{"id":3888,"date":"2005-03-26T19:37:19","date_gmt":"2005-03-27T00:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3888"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:05","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:05","slug":"in-the-middle-of-the-dark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3888","title":{"rendered":"In the Middle of the Dark (by Calim11)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Adam Cartwright is caught in a cave-in and gets some unexpected company.<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K+ (4,380 words)
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Story Notes:<\/b><\/em> My very first Bonanza fan fic.<\/em> \u00a9 March 2005 \u2013 Updated: 9\/15\/2008<\/em> Feedback is appreciated<\/em> ***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the Middle of the Dark<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDo ya think he\u2019s alive?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe looks like a goner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still breathin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot fer long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve gotta help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one helped us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShould still help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s wakin\u2019 up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQuiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright\u2019s eyes moved beneath closed lids.\u00a0 He could\u2019ve sworn he heard voices before him, around him, beside him.\u00a0 Well, he\u2019d just have to wake up to find out. His eyes fluttered open.\u00a0 Darkness met his gaze and the sounds of settling dirt found his ears.\u00a0 He was sure there\u2019d been voices.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs anyone there?!\u201d he called his voice barely rising from his body, coughing from the dust in his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cDan!\u00a0 Can you hear me?!\u201d<\/p>\n

No one answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cDan!\u201d<\/p>\n

Disrupted by the slight vibration, bits of dirt and dust rained down from above reminding him of the precarious position he now found himself \u2013 deep within the old Destiny mine, vacant since 1848, flat on his back and buried under debris with no way out \u00a0 Forcing himself to think on it the last thing he remembered was standing with Dan Meaney, the owner of the Destiny, showing him where to put the new timbers to ensure safety for the miners when the floor fell out beneath them.\u00a0 He\u2019d managed to push Dan away but failed to do the same for himself.\u00a0 Coughing again, he pulled his right arm only to meet resistance and opted for his left arm to wipe his face clean of the choking dust.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan anyone hear me?!\u201d he tried again, a bit louder, shielding his face from more rubble and closing his eyes. \u00a0<\/em> I\u2019m in deep trouble.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cLay still, son,\u201d a new voice sounded from his right.\u00a0 Startled, he pulled his arm away and scanned the darkness.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs someone there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, son,\u201d came from his left.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re here to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDan?\u201d he asked squinting into the dark, his eyes focusing on a light amid the rocks.<\/p>\n

Reaching out proved unsuccessful but he quickly retracted his hand when he heard boots scuffing against rock and watched the light move and shower the area in a dim glow.\u00a0 What it revealed made him blink then wipe at his face again as seven faces seated in a semi-circle met filled his vision, all gazing intently at him. \u00a0 Adam rubbed his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho . . .\u201d he stammered.\u00a0 \u201cHow . . . ?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man closest to him smiled. \u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m Jimmy Dobson,\u201d came his introduction leaning close so Adam could see his whiskered face.\u00a0 \u201cNice ta meet ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Adam didn\u2019t respond, he turned to the others.\u00a0 \u201cAh, this here\u2019s Thatch Gibson, J.R. Swirell, Paddy O\u2019Grady, Luther Kingston, Dennis County and Pete Willow.\u201d<\/p>\n

A chorus of \u2018hi\u2019s\u2019 followed each introduction confusing Adam even further.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s struck dumb,\u201d Dennis said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, he\u2019s just flabbergasted,\u201d Paddy supplied.<\/p>\n

\u201cSsh now,\u201d Jimmy said.\u00a0 \u201cLet the boy come ta terms.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t gonna come ta terms, Jimmy,\u201d J.R. said, spitting out some chaw and leaning towards Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cYer dead, boy.\u00a0 Once ya get that through yer thick skull ya\u2019ll feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam started. \u00a0<\/em> I\u2019m definitely concussed.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cKeep yer trap shut,\u201d Jimmy growled, glaring at J.R. who harrumphed and sat back.\u00a0 Jimmy turned back to Adam with a pleasant smile on his face.\u00a0 \u201cNever you mind him, son.\u00a0 He\u2019s gotta bad attitude.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you should too bein\u2019 trapped down here all these years in the dark,\u201d J.R. responded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as I\u2019ve known ya, ya\u2019ve always had a bad attitude,\u201d Paddy quipped drawing a scowl from J.R.<\/p>\n

