Summary:<\/b>\u00a0 As the brothers get back to work on the Ponderosa, their trip to Europe brings belated consequences.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG13\u00a0 (31,235 words)<\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cartwright Saga Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Lawyer <\/a><\/span> \n The Aftermath\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n After one day relaxing when the brothers, Carole and the twins returned home form Europe, the Cartwrights had to get back to work. Adam started organising things at the mill to cut the lumber that he would require to build the flumes. He needed to hire some more men to help in the actual construction of the flumes and needed to get into town in order to do so. Ben sent Joe out to check the cow gather, knowing that his youngest son was eager to ride round the Ponderosa and then Hoss was going out to mark up the timber with Adam joining him. Hoss could delay going out for a couple of days and willingly joined Joe at the roundup. He had missed both his brothers, and would be spending the next ten days or so with Adam, so a couple of days catching up with Joe was just what he wanted. Ben himself planned to ride into Virginia City with Adam the following day. Like Hoss he had missed the brothers and he wanted a chance to talk to his eldest son, see just how he was taking this new pregnancy and learn a little more about their trip to Europe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam went over to collect his father after an early breakfast, warning Carole that it would probably be late before he got back. She had plenty to do as she sorted out the things they had bought and got her house back just the way she liked it. Kam Su had kept it clean but Carole had to find out just what food they had and sort out the twins clothes, many now too small had to be put away, others washed and ironed, to say nothing of finding homes for all their new possessions. She had given Adam a long list of supplies to collect and so Adam took the buckboard into town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben joined his son on the wagon and the two men chatted as they drove into town. Adam commented that he wanted to drop by and see Doc, in order to get him to go out and check on Carole.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned, \u201cAre you worried about her? I don\u2019t think that there\u2019s any real need. Second babies are always much easier on their mother\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201cI\u2019m not going to get into a state this time Pa. You once said that disaster can strike when its least expected, I was a lot closer to losing her on that ship than when the twins were born. A pleasure trip and then suddenly…\u201d He broke off and Ben gripped his arm \u201cLittle Joe told us all about it Son, you did very well to pull them through.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t have done it without Joe\u2019s help and an old lady Mrs Lewis who looked after Mark. I\u2019ve never been more grateful to have my little brother around, especially in those long dark hours in the early morning. He wouldn\u2019t leave me at night, got what sleep he could during the day, I know he was exhausted but I was so glad he was there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe told us. Don\u2019t underestimate what you did Adam, I hear the Queen\u2019s paediatrician hadn\u2019t heard of such a young child surviving.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was so very lucky. I don\u2019t know why but I don\u2019t trust other doctors in the way I do Paul. I had a man with an excellent reputation check Carole. He had all sorts of qualifications and said that she was recovering well but for my own peace of mind I\u2019d rather have Paul\u2019s opinion, especially as she\u2019s pregnant.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIts not really surprising Adam. Paul has saved your life more than once.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam changed the subject, discussing the priorities for work for the next month. Ben went along, Adam might be a little anxious but he was reasonably calm and it would do no harm for Doc to give Carole a routine check. Adam wanted to go to the Bank to check various investments and that reminded Ben of an offer he\u2019d been made. Adam had left his father with a power of attorney but Ben didn\u2019t disturb his son\u2019s investments unnecessarily. Ben said, \u201cI had an offer for your Belcher shares.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned and then shrugged \u201cI\u2019d forgotten I had any. It\u2019s only about two percent.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe quoted price is at a dollar a share but whoever wanted yours was very eager. Offered fifty a share.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam whistled softly \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure. A young lawyer approached me. I don\u2019t know him, Hinted he\u2019d go higher but I made it clear that I wasn\u2019t doing anything and he\u2019d have to wait until you came back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSomeone has decided Belcher is likely to have the same bonanza as Crown Pont. Next door after all.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat much is obvious but whoever it is has handled the stock very cleverly, no hint on the market.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam thought for a minute \u201cJones and Hayward maybe. They bought Crown Point out from under the Bank and with the money they\u2019ve made from that….\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head \u201cI doubt it, Sharon likes them about as much as he likes us. They rubbed it in setting up their own mill for Crown Point ore. Whatever you say about him Sharon knows what is happening on the Comstock, he\u2019d have forced the price of control, like he did with the Consolidated Virginia.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo announcement of new control?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNone, not even a new board of nominees yet and there aren\u2019t any rumours just this strange offer. Out of interest I tried to buy some stock but there\u2019s none on the market.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned \u201cYou know who could do it easily?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSharon himself. Yes I thought of that, but if so why the secrecy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust possibly because some stock is in my name. Sharon hates my guts and if he could prevent me sharing in a good thing he would. Either way I think I\u2019ll hang on to my stock, it\u2019s only a small stake and it cost me virtually nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t surprised at Adam\u2019s reaction and only time would prove what was really going on. He turned to a subject, which had been worrying him slightly. \u201cAnother of your investments has caused quite a lot of talk.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hadn\u2019t any idea what Ben meant and looked quizzically at his father. Ben went on \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me you\u2019d invested in Sutro\u2019s tunnel?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded slowly \u201cI see. What happened?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWord was out that you\u2019d invested heavily, it wasn\u2019t too popular. Neither was the attempt to get other people to invest because you\u2019d backed it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was angry at that \u201cThey had no right to do that. I gave them some money not the right to use my name.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI made that very clear and I don\u2019t think that anyone fell for it, at least not heavily. But why didn\u2019t you tell me. I mean crazy Sutro!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he\u2019s not so crazy Pa. I didn\u2019t mean not to tell you, at least not consciously, Maybe I just avoided it, not exactly ashamed a little shamefaced, I\u2019ve heard a lot of crazy Sutro over the years too. I just forgot to mention it with all the other things.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFair enough Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to embarrass you Pa, especially when I wasn\u2019t here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt takes more than that to worry me Adam, your investments are your own business. I was just rather surprised. Thinking about it I realised I had no idea what you thought of the tunnel, funny I don\u2019t think we\u2019ve ever discussed it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell I was in Europe when he started and it\u2019s always been a long term project, we had more immediate problems.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow heavily did you invest?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOnly $25 000.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOnly!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLess than my share in the Consolidated Virginia cost and I\u2019m clearing that every three months from the mine alone. Sutro caught me at the right moment I guess. A couple of days after I\u2019d been down the mine, You know what it was like in the thousand-foot drift. I had a great deal of sympathy with the miners and I was feeling rich. There\u2019s no doubt that if he pulls it off it will improve conditions down the mines immeasurably. As a purely business proposition its not bad either. It would cut costs a lot and at a royalty of $2 a ton, it\u2019ll make Sutro rich.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf it ever gets built.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe has a lot of faith in it, maybe its contagious, Anyway he wasn\u2019t quite what I expected, he\u2019s had a German geologist survey for it. A top man, I know his reputation. Sutro gave me a copy of the survey report to read. I\u2019m not saying that it\u2019s going to be easy but from the report its possible. Nothing I know contradicts the report, though I\u2019m no expert.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben snorted \u201cNo need for mock humility with me, you know the Comstock as well as anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot quite Pa, but well enough. He needed money to sink an air shaft before he could get much further, the air was bad. I agreed to put the money up for it, just a long-term gamble. I don\u2019t think that the ground will defeat him but the financing might. There\u2019s no way I can carry it on my own even if I wanted to, he needs a government loan and that the bank will fight. Ralston has blacked the tunnel, you know that as well as I do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf we all went in?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStill too big and I\u2019m not that sure. I wouldn\u2019t fight the Bank for it and risk losing everything, we aren\u2019t big enough to swing it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHave you got any idea why Ralston** is blacking it. He has experts too and originally he was all for it?\u201d Ben queried.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged \u201cWell Sutro claims that Ralston is running scared. Thinks that once its done it will make Sutro himself too powerful and he might be right. I have no better suggestion.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWill you get in any deeper?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI just don\u2019t know Pa, depends on circumstances. I won\u2019t involve the Ponderosa and I\u2019ll talk it over with you first. Call that contribution conscience money. I\u2019m not that committed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben left it at that, glad to know where his son stood and let Adam concentrate on edging through the traffic to the store. They had varying errands to do and separated arranging to meet for lunch at the Washoe club. After his father\u2019s warning Adam wasn\u2019t too surprised when a young man came up to him and introduced himself as Neil Roberts, a lawyer, Roberts said that he had a client who was interested in acquiring Adam\u2019s stock in the Belcher mine. Adam had not intention of selling it but he was intrigued to find out how high the man would go. He was astonished when Roberts finally went up to $500 a share. Then to Roberts horror Adam laughed, \u201cLet me give you a hint. When it comes to negotiating it never works to show how badly you want something, On the market Belcher shares are quoted at a dollar each, yet you\u2019ll pay me five hundred times as much. There must be a reason. I don\u2019t need the money so I think I\u2019ll hang on and find out just why they are so valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roberts looked horrified \u201cBut you can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNoone can force me to sell if I don\u2019t want to,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMr Sharon wants them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned broadly, \u201cWell thank you very much, that was exactly what I wanted to know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roberts looked scared, knowing that he had done the wrong thing and Adam said kindly \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I had a pretty good idea anyway, you only confirmed it. You might warn Sharon that if he tries to push too high an assessment on my few shares I\u2019ll ensure that the Bank\u2019s assessment is in line. He knows that I can do it and I will. I don\u2019t even have to pay legal fees. If you want to save face, make it your own advice. You don\u2019t have to bring me into it at all.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With that Adam sauntered away, leaving one very worried young man. Recently out of law school, he had drastically underestimated the tall man in cowboy clothes, dusty after the ride to town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the Washoe club, Jim Fair had cornered Ben. He had been intending to send out to the Ponderosa anyway and he wanted Ben and Adam to come down the Consolidated Virginia. Ben was stalling unsure what Adam had planned but Adam joined them and agreed willingly enough, although he insisted on lunch first, despite Jim\u2019s anxiety to move at once. Ben finally persuaded Jim to go away and let then have lunch in peace, promising to come up to the house immediately afterwards. Adam filled Ben in on Sharon\u2019s offer and how Roberts had let the cat out of the bag. Ben was amused but slightly worried, it wouldn\u2019t make Sharon like Adam any better, still at least Sharon stayed within the law, albeit only just.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had Doc\u2019s promise to come out that evening and he had relaxed, glad to be home, seeing some of his old friends. He enjoyed his lunch and after a large brandy was even ready to go down the mine. Jim Fair was waiting for them and Ben and Adam got changed. Ben recognised the slight tension in his son as they walked over to the lift shaft but Adam grinned at him and he made no comment. Adam had always hated going down the mines but it was no worse than it ever had been and he would manage. It seemed a very long way down to the 1400-foot level and both Adam and Ben tensed as the spring held the cage as it finally came to a halt. Jim Fair grinned at them \u201cAfter all this time you two ought to be used to the cage!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben glared at him, \u201cWe are but we don\u2019t have to like it. It\u2019s just the thought of all that rock above us.\u201d Realising that he wasn\u2019t helping his eldest son with such comments and that Adam was even more tense, Ben asked \u201cJust why have you brought is down here?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair smiled \u201cYou\u2019re going even deeper and this time you\u2019ll have to do it the hard way, You\u2019ll wish that the cage was going deeper.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned, \u201cHow deep?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve opened up a 1500 foot level, just exploring, no cage station there yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy? You\u2019ve barely started work here on the 1400 foot level and there\u2019s plenty of work to be done on the higher levels.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll explain our reasons later, maybe we should have had board approval but we didn\u2019t think that you\u2019d object.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sensed the edge to Jim\u2019s voice and not wanting him to lose his temper said, \u201cI\u2019m sure you had a good reason Jim, Adam\u2019s just curious. Can we get on, we have other things to get done today.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim led the way along the tunnel but Adam wasn\u2019t going to be hurried now he was down the mine. He had seen the monthly reports but there was no substitute for checking himself, He took a few samples of the ore marking them and putting them in a bag, Fair waited impatiently but as the Cartwrights were the majority share holders he could hardly protest. Eventually as Adam put down the borer Fair said, \u201cIf you\u2019re in a hurry perhaps we could get on.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam met his father\u2019s eye and had a job to keep a straight face but he was used to Jim Fair and meekly followed along, Jim was right about one thing the exploration had been on a shoestring.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Only half a dozen trusted men, apart from Fair and Mackay had worked down at the new level. One effect was that the tunnel was very narrow, The tunnel disappeared down almost vertically, hand and foot holds cut in the side. It was barely big enough for a big man like Adam and he came to an abrupt halt by it, staring at the narrow hole and then at his father. For once he forgot his claustrophobia, worried about his father. Ben was no longer young and it was a steep climb. He knew his father was fit and strong but … Ben took Adam\u2019s arm \u201cWe don\u2019t have to go down.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay Pa but it\u2019s a steep climb, maybe you should wait here Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not senile yet.\u201d Ben said with an edge of anger and Adam knew his father was too stubborn to be dissuaded. He headed down into the hole, telling his father to follow him. It was very narrow and Adam\u2019s broad shoulders touched both sides of the shaft as he felt his way down into the darkness. He had a miner\u2019s helmet on with a light and Jim Fair had a big lantern to bring down but for the moment it was pitch black below him. Once Adam hesitated as he met a slightly narrower section and for a moment the whole thing seemed to close in on him, Adam broke out in a cold sweat and bit his lip to prevent himself screaming. Ben following closely behind realised that he had stopped and asked, \u201cYou okay Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was no answer for a moment and Ben worriedly repeated \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam got a grip on himself \u201cOkay Pa.\u201d He began edging on down. He had told himself he could cope as always and even if this was rather more than he had expected he wouldn\u2019t give Jim Fair the satisfaction of crying craven. He moved on down and eventually reached the bottom. Fair had said that the passage was to his right and Adam moved into it, having to bend nearly double. Then he waited, within a couple of minutes Ben joined him, and keeping his voice low asked, \u201cAre you alright Adam? I\u2019m sorry, I had no idea Jim meant anything like this.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay Pa, how about you? You\u2019re getting a bit old for crawling around in tunnels.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his hand on Adam\u2019s arm, \u201cYou and your brothers have been trying to put me out to grass for a long time but I\u2019m not ready for it yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t mean that Pa but its going to be a stiff climb out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay and here comes Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The big lantern Jim brought down lit their immediate area but the tunnel was even smaller than Adam had at first realised, less than three feet high with minimum shoring and he bit his lip unsure whether he could go in it. It was even worse now that he could see better, the darkness ahead was like a brick wall. Fair well familiar with the tunnel and completely at home underground didn\u2019t even recognise the tension in the other two men. \u201cI\u2019ll lead, we\u2019ll have to crawl aways but we\u2019ve a room hollowed out further on. Keep close and don\u2019t get into the offcut to the left, it\u2019s a dead end.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sensed the rising panic in his son but Adam followed Fair without a word and he could do no less. It didn\u2019t take long to reach the small chamber where Fair could stand up but Adam and Ben still had to stoop. Even so it had seemed forever to Adam. The air wasn\u2019t particularly good and it was almost unbearably hot but it was the feeling of being buried alive, which was driving him to near screaming point. Pride was all he had to keep himself under control; he would not let Fair see how he felt. As he stood up Fair gave him the lantern \u201cSee for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For a minute Adam could only stand trying to catch his breath, his heart beating so hard it felt as though it would break, but as Ben edged his way in Adam helped his father up. Ben studied his son and worried put a reassuring hand on his arm, but Adam shrugged it off and went over to examine the walls of the chamber. He looked round but the room appeared to be cut out of pure ore. Adam picked up a borer and took half a dozen samples. What he found at least dispelled all thoughts of claustrophobia, hardly even aware of the heat he examined the ore close to the light passing samples to his father. Neither of them spoke as they looked at the ore, specks of pure gold were clearly visible throughout it and the dark glint of pyrargyrite that they knew meant rich silver ore. Adam knew that he\u2019d never seen such rich ore, not even dreamt of it but his voice was almost disinterested as he said, \u201cWe\u2019ve seen. Let\u2019s get back up top.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair asked impatiently \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUp top. I want to see it in daylight before I answer that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCome on man, it\u2019s obvious.\u201d Fair tried pushing again but Adam ignored him and moved back to the tunnel. \u201cWill you lead or shall I?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair would have carried on but Ben interjected \u201cIts too hot to talk here. Come on Jim, we\u2019re not as used to this heat as you are.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair sighed but knew them too well to keep on and led the way back to the shaft. Ben wanted to go after Adam, feeling that his son might be reassured with someone below him, knowing that Adam wasn\u2019t far from panic. However Adam was determined that if Ben should slip he would be in a position to help the older man and eventually Ben submitted and led the way up rather slowly. Adam was right it was a very stiff climb particularly in the heat of the mine. Adam followed closely and with a sigh if relief pulled himself out onto the main passage at the 1400 foot level, Fair immediately demanded \u201cNow will you talk?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u201cNot until we\u2019ve showered and changed. You seem to forget that my father is not as young as you are Jim. I won\u2019t take any chances. You\u2019ve waited weeks to tell us, you can wait another half hour.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With that he followed his father along to the cage and a couple of minutes later they stepped out into the open air with a sigh of relief. They went straight to the shower and as they towelled dry Adam said, \u201cI\u2019m glad I didn\u2019t know where Jim was taking us when we went down. I don\u2019t think I\u2019d have got in that cage.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you okay Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine now we\u2019re back on top, just a touch of panic. I know you realised even if Jim didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou hid it well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all I can do Pa. I learnt long ago that I couldn\u2019t avoid it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou carry on as needed despite it, that\u2019s the important thing. That\u2019s true bravery Adam, going on despite the fear.