Summary: Practice makes perfect when it matters the most.
\nWritten for day 21 of the 2021 Advent Calendar.
\nRating: G
\nWord Count: 2049<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Bonanza Song of the Bells<\/strong><\/p>\n After running errands in Virginia City, Adam entered the quiet ranch house.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0As he hung up his hat, the quietness ended when he heard a strange sound coming from the kitchen:<\/p>\n Bing, Bing, Bong.<\/p>\n Bing, Bing, Bong.<\/p>\n Bing, Bing, Bong\u2026Bing Bing.<\/p>\n A soft caterwauling accompanied the tune.\u00a0\u00a0Looking cautiously through the kitchen doorway, he saw Hop Sing softly playing a xylophonic-looking instrument and singing (?) to the tune.\u00a0\u00a0Curious, Adam quietly watched Hop Sing repeat the process.\u00a0\u00a0He was surprised to recognize the tune as Jingle Bells.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Adam queried.<\/p>\n \u201cTrying to learn bell song for friend,\u201d Hop Sing responded happily.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWant to make song and gift for Christmas. Friend like bells so this song and present will make friend happy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho is this friend?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n Hop Sing replied: \u201cYou know Missy Barton; sister of widow of church pastor?\u00a0\u00a0She my friend for many years.\u00a0\u00a0Meet her on ship when I come from China to America.\u00a0\u00a0She help me get to Virginia City and help me find job with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam knew Claire Barton and her widowed sister, Cathy Barton-Stays quite well.\u00a0\u00a0Although a new pastor had replaced the Reverend Stays shortly after his death, his widow had continued to live in Virginia City and, along with her sister, was still very active in the congregation and in many philanthropic groups.\u00a0\u00a0Both ladies were quite revered in Virginia City and were as close to sainthood as anyone in the town could be.\u00a0\u00a0However, Adam did not recall Claire Barton\u2019s role in bringing Hop Sing to Virginia City but was not surprised to learn she was a friend of Hop Sing.\u00a0\u00a0Claire Barton had been a missionary in China for many, many years and spoke the language fluently.\u00a0\u00a0She was very involved in affairs of the Chinese community, often helping newly arrived immigrants find their way in this new and very strange country that, often, did not welcome the people from China.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you plan to give her this gift and song?\u201d queried Adam.\u00a0\u00a0Intrigued by Hop Sing\u2019s idea and impressed with his sense of loyalty to the lady who had, apparently, befriended the young man alone in a new country many miles from anything and anyone familiar to him.\u00a0\u00a0Adam had been away at college when Hop Sing was first installed as the major factotum at the Ponderosa.\u00a0\u00a0Of course, being a young man and all alone, Hop Sing had quickly become more than just a employee and was, in fact, more family than servant.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t know for sure.\u00a0\u00a0But, maybe, go to house on Christmas Eve and play tune outside her door then give her present I make for her from bells.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0replied Hop Sing thoughtfully.<\/p>\n Adam smiled as he left the kitchen.\u00a0\u00a0He returned to the living room and picked up a book; an idea began to tickle the back of his mind.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He could help his friend make this a special occasion, indeed.\u00a0\u00a0He would talk with the rest of the family, and, if they agreed, he would present the idea to Hop Sing.\u00a0\u00a0Maybe the Chinaman would like the idea; maybe not.\u00a0\u00a0It was, however, an idea that could enhance the special and very personal gift he wanted to give to a person who was so special to him.\u00a0\u00a0As Adam thought about the idea, the soft sounds from the kitchen continued for a time.\u00a0\u00a0The music stopped, but the accented words of the song accompanied the rattle of cutlery and pans as Hop Sing began preparing dinner for his \u201cfamily.\u201d<\/p>\n Later, when the table had been cleared after a typically delicious meal by Hop Sing, and the Cartwright clan had settled into the living room for a quiet evening, Adam told the family about Hop Sing\u2019s plan for his friend.\u00a0\u00a0He added the idea that had been growing in his mind.