Family Apart<\/strong><\/p>\nOne of the men suddenly threw his arms up and sank to the ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cI got him!\u201d The sheriff\u2019s deputy smiled broadly, reloading the rifle. Ben and his sons shot simultaneously; the bandits seemed to be backing off; then it was clear they indeed were.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey won\u2019t be back soon,\u201d grinned Joe happily. \u201cWe sure showed them, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam calmly reloaded the weapon. \u201cThey hopefully are back soon, so that Roy can arrest them. I don\u2019t put much trust in outlaws at large.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight said, son,\u201d Roy patted his arm. \u201cIf they don\u2019t come back here, I\u2019ll lead a posse to find them. Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can count on us,\u201d nodded his friend. \u201cLet us wait yet, they may try again.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cThe posse begins with the search tomorrow,\u201d Ben pursed his lips. \u201cOne of us has to stay on the ranch.\u201d He surveyed his sons with a questioning look. \u201cVolunteers?\u201d<\/p>\n
They exchanged glances and then all three shrugged their shoulders.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever you decide, sir,\u201d Adam unsuccessfully tried to stifle a yawn. \u201cIf I\u2019m going, I must have an early night.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll stay,\u201d decided Ben. \u201cYou\u2019re younger, and more fit for such ride. We\u2019d better all call it a day, you must set out early. Just remember: Be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n
They nodded, getting up rather wearily.<\/p>\n
\u201c \u2018Night, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c \u2018Night, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood night, Joe, Hoss,\u201d Ben smiled to them. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll check the barn and horses,\u201d his eldest put the jacket on. \u201cI\u2019ll try to fight the temptation to fall asleep in the hay,\u201d he joked. \u201cGood night, Pa. You don\u2019t have to wait for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood night, son,\u201d Ben answered, his eyes scrutinising Adam lovingly. \u201cDon\u2019t stay long, I can see you\u2019re tired.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam smiled in answer and stepped out on the porch.<\/p>\n
He closed the door, and raised his head. His eyes shot wide in shock, as though they wanted to fully encompass the shadow in front of him.<\/p>\n
He sank softly into the expecting arms.<\/p>\n
The first man gestured to the other, bigger one to carry the limp shape. \u201cNo trace,\u201d he mouthed, then moved quietly back into the darkness, the other following.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, where is Adam?\u201d, Joe smiled broadly, happy he wasn\u2019t the last one down this time.<\/p>\n
Ben frowned. \u201cHoss, get your elder brother down. You must get going soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure,\u201d Hoss reluctantly left the table, as he was really hungry. \u201cHey, older brother, rise and shine!\u201d, he yelled into Adam\u2019s room.<\/p>\n
The empty bed looked unslept in.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa!\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss hurried downstairs. \u201cPa, did Adam sleep in his room tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Earlier.<\/p>\n
Adam was slowly coming round. Then pain yanked him brutally back to consciousness. He tried to escape the boot thrusting itself in his stomach, but his hands were tied behind his back tightly, and he couldn\u2019t get up.<\/p>\n
\u201cWake up, Cartwright, I lost my patience,\u201d an unpleasant voice accompanied another kick. Adam groaned and curled up to protect his abdomen.<\/p>\n
\u201cRise and shine, Cartwright,\u201d the boot turned him onto his back and rested firmly against his chest. In the glow of the fire Adam saw a rather well-built man, older, with fairly handsome features, dark, strong, manly shaped. What was going on?<\/p>\n
He heard steps beside his head – wide-eyed, Adam stared in renewed shock: the man who he\u2019d seen first on the porch. His mirror reflection.<\/p>\n
A boot nudged his ear. \u201cI don\u2019t like you staring at me,\u201d spoke the reflection.<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s eyes shifted from one man to the other. \u201cWho are you? Where am I?\u201d<\/p>\n
A boot dug deep in his side – he curled up in pain.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rich man\u2019s sonny is curious, huh? I lost one of my men – you lost one of your men. I\u2019d like to see your old rich man looking for his sonny,\u201d the man laughed unpleasantly. \u201cUnfortunately, he\u2019ll never know whether his sonny lives or not.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam gazed at them, disquieted, almost afraid of comprehending.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said don\u2019t stare!\u201d Something exploded in his head and he almost lost the fight with nausea. Every move threatened with a revolt of his stomach. He desperately wanted to go to sleep.<\/p>\n
The boot thrust itself into his stomach brutally, and he couldn\u2019t stop the reaction anymore.<\/p>\n
\u201cGet used to it, Cartwright, that\u2019ll be your life from now on,\u201d the darkness laughed with the voice of the older man.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you say there aren\u2019t any tracks of any kidnappers?\u201d, asked Roy carefully. He understood Ben\u2019s concern, but he needed to know more facts to draw some conclusions.<\/p>\n
\u201cRoy, there isn\u2019t a single track of his that goes to the barn – or anywhere else, for that matter,\u201d Hoss rested his big hands on his hips, trying to remain calm against the turmoil inside. If there was one responsible and dependable Cartwright brother, it was Adam. \u201cBut there are traces that can be taken for somebody\u2019s deliberate work on covering the tracks. Adam would have told us if he were going somewhere else, and wouldn\u2019t cover his tracks. Somebody helped him leave. No, he\u2019s not around here, and yes, Sport is still in the barn,\u201d he forestalled Roy\u2019s questions. \u201cAnd very much yes, we want you and us to look for him NOW.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roy instinctively stepped back. Hoss\u2019 shadow could be very comforting, but it was far from that now.<\/p>\n
Ben rested his hand on Roy\u2019s arm. \u201cRoy, what if this search goes together with yours? If it was Caine and his gang? If they want to avenge their man?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not likely that they would go for such risks,\u201d argued Roy calmly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I saw him, I guess,\u201d the rancher nodded. \u201cI just thought how strangely that he\u2019s like your son so much, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you saw them go that way?\u201d, Roy was his official self. \u201cWhen? How many of them?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw two of them come up to the rest of the group – quite many there were, and they all went straight towards the pass. One of them… uhm… I think it was Ad… the one who looked like Adam that had something big hanging over his saddle – but it was too dark to make it out. I didn\u2019t dare go closer,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt was late in the evening, I guess that\u2019s why they didn\u2019t notice me. Sorry, but that\u2019s all I know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, you helped us quite a lot.\u201d Roy smiled rather grimly, and mounted. \u201cLet\u2019s go, before they have time to reach the rocky ground. We have to find Caine quickly – and Adam,\u201d he admitted in a heavy sigh.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, but it\u2019s not likely that they would go for such risks,\u201d shot Joe ironically. Ben silenced him with a stern look, but Roy shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can understand him, Ben. He\u2019s worried sick, just as you are. I am just doing my job, Joe, and doubting is part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I know,\u201d admitted Joe quietly, shaking off his frustration. \u201cSorry, Roy. I know you wouldn\u2019t let Adam down. Let\u2019s go find him, huh?\u201d, he tried to muster his most charming, deadly lady-killer smile. Hoss decided it was not the time to tell him how miserably he had failed.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cHere.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim raised the cup, watching Adam\u2019s reaction. The prisoner glanced thirstily at the water but suddenly winced and shifted, pulling his knees closer to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cM-hm,\u201d Tim gazed at him thoughtfully, then put the cup aside and yanked Adam up and into some bushes.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, pants down,\u201d he ordered, throwing him a knowing look. \u201cGo on, Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even with his hands tied in front of him, Adam hardly managed to unbutton the garment. He turned back to Tim to get rid of the unpleasant pressure at last – an iron hand yanked him roughly back.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, I want to see your hands, Cartwright,\u201d Tim thrust the colt\u2019s barrel into his side. \u201cGo on with it, we don\u2019t have the whole day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam felt he was blushed, but most importantly he could relax his muscles at last, free from the pressing danger below his belt. This was the first time they allowed him that; the whole night and day he wasn\u2019t allowed anything, not even sleep. He regretted not accepting the water quickly enough; but then, he wouldn\u2019t have held it back anymore.<\/p>\n
