{"id":62953,"date":"2005-06-08T05:17:33","date_gmt":"2005-06-08T09:17:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=62953"},"modified":"2026-03-17T10:22:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T14:22:52","slug":"hook-line-and-sinker-by-joans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=62953","title":{"rendered":"Hook, Line, and Sinker (by JoanS.)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Adam uses his family to help him court a young lady.<\/span>
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (6,540 words)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Hook, Line, and Sinker<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A good fisherman always knows <\/em><\/strong>that the key to successfully catching a fish\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>comes in four stages:<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1. Baiting the hook
\n<\/em><\/strong>2. Reeling in the line
\n<\/em><\/strong>3. Checking the sinker
\n<\/em><\/strong>4. Landing the fish<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

1. Baiting the Hook<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A good fisherman always baits his hook well,
\n<\/span>making sure that he knows exactly
\n<\/span>what the fish likes to eat.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright leant against the fence of the small corral and watched as the children trickled out of the small schoolhouse. He nodded to several of them as they climbed over the fence and began to saddle up their horses for the ride home after a long school day, but all the while Adam\u2019s eyes were scanning the area for a sight of his younger brother, Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He stood up straight as Hoss walked down the few steps at the entrance to the schoolhouse and sauntered over to him. \u201cWell?\u201d Adam said, anxiously. \u201cDid you do it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave his brother a scornful look. \u201cOf course I did,\u201d he said. \u201cI ain\u2019t stupid, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you put them?\u201d asked Adam, drawing his brother away from the other children so that no one could overhear their conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnder my desk,\u201d Hoss replied casually. \u201cShe won\u2019t see em there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, satisfied that his brother had accomplished the first part of his task. \u201cGood,\u201d he said. \u201cNow, did you hear anything today to add to what you\u2019ve already told me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss thought for a moment. \u201cI found out a bit more about her singing,\u201d he said. \u201cSome of the mothers was asking her about it before school this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d prompted Adam, when Hoss stopped for a moment. \u201cYou told me yesterday that she said she loves to sing, so what else did you find out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss scratched his head as he tried to remember. \u201cThey asked her about joining up with the church choir,\u201d he said. \u201cShe said that she was \u2026. um \u2026 a soppy something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSoppy?\u201d said Adam in a puzzled tone. \u201cWhat on earth does that mean?\u201d His eyes lit up as a thought came to him. \u201cDo you mean a soprano?\u201d he asked suddenly. \u201cIs that what she said?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said. \u201cThat was the word.\u201d He gave his brother an aggrieved look. \u201cBoy am I glad that today\u2019s the last day of me having to listen to all her conversations,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m getting tired of hanging around all those mothers every morning just to hear what she likes and what she don\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, not really listening to his brother. \u201cA soprano,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d He gave Hoss a firm stare and pointed his finger at him. \u201cDon\u2019t forget to mention my guitar when we get to the music part,\u201d he said sternly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll right!\u201d said Hoss crossly. \u201cBut can\u2019t we get this over with? I wanna go home.\u201d He turned back towards the schoolhouse. \u201cI\u2019ll go in first,\u201d he said, taking a step towards it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust hold on a minute,\u201d said Adam. \u201cGo through it with me again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss drew a deep breath and began to speak as if he were reciting a list that he\u2019d memorised \u2026. as indeed he was. \u201cCollege, your guitar and your singing, books \u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhich ones?\u201d prompted Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDickens like she talked about liking the other day,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cAnd \u2026. history.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThat\u2019ll do fine.\u201d He stared at his brother intently for a moment. \u201cAre you sure she didn\u2019t say what particular history she liked?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cI dunno,\u201d he said and then added after a moment, \u201cI think she said something about Greek people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll do,\u201d said Adam. \u201cNow get in there and don\u2019t leave until I come for you. Understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stood his ground, refusing to budge. \u201cI want the dollar first,\u201d he said stubbornly. \u201cI done all that listening all week, so I want the dollar first.