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember when I hired Hop Sing,\u201d Ben said, puffing his pipe as he reminisced about that time.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAs you remember, before you left for college, Adam, there were a number of people I tried to get to work in the kitchen and keep house.\u00a0\u00a0For some reason, none of them were inclined to stay long.\u201d<\/p>\n Several glances shot around the room, but no one was inclined to follow up on Ben\u2019s remark.\u00a0\u00a0In those early days when the ranch and the Cartwrights were just coming into their own, Ben had been a sharp voiced task master whose gruff ways and belligerent tones had frightened away even the most patient and competent candidates within a few days.\u00a0\u00a0Ben had mellowed since that time.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI remember when Claire Barton approached me after church one Sunday to tell me she had a young Chinese man who was looking for a position in Virginia City and would I be interested in giving the young man a try? She brought him to the ranch the next day.\u00a0\u00a0Hop Sing looked very frightened and said little at the time.\u00a0\u00a0Still, I needed someone who could start right away.\u00a0\u00a0When Claire said Hop Sing could cook rather well (she had trained him herself in the art of American cooking), I hired him instantly.\u00a0\u00a0She showed him the kitchen and helped him settle in.\u00a0\u00a0Hop Sing has been here ever since.\u00a0\u00a0I think your idea is a fine one, Adam, but it has to be totally Hop Sing\u2019s decision.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben continued his thoughts quietly to himself.\u00a0\u00a0Somewhere in age between Hoss and Joe, Hop Sing\u2019s culinary abilities soon proved more than adequate.\u00a0\u00a0Hoss was delighted to have someone who could cook so well and had a more than fair hand with pastries and cakes and pies and doughnuts \u2013 especially doughnuts; Hoss\u2019s favorite treat.\u00a0\u00a0Joe had easily and quickly befriended the young man, showing him how to saddle and ride a horse, even giving him a horse of his own. When he came home to stay, Adam had been intrigued with Chinese philosophy and Hop Sing knew a good bit about the philosophers of his country.\u00a0\u00a0He and Adam had shared many a thought-provoking conversation about occidental versus oriental thought over a game or two of mahjong. Yes, Hop Sing was, indeed, more family than factotum.\u00a0\u00a0All of the Cartwrights added their ideas to Adam plan and soon, a marvelous scheme was developed.<\/p>\n The next morning the Cartwright clan descended on Hop Sing at breakfast.\u00a0\u00a0While Adam tried to keep the presentation logical and emphasized the choice was solely Hop Sing\u2019s, Joe soon chimed in with his ideas, followed quickly by Ben and Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0Hop Sing laughed with delight at the enthusiasm of the men he loved and their willingness to help him honor Claire Barton.\u00a0\u00a0He quickly agreed to their plan.\u00a0\u00a0Missy Claire would be astounded at the kindness of the Cartwrights, and, of course, by Hop Sing\u2019s idea.\u00a0\u00a0The chaos soon evolved into a well-orchestrated event.\u00a0\u00a0Hop Sing would, indeed, have his wish to make Christmas a very special time for his beloved friend.<\/p>\n Christmas Eve dawned clear and cold as the Cartwrights finished up their work and headed for the ranch house.\u00a0\u00a0After a warm lunch and much laughter, everyone scattered to his assigned tasks.\u00a0\u00a0Hop Sing prepared his present for Claire, practicing his song as he did so.\u00a0\u00a0The Cartwrights headed to the barn to get things together for the big event.\u00a0\u00a0By early evening, all was ready and a light snow had started to fall, decorating the landscape with a fantasy beauty all its own.\u00a0\u00a0Bundled against the weather in warm coats and gloves, the entourage headed into town.<\/p>\n As evening darkened the sky and lights beamed golden from the windows of the sisters\u2019 home, the sleigh came to a halt.\u00a0\u00a0On cue from Adam, the song rang out boisterously: \u201cJingle Bells, jingle Bells, jingle all the way!\u201d<\/p>\n A surprised Claire Barton opened the door to the quintet serenading her.\u00a0\u00a0Cathy Barton (who was also in on the plan) stepped behind her sister, holding a coat, scarf and mittens for Claire.<\/p>\n \u201cOh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Hop Sing jumped from the gaily decorated sleigh to help Claire into the seat and tuck a warm robe around her.