Summary:<\/b>\u00a0 With a new baby due, two very different men come to Virginia City looking for Adam and Joe gets more than a little involved.
\nRating: PG13\u00a0 (23,350 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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The Cartwright Saga Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Lawyer <\/a><\/span> \n A Stranger from the Past<\/strong><\/p>\n Adam was sleeping very peacefully after a difficult day wrestling with legal problems, both for the California and the Ponderosa. He was beginning to miss his rides round the ranch. With Carole heavily pregnant he expected and wanted to be with her most of the time, but for the last ten days he hadn\u2019t been out of the house, not even over to the main house. For four days he hadn\u2019t seen anyone, with his father in town and his brothers out working on the range.<\/p>\n Carole had gone up with Adam, only to lie awake next to him, soon after she settled down she had felt the first twinge of pain. It faded quickly only to return ten minutes later. The baby wasn\u2019t due for another fortnight and for a while she tried to settle, unsure this was anything more than a false alarm. She left Adam to sleep knowing he was tired out and that he would want to instantly send for Doc. Carole was prepared for another long labour. Doc had warned her that even this second child would probably take its time arriving, though it would be nowhere near as long as the twins. Eventually when the pains had strengthened and settled down to about three minute intervals, she decided it was time to wake her husband. In fact it was easier said than done, at first as she tried to wake him the exhausted man just grunted and ignored her. In desperation Carole gave him a hard shake \u201cAdam the baby is coming.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sat up with a start but as he lit the lamp she smiled at him, \u201cI\u2019m fine but she\u2019s going to be early.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam kissed her and quickly pulled on some clothes \u201cI\u2019ll go and get Kam Su to go over to the main house, see who is there and get someone to go for Doc. I won\u2019t be a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no rush darling, it\u2019ll be hours yet, maybe all day if she\u2019s as slow as your sons.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam kissed her gently, trying to hide the fear, which had blazed up in him and desperately hoping that some of his family would be on hand. He ran downstairs and while Kam Su got dressed Adam saddled up a quiet chestnut mare for him. He told Kam Su to take it easy, there was no frantic rush, just to get someone to go and tell Doc and if his father or brothers were there to tell them.<\/p>\n As Kam Su left Adam headed back up to Carole and busied himself stripping the bed and getting on old sheets to protect the bed. All the time he could keep busy he could keep the panic at bay. Although he had never admitted it to anyone he had had a recurrent nightmare over the last months, where this new baby was deformed like the daughter he had buried up by the lake. Now the time had come, he was more scared of the effect on Carole if the nightmare was a true portent of the future than he was about her physical health. Paul had done a good job and Adam was reasonably confidant that she would survive and have an easier time than she\u2019d had two years earlier. He badly needed the moral support of his family but he was almost sure that his father was in town and he didn\u2019t know where either of his brothers were.<\/p>\n In fact both Hoss and Joe had arrived home the previous evening and with Hop Sing\u2019s reassurance that everything was fine had left going over to see Adam until the morning, When Kam Su came in and called both brothers hurried out of their bedrooms. Joe was very pale, he couldn\u2019t help remembering Kam Su calling him out a year ago and it was left to Hoss to ask what was happening. Kam Su said \u201cThe baby she comes. Mr Adam he want you to send someone for the Doc and to come.\u201d Hoss put his arm round his brother, \u201cEasy Joe, only a few days, no problem. She was early with the twins too. Do you wanna go get Doc? Have to tell Pa too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo Jess is in the bunkhouse, he\u2019ll go. I\u2019ll come to Adam\u2019s with you.\u201d With that Joe pulled on his dressing gown and ran down to the bunkhouse. It didn\u2019t take long to shake Jess awake and explain what was needed. Joe outlined the most likely places to find his father, but the first thing had to be finding Doc and setting him out for the Ponderosa. Kirk was already saddling up and Joe hurried in to get some clothes on. Hoss was already dressed, but seeing his brother\u2019s face, he spared time to pour out a drink \u201cCome on Joe have a brandy. The way you look you\u2019ll scare them both.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSuppose it\u2019s ….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll know probably today. Long odds it\u2019s fine, if not we help as we can, no point panicking now. Don\u2019t say anything to Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you take me for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell get a grip on yerself or he\u2019ll have it outta you. He knows you too well little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe acknowledged the justice of that and downed the brandy gratefully before going to get dressed.<\/p>\n Less than a quarter of an hour after Adam woke Kam Su his brothers were walking into his house. They went upstairs and Hoss called for Adam. He came out of his bedroom, rather pale but calm and very pleased to see them both. \u201cThank God. I knew Pa was in town but I was hoping one of you was at home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat can we do Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure Hoss, get some water boiled, make some coffee. Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJess had gone to town. Once Doc knows he\u2019ll find Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLater the twins will be up, I\u2019m scared the baby will come before Doc gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gripped his arm \u201cIt took a long time last time Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know but she let it go on quite a while before she woke me. I must get back to her,\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss patted his back \u201cJust take it easy, we\u2019ll bring you up some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and went back in to Carole. Hoss grinned at his little brother \u201cAdam\u2019s okay for the minute. You get coffee I\u2019ll rustle up some grub, we don\u2019t want a repetition of last time.\u201d<\/p>\n Ten minutes later the brothers went back up stairs with trays of food and coffee, Carole seemed pleased to see them, knowing they would be able to help her husband and so they stayed. With both his brothers bullying him and not wanting to worry his wife, Adam forced down some food and then gratefully drank the coffee. The food seemed to settle in a solid lump on his chest but he did his best to ignore it.<\/p>\n Gradually the pains got worse and Hoss began to wonder whether Carole would rather they left. Adam just seemed to take their presence for granted and although calm he was slowly losing colour, As a pain eased again Adam got to his feet \u201cI must just check everything\u2019s ready for Doc. I won\u2019t be a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine darling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure you are my love.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe was about to speak when Hoss caught his eye and firmly shook his head, knowing that Joe was about to offer to do it. So Joe contented himself with saying, \u201cI\u2019ll give you a hand.\u201d And he followed Adam out. Adam ignored Joe and went straight through to the study where he poured himself a large brandy and drank it down swiftly. Joe moved over to him and gripped his arm \u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded \u201cI just needed a drink. I\u2019ll be glad when Paul gets here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPour yourself another. I\u2019ll make sure Kam Su has everything ready but I don\u2019t mind betting Hop Sing is here too and between them everything will be organised.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and sipped a brandy while he got firm control of himself. Upstairs Hoss had taken the opportunity while he was alone to ask Carole if she wanted him and Joe to leave. Carole knew both brothers loved her and she had helped nurse them and in their turn they had helped Adam nurse her. She was a long way past being embarrassed with them anymore than she was with Adam. They both knew where babies came from and until Doc arrived her husband needed help. Both physical if the baby should arrive and moral support because in this he was vulnerable. Carole knew how scared Adam was, how much he hated watching her pain unable to help and there was noway to explain to him that she didn\u2019t care, that with a baby to hold soon any pain was incidental. Carole held Hoss\u2019 hand but before she could answer the next pain caught her. The big man seemed to know instinctively where the pain was catching her and his strong hand supported her back massaging the pain gently away. A surer touch even than Adam who was too scared of hurting and she slowly relaxed against him. Carole smiled \u201cThanks Hoss, Please stay at least until Doc gets here. Adam needs you. If its too hard on Joe then make him go, but you stay with Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re here too Hoss, both of you. If the baby should come before Doc….\u201d<\/p>\n The pain caught her again and Hoss moved to help \u201cIf it does we\u2019ll manage. I\u2019ve delivered a baby before and both my brothers know more about it now. You should have seen them that day, bullets were flying but all they were scared of was dealing with that baby, Old Mother Nature does the work we just have to tidy up after her. Anyway Doc will be here soon. Don\u2019t you worry about anything I\u2019ll keep an eye on Adam for you.\u201d He kissed her forehead and then wiped the sweat from her face \u201cTry and relax.\u201d \u201cHe wanted a drink, he\u2019s scared Doc won\u2019t get here. It\u2019s over an hour and a half since Jess left so probably Doc won\u2019t be long. He wouldn\u2019t talk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think the baby will be very long, couple of hours maybe. Look Joe, I asked Carole if she wanted us to stay. Thought she might feel sorta awkward.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think she really does least \u2018till Doc gets here. But it don\u2019t need both of us. I can manage if you wanna cut out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell with Marie and all that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was over two years ago. I know it hurt when the twins came but its longer now, I can manage and I’d rather stay.\u201d<\/p>\n “Fair enough little brother.”<\/p>\n Little Joe smiled at his brother, a woman in labour did bring back too many memories but he had more immediate worries and he could push them to the back of his mind. Like his brother he was scared Doc wouldn\u2019t arrive in time and he was also scared that the baby might not be perfect.<\/p>\n In town Jess had found Doc was already out on a case, a man at one of the mines who\u2019d broken his leg in a fall. Jess went to find Doc, who was busily working. He promised Jess that he would head out to Adam\u2019s as soon as he\u2019d finished, he\u2019d only be half an hour. Jess knew Doc would be as quick as he could and left him to get on while he tracked down his boss. Little Joe had been right about the hotel his father would use, even the exact room, a small back room, which if not quiet was rather more so than most. Jess got the room number from a rather begrudging night clerk and headed up there. Ben had been late getting to bed and he was in a deep sleep. He had locked the door and it took quite a while for Jess\u2019 pounding on the door and calling \u201cMr Cartwright\u201d to wake him. Eventually it penetrated and Ben stumbled over to the door, rubbing his eyes, his hair tousled, trying to wake up, he had his gun in one hand, not sure what was going on, and at first he only opened the door a slit. Then as he recognised Jess he opened it wider, alarm flaring, as he wondered what was wrong.<\/p>\n Jess grinned, \u201cIt\u2019s okay Mr Cartwright. Adam sent word to fetch Doc; the baby is coming a bit early. Joe asked me to get Doc and tell you. He and Hoss were going straight over to do what they could to help out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoc?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve told him. He\u2019s up at the Kentuck but he\u2019ll be finished soon and go straight out.\u201d \u201cSure thing Boss.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben dressed quickly, packing up his few things in a hurry to get home; knowing how anxious his eldest son was bound to be. By the time he was mounted Doc\u2019s buggy appeared and Ben reined over next to him. Doc laughed \u201cYou\u2019re almost as bad as Adam. Cheer up Ben, Carole\u2019s fit and strong and the baby is kicking hard, no reason to expect any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just wish we were there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll bet Adam does too, born worrier that boy of yours. Still judging by last time the baby will take its time. Won\u2019t be as long as the twins but not a five minutes job. I should think we\u2019ll be in plenty of time.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc would probably have been right if Carole hadn\u2019t delayed as long in telling Adam that her labour had started, a delay she was now regretting as the pains grew almost continuous and she knew that the baby would start coming soon as the urge to push grew.<\/p>\n Hoss had taken up a seat on the opposite side of the bed from Adam and he was massaging her back as the pains came leaving Adam to wipe her face and talk reassuringly to her. Adam wasn\u2019t making much sense but Carole wasn\u2019t even aware of that just relying on his soft vice and firm hand, everything would be fine as long as Adam was there.<\/p>\n Adam was as white as a sheet, scared that the baby would come before Doc did and petrified that his dream might prove true and this child would just be a larger version of the pathetic deformed child he\u2019d buried just over a year ago. He was oblivious of everyone except Carole and he prayed for her, for the baby and for Doc\u2019s arrival. His brothers watched him anxiously unable to help, Then suddenly Carole screamed as the waters broke and she moved into the second stage of labour.<\/p>\n Adam looked up in near panic, \u201cWhere the hell\u2019s Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss took control \u201cHe\u2019ll be here any minute. Joe get me those towels, that\u2019s it.\u201d he laid towels to absorb the fluid and ordered his youngest brother to go and get the brandy quickly.<\/p>\n Joe hurried out needing a drink himself and knowing Adam did. Hoss grinned at Carole as she regained control \u201cLooks like you may have to trust in us after all. Impatient baby, I\u2019ll bet you\u2019re right and it\u2019s a girl. Now don\u2019t you worry we know what we\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam bit on his lip, staring at Hoss the anguish in his eyes very clear. Hoss smiled reassuringly \u201cNow don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ve delivered babies before and you and Joe know a little bout it, Everything will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was barely aware of what his brother was saying, he just knew that something was wrong, the waters were tinged green. In animals that always meant trouble, often a dead baby and now his own child was in danger without even a Doctor there. Hoss knew what it meant as well as anyone but one of them had to stay calm. As Joe returned he told his little brother to pour out a drink and at Hoss\u2019 order Adam drank it, not bothering to argue. Then Hoss felt Carole begin to push and he organised his brothers, leaving Joe to wipe her face while he and Adam supported her legs as the baby began to come. As though in a dream Adam did what he could to reassure Carole but it was Hoss\u2019 calm encouragement which really helped the other three, He seemed so confident, sure of what he was doing, as the baby\u2019s head began to crown Hoss moved ready to support it. Then Adam saw what he had feared, the cord was looped tight round the baby\u2019s neck and as the baby was expelled from Carole\u2019s body so the cord was being pulled tighter, getting compressed. He had seen foals and calves dead from exactly that although not a human child and close to panic he just sat staring. Hoss had seen at exactly the same time but keeping his voice calm with an effort, he smiled at Carole \u201cDon\u2019t want her coming too fast, hurting you. Pant Carole like a dog. That\u2019s it harder now, don\u2019t push just pant.