Jimmy returned his attention to Adam and patted him on the shoulder. \u00a0 \u201cYa ain\u2019t dead, son, and I aim ta keep ya that way.\u00a0 What\u2019s yer name?\u00a0 Don\u2019t feel like callin\u2019 out \u2018hey you\u2019 forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Manners kicked in and he automatically answered.\u00a0 \u201cAdam . . . Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA fine name.\u00a0 Fine name,\u201d Jimmy said with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cYa wouldn\u2019t be related ta an Isaiah Cartwright out o\u2019 Abilene now would ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I don\u2019t . . .\u201d he faltered with a shake of his head. \u00a0 This was insane.\u00a0 He was sitting in the dark lying under a pile of rubble and having a conversation about his genealogy with someone who may or may not actually be talking to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably not.\u00a0 He weren\u2019t a stalwart fella like yerself,\u201d Jimmy added realizing that in his current state this young man wasn\u2019t able to give him any information whether he wanted too or not. \u00a0 \u201cWell, let me tell ya a story, Adam Cartwright,\u201d he began, placing the lantern next to his legs.\u00a0 \u201cWe all come ta this lovely place in \u201946 ta find our fortune and we done purty good.\u00a0 What with minin\u2019 and whorin\u2019, this was the place ta be back then.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam noticed the others nodding in agreement.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen in \u201947 we survived the first cave-in.\u00a0 All o\u2019 us \u2018ceptin\u2019 Pete over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at the young man, no more than twenty, who gave him a shy smile and little wave and hit just made his head hurt more.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd after they reopened the mine us fools came back,\u201d Jimmy continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot fools.\u00a0 Dumbasses\u2019 more like it,\u201d J.R. added the other men nodding their agreement to that.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorked right steady,\u201d Jimmy went on.\u00a0 \u201cOl\u2019 Destiny\u2019s full o\u2019 gold but it\u2019s hard ta get too, so the deeper we went and, in \u201948, we ended up here right where yer layin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s all she wrote,\u201d Thatch chimed in.<\/p>\n

Adam saw them nod their heads again more questions popping into his muddled brain but not making it out his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the largest cave-in anyone\u2019d seen up ta that point,\u201d Luther said. \u201cSixteen men died here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGot out nine bodies,\u201d Dennis said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut left us seven behind,\u201d J.R. said with a growl.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey couldn\u2019t get down here, J.R.,\u201d Paddy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did they try?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDestiny was acomin\u2019 down about their ears.\u00a0 What\u2019d ya want them ta do?\u201d Paddy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake us home!\u201d\u00a0 J.R. pushed himself up disgusted with the conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot leave us here ta rot!\u201d\u00a0 With that he walked out, right through the wall.<\/p>\n

Adam blinked a couple of times.\u00a0 \u201cHe just . . . just walked through . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t get it,\u201d Dennis said, shaking his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis head\u2019s banged up.\u00a0 O\u2019 course he don\u2019t get it,\u201d Thatch added.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son,\u201d Jimmy started.\u00a0 \u201cJ.R. walked through them walls.\u00a0 We all can.\u00a0 Ya see we\u2019ve left this earthly plane but we\u2019ve yet ta meet our maker.\u00a0 We been waitin\u2019 these many years fer someone ta find us.\u00a0 We\u2019re sorry yer here but we thank the Lord for hearin\u2019 our prayers and sendin\u2019 ya ta help us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat year is this anyway?\u201d Luther asked of Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYear.\u00a0 What year is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c1872,\u201d Adam answered as someone whistled.<\/p>\n