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Embarrassed Adam changed the subject \u201cLet\u2019s have a look at that ore in daylight.\u201d They had the changing room to themselves as Fair had stopped to talk to one of the foremen. Adam pulled out two samples, one from the 1400 foot level and the other from the small chamber at 1500 foot.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Father and son bent over them heads close together and for a moment turned the ore samples over in silence. Then Ben said \u201cYou\u2019re the expert Adam but I think that first one is rich, better than we\u2019ve been seeing and I\u2019ve never seen anything like this second one.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged, \u201cWithout tests I could only make the wildest of guesses. I\u2019ll run some tests tonight but I\u2019m sure Jim has the figures. It\u2019s rich Pa. So rich it frightens me, I think we\u2019re going to have to mix waste rock with it for the mills to cope.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMake a guess Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot much point Pa. I have seen nothing to compare it with. Funny the ore on the 1300 foot level seemed so rich last autumn what ten times richer than the norm on the Comstock and yet this is probably a factor ten again richer, maybe more.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan we take the mine down to 1500 feet?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why not. The strata is clean all looks solid enough, maybe heavier timbering for the increased pressure but there\u2019s a fair safety margin built in anyway, We have considerable unused power on the pumps and that chamber was dry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMight have been specially cleared for us.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo not without leaving traces. I looked.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben considered his son in surprise, he hadn\u2019t even considered the problems until now and he knew how close Adam had been to panic and yet his son had still been thinking clearly enough to look for water traces.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just then Jim came in and Adam put the ore away and straightened up \u201cRight Jim we\u2019re ready to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim took less than five minutes to shower and change and led the way to his office where John Mackay was waiting. He poured coffee and offered brandy which both men willingly accepted. Then he seemed to wait for Adam to start. Adam said, \u201cYou\u2019ll have done the assays, I can only guess, so fill us in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like your guess Adam.\u201d Jim said softly. Adam grinned knowing that Jim was trying to catch him out, he always doubted everyone else\u2019s knowledge of the mines especially someone who disliked them as much as Adam. Still Adam had to work with the older man so he went along \u201cWell the ore on 1300 is holding steady at near enough $400 a tone last I heard.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n John nodded in confirmation and Adam went on, turning the sample from the 1400 foot level over and over in his hand \u201cThis looks to me to be about twice as rich, I\u2019d guess $750 to $800 a ton.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n John laughed \u201cSpot on Adam, averaging about $780. You should stop trying to catch him out Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim shrugged, \u201cThat was the easy one. How about the 1500 foot level?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sipped his brandy \u201cIt can only be a guess Jim. You know I haven\u2019t seen anything comparable. I doubt if many people have, I\u2019d also doubt that it\u2019s very consistent. I\u2019d expect a much wider variation than usual, There are pockets of pure metal, tiny but obvious and that\u2019s going to vary from ton to ton.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim almost gloatingly said, \u201cYou\u2019re avoiding the question Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam met his eye \u201cOkay Jim I\u2019ll stick my neck out if you insist.\u201d He looked at Jim for a long moment twirling the liquid in his glass \u201cIt\u2019s a guess as you know. Shall we say around $6500 a ton.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim looked from Adam to John and then back to Adam. He got to his feet and poured another drink and when he finally spoke he addressed Ben \u201cYour son really does know what he\u2019s talking about.\u201d It was the nearest Fair would come to an outright compliment. Adam recognised it as such and grinned, \u201cHow about filling in the actual figures.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n John passed over a file of papers \u201cWe made a copy for you. You\u2019re right Adam it\u2019s highly variable. As you can imagine we haven\u2019t brought out much ore yet. It has varied from just over $5000 to nearly $9000 a ton, averaging just over $7000. We haven\u2019t explored too far but it seems extensive as far as we can drill in each direction.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took the papers but he didn\u2019t open the file. He was still puzzled, he could understand the excitement of this rich ore find, but there was something else behind it. He knew Fair and Mackay well enough to be sure of that. Ben met Adam\u2019s eye and saw the same question in his son\u2019s eyes as there was in his own mind, what did they actually want?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eventually as the silence lasted Ben broke it \u201cFine we\u2019ve found even richer ore. What else?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair said \u201cI told you there was an untouched mother lode in the mountains. We\u2019ve just begun to tap it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was almost brusque \u201cWe believed you, we\u2019ve backed you, put up the money. You\u2019ve pulled it out, made us a lot of money, but we knew that anyway. Now there is going to be even more money but that\u2019s not the only reason you called us in here. I repeat what else?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim looked over at his partner and John moved forward \u201cOf course there\u2019s more Ben, we always keep moving. I have a proposition for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat back and Adam laughed \u201cCome on John, Jim you\u2019re not usually this bashful, lets hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n John sat down opposite then and lent forward \u201cWe\u2019ve all made money out of this and you can see we will make even more. We want you to invest some of that back in the mines.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim muttered \u201cIf you haven\u2019t wasted it all on Crazy Sutro.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned, \u201cWhere I make investments is my business Jim. If you have a business proposition let\u2019s hear it. Then we can decide on its merits.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim recognised he had gone too far and settled back letting John talk, In fact it was a very simple proposition. They believed the mother lode was there in the mountain. Here at the Consolidated Virginia they were tapping it but both men believed they could also tap it in another mine and the one they had chosen was a larger mine, the California. That mine was being worked but only at a low level. They wanted the Cartwrights in on the same terms, a quarter share. Flood and O\u2019Brien had prepared a rough estimate of the cost of taking over control and then for buying up all the outstanding stock. For their part Jim and John had prepared a plan for taking the mine down to the sort of levels they were working at the Virginia, including stronger pumps. If the Cartwrights took up a full quarter share, it would commit them to about half a million dollars initially and at least another quarter of a million on assessment to deepen the mine. As John came to a stop Ben and Adam looked at each other, not really surprised. John passed over all the papers but Adam didn\u2019t even open the files.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim impatiently said, \u201cWell.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben grinned, \u201cYou can\u2019t really imagine we can give you an answer to something that big, straight away.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou could give us some idea how you feel.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe need to discuss it with Joe and Hoss before we can even do that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair snorted \u201cThey\u2019ll do as you two say.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam got to his feet \u201cThat isn\u2019t the way the Cartwrights work. Don\u2019t underestimate my brothers. They have an equal say. We need time to consider this.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow long?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben told him, \u201cDepends on when we can get together, It\u2019s a busy time of the year. At least a fortnight I\u2019d think.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair had to accept Ben\u2019s terms although there was no real hurry, he wanted their reaction to the proposition; they needed the Cartwrights to swing it. At least Ben and Adam hadn\u2019t turned it down out of hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The sheer enormity of the suggestion was enough to dispel all memories of the dark tunnel from Adam\u2019s mind and he was much calmer than Ben had expected as they let the mine. John had added one further piece of news for them to weigh in the balance. Subject to board approval, he was proposing to raise the monthly dividends from the Consolidated Virginia to $324000, which still left more than double the previously agreed allowance for further exploration after expenses. Neither Ben nor Adam mentioned the proposition as they collected the stores and loaded the buckboard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam got one more surprise that day, as they got up on the buckboard, the editor of the Territorial Enterprise, Joe Goodman cam over. Dan de Quille, the chief reporter for the paper, was an old friend, although he hadn\u2019t been around that day but the editor was another matter. Adam had, of course, known him for many years, but he would have hesitated at even claiming an acquaintanceship with the man. Goodman lived in the office, rarely emerging onto the streets, although well aware of what was happening around town. For months at a time Adam would forget his very existence until he broke silence with some blistering editorial. Now Goodman was deliberately seeking them out and as he looked at his father, Adam realised that Ben wasn\u2019t surprised, he knew what it was about. Goodman greeted them both and Adam said hello, slightly surprised, normally Goodman barely acknowledged his existence. Goodman looked at Ben \u201cWill you change your mind and stand? There\u2019s a lot of support. I can give you the figures.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head \u201cI\u2019ve already told you my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Goodman addressed Adam \u201cTry and persuade your father will you. He could do a good job. If not maybe you\u2019d consider it, that would be as effective. I could line up the same support for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hadn\u2019t a clue what he was talking about but he had no intention of letting Goodman realise that and he just smiled, evading any real answer, just promising to think about it. Ben was quick to grab the chance to get away as a gap appeared in the stream of traffic and barely saying goodbye he started home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a couple of minutes Adam took the reins back from his father \u201cJust what was all that about?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wouldn\u2019t look at him, almost embarrassed, and said very quietly, \u201cGoodman has picked up a rumour that Sharon intends to be the next Nevada Senator in Washington.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned at that, then cynically said, \u201cThat should be easy enough for him. The Bank has bought and got elected most of the Nevada legislature.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTrue but Goodman hates his guts and has no intention of giving it to him without a fight. He wants a figurehead to oppose Sharon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned broadly \u201cBen Cartwright of course. Who has a better right to represent this state? You\u2019ve been here since the beginning, helped to make it. Or at a pinch I\u2019d do, the same name and well known. I can see his point Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stared at his son, surprised by Adam\u2019s reaction, but Adam was concentrating on edging through the traffic. Eventually as it thinned out somewhat Ben said, \u201cI won\u2019t do it Adam. I hate making speeches. Its bad enough here in Virginia City where I know everyone but I\u2019d never dare open my mouth in the Senate. Anyway I couldn\u2019t live in Washington.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cYou don\u2019t have to explain Pa, but it\u2019s still quite a compliment to be asked. I can remember a time you thought of standing for Governor.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was younger, maybe too proud then but at least that wouldn\u2019t have meant leaving home. Goodman\u2019s right Adam you could do it.\u201d Ben hated the idea of his son moving to Washington but Adam would be an effective senator, the local people would trust him and he was a good speaker, excellent in debate. Still he was relieved when Adam said very definitely \u201cNo, not under any circumstances. I couldn\u2019t live in Washington. I\u2019d stifle. They\u2019ll have to find someone other than a Cartwright but I agree with one thing, we don\u2019t want Sharon. Stewart may not be much of a senator but at least he does little harm. I wouldn\u2019t trust Sharon where I can\u2019t see him. We must give it some thought.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not the only thing we need to think about Son.\u201d That brought out into the open the subject on both their minds. Despite Adam\u2019s protests both of them knew that Joe and Hoss would go along with whatever they decided, if they were sure. Adam asked, \u201cWhat do you think Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just not sure. I want to study these figures but Jim and John won\u2019t have tried to hide anything they know us too well. It\u2019s just so big that it frightens me rather.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded, he had felt the same \u201cIf it was half the size I wouldn\u2019t hesitate but despite Jim, it is still a gamble. Even if he\u2019d wait six months, get some more capital back of us.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey won\u2019t wait, though maybe if we\u2019re not in, the four of them won\u2019t be able to swing it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam knew his father was right but he reminded his father \u201cWe\u2019re already committed to two flumes and you know how much that will cost.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes Son but we had a good year last year, we\u2019re still in credit. The Ponderosa account will cover the flumes and running expenses, still with well over half a million for contingencies. That\u2019s without considering borrowing. We\u2019ve got that big lumber contract you got in Sacramento as well as the mine contracts. They\u2019ll be profitable.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s leave the ranch out of it for the moment Pa. Can we manage it if we want to?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t forget we\u2019ll be clearing $61 000 a month profit between us.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d be gambling more than a year\u2019s dividend Pa. Sure we can get the credit if we need it and between us we could probably manage without borrowing too much and certainly without touching the Ponderosa. The question is do we want to get that involved with the mines?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bern shrugged \u201cI suggest we sleep on it, study the figures and then talk it over with Joe and Hoss. I just don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was as uncertain and let his father change the subject. He was intending to ride up into the back country with Hoss the next morning to make up the trees for cutting and he promised to look over the papers that evening and drop them by for his father next day when he collected Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was in his study making notes to take with him so he could fill Hoss in on the suggestion. He had told Carole about it over dinner but she had sensed his uncertainty and been very non-committal. The Doc came out as he had promised and Adam came out to greet him. Doc checked Carole and the two babies while he was there, casually getting details from Adam about the diphtheria attack. Once the babies were settled again he sat down by the fire and gratefully accepted a brandy. \u201cAll perfectly healthy Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was puzzled he knew Paul very well and he could see something in his face, some hesitation \u201cAre you sure Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely. If Carol\u2019s got her dates right I think you\u2019ll have to be content with one this time. She\u2019s much smaller than last time but then with only one baby she should be. I\u2019ll see her again in a month.\u201d As Carole came down the stairs Paul said \u201cIf you\u2019re in town you could drop by, save me a journey out here, even if it does lose me a chance to sample this excellent brandy of Adam\u2019s.\u201d At that he held up his empty glass and Adam grinning got up to fetch the bottle and give him a refill \u201cOkay Paul even I can take a hint if you make it broad enough.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While he was getting it Doc warned Carole to try and take it as easy as she could, although he knew with the twins getting into everything that was difficult. The boys were very active, crawling around and pulling themselves to their feet. When he\u2019d finished his brandy Doc said goodnight and went out to his buggy, He hesitated for a moment wondering whether to go and see Ben, but then he headed for town. If he decided to warn Ben he would do it nearer the time but he was in a sombre mood as he drove home. He didn\u2019t want any more tragedies to hit his old friends but he was all too aware that a high fever early in pregnancy could often lead to a deformed baby or even a still born child. If he was right they would know all too soon and he saw no point in worrying then when there was nothing anyone could do but wait for the child to be born.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam settled Carole in bed but he worked late into the night until he was sure he had a note of all the relevant facts on which to base his decision. It was nearly 2 a.m. before he slipped in next to his wife; Carole stirred without really waking and snuggled up close to him. Adam was tired but not really sleepy, very content to be home and looking forward to his ride into the back country, lonely and magnificent it would finally blow away all the cobwebs after a winter hemmed in by other people, albeit by his own choice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After being away for so long, Carole had a million things to do and saw Adam off cheerfully, giving him her word not to overdo things. She had Kam Su there and Adam knew his father would keep an eye on her, so he wasn\u2019t worried as he rode over to the main house to collect Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss wasn\u2019t quite ready and Adam got some coffee and passed over the papers. Ben asked, \u201cWhat did Doc have to say?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAll fit and healthy. He\u2019ll keep an eye on Carole like last time but she\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll pop over every day.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks Pa. Actually I think she\u2019s glad to get rid of me. She has ganged up with Kam Su and they are spring-cleaning, I\u2019m just in the way. She\u2019s given me her word not to overdo it so I\u2019m sure she\u2019ll be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss came down with his bedroll and once Adam had collected the food from Hop Sing the brothers mounted up and headed out for the farthest reaches of their ranch. It was hard work as they sorted out trails and marked timber for cutting and it reminded Hoss very forcibly of the previous year, doing the same job with Joe in the weeks after Marie\u2019s death. They were a few days earlier heading out and had been working for several days when March 30th arrived. Both of them were wondering how their little brother felt on this, the first anniversary of his wife\u2019s death. They worked all morning without putting it into words but neither of them were really hungry at lunchtime. Adam toyed with his food for a few minutes and then put it down and poured coffee. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t feel like a year. I can remember her as though it was yesterday, so excited over that house.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI remember her bullying Joe into taking her along that morning. I wonder how Joe is?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll be okay Hoss. Its bound to be a bad day for him, but he\u2019s strong.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you took him to England Adam, he\u2019s much more his old self since he came back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTime would probably have had the same effect. I\u2019m glad I took him, Carole and David might not have lived if he hadn\u2019t been along.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grunted \u201cLet\u2019s get on with it shall we.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam willingly agreed and the brothers worked late into the evening, not wanting too much time for memories, remembering all too clearly the hours in which they\u2019d lost a sister and seen their brother sink into hell.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was also thinking of his youngest son, he expected Joe back anytime from his tour of the ranch and wondered if Joe was up by the lake. Ben knew it was bound to be hard on Joe today, too many memories. He wouldn\u2019t go to the Lake, if Joe wanted his help his son knew where he was. In the end unable to settle to work, he went over to spend the evening with Carole, knowing that she would have memories too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe was up by the lake; he\u2019d been there since mid-afternoon. He was far back in the past; lost in his memories but despite his family\u2019s fears he wasn\u2019t really upset. Slightly sad, thinking of what might have been and missing Marie but she was still there with him and he knew now she always would be. Having accepted the inevitability of her death, he was grateful for what he\u2019d had, a love so much more important than he had ever dreamt and for a few short months so much happiness. He stayed up by the lake in the moonlight until nearly midnight and then tired out he knelt by her grave and said a quiet prayer before riding home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had been back some time, Carole had looked tired and he\u2019d sent her to bed. He was sitting by the fire sipping brandy when Little Joe came in. Joe took off his coat and gun, pouring himself a coffee and a brandy before coming over to the fire, \u201cIt\u2019s still very chilly, snow up on the high land. I hope Adam and Hoss took spare blankets.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben didn\u2019t need to ask where Joe had been but his son was much more at peace with himself than Ben had expected and he smiled at Joe. \u201cYou can fill me in tomorrow. I assume nothing\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEverything\u2019s fine Pa. A day for memories.