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole didn\u2019t understand but trusting in Hoss she did as he said and while she was panting she couldn\u2019t push. All the time Hoss kept on at her reminding her to pant but nearly all of his attention was on the baby. He slowly loosened the cord, pulling it out enough to ease the pressure and then telling Carole to push when she was ready. He waited until the head was clear to unloop the cord completely. As he pulled it clear the baby\u2019s colour seemed to improve almost instantly and Adam who had been watching hardly breathing took a deep breath. Joe couldn\u2019t see what was happening but he knew his brothers well enough to know something was wrong. He watched tensely unable to help, continuing to do what he could for Carole and at last he sensed that the immediate emergency was over.<\/p>\n Carole found this birth so different from the twins, even without Doc there she trusted Hoss and not exhausted by long hours of pain she could push hard as the urge hit her. She felt as though she was splitting in two and couldn\u2019t help crying out but she didn\u2019t care. Hoss eased the baby slightly backwards and first one shoulder and then the other emerged and then with a great slippery rush, the baby was there and she relaxed, recognising the unmistakable sound of birth. Joe went over to the window as he heard horses, close to breaking down with relief himself. \u201cIt\u2019s Pa and Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss hadn\u2019t missed the state his brothers were in and he suggested \u201cWhy don\u2019t you two go down tell Pa he\u2019s got a granddaughter and break it to Doc that he\u2019s had a wasted journey. He can come and do the tidying up.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam badly needed a few minutes to get control and he handed the baby to Hoss and then lent over Carole \u201cWill you be alright for a few minutes my clever girl?\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded tiredly \u201cFine. Hoss will look after me. Go tell Pa.\u201d \u201cI\u2019ll go help him tidy up. Taking over my job now, delivering babies.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc hurried up the stairs but Ben hesitated, \u201cEverything is alright Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded \u201cYeah Pa. Fine healthy girl, Carole\u2019s just a bit tired. I\u2019m sorry Pa I need a drink,\u201d Adam couldn\u2019t fight free of the nightmare of the last hour and Ben caught his youngest son\u2019s gaze. \u201cGo on Joseph, you both look as though you need one.\u201d Joe helped Adam over to the study and the brothers both sank down on the hearthrug with large brandies.<\/p>\n As Ben went in Hoss came over to him, leaving Doc to finish getting rid of the afterbirth. Hoss was still holding the tiny girl and Ben gently pulled the blanket back to look at the first baby girl in his family for a long time, She seemed to know that someone was there and looked up wide eyed. They knew she couldn\u2019t focus yet but she seemed to be looking straight at them and then to both men\u2019s amusement she flapped her eyelashes. Ben grinned widely, \u201cShe\u2019s going to break some hearts when she\u2019s grown.\u201d<\/p>\n Then lowering his voice he led Hoss to the window, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with your brothers. At first I thought something disastrous had happened, they both looked on the verge of collapse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that\u2019s why I sent them down. Partly \u2018cos we had to cope without Doc. Reaction once she was born and partly cos I think both of them have been scared still the baby might be deformed like last year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat!\u201d said Ben in horror \u201cHow long has this been going on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t sure Pa, Adam never said anything but when the baby was born he just couldn\u2019t look at her, not until I told him she was perfect. Joe told me he was worried, while we were marking up. It was just a year ago and he remembered that mare, kept throwing deformed foals.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoc told them it was the fever then. He half expected it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Pa, it\u2019s not logical, I told Joe that but once he\u2019d mentioned I couldn\u2019t forget. I had nightmares, don\u2019t know what it would have done to both of them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright Hoss, you\u2019ve more than done your share. You help Doc and I\u2019ll go and calm them down.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss put his hand on his father\u2019s arm \u201cPa one more thing. Joe didn\u2019t see but Adam did. It was a bit awkward for a minute the cord was caught round the baby\u2019s neck getting squeezed, hit him hard.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded and went on down to see his sons after congratulating Carole. She was quite content to lie back and let Doc and Hoss clean her up, just asking for some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben found both his sons deep in thought and he gripped their shoulders, \u201cEasy you two. Do you want some coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe got to his feet \u201cI\u2019ll get it.\u201d Ben nodded \u201cCome on Adam, up you get.\u201d He helped his son into a chair and Adam buried his face in his hands, his head throbbing so hard he couldn\u2019t see straight. \u201cI\u2019m okay Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a liar. The important thing is Carole and the baby are fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Pa. I just can\u2019t seem to take it in. Thank god Hoss was here he was marvellous.\u201d Adam fell quiet for a minute and then, as though a dam had burst, he began to talk almost to himself. Joe brought coffee but Ben just waved him to the other chair and let Adam talk. Adam told his father of the fear he\u2019d felt seeing the water colour and his panic at seeing the cord tight round the baby\u2019s neck. Hs voice was almost a monotone as he told his father how Hoss had managed the crisis and then, even quieter, he admitted his fear that the baby might be malformed and the eternity until Hoss told him that the baby was perfect.<\/p>\n Ben gripped his shoulder as Adam fell quiet \u201cYou know Doc said it was the fever last year.\u201d Ben looked over at Joe and smiled at both his sons, \u201cWhat a pair! Well for once you were both wrong. Thank God.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked over at Joe questioningly and Joe shrugged \u201cI\u2019ve never claimed to be logical. I was scared of the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad I didn\u2019t know.\u201d Adam sighed, \u201cI must get back to Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn a minute Son, you need to relax for a few minutes or you\u2019ll be scaring her. Hoss will look after her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been doing that all night, I couldn\u2019t seem to think straight.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded \u201cHe did a real good job Pa, even better than I realised. I knew something was wrong but not what.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had sunk back into thought and Ben had a job to make him drink some coffee. Then Adam tiredly pulled himself to his feet. Ben wouldn\u2019t stop him even though Adam looked exhausted, but as his son climbed the stairs he had sufficient control to hide his exhaustion. By the time he reached Carole, Adam was able to show his honest delight at his beautiful daughter. Carole was tired but very content; she had washed and moved to a clean bed. Now that she had had some coffee she was ready to settle down to sleep. She had held her daughter for a while but now she knew Adam could take care of their child. Adam kissed her and then left her to sleep and carried his daughter downstairs.<\/p>\n Ben had let Adam go and concentrated on Joe, slowly persuading him to talk, Joe felt much better once he had talked it over, especially as his fears had proved groundless. Now all he was concerned about was his eldest brother. Hoss and Doc had come down leaving husband and wife alone with their newborn child. Only then did Doc hear of the trouble as Ben outlined what Hoss had said, scared there might be some lasting effect. Paul whistled softly, he had lost babies himself when that happened and he congratulated Hoss, he\u2019d done a good job. Little Joe asked the question that had been puzzling him \u201cHow did you know to ask her to pant?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shrugged \u201cI didn\u2019t. Guessed. It was the only thing I could think of. She was sorta gulping in air to push and I figured if she didn\u2019t do that and concentrated on panting, maybe the baby would hold still long enough fer me to pull the cord off. I had to do something Adam looked, as though he was gonna collapse. Anyways it worked.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc grinned, \u201cAmazing. It\u2019s the only thing to do Hoss and you hit on it by guesswork! Really trying to do me out of a job. She\u2019s a lovely little girl and perfectly healthy.\u201d Ben gripped his big son\u2019s shoulder \u201cYou gave her a good helping hand Son, well done.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was warmed by his father\u2019s praise and relaxing yawned widely demanding some breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n By the time food arrived Adam was back down with his daughter, Carole was asleep. Adam couldn\u2019t face food but he took some coffee and went over to the window staring out trying to sort out his thoughts; still holding this precious new life for whom he\u2019d been so frightened. Ben went over \u201cMay I hold her Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pass over the child smiling tenderly down at her, \u201cShe\u2019s beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled, \u201cShe is that. Have you thought of names?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet. I didn\u2019t dare, seemed to be tempting fate.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben could understand how his son had felt \u201cI\u2019ll look after her and the twins Son. Carole will sleep for a while, why don\u2019t you go and get some rest? You look exhausted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t not yet I\u2019m too tense to settle. If you can cope I think I\u2019d like to go for a ride.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned; his son looked on the verge of collapse. He needed to rest, still he knew where Adam would go and it wasn\u2019t far.<\/p>\n Adam recognised the concern in his father\u2019s eyes \u201cI\u2019m okay Pa, just need to relax. Maybe Joe would come with me.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe looked up at that \u201cYou know I will.\u201d \u201cYes I do, the Lake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSuppose I said it was somewhere else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t believe you. I\u2019ll go saddle up.\u201d Adam nodded and his father, relieved to see him back enough in control to tease Joe, relaxed. Adam roused himself enough to thank Paul for coming even though it was virtually a wasted journey but Doc laughed \u201cI\u2019ve checked and they are both fine. You\u2019ll still get my bill and I don\u2019t mind being paid while Hoss does all the work. I must try and find a way to do that more often!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam moved over to his big brother and gripped his arm, not knowing how to say thank you, owing his brother so much. Hoss had all the thanks he wanted from the expression in Adam\u2019s eyes and he just pressed his brother\u2019s hand \u201cShe\u2019s a lovely baby.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, I….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo need Adam, I know. It\u2019s alright, just you try and relax.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded slowly, knowing that words weren\u2019t necessary and then as Joe appeared he went to get his coat and gun. They rode slowly up to the lake, not talking. Adam dismounted and leaving Joe to tie up the horses he went to kneel by the barely visible grave they\u2019d dug just over a year ago. He remembered very clearly the tiny baby they had buried and now he had another perfect girl, not to replace but in some strange way to allow this one to rest more peacefully. Adam said a prayer of thanksgiving at last he could begin to forget. Then as his fears and the panic he\u2019d felt as Doc didn\u2019t arrive caught up with him and he swayed. Joe standing just behind his brother steadied him. Adam looked up \u201cHelp me up Joe.\u201d Joe did as he was asked and Adam slipped an arm round his brother\u2019s shoulders, leaning on him physically, as he had lent on his brothers all night. Together they walked slowly up to the point and there Adam slipped down into his usual spot. It was a beautiful morning and very clear, the Lake so very blue. For a few minutes he was quiet and then he looked at Joe, \u201cYou thought the baby might be deformed too?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been scared. I told Hoss but he said I was just being a pessimist. I kept remembering that palomino mare with her three foals.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFunny so did I. It was just so soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Hoss just said that the twins had been fine only the fever damaged that one and there was no reason this one shouldn\u2019t be as healthy as the twins. He was right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss has been right all along. He saved my daughter this morning. I couldn\u2019t think, move, not that I knew what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo matter as long as one of us did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt should have been me, I didn\u2019t panic when David was ill but childbirth always scares me and I couldn\u2019t….\u201d \u201cYou just worry because Carole means so much to you. Come on lets get you home before you fall asleep here.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam yawned, \u201cI think I will sleep now, how about you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess I\u2019ll grab a couple of hours, Somebody has to look after the baby tonight,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can.\u201d Adam protested \u201cI\u2019m not ill this time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTomorrow, but not tonight, Hoss had done his bit, let me have a chance.\u201d Joe grinned but Adam could see that he meant it. \u201cOkay Joe and thanks but you\u2019ve already helped, I feel so much better now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, that\u2019s the Lake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnly partly.\u201d Adam rode back and after a word with his father he went to bed and was asleep instantly. He was awake well before Carole and now he\u2019d calmed down he was delighted with his little daughter. When Carole woke up he took the baby into show her while Ben collected some food. Carole was thrilled with her tiny daughter, in fact she was smaller than either of the twins. Shorter but tubbier with beautiful slender hands and neat nails, rather daintier than her brothers, dark curly hair and big dark eyes already fringed with long lashes, a pink and white complexion, not at all new born looking. Adam sat cuddling the child while Carole ate and Ben left them to see to the twins, who were full of questions ever since their father had shown them their sister. Hoss and Joe were both asleep or had been last time he looked.<\/p>\n When Ben had gone out Adam grinned, \u201cWe must name this child. They are all complaining at calling her, it or her! Have you any ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n Carole lent back with her coffee \u201cI\u2019d thought a lot about it, how about you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell Carole\u2019s my favourite name but that\u2019s already taken.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe sensible Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you just tell me what you want. I\u2019ll speak up quick enough if I don\u2019t approve.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright I like two names, one is your Mother\u2019s, Elizabeth and the other is Marie. I\u2019d like to call her Marie Elizabeth but I didn\u2019t know how you\u2019d feel or Little Joe.\u201d Carole bit her lip uncertainly.<\/p>\n Adam tried it \u201cMarie Elizabeth Cartwright. Long name for a little one but it sounds right. I like it.\u201d \u201cGreat, my daughter and she chooses a name to please my little brother!