Summary: The Cartwrights learn to play whatever hand life deals them.<\/p>\n
Rating: PG for some violence and death of character(s). \/ Words: 52,100<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Like Joseph Series<\/strong><\/p>\n Like Joseph<\/a> Acknowledgements: Special thanks to Kaatje, Adamsdarling, Kemarlow, Holliday, & Cowboy Jim (and many others) who were so encouraging to me during this story\u2019s time as a WIP.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This was originally a WIP in the Bonanza World forum and was posted in its completion to the BW Library in December of 2007. Thank you to BluewindFarm and Cheaux and Bonanza Brand for helping preserve the older fanfic stories like this one.<\/p>\n Whatever My Lot – A Sequel to Like Joseph<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 1 \u2013 Leaving<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cBenny?\u201d Ben called his youngest as he strode up the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cBenny?\u201d he repeated as he entered the boy\u2019s bedroom. \u201cThere you are\u2026 I\u2019ve been looking all over for you. Grace brought the new dress shirts she made for you and Johnny to wear at Joe and Ellen\u2019s wedding. She wants you to try them on and\u2026\u201d Ben trailed off when he noticed the seven-year-old was lying face down on his bed, giving no indication he was listening.<\/p>\n \u201cBenny\u2026 what\u2019s the matter?\u201d Ben entered the room and sat next to his son on the bed. When he received no answer, he placed a hand on the boy\u2019s head. No fever.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right now, you\u2019re not sick\u2026\u201d he pulled the boy up to a sitting position. As he did, something fell off the bed and to the floor with a loud thud. Ben reached down to pick it up. It was Benny\u2019s toy gun belt and gun that his older brothers had given him. Ben placed it on the bed next to him. He looked up at his son and noticed for the first time his tear-streaked face.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n Benny crumbled into his chest with great heaving sobs. Dumbfounded at his son\u2019s hysterics, he rocked him for a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright now\u2026 tell me what\u2019s wrong\u2026\u201d He pulled the boy away and hushed him.<\/p>\n Benny\u2019s answered between hiccupped sobs. \u201cIt\u2019s\u2026. just\u2026. not\u2026 the\u2026. same\u2026\u201d he squeaked out, wiping his eyes and nose in one smooth motion on his sleeve.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s not the same?\u201d Ben asked, reaching into his vest pocket for a handkerchief.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst Johnny came\u2026.Adam and Ruth got married\u2026Hoss and Grace gonna have a baby and\u2026 Joe\u2019s gettin\u2019 married and now\u2026 ya\u2019ll are all leavin\u2019.\u201d Benny took his father\u2019s handkerchief and wiped ineffectively at his nose.<\/p>\n Ben smiled sympathetically and put his arm around the boy. Benny had never been one to accept change easily. He\u2019d adjusted well to his twin brother coming to live with them, to Hoss\u2019s and Adam\u2019s marriages and even to the announcement that he would soon become an uncle. And last week, they\u2019d all been surprised with the announcement of Joe and Ellen\u2019s engagement. It wasn\u2019t that he didn\u2019t love his new family members, because he did. Benny, much like Hoss, always gave his heart freely and in full. Where he had difficulty was unknown, the rippled effects of change. Change meant that things might perhaps be worse instead of better. However, Benny had taken all of the change over the last year in pretty good stride; even when Hoss and Adam had each married and had moved out of the ranch house into their own homes. Ben had convinced himself that one short year had matured the boy enough to accept the ever-changing nature of life, and perhaps it had. But there had been one final blow that had apparently been the proverbial straw that broke the camel\u2019s back.<\/p>\n Since their return from New Orleans a year ago, Ben and his older sons had taken great care in trying to make Johnny feel at home on the Ponderosa, while also assuring Benny that no one would ever force him to leave them again. Ben had been very adamant since their return about not going away on business if it wasn\u2019t absolutely necessary. But this morning they\u2019d received a wire from the Army saying that Ben, Adam, Hoss and Joe were all needed in Sacramento to sign the contracts for the horses they were to train and sell for the officers there – news that Benny interpreted as another life-altering change.<\/p>\n Benny was beginning to calm down and only an occasional whimper shook his small frame.<\/p>\n Ben picked up the gunbelt again and turned it over to reveal the message burned into the leather on the inside of the belt. Pa, Adam, Hoss, Joe and Benny. Together Always<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen your brothers gave this to you last year\u2026 they weren\u2019t sure they would ever see you again\u2026\u201d Ben took a deep breath as Benny\u2019s piercing blue eyes raised to meet his.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know\u2026 it really doesn\u2019t matter what happens to us in life. We have to take the good and the bad. But we can always know that we carry the love of our family in our hearts\u2026 just like you did when you went to New Orleans.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pulled the boy onto his lap and encircled him with his arms. \u201cI know with Adam and Hoss being married, things are a lot different. They don\u2019t have time for as much fishing and hunting and playing with you boys like they used to\u2026 but they still love you very much. But they have to take care of their new families now. And soon Joe will be married too\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Benny nodded, leaning against his father\u2019s chest. \u201cI\u2019m never gettin\u2019 married\u2026\u201d he said grotesquely. \u201cJohnny may \u2013 he\u2019s sweet on Eloise Conrad at school, ya know \u2013 but not me. It\u2019ll just be you and me forever. Right Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean I\u2019m stuck with you?!\u201d Ben laughed and tickled the boy, causing him to begin giggling and squirming.<\/p>\n \u201cForever!\u201d Benny laughed.<\/p>\n Ben pulled his son into a warm embrace. \u201cThat\u2019s just fine by me, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n ****<\/p>\n \u201cMister Adam and Mister Hoss here now\u2026\u201d Hop Sing said as he poured Ben more coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben wiped his mouth on his napkin and looked up at Joe. \u201cIs everything all ready?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go out and make sure…\u201d<\/p>\n With that Joe excused himself from the breakfast table.<\/p>\n Ben looked up at his very forlorn youngest sons. \u201cNow that\u2019s enough of that. It\u2019s only for a week or so. Then we\u2019ll all be back.\u201d<\/p>\n The boys nodded, both staring at their full plates. Neither had eaten more than a few bites.<\/p>\n \u201cNow I want you to remember what I say\u2026 You are to mind Ruth and do everything she says. You hear?\u201d<\/p>\n Two \u201cyessirs\u201d were mumbled and Ben nodded, satisfied that they would give his newest daughter-in-law no trouble.<\/p>\n The opening of the front door brought all three heads up. Father and sons stood politely as Ruth entered the house.<\/p>\n \u201cEverthin\u2019s ready Pa,\u201d Hoss said, setting down Ruth\u2019s small trunk of clothes. \u201cWe best get goin\u2019\u2026. Oh, hey boys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, guess what!\u201d Benny said, a grin breaking through his sadness. \u201cJohnny and me, we get to \u2018take care\u2019a the place\u2019 while ya\u2019ll are gone, on account\u2019a we\u2019re the \u2018men of the house\u2019 now.\u201d<\/p>\n Benny stood, showing off his toy gunbelt with pride.