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking of Marie and you, I\u2019m sure your brothers have too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine Pa, so many memories, thanks to Adam, and most of them good. I\u2019m tired I think I\u2019ll sleep tonight, see you in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded but long after Joe went up, he stayed staring into the fire. He knew his son too well for it have been an act and he was glad to see Joe so calm. He was sure now that in time his youngest son would find someone else, just as he had after Elizabeth\u2019s death.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The next day Joe filled in all the details for his father and then rode into town to go to the bank and to collect some supplies. Ben waited until that evening after dinner to tell Joe the news from the Consolidated Virginia and the proposed new venture. Joe whistled as he heard Jim\u2019s idea but he was much more mature than he had been when they went into the Consolidated Virginia. Although his eyes sparkled at the idea of another gamble, cutting out Ralston\u2019s ring and Sharon again, he asked several questions and then began studying the papers, without a word about which way he thought they should move. Ben smiled as he watched his youngest son, concentrating hard, oblivious of everything else. A lot of Adam had rubbed off on his youngest brother over the years and as Joe matured they were getting more alike. Ben doubted that Joe would ever be quite as far seeing as his brother, he knew he himself wasn\u2019t, but like his father Joe had learnt to curb his impetuosity and he was a man to trust.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eventually Joe put the papers down \u201cWhat does Adam think Pa?”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shrugged \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTempted and frightened at the same time, it\u2019s big.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed, \u201cThat about sums it up doesn\u2019t it. I think I\u2019m more tempted than scared but I\u2019d like to sleep on it before I make my mind up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNothing we can do until your brothers are home and Carole should have her say too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure she\u2019s part of the family. I\u2019ll wander over and see her and the twins tomorrow if that\u2019s okay Pa?”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course I want you to go up to the mine and pay them but no great rush.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine I\u2019ll stop over there first for an hour after breakfast.\u201d Joe yawned widely \u201cI\u2019m for bed. I swear Virginia City gets further away every time I go there!\u201d Ben laughed but followed his son on up, he was tired too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole had been restless all day, missing Adam and feeling slightly under the weather. She had done her best to laugh herself out of it but she felt increasingly unwell. She had gone to bed early, hoping a good night\u2019s sleep would make her feel better, even though she had done very little during the day. In the event she couldn\u2019t really settle, dozing uneasily before waking in the early hours with cramping pains in her stomach and back. It was almost like labour pains but for a while she tried to tell herself it was nothing, just one of the odd symptoms of pregnancy. She had had many more aches and pains this time than with the twins, although she had successfully hidden them from Adam. She made a conscious effort to relax but after an hour she felt warm blood on her legs and terrified she screamed for Adam, forgetting he was miles away. Downstairs Kam Su heard her scream. He had quickly become very fond of his family and had thanked Hop Sing many times for finding him the job. Now hearing his mistress scream and recognising the terror in her voice, he ran upstairs, holding a gun in front of him, even if he wasn\u2019t sure how to fire it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole was alone and still screaming and for a moment Kam Su hesitated, then he went over to the bed \u201cMissee Carole, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole moaned in obvious pain and he saw the blood on her hands and, not knowing what to do for her, he said \u201cI get help, rest. I bring help.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Not sparing a minute to dress he ran out to the barn in his nightshirt and got a halter on one of the horses before pulling himself on bareback to bounce along the trail to the main house. He only stayed on by holding onto the mane and as soon as he arrived he fell off, but he was quickly on his feet. Pounding furiously on the door before he realised it was unlocked. He yelled for Mr Cartwright and Hop Sing. Ben and Joe appeared on the stairs at the same time as Hop Sing came out of his room. All three recognised Kam Su and knew from his attire that something was terribly wrong. Ben was the first to find his voice and said \u201cWhat is it Kam Su?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMissee Carole, she sick, bleeding.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t surprised he\u2019d known it was Carole or the twins. He turned to Joe \u201cGo and wake Jos\u00e9 and send him for Doc. Get Kirk to saddle Buck, Cochise and Betsy. Hop Sing get dressed with the twins as well we are going to need help.\u201d Then Ben hurried back to his room to get dressed. As soon as Joe had Jos\u00e9 and Kirk awake, he ran back up to his room to put some clothes on. Ben was almost ready and he met his son on the stairs. \u201cI\u2019ll go on ahead, come as soon as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded and went into his room, scared for Carole and his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was with Carole less than a quarter of an hour after Kam Su had gone into her. She was moaning and crying for Adam, and Ben couldn\u2019t get any sense out of her, but as he pulled back the bedclothes, the problem was all too clear. She was lying in a pool of blood and he could only assume that she was having a miscarriage. Unsure what to do and unable to stop the flow of blood, he could only try and make her more comfortable, calm her down and pray, while he waited for Jos\u00e9 to fetch Doc. Ben was very glad that his trustworthy foreman was at the ranch, it was freak at this time of year, Jos\u00e9 had just ridden in to collect some money. Still he knew that he could trust Jos\u00e9 to fetch Doc as fast as was humanly possible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was just putting some thick towels under Carole to soak up the blood as Joe came in to join him. Joe lost all trace of colour as he took in the scene, but he went to Carole and held her shoulders still and kissed her forehead. \u201cEasy Carole try and lie still, we\u2019ll look after you everything is going to be alright, easy now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She was still moaning \u201cAdam, Adam.\u201d over and over but she did lie still and Joe looked up at his father. \u201cJos\u00e9 has gone for Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and bit his lip as he sighed deeply \u201cWe have to get Adam back as fast as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe agreed but knowing how far away his brother was, he couldn’t help being scared that Adam would be too late to see his wife alive. Ben went on \u201cI hate to ask you Joseph, but you\u2019ll make better time than I can and I don\u2019t think we dare wait for Doc\u2019s arrival.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course Pa.\u201d Joe hesitated, looking down at Carole. She was barely conscious and didn\u2019t seem to realise what was happening. \u201cWhat do I tell him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took his arm and led his youngest son over to the window, then low voiced, so that Carole couldn\u2019t hear, he said, \u201cYou tell him that his wife has a chance, she\u2019s a fighter and Paul and I will do all we can. I won\u2019t leave her side. You tell him she\u2019s almost certainly lost the baby but that his sons are fine. And you tell him that we are all praying for God\u2019s help. I don\u2019t know how you tell him Little Joe but you have to. Hoss will be there too and if anything can help Adam it will be his brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe nodded seeing the agony on his father\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019ll tell him and we\u2019ll bring him home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He went back over to Carole and holding her hand tight, he kissed her forehead. \u201cI\u2019m going to get Adam, hold on my sister. Pa\u2019s here, hold on.\u201d He kissed her again and picked up his hat. Ben said \u201cJoseph\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned and Ben went on \u201cBe careful, it\u2019s very rough in the dark and it won\u2019t help anyone if you have an accident, Try and make Adam understand that too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded and then ran downstairs to Cochise. Ben watched him leave the yard at a steady lope, knowing just how hard a task he had set his youngest son. To go and tell his brother that Carole was desperately ill and the baby almost certainly dying, with no real idea of her chances of survival, but she needed her husband by her side as fast as possible. He went back to her and held her still. For the first time Carole seemed aware who was there and Ben held her hand, \u201cTry and rest Carole I won\u2019t leave you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa Joe said he\u2019d get Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s on his way. He\u2019ll bring Adam, as soon as he can.\u201d Carole seemed to rest more easily at that but she drifted into unconsciousness, though pain still wracked her body and she couldn\u2019t lie still. Desperately worried Ben could only hold her as still as possible and pray as he waited for Doc. Hop Sing brought him some coffee and told him that the noise had woken the twins but with Kam Su he would look after the little boys,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He had plenty of water boiled and if there was anything Ben needed he only had to call. Ben nodded but the only one who could really help was God, scared for Carole, whom he loved in her own right and for his eldest son, knowing what his wife meant to Adam, Ben sat and prayed. Time seemed to go past so slowly as he waited for Doc.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 was lucky; the Doc was at home and as soon as Jos\u00e9 explained why he was there, the Doc knew his worst fears were being fulfilled. The fever had probably damaged the foetus and nature was acting by aborting the baby. He quickly dressed and collected his bag while Jos\u00e9 harnessed up his horse, Doc let Jos\u00e9 drive and they made excellent time out to Adam\u2019s house. Jos\u00e9 wasn\u2019t sure where Adam was, just that he wasn\u2019t at home, but Ben was with his daughter-in-law.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc went straight up to the bedroom when he got there and began washing his hands as he questioned Ben on what had happened. Ben couldn’t tell him much and Doc carefully examined his patient, worried by all the blood she had lost. Carole was in a coma and Doc said \u201cWe\u2019ve got to help her get rid of the baby. You\u2019ll have to hold her.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben moved to do as Doc said and very carefully Doc aborted the tiny foetus. He wrapped it up in a dish for the moment, not commenting, although Ben looked puzzled at what he\u2019d seen. Then he tried to repair the damage and stop the bleeding. He succeeded to a large extent but the damage had already been done and she was desperately weak. As he straightened up Ben asked, \u201cWhat are her chances?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc didn\u2019t give a straight answer, \u201cHow long before Adam gets here? I assume you have sent for him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe went to get him two hours ago, but Adam is right up in the high country. I doubt Joe can get him back within twenty four hours.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPity. She needs him; I know how close they are. She\u2019d stand more chance if he was here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou haven\u2019t answered my question Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBen I don\u2019t know. She\u2019s one very ill lady. I\u2019m not God and he\u2019s the only one who can help her now. She\u2019s a fighter and she has a chance. I\u2019ll stay and do what I can, but it won\u2019t be much.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben read just how slim a chance Doc thought it was on his friend\u2019s face and Doc realised that and poured Ben a brandy. \u201cHere Ben we\u2019ll do all we can. She\u2019s basically strong, very much better equipped for a fight than Marie was. If we can hang onto her until Adam gets here, maybe he can tip the balance.\u201d Ben nodded but he didn\u2019t dare trust his voice and made no answer. For a few minutes he just sat staring down at Carole and then he got to his feet and lifted the cloth over the foetus. \u201cDoc I don\u2019t know much about how babies develop but this looks very odd.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt is Ben. Deformed. It could never have lived. It was a girl by the way Carole was right there. I was worried anyway, I\u2019d have warned you but I was waiting until she was near term. Nobody knows why but its something that often happens when there is a high fever early in pregnancy. This is all an after effect of that diphtheria she caught. I was praying she wouldn\u2019t be affected but as you can see she was. This miscarriage is nature\u2019s way of correcting a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf Adam had been home?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul patted Ben\u2019s arm \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t have made any difference. It was the massive haemorrhage in the first few minutes, which is causing all the trouble. He couldn\u2019t have done anything to stop it. It would help now if she knew he was here, but at least you are.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and settled down by Carole, using cold compresses on her forehead as her fever rose, and praying for her survival. He had learnt a few details of his sons\u2019 fight on board ship and it seemed so unfair, if having won then, delayed effects should rob Adam of his wife so soon after. The time went by so very slowly and he knew that Joe couldn\u2019t even have reached his brother yet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had been restless all evening, not seriously worried, just uneasy. He wasn\u2019t even sure what was worrying him but he couldn\u2019t settle. He put it down to unease over Little Joe, knowing that his little brother must have so many memories of a year ago and might well be rather unhappy at the moment. Hoss realised that Adam was in an odd mood and asked if anything was wrong but Adam denied it and tried to settle. He had told Hoss about the proposition from Fair and Mckay, but Hoss wasn\u2019t at all sure. It was a great deal of money and he had put of discussion until they could all four get together. Hoss settled to sleep but although Adam curled up in his blankets he couldn\u2019t sleep. After a while he got up and made coffee. It was too cold to sit still and Adam went for a stroll, It was a beautiful night and the land was wild and very lovely in the moonlight but to his own surprise, Adam found no peace. He couldn\u2019t understand his own unease and tried to talk himself out of it. Eventually tired out after a long day he did settle and managed to sleep for a couple of hours, but he was still up early, making breakfast before Hoss awoke. Hoss recognized his brother was still in a strange mood and ate his breakfast quietly. As they mounted up to get started on the day\u2019s work Hoss asked, \u201cIs anything wrong Adam? Do you wanna talk?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam forced a grin. \u201cJust me Hoss. I\u2019ve got this feeling that something is wrong and I can\u2019t throw it off. Overactive imagination I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think is wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t even know that. Probably just remembering Marie, don\u2019t take any notice of me Hoss, let\u2019s get on. Another two days should about clear it and I want to get home, the twins change so rapidly.\u201d Hoss went along and they rode out to get on, working mainly in silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had made good time, even during the hours of darkness. He knew the ranch, noone better and, although he didn\u2019t push Cochise too much knowing that he had a long way to go, he took every possible short cut. Normally he would have expected to take sixteen or seventeen hours to reach the high country where his brothers were working, but needing to get Adam home, Joe was hoping to reach them in a little over twelve hours. He ate in the saddle, stopping only to water Cochise. It was about quarter past three when he left Adam\u2019s house and by three in the afternoon he was up in the high country, wondering just where his brothers would be working. He knew he would be able to find them within the next hour or so. As he got closer to Adam, he faced the problem of how he was going to tell his brother that Carole was ill and, although she\u2019d been alive when he left, that was more than twelve hours ago. Very worried and tired, Joe went more slowly through the trees, seeing signs of where his brothers had been working but for the moment there was no sign of them. He found their camp but it was only quarter past four and they would probably work until the light went. He debated wondering which way they had gone and then, seeing the notes Adam had been keeping, he glanced down them and saw Adam had marked off the previous day\u2019s work and jotted down what he hoped to do today. Knowing now where to find them Joe remounted Cochise and bit his lip. All the way out he had been trying to think out the words to tell his brother, but he was no nearer now than he had been when he left the house.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He had to reach Adam and he kicked Cochise into a canter and headed out to find his brother, trusting to find the words when he got there. It was going to hit Adam very hard anyway and he doubted it would make much difference how he said it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe saw Hoss first and went over to him. Hoss knew something was wrong as soon as he saw Cochise coming through the trees. He stopped work and went over towards Joe only conscious of the thought that Adam had been right, there was something wrong. As he came up to Joe he could see that something was terribly wrong \u201cWhat\u2019s happened Joe? Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2019s fine. Where\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss indicated the trees behind him \u201cHe\u2019s marking up those we measured earlier. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCarole, a miscarriage.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs she alright?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know Hoss. We have to tell him.\u201d Hoss nodded but realised why Joe looked so drawn. Hoss mounted and led the way through the trees to where he\u2019d left Adam working.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was busy wanting to get finished and home, he heard someone coming but assumed Hoss had finished and didn\u2019t look up until he\u2019d finished marking the tree he was doing. Then he turned round and looked up. He saw Joe standing by Hoss and he knew that the unease he\u2019d felt all day had a solid foundation. He took one step forward, losing colour as he saw the worry on Joe\u2019s face, \u201cCarole, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe moved forward and gripped his brother\u2019s arm \u201cIt\u2019s Carole Adam. I think she\u2019s lost the baby. Pa is with her and we had sent for Doc before I left.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed hard, after a virtually sleepless night, the shock hit him hard and for a moment he swayed, Hoss moved swiftly to put a supporting arm round his waist. Adam seemed oblivious of Hoss and stared at his little brother, \u201cTell me Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gripped both Adam\u2019s arms as he faced his brother, knowing Hoss was there if Adam needed him. \u201cKam Su came to fetch us in the early hours, about half past two. Carole was ill. We sent Jos\u00e9 for the Doc at once, luckily he was in the bunkhouse. We were with her within ten minutes. She wasn\u2019t very coherent, she was in labour and she had lost a lot of blood. She was asking for you. Pa stayed to look after her and I came straight out here. I didn\u2019t wait to see Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam studied Joe\u2019s face for a moment and then asked \u201cHow bad?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t meet his brother\u2019s gaze and he studied the ground but he had to tell Adam. \u201cShe\u2019s almost certainly lost the baby Adam and she was weak and ill. I\u2019m no Doctor. She\u2019d lost a lot of blood and there wasn\u2019t much we could do until Doc arrived. I don\u2019t know but she\u2019s strong and a fighter. Pa will do all he can and he\u2019ll be praying for her.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam could read just how serious it was on Joe\u2019s face and for a moment he couldn\u2019t bear to face his brothers. He pulled away from them and, stumbling slightly, moved over to Sport. Hoss stopped Joe going after him and told him to help collect their equipment. Then he too mounted and moved over next to Adam \u201cLet\u2019s get back to camp.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rode back silently between his brothers. He felt desperately cold, hardly able to take in what Joe had told him. Carole had seemed so well and Doc had said that she was fine. He knew that it was more than twelve hours since Joe left her and he\u2019d read the fear in his brother\u2019s eyes that she was dead by now. Somehow he was sure she was still alive, he\u2019d known something was wrong and he still felt it but if Carole was dead, he would know. Oblivious of where he was going, lost in thought, Hoss had to grip his reins to stop Sport as they came into camp. Almost angrily, Adam looked up \u201cI must go to Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded \u201cSure Adam but we\u2019ll make better time if we feed and water the horses first. They\u2019ve been on the go all day.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hated wasting time but he recognized the sense and slowly dismounted. Hoss took the horses and Joe found Adam\u2019s hip flask and poured out a stiff drink. He gripped Adam\u2019s shoulders, \u201cSit down for a moment and drink this.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t seem to think and so he did as he was told, it was slowly dawning on him that it would be dark soon and it would take him at least twelve hours to get to Carole. He closed his eyes and began to tremble as the sense of Joe\u2019s news hit him. He couldn\u2019t stop and Joe knelt by him holding his brother close and feeding him the brandy. Hoss came to stand over them, wanting to help but not sure how. Joe looked up \u201cIt\u2019ll be ten minutes at least before the horses are ready. Heat up some coffee Hoss. We have to eat, it\u2019s a long way home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was glad of something to do. Adam was unaware of anything except the need to get to his wife and he buried his face in his hands, not wanting even his brothers to see the naked pain, still shaking despite his efforts to stop. Joe stood by his brother, desperately worried, scared that Adam was going to collapse, but not knowing how to help. Hoss brought coffee over and the two brothers stood over Adam, their eyes meeting wondering what to do. Eventually Hoss knelt down and put his arm round Adam\u2019s shoulders \u201cHave some coffee, it\u2019ll warm you up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up, he didn\u2019t feel as though anything would warm him but seeing his brothers\u2019 anxious faces, he took the coffee, a faint smile passed across his face at their concern. \u201cPack up Hoss I guess you\u2019ll come back too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI love Carole, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and pulled himself to his feet and walked over to the horses. He sipped the coffee but when Joe asked him if he wanted anything to eat, he shook his head decisively. Hoss heated some beans and bacon and the two brothers ate rapidly, while they packed up, They talked very low, Joe telling Hoss just how bad Carole had seemed, details he couldn\u2019t bring himself to tell Adam. Adam watered the horses, cursing every seconds delay but knowing it was necessary, unable to face his brothers\u2019 sympathy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss kicked the fire out and in less than a quarter of an hour after reaching the camp the three brothers were ready to leave.