Summary: A youthful dream becomes an adult nightmare for Hop Sing. Does he have what it takes to save his beloved Cartwrights?<\/p>\n
Word Count: 7,348<\/p>\n
Rated: PG<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ONE<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Crash of thunder.<\/p>\n
Flash of lightning<\/p>\n
The storm god, Leigong, and his wife Dianmu were busy this night.<\/p>\n
Towel in hand, Hop Sing turned to look out the kitchen window that faced onto the yard of the Ponderosa ranch house before walking that way.\u00a0 Outside the wrinkled glass a late autumn storm raged; the heavy rain obscuring all that lay within sight.\u00a0 It seemed to the Asian man that Meiyu, the dragon god of the monsoon, must have tired of China and come to visit this October night.\u00a0 Or, perhaps, Leigong had captured the giant worm and forced it to bear him to the New World upon its winged back.\u00a0 Meiyu \u2013 crying out in protest \u2013 opened his mouth and a river of water poured from his belly.<\/p>\n
In all his years he had never seen so much water.<\/p>\n
Another crash, another flash, and still Hop Sing remained beside the window.\u00a0 They were out there somewhere \u2013 the men he loved.\u00a0 His family.<\/p>\n
The Cartwrights.<\/p>\n
For three days now the rain had fallen.\u00a0 The Paiute would call it a \u2018hard\u2019 rain, for it was destructive in nature.\u00a0 It was not healing.\u00a0 It did not bring life, but death.<\/p>\n
He feared for Mistah Ben and his sons.<\/p>\n
His<\/em>\u2026sons.<\/p>\n Hop Sing sighed and turned from the window.\u00a0 Staring at the rain would not make it stop and he had work to do.\u00a0 The four men would be hungry upon their arrival since they had no breakfast or lunch.\u00a0 Early that morning there had came a rapping on the door.\u00a0 Outside stood Mistah Ben\u2019s foreman.\u00a0 \u2018Come!\u00a0 You must come!\u2019 he cried.\u00a0 \u2018The river is over its banks and people are dying!\u2019<\/p>\n Within a half-hour, the house was empty save for him.<\/p>\n The Asian man glanced at the colorful shrine near his bedroom door before moving to his work table and placing his hand on the well-worn black book that lay there.\u00a0 He had already asked the ancestors for mercy.\u00a0 Now, he must beg the God of the men he loved for their safe return.\u00a0 Picking up the Holy Bible Mistah Ben had given him not long after he came to work for the rancher, Hop Sing opened it and ran a finger along one thin linen page.\u00a0 As so often happened, the words he stopped on were the ones he needed.\u00a0 He closed his eyes and bowed his head and turned them into a prayer.<\/p>\n \u201cI ask, oh, God of Israel, that when Mistah Cartwright and his sons pass through the waters, you will be with them.\u00a0 Do not let the rivers overflow them, but keep them safe.\u201d<\/p>\n Outside the wind rose, rattling the window panes and then fell silent.\u00a0 The rain continued to fall but with less force, as if Meiyu\u2019s great belly was all but empty.<\/p>\n It was then he heard several loud, strident voices cry out.\u00a0 Next came the thunder of horses hooves and last, the sound of wagon wheels.\u00a0 A horse snorted.\u00a0 A second shrieked as if afraid.<\/p>\n Hop Sing was afraid.<\/p>\n The Asian man placed the Bible on the table before moving to the kitchen door.\u00a0 He drew a breath against his fear, opened it, and stepped onto the porch.\u00a0 Mist rose from the wet ground, so thick he could not tell who approached.\u00a0 The man wore a rain slicker.\u00a0 His black hat was tipped forward to cover his face.\u00a0 Water ran from the brim as he lifted it to reveal a pair of weary hazel eyes.<\/p>\n When he saw those eyes, he wished he had not.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere Mistah Adam\u2019s father and brothers?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n The young man ran a sodden sleeve across his face in a vain attempt to dislodge the water cascading down his cheeks before answering.\u00a0 \u201cHoss is in the back of the wagon.\u00a0 He\u2019s going to need help.\u00a0 Pa and Joe\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 He swallowed hard.\u00a0 \u201cPa and Little Joe are missing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMissing?\u201d Hop Sing repeated, as if he did not know the meaning of the word.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, missing!\u00a0 Are you deaf?\u201d Mistah Adam snapped and instantly regretted it.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hop Sing.\u00a0 I\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 His body sagged and he leaned against the jamb.\u00a0 \u201cI couldn\u2019t do anything!\u00a0 The boat\u2026capsized.\u00a0 I knew it was going over and I couldn\u2019t\u2026do\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n One did not touch Mistah Cartwright\u2019s number one son without permission.\u00a0 Such permission was rare \u2013 almost as rare as the tears mingling with the rain on the young man\u2019s cheeks.\u00a0 Hop Sing hesitated and then reached out to place a hand on his shoulder, offering both comfort and support.\u00a0 \u201cMistah Adam need to change clothes.\u00a0 He shiver and shake.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0The Asian man looked past the bedraggled figure to the wagon.\u00a0 A half-dozen men were lifting Mistah Hoss out of it.\u00a0 \u201cI get food, drink.\u00a0 Take care of Mistah Hoss, then \u00a0\u2013 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u00a0 I can\u2019t\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 Adam shrugged off his hand.\u00a0 He took a step and staggered.\u00a0 \u201cI have<\/em> to go back out there.\u00a0 Little Joe and Pa are\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing had not missed the blood that ran down this cherished one\u2019s face.\u00a0 Number two son was not the only one who needed help.<\/p>\n \u201cFather want you to take care of self first,\u201d he said gently.<\/p>\n Mistah Adam snorted.\u00a0 He touched the jagged cut on his forehead.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI tried to reach them. \u00a0\u00a0Something\u2026a log, I think\u2026hit me.\u00a0 Hoss\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 He choked.\u00a0 \u201cHoss fished me out.\u00a0 He went under a couple of times and took in a lot of water.\u00a0 I \u2013\u201d<\/p>\n Number one son paled and stepped aside as the men bearing Mistah Hoss came into the house.\u00a0 Once inside, one broke free to ask, \u201cWhere do you want us to take him?