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, ya certainly look prepared to me!\u201d Hoss said ruffling his youngest brother\u2019s raven hair.<\/p>\n \u201cHeaven help any bandits that try to stir up trouble with even the littlest of Cartwrights!\u201d Ruth said, smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Ruth!\u201d Benny ran to her, and she stooped down to give him a hug. They were soon joined by Johnny who presented her with a handful of crumpled wildflowers retrieved from his pocket.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, kind sir!\u201d She said with a little curtsey.<\/p>\n Ben stood from the table, releasing a deep chuckle. \u201cWell, we\u2019d better get going.\u201d He crossed to where Ruth stood. \u201cNow everything is taken care of\u2026 Hop Sing is here. Our foreman, Hank, will be checking in with you from time to time to see if you need anything, and of course all the ranch hands will be around and about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll get along just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n With that, the group left the house. In the yard, Joe and Adam had finished loading their few bags into the buckboard and were conversing quietly as they waited. They looked up as the rest of the family came out of the house. Ben stopped at the edge of the porch and accepted a kiss and hug from the twins. He was followed by Joe, who said his goodbyes to the boys as well. Hoss had just bent down to give both boys a hug when Adam and Ruth passed them to reentered the house.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are they goin\u2019?\u201d Johnny asked.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re just saying goodbye, Little Brother,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n \u201cBut why\u2019re they goin\u2019 in there to say g\u2019bye?\u201d Johnny asked, scratching his head.<\/p>\n Joe looked at the amused grins on Hoss\u2019s and his father\u2019s faces and he reddened.<\/p>\n \u201cThey just want to\u2026\u201d Joe said, casting a warning glance at Hoss, who had started to laugh.<\/p>\n \u201cBut why\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause you\u2019re not old enough to know why \u2013 that\u2019s why.\u201d Joe said shortly, not wishing to have to explain why a man and his new bride would want to say their goodbyes in private.<\/p>\n Johnny frowned, confused. At last, he shrugged his shoulders at the whole thing and moved to tell Hoss goodbye.<\/p>\n Soon, all the Cartwright men were loaded on the buckboard and driving away to the waves and wishes of a safe trip from the trio left behind.<\/p>\n Chapter 2 \u2013 A Long Day<\/strong><\/p>\n The stage was uncomfortably cramped with four large Cartwrights plus an elderly woman and her pet Pekinese. The passengers had jostled along for hours, making only minimal conversation. Hoss had spent most of the trip so far with his hat pulled low over his eyes, snoring loudly. Adam was absorbed in a book while Joe had watched the miles of western landscape scroll by outside his window. Ben had attempted to engage the older woman in some polite dialog, but his efforts had been quickly and curtly dismissed. At last, he too had pulled his hat over his eyes and taken a nap.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, how do you think it\u2019s going with Ruth and the boys?\u201d Joe asked, a teasing grin spreading across his face.<\/p>\n His voice brought his father and Hoss out of their half-sleep and they sat up, one stretching and the other yawning.<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno\u2026\u201d Adam said, putting his book down. \u201cShe was pretty nervous about it\u2026 She\u2019s never had much experience with children.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed, \u201cWhooo-wee, she\u2019s gonna have a time of it then!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben crossed his arms and looked at his son coolly. \u201cAnd just what do you mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked at him apologetically. \u201cOh, nothin\u2019 Pa\u2026 it\u2019s just\u2026 well\u2026 you know Benny and Johnny\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, raising his eyebrows. \u201cYes, I do\u2026 And I know they are well behaved and obedient \u2013 which is more than I could say for you at that age!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned at the snickers of his older brothers and hurried on to explain himself. \u201cSure, they\u2019re well behaved, but\u2026 they just have a knack for getting themselves into a pickle. That\u2019s all I\u2019m sayin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs rare as it is for Joe to be right, he is right Pa,\u201d Adam said smugly.<\/p>\n Ben looked up, frowning.<\/p>\n \u201cYep, that little Three and a Half Foot Circus can get themselves into the darndest messes quicker\u2019n you can shake a stick at\u2019em.\u201d A grin spread across Hoss\u2019s face as he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, and they do always seem to get in the worst messes when they\u2019re with you\u2026\u201d Adam said, picking up his book again.<\/p>\n \u201cNow that just ain\u2019t true, Adam!\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice boomed in the small confines of the coach, causing the older woman to start. \u201cOh\u2026 sorry ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n The woman huffed and pulled her dog more closely as she retreated further into the corner of the seat.<\/p>\n \u201cOh really? And I suppose you always come home covered in mud after a day of training horses, hmm?\u201d Adam didn\u2019t look up from his book.<\/p>\n Hoss frowned at Joe\u2019s howling laughter.<\/p>\n \u201cOh sure\u2026\u201d the big man put a finger in his younger brother\u2019s face, \u201cyou laugh about it now\u2026 but you didn\u2019t think it was very funny then. Besides, that was all your<\/em> fault, Little Brother!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben chuckled long and low. \u201cI remember that little incident\u2026. We hadn\u2019t been back from New Orleans for more that a few weeks and Hoss had been trying to find a chance to talk to Mr. Hawthorne about courting Gracie\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss didn\u2019t happen to tell you when he planned to be home tonight, did he, Joe?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Joe looked up from the checkerboard, bringing his attention to his father. \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHoss. I asked you when he\u2019d be back with the boys \u2013 it\u2019s getting late.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh,\u201d Joe said absently, \u201cI don\u2019t remember\u2026 I was sure he would have been home by supper\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cSupper was over more than an hour and a half ago,\u201d Adam said, a hint of worry on his face, \u201cMaybe I should go out and look for them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ben looked at the clock and exhaled thoughtfully.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps we\u2019d all better go\u2026\u201d Ben was interrupted by heavy footsteps approaching the front door. \u201cThat must be them\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Before Ben made it to the entryway the door flung open, and in walked Hoss, tired and caked from head to toe in dried mud. In his arms he carried two equally muddy little boys who were sound asleep, heads resting on each of his shoulders.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThere you all are,\u201d Ben stepped forward, Adam and Joe on his heels, \u201cWe were just coming out to find you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened to you, Big Brother?\u201d Joe asked, turning his nose up at the filthy state of his brothers.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou.\u201d Hoss said, his brow lowered evenly over his eyes.<\/em><\/p>\n All heads turned to Joe. \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou.\u201d Hoss repeated as he took slow and purposeful steps into the house.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cM-me?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hoss nodded and proceeded ever so slowly toward him. He paused near their father and handed off one sleeping boy and then handed the other to Adam, all the while keeping his eyes sternly fixed on Joe.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cN-now\u2026 Hoss\u2026what in the world did I do?\u201d Joe took several nervous steps backward.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou,\u201d Hoss stopped inches away from his brother and put a finger in his face. \u201cYou promised if I\u2019d take Benny and Johnny fishin\u2019 this morning to get\u2019em outt\u2019a yer hair, that you\u2019d fix that rig out there and come to get them after lunch so\u2019s I could get to the Hawthorn place in time to help Grace\u2019s pa with that new mare he bought.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026 yeah\u2026\u201d Joe offered lamely. \u201cGee, Hoss, I\u2019m really sorry\u2026 I must have forgotten\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hoss grabbed Joe by his shirt collar and pulled him closer.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cDo you have any idea how difficult it is to work with an orn\u2019ry nag, while tryin\u2019 to convince a cantankerous old man that he should let me court his daughter while the Three and a Half Foot Circus is trying \u2018help\u2019 Mrs. Hawthorn feed her chickens? Tell me Joe\u2026 have you ever seen chickens STAMPEDE?… It ain\u2019t a pretty sight!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ben raised his hands to halt his son\u2019s tirade. \u201cThree and a Half Foot Circus?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Adam smiled, nodding to the boys they were holding. \u201cMeet the Three and a Half Foot Circus.\u201d He spoke dramatically as though he were the ringmaster. \u201cDon\u2019t let their current state of angelic slumber fool you \u2013 by day they\u2019re a three-ring adventure!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ben rolled his eyes at his oldest son\u2019s banter and shifted the sleeping child he held to one arm.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWe need to get these two cleaned up, fed and put to bed\u2026Oh, Hoss?\u201d Ben motioned to his sons\u2019 mud-caked clothing. \u201cThe\u2026 um\u2026 circus?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hoss nodded.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t wanna know, Pa\u2026\u201d Hoss said evenly. \u201cI\u2019m going to take a bath and then I\u2019m going to bed. And I don\u2019t wanna see another Cartwright \u2013 big nor small \u2013 till tomorrow.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The men all laughed at the memory.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know how I ever convinced Gracie\u2019s father to let me court her after that fiasco \u2013 let along marry her!\u201d Hoss said, still laughing.<\/p>\n \u201cWell,\u201d Ben said, a smile still lingering on his face, \u201cThey\u2019re good boys with good intentions \u2013 even if trouble does seem to flock to them. Seems to me, though, they get that from their older brothers\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Three heads looked up incredulously. \u201cUs?\u201d Joe asked in disbelief.<\/p>\n Ben raised an eyebrow at this and nodded. \u201cNearly started a war with the Paiute by taking the chief\u2019s daughter to a saloon dance; almost got himself killed by Hank Myers after trying to woo his girl for him; Spring Fever,\u201d he reeled off, pointing at Joe, Adam and Hoss respectively.<\/p>\n \u201cIt seems to me\u2026\u201d The men looked up in surprise, having almost forgotten about the elderly woman who shared their coach. The woman looked Ben up and down, frowned and then looked back down at her dog. \u201c\u2026That a man with sons so prone to mishaps might do better to quit procreating.\u201d She wagged a crooked finger in Ben\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t agree with you more, madam.\u201d Ben said, giving her a wink.<\/p>\n The woman scowled at him and turned her attention back to her Pekinese. The dog had been lying motionless in her lap the entire trip.<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019s face went sour at the sight of the dog. \u201cMa\u2019am\u2026 are you sure yer dog there is all right?\u201d Hoss reached out a hand to feel if the dog was even breathing. \u201cHe ain\u2019t moved all mornin\u2026 Whoa! Loooook out.\u201d Hoss pulled his hand away just before the dog\u2019s little jaws could clamp down on his finger.<\/p>\n \u201cSee what I mean?\u201d Ben sat back pulling his hat back down over his eyes. \u201cTrouble. The whole lot of you.\u201d<\/p>\n ****<\/p>\n The summer heat radiated from the front yard as Ruth opened the front door. It was only lunch time, and the temperature was sure to get another ten degrees or so hotter before the day was through. She dismissed her thoughts of the weather and proceeded out to call the boys in for lunch.<\/p>\n She crossed the yard and entered the barn. She looked around. The stalls were still messy, and the three cows were bawling in discomfort from having not been milked, and was that a pair of little boy\u2019s pants draped over a stall gate? Ruth put her hands firmly on her hips in irritation.<\/p>\n \u201cBenny? Johnny? You two come out here right now! You were supposed to finish these chores before\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She was interrupted by a trembling \u201cShhhh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She turned to see two identical faces peeking timidly over a mound of hay.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat on earth\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShhh!!\u201d Both boys repeated in a panic, then pointed.<\/p>\n She turned to follow their wide-eyed stares. There, waddling toward her, was a mother skunk followed by a line of her babies. She gasped and hurried behind the hay mound to join the boys.<\/p>\n She looked at her two young charges. Benny was completely soaked, and Johnny was clad only in his underwear and a shirt. Suddenly she started giggling uncontrollably. Both boys looked at her, completely baffled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d She tried to keep her voice to a whisper so as not to attract the attention of the family of skunks. \u201cI was just remembering something your brothers told me is all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Three and a Half Foot Circus. That\u2019s what they had called the twins when they explained to her how the boys just seemed to attract trouble.<\/p>\n At last, she composed herself and turned her attention back to the boys.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t stay here all day waiting for those skunks to leave\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The boys frowned apprehensively.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re just going to run as fast as we can,\u201d she announced confidently. \u201cGot it?\u201d<\/p>\n The twins looked at each other, grimacing.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll make it. Ready? One\u2026 Two\u2026 Three\u2026 GO!\u201d<\/p>\n The boys had jumped the hay mound and were out the door like a flash of lightning. Ruth, on the other hand, had tripped on her skirts, nearly falling on top of the group of rodents. She stared at them in horror from her precarious position on the barn floor as the entire family turned and raised their tails.