{"id":46900,"date":"2002-12-21T09:46:06","date_gmt":"2002-12-21T14:46:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46900"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:07:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:07:06","slug":"the-round-up-by-amg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46900","title":{"rendered":"The Round-up (by AMG)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: Hoss and Joe have adult children; Joe\u2019s wife isn\u2019t there anymore; the foreman is Bronc Evans, another trustworthy hand is Jacob. Adam had been gone for many years now; the contact has been lost in unfavourable circumstances. Ben and Barbara, Hoss\u2019 wife, stay at home during the roundup, and come across some old news…
\nRating: G
\nWords:\u00a0 6,200<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters have included this story by this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy<\/a>. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.\u00a0 The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.<\/p>\n

\n

Disclaimer: I have \u2018borrowed\u2019 the characters of Bronc, Jacob, Hoss\u2019 son Josh and Joe\u2019s children Sarah and Benji from the film \u201cBonanza: The Return\u201d (or something alike); I reserve the right, however, to the other characters (except for the four Cartwrights, obviously) and the specific story components.<\/span><\/p>\n

The lines quoted come from \u201cMacbeth\u201d, \u201cHamlet\u201d (paraphrased) and Anne Bradstreet\u2019s \u201cPrologue\u201d, the French sentence (with professional translation) from Agatha Christy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Note: Any fan of Adam, prepare handkerchiefs, you might need them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Round-up<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

“Hey, chic, need some help?\u201d, asked the cowboy jovially, looking at the handsomely shaped, black-clad young woman rounding up a stray.<\/span><\/p>\n

The cow came back obediently, and the cowboy smiled broadly, riding up to the woman. \u201cNice moving, chic. How\u2018d ya like…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He had only enough time to roll away a foot or two before the black horse\u2019s hooves came crushing down. The woman made the horse rear again warningly, and her strong, commanding voice asked cynically, \u201cTo trample, or not to trample? That is the question.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man cursed aloud, getting up with difficulty. She had brought him to the ground more than harshly. \u201cThat\u2019s life you play with, chic,\u201d he snapped angrily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLife\u2019s but a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing,\u201d came the answer, and she turned to the herd gracefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoetising, huh?\u201d, he puffed from behind her. She turned dangerously slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMen can do best, and women know it well<\/span><\/p>\n

Preeminence in all and each is yours;<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet grant some small acknowledgement of ours.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether he grasped the words or not, the man understood the threatening vibration deep in the sweet voice well enough. She turned again to the herd.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benji Cartwright rode later up to the cowboy. \u201cAre you fine?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d the man grumbled and grimaced. \u201cWhat a beast.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s how they call her, don\u2019t they?\u201d, Benji couldn\u2019t help smiling, gazing after the woman. Once beside her, he carefully tried a compliment, \u201cYou told him off nicely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Her hat as usually obscured her face, but Benji could have sworn she thundered him down with her look. She granted his caution with an answer, however, \u201cAin\u2019 gonna believe them were words that sent him away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCe n\u2019est pas mon fait,\u201d he began. [\u201cThis is none of my business.\u201d]<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d she immediately smiled at him at that, but it looked rather like a wild cat showing its teeth for the opponent to back off. The strong Southern accent and her manner of speaking gave her an air of cynical nonchalance. Benji smiled apologetically and backed off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe ain\u2019 sweet on them guys, and kinda selective in whom she\u2019s talking to,\u201d consoled him the young man who was just coming up to them. He smiled far more pleasantly than she did, his feline emerald eyes squinting in a smile of their own. That was a more domesticated cat, judged Benji, but a cat all right. Everything in the man was feline, from face features to the graceful movements. In contrast to hers, his hair was blond, slightly fairer than Benji\u2019s, and his face free of any shadow. Was he cute yet or handsome already?, mused Benji. At first, he had wondered how one can call the man Beauty, and the woman Beast. At first.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can see,\u201d he admitted. \u201cBut some are sweet on her nevertheless.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The other man giggled charmingly. \u201cCain\u2019 advise to try, she\u2019s got a hell of a punch,\u201d he informed his interlocutor. \u201cWell, gotta get to work, we cain\u2019 lose cattle so near our goal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Benji smiled at him and rode back to see to the back of the herd, wondering how much of a punch she really had.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cChase at her again,\u201d commented Benji, noticing Beast from far, when they had all stopped to rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA cowgirl is rare, you know, and the men try to get a smile, a wink, I guess…\u201d, Josh shrugged his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d snorted Benji, slightly more aware of what the men may try to get. Jacob smiled at that, listening to Benji saying, \u201cI wonder how it goes now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chase Gardner looked at the nicely shaped cowgirl with an appreciative eye. They couldn\u2019t get more than a glimpse of her cheeks, but the figure was enough to attract their attention. Billy failed in trying to get to her… but maybe she\u2019d be nice to somebody else, Billy wasn\u2019t handsome, really.