Summary: In 1873, the deaths of Hoss and Alice so close together left Ben and Joe physically and emotionally, bankrupt. Father and son masked their grief, each hiding serious health issues from the other. By a miracle, both men survived and in the aftermath, Dr. Paul Martin prescribed the whole truth and nothing but the truth as a remedy. In 1875, their pact is still intact\u2026or is it? A sequel to \u201cMy Father\u2019s Heartbeat.\u201d It is helpful but not necessary to have read the first story.<\/p>\n
Rated: T<\/p>\n
Word Count:\u00a0 18,437<\/p>\n
My Father’s Heartbeat Series<\/strong>:<\/p>\n My Father’s Heartbeat<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n From the kitchen, Ben Cartwright heard the front door close but no subsequent tapping of boots on the hardwood floor. Worried, he walked into the great room to find Joe with his eyes closed leaning against the credenza, perspiration dripping from his matted hair, hat still clutched in his hands.<\/p>\n Ben pressed a closed fist against his chest and reached with his other hand for the arm of the settee to steady himself.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n A soft grunt was the only reply.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fi\u2014,\u201d Joe started to say, then exhaled and said simply. \u201cI\u2019ve got a headache. Too much sun. Thought I\u2019d get out of the heat for a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not much cooler in here,\u201d Ben said, pushing himself up straight.<\/p>\n Joe opened his eyes and offered a small smile. \u201cI was hoping it was my imagination.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing is making lemonade. Why don\u2019t we sit outside in the shade?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u201cLet me change out of these sweaty clothes and I\u2019ll join you.\u201d He dragged his feet across the room and labored up the stairs one riser at a time instead of making his normal two-step ascent.<\/p>\n Dismayed at Joe\u2019s demeanor, Ben absentmindedly rubbed his sternum which still bore the bruise caused by his son\u2019s fist.\u00a0Whatever Joe had done to bring him back from the dead, he didn\u2019t remember. According to the doctor, Ben\u2019s heart had stopped beating and he was no longer breathing.\u00a0If not for Joe\u2019s rage at the thought of his father giving up, he would not be here now.<\/p>\n Ben did recall Paul had lit into both of them for hiding their conditions\u2014him his chest pains and Joe, his weight loss and exhaustion. Deception and subterfuge had to end if either expected to live.\u00a0No more hiding their anguish at the loss of son and brother, wife and daughter-in-law, child and grandchild.\u00a0No masking their physical pain and deteriorating health behind the infamous Cartwright response to everything . . . \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d\u00a0Paul would not tolerate it and threatened, despite more than 30 years of friendship, to never see or treat either of them again if they didn\u2019t stop lying to each other and start being open and forthcoming.<\/p>\n It had been difficult for both of them to follow the doctor\u2019s edict of total honesty, but it was beginning to pay off as today proved. Joe would never before have confessed to suffering a headache. No. Previously he would have said he came up to the house for something to eat or drink or a tool of some kind and then gone back to work without admitting he was less than one hundred percent fit.<\/p>\n Ben picked up the newspaper from his red chair and called to Hop Sing. \u201cJoe and I will be on the porch. Please bring the lemonade when it\u2019s ready.\u201d<\/p>\n Outside he sat down and began pleating two sections of the newspaper into fans using an accordion fold. As he methodically creased each row he wondered how he\u00a0 became so accustomed to the recovery regimen that had kept him on a short leash following his illness. At the time, restricting his activities to bookkeeping, brief forays around the ranch and occasional trips into town for short visits with friends had been essential, but it was no longer necessary. \u00a0With Jamie now away at school, it occurred to him that Joe always found an excuse to accompany him wherever he went or send Candy or a ranch hand along on one pretense or another. No wonder he felt like an ancient, useless old man. What a fool I\u2019ve been!<\/em><\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Joe poured water into the basin and threw a towel in to soak before stripping off his shirt. It wasn\u2019t only the heat that had done him in, it was the task ahead that weighed heavily.\u00a0God, what am I going to say?<\/em><\/p>\n Squeezing out the excess moisture, he held the wet cloth against his eyes and sat on the edge of the bed making a practiced effort to even out his breathing. After a time, the pounding in his head lessened. He washed his face and neck and wiped under his arms before putting on a clean shirt leaving it loose and unbuttoned.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n \u201cAh, there you are,\u201d Ben said when Joe took a seat at the table on the porch.\u00a0\u201cI was beginning to think you\u2019d fallen asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n His cheeks bulging, Joe could only mumble. \u201cNpp. Hab to suberbise Hob Sink.\u201d\u00a0A torrent of Chinese emanated from the open kitchen window when the cook realized the macaroons he intended to serve for dessert that evening were missing.<\/p>\n \u201cUh-oh. Looks like you got caught,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n Joe swiped a hand across his mouth to cover a cheeky grin, then brushed the crumbs off his chest and pants. Using the toe of his boot, he hooked the rung of an empty chair and pulled it closer to serve as a footrest.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what we need here?\u201d he said, stretching out.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA hammock.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBeen many a year since I slept in one. Nice idea.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen was the last time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe last time you had an idea?\u201d Ben teased as Hop Sing set a pitcher and a plate of cookies on the table. When Joe reached for another macaroon, the cook slapped his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThese for Mr. Ben.\u00a0You not have more, spoil suppa!\u201d Hop Sing scolded but when he reached the kitchen door and looked over his shoulder to see both father and son munching away despite his admonition, he decided supper could wait.<\/p>\n \u201cThe last time I slept in one must have been when I took the clipper ship to New Orleans and met your mother. Nowadays passenger ships have cabins. But there is nothing like being cocooned and rocked to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe should get one then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMmmm,\u201d Ben said noncommittally before popping another of the moist morsels into his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cPa . . . I want to talk to you about something.\u201d<\/p>\n The choice of verb did not go unnoticed by Ben.\u00a0Want, not need. <\/em>His jaw tightened but he tried to keep his voice even.\u00a0\u201cOf course, son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRegarding Doc\u2019s \u2018truth serum,\u2019\u201d Joe rolled his eyes, \u201cthere has been something on my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n The corner of Ben\u2019s mouth twitched at hearing those words. He watched Joe study the scar on the pad of his thumb as if he\u2019d never seen it before.\u00a0That action melted the years away and brought another twitch to Ben\u2019s lips.\u00a0How reminiscent of the child you once were<\/em>. He ached to reach out and tussle the tow-headed boy of his memory, but when a breeze ruffled his son\u2019s salt and pepper hair, the image dissolved and he saw only the careworn face of a man who had become as transparent as . . . a boulder.\u00a0Ben huffed inwardly at the thought. Paul is right; we have been hiding from each other.\u00a0\u201cIs this personal or business?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA little of both.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m happy to serve as a sounding board or play devil\u2019s advocate\u2014whatever you need.\u00a0You remember Adam and I would frequently have discussions where we took the opposite point of view.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThose discussions always scared me.\u201d<\/p>\n Although surprised, Ben kept his tone light.\u00a0\u201cScared?\u00a0You?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2019s snoring would wake me up, but then I\u2019d hear voices so I\u2019d sneak out to the landing where I\u2019d lie on my stomach and look between the spindles.\u00a0In the beginning, I didn\u2019t understand much, but it sounded important so I\u2019d listen.\u00a0When you got to arguing, though, I got scared you would go away like Mama, and when Adam left for college, I was certain it was because of one of those arguments.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI often relied on Adam to test my reasoning when working out a thorny problem\u2014to see if there were any fallacies in my logic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI figured it out eventually, but it sure made for some sleepless nights when I was a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, son. I had no idea our discussions were so troubling to you then.\u00a0Of course, you shouldn\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014have been eavesdropping. I got it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled.\u00a0\u201cI\u2019d like it if you would feel free to challenge me and my thinking at any time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019ll do the same for me?\u00a0 Without lecturing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, son, without lecturing.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe took a swig of lemonade and let out a belch. He had the grace to look sheepish.<\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow but didn\u2019t comment.\u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s on your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking about our enterprises:\u00a0 cattle, timber, mining, horses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about them?\u201d<\/p>\n A hint of fear flickered before Joe blinked and lowered his eyes. \u201cI think it is too much for us . . . without Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Ignoring the fact he had been thinking the same thing, Ben replied sharply. \u201cI suppose I should thank you for using the plural.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed as he lifted the glass once more to his lips.\u00a0Sipping slowly, he stared over the rim at his father trying to decide whether his Pa had spoken in earnest or had merely attempted to deflect the topic.<\/p>\n \u201cYou thinkin\u2019 I was gonna put you out to pasture?\u201d he spoke into the glass.<\/p>\n Ben met Joe\u2019s gaze head on, neither man wavering.\u00a0Honesty.<\/em>\u00a0\u201cThe thought had crossed my mind,\u201d Ben said at last.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you can put that thought away right now,\u201d Joe said, punctuating the statement by banging his glass on the table so hard that lemonade slopped over the edge and onto the cookie plate soaking the remaining macaroons. \u201cGosh darn-it!\u201d he said, jumping up.<\/p>\n \u201cTake it easy, son.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe held the remaining macaroons in place with his fingertips and tipped the plate to drain the liquid into the dirt at the edge of the porch. When he sat down again, he rested his elbows on the table and rubbed his temples prompting Ben to ask if the headache had returned. No response signaled it had.<\/p>\n Ben rose and tiptoed to the side door of the kitchen. When he returned, he set a cup of ginger tea on the table, placed a dampened towel on Joe\u2019s neck, and began rhythmically rubbing his back.\u00a0I guess there are some things an ancient old man is good for after all.<\/em><\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n After their late supper, Joe lingered at the table\u2014something he wasn\u2019t in the habit of doing unless there was company.\u00a0Hoping they could finish the conversation begun on the porch, Ben requested Hop Sing serve coffee right then rather than later in the great room.\u00a0Ben sipped while his son did nothing more than stare at the liquid in the cup and run his right ring finger around the rim in slow motion.<\/p>\n \u201cSpit it out,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n Joe raised his head and stared at his father. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said you had something on your mind.\u00a0Talk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight.\u00a0Okay.\u201d\u00a0Joe took a deep breath.\u00a0\u201cCandy\u2019s become a part of this family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI agree.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to give him a piece of the Ponderosa to call his own. It wouldn\u2019t change our arrangement\u2014he would still be free to come and go as he pleased, but I\u2019d like him to know he has something to come back to regardless of what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n What happens?<\/em>\u00a0 Ben\u2019s heart skipped a beat.\u00a0He swallowed hard, \u201cIs there something you need to tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe ignored the implicit question, stating only, \u201cIt is something I\u2019ve been thinking about. The idea came to me the last time he went a-wanderin\u2019, you know?\u00a0 Thought knowing he owned something more than his saddle bags might make a difference someday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose you have a specific piece in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t get that far, Pa. I wanted to hear your thoughts first.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite his accusatory tone, Ben didn\u2019t have to think long. He\u2014the whole family\u2014owed Candy more than they could ever repay. \u201cI think it is a fine idea. When you decide, have the area surveyed and ask Hiram to draw up papers. I\u2019ll sign them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust like that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs there something wrong with my agreeing with you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought . . . I expected you\u2019d put up a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou spent more than half your life building the Ponderosa. I thought you might want to discuss it or at least have an opinion about which parcel to give away.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s sharp reply startled Ben and when his son started to rise, he said, \u201cSit down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe dropped into the chair and jutted out his chin. \u201cAll right, I\u2019m sitting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst of all, your request is not without precedent. You remember Big Swede?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe had to think for a moment. \u201cHoss\u2019s friend?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u00a0Hoss wanted him buried on the Ponderosa instead of boot hill because he had no family, no home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not talking about a burial plot!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow much land do you want, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he shouted.\u00a0\u201cHow much did you start with?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t raise your voice to me, young man.\u201d\u00a0I may have one foot in the grave, but I still deserve your respect!<\/em><\/p>\n Joe jumped up from the table knocking over his chair and stomped out of the house, slamming the door behind him. Stunned, Ben replayed the scene in his mind until Hop Sing trotted in from the kitchen.<\/p>\n As the cook picked up the chair he said, \u201cLittle Joe not himself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he\u2019s not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI open windows, draw bath. Good for him to cool down before sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben finished his coffee before strolling outside. The sun had dropped behind the mountains and although it was still hot the scent of pine was soothing.\u00a0He looked in the barn for Joe but saw the horses were gone and figured his son had turned them loose in the pasture to cool down.<\/p>\n Joe leaned against the fence with his arms draped over the top rail. He felt as dejected as he looked. \u201cWhat a hot mess,\u201d he grumbled to no one in particular. This wasn\u2019t what I wanted\u2014not any of it.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cBreeze is up a bit.\u00a0Hop Sing opened the upstairs to let in the night air,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0\u201cAnd there is bathwater for you when you\u2019re ready.\u201d A slight nod was the only acknowledgement he received.<\/p>\n Ben adopted his son\u2019s posture, putting one foot on the lower rail and his arms on the top.