Summary:\u00a0 Hop Sing tries to help the Cartwrights overcome the death of Marie.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 9,950 words<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Part of the Family<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s heart ached for the four figures standing in front of him.\u00a0 It was bad enough for him, but he could only begin to imagine how difficult all this was for the man around whom the three boys clustered.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright stood with sagging shoulders and bent head, his eyes fixated on the ground before him, his face a mask of despair and grief.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Only two days ago this family had been so happy and carefree and now\u2026this tragedy was threatening to rip them apart.\u00a0 Mr Cartwright had hardly spoken since his wife had been so tragically killed.\u00a0 He had hardly acknowledged anyone\u2019s presence at all.\u00a0 His eyes were glazed with a faraway expression and his movements were slow and dull.\u00a0 The way he stared at the coffin in front of him made Hop Sing think that he was wishing he was in it as well and the thought made him shudder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Around him his three boys stood by his side.\u00a0 Adam, as always, resolutely steadfast and aware of his father\u2019s grief as well as his own and trying desperately to reach his father but unable to find the way to do so. His face was pale and drawn with grief and worry.\u00a0 Hoss, caught up in his own grief and looking to his father and brother to help him to be strong, but not wanting to appear to be leaning on them too much.\u00a0 Little Joe, looking around with wide eyes as he clutched at Adam\u2019s hand, not understanding the enormity of what was happening but picking up on the grief and suffering around him nevertheless.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing sighed as the coffin was lowered into the ground.\u00a0 With it went a part of all their lives and he just hoped that his family would be able to find a way to rise above this tragedy. He watched as Adam urged his father to leave and was shaken off yet again as he had been so many times before during the last two days.\u00a0 The young man looked pleadingly at Hop Sing with tears in his own eyes and Hop Sing stepped forward.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mister Cartwright go home now,\u2019 he said firmly. Ben shook his head and continued to gaze at the hole in front of him. Hop Sing pulled on his arm, not willing to give up and allow this man to give into his grief completely. \u2018Time for supper soon!\u2019 he said in his usual bossy tone. \u2018Hop Sing not want family to be late.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at him vaguely, hearing the familiar chant and latching onto it in his grief. \u2018Of course Hop Sing,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018Come on boys.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave Hop Sing a grateful glance and led his brothers over to the buggy while Hop Sing followed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Coffee Mr Cartwright?\u2019 asked Hop Sing kindly as he offered the cup to the man sitting before the fireplace.\u00a0 When there was no response he tried again. \u2018Mr Cartwright drink coffee?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked up at the sound of his name. \u2018No thank you Hop Sing,\u2019 he said quietly and went back to looking into the fire. Hop Sing shook his head and placed the cup down on the table in front of the man. He stood and looked at him for a few moments, wishing in his heart that he had the words to express his sorrow over what had happened, but knowing that his broken English could never be enough to say what he really felt.\u00a0 The best thing he could do for his family now was to watch over them and try to keep them going until they were ready to take up the threads of their lives again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing turned to the table where the three boys were seated and frowned. \u2018Boys eat!\u2019 he commanded loudly. \u2018No good not eat!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave him a watery smile and began to eat his supper.\u00a0 Adam acknowledged the remark with a nod and picked up his fork, but Hop Sing noticed that the food never quite made it to his mouth.\u00a0 Little Joe sank down in his seat and pouted. \u2018Don\u2019t want it!\u2019 he declared, as was his usual fashion when told to do something.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing frowned at the youngest Cartwright. \u2018You eat!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe continued to glare at his plate but didn\u2019t attempt to pick up his fork. Adam looked across at him and said quietly. \u2018You\u2019d better eat something little buddy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t wanna!\u2019 declared Little Joe again and pushed his fork away. \u2018You ain\u2019t, so why should I?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed and put a forkful of food into his mouth as he watched his brother. \u2018I am,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stole a glance at the man on the sofa but there was no reaction from him. \u2018Come on little buddy,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just have a bit.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u2018Well then it\u2019s time to go to bed,\u2019 he said, noting the dark rings under the child\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t wanna go to bed!\u2019 declared Little Joe with a further pout.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t be naughty,\u2019 said Hoss between mouthfuls. \u2018Ya gotta go ta bed Little Joe. How about I take ya up and we\u2019ll have a story together?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe got straight off his chair and Adam shot Hoss a grateful smile as his brother took the little boy\u2019s hand and they walked away from the table together. He watched as Little Joe hesitated near his father and looked at him apprehensively. \u2018Night Papa,\u2019 he said in a small voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at his little boy and patted him on the head. \u2018Good night son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sleep tight.\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe frowned as his father turned his face back towards the fire again and then shrugged his shoulders and allowed himself to be led up the stairs by Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at Hop Sing and then stood up and joined his father on the sofa. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said. When his father didn\u2019t answer he tried again. \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes son?\u2019 answered his father while still looking into the fire.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What do you want me to do tomorrow?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Whatever you like.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave a small sigh. \u2018I mean about the herd.\u00a0 We need to move them don\u2019t we?\u00a0 And\u2026 I mean it\u2019s been a week now since\u2026the funeral.\u00a0 Don\u2019t you think we should get back to work?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben continued to stare into the fire. \u2018Whatever you think is best Adam,\u2019 he said in the same dull voice. \u2018I\u2019ll leave it up to you where to put them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried again. \u2018I was thinking that Hoss should go back to school\u2026don\u2019t you think?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Are you going to take him tomorrow then?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m sure he can get there by himself.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What about Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What about him?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well if I go out to the herd, who\u2019ll look after him?\u2019 Ben said nothing. \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam, if you don\u2019t mind I\u2019d like to be by myself for a while. Excuse me.\u2019 Ben stood up and walked outside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing walked over to Adam and put a hand on his shoulder. \u2018Not worry about little boy,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing look after him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled up at him. \u2018Thanks Hop Sing,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing look after father too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood up. \u2018I\u2019d better go up and check on those two,\u2019 he said. \u2018Night.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good night Mr Adam.\u2019\u00a0 Hop Sing followed the young man up the stairs with his eyes, then turned and looked silently at the closed front door through which Ben had left. He shook his head silently and walked out to the kitchen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Take basket and show Papa,\u2019 suggested Hop Sing. \u2018Show how many eggs.\u2019\u00a0 Anything to get the man interested in something other than staring into the fire, thought the cook in despair.\u00a0 It had been like this for the past three days.