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chase adjusted his belt; he knew he was a handsome man, with thick, dark hair, merry blue eyes and strong, white teeth. Many a girl sighed to him, many a girl threw her arms around his broad shoulders and tough neck. Ah, yes, they loved him. This one just deserved the chance to tell him truly she did, too. Grinning broadly – girls liked that – he approached her and began his flirting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, chic, you look mighty well today. I say, you\u2019re as sweet as a pie – \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A second or two after the loud thud, he shook his head to clear it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOomph,\u201d he suddenly curled up when the boot\u2019s heel dug in his stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh ain\u2019 a chic,\u201d she informed him coldly and turned away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chase only now could recall what had happened, as though in slow motion, eventually comprehending. The black-clad back turned from him, and the next thing he saw was her fist; and the next thing he felt, too. Carefully, he palpated his jaw; it was whole, miraculously. Two sets of arms lifted him from the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the first chic that sent me to the ground,\u201d he wondered aloud. \u201cMy, if she wasn\u2019t a gal, I\u2019d show her a fight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf she let you,\u201d snorted Billy. \u201cShe could trample you with her horse before you say a word. She\u2019s some crazy gal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Young J.J. kept silent. He had an eye for the dark Beast, too. He wasn\u2019t eighteen yet, probably, although he wouldn\u2019t admit that; rather good-looking, he preferred to stay in the quiet background of events. So it should be in this case as well, he thought.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m rather embarrassed, Mr Cartwright,\u201d the postmaster smiled apologetically. \u201cBut it\u2019s not my fault. See, the date here – it was sent some five years ago. It had to get lost somewhere on the way here, and was delivered only yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned the letter in his hands. From Ireland. Who could write to him from Ireland? It wasn\u2019t Adam\u2019s hand, he had noticed already previously in a half-automatic reaction. Was it of any use to open the letter now, after five years? But it might have been something important, if somebody wrote from so far; and if not, he\u2019d be easier to know nothing had really happened, although the letter came so late.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho could write from Ireland?\u201d, asked Barbara, his daughter-in-law, when he showed her the letter before leaving the city.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea,\u201d admitted Ben. \u201cBut I have an idea as to what we might do. Let\u2019s go and meet Joe and Hoss on their way home, and then read the letter. They will probably be interested, too, and if something needs to be done about whatever is in the letter, we won\u2019t have to wait for them to make the necessary decisions or take some action together. What do you think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you miss them,\u201d laughed Barbara. \u201cLet\u2019s go. I miss them, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The bull charged blindly forward.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr Cartwright!\u201d, the cowboys were too far to help Joe, who had gone down with the spooked horse. He wouldn\u2019t get out of the way soon enough, with his leg trapped by the scared animal.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bull charged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBOO! Go away! Heeyah! Heeyah!\u201d, yelled a young voice from beside Joe, and suddenly J.J. charged at the bull from the side, yelling with all the power his lungs could manage to produce. The animal spooked and halted, looking around slowly for the source of the noise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A womanly shadow appeared beside J.J. a moment later, together with a blond manly one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDaring, kiddo,\u201d she panted with appreciation; they had been hurrying to get the bull away as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

J.J. blushed at the compliment; he suddenly understood he got more than anybody else from her. He also understood that he really was a \u2018kiddo\u2019 in comparison to her, she was definitely elder than him; he didn\u2019t stand a chance as a lady-killer, and appreciation in her mouth meant more than his yet waking hunter\u2019s pride.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he answered only, with a shy smile, and – amazingly! – he got his hair tousled briefly. After helping the battered Joe, he asked his employer worriedly, \u201cAre you fine, Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe shook his head to clear it. \u201cI certainly owe you, boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He shook his head again. His daughter and son got to him at last, wearing very alarmed and concerned expressions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you really fine? I can see you\u2019re dizzy,\u201d worried Sarah. Joe waved at Hoss, who was approaching quickly, to calm him down. \u201cI\u2019m fine. I just saw Beast being kind to J.J.,\u201d he whispered, winking. \u201cThat was some surprise; no wonder I feel dizzy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better rest a moment,\u201d advised Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, it DID happen,\u201d smiled Joe. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019m really fine,\u201d he grew serious. \u201cAlthough I will be happy when we get rid of all the cattle and go home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUhm, Mr Cartwright,\u201d the blond head of Beauty appeared by his side. \u201cAs to your going home, may we come with ya? I mean my sister and I. We\u2019d kinda like to work for ya yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell… yes, you can come,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cWe are rather short of hands at the ranch. But don\u2019t allow her to discourage the men with her horse, right?