\u201cLordy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c24 years?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems just like yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo they still have saloons with purdy girls?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam turned to look at Dennis and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHot damn!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do ya care?\u201d J.R. said coming back to the men.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not like ya can partake of the company.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just nice ta know they\u2019s still around is all,\u201d Thatch said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re dead,\u201d Adam blurted out, the obvious finally sinking in.<\/p>\n

Jimmy smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re all dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow he\u2019s gettin\u2019 it,\u201d Dennis said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen that means I\u2019m . . . I\u2019m dead, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGive that boy a silver dollar,\u201d J.R. said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, son,\u201d Jimmy quickly added.<\/p>\n

\u201cYer not dead . . . not yet anyway.\u00a0 We aim ta help ya so\u2019s ya won\u2019t end up like us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDead\u2019s dead,\u201d J.R. said spitting out more chaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more talk about bein\u2019 dead, J.R.,\u201d Jimmy ordered.\u00a0 \u201cNo more.\u201d<\/p>\n

J.R. closed his mouth on a retort and sat back down.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hearin\u2019 pickin\u2019 up aways.\u00a0 Pete?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019,\u201d the quiet man said, Adam watching him walk through the wall, feeling a chill work its way up his spine.\u00a0 Jimmy patted him on the arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be back.\u00a0 Gonna take a look-see is all.\u00a0 He can roam further than we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are ya treatin\u2019 him like he\u2019s gonna get outta this?\u201d J.R. asked, pulling on Jimmy\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s bleedin\u2019 like a stuck pig and he\u2019s havin\u2019 a hard time breathin\u2019 in case ya hadn\u2019t noticed so\u2019s the air\u2019s gettin\u2019 thick.\u00a0 He ain\u2019t got no chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hopin\u2019 he does have a chance, J.R.,\u201d Jimmy said laying a hand on Adam\u2019s chest, feeling his distressed breathing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we help him he might help us.\u201d \u00a0 J.R. sat back as the lantern began to flicker, all of them looking at it then up toward the ceiling where Adam had fallen through now packed with dirt and rocks.\u00a0 This had to work.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow could . . .\u00a0I<\/em>\u00a0help?\u201d Adam asked between breaths pulling their attention back to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, we\u2019s still here \u2018cause we didn\u2019t have no decent burial.\u00a0 If\u2019n ya was ta get out, ya might see ta our needs.\u00a0 I can hear pickaxes and shovels up a ways.\u00a0 Someone\u2019s already here.\u00a0 We jest need ta steer \u2018em in the right direction.\u00a0 That\u2019s what Pete\u2019s doin\u2019.\u00a0 And once we do that, it\u2019s up ta ya ta live so\u2019s ya can retrieve us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere . . .\u201d\u00a0 Adam stopped the thought as a cough tore at him, more dirt rolling his way.\u00a0 This was either utterly ridiculous and a side effect of not enough air or it was real.\u00a0 What a thought for his logical brain to wrap around.\u00a0 Well, at least he had company.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are you . . . in the cave?\u201d he asked seeing Luther get up and point through a break in the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019s all in there, together.\u00a0 Cain\u2019t miss us with a strong lantern.\u201d<\/p>\n

As if on cue the lantern flickered again.\u00a0 Adam noticed but didn\u2019t say anything.\u00a0 The burning in his lungs was evidence enough of how much time he had left.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do . . . my best.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jimmy clapped him on the shoulder and smiled at him.\u00a0 \u201cMighty grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned back before another coughing spasm shook him, rearranging the debris on top of him to press down even harder.\u00a0 Pain worked its way through him making him gasp.<\/p>\n

