Hoss, age 15, falls in love for the first time . . . and yes!\u00a0\u00a0 The young lady\u2019s feelings are mutual.<\/p>\n
Rating K+ \u00a0WC \u00a037,000<\/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
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Cinnamon Rose<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo!\u00a0\u00a0 Who are YOU askin\u2019 to the big dance next Saturday, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno, Apollo.\u00a0\u00a0 I guess with the spring round up just over, \u2018n Adam about t\u2019 graduate from college, I ain\u2019t had time t\u2019 give it much thought,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n \u201cHow about Margie Owens? [i]\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019ve been sweet on HER since she\u2019s . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Grinning, Apollo raised both hands to eye level and lowered them slowly, tracing the hour glass outlines of a trim woman\u2019s figure.<\/p>\n Hoss, his entire face and neck flaming beet red, quickly bowed his head, averting his eyes to his knees.\u00a0\u00a0 He bit his lower lip in a desperate attempt to keep back the smile trying to burst forth.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe . . . she HAS turned into a right pretty li\u2019l filly at that, hasn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss Cartwright and his best friend, Apollo Nikolas, sat together on the bench just outside the general store, waiting for the former\u2019s father to finish up his business inside.\u00a0 At the age of fifteen, both boys, at nearly six and a half feet, towered head and shoulders above all their peers and their parents as well.<\/p>\n Apollo\u2019s body, though still reed slender, already showed signs of a burgeoning Adonis figure with broad shoulders, tapering down to a narrow waist and flat stomach.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss, by contrast, had inherited the build of his Swedish maternal grandfather, with a massive, barrel chest and torso that fell in a straight line from his broad, beefy shoulders to a thick waist.<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d Apollo pressed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAre you gonna ASK her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAsk WHO?\u201d<\/p>\n Apollo sighed and rolled his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMargie!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy NOT?\u201d Apollo pressed.<\/p>\n \u201cShe wouldn\u2019t want t\u2019 go with me,\u201d Hoss murmured dejectedly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy WOULDN\u2019T she?\u201d<\/p>\n Exhaling a short, exasperated curt sigh, Hoss raised his head and favored Apollo with an angry scowl.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAw, come on, Apollo.\u00a0\u00a0 Do I hafta spell it out for ya?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSpell WHAT out for me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMargie Owens is one o\u2019 the prettiest gals in Virginia City, if not THE prettiest,\u201d Hoss said disparagingly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe can have her pick o\u2019 any fella she wants.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo look at me, Apollo!\u00a0\u00a0 You take a good long, hard look.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 A bewildered frown creased Apollo\u2019s smooth, unlined brow.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSo what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2019 know?\u00a0\u00a0 For a smart fella, you can be real thick sometimes,\u201d Hoss retorted with a touch of annoyance.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t exactly what anyone\u2019d call handsome.\u00a0 Why in the world would ANY gal . . .\u00a0 \u2018specially a gal like Margie Owens, want t\u2019 go to the dance with a big, ugly so \u2018n so like ME?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn it, Hoss Cartwright, in the first place, you\u2019re NOT ugly, and in the SECOND place, looks aren\u2019t everything!\u201d Apollo exploded, his hot Mediterranean temper getting the better of him.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe IMPORTANT thing is what a guy\u2019s like in HERE!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He thumped on his own chest with his hand clasped in a tight fist, at the approximate location of his heart for emphasis.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIn here, you\u2019re one of the best . . . if not THE best!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow you\u2019re startin\u2019 t\u2019 sound like my pa,\u201d Hoss growled.<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah?\u00a0\u00a0 Maybe you oughtta listen to him, then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cApollo, I\u2019m not askin\u2019 Margie, an\u2019 that\u2019s THAT!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust drop it, Apollo, OK?\u201d<\/p>\n A sigh, borne of pure and simple frustration, exploded from between Apollo\u2019s lips.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d sure like to drop YOU,\u201d he retorted, \u201cright on your head.\u00a0\u00a0 Maybe THAT way, I could pound some sense into ya.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou guys gonna fight, Big Brother?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked up and saw his ten-year-old younger brother standing directly in front of him, gazing from him to Apollo and back, his hazel eyes shining with excitement.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s two closest friends, Lotus O\u2019Toole and Mitch Devlin, ages ten and nine almost ten respectively, flanked him on either side.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo, Li\u2019l Buddy, Apollo \u2018n I ain\u2019t gonna fight.\u201d<\/p>\n The three children\u2019s excitement and eager anticipation quickly gave way to intense disappointment.<\/p>\n \u201cAww, Hoss, why NOT?\u201d Lotus demanded indignantly.\u00a0\u00a0 She stood with feet placed shoulder width apart and arms folded across her chest glaring ferociously at Apollo and Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Cause my pa\u2019d kill me if he came outta the general store \u2018n found me out here beatin\u2019 up on Apollo, f\u2019r no good reason,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . an\u2019 my MA\u2019 D kill ME!\u201d Apollo added, in all sincerity.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me pass, please . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 The frantic voice of a young woman rose above the usual cacophony of horses, wagons, and people.\u00a0\u00a0 Its strident note of urgency caught and drew Hoss\u2019 attention like pungent bait in a trap inevitably draws its intended prey.\u00a0\u00a0 At the end of the walk, he spotted Danny MacLowry, one of his and Apollo\u2019s peers, with a young woman he had never seen before.<\/p>\n As Hoss watched, the young woman moved to step around Danny.<\/p>\n \u201cHey!\u201d Danny immediately sidestepped, planting himself right smack in the middle of her intended path.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhere ya goin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m ONLY tryin\u2019 t\u2019 be FRIENDLY . . . . \u201d Danny whined.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry . . . . \u201d the girl cried out in anguish, \u201cbut I need to get back to my pa \u2018n stepmother.\u00a0\u00a0 Please?\u201d<\/p>\n Two more times, she tried to step past by her tormentor.\u00a0 Each time, Danny moved with her, blocking her path.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you \u2018n your friends stay RIGHT here,\u201d Hoss said tersely.\u00a0\u00a0 He bolted to his feet with amazing speed and agility, given a boy of his height and bulk.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cApollo, YOU keep an eye on \u2018em.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 With that, he pulled himself up to the full height of his already impressive stature, and started walking briskly toward Danny MacLowry and the damsel in distress.<\/p>\n Apollo looked up into the trio of suddenly hopeful faces and smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cLooks like you kids are gonna get to see a fight after all,\u201d he quipped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss, his mouth and lower jaw set with grim, stubborn determination, strode briskly down the length of the wood board walk, his intense, baleful glare riveted to Danny MacLowry\u2019s back.\u00a0\u00a0 He quickened his pace, when Danny reached out and pulled the girl into his arms.<\/p>\n For her part, the girl neither screamed nor did she put up any kind of struggle.\u00a0\u00a0 She stood, unmoving, staring up into Danny\u2019s leering face through eyes round with horror.\u00a0\u00a0 Mistaking her immobilizing terror for consent, Danny pulled her closer and kissed her, triggering a sudden, powerful surge of adrenalin.\u00a0 With palms flat against his chest, she pushed and kept pushing with all her might.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, well, well!\u00a0\u00a0 The cold corpse has suddenly turned into a raging tigress!\u201d Danny whispered, as he tightened his grip.<\/p>\n Sobbing, the terrified girl\u2019s entire body began to writhe convulsively within the constricting circle of his arms, in her desperate struggle to free herself.<\/p>\n The instant Hoss reached Danny and the girl, he grabbed the former by the shirt collar, and pulled, forcing him to release his hold on the girl.\u00a0\u00a0 He immediately followed through with a swift, powerful right cross that sent Danny flying out into the street.<\/p>\n Danny, his face nearly purple with rage, immediately scrambled to his feet, and with a primal bellow, lowered his head and charged Hoss like a bull.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss, acting on pure instinct, sidestepped, barely dodging the wiry, enraged juggernaut bearing down on him.\u00a0\u00a0 Before Danny\u2019s mind could even begin to register Hoss\u2019 move, he plowed headlong into the wall, knocking himself senseless.<\/p>\n Hoss gently prodded Danny\u2019s supine form with the toe of his boot, eliciting a faint moan.\u00a0\u00a0 Satisfied that Danny was presently in no shape to continue the fight, he turned his attention to the frightened girl, huddled against the wall of the notions shop on his right.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMiss?\u00a0\u00a0 Are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the sound of his father\u2019s voice drew young Joe Cartwright\u2019s attention from the incident involving his older brother at the other end of the walk.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYeah, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s your brother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere!\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0Joe pointed.<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes followed the direction of his youngest son\u2019s extended arm and pointing finger.\u00a0\u00a0 He stood rooted to the spot, watching as Hoss\u2019 fist slammed hard enough against Danny MacLowry\u2019s left cheek to literally send him flying from the sidewalk into the street.\u00a0\u00a0 His initial shock quickly gave way to rising anger.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, you wait right here.\u00a0\u00a0 No wondering off, you understand?\u00a0\u00a0 I want you to stay put RIGHT HERE.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-yes, Pa . . . . \u201d Joe murmured, taken aback by his father\u2019s angry tone of voice.<\/p>\n Ben paused.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not mad at YOU, Joe,\u201d he said, addressing his youngest son in a kindlier tone.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut I want you to wait right here while I go fetch your brother, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Pa, I will,\u201d the boy eagerly promised, feeling a measure of guilty relief that, this time, his father\u2019s anger wasn\u2019t directed at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEric Hoss Cartwright, I trust you have a good explanation for this?!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss, very slowly and very reluctantly turned upon hearing his full name spoken, and found himself staring down into his father\u2019s face, its muscles taut and mouth thinned to a straight line.\u00a0\u00a0 The furious intensity in Pa\u2019s dark brown eyes seemed to bore straight into the very core of his being.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss quickly averted his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . uh, Mister?\u201d\u00a0 the damsel in distress hesitantly spoke up for the first time.<\/p>\n Ben glanced up sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, Mister . . . don\u2019t be too hard on \u2018im,\u201d the girl stammered, her eyes round with apprehension.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s . . . well, it\u2019s really all MY fault, actually . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it ain\u2019t, Pa,\u201d Hoss said in a quiet, firm tone, upon finding his voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDanny MacLowry was . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He immediately bowed his head upon feeling once again the telltale tingling of blood rushing to his face.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cH-he was botherin\u2019 this gal, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked down at Danny MacLowry, who had begun to stir in earnest, then over at the still frightened girl, with her back pressed hard against the wall, clutching a small hand bag tight against her chest.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI . . . believe you, Hoss,\u201d he said finally, at length, as his anger began to dissipate.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll discuss this further at home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss, do you live here in town?\u201d Ben asked, as he turned his attention back to the girl.<\/p>\n \u201cWe . . . my pa, stepmother, and I, that is . . . just arrived on the stage day before yesterday,\u201d the girl replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFor now, we\u2019re staying at the Kirks\u2019 boarding house.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, why don\u2019t you see the young lady safely back to Mrs. Kirk\u2019s place?\u201d Ben suggested.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYour brother and I\u2019ll pick you up there after Virgil and Walt finish loading our supplies on the buckboard.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs . . . is your name really . . . Horse?\u201d\u00a0 the girl asked, as they walked together toward C Street.<\/p>\n Hoss grinned and shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo, it\u2019s HOSS . . . not horse.\u00a0\u00a0 My pa once told me Hoss is a mountain word meanin\u2019 a big friendly fella.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss,\u201d she quietly, almost reverently, spoke his name.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBig, friendly fella!\u00a0\u00a0 It suits you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d he murmured shyly.<\/p>\n She was modestly attired in a simply tailored long brown skirt and a loose fitting long sleeved white blouse, buttoned all the way to the last button, just below her chin.\u00a0\u00a0 Her regal bearing and slim, willowy build gave her the appearance of being very tall, when, in fact, the crown of her head barely reached the middle of Hoss\u2019 chest.<\/p>\n Close up, Hoss thought her very pretty, with her clear, flawless complexion, her small, slightly upturned nose, and enormous brown eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 However her long, blonde hair, worn pulled away from her face in a tight chignon, seemed to somehow clash with her rosy skin tones.<\/p>\n \u201cMy name\u2019s Cindy, uh . . . Taylor,\u201d the girl said by way of introduction.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cActually, my full, real, and true name\u2019s Cinnamon.\u00a0\u00a0 Cinnamon Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s a real pretty name.\u00a0\u00a0 How come you don\u2019t have folks call ya Cinnamon, instead o\u2019 Cindy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Cause Pa gets real mad if I tell people what my real name is,\u201d she said sadly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI only told YOU because you saved me from that other boy back there . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She shuddered, \u201c . . . and sometimes . . . . well, sometimes, I just gotta tell somebody my full, real, and true name, or I feel like I\u2019m gonna bust.\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019ve gotta promise me you won\u2019t tell anybody else, though.\u00a0\u00a0 Pa says if too many folks find out my whole real name?\u00a0\u00a0 There could be a lot of trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat kind o\u2019 trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n Cindy frowned as she mulled the question over in her mind.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTell you the truth, I don\u2019t know,\u201d she replied with a shrug.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t think Pa\u2019s ever said . . . exactly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t tell anyone else your whole name, Cindy, but I\u2019m glad y\u2019 told me.\u00a0\u00a0 It IS a pretty name . . . a REAL pretty name.\u201dShe smiled, as her pale cheeks deepened to a rosy hue.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n The pair lapsed into a companionable silence as they crossed C Street, turning at the corner onto the street where Eloise Kirk\u2019s boarding house, officially known as Kirk\u2019s Hostelry, was located.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss and Cindy found themselves standing on the verandah, before the front door a scant few moments later.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you very much for coming to my rescue, Hoss,\u201d Cindy murmured gratefully.\u00a0\u00a0 With a boldness that seemed at odds with her reserved, almost timid demeanor, she rose up on her toes and planted a kiss firmly on his cheek.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMy hero!\u201d<\/p>\n His cheeks flushed an even deeper red.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAww, Cindy, I ain\u2019t no hero, dadburn it!\u00a0\u00a0 I wouldda done the same f\u2019r ANYONE in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou ARE a hero, Hoss,\u201d Cindy protested vigorously.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou ARE!\u00a0\u00a0 I honest and truly don\u2019t know WHAT I would\u2019ve done if you hadn\u2019t been there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome one else would o\u2019 stepped in,\u201d Hoss hastened to assure her.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe,\u201d she murmured doubtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cNot everyone\u2019s like Danny MacLowry, Cindy.\u00a0\u00a0 After you \u2018n your family\u2019s been here awhile, you\u2019ll see that most o\u2019 the folks in Virginia City are honest, decent, and law abidin\u2019 people.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if Danny, or . . . someone ELSE bothers me, and NO one comes to help?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou just march yourself right on over to the sheriff\u2019s office \u2018n let Sheriff Coffee know.\u00a0\u00a0 He won\u2019t stand for any o\u2019 the kind o\u2019 shenanigans that Danny MacLowry was tryin\u2019 t\u2019 pull.\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Cindy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think it was MY fault?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Hoss queried.\u00a0\u00a0 A puzzled frown knotted his brow.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened with Danny MacLowry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow where\u2019d you ever get an idea like that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome folks\u2019d say so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen some folks are dead wrong!\u201d Hoss declared stoutly, with an emphatic nod of his head.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCindy, DANNY\u2019S the one that acted like . . . well, like t\u2019 back end of a horse, not you.\u00a0\u00a0 From what I could see, you did everything y\u2019 could to get away from him.\u201d<\/p>\n Cindy quickly, furtively bowed her head, fixing her eyes on her hands clasped together in front of her.<\/p>\n Hoss knew by her excessively blinking eyes, and trembling lower lip that she was on the verge of tears.\u00a0\u00a0 He immediately reached out, and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou sure you\u2019re alright, Cindy?\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded vigorously.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI . . . I\u2019m just glad y-you . . . well, that you don\u2019t think what Danny did was m-my fault.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 With that, she abruptly turned heel and fled into the house, leaving Hoss staring after her, shocked and completely dumbfounded<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n No answer.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Still no answer.<\/p>\n \u201cHOSS!\u201d\u00a0 Little Joe finally shouted.<\/p>\n Hoss started violently, nearly tumbling into the supplies stacked in the back of the buckboard.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou just scared me outta ten years growth, Shortshanks,\u201d he growled, favoring his younger brother, who sat sandwiched between himself and their father, with a dark glare.<\/p>\n Joe glared back, with equal ferocity.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI called you and called you, but you wouldn\u2019t answer.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss sighed, his ire dissipating.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSorry, Li\u2019l Buddy.\u00a0\u00a0 What were ya gonna ask me?<\/p>\n \u201cI was gonna ask if you were taking that pretty lady to the dance comin\u2019 up next Saturday,\u201d Joe replied, as the trio rode toward home on their loaded buckboard.<\/p>\n Hoss stared down at his younger brother for moment, a puzzled frown knotting his brow.\u00a0\u00a0 At length, he shrugged.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI . . . dunno . . . .\u00a0\u00a0 Why do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cApollo said ya might.\u00a0\u00a0 Take the pretty lady to the dance, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss scowled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDadburn it, that Apollo\u2019s got a big mouth,\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n \u201cApollo MAY have a big mouth, but he\u2019s got a good idea, Son,\u201d Ben hastened to point out.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThis gal . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCindy, Pa,\u201d Hoss said quietly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHer name\u2019s Cindy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know you and Cindy just met, but . . . do you like her?\u00a0\u00a0 Is she someone you\u2019d like to know better?\u201d\u00a0 Ben probed carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, t\u2019 BOTH questions, Pa,\u201d Hoss said immediately.<\/p>\n \u201cTaking her to the dance would sure give you an opportunity for getting to know her better,\u201d Ben continued.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou could also give her a chance to meet other people her own age by introducing her to some of your friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t even think o\u2019 that,\u201d Hoss murmured thoughtfully.<\/p>\n Ben smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTell you what, Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 Monday morning, I\u2019ll send YOU into town to do the banking, and pick up our mail.\u00a0\u00a0 You can also take your brother here to school, and pick him up later.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He paused.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOf course, while you\u2019re in town . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Hoss heard his father\u2019s unspoken message very loud and clear.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d he murmured gratefully, returning his father\u2019s smile.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Li\u2019l Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could also invite Cindy to that big party we\u2019re havin\u2019 for Adam when he comes home from college next month,\u201d Joe added, grinning from ear-to-ear.<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2019 know, Shortshanks?\u00a0\u00a0 For a li\u2019l fella, you c\u2019n sure come up with some real powerful good ideas,\u201d Hoss said approvingly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll invite Cindy to Adam\u2019s Homecomin\u2019 Party on Monday, when I ask her t\u2019 go to the dance with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure Cindy\u2019s parents know THEY\u2019RE also invited to Adam\u2019s homecoming party,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cI will, Pa,\u201d Hoss eagerly promised.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI sure will!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The following Monday morning, Ben rose and dressed early, heartily grateful that Monday morning had finally come.\u00a0\u00a0 The past two days seemed more like two YEARS, with his normally laid back, easy going son chomping at the metaphorical bit with a wholly uncharacteristic impatience he might expect from Little Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben glanced up sharply, groaning inwardly, upon seeing Hop Sing, glaring down at him with arms folded tight across his chest.\u00a0\u00a0 He sat behind the massive desk that seemed to take up most of the space in the alcove designated his study, rereading Adam\u2019s most recent letter.<\/p>\n \u201cBreakfast ready!\u201d Hop Sing snapped.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThird time I tell you!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben placed the letter aside, then rose.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m coming . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere Hoss and Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss isn\u2019t down yet?\u201d\u00a0 Ben gazed up at Hop Sing through eyes round with astonishment.\u00a0\u00a0 He knew that his youngest son had a strong tendency to dawdle in the morning, especially on any given MONDAY morning, but Hoss?\u00a0\u00a0 Never!\u00a0\u00a0 Especially when Hop Sing fixed apple fritters for breakfast.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss not down!\u00a0\u00a0 Little Joe not down!\u00a0 YOU here, not at ta\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u00a0\u00a0 PA!\u201d\u00a0 Joe shouted from the top landing, effectively nipping Hop Sing\u2019s intended tirade in the bud.<\/p>\n Ben glanced upward.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThank you,\u201d he whispered gratefully.<\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u00a0\u00a0 HOP SING!\u00a0\u00a0 GUESS WHAT?\u201d\u00a0 Joe tore headlong down the stairs, fully dressed, his booted feet clattering against wood like an army of castanets.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a bundle of energy this morning,\u201d Ben remarked, as he intercepted his young, exuberant son at the bottom of the steps.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss is taking a bath, Pa,\u201d the boy exclaimed, shocked and astonished, \u201cand . . . it\u2019s not even Saturday night!\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing literally threw up his hands, then turned, and started back toward the kitchen, muttering under his breath in Chinese.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, let\u2019s you and I get ourselves to the table shall we?\u201d Ben raised his voice slightly, while casting the occasional furtive glance at Hop Sing\u2019s retreating back.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing\u2019s fixed up some apple fritters . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Hoss appeared in the dining room much later, bathed, dressed in a pair of navy blue pants, a clean, pressed white shirt, a navy blue string tie, and boots, polished to a high gloss shine.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben also noted the telltale sheen of hair cream, and a faint hint of his own Old Bay Rum after-shave.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201c \u2018Mornin\u2019, Pa!\u00a0\u00a0 \u2018Morning, Li\u2019l Joe!\u00a0\u00a0 What\u2019s for breakfast?\u201d he asked, taking his usual place at the table.<\/p>\n An amused grin pulled at the corner of Ben\u2019s mouth.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI think you mean what WAS for breakfast, actually . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe had apple fritters!\u201d Joe blurted out, grinning from ear-to-ear.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSince YOU weren\u2019t here, Pa \u2018n I got to eat all we wanted.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He punctuated his words with a resounding belch, drawing a warning glare from his father.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cExcuse me,\u201d he murmured promptly.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry we didn\u2019t save you any, Son,\u201d Ben apologized.<\/p>\n \u201cJust as well, Pa,\u201d Hoss replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI ain\u2019t hungry anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Upon hearing this, Little Joe\u2019s jaw dropped, bringing his chin down close to his chest.\u00a0\u00a0 For a moment, Ben half feared that the boy was going to faint right there on the spot.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cLooks like Hoss has got it REAL bad,\u201d he murmured softly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you say, Pa?\u201d Joe demanded, regaining his sensibilities once again.<\/p>\n \u201cI said you\u2019d better get upstairs and get your schoolbooks together, Young Man,\u201d Ben said very quickly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou know what Miss Gibson said was going to happen if you were late to school one more time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After leaving his younger brother off at school ten minutes before the bell, much to the shocked amazement of the school teacher, Miss Gibson, Hoss picked up the mail at the post office and got his father\u2019s banking business taken care of straight away.\u00a0\u00a0 The time was a few minutes past eleven, according to the wall clock in Mister Owens\u2019 office.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss turned and began to walk toward the street, on which Kirk\u2019s Hostelry was located.<\/p>\n \u201cHOSS!\u201d<\/p>\n He paused, and turned.<\/p>\n \u201cHOSS!\u00a0\u00a0 IS THAT YOU?\u201d<\/p>\n It was Cindy.\u00a0\u00a0 Smiling, Hoss stopped to wait as she ran to catch up.<\/p>\n \u201cI was hoping I\u2019d bump into you again sometime soon,\u201d she declared, falling in step alongside him.<\/p>\n \u201cI was just headin\u2019 over t\u2019 Mrs. Kirk\u2019s to see YOU,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n Cindy smiled back.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWere you, Hoss?\u00a0\u00a0 Really?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep!\u00a0\u00a0 Next Saturday night, there\u2019s gonna be a big dance at the community center, an\u2019 I was wonderin\u2019 . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Two spots of bright scarlet appeared on his cheeks.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI was wonderin\u2019 if . . . well, if you, uhh . . . might like to come with me?\u201d<\/p>\n Cindy\u2019s shy, hesitant smile faded into surprise, akin to awe.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cYou r-really want to take me to a dance, Hoss?\u00a0\u00a0 Honest \u2018n truly?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sure do, Cindy, more \u2018n just about anything,\u201d Hoss replied with heartfelt sincerity.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Hoss, yes!\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019d love to go with you!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The smile that suddenly burst forth lit up her entire face with the dazzling brilliance of a summer sun hanging high over head in a brilliant, cloudless blue sky.<\/p>\n For a moment, Hoss stood, unable to move, his eyes riveted to her face, dumbstruck with awe and wonder.<\/p>\n \u201cH-Hoss?\u201d Cindy\u2019s smile faded into a look of anxious concern.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss, are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCinnamon Rose Taylor,\u201d he whispered softly, the minute he found his voice, \u201cyou are just about the prettiest gal I\u2019ve EVER seen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u00a0\u00a0 MAMA\u00a0 CAROLYN!\u00a0\u00a0 GUESS WHAT?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Cindy burst into the room she shared with her father and stepmother, smiling, her eyes shining with happy excitement.<\/p>\n Drew Taylor and his wife, Carolyn exchanged glances of surprise mixed with bewilderment.<\/p>\n \u201cYou remember that boy I told you about?\u201d Cindy blissfully rambled on.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI ran into him just now and guess what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Dear?\u201d Carolyn queried gently, all the while doing her best to ignore the apprehension and dread slowly creeping into her husband\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cHe said there was going to be a dance next Saturday night, and . . . he wants ME to go with him!\u00a0\u00a0 May I, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Cindy turned, toward her father, anxiously clasping her hands to her chest, her eyes guardedly hopeful.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMay I please?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0 Drew flatly declined permission.<\/p>\n Cindy\u2019s face fell.<\/p>\n The crushing disappointment in his daughter\u2019s face pierced Drew Taylor\u2019s heart like a knife.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Princess . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, you PROMISED!\u201d she wailed, utterly dismayed.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I COULD say yes, honestly, I DO!\u00a0\u00a0 But, I can\u2019t!\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s . . . it\u2019s plain and simply OUT of the question.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d Cindy sobbed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPlease . . . tell me why!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCindy . . . .\u201d Drew begged.<\/p>\n \u201cDrew, I\u2019d like to know why myself,\u201d Carolyn said quietly, as she drew her weeping stepdaughter into the comforting circle of her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cCarolyn, you KNOW why!\u201d Drew snapped, angrily venting his anxiety and pain toward his wife.<\/p>\n \u201cDrew, you DID promise,\u201d Carolyn said quietly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou promised Cindy and me both that we could stay here awhile, maybe even settle here.\u00a0\u00a0 We could be part of a community again, even make friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s too risky!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a whole country between us and them.\u00a0\u00a0 You said so yourself right before we left Saint Jo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, but . . . . \u201d Drew sighed and shook his head morosely.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He looked over at his wife, his intense, blue eyes meeting her warm brown ones.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe can\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrew, we\u2019ve been moving around so much, I think it\u2019s starting to affect your mind.\u201d\u00a0 There was an anxious, pleading note in her voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s hundreds, thousands of miles between here and Boston.\u00a0 The three of us are strangers here.\u00a0\u00a0 Why, I\u2019ll bet anything that no one in Virginia City knows anything about . . . what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I had your confidence,\u201d Drew murmured in a dull melancholy tone.<\/p>\n \u201cP-Pa, please!\u00a0\u00a0 Please let me g-go to the dance?\u201d Cindy sobbed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI really would like t-to . . . to know Hoss better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrew?\u201d<\/p>\n He turned and looked over at his wife,<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . when I went to the General Store on Saturday, I asked some of the ladies there about Hoss Cartwright.\u00a0\u00a0 From what they said, he sounds like a real sweet young man.\u201d<\/p>\n Drew\u2019s eyes moved from Carolyn\u2019s face to Cindy\u2019s, then back again to Carolyn with the dull, hopeless look of a trapped, wild animal.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEven if I were to say yes, Cindy\u2019s got nothing decent to wear, and . . . with what little I make cleaning up at the hotel and over at the Silver Dollar Saloon . . . that\u2019s just enough to pay our lodging here and buy our food.\u00a0\u00a0 A new dress . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He shrugged helplessly.<\/p>\n Carolyn smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s the money I got squared away under the mattress.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cM-Mama Carolyn . . . I can\u2019t take your money,\u201d Cindy protested.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not taking it, Young Lady, I\u2019m giving it to you,\u201d Carolyn said in a gentle, yet firm tone.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about all that talk about how important it is to have your own house on land you can call your own?\u201d Drew asked, a bare hint of a smile now tugging at the corner of his mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cIt IS important, but Cindy\u2019s happiness is important, too,\u201d Carolyn said.\u00a0\u00a0 She looked lovingly down into the face of the stepdaughter still cradled in her arms.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI think we got enough to buy some real nice material and a pattern.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright,\u201d Drew sighed with great reluctance and a heavy heart.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t fight the two of you.\u00a0\u00a0 Cindy can go to the dance with Hoss Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n Cindy gently slipped from Carolyn\u2019s embrace, and ran across the room toward her father.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Pa!\u201d she squealed, as she threw her arms around her father\u2019s neck with joyous abandon.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThank you, thank you, thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n Drew hugged his daughter close, delighted to see once again the unbridled happiness that had been absent for far too long.