\u00a0 Each morning he and Adam would try and interest Ben in something that was going on around the house or the ranch and each morning they would be met with a stony silence.\u00a0 Ben would then spend the rest of the day sitting by the fire, only roused by Hop Sing\u2019s insistence that he occasionally eat or drink something.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t speak to anyone, he didn\u2019t look at anyone and he certainly didn\u2019t acknowledge anyone except when he was forced to.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Each day Adam went out and did his best to keep things going around the ranch and came home each night looking more drawn as the days went on. Hoss left for school each morning and then set to work helping his brother as soon as he got home.\u00a0 Ben seemed oblivious to either of them.\u00a0 Little Joe was the biggest concern to Hop Sing.\u00a0 The child hadn\u2019t yet started school and was constantly underfoot at the best of times, but now it seemed that he was a total loss as to what to do.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At first he had kept his distance from Hop Sing, used to being with either his father or his brother, but it hadn\u2019t taken much effort to encourage him to accompany the cook as he did his usual round of chores.\u00a0 Normally a happy and chatty child, Hop Sing noticed that the boy was unusually quiet now and did as he was asked without comment or argument.\u00a0 He tried to keep him occupied with simple tasks, always keeping one eye on him at the same time.\u00a0 As the days went on, the child clung closer and closer to the man\u2019s side.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Show Papa,\u2019 Hop Sing urged again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The little boy looked up at him sadly and shook his head. \u2018He won\u2019t wanna see them,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing gave him a small push. \u2018Go!\u2019 he said and watched as the child approached his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Look!\u2019 said Little Joe, thrusting the basket under Ben\u2019s nose. \u2018Me and Hop Sing collected the eggs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stared at his son for a moment without speaking. Finally he said. \u2018That\u2019s good Little Joe.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The child grinned at his father upon hearing his reply. Suddenly the words came tumbling out. \u2018We got lots!\u2019 he said excitedly. \u2018There was one big chicken that tried to peck me. Look!\u2019 He held up his hand for his father\u2019s inspection, but Ben had turned back towards the fire again. \u2018Look,\u2019 he insisted, thrusting the small hand under his father\u2019s nose.\u00a0 He frowned as he got no response from the man and turned away from him and back towards Hop Sing sadly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing and Little Joe stared at each other for a moment. \u2018Come into kitchen for get lunch,\u2019 the cook finally said. As Little Joe stood on a chair and helped him prepare the food, Hop Sing thought about the man sitting in the other room. Since he had first come to work for the Cartwrights a few years ago, he had greatly admired Ben Cartwright.\u00a0 He had always seemed to Hop Sing to be a just and honourable man who was a wonderful example to his sons.\u00a0 When Missy Cartwright had joined the family she had brought sunshine into their world and it was clear that Mr Cartwright adored her. The birth of the little boy beside him had been cause for great rejoicing and every time Hop Sing saw either of his parents look at the child he knew just how much they cherished him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That\u2019s why it was so hard for Little Joe understand his father\u2019s attitude towards him at the moment.\u00a0 Hop Sing could see that the little boy was aching for his father\u2019s touch and the absentminded acknowledgment he was receiving was not nearly enough to soothe his feelings.\u00a0 That and the fact that his brothers were just too busy to pay him much mind at the moment made Hop Sing\u2019s heart ache for the child. He saw the confusion and hurt in his eyes as his father brushed him aside and wanted to shake the man for it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But Hop Sing knew that Mr Cartwright wasn\u2019t hurting his son deliberately.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t hurting any of them deliberately.\u00a0 He was just trying to come to grips with his loss the only way he knew how and all Hop Sing could hope was that he did eventually come to terms with it.\u00a0 In the meantime he would continue to keep the little boy close to him and watch over the two older ones as best he could.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wandered away from the table absentmindedly as Adam gave him a frustrated look. He turned to Hoss. \u2018You\u2019d better get off to school,\u2019 he said shortly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stuffed the last of the bread rolls into his mouth. \u2018OK,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see ya this afternoon Adam.\u00a0 Bye shortshanks!\u2019\u00a0 He ruffled his little brother\u2019s curls as he passed his chair and Little Joe stared at him in silence.\u00a0 There was a time when the action would have made him giggle delightedly, but those days seemed to be gone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Little Joe stared at each other. \u2018Eat your breakfast,\u2019 said Adam quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The little boy continued to stare at him for a few moments. \u2018Can I come wiv you today Adam?\u2019 he asked quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018No little buddy.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry, but you can\u2019t.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got lots of work to do and you\u2019d only be bored.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No I wouldn\u2019t!\u2019 the child declared. \u2018I can help ya!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sorry Joe.\u00a0 No,\u2019 said Adam.\u00a0 He watched his little brother stick out his lower lip and frown. Before he could speak again, Adam added. \u2018I said no and I meant it.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you do something with Pa today?\u2019\u00a0 He looked across at his father hopefully, but the man didn\u2019t seem to have heard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned even more. \u2018Pa don\u2019t want me ta stay wiv him,\u2019 he said. \u2018He don\u2019t like me no more.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course Pa likes you!\u2019 declared Adam, willing the man on the sofa to react. When he didn\u2019t he lowered his voice and whispered to the child next to him. \u2018He\u2019s just still sad that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018When will he stop being sad?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head and took a deep breath. \u2018I don\u2019t know little buddy.\u00a0 Soon I hope.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing had heard the exchange between the brothers and stepped forward at Adam\u2019s words. \u2018Supplies needed today Mr Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018I take little boy into town with me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s eyes lit up at the cook\u2019s words and he turned to his brother eagerly. \u2018Can I Adam?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Please?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam glanced over a the sofa again, but there was no movement from his father. \u2018I don\u2019t see why not,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thank you Hop Sing.\u00a0 And you,\u2019 he turned to his little brother. \u2018You behave yourself all right?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded eagerly, his eyes still bright. \u2018I will,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll help wiv the supplies.\u00a0 Me and Hop is friends ain\u2019t we Hop Sing?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing grunted at him and left the room, not willing to show his emotion.\u00a0 Having the child along with him was going to take the trip longer, but he reasoned that it would be worth it to see that look on his face for a while longer.\u00a0 It seemed so long since he\u2019d seen it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing turned the buckboard down a side street, holding onto the small boy beside him as they rounded the corner. \u2018Where\u2019re we going now Hop Sing?\u2019 asked Little Joe excitedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Visit honourable uncle before return home,\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018Visit every time come into town.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Do ya? Where\u2019s he live?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing drew the horses to a halt. \u2018Here,\u2019 he said, getting down from the buckboard and lifting the child down as well. He held up a finger in front of the boy\u2019s face. \u2018Best manners!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded silently, his eyes wide as he looked at the building in front of him.\u00a0 It was a small shack surrounded by many others of similar ilk, with a low porch.