\u201d<\/p>\n Carole just smiled, knowing how seriously to take that complaint \u201cI loved Marie, I\u2019d always wanted a sister and I\u2019d like to name my daughter for her but not if Joe doesn\u2019t want it. Maybe in time he\u2019ll have children and want to use it himself or maybe it will be too much of a reminder. I want him to be free to choose, do you mind?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam held her close and kissed her \u201cI love you darling and that\u2019s one reason. I\u2019ll talk to Joe but I doubt that he\u2019ll want to name a child by a second wife after his first. I think he may well be delighted, either way I\u2019ll be able to tell.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that, so you sound him out and then we\u2019ll name our daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and then amused her with the twins\u2019 reaction to their sister. She suckled her daughter for a couple of minutes and then mother and child went back to sleep and Adam went on down. He found his brothers having a meal and laughed at them. \u201cWhat is this lunch or dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grunted \u201cYou teach your offspring to arrive at a respectable hour and then you can start complaining. So far they\u2019ve caused the maximum disruption.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot under my control Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss waved at the twins, who were bullying their grandfather; \u201cMatters don\u2019t improve any.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cPa can cope. He survived you two.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot both together.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned and then as Hoss reached for another piece of pie, he looked at Joe. \u201cYou\u2019re very quiet Joe, finished?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded and poured himself some coffee, \u201cOnly half awake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSpare me five minutes I want a word.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was puzzled but he said \u201cSure\u201d and followed Adam into the study, even more surprised as Adam firmly closed the door, shutting the others out. \u201cWhat\u2019s up now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing Joe. Just something I wanted to talk over with you.\u201d Adam poured himself a drink,<\/p>\n \u201cThe baby\u2019s name.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned \u201cWhy not Pa and Hoss?\u201d \u201cShe\u2019s your daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMarie was your wife. Carole wants to name her daughter after her sister, she\u2019d always wanted one and for a short while she found one. She loved Marie and misses her, but we\u2019ll keep it as a second name if you don\u2019t want to be reminded, or if you want to use the name yourself one day,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t think you\u2019d want to but the choice is still yours Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you like the name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sounds right the third generation of Marie Cartwrights but then so does Elizabeth.\u201d Adam kept his voice deliberately non-committal and Joe hesitated. He was very touched by the idea, he didn\u2019t want to forget Marie and the idea that Carole still cared enough to want to name her child after his Marie pleased him enormously, but knowing his brother\u2019s occasional odd superstitions he wondered if the use of the name worried Adam. Both Marie Cartwrights buried up by the Lake had died very young. Joe sipped his brandy, considering his brother but Adam\u2019s face told him nothing. He had to be sure how Adam felt before he could answer; after all it was his daughter. \u201cWhat do you want Adam? Elizabeth was your mother\u2019s name and the name Marie Cartwright hasn\u2019t been exactly lucky. They both died so young.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLucky? I don\u2019t know Joe, from that point of view there\u2019s nothing to choose. My mother was even younger than yours was. In some way all three were very lucky, they were all very much loved, too many people never have that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou haven\u2019t answered me. Which way round would you like it? If I wasn\u2019t here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell the twins can say Marie. Elizabeth comes out as Lizzie but they\u2019ll soon grow out of that.\u201d Adam studied his brother\u2019s face but he could see the delight in Joe\u2019s eyes, \u201cGood Little Joe. It sounds so right. It was Carole\u2019s idea.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe were all very lucky when you married her. After a shaky start she and Marie did become very close.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe came to mean an awful lot to all of us in a very short time. If my daughter grows up to be as kind and loving as her namesake I\u2019ll be more than delighted.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled at his brother and linking arms with him went out to tell the others. Ben and Hoss had both been puzzled when Adam firmly led Joe off and shut the door, seeing a slight tension in him that they didn\u2019t understand. They needed no long explanation as Adam came out and said \u201cWe have been discussing names, you were complaining about calling the baby it. She is now named Marie Elizabeth Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben and Hoss caught each other\u2019s eye, both knowing why Adam had wanted to talk to Joe. Ben smiled \u201cVery nice. Whose choice?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCarole\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben poured out four drinks and handed them round and then with an arm round his youngest son\u2019s shoulders he proposed a toast, \u201cTo Marie Elizabeth Cartwright, may she grow up to be as beautiful and loving as her three namesakes.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grinned \u201cHear, hear.\u201d And the four men solemnly toasted the baby. Joe had a distinct lump in his throat, but it didn\u2019t last as Mark pulled at his trousers, \u201cWant drink please.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe lifted him up \u201cNot this young man, I don\u2019t think you\u2019d like it. Your new sister is going to be called Marie, you say it.\u201d<\/p>\n Mark frowned \u201cMarie. When will she walk?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot for a while yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want to see her gain,\u201d Mark considered his Uncle and added enticingly, \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n David not to be ignored had conned his way onto Hoss\u2019 lap and he added his plea.<\/p>\n Adam laughed as his brothers tried to avoid saying \u2018No\u2019. \u201cMaybe if two boys show how big they are by eating their tea without any fuss, once they are ready for bed, I\u2019ll take them to see Mummy and Marie just for a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n Both clambered down and ran to their father, promising \u2018We will\u2019 and Adam lifted one up in each arm and bore them off to the kitchen looking for food. Ben smiled at his eldest son, Adam had always been meant to be a family man even though it had taken him a long time to find it.<\/p>\n Joe grinned, \u201cNice little family older brother has got now.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben had seen how pleased Joe was that his brother and sister-in-law wanted to name the baby after his dead wife and he said as much \u201cLovely idea of Carole\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith them all here we all share in Adam\u2019s good fortune,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe in time you\u2019ll find it again Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Pa but for now let\u2019s just be glad for all we have got.\u201d<\/p>\n For the next two days all the Cartwrights relaxed, enjoying the new baby. Adam with a lovely daughter, was happier and more exuberant than his family could ever remember. He had regained the serenity that fear for this child had caused him to lose for awhile but this was a much more positive joy. Each of his family reacted in their own way and it was a couple of days none of them were ever to forget, but the work of the ranch had to go on. Two days later Joe and Hoss had to go and start setting up the two lumber gangs; one at the head of the main fume and the other between the two new ones. Ben had to go and check with Jos\u00e9 and the cattle operation before going up to the mine, Adam had plenty to do organising the various work gangs, but he could work from home and stay with Carole and his children, so he wasn\u2019t worried. Ben told his eldest son not to overdo it, this was always the busiest time of the year and Adam was already planning to move onto the west shore of the Lake in a couple of months to check out his provisional plans. Still Adam was so content that Ben wasn\u2019t really worried about him.<\/p>\n It seemed quiet once the other three had left but with plenty to do, Adam didn\u2019t feel guilty and enjoyed every minute that Marie was awake and played with his sons; even if he worked late into the night once they were in bed. They didn\u2019t stay babies long and all too often he had to be away. \u201cHold on a minute Darling, I can\u2019t just drop everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure but the twins are a handful and its only a few days, you don\u2019t want to overdo things. Does she Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n Doc could understand why Adam was anxious, but not wanting to get caught in the middle, he just shrugged. Carole said \u201cAsk Hop Sing to come over for the day. Between him and Kam Su I might just be allowed to feed Marie, That pair dote on the children even more than your family, if that\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had to acknowledge the justice of that and seeing how stubborn his wife looked he sat down and put his arm round her \u201cAlright Paul, you\u2019d better give Jim that message.\u201d<\/p>\n In town Harvey Schussler was trying to find out more about the Cartwrights, Adam in particular, He was intrigued by this new project, even bigger and considerably more difficult than the one on which he\u2019d made his name. He\u2019d built the Spring Valley water works to supply San Francisco and earned a reputation as the West\u2019s top water engineer. This could augment it but on such a massive project much could go wrong. He had seen the final outline Adam had arrived at and on those figures the job could be done. It would be difficult and expensive but it was possible. What Schussler didn’t know was the accuracy of the figures or the technical capacity of the man who had produced them. It had been made very clear that this unknown quantity would have the final veto, overriding power on the project, because of his ownership of the land and all rights of access to the water. Schussler could understand why the owners would want it that way but he was every unsure about getting involved. His initial doubts had magnified, when on asking around in San Francisco, he was told about a clever lawyer and wily negotiator, who had put one over on the bank of California on more than one occasion. There were a few comments that he had been involved in shoring for the mines, and something to do with flumes, but nothing clear. It was only his given word that had brought Schussler to Virginia City and he was determined to be very careful, at the moment inclined to say no.<\/p>\n Fair and Mackay had spoken very highly of Adam\u2019s technical expertise, but then they had a vested interest, and had to admit the Adam would have the final say. Neither of them were really able to help about his technical abilities, as they were primarily miners and that wasn\u2019t really Adam\u2019s forte. They could only say that they personally had learnt to trust his technical expertise and he had always proved to be correct. Jim just shrugged off Schussler\u2019s questions but John Mckay recognised his very real doubts and he suggested introducing Schussler to Philip Deiderscheimer. Philip had worked closely with Adam on several occasions and he was an engineer. Schussler accepted that offer; he knew Deidersheimer\u2019s reputation as an engineer and would value his opinion. As they walked over to the Ophir where John expected to find Philip he said, \u201cI\u2019m not trying to hide anything. Eventually you\u2019ll have to judge Adam for yourself and he will judge you. He has the final say on who we hire. I\u2019m sure that Philip will be straight with you, but he and Adam are very friendly so you may think that his opinion is biased.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair enough. You\u2019ve warned me. I\u2019ll judge for myself.\u201d John nodded and introduced the two men, quickly outlining the problem and then left them together. Philip poured coffee and offered a drink \u201cI hope John McKay made it clear that Adam is my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe did, but you\u2019re an engineer. You ought to be able to tell me, is he any good technically? He\u2019s prepared a preliminary survey and a best line for the pipe, how much reliance would you put on it?\u201d<\/p>\n Philip smiled \u201cYou really don\u2019t know anything about him. If Adam says it\u2019s so, you can bet your life on it. The figures will be accurate and you can be 100% certain that it will be the best line. He knows the Ponderosa better than I know my wife\u2019s face and I\u2019m very happily married! Every stick and rock on that place, Adam knows it all. He\u2019s lived here for nearly thirty years, well before Virginia City even existed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sound very sure, is he that good? I thought he was a lawyer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is and a good one but that\u2019s recent, just the last four or five years. He studied engineering and architecture back east fifteen years ago. You know the square set shoring?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, your design.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStrictly our design, I had the initial idea made a few sketches of possible systems but Adam did more of the detailed calculations than I did and had an equal say in the final specification and he built the first one, made the necessary changes on the spot. He would never accept any credit but it was his design as much as it was mine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMost people did at the time but Adam ignored it and gradually his part got forgotten but not by me.\u201d Philip filled in a few details of how he had been trapped in a cave in with Adam and come out determined to find a safer method. Then he went over to a cupboard and rummaged in the back coming out with a set of plans. \u201cHave a look at these.\u201d Philip nodded \u201cAdam did the survey and drew up the plans, these are copies of his originals. He went to Europe then but I know from the guy who built it that nothing was changed. Couple of years back two high sections were dynamited in a fight. Adam was badly hurt, flat on his back. His brother gave me these plans and I rebuilt the flume. Its beautifully designed. I had a complete volunteer work force, all friends of his. It was our wedding present to him, freedom to go off on honeymoon without worrying. A lot of people wanted to help that\u2019s the sort of guy he is.\u201d<\/p>\n Schussler nodded \u201cI\u2019m impressed. How about water engineering?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve not worked on any but I know he has installed several pipes on the ranch down from the same Lake. Smaller scale of course, but he knows what he is talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow about the terms, he\u2019s big boss with final veto on everything. Would you work for him under those conditions?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the only way that the Cartwrights will have it on the Ponderosa, they love that land. Maybe when you see it you\u2019ll understand why. Its rather different from the rest of hills round here. Adam will be fair. Technically you\u2019ll have an equal say and if he overrides you he\u2019ll have sound reasons and knowing Adam he\u2019ll probably be right. I think you\u2019ll find him easy to work with, most people do. Granted he doesn\u2019t suffer fools patiently but you wouldn\u2019t be here if you were one. He\u2019ll have run checks on you, I wouldn\u2019t mind betting he\u2019s had a look at the Spring Valley works.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot easy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCartwrights carry a deal of clout even in San Francisco. I don\u2019t know if I\u2019ve helped but I should give it a chance, big project.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m here.\u201d Schussler went back to the hotel with a great deal to think about. He was up early, eager to meet this man of whom he had heard so many reports and with whom he would have to work closely if he took on this project.