Tim pushed him back to his place. \u201cGood boy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The older man approached them with a frown. \u201cTim, what\u2019s that supposed to mean? You let him…?\u201d<\/p>\n
His hand landed hard on the man\u2019s face. Adam stared at them wide-eyed.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomebody has to sit with him, and nobody will if he stinks,\u201d protested Tim, apparently used to such treatment. \u201cI won\u2019t give him my clothes for a change. That\u2019s for MY comfort, Dad, come on!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust don\u2019t spoil him,\u201d barked Caine. \u201cThe rich man\u2019s sonny might get used to the luxury.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam noticed the threatening movement, and had just enough time to protect his face and abdomen. The kicks were vicious but few. He estimated none of the bones were broken yet – good, he was hoping to escape whenever they stopped guarding him non-stop – but his arms and legs hurt horribly. He\u2019d been kicked and beaten countless times since the kidnapping; he was told clearly there was no other treatment he could expect. It hurt most when Tim beat him; he seemed an evil twin of him then. He still couldn\u2019t believe the striking similarity; they were identical, as far as he could judge. Tim was skinnier, maybe, but that could be helped soon, couldn\u2019t it.<\/p>\n
Caine just snorted and walked away. Tim caught Adam\u2019s shocked expression and barked, \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam shifted uneasily and answered quietly, \u201cHe… he hit you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, who allowed you to talk!\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam fell on his side, trying to cover his head against another strike. None came, surprisingly enough. Instead, Tim jerked him back to a sitting position and thrust the cup in his hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe won\u2019t let you die,\u201d he smiled to his prisoner, and Adam felt cold shivers going down his back. Tim\u2019s cold dark eyes were piercing him through unpleasantly, and he began to understand why his own eyes could embarrass other people. Slowly, he handed back the empty cup; this time, he thought better of talking. He was rewarded with a short appearance of dimples in Tim\u2019s face, and a pat on the leg.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood boy.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Ben gazed helplessly into the night. Everything was still; only his thoughts and his heart raced. Where was his son? Did he live yet? Did his body… no, don\u2019t think about that. You can\u2019t. Adam lives. He must live.<\/p>\n
But where could he be? So long…? Whoever would keep a prisoner for so long without a cause? They didn\u2019t demand any ransom – they didn\u2019t want any. They wanted… What could they want? To take revenge for a killed man? Then they would shoot somebody down instead of… Maybe they took him so that nobody could find the body…<\/p>\n
No, that\u2019s ridiculous. Maybe Adam… maybe they wanted to hurt him – and he ran – why not to the house? – no, maybe they hurt him, and he was confused – maybe even lost his memory – and lives somewhere, not knowing who he is and that somebody is waiting for him to come home… There would be tracks of some kind… Or maybe they caught him for ransom, and he escaped – lost his memory – and only because of that didn\u2019t come home. Yes, he had to be somewhere there, maybe even very close, and just doesn\u2019t know what happened – how badly would he have to be hurt then?<\/p>\n
Maybe he escaped, but was injured so badly that…<\/p>\n
They would have found him. One way or the other, they would have found him. Where was he? Who took him? And why? Why?<\/p>\n
Maybe there was no point in looking anymore? – Oh, that\u2019s ridiculous! He is somewhere out there and waiting for their help. Yes, he is.<\/p>\n
Is he?<\/p>\n
\u201cPa, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s a good idea to think of those things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben startled. Joe gently began rubbing his father\u2019s shoulder. His young face looked startlingly older with the worry.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa, it\u2019s not good if you sit here late every night and think. You\u2019d better talk with us. You\u2019ll feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben shook his head. \u201cI was analysing where we didn\u2019t look yet. Maybe we forgot about something.\u201d<\/p>\n
A big shadow loomed over them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWere you really \u2018analysing\u2019? Or maybe rather worrying?\u201d, Hoss shook his head wearily. \u201cPa, this can\u2019t go on like that. You look like a shadow. The ranch is no longer properly taken care of. We just set out in the morning, look for him all day for the third time in the same place, and get back home done in in the evening. Pa, we must change something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you ask me to stop looking for my beloved son?!\u201d, Ben yelled his anger and frustration booming out in the night.<\/p>\n
\u201cDamn it, I love him, too!\u201d, yelled Hoss in similar frustration.<\/p>\n
This cooled Ben\u2019s temper, if only through sheer surprise. Hoss never yelled like that, and he certainly didn\u2019t use such swear words and such a tone towards his father.<\/p>\n
Hoss turned back from him, seething. He shouldn\u2019t have reacted like that, he knew.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa,\u201d Joe rested his curly head against Ben\u2019s shoulder, as much to comfort his father as to get comforted himself. \u201cWe have agreed with Hoss that we have looked in every possible place three or more times. Maybe the sheriff should search further, and wire other sheriffs again, and we would wire everybody we know around the States – maybe they saw him. It\u2019s no use going on like that. If we suddenly hear that Adam needs us, and we will be so tired that we\u2019ll be falling from our horses, how will we be able to help him? Be reasonable, Pa. We must wait, and wire, and hope. Looking for him in all the places all over again is like hoping he would materialise suddenly in one of them. We haven\u2019t found him here, so he must be somewhere else. Let the sheriffs look for him, and let our friends look for him. We must keep this place and ourselves going, if Adam needs us it won\u2019t be in a bad shape. We have to be ready to help him, and so we must keep strong, and rich – if somebody wants ransom, or if we have to pay for detectives – and we must be there for him instead of wearing ourselves out searching where we won\u2019t find him. Be reasonable; think what Adam would do, what he would say. I bet he\u2019d say: be reasonable, and he\u2019d give you all the rational facts, and damn it, he\u2019d be right again, as he always claims he is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will not tolerate such foul language,\u201d Ben woke up at last. \u201cSo what am I to do? Wait?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo what Adam would do – be reasonable and rational,\u201d answered Hoss quietly. \u201cIn case… WHEN Adam will need us, we must be strong and tough, but that\u2019s not the way to achieve it. You must eat, sleep, and hope, instead of going desperate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben gazed long at the round, kind face of this gentle giant, at his eyes, hiding pain in their immense bluishness, then at the boyish face of his youngest son, ridiculously aged with concern – Adam WOULD argue like that, he thought. After all, if they didn\u2019t found him here during a month\u2019s search, he wouldn\u2019t suddenly materialise there. He felt he needed to pray again.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d he whispered, rising heavily, and dragged towards the door. Joe looked up at Hoss. \u201cI guess Adam is still the most persuasive of us,\u201d he whispered without a smile. He would never ever admit the reasons were more to ease their father\u2019s concern than because he believed Adam would suddenly appear and ask their help. Neither Hoss nor Pa should be upset. Nor Adam, if he\u2019s somewhere there.<\/p>\n
Hoss gazed back at him. \u201cI guess,\u201d he agreed, managing something that with some good will could be interpreted as a smile. He would never ever admit the reasons were more to ease their father\u2019s concern than because he believed Adam would suddenly appear and ask their help. Neither Joe nor Pa should be upset. Nor Adam, wherever he is.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been a month. Adam wouldn\u2019t have known if someone hadn\u2019t said that lately. A month.<\/p>\n
He\u2019d learned that three beatings a day made the day good, two – marvellous. Sometimes he got food, sometimes he didn\u2019t. He got water every day, at least.<\/p>\n
His hopes of escaping were fading quickly. He was never left alone, not for a second, not even for attending to the most personal bodily functions. Caine took a lot of care to humiliate and imprison him fully. He was watched day and night, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.<\/p>\n