\u201d, he winked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, Mr Cartwright,\u201d Beauty smiled. \u201cI\u2019ll… er… ask her to think it over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cPa!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked surprised at the approaching figures, then hurried towards them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnything wrong at the ranch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, son,\u201d Ben smiled to calm his son down. \u201cWe just missed all of you and took the first opportunity to meet you. Is that bad?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not at all,\u201d Joe grinned. \u201cCome on. By the way, what\u2019s the opportunity?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d never believe how long a letter can go,\u201d laughed Ben. \u201cImagine I got a letter from Ireland, written five years ago. We thought everybody may as well listen to such old news… and we set out to meet you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Hoss will be happy,\u201d Joe winked at Barbara, who indeed was an outstanding cook. \u201cA letter from five years ago? Anybody you know in Ireland?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I knew. We\u2019ll read it together in the evening and get to know; what do you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

~~~~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDear Sir,<\/span><\/p>\n

I know of two letters that my husband had sent to you. Unable to determine whether or not any other had ever been sent, I feel obliged to give a few details on myself first. I am Mrs Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben blinked rapidly. Adam\u2019s wife… The letter had been written five years ago. Two letters… When? None came; could it be possible they all got lost? and only God\u2019s providence had found this one to send it to them? What would it say?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does it say?\u201d, his grandson, Josh, noticed immediately the change on Ben\u2019s face. They were all looking at the older man with anticipation. A lost letter, sent five years ago, somehow evoked stronger emotions than an up-to-date one. Hoarsely, Ben read the first lines aloud, and continued with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am Mrs Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A sigh went through Ben\u2019s audience. He read on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour son, and my dearest husband, gave me the joy and honour of our having two children.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Silence sat down among them, allowing to digest the news – so old.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe girl\u2019s name is Elizabeth…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice quivered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c… and the boy bears the name of Eric.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Josh felt his father startle, and looked at the bulky frame beside him with instinctive sympathy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey are sweetest children, most obedient and well-mannered. They are twins, and now reach the age of twenty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stopped and rubbed his forehead with a shaky hand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwenty… twenty,\u201d he whispered to himself with moist eyes. Shaking the overwhelming feeling off, he continued, both anxiety and anticipation doubled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe live in Ireland, but – please excuse my boldness – the children would most willingly get to know the lovely plains of Nevada. The more now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben startled with a sudden feeling o something gone wrong. Very wrong. His voice quivering, he forced himself to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am deeply sorry and in great pain to have to inform you of my now widowed state. I am aware it is not possible for you to attend the funeral…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stopped short, and two big tears rolled down his face. He averted his eyes from the letter, dreading to read on. The usually firm hand of his youngest son took the paper shakily, relieving the father of the torture reading became. Now, Joe\u2019s voice filled the air, just as shaky as his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c… to attend the funeral; I cannot ask that. But for the sake of my children I write to ask you to admit us to your home at the Ponderosa. If you could only see them, you would fall in love with them instantly, I can assure you of that. I am asking that for the sake of my late husband, too. He was not able to travel anywhere in the past few years due to his fragile health, but had always wished his children to come \u201cHome\u201d. I shall be looking forward to receiving your reply<\/span><\/p>\n

Your humble servant<\/span><\/p>\n

Eithne (Enya) Cartwright\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The words still echoed in Ben Cartwright\u2019s silver head, when he lay on the hard ground, stars twinkling above. He had often thought about Adam during the years, but never as… dead. So he married, and had two lovely children… Would they find them ever? Where did they live? How hard did the lack of answer hit them? Five years have passed, five years, and he had never known until now about his son\u2019s death…<\/span><\/p>\n

A quiet sob for himself and his son escaped the old man\u2019s lips, and tears rolled in big pearls down onto the ground. Suddenly, Ben startled at the silent steps, and looked in the direction. The man stopped hesitatingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnything wrong, Mr Cartwright?\u201d, he drew the words out in the Southern fashion. After the roundup, he and his friend asked to stay at the ranch, and so were accompanying the Cartwrights and their hands on their way home. Ben took to the young man, but the other one awoke anxiety. Beauty was a good comrade, according to Joe, Beast therefore aloof and brooding, her face always in a shadow. It was so strange, to call the man Beauty, and the woman Beast.<\/span><\/p>\n