\u201cHang on, son.\u00a0 Take shallow breaths,\u201d Dennis said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone\u2019s a comin\u2019,\u201d Thatch said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019d ya see, Pete?\u201d Paddy asked as the young man re-emerged through the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cA silver haired man with a boomin\u2019 voice and a big man shovelin\u2019 away.\u00a0 A smaller man with short black hair was pullin\u2019 rocks lickety split.\u00a0 Seemed bent on collapsin\u2019 afore stoppin\u2019.\u00a0 They made quite a dent in the pile.\u00a0 I pointed them in the right direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill they be here in time?\u201d Dennis asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cCain\u2019t rightly say,\u201d Pete said looking at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cHe don\u2019t look too good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll be here, Dennis,\u201d Jimmy said, noticing Adam\u2019s eyes struggling to stay open.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, boy, don\u2019t go passin\u2019 out on us.\u00a0 We got messages fer ya ta deliver ta any kinfolk still about these parts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c. . . messages . . ?\u201d Adam answered, their words swirling about his head.\u00a0 The dust was clogging his lungs and the lack of air showered his vision with stars. \u00a0<\/em> Did he say a silver haired man was here?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got \u2018em all writ out,\u201d Paddy said pulling a dirty piece of paper from his pocket and handing it to Jimmy.\u00a0 All of them followed suit, even J.R. whose attention was pulled up at a sound from above.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf\u2019n ya cain\u2019t get ta our bodies at least ya\u2019ll have these notes.\u00a0 Can ya do that fer us, Adam?\u201d Jimmy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201c. . . do . . . what . . . I can,\u201d he answered, Jimmy shoving the papers into his shirt pocket.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank ya, young man,\u201d Jimmy said with a smile, watching as Adam\u2019s eyes slid shut.<\/p>\n

Luther leaned in close. \u00a0 \u201cIs he dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t think so,\u201d J.R. said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis chest is still movin\u2019.\u201d \u00a0 Despite what he\u2019d said, he hoped this would work.\u00a0 It\u2019d been so long and he just wanted to see something besides this stinking cave.\u00a0 Maybe he could check on Pearl. \u00a0 Voices filtered down from above and they all looked up as bits of dirt drifted around them, the light from the lantern slowly dimming until it finally left them all in the dark. \u00a0 \u201cI hope they get \u2018im out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe seems like a nice enough fella.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomebody\u2019s comin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u2019s voice filled the chamber from above.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, can ya hear me?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see him?\u201d another voice echoed behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s too dark, Dan.\u00a0 I need the lantern.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere.\u201d<\/p>\n

A light was lowered through the hole in the ceiling and Hoss Cartwright\u2019s face appeared behind it.\u00a0 There were too many shadows to be certain where his brother lay.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI cain\u2019t see nothin\u2019,\u201d Hoss answered then disappeared back through the door.<\/p>\n

They all heard a shovel striking dirt, the hole increasing in size.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019re gonna make it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t count yer chickens.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJ.R., yer so damned depressin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s what I do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s broken through.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure can move fer a big fella.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss ducked his head back through the hole waving the lantern about the chamber again, this time noting the distance from his position to the floor, seeing a large rock pile just within reach.\u00a0 Maneuvering his feet through the hole, he eased himself down to the pile and slid slowly to the floor, debris falling in various parts of the chamber.\u00a0 He waited.\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t do to find his brother and then get trapped with him.\u00a0 When nothing further happened, he raised the lantern above his head and began searching the area.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d he called, trying to keep his voice modulated as dust and rockfalls echoed in the chamber.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s over here!\u201d Thatch yelled.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see him, Hoss?\u201d came a new voice from above.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOver here!\u201d Thatch repeated.<\/p>\n

Hoss turned, a niggling feeling running down his spine and squinted into the dark holding the lantern up higher.\u00a0 He could have sworn he heard something.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, wake up!\u201d Jimmy said pushing on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere!\u00a0 He\u2019s here!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss took a step forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d came from above.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s somethin\u2019,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n

