Written for a Halloween challenge. The given prompts were: Adam, Ghost Dog, and Seance<\/p>\n
Disclaimer: I don’t own the Cartwrights or Bonanza. No copyright infringement is intended. Original plot and characters are property of the author. This story is for entertainment and no money was made from it.<\/p>\n
\u00a0 Reviews from the Old Library are on the last page.<\/p>\n
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Fool’s Gold<\/strong><\/p>\n At each strike of the pick-axe, the bracing timbers moaned as if they were living creatures. Two men battled against the solid rock, willing it to reveal the gold hidden in its depths. The dim light from the lantern cast their shadows as distorted, otherworldly beings working in the stygian depths of the mine.<\/p>\n A dog lay nearby, panting, its tongue lolling as if swinging in rhythm with the men.<\/p>\n Sharp fragments of rock mingled with dust for a brief moment before falling near sturdy boots.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need more shoring,\u201d said George, resting against the handle of the pick-axe.<\/p>\n \u201cThe gold\u2019s here. I can feel it,\u201d said Ira.<\/p>\n Small rocks rained down and one of the timbers protested with a loud crack. The dog barked a warning.<\/p>\n Both men attacked the rock with greater urgency, determined to pry their bonanza from the mine.<\/p>\n George\u2019s pick-axe lodged in a seam and he braced his foot against the wall, the tendons in his neck standing out as he strained to free the implement. Ira ignored his plight. The sharp clang of steel mingled with the moans of the timbers. The dog\u2019s barks echoed off the walls.<\/p>\n A chunk of rock the size of a skillet fell from the wall, landing between the two men. A faint gleam emanated from within the rocky wall.<\/p>\n \u201cGet the lantern,\u201d ordered Ira as he ran work-calloused hands over the rough surface.<\/p>\n In the provided light, Ira and George saw gold-flecked quartz snaking through the rock. The dog barked a low \u201cwoof.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe did it!\u201d yelled George, jubilantly tossing his hat in the air.<\/p>\n Ira ran a finger over the quartz, greed coursing through his veins with each heartbeat. His eyes narrowed and he peered sideways, avarice whispering George wasn\u2019t worthy of sharing this treasure. A loose pebble caught his eye and he plucked it from the wall.<\/p>\n \u201cGimme one of those blasting caps,\u201d Ira said, stuffing the nugget into his pocket.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe we should just keep chippin\u2019 at it,\u201d offered George.<\/p>\n George backed up a step from the cold glitter in his partner\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n Ira held out his hand and jerked his fingers in silent order.<\/p>\n Obeying, George retrieved one of the caps and the rest of the material from a nearby pack. Handing the cap and a match to Ira, George idly scratched behind the dog\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n A nearby timber loudly cracked at the Herculean effort of holding up the rock. Rock rumbled as dust showered the men.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think this is a good idea,\u201d said George. We oughta get outta here.\u201d The dog barked in agreement.<\/p>\n Ira lit the fuse and retrieved his pick-axe. \u201cWho\u2019s we?\u201d he asked through a hiss.<\/p>\n George\u2019s eyes widened in surprise . The dog pressed against his leg, growling through bared teeth.<\/p>\n The rumbling grew louder and dust cascaded from the groaning timber.<\/p>\n Ira swung the pick-axe in a vicious arc, the steel piercing George\u2019s skull. A trickle of rock cascaded as the timber groaned in protest. A dinner plate sized rock bounced off the dog\u2019s back and the animal whimpered as its legs folded.<\/p>\n Daring a glance at the fuse, Ira turned tail for the entrance. The timber snapped from the crushing weight, spurring Ira on. A cloud of dust blinded him and he stumbled against the rocky wall, scraping his face and hands. The dust clogged his nose and mouth and he struggled for each breath as his lungs screamed for more.<\/p>\n A deafening blast shook the earth as Ira reached the entrance. He fell to his knees and panted for air, grateful for each lungful. Dragging a sleeve over his face, blood and sweat mingled with grime.<\/p>\n Slowly gaining his feet, Ira swayed on shaky legs as the rumbling from within the mine faded. He retrieved the nugget from his pocket and a smile crept its way across his face.\u00a0This bonanza is mine<\/i>.<\/p>\n A mule\u2019s snort caught his ear and Ira protectively closed his fist around his treasure. Looking over his shoulder, Ira let out a slow breath to calm his jittery nerves.\u00a0Just old Bessie<\/i>.