Synopsis:\u00a0<\/b>Ben’s plan for a quiet Sunday afternoon is interrupted by an unexpected visitor who leaves in his wake intense reactions ranging from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (12,200 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories.\u00a0 Should an author included in this project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories.\u00a0 We would also be happy to change contact information for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library.<\/p>\n
“Excuse me, young man.” Lonnie, the young man at the stage office, looked up.<\/p>\n
“I have just arrived in Virginia City and am scheduled to leave on the nine o\u2019clock stage to Reno to make my train connection. Do you know if that stage is still on schedule?”<\/p>\n
“Let me see, sir,” Lonnie replied turning back into the stage office from the ticket window. As he waited for the young agent, Francis Baxter glanced idly around the town. It was relatively quiet this being a rather warm Sunday afternoon.<\/p>\n
“Yes, sir. Right on time as far as I can tell. Any thing else I can do for you?” he asked as he returned to the window.<\/p>\n
“Well, I\u2019m not sure. Are you familiar with the people in this region? I mean have you been here long?”<\/p>\n
“Yessir, most all my life. Why?”<\/p>\n
“Oh, I know I haven\u2019t a great deal of time, but I thought on a hunch, I\u2019d ask about a man I once knew.”<\/p>\n
“Well, if ya can tell me his name, maybe I know him.”<\/p>\n
“I think he lives around here; I was just passing through back home from San Francisco and read his name in a paper and I was wondering if it might be the same man? I really only saw him for one day but sure would like to see him again.” He smiled oddly as the memory of that day so long ago flashed through his mind.<\/p>\n
“As I said, been here most of my days, so if you can tell me his name, most likely I know him.”<\/p>\n
Lonnie grinned eager to help, proud of the fact he knew so many people. It was not often he got this chance to help a stranger. Since Mr. Porter was the real stationmaster,\u00a0<\/i>most folks asked him this kind of thing. However Mr. Porter was off because it was Sunday and not to many stages came through.<\/p>\n
“Thank you, young fellow. You are most efficient. Let me see. His name is Ben Cartwright, had a son named Adam\u2026. I”<\/p>\n
He had hardly gotten the information out when Lonnie jumped in full of enthusiasm; he fairly crowed.<\/p>\n
“Indeed I do, sir, Why, I been to his place many a time for a party an such, yess sir everyone in these parts knows Ben Cartwright!”<\/p>\n
“Really? Then he has done well for himself?” The man’s eyes closed just a little as if in thought.<\/p>\n
“Weeeehooo! Yeah, ya can say that one again. Gee, mister, it sure has been a long time since ya seen Mr. Cartwright. Too bad ya didn\u2019t git here sooner, that buggy just roundin’ the corner. That\u2019s Ben now. He owns the Ponderosa, biggest spread in these here parts. I hear tell it\u2019s the biggest spread this side of the Rockies’!” Lonnie gushed.<\/p>\n
“Do tell.” Francis whistled low, “Is that a fact!”<\/p>\n
“Sure is, sir. Why Mr. Cartwright is about the richest, most powerful rancher I ever seen, a right smart businessman too I might add. Why he has silver mines, and timber, along with the very best beef and horse operation you ever did see.”<\/p>\n
“You sure seem impressed with the man, son.”<\/p>\n
“And who wouldn\u2019t be; Mr. Cartwright is a wonderful man.”<\/p>\n
Francis nodded, “Well, I suppose I\u2019d better go and see myself. How far is it to his place, and where is the livery that I might find a horse?”<\/p>\n
“Livery\u2019s right around that corner over there, sir, and the ride to the Ponderosa\u2026\u2026” Lonnie scratched his head trying to come up with the exact distance. Unable to, he settled for ” I reckon ya better git started, it will take ya a while. Ya cani’t miss the signs and if ya do, just ask anyone. They can point ya to it. Head out of town and you will run into it.”<\/p>\n
“That easy, is it?”<\/p>\n
“Well, at the size of it…. It’d be mighty hard to miss.”<\/p>\n
Francis waved. “Ok, ok, I get you. I\u2019ll be back in time for the nine o\u2019clock stage. Just don\u2019t let it leave without me. I have an important meeting I can\u2019t afford to miss. And thank you again.”<\/p>\n
With that he set off across the street to the livery to rent a horse, and headed out to see this Ponderosa for himself. It was a beautiful summer day and he really enjoyed the ride after being cramped in that bone jarring, dusty, stage for the last four days. This made him feel alive again.<\/p>\n
As he rode further and further from town, Francis felt more like himself in the fresh air, the wide-open spaces, rich green grasses, the sky a blue he had not seen in such a long time. Well, maybe it was because he did not have much time too look up, lately.<\/p>\n
The road, although a little dusty, was very pleasant and soon wound around and into the hills. Colors changed as he road, his eyes marveled at every shade of green and brown he had ever imagined. He passed through meadows full of beautiful flowers, under canopies of huge trees, then as the road climbed, he noticed the huge, stately pine trees that fairly touched the sky. Through them in the distance he saw what appeared to be a huge sapphire jewel nestled among those awe-inspiring pines. As he drew near he was amazed to see it was a lake like none he had ever seen. The color stunned him. Francis rode off the road into the trees and came out by the sandy shoreline. This was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen. He felt he could sit here in the pristine forest and just listen to the quiet broken only now and then by the call of a jay or the song of a bird coinciding with the gentle lapping of the water against the shore line. Reluctantly he drew himself away. He had a schedule he had to adhere to and this definitely was not on it.<\/p>\n
As he continued on, the road came to another hill then began a gentle slope downward turning into a stand of trees that led into a wide, breathtaking valley. As he rounded the curve in the road, the vista and the sprawling ranch house again stopped him. This was, to say the least, a commanding view. That slow smile spread over his face once more.<\/p>\n
“So, Ben, you did make it! I am really looking forward to seeing you. Yes sir, I really am.”<\/p>\n
Francis urged his horse into a trot. Shifting in his saddle, he took another look around. A half smile crept up his face, and then he replaced it with an unreadable mask, one years of practice he could slip on and off at will.<\/p>\n
Ben Cartwright and his boys were standing in front of the massive ranch house that was home to them. They had just returned from church and were all looking forward to a quiet, peaceful Sunday dinner and afterwards just enjoying each other’s company. The last few weeks’ schedules and contract obligations had kept them apart more than usual and they all were feeling the need to spend some time together.<\/p>\n
They had just stepped up on the veranda when they heard the approach of a horse.<\/p>\n
“Wonder who that is?” Innocently Hoss asked out loud as he opened the neck of his shirt and loosened his string tie.\u00a0<\/b>then opened the stiff collar of his shirt. Hoss just hated to get “All gussied up” as he put it.<\/p>\n
“Well unless you can see through things I figure we will have to wait another few minutes, won\u2019t we?” his older brother Adam stated, his deep voice dripped with sarcastic inflection.<\/p>\n
“Ha ha funny.” Hoss shot back, his voice tinged with annoyance. Why did Adam have to always be so darn smug? Sometimes he wondered if Adam ever had an unplanned thought in his life. Then he smiled; well, that was just Adam. He had long ago accepted his older brother and his seeming arrogance, knowing in his heart Adam was more than meets the eye or ear.<\/p>\n
It only took a few moments for the rider to appear negating the need for Ben to step in and defuse the situation. Ben had steadfastly decided today there was not going to be any of this kind of baiting conversation, not if he could help it.<\/p>\n
Stepping out from the shade of the veranda, he walked over to greet the visitor.<\/p>\n
“Can I help you?” he asked politely. Always the gentleman, Ben prided himself in his manners and cordiality towards all visitors.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
“Ben?…. Ben Cartwright?” the man\u2019s face hinted recognition. Yes, this was Ben. The years shown plainly on him yet he was still proud, strong. This life had agreed with him that was for sure, but most of all, he noticed the silver in his hair, attesting to the fact that he had not always had an easy time.<\/p>\n
