The Art Treasure<\/strong><\/p>\nAdam and Joe are out in the front yard cleaning the tack for their horses when they hear the sounds of carriage wheels approaching. Wiping their hands dry from their labors, they walk a little ways into the front yard to see who the latest visitor is to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n
A slow whistle escapes from Adam as he notices the elaborate carriage pull up beside them. A very stately looking gentleman clothed in expensive European garb is seated in the back of the carriage. There is even an air of finery around his driver with his top hat and black coat gleaming in the sunlight.<\/p>\n
Adam steps forward to welcome the stranger with Joe by his side.<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome to the Ponderosa,\u201d begins Adam. \u201cMy name is Adam Cartwright and this is my younger brother Little Joe.\u201d Joe smiles at the gentleman a little in awe over his grand manner.<\/p>\n
The stranger steps off the carriage and smiles at the two men.<\/p>\n
\u201cAllow me to introduce myself,\u201d states the gentleman. \u201cMy card, esteemed sirs\u201d handing his calling card to Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cCount Tellini Radduci, Venice, Italy,\u201c reads Adam out loud.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I am an old friend of your father\u2019s. We met in Italy many years ago when he was with the Merchant Marines. I believe he was working on a ship under Captain Abel Stoddard.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Captain Stoddard was my grandfather.\u201d said Adam. \u201cWell, why don\u2019t you come inside the house and freshen up? Our father is out on the ranch right now but we expect him back by supper.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI sure could use a good bath after that long journey via stage and then out here. Would you be so kind as to assist my driver in bringing my things? This journey has thoroughly exhausted me.\u201d stated the Count.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot at all.\u201d as Adam reached into the carriage to take one of the bags. \u201cHere younger brother,\u201d Adam teased. \u201cMake yourself useful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVery funny Adam,\u201d laughed Joe. The two were always having fun with each other in this fashion.<\/p>\n
The Count, Adam and Joe headed towards the front door, luggage in hand. The driver had begun unloading another very large box that was secured to the back of the carriage.<\/p>\n
Stepping into the great room of the ranch house, the Count pauses a moment to let his eyes gaze all around the interior of the ranch house.<\/p>\n
\u201cMagnificent!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, we\u2019re pretty proud of it ourselves,\u201d continued Adam. \u201cPa and I built this house ourselves. Your room is up these stairs here. I\u2019ll ask our cook Hop Sing to bring up some hot water for your bath.\u201d<\/p>\n
Count Raducci requests that they please bring in the last large box and set it up in the room downstairs. He explains that it is a gift he has brought from Italy to present to their father as payment for a favor Ben did for him long ago.<\/p>\n
The three ascend the stairs and Adam escorts the Count down the hall to one of the many guest rooms on the second floor of the house. Joe is still following behind carrying some of the luggage. The driver stayed outside to take care of the horse and carriage.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will be your room here,\u201d informs Adam as he opens the door and leads the way in.<\/p>\n
Raducci follows Adam into the room and walks over to the window to gaze upon the view. Joe has placed the Count\u2019s bag onto the bed beside the one already there.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have another guest room for your driver as well,\u201d continued Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe view from here is simply glorious,\u201d comments Raducci. \u201cThese rooms are quite luxurious. Do you have rooms for servants?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell,\u201d drawled Adam, \u201cWe treat all our guests as equals here. There is a room right next to yours for your driver.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is very kind of you. However he has errands to run for me in Virginia City. He will need to return to San Francisco when the next stage arrives.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWon\u2019t you need him during your stay here?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t believe so. I requested to borrow his services from a friend in San Francisco and he needs to return as soon as possible,\u201d explained Count Raducci.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou planning on staying long, sir?\u201d asks Joe.<\/p>\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t made up my mind yet, \u201cbegins the Count. \u201cI am not even sure if your father will recognize me after all these years. I didn\u2019t even have my beard and mustache back then.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t worry about it Count,\u201d said Adam. \u201cOur father\u2019s got one remarkable memory.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, he sure does Adam,\u201d butted in Little Joe.<\/p>\n
Adam turned and smiled his little half grin. Joe must be remembering some of the times Pa could still recount the troubles he had been in when he was a young boy. Their father would on occasion recall these little tidbits as gentle reminders of the lesson he meant to implant when they were growing up. \u2018Of course what is real embarrassing is when Pa recalls some of my own escapades as a youth,\u2019 thought Adam.<\/p>\n
Shaking himself out of his thoughts and recalling his duties as resident host, Adam waved Joe towards the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s fetch the tub so our guest can get himself cleaned up before dinner,\u201d directed Adam.<\/p>\n
The two Cartwrights returned shortly with the metal tub, towels, and soap for their guest to bathe. Hop Sing appeared at the door with the first of two buckets of hot water for the Count\u2019s bath.<\/p>\n
Taking the buckets from Hop Sing Adam nodded gratefully. \u201cThanks Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs no tlouble, Mista Adam. Hop Sing back with more leal quick.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam turned to the Count. \u201cThat\u2019s our cook Hop Sing. Best cook and housekeeper in the whole West.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure seems a lively fellow,\u201d said Raducci.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat he is and we sure wouldn\u2019t eat as well around here without him,\u201d replied Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, that\u2019s why our brother Hoss near eats our Pa out of house and home,\u201d laughed Joe.<\/p>\n
Adam softly laughed and explained to the Count that their brother was 6 feet 4 inches. A giant of a man but with the heart of a child as well as the wisdom their middle brother could often show from his inner feelings.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen Hoss take on four rowdy men in the saloon single-handedly,\u201d said Joe. \u201cThen the next day handle a butterfly as gentle as you please.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that\u2019s enough tales for now younger brother,\u201d interrupted Adam. \u201cBest we leave the Count to freshen up. If you need anything, just let us know.\u201d<\/p>\n
With that the two departed the room leaving the Count to his bath. Descending the stairs, Adam snapped his fingers as he remembered.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey Joe,\u201d he started.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah Adam?\u201d
\u201cOkay, Adam. Sure am curious as to what could be in anything that large.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell baby brother, we are just going to have to wait until Pa gets home.\u201d<\/p>\n
The two made their way to the front door leaving it ajar so they could bring in the large carton. As they stepped into the front yard, they noticed that the driver had already taken the carton off the carriage and laid it by the posts leading to the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll bring it into the house,\u201d Adam informed the driver. \u201cYou can drive the horse over by the barn and we\u2019ll be back out to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo need esteemed sirs,\u201d began the driver. \u201cI will be driving back to town and staying there for the duration of the Count\u2019s visit here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no need for that,\u201d began Joe. \u201c\u201cWe\u2019ve got plenty of room and you can return to Virginia City tomorrow. The next stage won\u2019t be in tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d reassured Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it\u2019s all the same to you gentlemen, I have errands that need doing in town and it is far easier for me to stay there and tend to those matters,\u201d replied the driver.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThe offer stands if you change your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
With that the two brothers lifted up the box and began carrying it into the house. They had to maneuver the large object through the door to avoid crashing into the credenza just inside the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoy this thing\u2019s clumsy,\u201d gasped Joe.<\/p>\n
\u201cSave your breath Joe and just keep aiming for the space behind the blue chair,\u201d directed Adam. \u201cWe\u2019ll lay this against the gun cabinet there.<\/p>\n
That chore accomplished, the two stood for a moment to catch their breath.<\/p>\n
\u201cI sure could go for something cool to drink after lugging that thing in here,\u201d stated Joe.