<\/p>\n Admiring his glittering prize, Ira turned it this way and that in the sun\u2019s glare. He frowned as a dilemma surfaced.\u00a0If I go to the assayer without George, there\u2019ll be questions<\/i>. One corner of his mouth twitched up as he schemed.\u00a0I\u2019ll show this off at the Bucket of Blood and tell everyone George was killed by a cave-in<\/i>. He looked at his bloody sleeve.\u00a0Everyone will say I was lucky to get out alive. I\u2019ll tell them I\u2019ve got to work my \u2013 our \u2013 claim because George would want me to<\/i>. He nodded.\u00a0Folks will believe me<\/i>.<\/p>\n He tucked the nugget in his vest pocket and tacked the mule for the trek into town.<\/p>\n *<\/p>\n Arriving in town, Ira hitched the mule and adjusted his bloody, grime-covered shirt before stumbling into the Bucket of Blood.<\/p>\n Patrons took in his appearance and crowded around, everyone asking questions. Hoss took Ira\u2019s arm and steered him to the bar. \u201cGet him a drink,\u201d Hoss told the bartender.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Hoss asked as Ira set the empty glass on the bar.<\/p>\n Ira wiped his mouth with the back of a hand and softly said, \u201cCave-in. I guess George didn\u2019t get out of the way fast enough after setting off a blasting cap.\u201d He downed another shot and softly said, \u201cI should\u2019ve been with him instead of chipping away at rock we\u2019d already brought out.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t blame yourself for an accident,\u201d said Ronald, a foreman for the Yellow Jacket.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was a good man,\u201d Ira whispered<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone knows there\u2019s risks in mining,\u201d said Ronald.<\/p>\n Adam strode into the saloon and took in the crowd around Ira. He shoved his way to his brother and Ira and asked \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMine collapse,\u201d said Cosmo as he poured more whiskey into Ira\u2019s glass.<\/p>\n Adam leaned against the bar and asked, \u201cDid you have any bracing in there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe had some timbers for support, but nothin\u2019 too fancy,\u201d said Ira.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you use Deidesheimer\u2019s honeycombs?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was just George and me, Adam. We couldn\u2019t afford that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got some lumbermen in need of work,\u201d said Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll have them cut Ponderosa timber. With Deidesheimer\u2019s bracing in place, this won\u2019t happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n The other men nodded and murmured in agreement.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s generous of you, but I can\u2019t pay you for . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry about payment,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what to say,\u201d said Ira.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll come out and take some measurements so I can figure the timber requirements,” said Adam.<\/p>\n Concern colored Ira\u2019s eyes and he said, \u201cI can\u2019t let you do that, Adam. Your pa would dog me to the gates of hell if something happened. Besides, I don\u2019t want to be a bother to you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam cocked an eyebrow but squeezed Ira\u2019s shoulder in reassurance. \u201cIt\u2019s never a bother to help a neighbor.\u201d<\/p>\n Ira took another drink then plucked the nugget from his pocket. He asked Adam, \u201cYou think this is worth anything?\u201d<\/p>\n Men crowded around, craning their necks for a look at what could possibly represent the next bonanza.<\/p>\n A yell of, \u201cStage coach!\u201d drifted in from the street. Whit, the stage manager, removed himself from the crowd and headed out to greet any newcomers.<\/p>\n Hoss patted Ira\u2019s back and said, \u201cI sure am sorry about George. Adam, I\u2019ll see if Pa\u2019s on the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded without taking his eyes from the nugget.\u00a0Sure is a shame George died when they\u2019d finally found the vein. They\u2019ve worked that claim for nearly three years without success<\/i>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe oughta take up a collection,\u201d Ronald said loudly. \u201cFor the timber and other supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n A cheer rose from the crowd and money was pulled from pockets and tossed into a hat.<\/p>\n Ira smiled his gratitude as he accepted the offerings.\u00a0Money and gold. I\u2019m gonna be as rich as the Cartwrights<\/i>.<\/p>\n \u201cGimme another,\u201d he told Cosmo. Ira lifted his glass high and said, \u201cTo George, the best partner a man ever had!\u201d<\/p>\n A cacophony of, \u201cHear, hear!