Summary:\u00a0 Is Kenney just after the Ponderosa or does he have hidden allies?\u00a0 What of Kit Hammond, is the British heir to the Circle H really Ben’s ally or his enemy?
\nRating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (46,905 words)<\/p>\n
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Chapter 1<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve told you more times than I can count, that tract of land is not for sale and neither is the timber that\u2019s on it,\u201d Ben Cartwright stated as calmly as he could.<\/p>\n He was seated at a table in the upper room of the Crystal Saloon, at a board meeting of the Eldorado Mine.\u00a0 He was a major shareholder in the mine, but he was not about to sacrifice a valuable watershed on the ranch to satisfy the mine\u2019s hunger for timber. For the past four years since the discovery of silver, the mines of the Comstock had gone deeper and deeper in their search for more and richer deposits.\u00a0 At first the depth had been limited, as the shoring gave way and accidents became common place, but since the introduction of the Deidesheimer square sets, it had been possible to mine with some safety, and now the restriction was the cost and availability of suitable timber.<\/p>\n Ben sat back and waited for the condemnation of his fellow board members.\u00a0 Several of them muttered under their breath about his stubborn refusal to help, but none of them was prepared to make their opposition fully vocal.\u00a0 Only Hal Kenney spoke.\u00a0 The two had always had different priorities. Kenney\u2019s God was money, and he made no secret of his wish to acquire it and maybe with it the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n Kenney pushed back his chair, \u201cIt will be if someone makes it worth your while,\u201d he said sharply, \u201cIf the mine can\u2019t go down below the three hundred foot level because of lack of timber, you\u2019ll suffer with the rest of us.\u00a0 Mines all over the Comstock are running low on shoring, and the Ponderosa and the Circle H are the only ranches who have good stands left. When one of you sells out, the other will have to go with it or go out of business.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhether the Ponderosa goes out of business or not is a private affair, Kenney.\u00a0 It has nothing to do with my shares in this mine, or my seat on this Board.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s temper was rising, but he tried to keep his voice controlled.\u00a0 Kenney always<\/p>\n riled him and made him say things he wished he\u2019d kept to himself.\u00a0 He watched Kenney\u2019s departure with some relief, but he couldn\u2019t give his attention to the rest of the meeting.\u00a0 He knew his adversary wouldn\u2019t rest until he had control of all of the timber on the Comstock, not just for the Eldorado, but for his own company which supplied the square sets to many of the mines and cord wood to keep the fires burning in the stamp mills.\u00a0 Kenney\u2019s business was timber and mining.\u00a0 He had shares in several of the major mines, and he had logged every area that he owned until only small saplings remained.<\/p>\n He had also acquired several small tracts of land from homesteaders and ranchers, and Ben was sure that not all these acquisitions had been made legally.\u00a0 Kenney had a partner, a one-time rancher called Frank Clifford, and as far as Ben could see, his only qualification for the business was his pre-disposition to violence and his fast gun.<\/p>\n Ben left the Crystal saloon in a pensive mood.\u00a0 He decided to ride by the Circle H<\/p>\n and talk the problem over with his neighbours, the Hammonds.\u00a0 Tom Hammond and his brother Chad had moved here not long after Ben, and they had been friends for all those years.\u00a0 Chad had never married, and Tom\u2019s wife had died in childbirth about fifteen years ago.\u00a0 The two lived a bachelor existence in a rough and ready log cabin on the edge of their property, which extended from the far north east corner of the Ponderosa up on to the slopes of Mount Rose.\u00a0 Their holdings were smaller than his, but they were still substantial, and the Circle H was second only to the Ponderosa in timber.\u00a0 The Devlin and Marquette ranches, his other neighbours, were much smaller.\u00a0 They ran cattle and had no real timber interests.<\/p>\n Tom Hammond was repairing the barn when Ben rode up.\u00a0 He put up his tools and wandered over to the house as Ben tied Buck to the rail.<\/p>\n \u201cHowdy, Ben!\u201d Tom grinned.\u00a0 \u201cWhat brings you over this way?\u00a0 Not enough work on the Ponderosa now those sons of yours can do your chores for you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlenty of work, Tom, not enough time to do it.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss are down on the<\/p>\n south boundary surveying the winter damage to the fences so we can repair them before we move the cattle down. Joe and I have been handling the chores, but he\u2019s back in school day after tomorrow,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0 He leaned on the corral fence and surveyed the horses milling around.\u00a0 \u201cNice bunch you\u2019ve got here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I was going to ask if Adam would come over and give us hand breaking them. I suppose if you\u2019re that busy, he won\u2019t be able to spare the time.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head a little sadly.\u00a0 \u201cSorry Tom, I\u2019d rather you didn\u2019t mention it.\u00a0 We have a lot of work to do, and I know he\u2019d rather be breaking horses for you than mending fences for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Tom smiled. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Ben.\u00a0 Far be it for me to come between a man and his<\/p>\n employees \u2013 let alone a father and son.\u00a0 I won\u2019t say a word.\u00a0 I guess I can still do the job even if these bones are getting old.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed. \u201cYou\u2019re about the same age as me, Tom, so don\u2019t plead that one.\u00a0 Though, I must admit, I tend to let Adam break our horses.\u00a0 It takes me longer to recover from a few spills than it used to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, enough of my troubles; what brings you over here?\u201d Tom asked, suddenly<\/p>\n serious.<\/p>\n \u201cHal Kenney,\u201d Ben said bluntly.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s out to buy up that tract of land between your boundary and Franktown creek, and I don\u2019t have enough ready cash to stop him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Tom nodded thoughtfully. \u201cThat\u2019s prime timber alright.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s temper started to rise again. \u201cYeah, it is, but if it\u2019s cut, the runoff from Slide Mountain will wash everything down to the lake.\u00a0 The land will be useless for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n Tom raised his hands as if in surrender. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to sell me on the idea Ben.\u00a0 I agree with you, but I can\u2019t afford to buy it, and if Kenney wants it, he\u2019ll make a pretty determined effort to get it, by fair means or foul.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u2019s bin after us to sell the timber we\u2019ve got on Mount Rose and threaten to get it whether we want him to or not.\u00a0 That henchman of his, Clifford, was with him.\u00a0 Watch him, Ben.\u00a0 He\u2019s dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cWe\u2019ll be fine as long as we stick together.\u00a0 He won\u2019t do anything with two big ranches opposing him.\u00a0 Thanks for the support.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He swung back into the saddle and turned Buck towards home.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t mention it, Ben.\u00a0 We\u2019ve been friends too long to let someone like Kenney get the better of us.\u201d\u00a0 Tom raised a hand in farewell, and as Ben rode away, he saw him go back into the corral to take on an obnoxious looking black stallion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While Ben was riding in from the north east, his youngest son was racing his horse across the valley in an effort to arrive home first.\u00a0 He should have been home an hour ago, but he had lingered with his best friend Mitch, and as usual, they had lost track of time.\u00a0 He managed to arrive first and made sure that Cochise was taken care of, but he had only just begun his chores by the time his father rode into the yard.\u00a0 Usually Joe could rely on Hoss covering for him, but with his brothers away, there was no one left to do the work.<\/p>\n Ben glanced around the yard and barn as he stabled Buck.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t take much of a<\/p>\n look to see that the evening chores had hardly been started.\u00a0 He sighed and went out to where Joe was gathering the wood for Hop Sing.<\/p>\n \u201cHow long have you been back?\u201d he asked, standing in front of his son with his<\/p>\n hands on his hips and a frown drawing his brows together.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u201dll get the chores done before supper, Pa.\u201d \u00a0Joe tried to avoid a straight answer.<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cYou will or you don\u2019t eat.\u201d\u00a0 He sighed.\u00a0 \u201cIsn\u2019t it strange that your chores are always finished when Hoss is here but never when he is away.\u00a0 If I thought about it, I might come to the conclusion that you let your brother cover up for your laziness, and I might have to do something about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe kept his eyes on the wood pile and refrained from answering, knowing that<\/p>\n anything he said would only get him into deeper water.<\/p>\n Ben grunted and started to walk toward the barn. \u201cYou can leave chopping more<\/p>\n wood for Hop Sing; he has enough for tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe breathed a sigh of relief; without that chore he would get finished easily before<\/p>\n Hop Sing called him for supper.\u00a0 His father\u2019s next words dispelled the feeling of well-being.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can do it tomorrow before church instead, and don\u2019t make plans for the<\/p>\n Afternoon. \u00a0I want us all to go up to the Lake.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe watched his father go into the barn and swore softly, careful not to let his father overhear.\u00a0 He might have known Pa would not let it go so easily.\u00a0\u00a0 Tomorrow was Sunday, and he was usually free to do as he pleased once church was over.\u00a0 He and Mitch had planned to take two of the girls from town on a picnic.\u00a0 He wondered if he could get Pa to change his mind; after all, it was the last day of the vacation, but he knew it wasn\u2019t likely.\u00a0 If not, Mitch would take Sarah, and Mary would have to go without him.\u00a0 Maybe one of the other boys would go instead.\u00a0 Mary was currently his girl, but she wouldn\u2019t be pleased if he failed to turn up.\u00a0 He shrugged. It couldn\u2019t be helped.\u00a0 He\u2019d win her back,<\/p>\n somehow.\u00a0 He was about to join his father in the barn when his two brothers rode up.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat kept you?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked with a grin. \u201cThe fences fight back?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam dismounted and grunted.\u00a0 Hoss was a little more vocal. He punched his younger brother lightly on the arm. \u201cVery funny.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben came out of the barn, and he surveyed his oldest son\u2019s downcast expression.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cNot exactly.\u00a0 The fences are worse than we thought.\u00a0 We need a team of men and several loads of timber.\u00a0 We\u2019ll go back Monday.\u00a0 Oh, and someone has been around that stand of timber near Kings Canyon, you know, the fir we\u2019ve been holding back on.\u00a0 There were a couple of camp fires.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned, \u201cMight just be someone passing through.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cCould be, but why have two camps close together.\u201d\u00a0 He shrugged, \u201cCourse it could have been two different groups.\u201d\u00a0 He led Sport into the barn and began unsaddling.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019ll keep an eye open.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll we can do.\u00a0 Supper\u2019s almost ready.\u201d\u00a0 Ben replied as he turned and headed for the house.<\/p>\n \u201cI could do with some of Hop Sing\u2019s cooking and a soft bed tonight.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss moved to take Chub into the barn.\u00a0 \u201cHey, give us a hand, little brother.\u00a0 You ain\u2019t doin\u2019 nuthin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe snorted. \u201cI\u2019ve bin doin\u2019 your chores as well as mine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, well that\u2019s a matter of opinion, young man.\u201d \u00a0His father glared at him. Joe decided that helping Hoss was preferable to listening to his father list his shortcomings yet again.\u00a0 He followed Hoss into the barn and watched him work.<\/p>\n \u201cPa mad at you ag\u2019in?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked, looking over his shoulder to make sure his father had gone into the house.<\/p>\n Joe grinned. \u201cNo more\u2019n usual.\u00a0 I got held up at the Devlins.\u00a0 Mrs. Devlin had just<\/p>\n baked an apple pie, and it had to be sampled.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I can understand that,\u201d Hoss replied, thinking of the delicious pastries Mary Devlin could make.<\/p>\n Joe glanced sideways at his brother. \u201cWell…if you understand, how about helping me get my chores done so I don\u2019t miss supper?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned but looked like he might agree until Adam joined them.<\/p>\n \u201cYou do your own chores, Joe,\u201d he said sharply.<\/p>\n Joe immediately rounded on him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s it to you, big brother.\u00a0 Hoss offered.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss held up his hand to protest that he hadn\u2019t offered, but Joe ignored him.<\/p>\n \u201cHelp if you want,\u201d Adam said, shaking his head. \u201cBut he gets away with doing nothing as it is.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was torn between wanting to help Joe and his irritation being conned again,.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t see why we can\u2019t help each other; Joe\u2019s bin helping us with our horses.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sneered at him and raised his eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cHe stood next to you while you did it. Apart from holding the bridle, I didn\u2019t notice much help.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was tired from his day\u2019s work and tired of listening to Adam giving orders, and the attitude he was adopting now infuriated him. \u201cOk, Joe I\u2019ll give you a hand,\u201d he said, while glaring at Adam.<\/p>\n Joe passed Adam and gave him a smug smile.<\/p>\n Adam shrugged and headed over to the house.\u00a0 If Hoss wanted to add to his day\u2019s<\/p>\n work that was up to him; he wanted a cup of coffee and a comfortable chair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Hoss and Joe finished work and went into the house, Adam was seated in his chair reading the newspaper that Ben had brought from town.\u00a0 He was frowning in concentration and didn\u2019t look up.\u00a0 Joe had a bad habit of reading over other people\u2019s shoulders, and he did it now, stopping his brother from turning the page until he had read an article.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, quit it.\u00a0 You can read the paper properly when I\u2019ve finished with it,\u201d Adam<\/p>\n complained.<\/p>\n Joe released the paper and wandered over to the sofa. \u201cI only wanted to read that bit. When I was over at the Devlins, Caleb was talking about the Yankee troops moving down the Mississippi.\u00a0 I wanted to see if the paper mentioned it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked at his younger brother suspiciously.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t often that Joe took an<\/p>\n interest in current affairs.\u00a0 \u201cIt looks like it\u2019s shaping up for some sort of major confrontation. Sherman and Grant both have armies moving into the area around Jackson. Pemberton and Johnston have moved Confederate troops into the same area,\u201d he explained, hoping to interest his brother in something more important than fishing, hunting and girls.<\/p>\n Hoss moved over from the kitchen where he had been trying to hurry supper. \u201cYou think there\u2019ll be another battle soon?\u00a0 It\u2019s bin kinda quiet for a while.\u201d\u00a0 The whole question mystified Hoss.\u00a0 He had taken an interest in the question of slavery, but now that Lincoln had freed the slaves, he found it difficult to understand the politics that kept north and south at each others throats.<\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cThere\u2019s been nothing major since the Tennessee campaign.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He was still engrossed in the newspaper and his conversation and didn\u2019t hear his father\u2019s footsteps on the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cDo we have to discuss the war at every mealtime?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked irritably.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not likely to affect us here.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed.\u00a0 He was getting used to his father burying his head in the sand where the war was concerned.\u00a0 He had toyed with the idea of joining the army, but although he felt strongly about the issues, he wasn\u2019t sure he was cut out to be a soldier taking orders.\u00a0 He also had a sense of duty to the ranch and his family.\u00a0 He did wonder if these were excuses rather than reasons, but he tried to push that thought to the back of his mind.<\/p>\n \u201cIt could affect us and soon.\u00a0 Both sides need money to finance the war, and the Comstock has plenty of it in silver bullion right out of the earth.\u00a0 Sooner or later one side or the other is gonna make a play for it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell until they do, let\u2019s keep our minds on running this ranch.\u201d\u00a0 Ben snapped.<\/p>\n They all moved to the table and for the duration of the meal no more was said on the subject.\u00a0 Ben and Adam discussed the state of the fences; Hoss ate in silence, giving his full attention to his food, and Joe tried to think of ways to persuade his father to change his mind about the wood chopping chore.<\/p>\n They had almost finished eating when there was a loud knock at the door.\u00a0 Hoss and Adam immediately looked to Joe, who kept his head down in an effort to avoid being forced to answer the knock.<\/p>\n After the third knock, Ben sighed.\u00a0 \u201cJoseph, would you please see who is at the door?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pushed back his chair and rose to his feet.\u00a0 He threw his napkin on the table in disgust, and once he had moved away a little and he thought his father wouldn\u2019t hear, he mumbled under his breath about the unfairness of being the youngest.\u00a0 He opened the door and admitted the ranch logging foreman.<\/p>\n \u201cEvening, Jake.\u00a0 You want some coffee?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, thanks,\u201d Jake said quietly, his face a picture of misery. \u201cI got some bad news.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben got to his feet and moved toward his foreman.\u00a0 \u201cWhat is it, Jake?\u201d<\/p>\n Jake took a deep breath. \u201cTom Hammond.\u00a0 He\u2019s bin killed.\u201d<\/p>\n All four Cartwrights gasped in astonishment, but as well as puzzlement, Ben\u2019s face showed disbelief.\u00a0 \u201cI spoke to him this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019d it happen?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked.<\/p>\n Jake tipped his head on one side and sighed.\u00a0 He was not looking forward to telling his boss how the accident had happened; he was only too well aware of what time of year it was.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe was tryin\u2019 to break one o\u201d them horses, and it threw him, broke his neck.\u00a0 Black stallion, so Charlie said.\u00a0 He come by their place tonight, said Chad\u2019s pretty broken up about it.\u201d<\/p>\n For a moment Ben\u2019s face went ashen, then he seemed to take a deep breath and<\/p>\n recover his composure. \u201cThen it was an accident?\u201d \u00a0he asked slowly.<\/p>\n Now it was Jake\u2019s turn to be puzzled. \u201cSure it was; what else would it be?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNothing, Jake.\u00a0 I was just stunned at the news.\u00a0 Saddle Buck for me would you, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ll ride over and see if I can be of any help.\u00a0 Chad might need someone to talk to tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam followed Jake from the room, and Ben began to gather his coat, hat and<\/p>\n gun belt.\u00a0 He turned to his younger sons.\u00a0 \u201cI might not be back tonight. I\u2019ll see you in church in the morning.\u201d\u00a0 He fixed Joe with a stern stare. \u201cYou mind your brother. \u00a0I don\u2019t want you doing anything stupid while I\u2019m away.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded.\u00a0 He resented being treated like a baby, but he knew this was not the time to make a fuss about it.\u00a0 Pa had known the Hammonds for nearly twenty years; this had to be hard on him, but he had never seen his father so shaken.<\/p>\n Hoss put an arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders. \u201cYou tell Mr. Hammond how sorry we are, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded and went out into the yard.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know what he was going to do to help his friend, but he knew he had to be there.<\/p>\n A few minutes later Adam came back into the living room.\u00a0 He shivered and moved over to the fire.\u00a0 Joe watched him for a few minutes then voiced what he had been thinking.<\/p>\n \u201cI know Pa and Mr. Hammond were good friends, but he seemed awful upset.\u201d\u00a0 Adam glanced at Hoss to see if he had realised the reason for their father\u2019s shock.\u00a0 It<\/p>\n appeared not.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe,\u201d he said very softly, \u201cI think it was the way he died and …\u201d He looked at Hoss again and saw that his brother had now remembered too.\u00a0 He put an arm around his little brother. \u201c…well, tomorrow it will be ten years since your mother died.\u201d<\/p>\n For a moment, Joe tried to pretend that he was unaffected by this announcement, but then he shrugged off his brother\u2019s arm and raced up the stairs to his room.<\/p>\n \u201cThink we oughta go after him?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked his face creased in a worried frown.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cNo, he won\u2019t thank us for making a fuss.\u00a0 He wants us to think he\u2019s all grown up.\u00a0 If he doesn\u2019t come back down, I\u2019ll look in on him in a while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think Pa will come back tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI doubt it.\u00a0 In a way it\u2019s probably better that he doesn\u2019t.\u00a0 I was trying to think of a way to get him away from the ranch tomorrow.\u00a0 You know how he usually sits on the porch and stares at the yard, then goes up to the Lake.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam poured himself more coffee and waved the pot in his brother\u2019s direction.\u00a0 Hoss shook his head, and Adam replaced the coffee pot and wandered over to the fireplace again.<\/p>\n \u201cI wonder what Pa meant about it being an accident.\u00a0 It was as if he was expecting<\/p>\n something to happen to Tom Hammond,\u201d\u00a0 he mused.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 2<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hammered on Joe\u2019s door as he passed and yelled for his brother to get up.\u00a0 He knew it would probably take another couple of calls before he put in an appearance, but he lived in hope.\u00a0 He had looked in on Joe last night but found his brother uncommunicative; after a few attempts to get him to talk he had given up and gone to bed.\u00a0 Today was not going to be an easy day.\u00a0 Not only was it a sad anniversary, but now the death of Tom Hammond would overshadow the day, too.\u00a0 He glanced into his father\u2019s room, but, as he expected, Pa had not returned from the Hammonds.<\/p>\n He went about his chores automatically, his mind elsewhere.\u00a0 There were three days of the year when Pa retreated into his shell and mourned: this one, the day in late autumn when Hoss\u2019 mother had died and one in November when he remembered Adam\u2019s mother. Adam could never decide which was the hardest on him personally.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t known his own mother, but he could never remember really celebrating his birthday the way Hoss and Joe did because it was also the anniversary of her death.\u00a0\u00a0 He had loved Inger dearly, and he had watched her die; the nightmare still haunted him more than twenty years on.\u00a0 Maybe today was the hardest because he had loved Marie, but he had never really been able to bring himself to tell her.\u00a0 He had fought against her at the start, then his feelings had become so mixed up that he had been unable to tell her that he loved her because he didn\u2019t understand that love.<\/p>\n His thoughts turned to his youngest brother.\u00a0 He had promised Marie that he would look after him; well, that had been a near impossible task, but he had reached fifteen without any major disasters. Adam had a feeling that the worst was yet to come.\u00a0 Thinking of his brother reminded him that Joe had still not put in an appearance.\u00a0 His temper began to rise then he damped it down.\u00a0 This was a hard day for Joe too.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss,\u201d he called across the yard to his brother. \u201cGive Joe another shout or we won\u2019t be in time for church.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded and went into the house.\u00a0 He came out about five minutes later with a half-dressed Joe in tow.<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t Pa say you had some wood to chop as well as your usual chores?\u201d\u00a0 Adam<\/p>\n asked.<\/p>\n Joe glared at him.\u00a0 \u201cOh, hell, Adam, that can wait.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt can\u2019t wait, and you watch your language,\u201d his older brother replied mildly. \u201cYou\u2019d better get moving if you\u2019re going to be ready for church.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe made a face at his retreating back and looked appealingly toward Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cOh no, I\u2019m not doing your chores this morning.\u00a0 I helped last night and that was the last time,\u201d Hoss said firmly.<\/p>\n Joe got through his chores by doing the least he could get away with, but he still had the wood to chop when his brothers went in to breakfast.\u00a0 He picked up the axe, and as he swung it, he thought about the unfairness of life.\u00a0 Today was going to be an awful day.\u00a0 First there was church, which meant sitting still through some interminably long sermon without falling asleep.\u00a0 Hoss seemed to snooze most weeks and get away with it; he\u2019d done it just once and had earned himself an afternoon of learning bible verses.\u00a0 Then this afternoon, when he had hoped to be with Mary on a picnic, he would have to accompany his father and brothers to the lake.\u00a0 Not that he minded going there, he loved the lake, but today was difficult enough without having to visit his mother\u2019s grave.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s bad temper increased with each swing of the axe.\u00a0 Unaware of the morning sunshine, the cool breeze or the heaped wood before him, his mind boiled with the unfairness of life.\u00a0 Suddenly the carelessly aimed axe glanced off the edge of a huge log.\u00a0 It sliced a splinter from the edge that whirled up and sliced into his cheek. Joe dropped the axe and yelled as blood began to pour from the wound.\u00a0 He clutched at his cheek and rushed into the house.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss were at the table and glanced up as he came in like a whirlwind. \u201cJoe watch what you\u2019re doing!\u201d\u00a0 Adam yelled.\u00a0 Then he saw the blood dripping through his brother\u2019s fingers.\u00a0 \u201cWhat happened?\u201d he demanded,<\/strong> jumping to his feet and grabbing his brother.\u00a0 He pried Joe\u2019s fingers away from his cheek and yelled to Hop Sing for some water and a cloth.<\/p>\n Now that he had everyone\u2019s attention, Joe was embarrassed.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t fuss, it\u2019s only a splinter,\u201d he insisted, pushing Adam away.<\/p>\n Hop Sing wasn\u2019t so easily put off.\u00a0 He cleaned up the wound and then applied some witch hazel.\u00a0 It made Joe yell even louder than he had outside.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, that stings!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam inspected the cut, then pronounced, \u201cIt\u2019s not too bad, only a small cut.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh what would you know.\u201d\u00a0 Joe shrugged off his hand.\u00a0 \u201cIt hurts like hell.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, I\u2019ve told you once today to watch your language.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s bad mood was<\/p>\n surfacing again.<\/p>\n Hoss, ever the peacemaker, intervened.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Adam, let\u2019s get ready for church. Hop Sing can take care of Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n He pulled at his older brother\u2019s arm, and Adam reluctantly followed him upstairs.\u00a0 At the half-landing he paused and looked back to his younger brother.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t take too long.\u00a0 You need to get changed.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grumbled under his breath that he hadn\u2019t even eaten yet, but Adam had already disappeared around the bend in the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cHuh, great start to the day,\u201d\u00a0 he muttered putting one hand up to stop Hop Sing\u2019s ministrations and grabbing a piece of bread and some bacon with the other.<\/p>\n They arrived at the church as the last of the congregation were going in, but there<\/p>\n was no sign of Ben.\u00a0 For this, at least, Joe was grateful;<\/strong> maybe he could sleep unhindered.\u00a0 He signalled to Mitch that he needed to talk after the service, and they were both rewarded with a stern glare from Mitch\u2019s father.\u00a0 As they filed into the pew, Adam caught Joe\u2019s arm and made Hoss go first so that his little brother was seated between them.\u00a0 Joe sighed.\u00a0 Obviously, Adam had guessed his intentions.\u00a0 The sermon was long and boring, and every time Joe fidgeted Adam gave him an angry stare.\u00a0 He had hoped that his father\u2019s absence might leave the way open for him to go on the picnic after all, but one look at his older brother\u2019s face told him he was wishing for the moon.<\/p>\n Finally, prayers were said for Tom Hammond and support was sought for his brother, and then the congregation filed out.\u00a0 As usual Joe took advantage of the fact that his older brother stopped to shake the pastor\u2019s hand just as his Pa always did, and he slipped out to meet Mitch.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t come this afternoon, Mitch.\u00a0 I gotta go up to the lake with my brothers.\u00a0 Mary\u2019s not here, so can you tell her I\u2019m sorry and I\u2019ll make it up to her?\u201d<\/p>\n Mitch shook his head. \u201cI wish I could, but Pa\u2019s mad at me, and I gotta stay at home and look after Amy and Micah.\u201d\u00a0 He indicated his twelve-year-old sister and five-year-old brother.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s he cross with you for this time?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked.<\/p>\n Mitch sighed. \u201cAw, nuthin\u2019 much.\u00a0 Me and Danny got to fighting last night, and Dan said I started it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you?\u201d\u00a0 Joe grinned.\u00a0 He knew how placid Mitch\u2019s brother was.\u00a0 Danny was a year younger than Hoss and had about the same temperament, it was difficult to imagine him starting a fight.<\/p>\n Mitch returned the grin. \u201cYeah, he was bein\u2019 so blame reasonable.\u00a0 It got on my<\/p>\n nerves.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed at his friend.\u00a0 He knew just what he meant.\u00a0 Hoss could do the same to him.\u00a0 When he was in a bad mood and tried to pick a fight, Hoss would refuse to be drawn, and it made him even angrier.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it can\u2019t be helped.\u00a0 Let\u2019s hope the girls understand,\u201d Mitch\u00a0 continued.<\/p>\n Joe slapped his friend on the back. \u201cIf they don\u2019t, it don\u2019t matter.\u00a0 There are plenty more girls around.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, like who?\u201d\u00a0 Mitch sneered.<\/p>\n Joe gave his friend a sly look. \u201cOh, like Val Bonner, maybe?\u00a0 You know you\u2019re sweet on her.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s mention of the daughter of the town\u2019s drunk and one time cattle rustler made Mitch snorted. \u201cEven if I was, and I ain\u2019t saying I am, my Pa\u2019d have my hide if I went around with a Bonner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d better hope Sarah\u2019s in a forgiving mood then,\u201d Joe replied, still grinning. Mitch glanced up at Joe and for the first time noticed the cut on his cheek. \u201cHey, how\u2019d<\/p>\n you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Oh, that\u00bc it\u2019s nuthin\u2019, but it might do as an excuse for not seeing the girls, what d\u2019you think?\u201d<\/p>\n Mitch gave a derisory laugh. \u201cNo chance, even in one of her softer moments Mary<\/p>\n won\u2019t believe that.\u00a0 Try to find something better before school tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He saw his parents coming towards him and moved off to intercept them before he got into more trouble.\u00a0 Joe watched his friend being reprimanded for running off and grinned; with six in the family Mr. Devlin had to be pretty strict.\u00a0 Pa was, too, and he and Mitch often covered for each other or compared notes when they were in trouble.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Hoss had now moved away from the church, and Joe could see them<\/p>\n looking around for him.\u00a0 He\u2019d better get over there before Adam threw another tantrum about him not behaving himself.\u00a0 They rode home in comparative silence, each thinking their own thoughts.\u00a0 Ben was waiting for them on the porch, and as Adam had predicted, he was staring across the yard.\u00a0 Adam wondered if his father relived the nightmare of witnessing Marie\u2019s death in the same way that Inger\u2019s death filled his own nightmares. It must be worse for Pa.\u00a0 He had experienced that same pain three times.<\/p>\n Joe tried not to look at his father at all.\u00a0 He could hardly remember that terrible day, \u00a0and he preferred it that way.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t mind going to his mother\u2019s grave on any other day but this one.<\/p>\n The afternoon was the longest that Joe could remember.\u00a0 He was sure it hadn\u2019t been this bad in previous years.\u00a0 Obviously, Tom Hammond\u2019s death had intensified his father\u2019s grief, and none of them dared to mention the similarities, although all of them had them upper most in their minds. He was relieved when it was over and he could retreat to his room, away from the gloom of the living room. He wasn\u2019t looking forward to tomorrow, either, but at least this was his last session in school.\u00a0 He and Mitch were old enough to leave in the summer, and by the fall he would be working with his brothers.\u00a0 For the first time he would be able to go on the annual round-up and cattle drive.<\/p>\n He got up from the bed and went over to his bureau.\u00a0 Opening the bottom drawer, he lifted up the clothes deliberately laid on top and let his fingers find the smooth walnut of the butt of the pistol he had hidden there.<\/p>\n It had cost him almost all of his savings, and he had gone all the way to Lakes\u2019 Crossing to buy it so that his Pa wouldn\u2019t know.\u00a0 For a moment, he felt guilty.\u00a0 Pa would have his hide if he found out.\u00a0 He pushed the thought aside.\u00a0 Pa wouldn\u2019t search his room, and Hop Sing never tidied drawers.\u00a0 If he was careful about when he used it, Pa would never know.\u00a0 Anyhow, he justified his actions, Pa was teaching him how to use a pistol.\u00a0 Surely, he would be allowed to have his own soon.\u00a0 He lifted it from the drawer and held it in his hand. He twirled it around his finger and pretending to shoot at his reflection in the<\/p>\n mirror.\u00a0 He needed a holster, but that was more difficult to get.\u00a0 It had to be left-handed, which meant specially made, and he could think of no way of getting one without the saddler telling his father.<\/p>\n After a few more tricks with the gun, he carefully replaced it and covered it again,<\/p>\n making sure that no one opening the drawer quickly would see it.\u00a0 He began to get undressed, throwing his shirt carelessly towards the chair.\u00a0 It dropped in a heap on the floor, and he thought of leaving it there, but his Pa often called in before he went to bed, and he wasn\u2019t in the mood for a lecture on tidiness.\u00a0 He bent to pick it up, and as he straightened again he caught sight of his mother\u2019s picture.\u00a0 She seemed to be looking right at him, and he felt uncomfortably guilty.<\/p>\n He had hardly thought about her today; in fact, he had tried not to think about her.\u00a0 He sat down on the edge of his bed and picked up the silver frame.\u00a0 Images of his friends\u2019 mothers swam in front of his eyes.\u00a0 Mitch\u2019s Ma, permanently baking or washing for her large family but always with a smile for him; Mary\u2019s mother who treated him like some form of evil who would corrupt her daughter, he grinned at the thought.\u00a0 Then all the others who either regarded him as cute and lovable or the devil incarnate.\u00a0 It depended on what he had persuaded their sons and daughters to do that week.<\/p>\n What would his mother have been like now if she had lived?\u00a0 His father had told him a lot about her but not the things he wanted to know.\u00a0 He wondered how she would have reacted to the scrapes he got himself into.\u00a0 Hoss sometimes mentioned things that he remembered, but then his brother had only been eleven when she died, and he wasn\u2019t the sort of boy to have got into much trouble.\u00a0 Only Adam had known her when he was Joe\u2019s age, and for some reason Adam, although happy to talk about her in general terms, was always reluctant to discuss his own part in events.\u00a0 In fact, thinking about it, Adam never talked much about anything he had got up to as a boy.