“Excuse me sir, do I know you?” Ben asked, confused that this man so obviously knew him. He appeared about Ben\u2019s own age; his cloths spoke of wealth and comfort. He sat a horse well.<\/p>\n
The man swung down and crossed to Ben extending his hand. Ben did likewise still quite cautious as to the man’s intent.<\/p>\n
There was an uneasy tension building in the air. The three boys on the porch exchanged glances but made no movements, just watched. All three were aware they had no weapons within easy reach, having just returned from church.<\/p>\n
“Francis, Ben…Francis Baxter.” He prompted. For another minute Ben\u2019s face registered a blank, and then all of a sudden, he let out a whoop!<\/p>\n
“Francis?….. Oh my Lord!” he grabbed the man in a bear hug for just a moment then pumped his hand so hard Francis thought his arm might fall off.<\/p>\n
“Francis, I don\u2019t believe it\u2026. How? What? I mean what a wonderful surprise!” He laughed, his deep voice booming through the trees. His three sons stood on the veranda behind him, watching with amusement at their father’s animated and excited welcome to this man.<\/p>\n
“So, ya think he knows this guy?” quipped the youngest in a whisper.<\/p>\n
“Nah, what makes you think that, little brother?”<\/p>\n
“Dunno, just a hunch, older brother.” Joe snickered. Adam reached to cuff him as Joe easily ducked.<\/p>\n
“Sometimes you amaze; me you are so perceptive.” Adam drolly commented, arching one black brow in that famous way of his as he lazily leaned against the post.<\/p>\n
“You two gonna stand here or go see who this fella is?” spoke a voice at their back. It was Hoss again.<\/p>\n
“Well, it appears Pa will get around to it eventually, that is unless he has forgotten he even has son\u2019s at this point,” Adam\u2019s voice snapped with his dry wit.<\/p>\n
The renunion went on for a few more minutes when suddenly Francis looked up to see the tall young man leaning on the post with one brow raised, just like he remembered, the beautiful black hair and those wonderful, dark, expressive hazel eyes. What had his sister called them? Ah, yes\u2026...” Delicious licorice lashes<\/i>.”<\/p>\n
“No,” Francis whispered, “Don\u2019t tell me\u2026…” Slowly he advanced on the young man, and Adam stood up, backing up a step because of the strange look on the man\u2019s face as he slowly came at him.<\/p>\n
“It can\u2019t be? Can it? I don\u2019t believe it\u2026” then he burst out laughing all over again. His face held a silly grin, a mix of awe and pleasure.<\/p>\n
“Little Adam?”<\/i>\u00a0he breathed in a hushed tone, turning to look back at Ben who was beaming with pride. Francis shook the tentatively outstretched hand.\u00a0“Little Adam<\/i>.” He closed his eyes shook his head, then opened them. They glistened as he looked back at Adam, studying his face, still holding his hand in a fierce grip. “Little Adam”<\/i>\u00a0he repeated.<\/p>\n
“H.. Hello,” Adam nervously replied, taking a quick peek at each of his brothers who were both watching with great satisfaction at his obvious embarrassment and discomfort. Adam had no idea who this man who was gushing over him was. Adam\u2019s face twitched as he tried to disengage his hand.<\/p>\n
“Little Adam, My, my, my.”<\/p>\n
“Ah, yes it\u2019s me, Adam.” The young man laughed, getting more nervous and uneasy by the minute, which only provided his brothers with further merriment. He shot malevolent\u00a0<\/i>glances at them but they seemed impervious to his warning.<\/p>\n
Finally after a sufficient amount of time, Ben came to his son\u2019s rescue.<\/p>\n
“Francis, I would like to introduce you to my other two son\u2019s.” Francis nodded absently still staring at Adam like he was seeing a vision.<\/p>\n
“Yes, of course.” he finally gathered himself together, turning his attention to the boys standing off to the side.<\/p>\n
“This is my middle son. Eric, but we call him Hoss.”<\/p>\n
“Yes, I can see why. What a fine, strong lad. How do you do, Hoss.”<\/p>\n
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”<\/p>\n
Francis extended his hand and shook Hoss\u2019s hand but seemed preoccupied.<\/p>\n
“And I would like you to meet my youngest son, Joseph.” Ben put his hand on Joe\u2019s back and gently urged him to shake hands.<\/p>\n
As he did so, Adam commented, from a safe distance “We call him\u2026Little\u00a0<\/i>Joe.”<\/i><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Joe tensed up, instantly bristling. The man in front of him was extending his hand and the manners his father insisted on so strongly demanded he greet the man properly, but he planned to get even with Adam later.<\/p>\n
“How do you do, sir” Joe politely spoke up.<\/p>\n
“How do you do, lad.” The man smiled at him in a benevolent way one would with a small child. He shook Joe\u2019s hand and absently patted him on the head.<\/p>\n
“He sure is a cute kid.” Francis stated distantly, returning his attention to Ben. “I am impressed\u2026.very impressed and so very pleased for you.”<\/p>\n
Ben did not miss the expression that crossed his youngest son’s face nor did he miss the amused smirks that passed between his two older sons.<\/p>\n
“Joe, go tell Hop Sing we have a dinner guest. You are staying for dinner? Of course you are!”<\/p>\n
Ben rattled off so fast that Francis had no choice.<\/p>\n
“Ha,” he laughed, this time softly. “I would be honored to dine with you.”<\/p>\n
“Yes sir.” Joe replied, glad to be out of the sight of this strange man and the teasing eyes of his older brothers. Joe, at seventeen, was forever battling to be seen by his family and people around him as the men Hoss and Adam were. It was an uphill battle to say the least. Younger than Adam by about eleven years and Hoss by five, Little Joe often felt put upon and unappreciated.<\/p>\n
“Well, come in, come in.” Ben offered as he ushered Francis towards the door.<\/p>\n
“Oh, Hoss, son, please put up Francis\u2019s horse while we eat.”<\/p>\n
“Sure thing Pa,” Hoss was likewise glad to escape this odd man who seemed to have such a fascination for his brother, he wasn\u2019t at all sure he liked the way the man watched his older brother.<\/p>\n
Ben opened the door to his beautiful home and Francis entered, he stopped and looked around as if he were in a cathedral, he breathed his admiration out through a long low whistle.<\/p>\n
“Ben, this is magnificent!” He handed Ben his hat and stepped further into the room. Ben and Adam followed, Ben grinning proudly, Adam, smiling nervously his face still red from the way Francis had acted.<\/p>\n
“Come sit, would you like a brandy?”<\/p>\n
Francis took a seat on the settee still looking around, his face openly shown with pleasure and satisfaction.<\/p>\n
“Yes Ben, and thank you.”<\/p>\n
Ben poured the three of them a snifter of his fine brandy. Adam took his usual seat in the blue velvet chair. Glad the wide plank table separated him and this man, as a precaution least he find another reason to shake his hand or something. Ben sat in his red leather chair opposite his son, reading Adam\u2019s discomfort and unease. He was so easily embarrassed by outward displays of affection and emotion; this was going to be a real strain on him. Even at his ripe old age of twenty-seven, one would have guessed with his education and brains he could have over come this shyness by now.<\/p>\n
Unaware he had done so Ben sighed.<\/p>\n
“Something wrong Ben?” Francis asked worriedly.<\/p>\n
“What? Oh Heavens nooo, it\u2026it\u2019s just. Well frankly I don\u2019t know how to tell you how wonderful it is to have you here, I have often thought of you and your family. And.\u00a0That night. “<\/i><\/p>\n
Ben seemed to blush himself as he chuckled. The memory of their infamous one night visit with the Baxter\u2019s of Pennsylvania long forgotten began to unfold.<\/p>\n
Joe returned as Hoss came in from doing as his father had asked. They took a seat, Hoss on the settee and Joe on the hearth. Ben poured them each a snifter; Joe’s however held a measured difference to which Joe let a barley concealed pout flicker over his youthful face.<\/p>\n
Francis sipped his brandy and nodded again. Raising his glass Francis announced, “This calls for a toast.”<\/p>\n
“Too you Ben. You did it, didn\u2019t you?”<\/p>\n
They all raised their glass and as Ben sipped his brandy also, to the boy\u2019s surprise with a deep blush, he quietly agreed.<\/p>\n
“Thank you… Yes, I did but not alone and not with out a great deal of struggle and hardship, but I had my boys by my side, he acknowledged each in turn. “Especially Adam.”<\/p>\n
Adam coughed into his hand to hide his discomfort in his father\u2019s praise.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“Yessir Adam here helped design and build this house.” Hoss proudly added his round face split in a huge grin.<\/p>\n
“Little Adam<\/i>?” Francis seemed to question. Shaking his head that strange smile on his face.<\/p>\n