\u00a0 \u2018What\u2019s that?\u2019 he said as they approached the porch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Wind-chimes,\u2019 replied Hop Sing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019re they for?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018To make spirits watch over house,\u2019 replied Hop Sing as he entered the building, pulling the boy alongside him. \u2018Honourable uncle,\u2019 he said, bowing from the waist and letting his pigtail drop in front of him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The old man seated by the fire stood up and bowed to Hop Sing. \u2018Honourable nephew,\u2019 he said. \u2018Greetings and welcome to my humble house.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at the child who stared back at him with wide green eyes. \u2018And who is this visitor to my home?\u2019 he asked politely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m Joe Cartwright,\u2019 said Little Joe pleasantly. \u2018Pleased ta meet ya sir.\u2019\u00a0 He held out his hand politely as he had seen his father and brothers do when they met someone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The old man looked at him intently for a moment and then made a deep bow to the child. \u2018Welcome to my home most honourable child,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe hesitated for a moment and then grinned.\u00a0 He bent forward and gave the man a deep bow from his waist and said, \u2018Thank you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing and his uncle both hid smiles behind their hands. \u2018Honourable child has excellent manners,\u2019 said the old man. \u2018My name is Hop Ling, uncle to Hop Sing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned. \u2018Them names are nearly the same,\u2019 he said. \u2018How come?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Our given name is said last,\u2019 explained Hop Ling, \u2018preceded by our family name.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh I see,\u2019 said Little Joe, not seeing at all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Ling motioned for his two visitors to be seated and left the room. \u2018Where\u2019s he going?\u2019 asked Little Joe in a whisper loud enough to be heard throughout the entire house. Hop Sing merely frowned at him and motioned for him to be quiet.\u00a0 Little Joe sat back in his chair and looked around the room.\u00a0 It was very small and cluttered with imaginable treasures that the five year-old itched to get his hands on. He was just about to ask Hop Sing if he could explore, when Hop Ling returned again bearing a tray with three cups.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe watched carefully as the man poured three cupfuls of tea out from the pot and handed them around.\u00a0 He took one, carefully, conscious that it was very hot. He watched as both men sipped from their cups and made to do the same. \u2018Ow!\u2019 he shouted and gave Hop Sing an anxious look. \u2018It\u2019s hot!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Little boy blow on drink,\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018Like this.\u2019\u00a0 He blew gently onto his tea and then took another sip.\u00a0 Little Joe copied his actions and discovered that the tea wasn\u2019t quite so hot this time.\u00a0 He continued to blow into the cup, watching the ripples his breath made on the surface as he listened to the two men talking together in Chinese.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t much care for the taste of the tea, but didn\u2019t want to appear impolite.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a while, he put down his cup and leant towards Hop Sing. \u2018Can I look at them things while you\u2019re talking wiv your uncle?\u2019 he asked in a loud whisper.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Ling smiled at him. \u2018I think this may amuse honourable child,\u2019 he said and held out a small block of wood to the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What is it?\u2019 asked Little Joe as he turned the wood over and over in his hands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Ling took it gently from him and pulled it into two pieces, then replaced them together again before handing it back to the child. \u2018You try,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe pulled the pieces apart and then tried to fit them together again.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t as easy as it looked and he took several attempts to master it. \u2018I did it!\u2019 he said delightedly.\u00a0 Hop Ling smiled at him again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For several minutes the block of wood held the child\u2019s attention as the two men continued their discussion and by the time Hop Sing stood up to leave he noticed that the boys was fully engrossed in the puzzle. \u2018Time to leave,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up at him. \u2018Do we haveta?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded and then turned to his uncle. \u2018Honourable uncle,\u2019 he said and Little Joe watched as the ritual of the bowing began again.\u00a0 Not to be outdone, he quickly stood up and bowed to both men, one after the other. \u2018Bye,\u2019 he said as he held out the block of wood to Hop Ling.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Ling stared at the small child in front of him. \u2018You may take it honourable child,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 His nephew had told him of the Cartwright family\u2019s troubles and he wanted to bring some happiness to the boy.\u00a0 He was instantly rewarded for his words by the look of delight in Little Joe\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Really?\u2019 he said happily. \u2018Gee thanks Mr Hop Ling.\u2019\u00a0 He hugged the block of wood to him and smiled happily as he took Hop Sing\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later on during the trip home, he turned to the cook. \u2018Was that Chinese you was talking wiv ya uncle Hop Sing?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he replied. \u2018Language of honourable ancestors.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Could ya teach me some of them words?\u2019 asked Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing stared at him. \u2018Why little boy want speak Chinese?\u2019 he asked, surprised.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Cause I want ta learn it,\u2019 replied Little Joe. \u2018Then I can thank ya uncle properly and talk to you in it too.\u00a0 Don\u2019t ya sometimes wanna talk in it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing was startled by the child\u2019s perceptiveness.\u00a0 There were times when he craved to hear his native tongue spoken and his trips to town were sometimes few and far between. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said shortly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Then how do ya say \u2018thank you\u2019 in Chinese?\u2019 asked Little Joe happily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing spent the rest of the journey saying simple Chinese phrases for the little boy to repeat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Here Pa,\u2019 said Adam as he handed his father a glass of brandy. \u2018This might make you feel better.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No thank you son,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Not tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes at Hoss, who shrugged his shoulders. Little Joe stared at the glass in his brother\u2019s hand. \u2018Them\u2019s spirits ain\u2019t they Adam?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe pointed to the glass. \u2018That drink for Pa.\u00a0 Them\u2019s spirits ain\u2019t they?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said shortly and downed the drink himself.\u00a0 Lord knows he felt he needed it after the week he had had.\u00a0 If his father didn\u2019t rouse himself from his lethargy soon, he felt that he would yell at the man.\u00a0 Not only was he trying to keep the ranch running without any guidance, but he was trying to keep his two brothers happy as well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing\u2019s uncle has that drink on the roof of his house,\u2019 said Little Joe, forcing his brother out of his thoughts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What did you say?\u2019 he asked, startled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He has it on his roof,\u2019 repeated his little brother patiently. \u2018Hop Sing said so.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at him, momentarily confused. Little Joe tried to make his brother understand. \u2018He has them wind things to tell ya there\u2019s a bottle of spirits on the roof of the house.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing spoke from behind them. \u2018Little boy talks of wind-chimes that attract spirits to honourable uncle\u2019s house,\u2019 he explained with a deadpan expression.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hid a smile. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said, trying not to laugh at the little boy. \u2018So did you have a good time today little buddy?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure did!