{"id":3461,"date":"2010-01-08T18:52:25","date_gmt":"2010-01-08T23:52:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3461"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:22:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:22:09","slug":"the-storm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3461","title":{"rendered":"The Storm (by Barbara)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>After yet another ado between Adam and Joe over the Civil War a young woman arrives in town to add fuel to the fire between the brothers. Adam decides to take desperate measures to solve the ongoing troubles.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> T (8,650 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Ben sent Little Joe into Virginia City for a hair cut. It wasn\u2019t the first time and wouldn\u2019t be the last. Joe was proud of his good looks and kept himself well groomed but he still preferred his hair on the long side \u2013 an inclination his father disapproved of. Yes, Joseph had to be gently harassed in order to achieve results whether it was taking his feet off the furniture, sleeping in late or keeping his hair neat and trim.<\/p>\n

Usually Ben sent Hoss or Adam along with him to make sure the barber was instructed as to just how short Joe\u2019s hair should be. Unfortunately, Hoss was at an auction in Placerville and was unavailable to escort his little brother into town. Adam too was detained, but in his case, there was more to tell. He and Joe had been on the outs of late. The Civil War raged in the east and was a constant sore spot between the two. Adam sided with the North and Joe was sympathetic to the South. Little Joe\u2019s angst was more toward his older brother\u2019s arrogance than to the conflict itself. Whenever Adam exercised his superior attitude, Joe was always ready to challenge him.<\/p>\n

Ben ordered Adam to the west section of the Ponderosa to mend fences for a couple of days and Joe was to stay at the house for a cooling off period. Quite frankly, Ben was becoming weary of the consent friction between his oldest and youngest sons. He was fearful of the falling out that had occurred with them in the past. The brothers battled viciously about the issue several times before actually coming to blows. When Adam returned home, Ben planned to have a serious talk with both of them. Enough was enough.<\/p>\n

++++++++<\/p>\n

For the moment though, things were peaceful as Joe loped into town. He hitched his horse Cochise to the post outside the Bucket of Blood Saloon. He gave his steed a grateful pat on the neck before he walked inside. He decided to partake in a cold beer before his cropping.<\/p>\n

While at the bar, he chatted with acquaintances and fought the urge to sit in on a poker game. He knew he was walking on thin ice with his father and didn\u2019t want to add fuel to the fire. Ben expected Joe to go to town, get his haircut and be home before supper \u2013 no if\u2019s and\u2019s or but\u2019s. So, Joe gulped down his ale and plopped the empty mug on the bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy Sam.\u201d He said as he wiped his upper lip of foam with his sleeve.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou leavin\u2019 already Little Joe.\u201d The bartender asked, \u201cYou just got here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u201d Joe shrugged. \u201cGotta go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatsa matter\u2026 you\u2019re Pa ground ya?\u201d Sam quipped loud enough for the patrons to hear and respond with mocking chuckles.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething like that.\u201d He replied taking the heckling uncharacteristically in stride.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you been a bad boy Joe?\u201d Sam taunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI try to be Sam, I try to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled deviously, then turned and left the saloon.<\/p>\n

As he sauntered toward the barbershop he tipped his hat and winked at yet more acquaintances. There weren\u2019t too many strangers on the streets of Virginia City. Everyone was familiar with everyone else \u2013 or so he thought. Just before he reached his destination a lovely lady who walked toward him took him aback. As a matter of fact, she stopped him in his tracks. She was a new face in town and a pretty one at that.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon Miss.\u201d He said as she passed him by.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello.\u201d She replied sweetly and continued on her way.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute.\u201d Joe retorted as he reached out to stop her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d She said with slight distain.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you new in town?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m Joe Cartwright.\u201d He blurted, flustered by the young woman\u2019s beauty.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s nice.\u201d She rebuffed flirtatiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd your name would be\u2026?\u201d Joe probed with a devastating grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name would be my business Master Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how am I supposed to come calling if I don\u2019t know your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome calling? Why, I don\u2019t even know you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll want to know me though Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? Aren\u2019t we the confident one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am.\u201d Joe pursed his lips and raised his eyebrows trying his best to appear dapper.<\/p>\n

She couldn\u2019t help but smile at his blatant charm and she turned away from her admirer shyly. She started to walk away hoping Joe would continue his pursuit. He did. They walked slowly, side-by-side.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on now.\u201d Joe urged playfully. \u201cIf you don\u2019t tell me your name, I\u2019ll just have to give you one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm. Is that so?\u201d She stopped to face him. \u201cWhat name would you give me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know maybe Harry or Fred.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHARRY OR FRED!\u201d She protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you better tell me your name or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Raine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRaine?\u201d Joe replied quizzically. \u201cThat\u2019s an unusual name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, can I call on you sometime\u2026 Raine?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes you may Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a dance Saturday night at the Yeager\u2019s barn. May I ask to be your escort for the evening?\u201d He invited, bowing slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes you may, kind sir. I\u2019d love to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then, where do you live?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, I\u2019m at the International Hotel until I find a place. I just got into town not twenty minutes ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll pick you up in the lobby around six on Saturday then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

She raised her gloved hand and seemingly tickled the air before she turned and continued onward.
\n\u201cHave a nice day.\u201d Joe waved as he stood still to admire her movement. He let out a quiet, high-pitched yip, and then continued on to the barbershop.<\/p>\n

++++++<\/p>\n

When Joe returned home that night, his father was glad to see Joe\u2019s hair precisely cut around his ears and above his collar. He also noticed that his son was in a better frame of mind than when he left that morning. He wasn\u2019t sure what brought on this sudden cheery outlook, but he wasn\u2019t about to spoil it by asking. Ben just accepted it happily and he and Joe spent a pleasant week together.<\/p>\n

Joe managed to get into town to visit his new sweetheart too. He simply couldn\u2019t stay away. They went out to dinner and on a picnic or two to get acquainted. He certainly was smitten with Raine. They parted Friday night with their first kiss and reassurances of their plans for the dance the next night.<\/p>\n