\u00a0 Upstairs to his room?\u201d<\/p>\n The young man\u2019s heart was with his wounded brother.\u00a0 He did not hear.<\/p>\n \u201cMen put number two son in guestroom downstairs,\u201d the Asian man told them.\u00a0 \u201cEasier for Hop Sing to care for there.\u201d<\/p>\n The ranch hand glanced at him before turning back to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cThat okay, boss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Adam replied; his eyes still on his brother, \u201cI suppose that makes sense.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing opened the door to the spare room.\u00a0 He went directly to the bed and quickly pulled the covers back before stepping aside to allow the men to enter.\u00a0 Like Mistah Adam, Mistah Hoss had many cuts and bruises.\u00a0 His breathing was shallow and his skin was pale as the underbelly of a fish.\u00a0 The Asian man pulled the covers up to the big man\u2019s chin so he would not take a chill and turned to leave \u2013 only to find he could not. \u00a0Mistah Adam \u2013 his jaw tight and his fists clenched in rage \u2013 blocked his way.\u00a0 The young man took a step into the room and then turned sharply and rammed his hand into the wall.\u00a0 Fresh tears sprung to his eyes as blood appeared on his knuckles.<\/p>\n Hop Sing feared the young man would run out of the house and back into the storm.\u00a0 Instead, number one son dropped into a chair.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to go back out there,\u201d he announced.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one say you have to do anything else,\u201d Hop Sing replied.\u00a0 \u201cBut first Mistah Adam need to dry off, change clothes \u2013\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor what possible reason?!\u201d\u00a0 Adam pointed at the window.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cYou haven\u2019t been out there.\u00a0 The rain\u2026\u00a0 It\u2019s almost unnatural.\u201d\u00a0 He paused to run a hand through his sopping hair, thrusting the black locks away from his face.\u00a0 \u201cThe river\u2026. Dear God, the river is so swollen!\u00a0 It\u2019s burst its banks and is rushing so<\/em> fast\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 The young man\u2019s eyes grew wide with a sight only he could see.\u00a0 \u201cThere was this family.\u00a0 Mother.\u00a0 Father.\u00a0 Six kids.\u00a0 Their wagon got caught up in it.\u00a0 Pa took care of the parents.\u00a0 Hoss, Joe, and I, we got most of the kids out, but there was one little girl\u2026a little blonde girl, six, maybe seven years old\u2026.\u00a0 We watched her be swept away.\u00a0 There was nothing we could do.\u00a0 But Joe\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice cracked.\u00a0 He almost laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYou know Joe.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t take \u2018no\u2019 for an answer and he dove right in.\u00a0 Hoss and I had our hands full with the others.\u00a0 We couldn\u2019t do anything to help him, but Pa…\u201d\u00a0 He looked straight at him.\u00a0 \u201cThere was a boat that someone had rescued and tied to a tree.\u00a0 Pa didn\u2019t have a chance.\u00a0 We knew it.\u00a0 He <\/em>knew it, but\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFather had to try.\u00a0 He do what he have to do, just like Mistah Adam and brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam glanced at his brother, who had not stirred, and then shot to his feet and walked into the great room.\u00a0 Hop Sing followed close behind and found him pacing in front of the fire.\u00a0 At his approach, number one son found the courage to continue his horrific tale.<\/p>\n \u201cPa made it to Joe and the girl.\u00a0 We\u2026.\u00a0 Hoss and I couldn\u2019t believe it!\u201d\u00a0 He licked his lips.\u00a0 \u201cWe broke away from the others and went to the edge of the shore to watch.\u00a0 The boat was pretty far downstream by then, but we could see it.\u00a0 We heard Pa shout Joe\u2019s name.\u00a0 I saw him bend and reach over the side and then\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n The color drained from Mistah Adam\u2019s face and he fell silent.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd then?\u201d Hop Sing prompted.<\/p>\n Number one son made a sound deep in his throat.\u00a0 \u201cThe boat turned over. \u00a0Pa disappeared.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat when Mistah Adam go in after father and brother and hurt head?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sat on the table and hung his hands between his knees.\u00a0 \u201cI think I lost my mind.\u00a0 I don\u2019t remember going into the water.\u00a0 All I remember is Hoss catching hold of me and throwing me onto the shore.\u00a0 The children\u2019s father told me later that they watched over me while Hoss went back in.\u00a0 He tried to reach them\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 Number one son fell silent.\u00a0 When he spoke again, it was with the voice of a lost child.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re dead.\u00a0 God, Hop Sing, Pa and Little Joe are dead.\u201d<\/p>\n He waited a moment.\u00a0 \u201cDoes Mistah Adam believe this to be true?\u201d<\/p>\n The young man touched his forehead.\u00a0 \u201cHere!\u00a0 Here, I know<\/em> it is.\u00a0 But here\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 His hand moved to his heart.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 Here, I can\u2019t<\/em> believe it.\u00a0 I won\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWise father once tell Hop Sing a man\u2019s heart knows the truth even when his mind denies it.\u201d\u00a0 He crossed to where Mistah Ben\u2019s oldest son sat and saw \u2013 for a moment \u2013 \u00a0not the man he was, but the boy he had been; a \u2018boy\u2019 he had cared for half of his life.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing know what best.\u00a0 You go change clothes before you go out again.\u00a0 If dry one minute, it one minute better than none.\u00a0 This one fix food for you and more for missing father and brother.\u00a0 Mistah Ben and Little Joe need it when you find them.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up, a weary smile curling his lips.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cThank you, Hop Sing.\u00a0 I\u2019ll do that \u2013 right after I check on Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n As the young man disappeared into the guest room, Hop Sing turned with a heavy heart toward his domain.