\u2019 said Little Joe, climbing onto his brother\u2019s lap and ignoring his father. \u2018We had to blow on our drinks like this,\u2019 he demonstrated how he had blown on his tea. \u2018And Mr Hop Ling gave me a piece of wood to pull apart.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Chinese toy,\u2019 explained Hop Sing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Really?\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Where is it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Upstairs,\u2019 said Little Joe, hopping off Adam\u2019s lap and taking Hoss\u2019 hand. \u2018Ya wanna see?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure,\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018When you\u2019ve had a look, get into your nightshirts,\u2019 said Adam, wondering how many more nights he\u2019d have to see to it that his brothers got to bed on time. \u2018I\u2019ll come up and read you a story.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018Night Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at Hoss wearily. \u2018Night son,\u2019 he said flatly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Night Pa,\u2019 said Little Joe happily.\u00a0 He hesitated before turning to face his father and giving him a low bow from his waist, then doing the same to Adam. \u2018Goodnight onabull father.\u00a0 Goodnight onabull brother.\u2019\u00a0 He gave a cheeky grin and followed Hoss up the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed aloud as he watched his brothers depart. \u2018Thank you for taking him today Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018It sure did him good, don\u2019t you think Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded silently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam listened amazed as Little Joe turned and thanked Hop Sing in Chinese for his breakfast. \u2018Where did you learn that?\u2019 he asked the little boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing teached me,\u2019 replied Little Joe. \u2018He\u2019s real smart cause he can talk in Chinese.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stared at his little brother thoughtfully. He had spent years trying to help the man perfect his English, yet it had never occurred to him to learn Chinese while he was doing it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing gets lonely for Chinese talk,\u2019 explained Little Joe. \u2018He likes me to talk it wiv him. I\u2019m learning some words every day.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So I see,\u2019 said Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Is all right?\u2019 asked Hop Sing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course it\u2019s all right,\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018Don\u2019t you think so Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded vaguely, but said nothing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What we doing today then Hop Sing?\u2019 asked Little Joe, smiling at the cook.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Work in garden,\u2019 replied Hop Sing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh boy!\u2019 said Little Joe and hopped down from his chair. \u2018I\u2019ll get my hat.\u00a0 See ya Adam, see ya Hoss!\u2019\u00a0 He ran to the stairs and ran up them two at a time.\u00a0 Adam frowned as he realised that his little brother hadn\u2019t even included his father at all in his goodbyes.\u00a0 It was as if the man was gradually withdrawing from their family group and that worried him. He wondered how they could all go on like this.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t count the number of times he\u2019d tried to talk to the man, only to be brushed aside.\u00a0 Surely someone could get through to him?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly he sat up straight as an idea formed in his head. \u2018I think I\u2019ll ride into town with you this morning Hoss,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve got something to do in there.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure,\u2019 said Hoss getting up. \u2018See ya Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Bye son,\u2019 said Ben quietly as he stared into his coffee cup.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Bye Pa,\u2019 said Adam. He waited for a moment and when no reply was forthcoming, turned to Hop Sing. \u2018Say goodbye to Little Joe for us please Hop Sing. Have a good day.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded to him and began to clear the table.\u00a0 The man still seated at it didn\u2019t acknowledge his movements in any way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam!\u2019 Sheriff Roy Coffee looked up from his paperwork and smiled at his friend\u2019s son. \u2018Come on in and sit down. Coffee?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded as he sat down. \u2018Thanks Roy,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So how is everyone?\u2019 asked Roy as he handed him a cup. \u2018Your father any better?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018No.\u00a0 If anything he\u2019s more depressed,\u2019 he said. \u2018That\u2019s why I\u2019ve come to see you actually.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy looked at the young man closely. \u2018You\u2019re having a bad time of it aren\u2019t you?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018It\u2019s not easy,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018There\u2019s Hoss and Little Joe to look after\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I saw Hop Sing in town with him yesterday,\u2019 interrupted Roy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u00a0 He\u2019s been great with him.\u00a0 He\u2019s a real part of the family you know.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know what I do without him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And you?\u00a0 How are you coping?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rubbed a hand over his eyes wearily. \u2018I\u2019m just worn out to tell you the truth.\u00a0 Trying to keep the ranch going and keep Hoss and Joe happy is hard enough, but then there\u2019s Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What can I do to help?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at the man. \u2018I was hoping you\u2019d ask that,\u2019 he said. \u2018I was wondering if you might be able to talk to Pa for me.\u00a0 I\u2019ve tried to get through to him, but I just can\u2019t.\u00a0 I know he\u2019s grieving so much Roy, but so are we and he just doesn\u2019t seem to realise how much Hoss and Little Joe need him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And you,\u2019 said Roy, placing a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded, his voice breaking slightly as he said, \u2018Yes.\u00a0 I need him too and I just don\u2019t know how to get to him.\u2019\u00a0 He looked a the Sheriff pleadingly. \u2018Do you think you could try?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course I will,\u2019 said Roy kindly. \u2018I\u2019d do anything to help.\u00a0 The only problem is I\u2019ve got to go to Carson City this afternoon for a couple of days, but I\u2019ll come out as soon as I get back.\u00a0 Is that all right?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood up. \u2018Yes, that\u2019d be fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thank you Roy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You look after yourself Adam,\u2019 said the man kindly. \u2018Remember that there\u2019s plenty of folks around here who\u2019d only be too happy to help if you say the word.\u00a0 Keep that in mind son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at him. \u2018Thanks,\u2019 he said. \u2018I will.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy sighed as the young man left his office. Ben Cartwright had been his best friend since the family had arrived in Nevada and he had meant what he said.\u00a0 He was prepared to say whatever it took to get him to face life again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you Mr Harris,\u2019 said Hop Sing, giving the shopkeeper a slight bow as he took Little Joe\u2019s hand. \u2018Everything loaded now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No problem Hop Sing,\u2019 replied Sam Harris. \u2018Say hello to your Papa for me won\u2019t you Little Joe? Here.\u2019\u00a0 He held out a liquorice stick to the boy with a kind smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you!\u2019 said Little Joe with a big grin.\u00a0 He put the end of the candy into his mouth and began to suck on it, clutching onto Hop Sing with his other hand. As they left the shop he smiled up at the cook.\u00a0 Hop Sing looked down at the small boy and smiled back, momentarily surprised at his own display of affection.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hold on there Chinaman,\u2019 said a rough voice in front of them. \u2018Where ya going?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up to see a rough-faced man with two companions behind him.\u00a0 He was smiling nastily at Hop Sing as he leant against the post. \u2018Where ya going?\u2019 he asked again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing gave a small bow and tightened his grip on Little Joe\u2019s hand. \u2018To buggy,\u2019 he said with another small bow.\u00a0 He took a step forward but was stopped by the man blocking his way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018This is the little Cartwright brat ain\u2019t it?