PART TWO<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t we look purdy.\u201d Hoss commented as he watched his little brother come down the stairs into the living room still primping. \u201cYou smell purdy too Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you brother, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had returned that morning and was glad to hear there was a dance to attend that evening. He and Ben waited patiently for Joe to get ready. Adam too had arrived home, but decided to go into town for a quick shave and haircut himself, after his week on the range.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we go now?\u201d Ben asked with a crocked smirk, glancing down at his pocket watch.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure Pa.\u201d Joe replied unaware of his tardiness. \u201cWhere\u2019s Adam? Isn\u2019t he coming with us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone ahead. He said he\u2019d meet us there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay. Well, come on let\u2019s go!\u201d Joe proclaimed anxiously. \u201cWhat are we waiting for? The evening\u2019s wasting away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss looked at one another and smiled. Shaking their heads, they followed Joe out the front door.<\/p>\n

++++++++<\/p>\n

Joe parted from his father and brother and picked up Raine at the hotel. She looked radiant in a robin\u2019s egg blue dress that matched her periwinkle eyes. Her raven hair was swept up into a wave, tucked with a blue ribbon. Joe crocked his arm for her to take and they walked leisurely to the dance, just outside town. When they arrived, the party was in full swing and the couple wasted no time in taking the dance floor.<\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss watched them from beside the punch bowl and made small talk with several friends. It was now clear to Ben what had brought on Joe\u2019s giddy mood. He had to admit, the distraction from his sibling rivalry was welcome.<\/p>\n

Raine seemed quite taken with her suitor until a man wearing a black hat entered the fete. She watched him remove it and check it at the door. She couldn\u2019t help but notice him. He was dark and handsome and walked with a great deal of confidence and grace. Raine was immediately thunderstruck by him.<\/p>\n

But, she continued to dance with Joe \u2013 the entire night in fact. All the while she tried to hide the fact that she couldn\u2019t take her eyes off the mystery man. He danced with many ladies throughout the evening. Raine watched him chat with his friends and eat from the generous buffet. Finally, he decided to take a break and when he walked outside for a breath of air, Raine excused herself from Joe\u2019s company and followed him into the Nevada night. She found him leaning against a post at the far end of the barn looking toward the stars.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeautiful aren\u2019t they?\u201d She remarked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. They certainly are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m new in town. I\u2019m Raine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome to Virginia City Raine. I\u2019m Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

They exchanged a polite handshake.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to admit Adam, I noticed you the moment you stepped into the room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you\u2019re quite\u2026 something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026 you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we Cartwrights have a reputation for being quite something I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright?\u201d Raine responded sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure don\u2019t look like your brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we come in three different sizes \u2013 small, medium and extra large.\u201d Adam quipped.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re referring to yourself as medium, I beg to differ.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you do, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raine pulled closer to Adam and he turned to face her.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t I see you dancing with Joe earlier?\u201d Adam asked cautiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid, Joseph is a little bit young for me. I prefer an older, more mature man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, I assume that means me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou assume correctly sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

She moved closer to him. Her breasts touched his chest and they locked eyes. Sparks flew and they felt as if fireworks were bursting above them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m quite cold Adam.\u201d Raine murmured \u2013 her lips inches from his.<\/p>\n

Adam opened his jacket and wrapped her inside it as if enveloping a letter. With heartbeats accelerated, their lips met sending a wave of excitement through them both.<\/p>\n

+++++++<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Little Joe.\u201d Ben remarked as his son joined him at the punch bowl. \u201cI see you\u2019ve found yourself a lovely lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d Joe answered brightly.
\n\u201cYou\u2019ll have to introduce us later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI intend to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe scanned the dance floor and its perimeter to try and pick Raine out of the crowd, but he couldn\u2019t see her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re looking for your friend, I saw her go outside for some air a while ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome son. Have a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grabbed two glasses of punch and walked out of the barn to search for Raine. Ben watched him exit and couldn\u2019t help but feel relief. Joe\u2019s preoccupation with his new girlfriend seemed to be just the ticket out of his domestic problems with he and Adam.
\nHe smiled with pride at his boy and wondered if it wasn\u2019t too good to be true.
\nThere were several couples enjoying the cool evening air and they milled about the courtyard. Several young men stood around a small campfire smoking and joking. Joe tried to adjust his vision to the darkness and scoured the grounds for her. Then he noticed Adam on the far side of the barn in a passionate embrace with someone. But, Joe couldn\u2019t quite make out with whom. He walked closer to try and see the figure in the shadows. Raine\u2019s blue dress was unmistakable and Joe dropped the glasses of punch. They shattered when they hit the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d He shouted with fury.<\/p>\n

His sudden bark made Raine and Adam part. She pulled herself out of Adam\u2019s arms and stepped back. She bowed her head shamefully and held her fingers to her lips, as if trying to erase her indiscretions. Adam straightened his stance and squared himself for yet another confrontation. Joe marched up to his brother and stared at him coldly. His jade green eyes had turned black as coal.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust what do you think you\u2019re doing Adam?\u201d He demanded \u2013 his voice trembling with ire.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my girl!\u201d He said pointing to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I didn\u2019t know she was your girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou saw me dancing with her didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Adam replied calmly. \u201cBut, that doesn\u2019t make her your property.\u201d<\/p>\n

By now the escalating argument was drawing a crowd with Raine looking on intently. The prospect of men fighting over her was thrilling to her. Dark clouds began to swirl in the skies and distant rumbles of thunder sounded ominously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ask you again. And, I want a straight answer this time.\u201d Joe seethed. \u201cJust what do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026\u201d Adam sighed dismissively, \u201c\u2026grow up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The blow to Adam\u2019s jaw was lightning fast and devastating. It made his knees buckle but he managed to stay on his feet. Even though he was seeing stars, Adam\u2019s reaction was swift and forceful. He threw an upper cut into Joe\u2019s ribs that knocked most of the wind from Joe\u2019s lungs. As he bent over, Adam belted him on the back of the neck, sending Joe into the dirt. More people gathered around.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, that\u2019s enough Joe.\u201d Adam warned as he stood over his brother with a pointed finger. \u201cI don\u2019t want to hurt you.\u201d<\/p>\n