<\/p>\n Adam was halfway to town when he heard a yell and turned to see his little brother coming up fast behind him. Adam waited for Joe; slightly anxious, but even from that distance he was fairly sure that nothing was seriously wrong. Joe pulled up alongside \u201cCarole said if I hurried I\u2019d catch you. I\u2019m going to town to get some cash. Slight argument with the lumber crews they won\u2019t take script, want cash.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought we\u2019d stamped that one out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was last year or was it the year before? Couple of trouble makers. Pa was there, he thought it was easier to put up with the inconvenience than let trouble escalate. Maybe in a few weeks they\u2019ll calm down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow much are you drawing?\u201d \u201cI\u2019ve got to see this Schussler but after that I\u2019ll ride guard, get you home safe. Can you add up that far to know how much to draw?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe lazily threatened his brother and then asked after his niece. She had been sleeping when he called and Carole wouldn\u2019t let him disturb her. Chatting the time went past swiftly and the brothers rode into town arranging to meet at the Palace for a drink before lunch. Adam rode up to the California to meet Jim Fair and Schussler, not giving any thought to trouble. Joe was a grown man and he knew Virginia City well. He wouldn\u2019t actually collect the cash until his brother was with him, just make the arrangements and then enjoy himself for a while; he\u2019d earned a break. As he went into the office Schussler got to his feet and came forward and the two men frankly considered each other. They were very different, Adam tall strong, his gun casually on his hip taken for granted, a true westerner. Schussler not much taller than Carole, tubby, unarmed dressed more like a drummer than a cowboy, balding, a small bowler hat next to his chair. Adam noted and discounted these things, far more interested in the keen blue eyes, which were studying him as intently as he was studying them. Adam smiled and in almost a drawl he thanked Schussler for coming to Virginia City to discuss the project. He pulled out a chair and sat down, not wanting to tower over the other man. \u201cJim can you raise some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure and then if you don\u2019t need me I ought to get down the mine.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was relieved, it would be a lot easier without Jim, but he hid it and just said that he was sure they could manage. He chatted casually asking Schussler\u2019s opinion of Virginia City until coffee came and Jim had gone. Then Adam got down to business \u201cYou\u2019ve seen the plans. I presume you are interested or you wouldn\u2019t be here. As I understand it Flood outlined salary and the terms we are offering, you won\u2019t find us ungenerous. Do you think you can do it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf that survey is accurate, it is possible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe both have to learn the other\u2019s capabilities. I\u2019ve seen the Spring Valley works so I have a head start.\u201d Adam grinned, \u201cIt\u2019s accurate but for now you will have to take my word for it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright I like the project, it is a challenge, but I\u2019m not so sure of the terms.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t like me having the final say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you if the situation was reversed?\u201d \u201cYou have a lot at stake in this, a lot of money?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome but I won\u2019t stand for any corners cut and I shall insist on high quality and good sound engineering. I don\u2019t think we\u2019re likely to differ there. I do have the whip hand in this as I have the water rights to the Lake apart from ownership of the land. That will only be signed over to the new water company if things are done my way.\u201d<\/p>\n Schussler frowned \u201cI understood it was jointly owned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is, but my father and brothers will back me, you need have no doubts on that score. I am speaking for all the Cartwrights. This pipe won\u2019t be popular in certain quarters but it is necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019ll make a big profit.\u201d Schussler said almost bitterly.<\/p>\n Adam frowned, \u201cLet\u2019s get one thing straight. The mines need water and so does the town. We are deeply involved in this mine and a couple of others so building the pipeline isn\u2019t exactly a philanthropic project, but on the other hand we will provide water free to any individual who needs it. Not the mines or businesses but free for the people and apart from carrying part of the cost the Ponderosa is donating the right of way and the use of water free to the company.\u201d<\/p>\n Schussler stood up at that, \u201cI didn\u2019t realise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo reason why you should. We can afford it and as I said our mines need the water too but we are not in this for profit. Neither do I want any personal prestige out of it. This is your project, all I want is to determine the direction it takes, the detailed problems are all yours.\u201d<\/p>\n Schussler studied Adam intently for a moment, the tall cowboy wasn\u2019t at all what he had expected, but Adam struck him as immensely capable and he found himself taking a liking to the man. Adam had been quick to deny philanthropy but there was a strong element of it. He felt that he could work with this man and after a couple of minutes he said \u201cAlright Mr Cartwright, if you want me I\u2019m in.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled delightedly and offered his hand \u201cYou\u2019re in and the name is Adam, otherwise it gets confusing with my father around.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay Adam it is. I am pleased to know you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMutual. Would you like to take a ride out with me and see the line of the pipe on the ground? I\u2019ll leave Jim word where we\u2019ve gone. Sign the contract once you have had a chance to see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI shan\u2019t back out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t suggesting that you would, but any immediate questions I can deal with. I\u2019m not sure when I\u2019ll next be able to get into town, things get a bit hectic at this time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay I\u2019d like that.\u201d<\/p>\n On the way up to the Lake Adam was able to show the exact line as he\u2019d marked it out and he made his reasons for choosing that particular line very clear. Occasionally Schussler queried something or spotted a different line but Adam always had cogent reasons for his choice. By the time they reached the Lake Schussler decided his first opinion was accurate the survey would be correct and this was a good practical engineer. Schussler didn\u2019t get on first name terms with many people and, although he had accepted the use of Adam\u2019s given name as practical, he hadn\u2019t intended to reciprocate. As Adam exerted himself to draw the other man out and show him the land Schussler found himself relaxing and he said that his friends called him Harv. Adam was able to point out the main flume and although he had shut off discussion of the square set shoring, he was willing to take credit and praise for his flume and later for his house as that came into view. Life would be simpler if Schussler accepted that he was an equal in engineering skill and worth listening to.<\/p>\n Schussler stared down at the house very impressed. \u201cFair said that you had studied architecture. It is very impressive. I can find my own way back to town, why don\u2019t you go on home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo thanks. I have arranged to meet my brother in town and anyway we have a contract to sign. My wife isn\u2019t expecting me until late and I don\u2019t want to disturb the kids.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChildren?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree. Twin boys of nearly two and a baby girl, who only arrived last week, We have a Chinese houseman and Hop Sing, who is my father\u2019s houseman, is helping out. I think they would both be very disappointed if I came back early,\u201d<\/p>\n Harv was surprised \u201cYou care what they think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?\u201d Adam laughed wryly, knowing he was unusual, \u201cHop Sing has been part of my life since I was a child and he\u2019s part of the family, means a lot to all of us. Even Kam Su has been with me for more than two years, my boys have always known him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re lucky I have no family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could say that. Maybe we had better get back to town or the youngest and most vocal of mine will be telling me off. The adult\u2019s that is. When we have signed the contract I\u2019ll introduce you to Joe. If I\u2019m busy he\u2019ll probably be dropping by to see how things are going. He helped on the survey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnother boss?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned, seeing the sudden withdrawal \u201cNo Little Joe is not stupid and he\u2019s helped with our pipes but he wouldn\u2019t set himself up as an engineer. He\u2019s reasonable at figures but will still claim he can make two plus two make five.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, odd name.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHabit. We don\u2019t use it as much now but it\u2019s difficult to break entirely, he\u2019s the baby of the family, in his mid twenties now but he\u2019s smaller than me and our other brother is much bigger about 300 pounds. Joe got the nickname as a kid and it stuck. Even in town you\u2019ll hear it occasionally from people we have known a long time, though not so much now. He got married and lost his wife in childbirth, matured a lot and somehow it didn\u2019t fit any longer. Now two years since she\u2019s died he\u2019s laughing again and the old nickname comes out.\u201d<\/p>\n As it was lunchtime when they reached town and late at that Adam invited Harv to join him and his brother for lunch. They could settle the contract afterwards but he expected Joe to be waiting and starving. Harv accepted, intrigued by this man very different from what he had expected or was used to and he wanted to meet another member of the family.<\/p>\n Adam led the way over to the Palace and looking around was surprised not to see his brother. He knew he was late and wondered if Joe had given up on him and gone to get some lunch and, thinking that if so Joe would have left word, Adam headed over to Dan in his usual spot. Dan was deep in conversation with Roy Coffee, not a particularly surprising sight as they were old friends. Adam didn\u2019t have any suspicion of trouble as he went over to join them That didn\u2019t last as he sat down and asked, \u201cDan have you seen Joe, he was supposed to ….?\u201d<\/p>\n Dan and Roy both stared at him in horror and Adam\u2019s voice tailed off as he tried to make sense of their expressions. Roy was the first to recover \u201cAdam! Jim Fair said that you\u2019d ridden home.\u201d There was no answer and Adam looked from Roy to Dan \u201cWhere is he? For God\u2019s sake tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy put a restraining hand on Adam\u2019s arm \u201cJoe will be fine. He\u2019s down at Doc\u2019s but it\u2019s only a crease, noting serious.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned confused, \u201cWhy didn\u2019t he wait for me! Was he robbed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he hasn\u2019t collected the money yet, it\u2019s still at the Bank. I was going to ride home with him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRoy, Dan, one of you just tell me what happened.\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n Dan sighed, \u201cTake it easy Adam. Joe\u2019s fine, He got forced into a gunfight, young kid wanting a quick reputation. Joe tried to avoid it but he couldn\u2019t. He was lucky just caught a crease on his ribs.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned trying to work it out, it didn\u2019t make sense and he said so and then asked, \u201cThe kid?\u201d \u201cBut why Joe? Five years ago, even three it would have been easy to push him into a fight but not now, he\u2019s grown up. It must have been hard work.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan nodded \u201cIt was. I heard most of it, Joe didn\u2019t have a choice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe doesn\u2019t have a reputation not as a fast gun. Sure he\u2019s good with a gun but he wouldn\u2019t count if you were looking for a top reputation.\u201d Adam stopped and intercepted the look between Roy and Dan. Then almost to himself he said, \u201cHe thought Joe was me, I do have a reputation as a fast gun. He just found a Cartwright. That\u2019s it isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Roy shrugged \u201cEither way its done now. Come on Adam, collect Joe and get out of town before there\u2019s more trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam studied the sheriff carefully \u201cWhy should there be more trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf he finds out that he was wrong.\u201d Dan murmured but Adam just shook his head \u201cThere\u2019s more to it than you\u2019re saying. Oh maybe once I had a big reputation but that was years ago, I haven\u2019t had to fight face to face in a very long time. Thank God.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMainly because of your reputation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Roy but these days I hope my name means something more than a fast gun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you still as fast Adam?\u201d Dan asked very seriously and for the first time Adam realised his friends were really worried that he too would be forced into a gunfight. He smiled reassuringly \u201cI think so. I\u2019m not exactly old yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy forced a smile \u201cAdam do me a favour, ride out now and go home. I\u2019ll bring Joe and the money as I was planning, we thought you were safe out on the Ponderosa. You\u2019ve got a family, a brand new baby, to consider and you sure don\u2019t have anything to prove.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t go without Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy tried to persuade him \u201cIt\u2019s what Joe wanted. He was only concerned with getting you out of it, I couldn\u2019t get him down to Doc\u2019s until I \u2018d promised to find you and make you go home.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u201cI\u2019ve never learnt to run and I\u2019m not starting now, For a start I am waiting for someone to tell me all the truth.\u201d He appropriated Dan\u2019s beer and lent back in his chair and waited. Roy and Dan looked at each other but both knew him well enough to know exactly what that obstinate look meant. Roy sighed, \u201cGo on Dan you were here.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan gave in and explained to Adam, while Harv listened hardly believing his ears. This was more like a book than real life and he couldn\u2019t understand how Adam could listen so calmly, just sipping the beer. Joe had finished his business at the Bank arranging to pick up the money belt later and then wandered down for a chat with Dan and any other friends, who might be around. He said that he was waiting for Adam and had been there about half an hour when a young man came in. The man who was about twenty had his gun tied down low and all the signs of a gunfighter. He was obviously looking for trouble but Joe hadn\u2019t paid much notice, there was no reason why he should be singled out. The man went over to the bar and asked a question and, to Dan and Joe\u2019s surprise, the bartender, a relief man they barely knew, pointed over towards them. Joe didn\u2019t want trouble but he eased his gun in the holster, just to be on the safe side. Joe ignored the man as he came over, sipping his beer, until the leg of his chair was kicked hard, then he looked up \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s my name.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re smaller and younger than I expected. No matter, I want you Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan would have spoken up but one glare from Joe held him quiet and Joe said mildly \u201cWhy? I don\u2019t know you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou killed my brother. Murdered him, blackened his name, called him a thief. Just because you wanted his wife. It\u2019s taken me a long time to find you, to get here, but now you\u2019ll pay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t been hiding. I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about, but I have been right here if you wanted me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want you. I want you dead. I\u2019m Tony Enders, you killed my brother Bill.