\u2019 asked the man with a sneer at Little Joe. \u2018What ya doing with him Chinaman?\u00a0 Does Ben Cartwright know you\u2019ve got his kid?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing work for Mr Cartwright,\u2019 said the cook.\u00a0 \u2018Please let past now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Just a minute,\u2019 said the man nastily and pushed Hop Sing backwards so that he nearly stumbled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up at the man. \u2018You leave Hop Sing alone!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018He done nuthin to you!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The three men laughed. \u2018So the brat has a voice!\u2019 said one.\u00a0 He bent down and looked at Little Joe closely. \u2018Whatcha doing with a Chinaman boy?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe glared at the man and took his liquorice stick out of his mouth to speak. \u2018Hop Sing\u2019s my friend!\u2019 he declared. \u2018He\u2019s part of our family.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing jerked at the child\u2019s remark.\u00a0 It was true that in his own mind he considered himself a part of the Cartwright family, but he had never for one moment presumed that any of them felt the same.\u00a0 T o hear the child\u2019s words sent a strange feeling through him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Really?\u2019 said the man nastily. \u2018Well little man I wonder what your Pa would say if he heard that you thought you were related to a Chinaman eh?\u2019 The other two men laughed at his joke. Little Joe glared at him and stuck out his tongue, which only served to make all three men laugh even more. Hop Sing pulled Little Joe by the arm and tried to get past the men. \u2018I said to hold on there!\u2019 said the first man and pushed him again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing lost his balance momentarily and let go of Little Joe\u2019s hand to steady himself and at that moment the little boy ran forward and hit the man on the hip.\u00a0 \u2018You leave Hop Sing alone!\u2019 he shouted. The man laughed again and put a hand on the child\u2019s head to keep him at a distance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well look at this!\u2019 he said. \u2018The Cartwright brat is looking for a fight.\u2019\u00a0 He pushed the child backwards and Little Joe fell heavily on the porch.\u00a0 Hop Sing bent to pick him up and noticed a large graze on his cheek.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What\u2019s going on here?\u2019\u00a0 Sheriff Roy Coffee\u2019s voice came from behind them and caused all three men to turn around sharply. \u2018Morning Sheriff Coffee,\u2019 said the first man as he tipped his hat. \u2018Boy here took a fall.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy Coffee glanced around and took in the situation immediately. \u2018I want you three out of town,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018Get!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The first man opened his mouth to protest and then closed it again. \u2018Come on,\u2019 he said to his companions. \u2018No point arguing here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy turned to Hop Sing who was helping Little Joe up from the ground. \u2018Is the boy all right?\u2019 he asked the cook.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing examined Little Joe\u2019s face carefully. \u2018Will be,\u2019 he said. \u2018Take home and fix up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Here.\u00a0 Let me help you.\u2019\u00a0 Roy picked up the little boy who was whimpering and placed him carefully in the buckboard. \u2018There you go Little Joe,\u2019 said the man with a kindly pat on his head. \u2018You\u2019ll be all right.\u00a0 Hop Sing will look after you now.\u2019 He turned to the cook. \u2018See you get straight home Hop Sing.\u00a0 I wouldn\u2019t put it past those three to hang around even though I\u2019ve warned them off.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes Mr Sheriff,\u2019 said Hop Sing as he got up on the buckboard. He was surprised to feel Little Joe sidling up to him immediately and cuddling into his side.\u00a0 He put an arm around the boy and drew him close.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And tell Adam I\u2019ll be out later today to see his father,\u2019 said the Sheriff. \u2018He\u2019ll know what for.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded again. \u2018I will,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ain\u2019t we going ta your onabull uncle\u2019s house today?\u2019 sniffed Little Joe as they took off down the street.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not today little boy,\u2019 replied Hop Sing. \u2018Go straight home now.\u2019\u00a0 He tightened his grip on the small boy as he drove with one hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Is he all right?\u2019 asked Adam anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes,\u2019 replied Hop Sing. \u2018Put salve on hurt face and make stay in bed.\u00a0 Little boy not want stay though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll bet he didn\u2019t,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Hop Sing I\u2019m sorry that happened to you.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure that Roy Coffee will see to it that whoever they are stay right away from town in the future.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shrugged. \u2018Hop Sing used to it,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sorry little boy see that all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at the man thoughtfully. Somehow it hadn\u2019t occurred to him before just how difficult it must be for the man with the amount of prejudice that abounded in the district. \u2018Well thank you for looking after Little Joe so well,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll just go up and see him before lunch.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he entered his brother\u2019s room, he smiled to see the little boy sitting in his bed surrounded by all his soldiers.\u00a0 He seemed to be staging quite a war with them. \u2018Hi little buddy,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Are you feeling any better?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up at his brother. \u2018Hi,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing said I haveta stay in bed.\u00a0 I don\u2019t haveta do I Adam?\u00a0 I can get up now can\u2019t I?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018No you can\u2019t,\u2019 he said as he turned the boy\u2019s face upwards and inspected his face. \u2018That\u2019s a nasty graze you\u2019ve got there little buddy.\u00a0 It\u2019s going to be quite a bruise soon.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m all right!\u2019 declared Little Joe. \u2018It don\u2019t hurt much.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s good,\u2019 replied his brother. \u2018Did Pa have a look at it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe bent his head again and fiddled with his soldiers. \u2018No,\u2019 he said shortly. \u2018Pa don\u2019t care.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u2018He does care Little Joe,\u2019 he said. \u2018I told you\u2026he\u2019s just still sad that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Cause of Mama,\u2019 said the little boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u00a0 He misses her.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I miss her too,\u2019 the child said sadly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know.\u00a0 We all do.\u2019\u00a0 Adam searched for something to say. \u2018But we\u2019re lucky we\u2019ve got Hop Sing to look after us until Pa feels better aren\u2019t we?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe smiled. \u2018Yeah,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing\u2019s part of our family now ain\u2019t he Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure is.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why\u2019d those men make fun of Hop Sing?\u00a0 They acted like they didn\u2019t like him, but they don\u2019t even know him.\u00a0 How come they was mean to him?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated, unsure of how to explain prejudice to a five year-old. \u2018Well\u2026they just don\u2019t understand Hop Sing like we do I guess,\u2019 he said finally.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I love Hop Sing,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018That\u2019s why I hit that mean man.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried not to smile. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018But if that ever happens again you have to promise me you won\u2019t hit anyone,\u2019 he said. \u2018You have to learn to keep your temper.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Keep it where?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried again. \u2018You shouldn\u2019t get angry and hit people,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But they pushed Hop Sing!