“If this guy does not stop calling me\u00a0that<\/i>, rules or no rules, Pa, or no Pa, I\u2019m gonna have to pop him one!” Adam seethed under the surface yet his face remained placid a tight smile on his lips. Joe and Hoss however read those dark eyes and wondered just what might happen if this guy kept this up.<\/p>\n
At this point Hop Sing appeared, “Dinner served.”<\/p>\n
“Well, shall we, Francis; you will find my cook, Hop Sing, is a master at what he does. He takes a dim view of those who dally on the way to the table.” He stood, patted Francis on the back and led his family to his dinner table.<\/p>\n
After grace in which Ben thanked the good Lord for bringing this most welcomed guest to his home, the dinner began in earnest.<\/p>\n
“So Francis, what brings you here? Where have you been? What have you been up to? How are your parents and your little sister? Lydia was her name; am I right?”<\/p>\n
Francis nodded vigorously to each of Ben\u2019s eager questions, unable to answer at first for he was enjoying his meal immensely. The boys watched him with a mixture of curiosity and a tinge of apprehension in their minds.<\/p>\n
“Father and Mother have since passed on, Ben.” He held up his hand to stem Ben\u2019s intended offer of sympathy. “No, no don\u2019t be sorry; they lived a long life. They went within days of each other, and it was actually a great tribute to both of them. We sold the farm some years after your visit.” Again that funny smile crossed his face as he looked at Adam. “Father got it into his head he wanted to go into politics. The way he loved people and helping them, he just figured he could better serve his fellow man that way instead of the hit and miss method of helping people who passed our farm. Mother and Lydia were glad to move into town, both being very sociable people. I worked for the bank, and then eventually took it over.”<\/p>\n
“Well, that\u2019s just wonderful, Francis.” Ben interrupted.<\/p>\n
“Yes, in retrospect I guess it was. However I always dreamed of just picking up and heading west after you told us of your plans. Just never had the grit, I suppose.” He shook his head looking down at the food on his plate.<\/p>\n
“W-well” Ben cleared his throat, feeling just a tiny bit awkward. “You obviously have done very well for yourself, so I am assuming you took the right path for you,” he offered smiling.<\/p>\n
“True enough.” Francis sighed.<\/p>\n
“And Lydia, what is she up to? She must be a grown woman by now.”<\/p>\n
“Oh, Ben she would kiss you at that if she heard you. Why she is thirty-fo’ oops! Oh mercy, she would kill me if she ever found out I told her age to someone. Suffice to say she turned out very well. She went back east and eventually became a nurse. In fact I am on my way to Cleveland to attend the wedding of her daughter, Darla, my godchild.”<\/p>\n
“Excellent! Give them both my best regards.”<\/p>\n
“I shall do just that, and I might add the icing on the cake will be that I got to see you and\u00a0Little Adam,”\u00a0<\/i>he answered happily grinning as he continued to eat. Adam\u2019s face grew red again; his fists tightened around his knife and fork. His lips pressed tightly together. Hoss and Joe fixed their own eyes on their dinner not trusting themselves to look at Adam for fear they would give in to the desire to laugh long and hard.<\/p>\n
Ben skillfully steered the rest of the dinner conversation around business, their joy’s, sorrows and what they both had accomplished in the years since they last had met.<\/p>\n
Once dinner was over and they had retired to the hearth for coffee, Joe could not resist; he had to know. What was it about this guy and what he knew about his brother and father that his father seemed determined not to tell them?<\/p>\n
“Mr. Baxter, sir, you haven\u2019t really told us how you met our Pa and, heh heh,\u00a0\u2026 Little Adam.”<\/i>\u00a0Joe innocently asked, that sweet angelic look on his face, his hazel eyes dancing with mischief.<\/p>\n
Ben silently groaned for he knew what this story was going to do.<\/p>\n
“Why you mean you never heard the story?”<\/p>\n
“No, sir,” Hoss chimed in; he also had a glimmer in his bright blue eye’s. “Never did!”<\/p>\n
Francis looked from Ben to each of his expectant boys and to Adam who had his hands folded in front of his face, lips pressed in to his thumbs as if in an effort to stop himself from speaking.<\/p>\n
Ben closed his eyes momentarily as more of the memory flooded his mind.<\/p>\n
“Well…. Than it\u2019s about time you heard it.” Francis toasted Ben and Adam and began the story.<\/p>\n
“It\u2026it must be – what? Twenty five years now, Ben?” Ben nodded, his face a funny color; his eyes conveyed a message that almost seemed an apology towards his eldest. Adam still had no idea what this man was talking about, as he had no recollection of ever setting eyes on him before. Nevertheless he had a foreboding feeling; he was not going to be forgetting him any time soon.<\/p>\n
“Go on, sir,” Joe encouraged. Drawing a stern look from his father, he shrugged innocently.<\/p>\n
“Yes, yes of course.” Francis searched his mind to find the precise place to start.<\/p>\n
“Well, it was like this… Father and I were on our way back to our farm from helping our next neighbor, Wilhelm put up a load of hay. We were coming along the road;” he paused, drawing in his brow, stroking his chin, then continued, “We were bone tired and looking forward to a quiet dinner when a sound caught our attention.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“Off to the side of the road we could hear a voice, quite agitated and angry. The closer we got, the better we could hear, and I’ll tell you,” he paused to laugh and shrug apologetically at Ben. “I thought to myself, gee I sure wouldn\u2019t want to be in whoever\u2019s shoes this man is talking to.”<\/p>\n
“As we came to a clearing there was a wagon slightly tilted and a man who appeared about three years older than myself was standing with his hands on his hips, deepest brown eyes I ever saw were smoldering as he stared into the bush off to the side.”<\/p>\n
“”You come out here this minute, young man!” he demanded with a voice that made me want to snap to attention and come stand in front of him.”<\/p>\n
“No! My, do own self!”<\/i>\u00a0came the determined reply.\u00a0Ad-um help.”\u00a0<\/i>At this point Joe and Hoss began to shake with the thought of their steadfast, strong, serious perfect older brother at this age. Adam had stiffened up his back ramrod straight; he was now very sure he did not like what was coming.<\/p>\n
“The man in the clearing as you have already guessed was your Pa, and the yet unrevealed person behind the voice was your brother.”<\/p>\n
Before he could say it, both Hoss and Joe offered in unison. “Little Adam!”<\/i><\/p>\n
“Oh, shut up.” Adam muttered, rolling his eyes.<\/p>\n
“Adam, where are your manners?” Ben chided.<\/p>\n
“No, Ben, it’s alright.” Chuckled Francis, then he continued, “Well, father and I waited to see what might happen next. The wagon perched precariously on a fallen log, began to slide back down the log, at which point father cleared his throat…. “Perhaps we can be of some assistance?””<\/p>\n
“The man’s fiery glare with eyes so wide, so dark and angry was now riveted on us. I again thought…. I was glad I was on our wagon.” I said, “Could we possibly help you?”, father calmly asked, climbing down. You sure look like you can use a couple of extra pairs of hands. Hey, what say Fran?” I agreed and climbed down as well.”<\/p>\n
“This young man was at least a head taller than me; he had a thick head of dark hair.” Joe unable to contain himself, cackled wildly.<\/p>\n
“That\u2019s quite enough out of you, young man.” Ben scolded, a mock frown furrowing his brows.<\/p>\n
“Hehehe..Y…yessssir.” Joe managed to get himself under control. Ben shook his head, Hoss hid a grin and Adam closed his eyes and began to pray.<\/p>\n
“As I was saying, we both went to examine the wagon; it did not take long to assess the damage. The axle was bent.”<\/p>\n
“”Well, this isn\u2019t so bad. By the way, my name is Jasper Baxter and this is my son, Francis. Just call him Fran.” We exchanged handshakes. When father found out that they were on their way west, he told your father that we had a blacksmith shop on our farm. He was sure that we could repair the axle and have them on their way in no time, but first they had to agree to have dinner with us, as that is how my father preferred to do business with people.”<\/p>\n
“Odd isn\u2019t it? But in the long run it made for some wonderful dinner conversations and lasting friends.”<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m sorry… I\u2019m getting off course here. Well it took a good bit of wangling and almost came to a shouting match; your Father is a very stubborn man, in case you haven\u2019t noticed, ” he teased. The three boys answered as one.<\/p>\n