But, Joe was on his feet before Adam finished his threat and he ploughed into his brother wrestling him to the ground. The pair struggled for the upper hand, letting periodic punches fly. The battle was fierce. Most of the women took refuge from the fight in the barn and some alerted Ben and Hoss of the fracas.
\nThe men stayed outside to place bets.<\/p>\n

Neither Adam nor Joe seemed to be able to out do the other. The match was even until Joe got his left fist free and let it fly against Adam\u2019s right eye. It tore his brow open and blood gushed from the wound. The sight of it angered Adam to the point of rage and he too drew blood from Joe\u2019s nose with his next blow. Again, the brother\u2019s grabbed one another throwing each other to the ground where Ben and Hoss finally stepped in.<\/p>\n

\u201cSTOP IT!\u201d Ben commanded. \u201cSTOP IT RIGHT THIS INSTANT!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss had picked up Joe by the collar and held him at bay but Ben was not able to control Adam allowing him to get in one more punch.<\/p>\n

\u201cI SAID STOP IT! ADAM\u2026 JOE\u2026 THAT\u2019S ENOUGH!\u201d<\/p>\n

Heaving out of breath, they stared at each other with wrath. Ben stood between them with his arms outstretched.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this all about? What\u2019s the matter with both of you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was kissing Raine!\u201d Joe roared.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe came after me Pa. If Joe isn\u2019t man enough for her then that\u2019s not my fault.\u201d Adam jabbed hurtfully.<\/p>\n

His insult sent Joe into another fit of rage and he tried desperately to release himself from
\nHoss\u2019 powerful grasp. Ben pushed both hands against Joe\u2019s chest to hold him back as Adam pulled out his handkerchief to wipe the blood from his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH\u2026 CALM DOWN.\u201d Ben tried again.<\/p>\n

When both of his sons had gained a semblance of control and the crowd dispersed, Ben took a deep breath. He battled to keep his own temper from erupting.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want both of you to ride home and I don\u2019t want to hear another word out of either of you is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBUT PA, ADAM\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNOT\u2026 another word Joseph.\u201d Ben said raising his forefinger in Joe\u2019s face.
\nJoe finally stopped but continued his dagger gaze toward Adam. Blood oozed from his nose and his bottom lip was split.<\/p>\n

\u201cNOW!\u201d Ben ordered. \u201cI\u2019m disgusted with both of you. You\u2019re both acting like children.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss tentatively let Joe go, but stayed on guard just in case he decided to charge again.
\nHe steered Joe to his horse and they galloped off into the darkness toward the Ponderosa. Lightning flashed overhead making them appear and disappear on the horizon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou too.\u201d Ben growled at his remaining son.<\/p>\n

Adam leered at his father, but obeyed just the same. He slowly walked back into the barn and got his hat. He put it on and tipped it at Raine who had watched the entire episode unfold in front of her. Adam got on Sport and trotted away leaving Ben alone. He turned toward Raine.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re satisfied young lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Mr. Cartwright. I didn\u2019t know they were brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stay away from my boys, you hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir grown men. If either one of them shows up on my doorstep, I\u2019ll not turn them away.\u201d She replied wickedly.<\/p>\n

Ben had no response. She was right. They were grown men. And, he realized he could no longer control their private lives. But, he would have that serious talk he had planned. He had to. The harmony his family he once shared seemed to be hitting one sour note after another. It frightened him.<\/p>\n

Frustrated and still angry with disappointment, he retrieved his hat and tried to appear somewhat refined to the crowd that had just seen his boys beat each other silly. He tried not to show his embarrassment as he too mounted his horse and rode home. A thunderclap snapped through the night like a bullwhip. His horse spooked into a flustered canter and Ben faded into the black.<\/p>\n

PART THREE<\/p>\n

Joe was slumped in the corner of the settee back at the ranch as he awaited his father\u2019s arrival. He seemed to simmer, stewing in his own juices as he stared at his boots \u2013 anything to avoid Adam who sat across the room at the dinner table. He\u2019d gotten a basin of cold water and a cloth to tend to his eye. Joe, on the other hand, continued to bleed and when Hoss attempted to give aid he was brushed aside dismissively. Hoss gave up and went to bed, but not before telling both of his brothers to behave.<\/p>\n

The front door opened slowly and Ben entered the house just as rain began to fall. He did not receive any recognition from either of his boys that he\u2019d arrived at all. Adam continued to dab at his wound and Joe continued to stare at his boots. Ben removed his hat and calmly hung it up by the door. He shoved his hands in his pants pockets and reluctantly walked into the middle of the living room.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys.\u201d He said gently. \u201cWe need to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing to talk about.\u201d Joe grumbled defensively.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease Joe.\u201d Ben begged. \u201cWe have to learn to get along. We\u2019re family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, talk to him. He started it.\u201d Joe flicked his chin toward his brother.<\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and sat on the edge of the leather chair. The rain now pelted the windows \u2013 it\u2019s frantic beat matched the heightened emotions of the three men.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben called for him to join them. \u201cCome over and sit down please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took his time, but eventually did come around the back of the settee and take a seat in the blue velvet chair at the bottom of the stairs. He rested his elbows on its arms and held his clasped hands to his mouth. He too stared at the floor. The atmosphere in the house was daunting. The tension was thick and it felt as if Joe would blow at any second.
\nThe storm outside raged, but it was mild compared to the hurricane that seemed to swirl in the Ponderosa ranch house.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s discuss this like gentlemen shall we.\u201d Ben began. \u201cNow, I know that you are quite interested in this new young lady Joseph, but, Adam has been away and wasn\u2019t aware that you were courting her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe saw me with her at the dance\u2026 he knew.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew nothing of the kind!\u201d Adam defended strongly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a liar.\u201d Joe blasted finally making eye contact with his brother.
\n\u201cJoe.\u201d Adam said with controlled angst. \u201cIf I don\u2019t start getting some respect from you, that nose of yours isn\u2019t the only thing that I\u2019m going break!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, boys.\u201d Ben besieged. \u201cThis is getting us nowhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it\u2019s high time Joe grew up Pa.\u201d Adam declared impatiently. \u201cHe\u2019s worse than a baby who\u2019s lost his soother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM, I\u2019M GOING TO KILL YOU!\u201d Joe blared.<\/p>\n