\u201d Enders nodded as he saw recognition slip into Joe\u2019s eyes. \u201cYou remember now. It\u2019s past time you paid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBill Enders was a thief and a murderer. He tried to kill again and paid the penalty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou killed him, hounded him and then killed him. You\u2019re not leaving this saloon without facing me for it.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan would have spoken but Joe shook his head. He tried to see a way out, but it was obvious that the young man meant every word of it. One thing was certain Joe wasn\u2019t going to involve his eldest brother if he could possible help it. Adam had too many people dependent on him and if it came down to it, he hadn\u2019t killed Bill Enders either. Their father had in fact fired the fatal shot but it had taken Bill two days to die. Adam had been completing his epic ride to prove Enders could have made it from Goat Springs to Virginia City in an hour and a half. There seemed little point in trying to talk to this youngster, who was obviously keyed up and ready to kill. Joe was scared that Adam would walk in on them and he flexed his hand and arm, wondering how fast he was. He had done very little practising since his injury the pervious year and for a long time hadn\u2019t even worn his gun as it hurt his tender side. Joe didn\u2019t know how fast the kid was, but he certainly appeared very confident.<\/p>\n Dan tried once more telling Joe not to do it but Joe just smiled and stood up, clearing his gun ready to draw. Joe did try once more \u201cIt was all a long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cToo long, time you paid.\u201d Joe wasn\u2019t even listening, watching the man\u2019s eyes, ready for the first move. Whether he hesitated because he didn\u2019t want to kill or whether he\u2019d really slowed, he couldn\u2019t be sure but before his gun was level he felt the bullet hit his ribs. He had thrown himself sideways as he drew, not wanting to be killed, but before either man could fire again Roy was there with his shotgun. \u201cThat\u2019s enough. Just what\u2019s going on here?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pulled himself to his feet, anxious that Roy shouldn\u2019t give the game away, calling him by his own name. \u201cNothing for you to get into Roy. Private business and a fair fight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell its finished now, no more fighting in my town.\u201d<\/p>\n Tony Enders shook his head \u201cIts not finished.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan interrupted \u201cIt was a fair fight and you\u2019re walking away. I should be grateful for that.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy nodded his agreement \u201cGet out and don\u2019t cause no more trouble or next time you\u2019ll finish in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n Enders almost swaggered out and only then did Joe reholster his gun and lean weakly against the wall. Roy moved to support him \u201cRight Joe what was that all about? How bad are you hit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a crease. I\u2019m getting slow, Roy you must find Adam get him out of town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get you down to Doc\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head stubbornly \u201cI\u2019m okay. Find Adam. That kid is Tony Enders, he wants Adam for his brother\u2019s death. Do you remember Bill Enders?\u201d<\/p>\n Roy whistled softly \u201cThat was a long time ago. Alright Joe I\u2019ll go and look for Adam, if you\u2019ll let Dan help you over to Doc\u2019s. Where is he likely to be?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe California or on his way here. Get him out of town.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy nodded, although he could see it was likely to be easier said than done. Only then did Joe let Dan help him over to Doc\u2019s. He sat only vaguely aware of the pain as Doc cleaned, disinfected and bandaged his side, thinking round in circles. So far he had maybe bought a little time but two things were obvious, one he needed some practise on his draw and secondly this wasn\u2019t finished. Joe hadn\u2019t needed Enders to tell him that. He couldn\u2019t be sure how fast Adam was now and the kid was very good. Joe hadn\u2019t seen his brother practising in a long time. He knew that even at his best he\u2019d never been as fast as his eldest brother, but even so he wasn\u2019t sure that Adam was fast enough. If Roy could just get Adam safely out of town, maybe they would have time to think of a way out, without anyone being killed.<\/p>\n Between them Roy and Dan told Adam the whole story. Dan tried to reassure him, Joe only had a crease across the ribs, no bones broken, Adam sat not saying a word, pale at the thought of his little brother facing up to a gunfight in his stead. Eventually he asked \u201cHow fast is the kid Dan?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery. I didn\u2019t think Joe was at his best but even if he had been I don\u2019t know that it would have made much difference. At your best maybe you\u2019d edge him, but are you still that good?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll have to find out.\u201d \u201cAdam you didn\u2019t even shoot Enders.\u201d Roy protested.<\/p>\n Adam finished his beer and pushed the glass away \u201cOh Yeah that\u2019s a great idea! First my kid brother now you want me to push the fight over to my father. If you\u2019re doubtful I can take him, what chance would Pa have?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt could have been me Adam. I\u2019ve still got the scar from Enders bullet; otherwise I wouldn\u2019t have missed. You weren\u2019t even in town. Tell him it was me, I\u2019m the law.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t believe it Roy and it isn\u2019t true. You\u2019re a good sheriff, but you\u2019re no match for a fast gun.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy sighed exasperated \u201cJust what are you gonna do Son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever I have to, but I\u2019m not leaving town, hiding behind Joe or anyone else. I\u2019ll do all I can to avoid a killing but that\u2019s all I can promise.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan tried, \u201cAdam you have to think of Carole, the twins, your new baby. Be sensible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Dan but I also have to think about Joe. I don\u2019t want him brought in draped over his horse, back shot, and I won\u2019t take a risk on it. This is my fight.\u201d<\/p>\n Harv had been listening in silence, but now puzzled he asked, \u201cIf your father killed this guy, how come it\u2019s not your brother\u2019s fight as much as yours?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked at him for a moment as though he\u2019d never seen him before and then he said, \u201cBill Enders was a friend for more than six years. I hardly believed it when he held up a stage way station and killed the old man who ran it. I was the only witness and noone else believed me. Even my family found it hard. Enders was in town here an hour and a half after the robbery twenty-five miles away and the Pony Express rider couldn\u2019t make the ride in that time so Roy had to let Enders go. I knew he was guilty and he tried to use his wife Mary to seduce me into giving up, which confirmed it. My brother and I found a short cut and a dead horse and I tried the ride myself. This time Mary knew that he was going to try and have me ambushed on the way and she couldn\u2019t live with that, so she told the sheriff that he was guilty, just before I got back to town. He tried to run for it, shot Roy and my father shot him. He died two days later swearing hatred of me for ruining a perfect scheme, freely admitting his guilt.\u201d Adam sighed heavily \u201cI didn\u2019t even know that he had a brother, but you can see it was my fight not Pa\u2019s. My family backed me, but it was my fight,\u201d<\/p>\n Harv didn\u2019t know what to say, it was all so different from what he was used to, Roy said \u201cBill Enders asked for all he got, we have to make the kid see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe realistic Roy. If he\u2019s as young as you say he can\u2019t have known Bill at all, just idolised an older brother and he\u2019s had years to settle on his own version of events. He won\u2019t believe us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen you\u2019ll have to kill him.\u201d Dan said quietly.<\/p>\n Adam forced a grin, \u201cNot if I can help it, Bill Enders wasn\u2019t worth it. Either way Roy, its my problem, and I\u2019ll stay within the law.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that Adam. How about Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go and see him in a minute.\u201d Before Adam could go anywhere, there was a disturbance. \u201cThat how you keep your job, protecting Cartwrights?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laid a restraining hand on Roy\u2019s arm, \u201cHe\u2019ll stay out of it. You were looking for me, I\u2019m Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re more what I expected. You used to have a reputation as a fast gun, is it still valid?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re the one who wants to know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt won\u2019t be enough. Why did the other guy keep quiet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s my brother, he tried to protect me. You of all people should understand that. I wonder if Bill would have done. He asked for what he got, he was a thief and a murderer. I was sorry he turned out that way, we had been friends, but he sure wasn\u2019t worth losing your life over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a liar.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cNo I\u2019m not, but I understand that you find that hard to accept. I don\u2019t want to have to kill you too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFace me, or are you too big a coward, you wouldn\u2019t face Bill.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI had my reasons. There\u2019s no need for this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour brother faced me, maybe next time he\u2019ll have to do it again and this time I won\u2019t miss. This has needed doing for too long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot in here, too many people.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo I go out the front and you run out the back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t run. If you insist on a fight, I\u2019ll accommodate you.\u201d \u201cWhat charge, breach of the peace? It won\u2019t solve anything Roy. You can\u2019t hold him for more than a few hours. I\u2019d rather face it now before anyone else gets hurt. Joe\u2019s already taken a bullet for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy could only let Adam go and with Dan and Harv moved out behind him into the street. Word had spread and the sidewalks were crowded but the road itself was being hurriedly cleared, horses and wagons pulled back out of the way of a stray bullet. Enders stood waiting in the middle of the road.<\/p>\n Word had even reached Doc\u2019s house and Joe pulling on his jacket had hurried out, with Doc right behind. Joe spotted his brother and headed over to stand in front of him. Adam could see the fear and worry, and traces of pain but at least Joe was on his feet and didn\u2019t look too bad.<\/p>\n \u201cTake it easy little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t do it Adam. You\u2019ve got nothing to prove. Think of Carole and the kids.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere doesn\u2019t seem to be much choice Joe. Thanks for trying to stand in for me, guess we\u2019re just too well known.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s fast. When did you last practise?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cQuite a while but they say you never forget. Dan look after Joe for me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease Adam, \u201c Joe begged. But his brother just smiled gently \u201cEasy little Joe, you know what to say if….\u201d Adam broke off not able to put his feelings into words with all the interested parties but knowing that Joe could read them in his eyes, He gave his brother a swift hug regardless of bystanders and then stepped out into the road, settling his belt easily.<\/p>\n For now Adam was oblivious of everyone and everything except what had to be done. He was very cool, although it was a long time since he had drawn a gun in anger, one to one, he was confident that his hand would move instinctively as it always had. He stood deceptively casual \u201cAlright Enders whenever you\u2019re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n Enders was tense but he was confident, he had already beaten one Cartwright and he could take this older man. As the challenger it was his first move and suddenly he went for his gun. In the complete silence everyone seemed to have stopped breathing as his hand moved. Unlike his brother Adam didn\u2019t move as he saw Enders make his move. His own gun came up smoothly, so fast it was almost impossible to see and there was one shot which took Enders\u2019 gun from his hand before he had it level. Enders looked down at his empty hand, numb from the blow, disbelievingly, this couldn\u2019t be happening he knew he was fast.<\/p>\n The onlookers were almost equally stunned, most of them knew about Adam\u2019s reputation but few had ever seen him in action and even those were convinced that he was faster than ever.<\/p>\n Adam walked over to the young man and picked up the gun. \u201cI don\u2019t want to kill you. Take your gun and put it away. I can take you any time, anywhere, and next time I won\u2019t aim for the gun. Bill Enders tried to have me shot in the back just before he was killed. You won\u2019t believe that because you don\u2019t believe what Bill was like. If you shoot me in the back now you will just be proving what the Enders family is like. I don\u2019t believe you are, I was wrong about Bill, I hope I\u2019m not wrong about you. Its finished,\u201d With that Adam put the gun back in Enders\u2019 holster and turned his back walking over to Joe.<\/p>\n Joe had stood, hardly daring to watch as Adam walked into the road. He held his breath as they waited for the men to draw and then, as Adam\u2019s hand moved too fast to see and Enders\u2019 gun went flying, he gasped and swayed. He was glad of Dan\u2019s support to keep him on his feet. He had never seen his brother draw so fast. Well aware of Adam\u2019s speed even so he was surprised. He saw the scene as though through a haze and his brother\u2019s voice seemed to boom as Adam spoke to Enders. Joe was oblivious of the outbreak of comment all round him as Adam came over to him. Joe was trembling and Adam put his arm round Joe and helped him into the saloon.<\/p>\n \u201cDan get us a couple of brandies please.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam helped Joe into a chair and pulled another chair up close. His brother was as white as a sheet and looked as though he might collapse any moment. Adam was too worried about Joe for reaction to the fight to affect him for the moment and seeing Doc he beckoned him over and asked anxiously \u201cHow bad is he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a crease, bones not touched. He lost a bit of blood, badly shaken and then you go and terrify him.\u201d<\/p>\n Relieved that there was no need to worry about Joe\u2019s physical condition, Adam managed a grin \u201cJoe should have more faith in his older brother.\u201d He took the brandy Dan passed him and held it to Joe\u2019s mouth \u201cCome on Little Joe, everything is alright, easy now.\u201d Adam slowly fed his brother the brandy; glad to see a little colour return to his lips, Eventually Joe pulled away from his brother \u201cI\u2019m alright.\u201d Adam could see he wasn\u2019t but with so many interested bystanders he accepted Joe\u2019s unwillingness to talk and as his brother had better colour and was sitting up straight, Adam gratefully drank his own brandy.<\/p>\n Roy came over to join the brothers. He had followed Enders once Adam left him, worried about what might develop. He sat down heavily and Adam, who\u2019d guessed where he\u2019d gone, asked, \u201cDown at the Bucket O\u2019Blood, drinking and staring at his hand as though he doesn\u2019t quite believe it. I didn\u2019t know you were that fast Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned, \u201cDon\u2019t let it get around, it might spoil my image, but I didn\u2019t either! Just one of those days when everything goes right.\u201d His grin faded as he thought what it might mean and he frowned at Dan, who was sitting next to Roy.