\u00a0\u00a0 He hoped and prayed fervently that he would have no cause for regret.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe said yes, Pa!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss murmured with a complacent smile.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He sat in his customary place at the table, with head resting solidly on his hands, and elbows flanking either side of a plate heaped with his supper, largely untouched.\u00a0\u00a0 The unfocused, dream like quality in his son\u2019s intense, sky blue eyes told Ben that Hoss was many, many miles away, reliving over and over again, his meeting with Cindy Taylor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2019 gotta girlfriend, Hoss\u2019 gotta girlfriend,\u201d Joe began to chant softly, all the while grinning from ear to ear.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph Francis, THAT will be quite enough,\u201d Ben admonished his youngest son quietly, yet very firmly.\u00a0\u00a0 The slight frown deepening the creases already present in his brow conveyed a silent and succinct message that he meant business.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe murmured, immediately picking up on the message.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss not eat?!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Hop Sing exclaimed, nonplused.\u00a0\u00a0 A few clipped, terse Chinese syllables followed, as the Cartwright family\u2019s number one chief cook set himself to the task of clearing away the remains of their supper.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing not believe if Hop Sing not see with own eyes!\u00a0\u00a0 Say one thing!\u00a0\u00a0 Mister Hoss in love, his papa save big bucks buying groceries.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben, safely ensconced behind his desk, in the alcove designated the study, smiled and shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMust be more to this gal than I thought,\u201d he murmured to himself, as he reached for the mail.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 It was Little Joe.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat did you think there WAS to Hoss\u2019 new gal?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you finished your homework yet?\u201d Ben asked immediately, without missing a beat.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, uhhh . . . no!\u201d he sighed reluctantly.\u00a0\u00a0 Leave it to Pa to remember homework just when the conversation was about to get very interesting.<\/p>\n \u201cThen, I\u2019d suggest you march yourself right upstairs and get to it, Young Man,\u201d Ben exhorted in a gentle yet firm tone.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBedtime\u2019s in one hour.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben watched and waited until his youngest son reached the top of the stairs and disappeared into the darkness of the hallway above.\u00a0\u00a0 As he turned his attention to the stack of unopened mail Hoss had brought home from the post office, he noted the Boston postmark on the top envelope.\u00a0\u00a0 His first thought was Adam, as he picked up a letter opener, and carefully sliced open the envelope.\u00a0\u00a0 Had something happened to delay his homecoming, or worse, did he change his mind and decide to stay in Boston?<\/p>\n Ben slid the letter out of the envelope, opened it and smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t from Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 It was from Jedediah and Esther Alcott, old friends Ben had known when he, himself, lived in Boston many years ago:<\/p>\n “Dear Ben,<\/p>\n Short and to the point, Old Friend!\u00a0\u00a0 Esther and I will be arriving in Virginia City on Wednesday, June 10, at two o\u2019clock in the afternoon.\u00a0\u00a0 We have good reason to believe our missing granddaughter is there, or in the surrounding environs.\u00a0\u00a0 I hope you and I might make time and place to get together, visit a while, perhaps at the best restaurant in Virginia City??<\/p>\n Though we have corresponded with regularity over the years, we have not laid eyes on each other since your oldest boy was born.\u00a0\u00a0 Esther and I both look forward to seeing you.<\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/p>\n Jedediah Alcott.”<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018We have good reason to believe our missing granddaughter is there, or in the surrounding environs.\u2019 \u201d<\/em> Ben silently turned the salient point of his old friend\u2019s correspondence over in his mind, marveling and shaking his head.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHow long has it been?\u00a0\u00a0 Seven years . . . eight?!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Jedediah, Jed to family and close friends, and Esther had only one child, a daughter, named Donna Lorinda.\u00a0\u00a0 Donna married a college professor, who taught American History at Harvard University, no less.\u00a0\u00a0 Though he was somewhat older than Donna, something on the order of ten, maybe fifteen years, if Ben\u2019s memory was correct, Jed and Esther were very happy about the match.<\/p>\n Jed had befriended the man who was to someday become his son-in-law, when he first arrived in Cambridge to begin his studies as a freshman at Harvard.\u00a0\u00a0 Their interest in history, particularly American History, had drawn them together.\u00a0\u00a0 Jed had been particularly interested in the young man\u2019s view of history through the eyes and minds of the people who had lived it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Knowledge of dates, places, and events, though important, assumed a lesser priority.<\/p>\n Jed and his young friend spent many an evening discussing, debating, and ultimately sharing knowledge.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben smiled, remembering Jed\u2019s accounts of the many times the two of them had literally talked the night away . . . .<\/p>\n \u201cYou would think the pair of us would go through the next day, exhausted, sleep walking as dead men after having been up the entire night, but such is not the case.\u00a0\u00a0 Speaking for myself, I feel curiously refreshed . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Their interest and passionate love of history brought these two men together.\u00a0\u00a0 Other common interests in art, literature, archaeology, and a good golf game, strengthened and cemented the bonds of friendship.\u00a0\u00a0 Friendship deepened to family as yet another common bond made itself known and felt . . . Jed\u2019s and the young man\u2019s deep, abiding love for one Donna Lorinda Alcott.<\/p>\n Donna and the young man, by then a full tenured professor at Harvard, were married.\u00a0\u00a0 The birth of a daughter, one year later, almost to the day, was the crowning joy of what should have been many years happiness to come, not only for Donna and her husband, but for Jed and Esther as well.\u00a0\u00a0 Donna, whose health was oft described as delicate in Jed\u2019s letters, had almost died bringing her daughter into the world.\u00a0\u00a0 She survived, but the rigors of pregnancy, giving birth, and subsequent \u201cchild bed fever,\u201d had extracted great tolls on her health.\u00a0\u00a0 For the remaining three years of her life, she was a virtual invalid.<\/p>\n Her husband cared for her, \u201cwith a love and devotion far and above what can be considered the call of duty, taking wholly to heart the vows promised on their wedding day, particularly the one about abiding even \u2018in sickness and in health,\u2019 \u201d<\/em> in the words of an awestruck father-in-law.\u00a0\u00a0 After Donna\u2019s tragic, though not unexpected death, Jed and Esther cared diligently for their young granddaughter and son-in-law, consumed with grief.\u00a0\u00a0 The young man gradually worked through his grief, and had begun to take an interest in life again, especially the young daughter, who bore so much resemblance to her mother.<\/p>\n “Dear Ben,<\/em><\/p>\n I constantly marvel at how a mere friendship, borne of insignificant commonalities, has deepened into the love of family, especially since the passing of our beloved daughter, Donna Lorinda.\u00a0\u00a0 Our granddaughter, so very like her mother in appearance and temperament is a delight and comfort to us all . . . .<\/em><\/p>\n Jed had penned those very words in the last letter written before those strong bonds of love and family were ripped to pieces.<\/p>\n Jed and Esther\u2019s son-in-law had remarried . . . .<\/p>\n \u201c . . . . a coarse, ill-mannered woman, far below our station and place in life,\u201d<\/em> Jed had angrily written, \u201cwholly unworthy of assuming the place left vacant by the passing away of our beloved Donna Lorinda.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Remembering those words penned by Jedediah Alcott, brought the words of his former father-in-law, Captain Abel Stoddard, back to mind, words spoken when he and Adam, then an infant, left Boston for good:<\/p>\n \u201cKeep a warm place for her in your heart, but don\u2019t carry her around.\u00a0\u00a0 She wouldn\u2019t want that . . . . \u201d [ii]\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Those words rang very hallow, in the wake of the terse, angry reply from Captain Stoddard to the letter Ben had written him several years later, informing him of his marriage to Inger.\u00a0\u00a0 Captain Stoddard refused to have anything at all to do with the Cartwright family, until Marie had taken it upon herself to contact him, on Adam\u2019s behalf, shortly after he turned thirteen.<\/p>\n Jed, however, had taken matters much further than even Abel Stoddard would have dreamed.\u00a0\u00a0 Seven years ago, he had petitioned the court for custody of his granddaughter, citing her father and stepmother as unfit parents.\u00a0\u00a0 The judge granted his petition.\u00a0\u00a0 His son-in-law had apparently seen the handwriting on the wall as to the verdict.\u00a0\u00a0 The night before Jed and Esther were granted custody of the child, she, her father, and stepmother disappeared.\u00a0\u00a0 Jed had been diligently searching for the girl ever since.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAww, dadburn it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, my hands are shakin\u2019 so bad . . . I\u2019m making a big mess o\u2019 this tie . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAllow me, Son,\u201d Ben kindly offered, trying his best not to smile.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa.\u00a0\u00a0 I sure do appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n As Ben worked, he recalled with a knowing, wistful smile how, for this big, gentle son standing before him, the days remaining until the big Saturday Night Dance had passed with a dreadful, agonizing slowness that sorely taxed even his great abundance of patience.\u00a0\u00a0 Three nights ago, when he had looked in on Hoss before retiring to his own room and bed . . . .<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Pa?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Ben smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCan\u2019t sleep?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cPa, I haven\u2019t gotten much sleep at night ever since . . . since I asked Cindy t\u2019 go with me to that dance.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n His eyes strayed over to his son\u2019s nightstand, widening in mild surprise upon seeing all the scrap paper piled there, some of it spilling onto the floor.\u00a0\u00a0 They were covered on both sides with cross hatches, four thrusts drawn with a pencil, with a fifth line crossing over at a diagonal.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss, what\u2019s all this?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAww, dadburn it, Pa!\u00a0\u00a0 Countin\u2019 the days \u2018til the dance was \u2018way too slow, so I started countin\u2019 the HOURS.\u00a0\u00a0 Today, I started countin\u2019 down MINUTES.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 The sound of Joe\u2019s voice drew Ben back to present time and place.\u00a0\u00a0 His youngest son stood framed in the open door to the bathroom upstairs, watching his and Hoss\u2019 preparations for the dance ahead with a mild interest.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Shortshanks?\u201d Hoss replied, as he turned back toward the mirror and started to comb his hair.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are ya so nervous for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the first time he\u2019s taken Cindy anywhere, Son,\u201d Ben answered the question, as he, also, turned toward the mirror and began to tie his own string tie.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss just wants to make a nice impression, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought Hoss ALREADY made a nice impression on Cindy, Pa . . . the day he pounded that mean ol\u2019 Danny MacLowry\u2019s face in the dirt,\u201d Joe said with relish.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is different,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll understand a little better when you\u2019re old enough to start taking girls to dances yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYUCK!\u201d Joe declared emphatically, making a face.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNEVER!\u00a0\u00a0 Girls stink, except for Lotus O\u2019Toole, her ma, and her grandma.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He looked up at Hoss, watching as his big brother squeezed a drop of hair cream into his massive palm.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYour girl, Cindy\u2019s ok, too . . . I guess,\u201d the youngest Cartwright son added as an afterthought.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you approve o\u2019 Cindy, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss declared with a smile, as he smoothed in the hair cream.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s \u2018cause she\u2019s YOUR girl, and . . . she really makes you happy, doesn\u2019t she, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 It was a statement of fact, not a question.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, she does,\u201d Hoss replied immediately.<\/p>\n \u201cHappier \u2018n that ol\u2019 Margie Owens?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss suddenly, much to his astonishment, realized that he hadn\u2019t even thought of Margie Owens from the first moment he had met Cindy.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYeah, Shortshanks.\u00a0\u00a0 Cindy makes me a lot happier \u2018n Margie Owens ever did.\u00a0\u00a0 Y\u2019 wanna know somethin\u2019 else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that, Big Brother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think Cindy\u2019s a whole heckuva a lot prettier.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think she is, too,\u201d Joe agreed solemnly.<\/p>\n \u201cWell,\u201d Ben declared, looking down at his youngest son in complete amazement.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s quite a compliment coming from YOU, Young Man . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As father and son stepped out the front door, they found the buggy hitched to that new pair of magnificent browns, Ben had acquired at an auction in Carson City a couple of months ago.\u00a0\u00a0 Buck was also saddled and ready to ride.<\/p>\n Hoss climbed up into the buggy and picked up the reins.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks for lettin\u2019 me take the buggy tonight,\u201d Hoss said gratefully.<\/p>\n Ben climbed up onto Buck, then turned and smiled down at Hoss, ensconced in the buggy, with reins in hand.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhen a young man escorts a beautiful gal someplace nice for the first time, I think he should do it up in as fine a style as he possibly can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis Cindy MUST be quite a gal to have made you forget Margie Owens so completely,\u201d Ben mused, as his thoughts wandered back to his own first meeting with the girl.\u00a0\u00a0 He admired Cindy for the way she had stepped right in and took up for Hoss, that day they all first met, despite being scared to death, not only as aftermath to that rude incident initiated by the MacLowry boy, but in the face of his own anger as well.\u00a0 Apart from that, however, the girl was plain, and wholly forgettable.\u00a0\u00a0 So she had initially seemed to HIM.<\/p>\n \u201cCindy IS real special, Pa,\u201d Hoss said quietly, his lips turning upward in a mysterious Mona Lisa type smile, \u201cand when I\u2019m with her?\u00a0\u00a0 I kinda feel special myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you\u2019d best skedaddle, Young Man.\u00a0\u00a0 You don\u2019t want to be late picking Cindy up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSee ya at the dance, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Within no time at all, Hoss found himself standing on the veranda of Kirk\u2019s Hostelry, knocking on the front door.\u00a0\u00a0 Eloise Kirk\u2019s daughter, Rita Mae answered, gowned, coiffed, and bejeweled for the dance herself.\u00a0\u00a0 She was a few years older, closer to Adam\u2019s age, and nearly tall enough to look Hoss straight in the eye without high heels.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cGood evening, Hoss!\u00a0\u00a0 My don\u2019t you look handsome.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here t\u2019 pick up Cindy Taylor, \u2018n take her to the dance,\u201d Hoss said, as the color in his cheeks deepened to a rose pink.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on in.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Rita Mae gently took him by the hand and drew him inside.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019ll have a seat in the drawing room, I\u2019ll let the Taylors know you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n A few moments later, Cindy entered the room, smiling, wearing a deep, rose pink dress that complimented her natural ruddy complexion.\u00a0\u00a0 Its tailored bodice with cinched waist and rounded neckline tastefully accentuated her trim waist and rounded bosom.\u00a0\u00a0 The full skirt with ruffled trim allowed for free and easy movement.\u00a0\u00a0 White lace trimmed the edges of her short, slightly puffed sleeves, neckline, and place where ruffle joined skirt.\u00a0\u00a0 A pair of pain white gloves, fastened at the wrist with a white round button, and a single strand pearl necklace, that once belonged to her mother, the mother who had given her life, completed her outfit.<\/p>\n Hoss rose to his feet slowly, knees trembling, thoroughly entranced by the lovely vision that had just entered the room.<\/p>\n Cindy\u2019s smile faded into a look of concern as she quickly crossed the room to his side.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cH-Hoss?\u00a0\u00a0 Are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n A smile, shaky and uncertain, yet filled with absolute delight, slowly spread across his lips.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCinnamon Rose Taylor,\u201d he murmured, taking care to lower his voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHave I ever told you that . . . well . . . . \u201d He quickly averted his face as the color of his cheeks deepened from rose pink to scarlet.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHave I ever told you that you\u2019ve got to be the prettiest gal I\u2019ve ever seen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d she said tenderly, with a warm smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe day you asked me to this dance.\u201d\u00a0 She gently took him by the hand and led him toward the sitting room door.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Cindy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave I ever told YOU that . . . except maybe for my pa, you\u2019re the first man in my whole life who, somehow, makes me feel beautiful?\u201d<\/p>\n Gazing down into her smiling face, and eyes glowing with the inner radiance of the warm, loving, and gracious spirit that animated them with life and light, Hoss longed so much to gently take her into his arms and kiss her.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d<\/em> he silently chided himself, \u201cnot now.\u00a0\u00a0 It wouldn\u2019t be right.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0 He swallowed, then offered her his arm.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cW-we\u2019d best git goin\u2019,\u201d he said aloud, his voice unsteady.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOur folks\u2019re probably at the dance by now, wonderin\u2019 wh-what happened to the two of US.\u201d<\/p>\n Cindy nodded and gently took his arm.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss cast a quick, sidelong glance at her face, as they turned to leave the sitting room at Kirk\u2019s hostelry.\u00a0\u00a0 For a brief, fleeting instant, he thought he saw disappointment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Athena Nikolas, Apollo\u2019s twin sister, watched with interest as Hoss Cartwright entered the community center, grinning from-ear-to-ear like that Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll\u2019s Alice in Wonderland, escorting a girl she had not, as yet anyway, had occasion to meet.\u00a0\u00a0 She was a very pretty girl, with \u201ccurls and swells in all the exact right places,\u201d as her twin brother, the would-be sailor, would say.\u00a0\u00a0 That deep pink dress, with its simple tailored lines, and subtle ornamentation suited her perfectly.\u00a0\u00a0 Best of all however, was the way she looked at Hoss, as if he were just about the only person in the world who mattered.<\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019s the frump?\u201d<\/p>\n Athena turned and found herself staring into the disdainful blue eyes of Margie Owens.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat frump?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat girl with Hoss Cartwright,\u201d Margie replied, wrinkling her nose in disdain.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI mean, really!\u00a0 \u00a0ANYONE can see that dress is home made!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhoever made that girl\u2019s dress sure did a fine job of it,\u201d Athena murmured appreciatively.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEvery bit as good as that new French woman who just opened up in town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, it\u2019s so PLAIN!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMargie Dear, some people have a natural beauty all their own, and don\u2019t need to draw peoples\u2019 attention by way of a fancy-schmancy kind of dress,\u201d Athena said, staring pointedly at Margie\u2019s gown with its shimmering, glittering material, overlaid by fringe and lace.<\/p>\n Margie responded with a murderous glare, then turned heel and flounced off with Athena\u2019s soft, derisive laughter echoing in her ears.<\/p>\n \u201cAthena?\u201d<\/p>\n She turned.\u00a0\u00a0 It was Hoss Cartwright with his mystery girl.<\/p>\n \u201cAthena, I\u2019d like you t\u2019 meet Cindy Taylor,\u201d Hoss graciously made the introductions.\u00a0 \u201cShe \u2018n her family just moved t\u2019 Virginia City \u2018bout a week ago.\u00a0\u00a0 Cindy, this is Athena Nikolas.\u00a0\u00a0 She\u2019s Apollo\u2019s sister.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCindy, I\u2019m very pleased to make your acquaintance,\u201d Athena offered her hand and a sincere smile this time.\u00a0\u00a0 Anyone who could give Hoss Cartwright the kind of happiness she saw glowing in his face and in those bright, sky blue eyes, was top notch in HER book.\u00a0\u00a0 Knocking the like of Miss Margie Owens clear off that high and lofty pedestal, mostly of her own making, only added to Athena Nikolas\u2019 positive first impression.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very glad to meet you, too,\u201d Cindy accepted Athena\u2019s extended hand and returned her smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMister and Mrs. Taylor?\u201d<\/p>\n Drew and Carolyn Taylor both turned their heads in unison and found themselves looking up into the warm, smiling face of a big man, with hair graying to silver.\u00a0\u00a0 The former unconsciously stepped forward, interposing himself between the big, smiling stranger and his wife.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWh-what can we do for you, Mister?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright,\u201d Ben said, his smile broadening.\u00a0\u00a0 He politely extended his hand.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBen Cartwright.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m Hoss\u2019 father.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very pleased to meet you, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Carolyn smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 She stepped around her husband and took Ben\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cHoss is a wonderful young man and . . . . \u201d she gestured discreetly toward the dance floor, where Cartwright son and Taylor daughter danced together, completely oblivious to all but each other.\u00a0 \u201c . . . you can see Cindy thinks the absolute world of him.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben returned Carolyn Taylor\u2019s warm smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYour daughter, Cindy\u2019s quite a gal,\u201d he said quietly, with heartfelt sincerity.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNot only does HOSS think the world of her, but my youngest boy\u2019s pretty taken with her, too . . . quite an accomplishment taking into account that Joe\u2019s still at the age where girls stink.\u201d<\/p>\n Carolyn laughed out loud.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat is indeed quite an accomplishment,\u201d she agreed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAre Hoss and Joe your only children?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have an older boy, Adam,\u201d Ben replied, warming immediately to Carolyn Taylor\u2019s quiet warmth and charm.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s been away attending college for the past four years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou must miss him terribly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do,\u201d Ben admitted.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut, if my time calculations are correct, he should be finishing up with his finals, and getting ready to graduate . . . with high honors.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHigh honors?\u00a0\u00a0 That\u2019s wonderful, Mister Cartwright.\u00a0\u00a0 You must be very proud of him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou must indeed,\u201d Drew Taylor spoke up for the first time, since Ben had introduced himself.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTo graduate with high honors is no small accomplishment.\u00a0\u00a0 May I inquire as to where your oldest son has been attending college?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHarvard University,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cCambridge, Massachusetts.\u201d<\/p>\n Drew Taylor\u2019s face turned white as a sheet.\u00a0\u00a0 His body, so rigid and still, and eyes round with alarm, reminded Ben of a deer mesmerized and rendered immobile by the light of a roaring campfire or brightly burning torch.<\/p>\n Carolyn Taylor, herself also stunned by the revelation of Adam Cartwright\u2019s soon to be alma mater, was the first to find her voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cH-Harvard.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She smiled, but with none of her previous warmth.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat makes your son\u2019s scholastic accomplishments all the m-more . . . impressive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mrs. Taylor,\u201d Ben said, somewhat taken aback by their sudden reserve.\u00a0 \u201cAdam will be coming home next month . . . for good.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m planning a welcome home party . . . nothing real big or fancy, just a cookout with friends and neighbors.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019d like to invite both of you, and your daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Carolyn murmured in as stead a voice as she could muster.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDrew and I would love to come, and Cindy . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She nodded again to the dance floor, toward his son and their daughter.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201c . . . I think Cindy will be delighted to come, also.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n The Cartwright clan patriarch turned and saw Roy Coffee heading in his direction.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister and Mrs. Taylor, if you would excuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Carolyn murmured a tad too quickly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cGood talking with you.\u201d<\/p>\n The minute Ben Cartwright turned to leave, Drew Taylor seized his wife by the elbow and steered her off to a secluded alcove.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCarolyn, are you out of your mind?\u201d he demanded, sotto voce, the minute he was certain they were alone.<\/p>\n \u201cDrew . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard him.\u00a0\u00a0 His oldest son has been attending Harvard for the past four years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrew, please, get hold of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe are NOT attending that party Mister Cartwright\u2019s having for his son\u2019s homecoming,\u201d Drew declared, his voice shaking.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe are going to go home immediately, and pack our things.\u00a0\u00a0 We\u2019re leaving Virginia City first thing in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrew, stop it!\u201d Carolyn begged.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cJust stop it right now!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to move on, Carolyn, don\u2019t you see?\u00a0\u00a0 This Adam Cartwright almost certainly knows.\u00a0\u00a0 Chances are Mister Cartwright does, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo WHAT if they do?\u201d<\/p>\n Drew stared down into his wife\u2019s face, looking at her as he might someone who had suddenly, inexplicably gone completely insane<\/p>\n \u201cOk, people talk.\u00a0\u00a0 In the four years, Mister Cartwright\u2019s s,on has been living in Boston and attending Harvard University, he, more than likely HAS heard something,\u201d Carolyn reluctantly agreed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut it would have been old gossip by the time he arrived there four years ago.\u00a0\u00a0 A chain of events that happened to faceless strangers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if Adam, or one of his college buddies, knows them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s likely.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s STILL possible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrew, anything\u2019s possible, but taking into account the fact that both Boston and Harvard University are very big places, the probability of Adam Cartwright knowing them directly or indirectly is pretty much nil.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t take that chance, Carolyn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrew, I\u2019m tired of running, and poor Cindy . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She cast a meaningful glance over toward the dance floor, where the music had just ended.\u00a0\u00a0 There, Hoss and Cindy applauded the music, gazing contentedly into each other\u2019s eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want to take that away from her.\u201d<\/p>\n Drew followed his wife\u2019s line of vision, then abruptly turned away, heartsick.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t either, Carolyn.\u00a0\u00a0 Ever since she first met Hoss . . . well, she hasn\u2019t been happy like that for a very long time.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He sighed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat are we going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re both going to stay put right here, and put down some roots,\u201d Carolyn said firmly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve talked with a lot of the ladies in passing, met some of their husbands and children.\u00a0\u00a0 Most of \u2018em seem to be decent, friendly people.\u00a0\u00a0 I also have a real strong feeling that they don\u2019t much care what your past has been.\u00a0\u00a0 They care a lot more about what you are and what you decide to make of yourself NOW.\u00a0\u00a0 We\u2019ll do fine here, Drew.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright,\u201d he agreed reluctantly.<\/p>\n \u201cIs . . . everything alright?\u201d<\/p>\n Carolyn turned and found herself once more looking up into the face of Ben Cartwright.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYes . . . and no,\u201d she said quietly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt seems my husband\u2019s not feeling very well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope it\u2019s nothing serious,\u201d Ben said anxiously.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, just a mild stomach upset, but all the same, I\u2019d best get him home,\u201d Carolyn said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWould you mind doing us a big favor, Mister Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d be glad to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease let Cindy know that we\u2019ve left, but tell her also that we both want her to stay and enjoy herself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss and I will certainly see that Cindy returns home safely,\u201d Ben promised.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHowever, I have a buggy outside.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019d be more than happy to drive you home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to put you out, Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo trouble at all, Mrs. Taylor.\u00a0\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you both meet me out front?\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ll let Hoss and Cindy know were leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben diligently searched the dance floor, but could find neither hide nor hair of his son or the Taylors\u2019 daughter.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright, have you lost something?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 It was Athena Nikolas.<\/p>\n Ben turned and favored her with a rueful smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI was looking for Cindy Taylor and Hoss,\u201d he replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCindy\u2019s father\u2019s feeling a little under the weather, so I\u2019m taking him and her mother home.\u201d<\/p>\n She had spotted them a few moments before, quietly slipping out the back door.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cIf you\u2019d like, Mister Cartwright, I\u2019d be very happy to give them the message,\u201d Athena immediately offered.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Athena,\u201d Ben said with an amused grin, \u201cand I hope Cindy wore a shawl, or some kind of wrap to the dance.\u00a0\u00a0 It can still get pretty chilly outside after dark.\u201d<\/p>\n Athena stared at Ben Cartwright\u2019s retreating back, open mouthed with shock, wondering how in the ever lovin\u2019 world did he possibly know.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gazed into her warm, dark brown eyes, reflecting back the silvery light of the near full moon, and glowing with her own inner light.\u00a0\u00a0 The next thing he knew, their lips were touching, in a gentle whisper of a kiss.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss pulled back abruptly, eyes round with horror, both hands trembling.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cC-Cindy, I . . . I\u2019m s-sorry . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Hoss, I\u2019m not,\u201d she said softly, her hand caressing his cheek.\u00a0 She lowered her head, as two bright spots of red, discernable even in the subdued light of the moon, appeared on her cheeks.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI . . . I was hoping you would . . . even before we left Kirk\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-you were?\u201d Hoss stammered, staring down at her in wonder.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCindy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-yes, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCindy, can I . . . may I . . . would you be mad at me if I . . . if I kissed you again?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss, much to his chagrin, felt the sudden rush of blood to his own face.<\/p>\n \u201cI-I\u2019d be mad at you if . . . if you DIDN\u2019T kiss me again . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Hoss, his heart pounding, gently gathered her in his arms and kissed her.\u00a0\u00a0 He was astonished and pleased when her arms, loosely encircling his waist, tightened and she began to kiss him back.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss . . . is this how two people feel when . . . when they love each other?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t rightly know, Cindy,\u201d Hoss murmured gazing down in wonder at the girl still clasped in his arms.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI only know one thing.\u00a0\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to be without you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to ever be without you, either, Hoss,\u201d she half sobbed, as she buried her face against his broad shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, well, well!\u00a0\u00a0 Ain\u2019t THIS cozy!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Cindy both turned their heads in unison and found Danny MacLowry standing in front of them, arms folded across his chest, leering balefully at both of them.\u00a0\u00a0 Cindy, her eyes round with fear, tightened her arms around Hoss\u2019 waist and pressed closer.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019re you doin\u2019 here, Danny?\u201d Hoss demanded.\u00a0\u00a0 An angry, indignant scowl creased his forehead.<\/p>\n \u201cI was gonna ask the purty lady to dance,\u201d Danny replied, his voice generously laced with angry sarcasm.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut, when I turned to ask her?\u00a0\u00a0 No purty lady!\u201d<\/p>\n Drawing a measure of strength and courage from Hoss\u2019 close proximity, Cindy pulled herself up to full height and cast a dark, withering glare of her own toward their antagonist.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFor YOUR information, I don\u2019t want to dance with YOU.\u00a0\u00a0 Not now, not ever!\u00a0\u00a0 In fact, if I never, ever see you again, that\u2019ll be too soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Danny laughed mirthlessly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, I get it!