\u00a0 He would do what he could do.\u00a0 He would gather food and other supplies: herbs, medicines, and rolls of bandages.\u00a0 He would wrap them in oil cloth and place them in Mistah Adam\u2019s saddlebags where they would be safe from the rain.\u00a0 Then he would stand and watch, powerless, as Mistah Cartwright\u2019s number one son went forth to do battle with the mighty river.<\/p>\n No, that was not right.\u00a0 He was not without power.<\/p>\n Returning to the table, the Asian man picked up the black book with its worn leather cover and opened it once more.<\/p>\n And began to pray.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n TWO<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He did not know where he was.\u00a0 His eyes were without sight; his ears, without hearing.\u00a0 Before him, behind him, above and below him was blackness.\u00a0 It was as if he walked an obsidian sky without stars.\u00a0 His footing was unsure \u2013 the surface beneath his Manchu boots strangely undulating \u2013 and he feared he would stumble and fall.\u00a0 He feared it because he did not know if there would be anything to stop him, or if he would fall for eternity.<\/p>\n Hop Sing, second son of Hop Ling, was afraid.<\/p>\n The young man\u2019s eyes were open.\u00a0 He closed them.\u00a0 He could not escape the darkness, so he did as his father taught him and took it within, making it a part of himself.\u00a0 Then he reached up and covered his ears so that he might better hear that beloved voice.<\/p>\n \u2018After the darkness comes light, my son.<\/em>\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Silence is a source of great strength.<\/em>\u2019<\/p>\n He did not know why he needed strength.\u00a0 Only that he did.<\/p>\n Hop Sing drew a breath and waited, and soon the waiting became all.\u00a0 At first there was nothing.\u00a0 No sound.\u00a0 No light.\u00a0 Then he heard his heart thunder in his chest \u2013 that heart that drove a torrent of blood through his veins like a raging river. \u00a0Seconds later images flashed, bright as lightning \u2013 an angry tide of yellow water, tall as the Gingko trees, rising above his people\u2019s dwelling places; the tide crashing down, tearing cloth, snapping wood, and driving mud, stone, and thatch before it in its fury.\u00a0 Faces riding the flood \u2013 stark, white \u2013 their eyes open and unseeing. \u00a0Children\u2019s toys floating, sinking, rising.\u00a0 Children dying.<\/p>\n Everyone dying.<\/p>\n Everyone was dead.<\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing, son of Hop Ling, for whom do you cry?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n The young man gasped as the words resonated through his bones.\u00a0 His tear-filled eyes flew open and he turned his head from side to side.<\/p>\n Had he imagined it or had someone spoken?<\/p>\n \u201cThis one would know who asks,\u201d he replied boldly.<\/p>\n The obsidian sky yawned, showing jagged teeth.\u00a0 Behind the teeth lay a tongue, white as a charnel bone.\u00a0 Hop Sing stepped back, fearful that it would strike out and draw him into its cavernous maw. \u00a0Then, as quickly as that fear arose, it fled.\u00a0 The teeth became soaring peaks, the tongue, a moon rising behind them, and he knew where he was.\u00a0 Not lost.\u00a0 Not abandoned.\u00a0 Neither imprisoned underground nor locked in a room without windows or door.<\/p>\n He was in the Black Mountains; the source of the Yellow River.<\/p>\n \u2018Now, do you understand who it is that speaks to you?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n The moon that capped the peaks descended until it hung before him.\u00a0 No longer without face, the pale orb watched him with an old man\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 The wisdom light that shone from them revealed what lay behind \u2013 not the form of a man, but of a winged beast with ten thousand scales.<\/p>\n Hop Sing closed his eyes, seeking guidance from the ancestors\u2019 spirits.\u00a0 One must use the correct words when addressing a God \u2013 else one would not use words for long.<\/p>\n Looking into the pale face of the river god, he said, \u201cI have traveled many miles from where my people dwell, through plain and field to the high mountains, to ask the mighty Hebo a question.\u201d<\/p>\n The man-dragon shifted, coiling his tail in and rising up like a cobra about to spring.<\/p>\n Hop Sing held his ground.<\/p>\n \u2018Ah!\u00a0 You do not quake.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>Hebo nodded, satisfied.\u00a0 \u2018A warrior is worthy.\u00a0 You may ask your question.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI am no warrior,\u201d he countered.\u00a0 \u201cOnly a man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2018As you wish,\u2019<\/em> Hebo replied.\u00a0 \u2018Still, you may ask.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n His throat was tight; his lips dry.\u00a0 The word stuck to them before falling.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n Hebo was the god of the Yellow River.\u00a0 The man-dragon was known to be both benevolent and generous.\u00a0 When he willed, he caused the river waters to flow smoothly, bringing great bounty to the lands below the Black Mountains.\u00a0 But he was also greedy, unpredictable, and dangerously destructive.\u00a0 Twice in his own lifetime Hop Sing had seen the river rise and overflow its banks, flooding the world.<\/p>\n The man-dragon\u2019s gleaming eyes narrowed.\u00a0 \u00a0\u2018You ask \u2018why\u2019, warrior?\u00a0 I will tell you why, but there is a price to be paid. Are you willing to pay it?\u2019 <\/em>\u00a0Hebo lowered his great head and brought it close. \u2018 Think well before you answer!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n He did not hesitate.\u00a0 \u201cI am willing.\u201d<\/p>\n The river god shifted the scales on his belly and used them to pull himself along the ground.\u00a0 Hop Sing followed eagerly.\u00a0 Sometime later \u2013 he knew not how long \u2013 they stopped at a cliff\u2019s edge.\u00a0 Below them lay the Yellow River, running as a golden ribbon through a young maiden\u2019s ebon hair.<\/p>\n \u2018Look,<\/em>\u2019 Hebo said.\u00a0 \u2018See.\u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n Hop Sing looked. \u00a0What he saw was a vast bridge of stone, stretching out to span the rushing water.\u00a0 Eons of people passed over it, unaware of what lay beneath.\u00a0 He<\/em> was not unaware.