<\/p>\n Several hours and few tomato baths later, Ruth finally got the whole of the story from the boys. It seemed that they had been about to milk the cows when the family of skunks wandered up. The boys had tried to run away, but the cuff of Johnny\u2019s pants had gotten snagged on the stall gate. Motivated by fear of being sprayed, Johnny had wiggled out of his boots and pants as quickly as he could. He didn\u2019t, however, see that Benny had delayed his own flight to offer a hand to help him up. Johnny turned and barreled into his brother, landing Benny in the cows\u2019 watering trough. Since the skunks were now blocking their way to the barn door, the boys dove behind the pile of hay and had been there for nearly an hour when Ruth happened along. The boys were quite confused at her hysterical laughter as they gave their explanation, interrupted here and there by profuse apologies. In the end, she\u2019d sent them to bed, assuring them that they wouldn\u2019t be punished for circumstances beyond their control.<\/p>\n Later, Ruth went in to check on the boys before she herself turned in for the night. Benny had long since kicked his covers off and they lay in a wrinkled pile on the floor. Johnny had somehow managed to turn himself quite sideways on his bed, so that his head dangled off one side and his legs off the other. She moved quietly to his bed and righted his position. As she did, he mumbled something about \u201creal sorry you still smell bad\u201d and fell back asleep. She smiled as she left the room. Circus, indeed<\/em>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 3 \u2013 The Beginning of a Nightmare<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAre you telling me this was the \u2018urgent business\u2019 that require all four of us to come all the way out here?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice boomed in the small office that belonged to Sergeant O\u2019Leary.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Mr. Cartwright,\u201d the sergeant said, shifting uncomfortably, \u201cJust following orders.<\/p>\n Ben exploded at the man, \u201cThis could have been settled by one of us, and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s tirade was interrupted by Hoss. \u201cPa…\u201d<\/p>\n Not ready to give up his irritation, Ben turned to his large son, hands firmly in his hips. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, but of all the times for the Army to decide that we all needed to be here to sign a silly piece of paper \u2013 since when isn\u2019t the signature of any one Cartwright worth that of the whole lot? I\u2019ll have you know,\u201d Ben turned wagging a finger in the sergeant\u2019s face, \u201cthat I left two small boys and Adam left a wife of not more than one month and Hoss! Hoss\u2019s wife is expecting any day now! I want to speak to your superior!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Joe shifted their positions, both as irritated as their father, but not inclined to join his tirade.<\/p>\n Hoss sighed wearily. \u201cPa,\u201d he repeated, tugging on his father\u2019s arm. \u201cLet\u2019s just take care of this and get on home.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben scowled but conceded. \u201cWhere\u2019s that dadblamed contract?\u201d<\/p>\n Sergeant O\u2019Leary slid a stack of papers across the desk along with a pen.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, and Colonel Macy wants all of\u2019em to be bays \u2013 says he don\u2019t want his officers showing off on any fancy palominos or nothin\u2019. And remember \u2013 no cattle trainin\u2019 on any of\u2019em. The men get tired of their horses wantin\u2019 to herd every buffalo they see\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Ben commented under his breath about \u201cwasting good horses on lousy riders\u201d and picked up the pen. As he finished his signature, a young private burst through the door.<\/p>\n \u201cSergeant O\u2019Leary!\u201d The private gave a quick salute and hurried on, not waiting for permission from his superior to speak. \u201cWe just got word from Virginia City that a band of renegade Indians have been ransacking the outlying homesteads and murdering every white person they see. A unit is already on its way over there from Utah, but the wire says they need as many troops as we can spare.\u201d<\/p>\n The Cartwright men stared blankly at the private, each processing what they\u2019d just heard.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t they know we\u2019ve got our own Indian problems out here?\u201d Sergeant O\u2019Leary bellowed, throwing his hands up.<\/p>\n \u201cNot like this, sir\u2026\u201d the private said, fear evident in his voice, \u201cThese are hundreds of Indians \u2013 all manner of tribes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA war?\u201d the sergeant said in disbelief.<\/p>\n \u201cThis can\u2019t be!\u201d Ben said, finding his voice at last. \u201cThe Indians around Virginia City are peaceful for the most part\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The sergeant ignored Ben\u2019s comment. \u201cWhen did all this start?\u201d<\/p>\n The private looked down at the wire, rereading it quickly. \u201cEarly this morning\u2026. Seems they\u2019re still at it \u2013 or they were whenever this was sent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe said quietly, \u201cThe Ponderosa\u2026 what about\u2026\u201d he looked apologetically at Adam. \u201cWhat about Ruth and the boys?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben moved quickly for the door. \u201cHoss, go talk to the people at the stage stage office \u2013 tell them the situation. Pay whatever you need to be make sure we\u2019re the only one\u2019s on board, \u2018cause we\u2019ll be riding hard\u2026 Joe go get our stuff from the hotel?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are we gonna do?\u201d Adam asked with his hands resting on his hips.<\/p>\n Ben turned and looked at his family gravely. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna go get as many rifles and as much ammunition as we can\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded his dismissal to the sergeant and private, his anger from before completely forgotten. With that, all four Cartwrights were out the door.<\/p>\n ****<\/p>\n \u201cI take Mister Benny down to cellar,\u201d Hop Sing said to Johnny as he led Benny by the hand toward the kitchen, \u201cLittle boy need herbal tea for runny nose.\u201d<\/p>\n Benny shot the cook a pleading grimace at the mere mention of the tea but followed obediently. In the great room, Johnny couldn\u2019t help but smile in spite of his brother\u2019s misfortune. He\u2019d had Hop Sing\u2019s herbal tea for \u201clittle boys\u2019 runny noses\u201d before and he didn\u2019t envy Benny in the least.<\/p>\n Johnny knelt in front of the fireplace and dumped his bag of toy soldiers on the hearth. He lined them up in neat, even rows and sighed heavily. He was bored. Something awful had happened that morning, but no one would tell them about it. He wagered it must have been really horrible because Mr. Watts, the Ferrier, had come early that morning with a message that Ruth was needed in town by Doc Martin. A few hours later Mr. Watts had returned saying it was time to trim and shoe all of the saddle horses. Johnny thought that was strange as it had only been two weeks since he\u2019d been by. It seemed to Johnny that it had taken Mr. Watts a good deal longer today to finish his job. At last, though, he\u2019d come in and announced to Hop Sing that he would be going back to town bring Ruth home. He shrugged, turning his attention back to his toys. He played for a few minutes and sighed. Why won\u2019t they let us go outside and play?<\/em> he wondered.<\/p>\n At last, he stood and went to the window to look outside. The sun was setting, casting long shadows in the front yard. Light spilled out of the barn onto the ground. Johnny frowned, hadn\u2019t Mr. Watts left? The boy looked back at his toys and turned up his nose. He would go out and see if Mr. Watts needed any help. That would bring him temporary relief from his boredom and surely there could be nothing wrong with disobeying if he was trying to help somebody. He cast a wary glance toward the kitchen and walked out the door determinedly.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you were goin\u2019 back to town, Mr. Watts,\u201d Johnny said as he opened the barn door. \u201cYou already shoed all\u2019a the horses, and it\u2019s getting\u2019 dark.