\u00a0\u00a0 You think you\u2019re somethin\u2019 almighty special just \u2018cause one o\u2019 the great \u2018n powerful Cartwrights stopped t\u2019 notice ya,\u201d he sneered, directing his words toward Cindy.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWell, ya AIN\u2019T!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, Cindy, let\u2019s us g\u2019won back inside.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss, keeping one arm protectively around Cindy\u2019s shoulders, moved to step around Danny.<\/p>\n Danny immediately sidestepped, placing himself directly in front of Hoss and Cindy once again.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s rude . . . leaving before I\u2019ve had a chance to finish what I have t\u2019 say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStand aside, Danny,\u201d Hoss growled.<\/p>\n \u201cNot \u2018til I\u2019ve finished sayin\u2019 what I have t\u2019 say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCindy \u2018n I don\u2019t wanna hear what you hafta say.\u00a0\u00a0 Now stand aside!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you let the lady speak for herself?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, I WILL speak for myself!\u201d Cindy said, her voice shaking with anger and fear.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI DON\u2019T want to hear anything you have to say.\u00a0\u00a0 I also don\u2019t want to see you, dance with you, or have anything to do with you at all!\u00a0\u00a0 Ever!\u00a0\u00a0 Is THAT clear enough?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you know whether or not y\u2019 wanna have anything t\u2019 do with me?\u201d Danny spat, his face contorting with a potent fury born out of wounded pride.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOl\u2019 Hoss ain\u2019t exactly letcha spend any time with other guys!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDanny, that\u2019s enough!\u00a0\u00a0 Now you stand aside right now, \u2018n let Cindy \u2018n me git by.\u201d<\/p>\n Danny laughed again, its sound harsh and grating.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe only reason you think an ugly cuss like Hoss is so much better \u2018n a guy like me \u2018s because I ain\u2019t got all that Cartwright money!\u00a0\u00a0 Ok, fine!\u00a0\u00a0 Fine \u2018n dandy!\u00a0\u00a0 You just remember one thing, Gal!\u00a0\u00a0 After ol\u2019 Hoss here\u2019s loved ya \u2018n left ya, don\u2019t you dare come crawlin\u2019 back to me!\u00a0\u00a0 \u2018Cause Danny MacLowry don\u2019t want none o\u2019 Hoss Cartwright\u2019s used up leftovers.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss immediately moved Cindy behind him, then followed through with a powerful right cross that connected solidly with Danny\u2019s jaw.\u00a0\u00a0 The MacLowry boy reeled back dizzily a couple of steps, before recovering a measure of his equilibrium.\u00a0\u00a0 Before Hoss realized what was happened, Danny lowered his head and charged, slamming hard into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss, his mouth open, gasping for breath, wavered, then fell over backwards.\u00a0\u00a0 With a yowl of triumph, Danny leapt on his fallen opponent, raining down hard blows on his chest and face.<\/p>\n Cindy screamed.<\/p>\n Angelina Thundercloud Woman, full blooded Shoshone wife of Houston O\u2019Brien, friend and neighbor of the Cartwrights, appeared at Cindy\u2019s elbow with her daughter, Crystal.<\/p>\n \u201cP-Please, Ma\u2019am . . . y-you\u2019ve got to help Hoss . . . he\u2019s . . . he\u2019s killing him!\u201d Cindy turned to Angelina, with tears pouring down her cheeks like a swift running waterfall.<\/p>\n \u201cCrystal, you run on inside and fetch Sheriff Coffee,\u201d Angelina ordered, her face darkening in the spirit and manner of her namesake.<\/p>\n Crystal nodded, then set off, beating a straight path back to the community center.<\/p>\n Angelina, meanwhile, strode resolutely over toward Danny and Hoss, her back poker straight, and jaw set with grim, stubborn determination.\u00a0\u00a0 She seized Danny MacLowry by the back of his shirt collar and pulled him away from Hoss with almost ridiculous ease.\u00a0\u00a0 Then, in the same fluid movement, she threw the startled boy down onto the ground.<\/p>\n Danny MacLowry gazed up into the dark, angry face of Angelina Thundercloud Woman, stunned.\u00a0\u00a0 Initial shock quickly gave way to rage.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDamn Squaw Woman!\u201d he spat.<\/p>\n Angelina leaned over, and, grabbing him by the lapels, hauled him unceremoniously to his feet, bringing his face within less than an inch of her own.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI am NO squaw woman!\u201d she literally spat in his face.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI am daughter of chief and granddaughter of many, many chiefs.\u201d\u00a0 With that, she immediately followed through with a swift, hard punch that sent Danny MacLowry toppling to the ground a second time.<\/p>\n Cindy, meanwhile, with heart in mouth, ran to Hoss, half-falling, half-collapsing beside him.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cH-Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I\u2019m alright, Cindy,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n Cindy immediately got behind him and helped him from a prone to sitting position.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, Hoss . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She began to gently dab the bleeding places on his face with the edge of her light shawl.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201c . . . y-you\u2019re hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI reckon I AM banged up a little,\u201d Hoss said ruefully, giving her what he hoped was a reassuring smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut, I\u2019ll be fine.\u00a0\u00a0 How \u2018bout you, Cindy?\u00a0\u00a0 You alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I will be,\u201d she sobbed, throwing her arms around Hoss\u2019 neck.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNow that I know YOU\u2019RE going to b-be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the Sam Hill is going on down here?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 A familiar sonorous voice, tight with anger, fell upon Hoss\u2019 ears.<\/p>\n Angelina Thundercloud Woman O\u2019Brien turned to face Ben Cartwright, as he walked briskly toward then, his own face a veritable thundercloud.\u00a0\u00a0 Sheriff Roy Coffee and her daughter, Crystal, followed close behind Ben.\u00a0\u00a0 Clem Foster, newly appointed deputy, and Gerald Malone, carrying a white lace wrap that belonged to the lady he had escorted to the dance, brought up the rear.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, when Crystal and I came upon them, that ruffian . . . . \u201d Angelina directed a dark, menacing glare in Danny\u2019s general direction, \u201c . . . had poor Hoss on the ground and was beating the stuffing out of him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe started it!\u201d Danny said, thrusting his arm with pointed finger toward Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s lying!\u201d Cindy shot back, her entire body trembling with the pent up fury growing within.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHE started it!\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss and I stepped out for a breath of fresh air when he . . . he came up to us, started heckling us . . . we tried to go around him, but he wouldn\u2019t let us pass!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Cartwright . . . Sheriff Coffee . . . Hoss\u2019 lady friend\u2019s telling the truth,\u201d Gerald said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI went to the buggy to get Lucille\u2019s wrap, and saw the whole thing.\u00a0\u00a0 I was coming to help, but Mrs. O\u2019Brien here beat me to the punch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSh-Sheriff Coffee?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss ventured hesitantly, speaking for the first time.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis ain\u2019t the first time Danny\u2019s bothered Cindy,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFirst time happened \u2018bout a week ago right outside the notions shop.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He took Cindy\u2019s trembling hand in his and gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe did the same thing to her then that he did t\u2019 US now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Taylor ain\u2019t the first gal he\u2019s harassed either,\u201d Roy said, favoring Danny MacLowry with a baleful glare.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWith YOU runnin\u2019 \u2018round loose, it seems the streets o\u2019 Virginia City ain\u2019t safe no more f\u2019r decent young ladies, \u2018n I f\u2019r one am sick \u2018n tired of it.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI honest \u2018n truly hope t\u2019 heaven you wanna swear out a complaint, so \u2018s I can put this . . . this lowlife behind bars where he belongs,\u201d Roy said tersely.<\/p>\n Danny\u2019s eyes went round with genuine terror.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo!\u00a0\u00a0 Y-You . . . you CAN\u2019T put me in jail!\u00a0\u00a0 My pa . . . he\u2019ll KILL me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe y\u2019 shouldda thought o\u2019 THAT \u2018fore y\u2019 tried t\u2019 force your attentions on Miss Taylor here,\u201d Roy countered, his mouth stretched to a thin, angry line.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou BET I\u2019m going to swear out that complaint,\u201d Ben replied, his voice tight with fury, barely controlled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister and Mrs. Taylor, the young lady\u2019s parents may want to swear out a complaint as well.\u00a0\u00a0 I fully intend advising them to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn THAT case, Danny MacLowry, you\u2019re under arrest,\u201d the sheriff informed the hapless youth with relish.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe charges are harassment, assault \u2018n battery.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it THIS time, Sheriff?\u201d\u00a0 Rob MacLowry demanded, as he strode briskly into the sheriff\u2019s office, the Monday morning following the dance.\u00a0\u00a0 The scowl on his face was darker than the black clouds, heralding the approach of a violent thunderstorm.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDid that Cartwright kid use my boy as a punching bag again, and scrape his soft knuckles?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Roy replied sardonically.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSeems THIS time your boy used Hoss Cartwright as a punchin\u2019 bag.\u201d<\/p>\n A hard, mirthless smile spread across his lips.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWell good for Danny!\u00a0\u00a0 \u2018Bout time someone started puttin\u2019 those high, almighty Cartwrights in their place!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen Cartwright\u2019s worked very hard t\u2019 earn the respect o\u2019 folks hereabouts,\u201d Roy said sternly, \u201can\u2019 I can\u2019t ever rightly recall a time when the parents o\u2019 the young ladies livin\u2019 in \u2018n around Virginia City ever talked about lockin\u2019 up their daughters \u2018cause the Cartwright boys\u2019re comin\u2019 t\u2019 town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou referrin\u2019 t\u2019 that Taylor bitch?\u201d Rob growled, bristling.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom what I\u2019VE seen of her, Miss Taylor seems t\u2019 be a very fine young lady.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine young lady indeed!\u201d Rob snorted derisively.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe led my boy on, y\u2019 know!\u00a0\u00a0 Bold as brass, she stood right out there on that sidewalk last week \u2018n led him right on.\u00a0\u00a0 She did the same thing at the dance!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, accordin\u2019 to Hoss, the incident at the dance was the SECOND time your boy\u2019s harassed Miss Taylor, \u2018n tried t\u2019 force his attentions on her,\u201d Roy Coffee hastened to point out.<\/p>\n \u201cAgggh!\u00a0\u00a0 Who does Hoss Cartwright think he is anyway?\u00a0\u00a0 Just \u2018cause HE\u2019S one o\u2019 them high \u2018n mighty Cartwrights . . . he probably thinks he OWNS that gal.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s got no call t\u2019 be so selfish \u2018n take up ALL her time.\u00a0\u00a0 He oughtta sit back \u2018n let OTHER guys spend some time with her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister MacLowry, did it ever occur t\u2019 you that maybe Miss Taylor WANTS t\u2019 spend all her time with Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n Rob MacLowry laughed out loud at the very notion.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCome ON, Sheriff!\u00a0\u00a0 That gal\u2019s a real looker!\u00a0\u00a0 Why in t\u2019 world would she WANT t\u2019 spend time with the likes o\u2019 Hoss Cartwright . . . \u2018specially when she\u2019s got a real man like Danny fawnin\u2019 after her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI c\u2019n give ya a hundred reasons why Miss Taylor, or any other gal f\u2019r that matter\u2019d choose Hoss Cartwright over your boy in a heartbeat,\u201d Roy Coffee stoutly took up for Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cLooks ain\u2019t everything!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe not, but they sure count f\u2019r an awful lot!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot near as much as you think, Mister MacLowry.\u00a0\u00a0 As I said before, what happened at the dance makes TWICE now, your boy\u2019s tried t\u2019 force his attentions on Miss Taylor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was ONLY trying t\u2019 be FRIENDLY,\u201d Rob vehemently protested.<\/p>\n \u201cThat AIN\u2019T the way Miss Taylor saw it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAhh!\u00a0 Miss Taylor misunderstood and overreacted!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrom t\u2019 accounts given by OTHER witnesses . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOTHER witnesses?\u00a0\u00a0 WHAT other witnesses?\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss Cartwright \u2018n his good buddy, Apollo Nikolas?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . an\u2019 you c\u2019n add Mister Malone t\u2019 that list, Mister MacLowry,\u201d the sheriff said in a wry tone.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe went out to his buggy t\u2019 fetch a wrap his gal\u2019d left on the seat when the two of \u2018em went in.\u00a0\u00a0 He saw t\u2019 whole thing.\u00a0\u00a0 So did Mrs. O\u2019Brien \u2018n her daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn\u2019 squaw bitch \u2018n her half-breed whelp?!\u00a0\u00a0 Hah!\u00a0\u00a0 Who in t\u2019 ever lovin\u2019 world\u2019s gonna take the word o\u2019 the like o\u2019 THEM over a couple o\u2019 decent honest \u2018n true Americans like my boy \u2018n me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI<\/strong> would, for one, Mister MacLowry, \u2018n Judge Faraday f\u2019r another.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAggh!\u00a0\u00a0 Friends of the Cartwrights!\u00a0\u00a0 Judge, sheriff, \u2018n witnesses!\u00a0\u00a0 The lot o\u2019 ya will say anything Ben Cartwright tells ya to!\u201d Rob snorted derisively.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the FIRST place, Ben Cartwright AIN\u2019T that kind o\u2019 man,\u201d Roy Coffee stoutly defended his old friend.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019d never ask his friends t\u2019 lie for him.\u00a0\u00a0 In the SECOND place, I got testimony from at least a dozen MORE witnesses who saw what happened outside the notions shop.\u00a0\u00a0 There\u2019s quite a few among \u2018em who AIN\u2019T friendly with the Cartwrights, and a couple who don\u2019t even know the Cartwrights from Adam\u2019s house cat!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While his father and the sheriff argued, Danny MacLowry, seated against the wall running perpendicular to the sheriff\u2019s desk turned and stared at the wanted posters tacked to the bulletin board above his head to his right.\u00a0\u00a0 He quietly rose and walked over for a better look.<\/p>\n \u201cWanted . . . Andrew Ford Sandringham,\u201d Danny softly read aloud the wanted poster that caught his eye first.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBoston Police Department . . . for kidnapping child.\u00a0\u00a0 Known aliases . . . Andy Smith, Andy Ford . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He silently studied the picture, copied from an old daguerreotype.\u00a0\u00a0 The man staring back from the wanted poster was clean-shaven, with dark eyes, and dark wavy hair cut short with sideburns.\u00a0\u00a0 He had a cleft chin and wide jaw line.<\/p>\n Danny\u2019s eyes dropped down to the picture of the girl Andrew Sandringham had allegedly kidnapped.\u00a0\u00a0 She looked to be around the same age as his younger sister, Mary, who had turned eight her last birthday.\u00a0\u00a0 Like Mary, this girl\u2019s hair was also woven into a pair of braids that reached down to about the middle of her chest.\u00a0\u00a0 He peered at the girl\u2019s face, noting the wide jaw line, her small, down turned mouth and thin lips, the pixy-ish, upturned nose, and the eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 Something about those eyes . . . .<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve seen her before . . . . \u201d Danny murmured aloud.\u00a0\u00a0 He frowned, trying hard to recall.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . alright, Sheriff, how much is the boy\u2019s fine?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAssault \u2018n battery, disturbin\u2019 the peace, harassin\u2019 Miss Taylor . . . all that comes to five dollars even.\u201d<\/p>\n Rob MacLowry angrily slapped a five-dollar bill down onto the sheriff\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n \u201cYour boy\u2019s free t\u2019 go,\u201d Roy said, as he picked up the single bill and placed it in the strong box, sitting in the middle of his desk.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou be sure t\u2019 tell your boy t\u2019 stay away from Miss Taylor, \u2018cause if he don\u2019t . . . OR, if I hear tell of him harassin\u2019 any OTHER young lady, he\u2019s gonna be keepin\u2019 me company right here for a whole month o\u2019 Sundays.\u201d<\/p>\n Danny waited until his father turned his attention back to the sheriff, then deftly removed Andrew Sandringham\u2019s wanted poster from the bulletin board. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0He turned his face back to the wall, and folded the poster down to a thick two-inch square.<\/p>\n \u201cDANNY!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Rob MacLowry\u2019s angry voice cracked sharply like a whip, startling the boy.<\/p>\n Danny quickly stuffed the purloined poster into his pants pocket.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cY-yes, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, dinner was just wonderful,\u201d Carolyn Taylor complimented the chef with a broad grin.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a real genius in the kitchen . . . an absolute genius!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing thank Mrs. Taylor very, very, VERY much,\u201d the Cartwrights\u2019 chief cook and bottle washer accepted the compliment as his due, grinning broadly from ear-to-ear.<\/p>\n \u201cThis apple pie\u2019s especially good,\u201d Drew added.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing, is there any way I can persuade you to share your apple pie recipe with my wife?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery sorry, apple pie recipe family secret.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Though Hop Sing adamantly shook his head, the smile in his face remained fixed very firmly in place.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCome all the way from China.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShall we take coffee in the great room, over next to the fireplace?\u201d Ben invited.<\/p>\n \u201cSounds like a wonderful idea to me,\u201d Drew agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cHard to believe the Taylors have only been in Virginia City a month,\u201d<\/em> Ben mused silently, as the six of them rose from their places at the Cartwrights\u2019 dining room table.\u00a0\u00a0 The strong bonds of friendship and easy camaraderie between the Cartwright and Taylor families seemed more the stuff of a long, enduring friendship of many years, rather than an acquaintance that had begun a mere four weeks ago.<\/p>\n Hoss and Cindy had slipped into the patterns of a young courting couple, and as such, were virtually inseparable.\u00a0\u00a0 If he wasn\u2019t visiting the Taylors at Kirks\u2019 Hostelry in town, she was here.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben, himself, was captivated by her warmth and charm.\u00a0\u00a0 In odd moments of silence and solitude, he found himself thinking of Cindy Taylor in terms of prospective daughter-in-law, much to his own amazement.\u00a0\u00a0 Little Joe followed Cindy around the house like a loved starved puppy dog.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf I didn\u2019t know better, I\u2019d say young Joseph Francis has a king-sized crush on Cindy himself,\u201d Ben mused silently.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n The sound of Hoss\u2019 voice scattered Ben\u2019s thoughts, and sent them stampeding back into the deep recesses of his brain, like frightened cattle, to be pondered later.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYes, Son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you . . . and you, too, Mister \u2018n Mrs. Taylor . . . would it be alright if Cindy \u2018n me took a short stroll outside to kinda let our food settle?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright with Carolyn and me, if it\u2019s alright with YOU, Ben,\u201d Drew said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou kids go ahead,\u201d Ben gave his permission, \u201cbut don\u2019t go far.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCindy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mama Carolyn?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s probably gotten pretty chilly outside, if not out right cold,\u201d Carolyn said, ever so slightly anxious.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019d better take your wrap with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Cindy immediately went to the pegs next to the door to remove the light shawl, hand crocheted many years ago by her late mother.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I go with Hoss \u2018n Cindy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think YOUR time would be best spent upstairs in your room studying, Young Man,\u201d Ben said in a very firm tone, that brooked no argument.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI understand you have a big history test coming up on Friday.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face fell.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWho told you that, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI ran into Miss Gibson last Saturday at the General Store,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe also told me you\u2019re on the verge of failing history.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBoy!\u00a0\u00a0 Bad enough Miss Gibson has to be such a slave driver,\u201d Joe groused.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNOW she\u2019s turned into a tattletale.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Gibson was absolutely right to tell me,\u201d Ben said sternly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou have a couple of hours before bed time.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019d strongly suggest you get yourself right upstairs and start hitting those books.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAawww, Pa, it\u2019s no use.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben\u2019s tone held a definite threatening not.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s TRUE, Pa!\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ll NEVER remember all those dates \u2018n places, not ever, not in a million years!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mister Taylor?\u201d The youngest of the Cartwright brothers turned toward Drew expectantly, grateful for any reprieve of having to go upstairs to his room and begin studying, no matter how slight.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you studying in history class?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe War of 1812,\u201d Joe sighed dejectedly.<\/p>\n \u201cAh yes.\u00a0\u00a0 America\u2019s SECOND war of independence,\u201d Drew said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt IS?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it is,\u201d Drew replied with a smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Drew?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMay I share something with Joe?\u00a0\u00a0 I promise, I won\u2019t detain him very long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, this is a poem written by a lawyer named Francis Scott Key, after he witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, in Baltimore,\u201d Drew said as he reached into the right hand pocket of his pants and drew out his wallet.\u00a0\u00a0 From his wallet, he extracted a sheet of paper that had been folded and unfolded many times.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister Key originally titled his poem \u201cThe Defense of Fort McHenry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He unfolded it with great care, and began to read:<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,<\/p>\n What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming?<\/p>\n Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight,<\/p>\n O’er the ramparts we watch’d, were so gallantly streaming?<\/p>\n And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,<\/p>\n Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.<\/p>\n O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave<\/p>\n O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n Ben listened closely as Drew Taylor read aloud the words to the poem in a clear voice.\u00a0 The rise and fall of his voice, the way he almost caressed the words as he read told the Cartwright family patriarch that this poem was a much loved one for the man who read it aloud.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI . . . think I know those words,\u201d Ben said quietly, when Drew paused at the end of the first verse.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut, I think I remember them as a song.\u201d<\/p>\n Drew looked over at him and smiled warmly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou are absolutely right, Ben.\u00a0\u00a0 These words WERE set to music, a popular tune at the time, and published in 1815 as \u2018The Star Spangled Banner.\u2019 \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He, then, returned his attention to Joe Cartwright.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFrancis Scott Key went to Baltimore in the company of a friend, a man by the name of Colonel John Stuart to meet with a couple of British officers, Major General Robert Ross and Rear Admiral Sir George Cockburn to request the release of a friend of theirs, a man by the name of Doctor William Beanes, who had been arrested by a detachment of British troops for imprisoning two of their own.\u00a0\u00a0 Mister Key and Colonel Stuart were themselves taken into custody, and told they would be detained until the fighting was over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring the course of their negotiations for the release of Doctor Beanes, both those gentlemen might have picked up information useful to the Americans, particularly with regard to the imminent Battle of Baltimore,\u201d Drew replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTo put it simply, Mister Key and Colonel Stuart very likely knew too much.\u00a0\u00a0 So they watched the attack on Fort McHenry under British guard from eight miles away.\u00a0\u00a0 Going back to the words of that first verse of the poem, Joe, what\u2019s the first thing you notice?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you please read it again, Mister Taylor?\u201d<\/p>\n Drew willingly complied.<\/p>\n \u201cSounds like he . . . Francis . . . . ?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrancis Scott Key,\u201d Drew prompted with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cSounds like he\u2019s asking a lot of questions.\u201d<\/p>\n Drew nodded, his smile broadened.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe attack against Fort McHenry lasted about twenty-five hours, which meant it went on into the night.\u00a0\u00a0 The Battle of Baltimore and attack on Fort McHenry were all part of a three part invasion plan.\u00a0\u00a0 Had the British been victorious in Baltimore, it might very well have been the beginning of the end.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe end of WHAT, Mister Taylor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe end of our nation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-you mean . . . the end of America?\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes were the size of dinner plates as he posed his question, barely above the decibel level of an awed whisper.<\/p>\n Drew nodded.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEveryone knew that, I think, British and American alike,\u201d he continued.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAfter darkness fell, Francis Scott Key and John Stuart had no way of knowing how the battle was going.\u00a0\u00a0 They could hear the British warships firing, as well as the cannons at Fort McHenry firing back.\u00a0\u00a0 Though out the night, by the occasional light of \u2018the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,\u2019 they saw the American flag . . . the American Star Spangled Banner . . . still flying from the fort.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat meant the Americans still had control of Fort McHenry?\u201d Joe asked, thoroughly entranced.<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Drew replied, the passionate intensity in his own eyes and face matching the growing keen interest in Joe Cartwright\u2019s.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHad the British been victorious, they would have taken down the American stars and strips and hoisted their own Union Jack.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo all night long they didn\u2019t know?\u201d Joe asked.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFrancis Scott Key and Colonel . . . is it Stuart?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStuart it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Joe pressed.<\/p>\n \u201cFrancis Scott Key\u2019s very question throughout the first verse,\u201d Drew replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s dawn . . . what happened?\u00a0\u00a0 Does ANYONE know whether or not the American flag still waves over Fort McHenry?\u00a0\u00a0 We saw it in the light from the fire exchanged, but with the sun not yet up and all the smoke from the fighting, we can\u2019t see.\u00a0\u00a0 He continues to ask the question through part of the second verse.\u201d<\/p>\n Drew raised the sheet in hand and began once again to read:<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018On the shore dimly seen thro\u2019 the mists of the deep,<\/p>\n Where the foe\u2019s haughty host in dread silence reposes,<\/p>\n What is that which the breeze, o\u2019er the towering steep,<\/p>\n As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?<\/p>\n Now it catches the gleam of the morning\u2019s first beam,<\/p>\n In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:<\/p>\n \u2018Tis the star-spangled banner:\u00a0 O, long may it wave<\/p>\n O\u2019er the land of the free and the home of the brave!\u2019 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was the American flag still flying above Fort McHenry when the smoke cleared, wasn\u2019t it.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Joe said, stating fact rather than posing a question.<\/p>\n Drew smiled and nodded again.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYes, it was.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWow!\u201d Joe exclaimed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhen did Fort McHenry get attacked?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeptember 13, 1814.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c1814?!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Joe looked over at Drew Taylor as if the man had suddenly sprouted a pair of purple antlers.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhy is it called the War of 1812?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCongress declared war in 1812, on June 18th to be exact.\u00a0\u00a0 Mister Madison\u2019s war, they called it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell you what, Joe.\u00a0\u00a0 If it\u2019s alright with your father AND my wife, perhaps you might fetch down your history book and we could return to the dining room table and discuss the War of 1812 further.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMay I, Pa?\u00a0\u00a0 May I PLEASE?\u00a0\u00a0 PRETTY please?\u201d\u00a0 Joe fervently begged, his eyes round and soulful as a young puppy begging scraps from the dinner table.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright with me, IF Mrs. Taylor says yes,\u201d Ben replied, delighted, yet thoroughly astonished to see his youngest son taking such a keen, if sudden, interest in American History.<\/p>\n Joe turned toward Carolyn Taylor, favoring her with the same smile that had already proven irresistible to women of all ages and would in years to come leave a long trail of broken hearts in its wake.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCan we, Mrs. Taylor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou certainly may,\u201d Carolyn replied, captivated more by the eager gleam she saw reflected in her husband\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n Joe let out a wild whoop at the top of his lungs.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Pa!\u00a0\u00a0 Thank you, Mrs. Taylor.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ll be right back \u2018soon as I get my history book.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 With that the boy bolted up the steps, taking them two and three at a time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank you so much for a wonderful evening, Ben,\u201d Carolyn Taylor said with a warm smile, when she, her husband, and stepdaughter, took their leave shortly after the grandfather clock downstairs had struck the half hour of ten-thirty.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you enjoyed yourself, Carolyn,\u201d Ben replied, returning her smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry Joe monopolized so much of Drew\u2019s time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, please . . . DON\u2019T be sorry,\u201d Carolyn said immediately.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDrew has always had a very keen interest in history, particularly the history of our country.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s . . . well, it\u2019s been a very, very long time since he\u2019s had an opportunity to share his interest with so appreciative an audience.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe fact that Drew\u2019s audience WAS so appreciative is in and of itself quite amazing,\u201d Ben said, still not quite knowing what to make of things.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTo say that Joe has little interest and even less patience when it comes to his school work, especially history, is understating the case.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He paused briefly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCarolyn . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Georgianna Wilkens . . . she\u2019s president of the Virginia City Literary Society as well as an old, very dear friend of mine,\u201d Ben said quietly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s also been the head librarian at the Virginia City Lending Library for the better part of the last decade or so.\u00a0\u00a0 When I saw her in town the other day, she told me that she\u2019s looking for someone to work as an assistant while she trains him, with the idea of stepping into the position of head librarian when she steps down next spring.\u00a0\u00a0 I immediately thought of Drew.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s always impressed me as being very intelligent . . . like someone who knows his way around books.\u00a0\u00a0 And seeing him with Joe tonight . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat sounds like a wonderful opportunity,\u201d Carolyn said gratefully.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a feeling that the pay\u2019s a lot better than what he\u2019s making at the Silver Dollar Saloon and the International Hotel,\u201d Ben added hopefully.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t answer for him of course, but I WILL speak to him about that opening in the library, Ben,\u201d Carolyn eagerly promised.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThank you so much for thinking of him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCarolyn.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 It was Drew.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss and Cindy have finished saying good night,\u201d he continued with a smile and a playful wink of the eye.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019d best be moving along.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s getting very late.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed it is,\u201d Carolyn agreed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cGood night, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood night, Carolyn.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben turned and waved to Drew and Cindy, already waiting next to the buggy.<\/p>\n \u201cGood night, Ben,\u201d Drew called back, smiling.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThank you for inviting us over this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cClass, please pass ALL of your assigned homework to the front of the room,\u201d Hazel Gibson ordered in a brisk, no nonsense tone of voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEstelle?\u201d<\/p>\n Estelle Perkins, aged sixteen going on seventeen, immediately rose.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would like you to take the first graders to the back of the room and read aloud to them the next two lessons in their history book,\u201d Hazel instructed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou will find questions at the end of each lesson.\u00a0\u00a0 I want you to go over them with the first grade students at the end of each lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst Graders, please rise . . . quietly.