\u00a0 He saw the water churn and the foam form upon its surface, and knew it for what it was \u2013 the body of a great snake.<\/p>\n Madame White Snake.<\/p>\n \u2018Long has the witch been my enemy<\/em>!\u2019 Hebo said, his tone sharp.\u00a0 \u2018Her hatred of man is great and when her power is enough, she rouses and works her devilry. \u00a0It is not I, Hop Sing, son of Hop Ling, who causes the waters to rise and flood the world of man, but she!\u00a0 If I make the yellow water rise even higher to force her back into the depths, it is so even more do not die.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n The young man watched as the long, colorless snake flicked its tail before disappearing under the surface of the yellow water.<\/p>\n \u2018The river is the source of her magic<\/em>,\u2019 Hebo said, \u2018and her life<\/em>.\u2019<\/p>\n Hop Sing turned to look into the man-dragon\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYou are the god of the river,\u201d he challenged.\u00a0 \u201cWhy do you<\/em> not destroy her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u2018It is not for me to do,<\/em>\u2019 Hebo said.<\/p>\n Horror at all he had witnessed sharpened his tongue.\u00a0 \u201cThen who?\u201d the young man demanded.\u00a0 \u201cWho<\/em> is it that must do this thing?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u2018You will know when you answer.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAnswer what?\u2019<\/p>\n The man-dragon smiled.<\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing, son of Hop Ling, for whom do you cry?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Crash of thunder.<\/p>\n Flash of lightning<\/p>\n Hop Sing gasped and sat straight up.\u00a0 It took a moment for him to realize where he was \u2013 in bed \u2013 and several more to still his fast-beating heart. \u00a0It had been many years since he had dreamed of the river god, Hebo, and his enemy, Madame White Snake.\u00a0 When, as a young man, he had first experienced this nightmare, he had gone to his father to ask its meaning.\u00a0 Hop Ling nodded his head as he listened and said he must think long and hard upon it.<\/p>\n Two days later he returned.<\/p>\n \u2018This is the meaning of your dream, my son.\u00a0 One day you will be called upon to do battle.\u2019\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n This was not what he wanted to hear.\u00a0 \u2018But my father, I am no warrior!\u201d he protested.\u00a0 \u2018I have no skill with weapons!\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018Nor do you need it.\u00a0 All you need is the answer.\u2019\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing, son of Hop Ling, for whom do you cry?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n The Asian man threw back the cloth that covered him, put on his silk slippers, and walked to the window.\u00a0 Outside the lightning flashed, revealing a pair of eyes.\u00a0 They were not the wise, pale eyes of Hebo, but ones black as the mountains from which the Yellow River flowed.\u00a0 The witch, Madame White Snake, glared at him, daring him to do battle.<\/p>\n Warrior or not, he could not turn away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n THREE<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing stepped out of his kitchen the next morning, prepared to do battle.<\/p>\n Only to find he had no enemy.<\/p>\n During the night, he had risen to check on Mistahs Adam and Hoss.\u00a0 Mistah Adam fell asleep on the settee and did not move.\u00a0 He let him be, hoping the eldest son of his employer and benefactor would gain strength from resting.\u00a0 When he checked on Mistah Hoss, he found him sleeping soundly. \u00a0\u00a0Number two son\u2019s color had returned and his breathing eased.\u00a0 He roused the big man and forced a bit of soup into him.\u00a0 They said little while he ate.<\/p>\n Though his injuries were minor, Mistah Hoss\u2019 pain was great, as was his fear for his missing father and brother.<\/p>\n When number two had finished, he bid him goodnight and returned to the great room.\u00a0 The fire had burned low, so he stoked it, and then placed a blanket over Mistah Adam before returning to his bed.\u00a0 This morning, as he dressed, he rehearsed the words he would say to both in order to convince them that it was he<\/em> and not they who must find and save their loved ones.<\/p>\n His time had been as wasted.<\/p>\n The house was empty.<\/p>\n A note written in haste and left on the credenza offered an explanation where none was needed.\u00a0 Hop Sing knew what had occurred.\u00a0 He could see it in his mind\u2019s eye.\u00a0 Mistah Adam awakening and preparing to leave.\u00a0 Mistah Hoss hearing him; rousing.\u00a0 Number one son telling number two son to stay behind.\u00a0 Him not listening.\u00a0 He had checked.\u00a0 Both young men\u2019s horses were gone, as was the wagon.<\/p>\n They too heard the call to war.<\/p>\n The Asian man remained where he was for a moment, thinking, and then crossed to the front door and opened it.\u00a0 A heavy mist clung to the ground, thick as dust In vacant chambers.\u00a0 The rain had not stopped, but Meiyu had relented.\u00a0 It fell now as if to give the trees a drink and not to drown them.\u00a0 Far in the distance Leigong beat his drum while Dianmu flashed her mirror, sending bolts of bright white light into the sky.\u00a0 The storm was not gone.<\/p>\n Like him, it held its breath in anticipation.<\/p>\n Hop Sing wore a rain slicker, and had placed the wide-brimmed hat he wore to garden in upon his head.\u00a0 With the wagon gone, he had chosen the Cartwright\u2019s small buckboard to bear his \u2018arms\u2019. \u00a0Warm blankets wrapped in oil cloth.\u00a0 Herbs, plasters, and bandages.\u00a0 Much food and many warm drinks.\u00a0 These he wrapped in cloth as well and placed atop a bed of heated bricks.\u00a0 Meiyu\u2019s stomach had emptied over and over again through the night, belching much water.\u00a0 It was unlikely a stick of dry wood remained.\u00a0 When he found his family they would be cold and wet and in need of warmth.<\/p>\n And he would<\/em> find them.<\/p>\n Hop Sing walked through the great room, past the empty dining table, and into the short hall that led to his kitchen.\u00a0 Once there, he paused to lay his hand on the black leather book that told the story of the God of Israel, and then moved on to the ancestors\u2019 holy place.\u00a0 He had already spoken to Yahweh this morning and asked that He bless his mission and make it successful.