The green, cat-like eyes of the young man gleamed in darkness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d answered Ben quietly, strangling yet another sob. The man still stood there with hesitation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr Cartwright, I… heard what was in the letter.\u201d He approached the old man, his movements gracious, soft, feline. \u201cI guess it\u2019s okay to cry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at him sharply. \u201cYou\u2019re losing your Southern accent, boy,\u201d he stated, his eyes suddenly careful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not from South,\u201d admitted Beauty calmly, sitting at his heels. \u201cJust liked the accent. What I mean is, it\u2019s okay to cry, it\u2019s just thatcha may wake your family, and they\u2019ll worry. They care for ya, ya see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Finding understanding in Ben\u2019s eyes, he suggested softly, \u201cThere was a lonely place I saw today, just a few steps away, where they shouldn\u2019 hear ya. If ya don\u2019 feel well, I\u2019ll be near ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u201cDon\u2019t you have your watch now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019T\u2019s okay, Beast \u2018ll stay up,\u201d the blond head of the man turned to the dark shadow nearby. She was not to be heard approaching. White teeth glistened for a second from under the black hat, \u201cDon\u2019tcha worry. Gotta help each other, don\u2019tcha?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Soundlessly, she turned and stepped to the fire, checking her winchester in its light.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019a put it better myself,\u201d grinned Beauty. \u201cGee, she\u2019d be a real beast if I didn\u2019 help ya.\u201d His smile fading, he added, \u201cMust be hard to lose a son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben only winced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHad I got one letter, just one of these, I would have set out myself to get him home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben rose eventually from where he sat, and motioned at Beauty. \u201cLet\u2019s get back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The young man accompanied him in silence. In the camp, he sat by the fire silently next to his brooding companion.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben smiled gently, watching his family over breakfast, when suddenly he felt somebody\u2019s presence behind him. Under the black hat he could hardly see anything but Beast\u2019s chin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGot relatives in Ireland,\u201d she said non-committally. \u201cShould I ask \u2018em to search for, uhm, Mrs Adam Cartwright? May take time, but at least ya\u2019ll know if they\u2019re there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben instantly revised his attitude to the young woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease.\u201d It was all he could say.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Kay,\u201d was the answer, and she turned and went to her horse, waving at Beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben joined the breakfast, still mulling over Beast\u2019s offer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe\u2019s voice woke him from the thoughts. \u201cWe\u2019ve actually thought about making a search in Ireland. What do you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, what do you say, Pa?\u201d, echoed Hoss, smiling gratefully at his wife, who had just filled his plate anew generously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChildren, what do you actually know about these Beauty and Beast?\u201d, asked Ben unexpectedly, seemingly ignoring the question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, er… they\u2019re siblings,\u201d began Joe, overcoming the surprise. \u201cThey speak with a Southern accent, seem to have worked at roundups… and that\u2019s more less it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeast is not a cowgirl,\u201d Sarah shook her head self-confidently. \u201cAt least she doesn\u2019t do it for long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how can you know that, young lady?\u201d, her father looked rather stern – he didn\u2019t like being told he was wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw her swimming,\u201d she explained. \u201cI\u2019ve seen some cowgirls, Dad, and in comparison to them she\u2019s a Greek goddess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCowgirls may be well-shaped, too,\u201d noticed Ben non-committally.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mean that, Grandpa,\u201d she shifted impatiently. \u201cHer skin is too fair, and too delicate for a cowgirl. As for figure, she\u2019s rather broad-shouldered,\u201d she glanced at her own well-shaped, womanly shoulders, \u201cbut with a slim waist, and not so skinny as the cowgirls often are. She is a sports type, but not a physical worker.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I think they\u2019re educated,\u201d Benji joined his sister in doubt. \u201cThey understand French, and know Shakespeare and Puritan\u2019s works.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they\u2019re real stylish,\u201d added Josh awkwardly. \u201cAlthough she does have a hard punch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is something in them,\u201d Hoss backed up his son. \u201cSomething that makes them different from the rest. Like a high-spirited horse in a whole stud, you\u2019ll notice it but you can\u2019t name the difference. Why do you actually ask about them? What about Adam\u2019s kids?\u201d, he frowned, thinking of a possible reason.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at the foreman and his friend. \u201cBronc? Jacob? What do you think of those two?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Bronc shifted and grimaced. \u201cEhm… I wouldn\u2019t trust them yet. I know them too little. They work rather fine, that\u2019s all I can say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJacob?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m with Hoss and Josh.