\u201d He held out his hand and waited.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head as he reached into his pocket and drew out a silver dollar. \u201cHere,\u201d he said. \u201cBut you\u2019d better do this right or I\u2019m taking it back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss bit on the edge of the coin. He had no idea why he did it, but he\u2019d seen someone else do it once and it had appealed to him. \u201cAll right,\u201d he said, pocketing the money. \u201cGive me one minute and then come after me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He headed back up the stairs again while Adam waited in the now-deserted schoolyard. As Hoss entered the small room, Miss Emily Tallis, Virginia City\u2019s new schoolteacher turned around from the board that she\u2019d been wiping clean. \u201cEric,\u201d she said, quite surprised to see the boy again. \u201cWhat are you doing back here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss walked slowly across the room towards his desk. \u201cI \u2026 um \u2026 I kinda \u2026 left my books behind,\u201d he mumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily nodded. \u201cWell, get them then and be on your way,\u201d she said briskly as she began to turn towards the board again. However, a movement at the doorway caught her eye and she stopped when she saw Adam standing there. \u201cYes?\u201d she said. \u201cMay I help you, sir?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stepped into the room, his eyes widening with delight at the sight of the pretty young woman in front of him. \u201cThe name is Cartwright ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, taking off his hat and smiling at her. \u201cAdam Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCartwright?\u201d she repeated, looking from Adam, to Hoss and then back to Adam again with an enquiring look on her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Hoss\u2019 \u2026. I mean \u2026. Eric\u2019s brother,\u201d said Adam quickly. He turned to Hoss who was standing by now with his books in his hand. \u201cDid you find them?\u201d he asked, rather unnecessarily and then turned to Emily again without waiting for a reply. \u201cHe\u2019d forget his head if it wasn\u2019t screwed on,\u201d he said, somewhat apologetically.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily smiled at him. \u201cIt\u2019s so nice that he has a brother who cares,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I care,\u201d said Adam, stepping closer to her and putting his arm around Hoss\u2019 shoulder. He smiled at his brother who scowled back at him. \u201cWe\u2019re real close,\u201d Adam said, hugging Hoss\u2019 shoulder as if to prove it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily smiled at the picture that the two brothers made in front of her. \u201cThat\u2019s lovely,\u201d she said. \u201cFamily is important.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She turned to face the board again, but Adam spoke before she could move the whole way. \u201cHoss \u2026 I mean Eric \u2026 told me that you\u2019re from back east,\u201d he said. \u201cHow are you settling in here so far?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cQuite well, thank you,\u201d she said primly. There was silence for a moment. \u201cDon\u2019t let me keep you,\u201d she said finally. \u201cYou must be wanting to get home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave a small yelp as Adam\u2019s nails dug into his shoulder. \u201cAdam\u2019s going back east next year,\u201d he mumbled. \u201cHe\u2019s going to college in Boston.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s face took on an interested expression. \u201cReally?\u201d she said, turning to Adam instead of Hoss. \u201cI had no idea that Eric had such a clever older brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss felt his brother\u2019s nails tighten on his shoulder again as Adam tried to look modest. \u201cHe\u2019s real clever,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cHe\u2019s gonna study at Harvard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s mouth opened. \u201cHarvard!\u201d she said, her eyes lighting up. \u201cThat is wonderful!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned at Hoss. \u201cNow you shouldn\u2019t be carrying on like that Hoss,\u201d he said in a reproving tone. \u201cMiss Tallis doesn\u2019t want to hear about me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I do,\u201d Emily said, stepping forward. \u201cI never knew \u2026. I mean \u2026. What will you be studying?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave her the faint hint of a modest smile. \u201cI really haven\u2019t decided yet,\u201d he said. \u201cProbably history though. I have a passion for ancient Greek culture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily clasped her hands in front of her. \u201cReally?