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had fought and won control of himself. He was aware that his brothers thought it at least likely that Carole was dead but he hung onto his certainty that if the worst had happened then he would know. He led out at a steady pace, both he and Hoss had been riding most of the day and Cochise had already come a very long way. The ground was very rough and it was impossible to push hard in the already fading light, much as Adam wanted to.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whenever possible Hoss and Joe came alongside Adam, riding close recognising the near despair on his face and trying by their closeness to help in the only way they knew how. Adam was largely oblivious of them, a very small part of his attention was on picking the way, knowing the ranch so well it needed no more and he could trust Sport. He was praying for his wife, that somehow she would hold on until he could reach her and then use his strength to recover. If he couldn\u2019t be there, he found some solace in the thought that his father was with her. The one outside thing that did reach him through those long hours was his brothers\u2019 presence, it calmed him slightly, knowing that they loved Carole too. Time seemed to go by so very slowly and it was still such a long way from home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As midnight approached Joe pulled up next to Hoss \u201cWe\u2019ll have to let the horses rest for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know Joe.\u201d Hoss moved closer to Adam. \u201cAdam we\u2019ve got to let the horses rest for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t even realise that his brother was speaking to him and rode on lost in his own thoughts. Joe moved Cochise up and grabbed Sport\u2019s reins \u201cHold up Adam. The horses aren\u2019t gonna make it unless we rest them for a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up at that and his instinct was to argue but as he took in the three horses all obviously tiring, he nodded and swung down \u201cOkay we\u2019ll walk them.\u201d He led sport on for nearly a mile until they came to a lightning struck tree. Then Hoss put his hand on Adam\u2019s arm \u201cWe\u2019ll stop for coffee. It will be quicker in the long run, let them graze and water just for a little while and then we can ride again.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked from Hoss to Joe, seeing the agreement on Joe\u2019s face and taking in almost for the first time just how tired and drawn his brothers looked and he accepted the sense of Hoss\u2019 suggestion. Hoss made a fire and started some coffee and Joe almost apologetically got out some jerky and began to chew. He was tired and hungry after riding all day. He went over to Adam who was standing staring into the distance and put his arm round his brother\u2019s shoulders, feeling just how cold Adam was \u201cYou ought to have something to eat Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head, he had a lump in his throat and it was hard enough to even swallow coffee. Joe didn\u2019t push it he could understand how Adam was feeling and when they got home he could pass the problem on to their father. Still as Hoss brought coffee over Joe did add a hefty slug of brandy to Adam\u2019s, it might help a little.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat down on a tree trunk and sipped the coffee, warming his hands on the mug. He looked up at his brothers hovering anxiously and the ghost of a smile flickered across his face. \u201cDon\u2019t look so worried you two. I\u2019m not going to collapse and I won\u2019t do anything stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sat down by him and put his arm round his brother \u201cOf course not Adam but you\u2019ve had one hell of a shock.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam lent against Hoss, grateful for his warm strength and for a moment he closed his eyes. Then he said \u201cNot that big a shock Hoss, I\u2019ve known all night that something was wrong, don\u2019t ask me how, but I knew. Joe thinks Carole is dead.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made a convulsive movement, wanting to deny it but knowing he\u2019d never been able to lie successfully to his brother. Adam put his hand out and gripped Joe\u2019s arm \u201cDon\u2019t bother Joe I know you too well, but it\u2019s not true. Carole couldn\u2019t be dead without me knowing, she\u2019s part of me now. She\u2019ll hold on until I get there and then between us we\u2019ll pull her through.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t answer Adam and for a moment wasn\u2019t even aware of the tears on his cheeks until Adam begged \u201cPlease Joe, I can\u2019t take that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe brushed his hand across his eyes and then turned away \u201cI\u2019ll water the horses.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss didn\u2019t speak, just gripping Adam\u2019s shoulder, feeling the tension in his brother. Adam finished the coffee and brandy and Hoss felt him relax fractionally. Then Adam pulled away \u201cYou eat Hoss, we\u2019ll move on in ten minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam went over to a nearby tree and lent his arms on a convenient branch. Joe got control of himself, praying that his brother was right and she was still alive and then went back to Adam \u201cSorry brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled and put his arm round Joe \u201cIt\u2019s alright Little Joe you love her too but she\u2019s so close to me, I just know she\u2019s alive.\u201d For once physical contact seemed to help and unusually for Adam he was seeking it and his brothers were very glad to be able to do that little to help. Joe lent into Adam \u201cHold onto that thought big brother, we\u2019ll be home soon after dawn.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried hard over the next hours to hold on to his certainty but in the early hours of the morning it slipped away and he couldn\u2019t be sure that Carole hadn\u2019t done the same. Both Hoss and Joe were aware of the change in him, his shoulders sagged and even in the dim moonlight they could see the despair and anguish etched on his face. Occasionally they exchanged a few words, confirming each other\u2019s realisation that Adam had lost all hope, at least for the moment, but there was no way to help him. All they could do was to carry on home as fast as possible.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the house Ben and Paul had sat by Carole\u2019s bedside throughout that long day. Ben knew that the earliest Adam could possibly reach them would be dawn the next day and it seemed very unlikely that Carole could hold on so long. By late afternoon the Doc got up and stretched \u201cShe\u2019s a fighter, at least the bleeding has stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat are her chances?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI thought she would be dead by now Ben. She\u2019s hanging on for Adam, you said she knew that Joe had gone for him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd then?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. She\u2019ll either use his strength to recover or having done what she wanted and stayed alive until he got here, she\u2019ll die fairly quickly, Always supposing she hangs on that long.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSurely if she\u2019s not losing anymore blood the longer she holds on the better her chances?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Ben but this fever is sapping her strength all the time.\u201d Paul couldn\u2019t help himself, he was very pessimistic, he had been ever since he had seen just how severe a haemorrhage had occurred. There was little point in building up false hopes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By four am Cochise was visibly slowing and Chub with by far the heaviest load was little better. Both brothers knew they ought to rest the horses again but before they could summon up the courage to speak, Adam pulled up. He made no attempt to dismount but smiled at his brothers. \u201cYour horses need to rest but Sport will carry me, I\u2019m going on I can be home in an hour. You follow when your horses are rested.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe protested \u201cIt\u2019s still dark Adam and real rough under foot.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve known this land since before you were born Joe. I won\u2019t take any careless risks but I\u2019m going to Carole. I\u2019ve needed you two all night but now I can reach her faster alone.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Neither of his brothers could deny that and Hoss said, \u201cWe won\u2019t be far behind you Adam and we\u2019ll be praying for her. You go real careful.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and Joe said \u201cGod be with you\u201d as his brother rode out. Now Adam pushed Sport, taking risks but not being stupid and knowing the land almost down to the last rabbit hole. Sport responded magnificently and Adam talked to him urging him on, promising a rest and a good feed as soon as they were home. The morning sky was only just beginning to lighten with the false promise of dawn when Adam dismounted and not even bothering to tie Sport up, he ran inside and up to his bedroom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had heard the horse and if he was surprised to see his eldest son alone, he didn\u2019t have time to think about it as he went to open the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hardly took in his father\u2019s presence as he went straight to the bed to take hold of Carole\u2019s hand. It was ice cold but her forehead was burning as he kissed it, He put a fresh compress on and then began talking quietly to her, telling her that he was home and everything would be fine. At first it didn\u2019t seem to penetrate her coma but then she murmured Adam and he felt her grip tighten on his hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Only then did he look up at his father and Doc on the other side of the bed. The long ride through the night in fear and uncertainty had left its mark very clearly on Adam\u2019s face but none of it sounded in his voice as he strove to reassure his wife. Now seeing the worry and compassion on their faces Adam said very quietly \u201cI won\u2019t let her die. I need her too much and so do the twins.\u201d He didn\u2019t even ask their opinion of Carole\u2019s chances; he didn\u2019t dare to, knowing them both so well he could read it on their faces. Adam concentrated on Carole changing the cold compress, forcing a little broth into her and all the time talking to her, not always making much sense. At least she was lying quietly as she held tight to his hand. Ben went down to fetch some more coffee and Paul went with him. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing more that I can do Ben. There will be people in town waiting for me. If anything is going to hold onto her it will be that boy of yours. First Joe and now Adam, you should be very proud of them. I\u2019ll be praying the outcome is happier, please send me word as soon as you know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure Paul and thank you for all your help.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve done all I know how, it\u2019s up to God, maybe with Adam\u2019s help.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took coffee and brandy back up to his eldest son and Adam accepted it gratefully, he was still very cold. Ben said, \u201cPaul has had to go there\u2019s no more he can do. We have to break this fever.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know. The baby?”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe lost it. I have had it put in a coffin that Kirk made, so very tiny. We\u2019ll bury it later.\u201d Ben considered his son \u201cWhere are your brothers Adam? They didn\u2019t let you come home alone surely.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo. They are about an hour out, their horses were tiring but Sport was strong enough so I kept going. He deserves a real good feed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAll being seen to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe twins?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing and Kam Su have been looking after them, they are fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and turned back to Carole, calmer now that there was something he could do. Ben stayed by his son but he knew that Adam was barely aware of his presence, every fibre of his body was concentrated on the woman who lay so still, breathing fast, her pulse weak and irregular but holding onto his hand as though it was the one thing holding her to life. Ben was by no means sure that it wasn\u2019t. It wasn\u2019t very long after Paul left that Ben heard horses coming in and went down to check on his younger sons. In some strange way they looked almost more upset than Adam did. Ben was quick to reassure them that Carole was still alive and knew that her husband was with her. Joe shut his eyes, desperately tired and so very worried about both Carole and his brother, he was close to breaking down and it was left to Hoss to put the crucial question into words. \u201cIs she gonna make it Pa?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood still, looking at his sons, the same anxiety and intense feeling showing in both pairs of eyes. He knew how close all his sons were and that the brothers loved Carole but it brought the family closeness out so clearly now. For a moment he didn\u2019t know how to answer them but they had to know the truth. \u201cPaul has gone back to town, there\u2019s nothing more he could do. It\u2019s up to your brother and God now, she\u2019s fighting hard but she\u2019s desperately weak and still burning up. Paul was surprised that she had lasted this long.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe demanded \u201cHas she any chance Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAs long as she\u2019s alive there\u2019s a chance Joseph. We\u2019ve all just about given up on Adam before now and yet he has survived, maybe it has rubbed off on Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kirk came over and took the horse. He had known the brothers most of their lives and commented \u201cI\u2019ll see to these two, hard ridden they deserve a good feed, by the looks of you so do their riders.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put an arm round each of his sons \u201cKirk is right. Hop Sing is with Kam Su in the kitchen go and eat and then try and get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe protested \u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stopped and turned his son to face him \u201cI know how you feel Little Joe but whatever happens in the next few hours, Adam is going to need some help. There are the twins to consider as well and it won’t do any of them any good if you are on the verge of collapse. You can’t help Adam or Carole just now. He is only aware of her; I don\u2019t think he even noticed when I left the room and, until it\u2019s settled one way or the other, that is going to be how it is. Only then can we help and some of us need to be rested enough to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe knew his father was talking sense and he nodded \u201cOkay Pa but you look pretty tired too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll join you for some breakfast and once you\u2019ve had a sleep you can spell me and I\u2019ll try.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Throughout the day the three of them took it in turns to sit in with Adam and Carole, occasionally persuading Adam to have some coffee and fetching fresh water, broth or dry linen as he requested. Apart from occasional requests Adam seemed oblivious of them although he spent most of the time talking quietly to Carole. After dinner all three joined him, too anxious to stay away, the twins were asleep and there was nothing else to be done. Ben considered his three sons, of them all Adam was by far the calmest and despite no food or sleep he was less drawn than his brothers were. Ben hadn\u2019t been particularly surprised when Hoss told him how restless Adam had been the night before Joe came out and Adam\u2019s certainty that his wife was alive. He remembered Carole\u2019s faith in similar circumstances sixteen months earlier. She had been proved right then and yet surely Adam had been even closer to death. By midnight Ben was no longer sure, he could see Carole\u2019s breathing getting erratic and last time he had checked her pulse he\u2019d fond it alarmingly erratic and weak. He could see that both Joe and Hoss were just about convinced she was dying. Little Joe with memories of his own wife seemed to have slipped back into the agony of the hours after her death and he could see the anguish in Adam\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had been barely aware of who was with him; just sure that there was someone ready to collect anything he wanted. However over the last hour he had seen the growing conviction on their faces that she was dying. He wanted to scream at them to go away as he fought against admitting the conviction into his own heart Then he remember when David had been so ill and only close contact with his father had seemed to help him. It had worked once maybe it could help Carole. He got up from where he had been sitting for so long, terribly stiff and he stretched for a moment, while his family watched puzzled. Then Adam sat down on the bed and lifted Carole up of the pillows and cradled her in his arms, Ben went to protest but Joe stopped him \u201cLet him be Pa.\u201d Like Adam he remembered the hours on the boat, cradling David so closely, and the alarming deterioration when the baby was separated from his father. Adam kissed her gently \u201cHold on my darling. Please fight it. I need you so much and so do David and Mark, I love you Carole you can\u2019t leave me.\u201d He carried on talking to her and holding her very close, breathing deliberately slowly as though to regulate her breathing by his own. Slowly she seemed to rest a little easier. For nearly three hours Adam held her close, just occasionally stretching out for a fresh cold compress while the others just waited, each in their own way praying. Then about four in the morning Adam suddenly buried his face in her hair. It was the first time he had moved or been quiet in over an hour and Ben went over to him. Ben saw the cold sweat beading Carole\u2019s face and felt her forehead, but it was cool and her pulse was much steadier. He looked up at his younger sons with almost awe on his face \u201cIt\u2019s broken. Joe go and get some warm water. Hoss we need dry clothes and blankets, she\u2019s going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam heard his father organizing things but he couldn\u2019t move, not even to lift his head as he thanked God for his mercy. Ben left him until Joe and Hoss returned, both his sons showing signs of tears on their faces as relief hit them but smiling now. Then Ben gripped Adam\u2019s shoulder \u201cLet\u2019s make her more comfortable Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With an effort Adam laid her down and as though in a dream he sponged her down gently with warm water and dried her before getting her into a soft dry night-dress. With his father\u2019s help he wrapped her in a thick blanket and sat down with her in a chair, while his brothers stripped and remade the bed. For the first time he sobbed, just once, as he saw the blood stains on the mattress but for now Hoss just covered them with thick towels before remaking the bed. They could get a new mattress and burn it later but for now she needed to be tucked up as soon as possible. Once Carole was lying back in bed and sleeping quietly, Ben turned to his eldest son \u201cYou must rest Adam, when she wakes up she\u2019ll need you but I can stay with her for now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To his surprise Adam didn\u2019t argue but straightening up he demanded, \u201cI want to see the child.\u201d Ben was horrified although later looking back he knew he should have expected it, \u201cNo Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere is she Pa? I know she wouldn\u2019t have been born for nearly five months but she was alive, part of me. I know what the church says but this is my child, she\u2019s died but I want to see her.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben didn\u2019t know what to say how to stop his son or to prepare him. He hadn\u2019t even told his other sons about the deformity and its cause. Although he had known that one day he would have to tell Adam, he didn’t want to do it now while Adam was so drawn and exhausted. Joe couldn’t understand, he didn\u2019t recognise the expression on his father\u2019s face, but he did know his brother\u2019s need. “Pa, Adam\u2019s not going to settle until he\u2019s seen for himself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben knew his youngest son was telling the truth and he reached out gripping both Adam\u2019s hands \u201cYou\u2019re right Adam it was a little girl but she was badly deformed. Doc said is sometimes happens when there is a high fever in early pregnancy. This miscarriage was nature\u2019s reaction, because the child couldn\u2019t have lived. Let us bury her Adam don\u2019t torment yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss and Joe looked at each other in horror but Ben was only aware of his eldest son. Adam nodded slowly \u201cI see Pa. Please just show me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave way and led Adam across to one of the spare rooms where a tiny coffin shaped box was resting on the bed. Joe and Hoss followed them desperate to do anything to help their brother. Adam opened the lid and stood staring down at the tiny misshapen foetus, which had so nearly cost Carole her life; the diphtheria had claimed one victim. Eventually he straightened his shoulders fitting the lid back on \u201cI\u2019m going to bury her up by the lake. Pa will you stay with Carole?\u201d Ben nodded and watched Adam pick up the tiny coffin, not knowing the look on his son\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at his younger sons \u201cHe shouldn\u2019t be alone.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smiled with an effort \u201dHe won\u2019t be.\u201d Hoss was already on the way down to the stables where he saddled up their three horses. Adam walked out and saw him busy and then turned to see Joe in the doorway. Uncertain even what he wanted, he hesitated and Joe said \u201cShe would have been our niece, let us help you bury her.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and mounted up stiffly, leaving Hoss to bring the spade. The three brothers rode slowly up to the lake and then Adam dismounted and walked slowly up to the point carrying the tiny coffin. He had only known for a few short days that this child was on the way and by then she had been irreparably damaged. He knew that it was a mercy that she had died and Carole had lived, but he still felt sorrow for this life that was never to be.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss and Joe watched him for a moment and then Joe suggested they get started on a deep pit just next to his beloved wife\u2019s grave. Hoss was just finishing the pit and Joe went up to join Adam \u201cIt\u2019s ready Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and moved back to Hoss kneeling down by the grave, he laid the tiny coffin in it. The words of the funeral service hardly seemed fitting and as he slowly put a few handfuls of dirt over the coffin he said \u201cYou have called her back to you God before her life started, keep her safe. For your son said \u2018Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God.\u2019 For a moment he knelt in prayer but then feeling utterly exhausted he swayed slightly and Hoss swiftly moved to him and helped him up. Adam lent on his big brother and stood staring over the lake as dawn broke. Joe swiftly filled in the tiny grave, barely even a mound marking the spot When he\u2019d finished Joe moved over to his wife\u2019s grave and said a prayer of thanks that Carole wasn\u2019t going to join her sister so soon and then went to join his brothers. Adam barely seemed aware of them and he never remembered anything about the journey home. When they got back Hoss helped him inside and would have taken him to a bedroom, but Adam pulled away and went into his study.