\u201d echoed in the saloon as everyone drank a toast to George.<\/p>\n Ira stuffed his pockets with money and said, \u201cWhen I strike it rich, the drinks will be on me!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam watched Ira over the rim of his glass.\u00a0How\u2019d Ira get all that blood on his clothes and face if he was outside the mine<\/i>?<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll come out and take those measurements,\u201d Adam said to Ira.<\/p>\n Ira nodded, slapped Adam against the shoulder, and then shoved his way through the crowd and into the street. He nodded at Ben and Hoss before heading to the assayer\u2019s office.<\/p>\n *<\/p>\n Hoss pushed through the saloon\u2019s batwing doors, followed by his father and a newcomer. Heads swiveled to take in the stranger, a man dressed in black, a cape held closed by a silver cross in the form used by men in a Masonic order.<\/p>\n \u201cThis here\u2019s Pa\u2019s friend, Paschal Randolph.\u201d<\/p>\n Men nodded politely in way of greeting.<\/p>\n Adam left the bar to greet his father\u2019s friend.<\/p>\n \u201cPaschal, this is my eldest son, Adam. Adam, Paschal is an old friend from my sailing days.”<\/p>\n Adam shook the man\u2019s hand and said, \u201cWelcome to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n Paschal nodded in greeting and took in the crowd. His brow creased and he said, \u201cThere\u2019s been a terrible accident.\u201d<\/p>\n Ronald set his glass down on the bar and said, \u201cIra\u2019s partner died today. How\u2019d you know?\u201d<\/p>\n Someone yelled out, \u201cHoss told him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not so,\u201d said Paschal. \u201cI am blessed, or perhaps cursed, with the ability to speak to the dead.\u201d<\/p>\n A few of the men gathered around in curiosity while others crossed themselves and muttered prayers for protection.<\/p>\n Ben said, \u201cPaschal is a medium.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam cocked an eyebrow in skepticism.\u00a0People who claim to speak with the dead are more interested in fleecing the living<\/i>.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s my mother got to say?\u201d asked Cosmo through a snort. Men leaning against the bar snickered.<\/p>\n \u201cSir, I\u2019m not a performing monkey, obeying commands. However, a demonstration may change your mind.\u201d He unfastened his cape and gestured to Cosmo. \u201cCome, join me at a table.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no need for that,\u201d said Ben. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to prove anything.”<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s no trouble, my friend. Those who don\u2019t believe simply choose to close their minds to the psychic connections around us.\u201d<\/p>\n Cosmo, Paschal, and Ben sat down at a table with four chairs.<\/p>\n \u201cWould a fourth be so kind as to join us?\u201d asked Paschal.<\/p>\n Hoss took a step but Adam gripped his arm to stop him. A half-smile turned up one corner of Adam\u2019s mouth and Hoss smiled back and nodded. Adam crossed to the table and joined the others.<\/p>\n \u201cLet us join hands,\u201d said Paschal.<\/p>\n Cosmo wiped his hands on his apron before taking hold of Adam to his left and Paschal to his right. Paschal closed his eyes and slowed his breathing. The rest of the saloon watched in expectation.<\/p>\n A few minutes passed, the only sounds the scuff of a boot against the floor, a cough, and fingernails scratching scalp.<\/p>\n \u201cYou charge too much for the swill you serve. I didn\u2019t raise you to cheat an honest man out of his money. Your father would be ashamed of the watered-down whiskey you sell in this place. He only bought quality. And when are you going to find a nice girl to settle down with? You promised me . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n Paschal\u2019s trance was broken when Cosmo let go of his hand. Men snickered at Cosmo\u2019s reddening face.<\/p>\n \u201cAny truth to that watered-down whiskey?\u201d a man asked as he inspected the contents of his glass.<\/p>\n Cosmo harrumphed as he glared at the medium. \u201cYou have no call to accuse me of selling cheap whiskey. Besides, you don\u2019t sound a thing like my mother.\u201d He pointed a finger at Paschal\u2019s face and said, \u201cIf you weren\u2019t Ben\u2019s friend . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe dead speak through me,\u201d Paschal said. \u201cI don\u2019t speak for them. Or in their voice.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took his friend\u2019s arm and said, \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse us, Paschal is my guest.\u201d<\/p>\n Cosmo nodded and retreated to the bar, followed by men asking where he obtained his whiskey.