Summary: \u00a0 \u00a0Hop Sing’s relatives are visiting … and Bradley Meredith and the Slade Brothers are in town.\u00a0 It’s shaping up to be a very interesting week for the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n
“The Lo Mein Affair” is the second story in the Bloodlines Series, and includes the addition of a non-cannon character.<\/p>\n
Rating \u00a0MA (92,780 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Bloodlines Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n Bloodlines<\/a> \n <\/p>\n The Lo Mein Affair<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cVirginia City, Folks,\u201d the stagecoach driver wearily announced, as he opened the door. \u201cWe leave for Carson City at three o\u2019clock sharp, soon as we change horses, \u2018n pick up the mail.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright leaned back heavily into his seat, and closed his eyes while the other passengers, seven in all, disembarked. He had spent ten days of the two weeks he was actually in San Francisco negotiating a contract with the railroad to supply lumber over the next three years. There was a lot of hard, intense, even down and dirty bargaining over terms, but in the end, he walked away with a very lucrative contract, worth a whopping fifty thousand dollars a year over the next three years.<\/p>\n The remaining four days were spent enjoying what a big city, like San Francisco, had to offer. He attended a piano recital given by Andrew Xavier, stage name for a very fine concert pianist Ben knew as Carleton. Afterward, he visited the pianist and his wife, the former Angela Drake [1] , herself a once renowned opera singer as well as old friend. He had also enjoyed visiting Julia Grant [2] backstage after catching a performance of her latest musical comedy venture.<\/p>\n Ben also looked up his old friend, Horace Banning and his wife, Deborah. He was gratified to learn that Horace had built an excellent career for himself as a reporter for the San Francisco Examiner. Their daughter, Melinda, had married the junior partner of an established, lucrative law firm several years before. They had three children, two boys and a girl. They were expecting their fourth, due any day. Deborah had also mellowed greatly in the intervening years since the Bannings had visited the Ponderosa. The financial stability now provided by her husband enabled her to let go of a lot of her manipulating ways. She also took great delight in her role as doting grandmother. [3]<\/p>\n Though he had enjoyed the plays, concerts, the fine dining, and visiting old friends, Ben Cartwright had missed his sons, daughter, and the Ponderosa very much. He stepped down from the Overland Stage, exhausted, but glad to stand at long last on the beauteous, solid terra firma of home after spending the last eight days of being bumped and jostled over roads still riddled with pot holes and ever deepening wheel ruts left in the wake of spring rains.<\/p>\n \u201cPA! HEY, PA! OVER HERE!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled upon hearing his daughter, Stacy\u2019s enthusiastic greeting. He glanced up and immediately spotted his two younger children, standing over next to the stage depot building smiling and waving. Without bothering to wait for his luggage, he beat a straight path toward Joe and Stacy, pausing only to side step around an elderly couple, both of whom had been fellow passengers. The minute he reached them, he grabbed both of them in a big affectionate bear hug.<\/p>\n \u201cGlad to have you back, Pa,\u201d Joe declared with a broad grin, as he returned his father\u2019s embrace with equal fervor and affection. \u201cA month is a long time!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTOO long!\u201d Stacy added, as she gave her father an affectionate squeeze around the waist. \u201cWe missed you, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben held Joe and Stacy for a moment longer, then, acting purely on impulse, planted a kiss on each forehead. \u201cI missed\u2014 \u201d he stopped abruptly mid-sentence. \u201cWait a minute! Stacy Rose Cartwright, I just realized . . . . \u201d He favored her with a suspicious frown. \u201cIsn\u2019t today a school day?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s SUPPOSED to be, but when I got there this morning? There was a notice on the door saying that there\u2019d be no school today because Miss Ashcroft is sick.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben knew by the earnest look on her face that she told the truth. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Miss Ashcroft\u2019s not feeling well,\u201d he said, smiling, \u201cbut at the same time I\u2019m glad you could be here with your brother . . . WITHOUT playing hooky.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe, too, Pa,\u201d Stacy agreed wholeheartedly, \u201calthough I don\u2019t think Miss Ashcroft would\u2019ve minded me playing hooky to come meet you in the least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d A bewildered frown creased Stacy\u2019s otherwise smooth brow. \u201cIt seems I\u2019ve suddenly become the teacher\u2019s pet, starting about a week or so AFTER you left for San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou?!\u201d Joe chortled in complete and utter disbelief.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t believe it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat makes TWO of us, Grandpa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat gives you the idea that you\u2019ve suddenly become the teacher\u2019s pet, Young Woman?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, to begin with, I\u2019m suddenly making all A\u2019s and B\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you considered the possibility that maybe . . . just maybe . . . your school work\u2019s improved?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cIf it HAS, Pa, I sure, for the life of me, don\u2019t see HOW!\u201d Stacy replied with a helpless shrug.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Miss Ashcroft and I are long overdue for that parent-teacher conference,\u201d Ben mused thoughtfully. \u201cI\u2019ll ride in with you to school tomorrow morning and see her about scheduling it. Maybe she\u2019ll be able to shed some light on things when I actually sit down and talk to her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh oh! If you\u2019ve done anything naughty at school, you\u2019d better \u2018fess up NOW, Little Sister,\u201d Joe teased, \u201c \u2018cause if Pa finds out first from Miss Ashcroft . . . . \u201d He rolled his eyes upward toward the heavens, while leaving the sentence lying ominously unfinished.<\/p>\n \u201cFor YOUR information, Grandpa, Pa is fully up to date on all my naughty doings for the school year,\u201d Stacy retorted, favoring her brother with a dark, murderous glare.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPositive?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely!\u201d Stacy sighed. \u201cThere\u2019s other stuff, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike what?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cLately, Miss Ashcroft seems to be calling on ME for the special things she usually calls on Molly or Liam to do,\u201d Stacy continued, \u201cand every time she does? Molly, Liam, Susannah . . . and all the other kids my age give me this strange, knowing kind of a look. Sometimes, it gets a little creepy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure there\u2019s a very plausible explanation for all this,\u201d Ben said reassuringly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever it is, Pa, I\u2019d be interested in finding out what it is myself,\u201d Joe declared with an impish grin.<\/p>\n \u201cGrandpa, did anyone ever tell you that you\u2019re incredibly nosy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re calling ME nosy?!\u201d Joe echoed incredulously. \u201cIsn\u2019t that a little like the pot calling the kettle black?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy, unable to quite hold back the amused grin, stuck out her tongue.<\/p>\n Joe immediately responded in kind.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, CHILDREN, settle down!\u201d Ben admonished his youngest offspring with a smile. \u201cTell you what! Why don\u2019t we collect my luggage, and stop by the Silver Dollar on the way home for a couple of beers and a root beer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds good to me, Pa,\u201d Stacy readily agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cMe, too,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cTell you what? As a welcome home for Pa, all drinks are on ME.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBen Cartwright! Long time no see, you sly ol\u2019 rascal! What\u2019ll ya have?\u201d Sam, the bartender at the Silver Dollar greeted the Cartwright clan patriarch with a broad grin, as he, Joe, and Stacy entered the saloon.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have a b-beer,\u201d Ben stammered, taken completely aback by Sam\u2019s odd greeting.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter all this time o\u2019 holdin\u2019 out, I honest and truly never, not in a million years, EVER thought I\u2019d see the day,\u201d Sam murmured shaking his head in absolute wonder and delight. He finished filling a clean mug and set it on the bar in front of Ben. \u201cY\u2019 ol\u2019 rascal! That ol\u2019 goat, Myra Danvers . . . I hear tell SHE\u2019S fit to be tied over this whole business.\u201d<\/p>\n The scowl, already present on Ben\u2019s face, deepened. \u201cSam, WHAT are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, yeah! Ya still wanna keep things quiet!\u201d Sam declared with a wink. \u201cJoe, what\u2019re YOU having?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI, uhhh . . . I . . . guess I\u2019ll have a beer also,\u201d Joe replied, equally perplexed by the odd exchange between the bartender and his father.<\/p>\n \u201cSo! What do the two of you think about . . . . \u201d Sam grinned and winked as he placed a full mug of beer down in front of Joe.<\/p>\n Joe and Stacy exchanged puzzled glances. \u201c . . . er, uhh . . . what do we think about what?\u201d the former asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I get it! The two of YOU \u2018n Hoss\u2019re keeping mum, too,\u201d Sam chuckled and winked again. \u201cYou havin\u2019 your usual, Stacy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n Sam placed a mug of cold root beer down in front of Stacy, while waving away Joe\u2019s attempt to pay for their drinks. \u201cCartwright money\u2019s no good in here today, Folks,\u201d the bartender declared. \u201cAll drinks are on the house.\u201d He winked at Ben again, then moved off to serve a couple of other customers who had just walked in.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe ventured, as he replaced his wallet back in the inside pocket of his green jacket.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you mind cluing Stacy and me in on . . . whatever it is Sam\u2019s talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d love to . . . if only some kind soul would clue ME in,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n \u201cHell-lloooo, Joe,\u201d Laurie Lee Bonner greeted the youngest Cartwright in a low, sultry voice and a sly wink. \u201cBuy me a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged. \u201cSure, I guess . . . why not?\u201d He turned and hesitantly signaled for the bartender.<\/p>\n Sam responded immediately. \u201cWhat can I do for you, Joe? Another beer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, this time, I\u2019m buying the lady here a drink.\u201d Joe nodded toward Laurie Lee Bonner, standing beside him. \u201cWhat would you like?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have a beer.\u201d<\/p>\n Sam immediately drew the beer and set the mug down in front of Laurie Lee. \u201cYou crazy kids behave yourselves, y\u2019 hear?\u201d he exhorted Joe and the barmaid with a big, wide knowing grin.<\/p>\n Laurie took a sip from the beer mug sitting in front of her. \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Laurie Lee?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just wanted to let you know I had a wonderful time last night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-You did?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes,\u201d Laurie Lee sighed with a beatific smile on her face. \u201cJoe, I . . . well, I had no idea! No idea at all!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cN-no idea . . . about WHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSilly Man! Always kidding!\u201d Her smile broadened as she kissed the tip of her index finger and placed it gently against his lips. \u201cWill I see you again tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up at the willow reed slim barmaid through eyes round with shock. \u201cI . . . I, well, I . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Laurie Lee glanced over at Ben and Stacy, both quietly sipping beer and root beer respectively. \u201cI understand,\u201d she murmured knowingly. \u201cUntil NEXT time, My Darling.\u201d With that, she turned and sauntered off, swaying her hips provocatively. Joe stood, as if rooted to the spot, staring after her retreating back, open mouthed with shock.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, would you mind telling me what THAT was all about?\u201d Ben demanded, favoring his son with a dark scowl.<\/p>\n Stacy was about to add that she would be very interested in knowing herself, but the fierce look on her father\u2019s face gave her due cause to rethink the matter.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, honest! I have NO IDEA what that was all about! No idea at all! I-I\u2019ll swear on a whole stack of Bibles if you\u2019d like . . . . \u201d Joe stammered.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Ben!\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced over toward the door, from whence the voice issued. His lawyer, and good friend, Lucas Milburn was stepping through the front door of the saloon. \u201cGood afternoon, Lucas . . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou old dog!\u201d the lawyer chuckled, and winked.<\/p>\n \u201cLucas, may I ask you a question?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Ben, feel free?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I understand, you want to keep things quiet, Ben, but . . . . \u201d Lucas shrugged. \u201cFrankly, I can\u2019t see the point any longer. Everyone seems to know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKnow WHAT?\u201d Ben demanded, his ire rising.<\/p>\n \u201cOK, Ben, I\u2019ll play it YOUR way,\u201d Lucas chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cPlay WHAT my way?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSsshhh! Mum\u2019s the word!\u201d Lucas lowered his voice to barely above a whisper, then winked.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know about the two of you, but I think I\u2019m ready to go home,\u201d Joe said, casting a nervous glance in Laurie Lee\u2019s direction. She winked back and blew him a kiss.<\/p>\n Stacy drained the last remaining swallow of root beer from her own mug. \u201cI\u2019m with you, Grandpa. This is getting to be too much like those creepy moments I keep having in school,\u201d she declared with a shudder, as she set her mug back down on the bar.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m ready, too,\u201d Ben declared with an emphatic nod of his head, making the vote unanimous.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI stopped by the store earlier to get the stuff on Hop Sing\u2019s list, and I\u2019ve also picked up the mail,\u201d Joe said. \u201cAfter Stacy returns from the Livery Stable with Blaze Face, we can head for home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood!\u201d Ben exhaled a heartfelt sigh of relief. \u201cI trust Hop Sing\u2019s relatives arrived safely?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDay before yesterday,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cHis sister and brother-in-law, Li Mei-Ling and Li Hsing, are upstairs in Adam\u2019s old room. His niece, Li Yin-Ling, is bunking with Stacy, his nephew, Li Xing is in the back with Hop Sing, and Mrs. Li, Li Hsing\u2019s grandmother is in the downstairs guest room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. I hope everything goes well on Friday night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know it means a lot to Hop Sing and Mei-Ling, but . . . . \u201d he sighed and shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know about this business of arranging marriages, Pa. Frankly, I\u2019d rather pick out the lady with whom I\u2019m going to spend the rest of my life myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMake that lady a gentleman, and I\u2019m with YOU on that score, Grandpa.\u201d It was Stacy, with Blaze Face.<\/p>\n \u201cYou, ummm . . . don\u2019t have anybody specific in mind . . . do you?\u201d Ben asked warily.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I don\u2019t,\u201d Stacy shook her head. \u201cWhen I DO, Pa, I promise YOU\u2019LL be the first to know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m holding you to that, Young Woman,\u201d Ben said, half teasing and very much in earnest.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just that when I get married I want my husband to be somebody I love very much, who loves me in the same way,\u201d Stacy said thoughtfully, as she hitched Blaze Face to the back of the buckboard.<\/p>\n \u201cThis business of negotiating a marriage like . . . well, like YOU would a lumbering contract or some other business deal seems kinda cold to me, Pa,\u201d Joe said, as he climbed up into the buckboard seat and reached for the reigns.<\/p>\n \u201cI agree with both of you,\u201d Ben said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cBut?\u201d Joe prompted.<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you know there was a \u2018but\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomething in your tone of voice, Pa,\u201d Stacy replied.<\/p>\n \u201cI see. Well in THIS case the \u2018but\u2019 is this. The pair of YOU and your older brothers have all grown up in a new country that places high value on such things as individual rights . . . like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,\u201d Ben said quietly. \u201cFurthermore, all four of you have had the good fortune, I think, of growing up here on the frontier of that same new country, where you\u2019ve been able to enjoy a greater measure of freedom and independence than a lot of young men and women your age do in the big cities back east.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing and his family, on the other hand come from a place that values a certain respect of elders, dignity, and honor, especially family honor, over and above the rights of the individual,\u201d Ben continued. \u201cHop Sing once told me that his brother-in-law\u2019s family members were once wealthy, powerful aristocrats, very highly respected and honored. Though the Li family lost most of their wealth in recent years, they\u2019re still considered a noble, and honorable family. They command a lot of respect, despite being impoverished.<\/p>\n \u201cAs I understand things, the family Yin-Ling will be marrying into is what we sometimes refer to as \u2018nouveau riche.\u2019 They\u2019ve acquired their fortune in recent years, in much the same way we have . . . through lots and lots of hard work. Though they have wealth, they have none of the honor and respect that the Li family has enjoyed for many years, possibly for many centuries.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo if Yin-Ling marries this guy, her family comes into some money, and his becomes connected to the honor and respect of her family,\u201d Joe said slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cYin-Ling\u2019s family also has the assurance that she and her children will be well provided for,\u201d Ben added. \u201cThat\u2019s a very important factor in negotiating this marriage, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I can understand a little of where they\u2019re coming from, but I sure as shootin\u2019 wouldn\u2019t want to be in the shoes of the bridegroom,\u201d Joe said with a shudder. \u201cSpeaking for myself, I definitely prefer OUR way of doing things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike I said before, I\u2019m with YOU, Grandpa,\u201d Stacy said with an emphatic nod of her head. \u201cPa, I\u2019ve got Blaze Face secure to the back of the buckboard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood! Up you go, Young Woman!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned and found himself staring into the angry face of Eloise Kirk, whose daughter ran the establishment known as Kirk\u2019s Hostelry. \u201cGood afternoon, Mrs. Kirk. What can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou, Mister Cartwright, plain and simply ought to be ashamed of yourself! Do you hear? ASHAMED!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Kirk, I don\u2019t understand. What\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey say there\u2019s no fool like an old fool, but after all these years of . . . well, let\u2019s just say I\u2019d come to think better of YOU than most.\u201d Eloise sighed and shook her head. \u201cI\u2019m disappointed in you, Mister Cartwright, very disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Kirk, would you mind telling me\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood day, Mister Cartwright!\u201d Eloise rudely cut him off in a tone that dripped icicles, then turned heel and flounced back across the street.<\/p>\n \u201cBenjamin, don\u2019t listen to that old crow!\u201d It was the widow, Clementine Hawkins. [4] Retired from vaudeville and the boarding house business, she was a wealthy lady of leisure, after having sold not only her boarding house but an enormous emerald, known as \u201cThe Burma Rarity.\u201d These days, her permanent address was a posh suite at the International Hotel.<\/p>\n \u201cGood afternoon, Mrs. Hawkins,\u201d Joe greeted her with that dazzling smile guaranteed to melt butter on the sidewalk even in the dead of winter.<\/p>\n \u201cGood afternoon, Ducky!\u201d she returned Joe\u2019s greeting with a smile of her own and an affectionate pinch on his cheek. \u201cCoo! Stacy Luv, good afternoon to you, too!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Mrs. Hawkins!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMa\u2019am, what did you mean just now when you told Pa not to listen to that old crow?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cCoo! That pickle faced old prune! I swear, Ducks! She was born an old maid and she\u2019s gonna some day DIE an old maid, you mark my words.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?!\u201d Joe stared down at the diminutive curly haired woman, whose locks were a shade of orange reddish lavender, not normally occurring in nature. \u201cWhaddya mean Mrs. Kirk\u2019s an old maid?! She WAS married, and she\u2019s got a daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph Luv, it\u2019s all up here!\u201d Clementine declared tapping on her right temple gently with her first two fingers extended. \u201cSome ladies remain old maids up here,\u201d again, she tapped her temple twice, \u201ceven if they was t\u2019 marry eight times and have ten children.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Hawkins, and you, too Joseph Francis! I\u2019d appreciate you not talking about . . . well, about things like that with Stacy in earshot,\u201d Ben growled at both sotto voce.<\/p>\n Clementine laughed with genuine mirth. \u201cCoo! What THAT child\u2019s no doubt learned from bein\u2019 around all those horses \u2018n cows . . . well she could probably educate ME on a few of the finer points, if y\u2019 get what I mean, Ducky?\u201d She gave Ben a playful elbow jab to the stomach.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Hawkins, about this business of not listening to Mrs. Kirk\u2014 \u201d Joe began.<\/p>\n \u201cCoo! I\u2019ve got to run along!\u201d Clementine gasped. \u201cJolly good talking to you, Duckies! Toodles!\u201d With that, she was gone.<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Ben! Long time no see!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Roy!\u201d Ben greeted the sheriff of Virginia City with a weary smile.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019ve y\u2019 been keepin\u2019 yourself . . . as if I didn\u2019t know?\u201d Roy queried with a sly grin.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll bite, Roy,\u201d Ben said with a touch of annoyance. \u201cEnlighten me! Where HAVE I been keeping myself?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs if you didn\u2019t know, You Sly ol\u2019 Son of a B\u2014oops!\u201d Roy spotted Stacy standing next to Ben in the bare nick of time to stop himself from uttering something that, in his mind, should never be uttered in the presence of someone of the female persuasion. Smiling, he immediately lowered his voice. \u201cYou go f\u2019r it, Ben! If anyone in this whole wide world deserves it, you sure as shootin\u2019 do!\u201d He slapped Ben heartily on the back, winked, then ambled on down toward his office.<\/p>\n \u201cTHERE you are!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe, Stacy, and Ben turned, and found themselves suddenly staring into the face of Lilly Beth Jared, the current love of Joe\u2019s life, contorted with raw fury.<\/p>\n \u201cL-Lilly Beth . . . ?!\u201d Joe stammered, taking an involuntary step backward.<\/p>\n \u201cYou no good, lousy, rotten, slimy, two timing slug!\u201d Lilly Beth snarled, bringing the full force of her wrath to bear on Joe Cartwright. \u201cHow DARE you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhoa! Back up a minute, willya?!,\u201d Joe stammered, taking another step backward.<\/p>\n \u201cNo body two times ME and gets away with it! Especially NOT with a SLUT like Laurie Lee Bonner!\u201d With that, Lilly Beth lashed out with the deadly swiftness of a rattler, striking Joe\u2019s face with all the power and strength generated by her all consuming fury. The force of her blow sent him reeling backwards into his father and his sister. Had Ben not blindly grasped the edge of the buckboard, all three of them would have been knocked to the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cHEY! WHAT\u2019S THAT FOR?\u201d Joe demanded, shocked and outraged.<\/p>\n \u201cTHAT\u2019S for last night!\u201d Lilly Beth snarled, glaring at the hapless Joe Cartwright with a look meant to kill. With that, she furiously tossed her head and continued on her way.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph?!\u201d Ben demanded with a baleful glare, as he and Stacy helped set Joe back on his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cI-I . . . I don\u2019t know, Pa! Honest! I swear! I . . . don\u2019t know!\u201d Joe stammered, his hazel eyes round with complete and utter astonishment.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, we were all HOME last night,\u201d Stacy said, favoring Lilly Beth Jared\u2019s retreating back with a bewildered frown. \u201cBetween Hoss and me training the horses, and Joe breaking \u2018em in . . . we were all pretty well done in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI went to bed right after supper,\u201d Joe insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cHe actually fell asleep about halfway THROUGH supper, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and we have house guests! We couldn\u2019t very well go into town and leave Hop Sing\u2019s relatives alone. That would\u2019ve been very rude!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you don\u2019t believe US, you can ask Hop Sing where we were last night when we get home!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, settle down, Both of You,\u201d Ben sighed. \u201cI believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n The profound look of relief that came to Joe\u2019s face was almost comical.<\/p>\n Smiling, Ben placed his arms around Joe and Stacy\u2019s shoulders. \u201cWhat say we head for home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds real good to ME, Pa,\u201d Joe said, with an emphatic nod.<\/p>\n \u201cMe, too,\u201d Stacy agreed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss examined the knee of Chubb\u2019s right front leg, smiling with great satisfaction. With a grunt, he straightened, gently turning to the left, then the right, to stretch and limber up those aching lower back muscles. \u201cWell, Boy, neither one of us is as young as we used t\u2019 be,\u201d he said, rubbing the side of his horse\u2019s neck fondly.<\/p>\n Chubb snorted softly, then turned to munch on the fresh hay Hoss had just given him.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like that poultice Hop Sing whipped up \u2018s worked for ya,\u201d Hoss continued. \u201cThat swellin\u2019 \u2018s dang near gone. Another day o\u2019 rest, \u2018n you\u2019ll be good as new.\u201d His smile broadened. \u201cMaybe even better.\u201d He gently stroked Chubb\u2019s left side, at the shoulder, ending with an affectionate pat. \u201cLemme getcha some fresh water.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss stepped out of Chubb\u2019s stall, closing the lower half of the door behind him. As he leaned over to pick up the water bucket, sitting just outside Chubb\u2019s stall, his ears picked up the sounds of horses and the buckboard. \u201cSounds like Li\u2019l Brother\u2019s just come home with Pa,\u201d he murmured. \u201cBe right back, Boy.\u201d<\/p>\n The buckboard, driven by his younger brother, Joe, pulled into the yard just as Hoss was stepping out of the barn. Pa sat on the passengers\u2019 side of the buckboard seat, with Stacy comfortably sandwiched in the middle. Blaze Face, Stacy\u2019s horse, trotted behind, tethered to the back of the buckboard.<\/p>\n \u201cWelcome back, Pa,\u201d Hoss greeted Ben with a broad grin and a wave.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Hoss. It\u2019s good to BE back!\u201d Ben declared as he alighted from the buckboard, returning his biggest son\u2019s smile with a warm, loving one of his own. He walked over and gave Hoss a big bear hug. His smile broadened as Hoss squeezed back with equal affection.<\/p>\n \u201cDidja get t\u2019 see that opera singer friend o\u2019 yours, Pa?\u201d He frowned. \u201cWhat was her name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAngela,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cand yes. I had supper with her and her husband, Carleton, after attending one of a whole series of piano recitals he\u2019s been giving all over San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah, Angela!\u201d Joe remembered with a wry smile. \u201cTell me something, Pa. Has she quieted down any since the last time we saw her?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u201cNot a bit, Son. If anything, she\u2019s more talkative than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n A horrified look passed over Joe\u2019s face, as he sarcastically rolled his eyes. \u201cPoor Carleton!\u201d he murmured with genuine heartfelt sympathy.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you feel one bit sorry for Carleton, Joe,\u201d Ben chuckled. \u201cHE doesn\u2019t mind in the least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?!\u201d Joe looked over at his father, astonished and perplexed, then shook his head. \u201cWow! Some guys are real gluttons for punishment!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least she has interesting stories to tell,\u201d Ben pointed out.<\/p>\n \u201cUntil she starts repeating herself,\u201d Joe returned with out missing a beat. He, then, turned his attention to Hoss. \u201cYou want to give me a hand with those trunks, Big Brother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s just set \u2018em on the porch for now,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cI\u2019ll help ya lug \u2018em up t\u2019 Pa\u2019s room AFTER, I see t\u2019 the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess I\u2019d best get inside and meet Hop Sing\u2019s relatives,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI\u2019d better take the briefcase in with me, but you can leave the two small bags on the porch with the larger ones.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere\u2019s your briefcase, Pa.\u201d Stacy reached into the back of the buckboard and retrieved it. \u201cI\u2019ll be in, soon as I take care of Blaze Face.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Li\u2019l Sister, what\u2019re YOU doin\u2019 here?\u201d Hoss demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cI LIVE here, Big Brother, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSmart aleck!\u201d Hoss growled back affectionately. \u201cI MEANT what\u2019re y\u2019 doin\u2019 HERE, when y\u2019 oughtta be in school?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft took sick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been thinkin\u2019, Hoss . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally, Grandpa?\u201d Stacy quipped. \u201cI guess the strain\u2019s what\u2019s given you all those new gray hairs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s it! Right after supper, I\u2019m gonna sit down with Pa and have a real nice long talk with him about his daughter\u2019s terrible lack of respect for her elders,\u201d Joe countered with mock severity. \u201cIn the meantime . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn the meantime . . . . WHAT?\u201d Stacy demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the meantime, LITTLE Sister, I\u2019ve got a good mind to turn you right over my knee and spank you good!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah! You and WHAT army?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled, as the teasing banter between his three younger offspring, along with their easy laughter, echoed in his ears. He had thoroughly enjoyed seeing, and catching up with old friends in San Francisco. But nothing would ever compare to the joy of seeing the faces of his sons and daughter, hearing their voices and their laughter, or feeling their arms around him in a great big bear hug. Half way between the barn and the house, he stopped and turned.<\/p>\n \u201cThe three of you can be as high spirited as you want to OUT here, just so long as you get your chores done.\u201d His tone was stern, but his dark eyes sparkled with merriment, a fact not lost on the sons and daughter standing before him. \u201cBut the minute you step inside that house, I expect you to behave like half way civilized human beings, and NOT disgrace me in front of Hop Sing\u2019s relatives. Understood?\u201d<\/p>\n A chorus of \u2018yes, Sir,\u2019 and \u2018understood, Pa,\u2019 followed from voices a touch too solemn, issuing from faces too earnest.<\/p>\n Ben smiled. \u201cGood! I\u2019ll see you later inside.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, welcome home,\u201d Hop Sing greeted him with warmly as he stepped through the front door. \u201cGlad you back. Hop Sing present honorable relatives.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Hop Sing, it\u2019s good to be home,\u201d Ben declared as he set his briefcase down on the floor next to the large grandfather\u2019s clock standing next to the front door. \u201cI\u2019m most anxious to meet your honorable relatives.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben followed Hop Sing over to the fireplace, where an elderly Chinese woman, with a stern face, sharp black eyes, and iron gray hair occupied the red leather chair. Three others stood close together, tightly clustered about the chair.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, you remember Hop Sing\u2019s sister, Li Mei-Ling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Hop Sing, I remember Mrs. Li Mei-Ling VERY well, with fondness,\u201d Ben said, offering the elder of the two women standing stiffly behind the chair, a warm, ingratiating smile. Aged in her early forties, the deeply etched lines of her weary, careworn face, lent her the appearance of someone much older.<\/p>\n Mei-Ling, her shoulders and head bowed, eyes deferentially lowered, stepped out from behind the red leather chair. \u201cMei-Ling honored Mister Cartwright remember her so well,\u201d she acknowledged the introduction softly. \u201cMei-Ling also remember Mister Cartwright well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI, too, am honored, Mei-Ling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, this Li Hsing, honorable husband of Hop Sing\u2019s sister,\u201d Hop Sing politely nodded to the stern faced man, aged in somewhere between his late forties and early fifties, standing to the right of the elderly woman, still seated in the red leather chair.<\/p>\n Ben noted the strong resemblance in the faces of Li Hsing and the elderly woman. \u201cI am honored to make your acquaintance, Mister Li,\u201d he graciously acknowledged the introduction, then extended his hand. \u201cWelcome to the Ponderosa and to my home. I apologize for not being here to welcome you personally when you and your family first arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n Hsing accepted Ben\u2019s extended hand and politely shook it. \u201cThank you, Mister Cartwright, honored to meet YOU. No apology necessary. Hop Sing and your very delightful sons and daughter make very welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, for my sons and my daughter, and for me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, this Yin-Ling,\u201d Hop Sing continued, nodding to the younger of the two women standing behind the red leather chair. \u201cShe daughter of Li Hsing and Mei-Ling.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben knew that Yin-Ling was a year older than his own daughter, possibly two. She stood quietly beside her mother, with head bowed, eyes respectfully averted. Slim and willowy, she had long, dark shining hair, plaited into a single braid that reached down to her waist, and a flawless golden complexion. Yin-Ling quietly, demurely moved out from behind the chair, keeping her head bowed and eyes riveted to the floor. \u201cI am greatly honored and most pleased to meet you, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Yin-Ling said demurely, her English flawless. \u201cThank you for your kindness and your hospitality.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am very pleased to meet YOU, Yin-Ling,\u201d Ben said quietly. \u201cYour graciousness adds much to the beauty of my home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for your kind compliment, Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLi Xing, Hop Sing\u2019s nephew not here,\u201d Hop Sing said, his face darkening with anger.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, Li Hsing humbly apologize for wayward son,\u201d Hsing murmured contritely.<\/p>\n Before Ben could respond to Hsing\u2019s apology, Hop Sing turned toward his brother-in-law and snapped out a short, clipped string of Chinese syllables. Hsing scowled, and responded with a terse single syllable. Mei-Ling quickly interposed herself between her brother and her husband, looking from one to the other as she spoke. Though Ben couldn\u2019t understand the words of her native tongue, the pleading in her voice came through very clearly.<\/p>\n Hop Sing glared at his brother-in-law, then took a deep breath in an attempt to compose himself. \u201cMister Cartwright, this Mrs. Li Yin-Kuan. She grandmother of Hop Sing\u2019s brother-in-law, and venerable head of honorable Li family.\u201d He, then, turned to the old woman and formally introduced her to Ben in Chinese.<\/p>\n The old woman glanced up, her black eyes meeting Ben\u2019s dark brown ones without flinching or looking away. She quietly spoke a few words in Chinese.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, Mrs. Li say she very pleased to meet you. She also thank you for very kind invitation to your home,\u201d Hop Sing deftly translated.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Hop Sing.\u201d Ben turned from Hop Sing to Yin-Kuan. \u201cMrs. Li, I am most honored and pleased to meet you and have the opportunity to become acquainted with you and your lovely family.\u201d He smiled. \u201cFor that, I thank YOU.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing solemnly translated, drawing a small, shy Mona Lisa smile from the old woman. She gestured for Ben to sit down on the settee, on the end closet to the chair she occupied, then turned to her son and daughter-in-law. A few brief words were exchanged between herself and Mei-Ling. Mei-Ling answered, then turned to her husband, speaking to him rapidly in Chinese. He nodded. The two of them bowed to the old woman, then turned and headed for the kitchen.<\/p>\n Hop Sing groaned. His normally robust complexion had gone completely gray.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing?\u201d Ben pressed, concerned. \u201cHop Sing, what\u2019s the matter? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVenerable Mrs. Li want Mister Cartwright to talk. Together. Back, forth,\u201d Hop Sing murmured dolefully. \u201cShe ask Hop Sing for to translate.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben favored his old friend with a bemused look. \u201cThat\u2019s all right, Hop Sing. I\u2019d like nothing better than to sit down and converse with Mrs. Li.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright not understand. Mrs. Li want Hop Sing make Chinese to English and back again to Chinese. Mrs. Li also want Mei-Ling and Hsing cook dinner so Hop Sing translate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see. You don\u2019t want Mei-Ling and Hsing in YOUR kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWorse than THAT, Mister Cartwright, much, much, MUCH worse!\u201d Hop Sing groaned. \u201cReason Hop Sing learn cooking . . . Mei-Ling LOUSY cook.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you think you\u2019re exaggerating things a mite?\u201d Ben asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. \u201cNo body can be THAT bad.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou see, Mister Cartwright! You see!\u201d Hop Sing promised darkly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStacy?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy glanced up sharply upon hearing her name, then smiled when she saw Hop Sing\u2019s young niece walking into the barn. \u201cOver here, Yin-Ling,\u201d she responded.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere! With Blaze Face!\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Ling carefully made her way across the barn floor, toward the stall occupied by Stacy\u2019s horse, a big bay gelding, with a rich reddish brown coat, black mane and tail, and a white stripe running down the length of his face. She spotted her roommate and newfound friend standing inside her horse\u2019s stall, giving him a vigorous brushing. \u201cYour honorable papa sent me out here to tell you that dinner will be ready very soon,\u201d she said, returning Stacy\u2019s smile.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. I\u2019ll be finished in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Ling leaned against the closed bottom door leading into Blaze Face\u2019s stall, watching Stacy brush him. \u201cYou care a lot about Blaze Face don\u2019t you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Stacy nodded. \u201cIt was love at first sight for both of us, I think, since Pa and Hoss let me watch him being born.\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Ling shuddered. Her hands flew to her mouth and her complexion lost a significant amount of its robust golden hue. \u201cY-Your papa actually allowed you to . . . to watch . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t as bad as all that,\u201d Stacy said kindly, her eyes misting at the memory. \u201cI thought it was pretty awesome watching a new life coming into the world. It was a real easy birth. All WE did was stand there and watch. A few minutes after he was born, Blaze Face was on his feet moving toward his mother . . . and breakfast. Guinevere . . . she\u2019s Blaze Face\u2019s mother . . . let Hoss come over and gently stroke his back, and amazingly . . . she let ME, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAmazingly?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded. \u201cGuinevere knew Hoss pretty well, and knew HE could be trusted not to hurt her baby, but she didn\u2019t know me at all when Blaze Face was born. Yet, she let me come over and touch him, too. When I did? He turned for a second and looked at me and . . . well, something clicked. I can\u2019t really explain it, except to say that we both knew that we belonged together. Pa and Hoss knew it, too. When we sat down to breakfast later on that morning, Pa told me that Blaze Face was mine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . remember a time when my family had horses,\u201d Yin-Ling said slowly. \u201cIt was a long time ago, and I was very, very young. I had a pony I named Buttercup. She was a golden color, like your father\u2019s Buck. She was sold when my family\u2019s fortunes changed. Perhaps . . . once I am married, I will once more have a horse of my own and be able to ride.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you met him yet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYan-Chou?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded.<\/p>\n Yin-Ling smiled. \u201cHe and I met in San Francisco last month, while his venerable grandparents and great uncle worked out terms of the marriage contract with my honorable great-grandmother and my parents. Much of our time together was strictly chaperoned, but . . . . \u201d A sly, impish smile slowly spread across her lips. \u201cYan-Chou and I managed to slip away from the prying eyes of great-grandmother, grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat . . . kind of man is he?\u201d Stacy asked, surprised by the mischievous delight sparking in Yin-Ling\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you asking me if I love him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I guess I am,\u201d Stacy admitted sheepishly.<\/p>\n \u201cThe answer is yes. I love Yan-Chou and know that he is the man I want very much to marry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAfter . . . after having only met him that one time?\u201d Stacy asked, incredulous.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the same with Yan-Chou and me as it was with you and Blaze Face. We looked at each other and knew that we belong together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was the same way when I first met Pa, Hoss, and Joe,\u201d Stacy said thoughtfully, as she finished brushing Blaze Face\u2019s coat. She patted her horse\u2019s rear flank affectionately, and then started cleaning the old hay from his feeding trough. \u201cWe had no idea in the world then, that we were family, by blood, but we sure knew that we belonged together.\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Ling\u2019s smile broadened. \u201cI am glad you, your papa, and your brothers found each other.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Yin-Ling. I am, too. I also hope you and Yan-Chou will be very happy together.\u201d Stacy gave Blaze Face fresh hay to eat, and plenty of fresh straw for the bottom of the stall. \u201cWill the wedding take place on Friday night?\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Ling shook her head regretfully. \u201cThat won\u2019t happen for another year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWow! A whole YEAR?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe time will pass very quickly, Stacy. We . . . my family and I . . . will have many preparations to make for a traditional Chinese wedding. I will be very busy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Little Sister . . . and you, too, Yin-Ling! Better shake a leg!\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy and Yin-Ling both turned their heads toward the open barn door, where they saw Joe Cartwright stepping over the threshold.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing says dinner\u2019ll be ready in two minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou two go on ahead,\u201d Stacy replied. \u201cI\u2019ll be in as soon as I give Blaze Face some fresh water and wash up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDinner serve,\u201d Mei-Ling announced with a proud smile, as she moved through the door between dining room and kitchen. \u201cMei-Ling make roast beef.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRoast beef,\u201d Hoss echoed, licking his chops in anticipation. \u201cMy favorite.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cANYTHING having to do with food is your favorite, Big Brother,\u201d Joe quipped, with a playful elbow jab to Hoss\u2019 side.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph Francis . . . . \u201d Ben growled in warning, his eyes moving to Mrs. Li, seated at the foot of the table.<\/p>\n Joe swallowed nervously and immediately sat up with poker straight posture.<\/p>\n \u201cI sit beef here,\u201d Mei-Ling said, as she placed the serving tray in front of Ben. \u201cMister Cartwright head of house. He cut.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 face fell the minute he laid eyes upon the shriveled hunk of meat, charred black, sitting in the center of the platter. Joe and Stacy tried hard to hide their own dismay, as did Yin-Ling, seated between Stacy and her own father, Li-Hsing. None could claim any degree of success in this endeavor. Ben made a point of focusing his eyes on the cutlery, wholly ignoring the disdainful \u2018I-told-you-so\u2019 look from Hop Sing. The only ones at the table who seemed not to notice how the roast had turned out were the \u2018chef\u2019s\u2019 husband, Li-Hsing and his venerable grandmother.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, Everyone . . . please! Pass your plates forward,\u201d Ben invited with much reluctance.<\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d Hoss whispered. Ben duly noted that his biggest son\u2019s eyes were unusually bright and that his lower lip quivered slightly. \u201cPa, you can\u2019t . . . that roast is burned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s probably just burned on the OUTSIDE,\u201d Ben whispered back. \u201cCut away the outer hull, you\u2019ll probably find that it\u2019s perfectly edible on the INSIDE, if a little well done.\u201d A moment later, the Cartwright clan patriarch found, much to his horror and chagrin, that he was completely wrong on both counts. Just under the charred outside, the meat was bright red and very cool to the touch.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, may I please b-be excused?\u201d Hoss asked, his voice unsteady.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Ben hissed back, sotto voce. \u201cYou can sit there and suffer with the REST of us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDadburn it, Pa . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n This drew a sharp glare from his father.<\/p>\n Hoss exhaled a long, melancholy sigh. \u201cYessir,\u201d he murmured, sorely missing those by-gone years in which the family had briefly owned a dog.<\/p>\n \u201cMashed potato,\u201d Mei-Ling blithely announced as she reappeared again from the kitchen, \u201cand biscuits Mei-Ling make from scratch.\u201d She placed the former in the center of the table between her husband and her brother, and the latter next to Joe.<\/p>\n Stacy bit down on her lower lip hard, so not to noticeably grimace as Hsing stoically spooned out a generous portion of what appeared to be potato soup, for himself first, then for his grandmother. The dismayed look on Yin-Ling\u2019s face and the sarcastic roll of Hop Sing\u2019s dark eyes with accompanying sigh of much long suffering gave lie to the concept of inscrutable Oriental. Hoss picked up his napkin and began to dab at his eyes, when Joe took a biscuit from the breadbasket and dropped it onto his plate with a loud clatter.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Hoss!\u201d Mei-Ling exclaimed in surprise upon returning again to the dining room with a gravy boat filled with a congealed, solid mass balanced in one hand and a plate of cremated pancakes carefully balanced in the other. \u201cWhat matter with Mister Hoss? Mister Hoss got eye trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAllergies!\u201d Joe and Stacy chorused together in perfect unison.<\/p>\n Down at the other end of the table, Hop Sing muttered something wholly unintelligible.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that, Hop Sing?\u201d Ben demanded with a bewildered frown.<\/p>\n \u201cIrish \u2018complimentary\u2019 words,\u201d Hop Sing retorted with a complacent smile. \u201cHop Sing learn long, long time, many, many years ago from father of Joe friend, Missy Lotus O\u2019Toole.\u201d<\/p>\n At the far end of the table, Yin-Kuan glanced up, her dark brown, nearly coal black eyes meeting and holding Ben\u2019s. She uttered a few words in Chinese, as she deftly spooned up a generous portion of liquid \u2018mashed potatoes\u2019 mixed with the gelatinous gravy, then turned expectantly toward Hop Sing, seated at the table on her right.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Li ask Mister Cartwright if he arrange for bank to send jade statues . . . bride price to family of groom when he in San Francisco,\u201d Hop Sing ably translated.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I did,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cThey will arrive in Virginia City tomorrow afternoon on the four o\u2019clock stage. Three jade statues. Sun, Moon, and Mercy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMoon is Chang-O, Sun Hou-Yi,\u201d Hsing explained. \u201cLovers, husband and wife, only come together one time a year, when Chinese have moon festival. That why full moon most beautiful then. Chang-O meet husband and lover, Hou-Yi.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChang-O take pity on lovers, on husband and wife, most \u2018specially when they apart,\u201d Mei-Ling added, as she gamely sawed into one of the three rock hard biscuits sitting on the edge of her plate.<\/p>\n \u201cStatues bring chi energy of Chang-O, Hou-Yi, and Kuan-Yin . . . she Goddess of Mercy . . . to bless marriage of Yin-Ling and Yan-Chou,\u201d Hsing added. \u201cJade statues very old. Carved by Yang Wei-Chu, much renowned artist many, many years ago. Li-Hsing venerable great grandmother once say Yang Wei-Chu give to Li Family as gift.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d Ben murmured, visibly impressed.<\/p>\n This prompted a question from Yin-Kuan.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Li ask if you know work of Yang Wei-Chu, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Hop Sing translated.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve seen his work in the art museum in San Francisco,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cIn fact, I had the pleasure of attending a special exhibition of his work when I was there two years ago on business. Yang Wei-Chu\u2019s jade pieces are nothing less than exquisite, with all that fine detail work. Apart from that, however, I\u2019m afraid I can\u2019t claim any degree of being knowledgeable.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing immediately translated Ben\u2019s words into Chinese, prompting a reply from the venerable old woman seated between at the other end of the table.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Li say jade statues last of Li Family treasure,\u201d Hop Sing translated with a touch of sadness. \u201cBride price to groom. Of course will stay in Li Family pass down to Yin-Ling children and grandchildren.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s words prompted a dark, angry glare from Li-Hsing. \u201cThat wrong. That very, very, VERY wrong!\u201d he exclaimed heatedly. \u201cJade statues pass down father to son to HIS son over many, many generations since Yang Wei-Chu make, give to Li Family. Jade statues should pass to XING, not Yin-Ling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Li RIGHT make statues bride price,\u201d Hop Sing growled back. \u201cXing no good. If HE get statues, he SELL statues to highest bidder.\u201d<\/p>\n Hsing responded with a long string of terse, clipped Chinese syllables.<\/p>\n Hop Sing blanched, but yet found the wherewithal to respond in kind.<\/p>\n Yin-Kuan immediately neatly nipped the argument in the bud with a short, terse syllable, spoken very softly, yet delivered with a ferocious scowl, leveled first at her own grandson, then at Hop Sing. The two men lapsed into a sullen silence.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Everyone, EAT!\u201d Mei-Ling urged. \u201cMei-Ling slave over very hot stove, make delicious dinner. Eat!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI, uhh . . . I\u2019m not feeling very well,\u201d Joe said in a small voice. That was the pure unvarnished truth, too, or would be if he looked at the results of Mei-Ling\u2019s cooking long enough.<\/p>\n Ben studied his youngest son with a jaundiced eye. Joe\u2019s face DID appear to be a shade or two paler than normal. His face lost even more color when his eyes fell on Hsing eating the food on his plate with gusto.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I think Li\u2019l Brother here needs some fresh air,\u201d Hoss said quickly. \u201cLots, \u2018n lots, \u2018n lots o\u2019 good fresh clean air.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Hoss, take him on outside,\u201d Ben agreed. A few moments later, he was surprised to hear the sound of horse hooves leaving the yard outside at a fast gallop.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter with you, Big Brother?\u201d Joe demanded. \u201cYou suddenly take sick of something?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Hoss sighed, as he stared dejectedly into a glass of beer, virtually untouched.<\/p>\n The Cartwright brothers were now seated together at the Silver Dollar Saloon, at one of the tables in the very back. Less than an hour before, they, rather Joe, had just polished off a big dinner at the International Hotel\u2019s fine restaurant, of crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes with chicken gravy, green beans slow cooked with bacon in a savory cream sauce, light and fluffy biscuits made by Gretchen Braun herself from an old, time honored family recipe, with generous portions of butter and jam, and coffee. All they could drink. Dessert was apple pie, another specialty of the proprietor, Gretchen Braun. Joe had indulged himself had eaten two pieces.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething\u2019s not right with you, Big Brother,\u201d Joe pressed. \u201cI not only ate MY dinner, but I ended up eating most of YOURS.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss sighed. \u201cAwww, I dunno, Li\u2019l Brother. I guess . . . maybe . . . I\u2019m havin\u2019 a real bad attack o\u2019 conscience.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cConscience?! What on earth for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor runnin\u2019 out on Pa \u2018n Li\u2019l Sister like we did . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were hungry! So was I!\u201d Joe said defensively. \u201cFor something edible. I don\u2019t apologize for that, not no how, not no way!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Joe . . . I out \u2018n out LIED t\u2019 Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I told him you needed lots o\u2019 good, fresh, clean air.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, that was NO lie! If you hadn\u2019t have gotten me out of there when you did . . . well, let\u2019s just say I really would\u2019ve been sick. Very sick! In fact, I STILL feel a little queasy just thinking about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Joe . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t tell Pa we was comin\u2019 into town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s because we didn\u2019t know it ourselves . . . exactly . . . kinda sorta, I guess. We just plain got on our horses for a nice brisk ride in all that nice clean fresh air and we, uhhh . . . sorta ended up here.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss took a moment to consider the matter.<\/p>\n \u201cSince we just happened to be in town . . . AND very hungry, we decided to stop in at the International Hotel restaurant.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs . . . THAT what we\u2019re gonna tell Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPretty much, though I think we\u2019d better leave out the part about going to the International Hotel restaurant.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen YOU\u2019D best be the one t\u2019 tell him,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cYou know I can\u2019t lie to him \u2018n keep a straight face.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, we WON\u2019T be lying,\u201d Joe argued. \u201cWe\u2019re just condensing the story for the sake of time.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss exhaled a long, melancholy sigh.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many cards, Boss?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned and turned in the direction from whence that voice had issued. It\u2019s cadence, it\u2019s rise and fall in pitch, all seemed somehow very familiar. Two tables away, he saw three men intent on what appeared to be a high stakes poker game, given that tall pile of cash in the middle of the table.<\/p>\n \u201cBoss, how many cards?\u201d<\/p>\n No answer.<\/p>\n \u201cBoss . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Silence.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Boss!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmmmm?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Joe blanched at the sound of that deep baritone \u2018hmmmm.\u2019 With eyes the size of serving platters, the younger Cartwright brothers very slowly, very reluctantly turned their heads in unison toward the poker game two tables away. Both swallowed very nervously upon catching sight of a big man, with a full head of thick silver white hair sitting with his back to them.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe . . . . \u201d Hoss whispered, his blue eyes glued to the back of the silver haired man\u2019s head. \u201cThat\u2019s\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n Joe rubbed his eyes and vigorously shook his head. \u201cNo! It can\u2019t be!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-You sure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome ON, Hoss! He was at the dinner table when we left for cryin\u2019 out loud . . . in his work clothes! There\u2019s no possible way he could\u2019ve run upstairs, changed his clothes, and still beat US into town!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk, ok, don\u2019t stare! We\u2019ll just lie low, and act casual! First chance we get of not being spotted, we slip out the back door.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBOSS!\u201d The man whose voice had initially caught Joe\u2019s attention yelled, startling the silver haired man so badly he had almost toppled right out of his seat.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT?\u201d the silver haired man yelled back, upon recovering his composure. Joe and Hoss swallowed nervously again and began to slide very slowly under the table.<\/p>\n \u201cI ASKED ya how many cards!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou still got your mind on that frumpy little schoolmarm?\u201d the third man queried. He was a big man, the exact size and shape of Hoss Cartwright. His face was completely masked by the deep shadow cast by his white ten-gallon hat.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will NOT talk about her in that manner,\u201d the silver haired man said curtly, leveling a withering glare at the two men sharing his table. \u201cWhen you speak of her in MY hearing, you WILL speak of her with respect.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2019 know? I think he DOES have a fondness for the li\u2019l lady,\u201d the first man teased.<\/p>\n \u201cBy golly, I think you\u2019re right,\u201d the big man agreed. An amused smile spread slowly across his lips. \u201cDon\u2019t THAT just beat all! A man like YOU, so called \u2018so-fist-i-cated\u2019 man of the world, falling head over heels for a dowdy little old maid schoolmarm.\u201d<\/p>\n The silver haired man slammed his hand down on the table and glared over at the biggest of his two new associates. \u201cYou will apologize, then take back that remark.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep!\u201d The first man, the card dealer guffawed. \u201cHe\u2019s in head over heels all right!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo accounting for taste, Older Brother,\u201d the big man shook his head. \u201cI mean she\u2019s kinda pretty, in her own li\u2019l way, I s\u2019pose, but I\u2019LL take\u2014 \u201d He was abruptly silenced by a swift, powerful right cross to the left side of his face, delivered with force sufficient to topple his chair and lay him out, sprawled ignobly on the floor. Scowling, his hand immediately moved to his holster.<\/p>\n The silver haired man, however, moved even faster, whipping out his own weapon before the big man could so much as touch his. \u201cYou take back every last word of that insulting, condescending remark you made about Miss Ashcroft just now,\u201d he ordered curtly, \u201cunless you want your older brother here to suddenly find himself an only child.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright . . . alright, put that thing away. I take it all back. I\u2019m sorry I ever said it in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n The big silver haired man returned his gun to its holster. \u201cGet up,\u201d he spat.<\/p>\n The big man rose to his feet slowly, keeping a wary eye glued to the big silver haired man\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take FOUR cards,\u201d the silver haired man said coldly, keeping his own baleful eye on the big man. He yanked four cards from his hand and angrily slapped them down on the table in front of the dealer.<\/p>\n The dealer dealt four cards, all the while exchanging smug grins with the big man.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019LL take one card,\u201d the big man said, his eyes moving to the enormous pile of greenbacks dominating the center of the table. He began to lick his lips in greedy anticipation.<\/p>\n \u201cDealer takes TWO cards. Alright, everybody ante up. It\u2019ll cost ya five bucks to stay in.\u201d<\/p>\n Each of the three men placed five dollars onto mound in their midst.<\/p>\n \u201cOK, Boss, you open,\u201d the dealer said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll open with a two dollar raise.\u201d The silver haired man dropped a pair of silver dollars on top of the tall pile of green.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to see your raise, and up it by three more,\u201d the big man said, his grin broadening.<\/p>\n The dealer placed a five into the growing pile. \u201cUp it by one,\u201d he said, adding another silver dollar.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see YOUR one, Shorty, and raise it three more,\u201d the silver haired man said.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019LL see your raise and up it by TEN!\u201d The big man, now grinning from ear-to-ear, slapped a ten-dollar bill onto the pile.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m out!\u201d Shorty, the dealer, muttered, slamming his hand face down onto the table.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Boss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m gonna see YOUR raise, Big Jack, and raise it by ten more,\u201d the silver haired man said, with a secretive cat-that-ate-the-canary grin. He removed his wallet from the inside pocket of his jacket and extracted a twenty dollar bill. \u201cYour move.\u201d<\/p>\n The man addressed as Big Jack glared sullenly at the twenty he had just laid on the very top of the already large mound of money for a moment, then shrugged. \u201cI think you\u2019re bluffing!\u201d he declared stoutly.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I am, and then again, maybe I\u2019m NOT.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI got a good mind to CALL your bluff, and wipe that snooty smile off your big ugly face at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour prerogative,\u201d the silver haired man said indifferently. \u201cLike I just said, it\u2019s YOUR move.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI got a good mind to teach YOU a real hard lesson,\u201d Big Jack said smugly, with a faint, condescending note. \u201cSo I\u2019m gonna raise your ten and up it by TWENTY.\u201d<\/p>\n The silver haired man watched as Big Jack counted out the money and placed it very pointedly over top his twenty. \u201cThere\u2019s your twenty, and I\u2019M gonna raise it by fifty.\u201d He smiled complacently. \u201cI\u2019m a slow learner.\u201d<\/p>\n Tiny beads of sweat dotted Big Jack\u2019s brow as he glared down at the silver haired man\u2019s fifty-dollar raise. \u201cYou think you\u2019re really one hot hunk o\u2019 goat cheese don\u2019t you?\u201d he snarled.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll cost you fifty to stay in the game.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright! Here\u2019s your blamed fifty!\u201d Big Jack counted out the amount from the remainder of the rolled bills left in his pocket and slammed it down on top of the pile hard enough to slosh the beer in their mugs.<\/p>\n \u201cDealer calls,\u201d the man addressed as Shorty interjected very quickly. \u201cBig Jack?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFour kings,\u201d Big Jack said, \u201cheart, club, spade, diamond. Let\u2019s see ya top THAT . . . if ya can.\u201d<\/p>\n The silver haired man adroitly fanned his cards with a flourish and placed them down on the table, face up. Aces all, diamond, spade, heart, and club. He reached out his hand to claim the pile.<\/p>\n \u201cNot so fast,\u201d Big Jack growled, drawing his pistol.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not? I won fair and square. Looks like Lady Luck decided to smile down on ME tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLady Luck and a couple of aces up your sleeve.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t prove that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah?\u201d Big Jack countered. \u201cI know for fact that none o\u2019 those cards you were dealt was an ace.\u201d His face contorted in agony when Shorty\u2019s booted foot slammed down onto his own.<\/p>\n \u201cOh? And how could you possibly have known THAT, Big Jack?\u201d the silver haired man demanded, leveling a cold hard glare at the big gunslinger. \u201cHmmm?\u201d<\/p>\n Big Jack lapsed into an angry, sullen silence.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought so.\u201d The silver haired man placed his hand on the pile and drew it across the table in front of him. He gathered all the paper money together and slipped it into his wallet, then pocketed all of the silver dollars, except for two. \u201cHere y\u2019 are, Boys.\u201d He tossed Shorty and Big Jack each a single silver dollar. \u201cDon\u2019t spend it all in one place. Ciao!\u201d With that, he rose and sauntered toward the swinging doors of the Silver Dollar Saloon.<\/p>\n \u201cThat no good lousy son uva sea cook! I got half a mind to air out that fancy-schmancy jacket o\u2019 his . . . with a few real well placed bullet holes!\u201d Big Jack muttered angrily under his breath.<\/p>\n \u201cAFTER we pull that heist tomorrow, you can drill him with all the lead y\u2019 want, Big Brother,\u201d Shorty said tersely. \u201cUNTIL then, we need him!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright!\u201d Big Jack snapped. \u201cBut he\u2019d better mind his p\u2019s and q\u2019s, \u2018til then, or so help me, I\u2019ll\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFinish your beer,\u201d Shorty growled as he shoved the untouched mug of beer over in front of his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Joe. Buy me a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe swallowed nervously as Laurie Lee Bonner\u2019s voice fell upon his ears. He glanced up, expecting to see her standing right next to his chair. The tall, willowy barmaid was nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, Honey. What\u2019ll ya have?\u201d<\/p>\n It was the dealer. Joe, from his and Hoss\u2019 vantage point under the table, glanced up toward the table, now occupied by two: Shorty and Big Jack. He was very much surprised to find Laurie Lee Bonner sitting on the former\u2019s lap, with one arm around his neck. She signaled to the bartender with a graceful wave of her hand.<\/p>\n Jim Dover, the new guy Sam had been hired a month ago to help out during the evenings, nodded and waved back. He motioned to Sam, then pointed over toward the table occupied by the Laurie Lee and her newfound friends.<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Evenin\u2019, Joe,\u201d Jim drawled, as he approached the table.<\/p>\n Hoss and Joe looked over at each other in complete bewilderment.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019ll ya have?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA bottle o\u2019 whiskey and TWO glasses. The lady and I will have it upstairs in HER room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll fetch it right up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Jim. Put it on my tab.\u201d Laurie Lee leapt to her feet with the grace of a gazelle. Shorty, the dealer rose, his face masked by shadow, and slipped his arm firmly about the saloon girl\u2019s shoulders. \u201cNow you behave yourself, Big Brother,\u201d he admonished the big man still seated at the table.<\/p>\n \u201cAggh!\u201d the big man snorted derisively, as he rose, and stretched. \u201cI\u2019m just gonna g\u2019won back to the hotel \u2018n turn in. We gotta big day ahead of us t\u2019morrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoodnight, Big J\u2014I mean Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHunh?!\u201d Hoss Cartwright, the one sitting under the table next to his younger brother grunted, thoroughly perplexed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter NOW, Hoss?\u201d Joe demanded, troubled by the worried, confused look on his big brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI couldda SWORN that guy over there with Laurie Lee . . . the one SHE called JOE . . . just now called that big fella HOSS.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re imagining things!\u201d Joe immediately dismissed the notion, then turned thoughtful. \u201cOf course that big fella\u2019s kinda built like you . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the card dealer\u2019s kinda built like YOU.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo way, I\u2014 \u201d Joe\u2019s words ended abruptly in a gasp of complete and utter astonishment. His complexion turned several shades paler to a sickly gray-green color, and his jaw dropped.<\/p>\n An anxious frown knotted Hoss\u2019 brow as he turned toward his baby brother. \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n No answer.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Joe . . . . \u201d Hoss placed his hand on his younger brother\u2019s shoulder and shook him gently.<\/p>\n Still no answer. Joe\u2019s eyes were riveted to the Laurie Lee Bonner and the short man, now stepping from deep shadow into the light.<\/p>\n \u201cH-Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Li\u2019l Brother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEither I\u2019m d-dreaming or . . . or I\u2019m having one heck of an outta body experience,\u201d Joe barely managed to stammer.<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 frown deepened as his concern for Joe grew. \u201cYou all right, Li\u2019l Brother?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe swallowed and pointed.<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 eyes followed the line of Joe\u2019s extended arm and pointing finger to the card dealer and Laurie Lee Bonner as they started up the stairs. \u201cHoly Jumpin\u2019 Catfish!\u201d he whispered, shocked and stunned, upon seeing the card dealer\u2019s face now completely exposed to the light. \u201cThat guy\u2019s a dead ringer f-for . . . f-for . . . Joe! He could be your twin brother!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou see the resemblance too?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-yeah . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood!\u201d Joe exhaled a long sigh of relief. \u201cTHAT means I\u2019m not hallucinating!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-Yeah?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wanna go home,\u201d Hoss said in a small, almost child-like voice, his eyes still glued to the stairs where Shorty, his brother\u2019s double, had gone with Laurie Lee Bonner.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m with YOU, Big Brother.\u201d<\/p>\n The Cartwright brothers, their shoulders hunched, faces tilted toward the floor, wove their way among the tables, casting the occasional quick, furtive glance at the big silver haired man standing at the bar. Suddenly, less than three feet from the door, Hoss stopped, mid-stride. Joe collided hard against his bigger brother\u2019s rock hard muscular back.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d Hoss turned upon hearing his younger brother groan. His big, baby blue eyes grew round with apprehension upon seeing Joe, with both hands cupped protectively around his nose, tottering alarmingly from side to side. With heart in mouth, Hoss placed two steadying hands on both of Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cJoe? You all right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Joe snapped irritably. \u201cI\u2019m NOT all right! I\u2019m in agony!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat in the world happened to ya, Boy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYOU, ya big lummox!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did I do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou STOPPED!\u201d Joe growled. \u201cThe NEXT time you decide to stop suddenly like that, wouldja mind giving me some kinda warning or something?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry,\u201d Hoss murmured contritely.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s broken,\u201d he groaned. \u201cI just know it\u2019s broken.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-You wanna stop by Doc Martin\u2019s office . . . let HIM have a look at ya?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed and sarcastically rolled his eyes toward the heavens. \u201cHoss, are you outta your ever lovin\u2019 MIND?! I can\u2019t go to Doc Martin\u2019s!\u201d<\/p>\n A bewildered frown knotted Hoss\u2019 brow. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill ya keep your voice DOWN?!\u201d Joe hissed, daring another look at the big silver haired man standing at the bar. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get outta here!\u201d He made a quick exit through the saloon doors, shoving his older, bigger brother through ahead of him.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe . . . . \u201d Hoss ventured, once they were safely out on the street.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy CAN\u2019T ya go see Doc Martin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThink about it! How does a man USUALLY come by a broken nose?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss took a long moment to think the matter over. \u201cI guess most men come by a broken nose in a saloon brawl,\u201d he finally replied. Bewilderment quickly gave way to utter dismay. \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, oh! Doc Martin tells Pa, Pa knows we came into town . . . figures we went to the Silver Dollar and got into a fight . . . you \u2018n me land clear up to our necks in heap big bag o\u2019 real deep sheep dip.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it NOW?\u201d Joe snapped irritably, as the pair crossed the board sidewalk toward the hitching post where their horses were tethered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat ARE we gonna tell Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbout WHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbout that broken hose?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs long as there\u2019s not a whole lotta swelling, we don\u2019t need to tell Pa anything,\u201d Joe replied, taking no pains to conceal his growing annoyance.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . uuh, Joe?<\/p>\n \u201cNOW what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou got swellin,\u2019 \u201d Hoss said, \u201cand a couple o\u2019 shiners pretty well on their way to turnin\u2019 into a pair o\u2019 REAL beauties.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no!\u201d Joe groaned, burying his face against Cochise\u2019s front shoulder. \u201cHoss, tell me something . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didja stop like that for, anyway?\u201d Joe demanded petulantly.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . . \u201d Hoss ruefully shook his head. \u201cSorry, Joe, it\u2019s nothin\u2019, \u2018cept maybe my eyes playin\u2019 tricks on me. It\u2019s just that I . . . oh forget it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just that you WHAT?\u201d Joe pressed.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I saw Hop Sing\u2019s nephew walkin\u2019 in the door.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Li Xing, Yin-Ling\u2019s older brother and Hop Sing\u2019s nephew, boldly sauntered into the Silver Dollar Saloon, blissfully ignorant of having been glimpsed, if only for a brief moment, by Hoss. He paused briefly just inside the door to allow his eyes to adjust from the bright sunlit late afternoon outside to the dimmer illumination inside, then glanced around the public room as his vision cleared. The big, silver haired man he sought stood at the farthest end of the bar nursing a glass of whiskey. Xing walked down the length of the bar, strutting with all the confidence of a rutting shanghai rooster. He sidled right up along side the man and tapped him on the shoulder. \u201cMister Meredith . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Bradley Meredith [6], the big silver haired man, turned and glared down at the young Chinese man. \u201cHow many times do I have to tell you to address me as Mister CARTWRIGHT?\u201d he admonished through clenched teeth and jaw, rigidly set.<\/p>\n \u201cThen you\u2019d best keep a sharp look out, \u2018Mister Cartwright,\u2019 because the REAL Mister Cartwright just returned home from San Francisco this morning,\u201d Xing said sardonically.<\/p>\n Bradley scowled. This was most unexpected. He had an associate, one who owed him many favors, keeping him posted about Ben Cartwright\u2019s lumber negotiations with the railroad. The haggling over terms for a proposed contract had actually gone on a few days longer than Bradley had anticipated. He figured that Ben would linger in San Francisco, enjoying the delights such a big city had to offer, but such was not the case. \u201cWhat about the dowry?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be arriving tomorrow afternoon on the four o\u2019clock stage.\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley smiled. The heist, at least, would go off as planned at a spot already selected an hour\u2019s ride outside the environs of Virginia City. He lifted the glass of whiskey to his lips and downed the remainder in a single gulp, then started for the door.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . . uuhhh, Mister M\u2014CARTWRIGHT!\u201d Xing called after him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy, ummm commission?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf all goes well, you will be paid the amount agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen?\u201d Xing demanded pointedly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know the location of the Virginia City Social Club?\u201d Bradley Meredith asked.<\/p>\n \u201cThe establishment run by Mrs. McPherson? Absolutely, yes I do,\u201d Xing answered very quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cGood! Be in the alley between the Virginia City Social Club and the Pink Flamingo Saloon,\u201d Bradley ordered. \u201cIf all goes well, a couple of associates will meet you there and pay you your commission. If NOT . . . . \u201d He let his voice trail away to ominous silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEric Hoss Cartwright . . . and YOU, too, Joseph Francis . . . where have you been all this time?