\u201d she said. \u201cI love ancient Greek history as well, although I\u2019ve never had the chance to study it in college, of course,\u201d her eyes shone, as she looked at Adam in a new light. \u201cHow wonderful,\u201d she breathed. \u201cYou must be so looking forward to all the literature that you\u2019ll be able to read on the topic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d said Adam casually and looked at Hoss meaningfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam likes to read a lot,\u201d Hoss muttered in a low tone as he stared at the floor. \u201cMostly Dickens and stuff like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDickens?\u201d repeated Emily. \u201cWhy, Charles Dickens is my favourite contemporary author. Who would have thought that I\u2019d find another aficionado of his out here in the west?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d be surprised ma\u2019am,\u201d said Adam, giving her the full value of one of his most charming smiles now \u2026 the sort that showed his dimple and sent most young ladies into a swoon. \u201cThings are quite as rough out here as they might seem at first. Some of us appreciate the fine arts. Like literature and \u2026. music \u2026\u201d he said, poking his nails into Hoss\u2019 shoulder yet again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam plays the guitar,\u201d said Hoss unenthusiastically. \u201cHe can sing real good too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam cuffed Hoss over the head in an affectionate way. \u201cHoss!\u201d he said. \u201cStop talking about me like that.\u201d He gave Emily an apologetic look. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d he said. \u201cHe shouldn\u2019t be carrying on so, but some children don\u2019t have any idea of correct social skills.\u201d He smiled at Emily, ignoring the black look that Hoss gave him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily shook her head. \u201cOh no,\u201d she said. \u201cPlease don\u2019t be cross with Eric for mentioning these things. He\u2019s obviously very proud of his older brother.\u201d She smiled at Adam. \u201cAnd with good cause,\u201d she added. \u201cYou\u2019re really quite an accomplished young man. I\u2019m amazed to find someone like you out here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged in what he hoped was a casual manner. \u201cOh, I\u2019ve always been a bit of a studier of such things,\u201d he said. \u201cI like to learn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cObviously,\u201d said Emily, looking at him with respect. She then turned to smile at Hoss who was by now shuffling his feet and looking extremely bored. \u201cYou should follow your brother\u2019s example Eric,\u201d she said. \u201cLearning can be a lot of fun if you put your mind to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d Hoss muttered, but the look he gave her showed clearly that he didn\u2019t believe what he was saying.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s he doing in school?\u201d asked Adam cheerfully, hugging Hoss\u2019 shoulder again. \u201cBetter than he has in the past, I hope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily hesitated. \u201cWell there are a few areas that I believe he could improve in,\u201d she said. \u201cAren\u2019t there Eric?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d muttered Hoss again. He continued to glare at Adam, thinking that the silver coin in his pocket had better be worth all of this.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019d like to talk to me about his progress at some time I\u2019d be happy to help him,\u201d offered Adam, suddenly seeing a chance of further contact with the pretty girl in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily looked somewhat taken aback by his comment. \u201cWell, shouldn\u2019t I really be discussing that with his father?\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d said Adam quickly. \u201cI\u2019ll let my father know that you\u2019d like to speak with him. I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be most interested in meeting you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be fine,\u201d said Emily. \u201cNow, if you\u2019ll both excuse me. I have some work to finish up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d said Adam again. \u201cCome along Eric. You\u2019ve taken up enough of Miss Tallis\u2019 time.\u201d He tipped his hat to the schoolteacher. \u201cNice meeting you ma\u2019am,\u201d he said and then dragged Hoss out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell thanks a lot!\u201d Hoss exploded when they had reached the corral. \u201cNow she\u2019s gonna talk to Pa about me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam brushed his brother\u2019s comment aside with a wave of his hand. \u201cShe would have done that anyway,\u201d he said. \u201cYou know that they all do at some stage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded mournfully, for schoolwork wasn\u2019t something that came easily to him. He glanced at his older brother who was standing still and staring back at the schoolhouse. \u201cI was right, wasn\u2019t I?\u201d he said smugly. \u201cShe\u2019s real pretty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThat she is,\u201d he agreed. \u201cReal pretty.\u201d Hoss grinned as he fingered his silver coin, happy now that his work was done. \u201cCome on,\u201d said Adam. \u201cLet\u2019s get home. I\u2019ve got some planning to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reeling in the Line<\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

A good fisherman always reels the line in slowly,
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span>taking care not to startle the fish by pulling on it too quickly.