\u201d The man smiled, his teeth\u2019s shining emphasised by the dark complexion. \u201cAnd I might trust them if need be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it\u2019s just intuition,\u201d began Barbara softly, uneasy to interrupt the conversation unasked. \u201cMaybe it\u2019s irrational, but I feel they are trustworthy, Father. And loving and warm. They just don\u2019t want to show it. What did this young woman tell you a moment ago? Something to do with Adam\u2019s family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All started, and Ben looked with surprised appreciation at his daughter-in-law. Women always surprised him with their intuition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe said she had relatives in Ireland whom she could ask to search for them,\u201d he explained. \u201cI asked her to do it, but I wanted to know your opinion on them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, that\u2019s certainly good news,\u201d Hoss grinned happily. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you say so right away?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow come?\u201d, inquired Joe curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the… uhm, do you really call them Beauty and Beast?\u201d, Ben smiled rather sheepishly. \u201cIt just sounds so strange. Beauty told me they had heard the letter\u2019s content, and we talked a while. The boy really wanted to help me get over all those bad feelings. And in the morning she told me about her relatives. That\u2019s the whole story.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I was right,\u201d Barbara felt pleased with herself. \u201cShe must be the elder one. He wanted to talk to her first,\u201d she explained. And then she made the decision.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUhm… by the way, Pa,\u201d Joe finished his coffee and started to get up. \u201cI thought we might hire a detective anyway; you know, no one\u2019s omniscient, they might not check everything. They shouldn\u2019t feel offended.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u201cSo that\u2019s settled then. Let\u2019s go home and take care of everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr Cartwright,\u201d the dark shape appeared silently nearby. \u201cShall we stop in Virginia City? Send request to family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d Ben smiled at the young woman. \u201cThank you for your help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman seemed to hesitate. \u201cShould there be news, our mom will bring \u2018em. May she stay a while on the ranch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, of course,\u201d Ben got up and approached her to thank her. Suddenly, her horse, which she held by the reins, reared, forcing Ben to step back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave a nice day, Mr Cartwright,\u201d she turned and pulled the horse behind her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Jacob took Ben\u2019s arm gently. \u201cShe let\u2019s nobody near her but her brother. She almost trampled one of the hands who wanted to make closer acquaintance. At least, now she held the horse back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCome in, Ma\u2019am,\u201d Hoss smiled awkwardly at the blond woman in the doorway, Beauty\u2019s mother, obviously. Although the charm of youth had withered, she was still a handsome and attractive woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI brought news,\u201d she said simply, smiling back. Her Irish accent made her even more charming. \u201cI believe I should wait for the whole family to gather, shouldn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYyes, Ma\u2019am, certainly, Ma\u2019am,\u201d stammered Hoss with embarrassment. \u201cYou must be tired after your journey, Ma\u2019am. Please make yourself at home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

His wife appeared by his side. \u201cOh, you must be the mother of this wonderful young man; please come in. My name is Barbara.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so glad to meet you, Mary,\u201d Barbara hugged the guest vigorously. \u201cDid you bring any news about Adam\u2019s wife and kids? Will they come?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary giggled. \u201cI hope so much you can wait for everybody to come. Otherwise my throat may have to endure serious problems.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m so impatient, forgive me, but we\u2019d all like to know,\u201d Barbara led their guest to the sofa. \u201cBut if you are here, it means that you found them, as I understand…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s wait for the whole family,\u201d repeated Mary with a lovely, feline smile. Turning to the bulky figure nearby, she asked gently, \u201cYou must be Hoss Cartwright. I understand you and Barbara are married.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d confirmed the man proudly. \u201cAnd that\u2019s our son, Josh,\u201d he looked at the young man – so alike! – who appeared in the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be Beauty\u2019s mother,\u201d reacted Josh instantly. \u201cDid you bring news about our family, Ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJosh, you\u2019re being impolite,\u201d whispered Barbara, but Mary answered with a smile, \u201cYes, dear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d the blond head of Benji and the darker of Sarah appeared in the doorway, casting curious looks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be Benji… and Sarah,\u201d Mary nodded gently towards them. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to meet you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you find our cousins?\u201d, inquired Benji eagerly. Sarah thundered him with a stern gaze, but just then, cast another curious glance at their guest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mary rested herself on the sofa and quietly asked Barbara, \u201c Is Ben Cartwright… and Joe… there? I\u2019d like to talk in front of the whole family. Should I count Jacob in, too? And Bronc?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Barbara thought for a moment. \u201cWell, yes… I think it\u2019s best if you lie down for now, and I\u2019ll wake you for supper, when the whole family is gathered? Oh, unless you are hungry; would you like to eat something?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething light, if I may.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben sat, his face hidden in his hands, various voices flowing above him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow come they found them so quickly?