\u00a0\u201cThat young palomino is coming along nicely. What\u2019s his name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPrincess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought Buttercup\u2019s foal was a colt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is.\u00a0A very finicky, prissy, colt who doesn\u2019t like mud and will only eat carrots if you peel them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u00a0Well, Princess it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry I raised my voice, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I\u2019m sorry I upset you by not understanding what you were after.\u00a0Define \u2018decent-sized\u2019 spread.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA thousand . . . two thousand acres\u2014enough land to raise cattle, horses, crops\u2014whatever he wants.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be the crux of it then\u2014what he intends to do with it. If he wants to run 100 head of cattle, he will need five to seven thousand acres, depending on how much pastureland there is.\u00a0Of course, he could always mix his cattle in with ours.\u00a0Unless you think he might want to raise horses?\u00a0 Or alfalfa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what he wants to do or if he\u2019d even want to own a ranch.\u00a0I\u2019m… I\u2019m afr\u2014\u201c Joe\u2019s voice broke and he turned away from his father.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re afraid the next time he leaves, he won\u2019t come back.\u201d<\/p>\n When Joe nodded, Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is silly of me, Pa.\u00a0You\u2019ve dealt with so much more sorrow in your life than I have, but if we\u2019re telling the truth . . . I gotta tell ya, I don\u2019t have it in me to absorb another loss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI believe God doesn\u2019t give us more than we can handle.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe huffed. \u201cI don\u2019t have your faith anymore, Pa.\u00a0Maybe I never did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have enough faith for the both of us, son.\u201d\u00a0 Ben weighed his next words before speaking. \u201cYou know Candy better than anyone. You also know every square inch of the Ponderosa, undoubtedly better than I do these days.\u00a0I trust you to select the section that would be right for him but I am more than happy to go along to scout locations or offer suggestions, if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned and leaned his back against the fence with his arms folded across his chest.\u00a0\u201cOh, sure.\u00a0Any excuse to get out of doing the books.\u201d And then he laughed.<\/p>\n Although bewildered by Joe\u2019s mood swing, Ben felt relieved.\u00a0\u201cWe can go next week.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t.\u00a0I\u2019m going to San Francisco next week.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was taken aback. \u201cPleasure or business?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBusiness. Remember, I told you this afternoon I thought we had too much to handle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what do you hope to accomplish in Frisco?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI made appointments with our attorneys and investment advisors to get a better understanding of our holdings.\u00a0That was always yours and Adam\u2019s forte, not mine, and I need to understand how everything fits together.\u201d<\/p>\n Years of experience told Ben there was more to this trip than Joe let on and yet his son\u2019s reasoning was sound.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course you do,\u201d he said. Before something happens to me.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Henri DuBois, a tailor of extraordinary skill, removed snippets of fabric and thread from his bench, and put away his scissors and chalk. Satisfied with the restoration of his pristine work area, he sat down to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Darjeeling tea, his reward for completing a bespoke. Custom orders were his specialty.<\/p>\n One of the things Henri loved best about San Francisco was the variety of teas, herbs, and spices available in the city.\u00a0He had fallen in love with aromatic blends when he sailed aboard an India Clipper to seek his fame and fortune in America. Talent notwithstanding, the sixth son in a family of tailors going back four generations had no hope of inheriting the haberdashery owned by his father. Henri twisted the end of his thin, blonde moustache with his thumb and forefinger as he absentmindedly sketched a design for his new collection.<\/p>\n Raised voices from the front of the store seeped into his consciousness. Stepping through the curtains onto the sales floor, Henri at once spotted the source of the commotion. A . . . Qu’est-ce que c’est? \u00a0 How do you say?<\/em>\u00a0 . . . cow-boy, dusty and dirty from a long journey argued with a salesclerk who was trying to direct him to the mercantile across the street where counters stacked with Levis and other work clothes would fit his needs more than the haberdashery could. Tsk. <\/em>Aside from the obvious customer service issues, one glance told the tailor this man\u2019s physique was not suited for ready-to-wear. Further, however unclean they might be, the tailor could spot well-made garments of superior material and rushed to intercede.<\/p>\n \u201cExcusez-moi, Monsieur!\u00a0 May I be of assistance?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe Cartwright beamed. \u201cYou\u2019re French!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOui, Monsieur!\u00a0 Parlez-vous fran\u00e7ais?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNon.\u00a0My mother was from New Orleans. Hearing the language reminds me of her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am from Paris. Henri Dubois at your service.\u00a0I am a tailor and can make anything you desire.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy trip to San Francisco was unexpected and I didn’t pack clothes appropriate for the city.\u00a0Do you have anything in my size?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe occasion?\u00a0 Day or evening?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDay into evening?\u201d Is that even possible?<\/em>\u00a0 Life was a lot simpler on the ranch where he wore the same thing every day. \u201cAnd I need it today. This afternoon to be exact.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMmm.\u201d\u00a0Henri held his index finger to his lips and walked around Joe, looking him up and down. A shirt with the proper neck measurement would be too tight across the muscular chest and arms; pants fitting the slim waist would be too short in length and not ample enough in the crotch to accommodate the gentleman’s assets. This man definitely needed a bespoke, but there was not enough time, even for a tailor of his skills. Still a client is a client.<\/p>\n \u201cMonsieur, may I suggest a four-button coulter shirt and a Callahan frock coat to hide any flaws until your pants can be properly fitted.\u201d<\/p>\n Discomfited, Joe drew out a long, \u201cO\u2014kay,\u201d and made his way to a fitting room to undress.<\/p>\n With a clap of his hands, Henri directed the clerk here and there to assemble the necessary garments including underwear and accessories and then he entered the dressing room with tape measure, pad and pencil in hand.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Joe poked the prong of the buckle into the last hole of the new belt, pushed the end through the loop, and then accepted the string tie held out to him.\u00a0After tying the bow, he placed his arms into the waiting coat. The sleeves on the shirt were a bit long, but the cotton material was soft and the color was complementary to the chestnut brown frock coat. It was a little dandyish to his way of thinking but appeared to be similar to what men were wearing in San Francisco.<\/p>\n Stepping back, he checked the crease of his trousers and twisted his torso to view his profile in the shop’s cheval mirror.\u00a0Next, he pulled his elbows, first one then the other, across his chest to gauge the coat’s fit.\u00a0Last, he rolled his shoulders before letting his arms hang loose at his side.\u00a0Not satisfied, he tugged the cuffs of his shirtsleeves down slightly and then stood still.\u00a0His hazel green eyes surveyed the reflected image and a small frown appeared. I need a haircut and a different hat.<\/em><\/p>\n Misunderstanding the frown, Henri offered assurances he could make adjustments to the garments.<\/p>\n Joe looked at his reflection and thought again it wasn\u2019t him. But isn\u2019t that the point?<\/em>\u00a0 “These will do for now. I\u2019ll wear them.”<\/p>\n “But sir,” the tailor begged to argue and was silenced by a piercing look. “Of course, sir. Shall I put this on account?”<\/p>\n “No. I’ll pay cash,” Joe said, retrieving his wallet from his green jacket hanging on the dressing screen. “Please have my other clothes delivered to the Grand Hotel with a note asking them to be laundered.”\u00a0 Joe wrote \u2018John Carter\u2019 and a room number on the back of the sales slip and left it on the counter with payment and a generous tip.<\/p>\n “Certainly, sir,” Henri called out, but the shop\u2019s door had closed.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Aaron Perdue, M.D., Ph.D., MDCM, stepped onto the cable car at Clay Street marveling anew at the system of wire ropes, grips and levers that enabled the cars to traverse the steep incline up Nob Hill. The cable car system was a masterpiece of speed and efficiency compared to the horse-drawn cars of old. Even though the cable terminus was several blocks away from his home, the brisk walk enabled him to clear his head and focus before arriving at his office. He inhaled deeply allowing the ocean air\u2019s restorative powers to revive him after his long night and morning at the hospital.<\/p>\n When Dr. Perdue reached his destination, he paused in front of the Victorian structure to examine the freshly painted exterior. Upon entering, his assistant Jarold took his coat and announced a prospective patient in the parlor.\u00a0The doctor raised an eyebrow in response and looked down on the man, a habit that had as much to do with his considerable height as it did with his superior manner.<\/p>\n Unnerved by the arched brow, the assistant gulped and explained. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Doctor. The gentleman said James Flood referred him. Since your calendar was clear, I took the liberty\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The doctor extended his hand palm up and waited for the intake file to be placed thereon.\u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t fret, Jarold, it is not becoming. I will speak with Mr. Flood about his proclivity for referring hopeless cases.\u00a0Give me five minutes and then you may show the gentleman into my office.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, and Jarold, tell the painter the pair of corbels at the southwest corner are not of the same hue as the others. I expect the defect to be remedied today.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Perdue closed the file and picked up a medical journal.\u00a0A few minutes later, the door opened and a man wearing a chestnut brown coat and trousers crossed the threshold.\u00a0The doctor took in his appearance but did not rise nor did he offer the gentleman a chair.<\/p>\n \u201cI am a busy man, Mr. Carter. I do not have time to waste on fools who come here under false pretenses.\u201d<\/p>\n The man’s left eye narrowed imperceptibly, but he kept his voice even. “What do you mean?”<\/p>\n \u201cYou appear to be middle aged, although I suspect younger than your gray hair suggests.\u00a0Despite the quality of your coat\u2014which, by the way, is last season\u2014your clothing is untailored and ill-suited to your frame.\u00a0You are left-handed and accustomed to wearing a weapon of some sort.\u00a0The city is not your home.\u00a0You prefer the outdoors and are, no doubt, more comfortable in a saloon than a salon.\u00a0In short, Mr. \u2018Carter\u2019 . . . you are not who you claim to be.\u00a0I cannot abide deception or insolence.\u201d<\/p>\n To Perdue\u2019s surprise, the man before him did not wince at this brusque reproof, nor did he shrink from the withering gaze that routinely sent medical students, presidents, and kings alike running for cover.\u00a0No matter.\u00a0He would not tolerate such impertinence and this man was no longer of concern to him.\u00a0“Close the door on your way out.” Perdue dismissed him with a wave of his hand and resumed reading the medical journal.<\/p>\n Joe stood still for a moment, the acerbic words still ringing in his ears, then turned and closed the door.<\/p>\n It was moments before the doctor looked up and saw the gentleman had not only remained in the room, but now stood immobile in front of his massive desk. Testosterone radiated from him.\u00a0When the man placed his fingertips on the desk blotter and leaned forward until his face was but inches away, the doctor pushed his chair back.\u00a0Before he could protest, however, he heard what sounded like a feral growl.<\/p>\n “My name is Joe Cartwright. I’m 33, a rancher, and I break horses for a living. At one time or another, I’ve broken nearly every major bone in my body and a host of smaller ones.\u00a0I’ve been shot, stabbed, drugged, and beaten . . . more than once.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBravo for you, dear boy. The point?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe point, dear doctor, is I am not a simpering fool who weeps over a hangnail.\u00a0I know what pain is.\u201d<\/p>\n Resuming his customary aura of superiority, the doctor waved a hand abstractly, \u201cAnd how should that concern me?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe straightened his back but otherwise did not budge.<\/p>\n In a contest of wills, Dr. Perdue was a champion, but he had never before met a Cartwright, especially this Cartwright.<\/p>\n When the doctor blinked first, Joe resisted the urge to smile.\u00a0Instead, he stepped back from the desk and walked the perimeter of the walnut-paneled room. Three walls featured floor-to-ceiling bookcases filled with medical textbooks\u2014several, he noted, written by Perdue\u2014classic literature and novels by modern masters like Dickens, Poe, Balzac, Stevenson, Cervantes, and others. A stack of obviously well-read periodicals and newspapers in at least five different languages (damn!)<\/em> rested in neat piles on a low table in front of an enormous maroon velvet chaise.\u00a0An array of citations and awards in various languages and diplomas from three universities adorned the walls on either side of the door where he had entered. Odd. Most doctors display their credentials so their patients can see them on the way in, not on the way out.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI was told you were the best diagnostician west of Chicago,\u201d Joe said when he returned to face the doctor.<\/p>\n \u201cI am the best in the country, if not the world.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cModest, too, I see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no room for modesty when lives are at stake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome would say that is arrogance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been accused of being arrogant, but when you are very good, there is no shame in admitting it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you, doctor?\u201d\u00a0Joe tilted his head to one side. \u201cVery good? I already know you are arrogant.\u201d<\/p>\n Beneath the question, Dr. Perdue heard something else. Aware his size intimidated most men he rose from his chair and moved to the center of the room to stand in front of Joe. At 6\u20196\u201d and 290 pounds, the doctor had few equals in stature. He was, therefore, surprised when this Joe Cartwright not only did not flinch but never lost eye contact with him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are your symptoms?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI’m tired.\u00a0All the time, regardless of how much I sleep.\u00a0I’m losing weight no matter how much I eat.\u00a0I have headaches no remedy\u2014pharmaceutical, patent or herbal\u2014will touch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPain?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you familiar with ranching, doctor?<\/p>\n \u201cEnlighten me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAches and pains are a part of living. There is not a single job on our ranch I don\u2019t tackle myself. Not every day, but often enough to show the hands I know what to do, understand what I ask of them, and comprehend any problems. I break horses meaning I get thrown often and land hard.\u00a0I lift bales of hay, grass, alfalfa . . . 75 \u2013 100 lbs. each. I . . . .\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s shoulders slumped. What is the point in arguing?\u00a0<\/em> \u201cSometimes my gut gets out of whack.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cConstipation?\u00a0 Diarrhea?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I should decide to accept you as a patient, it would be with conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSuch as?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwo weeks here in my private clinic. A fee of $3,000 which includes a battery of tests, many of which are unpleasant. You will follow my rules without exception.