\n<\/span><\/strong>In this way, he will be able to bring the fish in
\n<\/em><\/strong>without too much struggling on either side.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow much longer Adam?\u201d Little Joe whined as he stood by his brother\u2019s side. It seemed to him that the lady had taken an awfully long time in that darned old ladies dress shop and there were better things that he and his brother could be doing right about now. It was only the thought of the shiny penny that his brother had promised him and the knowledge that the penny could be traded for some of that candy in the mercantile store, that had made him stay here this long without more of his customary whining. \u201cHow much longer?\u201d he said again. \u201cWhen\u2019s it gonna be time for my fing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSoon,\u201d said Adam absently, shading his eyes as he stared across the street as well. He bent down and picked up his small brother, stood him on the back of the buckboard so that their eyes were level and stared at him intently. \u201cYou remember what to do?\u201d he asked and Joe nodded. \u201cTell me again,\u201d insisted Adam. \u201cOne more time, just to be sure.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe sighed and held up one finger. \u201cI say she\u2019s pretty,\u201d he began.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d urged Adam. \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe held up the next finger. \u201cI ask her if she gets lonely in town, being new and all,\u201d he said, and then thought for a moment before holding up his third finger. \u201cThen I talk about the picnic,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d said Adam, patting him on the head. \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe screwed up his face in concentration. \u201cAnd then I say that Pa wants to meet her, cause of Hoss being dumb in school,\u201d he said and smiled when Adam nodded. \u201cAnd then the penny,\u201d added Joe, holding up his thumb so that all five fingers on that hand showed. \u201cDon\u2019t forget the penny.\u201d He gave his brother a stern look. \u201cI don\u2019t do my fing unless I get my penny,\u201d he said firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded again. \u201cYou\u2019ll get it,\u201d he said. \u201cJust do your thing first.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do my fing, but \u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s voice was cut off by his brother who suddenly swung him down and plopped him onto the sidewalk again. \u201cShe\u2019s coming,\u201d he hissed. \u201cGet ready.\u201d He held onto Joe\u2019s arm as he bent down and pretended to check something on the wheel of the buckboard. \u201cRemember,\u201d he hissed into the child\u2019s ear. \u201cMake it look good when you bump into her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe nodded, his eyes on the figure, who was now crossing the street and turning towards them. \u201cNow?\u201d he said, his eyes gleaming with the excitement of the event.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSteady,\u201d Adam whispered into his ear. \u201cWait for it \u2026. Run!\u201d he said, giving his little brother a slight push as he let go of his arm. He watched anxiously as Joe took off on his small legs, running wildly towards the young lady who was walking along the sidewalk with a few parcels in her arms. The child ran straight towards her, his head down and his arms waving around as he ran, looking for the world as if he didn\u2019t have a clue that she was there.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When eventually they collided, the force of Joe hitting into her skirt caused the young lady to take a couple of unplanned steps backwards and her parcels flew out of her arms and landed in the dusty street. Joe fell backwards and landed on his small behind with a grunt, then looked up at her with a grin as he waited for Adam to appear.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was at her side in a flash, holding onto her arm and giving her a concerned look. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d he said, steadying her thoughtfully. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI \u2026 I think so,\u201d she said, leaning against him for a brief moment as she got her balance again. She looked up at him. \u201cMr \u2026 Cartwright?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, tipping his hat to her. He looked down at Little Joe who was still sitting on the sidewalk watching them with interest. \u201cJoe!\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m surprised at you. What were you thinking, not looking where you were going like that?\u201d He bent down and picked up Emily\u2019s parcels and handed them back to her. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry,\u201d he said again. \u201cI was checking the buckboard wheel and he just took off on me.\u201d He shrugged and gave her one of his most charming smiles. \u201cYou know how children are,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She took the parcels from him and then smoothed down her skirt. \u201cYes, I do,\u201d she said in return. \u201cI\u2019m the new school teacher, remember?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at her as if it was suddenly dawning on him who she was. \u201cOf course,\u201d he said, taking a step closer to her. \u201cHoss\u2019 teacher, Miss Tallis, I believe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d she said with a puzzled look on her face. \u201cOh yes \u2026. Eric. Please call me Emily,\u201d she added sweetly. \u201cIs your \u2026 um \u2026. \u201d she indicated Joe who was still sitting on the sidewalk looking up at them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy little brother,\u201d Adam finished for her, finally bending down and picking up the child by the back of his trousers. He sat him on the hitching rail next to him so that Joe was on their eye-level, his arms resting on the little boy\u2019s back, seemingly to steady him as he balanced. \u201cHe\u2019s fine,\u201d he added casually, not even glancing at his brother, but continuing to look at Emily. \u201cJoe, say you\u2019re sorry to Miss Tallis for bumping into her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for bumping into you,\u201d said Joe, right on cue. He felt his brother\u2019s hand poking him in the back and added, \u201cYou\u2019re pretty,\u201d as he gazed at Emily with one of his winning smiles.