<\/p>\n Adam scratched behind an ear and said, \u201cI\u2019m going to head out to Ira\u2019s mine. I promised I\u2019d set a timber crew to cutting trees for shoring.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gave Adam a friendly slap against the belly with the back of his hand and said, \u201cI\u2019ll go with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled and said to his father, \u201cIn that case, we\u2019ll be home in time for supper.\u201d He tugged the brim of his hat in silent good-bye before heading out.<\/p>\n Ben watched his sons leave then took Paschal\u2019s elbow and steered him to the door.<\/p>\n *<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss pulled up their mounts and surveyed the camp before dismounting.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere do you suppose Ira is?\u201d asked Hoss as he wiped sweat from his forehead with a red bandana.<\/p>\n Looking around, Adam toyed with a button on his shirt and shrugged. \u201cMaybe he\u2019s in the mine.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam picked up a lantern and pulled a match from his coat pocket. He and Hoss exchanged a questioning glance before entering the mine.<\/p>\n Hoss recalled the fear in his chest when Adam and Philip Deidesheimer had been trapped by a cave-in.\u00a0The other miners had done their best but gave up when no answering sounds were heard. I refused to believe Adam was dead. I pulled at those rocks until I could fit through to see for myself<\/i>. He shivered from the cold and the memory.<\/p>\n \u201cYou suppose Ira tried to dig George out?” Hoss asked to break the silence.<\/p>\n Adam shrugged a shoulder. \u201cMaybe.\u201d<\/p>\n Both men shivered. Adam pulled his coat tighter. A sound caught their ears.<\/p>\n \u201cWas that a . . . dog?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cProbably just a rock bouncing down,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n They made their way to a wall of jumbled rock. Hoss reached to pull out a rock but Adam placed a hand on his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t. Might cause another collapse.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam set the lantern down and a gleam caught his eye. He squatted and plucked a gold-flecked rock from the floor. In the bright light, it appeared to be good-quality gold. He picked up the lantern and stood, handing the rock to Hoss for inspection.<\/p>\n \u201cDadgum! Ira and George struck it after all this time.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took back the rock and tucked it into his pocket. \u201cWe ought to take this to the assayer for testing. If it\u2019s gold, maybe George didn\u2019t die in an accidental cave-in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t mean that,\u201d said Hoss, his nose scrunched in disbelief.<\/p>\n \u201cIf Ira killed George, we\u2019ve got to tell Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lost his balance and swayed. Hoss grabbed Adam\u2019s arm and kept him upright.<\/p>\n \u201cYou all right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam ran a finger under his nose and then chuckled nervously. \u201cIt was as if a dog jumped up and rested its paws against me. A big dog.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss adjusted his hat and said, \u201cYou feeling all right? I\u2019d expect something like that from Brother Joe, but not you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get out of here,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing we can do for George.\u201d<\/p>\n They briskly walked to the entrance and Adam blew out the flame before replacing the lantern where they\u2019d found it.<\/p>\n *<\/p>\n Arriving home, Adam and Hoss hung their hats on the rack and removed their gunbelts.<\/p>\n \u201cGood thing you boys are here,” said Ben. “Hop Sing\u2019s been waiting supper on you two. He\u2019s worried the pork roast will dry up.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss said, \u201cI\u2019ll let him know it won\u2019t go to waste.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben and Paschal chuckled. \u201cHop Sing needn\u2019t worry that Hoss will miss a meal,\u201d assured Ben.<\/p>\n Adam pulled the nugget from his pocket before laying his coat on the sideboard. He closed his fingers tightly around it before slowly walking to the table and taking his seat.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n Adam met his father\u2019s gaze and then looked to Paschal. He set the nugget in the middle of the table and leaned back.<\/p>\n Ben picked up the rock for closer examination. He held it up to the light. Closing one eye, he squinted through the other. Handing it to Paschal, he asked Adam, \u201cGold?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe, Pa. The assayer hasn\u2019t tested it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben leaned his elbows on the table, clasped his hands, and supported his chin with them. \u201cWhat is it you don\u2019t want to say?