\u00a0One violation and you will be discharged.\u00a0No refund.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne week.\u00a0Prorated. And if I should decide to accept you as my doctor, it would also be with conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSuch as?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo one is to know my real name or that I am here.\u00a0No one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about James Flood?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled.<\/p>\n Of course. Deception again. <\/em>\u201cHave you even met him?\u201d Perdue asked.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a matter of fact, I have, which is why I must insist on anonymity. My family is a major stockholder in the Consolidated Virginia Mining Company and the Bank of Nevada.\u00a0My father is recovering from a heart condition and I am in charge.\u00a0If it became public knowledge I am less than fit, it could have devastating consequences for the ranch as well as our numerous investments.\u201d\u00a0Joe moved back a step and again took in the myriad diplomas and citations adorning the walls.\u00a0\u201cFlood raved about your skills when you diagnosed his daughter and prevented an unnecessary surgery.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI saved her life.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe said she will never have children, but she will live.\u00a0Said it was a miracle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you looking for miracles, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI believe we make our own miracles, Dr. Perdue.\u00a0I also believe in God-given skill and talent.\u00a0I\u2019m asking for yours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne week,\u201d the doctor agreed and then opened the door. \u201cJarold, show Mr. Carter to the examination room and have him disrobe.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Unlike the Doctor\u2019s windowless office, the examination room in the cupola on the third floor had windows on three sides which flooded the space with light.\u00a0Painted an unusual shade of white, the walls reflected the changing colors of the waters of San Francisco Bay as sunlight moved across its surface.\u00a0In addition to the natural light, there were a half dozen sconces around the perimeter of the room and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling.<\/p>\n Center stage was a leather-covered platform at least four feet high with a small pillow at one end and a folded sheet at the other. Joe disrobed and hung up his new outfit on a clothes tree next to a white coat that looked like a slicker but was made of cotton, not oil cloth.<\/p>\n With nothing else to do, Joe hopped up on the table.\u00a0Dr. Perdue arrived as if on cue, carrying a portable writing desk with inkwell and pen which he placed on a side table before exchanging his grey morning jacket for the white coat. He then dipped the pen in the inkwell and began writing.<\/p>\n Dr. Perdue was thorough and dispassionate in obtaining a complete medical history.\u00a0Joe tried to match his tone and manner but discovered being naked in front of a total stranger while answering probing questions concerning every malady, sneeze, hiccup and cough that had befallen him in more than three decades of living was unnerving. Chicken pox, yes. Scarlet Fever, no. Measles, yes. Typhoid, no. Cholera, no. Flu, yes. Bronchitis, yes. Consumption, no. Pneumonia, once or twice. Erectile dysfunction? No. Whooping cough, not that he remembered. Tonsillitis? Appendicitis? Piles? Ingrown toenails? Gum abscesses? Boils? No. No. No. A thousand times no!<\/p>\n When the doctor put his pen down and capped the inkwell, Joe started to feel relieved until Perdue pulled matches from his vest pocket and began to light every lamp in the room, including the chandelier which operated on an ingenious pulley system.\u00a0When the wicks were turned up, Joe shaded his eyes from the glare, but not before he clearly saw the doctor remove the largest magnifying glass he had ever seen from his coat pocket. What the hell?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cLay face down, please. You may use the pillow if you wish.\u201d<\/p>\n With equanimity rarely displayed in Paul Martin\u2019s presence, Joe endured the exam without complaint as the doctor moved the looking glass over every inch of Joe\u2019s scalp and backside, including the soles of his feet and in between his toes, pausing often to write in his portfolio.<\/p>\n Aside from an occasional \u201chmm,\u201d the pen scratching was the only sound in the room. Curious, Joe glanced sideways at the notepad and saw outlines of a male figure front and back with arrows pointing to notations in the margins. To keep from imagining the worst, he focused on the sounds of the city, the fog horns on the bay, the chimes from the clock tower on Nob Hill. He must have dozed off for when the doctor tapped his shoulder and motioned for him to roll over the sun was lower in the sky.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s bravado evaporated. It was one thing to expose his bum and quite another to lay face up naked as a jaybird. He grabbed the sheet from the foot of the table and covered his privates before the doctor began again.\u00a0Even Paul Martin had never been this up close and personal\u2014at least not since he was born. Joe bit his lip and gripped the side of the table until it was over.<\/p>\n \u201cCome to my office when you are finished dressing.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Joe brightened. \u201cA diagnosis so soon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA few follow up questions. Please be seated.\u201d<\/p>\n Deflated, Joe took a seat and waited impatiently while Dr. Perdue perused numerous pages of notes.<\/p>\n \u201cYour scars have healed remarkably well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks to our cook\u2019s salves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the credit for suturing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo our local doctor, Paul Martin, and a few others whose names I don\u2019t remember for injuries received on cattle drives, gun fights, accidents, bar brawls. Life in a frontier town, you know?\u201d Joe\u2019s quip was ignored.<\/p>\n \u201cGunshot wounds?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA few, most through and through, although a few needed doctoring.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe scars on your left shoulder?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRifle slug and a wolf bite.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Perdue raised his head. \u201cHow long ago?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYears ago. Ten more or less.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight shoulder?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cArrow. I do remember that doctor\u2026 Issac Dawson.\u201d Joe pressed his lips together and to keep them from trembling. \u201cHonorable man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo any of these scars give you trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRestricted movement, aches, throbbing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. My brother Hoss had bunions that predicted the weather, but me\u2026 no.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPast tense.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou used the past tense. Your brother is no longer living?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIllness or accident?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAccident. Wrong place, right time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mentioned your father was recovering from a heart ailment. Your mother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDied almost 30 years ago. Fall from a horse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny other siblings?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYounger brother at University. Older brother living abroad.\u201d Agitated, Joe stood. \u201cAre we done here? I have things to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive Jarold your local address on your way out so we can contact you regarding your stay at the clinic. Good day\u2014\u201d The door slammed shut before Perdue could say, \u201c\u2014Mr. Carter.\u201d<\/p>\n The doctor stared thoughtfully at the closed door for some time before picking up his pen, dipping it in the inkwell and continuing to write in his portfolio.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJohn Carter\u201d returned to the Grand Hotel that evening and made arrangements to move into a room with a private bath, explaining business in the area would take him in and out of the City over the next month. Despite the ostentatious name, the hotel was in reality a small establishment, off the beaten track and one Joe felt would keep him away from gossips and prying eyes. Mr. Wilhelm Stuyvesant, general manager, was more than willing to accommodate a semi-permanent guest who insisted on the utmost privacy, especially one who paid cash up front and tipped well.<\/p>\n Getting away from the ranch for a week would be a problem, but one Joe could surmount.\u00a0He wasn\u2019t above using his younger brother as an excuse, but he would leave Candy out of any sleight of hand or downright deception.\u00a0He reasoned Jamie would forgive him at least once, but he wasn\u2019t so sure Candy would again. He had put his best friend through the wringer testing their relationship at every turn. Joe knew what a horse\u2019s ass he\u2019d been\u2014willful, unreasonable, cantankerous, and at times petulant.\u00a0Every form of abuse heaped at one time or another upon his older brothers over his lifetime had been thrust solely at Candy in the past two years . . . why?\u00a0 Because Candy can take it and Jamie wouldn\u2019t begin to know how.<\/em><\/p>\n Jamie\u2019s own hold on being a Cartwright was too tenuous.\u00a0Although the adoption was their father\u2019s doing, he and Hoss had not objected because they understood Pa needed Jamie as much as the orphan needed a father.\u00a0Since then, the boy had been wrapped in wadding.\u00a0True, Pa held him accountable for his actions, but the young man hadn\u2019t shared in building the ranch; never defended the Ponderosa against all comers; never been shot keeping what was theirs; never been beaten to a pulp because his last name was Cartwright. Joe laughed aloud, as surely as Adam would have, if he knew what his kid brother was planning.<\/p>\n First-born Adam had fought hard to balance the family\u2019s over-indulgence of the youngest scion. Although he had taught his youngest brother how to fight, how to shoot, how to make love to a woman\u2014the one thing he had never taught Joe was how to lie.\u00a0No Cartwright lied.\u00a0Ever.<\/p>\n Joe scheduled another business trip to San Francisco and, on the pretext of visiting Jamie, extended his visit.\u00a0Ben saw no reason to object.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The day after his business meetings concluded, Joe headed over to the University. After a half-hour pacing the floor in the parlor of Jamie\u2019s boarding house, Joe stormed up to campus in a fit of pique. When the admissions office informed Joe there were over 400 students on campus, he regretted not paying more attention to the pre-college planning discussions and late-night conferences between his younger brother and their father.<\/p>\n The only recourse was to plant himself under a tree outside South Hall and wait for classes to let out.\u00a0Twice the building disgorged students onto the lawn.\u00a0He had thought spotting a curly redhead in the crowd would be easy, but a number of students wore hats and scattered like ants at a picnic. He brought his hands to his mouth and mimicked the call of the Western Meadowlark\u2014but aside from receiving a few odd looks, no one responded in kind.<\/p>\n The doors opened a third time and another wave of students exited. This time he whistled louder and saw a head turn searching for the source of the familiar sound.\u00a0He repeated the call and Jamie started running.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe! I almost didn\u2019t recognize you in city clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow ya doin’, Jamie?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI’m\u2014wait.\u00a0Why are you here?\u00a0Is it, Pa?\u00a0Has something happened to him?\u00a0Is he all right? Did Candy come with you?\u00a0If you\u2019re here, who\u2019s\u2014”<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Whoa!\u00a0Slow down.\u00a0Pa’s fine.\u00a0Doing real well in fact.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou’re sure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI’m sure. Candy sends his best. Oh, and here you go,\u201d said Joe pulling a parcel wrapped in waxed paper from his jacket.\u00a0\u201cHop Sing sent along some gingersnaps.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, great. Hey . . . it\u2019s been opened.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed.\u00a0\u201cWell, I confess, I had a couple while I was waiting for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Jaime peeked under the flap and frowned. \u201cA couple?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay.\u00a0A few.\u00a0How about a beer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI ah . . . um.\u201d Jamie stammered, looking over his shoulder toward the steps where a comely girl with honey brown hair waited.<\/p>\n \u201cYour young lady can join us for coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Oh. She’s not . . . aw, she\u2019s a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n The red tint rising from Jamie\u2019s neck to brow betrayed the statement but Joe let it go, remembering all too well how mercilessly his older brothers teased him when he had started sparkin\u2019. Grabbing his brother by the arm, Joe said, \u201cCome on.\u00a0Introduce us.\u00a0She probably prefers mature men.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhaa?\u201d\u00a0Jamie pulled up short.\u00a0\u201cYou\u2019re funnin\u2019 me, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s only response was to wiggle his eyebrows.<\/p>\n Flustered, Jamie fumbled the introductions, but Gwyneth didn\u2019t notice.\u00a0When she offered her hand to Joe, he kissed it and tucked it into the crook of his elbow.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, where can a fella get a cup of coffee around here?\u201d<\/p>\n She blushed before identifying a nearby caf\u00e9.\u00a0\u201cThe menu is not extensive, but the coffee is strong and the service is fast.\u00a0I have another class in an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n When Joe removed his hat upon entering the cafe, Jamie exclaimed, \u201cYou cut your hair!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is still longer than Pa prefers and he most likely won\u2019t even notice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do it then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI decided appearing like a riverboat gambler was not the best look when dealing with bankers and lawyers.\u201d He shook his shoulders in a mock shiver. \u201cI hope it grows back before the snow falls.\u201d<\/p>\n Over coffee, Joe learned Gwyneth was majoring in agriculture, with the goal of modernizing methodologies at her family\u2019s alfalfa farm in Grass Valley.\u00a0One brother had died in the War Between the States and another was a violinist with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.\u00a0At first, her father had been perplexed when his daughter expressed interest in farming but when she showed an aptitude for it, he gladly sent her to college.\u00a0When Joe commented on the number of women he had seen, Gwyneth explained more than half the students at Berkeley were female.<\/p>\n \u201cMy older brother Adam tried to get me to continue my education,\u201d Joe said.\u00a0\u201cIf he had told me how many women there were, I might have considered it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could still attend,\u201d Gwyneth offered earnestly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Ponderosa is all I want.\u201d<\/p>\n Jamie chimed in, \u201cbut if you\u2019re really\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014It is the only thing that matters!\u201d\u00a0Joe stood and exited the caf\u00e9 leaving stunned companions in his wake.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, Jamie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t do anything wrong, Gwen. I\u2019m the one who pushed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no age limit on learning.\u00a0Some of the men in my classes are twice my age.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAge isn\u2019t the issue.\u00a0After college, Adam grew dissatisfied with life on the ranch and moved away. Joe never got over his leaving. I think he felt abandoned and it was easier to blame higher education than accept the ranch wasn\u2019t enough to hold his brother.\u00a0Come on.\u201d He grabbed her books as he rose from the table. \u201cYou\u2019ll be late if we don\u2019t go now.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Joe fell into step several yards behind the young couple when they left the cafe but did not announce his presence. Instead, he watched their body language as they headed back to campus.