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily Tallis blushed slightly and then giggled. \u201cIsn\u2019t he just precious?\u201d she said, patting him on the head. \u201cWhat a darling thing to say!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned at her. \u201cDon\u2019t you think she\u2019s pretty, Adam?\u201d he asked sweetly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried to look embarrassed. \u201cJoe!\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re embarrassing Miss Tallis.\u201d He smiled at Emily. \u201cBut I must say that he\u2019s right,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily blushed even more and dipped her eyes so that she was looking up at him through her lashes. \u201cThat\u2019s a very gallant thing to say, Mr Cartwright \u2026. Adam,\u201d she murmured softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOnly telling the truth ma\u2019am \u2026 I mean \u2026. Emily,\u201d replied Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence for a moment, finally broken by Emily. \u201cWell,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019d better be getting \u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe jerked as he felt Adam\u2019s hand poking him in the back again. \u201cAre you new in town?\u201d he piped up suddenly, leaning forward towards her and nearly falling off the hitching rail.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily stopped moving away. \u201cWhy yes dear, I am,\u201d she replied. \u201cI\u2019m your brother Eric\u2019s new teacher.\u201d She looked at Adam enquiringly. \u201cI suppose Joe will be coming to school soon?\u201d she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d said Adam frowning slightly, for this wasn\u2019t the direction the conversation was supposed to go. However, his frown soon turned to a smile again as his little brother came in, right on cue for a third time.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI bet you get lonely,\u201d Joe said brightly. \u201cBeing new in town and all.\u201d He stared at the young lady, obviously expecting an answer from her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily gave the child a startled look. \u201cMy word,\u201d she said, turning to Adam. \u201cHe certainly is a forward little thing, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at her. \u201cIt comes from being around adults a lot,\u201d he explained. \u201cHis mother died last year and he spends a lot of time with all of us adults while we\u2019re working.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily gave Joe a sorrowful look and patted him on the head. \u201cPoor little thing,\u201d she said sadly. \u201cYour family has experienced tragedy then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cIt\u2019s been hard on all of us,\u201d he said, noting with interest her sympathetic look, as he gave her a sideways glance.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily nodded as Joe piped up again. \u201cWell?\u201d he said, not one to be sidetracked when there was a shiny penny to be had. \u201cDo ya get lonely, lady?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now it was Emily\u2019s turn to sigh. \u201cI suppose I do, a little,\u201d she said. \u201cI haven\u2019t been in town that long though, so I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll soon get used to things here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to get out and see what\u2019s going on around here,\u201d persisted Joe, narrowing his eyes as he looked at her intently. \u201cDon\u2019t she Adam?\u201d He turned to his brother and gave him a happy grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried to look startled at his little brother\u2019s words. \u201cWhy \u2026 I \u2026\u201d he shrugged at Emily. \u201cChildren,\u201d he said with a short laugh. \u201cWhat can you do with them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled at him in return. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about it,\u201d she said, turning to go. \u201cI must hurry up and \u2026.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt his back being prodded again. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you bring her on the picnic we\u2019re going on tomorrow and show her around Adam?\u201d he said quickly. \u201cThat\u2019d be a good idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam coughed as if he was embarrassed. \u201cJoe!\u201d he said. \u201cWhat a thing to say!\u201d He took a step closer towards Emily. \u201cMiss Tallis hardly knows our family.\u201d He shrugged his shoulders. \u201cStill,\u201d he continued. \u201cIf it would help you to feel a little more at home here \u2026\u201d He held up his hands as if at a loss for words.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily blushed again. \u201cOh, I wouldn\u2019t dream of imposing on you in that way,\u201d she said. \u201cBesides \u2026 as you say Mr \u2026 I mean, Adam \u2026 I hardly know you.\u201d She hesitated. \u201cI don\u2019t know that it would be seemly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOur whole family will be there,\u201d prompted Joe, getting into the swing of thing now. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t be with just him or nothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled his eyes at Emily as if at a loss for words at the indiscretion of his little brother, but his hand was secretly patting his little brother on the back approvingly as he did so. \u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d he said. \u201cMy father and brothers will be there of course, so there\u2019d be nothing improper about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell \u2026\u201d said Emily, obviously wavering.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa would like to meet ya too,\u201d added Joe. \u201cYou could talk bout Hoss being dumb in school and all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s face lit up as if he\u2019d just thought of that very same thing. \u201cOf course!\u201d he said. \u201cWhat a good idea! You did say after all that you were a little worried about him and it would be an ideal opportunity to speak to my father about it. We could kill two birds, so to speak.