\u201cTHAT\u2019S IT! THAT\u2019S ENOUGH!\u201d Ben exploded standing to lay down the law. \u201cAs long as you boys live in this house you will get along and act like adults.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019ve been trying to tell him Pa. Joe\u2019s got to start being a man instead of a spoiled little brat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you Adam,\u201d Ben turned to face his son, \u201cneed to be more sensitive to your brother\u2019s feelings and opinions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d Joe barked, reinforcing his father\u2019s comment.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop it! Stop it!\u201d Ben sounded exasperated. He paused and released a loud exhale to help regain his composure. \u201cJoseph go clean yourself up and we\u2019ll continue this conversation in the morning when we\u2019ve all calmed down.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe did not move from his position seemingly waiting for more encouragement to leave.
\n\u201cI said go.\u201d Ben urged as he retook his seat in disgust.<\/p>\n

Begrudgingly, Joe got up from the sofa and took the long way around to stay as far away from Adam as he possibly could. He noisily plodded up the stairs, marched down the upper hall to his room and slammed his bedroom door behind him.
\nAdam leaned back in his chair and lowered his head. His throbbing head made him wince and he pressed his middle finger against the gash over his eye and checked for more blood. After peering at his father from under his swollen brow, he broke the silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa. I really didn\u2019t know Raine was his girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately Adam, there\u2019s more to this whole mess than simple jealousy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it wasn\u2019t this episode with Raine it would be something else to set you two off. If it\u2019s not a woman it\u2019s the War. I\u2019ll not have the falling out we had with Judge Terry and Fredrick Kyle. I\u2019m tired Adam. I\u2019m tired of the constant bickering between the two of you. It has to stop and you are going to have to lead the way. You\u2019re older. If you\u2019d just swallow that stubborn pride of yours, Joe will follow.\u201d
\n\u201cWell, I\u2019m tired too Pa.\u201d Adam said vehemently. Now it was he who stood to make his point. \u201cI\u2019m tired of always giving in to him, simply because he\u2019s the youngest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d Ben beseeched.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I\u2019m sorry Pa. He has to learn to control his temper and his accusations. He over reacts to everything. He\u2019s gives thought to nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, that\u2019s the way he is. You know that. He\u2019s been like that since he was a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, as far as I\u2019m concerned he still is a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, alright. I don\u2019t want to discuss it any further.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there is something I need to discuss with you.\u201d Adam sighed nervously. He placed his foot on the hearth and leaned his forearm over his thigh. \u201cI\u2019ve come to a decision. It\u2019s a decision that is going to upset you. And, I don\u2019t want you to think that what happened tonight has anything to do with what I\u2019m about to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Ben sounded guarded and alarmed at the same time. He looked at Adam sideways.
\n\u201cAnd just what would that be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam exhaled through his nose seemingly drumming up the courage to confess his decision to his father. A flash of lightning illuminated his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Ben probed. \u201cWhat is it son? What is this big decision?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell Pa, I\u2019ve decided to\u2026 well, I\u2019ve decided to enlist.\u201d Adam fumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI beg your pardon?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going east to join the fight.\u201d He confirmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver my dead body you\u2019re going east to join the fight.\u201d Ben responded forcefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t ignore it any longer. I have to do what my conscience is telling me. I have to join the North in the fight for freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, just when exactly did you come to this\u2026 ludicrous revelation?\u201d Ben tried to stay under control.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve been thinking about it for a long time Pa. But, I made my decision last week \u2013 up at the line shack.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t allow it.\u201d Ben commanded boldly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean \u2018you won\u2019t allow it\u2019?\u201d Adam retorted, surprised at his father\u2019s pretentious tone. \u201cI\u2019m not a child! I\u2019m a grown man Pa and I\u2019ll do as I please. I\u2019m afraid there\u2019s nothing you can do about it. You can\u2019t stop me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026 I\u2019m begging you. Please don\u2019t go. It is not our fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIT IS OUR FIGHT! It\u2019s my fight!\u201d Adam implored intolerantly. \u201cLincoln is right, Pa. Slavery has to be abolished and I\u2019m willing to put my life on the line to help him achieve that very goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Please Adam. Please. So, many men have died already. Thousands of men.\u201d Ben rose and drew close to his son. He placed his hands on Adam\u2019s shoulders and looked at him squarely. His eyes held an intensity so piercing it made Adam look away. \u201cI need you. We need you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help that Pa. Hoss and Joe can handle things while I\u2019m away.\u201d Adam lowered his head again. \u201cI\u2019ll be gone by morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben appeared stunned as Adam pulled himself out of his father\u2019s desperate grasp. He watched his son ascend the stairs to pack his gear for the long ride east. Words escaped him and all he could feel was despair. His knees weakened and he had to sit. Ben held his face in both of his hands and sighed with grief. Outside was a deluge of rain and within the walls of his home, a flood of sadness swept through like a raging river. A single tear slowly slide down his cheek. He was about to loose a son. The family he loved so dearly was falling apart and Ben was rendered helpless.<\/p>\n

PART FOUR<\/p>\n

A damp grayness seeped through the house like old smoke hanging thick over a bar room. Dawn was disguised by the storm that never let up the entire night. Rain, thunder and lightning echoed through the air as early morning broke. Ben had fallen asleep in the leather chair. He was in the same position he was in the previous night when Adam informed him of his devastating news.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Hoss said softly trying to wake his father gently. \u201cWake up Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even though Hoss was careful not to startle him, Ben still jumped when he finally opened his eyes. He looked pale and disoriented.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Are you all right? You don\u2019t look so good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben sounded panicked. \u201cHave you seen Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I ain\u2019t seen him yet.\u201d Hoss answered with puzzlement at his father\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Pa. His door is closed. He\u2019s probably still asleep. It\u2019s pretty early.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCheck his room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d Hoss said wearily. \u201cI\u2019ll go get him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben waited anxiously for Hoss to confirm his biggest fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa?\u201d He called down from the landing. \u201cHis bed ain\u2019t been slept in. Where do you suppose he is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone. He\u2019s gone.\u201d Ben replied with hopelessness.<\/p>\n