\u00a0Jamie gallantly carried her books but did not hold her hand.<\/p>\n Of course, any comparison to himself was pointless. By the time he was Jamie\u2019s age he had loved and buried two women.\u00a0Joe didn\u2019t know for certain, but suspected Jamie still hadn\u2019t taken a bite of the apple.<\/p>\n He watched as they crossed the plaza and made their way to South Hall.\u00a0When he caught up to them on the steps, he apologized.<\/p>\n \u201cGwyneth, it was a pleasure meeting you.\u00a0I hope you\u2019ll allow me to make up for my unruly behavior the next time I\u2019m in town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all necessary, sir. I\u2019m sorry if I tugged at an open wound.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe bristled at being called \u2018sir\u2019 but smiled politely as she hurried into the building. Turning to Jamie, he asked, \u201cWhat about you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m finished for the day, and I\u2019m starving since you ate all my cookies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould a steak help?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou bet!\u00a0 I\u2019ll drop my books off at the boarding house and we can head to O\u2019Malley\u2019s before it gets too crowded.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot before I see how you live. Pa\u2019s gonna drill me for details.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u00a0But what\u2019s between brothers, stays between brothers, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMeaning what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRelax, kid.\u00a0I\u2019m not going to tattle if your room\u2019s a mess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen I don\u2019t have to worry about the bottle of whiskey under my bed,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhaa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGotcha!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe doffed his hat and swiped Jamie\u2019s behind.\u201cScalliwag!\u201d<\/p>\n Jamie laughed but had the disquieting suspicion he was about to be caught in a spider\u2019s web.<\/p>\n As they strolled along the south fork of Strawberry Creek, Joe commented he hadn\u2019t expected to find such a serene scenic spot in the city.<\/p>\n \u201cI come here a lot when I get homesick for the Ponderosa,\u201d Jamie said. \u201cIt reminds me of the trail along the Carson River where you and Hoss took me fishin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood memories,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe best.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou get homesick often?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI miss you and Pa and . . . \u201c<\/p>\n Suddenly, Joe pulled Jamie into a bear hug and held fast. \u201cI\u2019m miss him, too,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n As they continued their walk, Joe probed for information about his brother\u2019s classes and what he was learning but resisted the urge to tease him about Gwyneth. At one point, he said, \u201cYou can come home anytime you want to. Send word and I will come and fetch you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can get home on my own, Joe.\u00a0I\u2019m not twelve.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven at twelve I suspect you got a long pretty well by yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Jamie puffed up.\u00a0\u201cYeah, I did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou had to then.\u201d\u00a0Joe stopped and turned him so they were face to face. \u201cYou\u2019re not alone now, Jamie, even though it may feel like it at this big school. You\u2019re a part of a family.\u00a0You\u2019re a part of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n Jamie drew himself up to his full height, which at age 20 was still shorter than Joe, and looked him in the eye. \u201cSo are you, big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAll right. Spill,\u201d demanded Candy after Ben retired for the night.<\/p>\n \u201cSpill what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe real reason you\u2019re taking another holiday.\u00a0We don\u2019t have time for this, you know.\u00a0We\u2019ve got cattle to push, timber to cut.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sound like Adam,\u201d Joe said into his coffee cup.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sound like Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you heard me, then why did you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I couldn\u2019t believe you would say I was like Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe mimicked Candy. \u201c\u2018I\u2019ve got cattle to push, timber to cut.\u2019\u00a0 Yep, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCut it out!\u00a0 You know what I mean.\u00a0We\u2019ve contracts to fulfill.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI signed them, remember!\u00a0And keep your voice down so we don\u2019t wake Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs this a repeat of last year?\u00a0Don\u2019t give me that look.\u00a0You think I don\u2019t notice?\u00a0You\u2019re not sleeping, you\u2019re losing weight again, and you\u2019re as changeable as Nevada weather.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not intentional!\u201d Joe shot back. \u201cLast year my condition was self-inflicted,\u201d he said, before breaking eye contact. \u201cNot now.\u201d\u00a0Joe sat forward with his forehead in the palms of his hands.<\/p>\n Candy stared at his best friend, his brow furrowing.<\/p>\n \u201cYou okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot really.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat’s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing . . . And everything.\u201d\u00a0 When Candy didn\u2019t respond, Joe added, \u201cI may be sick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I\u2019m a hypochondriac.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis from a man whose every other word is \u2018I\u2019m fine\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s two words.\u201d<\/p>\n Frustrated, Candy got up from the table and retrieved the whiskey decanter from the great room. Surprised when Joe covered his coffee cup with the palm of his hand, he poured himself a double shot and then sat down to wait however long it took. His cup was empty before Joe spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw a doctor in Reno who thinks I might have an ulcer.\u00a0Another one in Sacramento believes it\u2019s a tumor which he can remove\u2014or not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cOdds?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe can\u2019t give any.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan’t or won’t?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo 50\/50 then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore like 80\/20.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell those odds aren\u2019t so . . .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAgainst.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u201cI\u2019m not even sure he knows what he\u2019s talking about. It\u2019s not like he can see inside you.\u00a0Another doctor wanted to do what he called \u2018exploratory surgery\u2019 and root around in my gut.\u00a0Yet another doctor said the tumor\u2014if I have one\u2014may be slow growing and I\u2019d outlive it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does your Pa think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t decided what to say to him . . . If anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean ‘if’?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf it is a slow growing tumor, it may take years before it causes symptoms I can’t handle. Why put him through that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou and your Pa promised Paul Martin you wouldn’t keep secrets from each other anymore. Wait a minute! Doc Martin . . . does he know about this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCriminy, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Silence.<\/p>\n \u201c80\/20 against?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Pretty long odds.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you ask me, you’re betting against yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow so?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou’re going to die without an operation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWere all going to die someday, Candy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you’re taking the easy bet if you do nothing. I figured you for more of a risk taker.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think I should gamble?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s what you do.\u00a0It is what you\u2019ve always done from what I hear.\u00a0You go all in, Joe.\u00a0I’ve never known you to do less.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, well, things are different now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI’m the only Cartwright left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about Jamie?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t mean the name.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet me get this straight. Isn\u2019t it you who always says it takes more than blood to make a brother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll my life, Pa\u2019s talked about grandchildren. I’m the only one left to carry on the blood line.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think your Pa gives a hoot about that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n The ticking grandfather clock in the great room echoed off the stucco walls sounding like far off cannon fire.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about this pact you made with Doc Martin?\u00a0I won\u2019t lie to your Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not asking you to.\u00a0I won\u2019t lie to Pa either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot telling the truth is the same as lying in my book.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI tell the truth\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut not the whole truth, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe bowed his head in resignation.\u00a0There was no getting around Candy, as much as he might want to.\u00a0Not that he did.\u00a0In truth, it would be a relief to have someone be aware what he was up to\u2014a safety valve so to speak\u2014in case everything went to hell in a hand basket. Sometimes the man could be as doggedly persistent as his older brother, like a burr under the saddle, irritating and unrelenting. \u201cAdam called it \u2018The sin of omission.\u2019\u00a0 Tell enough truth to allow Pa to draw his own conclusions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich, of course,\u201d Candy said, \u201cwere incorrect because he didn\u2019t have all the facts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes.\u00a0You\u2019d be surprised how often he got it right, even with incomplete information.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA father\u2019s intuition?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about Jamie,\u201d Candy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m keeping him out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are the most exasperating person I\u2019ve ever known.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t know many people then, do you?\u201d A weak half smile pulled at the corner of Joe\u2019s mouth momentarily, but soon dissolved. He raised his head and was taken a-back at the intensity with which Candy\u2019s blue-eyes appraised him yet there was no anger, no reproach behind the gaze only concern and caring. So like Hoss.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI need some time to think it through.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stood in front of the window in Dr. Perdue\u2019s Nob Hill examination room only halfheartedly listening to the doctor\u2019s findings.\u00a0The other half of him stared absentmindedly at the ships in the harbor, wondering if Adam had sailed on one of them, and if he\u2019d ever found his dream. Was he living on some tropical isle eating coconuts and making love to topless native women in grass skirts?\u00a0 Or climbing a mountain in Tibet? Or exploring the ruins of Mt. Olympus, drinking ouzo with a shepherd?<\/p>\n He remembered his ten-year-old self sensing the difference in Adam when he came home from college forever changed. Although he didn\u2019t have the words then to explain it, he had intuitively understood the seeds of wanderlust had been sown and would lay dormant in Adam\u2019s soul awaiting a far distant spring.<\/p>\n A sudden wave of melancholy washed over Joe and his heart sank to the pit of his stomach. The sound of blood pumping in his ears subsided as the doctor\u2019s words rose to the surface.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026suffering from lead poisoning. You\u2019re welcome to a second opinion, of course, but I am confident in my diagnosis.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned to face the doctor and said \u201cfifth\u201d before stepping forward and collapsing against the exam table.<\/p>\n Dr. Perdue swiftly scooped up Joe\u2019s legs and laid him down on the table. He walked to the door and called out, \u201cJarold, please bring me the sphygmograph and a blanket.\u201d<\/p>\n The requested items were delivered to the physician and Jarold remained to assist Perdue with the placement of the device onto Joe\u2019s right forearm and to make the adjustments needed to measure his blood pressure.<\/p>\n \u201cWill an ambulance be required, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t believe one will be necessary, Jarold. Would you please light the stove in my office and clear the chaise of books. I think Mr. Carter will be more comfortable there while we discuss his treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n \u201cYour symptoms have not abated, Mr. Cartwright. If anything, by your own admission they have not only grown more severe but multiplied. Headaches, joint pain, stomach cramps, irritability and now high blood pressure. That alone will kill you if the lead in your body is not removed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I\u2019m telling you, the bullet was removed. I was conscious for every agonizing moment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cConscious?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo anesthesia. No doctor. Ten years ago Nevada was still a territory. On average there was only one doctor every 100 miles. My brother removed the bullet with a kitchen knife.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Perdue rocked back in his desk chair. He was, of course, aware frontier physicians were often called upon to operate under less than optimum circumstances in often barbaric conditions, but it made his stomach churn at the thought of an untrained civilian plunging dirty and dull implements into anyone, let alone a relative.<\/p>\n \u201c. . . literature. You and my father have a lot in common.\u201d<\/p>\n The doctor hadn\u2019t been listening and uttered a vague, non-committal, \u201cHow so?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gestured towards the books on the table. \u201cThoreau, Muir, Powell. My father was one of the first conservationists in the Tahoe Basin. Jim Flood is all too well aware of that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExplain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey have butted heads more than once through the years over clearcutting and watershed issues.\u201d Joe picked up\u00a0Walden\u2019s Pond<\/u> and thumbed through it thinking again of Adam and his quiet desperation. He slammed the book shut and tossed it on the table.<\/p>\n \u201cMy brother was the one who shot me and the one who dug the bullet out. It will kill him to believe he\u2019s responsible for my illness.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the lead in your body will kill you unless it is removed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll blame himself.\u201d<\/p>\n The doctor flipped open his patient\u2019s portfolio and checked his notes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou said the bullet was lodged deep under bone. It was several days before you arrived at home and could be tended to. By that time infection had set in. Your brother removed what he believed was the entire bullet not realizing there was a fragment left behind. Now a physician might experience self-recrimination in such circumstances, but a layman can\u2019t be held responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat wouldn\u2019t matter to Adam. He takes responsibility for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHas your family been concerned about your symptoms?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a rancher. Aches and pains go with the territory.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou haven\u2019t told them you are ill.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t hide it. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014explain it away with one excuse or another.\u201d<\/p>\n The look on Joe\u2019s face said it all.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve been absent from home quite a bit lately.