Adam nodded in agreement and the two made their way to the kitchen to find something cool to quench their thirst.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
A very cozy scene greets Ben when he walks into house and sees his sons relaxing in the great room. Adam is busy reading one of his beloved books while leaning back in the blue chair. Hoss and Joe are furiously engaged in a rousing game of checkers. Ben doesn\u2019t fail to notice that his youngest has once again decided to sit himself on the table in order to relax.<\/p>\n
The boys glance up as Ben begins undoing his holster to lay across the credenza.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowdy Pa,\u201d cry out the three heirs almost as one.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi boys,\u201d starts Ben. \u201cWhat\u2019s that over there behind your chair Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems an old friend of yours came to visit, Pa and brought this along for the ride,\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cMale or female?\u201d joshed Hoss letting a small chortle escape between his lips.<\/p>\n
Ben gave a warning look over to Hoss as Joe and Adam also caught onto the joke and tried hard to contain their own laughter. The bright sparkles in their eyes however gave away the amusement behind the joke.<\/p>\n
At the head of the stairs appears the Count amused by the family joviality. As he begins to descend, Ben hears the footsteps on the great stairway. He turns to see who this old friend is of his. Count Raducci momentarily pauses on the second landing laying his hand on the Indian blanket that rests on the railing.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, my old friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTellini? Well, I\u2019ll be…\u201d begins Ben. \u201cNever expected to see you in our corner of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben talks several large strides to the base of the stairs where the Count joins him. The two men raucously place their hands on the upper arms and begin that friendly slapping as is wont when two old male friends met. The Count is dressed as if going out for the evening.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow long has it been?\u201d Ben asks.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, I would say almost thirty years now. Your sons told me you would be home for dinner around this time. Hope I\u2019m not overdressed.\u201d The Count looked slightly embarrassed as he realized how his expensive wardrobe seemed out of place amongst the every day wear of his friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t give it another thought,\u201d Ben replied back. \u201cI\u2019m just so glad to see you here.\u201d<\/p>\n
At that moment from out of the kitchen appears Hop Sing.
\u201cJest in time too,\u201d started Hoss. \u201cI\u2019m so hungry I could eat a whole pig all by myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah and then what would be left for the rest of us?\u201d Joe joked back.<\/p>\n
Ben turned towards his sons and laughed. \u201cBest we sit down before my sons finish everything and leave the two of us to starve.\u201d The Count laughed in return and with Ben leading the way, the two old friends headed towards the dining room table followed by three hungry young men.<\/p>\n
During dinner, Adam, Hoss and Joe are regaled with several tales of their father\u2019s adventures in Italy and how he came to meet the Count during an Art show of some of Rembrandt\u2019s works.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy the way Ben, do you remember that pretty young lady that you met while we were in Venice? She really tried her best to get you interested in her, didn\u2019t she?\u201d joshed the Count.<\/p>\n
\u201cI …um…don\u2019t remember that story, Pa.\u201d began Adam. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell us some more about that pretty lady?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever mind about that, Adam\u201d, interrupted Ben. \u201cI must confess I\u2019m a little more than curious as to what is in that large box in the parlor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hop Sing had just brought out the coffee tray and placed it on the dining room table.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, if you really want to know Ben\u201d, began Raducci. \u201cIt\u2019s a gift for you. Brought it all the way from Italy. If your sons wouldn\u2019t mind bringing it out and opening it up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo problem,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHoss, you wanna give me a hand?\u201d<\/p>\n
The two rose from their chairs and made their way into the great room where the large box was.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe, take that stuff off the table so we can put this on it.\u201d directed Adam.<\/p>\n
Joe quickly removed the bowl of fruit while his brothers carefully lifted the heavy object and placed it on the table in front of the settee.<\/p>\n
Now joined by their father and the Count, the boys eagerly stood back anxiously awaiting to see what gift for their father was inside. Raducci made his way over and unlocked the box and out of the shavings and straw used to pack the precious item pulled out a frame containing a sketching. It is a fantastic landscape showing magnificent mountains with trees and fields.<\/p>\n
Ben walks over and notices the artist\u2019s signature on the sketch. His eyes widen in amazement and he turns toward Raducci and gasps out, \u201cREMBRANDT?\u201d while pointing towards the valued art piece.<\/p>\n
The Count overjoyed at the impact his gift has made nods his head in agreement.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou traveled this far to bring along such a priceless, valuable artwork?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s right my friend,\u201d replied the Count. \u2018In appreciation for all you have done for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I appreciate the thought Tellini,\u201d stated Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s such an elaborate gift, I\u2019m almost embarrassed to accept it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut you will, won\u2019t you Ben?\u201d joked Tellini. \u201cWouldn\u2019t want to hurt my feelings now would you?\u201d<\/p>\n
The two men laughed quite jovially while Hoss and Joe looked on. Adam had gone up to take a closer inspection of the Chiaroscuro sketch. His Art History classes from college back East came flooding back into his memory. He made a mental note to pull out his books and do some research on this type of art method. Not many artists of Rembrandt\u2019s caliber made many of these types of sketches.<\/p>\n
Ben in the meantime had put his hand on Tellini\u2019s shoulder thanking him profusely for this extraordinary gift.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
During the next week, Ben shows the Count around the Ponderosa showing his lumber operations, the mining camps, the herds of cattle grazing on the lush grassland. Count Raducci marvels at the breathtaking scenery that unfolds before him on these tours.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the stage has made its regular run into Virginia City. A fine gentleman disembarks and requests that his luggage be brought over to the International Hotel.
After settling into a plush room at the hotel, the unknown gentleman makes his way to the telegraph office. He proceeds to send a telegram to a friend in San Francisco.