\u201d, wondered Joe. \u201cCan it be proved that she knows something and not makes it up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you sound just like Adam!\u201d, Hoss uncharacteristically got irritated. \u201cStop being sceptical, you didn\u2019t even meet her!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s too important for us, we can\u2019t allow somebody to play with our feelings, Hoss, we have to get certain the news is true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what do you say if we first listen to her, and then decide whether it is true or not?\u201d, suggested Hoss with irritation. \u201cI think,\u201d he emphasised the \u2018I\u2019, \u201cthat we know Adam well enough to recognise the truth about him. But – okay, maybe you are a clairvoyant,\u201d Hoss raised his hands in mock surrender. \u201cMaybe you have already heard her thoughts, well, congratulations, little brother, I have never known you were that talented!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In spite of the stress, Mary giggled from behind Ben. \u201cWell, YOU sound just like Adam to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All turned to her in surprise. Ben slowly raised his head and looked at Mary blankly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be Mr Ben Cartwright,\u201d she said with a lovely smile. \u201cI was hoping very much to meet you. You see,\u201d she rested beside him, \u201cI know – I knew – Mr and Mrs Cartwright personally.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All startled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe has asked me to come here and – forgive me if you shall find it wrong – to get to know you before she comes. She knows nobody of your family but Adam. She has never met you. So she has asked me to be her messenger, and to tell her about you. As their friend I know, I believe, all that might be of interest to you. Ask. This young man may begin, if he wants to prove me a liar,\u201d she looked at Joe, and her lovely smile somehow wasn\u2019t so lovely anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not such a young man,\u201d rectified Joe uneasily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re twelve years younger than Adam. He always thought of you as his kid brother Little Joe,\u201d said Mary quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou knew Adam well?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Then Ben spoke up. \u201cHow did he feel… about us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She thought for a moment. \u201cThe answer is my knowledge of who is who in your family. You are the father, who would give everything he might or might not to make his children happy. And whom he always hated to disappoint.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben started slightly, knowing how deeply Adam hid these feelings. Mary continued quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam was born 1830 of Elizabeth Stoddard; Hoss six years later, of Adam\u2019s \u201cMama Inger\u201d, Joe another six years later, the mother being Marie. Adam referred to Hoss as his haven, he was always gentle and peaceful for him.\u201d Noticing that Hoss glanced uneasily at his big hands, she said, \u201cLet me remind you that he took every punch from you as rightly deserved.\u201d Hoss startled. She continued, \u201cJoe was always his kid brother, who should be taken care of. He continually enforced the image of an adult brother in his mind, but hardly succeeded. He knew Hoss married Barbara and knew about Josh. He knew about Joe\u2019s marriage and which schools his two children attended. At first, as you didn\u2019t answer his letters, he wasn\u2019t sure whether he should come here or not. Then, his work didn\u2019t allow him to travel, and when he decided to come here, he was already ill. He could get well enough to lead a normal life, but his health – probably inherited from his mother – remained too fragile to allow such a journey. He said he wouldn\u2019t believe you didn\u2019t want him home, unless you told him that in the face. He never got the chance to ask,\u201d her voice sank to a whisper. \u201cHe loved you very, very much; he always said he\u2019d had nobody else but you, but that he was therefore richer than if he\u2018d had the whole world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After a moment of silence Ben asked hoarsely, \u201cHow does his wife look like? How is she like?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s blond, more less of my built. She wants to get to know you, but she is afraid to meet only strangers here. She has never met you before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t she come with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr Cartwright, her coming is wholly dependent on me,\u201d answered Mary frankly. \u201cShe will come if you are as Adam described you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the children? Tell us about them,\u201d asked Ben. \u201cThere are two, Eric and Elizabeth?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. They are 25 by now. They\u2019re very much like their parents; and they take much after Adam in character.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre they tolerable?\u201d, Ben attempted to smile. She appreciated the effort, awarding it with a gracious smile of herself, \u201cMost of the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never knew Uncle Adam,\u201d began Joe shyly, \u201cbut I wish I could get to know him through… through his family… through our cousins. I know him only from photos.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, please ask them to come,\u201d chorused Sarah and Benji, startling, as neither expected the other to speak up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMary…\u201d, Hoss wanted to speak but found no words appropriate. \u201cJust bring them home. Home is family, Mary, that\u2019s what Adam taught me, and he taught me everything I know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe abruptly turned to the fireplace, but not before Mary could notice his moist eyes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA family should be together. Maybe… Adam… would come back… through them… If they can\u2019t afford coming, I\u2019ll pay,\u201d he offered spontaneously, thinking this might be the problem. \u201cOr better even, we\u2019ll go to get them home ourselves, what do you think?