<\/p>\n Dan could see what he was thinking, \u201cI can\u2019t help it Adam. Its news I have to print it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed heavily “I know and it wouldn\u2019t make any difference if you didn\u2019t. Too many people around, word will spread and inevitably get exaggerated.\u201d Adam shook his head \u201cI should have kept my big mouth shut shouldn\u2019t I? Something more than a fast gun!\u201d he sighed \u201cOh God!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe put his hand on Adam\u2019s arm, worried about his brother and Adam forced himself to relax<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry Joe. It\u2019ll soon die down and I won\u2019t be around to tempt anyone to try their luck this summer. Too damned busy out at the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n None of the others were too sure about that, all knowing just how impressive a performance it had been and how word was going to spread. Adam got up. \u201cDan will you keep an eye on Joe for me please. I\u2019ll go and collect the cash and our horses. Time we got you home little brother, you look all in.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t object, but as Adam went out he looked over at Roy, \u201cIs it over or will Enders try again?\u201d<\/p>\n Neither of the others could give him a firm answer, they didn\u2019t know Tony Enders and his brother\u2019s performance didn\u2019t engender confidence. Even if Enders kept out of it, when word spread someone might well try and use Adam to gain a reputation, and word would spread nothing was more certain.<\/p>\n Adam was equally aware of the results of this days work but he still didn\u2019t see that he had had any choice and there was nothing that he could do about it now so he endeavoured to put it to the back of his mind. For safety\u2019s sake he would put in some practice on his draw, but so far noone had been killed, things could be a lot worse. In sombre mood, the expression on his face was sufficient to deter anyone from commenting to him direct, although the whole town was still buzzing. Adam went into the bank to complete his business and collect the money belt. Jim Fair found him there and asked if he would spare time to settle the contract. Adam wanted to get his brother home and was in no mood to haggle over terms. He told Jim to give Schussler what he asked for, if it was more than they\u2019d expected the Ponderosa would bear the difference. As Jim had the contract with him, with the terms awaiting filling in, Adam, broke with his usual habit and signed it, leaving Jim to arrange the details, Even Fair didn\u2019t push for once, recognising that Adam had withdrawn into himself and wasn\u2019t willing to talk.<\/p>\n In all Adam was in the bank for twenty minutes, plenty of time for two men who had their own ideas about the day\u2019s events. The men Hank Munro and Jim Trent had tangled with the Cartwright brothers before. They had been with Pardoe\u2019s gang two years earlier when both brothers had been badly hurt. After Hoss beat Bull Pardoe and Bull was killed the two men had faded into the background and the Cartwrights hadn\u2019t cared enough to bother with them. In a strange way that had rankled and without Bull\u2019s reputation they had become nonentities in Virginia City. Now they saw the chance of getting a stake and a reputation in one go. Trent had been close enough to hear Roy offer to escort Joe and the money to the Ponderosa, seeing Adam go into the bank he was confident that the Cartwrights would be carrying a substantial sum. The two men went into the Bucket O\u2019Blood and joined the youngster, still sitting staring morosely at his hand, unable to believe what had happened. Enders had been drinking but in his current mood it didn\u2019t seem to be having any effect, lost in his own thoughts. The two men joined him and they were very sympathetic. They spoke of their friend who had died because of Adam although not going into any details and soon had Enders convinced that what had happened was just a fluke. They persuaded Enders that he could take Cartwright if he could just face him away from the sheriff and all the rest of the town folks. Almost before he knew what was happening Tony Enders found himself riding out of town with them, determined to face Adam again on his way home and finally settle for his brother.<\/p>\n When Adam got back to the Palace with the horses, Joe had calmed down a little and assured his brother brusquely that he was alright as he went out to Cochise. Everything had already been said and Adam just said good bye to his friends, knowing that they would do what they could to stamp out the wilder versions of the day\u2019s events. Roy warned him to watch his back, but Adam wasn\u2019t expecting any further trouble in the near future and just nodded, going out to join Joe. He pulled Blackie in close to Cochise but Joe wasn\u2019t seriously hurt and now he had got over the shock of the second gunfight, he was back in control. The brothers rode close together but not talking as they made their way out of town. Once they had turned onto the road to the Ponderosa and the traffic had eased Joe asked, \u201cWhat are you going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing I can do little brother. Watch my back as Roy said, maybe put in some practise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have to, I know I\u2019m not at my best but I hadn\u2019t realised I\u2019d slowed so much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe you haven\u2019t, he\u2019s fast. I\u2019ve never had everything go so smoothly before. Lucky but I can\u2019t rely on it happening again. You\u2019d better come and stay for a couple of days. Pa\u2019s not home and I don\u2019t want you on your own. You\u2019ve got some blood to make up, let it start healing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay Hop Sing can get anything I need.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be daft Joe. Carole can keep an eye on you while I go up to the lumber camp and you can make sure that she doesn\u2019t overdo things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you going to tell her? She\u2019s only just had a baby.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I\u2019ll just have to tell her what happened. I haven\u2019t any choice she knows me too well. Another reason for you coming, help stop her worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m alright I can manage at the camp.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head, \u201cNo! Not for a few days you\u2019ve been badly shaken, you can\u2019t deny it.\u201d Adam had been sure that Enders was too stunned by his complete subjugation to get himself together for a while and the last thing he expected was more trouble that day. Maybe in a couple of days there would be trouble but not yet. The delay in town hadn\u2019t been long enough for the kid to get well liquored up, which might be the only way he would face Adam again. The shot from the trees took Adam totally by surprise, it just grazed his ribs but before he could react three men appeared and two of them had guns levelled on the brothers. Joe was dragged roughly from Cochise and one of the men searched him roughly for the money, starting his side bleeding again but Joe was more worried about his brother and was barely aware of the warm blood or the pain. Adam tried to go to his brother but he was shoved roughly to the ground and took a kick in the stomach. The other man then yanked his shirt and jacket back and gave a grunt of satisfaction as he saw the well-filled money belt. The belt had taken the main force of the bullet and it had been driven into Adam\u2019s side, as it was torn from his body it took a chunk of skin with it and the blood began pouring down his side. Adam choked back the cry of pain, biting his lip, worrying about Joe. Enders just watched not really understanding what was happening and Adam, fighting for control of his breathing, looked up at him and said bitterly \u201cI was wrong about you too. Just like your brother, a thief. Are you a murderer like him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want your money.\u201d Enders said. He\u2019d started almost convulsively, only really taking in what was happening as Adam spoke. Before Adam could say any more he got a boot in the side, which just about took all his breath away. Munroe concentrated on calming Enders down \u201cYou\u2019ll get your chance at him. This just a perk for me and my mate.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe glared at him \u201cSome perk more than thirty thousand dollars.\u201d His only answer was a punch in the side right on his wound and he sunk to his knees hugging himself as the pain slashed through him. Enders licked his lips, out of his depth but refusing to admit it even to himself. \u201cLet him alone, I\u2019ve no argument with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled himself to his feet, drawn and still short of breath, desperately worried about Joe and the situation they\u2019d got themselves into. He vaguely recognised the two older men and the bloodlust in their eyes was all too obvious. Their only chance might lie with the kid if his first opinion of Enders hadn\u2019t been too far wrong. He forced Enders to meet his eye \u201cYou have no argument with me either. Your brother broke the law just as you are doing. He paid the penalty, back out now or you\u2019ll do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n Enders looked from Adam to his brother and then at the two men who were backing him, one still holding the bloody money-belt. For a second he couldn\u2019t avoid the thought that he was on the wrong side but he pushed it from him, sustained by years of hatred and dreams of revenge. He wouldn\u2019t meet Adam\u2019s eye as he said, \u201cYou\u2019ll get your chance, face me just as in town only alone. No sheriff to back you up here.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was puzzled, \u201cIts only hours since you tried that. I can take you, in town, here, anywhere. You\u2019re not as fast.\u201d<\/p>\n Enders didn\u2019t answer but he told the other two to stay out of it, just keep Joe back. Trent pulled Joe back towards the trees and Munroe grinned \u201cSure he\u2019s all yours kid.\u201d Neither Munroe nor Trent had any intention of letting Adam or Joe leave the spot alive. There was even more money than they had hoped and an ideal scapegoat in Enders, but for it to work they had to kill both the Cartwrights and once well clear take care of the kid too. Adam didn\u2019t need the plan laid out and he tried once more \u201cDon\u2019t be a fool Enders. They are using you, all they want is our money and then they\u2019ll kill you too.\u201d<\/p>\n His only answer was a vicious blow from Munroe\u2019s gun barrel across the biceps on his right arm. As the gun sight bit deep into his muscle Adam couldn\u2019t help the cry of pain and he went down on one knee nursing his maimed arm. He remembered the previous occasion when he\u2019d had a similar blow and he finally placed Munroe. He had seen that same face gloating then too, Adam\u2019s right arm was on fire, numb below the injury and useless and he could only see through a red haze. He shook his head trying to clear it as he heard Munroe say, \u201cHe\u2019s all yours kid. I reckon you\u2019ve got a fair chance now,\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had been vaguely aware of his brother crying out and he looked over at Joe. Little Joe had seen what Munroe was doing a split second before the blow landed and cried out \u201cAdam.\u201d He had tried to go to his brother, but another blow on his ribs had sent him to the ground. He was lying holding his side, white and in obvious pain, but still more concerned about his brother, Enders stood facing him ready to draw as Adam slowly got to his feet, still nursing his useless right arm. Enders didn\u2019t really approve of what Munroe had done but he didn\u2019t understand the effects of the blow and his hatred enabled him to cut out the meaning of the white drawn face, as the man he hated came to his feet. Very slowly Adam straightened his right arm but he couldn\u2019t work his fingers and there was no way he could hold his gun. For a moment he stood still breathing deeply trying to get control. Then he said \u201cI\u2019m not drawing, just turning the butt.\u201d Adam slowly turned his gun with his left hand until the butt was ready to draw left handed. He eased it slightly in the holster, hoping it wouldn\u2019t catch in this unusual position. Joe was off to his left and Adam tried to smile reassuringly at his brother. Joe couldn\u2019t stand straight, holding his ribs but his only thoughts were for his brother \u201cAdam don\u2019t. It will be murder just plain murder.\u201d The anguish in his voice penetrated the shell Enders had built round himself and he glanced over at Joe and for the first time took in his condition. He swallowed hard but his hatred of so many years was proof against it and he faced Adam. Joe tried again \u201cThink of Carole, the children. Marie\u2019s only a week old, they need you. Please Adam you can\u2019t draw left handed.\u201d Little Joe couldn\u2019t help a sob and Adam would have given a lot to go to his brother but he couldn\u2019t and he pushed all thought of Joe and his family from his mind as he faced Enders. If he could just get his gun out maybe he could do something, if he didn\u2019t draw they would be killed anyway. Enders might not murder them in cold blood but the others would and enjoy it. Enders stood facing Adam, his mind in turmoil, sensing the love between the brothers, obvious in their tones. The sort of affection he\u2019d always dreamt of, the reason he hated Adam, for taking his brother away. Yet in his heart he knew that Bill had never had any time for him. He\u2019d always thought that when he was older Bill would notice him but he\u2019d never had the chance to find out. He looked from one brother to the other and then at the two men waiting for him to draw, enjoying the prospect of him gunning down the injured man one still holding the bloody money-belt. Suddenly Enders knew that he couldn\u2019t do it, Adam had claimed his brother was a murderer and thief and if he did this he would be exactly that, whatever Bill had been. He found himself remembering the streak of cruelty Bill had had when he was at home and comparing him to Adam. Adam had had every right to kill him in town, after all he had already shot one Cartwright, and yet Adam had just shot the gun from his hand. The thoughts raced through his mind as he stood hesitating and then Munroe said \u201cGet on with it kid we don\u2019t have all day.\u201d Joe just gripped Adam\u2019s left arm for a moment neither of them able to speak and then Adam said<\/p>\n \u201cGod we were lucky. How bad is your side Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSore. I thought he\u2019d kill you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand either, just thank God. Sit down Joe let me rebandage that side.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe giggled, almost hysterical with relief, \u201cHow, one handed? What about your side?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam put his good arm round his brother\u2019s shoulders, feeling the tension in him \u201cEasy Joe, it\u2019s alright. God still on our side.\u201d<\/p>\n Very slowly Joe relaxed against his brother, weak and in pain but against all the odds they had survived. Enders finally looked up and saw the brothers close together, both white and in pain, the affection between them so very obvious. Neither were paying him any attention as Adam, clumsy left\u2013handed, tried with what help Joe could give him to tighten the bandage round his ribs and stop the bleeding. Adam had put his right hand in his jacket for some support and was trying to ignore the throbbing agony in it. Enders got to his feet and went over, wanting to attract Adam\u2019s attention he just touched his right arm, not at all aware of the damage Munroe had done. Adam couldn\u2019t help the cry of pain at the touch and Enders flinched back as though he\u2019d been stung. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam swallowed hard \u201cAlright. Just don\u2019t touch my arm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you let me help?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, can you pull it tight. Got to stop the bleeding so I can get him home.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gritted his teeth against the pain, but as it eased, he looked up at Enders \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you shoot Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs it finished?\u201d asked Joe,<\/p>\n Enders laughed bitterly \u201cFor the next twenty years I won\u2019t have much choice. Maybe I should have shot while I had the chance.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam said \u201cI took a chance there was something in you. Bill wasn\u2019t all bad, he was my friend once. You\u2019ve proved me right but you haven\u2019t answered my brother\u2019s question. Is it finished?