“Ohhh, we are well aware of that fact sir!” All three smirked, with eyes dancing.<\/p>\n
“Well – I never – and my own sons!” Ben snorted appearing highly insulted and wounded deeply.<\/p>\n
Francis pursed his lips waiting for the chance to go on.<\/p>\n
When the boys had all been glared down and each bowed their head in submission. Francis went back to his tale.<\/p>\n
“My father was equally blessed with the same fortuideness so it took a while to come to terms. But just when it seemed impossible, the strain was broken. Out from the woods marched this\u00a0absolutely adorable little boy<\/i>\u00a0with the shiniest black hair, and big dark hazel eyes. He could not have been more than two or so. He was clutching a large slat of wood to his chest; it was almost as tall as he was and was covered with wagon grease, and\u00a0so was he<\/i>\u00a0I might add.”<\/p>\n
At this point he indicated Adam, who fairly squirmed with humiliation. Hoss and Joe felt themselves warming to this story minute by minute.<\/p>\n
“And then what?” Joe couldn\u2019t help it. The suspense was killing him.<\/p>\n
“”My do!Ad-um hlp”.\u00a0<\/i>He stated, struggling with great deliberation and wobbly steps as he went straight to the wagon and attempted to grease the axle, smacking at it with the slat, succeeding only in flinging axle grease in all directions.”<\/p>\n
“No! No! Adam! Stop that right\u00a0now<\/i>!” yelled your Pa.” Francis again let himself laugh at the picture he was painting. “Well, little Adam, he just shook his head no.”<\/p>\n
“”Uh..Uh..No..My do!.. Ad-um do own self!”<\/i>\u00a0he repeated. Your father rushed over and grabbed the slat, only to find his hand covered in grease. Adam reached for the wood, “No, mine1\u2026”<\/i>\u00a0he insisted.””<\/p>\n
“”NO!” Francis imitated the sound of Ben\u2019s voice, the one the boys all recognized as the one you heeded if you valued your hide. “You go sit over there and don\u2019t you move so much as a finger, do you hear me?” he continued to imitate Ben.<\/p>\n
“Then what?” This time it was Hoss who could not bear the wait.<\/p>\n
“Then your brother\u00a0no bigger than knee high to a grasshopper<\/i>\u00a0folded his little arms and stomped off to sit where he had been told. With the biggest pout I had ever seen on a face so small.”<\/p>\n
By this time Joe and Hoss had lost control. There was just no way they could help it. They were in stitches laughing so hard they almost fell to the floor.<\/p>\n
“Ohhhh, nooo, you gotta be kiddin. Heeeeheeee whooooahhhh” Joe’s voice rose in that high pitched wild cackle of his, his eyes wide. Hoss gulped for air, wiping his hand over his eyes.<\/p>\n
Adam, meanwhile, was beginning to slip into one of his famous sulks.<\/p>\n
Francis had to stop to wipe his own eyes, “Wait,” he gasped,\u00a0“It gets better\u2026”<\/i><\/p>\n
“There’s more??!!” Joe cackled. “What could be better than this?”<\/p>\n
Ben pressed his lips. As much as he was enjoying the memory, he knew it was embarrassing Adam and he instinctively moved to protect his child.<\/p>\n
“Joseph, either you get control of yourself or leave the house.” he growled. Joe\u2019s eyes got wide; he swallowed a large gulp. “You too, Eric!”<\/p>\n
“Yesssir, sorry sir.” They sat up and blushed; Ben gave them a warning look.<\/p>\n
“We were able to get the axle off and prop the wagon up so it would be safe. Then we tied their horse to the back of our wagon as we waited for your father to gather up some necessary things. With the axle in the back of our wagon along with me, my father insisted your father and\u00a0Little Adam\u00a0<\/i>ride up front with him. We headed for our place.”<\/p>\n
“Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0kept peeking over your father\u2019s shoulders and waving at me.\u00a0“Hi “<\/i>\u00a0he kept repeating. I was just so impressed with your brother, Adam. I had wanted a little brother since I could remember, but by the time I was ten there was no sign of any more children for my parents. I gave up and figured I would have to wait and have my own little boy.”<\/p>\n
“About that time I was surprised by the announcement my mother was expecting, I held my breath and prayed like only a child can. But to my dismay, when the long awaited day arrived, it was a girl. For the first few moments, after the news sunk in, I was depressed. Then as soon as I lay eyes on her, I was a goner.”<\/p>\n
At this admission there was a deep silence, as both the older Cartwright boys also remembered the moment they first viewed their own younger sibling. Only Adam had the privilege of having that wonderful experience twice, but as he came back from his reverie, he began to wonder if that thrill was such a good thing.<\/p>\n
“Anyway, I apologize this is not about me. We reached the house and were met by mother and Lydia.”<\/p>\n
“”Well, what have we here? Dinner guest I presume.” Mother was well accustom to serving any number of people at any given time.”<\/p>\n
“”Yes Charity, we do at that…. I’d like you to meet our friends Ben and Adam Cartwright” he waved at your father as mother came down the steps to greet them.”<\/p>\n
“”I am so pleased to meet you, welcome to our humble home.”” And I always remembered how it struck me when your father quietly and almost shyly answered.”<\/p>\n
“”Mrs. Baxter, there is nothing better than a warm welcome to a complete stranger, I can\u2019t thank you enough, I only hope I can persuade you to help me make your stubborn husband understand. There has to be a way for me to repay you, any odd job, I can\u2026\u2026.” He never got finished. Mother stepped up and put her fingers gently over his mouth effectively stopping his protest.\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0looked at your father standing there with the most surprised expression on his face with my mother’s fingers covering his mouth.\u00a0Little Adam\u00a0<\/i>began to giggle. He threw his head back laughing so hard he had to grab onto your father’s neck so he did not fall over backwards from his arms.”<\/p>\n
The man in the blue velvet chair winced.<\/p>\n
“When will this horror story ever end?” Adam thought, his face once again turning crimson.<\/p>\n
“Awwww\u00a0Little Adam,\u00a0<\/i>ain\u2019t that cute!” Hoss teased.<\/p>\n
“Yeah\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>,\u2026com\u2019on, show us how ya did that giggle, will ya?” piped in Joe.<\/p>\n
If it were not for the fact he had been brought up the way they all had and this horrid man was a guest, Adam would have decked the man and made minced meat out of his youngest brother. Pride and a need to keep his dignity held him back.<\/p>\n
Ben felt for the suffering his eldest boy was enduring; however he did not feel this story would do any permanent harm, not to Adam at least. Little Joe on the other hand, just might not find the story as funny in the future if he didn\u2019t watch himself.<\/p>\n
Francis continued with his merry tale.<\/p>\n
“”Ben, may I call you Ben” mother smiled.”<\/p>\n
“Yes please do.”<\/p>\n
“”Good, then, it\u2019s settled…May I?”” she held out her arms towards the child. To her dismay, he turned and buried his face in your father\u2019s shoulder.”<\/p>\n
“”Oh, dear, have upset him?” Mother worried.”<\/p>\n
“”No, he\u2019s just quite shy, but when he warms up, he is quite the little talker.” Your father hurried to reassure mother. “Adam, say hello to Mrs. Baxter, and Lydia. son”. The boy refused to look up; instead he mumbled into your father’s shirt.”<\/p>\n
“”Hu-llo,”\u00a0<\/i>mumbled\u00a0Little Adam.”<\/i><\/p>\n
“”No, Adam, that was not polite; Mrs. Baxter can not understand you. Speak up, please, and look at someone when they speak to you.””<\/p>\n
“For a moment nothing happened, then\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0peeked out. Glancing up at your father, he said,\u00a0“Hu-llo, lady””.<\/i><\/p>\n
“”And?” your father prompted, nodding to Lydia. Your brother wrinkled his little nose and taking a quick check of the people around him complied.”<\/p>\n
“”umm hu-llo””<\/p>\n
“He cocked his head to the side as Lydia winked and giggled at him.”<\/p>\n
“”Oh, he is so cute, isn’t he Fran?” my sister gushed.”<\/p>\n
“Your father rolled his eyes but mother cut off any more discussion with\u2026\u2026”Of course, this must be all very distressing to him. Perhaps a warm bath before dinner would help.””<\/p>\n
“”Yes, Ben replied, “that would be greatly appreciated if it is no trouble.””<\/p>\n
“”Why, none at all, is it Lydia?””<\/p>\n
“”No Ma’am,” my sister agreed, looking longingly at the child. She also dearly wanted to hold this beautiful little boy with the shiny black hair and dark eyes close to her. Lydia skipped away to start the bath water as the rest of us stood there not sure what to do next.”<\/p>\n