\u00a0\u00a0 No talking.\u201d<\/p>\n A half dozen young students obediently rose and stood quietly beside their desks.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will accompany Miss Perkins to the empty desks in the back of the room for your history lesson this morning,\u201d Hazel Gibson addressed the solemn group of first grade students still standing silently next to their desks.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou will listen quietly while she reads, and you will remain quiet, unless she calls on you to answer questions.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Miss Gibson,\u201d the six immediately chorused in unison.<\/p>\n \u201cThe rest of you, please take out your history books,\u201d Hazel turned her attention to the rest of the class.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cGrades eight through twelve, read the next three chapters and answer ALL of the questions at the end of each chapter.\u00a0\u00a0 You will have exactly forty-five minutes to complete this assignment, so I strongly suggest you get right to it, with NO talking.\u201d<\/p>\n A smattering of \u2018Yes, Ma\u2019am\u2019 and \u2018Yes, Miss Gibson\u2019 followed in response as the upper grade students got out their history books and set right to work.<\/p>\n \u201cGrades two and three, I want you to read the next lesson in your books and answer the questions at the end,\u201d Hazel continued.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf you have time, you may begin reading the lesson after that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d a dozen students, all seated in the first three rows, against the wall on Miss Gibson\u2019s left responded in unison.<\/p>\n \u201cGrades four through seven, we will begin with you,\u201d she said turning her attention to the students occupying the seats in the middle of the room.\u00a0\u00a0 She was surprised to see Joe Cartwright eyes and face glowing with anticipation.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYour assignment last night was to read the chapter on what caused the War of 1812.\u00a0\u00a0 So.\u00a0\u00a0 Who can tell me what started the War of 1812?\u201d<\/p>\n Five hands immediately shot up.<\/p>\n \u201cLotus O\u2019Toole?\u201d<\/p>\n Lotus quietly rose and stood next to her desk.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAmerican sailors were being impressed by British sea captains and forced to serve on British ships,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Miss Gibson began a list on the blackboard.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Lotus.\u00a0\u00a0 You may sit down.\u00a0\u00a0 Anyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Gibson?\u201d Joe involuntarily called out as he waved his raised hand back and forth.<\/p>\n The schoolteacher was so surprised by Joe Cartwright\u2019s sudden urge to participate in the class discussion, she entirely forgot to reprimand him for speaking out of turn.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYes, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe Cartwright immediately scrambled out of his chair and stood, ram rod straight beside his desk, grinning from ear-to-ear.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s two sides to every argument, Miss Gibson,\u201d he began, repeating what Mister Taylor had told him the night before, when the two of them sat down at the dining room table after supper.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe British were at war with Napoleon and the French just before the War of 1812.\u00a0\u00a0 In 1806, Napoleon wouldn\u2019t let British goods into the rest of Europe.\u00a0\u00a0 The British set up a blockade, and started grabbing American AND French ships.[iii] \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn excellent point, Joe,\u201d Hazel replied as she listed the causes Joe had named on the black board.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Gibson?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess America was kinda caught in the middle between things, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean by caught in the middle?\u201d Miss Gibson asked, clearly intrigued.<\/p>\n \u201cThe French were our friends in the Revolutionary War, Miss Gibson,\u201d Joe replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf the Americans decided to take Napoleon\u2019s side in the war between him and the British, the British would\u2019ve been in deep trouble, wouldn\u2019t they.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, that\u2019s very possible,\u201d Hazel replied.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe THAT\u2019S why the British took American ships, too . . . with the French ships.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve raised some very interesting points, Joe . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Wilkens, I\u2019ve re-shelved all of the books returned last night and this morning,\u201d Drew Taylor, the new assistant librarian as of eight-thirty that very morning, reported to his immediate supervisor.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019d like, I can begin an inventory on the boxes in the store room and get those books out on the shelves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Taylor, my goodness!\u00a0\u00a0 You are an absolute wonder!\u201d\u00a0 Georgianna Wilkens exclaimed in a voice dripping with mint juleps and magnolias.\u00a0\u00a0 She was a petite woman, aged in her late fifties, with iron gray hair, worn in a simple chignon and sharp gray-green eyes that missed absolutely nothing.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI declare, Ben Cartwright certainly showed himself the true friend he is by steerin\u2019 YOU in my direction.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAmen to that,\u201d Drew agreed.\u00a0\u00a0 He had been reluctant to apply initially.\u00a0\u00a0 In fact, when Carolyn had mentioned the opening, he had out and out refused.\u00a0\u00a0 That, in turn, had led to a row loud enough to inspire an angry Eloise Kirk to come banging on their door shortly after one-thirty in the morning . . . .<\/p>\n \u201cDrew, do you trust Ben Cartwright?\u201d Carolyn asked in a very quiet voice, after Mrs. Kirk had left.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 The question had taken him completely off guard.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI . . . well, I guess I have no reason NOT to trust him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHE\u2019S the one who mentioned the job to me, as we were leaving his house,\u201d she pressed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIn fact, he thought of YOU for this job first.\u00a0\u00a0 He told me so, himself.\u00a0\u00a0 He also told me that the pay might be somewhat better than what you\u2019re making now at the Silver Dollar and at the hotel.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I don\u2019t know, Carolyn, I just plain don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a good opportunity for you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI know, but . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cBut, nothing, Drew Taylor!\u00a0\u00a0 We\u2019ve agreed that we want to stay here, and be part of this community.\u00a0\u00a0 Well, if we\u2019re going to settle down here, we can\u2019t board with Mrs. Kirk forever.\u00a0\u00a0 Sooner or later, we need to find ourselves a proper home, and we can\u2019t do that unless you have good, steady work that pays decent.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Carolyn, alright!\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ll stop in at the lending library and see Mrs. Wilkens first thing in the morning . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Drew Taylor had to admit that he was glad now beyond measure that he had applied for that job as assistant librarian.\u00a0\u00a0 As Ben Cartwright had promised his wife, the pay WOULD be far more than what he had earned working at the Silver Dollar Saloon and the International Hotel.\u00a0\u00a0 His new boss, Georgianna Wilkens, was an intelligent, charming, gracious force of nature crammed into a miniature package.\u00a0\u00a0 He eagerly looked forward to working with her and getting to know her better.<\/p>\n \u201cGood afternoon . . . Mister Taylor?\u201d<\/p>\n Drew glanced up sharply, his dark eyes meeting the bright clear blue eyes of the tall, slender, blonde haired woman standing before the check out desk.\u00a0\u00a0 He immediately rose and politely offered his hand.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am, I\u2019m Mister Taylor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy name is Hazel Gibson,\u201d the woman said in a brisk, no nonsense tone of voice.\u00a0\u00a0 Her handshake was firm and strong, especially for a woman.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m the school teacher here in Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m pleased to meet you, Mrs. Gibson.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMISS Gibson,\u201d she politely corrected him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat can I do for you, Miss Gibson?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand you and one of my students, Joseph Cartwright, have been having some interesting discussions about American history.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh dear!\u00a0\u00a0 Miss Gibson, if our discussions have in ANY way compromised your curriculum . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Hazel Gibson smiled and shook her head.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister Taylor, I\u2019m not here to in any way censure you,\u201d she said immediately.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cQuite the opposite in fact.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d Drew queried, looking over at her, mildly surprised.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph Cartwright is, as I\u2019m sure you yourself have realized, a very bright young man,\u201d Hazel said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEvery bit as bright and intelligent as his oldest brother, Adam, who\u2019s about to graduate magna cum laud from Harvard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve heard.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Mention of Adam Cartwright\u2019s soon-to-be alma mater still stirred within him a nebulous, vague foreboding.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYour point, Miss Gibson?\u201d\u00a0 Drew queried, in a sharp tone, suddenly wary and feeling oddly defensive.<\/p>\n \u201cMy point, Mister Taylor, is this.\u00a0\u00a0 The interest young Joseph has shown in his school work has been grudging at best,\u201d Hazel said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cUntil now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo say that Joseph had no interest in history whatsoever was the understatement of the year,\u201d Hazel Gibson continued, \u201cuntil he started having these discussions with you.\u00a0\u00a0 Now, he\u2019s not only interested, but he\u2019s contributed some thought provoking ideas to our class discussions.\u00a0\u00a0 In my opinion, anyone who can stir that kind of interest in someone like Joseph Cartwright should be teaching himself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not a teacher, Miss Gibson,\u201d Drew said very quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cI disagree, Mister Taylor.\u00a0\u00a0 The reason I came by today is to ask if you would consider tutoring,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cTutoring?\u201d<\/p>\n Hazel nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Miss Gibson . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDrew, I think it\u2019s a wonderful idea!\u201d Carolyn Taylor exclaimed, with a delighted smile.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Carolyn\u2019s face fell.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDrew . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI SAID NO!\u201d Drew rounded on his wife furiously.<\/p>\n Carolyn paled in the face of his sudden ferocity.\u00a0\u00a0 She stared back at him open mouthed, her eyes glistening with the bright sheen of newly forming tears, yet unshed.<\/p>\n \u201cCarolyn, I . . . I\u2019m sorry!\u201d Drew apologized contritely.\u00a0\u00a0 The look on her face stabbed him straight through the heart, dissipating his fury.<\/p>\n \u201cDrew, I saw Joe\u2019s face last night after we all had finished our supper,\u201d Carolyn ventured slowly, haltingly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhen you told him about the War of 1812, the Battle of Baltimore, and Francis Scott Key.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe was absolutely captivated . . . and I . . . well, I haven\u2019t seen your eyes shining and face so all aglow since\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n She suddenly broke off, and averted her eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 A strained silence fell between herself and her husband.<\/p>\n \u201cCarolyn?\u201d Drew ventured hesitantly.<\/p>\n \u201cY-yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTruth be known?\u00a0\u00a0 I . . . couldn\u2019t help but notice the way Joe\u2019s eyes lit up myself,\u201d Drew said with a wistful smile.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have a gift, Drew, surely you see that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI must confess, I was tempted to pounce on Miss Gibson\u2019s suggestion . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSadly, My Love, it\u2019s completely out of the question.\u00a0\u00a0 Taking on the job as librarian is risky enough,\u201d Drew said, his tone filled with regret.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTo actually do any teaching . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He adamantly shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo, Carolyn, as much as I would give anything to accept Miss Gibson\u2019s offer, I . . . I can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause sooner or later, someone\u2019s bound to start asking questions.\u00a0\u00a0 Where did he learn how to teach?\u00a0\u00a0 What kind of educational background does he have?\u00a0\u00a0 Where did he go to school?\u00a0\u00a0 What are his credentials?\u00a0\u00a0 Those are the kinds of questions that stir up curiosity.\u00a0\u00a0 That kind of curiosity too often leads to the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t for the life of me see how,\u201d Carolyn said morosely.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s nothing . . . absolutely nothing that can possibly connect Drew Taylor to . . . to what happened back there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re probably right,\u201d Drew agreed reluctantly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEven so, people are going to ask those questions sooner or later, which means you, me, even Cindy would have to start living this . . . this tangled tissue of lies, always worrying about keeping the story straight . . . no!\u00a0\u00a0 Carolyn, our lives are complicated enough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u00a0\u00a0 Drew?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sorry we stayed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I see Cindy with Hoss . . . with new found friends like Athena Nikolas and Colleen O\u2019Hanlan, living the kind of life a young lady her age should be living . . . I\u2019m not sorry in the least,\u201d Drew replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThen I remember Mister Cartwright telling me his oldest son has been living in Boston for the last four years . . . that he\u2019ll soon be graduating from Harvard and returning home for good . . . or the occasional patron who comes into the library, giving me that sidelong glance . . . knowing that he, or she\u2019s, wondering how a man who spent the better part of his first month here cleaning up saloons, suddenly has the wherewithal to be librarian\u00a0 . . . those are all times I\u2019m scared to death, Carolyn.\u00a0\u00a0 Times I lie awake nights wondering when the other shoe\u2019s going to drop.\u201d<\/p>\n Carolyn stepped over to her husband and hugged him fiercely.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat other shoe\u2019s NOT going to drop,\u201d she said, her voice trembling.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe jump between saloon and librarian is easy to explain.\u00a0\u00a0 We were new in town.\u00a0\u00a0 You have a wife and daughter to support.\u00a0\u00a0 That saloon job earned enough money for our room and board.\u00a0\u00a0 That library job opening up as it did was an opportunity.\u00a0\u00a0 An opportunity you took!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat of this Adam Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe has absolutely no way of connecting Drew Taylor to what happened in Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u00a0\u00a0 HOSS!\u00a0\u00a0 IT\u2019S COMIN\u2019!\u00a0\u00a0 THE STAGE COACH IS COMIN\u2019!\u201d\u00a0 Joe shouted, his eyes shining with excitement and eager anticipation.\u00a0\u00a0 He thrust his arm and pointing index finger out in the direction of the approaching stage, just rounding the corner.<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2019 better move back off the street, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss warned, \u201cor else that stage is gonna run ya right over.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe took his big brother\u2019s warning to heart and moved well out of the street.\u00a0\u00a0 A moment later, he was standing alongside his father dancing from one foot to the other, back and forth.\u00a0\u00a0 After what seemed an endless eternity to the youngest of the Cartwright brothers, the stagecoach finally rolled to a stop in front of the Overland Stage Depot.<\/p>\n Adam, clad in a dark blue suit, with matching string tie, and clean white shirt, was the first to disembark from the stagecoach.<\/p>\n \u201cADAM! \u00a0\u00a0ADAM!\u00a0\u00a0 YOU\u2019RE BACK!\u201d\u00a0 Joe yelled as he broke from his father and beat a straight path directly toward his oldest brother, finally come home.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Buddy!\u00a0\u00a0 Good to see ya!\u201d Adam greeted his younger brother with a big, if weary smile.<\/p>\n \u201cI missed you, Adam,\u201d Joe said as he threw his arms around Adam\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n \u201cI missed you, too, Little Joe,\u201d Adam said, hugging the young boy back, \u201cthough I don\u2019t think we\u2019re going to be calling you LITTLE Joe too much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave I grown, Adam?\u00a0\u00a0 A little?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Buddy, you haven\u2019t grown a LITTLE!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019ve grown a whole LOT!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWelcome home, Son.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Though Ben\u2019s greeting was far more subdued than that offered by his irrepressible youngest son, it was certainly no less warm.\u00a0\u00a0 He put his arms around his oldest son and held on for a long moment.<\/p>\n \u201cGlad to be back home again, Pa . . . finally,\u201d Adam said, in all sincerity.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBy the way, I ended up traveling from Boston with a couple friends of yours.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He turned and offered a hand to the elderly woman, who was having difficulty negotiating the climb down from the stagecoach to terra firma.<\/p>\n \u201cBen?\u201d the woman said, turning to face the Cartwright clan patriarch.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAfter all these years, it that really you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEsther?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s so wonderful seeing you again,\u201d Esther Alcott murmured with a weary smile.\u00a0\u00a0 She walked over and politely shook hands.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou look well, I must say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEsther\u2019s right, Ben.\u00a0\u00a0 This climate out here seems to really agree with you,\u201d Jed Alcott declared with a wan smile as he stepped down out of the stagecoach.<\/p>\n Out of the corner of his eye, Ben saw Adam and Hoss greeting each other, then turning to include Little Joe.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBoys,\u201d he turned and waved them over.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI understand you\u2019ve met Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed we did, Ben,\u201d Esther said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI found him to be a delightful young man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and so knowledgeable, especially about architecture,\u201d Jed added.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe had a wonderful time talking the miles away.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He looked over and favored his wife with a weary, indulgent smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid poor Esther couldn\u2019t get much of a word in edgewise.\u201d<\/p>\n Esther reached over and patted her husband\u2019s wrist affectionately.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, Jed, I didn\u2019t mind one little bit.\u00a0\u00a0 Why I haven\u2019t seen you so animated since . . . since— \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She abruptly fell silent.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was good talking to Adam,\u201d Jed said curtly.<\/p>\n A strained silence fell between the Alcotts, as Esther, her cheeks flaming scarlet, turned and looked away.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 It was Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou call us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed . . . Esther, I\u2019d like you to meet my other two sons,\u201d Ben said, relieved to have a valid excuse to break that uncomfortable, prickly silence.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThis is my middle son, Hoss, and this squirming bundle of energy is my youngest, Joe.\u00a0\u00a0 Boys, this is Mister and Mrs. Alcott, old friends of mine.\u00a0\u00a0 The three of us knew each other many years ago, when I was still living in Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do y\u2019 do, Mister \u2018n Mrs. Alcott?\u201d Hoss politely offered his hand to Esther first, then her husband.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWelcome t\u2019 Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m pleased to meetcha, too, Mister and Mrs. Alcott,\u201d Joe enthusiastically acknowledged the introduction, with a big smile.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I\u2019d love to stay around and visit, but we\u2019re both pretty exhausted,\u201d Jed said wearily.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf you could direct us to the International Hotel?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re both perfectly welcome to come, stay with us at the Ponderosa,\u201d Ben invited.<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps later,\u201d Jed replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got an appointment to see a Mister Lucas Milburn tomorrow morning.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s the lawyer here, who has been working with a private investigator by the name of John Murphy.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Perhaps you\u2019re acquainted with these gentlemen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Lucas Milburn quite well, Jed,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s been my lawyer and a very good friend for many years.\u00a0\u00a0 As for Mister Murphy, I know OF him, but I\u2019m not really acquainted with him.\u00a0\u00a0 I understand he has a fine reputation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour Mister Milburn been working with my lawyer, Edward Phillips, in Boston,\u201d Jed said quietly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEd seems to be very favorably impressed with him AND Mister Murphy, as well.\u00a0\u00a0 He told me that John Murphy is one of the best private investigators this side of the Mississippi, if not THE best.\u00a0\u00a0 Esther and I are hopeful, Ben.\u00a0\u00a0 VERY hopeful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope things work out for the best, Jed,\u201d Ben said quietly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI know you\u2019ve been searching for a very long time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n It was Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben turned and looked over at him expectantly.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I might make a suggestion, why don\u2019t you drive Mister and Mrs. Alcott to the International Hotel?\u00a0\u00a0 In the meantime, I\u2019ll grab my smaller bags, make arrangements to have the three trunks delivered to the house, and . . . take my brothers to the C Street Caf\u00e9 for a welcome home sarsaparilla.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan we, Pa?\u201d Joe begged.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCan we, please?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that alright with you?\u201d Ben asked, looking over at his friends.<\/p>\n \u201cThat sounds like a wonderful idea,\u201d Esther agreed.<\/p>\n Jed Alcott arranged to have his and his wife\u2019s trunks taken to the International Hotel later on that afternoon.\u00a0\u00a0 After retrieving a carpetbag that belonged to Esther, and his own small, black leather valise, Jed and his wife rode over to the hotel with Ben in the buckboard.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you so much for the lift, Ben,\u201d Esther murmured gratefully, upon reaching the International Hotel, located a few blocks down from the stage depot.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFor me, it\u2019s going to be a nice cool bath, a little supper, then bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe, too,\u201d Jed agreed wholeheartedly.<\/p>\n \u201cGood luck tomorrow,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He climbed down from the buckboard, then turned to give Esther a hand getting down.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh!\u00a0\u00a0 Jed . . . Esther, next week, I\u2019m having a welcome home party for Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 Nothing real fancy, just a cook out, with some of our friends and neighbors.\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019re both more than welcome to join us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Ben, we just might take you up on that,\u201d Jed said with a wan smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHopefully, by then, we\u2019ll be reunited with our granddaughter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf so, then by all means, bring her along, too.\u201d<\/p>\n At Ben\u2019s urging, Jed escorted his wife into the hotel lobby, to register and finally get settled in their room, leaving him to fetch down their carpet bag and valise from the back of the buckboard.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned, and saw Adam approaching with a half drunk bottle of sarsaparilla in one hand and his jacket over the other.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss and Joe followed close behind.<\/p>\n \u201cYou get the Alcotts settled?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re inside registering,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI just need to take in their luggage.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss downed his whole bottle of sarsaparilla in a single gulp, then placed the empty bottle in the back of the buckboard.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take \u2018em in, Pa,\u201d he volunteered, as he leaned over to pick them up.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 If the Alcotts have already gone to their room, take their bags to the desk and tell the clerk they belong to Mister and Mrs. Alcott.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, Pa.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He turned to his younger brother.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHey, Shortshanks, y\u2019 wanna come along?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead, Little Joe, but you make sure you behave yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will, Pa,\u201d he promised, before running off to catch up with Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cHere y\u2019 are, Pa,\u201d Adam handed Ben a cold bottle of sarsaparilla.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe figured you\u2019d be thirsty, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201d Ben said gratefully, accepting the proffered drink from his oldest son.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve talked about the Alcotts a lot, but I was under the impression they were closer to YOUR age,\u201d Adam observed, his eyes on the retreating backs of his two younger brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cThey ARE my age, Adam,\u201d Ben said quietly, \u201cgive or take a couple of years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally!?\u201d Adam murmured, his eyes round with surprise.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTo look at them, I\u2019d guess them to be at least a good twenty years older, Pa, maybe even more.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben opened his sarsaparilla bottle, and took a big, long swallow.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t seen the Alcotts since YOU were a baby, but if I was to hazard a guess, I\u2019d say this seven year search for their missing granddaughter has taken its toll.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Alcott told me the whole story on our way out here.\u00a0\u00a0 From what he said, their son-in-law and his second wife sound pretty despicable.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve only heard one side of the story, Adam,\u201d Ben hastened to point out.<\/p>\n \u201cYou surprise me, Pa.\u00a0\u00a0 I thought the Alcotts were your friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI consider them to be,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He took another gulp of sarsaparilla, then recapped the bottle.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI understand where Jed and Esther are coming from, but I can also understand where their son-in-law might be coming from, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u00a0\u00a0 How so, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . can\u2019t help but think how easily I might\u2019ve been in the same shoes as the Alcotts\u2019 son-in-law and his wife, had your grandfather, Abel Stoddard taken it into HIS head to seek custody of you, after I had married Inger,\u201d Ben said soberly.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom what you told me later, Grandfather WASN\u2019T at all happy about that to say the least,\u201d Adam observed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u00a0\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t,\u201d Ben affirmed in a somber tone of voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI was shocked and angry at first, that he would sever his ties with his own grandson because he didn\u2019t approve of my marriage to Inger.\u00a0\u00a0 Later, I felt sorry . . . for him, and you, most especially.\u00a0\u00a0 It never occurred to me . . . until NOW . . . that I might have reason to be thankful your grandfather decided not to speak to us for a few years.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Morning, Pa,\u201d Adam greeted his father stiffly as he ambled into the dining room, though he had put on a clean shirt, he wore the same suit he had worn the day before, when his family had met him at the stage.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Adam,\u201d Ben greeted his oldest son with a smile the following morning, as he took his place at the dining room table, on his father\u2019s right.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI guess you got used to dressing for meals while you were in Boston, but . . . this ISN\u2019T Boston and those are hardly what I would call work clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI agree completely, Pa.\u00a0\u00a0 Unfortunately these seem to be the only clothes I own that fit me,\u201d Adam replied in a stone cold voice.<\/p>\n This revelation sent his two younger brothers into peals of gut wrenching laughter.\u00a0\u00a0 Little Joe nearly fell out of his seat.<\/p>\n \u201cWh-Whut\u2019sa matter, Adam?\u201d Hoss guffawed, as he blotted the tears of mirth from his eyes and cheeks with his napkin.\u00a0 \u201cYou . . . you been livin\u2019 like a city slicker for too long?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Way too long,\u201d Joe giggled, \u201cif none o\u2019 his clothes fit him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBoys . . . Hoss . . . Joe . . . that\u2019s enough,\u201d Ben admonished his younger boys, sternly, but in vain.<\/p>\n \u201cNo such thing,\u201d Hop Sing declared with an emphatic nod of his head, as he entered the dining room with two large serving bowls, one filled with fluffy, yellow scrambled eggs, the other filled with fried potatoes.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhen Adam leave home, go to fancy school back east, Adam tall like man, but still skinny like boy.\u00a0\u00a0 Then, old clothes upstairs fit.\u00a0\u00a0 Now Adam come home, tall like man, but also fill out like man.\u00a0\u00a0 Like Papa.\u201d<\/p>\n Because conventional wisdom dictated that it was best to err on the side of prudence, the number one cook of the Ponderosa decided to keep the conversation he had overheard early this morning between the two daughters of his first cousin, Hung-Chou.\u00a0\u00a0 Both girls, the eldest just turned fifteen, the younger aged twelve, had let it be known as to how much they appreciated the way Adam Cartwright had filled out very much.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing speaks very true,\u201d Ben reluctantly admitted.\u00a0\u00a0 It was difficult sometimes thinking of his sons in terms of being grown men, instead of boys.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cA young man goes through a lot of big changes during the years between eighteen and the age you are now, Son.\u00a0\u00a0 Tell ya what!\u00a0\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you g\u2019won into town and buy yourself some new work clothes?\u00a0\u00a0 You can also drop Little Joe off at school and pick up the mail.\u00a0\u00a0 That would leave me free to ride out and see how Hank and Jacob are coming along with that fence mending.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk, Pa,\u201d Adam agreed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI feel badly about the thought of deserting you my first day home, but I guess there\u2019s no other choice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, there\u2019s not.\u00a0\u00a0 You can\u2019t very well rope cattle and bust broncs in either THAT outfit or in the all together, that\u2019s for sure,\u201d Ben quickly pointed out.<\/p>\n \u201cTrue,\u201d Adam had to agree.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Joe queried with a bewildered frown.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat does in the all together mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt means nekkid, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss quipped, as he helped himself to generous second helpings of eggs, bacon, and fried potatoes.<\/p>\n \u201cWOW!\u201d\u00a0 Joe exclaimed, his eyes bright with excitement and anticipation.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIs Adam really gonna rope cattle \u2018n bust broncs nekkid?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied curtly, while leveling a murderous glare in the direction of his younger brother, Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cDadburn it!\u201d Joe pouted, his lower lip stretched to its limit.<\/p>\n \u201cAaww, you would\u2019ve had to miss it anyway, Li\u2019l Brother,\u201d Hoss pointed out, \u201cseein\u2019 as how today\u2019s a school day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou boys need to finish up,\u201d Ben exhorted his sons.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAdam . . . Little Joe, the both of ya need to be on your way in the next twenty minutes, so you, Young Man . . . . \u201d he turned and glared very pointedly in his youngest son\u2019s direction, \u201cwill get to school on time, and Hoss . . . your chores aren\u2019t going to get done by themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Mister and Mrs. Alcott, I presume?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes indeed,\u201d Jedediah Alcott nodded and held out his hand.\u00a0\u00a0 He was mildly surprised to find a lawyer and gentleman of Lucas Milburn\u2019s eminence, according to Ben Cartwright anyway, standing outside on the sidewalk, apparently waiting for them.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou must be Mister Milburn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Lucas replied as he cordially shook hands with Jedediah Alcott.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Milburn, this is my wife,\u201d Jedediah turned and made the formal introductions.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very pleased to meet you, Mrs. Alcott.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and I you, Mister Milburn.\u00a0\u00a0 A very old friend of ours speaks very highly of you . . . Mister Benjamin Cartwright, of the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen!\u00a0\u00a0 He and I have been friends for the better part of the last twenty, twenty-five years perhaps.\u00a0\u00a0 He was one of my first clients when I first put out my shingle as a green kid just out of law school.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Lucas Milburn opened the door to the building in which his office was located.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe and I\u2019ve been friends since.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Mister Milburn,\u201d the lawyer\u2019s secretary, Clarence Mortimer, a young man, aged in his early twenties, greeted his employer in a polite, yet crisp, business-like tone.<\/p>\n \u201cMister and Mrs. Alcott, my secretary, Clarence Mortimer,\u201d Lucas quickly initiated the round of introductions.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you do, Mister and Mrs. Alcott?\u201d Clarence correctly acknowledged the introductions.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMrs. Alcott, may I take your shawl?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Young Man, thank you very much.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019d prefer to keep it, since I get chilled very easily these days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I get you anything?\u00a0\u00a0 A cup of coffee perhaps?\u00a0\u00a0 I have a fresh pot brewing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, thank you,\u201d Jedediah politely declined.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister Milburn, my wife and I would just as soon get down to business, if you don\u2019t mind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course,\u201d Lucas agreed at once.