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe looked up into the sky, wondering where the birds were that his brother had just mentioned. When he didn\u2019t see any, he shrugged and looked at Emily again, noting with interest how her face had gone all red.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d the young lady said. \u201cWell \u2026 if it\u2019s in Eric\u2019s best interests \u2026 well \u2026 that would be lovely,\u201d she said finally. \u201cThank you. I\u2019ll look forward to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI need my penny now,\u201d said Joe quickly, squirming around to face Adam and holding out his hand. He sensed that his work here was done and he wanted to get his penny before things progressed too much further and Adam forgot it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave Emily a lopsided smile and reached into his pocket, pulled out a penny and pressed it into his little brother\u2019s palm. \u201cI promised him some candy,\u201d he explained, trying to sound like a generous older brother. He promptly pulled the child off the hitching rail and set him on his feet, giving him a small push in the back. \u201cGo off and get your candy,\u201d he said indulgently, giving his brother a pat on the head. He refrained from saying hurry back<\/em>, wishing that he\u2019d thought to tell the boy earlier to take his time while in the shop. Joe scampered off without a word and ran into the mercantile, which was near their buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned to Emily again. \u201cWe\u2019ll pick you up after church then?\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat will be fine,\u201d she replied. \u201cUm \u2026 I really must go now,\u201d she added, holding out her hand to him. \u201cThank you \u2026 Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took her hand and lifted it to his lips, watching her blush even more as he did so. \u201cUntil tomorrow,\u201d he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her eyelashes fluttered slightly. \u201cUntil tomorrow,\u201d she said with a slight sigh. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam crossed his arms across his chest as he watched her walk away, his eyes fixated on the bustle at the back of her skirt and the way it moved from side to side as she walked. Suddenly, his dreamy thoughts were interrupted by a small voice beside him and he looked down to see Joe standing there, a peppermint stick firmly placed in his mouth and two more in one sticky hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid I do my fing good this time, Adam?\u201d the child asked, in between sucks on the peppermint.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam patted him on the head. \u201cYeah, buddy,\u201d he said. \u201cYou did it real good this time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI fought so,\u201d said Joe wisely. \u201cShe didn\u2019t take too long to say yes<\/em>, did she?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam didn\u2019t answer as he turned to walk back to the buggy, thinking about how he now needed to tell his father that Hoss\u2019 new teacher would be joining them on their picnic the next day. Joe shrugged and turned to follow his brother, sucking happily on his peppermint stick as he did so.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

3. Checking the Sinker<\/span><\/h1>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A good fisherman always checks his sinker
\n<\/em><\/strong>when the fish begins to pull on it,
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0making sure that the fish is large enough
\n<\/em><\/strong><\/span>\u00a0and of the right variety that he has been after.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at Adam beside him, who was driving the buggy. \u201cSo let me get this straight,\u201d he said. \u201cLittle Joe was the one who actually invited her to the picnic?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave his father a lopsided smile. \u201cWell, you know what he\u2019s like Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cAlways opening his mouth at the wrong time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I do<\/em> know what he\u2019s like,\u201d replied Ben, glancing over his shoulder at his two youngest boys who were eyeing each other off over the top of the large picnic basket. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t know that he had even met Hoss\u2019 new teacher. Come to think of it, I didn\u2019t know that you\u2019d met her either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged casually. \u201cOh, we just ran into her in the street yesterday,\u201d he said. \u201cActually, Joe literally ran into her if you know what I mean. When he asked her to the picnic I couldn\u2019t really say no, could I?\u201d He glanced at his father to gauge the man\u2019s reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose not,\u201d replied Ben, looking at his son thoughtfully for a moment. \u201cAnd he wouldn\u2019t have got the idea to ask her from you of course now, would he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged and gave his father a somewhat sheepish look. \u201cWell she is real pretty,\u201d he admitted. \u201cSo I don\u2019t really mind.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised an eyebrow. \u201cI didn\u2019t think that you did,\u201d he said, a touch sarcastically. \u201cTell me, which of them \u2026\u201d he jerked his thumb towards the two boys in the back of the buggy who were now jostling each other. \u201c\u2026 helped you out the most?\u201d He chuckled to see the surprised look that Adam gave him. \u201cWell it wasn\u2019t hard to work out,\u201d Ben continued. \u201cI suspect that a bit of bribery has taken place judging by the way Hoss has been hiding that silver dollar from me and Joe\u2019s face was covered in sticky sugar when he got home with you yesterday. So kind of you, by the way, to offer to take him off my hands for the morning and let him go into town with you,\u201d he finished before turning to look at Hoss and Joe. \u201cWould you two be quiet?\u201d he said sharply.