“”Well, do come in Ben, and I’ll show you to the spare room. Is there any thing I can get you? I mean…””<\/p>\n
“”No, we have everything, I think… Maybe a towel?” Your father blushed. Mother guessed his were rather thread warn and needed washing.”<\/p>\n
“”That\u2019s easy enough.””<\/p>\n
“I think it was at that point your father gave you a stern look and asked, “Adam, what ever has gotten into you?” but all he got in response was a great big smile, and one dark eyebrow raised in the exact manor his did.”<\/p>\n
“”Look at you! I don\u2019t know if I will ever get that axle grease out of your hair, your father complained.”<\/p>\n
“As if to answer, you put both greasy hands into your hair, pulling it straight up and it stood there. You looked your father in the eyes and laughed again.”<\/p>\n
At this point Ben had sighed hopelessly, being a parent was hard work and being a single parent was, near as he could tell, overwhelmingly impossible. There was no way he could discipline his son at this time, these people seemed to think his actions were both amusing and perfectly natural. But when he got him alone this little man was in for a very rude awakening and a lesson in manners and\u2026\u2026.Oh, for heaven sakes,<\/i>\u00a0he wasn\u2019t even two and a half yet. What was he thinking? Still, Adam was not going to get away with this sort of thing. No sir, his son was going to mind. He would see to that.<\/p>\n
“Ben, you had this small thin smile on your face as you followed Mother towards the back of the farmhouse. I headed to the barn to unhitch the team wondering what your father was thinking as he had an unusual expression on his face. Being young and not having a child of my own, there was no way I could have known.”<\/p>\n
Father left to go check on his forge and be sure he could do as he had promised.<\/p>\n
“While my parents and your Father were talking outside, in the parlor of the our home sat my Mother’s maiden Aunt Winifred. She had arrived earlier that afternoon for her semi annual visit. Lydia had snuck out to the barn as the water was heating to give me a warning to the fact the “Old Prune” herself had once again decended on our happy home. We just had to sit tight and hope something would come up to shorten the duration of her visit.<\/p>\n
As Winifred Dobbs sat in our parlor, she perched stiff backed on the edge of the damask settee. Her thin slightly graying mousy brown hair was pulled into a tight topknot, her hawk like nose held high. She could not, for the life of her, understand why my mother let her husband get away with the things he did. Aunt Winifred thought he was always dragging the dregs of society home under the guise they needed his help. She thought he expecting his poor wife to feed, and in some cases, care for and nurse, and for what? Did they ever try to repay them? Nary a dime! How disgustingly frivolous”, she tisked.<\/p>\n
She sat there in her dark green, taffeta dress with it’s high necked, lace collar with her thin mouth drawn down, her brow wrinkled into a dower frown above her beady eyes.<\/p>\n
Aunt Winifred was pondering what these new ragtag vagabonds were expecting. She had heard Lydia begin to heat bath water. “Humph, probably haven\u2019t bathed in weeks,” she speculated. She waved her hand in the air as she spoke to herself while sipping her Oolong, special blend tea from her personal fine bone china cup, which she carried with her at all times on these visits.<\/p>\n
My mother found some clean soft towels and handed them to Ben, insisting once again that if he should need anything, he was not to hesitate. She smiled warmly at the small boy shyly peeking at her from behind his father’s legs. Satisfied, she left them in order to finish preparing the family dinner.”<\/p>\n
Francis mulled over the next event, to be sure he had it in the right order. It had been a long time since he had to call it fully to his attention.<\/p>\n
“There was one other member of our family, Rufus. Now Rufus, well, he was enthusiastic, he dearly loved little children almost as much as he loved tubs of soapy water. The one problem with Rufus was, he was a very large St. Bernard!”<\/p>\n
“It was never quite clear just how it all came about. It appeared somehow Rufus found his way into the spare room. Perhaps mother or Ben did not completely shut the door, no one knows for sure.”<\/p>\n
Francis, paused letting the suspense build, then drawing in a long deep breath, he slapped his knee and let the axe fall.<\/p>\n
“Best as we can tell, Rufus knocked your father over the bed pinning him between the bed and wall in his joy at finding a little child and a tub of soapy water.”<\/p>\n
When we came into the room to say hello to Great Aunt Winifred, as we were required to do when she arrived for these visits, we could make out what appeared to be high pitched squeals and a sloshing, scruffling sound.”<\/p>\n
“Ben….” Francis turned, got up from his seat and walked over to stand looking down on Adam. “Adam,” he nodded. “We can never thank you enough for that wonderful visit; in fact it sort of became a family classic.” Francis was grinning from ear to ear.<\/p>\n
“I can still see it now, clear as day.” He patted Adam\u2019s shoulder, eyes twinkling.<\/p>\n
“There came Rufus galloping down the hall! Soapy water was flying in every direction! And\u2026. And\u2026” Francis put his head down on his arm and his whole body shook with laughter. He looked up, his eyes wide, catching his breath. He held up his hand, “Just give me a chance” He was laughing so hard it was difficult to finish the story. He took a few gulps of air and straightened himself out.<\/p>\n
“There, I\u2019m ok,” he continued. .”There was\u00a0Little Adam\u2026stark Naked e<\/i>xcept for a crown of foamy soap bubbles on his hair. He was holding on to Rufus’s floppy ears as though he was holding on to the reins of a fiery steed, bouncing wildly with every one of Rufus’s bounding leaps! Just as they reached the entrance to the parlor, Rufus saw Aunt Winifred. He suddenly remembered his terror as she had chased him around the yard on her last visit swiping at him with her walking stick. Rufus, in his fear, began to back step. The combination of wet floor and soapy paws added to the unfolding drama.” Delighting in finding such an intense audience, Francis paused then proceeded.<\/p>\n
“Well…When Rufus found himself unable to stop his forward motion towards the dreaded Winifred he promptly sat down bowing his head, as he slid on his haunches straight at her. He might have collided with her but for the fact his front paws caught the edge of the carpet immediately stopping his forward motion.<\/p>\n
In doing so the force propelled his rider in all his gleaming glory up and over his big furry head to land with a plop!” He gestured with his hand “Right smack in the middle of Aunt Winifred’s lap!”<\/p>\n
“Her china tea cup went flying! Unaware I had done so, I caught it in mid air.”<\/p>\n
“Her hands went out straight from her side. For a moment time froze. Aunt Winifred was speechless!\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0scrambled to a sitting position, pushing his hair from his eyes, he giggled at her expression. He sat facing her, a look of pure delight on his little face, as he reached up to smear the blob of soap off her forehead, he laughed.<\/p>\n
“Hu-llo lady! Uh, oh, all wet!”<\/p>\n
At this point a weak sort of pitiful whimper came from somewhere. Ben, Hoss, and Joe looked around in wonder; Adam had slouched down in his chair, eyes shut.<\/p>\n
“Aunt Winifred began to swoon, making a sort of gurggly, sputtering noise, the vapors soon overtook her.”<\/p>\n
“Well…. I swear… I don\u2019t know who was more shocked, your father, who had managed to untangle himself from the bed and wall, and had just come charging down the hall, almost landing on both Winifred and her partner\u2026. Or Aunt Winifred as she stared horrified at you.”<\/p>\n
He pointed to Adam.<\/p>\n
“You just sat there grinning at her, repeating over and over, “Ut oh, all wet – Ut oh, all wet – tisk…”<\/i>\u00a0with eyebrows raised exactly like your father’s. Poor Rufus, who had beat a hasty retreat back down the hall, hid under the bed. At least that\u2019s where Ben found him a little while later.” Francis couldn\u2019t help notice Adam\u2019s face had turned an even deeper shade of red. “Sorry my boy.” he apologized.<\/p>\n
“But I also remember I just couldn\u2019t help wonder which shade of red was deeper, the one on your fathers face or the one on your bare bottom. Considering the pitch of the howls that followed his disappearance with you soakin’ wet, back down the hall, I suspected your shade was deeper.”<\/p>\n
Hoss and Little Joe were hopelessly lost! Both nearly choked! Joe spewed coffee all over himself. Hoss was having trouble breathing, and his own face looking like he would burst. He slapped his knee. Deep, loud guffaws echoed through the room mingled with Joe’s wild high-pitched hoots and crazy giggle.<\/p>\n
