2014well, as much peace as a man ever found at the end of a rope.\u00a0 Not eating and not sleeping was taking its toll on\u00a0 him.\u00a0 Pa seemed to be doing okay, but maybe \u201cseemed\u201d was all it was, just Pa being strong for Adam and, though Joe hated to admit it, for him, too.<\/p>\n

His ears began to pick up bits and pieces of conversation that quickly hushed when he drew near.\u00a0 One group of miners he passed didn\u2019t bother lowering their voices, and he clearly heard their complaints about the late hour set for the hanging and how they\u2019d have to either miss it or their shift that evening.\u00a0 \u201cHigh and mighty Cartwrights gets their way, as usual, \u2018pears to me,\u201d one of them opined, speaking louder, apparently for Little Joe\u2019s benefit.<\/p>\n

The men were bad enough, but the whispers of the ladies were worse.\u00a0 Their gossipy speculations pondered momentous questions like why Hoss Cartwright hadn\u2019t shown his face for days.\u00a0 One, more sympathetic than the others, murmured that he probably couldn\u2019t bear to see his brother die.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d think a big man like that would hold up better,\u201d another observed.\u00a0 \u201cWhy even the young one is here, standing by Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019s lookin\u2019 forward to seein\u2019 his brother swing,\u201d a rougher voiced woman grunted, \u201cafter the way he testified agin him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe quickened his steps.\u00a0 Whether Pa and Mr. Worthington were through imparting their wisdom to Adam or not, they were just going to have to put up with his company, \u2018cause he couldn\u2019t take a minute\u2019s more of what was being said on the street.<\/p>\n

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

Though Hoss pushed the horse he\u2019d rented at the livery, the animal didn\u2019t have Chub\u2019s mettle, and he couldn\u2019t seem to eat up the miles fast enough.\u00a0 Hoss hadn\u2019t even taken time to buy a hunk of jerky at the general store in Genoa, despite his stomach\u2019s being so empty it had begun to gnaw on itself like a half-famished wolf on a downed calf.\u00a0 Food didn\u2019t matter; time did, and he\u2019d spared every minute he could, even ones he probably shouldn\u2019t have.<\/p>\n

He knew he should have wired Pa, but he\u2019d been in such a rush to leave Sacramento that he\u2019d plumb forgot, and by the time he went through Placerville, the town, including the telegraph office, was shut up for the night.\u00a0 He\u2019d ridden night and day since then, pounding away at the miles and not giving a single thought to letting anyone know he was on his way until he\u2019d been forced to stop long enough to breathe in Genoa.\u00a0 By then, it didn\u2019t seem important; he\u2019d just ride on and make his apologies once he got there.\u00a0 Not that any of \u2018em would give a fig for apologies by then.<\/p>\n

Of necessity, he slowed down as he started the climbing road up to Gold Hill.\u00a0 Not long now.\u00a0 Just a few more miles, and he\u2019d be walking into the jail, eager to see his brother . . . if he still could.<\/p>\n

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

The conversation in the jail cell had grown subdued.\u00a0 Stories had been told and retold; words of love and assurance exchanged.\u00a0 The minister had come to offer counsel and comfort to the man facing eternity, and while Adam had appreciated them, he\u2019d assured Reverend Holmes that he was ready and there was no need for him to stay.\u00a0 After saying a prayer with the family, the man had left, promising that he\u2019d return at the appointed time, in case he was needed.\u00a0 Much as he respected the good pastor, Little Joe was pretty sure they\u2019d be more in need of a doctor by then, for he figured both he and Pa might just keel over, once they no longer needed to support Adam.\u00a0 Isaac had gone, too, about half an hour before the minister came, with the same promise to be there to lend his support at the final hour.\u00a0 And there was still no word from the one they longed most to be with them when that time came.<\/p>\n

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

Reining up before the sheriff\u2019s office, Hoss cast a grim eye at the scaffold standing in the street.\u00a0 He dismounted, looped the reins around the hitching post and, ignoring some galut\u2019s hoot of \u201c\u2018Bout time,\u201d walked quickly inside.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt last,\u201d Roy said, rising from his desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss couldn\u2019t get the rest out.<\/p>\n

Roy understood.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s all right, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me in,\u201d Hoss ordered, and much as Roy wanted to ask questions, he did as he was told without another word.<\/p>\n

Everyone in the cell came to his feet when Hoss walked in, and there was no missing the relief on Adam\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cYou made it back,\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 \u201cThank God.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you all right, son?\u201d Ben asked, noting the worn sag of the usually cherub-chubby cheeks.<\/p>\n

Little Joe thrust aside both comment and question, viewing them as far less important than the question uppermost in his own mind.\u00a0 \u201cDid you find anything?\u201d he asked urgently.<\/p>\n