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged again and looked straight ahead to avoid his father\u2019s eyes. When he didn\u2019t say anything, Ben added. \u201cAnd what exactly is my role to be in this? Do you need to coach me before we meet her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam finally turned to look at his father and they both grinned at each other. \u201cAw Pa,\u201d he said. \u201cYou already know about women. I don\u2019t have to coach you in what to say.\u201d He frowned slightly. \u201cBut \u2026 actually it wouldn\u2019t hurt her to hear some nice things about me,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s smile widened. \u201cYour brothers haven\u2019t already done that when they played their part in this?\u201d he enquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell \u2026 sort of,\u201d Adam said sheepishly. \u201cBut \u2026 well, you know Pa \u2026 it still wouldn\u2019t hurt.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pa slapped his son on the back. \u201cBe happy to,\u201d he said. \u201cAnything else I can do to foster the course of true love?\u201d He looked over his shoulder again. \u201cIf you two don\u2019t stop pushing each other you can get out and walk!\u201d he snapped, and Hoss and Joe immediately sat still.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, now that you come to mention it,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou could try and help me find out about her. I mean \u2026 I need to be sure that she\u2019s what I\u2019m looking for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI already done that!\u201d protested Hoss indignantly. \u201cI spent all week listening \u2026.\u201d He stopped as he realised what he was saying and looked relieved when his father decided to ignore the comment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be glad to,\u201d said Ben. \u201cAfter all, part of this exercise is for me to talk to the young lady about a few issues anyway, isn\u2019t it?\u201d He gave Hoss a pointed look.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glowered in the back of the buggy at the comment, wishing that he\u2019d never been part of his brother\u2019s plan in the first place, for it seemed to him that getting his father and his teacher together for an afternoon might backfire on him. If he had known that Adam\u2019s plan had been to bring her along to a family picnic, then he wouldn\u2019t have helped in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re there!\u201d shouted Little Joe suddenly as Adam drew the horses to a halt. He bounced out of his seat excitedly and jumped a couple of times, causing the buggy to tilt slightly to one side.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, sit down!\u201d said his father sternly. \u201cYou go in and get her son,\u201d he said to Adam who was handing him the reins. \u201cWe\u2019ll wait here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam leant over to the back seat, picked up the still-bouncing Joe and planted him firmly on the front seat beside his father. \u201cYou stay there,\u201d he said, pointing at his little brother. \u201cYou get in the front too Hoss,\u201d he instructed his brother as he climbed down from the buggy. \u201cEmily and I will sit in the back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss eyed off the large picnic basket longingly once again and opened his mouth to protest, but Ben cut him short before he could say anything. \u201cDo as you\u2019re told Hoss,\u201d he said shortly. \u201cIn the front.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben handed the reins to Little Joe who proudly held onto them and pretended to drive the horses as Hoss clambered into the front beside them. \u201cPa?\u201d said Hoss after a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss screwed up his nose thoughtfully. \u201cWhat\u2019s Adam gonna do if he ends up not liking Miss Tallis once he gets to know her?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his son a startled look. Sometimes Hoss surprised him with the way he could cut to the heart of an issue and it was at times like this that Ben always maintained that his second son had a lot of intelligence that just didn\u2019t surface as readily as some other peoples\u2019 did.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess he\u2019ll have to figure that one out for himself, Hoss,\u201d he said easily, for Adam\u2019s love life had recently become very complicated and he found it difficult to keep track of precisely which young lady his eldest son was enamoured of at any particular time. It seemed to Ben that there was usually one girl Adam was interested in, one girl he was trying to extricate himself from and one girl who was fluttering her eyelashes at him without Adam even being aware of it. Ben was quite looking forward to having a rest from all of this when Adam went to college next year, but he supposed that Hoss would soon show an interest in girls, so the respite wouldn\u2019t be for too long. With three sons, he would probably be trying to keep up with their assorted love lives for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam appeared with Emily right about then, leading her down the few steps at the doorway of the boarding house where she was currently staying. \u201cShe\u2019s a real pretty one, ain\u2019t she Pa?\u201d Little Joe said, tilting his head up and looking at Ben upside down.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat she is son,\u201d said Ben, watching her appraisingly as she walked towards them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my father, Ben Cartwright,\u201d said Adam. \u201cAnd my two brothers you know, of course. Pa, this is Miss Emily Tallis.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tipped his hat to her. \u201cNice to meet you ma\u2019am,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid that you and I have to sit in the back together,\u201d said Adam. \u201cThese two \u2026\u201d he indicated his brothers. \u201c \u2026 always like to sit in the front.\u201d He gave Hoss a meaningful look and Hoss glared back at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is so lovely of you to have me at your picnic Mr Cartwright,\u201d said Emily as Adam helped her up into the buggy. \u201cHello Eric and Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello Miss Tallis,\u201d said Hoss in a disgruntled tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned at her. \u201cI\u2019m driving the horses,\u201d he informed her and she smiled at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben hitched the horses up again and they took off, Joe sitting between his father\u2019s knees and holding onto the reins as well as his father, his chest puffed out with the thought that he was driving the team. Ben kept a tight grip on the reins as he spoke. \u201cMy son has told me that you\u2019re settling into town?