\u201d The boy froze suddenly, his face going pale at the sight before him. Mr. Watts and the ranch foreman, Hank, were lying in two bloody heaps on the floor.<\/p>\n Johnny shook his head, willing the horrific sight to disappear. Finally, in shear fright, he turned and bolted from the barn in the direction of the bunk house.<\/p>\n \u201cHelp! Someone help!!\u201d<\/p>\n He stopped short, when a tall Indian emerged from the bunk house, clad in brightly colored feathers and face paint and holding a rifle. Johnny stood as a statue, afraid to move. For a few moments the two regarded one another, calculating. Then, three more Indians appeared, all carrying long bloody spears. A fourth, more elaborately decorated, came from the direction of the barn and yelled something, pointing at Johnny.<\/p>\n Slowly the first Indian drew up his rifle, pointing it at the boy. Johnny felt his limbs go numb. He couldn\u2019t find his voice, but even if he could, he wasn\u2019t sure it would do any good. There was no one left to hear him scream.<\/p>\n A moment later a shot rang out and Johnny Cartwright fell to the ground.<\/p>\n ****<\/p>\n Ruth Cartwright raised a dirty hand in an effort to smooth her the wayward wisps of her raven hair, her other hand holding the reins of her horse. It had been a weary and horrifying day. At last count, almost forty people were wounded or dying and many more were dead as a result of the renegade Indian attacks.<\/p>\n She had been going about her daily chores that morning when Eli Watts had come with word from Dr. Martin that he needed help tending the wounded. She had felt grossly inadequate, but she knew with her short year of experience assisting an elderly doctor in Carson City, she was the best candidate. Reluctantly she had left with him, leaving Benny and Johnny in the care of Hop Sing and giving the ranch hands a frantic admonition to keep an alert eye on things. Mr. Watts had ridden with her to see that she made it to town safely, but she had begged him to go back and see that the boys remained safe. Reluctantly, he agreed and left her with a promise that he would come back for her that evening to see that she made it home safely before dark.<\/p>\n The rest of the day had been spent instructing women how to care for those with minor injuries as well as assisting Paul with the more severely wounded. As she\u2019d gone about her various tasks, she had a constant worry in the back of her mind about the boys back at the ranch house. She had waited for Mr. Watts to come get her, but he had never come. As the hours ticked slowly by, she became worried and borrowed a horse to hurry herself home, praying that it was just one of the boys\u2019 inadvertent mishaps that had kept Eli from coming to get her as he\u2019d promised.<\/p>\n She sighed wearily as she kicked her horse to a faster gate, not altogether certain she had done the right thing in leaving the boys on the Ponderosa. However, she\u2019d been left with little choice. Taking them with her was too dangerous, as they didn\u2019t know if the Indians\u2019 siege against the local white settlers was ended yet. If she had felt overwhelmed three days ago when Adam and the rest of the Cartwright men had left, it was nothing compared to the heavy weight of worry that pressed upon her stomach now. She had felt honored that Ben had trusted her with the keeping of her two young brothers-in-law. It was not a job she had taken lightly, but, with the exception of her year as a doctor\u2019s assistant, she\u2019d had relatively little experience with children.<\/p>\n She looked up to judge whether or not she could make it home before nightfall. She rounded a bend and a look of horror washed over her face as she looked up to see a black pillar of smoke standing tall against the horizon. The Ponderosa! The boys!<\/em><\/p>\n ****<\/p>\n When Ruth drew her horse up to a stop in the yard, she gasped. The bunkhouse was on fire. She hastened down from the animal, fumbling with her long skirts as she did. Before she could make another move, Hop Sing came running out of the house with a bucket of water in each hand.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing!\u201d Her voice held a mixture of fright and relief.<\/p>\n \u201cMissy Cartlight! I put out fire \u2013 you see to Mister Johnny! Go quick!\u201d<\/p>\n Ruth didn\u2019t ask for an explanation, she turned and ran into the house. The sounds of a little boy\u2019s cries lead her to the guest bedroom. Inside, Benny was perched on the bed beside his twin brother, holding a bloody towel as tightly as he could against Johnny\u2019s shoulder. She ran to the bed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d she asked, taking the towel from Benny and looking underneath.<\/p>\n The boy answered in heaving sobs. She couldn\u2019t understand him.<\/p>\n Ruth soaked as much blood as she could, identifying it as a gunshot wound. The good news was it was only his shoulder. The bad news, he had lost a lot of blood. She checked his pulse. It was weak, but steady.<\/p>\n She turned to the now wailing little boy sitting across the bed from her. \u201cBenny\u2026 Benny, look at me\u2026\u201d she held his face in her hands to gather his attention. \u201cI need you to get me some water and my sewing kit \u2013 remember where it is?\u201d The boy nodded, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. \u201cGo quick!\u201d<\/p>\n Benny scrambled off the bed, still whimpering and ran to do as bidden.<\/p>\n Ruth turned back to the boy lying motionless on the bed. Johnny\u2019s face was pale, and his brow was beaded with perspiration. She had seen too much death and suffering already today, and now this\u2026 She felt her throat constrict and a single sob escaped. Quickly, she recomposed herself and began removing the child\u2019s shirt. She would need to hold it together a little longer.<\/p>\n **** Ruth forced her eyes to open. She lay there a moment reorienting herself. She was lying in the middle of the large bed. Benny was nuzzled up against her on one side and Johnny was on her other side, both were asleep. When had she fallen asleep?<\/p>\n \u201cMissy Cartlight\u2026\u201d Hop Sing repeated, \u201cHop Sing put fire out and take care of bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFire? Bodies?\u201d she echoed, confused. In sudden realization, she sat upright with a gasp.<\/p>\n \u201cAll hired hands dead,\u201d he explained sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cAll of them?!\u201d she gasped. \u201c\u2026Mr. Watts?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing only nodded. \u201cYou take care of number four son?\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded, placing a hand on Johnny\u2019s forehead. It was warm and his face was deathly pale. \u201cI\u2019ve done everything I know to do\u2026 I hope it\u2019s enough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing sit with little boys tonight, Missy Cartlight go get sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n Ruth shook her head. \u201cI think it would be better if we all stayed in here tonight\u2026 In fact,\u201d she got up and headed to the door leading into the dining room, \u201cI\u2019ll go get two rifles.\u201d She started out the door then turned back. \u201cHop Sing, do you know how to use a gun.\u201d<\/p>\n The cook nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cGood,\u201d she said quietly, \u201cthat makes one of us\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 4 \u2013 Remembrances<\/strong><\/p>\n Joe pulled his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the sweat from his face. He pulled the shade away from the stage window and rolled his eyes at the slow speed the driver was taking. At this rate it would be two full days before they arrived back at the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n He looked over at his father and brothers. Worry was evident on their faces, though they tried to remain patient as they traveled. Since they\u2019d left Sacramento, the worst scenarios had been running through Joe\u2019s head. What if they returned home to find to find themselves short four Cartwrights? What if something had happened to Ellen? Ellen\u2026 Joe\u2019s thoughts transported him back to the last time he\u2019d spoken with her, just before they\u2019d left for Sacramento\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe, I can\u2019t bear to think of you going away for two weeks,\u201d Ellen said softly, her deep brown eyes glimmering with unshed tears.