Ben covered his eyes. Francis shook his head, eyes closed, still replaying the scene over in his head. Adam gritted his teeth. Shakily he placed the cup and saucer down on the table before him, afraid if he held it one moment longer he might crush it with his bare hands. Unable to do anything else, squeezing his eyes as tight as he could, he locked his hands together between his knees and worked on concentrating, taking long deep breaths while counting over and over “1, 2,3,4” till he reached ten then started over again.<\/p>\n
Francis stood there and absently ran his hand over the top of Adam\u2019s soft black hair, then down the back of his head, his touch both tender and sad. “We…. We were never lucky enough.” he sighed ruefully. I never did get to have my own beautiful little boy with shiny black hair and soulful dark eyes surrounded by ‘delicious licorice lashes’.”<\/i><\/p>\n
“Oh, my, I suppose it is a little silly to get so much entertainment out of such a small to do” he admitted. “And just to let you know, Aunt Winifred never did come back.”<\/p>\n
“What happened then?” both Joe and Hoss had composed themselves somewhat; Joe inched closer to the edge of the hearth.<\/p>\n
“Then?”<\/p>\n
“Yeah, Mr. Baxter, what happened? Did ya git the wagon fixed?” Hoss, ever the one to be concerned, even in spite of his enjoyment.<\/p>\n
“Oh yes, I did not finish, did I. Well, the next morning as we were sitting at breakfast, your father and\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0came to the table.”<\/p>\n
That gently wistful, aggravating, smile crossed is face; Adam rolled his eyes and stared intently at the ceiling, praying for this please to end. Hoss and Joe were chuckling again in spite of themselves.<\/p>\n
“Ah yes, let me see, oh ok, your father stepped close and cleared his throat”.<\/p>\n
“Good morning Ben\u2026. Good morning Adam. We all greeted them.”<\/p>\n
“They just stood there\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0with his tiny hand in your father\u2019s; he looked so solemn and serious. He watched your father intently as if waiting for a cue.”<\/p>\n
“”Go ahead, son.””<\/p>\n
“Your father nodded towards the four of us. Adam hung his head, and then taking a big sighing breath stepped forward, turned once to look up into your father\u2019s stern face.<\/p>\n
“”Adam\u2026” “This voice brooked no question; it even made me swallow hard.” Francis admitted.<\/p>\n
“You looked back at us, slightly baffled. There were only four of us, and the person you were to direct the apology to wasn\u2019t there. Seems Aunt Winifred had taken to her bed, still shaken from what she told mother was that horrid urchin\u2019s disgusting display of vulgarity and untrained impertinence.”<\/p>\n
Once again his gaze fell on Adam with his expression one of true admiration.<\/p>\n
“He looked so cute, big dark eyes all wide and serious, little hands behind him.”<\/p>\n
“He whispered,\u00a0“I..Sowwry.””<\/i><\/p>\n
“We almost didn\u2019t hear it; your father made him repeat it. He pouted for an instant then as if he sensed your father\u2019s jaw tightening, he did as he was told.”<\/p>\n
“”I Ssowwry”\u00a0<\/i>his expression and stance dared any of us to challenge\u00a0that<\/i>\u00a0to be repeated. All we could do was reply…”Aaaaaawwwww!””<\/p>\n
“I don\u2019t think that was exactly the response you were looking for, Ben. Am I right?”<\/p>\n
Ben tilted his head, opened his hands and was unable to do anything but nod in agreement. His own voice failed him, and his throat was fighting a huge lump.<\/p>\n
“An awkward silence followed, then mother came to your father’s rescue.”<\/p>\n
“”Come sit and eat before it gets cold; I\u2019m sure\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0is very hungry this morning,” Her unspoken reference to the fact he had not eaten dinner last night. Your Father sat with\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0on his lap and both ate together.”<\/p>\n
“While they ate father explained that after yesterday’s events he and mother felt bad, because your father was so upset and embarrassed over what had happened. They felt partly responsible, so he and I worked on the axle after Ben had gone to bed. It really hadn\u2019t been bent too bad so it hardly took much time at all to fix.”<\/p>\n
“Then we excused ourselves to go get the wagon ready, knowing you were more than likely anxious to get going, as you had a long way to go. By the time you had finished we were all ready. Mother offered to watch\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0while we made the necessary repairs but your father….” Again Francis shook his head. “What do you think he said?”<\/p>\n
“What?” Hoss and Joe asked eagerly. Adam shuddered, again shutting his eyes to avoid his brothers’ faces.<\/p>\n
Francis drew himself up in preparation to again imitate Ben.<\/p>\n
“No, ma’am, I\u2019m sorry but I don\u2019t think that would work. We have caused quite enough mayhem and destruction in your home.”<\/p>\n
“He rose with\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0in his arms and headed for the front door. Mother was understandably worried. “Oh, for heaven sakes, nonsense\u2026 but I respect your feelings. Would it be all right if I sent Lydia along to help keep an eye on the little darling while you work? She is very responsible, I promise.” Her face glowed with that maternal concern and warm compassion my mother was so blessed with.”<\/p>\n
“”Oh I would love the chance to watch him, I\u2019m very good with little children,” Lydia brightly assured him, grinning.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“Your father is a wise and gracious man; he knew when he was out numbered.”<\/p>\n
“Alright.” ” He smiled at Lydia who scrunched up her face and winked. “But be aware he is quite good at mischief given half the chance.” At this, he held the boy in a no-nonsense glare then looking back to Lydia finished lightly “You will have to be quick to stay ahead of him.” At this statement the groan that escaped Adam was distinctly heard in the momentary silence following the telling of Ben\u2019s reply.<\/p>\n
“As your father came out carrying Adam and their things, mother offered him a little package. It contained a cloth book about baby farm animals and some wooden blocks with alphabet letters on them. “Just a little something to pass the time,” she softly offered, handing the gift to Adam, at last getting her chance to run her own fingers through that shiny silky black hair.”<\/p>\n
“Only mother saw the tears, she told us later.”<\/p>\n
Ben blushed almost as deep as Adam at this revelation.<\/p>\n
“”Say thank you,” your father huskily told you.” Francis again drew the focus to Adam.<\/p>\n
“”Tnk..Yuu,” w<\/i>as the reply, as you clutched the package.”<\/p>\n
“You’re more than welcome, dear child.”<\/p>\n
“We went to the wagon and got aboard; mother threw a kiss and\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0returned it with a giggle.”<\/p>\n
“Lydia and I rode in the back with the axle and tools, while father and Ben and\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0rode up front. It didn\u2019t take long to repair the wagon, and even though I was needed, I still found time to watch Lydia and\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0play hide an’ seek, or holding hands as they played and sang ring around the rosy.”<\/p>\n
No one was positive but it sure sounded like Adam moaned\u00a0“Oh, God, no.”<\/i><\/p>\n
“I tell you he was\u00a0just so cute<\/i>, running in and out of the trees, and he had the best giggle!”<\/p>\n
For an instant a small frown touched Little Joe\u2019s brow. “But I always thought I had the best giggle.” Joe wondered to himself.<\/p>\n
“But as I stated, all too soon it became apparent that the job was done and there was really nothing more to keep us. We had no reason to delay the inevitable; we had farm chores waiting at home. Ben, you and\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0had your dream awaiting you somewhere out there in the wild west.”<\/p>\n
“The last time I saw them, your father was standing in that little clearing with\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0in his arms, and Adam was waving wildly.”<\/p>\n
“Bye, bye,.. Bye ,bye..”<\/p>\n
With a great heaving sigh, Francis finally wound down.<\/p>\n
“So\u2026 that\u2019s the story\u2026I never in a thousand years thought I would ever see you again. Now here we are and\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0has grown up a college graduate, an architect and engineer.” He wistfully smiled for the memory that was still so sweet in his mind. “We thought of you often, Ben.” Francis straightened his vest then stretched, just as the great clock struck the hour.<\/p>\n