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed and reached for his water glass. After swallowing, he leaned forward and said, \u201cSuppose Ira and George finally hit gold after working that mine for so long. And suppose Ira decided to end their partnership.\u201d Adam held up a hand and said, \u201cI\u2019m not saying he came to that decision.\u201d He took another sip of water. \u201cBut suppose he did. Creating a cave-in would be a mighty convenient way to dissolve their partnership.\u201d<\/p>\n Disbelief colored Ben\u2019s eyes. \u201cWe\u2019ve known Ira and George for years. Those two have been through thick and thin together.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cI can\u2019t believe Ira would murder George. Especially if they finally hit their bonanza.\u201d<\/p>\n Paschal, listening intently to the conversation, ran a finger lightly over the rim of his water glass. \u201cWe could ask George.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam raised an eyebrow. \u201cYour performance this afternoon was entertaining but I hardly believe you speak with the dead.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben cleared his throat and said, \u201cAdam . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n Paschal lifted his other hand and said, \u201cIt\u2019s quite all right. Many are skeptical.\u201d He leaned forward, both hands on the table. \u201cI understand your hesitancy to believe my gift. However, I don\u2019t perform parlor tricks for amusement.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam snorted and asked, \u201cWhere did you receive this so-called gift?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Paschal. Adam, Paschal is an old friend and a guest. I\u2019d appreciate you treating him with respect.\u201d<\/p>\n Paschal smiled at Ben and said, \u201cIt\u2019s all right.\u201d He took a sip from the glass and said, \u201cYour father and I parted ways after serving together for four years. He remained on the European trade route and I was employed on the Mediterranean route. I grew weary of laboring for others and jumped ship in North Africa when I was nineteen. My money became scarce so I had to choose between becoming a beggar, a thief, or a laborer of some sort. A caravan transporting exotic goods arrived and I watched from stealth in the market place as the cargo was unloaded. However, my curiosity got the better of me and I was compelled to inspect the goods. The merchants indulged me and offered me a job of tending to their camels on the return trip. I eagerly accepted and made the journey to Persia. It was there I learned to communicate with the dead. After studying for a few years, I traveled to Europe for further study in England and France. Then I returned to this country to share what I\u2019d learned. And provide a bridge between the living and the dead for people who wish to communicate with those who have passed.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss stood rooted in the kitchen doorway, tightly clutching the platter bearing the pork roast. A noise escaped his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cI see our supper is ready,\u201d said Ben with a smile.<\/p>\n Hop Sing nudged Hoss and brought the rest of the meal to the table. After ensuring all of the food was on the table, he bowed and retreated to his domain.<\/p>\n Adam tapped the nugget gleaming against the white tablecloth. He peered up at Paschal through his eyelashes and one corner of his mouth rose in a smile. \u201cPerhaps you can bridge the veil between Ira and George.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gulped nervously and Ben began to rebuke his eldest.<\/p>\n Paschal met Adam\u2019s gaze and said, \u201cIt\u2019d be my pleasure.\u201d<\/p>\n *<\/p>\n In the morning, Adam saddled Sport and headed for the assayer\u2019s office while Hoss hitched the buggy.<\/p>\n Arriving in Virginia City, Adam dismounted and reached into his pocket to confirm the rock was still there. He adjusted his hat and strode into the office. Presenting it to the assayer, he didn\u2019t reveal its origin.<\/p>\n After examining it, the assayer said, \u201cThis is the same as what Ira brought in yesterday. Good quality.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIra still in town?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s holding court at the Bucket of Blood,\u201d answered the assayer. \u201cYou thinking of buying the mine now the hard work\u2019s been done?\u201d The assayer smiled as he asked the question.<\/p>\n Returning the smile, Adam said, \u201cDepends if Ira\u2019s willing to sell.\u201d He tipped his hat and exited the office. His fingers closed tightly around the nugget and he made the short walk to Roy\u2019s office.