\u201d<\/p>\n Slowly Enders nodded \u201cI can\u2019t outdraw you and I won\u2019t murder you and maybe….\u201d he broke off, he couldn\u2019t admit yet that Adam had been justified in killing his brother, he had hated Adam for too long, in the abstract.<\/p>\n Joe said, \u201cYour horse is over there, ride out. We won\u2019t try and stop you. You helped us and if its finished for you then it is for us too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I helped rob you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cWe have our money and the two men who took it are dead. They were using you; they would have killed you once we were dead. As Joe said you helped us.\u201d<\/p>\n Enders stood there hesitant and Adam asked, \u201cAre you going back to Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. I thought you would have me arrested.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo its over. Just that if you were you could ask Doc to come out to my house, Joe\u2019s undone all his hard work and it needs stitching again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a graze and a bruised arm. I\u2019m fine. If you aren\u2019t it doesn\u2019t matter. I\u2019ll get one of the hands to go once I\u2019ve got Joe home.\u201d Both brothers looked on the verge of collapse to Enders and almost without thinking he said \u201cI\u2019ll go but let me see you home first, don\u2019t neither of you look too good.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam accepted knowing if Joe should collapse before they got home, one handed he\u2019d be able to do little to help his brother. Enders helped Joe onto Cochise while Adam slowly mounted and then he looked at the two dead men \u201cHow about them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get someone to take them into Roy, the sheriff, just at the minute I don\u2019t much care.\u201d<\/p>\n Enders felt very awkward as he pulled his horse in the other side of Cochise, but soon he was too busy to have time to worry. Little Joe had lost quite a lot of blood, although the wound wasn\u2019t particularly serious and the day had been one alarm after another. With the pain of his wound and the terror he had felt for his brother, he was close to collapse, now he was no longer held up by the tension and he had a job to hold onto his senses. Adam tried to steady him but the pain from his arm threatened to engulf his whole body and he was very glad when Enders moved to lead Cochise. As the house came into view Adam straightened up \u201cWill you look after Joe for a couple of minutes Tony. I want to warn my wife. It\u2019s only a week since she had a baby and I don\u2019t want to scare her too much.\u201d<\/p>\n Enders looked at him in amazement \u201cYou\u2019d trust me?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled, slightly ruefully, \u201cIf you\u2019d wanted to murder us we\u2019d be dead. You could have just stood back and let that pair kill us, they\u2019d have enjoyed it. Instead you helped us. Why shouldn\u2019t I trust you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI shot him. I wanted to kill you, that\u2019s why I came.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said it\u2019s finished, I believe you, we start again, you\u2019ve more than squared anything you did. Anyway Joe said it was a fair fight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll look after him\u201d Tony promised very earnestly and Adam smiled, \u201cI won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hurried into the house leaving the others to follow more slowly. He dismounted and took a moment to get control of himself before walking in, but although he hid most signs of pain he was still very pale and his arm was supported in his jacket. Carole came to her feet as soon as she saw him but Adam smiled and hurried over to her. \u201cEasy my love. Everything is alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re hurt. That\u2019s blood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a scratch and I\u2019ve bruised my arm. There was some trouble but its over. No need to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n She scanned his face but what she saw in his eyes reassured her and she sank back down \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPositive. Joe is hurt, just a crease but he\u2019s lost too much blood, needs to go to bed, He\u2019ll be here in a minute. Don\u2019t worry alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you left Joe alone?\u201d Carole asked in disbelief.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not. A friend is with him, Tony Enders. They\u2019ll be here in a minute. I just wanted to warn you first. There\u2019s nothing to worry about, Joe will be fine in a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m alright darling. I\u2019ll go and heat a bed for Joe. Hop Sing is out with Kam Su ask him to get some water on”<\/p>\n Adam kissed her \u201cEasy my love. I\u2019m sorry to spring it on you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be silly. I\u2019m not an invalid. Sounds as though they are here.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam moved out as Enders pulled up by the hitchrail and between them they helped Joe into the house. Weakened Adam couldn\u2019t do much, but under his directions Enders got Joe upstairs into the spare room, and there Adam and Carole helped him out of his coat and shirt. Jess hesitated, seeing that Adam was hurt, but slowly he holstered his gun. \u201cFrom what I heard in town, that don\u2019t seem too likely! What\u2019s going on Adam? There are two bodies on the roadside.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I presume you\u2019ve met Tony Enders. Tony this is Jess, he works for us, good friend of mine. Tony saved my life too Jess.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess frowned \u201cHe was trying to kill you in town, everyone was talking about that gunfight.\u201d Adam sighed \u201cI\u2019ll explain later. We need to fetch Doc first and do something about those bodies.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess said \u201cI sent Red back to town to tell Roy about the bodies. How bad are you hurt Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not me, it\u2019s Joe. Just a gash on his side but it needs stitching. If Roy knows there\u2019s been trouble maybe safer if you stayed here Tony until I can straighten things out. Jess will you go and get Doc please?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure it\u2019s alright?\u201d Jess asked suspiciously, but Adam just grinned. \u201cDo you think I\u2019d take any chances with Carole and the kids here? Of course it is. I\u2019ll explain later, get Doc. Calm Roy down. Tell him that two men tried to rob Joe and I and that I\u2019ll come in and give him a full report later; be in for the inquest. You can tell him that it\u2019s all finished, no more trouble.\u201d Adam clapped his arm round his friend\u2019s shoulder; \u201cYou should stop believing everything you hear Jess.\u201d<\/p>\n Once Jess had gone Adam told Tony to take his coat off and make himself at home. It was the safest place for him until everything had been straightened out. Then, with Carole, Adam went back to his brother. She wasn\u2019t as easy to placate as Jess and Adam had to tell her a suitably edited version of what had happened, with a little help from Joe. Joe felt better with a chance to sit still and Carole could see that neither of them were seriously hurt, but even so she lost colour as she listened to the account of the day\u2019s events. She was glad when Marie cried and she was able to turn her attention to the baby, the sane routine. Joe was struggling to stay awake and Adam told his brother to get some rest, knowing that Hop Sing would call if he was needed. Adam headed down to get a drink, feeling very sorry for himself. However even the pain in his arm didn\u2019t prevent his laughter as he took in the scene downstairs. Tony Enders looked very far removed from the vindictive young gunman he\u2019d faced on the street a few hours ago. He looked very much younger and totally bemused as he tried to cope with the twins. Two excitable youngsters who were used to being spoilt by all visitors to the house and were trying out this new man to see how far they could go. Unused to children Tony didn\u2019t know what to do with the two-year-olds. Adam laughed but taking pity on Tony he moved down \u201cDavid, Mark come here.\u201d<\/p>\n Seeing their father the twins ran to him and Adam fended them off, \u201cCalm down you two ruffians. Have you had dinner yet?\u201d<\/p>\n They were more interested in the strange sling, but after five minutes Adam was able to hand them over to Kam Su to get tea and he poured out a brandy. \u201cWant one Tony?\u201d<\/p>\n Tony was uneasy but he accepted the drink gratefully and Adam sank down into the chair opposite him. It had been a most peculiar day and that morning felt a very long way away. Both men felt awkward but slowly Adam drew Tony out and learnt a little of his background, the vague stories he\u2019d heard about his brother and his mother\u2019s encouragement of his instinct for revenge. Adam tried to tell him as gently as he could what had actually happened so long ago and, if Tony couldn\u2019t accept it, he no longer refused to listen. In fact he found it hard to disbelieve Adam, the older man\u2019s actions that day spoke very powerfully on his behalf.<\/p>\n Both men were glad when Doc arrived and not particularly surprised to see Roy and Dan with him. All sorts of rumours were running round town and despite Jess\u2019 assurances they had wanted to find out what was happening,<\/p>\n Adam told them exactly what had happened, stressing Tony\u2019s help and that he was no longer looking for revenge. As he finished Tony asked if there would be trouble and Roy looked over at Adam \u201cYou\u2019re satisfied I take it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore than satisfied. All in all I think Joe and I are very lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy nodded, \u201cYeah you may be right.\u201d He looked over at Tony \u201cIf Adam isn\u2019t pressing charges there\u2019ll be no problems. An inquest, say day after tomorrow, just a formality.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen we can forget it. Thank God,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cAmen.\u201d Added Dan<\/p>\n Tony decided to ride back to town with Roy and Dan. As he went out to his horse Adam walked out with them \u201cIt may sound odd just now Tony, but if I can help anytime, if you need a job or anything you\u2019d be very welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n Tony didn\u2019t know what to say and just muttered \u201cI\u2019ll remember.\u201d Dan moved over to his old friend, \u201cYou don\u2019t have to go that far Adam, you\u2019re a soft-hearted fool at times.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s okay Dan, like Bill but without the cruel streak.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe got you both into trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe, but he helped pull us out too. I\u2019m not saying I owe him anything but I\u2019ll trust my own judgement, he\u2019s come through once. I think he\u2019d be an asset to the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan shrugged, he couldn\u2019t say that Adam was wrong, even if he wouldn\u2019t have been so forgiving.<\/p>\n Adam went back in when everyone had gone and sunk down in a chair absolutely exhausted. Doc had cleaned his side and had a look at his arm but he\u2019d been unable to help, just fashioning a rather better sling. Joe stitched up again and rebandaged was fast asleep. And Carole was putting the children to bed.<\/p>\n Adam shut his eyes and tried to get the day\u2019s events into perspective. At least he had nothing to fear from Enders now and hopefully the furore over his fast draw would soon fade. At the moment he couldn\u2019t hold a gun even if he wanted to. His head was throbbing in sympathy with his arm and for the moment he didn\u2019t have to hide his pain and near exhaustion as Carole was upstairs. Adam wasn\u2019t even aware of the door opening, and the first he knew was his father\u2019s horrified comment \u201cOh my God.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam opened his eyes and to his surprise saw not only his father but his brother and Jos\u00e9. He sat up and tried to grin, it didn\u2019t work and he said, \u201cI know news gets round this ranch but not that fast! How… what are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss asked anxiously \u201cAre you alright Adam? And Joe ?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s upstairs asleep, nothing serious, we\u2019re both okay.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben raised his eyebrows as he looked at the sling but made no comment. \u201cI don\u2019t understand, I was told you shot his gun out of his hand and walked away untouched.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you hear Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was over with Hoss and one of the lumber crew came back. He\u2019d been in town for supplies. Jos\u00e9 heard too and we met him just up the road. I thought we ought to talk if someone is after your hide. Especially as I shot Enders, not you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLot happened, since then Pa. Its all over, I\u2019ll get some coffee and fill you in.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gently pushed his brother back in the chair. \u201cYou stay put, you look exhausted. I\u2019ll get coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks.\u201d Adam was glad of a minute or two to regain control and slowly he managed to hide his pain. Ben had seen it too clearly when he first arrived to be fooled but as Carole joined them she was able to confirm that Doc had been out and neither of his sons had taken any serious harm. Once he had coffee and Hop Sing had joined Kam Su to get food, Adam told his father and brother exactly what had happened since he went to look for Joe at lunchtime. He relaxed as he talked but he couldn\u2019t face food.<\/p>\n Ben was worried about the long-term effects but thankful that his sons had got off relatively lightly. By the time he\u2019d finished Adam was fighting to keep his eyes open and Ben told Hoss to help his brother to bed. Adam was too tired to argue and accepted Hoss\u2019 help to get undressed. His arm was very swollen and Hoss commented \u201cYou had an injury like this once before.\u201d \u201cA bit!\u201d Hoss sighed, \u201cIt\u2019ll be out of action for two weeks at least. Come on into bed with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou going back in the morning?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, getting a bit late now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll ride up with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss stared at him in disbelief \u201cYou ain\u2019t going anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTaking over from Joe for a few days. He\u2019s not fit enough and you can\u2019t cope alone.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss knew his usual success rate in changing his older brother\u2019s mind and he just shook his head \u201cGet some sleep. We\u2019ll argue it out in the morning, but if you don\u2019t look a lot better, Pa certainly won\u2019t allow it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSore and near exhausted. You\u2019ve done a real good job today now get some sleep.\u201d Adam grunted and was almost asleep before Hoss had left the room. Hoss went over and looked in on his little brother, Joe was still asleep and although a little pale he wasn\u2019t feverish so Hoss wasn\u2019t too worried. He could understand why Joe had tried to stand in for their brother but he was very surprised by the great difference in the outcome of the two gunfights. Adam had always had the slight edge on Joe, but it had been minor, and Hoss wondered how badly the accident last autumn was still affecting Joe.<\/p>\n Carole slipped in next to Adam, rather surprised at how calm she felt, but as neither of them were seriously hurt and everything was settled, she found it reasonably easy to push to the back of her mind. She was glad that Enders had accepted the truth knowing that she would be a lot more worried if he was still out for revenge. She had seen how upset and confused Enders still was. but there had been no hatred when he looked at Adam.<\/p>\n Ben and Hoss had gone home but were back over early, Ben had to go to the mines and then had business in Carson City which would take a couple of days. He hadn\u2019t been surprised when Hoss told him that Adam was intending taking over from Joe and rather to his big son\u2019s surprise he hadn\u2019t vetoed it out of hand. However he certainly wasn\u2019t letting Adam go until he had seen how he was after a night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n Adam had slept like a log, not even hearing Carole getting up to Marie, until the twins bounced in on them. He felt and looked much better although his arm was still useless and throbbing. Very inefficient with his left hand he enlisted Carole\u2019s help to get his shirt on and do up the buttons. She settled his arm in a sling and then Adam heard Joe moving around and went in to see how his brother was. Joe was stiff and pale, feeling rather weak although he wouldn\u2019t admit it, but he grinned at his brother \u201cHow\u2019s your arm?