“Oh, mercy me\u2026 look at the time\u2026. I had better get a move on, or I\u2019ll never make the connections and Lydia will have my hide. Well maybe not if I tell her the reason; but no, I have a date with a very special young lady.”<\/p>\n
Adam shot to his feet “I\u2019ll get your horse for you, wouldn’t want that to happen!” Grabbing his hat from its peg, he was out the door in a flash.<\/p>\n
“What\u2019s yer hurry, big brother?” Hoss laughed after the closed door.<\/p>\n
Francis looked at Ben, rather perplexed.<\/p>\n
“Have I offended him?”<\/p>\n
“No. Of course not.” Ben smiled hoping Francis did not read his eyes. He hated to mislead him, but under the circumstances he felt this the best he could offer.<\/p>\n
Adam saddled Francis’s horse as fast as humanly possible, then saddled his own, Sport, for his escape as soon as this Francis fellow was far enough away.<\/p>\n
As Ben and Francis exited, Adam was right there with his horse waiting just a little anxiously. Hoss and Joe followed Ben and his friend getting every last bit of fun from this most informative visitor.<\/p>\n
“Mr. Baxter, sir, I can\u2019t tell you what a wonderful pleasure it was to meet you, sir.” Joe\u2019s eyes twinkled with an evil mischievous light, his brow rising and falling wickedly.<\/p>\n
“Well lad, I enjoyed remembering it and sharing with you, although I have a feeling Adam might be able to entertain me, if and when we meet again, with a few tales of his own\u2026regarding\u2026 yet another naughty “Little boy!”<\/p>\n
Joe felt his face flush.<\/p>\n
“That sir is a given.” Came the reply laced with equally wicked promise. Adam handed Francis the reins in an effort to hurry his leaving lest the man find another chance to call him\u00a0Little Adam\u2026<\/i>\u00a0too late\u2026<\/p>\n
Francis and Ben gave each other a fierce quick hug, “Not so long till the next time I hope.” He spoke, his voice rough, carrying his emotion. With his eyes shining, he turned once again to Adam.<\/p>\n
“Little Adam, you will always hold a special spot in my heart, dear boy.”<\/p>\n
With that said, he swung up into the saddle. Allowing himself one last fond wave and a touch to the brim of his hat, he rode out of the yard.<\/p>\n
Ben, Hoss and Joe waved a hearty good-by. Adam standing off to the side muttered under his breath\u00a0“Good riddance, bah<\/i>!” Shaking his head he turned his back on the scene, his shoulders ached from the strain in him. Adam Cartwright felt himself heartily hoping he would never set eyes on Mr. Francis Baxter\u2026ever again!<\/p>\n
Well, isn\u2019t this a fine how do you do? All these years I thought I was the little charmer, only to find out\u00a0I\u2019ve been bested by my straight laced, stuffed shirt older brother<\/i>!” Joe whined to no one in particular looking quite put out and very surprised.<\/p>\n
Adam just gave him one of those smug smiles, his brow arched high over his forehead. That look said volumes.<\/p>\n
Joe and Hoss then slunk off to the barn, hands over their mouths to keep from laughing.<\/p>\n
As Adam stood there his posture told his father more about how he was feeling than words. Ben went into the barn and retrieved Sport. Huddled in the corner, Joe and Hoss managed to control themselves when he entered and gathered Sport’s reins.<\/p>\n
Ben shot a warning message to both of them as he went out to hand the reins to Adam. The young man stood there, arms wrapped tightly around his chest, a deep scowl on his face. Ben knew that Adam needed to put distance between his family and himself, and that he would more than likely not show up again until way after dark.<\/p>\n
“Adam\u2026. They\u2026”<\/p>\n
Ben placed his hand gently on the young man’s shoulder; he could feel the tension coursing through him.<\/p>\n
“Pa\u2026. I gotta get out of here for\u2026. Let me go.. Just.” He threw up his hands his frustration coupled with what he perceived as humiliation and embarrassment at the hand of that stranger intensified by his brothers’ reaction to this whole ugly mess burned him.<\/p>\n
“Adam.” Ben hesitated then went on softly understanding his eldest son so well. “Just be careful is all I ask. I\u2019ll see you later.” Patting his back sympathetically, he turned and without another word went back into his house shaking his head. His own mind was a jumble from the visit. He had mixed feelings; Francis\u2019s visit had surly changed his plan for a quiet Sunday dinner with his sons. Yet he had to admit he was so happy to see him.<\/p>\n
As the sound of galloping hooves leaving the yard faded into the distance, Joe and Hoss caved in and you could hear them howling in the barn for close to an hour.<\/p>\n
Hoss’s loud deep laugh mixed with the high pitched giggle as Joe mimicked Francis’s description over and over “…uh-oh…all<\/i>\u00a0wet…tisk…uh oh all wet….tisk!..”<\/i>\u00a0Then the giggle would take over the entire barn like a wild hyena was loose in there. When they finally sank down onto a hay bale totally exhausted, their sides ached, and their jaws hurt.<\/p>\n
What the object of their merriment did not know or would have readily accepted if he were still there, was the plain truth…..Their glee was not directed at him but rather for him, not to his obvious humiliation, but for the sheer joy of being privileged to share in the moment.<\/p>\n
They had been privileged to see that precious spark, that wonderful exuberance of true innocents, the wonderful warm beautiful person that hid behind the mask. The wall of their strong, steadfast, dependable big brother had been breached for a short time.<\/p>\n
Although initially a hilarious escapade, Hoss and Joe saw under the surface. This strange man who showed up on their doorstep had left was a tender warmhearted glimpse, brim full of heart felt sincerity, attesting too the fact there were bright moments long forgotten in the early years for their brother. Adam, for so long, seemed to never give in all the way, to hold back. So many people never took the time to work at getting past that cold, impenetrable shield.<\/p>\n
It often saddened his younger brothers; they loved him so deeply. Each in his own way tried to protect him knowing instinctively how vulnerable he was. Adam felt things so deeply; his compassion and empathy for those less fortunate often tore at his heart, leaving him bleeding and wounded way down inside where he let no one get to. Yet today they saw what they loved about him most; he was full of life, even way back then. They genuinely hoped someday, maybe not too soon, for Adam\u2019s and their sake, that another Sunday visitor might pop up unannounced and share another little peek into the soul of the man next to their father they so much admired, the one they tried to imitate for most of their own young years.<\/p>\n
Later they headed back into the house, arm and arm over each other, the other arm holding aching sides. It was getting close to dusk; Hop Sing would have supper ready soon.<\/p>\n
Ben was sitting in his red chair ostensibly reading his paper, truth was, and he was waiting for his boys. He wanted to talk to them about this afternoon. He knew they did not mean to hurt Adam with their laughter. It was just the entire thing was such a shock. Ben realized too late that he had never told Adam about that day. Ben was afraid it would take his serious, sensitive, oldest son a long time to get over this and he wanted to be sure they would respect his feelings.<\/p>\n
He should not have worried for Hoss and Joe had both decided they were not going to say another word about this, not for a long while. They would, however, keep it close to the heart to be taken out someday\u2026if needed to put big brother in his place.<\/p>\n
Nothing was said during supper. Ben and the boys had exchanged silent messages when they first came in and their eyes met. After supper Joe and Hoss excused themselves to go change and get to the evening barn chores claiming they had to get to sleep early as tomorrow held a full schedule, and they needed to be well rested. Sitting in his red chair with his coffee Ben smiled gently. He knew what they were doing; they were giving Adam the space they knew he would need when he got back. They did not want him to have to face them until the morning and he had time to regain his composure.<\/p>\n
Adam had ridden around aimlessly in the late afternoon sun, finally ending up as it grew dark where all of the Cartwright\u2019s inevitably ended up when they had a troubling time or needed comfort, at sand cove where Marie was buried.<\/p>\n
Dismounting and tying Sport to a nearby sapling, he quietly walked to the grave and sat down. Placing his hat on the ground beside him, undoing his black, silk tie then pulling open the top button of his white shirt, he sighed heavily. He glanced out of the corner of his eye at the stone.<\/p>\n