Raising the lantern high above his head the light suddenly fell on the dirty face of his brother half buried in rubble.\u00a0 \u201cJesus,\u201d he whispered.\u00a0 \u201cI found \u2018im, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he alive?\u201d came Ben Cartwright\u2019s question as Hoss hurried toward his brother.\u00a0 He held the light close not knowing if he was breathing.\u00a0 \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive,\u201d Hoss answered feeling his brother\u2019s breath on his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m coming down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa.\u00a0 There ain\u2019t room.\u00a0 I can get \u2018im out.\u00a0 Get some rope and a board ready when I call.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTime to wake sleepy head.\u201d\u00a0 Jimmy\u2019s voice drifted into Adam\u2019s head as new air filled the chamber allowing him to fill his lungs with more than dust.\u00a0 \u201cYer brother\u2019s here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Opening his eyes, he saw Jimmy\u2019s face slowly replaced with Hoss\u2019s and that big grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know why I let ya out by yerself,\u201d Hoss gave him pulling at debris that covered him as his hand slipped in a small pool of blood along Adam\u2019s right arm.\u00a0 He moved the lantern closer to find a piece of wood had impaled him to the ground.\u00a0 He winced at the sight then returned to pulling off the heavier pieces from his brother\u2019s prone body.\u00a0 \u201cYer the big brother, supposed ta be settin\u2019 a good example fer Joe and me and what do ya do?\u00a0 Get yerself in a heap o\u2019 trouble.\u00a0 Dadburned big head . . . always thinkin\u2019 ya know everythin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled then found his voice.\u00a0 \u201c. . . can . . . always count . . . on you, Hoss, for . . . for setting me straight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, someone\u2019s gotta do it.\u00a0 All that book learnin\u2019 o\u2019 yourn obviously never told ya ta stay outta old mines.\u00a0 Don\u2019t catch\u00a0me<\/em>\u00a0in places like this do ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly to pull my . . . my sorry ass outta them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss cringed at the memory of doing this once before(1), as he continued to work.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid Dan . . . make it?\u201d Adam asked sobering at the thought that his friend might be dead.<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir.\u00a0 Helped us get ta ya.\u00a0 Man worked like a demon was ridin\u2019 his tail.\u00a0 Had ta set him down a time or two afore he fell over.\u00a0 He felt guilty, ya know, especially after what happened here in \u201948.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t wanna lose no more ta his family\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam suddenly lifted his left hand and grabbed Hoss\u2019s shirt, stopping his progress.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u00a0 Am I hurtin\u2019 ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTake the lantern and . . . and go through that . . . break behind you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pulled Hoss toward him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d called Ben from above.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m workin\u2019 ta free him, Pa.\u00a0 Be a bit longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo, Hoss, and tell me . . . tell me what you see.\u00a0 Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

He held Adam\u2019s gaze for a moment not understanding why his brother needed him to do this but knowing it was important and that\u2019s all that mattered.\u00a0 He patted his hand. \u00a0 \u201cAll right.\u00a0 Wait here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam let his brother go and grinned.\u00a0 \u201cNo going . . . anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Picking up the lantern Hoss made his way to the wall to find the break and, crouching, moved through it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s goin\u2019 in,\u201d Dennis related to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told ya this would work,\u201d J.R. added ignoring the looks his comment drew.<\/p>\n

Hoss wondered what it was he was supposed to see as he turned around in the small space, Luther watching his every move.<\/p>\n

\u201cDown here, Hoss,\u201d he said hoping to connect somehow with this man.<\/p>\n

Hoss turned back, that niggling feeling appearing again, the light from the lantern reflecting on something.\u00a0 Kneeling, he cleared away the dirt and found a ring \u2013 a ring still held by a bony finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cLordy,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was my Pa\u2019s ring,\u201d J.R. announced.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow ya\u2019ll git ta see him up close,\u201d Jimmy said, clapping J.R. on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you . . . did you see?\u201d Adam asked as his brother returned to his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cBodies,\u201d he replied with a swallow.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow many?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI counted seven.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam closed his eyes and sighed.\u00a0 A promise made and a promise fulfilled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d ya know they was there?\u201d he asked returning to pulling rubble off of Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey . . . told me,\u201d he answered which wasn\u2019t what Hoss was expecting.<\/p>\n

Well Adam was bleeding from the head and arm and no doubt several other places so Hoss supposed he had a concussion which might lead a fella to say something like that.<\/p>\n