*******************************<\/p>\n
Back at the ranch, Adam had been most curious over the art treasure now proudly displayed in the great room. It has taken some time for him to locate one of his old art history textbooks he brought back from college. Locating the book in a trunk in his room, Adam fondly recalls the time his little brother had found some of his art books. In his haste to not be caught with the forbidden pictures that had some rather revealing examples of ancient art, his younger brother had dropped the book and then kicked it under Adam\u2019s bed. \u2018No doubt he hoped to retrieve it later,\u2019 chortled Adam. \u2018If Hop Sing hadn\u2019t been cleaning in the bedrooms that week, it might have taken me awhile to recover that art book,\u2019 thought Adam.<\/p>\n
Flipping through the book, Adam found the chapter that he was looking for. It seems this was truly an example of an art technique called Chiaroscuro. Rembrandt, it turns out was one of the masters of this ability to create what appeared to be three-dimensional forms. It was an art method that evolved out of the Italian Renaissance and had even been used by one of the great masters Leonardo da Vinci. This particular method of art has been a highly prized collector\u2019s item in the art world. This and other works of Rembrandt lead to his nickname \u201cThe Prince of Shadows\u201d.<\/p>\n
Adam eagerly devoured all the information he could regarding the great master, his works and the various art methods employed by Rembrandt.<\/p>\n
Later that evening, he gave his family a rather detailed explanation in regards to the Rembrandt sketch now gracing the famous Ponderosa ranch house.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s quite a tale, Adam,\u201d stated Ben. \u201cAre you telling me that this is a valued collector\u2019s item?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than likely, Pa,\u201d responded the tall dark figure who stood gazing at the sketch.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s all very interesting older brother, but what does that have to do with this piece of art?\u201d inquired Little Joe.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe nothing,\u201d replied Adam. \u201cThen again, this could be worth a small fortune. I\u2019ve heard a lot of tales when I was in Boston about art thieves and forgeries and such.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYa mean folks would steal sumthin like this?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cYep. Sure would. Even worse, there are some out there who make copies and then try to pass them off as originals. One person wound up paying over $10,000 for a forgery of a Da Vinci,\u201d informed Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, all this talk has made me tired. I\u2019m heading to bed,\u201d as Joe stood up and yawned.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood idea, why don\u2019t we all get to bed. Plenty of work for us tomorrow boys.\u201d<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
Once more the stage rolls into the dusty streets of Virginia City. The rousing cries of the stagecoach driver ring out as he drove the four-in-hand to a stop in front of the stage office. A gentleman bounds down off the stage pausing to dust himself off before heading to the International Hotel with his carpet bag clutched in his hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood afternoon, my good sir,\u201d as the gentleman addresses the hotel clerk. \u201cMy name is David Young from San Francisco. I\u2019ll be needing a room for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCertainly sir,\u201d replied the clerk.<\/p>\n
\u201cPer chance do you know if a gentleman by the name of Mr. William J. Gidels is staying here? I received a wire from him about a week ago,\u201d asked Mr. Young.<\/p>\n
\u201cYep. Been here about a week now, I reckon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unbeknownst to either of them, Mr. Gidels has come down the stairs from his room for lunch when he notices David Young at the clerk\u2019s desk. Stepping up to the desk, he extends his hand out \u201cMr. Young?\u201d asks Gidels. \u201cI\u2019m William J. Gidels. I\u2019ve been expecting you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr.Young grasps the other\u2019s hand. \u201cI\u2019ve been most anxious to meet you, sir and to go over the business that you discussed so briefly in your telegram.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy don\u2019t we go upstairs to my room, then?\u201d Gidels replied.<\/p>\n
The two ascend the stairs and proceed down a hallway to the room being occupied by William Gidels. Gidels directs Young to sit in a chair by the window.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really can\u2019t wait to see what it is you have asked me to come out to this forbidden part of the west,\u201d stated Young.<\/p>\n
Without a word, Gidels goes to a large square box propped up along the one wall. He swiftly removes the latches and opens the drop down lid. Mr. Young\u2019s eyes almost pop out of his head as he stands and moves closer to the box for a closer look.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, guess it was more than worth my trip out here after all\u201d, Gidels said. \u201cI never thought I would ever see a real life Rembrandt! And such a fine example of a chiaroscuro.\u201d<\/p>\n
What both of the gentleman have yet to realize is that the art treasure that they are so longingly gazing out looks exactly like the art treasure that Count Raducci presented to Ben Cartwright.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
The next day Ben offers to take his friend the Count into town for dinner and a play that just opened up. Just outside the Opera House, Ben and Raducci run into Gidels and Young. William Gidels eyes flare at the sight of the Count.<\/p>\n
\u201cYOU!\u201d exclaims Gidels. \u201cYou\u2019re the one that tried to sell a forgery of my original art work back in New York!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow dare you sir!\u201d the Count angrily replies back. \u201cI say you are the one who had my original copied!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI trusted you Raducci!\u201d snaps Gidels. \u201cIt won\u2019t be the first time I caught you pulling off selling fakes of the originals. I know you brought that fake copy out here to pass off. Just when I am in the middle of negotiating a deal to sell the original!\u201d<\/p>\n
The two men argue back and forth as the tone of their argument gets nastier and louder.<\/p>\n
Ben finally manages to pull the Count away from Gidels.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on,\u201d Ben tells the Count. \u201cThis is no place for this. Let\u2019s go back to the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n
With that, Ben leads the Count away from the front of the Opera House. An angry Gidels still calling out to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I catch you selling forgeries of my originals, I\u2019ll make you pay!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben, still holding onto the Count\u2019s arms, heads for the livery stable to retrieve the buggy and head back to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n
The two men are settled in the great room discussing the evening\u2019s events. Ben paces back and forth obviously agitated over the heated discussion between his friend and the other man.<\/p>\n
\u201cI swear to you Ben. I\u2019m innocent of any wrongdoing,\u201d begins the Count.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose were pretty strong accusations that man was throwing at you,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cWho is he anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA former friend I met in Europe. Name is Gidels,\u201d said Raducci. \u201cWe used to go to various museums and art showings collecting various artworks. I met up with him again in New York when I first came to America.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, what is all this about him accusing you of selling fakes?\u201d Ben interjected. \u201cIs he saying that this sketch is a copy and he has the original?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet me fetch something from my room to prove my innocence, Ben\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Count quickly goes up the stares and in a few minutes\u2019 returns with an envelope in his hand. Holding it out for Ben to take he proceeds \u201cThat is the bill of sale for that art work I gave you Ben. I bought it at an art auction back East.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben takes the envelope, opens it and reads the bill of sale. As he ponders over it, he is still not quite sure although the bill of sale looks genuine.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have an idea to put a stop to this Gidels for making up these lies about you.\u201d Ben was going to make sure that his friend was not going to be falsely accused of such heinous acts that Gidels claimed.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen,\u201d started Raducci. \u201cIt\u2019s not worth the effort. Gidels is probably passing by on his way to San Francisco or something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNevertheless, I am going to wire an art expert I know from San Francisco. We\u2019ll get him to look over this sketch and get his written authority that it is genuine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it will make you feel better, Ben,\u201d the Count relented.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
In the hotel room of William Gilders, he is swearing to David Young that his sketch is the genuine one.<\/p>\n
Gilders pulls out one of his smaller bags and rustles through it looking for something.