<\/p>\n Looking up from his desk, Roy said, \u201cWhy Adam. I hadn\u2019t expected you in town. Bad news about George, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sat on the corner of Roy\u2019s desk and placed the nugget in the sheriff\u2019s hand. \u201cRoy, if I said I could prove Ira killed George, would you believe me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a mighty strong accusation,\u201d said Roy. \u201cYou better have solid proof. I ain\u2019t about to let you go off half-cocked like you did that time you accused Bill Enders of killing Toby Barker.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam crossed his arms over his chest and looked at the floor. He chewed on his lower lip as he thought. \u201cIt\u2019s not solid proof, but it\u2019ll be proof.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy shook his head and stood, leaning over the desk to support his weight. \u201cWhat is that supposed to mean? Folks expect me to solve crimes, not riddles.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome over to the Bucket of Blood. You\u2019ll have to see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, if this is another wild goose chase . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not,\u201d Adam said as he clasped Roy\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n The two men stepped outside as Hoss reined the horse to a stop.<\/p>\n \u201cMorning, Ben. Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMornin\u2019, Roy,\u201d answered Hoss as he tied the horse to the rail.<\/p>\n Ben guided his friend to the sheriff and said, \u201cThis is an old friend, Paschal Randolph. He\u2019s a medium.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy\u2019s mustache practically twitched as he clasped his hands behind his back. \u201cI won\u2019t have anyone making a mockery of the law. Not even you, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo one\u2019s mocking anything,\u201d said Adam. \u201cLet\u2019s go on over to the Bucket of Blood.”<\/p>\n The five men entered the saloon and Roy went over to the bar while the others found a table.<\/p>\n \u201cIf it isn\u2019t the man who talked to Cosmo\u2019s mother,\u201d said a burly miner. The saloon erupted into laughter as Cosmo\u2019s face reddened.<\/p>\n Ira continued to hold court, showing off the nugget. A saloon girl leaned against him, flattering him with her rapt attention.<\/p>\n \u201cI never thought we\u2019d strike it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo bad George can\u2019t share in it,\u201d Adam said loudly.<\/p>\n Ira\u2019s smile faded at the mention of his late partner\u2019s name. He plucked his hat from his head and placed it over his heart. \u201cI sure hope George found riches in Heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n A chorus of \u201cAmen,\u201d followed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you join us?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cPa\u2019d enjoy hearing about your lucky strike.”<\/p>\n Ira smiled and shook his head. He said, \u201cThere\u2019s only four chairs at that table and they\u2019re all occupied.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll make room,\u201d assured Hoss. He scooted over as Adam retrieved a chair from another table. He placed it next to Paschal.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on and join us,\u201d said Adam with a wave of his hand.<\/p>\n Ira gripped the nugget protectively and made his way over to the table. He took the empty seat and glanced nervously from face to face.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I see that nugget?\u201d asked Ben, stretching forth a hand.<\/p>\n Reluctantly, Ira gently placed the nugget in Ben\u2019s palm.<\/p>\n Ben turned it back and forth, admiring the way it gleamed in the light.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks a lot like yours, Adam\u201d said Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cSo it does,\u201d said Adam as he placed his nugget on the table.<\/p>\n Before Ira could grab his treasure from Ben, Hoss snatched Ira\u2019s hand in his beefy one. Panic in his eyes, Ira\u2019s lips twitched as he tried to pull away from Hoss\u2019 grip.<\/p>\n Paschal grabbed the other and said, \u201cPlease join hands.\u201d<\/p>\n The Cartwrights obeyed the request. Ira struggled to free himself.<\/p>\n Closing his eyes and slowing his breathing, Paschal said in a stage whisper, \u201cGeorge. Tell us what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n The saloon was so quiet the jangle of harnesses carried in from the street. Everyone leaned forward, awaiting George\u2019s response. Roy shifted his weight and crossed his arms over his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d Paschal asked. \u201cWhy did you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t do nothin\u2019!