\u201d, he cast an expectant look around.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what if his wife won\u2019t be as you expect her to be?\u201d, asked Mary with a hint of a smile. \u201cMaybe you won\u2019t like her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am,\u201d Joe looked at her in mock horror. \u201cWhatever my opinion of Adam be, I\u2019d never accuse him of bad taste! He always picked the girls I wanted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss smiled at that in a reflexive action and leaned forward to emphasise his words. \u201cMary, if she was worth loving to Adam, I\u2019ll love her, too, \u2018cause she\u2019s my sister, and \u2018cause I know what he was looking for in his future wife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeople change,\u201d she retorted gently. \u201cLove is not predictable, and ideals may melt facing reality. For example, Mrs Cartwright is not educated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMary, if you knew Adam, then you know how stubbornly he refused to change. And he had the gift of choosing wonderful women to give his heart to. You say you were friends; this exactly proves my point, as you are charming and warm, and he chose you to be his friend. That\u2019s much, Mary, Adam was distrustful by nature, and he chose his friends carefully.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why he chose you two in the first place,\u201d said she softly, encompassing Joe and Hoss in a long, warm look. Love and memories silenced both of them into sad yet sweet smiles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I were there when it happened,\u201d said Ben simply, looking into the fire. He sensed presence behind his back again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo see him die?\u201d, Beast\u2019s voice cut the air brutally. \u201cHe said, at least you didn\u2019t have to see THIS loss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

So sincere that it hurts, thought Ben with amazement at the similarity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI once heard somebody say that a married couple grew rather alike in the course of years,\u201d he noticed, speaking to no one in particular, as it seemed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d, inquired Mary politely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d confirmed Ben, raising his eyes upon her. \u201cNext time just come and say what\u2019s on your mind, Enya, child.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A slow smile crept upon her handsome, cat-like features, and the glittering emeralds of her eyes hid behind the eyelids. \u201cFather,\u201d she answered simply, as an obedient daughter should.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben rose and turned to the siblings.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEric – \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The young man smiled. \u201cHi, Grandpa.\u201d His voice was unmistakably deep and rich and, the accent more familiar now, Ben suddenly understood why he had taken to Eric immediately. He reached to the black hat of the other shadow. \u201cNo horse?\u201d, he asked with a gentle smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo horse,\u201d she echoed. The tar-black plait fell snakewise from under the hat down her back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDaring,\u201d she commented, and a predatory smile awarded Ben. \u201cHi, Grandpa.\u201d Her accent was a bit Irish, a bit British and a bit American.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood, drowning in the deep wells of the dark eyes. As much as Eric resembled his mother, Elizabeth was a living picture of Adam. The predator smiled more broadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that you said about Dad coming back here, Uncle Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben took her hand delicately. \u201cBeth – May I call you so?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBest for family,\u201d she answered. \u201cOr Beast.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cElizabeast,\u201d whispered Eric dramatically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow would you behave, Eric Black-eye Beauty,\u201d she showed her teeth again, this time obviously the \u2018Dare me\u2019 way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Eithne rose slowly and smiled to everybody. \u201cShouldn\u2019t we be eating supper? It is rather late, and emotions make one hungry, right, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She felt the massive arm go around her shoulders. \u201cSo it is, sis. So it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Planting a kiss on Joe\u2019s moistly agitated cheek, she went towards – family.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sudden burst of laughter by the fireplace made Ben smile. His grandchildren were obviously enjoying themselves. Best just then turned into the fearsome Lady Macbeth and recited one of her monologues in dramatic tones and stance. Eric unashamedly rolled on the sofa, giggling infectiously, eventually unable to say his lines as Macbeth, which at first upset, and then enraged his sister.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, you good-for-nothing, it is I who try hard to bring some culture to those open minds desiring to know more than their morning and evening ranch chores, and thou, thou destroys mine efforts, thus robbing thy poor cousins of the greatest cultural pleasure!\u201d, she mimicked perfectly Adam\u2019s outraged hollering, adding a touch of Shakespeare to it. \u201cShame on thyself, peasant, beg for forgiveness! To thy knees, knave! – Ou!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She cried involuntarily, when Eric grabbed her in the waist and threw over his shoulder. \u201cNow, who\u2019s in for begging?\u201d, he grinned. Benji and Josh were dying of laughter, whereas Sarah jumped up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you help her?\u201d she yelled at the laughing duo. Suddenly, Eric cried, \u201cOwww!\u201d He\u2019d just felt Best pounding on his back. And she was a strong woman.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, who\u2019s in for letting go?\u201d, she gasped, rather uncomfortable in this position, continuously pounding on his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBenji, Josh,\u201d Sarah stamped her foot, \u201cwould you help her!