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn business. What\u2019s it to you?\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Perdue raised an eyebrow at the sharp retort but did not respond except to make an additional note in the file. \u201cI remind you I do not tolerate deception.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWorse than deceiving your family, you are deceiving yourself Mr. Cartwright. That is unwise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve never been accused of being wise.\u201d Foolhardy, headstrong, and stubborn, but not wise.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cSee Jarold on your way out to sign the discharge papers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou came to me for a diagnosis which I rendered. It is my opinion you are in peril of losing your life if you do not have immediate surgery. You have chosen to ignore my recommendation. Our doctor-patient relationship is ended. Good day to you, Mr. … Carter.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Stunned at the turn of events, Joe descended the steps of the Victorian house and stood still when he reached the street unsure of what to do next. He couldn\u2019t leave town because of an important meeting with the Consolidated Virginia Mining Company the following day to sign a contract to provide lumber for the square set timbering in their new shaft. His head throbbed in synchronicity with the clang of the street cars and the thought of returning to the Grand Hotel depressed him. Even the Barbary Coast held no appeal. If he were home, he would have gone to the lake and then he remembered what Jamie said about Strawberry Creek.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Jarold found Dr. Perdue in the third-floor examination room in front of the windows. The doctor stood with his hands clasped behind his back staring down at the street observing passersby. It wasn\u2019t long before his patient\u2014former patient, he reminded himself\u2014descended the front steps and stood immobile but turned his head from side to side as if uncertain which way to go.<\/p>\n \u201cYour 11 o\u2019clock cancelled, sir. Your next appointment is not until 2 p.m. Will you be going out for lunch or should I inform Mrs. Grigsby you will be dining in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn,\u201d the doctor said. \u201cJarold, Mr. Carter said \u2018fifth\u2019 before he collapsed. Do you have any idea what he meant?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI believe he was referring to the fact you are the fifth doctor he has seen.\u201d<\/p>\n Jarold waited for his employer to issue further instructions. He had grown accustomed to these quiet interludes as the great man puzzled out conundrums. Although he found the waiting tedious, he dared not leave until dismissed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve changed my mind. I\u2019ll lunch at the Pacific Club.\u201d Flood owes me one. <\/em>\u201cThat will be all, Jarold. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n As before, the walk along Strawberry Creek delighted Joe. A lizard skittered among the rocks lining the creek bed and a red shouldered hawk perched in a redwood tree. The tall oaks and maples provided shade as he settled cross-legged on a flat rock near a small waterfall. It is no wonder Jamie thinks of home when he comes here. <\/em><\/p>\n A few students strolled along the path, some ignored Joe, others nodded or tipped their hat. No one questioned his presence.<\/p>\n Ever since his bout with blindness several years ago, Joe intermittently practiced the lesson Mrs. Dobbs taught. Be still. <\/em>He lowered his lids and listened. He isolated the loud noises first and identified them easily\u2026 the clang of a trolley, music pouring forth from the Conservatory, the call of a hawk, most likely the same one he had seen, and the buzz of bumble bees. He heard a crunch behind him\u2026no\u2026to his left\u2026 at 10\u2026 no\u2026 8 o\u2019clock. Joe peeked and saw a deer. Smiling, he closed his eyes again and inhaled allowing a wind born fragrance to envelop his nostrils. This time it took longer as the breeze was not constant. Patience.<\/em> He breathed again. To the right\u2026 coyote mint\u2026 two yards? Joe looked all around to no avail, then he saw the bush across the creek 20 feet away. Dang! Gonna have to practice more.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJamie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing here? Is it\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014Pa\u2019s fine. I have another meeting tomorrow with the folks at Consolidated Virginia. Just gathering my thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have time for lunch? I\u2019m headed to the Cafe. They have chili on Mondays.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill Gwen be joining us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNaw. She\u2019s spending all her free time with some junior now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOuch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe were just friends.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe unfolded his legs and stood up, brushing off the seat of his pants as they started walking. \u201cYou still can be friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t discount female friends, Jamie. Mine have been of great comfort to me over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWere they former girlfriends?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot all. Some were pals first and always. Not having sisters, they were the next best thing when it came to figuring out how women think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you wish you had them\u2026 sisters, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. At least with a friend, you don\u2019t have to put up with the frilly stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was always running into the wet stockings Alice hung in the bathroom and then there were the doilies on the back of chairs. I hated those things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou miss her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGod, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Over lunch, Jamie shared he had become quite adept at darts and was the ranking champion in his boarding house at Go, all thanks to Hop Sing.<\/p>\n \u201cPa will be thrilled to hear what his hard-earned dollars are paying for,\u201d Joe said sternly.<\/p>\n Jamie gulped. \u201cYou told me what was said between us stayed between us!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe maintained a severe expression as long as he could before breaking into a laugh. \u201cYou should see the look on your face!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not funny!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry,\u201d he said but continued to laugh although more quietly as cafe patrons were beginning to stare. \u201cYou can thank your oldest brother for paving the way. Adam returned from college not only with a degree but with expertise in chess and billiards. He convinced Pa learning how men think was as important as what they think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Pa bought that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTruth be told, I think he expected it. Mark Twain said schooling should never interfere with education and Pa agreed. Being adept at strategy games like chess, checkers, backgammon … or Go … is a skill worth developing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss said you are a whiz at billiards but not a particularly good poker player. He said it is because you are better at playing the angles than reading people.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not far off, Jamie. I\u2019ve been fooled by a lot of people, many of them women. One thing I\u2019ve had going for me is intuition, a sixth sense if you will.\u201d Joe pulled his chair closer to the table and leaned in to speak softly. \u201cThat is why I\u2019ve been in such a twist over this meeting tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith Con\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014don\u2019t use names in public,\u201d Joe chastised, \u201cand \u2026 yes, them. There is something off. I can\u2019t put my finger on it, but I\u2019m feeling more and more uneasy about this timber contract.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? I read they\u2019re producing ore worth over a million and half dollars every month and Pa says they pay dividends greater than any assessments levied.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNice to hear you\u2019re reading something besides textbooks.\u201d Joe shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t know. As I sat through the stockholders meeting and listened to the blathering, the hairs on the back of neck began to prickle. There are a few rumors but nothing I can show Pa. No statistics or reports. It\u2019s a feeling I have.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does Pa say?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s left it in my hands.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamned if you do and damned if you don\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWatch your language.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, I learned that in English class. We\u2019re studying the origins of words and phrases. Did you know Shakes\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n Joe grunted and pushed back from the table doubling over and clutching his stomach.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m all right, just a cramp. Where\u2019s the\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s indoors. Back there at the end of the hall.\u201d Jamie rose and went to the counter to ask for water. \u201cDrink,\u201d he said when he handed Joe the glass. He sat down but placed his hand on his brother\u2019s back.<\/p>\n Joe blew out a long breath before sipping. \u201cChili was spicier than I am used to,\u201d he said by way of an excuse. \u201cMeals have been rather bland this past year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2019s really doin\u2019 okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStop worrying! He\u2019s going to outlive us all.\u201d At least me. <\/em>\u201cI want to ask you something before you go to class.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShoot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like you to come home for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be home at Thanksgiving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI need you before then, Jamie. Look, I understand it is a long way to travel for an overnight visit, but it is important. I want to talk to you and Pa together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFamily business.\u201d Palm up, Joe gestured at the crowded cafe, \u201cAnd not for public consumption.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell you don\u2019t have to get snippy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook, you\u2019re either a part of this family or not. Your choice. But don\u2019t bellyache if you feel left out.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stood up, threw some bills on the table and marched out the door knocking aside a man the size of Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMr. Perdue.\u201d Ben Cartwright extended his hand to the gentleman upon entering the lobby of the International House. \u201cForgive me for not being able to meet you before this. I only received Jim Flood\u2019s letter on Monday and ranch business made it impossible for me to get into town until now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo apology is required, Mr. Cartwright. I have found my stay in Virginia City enlightening. Samuel Clemens\u2019 reportage did not do the City justice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019m afraid the Ponderosa will be far more sedate in comparison.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA factor I am looking forward to, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you eaten?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust coffee. I wasn\u2019t sure what you had planned for the day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t we have breakfast here and then we\u2019ll head out to the Ponderosa. Based on what Jim said your interests were, there are a number of things I can show you on the way to the house. Our cook, Hop Sing, is not happy when we are late for a meal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy housekeeper rules with an iron fist, so I am well acquainted with the type. She is a marvelous cook, but a terror to behold if I am delayed at mealtime.\u201d<\/p>\n The men fell into an easy rapport chuckling at their shared domestic situation, and over breakfast they soon found they had other things in common besides the environment.<\/p>\n \u201cJim mentioned you are a widower, as am I\u2014twice over. I have a grown daughter from my first marriage who lives in Paris.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was married three times and have a son from each marriage, each very different and very much like their mother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought Jim mentioned you had four sons. Did I misunderstand?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy youngest, Jamie, is adopted. He\u2019s in college in your neck of the woods, actually, at Berkeley.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent school. What is he studying?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is his first year so he hasn\u2019t declared a major, but he has expressed interest in becoming a veterinarian.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA noble profession. And your other sons? Will I have the pleasure of meeting them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy oldest, Adam, is traveling the world. Last we knew he was sailing the South Pacific. My middle boy, Hoss, passed two years ago. Joseph, my third son, lives with me. Or perhaps I should say I live with him as he runs the ranch now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are blessed, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am indeed, and please call me Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAaron.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShall we get going? There is a lot of ground to cover before we reach the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Over the next day and a half, Ben and Aaron travelled around the ranch discussing Ben\u2019s theories on conservation, reforestation and issues affecting the watershed. Ben found vantage points where they could overlook timber harvesting as well as the cattle round up that preceded the drive to lower pastures for winter grazing, and, of course, the ongoing horse breaking and training at the corrals. The patriarch was pleased his guest\u2019s questions were intelligent and he quite relished explaining the whys and wherefores of each endeavor. Ben hadn\u2019t felt this alive in over a year.<\/p>\n Before dinner Aaron commented no matter where they went, no matter what the operation\u2014timber, cattle, or horses\u2014Joseph was present at one time or another. \u201cIsn\u2019t that unusual?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe doesn\u2019t only oversee; he is in the thick of things. The progeny of most of the land barons and industrial magnates I have known delegate rather than get their hands dirty.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cI have seen the same thing. However, I taught my boys a leader should never ask his men to do anything he can\u2019t or won\u2019t do. Of course, being the youngest, Joseph was always driven to prove himself to me and his older brothers \u2026 taking the worst jobs so the men wouldn\u2019t think he was lolligagger. Mostly, though, I think he was proving it to himself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is well-respected.\u201d<\/p>\n It was a statement, not a question, but it caught Ben off guard and he paused for a moment before answering. \u201cYes. I believe he is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you surprised?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. It\u2019s only that I never gave it much thought. But you are correct. He\u2019s earned the respect and loyalty of the men who work for us. Or should I say him? The ranch is his now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sound a bit rueful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose I do. The Ponderosa is my dream and it took a lifetime to build\u2014a lifetime of successes and setbacks, heartache and joy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cComedy and tragedy?\u201d Aaron said, smiling.<\/p>\n Ben laughed. \u201cThis house holds the memory of a lot of laughter and a lot of tears\u2014both of them having to do with Joseph, I must admit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMoody?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but he did wear his heart on his sleeve. He was as transparent as a window and incapable of deception. We always knew what frame of mind he was in. At least we used to. Of late, he\u2019s become more adept at masking or at least modulating his emotions. Learned from my oldest, I suspect, or maybe it is something that comes with age.\u201d Ben took a sip of coffee before asking, \u201cWhat about your daughter? I\u2019m unfamiliar with raising girls.