\u201cYup,\u201d Hoss announced, a note of pride in his voice.\u00a0 \u201cWasn\u2019t easy, but I can tell you just who\u2019s behind it all . . . and you ain\u2019t never gonna guess who it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWilliam Walcott,\u201d said all three Cartwrights inside the cell.<\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee had the door unlocked by then, but Hoss was too stunned to move.\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d he finally said, head cocking, \u201cbut you ain\u2019t far off the mark.\u00a0 It\u2019s his boy, Walter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Hoss had time to answer the sheriff, his father asked urgently, \u201cCan you prove it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say so,\u201d Hoss said, reaching into his vest pocket and pulling out a slip of paper, which he handed to the sheriff.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s an order form for a yellow coat, and the feller that made it gave me a swatch of the fabric; it\u2019s a dead ringer for Adam\u2019s jacket.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoggone,\u201d Roy said, reading the order.\u00a0 \u201cThe fool up and signed his own name to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then there\u2019s this,\u201d Hoss said, handing the sheriff another piece of paper.<\/p>\n

Roy grinned as he scanned the few lines and then handed it to Ben.\u00a0 Adam and Little Joe crowded close to read over their father\u2019s shoulders, and big smiles spread from face to face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWill it be enough?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo get a new trial?\u00a0 It should be,\u201d Roy said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m gonna take this over to Hiram Wood, and then we\u2019ll show it to Judge Lawson and see what he has to say.\u201d\u00a0 He started to leave and then realized he hadn\u2019t locked the cell door.\u00a0 \u201cSorry,\u201d he said, coming back.\u00a0 \u201cI still gotta do this, even knowin\u2019 what I do.\u00a0 In or out, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn,\u201d the big man said, stepping through the door to enfold his big brother in his strong arms.<\/p>\n

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

In response to Judge Lawson\u2019s unofficial summons, every party to the case of the people versus Adam Cartwright was crowded into the judge\u2019s chambers: the defendant himself, his father and both brothers, as well as the prosecutor, Mortimer Klein, defense counsel Hiram Wood and, in charge of the prisoner, Sheriff Roy Coffee.\u00a0 There were not seats enough for all of them, but one had been given to Ben, in respect to his age, and the other to Adam, in appreciation of the stress he had been under in these final few hours before he was scheduled to hang.\u00a0 The others ranged behind the seated pair, with the prosecutor standing off to the side, apart from the defendant\u2019s supporters, among whom Mortimer Klein included Sheriff Coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for meeting with me so promptly, gentlemen,\u201d Judge Lawson said.\u00a0 \u201cNow, I presume, with the exception of Mr. Klein, you all know why we\u2019re here.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing the brightness in every set of Cartwright eyes, he had no doubt, but he waited to see each one of them nod before continuing.\u00a0 Facing the prosecutor, he explained, \u201cSome new evidence has come into my possession that may alter our perceptions of the events of that gruesome night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour honor,\u201d Klein protested, \u201cthis case is closed.\u00a0 The jury has returned a verdict; sentence has been passed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d the judge said, \u201cbut not yet carried out.\u00a0 Now, my question to you, Mr. Prosecutor, is do you want to chalk up a win or do you want justice?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJustice!\u201d Klein said sharply.\u00a0 \u201cI have never wanted anything but justice for that young woman, your honor, and I think you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, as well, Mort,\u201d Hiram Wood said sincerely.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen take a look at this and tell me what you think,\u201d the judge said, handing over the signed order for the yellow jacket.<\/p>\n

As Mortimer Klein took the order and read its description of the jacket desired, his brow furrowed.\u00a0 He was always suspicious of eleventh-hour evidence, but if this were legitimate, he would, for once, be grateful that a miscarriage of justice had been prevented, eleventh hour or not.\u00a0 He fingered the swatch of material next handed to him, but that, in itself, proved nothing; it could have been picked up anywhere, at any time.\u00a0 The signed order, if it were genuine, was of far greater significance.\u00a0 \u201cHow did you obtain this?\u201d he asked the judge.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom Sheriff Coffee,\u201d the judge answered, \u201cand you, Sheriff?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got it from Hoss,\u201d Roy replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I got it direct from the tailor in Sacramento,\u201d Hoss said, not waiting to be asked.\u00a0 He reached into his pocket and drew out another slip of paper.\u00a0 \u201cI reckon I should\u2019ve handed this over sooner, sir\u2014uh, your honor.\u00a0 It\u2019s from the tailor, tells how he\u2019s done work for the Walcotts for years, so he knew the man on sight and swears it was really him that done the orderin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you had the presence of mind to get him to authenticate the order?\u201d the judge asked, impressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d\u2019ve slung him over my saddle and brung the man himself,\u201d Hoss declared, \u201cif I hadn\u2019t figured he\u2019d slow me down.\u201d\u00a0 A few smiles and a hearty clap on the back from his little brother met this remark.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoth the order and the authenticating note could be forged,\u201d Klein suggested, almost in reflex, with little vigor.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe tailor himself could be presented at a later date,\u201d Wood argued, \u201cand there is more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve also been presented a letter from a Mr. Whittier of Sacramento, California,\u201d Judge Lawson told the prosecutor, as he handed him another sheet of paper, \u201cwho states that he sold a monogrammed money clip to a man identified to him as Walter Walcott.\u00a0 May I ask how you got hold of this, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 \u201cWhile I was talkin\u2019 to the tailor, Mr. Bernstein, he mentioned that Mr. Walcott had asked him where he might get a monogrammed money clip, and he told him about this Mr. Whittier.\u00a0 Then Mr. Bernstein took me to the man hisself and convinced him to talk to me, even though he was already closed up, and he remembered the fellow and what he ordered and wrote it all down for me, and\u2014well, there it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSurely, your honor, this is enough to obtain a stay of execution and provide justification for a new trial,\u201d Hiram Wood suggested.<\/p>\n