\u00a0 Now, he went to the god of his fathers.\u00a0 The Asian man struck a match and lit the candle in the small wooden pagoda.\u00a0 He did not need to ask for direction \u2013 Hebo had shown him where he must go \u2013 but he did<\/em> ask for courage.\u00a0 When his prayer was done, he blew out the candle and closed the doors of the shrine.\u00a0 He did the same to the kitchen door after stepping outside.<\/p>\n He did not expect to open either one again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The way was difficult.\u00a0 Many trees had fallen to block the road.\u00a0 Their roots, white as worms, reached into a sky gray as smoke.\u00a0 Time and again Hop Sing was forced to stop and clear them before he could pass.\u00a0 At times the water rose above the hubs of the wheels.\u00a0 When it receded, it left ankle-deep mud through which the wheels could not go.<\/p>\n In spite of this, he pressed on.<\/p>\n As he traveled, the son of Hop Ling considered the dream of his youth.\u00a0 When young, it had frightened him.\u00a0 It did no longer.\u00a0 The man he had become knew there was nothing to fear.\u00a0 The river god\u2019s words had not been meant to harm, but to help.\u00a0 \u2018For I know the plans I have for you\u2019<\/em>, declared the God of his friend and employer.\u00a0 \u2018Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.\u00a0 Plans to give you hope and a future.\u2019\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n Hope.<\/em><\/p>\n A future.<\/em><\/p>\n Hop Sing drew in a breath before refocusing his gaze on what lay ahead \u2013 the last rise before the stone bridge that spanned the mighty river.<\/p>\n Only it was not the rise he saw, but the broken wagon that lay before it.<\/p>\n Mistah Cartwright\u2019s wagon.<\/p>\n A Cantonese curse cut the mist that clung to the earth as the Asian man drew the buckboard to an abrupt halt.\u00a0 He stood and called out sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cMistah Adam!\u00a0 Mistah Hoss?\u00a0 Are you here?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing!\u00a0 Yes!\u00a0 We\u2019re over here!.\u201d<\/p>\n He waited \u2013 his heart thudding in his chest \u2013 until Fengbo, the god of the wind, bore Mistah Adam\u2019s words to him, giving him direction.\u00a0 Then, with the speed and agility of a man half his age, he leapt from the wagon and ran.\u00a0 Number one son was leaning on a branch just without the mouth of a small cave.\u00a0 Fengbo had taken his hat and his jacket was missing.\u00a0 The young man\u2019s hair was soaked; the black locks plastered to his forehead with mud and blood.\u00a0\u00a0 Mistah Adam blew out a breath as he hobbled forward.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re doing out here, Hop Sing,\u201d he said, utterly weary.\u00a0 \u201cBut you\u2019re an answer to prayer.\u2019<\/p>\n He nodded.<\/p>\n Just so.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing pressed a finger to his lips as he inclined his head toward the cave mouth.\u00a0 Mistah Adam nodded and followed him.\u00a0 He limped to a rocky seat, which nature had created, and dropped onto it.<\/p>\n \u201cNumber two son sleep,\u201d the Asian man said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNow turn of number one.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI just need to rest for a bit.\u00a0 I\u2019m all right.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go back out soon.\u201d<\/p>\n The Asian man considered mentioning the fact that Mistah Adam was in no shape to go; that his head wound was bleeding again, and his leg injured.<\/p>\n But he knew better.<\/p>\n \u201cWho take care of brother if you go?\u201d he asked instead.<\/p>\n The young man frowned.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you said Hoss was all right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing say he all right, but not \u2018all right\u2019 to leave alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen you<\/em> stay!\u201d Mistah Adam snapped; then thought better of his tone.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I\u2019m worried about Hoss.\u00a0 I\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 He dropped his head into his hands.\u00a0 \u201cPa.\u00a0 Joe. They\u2019re\u2026.\u00a0 Dear God, they have to be\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing go find father and number three son.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up.\u00a0 \u201cYou?\u00a0 Hop Sing, it\u2019s a nightmare out there!\u00a0 Anything could happen!\u00a0 We were doing fine and then that tree came down.\u00a0 The horses spooked.\u00a0 Hoss was thrown.\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded toward the young man\u2019s leg.\u00a0 The bandage he\u2019d placed on it earlier was red with blood.<\/p>\n \u201cMistah Adam thrown too.\u00a0 Hurt.\u00a0 Need rest as much as brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Number one son shot to his feet \u2013 and just as quickly sat back down.\u00a0 He swallowed, paused.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u00a0 Like I said, I just need a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou not fine,\u201d Hop Sing corrected.\u00a0 \u201cJust like little brother not \u2018fine\u2019.\u00a0 How you find little brother if you fall on face and drown in water?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam rose again \u2013 more slowly this time \u2013 and limped to the cave mouth.\u00a0 \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 I have to go and go soon.\u00a0 <\/em>The trouble is, there\u2019s no way of knowing what\u2019s happened to Pa and Joe, if they\u2019re hurt or\u2026even alive.\u00a0 If I only knew where <\/em>to look!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing know where to look.\u00a0 He go.\u00a0 Send father and brother back to you.\u201d<\/p>\n Mistah Ben\u2019s son spun on his heel.\u00a0 \u201cYou know where\u2026?\u00a0 Tell me!\u201d<\/p>\n He had known Mistah Adam since he was a child.\u00a0 All the signs were there.\u00a0 His usually tanned skin was the color of morning mist and he trembled like an autumn leaf blown in the wind.\u00a0 Beneath the mud and blood, his cheeks burned crimson with fever.\u00a0 Number one son was sick.\u00a0 He would not take twenty steps before he fell.<\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s ebon brows peaked.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018no\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing will not tell you where.