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d Joe lifted her chin and brushed her forehead with a kiss. \u201cI\u2019ve been gone before\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI know, it\u2019s just\u2026 when you went away before, I didn\u2019t know that I was going to be Mrs. Joseph Cartwright.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Joe smiled, understanding. \u201cDarlin\u2019, are you gonna have enough tears for every business trip, every cattle drive?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ellen pushed away from him and dabbed at her eyes with a lace handkerchief.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI know it\u2019s part of life\u2026 I just didn\u2019t think you\u2019d have to leave so soon \u2013 I mean, we only announced our engagement last week.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Joe moved behind her, encircling her in his arms. \u201cI promise I\u2019ll do whatever I can to make this trip as short as possible.\u201d He turned her to face him. \u201cBut it seems to me, this could work out pretty good for you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHow so?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWell, you won\u2019t have me hangin\u2019 around keeping you from all those busy wedding preparations and\u2026\u201d He smiled at her impishly, \u201cIt gives you a chance to offer my condolences to all those other beaus you\u2019ve been keeping.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cJoseph Cartwright!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She raised a hand to slap him, but he caught her hand and snuck a quick kiss on her cheek. She struggled for a moment, but relented in an outburst of giggling as he brought her into his arms again.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cJust be careful, okay?\u201d she said, sobering.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHey,\u201d Joe said innocently, \u201cI\u2019m the last one you need to worry about.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n It had never occurred to him when he spoke those words that he might need to worry about her safety while he was gone. What would he ever do without Ellen Hart? \u2013 soon to be Ellen Cartwright.<\/p>\n He was shaken from his thoughts by the stage rolling to stop. All four men looked up, irritated. The driver, a scruffy-faced old codger poked his head in the door.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry \u2013 I know yer all itchin\u2019 to get home, but it\u2019s gettin\u2019 nigh on to dark, and this is the last waterin\u2019 hole for almost a day. Best to stop here fer the night\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The men nodded, disappointed. \u201cWell,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cmay as well get out and set up camp\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The men agreed and exited the coach. Each bent down to the watering hole and washed the dust from his face and neck. Hoss let out a low chuckle, turning everyone\u2019s attention to him.<\/p>\n He gave them a slight smile. \u201cThe first time I met Gracie, I was bending over Lake Tahoe \u2013 just like this\u2026\u201d The worry that had etched itself into his features for the last several hours melted away and was replaced by a look of fond remembrance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss leaned over the water to wet his parched lips. It had been a long hard day rounding up strays for branding. Now he was less than a half hour\u2019s ride from his bed and a hot meal. Just as he brought a cupped handful of water to his mouth, he heard footsteps behind him. He stood quickly, reaching for his gun. Before he could turn, he felt something poke him in the back.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cPut your hands up\u2026\u201d a woman\u2019s voice said timidly, and Hoss did as he was told. \u201cWho are you and what are you doing here?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWell, Miss, seems to me I could ask you the same thing.\u201d Hoss said, \u201cMy name is Hoss Cartwright\u2026 and this here is my family property \u2013 the Ponderosa\u2026\u201d Slowly he began to lower his hands.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t move!\u201d The woman\u2019s voice sounded frightened, \u201cI don\u2019t want to shoot you\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t particularly want you to shoot me niether\u2026\u201dHoss began to turn cautiously.<\/em><\/p>\n His motion frightened the woman, causing her to flinch and loose her balance. Clumsily, she reached for his arm to steady herself. This effectively made him to lose his balance and they both fell into the lake.<\/em><\/p>\n After the initial shock of falling into the extremely chilly waters of Lake Tahoe had subsided, Hoss turned to get a look at his captor. She was young and beautiful with golden hair and her blue eyes looked\u2026 well, they looked a little angry, but if she weren\u2019t all wet, Hoss decided she would have the downright prettiest eyes he\u2019d ever seen.<\/em><\/p>\n He stood and turned to help her up. She accepted his hand with an annoyed sigh.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh, Miss\u2026 don\u2019t forget yer gun\u2026 don\u2019t need to leave that layin\u2019 in the water\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t have one\u2026\u201d she admitted quietly, holding up a stick.<\/em><\/p>\n Hoss looked up, frowning. \u201cYou mean\u2026 you held me up with nuthin\u2019 but some little ol\u2019 stick just fer trespassin\u2019 on my own land?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The woman opened her mouth to defend herself, but then shut it thoughtfully. Slowly a grin spread across her face, and she began giggling. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mister\u2026 uh\u2026 Mister\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cCartwright\u2026 everyone calls me Hoss, though\u2026\u201d he explained. He tipped his hat and a large amount of water that had been trapped within gushed over his head and face.<\/em><\/p>\n The two burst into laughter as Hoss wiped at his face.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d she said between bouts of laughter, \u201cIt\u2019s just\u2026 we were hit by rustlers\u2026 last week\u2026\u201d she could hardly squeak her words out. The more she tried to talk, the harder she laughed. \u201c\u2026just\u2026moved here\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cRustlers?\u201d Hoss, too, was in a fit of uncontrollable laughter. \u201cThat\u2026 ain\u2019t\u2026 funny\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n This only made the two laugh harder. The young woman dabbed at her eyes with a wet handkerchief Hoss had pulled from his back pocket. At last, though, they calmed down, only to emit the occasional giggle.<\/em><\/p>\n Hoss sighed, rubbing his sides which were aching from laughing. \u201cWe\u2019d better get you home and dry before you catch cold.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She looked down at her sopping dress and frowned miserably. \u201cThis will take a bit of explaining to Mama and Papa\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see ya home\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hoss turned to collect his horse. He lifted her effortlessly onto the saddle, which she tried to sit on side saddle. Unfortunately, with the weight of her heavy dress clinging to her, she nearly fell off the other side. Finally, she caught her balance and, uncomfortably, maneuvered herself in some manner of a lady-like position. She looked down and smiled lamely at him and he grinned up at her.