\u201cThere!\u201d exclaims Gilders. \u201cThat is the bill of sale that states this is the original sketch of Rembrandt brought over from Italy.\u201d<\/p>\n
David Young looks over the bill of sale and is satisfied that this one is the original. Still with a fake out there, it could ruin the sale price of the one in their possession. Gilders agrees. The two men then sit down and work out a plan to meet up with the Count and offer him a sum for his supposed art treasure. This way, they would be able to destroy the fake and make up the loss of money paid to the Count when the original is sold.<\/p>\n
The next morning finds a glaring sun in the sky as Ben arrives in Virginia City. He heads straight for the telegraph office to wire for an art expert in San Francisco to come out to Virginia City.<\/p>\n
During this time, David Young arrives at the Ponderosa to carry out the plan he and Gidels put together the night before. Knocking on the large, wooden front door, he is greeted by Count Raducci. Adam, Hoss and Joe are out on the ranch moving the herd to another section of pastureland.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho are you? What do you want?\u201d shouts the Count angrily. He had recognized this man as being with Gidels in front of the Opera House and figured if he was a friend of Gidels, he was no one to trust.<\/p>\n
\u201cPatience, my friend, patience\u201d, Young replied soothingly. \u201cI\u2019m not here to make any accusations or anything. I only came out here to see a Rembrandt. If yours is the original\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIF!! IIF!!\u201d bellowed the Count. \u201cOf course mine is the original. I have the documents to prove it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFine. That\u2019s fine,\u201d said Young. \u201cYou have no objection to my looking at this particular art treasure of the master Rembrandt, do you? A chiaroscuro of his is quite an addition for any collector such as myself. I\u2019ll pay a handsome price for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Count pondered this for a minute. His eyes going up and down this gentleman standing in front of him. \u2018Should he take him at his word?\u2019 thought Raducci. Figuring he had nothing to lose since he was innocent, the Count invited Young inside to view the precious Rembrandt.<\/p>\n
After careful examination of the sketch, Young acknowledges that it is one of the finest sketches of Rembrandt he has ever seen.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll offer you $50,000 for that sketch Count Raducci,\u201d offered Young.<\/p>\n
\u2018$50,000!\u2019 The large sum echoed within the Count\u2019s mind. \u2018That\u2019s a large amount. I knew it was valuable, but never did I think anyone would pay that much.\u2019<\/p>\n
The Count played with his goatee as he glanced first to the sketch and then to Young nervously considering the offer versus what Ben would say if he sold it.
Count Raducci turned to face Young before replying, \u201cYou have a deal sir. I will hand over the bill of sale and the sketch to you for the sum of $50,000.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cExcellent,\u201d beamed Young. \u201cIf you could bring the sketch over to the hotel\u2026.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cI am not sure if that is a good idea,\u201d interrupted the Count. \u201cWith such an expensive art treasure, I wouldn\u2019t want someone to try to purloin it away from me in this rough town.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s an abandoned homestead about 5 miles from Virginia City. What say we meet there in 2 nights? That will give me enough time to pull together the payment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs long as you provide me with directions on how to reach this place,\u201d said Raducci.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll draw it out for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Their business for the time being concluded the two parted company.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
Ben arrives back home and tells Count Raducci that he has wired for the art expert. It should take about two weeks for him to get here due to other commitments.<\/p>\n
The Count looks concerned that it will take that long for this art expert to arrive at the Ponderosa. Especially since he has already agreed to sell the sketch to Young.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I don\u2019t know if that will work Ben,\u201d explained the Count. \u201cI was hoping to head back to San Francisco so that I could sail back to Italy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam pipes in and says that there is another art expert he knows of in Reno. It would only be a three day ride there and three days back. The Count is looking concerned now.<\/p>\n
Keeping his thoughts to himself Raducci wonders what Ben will think when he finds his friend has sold the Rembrandt sketch and then disappear back to San Francisco.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll right Adam,\u201d agrees Ben. \u201cYou can leave in the morning. Stop at the telegraph office in Virginia City and wire Mr. Thomas Arto that he doesn\u2019t have to come out here after all.\u201d Ben walks over to his desk and taking quill pen in hand, writes out the message for Adam to take to the telegraph office.<\/p>\n
Ben hands the paper over to Adam who carefully tucks it in his pants pockets.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry Pa,\u201d says Adam. \u2018I\u2019ll get this off first thing when I reach Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n
After another excellent supper, Ben is sitting in his red leather chair smoking his pipe.
\u201cBen that was another superb meal,\u201d starts the Count. \u201cYour cook is one of the finest it has ever been in my experience to come across. And believe me I have dined in some of the finest homes in all of Europe and Great Britain.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOle Hop Sing\u2019s the best dang cook I ever cumed acrost too,\u201d said Hoss between mouthfuls of pie. Peering just barely around the corner in the doorway between the kitchen and the dining room is Hop Sing. A smile wider than the Mississippi brightens up the faithful cook\u2019s face as he hears the praises of his culinary art. With a deep, satisfied sigh, he turns back to the kitchen to finish cleaning up the supper dishes and making the kitchen sparkle like new.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only that, but he sure makes better coffee than you do big brother\u201d, put in Little Joe as he snickered. Hoss curled up his face into an angry pout.<\/p>\n
\u201cJest fer that little brother, next time Hop Sing takes a vacation, you kin do the cooking,\u201d Hoss replied back as the expression on his face changed to one of sneering.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo they always joke like that Ben?\u201d asked Raducci.<\/p>\n
\u201cYep. They sure do. But it\u2019s all harmless. Just so long as they don\u2019t wreck the place if their joking gets a bit out of hand.\u201d Ben laughed as he remembered a number of times Hoss and Joe turned the inside of the house practically upside down with a few of their adventures. They never meant any harm but it still amazed him that on occasion his grown sons could still act like five year olds when they started horsing around.<\/p>\n
Count Raducci stifled a yawn and slightly stretched his arms. The big grandfather clock was loudly chiming 9 0\u2019clock as if to prod the group of men in front of it to bed already.<\/p>\n
\u201c9 o\u2019clock already?\u201d Ben asked as he gazed towards the old grandfather clock. It was one of his treasured possessions that he had managed to bring all the way out here from Boston many years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell boys, we got a busy day tomorrow so what say we get some sleep. Joe, you check in at the lumber camp and see how things are going there. If any of those men ask, they\u2019ll get paid the end of the month same as usual, ya hear?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGot it Pa\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss, I\u2019ll need you to check that East fence line. Tippy Greens said there were some spots that needed mending before we lose any of our herds out that way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo problem, Pa. I\u2019ll look into it,\u201d replied Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo much activity to keep track of with this ranch isn\u2019t there Ben?\u201d asked Raducci.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure is and never enough hours in the day neither.\u201d Ben replied back.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook if there\u2019s things that you need to do tomorrow, I\u2019d just as soon enjoy a nice quiet, relaxing day here in the house,\u201d the Count informed Ben. \u201cNo need to stay around on my account.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell if you feel that way. I sure don\u2019t want to be neglecting my guest. Especially one that\u2019s come all the way from Italy.\u201d Ben laughed.<\/p>\n