“Hi, mama,” he silently greeted her.<\/p>\n
Adam hung his head, pulled his knees up and rested his arms around them. He lowered his head to them. For a very long time he just sat and absorbed the still, peacefulness of the place, the serenity it offered. He listened to the breeze whispering softly through the pines. Nightfall descended un-noticed by the crestfallen figure hunched over on the ground next to the stone.<\/p>\n
The surface of the lake was like a mirror, every single one of the millions of stars reflected back at the sky. A few wispy clouds scudded across the surface of the full moon like celestial spider webs, fleetingly obscuring the silver orb.<\/p>\n
Startled by an unseen intruder, or the snap of a twig from a deer coming to drink, a loon skidded across the surface of the still water. The action chopping the moon light into a million shards of light, expanding in ever widening ripples until eventually the entire surface returned to its glossy state. The moon’s reflection once again appeared to be a pearl carelessly tossed among thousands of tiny diamonds setting on an endless velvet cloth.<\/p>\n
Adam raised his head slowly from his arms, surprised it had gotten so late, that it was night. He looked out at the disturbance; suddenly the answer he had been desperately searching for became crystal clear.<\/p>\n
Just as the perfect beauty of the still lake in the moonlight had been broken and distorted, the stillness returned, and all was quiet again. Adam found the scene to be twice as stunning as moments before, clear, and more special. Just as his life this afternoon was calm and clear, then broken by an unexpected intruder who caused for him chaos and bruised ego, smarted his pride. Then as the lake reclaimed itself, in the aftermath it sparkled brighter. And so had those glimpses into his own past.<\/p>\n
Who knew, maybe there were others, with keys to unlock these very secret little compartments of his carefully guarded heart. Adam slowly stood up; looking down on the soft green grass, at the stone that fairly glowed, almost illuminated in the moonlight filtering through the pines.<\/p>\n
“Thank you, mama, you….. and now Mr. Francis Baxter and who knows who else out there is holding a key, waiting to open the door that I am not able to do myself?”<\/p>\n
Smiling deeply, his dimples showing, there in the dark with only nature to see, he gently blew her a kiss. Turning he mounted Sport and shoulders square head held high, he headed home.<\/p>\n
The silver moonlight turned the clay of the road into a ribbon resembling a river as it lay in front of him, twisting and disappearing into the shadows of the pines. Then reappearing in a sliver thread, it cut through the meadow. As Adam rode back from the lake, Francis Baxter sat looking out from the stage window at the night sky; a warm and peaceful feeling settled on his heart.<\/p>\n
“Yes Ben, you did real well for yourself. You and\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>\u00a0found your dream; not all in this world are so lucky; I am happy for you my friend.” Leaning back, he closed his eyes and once more let his mind drift back those many years\u00a0to a day he met a little boy with shiny black hair and<\/i>\u00a0licorice eye lashes.<\/i><\/p>\n
As Adam rode quietly into the front yard, he sensed, rather than saw the figure in the dark shadowy recess of the veranda porch. The faint yet unmistakable sweet smell of pipe smoke tickled his nose. Adam made no attempt to acknowledge the presence; instead he stepped down lightly, agile and lithe as always.<\/p>\n
His smooth fluid movements brought a lump to the throat of the shadowy figure on the porch. Nonchalantly Adam strolled to the barn; lighting the lantern, he went in closing the door behind him. Ben\u2019s first instinct was to get up and follow; it took a great amount of inner strength to stay put. After what seemed an eternity, Adam emerged from the barn stopping to reset his hat. He continued on over to the veranda where he knew his father was waiting. Stopping just in front, he spoke softy, “Hi, Pa\u2026I uh, thought you might still be up.”<\/p>\n
Ben stood up and came to the edge of the veranda; his eyes worriedly scanned the figure for any hint of what might be on his son\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n
“Every thing alright Son?”<\/p>\n
Adam hung his head for a moment; then he cleared his throat.<\/p>\n
“Those two hyenas finally stopped laughing?”<\/p>\n
“Don\u2019t take it so hard, son.”<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m trying not to, sir.”<\/p>\n
Adam looked up and just as the moon slid out of gossamer covering of cloud, Ben caught a peek of those white teeth, and he could just make out the dimples. Even though he could not see his son\u2019s eyes, he knew they were sparkling.<\/p>\n
Adam sighed and took a seat on the steps of the porch. He removed his hat and ran his hand through his hair; a long heavy silence hung between them. Then Adam spoke again, “I don\u2019t suppose those two will be showing me any mercy for the next\u2026oh\u2026ten years or so.”<\/p>\n
He played with his ear, as he speculated on his brothers\u2019 obvious delight in this revelation. Ben sat back and drew a few puffs thoughtfully on his pipe.<\/p>\n
“Oh, come on, son. I think you are up to a little brotherly ribbing. After all, you are about the best around when it comes to this sort of thing,” his father gently reminded him of his quick wit and razor sharp mind, that it could spring shut like a steel trap on either or both of his brothers so fast they never could see it coming. He used it whenever the opportunity presented itself. His droll humor and insight besting them time and time again<\/p>\n
“I suppose you\u2019re right. I just hope they tire of it before the big fall roundup dance in town.”<\/p>\n
A warm smile creased Ben\u2019s handsome face; he placed his pipe down on the table and came to stand behind his son, and leaning down, he placed his hands on the strong broad young shoulders.<\/p>\n
“I am confident these shoulders are strong enough to carry a little brotherly teasing. You have to admit, it was a funny story.”<\/p>\n
Ben squeezed them then massaged gently and lovingly as only he could. Adam, without thinking, reached back and placed his hand over his father’s.<\/p>\n
“Maybe… Sigh…..You’re right as usual, Pa,” he sighed again.<\/p>\n
“Don\u2019t worry, son; they might just surprise you.” With one more warm, reassuring squeeze Ben then leaned close so his lips almost brushed Adam\u2019s ear he whispered<\/p>\n
“Good night my son\u2026” he hesitated for a fraction more ” I love you very much.. And just for the record.. Francis was right…. You were absolutely adorable…” he added softer yet.<\/p>\n
Raising his head a little he lightly kissed the top of Adam\u2019s head, something he had hardly done in years. Turning he went back and taking his pipe, he headed for the front door.<\/p>\n
“Don\u2019t stay up too late.” he called over his shoulder.<\/p>\n
“No, I won\u2019t\u2026. Night Pa….. And thanks.” Adam answered with out turning around.” I love you too, more than I’ll ever be able to fully tell you.” This thought he whispered in his heart.<\/p>\n
Adam sat for another few minutes staring out into the empty yard. Placing his hands on his knees he pushed himself up, his hat slid from his knee; he paid it no attention, walking out into the yard swinging his arms in circles to ease the tension he still felt across his shoulders. Adam walked in circles working out the kinks.<\/p>\n
At last coming to a halt he stretched his arms high over his head. Tilting his face up at the night sky, he yawned and shook his head as he dropped his arms to his side. Then to the empty yard he scolded himself.<\/p>\n
“Come on\u00a0Little Adam<\/i>, its way past your bed time, boy\u2026. You better get some shut-eye. You have a busy day ahead of you.”<\/p>\n
That said, he stooped and picked up his hat. Dusting it off, he set it rakishly on his head. A silly high-pitched giggle filled the night and continued to grow into a rich deep baritone laugh. It floated up through the night sky, past the tall Ponderosa pines right into the face of the man in the moon. And if you had been there and happened to look up, you very well might have thought you saw the man in the moon wink.<\/p>\n
THE END<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Here is a tribute to all of us who over the years have had to deal with “The Terrible Twos”.<\/p>\n
I just could not resist. Even Adam must have gone through them, don’t you think?<\/p>\n
Parenthood in all its stages is a blessing and joy.<\/p>\n
Sadie<\/p>\n
*Author’s note: The line from “The Last Viking” when Gunar greets Adam as “Little Adam” has always tickled me, and so I was inspired\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n