\u201d Ben demanded, with a ferocious scowl, the minute his two younger sons stepped through the front door. \u201cYou left right after dinner, and NOW its nearly time for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe was out gettin\u2019 Li\u2019l Joe here all that nice fresh air so \u2018s he\u2019d feel better,\u201d Hoss said a little too quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like all that fresh air did you more harm than good, Son,\u201d Ben observed wryly, noting Joe\u2019s nose swollen to three times its normal size, and the lurid purple-black bruising on his cheeks and under his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI w-was doin\u2019 better, Pa . . . \u2018til I, ummm . . . accidentally walked into that real big tall pine tree,\u201d Joe groaned, directing a disdainful glare at his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cGet him on up to bed, Hoss,\u201d Ben said, \u201cthen you\u2019d best see to the afternoon chores . . . \u2018specially since you have yours AND you brother\u2019s to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?!\u201d Hoss\u2019 face fell.<\/p>\n Joe quickly averted his face to the floor, and bit his lip, in a desperate attempt to keep back the smug, triumphant smile that threatened to burst forth upon his lips.<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard me, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hafta do ALL o\u2019 Joe\u2019s chores, too?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSOMEONE has to do his chores,\u201d Ben said firmly, \u201cseeing as how your brother\u2019s in no shape to do them himself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t Li\u2019l Sister give me a hand?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, she\u2019s upstairs doing her homework.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, she can\u2019t possibly have homework!\u201d Hoss protested. \u201cSchool was called on account o\u2019 Miss Ashcroft bein\u2019 sick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know she didn\u2019t have any assigned homework for tonight, Hoss,\u201d Ben said. \u201cI also know that Miss Ashcroft is a very demanding teacher, who\u2019s going to grade the homework assignments that much harder since the students had an unexpected day off today, so I sent your sister upstairs to go over her reading assignments and check back over the written ones.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh,\u201d Hoss sighed crestfallen.<\/p>\n \u201cAlso, if your brother gets any worse, I MAY have to send Stacy into town to fetch Doctor Martin,\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Hoss sighed glumly, as he half carried Joe over toward the stairs.<\/p>\n Once out of their father\u2019s line of vision, Joe relaxed, allowing that triumphant smile to break through. \u201cSo . . . you get to do YOUR chores and MINE, eh, Big Brother?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss glared murderously down at his younger brother. \u201cSo help me, Joseph Francis Cartwright, one more word outta YOU, an\u2019 Pa\u2019s gonna be sendin\u2019 Li\u2019l Sister t\u2019 fetch Doc Martin!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do YOU know?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n Hoss balled his hand in a tight fist and brought it down very close to Joe\u2019s face. \u201cI know, Li\u2019l Brother, \u2018cause I\u2019m gonna see to it!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bradley Meredith woke up the next morning in Judith Ashcroft\u2019s double bed, as was fast becoming his custom. He slowly opened his eyes and stretched. \u201cGood morning, Ju\u2014 \u201d he stopped speaking abruptly as his right hand descended down on her side of the bed, coming into contact with mattress instead of warm body. He turned over and discovered, much to his surprise and chagrin, that she was gone. \u201cJudy?!\u201d<\/p>\n The soft sounds of someone coughing fell upon his ears. Bradley immediately sat up and turned toward the closed door to her dressing room, where the sounds seemed to originate.<\/p>\n \u201cJudy?\u201d<\/p>\n No answer. The coughing continued. Bradley scrambled out of the bed, while reaching for the robe he kept hanging on the bedpost. He slipped the robe on over his nude body, then strode briskly across the room toward the dressing room. He paused, and gently knocked.<\/p>\n \u201cJudy?\u201d<\/p>\n He heard a soft moan within. With heart in mouth, Bradley tore open the door. Inside, he found Judith, bent over her washbasin, retching violently. He slipped inside and gently held her head until, after what seemed to him a dreadful eternity, her vomiting finally ceased. \u201cLet\u2019s get you back to bed, Darling,\u201d he said gently, while slipping a supportive arm around her waist.<\/p>\n Judith straightened and turned, sagging heavily against him. Suddenly her head rolled back. She moaned softly, then fainted.<\/p>\n Bradley gathered her up in his arms and carried her over to the bed. He carefully stretched her out on her side of the mattress, stuffing both pillows under her feet to elevate them and placing the quilt over her for warmth. He, then, ran out to the small kitchen, and filled a pitcher with ice cold water from the pump. He found a small dish towel hanging on a hook above the sink.<\/p>\n He returned to the bedroom with pitcher and dishtowel in hand, placing both on the night table next to the bed. Dipping the dishtowel into the cold water, he squeezed out the excess moisture, and began to gently dab her face. A few moments later, much to his great relief, her eyelids flickered.<\/p>\n \u201cW-Welcome back, Judy,\u201d Bradley favored her with a tremulous smile when her eyes had fully opened.<\/p>\n \u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSsshh, Darling, you just lie still.\u201d He dipped the cloth once more into the pitcher, squeezed, and gently sponged her forehead.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou were vomiting in the dressing room a few moments ago,\u201d Bradley replied. \u201cWhen I came in, you fainted. Darling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmmm?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure you\u2019re alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I am now,\u201d she replied with a meaningful glance and a wan smile.<\/p>\n Her alarmingly pale face and weak, barely audible voice did little to convince him.<\/p>\n \u201cHonest, Ben, I\u2019ll be fine. It\u2019s . . . always worse in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can postpone my business trip, if\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen Cartwright, no! I won\u2019t hear of it!\u201d Judith protested. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe you should see Doctor Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I\u2014 \u201d The stricken, anxious look on his face stopped her cold, mid-sentence. \u201cYou ARE worried, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell you what,\u201d Judith said slowly. \u201cIf I\u2019m no better by tomorrow morning, I\u2019ll WILL pay Doctor Martin a visit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPromise?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI promise, on the condition I hear no more ridiculous talk out of you about postponing this business trip of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a deal,\u201d Bradley agreed. \u201cI just want to make sure you\u2019re all right, Judy . . . or, at least . . . that you\u2019re going to be. I\u2019m going to be away for a few days . . . maybe longer, depending on how things go. I don\u2019t like the idea of leaving while you\u2019re so sick.\u201d<\/p>\n Judith reached out and took his hand in both of hers. \u201cI\u2019m going to be just fine,\u201d she said earnestly. \u201cIf I don\u2019t feel better by tomorrow, I WILL make that appointment with Doctor Martin. When you return from your business trip, I\u2019ll be right here, safe and sound, fit as a fiddle and waiting impatiently.\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley leaned over and gently kissed her lips.<\/p>\n \u201cBen Cartwright, anyone ever tell you . . . how well you can kiss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA few,\u201d he replied, then smiled. \u201cBut, you\u2019re the only one who\u2019s said so with her lips AND with her eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Stacy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere comes Miss Ashcroft now,\u201d Stacy said pointing.<\/p>\n Ben watched as Judith Ashcroft slowly made her way across the school yard, with posture stiffly erect and head bowed. She clutched her book bag tightly in her left hand and held her right hand protectively across her stomach. \u201cStacy, wait here,\u201d Ben said, eyeing the school teacher with an anxious frown. Without waiting for an answer, he set off on an intercept course toward Judith Ashcroft.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Miss Ashcroft!\u201d<\/p>\n Judith abruptly stopped mid-stride upon hearing his voice, then turned and stared over at his through eyes round as saucers. \u201cBe\u2014?!\u201d She caught sight of Stacy standing over by the hitching post with her horse, Blaze Face. \u201cMister Cartwright. G-good morning.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s concern deepened upon getting a good close look at her pale face and slightly discolored mask under her eyes. \u201cMiss Ashcroft . . . are you all right?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you I WILL be,\u201d she said taking great pains to lower her voice. \u201cI thought you were going to be away on . . . on business.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stared over at the school teacher, completely dumbfounded. \u201cI . . . just got b-back from a business trip . . . to San Francisco . . . yesterday,\u201d he stammered. The surprised look on her face, mouth open, eyes round as saucers, almost certainly had to mirror the look of bewilderment on his own. \u201c . . . uumm, Miss Ashcroft, the reason I accompanied Stacy to school this morning is to schedule that parent-teacher conference\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n She stopped again, abruptly, and regarded him with a hard, suspicious glare. \u201cMister Cartwright, we\u2019ve already HAD that parent-teacher conference . . . THREE WEEKS AGO.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cM-Miss Ashcroft, that\u2019s . . . that\u2019s impossible! I w-was in S-San Francisco three weeks ago,\u201d he barely managed to stammer.<\/p>\n \u201cRight!\u201d Judith sighed, then smiled. \u201cI\u2019m really touched by your concern, Mister Cartwright. I really am. But, I\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHonest! Like I already told you this . . . whatever this is . . . gets better as the day goes on. I feel much better now than I did earlier,\u201d she continued. It took every ounce of will she possessed to stand there demurely and converse with him as if she were merely the school teacher and he the parent of one of her students. \u201cI also intend to see Doctor Martin tomorrow, if I\u2019m not any better, just like I promised. Now get on with you. I will NOT have you postponing an important business trip just because I happen to be feeling a little under the weather. Ok?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, bewildered and wholly confused.<\/p>\n Judith wished fervently, with all her heart, that she might give him one more kiss good-bye. However, with Stacy standing over at the hitching post, and other students just now arriving, some with parents, such was not possible. She made a mental note to more than make up for that when he came back from that business trip, however. \u201cI\u2019ll see you when you return, Mister Cartwright,\u201d she said demurely, then walked on ahead toward the school house.<\/p>\n Ben stood rooted to the spot, staring after Judith Ashcroft\u2019s retreating back, stunned.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben started violently at the sound of his daughter\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?! Are you all right?\u201d Stacy queried, eying her father anxiously.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . to b-be completely honest, Young Woman, I . . . I\u2019m not sure,\u201d Ben said slowly, haltingly. \u201cThe only thing I AM sure of is . . . that had to be the weirdest conversation I\u2019ve ever had! W-with anybody!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Stacy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sure wish I knew what was going on around here.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took a moment to try and regain at least a small measure of composure. \u201cThere\u2019s probably nothing going on here . . . apart from a lot of odd coincidences and the imaginations of the Cartwright family suddenly working overtime,\u201d he said in as calm a voice as he could muster. \u201cWell, I\u2019d best skedaddle. You have a good day in school, Young Woman, and behave yourself. Alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll try, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood!\u201d Ben gave her a quick hug, and planted a kiss on her forehead. \u201cI\u2019ll see you at home later.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Class.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Miss Ashcroft,\u201d the students chorused together in unison.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease hand in your homework assignments,\u201d Judith said briskly. She closed her eyes for a moment against the school room and sea of twenty-eight faces all staring up at her very intently. \u201cSince you had an unexpected extra day off from school yesterday, I sincerely hope you used the time to good advantage. I intend to grade them that much harder.\u201d<\/p>\n As she passed her homework to the student in the desk in front of her, Stacy silently made mental note to thank Pa profusely for making her hit the books last night. She could hear some of the other students groaning, most notably Abel Caine, the absolute bane of her existence.<\/p>\n \u201cGrades four through twelve, take out your arithmetic books and begin work on your next lesson,\u201d Judith Ashcroft ordered, squeezing her eyes shut. She reached out placing the tips of her fingers on her desk to steady herself. \u201cThose of you in the f-first . . . . \u201d She wavered unsteadily on her feet. \u201cThose of you in grades one through th-three . . . . \u201d She moaned, then collapsed.<\/p>\n Suddenly everyone was talking loudly all at once. Some of the younger children began to cry.<\/p>\n Carol Ann Thompson, a painfully prim and proper tenth grader, instinctively leaned back, pressing hard against the back of her chair. \u201cOh dear! I . . . I hope it\u2019s not contagious . . . whatever it is she has,\u201d she murmured fearfully.<\/p>\n Abel Caine, seated directly behind Carol Ann, snorted derisively. \u201cDon\u2019t you worry your pretty li\u2019l head none about THAT, Miss Carol Ann. You can\u2019t catch it, leastways NOT from Miss Ashcroft.\u201d<\/p>\n Molly O\u2019Hanlan, her face set with grim determination rose, and climbed up onto her chair. \u201cClass, attention!\u201d she raised her voice so to be heard against the rising din, using her very best school teacher tone of voice. \u201cI want every one to get back in your seats and quiet down.\u201d<\/p>\n The younger students immediately scrambled to obey.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and just who do you think YOU are, Miss-Priss-Molly-O\u2019Hanlan?\u201d Abel demanded with a sneer. \u201cYOU ain\u2019t the teacher!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbel . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n A low threatening voice and succinct tap on his shoulder caused Abel to jump right out of his skin. He turned and found himself staring into the predatory glares of Stacy Cartwright and Susannah O\u2019Brien.<\/p>\n \u201cAbel, if you don\u2019t turn around in that seat right now, sit down, and shut your mouth, I am going to lift your scalp,\u201d Susannah threatened.<\/p>\n Abel blanched, and tried to put as much distance between himself and the wild black eyes and feral grin, worthy of Susannah\u2019s Shoshone warrior ancestors, on her mother\u2019s side of the family. \u201cY-Yes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he squeaked.<\/p>\n As the students began to settle down, Susannah O\u2019Brien, took her place along side the chair on which Molly stood, glaring ferociously around the room. Stacy, meanwhile, made her way toward the front of the room where Miss Ashcroft lay sprawled on the floor, unmoving.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, Class, we are going to have recess,\u201d Molly continued. \u201cI want everyone to stand up and WALK in a quiet and orderly manner to the door and line up.\u201d<\/p>\n The students rose from their seats, exchanging frightened, uncertain glances, looking at each other, then at Molly, towering high above them all, even the tallest among then. As they passed by Susannah, even the older ones flinched away from the fierce glare on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cSusannah?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Molly?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you mind keeping an eye on things while they\u2019re at recess?\u201d<\/p>\n Susannah\u2019s feral, predatory grin widened. \u201cIt would be my pleasure.\u201d She, then turned her attention to the line of students waiting at the door. \u201cYou may go outside, single file, no talking,\u201d she said in a low, menacing tone.<\/p>\n Molly remained in place until the last student had gone outside.<\/p>\n \u201cMolly . . . Stacy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Susannah?\u201d Molly answered.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me know what\u2019s happening?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe will,\u201d Stacy promised.<\/p>\n Susannah nodded, then slipped outside herself.<\/p>\n \u201cStacy, how\u2019s Miss Ashcroft?\u201d Molly asked as she stepped down off of her seat.<\/p>\n \u201cHer pulse is rapid,\u201d Stacy said grimly, \u201cthough she doesn\u2019t seem to have a fever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . think maybe you\u2019d better take Blaze Face and ride over to Doctor Martin\u2019s,\u201d Molly said, casting an anxious glance at Miss Ashcroft inert form. \u201cI\u2019ll stay with her.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy rose. \u201cSee if you can get something . . . anything under her feet,\u201d she said soberly. \u201cYou want to raise her feet up higher than her head.\u201d<\/p>\n Molly nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAlso, if you can, find something to put over her . . . keep her warm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do my best, Stacy. YOU just hurry back here with Doctor Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Martin?\u201d<\/p>\n Lily looked up from her latest needle point project, a still life of fruit and flowers, and found Hilda Mae Graves, the housekeeper, staring down at her anxiously. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Hilda Mae?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy Cartwright\u2019s here, Mrs. Martin,\u201d Hilda Mae reported. \u201cShe says they need the doctor at the school straightaway. The teacher\u2019s fainted.\u201d<\/p>\n Lily Martin put aside her needlepoint, and rose. \u201cThank you, Hilda Mae. You g\u2019won downstairs and ask Stacy to wait in the parlor. I\u2019ll get the doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n Lily Martin quickly made her way down the stairs to her husband\u2019s examination room down on the first floor. Within less than a minute, she stood before the closed door, knocking insistently.<\/p>\n \u201cLily, what is it?\u201d Paul asked, after opening the door slightly, just enough to allow him to peer out.<\/p>\n \u201cStacy\u2019s in our parlor, Paul . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh NO!\u201d Paul closed his eyes and groaned softly. \u201cNot another sick or injured Cartwright . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n An amused smile tugged at the corner of Lily\u2019s mouth. \u201cNo, Paul, the Cartwrights are all fine.\u201d Her smile faded. \u201cIt\u2019s the school teacher. Stacy told Hilda Mae that Miss Ashcroft fainted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m almost finished with Mister Parker,\u201d Paul said. \u201cTell Stacy I\u2019ll be with her directly . . . and Lily?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like you to come with me. Those kids are going to definitely need some adult supervision.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can leave with you right now,\u201d she said. \u201cJust let me know.\u201d<\/p>\n Paul Martin nodded curtly, then closed the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Judith Ashcroft groaned softly as she, at long last, began to stir.<\/p>\n Molly O\u2019Hanlan, half fearing that her teacher may have actually died, nearly fainted herself as wave upon wave upon wave or pure, unadulterated relief began to wash over her. She half fell, half collapsed to her knees along side Miss Ashcroft, with heart pounding wildly within her chest.<\/p>\n Judith groaned again. \u201c . . . \u2018rithmetic lesson,\u201d she murmured softly.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018rithmetic lesson. T-time f\u2019r . . . \u2018rithmetic lesson . . . . \u201d Her eyes still closed, Judith tried to rise.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, Miss Ashcroft, please stay still,\u201d Molly begged, placing restraining hands against her teacher\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n Judith\u2019s eyelids flickered, then slitted open. The anxious face, framed by what appeared to be a cloud of pale reddish gold was blurred, its features unrecognizable. \u201cWho . . . . \u201d she squinted, trying desperately to see.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s me, Molly O\u2019Hanlan, Miss Ashcroft. You fainted.\u201d<\/p>\n Judith closed her eyes again and moaned softly.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything\u2019s going to be alright, Ma\u2019am. The kids are at recess, with Susannah O\u2019Brien watching over \u2018em, and Stacy\u2019s gone to fetch\u2014 \u201d Molly\u2019s sharp ears picked up the sounds of horse hooves and buggy wheels. \u201cStacy went to fetch Doctor Martin. I think I hear them coming now.\u201d<\/p>\n A few moments later, Paul Martin burst into the school room, his mouth and lower jaw rigidly set, with black bag firmly in hand. Stacy Cartwright and Lily Martin followed at a slower pace. Paul bolted to the front of the room and knelt down on the other side of the stricken schoolteacher, facing Molly. \u201cYou did well, Molly,\u201d he said. \u201cElevating her feet . . . placing her coat over her . . . you did very well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy\u2019s the one who told me to do all that,\u201d Molly said immediately.<\/p>\n Paul managed a wan smile. \u201cThen both of you did very well.\u201d He touched Judith\u2019s forehead with the back of his hand, then took her pulse. \u201cLooks like you have things well in hand here, Molly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, though it was a group effort, Doctor. If Stacy and Susannah hadn\u2019t backed me up, I don\u2019t know WHAT I would\u2019ve done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou would\u2019ve done exactly what you DID do, Molly,\u201d Stacy said quietly. \u201cYou would\u2019ve showed \u2018em attitude.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHer pulse is racing,\u201d Paul said soberly. \u201cLily?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft is too ill to continue today,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cAny idea what\u2019s wrong, Doctor?\u201d Molly asked anxiously.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . have a good idea, Molly, but I need to examine her, and I can\u2019t do that here. Lily, would you mind staying here with Molly? I\u2019m afraid school\u2019s going to be out early again today, and dismissal\u2019s going to be at least a two woman job.\u201d<\/p>\n Lily smiled down kindly at Molly. \u201cI\u2019d be more than happy to,\u201d she said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cStacy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Doctor Martin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to need a nurse to assist me when I examine Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Paul said, rising. \u201cDo you know where the Brauns live?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you please ride over and ask Heidi Braun to come to my office at once? Tell her it\u2019s an emergency.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will, Doctor.\u201d With that, Stacy was gone.<\/p>\n The Martins quickly and gently helped Judith to her feet, as Molly wearily looked on. Lily draped Judith\u2019s left arm around Paul\u2019s neck. The doctor then bent down and lifted the schoolteacher in his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cSee you at home later, Paul,\u201d Lily called after him.<\/p>\n Lily Martin, with the able assistance of Molly O\u2019Hanlan and Susannah O\u2019Brien, summoned the school children in from their impromptu recess. Under the watchful, stern glare of Susannah O\u2019Brien, the students filed in from the schoolyard, silently, in a single line, and took their seats. Twenty-eight pairs of eyes, many red and swollen from anxious tears shed, turned expectantly toward Lily Martin.<\/p>\n Lily rose. \u201cYour teacher\u2019s taken ill, Children.\u201d Her tone was kind, yet very firm. \u201cSchool will be dismissed early today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiz Martin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sarah?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs . . . is Miss Ashcroft . . . is Miss Ashcroft gonna . . . oh Miz Martin, is she gonna DIE?\u201d the young first grader, with dark brown braids and eyes round with horror, asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Sarah, Miss Ashcroft\u2019s NOT going to die,\u201d Lily hastened to assure the child. \u201cGiven time, I expect she\u2019ll make a full, complete recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long is she gonna be sick, Mrs. Martin?\u201d Carol Ann Thompson asked, with a grimace.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I\u2019d say about nine months,\u201d Abel Caine guffawed.<\/p>\n \u201cAbel, that will be enough out of you,\u201d Lily snapped, favoring the boy with a dark, murderous glare.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d Abel mumbled sullenly.<\/p>\n Lily Martin spent the better part of the next hour pairing up some of the younger children, whom she felt needed an escort home, with older students.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Martin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Molly?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI made up a sign for the front of the door . . . just in case someone shows up to pick up their child later,\u201d Molly said, handing a piece of paper over to the doctor\u2019s wife.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Molly. Truth to tell, with packing everyone up and getting them on home, I didn\u2019t even consider that,\u201d Lily said favoring the girl with a weary smile.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll tack it to the door on our way out,\u201d Molly said, as she gathered her books together. \u201cMrs. Martin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Molly?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs . . . Miss Ashcroft going to be alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have every reason to think she will be,\u201d Lily replied as she followed Molly down the main aisle toward the open door.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s not . . . not . . . . \u201d Molly quickly averted her face upon feeling the telltale rush of blood. \u201cShe\u2019s not what Abel said, is she?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Lily replied, truthfully enough, standing firm in her belief that no diagnosis is positively true unless and until an examination is done to confirm it, \u201cand . . . if it turns out she IS, that\u2019s HER business.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n Lily smiled and placed a comforting hand on Molly\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI just want to reassure you that Miss Ashcroft is going to be all right, and if it turns out that she\u2019s . . . as Abel said?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease don\u2019t judge her too harshly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t, Ma\u2019am, that I promise you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Judith Ashcroft sat, perched on the edge of the examination table, her face white as a sheet, her eyes round and staring. She clutched the edges of the white linen wrapper, donned for her physical examination, in both hands and pressed them tightly closed against her rapidly heaving bosom. Heidi Braun, moving quickly, her presence wholly unobtrusive, gathered the doctor\u2019s instruments together and placed them onto a clean tray.<\/p>\n \u201cDoctor Martin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Miss Braun?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019d like, I can take these down below to the kitchen . . . clean and sterilize them THERE,\u201d she offered quietly, directing a meaningful glance at the patient.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, thank you,\u201d Paul said quietly. \u201cIf I need you, I\u2019ll send Hilda Mae down to fetch you.\u201d<\/p>\n Heidi nodded, then slipped quietly out of the room.<\/p>\n Left alone with his patient, Paul Martin walked over and placed a gentle hand on the schoolteacher\u2019s shoulder. \u201cMiss Ashcroft?\u201d<\/p>\n No answer. Judith Ashcroft sat, unmoving, her gaze soft and unfocused.<\/p>\n Paul gently nudged her shoulder. \u201cMiss Ashcroft!\u201d<\/p>\n Judith started violently, but managed to return once more to present time and place. Her lower lip trembled slightly and she slowly raised her head and met the doctor\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft, are you all right?\u201d Paul probed gently.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . . \u201d Judith vigorously shook her head. \u201cNo. I don\u2019t know . . . Doctor, are you sure I\u2019m . . . . \u201d She quickly averted her eyes to her lap, as a telltale scarlet blush colored her cheeks and neck.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no doubt in my mind whatsoever, Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Paul replied, not without a measure of sympathy. \u201cYou ARE . . . with child. Based on what you\u2019ve told me, I estimate the due date to be next year . . . late winter, or perhaps early spring.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll give my resignation to the school board, effective immediately,\u201d she murmured in a voice barely audible. \u201cDoctor Martin, can I count on you to be discreet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely,\u201d Paul replied without hesitation.<\/p>\n \u201cI plan to leave Virginia City, as soon as I can pack the bare necessities.\u201d Though her voice trembled slightly, her mouth was set in a firm, determined line. \u201cWould you . . . oh dear, I know this is asking a lot, but would it be possible for you to send the rest of my things after me? I don\u2019t know yet where I\u2019ll be staying, so I\u2019ll have to write and send an address when I get there . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you told the child\u2019s father yet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I don\u2019t intend to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wish you would reconsider,\u201d Paul said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I won\u2019t involve him or his family in scandal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour intentions are very commendable, Miss Ashcroft, but . . . well, to have another woman he loves, or at least cares for a great deal, leave without telling him she\u2019s expecting . . . without letting him do the right thing by her and their child, it would devastate him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-You sound as if . . . as if you know who my child\u2019s father is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know the two of you have tried very hard to be discreet about your relationship, but all the same . . . everyone in town KNOWS.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh n-no . . . . \u201d Judith moaned on complete and utter dismay.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I can\u2019t force you to tell him, Miss Ashcroft, but I can and do strongly urge that you do so. I speak not only as your doctor and his, but as his friend also.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll . . . I\u2019ll give the matter due consideration, Doctor,\u201d Judith promised, her eyes bright with newly formed tears, as yet unshed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Unbeknownst to either doctor or patient, Eloise Kirk and Clara Mudgely, the church organist, drew back away from the fast closed door of Doctor Martin\u2019s examination room, horrified.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I never!\u201d Clara gasped.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no fool like an old fool!\u201d Eloise declared, in tones of righteous indignation.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, I . . . I . . . Ben Cartwright\u2019s always been so . . . so circumspect! I never, not in a million years EVER thought he\u2019d . . . that he\u2019d . . . . \u201d The organist broke off unable to voice the thoughts in her head. Her sudden crimson complexion however, spoke volumes.<\/p>\n \u201cBen Cartwright\u2019s a MAN isn\u2019t he?\u201d Eloise said with a grimace. \u201cYou take it from ME, sooner or later they ALL want one thing, and one thing only.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is awful! Just AWFUL!\u201d Clara lamented.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Mudgely, HONESTLY! Get hold of yourself, for heaven\u2019s sake! After all, it\u2019s NOT as if this is the FIRST time he\u2019s . . . you know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-You mean . . . . ?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course,\u201d Eloise continued in a tone that dripped icicles. \u201cThe first . . . at least the first WE know of was Stacy\u2019s mother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood afternoon, Ladies.\u201d The sound of Hilda Mae Graves\u2019 voice had Eloise Kirk and Clara Mudgely figuratively jumping right out of their skins. \u201cCan I help you with anything?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Eloise retorted loftily, upon regaining a measure of her composure. \u201cI came in with a sore throat, but it\u2019s gone now. Please give the good doctor and his wife my regards.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe, too,\u201d Clara squeaked, as the pair edged their way past the Martins\u2019 housekeeper, toward the door.<\/p>\n Hilda Mae stood, with arms folded across her chest and her eyes glued to Eloise\u2019s and Clara\u2019s retreating backs, shaking her head in dismay.<\/p>\n \u201cHilda Mae?\u201d<\/p>\n She turned and found Paul Martin standing behind her, looking perplexed.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I heard voices.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou DID,\u201d Hilda Mae said sardonically. \u201cMrs. Kirk and Miss Mudgely, as they were leaving. They apparently got better.\u201d She paused briefly. \u201cDoctor Martin . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid they overheard just about everything you and Miss Ashcroft were discussing . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no,\u201d Paul groaned. Both were well known as notorious gossips. \u201cHilda Mae, would you mind going down to the kitchen and asking Miss Braun to come up? I\u2019d like her to help Miss Ashcroft get dressed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne more thing . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen my wife returns, please let her know that I\u2019ve taken Miss Ashcroft home,\u201d Paul said wearily, \u201cand that I\u2019ve gone out to the Ponderosa . . . to warn Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWHAT?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard me, Ben,\u201d Paul Martin said sternly. He and Ben Cartwright stood in the middle of the yard between the Ponderosa Ranch House and the barn, facing each other in the same way two opposing boxers would just before the start of round one.<\/p>\n \u201cPAUL, THAT\u2019S IMPOSSIBLE!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNOT when two people are intimate with each other, as the two of you have been.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stared over at his old friend, completely flabbergasted. \u201cWhat are you talking about?! I\u2019ve NEVER been intimate with Judith Ashcroft.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I can understand the two of you being . . . well, being discreet because Stacy is a student in her class, but . . . everyone KNOWS,\u201d Paul argued. \u201cIf they haven\u2019t known before, they\u2019ve certainly found out in the last month or so, since you\u2019ve started spending the night at her home.\u201d<\/p>\n For a moment, Ben was too stunned to even speak.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, please believe me when I say I\u2019m NOT standing in judgment of you,\u201d Paul pressed. \u201cYou\u2019re a strong, healthy man with all the needs and drives of a strong, healthy man. I\u2019m quite frankly surprised there haven\u2019t been others before or since Stacy\u2019s mother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPaul, I have NEVER spent the night under Miss Ashcroft\u2019s roof. Not EVER! And certainly not within the last month because I\u2019ve been in San Francisco! I just got back yesterday afternoon . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Paul studied Ben\u2019s face closely, with a jaundiced eye. The shocked astonishment on his face and the earnest, pleading quality in his tone of voice all told the physician that his old friend was telling the truth.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you don\u2019t believe me, I can give you a list with the names of everyone I met with or visited while I was in San Francisco,\u201d Ben continued.<\/p>\n \u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary, Ben. I believe you, but I don\u2019t know how many others WILL, especially after Mrs. Kirk and Miss Mudgely get through spreading the word. I\u2019m afraid you and Miss Ashcroft have a very unpleasant dilemma to resolve.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll start resolving it immediately by riding into town myself and setting matters straight,\u201d Ben said grimly. He abruptly turned and started toward the barn, with every intention of saddling Big Buck and riding immediately into town. The sound of an approaching horse\u2019s hooves striking the earth halted the Cartwright family patriarch in his trek mid-stride.<\/p>\n A few moments later, Houston O\u2019Brien, neighbor and friend of many, many years, rode into the yard on Taranis, his big black gelding. \u201cHowdy, Ben . . . Paul,\u201d he greeted both with a nod of his head.<\/p>\n \u201cHugh, good to see you,\u201d Ben greeted his old friend with a smile. \u201cWould the both of you like to come inside? I think I can persuade Hop Sing to make up some lemonade or iced tea.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Ben, but I\u2019m afraid I can\u2019t stay,\u201d Hugh declined reluctantly. \u201cMister Abercromby\u2019s calling a special meeting of the school board at the school house tomorrow morning at ten o\u2019clock. They\u2019re trying to get the word out to as many folks as they can. Since you\u2019re on my way home from Virginia City, I told \u2018em I\u2019d stop by and let you know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny idea what the meeting\u2019s about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Fraid not, Ben, unless it has something to do with Miss Ashcroft\u2019s resignation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft\u2019s resigning?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEffective immediately for personal reasons.\u201d Hugh smiled. \u201cI guess you probably know more about the, umm nature of those personal reasons than most.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Hugh. You going?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou bet I am. If Miss Ashcroft\u2019s resigning, I\u2019d like to offer my own two cents worth regarding the next teacher they hire.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see you there tomorrow, then.\u201d<\/p>\n Hugh nodded, as he turned his horse around, then rode off toward his own spread, Shoshone Queen, named for his late wife.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, it\u2019s already started,\u201d Paul said grimly, after Houston O\u2019Brien had left.<\/p>\n \u201cThen that special board meeting will be a good place to start nipping all these rumors about Miss Ashcroft and myself in the bud,\u201d Ben declared with an angry scowl.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I want you to promise me two things.\u201d<\/p>\n A sardonic retort immediately sprang to Ben\u2019s mind, only to die unuttered upon getting a good look at the doctor\u2019s face. \u201cWhat, Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst of all, please . . . go easy on Miss Ashcroft.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do my best, Paul. I certainly don\u2019t want to drag her name through the mud, but at the same time, I don\u2019t want to take blame for someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the second thing you want me to promise?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat you\u2019ll be very careful as to how you conduct yourself in that meeting tomorrow morning, Ben. I . . . well, I just plain and simply, have a bad feeling about all this . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben Cartwright set out early the following morning, with the intention of arriving at the schoolhouse a few minutes before the start of the meeting in the hopes of having a private word with Miss Judith Ashcroft. He was astonished and dismayed to find the schoolyard already crammed full of saddled horses, buggies, buckboards, and all other manner, shape, and size of conveyance. Ben brought the two horses pulling his buckboard to a halt out on the street before the hitching post nearest the school. He set the brake on the buckboard, then jumped down and tethered the horse team to the post.<\/p>\n The time was eighteen minutes before the hour of ten o\u2019clock, yet, incredibly, the small schoolhouse was already packed. Even the standing room had all but disappeared. Ezekiel Abercromby, the head of the school board, sat behind the teacher\u2019s desk, engaged in what appeared to be a very lively, animated conversation with Georgianna Wilkens and Myra Danvers. The other school board members stood clustered in groups of two or three at the front of the classroom talking together in low voices. Judith Ashcroft was nowhere to be seen.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned and found himself staring into the anxious faces of Hugh O\u2019Brien and Francis O\u2019Hanlan, fathers respectively of Stacy\u2019s friends, Susannah and Molly. \u201cGood morning, Hugh. Good morning, Francis. Any idea yet as to what this meeting\u2019s all about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo one\u2019s said officially,\u201d Hugh said soberly, \u201caccording to the scuttlebutt, however, it would appear that Miss Ashcroft is the purpose of this meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHugh . . . Francis, I have no idea what you may have heard,\u201d Ben said, lowering his voice, \u201cthough since I arrived home from San Francisco on the morning stage yesterday, I\u2019m beginning to get a very good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait a minute! You were in San Francisco?!\u201d Francis queried, staring over at Ben in complete and utter disbelief.<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cFor the past month.\u201d<\/p>\n Hugh and Francis stared at each other wholly nonplussed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d Ben queried warily.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, didn\u2019t you and the boys go the church picnic three weeks ago?!\u201d Hugh asked.<\/p>\n \u201cHugh, didn\u2019t I just get through saying that I\u2019ve been away for the last month?\u201d Ben demanded with a touch of asperity.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I was there! Crystal, Susannah, and the boys were there, too,\u201d Hugh said. \u201cI . . . all of us saw you there . . . along with Joe and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWas Stacy also there?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Hugh shook his head. \u201cCrystal asked were she was, and YOU told her Stacy was at home feelin\u2019 a mite under the weather.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHugh, what exactly happened at that picnic?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sly ol\u2019 son of a gun!\u201d Hugh grinned and nudged Ben playfully in the ribs. \u201cThat\u2019s were you hooked up with Miss Ashcroft. Remember? The picnic basket auction? You bid on her basket?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe two of you\u2019ve been inseparable since,\u201d Francis O\u2019Hanlan added.<\/p>\n Ben made a mental note to ask Joe and Hoss about the church picnic when he got home. \u201cHugh, I don\u2019t know who you saw at the church picnic three weeks ago, but it couldn\u2019t possibly have been ME. Three weeks ago, I was just arriving in San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou got any identical twin brothers out there no one knows about?\u201d Hugh asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, of course not!\u201d Ben replied, taking no pains to conceal his growing annoyance.<\/p>\n \u201cWell if this guy WASN\u2019T you, he was a dead ringer,\u201d Hugh said.<\/p>\n \u201cHugh, I\u2019m telling you . . . that wasn\u2019t me,\u201d Ben pleaded.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, did you know that Miss Ashcroft is supposedly pregnant?\u201d Francis O\u2019Hanlan asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Paul Martin came out to the house and gave me fair warning,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI . . . I don\u2019t know what I need to do to convince you of this, but I WAS in San Francisco for the last month. I just arrived home yesterday on the morning stage. I can give you the names of everyone I saw while I was in San Francisco, if you want proof.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat won\u2019t be necessary, Ben,\u201d Francis said quietly. \u201cI believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Francis,\u201d Ben said gratefully.<\/p>\n \u201cI know who . . . or what I saw at the church picnic, Ben,\u201d Hugh said. \u201cI also know that you\u2019ve never lied to me, and . . . . \u201d His cheeks reddened. \u201cIf you WERE in any way, uhhh, responsible for Miss Ashcroft\u2019s, uuhhh delicate condition? You\u2019d do the right thing by her and by the child.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Hugh, for your vote of confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n The sound of wood gavel striking wood desk immediately silenced the large group gathered and drew everyone\u2019s attention toward the front of the room.<\/p>\n Ezekiel Abercromby was still seated behind the teacher\u2019s desk, pounding his gavel, the one presented him many years ago when he, himself, retired from his duties as schoolteacher. He was an elderly man, with white thinning hair, slightly stooped posture, and sharp blue eyes that missed absolutely nothing. He glared sternly out at the assembly seated and standing before him past a pair of thick, scraggly eyebrows, white with yet a few strands of iron gray.<\/p>\n The other members of the school board sat in a line up at the front of the room, looking for all the world like naughty school children, caught in their many and diverse acts of deviltry. All, save two, sat with their knees pressed close together, hands folded in their laps, eyes firmly glued to the floor in front of them.<\/p>\n Georgianna Wilkens, president of the Virginia City Literacy Society, occupied the position of honor, first in the line up, closest to the teachers\u2019 desk. She had been given the chair reserved for guests, with its high, tall back and cushioned seat in deference to her own advanced age, a very closely guarded secret. She glared out at the gathered assembly, with jaw rigidly set, tight lipped with a raw fury that shocked Ben, shocked others who had come to know the diminutive lady from Atlanta well enough to know she very rarely allowed anger to get the better of her. Being even now a woman of action, in spite of her advanced years, she preferred to in her own words, \u201cdo something about it, not sit around and stew.\u201d Georgianna cast an occasional, outright murderous glare at both Myra Danvers and Ezekiel Abercromby.<\/p>\n Myra Danvers, seated two people away from Georgianna Wilkens, sat with posture ramrod straight, arms folded resolutely across her ample chest and bosom, glaring indignantly out at the assembly.<\/p>\n \u201cThis special meeting of the school board is now called to order,\u201d Ezekiel declared, punctuating his words with a final strike of his gavel against the wood surface of the teacher\u2019s desk. \u201cIs Miss Ashcroft here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I am, Mister Abercromby.\u201d Judith Ashcroft stepped forward from behind the group of people lined up along the wall to the right of the teacher\u2019s desk. Molly O\u2019Hanlan, her face set with a grim stubborn resolve, quietly moved out behind the schoolteacher and took her place beside Miss Ashcroft.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know your daughter was here, Francis,\u201d Hugh O\u2019Brien said sotto voce.<\/p>\n \u201cShe insisted,\u201d Francis said with a touch of pride. \u201cHer ma\u2019s having a fit to end all fits, but I couldn\u2019t deny her. I\u2019m surprised Stacy and Susannah didn\u2019t insist on coming.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetter part of valor,\u201d Hugh replied. \u201cStacy\u2019d turn this meeting into a good old fashioned donnybrook before she got through. As for Susannah . . . . \u201d He grinned. \u201cI can never be sure whether or not her threats to lift a body\u2019s scalp are empty ones.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Abercromby?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mrs. Wilkens?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst of all, I would like the recording secretary to duly note that I am in protest of this entire proceeding,\u201d Georgianna declared, rising to her feet, leveling a glare that carried in it the full force of her growing fury at Myra Danvers. \u201cI was told the purpose of this meeting was to consider the tendered resignation of Miss Judith Ashcroft. In MY own humble opinion this is a matter more appropriate for the school board ALONE. I therefore move that his meeting be adjourned immediately and the matter of Miss Ashcroft\u2019s resignation be placed on the agenda of our NEXT school board meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnyone second Mrs. Wilkens\u2019 motion?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir, I do.\u201d It was Elmer McFarlane, Judge Faraday\u2019s administrative assistant, and youngest member of the school board. Though he visibly flinched away from the dark, angry glares Myra Danvers and several other members of the school board leveled in his direction, his voice rang out loud and clear.<\/p>\n \u201cA motion has been made and seconded that the matter of Miss Ashcroft\u2019s resignation be tabled now, and placed on the agenda of the next school board meeting,\u201d Ezekiel Abercromby said, then mentally braced himself. \u201cIs there any discussion?\u201d<\/p>\n Myra Danvers shot right out of her seat with enough force and momentum to send her chair toppling over backwards. \u201cI, for one, heartily disagree with Mrs. Wilkens\u2019 motion AND her opinion. There are certain moral consequences to be taken into account and considered here. THAT being the case, I feel it not only appropriate but our bounden duty as members of the school board to involve the community. They have a right to know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight to know my sit-down!\u201d Georgianna Wilkens snorted derisively. \u201cYou\u2019re just looking for an excuse to slander the name of a good woman and one of the finest teachers this school has been blessed with TO DATE.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t be referring to Miss Ashcroft as a good woman if you knew the score, Mrs. Wilkens,\u201d Myra Danvers returned indignantly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt so happens I DO know the score!\u201d Georgianna returned irascibly, without missing a beat. \u201cThe whole town and everyone living around it knows the score. And before Mrs. Kirk and Miss Mudgely get through, the whole state of Nevada\u2019s going to know the score!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure the good Reverend Hildebrandt can tell you how clear the Holy Scriptures are in reference to fornication and licentious behavior,\u201d Myra retorted.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I\u2019m quite sure he can,\u201d Georgianna agreed. \u201cI\u2019m also just as sure he can tell YOU how clear those same Holy Scriptures are about gossiping and judging others, lest you yourself be judged.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Abercromby, I have a question.\u201d It was Carrie Blanchard. Aged in her mid-thirties, she was a widow with two daughters, aged eight and eleven. She cleaned the homes of Virginia City\u2019s well to do to support herself and her family, which also included her mother.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mrs. Blanchard?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat reason did Miss Ashcroft give for resigning her position?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn her letter, she states that she is resigning for personal reasons,\u201d Ezekiel replied.<\/p>\n \u201cI can tell you what those reasons are, Mrs. Blanchard,\u201d Myra said with a smug, imperious air of self-righteousness. \u201cMiss Ashcroft is with child.\u201d<\/p>\n The entire assembly was thrown into an uproar of loud talking and discussion.<\/p>\n \u201cOrder!\u201d Ezekiel banged his gavel hard against the wood desk, raising his voice to be heard over and above the growing din. \u201cOrder! This meeting will come back to order!\u201d<\/p>\n The people gradually grew quiet. Those who had come early enough to find seats at the desks in the middle of the room, sat back down. Those standing drifted back to their initial places around the perimeters of the room. Everyone returned his or her attention to Ezekiel Abercromby.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Donaldson, you will strike Mrs. Danvers\u2019 last remark from the minutes of this meeting,\u201d Ezekiel said to Ada Donaldson, the recording secretary. His entire face was beet read. \u201cThe minutes will state that Miss Ashcroft resigned from her position as teacher for personal reasons. We WILL leave things stand at that.\u201d<\/p>\n This drew a venomous glare from Mrs. Danvers.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a motion on the floor, moved and seconded,\u201d Ezekiel continued. \u201cIs there a call to vote?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow just one minute, Mister Abercromby,\u201d Myra protested. \u201cI don\u2019t feel there\u2019s been enough discussion on this issue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI, for one, feel there\u2019s been \u2018way TOO much discussion on this issue,\u201d Georgianna growled.<\/p>\n \u201cI heartily disagree,\u201d Myra countered. \u201cAs I said before, there ARE moral consequences to be considered. A teacher gives instruction, not ONLY in the classroom, but also by the example she sets. Now we have here before us a woman who has been standing up in front of this very classroom day after day for nearly three years, instructing . . . . MOLDING the young, impressionable minds who occupy those seats everyday.\u201d She gestured toward the students\u2019 desks with a broad sweep of her hand. \u201cIt is common knowledge that MISS Ashcroft is with child.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCommon GOSSIP you mean,\u201d Georgianna reported.<\/p>\n \u201cBE that as it may, we, as a community, must still ask ourselves . . . WHAT is Miss Ashcroft teaching our children? What kind of example is she setting for the children, especially the young LADIES of this community, being in her delicate condition without benefit of holy wedlock?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps we should ask Miss Ashcroft the question straight out,\u201d Judge William Caine, seated in the front row along the wall opposite the place where Judith Ashcroft and Molly O\u2019Hanlan stood together. The judge turned and focused his attention on the schoolteacher. \u201cMiss Ashcroft, ARE you in fact in the family way?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJudge Caine, since I submitted my resignation to the school board yesterday, effective immediately, the answer to your question is plain and simply, none of your business,\u201d Judith replied.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the mother of two school aged daughters, I beg to differ with you, Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Carrie Blanchard hotly protested. \u201cMrs. Danvers is absolutely right about you as teacher setting a proper example. As a conscientious parent, I have a right to know exactly WHAT kind of an example you\u2019re setting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re so quick to speak of setting examples, Mrs. Blanchard,\u201d Georgianna retorted. \u201cPerhaps YOU should read the passage in the Gospels that talks about he who is WITHOUT sin may cast the first stone. I trust we understand each other?!\u201d<\/p>\n Carrie Blanchard lapsed into a sullen, angry silence.<\/p>\n \u201cIf, in fact, Miss Ashcroft IS in delicate condition, I\u2019d like to know why the father of her child has not come forth to do the right thing by her?\u201d Judge Caine posed the question with a malicious smile. \u201cPerhaps Mister Cartwright can enlighten us on the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben felt every eye in the room on him, demanding an answer. It took every ounce of will power he possessed not to flinch. He took a deep breath, then stepped forward. \u201cLadies and Gentlemen, I have no idea in the world WHY Judge Caine thinks I have the answer to that question . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome ON, Mister Cartwright,\u201d a man standing at the back of the classroom sneered. \u201cAin\u2019t no use in pretending! Cat\u2019s out of the bag!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m NOT pretending,\u201d Ben said in an even, measured voice, focusing his attention on the man who had just spoken.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you DENY that Miss Ashcroft is with YOUR child?\u201d Judge Caine pressed.<\/p>\n \u201cAs I recall, Judge Caine, Miss Ashcroft has resigned her teaching position for personal reasons,\u201d Ben said, bringing full measure of his intense glare to bear on William Caine. \u201cThe rest is hearsay and gossip.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t answer my question, Mister Cartwright. Are you the father of Miss Ashcroft\u2019s child?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJudge Caine, you surprise me,\u201d Ben countered. \u201cThe rumors circulating about Miss Ashcroft being with child are just that. Rumor and gossip. Surely as a lawyer, and now as a judge, you wouldn\u2019t even THINK of admitting rumor and gossip into evidence in a court of law.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Mister Cartwright, I\u2019ll phrase it hypothetically,\u201d the judge said. \u201cIF Miss Ashcroft were with child . . . IF, Mister Cartwright . . . is there any possibility, any possibility at all, that she might be with YOUR child?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely NOT,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n \u201cOH, BEN, HOW COULD YOU?!\u201d Judith involuntarily cried out in anguish, heartbroken by his flat denial.<\/p>\n \u201cTHERE!\u201d Myra Danvers crowed triumphantly. \u201cYou heard it! You ALL heard it! Right out of her own mouth, you all heard it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft, are you with Ben Cartwright\u2019s child?\u201d Ezekiel Abercromby asked, his hand gripping the handle of his gavel hard enough to whiten his knuckles.<\/p>\n \u201cYes!\u201d Judith sobbed. \u201cYes!\u201d<\/p>\n Order quickly evaporated into anarchy, as everyone began to talk loudly among themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cYou lousy, no good son-of-a bitch!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben heard the terse voice, coming from the man standing directly behind him. As he turned toward the speaker, a rock hard fist connected with his face, sending him into the arms of Francis O\u2019Hanlan and Hugh O\u2019Brien. Ben recovered himself quickly, returning the man\u2019s blow with a good, solid right cross of his own. As his opponent recovered, two men moved to join him. Francis and Hugh, their own faces mask of grim determination also stepped forward, flanking Ben on either side.<\/p>\n \u201cORDER!\u201d Ezekiel screamed. \u201cORDER! THIS MEETING WILL COME TO ORDER!\u201d<\/p>\n One by one, people lapsed into angry, sullen silence and drifted back to their places. An uneasy silence fell on the meeting like a pall, broken only by the soft hiccupping sounds of Judith Ashcroft sobbing.<\/p>\n \u201cAny more outbursts like that, and I\u2019ll send someone to fetch the sheriff,\u201d Ezekiel informed the assembly in a stern tone that brooked no argument, no opposition. \u201cDo I make myself clear, Ladies and Gentlemen?\u201d<\/p>\n A subdued murmur of ascent rippled throughout the assembly.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft, do you have anything you wish to say?\u201d Ezekiel said, turning his attention to the schoolteacher.<\/p>\n \u201cI most certainly do,\u201d Judith said, as she angrily wiped the tears from her cheeks with the heel of her hand. She pulled herself up to full height, her posture ramrod straight. \u201cMister Cartwright, I want you to come here, to the front of the room, look me straight in the face and tell me that I don\u2019t carry your child.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, you want us to stand with you?\u201d Hugh offered in a low voice, nodding to Francis O\u2019Hanlan.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Hugh . . . Francis. Thank you for offering.\u201d With that, Ben made his way to the front of the room, coming to a stop directly in front of Judith Ashcroft.<\/p>\n The anger, pain, and bewilderment she saw in his face and eyes doused her anger as quickly and as effectively as a bucket of water doused a campfire.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft\u2014 \u201d Ben began.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I was wrong,\u201d Judith said suddenly, cutting Ben off mid-sentence. She immediately averted her eyes, feeling dreadfully sick at heart.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you say, Miss Ashcroft?\u201d Ezekiel Abercromby, the head of the school board, demanded.<\/p>\n Judith closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then, opening her eyes, she turned to face her accusers on the school board, her posture straight as an arrow, her mouth and chin set with a valiant, grim determination. \u201cI SAID I was wrong,\u201d she repeated her words in a strong clear voice. \u201cMister Cartwright is NOT the father of my child.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s lying!\u201d Myra Danvers snarled. \u201cShe\u2019s lying now . . . to protect HIM.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am NOT lying, Mrs. Danvers,\u201d Judith quietly, yet very firmly defended herself. \u201cMister Cartwright is NOT the father of my child.\u201d<\/p>\n Myra\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cIf Mister Cartwright is not the father of your child, then who IS, Miss Ashcroft?\u201d she demanded with a malicious sneer.<\/p>\n \u201cSeeing as how I have already given my resignation to the school board, effective immediately, Mrs. Danvers, the identity of the man who fathered my child is quite plain and simply none of your damned business!\u201d Judith replied in a cold, angry tone.<\/p>\n The eight members of the school board stared down at the angry young woman, through eyes round with shocked horror, and astonishment.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, would you please take me home?\u201d Judith asked in a kindlier tone.<\/p>\n \u201cJ-Just a moment, Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Ezekiel stammered, his mind still reeling. \u201cThis meeting\u2019s not . . . over. N-not yet . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is as far as I\u2019M concerned, Mister Abercromby,\u201d Judith declared.<\/p>\n Myra Danvers glared malevolently at Ben first, then at Judith. \u201cMister Cartwright, we fully expect you to do the right thing by Miss Ashcroft.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Danvers\u2014 \u201d Judith started to protest.<\/p>\n \u201cDo the names Vivian Crawleigh and Lucia Churchill Hayes Home for Orphans and Foundlings mean anything to you, Mister Cartwright?\u201d Myra queried in a sly, menacing tone.<\/p>\n Ben felt the blood rapidly draining from his face. He stared over at Myra Danvers, completely dumbfounded, unable to even speak.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes, I know all about Mrs. Crawleigh and the Lucia Churchill Hayes Home for Orphans and Foundlings,\u201d Myra continued. \u201cMrs. Crawleigh . . . Vivian . . . is my first cousin. Our mothers were sisters. She wrote and told me all about Stacy and about the three of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour point, Mrs. Danvers?\u201d Ben demanded, his dark eyes smoldering with the fury growing within him.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Mister Cartwright, my point is THIS. If you fail to do the right thing by your pregnant mistress, I WILL send a wire to my cousin and inform her of your sordid behavior,\u201d Myra said. \u201cI know for a fact that this was just the kind of thing she was concerned about when she wrote and lamented Major Baldwin\u2019s decision to allow Stacy to accompany you and your sons home from Fort Charlotte. That will give her all the grounds she needs to come here and petition for full custody of Miss Stacy Rose Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Danvers, you are \u2018way out of line!\u201d Ezekiel Abercromby admonished her tersely.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe so, Mister Abercromby, but I don\u2019t care. The only thing that matters to me now is the welfare of an innocent young lady living in that . . . that den of iniquity called Ponderosa!\u201d Myra Danvers declared in a lofty, imperious tone. She then turned her attention back to Ben.<\/p>\n As he gazed into her visage, wholly disfigured into a hideous caricature of her normal appearance by the anger, malice, and venom that permeated her soul, Ben suddenly realized that he looked upon the true face of Myra Danvers, free of all the constraints normally imposed by polite society. He involuntarily shuddered.<\/p>\n \u201cI give you one week to make your arrangements,\u201d Myra continued, her eyes glittering with malicious triumph. \u201cOne week! If, by then you have not done as you ought, I WILL send that wire to my dear cousin, Vivian.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben Cartwright and Judith Ashcroft, now former teacher at the Virginia City Public School, rode together in stony silence in the former\u2019s buckboard toward her home. Ben stared straight ahead, his eyes pointedly on the road stretching before him. Judith, her cheeks scarlet from embarrassment and the angry tears shed, sat demurely in the seat beside him, hands folded in her lap, eyes glued to her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cM-Mister Cartwright?\u201d Judith ventured timidly, unable to bear the strained silence any longer.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Miss Ashcroft?\u201d Ben\u2019s angry tone dripped icicles.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I know it can\u2019t be nearly enough, but . . . I\u2019m so sorry,\u201d Judith said, her voice trembling. \u201cI honest and truly thought he w-was you . . . until\u2014 \u201d She suddenly broke off, unable to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you speaking of your child\u2019s father?\u201d<\/p>\n Judith nodded. \u201cHe . . . he looks very much like you, Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe never set you straight?\u201d Ben asked, incredulous.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Judith said in a very small voice. \u201cH-he . . . the entire time, he led me to believe that . . . that he was you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft, when did you realize that I\u2019m NOT the man you\u2019ve obviously fallen in love with?\u201d Ben asked in a more polite, kindly tone.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the school board meeting. When you . . . when you came forward t-to . . . to tell me to m-my face that you weren\u2019t . . . the f-father of my child? I looked into your eyes . . . and . . . I knew.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe loves me, Mister Cartwright. He loves me as . . . as much as I love him. I could see it very clearly in his eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said this man resembles me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe could very easily p-pass for your identical twin brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben suddenly remembered. Bradley Meredith, a crook and con man par excellence, fit that description all too well. Twice, he had attempted to use that uncanny resemblance to raise money by selling big chunks of the Ponderosa out from under him. He nearly succeeded on both occasions.<\/p>\n \u201cNo wonder people have been treating me so strangely since I arrived home from San Francisco yesterday,\u201d Ben mused aloud.<\/p>\n \u201cI-I\u2019m sorry, Mister Cartwright. I didn\u2019t quite catch that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been in San Francisco for the past month on business,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cWhen I returned home on the morning stage yesterday . . . well, to say that friends and acquaintances were treating me rather strangely is the understatement of the year. But, if rumors have been circulating about you and me, it explains a whole lot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou . . . I mean HE and I both had agreed it was best to keep things quiet until the end of the school year,\u201d Judith said ruefully. \u201cWe tried to be discreet, especially after that picnic\u2014 \u201d She broke off, her cheeks suddenly flaming scarlet, and quickly averted her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you talking about the church picnic?\u201d<\/p>\n Judith vigorously shook her head. \u201cAnother picnic, just us . . . him and me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben, much to his absolute horror and chagrin, felt the telltale tingling of blood rushing to his own cheeks, as he surmised what had, more than likely occurred in the course of that picnic to which Judith had referred. \u201cI\u2019m . . . I\u2019m sure you did everything humanly possible to be discreet, but sometimes things slip by unconsciously . . . like my daughter suddenly bringing home all A\u2019s and B\u2019s, for instance?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh dear! I think I see what you mean,\u201d Judith murmured, unable to bring herself to look into his face.<\/p>\n Ben cast a quick, furtive glance over at the miserable, forlorn young woman seated next to him on the buckboard seat, his heart going out to her. He silently wracked his brains in a desperate search for a nice, easy way to tell her that the man she had fallen so deeply in love with, and who had fathered her unborn child, was more than likely a con man and a thief. \u201c . . . uh, Miss Ashcroft?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-yes, Mister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben swallowed nervously. \u201cI\u2019m pretty sure I know who he is . . . the man you\u2019ve fallen in love with, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n Judith turned and glanced over at him sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, he and I\u2019ve met. He DOES bear an uncanny resemblance to me. In fact, he\u2019s a dead ringer. His name is Bradley Meredith.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder why he didn\u2019t correct m-me when I . . . when I mistook him of you?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid he\u2019s . . . he\u2019s a thief and a con man,\u201d Ben forced himself to say it straight out. He kept his face and eyes pointed straight ahead. The look on her face was the absolute last thing in the world he wanted to see right now. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Miss Ashcroft . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, I have to find him.\u201d<\/p>\n The expression on Ben\u2019s face clearly and succinctly questioned the young schoolteacher\u2019s very sanity. \u201cM-Miss Ashcroft,\u201d he stammered, \u201cd-didn\u2019t you hear a word I j-just said?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI heard you perfectly, but I STILL have to find him . . . because I have to tell him about the baby, and . . . and because I love him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cB-but\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis Bradley Meredith loves me, too . . . as much as I love him. I told you before, I could see it in his eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft, I think you may be reading more into his intentions than\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, Bradley Meredith has feelings . . . even . . . even if he IS a c-con man and . . . and a thief . . . . \u201d With that, she suddenly burst into tears, burying her face in her hands.<\/p>\n Ben eased the buckboard over to the side of the road and brought the horses to a stop. He gathered her into his arms and let her cry on his shoulder. Bad enough Bradley Meredith had used his resemblance in at least two attempts to rob HIM blind! But the thought of that man using his own likeness to dupe, then so cruelly use a vulnerable young woman like Judith Ashcroft went \u2018way beyond the pale.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft, we\u2019re going to find Bradley Meredith,\u201d Ben promised through clenched teeth. \u201cEven if we have to go to the very ends of the earth, we\u2019re going to find him. You have my solemn word on THAT!\u201d After she had her say with him, he vowed to haul that man\u2019s sorry carcass back to Virginia City, bound and gagged if need be. Once there, he would elicit a full confession from Meredith\u2019s lips in front of reliable witnesses, even if it meant beating him within an inch of his life to get it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was still late morning when Ben brought the horses to a halt in front of the tiny house Judith Ashcroft had been renting during most of her tenure as teacher at the Virginia City Public School. He immediately jumped down and quickly circled around behind the buckboard, drawing up along side where Judith remained, unmoving, staring morosely down at her hands clasped tightly in her lap. \u201cLet me help you, Miss Ashcroft,\u201d he said softly, extending his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Judith responded in a voice, barely audible. Though she looked up, her eyes fell just short of meeting his.<\/p>\n Ben took her by the waist and gently set her down on terra firma. \u201cAre you going to be all right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs . . . as all right as I can b-be . . . under the circumstances,\u201d Judith murmured, nodding her head. She felt an overwhelming desire to flee up the sidewalk to the sanctuary of her home, and once inside to slam and lock the door against the wagging tongues and the eyes of the self-righteous so quick to pass judgment. She especially wanted to escape from the man who had just brought her home. The mere thought of having to look him square in the face brought yet another rush of blood to her own.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, you needn\u2019t see me all the way to the door,\u201d Judith said very quickly, her words tumbling out one after the other. \u201cI\u2014 \u201d She turned, then cried out in alarm.<\/p>\n Ben whirled in his tracks and saw, much to his horror and chagrin, Judith\u2019s possessions sitting on the front stoop.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand this,\u201d Judith moaned, suddenly feeling dizzy. \u201cI don\u2019t understand this at all! I . . . I just paid my rent . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes were immediately drawn to a white, rectangular shaped piece of paper attached to the worn carpetbag sitting on top of the pile. \u201cWait here,\u201d he muttered, then started up the walk, moving at a brisk pace. Upon reaching the front porch and haphazard pile of Judith Ashcroft\u2019s personal belongings, he removed the pin securing the envelope to the carpetbag. It was addressed to the former schoolteacher.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Mister Cartwright?\u201d Judith asked wearily, upon his return to the buckboard with envelope in hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw this attached to the carpet bag sitting on top,\u201d Ben replied as he handed her the envelope.<\/p>\n Judith tried to open the envelope, but found that her hands were shaking too much. \u201cWould YOU mind?\u201d she ventured, holding the envelope out to Ben.<\/p>\n Ben took the proffered envelope and opened it. \u201cIt\u2019s a letter from Russell Churley.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy landlord.\u201d Still gripping the edge of the buckboard for support, Judith turned and dropped her forehead against her arms. \u201cWould you . . . would you mind reading it to me, Mister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Dear Miss Ashcroft,\u2019 \u201d Ben read. \u201c \u2018In reviewing my records, I was dismayed to learn that you are six months behind in your rent payments. You are hereby evicted. In light of your recent difficulties, I have decided not to impound your belongings until your debt is paid, as is my legal right to do. Regretfully, Russell Churley.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s lying, Mister Cartwright. I\u2019ve NEVER been behind on my rent, NEVER!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have a receipt?\u201d<\/p>\n Judith nodded. \u201cI . . . I keep the receipts from all my bills filed in a strong box. It\u2019s in my desk at the school house, bottom drawer on the left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll send Candy to collect it,\u201d Ben said. \u201cIs there anything from that pile of belongings that you need immediately?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat carpet bag should have most . . . . \u201d Judith felt her knees begin to buckle, and her grip on the edge of the buckboard loosen. She would have almost certainly collapsed, had it not been for Ben\u2019s strong arm around her waist, supporting her.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft, do you feel up to sitting in the seat? If you don\u2019t, you can lie down in the back of the buckboard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right . . . I can sit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get you back up there.\u201d Ben gently helped Judith back up into the passenger\u2019s side of the buckboard. \u201cWe\u2019ll be off as soon as I get the carpet bag. Do you need anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, not immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned and started up the walk.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n He paused mid-stride and turned around. \u201cYes, Miss Ashcroft?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere do you intend to take me? I . . . I can\u2019t afford to stay at the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m taking you back to the Ponderosa,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no!\u201d Judith protested, shaking her head. \u201cMister Cartwright, no! That would be too much of an imposition.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be no imposition at all, Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Ben said. \u201cUnder the circumstances, I feel it\u2019s the very least I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, good you back,\u201d Hop Sing greeted Ben as he slowed the buckboard to a halt. \u201cDinner ready soon. One hour. HOP SING cook today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank heaven for great mercies!\u201d Ben murmured with heartfelt gratitude, remembering the inedible meal Mei-Ling cooked up the day before.<\/p>\n \u201cWho Missy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Ben said wearily, as he jumped down from the buckboard. \u201cShe\u2019s going to be staying with us for . . . for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy Missy so sad?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, please . . . don\u2019t ask so many questions,\u201d Ben said, as he helped Judith down from the buckboard. He reached into the back and pulled out her carpetbag. \u201cWould you mind showing Miss Ashcroft upstairs to the spare room? It\u2019s been a long tiring morning for her, Hop Sing. I think she might like to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Hop Sing said, taking the bag. \u201cMissy follow Hop Sing.\u201d He turned and started toward the house, with Judith following silently behind.<\/p>\n \u201cOh! Hop Sing!\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing paused, and turned. \u201cYes, Mister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere IS everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Li in room downstairs. Take nap,\u201d Hop Sing replied. \u201cMei-Ling and family go to town. See Hop Ling. Venerable father. Whole family go, except no-good nephew.\u201d He scowled. \u201cXing get up early, leave. Where, no one know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow about Hoss, Joe, and Stacy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Hoss, Little Joe inside. Miss Stacy and Blaze Face out for ride.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was exceedingly grateful for that last. \u201cHop Sing, would you ask Hoss and Joe to join me in the barn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Hop Sing replied.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, I\u2019ll see to the horses,\u201d Candy offered, as he crossed the yard between the bunkhouse and the buckboard.<\/p>\n \u201cNot just yet, Candy, I have a couple of errands for you,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou\u2019ll need the buckboard. First, I want you to go to the schoolhouse. Miss Ashcroft has a strong box in the teacher\u2019s desk, in the bottom left drawer. I\u2019d like you to retrieve that, and any other personal effects of Miss Ashcroft\u2019s. After you\u2019ve done that, I want you to take the buckboard to the house where she was living and get the rest of her things. Take Mitch or Bobby with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Candy replied. \u201cWhere do you want us to put Miss Ashcroft\u2019s things when we come back?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor now stack everything in the barn . . . in one of the empty stalls. She can sort through it all later.