Every man held his breath as the judge leaned back in his chair and appeared to be mulling over the request.\u00a0 After an eternity of less than a minute, he sat forward and said, decisively, \u201cNo.\u00a0 No new trial.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cBut your honor,\u201d Wood began to protest, but stopped when Judge Lawson raised his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo reason to put us all through a new trial,\u201d the judge said.\u00a0 \u201cA lot easier on everyone if I just vacate the verdict, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI concur, your honor,\u201d Mortimer Klein said, looking honestly relieved, as did everyone in the room except the two youngest.<\/p>\n

Before anyone else could say anything, Little Joe burst out, \u201cWell, I don\u2019t!\u201d\u00a0 He figured that anything the prosecutor agreed to had to be bad for Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThe order form and those notes prove someone tried to frame my brother and . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, hush,\u201d his oldest brother said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam!\u00a0 If he don\u2019t give you that new trial, you\u2019re gonna hang!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s my gavel when I need it?\u201d the judge growled, giving his desk a solid thump with his doubled fist.\u00a0 \u201cSit down, young man!\u201d\u00a0 Then, remembering that there was no chair available, he waved aside his own order and, instead, rubbed his aching temple.\u00a0 \u201cIs he always this hard-headed?\u201d he asked Ben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrequently,\u201d Ben said with a rebuking glare at his youngest.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got my sympathies,\u201d the judge said.\u00a0 Then he turned toward Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cNow, hold your tongue and listen a minute, young fellow,\u201d he ordered.\u00a0 \u201cDo you know what vacate means or do I need to take Miss Jones to task?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe started to respond in defense of his teacher, but remembering the judge\u2019s admonishment to hold his tongue, he shut his mouth quickly.<\/p>\n

Realizing what was happening, the judge chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cYou can answer questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVacate?\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cIt means to leave, don\u2019t it?\u00a0 To get out of a place?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d the judge drawled.\u00a0 \u201cSo if I vacate a verdict, then I . . . ?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet . . . out of it?\u201d Little Joe said slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely.\u00a0 Your brother doesn\u2019t need a new trial because I am going to vacate or overturn the jury\u2019s verdict and declare him not guilty myself.\u00a0 Now do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

Not only Little Joe\u2019s countenance, but Hoss\u2019s, as well, cleared, and relieved smiles replaced the taut lines that had etched their faces for days.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor goodness sakes, Roy, take those handcuffs off,\u201d the judge ordered, and Roy was quick to comply.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d Lawson said, addressing Adam, \u201cMy sincerest apologies on behalf of the court.\u00a0 Had I personally been on the jury, I would have voted for acquittal to begin with, on the basis of reasonable doubt; however, that\u2019s not enough to overturn a jury\u2019s verdict.\u00a0 In my opinion, this is.\u201d\u00a0 He indicated the papers still in the prosecutor\u2019s possession.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn mine, as well,\u201d Klein said.\u00a0 \u201cI offer my apology, too, and hope you can believe that I only, ever, wanted justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do believe you,\u201d Adam said, extending his newly freed hand to the man, \u201cand I trust you will be equally diligent in seeking it against those two.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded toward the papers Klein was holding.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo?\u201d Klein asked.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s only one name here, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can assure you that Walter Walcott does not have the intelligence to conceive a scheme like this, much less the grit to carry it out,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cThis has his father\u2019s finger marks all over it, especially his heavy thumb.\u201d\u00a0 Walter Walcott, as he\u2019d once told Rose, had always been under his father\u2019s thumb.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat may be,\u201d the judge interrupted to say, \u201cbut on the basis of the evidence presented, I can only justify a warrant against the son at this time.\u00a0 Anything beyond that you need to leave to the law now, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI intend to,\u201d Adam assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u00a0 Now, you\u2019re free to go, but if you\u2019ll take a word of advice, young man,\u201d the judge continued, \u201cyou\u2019ll go on back to the jail and stay there, as a guest only, until the sheriff can arrest Mr. Walcott and until word spreads around town of what\u2019s happened here.\u00a0 Otherwise, you might not make it back to the Ponderosa alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