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was drained of strength and feeling and he just stood staring at the painting of the lake. Hoss and Joe stood in the door, very worried about him, Hoss frowned \u201cShould I get Pa? He\u2019s got to rest or he\u2019s gonna collapse. I ain\u2019t never seen Adam like this before.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa\u2019s been worried enough. I think he need to breakdown, get rid of some of the tension, and I don\u2019t think he\u2019ll sleep until he does. Like I was after Marie died. You go and get Hop Sing to heat up some broth, I\u2019ll talk to him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked very dubious but went along \u201cWell okay little brother but I don\u2019t reckin he\u2019s hearing too well at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe went through to join Adam and put an arm round his brother but he had to admit Hoss was right Adam seemed oblivious of him. Joe tried \u201cPlease Adam come and sit down. Will you listen to me.\u201d There was no reaction and Joe let an edge of anger sound in his voice as he repeated \u201cSit down Adam before you fall down. For once in your life do as you\u2019re told.\u201d There was still no obvious reaction but when Joe gripped his brother\u2019s arm Adam did allow himself to be led over to a chair and he sat down. Joe poured a large brandy and sat on the arm of the chair \u201cCome on big brother, you need a drink you\u2019re frozen.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sipped a little but he gagged on the raw spirit and pushed the glass away. For the first time since they had left the Lake he spoke \u201cI\u2019ll be alright Joe just leave me alone.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe moved round in front of his brother and kneeling down he took both Adam\u2019s hands in his, rubbing them slowly trying to warm them up. He looked up at his brother\u2019s drawn face. \u201cAdam please listen to me, I know how you feel. I know what you\u2019ve been through these last hours. I\u2019ve been there. You\u2019re in the same state I was after Marie died, call it shock, exhaustion I don\u2019t know, but the same. You can\u2019t move, even think and you can\u2019t relax. But there\u2019s one big difference brother, in a few hours Carole is going to need you, Noone needed me so it didn\u2019t matter but you can\u2019t go on like this.\u201d Joe sensed that his brother was paying attention to him for the first time and he went on. \u201cYou, Pa and Hoss all came up to the lake, but you were all too gentle with me in my grief. You left me alone because I thought that was what I wanted. Carole didn\u2019t. She knew what I needed. She came and talked about Marie and said bluntly that she had cried for her sister and it was past time I did too. She forced me to breakdown quite deliberately and she was right, it was what I needed. I owe Carole for that, maybe now I can repay her.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stared at his young brother as Joe spoke, hearing his words as though from a great distance, seeing the deep sympathy and love in his brother\u2019s eyes. It took a long time for Joe\u2019s words to penetrate but when they did they made sense. Then to his brother\u2019s surprise Adam pulled himself to his feet and went over to a row of law books, Hoss had been listening from the doorway. He had a tray but he hadn\u2019t wanted to disturb the spell Joe was weaving, very proud of his little brother. Joe got up and saw Hoss looking equally puzzled; he went over to join his big brother \u201cWell done Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shrugged, Adam was back on his feet, seemingly more in control of himself but he didn\u2019t understand his brother\u2019s reaction \u201cI don\u2019t know what he\u2019s up to.\u201d Neither did Hoss but without discussing it the two brothers moved over to Adam. Adam\u2019s hands were shaking with exhaustion and he found it hard to focus but he had finally found what he was looking for, just a footnote in one of his law books. As his brothers came over he began to read it aloud. It defined the legal position of a foetus prior to six month. The church had ruled that the foetus only gained a soul sometime after conception and did not recognise the rights of a foetus prior to this time. It had no soul and therefore no right of burial in consecrated ground, so there was no legal objection to the tissue being used for experimentation as other waste tissue was. ***<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s voice shook as he finished, even wrapped in the legal form, its meaning was clear. Hoss felt slightly sick as he realised what it meant, \u201cThat can\u2019t be right Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put the book down \u201cNo Hoss it isn\u2019t right but its what the law and our compassionate church say. That\u2019s why we went up to the lake, just the three of us. I don\u2019t know when a baby becomes human but I don\u2019t believe you can put a date on it, I know she could never have lived but she was my daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was so very sorry for his brother and for that tiny maimed baby and he didn\u2019t know how to say it, not realising that Adam could read exactly how he felt on his face. Hoss put his arm round his brother\u2019s shoulders and Adam seemed to sag at the touch and nearly collapsed. Hoss helped him back to a chair and Adam buried his face in his hands. Joe said \u201cCarole once told me to cry for Marie, it\u2019s time you cried for your daughter,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That was the final straw and Adam broke down much to his brothers\u2019 relief. Joe sat by him gently resting his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder and smiled up at Hoss. \u201cCheer up Hoss he\u2019ll feel better for this, maybe even be able to get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Five minutes later Adam wiped his face and lent back closing his eyes. He did feel better and he wasn\u2019t even self-conscious with just his brothers there. Hoss asked \u201cWill you eat something Adam, you haven\u2019t eaten in days,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u201cI\u2019m not hungry just so very tired.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe suggested \u201cGo on up to bed we\u2019ll give you a hand.\u201d But Adam pulled himself to his feet and went over to the window \u201cIn a minute.\u201d He was still tense although he had relaxed a little; very grateful that Carole was going to be alright, but not knowing how she would react to the loss of her baby. He stared out unseeingly trying to think, to come to terms with what had happened. Finally exhaustion caught up with him and he swayed and would have fallen if Hoss hadn\u2019t been there. Joe ignored Adam and told his big brother to take Adam straight up to bed. Hoss picked Adam up and did as he was told, Adam protested weakly that he could walk and he wanted to see Carole but his brothers ignored him. Hoss laid him down on one of the spare beds and pulled his boots off while Joe loosened his belt and collar. Then Joe pulled a cover over him \u201cWe\u2019ll look after Carole and the twins, you get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s felt as though they were on fire and he couldn\u2019t keep them open but he was still fighting against giving in. Joe gently brushed his hair back off his forehead \u201cGo to sleep big brother I promise we\u2019ll call you the minute she stirs.\u201d Adam was content at that promise and he was asleep before his brothers left the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was still too tense to rest, too many memories but he persuaded Hoss to go and get a meal and then some rest, one of them had to be fit. Then he went in to join his father by Carole\u2019s bed. She was sleeping peacefully, her pulse almost normal again and Ben was no longer worried about her but, abhorring a vacuum, he had been sitting very worried about his eldest son. He had heard people moving around and was relieved when Joe came in. \u201cEasy pa, Adam\u2019s asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave a sigh of relief but he could see the tiredness and the tension in his youngest son. Joe came over to the bed and saw for himself that Carole was recovering and then pulled up a chair next to his father. He told Ben briefly what had happened including the quote from the law book and his brother\u2019s reaction and how Adam had finally broken down and they\u2019d got him to bed. Ben realised he was getting a very edited version but even so he was proud of his son. He had said that the only ones who might help Adam were his brothers and they had done it. He put his arm round Joe \u201cYou\u2019ve done very well Joseph. You look whacked too why don\u2019t you go and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI shan\u2019t settle for a while Pa. Too many memories. I\u2019m okay but I\u2019d rather sit with Carole for a while. You go and get some sleep, you\u2019ve had no more than the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben hesitated, he was tired and he knew that Adam could still need help but Joe was calm enough and he let his son do as he wanted. \u201cAlright Joseph, call me in three hours.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben went down to get some food and joined Hoss at the table. From Hoss he got rather more details, especially how Joe had broken through Adam\u2019s control. Ben listened in silence but he felt a warm surge of pride for his youngest son. Hoss finished \u201cIs Joe alright Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust tired and as he said too many memories to settle yet. It\u2019s not surprising. Still he\u2019s calm and when I\u2019ve had a few hours sleep I\u2019ll make sure he gets some.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss yawned, \u201cThank God Carole is going to be okay. Adam is just too damned stubborn to let her die.\u201d Then he and Ben headed for some sleep knowing that Hop Sing and Kam Su would look after the twins. Little Joe had heard his brother\u2019s final comment and as he sat by Carole\u2019s bedside, just occasionally moving to tuck her up more warmly, all his thoughts were with Marie. Maybe if he had been as stubborn as his brother he would have saved her somehow. Deep in his own thoughts he wasn\u2019t even aware of the passage of time and forgot to call his father. Carole didn\u2019t stir and Adam was the first to wake up late in the afternoon and he hurriedly went to his wife. He saw Joe sitting by her bed and for a moment his heart seemed to stop, his young brother looked so drawn and upset. Joe looked up as Adam came in and force a grin \u201cShe\u2019s fine, hasn\u2019t stirred. She\u2019ll be much better when she does wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned but checking his wife he found Joe was telling the truth. That didn\u2019t explain why Joe was so obviously upset, Adam could see that his brother was desperately tired and guessed Joe had had little or no sleep in the last three days, but he knew this was more than just lack of sleep. Adam felt very much better for breaking down and for some sleep, he had his little brother to thank for that and now it looked as though Joe needed his help. Adam sat down next to Joe \u201cRight little brother, what is the matter? I know you\u2019re whacked but there\u2019s something else.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe licked his lips \u201cIt hasn\u2019t been a very pleasant few days.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe you\u2019re prevaricating, You helped me this morning, let me do my share.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t meet his brother\u2019s gaze, unsure even if he wanted to talk, and not knowing how to put it into words Adam put his arm round his brother \u201cEasy Joe. You\u2019re not going to sleep until you talk it over. What is it Marie?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam remembered every word Joe had said that morning even though he hadn\u2019t appeared to be paying attention, and knew it must have reminded his brother very vividly of her death. He was close enough for Joe to shudder and knowing that Adam was right and he needed to talk. Joe stared down at Carole and began talking almost to himself. \u201cThat\u2019s twice you\u2019ve nursed Carole through illness and David too. We all thought she\u2019d die this time and noone thought you had a chance with David, Hoss said you were too stubborn to let them die.” He fell quiet and Adam realised what Joe was thinking, even though Joe wouldn\u2019t put it into words. For a moment he could hardly believe it but it was the only thing he could think of to explain the agony in Joe\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tentatively said \u201cI was very lucky, they are both basically very strong and healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t answer and Adam gripped his brother\u2019s shoulders and forced Joe to face him \u201cLittle Joe you aren\u2019t thinking that there was any more that you could have done for Marie are you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The answer was etched on Joe\u2019s face but he couldn\u2019t put it into words. Adam read it anyway and hugged his brother close to him, his voice almost breaking \u201cOh Joe you idiot. You did more than anyone else could have done. Doc said it at the time, you\u2019d almost persuaded even him that everything was going to be alright even when you knew the odds. He told Pa he should be very proud of you, that if anything could hold onto her it would be you. You were fighting a lifetime of neglect, poor food and hard work. If you had had any chance you\u2019d have pulled her thorough but there just wasn\u2019t. Don\u2019t ever wonder if you could have done more because I can tell you the answer now, you couldn\u2019t. You did far more for her than I managed when Carole had the twins, don\u2019t ever underestimate how much. People differ Joe, we\u2019ve both survived when most would have died. Carole\u2019s the same, she\u2019s always been loved and looked after and so she\u2019s strong. Marie only ever had that attention in the last months of her life, from you. It cost her life and you know how much we all mourned her, but you loved her as much as I love Carole and you fought as hard for her, noone could have done more.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All the time Adam was speaking he held Joe close and as he finished Joe sobbed convulsively. After a long tiring worrying few days he couldn\u2019t help himself. He accepted what Adam said, his big brother was always right and anyway he knew in his heart that there hadn\u2019t been anything more he could have dome to help Marie. Adam was close to joining him and buried his face in his brother\u2019s curly hair as Joe cried quietly against his shoulder. Neither of them had noticed that their father had come into the room. Ben had woken hearing Adam go past and had been cross that Joe hadn\u2019t woken him. After washing his face he had gone to send his youngest son to get some sleep. He had just come in as Adam had forced his brother to look at him and stood horrified as he realised what Joe had been thinking. Adam seemed to be helping his brother and so Ben had left it to his eldest son, Ben left them for a couple of minutes and went down to collect the brandy and then poured two large ones. He went back in and over to them \u201cEasy now Joseph, Adam. Come on you two both look as though you need a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam raised his head, not really surprised to see his father, and as he did so Joe pulled away and went over to the window. Ben handed Adam one glass and then went over to Joe. \u201cDrink this Son and then its way past time you got some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe wouldn\u2019t look at his father but he took the brandy and drained it in one. He wiped his hand across his eyes, his head pounding and forced himself to turn \u201cYou\u2019re right I think I\u2019ll sleep now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he passed his brother Joe squeezed Adam\u2019s shoulder and Adam needed no more thanks, he could see his brother was calmer and once Joe had some sleep he\u2019d be fine. As the door closed behind Joe, Adam sipped his brandy and then looked up at his father. \u201cGuess we\u2019re all overtired and over emotional,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI heard Adam, just about all of it. Didn\u2019t intrude you were handling it well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks Pa. Poor old Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine. You’re the one who said he wouldn\u2019t lose his peace again.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and finished his drink \u201cAs you\u2019re up Pa would you mind getting Kam Su to get me some food, I think I\u2019m hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAbout time! You\u2019ve missed a lot of meals one way and another.\u201d Ben wandered down and asked for two trays and then looked in on his grandsons, Hop Sing was giving them some tea and both yelled in delight as they spotted Grandpa. Ben played with them while he waited for the trays and determined to send Adam down to his sons once he had eaten it was the medicine Adam needed to counteract that tiny deformed body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He was pleased to see Adam make a good meal and then said \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go and see the twins Adam. I\u2019ll watch Carole; it\u2019s nearly their bedtime.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked down at Carole but she wasn\u2019t stirring and he nodded \u201cCall me if she wakes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam went down to David and Mark who were gratifyingly glad to see him. Mark could manage a few tentative steps but David got to him faster crawling. Adam knelt down and tickled them and for the first time in days really relaxed. Hoss had got up and hearing the noise as he came down he went in to investigate. He was delighted to see how much better his brother looked and wandered over grinning broadly \u201cAnother couple of years and they\u2019re gonna beat you Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cI like going to! What do you think they are doing now, just too many hands and feet. Still now Uncle Hoss is here he can help me get them to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure if Hop Sing will get me some food.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded and the two brothers hoisted one boy each onto their shoulders and headed up to the nursery. Neither baby was much trouble and a quarter of an hour later were settled in their cots. Hoss went down to eat, Adam having reassured him that Carole was getting on fine. Adam went back in to join his father and Ben could see how much calmer Adam was. Adam smiled \u201cI\u2019m fine now Pa, really.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can see that Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took Carole\u2019s hand \u201cI\u2019m so lucky Pa, the twins Carole and my family, I don\u2019t know how I\u2019d have got throughout the last few days without you. I\u2019m just sorry it cost Joe so dear.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou helped him in your turn, he\u2019ll be fine just over tired and worried.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded but then as Carole stirred his whole attention was on her. Ben went to get some broth and Adam kissed his wife \u201cEasy my love everything is fine. You must rest, I won\u2019t leave you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole held his hand and stared at her husband, he was calm and his eyes were clear. She knew him so well that she was content, he couldn\u2019t act that well, so everything must be alright. For the moment she didn\u2019t even realise what had happened or why she was ill, she just knew that she would recover and that was enough. Ben brought up the broth and Adam lifted Carole against his shoulder and slowly fed her. Ben wandered over by the window, there in case Adam wanted anything but not intruding on husband and wife.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole finished the broth and lay quietly against Adam for a few minutes, but then a nagging pain in her back and stomach brought back memories and with then the terror she had felt on finding blood on her legs. She tensed up and Adam saw the flare of terror in her eyes and held her close kissing her forehead. Carole\u2019s hand went to her stomach but she already knew \u201cMy baby?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had hoped that she would get some more rest before she realised but it was not to be. He felt a pain in his chest at the anguish in her eyes, \u201cWe lost the baby sweetheart, but you\u2019re going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole pulled away from him \u201cYou said everything was fine, you don\u2019t care.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried to hold her but she fought him, so he just held one hand \u201cOf course I care my darling.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo no I killed her. I worked too hard.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam could hear the note of hysteria in her voice and deliberately kept his own voice quiet and calm, \u201cNo my love there was nothing you did or could have done, she never had a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA girl I was right, you didn\u2019t want a girl, let the Cartwrights down, big men, only have sons. You\u2019re glad she\u2019s dead. You left me alone so I would lose her.\u201d Carole pulled her hand away from him, hating him for a moment. She had been so sure everything was alright just the way he looked, he couldn\u2019t have cared about her baby. In her own pain she just wanted to lash out, completely hysterical, she screamed at him \u201cYou\u2019re glad she\u2019s dead, you\u2019re glad, glad.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam knew she was too weak for the hysterical outburst and much though he hated doing it, he slapped her face, just once and then, as she began to sob more naturally, he took her back into his arms and softly tried to tell her how much he loved her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had been standing over by the window, seeing the pity and anguish on his son\u2019s face and unable to help. Now he slipped out leaving Adam alone with his wife. Joe and Hoss were standing on the landing, they had both heard every word of Carole\u2019s tirade and were white faced and shocked. Ben put one arm round each of them and led the way downstairs. He poured out three brandies \u201cShe\u2019s hysterical, she doesn\u2019t mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stared into his glass \u201cOf course not, but Adam, how much can he take?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour brother loves her very much.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure but that just turns the knife a bit deeper. Its so unfair he cared so much.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s had a shock Joe, just not rational.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can understand that Pa, its just Adam.\u201d Joe sighed heavily and Hoss nodded in complete agreement with his brother. He had seen just how much it had hurt Adam to be accused of not caring by his own wife, knew it was tearing him apart. Ben was too worried himself to be able to reassure them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meanwhile Adam held Carole as she cried until she had calmed down and then he tried to explain, once he thought she could understand him \u201cYou must rest my sweetheart. You\u2019re not strong enough. I\u2019m so sorry I had to hit you, but you were hysterical.\u201d He kissed her face where he\u2019d had to hit it and she lay looking up at him. She was no longer pulling away from him but she was still withdrawn wondering just what she had done wrong, why had she lost the baby? Adam said, \u201cYou accused me of being glad the baby is dead and I am.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole had said it and for a moment she had meant it but now she had control of herself, it didn\u2019t seem possible. She stared at Adam puzzled and said \u201cNo.