\u201d he said. \u201cWhere exactly are you from Miss Tallis?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shot his father a grateful look and both of them listened while Emily talked of her background back east. By the time they\u2019d reached the lake, Adam was quite convinced that she was the love of his life and he helped her down from the buggy with a happy grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily clasped her hands together as she looked around. \u201cThis is beautiful!\u201d she exclaimed. \u201cQuite beautiful. Is this part of your ranch, Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is indeed,\u201d said Ben as he lifted Little Joe down from the buggy. \u201cThe Ponderosa goes right around from here,\u201d he pointed to the left. \u201c… to over that side. Right over there on the left of that large peak,\u201d he said proudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy goodness!\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s huge!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled the picnic basket down and he and Hoss carried it down to the lake while Little Joe ran in front of them happily. Adam brought up the rear, holding onto Emily\u2019s arm in case she tripped.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d she breathed softly and gave him another of the fluttering looks from under her eyelashes that made his breath catch. \u201cYou\u2019re quite the gentleman,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They smiled at each other as they caught up with the rest of the Cartwrights. Ben was spreading a rug on the ground, Hoss was opening the picnic basket and Little Joe was standing with one finger in his nose while he looked at his father in frustration. \u201cAre we going to the lake now Pa?\u201d piped up Little Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSoon,\u201d said Ben, handing him a sandwich. \u201cEat first.\u201d Joe screwed up his face in discontent, but took his finger out of his nose and began to chew on the sandwich without another word. Ben handed sandwiches around to everyone after Adam had seated Emily and positioned himself next to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While they ate lunch, all five of them indulged themselves in their other agendas. Ben concentrated on finding out as much as he could about Emily for Adam\u2019s sake, Emily tried hard to sound as if she were a suitable candidate for Adam\u2019s attention, Adam listened to her answers while getting as close to her as he could, Hoss tried to steer the conversation away from himself every time it looked as if Emily or his father were about to discuss him and Little Joe kept up a barrage of questions about when his father was going to take him down to the lake.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Finally, Ben could stand his youngest son\u2019s whining no longer and stood up. \u201cPlease excuse the boys and myself for a while Miss Tallis,\u201d he said. \u201cPerhaps when I come back we can discuss Eric\u2019s progress at school?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Emily smiled at him and nodded her head, while Ben tried to ignore the dark look that Hoss gave him. He looked down as Joe tugged on his hand impatiently. \u201cWhen are we going down to the lake, Pa?\u201d he whined for about the twentieth time. \u201cYou said soon and it\u2019s soon now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben ruffled his son\u2019s curly hair. \u201cCome on Hoss,\u201d he said and tried not to smile at the grateful look on Adam\u2019s face as he turned towards the lake.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe grinned at his father, jumped up and took off running towards the lake straight away, while Hoss picked up the last of the sandwiches and slowly got to his feet as well. \u201cJoseph!\u201d called out Ben. \u201cStop right there, young man!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped and turned towards his father and Hoss who were by now following him. \u201cHurry up Pa!\u201d he shouted. \u201cTime\u2019s awasting!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben chuckled and put his arm around Hoss\u2019 shoulder as they caught up to Little Joe. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you two go and get some stones and we\u2019ll see if we can try skimming them on the water?\u201d he suggested and smiled to see the two boys immediately run to the shore to do as he suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As he walked over to join them, Ben glanced back over his shoulder and smiled to see Adam and Emily, their heads close to each other, talking animatedly and laughing at some joke. His son looked totally at ease in the young lady\u2019s company and Ben had a sudden pang of nostalgia for a time when he\u2019d sat exactly like that with Adam\u2019s mother Elizabeth many years ago in Boston. He wondered how long this new love of his son\u2019s would last for. \u201cI\u2019ll give it two weeks,\u201d he said aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGive what two weeks Pa?\u201d asked Hoss, dropping a handful of stones at Ben\u2019s feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing son,\u201d said his father. \u201cLet\u2019s see who can throw one of these the furthest, shall we?\u201d He picked up a stone and threw it into the lake, watching several fish swim away quickly away from it as it hit the surface.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

4. Landing the Fish<\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

A good fisherman knows that he can only relax<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0once the fish is on land.
\n<\/em><\/strong>He can then relax and enjoy the fruit of his labours
\n<\/em><\/strong>after a hard-fought battle.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Adam uses his family to help him court a young lady.
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