The Count was hoping that Ben would go off and handle whatever ranch chores needed doing. His eldest son would be gone before the rest of them woke up and it looked like Hoss and Joe would be kept busy. Raducci was figuring he needed to get Ben away from the house so\u2019s he could sneak out with the priceless Rembrandt art treasure. He made a mental note to leave a letter of explanation as to why he had to leave and hoped that Ben wouldn\u2019t follow after him for taking the rare chiaroscuro sketch.<\/p>\n
Hoss and Joe had already made their way to their rooms to retire. Ben decided he might as well go to bed too.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, think I\u2019ll turn in for the night.\u201d Ben yawned and arched his tired back. \u201cI\u2019ll see you for breakfast in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI might as well get a good night\u2019s sleep.\u201d The Count rose from his chair and began walking towards the stairs. \u201cThis mountain air of yours sure does wonders for a restful sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n
The grandfather clock\u2019s pendulum gently swayed back and forth in its cabinet ticking away the time as the two old friends climbed the stairs to their respective bedchambers.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
The following morning Hoss and Joe are adjusting the tack on their steeds, preparing to go forth and perform the tasks for the day. The great wooden front door opens and Ben steps onto the porch towards his two sons. It is a calm day with a bright yellow sun sailing through a blue sky. Only wisps of clouds can be seen dotting the heavens above the ranch house and the tall Ponderosa Pines that serve as silent sentinels.<\/p>\n
Ben claps Hoss on the back in a warm fatherly manner.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter you finish checking that fence line, Hoss,\u201d begins Ben, \u201cLet me know how bad the damage is and how long you think it\u2019ll take to repair.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure enuff, Pa,\u201d replied Hoss. \u201cI reckon it shouldn\u2019t be too bad. Tweren\u2019t that long ago that we fixed up a large patch of that section of fence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben smiled confidently back at Hoss. He knew Hoss would be able to size up the job. Each of his boys had their own special talents for certain areas that went with running a ranch as large as the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe, you run into any trouble at that lumber camp you be sure to let me know. You hear?\u201d Ben was perhaps a little over protective of his youngest son. Though the youth had grown into manhood and had certainly handled his share of adult responsibilities in the running of the ranch, Ben still showed concern whenever he thought Joe might face something just a little over his head. The fact that Joe had the quickest and hottest temper amongst his three sons may have lent some weight to the patriarch\u2019s mindset.<\/p>\n
\u2018Well, he\u2019ll never learn and grow if I don\u2019t give him some leeway and trust in his abilities,\u2018 thought Ben. \u2018Adam had his growing pains too although he doesn\u2019t seem to want to be reminded of it at his age.\u2019<\/p>\n
Ben stepped back into the dusty yard as he watched his two sons mount up.<\/p>\n
\u201cBye Pa,\u201d called Hoss as he gently kneed his big black horse Chubb towards the East fence. The big horses hooves clattered as Hoss put his mount into a gentle lope.<\/p>\n
Joe now mounted on his flashy black and white pinto, turned Cochise in the opposite direction where the lumber camp would be.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe back before supper Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTake care Little Joe,\u201d responded Ben. Ben laid his hands on his hips as he watched Joe dig his heels into Cochise to propel him into a fast gallop.<\/p>\n
\u2018Just like his mother,\u2019 Ben thought fondly as he recalled his third beloved wife. \u2018High spirited and always racing along with his horse.\u2019<\/p>\n
Turning on his heels, Ben made his way into the house in the hopes of being able to relax with a treasured second cup of coffee which to him was worth more than that priceless Rembrandt sketch his friend had brought him.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
Adam arrives in Virginia City along the main street. A breeze gently blows the dust around the towns folks going about their business. Walking Sport towards the telegraph office, the animal kept gingerly tossing his head around and almost prancing while Adam kept the bright red sorrel under control.<\/p>\n
Dismounting and wrapping the rails around the hitching post, Adam stepped lively towards the telegraph office. As he walked along, he pulled out the piece of paper his father had handed him the night before with the message to wire Mr. Arto. A momentary pause as the tall dark man glanced in the direction of a lovely young lady walking in the opposite direction. He smiled in appreciation of the beauty of the maiden and touched the brim of his hat in greeting. The young woman bashfully smiled and continued walking away.<\/p>\n
Sighing to himself, Adam continues over to the window of the telegraph office.<\/p>\n
\u201cMorning Paul,\u201d calls out Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cMorning Adam,\u201d replies Paul the telegraph operator. \u201cYou\u2019re up mighty early.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYep. Pa sent me into town to have this message wired to a gent in San Francisco.\u201d
\u201cAnd who is this going to?\u201d asks Paul.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo a Mr. Thomas Arto, San Francisco.\u201d Adam replied back.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019ll be a dollar and a quarter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHere ya go Paul,\u201d as Adam placed the money on the counter. \u201cI\u2019m gonna head over to the saloon to get me something to wash this dust out of my mouth. Take care.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStop by any time Adam. Some days a feller gets mighty bored. Needs someone to talk to now and agin.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam laughed in reply and giving a short wave headed for the Silver Dollar Saloon down the street.<\/p>\n
As Adam walks into the saloon, he gives a cursory glance around the room to see if he recognizes anyone. Noting only one or two men at some of the tables as well as two more finely dressed gentlemen engaged in discussion at another table, he makes his way to the bar.<\/p>\n
\u201cMorning Sam\u201d, greets Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cMorning Adam\u201d, replies Sam. \u201cUp and about early ain\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHad to come into town to do some errands.\u201d Adam places his one elbow on the bar and leans over. \u201cGimme a beer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam places a large mug of the frothy liquid in front of Adam who then places a coin in payment. Taking the mug, Adam makes his way over to one of the tables and sits himself down. Taking a large drought of the refreshing drink, Adam lets out a sigh of satisfaction. Taking the mug in both hands, he leans ever so slightly back in his chair.<\/p>\n
He can\u2019t help but overhear the discussion between the two gentlemen sitted at the table a short distance from him.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019ll go like clockwork,\u201d says Gidels.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d replies Young. \u201cSeems like an awful lot of money to offer that scoundrel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the whole point, \u201cinterjected Gidels. \u201cWith an offer like that I knew that old goat would be willing to sell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah but meeting the Count after dark at an abandoned homestead to get that sketch of his\u2026\u201d Young was starting to lose his confidence in this whole scheme that seemed such a good idea only a few days before.<\/p>\n
At the mention of the Count, Adam\u2019s ears perked up. Now he couldn\u2019t help but overhear.<\/p>\n