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s fertile imagination began to invent reasons for his brother\u2019s reticence and a determination to find out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 3<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The school bell had ceased its ringing several minutes ago, but two fifteen\u2011year\u2011old boys were still ambling down the road as if they had all the time in the world.\u00a0 Joe Cartwright and Mitch Devlin had never been known to be on time for school, and they saw no reason to make the first day of the summer session an exception.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think the war will last much longer?\u201d\u00a0 Mitch was asking.<\/p>\n Joe shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cAdam thinks it will.\u00a0 He talks about it all the time, when Pa\u2019s not<\/p>\n Around, that is.\u00a0 Pa gets real mad at him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Caleb says he\u2019s going to enlist.\u00a0 Pa called him a fool; said it wasn\u2019t nuthin\u2019 to do with us.\u201d Mitch quickened his pace a little.\u00a0 Unlike Joe, he preferred his troubles in small measures.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Joe, or we\u2019ll get kept after.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe reluctantly followed his friend into the schoolhouse.\u00a0 As usual on the first day of a new session, there were several new faces and a certain amount of confusion.\u00a0 Virginia City had grown in the past four years, and the one-roomed school had grown with it until there were four classes.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s eyes sought out Mary and mouthed an apology over the heads of his schoolmates.\u00a0 Mary turned up her nose and then turned her back on him.\u00a0 He grinned.\u00a0 She would give him a hard time at recess, but by tonight she would be eating out of his hand again, he was sure.\u00a0 Joe and Mitch had moved this session from the group taught my Miss Jones to a new schoolmaster called Johnson.\u00a0 Mr. Johnson was attempting to sort out his class, and while he was occupied, Joe surveyed him critically.\u00a0 It was vitally important to know what sort of teacher he was dealing with.\u00a0 He had liked his first teacher, Mr. Lawson, and he had learned how to handle Miss Jones.\u00a0 The School Principal, Mr. Macdonald, you didn\u2019t argue with unless you were very foolish.\u00a0 Now, what would this one be like?\u00a0 He had thinning, sandy hair and horn-rimmed spectacles.\u00a0 He looked mild mannered and harmless, but you never could tell.<\/p>\n The Principal came into the room as Mr. Johnson was arranging his pupils into groups. The children instantly became silent, and all eyes focused on the front of the classroom.\u00a0 Macdonald walked to the back of the room and surveyed the students\u2019 chosen seating arrangements.\u00a0 As he suspected, the troublemakers had congregated in the back rows.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I may offer a word of advice, Mr. Johnson,\u201d he said quietly, \u201cI would separate this group here, before you start; it saves a lot of time later in the day.\u201d\u00a0 He indicated a group of four boys that included Joe and Mitch.<\/p>\n Joe adopted an injured expression.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t done anything yet!\u00a0 He found himself moved toward the front of the class and placed in a seat next to one of the new pupils.\u00a0 He grinned; it could have been worse, in fact, for Mitch it had been.\u00a0 He was put in the front row next to Alice Gordon, the class know\u2011it\u2011all.\u00a0 He saw his friend raise his eyebrows and heard him whisper, \u201cSome people have all the luck.\u201d<\/p>\n Across the aisle from Joe, a shy, dark-haired girl was looking at the new girl and thinking the same thing.\u00a0 The aim of almost every girl in the class was to find themselves seated next to Joe Cartwright.<\/p>\n Joe glanced at his companion.\u00a0 She was a little younger than him with dark blonde hair tied back in braids and mischievous hazel eyes that looked at him from beneath long sandy lashes.\u00a0 He gave her one of his beaming smiles and was surprised when she grinned and scribbled a note to him on her pad.\u00a0 Most girls blushed and acted coy when he smiled at them.\u00a0 He twisted his head slightly to read the note:\u00a0 \u201cMy name\u2019s Annabelle.\u00a0 My friends call me Annie.\u00a0 What\u2019s yours?\u201d he read.\u00a0 Joe took her pencil, and wrote his name beneath hers.<\/p>\n Throughout the morning, they wrote back and forth to each other, paying little or no attention to the lesson in progress.\u00a0 Mr. Johnson taught from the front of the class and, unlike Miss Jones, never walked down the aisles.\u00a0 Joe was confident that, as he had remained silent, his inattention had gone unnoticed.\u00a0 Finally, Mr. Johnson called recess and there was a scramble for the door.\u00a0 Before the first youngster could reach it, a voice was heard above the noise.<\/p>\n \u201cOh! Mr. Cartwright and Miss Kempster, if you would leave your pads on the desk, I\u2019ll just check those notes you\u2019ve been making so industriously,\u201d Mr. Johnson called.<\/p>\n Joe groaned.\u00a0 He should have known!\u00a0 It was always the quiet ones that noticed everything.\u00a0 He sent up a silent prayer, that whatever Johnson decided to do it didn\u2019t involve being kept late.\u00a0 Pa had warned him only this morning that he was to stay out of trouble this summer, and here he was in it up to his neck on the first day.<\/p>\n Once outside, Joe went to his usual spot on the low wall and waited for Mitch to join him.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Romeo.\u00a0 I hope she\u2019s worth it, and I don\u2019t just mean Johnson,\u201d his friend grinned, indicating Mary who was glaring at him from across the yard.<\/p>\n Joe returned the smile. \u201cShe\u2019ll get over it, and anyhow I don\u2019t really care anymore if she don\u2019t.\u00a0 As for the rest, I\u2019ll let you know when Johnson decides what he\u2019s gonna do with us. I hope he doesn\u2019t read it all.\u00a0 My opinion of the teachers might not go down too well.\u201d<\/p>\n Mitch shook his head in disbelief. \u201cDon\u2019t you ever think of the consequences?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot too often, I guess.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you ever get into trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n Mitch glanced sideways at him and then raised his eyebrows at Alice who was<\/p>\n holding court with some of the girls.\u00a0 \u201cSitting next to her<\/em>, you\u2019ve got to be kidding.\u00a0 Miss calm, cool and collected, she never takes her eyes off the teacher.\u00a0 You know I\u2019d love to see her get in trouble just once.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s brow wrinkled in concentration. \u201cWell, maybe if you have to sit next to her for a while we can think of something.\u201d<\/p>\n Mitch frowned and shook his head. \u201cNo, Joe.\u00a0 I\u2019m not letting you talk me into any trouble.\u00a0 My Pa will have my hide if there is any repeat of last session.\u00a0 I\u2019d think you\u2019d feel the same; your Pa wasn\u2019t exactly delighted with you.\u00a0 Or do you want a repeat of last summer?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw, Mitch, that was different.\u00a0 I got mixed up with Travis and got led astray,\u201d Joe said innocently.<\/p>\n \u201cExactly,\u201d his friend replied with a grin, \u201cand I\u2019m not about to be led astray by you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cC\u2019mon Mitch, it\u2019s our last chance.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be leaving in the summer.\u00a0 You can\u2019t mean you\u2019re gonna behave for three whole months.\u00a0 The trick is not to get caught.\u201d<\/p>\n Mitch slapped his friend on the back. \u201cJoe, when I follow you I always get caught.\u201d<\/p>\n The ringing of the bell interrupted their discussion and both jumped up from the wall to make their way back into the classroom.\u00a0 Joe gave Annabelle a reassuring grin as they went through the door.\u00a0 At least he would soon find out what Johnson was like as a disciplinarian.<\/p>\n The first thing he learned was that Mr. Johnson believed in making him sweat.\u00a0 For the remainder of the day, lessons continued without reference to the notes which lay on the front of the schoolmaster\u2019s desk in full view.\u00a0 It was only after the other children had been dismissed that he and Annabelle learned of their fate.<\/p>\n \u201cOur lesson this morning was Shakespeare. Since you two want to play at Romeo and Juliet and presumably think you can make a better job of writing than the original, maybe you would like to recite for the class tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0 He handed them both a copy of the play. \u201cI\u2019ve marked the passages you are to learn tonight.\u00a0 I shall look forward to a flawless performance first thing in the morning.\u201d\u00a0 He held them both with a stern stare. \u201cYou may go Miss Kempster.\u00a0 I have a further few words for your companion.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shifted uneasily from one foot to the other.\u00a0 It was getting late and he would have to hurry to get home before he was missed.\u00a0 Maybe Hoss would cover for him, although lately his older brother was getting less accommodating in this area.<\/p>\n Johnson held up Joe\u2019s pad. \u201cI suggest you think very carefully before you write anything along these lines again, young man.\u00a0 Next time I will not be so lenient with you.\u00a0 Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded. \u201cYes, sir.\u201d\u00a0 He watched while the offending pages were torn up and his blank pad was returned to him.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, you may go.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gathered his books and left hurriedly, pleased that he had escaped so lightly and vowing to be more careful of Johnson in future.\u00a0 Outside, he was surprised to find that Annabelle had waited for him.\u00a0 Well, like Mitch had said, that made it worthwhile.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks for waiting, Annabelle.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry I got you into that on your first day.<\/p>\n Someone should have warned you that I\u2019m trouble.\u201d\u00a0 He gave her his most disarming smile.<\/p>\n She grinned back. \u201cMy mother says trouble\u2019s my middle name, so I guess we make a good team… And my friends call me Annie, I did write it down for you.\u201d she giggled.<\/p>\n Joe laughed. \u201cOkay, Annie.\u00a0 Let me walk you home,\u201d he said, forgetting that he should have been heading home himself half an hour ago, and he had no idea how far from the school she lived.<\/p>\n Luckily for him, Annie\u2019s father was an investment adviser for the bank, and her house was just two blocks from the schoolhouse.\u00a0 He rode into the Ponderosa yard only a little over half an hour late to find Hoss fuming as he did his own chores and Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the last time, little brother, the very last time.\u00a0 You either do your own work or you get what\u2019s comin\u2019 to you from Pa,\u201d Hoss complained.<\/p>\n \u201cI got held up.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t help it,\u201d Joe replied, leading Cochise into the barn.<\/p>\n Hoss followed him, not yet finished with his complaints.\u00a0 \u201cIf you got kept after school ag\u2019in Pa\u2019s gonna be mad.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe began to unsaddle Cochise and spoke over his shoulder to his brother. \u201cI didn\u201dt.\u00a0 I met this new kid in school and decided I should be polite and welcoming.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss snorted. \u201cWhat\u2019s her name?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned. \u201cWho said it was a girl?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss didn\u2019t bother to reply to this question but launched into a catalog of Joe\u2019s recent misdemeanours.\u00a0 Joe held up his hands in surrender.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, alright, I get the message,\u201d Joe yelled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d better,\u201d said a voice from the doorway. \u201cIt\u2019s about time you started pulling your weight around here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, when I start getting\u2019 paid what you do, maybe I might,\u201d Joe snapped back at his oldest brother.\u00a0 He pushed past him and strode across to the wood pile.\u00a0 It was the only one of his chores Hoss had not started, and it gave him the chance to work off some of the anger he felt at his older brothers.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t fair.\u00a0 Most kids had two parents, he had three.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It took Joe most of the evening to do his normal homework and to learn the lines Mr. Johnson had marked.\u00a0 If it had been Miss Jones he would have skimmed through it and made a passable stab at it in class.\u00a0 Johnson might not be so lenient, and he wanted to stay out of trouble for a while at least.\u00a0 Pa had gotten pretty angry with him last session.\u00a0 He wanted to go on the annual cattle drive this year, and he didn\u2019t want to do anything that might jeopardise that.<\/p>\n He sat at the dining room table, and in the background, he could hear his father and brothers discussing ranch business.\u00a0 He\u2019d rather be part of that than still in school.\u00a0 He<\/p>\n consoled himself with the knowledge that it was only for another three months and turned his attention back to Shakespeare.<\/p>\n The knock at the door startled him, and he waited for the looks which said he was<\/p>\n expected to answer it, but to his surprise, Hoss got to his feet before Pa could say anything.<\/p>\n From his seat he heard his brother greet Matt Lawrence, a neighbor of theirs.\u00a0 It would be more ranch talk, he guessed, so he went back to his work.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on in, Matt.\u201d\u00a0 Ben got up to meet him and shake his hand. \u201cWhat brings you over here this late in the day?\u201d\u00a0 He handed a cup of coffee to his guest and indicated the sofa.<\/p>\n \u201cEvenin\u2019, Ben.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded to Adam but ignored Joe.\u00a0 He seemed ill at ease as he sipped his coffee.\u00a0 \u201cI dunno how to put this Ben.\u00a0 We bin neighbors a good many years…\u201d He looked from Ben to Adam and back again. \u201cI guess I\u2019ll just come out with it.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry, but I sold my place today.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben raised his eyebrows. \u201cWell, I knew you were thinking of going to San Francisco, but I wasn\u2019t expecting it yet.\u00a0 I don\u2019t see why you should be sorry, Matt.\u00a0 It\u2019s your property; you don\u2019t have to tell me what you\u2019re doing.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled and leaned back in his chair.<\/p>\n Matt Lawrence shook his head. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand Ben.\u00a0 I sold to Hal Kenney…\u201d He looked down at his boots, afraid to look his friend in the eye. \u201cHe offered a good price.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gave a low whistle. \u201cI bet he did.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned and glared at his oldest son. \u201cI wish I could have offered you a deal Matt, but the Ponderosa is a bit stretched at the moment.\u00a0 You have every right to take the best you can get.\u00a0 You worked hard for that place.\u201d\u00a0 Ben refused to make his neighbour feel guilty, but his instinctive reaction was one of shock.\u00a0 He rapidly considered the consequences of Hal Kenney owning that piece of land.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about our agreement on water from the stream up there, Matt?\u201d He spoke slowly, knowing in his heart that Kenney would never have taken on that agreement as part of the deal.<\/p>\n Matt Lawrence cleared his throat self\u2011consciously. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Ben.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t buy with that in the deed.\u00a0 I had no choice.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s a bad blow to us Matt.\u201d\u00a0 He looked at Adam, who was shaking his head in disbelief.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all legal.\u00a0 I don\u2019t have to keep that agreement; it was between us because we were friends, Ben.\u201d\u00a0 Matt said quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Matt, we were,\u201d Ben said softly, his anger beginning to surface despite his best efforts.\u00a0 \u201cI wish you every success in San Francisco. \u00a0I hope the money brings you whatever it is you\u2019re looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n Matt Lawrence looked embarrassed. \u201cI\u2019d better be going.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry to do this to you, Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben got to his feet and walked with him to the door. \u201cYes, I\u2019m sorry too, Matt.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam waited until the door closed behind the visitor before he exploded.\u00a0 \u201cHow can you take it so calmly?\u201d he almost shouted at his father.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s done is done.\u00a0 It\u2019ll do no good making Matt feel anymore guilty than he does already,\u201d his father said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou realise what Kenney can do now?\u201d\u00a0 Adam was still shouting.<\/p>\n Ben glared at him. \u201cCalm down and lower your voice when you speak to me,\u201d he<\/p>\n said angrily.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head and sat down again. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa, but all the work we\u2019ve put in on those meadows will be wasted if we can\u2019t get water to the cattle there.\u00a0 And when he logs up there we\u2019ll have a mud slide over some of our best grazing land.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKenney may not stop the water,\u201d Hoss offered.<\/p>\n Adam swung around on his brother. \u201cYeah, and the sun might not rise tomorrow, but I wouldn\u2019t put money on it.\u00a0 Hoss, use your head!\u00a0 Why d\u2019you think he bought the place?\u00a0 He wants to surround us with his land then start accidentally logging the Ponderosa,\u201d he said sarcastically.<\/p>\n Hoss flushed and sat back in a sulk.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you keep a civil tongue in your head, young man.\u00a0 That\u2019s no way to speak to your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben spoke quietly but firmly, and Adam lowered his gaze to the floor. \u00a0At the dining room table Joe had been listening and now had a smug smile on his face.\u00a0 It gave him a guilty pleasure to see Adam on the receiving end of Pa\u2019s anger for a change.\u00a0 Ben waited until Adam was feeling thoroughly uncomfortable, before he continued.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll either cut off the water straight away or he\u2019ll try to negotiate for that tract of timber he\u2019s after.\u00a0 Either way we are going to have to move the herd soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gave his father a puzzled look. \u201cI don\u2019t understand, Pa.\u00a0 He must have paid far more than the timber\u2019s worth already.\u201d\u00a0 He avoided looking at Adam for fear of the scorn he would see in his brother\u2019s face.\u00a0 Adam always understood and never missed an opportunity to show his superior knowledge.<\/p>\n Ben poured himself more coffee before answering. \u201cHe has, probably ten times as<\/p>\n much as it\u2019s worth on the open market, but he\u2019s playing for higher stakes.\u00a0 He has contracts with all the big mines, and he owns most of the available timber except the Circle H and the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Unfortunately for him, his contracts require more trees than he has on his own land.\u00a0 If he doesn\u2019t acquire either the Circle H or the Ponderosa, or at least a good portion of the timber rights, then he goes out of business, and he will be sued for every cent he has and then some.\u00a0 Time is getting short for Mr. Kenney.\u00a0 If he hasn\u2019t done a deal by the fall… well, the least we can expect is timber rustlers.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded, beginning to understand why his father had been so worried after his meeting in town.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean he\u2019ll do anything to make us sell.\u00a0 Is that why he\u2019s been buying up the small homesteads?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes, he\u2019s surrounding us and the Circle H with land he owns.\u00a0 Soon he\u2019ll own every bit of land between the Ponderosa and Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lifted his head but avoided his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cChad Hammond won\u2019t sell either.\u201d He said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think he will, but he\u2019s not thinking straight at the moment.\u00a0 I\u2019d feel happier if I knew it for sure,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re both short of ready cash at the moment.\u00a0 If Kenney pushes, he might be tempted.\u00a0 Tom\u2019s death has hit him hard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll be fine once we sell the cattle in the fall,\u201d Adam said confidently.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, we will, but we have to survive what ever Kenney throws at us until then,\u201d his father pointed out.\u00a0 \u201cFor the moment, we wait.\u00a0 We keep a careful watch on the timber operation and on the herd and we wait.\u00a0 The next move is Kenney\u2019s, and unless I miss my guess, it won\u2019t be long coming.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter\u00a0 4<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Three days later the Cartwrights were seated at supper.\u00a0 As usual Ben was leading the conversation around to what everyone had been doing and what the plans were for the next day\u2019s work.\u00a0 He had been into Virginia City to execute some banking business, and he announced his news first.<\/p>\n \u201cI spoke with Chad\u2019s foreman today in town.\u00a0 Chad\u2019s had a visit from Kenney with another offer for his timber.\u00a0 He turned him down, of course, but it\u2019s worrying that Kenney didn\u2019t even wait for a week to pass before he tried again.\u201d\u00a0 He waited for a response, but Adam merely nodded. \u201cI think we should start posting guards around the piece of land nearest his property.\u00a0 If he\u2019s going to move it will be there.\u00a0 What do you think?\u201d he asked, trying to provoke a response from his eldest son.<\/p>\n Again Adam nodded, \u201cIf you think that\u2019s best, Pa.\u00a0 I\u2019ll get to it tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s thoughts were elsewhere, and his father\u2019s concerns barely registered.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head in amusement; no doubt Adam had a new book or a new girlfriend.\u00a0 He certainly wasn\u2019t buying into conversation tonight.\u00a0 \u201cDid you get the final tally on the herd, Hoss?\u201d\u00a0 He turned to his middle son and was pleased to see a smile and an alert expression from at least one of his sons.<\/p>\n \u201cNot quite, Pa.\u00a0 Jake thinks there are maybe another twenty or so in the canyon over Carson City way, so we thought we\u2019d take a look tomorrow and finish off then with a final count.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss knew he had put in a hard day\u2019s work, and he had nothing to hide, unlike his brothers.\u00a0 He almost chuckled, Adam was still sore because Lucy Winston had turned him down for the dance, and he was plotting his pretty speeches to make her change her mind.\u00a0 Joe was up to something, of that Hoss was sure, but then that was nothing new.<\/p>\n What about you Joe?\u00a0 What\u2019s that new teacher like?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe jumped slightly and tried desperately not to look guilty. \u201cOh, he\u2019s okay, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben had poured himself coffee, and he looked at Joe over the rim of his cup \u201cJust okay.\u00a0 It\u2019s not like you to let a new teacher get away with that sort of comment.\u00a0 What have you been doing this week?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe cleared his throat.\u00a0 Now, there was a question.\u00a0 The truth! Well, he\u2019d been kept after school; made to learn pages of Shakespeare to recite in class; kept in at recess because he was talking to Annie and got a D for his history because he hadn\u2019t heard more than two words in class.\u00a0 Oh, and he\u2019d played truant today, and it was less than a week into the summer session.\u00a0 Maybe something less than the whole truth was called for here.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re studying Shakespeare\u2019s Romeo and Juliet and the 1828 Presidential election,which is boring,\u201d Joe sighed.<\/p>\n Adam glanced up and grinned, \u201cWhich is?\u201d he queried. \u201cShakespeare or Jackson?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBoth,\u201d snapped his brother.<\/p>\n Ben smiled. \u201cI find it a little unnerving that my son is studying history that I lived<\/p>\n through.\u00a0 I was at sea by the time Jackson was elected.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t vote then?\u201d\u00a0 Adam grinned, pushing thoughts of Lucy from his head for now.<\/p>\n Ben wagged a finger at him, \u00a0but he was smiling. \u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t push your luck, young man.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t old enough to vote as you well know.\u201d\u00a0 He got up and, taking his coffee, moved over to the fireplace.\u00a0 \u201cIf you need any help, Joe, let me know.\u00a0 I might remember some of the important points of the campaign.\u201d\u00a0 He gave Adam a smile.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I\u2019m sure your older brother can recite the important speeches from Romeo and Juliet for you.\u00a0 I seem to remember he had to learn quite a large portion of it for some misdemeanour or other.\u00a0 Now, what was that?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam raised his hand in protest. \u201cOkay, I give in.\u00a0 I apologise.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned at his brother\u2019s discomfort.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, Pa, what did he do?\u201d Joe begged. Hoss got up to join his father at the fireplace, making sure he was well away from<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s chair before he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cHad something to do with a young lady called Caroline, as I recall.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t that right, Pa?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Ben caught Hoss\u2019 eye, and they both laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I think that was her name.\u00a0 She was a very pretty girl; caused your brother a lot of trouble when he was your age, if I remember rightly.\u00a0 Now what happened to her?\u201d\u00a0 Ben could hardly keep himself from laughing again.<\/p>\n Adam made a face at them. \u201cShe married Matthew Henderson and moved to Arizona, as you well know.\u00a0 Now, can I be let off the hook?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded. He could see that Adam, although taking it in good part at the moment, would become irritated if they persisted.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSorry, Joe.\u00a0 I think we\u2019ve teased him enough for one night.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe would have tried again, but a knock at the door interrupted him. He looked at his brothers then reluctantly went to answer it.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t mind too much; he was relieved that there were no more questions about school.\u00a0 He opened the door to admit Jake.<\/p>\n \u201cEvening, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Sorry to disturb you, but Chad Hammond came by the<\/p>\n loggin\u2019 camp tonight and asked me to let you know what happened today,\u201d\u00a0 Jake said slowly.<\/p>\n Ben got to his feet alarmed.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cClifford\u2019s men was seen on the Circle H.\u00a0 Mr. Hammond thinks they were checking out the area.\u00a0 He said they had surveying equipment with \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked puzzled.\u00a0 \u201cSurveying for what?\u201d<\/p>\n Jake shrugged.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMr. Hammond weren\u2019t sure; he thought maybe to drive a loggin\u2019 road through.\u00a0 Some of his fences wuz damaged, too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, Jake, we\u2019ll post guards on that strip of land Kenney wants. \u00a0Might as well be ready for him if he decides to try us instead of Chad.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The next day, Adam rode out with Hoss to post extra guards and didn\u2019t arrive back until almost supper time.\u00a0 Joe had worked through his chores as quickly as he could, and by the time Hoss and Adam returned he was back in the house doing homework. \u00a0Ben was keeping an eye on him while reading the latest paper he had picked up in town the day before. \u00a0Hoss came in first and finding that there was no sign of supper, went in search of Hop Sing.<\/p>\n \u201cYour injunction didn\u2019t achieve much,\u201d Adam complained to his father as he came in from the yard and warmed his hands before the fire.\u00a0 Despite the warmth of the days the evenings were cold.<\/p>\n Joe glanced at his brother from his seat at the dining room table, and Hoss stopped hanging around the kitchen door and joined his father and brother in the living room.<\/p>\n Ben looked up from his newspaper.\u00a0 \u201cTrouble?\u201d\u00a0 he asked.<\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cClifford and a couple of his men.\u00a0 I found them alongside the creek where it joins the main stream to the Truckee.\u00a0 They said they were riding through, but I reckon they were making plans to start logging up there.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben rubbed his chin. \u201cThat\u2019s not our land, it\u2019s Circle H.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought the injunction covered both,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n \u201cIt does, but to get them thrown in jail Chad would have to bring the charges.\u00a0 You and I\u2019ll ride over tomorrow and get him to talk to Roy.\u00a0 If we can stop Kenney before he gets started, maybe we can avoid a war.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up his newspaper again, and Adam saw the headline.\u00a0 \u201cHooker defeated at Chancellorsville.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTalking of war,\u201d Adam said tentatively.\u00a0 \u201cCaleb\u2019s joined up.\u00a0 Danny told me he left yesterday for Pennsylvania.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned the paper over. \u201cThe boy\u2019s more foolish than I thought; the army\u2019s in retreat and he joins it.\u00a0 I\u2019m surprised George let him go.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pursed his lips and frowned.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s twenty\u2011six, Pa, a year younger than me.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you think he\u2019s old enough to make up his own mind?\u201d<\/p>\n The inference was obvious, and Ben threw his oldest son an angry glare. \u201cMaturity has nothing to do with age and a whole lot to do with good sense.\u00a0 Thirty thousand men died at Chancellorsville, for what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA principle maybe,\u201d said Adam softly.<\/p>\n Ben glanced up quickly and met his son\u2019s frank gaze. \u201cHuh!\u201d he grunted. He tried to hold Adam\u2019s stare but eventually looked away.\u00a0 Was Adam considering going too?\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t bear the thought. \u201cIt\u2019s time to eat, and I don\u2019t want to spend the whole evening discussing the war.\u201d\u00a0 He moved to the table and frowned at Joe. \u201cPut your books away. You ought to have finished your homework by now, unless you\u2019ve been given extra work again,\u201d he said, suspiciously eyeing his youngest son.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve finished, Pa, honest.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing padded in and began placing dishes on the table, and all four moved to their chairs.\u00a0 The Chinese cook did not appreciate his meals being kept waiting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The next day Chad Hammond met them in the yard and invited them in for coffee.\u00a0 He was slightly younger than Ben, and the two had been friends for years.\u00a0 Adam could remember visiting back and forth when Marie was alive.\u00a0 She had been very fond of Chad because he was one of the few people who had accepted her from the outset with no preconceived notions of what she was or had been.<\/p>\n \u201cI bin expecting you, Ben.\u00a0 Clifford\u2019s bin giving me trouble, and but I guess you know that,\u201d Chad said, as he poured coffee into brown pottery mugs.\u00a0 He handed one to each of them and sipped his own.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t prove nothing, but I\u2019m sure he\u2019s been wrecking fences and some of my cattle have bin run off.\u00a0 Nuthin\u2019 stolen you understand; it\u2019s all carefully planned to cause me trouble but not break the law.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sipped the coffee and tried not to make a face. Tom had been the cook and<\/p>\n Chad obviously hadn\u2019t mastered the art.\u00a0 It was thick and black with a distinctly bitter taste.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been prowling around our<\/em> boundary fence for several days now.\u00a0 He\u2019s gonna make a move sooner or later, and I plan to be there when he does,\u201d Adam said, his voice beginning to show anger.<\/p>\n Ben glared at him. \u201cYou\u2019ll keep your temper.\u00a0 I want no fight with Clifford.\u00a0 We\u2019ll let the law handle it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam raised his eyes to the roof and sighed. \u201cWe let him start logging before we do anything, is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, that\u2019s not it, but we don\u2019t start anything unless he does.\u00a0 Roy will do what\u2019s necessary if we swear out a complaint.\u201d<\/p>\n Chad nodded.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, your Pa\u2019s right.\u00a0 Kenney has to abide by the law.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cLike he abided by the injunction, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019ll do.\u00a0 If you can\u2019t control yourself, you\u2019ll stay at the ranch until this problem is solved,\u201d\u00a0 Ben snapped.<\/p>\n Adam went back to his unpalatable coffee as a way to hide his expression from his father, but he didn\u2019t change his opinion of the method required to deal with Clifford or Kenney.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got Steve keeping patrols on the boundary now, but they can still slip by them if they\u2019ve a mind to,\u201d Chad went on.\u00a0 \u201cMaybe we can get together and increase the numbers?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cSure, Chad. \u00a0We\u2019ve already added extra guards to that stand of fir he\u2019s after. It\u2019s hard to put too many men on at the moment; I\u2019ve got a big timber contract to fulfil and the branding to finish, not to mention all the routine chores.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see what Jake and Jose can come up with tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0 He put his coffee cup down and got to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cI was hoping maybe you\u2019d ride into town with me and swear out a complaint against Clifford.\u00a0 It\u2019d give Roy something to work with and maybe slow them down a bit.\u00a0 It\u2019s not just the timber; Kenney\u2019s going to move soon on the vote for the cattle drive, if that goes his way we\u2019re in big trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive me five minutes to talk to Steve and I\u2019ll be with you, and don\u2019t worry about the cattle drive; we\u2019ve got enough votes to hold him,\u201d Chad said, joining Ben at the door.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, you ride on home.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back before supper.\u201d\u00a0 Ben pushed open the door as he spoke over his shoulder to his son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Early on Saturday afternoon, Adam and Hoss saddled up to go into town. \u00a0Adam had failed in his attempt to talk Lucy into attending the dance with him, but he figured he\u2019d go anyway.\u00a0 Ross and Delphine might be there, and he hadn\u2019t seen them for weeks.\u00a0 He and Hoss planned a few drinks at the Silver Dollar before the dance, and if it proved a waste of time, he could always slip over to the Washoe Club for some good whisky and pleasant conversation.<\/p>\n Joe watched them wistfully.\u00a0 He wanted to take Annie, but Pa wasn\u2019t going, and had refused to allow Joe to go without him, saying that it wasn\u2019t fair to ask Adam to watch out for him.\u00a0 This was a sentiment with which Adam wholeheartedly agreed.\u00a0 Joe had to stay home and hope that she wouldn\u2019t find a replacement for him.\u00a0 He had tried hard all week to stay as close to her as possible, for once he was worried about his ability to hold on to a girl.\u00a0 She was pretty and popular and several of the other boys had tried to persuade her to go to the dance with them.\u00a0 Not being able to see her from Friday afternoon until Monday gave far too many opportunities to his rivals.\u00a0 He had taken lots of girls to dances and parties \u2013 even kissed a few of them, but this one was different.\u00a0 When he had stolen that quick kiss after school, his feelings had surprised him.\u00a0 He knew he wanted to repeat the experience preferably when they were alone.<\/p>\n His thoughts turned to his best friend, or at least he had been his best friend until Friday.\u00a0 Mitch had wanted to ask Val, but he knew his father wouldn\u2019t approve, although with Joe out of the picture, he was very tempted.\u00a0 All week he had tried to talk to her, but she been particularly bad-tempered and had brushed him aside.\u00a0 Joe had sympathised with him and joked that he would do the asking for him.\u00a0 For the first time in ten years, the two had fallen out and were not speaking to each other.\u00a0 Joe had been astonished at Mitch\u2019s accusations.\u00a0 He had no idea that Val liked him, and when his friend told him he treated it as a joke.\u00a0 Mitch had almost come to blows with him and they had parted on very bad terms.<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u201dt Mitch comin\u2019 over to visit?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss asked as he tightened Chub\u2019s cinch and prepared to mount up.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head; now Hoss was becoming a mind reader like Pa.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWe fell out.