\u00a0 You<\/em> stay here with brother.\u00a0 Hop Sing go.\u201d\u00a0 The Asian man hesitated and then added, his words tinged with wonder.\u00a0 \u201cThis Hop Sing\u2019s war, not Mistah Adam\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n Number one son thrust an arm toward the cave mouth.\u00a0 \u201cWar?\u00a0 What do you mean war?\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing out there but a mindless storm!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStorm not mindless,\u201d he countered quietly.\u00a0 \u201cIt have mind behind it. \u00a0Wicked, angry<\/em> mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook, Hop Sing, I know your people personify the elements, but \u2013\u201c<\/p>\n \u201cHow you explain such a flood?\u201d he demanded.\u00a0 \u201cMistah Adam live in territory for many, many years.\u00a0 In all those years he ever see such a one?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but that doesn\u2019t mean\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMind behind it,\u201d he repeated.\u00a0 \u201cMind without <\/em>heart, want only to destroy.\u00a0 How she come here, Hop Sing not know.\u00a0 He only know she is here and he must stop her!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe?\u201d<\/p>\n He would not name the witch.\u00a0 His father had taught him that naming a thing gave it power.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing go to war,\u201d he repeated.\u00a0 \u201cFind her.\u00a0 Stop her.\u201d<\/p>\n Number one son sat down hard on his rocky chair.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 I can\u2019t let you go alone.\u00a0 It\u2019s far too dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing must<\/em> go.\u00a0 You stay.\u00a0 Look after brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my<\/em> responsibility ,\u201d Adam protested weakly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m the oldest.\u201d<\/p>\n The Asian man knelt and placed a hand on the young man\u2019s leg.\u00a0 When he touched it, Mistah Ben\u2019s son gasped.\u00a0 \u201cLeg infected,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cBefore man can help others, he must first help self.\u00a0 I treat again.\u00a0 You rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hop Sing,\u201d Mistah Adam said wearily, \u201cbut after you tend my leg, I\u2019m going.\u00a0 Not <\/em>you.\u00a0 Please don\u2019t take this the wrong way, but you\u2019re no warrior.\u00a0 If there\u2019s a battle to be fought, I\u2019ll be the one to fight it.\u201d\u00a0 Number one son looked at him.\u00a0 \u201cIs that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing said nothing, but rose and went to his kit.\u00a0 As he unpacked and ordered the medical supplies he had brought with him, he placed a pot of hot water on the fire and threw a handful of herbs into it.\u00a0 When Mistah Adam came over to ask what it was, he told him it was a strengthening tea and he must drink it before resting.<\/p>\n He lied.\u00a0 The tea would not strengthen, but it would make the boy rest.<\/p>\n Long enough for him to do what had to be done.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n FOUR<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing walked the landscape of his dream.<\/p>\n Before him, behind him; above and below him lay blackness.\u00a0 He was grateful for it.\u00a0 By the light of the waning October day, he had seen things he wished not <\/em>to see.\u00a0 Many lay dead.\u00a0 Men, women, children, and their animals.\u00a0 The mud became their grave.\u00a0 He did not stop to look and see if any wore a green corduroy coat or a fine linen shirt of blue.\u00a0 He knew the ones he sought were not here \u2013 they were there\u00a0 \u2013 beneath the stone bridge that lay a quarter mile before him.<\/p>\n In the lair of Madame White Snake.<\/p>\n In his dream he climbed into the Black Mountains, to the place where Hebo dwelt.\u00a0 Now, he descended into the black river water, feeling it rush past and tug at his pant legs, seeking to draw him down into its embrace.\u00a0 The wind was strong; its voice loud \u2013 but not so loud he could not hear.\u00a0 Far off a man was calling out.\u00a0 The Asian man halted to listen.\u00a0 The cry would give him direction.\u00a0 Sadly, Fengbo, the spirit of the wind, was a trickster.\u00a0 He rose in power and ate the man\u2019s words \u2013 swallowing them and spitting them out \u2013 so that he did not know which way to go.<\/p>\n \u2018Mighty Hebo,\u2019 he muttered under his breath.\u00a0 \u2018God of Jacob, direct me!\u2019<\/p>\n Three steps.\u00a0 Ten.\u00a0 Twenty.\u00a0 <\/em>On Hop Sing went, not knowing where<\/em> he went, but trusting he would be guided.<\/p>\n Then \u2013 came a miracle!<\/p>\n Amazed, he turned his face to the sky.\u00a0 It was no longer black.\u00a0 The moon had slipped out from under its blanket of clouds and shone with a pallid light, revealing a familiar figure standing in front of what should have been a bridge, but was not.<\/p>\n \u201cMistah Ben!\u201d Hop Sing shouted as he stumbled toward the ruins.\u00a0 \u201cMistah Ben!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright \u2013 one arm dangling useless at his side \u2013 turned a haggard face toward him.\u00a0 His lips parted, but no sound came out.<\/p>\n A moment later he found his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing!\u00a0 Thank God!\u00a0 My prayers have been answered!\u201d\u00a0 Mistah Ben gestured toward the river.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph fell in.\u00a0 The wreckage of the bridge stopped him from being swept away, but he\u2019s trapped \u2013 caught somehow!\u00a0 He was all right at first, but\u2026the water is rising.\u00a0 We have to get to him before \u2013 Joseph!\u201d\u00a0 The rancher staggered forward and shouted.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cHurry, Hop Sing, he\u2019s going under!\u201d<\/p>\n He did not know how he had missed the white face floating on the surface of the water.\u00a0 He saw it now, watched it disappear, and held his breath until \u2013 sputtering \u2013 Little Joe reappeared.<\/p>\n Hop Ling, his father, had taught him to always be prepared.\u00a0 Before he left the Ponderosa ranch house, he had gathered up what things he thought he might need for a water rescue.\u00a0 At the last moment, he had added a length of rope.\u00a0 The Asian man dropped the pack he carried, opened it, and pulled the twisted cord out.\u00a0 He hung it on his shoulder and then \u2013 as an afterthought \u2013 reached for what lay beneath.