\u2019 declared Little Joe. \u2018He needed me to look after him just like he looks after me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam ruffled his little brother\u2019s hair, wishing his father were there to have this conversation with the child. Suddenly he felt very tired. \u2018Yeah OK,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now lay down and get some sleep.\u00a0 Put your soldiers up here and you can play with them when you wake up.\u2019\u00a0 He scooped up the toys and placed them on top of the dresser and then pulled the covers up around the little boy\u2019s chin. \u2018I\u2019ll see you later OK?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK.\u00a0 Bye Adam,\u2019 said little Joe as he snuggled down under the covers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam walked wearily from the room and went in search of his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mr Cartwright?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked up at the sound of his name. \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sheriff Coffee here to see you,\u2019 said Hop Sing as he waved the Sheriff into the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hello Ben,\u2019 said Roy,\u2019 searching his friend\u2019s face carefully and not liking what he saw.\u00a0 \u2018I came to see how you\u2019re getting on.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave his friend a half-smile and sighed. \u2018Sit down Roy,\u2019 he said. There was silence as the Sheriff waited for Ben to say something and then realised that he wasn\u2019t about to.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I just wanted to make sure you\u2019re all right,\u2019 he said again. Ben nodded and continued to sit in silence. \u2018How are the boys?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Fine.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy felt frustrated with his friend and wondered just how Adam and Hop Sing managed to keep their patience with him. \u2018Really?\u2019 he said. \u2018How would you know?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben jerked and turned his gaze to his friend. \u2018What?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said how would you know?\u2019 repeated Roy sternly. \u2018Seems to me you\u2019re not taking any notice of them, so how would you know?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u2018I\u2019d appreciate it if you minded your own business!\u2019 he snapped, confirming to Roy just how out of character he was behaving.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It is my business!\u2019 replied Roy. \u2018Those boys are as dear to me as if they were my own and I don\u2019t like how you\u2019re treating them.\u2019 Ben continued to frown, but said nothing. Roy leant forward. \u2018I care about you and your family,\u2019 he said \u2018And because of that I\u2019m here to tell you to snap out of it and get back to being a father to those boys!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You don\u2019t understand,\u2019 said Ben quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes I do understand!\u2019 said Roy. \u2018I lost my wife too remember?\u00a0 I understand how you\u2019re feeling Ben, but I know that those boys need you and you\u2019re not being fair to them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018They\u2019re coping,\u2019 said Ben flatly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy snorted. \u2018Coping!\u2019 he said. \u2018I saw Adam the other day in town and the boy looks half dead!\u00a0 He\u2019s trying to keep this place going without any help from you and then you expect him to look after his brothers as well.\u00a0 Well he ain\u2019t going to be able to carry on much longer like this!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at his friend shocked. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean to hurt the boy\u2026\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you have! And I\u2019m sure Hoss and Little Joe are hurting as well.\u00a0 They need their Pa and like it or not you\u2019re it!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his head in his hands and was silent. \u2018I just miss her so much,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And so do they,\u2019 said Roy in a calmer voice. \u2018Grieve if you must Ben, but for God\u2019s sake allow them to grieve with you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked up at his friend. \u2018I\u2019ll try,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy patted his friend on the back. \u2018I hope you don\u2019t take what I\u2019ve said the wrong way,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018No.\u00a0 You\u2019re right Roy and I just thank you for being a good enough friend to point it out to me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That\u2019s what friends are for,\u2019 said the Sheriff standing up. \u2018Well I have to get back to town now.\u00a0 There\u2019s a group of roughnecks hanging around and I need to keep an eye on things.\u2019\u00a0 He stopped as he reached the front door. \u2018That reminds me,\u2019 he said. \u2018How\u2019s Little Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Little Joe?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He was hurt in town today when he was with Hop Sing,\u2019 replied the Sheriff. \u2018Nothing serious,\u2019 he added as he saw the look in the other man\u2019s eye. \u2018Just a graze from where he was knocked down in the street.\u00a0 Well you look after yourself now you hear?\u2019\u00a0 Roy left the room, leaving Ben standing by the fire.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben entered his son\u2019s bedroom and looked at the small boy asleep in the bed.\u00a0 He sucked in his breath as he noticed the large graze on his child\u2019s cheek and the bruise that was already forming underneath it.\u00a0 What on earth had happened to the boy and why hadn\u2019t he noticed it before?\u00a0 He cursed himself silently for being such a neglectful father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat down on the edge of his son\u2019s bed and softly stroked the curly hair. The child was so much like his mother that just looking at him made Ben\u2019s heart constrict and he felt the tears beginning to fall as he stared at the child.\u00a0 Softly he drew the little boy into his arms and sat him on his lap, rocking backwards and forwards as he crooned to him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stirred and opened his eyes to see his father looking down at him. \u2018Hi Papa,\u2019 he said sleepily. He reached up and placed a small hand on his father\u2019s face as he noticed the tears. \u2018Are ya still sad for Mama?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded at him as he continued to rock the child, all the emotions of the past few weeks coming out in a rush as he cried. Little Joe snuggled into him and put his thumb in his mouth, sucking on it noisily as his eyes closed again and he surrended himself to sleep once more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing looked up from the bench where he was working at the sound of the footsteps behind him. \u2018Mr Cartwright!\u2019 he said, pleased to see the man coming into the kitchen.\u00a0 It was the first time in weeks that he had seen him out of the living area or his bedroom. \u2018You want coffee?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 replied Ben shortly. He gave Hop Sing an angry look. \u2018What I want is an answer to a question Hop Sing.\u2019 Hop Sing frowned, not liking the sound of the man\u2019s voice. \u2018Could you tell me why you allowed my son to be hurt in town today?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing look puzzled for a moment. \u2018Little boy knocked to ground,\u2019 he said. \u2018Men did it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And why was he is town in the first place?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Help Hop Sing get supplies,\u2019 replied Hop Sing. \u2018Mr Adam say OK to take little boy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Well I don\u2019t appreciate you allowing him to get hurt,\u2019 he said. \u2018We have enough trouble around here without you being careless with my son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s mouth dropped open and he stood in silence as the man\u2019s words registered in his brain.\u00a0 He shook his head. \u2018Hop Sing not careless,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing look after little boy for Mr Cartwright.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben turned on his heel and made to leave the room. \u2018Well I\u2019d appreciate it if you\u2019d be more careful next time,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t want that child hurt because of you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing banged a pan on the bench and rattled off some words in Chinese. Ben turned to face him. \u2018What was that?\u2019 he asked angrily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said father not know what going on here!\u2019 declared the cook. \u2018Need wake up to self!\u2019\u00a0 He glared at Ben angrily.\u00a0 \u2018Boys need father and father not look after them.\u00a0\u00a0 Hop Sing need do it for him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben flushed and took a step towards the cook, Roy Coffee\u2019s words still ringing in his ears and his youngest son\u2019s hurt face in his mind. It was all too much for him. \u2018Don\u2019t you dare tell me how to raise my sons,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018You just do your job and leave me to do mine!