<\/p>\n He\u2019s not speaking to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up in surprise. \u201cWhat happened?\u00a0 I thought you two were inseparable.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw, he\u2019s got some crazy idea that I want his girl,\u201d Joe grinned. \u201cWell, she ain\u2019t exactly his girl, \u2018cos he\u2019s scared to ask her out, but he likes her a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t imagine either of you being scared of a girl; who is this terrifying woman?\u201d Adam laughed.<\/p>\n Joe joined the laughter. \u201cHe\u2019s not scared of her<\/em>; he\u2019s scared of his Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam dropped Sport\u2019s reins and looked puzzled.\u00a0 \u201cNow you\u2019ve totally confused me.\u00a0 What are you talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMitch thinks his Pa wouldn\u2019t approve of her,\u201d he explained patiently.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s Val<\/p>\n Bonner.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gave a nod and a knowing glance. \u201cWell, now it makes sense.\u00a0 Yeah, Mr. Devlin sure wouldn\u2019t like Mitch going any place with a Bonner.\u201d\u00a0 He stared hard at his little brother. \u00a0\u201cAnd Pa wouldn\u2019t want you around her, either.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed. \u201cAw, come on, Adam.\u00a0 Just \u2018cos her brothers are a bit wild, don\u2019t mean she is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust the same little brother, stay clear.\u00a0 Remind me to tell you sometime about a few of the things Jeff and Rick got me involved in a few years back.\u201d\u00a0 He swung into the saddle and raised a hand.\u00a0 \u201cHave a nice time with Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grimaced as his brothers rode away and turned back to collecting the eggs.\u00a0 He knew Hop Sing had a whole string of other similar chores waiting.\u00a0 While he worked he thought of Annie and planned a few outings with her for when his punishment was completed. He allowed his imagination full rein, but every now and again as he pictured Annie, thoughts of Val would pop unbidden into his head.\u00a0 Adam was right; Pa would have a fit if he started seeing her. He didn\u2019t particularly like her, she was too shy. Annie was much more lively and likely to get parental approval.\u00a0 He grinned; sometimes forbidden fruit was more fun.\u00a0 He mentally chided himself.\u00a0 She was his best friend\u2019s girl, but then Mitch hadn\u2019t actually taken her out, and they weren\u2019t best friends anymore.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Hoss wandered into the dance half way through the evening.\u00a0 Neither had partners, and while Hoss made for a corner where he could watch, Adam headed off to find a dancing partner.\u00a0 A reel was underway and most girls were dancing.\u00a0 He looked around for Ross and Del but couldn\u2019t see them, maybe they had stayed home this week.\u00a0 He\u2019d have to drop by to see them sometime soon. He spotted Mitch chatting to a youngster he didn\u2019t recognised and wondered if it was the girl Joe had been talking about all week.\u00a0 He idly speculated that maybe Mitch was getting his own back on Joe by stealing his girl tonight.\u00a0 After a couple of dances, he wandered over to talk to Rick Bonner, who was standing at the edge of the dance floor with a beer in his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t expect to see you here, Rick.\u00a0 It\u2019s a bit tame for you, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he said, helping himself to a glass of fruit punch.<\/p>\n Rick grinned.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t drink too much of that stuff; it\u2019s bad for you.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded in the direction of the dance floor where Jeff was dancing with a small dark girl. \u201cMy sister wanted to come, and no one asked her.\u00a0 Guess that\u2019s what you get for being related to me. Pa said it was our fault so we could put it right.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cMust be the first time for about twenty years you\u2019ve listened to your Pa, except when he was rustling cattle.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick didn\u2019t take offence.\u00a0 He was used to folks referring to his father\u2019s shady past and his own. \u201cOh, I don\u2019t mind, neither does Jeff.\u00a0 Val\u2019s a good kid.\u00a0 It\u2019s not her fault she\u2019s got lousy half brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTalking of cattle rustling, Rick, you heard anything about Clifford\u2019s operation?\u201d\u00a0 Adam said casually.<\/p>\n Rick gave him a searching look.\u00a0 \u201cYou asking if I bin approached?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNow, would I?\u201d<\/p>\n Rick grinned. \u201cYes, you would.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d Adam tilted his head on one side and waited.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of Clifford\u2019s men has been asking around for drovers.\u00a0 Word has it that he prefers those who have a criminal record.\u00a0 But that\u2019s gossip.\u201d\u00a0 Rick placed his beer on the table and turned his back to the dance floor. \u201cTake it easy, buddy.\u00a0 He\u2019s hiring gun hands, too. I\u2019d hate to have you wind up dead.\u00a0 We bin through some good times together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t answer the main question, Rick.\u00a0 Who\u2019s he after to head up the drive?\u201d<\/p>\n Rick shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWe turned him down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMoney\u2019d be good, Rick,\u201d Adam said softly.<\/p>\n Rick leaned closer to Adam. \u201cHe didn\u2019t actually say it was Ponderosa beef we\u2019d be driving, but for the money he\u2019s offering, he didn\u2019t have to.\u00a0 I\u2019ve seen you draw a gun in anger. \u00a0I\u2019d just as soon not be looking down the barrel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I might just say thanks by asking that pretty sister of yours for a dance,\u201d Adam grinned.<\/p>\n Rick thumped him on the back.\u00a0 \u201cJust watch what you get up to with my kid sister, Cartwright.\u00a0 You forget, I\u2019ve spent a few evenings in your company. I know what you get up to with pretty girls.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam moved off to cut in on Jeff and called over his shoulder.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMy intentions are strictly honorable.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019d better be.\u00a0 She prefers your brother,\u201d Rick laughed.<\/p>\n Adam soon found the truth of this remark.\u00a0 All the while he danced with Val, she did nothing but ask about Joe.\u00a0 He did his best to answer her questions without allowing his amusement to show.\u00a0 He found her concern quite touching and resolved to tease his brother about it when he got home.\u00a0 After two dances, he whirled her back to Rick and went off to find Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cYou ready to go?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n Hoss nodded.\u00a0 \u201cBin ready since we got here, but you were otherwise occupied.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 He indicated Val with a grin.\u00a0 \u201cIsn\u2019t she a mite young for you?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNice kid, but she has lousy taste in men, prefers our kid brother. Come on, let\u2019s go.\u00a0 I\u2019ll treat you to a beer before we head home.\u201d\u00a0 He led the way through the dancers to the door.\u00a0 As they moved out into the fresh night air a rider came by with a body stretched over a saddle.\u00a0 Adam frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s one of Chad\u2019s men.\u00a0 I wonder who died?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWanna check it out?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, maybe we\u2019d better.\u201d Adam started down C street toward the Sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n By the time they got there, Roy was lifting the blanket to check the body.<\/p>\n \u201cMy God, it\u2019s Chad,\u201d Adam exclaimed, his voice full of disbelief.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 5<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben Cartwright replaced his hat firmly on his head, and nodding to the preacher, made his way over to where his three sons were waiting for him. Behind him friends and neighbours were also paying their last respects to Chad Hammond, and Roy Coffee was watching each one carefully.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t share Ben\u2019s opinion that the rancher had been murdered, but he would investigate anyway.\u00a0 So far, everything pointed to a sad accident.<\/p>\n One of his ranch hands had found Chad\u2019s horse running loose\u00a0 He had searched and found the body at the bottom of an old mine shaft.\u00a0 To the Storey County Sheriff it appeared that he had been checking the area for strays and, for some reason, had dismounted and then missed his footing.\u00a0 This was the only reasonable explanation.\u00a0 Chad had been upset at his brother\u2019s recent death; maybe he wasn\u2019t being as careful as usual.<\/p>\n Ben had already mounted Buck by the time Roy ambled over to speak to him, and he leaned on his saddle horn as he listened.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve checked into everything, Ben, just like you asked me to.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing to suggest that it was anything other than an accident and no evidence to show that Frank<\/p>\n Clifford was involved.\u201d\u00a0 He lifted his hat and scratched his head.\u00a0 \u201cAre you sure you\u2019re not looking for something because you don\u2019t like Clifford?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben twisted his head to one side in exasperation.\u00a0 \u201cYou know me better than that Roy. But it\u2019s mighty funny that only two of the big ranchers stood up to Kenney and Clifford, and now one of \u2018em\u2019s dead.\u00a0 That gives them a clear run at the next Cattlemen\u2019s Association meeting to get Kenney\u2019s proposition accepted.\u00a0 The support he has can almost certainly out vote us and the few small ranchers who support us.\u00a0 Without everyone sticking together the fall drive is going to cost me plenty.\u00a0 With Chad gone that ranch is likely to go up for sale, and Kenney gets his timber.\u00a0 It\u2019s all a little too convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cThat don\u2019t mean he\u2019s a murderer, Ben.\u00a0 In any case Chad\u2019s heir could still support you.\u00a0 It\u2019s the ranch that has the vote not the man.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam walked his horse forward and joined the conversation.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t know Chad had any kin; he never spoke of any.\u00a0 The ranch could go up for sale for taxes and the rest to the state.\u201d He paused.\u00a0 \u201cThe only man around here with enough spare cash to buy the place is likely to be Kenney.\u00a0 At least he\u2019ll put up the money for Clifford to buy, so he gets the vote anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy pointed a finger at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that\u2019s where you\u2019re wrong.\u00a0 Chad had relatives in England. Apparently he has an heir, a Kit Hammond, who just happened to be in New York and was planning to visit him.\u00a0 He is coming over to sort out the arrangements. I\u2019ve been asked to act as a contact until he gets here.\u00a0 Should be about three or four weeks, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d be grateful if you\u2019d introduce me as soon as he arrives, Roy.<\/p>\n Maybe I can persuade him to hold on to the ranch and vote with us, at least for a few months until this year\u2019s round up and cattle drive is sorted out.\u201d<\/p>\n The sheriff nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll do that.\u201d\u00a0 He walked away and the four Cartwrights turned their horses for home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later that evening as the four of them sat around the fire after supper, the subject of Chad\u2019s death came up again.\u00a0 Ben and Adam were discussing what they could do to fend off the challenge from Kenney and Clifford. \u00a0Financially, the ranch was stretched to its limits, and any attack right now that cost them money would be difficult to beat. \u00a0Joe and Hoss were playing a game of cards for matchsticks. \u00a0Joe was winning easily and a large pile sat beside him.\u00a0 Joe was half-listening to their conversation but didn\u2019t really understanding it.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you want it sold to Mr. Kenney, Pa?\u201d he asked. \u201cSeems to me it would save a lot of work to let him make the drive.\u201d\u00a0 He gathered up another pile of matches and grinned at Hoss.<\/p>\n Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cBecause we\u2019d lose a lot of money on the deal.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben waived Adam to silence and tried to explain, \u201cJoe, the Cattlemen\u2019s Association has an agreement that means we all follow the same course and that is determined by a vote. There are two being proposed.\u00a0 Firstly, that we do as we have done before: the Ponderosa heads up the drive and all the ranches supply hands to help out.\u00a0 Whatever price we get at the railhead is divided up in proportion to the number of steers each ranch supplies. The second proposition, from Kenney and Clifford, is that they buy up all the cattle here and make the drive with their own drovers.\u00a0 At the moment, the vote is in our favor, but the loss of the Circle H vote means Clifford and Kenney will get their way. Once it\u2019s done, they reduce the price they\u2019re offering until the poorer members have to sell out, not just their cattle but their property too. Each one that sells makes it harder for the rest of us to survive against him, even the Ponderosa. Kenney would also get the timber on the Circle H.\u00a0 He is over-committed with his contracts and without it he can\u2019t survive. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, I guess so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt won\u2019t matter to you anyway.\u00a0 You won\u2019t be going along on the round up or the drive, if we make it,\u201d Adam said with a smug expression, knowing how much his younger brother wanted to do just that.<\/p>\n Joe gave him another angry look then turned his attention to his father.\u00a0 \u201cI will, won\u2019t I, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, wishing Adam had left this subject alone for a while yet.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Joe, not this year.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe got to his feet.\u00a0 \u201cWhy not?\u201d he demanded.<\/p>\n Ben raised his eyebrows. \u201cSit down and keep your temper,\u201d he ordered \u201cYou won\u2019t be going because you will be in school.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t sit; neither did he control his temper. \u201cThat\u2019s not fair!\u00a0 Hoss had left school by the time he was my age.\u00a0 Why do I have to stay?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben glared at him. \u201cWe aren\u2019t talking about Hoss; we are talking about you, and you have another year at school.\u201d<\/p>\n This was too much for Joe.\u00a0 He exploded all at once.\u00a0 \u201cA year!\u00a0 I\u2019ll be sixteen by then. \u00a0I\u2019m not going for another year!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou will do as you are told, young man.\u00a0 Now sit down.\u201d\u00a0 Ben knew this wouldn\u2019t be the end of it.\u00a0 He could see Joe beginning a campaign to leave school.\u00a0 He could recall the battles he had been through with his older sons \u2013 Hoss to leave and Adam to stay.\u00a0 Why was it they always wanted to do the opposite of his wishes?\u00a0 He harbored a vain hope that Joe might follow his brother to college, but at the moment, keeping him in school was a big enough task.\u00a0 He knew that as the summer weather improved Joe would begin his annual ritual of cutting classes.\u00a0 He hoped that this new schoolmaster would put a stop to it; at least he knew that he would hear about it.<\/p>\n Joe sat down but grumbled under his breath until he heard his father clear his throat.\u00a0 He knew that if he didn\u2019t keep quiet he would be in more trouble.\u00a0 Ben watched him for a moment then turned his attention back to Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to go to Genoa tomorrow to look at those horses of Jim Barron\u2019s and won\u2019t get back for a couple of days.\u00a0 It might be worth you going over to the Circle H and having a word with Steve Duncan.\u00a0 If we can get him on our side, he might be able to sway the opinion of his new boss.\u00a0 He was Chad\u2019s foreman for five years and knew how Chad felt about Clifford and Kenney,\u201d Ben said thoughtfully.<\/p>\n Adam nodded slowly.\u00a0 \u201cSteve wants to make the drive, but as it\u2019s not for nearly four months, I guess it\u2019s not his decision.\u00a0 I sure wish we knew more about this Kit Hammond.\u00a0 Do you think he\u2019s English?\u201d<\/p>\n His father tapped out his pipe and began to fill it.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know. I hope not.\u00a0 If he is, he will most likely want to sell to go back to Europe, and there is no possibility of us buying him out. \u00a0I simply don\u2019t have that sort of reserve.\u00a0 If he gets wind of Kenney and Clifford\u2019s plans, he\u2019ll certainly sell.\u00a0 He won\u2019t want to get involved in a range war with Clifford\u2019s men.\u201d\u00a0 He lit his pipe and puffed on it gently. \u00a0\u201cI wouldn\u2019t be surprised to see Clifford move in and start logging now.\u00a0 You\u2019d better tell Steve to double his guards.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou really think one of his men killed Chad Hammond?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked looking up from his hand of cards.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid I do.\u00a0 Chad had lived on that ranch for enough years to know where all those old mine shafts were located.\u00a0 He and Tom started most of them back in the days when they thought there might be more money in the ground than growing on it,\u201d Ben replied, his head wreathed in blue smoke from his pipe.<\/p>\n Joe looked up.\u00a0 \u201cWell he was kinda old, Pa.\u00a0 Maybe he stumbled.\u201d<\/p>\n His father gave a small smile.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I think he was about my age. That would make him kinda old, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe blushed and Hoss grinned at his little brother\u2019s discomfort.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s brow was wrinkled in a worried frown.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIf they went after Chad, they might come after you,\u201d he suggested.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t mentioned his talk with Rick about gunmen, but it was uppermost in his mind now.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cClifford\u2019s not that stupid.\u00a0 He only needed one of us to change the vote.\u00a0 When he couldn\u2019t achieve that any other way, he went for the weakest. He went for Chad because, with Tom dead, he knew he had a good chance of getting the Circle H. \u00a0I guess, like the rest of us, he thought there were no heirs. He knows that if he kills me, you and Hoss would still oppose him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later when Joe was in bed, he went over the events of the evening.\u00a0 If only Pa and his brothers would stop treating him as a kid.\u00a0 Adam was the worst, and it made him so mad. \u00a0He and Cochise could handle steers as well as, if not better, than Adam.<\/p>\n As if his thoughts could make his brother materialise, the door creaked open, \u201cYou asleep?\u201d Adam asked as he poked his head around the door.<\/p>\n Joe sat up in bed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo, lying here thinking,\u201d he replied, hoping Adam would go away.\u00a0 He could feel a lecture about to begin.<\/p>\n Adam eased himself down into the padded chair.\u00a0 \u201cAbout what Pa said, I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed and sat up, hugging the quilt around his knees, \u201cThat and other things.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 You know what you said about Mr. Clifford maybe threatening Pa?\u00a0 Do you think he would do anything?\u201d<\/p>\n His brother frowned.\u00a0 \u201cNo, like Pa said, he\u2019d only have to deal with us.\u00a0 He might try to persuade Pa to change his mind, but I don\u2019t think he\u2019d harm him.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe relaxed.\u00a0 \u201cA cattle drive\u2019ll be fun,\u201d he said giving Adam a grin.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh…. Pa said you weren\u2019t going.\u00a0 Now what are you up to?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared at him in wide eyed innocence.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMe!\u00a0 I\u2019m only working out how to talk him round… and I will.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam got to his feet and wandered to the window.\u00a0 \u201cCare to bet on that?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled.\u00a0 \u201cDollar says I go.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took his outstretched hand.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEasiest dollar, I\u2019ve ever earned,\u201d he said, sinking down on to the bed, which creaked under his weight.\u00a0 \u201cOh, by the way, I\u2019d better tell you I\u2019ve been trying to steal one of your admirers.\u201d\u00a0 He laughed at Joe\u2019s expression of puzzlement. \u201cI danced with this very pretty young lady at the dance last week, and all she did was talk about you.\u00a0 I must say I was rather disappointed that she wasn\u2019t interested in me.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face relaxed into a smile.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, Annie you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNope, Valerie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, you\u2019re kidding me.\u00a0 She\u2019s not interested in me; that\u2019s just Mitch\u2019s crazy idea.\u201d\u00a0 Joe appeared casual, but his mind was racing; two girls might be more fun than one.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if she\u2019s not interested, she sure puts on a great act, little brother.\u00a0\u00a0 Looks like your southern charm is leading you into trouble,\u201d Adam joked.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, maybe, older brother, but at least I\u2019ve got a girl …or maybe two.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t seen you with anyone on your arm recently.\u00a0 Want some lessons?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had recovered enough from Lucy\u2019s rejection to laugh, and he reached out to give Joe a friendly jab.\u00a0 \u201cSeriously, Joe, be careful with Val.\u00a0 Pa won\u2019t approve, and Rick is kinda protective of his little sister.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry. \u00a0I\u2019ll watch my step, might even give you a few tips,\u201d he chuckled.<\/p>\n Adam wondered why it couldn\u2019t always be like this: he and his younger brother in easy conversation instead of at each others throats.\u00a0 He considered himself a fairly steady character, but he couldn\u2019t always handle Joe\u2019s more volatile nature.\u00a0 He knew his logical approach irritated his young brother, but he could no more change than Joe could.\u00a0 They continued to talk about the girls and the cattle drive until their father put his head around the door about an hour later.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I heard you two.\u00a0 It\u2019s way past time for you to be asleep, Joe.\u00a0 You\u2019ve got school tomorrow.\u201d\u00a0 He looked at Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAnd you\u2019ve got a hard day mending fence with Hoss, so it wouldn\u2019t hurt you to get to bed either.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned and winked at Joe.\u00a0 \u201cYes, sir,\u201d he said with some sarcasm, causing his father to frown.<\/p>\n Ben waited until Adam had reached the door then turned back to Joe.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTomorrow, after school you get this room tidy.\u00a0 Hop Sing doesn\u2019t have time to clear up after you.\u201d\u00a0 He indicated the cluttered surfaces and the clothes scattered where they had been dropped.<\/p>\n Joe sighed, \u201cYes, sir.\u201d\u00a0 He lay down again and gave his father an irritated look when he pulled the quilt over him and tucked him in.<\/p>\n \u201cNight, Joe.\u00a0 Sleep well,\u201d Ben said as he blew out the lamp and pulled the door closed behind him.<\/p>\n Joe stayed awake for a while thinking about the cattle drive.\u00a0 He just had to go.\u00a0 He would talk Pa into it somehow.\u00a0 He\u2019d also talk him into letting him have a gun.\u00a0 Well he had one but Pa didn\u2019t know that.\u00a0 <\/em>All his friends except Mitch had them, and they were beginning to tease him about it.\u00a0 He had noticed Annie admiring Billy Walsh\u2019s new gun and Billy admiring Annie.\u00a0 Not being able to meet her except in school was making his life very difficult.\u00a0 He knew that she had been riding with Billy; although she denied that she cared anything about him.\u00a0 He also wondered whether he should do anything about the revelations from Adam concerning Val.\u00a0 He\u2019d never really thought about her as a potential girlfriend before, but now Mitch and Adam both thought she liked him.\u00a0 Maybe he could make Annie jealous.\u00a0 He smiled to himself,\u00a0 With all this going on in his head, it was funny that Pa still treated him like a baby, tucking him in at night and checking up on him all the time.\u00a0 He wished he had been born the eldest.\u00a0 Then he thought, well, maybe not, it was sometimes fun being the youngest.\u00a0 He finally fell asleep wishing he could prove to them all that he was grown up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 6<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Today had started well for Joe. Pa had gone to Genoa the day before yesterday, leaving Adam in charge, something Joe usually hated, but today it had given him an idea.\u00a0 Pa was going to be away until tomorrow night!\u00a0 Adam had seen Steve Duncan yesterday, and today he and Hoss had gone out early to begin the work of rounding up the cattle for the move up to the higher pastures, and they wouldn\u2019t be back until supper time.<\/p>\n He met up with his friends on the way to school and discovered that Mitch, Billy and Annie planned to cut classes.\u00a0 It hadn\u2019t taken much persuasion to get him to accompany them despite his father\u2019s warnings.\u00a0\u00a0 He knew he should have been in school, but he hated the classroom on a sunny day.\u00a0 In fact these days he hated it any day.<\/p>\n He was fifteen now.\u00a0 Why wouldn\u2019t Pa agree to let him give up school?\u00a0 They had argued about it endlessly, but Joe always lost. He could easily hide the caning Johnson would hand out tomorrow, he decided.<\/p>\n They had gone to the southern end of the lake to fish, and he had been kinda hoping he might persuade Annie to go swimming with him.\u00a0 He smiled at the idea. The morning had been glorious: they had fished and eaten what they had caught.\u00a0 Joe had been relieved to discover that Annie treated Mitch and Billy as friends and no more.\u00a0 She reserved her winks and smiles for him.<\/p>\n After lunch the four of them lay back on the shore and talked, Annie beside him, their hands touching.\u00a0 He had leaned over and whispered to her, and they had got to their feet intending to go for a walk alone, but Mitch and Billy had other ideas.<\/p>\n \u201cCome on, let\u2019s swim,\u201d Billy suggested, grinning at Annie and starting to unbutton his shirt.\u00a0 Joe smiled; he hadn\u2019t even had to be the one to suggest it.\u00a0 He had looked at Annie with a sly grin.\u00a0\u00a0 She didn\u2019t seem in the least put out by the suggestion.\u00a0 <\/em><\/strong>Yes, it had promised to be a good day and should have remained that way, but fate had decreed otherwise.\u00a0 He glanced up and saw his brother\u2019s chestnut horse coming towards them through the trees at the water\u2019s edge.\u00a0 Suddenly the day didn\u2019t seem so good, and there was a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Why, for heaven\u2019s sake, had Adam decided to take a detour to check up on the south boundary fences? He was supposed to be in entirely the opposite direction. The Ponderosa was big enough, for God\u2019s sake!\u00a0 Why did he have to be here now?<\/p>\n \u201cWell, well, what do we have here?\u201d\u00a0 Adam leaned on the saddle horn and surveyed the quartet.\u00a0 \u201cAm I wrong?\u00a0 I thought today was a school day.\u201d<\/p>\n The four stared at him but no one offered an explanation.\u00a0 Joe sighed,\u00a0 It was his brother, so he guessed he was elected.\u00a0 \u201cC\u2019mon, Adam, it\u2019s too hot for school; didn\u2019t you ever cut classes?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s mouth twisted into a wry smile.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s for me to know.\u00a0 Billy, get on home.\u00a0 And since you live in town, you can take the young lady with you and see she gets safely back.\u00a0 Mitch, if you\u2019re still here when I count to ten, then I\u2019ll ride with you and explain to your Pa why.\u00a0 And as for you, little brother, you can come with me and check fences.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced at Mitch and Billy and started counting. \u201cOne\u2026 two\u2026 three\u2026\u201d he didn\u2019t make it to four.\u00a0 Mitch, Billy and Annie decided that riding home alone was better than being accompanied by Adam and left.<\/p>\n Joe watched them go with some trepidation.\u00a0 Adam could be worse than Pa with his lectures.\u00a0 He had a tongue that could cut deep and make a body feel real guilty about absolutely nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, c\u2019mon.\u201d \u00a0Adam said with some impatience. \u201cWe\u2019ve got work to do, and I don\u2019t have all day.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe tried to hide his surprise, where was the lecture?\u00a0 Maybe later, when they were working together, he figured.\u00a0 He swung into the saddle and followed Sport as they headed back on to the main trail.\u00a0 Never one to stay silent for long, he had to voice some of the questions or explode.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you were with Hoss\u00a0\u00a0 down in the meadows?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss has plenty of help. I wanted to check out the southern boundary fences.\u201d\u00a0 Adam replied over his shoulder.<\/p>\n Joe rode up alongside Sport and glanced at his older brother and then dawn broke.\u00a0 \u201cYou wanted to see if Clifford was around without Pa knowin\u2019 you might be riding into trouble.\u201d\u00a0 Joe grinned.<\/p>\n Adam turned toward him with a self-deprecating smile, \u201cGot it in one, little brother.\u00a0 There\u2019s a stand of trees ready for cutting near the Carson City road.\u00a0 It would be an ideal spot for timber rustlers to get in and out quick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut why not tell Pa and bring some hands with you in case of trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause, little brother, with a whole pack of us, we\u2019d never be able to sneak in and catch them at work.\u00a0 Timber rustlers have lookouts, and a posse of hands would be spotted a mile off.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, admiring his older brother for once.\u00a0 \u201cSo where do we start?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled Sport to a halt and waited while Joe did the same to Cochise. \u201cThere is no \u2018we\u2019, little brother.\u00a0 Pa might forgive me for getting myself killed, but he sure wouldn\u2019t be forgiving if anything happened to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAw, c\u2019mon, Adam.\u00a0 I can shoot a rifle as good as anyone, and you gotta admit there\u2019s no one better at sneaking around than me.\u201d\u00a0 He turned on his charm full force.<\/p>\n \u201cNo deal, Joe.\u00a0 We ride back to the herd and you can finish your day helping out.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed, it had been worth a try, but he had not held out much hope that Adam would take him along to catch rustlers.\u00a0 \u201cYou gonna tell Pa, I cut school?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWon\u2019t have to, you\u2019re gonna do that.\u00a0 If you don\u2019t, he\u2019ll know as soon as Johnson sends him a note.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe acknowledged the truth of that as they set their horses in the direction of the meadows.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about\u2026 well, back there?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked after a few minutes.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I tell him where you were and what you were doing, then I\u2019d have to admit to being there.\u201d Adam grinned. \u201cIf he doesn\u2019t ask, I see no reason to tell him we met anywhere other than the meadows.\u00a0 But I want a promise that you won\u2019t go off alone with Annie and try skinny dipping again.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to his brother, \u201cYou are not kids anymore, and her parents wouldn\u2019t understand.\u00a0 You\u2019re old enough to know that one thing can lead to another. Annie\u2019s seems a nice girl.\u00a0 Why not ask her father for permission to walk out with her, if you really like her?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grimaced, \u201cWalking out?\u00a0 Sounds like what old people say.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam chuckled, \u201cI thought you wanted to be \u2018like us old people\u2019.\u00a0 If you want to see a girl as more than a friend, then that\u2019s what it\u2019s called and that\u2019s what you do.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged, \u201cI hadn\u2019t thought about it like that.\u00a0 Not sure I\u2019m that serious about her.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned, \u201cWant to keep your options open for Val, no doubt.\u00a0 So, if you aren\u2019t serious, then don\u2019t be alone together.\u00a0 Pa must have told you that.\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled.\u00a0 I doubt his little talk has altered much in twelve years.\u201d<\/p>\n Both brothers then went off into gales of laughter as they remembered Pa\u2019s \u2018birds and bees\u2019 speech.<\/p>\n They rode along in companionable silence for a mile or two, and then Adam held up a hand and indicated that Joe should move to the side of the trail and keep quiet.\u00a0 He swung down from Sport, unshipping his rifle as he did so, and Joe mirrored his actions.\u00a0 They both moved into the undergrowth, leaving their horses just off the trail.<\/p>\n \u201cOver to our right, I can hear voices.\u201d\u00a0 Adam whispered.\u00a0 \u201cIn that grove of trees.\u201d He pointed to his right.<\/p>\n Joe listened hard but heard nothing.\u00a0 Slowly and very quietly Adam led the way forward until the undergrowth began to give way to taller trees.\u00a0 Here the ground cover was less, and the risk of being seen by their quarry became too great to continue.\u00a0 From their vantage point behind some scrub and rocks, they could see three men talking and pointing at various pines.<\/p>\n \u201cClifford,\u201d whispered Adam.\u00a0 \u201cStay here and don\u2019t move.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe wasn\u2019t given time to respond before Adam was moving through the trees. \u201cYou\u2019re on Ponderosa land.\u201d He spoke loudly to the three men, who all turned rapidly toward him, hands reaching for guns, only to find themselves looking down the barrel of Adam\u2019s rifle.<\/p>\n All three allowed their guns to drop back into their holsters.<\/p>\n \u201cMount up and get out of here.\u201d\u00a0 Adam added, gesturing with the rifle.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you gonna run us off, all by yourself?\u00a0 You can\u2019t shoot three of us.\u201d\u00a0 Clifford laughed.<\/p>\n One of the men had side stepped and was now almost at right angles to Adam.\u00a0 There was no way to cover all three, so Adam kept his rifle aimed at Clifford, figuring that Clifford controlled his men and wouldn\u2019t risk a bullet.<\/p>\n \u201cHe can take two of you before you can draw, and I\u2019ll deal with him.\u201d\u00a0 Joe had stepped forward, and he indicated the third man with his rifle.<\/p>\n Clifford waivered.\u00a0 It was true they could probably take the Cartwrights down but at what cost.\u00a0 He would be the most likely first victim.\u00a0 He held his hands up in surrender, \u201cYou got us this time, Cartwright, but only \u2018cos you got the kid with you.\u00a0 Next time you won\u2019t be so lucky.\u00a0 You ain\u2019t gonna hang on to this timber or this ranch for more than a few months, and you know it.\u00a0 Kenney\u2019s got you surrounded, and we\u2019ll have the Hammond place for taxes.\u00a0 You\u2019ll have nowhere to go, no water and nowhere to drive them steers of yours.\u00a0 We can wait, can\u2019t we boys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNever mind the speech, Clifford, just mount up and ride out of here.\u201d Adam gestured again with his rifle.\u00a0 Then he backed up, until he was standing next to, but slightly forward of, his younger brother.<\/p>\n He waited until he was sure that Clifford and his men had ridden back to the trail, and then he turned to Joe, \u201cLike Pa says, you don\u2019t obey too good, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked at his boots then back up to his older brother\u2019s face. \u201cI thought you could use some back up.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head, but his eyes were smiling, \u201cGood to know you were there, little brother, but next time try to follow orders.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s face lit up like a sunrise when he realised that his older brother wasn\u2019t mad at him and, in fact, was pleased that he had been there to help.\u00a0 \u201cSure thing, Adam.\u00a0 You think Clifford has really gone, or will he just double back when we move out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re gonna make sure he\u2019s gone.\u00a0 We\u2019ll follow at a fair distance until we see where they\u2019re headed.\u00a0 Then we\u2019ll swing by the camp and send a couple of men up here to keep an eye out for him.\u00a0 Because if there\u2019s one thing I\u2019m sure of, he meant what he said.\u00a0 He needs these trees, or rather Kenney does, and he can\u2019t wait for the Ponderosa to go under before he gets them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pushed his plate away and picked up his coffee cup. \u00a0Over supper he had given his father an edited version of what had happened.\u00a0 In fact, a very edited version. He simply said that he had checked out the herd and taken a swing by the southern boundary and come across Clifford.\u00a0 Nothing about confronting him or that he was accompanied by his younger brother.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t like doing it, but he figured Pa would never stop lecturing if he said he had gone there deliberately.