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHannah is mercurial and very much her mother\u2019s daughter as I left the upbringing to her\u2014a decision I now regret.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mentioned she lives in Paris. How long has it been since you\u2019ve seen each other?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe crossed paths in Geneva a few years ago but had little to say to one another. Hannah\u2019s an artist, a talented one. She didn\u2019t want anything to do with the life I led or desired for her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI built the Ponderosa for my sons but I never stopped to ask if it was what they wanted. Although Hoss was content here, it wasn\u2019t what Adam desired.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Joseph?\u201d Aaron used Joe\u2019s full name as his host did. \u201cHe must feel your passion as deeply to be so dedicated.\u201d When Ben hesitated to answer, he added, \u201cI\u2019ve known many men whose sons took over the family business only to destroy it either through greed or ineptitude.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve seen that, too, sadly. We built the Ponderosa\u2019s reputation on integrity and honesty and it became a place where any man could be given a second chance and earn a decent wage. The Cartwright name means something in these parts. I\u2019m fortunate Joseph is intent on maintaining that reputation. However, it is also true we have our critics, those who don\u2019t think we deserve the life we\u2019ve worked hard to obtain. On the other hand, we have had our admirers, too.\u201d<\/p>\n As Aaron reflected on Ben\u2019s words, he decided \u2018Mr. Carter\u2019s\u2019 ruse was pure in its intent to keep the Cartwright name out of the rumor mills\u2014and not part of an overall deception. In doing so, he reconsidered his decision to terminate the physician-patient relationship.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have your admirers too, albeit grudgingly,\u201d Aaron said. \u201cJames Flood for example. He mentioned the two of you have been business adversaries on occasion, but I sensed a great deal of admiration in his tone when he recommended we meet. I must say, I have appreciated hearing your thoughts regarding J.W. Powell\u2019s theories on water rights. He believes there is not sufficient water to supply the land and that we are headed toward decades of litigation if we are not careful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProtecting the watershed is important and that is why clear-cut harvesting must be curtailed, if not outlawed altogether. You saw yesterday the damage already done to old growth forests around Lake Tahoe.\u201d<\/p>\n The sound of footsteps on the porch peaked Ben\u2019s curiosity and he rose to answer the door but it opened wide before he could reach it.<\/p>\n \u201cJamie! What are you doing here? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh, nothing Pa. Joe wanted me to come home. Said there was something important to discuss as a family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sure everything is all right at school?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, come on in. Dinner will be ready in a bit. Hop Sing! Set an extra place. Jamie\u2019s here!\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing entered the great room and twirled the young man around. \u201cHmph! Too skinny. Not eat enough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, I eat plenty. It\u2019s all the walking around campus and up and down hills that does it. But I am famished, when\u2019s dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n The cook crossed his arms across his chest. \u201cAlways in hurry. You wait \u2018til I serve! Hmph.\u201d A cascade of Cantonese followed him into the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Pa. I thought he\u2019d be glad to see me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is, as am I, no matter how you come to be here.\u201d Ben took his son by the elbow and turned to face his guest. \u201cJamie, I\u2019d like you to meet Mr. Aaron Perdue of San\u00a0Francisco. He\u2019s been visiting for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n Aaron stood. \u201cGood evening, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello, sir. Pleased to meet you,\u201d Jamie said.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand you are attending Berkeley.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYessir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJamie, why don\u2019t you take your bag to your room and get cleaned up. You can discuss your studies with Mr. Perdue during dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n Before the youngest Cartwright could move, more boots clomped on the porch.<\/p>\n \u201cNow what?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n The door opened to the sound of familiar banter which ended abruptly when Joe crossed the threshold and saw Aaron Perdue standing next to his father. He stopped so short that Candy ran into him and immediately moved his hand to the butt of his gun unsure of what Joe had seen.<\/p>\n \u201cAaron, this is my son Joseph and Candy Canaday.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded slightly. Candy extended and then withdrew his arm when Mr. Perdue acknowledged the introduction with a clipped, \u201cGentlemen.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing,\u201d Ben called.<\/p>\n Hop Sing entered the dining room with cleaver in hand. \u201cWhy you call? You not sit til food ready!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to tell you there will be five for dinner\u2026the boys are back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHumph! All time change. You eat what Hop Sing fix. No more, no less.\u201d<\/p>\n Attempting to keep peace, Ben held his hands up in supplication. \u201cI\u2019m sure however much you\u2019ve prepared will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned his attention to his brother. \u201cI\u2019m surprised to see you, Jamie.\u201d<\/p>\n The redhead was not cowed. \u201cYou asked me to come. I\u2019m here. What is it you wanted to talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn due time,\u201d Joe said, then turned and walked out the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cTo tend to the horses,\u201d Joe said over his shoulder.<\/p>\n Candy shrugged apologetically and left also.<\/p>\n Sensing his guest\u2019s unspoken question, Ben explained, \u201cWith rare exception, we \u00a0attend to our personal mounts ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Mr. Canaday?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur ranch foreman, but he is more than an employee. Candy and Joseph are as close as brothers and he is in large part responsible for keeping my son on an even keel after\u2014\u201c Ben looked away for a moment, his eyes falling on the wedding photograph of Joe and Alice on the side table. He blinked several times, then resumed speaking. \u201c\u2014his wife died so close to our losing Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIllness?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMurder,\u201d Jamie said. \u201cPa, I\u2019ll go up and change. See you at dinner, Mr. Perdue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI look forward to our conversation young man. If you don\u2019t mind, Ben, I\u2019ll take my evening walk now rather than later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, take your time. I\u2019ll see if Hop Sing needs any help,\u201d Ben said as he headed toward the kitchen.<\/p>\n Before donning his coat, Aaron took a closer look at the photo of Joe and Alice. Based on what he had learned during his visit, he calculated the passage of time from when the photo was taken until today and frowned.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n When Perdue entered the barn and saw only Joe, he inquired about the foreman\u2019s whereabouts.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the bunkhouse going over tomorrow\u2019s work orders. Why are you here? You discharged me as a patient, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA decision I am reconsidering.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe picture of you and your wife\u2026how long ago was it taken?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed and kept on currying Cochise. \u201cTwo years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour appearance has changed considerably in that time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you I\u2019ve been sick for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJose\u2014. May I call you by your first name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c<\/strong>Joe. Our first encounter was a deception on your part\u2026pretending to be someone you weren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnly to protect my\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014family. I understand now. At the time I knew nothing other than that you gave a false name and attempted to deceive me with your appearance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTalk about deception!\u201d Joe exploded and threw the curry comb into a bucket causing Cochise to snort and skitter sideways. \u201cMISTER Perdue? You lied to my father!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI deceived no one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you tell him you were a doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy profession was not pertinent to our discussions on forest management.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne day during a rather heated debate at my club with James Flood\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes widen. \u201cFlood knows?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing about our relationship, I assure you. Flood said Ben Cartwright and I were two birds of a feather. Intrigued, I thought your father and I might share common interests so I requested an introduction. It was your father who invited me here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo you could interrogate him about me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur talks on environmental issues have been straight forward and on point. Naturally, our discussions digressed into other areas. Your father is a well-read and well-traveled man. Is it inconceivable the two of us might have many things in common? You appeared to indicate otherwise in my office.\u201d<\/p>\n The barn door creaked open and Candy entered. \u201cEverything all right? I heard shouting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCandy, this is Aaron Perdue\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014we met earli\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014the doctor I\u2019ve been seeing in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n A long, slow whistle emanated from Candy\u2019s lips. His blue eyes bored into the doctor\u2019s but his question was directed to Joe. \u201cI thought you said he threw you out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is a decision I am willing to reconsider,\u201d said Perdue.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d asked Candy.<\/p>\n \u201cMy greatest tool is one of observation. There are more things than tests that go into forming a diagnosis. I came to the Ponderosa to discuss theories on water resource management. But while I have been here I have observed how Joe lives, works, and his familial relationships.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does any of that have to do with the lead in his shoulder?\u201d<\/p>\n Although surprised a man so concerned about rumor and innuendo had divulged sensitive information to a hired hand before he discussed it with his family, Perdue responded simply. \u201cA great deal, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy turned to Joe. \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t know what to think. He wanted to argue, but he was tired. Tired of keeping up appearances. Tired of hurting. And in truth, part of him was relieved the doctor was here to field inquiries after he told his family. But there was one thing he had to find out. \u201cAnswer one question for me Dr. Perdue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMost doctors hang their diplomas to impress their patients when they walk into the office. You display yours so you can see them. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs a reminder that no matter how many degrees, citations, and awards I receive, I am not infallible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCould you be wrong about me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI could, but I\u2019m not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cArrogance?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGod-given talent. I recall you were looking for that.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Joe slipped into the kitchen through the side door and asked Hop Sing to hold dinner. Anticipating the forthcoming rant, he said, \u201cI have something to tell Pa and Jamie and I\u2019d like you to be there because you are a part of this family.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded at the man he had helped raise from infancy. After removing pots from the stove, and pulling the roast from the oven, Hop Sing went to his room to put on a clean apron.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Returning from his walk, Doctor Perdue entered the downstairs bedroom from the side door. When he heard raised voices, he almost retreated but decided it was more prudent to remain quiet than risk disturbing the family. The truth was\u2014despite what happened to the cat\u2014he was curious and waited to hear more as his host\u2019s deep voice carried through the walls.<\/p>\n Joe, Candy, Jamie and Hop Sing were seated at the table while Ben paced in front of the sideboard. \u201cYou called this meeting, Joseph. Why I don\u2019t know\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019ll let me begin you\u2019ll find out!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBefore you do Jamie said he\u2019s missing school at your request. Why? And why didn\u2019t you tell me he was coming home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t sure he would come after what I said to him at Berkeley.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n Jamie interceded. \u201cHe means what is said between us is\u2026\u201d but his voice trailed off at his father\u2019s withering glare. \u201c\u2026 between brothers, is all.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben harrumphed. As if I haven\u2019t heard that before. <\/em>\u201cWhat is this all about, Joseph? Why have you been going back and forth to San Francisco?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you. Meeting with our lawyers and advisers to find out\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014about our holdings. I know full well what they are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell I don\u2019t\u2026 or didn\u2019t. Not all of it. Not the details.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was your choice!\u201d Ben pounded his fist on the table.<\/p>\n Matching his father in tone and temper, Joe shouted, \u201cIt was my choice only as long as I had one\u2026 as long as Adam and Hoss were here. Now they aren\u2019t and, with Jamie at college, it is up to me … to hold it all together.\u201d<\/p>\n Jamie opened his mouth to speak but caught Candy\u2019s subtle head shake and shut it.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were always welcome at any meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Pa,\u201d Joe said, \u201cand I admit on occasion I tuned out unless the discussion had to do with horses. No one\u2019s fault but mine. Now can you please sit down and let me continue with what I have to say?\u201d<\/p>\n The iron door knocker banged loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cNow what!\u201d Ben yelled. \u201cJamie, see who that is!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI got it,\u201d Candy said, sprinting for the door. \u201cDoctor. Come on in.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben moved into the great room. \u201cWhat are you doing here, Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe sent for me.\u201d<\/p>\n With sudden clarity, Ben knew what this meeting was all about. His heart raced. The room shifted. He staggered forward, reaching for the red leather chair, missing, and hitting the floor with a thud.<\/p>\n \u201cPa!\u201d Joe and Jamie screamed in unison. Jamie sprung from his seat and got to his father first followed closely by Paul.<\/p>\n Stunned, Joe rose, groping his way along the table. Halfway to his father, he doubled up, grunted in pain and sank to his knees.<\/p>\n The guest bedroom door opened and Perdue stepped quickly to Joe\u2019s side.<\/p>\n Candy said, \u201cJamie, help the doc get your pa into his chair. Mr. Perdue, let\u2019s put Joe on the settee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerdue?\u201d Paul\u2019s head popped up. \u201cAaron Perdue by any chance? MD, Ph.D, MDCM?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe same. Paul Martin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou two know each other?\u201d Candy wondered.