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy nodded. \u201cMister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Candy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe men and I . . . we want you to know that we . . . . \u201d His cheeks flushed pink. \u201cWe want you to know, Sir, that we . . . we don\u2019t believe anything . . . they\u2019re saying about you in town.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sardonically marveled at how even the speed of light had nothing on the swiftness of word of mouth. \u201cThank you, Candy. You don\u2019t know how much I appreciate that,\u201d he said heartily grateful for the support of those who worked for him. \u201cPlease, convey my thanks to the others?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sure will, Mister Cartwright. If there\u2019s anything I can do . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Candy. If there is, I\u2019ll let you know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDadburn it, Pa! That Danvers woman\u2019s gone too far!\u201d Hoss declared, his brows knit together in anger, after his father had related all that had transpired at the school board meeting earlier that morning. \u201cShe oughtta be tarred, feathered, \u2018n run right outta town on a rail!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d Joe queried, lowering his voice. He cast a quick, furtive glance toward the open barn door and the house. \u201cYou aren\u2019t going to give in to Mrs. Danvers\u2019 ultimatum . . . ARE you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have to go back into town later with Hop Sing and Li-Hsing to pick up those jade statues,\u201d Ben said grimly. \u201cThey\u2019re supposed to be on the four o\u2019clock stage. I\u2019ll see if we can\u2019t go a little early so I can talk things over with Lucas Milburn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want Joe \u2018n me t\u2019 go with you, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n Ben thought the matter over. \u201cJoe . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like you to go with us,\u201d Ben said. \u201cHoss, I\u2019d like you to stay here, kinda keep an eye on your sister, Mrs. Li, and Miss Ashcroft.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you told Stacy anything yet?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Ben shook his head. \u201cI . . . I\u2019m hoping I can hold off on that until I\u2019ve talked with Lucas.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold off telling me WHAT until you\u2019ve talked with Mister Milburn?\u201d<\/p>\n The three men turned and saw Stacy entering the barn, leading Blaze Face.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked over at his sons. \u201cHoss . . . Joe . . . . ?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Pa.\u201d Hoss moved forward to take Blaze Face\u2019s lead from Stacy. \u201cYou g\u2019won with Pa, Li\u2019l Sister. Joe \u2018n I\u2019ll stable Blaze Face.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa . . . . ?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy, let\u2019s you and I step into the tack room,\u201d Ben said quietly. Stacy nodded, and followed. There, Ben took a deep breath and told his daughter what had transpired at the board meeting.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I . . . I won\u2019t let them take me!\u201d she declared, as the blood literally drained right out of her cheeks. \u201cI won\u2019t let that . . . that monster from hell take me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI mean it, Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy, do you trust me?\u201d Ben said earnestly, placing both hands on her shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cOf COURSE I do, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhenever I\u2019ve made a promise to you, I\u2019ve always kept it?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded.<\/p>\n Ben slipped his arms around her and hugged her close. \u201cStacy, I promise you, NO ONE\u2019S going to take you from me . . . from US! Least of all the likes of Vivian Crawleigh! You have my word on that.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy tightened her arms around Ben\u2019s waist and rested her head against his broad chest. \u201cWhen we were at Fort Charlotte? She was horrible, Pa,\u201d she said, her voice shaking. \u201cShe\u2019d . . . she\u2019d punish me for the least little thing. I never knew what to expect. One day she\u2019d praise me for doing something, the next she\u2019d punish me . . . for doing the exact same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s thoughts drifted back to the first time he, Hoss, and Joe met Stacy. It was their first night at Fort Charlotte. In the dark hours of early morning, he was jolted from slumber by the terrified screams of the young woman he now held in his arms . . . . Her eyes snapped open.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Stacy, you were having a bad dream . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ben was surprised and touched when she threw herself into his secure embrace. He held her, allowing her to cry on his shoulder, all the while softly murmuring words of comfort and reassurance.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ben turned toward the door and saw Vivian Crawleigh standing at the threshold, with arms folded tightly across her chest. Clad in a dark, navy blue robe, hair wrapped up in papers, her face slathered with some kind of mudpack, she did indeed look like a monster from the deepest pits of hell.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re DOING?!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Mrs. Crawleigh. Stacy had a night mare that\u2019s left her shaken up, but she\u2019ll be all right.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cNot if you cater to her every time she screams.\u201d Mrs. Crawleigh\u2019s voice dripped with icicles.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cCater to her?\u201d Ben echoed, not understanding.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a bid to get attention,\u201d Mrs. Crawleigh informed him in a lofty, condescending tone. \u201cAs long as you keep on rushing in here, she\u2019s going to keep right on throwing these temper tantrums in the middle of the night.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cM-Mrs. Crawleigh, you mean to tell me . . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhen she screams, I just let her scream. If she keeps it up long enough, I\u2019ll come in and give her attention all right . . . in the form of a good, sound whipping with my cane.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ben stared over at the woman, too horrified to even speak.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the only way she\u2019s going to learn, Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ben made up his mind right then and there to ask the fort commander about the possibility of taking the frightened child he held in his arms home with him and the boys, to be part of THEIR family . . . . .<\/em> Stacy lifted her head and looked up earnestly into her father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t care what it takes, whatever I have to do, you\u2019re NOT going to Ohio with Mrs. Crawleigh,\u201d Ben said quietly. \u201cThat I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven . . . even if you have to . . . to marry M-Miss Ashcroft?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven if I have to marry Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Ben vowed. \u201cBut, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s going to come down to that. Your birth certificate was in with your mother\u2019s things, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cShe had me listed as your father,\u201d Ben continued. \u201cPlus there were a lot of witnesses there the night John McKenna revealed that Paris and I are your parents. Between those two things, we have ample enough proof that I am your natural father, Young Woman.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope so, Pa, I really hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJohnny?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Aaron?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat time ya got?\u201d<\/p>\n Johnny Jacobs, the man riding shotgun on the Overland Stage bound for Virginia City, carefully eased the butt of his rifle down on the footrest, balancing the weapon between his legs, dug into his pants pocket with his free hand. \u201cFour minutes past three,\u201d he replied, glancing down at the pocket watch resting in his massive palm.<\/p>\n Aaron Buckley mutely nodded his thanks, exhaling a sigh of relief. Less than an hour now to Virginia City. The first thing he planned to do, after seeing to the passengers and unloading the baggage on top, was to go at once to the barber shop for a nice long soak in a hot bath, followed by a shave, and maybe a haircut. Dinner would be at the International Hotel, as always, with a couple of beers at either the Silver Dollar or that new place, the Pink Flamingo. Perhaps there might even be a poker game going somewhere . . . .<\/p>\n \u201cAaron, stop!\u201d<\/p>\n Johnny\u2019s frantic tone pierced through Aaron\u2019s reverie.<\/p>\n \u201cStop?! Wha\u2019 for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook?\u201d Johnny pointed.<\/p>\n There were two men standing in the road up ahead. The bigger of the two stood well over six feet tall. He had a massive, rock solid muscular girth, roughly the size and shape of a beer keg, and a pair of well muscled beefy arms. He wore a tall, rounded ten-gallon hat, brown pants, a white long sleeved shirt, and a leather vest tanned a shade of brown lighter than his pants, almost golden. The shorter man was of a slimmer build, with broad shoulders tapering down to a narrow waist and hips. He wore light brown pants, a green jacket, and a hat that matched the pants. He stood next to the big man with arms folded across his chest.<\/p>\n Aaron studied the two men silently for a moment. \u201cKinda looks like the Cartwright boys, don\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Johnny agreed, frowning.<\/p>\n \u201cWonder what they\u2019re doin\u2019 all the way out here, standin\u2019 in the middle of the road like that?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe one o\u2019 their horses went lame or lost a shoe,\u201d Aaron replied., as he slowed the stagecoach to a halt. \u201cLeast we can do is offer \u2018em a lift.\u201d<\/p>\n The driver and man riding shotgun were shocked when the Cartwright boys both drew their guns.<\/p>\n \u201cStand and deliver, My Good Man,\u201d the shorter man ordered.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe Cartwright, if this is some kinda joke, it ain\u2019t funny!\u201d Aaron sputtered angrily, upon finding his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is no joke,\u201d the man addressed as Joe replied. \u201cNow both of you . . . throw down your guns, nice \u2018n easy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going on out there?\u201d an impatient young woman, with a pronounced Boston accent demanded petulantly. \u201cWhy are we stopping?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think the stage is being held up,\u201d a short, portly middle-aged man declared, upon looking out the window.<\/p>\n \u201cAn astute observation, Sir,\u201d the big silver haired man, clad impeccably in a black three piece suit, freshly laundered white shirt, and black string tie, stated in a quiet tone of voice. He was the lone occupant on the seat facing toward the back of the coach. Before anyone could even think to stop him, he pulled a small, mother-of-pearl handled derringer from the inside pocket of his jacket and leveled it at the passengers facing him. \u201cThis is INDEED a hold up.\u201d<\/p>\n The girl with the Boston accent opened her mouth to scream.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d save your breath, if I were you, Miss,\u201d Bradley Meredith, the silver hair man, advised. \u201cThere\u2019s no one out here to hear your cries for help anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n The girl snapped her moth shut, then turned and favored Bradley Meredith with a sullen glare.<\/p>\n \u201cNow THAT\u2019S a rare treat. Beauty as well as intelligence,\u201d Bradley observed acerbically. \u201cNow then, if the lot of you follow my instructions to the letter, you will be on your way, lickity-split, and no one will get hurt. You!\u201d He glared at the cowboy seated next to the window. \u201cI want you to remove your gun from its holster, slow and easy . . . and toss it out the window.\u201d<\/p>\n The cowboy reluctantly complied.<\/p>\n \u201cThe rest of you raise your hands in the air,\u201d Bradley ordered,\u201d sit tight, and keep your mouths shut.\u201d<\/p>\n One by one the passengers slowly raised their hands.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Driver, I want you to toss down that big box in the middle,\u201d the man addressed as Joe ordered tersely. \u201cThe one with all the fancy Chinese writin\u2019 all over it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo as he says, Johnny,\u201d Aaron ordered.<\/p>\n Johnny rose slowly, easily, taking great care not to make any sudden moves. He climbed on top of the coach and crawled over to the requested box.<\/p>\n \u201cYou find it, Johnny?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Aaron, I got it.\u201d Johnny seized hold of the chest and dragged it to the front, toward the driver\u2019s seat. \u201cHere y\u2019 are, Hoss.\u201d He handed the heavy box over to the big man.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mister, much obliged.\u201d The big man smiled and nodded politely.<\/p>\n \u201cSay, Hoss . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith all that money your pa\u2019s got . . . why\u2019d you take up robbin\u2019 stage coaches?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe novelty of ranchin\u2019 \u2018n ropin\u2019 s worn off, I guess,\u201d the short man replied with an indifferent shrug.<\/p>\n \u201cYour pa\u2019s gonna be awfully disappointed in you boys,\u201d Aaron reproved them severely.<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone mention their pa?\u201d Bradley Meredith asked as he stepped down out of the coach.<\/p>\n Aaron Buckley\u2019s jaw dropped, and his eyes bulged right out of their sockets. \u201cMuh-muh-muh-muh-Mister . . . C-C-Cartwright?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou got the right box, Boys?\u201d Bradley asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWe sure do, uuhhh \u2018Pa,\u2019 \u201d the big man, the one addressed as Hoss, replied with an emphatic nod of his head.<\/p>\n \u201cOk, Driver, you can go,\u201d Bradley said in a dismissive monotone.<\/p>\n \u201cPleasure doin\u2019 business with ya!\u201d the short man in the green jacket called after the swiftly departing coach.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, let\u2019s get this loot back to our hideout,\u201d Bradley Meredith ordered. \u201cWe can divvy it up there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen it\u2019s south to Mexico for the Slade brothers, Big Jack \u2018n Shorty Jim [4],\u201d the man in the green jacket crowed. \u201cOur share\u2019ll be more \u2018n enough to keep the pair of us in wine, women, and song for a long, long, long time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSay, Boss, whatcha gonna do with YOUR share?\u201d the big man, Big Jack, asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t as young as I used t\u2019 be, Boys,\u201d Bradley replied. \u201cI\u2019m figuring on buying me a nice piece o\u2019 land somewhere nice \u2018n quiet, where a fella can settle back, sit a spell and put his feet up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou figurin\u2019 on takin\u2019 that homely li\u2019l schoolmarm with ya?\u201d Big Jack asked, as a sly smile oozed across his lips.<\/p>\n The question was answered with a dark murderous glare.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, don\u2019t get your long johns all wrapped up in knots, Boss,\u201d Big Jack immediately backed down. \u201cI was only joshin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re NOT to josh in that way about Judy,\u201d Bradley said through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re more bent outta shape than a lady trying t\u2019 lace up a corset whut\u2019s too tight,\u201d Big Jack returned with a scowl.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m WARNING you . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, come on, cut it out!\u201d Shorty Jim immediately interposed himself between The Boss and his younger, big brother. \u201cWe got the loot, now let\u2019s high tail it outta here. The sooner we count it out \u2018n divvy it up, the sooner we can all be goin\u2019 our separate ways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat can\u2019t happen soon enough fer ME!\u201d Big Jack declared, directing a murderous glare in the general direction of Bradley Meredith.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLUCAS MILBURN, WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN IT\u2019S POSSIBLE?!\u201d Ben demanded, leveling a dark, angry scowl at his hapless lawyer, seated behind his desk.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean there\u2019s precedent!\u201d Lucas replied, his gaze, unwavering, resting square on Ben Cartwright\u2019s angry face.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT PRECEDENT?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, please . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Ben closed his eyes and forced himself to take a deep, even breath. \u201cAll right, Lucas,\u201d he said in as even a tone as he could possibly muster. \u201cWhat precedent?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou should know, Ben, you helped set that precedent,\u201d Lucas replied. \u201cIt concerned Margie Owens\u2019 little girl. Remember?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben remembered. Frank Owens young granddaughter, whom Hoss had wistfully nicknamed \u2018Li\u2019l June-Bug,\u2019 had grown into a delightful child with a lively, vivacious personality. She had not only been a great comfort to her grandfather, but a new lease on life, as well. Frank took great delight in Li\u2019l June-Bug. Though he would never regain the robust health that had been his before the onset of illness, his health did improve significantly for a time. When he finally died three almost four years ago now, Li\u2019l June-Bug went to live with Carl and Marilyn Owens, Margie\u2019s brother and sister-in-law, respectively. Carl and Marilyn, who had no children of their own, welcomed Li\u2019l June-Bug into their hearts and into their home with open arms.<\/p>\n The Owens\u2019 joy however was very short lived. Less than a day after Frank Owens had been laid to rest in the Virginia City Cemetery, Mark Connors came to town demanding custody of his daughter. Carl and Marilyn had adamantly refused to hand the child over, knowing Mark Connors to be the scum dirt wipes from its boots upon coming in from the cold. Mark Connors immediately petitioned to the court for custody of his daughter. Carl and Marilyn Owens, with the help and support of Ben Cartwright and Lucas Milburn, fought tooth and nail to retain custody of their niece. They might have lost the case entirely, had Mark Connors not shown up in court on the day the ruling was to be handed down, reeking of cheap whiskey and stale perfume, barely able to stand and walk. [7]<\/p>\n \u201cLucas, aren\u2019t you forgetting that we proved conclusively that Mark Connors was an unfit father?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen what\u2019s the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe problem is that a precedent has been set,\u201d Lucas explained. \u201cUnless you can produce the man who DID father Miss Ashcroft\u2019s child, Mrs. Danvers and Mrs. Crawleigh have very compelling circumstantial evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith emphasis on CIRCUMSTANTIAL, Lucas.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, you know as well as I that many an innocent man has gone to the gallows on the basis of compelling circumstantial evidence,\u201d the lawyer hastened to point out. \u201cWhile Judges Faraday and Greenberg can be counted on to hear all testimony, and declare Mrs. Crawleigh\u2019s petition invalid for lack of good concrete proof, Judge Caine is another matter. Given the animosity that\u2019s grown between you and Judge Caine over the years, Ben, I frankly wouldn\u2019t put it past him to rule on the basis of that precedent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs there anyway we can prevent Judge Caine from hearing the case, if things actually come down to that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n For a time, Ben remained silent, consumed by his escalating anger, frustration, grief, and foreboding. Fate had just dealt Myra Danvers a powerful winning hand, with regard to the situation involving Judith Ashcroft and himself. If he gave in to her demand that he \u201cdo right\u201d by Miss Ashcroft, would she on other occasions pull out that trump hand to make him or any other member of his family do her bidding? Ben feared he knew the answer to that question all too well. \u201cIronic, isn\u2019t it, Lucas?\u201d he finally mused aloud, bitterly. \u201cAll the work I did to save a child from having to live with a father, who was terribly unfit, now threatens to take away my own daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I wish to heaven I could give you a better answer,\u201d Lucas said helplessly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With a heavy heart, Ben Cartwright trudged wearily from Lucas Milburn\u2019s office to the Overland Stage Depot, where he had agreed to meet Joe, Hop Sing, and Li-Hsing.<\/p>\n Joe, upon catching sight of his father\u2019s face, knew immediately that the news was bad. \u201cPa . . . . ?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLater,\u201d Ben immediately cut his youngest son off. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it at home.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed softly, and nodded. \u201cOk, Pa,\u201d he agreed reluctantly. \u201cWe\u2019ll talk at home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHas the stage come in yet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Joe shook his head. \u201cIt would appear the stage is late this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no!\u201d Hsing exclaimed horrified. \u201cWhy stage late? What if robbers hold up stage, take statues?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Mister Li,\u201d Joe said, making an effort to reassure, in spite of his own growing trepidations about Pa\u2019s meeting a short while ago with Mister Milburn. \u201cThe reason the stage is late is because it was more than likely held up in Carson City for some reason.\u201d<\/p>\n Finally, at nearly twenty-three minutes past the hour, the Overland stage turned the corner and rumbled up the street, coming to a halt in front of the depot.<\/p>\n \u201cSOMEONE GET THE SHERIFF!\u201d Aaron Buckley shouted, as he jumped down from the driver\u2019s set. \u201cTHE STAGE WAS ROBBED.\u201d<\/p>\n Upon hearing the driver\u2019s announcement, everyone gathered at the stage depot began to talk at once, in tones mixed with fear and outrage. Two boys, waiting with their father to meet one of the passengers, were immediately dispatched to the sheriff\u2019s office to fetch Roy Coffee.<\/p>\n Hop Sing and his brother-in-law, their faces paled to a sickly ashen gray, exchanged horrified glances.<\/p>\n \u201cShould never trust stagecoach,\u201d Hsing moaned. \u201cNever, never, never, never! Hsing should have brought statues, deliver to venerable grandmother. Should never trust stagecoach to deliver.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Li, most stagecoach robbers are after things like money, gold, and jewelry,\u201d Joe said, trying to maintain a semblance of calm against his own mounting dread. He had a real full blown bad feeling about all this. \u201cIt could be that they left your statues behind, not knowing what they were.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe right,\u201d Hop Sing affirmed, nodding his head vigorously. \u201cStage robbing men, crass. Very rude. Need class, smarts up here . . . . \u201d he tapped his right temple three times, \u201c . . . to know real worth, true value for statues. Most robbers not know that.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned as he listened to the exchange between Hop Sing and his youngest son. There was some merit to their words, perhaps, on the basis of general principles, but he had chosen this stage to deliver those statues because he had known that it would not be carrying gold, a payroll, or even the U.S. mail to tempt thieves. \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you g\u2019won over and ask the driver what was taken?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, Pa. I\u2019ll be right back!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTHERE! HE\u2019S ONE OF THEM! HE\u2019S ONE OF THE MEN WHO ROBBED US!\u201d the passenger with the Boston accent shouted and pointed as Joe Cartwright edged his way to the front of the gathering crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cYES! THAT\u2019S HIM!\u201d the balding, middle aged man added his voice to the young girl. \u201cTHAT\u2019S HIM! THERE! THE MAN IN THE GREEN JACKET!\u201d<\/p>\n Before Joe could even begin to register the import of the passengers\u2019 words of accusation, hands were grabbing him from all sides, pinning his arms, holding him very firmly in place.<\/p>\n \u201cWE\u2019VE GOT HIM!\u201d one of the men holding fast to Joe\u2019s right arm shouted back to the shaken drivers and passengers.<\/p>\n \u201cHEY! JUST A COTTON PICKIN\u2019 MINUTE!\u201d Joe shouted, as the implications suddenly began to dawn on him. \u201cI DIDN\u2019T ROB THAT STAGECOACH . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBen . . . Joe, I got witnesses who say you DID rob that stage,\u201d Roy Coffee said sternly. He, the Cartwrights, Hop Sing, and a pale, terribly shaken Li-Hsing were all gathered together in the sheriff\u2019s office. \u201cThe description of a third man robbin\u2019 that stage just so happens t\u2019 fit HOSS to a \u2018T.\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRoy, before I went to the stage depot, I spent the better part of an hour with Lucas Milburn,\u201d Ben growled, his voice beginning to rise. He made no efforts to in any way conceal his growing frustration and impatience. \u201cAn HOUR, Roy! Nearly a whole hour! Now I ask you . . . how could I possibly go to Carson City, catch the stage to Virginia City, rob it an hour outside of town, then rush back here . . . while spending the better part of the last hour with Lucas Milburn?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I got witnesses who describe the robbers as lookin\u2019 very much like you \u2018n your two boys,\u201d Roy argued. \u201cThe passengers point you \u2018n Joe out as the men whut robbed that stage over at the depot. The two drivers identified the three robbers as Mister Cartwright, Hoss, \u2018n Joe. Ben, I got no choice BUT to haul the both o\u2019 you in here \u2018n at the very least ask ya some questions. YOU know that as well as I do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSheriff Coffee, we didn\u2019t rob that stage,\u201d Joe said tersely.<\/p>\n \u201cSettle down, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI SAID settle down.\u201d<\/p>\n A sigh borne of pure, unadulterated exasperation exploded from between Joe\u2019s lips. He, then, lapsed into sullen silence.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, Roy,\u201d Ben said through clenched teeth. \u201cJoe and I will answer your questions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow we\u2019re gettin\u2019 somewhere,\u201d Roy said with a subtle touch of sarcasm. \u201cFirst question . . . I need the both of ya to account for your whereabouts beginning . . . let\u2019s say about two o\u2019clock.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt two o\u2019clock, I was out in the barn with Candy and Bobby Washington, getting our buckboard hitched up,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cWe . . . . \u201d he gestured to his son, to Hop Sing and Li-Hsing with a broad sweep of his arm, \u201chad to be here to meet the four o\u2019clock stage because we were expecting a delivery on what\u2019s turned out to be the only objects stolen in this hold up. I decided to come to town early because I wanted to consult with Lucas Milburn regarding another matter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat time didja reach Mister Milburn\u2019s office, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe clock on his wall struck three o\u2019clock shortly after I arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long exactly were ya with Mister Milburn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI left his office at nine minutes past four. I remember because I looked up at Lucas\u2019 clock, knowing I was running late. I had told Joe and Hop Sing that I\u2019d meet them and Li-Hsing at the stage depot promptly at four . . . if not a bit earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, Joe, how about YOU?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing and I left Pa off at Mister Milburn\u2019s office,\u201d Joe Cartwright took up the story in a cold, sullen tone. \u201cThen he and I drove over to the home of his father, Hop Ling in order to pick up Li-Hsing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLi-Hsing and Hop Sing sister, Mei-Ling, and daughter all visit with honorable father,\u201d Hop Sing dutifully explained.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat time did you reach Hop Ling\u2019s house?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know exactly,\u201d Joe snapped. \u201cIt had to be . . . shortly after three, if Pa reached Mister Milburn\u2019s office a few minutes BEFORE three.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing know. Little Joe and Hop Sing reach Hop Ling house three, maybe four minutes past three. See on new sundial in rose garden in front of house.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long were ya there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe left at a quarter \u2018til four,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI heard a wall clock striking the last quarter hour. That\u2019s how I knew it was time to leave for the depot. Li-Hsing came with Hop Sing and me. Mei-Ling and Yin-Ling stayed behind to visit awhile longer with Hop Ling.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy Coffee made note of the people and times given him by Ben and Joe. \u201cI\u2019m gonna have to speak with Candy, Bobby Washington, and Hop Ling to verify, but that should be enough to keep ya outta jail, at least f\u2019r now. However, I don\u2019t want any of ya leavin\u2019 town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Sheriff Sir?\u201d Li-Hsing ventured hesitantly.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Li?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happen with jade statues?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m gonna do everything I can to find \u2018em,\u201d Roy promised. \u201cI\u2019ll need a complete description of \u2018em from you. Once I get that, I\u2019ll send the information to every law man between here, \u2018n California AND Mexico.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou find jade statues? Get back?\u201d Li-Hsing asked, his pale, ashen face mirroring the desperate hope of one clinging for dear life to the thin edge of a precipice, suspended hundreds of feet above the earth and terra firma.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Li, as I said before I\u2019m gonna do everything I can,\u201d Roy said, his heart going out to the stricken man standing before him. \u201cI wish I COULD tell ya fer sure that I\u2019m gonna git \u2018em back, but I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . see. Li-Hsing thank Mister Sheriff for speaking honest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow if you can tell me what those statues look like . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Ben, Joe, and Hop Sing moved over and took up their places next to the door that opened out on onto the street, allowing the sheriff and Li-Hsing a modicum of privacy.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright . . . Little Joe, this bad,\u201d Hop Sing murmured gravely, shaking his head. \u201cThis very, very bad. No jade statues, no dowry. No dowry . . . Li family loose face, loose honor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLoose face and . . . l-loose honor?!\u201d Joe echoed, staring over at Hop Sing, incredulous. \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLi-Hsing venerable grandmother promise jade statues be dowry for Yin-Ling,\u201d Hop Sing said sadly. \u201cNow statues gone. Li Family have no dowry. Li Family promise. Now can\u2019t keep promise. Li Family dishonored. Loose face.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cB-But it\u2019s not Mrs. Li\u2019s fault the statues were st-stolen,\u201d Joe stammered, wholly taken aback.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Li promise. No can keep promise. Li Family disgrace, dishonor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat hardly seems fair.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe right. NOT fair! But that way things be.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCome ON, Big Jack, out your back into it for heaven\u2019s sake,\u201d Shorty Jim urged impatiently.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep your drawers on willya?\u201d Big Jack growled. \u201cI\u2019m workin\u2019 as fast as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n The three thieves had retreated post haste, using a buckboard and team of horses well hidden from sight along the road. The box they had stolen was loaded into the back of the buckboard and covered over by a layer of straw and a coarse blanket. Bradley Meredith took the reins, and drove the buckboard off the road toward an abandoned homestead, chosen well before the planned robbery as their hideout. The buckboard and horses were hidden in what remained of the barn, while the men retreated into the house, carrying their ill-gotten gain.<\/p>\n Big Jack spent the better part of half an hour working diligently to pry off the lid of the wood box containing the Li family dowry. Shorty Jim stood close at his brother\u2019s elbow, his hazel eyes shining with excitement, shifting from one foot to the other, then back again. Bradley Meredith sat before the small kitchen table, playing a game of Solitaire.<\/p>\n \u201cShorty, willya puh-leeeese! Stop all that prancin\u2019 around?!\u201d Big Jack angrily admonished his older brother. \u201cYou\u2019re makin\u2019 me nervous!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right!\u201d Shorty snapped. He stepped back, putting some distance between himself and his brother. \u201call right, I\u2019ll quit lookin\u2019 over your shoulder, if you\u2019ll just get that box open!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI TOLDJA I\u2019m tryin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, you\u2019re tryin\u2019 all right. REAL tryin\u2019! You\u2019re also takin\u2019 forever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t help it if these Chinese folks are good at sealing stuff up,\u201d Big Jack growled, as he returned his attention again to the box.<\/p>\n \u201cJust hurry it up.\u201d<\/p>\n As Bradley Meredith dealt himself another round of Solitaire, his anxious thoughts drifted to the woman he loved, the woman he hoped would be waiting for him back in Virginia City, remembering and reliving again the first day he had ever set eyes on her . . . . She stood on the board sidewalk right next to the door of the Silver Dollar Saloon, her posture straighter than an army general\u2019s and with arms folded tightly across her chest, leveling a ferocious scowl in his general direction. If looks could have killed . . . . .<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou were going to get right back to me about rescheduling that parent-teacher conference regarding Stacy, when you last canceled,\u201d she said sternly. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen hide nor hair of you since.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cStacy?\u201d he murmured, with a bewildered frown.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYour daughter.\u201d Her tone was colder than the glaciers of Baffin Bay.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh, yes . . . Stacy. My daughter.\u201d This was suddenly going from very badly to even worse. He had no idea in the world that Ben Cartwright had a daughter.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been nearly a month, Mister Cartwright,\u201d she continued in that stern, school teacher tone of voice.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very sorry, Miss\u2014 \u201d She was the school teacher. Bradley Meredith knew that, but what was her NAME?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI WAS under the impression that you regard a good, solid education as something vitally important,\u201d she continued.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI do, believe me! I do! Unfortunately, I\u2019ve been a tad under the weather for the last couple of weeks or so\u2014 \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad to see you\u2019re up and about again, Mister Cartwright,\u201d she said, her voice laden with heavy sarcasm. Her bright blue eyes strayed very pointedly to the saloon door behind him.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he murmured, flinching away from the steely glint in her gaze.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOne hour, Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOne hour? Until . . . . ?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cUntil that parent-teacher conference,\u201d she stated very firmly, in a tone that brooked no argument. \u201cI will be at the school house in one hour. We\u2019ll have that parent-teacher conference then.\u201d She paused, then added, \u201cI trust you know the way to the school house as well as you seem to know the way to the Silver Dollar?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cY-Yes, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cExcellent. I will see you THERE in one hour.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Though not particularly beautiful in accord with the accepted norms of physical beauty, she intrigued him. Everyone ELSE in this dusty boom town went out of their way to kowtow to him, in the mistaken belief that he was Ben Cartwright, especially the ladies . . . the unmarried ones, that is . . . and the widows. A few were very attractive, but had proved themselves quite tiresome after an evening spent in their company.<\/em><\/p>\n But this school teacher was different, the way she spoke to him as she might one of her students, TELLING him to be at the school house in one hour instead of asking him when things might be convenient. And that pointed remark about the Silver Dollar . . . .<\/em><\/p>\n Out of curiosity, Bradley Meredith arrived at the schoolhouse for that parent-teacher conference early.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIf you would follow me inside, Mister Cartwright,\u201d she said, not the least bit impressed or grateful of his early arrival, but accepting it as a given. She unlocked the door and led the way inside. \u201cYou will find a chair against the wall here in the back of the room. If you would be so kind as to bring it up along side my desk?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he murmured meekly, before doing her bidding like the most obedient of her students.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI AM gratified that Stacy\u2019s school work has shown marked improvement, since we last talked at the end of the last semester,\u201d she began, once they had both gotten themselves settled. She sat behind her desk, posture straight, hands folded, making him feel every bit the errant schoolboy, called to the front of the class for misbehaving. \u201cHowever, you and I both know that she IS a highly intelligent young woman, capable of doing much better.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d he said, not quite knowing what else to say.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI know you and your sons do your best to encourage her to keep up with her school work, AND you do quite well in HELPING her with her homework without doing it for her,\u201d the schoolteacher continued. \u201cYou and your sons are to be commended in that area.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cTh-thank you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Her manner softened, as she favored him with a smile that transfigured her, revealing a glowing inner beauty that wholly overshadowed her otherwise unremarkable appearance. \u201cMister Cartwright, you have no idea how many parents either could care less as to how well or how poorly their children do in school, or who actually to their work for them. One mother was highly irate after I gave her daughter a failing grade for a report turned in. The reason I had to give that failing grade was because I knew for fact that the girl\u2019s mother had written that report herself. When I tried to explain . . . . well, to say the mother just plain didn\u2019t get it would be a gross understatement.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI believe very strongly that a child should do her own schoolwork,\u201d Bradley said, settling into the role of parent. \u201cHow ELSE are they going to learn?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMy sentiments exactly,\u201d she responded with a triumphant nod of her head. \u201cOverall, I\u2019m very pleased with the improvement in your daughter\u2019s schoolwork.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI can safely assume she\u2019ll be passed on to the next grade?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely, no question about that, Mister Cartwright,\u201d she hastened to assure. \u201cIn the coming year, however, I would like to see her applying herself a little more. As I said before, Stacy is a very intelligent young woman, more than capable of doing better.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI will certainly encourage her to do her best, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he promised earnestly. \u201cHow has she been behaving?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThat talk you had with her after our last conference has done a world of good in that department. I am very pleased to report that she simply walks away when Abel Caine taunts her with his unkind remarks. Ignoring him seems to take all the wind right out of his sails, and as a result, he appears to be leaving her alone more and more.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad to hear it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019M glad I don\u2019t have to listen to Judge Caine whining to me everyday about your daughter sending his son home with a split lip or a bloody nose.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou and me both.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWell, Mister Cartwright, that\u2019s all I have to say. Do you have any further comments or questions?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n One. He wanted more than anything in the world to ask her if she were free to have dinner with him that night. \u201cNo, Ma\u2019am,\u201d he said aloud as they both rose.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThank you for taking the time to speak with me,\u201d she said quietly. \u201cI know running a ranch the size of the Ponderosa is very time consuming\u2014 \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cEven so, my daughter\u2019s education is also very important. My apologies for all the postponements.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cApology accepted, Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/em> He had made sure that his was the winning bid on Judy Ashcroft\u2019s basket.<\/p>\n They had spent a delightful afternoon together. He was very pleasantly surprised to discover that she could converse intelligently on a diverse spectrum of topics, ranging from current events, national and local, political issues, to art and literature. She was even knowledgeable in some of the finer aspects of raising cattle and crops. He knew also that she, too, was very pleasantly surprised, leaving him with a very strong sense that her perceptions of Mister Ben Cartwright differed radically from the image he had presented that afternoon at the church picnic.<\/p>\n In the days that followed, he had made a point to show up at some of the events he knew she would be attending, like the poetry readings held weekly at the library. Afterward, he would ask her to join him for coffee at the International Hotel. She, more often than not, accepted.<\/p>\n Then came that picnic he and Judy shared together, alone . . . . Then, suddenly, her struggling ceased. He felt her body go limp in his embrace, her arms sliding up under his, her fingers wrapping tightly about his shoulders, clinging for dear life. Her lips began to massage his in return, tentatively at first, then bolder, with more confidence. He touched her lips with the tip of his tongue, gently prying them apart, then thrusting triumphantly into her mouth, eliciting a soft moan from deep within her.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou want this, Judy,\u201d Bradley whispered, awed, as his lips moved from her mouth up to her eyelids, over her forehead, and down to her cheeks. \u201cYou want this every bit as much as much as I do.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Judith moaned, breathless. \u201cYes, yes, oh yes . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Cradling the young schoolteacher in one arm, Bradley began to remove the pins binding her hair in its customary tight chignon. \u201cYou have such pretty hair,\u201d he whispered, \u201clike spun gold. I\u2019ve been wanting to run my fingers through your hair since that \u2018parent\u2019-teacher conference.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cBen?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cPlease? Kiss me again?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Bradley granted her request. Judy responded with an intensity, and ferocity that must have shocked her to the very core of her being, and frightened her. He could feel her entire body trembling in his arms. Her tongue touched his lips, teasing, finally working its way inside his mouth. Groaning, he pulled her closer, pleased and very surprised.<\/em><\/p>\n He gently laid her down onto the red and white-checkered cloth that had served as their picnic table, then laid down along side her. He gathered her in his arms once more and gazed down longingly into her eyes. \u201cJudy,\u201d he murmured, his voice husky. \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Judy\u2019s eyes remained glued to his face as she slowly unbuttoned her blouse one button at a time. She gently took his right hand in both of hers and placed it under her blouse on top of her bare breast, then nodded, too overcome to speak.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Over the years he had known many women in the Biblical sense, but none had ever given of herself so willingly, so completely, and so passionately as Judy had on that glorious picnic. It had been HER first time. He knew immediately when he saw the fear in her face, fear of her own fierce passionate nature. Yet she trusted him so completely, she found within herself the courage to surrender not only to him, but to herself, finally setting free that which she had kept bound for so long.<\/p>\n He had deflowered many young virgins in his much younger days. Some of them had been saloon girls, but many more of them had hailed from the so called \u201cgood\u201d families, wealthy with a genealogy that included names appearing on the passenger list of the Mayflower and many of the crowned heads of Europe. Despite their so-called good breeding and impeccable pedigree, each and every one were a dime a dozen.<\/p>\n Judy Ashcroft, however, was different.<\/p>\n Judy Ashcroft was a rare and precious gift.<\/p>\n The thought of leaving Virginia City for good, without Judy, grew increasingly unbearable with each passing day . . . . \u201cWHAAA-HOOOOO!\u201d Shorty Jim cheered jubilantly, as he turned and ran over to his brother looming triumphantly over the recalcitrant box.<\/p>\n \u201cBring that box on over here,\u201d Bradley ordered tersely, taking no pains to conceal his irritation at having been so rudely pulled from his tender reverie. Scowling, he quickly gathered up his cards, and jammed them into his shirt pocket.<\/p>\n \u201cIt sure is heavy,\u201d Big Jack declared, grinning from ear to ear, as he had his brother hefted the box up off the kitchen counter and into their arms.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s PROBABLY \u2018cause it\u2019s GOLD!\u201d Shorty declared. \u201cWe\u2019re rich, Big Brother, you \u2018n me are filthy, stinkin\u2019 RICH.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet that box over here, and let\u2019s count it,\u201d Bradley ordered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we do, we\u2019re on our way south to Mexico!\u201d Shorty declared.<\/p>\n The brothers placed the box on the kitchen table in front of Bradley Meredith, who gingerly removed the splintered remains of the box top. Inside was a layer of straw that was quickly removed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d Big Jack queried with a perplexed scowl, as his eyes fell on the three irregularly shaped bundles inside.<\/p>\n \u201cThe gold\u2019s in those bundles,\u201d Shorty Jim replied.<\/p>\n \u201cGold ingots don\u2019t look like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe it\u2019s gold COINS.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get these bundles open,\u201d Bradley said impatiently. He reached into the pocket of his jacket and drew out a pocketknife. He flipped up the blade and quickly sliced through the cords holding the bundles together. He, then, set the knife aside and ripped off the burlap, revealing a deep green jade statue of a woman flying. The full, round lunar disc and stylized clouds anchored and supported the figure. A line drawing of the moon hare was incised into the flat moon disc behind the carved woman.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! This ain\u2019t gold!\u201d Big Jack exclaimed in dismay.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT?!\u201d Shorty Jim yelped in outrage.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I don\u2019t believe it,\u201d Bradley Meredith whispered, wholly awestruck. \u201cThis jade statue of Chang-O. . . it\u2019s obviously the work of Yang Wei-Chu, his late period . . . yet one completely unknown . . . and NOT sitting behind glass in a museum somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAgggh! Who the hell CARES?\u201d Shorty Jim snorted derisively. \u201cYou can\u2019t spend a jade statue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe there\u2019s gold in the other two bundles,\u201d Big Jack suggested hopefully.<\/p>\n Bradley Meredith carefully, almost reverently set the statue of Chang-O down safely on the kitchen counter, then set himself to the task of severing the cords around the two remaining bundles. He unwrapped the burlap from around the first of the remaining bundles, while Shorty Jim greedily yanked the burlap from the other with Big Jack looking on, his eyes shining with anticipation.<\/p>\n \u201cAawww, daggumit! There ain\u2019t no gold in them two sacks either,\u201d Big Jack exclaimed in complete dismay. \u201cJust . . . more statues.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHou-Yi and Kuan-Yin,\u201d Bradley identified them, \u201calso by Yang Wei-Chu, late period, pieces completely unknown . . . until NOW.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI got half a mind to ride into town, find that no good Li-Xing and kick his sorry ass from one end o\u2019 Virginia City to the other, \u2018n back again,\u201d Shorty Jim declared with a murderous scowl.<\/p>\n \u201cThese statues are priceless, Gentlemen,\u201d Bradley hastened to point out. \u201cWe can sell them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d almost have to go to San Francisco to find someone wealthy enough to buy priceless statues,\u201d Shorty Jim groused. \u201cBy the time we got there, the sheriff here will\u2019ve gotten out a general description at the very least. We\u2019ll NEVER find a buyer \u2018cause no one in his right mind\u2019s gonna buy stolen property.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe could maybe hold \u2018em for ransom,\u201d Big Jack suggested.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and we\u2019d still get only a fraction of what they\u2019re worth,\u201d Bradley argued, \u201cand besides! The Li Family\u2019s impoverished and has been so for quite a number of years now. Xing said these statues are all that remains of his family\u2019s wealth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen Cartwright ain\u2019t poor,\u201d Big Jack countered. \u201cThe REAL one, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven if Ben Cartwright sold the Ponderosa, all of his other holdings . . . his lumber mill and mining interests, and pooled together all of his liquid assets over and above all that, it still wouldn\u2019t come up to anything near what those statues are worth,\u201d Bradley replied.<\/p>\n \u201cYou got any BETTER ideas?\u201d Shorty Jim demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cI not only have a better idea, I also have a buyer . . . right here in Virginia City,\u201d Bradley replied with a smug, triumphant grin. \u201cHe\u2019s very wealthy, has an extensive collection of priceless works of art, and he\u2019s not real choosey as to where they come from.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho IS this guy?\u201d Shorty Jim asked in a sullen tone.<\/p>\n \u201cGeoffrey Sutcliff. He already owns half the real estate in Virginia City and is working diligently to buy up the other half,\u201d Bradley replied. \u201cHe makes a real tidy sum every year just sittin\u2019 back on his fat ass, collecting rent from most of the businesses in town. But, that\u2019s not the real source of his wealth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat IS?\u201d Big Jack asked, curious.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes the name van der Hoest mean anything to you?\u201d<\/p>\n Big Jack and Shorty Jim exchanged puzzled glances, then shrugged. \u201cNever heard of \u2018em,\u201d the latter replied.<\/p>\n Bradley Meredith sardonically rolled his eyes. \u201cThat shouldn\u2019t surprise me,\u201d he sighed. \u201cThe van der Hoest family is what they call old money back east. They amassed their fortune in shipping and shipbuilding. Mrs. Sutcliff\u2019s maiden name was van der Hoest. She\u2019s the sole heir to that entire fortune.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOK, so this Geoffrey Sutcliff can afford the statues,\u201d Shorty Jim said. \u201cHow do we go about lettin\u2019 him know they\u2019re for sale.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will ride into town first thing in the morning and inform Mister Sutcliff that the three statues are for sale,\u201d Bradley replied. \u201cI\u2019ve fenced . . . uuhhh, BROKERED sales of artwork with him before, so he\u2019s well acquainted with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBig Jack and I\u2019re coming with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot, you\u2019re not,\u201d Bradley growled. \u201cThis is something I can best handle ALONE.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnother thing you can best handle ALONE is selling those statues to this guy, collecting the money, grabbing up your lady friend, an\u2019 high tailin\u2019 it to San Francisco, with Big Jack \u2018n me none the wiser.\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley took a deep breath and pulled himself up, fully erect. \u201cAre you accusin\u2019 me of cheating you and your brother?!\u201d he demanded, thoroughly outraged, favoring Shorty Jim wit a dark, murderous glare.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you go \u2018n get all self-righteous on US, Boss,\u201d Shorty Jim countered heatedly. \u201cYou\u2019ve already lied to the woman you supposedly love by telling her you\u2019re Ben Cartwright, you help us steal those three statues from the stage this mornin\u2019, AND you cheat playin\u2019 poker. Cheatin\u2019 on your partner\u2019s the next logical step the way I see it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am NOT going to take all three statues,\u201d Bradley said in a tone that dripped icicles, \u201conly ONE. You two will remain here to guard the remaining two.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOK, fine! Just fine!\u201d Shorty retorted. \u201cHow do we know that you won\u2019t turn Big Jack \u2018n me over to the sheriff and keep all the money you make from sellin\u2019 these statues for yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA man with even a small amount of intelligence would realize that the Cartwrights, to whom we ALL, including me, bear very close resemblance are at the very least under suspicion for having pulled that stage robbery,\u201d Bradley said in a withering, condescending tone. \u201cIf I so much as set foot in the sheriff\u2019s office, they\u2019re going to mistake me for Ben Cartwright and throw me in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat he says makes sense, Shorty,\u201d Big Jack admitted.<\/p>\n This drew a sharp glare from his older brother. \u201cYeah,\u201d Shorty Jim growled through clenched teeth. \u201call right then, Boss. What ARE your plans for tomorrow morning? My brother and I have a right to know THAT much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI plan to ride out early tomorrow morning to Mister Sutcliff\u2019s home, which happens to be located just outside the city proper,\u201d Bradley said stiffly. \u201cAs I said before, I\u2019ll take one of the statues with me to show the client. If all goes well, I\u2019ll make the sale, arrange for the delivery of the remaining two statues, and pick up a hefty bank draft . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBank draft?!\u201d Shorty echoed, incredulous. \u201cA bank draft?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, a bank draft, made out to me. We\u2019ll cash it in Placerville.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no! You\u2019ll take payment in CASH . . . or gold bullion.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I were to insist on cash, that might arouse suspicion.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you just said this Mister Sutcliff ain\u2019t real choosy about where he buys his art work.\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley sighed. \u201cAll right. Cash or gold. I CAN tell Mister Sutcliff that the, umm CLIENTS for whom I\u2019m brokering, are anxious to sell. However . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHowever WHAT?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere will be a substantial reduction in PRICE.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t care,\u201d Shorty replied. \u201cI just wanna get outta here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about that li\u2019l Chinese fella?\u201d Big Jack asked. \u201cThe one who put us up to this heist. HE\u2019S gonna expect HIS commission.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh he\u2019ll get his commission,\u201d Bradley said, scowling. \u201cOnly he\u2019s going to find it drastically reduced because of the risk factor involved in selling these statues.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey! He\u2019s supposed to meet us in that alley between the Pink Flamingo \u2018n the Virginia City Social Club, ain\u2019t he?\u201d Shorty said, remembering.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, tonight just before midnight,\u201d Bradley nodded. \u201cGiven our present situation, I think it might be best if he come and stay here with us . . . . \u201d a sly smile slowly spread across his lips, \u201c . . . as our guest, until the sale of the statues is complete.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLi\u2019l Sister, you runnin\u2019 to the window every five minutes ain\u2019t gonna hurry \u2018em along any,\u201d Hoss said, taking no pains to conceal the annoyance born from his own growing anxiety.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry,\u201d Stacy murmured contritely.<\/p>\n \u201cI-I\u2019m sorry, TOO, Stacy,\u201d Hoss also apologized upon getting a look at the wounded expression on her face. \u201cI may be just as worried as you, but I got no call t\u2019 take it out on you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018S ok, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it ain\u2019t,\u201d Hoss said in a kindlier tone. \u201cTell you what. I\u2019ll accept YOUR apology, if you\u2019ll accept mine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou got yourself a deal, Big Brother,\u201d Stacy said, then sighed. \u201cI hope Mister Milburn had some good news for Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure everything\u2019ll be alright,\u201d Hoss said with more conviction than he felt. \u201cBut, even if it ain\u2019t, you just remember one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s THAT?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat promise Pa made you. Ain\u2019t NOBODY gonna take you away from us, Li\u2019l Sister, not Mrs. Danvers, not that Crawleigh woman . . . NOBODY. This is YOUR home, Pa, Li\u2019l Joe, Hop Sing, \u2018n me . . . we\u2019re all your family. Ain\u2019t nobody gonna change all that.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy walked over to the settee where her big brother was sitting and threw her arms around his neck. \u201cThanks, Hoss,\u201d she said, before planting a quick kiss on top of his head.<\/p>\n Hoss smiled, despite is own apprehension and patted her arm. \u201cDon\u2019t you dare forget that, Li\u2019l Sister, you hear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d she promised.<\/p>\n A few moments later, Stacy and Hoss heard the sounds of horse hooves and buckboard wheels out in the yard. The latter rose from his place on the settee, and walked around to take his place alongside his sister, whose eyes were riveted to the door.<\/p>\n Yin-Ling burst through the front door first, weeping. She bolted across the great room and ran up the steps, wholly oblivious to the presence of Stacy and Hoss. The sounds of her footfalls, her piteous sobbing echoed through out the second story, as she fled to the room she shared with the Cartwright daughter. Downstairs, they heard the door to Stacy\u2019s bedroom slam shut. An uneasy silence reigned.<\/p>\n \u201cH-Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Li\u2019l Sister?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI-I don\u2019t know about YOU . . . but suddenly . . . I\u2019ve got a real bad feeling about all this,\u201d Stacy said, her voice shaking.<\/p>\n Hop Sing entered next, followed by Mei-Ling and Li-Hsing, their faces pale. Stacy\u2019s heart sank when she realized that Mei-Ling had also been crying. Mei-Ling paused, turned and exchanged a few words with her husband, Li-Hsing. He, in turn nodded, then stepped over to the closed door of the downstairs guest room, the one occupied by his grandmother. Hop Sing and Mei-Ling went out to the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d It was Joe, his face a mixture of anger and of grief. \u201cWould you mind helping me with the horses?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, Li\u2019l Brother.\u201d Hoss paused just long enough to give his anxious sister a gentle, reassuring squeeze on the shoulder before following Joe outside.<\/p>\n \u201cStacy . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n If she hadn\u2019t known before that the news wasn\u2019t good, she certainly knew, without a shred of doubt, upon getting a good hard look at her father\u2019s strained, weary face, containing within it the same mix of grief and anger she had seen just now in Joe\u2019s face. Stacy swallowed nervously, then walked over, meeting Ben half way. \u201cPa, what did Mister Milburn say?\u201d she asked in as steady a voice as she could possibly muster.<\/p>\n Ben took a deep breath and told her everything.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no! Pa, what are we going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben gently took his daughter into his arms and hugged her close. \u201cOne thing we\u2019re NOT going to do is let this Mrs. Crawleigh take you anywhere,\u201d he said earnestly. \u201cI want you to know that and remember that.\u201d He held her enough apart to look into her face. \u201cYour home is right here, with your brothers, Hop Sing, and me. I won\u2019t let either Mrs. Danvers or Mrs. Crawleigh change that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cH-How can we STOP them?\u201d Stacy asked, her voice shaking.<\/p>\n \u201cYou leave THAT to me, Young Woman,\u201d Ben chided her gently. \u201cAll YOU need to do is remember that the Ponderosa is your home, and we\u2019re your family. Nothing this side of heaven or hell is going to change that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk, Pa . . . I\u2019ll remember, but in the meantime? I could use a great big bear hug,\u201d she said, her blue eyes unusually bright.<\/p>\n \u201cNow that you mention it, I could use a big bear hug myself about now . . . . \u201d Ben felt his own eyes stinging with tears, as he gathered Stacy back into his arms and hugged her closer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cM-Mister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben glanced up upon hearing his name. He was seated behind his desk, with a pile of unopened mail spread out before him. Judith Ashcroft, her cheeks beet red, her eyelids and upper lip swollen, stood on the other side of the desk with sodden handkerchief clasped tightly in one hand. Her vulnerability, laid bare by the day\u2019s events, lent her more the appearance of a troubled school GIRL rather than austere schoolteacher.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing t-told me just now that you . . . that you wanted to s-see me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Ben immediately rose. \u201cLet\u2019s sit down over next to the fireplace.\u201d<\/p>\n Judith nodded and fell in step behind him. She seated herself at the end of the settee nearest the red leather chair facing, with her posture stiffly erect and hands folded in her lap.<\/p>\n \u201cI spoke to my lawyer this afternoon, Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Ben began as he seated himself in the red leather chair. \u201cI\u2019m afraid he didn\u2019t have good news to tell me.\u201d He shared with Judith all that Lucas Milburn had told him.<\/p>\n \u201cThen Mrs. Danvers\u2019 cousin c-could come here . . . petition for custody of Stacy and . . . and w-win the case?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a very strong possibility, Miss Ashcroft.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Mister Cartwright, I . . . I am s-so sorry . . . . \u201d Judith immediately lowered her face toward her lap, her eyelids blinking excessively.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not YOUR fault,\u201d Ben said quietly, then scowled. \u201cIf fault lies anywhere, I\u2019d have to say it lies with Mister Meredith and Mrs. Danvers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cD-Does . . . does Stacy know?\u201d Judith cast a quick, furtive glance over her shoulder.<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cThere\u2019s no keeping things from her, I\u2019m afraid. She\u2019s too perceptive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cS-So what happens now?\u201d Judith ventured timidly.<\/p>\n Ben took a slow, deep, even breath. \u201cBefore we talk about that, there\u2019s something I\u2019d like to tell you first . . . about Stacy.\u201d<\/p>\n Judith nodded, then waited.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen Hoss, Joe, and I met her at Fort Charlotte, she had just been taken, by force, from the Paiute family who had taken her in as a child, who had loved her and raised her,\u201d Ben began. \u201cThe men at the fort tried to find out whether or not she had family, and who they might be, but came up empty handed. Someone at Fort Charlotte must have either known Mrs. Crawleigh personally, or known about her. Major Baldwin, the fort commander, sent her a wire asking her to come and take Stacy.<\/p>\n \u201cThe kindest things I can possibly say about Mrs. Crawleigh are that she\u2019s abusive and cruel, and that\u2019s based on what I saw while we were all at Fort Charlotte,\u201d Ben continued. \u201cStacy\u2019s told me other things over the years, and just thinking about it\u2019s enough to make my blood boil. I just thank the Good Lord that for whatever reason, Major Baldwin at the last minute changed his mind and allowed Stacy to come home with US.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy\u2019s very lucky you and your sons came along when you did,\u201d Judith said in a small, quiet voice, her eyes riveted to the darkened hearth. \u201cI . . . didn\u2019t grow up in the Lucia Churchill Hayes Home for Orphans and Foundlings, rather in an institution very much like it. My parents died when I was very young. Though I had several aunts and uncles, none were interested in taking on another mouth to feed. Mister Cartwright . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf there\u2019s anything I can do to ensure that Stacy remains here with you, secure in her own home . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Ben was grateful to her for opening the way. \u201cDoes that include marriage?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the least I can do for wrongly implicating you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will accept and raise your child as my own, Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Ben said quietly, earnestly. \u201cYou and your child will be accepted and treated as any other member of this family. I will be a good husband to you, on your terms. If you wish our marriage to be one of convenience, in name only, I will respect that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTh-Thank you, Mister Cartwright. You\u2019re . . . you\u2019re very generous.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you need time to think about your answer . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I . . . I WILL marry you, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Judith said, her voice shaking. \u201cI do so knowing that you\u2019re . . . you\u2019re doing this for Stacy\u2019s sake. I\u2019ll leave the arrangements to you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSTACY? HEY, KID, YOU OUT HERE?\u201d Joe called out as he entered the barn.<\/p>\n \u201cUP HERE!\u201d Stacy called back from the loft overhead.<\/p>\n Joe walked over to the ladder and climbed up. He found his sister sitting against the wall, a few feet from the ladder, with an open book propped up against her knees. \u201cHop Sing says supper\u2019ll be ready in ten minutes,\u201d he said as he stepped from ladder to straw covered loft floor. \u201cWhatcha readin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis.\u201d Stacy held the book up so that her brother could see the title.<\/p>\n \u201cHow to Solve Crimes by Professor Foote,\u201d Joe read the title aloud with a grin. \u201cWhere in the world did you find THAT?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn the attic, last Christmas, when we were all bringing down the Christmas decorations.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m surprised that book ended up in the attic. I thought sure Pa had taken it out to the middle of Lake Tahoe and dropped it in.\u201d [8]<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure glad he didn\u2019t,\u201d Stacy said grimly.<\/p>\n \u201cUh oh! What\u2019re you up to, Little Sister?\u201d Joe asked as he knelt down beside her.<\/p>\n \u201cGrandpa, it\u2019s up to US!\u201d Stacy said, with that tell tale stubborn set of jaw that more often than not signaled she was about to embark on a course of action that could potentially land her in a whole world of trouble.<\/p>\n \u201cUS?! What\u2019s up to us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to stop Pa and Miss Ashcroft from making a big mistake,\u201d Stacy explained. \u201cThey\u2019ll be miserable together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I know, Kid,\u201d Joe said sadly, as he settled himself on the floor beside her.<\/p>\n \u201cEspecially Miss Ashcroft! That\u2019ll be torture for her to be married to a man who\u2019s a dead ringer for the man she loves, but he\u2019s NOT the man she loves.\u201d Stacy sighed and dolefully shook her head. \u201cI\u2019m not making a whole lot of sense am I?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cActually, Little Sister, you\u2019re making perfect sense, but I\u2019m afraid Pa has no choice in the matter. If he doesn\u2019t marry Miss Ashcroft, YOU stand a good chance of being handed over to that Crawleigh bitch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s another thing,\u201d Stacy pressed. \u201cKnowing Mrs. Danvers, she\u2019ll hold that over Pa\u2019s head for the rest of his life, if he marries Miss Ashcroft. If he doesn\u2019t do her bidding, she\u2019ll threaten him with send a wire to that monster cousin of hers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be his whole life, Kid, only for the next three years . . . until you come of age,\u201d Joe hastened to point out, \u201cbut the thought IS sobering.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got to DO something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat . . . exactly do you have in mind?\u201d Joe asked warily.<\/p>\n \u201cWe find the man Miss Ashcroft\u2019s in love with,\u201d Stacy said with a scowl. \u201cThat\u2019ll not only get PA off the hook, but I have a real strong feeling that if we find HIM, we also find the Li family\u2019s jade statues.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah?\u201d Joe queried, intrigued in spite of himself. \u201cHow do you figure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis guy who\u2019s a dead ringer for Pa . . . what\u2019s his name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBradley Meredith,\u201d Joe said, scowling. \u201cTwice he tried to use his resemblance to Pa sell the Ponderosa out from under us. Both times, he almost pulled it off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrom some of the other things you guys\u2019ve told me, I betcha anything he and two guys who look like you and Hoss held up that stage and stole the jade statues,\u201d Stacy continued.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Joe remembered with a scowl. \u201cWhen I walked over to ask Aaron and Jacob what was stolen, they . . . and all the passengers, too . . . identified Pa \u2018n me as two of the thieves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t the drivers also say that Hoss was the third thief?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah . . . . \u201d Joe murmured, his scowl deepening. \u201cNow that we\u2019re sitting here talking about all this, it suddenly occurs to me that the REAL robbers must\u2019ve gone out of their way to make darn sure everyone saw their faces.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBECAUSE they look a lot like you, Pa, and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWE know that Pa\u2019s not the father of Miss Ashcroft\u2019s child,\u201d Stacy continued, \u201cand there can\u2019t be TWO guys, who are dead ringers for Pa . . . can there?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnything\u2019s possible, Kiddo, but I hafta agree that it\u2019s not likely,\u201d Joe had to admit.<\/p>\n \u201cThen one of the stage robbers . . . the one who looks like PA . . . has to be the father of Miss Ashcroft\u2019s child,\u201d Stacy insisted.<\/p>\n Joe silently mulled over her words for a moment. \u201cWhat you say makes sense, Stace. The odds against two other guys running around Virginia City, who happen to be dead ringers for Pa, have to be pretty high . . . and THAT reminds me of something ELSE!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that, Grandpa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere was something strange about that stage heist . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cFirst off, when Pa made the arrangements to have those statues shipped here from San Francisco, he purposely chose a stage that wouldn\u2019t be carrying anything robbers might find tempting. There was no gold, no money, not even a bag of mail. Second, the thieves ONLY took the statues.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean they ONLY took the statues?!\u201d Stacy queried with a bewildered frown. \u201cYou just got through saying that the stage wasn\u2019t carrying anything ELSE robbers might find tempting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStage robbers usually go through the luggage, and rob the passengers, too,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cThat one gal . . . from the way she talked, I\u2019d say she HAD to have come from Boston . . . but when the stage arrived in Virginia City, she was wearing a fortune in jewelry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what THAT means, don\u2019t you, Grandpa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell me, Little Sister.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt means they were after the statues!\u201d Stacy replied.<\/p>\n \u201cNot necessarily,\u201d Joe said thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey were obviously after the Li Family DOWRY, but I somehow don\u2019t think they were expecting to find jade statues,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cI think they were expecting gold, or cash.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you figure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst lesson in that book, Kid. You have to think like a criminal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat can\u2019t be too much of a stretch for you, Grandpa,\u201d Stacy couldn\u2019t resist.<\/p>\n \u201cFor YOU either, Kid. Think about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCash and gold ARE more portable, easier to spend,\u201d Stacy said slowly. \u201cThose statues have to be sold.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and THAT\u2019S not gonna be easy. I know for fact that Sheriff Coffee\u2019s wired descriptions of the statues to every jurisdiction between here, California, the Mexican border, and the Mississippi River,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . which means the heist was an INSIDE job!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA WHAT?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn inside job!\u201d Stacy reiterated. \u201cThe book mentions it right here.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe walked over and settled himself comfortably in the straw next to his sister. He looked down at the book, at the place where her finger touched the page, and read. \u201cWait a minute!\u201d he said, frowning, after having read the paragraph over twice. \u201cIf this heist was an inside job . . . that means . . . one of US is working with the thieves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-Yeah,\u201d Stacy said, looking miserable. \u201cIt CAN\u2019T be any of US.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat leaves the LI family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, THAT makes no sense either,\u201d Stacy said morosely. \u201cYin-Ling\u2019s in love with this guy Yan-Chou. I know she\u2019d NEVER have done anything that could stop the wedding from taking place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Li was really upset when he heard the news of the heist,\u201d Joe observed. \u201cYou should\u2019ve seen him when we were all in Sheriff Coffee\u2019s office. There were a few times, I actually thought he was gonna faint.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMRS. Li, Hop Sing\u2019s sister, was pretty upset, too when you came home this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and somehow . . . I just can\u2019t picture Mister Li\u2019s GRANDMOTHER in cahoots with stage robbers. I know, maybe I\u2019m being really naive, but I just can\u2019t see it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m with you there, too, Grandpa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat leaves . . . . \u201d Suddenly, Joe\u2019s face brightened with the dawning of revelation. \u201cOf COURSE!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYesterday, after dinner, when Hoss took me out for some fresh air . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I remember,\u201d Stacy said, favoring her brother with a scowl.<\/p>\n \u201cWe ended up at the Silver Dollar Saloon. While we were there . . . Stacy, we saw them! Hoss and I SAW them!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSaw who?\u201d she demanded warily.<\/p>\n \u201cThe crooks! There were three guys there, playing a game of high stakes poker. The winner . . . the winner looked just like PA! EXACTLY like Pa! Hoss and I thought he WAS Pa . . . \u2018til we figured there was no way Pa could have changed his clothes, saddled Buck, and still beat us into town. But even THEN we couldn\u2019t be sure, so we ducked under the table.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy chuckled at that last statement.<\/p>\n \u201cWasn\u2019t all THAT funny!\u201d Joe growled.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe other guys playing cards with him . . . well, AFTER the card game broke up? I saw the one guy heading upstairs with Laurie Lee Bonner . . . Stacy, he looked so much like ME, I . . . I honestly thought I was having some kinda strange out of body experience.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and I remember how Laurie Lee flirted with you, the day Pa came home from San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah! And when Lilly Beth Jared decked me out on the street later? She accused me of two-timing on her with Laurie Lee Bonner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThose men have to be the crooks! And guy who looked so much like Pa? HE\u2019S also the man Miss Ashcroft\u2019s in love with. He\u2019s GOT to be!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt all adds up, that\u2019s for sure,\u201d Joe said. An angry frown creased the plane of his normally smooth brow. \u201cBut now that we know who these guys are . . . how do we go about finding \u2018em?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to figure out who the inside man is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy, I know exactly who the inside man is!\u201d Joe declared, his ferocious scowl deepening.<\/p>\n \u201cWho, Grandpa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLi-Xing!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing\u2019s nephew?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot a day\u2019s gone by without Hop Sing making SOME mention about his nephew being no good,\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n \u201cTrue . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was also in the saloon yesterday at the same time as our doubles,\u201d Joe continued. \u201cHoss saw him going into the saloon as WE were leaving. He, our big brother that is, was so shocked, he stopped walking. I plowed right into him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo THAT\u2019S what happened to your nose,\u201d Stacy murmured sympathetically. \u201cDid you guys see him talking to your doubles?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Joe immediately shook his head. \u201cHe was actually arriving as Hoss and I were leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStill, what you said about Xing makes sense, too,\u201d Stacy said thoughtfully. \u201cMaybe we should follow him around for awhile and see if he DOES make contact with your doubles.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStarting tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs he back yet? Xing, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Stacy. I haven\u2019t seen him since Pa and I got back from meeting that stage\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I heard voices up here . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Stacy and Joe glanced up sharply and found themselves staring into the stern face of their big brother, Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s goin\u2019 on out here, anyway?\u201d Hoss demanded as he stepped from the ladder into the loft. \u201cJoe, you came out here t\u2019 tell Stacy supper\u2019d be ready in ten minutes . . . fifteen minutes ago! Hop Sing\u2019s fit to be tied. He\u2019s threatenin\u2019 t\u2019 quit \u2018n go back to China to help some cousin or another with the laundry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe laundry, eh?\u201d Joe quipped, as he deftly removed the book from Stacy\u2019s hands. He slipped it behind his back and edged it under the straw near the place where Stacy sat. \u201cTHAT\u2019S a new one. He usually threatens to quit and go off to San Francisco to help some cousin of his in a restaurant.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat ain\u2019t funny, Li\u2019l Brother. The two o\u2019 you\u2019d best wash up \u2018n git on inside, \u2018for ya wind up in a world o\u2019 trouble.\u201d With that, Hoss turned and climbed back down the ladder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the stroke of eleven, Li-Xing slowly rose from prone to sitting on the cot set out for him at the foot of his uncle\u2019s bed. Thankfully, there was enough moonlight shining in through the French doors, that opened out into the vegetable and herb garden Hop Sing had maintained almost since the day he, himself, had joined the Cartwright family, when Joe was but an infant. Xing moved his feet from the cot to the floor one leg at a time, very slow, taking great pains not to make even the slightest noise.<\/p>\n A quick, furtive glance over toward the bed told him that his uncle, Hop Sing, remained asleep, half curled on his side, facing away from the French doors. The young man took another moment to allow his eyes to fully adjust to the darkened room, before rising. Xing quickly pulled his nightshirt up over his head, revealing his street clothes underneath. He rolled down the legs of his pants and the sleeves of his shirt. He paused again to glance over at his uncle, and smiled upon seeing that the older man remained asleep.<\/p>\n Xing reached under the cot and drew out his boots and a jacket like Joe\u2019s, except for being a dark navy blue, then rose slowly, carefully to his feet. He bent down from the waist and picked up his boots in his right hand, his jacket with his left, then set off across the room toward the French doors, tip-toeing very slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Where you going?\u201d<\/p>\n It was his uncle. Xing bit down on his lower lip to keep from groaning out loud. With sinking heart, he turned and, much to his great dismay, found Hop Sing sitting up in bed glaring right at him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt late! Very, very late! Where you think you go?\u201d Hop Sing demanded tersely.<\/p>\n \u201cTo the tall shack out back,\u201d Xing growled back in a sullen tone. \u201cYou know, the one with the half moon in the door!?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUse chamber pot!\u201d Hop Sing growled, favoring the young man with a jaundiced glare.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s too far under the cot,\u201d Xing returned without missing a beat. \u201cI can\u2019t reach it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou TRY?! You get down on hands and knees and stretch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAww, come on, Uncle . . . I gotta go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk!\u201d Hop Sing very reluctantly allowed. \u201cYou go. You come right back!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, already!\u201d<\/p>\n Xing let himself out through the French doors and made his way around to the front of the house. Assuming his uncle didn\u2019t immediately fall back asleep, he figured he had fifteen minutes, twenty, perhaps at the very outside, before Hop Sing came looking for him. That would be just enough time to saddle a horse and ride out, IF he hurried. Hurrying was something Xing didn\u2019t like to do very much. More often than not, hurrying along involved more work, more time and energy, than he cared to expend just on general principles.<\/p>\n Upon reaching the front of the house, Xing noted with much relief that all the windows were all dark, upstairs and downstairs. He quickly made his way across the yard to the barn, and found the horse he had been using, Sport II, so named for the great uncle once favored by the eldest Cartwright son. Xing quickly slipped on his boots and jacket, then saddled the house. He led Sport II to the door, pausing within the deep shadows inside the barn, to glance once more toward the house. He smiled, noting that the windows remained dark, then stepped out of the barn, leading Sport II behind him.<\/p>\n A few moments later, Joe and Stacy Cartwright, both fully dressed, their faces twin masks of grim, obstinate determination, also stepped from the barn, leading Cochise and Blaze Face respectively.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Li-Xing rode at a brisk trot from the ranch house along the main road toward Virginia City, blissfully ignorant of the two youngest of the Cartwright offspring following behind. His thoughts were focused on the commission Mister Meredith had promised: a whopping ten thousand dollars, if the heist went well. Though a mere fraction of the jade statues\u2019 true value, Xing consoled himself with the knowledge that he would at least realize something from the priceless treasures he deemed rightfully his.<\/p>\n The image of his sister\u2019s face, as he had seen her at the Cartwrights\u2019 supper table swam before his eyes with vivid clarity. Her eyelids and cheeks were red and swollen from the copious tears she had already shed, and her dark eyes glistened with the many tears yet to be shed. The immense sadness he saw in her eyes and trembling lower lip filled him again with remorse. Yin-Ling had fallen deeply in love with Yan-Chou, her intended, and now, because of his actions, his sister would never again set eyes on the man she had come to love more than life itself.<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Xing muttered through clenched teeth, as he squeezed his eyes shut against the terrible vision of Yin-Ling. With a deep, guttural snarl, he vigorously shook his head, as if to physically dislodge his sister\u2019s face from his thoughts.<\/p>\n The faces of his parents, Hsing and Mei-Ling, immediately replaced that of Yin-Ling. His father\u2019s face was firmly set, like granite, an impassive mask, void of all emotion. Xing caught sight of his father\u2019s eyes, however, before he closed them and turned away. There, he saw bitter disappointment, in his son, but mostly in himself. His mother\u2019s cheeks were wet with the bitter tears shed not only for his sister, but for the entire family as well. Her mouth was thinned to a near straight angry line, and her eyes, round with shock, and grief, glittered with the raging fires of the fury burning within.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d her terrible vision demanded. \u201cWhy have you done this to us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause it was wrong of my father\u2019s grandmother to have promised those statues as Yin-Ling\u2019s dowry,\u201d Xing shot back with rancor, unaware that he had spoke aloud. \u201cDo you hear me? It was WRONG! For centuries they have passed from father to SON, not daughter. They should have passed to ME, not to Yin-Ling.\u201d<\/p>\n The faces of his parents faded into the most terrible vision of all, that of his great-grandmother. Her features, the very lines and hallows of her face were set with hopeless resignation, her black eyes flat, lifeless. The indomitable spirit that had so vigorously animated them was gone, shattered now into thousands upon thousands of pieces. Xing realized in that moment he had not only stolen the last of his family\u2019s wealth, but he had also taken from them the real treasure that had remained, even after the monetary wealth was gone: the honor and trust that had taken centuries of work, much harder work than the amassing of wealth had required, to build and to maintain.<\/p>\n Xing angrily decided then and there that the minute he had the promised ten thousand dollars safely in hand, he would not return to the Ponderosa as he had originally planned. Rather, he would spend the night at the International Hotel, and leave on the first stage heading out of Virginia City come morning. With ten thousand dollars cash in hand, he could purchase a small tract of land, build himself a small house, and still have plenty left over. Best of all that money would take him someplace very, very far away from the grief stricken, angry, accusing faces of his family, their outdated, old fashioned traditions, and their high-faluting notions of honor. \u201cHe must be going to a different meeting place,\u201d Joe mused softly.<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright\u2019s younger children followed Xing silently through the next block, then the next.<\/p>\n \u201cStacy, look! He\u2019s stopping!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d She frowned. \u201cIsn\u2019t that the Virginia City Social Club?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, it\u2014 \u201d Joe stopped abruptly mid-sentence and favored his younger sister with a sharp glare. \u201cWait a minute! How do YOU know about the Virginia City Social Club?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy sighed and rolled her eyes. \u201cGeeze loo-weeze, Grandpa! EVERYONE knows about the Virginia City Social Club. Pa MAY be overly protective about some things, but he\u2019s not kept me locked away in a tower somewhere, like Rapunzel. How do YOU know so much about the Virginia City Social Club?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRemind me to answer that question later, LITTLE Sister. Like maybe TEN YEARS later.\u201d<\/p>\n The sharp retort sitting at the very tip of Stacy\u2019s tongue died immediately upon seeing Xing up ahead dismount, and tether Sport II to the post on the street on front of the Virginia City Social Club. \u201cGrandpa, look!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see!\u201d Joe said grimly, as he and Stacy brought their horses to a complete stop.<\/p>\n They saw Xing pause briefly, to cast a quick glance over his shoulder, before walking briskly past the front door of Polly McPherson\u2019s establishment toward the alley beyond.<\/p>\n \u201cIf memory serves, that\u2019s a CLOSED alley way back there,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and how do you know THAT?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll tell you in ten years, Kid,\u201d Joe quipped. \u201cIn any case all we need to do is wait here and keep outta sight until Xing comes back out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about time you showed your ugly face. You\u2019re LATE!\u201d<\/p>\n Startled, Xing whirled in his tracks. The awkward momentum of his body sent him reeling over backwards. He landed on the hard, packed dirt floor of the alley with a hard thud on his rump. He glanced up into the face of the man standing over him, illuminated by the flickering glow of lamp light from a back room of the Virginia City Social club. \u201cJoe Cartwright, what\u2019re YOU doing here?\u201d he demanded, his own face darkening with anger.<\/p>\n \u201cI AIN\u2019T Joe Cartwright,\u201d the man spat. \u201cThe name\u2019s SLADE! Shorty Jim Slade. MISTER Slade to YOU. Now get up. Nice \u2018n slow.\u201d<\/p>\n Xing complied, marveling at the uncanny resemblance between his associates and the Cartwrights. Amazing how a pair of gunslingers from Texas could bear so close a resemblance to Joe and Hoss Cartwright, and a silver haired thief, gambler, and con man could pass for Mister Cartwright\u2019s identical twin brother. \u201cYou got my commission, Mister Slade?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I got your commission,\u201d Shorty Jim said sardonically. \u201cRight here!\u201d With that he whipped his pistol from its holster and aimed the barrel at Xing\u2019s abdomen.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! What\u2019s the meaning of this? We agreed\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s been a slight change of plans. You\u2019re coming with me back to where the boss, my brother, and I\u2019ve set up housekeeping. You\u2019ll remain there as our GUEST until Mister Meredith unloads those dadblamed statues,\u201d Shorty Jim said. \u201cAnd for the sake of your continued good health, you\u2019d better hope \u2018n pray real hard that he DOES unload \u2018em. Now get inside! You\u2019ll find the door right behind you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Stace?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been too long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s give him a few more minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Stacy had retreated to the deep shadows of the overhang above the sidewalk in front of the abandoned store directly across the street from the Virginia City Social Club. From that vantage point, they had a complete unobstructed view of the street in front of them, the front doors of the Virginia City Social Club, the Pink Flamingo Saloon, and the alley between, into which Xing had gone.<\/p>\n Brother and sister lapsed into uneasy silence for the space of a minute that seemed to stretch into eternity.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething\u2019s wrong, Grandpa. I can FEEL it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can feel it, too, Kid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do we do NOW?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe go over there and see for ourselves,\u201d Joe said, his hand unconsciously coming to rest on the handle of his pistol, resting securely in its holster. \u201cI\u2019ll lead. You follow, and keep real close, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright,\u201d Stacy agreed, with an emphatic nod of her head.<\/p>\n \u201cGood! Let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe quickly drew his gun and led the way out from under the overhang down to the street, taking care to keep low. Stacy followed suit. Together, they moved silently toward the alley, keeping well within the deep, opaque shadows cast by the buildings towering above their heads. Joe held up his hand, signaling for them to stop as they drew even to the entrance of the dark alley on the other side of the street.<\/p>\n \u201cOk, Kid, I\u2019m gonna dash across first,\u201d Joe said, keeping his voice to the decibel of a stage whisper. \u201cWhen I get in position, I\u2019ll wave you across. You move as fast as you can and keep low. Got it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe glanced up and down the street, noting that it was largely deserted. The only signs of life, apart from themselves, their horses, and Sport II tethered across the street, were the blazing lights in all the front windows of the bordello and piano music, shouting, and raucous laughter coming from the saloon next door. With gun firmly in hand, Joe hunched his shoulders and bolted across the street, making a beeline for the entrance to the alley. He positioned himself in the dark shadows of the saloon side, then vigorously waved his sister across.<\/p>\n Stacy bent low and ran. Within less than a heartbeat, she had taken up her position next her brother, with her back plastered up next to the wall.<\/p>\n Joe peered into the alley first, bracing himself, mentally and physically, for trouble.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe? What is it? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d Stacy demanded, with heart in mouth, upon getting a good look at the shock and astonishment she saw reflected in her brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cTh-there\u2019s . . . there\u2019s n-no one . . . there!\u201d Joe squeaked.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe moved aside, allowing his sister to take a glimpse into the alley. It was completely deserted, with no sign whatsoever, that Xing had even been there.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019d he go?\u201d Stacy murmured aloud, scratching her head in complete bewilderment. A tall board fence reaching almost to the second story windows of the bordello and saloon, effectively blocked all means of escape except by way of the D Street entrance.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on,\u201d Joe said, slipping his gun back into its holster.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn the alley . . . to look for clues.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cXing was here all right, Grandpa,\u201d Stacy said grimly as the pair entered the alley together, single file, with Joe leading. \u201cThose are HIS foot prints.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt would appear someone was waiting for him,\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook there.\u201d Joe pointed to the dusty ground at their feet. \u201cSee?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. That stack of boxes was moved to make enough space for someone to hide,\u201d Stacy agreed. She inclined her head toward the two large boxes standing to the left of a back door opening into the Virginia City Social Club.<\/p>\n \u201cWhoever was hiding back here behind them stepped out from around this way, coming up on Xing from behind,\u201d Joe continued. \u201cThese are HIS footprints.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded. \u201cBoth sets lead to the door.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt looks like Xing went quietly. I don\u2019t see any sign of a struggle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk . . . NOW what do we do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get INSIDE somehow . . . . \u201d Joe murmured thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cInside?!\u201d Stacy echoed. She could feel the blood draining right out of her face. \u201cInside the V-Virginia City . . . Social C-Club?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. That\u2019s where Xing was taken, wasn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy rolled her eyes heavenward, and sighed. \u201cIf PA finds out about this, he\u2019s gonna skin BOTH of us alive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have no intention of telling Pa about this . . . do YOU?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo I really look THAT stupid?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo comment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Mister Genius, any bright ideas about getting inside?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Joe replied with a smug grin. \u201cI am going to walk in through the front door, while YOU wait here. There\u2019s a room here . . . . \u201d He pointed toward the window, positioned next to the back door, with the extended thumb of his left hand. \u201cUnfortunately, the curtains are drawn and I can\u2019t see in. I figure whoever took Xing inside had to have gone into that room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMakes sense to me, Grandpa. It\u2019s a place to start anyway . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. You just sit tight a minute, Stace. As soon as I\u2019M in, I\u2019ll come open this back door for YOU.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHey! Joe Cartwright! Didn\u2019t expect YOU back again so soon!\u201d Polly McPherson\u2019s bass-baritone voice boomed out across the room, almost the very instant he stepped through the door.<\/p>\n Joe cringed, wishing desperately for the earth to open and swallow him up, as he felt every eye in that large, crowded drawing room come to rest squarely on him.<\/p>\n Aged in her mid to late fifties, Polly McPherson was the madam of the Virginia City Social Club, the largest bordello in town. She was a big woman, standing nearly six feet tall, in her bare feet, with a generous sized body, voluptuously proportioned with wide curving hips, narrowed waist, and a nicely rounded, generous d\u00e9colletage, often showed to exquisite advantage by the plunging necklines of the old fashioned gowns she preferred for evening wear. Her hair, long, luxuriously thick, was styled in an elaborate coif, piled on top of her head. Though born a brunette, her hair color of late tended to run along the lines of a lavender-tangerine hue that complimented her deep violet eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYa come in here, wear out poor Trudy, one of m\u2019 best girl\u2019s no less . . . and NOW you\u2019re back for more?!\u201d Polly scolded lightly, as she sidled up next to Joe and took his arm. \u201cI\u2019ll say one thing for ya! You sure as hell gotta lot of stamina!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI, ummm . . . . hate t-to disappoint you, Mrs. McPherson, but I\u2019m afraid I , uhhh . . . . . . d-don\u2019t have the st-stamina you think . . . exactly,\u201d Joe stammered. He could feel the hot rush of blood to his cheeks and forehead.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I do declare! You\u2019re blushing!\u201d Polly guffawed. \u201cWhy, I dunno! According to Trudy, you definitely got nothing to be ashamed of . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe, uhhhh, reason I c-came back, I . . . I forgot my handkerchief,\u201d Joe stammered. The last four words tumbled out in a rush. He swallowed nervously, then lowered his voice. \u201cIt\u2019s . . . got my initials on it, M-Mrs. McPherson. If . . . if someone found it? And gave it to my pa? He\u2019d have my hide!!!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Polly said with a knowing smile. \u201cYours is a very common complaint. Well, Trudy\u2019s special room\u2019s right through there.\u201d She inclined her head toward the closed pocket doors directly behind her. \u201cIt\u2019s empty right now . . . . \u201d She jabbed him playfully in the ribs. \u201cYou g\u2019won in and have a look around.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTh-th-thank you . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n It took every ounce of will he possessed to walk at a decorous, if brisk, pace into the that room beyond the closed pocket doors, when every instinct, every voice, even his own legs urged him to run. The instant he stepped into the darkness of the room, occupied, more than likely, by Mrs. McPhearson\u2019s girl, Trudy, and his own double, Joe slammed the doors shut, then leaned against them heavily. His breath came in ragged, shallow gasps, and his face felt as if it had suddenly burst into flames. He sighed and squeezed his eyes shut against the memory of every face, male and female turning toward him speculatively when Mrs. McPherson started rambling on about his stamina, while furiously willing his rapidly beating heart to slow down.<\/p>\n A few moments later, he suddenly remembered Stacy, waiting in the alley beyond.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about time, Grandpa!\u201d she said tersely, as she sauntered past him through the open door. \u201cI was beginning to think you had forgotten me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cS-Sorry, Kid . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy paused for a moment to study her brother\u2019s face in the dim illumination, provided by the oil lamp on the table beside to door that opened out into the alley. \u201cGrandpa, you\u2019re blushing!\u201d she declared. An amused smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got a job to do, and probably not much time to do it in,\u201d Joe snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cOk, Grandpa, ok! Keep your britches on, willya?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI fully intend to!\u201d Joe growled back.<\/p>\n \u201cNow we\u2019re searching for Li-Xing, or proof that he was here, right?\u201d Stacy queried as she turned up the lamp.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Joe replied, \u201cthat and anything that might give us an idea as to where he might have gone from here.\u201d<\/p>\n As Stacy turned away from the oil lamp, and the table on which it sat, her eyes fell on the bed, with it\u2019s tall brass barred headboard, white dust ruffle, and it\u2019s pink and white satin sheets invitingly turned down. Two fluffy down pillows were stacked against the head headrest. Hanging from the ceiling, suspended roughly six feet above the center of the bed was a trapeze. \u201cGrandpa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve, uuuhhh . . . heard this place could be a real swingin\u2019 joint, but . . . I didn\u2019t think anyone meant that literally.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be very happy to explain it to ya later, Kid, but right now we got work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, but . . . when later are you going to explain that to me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was thinking somewhere along the lines of ten years later, at the very earliest,\u201d Joe said, as he dropped to his knees beside the bed, and lifted the dust ruffle.<\/p>\n \u201cHmpf!\u201d she snorted derisively. \u201cBy THAT time, I\u2019ll have forgotten the questions.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned. \u201cThat\u2019s exactly what I\u2019m counting on.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Stacy lapsed into silence as they searched the room, looking for tangible proof of Li-Xing\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n A glance under the bed yielded nothing except for a scattering of dust bunnies, and a pair of high heels, pink satin, trimmed with sparkling rhinestones, custom made for someone with the same shoe size as Hoss. Joe hefted one of the massive shoes in his hand, grinning from ear-to-ear, knowing that shoe could only belong to two people in the whole of Story County, if NOT the entire State of Nevada: Hoss Cartwright and Geoffrey Sutcliff, a wealthy realtor who owned nearly half of the real estate in Virginia City, most of it lying in the business district. Both were big men, standing well over six feet tall. Geoffrey Sutcliff, however, cut more of an Adonis shaped figure, which he maintained by an almost religious devotion to a daily exercise regimen. Most of the women adored his manly good looks, while their husbands and lovers derided him for his vanity and caricatured macho airs.<\/p>\n Joe chuckled, knowing for absolute certain those shoes did NOT belong to Hoss Cartwright. Though it was about the same length as Hoss\u2019 foot, it was far too narrow.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Grandpa . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cComing, Stace!\u201d Joe slid out from under the bed, with shoe still in hand, and beat a straight path toward the wardrobe, where his sister stood, leaning down into its cavernous interior. \u201cWhatcha got?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy straightened and held out a black shoe, made for a man\u2019s foot, size small. \u201cI found THIS. It was the only one of it\u2019s kind in there, AND it\u2019s the kind of shoe Li-Hsing . . . and the rest of the Li Family . . . wears.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, too,\u201d Joe remarked as he took the shoe from his sister and studied it briefly. \u201cThough this is \u2018way too narrow for Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI found some other interesting things in here, too, Grandpa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? Like what, Stace?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhips, chains, all kinds of clothing made of leather . . . even underwear!\u201d She turned, with a perplexed frown on her face, holding up a bull whip and iron chain, complete with manacles in one hand and what appeared to be a corset made of black leather, and lavishly trimmed with rhinestones and other hunks of metal. \u201cI also saw a saddle and bridle lying on the floor of this monster wardrobe that . . . if I didn\u2019t know better, I\u2019d say was custom made to fit a MAN instead of a pony.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh geeze loo-WEEZE!\u201d Joe groaned in utter dismay. \u201cStacy, you gotta promise me . . . y-you won\u2019t say a word about all this to PA! Not one word!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know . . . if Pa found out about this, he\u2019d skin us alive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf Pa EVER finds out about this, he\u2019ll START by skinning us alive,\u201d Joe said in an ominous tone, \u201cusing a dull knife!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right,\u201d Stacy said soberly, duly noting that her brother\u2019s \u2018maidenly blush\u2019 had suddenly turned to the pale white of sheer terror. \u201cOk I promise, I WON\u2019T say a word about this to Pa, but you gotta tell me . . . what\u2019s all this FOR? Does Sheriff Coffee keep prisoners HERE when the jail\u2019s full?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen . . . what\u2019s all this FOR?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll tell ya LATER.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy sighed and sardonically rolled her eyes heavenward. \u201cYeah, yeah, I know . . . you\u2019ll tell me in about ten years or so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo . . . I was thinking more along the lines of TWENTY years, actually . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n A loud pounding on the closed pocket doors brought their conversation to a screeching halt. \u201cMister Cartwright?\u201d It was Polly McPherson. \u201cMister Cartwright, are you still in there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy! You gotta hide!\u201d Joe hissed, as a rising flash flood of panic began to rise within him, fast and furious.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno . . . wait! Under the bed!\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy immediately dropped noiselessly to her hands and knees and scrambled under the bed. Less than a second later, the Virginia City Social Club madam shoved open the pocket doors and strode into the room. \u201cMister Cartwright, I need this room for a special client,\u201d she said. \u201cDid you find what you were looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs a matter of fact, yes! I did, Mrs. McPherson,\u201d Joe said smoothly. He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and drew out the clean white handkerchief he always kept there. This one just happened to be embroidered with his initials, lending a greater degree of credibility to his claim made earlier. \u201cI happened to find it just before you walked in the door.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent,\u201d Polly declared with a smile. \u201cWould you like a little something before you leave?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe paled.<\/p>\n Polly McPherson threw back her head and laughed out loud with genuine mirth. \u201cI MEANT coffee,\u201d she said, finally, as her laughter died away to soft chuckling. \u201cIt\u2019s almost daylight after all, and I know you\u2019ve a long ride ahead of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cN-No . . . thank you. I, ummmm . . . think I\u2019d best g-get going,\u201d Joe stammered, as a distinctive beet reddish glow began to infuse his cheeks. \u201cI\u2019ll just . . . let myself out the back?!\u201d The last word ended on a high-pitched squeak.<\/p>\n \u201cSuit yourself,\u201d Polly said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She turned to leave.<\/p>\n \u201cOh! Mrs. McPherson!\u201d<\/p>\n The Virginia City Social Club\u2019s owner and madam stopped and turned. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI kinda forgot after . . . . \u201d The beet red of his cheeks slowly deepened to a port wine color and spread to his forehead and chin. \u201c . . . well, after . . . after . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, yes! Trudy is very good at making men forget things,\u201d Polly said with a touch of pride. \u201cWhat was it you wanted to ask?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was supposed to meet a friend here . . . actually h-he\u2019s a houseguest,\u201d Joe said. Though his voice had steadied, his face and neck still glowed a deep port wine color. \u201cI wanted to show him a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n Polly frowned. \u201cWho was that fella y\u2019 took out before?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . took a fella out b-before?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said he was a young fella, first time \u2018n all that,\u201d Polly gamely filled in the details. \u201cHe stopped in over at the Pink Flamingo next door for a shot o\u2019 rotgut to steady his nerves, \u2018n ended up downin\u2019 a few shots too many?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah, well, y\u2019know . . . hard to think of much else besides Trudy,\u201d Joe said very quickly. He quickly moved his hands around behind his back so that the madam wouldn\u2019t see them trembling. \u201cNo, THAT fella\u2019s the younger brother of the guy I\u2019m looking for. We figured since he\u2019s just come of age \u2018n all, it was about time he, uuhhh . . . c-came of age all the way, if y\u2019 get my meaning?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do indeed, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Polly said with a knowing smile.<\/p>\n \u201cHis older brother, the guy I\u2019m looking for, well I just plain wanted to show HIM a real fun time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou came to the right place for THAT. What\u2019s his name? If he happens to show up later, I\u2019ll let him know you were looking for him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLi-Xing,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cLi-Xing,\u201d Polly repeated the name, committing it to memory. \u201cIf I see him, I\u2019ll give him your message. I\u2019ll give you a minute to see yourself out the back before I bring in the next client.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you again, Mrs. McPherson.\u201d Joe waited until the madam had left, and the door had closed firmly behind her, before running over to the bed. \u201cCome on, Kid, we\u2019re outta here!\u201d he hissed, as he seized Stacy\u2019s forearm and literally dragged her out from under the bed.<\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u201d Stacy squawked, protesting the sudden, rough manhandling.<\/p>\n \u201cSssshhhh! Willya keep your voice DOWN?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will if you stop dragging me around like a sack of potatoes!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, we gotta get outta here pronto! Mrs. McPherson\u2019s gonna be back any minute with another client.\u201d Acting purely on impulse, Joe bent down to retrieve the pink high heels he had found earlier, lying under the bed.<\/p>\n Stacy quickly scrambled to her feet, then followed her brother out the door into the back alley.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFrom the way Mrs. McPherson was talking, it looks like your double spent the evening here . . . with Trudy,\u201d Stacy remarked, once they were safely out of Virginia City and on the road toward home.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, and he\u2019s got Li-Xing,\u201d Joe said, nodding his head in agreement.<\/p>\n \u201cThe kid who supposedly got too drunk to lose his maidenly virtue?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was exceedingly grateful for the cover of darkness that concealed the blush he knew all too well had once again flamed his cheeks. \u201cStacy . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have to be so BLUNT?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Grandpa. I didn\u2019t mean to offend your sensibilities.\u201d He could almost hear her chuckling as she spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cStacy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNOW what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve never . . . . ?!?\u201d Joe asked, remembering himself at the age of fifteen very soon to be sixteen. \u201cHAVE you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot even tempted, Grandpa,\u201d she replied with a sigh. \u201cRight now, I\u2019d be hard pressed to name anyone of my acquaintance I particularly want to KISS let alone . . . you know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGlad to hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFeel better now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLots,\u201d Joe replied, the relief very evident in his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cNow getting back to our detective work, you didn\u2019t answer my question.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich question was THAT?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe kid Mrs. McPherson said you dragged out of the Virginia City Social Club, who was supposedly to drunk to make tonight the night his first time,\u201d Stacy said, trying hard this time NOT to offend her brother\u2019s sensitivities. \u201cAre we safe in assuming HE was Xing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-Yeah. My double must\u2019ve drugged him or hit him over the head so he\u2019d look like he was drunk,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do we do now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe sleep on it,\u201d Joe said, yawning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By the time Joe and Stacy had reached home, and stabled their horses, the gray skies of early dawn had taken on the first reddish orange blush of the magnificent sunrise, soon to be.<\/p>\n Joe opened the barn door slowly, just enough to peer out. \u201cLuck is with us, Kid. No one seems to be up yet . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou STILL haven\u2019t told me exactly how we\u2019re going to . . . to . . . . \u201d Her mouth stretched open in a big, wide yawn.<\/p>\n \u201cCover your mouth, willya, Stace? I\u2019ve already SEEN Carlsbad Caverns.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy glared over at her brother, but complied. \u201cHow are we gonna get back INTO the house, Grandpa?\u201d she demanded irritably.<\/p>\n \u201cFollow me.\u201d Joe glanced outside once more, to make absolute certain that the coast was clear. He saw no one, not even the ranch hands occupying the bunkhouse, out and about. Further, he noted with satisfaction and relief, that the windows in the house remained dark, void of any sign of life inside. \u201cLet\u2019s go, Kid.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe crouched down and darted across the yard around to the side of the house. Stacy followed suit. Taking care to keep themselves well below the windows in Hop Sing\u2019s room and the dining room, they circled around toward the very back.<\/p>\n \u201cNOW what?\u201d Stacy asked, casting a dubious gaze over the two-story drop from Joe\u2019s window directly overhead toward the ground at their feet. Here no trees grew close to the house, nor was there pillar, post, or overhang. There was only the straight line of wall rising upward.<\/p>\n \u201cWe climb up to my window.\u201d Joe pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe WHAT?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard me.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy looked hard at the shear wall again, then over at her brother. \u201cY-you\u2019re not serious.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s ok, Kid, I\u2019ve got a ladder stashed,\u201d Joe chuckled, amused by his young sister\u2019s discomfiture. \u201cYou think I\u2019m crazy enough to suggest scaling that wall?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy exhaled a long, slow sigh of relief. \u201cYou had me going there for a minute, Grandpa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I wish you couldda seen your face,\u201d Joe couldn\u2019t resist teasing.<\/p>\n \u201cWillya just get the daggone ladder?\u201d Stacy growled. \u201cI\u2019d like to be upstairs in my room in bed before Pa wakes up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk, ok! Keep your shirt on,\u201d Joe snickered as he sauntered over toward a growth of scrub brushes, growing close together a few yards from the back of the house. He bent down and retrieved the long tree branch he had hidden there last night, before ostensibly retiring for the evening.<\/p>\n \u201cTHAT\u2019S the ladder?!\u201d Stacy demanded, incredulous, her eyes fixed on the tree branch in her brother\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Silly, THIS is gonna GET us the ladder.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis I gotta see!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI knotted together my sheets and left \u2018em all bunched up there on the window sill,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cI used to do this all the time back in my days as a devil-may-care, callow youth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa NEVER caught on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, he did . . . after the third time I used it.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy rolled her eyes heavenward. \u201cWonderful!\u201d she growled under her breath.<\/p>\n \u201cWillya relax?\u201d Joe groused. \u201cI\u2019m NOT a teenager anymore, Stace. I no longer have to sneak out of the house at night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Only sneak back IN come morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs far as PA\u2019S concerned, I\u2019m \u2018way too old anymore for these kinds of shenanigans. Trust me, Kid. He won\u2019t suspect a THING.\u201d Joe lifted the tree branch and snagged the rope fashioned from his bed linens on the first try. \u201cGot it! We\u2019ll be in the house \u2018n back to bed with no one the wiser.\u201d He pulled the end down, ably grasping it in his free hand as it fell.<\/p>\n Stacy, at the same time, successfully caught the OTHER end.<\/p>\n \u201cGot it, Kid!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it, Grandpa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh NO!\u201d they chorused in unison upon seeing that they had both caught the ends of the rope made from Joe\u2019s sheets and pillowcases.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . uuhhh, Grandpa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Kid?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t you s\u2019posed t\u2019 tie ONE of these ends around the leg of your bed . . . or something?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, uhh . . . y-yeah . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I ask you a really stupid question?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do we get back into the house NOW?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the silvery-gray light of dawn gave way to the brilliant, shining golds, oranges, and peach-pinks, heralding the magnificent sunrise soon to come, Joe and Stacy silently circled back around from the rear of the house their minds wholly focused on getting back inside, back into their snug beds without anyone else being the wiser.<\/p>\n Especially Pa!<\/p>\n \u201cGrandpa . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it NOW, Kid?\u201d Joe demanded, annoyance mixing with rising panic.<\/p>\n \u201cYou NEVER answered my question,\u201d Stacy replied, taking no pains to conceal her own irritation.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat question was THAT?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow are we going to get in the house without being caught?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh oh, Stacy, DUCK!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHunh?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI SAID, \u2018Duck!!!\u2019 \u201d Joe quickly turned, and grabbing her arm, pulled her down to a crouched position. \u201cSomebody forgot to close the dining room shutters last night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sure hope so, Grandpa,\u201d Stacy said in a very low voice.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat ELSE could it be?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt COULD be that Hop Sing\u2019s already up and about, and he\u2019s OPENED the dining room shutters.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPessimist!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI prefer to think if myself as being a REALIST!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor cryin\u2019 out loud, Little Sister, the least you could do is have some faith in me,\u201d Joe groused, favoring her with the nastiest glare he could possibly summon. \u201cAfter all, I\u2019m a real old hand at sneaking out and sneaking back in.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy sighed, then shrugged with fatalistic resignation. \u201cOk, Grandpa, I bow to your superior wisdom.\u201d Her words, dripping with blatant sarcasm, prompted a melodramatic, long suffering sigh from her brother and a sardonic roll of the eyes.<\/p>\n Joe dropped to his stomach and inched his way past the dining room window, taking care to keep well below the sill. Stacy watched in dismay, noting how the moisture from the wet ground oozed out from under her brother\u2019s body with each move, every undulation he made.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Kid! YOUR turn!\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy sighed, then dropped to her stomach and followed. \u201cYuck!\u201d she declared with a grimace upon safely reaching the other side of the dining room window, and rising to her feet.<\/p>\n \u201cWillya for heaven\u2019s sake keep your voice DOWN?!\u201d Joe hissed, casting a fearful glance in the direction of the dining room window.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s WET!\u201d she growled, favoring her brother with a withering glare.<\/p>\n \u201cOf COURSE it\u2019s wet! Whaddya expect? It\u2019s mud after all . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Stacy sighed again and rolled her eyes heavenward. \u201cOk, Grandpa, NOW what do we do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust follow me,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n \u201cRight! Like I really got a whole lotta choices here,\u201d Stacy groused.<\/p>\n A few yards past the dining room window, they came to the wall surrounding Hop Sing\u2019s vegetable and herb garden. Joe gamely led the way around to the garden gate, set into the wall directly facing the kitchen door. \u201cAfter you, Kid,\u201d he said as he turned the latch and pushed. The gate remained rock solidly in place. Frowning, Joe turned the latch again, and pushed. Nothing moved.<\/p>\n \u201cGrandpa? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d Stacy asked as Joe frantically tried to turn the latch several more times.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s facial complexion suddenly paled. \u201cOh no!\u201d he groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just remembered! Hop Sing\u2019s been locking the gate, partly to keep deer from devouring the plants, but MOSTLY, I think, to curtail Xing\u2019s comings and goings in the middle of the night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo bad it didn\u2019t work for Xing,\u201d Stacy sighed dolefully.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah! We wouldn\u2019t be in the fix we\u2019re in right now, if it had.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo . . . what do we do NOW?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat else? We scale the garden wall.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy\u2019s eyes rose up the entire height of garden wall towering high above their heads. \u201cYou gotta be kidding, Grandpa! That wall\u2019s must be ten feet tall going straight up, at least!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore like FIFTEEN!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and we\u2019re gonna climb over it?!\u201d Stacy demanded, incredulous.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s either that or go around to the front door.\u201d<\/p>\n For a long moment, Stacy stood unmoving, trying to decide which prospect was worse: falling from the top of that garden wall or walking through the front door and finding Pa there . . . waiting. She swallowed nervously. \u201cI guess we\u2019re gonna scale the garden wall,\u201d she said, opting for what she finally decided would be the less dangerous of the two choices.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s actually not as bad as it seems, Kid,\u201d Joe said reassuringly. \u201cIt\u2019s basically rocks piled one on top of another, all held together with mortar. There\u2019s plenty of hand and footholds.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take your word for it, Grandpa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell ya what? I\u2019ll climb up to the top first, you follow after in my path.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve . . . done this before?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but hey! There\u2019s always a first time for everything,\u201d Joe teased with a smile and a playful wink.<\/p>\n \u201cOh well,\u201d Stacy said with a resign, fatalistic shrug. \u201cIf we fall and break our legs, Pa won\u2019t be able to march us out to the ol\u2019 woodshed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGeeze Loo-weeze, Kid, can\u2019t you for once try to look at things on the BRIGHT side?!\u201d Joe admonished his sister with a touch of asperity.<\/p>\n \u201cI AM looking on the bright side!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh brother! If THAT\u2019S looking at things from the bright side, I\u2019d hate to see you get all glum and moody.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrandpa . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNOW what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you gonna just stand there and argue with me all morning, or are ya gonna climb?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI oughtta grab you by the collar and march you to the ol\u2019 woodshed myself,\u201d Joe growled back, \u201cbut, I won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d have to CATCH me first for one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and by the time I did THAT, Pa would definitely be up and around.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot to mention loaded for bear.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk, enough gabbing. I\u2019ll climb, you watch, then follow me up.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded in the affirmative, then watched closely as her brother scaled up the wall with surprisingly ridiculous ease. She waited until he had reached the very top before following.<\/p>\n Joe, meanwhile, straddled the top of the wall, so that he might keep the kitchen windows and his sister under close watch. \u201cCome on, Stace, get a move on!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m moving as fast as I can,\u201d she snapped back cantankerously, as weariness, due to the worry and apprehension of all that had happened over the past couple of days, coupled with lack of sleep, finally began to take their toll.<\/p>\n \u201cTry and move a little faster! Hop Sing could be getting up any minute!\u201d Joe glanced over at the kitchen windows, noting with satisfaction and great relief that they remained dark. He, then, turned his attention back to his sister. \u201cHere! Give me your hand! I\u2019ll pull you on up.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy reached up and clasped her brother\u2019s hand very firmly in her own.<\/p>\n \u201cOk, Kid, upsy-daisy!\u201d Joe pulled his sister up, as she in tandem, scrambled up the remained of the way. \u201cCome on . . . just a little more . . . . \u201d He was so intent on getting his sister up to the top with all possible haste and speed, he had no idea of how much he kept leaning backward to compensate. Next thing he knew, he was in free fall, screaming at the top of his lungs.<\/p>\n With heart in mouth, Stacy scrambled over the top and lunged forward, in a desperate attempt to grab Joe. She missed. The momentum of her sudden, forward thrust sent her toppling off the top of the wall, as well. Their discordant screams rudely rent asunder the early morning calm. Hop Sing\u2019s chickens rudely squawked their protest at top volume.<\/p>\n Joe and Stacy landed with a dull thud, one first, then the other, in the soft ground, freshly tilled to receive seed and the sprouts Hop Sing had gently nurtured for the better part of the last month in the warm kitchen. The early spring rains had also turned the fertile soil into mud. The younger Cartwright children very gingerly eased themselves up from lying prone in the mud, to sitting, and for a moment, glared darkly at one another, before muttering in unison,<\/p>\n \u201cNice goin\u2019, Kid!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNice goin\u2019, Grandpa!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHEY! WHAT ALL THE NOISE?! WHAT GOING ON OUT THERE!??\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Stacy paled in sheer terror as the bell-like tones of Hop Sing\u2019s voice, raised nearly to top volume, fell on their ears. Impelled by a sudden, potent rush of adrenalin, they scrambled to their feet and ran toward the house, where they plastered themselves up flat against the wall. Seconds after reaching their new positions, the kitchen door exploded open, and Hop Sing, clad in nightshirt, robe, and slippers came charging out into the garden as an enraged bull charges into a bullfight ring.<\/p>\n \u201cWHO OUT HERE?\u201d Hop Sing demanded at the top of his lungs. A long string of terse, clipped Chinese syllables followed, also at top volume.<\/p>\n \u201cC-Come on, Stacy, it\u2019s n-n-now of n-never!\u201d Joe stammered, his eyes riveted to the angry Oriental juggernaut, now charging blindly across the garden to the gate.<\/p>\n \u201cI-I\u2019m right behind you, Grandpa!\u201d<\/p>\n Now blinded by fear and rising panic, Joe and Stacy bolted through the open kitchen door and tore through the kitchen, the dining room, the great room, and on up the stairs. After a seeming eternity of running, overwhelmed by mind numbing terror, they, at long last reached the relative safety of their respective bedrooms.<\/p>\n Joe leaned heavily against the closed door of his room, gasping for air, his entire body trembling. A few moments later, he stumbled across the room, stripping off his muddy clothes every step of the way. He balled them up into a big, muddy bundle and stuffed them into his wardrobe before donning his nightshirt and collapsing heavily onto his bed, sound asleep before his head came in contact with the pillow.<\/p>\n Stacy, meanwhile, crept into her own bedroom, moving silently as her Paiute foster mother, Silver Moon, had taught her as a young child. With heart slamming hard against her rib cage, she closed the door, exhaling a soft sigh of relief upon hearing the latch click. She turned toward the bed, noting with relief that her roommate still slept.<\/p>\n \u201cPoor Yin-Ling,\u201d<\/em> she mused sadly, in silence, as she tip-toed around to her side of the bed, the side nearest the window. The sight of Yin-Ling\u2019s reddened cheeks and the wetness of the pillow cradling her head, brought tears to Stacy\u2019s own eyes. She quickly stripped off her wet, muddy clothing and stuffed it under her bed. \u201cI sure hope Joe and I can get to the bottom of this horrible mess,\u201d<\/em> she mused uneasily in silence, as she climbed into bed and settled herself under the covers, \u201cfor Yin-Ling\u2019s sake . . . AND for Pa and Miss Ashcroft.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHOP SING?!\u201d the Cartwright family patriarch bellowed as he made his way down the stairs, tying the sash of his robe. Then, he remembered. He had house guests, all of whom, were at the very least trying to sleep, especially after that outburst. \u201cHop Sing, what\u2019s all the noise?!\u201d Ben demanded, as Hop Sing stormed into the great room from the kitchen. Though he spoke this time at conversational decibels, his ire continued to rise.<\/p>\n \u201cThat what Hop Sing want to know! What all the noise?\u201d Hop Sing said tersely, with a murderous scowl on his face. \u201cHear screaming outside! Wake up Hop Sing! Think it Xing, come back after out all night. Hop Sing look, not see Xing! Leave trail big as all outdoors all through house, but disappear.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrail?\u201d Ben queried with a frown.<\/p>\n Hop Sing thrust his arm and pointing first finger down toward the floor. Ben\u2019s eyes slowly, almost reluctantly followed the line of Hop Sing\u2019s arm and finger to globs of mud on the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cIt START in kitchen. At kitchen door. Go through dining room, come out HERE!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t we just FOLLOW the trail, Hop Sing?\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cWe\u2019ll probably find Xing at the end. When we do, he\u2019s all YOURS.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing grinned with mirthless feral relish as he fell in step behind Ben.<\/p>\n The trail led through the great room toward the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cTHAT\u2019S odd . . . . \u201d Ben murmured as he and Hop Sing reached the middle of the hallway.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat odd, Mister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe trail divides,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cSee? One line continues down the hall, the other veers off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo Miss Stacy room!\u201d Hop Sing noted, his black eyes smoldering with fury. \u201cMaybe Hop Sing leave no good nephew to Mister Cartwright tender mercies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe could have gone in to see Yin-Ling,\u201d Ben hastened to point out.<\/p>\n \u201cThen double back, to THAT way?\u201d Hop Sing queried, nodding toward the second line of mud that continued on down the hall.<\/p>\n \u201cNow THAT\u2019S the odd thing,\u201d Ben said. A bewildered frown deepened the lines already present in his brow. \u201cIf Xing had gone in to see his sister, then come back out, this line here would be doubly thick . . . but, it\u2019s not. No, Hop Sing, this trail definitely splits and goes off in TWO different directions.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned and started to follow the second trail down the hallway, with Hop Sing dutifully following behind. Both were surprised to see the trail turn toward the closed door to Joe\u2019s room. Ben noiselessly opened the door and stepped inside. Hop Sing followed. The trail of mud continued from the door around the foot of the bed, where the youngest Cartwright son lay deep in the arms of slumber. Ben and Hop Sing followed the line of mud around to the other side of the bed, where they found irregularly shaped patches of mud, in varying sizes and shapes. Another line, reduced to occasional splotches and dribbles, led directly to the wardrobe.<\/p>\n Ben scowled as another possibility suggested itself. He moved past Hop Sing and stepped over to the wardrobe. After throwing open the doors, he angrily pushed aside Joe\u2019s clothing and peered into the bottom. There, he saw a mound of muddied clothing all tightly wadded into a single ball. \u201cHop Sing, it would appear that Xing is INNOCENT of all charges,\u201d Ben said grimly as he gingerly lifted a sock, white turned reddish brown, from the bottom of the closet. \u201cThis,\u201d he grimaced, \u201cand the REST of the filthy clothing lying on the floor of this wardrobe belong to JOE.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing not understand. Little Joe go to bed early, when Miss Stacy go to bed. Same time. How come clothes muddy?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben, his jaw clenched and mouth thinned to a near straight, angry line, walked over to the window. Looking down, he immediately spotted the line of bed linens, knotted together, lying on the ground in a sensuous, serpentine line. \u201cHop Sing, it looks like your nephew wasn\u2019t the ONLY one who was out all night,\u201d Ben said through clenched teeth as he turned from the window.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe?!\u201d Hop Sing\u2019s initial anger quickly transformed itself to complete and utter astonishment. \u201cHop Sing not understand. Little Joe legal age. NOT have to sneak out and in like little boy no more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s very true, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben immediately agreed. \u201cStacy, on the other hand is NOT of legal age. Though she\u2019s never snuck out of the house before, I suppose there\u2019s a first time for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMISS STACY sneak out of house?!\u201d Hop Sing queried, shocked to the very core of his being. He shook his head vigorously. \u201cHop Sing know, she NOT go with no good nephew. Miss Stacy very smart young woman, not like no good nephew.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think she snuck out with Xing either,\u201d Ben hastened to reassure. \u201cI\u2019M more inclined to believe that she snuck out last night with JOE. Something\u2019s afoot, and I\u2019m going to get to the bottom of it, so help me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing leave Cartwright children to Cartwright papa tender mercy,\u201d he sighed, visibly disappointed that his nephew numbered not among the transgressors this time. \u201cHop Sing make breakfast after clean floor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben said very firmly, as they stepped back into the hall. \u201cYou\u2019re NOT going to clean the floor.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s glare very clearly, very succinctly questioned Ben\u2019s sanity.<\/p>\n \u201cSince it\u2019s obvious Joe and Stacy muddied the floor, it\u2019s only fair that they CLEAN the floor,\u201d Ben decreed, as they walked toward the stairs. \u201cI\u2019m going to give them a couple of hours to sleep, THEN, I\u2019ll haul \u2018em both out of bed and let YOU put \u2018em to work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Hop Sing replied. \u201cHop Sing go make breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNone for me,\u201d Ben said immediately, as he paused before the closed door to his own room. \u201cAfter all that\u2019s happened yesterday, now THIS . . . I\u2019m feeling a lot of things right now, but hunger is not one of \u2018em. I\u2019ll just have coffee, later, after I get dressed.\u201d<\/p>\n A short, curt, exasperated sigh exploded from Hop Sing\u2019s lips as he literally threw up his hands. \u201cNOBODY hungry this morning, not even Mister Hoss hungry this morning. Hop Sing not cook breakfast and nobody eat. Mister Cartwright say not clean floor. Hop Sing have easy morning!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Mornin\u2019, Hop Sing . . . \u2018mornin\u2019, Pa,\u201d Hoss greeted both affably, as he stepped into the hallway from the top landing of the stairs, clad in the garb he favored for the onerous chore of mucking out the stables.<\/p>\n Hop Sing glared at the biggest of the Cartwright offspring. \u201cNot even YOU hungry!\u201d he said scathingly, then turned and headed toward the stairs, this time muttering under his breath in Chinese.<\/p>\n Hoss stared after Hop Sing, more surprised than angry, for a moment before turning to his father. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat burr\u2019s worked it\u2019s way up under HIS saddle?\u201d Hoss asked, with a bewildered frown.<\/p>\n \u201cLong story, which I\u2019d rather NOT get into right now,\u201d Ben said wearily. \u201cDo me a favor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAfter you wash up and change, would you mind waking up your brother and sister?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be my pleasure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Son,\u201d Ben murmured gratefully, wondering whether he should question Joe and Stacy about last night\u2019s doings together, or divide and conquer by questioning them separately.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n An hour later, Hoss, washed, freshly shaved with hair combed, and wearing clean clothes, stopped in front of the closed door to Stacy\u2019s bedroom, and knocked. \u201cC\u2019mon, Li\u2019l Sister, time t\u2019 rise \u2018n shine!\u201d<\/p>\n No answer.<\/p>\n Frowning, Hoss knocked again. \u201cUp \u2018n at \u2018em, Li\u2019l Sister,\u201d he called out again, raising his voice slightly.<\/p>\n Still no answer.<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t like STACY t\u2019 sleep in this late,\u201d Hoss mused silently, his frown deepening, \u201cnot unless she\u2019s sick or something.\u201d He knocked on the door again.<\/p>\n A moment later, the door opened, though it was Yin-Ling who peered out through eyes red, swollen, glistening with the brightness of unshed tears.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Yin-Ling,\u201d Hoss immediately apologized, sotto voce, his heart going out to her. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean t\u2019 disturb ya. Is . . . Stacy all right?\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Ling said nothing. She shrugged, then opened the door and stepped aside.<\/p>\n As Hoss entered the room, he spotted his sister lying on the side of the bed closest to the window. She lay buried deep under the sheets and quilt, in a tightly curled ball, unmoving. Four brisk giant steps carried Hoss over the threshold from the hallway to the side of her bed.<\/p>\n \u201cTime t\u2019 wake up, Li\u2019l Sister,\u201d Hoss said, as he leaned over and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.<\/p>\n There was no response.<\/p>\n Hoss gently shook her. \u201cRise \u2018n shine, Li\u2019l Sister.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy groaned, and half opened one eye.<\/p>\n Hoss touched her forehead with the back of his hand. \u201cThat\u2019s a relief! Y\u2019 ain\u2019t runnin\u2019 a fever.\u201d He quickly shook Stacy again upon seeing the half opened eye lid beginning to droop. \u201cOh no y\u2019 don\u2019t, Stacy Rose Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAww, c\u2019mon, Hoss. Can\u2019tcha wait \u2018til the sun comes up?!\u201d Stacy protested irritably.<\/p>\n \u201cSun\u2019s been up f\u2019r the last three, goin\u2019 on four hours now,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n Stacy rolled over on her back, closed her eyes, and groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cC\u2019mon, Li\u2019l Sister, up \u2018n at \u2018em. Pa said f\u2019r me t\u2019 make sure I got you \u2018n Li\u2019l Brother up after I got m\u2019self washed up, \u2018n clothes changed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cP-Pa said?\u201d Stacy queried, suddenly assailed with a dreadful sinking feeling.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Pa said,\u201d Hoss replied, \u201cand he ain\u2019t in the best o\u2019 moods either, so ya\u2019d best get yourself movin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUuuhhhh great!\u201d Stacy groaned again, then threw aside her bed covers, with much reluctance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Satisfied that he had sufficiently gotten Stacy up and moving about, Hoss nodded to Yin-Ling as he left his sister\u2019s bedroom. \u201cDon\u2019t know what in the world\u2019s gotten into Li\u2019l Sister this mornin\u2019,\u201d he mumbled aloud, under his breath, as he walked down the hall toward Joe\u2019s room. \u201cBy THIS time o\u2019 day, she\u2019s up, washed \u2018n dressed, \u2018n comin\u2019 back from a ride out t\u2019 Ponderosa Plunge or some such.\u201d<\/p>\n Upon reaching his younger brother\u2019s room, Hoss opened the door and walked right in. He found Joe lying in bed, tightly curled in fetal position, his face toward the wall opposite the door, deeply buried under the covers, as Stacy had been. Hoss quietly tip-toed in and set himself to the task of moving any and all small objects well out of reach, upon remembering all too well another time Pa had asked him to awaken Joe. [9]<\/p>\n \u201cJooo-ey! Time to wakey-wakey!\u201d Hoss said, placing his hand down on his younger brother\u2019s shoulder and gently shaking him.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s only response was a deep, guttural snort.<\/p>\n Hoss sighed. \u201cCome on, Li\u2019l Joe, up \u2018n at \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe snorted again. \u201c . . . go \u2018way,\u201d he mumbled very softly as he curled his body into a tighter ball, and pulled the covers up over his head.<\/p>\n Hoss grabbed the covers and yanked them away from Joe\u2019s body with a powerful thrust of his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Cut that out!\u201d Joe made a wild, desperate grab for his sheets and quilt, a full three seconds too late.<\/p>\n \u201cI toldja it\u2019s time t\u2019 get up,\u201d Hoss said firmly as he marched from the bed to the window. There, he threw aside the drapes and curtains, allowing the bright morning sunshine to stream in through the naked panes of glass.<\/p>\n Joe screamed in agony, as the blinding sunlight fell on his face full force. He quickly rolled over onto his stomach, and buried his face deep into downy depths of his pillow.<\/p>\n \u201cUp \u2018n at \u2018em, Li\u2019l Brother. Time t\u2019 rise \u2018n shine!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlready?!\u201d Joe groused irritably, his voice muffled by the pillow.<\/p>\n Hoss frowned. \u201cWhat do y\u2019 mean ALREADY?! It\u2019s almost nine o\u2019clock.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe groaned.<\/p>\n Hoss walked over to the wash stand and dipped the washcloth into what he knew was by this time ice cold water. He carried it, dripping wet, over to his brother\u2019s bed and squeezed it over the exposed portion of his neck.<\/p>\n Joe screamed again, and rolled over onto his other side, this time facing the door, opening out into the hall. He reached toward his night stand, his nimble fingers searching for something . . . anything . . . . \u201cHunh?!\u201d he snorted, upon finally realizing there was nothing, except for a flat expanse of night stand, completely cleared.<\/p>\n \u201cI got smart this time \u2018n removed anything \u2018n everything you could possibly throw at me,\u201d Hoss said smugly.<\/p>\n Joe groaned again, as he sat up and placed his legs over the edge of the bed one at a time. The instant both feet made contact with the floor, he was up and running, with head lowered, charging Hoss like an angry bull. Hoss neatly side stepped. Joe, too weary to register his big brother\u2019s move, or to stop himself, plowed headlong into his washstand, sending his pitcher and bowl to the floor with a deafening crash.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT IN THUNDERATION\u2019S GOING ON UP THERE?\u201d Ben bellowed from below.<\/p>\n \u201cIT\u2019S ALRIGHT, PA. JOE JUST HAD A LI\u2019L BIT OF AN ACCIDENT\u2019S ALL,\u201d Hoss yelled back.<\/p>\n Joe, now sprawled, half on the floor, and half across his fallen night stand, looked up at his biggest brother, who stood towering high above him, through eyelids half closed. \u201cThat PA?\u201d he groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cYep,\u201d Hoss replied, as he leaned over and slipped his big, massive hands up under his younger brother\u2019s arm pits. He picked Joe up with almost ridiculous ease and set him up on his feet. \u201cYou\u2019d best hurry up \u2018n git yourself dressed. Pa told me to wake you \u2018n Li\u2019l Sister, an\u2019 as you just heard he ain\u2019t in a real good mood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh wunnerful,\u201d Joe groaned as he sat down heavily on the edge of his bed. \u201cJus\u2019 great! Pa\u2019s in a bad mood this mornin\u2019 . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Joe and Stacy at long last stumbled down the stairs, still half asleep, they found their father, leaning up against the banister post, waiting. Brother and sister exchanged uneasy glances, with fast sinking hearts.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Joe . . . good morning, Stacy,\u201d Ben greeted his younger children in a tone, too bland. \u201cGlad to see you both up and about . . . FINALLY.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cS-Sorry I, uhhhh overslept, Pa,\u201d Joe murmured warily.<\/p>\n \u201cMe, too, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s quite alright,\u201d Ben said in that sweet, benevolent tone he often used right before the proverbial other shoe dropped, \u201cand perfectly understandable . . . . \u201d He scowled, and his voice immediately hardened. \u201c . . . seeing as how both of you were out all night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, there\u2019s a g-good reason for that,\u201d Joe said very quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah . . . a REAL good reason,\u201d Stacy immediately voiced her own agreement.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and I\u2019m real interested in hearing all about it,\u201d Ben said, \u201cbut not right now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHunh!?\u201d Joe queried, taken aback.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, we\u2019ll talk about this later, don\u2019t you worry about that,\u201d Ben quickly assured his two younger children. \u201cRight now, however, you both have a job to do . . . no, make that TWO jobs to do, in addition to your own regular morning chores.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe do?\u201d Stacy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou certainly do,\u201d Ben said, placing his arms around their shoulders. \u201cFirst of all you\u2019re both gonna clean up all the mud you trailed in last night, starting in the kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWh-what mud, Pa?\u201d Joe ventured, standing with his legs pressed together tight to keep his knees from knocking.<\/p>\n \u201cTHAT mud!\u201d Ben pointed to the trail at their feet.<\/p>\n Joe and Stacy gazed down in complete dismay.<\/p>\n \u201cIt stretches all the way from the kitchen door to your muddy clothing, which I happened to find lying on the floor of your wardrobe, Young Man, and if I were to hazard a real wild guess, Young Woman, I\u2019d say YOURS are lying on the floor under your bed,\u201d Ben continued, glaring at each respectively. \u201cTHAT\u2019S how I found out!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh!\u201d Joe swallowed nervously. \u201cWe were wonderin\u2019 \u2018bout that . . . . \u201d His words drew a sharp glare from his sister.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll just bet you WERE wondering about that,\u201d Ben retorted sardonically. \u201cThat brings me to the second job you have to do, namely the laundry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTh-the l-laundry?!\u201d Stacy stammered, after she also swallowed nervously.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, the laundry. I saw how muddy your clothes were, and I don\u2019t think it\u2019s fair to make Hop Sing wash them. I also decided that since you\u2019re doing your own laundry today, you might as well do it for the rest of US, including our guests.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-Yes, Pa,\u201d Joe stammered.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Stacy replied, vigorously nodding her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI WAS gonna haul you both out to the barn, but I decided I\u2019d be going too easy on ya,\u201d Ben said sternly. \u201cNow, since I expect all that PLUS your own chores to be done by the time Hop Sing\u2019s ready to serve up our noon meal, I\u2019d suggest you get started. You\u2019ve slept away half the morning already.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley Meredith turned with sinking heart, and found himself staring into the perpetually scowling face of the woman, whose daughter ran Kirks\u2019 Hostelry over on the next street. This morning, he was impeccably attired in a brand new three piece gray linen suit, with a new shirt, and navy blue string tie, charged to Ben Cartwright\u2019s account. Shorty Jim Slade was with him, dressed in a brand new dark blue suit, white shirt, and dark blue string tie, also charged to the largesse of the Cartwright account.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, it\u2019s bad enough you taking up with that cheap floozy who has the sheer gall to call herself a school teacher,\u201d Eloise Kirk sputtered angrily. \u201cBut, NOW, you\u2019ve taken to robbing stage coaches. What, I ask you, WHAT kind of an example are you setting for your impressionable young sons and daughter?\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley\u2019s entire face darkened with anger. \u201cMadam, I will NOT countenance such unkind remarks about Miss Ashcroft,\u201d he spat through clenched teeth. \u201cYou WILL apologize, or\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, come on, Bo\u2014PA! We gotta job to do remember?\u201d Shorty Jim quickly positioned himself between Bradley and Eloise Kirk.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and what might THAT job be?\u201d Eloise queried in a withering tone. \u201cHold up the BANK?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMa\u2019am, what EVER happened to innocent \u2018til proven guilty?\u201d Shorty Jim asked, favoring her with a sad, angelic, calf-eyed stare worthy of the youngest Cartwright son he so closely resembled.<\/p>\n \u201cHmpf!\u201d Eloise snorted derisively, before pushing rudely past the men she believed to be Ben and Joe Cartwright, and continuing on her way.<\/p>\n \u201cIf THAT old battle axe was one of Ben Cartwright\u2019s lady friends, then I\u2019ve done him a big favor,\u201d Bradley Meredith growled, as he watched Eloise Kirk moving on down the street.<\/p>\n \u201cC\u2019mon, Boss, pull yourself together!\u201d Shorty Jim reminded his associate through clenched teeth. \u201cWe came to see Mister Sutcliff, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou and your brother have become very tiresome, you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI COULD say the same about YOU, too, but I\u2019d rather get hold of whatever money we can get on those statues, so\u2019 we can all be off, goin\u2019 our separate ways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright!\u201d Bradley snapped. \u201cMister Sutcliff\u2019s office is right across the street.\u201d<\/p>\n Geoffrey Sutcliff, a tall, well muscled man with sandy blonde hair, and full beard, politely rose to greet Bradley Meredith and Shorty Jim Slade as they stepped into his office. \u201cGood day, Mister Meredith, I\u2019ve been expecting you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed, yes.\u201d The smug, triumphant smile and predatory gleam in Geoffrey gray-green eyes was not lost on Bradley Meredith. \u201cGentlemen, please, come in and sit down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mister Sutcliff,\u201d Bradley said smoothly, keeping his uneasiness well hidden with all the consummate skill of the finest of actors. \u201cMay I present my associate, Mister James Slade?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood to meet you, Mister Slade,\u201d Geoffrey murmured politely, as he extended his hand. \u201cCan I get you gentlemen some coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, thank you, Sir,\u201d Shorty Jim declined politely, drawing a sharp glare from Bradley. \u201cWe\u2019d prefer getting down to business, if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I imagine you WOULD,\u201d Geoffrey said wryly, as the three sat down. \u201cWhat have you got for me, Mister Meredith?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs if you didn\u2019t already know, you son-of-a-bitch,\u201d<\/em> Bradley Meredith responded silently, as he removed the protective cover from around the jade statue of Chang-O. \u201cI\u2019ve brought along THIS little trinket for your perusal,\u201d he said aloud, his tone bland, his smile never wavering. \u201cI trust you recognize the workmanship?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed I do, Mister Meredith, indeed I do. This can only be the work of Yang Wei-Chu.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGesundheit,\u201d Shorty Jim quipped without missing a beat, prompting a sardonic roll of the eyes from Bradley Meredith.<\/p>\n \u201cIt seems your associate has much to learn about fine art,\u201d Geoffrey observed condescendingly, with a wry grin.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it would seem that he DOES,\u201d Bradley agreed, favoring the young gunman with a withering glare. \u201cAt any rate, this statue of Chang-O is one of three, all part of a set. The others are of Hou-Yi and Kuan Yin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMoon, Sun, and Mercy,\u201d Geoffrey said, looking upon the exquisite jade carving as if it were something very good to eat. \u201cMay I be so bold as to ask how you came by these works?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have a client who is anxious to sell, Mister Sutcliff,\u201d Bradley replied. \u201cNaturally, I thought of YOU first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour client is a private collector?\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s fallen on hard times, I\u2019m afraid, and has to sell the statues.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMost unfortunate,\u201d Geoffrey said slowly. \u201cYour client wouldn\u2019t happen to be the Li Family . . . would it?\u201d<\/p>\n Shorty Jim gasped, drawing a sharp glare from Bradley Meredith.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Meredith, is your associate ill? He\u2019s all of a sudden looking a little peaked,\u201d Geoffrey observed caustically.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Sutcliff, if you\u2019re not interested in the statues . . . . \u201d Bradley said, rising. A swift kick in the ankle prompted Shorty Jim to follow suit.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the contrary, I am VERY interested in the statues,\u201d Geoffrey said smoothly. \u201cAs you know, I am a most discriminating collector of fine art. This set of statues by Yang Wei-Chu would make handsome additions to my collection. At what price are you offering them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs I just said, my client is very anxious to sell,\u201d Bradley replied. \u201cHe is in need of the money, sooner rather than later. He would also prefer payment in cash or gold bullion.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCash or gold bullion, Mister Meredith?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou ARE aware that further reduces the price tag.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed I am, Mister Sutcliff. The statues, of course, are priceless. My client is willing to settle for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cONE hundred fifty. Not one cent more,\u201d Geoffrey Sutcliff snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cDone.\u201d<\/p>\n Geoffrey smiled the triumphant smile of a predator moving in on its cornered prey for the final kill. \u201cI have twenty-five thousand cash here in my safe, Mister Meredith. I will give that to you, YOU leave the statue of Chang-O here, with me. It will take me two hours to gather together the balance. Be here, in my office, in two hours with the remaining statues. If you are not prompt, the price declines.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe will see you in two hours, Mister Sutcliff,\u201d Bradley said, holding out his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cTwo hours,\u201d Geoffrey reiterated as he shook hands to seal the verbal bargain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe miss spot there and there, also over there,\u201d Hop Sing said, giving critical eye to the wet sheet in Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n \u201cAww, Hop Sing, ya gotta be kidding!\u201d Joe groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Hop Sing adamantly and vigorously shook his head. \u201cNo! Hop Sing NOT kidding around! Little Joe miss three spots.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d Joe groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cI ALREADY tell you. Right there, and there, and there! You look!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAww, come on, Hop Sing, you can hardly see those spots.