They sometimes moved on; he was then tied to a horse and blindfolded, unable anymore to determine wherever they were going. There were rocks and caves mostly, that was the only clue as to where they might be, but he wasn\u2019t allowed to watch the surroundings much. All those sleepless nights he was aware that somebody was sitting next to him, reminding him painfully from time to time what was allowed and what was not. Slowly, fatigue allowed him the blessed oblivion of deep, dreamless sleep; mild resignation, which he put down to his weakened state, was in fact saving his sanity. However, he was still hoping for his chance – quietly. If they knew, they\u2019d beat it out of him most probably.<\/p>\n
He took the time to observe his look-alike, Tim, carefully – he didn\u2019t want to earn a beating for that; a couple of times, he caught Tim\u2019s gaze, proving the man was watching him just as closely and seemingly with similar interest. He was something of a second-in-command; Caine always left him to boss around the camp if he took some men away himself. Tim was also most often the enforced companion of Adam\u2019s, both days and nights – with breaks, naturally. Adam preferred his company, if he was to be honest. Tim was at least impartial, and didn\u2019t beat him for pure pleasure; he just did his duty watching him. He was the one to give him food; he didn\u2019t abuse him verbally, as the others did. He somehow was always there when Adam came to after the beatings, head swimming, to find – to his quiet surprise – his hands less numb than before, as though someone had un- and retied him in the meantime. Thus, Adam felt simply a bit more relaxed with him.<\/p>\n
Which didn\u2019t mean Tim was his chance to escape, unfortunately.<\/p>\n
Maybe his family would find him… Poor Pa…<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Tim felt uneasy. He knew he was being watched. Raising his dark eyes, he met the hungry ones in the corner. The Adam\u2019s apple of the prisoner moved with the involuntary swallowing.<\/p>\n
When did they give him some food recently?, wondered Tim lazily, coming back to his meal. Adam\u2019s louder swallowing almost startled him.<\/p>\n
\u201cStop that,\u201d he demanded, sitting himself more comfortably, not raising his eyes from the meal. He heard Adam shift and swallow again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said stop that!\u201d, he yelled angrily. Adam cringed, his gaze falling onto the food with involuntary swallowing. He slowly raised his tied hands and rubbed wearily at his cheek and mouth, trying to cover his moving Adam\u2019s apple.<\/p>\n
Tim put some more beans on his plate and rose. Adam helplessly watched him approaching, unable to back from the potential beating. The strong arm jerked him into a standing position and pulled to the fire. He stumbled and would have fallen without the support; his legs were numb and gave way under him.<\/p>\n
He was almost thrown to the ground; the booted feet went around him, and a plate was thrust in his hands. Tim sat down and put some beans on the other plate.<\/p>\n
\u201cEat,\u201d he muttered. Adam stared at him, then carefully placed the plate between his knees and awkwardly took some of the beans with his fingers. Not taking his eyes off Tim, he swallowed them, hardly chewing, and took some more. Tim looked up – Adam froze.<\/p>\n
Tim glared at his prisoner angrily for a moment, then growled, \u201cEither stare or eat.\u201d After a second of hesitation, Adam dropped his eyes and swallowed the food even more hungrily.<\/p>\n
\u201cChew,\u201d Tim frowned. \u201cEither you eat like a human or you won\u2019t get anything, clear?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam nearly choked at that on what he was swallowing; with the next mouthful, however, he forced his jaws to work. Tim observed him eating. His hands were tied tightly and he was trying hard to cope with the food with his numb fingers the way they were. The plate shook weakly between the knees, continuously tensing anew and anew against their weakness, but was far too precious for Adam to let it drop. His lips and jaws snapped hungrily at the food, wasting none of the little beans, chewing now more naturally but still with the visible effort of will.<\/p>\n
At last, there was no little bean left; Adam carefully licked the remnants of the food off his fingers. Nothing could be wasted. For long days, all he got was water, and not as much of it as he\u2019d like. He wondered briefly, would he get sick now?<\/p>\n
The rim of the invitingly aromatic and hot cup touched his lips. Miraculous. Adam had to sip in order not to burn himself; but it was coffee, real good hot coffee! He thanked Tim with his eyes, trying to drink as much as possible as quickly as possible. They surely wouldn\u2019t let him drink the whole cup.<\/p>\n
Tim observed Adam; for a moment, he held his gaze, then Adam concentrated back on the coffee, leaving Tim angered, and then outraged. It wasn\u2019t really the fire of deep gratitude he saw in Adam\u2019s eyes that made him mad; it was his own reaction to it. He took pity. He turned to a softie and took pity! Well, hopefully, it\u2019d be another humiliation for the rich man\u2019s sonny, who had nothing on his mind but money!<\/p>\n
Looking longingly at the cup being emptied onto the ground, Adam let his gratitude govern him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you,\u201d he managed faintly, smiling shyly at Tim. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim froze at Adam\u2019s voice; it came from somewhere so deep, he felt.<\/p>\n
He raised his fist quickly, \u201cWho allowed you to talk!\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam fell on the floor and anxiously protected his stomach with his legs. Tim thought briefly of kicking the food out of him, staring angrily at his prisoner, then hauled the man to his feet and dragged\u00a0 him to the corner.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd stay there!\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam almost instinctively protected his head with his bound hands; when no strike came, he carefully glanced from behind his hands. Tim came back to the fire and was sitting with his side to Adam. He didn\u2019t seem to want to beat Adam down after all.<\/p>\n
The prisoner swallowed quietly, recalling the taste of the food and the coffee. He knew beans weren\u2019t the best choice in his condition, but choice would be luxury for him now. Hopefully, he wouldn\u2019t get nauseous now that his stomach was eventually filled, be it only partially. He closed his eyes; eating had been an effort. He never knew when he fell asleep.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Adam cringed under Tim\u2019s gaze. He\u2019d heard him talk to the men outside before, and wondered idly about the possible orders. Now, however, Tim came back and was staring at him intensely, and rather not in a friendly manner. Adam already had a black eye from yesterday, and wasn\u2019t looking forward to repeating the experience. He shifted involuntarily, when his bowels reminded him of the yesterday beans.<\/p>\n
Tim obviously heard that. Fine. Adam pressed his back to the rock, hoping the beating wouldn\u2019t reach the said bowels; he hardly managed to keep them from emptying by now.<\/p>\n
Strong hands jerked him to a standing position and pulled out of the cave into some bushes.<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm,\u201d Adam raised his hands to protect his eyes, unused to the bright light.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe won\u2019t stand here the whole day,\u201d Tim let him go; Adam limply sank to his knees. \u201cI remember you ate yesterday,\u201d said Tim. \u201cPants down, Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam wondered whether he would ever get used to being humiliated like that. He awkwardly tried to cope with the buttons, but the ties and numbness hampered his moves. Suddenly, he felt two other hands cover his own two. \u201cWe don\u2019t have the whole day, Cartwright,\u201d Tim reminded him. \u201cBe as nice and don\u2019t get me mad today. It\u2019s enough my ankle hurts.\u201d He decided it was better to help the prisoner, as he hardly stood, than to kick him to hurry up.<\/p>\n
In the cave, Tim cooked some meat, then warmed the beans. Adam gazed longingly at the food, whenever he knew he wasn\u2019t being watched. He really didn\u2019t want to get Tim mad, it was the only person to help him instead of beating him… most of the time.<\/p>\n
The man by the fire moved eventually; he rose and came to Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on,\u201d he jerked him upright again and brought to the fire. There, he – incredible! – untied Adam\u2019s hands and handed a bowl of broth to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cEat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam stared at him in wide-eyed astonishment. Then, he carefully began to sip the hot broth possibly quietly, his hands shaking uncontrollably, threatening to spill the precious liquid.<\/p>\n
Tim appreciated his efforts with a glance, then fried the cooked meat for himself. He noticed Adam hadn\u2019t had visible bruises for a couple of days, well, until yesterday; he got used to seeing a black eye, a bruise or a cut on the prisoner\u2019s face. Knowing he shouldn\u2019t expect any better, he tried now to suppress his irritability at Adam\u2019s shaking hands and hungry sipping.<\/p>\n