\u201d shaking her head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam felt a surge of relief she had calmed down and come right back to normal, her love for him was back in her eyes. She wasn\u2019t going to blame him, not now she was thinking rationally and he didn\u2019t care what she\u2019d said in a moment of shock and hysteria. He could still feel the pain of it but he would soon forget. Adam held her closer \u201cOur daughter never had a chance my darling, She was a victim of your diphtheria. A high temperature early in pregnancy can harm the baby. It did harm her she was badly deformed. Your miscarriage was nature\u2019s way of correcting the damage, She could never have lived.\u201d Carole came closer to him, beginning to understand and accepting that it wasn\u2019t her fault, knowing that was why Adam was telling her, \u201cWhere is she?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI buried her up by the lake next to Marie. Just Joe and Hoss and 1. When you are stronger I\u2019ll take you up there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole nodded slowly \u201cI should have known. Funny Marie asked me to look after her daughter, now she will have to look after mine. I can\u2019t ask her but I know that she will.\u201d With that she broke down again and cried quietly against Adam and then felt his hot tears on her hand. She looked up and wiped the tears from his cheek \u201cForgive me Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNothing to forgive my love, just shock. I love you and you must rest.\u201d Carole relaxed in his arms and cried very quietly for her lost child until she had cried herself to sleep. Adam gently wiped her face and laid her back down on the pillows, wrapping the blankets closer round her. She murmured as he let go but didn\u2019t wake. Adam waited for five minutes to make sure she was settled and then got to his feet. He knew his father and brothers must have heard what she had said in hysteria and they were bound to be worried about him. He hated the idea of his family thinking badly of Carole even though they would make allowances for her weakness, but to them he came first. He knew they loved Carole but not as he did, in the nature of things son and brother had to come first. For a moment Adam stood staring down at her, not wanting to have to explain but knowing he had no choice. Not even aware of the tearstains on his cheeks or just how white and drawn he was having had to explain to Carole, Adam walked slowly down. He saw his father and two brothers sitting by the fire and all three came to their feet as he appeared. Adam walked straight past them and into the study to pour himself a drink. Uncertain Ben hesitated but Adam said, \u201cCome on in, all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He stood in front of the fire grateful for the warmth and the warmth of the brandy, looking from one to another. Then he smiled faintly \u201cYou heard.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and Adam went on \u201cShe\u2019s sleeping quietly. I\u2019ll go back to her in a minute. She was just hysterical, shocked, she didn\u2019t mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course not Son, we can all understand that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019ve all lashed out either physically or verbally, done harm we never intended and hated ourselves for it a few minutes later. Something had to give.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe moved forward \u201cYou don\u2019t have to explain Adam. We all understand, nobody blames Carole, we just didn\u2019t want you hurt anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe didn\u2019t mean it, she\u2019s already said so, I knew that.\u201d Adam drank his brandy and then sank into a chair. \u201cShe said she couldn\u2019t look after Marie\u2019s daughter but now Marie will look after hers.\u201d Adam buried his face in his hands but he didn\u2019t breakdown, Joe turned away, realising now why Adam\u2019s face was tearstained. He couldn\u2019t face his family for the moment and murmuring that he wouldn\u2019t be long, he rode up to the lake to calm down. Adam took five minutes to calm down and then went back to Carole, leaving Ben and Hoss alone. Ben smiled \u201cThey\u2019ll both be fine tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded but then said, \u201cI\u2019m restless Pa. I think I\u2019ll go back and finish up. Adam and I had barely a day\u2019s work left, it\u2019ll take me two or three days but it\u2019s gotta be done.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned but then he agreed, seeing that the big man was eager to get off on his own. \u201cNo need to rush it Hoss. We\u2019re well ahead of schedule, the weather has been co-operating this year.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure but Adam\u2019s gonna be tied with Carole ill and the twins, best to get on.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked in on his brother before leaving and was glad to find him quite calm again. Adam gripped his brother\u2019s hand and thanked him for his support and then Hoss gently kissed Carole\u2019s forehead \u201cShe\u2019ll be fine Adam, just you get some rest too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss went by the lake and as he expected found Joe there, but he too had calmed down. Hoss explained where he was going and asked Joe to try and make sure their father got some rest. In some ways he had taken things even worse than Adam and Hoss thought he looked whacked. Joe promised to try and told his big brother to be careful, they really couldn\u2019t face any more trouble just now. He stood watching his big brother ride off, only too aware how upset Hoss had been and sure that his brother was better on his own for a while or he would have gone to help out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The next morning Joe rode into town again to have a word with the Doc and get him to pop out and check on Carole for his brother\u2019s peace of mind. He needed to order some supplies, as the usual check round the ranch brought lists of things required from the mines, the mill to say nothing of the herds. The Ponderosa was slowly coming to life after the winter, their busy time of the year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe made his first stop at the Doc\u2019s and the surprise, mixed with delight, on Paul\u2019s face as Joe told him Carole was alright, conveyed to Joe more clearly than mere words just what Paul had thought about her chances. Paul promised to go out that afternoon and suggested Joe try and keep his family out of trouble for a while, the horses were beginning to know their own way to the Ponderosa. Joe just laughed at him and headed down town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It didn\u2019t take Joe very long to complete the rest of his errands and collect the mail and then he went into the saloon for a drink. Dan was at his usual table chatting to Roy, both worried about their friends. As Joe came over Dan and Roy grinned at each other. Dan said, \u201cDon\u2019t have to ask, she\u2019s gonna be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes thank God, though it was too close for comfort. You heard she lost the baby?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan nodded \u201cYes, still God willing there can be more children and at least he has the twins. How is my Godson?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWalking just and into everything, as is his brother. You can\u2019t put anything down in safety, You should have seen Hoss\u2019 face the other day, he\u2019d hung his gunbelt up and David had a bullet out and was trying to eat it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy chatted for a few minutes and then left. Dan turned to Joe \u201cMy sainted editor gave me a commission if I saw any of you. I think he\u2019s given your father up as a dead loss but he wants to know if Adam will stand?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned puzzled \u201cStand?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah for the Senate, didn\u2019t he tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked incredulous for a moment and then said \u201cAdam a US Senator, oh my God we\u2019d never survive! I can just imagine…\u201d at that he lost control and went off into peels of laughter, which sounded throughout the saloon and even down the street. Most people who heard it knew who it was and several commented that they hadn\u2019t heard Joe laugh like that since his wife died. It was good to hear and so infectious that most people smiled as they heard him. Eventually Joe calmed down enough to drink his beer but he was still chortling. Dan said \u201cI\u2019m glad you find it so amusing Little Joe, but I hardly think that Goodman will take that as an answer.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam hasn\u2019t mentioned it, but then the only time I\u2019ve seen him lately is when I had to tell him Carole was ill sand after that he only had one concern. I shouldn\u2019t think there\u2019s a snowball\u2019s chance in hell of him accepting. He doesn\u2019t like Washington much, or politics if it comes to that. I just hope I\u2019m right, he\u2019d be so damned bumptious..\u201d With that he was off again and Dan gave up all hope of firm news and went to get two more beers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One person who heard Joe was Jim Fair. He was still on tenterhooks for some idea of how the Cartwrights viewed his proposal; he was determined to talk to Joe. He would infinitely have preferred to deal with Adam or Ben but Joe had proved himself not entirely a fool in the last year arranging the lumber last autumn and anyway he was a party to the Cartwright decisions. Fair had heard a rumour about Carole\u2019s miscarriage but that was just one of those things and he didn\u2019t even consider it having any effect on business matters. He saw Joe over in the corner with Dan, but he could hardly discuss business in the saloon, and just asked Joe to stop by his office before leaving town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he left Dan grinned, \u201cYou\u2019re coming up in the world Little Joe, Jim Fair never used to acknowledge your existence.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh that\u2019s unfair, he always had some snide comment about how useless Hoss and I were. I get the distinct impression I\u2019m still only a poor substitute for Pa or Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell… he might be right…..\u201d Dan broke off \u201cOuch!\u201d Joe grinned, he\u2019d got a left straight into Dan\u2019s ribs. Then finishing his beer Joe went to collect the supplies which were ready before going over to see Fair, not wanting to appear too eager.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim Fair was alone in his office when Joe went in and waved him to a seat \u201cI suppose your father or Adam has told you our plan for taking over the California mine?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes Pa told me, I\u2019ve seen the papers. Is there something new?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, but we are waiting for your decision.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure Pa warned you that it would take a while, we have to get together to discuss it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI realise that but Doc said you were all at Adam\u2019s house so I thought you might have made a decision.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stared at him in disbelief and rising anger; \u201cIf Doc told you we were there, I\u2019m sure he told you why. Carole lost her baby.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMost regrettable but these things happen. We really do want to move on this soon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe got to his feet and mimicking the casual way Fair had dismissed it \u201cMost regrettable! Carole nearly died, Adam fought for hours to save her.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell I\u2019m glad he did but your brother is a businessman….\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe none of us thought about business of any description. We had more important things to worry about. We\u2019ll discuss your proposition when we can.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll ride out and have a word with your brother, if his wife is still ill I presume he\u2019ll be at home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe completely lost his temper at that \u201cYou bother Adam with anything in the next few days and I\u2019ll guarantee you\u2019ll have no further backing from the Cartwrights. Leave him alone, he\u2019s had enough to contend with.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair was angry too, \u201cI realise you\u2019re anxious about your brother young man, but how dare you threaten me, young whippersnapper.\u201d With an effort he got control although still pale with anger \u201cNot that you could do any harm.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe laughed without mirth, \u201cYou always have underestimated Hoss and I. Oh admit for a long while I left financial affairs to Pa or Adam but not any longer. I do my share now and I have an equal say, I can carry Hoss with me. Pa and Adam wouldn\u2019t go against us even if they wanted to. which I doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cInsolent young fool.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared at him \u201cMaybe I am, but aren\u2019t you forgetting you want me to put up nearly $200 000 for your mine? If we come in it will be a straight split between the four of us, That\u2019s not insignificant and it earns me the right to say what I think.\u201d Looking dangerous Joe seemed to loom over Jim Fair as he ordered \u201cStay away from my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n John Mackay had heard the raised voices and came over. He knew Joe and his partner had never hit it off and he was quick to pour oil on troubled waters. Promising Joe that they wouldn\u2019t bother Adam and weren\u2019t really in that much of a hurry for an answer. Joe calmed down and John made small talk for a few minutes before walking Joe back to his wagon, \u201cJim\u2019s a bit tactless and doesn\u2019t realise how other people react but he meant no harm.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s okay John. I honestly have no idea how Adam feels about it, my father is – uncertain.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow about you Joe? As you say you have an equal share.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh I\u2019m a gambler. I\u2019m tempted and I won\u2019t vote no just to spite Jim, though I might have done twenty minutes back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood for you Joe. It\u2019ll pay off you know. There\u2019s more riches still in that old mountain than we\u2019ve dreamt of yet.\u201d Mackay waved a hand at Mount Davidson, bare and rugged, honeycombed with shafts and Joe shook his head in wonder, he realised that Mackay had almost the same proud proprietal feeling for the mountain that he had for the Ponderosa, but the mines just weren\u2019t real for him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Over supper that night Joe confessed to his father the row he\u2019d had with Jim Fair. Ben could understand how annoyed Joe had been and as Joe hadn\u2019t said anything too outrageous he just grinned, to his son\u2019s surprise. \u201cI thought you\u2019d be cross with me Pa. He is our partner.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEqually Joseph you are his. It won\u2019t do Jim any harm to learn not to underestimate you. I\u2019d guess he learnt quite a lot today and you\u2019re right Adam doesn\u2019t need anything else on his plate at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHave you been over?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes. Carole seems to be regaining her strength well, but she\u2019s very weepy, not altogether surprising. Doc came while I was there. He reckons she\u2019s marvellous considering everything and should be up and around in a week. He also said that there\u2019s no reason why she shouldn\u2019t have more children. Obviously wait for a while but he\u2019d check her over in six months. Adam said she brightened up a lot at that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow is Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLooks tired now that he\u2019s relaxed but he\u2019s fine, putting it all behind him. After all he\u2019s still got Carole and the twins. Those two hellions are enough to make sure he has no time to brood.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was busy with the accounts to leave his father free to get out and around the ranch. He had no intention of leaving Carole yet, although she was rapidly regaining his strength. He had taken her up to the lake and she had cried over the death of her child. He knew she was still very upset over losing the child and Adam couldn\u2019t help worrying, they had a very busy summer planned. He needed to do his share, especially having played all winter. He knew that his brothers were very capable of building flumes from his plans but it wasn\u2019t fair to leave it to them and anyway they had two large lumber contracts to fulfil as well, apart from the horses and cattle. None of the main centres of work were close to the house and it wasn\u2019t possible to handle things from home. Adam pushed it to the back of his mind; he\u2019d worry later.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss had the lumber gangs starting work and Joe was with the cow gather moving up to the high pasture. Adam wasn\u2019t sure where his father was, he had been going to try and hire some Chinese labour and get the work camps set up to start building the flumes. Ben also had to ensure things were working smoothly at the mill and check on the mine, so he might be anywhere on the vast acres of the ranch. Adam had plenty of paperwork to do and didn\u2019t feel too guilty as yet. Someone had to stay in contact with the ranch at this time of year and he had Kirk redirecting all messages to him so he could keep the work organised.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Late in the evening when he had sent Carole to bed, Adam studied the papers on the California project. He had a vague feeling that he\u2019d used all the luck he was due for a long time with Carole\u2019s survival. Although he was tempted by the new proposition he had no intention of taking any chances. He had a fair idea of what Joe and Hoss had and Ben had never kept his investments a secret from his sons. Adam knew that there were plenty of ways of raising the money to buy in and that Flood and O\u2019Brien would be buying some shares on margin, financing them with credit. That was the way big fortunes were made but as Adam knew many more people lost everything. He had lost friends who killed themselves when all the markets collapsed when margins were called in. Beth\u2019s husband had been one of them. The Cartwrights always owned their stock outright, but this was going to tie up a great deal of money. Adam carefully calculated how much cash he could manage on his own, if he called in a few other investments, keeping only the Consolidated Virginia, the Hale and Norcross and the Belcher mining stocks. He had the dividend from the mines and some considerable poker winnings, which he hadn\u2019t even told Carole about. Adam grinned at the figures, even with financing Joe; he had made a profit on his English trip, Typical when he didn\u2019t need money he didn\u2019t seem able to lose. By the time he had finished Adam was very surprised, he had considerably more cash available than he had expected. Stocks were high at the moment in several mines where he had a minor investment, often bought to help out a friend, none of which he cared about. He tried to do the same for his father\u2019s investments. That wasn\u2019t quite so easy as he wasn\u2019t always sure of the extent of his father\u2019s holdings or which ones he would be prepared to dispose of. Adam had no intention of putting all their eggs in one basket and the plan he finally drew up included only a limited surrender of other investments. He was proposing to borrow a quarter of a million from the Ponderosa mining account. That was well in credit and could be repaid by three months dividend from the Consolidated Virginia. The main account would be untouched and although it would run their personal accounts low, as they would own their shares outright and he had allowed for the assessment that wouldn\u2019t matter much,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam felt a growing excitement as he realised that they could manage without taking any silly risks. After checking that the twins and Carole were all sleeping peacefully he went out and saddled up. He needed some fresh air, he had been tied to the house too much and it was a beautiful night. He rode up to the lake, the view bright in the moonlight, the lake itself dark and mysterious, the mountains magnificent and the tall Ponderosa pines rustling in the breeze. Adam stared down for a while at Marie\u2019s grave and the barely discernible mound over his daughter. In a few months when the grass covered it, there would be no sign and he wondered whether or not to put a marker over it, finally deciding to talk it over with Carole. He wasn\u2019t really sad, just very thoughtful and he sat down in his usual spot and slowly relaxed. He hadn\u2019t seen any of the others for several days and was anxious to discuss things. Eventually early in the morning he went home and got a couple of hours sleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole had sensed his restlessness. She was feeling very much better physically and, with the twins to console her, was able to think more clearly about her lost baby. She felt much better now that she knew she could still have children and although she had times when she couldn\u2019t prevent the tears, she was beginning to be able to hide them from Adam. She knew he had had a long anxious time and she didn\u2019t want to make it worse for him, although still not really aware just how ill she had been. She did know where Adam had been working and the long worrying ride home, and could imagine how he had felt. She also knew the plans that had been made for the summer and was determined not to stop her husband doing his share, knowing that he would fret if he couldn’t. She racked her brains trying to think of someway to persuade Adam that she was well enough to be left alone. Eventually she thought of her cousin Meg.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meg had lost her husband three months earlier. The marriage hadn\u2019t worked out well, although everyone had been delighted six years earlier when they announced their engagement. He couldn\u2019t hold a job and drank his way through his inheritance. Meg had never uttered a word against him in public, but she had occasionally had to hide bruises or a black eye. Carole\u2019s mother had been sure that his death had come as a relief to Meg, even if she wouldn\u2019t admit it, but she had been left badly off and was earning a living as a seamstress. Carole decided that maybe a break would do Meg good and she was her best friend amongst the cousins. Meg was one of the few women she could stand living with. Carole decided to telegraph her and try to persuade her to come out for a visit to last through the summer, so that Adam would know she wasn\u2019t alone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The next day Carole surprised Adam by asking to go to town. She had a lot of errands to do and she was feeling fine. Adam glad to see her so cheerful put away his pen and went to harness up. Carole didn\u2019t want to build up his hopes prematurely and didn\u2019t mention her plan. She sent a very long telegram to Meg, explaining her loss of her baby and her need for company, promising to wire expenses if Meg would come for the summer. Even as a seamstress she\u2019d get much better prices in Virginia City.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Hillsboro Meg had found the months since her husband\u2019s death very hard. There were no blows to fear, no waiting for the key in the lock, scared as she waited for her husband wondering how drunk he was, but she had still loved him and there were good days. She hated the pity of her family and the general reaction that it was all for the best and she had to fight hard to retain any independence. She was very surprised to get Carole\u2019s telegram but Carole had put a lot of thought into it and she could read the very real need behind the invitation. She was fond of Carole and had liked both Adam and Joe. Meg had never thought of going west, married before Carole stunned everyone by heading off to California, but she had had moments of jealousy at her cousin\u2019s adventures. It would solve so many problems and she sensed she could really help Carole, so feeling very daring she went straight down to the telegraph office and sent a wire \u201cWould love to come, when?