\u00a0 He also reckoned that Joe would be in enough trouble tomorrow when Pa found out he\u2019d cut school without adding the circumstances in which they had met and Joe\u2019s subsequent part in his meeting with Clifford.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you saw Clifford leave and made sure he was off our property?\u201d\u00a0 Ben needed things clarified.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam\u2019s story had been a little too clipped and to the point, and Ben was sure there was more to it.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you didn\u2019t take any risks with him.\u00a0 He\u2019s fast with a gun and usually has several men to back him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe left when I asked him to.\u201d\u00a0 Adam said simply.\u00a0 \u201cAfter I checked the herd, I rode into town and reported it to Roy. \u00a0He said that relative of Chad\u2019s will be in town later this week.\u201d\u00a0 Adam downed his coffee in one gulp and poured himself another.<\/p>\n Ben glanced up.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be riding into town Friday; I\u2019ll talk to Roy then.\u00a0 One of us will need to go over to the Circle H and welcome him, let him know exactly what\u2019s going on around here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou gonna tell him you think Chad was murdered, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked.<\/p>\n Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI think he has a right to know all the facts, even if it is more likely to make him decided to head off back to England.\u00a0 The man could be risking his life if he stays.\u00a0 He has a right to know what he\u2019s up against.\u201d He turned to Adam, and his expression was stern.\u00a0 \u201cOh, and I heard that you\u2019ve been talking to Rick Bonner about cattle drives.\u00a0 Would you care to discuss ranch business with me before you discuss it all over town?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam ignored his father\u2019s angry tone. \u201cIt was a casual conversation with a friend, no business was mentioned.\u00a0 Rick told me that Clifford is hiring guns and looking for drovers who don\u2019t mind whether they work within the law or not, that was all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Bonners are trouble. I don\u2019t know how many times I\u2019ve had to tell you that in the past ten years.\u00a0 No doubt the reason Clifford spoke to them is because he is planning on hiring them.\u00a0 I want you to steer clear of the whole family,\u201d Ben said sharply, banging down his coffee cup.<\/p>\n Adam bit his lip to control the hot words he felt like saying.\u00a0 Losing his temper would do no good, but he spoke in short angry sentences.\u00a0 \u201cClifford has already offered.\u00a0 Rick and Jeff turned him down.\u00a0 Like I said, they\u2019re friends of mine, and they don\u2019t want to wind up on opposite sides.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pushed back his chair and got to his feet, meeting Adam\u2019s dark eyes with a furious glare.\u00a0 \u201cStay away from them; that\u2019s an order.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pushed back his chair without speaking and went out into the yard slamming the door hard behind him.\u00a0 Hoss glanced at his father\u2019s angry expression and decided to follow his brother before he became embroiled in the argument.<\/p>\n Joe concentrated on the last few mouthfuls of his apple pie, now was not a good time to say anything, and he sure was relieved that Adam had avoided mentioning his part in the day\u2019s excitement.<\/p>\n Hoss found his brother right where he expected, by the wood pile with an axe in his hand.\u00a0 Ever since Hoss could remember, Adam had worked off his anger on that wood pile.\u00a0 He watched the muscles ripple under the black shirt as Adam took a mighty swing at an inoffensive log.\u00a0 The log had no chance of resistance and split neatly in two.\u00a0 Adam bent and picked up the larger of the pieces and repeated the process.<\/p>\n \u201cGuess with you and Pa arguin\u2019, we\u2019re gonna get the wood cut for the winter double quick agin.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss observed.<\/p>\n Adam was perfectly aware of Hoss\u2019 presence even before he spoke, but he didn\u2019t stop in his next swing.\u00a0 \u201cHe treats\u2026 me like\u2026 a child.\u201d\u00a0 Another log fell to the ground in two neat pieces.<\/p>\n \u201cCould be \u2018cos sometimes you gives him cause.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss drawled.<\/p>\n This made Adam stop swinging and lean on the axe as he glared at his brother.\u00a0 Then his expression softened, \u201cYou should take up giving advice for a living,\u201d he said, slowly.\u00a0 \u201cSometimes it\u2019s handy, but not today.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded assent. \u201cYou gonna tell me the rest of the story, or are you gonna make believe that me and Pa reckon you told it all?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam chuckled. \u201cI didn\u2019t think I\u2019d fool Pa, but at least he believed enough to let it go\u2026 you on the other hand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa was watchin\u2019 you. I could hear you, but I was watchin\u2019 little brother there.\u00a0 He have somethin\u2019 to do with why you\u2026 er\u2026 skirted the truth a bit?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gave a wry smile, \u201cYou could say that.\u00a0 He was down at the lake planning on skinny dipping with Annie and a couple of friends.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gave a low whistle.\u00a0 \u201cPa sure wouldn\u2019t like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope, he wouldn\u2019t.\u00a0 He\u2019ll get caught out for skipping school, but I figured with Pa in his present mood that was probably enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss drew a toe across the dirt and looked right into Adam\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHe was there when you met Clifford, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam rubbed his ear, a sure sign that he was nervous or worried.\u00a0 \u201cYeah, he was there; might have saved me from a beating or worse, too.\u00a0 I was stupid enough to confront Clifford, and he had two men with him. \u00a0I let one of them get behind me.\u00a0 They could have taken me, if they had a mind to, but little brother was right there with a rifle held on \u2018em.\u00a0 Course, I\u2019d told him to stay under cover, but I\u2019m sure glad he isn\u2019t too hot on obedience.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss chuckled, \u201cNever was his strong point, and I doubt he\u2019ll change.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam wrenched the axe from the stump and picked up another log.\u00a0 \u201cGive me half an hour and I\u2019ll be back inside.\u00a0 Should give Pa enough time to cool off, too.\u00a0 I can take his orders around the ranch but not when he starts telling me who to talk to and who can be my friends.\u00a0 I\u2019m not fifteen anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss accepted that Adam wasn\u2019t going to come back inside for a while, so he nodded and clapped Adam on the back.\u00a0 \u201cYou bin arguing with him for twenty-five years, ever since you could talk I \u2018spects.\u00a0 Neither of you are gonna change.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The next day was as bad as Joe had expected it to be.\u00a0 Mitch and Billy teased him about the telling off he had received from his brother at the lake and had no sympathy for him.\u00a0 That wouldn\u2019t have been so bad if he hadn\u2019t recognised the unpleasant fact that the two of them were becoming best friends, with him on the outside of their friendship.<\/p>\n Mr. Johnson was true to his word and handed out a caning to each of them, even Annie.\u00a0 Joe fidgeted for most of the day; his hand hurt, and he was thoroughly miserable.<\/p>\n Supper was a difficult meal. Adam and Ben were still only talking about ranch business and then only in brief sentences.\u00a0 Joe was sulkin, and Hoss despaired of them all and concentrated on his roast.\u00a0 Finally, after nearly half an hour of brooding silence, Ben spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cI met Roy in town today.\u00a0 He said Hammond arrived yesterday. Adam, I\u2019d like you to ride over tomorrow get acquainted and see what you can find out.\u00a0 Invite him over here to supper or something.\u00a0 I\u2019d go with you but I have to see those cattle buyers from Sacramento.\u201d Ben waited impatiently for Adam to answer.<\/p>\n Adam finished his mouthful of food and took a drink of water, knowing that he was irritating his father with every second.\u00a0 \u201cDid Roy say what he was like?\u201d he said lazily.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo, he hasn\u2019t met him.\u00a0 Apparently he got a message from the Circle H saying Hammond would meet him in town on Monday to sort out Chad\u2019s affairs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want me to tell him everything, or would you rather I just issued the invitation and left it at that?\u201d\u00a0 Adam said slowly, leaning back in his chair and watching his father.<\/p>\n Ben knew the look.\u00a0 Adam was being sarcastic and implying that his father wouldn\u2019t allow him to make any important decisions.\u00a0 Sometimes he wished his oldest son was a few years younger; there were times when a sound tanning would do him the world of good!<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019re quite capable of explaining the situation provided you do it calmly and<\/em> without expressing your more outrageous opinions.\u00a0 But do invite him over to supper, maybe Sunday.\u00a0 I\u2019d like to meet him and discuss our options in some detail,\u201d Ben replied, carefully keeping his temper under control.<\/p>\n Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll ride over and see Steve in the morning.\u00a0 Maybe we can get together in town tomorrow night, and I can find out more that way than by talking to Hammond directly.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d as soon keep our business affairs out of saloons, if you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hid a smile.\u00a0 \u201cMillions have been made and lost in the Bucket of Blood.\u00a0 It\u2019s where the real news is made.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grunted.\u00a0 \u201cMost of it is made up there, you mean.\u00a0 I sometimes wonder if anything I read in newspapers I true.\u00a0 I suppose you\u2019ve seen this crazy idea of making Nevada a state, another of Bill Stewart\u2019s wild dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s not so crazy. \u00a0Stewart could pull it off.\u00a0 Lincoln and Davis both need the silver to continue the war.\u00a0 Either one of them could mount a campaign to take Nevada. It\u2019s just possible that the tide is turning for the Union, and if that\u2019s the case, Davis will want that silver as much as Lincoln does, and he\u2019ll fight for it.\u201d\u00a0 He gave his father a searching look. \u201cWe could find the war you despise so much is right here on our doorstep.\u00a0 Our timber for the mines could be more than a business deal; it could support the Union or help to bring it down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think you\u2019re making more of it than the newspapers,\u201d\u00a0 Ben said acidly.\u00a0 \u201cThere is no evidence that there is any change in either sides fortunes.\u00a0 It\u2019s still pretty much a stalemate.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cGrant\u2019s taken Jackson.\u00a0 If he takes Vicksburg, then he has the supply lines to New Orleans, and he can cut off Texas.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben glared at his oldest son. \u201cYou seem to know an awful lot about what\u2019s going on.\u00a0 I\u2019ve told you before it won\u2019t affect us here, and I see no reason to change my mind.\u00a0 I\u2019d rather not discuss it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBurying your head in the sand won\u2019t make it go away, Pa.\u00a0 Caleb wrote from Pennsylvania, and he says \u2013 \u201c<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s fist came down on the table with a bang.\u00a0 \u201cI said, I don\u2019t want to hear it!\u00a0 You have a job to do here.\u00a0 Concentrate your excess energy on sorting out this problem with Kenney instead of wasting time on things you know nothing about!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam held his father\u2019s angry stare with equanimity. \u201cDid you ever think that maybe Kenney wants the timber because he knows what\u2019s coming, and he wants to be ready to sell out to the highest bidder?\u201d\u00a0 He pushed back his chair and made for the staircase, turning as he reached the bottom step. \u201cIf we are going to beat him, we have to be playing the same game.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe almost gave a low whistle as he saw the expression on his father\u2019s face.\u00a0 He expected Adam to be called back to apologise, but by the time Ben had recovered his power of speech, Adam\u2019s door had slammed shut.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 7<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had known Steve Duncan for about three years, in fact, ever since he had come home from college.\u00a0 They got on well together and often spent a Saturday night drinking together in the Silver Dollar.\u00a0 He guessed Steve was probably four or five years older than he and a very experienced ranch foreman, but that only seemed to strengthen their friendship.\u00a0 Steve had helped him a lot when he first arrived home from Boston.\u00a0 It seemed easier to ask Steve for help than to talk to his father or their own ranch hands.\u00a0 He knew Steve hankered after his own ranch and was often depressed at his lack of funds to bring about that situation.\u00a0 Adam had talked to his fathe, and Ben had offered Steve a homestead on the Ponderosa for a peppercorn rent, but Steve had refused to accept what he considered to be charity.\u00a0 He was loyal to the Hammonds and intended to work with them until he could find a way to finance his own operation.\u00a0 Today, Adam wanted to discuss the roundup and the cattle drive.\u00a0 He valued Steve\u2019s opinion and knew he\u2019d have some good ideas for making the drive profitable.\u00a0 He also wanted to get Steve\u2019s opinion of his new boss.\u00a0 He would issue his father\u2019s invitation to Hammond and explain the recent happenings, but he intended to let Pa go into the detail.\u00a0 He\u2019d only get himself into hot water if he tried.\u00a0 He had come close to getting his head bitten off last night, and he knew he had better back off. \u00a0Pa was fairly indulgent with his mood, but he would only put up with so much, even from him.<\/p>\n He had planned to ride over alone, but as he was saddling Sport, his brothers came into the barn and announced that they wanted to go with him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever for?\u201d he said, his tone one of exasperation.<\/p>\n \u201cNothin\u2019 better to do,\u201d Hoss grinned, beginning to saddle Chub.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure I could find plenty for you, if I looked.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen, don\u2019t look,\u201d said Joe with a cheeky smile.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I thought you were confined to the yard,\u201d Adam snapped, glaring at Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cPa said I could go with Hoss,\u201d Joe continued to grin as he saddled Cochise.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe, but he meant to do some work,\u201d Adam replied, still seething at the thought of an audience when he met Hammond.<\/p>\n \u201cHe never said that,\u201d Joe said brightly.\u00a0 \u201cHe just said I was to stay with Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe thought we could ride over with you and see if this new owner\u2019s around.\u00a0 You never know, he might have a family,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, a pretty daughter around my age would be nice,\u201d Joe mused. \u00a0\u201cThen we\u2019re going fishing.\u201d\u00a0 He patted Cochise and began to lead him out into the yard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Steve was in front of the barn when they rode up to the Hammond ranch house, and he walked over to the hitching rail to meet them.<\/p>\n \u201cHowdy, Adam, I\u2019ve been expecting you,\u201d he greeted them, holding Sport\u2019s head as Adam dismounted. \u201cHoss, Little Joe, it\u2019s good to see you, too,\u201d he nodded in their direction.<\/p>\n \u201cPa wanted me to ride over and see what plans you had for dealing with Kenney and Clifford and to meet your new boss.\u201d\u00a0 Adam began.<\/p>\n Steve nodded and raised his eyebrows. \u201cOh, yeah, sure. The new boss is here!\u201d \u00a0He said with a pained expression.\u00a0 \u201cLet me get the fence crew sorted for the day, and I\u2019ll take you up to the house and introduce you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam leaned back against the rail. \u201cSure, you carry on.\u00a0 We\u2019ll wait here until you\u2019ve finished.\u201d<\/p>\n Steve walked over to a wagon that was loaded with fence posts and started talking to the two hands.\u00a0 Adam looked around the yard.\u00a0 The place was in good shape; whoever bought it would be getting a nice outfit, especially if Steve stayed on to run it.\u00a0 He was lost in thought when Hoss nudged him.\u00a0 Looking up, he saw that they were being observed.\u00a0 On the front porch stood an attractive young woman in riding clothes, her dark hair tied back from her face and a hat in her hands.<\/p>\n Before Adam could give her more than a cursory glance, Steve joined them again. \u201cCome on over to the bunkhouse, the coffee\u2019s still hot, he offered.<\/p>\n \u201cSounds good, we can talk over a few things before I meet your boss.\u201d<\/p>\n The girl had left the porch and was now just a few feet from them, and Adam could see her more clearly.\u00a0 He guessed she was in her early twenties.\u00a0 Alongside Hoss she looked tiny, but despite her short stature, she seemed to have a presence which made you take notice of her.\u00a0 At this moment her dark eyes were fixed on Steve, and he shuffled in embarrassment.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Miss Hammond.\u00a0 This is Adam Cartwright and his brothers, Hoss and Little Joe….. \u201c he said, indicating each of them, this is….\u201d\u00a0 he was about to introduce her to Adam when she interrupted him.<\/p>\n \u201cAh yes, you must be Ben Cartwright\u2019s sons from the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Sheriff Coffee wrote about your father,\u201d she said in a softly accented voice.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you came over to tell Steve that you are intending to maintain your fence line better than you have been doing, not to waste his time on trivialities,\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 she added a trifle sharply.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s hackles rose immediately.\u00a0\u00a0 How dare this young slip of an English girl tell him what to do!\u00a0 \u201cI came over to talk to the new owner, Mr. Kit Hammond, so perhaps you\u2019d tell your father that I\u2019m here?\u00a0 Then I won\u2019t waste your time, or mine, on trivialities,\u201d he said sarcastically.<\/p>\n She smiled.\u00a0 \u201cPerhaps I can help you?\u201d<\/p>\n Steve was trying to attract his attention, but he ignored his raised hand. \u201cI doubt it. I prefer to deal with the man in charge,\u201d he said in a faintly superior tone.<\/p>\n A wry smile touched her lips.\u00a0 \u201cSo do I, Mr. Cartwright, so do I. Perhaps you\u2019d tell your father that I\u2019ll call on him this afternoon.\u201d\u00a0 She turned to go back into the house then stopped and looked back at him.\u00a0 \u201cOh, by the way, Mr. Cartwright, in England, Kit is also short for Katharine not just Christopher.\u201d\u00a0 She let the screen door bang shut behind her, leaving Adam staring after her, open-mouthed.<\/p>\n Steve shook his head sadly.\u00a0 \u201cI tried to tell you, but you had to put your foot right in it, didn\u2019t you?\u00a0 That was Miss Katharine Hammond, Kit for short.\u00a0 She is the new owner of this place, and, boy, is she going to make Virginia City look twice.\u00a0 Don\u2019t let that pretty face fool you, she is one tough lady.\u00a0 I\u2019d as soon tackle a nest of rattlers as tangle with her, even on a good day, and I have a feeling that you already got on her wrong side.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lifted his hat and ran his fingers through his hair while trying to control the flush that was creeping up his face. \u201cWell, how was I to know? I\u2019ve never met a woman called Kit!\u201d he grunted, irritably.<\/p>\n Joe giggled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, you have now.\u00a0 What happened to the famous New England charm?\u201d he asked sweetly,<\/strong> enjoying his brother\u2019s embarrassment<\/p>\n \u201cOh, shut up,\u201d Adam snapped.\u00a0 The encounter with Miss Hammond had bothered him more than he cared to admit.<\/p>\n Steve shook his head. We\u2019d better forget the coffee.\u00a0 I kinda wanna keep this job.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, come on, Steve.\u00a0 She\u2019ll sell up as soon as Clifford offers a decent price and be gone back to England……and you have no chance of a job with him,\u201d Adam said forcefully.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe, but I think there is a lot more to Kit Hammond than shows on the surface.\u00a0 I think she just might stay,\u201d Steve said.\u00a0 \u201cThen I\u2019d better watch out; she\u2019s gonna be a tough boss.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cSteve, you\u2019re getting soft.\u00a0 What can a girl from England, who\u2019s probably never seen cattle, never mind experienced the hardships of a winter in the Sierras, possibly want from this ranch except money for the latest fashions?\u00a0 No, she\u2019ll be gone within a month,\u201d he said firmly.<\/p>\n Hoss had already re-mounted Chub, and he looked down at his brother with pity. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong>\u201cDon\u2019t underestimate her, Adam.\u00a0 I think Steve maybe right.\u00a0 She looked to me as though she knew what she was about.\u00a0 She sure had you beat.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam snorted.\u00a0 \u201cSince when did you become an expert on women?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss smiled softly at him.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSince I saw one that left you speechless.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI agree. \u00a0I hope she stays around.\u00a0 I think my big brother might just have met his match with this one.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam swung into the saddle. \u201cAw, come on.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get back and tell Pa to expect a visitor.\u201d\u00a0 He started for home without waiting for an answer and without saying goodbye to Steve, who just shook his head indulgently and smiled at his friend\u2019s obvious discomfort.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Over lunch Adam recounted the events of the morning to his father, who listened with growing interest and a half-smile on his face.\u00a0 He tried to skate over his self-inflicted \u00a0embarrassment but neither Hoss nor Joe was prepared to let it go by without comment.\u00a0 They both teased Adam until frowned upon by their father. \u201cSo, we are none the wiser as to Miss Hammond\u2019s intentions,\u201d Ben said thoughtfully, when his oldest son stopped speaking.<\/p>\n \u201cShe wasn\u2019t about to tell me,\u201d Adam muttered crossly.<\/p>\n Joe grinned.\u00a0 \u201cShe didn\u2019t like talking to the second in command, I guess.\u201d \u00a0He had enjoyed the morning enormously and had foregone the fishing to come home and see what developed in the afternoon, anyone who could make his older brother blush and render him speechless was worth Joe\u2019s vote.<\/p>\n Ben could see Joe intended to make the most of his brother\u2019s mistake, and he felt it wise to put a stop to it before it went any further.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that being the case, I suggest you all make yourselves scarce before she gets here.\u00a0 Joe, weren\u2019t you and Hoss going fishing?\u201d he asked pointedly.\u00a0 \u201cIf not, then there are some thistles behind the barn that need attention and some rotten boards in the hayloft to be replaced.<\/p>\n Joe scowled.\u00a0\u00a0 He wanted to stick around but could think of no reason for doing so unless he worked. He had pleaded to be allowed to go with Hoss and had promised exemplary behaviour.\u00a0 It would look most odd if he now changed his mind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After lunch Ben sat on the porch in the spring sunshine to write some letters.\u00a0 It had taken considerable pushing to get rid of Joe and Hoss to the lake, and Ben was amused that, after all his pleading to be allowed to go, Joe now wished he was confined to the yard for the afternoon.\u00a0 Adam had disappeared into the barn, and Ben wondered if he might re-emerge when Miss Hammond arrived.<\/p>\n He looked up when he heard hoof beats and was surprised to see a very young girl on a very spirited bay.\u00a0 He got to his feet and helped her to dismount.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Hammond?\u00a0 I\u2019m Ben Cartwright,\u201d he said formally as he shook her hand. She was younger than he had expected, maybe twenty-five but no more. Her hand shake was firm and confident.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very pleased to meet you, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Steve has told me a lot about you and the Ponderosa.\u00a0 The part I\u2019ve seen is certainly magnificent.\u201d\u00a0 Her English accent seemed strangely out of place here thousands of miles from her home.\u00a0 On first glance, he agreed with Adam \u2013 she would never stay.\u00a0 She was too fragile to cope with life out here even without the troubles she had walked into on the Circle H.\u00a0 He ushered her inside and called for Hop Sing to provide tea.<\/p>\n For a while they made small talk, saying nothing but each evaluating the other.\u00a0 Ben began to realise that she was assessing him in a particularly cold and analytical manner, which made him feel very uncomfortable.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we\u2019ve covered all the polite phrases, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Now how about talking business?\u201d she said suddenly.\u00a0 \u201cIf I understand the situation correctly, this man Kenney wants all the timber and all the cattle so that he can rule the Comstock.\u00a0 Is that a fair summing up?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben cocked his head on one side and watched her eyes; they never wavered from his for a second. \u201cThat\u2019s my opinion, yes.\u00a0 He\u2019s currently overstretched on his timber contracts for the mines.\u00a0 He needs more lumber and fast if he is to fulfil his obligations. That\u2019s his number one priority, but in the long term, he wants it all. Chad and Tom opposed him as I do…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd now you stand alone,\u201d she said shrewdly. \u201cHow convenient for Mr. Kenney.\u201d She paused as if weighing up the situation in her head.\u00a0 \u201cYou think he had my cousin killed, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI think he had Clifford arrange it, yes, but I can\u2019t prove anything.\u00a0 Miss Hammond, your position is dangerous.\u00a0 If you take my advice, you\u2019ll sell out as soon as possible and go back to England.\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled, and Ben saw a definite mischievous twinkle in her eyes. \u201cYour advice could cause your downfall, couldn\u2019t it, Mr. Cartwright?\u00a0 If I sell to Kenney, it would only be a matter of time before he would squeeze you out, too.\u00a0 Steve explained about the closed boundaries and the importance of the cattle drive,\u201d she paused.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re a strange man. I would expect you to fight, and you will I\u2019m sure.\u00a0 So why throw away your best chance of victory?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChad and Tom were my friends, old friends, and I don\u2019t want to see any kin of theirs get hurt to protect my ranch,\u201d he smiled. \u201cParticularly, when she\u2019s as young and pretty as you.\u201d<\/p>\n She smoothed her skirt and then looked up at him coyly through half-closed eyes, as if flirting with him. \u201cOh, Mr. Cartwright, now you\u2019ve spoiled it.\u00a0 I thought you were a man of purpose, a determined man, a man I could work with, but you just made the mistake of all men.\u201d<\/p>\n He frowned at her, puzzled at her statement.<\/p>\n She relaxed, and her expression became open and businesslike again but with a wry smile. \u201cYoung and female doesn\u2019t mean dumb and scared.\u00a0 If you want a partner against Kenney, you\u2019ve got one, but please don\u2019t patronise me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben acknowledged his mistake with a nod of his head.\u00a0 \u201cAlright, Miss Hammond. If you really do understand what\u2019s at stake here and how far Kenney will go to win, I accept.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKenney has already gone to murder, as I see it.\u00a0 I\u2019d say he will stop at nothing to achieve his ends.\u00a0 By the way, Mr. Cartwright, did you know that Kenney has friends in certain high places?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat isn\u2019t going to make any difference to my intention to stop him,\u201d Ben said with a tinge of anger to his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cThat isn\u2019t what I meant. Chad corresponded regularly with my late father, and he mentioned Kenney a time or two. \u00a0He came here about three years ago, am I right?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, interested at where this was going.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew I had heard the name somewhere on my travels.\u00a0 I was on the east coast in \u201858 with my father.\u00a0 He was trying to set up some shipping business between Liverpool and the east coast cities. We met a lot of people, but I\u2019m very good at recalling names, so when Kenney\u2019s name seemed familiar, I did some checking in New York.\u00a0 Mr. Kenney has some very interesting bedfellows.\u00a0 He has or had a business partner called Stanton, who exports to England. They used to run an import and export company, but I couldn\u2019t find out if Kenney is still a partner. \u00a0There is no record of him selling out, but then there is nothing to say he is still active in the company either.\u00a0 Mr. Stanton, however, has a plantation in Georgia, and guess what he exports, Mr. Cartwright?\u00a0 Cotton\u2026\u00a0 It took me a while to place him, but I finally did. \u00a0I met him at a reception I attended in Savannah.\u00a0 The reception was given by the man who is now the Confederate Vice-President, Alec Stephens!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben whistled softly. \u201cNow, wait a minute.\u00a0 Are you\u2019re suggesting that the Vice-President of the Confederacy is in some way involved in this game Kenney is playing?\u201d<\/p>\n She shrugged. \u201cI\u2019ve no idea.\u00a0 It could be coincidence, but for a man who professes to be a staunch Union supporter, he has some strange partners.\u00a0 I discovered that Mr. Stanton is still exporting through the blockade.\u00a0 His cotton is being sold on the Liverpool market.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Hammond, you have obviously checked everything out very thoroughly.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry I underestimated you.\u201d<\/p>\n She grinned.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Mr. Cartwright, I\u2019m getting used to it. In fact, it might even work to our advantage….\u201d she stopped and fixed him with her dark eyes.\u00a0 \u201cThat is, if we are partners?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to be cold, tired, and shot at, who am I to stop you?\u201d\u00a0 He smiled.<\/p>\n She got to her feet and brushed her hands down her skirt \u201cI\u2019d better get back, Steve worries if I\u2019m out alone, and if it gets dark, he\u2019ll be sure I\u2019ve been eaten by a bear or something.\u201d\u00a0 She grinned and looked more like a schoolgirl than the owner of the second largest ranch in Nevada.<\/p>\n Ben rose, too, and showed her to the door.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll get one of the boys to ride back with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright, I thought I\u2019d just established that I wasn\u2019t dumb or scared?\u201d\u00a0 She smiled again \u201cBut if you could make it your eldest son, I accept.\u00a0 He still needs convincing.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed.\u00a0 He had a feeling he was going to like working with this young lady.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Adam was in the middle of evening chores when his father called, and he stuck his head around the barn door and yelled back.<\/p>\n Ben waited patiently until Adam put down the rake he was holding and made his way over to the porch.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Hammond is ready to leave, and I think it would be safer if one of us rode along with her,\u201d he said, with a crooked smile at Kit.<\/p>\n Adam resisted the temptation to say, why me, <\/em>and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cIt is getting dark and who knows what\u2019s about.\u201d\u00a0 He said with a slight hint of sarcasm.<\/p>\n Kit hid a smile.\u00a0 \u201cI would be most grateful, Mr. Cartwright\u2026 uh, Adam.\u00a0 I am accustomed to riding around my late father\u2019s estate in England, but of course we don\u2019t have lion and bear, just the odd poacher,\u201d Kit replied with equal sarcasm.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get my horse saddled and ask Smoky to bring yours around.\u201d\u00a0 Adam gritted his teeth and stayed polite.<\/p>\n While she waited for the horses, Kit thanked Ben for his hospitality and for filling her in on the background to her inheritance.\u00a0 She took the reins from Smoky and smiled up at Adam who was already mounted.\u00a0 \u201cI will be staying, Mr. Cartwright, at least until I can find a buyer who really wants the ranch and not just the timber and its vote.\u00a0 After that, it depends on what I find to keep me here.\u201d\u00a0 Her eyes twinkled as she looked back at Ben.<\/p>\n For the first few minutes of the ride, both were silent.\u00a0 Adam still piqued at being taken away from his chores to ride all the way to the Hammonds and Kit because she was studying him.\u00a0 She had quizzed Steve about him after the visit and liked what she heard.\u00a0 She knew he had been embarrassed at his mistake in front of his brothers, and she was trying to find a way to put that behind them.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry if I took you from your work, but your father seemed to think I needed an escort.\u00a0 If you want to turn back, I will be fine.\u201d\u00a0 She tapped the long leather scabbard on her saddle.\u00a0 \u201cI have my trusty rifle, and I can handle one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo can Clifford, and you wouldn\u2019t even see him,\u201d Adam said, shortly.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you would?\u201d she retorted hotly.<\/p>\n \u201cI know where an ambush is mostly likely, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, why don\u2019t you like me?\u00a0 Is it because you made an honest mistake and were embarrassed in front of your brothers?\u00a0 If so, I\u2019m sorry I made it worse, but you really did ask for it.\u00a0 You were so pompous and sure of yourself; I couldn\u2019t help myself.\u00a0 My father always said my sharp tongue would get me into trouble, and it does.\u201d\u00a0 She slowed her horse to a walk and looked up at him.\u00a0 His chestnut gelding was tall, and in the saddle, he was even taller and, if possible, more handsome.\u00a0 She really did want to be friends.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s expression was surly until he looked at her.\u00a0 Her eyes were sparkling, and she had a tiny smile lifting the corners of her mouth.\u00a0 \u201cMiss Hammond, my brothers have made the most of the incident, but I doubt they will raise it again.\u00a0 What say we start over?\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry I assumed you were a man and was less than gracious when I found out otherwise.\u00a0 As my father would say, my education got in the way of my thinking.\u201d\u00a0 He smiled at her.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I would be pleased to escort you home and make sure that those bears and lions don\u2019t come out to eat you.\u201d\u00a0 His mind and his eyes were on Kit, and he suddenly realised she wasn\u2019t listening.<\/p>\n \u201cUp there on the ridge,\u201d she said, urgently, \u201cI saw a movement, a horse maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam glanced in the direction of the ridge above the trail but saw nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure? We\u2019ve no hands around this part of the ranch today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere you go, doubting me again.\u00a0 It was only fleeting, but there is something or someone there, just where the trail narrows, and we will have no cover.\u201d\u00a0 She reined her horse back a little and bent as if to check something, then swung down and began inspecting the cinch.\u00a0 \u201cThere it is again,\u201d she said as she straightened up as though preparing to mount.\u00a0 \u201cYou can do as you please, but I am heading for those rocks to the right.\u201d\u00a0 Not waiting for him to answer she did just that.\u00a0 Wrapping the horse\u2019s reins around a bush, she unshipped her rifle and scrambled behind two rocks.<\/p>\n Adam hesitated for only a moment, but then seeing that she was not going farther, he sighed and followed her.\u00a0 He had barely made the shelter alongside her when a bullet whistled past his left shoulder and pinged off the rock he was making for.<\/p>\n \u201cBelieve me, now?\u201d she chuckled as he ducked for cover, his own rifle in his hand.<\/p>\n He grunted.\u00a0 \u201cNow we need to know how many?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat, I can\u2019t say.\u00a0 I saw a movement, not a full picture.\u00a0 But you can bet it\u2019s not a lone gunman.\u00a0 From what I\u2019ve heard from your father, Clifford is too canny for that.\u201d\u00a0 She settled herself against the rock and took aim with her rifle.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s see if we can answer your question.\u201d\u00a0 The bullet ricocheted off a rock a few feet from where she had seen the movement.\u00a0 Almost immediately there were two answering shots, both going wide of her and over her head.\u00a0 \u201cAt least two of them, and both up and to our right,\u201d she said, levering another shell into the chamber.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did you learn to shoot like that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGrouse moors in Scotland.\u201d\u00a0 She said, shortly.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m better if the target is moving, even better if it flies.\u201d\u00a0 She grinned at him.