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing NOT make bed with dirty sheet,\u201d the Chinese man declared, leveling a thunderous scowl in Joe\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, this sheet is NOT dirty,\u201d Joe wheedled. \u201cIt\u2019s got a couple of spots\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTHREE spots, not couple!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk, THREE spots . . . so light you can barely see \u2018em, not that anyone\u2019s ever gonna see \u2018em anyway because if they\u2019re not on the bed, covered by a blanket AND a quilt, they\u2019re gonna be folded up in the linen closet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot care if nobody see. HOP SING see. HOP SING know. Little Joe wash sheet AGAIN. Get spots out, get sheet clean.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe groaned as he plunged the sheet back into the washtub.<\/p>\n Hop Sing, then, turned heel and marched back into the kitchen, where Stacy was down on her hands and knees scrubbing for the second time around. Her clothing was as wet as the floor and, though her hair was braided, several tendrils had slipped loose and now dangled down into her face. \u201cHow you do with floor, Miss Stacy?\u201d Hop Sing cheerfully asked as he sauntered into the kitchen.<\/p>\n Stacy rocked back, up onto her knees and wearily shoved the tendrils of hair out of her face. \u201cAlmost finished, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing smiled. \u201cGood! Very, very good! When Miss Stacy finish, take out water, scrub floor one more time.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy shook her head vigorously, not wanting to believe her ears. \u201cH-Hop Sing, did you just say . . . one more time?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree time, Miss Stacy. Three time the charm.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cOh dear! Is Miss Stacy alright? Miss Stacy not sick . . . . ?\u201d Hop Sing hovered anxiously.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, just bone tired. Do I really hafta do the floor three times?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree time. Three time the charm.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy groaned again as she dropped the scrub brush back into the pail of soapy water.<\/p>\n Hop Sing walked over picked up the pot of coffee warming on top of the stove. Humming a tune very much Chinese, he carried it out into the great room, where Ben sat behind his desk working on the ledger. \u201cMore coffee, Mister Cartwright? Hop Sing make up fresh.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked up and smiled. \u201cThank you, Hop Sing, I\u2019d love more coffee,\u201d he replied holding up his mug.<\/p>\n Hop Sing took the mug, filled it, then handed it back to Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow are things going in the kitchen and with the laundry?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Stacy finish scrubbing floor two time, get ready to scrub floor THREE time. Little Joe scrub sheet from your bed, try to get out wine spots.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, if that\u2019s the sheet I\u2019m thinking of . . . those wine spots have been there for YEARS,\u201d Ben said lowering his voice. \u201cParis . . . Stacy\u2019s mother . . . spilled the wine . . . that time we were snow bound.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know that, Hop Sing know that. Little Joe? He NOT know that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see. Tell me something else. Do you USUALLY scrub the kitchen floor three times?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head. \u201cOne time do the trick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYet your have Stacy scrubbing the floor for the third time and Joe trying to wash out wine spots that have been in that sheet for years?!\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s smile never wavered. \u201cMister Cartwright tell Hop Sing not be easy on Little Joe and Miss Stacy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did indeed,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cKeep up the good work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Cartwright.\u201d Hop Sing turned to leave.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t seen very much of your sister\u2019s family this morning,\u201d Ben said very quietly. \u201cOnly Hsing, a few times, knocking at the door of his grandmother\u2019s room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBad, Mister Cartwright. Very, very bad!\u201d Hop Sing replied, shaking his head. His smile quickly faded. \u201cMei-Ling and Yin-Ling both cry all night. Cry themselves to sleep. Yin-Ling STILL cry. Mei-Ling, not cry anymore. Mei-Ling very angry with son, worry very much about husband. Hsing very quiet. Not talk to nobody, not even Mei-Ling. Hop Sing know he very worried about venerable grandmother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Li STILL refuses to see Hsing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Li not see anybody. Only Hop Sing when take venerable lady tea early this morning.\u201d He sighed and shook his head mournfully. \u201cHop Sing worry about Mrs. Li, too. She sit in room. Have shades down, keep room dark. Not even sleep in bed. Yin-Ling very sad, she cry. Mei-Ling very angry, all through crying. But, Mrs. Li too sad for crying. No sparkle in eyes. Hop Sing worry very, very much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m worried, too, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben said soberly. Mrs. Li had not stirred from the downstairs guest room since her grandson, Hsing broke the news to her about the theft of the jade statues yesterday afternoon. She had refused supper last night, and breakfast this morning. Worst of all, she absolutely refused to see anyone, including Hsing. \u201cI CAN send for Doctor Martin if you wish.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo use, Mister Cartwright, no use,\u201d Hop Sing said softly, shaking his head. \u201cMrs. Li not have body sickness. Mrs. Li have sickness of heart. Very, very bad.\u201d Suddenly, his face darkened with intense anger, the like of which Ben had never seen in all the years Hop Sing had been part of the Cartwright family. \u201cWhere Xing?\u201d he snapped. \u201cWhere no good nephew go?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I haven\u2019t s-seen . . . Xing,\u201d Ben stammered.<\/p>\n \u201cXing out. Sneak out last night. Stay out all night. Drink in saloon. Kiss girls. Play poker. All night long. STILL not come back. Xing should be here. Family NEED him. Xing NOT here. No good nephew not here.\u201d Hop Sing abruptly turned heel and stormed off back toward the kitchen, muttering a long string of terse, clipped Chinese syllables.<\/p>\n Ben stared after Hop Sing\u2019s retreating back, profoundly grateful he had no idea as to the exact translation of those words.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned and looked up as Hoss stepped through the front door.<\/p>\n \u201cI got the buckboard wheels greased, an\u2019 I gave the loft in the barn a good cleanin\u2019 up,\u201d Hoss said as he walked over to the desk. \u201cI found somethin\u2019 mighty interestin\u2019 up in the loft . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. This.\u201d<\/p>\n It was a book. Ben took it and turned it over. \u201cHow to Solve Crimes by Professor Foote,\u201d he read the title aloud, then frowned. \u201cHoss, isn\u2019t THIS the book that got the you and Joe into trouble trying to catch bank robbers awhile back?!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u201c \u2018Fraid so, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought your brother promised me he wasn\u2019t going to touch his book ever again,\u201d Ben said with a scowl.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think Joe was the one readin\u2019 it, Pa,\u201d Hoss said quietly. \u201cWhen I went out in the barn t\u2019 fetch \u2018em in for supper last night, I saw him take somethin\u2019 from Stacy \u2018n sneak it behind his back. He must\u2019ve hidden it under the straw.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder where Stacy found it,\u201d Ben wondered aloud.<\/p>\n \u201cProbably in the attic. You know how much she loves goin\u2019 up there \u2018n rootin\u2019 around in all them boxes \u2018n trucks we got stored up there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor the time being, I\u2019m going to keep it locked up here in my desk, where it\u2019ll do the least damage,\u201d Ben said grimly, as he slipped it into the bottom drawer on the right side of the desk.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould ya do ME a real big favor an\u2019, well . . . kinda go easy on \u2018em about that book?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cStacy doesn\u2019t know anything \u2018bout the trouble Joe \u2018n I stirred up on account o\u2019 Professor Foote\u2019s book.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d Ben said with a touch of asperity, \u201cbut\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe both know that Joe \u2018n Stacy ain\u2019t ones for sittin\u2019 on the side lines twiddlin\u2019 their thumbs,\u201d Hoss continued. \u201cThey wanna do somethin\u2019 that might help us get outta this big mess we\u2019re in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d Ben sighed, \u201cbut tracking down criminals is something best left to the law. I have all the faith in the world in Roy Coffee. If anyone recover those statues and bring the thieves to justice, he can. I also don\u2019t want Joe and Stacy to get themselves hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that, Pa,\u201d Hoss said very quietly. He smiled. \u201cSometimes, I don\u2019t know what I\u2019m gonna do WITH the two of \u2018em, but I sure as shootin\u2019 don\u2019t wanna find out what I\u2019d do WITHOUT \u2018em, either. I guess I\u2019m too used t\u2019 havin\u2019 \u2018em both around.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am, too,\u201d Ben agreed wholeheartedly. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what. If your brother and sister agree to leave the matter of law enforcement to the sheriff, I\u2019ll let \u2018em off the hook . . . with regard to their having that book in their possession, at any rate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Hoss said gratefully.<\/p>\n Truth be known, Ben plain and simply couldn\u2019t bring himself to deny the ardent pleading in Hoss\u2019 great big baby blue eyes. His second son, the kindest and gentlest of his four children, had always been protective of his baby brother from the day he was born. For the better part of the last four going on five years, that protectiveness included his young sister, as well. Ben took one last sip from the coffee mug, and rose. \u201cHoss, I\u2019m going into town. I have some business I need to take care of. I won\u2019t be home in time for dinner, but I should be in plenty of time before supper.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want me t\u2019 come with ya?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben considered, then shook his head. \u201cI think it might be more prudent for you to stay here and make sure your brother and sister stay out of trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTall order, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUuuuh!\u201d Stacy groaned softly, as she emptied the last pail of dirty water. \u201cI\u2019m sure glad THAT\u2019S over . . . my back is KILLING me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t tell ME your troubles, Kid,\u201d Joe retorted, as he hung the last sheet out on the line to dry. \u201cMy entire BODY hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat happens when you get old, GRANDPA,\u201d Stacy teased.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may YET take that trip out to the barn, Little Sister.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy frowned. \u201cPa said he wasn\u2019t going to haul us out to the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t talking about Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho then? You!?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t think I can\u2019t do it, Kid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d hafta catch me first, and as tired as we are now, I can STILL out run ya.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stuck out his tongue.<\/p>\n Stacy retaliated in kind, then turned serious as they stiffly leaned over to pick up laundry basket and pail. \u201cGrandpa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Kid?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happens NOW?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe keep doing as the first chapter in that book says,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cWe keep thinking like criminals.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat would YOU do if you had just robbed a stage?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d head south toward Mexico.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if you didn\u2019t get cash or gold bullion? What if you ended up with something that had to be sold?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn THAT case, I\u2019d retreat to a hideout and lay low.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst on our list of things to do this afternoon, Kid, is find that hideout,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do we do THAT?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLemme see,\u201d Joe murmured thoughtfully. \u201cThat stage was robbed about an hour outside of town, along the road between Virginia City and Carson City. Chances are their hideout lies somewhere along that road between Virginia City and the spot where the stage was robbed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe old Haines place!\u201d Stacy said immediately.<\/p>\n Joe grimaced. \u201cThe old Haines place?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Ok, the house isn\u2019t much more than a run-down shack, and the rest of the buildings are half fallen down, but it IS along the road between Virginia City and Carson City, about a half an hour\u2019s ride away . . . or LESS.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s true.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBest of all . . . for a criminal, it sits a good mile, maybe mile and a half off that road along a trail half overgrown by weeds and brambles this time of year,\u201d Stacy continued. \u201cUnless you know exactly where that trail is, you could easily miss it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven if you DO know exactly where that trail is, you could easily miss it IF you\u2019re not keeping a sharp look out,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cOk, Kid, let\u2019s you \u2018n me hustle along with our morning chores, then the private detective team of Cartwright and Cartwright is off to investigate the Haines place.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJudge Faraday?\u201d<\/p>\n John Faraday glanced up from the sheaf of papers spread out before him on his desk. \u201cYes, Elmer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that you had asked not to be disturbed, Sir, but Ben Cartwright is waiting in my office,\u201d Elmer McFarlane, the judge\u2019s administrative assistant, said.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, show him in,\u201d the judge said, as he placed the papers in hand back down on the desk in front of him. His friendship with Ben Cartwright had cooled since his unfortunate bid for the office of state governor several years ago [10]. Throwing his lot in with Sam Endicott had proven disastrous, effectively nipping any and all political aspirations in the proverbial bud. Ben had told him about Sam Endicott, about the wealthy financier having his own agenda, but John Faraday had chosen not to listen. Ben was absolutely right, and somehow that rankled. Even so, he still maintained an acquaintanceship with the rancher.<\/p>\n John had a reasonably good idea as to the reason for Ben\u2019s visit, impromptu, without an appointment, and it dismayed him to see the man with his back up against the proverbial wall, forced into a course of action that over time would benefit no one, and might even prove detrimental to all concerned.<\/p>\n Ben entered the judge\u2019s office a moment later, with Elmer following discreetly behind.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, please come in,\u201d John said, rising and offering his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for seeing me on such short notice, John,\u201d Ben said, as the two men cordially shook hands. \u201cI hope I\u2019m not interrupting something important.\u201d<\/p>\n A small smile tugged at the corner of John Faraday\u2019s mouth. \u201cI was just catching up on my paperwork,\u201d he said. \u201cAnyone coming to see me in the midst of my doing paperwork isn\u2019t an interruption, it\u2019s a much needed relief. Please, sit down.\u201d He gestured toward the two chairs placed side-by-side in front of his desk.<\/p>\n Ben nodded his thanks, then sat down in the chair to John\u2019s left.<\/p>\n \u201cCan I have Elmer get you a cup of coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, thank you, John. I\u2019d prefer to get right down to business, if that\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly.\u201d The judge looked up, making direct eye contact with his administrative assistant, still standing in the open door between his office and the anteroom beyond. \u201cThat will be all for now, Elmer.\u201d<\/p>\n Elmer nodded and quietly withdrew, closing the door behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat can I do for you, Ben?\u201d John asked, turning his attention to his visitor.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here to arrange for a marriage ceremony,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n \u201cYourself and Miss Ashcroft?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, then observed with a touch of rancor, \u201cNothing travels faster than word of mouth, it would seem.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite his ambivalent feelings toward Ben these days, the judge nonetheless found it disheartening to see that look of resigned defeat on the man\u2019s face. \u201cBen, you don\u2019t have to do this,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cYou are not required by law to marry Miss Ashcroft.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that,\u201d Ben said wearily, \u201cbut, I\u2019m afraid I still have no choice in the matter, the law not withstanding . . . unless I want to risk having my daughter taken away from me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know what Mrs. Danvers said, but, I can assure you, her threat is an empty one. You ARE Stacy\u2019s natural father. No one can legally remove her from your custody.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLucas says there\u2019s a precedent,\u201d Ben said bitterly, \u201cone which I ironically helped to create. You remember Margie Owens little girl?\u201d<\/p>\n John nodded. \u201cThat child\u2019s father was unfit, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs I could be found given the matter of Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Ben said dolefully, \u201cnot to mention the fact that my sons and I are prime suspects in that stage hold up yesterday afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf either of those cases came up for trial in MY court, I\u2019d throw them both out within the first five minutes for lack of evidence,\u201d John argued. \u201cYou and Miss Ashcroft both deny that YOU are the father of her child. As far as I\u2019m concerned, and as far as the law is concerned, Mrs. Danvers and her cousin have no case.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not worried about you or Judge Greenberg either for that matter. Judge Caine, however, is another matter entirely.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, the law is the law.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, John, but as Lucas pointed out, a precedent has been set. Given the animosity that\u2019s grown between Judge Caine and myself over the years, if the case ever came before HIM, I can\u2019t trust him NOT to rule on the basis of that precedent . . . out of spite. You and I both know for fact, it wouldn\u2019t be the first time, either.\u201d<\/p>\n John sighed, knowing all too well the truth of those words.<\/p>\n \u201cMy daughter has the right to feel secure in her own home, with her own family,\u201d Ben continued. \u201cI\u2019ll do anything and everything in my power to ensure that, including marriage to Judith Ashcroft. Now, if you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019d like to get this whole business arranged and be done with it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Ben. If you would excuse me for a moment, I need to consult with Elmer as to my schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded curtly in response.<\/p>\n John rose and quietly made his way across the room to the door. \u201cElmer,\u201d he said, upon cracking the door open. \u201cWould you please step into my office for a moment, and bring my appointment book with you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Elmer immediately responded. He grabbed the appointment book, lying open to the present date on the desk to his right, then rose and silently followed his employer.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to get this done as soon as possible,\u201d Ben said, as John returned to his desk, with Elmer in tow.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Danvers DID give you a week,\u201d John hastened to point out.<\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d Ben sighed, \u201cbut, I\u2019d just as soon get this whole matter over with as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTomorrow, you have an inquest regarding the death of Vincent Hutchins scheduled for nine-thirty in the morning, and lunch with Judge Greenberg at noon,\u201d Elmer said briskly, \u201chowever, your afternoon is completely free.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow about tomorrow afternoon at two o\u2019clock?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cTomorrow afternoon, two o\u2019clock will be fine, Ben,\u201d John said reluctantly. \u201cI\u2019ll see that the marriage license is drawn up and ready for you and Miss Ashcroft to sign when you come.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, John,\u201d Ben said, rising.<\/p>\n John also rose, and again offered his hand. \u201cFor what it\u2019s worth, Ben, I wish you and Miss Ashcroft all the best.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meanwhile, Bradley Meredith and Shorty Jim Slade sat together, side-by-side, on a richly upholstered settee in the anteroom of the posh office Geoffrey Sutcliff maintained. Their like pose, with postures ramrod straight, two pairs of feet flat on the floor with the toes of their shoes in a near straight line, each holding a jade statue, hidden under a covering of coarse cotton, lent them the appearance of bookends. Bradley\u2019s eyes strayed toward the regulator handing on the wall behind Geoffrey Sutcliff\u2019s secretary, a small man, painfully prim and proper, with his nose perpetually wrinkled with disdain. He exhaled a pointedly audible sigh of exasperation.<\/p>\n Millard Phillmore Craig, the secretary, glanced up sharply and favored the two men seated on the settee to his right, with a withering glare. \u201cMister Meredith, I will show you in WHEN Mister Sutcliff asks me to show you in, and not one second before,\u201d he said sternly. \u201cIf you and your associate had thought to make an appointment\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe DID have an appointment, you squint nosed little insect!\u201d Bradley growled.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have you down in my appointment book.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s because I made the appointment with Mister Sutcliff himself, nearly two hours ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is NOT down in my book,\u201d Millard declared in a bored, condescending tone. \u201cIf you continue to be troublesome, Gentlemen, I WILL ask you to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n The door behind the diminutive, bookish man opened. \u201cTrouble, Mister Craig?\u201d It was Geoffrey Sutcliff.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Sir, none I can\u2019t handle,\u201d Millard replied. \u201cTwo gentlemen here who CLAIM to have an appointment\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n Geoffrey looked over at Bradley Meredith and Shorty Jim Slade, establishing eye contact with the former. He dug his long fingers into the shallow, right hand pocket of his vest and extracted a watch. He brought the time piece up to his eye level and flipped up the cover with a single thrust of his right thumb. \u201cMister Meredith, you and your associate . . . . \u201d he grimaced, wrinkling his nose in utter disgust, \u201care three and one half minutes late.\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley rose, gently cradling the jade statue of Kuan-Yin in his arms. \u201cOn the contrary, Mister Sutcliff, my associate and I arrived early,\u201d he said through clenched teeth, leveling a dark, malevolent scowl at Geoffrey first, then Millard. \u201cThis incompetent numbskull who has the audacity to call himself a secretary refused to inform you that we had arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou gentlemen did NOT have an appointment,\u201d Millard maintained with a smug complacent smile.<\/p>\n \u201cBECAUSE you gentlemen are tardy, I am entitled to a discount,\u201d Geoffrey continued. \u201cInstead of a balance of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, I NOW owe a balance of seventy-five thousand dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s quite apparent to me that you\u2019re not serious about acquiring these priceless works of art, Mister Sutcliff,\u201d Bradley said in a tone ice cold. He rose and with an impatient glare, invited his accomplice to do likewise. \u201cFortunately for me, I have other clients, also collectors of fine art, every bit as discriminating as you CLAIM to be. I bid you good day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSit down, Mister Meredith,\u201d Geoffrey ordered in an imperious tone of voice. \u201cYou, too, Mister Slade. I am very serious about acquiring those statues.\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley remained in place. \u201cI beg to differ,\u201d he countered. \u201cIt seems to me that you are more interested in playing childish games than in the purchase of priceless artwork.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Meredith, you WILL sell the remaining statues to me at the lowered price, or I will summon the good sheriff of Virginia City and tell him everything,\u201d Geoffrey said.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t listen to idle threats, Mister Sutcliff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat is no threat, Sir, THAT is my final offer. Seventy-five thousand for the remaining statues or I go to the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright,\u201d Bradley snarled, his entire body trembling with impotent fury.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew you\u2019d be reasonable,\u201d Geoffrey said with a smug, triumphant smile. He stepped behind his desk and opened the top drawer on the side to his right. He grabbed the bundle of paper bills sitting on top and tossed it across the room to Bradley Meredith. \u201cSeventy-five thousand dollars. It\u2019s there, every last penny.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure you don\u2019t mind if we count it?\u201d Bradley said, noting with grim satisfaction that his client actually bristled. He favored Geoffrey with a mirthless smile.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t trust me, Mister Meredith?\u201d Geoffrey queried with a dark, angry scowl.<\/p>\n \u201cHave I any reason TO trust you, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAFTER you and your associate finish counting your money, you WILL deliver the statues to my town house over on A Street,\u201d Geoffrey said in a tight, angry voice. \u201cThe SERVANTS\u2019 entrance is through the side gate and around the house to your left. I\u2019m sure you can find your way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe servants\u2019 entrance is through the side gate, around the house on your left. I\u2019m sure you can find your way,\u201d Shorty Jim muttered a scathingly mimicking Geoffrey Sutcliff\u2019s imperious way of speaking, the instant he and Bradley Meredith stepped outside the realtor\u2019s office and closed the door behind him. \u201cWho does that horse\u2019s patoot think he is?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWithout his wife\u2019s fortune, Geoffrey Sutcliff\u2019s nothing but an INSECT in a SMALL, INSIGNIFICANT pond, filled with small, insignificant FROGS,\u201d Bradley replied, the angry glare still set on his brow as if in concrete, \u201cand WELL he knows it. Don\u2019t let yourself get all hot and bothered over the likes of him, he\u2019s not worth the trouble. In any case, each of us get thirty three thousand apiece . . . more than enough to keep you and your brother living in high style down in Mexico.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about the Li kid?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows, Boss. If he goes to the sheriff . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf he goes to the sheriff, he implicates himself, too,\u201d Bradley replied. \u201cThat boy is too spoiled and too soft to survive a jail sentence, and deep down, I think he KNOWS that. I plan to given him the remaining one thousand dollars as his commission\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe promised him TEN.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe dowry turned out NOT to be money or gold, as he had led us to believe,\u201d Bradley said grimly. \u201cThat plus the risk WE took in selling those statues, coupled with the financial losses we were forced to accept comes right out of HIS commission, reducing it by nine thousand dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cS\u2019posing he decides to go to the sheriff out of spite?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t know that, Boss, not really. I say we silence him permanently.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and risk a hangman\u2019s noose?! No.\u201d Bradley adamantly shook his head. \u201cI was figuring on leaving him tied up at our hideout and sending an anonymous wire back to the Cartwrights telling them where to find him, once we\u2019re all at least a day\u2019s ride away from here.\u201d<\/p>\n Shorty Jim\u2019s eyes narrowed with suspicion. \u201cHow do I know you won\u2019t tell the Cartwrights where to find my brother \u2018n me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause if I told them where to find YOU, you\u2019d turn around and tell them where to find ME,\u201d Bradley said, using the tone of voice most would use to address a very stupid child. \u201cI want to avoid a prison sentence every bit as much as you and your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Shorty Jim bristled against the highly insulting condescension he heard in \u201cThe Boss\u2019 \u201d tone, but still nodded his satisfaction. There was, after all, something to be said of the dubious honor among thieves. \u201cAll we gotta do is drop off these statues, and we\u2019re outta here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all we gotta do,\u201d Bradley agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case, let\u2019s haul butt over to A Street. The sooner we\u2019ve shaken off the dust of this dusty boom town off our feet, the better I\u2019ll like it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs the coast clear, Grandpa?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe handed Cochise\u2019s lead over to his sister, then crept over toward the barn door. He opened it slightly and peered outside. \u201cThe coast is clear, Little Sister,\u201d he reported. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded as she handed Cochise\u2019s lead back to her brother.<\/p>\n Joe opened the barn door, pausing for another look around. The yard between the house and barn appeared to be completely deserted. Satisfied, he stepped out of the barn, leading his pinto, Cochise, saddled and ready to ride. Stacy followed leading Blaze Face, her own big bay gelding.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll mount up and ride once we\u2019re outta sight of the barn,\u201d Joe said, taking care to keep his voice low.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . . and just where do the pair o\u2019 you think you\u2019re goin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Stacy both jumped and screamed upon hearing the stern voice of their biggest brother, upsetting their horses. Both whirled in their tracks so fast, they threw themselves off balance. Stacy fall against Blaze Face, while Joe toppled over backwards, landing hard on his back side. Hoss walked toward them, coming from behind, favoring both with a threatening glare.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, dag gummit, you just scared me outta ten years\u2019 growth!\u201d Joe declared, outraged. \u201cWhere\u2019d you come from anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI saw the two o\u2019 you creepin\u2019 into the barn like a couple o\u2019 sneak thieves,\u201d Hoss said sternly, \u201c \u2018n figured ya had to be up t\u2019 some kinda no good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, you WOUND us!\u201d Joe said, as he rose once more to his feet. Their eyes were big, round, and angelic. Joe\u2019s lower lip protruded ever-so-slightly, lending him the air of an innocent child, wrongfully accused. Stacy\u2019s chin quivered, as she bit her lower lip. \u201cWe just wanted to take a short ride before supper.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen WHY were ya sneakin\u2019 into the barn?\u201d Hoss demanded, neither moved, nor unduly impressed by his younger siblings\u2019 sad, sweet, angelic faces.<\/p>\n \u201cWe weren\u2019t sneaking, Hoss,\u201d Stacy said. \u201cWe were trying to be considerate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cConsiderate, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Big Brother,\u201d Joe chimed in. \u201cWe didn\u2019t want to disturb Hop Sing\u2019s relatives or Miss Ashcroft.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s very nice of ya,\u201d Hoss said sardonically. \u201cNow you can turn around and go just as quietly back to the barn \u2018n unsaddle both them horses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAww, come on, Hoss!\u201d Joe protested.<\/p>\n \u201cAww, come on Hoss yourself!\u201d the biggest of the Cartwright offspring retorted. \u201cYou two are in trouble enough. When Pa left t\u2019 go into town, I promised him I\u2019d keep ya both OUT o\u2019 trouble, an\u2019 that\u2019s exactly what I aim t\u2019 do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, for cryin\u2019 out loud! Stacy and I just wanna go for a short ride! What kind of trouble can we possibly get into?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlenty, Li\u2019l Brother, knowin\u2019 YOU two!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, we scrubbed the floors and did the laundry like Pa and Hop Sing asked,\u201d Stacy was quick to point out, \u201cand we\u2019ve done our regular chores. Can\u2019t we take a short ride? Please?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPRETTY please?\u201d Joe begged.<\/p>\n \u201cPa should be comin\u2019 home soon. You can ask HIM.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAsk him WHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy and Joe both turned and watched in dismay, as their father slowed Big Buck to a halt and dismounted.<\/p>\n \u201cThese two scallywags were fixin\u2019 t\u2019 go for a ride,\u201d Hoss said scowling at the two of them. \u201cI told \u2018em t\u2019 wait \u2018til YOU got home. I didn\u2019t want \u2018em t\u2019 get themselves into any more trouble than they\u2019re in already.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Hoss,\u201d Ben said wearily. He, then, turned his attention to his younger children. \u201cHave you both finished scrubbing the floors, the laundry, and your own chores?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n Stacy nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, but make it short and NO riding into town,\u201d Ben said sternly.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have no intention of riding into town,\u201d Joe promised very solemnly.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, Pa,\u201d Stacy added in a tone equally as solemn.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll expect you back BEFORE supper,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Stacy said as she prepared to climb up into Blaze Face\u2019s back.<\/p>\n \u201cMe, too, Pa,\u201d Joe said flashing a smug grin in the general direction of his big brother. He grabbed the edges of the saddle and prepared to swing himself up.<\/p>\n \u201cBefore you go, however, I\u2019d like the three of you to step into the house. I have something to tell you,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n Hoss, Joe, and Stacy looked at each other, then at Ben. From the slight slumping of his shoulders and the lines of his face, and the fatalistic resignation they saw reflected in his dark eyes, all three knew that whatever their father had to say couldn\u2019t possibly be GOOD news . . . .<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI want to let the three of you know that I spoke to Miss Ashcroft yesterday afternoon,\u201d Ben addressed his three younger offspring, now lined up in front of his desk, their faces slightly pale, eyes solemn. \u201cShe has agreed to go through with the marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh NO!\u201d Stacy wailed in complete and utter dismay. \u201cPa, you CAN\u2019T!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy, I don\u2019t have much choice in the matter,\u201d Ben snapped, giving vent to the anger and frustration that had been building since Myra Danvers had delivered her ultimatum at the school board meeting the day before.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and it\u2019s all MY fault,\u201d Stacy angrily shot right back.<\/p>\n Ben closed his eyes and counted to ten. \u201cStacy, no! It\u2019s not YOUR fault.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t it? You wouldn\u2019t be in this fix at all if it WEREN\u2019T for me!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben, hearing the anger and the grief in his daughter\u2019s voice, immediately came out from behind the desk. \u201cStacy,\u201d he said earnestly, placing both hands on her shoulders, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I snapped your head off just now, but I want you to know that NONE of this is YOUR fault. I want you to get THAT idea out of your head pronto, Young Woman.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo buts! If ANYONE\u2019S to blame for this, it\u2019s Mrs. Danvers and Mister Meredith, certainly not YOU.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded mutely.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Hoss?\u201d Ben queried as he turned his attention toward his second son.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you, uhhh . . . set a date yet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI spoke to John Faraday when I went into town earlier. I\u2019ve arranged with him to perform the marriage ceremony tomorrow afternoon, at two o\u2019clock.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTOMORROW afternoon?!\u201d Joe echoed, his heart sinking fast, as a stone when dropped into water. \u201cI thought you had a week!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see no point in procrastinating, Joe,\u201d Ben said quietly, \u201cwhich brings me to another matter. I fully expect the three of you, AND Hop Sing, to accept Miss Ashcroft and her baby, when it arrives, as members of this family and to treat both of them accordingly. They\u2019re just as much victims of Mrs. Danvers\u2019 spiteful maneuvering as we are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry none on THAT score, Pa,\u201d Hoss said firmly, with an emphatic nod of his head.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Stacy said morosely, \u201cwhat HOSS said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDitto, me, too, Pa,\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n \u201cI know I can count on you,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cI\u2019ve arranged for a quiet, private ceremony at the courthouse. I expect you three to be there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe will be, Pa, you can count on that,\u201d Joe promised.<\/p>\n \u201cYou bet,\u201d Hoss said with a curt nod of his head for emphasis.<\/p>\n Stacy simply nodded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Within less than an hour, Joe and Stacy were riding together along the road between Virginia City and Carson City in silence, their faces set with grim, stubborn resolve.<\/p>\n \u201cTomorrow!\u201d Joe murmured softly. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t give us a whole heckuva lot o\u2019 time, Kid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell me something I DON\u2019T know, Grandpa,\u201d Stacy said grimly.<\/p>\n The Haines place, their destination, had once been a thriving farm, belonging to a man named Archie Haines. Less than a year after staking his claim to the land, he had taken a mail order bride named Jennie, a young woman nearly twenty-seven years his junior. A child, a daughter, was born to them a year later. The Haines family largely kept to themselves, due in large part to Archie\u2019s taciturn nature, though Jennie was friendly enough with some of the other ladies on the rare occasions she accompanied her husband into town.<\/p>\n One day, the family pulled up stakes and left, leaving a mystery in the wake of their passing. Double crops of corn and oats stood tall and healthy, nearly ready for harvest, as did vegetables for human consumption, in the large garden in back of the house. Their animals, a cow, two horses for drawing buckboard and plow, chickens, and two pigs were found in reasonably good health, freely roaming the property. Adding more fuel to gossip and speculation was the fact that the Haines\u2019 had been gone for quite sometime before their absence was discovered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I was kid, I used to think the place was haunted,\u201d Joe remarked casually, as they rode.<\/p>\n \u201cCut it out, Grandpa,\u201d Stacy admonished her brother sternly, unable to quite repress the shudder that passed through her body.<\/p>\n Joe grinned. \u201cAww, come on, Kid, don\u2019t tell me you actually believe in ghosts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I do, and so do YOU,\u201d Stacy countered.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I have experienced some strange things in the course of my all too brief lifetime,\u201d Joe admitted, his thoughts drifting to an incident that had occurred soon after he had turned thirteen, and to a real ghost town out in the middle of the desert. #<\/p>\n \u201cSo have I,\u201d Stacy said. \u201cHowever, I don\u2019t think we have to worry about GHOSTS haunting the old Haines place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s the trail, Grandpa.\u201d Stacy pointed to a small weed-choked path, leading off the main road, just wide enough to accommodate a single horse ands rider. \u201cFrom the way those weeds are lying flat on the ground, someone\u2019s been through here quite a bit lately . . . someone LIVING.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe brought Cochise to a halt, then dismounted. \u201cYou keep an eye out for anyone ELSE coming along this road,\u201d he said. \u201cI want to check something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Stacy asked, as she edged Blaze Face off to the side of the road, that she might effectively watch both directions.<\/p>\n Joe moved down the trail a few feet, then crouched down. \u201cHere!\u201d He pointed. \u201cI not only see horse tracks, but the ruts of wheels appearing where the earth\u2019s exposed, NOT covered over by trampled weeds.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019d probably need a buckboard of some such to haul away the box with the Li family\u2019s dowry inside, wouldn\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the way I\u2019m figuring it,\u201d Joe said, rising. He swung himself back up into the saddle with an easy, casual grace, then turned Cochise toward the trail leading from the road. \u201cLet\u2019s go, but keep your eyes peeled and ears open.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Stacy rode up the path, their horses slowed to a walk, in silence, keeping to the horse tracks already made. The former peered through the overgrowth ahead, his sharp eyes on the alert for any and all sign of life or movement. Stacy followed, listening for the sounds of horse hooves along the road behind them. When the old dilapidated farm house came into sight, Joe motioned for them to stop. \u201cYou and I\u2019d better walk the rest of the way in, and head for that barn over there,\u201d he said, pointing. \u201cFrom the looks of things we can get real close under this cover of bushes and brambles, and the barn will shield us from the sight of anyone inside that house.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou lead the way, Grandpa,\u201d Stacy whispered, as the pair dismounted.<\/p>\n Stacy and Joe silently moved away from the trail, keeping well behind the tall, scraggly bushes and wild shrubs, skirting the edge of the area once cleared for farming. They saw no one outside, nor any signs of life within the house. As they drew parallel to the side of the barn facing away from the house, Joe silently motioned for them to stop. \u201cWait here, Stace,\u201d he whispered, placing Cochise\u2019s lead into her free hand. \u201cI\u2019m gonna sneak over and have a look in that barn.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded.<\/p>\n Joe crept to the very edge of the scrub brush nearest the edge of the cleared farmland and peered out through the branches. Still no sign of life. Bending low, he silently bolted across the exposed ground between the bushes and scrub brush where Stacy remained hidden with their horses, Cochise and Blaze Face, and the barn several yards distant. Upon reaching the barn, he flattened himself against the wall and froze, his ears straining for any sound of movement within.<\/p>\n All was quiet.<\/p>\n Joe took a deep breath, then started to inch his way along the wall, heading for the nearest window, taking care to keep his body relaxed, his muscles limber. Upon reaching the window, he once again paused, and listened. His sharp ears picked up the soft, barely audible snorting of a horse.<\/p>\n Joe turned, slow and easy, toward the window and cautiously peered inside. There he saw a single horse standing in the stall nearest the door, set into the wall directly opposite. He recognized it immediately as the big black Horace Greeley kept over at the livery stable back in town. Hoss had rented that horse several times in the past when Chubb had either thrown a shoe or come up lame. Two empty stalls stood on the other side of the one occupied by the big black, both of them showing signs of recent use.<\/p>\n On the other side of the door, Joe saw three more stalls, all empty. The scant covering of straw over the wood floor told him that none of those stalls had been used for quite some time. There was a loft above, set against the wall to his right, perpendicular to the wall into which the door had been cut. From his vantage point, he saw that the loft was empty. Its ladder was nowhere to be seen. The only other item in the barn, apart from a half dozen rusty farm implements, was a buckboard, also courtesy of the livery stable.<\/p>\n Joe turned and motioned to Stacy his intention to enter inside barn. A moment later, she responded with the wall of a whippoorwill, indicating that she had received and understood his message. Joe glanced once more into the barn, ascertaining that the coast remained clear, then scrambled in through the open window. The black inside turned and whinnied as he dropped noiselessly to the floor.<\/p>\n \u201cSshhh, Pete, it\u2019s me . . . Joe Cartwright,\u201d he addressed the big black gelding in a low, gentle tone. \u201cYou know me.\u201d<\/p>\n Pete snorted.<\/p>\n Joe dug into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a lump of sugar from the supply he kept for Cochise. \u201cHere, y\u2019 go, Pete,\u201d he whispered, as he extended his arm with the sugar sitting square in the middle of his left palm. \u201cThis is one of Cooch\u2019s favorite treats . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Pete snorted again, and watched as Joe moved closer. When he finally reached Pete, the horse sniffed at the sugar, then took it from his hand. \u201cYou DO remember me,\u201d Joe crooned as he affectionately rubbed the black\u2019s glossy muzzle. \u201cNow I\u2019m not gonna hurt anything, I\u2019m just gonna have a look around. But I need YOU to be real quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n Pete snorted softly, then returned to the half filled trough of hay in front of him.<\/p>\n Satisfied that Pete would remain quiet, Joe moved toward the barn door and inched it open, just enough to allow him to see the house. A large expanse of open ground lay between the two buildings, overgrown with tall grasses, weeds, and an occasional sapling. If he and Stacy kept low and crawled in on their stomachs they could reach the house without being spotted.<\/p>\n The house, in relation to the barn, was angled slightly away, with the front door placed almost directly opposite the end of the trail, leading in from the main road. Joe could barely make out the lines of the only window, set into the wall on the other side of the front door, the side away from the barn. The side of the house directly facing the barn had no windows, nor did the back wall, as far as Joe could see.<\/p>\n He quickly returned to the place where his sister waited with their horses, and reported his findings. \u201cWe can do it, Stace,\u201d he said in conclusion. \u201cWe can make it to the house without being seen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk, but first, we\u2019d better find a place over there to tether Blaze Face and Cochise,\u201d she said pointing toward the area lying behind the back of the barn. \u201cThe wind\u2019s shifting, placing us UPwind from the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. We can\u2019t take a chance on Pete catching scent of our horses and alerting whoever\u2019s inside to their presence,\u201d Joe said thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we follow that line of scrub brush around to the back of the barn, that should place us down wind enough so Pete won\u2019t catch their scent.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n The two younger Cartwright children led their horses around behind the barn, staying well within the scrub brush. They found a copse of trees roughly five hundred feet from the back of the barn, well hidden from view of the house. Joe and Stacy quietly tethered their horses to the trees, and attached feedbags to their bridles to ensure their silence.<\/p>\n \u201cOk, Kid, let\u2019s go check out that house,\u201d Joe said grimly, as he slid his gun out of its holster.<\/p>\n Stacy nodded and fell in behind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Judith Ashcroft, upon reading the same paragraph for the sixth time, slammed the book in her hands shut. She sighed, then rose, laying her book down on the night table next to her bed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Miss Judith Eleanor Ashcroft, you\u2019ve not only got YOURSELF into one fine pickle of a mess, but you\u2019ve also managed to drag the entire Cartwright family along WITH you,\u201d<\/em> she angrily admonished herself for the umpteenth time in silence. She began to walk slowly, in a line parallel to the length of her bed, back and forth, to and fro . . . . \u201cAs I recall, Judge Caine, Miss Ashcroft resigned her teaching position for PERSONAL reasons,\u201d Ben said pointedly, in tones, even and measured. The dark, angry scowl on his face indicated that the quiet calm in his voice was the lull before the breaking of a ferocious storm. \u201cThe rest is hearsay and gossip.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t answer my question, Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cJudge Caine, you surprise me. The rumors circulating about Miss Ashcroft being with child are just that. Rumor and gossip. Surely as a lawyer, and now as a judge, you wouldn\u2019t even THINK of admitting rumor and gossip into evidence in a court of law.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Mister Cartwright, I\u2019ll phrase it hypothetically,\u201d the judge said, his smug, complacent smile fading. \u201cIF Miss Ashcroft were with child . . . . . IF, Mister Cartwright . . . . . is there any possibility, any possibility at all, that she might be with YOUR child?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely NOT,\u201d Ben replied.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOH, BEN, HOW COULD YOU?!\u201d<\/em> A loud knock on the fast closed door to her room, forcibly pulled Judith from her unpleasant reverie. \u201cYes? Who is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, Miss Judith. Have tray.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, take it away, Hop Sing,\u201d Judith half sobbed. \u201cI\u2019m NOT hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing opened the door and entered, his jaw set with stubborn determination, carrying a tray with a generous bowl of chicken and vegetable soup, two biscuits, and a large mug of steaming hot peppermint tea. \u201cMissy must eat,\u201d he stated in a tone that brooked no argument. \u201cMissy eat for two now.\u201d<\/p>\n Judith immediately averted her gaze to the floor, her cheeks flaming scarlet at his blunt assessment of her delicate condition.<\/p>\n Hop Sing walked over toward the night table and removed the book. He set the tray down on the table, then sat down on the bed next to her. \u201cMiss Judith MUST eat,\u201d he urged in a gentler tone.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? Why couldn\u2019t I have kept my big mouth SHUT?\u201d she moaned, burying her face in her hands.<\/p>\n Hop Sing placed a comforting hand on the distraught young woman\u2019s shoulder. \u201cYou and Miss Stacy think this all YOUR fault.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy?!\u201d Judith echoed in surprise. She lifted her head, and turned focusing her gaze on Hop Sing\u2019s face. \u201cWhy would Stacy think all this is . . . HER fault?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDanvers woman say she have cousin come, take Miss Stacy away if Mister Cartwright not marry you,\u201d Hop Sing replied. \u201cNOT Miss Stacy fault. Not Miss Judith fault, either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Hop Sing, if . . . if ONLY I\u2019d kept quiet . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Judith not know,\u201d Hop Sing insisted. \u201cOther man look like Mister Cartwright. Look EXACTLY like Mister Cartwright. Fool many people, even fool Hop Sing. NOT Miss Judith fault. Now, maybe, Miss Judith eat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll . . . I\u2019ll TRY, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n The soft tapping of bare knuckles against the door jamb drew Hop Sing and Judith\u2019s eyes toward the door, where Ben Cartwright stood, his face an impassive mask. \u201cMiss Ashcroft . . . Hop Sing . . . I hope I\u2019m not interrupting anything . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo interrupt,\u201d Hop Sing replied. \u201cHop Sing try and make Missy eat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take over from here, Hop Sing,\u201d Ben said, as he stepped into the room. \u201cI have some things I need to discuss with Miss Ashcroft, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk.\u201d Hop Sing rose. \u201cMister Cartwright make Miss Judith eat. Hop Sing go, see to sister.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben waited until Hop Sing had left the room, closing the door behind him. \u201cYou should feel highly honored about Hop Sing\u2019s nagging you to eat, Miss Ashcroft,\u201d he said quietly, as he drew up a chair along side the bed.<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cHe ONLY nags his FAMILY about eating, the one he was born into and the one he adopted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I had no idea Hop Sing w-was married.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not. The family he adopted was the CARTWRIGHT family, when he came to work for us,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cOver the years, he\u2019s come to be far more than simply someone who works for us. Even though he insists on calling me Mister Cartwright, he\u2019s become more like a brother and friend to me and as a second father to all four of my children. I\u2019m very pleased to see that he\u2019s included YOU now as part of his large family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Judith said in a small, sad voice, barely audible. She looked up, her gaze falling a hair\u2019s width short of meeting his eyes, and favored him with a wan smile. \u201cPlease t-tell Hop Sing I\u2019ll . . . that I\u2019ll try to eat,\u201d she promised.<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPhysically, I feel like a wrung out dishrag, but otherwise, I\u2019m feeling better. I\u2019m not feeling as nauseated now as I was earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMost of the time, this business of feeling sick in the morning passes,\u201d Ben quickly assured her.<\/p>\n Judith averted her gaze once more to her lap, then nodded, far to embarrassed to speak. Growing up in that home for orphaned and wayward girls, the latter who came to the home in the same condition she now found herself, were sequestered from the others and spoken of in whispers, in the dead of night. The matrons at the home, occasionally made mention of a girl being in a delicate condition, or perhaps in the family way.<\/p>\n Here, things were very different. Even now, after having spent seven years as teacher at the one room school house in Virginia City, she STILL found herself blushing when her students, particularly those living on farms or ranches, talked so frankly about the births of their animals. Mrs. Danvers\u2019 candid assessment of her as Mister Cartwright\u2019s pregnant mistress in front of nearly all the men in the community had not only been horribly, unspeakably rude, but cruelly humiliating as well. Though neither Hop Sing nor Mister Cartwright INTENDED to embarrass or humiliate, their forthright references to her condition, were, nonetheless most discomfiting.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft, a new life making its way into this world is nothing less than a miracle,\u201d Mister Cartwright said, speaking directly to her feelings of guilt and shame, \u201csomething that should be looked upon as beautiful and sacred, not as shameful and humiliating.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe the birth of a child IS something sacred and beautiful when it happens within the bonds of holy wedlock,\u201d she said bitterly, \u201cbut when it happens to someone in MY position\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome circumstances by which a child comes into the world may be less desirable than others,\u201d Ben said. \u201cIt takes two to bring a child into this world, and I\u2019ve come to see that maybe a child is best served when he or she can be raised and sustained by two. It\u2019s very difficult for one person to be both father AND mother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve done very well being both,\u201d Judith ventured hesitantly. \u201cI\u2019ve never met your oldest son, but I can see it in the men that your other two sons are . . . and in the woman your daughter is becoming.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Ben said simply, yet with profound gratitude. \u201cThat brings me to the matter I had originally come to discuss with you. I went into town this morning and made arrangements with Judge Faraday. He\u2019s an old friend, not as close as we once were, but I still consider him to be a trusted friend. We\u2019ll be married tomorrow afternoon at two o\u2019clock in his chambers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo soon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you don\u2019t find that suitable . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Mister Cartwright. Two o\u2019clock tomorrow afternoon will be fine,\u201d she said sadly. \u201cThere\u2019s no point in postponing what must be, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, Joe, and Stacy will be present, of course,\u201d Ben continued. \u201cIf there\u2019s anyone YOU wish to invite . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Judith thought for a moment of Molly O\u2019Hanlan, who had so valiantly stood by her side at that horrendous school board meeting the day before, only to dismiss it in the very next instant. Her father MIGHT allow her to attend. He had, after all, allowed her to attend that school board meeting. Mrs. O\u2019Hanlan, however, was a different kettle of fish entirely. Her invitation to Molly would, at best, initiate a royal row to end all rows within the O\u2019Hanlan family. Judith simply could not bring herself to do such a thing. She sighed, and shook her head. \u201cNo, Mister Cartwright,\u201d she said softly, \u201cthere\u2019s no one I wish to invite.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, then rose. \u201cI have one more thing to say, Miss Ashcroft . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n She glanced up, her eyes still falling just short of meeting his.<\/p>\n \u201cI want you to know that I don\u2019t hold you in anyway responsible for what happened at that school board meeting yesterday,\u201d Ben said very quietly, very earnestly, \u201cnor does any member of my . . . of OUR family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Mister Cartwright, if only I could go back . . . stop myself from saying those words, from accusing you . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Ben immediately sat back down in the chair he had just occupied a short while ago, and took both of her hands in his. \u201cMiss Ashcroft . . . JUDITH . . . I want you to look at me,\u201d he said, addressing her in the same way he would one of his own children.<\/p>\n Judith swallowed nervously and looked up, forcing herself to meet his dark brown, almost black eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou made an HONEST mistake,\u201d he continued. \u201cBradley Meredith could pass for my identical twin brother, but I don\u2019t need to tell you that. He told you he was me, and you had no reason NOT to believe him, especially since I was out of town through much of your courtship. At the school board meeting, when you realized your mistake, you tried your best to set things straight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid my best was none too good,\u201d she sighed morosely. \u201cThey refused to listen, and even worse . . . Mrs. Danvers accused me of lying.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Danvers is a mean, spiteful woman, who for whatever reason has had designs on me for at least the better part of the last six months or so,\u201d Ben said. \u201cMy biggest regret about all this is that she isn\u2019t a man. Had THAT been the case, I almost certainly would have mopped up the streets of Virginia City with her for threatening Stacy, and for dragging YOUR good name through the mud, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, although . . . I\u2019m afraid my good name is pretty much non-existent now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt won\u2019t be after two o\u2019clock tomorrow afternoon,\u201d Ben promised.<\/p>\n For a moment, Judith found herself wishing that Ben Cartwright HAD been the man with whom she had fallen so desperately in love. He had been very kind and generous to her, far more that she felt was deserved given the unfortunate circumstances by which they had been forced together. She silently vowed that she would do her best to be a good wife to him. But, deep in her heart, she knew that she would never love him as she loved and would always love Bradley Meredith.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe and Stacy Cartwright crept through the tall grass, moving on their stomachs, approaching between the barn and the windowless wall of the house, with the former leading. Upon reaching the house, after a seeming eternity of snaking through tall grass, across a field still wet from the spring rains, Joe turned his head and motioned for Stacy to draw up alongside him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s up, Grandpa?\u201d she asked, keeping her voice to the decibel of a stage whisper. \u201cBesides the real strong possibility of US doing laundry again tomorrow morning?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned and favored his sister with a ferocious glare. \u201cWhaddya mean US?! I did the laundry this morning. My fingers STILL look like prunes from all that soap and water,\u201d he hissed back.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah? Well not only do MY fingers still look like prunes from sticking them into a lotta soap and water, but my knees are stiff and sore, too, because I had to scrub the kitchen floor three times.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t tell ME your troubles, Kid.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy stuck her tongue out at him.<\/p>\n Joe returned the gesture.<\/p>\n \u201cOk. If YOU wanna do the laundry again tomorrow, Grandpa, you go ahead and knock yourself right out,\u201d Stacy said.<\/p>\n \u201cNot me,\u201d Joe said with a grimace. \u201cWe can wade into Mister Grimley\u2019s pond on the way home. We\u2019ll be wet, but at least we won\u2019t be muddy.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy grimaced, unsure of which prospect was worse: spending an entire morning doing laundry according to Hop Sing\u2019s exacting specifications or taking a plunge into the ice cold waters of the pond out in the middle of Mister Grimley\u2019s cow pasture.<\/p>\n \u201cAt any rate, I\u2019m gonna move ahead to that corner to make sure the coast is clear,\u201d Joe whispered, coming to the reason he had waved her forward. \u201cOne of those stage robbers is still here, probably inside that house. That and the fact that window over there is in full view of the way in here . . . things could get a little dicey from here on in, so we\u2019ve gotta keep alert.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the coast is clear, I\u2019ll wave you forward,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cThen we\u2019ll move along the front, keeping real close to the foundation wall of the house \u2018til we reach the end of the porch. I\u2019ll make sure the coast is clear again before we make our move toward that window.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOK, Grandpa,\u201d Stacy agreed. \u201cI\u2019m right behind you all the way.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded then moved ahead on his stomach, keeping himself as close to the stone foundation as he could. He reached the corner, then paused to listen. All remained quiet, save for the gentle breezes wafting through the tree branches. He slowly raised himself up until his eyes cleared the top line of the tall weeds and grasses surrounding him on all sides. He saw no one, nor did his ears pick up the sounds of horse hooves coming from the trail up ahead. He motioned for his sister to move up, then started moving on a course parallel to the foundation along the front of the house.<\/p>\n After having moved two thirds of the way along the foundation facing front, Joe silently signaled for them to halt. \u201cThe window should be right above us,\u201d he whispered. \u201cThis is where we gotta be real careful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m listening, Grandpa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnce we\u2019re up on that porch, we\u2019re right out in the open,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cThere\u2019s absolutely no cover at all. The trail leading in from the main road ends on the other side of this cleared area. There\u2019s a lot of underbrush and tree saplings that\u2019s grown up since the Haines family left. However, since we left the path and rode in cross country, I don\u2019t know how far back someone coming in can see the house.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I were a criminal looking for a hideout, I\u2019d be looking for a place I could see from the road from shootin\u2019 range, at least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI agree,\u201d Joe said soberly. \u201cOk. I\u2019m gonna go up first. I\u2019ll wave you up once I\u2019m sure the coast is clear.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded solemnly.<\/p>\n Joe listened again, then, hearing no sounds of horses or people, he raised himself up, again just enough to see over the top line of weeds and grasses. The coast was clear. He swallowed nervously, then scrambled noiselessly up onto the porch, keeping well to the side of the window farthest from the front door. Slipping his revolver out of its holster, he crept toward the window and peered inside.<\/p>\n He spotted Li-Xing first, tied up to a stout hard back chair, set in the middle of the single room inside the small house. His hands had been pulled behind his back and bound at the wrists. Each foot was tied to the front legs of the chair and there was a white handkerchief stuffed in his mouth. His hair was mussed, and one of the sleeves had been torn from his shirt at the shoulder. Apart from that he seemed none the worse for wear.<\/p>\n A pig-like snort, drew Joe\u2019s attention to the double bed, set up against the wall behind Xing. A big man, with reddish brown hair and massive barrel chest, lay on his side, with his back to the window, sound asleep. \u201cDang! That guy snores louder \u2018n herd of stampeding cattle . . . just like Hoss,\u201d he mused silently, as he turned and waved Stacy forward.<\/p>\n Inside, Xing raised his head. His dark eyes met and held Joe\u2019s hazel ones. Joe quickly raised his first finger to his lips. Xing nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s TWO of \u2018em in there, Stace,\u201d Joe whispered, the instant his sister reached his side. \u201cXing and another guy, who\u2019s big . . . like Hoss. The big guy\u2019s sound asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy silently crept past her brother and peered into the window. \u201cHe\u2019s not wearing his holster, Joe. I think THAT\u2019S it there . . . on the table next to Xing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think you\u2019re right, Kid. If we can get in without waking Sleeping Beauty up, we\u2019ve got the drop on him,\u201d Joe said, as a wild, predatory grin spread across his lips. \u201cI\u2019ll lead, you follow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m right behind you, Grandpa.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe, with revolver in hand at the ready, moved to the front door and cautiously slipped his fingers around the knob. He turned it, and found, much to his pleasant surprise, that the door was unlocked. As he pushed the door inward, the rusty hinges resounded with a near deafening squeak. Big Jack Slade, the man lying inside on the cot inside the house, snorted and groaned. Joe and Stacy froze. Big Jack grunted, as he turned and flopped over on his back. A moment later, his snoring resumed.<\/p>\n Joe waited, then inclined his head toward the interior of the house, as he and his sister slowly exhaled the breath each had been holding. Thankfully the door was open just enough for the two of them to enter. Joe forced his body to relax before leading the way inside. Stacy followed close at his heels, then, tip-toed over toward the fireplace, set against the wall perpendicular to the same into which the door and window had been cut. Her eyes immediately fell on a wrought iron poker, lying on the hearth. Though its surfaced had rusted, its core remained solid. She picked it up and moved silently over to the cot and the big Texas gunman lying upon it, sound asleep.<\/p>\n Joe waited until Stacy was in place. \u201cHey, Mister, time to wakey-wakey,\u201d he announced in a falsetto, sing-song voice, as he nudged the sleeping man\u2019s shoulder, none too gently, with the barrel of his revolver.<\/p>\n Big Jack snorted.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Sleeping Beauty, time to rise \u2018n shine.\u201d Joe nudged Big Jack harder.<\/p>\n \u201cSleeping Beauty?! You better not be counting on ME to play the role of Prince Charming,\u201d Stacy said in a tone that dripped icicles, as she regarded Big Jack with a grimace.<\/p>\n \u201cPerish the thought!\u201d Joe wrinkled his own nose in disgust, as he moved half a step backward. He raised his booted foot and gave Big Jack a hard shove against his shoulder.<\/p>\n Big Jack snorted again, then rolled over ending up on his other side, facing toward the door. \u201cWhat the fu\u2014?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s enough outta YOU, Big Fella,\u201d Joe snapped, aiming the barrel of his weapon at the middle of Big Jack\u2019s chest. \u201cNow sit up and reach for the sky, nice \u2018n slow.\u201d<\/p>\n Big Jack very slowly, very cautiously raised himself from prone to sitting.<\/p>\n \u201cVery good,\u201d Joe said sardonically. \u201cNow get those hands up!\u201d<\/p>\n Big Jack raised his hands to the level of his head, then rose slowly to his feet. \u201cLi\u2019l boys got no business playin\u2019 with guns,\u201d he taunted, as he moved forward, wholly unmindful of Stacy, silently moving in behind him, with poker clasped firmly in both hands. \u201cWhy a li\u2019l feller like you could get hurt awful, awful bad y\u2019 know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo tell,\u201d Joe said, taking a step backward.<\/p>\n \u201cNow why don\u2019tcha be a good boy \u2018n just hand over that gun to ol\u2019 Big Jack here?\u201d the youngest of the Slade brothers continued to advance on Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cNow lemme get this straight,\u201d Joe said, as he moved back another step, then another. \u201cYou want me to hand over my gun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust like that, no questions asked.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust like that . . . an\u2019 no one\u2019ll git hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally? No one gets hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. No one gets hurt,\u201d Big Jack reiterated, noting with a triumphant smile, that Joe Cartwright had just backed into a wall.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Big Guy, I guess there only one thing I can say about your kind and gracious offer,\u201d Joe said affably. He raised his right hand and waved. \u201cNighty-night and sweet dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe had no sooner uttered those words when Stacy, now positioned directly behind Big Jack, brought the fireplace poker down on his head hard. The biggest of the Slade brothers groaned softly, then collapsed to the floor like a lump sack of potatoes.<\/p>\n \u201cUh oh! Hope you didn\u2019t hit him TOO hard, Kid,\u201d Joe said as he started to work on untying the ropes securing Xing\u2019s left ankle to the left chair leg.<\/p>\n \u201cNot to worry, he\u2019s still breathing.\u201d Stacy insisted, as she moved in behind Xing and started untying the bonds holding his wrists together. \u201cYa wanna know something?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive that big guy a shave and trim up his hair around the edges, and he could very easily pass for Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think he already DID,\u201d Joe said with a scowl, \u201cwhen he and his other two friends held up that stage. Hey, Stacy . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold up on untying Xing\u2019s hands a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy wordlessly did as her brother had asked.<\/p>\n Joe reached up and pulled the gag out of Xing\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about damn\u2019 TIME someone showed up to rescue me,\u201d the young man sputtered angrily.<\/p>\n \u201cTsk, tsk, tsk, tsk,\u201d Joe clucked, shaking his head. He quickly stuffed the gag back into Xing\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cMMMMPPPHHHHFFFF!\u201d Xing protested, his eyes round with shock and outrage.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! If you want my sister and me to untie you, you\u2019re gonna have to talk to us a heckuva lot nicer than THAT,\u201d Joe declared.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Stacy replied, with an emphatic nod of her head. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to be talking like that around me. After all, I\u2019m a very impressionable young child.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sarcastically rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cMmmmggghhhffff???\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s more like it,\u201d Joe said, as he removed the gag from Xing\u2019s mouth. \u201cSo! Tell us, Xing, how in the ever lovin\u2019 world did you ever end up in this fix in the first place?\u201d Joe asked, as he rocked back from his knees to a crouching position.<\/p>\n Xing glared murderously at the youngest Cartwright son, and said nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cNow the way I see it, you have two choices,\u201d Joe said in a deceptively sweet honeyed tone of voice, sounding not unlike Ben in similar situations. \u201cYou can either talk to my sister and me here, THEN to Sheriff Coffee, OR the two of us\u2019ll just trot along our merry little way and leave you to the tender mercies of your new friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . which would be no less than what you DESERVE, Xing, after what you\u2019ve done to your family, especially to Yin-Ling,\u201d Stacy added with a dark, murderous scowl of her own.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no idea what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d Xing declared loftily, \u201cnor can I understand why you assume that I even know, much less am friendly with the men who\u2019ve kidnapped me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, let\u2019s just say I started to suspect something when I saw you in the Silver Dollar Saloon the day before that stage robbery talking to one of \u2018em,\u201d Joe said, adding a bright, sunny smile to he sweet sounding words. \u201cIt was the one who looks like our Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I have no idea WHAT you\u2019re t-talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite Xing\u2019s words of denial, Joe knew he had just scored a direct hit when the face of Hop Sing\u2019s young nephew suddenly lost every bit of its healthy, robust color. \u201cWe ALSO know that you\u2019ve been working in cahoots with the men who\u2019ve kidnapped you,\u201d he pressed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cXing, Xing, Xing, Xing,\u201d Joe said, shaking his head. \u201cMy sister and I may be YOUNG, and we may not be the most sophisticated people in the world, but neither one of us were born yesterday!\u201d He shrugged indifferently, then rose. \u201cHey! If you don\u2019t wanna talk to US . . . that\u2019s fine. We\u2019ll see you back at the house later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe,\u201d Stacy added ominously.<\/p>\n \u201cWait a minute! You two aren\u2019t . . . y-you\u2019re not leaving . . . ARE you?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d hoped for a little more in the way of conversation, but . . . . \u201d Joe shrugged again as he and Stacy turned toward the front door.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright!\u201d Xing snapped angrily. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re all ears!\u201d Joe said as he motioned for his sister to return and help him complete the task of freeing Xing. \u201cNow start talking, or my sister and I are outta here.\u201d<\/p>\n Xing sighed, and surrendered himself to the inevitable. \u201cYou two were right. I don\u2019t know how you figured it out, but I WAS working in league with the men who robbed that stage,\u201d he confessed. \u201cI told them about the dowry and when it was coming to Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c****!\u201d Stacy spat contemptuously, using a Paiute epithet Joe had never heard before. \u201cHop Sing\u2019s right! You ARE no good!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do YOU know about it, Girl?!\u201d Xing responded, giving full vent to the bitter anger that had been festering within him, since the day his great-grandmother had decreed that the exquisite jade statues by Yang Wei-Chu would be his sister\u2019s bride price. \u201cFor centuries, those jade statues have passed down from father to the firstborn SON, to HIS firstborn son. By rights those statues should be MINE, not the bride price for my sister. The only reason they were promised as bride price for my sister is because my own father squandered the family fortune drinking, gambling, and . . . and on women.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat STILL didn\u2019t give you the right to do as you did,\u201d Stacy argued. \u201cYin-Ling loves the man she was supposed to marry\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s young! She\u2019ll get OVER him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think so! She hasn\u2019t stopped crying since your friends robbed that stage and took what was supposed to be her dowry,\u201d Stacy said, giving full vent to her own rage, \u201cand your great-grandmother . . . she won\u2019t eat, she stays holed up in the guest room downstairs, she won\u2019t see anyone . . . all she had left was your family\u2019s honor, and now that you\u2019ve taken THAT away from her . . . it\u2019s like she\u2019s just waiting around to die.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know NOTHING about the things of which you speak,\u201d Xing sneered.<\/p>\n \u201cThe hell I don\u2019t!\u201d Stacy angrily shot back.<\/p>\n \u201cHow can you possibly know of such things?\u201d Xing demanded in a sullen tone. \u201cYou\u2019re too young, and with a wealthy papa, too sheltered.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt hasn\u2019t always been that way,\u201d Stacy growled back.<\/p>\n \u201cWhaddya gonna tell me next? That your papa sold you to gypsies or someth\u2014 \u201d His words ended on a loud, agonized scream when Stacy kicked him hard in the shins.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, come on, Kid, take it easy,\u201d Joe admonished her gently, as he moved himself between his sister and Xing.<\/p>\n \u201cTake it easy?!\u201d Xing echoed, angry and outraged. \u201cThat kid needs to be kept on a leash!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy you\u2014 \u201d Stacy balled her right hand into a tight fist, then pulled her arm back, with every intention of punching Xing\u2019s lights out.<\/p>\n \u201cI TOLD you to take it easy,\u201d Joe said sternly, as he placed a restraining hand on her wrist.<\/p>\n Stacy whipped her arm out of her brother\u2019s grasp, then favored him with a dark, withering glare.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! You could end up in a whole world of trouble for practicing dentistry with your fists,\u201d Joe said in a kindlier tone. \u201cI should know.\u201d<\/p>\n An amused smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. \u201cI guess you should at that, Grandpa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs for YOU, Xing, any more cracks about Pa selling her to the gypsies or anyone else, and I\u2019LL slug ya MYSELF,\u201d Joe said, favoring Hop Sing\u2019s nephew with a scowl underscoring the truth of his words. He finished untying the ropes holding Xing\u2019s other ankle to the chair leg, then rose, and once again removed his gun from its holster. \u201cYou finished with his hands, Stace?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I\u2019m finished.