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole was still in town and had asked for any answer to be brought to her. She got the telegram as she was lunching with Adam and he looked puzzled as she opened it. Carole couldn\u2019t meet his eye and amused Adam wondered just what she was up to. He asked for coffee and then grinning mischievously at Carole ordered a large brandy \u201cIt looks to me as though I may need it. Just what have you been up to?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole blushed, \u201cI was going to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt can\u2019t be that bad and I\u2019m fortified against the shock, Do you know you look just like Little Joe when he\u2019s done something and isn\u2019t sure how we\u2019ll react?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole giggled and then plunged in, \u201cYou remember Meg?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course, she lost her husband didn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes I told you about him. Well she\u2019s finding it hard and I thought with you away so much this summer, I\u2019d enjoy some company. You know you\u2019re going to be busy. I always got on well with Meg.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cSo I\u2019m to have a house guest. Do you know how to wire her fare?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAh I understand why I\u2019m being told so soon. Come on my pet I\u2019ll arrange it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole bit her lip \u201cI know I should have discussed it but I didn\u2019t want you to know in case she couldn\u2019t come. She\u2019s the only one I really want.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cI think its a lovely idea. I liked Meg, it will help both of you and leave me free to be worked into the ground. Just when I thought I had a great excuse.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole put his arm through his \u201cYou\u2019re a liar Adam, you know you get restless, wondering how best to do your share of the work and look after us.\u201d Adam oblivious of everyone bent and kissed his wife, not caring about the shocked looks from two elderly ladies.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It didn\u2019t take Adam long to make arrangements and ample funds were sent to Meg along with Adam\u2019s hearty endorsement of his wife\u2019s invitation. She had nothing to hold her in Hillsboro and promised to leave in three days. Adam sent word that she would be met in Reno.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim Fair heard that Adam was in town but he had taken Joe\u2019s warning to heart, especially with John Mackay rubbing it in afterwards. Much though he hated the delay he would wait for the Cartwrights to answer in their own time, they wouldn\u2019t delay unreasonably. In fact Adam had made arrangements to sell off his own stock, it was a good time to sell and even if they decided against the California he could find other investments.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they rode home Adam sang a whole series of familiar ballads, very touched by Carole\u2019s plan. She knew him so very well and he was so relieved that he would be able to do his share of the work. He was more eager than ever to see his family. Carole was delighted to see him so happy but although she had taken no harm from her trip to town she was very tired. Adam sent her to bed early and once she was settled and the twins fast asleep he decided to walk over to the main house, Even if none of his family were there Hop Sing might know when they were expected and he thought he could do with the exercise.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In fact Ben had arrived home late in the afternoon and after a long soak and a meal was going through some notes that had been left by various hands during the day, mainly in Kirk\u2019s almost indecipherable hand, slightly puzzled that his eldest son hadn\u2019t dealt with them. Adam had also left a long letter from Will on his desk and Ben was halfway through it when he heard horses approaching. He went to investigate and saw both his younger sons leading their horses into the stable. Ben frowned not sure if it augured trouble, he hadn\u2019t been expecting them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ten minutes later Joe and Hoss came in together, boisterous and starving. Ben relaxed as soon as he saw them, their mood made it obvious it wasn\u2019t trouble. Joe had the cattle up in the high pasture; the calf tally was as high as he\u2019d ever known it and with good weather the grass was growing strongly. He was glad to be home, it was more than three weeks since he had seen any of his family or found out the news. He\u2019d met up with Hoss about an hour out from the house. Hoss had a list of stores that he needed and had come back himself, wondering how Adam and Carole were recovering and wanting to find out the rest of the news. So far everything was going as smoothly as he could hope. They had a large nucleus of men on the lumber gang now who were used to them and their ways. Hoss, much more experienced in handling the work, found it easier now than a few years back even though they were taking on larger contracts. Joe had been by the high pools on the way home and the ice cutting was going well, huge blocks of ice going down to the ever-hungry mines. He thought they would be able to carry on for another fortnight with luck, although the weather had been dry and clear it hadn\u2019t been particularly warm. Ben was pleased, just this use of the flume had proved very lucrative over the last few years and this time it looked like being even more profitable.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe and Hoss were just finishing their meal while Ben sat back with coffee when Adam walked into the yard. The three had debated whether to go and visit but were all tired and had decided to leave it until the morning. They looked up in surprise as Adam walked in, not having heard a horse. For a moment all three studied his face, it was some time since any of them had seen him and they weren\u2019t sure how he and Carole were recovering from the miscarriage. What they saw reassured them, Adam looked contented, not too tired and very pleased to see them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was the first to speak \u201cWell this is a surprise. I wandered over to see when Hop Sing was expecting you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned \u201cGood to see you brother. How is Carole?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cRecovering fast, we went into town today. Tired her and she\u2019s had an early night but taken no harm.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Joe both said \u201cGood\u201d at the same moment and Joe went over to the window \u201cNo horse! I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d heard one. Do you mean you walked?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cIts only half a mile Joe. I needed to stretch my legs though I could do with some coffee now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The four of them relaxed round the fire with their coffee and Ben grinned at his sons, \u201cIt\u2019s been a while since we did this.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They could only agree, much as they loved Carole and the twins they had drawn Adam away from the tight circle of men that for so long they had all been used to and it was good to recapture it for a few minutes. Adam told them about his houseguest for the summer, bemoaning his fate at losing an ironclad excuse to stay home in comfort. None of them took him seriously and were pleased at Carole\u2019s idea. Joe tried to remember Meg but he had met so many people in a short space of time with plenty of worries on his mind and he couldn\u2019t place her. Adam remembered her more clearly but all the girls had looked fairly alike and he couldn\u2019t think how to distinguish her. In the end he gave up \u201cYou\u2019ll know her when you see her Joe. We both liked her, she wasn\u2019t as hidebound as some, just rather quiet. She had her problems, a husband who drank himself to death, died about three months back, I don\u2019t think you met him. I did once and he was well on the way even then. The main thing is Carole likes her and I won\u2019t be so worried knowing she has company.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss went and poured out a drink \u201cWhile we\u2019re all here what about that mine you were telling me about Adam? We said we\u2019d discuss it when we could get together.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had been thinking the same, but he wasn\u2019t sure if Adam wanted Carole to be present. He asked his son \u201cDo you want to wait until Carole is here too?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged \u201cShe\u2019ll leave it to me. I did ask but she says she doesn\u2019t know the mines the way we do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFair enough. Then perhaps now is as good a time as any. You don\u2019t have to rush back do you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u201cNo Pa. They are all fast asleep and Kam Su knows where I am. Its time we made a decision.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe laughed, remembering his argument with Jim Fair; \u201cYou could be right Adam, before Jim bursts a blood vessel. He was trying to get an answer from me, how we felt, some time back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled but made no answer and Ben started the ball rolling. \u201cAdam, Joe you have both seen all the papers and Hoss I presume Adam told you exactly what is proposed?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded \u201cI think so Pa, I\u2019d rather have Adam\u2019s summary than get myself confuse with all those figures.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laughed \u201cYou make a lot more sense out of ledgers than you pretend Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He waited for a moment, but none of his sons seemed willing to start, so Ben said, \u201cAdam would you like to start, perhaps outline the costs as you see them. How accurate do you reckon, the figures are?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded; he would go that far, although he wanted to have some idea of how his family felt before he put his ideas forward. Adam had been over the plans carefully and although he didn\u2019t have his notes with him, he didn\u2019t really need them. Ben knew his son would be more conservative than Flood and O\u2019Brien but in fact Adam\u2019s estimate didn\u2019t differ very much from theirs. When it came to the plans for taking the mine down to lower levels, he had some disagreements with Fair and Mackay. On the other hand by moving rather more slowly, once they had control, exploration costs could be covered by profits from the California itself, There was no need for extra assessments, he just differed on time scale. Either way if they went in with a quarter share, he\u2019d have a chance to argue for things to be done his way and as their legal expert and an engineer Adam knew he would be listened to. Adam gave them all the details as he saw it and Joe wrote down the main figures as his brother spoke. Both Ben and Joe were slightly puzzled; Adam\u2019s voice was deliberately non-committal. He stayed with the facts giving no idea of his opinion and well as they knew him, neither had any idea which way Adam was going to go.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss frowned as Adam finished. He stared at his brother as Adam poured himself a drink \u201cThat\u2019s all very well Adam. From what I remember you saying afore, you agree pretty well with the Irishmen, but what do you think? Should we go in?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sipped his brandy \u201cIt\u2019s a big gamble Hoss, your money as well as mine. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was puzzled as Adam avoided answering but just asked, \u201cDo any of you have a firm opinion one way or the other? We know the facts and we have to come a to a decision.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked from Hoss to Adam, but as neither seemed likely to speak, he said, \u201cWell if noone else will jump in, let me start. I\u2019d like to take it up even though I know the risks. But even if I threw in all my cash, I can\u2019t pay my way without borrowing against the Consolidated Virginia shares, so it\u2019s not really up to me. Still for what it\u2019s worth I vote for going in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shrugged \u201cI\u2019m a tentative yes, I think. Like Joe I can\u2019t find that much cash but if we can manage it without risking the Ponderosa I\u2019m for it. I got some cash and the dividend from the Consolidated Virginia and like Joe I guess I could borrow against those shares. If there is any risk to the ranch then I don\u2019t want to do it. You tell me Pa, Adam, what are the risks?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at his eldest son but Adam wouldn\u2019t look up, he was gazing into his glass seemingly oblivious. Ben said \u201cI haven\u2019t thought out exactly how we\u2019d handle it Hoss, waiting until we\u2019d decided in principle but I should think we can handle it without involving the ranch as we did with the Virginia.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded \u201cOkay so that makes two for it, how about you two, you\u2019d have to take the brunt. Joe and I can pay back later if it pays off but I doubt we can manage more than a third between us now, even with borrowing. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned, \u201cAdam we\u2019ve heard from your brothers. You aren\u2019t usually so backward!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned, \u201cAfter you Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shrugged, it didn\u2019t really matter but it just wasn\u2019t like Adam. \u201cAlright I\u2019m with Hoss as long as we can keep the ranch out of it, I\u2019ll go along. It\u2019s a lot of money but even if we lose every penny it will be more than covered by the profits from the Virginia. If it does pay of it will do so handsomely. I just want the short term covered carefully, I\u2019d have been happier to discuss it in six months but that can\u2019t be helped.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe grinned delightedly, \u201cThat\u2019s a majority for going in without you big brother. Now what are you going to throw in to show we\u2019re all wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben seconded his son, \u201cCome on Adam you\u2019ve sat back and listened. That\u2019s not like you. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned at them and went over to fetch the brandy and three more glasses. He refilled his own and poured out three more \u201cOkay I propose a toast to the California mine.\u201d As the others hesitated, he laughed \u201cI made up my mind a couple of days ago that\u2019s why I wanted to hear your ideas first. Drink up and then I\u2019ll show you how to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben relaxed, seeing the laughter in his son\u2019s eyes, and picked up his glass \u201cTo the California.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All four drank to that and then Adam had all their attention. Adam had had time to really sort out his ideas and with the money he\u2019d made selling of other stock he had cut down the need to borrow from the mining account to $200 000. He laid out his plan very clearly showing exactly where the money was coming from. It was all available now and any delay in needing it would lessen the need to touch the mining account. Adam believed enough cash would come in from the Consolidated Virginia in the time it would take them to gain control to cover the extra two hundred grand, but if it didn\u2019t they had the cash available without going to outside sources. As Adam wrote out all the figures, he saw his father frowning, \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter Pa, I know we can get credit easily, but I don\u2019t see much point in paying for the money when we don\u2019t need. I can write it out as an official loan to us personally to make sure the ranch is in the clear.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head \u201cNo it\u2019s not that Adam, I agree we probably won\u2019t need to touch it and it won\u2019t matter if we do. Its the rest.\u201d He stared at the figures \u201cWe have 200 grand from the mine account and another 250 from the Virginia which is untouched dividend and jointly owned. That leaves 550 thousand of that you personally are proposing to find 400 thousand. You know I can meet the rest just about without selling anything and with whatever your brothers have to put in, probably reasonably easily, You say you\u2019ve already sold some stock and you have the money.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cI was surprised myself Pa, but I\u2019ve done well this last year and I got very good prices.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWith your share in the other sources of money that means you\u2019ll be putting up more than half the cash.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged \u201cSo what?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWill you take half the shares?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course not! We\u2019re in this together equally divided as always.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed \u201cThat\u2019s what worries me.\u201d Joe and Hoss nodded their agreement and Adam frowned at them \u201cYou\u2019re being foolish all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think so Adam, it\u2019s a business proposition.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam glared at him \u201cPa! Look if you\u2019re so worried I\u2019ll make a formal loan to Joe and Hoss at nominal interest and they can pay me back if it all works out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd if it doesn\u2019t?\u201d asked Ben<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen they can buy me a beer next time we go to town!\u201d Adam slammed down his papers, losing his temper and walked over to the window. Ben looked at his other two sons but Joe just shrugged and Hoss looked worried, but made no comment. Ben went over to Adam and put his arm round his shoulders \u201cAdam be practical, you\u2019re a family man with sons of your own.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned at that, shrugging his father\u2019s arm off. \u201cOkay Pa I have sons. They will have a fine inheritance, just as I have and Joe and Hoss. For one reason only, you took a chance, came west, and slaved your guts out to build the Ponderosa. That\u2019s their real inheritance, as it is ours. All that land, the trees, the horses, and the cattle, that\u2019s real. Just at the moment I have a lot of money. I have it because I got money from the ranch to invest, play the markets. Some even more straightforward gambling, I won at poker. Play the markets that about sums it up, it\u2019s a game, gamble your knowledge of the mines against everyone else\u2019s. I\u2019m lucky, I\u2019ve been here since the beginning. I\u2019ve walked the tunnels in all too many of them and that education you paid for tells me what I\u2019m looking at. But don\u2019t you see Pa, its funny money, sell here, buy there, and watch it grow. Sure I know the mines need capital and they are a good market for all our products. We invest and the town thrives, we thrive right along with it, but there was a Ponderosa here before ever Virginia City existed and it will be here when all the mines are in borrasca. We won\u2019t lack a market with the railroad in Reno and we\u2019re getting good stock here now, horses and cattle. Do you get the same satisfaction when a dividend cheque appears from the mine as you do when the bank draft comes from the cattle or a lumber contract, because I don\u2019t. It\u2019s funny money I enjoy the game and I\u2019m good at it. I\u2019ll milk it for all its worth, because as least we use the money here in Nevada, whether it goes back into the game or we use some to build lasting things here on the ranch. Too much money is milked off in California or the east. I don\u2019t know how long the mines will last, twice so far they have nearly died. Its boom time now but who knows in ten years time it may be over. Let\u2019s play the game but don\u2019t forget it is a game and does it matter who puts down the counters? They still say Cartwright and eventually that means the Ponderosa, split four ways as always.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben Hoss and Joe sat in silence listening to Adam, more impassioned then they could ever remember him. Adam flushed as he came to a stop and poured another brandy. Joe went over to him \u201cAnd you\u2019re the same guy who always held me to the last cent of all my debts and bets when I was a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou had to learn then Joe. Okay I\u2019m a lousy businessman when it comes to the family but that\u2019s the point, it is the family. All the money came originally from the ranch so its joint.\u201d Adam laughed \u201cAnyway you never really went short Joe, you could always con a few dollars out of me or Hoss, if he had any left after your previous efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hugged his brother \u201cOkay I\u2019ll accept a loan, interest one beer next time we\u2019re in town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t mind just putting up the cash Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss came over \u201cOf course you don\u2019t Adam, but I\u2019m with Joe. We\u2019ll keep the books straight. Anyhow from what I hear of the 1500 foot level in the Virginia we can pay you back without noticing it and you can support the hospital for a month instead of me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben hadn\u2019t made any comment so far and Adam looked over at his father \u201cWell Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat was quite a speech Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI lost my temper.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe we should all do it a bit more often, clears the air. If your brothers want to repay you fine. As far as I\u2019m concerned you go right ahead as you\u2019ve planned. Maybe its not a very practical creed for most families, too much jealousy, even hatred, but it works for us, share and share alike, I just hope the next generation get on as well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned at his father, it was the creed Ben had bred in all of them, never differentiating between his sons, each had all the chances they wanted and each shared in good and bad alike. Ben refilled his glass and Joe\u2019s, Hoss and Adam still had plenty and then he proposed a toast. \u201cTo the Cartwrights, with four aces in each hand we can\u2019t lose.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His sons willingly joined in that and then settled to plan exactly when things should be got moving. Adam was proposing to go into town and see Fair and Mackay, transfer some money and get the legal documents signed. That reminded Joe of the other query he\u2019d had about his brother and he grinned, \u201cGoodman wants to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed, \u201cOh Lord I\u2019d forgotten about that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked blank and Joe dramatically introduced the future US senator for Nevada, Senator Adam Cartwright, before collapsing in giggles under a well aimed cushion from Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was horrified \u201cHe ain\u2019t serious, is he Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe said, \u201cGoodman is, he\u2019s waiting for Adam\u2019s promise to stand. I don\u2019t know how we\u2019ll survive, hell be so big headed!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t survive long enough to find out if you don\u2019t shut up little brother. Cheer up Hoss, I have no intentions of standing. Anyway its Pa they really want.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled \u201cLeave me out of it. Goodman already knows my decision.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u201cYeah well when I said I\u2019d think about it, I didn\u2019t even know what he was talking about, I won\u2019t do it but the fact remains we don\u2019t want Sharon.