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cBy the way \u2013 what\u2019s your name?\u201d Hoss asked, fidgeting with the reins as he took in her beauty in the soft light of dusk.<\/em><\/p>\n She giggled slightly. \u201cWould you believe after this fiasco that my name is\u2026 Grace? \u2013 Grace Hawthorn.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hoss gave her a toothy grin, \u201cWell, Miss Hawthorn\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cPlease, call me Grace.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Miss Grace\u2026 I cain\u2019t think of a purdier gal I\u2019d rather be held up by.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss chuckled, reminiscing. \u201cI never would\u2019a believed that a year later, that purdy gal would be my wife. And now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019s face clouded and Ben moved to put a supportive hand on his shoulder. \u201cYou have a fine wife, who\u2019s going to give you a strong healthy son\u2026\u201d he shrugged with a slight twinkle in his eye, \u201c\u2026 or daughter. They are safe \u2013 remember? You arranged for her to spend these two weeks in town near her parents in case it was time for the baby; they could be close to Doc Martin. They\u2019re fine\u2026\u201d he looked up at his other sons, \u201cthey\u2019re all fine.\u201d<\/p>\n ****<\/p>\n The air was cooling as the last traces of daylight disappeared over the western horizon. The crickets had already begun their nightly serenade to the accompaniment of the crackling fire. Four brooding Cartwrights sat around, each retreating into the helpless solitude of his own worries.<\/p>\n \u201cI like to keep a few of these up top for when I have to camp out like this\u2026\u201d the driver said climbing down from the coach with a chair in one hand. \u201c\u2026Makes keeping watch a might more comfortable.\u201d The old man climbed back up and retrieved another chair and placed it on the ground next to the first.<\/p>\n Adam stood, tossing the cold remnants of his coffee cup into the vast darkness beyond their campsite.<\/p>\n \u201cI doubt any of us will get much sleep,\u201d he said, bringing one of the chairs up backwards underneath him and sitting, \u201cbut I\u2019ll volunteer for the first watch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLong trip tomorrow,\u201d Ben said wearily, \u201cWe need to try to get what rest we can\u2026 no telling where that band of Indians got off to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stood, pulling the other chair up next to Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll sit up with you first shift\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The other men nodded and in short order were making themselves as comfortable as possible on their bedrolls next to the fire.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2026\u201d Joe began hesitantly, \u201cDo you suppose everyone\u2019s\u2026all right?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took a deep thoughtful breath and released it slowly. \u201cI hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n There were a few moments of silence between the two before Adam spoke again.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure Grace and Ellen are alright\u2026 Like Pa said, Hoss put Grace up in the hotel to be nearer to her parents and to Doc Martin\u2026\u201d He ran a hand over his stubbly cheeks. \u201cAnd Ellen and her folks live in town. You heard what that private said. All the attacks were on outlying properties\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n More silence. Finally, Adam spoke the words that he knew Joe was thinking.<\/p>\n \u201cThat only leaves Ruth and the boys \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder what made those Indians turn renegade like that\u2026\u201d Joe said as he rested his chin on folded his arms on the back of the chair.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, my guess\u2026\u201d Adam leaned over, one elbow on his knee and his other hand resting on his thigh. \u201c\u2026my guess is it\u2019s a mutt band \u2013 outcasts from various tribes who are taking their vengeance out on white man.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe raised his head from where it rested on his arms and looked at his brother. \u201cDon\u2019t they understand that a massacre like that would only fuel the fire for war against the Indians? They\u2019ll be hunted down and lynched\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cThe problem is\u2026 you\u2019re dealing with a people who find their ultimate honor in their death\u2026 They\u2019re not afraid to die\u2026 That, unfortunately, can make them pretty ruthless.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe watched as his brother\u2019s thoughtful expression was replaced by one of sickening acceptance.<\/p>\n \u201cA month isn\u2019t a very long time for a marriage\u2026\u201d he said, staring into the fire.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Adam, they\u2019re fine\u2026. They have to be.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded still gazing solemnly at the fire. An image formed in his mind, one of Ruth in her wedding dress. The white fabric was a stark contrast to her vibrant raven hair and sun-kissed skin. Her eyes sparkled as she warmly accepted the congratulations of the guests\u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Cartwright…\u201d Adam said, coming up behind her when at last there was a temporary hiatus of well-wishers.<\/em><\/p>\n She turned, blushing. Her dark hair was swept up gracefully atop her head, allowing a few loose tendrils to dangle about her neck.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe music is particularly festive this afternoon. Might I have the pleasure of this dance?\u201d He bowed dramatically.<\/em><\/p>\n She covered her mouth, feigning surprise. \u201cWho am I that such an esteemed gentleman would take notice of me?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMy wife of course!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The two laughed and joined the other dancers in the center of the great room. A moment later they were moving in circles to the music, taking no notice of anyone else in the room.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHas today been as perfect as you imagined?… Ruth?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cShh\u2026\u201d She said quickly.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m counting\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cCounting what?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Just then, she tripped on his foot, sending both of them instantly plunging to the floor. They sat there for a moment, dumbfounded, and ridiculously sprawled out on the dance floor.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201c\u2026counting dance steps\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n They looked up sheepishly at the guests who were now staring at them, then back to one another. They burst out in laughter and were soon joined by the rest of the crowd. They were helped up and dusted off and teasingly encouraged to take a break from the dance floor.<\/em><\/p>\n They attempted to redeem some air of dignity as they smilingly moved away from the dancers. The couple turned at the sound of two familiar voices chuckling softly. They turned to see Grace and Hoss standing behind them, faces red with laughter.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s okay Ruth,\u201d Grace said hugging her new sister-in-law, \u201cBeautiful women just seem to have that effect on the Cartwright men\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026\u201d Adam said, casting Hoss a cool smirk, \u201cAt least we didn\u2019t wind up all wet\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The four burst into laughter. At last Hoss informed them that he had not yet danced with own beautiful wife. She reddened, looking down at her enlarged abdomen skeptically.