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly by reputation,\u201d Paul answered. To Perdue, he said, \u201cI am an ardent admirer, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I have had the privilege of examining your work up close. You are an artist.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExamining?\u201d Jamie was puzzled.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s the doctor Joe\u2019s been seeing in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Ben and Joe groaned at the same time.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n After Paul settled Ben down with the help of a brandy and Aaron looked over Joe, Jamie inquired, \u201cWhat does MDCM mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoctor of Medicine, Master of Surgery,\u201d Paul said. \u201cAnd the Ph.D. after the MD means Dr. Perdue is a physician-scientist. Joe couldn\u2019t have found a better man to ferret out what is wrong with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe caught his father\u2019s look. \u201cI haven\u2019t lied to you, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben thought back to the day on porch when Joe told the truth about his headache. \u201cNot about how you were feeling, maybe, but what about the cause?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d Candy said, \u201cJoe wanted to understand why he\u2019s continued to feel poorly. He\u2019s been to several doctors\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014which he didn\u2019t tell me about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t want to present you with a problem. I wanted to have an answer as well, Pa, so I could give you some assurance about what lay ahead. I never hid my symptoms from you or anyone. Ask Candy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was aware,\u201d Candy said.<\/p>\n Jamie was mad. \u201cI wasn\u2019t. At least not entirely. You kept making up excuses. Chili?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right. It was stupid. I\u2019m sorry, Jamie,\u201d Joe said. \u201cPa, every doctor I saw had a different opinion. Dr. Perdue was my last hope. And then he fired me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d everyone said at once.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is true. I dismissed Joe as a patient because I made some assumptions that turned out to be false.\u201d Aaron picked up the brandy decanter. \u201cMay I?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course,\u201d Ben said. \u201cJamie, get the man a glass.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTreating symptoms alone is counterproductive. As a diagnostician, I endeavor to ascertain the reason those symptoms exist.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo get to the root of the matter,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cCorrect. Unfortunately, I did not have a clear understanding of the world in which your son lived and worked. Oh, he told me, but I had no frame of reference. I believe you\u2019d be surprised, Ben, as would you Dr. Martin, at how forthcoming Joe was to my probing and often uncomfortable inquisition. He didn\u2019t evade or lie. It was I who lacked context.<\/p>\n \u201cMy reason for coming here, Ben, was indeed conservation issues because I am considering joining Powell\u2019s next expedition. But my secondary purpose was to gain knowledge and perspective regarding the circumstances in which my patient lived. And for that hidden agenda, I do apologize.<\/p>\n \u201cThis evening\u2019s events have emphasized the urgency with which I say the lead in your son\u2019s body must be removed with all due haste.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf there is a bullet fragment present,\u201d Ben said, \u201cit has been in there for almost 10 years. Why now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause his symptoms, although slow in manifesting no doubt because of your son\u2019s strong constitution, belied its existence. Furthermore, it is common for lead poisoning to take a decade to reveal itself. In the month I have known Joe, his symptoms have increased in number and intensity. His initial complaints were headaches, stomach cramps, weight loss, and fatigue. Since then I have observed irritability, and mood swings. Of utmost concern now is his elevated blood pressure and the tingling in his extremities\u2014something he reported this evening for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen,\u201d Paul said, \u201cI am not fit to do the necessary surgery so don\u2019t even ask. Dr.\u00a0Perdue is eminently qualified.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA journey to San Francisco is unthinkable at this stage,\u201d said Aaron, \u201cbut there is an alternative.\u201d All eyes fixed on him. \u201cSt. Mary Louise Hospital in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy said, \u201cIt won\u2019t be open until spring. Can the operation wait that long?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe wards are unfinished, but the surgery is complete.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know this?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI work with the Daughters of Charity at Mt. St. Joseph Orphanage in San Francisco. Sister McInnis encouraged me to tour St. Mary Louise when she learned of my visit. I took the opportunity to do so, Ben, when our meeting was delayed. I was extremely impressed with the surgery and the up-to-date equipment\u2014all thanks to the generosity of Messrs. Flood and Mackay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is about time the Bonanza Kings stepped up,\u201d said Candy, \u201cwith all the mines going full bore and accidents happening almost every day, we need that hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Joe\u2019s not a miner,\u201d said Jamie. \u201cor Catholic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Daughters of Charity do not discriminate regarding occupation, age, gender, nationality, or religion. Furthermore, they are highly-experienced nurses having provided trauma care during the War.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen,\u201d said Paul, \u201cwith Dr. Perdue operating and the Sisters assisting during surgery and providing post operative care, I believe this is Joe\u2019s best option.\u201d<\/p>\n All heads turned to Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s your decision, Joseph,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWe will support whatever choice you make.\u201d<\/p>\n Afraid of living as he had been and continuing to deceive himself, Joe was most afraid of his father of having to bury another son. \u00a0He looked from one to the other and at last at Hop Sing.<\/p>\n \u201cY\u01d2ngg\u01cen q\u01d0l\u00e1i, q\u012bn’\u00e0i de.\u201d\u00a0 Be brave, dear one.<\/em><\/p>\n Joe pressed his lips in a thin line to keep his chin from trembling.<\/p>\n \u201cW\u01d2 hu\u00ec j\u00ecnl\u00ec.\u201d I\u2019ll try.<\/em><\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n After Joe agreed to the operation, he ate a light supper and went to bed to rest up for the journey into Virginia City the following day.<\/p>\n Over a dinner of cold roast beef sandwiches and hot potato salad with vinegar and bacon prepared in the German style, the remainder of the household discussed what was to come.<\/p>\n \u201cThe surgery will not be an easy one,\u201d Perdue cautioned.<\/p>\n \u201cHow will you find this elusive fragment?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cSight and touch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome again?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA surgeon\u2019s eyes and his hands are his best tools. My hope is the fragment is still in the shoulder area.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf Joe had led a quiet life, perhaps. But after seeing how he throws himself into every task\u2026 my intuition tells me it may have travelled.\u201d Perdue paused, assessing the ability of his host to hear what came next. The man still looked pale and was absent-mindedly rubbing his sternum. Aaron\u2019s eyes darted to Paul, then back to Ben and returned to Paul in time to catch the brief nod. \u201cThere is something else you need to be told, Ben. Joe is adamant your son Adam never learn the reason for this surgery.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe told me his brother removed the bullet. He fears if Adam finds out he missed a part of the bullet, he will be overcome with guilt and never return home.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s pupils dilated turning his eyes almost black. He turned to Hop Sing who stood silently in the passageway into the kitchen. No one else in the room, including himself, knew firsthand the anguish Adam felt at not only having accidentally shot Joe, but also in being the one to dig the lead out of his brother without an anesthetic.<\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s bowed in acknowledgment.<\/p>\n Ben put his head in his hands. He had never before deceived a son. Dear God! <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dr. Perdue left before sunrise the following morning, driven to Virginia City by Jamie who was to return to Berkeley on the afternoon train. Their discussion on the journey to town ranged far and wide from his formative years as the son of an itinerant rainmaker to his adoption by the Cartwrights to past regrets and future dreams. Perdue liked the young man immensely and, when solicited, willingly offered advice regarding course selection and professors.<\/p>\n Jamie delivered the doctor to St. Mary Louise and then made his way up Union Street to the International House to request rooms be made ready for his father and Candy.<\/p>\n The desk clerk eyed the redhead dressed in work clothes from head to toe. \u201cOur rooms are always ready, young man, assuming, of course, we have any available and you can afford them,\u201d said the desk clerk curtly.<\/p>\n Fortunately, the night manager had not gone off duty and stepped in to remedy the situation. His quiet but firm reproach, \u201cMr. Evans!\u201d startled the clerk who backed up in haste and turned beet red when learned he was speaking to the youngest son of the eminent Ben Cartwright who maintained a permanent suite on the third floor.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have the Comstock suite aired and the linens freshened at once,\u201d the manager said. \u201cAnd, of course, the liquor cabinet will be stocked with your father\u2019s preferred labels. Will there be any special requests this visit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t believe so, sir. Thank you. My father will arrive later today,\u201d said Jamie. He had almost blurted out they would be spending all their time at the hospital but stifled the impulse when he recalled Joe\u2019s admonition about airing family matters in public. \u201cI have some business to attend. I\u2019ll return in a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, sir. Here is your key. Enjoy your stay.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Given St. Mary Louise Hospital\u2019s location at Union and R Street down slope from Virginia City\u2019s commercial area, Candy opted to take the gentler road through Dayton up Six-Mile Canyon rather than the more direct but steep and twisty Geiger Grade. This route had the added advantage of being away from the eyes and ears of the town\u2019s gossips. Since the hospital was not yet open and the Sisters of Charity were actively fundraising, it would seem the Cartwrights and their longtime family friend Dr. Martin were there on business if anyone were to ask.<\/p>\n It was late afternoon by the time they arrived. A tree-lined lawn led up to the front of the four-story, gabled, red brick structure with Doric columns. Built into the slope, the first-floor surgery was partially below the second-floor entrance and boasted tall windows.<\/p>\n Ben and Candy flanked Joe with Paul Martin trailing as they walked up the ten steps to the porch and entered into a wide waiting room area where a Daughter of Charity greeted the gentlemen warmly and offered tea or coffee. Dr.\u00a0Perdue politely declined and ushered Ben, Joe, and Paul into the office of one of doctors who would be in residence once the hospital opened.<\/p>\n Candy remained in the waiting room. The nun was dressed in a blue habit with a white collar, but instead of the veil he was accustomed to seeing, she wore a large, pointed headpiece that dwarfed her well-scrubbed face.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I have a cup of coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Mr.?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCanaday.\u201d He accepted the coffee mug and looked straight into the greenest eyes he\u2019d ever seen. \u201cUm… my friends call me Candy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, ye be havin\u2019 a lotta friends then? Ye bein\u2019 so sweet and all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh…no…um…I-I mean yes, ah… Sister?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSister Ailis O\u2019Brien. Ye can call me Sister Ailis.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAilis is your real name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is me given name, aye.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought nuns received names like Mary Immaculata or Mary Ignacious?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, the nuns in some Orders do take another name when take their vows. The Daughters of Charity, however, are an apostolic order, not a religious one. We keep our own names.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see,\u201d said Candy, but he really didn\u2019t. \u201cWhat\u2019s the difference? If you don\u2019t mind my being so bold.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe are bonded by our community vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, but we do not take religious or public vows. Excuse me for sayin\u2019 so, Candy, but ye keep starin\u2019 at me cornette. Is it on crooked?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm…ah.\u201d Candy had never been so tongue-tied in all his life. Fascinated by the starched white cornette, he said, \u201cForgive me Sister, but with the zephyr winds around here, how do you stay grounded?\u201d<\/p>\n Sister Ailis\u2019 dimples bloomed and she laughed heartily. \u201cAye! I think that is why they built the hospital on the lee side of the mountain … so we wouldn\u2019t fly away. Although the down draft of those zephyrs is a wicked thing to behold!\u201d<\/p>\n Candy and Sister Ailis were still laughing when the Joe and Paul emerged from the doctor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it is time we got our patient settled, if it is not too much trouble, Sister,\u201d said Dr. Martin.<\/p>\n \u201cAye, doctor. As there are still some workmen about, we\u2019ll be goin\u2019 down the nurse\u2019s staircase out of sight if ye take me meanin\u2019.\u201d Sister Ailis turned to Joe. \u201cMr. Cartwright\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust Joe, ma\u2019am … I mean … Sister.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, Sister Ailis.\u201d She reached out to shake his hand. \u201cYe have yer choice facin\u2019 east or west.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not fond of sunrises.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, west it is then. Follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n Sister Ailis was thorough in her ministrations as she took Joe\u2019s temperature and \u00a0blood pressure with the same type of instrument Perdue had used. After he used the water closet, he was tucked in bed. He\u2019d knew about \u201chospital corners\u201d but had never been bound so tightly to a bed in such a fashion. He was thankful Sister left his arms on top of the covers or he would have felt like he was in a straitjacket.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if I need to … you know…\u201d<\/p>\n Sister Ailis showed Joe a thin bell pull tethered to the headboard. \u201cRing the bell and I\u2019ll bring ye a bedpan. Mind ye, no wandering about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t think of it,\u201d he said. I couldn\u2019t if I wanted to!<\/em><\/p>\n Ben knocked on the door frame. \u201cMay I come in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, Mr. Cartwright. We\u2019re all finished. Ye can have 15 minutes and then it is lights out. Good night, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Sister.\u201d Ben waited until the door closed before handing Joe a package.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope this is food because I\u2019m famished.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot hardly, but it is something you wanted.\u201d Ben withdrew a pen knife from his pocket and gave it to Joe. \u201cOpen it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sliced the heavy twine holding the butcher paper wrapping in place and unfolded the contents. \u201cA hammock!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said we should get one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt better be hung by the time I get home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be waiting for you, as will I.\u201d<\/p>\n Given their closeness no words were necessary. Ben gripped his son\u2019s hand and they arm wrestled a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cI love you, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSend Candy in, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n \u201cHey, buddy,\u201d Candy said.