\u2018Wonder what these fellows have to do with Count Raducci?\u2019 Adam asked himself. ‘And what\u2019s this about selling them a sketch? They couldn\u2019t mean the one that the Count gave Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s mind was abuzz over this development. He casually placed his elbows on the table and leaned over a bit. Acting as nonchalantly as possible, Adam strained to hear the continued conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cStop your worrying. It\u2019s all set up.\u201d Gidels was beginning to lose patience with Young. This was no time to pull out now. Not when he had come this far.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell\u2026\u201d relented Young. \u201cI\u2019ll be glad when it\u2019s all over with and we have both sketches.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam couldn\u2019t quite comprehend the meaning of these two when they mentioned two sketches. His brows curled over this new puzzlement.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on,\u201d ordered Gidels. \u201cWe got things to do before nightfall.\u201d<\/p>\n
The two men rose up from their table and pushing their chairs aside proceeded to the door of the saloon and outside.<\/p>\n
Adam glanced over his left shoulder and decided to wait a few minutes to give those two time to work their way down the street. He figured he better tell his father about this rather than head to Reno for that art expert as originally planned.<\/p>\n
The minutes ticked away. Adam pulled out his pocket watch and figuring that enough time had passed got up to leave. He placed his half-drunken glass of beer on the table and swiftly walked in large strides outside the saloon. Stopping just outside the swinging doors, he glanced in both directions. Not seeing any sign of either of the two gentlemen, Adam began walking up the street where his horse Sport was still tied up.<\/p>\n
Reaching the highly spirited animal, Adam undid the reins from around the hitching post and lithely leaped into his saddle and sped towards home.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
Ben is observing the latest batch of mustangs that his hands are in the process of breaking in. He hears a horse riding in from the distance. He turns away from the corral and tries to make out who is coming. Ben notices the tall black figure of a man astride his bright red steed and recognizes his son Adam. Curious as to why Adam would return to the ranch instead of heading to Reno, Ben starts walking away from the corral.<\/p>\n
Adam rides up and pulls his horse up to a dusty stop. In one cat-like motion, he dismounts and leading the horse by the loose reins, starts towards his father.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing here son?\u201d asked Ben. \u201cI figured you\u2019d be well on your way to Reno by now. Did you send the telegram like I asked?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam paused a moment trying to catch his breath after the long ride from Virginia City to the area of the ranch where the horse breaking corral was.
Seeing Adam in a slightly disconcerted state, Ben raised his eyes towards his first born. His brows bent down over his eyes as his face appeared a mixture of curiosity and full of questions. He waited patiently for Adam to catch his breath in order to hear what was so important.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we might have a bit of trouble with the Count,\u201d Adam began. \u201cHow well do you really know him?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTrouble?\u201d asked Ben. \u201cWhat kind of trouble?\u201d Ben leaned his large frame over and placed his thumbs in his belt as he drew out the word in a slightly higher pitched voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not sure Pa. But I overheard these two men talking in the saloon about meeting the Count tonight after dark. Something about selling them a sketch,\u201d continued Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you happen to get the names of these men?\u201d Ben still could not believe that Count Raducci would be up to anything underhanded.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. I had gone into the saloon for a beer and these two were already seated there having a discussion about paying the Count for some sketch.\u201d Adam seemed concerned that his father acted like he didn\u2019t think this was important. \u201cOne of them seemed kinda nervous. Almost like he wanted to pull out of the deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd that gives you cause to think the Count is dealing in stolen art or something?\u201d asked Ben in an annoying tone.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know what to think,\u201d continued Adam. \u201cAll I know is I got me a feeling that something is not quite right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben looked at the ground and deeply pondered what his son had just told him. Adam had very good instincts for sniffing out trouble. As Ben shifted his weight, he began weighing the various factors. He wanted to know if one of the two men in the saloon had been Gilders. The one the Count had that heated argument with at the Opera House. Problem was Adam had never seen Gilders and wouldn\u2019t be able to recognize him.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot much to go on Adam,\u201d began Ben. As he noticed the disgusted look in his son\u2019s face, Ben placed his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder and continued\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cLook son, if it will make you feel better I\u2019ll have a talk with Count Raducci tonight at supper.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m afraid that will be too late,\u201d stated Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean that these two are supposed to meet the Count just after dark. If you are going to talk to him about it, now is a better time.\u201d Adam was getting slightly antsy and kept shifting his weight between his two feet.<\/p>\n
\u201cI tell you what Adam,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cYou round up Hoss and Joe and meet me back at the house. I\u2019ll finish up here and then we can all sit down with the Count and discuss this. I\u2019d like to get some facts before I make any false accusations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam knew that his father was a stickler for proof. He reasoned the best thing was to get his two brothers and have the whole family together to go over this. That way if there was going to be any trouble, it would be the four of them together to handle it.<\/p>\n
Adam nodded his agreement and mounted up on Sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll see you back at the house,\u201d Adam called as he turned and headed first for the lumber camp which was closer to his respective position.<\/p>\n
Ben watched his son heading away and turned back to review the status of the horses and determine what stages of being broken in the various animals were in. He reasoned he had more than enough time to discuss the details of the latest batch of horses with his foreman and go over the plans to get them ready for the cattle drive coming up.<\/p>\n
Adam first found Joe at the lumber camp and after explaining what happened in town, the two made their way towards the East fence to track down their brother. Hoss didn\u2019t seem to think that anything was really amiss.<\/p>\n
After going through all the details of what happened in Virginia City and how Adam suspected the Count might try to sell the sketch he had give their father, Hoss relented and agreed to head back to the house.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
Dusk was starting to cover the vistas on the great ranch. Adam, Hoss and Joe rode up towards the front of the house. Taking their horses into the barn first, the three quickly untacked, rubbed down and fed and watered the animals. As they headed back to the front of the house, the door opened. Out stepped Ben half walking, half running towards his sons.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s up Pa?\u201d asked Adam. \u201cDid you talk to the Count already?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s not here Adam,\u201d replied Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot here? It isn\u2019t even dark yet.\u201d Adam was puzzled why the Count would have left so early.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, Adam,\u201d interrupted Little Joe. \u201cMaybe the Count left early because he wasn\u2019t sure exactly where this meeting place was and wanted to be sure he got there in time.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Adam heard Joe\u2019s possible explanation, it made sense. Even if the Count had a map, the area and landmarks would not be familiar to him. Either that or he just didn\u2019t want to take any chances of missing his secret meeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only that Adam,\u201d continued Ben. \u201cThat priceless art treasure is missing along with its case.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell if that don\u2019t beat all,\u201d said Hoss. Hoss and Joe exchanged glances between them almost reading each other\u2019s minds. Adam kept his hard gaze on his father.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa.\u201c started Adam. \u201cWe better head after him. He\u2019s probably gonna meet those buyers some where along the way to Virginia City. From the talk I overheard, there could be trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam\u2019s right Pa.\u201d piped in Joe. His eyes almost sparkled with a mixture of anger and disgust at seeing his father being used as a patsy.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll right, go saddle the horses,\u201d replied Ben. \u201cI\u2019ll go and get some lanterns.\u201d<\/p>\n