\u201cGone? What do you mean he\u2019s gone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s left.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s probably just out in the barn Pa\u2026 calm down.\u201d Hoss\u2019 heart began to race with anxiety.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. He told me last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTold you what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was back in the living room facing his father when Joe appeared at the top of the stairs. His lip was twice its normal size and his nose was red and swollen. Below both eyes were two perfectly shaped half moons the color of egg plant.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d He asked sheepishly.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph. Come down here.\u201d<\/p>\n

He did as he was asked and joined the conversation with sincere curiosity and concern.
\n\u201cWhat is it Pa? What\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam intends to enlist. He\u2019s left to go fight with the Yankees. He\u2019s gone\u2026 I\u2019ve lost him\u2026 he\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean to tell me, he\u2019s gonna fight in the War out east?\u201d Hoss asked making sure he\u2019d understood correctly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what I\u2019m telling you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would he leave in the middle of the night and out into that storm?\u201d Hoss said glancing out the window. \u201cHe couldn\u2019t get very far. It don\u2019t make no sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStorm or not. He was bound and determine to go as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, he didn\u2019t even say goodbye Pa.\u201d Hoss sounded hurt. \u201cI cain\u2019t believe he\u2019d go and not even say goodbye. We might never see him again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss wished he\u2019d not commented as his father stared at him with terror. Joe didn\u2019t say a word. The blood rushed from his face. He felt nauseous. The room started to spin and he too had to take a seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my fault.\u201d He stated vacantly. \u201cHe went because of me didn\u2019t he Pa. Because of what happened last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joe.\u201d Ben said. \u201cHe said he\u2019d made his decision last week. That he\u2019d been thinking about it for a long time. He said he had to do what his conscience was telling him to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur fight last night didn\u2019t help though\u2026 did it.\u201d Joe responded blankly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can\u2019t disagree with you there son.\u201d Ben resolved, placing a comforting hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to find him and bring him back.\u201d Joe exclaimed, his speech slightly slurred from his injury.<\/p>\n

\u201cI honestly don\u2019t think he\u2019ll come. You know Adam. Once he\u2019s made up that bullheaded mind of his, it\u2019s almost impossible to change.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have to change it. He was right. I\u2019ve been acting like a schoolboy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I should go.\u201d Hoss volunteered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It has to be me.\u201d Joe protested. \u201cIt\u2019s because of me he\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNone of us is going anywhere until that storm let\u2019s up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa.\u201d Hoss reasoned. \u201cThe storm is the only way we\u2019re gonna catch up to him. If we split up we can find him and bring him home, even if we have to hog tie\u2019em.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 logic couldn\u2019t have been more forthright. Ben decided that very moment to begin his search.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d He ordered as if he were at the helm of a ship.<\/p>\n

The threesome scrambled around the house for supplies and rain gear and within the half hour had tacked up and set out to find Adam. Their mission was simple \u2013 bring him home come hell or high water.<\/p>\n

+++++++++<\/p>\n

Ben, Joe and Hoss took three separate routes hoping one would lead to Adam. The rain erased any sign of him or his tracks. The storm was relentless and made each of their treks treacherous. But, each man was determined and they plodded on. It soon became clear after several days that Adam was out of reach. There were just too many forks in too many roads as they moved farther and farther east. Adam would be like finding a needle in a haystack.<\/p>\n

Ben was the first to return to the Ponderosa. His despair was matched only by his fatigue. After boarding his horse Buck, it took all of his effort to enter the empty house, trudge upstairs and fall into bed. It seemed to be his only comfort. And, even though he was inconsolably upset, he could stay awake no longer. Emotionally and physically drained\u2026Ben finally slept.<\/p>\n

++++++<\/p>\n

The weather was still unsettled the next day when Hoss trotted into the courtyard of the ranch house. His father greeted him but they exchanged no words. They didn\u2019t have to. There was nothing to say. Neither of them was successful in finding Adam and they walked silently into the house.<\/p>\n

Hoss too, went straight to bed to recover from his exhausting search. When he finally awoke that evening he joined his father in the living room. The house seemed so empty \u2013 so quiet. It was disturbingly uncomfortable. It felt like it did when Ben\u2019s third wife Marie was killed. Grief seemed to linger in every corner of the place.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Hoss said softly.<\/p>\n

Ben did not answer. He stared without expression at the flames that floated like moths up the fireplace chimney \u2013 his face etched with worry.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Hoss tried again. \u201cYou need to eat somethin\u2019 Pa. Come on. I\u2019ll fix us somethin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again, his father stayed silent. He glanced up at his middle son and managed a weakly pathetic grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Pa. There\u2019s still hope. Maybe Joe found him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Ben resigned. \u201cAdam\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be alright.\u201d Hoss encouraged. \u201cYou know him. He\u2019s too wily and stubborn to let anything happen to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut. We\u2019ll never see him again Hoss. We may never know what ever became of him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure we will. He\u2019ll be back. You\u2019ll see. Now let\u2019s get somethin\u2019 to eat. You need your strength.\u201d Hoss urged.<\/p>\n

Ben struggled to stand. Hoss guided him to the table and then went to the kitchen. He returned with two large, roast beef sandwiches and a pot of coffee. He placed the humble meal in front of his father and took the seat to his right.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think Joe\u2019ll show up soon?\u201d Hoss wondered aloud and then took a bite.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s my other concern.\u201d Ben confessed. \u201cHe may never give up and then I\u2019ll have lost two sons. He may end up in Georgia for all I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Joe wouldn\u2019t leave the Ponderosa Pa. He loves it too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cThose two boys of mine. How could they be so different?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you got that wrong Pa. Their problem is that they\u2019re too much alike.\u201d
\nHoss\u2019 comment drew another faint smile from Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, come on. Eat your sandwich.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right son. You never gave me any problems. Why couldn\u2019t Adam and Joe be more like you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, just be glad that there\u2019s only one of me around this place Pa, or we\u2019d of run out of food a long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