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cClarence, I trust you will hold down the fort while I\u2019m in conference with Mister and Mrs. Alcott.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir, I will.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease see that we are not disturbed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI certainly will, Mister Milburn.\u201d<\/p>\n Lucas Milburn ushered the Alcotts back into his inner office, adroitly dubbed \u2018the inner sanctum,\u2019 by Clarence Mortimer.\u00a0\u00a0 He very gallantly gestured for Mrs. Alcott to take the cushioned chair next to his desk, while he pulled a hard backed chair over for Mister Alcott.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, Mister Milburn . . . what word have you on my granddaughter?\u201d Jed asked, his eyes gleaming with an almost predatory anticipation.<\/p>\n Lucas took a deep breath, and mentally braced himself.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister and Mrs. Alcott, all I can offer you at this juncture is my deep regret and most heartfelt apologies.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He heard the sharp intake of breath from Mrs. Alcott, and saw the blood draining right out of her face, leaving it white as a sheet.<\/p>\n Jedediah Alcott looked over at the lawyer, with a puzzled, bemused expression on his face.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t understand, Mister Milburn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe trail has gone cold, Sir, almost from the time and place it begins,\u201d Lucas explained with much reluctance.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI, of course wired your attorney in Boston, Mister Edward Phillips, I believe . . . . . unfortunately, my message was delayed because wires were down somewhere between here and Chicago.\u00a0\u00a0 Consequently, Mister Phillips didn\u2019t receive my wire until a week after you and your wife had left Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n An uneasy silence fell on the Alcotts and Lucas Milburn that, to the lawyer seemed to stretch into a dreadful eternity.<\/p>\n \u201cM-Mister Milburn?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 It was Esther Alcott who finally broke the silence.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mrs. Alcott?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWh-What happened?\u00a0 Ed . . . Mister Phillips sounded so positive when he received that report from the private detective . . . oh dear, I seem to have forgotten his name . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMurphy,\u201d Lucas supplied that piece of information.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cJohn Murphy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamned bumbling incompetent!\u201d Jed spat contemptuously.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe ought to have his license revoked.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJedediah Alcott, I don\u2019t care what the situation is, I will not tolerate you swearing like a . . . a . . . like some kind of common street thug in my hearing,\u201d Esther admonished him severely, her face darkening with anger.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou owe ME an apology and you owe Mister Milburn one as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry,\u201d Jed growled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNow would you please tell us what exactly happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have a copy of the report Mister Murphy sent to Mister Phillips in Boston,\u201d Lucas said quietly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe checked the passenger list for the stage that rolled in from Saint Joseph . . . it was a month, going on a month and a half ago now, looking for someone else.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Murphy saw the name of an Andy Smith, listed as traveling with his wife Lyn, and daughter Rose,\u201d Lucas continued.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe recognized them from a wanted poster he saw in the sheriff\u2019s office as aliases used by your son-in-law.\u00a0\u00a0 He made some inquiries, and learned from the ticket master that Mister Smith asked to be directed to a boarding house, clean but not expensive.\u00a0\u00a0 The ticket master directed the Smiths to Kirk\u2019s Hostelry, a few blocks from the stage depot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid this Mister Murphy bother to inquire at this . . . this Kirk\u2019s Hostelry establishment?\u201d Jed asked sardonically.<\/p>\n \u201cHe did not inquire immediately, because he was doing work for another client,\u201d Lucas replied, \u201cwork that he did not complete until a week or so later.\u00a0\u00a0 At that time, Mister Murphy and Sheriff Coffee went to Kirk\u2019s Hostelry together and looked over the registries.\u00a0\u00a0 They found no Andy, Lyn, and Rose Smith registered.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll just bet the proprietors weren\u2019t cooperative,\u201d Jed groused.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the contrary, Mister Alcott, Mrs. Kirk was very cooperative and forthcoming,\u201d Lucas said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe cares very much about the reputation of her establishment . . . a reputation that would suffer greatly if she were to become known as someone who knowingly harbored fugitives.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing else, Mister Milburn?\u201d Esther asked, her eyes gleaming with the brightness of tears she desperately strove not to shed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very sorry, Ma\u2019am, but there is nothing else.\u201d<\/p>\n Esther rose.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf anything comes up between now and the time the next stage leaves, my husband and I will be at the International Hotel,\u201d she said in a very small, very sad voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI want to thank you for everything you HAVE done, Mister Milburn, and for seeing us today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEsther, just a da\u2014dar—-just one minute here,\u201d Jed protested.<\/p>\n \u201cJed, I see no reason in the world why we should belabor the point,\u201d she said firmly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister Milburn said there was nothing else.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, what about some of the other places around here . . . the ranches, perhaps.\u00a0\u00a0 He could be working as a hand somewhere, hiding out on one of these big spreads.\u201d<\/p>\n Esther shook her head.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNot Andrew.\u00a0\u00a0 I seriously doubt he knows the back end of a horse from the front.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was . . . what?\u00a0\u00a0 Seven years ago?\u00a0\u00a0 Eight?\u201d Jed argued.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s certainly plenty of time to LEARN, Esther.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed, PLEASE!\u201d she returned irritably.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve already taken up more than enough of Mister Milburn\u2019s time.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m also very tired and I want to go back to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEsther . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNOW, Jed, please.\u00a0\u00a0 Right now!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHi, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning to YOU, Miss Lotus,\u201d Adam greeted his youngest brother\u2019s best friend affably, with a smile.<\/p>\n She frowned.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you all dressed up for?\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019re not courting someone so early in the morning . . . ARE you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cnot hardly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s all dressed up \u2018cause he\u2019s been living like a city slicker for too long,\u201d Joe said, grinning from ear-to-ear, as he quickly jumped down from the buckboard.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what Hoss said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat does THAT mean?\u201d\u00a0 Mitch Devlin demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cIt means none of Adam\u2019s old clothes fit him,\u201d Joe cheerfully explained.<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLotus, Mitch, and you, too, Joe!\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019d best get your things together.\u00a0\u00a0 The bell rings in five minutes.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 It was Hazel Gibson, the schoolteacher.\u00a0\u00a0 She turned her attention to Adam, still sitting in the buckboard, as the three children ran off.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWelcome back, Adam,\u201d she greeted him with a warm smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI knew you were arriving home sometime soon.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe\u2019s talked about nothing else.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Miss Gibson,\u201d Adam replied with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand congratulations are in order,\u201d the schoolteacher continued.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI heard you graduated from Harvard University, no less, with high honors.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-Yes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d Adam nodded, as two bright splotches of red colored his cheeks.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow was Boston?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWonderful,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI was able to get acquainted with my maternal grandfather before he died, and I met and got acquainted with some other members of my mother\u2019s family, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI also took advantage of the cultural offerings, operas, plays, and lots of concerts,\u201d Adam continued, \u201cand I took the opportunity to visit some of the historical landmarks in Boston, especially places we talked about in your classes when we studied about the Revolutionary War.\u00a0\u00a0 One of my cousins took me to the Old North Church, and the place where the Boston Massacre happened.\u00a0\u00a0 We even made a point of driving out to Braintree so he could show me the house where John Adams was born.\u201d<\/p>\n Miss Gibson smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat must have been very exciting to actually visit those places,\u201d she said with a touch of envy.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing there . . . visiting those places, makes those things you taught me about the Revolutionary War come alive . . . it all seems more real to me now.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said, returning her smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut, between you and me, Miss Gibson?\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m very glad to be back home.\u00a0\u00a0 I had no idea how much I had missed Pa, Hoss, Joe, and Hop Sing, until I stepped off the stage yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGlad to see you back, Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 Now, if you\u2019ll excuse me, it\u2019s almost time to ring the bell.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see you this afternoon, then, Miss Gibson, when I come back to pick up my brother,\u201d Adam smiled again, and politely tipped his hat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While Miss Gibson chatted with Adam, Joe approached a group of children in and around the same age as himself and his two friends.\u00a0\u00a0 Lotus and Mitch both followed close at his heels.\u00a0\u00a0 The other children, mostly boys, were tightly packed in a close-knit circle around toward the back of the schoolhouse.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Zeke,\u201d Joe sidled up to Ezekiel Gregg, one of the boys hanging around at the very edge of the circle.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n Zeke shrugged.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cPat MacLowry\u2019s found an old picture o\u2019 somebody, I dunno who.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s drawin\u2019 a moustache \u2018n a beard on \u2018im.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah?\u201d<\/p>\n Zeke nodded solemnly.<\/p>\n Joe turned and started to edge into the circle for a closer look.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Cartwright, you hold on right there.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned and found Danny MacLowry, his big brother\u2019s worst enemy looming over him, with a sneer on his face.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere d\u2019 ya think YOU \u2018n your little friends\u2019re goin\u2019 anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNone o\u2019 your business, Danny MacLowry,\u201d Joe said defiantly, as he leveled a dark, angry glare in the older boy\u2019s general direction.\u00a0\u00a0 Lotus and Mitch quietly flanked Joe on both sides, their faces twin masks of grim, stubborn determination.<\/p>\n At that moment, the bell rang, summoning the children from the playground to the classroom.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go, Joe,\u201d Lotus said.\u00a0\u00a0 She reached over and gently touched Joe\u2019s arm, all the while keeping her eyes glued to Danny MacLowry.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou, too, Mitch.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She, Joe, and Mitch turned and started toward the entrance to the schoolhouse, with the children, who had been standing clustered together in the tightly packed circle began to disburse and follow.<\/p>\n Within a scant few moments, Danny MacLowry was left alone with his younger brother, Patrick, who continued to draw, oblivious to the fact that the bell had just rung.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Squirt!\u00a0\u00a0 Whatcha doin\u2019?\u201d\u00a0 Danny demanded, glaring down at his younger brother.<\/p>\n Pat jumped at the sound of his older brother\u2019s voice, then glanced up slowly, very slowly, almost reluctantly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhatcha got there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cN-Nothin\u2019!\u201d Pat squeaked and he worked desperately to fold the paper spread out on the ground before him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGimme that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Pat snatched up the paper and held it away, far out of his older brother\u2019s reach.<\/p>\n Danny scowled upon realizing that the paper in his brother\u2019s hand was the wanted poster he had taken the Monday after the dance, when his father had FINALLY come to bail him out of jail.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHey!\u00a0\u00a0 Where\u2019d you get that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI found it,\u201d Pat shot back.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just found it!\u201d<\/p>\n Danny roughly seized his brother\u2019s shirt collar and unceremoniously hauled him to his feet.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cLike heck you just found it,\u201d he growled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou been snoopin\u2019 through my stuff again, haven\u2019t you?!\u201d<\/p>\n Pat glared up at Danny defiantly, but said nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cYou snoop nosed little brat!\u201d Danny muttered, as he snatched the well creased, defaced wanted poster from his brother\u2019s hands, nearly tearing it in two in the process.\u00a0\u00a0 He then lifted Pat, kicking and screaming, high enough off the ground that his feet dangled.<\/p>\n \u201cPUT ME DOWN, YOU DIRTY, ROTTEN, NO GOOD, STINKIN\u2019\u00a0 PIG!\u201d\u00a0 Pat shouted, angrily, while ineffectually swinging his fists and legs.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat-ever-you-say, Brother Dear!\u201d\u00a0 Danny replied in a mocking, singsong voice, before throwing his younger brother down on the ground hard.<\/p>\n \u201cOW!\u00a0\u00a0 THAT HURT!\u201d\u00a0 Pat howled in protect, on the edge of angry tears.<\/p>\n \u201cLet that be a lesson to ya, Brat Boy!\u00a0\u00a0 Keep you hands OUT of my pockets, and away from my stuff!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 With that, Danny turned heel, and angrily stalked off.\u00a0\u00a0 He walked around toward the back of the schoolhouse and rounded the corner.\u00a0\u00a0 He paused, just long enough to cast a quick furtive glance over his shoulder.\u00a0\u00a0 No one had followed.\u00a0\u00a0 Satisfied he was, for the moment, quite alone, Danny held up the wanted poster for a closer look.<\/p>\n \u201cDamn stupid kid!\u201d\u00a0 Danny muttered angrily under his breath upon seeing the crudely drawn mustache, beard, and bushy eyebrows.\u00a0\u00a0 He crumpled the poster into a tight ball, then pulled back his arm to throw it as far as he possibly could.\u00a0\u00a0 He abruptly halted.\u00a0\u00a0 Something about that face . . . . .<\/p>\n Danny very slowly, very carefully straightened out the wanted poster and studied the picture of Andrew Sandringham, with penciled mustache and beard.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be\u2014that kinda looks like Mister Taylor!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 His eyes moved to the picture of the little girl Andrew Sandringham had supposedly kidnapped, and lingered.\u00a0\u00a0 Then slowly, very slowly, his eyes still glued to the girl\u2019s face, Danny reached into his pocket and drew out that piece of yellow chalk he had pocketed a few days ago, after having been called on to do an arithmetic problem at the board.<\/p>\n Danny placed the creased and torn wanted posted up against the back of the school building.\u00a0\u00a0 Using the yellow chalk, he carefully colored over the girl\u2019s dark hair.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWell, well, well! \u00a0\u00a0Looky what I have here!\u201d he murmured, gazing down with great satisfaction at his own handiwork.\u00a0\u00a0 He pocketed the chalk, then refolded the wanted poster.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo uppity little bitch is gonna play foot loose and fancy free with Danny MacLowry \u2018n get away with it, no sir-reee!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 By the time I get through with her, she\u2019s gonna regret the day she was ever born.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, well, well!\u00a0\u00a0 Ain\u2019t YOU the dude!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Walt Jared teased, grinning from ear to ear.\u00a0\u00a0 He was a short, stocky man, a few years older than Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 Three years ago, he took up residence with his brother, Virgil, upon the sudden death of their mother, much to the chagrin of his brother\u2019s wife.<\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t hurt YOU t\u2019 dress up once in a while,\u201d his sister-in-law, Amelia growled.\u00a0\u00a0 She was on the other side of the floor, sweeping up while trying to keep a close watch on her rambunctious youngest daughter, Cora Lynn, aged two and a half.<\/p>\n \u201cThe only time you gonna catch ME in one o\u2019 them monkey suits is when the undertaker lays me out in a big pine box,\u201d Walt declared with an emphatic nod of his head.<\/p>\n \u201cMonkey suit?!\u201d Amelia hooted.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019D be happy just t\u2019 see ya in CLEAN clothes f\u2019r a change, that wasn\u2019t all tattered \u2018n frayed at the ends, \u2018n worn out at the elbows.\u201d<\/p>\n Amelia Jared and her husband, Virgil, owned and operated the general store in town.\u00a0\u00a0 She kept the books and dealt with the customers, while her husband took care of the jobs requiring a strong man\u2019s brute strength.\u00a0\u00a0 They had three children, Bertram, who was four years younger than Joe, Lilly Elizabeth, known best as Lilly Beth, a year younger than her brother, and baby Cora Lynn.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Adam . . . y\u2019 gotta lady friend?\u201d Walt guffawed, giving the oldest Cartwright son a playful jab in the ribcage with his elbow.<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Adam replied, as he placed the clothing in hand down on the counter.\u00a0\u00a0 Ten work shirts, and four pair of pants, all black.<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t none o\u2019 YOUR business anyhow,\u201d Amelia snapped.<\/p>\n \u201cAww, da—!, uhh . . . DANG it, Amelia!\u00a0\u00a0 Would\u2019ja lay off?!\u201d Walt growled back, as he turned and leveled a ferocious scowl over in his sister-in-law\u2019s general direction.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAdam \u2018n me\u2019s just horsin\u2019 around a li\u2019l . . . man t\u2019 man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou may be horsin\u2019 around, Walt,\u201d Amelia returned, as she put aside her broom for a moment, long enough to reach for her dustpan, \u201cbut I don\u2019t know \u2018bout this man t\u2019 man, business.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFer cryin\u2019 out loud, Amelia.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam here ain\u2019t a li\u2019l boy no more,\u201d Walt whined.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe just come home from college for G—, I mean for goodness sake!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI WASN\u2019T referin\u2019 t\u2019 Adam,\u201d Amelia retorted primly before bending down to sweep up the small pile of dust in the middle of the store into her dustpan.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . \u2018n just what the h— . . . what\u2019s THAT s\u2019posed t\u2019 mean?!\u201d Walt demanded with all the angry frustration of a two year old who had just been told no.<\/p>\n \u201cIt means grow UP, Walt!\u201d Amelia rounded on her brother-in-law ferociously.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMost MEN your age\u2019ve been married a few years, \u2018n like as not have a li\u2019l one or two, \u2018n another on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll settle down with a wife \u2018n a whole passel o\u2019 young \u2018ns when I\u2019M dang well good \u2018n ready, \u2018n not one minute before!\u201d Walt declared, his face beet red, his anger rising.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201c \u2018N another thing Miz High-\u2018n-Mighty Amelia Latshaw Jared, it\u2019s gonna be a real cold day in, uhhh HECK when I settle down with one o\u2019 them sour faced battle axes YOU keep tryin\u2019 t\u2019 fix me up with!\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m goin\u2019 t\u2019 the Bucket o\u2019 Blood!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLi\u2019l early on in the day f\u2019r that, don\u2019t ya think?\u201d Amelia angrily shot right back.<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u00a0\u00a0 So far\u2019s I can see, it ain\u2019t soon enough . . . not when I gotta put up with a harpy like YOU \u2018round drivin\u2019 me t\u2019 drink,\u201d Walt growled back, before storming out the door, slamming it shut behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry \u2018bout that, Adam,\u201d she sighed.\u00a0 \u201cThat Walt . . . he just really gets m\u2019 goat, sometimes!\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ll be right with ya.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Amelia . . . and please.\u00a0\u00a0 Take your time.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m in no rush,\u201d Adam kindly offered.<\/p>\n Amelia stepped outside just long enough to empty her dustpan in the street, then returned to her customer.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI know . . . . \u201d she continued, as she placed broom and dustpan out of sight under the counter, \u201cI oughtta try \u2018n be more patient with Walt, leastwise that\u2019s what Virgil\u2019s always sayin\u2019, but—,\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She sighed again and very slowly wagged her head back and forth.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI mean . . . do YOU think it\u2019s too much t\u2019 ask him t\u2019 fix himself up a li\u2019l now \u2018n then and maybe find somethin\u2019 t\u2019 do t\u2019 make himself useful?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Amelia,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s at all unreasonable to ask a healthy, able bodied man like Walt to fix himself up once in a while and do something to make himself useful.\u00a0\u00a0 Have you talked to Virgil about this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yeah,\u201d Amelia replied with a wry roll of her eyes heavenward.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cVirgil \u2018n me\u2019ve talked.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She jotted down the price written on the tag of the last piece of clothing in the stack Adam intended to buy.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe upshot of it all is, he tells me over \u2018n over I\u2019m right as rain, but when push comes right down t\u2019 shove?\u00a0\u00a0 Virgil just plain ain\u2019t as firm as he oughtta be.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he feels sorry for Walt,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n \u201cCould be he does,\u201d Amelia agreed, \u201cbut it still ain\u2019t right t\u2019 let him get away with bein\u2019 a shiftless, ne\u2019er do well slob, what spends pert near all his wakin\u2019 hours \u2018n what li\u2019l money he\u2019s got in his pocket at the Bucket o\u2019 Blood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . don\u2019t remember Walt being like that while old Mrs. Jared was still alive,\u201d Adam ventured.<\/p>\n \u201cOooh no!\u201d Amelia agreed in a solemn tone of voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat woman was a real tarter, Adam, but she made Walt tow the line.\u00a0\u00a0 If\u2019n she could see him now, that poor woman, may God rest her soul . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She very quickly crossed herself.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019d be rollin\u2019 over \u2018n over in her grave right now, you can bet on that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure,\u201d Adam murmured very softly remembering how, as a child and as a teenager, he had always been half afraid of Virgil and Walt Jared\u2019s mother.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Adam,\u201d Amelia sighed again, then fell silent for a moment to add up and total Adam\u2019s purchases.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI mean here I am goin\u2019 on \u2018n on about Walt with YOU here, just home from that college back east.\u00a0\u00a0 But that man . . . some days I just wanna grab him by the ears \u2018n pound his head up against a brick wall \u2018til I pound some sense into it or the sawdust runs out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Amelia . . . I understand perfectly,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI had a couple of roommates in the college dormitory who couldn\u2019t be bothered to shift for themselves.\u00a0\u00a0 One . . . a rich man\u2019s son . . . actually paid classmates to do all of his written assignments, so that he might have more time to spend drinking and carousing.\u201d<\/p>\n Somehow, the thought of a rich man\u2019s son living back east somewhere, who, from what Adam had just said, was exactly like her shiftless, good-for-nothing-these-days brother-in-law, made her feel a little better.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019ll be ten dollars even,\u201d Amelia said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cY\u2019 want me t\u2019 charge it t\u2019 your pa\u2019s account?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo . . . that won\u2019t be necessary,\u201d Adam replied, as he extracted his billfold from the inside pocket of his jacket.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI have the money.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Adam,\u201d Amelia said, as she accepted the proffered ten dollar note.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have it all wrapped up for ya in a jiffy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAmelia . . . would it be alright with you if I came back in about an hour or so?\u201d Adam asked.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s a couple friends of the family staying over at the hotel.\u00a0\u00a0 Since I\u2019m in town anyway, I figured it\u2019d be nice to stop by and see them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re stayin\u2019 over at the hotel!?\u201d Amelia echoed, looking over at Adam with upraised eyebrow.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHow come your pa didn\u2019t ask \u2018em out to the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe DID, actually, but they had some business to take care of in town,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThey decided it would make more sense to remain close.\u00a0\u00a0 We\u2019re hoping they\u2019ll come out and spend some time with us after they\u2019ve taken care of their business.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAww . . . dang it all, Amelia, there y\u2019 go again, pokin\u2019 your nose right where it DON\u2019T belong!\u201d<\/p>\n She whirled in her tracks and found her husband, Virgil, leaning against the doorjamb that opened into the Jared family\u2019s home in back of the store.<\/p>\n \u201cVirgil Eugene Jared, you hush!\u201d Amelia admonished him, her cheeks all of a sudden flaming a bright scarlet.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Adam . . . welcome back!\u201d Virgil greeted the eldest Cartwright son with a friendly smile and firm handshake.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI know your pa \u2018n brothers\u2019re glad t\u2019 see ya . . . they ain\u2019t talked about nothin\u2019 else for the last month o\u2019 Sundays.\u00a0\u00a0 When did ya get in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYesterday afternoon on the four o\u2019clock stage,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?!\u201d Amelia exclaimed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAdam Cartwright, y\u2019 oughtta be ashamed o\u2019 yourself, what with runnin\u2019 out on your pa first day back!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid I didn\u2019t have much choice in the matter, Amelia,\u201d Adam defended himself with a long-suffering sigh.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe work clothes I wore just before I left for Boston four years ago doesn\u2019t quite fit any more.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo much big city livin\u2019, eh, Adam?\u201d Virgil guffawed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWell, you needn\u2019t worry none . . . a couple o\u2019 months o\u2019 working for your pa . . . you\u2019ll have a nice washboard flat stomach just like me.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He grinned proudly from ear-to-ear and spread his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cOh f\u2019r—!!\u201d Amelia sighed and rolled her eyes heavenward.\u00a0\u00a0 Though he didn\u2019t have a great big beer belly like his brother, Walt . . . something for which she was profoundly thankful . . . it could hardly be said that Virgil Jared\u2019s abdomen was washboard flat.\u00a0\u00a0 Now Adam on the other hand . . . .<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019sa matter with YOU now?!\u201d Virgil demanded with a scowl.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s just say the reason Adam here needs a bigger size is \u2018cause he left here for that fancy college back east just this side o\u2019 still bein\u2019 a boy . . . \u2018n he\u2019s come home now a grown MAN . . . \u2018n leave it go at that, shall we?\u201d Amelia said primly.<\/p>\n \u201cThere somethin\u2019 you ain\u2019t sayin\u2019, Woman?\u201d Virgil demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou finished getting\u2019 that order t\u2019gether for Mister Hansen yet?\u201d Amelia shot right back.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOne o\u2019 his men\u2019s gonna be stoppin\u2019 by here any minute now t\u2019 pick it up . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, all right,\u201d Virgil groused.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cGood seein\u2019 ya, Adam . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 This last he added in a friendlier tone of voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam Cartwright!\u00a0\u00a0 Is that really YOU?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn the flesh, Mark, big as life, twice as real and about ten times as ugly,\u201d Adam greeted Mark Garrett, the hotel clerk and one of his oldest friends, with a warm smile.<\/p>\n \u201cHeard you were comin\u2019 home.\u00a0\u00a0 When did you get in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYesterday afternoon, four o\u2019clock stage,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat can I do for ya?\u201d Mark asked.<\/p>\n \u201cA couple friends of Pa\u2019s are staying here,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister and Mrs. Alcott.\u00a0\u00a0 Are they in?\u201d<\/p>\n Mark nodded.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cJust got in about an hour ago from a meeting with Mister Milburn.\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019ll find \u2018em in room number 204.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam bounded up the stairs two at a time, and within a few minutes found himself standing in front of the fast closed door to the Alcotts\u2019 room, knocking.<\/p>\n \u201cWho is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam Cartwright, Mister Alcott.\u201d<\/p>\n The door opened.\u00a0\u00a0 Jed Alcott\u2019s face was drawn and pale.\u00a0\u00a0 His hand, resting lightly on the doorknob, trembled slightly.\u00a0\u00a0 The soft, muffled sounds of a woman\u2019s heartbreaking weeping could be heard from the small alcove that served as a dressing room.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m terribly sorry, Mister Alcott,\u201d Adam immediately apologized.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI can plainly see that I\u2019ve come at a bad time.\u00a0\u00a0 I can come back later . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Adam, please . . . come in.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Jed stood aside and gestured for the young man to enter.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sure, Mister Alcott?\u00a0\u00a0 I CAN come back another time . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid there won\u2019t be an opportunity for another time,\u201d Jed sighed.<\/p>\n Adam entered the room.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI . . . take it the news wasn\u2019t good?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0 Jed mournfully shook his head, as he quietly closed the door.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPlease, sit down, Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 Can I get you anything?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, thank you, Mister Alcott,\u201d Adam said quietly, while seating himself in one of the wooden straight-backed chairs.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry the news wasn\u2019t what you had hoped.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Jed sighed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAfter all these years, I should be used to this by now.\u00a0\u00a0 But . . . I had really hoped that this time\u2014\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Adam, Esther and I AREN\u2019T getting any younger.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m beginning to think we\u2019ll never again see our beloved granddaughter ever . . . at least not in this life.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf there\u2019s anything I can do . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u00a0\u00a0 Esther and I will on the first stage leaving Virginia City tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that.\u00a0\u00a0 I know Pa was hoping you\u2019d come out to the Ponderosa for a few days, and I was looking forward to the pleasure of your company at my homecoming party.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, too, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n The eldest Cartwright son glanced up sharply, and saw that Mrs. Alcott had entered the room.\u00a0\u00a0 Her overall appearance shocked him.\u00a0\u00a0 Her face was alarmingly pale, a fact greatly emphasized by the fading rouge applied to her cheeks earlier.\u00a0\u00a0 She had dark circles under eyes that appeared to be dull, and lifeless.<\/p>\n Adam rose, and noting how heavily she leaned against the bedpost, walked over and offered his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cBen\u2019s told us so much about you three boys and the Ponderosa over the years, I was looking forward to seeing it . . . and meeting YOU . . . well, I DID get to meet the three of you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam helped ease her down onto the small settee.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Adam,\u201d Esther said, favoring him with a grateful, though weary, smile.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Milburn told us this morning that a man by the name of Andy Smith, that\u2019s one of the names my former son-in-law has been using, was listed as a passenger on the stage that arrived here in Virginia City about . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Jed paused to do some mental figuring.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been nearly two months now.\u00a0\u00a0 There was a woman with him and a young girl, aged sixteen or seventeen . . . the age my granddaughter is now.<\/p>\n \u201cThe man behind the ticket counter at the stage depot told a private investigator here that this Andy Smith asked to be directed to lodging, something inexpensive.\u00a0\u00a0 He said that he gave Mister Smith directions to an establishment known as Kirk\u2019s Hostelry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, yes.\u00a0\u00a0 Eloise Kirk\u2019s place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat kind of an establishment does this Mrs. Kirk run?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA very good one, actually,\u201d Adam replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe keeps her place spotless.\u00a0\u00a0 Her customers get clean towels and bed linens, changed once a week.\u00a0\u00a0 Hot water for washing and bathing is always available on request, and her cooking is passable, what you might call good old fashioned home cooking.\u00a0\u00a0 Her prices fall in what I would call the moderate range, which discourages a lot of riff-raff.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank goodness,\u201d Jed breathed a sigh of relief.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAt least I have the satisfaction of knowing that if my granddaughter was there, she was in a decent enough place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think she was there, Jed,\u201d Esther said sadly.