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing banged the pot again. \u2018Mr Cartwright not do job!\u2019 he declared. \u2018Hop Sing have do it for him!\u2019 Ben stood nonplussed as the cook rattled off more Chinese phrases. \u2018Hop Sing not appreciated!\u2019 the cook continued and flung the pot on the bench one more time. \u2018Hop Sing go back China!\u2019\u00a0 He stormed out of the room, leaving Ben gazing after him angrily.<\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019\u00a0 Adam got down from his horse, pleased to see his father standing on the front porch watching him. \u2018Are you alright?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded slowly. \u2018Yes. I\u2019m alright son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hard day?\u2019\u00a0 He noted the paleness of the boy\u2019s face and his tired eyes.\u00a0 Why hadn\u2019t he seen it before?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018Sure was,\u2019 he said. There was silence as the two men looked at each other, both sizing up the expression on the other\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019d better go wash up,\u2019 said Ben finally. \u2018I\u2019ll look after your horse for you.\u2019\u00a0 He took the reins from his surprised son and led the animal into the barn slowly.\u00a0 Adam grinned as he turned towards the house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing?\u2019 he called as he entered the dining area. He was surprised to see that the table hadn\u2019t been laid for supper as it always was at this time of the day. \u2018Hop Sing?\u00a0 There was no answer from the cook, so he went down the short hallway into the kitchen.\u00a0 The room was in disarray with pots and pans strewn everywhere and half-prepared food on the bench.\u00a0 Adam looked around and began to panic.\u00a0 Hop Sing took great pride in his kitchen and would never have left it looking like this unless there was something wrong.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He turned and strode over to the cook\u2019s room and knocked on the door sharply. \u2018Hop Sing?\u2019 he called. \u2018Are you in there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Come in Mr Adam,\u2019 called the cook.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam opened the door and drew in a sharp breath of surprise at the sight of the cook packing his belongings into a bag.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What are you doing?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing continued to pack. \u2018Hop Sing leave Ponderosa,\u2019 he said simply. \u2018Go back to China.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took a step forward. \u2018But Hop Sing, you can\u2019t!\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018We need you here!\u00a0 You can\u2019t just go!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head. \u2018Not need now,\u2019 he said. \u2018Father getting better. Hop Sing leave.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned. \u2018Did my father say something to you?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Did something happen between you?\u2019 The cook shook his head and continued to pack. Adam grabbed him by the arm. \u2018Hop Sing I want to know,\u2019 he said. \u2018What happened?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing looked at the young man in front of him. \u2018Is all right Mr Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018Father look after boys again now. You be fine.\u2019\u00a0 He bent over and began his packing again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stared at him for a moment and then turned and ran from the room back outside again.\u00a0 When he reached the barn he halted at the sight of his father rubbing down his horse. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he yelled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at his son. \u2018Yes Adam?\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing\u2019s inside packing.\u00a0 He says he\u2019s going back to China!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018I know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at him incredulously. \u2018You know?\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Well we\u2019ve got to stop him!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018He\u2019s made up his mind son.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing we can do about it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What do you mean there\u2019s nothing we can do about it?\u00a0 You\u2019ve got to go in there and tell him not to!\u00a0 We need him to look after us.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018Hop Sing has been here for a long time Adam and I\u2019m sure you and your brothers will miss him.\u00a0 But the fact is it\u2019s his choice if he leaves and I\u2019m not about to stop him.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why not?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He allowed Joseph to be hurt,\u2019 explained Ben. \u2018Now I\u2019m not asking him to leave, but if he\u2019s going to be careless with the child then I\u2019m not going to stop him either.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s jaw dropped open. \u2018What?!\u2019 he yelled. \u2018How can you say that?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stopped working and looked at his son. \u2018Because it\u2019s true. I\u2019ve just been up in your little brother\u2019s room,\u2019 he said. \u2018Joseph was pushed in town today when Hop Sing was in charge of him.\u00a0 You can\u2019t tell me that he looked after the child very well.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t believe you!\u2019 he yelled at his father. \u2018What gives you the right to make that judgement?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes widened. \u2018I am the boy\u2019s father,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018I have every right.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well you could have fooled me!\u2019 replied Adam, the strain of the past few weeks catching up with him in a rush. \u2018You haven\u2019t been acting much like his father lately!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried to maintain his composure. \u2018I know that,\u2019 he said in a quieter tone. \u2018And I\u2019m sorry. But it doesn\u2019t give Hop Sing the right to be careless with the boy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took a step forward, his fists clenched.\u00a0 It took every ounce of control he had not to strike his father. \u2018You have no idea what\u2019s been going on around here,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018For the past few weeks that man has held this family together Pa.\u00a0 If it wasn\u2019t for Hop Sing, well\u2026\u2019 Adam\u2019s voice broke and he struggled to get the words out. \u2018Well I don\u2019t know what we would have done,\u2019 he finally said. \u2018He\u2019s been looking after Little Joe for us every day as well as trying to help me and Hoss. He\u2019s\u2026.Little Joe said he\u2019s part of our family and he\u2019s right.\u00a0 You have no right to say things like that about him Pa.\u00a0 No right!\u2019\u00a0 Adam turned away from his father, embarrassed to let the man see the tears that were beginning to fall down his cheeks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood stunned at hearing his son\u2019s words. After a few moments he said, \u2018I\u2019m sorry Adam.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that I got a shock when I saw your brother\u2019s face.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned back to his father. \u2018I told Hop Sing he could take Little Joe into town,\u2019 he said. \u2018It wasn\u2019t his fault that he got hurt.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked shamefaced. \u2018What happened?\u2019 he asked quietly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018There were some roughnecks having a go at Hop Sing,\u2019 replied his son. \u2018You know Little Joe\u2026 he got involved before anyone could stop him and one of them pushed him.\u00a0 Hop Sing couldn\u2019t have avoided it Pa.\u00a0 He\u2019d defend that little boy with his life if he had to, you know that!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018Yes son you\u2019re right.\u00a0 I do know that.\u2019\u00a0 He stepped forward and put an arm around Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I don\u2019t know what came over me to speak to him like that.\u2019 Adam looked silently at his father and swallowed. Ben smiled at him. \u2018How about I go and talk to him about it?\u2019\u00a0 Adam nodded. Ben made to leave the barn and then hesitated. \u2018Don\u2019t worry,\u2019 he said. \u2018You know how many times he\u2019s threatened to go back to China before and he never does.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah but he\u2019s in there packing his things,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018He\u2019s never done that before.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u2018I\u2019ll talk to him, he said again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing?\u00a0 May I come in?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Is your house,\u2019 replied the cook shortly as he did up his bag. \u2018Mr Cartwright go anywhere he want.