PART FIVE
\nWet, tired and hungry, Adam had reached his first goal \u2013 the Nevada\/Utah border. He\u2019d been riding for five days over rugged terrain and through the worst weather he could remember. He planned to board a train in Salt Lake City. It would take him through Colorado, then Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky and finally into the thick of it \u2013 The Virginias and The Carolinas. His trek would be a long and lonely one. Adam prayed for strength as he set up camp.<\/p>\n

The Utah landscape was littered with boulders the size of stagecoaches and some were as large as the buildings Adam had seen in San Francisco. As rain began to fall once more, he found a shallow cave amongst the rocks to tuck himself into for the night.
\nBut, even with the welcome shelter, the fire he\u2019d built could not keep up with the plunging temperature. Adam wrapped his blanket around his shoulders, but it was not enough to prevent him from shivering uncontrollably. Even his teeth chattered. Sport and his pack mule seemed comfortable enough though and that gave Adam some sense of assurance.<\/p>\n

Again, the storm that had plagued him the whole week, teamed down. Adam wondered if he\u2019d ever be dry again. After his meager meal of beans and jerky, he curled into the fetal position trying desperately to retain any heat he could.<\/p>\n

He stared blankly through the curtain of rain and couldn\u2019t help but think about his future \u2013 the War. It made his stomach tighten with fear. He\u2019d never felt lonelier. He missed his father and brother\u2019s already. But, his notorious determination was too strong and the next morning he intended to trudge on to Salt Lake. Adam did what Adam said he was going to do\u2026 and that was that. Eventually, he did surrender to sleep as the persistent storm continued.<\/p>\n

+++++++<\/p>\n

\u201cMister?\u201d Came a strange but comforting voice. \u201cHey mister?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam opened his eyes to find he was being hunkered over by a young man. His clothes were handmade and old, but clean and in fairly good shape. He couldn\u2019t be more than thirty years old, but his hair was almost white \u2013 bleached from the sun. His clear-colored eyes were framed with white crows feet that were etched into his tanned skin. He wore no hat and no jacket. He looked like a strong fellow, but one in need of a hearty meal and a good night\u2019s rest. Adam couldn\u2019t help but compare him to a stray dog, not unlike what his brother Hoss was accustomed to bringing home.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright mister?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUhmm, yeah?\u201d Adam said clearing his throat of morning fog.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust wonderin\u2019 if you\u2019re sick or somethin\u2019?\u201d The man asked with concern.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. No, I\u2019m fine.\u201d Adam said as he sat up and tried to orient himself. \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy friends call me Smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSmoke? How\u2019d you get a nickname like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t a nickname. It\u2019s just a name is all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d Adam replied to the man\u2019s simple explanation. \u201cI\u2019ve got some bacon and coffee if you\u2019re interested.\u201d He offered as he sat upright.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s mighty kind of you. I have some bread we can have too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good.\u201d Adam replied as he pushed himself into a standing position.<\/p>\n

Smoke had hitched his rather ancient-looking horse to the same dead branch Adam had tethered Sport to the night before. There was little for the animals to graze, so Adam first tended to them before indulging in breakfast for he and his new friend. His supply mule had only two oat bags but there was plenty of grain to share. Smoke\u2019s mare sure looked like it could use a square meal. Adam laid his blanket out and spread some oats on it for her to eat.<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch obliged mister. We appreciate that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome. I\u2019ll get them some water too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure am glad I run into ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too.\u201d Adam admitted. \u201cIt\u2019ll be nice to talk to something with two legs instead of four for a change.\u201d<\/p>\n

When they were satisfied that the animals were taken care of, the men relit the fire and prepared their morning meal. The bread Smoke had, added nicely to Adam\u2019s bacon and coffee. The damp and cold still lingered, so the warm breakfast was a treate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere ya headed?\u201d Smoke asked as he leaned back on his elbow and rested his coffee cup on his abdomen. He stretched out his legs and crossed his ankles.<\/p>\n

\u201cEast.\u201d Was all Adam divulged, concentrating on eating his breakfast.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too. Mind if I tag along with ya a spell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. Be glad of the company.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere ya from?\u201d Smoke continued his interrogation.<\/p>\n

\u201cNevada. Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t never been there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about you? Where do you call home?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n