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOK, Xing, you\u2019re coming back to town with us,\u201d Joe said, \u201cand you\u2019re going to tell Sheriff Coffee everything you\u2019ve just told us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no he\u2019s NOT!\u201d<\/p>\n Three heads turned in unison to the sound of a new voice, one that sounded nearly identical to Joe Cartwright. There, standing framed in the doorway, was Shorty Jim Slade with a revolver in hand, aimed squarely at the chest of the man he so closely resembled.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Y-You\u2019re the man I saw in the Silver Dollar!\u201d Joe stammered, stunned by the near identical likeness of the man standing before him.<\/p>\n \u201cJames Slade at your service, Mister,\u201d the gunman sneered. \u201cMost of my friends call me Shorty Jim, but YOU can call me MISTER Slade.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe scowled as he rose slowly to his feet. \u201cNow lemme get all this straight, MISTER Slade,\u201d he said, turning mister into the vilest of insults, \u201cyou\u2019ve spent the last month on a shopping spree, charging everything to MY account . . . you wore out Trudy at the Virginia City Social Club and put THAT on my account . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI especially liked the bit with the trapeze and the leather tutu,\u201d Shorty Jim declared, drawing blank, quizzical looks from Stacy and Big Jack.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . . you also romanced Laurie Lee Bonner at the Silver Dollar Saloon in my name, putting me clear in up to my neck in deep curds \u2018n whey with my REAL girl,\u201d Joe continued, \u201cand then on top of all that you robbed a stage coach and set ME up to take the fall.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah . . . . \u201d Shorty Jim murmured thoughtfully, \u201cyeah, that just about covers it, except for the skinny dip out at some quaint swimming hole called Miller\u2019s Pond with Sherrie Lynn at that new place . . . . \u201d He frowned, trying to recall the name.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Pink Flamingo,\u201d Stacy adroitly supplied the information.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, that\u2019s it,\u201d Shorty Jim said. \u201cThe Pink Flamingo. That Sherrie Lynn is a goddess, Cartwright, nothing less than a goddess with real EXPENSIVE tastes. Unfortunately, they wouldn\u2019t let me put all that you\u2019re your account, so I had no choice but to put it on you PA\u2019S.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT?!\u201d Joe shrieked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard me,\u201d Shorty Jim sneered. \u201cCaviar . . . . champagne . . . . dinner at the lovely French place . . . . a half dozen new dresses, on a account o\u2019 I got a little rowdy a few times . . . . all expensive, Cartwright, very, very, VERY expensive. I\u2019d LOVE to be a fly on the wall when you try to explain all THAT to your pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe responded with a primal roar, as he leapt on his \u2018evil twin,\u2019 before the man could even think of moving. Shorty Jim bellowed in pain, shock, and outrage as he crashed onto the hard wood floor of the dilapidated farmhouse he, his brother, and the man they called Boss had known as home for the last couple of months.<\/p>\n \u201cOk, you no-good, lousy, son-uva-rotten hunka goat cheese, I\u2019m gonna make it real easy for folks to tell who\u2019s who from now on,\u201d Joe declared through clenched teeth, as his fist connected resoundingly with his double\u2019s face, \u201c \u2018cause Joe Cartwright\u2019s NOT gonna be the one sporting a pair of black eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTHAT WILL BE QUITE ENOUGH YOUNG MAN!\u201d a familiar sounding resonant baritone voice thundered from the general direction of the front door. \u201cNow get up!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe, much to his horror and chagrin, found himself staring into the barrel of a derringer held right in his face.<\/p>\n \u201cP-Pa?!\u201d Stacy stammered, as bewilderment replaced her initial anger towards Xing.<\/p>\n Bradley Meredith looked over at Stacy, and smiled. \u201cYOU, My Dear, must be Stacy Cartwright,\u201d he remarked, as he politely tipped his hat. \u201cMiss Ashcroft\u2019s told me so much about you, I feel as though I already know you . . . quite well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cM-Miss Ashcroft?! Wait a minute!\u201d Her whole face suddenly lit up with the light of revelation. \u201cYou\u2019re NOT Pa! You\u2019re the guy\u2014 \u201d Stacy\u2019s words abruptly ended with a groan, as Big Jack, now semi-conscious and on his feet, his balance wavering, slugged her from behind, knocking her senseless.<\/p>\n \u201cSo help me, Bub, if you\u2019ve hurt my sister\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut-up, Cartwright,\u201d Bradley Meredith ordered, \u201cand get up. I won\u2019t tell you again.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe complied, seething inside with rage and frustration.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to hurt you, your sister, or Xing,\u201d Bradley continued, \u201cand I WON\u2019T as long as you do exactly as I say. Now get your hands UP. Mister Slade,\u201d he looked over at Big Jack, establishing eye-contact, \u201ctake his gun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot it, Boss,\u201d Big Jack said, as he jammed the barrel of the weapon into his pants, \u201can\u2019 don\u2019t YOU worry none \u2018bout your sister. I ONLY slugged her hard enough to keep her sleepin\u2019 \u2018til mornin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Til mornin\u2019?!\u201d Joe echoed, as panic began to rise within him.<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Til mornin\u2019,\u201d Shorty Jim affirmed his brother\u2019s words as he rose. Joe could see the beginnings of what would soon become a pair or real shiners discoloring the skin under his double\u2019s eyes. \u201cBig Jack\u2019s got sluggin\u2019 people down to a real science, so if he says the kid\u2019s gonna be out \u2018til mornin\u2019, you can guarantee she\u2019s gonna be out \u2018til mornin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOrdinarily, I wouldn\u2019t have hit her that hard, she bein\u2019 a girl \u2018n all, but I figured she had it comin\u2019 after the way SHE got the drop on ME first with that poker,\u201d Big Jack said with a scowl. \u201cYou KNOW what they say \u2018bout pay backs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe only reason that girl probably DID get the drop on you was because SHE caught you napping . . . quite literally,\u201d Bradley growled. The cheeks, suddenly tinged with red and the general shamefaced look on Big Jack\u2019s face confirmed the truth of his suspicions.<\/p>\n \u201cHoo boy! What in the world am I gonna tell PA?\u201d Joe groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll have all night to work it out, Boy,\u201d Bradley declared.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEither of you boys have some rope?\u201d Bradley asked his associates.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. I got some out on my saddle,\u201d Shorty Jim replied.<\/p>\n \u201cGet it,\u201d Bradley snapped, \u201cthen tie up young MISTER Cartwright. Xing, YOU can sit down . . . right there.\u201d He pointed to the chair that the young Chinese man had very recently vacated. \u201cBig Jack, make yourself useful and get to work tying him back up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome rescue,\u201d Xing groused, as he sat back down.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t suppose it\u2019s occurred to you that if you HADN\u2019T thrown in your lot with these guys that maybe . . . just MAYBE, you wouldn\u2019t even BE in this situation needing to be rescued?!\u201d Joe shot back without missing a beat.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sound just like my parents,\u201d Xing growled.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah?! Maybe you should\u2019ve listened to \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou self-righteous son-of-a\u2014 \u201d Xing\u2019s remaining words came out as a hybrid cross between a snort and a guttural snarl when Big Jack stuffed the handkerchief back into his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Bradley said sardonically. \u201cYou got ANOTHER handkerchief?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. We\u2019ll gag Young Cartwright, too. I sure wasn\u2019t looking forward to listening to him and Xing going at it all night long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhaddya mean all night long, Boss?\u201d Shorty Jim demanded as he stepped back inside the small house with rope in hand. He immediately set to work tying Joe up, taking malicious delight in pulling the knots extra tight.<\/p>\n \u201cWe leave at daybreak,\u201d Bradley growled.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT?!\u201d Shorty Jim howled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard me. We leave at daybreak. I\u2019m not leaving Virginia City without Judy, and it\u2019s a little late in the day for me to be dragging her out along these dangerous highways and by-ways.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou knock yourself right out, Boss,\u201d Shorty Jim retorted as he finished tying Joe\u2019s wrists behind his back. He, then moved to bind his captive\u2019s legs together at the ankles. \u201cYOU can leave whenever you like. My brother and me, however, are off \u2018soon as we divvy up the money.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWE leave at daybreak,\u201d Bradley said very pointedly.<\/p>\n \u201cYOU and your schoolmarm lady friend leave any ol\u2019 time y\u2019 want, Boss,\u201d Shorty Jim said, whipping his own gun from its holster, every bit as fast as the Cartwright son he so closely resembled.<\/p>\n \u201cWait a minute!\u201d Joe yelped. \u201cDid you say schoolmarm lady fr\u2014?!\u201d His words were effectively, if rudely, severed mid-sentence when Shorty Jim stuffed a handkerchief in his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . my brother \u2018n me are headed outta here today . . . this afternoon, right after we divvy up the cash, so I suggest ya get it out and start countin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n A sigh, borne of pure and simple exasperation exploded from between Bradley Meredith\u2019s lips. \u201cAlright!\u201d he snapped, as he retrieved the cloth sack containing the money from his saddle bags. \u201cThe sooner the three of us can part company, the better I\u2019ll like it anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUUUURRRRRGGGHHHH!\u201d Joe half-grunted, half-snorted in a desperate bid to forcibly eject the gag from his mouth, that he might tell Bradley Meredith about Miss Ashcroft.<\/p>\n \u201cI want it quiet over there,\u201d Bradley growled, favoring Joe with a threatening glare.<\/p>\n \u201cMMMMGGGGGFFFFFF !\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBig Jack, why don\u2019t you make yourself REAL useful and knock HIM out \u2018til morning, too?\u201d Bradley said as he drew the paper bills from his saddle bags and began to count. \u201cCounting is a very tedious job at best, and I won\u2019t be able to concentrate on doing it properly with all that noise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRRRRGGGGGFFFFFFF!\u201d Joe snarled as loud as the gag in his mouth permitted. A faint moan escaped his lips as Big Jack Slade gamely hit him from behind. The last thing he remembered was the unsettling feeling of pitching forward, before blackness claimed him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright . . . Mister Hoss, supper ready ten minutes,\u201d Hop Sing announced.<\/p>\n Ben and Hoss, both seated on the settee next to the fireplace with a half-played game of Checkers sitting between them on the coffee, table looked up. \u201cUmmmm um! Whatever you\u2019ve cooked up tonight sure smells wonderful,\u201d the latter declared with a broad grin as he inhaled the savory aromas permeating the air.<\/p>\n \u201cTonight, Hop Sing make roast pork, with buttermilk biscuit, and mashed up potato,\u201d Hop Sing said. \u201cFor desert, Miss Stacy favorite. Great big chocolate layer cake and plenty chocolate icing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s one o\u2019 MY favorites, too,\u201d Hoss said, licking his lips in anticipation.<\/p>\n \u201cYou go out in kitchen, get washed, while Hop Sing go upstairs, get Little Joe and Miss Stacy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell ya what, Hop Sing, why don\u2019t you get your sister \u2018n her husband to the table, \u2018n maybe make up a tray for Mrs. Li, an\u2019 let ME roust out everyone upstairs,\u201d Hoss offered, rising.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mister Hoss, Hop Sing appreciate very much,\u201d Hop Sing said gratefully.<\/p>\n \u201cHow IS Mrs. Li doing today?\u201d Ben asked as he and Hop Sing made their way back toward the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cBad, Mister Cartwright, very, very bad,\u201d Hop Sing replied in a melancholy tone. \u201cHop Sing take venerable lady food, she not touch. Offer tea and water, she tell Hop Sing no. Sometime, hear venerable lady speak with men she call Singh Chou and Hou Chan. Mei-Ling say those names of husband and oldest son, both dead. Hop Sing worry.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss, meanwhile, meanwhile, quietly made his way up the stairs, reaching the fast closed door to his sister\u2019s room. \u201cStacy? Yin-Ling? Shake a leg! Supper\u2019s about ready,\u201d he called out as he knocked. He was very much surprised when Judith Ashcroft opened the door. Yin Ling sat on the edge of Stacy\u2019s bed, with head bowed, and hands clasped in her lap, her fingers loosely interlaced. \u201cHop Sing said supper\u2019ll be ready in ten minutes, Miss Ashcroft. You \u2018n Yin-Ling got just enough time t\u2019 wash up \u2018n git to the table.\u201d His eyes darted over the length and breadth of the room searching for his young sister. \u201cStacy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s not here, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Judith said.<\/p>\n \u201cYin-Ling, have you seen Stacy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot since you got her up this morning,\u201d Yin-Ling replied, as she dabbed her eyes on the edge of her sleeve.<\/p>\n Her reply left Hoss feeling uneasy. \u201cYou both best wash up \u2018n git on downstairs. Hop Sing\u2019s a real stickler for comin\u2019 to the table on time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, Miss Ashcroft, call me HOSS. You\u2019re part o\u2019 our family now, leastwise as far as I\u2019M concerned,\u201d he said gently. \u201cMost folks I know don\u2019t call family Mister \u2018n Missus.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Hoss . . . if YOU\u2019LL call me Judith,\u201d she said in the calm, quiet tone of sad resignation. \u201cDo you need help looking for Stacy?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u201cShe\u2019s probably out in the barn with Blaze-Face. I\u2019ll check there after I roust Joe up outta his room.\u201d<\/p>\n Judith nodded. \u201cCome along, Yin-Ling,\u201d Judith turned and gently urged the sad young woman, still seated at the edge of the bed. \u201cWe need to go down and wash up for supper.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou go ahead, Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Yin-Ling said in a very small, very sad voice. \u201cI\u2019m not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou need to eat, Young Lady,\u201d Judith said in her firmest school teacher tone of voice, as she crossed the distance between the open door and the bed. \u201cNow come on, let\u2019s wash up.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss left Judith and Yin-Ling and moved on down the hall to his brother\u2019s room. He knocked first, then walked in. \u201cSupper\u2019s ready, Li\u2019l Brother.\u201d<\/p>\n No answer.<\/p>\n Upon realizing that Joe wasn\u2019t in his room, Hoss\u2019 uneasiness increased a hundredfold, coalescing into a cold, hard lump in the pit of his stomach. He stepped out of Joe\u2019s bedroom, closing the door behind him, and strode briskly down the hall.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Hoss!\u201d Hop Sing\u2019s voice, a mixture of surprise, apprehension, and a little outrage assailed his ears, as he stepped down off of the last step and started across the great room toward the front door. He stepped out of the downstairs guest room, just as Hoss stepped down off the last step. \u201cWhere you go? Supper ready!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss noted with sinking heart the tray, virtually untouched, that Hop Sing clutched in both hands. \u201cI\u2019ll be back there, Hop Sing. Joe \u2018n Stacy ain\u2019t upstairs in their rooms\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d It was his father. The worry and apprehension he saw reflected in Ben\u2019s eyes, and etched into the lines and planes of his face, mirrored the same Hoss knew to be in his own.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re probably out in the barn searchin\u2019 that loft high \u2018n low for Professor Foote\u2019s book,\u201d Hoss said, in what he hoped was a calm, reassuring tone of voice. \u201cIt won\u2019t take me but a second t\u2019 fetch \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, but made no move toward the dining room.<\/p>\n Hoss stepped through the front door, and moving at a brisk clip, easily covered the distance between the house and barn. \u201cJoe . . . Stacy,\u201d he called out as he opened the barn door and entered, \u201csuppertime.\u201d<\/p>\n There was no answer.<\/p>\n Hoss glanced up toward the loft. \u201cJoe? Stacy?\u201d he called again.<\/p>\n Again, no answer.<\/p>\n Scowling, Hoss walked over toward the ladder, leading up to the loft over head. \u201cSo help me if the two o\u2019 you are hidin\u2019 up there with a pail o\u2019 water, or some such, I\u2019m gonna wash the two of ya up for supper in the trough out front,\u201d Hoss grumbled under his breath, as he started to climb up. Upon reaching the top, he was surprised and dismayed to find the loft completely deserted.<\/p>\n Hoss climbed down the ladder, moving with surprising swiftness, given a man of his height and mass. The minute his feet touched the barn floor, he looked over toward the stalls normally occupied by Cochise and Blaze-Face. Both were empty.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n He turned and found himself staring in to his father\u2019s anxious face.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . did you find them?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, dadburn it, they ain\u2019t here,\u201d Hoss replied, his heart sinking fast, like a mill stone. \u201cNeither are Cochise \u2018n Blaze-Face.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stared over at the two empty stalls in complete and utter dismay. \u201cDamn!\u201d he swore. \u201cSo help me, if those two are out playing detective again, the minute I get the two of \u2018em home, I\u2019m gonna drag the both of \u2018em out to the barn and give them a tanning they\u2019ll NEVER forget!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, please . . . . don\u2019t be too hard on \u2018em,\u201d Hoss begged. \u201cThey\u2019re only tryin\u2019 t\u2019 help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHelp?! They could get themselves hurt . . . maybe even killed,\u201d Ben rounded on his biggest son, giving vent to the volatile mix of worry, anger, and exasperation festering inside. \u201cI should\u2019ve KNOWN better than to let them ride out earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll find \u2018em, Pa, don\u2019t you worry none \u2018bout that,\u201d Hoss said, his jaw rigidly set with a grim, obstinate determination. \u201cWe\u2019ve got an hour \u2018n a half o daylight left, maybe two. I\u2019ll g\u2019won over t\u2019 the bunkhouse, \u2018n round up whoever\u2019s there. We\u2019ll search until either we find \u2018em, or it gets too dark.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d better go back and let our guests know what\u2019s happening,\u201d Ben said grimly. \u201cI\u2019ll ask Hop Sing to keep our supper warm. Would you please saddle Buck?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t hafta come, Pa. I can handle things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Son, it\u2019s just that I can\u2019t sit by and do nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n That was the kind of thinking that had prompted Joe and Stacy to take up the mantle of private investigator in the first place. They couldn\u2019t just sit by either, while the lives of the Cartwright and Li families went to heck on a handcar moving swiftly downhill. \u201cLike father, like son \u2018n daughter,\u201d Hoss murmured, shaking his head.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that, Hoss?\u201d Ben demanded, favoring his second son with a sharp glare.<\/p>\n \u201cNothin\u2019, Pa,\u201d Hoss sighed. \u201cYou do what y\u2019 hafta in the house. I\u2019ll saddle Buck.\u201d<\/p>\n It was going to be a long night.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing paused as he swept the clean, spotless floor before the front entrance for what had to be at least the dozenth time, his body tensed, ears straining for the distant sounds of horses, heralding the return of his beloved family . . . his ENTIRE beloved family . . . the one he had unofficially adopted. Mister Cartwright and Mister Hoss had ridden out at dawn\u2019s first light this morning, in the company of Candy, Jacob Cromwell, and a half dozen other men to continue their search for Little Joe and Miss Stacy.<\/p>\n Though Mister Hoss had gone through the motions of going upstairs and going to bed the night before, the half opened eyelids and facial muscles slack with weariness, eyes filled with worry and apprehension told Hop Sing very clearly how well the big man had slept. Mister Cartwright made no such pretense. He had spent the entire night in the red leather chair, staring down into a glass of brandy poured, yet never touched, consumed with worry, threatening all manner of dire punishment for his missing younger children one minute, fervently praying for their safe return the next. Both had declined Hop Sing\u2019s offer to make breakfast this morning, but gratefully accepted the mugs of hot coffee, that he had brewed fresh and made extra strong.<\/p>\n \u201cAnything?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing started so violently at the sound of his sister\u2019s voice, he dropped the broom and dustbin he held in his hands, and almost, though not quite lost his balance. He glared down at the dustbin, lying inverted at his feet, then over at Mei Ling, as she stepped down from the last step to the floor of the great room. \u201cThanks a lot, Mei Ling,\u201d he growled in Chinese. \u201cNOW I have to sweep the floor all over again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot likely,\u201d Mei Ling retorted. \u201cThat has to be the fifth time you\u2019ve swept up there in the last half hour . . . or is it the sixth?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing bent down to retrieve the fallen broom and dustbin, noting the full, almost untouched breakfast tray Mei Ling held in her hands with dismay. \u201cYou . . . couldn\u2019t get ANY of them to eat?\u201d he asked, noting the painfully obvious.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Ashcroft is feeling quite ill this morning,\u201d Mei Ling said with much sympathy and empathy. \u201cI left a mug of peppermint tea with her. That should ease her distress a little and get liquid in her at the same time. Yin Ling did eat half a piece of toast, but Hsing . . . . \u201d She sadly shook her head, and shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cHsing!\u201d Hop Sing spat derisively, as he followed his sister out to the kitchen. \u201cHe is WORSE than useless.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, I have WARNED you not to go there,\u201d Mei Ling rounded furiously on her younger brother. \u201cI will NOT warn you again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy apologies,\u201d Hop Sing said in a sullen voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI accept them in the same spirit of sincerity in which you offer them,\u201d Mei Ling retorted wryly, as she favored Hop Sing with a knowing glare.<\/p>\n The pair continued on out into the kitchen in angry, sullen silence.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry, Mei Ling,\u201d Hop Sing apologized again after he and his sister spent the better part of the last quarter hour glaring at each other, and pointedly rattling the dishes and slamming around pots and pans as they cleaned up. \u201cI mean it this time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and this time, I accept your apology,\u201d Mei Ling said. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, too, Hop Sing. I know you\u2019re worried about the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not like Little Joe and Miss Stacy to be gone for so long a time . . . unless something is terribly wrong,\u201d Hop Sing said anxiously.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I feel like this is all MY fault.\u201d<\/p>\n Mei Ling\u2019s contrite words drew a sharp, astonished look from Hop Sing.<\/p>\n \u201cI know Little Joe and Miss Stacy went out yesterday to find the men who stole Yin-Ling\u2019s bride price.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid either of them tell you this?\u201d<\/p>\n Mei-Ling shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cThen . . . how do you know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, I may not have the same talent you do in the kitchen . . . and my choices in love and . . . and in marriage have not been the most fortuitous . . . but I am NOT stupid,\u201d Mei Ling declared with a touch of asperity. \u201cPut together the fact that the jade statues have been stolen, Mister Cartwright going on and on about Little Joe and Miss Stacy playing detective, and . . . well, you don\u2019t need a genius to put two and two together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to malign your intelligence, Mei-Ling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry I\u2019m being such a prickly pear cactus.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re both worried about the people we love and care about the most,\u201d Hop Sing said ruefully. \u201cNot particularly conducive for being tactful, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Mei-Ling agreed, then shook her head. \u201cWith everything that\u2019s happened . . . Yin-Ling\u2019s bride price stolen, imminent loss of the Li family honor, Mister Cartwright and Miss Ashcroft being forced to marry against their will, Yin-Ling never again to see the man she loves, and now Xing, Little Joe, and Miss Stacy all missing . . . this must be the darkest hour this house has EVER known.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Mei-Ling, this isn\u2019t the darkest hour this house and family have ever known, not by any means,\u201d Hop Sing said quietly, his thoughts drifting back to the sudden death of Joe\u2019s mother, Marie, and the terrible weeks and months that followed. \u201cBut, I\u2019d have to say that it does rank right up there in the top forty.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJOE! STACY!\u201d Ben yelled at the top of his lungs for the umpteenth time. Though he still had plenty of volume and resonance, his throat felt scratchy and he could feel the beginnings of hoarseness, both normal consequences of having spent the better part of the last six or seven hours riding dusty roads, shouting almost non-stop. He and Hoss rode along the road to the north and Virginia City, while Candy and Jacob Cromwell rode south to Carson. The younger men had been dispatched to all of Joe\u2019s and Stacy\u2019s known favorite places within the extensive boundaries of the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n \u201cJOE!\u201d he yelled again. \u201cSTACY!\u201d Please answer, he prayed fervently in silence.<\/p>\n The only reply was the fading echo of his own voice frantically calling the names of his younger children.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned, and found Hoss on Chubb pulling to a stop along side him. \u201cDid you find anything, Hoss?\u201d he asked, hope mixing with fear and trepidation.<\/p>\n Hoss reluctantly shook his head. \u201cNothin\u2019, Pa. Not a dadburned thing!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . uuhh, Pa, I hate like anything havin\u2019 t\u2019 say this, but . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou \u2018n Miss Ashcroft got an appointment with Judge Faraday t\u2019day at two o\u2019clock,\u201d Hoss reluctantly reminded his father, all the while inwardly bracing for a backlash of temper.<\/p>\n Ben closed his eyes and forced himself to count to ten, seething now with impotent rage and frustration.<\/p>\n \u201cIf y\u2019 want, I can ride into town \u2018n cancel it,\u201d Hoss quickly offered. \u201cFindin\u2019 Joe \u2018n Stacy\u2019s the important thing right now.\u201d<\/p>\n For a moment, Ben considered asking Hoss to do just that. \u201cNo,\u201d he said reluctantly. \u201cIf I cancel now at the eleventh hour Mrs. Danvers might take it into her head to wire her cousin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe told ya that y\u2019 had a week, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, I can\u2019t take that chance,\u201d Ben said tersely. \u201cI want you to ride back to the ranch, have Hank gather up any and all men who can be spared . . . and tell them to keep looking. If your brother and sister haven\u2019t been found by the time we get back, we\u2019ll rejoin the search.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Pa,\u201d Hoss nodded curtly, then sped off.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease Lord, wherever my missing son and daughter are right now, please . . . watch over them and keep them safe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The first thing to intrude upon Stacy\u2019s awareness was pain that began at the back of her head and circled around to her temples. Her eyelids fluttered, then opened. She turned her head and found herself immediately blinded by the glare of sunlight streaming in through the door standing wide open. Groaning in agony, she squeezed her eyes shut and abruptly turned her face away from the door and the light, setting her head to throbbing. For one brief, horrifying moment, she feared she was going to be sick.<\/p>\n \u201cFfffttttffffyyyyy.\u201d<\/p>\n It sounded like her brother, Joe, speaking from a place far distant. Stacy forced herself to take a deep breath, then exhale, focusing all of her attention on keeping the air flow slow and even. She took another breath, then a third.<\/p>\n \u201cFFFTTTTTAAFFFYYY.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cG-Grandpa?\u201d she groaned in a low voice, barely audible, taking great care to keep her eyes tightly closed. \u201cThat YOU?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGGGGRRRRRGGGHHHHH !\u201d<\/p>\n THAT wasn\u2019t Joe! The timbre and pitch were all wrong. Stacy opened her eyes again, and very carefully, and turned her head in the general direction from whence the new sound issued. She frowned upon seeing Hop Sing\u2019s nephew tied to a chair with a gag stuffed in his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cFFFFFGGGGHHHTTTYYY!\u201d Now that WAS Joe. He was speaking louder this time, but she couldn\u2019t understand a single word he said.<\/p>\n Stacy rolled over from her back to her side, then very gingerly eased herself from lying on the floor to sitting up. \u201cWhy am I lying on the floor?\u201d<\/em> she wondered silently, wincing as her head began to throb once more, this time more insistently than ever. \u201cJoe?\u201d she called aloud this time to her brother.<\/p>\n \u201cFFFGGGGHHHHH.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the MATTER with you?\u201d Stacy demanded irritably, as she turned toward the direction from which Joe grunted and groaned. \u201cI can\u2019t understand a single solitary word ya say when ya mumble like th\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n Her words trailed away to stunned silence upon seeing a man lying on the floor a couple of yards away, bound and gagged. She frowned, bewildered, uncomprehending, as her eyes took in his thick, wavy, chestnut brown hair and green jacket.<\/p>\n \u201cJ-Joe?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVVVVVGGGGCCKKKKKTTTT!\u201d he responded, nodding his head vigorously.<\/p>\n Then, she it all came back to her in a dizzying rush of confused images. Xing. The stage robbers\u2019 hideout. Shorty Jim and Big Jack. The man who looks like Pa.<\/p>\n \u201cThe man who looks like Pa . . . . \u201d Stacy whispered, growing more confused by the minute. She and Joe had ridden out to this place in the late afternoon. By rights, it should be dark outside, depending on how long she was out, and down for the count. It shouldn\u2019t still be light out, even if the days WERE significantly longer.<\/p>\n \u201cUUUURRRRFFFFLLLPPPTT!\u201d Joe\u2019s groaned desperately.<\/p>\n \u201cOK, Grandpa, keep your shirt on,\u201d she said peevishly, as she rose unsteadily to her feet, and stumbled across the room toward her brother.<\/p>\n \u201cUUUUUUPPPPPPFFFFTTTTUUUURRRGGGT!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTHAT sounds like something you oughtta be washing your mouth out with soap for,\u201d Stacy said as she removed the wadded handkerchief from Joe\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cUuuggggghhh! Thank goodness, I can finally BREATHE!\u201d Joe gasped, as Stacy set to work loosening the ties that bound together his wrists.<\/p>\n \u201cUURRRRRGGGGHHHH!\u201d Xing grunted very pointedly.<\/p>\n \u201cXing, shut-up and wait your turn!\u201d Joe returned cantankerously. \u201cOoh man, have I got one humdinger of a headache.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou and me BOTH, Grandpa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat big lummox . . . the one who looks like our big brother, I know he came up from behind and hit YOU over the head, Kid,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI think he also did the same with me.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy gasped, horrified. \u201cHe did WHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot so LOUD, Stace, puh-leeeze!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you say that big idiot hit us over the head?\u201d Stacy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cHe hit YOU over the head,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI couldn\u2019t stop him. Then he must\u2019ve hit ME over the head, too, \u2018cause one minute it\u2019s yesterday, and now it\u2019s . . . well, it\u2019s tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy! Please . . . don\u2019t shout. Not right now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry,\u201d she murmured contritely. \u201cI thought you said that it\u2019s tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt IS tomorrow. The lummox\u2019s brother . . . the one who looks like ME said the knock over the head he gave YOU would last \u2018til tomorrow morning,\u201d Joe said. \u201cThat was yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh NO!\u201d Stacy moaned, her heart sinking. \u201cWhat time is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno. Why\u2019s that so important?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa and Miss Ashcroft, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Stacy, her hands shaking with fear and trepidation, finally managed to work loose the knots binding Joe\u2019s wrists together. She helped her brother rise to sitting position, then bolted for the open door.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Xing,\u201d Joe called to the young Chinese man, as he untied the ropes around his ankles. \u201cDo YOU know what time it is?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAAGGGHHH!\u201d Xing snorted derisively.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Sorry. I forgot . . .YOU\u2019RE still all tied up,\u201d Joe teased unmercifully.<\/p>\n \u201cGGGGRRRRRRGGGHHH !\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you take that tone with ME, Bub,\u201d Joe chided Xing with a dark scowl. He untied the last knot, then pulled the rope away from his ankles. \u201cStacy? Can you tell what time it is by the sun?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKinda sorta,\u201d she said, looking miserable and uncertain. \u201cIt\u2019s not yet two o\u2019clock, but it IS past noon. I may have an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe rose and made his way over to Xing, still bound to the chair. \u201cOk, Xing, talk!\u201d he ordered tersely, as he removed the gag from Xing\u2019s mouth. \u201cWhen did Bradley Meredith leave and WHERE did he go?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know who you\u2019re talking about,\u201d Xing shot right back.<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2019 know? I can\u2019t for the life of me understand WHY you\u2019re so gung-ho to protect men who\u2019ve kidnapped you, kept you here tied up for the past couple of days, and now who\u2019ve left you to swing alone as it were,\u201d Joe said, addressing Hop Sing\u2019s young nephew in the same condescending tone of voice he might address an extraordinarily thick, slow witted child. \u201cBut, hey! I can\u2019t choose your friends for you.\u201d He looked over at his sister, still standing next to the open door, making eye contact. \u201cLet\u2019s go, Stace.\u201d<\/p>\n Xing\u2019s eyes went round with horror. \u201cHey! Wait a minute! You\u2019re n-not going to . . . to j-just leave m-me here . . . a-are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy and I don\u2019t usually make it a habit of hanging around where we\u2019re not wanted,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease! Don\u2019t go! Don\u2019t leave me like this!\u201d Xing begged.<\/p>\n \u201cWell . . . . \u201d Joe\u2019s face was an almost caricatured mask of thoughtful indecision.<\/p>\n \u201cPLEASE!\u201d Xing screamed.<\/p>\n \u201cStacy and I might stay . . . MIGHT, mind you, if you answer our questions,\u201d Joe said favoring the young Chinese man with a warm smile, triumphantly smug, and a look of hopeful expectancy in his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright,\u201d Xing growled. \u201cHe left a short time ago\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen?\u201d Stacy rounded on him, her voice filled with desperation.<\/p>\n \u201cHow should I know?\u201d Xing shot right back. \u201cDo I look like a blamed coo-coo clock?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said he left a short time ago,\u201d Joe immediately interjected, in the hopes of forestalling an argument between Xing and his sister, an argument that would undoubtedly waste whatever precious time they had. \u201cWhere did he go?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo get his girlfriend,\u201d Xing replied. \u201cThe school teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s probably gone to Miss Ashcroft\u2019s house,\u201d Stacy said grimly. \u201cJoe, can you manage Xing by yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess so . . . why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Cause if I leave right now, I may be able to catch up with this Bradley Meredith,\u201d Stacy said, her eyes, her lower jaw, and mouth all set with a granite-like, obstinate, determination.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes immediately went round with horror. \u201cHey, wait a minute, Stacy, y-you can\u2019t g-go after Bradley Meredith by yourself\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see ya in town,\u201d Stacy said, before then bolted out the open front door.<\/p>\n Joe ran after her, wincing each step of the way. \u201cSTACY ROSE CARTWRIGHT, YOU COME BACK HERE . . . RIGHT NOW!\u201d he yelled, pausing at the door. \u201cIT\u2019S TOO DANGEROUS GOIN\u2019 AFTER HIM ALONE!\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy tore across the yard, moving at near-break neck speed beating a straight path toward the barn, turning a deaf ear to her brother\u2019s orders to return.<\/p>\n \u201cDaggonnit!\u201d Joe groused. \u201cThat sister of mine is \u2018way too impulsive for her own good sometimes.\u201d He started out the door after her.<\/p>\n \u201cHEY! WHERE IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU\u2019RE GOING?\u201d Xing shouted, horrified by the prospect of Joe going off and leaving him tied up.<\/p>\n \u201cI suggest you apologize for talking to me like that right now, or else I\u2019m outta here,\u201d Joe declared, taking no pains to conceal his annoyance. \u201cMy sister\u2019s safety takes a heckuva lot more priority over YOURS.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk, Ok, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Xing immediately apologized.<\/p>\n \u201cApology accepted,\u201d Joe said, as he moved toward the door.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Aren\u2019t you going to untie me?\u201d Xing demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have time,\u201d Joe said. \u201cIf I don\u2019t leave NOW, I may not be able to catch up with my sister.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou . . . you can\u2019t go and leave me tied up like this,\u201d Xing protested.<\/p>\n \u201cWell now, Xing, I don\u2019t see that I have a whole lotta choice in the matter,\u201d Joe said. \u201cI have to go after my sister, for heaven\u2019s sake. I can\u2019t have her facing down a known criminal by herself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you untie me, I\u2019ll ride straight into town and turn myself in to the sheriff,\u201d Xing begged. \u201cI promise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all well and good, Xing,\u201d Joe replied with an air of supreme, insulting indifference, \u201cunfortunately, you\u2019ve not exactly proven yourself as the most trustworthy of men.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI give you my WORD,\u201d Xing growled through clenched teeth. \u201cThe word of a Li.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich out of the mouth of your father and great grandmother means a great deal,\u201d Joe said sternly. \u201cOutta YOUR mouth, it ain\u2019t worth a plugged nickel. Now you just sit tight here for a little while. After I catch up with Stacy and we settle things with Mister Meredith, I\u2019ll send the sheriff back to fetch you. Adios, Xing.\u201d With that, he left, with a ling string of Chinese invectives, shouted at top volume, ringing in his ears.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMister Rothburn?\u201d<\/p>\n Nigel Rothburn, head butler and highest ranked servant in the Sutcliff household, sighed, unable to quite hold back his exasperation, then turned. It was Alvin Warren, known among his peers as \u201cTex,\u201d one of the new footmen.<\/p>\n \u201cThe old China man\u2019s out by the delivery entrance, Boss,\u201d \u2018Tex\u2019 drawled, with a touch of insolence. \u201cSays he\u2019s here to drop off the clean laundry \u2018n pick up the dirty. He\u2019s also gotta whole buckboard full up with boxes o\u2019 fireworks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Alvin,\u201d Nigel replied in a tone of voice with just enough condescension to be insulting. He also noted with satisfaction that the young man bristled against being addressed by his true given name. \u201cThe man\u2019s name is Hop Ling. From now on you WILL refer to him by his name, and you will do so with respect. Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Rothburn,\u201d \u2018Tex\u2019 growled through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cVery well, that will be all,\u201d Nigel said in a bored, dismissive tone. \u201cYou may return to your work now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2018Tex\u2019 nodded curtly, then left. \u201c \u2018Very well, you may return to your work now,\u2019 \u201d he mimicked bitterly under his breath. After having been fired from three jobs in as many months, he had taken what he thought would be an easy job, especially after roping steer and busting broncs day in and day out. He had found, much to his chagrin, that Nigel Rothburn was a far more exacting taskmaster than Clay Hansen, Hugh O\u2019Brien, and Ben Cartwright all put together.<\/p>\n Nigel Rothburn, meanwhile, went outside to meet Hop Ling. He found the elderly man still seated atop his buckboard, in the driveway just outside the delivery entrance to the Sutcliff home. \u201cGood afternoon, Sir,\u201d Nigel politely greeted Hop Ling. \u201cI understand you have the clean laundry and fireworks?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChou-Sen, firework man, he know Hop Ling come here, bring clean laundry. Ask Hop Ling bring firework. Mister Sutcliff order special,\u201d Hop Ling replied.<\/p>\n \u201cWhich of those packages has the clean table linens?\u201d Nigel asked, eyeing the parcels, wrapped in brown paper, nestled beneath the buckboard seat.<\/p>\n \u201cThis package here, on bottom,\u201d Hop Ling replied, as he carefully edged the two larger parcels out and placed them up on the seat. \u201cOther two clean shirts, one Mister Sutcliff, other Mister Sutcliff son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take the parcel with the table linens,\u201d Nigel said, extending his arms. \u201cIf you\u2019ll grab the two with the shirts, we can take them inside, then I\u2019ll show you where you may pick up the dirty laundry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery good, very good,\u201d Hop Ling murmured, smiling.<\/p>\n Upon entering the house, Nigel Rothburn immediately passed his parcels on to Bridget Murphy, one of the kitchen maids. \u201cThese are the table linens Mrs. Carlson was looking for,\u201d he said in an aloof, imperious tone. \u201cPlease see that she gets them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, Sir,\u201d Bridget murmured, as she accepted the large parcel.<\/p>\n \u201cIs Mister O\u2019Reilly about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Bridget replied. \u201cHe\u2019s out front lookin\u2019 out after the men what\u2019s cleaning the front yard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d he said, curt and dismissive. He, then, turned to Hop Ling. \u201cIf you would follow me, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Ling nodded and fell instep behind Nigel Rothburn. Together, in silence, they moved through the large, formal dining room, into the ballroom. On the mantle piece sat three jade statues, of Kuan Yin, Chang-O, and Hou-Yi, exquisitely carved in fine detail. Hop Ling froze as he eyes fell on them.<\/p>\n \u201cTHIS way, Sir,\u201d Nigel said with a touch of asperity, upon noting that Hop Ling no longer followed behind.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, so sorry,\u201d Hop Ling murmured softly, his eyes still riveted to the three jade statues. Could they possibly be . . . . ? He had no way of knowing, having never so much as laid eyes on them. Only Li-Hsing and his venerable old grandmother would know for certain.<\/p>\n Nigel frowned, upon noting that the laundryman was staring up at Mister Sutcliff\u2019s newest acquisitions for his already immense art collection. \u201cMister Hop-Ling . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo sorry, Hop Ling admire fine work Chinese art. Very, very beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, indeed they are,\u201d Nigel said curtly. \u201cThis way, please.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop-Ling nodded, then dutifully fell in step behind Nigel Rothburn again, his mind racing. Together, they passed through the formal parlor and the drawing room.<\/p>\n \u201cWait here, please,\u201d Nigel said, when they reached the entry way.<\/p>\n Hop Ling nodded, and waited while Nigel conferred briefly with Michael O\u2019Reilly, the footman.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve asked Mister O\u2019Reilly to have a couple of his men unload the boxes of fireworks from your buckboard,\u201d Nigel said upon his return. \u201cAfter they have done so, they will bring your conveyance \u2018round to the basement door. It should be there by the time you have finished gathering the dirty laundry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Rothburn,\u201d Hop Ling replied.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will find a rather large table cloth in among the dirty laundry,\u201d Nigel continued. \u201cI would greatly appreciate it, if you could launder it and get it back here by sometime this evening? You will, of course, be paid extra for the rush.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Rothburn, Hop Ling wash, bring this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe should have more dirty laundry for you by then as well,\u201d Nigel said. \u201cMrs. Sutcliff\u2019s maid is gathering her things together now. The lady of the house suffered another of her spells last night, necessitating that her maid attend her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh,\u201d Hop Ling murmured sympathetically. \u201cHop Ling very sorry to hear. Hope Mrs. Sutcliff feel better very, very soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure she will,\u201d Nigel said in a dismissive tone, accompanied by a sarcastic roll of the eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Sutcliff, he have party?\u201d Hop Ling asked.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Sutcliff is always having a party, for one reason or another,\u201d Nigel said, as they now made their way to the basement.<\/p>\n \u201cThis party, big celebration,\u201d Hop Ling observed. \u201cVery big, with firework?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it would seem so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy big celebration?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow should I know, Sir?\u201d Nigel responded in a tone a touch too bland. \u201cAs I said before, Mister Sutcliff is ALWAYS having a party for one reason or another. I, quite frankly, find it more and more difficult these days to keep up with his reasons to celebrate. At any rate, My Good Man, here is the entrance to the basement, where you will find the dirty laundry we have presently.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Rothburn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and don\u2019t forget about the tablecloth,\u201d he added, as he took the parcels of shirts from the elderly laundry man.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Ling remember. Clean cloth, bring back this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Judith Ashcroft finished brushing her long, silky, golden tresses, then set to the task of binding and securely pinning them back into the tight chignon she had favored for so long, up until the day of the picnic when HE unpinned it before they\u2014<\/p>\n She sighed, then shook her head vigorously as if to physically dislodge that errant thought. Mister Cartwright had been more than kind and generous taking her in, offering her and her child, when he or she was born, a home and, most important, a family. Judith had promised, vowed to herself that she would be as good a wife to him as it was in her power to be. That meant putting this Bradley Meredith, or whoever he was, out of her mind once and for all. The thought saddened her greatly, though, much to her own surprise, her eyes remained bone dry.<\/p>\n Judith finished pinning up her hair, then turned to the bed, where Hop Sing had neatly laid out her clothing. She picked up the blouse, lying on top of her good navy blue suit and slipped it on, moving entranced as if in a dream. Though her fingers moved automatically through the motions of pushing the fabric covered buttons through the button holes, her mind looked on from far away, as if though a long, dark tunnel.<\/p>\n Today was her wedding day. That was plain and simply that. Apart from sadness at the prospect of never again laying eyes on the man she really loved, and would always love, Judith felt nothing. No joy, no unbridled excitement, not even any sense of anger or bitterness over all that had happened, just nothing. A knock on the closed door to her room drew her from her strange, troubled thoughts.<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d Judith responded in a dulled monotone.<\/p>\n \u201cJudith, it\u2019s Ben. We need to be leaving pretty soon, if we\u2019re going to reach the courthouse on time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m almost ready,\u201d she called back, suddenly unsure of how to address him. One the one hand, it seemed very out of form to go on calling him Mister Cartwright, yet she didn\u2019t feel quite right about addressing him by his first name. She slipped her skirt on over her head, taking great care not to muss her hair, then reached for the jacket.<\/p>\n When Judith went downstairs a few moments later, she found Ben waiting by the front door, impeccably attired in a light gray three piece suit, white shirt, and a black string tie, with black hat in hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Hoss drew near the courthouse, he was heartily dismayed to find the street thronging with most of the mass of humanity making up the population of Virginia City, along with their horses, buggies, and buckboards. He slowed the horses to a walk and began to thread his way carefully along what had become a difficult obstacle course, frequently zigzagging to avoid running down a pedestrian or horse.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat in tarnation\u2019s goin\u2019 on here?\u201d the biggest of the Cartwright boys grumbled under his breath, as he swerved yet again, this time to avoid running over two young children who had broken away from their mother and darted out right in the middle of his path. \u201cYou\u2019d think it was Founders\u2019 Day, or some kinda carnival goin\u2019 on by the look o\u2019 this crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I\u2019M beginning to get a good idea as to what\u2019s going on,\u201d Ben replied with a scowl, upon noting that virtually all of the adults present turned to stare as their buckboard passed by, through eyes round and mouths gaping open. A few actually had the temerity to point.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah?\u201d Hoss queried as he swerved left to miss a collision with a skittish horse, then right to avoid an elderly couple, who had chosen the absolute worst moment to try crossing the street. \u201cIs it some kinda carnival?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s some kinda carnival alright,\u201d Ben groused, his brows coming together in an angry, disgusted scowl. \u201cJudith and I are the main attraction.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cH-Hoss? Is there . . . is there ANY way we c-could m-move straight without all this w-weaving s-side to side?\u201d Judith ventured hesitantly. \u201cI . . . I think I\u2019m g-going to b-be sick.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben immediately turned to the woman seated next to him in the buckboard\u2019s back seat, noting her face, alarmingly pale, with a tinge of green around the proverbial gills, with alarm. \u201cJudith, close your eyes and take shallow breaths,\u201d he instructed her gently. \u201cI\u2019m going to fix a place in the back so you can lie down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re only a block or so down from the courthouse,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cI could let you \u2018n Miss Ashcr\u2014I mean, uuhhh . . . Judith! I could let ya both off here, then meet ya at the courthouse once I find someplace t\u2019 park the buckboard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Ben adamantly shook his head. \u201cThe minute we step down on the street, we\u2019ll both be mobbed.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss turned again to skirt around a buggy heading down the street from the opposite direction. As he circled around the smaller vehicle he glanced up, catching sight of the biggest of the Valhalla ranch hands working for Brunhilda Odinsdottir, a very good friend and neighbor, literally standing head and shoulders above the milling crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cHEY! BIG SWEDE!\u201d Hoss yelled. \u201cI NEED YOUR HELP!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone call Big Swede?\u201d the big man asked, his voice thick with the accent of his native Sweden.<\/p>\n \u201cBIG SWEDE, OVER HERE! IT\u2019S ME . . . HOSS CARTWRIGHT!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHOSS, YOU CALL ME?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYEAH! GOTTA JOB FOR YA!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNOT NEED JOB ON PONDEROSA, GOT GOOD JOB ON VALHALLA,\u201d Big Swede yelled back.<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2019 AIN\u2019T WORKIN\u2019 FOR THE PONDEROSA, YOU\u2019RE WORKING F\u2019R ME . . . TEN, MAYBE FIFTEEN MINUTES TOPS! I\u2019LL PAY YA TWENTY BUCKS.\u201d<\/p>\n The big Scandinavian pushed his way through the crowd until he was finally walking along side the Cartwrights\u2019 buckboard. \u201cWhat you want Big Swede to do?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWouldja mind clearing us a straight path through to the courthouse?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cJa, this Big Swede do,\u201d the man promised. He, then, made his way around to the horses drawing the buckboard. Taking hold of the bridle on the horse directly in front of the driver, he began to head the team and conveyance down the street along a straight and narrow path. \u201cMOVE ASIDE, COMING THROUGH!\u201d he yelled. Miraculously, people began to shift, moving to one side of the street or the other.<\/p>\n \u201cSo much for a quiet, private ceremony,\u201d Ben muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing. I\u2019ll tell ya when we get home,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n They reached the courthouse ten minutes later. Big Swede brought the buckboard to a halt in the middle of the street in front of the courthouse.<\/p>\n Big Swede walked to the back seat, as Ben jumped down. \u201cHere, Miss, let me help you,\u201d he said. Before either Judith or Ben realized what was happening, he scooped the former up into his arms and set her carefully down on the street beside her husband-very-soon-to-be. He, then, went the extra mile, clearing a path so that Ben and Judith could reach the courthouse entrance easily, without the crowd pressing in.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Big Swede, much obliged,\u201d Hoss said gratefully, after his father and Judith were safely inside the courthouse. He dug into his pants pocket and pulled out his wallet. \u201cHere\u2019s the twenty I promised ya, with a couple more to buy yourself a few beers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank YOU, Hoss,\u201d Big Swede said, grinning from ear-to-ear as he pocketed the money Hoss had just paid him. \u201cBig Swede much obliged.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJudith, are you all right?\u201d Ben asked, after he and his reluctant bride-to-be had entered the courthouse and closed the door firmly behind them.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I feel a bit woozy and I . . . need to catch m-my breath,\u201d Judith gasped, as she collapsed heavily into the wall on the other side of the door.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a bench over here,\u201d Ben said, as he gently took her arm. \u201cHoss will be awhile finding a place to park the buckboard. Why don\u2019t we both sit down and catch our breath?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mister Cartwright, that w-would be wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy dear Miss Ashcroft, I should think that after all that has passed between you both that you would be at the very least addressing him by his Christian name.\u201d<\/p>\n It was Myra Danvers. She and Ezekeil Abercromby stood together, side-by-side, before the bench upon which Judith and Ben sat. She had drawn herself up to full height, her back poker straight, with her arms hanging with rigid stiffness at her sides. Her face was an impassive mask, stone cold, void of any sign of emotion. Ezekeil shifted his weight nervously from foot to foot. He, too, peered into Ben\u2019s and Judith\u2019s faces, his eyes never quite meeting theirs.<\/p>\n Ben slowly rose to his feet, his jaw tightening with anger. \u201cMrs. Danvers, the manner by which Miss Ashcroft and I choose to address each other is none of your business,\u201d he said stiffly.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I would\u2019ve thought that after all the intimacies you\u2019ve shared\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood day, Mrs. Danvers . . . Mister Abercromby,\u201d Ben said very pointedly, as he sat back down in the bench.<\/p>\n \u201cGood day, M-Mister Cartwright . . . Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Ezekeil murmured, his face scarlet. \u201cMrs. Danvers, we\u2019d best move along\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d she snapped, folding her arms defiantly across her ample chest.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Danvers, please!\u201d Ezekeil begged.<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely not. I fully intend to make certain that Mister Cartwright does right by Miss Ashcroft,\u201d she stated imperiously. \u201cI will NOT leave here until I\u2019ve witnessed their marriage vows myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Danvers, neither you NOR Mister Abercromby were invited,\u201d Ben countered, his own tone every bit as cold, and as imperious.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, my humblest apologies,\u201d Ezekeil mumbled, \u201cI honestly didn\u2019t WANT to do this\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs head of the school board, it\u2019s your bounden duty to witness this marriage,\u201d Myra Danvers hotly protested.<\/p>\n \u201cI beg to differ,\u201d Ben argued.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Danvers, please . . . this is most embarrassing,\u201d Ezekeil said. \u201cI told you before this is at best, highly irregular.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou may leave if you wish, Mister Abercromby, but I will NOT,\u201d Myra declared loftily. \u201cThis courthouse is a PUBLIC place . . . I have every right to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben glanced up and saw John Faraday\u2019s secretary, Elmer McFarlane standing over him. \u201cYes, Elmer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe judge has your marriage license drawn up and ready for you and Miss Ashcroft to sign,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cCome along, Mister Abercromby,\u201d Myra ordered, as she started down the corridor toward Judge Faraday\u2019s office.<\/p>\n Ezekeil shot Ben and Judith a resigned, apologetic look, before falling in behind Myra Danvers.<\/p>\n Ben sighed as he turned to gallantly help Judith rise. \u201cMiss Ashcroft, I truly am very sorry,\u201d he apologized. \u201cI had no intention of making this the three ring circus it\u2019s become.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not YOUR fault, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Judith said as she rose, her voice tremulous. She walked meekly along side him down the long corridor toward John Faraday\u2019s office, feeling like a lamb being lead away to the slaughter.<\/p>\n Upon reaching the office of Judge Faraday, Ben and Judith found Myra Danvers and Ezekeil Abercromby waiting. The prospective bride and groom signed the marriage license, without sparing their two unwanted guests a single glance.<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent!\u201d Myra crowed. Ezekeil looked away in abject humiliation. \u201cLet\u2019s get on with it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJohn, my son, Hoss, had trouble navigating past all of the people milling about in the street outside the courthouse,\u201d Ben said, directing a venomous glare in Myra Danvers\u2019 general direction. \u201cHe should be along shortly. I\u2019d like to wait for him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI protest,\u201d Myra said immediately. \u201cThis is a stall tactic, pure and simple. I say let\u2019s get on with it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Danvers, PLEASE!\u201d Ezekeil begged. \u201cSurely you\u2019re not going to begrudge Mister Cartwright the right to have his own son present . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJudge Faraday, what say YOU in this matter?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI say we wait for Hoss,\u201d John said.<\/p>\n Hoss arrived a few moments later, with Roy Coffee following behind. \u201cSorry, it took me so long, Pa,\u201d the former quickly apologized.<\/p>\n \u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, John?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you expecting Joe and Stacy as well?\u201d the judge asked.<\/p>\n Ben sadly shook his head. \u201cNo. Joe and Stacy won\u2019t be attending,\u201d he replied in a voice, barely audible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bradley Meredith, meanwhile, tethered his horse to the tree, a young tree, growing nearest the tiny house in which Judith Ashcroft had lived throughout most of her tenure as teacher at the Virginia City School, then bounded up the stairs with all the exuberance of a schoolboy, leaving the classroom on the last day of school, before summer vacation. Smiling, his heart light, at the prospect of seeing Judy again after being away three long, interminable days, he balled his fist and pounded on the door, his excitement barely contained.<\/p>\n No answer.<\/p>\n Bradley knocked again, his smile, his eager anticipation never wavering.<\/p>\n Again, no answer.<\/p>\n Frowning, Bradley reached into the pocket of his vest and pulled out his watch. He flipped up the cover as saw that the time was a few minutes past the half hour. \u201cOf course,\u201d he mused with a smile. She would be at the school this time of day. For a moment, he considered riding over to the school house and fetching her, but immediately decided against it. That course of action would attract far too much attention, given the fact that the Cartwrights had to be prime suspects in that stage robbery. He would be far better off waiting here. The house was just outside of town, set back away from the road and from eyes too quick to see and ever quicker to pry into the private affairs of their fellow men. He and Judy could very easily lie low here, then leave for Carson City first thing in the morning. From there, they could take the next stage out, destination . . . wherever, just so long as it took them far away from Virginia City and the State of Nevada.<\/p>\n Now that his and Judy\u2019s immediate plans were settled in his own mind, Bradley pulled a key out of his pants pocket and slipped it into the lock. Upon entering the house, he was surprised to find that the painting, a seascape that Judy had hung above the fireplace mantle in the tiny living room, was gone. It had been painted a fair number of years ago, supposedly by a great uncle, and it was all she had left of the parents who had died so tragically, leaving her orphaned so young. He knew how she greatly treasured it. He, then, noticed that the books she had crammed into the built in shelves on either side of the fireplace, were also gone, along with a couple of pieces of porcelain bric-a-brac, she had kept on the mantle.<\/p>\n A troubled frown deepened the lines and creases of his brow, as he turned to survey the rest of the living room. The furniture was all there, each thing in its proper place. Of course the house had come furnished. But the small things were missing, like the cushions on the settee, with needle pointed flowers, hand stitched by Judy herself, and the hand crocheted afghan, a gift from a student.<\/p>\n Bradley, with heart in mouth, turned heel and ran into the bedroom. There he found the wardrobe doors standing wide open, its cavernous interior completely empty. The dresser, sitting against the wall next to the wardrobe, had the three largest drawers sitting open, empty of their contents. He found the two small top drawers sitting on top of the dresser, one piled on top of another, and the drawer normally beneath they lying on top of the bed upside down. The bed had been completely stripped of its linens, and dust ruffle. The oval shaped rag rug was also gone, and upon checking the dressing room, he found her towels, bathrobe, and nightgown missing as well.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley turned upon hearing and recognizing the voice of Russell Churley, the rat faced little man, who was Judy\u2019s landlord.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing of hers left here,\u201d Russell said tersely. \u201cMy wife and I cleared out everything that belonged to her and set it outside on the front stoop. If anything was stolen . . . . \u201d He shrugged. \u201cI can\u2019t be held responsible for what others might do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is she?\u201d Bradley demanded, his voice tight with anger. \u201cWhy did she leave?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have no idea where Miss Ashcroft has gone, nor do I much care,\u201d Russell said, his nose wrinkling with obvious distaste. \u201cI HAD assumed that you had taken her to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy would I have taken her to the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I had to evict her for non-payment of rent for the last six months.\u201d Before Russell Churley realized what had happened, he found himself being lifted off the floor, his face less than an inch from Bradley Meredith\u2019s. He flinched away from the intense anger in the big, silver haired man\u2019s dark eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou lying little toad,\u201d Bradley spat, \u201cJudy\u2019s rent was current. She paid on time every single month she lived here without fail and well you know it. So help me if anything\u2019s happened to her\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPut him down, Mister Meredith.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking past the frightened Russell Churley, he saw Stacy Cartwright standing framed in the open door to what was Judy\u2019s bedroom.<\/p>\n \u201cI probably ought to let you pound Mister Churley for evicting Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Stacy continued as she stepped into the room, \u201cbut we don\u2019t have time for that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is she?\u201d Bradley demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s been out at the Ponderosa with us,\u201d Stacy replied.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded.<\/p>\n Bradley\u2019s heart sank. He never in a million years dreamed that Ben Cartwright, the real one, would actually move in and beat his time with Judy. Perhaps, all things considered it was for the best. A life on the run was no proper life for a sweet, genteel lady like her. Though he was loath to admit it, Bradley knew that the man he so closely resembled could take care of her and provide for her in the manner she certainly more than deserved, after a lifetime of hardship and deprivation. \u201cI guess that\u2019s that,\u201d he murmured sadly, as he dropped Russell Churley to the floor like a sack of potatoes. \u201cI guess I\u2019d best be going, then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoing?!\u201d Stacy echoed in dismay. She moved, planting her body right smack in the middle of his path, effectively barring him from the door. \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAway,\u201d he snapped, giving vent to the grief and anger within him, \u201csomeplace FAR away, well out of your sheriff\u2019s jurisdiction.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about Miss Ashcroft?\u201d Stacy pressed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can assure your father that I won\u2019t trouble her anymore,\u201d he replied. \u201cAs for Judy . . . . \u201d his manner softened. \u201cTell Judy I honestly and truly wish her the best.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow if you would please stand aside . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Stacy stood unmoving, unsure of what to do next.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Cartwright,\u201d he said through clenched teeth, \u201cI said before that I have no desire to hurt you, and I meant it. However, if you do NOT move aside\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201c****!\u201d Stacy spat her own growing ire and frustration in Paiute, stamping her foot at the same time. \u201cYou CAN\u2019T go!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and why NOT? I have nothing to keep me here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have Miss Ashcroft, you stupid idiot! She LOVES you! I thought . . . I was HOPING that YOU loved HER, too!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhether I love her or not is a moot point,\u201d Bradley growled. \u201cThe real crux of the matter is that she loves your father\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDAMMIT!\u201d Stacy shouted at the top of her lungs. \u201cSHE DOES NOT LOVE MY PA!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTHEN WHY HAS SHE TAKEN UP WITH HIM?\u201d Bradley shouted back.<\/p>\n \u201cSHE DIDN\u2019T!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTHEN WHY DID SHE TAKE UP RESIDENCE AT THE PONDEROSA?! YOU TOLD ME THAT YOURSELF, YOUNG LADY\u2014 \u201d His words ended on an agonized, astonished primal bellow when Stacy kicked him hard in the shins.<\/p>\n \u201cI HATE it when people call me a lady!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy you little—I oughtta turn you right over my knee and whale the daylights out of you!\u201d Bradley declared vehemently as he bent down to massage his aching leg.<\/p>\n \u201cNow you listen to me and you listen good!\u201d Stacy growled back, unmoved by his threats. \u201cMiss Ashcroft loves you. The only reason she\u2019s been with US at the Ponderosa is because this . . . this . . . *****,\u201d she spat out another Paiute word, as she inclined her head toward Russell Churley, standing huddled in a corner, all but forgotten, \u201cwrongly evicted her and she had no place ELSE to go.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s also going to have a baby . . . YOUR baby, only everybody ELSE thinks my pa is the father because the two of you look so much alike,\u201d Stacy continued. \u201cRight now, Miss Ashcroft and Pa are probably at the courthouse because Mrs. Danvers is MAKING them get married.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT?!\u201d Bradley roared.<\/p>\n \u201cYOU HEARD ME!\u201d Stacy returned without missing a beat.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn!\u201d Bradley muttered, as he climbed up onto his horse. \u201cI\u2019ve GOT to stop that wedding! All right, Miss Cartwright, let\u2019s go. I need YOU to show me the way to the courthouse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow that\u2019s the first intelligent thing I\u2019ve heard you say all day,\u201d Stacy said grimly. \u201cI only hope we\u2019re NOT too late.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe Cartwright, meanwhile, brought Cochise to a screeching halt in front of the sheriff\u2019s office and dismounted, all in the same quick, fluid movement. He quickly tethered his pinto to the hitching post, then bolted through the door, moving at a dead run.<\/p>\n \u201cSHERIFF COFFEE?!\u201d he yelled as he ran inside. He turned and found Clem Foster, the deputy, seated behind the sheriff\u2019s desk. \u201cClem, where\u2019s Sheriff Coffee?\u201d he demanded, frantically.<\/p>\n \u201cSheriff Coffee left just a short while ago\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019d he go?\u201d Joe snapped out the question.<\/p>\n \u201cTo the courthouse,\u201d Clem replied. \u201cSeems there\u2019s quite a disturbance goin\u2019 on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no, the courthouse!\u201d Joe groaned, suddenly remembering his father\u2019s and Miss Ashcroft\u2019s scheduled nuptials. \u201cI plum forgot!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, is . . . is everything all right?\u201d Clem asked, noting the youngest Cartwright\u2019s mussed hair, his pale face covered with a layer of grime overlaid by a sheen of perspiration, and his shirt tail half tucked in, half out.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I don\u2019t have much time to explain, but you\u2019ve GOT to find Stacy,\u201d Joe said, breathless. \u201cShe and I ended up spending the night in the hideout of the crooks who held up that stage day before yesterday. Their accomplice is STILL there, tied up\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n Clem immediately rose and walked out from around the desk. \u201cSit down, Joe, and take a deep breath,\u201d he admonished the youngest of Ben Cartwright\u2019s sons. He sat Joe down in one of the hard backed chairs facing the desk, then walked over to the stove and poured a cup of coffee from the pot warming on top. \u201cHere,\u201d he said, shoving the cup into Joe\u2019s hands. \u201cPerhaps you\u2019d best start at the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe closed his eyes and took a deep breath. \u201cStacy and I found the hideout of the men who robbed that stage day before yesterday,\u201d he began.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe old Haines place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre they still there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne of \u2018em is,\u201d Joe replied. He took a big gulp from the cup in hand, wincing against its strong, bitter taste. \u201cLi-Xing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing\u2019s nephew?\u201d Clem queried, aghast.<\/p>\n Joe nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you bring him in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I have to find STACY,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cWe were surprised when the stage robbers returned. One of \u2018em, a big guy, dead ringer for Hoss, came up from behind and hit her over the head. His brother, the one who looks like ME, tied me up, then someone hit me over the head, too. This was yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are these men now?\u201d Clem asked.<\/p>\n \u201cXing\u2019s back at the Haines place,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI left him there, still tied up. The man who looks like Pa . . . HE\u2019S the man who, ummm . . . . \u201d He felt a sudden rush of blood to his face, much to his horror and chagrin. \u201c . . . well, uuhhh . . . YOU know . . . with Miss Ashcroft. Xing told Stacy and me that Bradley Meredith had come back to town to find her.\u201d He scowled. \u201cMy hot headed, impulsive sister ran off after him before I could finish untying my ankles.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have any idea where this Bradley Meredith and Stacy may have gone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably to the place Miss Ashcroft\u2019s been renting from Mister Churley.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, YOU wait here, I\u2019ll go check that out,\u201d Clem said grimly. \u201cI\u2019ll also send a man out to collect Xing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cClem, I can\u2019t stay here,\u201d Joe said rising. He downed the last of the coffee in a single gulp, and handed the cup back to the deputy. \u201cI gotta get to the courthouse . . . be there for Pa. You got a bit of water I can splash on my face?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll find a pitcher on the floor, on the other side of the stove,\u201d Clem replied. \u201cI\u2019ll look for you later at the courthouse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n After Clem left, Joe located the pitcher of water and poured out as much as his cupped hand would hold, then splashed it on his face. He walked over to the cracked, grimy mirror, hanging on the wall near the door. There, he quickly removed his shirt and mopped it over his face. Instead of removing the sweat and grime, he had only succeeded in moving it around, spreading it across his face more evenly. He splashed another handful of water onto his face, then yet another.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess that\u2019s good enough for government work,\u201d he sighed, after mopping his face for the third time. Joe quickly slipped his shirt back on. He, then, turned to glance up at the wall clock hanging directly behind Roy Coffee\u2019s desk, while running his fingers through the disorderly tangle of chestnut brown curls. \u201cIf I hurry, I think I got just enough time to buy a clean shirt and a tie.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe burst out of the sheriff\u2019s office and strode briskly over toward Cochise, still tethered to the hitching post.<\/p>\n \u201cLITTLE JOE! LITTLE JOE, WAIT!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stopped mid-stride and whirled in his tracks upon hearing and recognizing the voice of Hop Sing\u2019s father, Hop Ling. \u201cSorry, Hop Ling, I don\u2019t have time to stop and chat right now,\u201d he said as he placed his hands on the saddle and prepared to swing himself up.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease,\u201d Hop Ling pressed, drawing up along side the youngest Cartwright son. \u201cUrgent. Must listen.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe opened his mouth to retort, but something in the elderly man\u2019s face and eyes cause the words to die a quick and sudden death before he could give them utterance.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, Hop Ling must see Li Hsing, right away, right now. Hop Ling think he see statues.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYin-Ling\u2019s dowry?\u201d Joe queried in surprise.<\/p>\n Hop Ling nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBig house, where Mister Sutcliff live. Hop Ling see when take clean laundry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure?\u201d Joe pressed.<\/p>\n \u201cNot sure. That why Hop Ling need to see Hsing. Then Hsing come, see statues, know for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou got your buckboard close by?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n Hop Ling nodded. \u201cBuckboard just around corner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Joe said, the wheels of his mind spinning a million miles a minute. His father\u2019s and Miss Ashcroft\u2019s wedding was suddenly all but forgotten. \u201cHsing\u2019s probably out at the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c . . . if any man can show just cause as to why this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, let him speak now or forever hold his peace,\u201d Judge John Faraday intoned reluctantly, his heart going out to his old friend, Ben Cartwright, and the sad young woman standing next to him. He paused, as a formality.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you stopping?\u201d Myra Danvers demanded. \u201cGet ON with it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Danvers, I am conducting this marriage ceremony, NOT you,\u201d John returned in a cold, imperious tone, \u201cand for the record, I do this under duress.\u201d<\/p>\n Myra stared up at the judge open mouthed with shock.<\/p>\n \u201cOne MORE word from you, Ma\u2019am, and I will have you removed, if I have to bodily pick you up myself and carry you out myself.\u201d<\/p>\n Myra\u2019s mouth immediately snapped shut. She favored Judge Faraday with a murderous, indignant scowl.<\/p>\n \u201cNow where was I?\u201d John asked himself, returning Myra Danvers\u2019 glare with an equally ferocious one of his own. \u201cOh yes! If any man can show just cause as to why this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, let him speak now or forever hold his peace.\u201d<\/p>\n The sounds of men\u2019s voices raised in anger and protest could be heard from the office of Elmer McFarlane, the judge\u2019s secretary. Ben frowned, upon recognizing his daughter\u2019s voice in the mix as well. The door burst open.<\/p>\n \u201cNow hold on,\u201d Elmer hotly protested. \u201cYou CAN\u2019T go in there.\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley Meredith burst into Judge Faraday\u2019s office without breaking stride, despite the fact that Elmer was clinging hard to the hem of his jacket for dear life. Stacy Cartwright followed right on their heels.