<\/p>\n He shook is head in amazement.\u00a0 \u201cWe need to split up and try to flush them out.\u00a0 You stay here, and I\u2019ll work my way up the trail a bit.\u00a0 Then I\u2019ll see if I can get them to show themselves and give you a good shot.\u201d<\/p>\n A few minutes later a shot whined over Adam\u2019s head as he made a run for cover behind a manzanita bush.\u00a0 Almost immediately a rifle shot came in answer and there was a shout from one of the ambushers.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t tell if the shot had caused major or minor injury and kept moving from rock to bush along the trail.\u00a0 He really needed to get above the gunmen, but there was little or no cover if he went higher.<\/p>\n Kit kept up a steady stream of shots in reply to any that came from above, and soon she could see that Adam was at a point where there was no more cover for him.\u00a0 Without thinking she dodged into the open and back again just as he judged his run for the rocks at the top of the trail.\u00a0 A bullet whistled past her, but she was back behind her rock. She smiled as she saw that Adam was now a little above the gunmen.<\/p>\n She waited until she thought he had had time to settle then dodged out again.\u00a0 This time the shot went wide of her, but she heard a shout and knew that the gunmen had exposed his position in order to fire at her.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s shot must have been true.\u00a0 She waited and fired a couple of times but there were no answering shots, so she slowly raised her head and looked around.\u00a0 Adam had also fired a couple of times and was now making his way down toward the gunmen.\u00a0 Judging it was safe to move out, she went to join him.<\/p>\n Kit looked down at the two bodies with relief and a little nausea.\u00a0 She might boast about her shooting, but she had never before shot a man.\u00a0 She felt a little shaky and sat down heavily on a nearby rock.<\/p>\n Adam had checked that both men were dead and then turned to her. \u201cAre you alright?\u00a0 You didn\u2019t get hit?\u201d<\/p>\n Kit let out a long breath, \u201cYes, I\u2019m fine, well maybe not fine, but not injured.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat were you trying to do down there, commit suicide?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s was angry, and it showed, \u201cOf all the fool things to do.\u00a0 It\u2019s the sort of thing I expect from my little brother.\u00a0 You could have been killed.\u201d<\/p>\n Kit had been on the point of tears from her fright, but his anger fired her up again. \u201cIt worked didn\u2019t it?\u00a0 If I hadn\u2019t done something they would have had a clear shot at you when you went for position.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t have been much help if you were dead,\u201d he shot back.<\/p>\n \u201cNeither would you.\u201d\u00a0 Suddenly the tension of the last half hour and the shock of killing a man overwhelmed her and the tears started to fall.\u00a0 She brushed them away angrily.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s arm went out to her, and he pulled her close.\u00a0 \u201cFirst time you\u2019ve shot at another human being, right?\u201d<\/p>\n She allowed him to hold her and nodded.<\/p>\n Adam kept his arm around her and felt her trembling.\u00a0 \u201cWe need to get you home and a large brandy inside you.\u00a0 The Ponderosa is nearer.\u00a0 I can send someone for the bodies and get a message to Steve.\u00a0 How does that sound.\u201d<\/p>\n She stayed within his embrace and looked up at him with tear-filled eyes.\u00a0 \u201cYour father won\u2019t mind?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he\u2019d expect it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh, I just got through telling him how strong I was as a partner for defeating Kenney, and here I am a wet mess at the first sign of trouble.\u201d\u00a0 She gave a weak smile.<\/p>\n \u201cShooting a man is not something to be taken lightly, even if they were trying to kill us.\u00a0 I can assure you it hits every good man,\u201d he grinned, \u201cor woman, with the same feelings of remorse.\u00a0 You wouldn\u2019t have much of a conscience if it didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n He helped her into the saddle and they rode back in silence.\u00a0 Slowly Kit began to recover, and by the time they reached the ranch house, she was able to give an account to Ben and compose a message to Steve that wouldn\u2019t have him running over to see if she was alright.\u00a0 Ben despatched four of the hands to deliver it and to mount a guard on the road where the ambush had taken place.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kit stayed overnight at the Ponderosa, but the next day saw her itching to get back to her own ranch and to set things in motion for more guards.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do we continue to work a ranch when everyone is always looking over their shoulder?\u201d she asked Hoss as he escorted her home.\u00a0 Adam had gone into town with a couple of ranch hands to take the bodies to the sheriff and to try to find out a bit more about their attackers.<\/p>\n \u201cMakes it a mite harder, but we got good hands.\u00a0 If they ride for a brand they fight for it too.\u00a0 Most o\u201d your hands worked for Tom and Chad for years; they\u2019re not gonna let ya down when you need \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n She rode for a few minutes mulling over his statement.\u00a0 \u201cBut will they fight for me<\/em>? They don\u2019t know me.\u00a0 For all they know, I could sell out from under them at anytime.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u201cYou could, but I don\u2019t think you\u2019re that sort of gal.\u00a0 And they won\u2019t think so either.\u201d\u00a0 He tipped his head on one side and eased himself in the saddle. \u201cWhat made you come out here, and what would make you stay?\u201d<\/p>\n Kit bit her lip and looked thoughtful.\u00a0 Should she tell him why she was here?\u00a0 Would he think less of her; would he tell everyone?\u00a0 She studied his kind, gentle face for a few moments.<\/p>\n \u201cYou doan \u2018ave to tell me if you\u2019ve a mind to keep it to y\u2019urself.\u201d<\/p>\n She considered and decided that she could trust him.\u00a0 In fact she was fast learning that she could trust all of the Cartwrights.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m running away,\u201d she said, softly.\u00a0 \u201cI was supposed to be married to a banker, but I couldn\u2019t go through with it.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t quite leave him standing at the altar but near enough.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at her sad face and heard the guilt and unhappiness in her words.\u00a0 \u201cYou musta had a good reason.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought so at the time. \u00a0I was unsure that it was the right thing to do, so I came to friends in New York.\u00a0 My late father had a lot of business contacts in this country, and since I inherited his estate last year, I have tried to keep in touch with them.\u00a0 My bank informed me of Tom\u2019s and Chad\u2019s deaths.\u00a0 Maybe Cousin Chad\u2019s legacy just gave me an excuse not to go back.\u00a0 I\u2019d cancelled the wedding just three weeks before the date we\u2019d fixed. When Chad died, I wrote and told my fianc\u00e9 that I had to sort things out here, then I\u2019d consider going back.\u00a0 But since I\u2019ve been here, I\u2019m finding it harder and harder to think of reasons to go back.\u00a0 I know now that I don\u2019t love him.\u00a0 He wanted me to be something I\u2019m not: a lady!\u00a0 I don\u2019t want calling cards and afternoon teas. I love this wild land and the excitement of being in a new country.\u00a0 I want to be a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss chuckled, \u201cWell, you\u2019ve had the excitement, right enough.\u00a0 But after you\u2019ve been here a while, you might miss those teas and hate it when it\u2019s cold and the snow piles up over your door and you still have to go out and tend the stock.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 I am learning to love the people, too.\u00a0 Everyone is so strong and practical, and they help one another.\u00a0 It\u2019s a man\u2019s country but not in the way England is.\u00a0 Here a woman can work alongside her man \u2013 not be a servant to him.\u201d<\/p>\n He eased himself in the saddle and looked across at her. \u201cAsk some of the wives with five or six children who still have to work the farms, and they might not see it that way.\u00a0 It\u2019s not an easy life for a woman.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut don\u2019t you see, Hoss, here a woman really can be an equal, a partner, not just a pretty hostess who is wheeled out to business dinners.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot many men \u2018ud see you as an equal partner, miss. \u00a0I think you might be seein\u2019 things different \u2018cos of what you want to see. Give it a few more months before you decide that it\u2019s what you want.\u201d\u00a0 His concern for her showed in his expression.\u00a0 \u201cYou might miss that fianc\u00e9 of yours and want to go home and be protected and treated like a lady after fighting Kenney.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI feel protected right now,\u201d she smiled up at him, \u201cI felt protected by your brother, Adam, even when those men were shooting at us.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was nobody\u2019s fool, and he saw the light in her eyes when she spoke of Adam, \u201cDon\u2019t go making him into no knight in armor; it ain\u2019t a role he\u2019s good at.\u00a0 I bet he was mad atcha for riskin\u2019 your life and puttin\u2019 yourself in danger.\u00a0 Adam likes his women strong, that is \u2018til they argues back at him, then he ain\u2019t so sure.\u201d<\/p>\n She laughed, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Hoss. \u00a0I am not about to fall for your brother. He\u2019s the type of man I like for a friend, but I like my men softer around the edges.\u00a0 Anyhow, I left one man in England. \u00a0I don\u2019t need another just yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss flushed beet red, \u201cI didn\u2019t mean\u2026 uh, I was \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I know, protecting me from myself and your brother from the advances of a predatory female.\u201d\u00a0 She chuckled. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019ve a feeling we can both look out for ourselves.\u00a0 Now tell me more about the Ponderosa and why it means so much to all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n The rest of the ride passed pleasantly as Hoss did what he loved best: talked about his family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam talked to Roy Coffee. The two bushwackers were identified as drifters who had been seen around town for the past couple of weeks, but no one seemed to know much about them.\u00a0 He decided to stop off at the Bucket of Blood for a beer and immediately ran into Rick Bonner.<\/p>\n \u201cYou takin\u2019 up all day drinkin\u2019,\u201d Rick joked as he slapped Adam on the back, making him spill his beer.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re Pa won\u2019t approve, ya know.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed, \u00a0set down the beer glass and wiped his wet hand on his pants.\u00a0 \u201cHe doesn\u2019t approve of me talking to you, but you\u2019re getting hard to avoid.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick leaned on the bar and moved a little closer to Adam. \u201cSaw those two bodies you brought in.\u00a0 Thought you might like to know who they was workin\u2019 for.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019d know that, would you, even though the Sheriff didn\u2019t?\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s voice was dripping with sarcasm.<\/p>\n \u201cYep, I mixes in the right circles, he don\u2019t.\u201d\u00a0 Rick nodded to the barman for a beer.<\/p>\n Adam tossed a few coins at Sam, the bartender. \u201cOkay, beer\u2019s on me if you can tell me anything I don\u2019t already know.\u201d\u00a0 Rick turned with his back to the bar and leaned back, taking a long swallow of beer.\u00a0 \u201cWas a time when you knew it all, but then a college edication don\u2019t help too much when you\u2019re dealin\u2019 with scum like those guys.\u201d\u00a0 He looked around the bar and decided that there was no one listening who mattered.\u00a0 \u201cThey was drinking in here with old Eli Webb a few nights back.\u00a0 Money changed hands.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged, \u201cOld Eli never has enough for the price of a beer let alone to pay for a hired gun and why would he?.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t say he did.\u00a0 Just that he were the one as handed over the cash.\u00a0 Eli\u2019ll run errands for anyone for the price of a bottle.\u00a0 This time his bottle came from Sonny Watson\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Rick let the information sink in.<\/p>\n Adam added and made two and two into four real quick.\u00a0 \u201cAnd Sonny works for Clifford.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou got it.\u201d\u00a0 Rick took another swallow of beer.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure about this, Rick?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure.\u00a0 See, I was offered the money first, not to run the errand, to do the job.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam almost whistled. \u201cWhat made Clifford think you\u2019d take it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJeff\u2019s got \u2018iself into debt over a poker game with Clifford.\u00a0 We was offered a way out.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam twisted his beer glass in his hand and then looked at his one time friend, \u201cYou refused because of friendship, Rick?\u201d<\/p>\n Rick laughed. \u00a0\u201cMebbe, that, and well\u2026 she sure is a pretty little filly.\u00a0 I don\u2019t hold with hurtin\u2019 women.\u00a0 And like I said before, I don\u2019t wanna end up on the end of your gun. It was the girl we was supposed to scare off.\u00a0 Clifford didn\u2019t figure on you bein\u2019 there.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t fussy if she was winged or even killed, and he sure didn\u2019t care about anyone with her.\u00a0 Guess those two guys figured dead men don\u2019t tell no tales.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou got the money to pay Clifford?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked, casually.<\/p>\n Rick put down his glass and rubbed his nose.\u00a0 \u201cI kinda borrowed it.\u201d\u00a0 He looked up quickly at Adam, \u201cYou don\u2019t need to know where from.\u00a0 Let\u2019s just say the herd\u2019s big enough for the few I took not to be missed, and I sold the beef in Placerville and burned the hides.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head in amusement, \u201cHow short is my tally.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick stood up straight and looked indignant. \u00a0\u201cI didn\u2019t say they was Ponderosa beef.\u00a0 I ain\u2019t touched your herd, well not since you caught Pa,\u201d he grinned.\u00a0 Jeff says Clifford was cheatin\u2019, so seemed only fair he pay up.\u201d<\/p>\n At this Adam roared with laughter. \u00a0\u201cYou paid Clifford with his own money!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKeep your voice down, he don\u2019t know it yet.\u201d Rick\u2019s face had a mischievous grin.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re playing with fire, Rick.\u201d\u00a0 Adam was serious now.<\/p>\n Rick shrugged. \u201cDidn\u2019t we always.\u00a0 You, me, Cal and Ross, we was a good team, until you three got religion and started being respectable citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo me a favour, Rick, if you hear any other rumors about hired guns, let me know.\u201d\u00a0 Adam set down his empty glass and turned for the door.<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing.\u00a0 Come into town Saturday, and we\u2019ll drink \u2018C\u2019 street dry, like we used ta.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI had enough drink at college. \u00a0I don\u2019t plan to let it get to me now I\u2019m home, but I\u2019ll see you in the Silver Dollar for a beer, this place is too rowdy on a Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick raised a hand in farewell and sighed.\u00a0 Ross was married and running his own place, Cal back east someplace fighting and Adam a lost cause as far as fun was concerned.\u00a0 He turned back to Sam and put down some coins, \u201cGive me a bottle of whiskey, Sam.\u00a0 He makes me feel old.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n On the ride home Adam tried to think of ways to tell his father what he knew without mentioning Rick.\u00a0 His friendship with Rick had been a source of conflict between him and Pa ever since he had first met Rick, way back when he was twelve.\u00a0 Adam knew Rick was a bad influence, heavy drinker, inveterate gambler, sometime thief and generally lazy and\u2026 no not lazy.\u00a0 If Rick worked half as hard at earning an honest living as he did at avoiding one, he would be a success.\u00a0 His younger brother Jeff was much the same but without Rick\u2019s charm.\u00a0 Jeff was a more morose character, and it was often protecting Jeff that got Rick into his worst situations.\u00a0 Ben had sent old man Bonner to jail for ten years back in \u201950.\u00a0 He had been released in \u201959 just in time to fleece miners of their silver ore for wild schemes, and had spent various periods of time in Sheriff Coffee\u2019s jail since.\u00a0\u00a0 Rick supported his stepmother and stepsister, if what he gave them could be called support.\u00a0 Young Valerie was turning into a very pretty young lady with none of her step-brothers wild ways, and Adam could see why Joe was attracted to her.\u00a0 He considered the two of them. \u00a0Valerie was too quiet for Joe. It was the excitement of forbidden territory that attracted him. \u00a0Ben would be no more accepting of Joe\u2019s friendship with Valerie, than he was of Adam\u2019s with Rick, in fact probably less so.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Saturday was a bright sunny day, and the work went well.\u00a0 Surprisingly, Ben had accepted Adam\u2019s story about Clifford\u2019s involvement in the ambush without too many questions.\u00a0 There had been no further sign of timber thieves or cattle rustlers or any other enemy.\u00a0 And as the Cartwright family got ready for the Virginia City dance, everyone was in good spirits as they vied for space in the wash house.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you telling me that Hoss is the only one with a date for this evening?\u201d\u00a0 Ben chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cWell, that makes a nice change.\u201d\u00a0 He was already to go and had come to see what state his sons were in.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss ain\u2019t gotta date; he\u2019s going with Bessie Sue.\u00a0 It ain\u2019t the same.\u201d\u00a0 Joe grumbled as he brushed down his blue jacket and checked his hair in the mirror over the wash house bench.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s enough for two dates.\u201d\u00a0 Adam joked as he firmly moved Joe aside to slick back his own hair.<\/p>\n For once Hoss didn\u2019t rise to the bait.\u00a0 \u201cYou fellas just need a little of my charm, and you\u2019d find a nice girl to escort.\u201d\u00a0 He tweaked his tie into place and grinned at his father.\u00a0 \u201cAll ready, Pa.\u00a0 These galoots will be another half hour before they look good enough to attract a lady.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed and slapped Hoss on the back. \u201cMaybe we\u2019d better ride in before them and make sure that all the ladies are warned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood idea, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss followed his father out and slammed the door making the rafters rattle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once inside the Fireman\u2019s Hall where the dance was being held, Joe found a group of friends and with his father\u2019s dire warnings ringing in his ears, made himself scarce from his family.\u00a0 He was hoping Annie would be here and he could ask her to dance.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t actually invited her as his date, but maybe he could walk her home anyway.\u00a0 Hoss was soon whipped away to the buffet table by Bessie Sue, neither was much into dancing, but checking out the supper was a favorite for both of them.\u00a0 Ben was reluctantly whisked away to dance by Clementine Hawkins, and Adam found himself standing alone by the punch bowl.<\/p>\n \u201cYou could pour me a glass while you\u2019re standing there,\u201d said a female voice at his elbow.<\/p>\n He turned to look into the smiling face of Kit Hammond.\u00a0 \u201cUh\u2026of course, Miss Hammond, good evening.\u201d<\/p>\n She was dressed in a very fashionable burgundy dress with white trimmings.\u00a0 It looked a little too formal for a Virginia City\u2019s dance, but it was very becoming with a low cut neckline and a tight bodice that made Adam look more than once.\u00a0 \u201cI got Steve to drive me in, but he said it wasn\u2019t seemly for us to come in together \u2013 employer and employee, so to speak.\u201d\u00a0 She smiled. \u201cI suppose even out here there are certain formalities to be observed.\u201d\u00a0 She offered her thanks for the punch glass and then looked around the room.\u00a0 \u201cIs it too forward of me to talk to you, or is that acceptable in the west?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerfectly acceptable as long as we remain in full view of the matrons over there, so that they can talk about<\/em> us<\/em>.\u201d\u00a0 He took her arm and led her to chairs set along one side of the room.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are your brothers?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n Adam glanced around. \u201cWell, Little Joe is trying not to be seen by Pa, as he is drinking from the adult punch bowl instead of the lemonade provided for the younger members of the town.\u00a0 If he has one more glass, I might have to stop him.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed to where Joe, Seth, Mitch and Billy were giggling in a corner. \u201cHoss is over at the supper table with his date for the evening.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, yes, I\u2019ve met the lady, Miss Hightower isn\u2019t it?\u201d she raised her eyebrows.\u00a0 \u201cShe has a very firm handshake.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cNone stronger in the territory.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you, where is your date,<\/em> or shouldn\u2019t I ask that of a gentleman?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cPerfectly reasonable question in case there is a lady with a derringer trained on your back,\u201d he grinned.\u00a0 \u201cNo date tonight.\u00a0 I came with the family, and I plan to slip away to the Washoe Club, as soon as is decently possible, for a business meeting and maybe a poker game.\u201d<\/p>\n Kit sipped her punch and looked up at him, \u201cYou don\u2019t care for dancing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love dancing with a pretty girl, but these dances tend to bring out the mothers looking for husbands for their daughters, and I\u2019m not in the market yet awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n Kit saw a sadness in his eyes and decided it was a subject better avoided for now.\u00a0 She set down her punch glass on a low table and looked around the room.\u00a0 \u201cThen I\u2019ll leave you to slip away and go find some handsome young man to whirl me around the floor.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam realised he was being less than gracious.\u00a0 She knew no one here except his family, Roy and Steve.\u00a0 Roy was hardly likely to ask her to dance, and Steve felt too intimidated by her status as his employer, so that left him or his father.\u00a0 Pa was in earnest conversation with a couple of miner owners.\u00a0 He set his own glass down and held out a hand. \u201cBefore I go, may I have this dance, Miss Hammond?\u201d<\/p>\n She giggled. \u201cWhy yes, Mr. Cartwright, I thought you\u2019d never ask?\u201d She took his hand, and he walked her on to the dance floor and took her in his arms for a waltz.\u00a0 \u201cYou don\u2019t know how difficult it is for a lady, when she can\u2019t ask,\u201d she smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI never thought of that.\u00a0 I only know that it\u2019s hard for the man, when he has to ask and fears rejection,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n \u201cRejection, you, never.\u00a0 I can\u2019t believe any girl would say no\u2026 to a dance.\u201d Her eyes twinkled like stars, and he could see she was laughing at him.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I get asked to dance but not always by those I want to dance with.\u00a0 Now, tell me, since you are leaving for a business meeting, how do I get a man, who I like, to ask me to dance?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell me who you have in mind, and I\u2019ll introduce you,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, we\u2019ve already met, but I\u2019d like to further the friendship.\u00a0 Unfortunately he has another girl on his arm right now.\u201d\u00a0 Kit looked across to where Hoss and Bessie Sue were sharing a large slice of apple pie.<\/p>\n Adam followed her eyes and almost stopped dancing in surprise.\u00a0 \u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Hoss.\u00a0 Why not, Hoss?\u201d she challenged him.<\/p>\n Adam looked blankly at her for a moment, \u201cUh\u2026 sure, why not, I guess.\u201d\u00a0 He was still surprised and a little puzzled, but after all he had said he was leaving.\u00a0 \u201cFine, if you\u2019ll come with me, I\u2019ll show you how.\u00a0 But I hope you realise how much of a sacrifice I am making for you and my little brother.\u201d\u00a0 His face now showed definite resignation and maybe even a little fear.<\/p>\n Kit followed him to where Hoss and Bessie Sue were now contemplating what to sample next from the buffet table.<\/p>\n \u201cGood evening, Bessie Sue.\u201d\u00a0 Adam began politely and somewhat nervously.<\/p>\n \u201cOh hi there, Adam.\u00a0 Real good spread, ain\u2019t it?\u201d\u00a0 Bessie Sue slapped him on the back and almost made him lose his balance.<\/p>\n He turned on every ounce of charm he possessed. \u201cI was wondering if I could prise you away from my brother and perhaps have the pleasure of the next dance.\u201d\u00a0 Anyone who knew Adam would have to admire his acting skills and his courage.<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 jaw dropped.\u00a0 No one ever asked Bessie Sue to dance; they valued their toes too much.\u00a0 He usually endured one dance, and he was her date<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy sure, Adam.\u201d\u00a0 Bessie Sue replied eagerly. \u00a0Adam wasn\u2019t her type, but he was handsome and sought after by other girls, and for once she would like to be envied rather than pitied.<\/p>\n Adam took her hand and glanced at Hoss, \u201cWould you take care of Kit.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure she\u2019d like a waltz.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 jaw dropped even further. \u201cYou sure about that ma\u2019am, \u00a0I ain\u2019t much at dancing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I\u2019d love to Hoss.\u00a0 The music is so lovely, and I\u2019m sure you dance very well. You are too modest.\u201d<\/p>\n Across the room Ben was trying to avoid Clementine Hawkins, and he dodged behind Doc Martin.<\/p>\n \u201cHiding from someone, Ben?\u201d \u00a0Doc grinned, knowing full well what his friend was doing.<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Ben snapped.\u00a0 \u201cStand still and she won\u2019t see me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou ought to take a leaf out of Adam\u2019s book and confront your fears.\u201d\u00a0 Doc laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d \u00a0Ben was still grumpy from his first encounter with Clementine earlier in the evening.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if I\u2019m not mistaken, that\u2019s Adam dancing with Bessie Sue Hightower.\u00a0 Wonder if Hoss knows?\u201d\u00a0 He glanced around for the big man.\u00a0 \u201cAh, there he is with a very pretty young lady.\u00a0 Looks like he won out this time.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben followed Doc\u2019s gaze, and this time it was his jaw that dropped: first at the sight of Adam trying to avoid Bessie Sue\u2019s large feet and then at Hoss waltzing lightly around the floor with Kit Hammond.\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019ll be darned,\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The evening was almost over, and although Adam had slipped away more than an hour ago, Kit had managed to persuade Hoss into two more dances while Bessie Sue sat and ate and glared at them.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for a lovely evening, Hoss, I\u2019ve really enjoyed myself.\u201d\u00a0 She glanced over at her rival and smiled sweetly.\u00a0 \u201cI think you had better have the last dance with Bessie Sue, or your ears may not still be intact come morning.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked over her shoulder at his erstwhile date, \u201cYep, I think I\u2019d better, if you will excuse me Miss Kit.\u00a0 I have been kinda neglecting her.\u201d\u00a0 He hesitated for a second. Then using more courage than he normally showed with pretty girls, he took the plunge, \u201cMiss Kit, there\u2019s a summer picnic after church tomorrow, I was wonderin\u2019\u2026 well like if \u2018n you ain\u2019t got no one\u2026 I mean if\u2019n you ain\u2019t got no escort\u2026\u00a0 If perhaps I could\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Kit rescued him as quickly as she could without seeming to be too forward. \u201cOh, I\u2019d love to come with you.\u00a0 Could you perhaps pick me up for church.\u00a0 I\u2019m not too good with the buckboard on these rough roads, and Chad and Tom didn\u2019t have a buggy.\u201d\u00a0 Mission accomplished, she thought.\u00a0 If anyone was going to talk about the Ponderosa\u2019s plans for dealing with Kenney then it was Hoss.\u00a0 She knew he was smitten with her, and he was so straightforward he would never suspect any ulterior motive in someone he cared for.<\/p>\n Hoss was a bit lost for words at the speed with which she said yes, but he nodded, and his rosy cheeks subsided a little.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll make sure as I get the buggy for once, and I\u2019ll pick you up about 9:30, if\u2019n that suits?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerfect.\u00a0 I\u2019ll bring a picnic.\u201d\u00a0 She wondered wildly where she would get food for a picnic when she had no time to cook.\u00a0 But if she had to stay up all night slaving over a hot stove, she was determined it would be the best picnic he had ever eaten.\u00a0 She walked over to the door, collected her wrap, and seeing Ben in conversation with Roy Coffee, she stopped to say goodnight.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s been a lovely evening.\u00a0 I never realized there was so much socializing in the west.\u00a0 You certainly know how to enjoy yourselves much better than the staid dances we hold in England and back east.\u201d She laughed.\u00a0 \u201cI must find Steve and see if he is ready to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n She was just considering what might be in her storeroom for a picnic, while looking for Steve, when a heavy set man almost bumped into her.\u00a0 He seemed about to apologise but then he stopped and sneered.<\/p>\n \u201cEvenin,\u2019 Miss Hammond.\u00a0 You make real sure you\u2019re friends with the Cartwrights, \u2018cos you\u2019re gonna need \u2018em.\u00a0 By the time I\u2019ve finished with you, you\u2019ll wish you\u2019d stayed in England with them fine friends of yours.\u201d\u00a0 Clifford had had more than enough to drink, and it made him more belligerent than even his usual demeanour.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you threatening me?\u201d\u00a0 Kit responded with some aggression of her own.\u00a0 \u201cBelieve me Mr. Clifford, I don\u2019t need the Cartwrights to help me deal with scum like you.\u00a0 We have such characters in my country, too.\u00a0 I\u2019ve always found the law an excellent ally when dealing with the criminal classes.\u201d\u00a0 She glanced quickly in the direction of Roy Coffee and his deputy, Clem Foster.<\/p>\n Suddenly Steve was at her elbow.\u00a0 \u201cThe boys and I are ready to leave, Miss Hammond.\u00a0 George has the buckboard right outside for you.\u201d\u00a0 He moved between Clifford and his boss, making it clear that the gunman was unwelcome.<\/p>\n Clifford backed off a little, \u201cThere won\u2019t always be Cartwrights around, and your ranch hands will soon find other jobs when the going gets tough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet lost, Clifford.\u201d\u00a0 Steve snapped as he took Kit\u2019s arm and led her to the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 8<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Chores were done and breakfast eaten and the Cartwrights were getting ready for church.\u00a0 Adam followed his father down the stairs and into the great room and counted in his head, one, two, three\u2026 he had barely got to five before his father shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/p>\n It was the same every Sunday.\u00a0 They all went to get changed at the same time but little brother never made it back downstairs quickly enough to suit his father.<\/p>\n Ben waited for Joe\u2019s answering shout that he was coming then turned to his oldest son, \u201cAdam would you harness up the surrey, or we will be late.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s face creased in a frown, \u201cSure, I\u2019ll do that, Pa.\u00a0 But I was kinda thinking of taking the buggy and asking Miss Hammond if she would accompany me to the picnic.\u201d<\/p>\n His father raised an eyebrow and allowed a small smile to turn up the corners of his mouth, his eyes twinkling.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid that won\u2019t be possible.\u201d\u00a0 He raised a hand to stop Adam\u2019s protest.\u00a0 \u201cYour brother has already taken the buggy, and I do believe that I saw him heading in the direction of the Hammond ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s mouth dropped open and then closed with a snap, and a dark, closed expression took over his face.<\/p>\n Joe, who had bounced down the stairs at last, heard the last remark and giggled.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t tell me big brother ain\u2019t gotta date?\u00a0 I got two; I\u2019ll share.\u201d<\/p>\n He was gone into the yard before Adam could respond, but the frown darkened still further.<\/p>\n Ben watched as a definitely grumpy eldest son went to harness the surrey.\u00a0 If his sons were planning on courting the same girl, then he intended to stay well out of it.\u00a0 It was going to make for some interesting fireworks over the next few days without his input.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The church picnics were always casual affairs: with games for the children, plenty of gossip and neighbours getting together to enjoy each others company.\u00a0 Ben settled himself with Paul Martin and Roy Coffee and set Hop Sing\u2019s picnic basket between them.\u00a0 He had already warned his youngest son not to stray too far, more in hope than in belief that it might actually happen.<\/p>\n \u201cStill no further with the investigation into Chad\u2019s death, I suppose?\u201d he asked the Storey County Sheriff.<\/p>\n Roy shook his head, somewhat exasperated. \u201cI done toldya, there ain\u2019t nuthin\u2019 to investigate, nuthin\u2019 to say it weren\u2019t an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I say it was a mighty convenient accident,\u201d Ben bit back.<\/p>\n Paul Martin sighed. \u201cYou two planning on ruining a perfectly good day with an argument?\u00a0 I\u2019ve been working hard all week, and right now I want to relax with Hop Sing\u2019s good food before some child falls out of a tree, Mrs. Nelson has a fainting spell or I\u2019m called away to deliver Mrs. Johnson\u2019s sixth.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Ben and Roy relaxed their combative positions and laughed.\u00a0 It was true.\u00a0 These picnics tended to be short lived for the only doctor in town.\u00a0 Paul was invariably called away before the event was even half over.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll call a truce for today, will that suit you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben grinned.\u00a0 \u201cI plan to enjoy myself before my two sons start an argument that even I can\u2019t end.\u201d\u00a0 He nodded his head in the direction of the horseshoe match where Hoss was throwing.\u00a0 Kit Hammond was alongside him, and Adam was standing to one side, glaring at his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss won himself the lady this time, has he?\u201d\u00a0 Paul chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cAdam sure won\u2019t like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m afraid of,\u201d Ben sighed.<\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t like it, but he had no opportunity to do anything about it.\u00a0 Kit was pleasant to him, but her allegiance was to her date for the afternoon.\u00a0 After his team had been roundly beaten at horseshoes, he decided not to inflict his bad mood on his family and wandered over to where Rick and Jeff were trying to win a prize from the ring toss stall for Valerie.<\/p>\n \u201cYour aim\u2019s off.\u201d\u00a0 He commented when Jeff missed for the third time.<\/p>\n Jeff turned sharply and grinned when he saw who it was, \u201cVal wants that blue glass necklace, and I cain\u2019t seem to hit it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou couldn\u2019t hit the floor with your hat after the whiskey you\u2019ve drunk, boy,\u201d Rick shoved his brother aside. \u201cLet me try.\u201d\u00a0 He slapped down the quarter and took up three rings.\u00a0 None of them came near the pretty necklace.<\/p>\n Adam nodded to the stall holder. \u201cBetter let me do it; your aim\u2019s no better\u2019n Jeff\u2019s.\u201d\u00a0 He set down his quarter and took up the rings.\u00a0 With one smooth movement the first ring settled over the necklace and the second over a matching bracelet.\u00a0 \u201cThere you go, Valerie.\u201d\u00a0 He handed his prizes to the girl.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d \u00a0Her eyes sparkled as she took the treasures.<\/p>\n \u201cMy pleasure, and it\u2019s Adam\u2026 Mr. Cartwright is my Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Valerie blushed prettily and smiled up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, smart guy, so you\u2019re better at rings than we are.\u00a0 Word has it you ain\u2019t got a date, but I\u2019m not about to let you loose with my kid sister,\u201d Rick joked.<\/p>\n Valerie\u2019s blush deepened, \u201cShut up, Rick.\u00a0 I hate you both when you\u2019re drinking.\u201d<\/p>\n Jeff chuckled, \u201cGuess you hate us most o\u2019 the time then.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick was grinning broadly, \u201cHere take this\u2026\u201d he held out a dollar, \u201c\u2026go enjoy yourself, and we\u2019ll stay away from you, but you stay away from Adam here.