Grinning at the look on Hoss\u2019s face, Adam guessed what was running through his mind and was all set to tell him the story when his brother pulled a beam from his chest and struck the piece of wood in his right arm.\u00a0 A burst of white light filled his vision and a startled cry of pain left him as he felt himself starting to tumble down that long tunnel, the one that led to a peaceful pain free place.\u00a0 But he had to stop.\u00a0 There was something else he had to do before he left.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Adam.\u00a0 Hang on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d he said grabbing at his brother\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMake sure . . . you take them . . . home, too.\u00a0 Don\u2019t . . . don\u2019t leave them behind.\u00a0 Promise me that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get \u2018em as soon as yer up top.\u00a0 Ya jest rest now.\u00a0 Hoss is here ta take care a ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c. . . don\u2019t leave . . . behind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t.\u00a0 Close yer eyes and I\u2019ll try ta be as quick as I can.\u00a0 Ya jest cry out if\u2019n ya need too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Adam,\u201d Jimmy said smiling at him as he hovered behind Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa done good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, boy, thanks,\u201d J.R. said as the others followed, each filing past to take a look at the man who\u2019d finally saved them.<\/p>\n

\u201c. . . thanks . . . for the . . . company,\u201d Adam said barely getting the words out as another blast of pain found him and his eyes slid shut, Hoss working as fast as he could.<\/p>\n

Old Destiny wouldn\u2019t claim another victim.\u00a0 Not while he was around.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, it\u2019s so good to see you sitting up and taking nourishment,\u201d Dan said trying not to look too closely at Adam who smiled through the bruises and bandages at his friend.<\/p>\n

\u201cDan, nice to see you,\u201d he hoarsely replied to the young man who plopped into the chair next to his bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThought I\u2019d give you a couple days rest before I came by.\u201d\u00a0 He leaned forward in his chair and glanced at the door.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing wouldn\u2019t let me near you any earlier,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

Adam laughed and quickly grabbed his ribs, wincing at the pain. \u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t make me laugh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Dan said with a smile.\u00a0 \u201cI came by to tell you that the men were removed from Destiny.\u00a0 Got their names off the papers you had, corroborated them with the names in the register and gave them a decent burial in the old Destiny graveyard.\u00a0 It took 24 years but they finally came home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPapers?\u201d Adam asked his whole adventure in the mine still a bit fuzzy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were tucked in your pocket.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pulling his wallet from his jacket, Dan produced seven pieces of paper and laid them on the bed. \u00a0\u201cI don\u2019t know how you got them but there they were.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam picked up the nearest one and smiled \u2013 J. R. Swirell.\u00a0 It stated \u2018take what I have and give it to Pearl at the Diamond Bar Saloon.\u2019\u00a0 \u201cEach one is a will of sorts, each has a name.\u00a0 I\u2019ve contacted any kin I could find.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould you find Pearl?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Dan shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but I did find a Matthew Swirell up in Genoa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis son?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u00a0 Pearl turned out to be his mother.\u00a0 He appreciated getting the ring back.\u00a0 Pearl had spoken of it often.\u00a0 Apparently, it was J.R.\u2019s pride and joy.\u00a0 Contained the first piece of gold his father found and is worth more than $5,000.00.\u00a0 Matthew\u2019s smiling from ear-to-ear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrumbly J.R. has a son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDurn proud of him, too,\u201d echoed about the room.<\/p>\n

Adam glanced around drawing a concerned look from Dan. \u00a0 \u201cYou ok?\u201d<\/p>\n

Turning back to Dan, he smiled. \u00a0\u201cAh, yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dan eyed him then reached back into his pocket.\u00a0 \u201cOh, there was another piece,\u201d he continued.\u00a0 \u201cIt was a poem.\u00a0 I used it for the plaque to commemorate the deaths of all the men who died at the Destiny.\u00a0 Want to hear it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Adam said, collecting all of the papers, looking at each name, remembering their faces.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019I find myself with nothin\u2019 ta guide me as the rocks fall through the dirt above And I pray the Lord ta let me see one last time those whom I love. So\u2019s I write this down with no light ta spare in hopes that others will find my mark to remember me with lovin\u2019 care as I sit in the middle of the dark.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the middle of the dark,\u201d Adam repeated thinking back to the men who\u2019d kept him company.\u00a0 \u201cSo very true.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank ya, boy,\u201d floated by his ear and he turned and looked past Dan toward the window.\u00a0 Jimmy stood there with a smile on his face.<\/p>\n