Eventually, Adam swallowed the last sip and slowly, almost reluctantly, put the bowl away. Meeting Tim\u2019s eyes, he thanked him with a shy smile, thinking better of speaking up this time.<\/p>\n
\u201cI surprise myself with my generosity,\u201d muttered Tim, tying Adam\u2019s hands anew. \u201cGet back to your place,\u201d he ordered. Adam managed at last to slowly get up, and staggered to the corner.<\/p>\n
Why did he actually feed him?, mused Tim, sipping his coffee after the meal. The rich man\u2019s sonny got what he wanted!<\/p>\n
He kicked out at the fire and jumped up. Adam startled. Seeing a sudden glimpse of fear in the prisoner\u2019s eyes, Tim suddenly felt regret at his actions, but somehow that only enraged him more.<\/p>\n
Adam ineffectively tried to protect his head from the heavy fists falling on him ruthlessly; the whole world contracted to immense, growing pain in his body; booted feet planted strong kicks in his thighs and back. He moaned when he felt one in his kidney, then the world, the whole little world of his pain and the booted feet whirled wildly around him, as the black abyss sucked him in.<\/p>\n
Noticing Adam had ceased moving and moaning, Tim stopped, too, breathing hard. That rich man\u2019s sonny… Why did he actually beat him?<\/p>\n
He staggered back to the fire, sank to the ground and hid his face in his hands, trying to regain composure.<\/p>\n
Caine strolled into the cave and a huge grin appeared on his face. \u201cWell, well, well, the rich man\u2019s sonny looks like one of us, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
He kicked the limp body, without evoking any reaction, and laughing turned to Tim.<\/p>\n
\u201cI could swear your ankle wasn\u2019t that well yet! Nice work, son, that\u2019s what I like! Come, I\u2019ve got to tell you the plan, I got an idea to use the Cartwright boy here; why should we feed him on our cost?\u201d<\/p>\n
Feed? He couldn\u2019t remember anybody but himself feed the prisoner, mused Tim, glancing at the limp form before following his father. And yet he didn\u2019t throw up the broth, he noticed in the back of his mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be rich,\u201d Caine grinned unpleasantly at his men. That didn\u2019t mean any grudge against them; the most pleasant smile he\u2019d ever managed was at the sight of a buxom lady in an \u2018evening outfit\u2019, and it made him look like a mad, hungry bear. He was handsome as long as he didn\u2019t smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be rich, I tell you! Shucks, if it wasn\u2019t for the trip to the old mad McDonald, we could begin at once! We\u2019ll hurry, anyway,\u201d he winked at his son and reminded him, \u201cNow, it\u2019s only your ankle and my trust in you that makes you stay with him. We\u2019ll take you to the place in some half an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n
He grinned even wider at a sudden thought.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe we should wake him and let him run a bit? He could use some movement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim glanced at his father with a weary expression. Adam wouldn\u2019t run far.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019d take too long,\u201d he pointed out. \u201cBoth the waking and the running. And you can\u2019t blindfold him then, or you kill him right away; he can see the surroundings this way. Get him on some horse – he won\u2019t like that either – and we\u2019ll be there quicker and safer. And having him for your trap.\u201d<\/p>\n
Caine looked at his men proudly. \u201cNow, that\u2019s what I call thinking. Right you say, son, we\u2019ll have some fun with him anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
They didn\u2019t get much of any fun, however, for the simple reason that Adam stayed unconscious all the way long; or if he came round, it was for short periods and not surfacing enough to acknowledge pain or discomfort.<\/p>\n
The ride was relatively short; however, whether from the ride or the previous movement, Tim\u2019s ankle reminded him of the recent damage, and he was glad when they finally stopped.<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess you were right with the ankle,\u201d he admitted to Caine. \u201cI\u2019ll need a couple of days down to earth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, you have everything here,\u201d Caine offered the valley to him in a magnanimous gesture. \u201cRiver, cave to sleep in, animals around… Ain\u2019t I a good father to give all this to you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d Tim grimaced probing the ankle while dismounting. \u201cNot so good,\u201d he noticed worriedly. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have kicked him, the beating itself would have sufficed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBring him to the cave!\u201d, gestured Caine towards the prisoner and dismounted to stand beside his son. \u201cI hate to look at him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow come if we\u2019re so alike?\u201d, asked Tim. He staggered and sat down from the force of the slap.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t you be clever with me!\u201d, Caine yelled furiously, then nodded towards the cave. \u201cKeep him tied; you can feed him some, we\u2019ll need him later, and the trip may take a couple of weeks even. We\u2019ll put some stones in the passage, that will close the valley should he try something funny with the ties. And take care of your ankle,\u201d he seemed surprised that Tim was still sitting on the ground. \u201cWell, can\u2019t you make it to the cave?\u201d<\/p>\n
The younger man slowly got up, wincing; he felt the ankle acutely now. \u201cLeave me some food, okay? I\u2019m not going to run around much today.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I won\u2019t do for my sonny boy,\u201d Caine grinned, giving Tim a hearty slap on the shoulder; Tim staggered again and would have fallen if Caine hadn\u2019t caught his arm. \u201cHey, that IS bad. Lie down, son. We\u2019ll leave you everything you might need. Now I\u2019ll worry the whole way.\u201d He grinned at Tim. \u201cAin\u2019t I a loving father?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d Tim limped to the cave and sank to the ground. He decided to call it a day.<\/p>\n
When he decided to move, he noticed the motionless form by the wall. Was he still unconscious?<\/p>\n
The ankle stopped throbbing by now, so he thought to check on his prisoner. When he removed the fabric covering Adam\u2019s eyes, the man squinted up at him fairly consciously.<\/p>\n
\u201cWoken up?\u201d, Tim sat more comfortably. \u201cWant to talk?\u201d<\/p>\n
Remembering the last beating, Adam shifted his eyes modestly on the stony ground, instead of staring angrily at Tim.<\/p>\n
\u201cI asked you something,\u201d Tim nudged him. Adam puffed uncomfortably into the gag and this time shot a displeased glance upwards.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re all alone, you know,\u201d the man continued. Adam answered with a slightly surprised look.<\/p>\n
\u201cHungry?\u201d<\/p>\n
Now Adam\u2019s gaze was fully surprised.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, you can talk,\u201d agreed Tim, noticing a glimpse in Adam\u2019s eyes that told him he\u2019d like to say something. Once the gag was out, Adam sighed deeply and managed a hoarse whisper.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you… give me water?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can,\u201d answered Tim, not attempting to get up. Adam closed his eyes and let his head fall limply back onto the ground with a sigh. Yes, that would be too good.<\/p>\n
Tim brushed away a lock of hair from Adam\u2019s face. His prisoner was warm and flushed. Tim got the bucket and the cup, thought a second, then set the meat on fire to cook a broth. When he came back to his prisoner, he could hardly wake him to give him the water. Adam drank thirstily and Tim had to watch him so that he wouldn\u2019t choke. His head rested on Tim\u2019s hand, too heavy for Adam to lift it. His eyes were closed, the black eye bigger. He was really flushed now.<\/p>\n
Tim sat there for a while, then idly began untying the prisoner. The man didn\u2019t react anymore. Neither did he respond to being undressed or covered.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
The hot broth gave off steam from the bowl. Tim cooled it a bit, then looked at Adam to find a pair of two brown intelligent eyes gazing at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt last,\u201d he puffed. \u201cI\u2019m tired of playing the nanny for you. Here, drink that.\u201d<\/p>\n
He raised Adam\u2019s head and put the bowl to the man\u2019s mouth. \u201cSlowly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recognising a sudden grimace, he smirked, \u201cYeah, yeah, that in a moment. Now drink.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having eaten and got rid of the uncomfortable pressure, Adam rested for a moment, then carefully tried a question.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow long… was I… un… conscious?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA week, let\u2019s say.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLong.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah. I got tired of sitting there talking to nobody. How do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTired.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim thought he should rightly be, it was the first day after the crisis.<\/p>\n