\u201cHome? I ain\u2019t got no home. I been roaming since I can remember. I been clear up to Canada and way down to Mexico. Seen a lot of places, met a lot of nice people. A lot of bad ones too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know what you mean about people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. That\u2019s why I\u2019m headin\u2019 east. Hear there\u2019s a fracas going on over there. Thought I\u2019d join the army.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? Which army do you intend to join?\u201d Adam asked with a sideways glance as the plot thickened.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t really care. Whichever one has the best food I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smoke casually sipped his coffee and looked out over the red landscape. Adam stopped chewing and slowly lowered his knife and fork, curious as to why a man would go to war just so he could eat.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t you care about what you\u2019re fighting for?\u201d He asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot really.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, that doesn\u2019t make any sense. Surely, you can find some other way to eat. Why don\u2019t you find a job?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cListen mister.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cListen Adam.\u201d Smoke pointed. \u201cI\u2019ve had my share of jobs. They never kept my belly full enough. And, if I kin git three squares in the army, that\u2019s where I\u2019ll go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, you could get killed?\u201d Adam retorted, astonished at the man\u2019s reasoning.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe way I see it, we\u2019re all gonna dead enyhow. Don\u2019t really matter to me if it\u2019s sooner or later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you mother? Your father?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever knew\u2019em. Ain\u2019t got no family. Never did. It\u2019s just me and Cheyenne over there. She\u2019s all I got.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Adam said as he lowered his head and flipped his food around his plate with his fork.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you? You got a family?\u201d Smoke asked with genuine interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Yes, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah? Sisters\u2026 brothers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo brother\u2019s and my father. We ah\u2026 we have a ranch near Lake Tahoe.\u201d Adam sounded almost ashamed to admit he had so much.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, whatcha doin\u2019 out here then? You got more than I\u2019ll ever see in my whole lifetime\u2026 long or short. I could tell by your horse you was well healed. Wish I was that lucky.\u201d
\nSmoke shook his head. \u201cFamily and a home to boot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Adam said sheepishly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t heading to the same fracas I am are yu?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, as a matter of fact\u2026 I am.\u201d Adam admitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the heck for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to fight for the North. Lincoln wants to abolish slavery and I want to help him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s Lincoln?\u201d Smoke asked innocently. It was obvious that he\u2019d never seen the inside of a schoolhouse. \u201cHe a friend of yours or somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam scoffed. \u201cHe\u2019s the President of the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, do you at least know this feller Lincoln?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I\u2019ve never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Lincoln.\u201d Adam replied drolly.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, you\u2019re gonna go to war fur the man enyhow, even though you got a fine enough life of your own back in Nevada\u2026 with a nice family and a ranch and everything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The way Smoke put it made Adam feel silly.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnow what I think?\u201d The young man offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo Smoke. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think all this rain has rotted your brain. The only people you should be fighting with are your brothers. Wish I had a brother to fight with. I always wanted a brother.\u201d Smoke mulled. \u201cOr at least\u2026someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now Adam was feeling down right stupid. It was at that moment that he realized how foolish he\u2019d been. He loved Little Joe no matter how immature he thought he was. The Ponderosa was his home \u2013 his past as well as his future. He\u2019d let his father down, and as for Hoss, Adam truly missed the camaraderie he had with him. What had he been thinking? It was at that moment he realized just what he had left behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou gonna eat the rest of that pork belly?\u201d Smoke asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. You can have it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t repay you Adam\u2026 for all your help I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSmoke, you don\u2019t know it, but you\u2019ve paid me more than you\u2019ll ever know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Adam said as he stood up to start packing his gear. \u201cYou have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere you goin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHome, Smoke. I\u2019m going home.\u201d
\nAdam packed hastily, as if he couldn\u2019t head west fast enough. He tacked up Sport and mounted. When he turned to say thank you to Smoke, there was no sign of him. It was like he\u2019d simply vanished. Adam wondered why he didn\u2019t say good-bye. Somewhat mystified, he reined his horse toward home, gave him a slight nudge to the ribs and began his weeklong trip back to where he belonged\u2026 the Ponderosa.
\nPART SIX<\/p>\n

Little Joe returned several days after Hoss. He was angry and bitterly disappointed that he was unsuccessful in finding Adam. But, Ben didn\u2019t care how Joe felt. He was just happy that he\u2019d come home. It was one less thing for him to worry about.<\/p>\n

Even though Ben, Joe and Hoss felt as if they\u2019d had a piece of them amputated without Adam there with them, they had a ranch to run. Somberly, they returned to their daily routine. They had to go on. They had to find a way to deal with their loss and sidetrack them from thinking about Adam\u2019s fate. Working the ranch was the only way they knew how. There was branding to do, hay to bail and the constant maintaining and building of fences. All the while, storm clouds remained \u2013 ever threatening, always daunting.
\nDays turned into weeks, and the thought of Adam in battle still plagued them like a swarm of bees. Ben prayed for a letter from Adam \u2013 some message that said that he was safe. His biggest fear was that he\u2019d never hear from him again. Even though they were distracted by their chores, under the surface ran a surging spring of uneasiness and fear.<\/p>\n

+++++++<\/p>\n

Much of the fencing was down in eastern section of the ranch and Ben, Hoss and Joe worked together digging postholes. The wide valley was lush. As green as a tree frog. Surrounding them were gently slopping foothills covered with tender grasses and clover. Idyllic grazing land for their stock. A small herd of cattle meandered lazily in the distance, seemingly enjoying every morsel the recent rains had produced.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose steers don\u2019t need fencing with all this good feed.\u201d Hoss protested as he wiped his brow of sweat. \u201cThey ain\u2019t goin\u2019 no place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep digging son.\u201d Ben chortled, pointing downward with his forefinger. \u201cKeep digging.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Joe can finish this one up. I\u2019m takin\u2019 a break.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! Wait a moment!\u201d Joe lightly protested. \u201cHow come I don\u2019t get to take a break?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCuz, I\u2019m the one doin\u2019 most of the diggin\u2019, that\u2019s why little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

The light moment was welcome as Hoss straightened up and stood by his father who leaned on the post that awaited placement. Ben passed Hoss the canteen and the pair watched Joe labor. He still wore the unmistakable black eyes that a broken nose generated. They were just another reminder of Adam and the fight they\u2019d had three weeks ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re doin\u2019 a fine job there Joe.\u201d Hoss encouraged much to his brother\u2019s good-humored disgust.<\/p>\n

After a short chuckle at Joe\u2019s expense, Hoss raised the canteen to his lips when a distant rider distracted him. At first he couldn\u2019t make out who it was and he stopped to try to focus.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey.\u201d Hoss remarked quietly. \u201cWho do you suppose that is Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben barely noticed Hoss\u2019 question and continued to watch Joe shovel the dirt out of the deepening hole.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm? What?\u201d He said without lifting his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said. Who is that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOver yonder.\u201d Hoss pointed. \u201cWho do you suppose that is ridin\u2019 this way?\u201d
\nBen didn\u2019t even have to look. He knew instantaneously. He knew it was Adam. He closed his eyes in silent thankfulness. His heart jumped and accelerated with cautious excitement.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Adam!\u201d Hoss shouted. \u201cHey Joe\u2026 look it\u2019s ADAM!\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stopped mid-throw and turned to see the rider that approached. He threw the spade into the mound of dirt he\u2019d created and it stuck. He too dragged his sleeve over his forehead to remove the grim and perspiration.<\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d Ben called out to him as he got closer and closer. \u201cADAM! We\u2019re over here!\u201d He waved both arms wildly over his head.<\/p>\n