He smiled back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Dan began following his gaze to the window and seeing nothing.\u00a0 \u201cAdam?\u201d he repeated finally drawing his attention.\u00a0 \u201cShould I call Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u00a0 Ah, no I\u2019m fine.\u00a0 Just a bit tired,\u201d he said with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, that\u2019s my signal to go home,\u201d Dan said, replacing his wallet in his jacket.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo . . .\u201d \u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d he said holding up his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised Hop Sing isn\u2019t up here already.\u201d\u00a0 He stood then his voice taking on a serious tone.\u00a0 \u201cI wanted to thank you for saving my life.\u00a0 If you hadn\u2019t pushed me out of the way . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled.\u00a0 \u201cJust remember.\u00a0 Don\u2019t let anyone in there until . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c. . . until I\u2019ve shored it up,\u201d he finished with a smile of his own.\u00a0 \u201cI know, I know.\u00a0 Timber\u2019s coming tomorrow.\u00a0 I don\u2019t expect to see you out there for a least a week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore like two,\u201d Hop Sing said upon entering the room.\u00a0 \u201cYou go now, Mista Dan.\u00a0 Leave Mista Adam to mend.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d he said heading for the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I keep these for awhile?\u201d Adam asked after him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as you like.\u00a0 Thanks again.\u201d<\/p>\n

He waved and left the room, Hop Sing putting his tray down on the bed stand and easily pushing Adam back down onto his pillows to begin unwrapping the bandage about his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cOuch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStay still.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want ugly scar do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir,\u201d he answered wincing as Hop Sing cleaned it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you have on mind?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grinned.\u00a0 He always knew. \u00a0 \u201cDo you believe in ghosts, Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

His brows moved up his forehead at the question but he kept up his ministrations.\u00a0 \u201cI believe in many things, on this side or other side of veil,\u201d he answered satisfied that the wound was healing nicely and returned his attention to his patient and the thoughtful look on his face.\u00a0 He tended to his other injuries wondering when Number One son would fess up. \u00a0 \u201cYou had company?\u00a0 In cave?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam smiled having given up many years ago wondering how Hop Sing could read their minds.\u00a0 It may have been a talent but he appreciated it as the gift it was. \u00a0 \u201cSeven of them as a matter of fact.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI thank them yesterday for bringing Mista Adam home,\u201d he said matter-of-factly, placing a steaming mug of tea on the bed stand.\u00a0 \u201cDrink.\u00a0\u00a0All<\/em>\u00a0this time.\u00a0 Can\u2019t get better by not drinking Hop Sing\u2019s tea.\u201d\u00a0 He patted Adam on the shoulder, picked up his tray and left him to contemplate his experience in the dark.<\/p>\n

Adam sighed and closed his eyes.\u00a0 Always believing in what he could see had always worked for him but the older he got the more he wondered if taking things on faith might be okay, too.\u00a0 Whatever it was that had helped him through his ordeal, whether real or imagined, was greatly appreciated.\u00a0 It was decided.\u00a0 As soon as he was ambulatory he was going to go visit the Destiny and the boys that kept him company.\u00a0 He had his own thanking to do. The End<\/p>\n

1<\/em>\u00a0 The Philip Diedeshiemer Story<\/em> Disclaimer:<\/p>\n

All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

Summary: \u00a0Adam Cartwright is caught in a cave-in and gets some unexpected company. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0K+ (4,380 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":125,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-3888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1444,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":15658,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15658","url_meta":{"origin":3888,"position":0},"title":"In the Mind’s Eye (by Hart4Ben)","author":"Hart4Ben","date":"January 7, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A farce on Bonanza FanFic with a twist. 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