<\/p>\n \u201cThere will be cocoa and cookies when you get home \u2013 and all of you have a wonderful time,\u201d called Cathy Barton-Stays as the sleigh pulled away, the harness merrily jingling its bells as the strong draft horse stepped lively to the road.\u00a0\u00a0All the way to the place where the Ponderosa overlooked Lake Tahoe and the rich forest below spread to the horizon, the Cartwrights sang carols to Claire, Hop Sing\u2019s voice blending with the others in joyous celebration of the holiday.\u00a0\u00a0There were many songs about bells accompanied by each Cartwright ringing his own bell in time with the bells on the harness.\u00a0\u00a0When they sang every carol and Christmas song they, knew, they sang them all again and again, their off key voices singing loudly and bells ringing grandly through the fantasy night.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Laughter rang out in the night accompanying the songs of joy and good will to all mankind (and womankind).\u00a0\u00a0Even the horse let out a whinny every now and then as if to add his own voice to it all.<\/p>\n The merry parade stopped at the crest of the hill.\u00a0\u00a0Below, the landscape white with snow was made silver by the full moon above.\u00a0\u00a0The lake was a dazzling crystal reflection of the diamonds riding high in the black sky.\u00a0\u00a0The trees, all robed in white, reflected the wonderous sight of the world on this magical night.\u00a0\u00a0For a time, there was only awe filled silence as each one of the people gazed at the world below.<\/p>\n Hop Sing handed Claire a round muff of green velvet.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cGift inside.\u00a0\u00a0Special gift for special friend who love bells.\u201d<\/p>\n Claire took the warm bundle and gently pulled a strange item from within the muff.\u00a0\u00a0The shimmer of bells danced into the night.\u00a0\u00a0She held up the bundle as a cascade of many tiny bells fell into a vertical, circular pattern to reveal an intricate windchime.\u00a0\u00a0She held up the chime as a light night breeze gave life to the bells. Their music was delicate and varied and in beautiful harmony.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Hop Sing, this is exquisite,\u201d Claire spoke softly, her voice full of emotion as she held the chime aloft to the gentle breeze.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cThank you, so very, very much.\u201d With a smile, she leaned toward Hop Sing and quickly kissed his cheek.\u00a0\u00a0Even in the dark, Hop Sing\u2019s blush was evident.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Claire special person to Hop Sing.\u00a0\u00a0Take care of me, help me learn to cook American foods, help me find job \u2013 and new family.\u00a0\u00a0You and Cartwrights all family to Hop Sing.\u00a0\u00a0Ponderosa home now.\u00a0\u00a0All I love here with me tonight. You all my presents, not just at holiday, but every day.\u00a0\u00a0All of you have heart of Hop Sing.\u201d His voice quavered with unshed tears as all that was within his heart spoke forth.<\/p>\n The quiet moment was broken when Hoss said, \u201cHey, it\u2019s cold out here and there is a big mug of hot chocolate and cookies waiting for me back in Virginia City.\u00a0\u00a0I bet there are doughnuts, too.\u00a0\u00a0Next to Hop Sing, Cathy Barton-Stays makes the best doughnuts!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019m ready to see if that\u2019s so,\u201d Ben laughed aloud as he turned Buck back toward town and the wonderful fellowship waiting there.\u201d<\/p>\n As Hop Sing turned the sleigh, the big horse shook his head, setting the harness bells dancing with the windchime and the handbells as the Cartwrights, Hop Sing and Claire started another happy chorus of carols and Christmas songs as they headed toward the warmth and treats Cathy would have waiting for them.<\/p>\n Riding slightly behind the entourage, Adam glanced up into eastern night sky.\u00a0\u00a0Riding in the zenith of the black night, a large star shone forth with brilliant jewel brightness \u2013 a star like no other he had ever seen.\u00a0\u00a0It was the final touch to a perfect night.\u00a0\u00a0Adam took up his guitar.\u00a0\u00a0His baritone voice began the words of the beloved song: \u201cSilent night.\u00a0\u00a0Holy night.\u00a0\u00a0All is calm.\u00a0\u00a0All is bright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n <\/p>\n No character nor item were listed<\/p>\n Link to Day 22 of the Bonanza Brand 2021 Advent Calendar:\u00a0 The Christmas Letter by mumu74<\/p>\n
\n~*~*~ Advent Calendar ~*~*~
\n* Day 21*<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n