Hoss began to jog toward him wanting to be the first to intercept his brother. But, Joe stayed back, seemingly afraid of Adam\u2019s reaction to him. Ben followed Hoss and as Adam cantered up to them and stopped they literally grabbed him out of the saddle. The threesome embraced each other so strongly they almost lost their balance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome home son.\u201d Ben said, his smile so broad it hurt.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to be home Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow far\u2019d ya get Adam?\u201d Hoss inquired. \u201cWe went out after ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got to the Nevada\/Utah border and then turned around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat changed your mind?\u201d Ben asked as they formed a tight huddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s just say\u2026I came to my senses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s explanation was rewarded with a firm slap on the back from his father. Ben and Hoss centered Adam between them throwing their arms around his shoulders. Joe watched from several yards away, unsure of what to say or do. Adam saw Joe\u2019s apprehension and gently broke away from his brother and father. They let him go and watched as he walked up to Joe. The two men stood face to face, both seemingly leery of the other.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s the nose?\u201d Adam asked with a slanted grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cFine.\u201d Joe said simply.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose black eyes are starting to fade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Joe replied shyly. \u201cYour cut looks better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. It\u2019s pretty much healed now.\u201d He replied as he rubbed the scar.<\/p>\n

An avalanche of uneasy silence seemed to thunder through the valley.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook\u2026 ah, Joe\u2026\u201d Adam tried to quell the awkwardness. \u201cI realize I\u2019ve been an overbearing idiot over this whole thing. I got to Utah and realized you and Hoss and Pa were more important to me than the politics out east and all that, you know. And, well, I didn\u2019t realize how lucky I was to have a family and a home until I didn\u2019t have it anymore. I\u2019m sorry Joe. And, I\u2019m sorry about Raine too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head but did not respond to Adam\u2019s speech. Ben and Hoss waited patiently for his reaction to his brother\u2019s peace offering.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m sorry too Adam.\u201d Joe finally said. \u201cI\u2019ve learned a lot from this whole thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh? Just what is it you\u2019ve learned?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I learned that life around here is pretty dull without you. And\u2026and that I have to be more patient and a little less temperamental.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally.\u201d Adam replied skeptically.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, do you know what else I learned Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. What else Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI also learned that you left your silver plated rifle behind.\u201d Joe smirked deviously. \u201cThat rifle\u2019s a whole lot better than mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam placed his hands on his hips, narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips in playful frustration. He swung his torso around to look at Hoss and Ben, who stood with their arms crossed being entertained by the banter. They laughed at Joe’ joshing. Adam stuck his tongue in his cheek before turning back toward Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you little imp!\u201d He seethed playfully as he stepped toward his little brother ominously.<\/p>\n

\u201cFinder\u2019s keepers Adam.\u201d Joe rationalized as he moved a few steps back, knowing Adam was about to make chase.<\/p>\n

\u201cI better find that rifle exactly where I left it you little crook.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it won\u2019t be hard to find older brother,\u201d Joe teased, \u201cits in my bedroom\u2026 right beside my bed.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that, Joe turned and ran with Adam right on his heels. Ben and Hoss looked on with delight. Things would be alright now. Hopefully, they would stay that way. Yes, there would be upsets to come, but never again would the Civil War be mentioned in the Cartwright home.<\/p>\n

As Adam tackled his little brother in the distance, the sun broke through the clouds. It seemed to place a spotlight on the two men as they wrestled like brothers should. The fences were mended and the storm that haunted the Cartwrights was now\u2026finally over<\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0After yet another ado between Adam and Joe over the Civil War a young woman arrives in town to add fuel to the fire between the brothers. Adam decides to take desperate measures to solve the ongoing troubles.<\/p>\n

Rated: T (8,650 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":113,"featured_media":1231,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-3461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1296,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/storm.jpg?fit=615%2C407&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":46976,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46976","url_meta":{"origin":3461,"position":0},"title":"The Shiny Surprise: The Hair-Raising Christmas Prank (by ElayneA)","author":"Elayne","date":"December 24, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Not even Christmastime is safe from pranksters. Rating:\u00a0 G Words:\u00a0 855 Written for the Bonanza Brand 2023 Advent Calendar","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Christmas-Traditions.jpg?fit=639%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14457,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14457","url_meta":{"origin":3461,"position":1},"title":"Short Trip Home (by Arien)","author":"Arien","date":"July 23, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: What could possibly happen to the Cartwright boys between home and Virginia City? Rating: K+ \u00a0\u00a0Word Count: 908","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Summer-story-pics.png?fit=700%2C563&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Summer-story-pics.png?fit=700%2C563&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Summer-story-pics.png?fit=700%2C563&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Summer-story-pics.png?fit=700%2C563&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14388,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14388","url_meta":{"origin":3461,"position":2},"title":"My Sons, My Sons, My Sons (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 12, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0And a Partridge on the Ponderosa. Rating: \u00a0T \u00a0(2,900 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Crossover"","block_context":{"text":"Crossover","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=24"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13923,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13923","url_meta":{"origin":3461,"position":3},"title":"Christmas Wish (by Susan G)","author":"SusanG","date":"December 23, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Could it be that St. Nicholas himself ensures that Ben's Christmas wish comes true. Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (8,140 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":3984,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3984","url_meta":{"origin":3461,"position":4},"title":"A Gentleman and a Scholar Part 2 (by Deborah)","author":"Deborah","date":"March 4, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Adam Cartwright has a dream that seems impossible\u2014he wants to attend college. Will that dream remain forever out of his reach? This story is both a continuation of \"A Gentleman and a Scholar, Part 1\" and a prequel to my story \"Veritas\" Rated: K+ \u00a0WC \u00a067,300 Adam: The Early\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":4836,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=4836","url_meta":{"origin":3461,"position":5},"title":"The Magic Of Christmas (by Storm)","author":"storm","date":"December 1, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Here is my Christmas story I hope you like it. \u00a0 Rated: K+ \u00a01800","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/4Cartwrights.jpg?fit=849%2C541&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3461","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/113"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3461"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3461\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}