<\/p>\n Jed reached over and patted his wife\u2019s hand.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister Milburn made inquiries, actually checked over Mrs. Kirk\u2019s register himself.\u00a0\u00a0 No one by the name of Andy Smith ever registered at Kirk\u2019s Hostelry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m quite frankly surprised Mister Milburn didn\u2019t wire you in Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe did, Adam,\u201d Jed said wearily.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cUnfortunately there were lines down . . . somewhere between here and Chicago, he said.\u00a0\u00a0 My lawyer didn\u2019t get the message until about a week after we had left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry you had to come all this way to receive bad news,\u201d Adam said sympathetically.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI DO wish you would reconsider Pa\u2019s invitation to come and stay at the Ponderosa, if only for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Adam, but I just plain want to go home,\u201d Esther said wearily.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I can understand that, Mrs. Alcott,\u201d Adam said, rising.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI need to be running along.\u00a0\u00a0 My brother, Joe, gets out of school in the next half hour, and I\u2019m picking him up.\u00a0\u00a0 If you DO change your mind about Pa\u2019s invitation, please, just come on out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe will, but I don\u2019t think we\u2019re going to change our minds.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I don\u2019t see you again, Mister and Mrs. Alcott, I wish you a safe journey home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Adam,\u201d Esther rose.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPlease tell Ben that Jed and I are\u2014 \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Her eyes suddenly rolled up under her eyelids.\u00a0\u00a0 She wavered on her feet before collapsing back down on the sofa in a dead faint.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Dear God!\u00a0\u00a0 Esther . . . . ?!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was at the stricken woman\u2019s side in an instant.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Mister Alcott.\u00a0\u00a0 She merely fainted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was afraid of something like this,\u201d Jed murmured dolefully.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEsther\u2019s . . . Mrs. Alcott\u2019s health hasn\u2019t been the best . . . not since our granddaughter disappeared.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoctor Martin is right down the street, Mister Alcott,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll have the desk clerk send for him, if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, thank you.\u00a0\u00a0 I would appreciate that very much.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c . . . . I DID stop by, Pa, after I picked up Little Joe from school AND my purchases from the general store,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDoc Martin and his wife were in the hotel room, presumably still examining Mrs. Alcott.\u00a0\u00a0 Mister Alcott was in the hotel lobby, waiting for Doc to finish.\u00a0\u00a0 He was still pretty adamant about leaving on the first stage out tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope to heaven Paul can talk some sense into that ornery ol\u2019 scalawag!\u201d\u00a0 Ben said grimly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t MISTER Alcott who was being stubborn, it was Mrs. Alcott.\u00a0\u00a0 She flat out told me that she just plain wanted to go home,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n The Cartwrights, minus Hoss, were just finishing up their evening meal.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned to Little Joe, tonight seated in Hoss\u2019 chair, on his left.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat is it, Son?\u201d he asked, favoring the boy with a wan smile.<\/p>\n \u201cCan . . . . \u201d Joe looked over at Adam and cringed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMAY I please be excused?\u00a0\u00a0 I have some homework I have to finish before bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly,\u201d Ben readily gave the boy permission to leave the table.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be up in a little while to check over your school work.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk, Pa.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Joe immediately climbed down from his chair and bolted toward the steps.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a first,\u201d Adam observed wryly, as he watched his youngest brother run upstairs, taking the steps two and three at a time.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSomehow, I don\u2019t remember him as being so enthusiastic about doing his homework.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s NOT,\u201d Ben said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI guess the Alcotts\u2019 bad news put a damper on things tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d Adam murmured sheepishly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Adam.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben sighed and shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s too bad Lucas\u2019 wire got held up like it did, though.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019d like, I\u2019ll work on those accounting ledgers . . . bring \u2018em up to date,\u201d Adam offered, as he and Ben rose from the table.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t mind, honest!\u00a0\u00a0 Just think of it as my way of making it up to you for having to go into town to purchase new work clothes,\u201d Adam said, leading the way over to the desk.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBy the way, where\u2019s Hoss tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s having supper with the Taylors.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat his new girl?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, and smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe and your brother have been inseparable ever since they met a couple of months ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s really in love with her, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Adam asked as he seated himself behind his father\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, he is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about her?\u00a0\u00a0 Does she feel the same way about HIM?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely,\u201d Ben declared with an emphatic nod of his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Taylor, that was one mighty fine meal,\u201d Hoss complimented the hostess with genuine heartfelt sincerity and gratitude.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re cookin\u2019 is every bit as good as Hop Sing\u2019s . . . but, please!\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t tell him I said so?!\u201d<\/p>\n Carolyn smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Hoss, and your secret is safe with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I give ya hand with clearin\u2019 the table, Ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u00a0\u00a0 Absolutely not!\u201d\u00a0 Carolyn said sternly, then smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss, you must be exhausted after darn near moving us from Kirk\u2019s Hostelry to this house single handed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . uuhh, Ma\u2019am, it wasn\u2019t like ya had much . . . at least not in the way o\u2019 heavy stuff . . . t\u2019 move.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe did have this dining room table, along with eight chairs and two leaves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNone o\u2019 that was very heavy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe THAT as it may . . . I still say you\u2019ve worked very hard today, helping us get moved,\u201d Carolyn said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNow that you\u2019ve had a nice dinner, you are going to sit back and relax.\u00a0\u00a0 Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Mrs. Taylor . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t argue with her, Hoss,\u201d Drew said, a half smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019ll do you NO good.\u00a0\u00a0 Once my wife make up her mind . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell you what!\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss, if you absolutely MUST do something . . . you and Cindy could go out for a stroll in our new garden,\u201d Carolyn suggested with a secretive, yet knowing kind of smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s a lovely night, and with the moon nearly full, there\u2019ll be plenty of light for your path,\u201d Carolyn said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Mama Carolyn, the dishes\u2014 \u201d Cindy protested.<\/p>\n \u201cYour pa and I will manage with the dishes just fine, Young Lady,\u201d Carolyn said with mock sternness.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNow you \u2018n Hoss skedaddle!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you put it that way . . . yes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d Cindy said, smiling.<\/p>\n Drew Taylor dutifully set himself to the task of clearing the table of dishes and leftover food, while Hoss and Cindy let themselves out.\u00a0\u00a0 He placed the last of the dirty dishes down next to the kitchen pump and sink, where his wife stood washing the plates, bowls, cups, saucers, and utensils already removed from the table.<\/p>\n \u201cCarolyn . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Drew?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe . . . she\u2019s in love with him, isn\u2019t she,\u201d he said, stating fact.<\/p>\n Carolyn smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t tell me you\u2019re just now figuring that out.\u201d<\/p>\n Drew nodded, as he picked up a clean, dry hand towel and set himself to the task of drying the dishes and putting them away.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI . . . think when it comes to his daughter\u2019s love life, a father\u2019s always the last to figure it out.\u00a0\u00a0 How long have YOU known?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I\u2019ve known since that day she came home, her eyes all lit up like a Christmas tree, because Hoss asked her to that dance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs THAT why you insisted on us staying here in Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPartially.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the rest?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss reminds me a little of my older brother, Dominic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe minister, who died when his ship sank on it\u2019s way to the mission field in Africa?\u201d<\/p>\n Carolyn nodded sadly.\u00a0\u00a0 She finished washing and rinsing the last of the eating utensils, then passed them to her husband.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss doesn\u2019t fully have his growth in yet, but he\u2019s going to be a big, strong man like my brother.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s already every bit as kind and gentle.\u00a0\u00a0 For us to have just up and left would have hurt him every bit as much as it would\u2019ve hurt Cindy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was just standing here thinking how much Cindy reminds me of Donna when SHE was her age.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrom what you\u2019ve told me, by the time Donna was the age Cindy is now, she\u2019d been in love with you for a very long time,\u201d Carolyn said gently.\u00a0\u00a0 She gathered the serving bowls and the meat tray from the counter and carried them over to the sink.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t notice at the time, of course, but looking back, I think you\u2019re probably right.\u00a0\u00a0 You, ummm . . . think I\u2019m actually looking at a prospective son-in-law here?!\u201d Drew queried, as he took the larger dishes from his wife.\u00a0\u00a0 He, then stepped over to the washtub and set himself to the task of scraping the remaining food and gravy from the meat tray.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Carolyn said thoughtfully.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThis is the first time our Cindy\u2019s fallen in love . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHad the opportunity to fall in love, you mean,\u201d Drew said with a touch of bitterness.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you dare go putting words in my mouth I not only didn\u2019t say, but had no intention of ever saying, Drew Taylor,\u201d she admonished her husband severely.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not going to pretend our life together\u2019s been all fun and games, but we did what we had to do.\u00a0\u00a0 I have no regrets about that, Drew, nor will I ever.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Carolyn smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cApology accepted.\u00a0\u00a0 I was also going to say that I have a feeling this is the first time Hoss Cartwright\u2019s ever fallen head over heels in love, too.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s young, but he\u2019s got a lot of maturity about him I don\u2019t see much in other young men his age.\u00a0\u00a0 He also knows what he wants out of life.\u201d<\/p>\n Drew nodded.\u00a0\u00a0 He finished cleaning the meat tray, then rinsed it under the kitchen pump.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe loves the Ponderosa every bit as much as his father does.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard it said that home is where the heart is.\u00a0\u00a0 Well, if that saying has any truth to it, the Ponderosa is where Hoss Cartwright\u2019s heart lies.\u201d<\/p>\n Carolyn nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think Cindy will be able to adjust?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAsk me that question again, oh . . . say a couple of years from now?!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Cindy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s Guinevere\u2019s new foal doing?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss smiled, remembering . . . .<\/p>\n It became clear early on that it was going to be a breech birth.\u00a0\u00a0 Pa had sent for the vet immediately of course, and over the next several hours, everyone pitched in, including Cindy.\u00a0\u00a0 She did whatever was asked of her without fear of her skirt and blouse being soiled, or her hair mussed.\u00a0\u00a0 Best of all, she snowed no sign whatsoever of being squeamish.\u00a0\u00a0 If Pa hadn\u2019t been impressed by her before, he sure was after it was all over.<\/em><\/p>\n Afterwards, Hoss and Cindy stood together, side by side, watching with rapt attention as the newborn foal, his stance growing more steady with each passing second, nursed from his mother . . . .<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cSir Lancelot\u2019s getting bigger \u2018n bigger every day,\u201d Hoss answered her question.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe eats like there no tomorrow, an\u2019 he\u2019s friskier \u2018n a pair of bear cubs on a real fine spring day.\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019re gonna hafta come out \u2018n see him for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMay I when we come for Adam\u2019s party?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u00a0\u00a0 Cindy\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, would you do me a favor, at least while we\u2019re out here?\u201d Cindy asked as she took him by the hand.<\/p>\n \u201cSure,\u201d Hoss agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile we\u2019re out here, for tonight anyway, would you mind calling me Cinnamon Rose?\u201d she asked, gazing earnestly into his face and eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI . . . I just feel like having someone call me by my whole, real name, and since you\u2019re the only one I\u2019ve ever told . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was hopin\u2019 I could sometime, Cind\u2014Cinnamon Rose,\u201d Hoss replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s such a pretty name, I wish I could call you that all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wish you could, too, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll be able to someday, when we\u2014 \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss was about to say, \u2018When we get married.\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d Cindy queried, noting that he seemed to suddenly be staring off into space through eyes the size of Mama Carolyn\u2019s meat platter.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss, are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I think so,\u201d he stammered, as he slowly returned to present time and place.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were talking when you suddenly stopped right in the middle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-yeah,\u201d Hoss\u2019 cheek flushed a very deep pink.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI was sayin\u2019 that maybe I\u2019ll be able t\u2019 c-call you Cinnamon Rose all the time someday, when it won\u2019t git anybody into trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss remembered again the night Sir Lancelot was born, the way Cindy\u2014Cinnamon Rose did what was asked the way he and Pa did, without the slightest hesitation or second thoughts.\u00a0\u00a0 Many ladies he knew would have fainted dead away or suffered a serious attack of the vapors, or some such, but not Cinnamon Rose.\u00a0\u00a0 After it was all over, with Sir Lancelot safely born into this world, she stood next to him, watching, take his first steps along with his first meal, with the same look of awe he saw on Pa\u2019s face, and that he knew to be in his own.<\/p>\n Suddenly, he wanted more than anything, to ask her flat out if she would marry him.\u00a0\u00a0 He actually opened his mouth with every intention of saying those words, only to have them stick in his throat as Pa\u2019s voice echoed through his mind and his thoughts . . . .<\/p>\n \u201cMarriage, Hoss?!\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019ve known each other barely two months!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI feel like I\u2019ve known her all my life, Pa.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re only fifteen, Son . . . she\u2019s only seventeen.\u00a0\u00a0 I know you care about each other very much, but you\u2019re both too young.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI know we\u2019re young, but I know what I want . . . and one thing I want more\u2019n anything is t\u2019 be with Cinnamon Rose, Pa, forever \u2018n always.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHoss, if the two of you are meant to be together . . . forever and always . . . . then you\u2019ll still be together three years from now.\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019ll be eighteen then, she\u2019ll be twenty.\u00a0\u00a0 There\u2019s a lot of growing up that happens between then and the ages you are now.\u00a0\u00a0 You need to let that happen . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hoss smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 Trust Pa to have those words of wisdom, even if he didn\u2019t actually speak them, save within his son\u2019s mind, and his heart.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n He turned and found Cinnamon Rose regarding his with a bemused look on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cA penny for your thoughts, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI was just thinkin\u2019 how much I love bein\u2019 with ya, Cinnamon Rose, \u2018n how, when were NOT together, I kinda feel like I\u2019ve gone off \u2018n forgotten something I really need . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n She stopped walking, turned, and took both of his hands in hers.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI feel the same way, too, Hoss . . . about YOU.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCinnamon Rose, I . . . I\u2019d be honored \u2018n real proud t\u2019 boot if . . . if you\u2019d . . . well, if you\u2019d be my gal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Hoss,\u201d she half sobbed as she threw her arms around his waist.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI already consider myself your girl.\u00a0\u00a0 I . . . I think I have since you asked me to that dance.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss slipped his arms around her shoulders and gazed down at her in dazed wonder.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cY-you DO?\u00a0\u00a0 Really?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I do.\u00a0\u00a0 Really.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Cinnamon Rose?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love you.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 The smile that burst out upon his face out dazzled the moon over head, or so Cinnamon Rose thought.<\/p>\n \u201cI love you, too, Cinnamon Rose,\u201d Hoss declared, then lowered his head and kissed her soundly.\u00a0\u00a0 When, at long last their lips parted, both were left breathless.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAnd maybe . . . just maybe, three years AIN\u2019T such a long time t\u2019 wait after all,\u201d<\/em> he mused in happy silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBlack?!\u201d\u00a0 Ben exclaimed incredulously, as Adam, attired in the new clothing he had purchased in town the day before, took his place at the breakfast table.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou actually bought BLACK work clothes?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm hmm,\u201d Adam replied with a roguish grin.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHas a certain . . . panache, don\u2019t YOU think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose,\u201d Ben had to admit.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut it\u2019s not real practical.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh?!\u00a0\u00a0 Why not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt shows up every single speck of dust and dirt,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s actually worse than white in that respect.\u00a0\u00a0 Hop Sing\u2019s going to have a fit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll be having to wash YOUR clothes more often,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Pa!\u201d\u00a0 Joe cried out with excitement, as he ran toward the table.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss followed behind his baby brother, ambling at a much slower paced, grinning from ear-to-ear.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWho\u2019s the gunslinger?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat gunslinger?\u201d Adam queried in a wry tone as Joe climbed into the chair, directly facing his oldest brother, on the opposite side of the table.<\/p>\n Joe stared over at Adam with a bewildered frown on his face.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou sound like my brother, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd for good reason.\u00a0\u00a0 I AM your brother, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared over at Adam, open mouthed with shock and astonishment for a long moment, before suddenly, bursting into gales of laughter.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou STILL look like some kinda gunslinger!\u201d the boy declared.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t he look like a gunslinger, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDOESN\u2019T he look like a gunslinger, Pa,\u201d Adam automatically corrected.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what I just said!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo comment,\u201d Ben said firmly, as he quickly raised his napkin to his mouth to hide his own amused smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, you\u2019d best dig in.\u00a0\u00a0 You have to leave for school in an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Joe murmured as he reached for the serving bowl with fried potatoes.<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Morning, Pa . . . \u2018Mornin\u2019, Adam, \u2018n you, too Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss greeted everyone with an affable smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSay, Pa, I thought I heard horses pullin\u2019 up out in the yard when I was comin\u2019 down the stairs just now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go see,\u201d Joe immediately volunteered as he leapt from his seat.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, no you don\u2019t!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Adam\u2019s arm snaked out with all the swiftness of a striking rattler.\u00a0\u00a0 He snared his youngest brother by the shirt collar, and hauled him back to his place at the table.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYOU are going to eat, like Pa just said.\u00a0\u00a0 I<\/strong> will go see who it is.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe scowled darkly at his oldest brother\u2019s retreating back and stuck out his tongue.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s f\u2019r breakfast, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked as he seated himself on the other side of the table, in the chair facing his littlest brother.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m hungry enough t\u2019 eat a horse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think Hop Sing will be very happy to hear THAT,\u201d Ben said in all sincerity.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe was getting a mite worried about you, Son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoes THIS mean you\u2019re not in love with Cindy any more?\u201d Joe asked, looking a trifle crestfallen.<\/p>\n \u201cIt don\u2019t mean nothin\u2019 o\u2019 the sort, Li\u2019l Brother,\u201d Hoss replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI love Cindy more \u2018n more every day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss getting his appetite back means the love between Hoss and Cindy\u2019s not new anymore, but something now that\u2019s grown more comfortable, more settled,\u201d Ben tried to explain.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that good, Pa?\u201d Joe queried dubiously.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Joe, that\u2019s VERY good.\u00a0\u00a0 It means Hoss and Cindy are becoming good friends along with being in love.\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019ll understand better when you\u2019re older.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d it was Adam, returning to the breakfast table.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe have company.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben quickly placed his napkin down next to his plate on the table and rose.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam entered with Esther and Jed Alcott following close behind.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Ben,\u201d Jed greeted his old friend with a rueful smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI know you said to just come on out, if we changed our minds . . . even so, I hate barging in on you like this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed, Esther, you\u2019re not barging in at all.\u00a0\u00a0 Would you like some breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, thank you.\u00a0\u00a0 Esther and I ate before we checked out of the hotel this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you mind showing Mister and Mrs. Alcott to the guest room upstairs?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all, Pa,\u201d Adam replied with a smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister and Mrs. Alcott, if you\u2019ll just follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll give ya a hand with the luggage,\u201d Hoss volunteered, rising from his own place at the table.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll help, too.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Little Joe started to rise.<\/p>\n Ben reached out and grabbed his youngest son by the wrist.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh no you don\u2019t, Young Man.\u00a0\u00a0 YOU are going to sit down and finish your breakfast.\u00a0\u00a0 You NOW have half an hour to eat and wash up before time to leave for school.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so glad you changed you minds and decided to come and stay with us,\u201d Adam said as he led the Alcotts upstairs.<\/p>\n \u201cTruth be told, Adam, your Doctor Martin changed our minds for us,\u201d Esther admitted.<\/p>\n \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe said I need a few days rest before attempting to make that long trip back to Boston,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe actually said at least a month, Esther, better yet TWO.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow don\u2019t you start up again, Jedediah Alcott!\u00a0\u00a0 To stay that long would be a dreadful imposition on Ben, and besides . . . I\u2019m home sick.\u00a0\u00a0 The opera season will be starting soon, and we haven\u2019t yet purchased our tickets.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister and Mrs. Alcott, I think I can safely say I speak for Pa in say you\u2019re both welcome to stay as long as you like,\u201d Adam said with a smile, \u201cthough I can\u2019t blame you for wanting to return home in time for the opera season.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou an opera fan, Adam?\u201d Esther asked hopefully.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I am.\u00a0\u00a0 I can\u2019t say I\u2019m all that knowledgeable, but I did manage to find time and enough funds to go occasionally, while I was attending Harvard.\u201d<\/p>\n Jed favored his wife and Adam with an indulgent smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou two can talk opera to your heart\u2019s content.\u00a0\u00a0 Whenever I go, I always seem to end up getting a good night\u2019s sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be wonderful, perhaps later,\u201d Esther said, beaming.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cRight now, I think I\u2019d like to wash up a mite, then take a nice long nap.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll ask Hop Sing to bring you up some hot water,\u201d Adam said, as they reached the door of the guest room.\u00a0\u00a0 He wrapped his fingers loosely around the doorknob and swung the door wide open.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYour home away from home, Mister and Mrs. Alcott.\u00a0\u00a0 Hop Sing always keeps clean sheets on the bed.\u00a0\u00a0 Can I get you anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Adam, thank you very much.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m fine,\u201d Esther said, with a weary smile.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case, if you\u2019ll both excuse me, I\u2019ll go down and give Hoss a hand with your luggage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll walk down with you, Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m hoping maybe your pa has some coffee left over.\u00a0\u00a0 I could sure use a cup.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He turned to his wife.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWill you be alright by yourself for awhile?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you, I\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Esther replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIn any case, I plan to take a nap, so I won\u2019t be much company at all, anyhow.\u00a0\u00a0 You go on, have that coffee, and maybe a good visit with Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll see you later, Mrs. Alcott.\u00a0\u00a0 I hope you have a good rest in the meantime.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure I will.\u00a0\u00a0 Now scoot!\u00a0\u00a0 Both of you!\u201d<\/p>\n Jed removed his jacket and tie, then followed Adam back out into the hall.<\/p>\n \u201cOut of curiosity, how long do you plan to stay with us?\u201d Adam asked, as he quietly closed the door behind them.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m hoping to stretch things out for a week, beyond that . . . . \u201d Jed shrugged.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEsther CAN be a very determined woman, when she sets her mind . . . and her mind is definitely set on going home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be wonderful if you can convince her to stay the entire week.\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019ll be here for my homecoming party . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGoodness, Ben!\u00a0\u00a0 It looks as though you\u2019ve quite literally killed the fatted calf to welcome your prodigal back home!\u201d Reverend Broderick Matthews exclaimed as he looked in amazement at the animal roasting over a low fire on a spit, being turned by several of the younger ranch hands.<\/p>\n \u201cFatted HOG is closer to the truth, Broderick,\u201d Ben replied with a smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m glad you could come, though I don\u2019t see Louise . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLouise received word just this afternoon that her mother\u2019s taken a turn,\u201d Broderick said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe and her sister, Pearl, are with her and their father.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that her mother\u2019s not feeling well,\u201d Ben murmured sympathetically.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPlease tell Louise she AND her parents will be in my thoughts and my prayers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI certainly will, Ben, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn the meantime, there\u2019s plenty to eat and drink,\u201d Ben said, gesturing toward the food tables with a broad sweep of his hand and arm.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPlease . . . help yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood evening, Ben . . . Reverend Matthews.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 It was Clara Mudgely, the church organist, with a tall, gangly woman, with frizzed, nondescript brown hair, and horn-rimmed glasses, in tow.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThis is my niece, Beulah Crane.\u00a0\u00a0 Beulah, this is Mister Cartwright and Reverend Matthews.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you do, Reverend Matthews . . . Mister Cartwright,\u201d Beulah acknowledged the introduction in a distinctly nasal tone.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very pleased to meet you, Miss Crane.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 The good reverend\u2019s smile never quite reached his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYour aunt, Miss Mudgely has told us all so much about you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you know, Ben, that my niece is a graduate herself this year?\u201d Clara continued with a genuine warm smile, which she directed very pointedly toward their host.<\/p>\n Ben swallowed nervously, trying his hardest not to flinch away from the church organist\u2019s intense gaze.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cR-Really?\u00a0\u00a0 Where . . . . ?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrom the Emma Evangeline Lewis Finishing School for Young Ladies back in Saint Jo,\u201d Clara declared with a proud smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cALL of the Mudgely women have attended and graduated from that fine institution beginning with my grandmother.\u00a0\u00a0 Beulah here is the very first of the FOURTH generation of Mudgelys to graduate from the Emma Evangeline Lewis Finishing School for Young Ladies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s umm, quite a, uh . . . long standing tradition,\u201d the good reverend observed as he tried to unobtrusively back away.\u00a0\u00a0 His efforts in that endeavor were nipped in the bud by a dark glare from his host.<\/p>\n \u201cBen . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Clara?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow that ADAM has graduated from that college back east, done his wandering and returned home, it\u2019s high time HE thought of settling down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe has, Clara.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam\u2019s been working with Art Menken . . . he\u2019s my foreman down at the sawmill . . . learning the operation.\u00a0\u00a0 In fact, I think he\u2019s been formulating\u00a0 some ideas about improvements to increase production next spring.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s also\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s NOT what I meant,\u201d Clara snapped, rudely cutting Ben off at mid-sentence.<\/p>\n \u201cOh?!\u201d Ben queried, with great fear and trembling as he entertained suspicious now as to what she did mean.<\/p>\n \u201cI MEANT that Adam needs to think seriously about taking a wife, Ben, and having a family, as is his bounden duty before God and to YOU, in keeping your name and lineage going,\u201d Clara declared stoutly, confirming the very worst of Ben\u2019s fears.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHas he anyone special in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, uhh . . . no . . . no, he doesn\u2019t,\u201d Ben stammered, feeling as if he had somehow betrayed his oldest son into the hands of the very devil incarnate.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAs I just said, he\u2019s getting himself back into the routine of things HERE . . . I just figure he\u2019ll take a wife . . . when he\u2019s ready . . . AFTER he\u2019s met the right gal, of course . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, something this vital, this important should NEVER, not under any circumstances be left up to chance,\u201d Clara admonished her host severely, then smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben shuddered as her complacent smile reminded him of the perpetual upward curving lines of an alligator\u2019s closed mouth.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMy niece, Beulah Crane will be visiting me for the remainder of the summer.\u00a0\u00a0 Perhaps the four of us . . . you, me, Adam, AND Beulah might get together for dinner some evening.\u00a0\u00a0 I have a feeling that Adam and Beulah have a lot in common.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d Ben said evasively.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIn the meantime, I . . . well, as host, I have to see to my other guests, as well . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He refrained from mentioning that he also had to warn Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, of course, Ben.\u00a0\u00a0 We\u2019ll talk again Sunday, and set up a time then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA time, Clara?\u201d Ben queried with a bewildered frown.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cA time for WHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo have dinner, Silly.\u201d\u00a0 Clara giggled like a geriatric schoolgirl, and winked coquettishly at him.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou and me . . . Beulah and Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOver my dead body,\u201d Ben growled under his breath, as he moved to greet his arriving friends and neighbors, the O\u2019Briens.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s beautiful, Hoss . . . and so \u2018s Guinevere!\u201d Cindy exclaimed with delight as she stood alongside the biggest of the Cartwright boys, watching Guinevere munching on fresh hay, while her young foal, Sir Lancelot drank greedily from his mother\u2019s milk.\u00a0\u00a0 She and Hoss had stepped into the barn for a brief respite away from the gathering crowd of arriving friends and neighbors outside.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI STILL can\u2019t get over how he got up on his feet and started walking when he was only a few minutes old.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked over at her and smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s \u2018cause horses are food for other animals, like cougars \u2018n wolves, leastwise they are out in the wild.\u00a0\u00a0 When wild horses come into the world, they\u2019re usually born real quick, an\u2019 up, walkin\u2019 around even quicker . . . or else they end up bein\u2019 somebody\u2019s dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGuinevere and Sir Lancelot would\u2019ve been in real big trouble, if they\u2019d have been in the wild.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going to happen to Sir Lancelot?\u00a0\u00a0 After he grows up, I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019ll be up to Pa, but I\u2019d say he\u2019ll more\u2019n likely be gelded, then saddle trained once he\u2019s old enough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Cindy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think you could teach me how to ride?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sure could, if it\u2019s alright with your folks \u2018n my pa,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe we could ask them after the party?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n Cindy smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat would be wonderful!\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ve always wanted to learn how to ride, but with all the moving around we\u2019ve done in the last seven years or so, I guess I just never got around to it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour folks ever learn t\u2019 ride?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa never learned.\u00a0\u00a0 He told me that his ma and pa were too poor to keep a horse,\u201d she replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFortunately, he grew up in a big city where he was able to walk everywhere he needed to go.\u00a0\u00a0 I don\u2019t know about Mama Carolyn, though.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss . . . Cindy?\u201d<\/p>\n The pair turned toward the door, where they say Joe Cartwright with a glass of punch in one hand and a big sugar cookie, half eaten, in the other.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou better not eat too many o\u2019 them cookies, Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss admonished his younger brother.\u00a0 \u201cHop Sing\u2019ll have a fit if you fill up on cookies, \u2018n have no room t\u2019 eat your supper.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa said I could have one,\u201d the boy said defensively.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many HAVE ya had?\u201d Hoss asked with a knowing glare.<\/p>\n Joe immediately averted his eyes to what remained of the cookie and glass of punch in hand.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThree,\u201d he replied sheepishly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou just better watch it, \u2018n make sure ya save room for your supper,\u201d Hoss warned.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, PA,\u201d Joe returned, then stuck out his tongue.<\/p>\n Hoss and Cindy both returned the gesture, much to Little Joe\u2019s delight.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSo, what\u2019s up, Shortshanks?\u201d\u00a0 the latter asked.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2019s lookin\u2019 for ya.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell him I\u2019m comin\u2019, Li\u2019l Brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will . . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 With that, Joe bolted out of the barn running at top speed.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Cindy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould it be alright if I . . . well, if I waited here for you?\u201d<\/p>\n He noted her trembling hands and eyes round with alarm.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou ok, Cindy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m ok, it . . . . \u00a0\u00a0Oh, Hoss, I feel terrible having to say this, but . . . it\u2019s your pa\u2019s friends . . . you know, that couple from back east?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Alcotts?\u201d Hoss queried, looking over at her in surprise.<\/p>\n Cindy nodded hesitantly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThey . . . they scare me.\u00a0\u00a0 I don\u2019t know why . . . . \u201d she looked up at Hoss and shrugged helplessly, \u201cbut they scare me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re different, that\u2019s f\u2019r sure,\u201d Hoss said thoughtfully.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re nice enough, I think they are, anyway, \u2018n real polite, but there\u2019s somethin\u2019 that\u2019s kinda . . . well, kinda stand-offish about \u2018em, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY-You think maybe that\u2019s why they scare me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCould be part of it, Cindy.\u00a0\u00a0 I was a little put off by \u2018em myself that first night I met \u2018em, \u2018til Pa told me folks\u2019re more formal, \u2018n reserved in Boston, where the Alcotts come from,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat first night I met \u2018em?\u00a0\u00a0 They\u2019d just arrived in Virginia City, on the same stage as Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 They were pretty tuckered out, an\u2019 Pa said neither one of \u2018em are well.\u00a0\u00a0 He also said they got some bad news a few days ago, when they met with Mister Milburn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry they\u2019re not feeling well, Hoss . . . and I\u2019m sorry about them getting bad news,\u201d Cindy said slowly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll TRY not to be so put off by them, at least until I get to know \u2018em a little better.\u00a0\u00a0 But, would you do me a favor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Cindy, anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCould you stay real close, Hoss?\u00a0\u00a0 Somehow, I don\u2019t feel quite so afraid as long as you\u2019re close by.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be more \u2018n happy t\u2019 stick close,\u201d he agreed very readily, then offered his arm.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShall we go see what Pa wants?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDrew . . . Carolyn . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood evening, Ben,\u201d Carolyn greeted their host with a warm ingratiating smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf you\u2019re looking for Hoss\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled back.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI know.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe just told me he and Cindy are in the barn looking at Sir Lancelot,\u201d he replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHowever, I wasn\u2019t looking for Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 I was looking for you and your husband.\u201d<\/p>\n Drew and Carolyn exchanged quick, furtive glances.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat can we do for you, Ben?\u201d the former asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to introduce you to a couple of very old friends of mine . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen Cartwright, we\u2019re not THAT old,\u201d Esther Alcott quipped.<\/p>\n \u201cMister and Mrs. Taylor, this is Mister and Mrs. Alcott,\u201d Ben graciously made the introductions.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThey were in Virginia City to take care of some family business, and decided to stay with us here at the Ponderosa for a few days before returning home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very pleased to meet you, Mister and Mrs. Alcott,\u201d Carolyn smiled and held out her hand.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and I\u2019m most pleased to make YOUR acquaintance, Mrs. Taylor,\u201d Esther smiled and graciously took her hand.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBen tells us you and your husband are new in town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are you from?\u201d Esther asked, as the pair ambled slowly over toward the punch bowl.<\/p>\n \u201cSaint Joseph, Missouri, Mrs. Alcott,\u201d Carolyn replied.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhere do YOU call home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBoston is my home these days,\u201d Esther replied, \u201cthough I grew up in Cambridge.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you been to Boston, Mister Taylor?\u201d Jed asked upon noting the look of recognition in the younger man\u2019s eyes when his wife made mention of Boston and Cambridge.<\/p>\n Drew Taylor clasped his hands very tightly together in front of him, in an attempt to hide their trembling.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI . . . uh, n-no.\u00a0\u00a0 I remember Mister Cartwright saying that his son, Adam, has been attending Harvard University for the past four years, but . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cNever been to Boston?\u00a0\u00a0 Ever?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Drew replied, averting his eyes away from Jedediah Alcott\u2019s sudden, intense scrutiny.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look familiar to me, Sir,\u201d Jed said, his hard, almost lizard-like glare never wavering.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI thought if, maybe, you had even visited Boston, we might have actually met.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve never been to Boston, Mister Alcott.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Drew\u2019s tone was terse, his syllables clipped.<\/p>\n \u201cI overheard your wife telling mine just now that you come from Saint Joseph,\u201d Jed continued.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMay I inquire as to your reasons for leaving Saint Joseph and moving here, to Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed, I really don\u2019t think that\u2019s any of our business,\u201d Esther said, taking care to lower her voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ve only just now MET Mister and Mrs. Taylor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey may know something,\u201d Jed argued.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAndy Smith, his wife, and daughter ALSO came from Saint Joseph.\u00a0\u00a0 The Taylors may have met them there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Taylors and the Smiths obviously arrived HERE in Virginia City at the same time.\u00a0\u00a0 Chances are they rode in on the same stage.\u00a0\u00a0 They may have talked, and in so doing, its possible Andy Smith might have mentioned their next destination to Mister Taylor here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed, stop it!\u00a0\u00a0 Just stop it!\u201d Esther demanded, on the edge of tears.<\/p>\n \u201cEsther\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u00a0\u00a0 Jedediah Alcott, this is supposed to be a PARTY . . . a welcome home party for Adam, not some . . . some inquisition.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She, then turned her attention to the Taylors.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI must apologize for my husband,\u201d she said contritely.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cA few days ago, Jed and I received some bad news, but he has no right to take it out on you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Mrs. Alcott,\u201d Carolyn murmured, shaken now to the core of her own being.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear things aren\u2019t going as well as they might for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Esther managed a wan smile for Carolyn Taylor\u2019s benefit.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThank you, Mrs. Taylor.\u00a0 Ben?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Esther?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you please excuse me?\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m . . . with all that\u2019s happened, I think it\u2019s taken a greater toll on me than I thought,\u201d she said quietly, her voice catching.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWould you mind conveying my apologies to Adam and the rest of your guests?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all,\u201d Ben murmured sympathetically, with a touch of concern.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDoctor Martin is here at the party with his wife.\u00a0\u00a0 I can ask him to\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Ben, but I don\u2019t think I need a doctor, just rest.\u00a0\u00a0 I was planning on retiring for the evening.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood night, Mrs. Alcott,\u201d Carolyn said quietly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI hope you\u2019ll be feeling better very soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mrs. Taylor, you\u2019re very kind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned, and smiled upon seeing Hoss and Cindy approaching, her arm linked through his.\u00a0\u00a0 He waved the young couple over.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss, would you mind seeing Mrs. Alcott to the house?\u00a0\u00a0 She\u2019s not feeling well\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Ben, but you needn\u2019t trouble Hoss,\u201d Esther declined politely.\u00a0\u00a0 Her eyes moved from Ben\u2019s face, and came to rest on the girl clinging to Hoss\u2019 arm, almost for dear life it seemed.\u00a0\u00a0 She smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cGood evening, Young Lady.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMrs. Alcott, this is my daughter, Cindy,\u201d Carolyn made the introductions with a warm smile of her own.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCindy, this is Mrs. Alcott.\u00a0\u00a0 She and her husband are old friends of Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI-I\u2019m very pleased to meet you, Mrs. Alcott,\u201d Cindy murmured fearfully, as she extended her hand.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and I\u2019m delighted to meet YOU, Cindy.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 attention, meanwhile, was drawn away by the sounds of approaching horses.\u00a0\u00a0 He turned toward the barn, just in time to see Roy Coffee riding into the yard, scowling, his mouth set in a grim, determined line.\u00a0\u00a0 Rob MacLowry and his oldest son, Danny, flanked the sheriff on either side.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDadburn it, who invited THEM?\u201d he growled under his breath.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t say I entirely approve of Roy Coffee\u2019s choice of friends either, Son,\u201d Ben muttered.\u00a0\u00a0 An angry scowl creased his brow.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut, this IS your brother\u2019s home coming, and I won\u2019t have it spoiled by you making a scene with the MacLowry boy.\u00a0\u00a0 Do I make myself clear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Hoss muttered reluctantly, his own brow darkening with anger, as Cindy edged closer.<\/p>\n \u201cTell you what!\u00a0\u00a0 Why don\u2019t the BOTH of you see Mrs. Alcott inside the house?\u201d Ben suggested in a kindlier tone.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll ask Joe to bring you a couple of plates in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Cindy murmured gratefully, relieved at the prospect of taking shelter inside the house, well out of the sight of Danny MacLowry.<\/p>\n \u201cGood evening, Roy,\u201d Ben walked over and greeted his old friend, determined to keep a good face on things despite the appearance of the MacLowrys.<\/p>\n \u201c \u2018Evenin\u2019, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have plenty to eat if you want to\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I\u2019m afraid this ain\u2019t a social call,\u201d Roy said grimly, as he dismounted from his horse.\u00a0\u00a0 The MacLowrys followed suit.\u00a0\u00a0 A malicious, triumphant grin spread across Danny\u2019s face as he dismounted.<\/p>\n Ben stared over at Roy, wholly taken aback.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here to pick up Mister \u2018n Mrs. Taylor \u2018n take \u2018em both into town for questionin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT?!\u201d<\/p>\n Roy Coffee scanned the faces of the guests, friends and neighbors all, as he tethered his horse to the hitching post.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou heard me, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben demanded, as he turned and favored the MacLowrys with a dark, angry glare.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat are the charges against the Taylors?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAccordin\u2019 to Mister MacLowry \u2018n his boy, Danny, Mister \u2018n Mrs. Taylor may be fugitives,\u00a0 guilty of kidnappin\u2019 the granddaughter of a couple on Boston . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n Jed Alcott, who had been conversing with Adam, glanced up sharply, upon overhearing the sheriff\u2019s words.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAdam, please excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n Esther, leaning very heavily on Hoss\u2019 extended arm, with Cindy walking quietly on her other side, turned and spotted her husband, his face set with a grim, stubborn determination, making his way through the crowd toward the place where Ben stood, talking with the sheriff and two unkempt strangers.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam followed close behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI recognize the sheriff, but . . . who\u2019s the man and boy with him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s Mister MacLowry \u2018n his son, Danny,\u201d Hoss replied, his scowl deepening.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI know Pa invited Sheriff Coffee, but NOT the MacLowrys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are they here?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 More to the point, why was her husband listening so intently to what they, the MacLowrys, had to say.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no idea in t\u2019 world why they\u2019re here, Mrs. Alcott,\u201d Hoss said grimly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf I had MY way, they\u2019d be high tailin\u2019 it right back t\u2019 town where they came from.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you mind seeing me over there?\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019d like to know hear what the MacLowrys and Jed are talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Cindy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you and Mrs. Alcott don\u2019t mind, I\u2019ll go join my ma and pa.\u00a0\u00a0 I want to put as much distance between me and the MacLowrys . . . . \u201d Cindy grimaced as she might if she had eaten something with an exceptionally foul taste, \u201c . . . as I possibly can.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded, understanding.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll look for you in a li\u2019l bit,\u201d he promised, before turning and once again offering Esther Alcott his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cI see \u2018em, Sheriff Coffee,\u201d Danny declared with a smug, triumphant smile, as Ether and Hoss drew up alongside Jed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s them!\u00a0\u00a0 Over there next to the punch bowl with their daughter.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He pointed.<\/p>\n Roy nodded curtly, and set off on an intercept course toward them, with the MacLowrys, Ben, and Adam following close behind.<\/p>\n \u201cJed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want, Esther?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n Jed turned to face his wife with a smile not unlike the same on Danny MacLowry\u2019s face.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe may yet have some good news,\u201d he said, before turning and falling in step behind Ben and Adam.<\/p>\n Hoss and Esther Alcott followed a short distance behind Jed.<\/p>\n Roy, leading the delegation, reached the punch bowl and the Taylors first.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister Taylor?\u201d he queried, placing a firm hand on the man\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n At the sound of his name, Drew started violently.<\/p>\n \u201cSheriff Coffee, you don\u2019t have to sneak up behind a man and scare him half out of his wits like that,\u201d Carolyn Taylor, her face pale and voice trembling, admonished the sheriff severely.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very sorry, Ma\u2019am,\u201d Roy apologized.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI need to take you \u2018n you husband into town f\u2019r questionin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo find out what you may or may not know about the kidnappin\u2019 of a child, a nine year old girl, from her grandparents in Boston.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey know plenty, Sheriff Coffee, \u2018cause that\u2019s THEM,\u201d Danny sneered.<\/p>\n A dark angry scowl creased Hoss\u2019 normally smooth brow.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re lyin\u2019,\u201d he spat, bringing the full brunt of his wrath to bear on Danny.<\/p>\n Danny involuntarily took a step backward.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo, I\u2019m not,\u201d he stolidly maintained.\u00a0\u00a0 He reached into his pants pocket and dug out the wanted poster he had been carrying around since removing it from the sheriff\u2019s office nearly two months before.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTake a look, Cartwright!\u201d he sneered, as he waved the creased, torn poster up in front of Hoss\u2019 face.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTell me THAT don\u2019t look like Mister Taylor!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He pointed to the picture of Andrew Sandringham.<\/p>\n \u201cIt looks like a picture some kid drew a moustache \u2018n beard on,\u201d Hoss growled.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe so, but with that moustache \u2018n beard, this guy STILL looks like Mister Taylor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou lyin\u2019 piece o\u2019 sheep dirt!\u201d Hoss spat.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re just doin\u2019 this t\u2019 get back at Cindy here, \u2018cause she won\u2019t give ya the time o\u2019 day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell I\u2019m GLAD she wouldn\u2019t give me the time of day, Cartwright!\u00a0\u00a0 You hear me?\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m glad!\u00a0\u00a0 \u2018Cause if she HAD, I\u2019d be arrested, too, for associatin\u2019 with known criminals!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo help me, Danny, I\u2019m gonna make you eat every lyin\u2019 word . . . . \u201d Hoss stepped over toward his nemesis, with fists tightly clenched and eyes blazing with fury.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss Cartwright, you so much as lay a finger on Danny MacLowry, I\u2019ll run YOU in for assault \u2018n battery,\u201d Roy warned sternly.<\/p>\n \u201c . . . and I\u2019ll be right there to swear out a complaint,\u201d Rob crowed.<\/p>\n \u201cMister MacLowry, I think it might be best f\u2019r all concerned if you \u2018n your boy went on home,\u201d Roy said tersely.<\/p>\n Danny\u2019s face fell.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d Rob demanded.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSo \u2018s you can sweep this whole thing under the rug without US seein\u2019 . . . \u2018cause the Taylors happen to be friends of the Cartwrights?!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne more word outta either one o\u2019 ya, I\u2019ll put YOU under arrest f\u2019r interferin\u2019\u00a0 with a lawful investigation into a committed crime,\u201d Roy countered.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll need a statement from your boy, but you c\u2019n bring him in t\u2019 my office t\u2019morrow mornin\u2019 for THAT.\u00a0\u00a0 F\u2019r now, I\u2019d appreciate it if you \u2018n your boy moved along.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re not well on your way within the next five minutes, Mister MacLowry, I\u2019ll add trespassing on private property to Sheriff Coffee\u2019s list of charges,\u201d Ben growled.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, we\u2019ll see you in the morning, Sheriff,\u201d Rob MacLowry growled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s go, Danny.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Pa . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI SAID let\u2019s go!\u00a0\u00a0 NOW!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa . . . Sheriff Coffee, Danny\u2019s lyin\u2019!\u201d\u00a0 Hoss protested, as he slipped a steadying arm around Cindy\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Hoss, he\u2019s not,\u201d Drew Taylor said in a very quiet, yet very firm tone of voice.\u00a0\u00a0 The anxious lines etched so deeply in his brow had faded leaving a forehead nearly as smooth, as unlined as Hoss\u2019 own.<\/p>\n \u201cDrew, what are you saying!\u201d Carolyn protested, her eyes round with alarm.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s over, Carolyn,\u201d Drew said gently.<\/p>\n \u201cDrew . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u00a0\u00a0 Mama Carolyn?\u201d\u00a0 Cindy looked from one to the other.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you Mister \u2018n Mrs. Andrew Sandringham?\u201d Roy asked, his eyes on Drew Taylor\u2019s face.<\/p>\n Drew looked over at his wife and held out his hand.\u00a0\u00a0 Carolyn moved forward hesitantly, her eyes shining with the brightness of tears, newly forming.\u00a0\u00a0 She slipped her small hand within the large one of her husband\u2019s and took her place at his side.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYes, Sheriff Coffee.\u00a0\u00a0 I AM Andrew Sandringham.\u00a0\u00a0 This is my wife, Caroline.\u201d<\/p>\n Cindy looked over at her father and step-mother in complete and utter disbelief.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPa?\u00a0\u00a0 M-Mama Carolyn?\u00a0\u00a0 What is all this?\u00a0\u00a0 What\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the end of a very long search, Child.\u201d<\/p>\n Cindy turned and found herself staring up into the face of Jedediah Alcott.\u00a0\u00a0 A murderous scowl darkened his entire face, giving emphasis to the fires of the wrath that had consumed him over the last seven years, now glowing with frightening intensity.\u00a0\u00a0 She edged closer to Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Andrew Sandringham and Mrs.\u00a0 Caroline Sandringham, you\u2019re both under arrest,\u201d Roy said tersely.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe charges are kidnappin\u2019 an underage child \u2018n takin\u2019 her across state lines.\u201d<\/p>\n Upon hearing their names, the blood drained from Esther Alcott\u2019s face, leaving it a sickly ashen gray.\u00a0\u00a0 She stared over at the people, who had just a short time before been introduced to her as Drew and Carolyn Taylor, through eyes round with mind numbing shock.<\/p>\n \u201cN-No!\u201d Cindy protested, shaking her head in complete and utter disbelief.\u00a0\u00a0 Had it not been for the steadying strength of Hoss\u2019 arm firmly about her waist, she would have almost certainly collapsed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister Cartwright, please!\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t let Sheriff Coffee take Pa and Mama Carolyn away\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n Ben walked around and took his place on her other side, his eyes fixed on Jedediah Alcott.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m very sorry, Cindy,\u201d he said gently, as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s nothing I can do.\u00a0\u00a0 The only man who can put a stop to this is your grandfather.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cM-my grandfather?!\u201d Cindy echoed, incredulous.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Jed?\u201d Ben queried, his gaze never wavering.<\/p>\n \u201cSheriff Coffee, take them away,\u201d Jed ordered.<\/p>\n Roy bristled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister Alcott, I don\u2019t know who you think you are t\u2019 be barkin\u2019 out orders t\u2019 me like some cavalry drill sergeant\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor YOUR information, Sheriff Coffee, my wife and I happen to be the grandparents and legal guardians of the young lady kidnapped by the Sandringhams seven years ago,\u201d Jed stated imperiously.<\/p>\n \u201cI see,\u201d Roy said tersely.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll need to come to my office in town t\u2019morrow mornin\u2019 to swear out a complaint, an\u2019 give a statement.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be there, first thing,\u201d Jed vowed.<\/p>\n Sobbing, Cinnamon Rose left Hoss and ran over to her parents.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cP-Pa . . . M-Mama C-Carolyn, I\u2019m sorry . . . s-so sorry . . . all MY fault.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She threw her arms around her father\u2019s neck and buried her head against his shoulder.<\/p>\n Andrew Sandringham put his arms around his weeping daughter and held her close for a moment.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPrincess, look at me,\u201d he said softly, at length.<\/p>\n Cinnamon looked up, as her tears continued to flow, unchecked down her cheeks.<\/p>\n \u201cCindy . . . Cinnamon, it\u2019s NOT your fault,\u201d Andrew said in a gentle, yet firm tone.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNone of this is your fault.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Pa . . . if I . . . if I hadn\u2019t insisted we stay . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMama Carolyn and I wanted to stay, too, Princess, and I\u2019m NOT sorry we did.\u00a0\u00a0 I don\u2019t want YOU to be sorry, either.\u201d<\/p>\n Cinnamon nodded and buried her face once again against his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we had it to do all over again, knowing how it was going to turn out, I wouldn\u2019t do anything different,\u201d Andrew added as he hugged his daughter close.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, what\u2019s going to h-happen to me, if they . . . if you . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou will be coming back home with your grandmother and me to Boston, Cinnamon.\u201d<\/p>\n Cinnamon shuddered at the ice-cold voice falling on her ears.\u00a0\u00a0 She looked up slowly, with reluctance, and found Jedediah Alcott standing beside her.<\/p>\n \u201cN-no . . . . \u201d Cinnamon sobbed softly, shaking her head in vigorous denial.\u00a0\u00a0 She turned to appeal to her grandfather.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPlease, don\u2019t let Sheriff Coffee take them away!\u00a0\u00a0 M-Mister Cartwright said y-you could stop this . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou will stop this nonsense at ONCE, Cinnamon.\u00a0\u00a0 You will return to Boston in the company of your grandmother and myself.\u00a0\u00a0 The Sandringhams . . . . \u201d he grimaced as if he had just eaten something incredibly sour, \u201cWILL go to jail.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Cinnamon said vehemently as she backed away.<\/p>\n \u201cNow you see here, Young Lady,\u201d Jed turned to reprimand his granddaughter.<\/p>\n \u201cNO!\u201d\u00a0 Cinnamon shouted, giving full vent to the fury and grief boiling up inside her.\u00a0 \u201cYOU<\/strong> SEE HERE, GRANDFATHER!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I DON\u2019T CARE WHAT ANY LAWYER, ANY SHERIFF, OR ANY PAPERS SAY, I\u2019M NOT GOING BACK TO BOSTON OR ANYWHERE ELSE WITH YOU!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019M NOT!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCinnamon Rose Sandringham, you will apologize\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019LL . . . I\u2019LL\u00a0 SEE YOU BOTH\u00a0 IN\u00a0 HELL\u00a0 FIRST\u00a0 BEFORE\u00a0 I APOLOGIZE . . . OR GO ANYWHERE WITH YOU!\u201d\u00a0 Cinnamon screamed and sobbed.\u00a0 \u201cI HATE YOU!\u00a0\u00a0 I HATE YOU BOTH!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 With that, she pushed past Esther and Adam, then fled, sobbing, into the night.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go after her, Pa,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0\u00a0 His words, though softly spoken, fell like loud thunderclaps on the ears of the stunned company gathered.\u00a0\u00a0 Without waiting for an answer, he turned and set off after Cinnamon Rose.<\/p>\n Esther moaned softly, then burst into tears herself, burying her face in her hands.<\/p>\n Jed gathered his wife into his arms, while directing a murderous glare at Andrew and Caroline Sandringham.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThis is YOUR doing!\u201d he spat.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThis is all YOUR doing!\u00a0 You\u2019ve poisoned her mind . . . turned her against us . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did NO such thing!\u201d Andrew harshly denied the allegations.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAlthough you doubtless would have turned Cinnamon against me had she been in your custody these last seven years, I was determined NOT to turn her against you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s telling you the truth, Mister Alcott,\u201d Caroline said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe never told Cindy . . . CINNAMON the real reason why we had to move around so much.\u00a0\u00a0 We intended to do so after she came of age, when she would have had the maturity to understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSheriff, get them out of my sight, please!\u201d Jed snapped.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll see you tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Buddy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry your homecoming party got busted up early,\u201d Joe said sadly as he, Adam, and their father made their way back toward the house after seeing the last of their guests off.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Joe,\u201d Adam said, favoring his youngest brother with a weary smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut, you know what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst of all, I\u2019m very glad to be home,\u201d Adam said earnestly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThough I enjoyed myself in Boston, I missed you, Pa, Hoss, and Hop Sing, too.\u00a0\u00a0 Second . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c . . . the BEST homecoming for me was when I got off the stage in Virginia City and saw you, Pa, and Hoss there, waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally,\u201d Adam said firmly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI think right now, I\u2019m more worried about Hoss and Cinnamon than I am about the party ending early.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He looked over at Ben, two pair of dark eyes meeting and holding.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPa, you think maybe one of us should go look for them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot just yet,\u201d Ben shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re both on foot, so they\u2019re not likely to go far.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think Cinnamon will come back with Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe loves him, Adam, and she trusts him,\u201d Ben said with the quiet conviction that comes with knowing.\u00a0\u00a0 He sighed, and dolefully shook his head.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not so much worried about where they are, or will they come back.\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m more worried about what\u2019s going to happen when they DO come back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Hoss finally caught up with Cinnamon Rose, he found her amid a group of large rocks, leaning heavily against the largest with her head cupped in the circle of her folded arms.<\/p>\n \u201cCinnamon Rose . . . ?!\u201d<\/p>\n With a heart-wrenching sob, she turned from the rock and ran into the protective circle of Hoss\u2019 open arms.\u00a0\u00a0 Cinnamon wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and buried her head against his chest.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss slipped his own arms around Cinnamon and held her close, as tears began to stream down his own face.\u00a0\u00a0 They remained thus, each clinging desperately to the other, weeping together as the moon rose steadily in the heavens above them.<\/p>\n \u201cH-Hoss?\u201d Cinnamon ventured, as the intensity of their weeping began to subside.<\/p>\n \u201cY-Yeah?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hate them, Hoss,\u201d she said in a firm, resolute tone, as she pressed even closer.<\/p>\n \u201cCinnamon Rose, y\u2019 can\u2019t m-mean that . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can and I do,\u201d she insisted.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019ve taken Pa and Mama Carolyn away from me, and now . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Her eyes shone with newly forming tears.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNow they want to take me away from YOU.