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Noticing somebody at the door, Best yelled angrily, \u201cWould somebody save a poor helpless lady out of this peasant\u2019s hands at last, huh!?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoor helpless lady!\u201d, gasped Eric sarcastically, holding her in spite of his spine being seriously endangered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Just then, two strong arms pulled Best over his shoulder out of his grasp, and the woman landed in manly arms. She immediately threw her own arms affectionately around the man\u2019s neck, declaring in a sweet and yearning voice, \u201cMy hero…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The dark-haired, blue-eyed \u2018hero\u2019 eyed Eric with a certain sympathy, then turned and strolled with his burden to where Ben sat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood day to you, sir,\u201d he greeted the older man courtly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She felt she should introduce the newcomer to the host, thus she announced, \u201cMy beloved Grandpa, Mr Ben Cartwright – my dearest husband, Mr Thaddeus Novak. My hero,\u201d she kissed her husband and allowed him to put her down. \u201cI\u2019ll make you some coffee, Teddy,\u201d she whispered coquettishly, and only briefly turned to Sarah. \u201cThank you for your support, honey. Next time simply use the poker.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Eric growled briefly in answer to that.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thaddeus gazed after his wife for a moment with the stupefied expression of one freshly in love and the enamoured look of a worshipper. Then, he turned to Ben.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m indeed glad for your whole family to be together,\u201d he smiled gently. \u201cI allowed myself to bring the belongings of Mr Adam Cartwright\u2019s family – that is, mine – and take some of them to your ranch. The rest will probably have to be sent for to the railway station, I\u2019m afraid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll take care of that,\u201d Ben assured him. \u201cLet me introduce you to my other children and grandchildren. My sons aren\u2019t home yet, you\u2019ll meet them later,\u201d he explained. \u201cBarbara!\u201d, he turned to the kitchen entrance. His daughter-in-law smiled heartily to the newcomer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you are Thaddeus. May I call you Tad? Or maybe Mr Novak? Welcome home,\u201d she hugged him as her own son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s certainly \u2018Tad\u2019, Madam, otherwise I\u2019d feel offended,\u201d he smiled back. He seemed a very proud and cool man, but he could easily emanate inner warmth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, mama,\u201d he welcomed Eithne, who hugged him, too, and planted a warm kiss on his cheek. \u201cIt\u2019s so good to see you, child, I missed you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Josh, Sarah and Benji approached the guest, smiling and eyeing him with interest. Eric simply patted Thaddeus\u2019 back and threw him the predatory smile Best usually presented; he received a cheerful wink in return. Thaddeus smiled at the appearance of a coffee pot in his wife\u2019s hands – so graceful! – and looked at Best lovingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I guess all the strays were found and brought home, as Dad would say,\u201d she commented. \u201cAnd the roundup\u2019s over at last.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The End (of a beginning)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

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

Summary: Hoss and Joe have adult children; Joe\u2019s wife isn\u2019t there anymore; the foreman is Bronc Evans, another trustworthy hand is Jacob. Adam had been gone for many years now; the contact has been lost in unfavourable circumstances. Ben and Barbara, Hoss\u2019 wife, stay at home during the roundup, and come across some old news…
\nRating: G
\nWords:\u00a0 6,200<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,7,23,1008,698],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46900","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-a-u","category-drama","category-family","category-post-timeline","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-698-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":366,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":45172,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45172","url_meta":{"origin":46900,"position":0},"title":"You Ain’t My Brother (by VRON)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"March 25, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Sometimes it's hard being the eldest! Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a0Words, 1,210","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46851,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46851","url_meta":{"origin":46900,"position":1},"title":"The Voice (by Imogene)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"November 24, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A voice visits Joe during the night Rating:\u00a0 G Words:\u00a0 1,520","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49897,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49897","url_meta":{"origin":46900,"position":2},"title":"Hoss’ Meditation (by Katie)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"July 25, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 I think we underestimated Hoss Cartwright Rating: G\u00a0 (690 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Hoss Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Hoss Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1006"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":49274,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=49274","url_meta":{"origin":46900,"position":3},"title":"Little Joe’s Island (by LindaBl)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"May 22, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis:\u00a0Little Joe has another crazy dream. All the Cartwrights and Hop Sing are aboard the Dixie I when it is shipwrecked. [It is a comedy parody which combines Bonanza and Gilligan's Island]. 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