\u201d said Ira in panic.<\/p>\n Hoss gripped the man\u2019s hand tighter, grinding bones together.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve heard your lies,\u201d Paschal said.<\/p>\n Ira shook his head. \u201cI told the truth, George. Honest! The mine caved in! I couldn\u2019t help you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell them, Ira,\u201d ordered Paschal. \u201cTell them what you did to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Sobs shook Ira\u2019s body as he struggled against his captors. Slick with sweat, his hand slid from Hoss\u2019 and Ira yanked the other away from the medium.\u201d<\/p>\n Paschal\u2019s head snapped back and a howl burst forth from his parted lips. The sound began low and rose in pitch and volume much like a wolf\u2019s.<\/p>\n Men pressed against the walls and bar as the eerie cry faded. Saloon girls held onto customers for protection.<\/p>\n Ira stumbled against an empty chair and yelled, \u201cMake it go away!\u201d He stretched forth his arms, waving his hands frantically. \u201cLeave me be, Hell dog!\u201d Ira fell to the floor, his hands clutching his throat. Pleas for mercy squeaked from his mouth. His body jerked as his mouth opened wide for a final gasp for air and then he laid still, horror fading in his open eyes.<\/p>\n Roy rushed over to Ira and pressed an ear against the man\u2019s chest. He then felt for a pulse. Slowly standing, he said, \u201cHe\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/p>\n Paschal hung his head, chest heaving, taking in deep breaths.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you suppose killed him?\u201d asked Hoss, a large hand at the base of his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cA guilty conscience,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cOr plain old greed,\u201d added Ben, touching the nugget.<\/p>\n The End <\/p>\n *<\/p>\n *<\/p>\n *<\/p>\n
\nOctober 2012<\/p>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>20 Jan 2013 01:28 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Fool’s Gold\u00a0Very creepy!\u00a0\u00a0 Nice tie-in with actual history, well done!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"star\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bonanzabrand.info\/efiction\/images\/star.gif?ssl=1\")
![\"half-star\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bonanzabrand.info\/efiction\/images\/starhalf.gif?ssl=1\")
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>07 Dec 2012 01:56 am\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Fool’s Gold\u00a0A very enjoyable tale that would have been an excellent episode, Patina! I particularly enjoyed the speech from Cosmo’s mother, and the reaction it stirred in the Saloon. You did a fine job of resolving the\u00a0question of Ira’s actions while leaving the supernatural element nicely ambiguous. Thank you so much!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>21 Nov 2012 11:24 am\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Fool’s GoldNice use of an historical character!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\u00a0[Report This<\/a>]
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>06 Nov 2012 12:33 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Fool’s Gold\u00a0Chilling story.\u00a0 I loved the ghost dog and the incorporation of a real medium from the era.\u00a0 Thanks<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>26 Oct 2012 08:51 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Fool’s Gold\u00a0Love the use of an actual medium of the time in this mesmerizing story!\u00a0 Roy would have liked the fact that the demise was “natural causes” and he didn’t have to write up a report on this one…;)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>24 Oct 2012 11:34 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Fool’s GoldWow, what an ending! And I love that you wove real history into this story. Thank you very much for sharing this creepy tale :0)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>21 Oct 2012 07:25 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Fool’s Gold\u00a0Awesome! Well done, patina!*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>21 Oct 2012 04:22 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Fool’s Gold\u00a0Creepy ladies for sure, P.\u00a0 Perfect for Halloween!
\nAuthor’s Response: Thanks, Pat!<\/i>*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nDate:\u00a0<\/span>21 Oct 2012 01:03 pm\u00a0Title:\u00a0<\/span>Fool’s Gold\u00a0Oooohhh, I like the ending to this one. (And I don’t want to spoil it so I won’t say exactly what I liked about it, but I was very satisfied!) A great spooky ghostly story. Wonderful!
\nAuthor’s Response: Thank you, gaerwn! Thanks for not including any spoilers. I’m very glad to know you enjoyed the ending.<\/i>*<\/div>\n<\/div>\n