\u00a0 He\u2019s not to be trusted with the ladies.\u201d<\/p>\n Valerie was red from her neck to her ears but she snatched the note and flounced off, only stopping to say another thank you to Adam as she passed.<\/p>\n Rick leaned back against the stall, \u201cGuess we shouldn\u2019t tease her so much, but she\u2019s just so darn cute when she\u2019s mad at us.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head, \u201cDon\u2019t forget how much she knows about you.\u00a0 One day she might turn you in to the law,\u201d he said, only half joking.<\/p>\n Rick sobered a little, \u201cNaw, she\u2019s a good kid.\u00a0 Talking of the law, you heard any more from Clifford?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and related his encounter with Clifford and his men.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s getting closer to logging on our property.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou need a couple of extra guns, you only gotta ask,\u201d\u00a0 Rick suggested.<\/p>\n Adam raised one eyebrow. \u00a0\u201cCan you imagine my father hiring guns, and even if he did, I think you\u2019d be last on his list.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe hired me once,\u201d Rick protested.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, and you stampeded his herd,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n \u201cNope, you did that with your firecrackers,\u201d\u00a0 Rick chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cAll Cartwrights get into trouble, just not with the law as often as you do.\u00a0 Which reminds me, I\u2019d better go take a look for Little Joe before he gets Pa in a bad mood with some mischief.\u201d\u00a0 Adam started to walk away, but Rick caught his arm.<\/p>\n \u201cKenney will stop at nuthin\u2019.\u00a0 He\u2019s killed before and he\u2019ll do it again.\u00a0 He\u2019s got too much to lose to let you win. \u00a0He\u2019ll even let his own men be killed if it gets him what he wants.\u00a0 He\u2019s got allies you don\u2019t even know about. \u00a0Don\u2019t trust no one.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam walked away deep in thought.<\/p>\n To everyone\u2019s amazement, including his own, Joe managed to stay out of trouble all afternoon, and he made it back to the picnic site in time for his father\u2019s curfew. Ben was so relieved that he didn\u2019t even notice the smell of alcohol on his young son\u2019s breath.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The following morning at breakfast, Ben and Adam were discussing the work program for the week.<\/p>\n \u201cWe could do with more help,\u201d Ben was saying. \u00a0\u201cI need two crews for the herd: one on branding and one to separate out the stock for the drive.\u00a0 The logging operation needs more men, and we still have to find a few more horses for the remuda for the drive.\u00a0 Don\u2019s doing a fine job, but he needs another wrangler to work with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss finished a mouthful of ham and waved a fork at his father. \u201cI can handle the branding and Jake\u2019s doing okay with the stock for the drive. We\u2019re all set there, Pa.<\/p>\n Ben frowned at the fork in his face, and Hoss blushed and set it down.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll try in town for another half dozen for the logging operation, but the mines are working full out, and there may not be any miners out of work. \u00a0I\u2019m a bit shy of drifters right now.\u00a0 Kenney could be planting his men among them, hoping to infiltrate our work force.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced across at Joe then back at Adam.\u00a0 It was a tempting idea to give in to Joe\u2019s wish to leave school at least for the rest of the summer.\u00a0 The boy was a good hand with the horses and Jose could use him.\u00a0 \u201cAdam can you handle the logging operation this week.\u00a0 If Clifford plans to move, that\u2019s where it will be.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u201cSure, we\u2019ll be cutting up at Kings Canyon and along the Carson road.\u00a0 It\u2019s the easiest area for Clifford to jump us, and I could use another dozen men to watch our backs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we don\u2019t have them, so you\u2019ll just have to be watchful.\u201d\u00a0 Ben sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll be careful, Pa, the trimmers can see horses for miles.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, make sure they keep their mind on the job, too.\u00a0 We don\u2019t want any falls because they are looking out for Clifford and not watching what they are doing forty feet up.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam put up a hand to show he\u2019d heard as he drained the last of his coffee. \u201cI\u2019d better be going. \u00a0I want get an early start.\u00a0 We are so short handed I can see myself doing trimming and supervising.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss rose to his feet too. \u201cI\u2019m gonna drop by Miss Hammond\u2019s and make sure everything there is okay before I get to the herd.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam glared at his brother but said nothing.\u00a0 \u201cIf Kit Hammond preferred Hoss\u2019 company to his then there wasn\u2019t much he could do about it until the end of the week. \u00a0But he planned to get in an invitation somehow.<\/p>\n Joe had been trying to assess his father\u2019s mood, and he figured now was as good at time as any.\u00a0 \u201cIf I stayed home from school, I could help Jose with the horses, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 It was casually thrown in as though he had no real interest in the answer, but he peered up under his lashes to see his father\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n Ben was startled as the thought had been going through his mind.\u00a0 He almost said yes on impulse, then his better judgement kicked in.\u00a0 \u201cUh\u2026 no, Joseph.\u00a0 You have school. You can help Jose on weekends but not during the week.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grunted and sulked for the rest of the meal.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss enjoyed his ride over to the Hammond ranch.\u00a0 The air was fresh with a light breeze, and the sun shone down on the meadows.\u00a0 He loved the ride through the aspens where there were patches of light and shade, and the trees whispered to him.\u00a0 He could hardly believe that Kit was interested in him and not his handsome older brother, but he intended to make the most of it.\u00a0 He did want to check with Steve on any activity around their fence line, but more than that, he was hoping for an invitation to stop for a coffee with the owner herself.\u00a0 He was in luck. Almost before he had dismounted and tied Chub to the hitching rail, she was there.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, good morning.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t it beautiful.\u00a0 I went for a ride almost before the sun was up, and it was just perfect,\u201d Kit greeted him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt sure is a lovely day,\u201d Hoss replied.\u00a0 Then he looked concerned. \u00a0\u201cYou really shouldn\u2019t ride around on your own right now; Clifford\u2019s men could be anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n She laughed, \u201cI promise, I was careful.\u00a0 I can\u2019t stay home forever.\u00a0 I want to see this ranch that I\u2019ve inherited, and there is so much I haven\u2019t visited yet.\u00a0 Come in and have some coffee. I\u2019ve some fresh bread right from the oven.\u00a0 Breakfast was a long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, ma\u2019am, I\u2019d like that, but I need to talk to Steve about our plans for dividing up the patrolling.\u201d<\/p>\n Kit waved at a young hand who was crossing the yard. \u201cJack, would you ask Steve to come over to the house.\u00a0 Tell him Hoss is here, and we need to talk tactics.\u201d \u00a0She smiled.\u00a0 \u201cThere you can kill two birds with one stone.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was in seventh heaven.\u00a0 The coffee was far superior to the range stuff he should have been drinking.\u00a0 The fresh bread with creamy butter and preserves was just the way he liked it, and the company was pretty.\u00a0 He sat for far longer than he should have and discussed every bit of the Ponderosa operations in detail, trying to find reasons to extend his visit.\u00a0 Finally, when Steve indicated that he had work to do, he was brought back to reality and rose reluctantly to his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess, that\u2019s pretty much where we are right now then.\u00a0 I\u2019ll tell Adam that you\u2019ll try to help out with guards on this side of the ranch so that we can concentrate on the area up around Kings Canyon.\u201d<\/p>\n Steve nodded to his employer and then left.\u00a0 Hoss lingered just a moment longer, but duty called, and he needed to be on his way.\u00a0 In fact, he should have been gone more than an hour since.\u00a0 \u201cI gotta be going,\u201d he said shyly, \u201cBut, I\u2019d consider it a real pleasure if\u2019n you\u2019d accompany me to the dance on Saturday. \u00a0I could pick you up around seven\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Kit looked a little flustered, \u201cOh, I\u2019d love to come with you, Hoss, but I\u2019ll already be in town.\u00a0 Perhaps we could meet at the Miner\u2019s Hall.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Miss Kit, that would be fine.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss was so pleased with himself that he didn\u2019t come back down to earth until he reached the herd and Jake had spoken to him twice.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Adam\u2019s ride up to Kings Canyon was not the usual pleasant journey.\u00a0 Normally he would have taken his poetry book from his saddle bags and enjoyed a few poems as he rode.\u00a0 He knew Pa worried when he did this, but whether he was riding Sport or Beauty, they both knew the route and would take him to the canyon without much guidance.<\/p>\n Today, however, he worried about the logging operation and Clifford.\u00a0 He simply didn\u2019t have enough men to guard the site and work it too.\u00a0 After a hard day\u2019s work, the men needed rest, and he had no spare capacity to give some a light day so that they could guard at night.\u00a0 Clifford would sneak timber rustlers into any stand that could be logged quickly.\u00a0 But, like all timber thieves, he preferred to allow the legal owner to do the logging for him.\u00a0 Timber already cut was a much more interesting proposition.\u00a0 As the crew moved along the ridge, Clifford could come in behind them and steal the cut lengths before Adam could get them away.\u00a0 The only solution was to move the logs as soon as they were cut. This left nothing to tempt them, but it left the cutting crews shorthanded until the empty wagons and drivers came back.\u00a0 He wrestled with the problem and with schedules and crew assignments for the entire ride and found no solution.<\/p>\n For four days, Adam struggled.\u00a0 He worked as a trimmer high in the trees. \u00a0At least. from here he could see for miles and would hopefully see any move Clifford made.\u00a0 He also supervised the cutting, loading, transporting and guarding, working twenty hour days in an effort to keep everything covered.\u00a0 Some of his men were doing similar shifts, and he knew it had to end.\u00a0 Tired men made mistakes, and in the logging business, mistakes could be fatal.\u00a0 On the fifth day he discovered that all his guards had been wasted.\u00a0 Joe rode up to the camp with news from the ranch.\u00a0 Timber rustlers had struck about five miles from the site where Adam was working.\u00a0 They had cleared maybe four or five wagon loads of prime lumber, leaving almost three times as much smashed beyond use for anything but firewood.<\/p>\n Adam swore loudly, making Joe grin.\u00a0 Pa sure wouldn\u2019t approve of that language.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes Pa know who it was?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head. \u201cNo proof, but it has to be Kenney\u2019s men or Clifford\u2019s.\u00a0 They knew just where to go and what to take.\u00a0 Moved in fast and got out quick.\u00a0 If they had gone north, Jose would have seen \u2018em when he picked up the horses from the meadows, or Hammond\u2019s line riders would have picked \u2018em up.\u00a0 East and they\u2019d have had to pass close by the ranch, and Hoss would\u2019ve noticed wagons passing near the herd.\u00a0 South and they\u2019d be logging where you are.\u00a0 They went west to the only other timber we\u2019ve got that is ready for logging and thick enough to make it a quick job.\u00a0 They sure knew what they wanted and that we\u2019d have no guards there.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam poured himself coffee from the chuck wagon pot and offered some to his brother.\u00a0 Joe grimaced and shook his head. \u201cLooks like tar.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam chuckled, \u201cProbably is. \u00a0Harry\u2019s cook this week.\u00a0 Hoss gets Hop Sing on his chuck wagon; I get whoever is too sick to work on trimming or cutting.\u201d\u00a0 He leaned back against the wagon and relax for a moment. \u201cPa letting you work with Jose tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled and nodded. \u201cYep, two days with the horses, if I can get out of church Sunday.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s offered a bonus to any man who will work all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon.\u00a0 I\u2019ve invited Annie over on Sunday to see how good I am,\u201d he boasted.<\/p>\n Adam frowned.\u00a0 Things must be bad if Pa was contemplating working Sundays.\u00a0 He had never known anyone on the Ponderosa to work a Sunday, except for essential chores with the stock. \u00a0\u201cTell Pa that all is fine here.\u201d \u00a0He answered with as much conviction as he could muster.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll try to get down to the ranch Sunday.\u00a0 I have to give the men a day off.\u00a0 They\u2019ve been working all the daylight hours.\u00a0 I\u2019ll leave just enough to guard the camp.\u201d\u00a0 He thumped Joe on the back. \u201cI have to get back to work, little brother, and you\u2019d better get home for supper or Pa will worry.\u201d\u00a0 He beckoned to a stooped old man with a battered hat.\u00a0 \u201cZeb, ride back with Little Joe, willya.\u00a0 I want Doc to take a look at that arm of yours; it\u2019s not healing like it should.\u201d<\/p>\n Both the old logger and Joe looked disgustedly at Adam.\u00a0 Joe knew he was being given an escort because Adam was worried about him out alone as it grew dark, and Zeb knew he was being sent back to the ranch because he was a liability in a logging camp with one arm out of action.\u00a0 Zeb didn\u2019t object because the young \u2018un needed a second gun along, and Joe threw his brother another look before accepting that Adam wouldn\u2019t change his mind.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was even more irritated to discover that while Pa might want to work on Sunday afternoon, he was still determined that they go to church on Sunday morning.<\/p>\n Hoss consoled his little brother with the thought that he would be able to escort Annie out to the ranch and even invite her for lunch.\u00a0 Hop Sing was back in his kitchen for the day, and a good roast and maybe apple pie would be served.<\/p>\n Joe fidgeted all through the service, and as soon as he could decently get away from Pa, he headed for the Kempster family group.\u00a0 He had never met any of Annie\u2019s family before, and he was surprised to see that her brothers were both full grown and big fellas at that.\u00a0 Her father looked like a business man in his smart Sunday suit, and her mother was dressed like one of those pictures in a fancy catalogue.\u00a0 He wondered what her brothers did; she had never talked about them much.\u00a0 One had a fancy waistcoat and his hair was what Pa would call long \u2013 a riverboat gambler, that was Pa\u2019s expression, but there were no riverboats hereabouts.\u00a0 The other was neatly dressed, but he looked uncomfortable in a suit, much as his own brother Hoss did on Sundays.<\/p>\n \u201cHi, Joe.\u00a0 This is my mother and my father,\u201d she introduced each of them, and Joe shook hands politely.\u00a0 \u201cAnd these are my brothers, Alec and Wade.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2026\u00a0 Mr. Kempster, I was wondering if Annie could ride back with my family,\u201d he indicated his father and Hoss, now standing by the family surrey. \u00a0He had already made arrangements at school for Annie to spend the afternoon with them, but she had been going to ride out with one of her brothers. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019d take real good care of her, and my brother Adam will drive her back when he takes supplies back up to our logging camp at Kings Canyon later this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr. Kempster seemed to consider for a moment and flashed a quick look at his eldest son, Alec.\u00a0 \u201cSounds fine to me, young man, but you\u2019re sure your brother can bring her back?\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t want her out after dark without an escort who can handle a gun.\u201d\u00a0 He saw Joe bristle with indignation, \u201cNo offence, young fella, but there are some mighty shifty characters about,\u201d he smiled to soften his words.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, sure, sir.\u00a0 My brother will be going back up to our logging camp at Kings Canyon an hour or so before dark.\u00a0 He\u2019s given most of the men the day off, and he\u2019ll want to be back there to set the guard and make sure all is fine before nightfall.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen that\u2019s settled.\u00a0 Off you go young lady and be sure to thank Mr. Cartwright and behave yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Annie nodded, and slipping her hand into Joe\u2019s, they both headed for the Cartwright surrey.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lunch went well with a lot of chatter, and Annie fitted in very nicely.\u00a0 Her family had moved around a lot, and she could talk of places she had lived on the east coast as well as places in the west.<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure have seen some places,\u201d Hoss commented.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere were you born?\u201d\u00a0 Adam enquired.<\/p>\n Annie laughed, \u201cBorn in St Louis, but we weren\u2019t there long, so I don\u2019t remember it.\u00a0 I think the first place I remember real well was Kansas.\u00a0 Pa had a job in a bank in Lawrence.\u00a0 We lived there for about three years, the longest we\u2019ve been anywhere. His company sends him to banks that need investment advice, so he never stays long in one place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich place did you like best?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure, probably Charleston, because we weren\u2019t there long enough for me to go to school,\u201d she giggled, \u201cor maybe Texas, because that\u2019s where I had my first pony.\u201d<\/p>\n The rest of the talk was of horses, and soon everyone was heading out to the corrals to start work.\u00a0 Joe was going to ride, but Ben had refused to allow Adam to take on any horses.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve been working far too hard this week; you need a rest, even if it is only a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t even argue.\u00a0 Every muscle ached, and the thought of climbing on a green horse didn\u2019t appeal one bit.\u00a0 \u201cJoe seems real taken with Annie and she with him,\u201d he remarked as he stood with his father by the rail.\u00a0 \u201cI wonder if her father is really into investments or just not very good at his job and has to keep moving.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shrugged, \u201cHe seems a nice enough man, but not the sort of man I\u2019d take for a bank manager, more a clerk I\u2019d say.\u00a0 Anyway you\u2019ll get to meet him when you take Annie home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, about that Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Joe\u2019s kinda backed you into a corner, but it won\u2019t take long.\u00a0 They live on the outskirts of town, and if you leave right after the boys stop working the horses, you\u2019ll still be at the camp before dark.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, then chuckled. \u201cLittle brother sure is showing off for her.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed toward the corral where Joe was giving an exaggerated demonstration of how to do the checks before the horses was released from the chute.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grunted, \u201cJust so long as he concentrates when he\u2019s riding.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa.\u00a0 I already asked Don to pick out a couple of easy ones just in case.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled, he might have known that Adam would be looking out for his little brother and would know exactly how a young man\u2019s mind worked when it came to impressing a lady.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had extinguished all but the lamp at the bottom of the stairs and was about to use that one to light his way to bed, when he heard the sound of a horse being ridden hard into the yard.\u00a0 He hurriedly made his way to the window above his desk and looked out.\u00a0 In the moonlight he could just make out a horse and rider over by the bunkhouse.\u00a0 Then he felt his heart plummet to his boots, the chestnut horse with the three white socks was Sport, and the tall rider all in black could only be his oldest son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 9<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n His heart in his mouth, he rushed outside, leaving the big planked door swinging.\u00a0 He and his son met at the edge of the porch.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it?\u00a0 What\u2019s wrong?\u201d\u00a0 Ben grabbed at Adam\u2019s shoulder to halt his rush to the house.\u00a0 His son\u2019s eyes were wild, and his clothes and hair in disarray.\u00a0 He wore no hat and on closer inspection Ben could see that his shirt was torn halfway up his left sleeve.<\/p>\n \u201cThe camp\u2019s been attacked.\u201d\u00a0 Adam gasped.<\/p>\n Ben led him to the seat on the porch and allowed him to regain his breath. \u201cWhen?\u00a0 Is anyone hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwo dead and maybe five with gunshot wounds.\u00a0 They must have hit late this afternoon just as the light was fading.\u00a0 I heard the shots, but with the wagon I couldn\u2019t get there fast enough.\u00a0 By the time I arrived it was pretty much all over.\u00a0 They went in fast, wrecked as much equipment and cut lumber as they could with dynamite and then shot their way out.\u00a0 I\u2019m pretty sure I winged one, and Andy and Slim both said they thought they had hit one apiece.\u00a0 Only the guards were armed, most of the men were still in town, and the ones who were back weren\u2019t armed.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben put an arm around his son. \u201cWho did we lose?\u201d he said, softly.<\/p>\n Adam passed a hand across his eyes, \u201cJim Barclay and young Robbie Masters.\u00a0 The kid begged to be one of the guards, and I was fool enough to let him.\u00a0 I figured on timber rustlers but not a gang of out and out murderers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault, son.\u00a0 You couldn\u2019t have known\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but somebody did.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s demeanour changed from defeat to one of pure rage.\u00a0 \u201cSomeone knew the camp was almost empty or they\u2019d never have tried it.\u201d<\/p>\n By this time Hoss had heard the voices and was back downstairs, and he greeted Adam as Ben led him inside.\u00a0 Ben gave him a brief run down of what had transpired.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, put some coffee on.\u00a0 It\u2019s going to be a long night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCoffee alleady on.\u00a0 You talk, \u00a0Hop Sing take care of coffee.\u201d\u00a0 The little Chinaman padded in and out again.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone in town would know the camp was empty.\u00a0 The hands were in the saloons, no doubt.\u201d\u00a0 Ben sat down and leaned toward his eldest son, who was now seated in his favorite chair.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, that doesn\u2019t explain it, Pa.\u00a0 Andy says that these men rode in from Virginia City.\u00a0 He recognised a couple of them, and they work for Clifford.\u00a0 Our hands were in Carson City or home with their families.\u00a0 We don\u2019t usually let so many men out of camp at once.\u00a0 It was only because we had been doing twenty-hour days.\u00a0 Someone had to know that there would be little resistance.\u201d\u00a0 He clicked his fingers. \u00a0\u201cAnd someone knew I would be coming back around dusk.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced at his arm, and for the first time Ben noticed the dried blood.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re hurt!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a scratch, Pa.\u00a0 There were two of them on the trail up from Virginia City.\u00a0 They were waiting for me.\u00a0 They knew I\u2019d be coming back late.\u00a0 No one could have known I would be away from the camp except the family and a few hands who were here this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, \u201cAnnie and her father would have known.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grunted.\u00a0 \u201cKempster was at his house when I dropped Annie off.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t have got ahead of me on the trail, and he has no connection with Clifford.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he knew your movements from about midday when Joe spoke to him after church.\u00a0 Plenty of time to tell someone else, and his sons would have known.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was still unconvinced. \u00a0\u201cHe\u2019s a banker with no connection to this.\u00a0 Why would he tell anyone.\u00a0 He and his wife were entertaining Sylvester and Joan Prescott, and there aren\u2019t two more upstanding citizens in the county.\u00a0 As far as I could see, they had been there since church.\u00a0 And, as for his sons, they were at the supper table.\u00a0 Even on fast horses, they\u2019d be hard pushed to have rounded up enough men and got there much ahead of me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen there has to be someone else.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stared into the fire, trying to recall if he had said anything to anyone in town.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, only my own loggers knew, and I\u2019d trust everyone of them with my life \u2013 in fact, I do most days.\u201d\u00a0 Adam simply couldn\u2019t see who else might betray them.<\/p>\n Hoss grunted and his color heightened. \u201cMiss Kit knew. I kinda mentioned it when I took her home from church.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Hoss, she is our partner in this; she\u2019s even been shot at herself.\u201d\u00a0 Ben discounted the theory immediately.\u00a0 \u201cIf she wants us to fail, then all she has to do is vote against us at the next Cattlemen\u2019s Association meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up at his brother, and a cold feeling came over him. \u201cNo she doesn\u2019t, Pa.\u00a0 I spoke to Hiram Woods the other day, and he was saying that we still have a majority of three votes.\u00a0 That means that even if Kit Hammond changed sides, at the moment, we could still out vote Kenney by one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait a minute, are you saying that she is playing us along to find out our strategy for Kenney?\u201d\u00a0 Ben swung around and fixed his oldest son with a penetrating stare.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t believe it.\u00a0 That little girl is incapable of such treachery.\u00a0 She wants Kenney stopped as much as we do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Pa\u2019s right.\u00a0 Miss Kit, wouldn\u2019t never do somethin\u2019 like that.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss\u2019 was indignant at the thought.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, she\u2019s British, right?\u00a0 The British need the cotton; the South can provide it. All it takes is for them to get more finance, and the Comstock has the finance.\u201d\u00a0 Adam explained, spreading his hands wide.\u00a0 \u201cAll that information she shared about Kenney\u2019s connections to the South may be just a way to get us to believe her.\u00a0 Include some truth; show she is willing to tell us what she knows of Kenney.\u00a0 She knows we can check on his connections. After all, we don\u2019t know what business her father was in, it may have been importing and it may have been cotton.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you before the war has nothing to do with Kenney\u2019s ambitions for advancement.\u00a0 He\u2019s a greedy man who has overstretched himself.\u00a0 Just lately you bring the war into everything.\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s temper was rising.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe because it is a prime motive for this kind of financial dealing.\u201d\u00a0 Adam spoke softly. \u201cWhat\u2019s his connection to Kempster?\u00a0 That man has moved around more than most and always in towns connected to the South and its ambitions.\u00a0 He could be the financial genius behind this, hiding behind that slightly bumbling exterior.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe world ain\u2019t all crooked, ya know.\u00a0 Could be he\u2019s exactly what he looks like,\u201d\u00a0 Hoss grunted.<\/p>\n Ben glared at both sons, \u201cWell, we aren\u2019t going to find out tonight,\u201d he said, sharply.\u00a0 Let Hop Sing look at that arm before you turn in.\u00a0 Tomorrow we can go into town and make arrangements for Jim\u2019s funeral.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t have any near relatives as far as I know.\u00a0 I\u2019ll ride over to Genoa and tell Robbie\u2019s parents.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t envy you, Pa; he was their only child.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss said sadly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go see Mr. and Mrs. Masters.\u201d\u00a0 Adam spoke firmly. \u201cHe worked for me, and I put him on guard duty.\u00a0 It\u2019s my place to tell them.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded.\u00a0 He understood. Adam needed to do this.\u00a0 Even though all the hands worked for the Ponderosa, Adam was Bull of the Woods at the camp, and the loggers were his responsibility.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Joe had slept through all the excitement of the previous night. and so he was surprised to see his older brother at the breakfast table.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Adam, how come you\u2019re here so early?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot early, little brother, I got here late last night, but you were sleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pointed at his brother\u2019s now bandaged arm.\u00a0 \u201cYou get hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam proceeded to outline the events of the previous night, speaking as calmly as he could.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m real sorry about Jim and Robbie.\u00a0 Robbie was only about two years older than me; he wanted to be a first rate logger.\u00a0 Guess he won\u2019t do that now.\u201d\u00a0 Joe stared into his coffee cup.\u00a0 \u201cYou think Kit Hammond was behind it, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben raised a hand, \u201cNow we don\u2019t know that.\u00a0 It could equally well be Kempster, both of them knew of Adam\u2019s plans.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want anyone making any accusations we can\u2019t back up with facts.\u00a0 But from now on, we keep all our plans quiet, and we don\u2019t tell anyone where our hands will be working or where we will be.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think they\u2019ll try again, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss almost whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cIf Adam is right about the votes, then Kenney has to break the Ponderosa.\u00a0 And, if she isn\u2019t involved, then he has to take out the Circle H, too,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cIf the Ponderosa can\u2019t or doesn\u2019t vote, then the small ranchers would cave in; they have no loyalty to Kit Hammond.\u00a0 He just has to stop us voting.\u00a0 I\u2019d say killing all of us isn\u2019t an option, but killing one of us will take our mind off the ranch enough for him to bankrupt it with timber raids and cattle rustling.\u201d\u00a0 He gulped down his coffee and pushed back his chair.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve trebled my guards, which, in itself, plays into his hands, because we can only cut half the lumber if we have the crew guarding as well as cutting.\u00a0 I have to get back.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben caught his son\u2019s good arm, \u201cTake Lon and Marty up with you. I don\u2019t want anyone riding alone around the ranch or into town.\u201d\u00a0 His eyes spoke volumes; his worry for his son more than evident.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t want you trimming until that arm heals either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Adam brushed off the hand and the concern in one movement.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you get your wish, no school for you this week; you can work with Hoss.\u00a0 Hoss, you take real good care now, neither of you ride alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least we can get back to normal after next week.\u00a0 Once the vote is done, Kenney will have to bankrupt us some other way to get what he wants.\u00a0 Our contracts are still on time despite his efforts, so with the cattle sold at a good price, it\u2019s going to make it almost impossible for him.\u00a0 It sure will feel good to get back to some sense of normality.\u201d\u00a0 Adam summed up how they all felt<\/p>\n Ben watched his son leave and then pondered his words.\u00a0 Yes, once the vote was over it would make it harder for Kenney, but that was why he had to play all his cards now.\u00a0 The next few days could be very dangerous indeed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For a little over a week the Cartwrights tried to keep the ranch running while constantly alert for trouble, but there was none.\u00a0 Roy Coffee had done his best to find out who had been involved in the raid.\u00a0 But he had no proof, and every man that had been recognised either had an alibi or had gone to ground and couldn\u2019t be found.<\/p>\n On the sixth day, Ben rode up to the logging camp.\u00a0 Mindful of his own rules, he took two ranch hands with him, intending to give Adam the extra help he needed to complete this contract.<\/p>\n \u201cLooking good, son.\u201d\u00a0 He praised Adam when they met.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cIf I could use all the men instead of having a third of them on guard duty or driving wagons to get the timber away to the Ophir on a daily basis, we\u2019d have been done two days ago.\u201d\u00a0 He perched himself on the end of the chuck wagon, poured two cups of thick black coffee and offered one to his father.\u00a0 \u201cKenney doesn\u2019t have to attack again.\u00a0 He knows that we are slowing down simply with the threat of more trouble.\u00a0 And five men have quit since the raid.\u00a0 They have families and would rather look for a safer job than working for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, \u201cYou\u2019re doing your best; no one can do more.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe are doing a good job with the herd.\u00a0 That boy can certainly work when he has a mind to.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cYou sure it\u2019s him working and not Hoss covering for him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNow be fair, I\u2019ve seen him.\u00a0 Hoss has been courting Kit Hammond on at least two evenings, and Little Joe has covered for him.\u00a0 Thinks I don\u2019t know about that,\u201d Ben grinned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Down in the valley, Joe was complaining about that very thing.\u00a0 \u201cYou sure are stuck on her.\u201d\u00a0 He moaned as Hoss picked up his jacket and prepared to mount Chubby.<\/p>\n \u201cI done my share today. \u00a0Jake is here to boss the outfit, and I ain\u2019t on night herd, so a few hours is my time off,\u201d\u00a0 Hoss replied, huffily.<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t saying nothin\u2019, but Pa sure would if he knew you was riding over to the Hammond place on your own and at night,\u201d Joe pointed out.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly folks as knows is the hands, and they\u2019ll all be here, sleepin\u2019 or riding nighthawk.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t you supposed to be doing just that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m goin\u2019, me and Cooch\u2019ll take care of the herd for you.\u00a0 You go get all cosy with your lady love.\u201d\u00a0 Joe giggled and ducked out of his brother\u2019s long reach.\u00a0 \u201cSee you in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss smiled and waved as Joe mounted up and rode out to the herd.<\/p>\n Several hours later Hoss was back safe and sound and rolled into his blankets.\u00a0 Jake had assured him that all was well, and he was willing to let Jake handle the night herders.\u00a0 Every hour Jake rode around the herd checking that all his guards were in place and that there was no trouble.\u00a0 He was relieved to see the first gray light of dawn over the Virginia Mountains as he made his last check of the night.\u00a0 He counted off his hands, comforting each one with the thought that in the next half hour their morning relief would be riding out from the camp and they would be able to get back to breakfast.\u00a0 Just three more to check, first old Henry, then Little Joe and finally Slim Cleary.\u00a0 Henry was right on the spot, riding alongside the cattle and singing softly as he always did.<\/p>\n \u201cNot long to breakfast, Henry.\u201d\u00a0 Jake spoke softly to avoid spooking the herd.<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t be too soon for me.\u00a0 These bones is getting too old for night herding.\u201d\u00a0 Henry pointed to the north, \u201cHeard young Joe trying the singing a while back.\u00a0 He ain\u2019t quite got the knack of it yet, but he\u2019s doing a grand job for a young \u2018un.\u00a0 That\u2019s what we need \u2013 more youngsters to do this sort of work.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake grinned in the half light. \u201cYou and me got a few years yet.\u00a0 See ya back at camp.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake rode along side the herd, his mind on the job.\u00a0 The cattle were all quiet, but it seemed a long time before he saw another figure ahead of him.