The three boys went back into the barn to awaken their steeds. From the various snorts and whickers, it was obvious Chubb, Sport and Cochise didn\u2019t like being taken out of their nice cozy stalls at this late hour. One could almost put words in the horse\u2019s mouths as they were resaddled. Adam being the quickest finished with Sport and then put the bridle and saddle onto his father\u2019s horse, Buck. Adam led the way out of the barn with both Buck and Sport followed by Hoss and Joe with their mounts.<\/p>\n
Ben came out of the house with their rifles. Hop Sing was only a few inches behind with two lanterns in case they would have to split up into two separate parties to search for the Count.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s go boys\u201d said Ben, mounting Buck.<\/p>\n
Adam, Hoss and Joe put their rifles in their holders and climbed aboard. The four then rode off towards Virginia City. Fortunately a bright moon was out and no clouds in the sky to afford the Cartwright men a great deal of light on the path.<\/p>\n
About 5 miles down the road, Hoss noticed a set of buggy wheels that had turned off onto a side road. The tracks looked very fresh, as if they were made within the past several hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey Pa!!\u201d exclaimed Hoss. \u201cLooks like he turned off here!\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben, Adam and Joe pulled up their horses to turn around to take a look. Ben leaned over the side of Buck to get a closer look. Adam glanced at the tracks and then directed his attention to the road. If memory served, Adam recalled an abandoned homestead belonging to the Barkstons down that road. The Barkstons had returned back East after their farm failed from the last drought.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa, remember the Barkstons?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, what does that have to do with finding the Count?\u201d queried Ben of his eldest.<\/p>\n
\u201cTheir farm was down this road wasn\u2019t it? Remember when we helped cut this road for them?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you trying to tell me Adam?\u201d asked Ben. He didn\u2019t understand where this line of discussion was going in relation to finding the Count and the priceless sketch.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, it seems to me that if someone was gonna hold a secret meeting to sell such a priceless art treasure as a Rembrandt wouldn\u2019t an abandoned homestead be an excellent place for such a clandestine activity?\u201d explained Adam in his most logical, analytical manner.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere goes Big Brother with them big words again Little Brother,\u201d started Hoss. \u201cYou understand anything he said?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNope, but one of these days that education of his will get him into some real trouble.\u201d Joe replied back.<\/p>\n
The two younger brothers began giggling and chortling between themselves looking in each other\u2019s direction with mischief in their eyes.<\/p>\n
Adam turned to his two younger brothers with a bit of a scowl on his face. Before Adam could reply, Ben got a word in edgewise.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll right boys, that\u2019s enough,\u201d said Ben. \u201cYour brother may have a point. Let\u2019s ride down and check out that homestead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben and Adam turned their horses down the side path with Hoss and Joe behind them. The two younger brothers couldn\u2019t help exchange amusing glances between them.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
The abandoned homestead was brightly lit inside as the Count pulled up with his buggy. He noticed the rented rig on the side and another horse still saddled up. As Tellini disembarked, he heard the creaks from the front door of the house. Quickly turning around, he noticed David Young come out of the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo good you could make it Count,\u201d began Young. His manner was just a tad too friendly for Count Raducci\u2019s taste. \u201cI promise you this trip will not have been a waste for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI sure hope not,\u201d coldly replied Raducci.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have the Rembrandt with you?\u201d asked Young.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, it would have been unprofitable if I didn\u2019t, now wouldn\u2019t it?\u201d flared Raducci.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t fault you for being just a wee bit suspicious of me,\u201d began Young. \u201cI hope that you won\u2019t hold it against me for knowing Mr. Gidels. I received a telegram from him at my home in San Francisco regarding an artwork for sale. Little did I realize that yours was the true copy at the time.\u201d Young was doing his very best at trying to relief the Count\u2019s suspicions. \u201cCan I give you a hand with that large box? Must be awful heavy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not heavy for me.\u201d Count Raducci said even icier than before. He untied the box with the Rembrandt and hoisting it in his arms followed Young into the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust set it right there on that chair, so\u2019s I can take a look at it,\u201d said Young.<\/p>\n
The Count placed the heavy box on the chair and turned around to face Young.<\/p>\n
Staring down at the man, Count Raducci very casually crossed his arms so one was folded across his chest while his other hand began caressing his chin in a thoughtful manner.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore I do that, I would like to ask one question,\u201d said Tellini.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d asked Young.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho else is in here with you?\u201d asked Tellini.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat makes you think there is anyone else here?\u201d replied Young.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was expecting to meet only you,\u201d snorted Tellini. \u201cI noticed one rig and one saddled horse by the side of the house.\u201d<\/p>\n
With that William Gidels steps out from the back room. Count Raducci is taken aback by this development. Here he had made plans to meet David Young alone and he finds both Gidels and Young. This is getting more and more complicated.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing here!!\u201d yelled out Raducci.<\/p>\n
Gidels pulls out his gun and aims it at the Count.<\/p>\n
\u201cI aim to kill two birds with one bullet, old friend,\u201d sneered Gidels.<\/p>\n
David Young is greatly disturbed over this latest change of plans. He hadn\u2019t figured on murder.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
In the meantime, the Cartwrights arrive at the homestead. Quietly walking their horses up, Ben notices the Count\u2019s carriage. Adam points out the rig and other horse on the side of the house. The four quickly and quietly dismount from their animals. Ducking low to the ground, they sneak up to the front window on the porch. They can hear the loud arguments from within.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis wasn\u2019t part of the deal Gidels!!\u201d yelled Young. \u201cYou didn\u2019t say anything about murder!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKeep quiet you!\u201d yelled back Gidels. \u201cDon\u2019t you understand that it has to be this way?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy? I coulda bought that other drawing,\u201d replied Young.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah but this way we don\u2019t lay out any money, we get both sketches and no witnesses,\u201d stated Gidels.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m getting out of here,\u201d started Young. \u201cThis wasn\u2019t part of our understanding and I am not about to get hung for murder.\u201d Young begins walking towards the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cStop right there!\u201d exclaimed Gidels.<\/p>\n