\u00a0 With the object safely tucked behind his belt, he rose and turned to face the broken bridge.\u00a0 Beneath it \u2013 within sight of where Mistah Ben\u2019s number three son struggled to remain above water \u2013 a serpentine form writhed, white as sea foam.\u00a0 It was the witch, Madame White Snake.\u00a0 She meant to claim Little Joe.<\/p>\n It was up to him to stop her.<\/p>\n The rancher came to his side.\u00a0 When he realized what he intended, his employer and friend reached out to stop him.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing!\u00a0 No!\u00a0 You can\u2019t go in.\u00a0 You\u2019ll drown too!\u201d\u00a0 Mistah Ben paled at the meaning of his words before indicating the shore with a nod.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s a long, strong branch over there.\u00a0 With my arm broken, I couldn\u2019t lift it.\u00a0 You can! \u00a0Together we can use it to reach out to Joseph \u00a0and bring him \u2013<\/p>\n \u201cHOP SING!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Though it was dark and silent beneath the waves, the pale face of Hebo shone above, revealing all.\u00a0 The remnants of the once mighty bridge, devastated by the flood, rose behind Little Joe and held him so he could not wash away.\u00a0 The boy\u2019s boots rested on a portion of it, allowing him to keep his head above the water.\u00a0 If not for the malice of Madame White Snake, whose long tale was wrapped around Little Joe\u2019s slender form, number three son could have walked to the shore.<\/p>\n He did not like the water as a boy and had no desire to enter it to refresh himself as the other boys did \u2013 not until the first time the Yellow River rose.\u00a0 It was then his father taught him how to swim and he became like a fish.\u00a0 In time, he learned to hold his breath longer than any of the others and was sent to dive for the shining pearls men coveted.\u00a0 Hop Sing understood his friend\u2019s fear for him, but he did not share it.\u00a0 He knew it was not his destiny to drown.<\/p>\n It was his destiny to save the one he loved.<\/p>\n Hop Sing stretched out a hand and used the hard stone to anchor himself.\u00a0 By the light of Hebo\u2019s face he was able to see the white witch\u2019s tail wrapped around Little Joe\u2019s left leg.\u00a0 The boy struggled, but his strength was almost gone.<\/p>\n Soon he would sink beneath the waters, never to rise again.<\/p>\n The Asian man dropped the rope he carried.\u00a0 It was worth nothing.\u00a0 Instead, he reached for the object God had caused him to tuck behind his belt \u2013 a large kitchen knife.\u00a0 The blade caught the moon\u2019s light and flashed as it came down on the witch\u2019s tail, cleaving it in two.\u00a0 As Little Joe kicked free and rose, Madam White Snake\u2019s blood \u2013 pale as the oyster\u2019s pearls \u2013 swirled about him, stinging his eyes and filling his nostrils.\u00a0 A face appeared before him; its malevolent black eyes at once human and not.\u00a0 It opened a gaping maw.<\/p>\n Hop Sing reared back.\u00a0 He felt pain.<\/p>\n And knew no more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When his eyes opened, Hop Sing smiled.<\/p>\n He knew he was in Heaven.<\/p>\n He had to be in Heaven for an angel leaned over him; her soft, golden curls cascading down to brush his cheek.\u00a0 The Asian man was surprised, though not dismayed, that her skin was not dark like his but pale as ivory.\u00a0 A pair of wide blue eyes stared at him with concern, and then lit with delight.<\/p>\n So it was not Hebo, but the God of Jacob who had answered his prayers.<\/p>\n Fingers touched his cheek and the angel spoke.\u00a0 He could not hear her words.\u00a0 Within his ears the river rushed still.\u00a0 It rushed so fast it carried him away again, past the broken stones of the bridge, back to the land of his childhood, and up into the Black Mountains.<\/p>\n The next time Hop Sing opened his eyes there was no angel, but a field of stars.\u00a0 He lay for some time staring up at their diamond hardness, wondering on which side he walked \u2013 earth or in heaven?\u00a0 Did his spirit wander the world he had known, reluctant to bid goodbye to the ones he loved, or was he on the other side of the clouds looking down on them?\u00a0 This last thought comforted him, for if it was true then \u2013 even dead \u2013 \u00a0he could still watch and tend.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n Fear gripped him at the sound of that beloved voice.\u00a0 No.\u00a0 No!<\/p>\n \u2018Little Joe not belong in land of dead!\u00a0 You go home!<\/em>\u2019 he shouted.<\/p>\n Or at least he did in his head.<\/p>\n A shadow blacked out a portion of the field of stars.\u00a0 \u201cPa!\u00a0 Pa! \u00a0You gotta come!\u00a0 Hop Sing\u2019s awake!\u201d<\/p>\n Awake?<\/p>\n \u201cNot\u2026dead?\u201d he managed to rasp out.<\/p>\n Someone crouched beside him and a hand fell on his shoulder.\u00a0 The Asian man blinked and looked up at Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 \u201cThank God, no.\u00a0 You\u2019re still with us,\u201d the rancher said with a smile \u2013 that lasted less than a heartbeat. \u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t you ever<\/em> do anything like that again!\u00a0 You frightened me out of ten years of life!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing had to\u2026.save Little\u2026Joe.\u201d\u00a0 He swallowed to clear his throat.\u00a0 \u201cIf not\u2026Madame White Snake\u2026would have\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere, drink this,\u201d another voice said as a hand holding a tin cup appeared above him.<\/p>\n He sipped the water and then looked up.\u00a0 Mistahs Adam and Hoss were there.\u00a0 Between them stood his pale, blonde angel.<\/p>\n \u201cIs he going to be all right?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n That confused him.\u00a0 Should his angel not know?<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine, Lily.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you worry.\u00a0 We just need to get him home and into his own bed.\u201d \u00a0Mistah Ben patted his shoulder before rising to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, come with me.\u00a0 We need to finish fixing up the wagon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get the horses ready,\u201d Adam said, and then added quickly, \u201cJoe, no.\u00a0 Don\u2019t even think about it!\u00a0 You are not<\/em> riding.