\u00a0 The horse was a dark bay which merged into the herd in this light, and the figure was tall with a Mexican sombrero.\u00a0 Jake was expecting a calico with a younger, smaller rider.\u00a0 He kicked his horse to a canter.<\/p>\n \u201cSlim, where\u2019s young Joe?\u00a0 You sent him back to camp already?\u201d<\/p>\n Slim Cleary glance up as Jake came up to him.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t seen Joe since about midnight, when we checked with each other.\u00a0 He was gonna make his second check with Henry.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t expect to see him again until we got back to breakfast.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t he on station?\u201d<\/p>\n Jake swore, \u201cDammit, no he ain\u2019t.\u00a0 If he\u2019s sneaked back for a coffee or fallen asleep someplace, I\u2019ll have his hide.\u201d<\/p>\n Slim shook his head, \u201cHe won\u2019t a\u2019 done that.\u00a0 He was too proud of Hoss lettin\u2019 him do a night watch on his own.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSlim, herd\u2019s quiet, ride on in and check for me, willya.\u00a0 I\u2019ll take a looksee around where he should be, see if he fell asleep someplace.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake rode back south, checking in every place a man and a horse could be concealed, but he arrived back with Henry having seen nothing untoward.<\/p>\n \u201cYou checking on me twice, boss?\u201d\u00a0 Henry chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI may be old, but I ain\u2019t shirking me job.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake shook his head, \u201cNope, Henry, not checking on you, looking for young Joe.\u00a0 He ain\u2019t at his post.\u00a0 How long ago did ya say ya heard him?\u201d<\/p>\n Henry considered a moment. \u00a0\u201cMusta bin about two hours back, just after you made your last rounds.\u00a0 Maybe he rode in early.\u00a0 He\u2019s only a lad.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows better.\u00a0 You don\u2019t leave your post until your relief comes out, especially not with all the trouble we bin havin\u2019\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Jake\u2019s whole manner changed.\u00a0 \u201cYou hear anything else, cattle being moved maybe?\u201d<\/p>\n Henry shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cWe ain\u2019t had rustlers if that\u2019s what ya mean.\u00a0 I\u2019da heard someone cuttin\u2019 cattle.\u00a0 These babies don\u2019t go quietly.\u00a0 You think maybe they tried and Joe\u2019s out there somewhere, hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI dunno Henry.\u00a0 You keep watch here until your relief comes.\u00a0 I\u2019ll go take another look.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake rode back along the way he had come, but this time he was searching the ground.\u00a0 It was hard to see any new tracks in the gray morning light.\u00a0 With over a thousand head of cattle and the drovers, there were just too many hoof prints.\u00a0 He came to the spot where Joe should have been and dismounted.\u00a0 He walked away from the herd and began making a semicircle.\u00a0 Yes, there it was, another horse, carrying a heavier load than Cochise and with larger hoof prints than the little pinto.\u00a0 The horse had come in from the north and then both horses had left the same way.\u00a0 There were no footprints, so neither rider had dismounted. He was about to mount up to follow the trail when Slim returned, with Hoss hot on his heels.<\/p>\n \u201cHe ain\u2019t in camp,\u201d Slim stated baldly.<\/p>\n Hoss noted Jake\u2019s worried expression. \u201cYou found somethin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTracks, two horses, both shod.\u00a0 One of \u2018em is Joe\u2019s; I\u2019d swear to it.\u00a0 Heading north.\u201d<\/p>\n People considered Hoss slow, but his mind was as sharp as anyone\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cSlim ride back to the camp and get all the men out: half on the herd and half to follow us, and send someone to tell my father.\u00a0 I\u2019d say someone has kidnapped Joe.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t have gone willingly, so it musta bin at gunpoint.\u201d<\/p>\n Jake nodded, \u201cNeither of \u2018em dismounted.\u00a0 The trail leads north up the valley.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToward Virginia City?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cMebbe, but it\u2019s more likely they\u2019d take him into the mountains, harder to track that way.\u201d\u00a0 Jake had re-mounted.\u00a0 \u201cThey got maybe two hours on us, and it\u2019s getting light. so they\u2019ll be riding fast or hiding out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cC\u2019mon, let\u2019s get started.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss was worried and frightened for his young brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben decided to take his first morning coffee out on to the porch.\u00a0 The sun was already warm, and it was always wise to enjoy the last sunny days of summer before the long winter set in.\u00a0 He opened the front door and stopped in amazement.\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s blue jacket was fixed to the porch step with a wicked looking knife, and between knife handle and jacket, there was a note. He grabbed at the knife and released jacket and note.\u00a0 His heart went cold at the stark black printing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you want to see your son alive again, you know which way to vote<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The vote was tomorrow.\u00a0 That left him twenty-four hours to find Little Joe and rescue him.\u00a0 But how had he been kidnapped?\u00a0 He was safe with Hoss and the herd.\u00a0 Over thirty men would be around him all day and night.\u00a0 How could anyone get to him?\u00a0 Pushing such thoughts and all the emotions that bubbled up to one side, he made for the bunkhouse.\u00a0 Time was too short to waste wondering how.\u00a0 He gave a perfunctory knock and pushed open the bunkhouse door.\u00a0 There were only five men here today.\u00a0 The rest were either with the herd or with the logging crew.\u00a0\u00a0 The men were in various stages of dressing, and all looked up with surprise.\u00a0 The boss rarely bothered them before work started.\u00a0 Ezra, the most senior of the men, checked his pocket watch.\u00a0 Were they late or something?<\/p>\n Ben saw his action and held up an apologetic hand. \u00a0\u201cSorry to interrupt you fellas this early, but something has come up.\u201d\u00a0 He drew in a deep breath, \u201cIt looks like Little Joe has been kidnapped.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKidnapped!\u201d several voices exclaimed at once.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat you want us to do, Boss?\u201d\u00a0 Ezra was the first to recover.<\/p>\n Ben looked at each of the men; they were all old hands and he trusted them.\u00a0 \u201cTwo of you ride up to the logging camp and let Adam know.\u00a0 He\u2019ll no doubt send some men down to help.\u00a0 Tell him to meet me at the Franktown camp as soon as he can, but he\u2019s not to ride alone.\u00a0 Make sure he understands that.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want anyone alone right now.\u00a0 Charley you come with me, and we\u2019ll ride out to the herd now.\u00a0 Two of you will have to handle the chores here and let us know if there are any more messages.\u00a0 I\u2019ll send some hands back to help as soon as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t worry about the chores; Boss, me and Will can deal with that.\u00a0 You just find the young \u2018un.\u00a0 You know who\u2019s got him?\u201d\u00a0 Ezra asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI can only guess that it\u2019s Kenney or one of his henchmen, but he could be anywhere.\u00a0 I\u2019ll know more when I talk to Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n It took less than ten minutes for Charley to have the horses saddled.\u00a0 They were away without food.\u00a0 Their only concern was Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Ben tried to reassure his son.\u00a0 \u201cJoe was within a few hundred yards of Slim and Henry, and they heard nothing.\u00a0 Whoever took him must have held him at gunpoint to keep him quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve tracked back as far as we could, Pa.\u00a0 The trail disappears around the north end of Washoe.\u00a0 I got men out looking, but I figured I should be here for when Slim got back with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cWe saved some time by meeting him halfway.\u00a0 There must have been two of them.\u00a0 One person couldn\u2019t have delivered the note and got Joe away.\u00a0 If Joe had been with the rider at the ranch, he would have risked calling out.\u201d\u00a0 Ben stayed quiet for a moment, thinking\u2026\u00a0 \u201cNorth of Washoe doesn\u2019t give us much to go on.\u00a0 They could have headed into Virginia City or north to Reno or into the mountains.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss pondered his father\u2019s words for a moment. \u201cIt\u2019d have been daylight by the time they got to Virginia City.\u00a0 They\u2019d not risk that, and the mountains \u2018ud be too far away from Kenney to get messages back and forth.\u00a0 I reckon they got him hid somewhere outside the town.\u00a0 There\u2019s them old mine workings all along the valley \u2013 maybe in one o\u2019 them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean Washoe Diggings?\u201d\u00a0 Ben queried.\u00a0 His mind raced over the possibilities.<\/p>\n \u201cTracks was heading that way when we lost \u2018em, and they\u2019d need to get Joe under cover \u2018afore daylight. \u00a0Cochise is too darn recognisable.\u00a0 One of \u2018em could watch Joe, and the other could report to Kenney in town.\u00a0 It ain\u2019t far over the mountain.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss had pretty much made up his mind.<\/p>\n \u201cI just hope Joseph doesn\u2019t try to overpower his guard. If there is only one he might be tempted.\u201d A new worry had entered Ben\u2019s head, and it wouldn\u2019t shake loose.\u00a0 \u201cI sure wish I knew who has been telling Kenney our every move.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All morning Ben, Hoss and the ranch hands searched old mine workings.\u00a0 Carefully checking for signs first, they delved into the mines, but many of the old workings were just a few feet into the mountains and not big enough to hide a man and his horse.\u00a0 When they came upon larger openings, they explored every drift and even pulled away small rock falls. \u00a0It was past midday by the time Adam found them, and there was still nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe we are going at this the wrong way,\u201d Adam suggested, as they stopped for a break and some water.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat d\u2019you mean?\u201d\u00a0 Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Joe might not be here.\u00a0 He could be miles away by now.\u00a0 Perhaps we should go into town and try to work out Kenney\u2019s movements, have him and Clifford watched.\u00a0 Ask around; see who they have been talking to, especially if any of those people are no longer in town.\u00a0 It might give us clues.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKenney ain\u2019t gonna be stupid enough to be seen with whoever he\u2019s paying to do this,\u201d Hoss said scornfully.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s gonna make sure he\u2019s clean.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re getting nowhere fast looking around here.\u00a0 You\u2019ve covered less than half the diggings and it\u2019s past noon.\u00a0 You can\u2019t search after dark, and the vote is tomorrow morning,\u201d Adam responded, his anger beginning to show.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd it\u2019s not helping having you two at each other\u2019s throats.\u201d\u00a0 Ben came between his sons and glared at them.<\/p>\n The argument was stopped by the arrival of some surprise visitors.\u00a0 \u201cHowdy, Mr. Cartwright, Adam, Hoss\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Rick Bonner swung down from his bay mare and nodded to each of them.\u00a0 \u201cWord\u2019s out in town that Little Joe\u2019s been kidnapped.\u00a0 Thought you might need a bit of help searching,\u201d he indicated his brother Jeff and half a dozen less than salubrious characters who often acted as drovers for him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m surprised you aren\u2019t working with Clifford to run off my herd while we\u2019re looking,\u201d Ben snapped.<\/p>\n Rick grinned, \u201cNo offense taken, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 I might well a bin, if he\u2019d offered enough money, but like I told Adam a while back, I don\u2019t aim to end up on the end of his gun.\u00a0 We bin friends too long.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam glanced at his father, \u201cC\u2019mon, Pa, every pair of eyes is useful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMight be more\u2019n that,\u201d Rick drawled.\u00a0 \u201cThat girl who took over the Hammond place, she\u2019s been seen in town a time or two chatting to that banker Kempster, and he\u2019s a real good friend of Kenney\u2019s.\u00a0 Might be they took the boy out to her place.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam held up a hand to stop Hoss, who, by his expression, was headed for Rick with the intention of ringing his neck.\u00a0 \u201cYou know that for fact?\u201d<\/p>\n Rick nodded. \u201cI seen her with my own two eyes a couple of times with Kempster, right chatty they were.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam moved closer to his father. \u201cIt makes sense, Pa.\u00a0 If Miss Hammond is working with Kenney, then she can switch votes at the last minute.\u00a0 But he still needs you to abstain or vote with him to get a majority; otherwise it\u2019s a stalemate.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was barely containing his anger. \u201cWhy\u2019d she do that after she came in and acted all friendly like?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u201cLike I said, Kenney still needs Pa\u2019s vote. \u00a0If he wasn\u2019t sure of Kit Hammond\u2019s, then securing Pa\u2019s would still not be enough. \u00a0Maybe she\u2019s already been bought out and was told to lull us into a false sense of security.\u00a0 Or maybe she had to get close to one of us.\u201d\u00a0 He directed his gaze at Hoss. \u201cShe got information; she knew our movements almost before we did.\u00a0 Kenney needed that.\u00a0 And you gotta see that she\u2019s British, and the British need cotton.\u00a0 With the Comstock in his hands, Kenney has the money to help the South deliver that.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben raised his eyebrows. \u201cYou still think this conspiracy theory holds water?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen why did she tell us about Kenney\u2019s connections?\u00a0 Why not keep quiet and let us think it was just a local range war?\u201d Ben argued.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cTo gain our confidence, or because she knew we could find out for ourselves, and then she\u2019d be implicated.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss roused himself for another bout. \u201cHuh, somethin\u2019 our big brother don\u2019t know for once.\u00a0 I\u2019m tellin\u2019 ya, Miss Kit ain\u2019t got nuthin\u2019 to do with this.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick watched the argument with detachment. \u201cI say, whoever it is, we ain\u2019t helpin\u2019 Little Joe much by standin\u2019 around here.\u00a0 My fellas are gonna start searching up around Orleans Hill.\u00a0 There\u2019s plenty of mine shafts that could hide an army up there: all of \u2018em on Hammond land.\u00a0 Weren\u2019t it one o\u2019them where they found old Chad\u2019s body?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss picked up Chubby\u2019s reins. \u201cWell, I\u2019m gonna ride over to Miss Kit\u2019s and see what she\u2019s got to say.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick sniffed. \u201cThen you\u2019d better ride into town.\u00a0 She was at the Mercantile when we rode by.\u00a0 Maybe she\u2019s even headed for the bank and Kenney by now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, you keep searching. \u00a0I\u2019ll go into town and have words with Miss Hammond.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s expression was hard and uncompromising.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m comin\u2019 with you.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss was mounted before Adam had even picked up Sport\u2019s reins.<\/p>\n \u201cBoys, just remember it is Little Joe\u2019s life we are gambling with.\u00a0 Arguing amongst ourselves won\u2019t help.\u201d\u00a0 His words were lost to his sons as they galloped away.<\/p>\n Rick shrugged. \u201cWe\u2019ll find him, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Me and the boys knows all the best hideouts, hereabouts.\u201d \u00a0He grinned at Ben\u2019s raised eyebrows.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kit had finished her marketing, and Will Cass had loaded her buckboard.\u00a0 She had one more stop to make before heading home.\u00a0 She nodded to one or two acquaintances as she made her way down to Mr. Kempster\u2019s office.\u00a0 The man might not be the best investment advisor, but apart from the bank, there was no one else in this benighted city who could tell her what she wanted to know.<\/p>\n Her business finished, she was just coming out of Kempster\u2019s office when two of the Cartwrights rode up to the sidewalk just in front of her.\u00a0 They dismounted and came quickly to her side.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard about Little Joe.\u00a0 The sheriff is turning the town upside down and asking all over but no clues yet. Have you any idea who took him and where?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d know more than we do,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n Hoss stood to her right, and she glanced up at him first. \u201cIs there something I\u2019m missing here?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked embarrassed. He had been so sure that she was innocent, but here she was coming out of Kempster\u2019s office just as Rick had suggested.\u00a0 Kempster was linked to Kenney.\u00a0 It was all so complicated, and Hoss was a straightforward man. \u00a0He was seldom devious and never saw it in others.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s our little brother?\u201d\u00a0 Adam demanded, grabbing her arm.<\/p>\n Kit twisted her hand backwards, broke his hold and then glared at him. \u201cIf you will stop manhandling me, I might be able to shed some light on it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHa, I knew it. \u00a0You\u2019re in this up to your neck,\u201d\u00a0 Adam snarled.<\/p>\n \u201cMust we make a scene in the street?\u00a0 Kenney maybe watching, and we don\u2019t want to show our hand, do we?\u201d\u00a0 Kit took Hoss\u2019 arm and began to walk toward her buckboard.\u00a0 \u201cIf you would care to help me up, Hoss?\u00a0 Then perhaps we can ride out of town and discuss our business calmly away from prying eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss glanced at Adam and shrugged before doing as Kit asked.<\/p>\n Adam brought up the horses and mounted Sport.\u00a0 He might as well go along with it.\u00a0 She could hardly make a run for it in a buckboard, and it was several miles along the road before there was anywhere that would work for an ambush.\u00a0 She could not have known that they were going to come into town, so it was hardly likely that she had one set up in any event.<\/p>\n They had travelled just over a mile when Kit pulled the buckboard over and stopped.\u00a0 \u201cNow, gentlemen, perhaps you would do me the courtesy of listening before you decide that I am the villain.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss drew their horses alongside and waited.<\/p>\n \u201cI was visiting Mr. Kempster to find out about some investments.\u00a0 I used my feminine charm, if you will, to find out what might be a good investment on the Comstock by asking where Mr. Kenney is putting his money.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t take much to get Mr. Kempster to betray a confidence.\u00a0 He is a most inept banker. \u00a0I\u2019m surprised he has managed to hold down a job for more than a few months.\u00a0 Kenney is expecting to win the vote tomorrow, and he is investing heavily based on that supposition.\u00a0 If he wins, he has all the power to bankrupt many of the smaller ranchers and, of course, the Ponderosa. With that accomplished, he holds all the beef and all the timber and can command the silver of the Comstock.\u201d\u00a0 She threw them a triumphant look. \u201cWith that silver he plans to assist the Confederacy.\u00a0 I was right about our Mr. Kenney\u2019s allegiances.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA good story, but how do we know you aren\u2019t involved?\u00a0 The raid on our lumber camp was planned for when we were weakest.\u00a0 You knew that.\u00a0 You knew Joe was riding night herd.\u201d \u00a0Adam glared at Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cIn fact you knew where and when to hit us every time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Kempster knew about your lack of hands at the camp,\u201d she replied, coldly.<\/p>\n \u201cBut he didn\u2019t know about the night herders,\u201d Adam snapped back at her. \u201cHoss told you that he planned to let Joe ride night herd for the first time.\u00a0 No one but you knew that.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss closed his eyes as he realised that Adam had hit on the truth.\u00a0 He had told Kit, and no one else had known until he assigned the task.\u00a0 She had to be the one behind Joe\u2019s kidnapping.<\/p>\n Kit had listened to their arguments, and this was one she had puzzled over herself. Who else knew that Joe was riding night herd except Hoss and herself?\u00a0 She nodded, \u201cI wondered that too.\u00a0 I knew Hoss hadn\u2019t mentioned it to anyone else.\u00a0 It\u2019s funny how we take people for granted.\u00a0 Some people are always around, and so you never think of them as party to a conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam kept his eyes on Kit. \u201cJust who are you referring to?\u201d<\/p>\n She looked up at him, her eyes sad. \u201cI trusted him, because my uncle had. \u00a0When I left this morning two of my hands were missing: a new man that we only hired a week ago and my foreman, Steve.\u201d\u00a0 She sighed. \u00a0\u201cSteve was on the porch when Hoss and I were talking.\u00a0 He has been there every time one of you has been at the ranch.\u00a0 Steve knew your plans just as I did.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam considered her point. \u201cI\u2019ve known Steve a good many years.\u00a0 He\u2019s always been loyal to the Hammond ranch.\u00a0 Why would he change now?\u201d<\/p>\n Kit\u2019s color rose, and her temper began to simmer.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t have all the answers, but I am telling you that he\u2019s the man you are after.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t Kempster; he isn\u2019t bright enough.\u00a0 He\u2019s just a pawn in Kenney\u2019s plans being used to hide money and investments.\u00a0 But I can tell you it sure as hell isn\u2019t me.\u00a0 Steve is the only other person who knew your plans unless, of course, you suspect one of your brothers or your foreman.\u201d \u00a0She finished with a glare.<\/p>\n \u201cKenney still won\u2019t have the votes even if Pa changes sides.\u00a0 He needs another to change, and we figure that one is you,\u201d Adam bit back.<\/p>\n \u201cWrong.\u00a0 Once your father changes sides, the half-dozen small ranchers who are supporting him will swing over too.\u00a0 I can\u2019t stand alone, and they don\u2019t know me well enough to give me the same support they give your father.\u00a0 If Kenney can hold your brother for a few more hours then he has won.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was more practical.\u00a0 All these theories were fine, but they weren\u2019t helping to find Little Joe.\u00a0 \u201cSo, if we go with Steve as our man, where is he hiding?\u201d<\/p>\n Kit shrugged, \u201cYou know the area better than I do.\u00a0 He said he was working around the area that borders an old stagecoach road.\u00a0 Said he needed to check that Clifford wasn\u2019t rustling from us because that border was the nearest to town.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam raised an eyebrow. \u201cRustling what, jack rabbits?\u00a0 That piece of land is desert scrub. \u00a0Circle H has never run cattle up there, and there\u2019s not a tree in sight.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded, \u201cBut, like Rick said, there\u2019s a lot of old mine workings around New Orleans Hill.\u201d<\/p>\n Both brothers were back in the saddle in an instant.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll follow you with the buckboard,\u201d she called after them.\u00a0 At least it seemed they believed her now.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Chapter 10<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Joe Cartwright was trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey, but he still glared at his abductor.\u00a0 He swallowed the drink of water he had been offered.<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t nuthin\u2019 personal, Joe,\u201d his captor took back the canteen and screwed the cap on.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m gonna have to gag ya.\u00a0 There\u2019s too many folk ride past here on the way to town.\u00a0 If that damned girl hadn\u2019t turned up, none of this would be necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean killin\u2019 Chad and Tom would have solved your problems,\u201d Joe snarled.<\/p>\n \u201cTom was an accident, but a mighty convenient one for Kenney.\u00a0 That\u2019s when he hired me.\u00a0 I need the money.\u00a0 I want a spread of my own.\u00a0 Got too damn tired of working for other folk for a pittance.\u00a0 Then that stupid English girl comes out here \u2013 just playin\u2019 at ranching.\u00a0 She\u2019s got some dumb notion that she\u2019s gonna stay, and she don\u2019t scare easy.\u00a0 Almost got Adam killed with her nonsense.\u00a0 If she\u2019d just sold out to Clifford, it\u2019d all be over and none the wiser.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo you killed Chad,\u201d Joe breathed.\u00a0 He knew now how far this man would go.\u00a0 Would he kill him too, if Pa didn\u2019t do what he wanted?\u00a0 Or maybe he\u2019d kill him, anyway.\u00a0 Joe knew he was the only one who could identify him and link him to Kenney and Clifford.<\/p>\n \u201cNah, that was Clifford, I didn\u2019t know about it until it were done.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed, at least Steve hadn\u2019t turned killer yet.\u00a0 He could continue his thoughts, but not speak them, as a neckerchief was shoved into his mouth and tied tight.<\/p>\n As the hot day wore on, there was no loosening of his ropes and only brief respites in the gag to give him water.\u00a0 Joe tried to guess at the passing of time.\u00a0 He knew the vote on the drive was the next day, but just how long would Kenney allow him to stay alive.\u00a0 If Pa changed his vote, Kenney would have the money to buy out the Circle H and the small ranches from the proceeds of the drive, and with them gone, he could bankrupt the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of two men; one Joe only knew vaguely as a ranch hand at the Circle H, the other was much more familiar.<\/p>\n \u201cI done left the note for his Pa,\u201d the ranch hand indicated Joe with his thumb.\u00a0 \u201cTold Kenney, and he says to keep him here until mornin\u2019.\u00a0 Then he\u2019ll decide what to do with him.\u00a0 Vote\u2019s at ten, so we\u2019ll know what the old man decides by eleven.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up the canteen and took a swig of water.\u00a0 \u201cYou reckon you\u2019re worth all the land your old man\u2019s got?\u201d he laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cKenney reckons he is,\u201d Steve said.\u00a0 \u201cSo once the votes over, we let him go and get out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n The second new arrival grinned, \u201cYou don\u2019t really think we\u2019re gonna let him go, do you?\u00a0 He knows who we are, knows we was involved with Hammond\u2019s little accident and knows Kenney is in on this.\u00a0 We plan to kill him.\u00a0 We\u2019re only keepin\u2019 him alive in case the old man wants proof he\u2019s livin\u2019 before he votes.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe swallowed the lump that came to his throat, but it didn\u2019t make him feel any better.\u00a0 He knew Pa and his brothers would be looking for him, but there was an awful lot of land to search, and time wasn\u2019t on their side.\u00a0 His impulse was to try to run, but just how far would he get, even supposing he could loosen the ropes on his hands and feet.\u00a0 His thoughts turned to his brothers.\u00a0 Hoss would have missed him at first light when the night guard changed.\u00a0 He was a good tracker, Joe thought with pride.\u00a0 Then his spirits fell again, knowing how hard it would be to track them over rock and scrub.\u00a0 Would Hoss have sent for Adam, or would just Pa know from the note.\u00a0 His oldest brother wouldn\u2019t let him die; he\u2019d think of something. \u00a0Adam always knew what to do.\u00a0 Maybe he should try to think of what Adam would do in this situation.\u00a0 What if his older brother was the hostage?\u00a0 He was sure of one thing, Adam would have thought it through and would do nothing on impulse.\u00a0 He\u2019d have a plan before he made his move.<\/p>\n Joe watched the two men for an hour or more.\u00a0 Steve was nervous and edgy, wanting this to be over.\u00a0 The ranch hand, who he now knew from their conversations was called Lem, was a drifter.\u00a0 He neither knew nor cared what this was about as long as he got paid.\u00a0 It was the third man who was ready to kill and would think nothing of it.\u00a0 Joe waited until Lem and the other man wandered to the front of the cave and then signalled to Steve that he needed a drink.\u00a0 Once the gag was removed he took a long swallow of water, then asked if he could move about a bit as he was stiff.<\/p>\n Steve glanced nervously toward the mine entrance.\u00a0 \u201cI dunno, Joe. \u00a0I ain\u2019t supposed to untie ya.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t go far with my hands tied and with them two right there can I?\u201d\u00a0 Joe pointed at the men now standing in the mine entrance and looking out over the valley.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll walk back into the mine just for a few yards.\u00a0 It\u2019s real painful sitting like this.\u201d<\/p>\n Steve considered this for a minute. \u00a0Joe held his breath. \u00a0\u201cAlright, but just a few steps and only into the mine.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded.<\/p>\n Steve untied his feet and helped him to stand.\u00a0 Then he moved back and drew his pistol, aiming it at Joe\u2019s middle.<\/p>\n Joe stamped his feet a few times and then walked slowly back into the mine.\u00a0 There were several tunnels, and Joe could feel air coming through from a vent somewhere farther in.\u00a0 He surveyed the roof above him.\u00a0 He was pleased that Adam\u2019s teachings about old mine working came back to him.\u00a0 He could identify the main supports which held up the rock and the smaller ones which were used to keep smaller stones and earth in place.\u00a0 Just where he stood, there was a major support where two tunnels joined the main shaft.\u00a0 To his left was a storage area, and it was from here that he could feel the stream of air from the vent.\u00a0 He walked a couple of paces into the storage area and looked up at the beams.\u00a0 There was one main beam across the entrance and several smaller ones keeping the roof of the storage area in place.\u00a0 Between them was an upright that held the whole thing together.\u00a0 He swallowed hard and prayed that Adam\u2019s engineering was as good as he boasted it was and that he had remembered what his brother had tried to teach him about mine supports.\u00a0 Theoretically, he mused, if he hit that upright from this side with enough force, it would bring down the ceiling between the storage area and the mine entrance.\u00a0 He would be inside the storage area with air to breath, and his captors would have to dig through a rock fall to get at him.\u00a0 Hopefully, the fall would be loud enough and big enough to startle the horses.\u00a0 They were near the tunnel entrance tethered in some trees and scrub to hide them.\u00a0 He hoped they would run at the sound, and maybe any searchers would find them and backtrack.\u00a0 Then if he could find the vent, it might be possible for him to shout or maybe even find a way out.\u00a0 He knew it was a long shot.\u00a0 So much could go wrong.\u00a0 The whole mine could cave in and bury him. \u00a0Steve could get off a shot before the earth fell in sufficiently to obscure him. The fall might not be high enough to cover the tunnel and they would be able to get to him.\u00a0 But right now it seemed his only chance.<\/p>\n He half turned to check on where his abductors were standing, and then using all of his strength, he slammed into the upright as low down as he could manage.\u00a0 The upright shifted along the floor and dislodged itself from the beam above, but it did not fall.\u00a0 Earth and stones rained down around him.\u00a0 Steve discharged his pistol in shock, but the bullet went wide and into the rock to Joe\u2019s right.\u00a0 Suddenly there was a tremendous explosion and the mine caved in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rick Bonner led the search party through two abandoned mine shafts and an old prospector\u2019s hut all to no avail.\u00a0 He held back a little as they approached the road up to Geiger Grade.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a dozen old mine shafts into the hill from this side, Mr. Cartwright, but only a couple are big enough to hide men and horses.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou think they have the horses in the shaft with them?\u201d\u00a0 Ben\u2019s voice was higher pitched than usual, \u201cThose shafts aren\u2019t high enough allow a horse to stand.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick hooked one leg over his saddle horn, \u201cThere\u2019s a couple as was dug out from caves.\u00a0 The openings are wider and higher, and then the shaft is started inside the cave,\u201d he explained.\u00a0 Then with an apologetic grin. \u201cYou could hide a dozen steers in there with no problem\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you would know,\u201d Jake Webber said sourly.<\/p>\n Rick acknowledged the old man\u2019s statement with another grin.\u00a0 \u201cI toldya I knew the best hideouts.\u00a0 There\u2019s one just below the ridge there and another hidden behind those trees.\u201d\u00a0 He pointed east to where a few straggly pinon and aspen trees sprouted from manzanita and sagebrush on the hillside.<\/p>\n Ben looked up at the hill just as two horses appeared on the skyline above where Rick was pointing.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss coming back from town, Ben identified them. \u00a0They must have spotted the search party as they were now heading down the slope at as fast a pace as the ground would allow.<\/p>\n Suddenly the earth shook, and the riders disappeared in a haze of debris and smoke as the whole hillside seemed to slide downwards.<\/p>\n The search party kicked their mounts into a gallop and headed for the base of the hill.\u00a0 Slowly, as the air cleared, it was possible to see that the trees had gone along with a considerable amount of rock and earth.\u00a0 Ben wanted to go forward but Rick had grabbed Buck\u2019s reins and was holding him back. \u201cThat was a mighty big explosion, Mr.Cartwright, there might be others.\u201d<\/p>\n Out of the haze, they saw Chub and Sport racing north, neither horse seemed injured, but they had no riders now.\u00a0 The group below peered into the settling dust and Rick inched slowly forward, still keeping a hand on Ben\u2019s mount.\u00a0 \u201cThere they are,\u201d he pointed at two figures staggering down what remained of the slope.\u00a0 Adam and Hoss now looked more like miners than ranchers.<\/p>\n Ben shook off Rick\u2019s grasped and headed for his two sons, dismounting almost at the run.\u00a0 Anyone seeing it would have been amazed at his agility.\u00a0 \u201cAre you alright?\u201d he yelled as soon as he was within hearing distance.<\/p>\n Both men shook their heads, but it wasn\u2019t a negative response to his question, because they hadn\u2019t heard it.\u00a0 Both were, temporarily at least, deaf.<\/p>\n \u201cWow, look at that.\u201d Jeff Bonner pointed at what had once been a mountain slope with trees but was now a landslide of rock debris some five hundred yards from where they stood.<\/p>\n Rick was looking at something else.\u00a0 His face showed horror and incredulity. \u00a0\u201cI think we might have found \u2018em.\u201d\u00a0 His hand pointed in the direction of the valley and three horses running for their lives.\u00a0 \u201cAin\u2019t that the kid\u2019s horse?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben turned from examining an injury to Adam\u2019s arm to see the distinctive pinto disappearing toward Washoe Lake with two bays not far behind.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they\u2019re under that, then we ain\u2019t gone find much,\u201d one of the rougher men in Rick\u2019s group said with feeling.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss were already scrambling up the fallen rock to the site of the explosion.\u00a0 Ben wasn\u2019t far behind.<\/p>\n \u201cUsed to be a cave and the Jumbo mine,\u201d Adam observed.\u00a0 \u201cNot much left now. The explosion\u2019s brought down the overhang; it must have been fairly close to the entrance to do that.\u201d\u00a0 He turned to his father. \u00a0\u201cWe thought we heard a gunshot just before the explosion.\u00a0 If we did, then it was probably that which set off an old charge left in the mine.\u201d\u00a0 He shook his head as if to clear it.\u00a0 His hearing was still not good, but at least it seemed to be coming back.<\/p>\n Ben was on his hands and knees tearing at the rock.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, we ain\u2019t gonna find him that way.\u201d Hoss was all sympathy.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll just bring more down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe horses must have been either right at the entrance or tethered in the trees.\u00a0 They got away because the echo of the gunshot scared them before the charge went up.\u201d\u00a0 Adam was looking up the slope.\u00a0 \u201cDepends how far in the kidnappers and Joe were and which way the gunman fired.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick nodded, \u201cYou reckon Joe was tryin\u2019 to escape and they shot at him and missed and hit some gunpowder?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u201cIt\u2019s as likely as anything else.\u00a0 But that would put Joe nearest the entrance.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced at his father. It was no good telling Pa that there was no hope. If Joe had been running for the entrance, he was almost certainly dead.<\/p>\n Rick was lying full length on the slope now and tapping with a rock on the rocks nearest to what had been the mine.