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah\u2026 hmmm\u2026\u201d Hoss thought a moment. \u201cMaybe we\u2019ll just go sit down and nibble on some of that weddin\u2019 cake\u2026\u201d The two moved off happily, leaving the bride and groom behind.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Cartwright?\u201d Adam began, leading her to the punch bowl. \u201cHow is it that a beautiful woman such as yourself was able to attract the attention of so many eligible men having never learned how to dance?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhy, my natural ability to charm the socks of any man, of course!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n He looked at her in mock skepticism.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWorked on you didn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n ****<\/p>\n Ben lay watching the fire with his back to Adam and Joe. He could not help hearing their discussion. He worried for his daughters-in-law and his heart ached for his older sons and the loss that might be waiting for them when they reached Virginia City. He trembled, however, at the thought of his two youngest. Outliving any of his children was unthinkable. His heart cried out, not for the first time that day, in prayer to God.<\/p>\n He thought of each boy. Benny had been his lifeline during a time of grief and uncertainty. The boy gave his love and his undying devotion freely and fully. Johnny had been a later surprise. There were moments where Ben still could hardly believe he had twins. Johnny had eventually adjusted to his life on the Ponderosa and now accepted his new family with love and admiration. How Ben wished he might not have had to miss the boy\u2019s first six years of life. He quietly made a petition, in vain, to God that he might be able to keep his boys at this age forever.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyelids became heavy as he lay there, the sounds of the nighttime fading to the background. He was lulled to sleep by fond memories of the two little boys whose fates were yet unknown to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The morning sun shone brilliantly, promising another hot day, as Ben pulled the team to a halt in front of the schoolhouse. The school yard was littered with children reveling in their last few moments of summer. Ben climbed down and turned back to the buckboard. He almost laughed at the pathetic sight before him.<\/em><\/p>\n His two youngest were still perched atop the seat of the buckboard, feet dangling far above its floor, and staring timidly at the schoolhouse. Just beyond them stood three horses bearing the rest of his brood. Since their return from New Orleans, just three weeks prior, they had found enough work to keep them all busy until Christmas and each of his older sons had boasted of all the work they could get done during the day once Benny and Johnny began school. But now that the day was finally here, each of them had feigned some excuse or another for needing to come into town and all three had reasoned it would be logical to simply come with their father to see their baby brothers off to their first day of school. Now all three shifted in their saddles with forlorn expressions on their faces.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cFor pitty\u2019s sake\u2026\u201d Ben thought, \u201cyou\u2019d think they were saying goodbye forever \u2013 heaven help them when they have children of their own!\u201d He stifled a chuckle with a rather loud clearing of his throat before he turned his attention back to Benny and Johnny.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWell, boys are you ready?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The boys swallowed hard and nodded, neither looking particularly courageous. Ben gave them a reassuring smile and helped one then the other from the buckboard.<\/em><\/p>\n Alright, now here are your books \u2013 I\u2019ll take you in to meet the teacher.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n He turned to usher them into the school, but stopped when his older sons dismounted and moved to join him. He looked at them coolly.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI thought you three had business to take care of here in town\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ben looked at Adam first.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2026 I just wanted to make sure the teacher knew the boys had gotten a little bit of a head start with their readers\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh, I see\u2026\u201d Ben said, nodding, then turned to Joe.<\/em><\/p>\n Joe coughed a few times, stalling, before answering. \u201cI, uh\u2026 can\u2019t\u2026 Well, the mercantile won\u2019t open for another few minutes\u2026 so\u2026.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYes, I see\u2026\u201d Ben turned to Hoss, who tried to avoid his father\u2019s eyes as long as he could. Finally, he grimaced and spilled the beans much to Adam and Joe\u2019s dismay.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cDadburnit, Pa,\u201d he said frowning pathetically, \u201cI reckon we\u2019re just gonna miss havin\u2019 the little fellers around all day\u2026 Just ain\u2019t gonna be the same\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ben suppressed a laugh and turned back to Benny and Johnny. Taking each by a hand he turned and led them toward the school. His older sons were a little closer on his heels than he thought entirely necessary, but he continued on. \u201cIt takes a village,\u201d he told himself, smiling inwardly.<\/em><\/p>\n As they mounted the steps of the school, the teacher came out to meet them. He was tall and skinny in, what Ben surmised to be, a rather sickly way. His hair was parted precisely in the middle and plastered to either side of his head. He looked at the family stoically.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHello, Mr. Smith, these are my two youngest sons, Benny and Johnny Cartwright. They\u2019ll be starting school today.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Mr. Smith looked down at them, raised an eyebrow and looked back at Ben.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid they are too young. Every child must be at least six years of age. School rules you know\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh, but they are six \u2013 they had a birthday last spring,\u201d Ben explained politely, ignoring the man\u2019s unsympathetic tone.<\/em><\/p>\n Mr. Smith looked at the boys again and clucked his teeth at them.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThese boys cannot be six \u2013 Look how small they are. They are no older than four.\u201d The man bowed his back, apparently proud of the fact that they were not able to pull a fast one on him. He could not, after all, allow every busy rancher to bring his children to school just to be rid of them for a few hours.<\/em><\/p>\n Ben opened his mouth to explain but was interrupted by Johnny.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWe ain\u2019t four!\u201d the boy torted, \u201cWe\u2019re six \u2013 Almost six and a half even!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ben pulled the boy back, effectively hushing him and offered an apologetic smile to the teacher. \u201cYou see they are twins and they were born rather early\u2026 they\u2019ve always been quite on the smaller side\u2026 but they really are six years old.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Mr. Smith looked at the group standing before him, seeming to calculate their honesty. He looked at his pocket watch then spoke at last.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nWhatever My Lot<\/a><\/p>\n
\n
\n\u201cMissy Cartlight\u2026\u201d Hop Sing shook her gently to wake her. \u201cMissy Cartlight\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n