<\/p>\n \u201cYour Honor, I object!\u201d Bradley declared vehemently.<\/p>\n Myra Danvers and Ezekiel Abercromby stared from Ben to Bradley, and back again to Ben, their faces twin masks of shock, horror, and sheer astonishment.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Meredith, I presume?\u201d Ben queried sardonically, as he favored his \u2018evil twin\u2019 with a dark angry glare.<\/p>\n \u201cSir, on what grounds do you contest this marriage between Mister Cartwright and Miss Ashcroft?\u201d the judge asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the grounds that I am the father of her child, NOT Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n Judith, her eyes round with shocked astonishment, quietly left Ben\u2019s side and walked over toward Bradley Meredith. \u201cMister Meredith . . . or whoever you are, I want you to look at me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJudy, I\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour Honor, Mister Meredith speaks true,\u201d Judith said, her voice trembling. \u201cHe IS the father of my child.\u201d With that, she suddenly burst into tears.<\/p>\n \u201cJohn, I\u2019d like to suggest that the rest of us adjourn to Elmer\u2019s office to allow Miss Ashcroft and Mister Meredith some privacy,\u201d Ben said quietly. \u201cI have a feeling they have much to talk about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn excellent suggestion, Ben,\u201d John agreed wholeheartedly. \u201cMister Meredith and Miss Ashcroft, feel free to take all the time you need. The rest of us will be out here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Bradley said gratefully, as he slipped his arms around Judith.<\/p>\n Ben left the judge\u2019s office first, with Hoss and Stacy following behind him. Roy Coffee followed next, shaking his head in wonder and complete bewilderment. Myra Danvers, her face pale and bearing painfully stiff, followed behind the sheriff, with a crimson faced Ezekiel Abercromby bringing up the rear.<\/p>\n \u201cStacy Rose Cartwright . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Stacy swallowed nervously, as her father\u2019s use of first, middle, and last names fell on her ears. After being out all night TWO nights in a row, to say she was in hot water clear up over her head would be the understatement of the year. \u201cPa, I\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . thank the Good Lord you\u2019re all right,\u201d Ben said, his voice shaking, as he caught his daughter up in a big, grateful, enthusiastic bear hug.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m ok, Pa,\u201d Stacy said, bewildered and vastly relieved, as she slipped her arms around Ben\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n Ben held her for a moment longer, then set her away just enough to look her in the eyes, keeping his hands firmly planted on her shoulders. \u201cYou and your brother gave me quite a fright last night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa. We ONLY meant to find Xing and their hideout,\u201d Stacy apologized with genuine, heartfelt remorse. \u201cWe also knew we\u2019d find Mister Meredith.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStacy, he\u2019s a wanted criminal,\u201d Ben hastened to point out. \u201cDo you have any idea how foolhardy and dangerous that was? You and your brother could have been hurt . . . or worse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I guess I didn\u2019t think about all that,\u201d Stacy admitted, her voice tremulous. \u201cI only knew I had to do SOMETHING to stop you and Miss Ashcroft from making a real big mistake. If it hadn\u2019t been for me in the first place\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I told you that none of this was your fault, Young Woman,\u201d Ben chided her gently.<\/p>\n \u201cYou did, Pa, but . . . I couldn\u2019t help feeling somehow responsible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKinda funny the way everyone feels responsible, except the individual who precipitated all this . . . . \u201d Ben acerbically observed, with a pointed glare over in the general direction of Myra Danvers.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and what\u2019s THAT supposed to mean?!\u201d Myra demanded in a lofty, imperious tone, meeting Ben\u2019s withering glare with a ferocious one of her own.<\/p>\n Ben gave Stacy an affectionate, reassuring squeeze, then let her go. \u201cI think my meaning\u2019s perfectly clear, Mrs. Danvers,\u201d he replied, focusing his attention squarely on self-righteously indignant woman standing before him, her massive bosom heaving and her eyes smoldering with rage. Behind him, Hoss and Stacy exchanged nervous glances upon recognizing that very quiet tone of voice by which their father spoke as the deadly calm before the breaking of a ferocious thunderstorm.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, everything I did was in the interests of safeguarding the moral sensibilities of this community,\u201d Myra declared, as she slowly folded her arms across her chest, \u201cespecially the innocent, highly impressionable young minds of . . . of . . . that woman\u2019s students, particularly the young ladies in this community. I will NOT apologize for that, and if I had it to do over, I would do the exact same thing.\u201d This last she delivered with an emphatic nod of her head.<\/p>\n \u201cSafeguarding the moral sensibilities of one\u2019s community is all very well and good,\u201d Ben allowed, \u201cbut when you blatantly ignore the weightier issues . . . like justice, mercy, humility . . . and love, all of your actions, though intended for good, become twisted into a great and terrible EVIL, bringing nothing but misery and heartache for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n Two bright, irregularly shaped spots of crimson appeared, amid Myra\u2019s pallid complexion, one on each cheek. Her mouth thinned to a near lipless, near straight angry line, and her entire body, though held rigidly stiff, began to tremble. \u201cBy appearing before her class, day after day after day, in her delicate condition . . . she was setting an atrocious example for her students, most especially for the young ladies in her class . . . young ladies like your own daughter, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Myra stoutly, obstinately maintained.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen Miss Ashcroft learned that she was with child, she tended her resignation, effective immediately,\u201d Ben said. \u201cShe made the decision to enter into what would have truly been a mockery of the sacred bonds of marriage . . . not out of any great love for me, but out of concern for my daughter. Miss Ashcroft, bless her heart, grew up in a place very much like the one your cousin runs out in Ohio. She not only wanted to spare Stacy from the possibility of suffering the same fate— \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHad your daughter been placed in the custody of my cousin in the first place, I daresay she would have turned out all the better for it,\u201d Myra declared, rudely cutting him off, mid-sentence. \u201cVivian . . . Mrs. Crawleigh is the kindest, the most loving, selfless, woman I have EVER known. Stacy would have benefited far more from HER example than from any set by that . . . that . . . that common whore, who has the audacity to pass herself off as a school teacher.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve met your cousin, Mrs. Danvers,\u201d Ben countered, his voice rising slightly. \u201cI found her to be a mean, nasty, cruel, spiteful, vindictive woman . . . a monster from hell, as my daughter has so aptly put it . . . who, to be brutally frank, has no damned business being a caretaker of children.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the years my daughter has been with me and her brothers, I\u2019ve seen her grow into a very loving, kind, gracious young woman . . . strong . . . courageous . . . full of mischief sometimes . . . honest . . . willing to take up for those who, for whatever reason, can\u2019t take up for themselves . . . with a fierce, independent spirit that makes my heart soar. I shudder to think WHAT would have happened to her . . . how terribly she would have suffered . . . had the fort commander granted THAT WOMAN custody of Stacy instead of me.<\/p>\n \u201cNow . . . as just about everyone in Virginia City knows, I WAS a sailor once. I\u2019ve sailed around the world two, maybe three times over at the very least,\u201d he continued, \u201cand I\u2019ve seen a lot of what humanity as to offer, the good and the bad.\u201d He paused briefly, to allow her to absorb the import of his words. \u201cI honestly thought that when I met your cousin that I had met just about the worst humanity had to offer. I was wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n With each word Ben spoke, Myra\u2019s eyes grew rounder and rounder. She had unfolded her arms and slowly drawn the fingers of both hands together, one finger at a time, into a pair of tightly clenched, rock hard fists. \u201cI don\u2019t know WHAT you\u2019re implying, Mister Cartwright— \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, I\u2019ll say it plain,\u201d Ben said, his voice low and even, the scowl on his face deepening. \u201cYou had the chance to show mercy, even as you did what was just.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMeaning?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . meaning that you and the other members of the school board could have . . . in fact SHOULD have . . . dealt with Miss Ashcroft\u2019s resignation and the circumstances that lead up to it . . . privately, as Mrs. Wilkens and Mister McFarlane suggested.\u201d<\/p>\n Myra favored Ben with the unblinking stare of a snake, slowly, inexorably closing in on a trapped mouse. \u201cAre you saying that you APPROVE of Miss Ashcroft\u2019s behavior?\u201d she demanded in a tone of voice that dripped icicles.<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cthough I have to bear in mind that her genuine love for Mister Meredith led her to make the choices she did . . . and out of concern for the example she WAS setting for her students, she immediately resigned her position as school teacher. YOU, on the other hand . . . refused to be satisfied with anything less than dragging Miss Ashcroft\u2019s good name through the mud . . . and mine, too . . . before the eyes and in the hearing of everyone living in this community, using the most blunt language imaginable to further shame and humiliate.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, speaking for myself, I might have forgiven the aspersions cast on my name, character, and reputation . . . given sufficient time,\u201d Ben continued. \u201cBut that wasn\u2019t enough for ya, was it? Oooh NO! You had to lash out at my daughter, too, threatening HER with the prospect of being placed in the custody of that . . . that . . . cousin of yours! Do you have any idea . . . any idea at all how terrified Stacy was at the prospect?! My daughter, like every other child, has the right to feel secure within her own home . . . within the circle of those she calls her family. For three days . . . YOU took that away from her!<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and THAT, Mrs. Danvers . . . is something I\u2019ll never countenance or forgive!\u201d<\/p>\n Mrs. Danvers stood, her entire body rigidly stiff, unmoving, with a baleful glare fixed on Ben. Her lower jaw flapped up and down, though no sound issued forth.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss . . . Stacy . . . . \u201d Ben turned to address his son and daughter in a kindlier tone of voice. \u201cWhy don\u2019t the three of us wait outside? I don\u2019t know about the two of you, but I could sure use a nice breath of fresh air . . . . \u201d The last two words were spoken with a pointed glare aimed square at Myra Danvers\u2019 face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I love you, Pa,\u201d Stacy said very quietly the minute they stepped outside the courthouse, where John Faraday\u2019s office was located. Acting purely on impulse, she slipped her arms around his waist and gently squeezed.<\/p>\n \u201cStacy Cartwright, what\u2019s all this?\u201d Ben queried gently, taking due note that her eyes shone more brightly than usual and that they blinked excessively.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, did you . . . did you really mean all those things you said about me to . . . to . . . the cousin of the monster from hell?!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled and hugged her tight for a moment. \u201cI love you, too, Stacy . . . and yes! I meant every last word. THAT\u2019S why you, your brother, and I need to sit down and have a heart to heart talk about the pair of you being detectives in your spare time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Stacy replied, wiping her eyes on the edge of her sleeve. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I . . . that I worried you last night . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d Ben said quietly. \u201cI ALSO want you to know that I\u2019m very glad . . . and very grateful you DID find that scalawag and bring him in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2019s right, Li\u2019l Sister, you did real good,\u201d Hoss declared, grinning from ear-to-ear himself, \u201cand I\u2019M real proud of ya, too.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy hugged Ben again, while reaching out to pull her big brother into the family circle. \u201cThanks, Pa . . . Hoss. Even if I end up with no allowance, and being restricted to the house, yard, and barn for the next month of Sundays, it\u2019ll be well worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t for the life o\u2019 me figure out how y\u2019 did it, but I\u2019M glad ya convinced Mister Meredith t\u2019 come back, too, Stacy . . . for your pa\u2019s sake,\u201d Roy said, as he stepped outside onto the small porch at the courthouse entrance.<\/p>\n \u201cHe came back with me because he loves Miss Ashcroft,\u201d Stacy said quietly. \u201cWhen I told him about this shotgun wedding, wild horses couldn\u2019t have kept him back. Blaze Face and I were pretty hard pressed to keep up with him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope you\u2019re right, Young Woman,\u201d Ben said quietly, \u201cfor Miss Ashcroft\u2019s sake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAfter Mister Meredith \u2018n Miss Ashcroft\u2019re through talkin\u2019, I\u2019m gonna hafta arrest him,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n Stacy\u2019s face fell.<\/p>\n \u201cHe IS a wanted man, Stacy,\u201d Ben gently reminded her . . . .<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For a time, Judith Ashcroft and Bradley Meredith clung to each other for dear life, kissing each other ardently and repeatedly.<\/p>\n \u201cJudy . . . Judy, Darling, why didn\u2019t you tell me . . . about the baby . . . about OUR baby?\u201d Bradley demanded between kisses. \u201cI would never . . . never have left you alone . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know myself,\u201d she replied, \u201cnot really . . . until a few days ago, when I fainted in the middle of arithmetic class. Stacy Cartwright and her friends, Molly O\u2019Hanlan and Susannah O\u2019Brien stepped in and summoned Doctor Martin. He examined me and . . . well, the rest, as they say is history.\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley hugged her closer. \u201cThank God, Stacy found me in time to tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAmen to that!\u201d Judith murmured with equal heartfelt gratitude.<\/p>\n \u201cJudy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Be\u2014uuhhh . . . Bradley?\u201d That was going to take a bit of getting used to . . . calling the love of her life by his rightful name.<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow did I know . . . what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell . . . that Ben Cartwright wasn\u2019t me,\u201d Bradley asked. \u201cWe look so much alike we could pass for identical twins. I\u2019ve fooled people more than once on that score.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you\u2019ll never fool ME, Bradley Meredith!\u201d Judith declared stoutly. \u201cNot now, not ever!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n Judith smiled and pulled away from him just enough to gaze up into his face and his eyes. \u201cI look into Mister Cartwright\u2019s eyes, I see the father of one of my pupils . . . FORMER pupils,\u201d she said quietly. \u201cI look into yours . . . I see the man who has been steadily and pretty relentlessly courting me ever since that \u2018parent\u2019-teacher conference you and I had regarding Stacy . . . I also see the passionate lover who so thoroughly and so gloriously ravished me when we went on that picnic, who\u2019s been so tender and wonderful all the other times we\u2019ve made love . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Suddenly, with a heart wrenching sob she wrapped her arms very tightly around his waist and buried her head against his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cJudy . . . Darling, what is it?\u201d Bradley asked, troubled himself by her sudden distress.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I just realized . . . the minute we step through those doors? Sheriff C-Coffee\u2019s going to arrest you . . . put you in jail, and . . . and after the trial, you may end up in prison\u2014Oh, Bradley, I . . . I don\u2019t want to be apart from you f-for so long,\u201d Judith sobbed.<\/p>\n \u201cJudy, it may NOT be for very long,\u201d Bradley desperately tried to reassure the distraught woman sobbing so grievously in his arms. \u201cI\u2019ve as good as turned myself in when I came back to stop the marriage ceremony between you and Mister Cartwright. I also intend to cooperate with the sheriff, and tell him where to find the stolen goods. All that plus time off for good behavior . . . I shouldn\u2019t be in prison for more than a year . . . maybe not even THAT long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . want y-you with me when . . . when our baby is born. If y-you . . . if you g-go to prison\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want to be with you, too, Darling, but it\u2019s for you and our child I have to turn myself in. A life on the road, always running, always looking over our shoulders . . . that\u2019s no life for a child, and its no life for you either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-You\u2019re sure it . . . it won\u2019t be any more than a year?\u201d Judith asked.<\/p>\n \u201cIf that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan we . . . can we arrange t-to be . . . . married before\u2014?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely!\u201d Bradley declared, his arms about her tightening gently. \u201cI almost lost you today. I would have if . . . if Stacy Cartwright hadn\u2019t found me by whatever sheer stroke of good fortune. Now that we\u2019re back together, I want to make sure I can\u2019t EVER lose you.\u201d<\/p>\n They kissed, ardently and passionately.<\/p>\n \u201cI love you, Judy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and I love YOU, Bradley.\u201d<\/p>\n He kissed her again. \u201cYou don\u2019t know how much I\u2019ve longed to hear my real name on your lips,\u201d he whispered as he once more held her close, committing to memory the warmth of her body so close to his own, every plane, every curve, the heaviness of her head resting against his chest, the faint lingering scent of lemon verbena in her hair. \u201cJudy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Darling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI need to give you something,\u201d he said, as he reached into his pocket with one hand, while keeping the other firmly about her waist. He drew out a black, silk bag with a tasseled draw string, and placed it in her hands. \u201cThere\u2019s over thirty thousand dollars in this bag, My Love. I want you to take it, use what you need for you and for our child while . . . while I\u2019m away. But, you must promise me that you\u2019ll tell no one you have this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI promise not to tell any one about this bag, Bradley, nor will I ask you any questions about how you came by this,\u201d Judith said firmly, as she dabbed the last of the tears from her eyes. \u201cBut, this is the last time I make any promises about asking questions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair enough, Darling. Rest assured that I have enough put by to give us . . . you, me, and our child a fresh start anywhere . . . anywhere you wish to go,\u201d Bradley said as he placed the black bag into her hands.<\/p>\n Judith opened her pocketbook and nestled the silk bag safely inside.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you ready to face the world, My Love?\u201d Bradley asked, as he took her hand and gently tucked it into the crook of his elbow.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m ready, Darling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBradley Meredith, you\u2019re under arrest,\u201d Roy Coffee said briskly, the instant Bradley and Judith stepped together, arm-in-arm, through the courthouse doors out into the light of day. \u201cThe charge is theft.\u201d<\/p>\n Bradley nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll need t\u2019 take your gun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d Bradley Meredith unbuckled the gun belt from around his waist and surrendered it to the sheriff. He also removed his derringer from its customary place, in the inside pocket of his jacket, and handed it over to Roy Coffee as well.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, would you mind holdin\u2019 on t\u2019 these?\u201d Roy asked, as he held out the weapons, already taken from his prisoner.<\/p>\n Ben nodded, taking the proffered derringer, revolver, and gun belt from the sheriff.<\/p>\n Roy quickly searched his prisoner for other weapons, finding none. \u201cAlright, Mister Meredith, let\u2019s go.\u201d He took Bradley by the arm and led him out of the courthouse, down the street, toward the jail. Judith Ashcroft walked along, on the other side of the prisoner, his hand tightly clasped in her own. Ben, still holding on to the weapons Roy Coffee had taken from his prisoner, followed behind, with Hoss, and Stacy trotting along at his heels.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMister Meredith, did you rob the Overland stage day before yesterday?\u201d Roy Coffee asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Two associates also participated in the stage robbery,\u201d Bradley Meredith replied. He sat on the bunk within his jail cell, with his arm around Judith Ashcroft\u2019s shoulders. She held his other hand sandwiched between both of her own.<\/p>\n \u201cWho were your associates?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t name my associates,\u201d Bradley replied. \u201cI will only say that I chose them for this job because of their strong resemblance to Mister Cartwright\u2019s two younger sons.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can tell you who they were,\u201d Stacy declared, favoring Bradley with a murderous glare. \u201cTheir last name was Slade. They were brothers. One of \u2018em, the smaller of the two told us his name was James Slade, that his friends call him Shorty Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n Sheriff Coffee looked over at her in surprise. \u201cStacy Cartwright, would you mind tellin\u2019 me how YOU happened t\u2019 git involved with these scoundrels?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI figured out where their hideout was,\u201d Stacy replied.<\/p>\n \u201cAll by yourself, Young Woman?\u201d Ben queried, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, uhhhh . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t think so,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n \u201cWho else was helpin\u2019 ya, Stacy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor Foote!\u201d she said a bit too quickly in her unwillingness to implicate her brother. \u201cI found his book up in the attic when we brought down all the tree decorations last Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor Foote?!\u201d Roy echoed with a bewildered frown. \u201cWho in Sam Hill is Professor Foote?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou remember the time Hoss and Joe got themselves into a world of trouble trying to catch a couple of bank robbers?\u201d Ben asked with a touch of asperity.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll never forget it,\u201d Roy declared, his scowl deepening.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor Foote wrote the book that gave them all those wild ideas on how to go about catching criminals,\u201d Ben continued.<\/p>\n \u201cLike spendin\u2019 all night shovelin\u2019 mud around the bank buildin\u2019?\u201d [12]<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I put that book up in the attic, when OBVIOUSLY I\u2019d have been better off dropping it out in the middle of Lake Tahoe,\u201d he said, directing a meaningful glare in his daughter\u2019s general direction. \u201cStacy . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho ELSE helped you figure out where the thieves hideout was BESIDES Professor Foote?\u201d Ben pressed.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Pa, I can rat out on Mister Meredith\u2019s associates, but not on mine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps I can answer your question, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Bradley Meredith spoke up. \u201cThere was a young man with her, just under six feet tall, with brown, curly hair, wearing a green jacket. Does THAT help you in any way?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Meredith, thank you. That was VERY helpful,\u201d Ben said, glaring at his daughter, who in turn, shot Bradley a look meant to kill.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may consider THAT payback for the kick in the shins, Miss Cartwright,\u201d Bradley said sardonically.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes went round with astonishment and not a little trepidation. \u201cStacy . . . you . . . actually . . . kicked him . . . . ?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe INSULTED me, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat must\u2019ve been some insult,\u201d Ben mused thoughtfully. \u201cWhat did he say that you found so offensive?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe called me a lady,\u201d Stacy replied in a withering tone.<\/p>\n \u201cHoo-wheee! . . . and you\u2019re still walkin\u2019, Mister Meredith?! You\u2019re lucky my li\u2019l sister here letcha off so easy,\u201d Hoss quipped, not able to quite hide his amused smile.<\/p>\n \u201cStacy, how\u2019d that book help you \u2018n that, ummm ASSOCIATE o\u2019 yours . . . figure out where their hideout was?\u201d Roy asked, steering conversation back to the original topic.<\/p>\n \u201cEasy! It\u2019s in the first chapter,\u201d Stacy replied. \u201cYou have to think like a criminal.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss threw back his head and roared. \u201cTh-Think like a criminal, eh?\u201d he murmured, at length, when at last his mirth began to subside. He shook his head in amazement. \u201cThat can\u2019t be much of a stretch for you \u2018n Li\u2019l Brother, that\u2019s f\u2019r dang sure,\u201d he chuckled, then very quickly sobered upon catching a sharp glare from his father. \u201cOh, uhhh . . . sorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI should hope so,\u201d Ben said stiffly. \u201cI did NOT raise your younger brother and sister to be a pair of criminals.\u201d He, then, turned his attention to his daughter. \u201cAlright, Young Woman, I want you to tell us EVERYTHING, from the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacy nodded, then told them everything, starting with how she and Joe had reached the conclusion of Xing\u2019s involvement. She was careful to omit the part about their visit to Polly McPherson\u2019s establishment, however . . . . \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll tell \u2018em . . . someday . . . in about ten years or so,\u201d she ruminated silently.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, well, well, ain\u2019t this a small world,\u201d Hoss murmured, shaking his head, after Stacy had finished her tale. \u201cAfter all these years, the Slade brothers rear their ugly heads.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know \u2018em, Big Brother?\u201d Stacy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI never met \u2018em, but I think Joe \u2018n me were mistaken for \u2018em by a bunch o\u2019 folks named Hadfield \u2018n McFadden, # that time we went t\u2019 Texas t\u2019 look at some horse stock,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n At that moment, Clem and another deputy, a new man by the name of Wade Johnson, entered the sheriff\u2019s office with a young Chinese man between them. \u201cGood afternoon, Everyone,\u201d Clem said by way of greeting, as he politely touched the rim of his hat. \u201cSheriff Coffee, Wade and I found this man out at the old Haines place. Joe Cartwright told me he was also . . . . \u201d His eyes strayed over to the jail cell with Bradley Meredith and Judith Ashcroft locked together inside. \u201cY-You\u2019ve arrested M-Mister Cartwright and . . . and M-Miss Ashcroft?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWrong on all counts, Clem,\u201d Ben said, coming to stand alongside the perplexed deputy. \u201cThat man you see there is one of the men who REALLY robbed that stage.\u201d<\/p>\n Clem looked from Ben, standing right beside him, to Bradley, safely locked behind bars, then back over to Ben, his eyes round as saucers, and mouth gaping open. \u201cI-I don\u2019t believe it!\u201d he stammered. \u201cNow I understand why those people on that stage thought it was YOU. B-but . . . what about Miss Ashcroft? Surely SHE didn\u2019t . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I most certainly and assuredly did NOT help hold up that stage,\u201d Judith stated clearly and succinctly. \u201cI\u2019m just here visiting my fianc\u00e9.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo what did you \u2018n Wade bring THIS young fella in for?\u201d Roy asked, turning his attention back to his newest prisoner.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. We, uhhh . . . found him . . . out at the Haines place. All trussed up like a calf for branding!\u201d Clem replied, distracted, as he sought to recover a measure of composure. \u201cJoe said we would. He also told me this guy was involved in that stage robbery, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was,\u201d Stacy confirmed. \u201cHe\u2019s the one who told Mister Meredith and the Slades on which stage the Li family dowry was coming into town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYoung Man, you actually helped Mister Meredith and the Slades steal your sister\u2019s dowry?\u201d Ben demanded, staring over at Xing, open mouthed with astonishment.<\/p>\n Yes, I did, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Xing said bitterly, \u201cand if I had it to do all over, I\u2019d do it AGAIN.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all I need to hear,\u201d Roy Coffee said wryly. \u201cWade . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLock him up.\u201d<\/p>\n Wade nodded curtly, then led Xing over to the empty cell.<\/p>\n \u201cThe only other thing that remains, leastwise as far as I\u2019M concerned is . . . where are those statues NOW?\u201d Roy asked, glared at Xing first, then over at Bradley Meredith.<\/p>\n \u201cI sold them, Sheriff,\u201d Bradley Meredith replied.<\/p>\n \u201cTo who?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Geoffrey Sutcliff,\u201d Bradley said, grimacing as if he had just bitten into something with an incredibly nasty taste. \u201cHe and I set the price at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The man has yet to pay what we had agreed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Sutcliff ain\u2019t paid ya for them statues?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has NOT paid the one hundred fifty thousand dollars,\u201d Bradley reiterated with a dark scowl.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes he have the statues?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, indeed he DOES.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow just a durn minute, Mister Meredith,\u201d Hoss growled. \u201cYou REALLY expect us t\u2019 believe a couple o\u2019 no good, ornery gunmen, like the Slade brothers done skipped town withOUT takin\u2019 their cut in the robbery?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI had agreed to meet my associates at a spot previously arranged, so we could divide the money and finally go our separate ways,\u201d Bradley said. \u201cSince obviously I WON\u2019T be showing up . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like the NEXT thing I gotta do is see Mister Sutcliff about acceptin\u2019 stolen goods,\u201d Roy Coffee said grimly.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and WE need to find Joe,\u201d Ben said. \u201cClem?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t you say that JOE told you where to find Xing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir, he did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid he happen to say where he was going?\u201d Ben pressed.<\/p>\n A bewildered frown marred Clem\u2019s brow. \u201cDidn\u2019t you see him over at the courthouse?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Ben replied, unable to completely hold back his growing frustration.<\/p>\n \u201cClem, did Joe actually say that he WAS going to the courthouse?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n Clem nodded. \u201cHe said he had to be there for his pa. Those are his exact words, or close enough to \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe might o\u2019 gotten waylaid along the way, Pa,\u201d Hoss suggested.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m afraid of,\u201d Ben said grimly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mei-Ling slowly paced the floor in the Ponderosa ranch house kitchen, with her face to the floor, wringing her hands every step of the way in utter despair. With her son missing, her beloved grandmother by marriage in the downstairs bedroom, patiently waiting for death to claim her, her husband upstairs, curled up like an unborn baby under the covers of the bed they shared, poor Yin-Ling weeping over the loss of the only man she would ever love in this life time, and immanent loss of the family respect and honor it had taken centuries to build . . . certainly these qualified as being among the darkest hours faced by the LI family, if not the Cartwrights. The soft sound of her brother\u2019s footfalls drew Mei-Ling from her troubled thoughts.<\/p>\n \u201cDid she eat ANYTHING, Hop Sing?\u201d she asked in fluent Chinese. \u201cAnything at ALL?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Hop Sing responded in kind, with a doleful shake of his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNot even a little?\u201d<\/p>\n Again, Hop Sing shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps we SHOULD send for Mister Cartwright\u2019s physician.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t do any good, Mei-Ling. Mrs. Li\u2019s troubles are of the heart, not of the body. There\u2019s no doctor in the world who can help her.\u201d<\/p>\n Mei-Ling\u2019s eyes stung with bitter tears, knowing all too well the truth of his words. \u201cIs there truly NOTHING that can be done?\u201d she asked aloud. \u201cNothing at all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur only hope is to find the stolen dowry, before the betrothal,\u201d Hop Sing replied, as he placed the tray down on the counter, and set himself to the task of clearing away its contents.<\/p>\n \u201cI only wish we knew where to look,\u201d she sighed, as she wiped away the tears from her eyes and cheeks against the palm of her hand.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat of Hsing?\u201d<\/p>\n The question caught Mei-Ling completely by surprise. \u201cWhat OF Hsing?\u201d she demanded favoring her brother with a sharp glare.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is HE in all this? Is he in offering comfort to his venerable grandmother? Is he upstairs maybe, offering comfort to his daughter? Has he offered no comfort to YOU his wife? Has he done anything to find his son OR the jade statues?\u201d Frustrated and anxious himself, Hop Sing launched into an angry tirade.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, please\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHsing is weak, Mei-Ling, though in body he may be a grown man, in mind and in heart, he is a spoiled little boy,\u201d Hop Sing continued. \u201cCountless times, he has betrayed you and cruelly humiliated you with his other women. He brought poverty to the Li family by squandering its entire fortune on strong drink, playing cards, and on his women. He would not even allow you to discipline his son . . . and yours, so Xing has grown up spoiled and lazy\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHOP SING, STOP IT!\u201d Mei-Ling yelled, rudely cutting her brother off at mid-sentence. \u201cJUST STOP IT RIGHT NOW, DO YOU HEAR ME?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy does he just lie around upstairs doing nothing?!\u201d Hop Sing demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is as you say, Hsing IS weak,\u201d Mei-Ling admitted with much reluctance. \u201cHis family was very wealthy. He never HAD to be strong, as you and I had to be strong.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBeing wealthy is no excuse,\u201d Hop Sing argued. \u201cMister Cartwright is a wealthy man, yet HE is strong. His sons and his daughter are also strong. Joe and Stacy, his youngest son and daughter have been trying to find the men who stole the statues. They\u2019ve also been trying to find the man who is father to Miss Ashcroft\u2019s child so that they might restore THEIR father\u2019s honor.\u201d His words concerning Joe and Stacy were spoken with enormous pride.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright expects his children to be strong, to be honorable,\u201d Mei-Ling said sadly. \u201cHsing was always sheltered and protected, first by his parents, then by his venerable grandmother. He never had to be strong, because it wasn\u2019t expected of him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do you stay with him?\u201d Hop Sing asked.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause my son and daughter need a father,\u201d Mei-Ling replied. \u201cA poor father is far better than no father at all. I also stay because I care about Grandmother Li. She has been very generous and kind to me, Hop Sing. All the times I cried myself to sleep because I knew Hsing was out with another woman, she was there to comfort me. She . . . knows that it was wrong to spoil Hsing as she has, and she deeply regrets having done so. If I should leave Hsing, I would also leave Grandmother Li. This I will NOT do, not as long as she remains alive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you leave him when his venerable grandmother dies?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, because no matter what he has done, or NOT done, I still love him.\u201d<\/p>\n The sound of horses galloping at full speed into the yard drew Hop Sing and Mei-Ling from their disagreement. The former frowned. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t know better, I\u2019d swear that was Little Joe,\u201d he muttered under his breath. \u201cMister Cartwright has told him, time and time again . . . . \u201d He abruptly turned and strode briskly from the kitchen, with his sister trotting along at his heels.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMITCH! BOBBY!\u201d Joe yelled as he halted the team pulling Hop Ling\u2019s buckboard to a stop. He leapt down from the driver\u2019s seat, then turned to offer the elderly Hop Ling a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d It was Mitch Cranston, one of the younger men who worked for his father. \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI need you and Bobby to stable Hop Ling\u2019s horses . . . and Cochise,\u201d Joe said tersely. \u201cWe\u2019ll also need fresh horses hitched up to the buckboard.\u201d<\/p>\n Mitch nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cHEY! WHAT YOU THINK YOU DO RUNNING HORSES IN YARD SO FAST?!\u201d Hop Sing yelled at the top of his lungs, in English, as he bolted from the house and sped across the yard beating a straight path toward the youngest Cartwright son. \u201cMISTER CARTWRIGHT TELL YOU AND TELL YOU AND TELL YOU\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, we need to see Hsing pronto,\u201d Joe said grimly.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT GO ON HERE? YOU AND MISS STACY GO FOR RIDE, STAY OUT ALL NIGHT,\u201d Hop Sing continued to berate the young man he, himself, loved as a son, as they made their way back to the house. \u201cWORRY PAPA, WORRY HOP SING! NOW YOU HOME, MISS STACY STILL GONE. WHERE YOU GO ALL NIGHT?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, please\u2014 \u201d Joe begged.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, we must see Hsing . . . immediately, if not sooner,\u201d Hop Ling, speaking in his native tongue, very quietly, yet very effectively nipped his son\u2019s angry tirade in the bud. \u201cI saw the statues, Son . . . with my own eyes, I SAW them. I\u2019m sure of it!\u201d<\/p>\n Mei-Ling gasped, then turned, and fled into the house, screaming for her husband.<\/p>\n \u201cYou . . . actually SAW the statues?\u201d Hop Sing queried.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m REASONABLY sure,\u201d Hop Ling replied. \u201cBut, I\u2019ve never actually seen the statues before. We need to show them to Hsing, so that he may tell us for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, why don\u2019t you take your father over to the settee and sit down?\u201d Joe suggested as they entered the house. \u201cI\u2019ll go in the kitchen and make up a pot of coffee\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFresh pot on stove,\u201d Hop Sing replied, switching again to English, as he gently took his father\u2019s elbow and steered him in the direction of the settee. A few moments after he had settled his father comfortably on the settee, Joe appeared carrying a tray with six mugs of steaming hot coffee, a bowl of sugar, and a small pitcher of cream.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere Mei-Ling?\u201d Hop Sing demanded with a scowl, as Joe parceled out the coffee mugs, first to Hop Ling, then to Hop Sing. \u201cWhy she take so long?\u201d He rose.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, you sit down,\u201d Joe said firmly, after handing Hop Ling the bowl of sugar. \u201cI\u2019ll go see what\u2019s keeping\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo bother, Little Joe.\u201d The three men turned and found Mei-Ling standing next to the blue chair. Yin-Ling, her daughter, stood behind her mother and a little to the left. Though her eye-lids remained swollen, and her cheeks and angry shade of red from her long bout of crying, there was a fierce determination glinting in her dark eyes, like sunshine on a steel blade of a sword. \u201cHsing not come.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen how we know statues Hop Ling see be statues belong to Li family?\u201d Hop Ling asked.<\/p>\n Another voice spoke in the rising and falling sing-song pitch of fluent Chinese. Everyone was very pleased, albeit surprised, to see Mrs. Li standing next to the red leather chair. She spoke again, her words bringing a big smile to Hop Sing\u2019s face. Mei-Ling and Yin-Ling exchanged glances then gazed over at the elderly woman, through eyes round with astonishment.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing . . . did M-Mrs. Li say . . . what I THOUGHT she said?\u201d Joe asked, looking from one face to other, in awe and astonishment.<\/p>\n \u201cUpshot is . . . Mrs. Li say she see statue. SHE come, make sure statue Hop Ling see are Li family statue,\u201d Hop Sing replied, translating only the basics of what the venerable old woman had said into English.<\/p>\n \u201cHow we get inside house where statue are?\u201d Mei-Ling asked, looking uncertain and troubled.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Ling and I have that all worked out,\u201d Joe said, grinning from ear to ear. He looked over at the elderly father of Hop Sing and Mei-Ling. \u201cYou want to tell them, or should I?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou tell,\u201d Hop Ling replied, returning Joe\u2019s smile with a bright sunny one of his own.<\/p>\n \u201cTruth to tell, this is mostly Hop Ling\u2019s idea,\u201d Joe said, then shared the plan with the others. Hop Sing and Mei-Ling translated for Mrs. Li.<\/p>\n Mrs. Li responded with a few thoughtful words.<\/p>\n Hop Sing grinned. \u201cMrs. Li say she think plan good, might work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne problem,\u201d Mei-Ling said. \u201cLittle Joe NOT look Chinese.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo problem, we fix,\u201d Hop Ling said.<\/p>\n Joe glanced over at the face of the grandfather clock, standing next to the door. \u201cWe\u2019d best get going then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne minute,\u201d Mei-Ling said. \u201cMei-Ling leave note for Hsing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead,\u201d Joe said rising. \u201cI need to fetch something down from upstairs, myself.\u201d With that, he bolted up the steps, taking them two and three at a time. He ran down the hall to his room, and there, grabbed one of the pink rhinestone shoes he had taken from the Virginia City Social Club.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, what that?!\u201d Hop Sing demanded with a puzzled frown. \u201cWhat you do with lady shoe almost big enough for Mister HOSS?\u201d<\/p>\n A feral smile slowly oozed its way across Joe\u2019s lips. \u201cI\u2019m taking THIS little sweetheart along for insurance.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat YOU think, Honorable Papa?\u201d Mei Ling asked.<\/p>\n \u201cPant leg too short,\u201d Hop Ling replied. \u201cUp past ankle. No one wear pant leg so short. Need longer pair.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMei-Ling go see,\u201d she sighed dolefully.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, take off pants,\u201d Hop Ling said.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face fell. \u201cYou mean . . . THESE are also . . . too short?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo short. Shorter than last pants Little Joe put on,\u201d Hop Ling replied. \u201cTake off. Mei Ling look for pants to fit Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOK, but . . . . \u201d Two bright spots of scarlet appeared on Joe\u2019s cheeks, forehead, and the end of his nose. \u201cYou tell Mrs. Li and Yin-Ling to close their eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n An amused smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as Hop Ling turned to address his granddaughter and her great grandmother. He spoke a few words of Chinese. Yin-Kuan and Yin-Ling giggled, but turned their backs.<\/p>\n An hour ago, they had returned to Hop Ling\u2019s home, a small, narrow town house, located in the midst of Virginia City\u2019s Chinese district. Hop Ling had dispatched his son, Hop Sing, at the laundry, located in the business district so that he, and number ten cousin, once removed, might launder the table cloth that the Sutcliffs were expecting that evening. Joe quickly shucked off the pants, a type favored by most Chinese men, then stepped behind the small dining room table, well out of view of the women present, leastwise from the waist down.<\/p>\n \u201cFind pants, Papa!\u201d Mei-Ling announced as she burst into the small room that her father used as living room, dining room, and kitchen. \u201cThese biggest you have.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Ling took the pants from his daughter, then instructed her to check on the pot, warming on top of the small stove set against the wall facing the door. He walked over to Joe and held the pants in hand up to his waist. \u201cHmmmm! Little Joe, hold.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe took hold of the waist and held the pants up flush against his body, while Hop Ling stood back and gave them a critical once over. \u201cStill little bit too short,\u201d he sighed. \u201cBut we make do. Put them on, Little Joe, chop, chop. Almost dark outside.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSheesh! I never thought I\u2019d live to see the day when I\u2019D have the same problem finding clothes to fit me that HOSS does,\u201d Joe muttered and he slipped on the pants.<\/p>\n \u201cMei-Ling, how black dye doing?\u201d Hop Ling asked, this time in English.<\/p>\n \u201cDye simmer, Papa, nice and black. Black as night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, come to table,\u201d Hop Ling said. \u201cSit down.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pulled out one of the two chairs pushed under the table and sat down. \u201cUuhh, Hop Ling . . . do we HAVE to dye my hair?\u201d he asked. His chestnut brown, thick, wavy locks, worn too long to suit his father\u2019s taste most of the time, were his pride and joy. The thought of doing anything that posed the potential danger of ruinous long term consequences was enough to set him on edge.<\/p>\n \u201cMust dye Little Joe hair,\u201d Hop Ling insisted. \u201cChinese hair black, not brown.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t I wear a hat?\u201d Joe begged.<\/p>\n \u201cNo hat,\u201d Hop Ling adamantly shook his head. \u201cHat can fall off. If hat fall off and they see Joe NOT Chinese . . . all of us end up in deep— \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI get the picture,\u201d Joe sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Joe,\u201d Yin-Ling said. \u201cThe dye Mama and Grandfather have cooked up on the stove is made from things like plants, tree bark, and vegetables.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo paint?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo paint or ink,\u201d Yin-Ling promised. \u201cNext time you take a bath, it\u2019ll wash right out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell . . . ok, . . . I guess,\u201d Joe assented with much reluctance.<\/p>\n Mei-Ling, meanwhile, lifted the warm pan from the stove and quickly carried it to the table, with her hands wrapped in potholders. Yin-Ling grabbed a trivet from off the small sideboard, and set it in the middle of the table.<\/p>\n \u201cMei-Ling, need make up,\u201d Hop Ling said.<\/p>\n \u201cMAKE-UP?!\u201d Joe echoed, incredulous.<\/p>\n \u201cNeed make up, paint Little Joe skin same color Chinese skin,\u201d Mei-Ling explained. \u201cMake Little Joe look Chinese.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill the make-up wash off, too?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo worry, everything wash off.\u201d Mei-Ling hastened to assure him. \u201cNice and clean, next time Little Joe take bath.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I gotta . . . well, I guess I gotta,\u201d Joe sighed.<\/p>\n There was a knock on the door. Yin-Ling ran to answer it, while her mother and maternal grandfather set themselves to work dying Joe\u2019s hair. It was Hop Sing with the Sutcliffs\u2019 tablecloth, freshly laundered, starched, pressed, and neatly wrapped in protective brown paper.<\/p>\n \u201cThe tablecloth is ready to be delivered,\u201d Hop Sing told his niece in Chinese. \u201cHow\u2019s Little Joe\u2019s disguise coming?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe found him clothes that sort of fit,\u201d Yin-Ling replied. \u201cMama and Grandfather are working on dying his hair now.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing carefully set the wrapped table cloth down in the small love seat, set against the wall perpendicular to the front door. \u201cI\u2019m frankly surprised Little Joe let them do it. He\u2019s very fussy about his hair.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo I noticed,\u201d Yin Ling said with a chuckle.<\/p>\n \u201cHonorable Papa, one more thing before I forget,\u201d Hop Sing continued, addressing his father in Chinese. \u201cI ran into Wong Chung, the grocery man on my way back here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does HE want?\u201d Hop Ling asked.<\/p>\n \u201cHe told me Mister Sutcliff ordered some food for a party he\u2019s giving\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s going to be some party! He\u2019s already got a storage shed full of fireworks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWong Chung asked if we wouldn\u2019t mind taking a half dozen crates of lo mein noodles,\u201d Hop Sing continued. \u201cI took the liberty of telling him he could load it in our buckboard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right, My Son. Wong Chung extended me credit last year during my time of illness,\u201d Hop Ling said. \u201cI certainly don\u2019t mind helping HIM when the opportunity arises to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The lengthening shadows, and sunlight, diminishing slowly yet with a relentless steadiness, coupled with the appearance of the gibbous moon, a bone white ghost against the still azure blue sky over head, evidenced the lateness of the day, as Ben Cartwright walked Buck into the yard, weary and anxious concerning the whereabouts of his youngest son. Hoss and Stacy followed silently behind on their own horses, Chubb and Blaze-Face, respectively.<\/p>\n Hoss peered over at his father with an anxious frown. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n No answer.<\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u201d Hoss ventured, this time raising his voice slightly.<\/p>\n Ben stirred himself from his troubled musings, and shook his head as if to physically dislodge them, if only for a little while. \u201cDid you call me, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re home, Pa,\u201d Hoss said as he and Stacy dismounted. He passed Chubb\u2019s lead over to his sister, then took hold of Buck\u2019s bridle, steadying the animal. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you g\u2019won in the house? Stacy \u2018n I\u2019ll see to the horses.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded as he slowly dismounted. \u201cYou two won\u2019t be long?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll be in lickity split,\u201d Hoss promised.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere in the world could Grandpa have gotten himself off to?\u201d Stacy voiced the nagging question uppermost in all of their minds, once she and her big brother were safely in the barn, well out of their father\u2019s earshot.<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno,\u201d Hoss said gravely. \u201cWe\u2019ve spent the whole live long day searchin\u2019 high \u2018n low for him, an\u2019 . . . nothin\u2019! You\u2019d o\u2019 thought he\u2019d vanished right off the face o\u2019 the earth or somethin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want me to go back, and search along the road for him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, no you don\u2019t, Li\u2019l Sister. We don\u2019t need YOU pulling another disappearin\u2019 act like ya did last night,\u201d Hoss admonished her sternly. \u201cWe\u2019d best git these horses stabled. It\u2019ll be supper time \u2018fore long.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben, meanwhile, had trudged across the yard alone. As he stepped through the front door, he was surprised to find Li-Hsing standing there, looking anxious.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Li, are you alright?\u201d Ben asked, peering into the other man\u2019s ashen gray face with concern.<\/p>\n \u201cHsing worry Mister Cartwright,\u201d he said in a soft voice, barely audible.<\/p>\n All of a sudden, Ben became aware of the thick silence that seemed to have fallen on his home. There were no muffled sobs issuing from upstairs, none of the soft, hurried footfalls which had, over the past couple of days, become so characteristic of Mei-Ling\u2019s relentless pacing, and at this time of day, Hop Sing was always out in the kitchen, rattling pots, pans, and other utensils in preparation for dinner. \u201cWhere is everybody?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cThey go,\u201d Hsing replied. \u201cMei-Ling say so in note.\u201d He handed the delicate rice paper in his hands, over to Ben.<\/p>\n Ben looked over the note with a bewildered frown, then gave it back to Li-Hsing. \u201cI\u2019m afraid you\u2019re going to have to read it to me, Mister Li,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI can\u2019t read a single word of Chinese.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo sorry,\u201d Hsing humbly apologized. He raised the note up to the level of his eyes and translated the hastily penned Chinese characters. \u201cMei-Ling say they all go to town. She, Hop Ling, Hop Sing, Yin-Ling, even venerable grandmother. All go. Your Little Joe also go.\u201d<\/p>\n Upon hearing the name of his youngest son, Ben turned and pounced with both feet. \u201cDid you say Little Joe?\u201d he demanded rounding on the hapless Hsing.<\/p>\n \u201cY-Yes,\u201d Hsing stammered, as he involuntarily took a step backward.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2019s been here?\u201d<\/p>\n Hsing nodded. \u201cHe come with Hop Ling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoes that note say where they\u2019ve gone?\u201d Ben quickly snapped out the question.<\/p>\n \u201cMei-Ling tell me venerable papa see jade statues, statues stolen from stage, he see them in house where he go, pick up laundry,\u201d Hsing replied. \u201cHop Ling not know for sure statues in house belong to Li family. He and others take venerable grandmother to see.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben inwardly groaned at the thought of his youngest son and house guests embarking on a course that would in all likelihood land them all in jail on charges of breaking and entering. \u201cMister Li, please . . . this is very important,\u201d he said earnestly. \u201cDid Mei-Ling say in her note whose house Hop Ling saw that statues.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but Hsing hear them say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhose house is it?\u201d Ben pressed.<\/p>\n \u201cLast name Slut-Clift.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSutcliff,\u201d Ben muttered through clenched teeth. Worse and worse. \u201cMister Li, I have to go right back out\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo bring back Mei-Ling, Yin-Ling and others?\u201d he queried hopefully.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, go, bring back. Hsing be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n With that, Ben tore out of the house. \u201cHOSS! STACY! DON\u2019T UNSADDLE THE HORSES!\u201d he roared at the top of his lungs, as he flew across the yard, running at top speed.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Stacy queried, as Ben burst into the barn like gangbusters.<\/p>\n \u201cI know where your brother has gone,\u201d he said, taking hold of Big Buck\u2019s lead.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d Hoss demanded.<\/p>\n Ben quickly filled Hoss and Stacy in on the details he had just learned from Li-Hsing.<\/p>\n \u201cDadburn it, not the Sutcliffs,\u201d Hoss groaned. \u201cPa, y\u2019 don\u2019t think they\u2019d have the good sense t\u2019 go t\u2019 Sheriff Coffee . . . do ya?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot if your brother\u2019s ring leading this little escapade,\u201d Ben said grimly. \u201cMount up! We\u2019re going after them. I just hope and pray we\u2019re not too late.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, what about Stacy?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWhaddya mean \u2018What about Stacy?\u2019 \u201d the Cartwright daughter demanded, outraged at the prospect of being left behind.<\/p>\n \u201cStacy goes with US, Hoss,\u201d Ben said. His reply drew a smug, triumphant smile from his daughter. \u201cAfter last night, I\u2019ll feel a whole lot better if I can keep her right where I can keep a sharp eye on her.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMister Rothburn?\u201d<\/p>\n Nigel turned and found himself staring down into the face of Abigail Mann, one of the downstairs maids, and a saucy little wench, if ever there was one. Her uniform always seemed to be a couple of sizes too small, with one button too many open, and apron cinched just enough to reveal her tiny waist. The brilliant tangerine curls, that were forever tumbling from the confines of her mobcap, and the way she walked with that subtle swing of her hip, led Nigel to suspect that she had once been a barmaid. She had been employed in the Sutcliff household for three, nearly four years now. Although her work was exemplary, he had to marvel at the fact that she had lasted so long. Mrs. Sutcliff was infamously known far and wide for her near obsessive jealousy, regarding her husband . . . a condition that seemed to have significantly worsened within the last few months.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Rothburn, the laundry man is back with that tablecloth,\u201d Abigail reported, her ruby red lips curving slightly upward in a flirtatious smile.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Miss Mann, you may return to your work now.\u201d<\/p>\n Abigail nodded, then withdrew.<\/p>\n Nigel smiled, as he indulged himself a moment of watching her retreating form, before heading out to the back door used by the servants and delivery people. He spotted Hop Ling\u2019s buckboard upon stepping out through the back door, with a half dozen large crates piled up in the back and nearly the same number of people accompanying him.<\/p>\n \u201cGood evening, Mister Rothburn,\u201d Hop Ling greeted Nigel affably, with a big smile, as he alighted from the buckboard with surprising agility given a man of his advanced years. \u201cHop Ling bring tablecloth.\u201d He held out a brown, wrapped parcel, his smile never wavering.<\/p>\n \u201cOut for a family outing, Sir?\u201d Nigel remarked, gazing up on Hop Ling\u2019s companions, archly, with upraised, questioning eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u201cBring assistants,\u201d Hop Ling cheerfully explained. \u201cMister Rothburn say laundry for Missus be ready? Hop Ling need plenty help, bring along lots and lots assistants.\u201d<\/p>\n Nigel laughed out loud. \u201cYes, Mrs. Sutcliff does indeed have a rather extensive wardrobe,\u201d he said wryly. \u201cI hope they\u2019ll be enough. What are all those boxes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLo mein noodle,\u201d Hop Ling replied. \u201cMister Sutcliff special order. Noodle man ask Hop Ling bring, since Hop Ling come with tablecloth and pick up laundry for Missus.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave two of your assistants stow those boxes out in the shed \u2018round back,\u201d Nigel ordered.<\/p>\n \u201cBack where you put firework?\u201d<\/p>\n Nigel nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll see that they\u2019re shown to the basement when they have finished unloading your wagon,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you and the rest of your assistants would be so kind as to follow me?\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing quickly moved back toward the boxes, stacked in the rear of the buckboard, effectively blocking Joe from view as he jumped down, then moved to assist Yin-Kuan, the Li family matriarch. Hop Ling, meanwhile, set the brake on the wagon, as the remaining members of his family climbed down. He, Yin-Kuan, his daughter, and granddaughter meekly fell in step behind Nigel Rothburn, as he led the way directly to the basement.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Hop Sing handed one of the boxes down to Joe, then prepared to alight from the conveyance himself.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, these boxes are pretty light,\u201d Joe said, taking care to keep his voice low. \u201cI can easily take another.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d Joe replied with an emphatic nod of his head. \u201cOh! Would you mind handing down that canvas bag? It\u2019s over there, under the seat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean bag with insurance?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSsssshhhh! Willya please keep your voice down? I don\u2019t want ANYONE to find out about that trump card unless and until I have to play it,\u201d Joe hissed.<\/p>\n Hop Sing quickly retrieved the canvas bag and passed it to Joe, before handing him another crate of the lo mein noodles. Joe took the draw strings of the canvas sack and carefully maneuvered it between himself and the crates in hand. Hop Sing jumped down and grabbed a crate sitting close to the edge. They crossed the yard in silence, taking the dirt path skirting around the Sutcliffs\u2019 formal gardens. Less than a moment later, they reached the storage shed.<\/p>\n Hop Sing, being the first to reach the door, pressed and held the crate in hand up against the wall, balancing it with one hand, while he pushed the door open with the other. \u201cLittle Joe, you have match?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh har de har har!\u201d Joe responded sardonically, as he stepped up to the open door, following a few feet behind Hop Sing. \u201cVery funny.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing no make joke. It dark in here, very, very dark. Not see hand in front of face.\u201d<\/p>\n Stepping inside the small, windowless structure, Joe realized that Hop Sing was absolutely right. He set his boxes down and placed the canvas bag on top. \u201cI think maybe I DO have a match, Hop Sing,\u201d he said as he fumbled through the pockets of the Chinese style pants he now wore. His finger tips lightly brushed against a small wooden box. \u201cI found \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere Little Joe?\u201d Hop Sing called from somewhere in the darkness, over in front of him, to his right.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m over here . . . by the door,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing find lamp.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou hold your horses a moment.\u201d Joe pulled the box of matches from his pants, and , after removing one, struck it against the edge of his boot. The match ignited instantly.<\/p>\n Hop Sing stepped into the small circle of illumination a moment later, with lamp in hand. He lifted the glass, allowing Joe to light the wick.<\/p>\n \u201cWhoa!\u201d Joe exclaimed as Hop Sing held up the flickering light. Much of the shed\u2019s interior was taken up by crate upon crate of fireworks, with long strings of coiled dynamite fuse liberally strewn over what remained of the floor space. \u201cI\u2019m sure glad you found that lantern, Hop Sing. A guy could fall and break his neck in here, otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing sent lamp here, on floor next to door. Little Joe be careful. Not want start fire with fireworks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be careful,\u201d Joe promised. \u201cWhere are ya stacking the lo mein noodles?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnly place,\u201d Hop Sing said, as he turned and picked up one of Joe\u2019s crates, still sitting just inside the door. \u201cUp here, on top of firework.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, as the match, used to light the lamp, slipped from his fingers. He turned and picked up his second box, and placed it up on top along side the first, not knowing that the match had dropped on top of the very end of a long, coiled piece string of dynamite fuse. A tiny, remaining spark caught, igniting the frayed edge of fuse. The flame, too small yet to be discerned by human eyes, slowly, relentlessly began to eat into the fuse, that wound \u2018round and \u2018round, its other end reaching deep amid the stack crates of fireworks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meanwhile, inside the cellar, Mei-Ling and her daughter, Yin-Ling set themselves to the task of separating Mrs. Sutcliff\u2019s delicate \u201cunmentionables\u201d from her other clothing. Her father had, a few moments before, gone to see if the way to the ballroom was clear. Yin-Kuan hovered anxiously near the door.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Li, the coast is clear,\u201d Hop Ling announced in Chinese, upon his return a seeming eternity later. \u201cAll you need to do is take a quick look. If those ARE the statues, we\u2019ll inform the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Kuan nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe go up the stairs, this way,\u201d Hop Ling said, extending his hand. \u201cBe careful, these back steps are very steep.\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Kuan took hold of Hop Ling\u2019s hand with a grip surprisingly strong in one so elderly, and allowed him to assist her in climbing the stairs. At the top, Hop Ling held up his hand for them to stop, just outside the door leading into the butler\u2019s pantry. Yin-Kuan mutely nodded. Hop Ling very slowly, very cautiously cracked the door open and peered inside. The small room was neat, clean, and empty. He turned and motioned for Yin-Kuan to follow.<\/p>\n Hop Ling and Yin-Kuan moved noiselessly through the butler\u2019s pantry, then into the cavernous, deserted formal dining room. When they reached the closed pocket doors, Hop Ling again signaled for them to halt. He, then, parted the pocket doors just enough to allow him a peek into the ball room.<\/p>\n \u201cThe coast is clear,\u201d Hop Ling said. He noiselessly slid the doors open, and motioned for Yin-Kuan to follow. Together, they tip-toed over to the mantle piece, where Hop Ling had seen the statues earlier. Now, however, they were gone. The mantle stood empty. He and Yin-Kuan stood together, side by side, staring up at the empty mantle in complete and utter dismay.<\/p>\n \u201cThey were here! I KNOW they were! I SAW them!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe must have known that you saw,\u201d Yin-Kuan said, her thick, salt and pepper eyebrows coming together in an angry frown. \u201cHe\u2019s taken them away and hidden them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey may be in his gallery,\u201d Hop Ling whispered. \u201cI know the way, but I must warn you, it will be risky. Mister Sutcliff\u2019s gallery is upstairs on the second floor amid the family living space.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI MUST know whether or not this man has those statues,\u201d Yin-Kuan said grimly. \u201cNot only for the sake of the Li family honor, but for the sake of Yin-Ling, your granddaughter . . . . my great-granddaughter. Please take me to the gallery.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease follow me, Mrs. Li. We need to go back the way we came.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Ling and Yin-Kuan silently retraced their steps back through the darkening rooms on the first floor to the butler\u2019s pantry without incident. The latter, breathless from all of the unaccustomed moving about, closed the door of the pantry behind her and leaned against it heavily, while her companion fumbled through the deep pockets of his pants in the darkness, searching for matches. Hop Ling found the box, after a seeming eternity of searching. He pulled it from his pocket and, after a few moments more of fumbling, pulled out a single match.<\/p>\n After lighting the match, Hop Ling glanced around, trying to get his bearings. \u201cThere it is,\u201d he finally announced in Chinese, his voice barely above a whisper. \u201cThese are the steps leading up.\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Kuan took a deep, ragged breath, then crossed the pantry to stand beside Hop Ling.<\/p>\n \u201cAs you can see, they\u2019re very steep,\u201d Hop Ling said, shining the light of the steadily diminishing match into the narrow stairwell. \u201cWill you be able to manage?\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Kuan noted the look of concern on his face, and nodded. \u201cI have to know whether this Mister Sutcliff has my great-granddaughter\u2019s bride price or not,\u201d she declared, her face set with grim, stubborn determination. \u201cTo that end, I have the strength to do what I must.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Ling blew out the match in hand, all but spent, then lit another. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he whispered, \u201cand please! Be very, very careful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will.\u201d<\/p>\n Holding the burning match in hand aloft, Hop Ling silently moved into the stairwell, and started up, his arthritic knees loudly protesting the steep angle of incline. There was no railing, no hand hold of any kind to offer balance and stability. Fortunately, the confines within the stairwell were extremely narrow, with just enough room for an average sized person to pass. Hop Ling found he was able to keep his balance by moving up one step at a time, and keeping his back pressed firmly against the wall. With his free hand, he held tight to Li Yin-Kuan\u2019s hand, pulling her up along with him.<\/p>\n Half way up the backstairs, Hop Ling and Yin Kuan heard someone giggle in the darkness above their heads, beyond the dim circle of light from the former\u2019s match.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Kirk, you should see yourself with that stern face. You look so silly!\u201d The speaker was female, the same one the had just heard giggling. Hop Ling recognized it as belonging to Myrtle Abigail Sutcliff, the youngest Sutcliff daughter. To friends, what few she had, and family, she preferred to be known as Muffy.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean it, Muffy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho are they?\u201d Yin-Kuan asked. \u201cWhat are they saying?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKirk and Muffy Sutcliff. The youngest son and daughter,\u201d Hop Ling explained.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean it, too, Kirk. It\u2019s a lovely night out, and I intend to take a short stroll in the garden before going to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m coming with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you aren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I am.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u201d Muffy screamed and stamped her foot. \u201cNO, NO, NO, NO, NO!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMuffy, for heavens sake, keep your voice DOWN. Mother\u2019s gone to bed with another of her sick headaches, and Father . . . well, Father\u2019s not in the best of moods this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll keep my voice down when you, Mother, and Father treat me like an adult,\u201d Muffy said firmly. \u201cNow . . . I am going to go downstairs, let myself out back, so that I might take a stroll in our gardens . . . ALONE!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMuffy\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Ling and Yin-Kuan stared at one another in complete and utter dismay, when they heard the soft creek of the door up on the second floor opening.<\/p>\n \u201cDammit, Kirk\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMuffy, it\u2019s very unseemly for a young lady to go around swearing like a sailor.\u201d<\/p>\n Muffy stamped her foot again, this time hard enough to shake the very timbers of the house. \u201cI DON\u2019T GIVE A DAMN, DO YOU HEAR ME? I JUST WANT TO TAKE A SHORT STROLL IN OUR GARDENS . . . ON OUR VERY OWN PROPERTY . . . BY MYSELF . . . BEFORE I GO TO BED.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMYRTLE ABIGAIL SUTCLIFF YOU GET BACK HERE!\u201d Kirk yelled after her as she ran into the stair well. The clatter of her hard soled shoes against the wooden steps as she ran was near deafening.<\/p>\n \u201cGO TO HELL!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no!\u201d Yin-Kuan groaned. \u201cShe\u2019s coming this way. What\u2019ll we do NOW?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBack down the steps . . . quickly,\u201d Hop Ling urged.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s no use,\u201d Yin-Kuan shook her head in despair. \u201cAt the rate she\u2019s running down the steps . . . I can\u2019t even move HALF that fast these days.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Ling new all to well that Yin-Kuan spoke the truth. Both closed their eyes and mentally braced themselves for the inevitable.<\/p>\n \u201cMASTER Kirk and MISS Myrtle, your father has asked me to escort you to his study at once.\u201d It was Nigel Rothburn. At the sound of his voice, Muffy\u2019s clamorous descent down the back stairs abruptly ceased.<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I TRIED to tell her\u2014 \u201d Kirk whined.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t tell me, tell your father,\u201d Nigel rudely cut Kirk off. \u201cMiss Myrtle, if you aren\u2019t up here by the time I count three, I\u2019m coming right down there after you.\u201d<\/p>\n A curt, exasperated sigh exploded from Muffy\u2019s lips. She, then, turned and stomped back up the stairs. Hop Ling and Yin-Kuan slowly exhaled the breaths they had been holding. The match in the former\u2019s hand went out, just before they heard the door upstairs close. They waited in darkness, until the footsteps and the terse, angry voices finally faded away to silence.<\/p>\n \u201cThat . . . was close,\u201d Hop Ling whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cTOO close.\u201d<\/p>\n They remained silent for awhile longer, their ears straining to catch the sounds of footsteps, or voices returning.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you wish to continue, Mrs. Li?\u201d Hop Ling finally asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI must,\u201d she replied. \u201cFor the sake of my great granddaughter\u2019s happiness . . . for the restoration of my family\u2019s honor . . . I must.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am getting to old for these kinds of shenanigans,\u201d<\/em> Hop Ling observed silently, as he fumbled again in the darkness searching for a match. He lit it, striking it against the sole of his shoe. After all the time spent in near total darkness, the tiny light cast by the match was near blinding. They continued on up the remaining stairs, until Hop Ling finally, at long last stood on the top most step, just inside the door opening out onto the second floor. There was barely enough room to accommodate him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Ling signaled for Yin-Kuan to wait silently, with a gesture. She nodded. He reached out, his fingers curling loosely around the door knob, then blew out the match. Hop Ling, with heart in mouth, carefully eased the door open, praying fervently the entire time that the hinges wouldn\u2019t squeak. After allowing his eyes sufficient time to adjust to the dimmed, almost non-existent, lighting, he began to study the lay of the land.<\/p>\n The door to the back stairs, used mostly by the servants, was at the end of a very long corridor. There was a large window at the other end. Hop Ling could barely make out its lines. On either side, he could make out recessed alcoves, spaced at varying intervals, shrouded in deep shadow. The door to the gallery, where Mister Sutcliff kept and displayed his art collection lay within one of those dark alcoves. Unfortunately, Hop Ling hadn\u2019t the vaguest idea which one. Even worse, he had at least a dozen choices.<\/p>\n He turned and explained the situation to Yin-Kuan. \u201cIf you have any second thoughts\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve come THIS far, Hop Ling,\u201d Yin-Kuan said quietly. \u201cTo turn back NOW would like a traveler, who turns back from his destination to return home . . . after completing nine tenths of the journey.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Ling smiled. \u201cYou are absolutely right,\u201d he said. \u201cAre you ready for the last leg of THIS journey?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n After making absolute certain the coast was clear, Hop Ling gallantly helped Yin-Kuan up the last step and out into the corridor. The first alcove, with recessed door was set into the wall, to their left, roughly ten yards from the door to the back stairs. They moved noiselessly down the hall, every sense alert, with Hop Ling in the lead, Yin-Kuan following. As they drew near, Hop Ling motioned for them to halt, and to draw back, close to the main wall. Yin-Kuan flattened herself against the wall as much as her body would allow, then held her breath.<\/p>\n Hop Ling swallowed nervously, as he peered into the alcove. He noted with dismay, the thin line of dim light along the floor. \u201cSomeone\u2019s in there,\u201d he whispered as he drew back. \u201cWe must be very, VERY quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat must be Mister Sutcliff\u2019s study,\u201d Yin-Kuan whispered back, remembering the set-to between the man\u2019s son and daughter.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. I hear no one in there talking, but someone is moving around.\u201d Hop Ling pointed to the next alcove on the other side of the corridor, roughly four or five yards distant. \u201cWe go there next.\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Kuan nodded, then once more fell in behind him. Before they had gone two thirds of the way to their destination, the their ears picked up the sound of heavy footfalls coming from somewhere behind them.<\/p>\n \u201cThis way! Quickly!\u201d Hop Ling hissed, pointing to the next alcove up ahead. A tall, thin man stepped through the door to the back stairs, and started down the corridor, moving at a brisk pace. Hop Ling half feared that the man might have seen them. He noted with great relief that the man turned and stepped into the first alcove, where he and Mrs. Li had seen the light shining under the door. They heard the sound of human knuckles striking against a wood door, followed by voices, a brief exchange of words, and finally a door opening.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Ling, there\u2019s nobody in here,\u201d Yin-Kuan said. \u201cNo light shines under the door, and I\u2019ve been listening with my ear to the proverbial keyhole. Not a soul has stirred.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Hop Ling murmured gratefully, as he noiselessly slid one of the pocket doors into its place in the wall. The room was indeed dark, as Mrs. Li had said. Dark and empty of all people. He entered the room first, moving to his left, keeping himself flush up against the wall. Yin-Kuan followed.<\/p>\n It was an enormous room, with tall picture windows lining the entire back wall. After an indeterminate period of time spent groping in the darkness, Hop Ling bumped into a wall sconce. He removed the matches from his pocket and lit the lamp, making sure to turn the light down very low.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Ling, it looks like we got lucky,\u201d Yin-Kuan exclaimed with a satisfied smile.<\/p>\n The walls to the left and right of the door were crammed with all manner of paintings, drawings, and prints by well known American artists, with a smattering of pieces purchased at the Salon on his recent trip to Paris. A ring of free standing sculpture lined the outer perimeter of the room, ranging in size and taste from a statue of Anubis, the jackal headed God of the Underworld from ancient Egypt, to a small, statue of the Hindu deity, Shiva, exquisitely carved from fine ivory, to a marble statue of Demeter, a gift from a friend who had enjoyed the rare privilege of visiting an actual archaeological dig on Greece, just outside of Athens. The center of the room was crammed with all manner of display cases, filled to the brim with a wide variety of carved stone pieces, ceramics, and jewelry.<\/p>\n At Yin-Kuan\u2019s suggestion, they divided the room between them and began their search for the exquisitely carved jade statues that rightfully belonged to the Li family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood evening.