\u00a0 \u201cEveryone keep quiet,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n For several minutes they all waited, each one holding their breath, but despite repeated attempts, there was no answering sound.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Away above them on the road from Virginia City, Kit had heard the explosion, too.\u00a0 She drove the buckboard off the road and climbed down to peer over the edge.\u00a0 Below her in the distance was the magnificent vista of Pleasant Valley and Washoe Lake, but her eyes were fixed on the billowing dust cloud much nearer.\u00a0 As the dust began to settle she could see horses and riders and the distinctive outline of Hoss Cartwright.\u00a0 She hesitated for only a few seconds before searching for a way down.\u00a0 There, a few hundred yards further along, was a gentler slope.\u00a0 It was strewn with rocks and boulders, but still it was a possibility.\u00a0 She climbed back on to the buckboard and slowly drove the horses to the opening in the embankment.\u00a0 Both horses seemed nervous of the idea, but she was determined.\u00a0 Slowly, yard by yard, she navigated the rig around the bigger boulders and, once or twice, even jumped down to lead the horses.<\/p>\n Below her the search party seemed intent on digging, and with the noise of rocks being moved, no one was aware of her approach.\u00a0 She was less than 200 yards from them when she had to stop and lead the horses.\u00a0 She walked to their head and talked softly to them.\u00a0 Suddenly she was aware of another sound.\u00a0 Someone shouting!<\/p>\n She knelt down and tried to work out where the sound had come from, not from those working frantically to clear the rubble from the explosion, of that she was sure.\u00a0 There it was again, to her left and down a little.\u00a0 She inched forward, all the time listening.\u00a0 Now she seemed to be almost on top of whoever was shouting.\u00a0 She knelt again.\u00a0 \u201cWhere are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDown here.\u201d\u00a0 The disembodied voice shouted.<\/p>\n Suddenly her foot slide from under her, as big tuft of grass came loose and disappeared down a hole; her boot almost followed.<\/p>\n Below her, Joe tried to move aside as a clod of earth narrowly missed his head.\u00a0 He was lying almost under the vent, but his ankle was trapped by a wooden box which had been blown into the storeroom when the blast went off.<\/p>\n \u201cIs there someone there?\u201d\u00a0 Kit shouted again.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, yes, I\u2019m trapped by my foot in a sort of storage area,\u201d Joe yelled back.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get help,\u201d she answered, and suiting actions to words, she took off running the 200 yards down to where the rescuers were digging.<\/p>\n So intent were they on the work that no one looked up until she was almost upon them.<\/p>\n Adam moved back from the earth pile to let Hoss take another go.\u00a0 As he did so, he saw Kit flying down the hill: her hair loose and blowing in the wind and her dress billowing about her as she ran.\u00a0 He took a few steps toward her and caught her in his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe is under there,\u201d she almost screamed at him.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s trapped in a shaft.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam held her away from him and gripped her shoulders, \u201cWe know, that\u2019s why we are digging, a charge went off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no,\u201d she gasped, breathlessly. \u201cI mean I heard him up on the hill.\u00a0 There\u2019s some sort of hole down to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA vent!\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes were wild with a hope which had not been there before.\u00a0 He knew that no one could have survived if they were under the rubble they were trying to move, but Pa wouldn\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n \u201cPa,\u201d he yelled. \u201cWe can get to him by the air vent.\u00a0 Kit found it, and she heard him.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben swung around, almost slicing through Jeff\u2019s leg with the small shovel he had been using.\u00a0 \u201cWhat!\u00a0 Where?\u201d<\/p>\n Kit led what amounted to a charge up the hillside until she came to the spot where she had heard Joe\u2019s voice.\u00a0 \u201cThere,\u201d she pointed.<\/p>\n Ben was on the ground in an instant calling to his youngest son.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay, Pa.\u00a0 I just can\u2019t move.\u00a0 There\u2019s a heavy box on my ankle, and it\u2019s wedged in by rock,\u201d Joe called back.<\/p>\n \u201cHold on, son, we\u2019ll soon have you out of there.\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked up at his oldest son, who was still looking very concerned.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not that easy,\u201d Adam spoke softly, so that his voice wouldn\u2019t carry below ground, and he moved away from the vent.\u00a0 \u201cWe don\u2019t know how much damage that blast did to this area.\u00a0 It\u2019s mainly loose earth with not much bedrock.\u00a0 If we start digging here we could bring the whole lot down on Joe.\u00a0 We need to go slowly.\u00a0 He\u2019s got air, so there\u2019s no rush.\u00a0 It\u2019s got to be done right.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced up at the sky. \u201cIt\u2019ll be dark in a few hours. Someone needs to go for lanterns and more picks and shovels.\u00a0 The stuff we found here and the small ones we carry aren\u2019t enough to dig down maybe twenty feet.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, accepting the wisdom of these words.\u00a0 \u201cAlright, son, you direct operations, and we\u2019ll all do as you say.\u201d<\/p>\n While Adam was relieved that his father wasn\u2019t going to act hastily, he was nervous at the responsibility he now carried.\u00a0 What if he got it wrong and buried his young brother alive?\u00a0 Everyone was waiting on his orders.\u00a0 He took a deep breath, and then as he formulated his plan, he issued his orders.\u00a0 Two men were despatched to the ranch for lanterns, more shovels and picks and supplies of fresh water and food to keep everyone going if it took a long time to extricate Joe from the mine.\u00a0 Adam was already pretty sure that Joe was the only one alive down there.<\/p>\n Adam called down to his brother and ascertained as much information as he could about how far the vent was from the entrance and in which direction.\u00a0 The measurements couldn\u2019t be accurate, but they would give him a guide.\u00a0 He then paced out and area that ought to be the storage cave and moved back another yard or so.\u00a0 This he hoped would give Joe a chance if the first diggers encountered soft earth or loose gravel.\u00a0 He took from his saddle bags a length of twine and, tying it to a stone, dropped it down the vent, instructing Joe to shout if he could see it in the dim light of the cave.\u00a0 Joe peered into the darkness but no stone appeared.\u00a0 Then he heard a soft plop as something hit the ground.\u00a0 Up above the string went slack, and Adam guessed he had hit an obstruction.\u00a0 When he pulled the twine back up, he was relieved to find that the depth was less than he had expected: only some ten feet or so.\u00a0 He had to hope that the obstruction had been the floor of the cave and not just a rock lodged in the vent..<\/p>\n \u201cRick can you and Jeff work either side of the vent, clear the earth away slowly, no sudden movements, and if it starts to collapse, stop straightaway.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick nodded, \u201cSure thing, boss.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss immediately pushed forward. \u201cWhy not me, I can dig faster than these fellas?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam caught his brother\u2019s arm. \u201cI know, Hoss, but we don\u2019t need speed; we need patience.\u00a0 And once we start to loosen the crust, you\u2019re just too darned heavy to be working over his head.\u201d\u00a0 Seeing his brother\u2019s disappointment and concern, he reached out and patted him on the shoulder with his free hand.\u00a0 \u201cI want you and Pa and some of the others to work in shifts until we get more tools.\u00a0 If you start about here,\u201d he indicated a spot down the hill and to the right, \u201cand dig into the hill, you should connect up with the cave eventually.\u00a0 It\u2019ll be slower than the vent, but if the worst happens and the vent collapses, we may need to get to him from another angle and quickly, so the sooner we start and the faster we work on that tunnel the better.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam set his teams to work and then went back to the vent and called down to his brother.\u00a0 \u201cHang on, Joe, we\u2019re gonna get you out soon.\u00a0 Let me know if more than a few stones rattle down near you, and we\u2019ll stop and re-assess.\u00a0 You\u2019re only about ten or twelve feet down, just got to widened the vent to let one of us come down to you.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe felt a strong sense of relief.\u00a0 He had great faith in his older brother, and knew that if it could be done, Adam would know how to do it.\u00a0 \u201cSure, Adam, I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Widening the vent went slowly.\u00a0 Several times they had to stop because the earth was loose and fell into the void below, spraying Joe with earth and small stones.\u00a0 The tunnel into the side of the hill went quicker, but they had some fifty feet to cover and were meeting rock as well as the easier loose earth.\u00a0 The further they went the more they realised that a tunnel was impossible, the loose earth fell in as soon as they dug under it. They either had to dig out all the earth and make a passage way, which was slow, or use blasting powder.\u00a0 The latter was simply not an option if they wanted Joe out alive.<\/p>\n As the light began to fade, the lanterns arrived and along with them more hands and more tools.\u00a0 The work could move faster now.\u00a0 About an hour after sunset the vent was wide enough for a man.\u00a0 Adam began to tie a rope to his waist.<\/p>\n \u201cJeff\u2019s thinner than you,\u201d Rick caught his friend\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cI know that, but it\u2019s my<\/em> brother down there.\u201d\u00a0 He lowered his voice and glanced at Ben who was still working on the other dig.\u00a0 \u201cIt might all collapse if we hit the sides too hard.\u00a0 I\u2019ll not risk anyone but me, understood.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick smiled, \u201cI know how ya feel; I\u2019d be same if it was my kid brother down there.\u201d<\/p>\n When Ben realised what was happening, he and Hoss both dropped shovels and toiled up the hill to the vent.\u00a0 Everyone was tired and edgy, and Ben pushed others roughly aside to get to where Adam had just disappeared from view.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t one of you go down, Adam\u2019s needed up here?\u201d\u00a0 Ben swung around to Rick and Jeff.<\/p>\n \u201cYou said he was the boss, and he insisted,\u201d Rick said laconically.\u00a0 \u201cWhen Adam says he\u2019s gonna do somethin\u2019, he generally means it, and I ain\u2019t about to argue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEspecially when it\u2019s dangerous,\u201d Ben snapped back.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, there\u2019s that to,\u201d Rick acknowledged with a grin.<\/p>\n Hoss took the rope from Jeff\u2019s hands.\u00a0 \u201cYou won\u2019t be able to hold on to him when it takes his weight and he needs haulin\u2019 up.\u00a0 He\u2019s my brother, it\u2019s my job.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick put a hand on Jeff\u2019s shoulder. \u201cThat\u2019s pretty much what Adam said when Jeff offered to go down the hole.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss hardly heard him, but Ben had the grace to nod an apology.<\/p>\n Adam tried to avoid hitting the sides too hard, but it was a tight squeeze, and the sharp stones and rocks tore at his clothes and skin.\u00a0 As his feet connected with the last bit of earth, he yelled to Joe to cover his eyes, and a moment later he slid down into the mine.<\/p>\n Joe had never been so relieved to see anyone, and as Adam knelt beside him and lifted the box that was trapping his ankle there were tears in his eyes.\u00a0 Once Joe\u2019s hands were also freed, Adam gave his brother a hug, and he was surprised at the fierceness with which it was returned.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Joe.\u00a0 We\u2019ll soon have you up into the fresh air.\u201d\u00a0 He glanced at the rock pile which had come within a foot of killing his little brother.\u00a0 \u201cSteve under that?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, then looked at his brother in amazement. \u201cYou know it was Steve?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, we blamed Kit, but as she told us. \u00a0Steve was there every time any information was shared.\u201d\u00a0 He put an arm around Joe\u2019s shoulder for a minute.\u00a0 You okay to go up now.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded then smiled at his brother, grateful that Adam had given him time to recover.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want the hands to see he had been crying, and Adam knew it and had given him a few moments to compose himself.\u00a0 \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam fastened the rope around Joe and yelled up to Hoss, \u201cHaul away, Hoss.\u00a0 He\u2019s fine.\u201d\u00a0 He grinned at Joe, \u201cNow, you make sure that you send that rope back down for your older brother, or you\u2019ll be doing my chores.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Two hours later, Joe was tucked up in bed being fussed over by Hop Sing. The older Cartwrights, along with the Bonners, were seated around the fire at the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, you ought to get some sleep.\u00a0 The vote is at ten-thirty,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll rest when we have worked out a plan.\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0 \u201cKenney must know by now that Joe is back with us.\u00a0 He won\u2019t let that be the end of it.\u00a0 He can\u2019t lose this one or he is finished on the Comstock, and if Kit is right, his backers won\u2019t be too pleased with him.\u00a0 They need the silver.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick leaned back in his chair.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t every day that a Bonner got to sit with the Cartwrights, and he was making the most of the home comforts and the excellent brandy.\u00a0 \u201cCome daylight, Jeff and me\u2019ll ride into town and do some checkin\u2019.\u00a0 We knows who to ask and where to look.\u00a0 Then one of us\u2019ll keep watch and the other\u2019ll ride back and let you know what we\u2019ve found out.<\/p>\n Ben turned slightly in his chair. \u201cThank you; that would be helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick chuckled. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Mr. Cartwright, we don\u2019t expect you to be beholden to us.\u00a0 Come next week, we\u2019ll be the same hard drinking troublemakers, and you\u2019ll be tellin\u2019 Adam to avoid us ag\u2019in, like always.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gave Rick a tired smile. \u201cLeopard can\u2019t change his spots, huh, Rick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I don\u2019t know about that.\u00a0 I bin thinkin\u2019 of findin\u2019 me a little place and settlin\u2019 down.\u00a0 Maybe run cattle or somethin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam roared with laughter. \u201cYour own, or someone else\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, man\u2019s gotta get a start somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, but he was smiling, \u201cYou promise me you\u2019ll leave my herd alone, and I might even grubstake you to a piece of land after this is all over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen you leave Clifford to me.\u00a0 You handle the business end with Kenney, and I\u2019ll see that Clifford don\u2019t give ya no trouble,\u201d Rick stated firmly.<\/p>\n Ben and Adam exchanged a slightly worried glance but made no comment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As good as his word, Rick was away at first light accompanied by his brother.\u00a0 The Cartwrights worked their way through the morning chores and then discussed the day over breakfast.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, I want you to stay here with Hoss.\u00a0 Neither of you is to leave the yard until we get back,\u201d Ben ordered.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Pa\u2026\u201d both boys protested.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s plenty of work to keep you occupied here and plenty of hands around.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think Kenney will try anything at the house, but you never know<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about the herd?\u201d\u00a0 Hoss asked, \u201cI should be up there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJose can manage without you for one day, and I\u2019ve sent two men up to give him my orders,\u201d Ben replied, as he finished off his egg and reached for more coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cWhich are?\u201d\u00a0 Adam queried, one eyebrow raised.\u00a0 Pa hadn\u2019t mentioned any new orders to him.<\/p>\n \u201cTo do nothing.\u00a0 If Clifford or any of his men try to run off the herd, he is to avoid confrontation, even if it means losing steers.\u00a0 I\u2019ll not have anyone else die over this.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam almost choked on his coffee. \u201cDoes that apply to Jake and the cutting crew?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it does. \u00a0Mike and Shorty rode up there last night with those instructions.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam drew in a deep breath and tried to control his temper. \u201cAnd what do I do, sit around here while the whole business falls down around our ears?\u201d\u00a0 The sarcasm dripped from Adam\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n Ben slammed down his cup, almost shattering it, \u201cYou do as you\u2019re told, and you avoid using that tone of voice with me.\u00a0 If Kenney wins the vote, then he\u2019ll have no need to raid us, and if he loses, then he\u2019ll need to re-think his strategy and so will we.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll not risk another life until we know which way the vote goes.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam got to his feet. \u201cIf Kenney wins the vote, then we might as well give him the cattle, because they sure won\u2019t be worth anything.\u00a0 And if we allow him to walk all over us, then I guess I should be asking him<\/em> what to do, because he\u2019ll be my boss.\u00a0 There\u2019ll be no Ponderosa.\u00a0 Twenty years we\u2019ve worked and fought to build this ranch and to keep it, and now your plan is to leave it wide open to Kenney.\u201d\u00a0 Adam turned and stomped out of the front door.<\/p>\n Hoss and Joe both ducked their heads and concentrated on their breakfast.\u00a0 They felt the same as their brother, but there was no sense in riling Pa any further.<\/p>\n Ben poured himself more coffee as he tried to calm his temper.\u00a0 He knew how the boys felt; dammit, he felt the same, but the Ponderosa, precious as it was, wasn\u2019t worth one hair on his sons\u2019 heads.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s kidnapping and the thought of what could have happened to him were too fresh in his mind, and he\u2019d not risk another son.\u00a0 If he couldn\u2019t allow his sons into the danger zone, then he\u2019d not risk his ranch hands either.\u00a0 That wouldn\u2019t be fair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n An hour later, Rick Bonner found Adam at the back of the house chopping wood.\u00a0 Rick could tell by the tempo of the axe that his friend was working off anger.\u00a0 He\u2019d known Adam for too long not to recognise the signs.\u00a0 He remembered the fights they\u2019d had as kids.\u00a0 Rick had outweighed the slim youngster and had usually won.\u00a0 Now Adam had filled out some and grown taller by several inches than his buddy.\u00a0 Rick wouldn\u2019t want to take him on in a fight now.\u00a0 Fists, knives or guns, it wouldn\u2019t matter. \u00a0Adam would win, and Rick was a pragmatist.<\/p>\n \u201cYou got enough wood there for two winters,\u201d he spoke slowly and stood well back.<\/p>\n Adam swung around with the axe in his hand, \u201cYou know better\u2019n to creep up on a man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI weren\u2019t creepin\u2019.\u00a0 You was just doin\u2019 too much of that thinkin\u2019 of yours,\u201d Rick said lightly.<\/p>\n Adam relaxed and buried the head of the axe in the block, then leaned on the handle.\u00a0 \u201cYou find out anything?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome.\u00a0 Kenney\u2019s having breakfast at the International House, and he\u2019s boasting that he\u2019s got the vote already won.\u00a0 Says Miss Hammond has come to her senses and is gonna go along with him and sell out to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich we now know is untrue.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick tipped his head on one side and grinned at his friend. \u201cThat\u2019s if you believe her.\u00a0 Mighty good lookin\u2019 gal.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t you got a rope on her yet?\u201d\u00a0 He chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cMight have to give ya a few lessons.\u00a0 You figure she\u2019d go out with me?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stepped toward Rick, his temper rising again.\u00a0 \u201cStay away from her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, so you do think you got rights on her then.\u201d\u00a0 Rick, held up his hands in submission.\u00a0 \u201cYou wanna hear about Kenney, or you wanna fight over the girl?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stopped, \u201cWell, get on with it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir!\u00a0 Like I said, Kenney reckons he\u2019s got it all sewn up tight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Clifford?\u00a0 He\u2019s the one we need to watch if it doesn\u2019t go Kenney\u2019s way?\u201d<\/p>\n Rick rubbed his chin as if thinking, \u201cNow, that\u2019s the funny thing.\u00a0 No one ain\u2019t seen him since yesterd\u2019y mornin\u2019.\u00a0 He was at the livery early and rode out of town on his own, and he ain\u2019t been seen since.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s kinda worrying.\u00a0 Wonder what he\u2019s up to.\u00a0 You\u2019d better go report to Pa. He\u2019s getting ready to leave.\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure if he wants me to ride in with you.\u00a0 But, like it or not, I\u2019m going.\u201d<\/p>\n Rick grinned. \u201cYour temper have somethin\u2019 to do with an argument with your old man?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam raised an expressive eyebrow. \u201cSomething like that, yeah.\u00a0 Look you report to Pa and I\u2019ll go get washed and changed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rick accepted the offer of a late breakfast from Hop Sing and pulled out a chair.\u00a0 He then proceeded to relate the same facts to Ben as he had already told to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll follow you back to town and keep an eye out for Clifford,\u201d he finished.<\/p>\n Joe had been trying to attract his father\u2019s attention but had been waved to silence while Rick spoke.\u00a0 Now he managed to get his news into the conversation.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s no need to look for Clifford\u2026\u201d he began.<\/p>\n Adam came in from the wash house and interrupted his brother, \u201cHe\u2019s the real problem, Joe.\u00a0 He\u2019s the one that will carry out Kenney\u2019s less savoury orders.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head vehemently. \u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m tryin\u2019 to tell you.\u00a0 Clifford\u2019s dead.\u00a0 Leastways he should be.\u00a0 He was at the mine with Steve and the other hand Lem.\u00a0 If you didn\u2019t see him running when the mine exploded, then he must be under the rubble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure, Joseph?\u201d\u00a0 Ben was on his feet and staring intently at his youngest son.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 He was there.\u00a0 He came with Lem, and they were talking at the entrance when I ran from Steve.\u00a0 Steve was holding the gun, and he fired, and then the whole thing caved in.\u00a0 I thought it was \u2018cos I pushed the pillar, but it musta bin an old charge left in the rock, like Adam said.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cThe mine blew outward.\u00a0 Anyone in the entrance would have been hit full force by the blast.\u00a0 We were so worried about Joe, here, that we didn\u2019t check for bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked sceptical. \u201cWe have to be sure.\u00a0 If Clifford is dead, then his vote is lost; that makes it our victory.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cIf Kit Hammond is to be believed, it does.\u00a0 But if she is on Kenney\u2019s side, then it still only gives us a stalemate, and the smaller outfits will swing over to Kenney unless we have a clear majority.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss got to his feet. \u201cI done toldya, she ain\u2019t working for Kenney, but you\u2019re too dadblame stubborn to listen.\u00a0 I\u2019ll send some men up to dig out the entrance of the mine and check for bodies then I\u2019ll follow ya\u2026 I\u2019ll tell \u2018em to be careful, Pa,\u201d he added before Ben could object.<\/p>\n Adam glared at his brother then turned back to Ben, \u201cPa, you need to be getting into town.\u00a0 Don\u2019t want to miss this vote after all this trouble.\u00a0 Rick and I will ride with you.\u201d Ben was given no chance to argue as Adam and Rick rose to their feet and headed for the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat am I supposed to do then?\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s lower lip jutted out belligerently.<\/p>\n Adam turned and raised an eyebrow toward his father. \u201cI\u2019d say he\u2019s safer with us than here on his own, Pa\u201d<\/p>\n Joe wasn\u2019t sure whether to applaud his brother for the suggestion or growl at him for saying he wasn\u2019t capable of looking after himself.\u00a0 He settled for what he fondly considered was a poker face.<\/p>\n Ben was too concerned to pay much heed to either son\u2019s expression.\u00a0 He picked up his hat and began strapping on his gunbelt.\u00a0 \u201cWell, come on then.\u00a0 We don\u2019t have all day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh, yes sir, Pa.\u201d\u00a0 Joe reached for his own hat and was outside ahead of all of them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just before ten-thirty, the four Cartwrights were standing outside the Cattlemen\u2019s Association.\u00a0 Both Adam and Ben were members of the Cattlemen\u2019s Association and could attend meetings, but the Ponderosa had only one vote.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want me to come in to the meeting, Pa?\u201d\u00a0 Adam queried.<\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u201cI think you\u2019ll be more use keeping an eye on any of Kenney\u2019s men who are in town\u2026 and watching out for your younger brother.\u201d\u00a0 He gave Joe a stern stare.<\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s protest died on his lips as he saw how worried his father was.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll take a walk around town, see if we can find out anything about Clifford\u2019s movements yesterday and meet you back here in an hour,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 He quickly grabbed Joe\u2019s arm and wheeled him around.<\/p>\n Just then Kit Hammond crossed from the other side of the street.\u00a0 \u201cGood morning,\u201d she called out as she was half-way across.\u00a0 Kenney knows that young Joe here is safe. \u00a0I saw him talking to the Sheriff earlier on.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe bristled at the term \u2018young\u2019 but said nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cI also met him coming out of the International House after breakfast.\u00a0 He was most persuasive. \u00a0I told him he could have my vote, and that I\u2019d sell to him if the price was right.\u00a0 A poor little thing like me has no business ranching.\u00a0 He said that if I made a deal with him, he\u2019d see to it that cotton got through the blockade and back to my mills in Lancashire.\u00a0 Must keep the family business afloat.\u201d\u00a0 Her eyes were hooded as she watched from under thick lashes to see Ben\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n Adam looked at Hoss with a triumphant gleam in his eye.<\/p>\n Hoss swallowed hard and reddened, but he kept his eyes averted from Kit.\u00a0 How could she have done this to him?<\/p>\n Ben pursed his lips. \u201cSo Steve was<\/em> working for you, and Kenney gets your vote?\u00a0 Somewhere along the line you omitted to tell us that you owned cotton mills.\u201d<\/p>\n Kit kept her expression blank. \u201cI own them, but they are managed for me. \u00a0I know very little of who they deal with, but it\u2019s always nice to know I can call on favors if I need them.\u00a0 I like to play both sides and then go with a winner. \u00a0You should know by now, Mr. Cartwright, that one should never show one\u2019s hand until the bets are called.\u201d \u00a0She lifted the hem of her skirt as she stepped up on to the boardwalk and reached for the door of the Cattlemen\u2019s Hall.<\/p>\n Ben sighed and shrugged. \u201cI\u2019ll see you boys in about an hour.\u201d\u00a0 He followed Kit into the building.\u00a0 His shoulders drooped in defeat.<\/p>\n Adam turned on his heels and stared into the street.\u00a0 \u201cC\u2019mon, Joe, let\u2019s see if we can find any good news.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s sure gonna need it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up at his older brother. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t believe you when you said she was gonna vote with Kenney.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat woman has more turns than a corkscrew,\u201d Adam said, bitterly.<\/p>\n Hoss shook his big head. \u00a0\u201cI cain\u2019t believe it, even now.\u00a0 Guess I won\u2019t until I know for sure<\/em> that she betrayed us.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam inclined his head toward the spot they had just left. \u201cBelieve, brother, it just happened.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Inside the Cattlemen\u2019s Hall, ranchers milled around discussing the weather, their herds and other work related issues.\u00a0 Kenney was glad-handing anyone who would vote with him and keeping tally.\u00a0 He spotted Ben and pushed through the crowd to his side.\u00a0 \u201cLooks like it\u2019s going my way, Cartwright.\u00a0 I make it pretty even; rules say that if it\u2019s a draw we have to have another vote tomorrow.\u00a0 My boys will be able to persuade a few more to my side by then.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben moved back a little as if being next to Kenney tainted him too.\u00a0 \u201cPersuade?\u00a0 Kenney, don\u2019t you mean blackmail, burn, and bully?\u00a0 You\u2019re darned lucky my son is alright.\u00a0 If you had harmed him\u2026\u201d \u00a0he let his words hang in the air.<\/p>\n \u201cYou persuade \u2018em your way and I\u2019ll do it mine, but I\u2019ll have the vote. \u00a0You got no proof I had anything to do with your son being kidnapped.\u00a0 That was Clifford\u2019s doing. I\u2019ll put my price for beef where it will bankrupt all those who went against me, and that includes the Ponderosa.\u00a0 You might as well vote with me now and save us the trouble of coming back tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben moved away and stood by the wall watching as the room divided into two factions.\u00a0 His supporters all looked very jumpy, and he hoped that they would hold their nerve.\u00a0 If just one wavered then it was all over.<\/p>\n Papers were passed around, and each person marked their sheet with a cross for either a Ponderosa led drive or a Kenney one.\u00a0 Once all the papers were deposited in the box, the members were asked to leave, and two of Bank Manager Weems\u2019 tellers counted and verified the result.\u00a0 The figures were then handed to Mort Rumsen, the Association President for this year.<\/p>\n Mort was an old friend of Ben\u2019s and was almost certain to have voted for the Ponderosa, so when Ben saw the amazed expression on his friend\u2019s face he was sure the vote was lost.\u00a0 With Clifford gone, it should have been a tie with the result depending on Kit Hammond.\u00a0 She had obviously done as she said and changed sides, giving Kenney his majority.<\/p>\n \u201cThe drive will be managed by the Ponderosa Ranch.\u201d\u00a0 Mort announced.<\/p>\n There was some cheering and back slapping, and Ben was soon surrounded by his friends.\u00a0 He glanced up and saw the black thunderous expression on Kenney\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get you somehow, Cartwright.\u201d\u00a0 Kenney cursed loudly and stormed out of the hall.<\/p>\n Ben was bemused.\u00a0 He had been over the figures a hundred times.\u00a0 The vote should have been to Kenney.\u00a0 If Kit Hammond voted with him then there was no way he could have lost.\u00a0 He turned to meet the smiling gaze of a triumphant Kit.<\/p>\n Adam had seen Kenney leave, and he and Joe were pushing their way through the celebrating ranchers to Ben\u2019s side.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d \u00a0Ben was puzzled and still shocked.\u00a0 \u201cYou were going to vote with Kenney, but even if you didn\u2019t it would still have been a tie.\u201d<\/p>\n Kit chuckled. \u201cMen are so straightforward.\u00a0 They never see the twists of life.\u00a0 I told Kenney I was voting with him, made him believe it.\u00a0 He thought, like you, that with my vote he had the one he needed to make up for Clifford, so he would still carry the day.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was not only bemused he was downright confused.\u00a0 \u201cPa had 10 votes plus his own, making 11.\u00a0 Kenney had 11 votes and his own and Clifford\u2019s making 13.\u00a0 With Clifford gone he had 12, then your vote would make it 13 again.\u00a0 Even if you voted with Pa, it\u2019s still a tie.\u201d<\/p>\n Kit\u2019s grin was wide and mocking, \u201cAh, but you are counting Matt Lawrence\u2019s vote.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, Kenney bought the land and got that vote too.\u201d Hoss joined in.<\/p>\n \u201cI always say it pays to know the rules,\u201d Kit replied.\u00a0 \u201cKenney bought the land.\u00a0 Membership of the Cattlemen\u2019s Association is by subscription, and it runs for one year.\u00a0 If you sell your land within that one year, the vote stays with the original landowner until the next subscription, which is due in January.\u00a0 I voted as proxy for Chad because I was his heir.\u00a0 Kenney is not Lawrence\u2019s heir, so he can\u2019t use that vote until Lawrence\u2019s subscription expires.\u00a0 Kenney lost by one vote.\u00a0 I figured if he was sure of me, he wouldn\u2019t go checking the rules too closely, and he didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what about your cotton mills?\u201d\u00a0 Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cMy ex-fianc\u00e9 is buying them from me.\u00a0 I really don\u2019t care whether he gets his cotton or not.\u00a0 I think I\u2019m going to adopt a new country.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was now laughing. \u201cRemind me next time I need an ally to pick a woman.\u00a0 Miss Hammond, you sure are a worthy partner.\u201d\u00a0 He softened his expression and took her hand. \u201cDoes this mean you are going to stay here in Nevada?\u201d<\/p>\n Kit smiled, \u201cThat depends on many things,\u201d she said, slowly, looking over at Hoss. \u201cNot the least is whether I can find a new foreman to manage the place for me while I learn what it takes to be a rancher.\u00a0 Will you forgive me for not being totally honest with you?\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know who to trust, and there could have been someone in your outfit working for Kenney.\u00a0 As it turned out, it was Steve.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam held out a hand to her. \u201cI want to apologise for believing that you were the enemy.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry I doubted you.\u00a0 If you need help with the ranch you only have to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n Kit took his hand and shook it firmly. \u201cNo apology necessary, Adam.\u00a0 You could have been right and\u2026\u201d\u00a0 she gave an evil little chuckle, \u201canyway, it made my story to Kenney much more believable.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think he will still try something, Pa?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n Ben shrugged. \u201cHe may, but I think Mr Kenney is going to be too busy trying to save his own skin to worry about us.\u201d\u00a0 He looked from one son to another. \u00a0\u201cWhat are you all standing around here for?\u00a0 We have a herd to get ready for a cattle drive.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Joe grinned and moved toward their horses.\u00a0 As they mounted up, Hoss glanced at Kit then at his father.\u00a0 \u201cIf it\u2019s okay with you, Pa, I\u2019ll see Miss Kit home safely and make sure her hands are ready for the drive?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled at his middle son. \u201cI think that\u2019s a very good idea.\u00a0 You stay over there and take care of things until we are ready to move out.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss couldn\u2019t resist a triumphant look at his oldest brother and was surprised to find Adam smiling and giving him a wink.<\/p>\n Ten days later, Kenney\u2019s operation was bankrupt, and he had gone into hiding.\u00a0 Kit Hammond was settling down, with a new foreman in place, to become a rancher. \u00a0And a massive herd of Washoe beef moved out under the supervision of Ben Cartwright and the Ponderosa ranch hands.<\/p>\n The End<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary:\u00a0 Is Kenney just after the Ponderosa or does he have hidden allies?\u00a0 What of Kit Hammond, is the British heir to the Circle H really Ben’s ally or his enemy?
\nRating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (46,905 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1004,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62774","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ben-cartwright","category-drama","wpcat-1004-id","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62774","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/131"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=62774"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62774\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=62774"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=62774"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=62774"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}