\u201cWant to drink something?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMhm.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n
After giving Adam a drink of water, Tim sat back at his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cWant to talk?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTired.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/p>\n
He sat silent for a while.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan I talk to you… just talk?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure.\u201d Adam looked up with surprise, but then smiled faintly. \u201cPromise… to listen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood. I was feeling kind of lonely. I actually wouldn\u2019t talk to you if we weren\u2019t alone, you know. But, uhm… I wondered why we are so alike. You are tired, so maybe I\u2019ll talk and you\u2019ll answer when you\u2019re stronger. I wonder how old you are. I was born 18. May 1830.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam nodded faintly. \u201cSame. Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe same as I!\u201d, wondered Tim. They eyed each other suspiciously, even more unsettled by the similarity.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mother died by my birth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSame.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHm. Don\u2019t know her name. All I know is from my nurse. I had some books, as far as education goes. Been in many places.\u201d<\/p>\n
He sighed. \u201cFeels good to talk to somebody at last. I remember as I once saw a herd of wild mustangs. A brown one was leading. And they ran so strangely, like in circles. And then only I saw three men with lassoes. They were trying to encircle one of the horses, and the whole herd was trying to escape. The leading horse was so intelligent, I don\u2019t understand how it communicated that to the others, but the mustangs divided into three parts and went three ways. The catchers lost their heads at that, and the horses joined back behind them. Ever seen anything like that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever. Sorry. Sleepy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay. Sleep well.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTim… washed me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow long do you think I\u2019d stay here if you stank?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam snorted faintly, closing his eyes. \u201cYeah. Thanks. Cook… well.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, thanks, nobody ever told me that!\u201d, Tim seemed both surprised and delighted. \u201cGo to sleep, you need some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
He rose and took the rifle; they would need some meat.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Roy drummed with his fingers on the desk and looked at Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have… suspicions – nothing more than suspicions – that these are the men who might have kidnapped Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
He felt three pairs of eyes pierce him through.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are suspicions,\u201d repeated Roy nervously. \u201cWe just might find them… and see if they have Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you think they would still keep him?\u201d, asked Hoss unusually bitterly. \u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe won\u2019t have the answers without finding them,\u201d answered Roy gently.<\/p>\n
\u201cI lost hope once, I don\u2019t want to lose it again,\u201d whispered Hoss, shaking his head in pain. \u201cWhat are the chances? After two months…?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe didn\u2019t find… uhm… the body,\u201d stated Roy carefully, trying not to hurt his friends with the word and the picture it evoked. \u201cSomebody has seen someone similar to Adam with them some time after the kidnapping… I\u2019d never forgive myself if I didn\u2019t take the chance, cost it what it may.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRoy, I\u2019d never let the slightest chance go,\u201d Hoss shook his head; Joe put a conforming hand on the big arm. \u201cIt will just hurt so much if we lose him again…\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben straightened his arms. \u201cMost important is to stay together. We have to do it. When do you suggest to set out to find them, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s where they are now,\u201d the sheriff spread the map on his desk. \u201cThat\u2019s their route. I suppose we would find them more less here… in some four or five days… but a posse can be sent right away, should they change their minds.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201c \u2018Morning,\u201d Tim greeted Adam, rolling the latter onto the side to untie his hands. \u201cWhat do you say for fish for breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSounds good,\u201d Adam rubbed his wrists and stretched. It still wasn\u2019t extremely comfortable to sleep with his hands tied behind his back.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood, then go and catch some,\u201d instructed Tim, getting up. Adam looked at him in surprise, then laughed. \u201cOkay, give me the fishing rod.\u201d<\/p>\n
His twin shadow followed him to the stream. \u201cDon\u2019t think I\u2019ll leave you alone; you could have too much time to think of unnecessary things,\u201d grinned Tim, sitting beside Adam. His prisoner didn\u2019t answer, concentrating on the rod he held. He knew the stream sneaked into the valley snakewise among the roots of a big tree, which blocked the pass in-between the rocks, and escaped his sight under the big stones Caine\u2019s men closed the valley with. There was no quick way to escape; he would have to climb out – if he\u2019d manage.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t like you thinking,\u201d noticed Tim in a light voice. The poke Adam received with the barrel of the gun was by no means light.<\/p>\n
\u201cShould I talk the fish onto the hook?\u201d, he smiled rather faintly, nostalgia over him again.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou might,\u201d advised Tim in a too kind voice. He studied the stoically patient form beside him, the intelligent, thinking eyes… a rich man\u2019s sonny… Was he?<\/p>\n
\u201cA fish… a big one,\u201d Adam shifted suddenly, catching the rod more tightly. \u201cMy, it pulls like a little whale!\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim caught Adam\u2019s hands where they held the rod to help him pull, excited at what might have bitten at the bait.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat will be SOME breakfast,\u201d he noticed, his eyes twinkling.<\/p>\n
The fish jumped out of the water, shining in the sun, and just then they pulled the rod. The fish landed on the ground, almost as big as half their thigh.<\/p>\n
They caught their breath simultaneously at the sight, then started laughing with the joy of having accomplished a strenuous but pleasant task.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what I call \u2018fish\u2019,\u201d commented Tim.<\/p>\n
A small avalanche of rocks tumbled down the wall of the valley.<\/p>\n
\u201cHold it right there!\u201d<\/p>\n
They froze, both looking up the wall, both sitting in almost identical positions, one on the left, the other on the right side of the fish – and the gun.<\/p>\n
Suddenly, Caine appeared on top of the other wall. \u201cSo, Cartwright, you found your sonny! Well, then get him, if you want!\u201d<\/p>\n
A shot rang out, and one of the identical motionless figures by the stream startled, and fell.<\/p>\n
\u201cNO!\u201d<\/p>\n
Amidst the shots, the other figure immediately wetted and pressed a bandanna to the wound, then stroked the black hair. \u201cI know it hurts, it\u2019ll be fine; it\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
A moan answered him.<\/p>\n
The chaos ended as abruptly as it began. Caine and his men arrested, Roy and the Cartwrights descended to the valley, taking the prisoners with them.<\/p>\n
The half-naked man knelt beside the other one, also with no shirt on, gently probing the bullet wound. \u201cHe needs a doctor,\u201d he said to the men around him, not raising his eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam…\u201d, Ben knelt beside them, and looked in amazement at the two identical faces, with identical three day\u2019s growth of beard, both men in identical clothes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll see if your sonny makes it,\u201d laughed Caine harshly. \u201cI see you cared for the rich man\u2019s sonny, Tim,\u201d he turned to the kneeling figure. \u201cNot too much? He looks well. We\u2019ll discuss it yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
The man raised his head eventually to look at Caine.<\/p>\n
Ben was carefully washing the wound in soothing movements, but looked up when the other man stood up.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam,\u201d he raised his head with concern in his eyes and request in his voice. The man stopped and looked back at Ben with surprise.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow do you know it\u2019s me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re my son, Adam,\u201d Ben smiled slightly.<\/p>\n