\u201d That sobered Joe up immediately \u201cSharon?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded \u201cThat\u2019s right. Rumour has it that he\u2019s going to stand and that\u2019s why Goodman is so eager to find someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe protested \u201cWe can\u2019t trust him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe legislature nominates the Senators Joe and they\u2019re bought and paid for by the Bank. Sharon will have it easily if we don\u2019t make a fight of it.\u201d Adam commented cynically.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut you won\u2019t stand Adam?\u201d Joe asked anxiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course not!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood keep my reputation with Dan I told him that I didn\u2019t think there was a snowball\u2019s chance in hell of you doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine, but why, apart from the impossibility of any Senator surviving with you as a brother?”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t like Washington or politics, you\u2019ve said so often enough. I told Dan.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cI guess I shall have to tell his boss but Dan\u2019s probably prepared the way. The question is who else?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Then at the same moment Ben and Hoss said \u201cHow about…\u201d only to break off as they realised. Ben said, \u201cGo on Hoss,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was thinking of Jones. He don\u2019t like the Bank or Sharon and he sure ain\u2019t scared of them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben laughed \u201cGreat minds think alike Hoss, just who I was going to suggest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t know the man very well, a tall well built ruddy cheeked and very welsh, Welshman. He was educated in England, an engineer, although Adam had little faith in his ability. He had a reputation for possessing a nose for ore and had proved it in the Crown Point. Having worked for two years as Superintendent under Ralston without success, he\u2019d kept looking on his own time. Having found ore, he\u2019d bought out the mine and made a fortune, He had a certain presence and could talk but Adam wasn\u2019t sure. He personally didn\u2019t like the man much, Jones always pushed his ideas, his superior English education and Adam found his engineering suggestions rather superficial and often down right wrong. They had clashed several times. Ben saw his son\u2019s hesitation \u201cI know you don\u2019t like him Adam but he does have the same aims here as us. If its good for the Crown Point it will be good for our mines too and he won\u2019t let the miners down. He\u2019s very popular and he can hold his own in debate he won\u2019t be overawed by the senate.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t really dislike him Pa, just a bit of a big mouth who thinks he knows more than he does. Come to think of it that\u2019s not a bad description of a politician.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe considered it \u201cHe could do it Adam, hero twice over to the miners at least and they still count.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI heard about the fire. What happened exactly? I was in Europe if you remember.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam waited and Joe got restlessly to his feet \u201cI was in town that night, April I think. The day shift had just gone down the mines. I was having my breakfast when the whistles sounded the alarm. I went down to the Yellow Jacket. All three mines were affected the tunnels joined, the Yellow Jacket, the Kentuck and the Crown Point. Smoke already coming out of the shafts. One cage had come up, they were all telling stories, the furnace down below, men falling off the platform asphyxiated. It had gone down again when I got there. You remember the Bechel brothers, they were about our ages.\u201d Joe fell quiet and despite the years that had passed he went very pale as he remembered,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben remembered Joe coming home late that night, he\u2019d joined in the rescue attempts and was physically exhausted but he\u2019d been unable to settle. He had been desperately sick on the way home and had still been as white as a sheet and it had taken along time for him to even be able to outline what had happened.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben moved over to Joe and put his arm round his son\u2019s shoulders. \u201cTwo of them died.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe lent on the back of a chair resting his chin in his hands \u201cWe all knew them quite well, Three brothers bit like us, they fought hard but stuck together. They came up in the cage together. Don was on the floor dead. Matt was on his feet and he held Tony\u2019s body but he\u2019d been decapitated. Matt didn\u2019t speak for a week. I don\u2019t think he ever got over it, he left here a month or so later. I guess I\u2019ll never forget his face.\u201d Joe bit his lip; he\u2019d had bad dreams at the time. We tried. I went down once in the Yellow Jacket but only found four bodies. Jones headed that rescue attempt and an earlier one in the Kentuck. He was still fighting the fires when I left. Certainly noone did more to try and rescue the miners and later when we\u2019d given up hope, to find bodies and put out the fires. He earnt his reputation as a hero, earnt it the hard way that day.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam reached up to grip his brother\u2019s hand \u201cSorry Joe I didn\u2019t know. Didn\u2019t mean to upset you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo matter Adam I always rather liked the Bechel\u2019s but we\u2019ve all seen too many things as bad. I just wanted you to know that there is more to John Jones, even though I agree with you, he\u2019s a lousy engineer.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFair enough. I\u2019ll suggest his name to Goodman, but then its up to him. I can\u2019t approach Jones, he knows what I think him. I will tell Goodman we would be prepared to lend Jones what support we can if he wants to stand.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben yawned, \u201cThat\u2019s all we can do for now I think. I\u2019m for bed. Will you go into town tomorrow Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get things moving, provided Carole is alright in the morning, if not I\u2019ll make it the day after.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine. Thanks for the work you put in on that plan Son, it was well done.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed and watched his father go upstairs. Hoss said, \u201cI\u2019m for bed too. I hope you\u2019re right brother and we make money but I don\u2019t know what I\u2019m gonna do with it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe grinned, \u201cI\u2019ll help you spend it big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was glad to see Joe had relaxed again and when Joe offered to walk back with him he willingly accepted, Joe took Cochise with him and told Adam he was going up to the Lake, Adam frowned and Joe said \u201cCompany would be welcome if you felt like it,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think I will join you Joe, too restless to settle,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam slipped in to make sure that Carole was asleep while Joe saddled up for him, They rode up slowly and dismounted by the graves. Adam sighed \u201cIt won\u2019t even show by the autumn. I don\u2019t know whether to put a marker or not.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked at the other four mounds each with a small stone marker, all matching the one Ben had put up for his beloved Marie over twenty years ago. Neat just names and dates no epitaphs, all of them well loved needed no comment. \u201cWhen we buried her you said she was your daughter, even if the church doesn\u2019t agree. You won\u2019t ever forget her anyway so why not put up a marker. After all Marie\u2019s baby is on the stone, she only lived such a short time she might as well not have.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam bit is lip but he knew Joe was right, he would never forget \u201cIt\u2019s getting too big a graveyard Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust be grateful its no bigger we\u2019ve had plenty of candidates who\u2019ve cheated on it. Cheer up Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded but he turned away from Joe and walked up to the point deep in thought.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe went to his usual spot and lay back soaking in the beauty of the mountains and the Lake, not even really thinking, just very much at peace. Adam joined him after a few minutes and Joe reminded him of the night they came up to the Lake together before going to Europe. Adam remembered very clearly and Joe grinned, \u201cI enjoyed myself a lot more than I expected that night. I shall go back one day.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo shall I but not for a few years.\u201d Adam stretched \u201cI\u2019m tired and if I\u2019m going to town tomorrow I\u2019d better get some sleep. Don\u2019t want any errors on those contracts. \u201c Joe said goodnight to his brother but he stayed for a while longer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole had taken no harm and Adam headed for town early. Fair and Mackay were delighted with their decision and as Flood was in town they settled to draw up the contracts at once. As all of them trusted Adam and his legal ability that didn\u2019t take too long, but Adam was busy with his stockbroker and the bank until well into the evening before funds were transferred to San Francisco for Flood and O\u2019Brien to start buying. It wasn\u2019t until his main task was completed that Adam remembered Goodman. It didn\u2019t take long to find the editor who rarely left his office and Adam gave his decision, but he wasted over an hour before Goodman accepted it, Only then could Adam get the editor to consider their alternative suggestion. Goodman wasn\u2019t very enthusiastic but promised to think about it and see what support there would be for such a move.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam dropped into the Palace for a drink before going home and seeing Dan, joined his old friend. \u201cAn hour with your boss is very exhausting!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe said that you wouldn\u2019t stand.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe was right but it\u2019s taken me more than an hour to convince Goodman. We thought maybe John James might do it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnyone apart from Sharon. By the way one piece of news broke today. Sharon and Ralston himself have taken over the Belcher, word is they have all the stock. Work has already started.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot all the stock.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan studied Adam, \u201cYou\u2019re not surprised and yet there hasn\u2019t been any rumours?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI knew Dan,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTalking over my job now! How?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey may have all the other stock but I hold two percent. Sharon got young Neil Roberts to try and buy it, went up to $500 a share and let out who wanted it into the bargain.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re hanging onto it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBaiting Sharon, I know. Pa\u2019s already told me he won\u2019t love me anymore for it but I can\u2019t resist. He won\u2019t try anything I know the law too well and he hates us anyway, so I don\u2019t see how it can do any harm.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan could only agree even though he told Adam he was a fool. Adam went home soon after, half dozing as Sport made his own way. It had been a long day but he’d got everything he wanted and he was pleased. The main house was in darkness but Adam slipped in and left the contracts on the table with a short note for his father before heading on home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Over the next week Adam spent most of each day working with his father and taking papers home to work on as they laid detailed plans for the summer’s work. Joe was running both building gangs for the two flumes; the terminuses close together made that possible. Hoss ran the lumber camp but Adam planned to go out and take over one flume from Joe as soon as Meg arrived. Jos\u00e9 was dealing with the cattle as usual these days. Adam stayed up very late over the next four days, finishing off paperwork so he could spare the time to go and meet Meg. Ben knew Adam was working long hours but with his son away so long in the winter, much detailed planning had had to wait.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam decided to ride to Reno and hire a buggy there as it would save time. Even so with all the last minute jobs he didn\u2019t leave any too long to reach Reno. He pushed through without a stop and arrived twenty minutes before the train was due. He just had time to arrange for two rooms at the hotel and a quick beer, but didn\u2019t have time to do more than wash his face and hands. He was waiting on the platform and soon saw Meg as a man helped her of with her trunk and two bags. There weren\u2019t very many leaving the train at Reno. She looked very lost and bemused and Adam hurried over. For a moment she didn\u2019t recognise him, he looked so different from the smart elegant well-dressed man she had met in Hillsboro.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at her \u201cHello Meg, don\u2019t you recognise me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh Adam I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cForget it. I\u2019m not exactly dressed for a party. I only got into town a few minutes ago, still got all the dust of the journey on me. I\u2019m very pleased to see you. We have rooms at the hotel for what is left of the night,\u201d Adam signalled one of the kids hanging around to bring the bags and picked up the trunk with one hand and guided her with the other as he enquired about her journey. Meg\u2019s answers were short, as she looked round at her first sight of a western town close up. Adam helped her over the ruts in the road and then saw her to her room, arranging to meet for breakfast. She was much too excited for sleep and was down soon after seven.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam joined her for breakfast and tried to answer some of her questions. He made it very clear how welcome she was and Carole\u2019s need for company so he could get on. She sounded disappointed when he said that he\u2019d hire a buggy \u201cCan\u2019t we ride? I\u2019m a good rider.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated, \u201cIt\u2019s quite a way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCarole\u2019s done it and I\u2019m as good a rider as she is. We can manage the luggage can\u2019t we?”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have the trunk go to Virginia City by stage, someone is in most days and they can pick it up. Go and get anything out that you will need in the next three days. I\u2019ll go and hire another horse.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She was delighted and as her eyes sparkled she looked more like her cousin, although not nearly as beautiful, at least in Adam\u2019s eyes. Adam laughed and sent her off to pack. He tied her bags one behind each saddle and then set out, taking it easy, unsure how good a rider she really was. She was entranced by the wild country and by Adam, so different from what she remembered a gun on his hip taken for granted, by him at least. Entranced but rather overawed by the sheer size of it all, she was very quiet. After lunch she became totally silent and Adam asked if she was getting tired, they could stop for a while,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meg shook her head \u201cNo, but how much further is it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh by the road, just over ten miles. We\u2019ve done very well this morning, made good time come nearly twenty six miles.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She nodded \u201cIts changed Adam, it\u2019s so much prettier here. Why are there trees here, there weren\u2019t any this morning?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere used to be a few years back but they\u2019ve been cut down, Virginia City uses vast quantities of timber in the mines and the mills.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad these haven\u2019t been cut. Is the Ponderosa as lovely as this?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned, \u201cYou\u2019re on the Ponderosa Meg, since lunchtime or at least about ten minutes afterwards. That stream we crossed marks our northern boundary.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut you said its ten miles?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the house and it\u2019s only about eight miles as the crow flies. The Ponderosa is over a thousand square miles. We cut our trees but control the cutting as long as we own this land it won\u2019t become barren wasteland.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meg was astounded, she had heard at the time but the figures meant nothing compared to seeing it. Adam pointed out the boundaries as far as he could from where they were but Meg was quiet and almost scared of this rich powerful man as they made their way on. She was even more overawed when she saw the beautiful house that he\u2019d built for Carole,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole wasn\u2019t expecting them until the following day and she was playing with the twins down on the rug when the door opened. She jumped up as she saw them and ran to Meg, while Adam fended off his sons. Carole was so obviously delighted to see her that Meg soon came down to normal, She loved the twins at sight and they quickly accepted her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam spared one day to see she was settled and to take her to the main house to meet his father and then he had to go and help Joe, knowing his little brother had an almost impossible job. He promised to get home whenever he could, but it wouldn\u2019t be very often. Ben had promised to keep an eye on them and Adam was reasonably happy that with her cousin there Carole wouldn\u2019t brood too much. He was in sombre mood as he rode out, unable to forget what had happened the last time he was in the backcountry.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam soon forgot about the past when he saw his brother. Like the previous autumn Joe had been trying to do two men\u2019s work and each day, it got more impossible as the gangs moved apart. Adam had expected Joe to be tired, but Joe was grey tinged with exhaustion, although he brightened up, seeing his brother at least a day before he had dared hope. Adam let Joe show him the position at both sites and the said \u201cPa ought to be filled in. I can cope for a couple of days Joe. Go tell him and catch up on some sleep. I\u2019ll see you day after tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a two man job Adam.\u201d Protested Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure and it has been for the last week. If you can manage for over a week then I\u2019m sure I can manage for two days.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe accepted, he knew he needed a break and after a late lunch he headed home, Knowing that his father wouldn\u2019t be expecting him at any particular time and intrigued by this new visitor, whom he still couldn\u2019t place, he stopped at Carole\u2019s first. Meg was upstairs with the twins and Carole kissed Joe. Seeing his exhaustion, she got him some coffee before asking any questions. She offered to feed him but Joe decided to wait until he got home, he had a lot to report to his father. Meg came down and Joe got to his feet to greet her, recognising her as soon as he saw her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole saw the surprised look on her cousin\u2019s face and knew Meg had seen how tired almost ill Joe looked. \u201cThat\u2019s why I needed you here Meg. Joe has been doing his own and Adam\u2019s work for the last week, worked himself into the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBe fair Carole, Adam hasn\u2019t exactly been slacking. Even without you he\u2019d have had to work with Pa until the work schedule was complete.\u201d Joe yawned \u201c Its just this time of the year, everything gets started at once and there are never enough of us to organise everything. It\u2019ll calm down in a few weeks. Then maybe we can show you around.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meg smiled \u201cI\u2019d like that but you look as though you ought to go and find a bed to fall into.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood idea. I\u2019ll pop over tomorrow Carole, before I go back to the flumes. Adam will skin me alive if I turn up too early.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWith reason Little Joe. You\u2019ve earnt a break. We\u2019ll see you tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t surprised to see Joe especially when he saw how tired his son looked. Still Joe had got things well started and with Adam to help the flumes would soon take shape. Even so it was going to be a busy summer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n * Sutro planned and built the Sutro Tunnel. This tunnel made it possible to drain and ventilate the many mines in the Comstock Lode, and to permit the miners to bring out the rich silver ore. Planning started in 1865 and building in 1869 but it wasn\u2019t completed until the late 1870\u2019s when Virginia City was coming to the end of the glory days. It still made Sutro a fortune and he moved to San Francisco where he eventually became Mayor.<\/p>\n **Ralston was the President of the Bank of California and an immense influence throughout the western states<\/p>\n *** This was changed in 1869 by Pope Gregory and was only true for the first 17 weeks but news might well not have reached Nevada if Adam was using old books<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nThe Homecoming<\/a><\/span>
\nHome to Stay<\/a><\/span>
\nHoneymoon and Arguments<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Marie<\/a><\/span>
\nAdam and Carole<\/a><\/span>
\nA European Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Aftermath<\/a><\/span>
\nA Busy Summer<\/a><\/span>
\nA Tree Falls<\/a><\/span>
\nSan Fracisco Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nA Stranger from the Past<\/a><\/span>
\nA Sense of Blame<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Medicine Man<\/a><\/span>
\nCourtship and Cattle Drives<\/a><\/span>
\nAngels with Red Hair?<\/a><\/span>
\nThieves and Murderers<\/a><\/span>
\nPipeline Problems<\/a><\/span>
\nGuests for Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nA Turbulent Preacher<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Nita<\/a><\/span>
\nBen and Beth<\/a><\/span>
\nBanks, Pipelines, and Railroads<\/a><\/span>
\nLost<\/a><\/span>
\nA New Operation<\/a><\/span>
\nA Slow Recovery<\/a><\/span>
\nCelebrations<\/a><\/span>
\nForest Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nA Premature Birth<\/a>
\n<\/span>The Bank of California<\/a>
\nTrail Drive<\/a><\/span>
\nRobbery and Assault<\/a><\/span>
\nVirginia City on Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nRebuilding Virginia City<\/a><\/span>
\nCatching Up<\/a><\/span>
\nChristenings, Commissions, and Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nWinter Ills<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #2 \u2013 Advance Warning<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #3 – Family Row #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #4 \u2013 Family Row #2<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #5 \u2013 Family Row #3<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #6 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #7 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #2 – Court Hearing<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #8 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #3 – Knight Errant<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #9 – The Spanish Land Grant #4 – The Long Journey Home<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #10 – The Spanish Land Grant #5 – Troy’s Last Stand<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n