\u00a0 You\u2019ll rest better in the wagon with Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need to rest.\u00a0 I\u2019m fine!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure you are.\u00a0 Fine as frog\u2019s hair,\u201d number one son said as he touched his brother\u2019s curly head.\u00a0 \u201cHumor me.\u00a0 You almost drowned.\u201d\u00a0 Adam glanced down at him, where he lay on the ground.\u00a0 \u201cYou both could have drowned.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing hid his smile as Mistah Adam walked away.\u00a0 \u201cCan someone tell this one what happened?\u201d he asked into the silence that followed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou hit your head,\u201d Lily said as she knelt beside him.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve got a big bump at the back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cApparently when you cut me free, I kicked out or something,\u201d Little Joe said, chagrinned.\u00a0 \u201cYou reared back and hit a piece of the stonework.\u00a0 If Hoss and Adam hadn\u2019t come along\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 The boy looked at him, tears in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, Hop Sing.\u00a0 You saved my life.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow you get in river in first place?\u201d he asked, a little more sharply than he intended.\u00a0 \u201cFather say you \u2018fall\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, sort of.\u201d \u00a0Mistah Joe scratched his head.\u00a0 \u201cI thought I saw something moving.\u00a0 Something big and white.\u00a0 I guess I was curious.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr stupid,\u201d Lily chimed in.<\/p>\n Number three son laughed.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, that too.\u00a0 The stone pathway was still there.\u00a0 All I had to do was walk across it.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t think that I might get caught on something, or that the water would rise that fast.\u201d<\/p>\n Lily wrinkled her nose.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 I shouldn\u2019t have said that.\u00a0 You\u2019re not stupid, Joe.\u00a0 You\u2019re really<\/em> brave. \u00a0If\u00a0 Hop Sing saved you, then you saved me!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe touched her cheek.\u00a0 \u201cI guess we were all pretty brave today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLily?\u201d<\/p>\n Her curly head turned toward the voice. \u00a0\u201cYes, Mister Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got the back of the wagon padded.\u00a0 With this arm,\u201d he patted his sling, \u201cI don\u2019t want to try climbing in the back.\u00a0 I need someone to try it out to see if it\u2019s comfortable enough for our two invalids.\u00a0 Would you like to help?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir!\u00a0 I want to make sure everything is just right for Little Joe\u2026and Hop Sing, of course.\u201d\u00a0 Lily started to go, but turned back and leaned down.\u00a0 Hop Sing felt her lips brush his cheek.\u00a0 \u201cThank you for saving Little Joe,\u201d she breathed in his ear and was gone.<\/p>\n Number three son watched her go before crouching beside him.\u00a0 His young face was thoughtful.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I ask you a question?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst Little Joe help Hop Sing sit up.\u00a0 Then ask question,\u201d he huffed.\u00a0 \u201cPosition on ground most undignified.\u201d<\/p>\n Mistah Joe held out his hand.\u00a0 \u201cOkay, but you gotta take it easy.\u00a0 That stone really walloped you good.\u201d<\/p>\n The world spun as he rose from the ground, and settled again as he sat and leaned against a tree.\u00a0 Hop Sing closed his eyes to allow his stomach to catch up, and opened them to find Little Joe watching him closely.<\/p>\n \u201cSo what leng chai<\/em> want to know?\u201d<\/p>\n Number three son frowned at the childhood endearment, but said nothing.\u00a0 \u201cDid you see<\/em> anything strange while you were down there?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n He shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWater very dark.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but the moonlight was on it.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe scowled.\u00a0 \u201cPa said it was probably some root or something that got wrapped around my leg, but\u2026.it didn\u2019t feel like a root.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat it feel like?\u201d<\/p>\n The boy turned to look at the river.\u00a0 The rain had stopped and Fengbo departed, so its surface was calm and reflected the star-studded sky like a mirror.\u00a0 \u201cIt felt like whatever had hold of me was alive.\u00a0 Like it had a mind and could predict what I was going to do.\u201d\u00a0 He shuddered before turning back.\u00a0 \u201cI thought for sure I was going to drown.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid Little Joe pray to the God of Jacob?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I did.\u00a0 Pa was praying too.\u00a0 How about you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing pray much to anyone who listen,\u201d he answered honestly.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I guess everyone<\/em> was listening because we\u2019re all okay.\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe turned to look at the wagon.\u00a0 \u201cSo is Lily.\u00a0 Tomorrow, we\u2019ll take her back to her family.\u00a0 They\u2019ve got to be worried sick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing worried too.\u201d\u00a0 He took hold of number three son\u2019s hand and squeezed.\u00a0 \u201cLeng chai<\/em> okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, your \u2018pretty little boy\u2019 is okay,\u201d Little Joe replied with a snort.\u00a0 \u201cOh no,\u201d he added a second later, \u201c don\u2019t do that!\u00a0 Don\u2019t you dare<\/em> do that to me.\u00a0 You\u2019ll get me<\/em> going!\u201d<\/p>\n Tears streamed down his cheeks.\u00a0 The question that had haunted him for so many years had been answered.<\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing, son of Hop Ling, for whom do you cry?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n This warrior\u2019s tears were tears of joy, and they were for his family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tags:\u00a0 Ben Cartwright,\u00a0flood,\u00a0Hop Sing,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n