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa told Adam \u2018n me about the Alcotts, \u2018n a li\u2019l \u2018bout your pa, \u2018n your ma . . . the ma who brought you into this world,\u201d Hoss said slowly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe showed us some o\u2019 the letters Mister Alcott wrote him right after your ma died, telling him . . . MY pa . . . how much he loved your pa . . . an\u2019 YOU . . . how much delight \u2018n comfort you brought to your pa, an\u2019 to him \u2018n Mrs. Alcott, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf he loves me . . . and loves my pa so much, why is he doing this?\u201d she demanded.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhy is he having Pa and Mama Carolyn jailed . . . and why is he taking me away, not only from THEM, but from you, too?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think, maybe it\u2019s \u2018cause he \u2018n Mrs. Alcott\u2019ve been worried \u2018bout YOU for the last seven years you\u2019ve been with your pa \u2018n Mama Carolyn,\u201d Hoss said thoughtfully.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMaybe, now that he knows YOU\u2019RE alive, well, \u2018n safe . . . maybe, if he has time t\u2019 think about it, maybe he\u2019ll change his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss,\u201d she said doubtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cCinnamon Rose, do you trust me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d she replied without hesitation.<\/p>\n \u201cWell I trust my pa,\u201d Hoss continued.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf you c\u2019mon back with me, we\u2019ll talk with MY pa, first thing in the mornin\u2019.\u00a0\u00a0 I think HE\u2019LL understand, and maybe he can talk with Mister Alcott.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think Mister Alcott . . . my grandfather . . . will listen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think there\u2019s a good chance, Cinnamon Rose.\u00a0\u00a0 Mister Alcott \u2018n my pa have been friends since before Adam was born.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Hoss, I\u2019ll come back with YOU . . . so we can talk with your pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben, clad in white nightshirt, his dark maroon robe, and a pair of slippers, sat in the blue chair, with open book in hand.\u00a0\u00a0 As the grandfather clock next to the door chimed the hour of midnight, he sighed, upon realizing that he had just read the same paragraph over for the tenth time, and snapped the book shut.\u00a0\u00a0 He placed it on the coffee table before him, then rose and started across the room toward the front door.\u00a0\u00a0 The soft sound of footfalls on the stairs, halted him in his trek mid-stride.\u00a0\u00a0 He turned, and spotted Jed Alcott, attired in pajamas and a dark, navy blue robe, walking down the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cJed?\u00a0\u00a0 I hope I didn\u2019t wake you . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m too upset to sleep,\u201d Jed said tersely as he walked down the remainder of the steps.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m tired of just . . . just lying there in bed, staring up at the ceiling, listening to this clock down here striking quarter hour after quarter hour . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you care for a glass of brandy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, thank you, Ben.\u00a0\u00a0 I take it they\u2019re not back yet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Ben shook his head, regretting now that he hadn\u2019t taken Adam up on his offer to go out and look for Hoss and Cinnamon.<\/p>\n Jed Alcott walked over toward the fireplace and sat down on the settee.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf anything happens to Cinnamon Rose . . . anything at ALL, I\u2019ll hold YOU personally responsible,\u201d he said through clenched teeth, as he folded his arms tight across his chest.<\/p>\n Ben felt his own ire suddenly rising within.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re upset, Jed,\u201d his words were terse, his syllables clipped.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI understand that\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn it, Ben Cartwright, don\u2019t you DARE patronize me,\u201d Jed Alcott rounded furiously on his old friend.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s been here all along, yet you NEVER said one word . . . not ONE word, to Esther and me.\u00a0\u00a0 You were just going to let us go on back to Boston, believing that we\u2019d either missed her or that she was never here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed, I had no idea that Mister and Mrs. Taylor were your son-in-law and his wife,\u201d Ben said earnestly, half pleading.<\/p>\n \u201cI find that hard to believe, Ben, VERY hard to believe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt happens to be the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow could you have NOT known?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister and Mrs. Sandringham aren\u2019t the only people who have ever come to Virginia City as drifters, two parents and a child,\u201d Ben argued.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI had no reason to suspect they were not who and what they said they were.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven so, you think that\u2019s any kind of life for a child?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I don\u2019t, for the simple reason that Adam and I were drifters ourselves from the time we left Boston until I met Inger, when he was five or six,\u201d Ben said, taking no pains to conceal the anger growing within him.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe were no different from the Sandringhams.\u00a0\u00a0 Those years weren\u2019t easy for Adam or me, but we were together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid it ever occur to you that maybe, just maybe you might have chasing after a will-o-the-wisp, Ben?\u00a0\u00a0 That maybe, for Adam\u2019s sake you should have stayed put in Boston instead of pursuing this pipe dream of yours?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have no regrets about leaving Boston to head west, Jed,\u201d Ben declared in a tone of voice that was colder than ice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNone!\u00a0\u00a0 Even if I hadn\u2019t done as well for myself as I have, I find myself very grateful that there was at least a thousand miles between me and MY father-in-law so that HE couldn\u2019t so easily go to court and try to take Adam from me when I<\/strong> decided to remarry.\u201d<\/p>\n Jed\u2019s face paled, then turned an odd shade of purple.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHow DARE you, Ben Cartwright?\u00a0 How\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n The sound of voices, Hoss and Cinnamon Rose, accompanied by the front door opening brought the escalating quarrel between Ben and Jed to an abrupt halt.\u00a0\u00a0 Both men rose, with their eyes glued to the door.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, sorry we took so long,\u201d Hoss said wearily as he and Cinnamon Rose entered the house together, hand-in-hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just glad to see you both back, safe and sound,\u201d Ben said with genuine, heartfelt relief.<\/p>\n Jed glared over at Hoss, then his granddaughter, who shrank back away from him, into Hoss\u2019 protective embrace.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSo help me, Ben, if your boy\u2019s harmed my granddaughter in ANY way . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed, I\u2019ve tried very hard to be patient, knowing how upset you and Esther must be,\u201d Ben\u2019s tone was harder than steel.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI was willing to overlook a lot of what you said about me, but I will NOT stand by and allow you or anyone else to falsely accuse my son of improper behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCinnamon Rose \u2018n I need t\u2019 talk with ya,\u201d he said, favoring Jed Alcott with an angry scowl.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFirst thing in the mornin\u2019, if we can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCinnamon Rose will be leaving with her grandmother and me first thing in the morning, Young Man,\u201d Jed informed Hoss in a cold, imperious tone of voice.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAfter we conclude our business with Sheriff Coffee, we will check into the hotel until we can catch a stage out of Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d\u00a0 Cinnamon Rose protested vigorously.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not going anywhere with you.\u00a0\u00a0 Not now, not EVER!\u00a0\u00a0 You try to force me, I\u2019ll . . . so help me, I\u2019ll run away the first chance I get.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 With that, she turned heel and fled upstairs.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s plain as the nose on my face that my granddaughter is in desperate need of discipline,\u201d Jed said grimly, as the lines of his already furrowed brow deepened with anger.<\/p>\n \u201cNow you just hold on right there, Mister Alcott,\u201d Hoss said, his own face darkening with anger.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa, I\u2019m gonna have my say, even if it DOES mean a trip out to the barn,\u201d Hoss said firmly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMister Alcott, Mister \u2018n Mrs. Taylor . . . Sandringham . . . are good people.\u00a0\u00a0 They\u2019ve had t\u2019 be on the road a lot, an\u2019 now I understand a little why, but they love Cinnamon Rose very much, and have done the best they could by her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou call a life of aimlessly drifting the best this Mister and Mrs. Sandringham could do by my granddaughter?\u201d Jed demanded, venting the full brunt of his fury against Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf she had been with US, her grandmother and me, she would have had a proper home and upbringing, gone to the best schools . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe her pa an\u2019 Mama Carolyn couldn\u2019t give her all those things, \u2018cause of havin\u2019 to be on the run the last seven years,\u201d Hoss argued, \u201cbut they DID give her the one thing she . . . an\u2019 everyone else needs a lot more.\u00a0\u00a0 Love!\u00a0\u00a0 Mister \u2018n Mrs. Sandringham love Cinnamon very much, an\u2019 she loves them.\u00a0\u00a0 Can\u2019t you see that jailin\u2019 the Sandringhams \u2018n forcin\u2019 her t\u2019 go back to Boston with you is breakin\u2019 her heart?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLove!\u201d Jed spat.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat can that . . . that lousy excuse for a father and poor replacement for my daughter possibly know about love?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what it all boils down to, ain\u2019t it?\u201d Hoss charged.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYour daughter died, \u2018n her husband took another wife.\u00a0\u00a0 You don\u2019t care a dadburn thing about Cinnamon Rose.\u00a0\u00a0 You just want t\u2019 punish her pa!\u201d<\/p>\n Jed\u2019s face suddenly lost every bit of what little color it had.\u00a0\u00a0 His mouth thinned to a tight, straight angry line, and his entire body trembled with rage.\u00a0\u00a0 He clenched the fingers of both hands so tightly, his knuckles turned white.\u00a0\u00a0 With lightening quick swiftness, he raised his arm and balled fist, fully intending to strike Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBen,\u201d he spat, \u201cif YOU don\u2019t discipline this smart mouthed young puppy of yours right here and right now, so help me, I WILL!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben, his own face a veritable thundercloud, immediately interposed himself between Hoss and Jed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIn the FIRST place,\u00a0 Jedediah Alcott, I am NOT in the habit of striking another man for telling the truth, even if he IS my son,\u201d he countered, tight lipped with raw fury, his voice barely above a whisper.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSecond, if you so much as lay a finger on my son, even if it\u2019s to tap him on the shoulder, I\u2019ll have YOU jailed for assault and battery so fast it\u2019ll make your head swim.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t DARE!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf Ben doesn\u2019t, I WILL.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben, Hoss, and Jed all turned toward the stairs, where they saw Esther Alcott, clad in nightgown and robe, standing on the top landing.\u00a0\u00a0 She glared down at all three of them, with posture ramrod straight, and thin, slender arms folded tight across her chest.<\/p>\n \u201cEsther, WHAT are you saying?\u201d Jed demanded furiously.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m saying that Hoss Cartwright is telling the truth,\u201d Esther replied in a cold angry tone.<\/p>\n \u201cHow can you say that, Esther?\u00a0\u00a0 How can YOU of ALL people, possibly say that?\u201d<\/p>\n She turned and walked down the stairs.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI say that because I remember the love, the respect, even the admiration you had for Andrew in those horrible months . . . and years after Donna died.\u00a0\u00a0 You never stopped talking about how wonderful, how devoted a father Andrew was . . . until, suddenly, the day he remarried.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou wrote the same thing to me, Jed,\u201d Ben added his own words to Esther\u2019s, pleading.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI saved every last one of those letters.\u00a0\u00a0 I don\u2019t know why, but I did.\u00a0\u00a0 You can read them yourself, if you want.\u00a0\u00a0 They\u2019re in the bottom left hand drawer of my desk over there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I\u2019d rather NOT,\u201d Jed snapped, angrily.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAs for YOU, Esther, how can you dishonor the memory of our beloved daughter\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n His words were abruptly cut off mid-sentence by a resounding slap on the face from Esther, her eyes glinting like sunlight on hard steel.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHow DARE you?\u201d she spat.<\/p>\n Jed\u2019s hand rose slowly to touch the cheek his wife just slapped .\u00a0\u00a0 He stared over at her, through eyes round with shock and astonishment.<\/p>\n \u201cI LOVED our daughter, Jed,\u201d Esther said, her whole body trembling with fury,\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI loved her more than life itself.\u00a0\u00a0 I still love, honor, and cherish her precious memory, but Donna is DEAD.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s monstrously unfair she had to die so young, leaving behind a loving husband and daughter not much more than a baby.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s ALSO monstrously unfair to expect her husband and daughter to stop living themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI DON\u2019T expect them to stop living,\u201d Jed protested vigorously.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n Jed lapsed into sullen silence.<\/p>\n \u201cJed, the fact that your son-in-law fell in love again, and remarried is a tribute to the love he and your daughter once shared,\u201d Ben said quietly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou remember Elizabeth, how happy she and I were the brief time we had together.\u00a0\u00a0 I was devastated when she died.\u00a0\u00a0 For a little while, I wanted to die, too.\u00a0\u00a0 But, as time passed, I found that I not only wanted to live to see my son, Adam, grow to manhood, but I wanted to share my life . . . and my heart with another, BECAUSE of the love and happiness I had known with Elizabeth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed, what if Donna Lorinda had lived, and ANDREW died?\u201d\u00a0 Esther pressed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWould you have denied HER a second chance at happiness?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s different!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u00a0\u00a0 Because Donna Lorinda was our daughter?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEsther, you\u2019re twisting things around,\u201d Jed declared, exasperated.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYes, Cinnamon WILL miss her father and . . . that woman for a time.\u00a0\u00a0 But after she\u2019s been with us, known the security of having a proper home, all the finer things in life money can buy . . . I guarantee she\u2019ll forget all about them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re wrong, Mister Alcott,\u201d Hoss said in a very quiet, very firm tone.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe WON\u2019T forget her pa \u2018n Mama Carolyn, any more \u2018n I\u2019D forget MY pa, if someone took me away from him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed, what\u2019s more important to you?\u201d Ben pressed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cKeeping a perpetual shrine in memory of a daughter now dead, or binding up the broken heart of a granddaughter still living?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to bed,\u201d Jed spat, then pushed his way past Ben, Hoss, and his wife.<\/p>\n \u201cJed . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n He stopped at the bottom of the stairs, with his hand on the railing.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEsther, I told you I\u2019m going to bed.\u00a0\u00a0 Tomorrow, we will go to the sheriff\u2019s office to formally press charges against the Sandringhams and petition for their extradition to Boston.\u00a0\u00a0 We will then assume custody of our granddaughter, and afterwards check into the International Hotel until we can catch a stage out of Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed, you haven\u2019t heard one word that any of us have said . . . have you?\u201d Ben asked, as anger began to give way to sorrow.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, Esther and I thank you for your generous hospitality.\u00a0\u00a0 I AM willing to extend to you the benefit of the doubt regarding your alleged ignorance of the Taylors\u2019 true identities . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJed, there\u2019s going to be a change of plans,\u201d Esther said in a cold, angry tone.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cUnless you drop all charges against Andrew and Caroline Sandringham, I will go right to Ben\u2019s lawyer first thing in the morning and ask that he petition Judge Faraday on MY behalf for sole custody of Cinnamon Rose.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re bluffing,\u201d Jed disdainfully accused his wife.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no, I\u2019m NOT, Jedediah Alcott.\u00a0\u00a0 Perhaps you\u2019ve forgotten that it was MY family connections that got us custody of Cinnamon Rose in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n The blood drained right out of Jed\u2019s face as he turned to face his wife, leaving it an ashen gray.<\/p>\n \u201cFurthermore, I will ALSO ask Ben\u2019s lawyer to file for divorce.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEsther, y-you can\u2019t . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben barely managed to stammer out a protest.<\/p>\n \u201cOn WHAT grounds?!\u201d\u00a0 Jed demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cCruelty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat kind of trick is this, Woman?\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019ve never, not on all the years we\u2019ve been married, EVER raised a hand to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, not physically,\u201d Esther admitted.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut cruelty\u2019s not always physical.\u00a0\u00a0 For the past seven . . . nearly eight years now, I\u2019ve been forced to stand by helpless, and watch the gentle, kind, loving, and generous man I love turn into a stranger . . . a virtual stranger . . . filled with a bitterness and hatred that\u2019s eating him alive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all Sandringham\u2019s doing!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAndrew and Caroline were both very wrong in taking off with Cinnamon the way they did, that I\u2019ll grant you,\u201d Esther said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut, we were wrong, too.\u00a0\u00a0 Instead of trying to take that child away from her father, you and I should have been sitting down with him . . . AND his wife . . . to talk, and iron out our differences.\u00a0\u00a0 If we had . . . maybe, just maybe we would have all been together these last eight years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is blackmail, Woman.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Jed.\u00a0\u00a0 This is trying desperately to begin putting some terrible wrongs back to right,\u201d she said firmly.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve made up my mind to do whatever I have to do, even . . . even if it means divorcing the only man I ever have and ever will love.\u00a0\u00a0 I only pray, for Cinnamon\u2019s sake that it\u2019s not too late.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 She paused long enough to allow her husband to absorb the import of her words.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Esther?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould it be too much trouble to ask Hop Sing to make up the bed in the guest room down here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing put fresh linens on that bed this morning,\u201d Ben said sadly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sure y\u2019 want to do this, Mister Alcott?\u201d Roy Coffee asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sheriff,\u201d Jed said wearily, with remorse.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMy wife . . . my friends, and I exchanged some harsh words over all this last night, but . . . well, in thinking things over, I see the wisdom in what they said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll need it in writin\u2019, signed . . . that you \u2018n Mrs. Alcott\u2019re droppin\u2019 all charges against the Sandringhams,\u201d Roy said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll wire the Police Department in Boston, Sheriff?\u201d Esther asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Ma\u2019am.\u00a0\u00a0 Clem?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Sheriff Coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister \u2018n Mrs. Sandringham\u2019re free t\u2019 go.\u201d<\/p>\n Clem nodded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben found Hoss and Cinnamon Rose where he knew they would be:\u00a0\u00a0 standing together at the corral fence watching the frisky antics of young Sir Lancelot.\u00a0\u00a0 His mother, Guinevere, grazed quietly nearby.\u00a0\u00a0 As he crossed the yard between the house and corral, Ben noted the easy, comfortable closeness between the two, in the way they stood very close together, with Hoss\u2019 arm draped protectively around her shoulders and in the way she rested her head against his chest, holding his free hand in both of her own.<\/p>\n For a moment, he saw himself there, younger . . . much younger, standing beside Inger, his second wife, Hoss\u2019 mother, and remembered again the natural ease in which she could reach out and touch, how that as much as her love set free a widowed drifter, with a young son, who, in grief, had all but closed his heart to everyone around him, especially the boy, who needed him most.\u00a0\u00a0 In less than a heartbeat, the brief vision faded, leaving in its wake an aching heart within the father that went out to his big, gentle son and the beautiful girl, standing together at the corral fence.<\/p>\n Ben coughed softly as he approached, making his presence known.\u00a0\u00a0 Though both of them straightened and glanced up, Hoss\u2019 arm remained firmly in place around her shoulders, and Cinnamon continued to hold his hand in both of hers.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI thought I\u2019d find you both out here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe was jus\u2019 watchin\u2019 Sir Lancelot, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo I see.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben noted the unusual brightness of his son\u2019s eyes and the redness of Cinnamon Rose\u2019s eyes and cheeks, as he took his own place at the fence, on the other side of Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEverything . . . all right?\u00a0\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t help but notice that neither one of you touched much of your breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Mister Cartwright, I . . . I wasn\u2019t very hungry this morning,\u201d Cinnamon said in a very small, very quiet voice.<\/p>\n \u201cMe neither.\u00a0\u00a0 Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Son?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss turned and gazed earnestly into his father\u2019s face, worry and concern mixing with hope.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDid Mister \u2018n Mrs. Alcott say anything to ya \u2018fore they left with Adam \u2018n Li\u2019l Joe this mornin\u2019?\u00a0\u00a0 Anything at ALL?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing, other than good morning,\u201d Ben said, wishing he could give them a better answer.<\/p>\n \u201cDadburn it!\u00a0\u00a0 Pa, this not knowin\u2019 . . . it\u2019s killin\u2019 BOTH o\u2019 us!\u201d<\/p>\n The sound of horses and a wagon brought all conversation to a complete halt.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben, Hoss, and Cinnamon Rose tensed as they turned their anxious faces toward the other side of the barn.\u00a0\u00a0 After a seeming dreadful eternity of waiting, the Cartwrights\u2019 buckboard rolled into view.\u00a0\u00a0 Andrew Sandringham, much to the delighted surprise of the three waiting, held the reins.\u00a0\u00a0 Esther Alcott, looking very careworn and weary, sat beside him on the front seat.<\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u201d\u00a0 Cinnamon Rose shouted, her joy mixed with great, heartfelt relief.\u00a0\u00a0 She immediately left her place next to Hoss at the corral fence and ran headlong toward the buckboard.\u00a0\u00a0 Ben and Hoss followed at a slower pace.<\/p>\n The instant Andrew Sandringham\u2019s feet touched the ground, he had his arms full of his daughter, laughing and crying at the same.\u00a0\u00a0 Andrew slipped his arms around Cinnamon and held her close.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss immediately walked over to the other side to help Esther Alcott alight from the buckboard.<\/p>\n \u201cSo . . . what happened?\u201d Ben ventured, not without much trepidation.<\/p>\n \u201cThe good news, Ben, is that the Alcotts have decided not only to drop all charges against Caroline and me, but they\u2019ve agreed to restore custody of Cinnamon Rose back to us,\u201d Andrew said quietly, with one arm still around his daughter\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Princess?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Mama Carolyn, Adam, and Grandfather?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI left Mama Carolyn . . . Mama CaroLINE and Adam at our house . . . to pack our things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPack our things?\u201d Cinnamon echoed, incredulous.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re all going back home,\u201d Esther Alcott said.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTo Boston.\u00a0\u00a0 There\u2019s a stage leaving this afternoon at four o\u2019clock.\u00a0\u00a0 Your grandfather\u2019s in town now purchasing our tickets.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPrincess, I\u2019m so sorry,\u201d Andrew said gently, his own voice tremulous, unsteady, \u201cfor you and for Hoss . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss spent the remainder of the afternoon alone, in the barn, up in the hayloft, with visibility reduced to a watery blur of color.\u00a0\u00a0 He tried to find a measure of consolation in the knowledge that Cinnamon Rose\u2019s pa and Mama Caroline weren\u2019t going to jail after all, and that the three if them were free now, to settle down without fear, without constantly looking over their shoulders.\u00a0\u00a0 Maybe he would later.\u00a0\u00a0 But, right now, his heart, which had just been shattered into a million pieces, simply ached too much.<\/p>\n He was grateful beyond measure that Adam had gone with Mama Caroline to help her pack their meager things, that Little Joe was in school, and Pa, no doubt had his hands full helping Mrs. Alcott pack up her husband\u2019s things.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss settled back down into the hay, trying desperately to gather some measure of strength.\u00a0\u00a0 He had to be strong, not only for himself, but for Cinnamon Rose, too.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, Dear Lord, please . . . help me t\u2019 git through what I hafta git through,\u201d<\/em> he prayed fervently, in silence, as tears once again filled his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n He sat up suddenly, at the sound of his father\u2019s voice in the barn down below.\u00a0\u00a0 He stared at his surroundings in complete bewilderment for a moment, surprised to find that his eyes strung and his throat was very sore.\u00a0 He must have fallen asleep, though he had no memory of doing so, and from the lengthening shadows in the loft, he had to have been sleeping for a very long while.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss!\u201d Ben called once again.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s time.\u201d<\/p>\n Then he remembered.\u00a0\u00a0 Cinnamon Rose.\u00a0\u00a0 Her parents and grandparents.\u00a0\u00a0 Returning to Boston.<\/p>\n \u201cSon, if . . . if you\u2019d rather NOT go into town with us . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m comin\u2019, Pa,\u201d Hoss finally responded with a very heavy heart.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They were at the stage depot.\u00a0\u00a0 Everyone.\u00a0\u00a0 The Alcotts, the Sandringhams, and the Cartwrights, even Little Joe.\u00a0\u00a0 Mrs. Alcott and Mrs. Sandringham were already in the stage, seated and waiting.\u00a0\u00a0 None could help but note the touch of color in the former\u2019s cheeks, and the slight spring in her step.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam and Mister Alcott stood a little apart from the others, their heads together in earnest conversation, while Mister Sandringham engaged Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cJed?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben approached Adam and Jed after the last of the luggage had been loaded on top of the stage.<\/p>\n \u201cBen, I want to apologize for . . . well, for all of the horrible things I said to you and Hoss last night,\u201d Jed said immediately.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI have no excuse for it.\u00a0\u00a0 None at all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cApology accepted, Jed,\u201d Ben said, smiling.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI have a little something for you.\u00a0\u00a0 A going away present.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Ben,\u201d Jed accepted the proffered package wrapped in brown parcel paper and bound with twine.<\/p>\n \u201cReading material for the trip home.\u00a0\u00a0 I hope you\u2019ll share them with the Sandringhams and most especially with your granddaughter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThem?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe letters you\u2019ve written me over the years, Jed.\u00a0\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t lying last night when I told you I had saved every one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMister Alcott?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 It was the stagecoach driver.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re luggage is on board, strapped, ready to go.\u00a0\u00a0 Since you folks are the only passengers, we can leave whenever you\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Ben.\u00a0\u00a0 I must confess I . . . well, after you and Hoss went to bed, I was still so angry I couldn\u2019t see straight, let alone sleep.\u00a0\u00a0 So I went back downstairs, and before I even thought about it, I was sitting at your desk reading my letters.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs THAT why you changed your mind, Jed?\u201d<\/p>\n Jed nodded.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Jed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnytime you and Hoss want to come to Boston for a visit, you\u2019re both more than welcome to stay with us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll keep that in mind.\u00a0\u00a0 Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSpeaking of Hoss and Cinnamon . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Jed looked from Ben to Adam, then back again to Ben.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEither of you have any idea where they\u2019ve gone?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think they went around to the other side of the coach, Mister Alcott,\u201d Adam said quietly, \u201cto say good-bye.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, I . . . I wish I didn\u2019t have to go . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wish y\u2019 didn\u2019t hafta go, too, Cinnamon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n Cinnamon Rose\u2019s voice, quiet and tremulous, brought his attention back to the two of them.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cY-Yeah, Cinnamon Rose?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s going to happen to US?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCinnamon, if we\u2019re meant to be together, we\u2019re gonna be together,\u201d he said with heartfelt conviction.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt won\u2019t matter if we live across the country from each other, or across the street.\u00a0\u00a0 But if we\u2019re NOT meant to be together, we won\u2019t be.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s as simple as that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Cinnamon?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love you, too, Cinnamon, more \u2018n I\u2019ve ever loved anyone, \u2018cept maybe my pa \u2018n brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you write me?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss managed a tremulous smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou bet I will, if YOU promise you\u2019ll write me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a promise, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCinnamon?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 It was her father.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTime to go, Princess.\u201d<\/p>\n Unable to keep back her tears, Cinnamon threw her arms around Hoss\u2019 neck and, for a long moment, clung for dear life.\u00a0\u00a0 They separated briefly, only to come together once again in a lingering kiss.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cG-good-bye, Hoss.\u00a0\u00a0 No m-matter what happens . . . I\u2019ll never, ever forget you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t ever forget YOU either, Cinnamon.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 His eyes glistened with tears, as he opened the stagecoach door, and gently helped Cinnamon climb inside.<\/p>\n \u201cEEEYAAGH!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 The stagecoach driver snapped the reigns, setting the horses in motion, moving slowly first, gradually gaining speed as they headed away from town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss watched with a heavy heart as the stagecoach receded further and further into the distance, taking with it the young woman he had come to love more than life itself.\u00a0\u00a0 He stood, his eyes glued to the stagecoach, waving, until it finally turned the corner and disappeared from view.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0For one brief, terrifying moment, he felt like a tiny rowboat, suddenly adrift in the vast ocean, moving aimlessly with the currents and winds, with no direction, no land in sight.\u00a0\u00a0 Then he felt a gentle hand coming to rest on his shoulder, and the strong presence of his father standing by his side.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss,\u201d Ben murmured sadly, wishing with all his heart he could take away the agony that even now tore his son\u2019s heart to shreds.\u00a0\u00a0 He knew all too well he could not.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, too,\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice caught and broke, as he slipped his arm around Ben\u2019s waist.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI wish . . . . \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He turned and gazed down into his father\u2019s face earnestly, his blue eyes unusually bright, his cheeks wet with tears.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPa, I wish with all my heart\u2014 \u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He broke off, unable to continue.<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Son, believe me, I know.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben\u2019s own voice broke on the last word.\u00a0\u00a0 For a moment, he held the biggest, and gentlest of his three sons close.<\/p>\n Hoss clung to his father, in a way he hadn\u2019t done for a very long time, since he was a child, younger even than Little Joe now.\u00a0\u00a0 He felt Adam\u2019s hands on his shoulders, and Joe\u2019s wiry thin arms clasped tight around his waist, both offering comfort in their own ways.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d Hoss ventured, when they all finally separated.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 March 2003 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Revised April 2006<\/p>\n *********<\/p>\n \u00a0[i]\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Margie Owens\u2019 story is told in Bonanza Episode #82, \u201cThe Tall Stranger,\u201d written by Ward Hawkins<\/p>\n [ii]\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Captain Abel Stoddard and his words were borrowed from Bonanza Episode #65, \u201cElizabeth, My Love,\u201d written by Anthony Lawrence.<\/p>\n [iii]\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Information on some of the causes leading to the War of 1812 was taken from: \u00a0 Feldmeth, Greg D.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cU.S. History Resources\u201d<\/p>\n http:\/\/home.earthlink.net\/~gfeldmeth\/USHistory.html (31 March 1998).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kathleen, what a wonderful, warmhearted story! \ud83d\ude42
\nI enjoyed it from beginning to end- thank you so much for sharing it here with us! \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0—Donna B. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0July 29, 2009<\/p>\n