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the nightstand…the envelope is for you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomething I want you to have.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy slipped a thumb under the envelope\u2019s flap and pulled out the contents. \u201cA deed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRegistered with the land office. You can\u2019t return it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI could sell.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could, but you won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I don\u2019t suppose I will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf it is not to your liking, talk to Pa about exchanging it for another parcel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCandy. It\u2019s important to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo me a favor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt depends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt depends?\u201d Joe squeaked. \u201cI\u2019m dying of lead poisoning and you have conditions?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Depends on what the favor is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCochise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t know what I\u2019m\u2014.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014I\u2019ll take care of your damn horse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoes without saying.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe likes her coffee black. Not too hot. Not too cold. And no sugar, it\u2019s bad for her teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, for the love of\u2014\u201c<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014me. Do it for me.\u201d<\/p>\n The two men stared at each other, the unspoken memories of all they shared\u2014the adventures, rivalries, heartaches and losses\u2014flipping through their minds like a Kineograph.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been through a lot,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHas it been worth it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEvery minute,\u201d Candy answered.<\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u201cThanks,\u201d he whispered, \u201cfor everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll in, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll in.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy returned the deed to the envelope and put it in his vest pocket. As he opened the door, he turned, grinned and said, \u201cBehave yourself with that Irish\u2014”<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014watch your manners!\u201d<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n \u201cWhat time does your train leave, Jamie?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going back to Berkeley.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJamie …\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not leaving, Joe. At least not now. \u00a0Pa said I could stay until after the operation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat is not what I intended…<\/p>\n \u201cWell…the road to hell is paved with good intentions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour English class again?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSamuel Johnson, 1775. Although there is some controversy about the date.\u201d Jamie wandered around room which was larger than he expected and said so.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it is supposed to be a ward eventually for post-operative recovery. Check out the faucets.\u201d<\/p>\n Jamie went to the sink and turned them on. \u201cThey really do have hot and cold running water here!\u00a0 We need this at home. Hey, you can see straight up the mountain from here. This ceiling must be 12 feet high.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe patted the mattress. \u201cCome here.\u201d<\/p>\n Jamie crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo matter what happens tomorrow, I need you to promise you will return to school.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t, Joe. Pa needs me here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe needs you to get an education. Like he needed Adam to go to college after my mother died.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think you\u2019re going to die?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t plan to, but if it happens, I want you to promise you will go back to Berkeley and finish what you started. Doesn\u2019t matter what the degree is. Veterinary science, or farming, or word origins …Will you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI-I don\u2019t know. The ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCandy will handle the ranch and he\u2019ll be there for Pa. What I need …\u201d he choked. \u201cWhat I need to know is this school business is settled.\u201d Joe placed his hand on the side of Jamie\u2019s cheek ignoring the wetness underneath. \u201cPromise?\u201d He felt a nod but he wanted more. \u201cSay it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI Promise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. Now go. I need my beauty sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd it is sleep ye\u2019ll be havin\u2019,\u201d Sister Ailis said entering the room as Jamie left. \u201cHere, drink this,\u201d she ordered, handing Joe the glass while she supported his back.<\/p>\n Joe made a face. \u201cSleeping powders?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, with a wee bit of me own invention to make ye a little less anxious.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDr. Perdue approves?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye. Ye\u2019ll not be seein\u2019 a sunrise on the morrow, I guarantee it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you sing as sweetly as you talk?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs it a lullaby ye\u2019ll be wantin\u2019 then?\u201d she asked as she tucked in the covers again.<\/p>\n Already feeling groggy, Joe\u2019s response was nonsensical. When the door closed, he turned his face to the window to see the setting sun sink below the mountain crest, its rays backlighting cirrus clouds turning them red, purple and magenta in the growing dusk. He couldn\u2019t have dreamt a more beautiful sunset.<\/p>\n He watched stars pop one by one into the inky sky until his weighted eyelids closed of their own accord.<\/p>\n In the twilight of his mind, Joe thought he heard a lullaby.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Following surgery, Dr. Perdue\u2014on the recommendation of Dr. Martin who knew his patient\u2019s adverse reaction to ether, not to mention his propensity for becoming active too soon\u2014had kept Joe sedated, diminishing the dosage each time. Three days later when Joe stirred, he was allowed to awaken fully.<\/p>\n Eyes still closed, Joe mumbled, \u201cthirs-dy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould it be water yer wantin\u2019 then?\u201d said Sister Ailis, moistening her patient\u2019s lips with a wet cloth.<\/p>\n Joe noded.<\/p>\n Sister obliged and after a Joe\u2019s eyes opened, she placed a large ice chip in his mouth. \u201cLet it melt. Ye tolerate it and ye can have a dram or two of water.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood afternoon Joe,\u201d said Dr. Martin. \u201cIt is about time you woke up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat day is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWednesday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWed… what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSurgery was on Sunday. You\u2019ve been out since then…with a little assistance.<\/p>\n \u201cChest hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt took a bit of hunting to find the bullet fragments.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMmm. Wait. Fragments…plural?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree to be exact. Here, we saved them for you.\u201d Dr. Martin held up a small vial in which three pieces of lead floated\u2014one large, two smaller.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDr. Perdue believes he got everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I mean … those little bits … made me sick?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHardly seems possible, does it? You\u2019re incredibly lucky, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe yawned. \u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn his way. You take a nap and he\u2019ll be here when you wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2019kay,\u201d Joe managed to say before his eyes closed again.<\/p>\n \u201cSister Ailis, if he tolerates the water, wait a half hour and then give him a similar amount of chicken broth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, Dr. Martin. I have yer dietary instructions and a schedule. We\u2019ll take diligent care of him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure you will. But I have to warn you, Joe Cartwright pushes boundaries and you being a Sister will not stop him for long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, but then he doesna know what happens to my six older brothers when they don\u2019t mind me words.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d Paul said.<\/p>\n ***<\/p>\n The next morning, Ben was reading the Territorial Enterprise in a bedside chair when Joe awakened.<\/p>\n \u201cPa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Joseph. How are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGroggy. Time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlmost lunchtime.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were supposed to come last night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did, but you were sleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThought they stopped giving me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014they did stop. You were not drugged, only tired. You\u2019re going to be tired for a long while, son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? They got it out. Saw \u2018em.. in that thingy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but the poison is still in your system. Flushing it out will take time. You\u2019re to see Dr. Perdue in a month. In the meantime your only job is to rest. Would you like me to read to you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u201cCan\u2019t concentrate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou get some real food in you, you\u2019ll begin to mend. I think it\u2019s scrambled eggs and rice pudding for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYipee,\u201d said Joe, decidedly unimpressed. \u201cWhere\u2019s Jamie?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBack at school as he promised. He\u2019ll be home for Christmas when he can stay a few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot Thanksgiving?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he has papers to finish and tests to make up. Aaron invited him to his house in San Francisco for the holiday.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s so funny?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHope his San Francisco holiday is better than yours was.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cScalliwag!\u201d Ben said, as he tapped Joe\u2019s right arm with the folded newspaper.<\/p>\n Joe grimaced. \u201cOhh owww!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so sorry. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014not you, Pa. I shouldn\u2019t have laughed. My side. I\u2019ve got stitches in my side!\u201d Joe sputtered, \u201cWhy do I have stitches in my side when I got shot in the shoulder?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt took Aaron quite a bit of rooting around to find the lead,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n A quick rap on the door preceded its opening. \u201cHow come every time I leave you alone there is shouting?\u201d Candy said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNice to see you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m serious. I\u2019m here, Pa\u2019s here, now you\u2019re here. That\u2019s how rumors start you know. Rumors could ruin us!\u201d<\/p>\n Candy ignored Joe and looked at the elder Cartwright. \u201cJamie was right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m beginning to think so,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cThink what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat you\u2019ve gone off the deep end, Joe,\u201d Candy said. \u201cCutting your hair, dressing in city duds, using an assumed name. What else did he do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI believe it was making advances to a much younger woman,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cA farmer no less.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe shame of it all. Tsk, Tsk.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe scowled. He would have folded his arms across his chest were it not for the bandages binding his shoulder and torso. Instead, the blood drained from his face and he gasped. \u201cPa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe! What is it? Candy get the nurse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine. I don\u2019t need the Sister.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy did you yell?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI forgot to tell you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell me what?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cConVirginia plans to the take the current shaft down past the 3,000-foot level.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Joe, we discussed this. You bid on the project and got the contract.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t sign it, Pa. There won\u2019t be any Ponderosa timber in that shaft.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see,\u201d Ben said solemnly.<\/p>\n \u201cGee,\u201d mused Candy. \u201cThat contract was worth\u2014what?\u20142-3 million dollars in board feet of timber alone, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded his head. \u201cAt least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not mad?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy should I be? I left it in your hands.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut…don\u2019t you want to know why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe know why,\u201d said Candy. \u201cJamie said you had a gut feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I didn\u2019t have any facts or figures to back it up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStatistics have their place,\u201d said Ben. \u201cAnd there are those people, like Adam, for whom numbers take precedence. But they can also deceive if they are the sole basis for decision-making. Experience and intuition\u2014or gut feelings\u2014are equally as important. Adam learned that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBesides,\u201d Candy said, \u201cwe now have something more valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n Bewildered, Joe said, \u201cWe do? What?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA contract with St. Mary Louise to complete construction of the hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd another thing you\u2019ll be pleased about,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy not closing the timber deal, you saved a lot of trees.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n –The End–<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Author\u2019s Notes:<\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n St. Mary Louise Hospital opened in 1876, becoming a renowned, state-of-the-art institution. The four-story, brick facility had thirty-six rooms, enough to accommodate up to seventy patients. In addition to the features mentioned in the story, the kitchen had marble counters, a stove so large the room had to be built around it, and a dumbwaiter to bring food and medicine to the upper floors.<\/p>\n Ward patients on the second floor were charged $10 per week for food, medicine, and medical care. Private room patients on the third floor were charged $20 per week. Charges for alcohol and laundry for all patients were separate. The fourth floor housed the Daughters of Charity. They operated their hospital until 1897 when they left the Comstock because the mining district\u2019s population had dwindled and could no longer support them.\u200b<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tags:\u00a0 Ben Cartwright, Joe Cartwright, Hop Sing, Candy Canaday, post-timeline<\/p>\n
\nDeception<\/a><\/p>\nChapter 1 \u2014 Ponderosa Ranch, Nevada<\/h1>\n
Chapter 2 \u2014 San Francisco, California<\/h1>\n
Chapter 3\u2014San Francisco, California<\/h1>\n
Chapter 4\u2014Berkeley, California<\/h1>\n
Chapter 5\u2014The Ponderosa Ranch, Nevada<\/h1>\n
Chapter 6\u2014San Francisco, California<\/h1>\n
Chapter 7\u2014Berkeley, California<\/h1>\n
Chapter 8\u2014Virginia City, Nevada<\/h1>\n
Chapter 9 \u2013 Ponderosa Ranch, Nevada<\/h1>\n
Chapter 10 \u2013 Virginia City, Nevada<\/h1>\n
Chapter 11 \u2013 Virginia City, Nevada<\/h1>\n