Adam looked at Caine sadly for a moment, attempted to speak, stopped, then shook his head and kneeled back at Tim\u2019s side.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to dress it,\u201d remarked Ben. \u201cDo you have any bandages here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEeeeeer… I don\u2019t know,\u201d Adam looked around helplessly.<\/p>\n
\u201cCave… saddle… bags…\u201d, gasped Tim from the ground. \u201cSearch… must… be…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight,\u201d Adam raced to the cave and came back shortly with bandages.<\/p>\n
\u201cPut moist… ban… danna,\u201d gasped Tim again, but Adam hushed him, \u201cWe know what to do. Lie still. It might be the lung.\u201c<\/p>\n
\u201cNo… Can… breathe…\u201d, whispered Tim. \u201cFlesh… wound.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHush,\u201d Ben carefully put the fabric on the wound. \u201cAdam, lift him a bit. Right. Okay… that should do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss and Joe approached them quickly. \u201cThe travois is ready. Adam, you fine?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d he spontaneously threw his arms around them for a quick hug. How thoughtful of them to first think of a travois for the injured one, regardless of their desire to immediately hug him, that he felt emanating from them. \u201cLet\u2019s get him to a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n
They quickly moved towards the ranch, nobody paying more attention to Caine and his men than their handcuffs required.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Nearly two weeks later, Ben watched his eldest son closely by the supper. The younger man eventually raised his eyes, understanding he was expected to say something.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were in the city, son?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Pa, you know I was.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTalked to Tim?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d he didn\u2019t yet seem to grasp the aim of this examination.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so good that his arm\u2019s fine again,\u201d Ben smiled lightly. \u201cDid you convince him to come here?\u201d<\/p>\n
The younger man shrugged his shoulders slightly. \u201cI told you he\u2019s both stubborn and distrustful of us. I used all arguments I could think of, and gave him time to think of it. I can\u2019t force him, Pa. He may give his answer tomorrow in the court as well, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure,\u201d answered Ben slowly. The younger man felt three pairs of eyes bore hard into him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d, he asked, alarmed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhose idea was it?\u201d, asked Ben sternly.<\/p>\n
\u201cW-what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTo exchange clothes and places,\u201d Ben frowned. \u201cSo whose idea was it? Yours or Adam\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d, the questioned man blinked in astonishment. \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRoy would have alarmed me if something was wrong; however, I have some doubts whether he is capable of differentiating between you two; so if you are here, Tim, then Adam had to stay in the sheriff\u2019s office. I don\u2019t think you forced him, so whose idea was it?\u201d, Ben\u2019s voice boomed around the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never thought you\u2019d mistake me for Tim,\u201d the dark eyes gazed innocently at Ben. The older man answered with a hard, self-confident look.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhose idea?\u201d<\/p>\n
A quick glance around assured Ben\u2019s suspect that Hoss and Joe wouldn\u2019t let him withdraw. \u201cPa, you really think I\u2019m not your son Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShould I show you the scar on your left hip?\u201d, Ben straightened, obviously convinced of the identity\u00a0 of the man he was talking to. \u201cThe one you were born with?\u201d<\/p>\n
The dark eyes gazed at him questioningly for a moment yet. Then, the mask melted off.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot even Adam knows about it,\u201d he whispered, his eyes sinking to the plate.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhose idea was it?\u201d, repeated Ben, his voice somewhat gentler.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam\u2019s.\u201d He sighed. \u201cHe said I\u2019d have to know you to be able to decide. It\u2019s only for today. We\u2019re supposed to change back before the trial,\u201d Tim raised his eyes and looked at the three Cartwrights rather curiously. \u201cWhat mistake did I make to help you guess?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMillions,\u201d Ben smiled at last, be it slightly. \u201cDon\u2019t you think I know my children well enough?\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim licked his lips in a nervous gesture. \u201cAnd how did you know about the scar?\u201d Then, in his eyes there flickered realisation. \u201cThe doctor…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot this doctor,\u201d Ben turned a letter over in his hands. \u201cI think you should read it.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cRoy, let him out for a moment, we must talk,\u201d stated Ben, glancing sternly at the young, dark-haired man behind bars.<\/p>\n
Caine shoved the younger man powerfully aside. \u201cYou ain\u2019t gonna take my son away from me, Cartwright!\u201d, he rasped. \u201cYou\u2019re trying to steal him away! Well, I won\u2019t let you!\u201d<\/p>\n
He spat at the dark-clad man beside Ben, but could do nothing else to prevent the sheriff from doing what he was asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, do you think it\u2019s reasonable?\u201d, back in the main office, Roy glanced uneasily at the two look-alikes. \u201cYesterday Adam talked to him in private, now all of you…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, yes, Adam talked to him all right,\u201d Ben \u2018s eyes flashed. \u201cYou\u2019d better change back, young men,\u201d he advised them dangerously kindly.<\/p>\n
Adam cast a displeased look at Tim, who shrugged his shoulders carefully and began unbuttoning the shirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cBack?\u201d, Roy was stunned. \u201cWhat do you… They wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, they would,\u201d Ben frowned. \u201cAs though I couldn\u2019t tell one from the other. Adam, I\u2019d like you to read something. Tim, I want you to talk to the judge.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat for?\u201d, muttered Tim, letting Adam help him with the shirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou haven\u2019t been there by the crimes Caine is accused of. The only one, according to Caine\u2019s men, was the kidnapping of Adam,\u201d explained Ben. \u201cAnd the letter may change your situation in this respect.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat letter?\u201d, inquired Adam, buttoning up. \u201cWhy am I the last to know everything?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHere,\u201d Ben handed him the letter. \u201cAnd you\u2019d better sit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam glanced at him in surprise, but obediently sat down and began reading. Soon, his face changed, eyed widened, his breathing quicker. He glanced up at his father, then at Tim, then back at the letter.<\/p>\n
Silence was ringing in the air. Ben\u2019s voice cut it almost brutally.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want the judge to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The twin faces gazed at him silently; Hoss and Joe waited patiently for Ben to continue, knowing what decision had been taken.<\/p>\n
\u201cTim has obviously been kidnapped just as Adam. This means he wasn\u2019t with them out of his free will. He may… if he decides so… testify against Caine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim silently watched the sudden uneasiness on Ben\u2019s face, analysing. It was Adam who reacted.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe doesn\u2019t have to testify, the doctor can claim him unfit for a proceeding, he just got out of bed.\u201d He took Tim\u2019s hands and pulled him in the chair beside him, whispering something to him in a persuasive way.<\/p>\n
\u201cWill Adam testify?\u201d, Roy turned to Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy testimony has been written down,\u201d answered Adam, catching the question. \u201cI\u2019m still weakened and shouldn\u2019t be exposed to the emotional and physical strain of a testimony in court.\u201d<\/p>\n
He turned back to Tim, who occasionally answered him in a whisper.<\/p>\n
Roy touched Ben\u2019s arm. \u201cWhat\u2019s in the letter?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben took the paper from Adam. \u201cI wrote the doctor in Boston, who helped Elizabeth with Adam.\u201d He handed it to Roy. \u201cAnd you\u2019d better sit, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRoy?\u201d<\/p>\n
The sheriff obviously reacted to the news with a much greater shock then Adam; eventually, he blinked and looked up at them as though woken from a deep sleep.<\/p>\n