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Ling and Yin-Kuan very slowly, very reluctantly, turned and found themselves looking into the baleful, stone cold face of Geoffrey Sutcliff. He stood framed in the open door, impeccably attired in black pants, a white shirt, and a port wine brocade smoking jacket.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, so sorry,\u201d Hop Ling said with a big smile, as genuine as a three-dollar bill, laying on the Chinese pigeon English thicker than a jug of molasses. \u201cSo very, very sorry. Tay-ke wrong turn, zig when shudda zag?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. So . . . solly. So velly solly,\u201d Yin-Kuan murmured trying hard to imitate Hop Ling\u2019s version of American English.<\/p>\n \u201cNot half so much as that act,\u201d Geoffrey snapped as he reached into the pocket of his smoking jacket and extracted a derringer.<\/p>\n Hop Ling and Yin-Kuan both froze and raised their hands.<\/p>\n \u201cYou must be the laundry man,\u201d Geoffrey said, eyeing Hop Ling with disdain. \u201cAt the very least, you\u2019re going to find that business has taken a significant turn for the worse, because I plan to take my laundry business elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo where? State of Nevada Correctional Facility?\u201d Hop Ling queried without missing a beat.<\/p>\n \u201cIf ANYONE goes to the State of Nevada Correctional Facility it\u2019s going to be YOU,\u201d Geoffrey sneered. He, then, turned to Yin-Kuan. A smile oozed its way across his lips. \u201cWell, well, well. I WAS expecting a visit from your grandson, or some other male family member, but NOT the family matriarch herself,\u201d he said with a touch of sarcasm. \u201cI must say your presence, Madam, is quite a surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-You know we come?!\u201d Hop Ling blurted out in surprise.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes, I\u2019ve been expecting you since Mister Rothburn told me about how intensely you scrutinized the jade statues,\u201d Geoffrey replied. \u201cHe thought you were simply admiring the exquisite work of a countryman. I, however, thought it kind of odd that a mere laundryman would take so keen an interest in such fine works of art, so I did some checking. When I learned that your daughter had actually married into the Li family . . . well, I KNEW you\u2019d be back.\u201d<\/p>\n Yin-Kuan turned to Hop Ling. \u201cWho IS that man?\u201d she demanded in Chinese. \u201cWhat is he saying?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is the back-side-of-a-mule who purchased the statues from the thieves,\u201d Hop Ling replied. His less than kind reference to Geoffrey Sutcliff brought an amused smile to Yin-Kuan\u2019s face. He then translated the remainder of what Geoffrey had said.<\/p>\n \u201cThen he knows the statues belong to the Li family,\u201d Yin-Kuan said, her face darkening with anger.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it would seem so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll both stop speaking in that ear-splitting gibberish at once,\u201d Geoffrey ordered petulantly. They were ignoring him. Being ignored was the one thing Geoffrey Sutcliff hated above all else. \u201cFurthermore, you\u2019ll speak only when spoken to and then only to ME. Other wise you will keep your mouths shut.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Li not speak American,\u201d Hop Ling replied.<\/p>\n Geoffrey glared sullenly at Hop Ling for a moment, then sighed. \u201cOh all right. You tell HER what I just now told you . . . but nothing ELSE. You understand?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Ling understand.\u201d He turned and began to translate for Yin-Kuan\u2019s benefit.<\/p>\n Geoffrey Sutcliff, keeping his eyes and the barrel of his derringer trained on the elderly man and woman before him, reached behind and to his left with his free hand to pull a braided cord the same color as his smoking jacket. Nigel Rothburn entered a moment later. Though he registered surprise upon seeing Hop Ling and Yin-Kuan in a place so far removed from the basement and the laundry, he said nothing. He merely looked over at his employer and waited expectantly.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Rothburn, I caught these two in the act of stealing,\u201d Geoffrey Sutcliff said in a stone cold voice, bringing a look of sheer horror to Hip Ling\u2019s face. \u201cI want you to dispatch one of the footmen to fetch the sheriff at once.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir. What of their cohorts?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCohorts?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir. When Hop Ling came, ostensibly to pick up Mrs. Sutcliff\u2019s laundry, he brought this woman here and four others,\u201d Nigel informed his employer.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are they now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI showed them all down to the basement.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSend some men downstairs to round them up, and escort them to my study,\u201d Geoffrey said. \u201cThe three of us will meet you there. When the sheriff arrives, the entire motley crew will be turned over to him and placed under arrest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-Yeah, Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo YOU know far Papa had to take Mrs. Li to see the jade statues?\u201d Hop Sing asked. They had long ago switched to speaking Chinese exclusively.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t remember much about the layout of this house, Hop Sing,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cI\u2019ve only been here twice for a couple of birthday parties when I was just a little kid . . . and that was before MA died.\u201d He fell silent for a moment, thinking. \u201cFrom what Hop Ling told me on our way out to the Ponderosa, I kinda think it\u2019s not too far, once you get upstairs. Why do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPapa and Mrs. Li have been gone for a very long time,\u201d Hop Sing said, looking anxious. \u201cWhen you and I came in, after putting the lo mein in the shed . . . this laundry pile was almost to the ceiling. Now it\u2019s barely to my waist, and we\u2019ve got so many SMALL piles spread out over this basement, we\u2019re tripping over them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d Yin-Ling ventured, her eyes wide with alarm.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Yin-Ling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-You don\u2019t suppose something\u2019s gone wrong . . . . !?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s a little too soon to tell,\u201d Joe said. \u201cFor one thing, even though both of \u2018em move well enough for people as old as they are, but they don\u2019t move fast, and if they\u2019ve had to tip-toe around the other servants in this place . . . that\u2019s gonna hold \u2018em up even more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI still think they\u2019ve been gone too long,\u201d Hop Sing anxiously insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m worried, too. Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mei Ling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThink, maybe you could go have a look?\u201d Mei-Ling suggested hopefully.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Hop Sing immediately shook his head. \u201cBad idea! VERY bad idea!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d Mei-Ling demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they catch Little Joe, they\u2019re going to find out he\u2019s only a PAINTED Chinese, not a REAL Chinese. If THAT happens, the rest of us are gonna end up in real deep . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t need to say it, Hop Sing,\u201d Joe quickly interjected.<\/p>\n \u201cI WAS gonna say hot water. Real deep hot water,\u201d Hop Sing stated, as he directed a withering glare over in Joe\u2019s general direction.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s give \u2018em a little while longer,\u201d Joe suggested.<\/p>\n The sound of the door, upstairs in the butler\u2019s pantry, slowly creaking open, drew everyone\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s gotta be them,\u201d Joe whispered to Hop Sing. \u201cI\u2019ll bet they had to hide from someone cleaning upstairs for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing, looking visibly relieved, began to blot away the beads of sweat dotting his forehead with the end of his sleeve.<\/p>\n Mei-Ling dropped the black silk stockings that she held, one in each hand, into a small pile of dark delicate garments, then ran around to the bottom of the steps. \u201cPapa? Grandmother?!\u201d she called out in English, as her eyes strained to make out the dimmed outlines of the human forms now descending the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Lady, no Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe Cartwright immediately recognized that slow drawl as belonging to \u201cTex\u201d Warren, a lazy ne\u2019er do well his father had fired not long ago for incompetence, drinking alcohol on the job and showing up for work drunk, and excessive cruelty toward animals.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Take you hands OFF me!\u201d Mei-Ling protested. \u201cYou HURT me!\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing and Joe Cartwright were half way around to the bottom of the steps before Mei-Ling finished giving voice to her complaint. Yin-Ling followed a scant half dozen steps behind.<\/p>\n \u201cYou three . . . you stop-ee right there,\u201d \u2018Tex\u2019 ordered. He stood down on the basement floor, surrounded by seven footmen, whose hardened faces might have looked more at home in garments with horizontal stripes, and a number, accessorized with ball and chain, rather than the servants\u2019 livery they wore. \u2018Tex\u2019 held Mei-Ling\u2019s forearm in a tight vice-like grip. \u201cNo tick-kee, no wash-shee, Folks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, puh-leeeeze!\u201d Yin-Ling muttered under her breath, while sarcastically rolling her eyes heavenward.<\/p>\n \u201cOk, we take-kee you to old man and old woman,\u201d \u2018Tex\u2019 continued, addressing Hop Sing, Joe, and Yin-Ling as he would an exceptionally stupid child. \u201cYou come-mee with-ee me . . . or I break-kee this la-dee arm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to \u2018no tick-kee, no wash-shee\u2019 a real good one right where it REALLY hurts,\u201d Yin-Ling growled under her breath in Chinese, drawing a warning glare from her uncle.<\/p>\n Joe quietly grabbed up the canvas laundry bag, containing the extra insurance he had brought from home, and fell in behind Hop Sing, taking care to keep his face averted.<\/p>\n \u2018Tex\u2019 led the way up the basement stairs, with Mei-Ling clasped firm in his iron grip. One of the footmen followed, carrying a lamp. Yin-Ling, Hop Sing, and Joe came after him, with the remaining footmen bringing up the rear.<\/p>\n \u201cOW! Leggo! You hurting me!\u201d Mei-Ling protested, as \u2018Tex\u2019 unceremoniously dragged her up the back stairs to the second floor, where Mister Sutcliff\u2019s study was located.<\/p>\n \u201cShut-up!\u201d \u2018Tex\u2019 growled.<\/p>\n \u201cYOU LEAVE MY MOTHER ALONE!\u201d Yin-Ling yelled, her face contorting with anger.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you ladies don\u2019t shut the hell up, I\u2019ll shut you up myself,\u201d \u2018Tex\u2019 threatened, waving a tightly balled fist in Mei-Ling\u2019s face for emphasis.<\/p>\n \u201cYou so much as lay a finger on either of these women, I\u2019m gonna bust you in the mouth so hard, you\u2019re gonna be picking teeth off the pages of Sears \u2018n Roebuck catalogs for real long time,\u201d Joe countered, favoring \u2018Tex\u2019 with a murderous glare.<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright?!\u201d \u2018Tex\u2019 murmured, surprised. \u201cThat really YOU?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn the flesh \u2018n twice as ugly!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah . . . ugly is right,\u201d \u2018Tex\u2019 sneered, favoring Joe with a mirthless smile. \u201cWhat\u2019re you made up for anyway? It\u2019s \u2018way too early for Halloween.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut-up and take us to your leader,\u201d Joe growled back.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what the hell you\u2019re trying to prove, Cartwright, but you and your coolie friends are in deep up to your necks. You KNOW that, don\u2019tcha?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d Joe said evasively.<\/p>\n A few moments later, the group found themselves standing before the closed door to Geoffrey Sutcliff\u2019s study. \u2018Tex\u2019 released Mei-Ling with a rude shove that sent her careening into her companions, they stepped up to the door and knocked. The door was opened by Nigel Rothburn.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve rounded up the others from the basement like you asked, Mister Rothburn,\u201d \u2018Tex\u2019 said through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Alvin,\u201d Nigel said in a condescending tone. That, plus the use of the man\u2019s real name, elicited a derisive snicker from Joe. He, then, turned to the man who had carried the lamp to light their way up the dark stairwell of the back steps. \u201cDavid, if YOU would be so kind as to escort these ruffians in to join their fellows. The rest of you may return to your work.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Rothburn, one of these ruffians is Joe Cartwright,\u201d \u2018Tex\u2019 said with raised voice, all the while trying to steal a glance at Mister Sutcliff over Nigel\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Alvin, I will be sure to inform Mister Sutcliff. You may return to your work now.\u201d Nigel stood aside to allow David room to herd Hop Sing, Mei-Ling, Yin-Ling, and Joe into the study, then pointedly closed the door in \u2018Tex\u2019s\u2019 face, leaving the young man seething.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCome in, please, and make yourselves comfortable,\u201d Geoffrey said, addressing his reluctant guests. He gestured to the six hard back chairs all lined up facing his desk. Four were empty, the two on the end to Geoffrey Sutcliff\u2019s left, were occupied by Hop Ling and Yin-Kuan. \u201cIt would appear that the family who commits a crime together is going to end up serving time together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t have us thrown in jail,\u201d Yin-Ling sputtered angrily.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes indeed I can, Young Lady,\u201d Geoffrey replied, \u201cand I WILL, just as soon as one of my men returns with the sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn what charge?\u201d Yin-Ling demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cFor openers, there\u2019s breaking and entering,\u201d Geoffrey said. \u201cAdd to that attempted theft . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf anyone\u2019s a thief here, Mister Sutcliff, it\u2019s YOU!\u201d Yin-Ling accused, angered now past all sense of reason.<\/p>\n \u201cMe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, YOU! You have the Li family treasure here in your house! My venerable grandfather SAW it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and I say I DON\u2019T have your family\u2019s treasure here, Miss Li. It\u2019s MY word against that of your grandfather,\u201d Geoffrey said, as a smug, triumphant smile spread slowly across his lips, \u201cand given the fact that he also numbers among the thieves whom I caught red handed in the act of stealing . . . well, let\u2019s just say that there\u2019s no question in MY mind as to who\u2019s going to be believed.<\/p>\n \u201cAs for YOU, Young Cartwright, your father is going to be most disappointed when he finds out about this fast crowd you\u2019re running around with,\u201d Geoffrey continued. \u201cI must confess to being somewhat surprised myself, since I had been led to believe that your father is a responsible parent. It would appear that I was quite WRONG, although . . . . \u201d His lips curved upward, forming a smug, prurient smile. \u201c . . . his past relations with the mother of your sister, and this tawdry business with the school teacher should certainly have suggested to me otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Mister Sutcliff, that\u2019s it!\u201d Joe said, his own face darkening with anger. \u201cYou can say anything about ME, but when you malign my friends, my pa, and my sister . . . Buster, the kid gloves come off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo the Cartwright lion cub shows his claws. I am so frightened.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe bristled against the condescending scorn he heard in Geoffrey Sutcliff\u2019s tone.<\/p>\n \u201cYour presence here quite frankly surprises me, Cartwright,\u201d Geoffrey continued. He favored Joe with a tight, mirthless smile. \u201cYour father\u2019s apparent horrendous lack of parenting skills not withstanding, he IS nonetheless quite wealthy. I could well understand you committing OTHER crimes perhaps, but not stealing. You have no need to steal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs Miss Li just got through telling you, we\u2019re not here to steal anything, Mister Sutcliff,\u201d Joe said with a wild feral grin. \u201cWe\u2019re here to reclaim her family\u2019s property.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and as I myself just got through telling Miss Li, her supposed family treasure is not here,\u201d Geoffrey said, \u201cnor can any of you prove it IS.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Li\u2019s grandfather says it IS here,\u201d Joe pressed. \u201cHe saw it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been over this ground before with the laundry man and Mrs. Li. The harsh fact of the matter is, the law is on MY side. As soon as that incompetent excuse for a sheriff arrives, you\u2019re all going to be arrested, then tried and jailed for breaking and entering, and attempted theft. That\u2019s it. Period. End of story.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOohhh, I wouldn\u2019t go counting my jailbirds before they\u2019re hatched if I were you, Mister Sutcliff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright, this inane cat and mouse game has long ago grown tiresome.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged with insulting indifference. \u201cOk. We\u2019ll play a new game,\u201d he said, his hazel eyes shining with eager anticipation. \u201cI call THIS one Cinderella.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCinderella?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Sutcliff, Cinderella,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cThe object of the game is to see whose foot fits this glass slipper.\u201d With that, he drew the pink rhinestone studded, high heeled shoe from the canvas bag he still held in his hands.<\/p>\n Geoffrey Sutcliff blanched upon seeing the shoe in hand.<\/p>\n Hop Sing, his own eyes round as saucers, let out a low whistle. \u201cThat some lady shoe,\u201d he murmured softly. \u201cBig enough to fit Mister HOSS!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cALMOST big enough to fit Hoss,\u201d Joe said grinning from ear-to-ear. \u201cMy big brother\u2019s foot\u2019s a smidge\u2019 too wide in the beam to properly fit into this shoe, and ANYONE can see it\u2019s \u2018way too big to fit any of the ladies present.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did you get that?\u201d Geoffrey demanded, as his ashen gray complexion slowly transformed to an odd purple hue.<\/p>\n \u201cI found it,\u201d Joe replied with all the innocence of an angel.<\/p>\n \u201cWHERE?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am NOT at liberty to say, Mister Sutcliff,\u201d Joe replied. \u201cNow, where was I?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou just said that shoe\u2019s too big to fit my venerable great-grandmother, my mother, or myself,\u201d Yin-Ling adroitly supplied the answer, as she also took great delight in Geoffrey Sutcliff\u2019s discomfiture.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Yin-Ling,\u201d Joe said, favoring her with his most charming smile. \u201cNow this lovely \u2018glass slipper\u2019 was obviously custom made. I\u2019ve NEVER seen a lady with a foot THIS large before, so I have to assume the shoe manufacturing companies haven\u2019t either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright\u2014 \u201d Geoffrey snarled threateningly through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! I\u2019ve come up in the world,\u201d Joe quipped as he carefully placed the enormous high heel down on the floor. \u201cI\u2019ve suddenly gone from being a lion cub to Mister Cartwright. Now as I was saying, before being so rudely interrupted . . . . \u201d he directed a meaningful glare over in the general direction of Geoffrey Sutcliff, \u201cthis shoe is definitely too big to fit any lady I know.\u201d Smiling once again, he lifted his leg and eased his own foot into the cavernous shoe. \u201cAs you can also plainly see, this shoe\u2019s too big to fit me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow \u2018bout YOU, Mister Sutcliff? YOU care to try it on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Geoffrey returned in a voice stone cold.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy ever NOT, Mister Sutcliff?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had more than enough of this nonsense,\u201d Geoffrey sputtered angrily.<\/p>\n A discreet knock on the closed door to Geoffrey Sutcliff\u2019s study drew the attention of all present.<\/p>\n \u201cWHO IS IT?\u201d Geoffrey shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Rothburn, Sir. Sheriff Coffee has just arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about damn\u2019 time,\u201d Geoffrey growled. \u201cRothburn, please show the good sheriff here, to my study.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt once, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Geoffrey turned and favored Joe with a malicious smile. \u201cWell, Cartwright, I can\u2019t say it\u2019s been a pleasure\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Sutcliff, I\u2019m giving you a choice,\u201d Joe said curtly, all trace of impish amusement gone. \u201cYou can either produce the Li family\u2019s jade statues for the sheriff when he comes in, OR I will ask my brother, Hoss, to show this glass slipper\u2019s MATE to Miss Mudgely and Mrs. Kirk, and let THEM know who the rightful owner is. I trust we understand each other?\u201d He smiled.<\/p>\n Another discreet knock on the door drew Geoffrey\u2019s attention from Joe. \u201cYes, Rothburn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have Sheriff Coffee with me, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShow him in.\u201d<\/p>\n Nigel Rothburn opened the door, then stood aside to allow Roy Coffee to enter the room.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand ya caught a gang o\u2019 thieves, Mister Sutcliff?\u201d Roy queried, directing looks of surprise at Joe Cartwright, Hop Sing, Hop Ling, and the female members of the Li family.<\/p>\n There was a moment of silence that, to Joe and the others, seemed to stretch into an unbearable eternity.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m terribly sorry, my man must have misunderstood,\u201d Geoffrey said with a grimace so grotesque, it was all Joe could do not to burst out into a fit of his infectious, high pitched giggles. He quickly balled his fist and stuffed it into his mouth, praying that would suffice at least for the short term. \u201cIt has come to my attention, Sheriff, that certain works of art, which I purchased in good faith, are in fact stolen goods. Rothburn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe jade statues I purchased recently from Mister Meredith . . . you will find them in my bedroom. Please bring them.\u201d<\/p>\n Nigel\u2019s eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he nodded. \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d he responded with his usual aplomb, then turned heel and left to do as his employer had asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have THESE good people to thank for bringing the matter to my attention,\u201d Geoffrey continued through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Mister Sutcliff, I really appreciate ya makin\u2019 MY job a li\u2019l easier,\u201d Roy said gratefully. He smiled and held out his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThe pleasure is all mine,\u201d Geoffrey lied as he reached out and shook the lawman\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll be happy t\u2019 know that Mister Meredith is under arrest \u2018n coolin\u2019 his heels in m\u2019 jail,\u201d Roy said. \u201cSeein\u2019 as how he\u2019s admitted his guilt, there won\u2019t be a trial, just a hearin\u2019 t\u2019 determine sentence.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s good to know,\u201d Geoffrey said with a scowl. \u201cAt least I can get my money back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMoney?\u201d the sheriff queried.<\/p>\n Geoffrey tried desperately to ignore that deep sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . there AIN\u2019T any money. Mister Meredith claims y\u2019 never paid him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe WHAT?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe claims y\u2019 never paid him,\u201d Roy said again. \u201cMy deputy, Clem, searched him carefully. He found a couple a dollars on \u2018im, but that was all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat scoundrel!\u201d Geoffrey growled. \u201cThat no-good cheating SCOUNDREL!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow could be his associates somehow cut Mister Meredith outta the deal,\u201d Roy suggested.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are THEY?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy THIS time, they\u2019re probably half way t\u2019 Mexico, or where ever they\u2019re headed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWonderful,\u201d Geoffrey fumed.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Sutcliff?\u201d It was Nigel Rothburn, carrying the statue of Kuan-Yin. Another footman followed carrying the statues of Chang-O and Hou-Yi. \u201cI have the statues as you have requested.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHand them over to the sheriff,\u201d Geoffrey growled, glaring venomously at the laundry man and his cohorts. If looks could have killed, the man would have been jailed immediately for mass murder.<\/p>\n Joe and Hop Sing merely smiled back and waved.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, would y\u2019 mind givin\u2019 me a hand with\u2014 \u201d Roy suddenly stopped mid-sentence upon getting a good look at the youngest Cartwright son\u2019s black curls. \u201cWhat in the ever lovin\u2019 world happened t\u2019 your hair?\u201d the sheriff demanded with a frown.<\/p>\n \u201cLong story, Sheriff Coffee,\u201d Joe said, as he took two of the statues from Roy. He then turned back to Geoffrey. \u201cOh, uhhh, Mister Sutcliff, you can have your glass slipper, but I\u2019m keeping its mate someplace real safe, y\u2019 know . . . . just in case?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRothburn,\u201d Geoffrey growled, his entire massive frame quaking with impotent fury, \u201cshow these good people OUT! NOW!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By the time Ben, Hoss, and Stacy had reached town, darkness had fallen. The night was clear and warm, though not unpleasantly so. The Big and Little Dippers were easily discernable among the myriad of stars overhead, as was the North Star, and the constellation of Orion. The shops and other places of business were now closed, while the saloons were gearing up for a long night of brisk business.<\/p>\n \u201cLotta folks out t\u2019night,\u201d Hoss remarked as he, his father, and sister were forced to slow their horses to a walk.<\/p>\n \u201cNew burlesque opening tonight at the theater,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n \u201cCan we go some night?\u201d Stacy asked, remembering the time her brother, Joe, had taken her not long after she came to live with her father and brothers on the Ponderosa. All she had remembered was the music and the wonderful costumes, hued in vivid colors, glittering with rhinestones and sequins.<\/p>\n \u201cSure,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cwhen I decide you\u2019re old enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Her face fell. \u201cWhen will THAT be?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAsk me that question again when you\u2019re thirty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Pa . . . I\u2019ll be so OLD by then!\u201d Stacy protested.<\/p>\n Hoss laughed out loud. Ben found himself chuckling, too, despite his worries about the potential trouble his youngest son might be getting himself into at this very moment.<\/p>\n \u201cNo y\u2019 won\u2019t, Li\u2019l Sister,\u201d Hoss said. Though his laughter had begun to subside, the smile remained. \u201cWhen YOU finally git there, you\u2019re gonna find thirty ain\u2019t so old after all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do YOU know?\u201d Stacy demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cI OUGHTTA know, seein\u2019 as how I\u2019m gonna be turnin\u2019 thirty next birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, let\u2019s cut through this way,\u201d Ben said, turning serious, as they came to one of the numbered streets. \u201cI know this goes all the way down to A Street.\u201d<\/p>\n The Cartwrights turned onto a residential street, largely deserted except for an occasional horse and rider headed down toward the main street. Here they urged their horses to a brisk trot.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, what\u2019re we gonna do when we git to the Sutcliffs?\u201d Hoss asked, as they rounded the corner onto A Street.<\/p>\n \u201cTo be perfectly honest, Hoss . . . I\u2019m not quite sure,\u201d Ben admitted reluctantly.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Pa, look!\u201d Stacy pointed to a buckboard turning out of the driveway to one of the big houses a few blocks down A Street on the right side of the road. \u201cThat man driving looks like Grandpa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s Li\u2019l Brother alright,\u201d Hoss said, with a profound sense of relief. \u201cI think that\u2019s Hop Ling \u2018n Mrs. Li riding up in the front seat beside him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh . . . oh . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, what is it?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . I think THAT\u2019S Roy Coffee!\u201d Ben said with sinking heart upon seeing a rider on horse back following behind the buckboard. He immediately nudged Buck to a full gallop down the deserted street on an intercept course toward the buckboard and lone rider. Stacy and Hoss followed closely behind on Blaze-Face and Chubb, respectively.<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Evenin\u2019, Ben . . . Stacy . . . \u2018n Hoss,\u201d Roy greeted his friends affably, with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe peered over at his father and siblings in surprise. \u201cHoss?! Stacy? What\u2019re YOU doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was just about to ask you the same question, Young Man,\u201d Ben said sternly.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, we get back jade statues!\u201d Hop Sing exclaimed with glee, from his place in the back of the buckboard, sandwiched between his sister and niece.<\/p>\n \u201cYou WHAT?!\u201d Ben exclaimed, unable to quite believe his ears.<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard the man, Pa,\u201d Joe said, grinning from ear to ear. \u201cWe got the statues back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk, you\u2019ve given me the GOOD news,\u201d Ben said wryly. \u201cNow what\u2019s the BAD news?\u201d He mentally braced himself for the worst.<\/p>\n Roy looked over at Ben with a bewildered frown. \u201cThere ain\u2019t no bad news, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo assault and battery charges?\u201d Ben pressed. \u201cNo charges of breaking and entering?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope,\u201d Roy shook his head. \u201cHop Ling was here on legitimate business, \u2018n he brought along his family t\u2019 help him out. They was asked t\u2019 come in, all nice \u2018n legal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen . . . please don\u2019t misunderstand my next question, Roy, but . . . what\u2019re YOU doing here?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOne o\u2019 Mister Sutcliff\u2019s men came bustin\u2019 into my office with some wild story \u2018bout Mister Sutcliff havin\u2019 caught a gang a thieves that broke into his house, but it was all a big misunderstandin\u2019,\u201d the sheriff replied.<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d Ben queried, directing a sharp glare toward his son. \u201cAny idea as to WHY Mister Sutcliff\u2019s man misunderstood?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNone at all, Pa,\u201d Joe replied a beat too quickly, the look on his face a little too wide eyed and innocent. He swallowed nervously and averted his eyes away from his father\u2019s all-knowing glare. \u201cL-Like Sheriff Coffee said we were all asked to come in nice and . . . l-legal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrom what I could gather, it SEEMS Mister Sutcliff had no idea he\u2019d bought stolen goods, \u2018til this motley crew pointed that fact out to him,\u201d Roy said. The scowl on his face made it clear that he put very little credence in Geoffrey Sutcliff\u2019s allegations. \u201cAt any rate, he voluntarily turned all three o\u2019 them statues over t\u2019 me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVoluntarily?!\u201d Ben echoed, incredulous.<\/p>\n \u201cYep. Since Mister Meredith \u2018n Mister Li pleaded guilty t\u2019 the charges o\u2019 robbin\u2019 that stage, I won\u2019t need t\u2019 hold \u2018em as evidence. Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Sheriff?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2019 can tell Mrs. Li that she\u2019s free t\u2019 take the statues with her,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n Hop Sing eagerly translated. Yin-Kuan smiled, then said a few words in Chinese. \u201cMister Sheriff, Mrs. Li say thank you. She very, very, VERY grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell her she\u2019s welcome,\u201d Roy replied. \u201cI\u2019m just glad everything\u2019s turned out all right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . which means no one\u2019s in trouble?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I just told ya this business o\u2019 Mister Sutcliff holdin\u2019 a gang o\u2019 thieves at bay was just a plain \u2018n simple misunderstandin\u2019,\u201d Roy said. \u201cNo one\u2019s been arrested, leastwise no one HERE\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and no one\u2019s GOING to be?\u201d Ben snapped out the question, while directing a meaningful glare over toward his youngest son.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Roy shot right back, with a touch of sarcasm. \u201cAre y\u2019 satisfied NOW, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d Ben exhaled the breath he had been holding, then raised his eyes to the heavens and breathed a silent prayer of thanks that everything had turned out well, and that no one had been seriously hurt in the process.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Folks, I need t\u2019 be moseyin\u2019 along,\u201d Roy said. \u201cI\u2019ll be relievin\u2019 Clem at the jail \u2018round ten o\u2019clock, an\u2019 I\u2019d like t\u2019 get some supper in me and maybe grab forty winks in the meantime.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to get home ourselves,\u201d Ben said. \u201cGood night, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood night.\u201d With that, Roy turned his horse and headed for home.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m real sorry I didn\u2019t make it to the courthouse this afternoon,\u201d Joe humbly apologized. \u201cI honest \u2018n truly wanted to be there for you, but\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cApology accepted, Son,\u201d Ben said with a smile, \u201cand considering how THAT came out, it\u2019s actually just as well you didn\u2019t make it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean you and Miss Ashcroft\u2014?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, we DIDN\u2019T get married,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cReally? That\u2019s great, Pa!\u201d Joe declared, grinning from ear-to-ear. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLi\u2019l Sister here showed up with Mister Meredith right when Judge Faraday asked if anyone knowin\u2019 that this marriage shouldn\u2019t take place, let him speak now or forever hold his peace,\u201d Hoss replied with a big smile.<\/p>\n \u201cYou really got that ol\u2019 scalawag to go back with you, Stace?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sure did, Grandpa!\u201d Stacy replied with a big smile of her own. \u201cFortunately for HIM he saved us both a lot of time and trouble by agreeing to come back on his own.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen all\u2019s well that ends well,\u201d Joe said complacently. \u201cWe\u2019ve recovered the jade statues, two of the men responsible for robbing that stage are behind bars, Pa didn\u2019t have to marry Miss Ashcroft after all . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and Miss Ashcroft is with the man she REALLY loves,\u201d Stacy added.<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2019 know something, Kid?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, Grandpa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright and Cartwright, Private Investigators did good solving their first case,\u201d Joe said. \u201cReal good!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, we did,\u201d Stacy agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean your first and your LAST case,\u201d Ben said very firmly, \u201cbecause as of right now this very minute, the firm of Cartwright and Cartwright, Private Investigators is hereby officially OUT of business . . . FOR GOOD.\u201d He glared at Joe first, then at Stacy. \u201cDo I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Stacy sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cClear as glass, Pa,\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n \u201cGood! Now let\u2019s go home,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have to take Hop Ling home first,\u201d Joe said, \u201cso we\u2019ll catch up with you at house later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no you DON\u2019T, Joseph Francis Cartwright,\u201d Ben said in a firm tone that brooked no dissension of any kind. \u201cWe are ALL going to take Hop Ling home TOGETHER.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Pa? Don\u2019t you trust me?\u201d Joe asked, all wide-eyed innocence, with his mouth turned down just enough.<\/p>\n \u201cOf COURSE I trust ya, Son . . . and right now, I trust ya about as far as I can throw ya,\u201d Ben replied, unmoved.<\/p>\n A loud, shrill whistle brought further conversation to a screeching halt. The Cartwrights, the Lis, Hop Sing, and Hop Ling all looked skyward in the direction from whence the whistling came. They were surprised to see a rocket, glowing a hot bright yellow white, rising up into the night sky, leaving a thin white vapor trail in its wake. Upon rising to its highest point, it hovered for a split second, then exploded into blinding white light, with a deafening roar that spooked the horses, and brought people running out of the houses lining both side of the street.<\/p>\n Hoss regained control over Chubb in the matter of a few minutes, though for him it seemed an eternity. \u201cPa? Stacy? How\u2019re YOU doin\u2019?\u201d he asked, as he moved in to give Joe a hand with the team hitched to the buckboard.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m ok, Hoss,\u201d Stacy replied immediately.<\/p>\n \u201cBuck\u2019s still a mite skittish, but I\u2019ve got him in hand,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Ben! I thought that was you . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned and found himself staring down into the face of his lawyer and good friend, Lucas Milburn. Ellie, Lucas\u2019 youngest daughter, aged twelve, followed close behind. \u201cGood evening, Lucas . . . Ellie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHello, Mister Cartwright. I hear the wedding between you and Miss Ashcroft is OFF. . . permanently,\u201d Ellie said artlessly.<\/p>\n \u201cEllie!\u201d Lucas turned and favored his young daughter with a warning glare.<\/p>\n \u201cOh!\u201d she gasped. Ben could see the child\u2019s face suddenly turning six shades or red, one after the other. \u201c . . . uuhhh, sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt would appear the word is out,\u201d the Cartwright family patriarch observed wryly.<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Lucas sighed, \u201cI\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPapa, look!\u201d Ellie cried out in delight, while tugging insistently on the sleeve of Lucas\u2019 smoking jacket.<\/p>\n Lucas and Ben looked up in the direction she was pointing. Another rocket, this one glowing yellow had risen up into the night sky. On the porches and walks surrounding them, people were looking up, and pointing.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no,\u201d Ben groaned. \u201cSTACY . . . JOE . . . HOSS! BRACE YOURSELVES!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had no sooner shouted that warning to his three children, when the rocket exploded into an enormous chrysanthemum burst that filled the entire sky. Though the sound was only a fraction of the decibel level generated by the first, the Cartwrights\u2019 horses began to snort and paw the ground uneasily. Another yellow dot rose, followed by a red dot, then a blue. These also exploded one after the other, streaming long, glittering tendrils of gold, red, and blue. Ellie Milburn cried out with alarm and buried her face against her father\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n The Cartwrights\u2019 horses began to fidget now, in earnest. As Joe labored to keep a tight rein on the team, Hop Sing leapt out of the buckboard and ran forward to the horse on the driver\u2019s right. This was the more calm, the more easy going of the two. If he could keep him under control, the other might be more easily managed.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, where firework come from?\u201d Hop Ling asked, as he fought to keep himself and Mrs. Li in their seats.<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno . . . . \u201d Joe replied, his mind focused on the task at hand.<\/p>\n \u201cIt looks like they\u2019re comin\u2019 from the Sutcliff place, Mister,\u201d a young boy with a very pronounced Irish accent told Hop Ling as he ran past the buckboard.<\/p>\n Upon hearing the boy\u2019s words, Hop Sing closed his eyes and groaned.<\/p>\n As the Cartwrights labored to regain control of their horses, more people spilled out of the houses, into the street. Two more blue dots rose, followed by another yellow. These also erupted into, fiery chrysanthemum-like blooms that filled the sky over head. Muted, awed \u2018ooohhs\u2019 and \u2018aahhhs\u2019 could be heard from the people already gathered in the street. More people began to rush out of the houses, joining those already outside.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, we gotta git outta here,\u201d Hoss said apprehensively. \u201cWith them fireworks bringin\u2019 all these people running helter-skelter out in the street . . . \u2018n our horses as skittish as they are . . . somebody\u2019s gonna git hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Hoss,\u201d Ben murmured as he watched the crowd swell with increasing trepidation. \u201cStacy . . . Joe . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Pa?\u201d Stacy responded, as she, too, darted uneasy glances at the thronging mass of humanity in the street surrounding them.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m listening, Pa,\u201d Joe said curtly, as he and Hop Sing worked to keep the team from bolting.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see if we can ease our way ba\u2014 \u201d Ben\u2019s words were drowned in the shrill whistles of three rockets, all yellow-white arcing their way up into the sky, mixing with the screams of the people thronging the street. Each one exploded, one right after the other, in a flash of near blinding white light and a loud roar that frightened horses and humans alike.<\/p>\n Chubb and Blaze-Face reared. Hoss and Stacy struggled valiantly to not only regain control of their horses, but to keep themselves seated in the saddle as well. The people standing closest to the Cartwright offspring mounted on horseback, began to scatter. A young child, aged four, fell headlong onto the street into the path of Stacy\u2019s horse, when a panicked young woman bumped her in the course of her own flight. Ben, with heart in mouth, managed to move Buck between Blaze-Face and the little girl, now screaming frantically for her mother.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no!\u201d Yin-Ling whispered, as she watched Ben maneuver his own horse, frightened and dangerously on edge, between the little girl, and Stacy, who had just managed to rein in Blaze Face. Although the child was no longer in immediate danger of being trampled under horse hoof, the feet of panicked humans, all running in different directions was another matter entirely. She leapt from the buckboard, and started to push her way through the crowd to the little girl.<\/p>\n \u201cYIN-LING! COME BACK HERE!\u201d Mei-Ling shouted. She rose and started to climb over the side of the buckboard, as it moved forward in fits and starts under the impetus of frightened horses, just on the edge of bolting.<\/p>\n \u201cMei-Ling, NO!\u201d Hop Ling reached out to restrain his daughter.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Yin-Ling . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYin-Ling will be alright,\u201d Hop Ling said, in Chinese. \u201cI need you to help me move Mrs. Li into the back with YOU. The way this buckboard\u2019s jerking around, I\u2019m afraid she\u2019s going to fall.\u201d<\/p>\n Mei-Ling nodded, and turned to help her father and Mrs. Li.<\/p>\n More yellow, red, and blue rockets rose one after the other, after the other, in rapid succession, exploding into glittering fiery chrysanthemums, which in turn, left behind billows of thick, white smoke. The smell of burning gunpowder lay heavy in the air.<\/p>\n Ben noted to his dismay, that the swelling tide had begun moving en masse in the opposite direction he needed to go. \u201cHoss . . . Stacy, I think we\u2019d better dismount now, and try to move over to the side of the street,\u201d he said tersely.<\/p>\n Hoss and Stacy nodded, and complied. The latter slipped off her jacket the minute both feet were planted solidly on the ground and placed it over blaze-Face\u2019s eyes. Hoss quickly followed suit with his vest.<\/p>\n Ben watched as Hoss and Stacy began the arduous process of elbowing their way through the crowd to the side of the street for a few minutes. Then, satisfied they were on their way to relative safety, he turned and searched the crowd for Joe. He spotted his youngest son less than a minute later. \u201cJOE!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYEAH, PA?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMOVE OFF THE ROAD!\u201d Ben yelled.<\/p>\n \u201cPA, YIN-LING\u2019S GONE!\u201d Joe shouted back.<\/p>\n \u201cGONE?!\u201d Ben echoed, with alarm. \u201cWHERE?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI DON\u2019T KNOW! LAST I SAW, SHE WAS RUNNING TOWARD YOU AND STACY.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJOSEPH\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYEAH?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWE\u2019LL LOOK FOR YIN-LING LATER, AFTER THINGS SETTLE DOWN,\u201d Ben yelled. \u201cFOR NOW, DO YOUR BEST TO MOVE OFF THE ROAD.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHOP SING, YOU GOT THAT?\u201d Joe yelled, as he jumped down from the buckboard.<\/p>\n \u201cHOP SING HEAR. SEE OPENING BEHIND LITTLE JOE.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe quickly made his way toward the horses\u2019 heads, while Hop Sing worked to keep the team still. He grabbed the reins of the other horse.<\/p>\n \u201cGo that way,\u201d Hop Sing said pointing to Joe\u2019s left. \u201cMister Hoss, Miss Stacy already there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see \u2018em,\u201d Joe said grimly, as he and Hop Sing tugged on the reins with all their might. The horses hesitantly followed. \u201cHop Sing, can your sister drive a buckboard?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe you\u2019d better ask her to move up to the driver\u2019s seat and hold the reins, in case these guys take a notion to bolt,\u201d Joe said. \u201cIt\u2019s all I can do to hang on to \u2018em NOW.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded, then shouted Joe\u2019s instructions to Mei-Ling in Chinese.<\/p>\n Mei-Ling shouted back a single syllable response, then moved up.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s raining,\u201d someone in the crowd shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! It IS raining!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned. \u201cWhat do they mean it\u2019s raining? It CAN\u2019T be raining. There\u2019s not a cloud in the sky.\u201d<\/p>\n Then, suddenly, there was an enormous explosion that literally rocked the country side. Rockets and bombs flew into the sky all at once, exploding into a grand finale of burning color, blinding light, explosions, and shrill whistles, made all the louder, all the more painful on the ears of horse and human alike by their great numbers.<\/p>\n \u201cTHE SUTCLIFFS\u2019 HOUSE IS ON FIRE!\u201d someone shouted.<\/p>\n Several dozen heads turned. Sure enough, billows of thick, white smoke could be seen rising from the vicinity of the Sutcliffs\u2019 backyard. The teeming mass of humanity now became as a strong, powerful current, sweeping inexorably toward the Sutcliff mansion two blocks down. Li Yin-Ling, with the little girl still cradled safely in her arms, tried desperately to fight her way back to the place where she had last known her family to be.<\/p>\n \u201cI want my mommy,\u201d the child said. Though she had long ago cried herself out, she was nonetheless still very frightened.<\/p>\n \u201cTell you what, Child\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am NOT a child,\u201d the little girl informed Yin-Ling indignantly. \u201cI am a young LADY. I just had my birthday yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very sorry, I didn\u2019t know,\u201d Yin-Ling said softly. \u201cSince you ARE a young lady now, perhaps you can keep a sharp look out for your mommy, and let me know when you see her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk,\u201d the girl agreed, mollified for the moment by Yin-Ling\u2019s apology. \u201cBut, maybe we\u2019d better get under something.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright now,\u201d Yin-Ling said. \u201cI think most of the fireworks have already exploded.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, it\u2019s RAINING!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRaining?!\u201d Yin-Ling echoed, incredulous. \u201cIt CAN\u2019T be raining.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes it is . . . I just felt it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYIN-LING!\u201d<\/p>\n Relief surged through the young Chinese woman upon hearing the resonant, baritone voice she recognized as belonging to the head of the Cartwright Clan. \u201cHERE, MISTER CARTWRIGHT!\u201d Yin-Ling yelled back and waved vigorously.<\/p>\n Ben, on foot with Buck\u2019s lead very firmly clenched in hand, moved with the surging mob toward Yin-Ling. He saw that she had the young child clasped in her arms, the same child who had nearly been trampled underfoot by a thoroughly panicked Blaze-Face a short while ago.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Mister Cartwright, thank heaven!\u201d Yin-Ling murmured, her relief at being reunited with him very evident.<\/p>\n \u201cYou all right, Yin-Lin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019M all right, too, Mister Cartwright,\u201d the little girl said very pointedly.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I can see that you are,\u201d Ben said, recognizing her as one of Hiram Baker\u2019s daughters. \u201cHattie?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I\u2019m \u2018Lisabeth,\u201d the girl said with a scowl, \u201cand I want my mommy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going to find your mommy real soon,\u201d Ben promised. \u201cIn the meantime, you\u2019ll be safe with us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, it\u2019s raining,\u201d little Elizabeth whined.<\/p>\n \u201cRaining?!\u201d Ben echoed, incredulous, as he began to steer Yin-Ling over to the side, moving in a diagonal line against the crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething\u2019s falling,\u201d Yin-Ling said. \u201cWhatever it is . . . it\u2019s getting heavier.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI toldja it\u2019s raining,\u201d Elizabeth said.<\/p>\n Ben frowned. Yin-Ling was right. Something was indeed falling, and growing heavier by the minute. But, whatever it WAS, it certainly wasn\u2019t rain. In the distance, the strident clanging a fire bell could be heard. Within seconds, it was joined by another, then another, then another.<\/p>\n Overhead, one more rocket, a blue one, rose high up into the night sky and burst into an enormous chrysanthemum, amid the dying embers and thick clouds of smoke that remained of what had just gone before.<\/p>\n \u201cJUMP HER LIVELY, BOYS, JUMP HER LIVELY!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned upon hearing the shouted battle cry of the volunteers making up the Virginia City Fire Brigade. As he stood watching, eight men turned onto A Street up ahead, pulling along the pressurized water tank. Another dozen volunteers ran along behind them. People began to move aside, opening a path just large enough for the volunteers to push their way through.<\/p>\n \u201cHunh!\u201d Joe grunted in mild surprise. \u201cWhere\u2019s the fire?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Sutcliff house!\u201d a passer-by paused just long enough to answer his question with eager relish.<\/p>\n Joe glanced down the street toward the Sutcliff mansion and saw for himself the telltale glow of fire.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Hop Sing paused to study closely the \u201crain\u201d that had fallen on his exposed hand and the sleeve of his garment. \u201cOy vey!\u201d he gasped in horror, upon recognizing the true nature of the \u201cprecipitation\u201d falling down on all their heads.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter with YOU?\u201d Joe demanded as they finally reached the side of the road a few yards up from his big brother and younger sister.<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, what you do?\u201d Hop Sing groaned in dismay.<\/p>\n \u201cWhaddya MEAN what did I do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat you do with match?\u201d Hop Sing pressed, trying hard to keep his voice down.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT match?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMatch you light in Sutcliff shed so Hop Sing can see?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee what? When?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee when Hop Sing and Little Joe put lo mein crates in shed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh! Oh yeah . . . THAT match! I . . . . \u201d Joe frowned, trying to remember. \u201cI . . . I dunno.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing know. Little Joe drop match. Match not out.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe paled as the implications of Hop Sing\u2019s words suddenly began to dawn on him. \u201cHey, wait a minute! You don\u2019t think . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do YOU know, uuhhhh . . . THAT\u2019S what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt raining.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know it\u2019s raining,\u201d Joe growled. \u201cTell me something I DON\u2019T know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRain NOT rain,\u201d Hop Sing said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhaddya mean not rain?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot rain. Lo mein noodle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoo boy!\u201d Joe squeaked. \u201cHop Sing, you\u2019ve got to promise me you won\u2019t tell Pa about this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing promise not say one word to Little Joe papa, if Little Joe not say nothing to HOP SING papa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDeal!\u201d Joe immediately agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cNot say nothing to your papa about WHAT?\u201d an all too familiar sonorous voice demanded.<\/p>\n Joe and Hop Sing both turned with sinking hearts and found themselves looking into the stern faces of Ben and Hop Ling.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. What you young puppy not tell papa?\u201d Hop Ling demanded.<\/p>\n Joe and Hop Sing looked at each other and swallowed nervously.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph? Hop Sing? WHAT did you DO?\u201d Ben pressed, glaring at his son first, then at Hop Sing.<\/p>\n Joe and Hop Sing looked up at their fathers through eyes round with healthy fear and trepidation and forced smiles stretching from ear to ear. \u201cNUH-THING!\u201d both chorused together in unison.<\/p>\n The deepening scowl on Ben and Hop Ling\u2019s faces told their dismayed sons that, at best, they were skeptical.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright? Papa?\u201d It was Mei-Ling, still seated in the driver\u2019s seat of the buckboard. Yin-Kuan sat beside her with hands primly folded in her lap. \u201cVenerable Grandmother have something to say.\u201d<\/p>\n All eyes turned expectantly to Yin-Kuan, who spoke a few quiet words in Chinese. Hop Sing\u2019s forced smile relaxed into something more genuine, as wave upon wave of relief washed over him.<\/p>\n \u201cVenerable Grandmother say she grateful for return of statue and of Li family honor,\u201d Mei-Ling adroitly translated. \u201cMister Cartwright . . . Honorable Papa, she ask you have mercy on Little Joe and Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright,\u201d Ben sighed wearily. \u201cMei-Ling, please tell Mrs. Li that Hop Ling and I will do as she asks.\u201d<\/p>\n Mei-Ling nodded, then turned to translate.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Ling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetween you and me? If Joe and Hop Sing DID have anything to do with tonight\u2019s fireworks display . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t really think I wanna know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps you right, Mister Cartwright. Perhaps you right.\u201d Hop Ling grinned. \u201cFor big ugly \u2018Merican, you wise man. Very wise man, indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBradley Meredith, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?\u201d Judge Faraday intoned.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I do, Your Honor,\u201d Bradley replied.<\/p>\n \u201cJudith Eleanor Ashcroft, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do, Your Honor,\u201d Judith said. She turned and smiled radiantly over at the man standing beside her, separated by a wall of iron bars. \u201cIndeed, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen by the power and authority vested in me by the State of Nevada, I now pronounce that you are husband and wife,\u201d John Faraday said.<\/p>\n Bradley and Judith turned and locked lips passionately before the judge could even think of giving voice to the words, \u201c you may now kiss the bride,\u201d amid the raucous cheers and applause from most of the people assembled to witness the vows.<\/p>\n Myra Danvers and Ezekiel Abercromby who had come, ostensibly as school board representatives, held themselves stiffly apart and aloof from the spontaneous eruption of gaiety, while Phineas Talbot, one of the photographers working for The Enterprise, finished setting up his camera. Li-Xing politely applauded the newly wed couple, but other wise seemed preoccupied.<\/p>\n The wedding guests making up the enthusiastic cheering section included the entire Cartwright family, Sheriff Coffee, Deputy Clem Foster, Molly O\u2019Hanlan and her father, Francis; and the editor-in-chief of The Enterprise, a friend of long standing with the Cartwrights. Molly had proudly stood up for her former teacher as maid-of-honor, while Clem served as the best man, and Ben very cheerfully gave the bride away.<\/p>\n Looking over at the pained expression on Xing\u2019s face, Ben remembered the brief conversation he had with Roy, a few moments before Judge Faraday arrived to officiate the exchange of marriage vows between Bradley Meredith and Judith Ashcroft . . . . Roy nodded. \u201cThey stopped by early this mornin\u2019 on their way t\u2019 signin\u2019 the marriage contract, or whatever it is they do,\u201d he replied.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHow did it go?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cWere there a lot of hard feelings?\u201d He could hardly blame the family if they did harbor anger and resentment toward the young man, now incarcerated in the Virginia City Jail, for his part in the stage robbery. Had the statues NOT been recovered, the consequences for the rest of the family would have been devastating.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re plenty upset with him,\u201d Roy said, \u201cbut, I don\u2019t think they\u2019re gonna hold it against him forever.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhen they first came in, he was belligerent . . . like Clem said he was yesterday, when he was brought in,\u201d Roy elaborated. \u201cHe started sayin\u2019 things like them statues shouldda been his, how everything was his pa\u2019s fault \u2018cause he spent \u2018n gambled away the family fortune. After that boy finished up with all his rantin\u2019 \u2018n ravin\u2019, his ma steps over t\u2019 the cell, \u2018n she tells him how sorry she is for bein\u2019 a poor mother to him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOh no!\u201d Ben murmured in complete dismay.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cShe sure as shootin\u2019 DID. Then she told him she was gonna start makin\u2019 it all up to him, startin\u2019 right now this minute,\u201d Roy continued. \u201cWell, she turned t\u2019 me \u2018n asked if I had a paddle.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cA . . . paddle?!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Roy nodded. \u201cI told her I wasn\u2019t in t\u2019 habit o\u2019 keepin\u2019 paddles \u2018round here, that the closest thing I had was the li\u2019l shovel sittin\u2019 over in t\u2019 pail where I keep coal in the winter. Well, she marches herself right over there \u2018n grabs that shovel. THEN she asks t\u2019 be let in the cell.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you do, Roy?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI opened the door \u2018n let her go in,\u201d Roy said. \u201cClem had just come in, so I figured between us, we could handle him, if things got outta hand. Well, that li\u2019l lady marched right in there like she owned t\u2019 place, sat down on the cot . . . pulled that boy right over her knee \u2018n warmed his britches but GOOD, using that shovel.\u201d He smiled. \u201cI don\u2019t think that boy\u2019s gonna be sittin\u2019 down any time too soon.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cGood for Mei-Ling!\u201d Ben declared with a big smile.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cShe also told him she loved him and that he\u2019d be welcome t\u2019 come back \u2018n be part o\u2019 the family, after he\u2019s done his jail time, but he\u2019d hafta work real hard t\u2019 earn their trust \u2018n respect.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s as it should be, of course,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cI\u2019m glad to hear the door\u2019s still open . . . . \u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n \u201cGood thing you stopped yourself when you did, Sheriff,\u201d Bradley said sardonically. \u201cThat Cartwright gal kicks harder than a mule. I\u2019m STILL limping.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI toldja once, an\u2019 I\u2019ll tell ya again, Mister Meredith, YOU got off real easy,\u201d Hoss said with a grin.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I got off easy, I\u2019d hate to find out what it is to learn the HARD way,\u201d Bradley growled, favoring Stacy with a ferocious glare of his own.<\/p>\n \u201cYou just remember that the next time you\u2019re tempted to insult me by that four letter word that starts with \u2018L,\u2019 \u201d Stacy quipped, unimpressed by Bradley Meredith\u2019s fierce visage.<\/p>\n \u201cMister and Mrs. Meredith, I wish you both all the best,\u201d Ben said with a big, warm smile. He offered his hand to the groom, then turned to kiss the bride.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Talbot?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you and Mrs. Meredith could squeeze in a little closer to the groom, I can get all three of you together in the same picture.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben and Judith complied.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s very good,\u201d Phineas said. He took the picture, then removed the exposed frame. \u201cIf you folks would be so kind as to hold that pose, I\u2019d like to get another shot . . . in case the first doesn\u2019t turn out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly,\u201d Ben was more than happy to agree.<\/p>\n Phineas took the second picture. \u201cOk, Folks, you can all relax.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d best get on back to your dark room and get those pictures developed, Young Fella,\u201d the editor-in-chief of The Enterprise said with a broad grin. He raised the cigar in hand to his lips and inhaled. \u201cI intend to put that photo right smack dab in the middle of the front page of the next edition, which, by the way, goes to bed tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have these pictures developed and printed in plenty of time, Mister Clemens,\u201d Phineas eagerly promised, as he began the painstaking task of packing up his camera.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir, by the time I get through there won\u2019t be a soul left in Virginia City who doesn\u2019t know that Ben Cartwright and Bradley Meredith are two separate and unique individuals, different as night \u2018n day, in spite of their good looks,\u201d Mister Clemens declared with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cSam, I don\u2019t know how to thank you,\u201d Ben said gratefully.<\/p>\n \u201cNo need to thank me, Ben,\u201d Sam said. \u201cWay I see it, I owe YOU one. After all, if it hadn\u2019t been for you and your boys, why I might NEVER have come by my nom du plume . . . my pen name.\u201d [12]<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m much obliged anyway,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Danvers, don\u2019t YOU have something to say to Mister Clemens?\u201d Joe prompted her with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, thank you so much for reminding me,\u201d Myra Danvers said stiffly. She turned toward Sam, taking great care to avoid making eye contact with any of the Cartwrights. \u201cMister Clemens, I have a prepared statement, written by Mister Joseph Cartwright, to express my sentiments regarding this entire DISGRACEFUL affair.\u201d She cast an angry, baleful glare over in the general direction of Bradley and Judith Meredith. \u201cI would like you to print that in the paper, along with your article about Mister Cartwright and Mister Bradley.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, now, Mrs. Danvers, I don\u2019t know about that,\u201d Sam said, his tone cool, but polite. \u201cI don\u2019t much like to print things in the paper I\u2019ve not read first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Danvers, perhaps if you read that statement ALOUD for Mister Clemens, and for the benefit of all here . . . . ?!\u201d Joe said, his eyes dancing with an impish delight not lost on his father, brother, and sister.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph . . . . \u201d Ben murmured, directing a warning glare at his youngest son.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s ok, Pa, I promise,\u201d Joe said quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know about the rest of YOU, but I for one am very interested in hearing Mrs. Danvers\u2019 statement,\u201d Sam Clemens said. \u201cYou may begin when ready, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow just a minute! I haven\u2019t read this yet my\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo arguments, Mrs. Danvers,\u201d Ezekiel Abercromby rudely interrupted her mid-sentence. \u201cRead.\u201d<\/p>\n An exasperated sigh exploded from the very depths of her being. \u201cAlright,\u201d Myra very reluctantly agreed. She raised the paper in hand up to eye level and began to read.<\/p>\n \u201cI, Myra Danvers, want to go on public . . . \u201d here, she grimaced, \u201c . . . record as stating how terribly, terribly wrong I was in accusing Mister Benjamin Cartwright of behaving indecently with the former Miss Judith Ashcroft. In so doing, I acted maliciously with intent to harm, and for this, I humbly apologize. Mister Cartwright has, for many years, been an upstanding pillar of this community, as many can attest; his ethics, morality, and behavior above reproach.<\/p>\n \u201cI would also like to offer my most humble and sincere apologies to Miss Stacy Cartwright for any and all emotional distress she suffered as the result of me threatening to wire my cousin, Mrs. Vivian Crawleigh, of Dayton, Ohio, requesting that she come and petition for custody of Miss Cartwright,\u201d Myra continued, wrinkling her nose and grimacing. \u201cAt the same time, I acknowledge that Mister Cartwright has proven himself a loving, contentious, responsible parent, who has, through his diligence, turned out a new generation of caring, responsible citizens in his three sons and only daughter.<\/p>\n \u201cI would also like to make it known that I, Myra Danvers, tender my . . . . \u201d Her eyes went round with shocked horror as she scanned ahead, reading the next few sentences that followed. She gasped. \u201cNo! I won\u2019t do it! This was NOT part of the agreement!\u201d she protested, favoring Joe Cartwright with a dark, murderous glare.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll finish reading that statement as written, Mrs. Danvers, or you\u2019ll go to jail,\u201d Joe countered, returning her fierce glare with one of his own.<\/p>\n \u201cOn what charge?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOohh, between Sheriff Coffee and myself . . . I think we can come up with SOMETHING,\u201d John Faraday said.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and if THEY can\u2019t, Mrs. Danvers, so help me, I\u2019LL haul your sorry fat ass into court and sue you for every penny you have and then some,\u201d Judith added tersely.<\/p>\n \u201cFor WHAT?\u201d Myra demanded imperiously, glaring at the former schoolteacher as she would a hideous, if insignificant, insect.<\/p>\n \u201cSlander,\u201d Judith snapped back without missing a beat. \u201cYou intentionally and very publicly besmirched my good name AND Mister Cartwright\u2019s. Every man and woman who attended the last school board meeting bore witness to it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSpeaking as a former lawyer and now a judge, Mrs. Danvers, I feel compelled to warn you that Mrs. Meredith has a very strong case,\u201d John added. \u201cA very strong case indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright,\u201d Myra snarled, ungraciously surrendering to the inevitable. She raised the paper back up to eye level and began again, at the place where she had left off, reading through clenched teeth. \u201cI, Myra Danvers, tender my resignation as member in good standing of the school board, effective immediately. I cite my diminished capacity to contribute to this worthy body in a constructive manner, beneficial to all, as reason. Signed . . . Mrs. Myra . . . Danvers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn behalf of the school board, I ACCEPT your resignation,\u201d Ezekiel Abercromby stated with an emphatic nod of his head.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and I\u2019ll be more than happy to print your statement in the paper, Mrs. Danvers,\u201d Sam Clemens said, as he snatched the paper from her hands. \u201cNow, if you folks will excuse me, I have a newspaper to put to bed.\u201d He turned to leave, nearly colliding with Hop Sing\u2019s young nephew, Jimmy Chong. [13]<\/p>\n \u201cUh oh, please excuse me, Mister Clemens,\u201d Jimmy immediately apologized.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re excused, Young Fella,\u201d Sam said, then smiled. \u201cNext time you\u2019d best watch where you\u2019re going. The NEXT man you bump into may NOT share my non-violent sentiments.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir, I promise to be more careful.\u201d<\/p>\n Sam nodded and left.<\/p>\n Jimmy, grinning from ear-to-ear, turned immediately to Ben. \u201cMister Cartwright, Mrs. Li sends a gift.\u201d He held out the covered basket in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Jimmy, and please . . . convey my thanks to Mrs. Li as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will,\u201d Jimmy promised.<\/p>\n Ben peered inside the basket and broke into a big, happy smile. \u201cHoss, Joe, Stacy, it looks like we have a match.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA match, Pa?\u201d Hoss queried with a perplexed frown.<\/p>\n \u201cA match!\u201d Ben confirmed. \u201cYin-Ling and Yan-Chou are now officially betrothed.\u201d<\/p>\n The three Cartwright offspring immediately erupted into a second round of raucous cheering.<\/p>\n \u201cThe wedding will take place next summer in San Francisco,\u201d Jimmy said. \u201cMrs. Li also said to tell you that you\u2019re all invited as honored guests.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Pa, can we go?\u201d Stacy begged. \u201cPlease?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked down at his daughter and smiled. \u201cI think we can see our way clear to going, and maybe working in a nice family vacation at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Pa . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019d you know Jimmy had a weddin\u2019 announcement in that basket?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you look inside, you\u2019ll see about a dozen or so dragon and phoenix cakes\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDidja say cakes?\u201d Hoss asked, his eyes lighting up with anticipation.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I did,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cAccording to Chinese tradition, the family of the prospective groom presents the family of the bride-to-be with dragon and phoenix cakes. If the match is approved, the bride\u2019s family passes them out to family and friends as wedding announcements.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUmmmm UM! These are right GOOD, Pa!\u201d Hoss declared, as he finished the last of his second one and started munching on the third.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Big Brother, save some for the REST of us,\u201d Stacy protested, as she made a grab for the basket.<\/p>\n Joe reached in and grabbed two of the cakes as Hoss lifted the basket out of Stacy\u2019s reach, drawing a threatening glare from his biggest, older brother. \u201cYou wanna know something, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis idea of sending out cakes as wedding announcements . . . now that\u2019s one Chinese tradition I COULD go along with.\u201d<\/p>\n The End Next Story in the Bloodlines Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bloodlines Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Wedding<\/a> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Notes:<\/p>\n 1. Angela Drake and Carleton appear in Bonanza Episode #201, \u201cThe Spotlight,\u201d written by Dick Carr.<\/p>\n 2. See Bonanza Episode #122, \u201cThe Actress,\u201d written by Norman Lessing.<\/p>\n 3. The Bannings story is told in Bonanza Episode #83, \u201cThe Lady From Baltimore,\u201d written by Elliott Arnold.<\/p>\n 4. Clementine Hawkins appeared in Bonanza Episode #71, \u201cThe Burma Rarity.\u201d Writer unknown.<\/p>\n 5. The character of Bradley Meredith, Ben\u2019s evil \u2018twin\u2019 appears in two Bonanza episodes: #379, \u201cA Deck of Aces,\u201d and #415, \u201cOne Ace Too Many,\u201d both written by Stanley Roberts.<\/p>\n 6. The Slade brothers, who bear uncanny resemblances to Hoss and Joe, appear in Bonanza Episode #19, \u201cThe Gunmen,\u201d written by W. Carey Wilbur.<\/p>\n 7. Margie Owens\u2019 story was told in Bonanza episode #82, \u201cThe Tall Stranger,\u201d written by Ward Hawkins<\/p>\n 8. See Bonanza Episode #260, \u201cJoe Cartwright, Detective,\u201d written by Michael Landon and Oliver Crawford.<\/p>\n 9. The specific incident I have in mind occurs at the beginning of episode #183, \u201cThe Flapjack Contest,\u201d written by Frank Cleaver.<\/p>\n 10. The character of Judge John Faraday and the story of his bid for the office of state governor appear in Bonanza Episode #291, \u201cThe Late Ben Cartwright,\u201d written by Walter Black.<\/p>\n 11. See Bonanza Episode #138, \u201cTwilight Town,\u201d written by Cy Chermak.<\/p>\n 12. See Bonanza Episode #5, \u201cEnter Mark Twain,\u201d written by Harold Shumate<\/p>\n 13. Jimmy Chong appears in Bonanza Episode #20, \u201cThe Fear Merchants,\u201d written by Frank Unger and Thomas Thompson<\/p>\n *********<\/p>\n All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are property of their respective owners.\u00a0 The original characters and plot are property of the author.\u00a0\u00a0 The author is not in any way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise, and makes no money from this work.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary: \u00a0 \u00a0Hop Sing’s relatives are visiting … and Bradley Meredith and the Slade Brothers are in town.\u00a0 It’s shaping up to be a very interesting week for the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n Rating \u00a0MA (92,780 words)<\/p>\n Bloodlines Series, links to all stories within the series are included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":5960,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[2,7,1008,4,690],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5912","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-a-u","category-family","category-humor","category-ma-rated","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-1008-id","wpcat-4-id","wpcat-690-id"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Kaun-Yin-01.jpg?fit=375%2C500&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5912","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/28"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5912"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5912\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5960"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5912"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5912"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5912"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nThe Lo Mein Affair<\/a>
\nThe Wedding<\/a>
\nSacrificial Lamb<\/a>
\nPoltergeist II<\/a>
\nIndependence Day<\/a>
\nVirginia City Detour<\/a>
\nThe Guardian<\/a>
\nLi’l One<\/a>
\nYoung Cartwrights in Love<\/a>
\nSan Francisco Revisited<\/a>
\nThere But for the Grace of God<\/a>
\nBetween Life and Death<\/a>
\nOrenna<\/a>
\nClarissa Returns<\/a>
\nTrial by Fire<\/a>
\nMark of Kane<\/a><\/p>\n
\nPropelled by his fatherly instincts, finely honed through many years experience, he rose to his feet, threw his jacket on over his nightshirt, and went immediately to Stacy\u2019s room. He sat down on the edge of the bed and gently shook her by the shoulder. \u201cStacy? Stacy, wake up . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u201cStacy, I want you to look at me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cMister Cartwright.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\nHe just had to see her again, socially, out of the context of her being the teacher and he the supposed parent of one of her students. That opportunity very quickly presented itself at the church picnic a few days later. As a fundraiser to help families within the community, whose fortunes had suffered greatly in the wake of the hard winter this past year, all of the single ladies were asked to make up a picnic basket and put it up for auction. She and the gentleman who had the highest bid would share its contents together.<\/p>\n
\nAfter a highly delectable lunch, put together by Gretchen Braun over at the International Hotel, he took her into his arms, confidently, without preamble, hesitation or permission, and kissed her. Her entire body initially stiffened in the circle of his arms. He remembered her hands against his chest desperately trying to push him away, but he pulled her closer, his lips tenderly, expertly massaging hers.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\u201cIT\u2019S OPEN!\u201d Big Jack\u2019s triumphant shout, following on the heels of that wooden box, containing the Li Family dowry, splintering into a million pieces, forcibly yanked him away from his tender musings of Judy Ashcroft.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThat\u2019s very interesting, Grandpa. Xing\u2019s riding PAST the Silver Dollar,\u201d Stacy remarked, taking care to keep her voice low. She and her brother Joe had slowed their horses to a walk, keeping at all times within the deep shadows cast by the buildings lining the opposite side of the street.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDo you DENY that Miss Ashcroft is with YOUR child?\u201d Judge William Caine\u2019s voice once again echoed in her ears, disdainful and arrogant. A haughty smile, with lips firmly pressed together spread across the lower portion of his face in the same manner oil oozes across the surface of water.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nJudith cringed, as her own words, her own anguished outcry returned again to haunt her. If she had but one wish, it would be to go back to that very moment and stop herself from uttering those words.<\/p>\n
\nThe two of them ran the remaining distance, then squeezed into the dark shadows of the alcove. Hop Ling gently moved Yin-Kuan deep into the recessed area, then peered around the corner into the hall way.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHas ANY of his family come by to see him?\u201d Ben had asked, out of feelings of pity for the young man.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nAs the cheers, applause, and foot stamping finally began to die away, Sheriff Coffee, his cheeks flushed an unusual rosy hue, very pointedly cleared his throat. \u201cMister \u2018n Mrs. Meredith, I, uhhh, think we\u2019ve had just about enough o\u2019 that kissin\u2019 the bride stuff. After all, we DO have a couple o\u2019 impressionable young la\u2014 \u201d He halted mid-syllable on catching the ferocious glare on Stacy\u2019s face. \u201cExcuse me. Young WOMEN . . . present.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nDecember 2002
\nRevised October 2006<\/p>\n
\nSacrificial Lamb<\/a>
\nPoltergeist II<\/a>
\nIndependence Day<\/a>
\nVirginia City Detour<\/a>
\nThe Guardian<\/a>
\nYoung Cartwrights in Love<\/a>
\nSan Francisco Revisited<\/a>
\nThere But for the Grace of God<\/a>
\nBetween Life and Death<\/a>
\nOrenna<\/a>
\nClarissa Returns<\/a>
\nTrial by Fire<\/a>
\nMark of Kane<\/a><\/p>\n