With a wry grin, Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cTired as I am of Roy\u2019s company, I believe I\u2019ll take that advice, your honor.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Adam stood beside Isaac Worthington, with the other Cartwrights forming a semi-circle around them before Rose\u2019s grave.\u00a0 Too long deprived of the comfort of visiting her here, Adam had insisted on making this one stop before returning home.\u00a0 The day, which had started as gray and overcast as the day on which Emily Walcott had been buried, had cleared beautifully and now seemed as hopeful as the future that stretched before them.<\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s father and brother both now stood charged of murder, for although William had disavowed all knowledge of his son\u2019s crime, Walter had, with pluckiness altogether alien to him, refused to take the fall alone.\u00a0 \u201cIt was all his idea, his orders,\u201d he\u2019d blurted out to the sheriff when presented with the warrant for his arrest, and Roy had taken William into custody, as well, on a charge of suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder; he didn\u2019t think he\u2019d have a lick of trouble getting a formal warrant from Judge Lawson, based on the son\u2019s accusation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou fool!\u201d Walter\u2019s father had growled as they were herded to the jail.\u00a0 \u201cYou used our own tailor for an order that you knew had to be kept secret?\u201d<\/p>\n

The bickering pair were still trading accusations through the bars of their adjoining cells when Adam and his family left the jail behind and met up with Isaac for the trip to the graveyard, where they now stood.\u00a0 Some families faced crisis, standing side by side, arms linked, Adam realized; others shattered, slicing everyone around them with the broken shards.\u00a0 In that moment he determined that he would never tarnish Rose\u2019s memory by becoming a Walcott; in her honor he would remain what she could now never become: a Cartwright.\u00a0 One with a wounded heart, but it would be a heart held free of the canker of unforgiveness for her sweet sake.<\/p>\n

Unforgiveness, he concluded, was what had shrouded the hearts of the Walcotts in an icy coffin called Revenge.\u00a0 A dish best served cold, people said, but Adam would draw his inspiration from another source.\u00a0 \u201c\u2018Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord,\u2019\u201d Ben Cartwright had quoted, trying to give his son comfort when all appeared lost.\u00a0 \u201cLeave it in God\u2019s hands and those of the law,\u201d he had advised, and having seen the final end of the Walcott way, Adam deliberately chose the path his father and God Almighty had directed.<\/p>\n

Tears filled his eyes as he took his final farewell\u2014for that day, at least\u2014of his sweetheart.\u00a0 Grief would hover near for a long time, he felt certain, but someday his little Rosebud would share that warm place in his heart where Emily still dwelled.\u00a0 It would take time, but unlike the Walcotts, he had a family whose strength could be relied upon to get him through it.\u00a0 As he turned from the grave, he grasped his youngest brother by the nape of the neck and pulled him into a one-armed embrace because Little Joe still needed reassurance that all was well again between them, and because it was in giving, as well as taking comfort that a family\u2019s true strength was found.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

\u00a9 October, 2017<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0Ben Cartwright,\u00a0ESA,\u00a0ESJ,\u00a0Hoss Cartwright,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 The course of true love rarely runs smoothly for any Cartwright, especially when a vindictive father and son are determined to punish the one they hold responsible for their personal tragedy.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0Word Count: \u00a070,950<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":5758,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1008,40],"tags":[158],"class_list":["post-14596","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-family","category-challenges","tag-pppt","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":5090,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Adams-English-Scenic2.jpg?fit=450%2C436&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13202,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13202","url_meta":{"origin":14596,"position":0},"title":"The Funeral (by silver sven)","author":"silver sven","date":"August 9, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0a missing scene from \u201cForever\u201d Rated: \u00a0K+\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count: \u00a0971","rel":"","context":"In "Missing Scene"","block_context":{"text":"Missing Scene","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=61"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Poker-2016.png?fit=1109%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Poker-2016.png?fit=1109%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Poker-2016.png?fit=1109%2C750&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Poker-2016.png?fit=1109%2C750&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Poker-2016.png?fit=1109%2C750&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46189,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46189","url_meta":{"origin":14596,"position":1},"title":"Friends and Family (by frasrgrl)","author":"frasrgrl","date":"August 17, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0After suffering a tragic loss Ben learns true friends are really family. 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