\u201cSheriff,\u201d one of the twin figures – he never knew which was which – towered over him. \u201cWe\u2019re going to see the judge. Tim accepts the name and refuses to testify against Caine. We\u2019ll see what the judge says about other things. Can you set the bail?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d, Roy still seemed half-conscious.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you set the bail?\u201d, repeated Adam patiently. \u201cTim has to go to the judge, so we have to pay the bail for him, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh… it\u2019s enough if you vouch for him, I guess,\u201d the sheriff woke up at last. \u201cHe is a Cartwright, so he won\u2019t just run away, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSort of,\u201d Adam glanced at Tim with a subtle smile in his eyes. No longer a mistreated prisoner, Adam was coming back to his old self.<\/p>\n
Ben touched Tim\u2019s arm gently. \u201cWill you stay with us, son?\u201d<\/p>\n
The younger man answered with a wary look.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s be honest, Mr… Mr Cartwright,\u201d he opted for the more impersonal version. \u201cFrom what I know, the letter\u2019s true. It seems it was the very nurse who brought me up – with… Caine – and she told me when and where I was born, where the scar was from, and other things. That\u2019s fact. So I\u2019m a Cartwright. But I don\u2019t know you. I don\u2019t know who you are, what you\u2019re like… I know nothing of you, you can\u2019t possibly expect me to love you immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sadness and hurt glistened in Ben\u2019s eyes, but he nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it helps you, I don\u2019t think I even love Caine,\u201d continued Tim matter-of-factly. \u201cAnyway, I don\u2019t want to feel like I sold myself. I can see the facts – so I\u2019m Cartwright,\u201d he sounded as though it was some job or office you held, or an inborn feature, thought Ben. \u201cBut if I stayed with you, I\u2019d feel as if I fell for the money and land. No, I don\u2019t want to sell myself like that. I want to be honest with you and myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI appreciate that,\u201d whispered Ben. None of the four Cartwrights was happy with the choice, and all tried to suppress that – unsuccessfully. Eventually, Adam muttered, \u201cI guess I\u2019d act the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDefinitely,\u201d mumbled Joe and attempted a joke, \u201cHoss, do you think the house would stand two Adams at once?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss grinned unconvincingly, appreciating Joe\u2019s efforts to lighten the mood.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must see the judge first,\u201d Adam reminded them in a matter-of-fact tone, dismissing the sombre atmosphere. \u201cRemember what I told you, Tim. We have to set you free.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs your middle name Fairy Godmother?\u201d, joked Tim.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, actually it\u2019s Abel,\u201d laughed Adam. \u201cCome on, we have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cProceeding to the case of the man known as Timothy Caine, allegedly the accused\u2019s son ,\u201d the judge stopped, frowning upon hearing some noise from where Caine sat. \u201cDoctor Martin has declared him unfit for testimony. However, the most important testimony in this case, I believe, is this letter,\u201d he unfolded a paper lying on his desk. \u201cThe letter came from Boston, from Dr Bowler. I shall read it now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The audience whispered with expectation and fell silent. Caine frowned, sensing some threat. The judge began.<\/p>\n
\u201cDear Mr Cartwright,<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease forgive me if you should find this letter lacking in stylistic or structural value, but I am afraid that your telegram has unsettled my conscience, and I write to you immediately after receiving your enquiry. If not pure coincidence, if the answer to your question is the one I suggest in this letter, I truly hope you can consider my reasons and intentions honest, and forgive me.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour late wife, when in labour, first delivered a child wrapped around by the umbilical cord so tightly that it was blue for lack of oxygen. The boy did not cry out despite the help I was able to give him. Your wife was already in pain again, and I left the first child to the nurse, so that I could help your wife.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe second boy came in a couple of minutes, and cried out properly. The first one did not. The nurse said he did not breathe, and suggested that she should take the child away, so that you did not have to endure such loss, when your wife\u2019s life was already in danger. She was half-conscious during the delivery; thus, neither you nor she had ever known of the first boy. You came immediately upon hearing the other boy\u2019s cry, hence I had little time to make the decision; I truly believed the child was indeed dead. If he was not, and Miss Bertram, Eve Bertram, the said nurse, had lied to me, I am afraid that it might be difficult to establish what had happened to the boy she had taken, as she left Boston before you, and there is little chance of finding her now.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll the help I can provide is a description of identical twins – I believe your sons were such, as opposed to fraternal, i.e. non-identical twins – and a distinguishing mark of the first boy. If those two men are twins born of your late wife, their colour and build should be exactly the same; their appearance might even be identical, so that one can differentiate them with utmost difficulty. Besides, the elder of them, i.e. the one you did not know of, should have an old scar on his left hip, going from the pelvic bone, ilium, backwards and slightly downwards to the greatest gluteal muscle, i.e. the one in the buttock. It has been left by the umbilical cord, and should be still fairly visible.<\/p>\n
\u201cI admit there was a slight chance of the boy\u2019s breathing shallowly, so that he did not cry out immediately but received enough oxygen to survive the first few hours, before his lungs began working properly. I might have done a tragic mistake in trusting the words of Miss Bertram, but please notice I had to decide quickly, and I had no reasons to distrust the nurse. Thinking the boy dead, and knowing your wife\u2019s fate, I decided to keep this for myself forever. Yet, should it help your family, I most honestly and truthfully give you the account of those events, and hope for your forgiveness.<\/p>\n
\u201cShould you come to some conclusions as to the men\u2019s similarity, please let me know. And please let me know whether you forgive me; I hope you can. I am an old man, Mr Cartwright, and therefore I will be looking forward to hearing from you most impatiently.<\/p>\n
\u201cI dare be so bold as to send my best regards to your whole family, especially your son Adam and, if it is he, his elder twin brother<\/p>\n
Yours Sincerely<\/p>\n
Dr Jason Bowler\u201d<\/p>\n
Silence reigned unconditionally.<\/p>\n
\u201cEhem,\u201d the judge cleared his throat eventually.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccording to the information we could gather, the nurse of Timothy Caine was Eve Bertram, his mother having died in labour after delivering him, which took place in Boston, 18. May 1830, which in turn is where and when Adam Cartwright was born.\u201d<\/p>\n
The audience was still too stunned to react. Caine cursed himself silently; he should have let the boy think she was his mother; marrying her wouldn\u2019t be as bad as this, and safer for sure. Now that was her revenge, years after her death. Damn boy, only he could have told them!<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe what is left to do, is to present the two young men to the jury,\u201d added the judge, \u201cfor them to see how far the similarity goes, and whether the scar is there.\u201d<\/p>\n
The door beside the jury opened, revealing two identical figures. The men slowly came up to the jury. The only element distinguishing were the shirts – one black, one red.<\/p>\n
Caine snorted. \u201cSo you sold yourself to the Cartwrights, boy? That\u2019s sure not what I raised you for.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the younger men – the one in black – almost winced at that; the other caught his eye and raised a quizzical brow at Caine, sizing him up in one cold, pulverising look.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, Cartwright, back to your rich old man?\u201d, Caine almost spat at the man in the red shirt. This time his actions and presence were ignored; only the man in the black shirt cast him a pained look.<\/p>\n
Mr Johnson, the most esteemed member of the jury, cleared his throat eventually. \u201cCould we see the scar now?\u201d<\/p>\n
The two men exchanged glances. \u201cMaybe in the other room,\u201d one of them suggested. \u201cIt\u2019s below the waist, you know, and there are ladies here…\u201d<\/p>\n
The jury members whispered briefly among themselves, then nodded, and all moved to the back room, from which the two men had emerged earlier on.<\/p>\n
The judge shifted on his seat to draw the attention of the people present. \u201cOut of sheer curiosity, Mr Caine,\u201d he began. \u201cCould you tell me, which was which? I can\u2019t differentiate, really.\u201d<\/p>\n
Caine smirked. \u201cIt\u2019s easy. My son\u2019s the one in the black shirt, and Cartwright has the red one. You\u2019ve seen their reactions.\u201d<\/p>\n
The judge glanced to the other part of the room. \u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n
The older Cartwright answered calmly, \u201cThe opposite. And I think I know what to make of their reactions.\u201d<\/p>\n