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben entered the room and stood silently looking at the cook for a moment. \u2018I came to apologize Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I should never have said those things to you.\u2019 Hop Sing said nothing as he picked up his bag. \u2018I\u2019m so sorry Hop Sing,\u2019 Ben continued. \u2018You know how things have been these past few weeks and I really am not thinking clearly.\u00a0 Please don\u2019t go.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing picked up his bag. \u2018Is time to go,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing need move on now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben held onto the man\u2019s arm. \u2018Please,\u2019 he said. \u2018The boys need you\u2026I need you. Please.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head. \u2018Mr Cartwright better now. Hire new cook in Virginia City now Missy Cartwright gone.\u00a0 Plenty cook there.\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But we don\u2019t want another cook.\u00a0 We want you! The boys will be upset if you go. They\u2019ll miss you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shrugged. \u2018Boys cope,\u2019 he said sadly. \u2018Hop Sing not trusted by Mr Cartwright.\u00a0 Hop Sing go.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I do trust you Hop Sing.\u00a0 I told you I didn\u2019t mean what I said.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing walked through the doorway and out into the living area.\u00a0 At that moment the front door burst open and Hoss appeared, followed closely by Adam. Hoss looked at the cook anxiously and noticed the bag in his hand. \u2018Adam said ya\u2019re going away!\u2019 he said. \u2018Ya can\u2019t Hop Sing!\u00a0 Please don\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing stood in silence for a moment. \u2018Must go Mr Hoss. Is time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where will you go?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mebbe not China. Mebbe San Francisco.\u00a0 Stay with honourable uncle in town until decide.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a movement at the top of the staircase and everyone turned to see Little Joe standing there in his nightshirt. \u2018Why ya going to ya onabull uncle\u2019s house Hop Sing?\u2019 he asked fearfully. \u2018Can I come?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph go back to bed,\u2019 said Ben. Little Joe took no notice of his father, but came down the stairs at a run, almost tripping over his nightshirt. \u2018Can I come?\u2019 he repeated as he tugged on Hop Sing\u2019s shirt.\u00a0 He looked up at the cook with tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing bent down and looked into the child\u2019s face. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Little boy stay with family.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But you\u2019re my family too!\u2019 Little Joe said fearfully. \u2018Ain\u2019t ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing looked up at Ben who stared at him. \u2018You heard Little Joe Hop Sing. You\u2019re part of our family. We all feel it.\u2019\u00a0 Adam and Hoss beside him nodded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Families don\u2019t go away,\u2019 continued Little Joe. \u2018Cept when they die like Mama.\u00a0 Then they can\u2019t help it, can they Papa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben patted his little boy\u2019s head. \u2018No Little Joe, then they can\u2019t help it,\u2019 he repeated, not taking his eyes off the cook.\u00a0 \u2018Well Hop Sing?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing hesitated as he looked at the faces of his family.\u00a0 He slowly shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Families don\u2019t go away little boy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam breathed a sigh of relief and Hoss stepped forward to take Hop Sing\u2019s bag. \u2018I\u2019ll put this away fer ya Hop Sing,\u2019 he said happily. \u2018I guess you won\u2019t be needing it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben picked up Little Joe. \u2018I said back to bed and I meant it Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come on.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe struggled in his father\u2019s arms. \u2018I want Hop Sing to take me,\u2019 he said, holding his arms out to the man. Ben handed him over to Hop Sing who took the child tentatively. \u2018Will ya play soldiers wiv me Hop Sing?\u2019 asked the little boy, smiling at him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing no time for play!\u2019 said the cook with a stern expression on his face. \u2018Supper to get ready.\u00a0 Little Boy go bed now.\u2019 He carried Little Joe up the staircase as Adam and Ben watched.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his arms around Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u2018I suppose you had something to do with Roy Coffee coming out here this afternoon son?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged. \u2018Well I thought he might be able to \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Talk some sense into me?\u2019 Adam shrugged again, not willing to meet his father\u2019s gaze. \u2018I\u2019m glad you did,\u2019 continued his father. \u2018I haven\u2019t been very fair to you have I?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It\u2019s OK Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No Adam, it\u2019s not OK. And I promise I\u2019ll try harder to be a proper father to all of you from now on.\u2019\u00a0 Ben smiled at his boy. \u2018Thank you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It goes like this,\u2019 said Little Joe as he gave his father a demonstration of how to put the wooden puzzle together again. \u2018See?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at the child on his lap and patted his head. \u2018That\u2019s very good,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing\u2019s onabull uncle gave it to me,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018The one with the bottle on his roof.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked puzzled, but didn\u2019t pursue the child\u2019s line of reasoning. Hop Sing entered the room and put a platter of meat on the table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Beef again,\u2019 said Hoss wrinkling up his nose. \u2018When are we gonna have fish Hop Sing?\u00a0 We ain\u2019t had it in a long time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing frowned at him. \u2018Hop Sing cook fish when boys bring fish home!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s a very good idea Hop Sing,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018How about we go fishing tomorrow?\u2019 He glanced at Adam. \u2018I think it\u2019s time you had a day\u2019s rest.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss jumped up from his seat excitedly. \u2018What about school?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I think you can do without school for just one day,\u2019 said his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hot diggety!\u2019 exclaimed Hoss, reclaiming his seat again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Me too Papa?\u2019 asked Little Joe, his eyes shining.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u00a0 You too,\u2019 replied his father, giving him a hug. \u2018The whole family is going.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing prepare sandwiches for picnic,\u2019 said the cook. \u2018Make plenty for whole family.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Well then include yourself in that,\u2019 said Ben looking carefully at the man. \u2018You\u2019re part of the family remember.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing frowned. \u2018I not think\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You heard Pa,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018You\u2019re part of the family Hop Sing. You have to come.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t worry Hop Sing,\u2019 said Little Joe as he fiddled with his block of wood. \u2018I\u2019ll show ya how ta catch fish.\u00a0 I\u2019m good at it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing gave a slight bow. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said and left the room uttering a Chinese phrase under his breath.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I won\u2019t,\u2019 said little Joe absently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You won\u2019t what?\u2019 asked his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up at him. \u2018Drop the block of wood,\u2019 he said. \u2018Hop Sing told me not to.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned at his son. \u2018How do you know what he said?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shrugged. \u2018I dunno,\u2019 he answered. \u2018Me and Hop Sing understand each other.\u2019 He looked up at his father and grinned. \u2018I love Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m glad he\u2019s a part of our family.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So am I son,\u2019 replied his father, giving him another hug. \u2018So am I.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe End<\/span><\/h1>\n