Young turned around and found himself facing an agitated Gidels and a gun barrel aimed at him.<\/p>\n
Gidels starts walking towards Young with the gun still pointed in his direction. He had momentarily forgotten about the Count in his anger. As Gildels moves closer to Young, the Count reaches out to grab the gun away from him.<\/p>\n
A struggle over the gun ensues. The two men fall against the round table in the middle of the room knocking the lamp over. The rug catches fire and moves along the path of the kerosene towards the curtains and other furniture in the front room. Seeing the fire, David Young runs out of the front door not even noticing the Cartwrights on the porch. All he can think of is that he wants to be as far away from this as possible.<\/p>\n
Joe leaps over the porch railing and takes off after Young. Joe grabs the man by his legs and the two fall to the ground rolling over several times. With Young on the ground, Joe pulls himself up slightly above David Young. His hand was grasping the other\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n
Ben, Adam and Hoss rushed into the house. A second lamp has fallen continuing to spread the fire towards the back of the house. Glancing around towards the sound of a struggle, they hear a gun go off before even finishing turning in the direction of the fight.<\/p>\n
Ben sees Count Raducci in pain pushing Gidels away from him. The Count limbs toward Ben with his hand holding his side with blood oozing from the wound. As he reaches Ben, the Count falls into Ben\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n
Gidels still holding his gun looks at the Count now practically helpless from the gunshot and cradled in Ben Cartwrights arms. Adam has already pulled out his gun and had it trained on Gidels since hearing the first shot.<\/p>\n
\u201cDrop it you!\u201d warns Adam.<\/p>\n
Gidels looks towards Adam with a look of resignation and then drops his head as if to imply submission. The gun is still in his hand and Gidels acts like he is gonna drop his weapon. He raises his one arm above his head as if to indicate surrender. At the last second, he points his gun at Adam to shoot.<\/p>\n
Adam fires first when he realizes that Gidels is intending to kill him. The shot rings out in the small house. A look of surprise and pain washes over Gidels face. With his eyes half closed, Gidels slowly drops to the floor still holding the gun.<\/p>\n
The flames are spreading furiously through the house now. The fire has begun crawling towards the Cartwrights and the heat drives them out. Ben half carries the Count with Adam\u2019s help. As Ben glances backward towards the inside of the house. He notices flames have started licking the one box with his sketch in it. As his eyes move slightly, Ben happens to see a second, identical sketch in the back room as the flames begin reaching for it as well.<\/p>\n
Outside, Ben and Adam have laid the Count down on the ground. Ben takes his kerchief from around his neck and begins to apply pressure to the bullet wound.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t move Tellini,\u201d Ben says softly. \u201cWe\u2019ll get you to a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBen, I swear to you that mine was the original,\u201d replied Tellini. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben. I had no right to take that sketch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry about that now my friend,\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n
Adam and Hoss went to move the animals away from the burning house. It was no easy task as they were greatly spooked by the flames consuming the small homestead. Their own horses were already a safe distance away.<\/p>\n
The two boys came to their father\u2019s side and kneeled down beside him and the Count. Joe moved closer still holding onto Young.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen,\u201d coughed the Count. \u201cI am truly sorry about taking that sketch. Guess I lost my head when Young offered me $50,000 for it. Never got that much for any artwork.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKeep still Tellini. That wound is still bleeding.\u201d Ben was showing great concern now.<\/p>\n
Young piped in. \u201cDon\u2019t blame me. I didn\u2019t know nothing about Gidels wanting to kill the Count here. I came out this way to buy a priceless Rembrandt.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLikely story,\u201d snorted Joe.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s true,\u201d continued Young. \u201cGidels said he had a Rembrandt to sell me. Then we found out the Count here had an identical sketch. We was just gonna knock him unconscious and then take the sketch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell you can tell your story to the sheriff,\u201d gruffly responded Adam.<\/p>\n
The flames are devouring all sides of the house now and is burning out of control.<\/p>\n
Ben drags the Count further away from the fire. \u201cBoys, get some buckets of water so that fire doesn\u2019t spread to far.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam, Hoss and Joe grab some buckets near the well and begin drawing the water up. They knew the house was a loss but they didn\u2019t want half the territory to burn.<\/p>\n
As Ben is watching his boys fight the fire, he hears a murmur from the Count still in his arms. Ben turns to see the Count trying to say something and then Count Tellini Raducci breathed his last still in Ben\u2019s arms. Ben looked down with a wealth of sadness in his eyes. He pointed his head up to the stars as if asking what was the point of all this fuss over a sketch.<\/p>\n
*******************************<\/p>\n
Several fellow homesteaders had seen the flames and had come rushing out to help with the fire. Sheriff Roy Coffee was there too as he had been visiting one of the neighbors regarding some earlier trouble with cattle rustlers.<\/p>\n
Roy took custody of David Young from Joe Cartwright.<\/p>\n
\u201cBen,\u201d began Roy. \u201cI\u2019m really sorry about the loss of your friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks Roy,\u201d weakly replied Ben.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you suppose you and your boys could come in to my office tomorrow to give me an account of what you know of all this?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure Roy,\u201d Ben didn\u2019t like being very curt with Roy but his mind couldn\u2019t handle a million questions at this time. Roy lead David Young away. He knew that Ben was having a hard time dealing with the death of his friend the Count. Several of the homesteaders had already taken the bodies of Gidels and the Count and placed them in the rig. Another volunteered to return the carriage to Virginia City.<\/p>\n
Ben stood there with Adam on his right side and Joe and Hoss on his left. Hoss with a very puzzled look began asking how could such a thing happen over a simple sketch?<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, Hoss, I know it doesn\u2019t make much sense,\u201d responded Adam, \u201cbut some people will pay an awful lot of money to own something they consider priceless even if you and I don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure don\u2019t make sense to me no how,\u201d answered Hoss.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I wonder,\u201d began Joe \u201cis which was the real one and which was the fake?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGuess we\u2019ll never know now,\u201d said Ben. His face was quite serious and his tone was very flat. \u201cBesides does it matter? Were these sketches really worth the lives of 2 men?\u201d<\/p>\n
The three Cartwright boys looked first at their father and then at each other as their father’s words struck a cord of what was truly valuable and priceless in this world. Each of them knew that family and friends were more important than any material or wordly goods.<\/p>\n
With that bit of wisdom imparted, the Cartwrights mount their horses and begin riding back to the ranch.<\/p>\n
The End<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Summary: An old friend of Ben\u2019s from his sailing days comes visiting and brings a gift for Ben. However, complications arise and the Cartwrights learn what is truly priceless.