The door opened again, revealing the jury coming back. The twin figures stopped in the doorway.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr Johnson,\u201d the judge turned to the man, while taking a little piece of paper from him and unfolding it. \u201cWe have a little problem here as to which of the young men is which. Could you tell us which of them has the scar, so that we know that he is Timothy, and the other Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe man in the red shirt has the scar,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cSo the other one is Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDefinitely.\u201d<\/p>\n
The judge glanced at the stunned Caine, then at the calm Ben Cartwright, and thought of how he himself, just before the trial, had explicitly ordered which of the men is to wear which colour. Thus pondering, he proceeded to the conclusion of the case.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have all seen these men are identical. The jury has confirmed the existence of the scar. The information given in the letter has been confirmed by the man concerned,\u201d he glanced towards the twin pair. \u201cAccording to the former evidence he had no part in the actual crimes committed by the group. Thus, I feel entitled to say that Timothy Cartwright is not to be held responsible for the actions of the gang of Samuel Caine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam gazed silently at Tim\u2019s pensive face, the man\u2019s own gaze concentrating wholly on the face of Caine.<\/p>\n
After a longer moment, Tim turned his head towards Adam\u2019s ear. \u201cNow I know why I don\u2019t love him.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething you forgot, Adam?\u201d, Roy looked up at the dark shape of Ben\u2019s eldest son, that appeared in the doorframe.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot really,\u201d answered the familiar voice. \u201cI take it Adam is in Virginia City, or at least was, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you…?\u201d, Roy blinked, uncomprehending. Steps were heard outside, and Ben stepped into the sheriff\u2019s office. He suddenly froze, gazing long at Roy\u2019s visitor; then, he slowly raised his arms to a warmest welcome. After a second of hesitation, the man went into the embrace.<\/p>\n
\u201cI decided to come,\u201d he said non-committally. \u201cIs Adam there?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAll are there,\u201d whispered Ben, blinking away the tears of joy. \u201cSo good to see you, boy. You look thinner,\u201d he fingered the tanned cheek affectionately.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s… Tim?\u201d, Roy blinked in astonishment and shook his head to clear it from the shock. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll be…\u201d<\/p>\n
The entrance was shadowed by another lean, dark figure, which – identically as Ben – first froze for a longer moment and then embraced the unexpected guest heartily. \u201cTim…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy, that\u2019s…\u201d, Hoss and Joe glanced at each other in amazement, standing in the doorway.<\/p>\n
\u201cSurprise, surprise, your eldest brother\u2019s back,\u201d Tim flashed his teeth in a predatory smile, watching them cautiously. He felt anxiety again that they should deny him.<\/p>\n
Adam looked at him thoughtfully. \u201cYou know you ARE the eldest.\u201d He grinned. \u201cYou have no idea what responsibility is going to be your share.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t scare me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam breathed a long sigh of relief. \u201cOh, it\u2019s so nice to have somebody else responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, no-no-no,\u201d Tim shook his head. \u201cYou\u2019re there to help me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd why is that?\u201d, inquired Adam boldly.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause I say so, and I\u2019m elder,\u201d retorted Tim.<\/p>\n
Adam gazed at him pensively for a moment, then carefully complied, \u201cI guess.\u201d He couldn\u2019t deny his own argument.<\/p>\n
Hoss chuckled at his reaction and reached to shake Tim\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome home, big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n
The miraculous sound of the two words threw the two men spontaneously in a hearty embrace. When Joe noticed something glisten suspiciously in Tim\u2019s eyes, he hugged him without a word. He cared none if he appeared rude or not; the lump in his throat would strangle him before he forced out a word.<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome,\u201d Roy shook Tim\u2019s hand cordially. \u201cAnother Cartwright in the family, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, sir, Timothy Cain Cartwright,\u201d Tim tested the name aloud. \u201cGee, sounds nice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCain?\u201d, Adam asked quietly. The name unsettled him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout the \u2018e\u2019,\u201d added Tim. \u201cEvery Abel needs his Cain,\u201d he explained with a wink and a shrug of his shoulders. \u201cEven the mark is there,\u201d he patted his hip. Then, serious again, he added quietly, \u201cI almost kicked you to death, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam tsk-ed, glancing at the sheriff warningly. \u201cCan\u2019t remember.\u201d He put his arm around his brother\u2019s shoulders. \u201cLet\u2019s go home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Outside, Tim nudged Adam delicately. \u201cYou know I don\u2019t really know how to get on with… with… brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll learn quickly,\u201d Adam comforted him. \u201cThey won\u2019t give you a choice.\u201d
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/i> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Summary: In revenge for a killed man, a gang leader kidnaps Adam, which leads to amazing discoveries at the latter\u2019s part. Will the family apart come together again?\u00a0
<\/div>\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/i> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"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":[7,23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41092","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":535,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":49892,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49892","url_meta":{"origin":41092,"position":0},"title":"The Savage (WHN) (by Katie)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"August 6, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 An alternate ending to the episode, The Savage Rating:\u00a0 Teen\u00a0 (775\u00a0 Words)","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":45170,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45170","url_meta":{"origin":41092,"position":1},"title":"Water (by VRON)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"March 25, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Just brief musings from Ben. (Written in response to a challenge some time last year.) (actually years ago) Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a0Words:\u00a0 1,045","rel":"","context":"In "Ben Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Ben Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1004"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46841,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46841","url_meta":{"origin":41092,"position":2},"title":"The First Day of Spring (by Adamfan16)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 6, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0This is an expanded Bonanza Bit I did this spring, to the title prompt. Adam deals with homesickness while away at college. Rating:\u00a0 G Words:\u00a0 550","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49277,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49277","url_meta":{"origin":41092,"position":3},"title":"The Cartwright Family (by LindaBl)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0A cute new song about the Cartwrights Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 Words:\u00a0 270","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46839,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46839","url_meta":{"origin":41092,"position":4},"title":"Mama’s Angel (by Adamfan16)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 4, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 See the Cartwrights through the eyes of a Christmas angel Ben carved. Raging:\u00a0 G Words: 1,325","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15597,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15597","url_meta":{"origin":41092,"position":5},"title":"Yes, Virginia, There is a Cartwright Family (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"December 23, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: The question every little girl wants to know the answer. Rating: T (805 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41092","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12436"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=41092"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41092\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=41092"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=41092"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=41092"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}