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUseless, but it\u2019ll be okay in a few days. How do you feel?\u201d Over breakfast Adam warned his brother of their father\u2019s probable arrival, amusing him with complaints about just how quickly word spread around the Ponderosa. Both brothers were used to it but even so this time it was remarkably fast. They were both hungry and made a good meal, even though Adam needed his cut up for him. They were sipping coffee and fending off the twins when Ben and Hoss rode in. The twins ran to the newcomers and Adam got some more cups. Carole came down with Marie and Adam sat back amused until his family had all finished exclaiming over the little girl and how much she had grown in a few days.<\/p>\n The relaxed expression on his eldest son\u2019s face went a long way to reconciling his father to Adam\u2019s plan and Ben just listened as Adam insisted that he would take over from Joe for a week. Joe could handle the paperwork and stay with Carole and they could look after each other. Joe protested he was fine, but even to him his protests seemed to lack something, and Ben just ignored him. Ben tentatively suggested Adam go to Carson City instead of him but Adam just grinned and held his right arm, gently massaging it. \u201cPa you know we need detailed notes of that meeting. My memory is pretty good but I wouldn\u2019t trust it that far. I can\u2019t write, there\u2019s no point in me going. Equally Joe can cope here easier than me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s paperwork at the lumber cap too.\u201d Ben pointed out.<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cMainly for my own information, I can scribble left handed as long as noone else has to read it and I can do it at my own rate.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned and drank his coffee, watching Adam carefully. He could see his son was in some pain from his arm but otherwise he looked very much better and Ben knew that stubborn look too well. Probably Adam was talking sense and it was the easiest way, certainly Joe couldn\u2019t do it, he looked very drawn and weak. Ben looked over at Carole \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n Carole smiled, \u201cJoe can look after us. When Adam gets that look, none of us are going to budge him so we might as well give in gracefully.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben could only laugh \u201cAlright Adam have it your own way. Take over at least until the weekend. How about the inquest?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe can handle that, he was there. Roy said that it would just be a formality. He\u2019s already heard my story.\u201d Satisfied that he had got his own way, Adam went to collect what he needed and Hoss went with him determined his brother wasn\u2019t going to strain his arm. Once they were ready to go Adam went to say goodbye to his family while Hoss saddled Blackie. Joe and Ben went out with him and Joe bit his lip feeling very guilty, dragging his brother away from his newborn daughter so soon. He really didn\u2019t feel well enough to go out to the camp and cope there and the others had noticed his lack of protest and knew he was feeling worse than he would admit. Hoss promised to get over to the other camp at least once a day to make sure that Adam wasn\u2019t overdoing things and to help out if necessary. Ben didn\u2019t really need that reassurance and turned to Adam as he came out. Hoss clapped his arm round Joe\u2019s shoulders Stop worrying. You got hurt helping him and Adam knows you\u2019ll take good care of his family so he won\u2019t fret.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned his big brother knew him so well \u201cSure you just keep an eye on him.\u201d Adam moved Blackie close to Chub and the brothers set off. Adam tried to relax and ignore the jolting pain in his arm and shoulder; at least Blackie\u2019s gait was smooth. Hoss saw his brother gradually lose colour but for a while he didn\u2019t comment. Eventually as he saw Adam bite his lip against the pain he couldn\u2019t keep quiet. \u201cAdam you sure you\u2019re gonna be alright? I could get Johnny to handle one camp for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStop fussing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not, that arm\u2019s playing you up, I can see you\u2019re in pain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay so it\u2019s painful. Whatever I do isn\u2019t going to alter that and the busier I am the more I can ignore it. It\u2019s only bruised Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss knew better than to push it when Adam spoke in that tone of voice and for a long while they travelled in silence. Then Hoss asked his brother for more details about the previous day\u2019s events. He was worried about the effects of the gunfight, but although equally worried Adam laughed it off. He wasn\u2019t going to be forced into a gunfight by any gunhappy kid and it would soon die down. As they separated Hoss promised to come over that evening and dared his brother to overdo it.<\/p>\n Adam found the next five days very hard. At times he had no choice but to use his right arm even if it did protest. He had dispensed with the sling despite his arm swelling each time he used it but on occasion he thrust it into his jacket for support, when the throbbing got too bad. Still he had managed to keep things on schedule and he was very relieved when Sunday came and Hoss came by to pick him up to ride on home.<\/p>\n Once Adam had made a fuss of the twins and cuddled his new daughter and wife, he spared time to look at his younger brother. Joe looked one hundred percent better and was ready to take over so Adam could relax and enjoy his family and the superb dinner Carole had prepared.<\/p>\n \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
\nJoe bit his lip \u201cIt\u2019s too early.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWhen Adam and Joe came back up, Adam was calmer, Joe hadn\u2019t got him to talk but the brandy had helped and his elder brother had a little colour back. Adam took over from his brother and Hoss said, \u201cCome on Joe let\u2019s plait some towels for her.\u201d He led Joe over to the window and in a low voice queried \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThanks Jess. Go and get Buck from the livery stable for me please, while I get dressed. I\u2019ll meet you out front in ten minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam couldn\u2019t look he was so scared it would be deformed and he stared unseeingly at Carole, telling himself at least his wife was alright. Joe was little better, he could see the panic in Adam\u2019s eyes and was scared it meant his fears had been justified, he bit his lip and waited. It was left to Hoss to pick up the newborn child and swiftly examined it before cutting the cord and then grinning broadly he said \u201cYou were right Carole, you have a perfect little girl.\u201d The child acknowledged that with a strong cry but Adam still looked at his big brother, the question clear in his eyes and Hoss repeated \u201cPerfect. She’s going to be a beauty like her Mum. She\u2019s already got dark eyes and long eyelashes.\u201d At that Adam held out his arms and took his daughter, \u201cShe\u2019s lovely.\u201d He said, his voice breaking. Then not wanting to upset Carole he busied himself cleaning up the baby.<\/p>\n
\nAdam wasn\u2019t sure, he didn\u2019t like to leave her, but Joe took his arm and he let himself be led out, needing the support of his brother\u2019s arm as reaction set in. Ben saw them coming downstairs and for a moment his heart felt as though it stopped, both his sons looked so drawn that he feared disaster had struck. Then Adam forced a grin, a travesty of one, but the best he could manage, \u201cSorry to drag you out here for nothing Paul. She\u2019s just had a baby girl, less than five minutes ago. They\u2019re fine Hoss is with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI know. I didn\u2019t say it was logical but babies are born imperfect for all sorts of reasons and if this one had done so I don\u2019t know what Carole would have done. It was just so close. I couldn\u2019t help being scared, Carole says I\u2019m a born worrier, I guess she\u2019s right. It was just the early hours I couldn\u2019t always sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHoss shrugged \u201cMaybe I\u2019d heard it somewhere without remembering or maybe God sorta helped out. Anyway Mother Nature does the real work in childbirth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam smiled \u201cYou don\u2019t even know where I want to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoe squeezed his shoulder, \u201cCome on Adam, take it easy. It doesn\u2019t matter. It was tough with Doc not coming, scared for the baby.\u201d Joe broke off knowing that his brother wasn\u2019t hearing a word and he moved closer and held Adam close to him, rubbing his back as Adam had so often done for him as a child. \u201cEasy Adam easy, everything is fine,\u201d Slowly he felt his brother relax against him and eventually Adam sat up \u201cThanks Joe. I\u2019m fine now. I don\u2019t know why I get myself in such a state, I\u2019m so very lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cElizabeth Marie is nice too but I tried it on the twins and both firmly said Lizzie. I\u2019m scared if they once start that we\u2019ll all pick it up and I don\u2019t like the short forms. The only thing is.\u201d She hesitated, \u201cI don\u2019t want to upset Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBecause it doesn\u2019t affect them.\u201d Adam passed Joe a drink \u201cCarole would like to call the baby Marie Elizabeth, the order of the names is up to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoe smiled, he had his answer Adam was determined to leave it open for his brother but he would really prefer his daughter to be Marie, Joe tossed of the brandy and said \u201cI think its a wonderful idea and I know that Marie would be thrilled. I believe she still will be. When Carole wakes up I\u2019ll thank her, meanwhile lets go and tell Pa and Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nDoc came out to check mother and child and after pronouncing himself delighted with their progress, he passed onto Adam a message from Fair and Mckay. They were anxious to talk to him in town. The man he had as first choice for the detailed survey had been sufficiently interested to come to Virginia City and was in town. Adam hesitated, he wanted to see the man but Marie was only a few days old and although Carole was up and around it was bound to be tiring with the twins as well. Carole grinned at him, able to read her husband like a book in this at least, \u201cDoc will you tell Jim Fair that Adam will be in early tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSchussler studied them in silence for five minutes. \u201cImpressive\u201d he said eventually \u201cI take it this is the flume I have heard about.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIf you can ride escort back, I\u2019ll get five or six weeks wages. Pa didn\u2019t want me carrying too much cash on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam was more concerned with Schussler. He had talked to several people whose opinion he valued while he was in San Francisco and all had spoken highly of the man\u2019s ability. Adam had spared a couple of hours and gone to look at the Spring Valley works personally. If it wasn\u2019t quite the way he would have handled the job, the engineering was impressive. The buildings stark and utilitarian offended Adam\u2019s artistic sense but he wasn\u2019t hiring an architect, anything required in that way he could handle personally. Adam had been warned that Schussler was a self-opinionated abrasive man but Adam didn\u2019t mind that, provided he knew what he was talking about. In fact he thought his brothers would positively welcome it, he knew they had no great faith in his ability to delegate the work.<\/p>\n
\nAdam smiled, \u201cProbably not. However we will have to live with the final result on our land long after you have moved on and I am not giving up my veto. I won\u2019t use it unnecessarily and I\u2019ll listen to any arguments you have against it but only time will show that. We don\u2019t know each other but again only time will help. I don\u2019t want a yes man or someone who is going to push the detailed decisions my way, I have a lot of other things to do this summer, planned in before this idea came up. Contracts to meet. I won\u2019t be looking over you shoulder all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam frowned \u201cI went out to the Lake to show Mr Schussler the lie of the land but I was meeting Joe here. What\u2019s happened? Is he hurt? He was collecting a lot of money; that\u2019s why I was meeting him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe\u2019s fast. Faster than Joe anyway, or maybe Joe just didn\u2019t take him seriously enough, he walked away untouched.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cRide out Adam, now. I\u2019ll get Joe home with the money. Let things settle.\u201d Roy urged but Adam shook his head. \u201cDo you really think they will Roy? It must be eight or nine years since Bill Enders died, the kid has had a long time to get his version fixed in his mind. I\u2019m not riding out and leaving trouble to hit later. Maybe finding my little brother back shot. Do you think I could live with it if anything happened to Joe because this kid thinks he\u2019s me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWord had spread quickly about the earlier shooting and the saloon was crowded as Tony Enders came back, He had soon found out who he had actually shot and the word was brought to him in the Bucket o\u2019 Blood that his original target was now in the Palace. Even if Adam had wanted to go home, to run away, it was doubtful that he would have made it.
\nEnders pushed his way through and stared at Adam for a minute, then he glanced at the sheriff<\/p>\n
\nTony Enders nodded and turned to walk out, the crowd opening before him. As Adam got to his feet Roy gripped his arm, \u201cLet me arrest him, Adam, don\u2019t fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhere is he?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDoesn\u2019t need much exaggeration. I\u2019ve never seen faster \u201c Roy commented.<\/p>\n
\nWhile the brothers were wrangling they drew close to the wooded section of the trail where two years earlier Pardoe had ambushed them. His men hadn\u2019t forgotten and were waiting with Enders. Enders wasn\u2019t quite clear what they intended, but they promised him his chance at Adam. They would just force him to stop and keep the other guy out of it.<\/p>\n
\nAdam took a minute to get control of himself, the only chance they had was his gun, he was still armed although Joe\u2019s gun had been taken. If he could just get his gun out he was a reasonable shot left-handed. Three to one the chances were remote but he didn\u2019t know what else to do, maybe he could at least buy Joe a chance to live.<\/p>\n
\nEnders didn\u2019t understand but Joe did and regardless of the pain and the gun on him, he came to his feet. \u201cNo Adam you can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam looked over then and for a moment he ignored the other three \u201cEasy little brother. I don\u2019t have a lot of choice. You look after them if….\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoe involuntarily said \u201cNo\u201d and got a blow which made him fall again and that settled Enders mind and he went for his gun. As he did so Adam went for his but he was so desperately slow, the gun at the wrong angle and his left hand not acting instinctively. Almost before he had his hand on the gun Enders had his out. Adam sank to one knee as he pulled his gun vaguely aware of Enders saying\u201d Munroe\u201d but it didn\u2019t penetrate for a second. Then he heard the shot but the bullet didn\u2019t come anywhere near him Finally he had his gun out and he saw Munroe fall, instinct took over and as Trent levelled his gun at Adam, Adam twisted and fired twice. He felt the wind of Trent\u2019s bullet as it just caught his shirt but the other man fell. Before he could readjust his aim on to Enders he would be dead and he just prayed that Joe could get Trent\u2019s gun and save his own life. Adam braced himself for the bullet not really understanding what was happening. Enders had his gun aimed at Adam but he couldn\u2019t shoot and slowly he let it fall to point at the ground. Joe had been watching from the ground unable to do anything to help and for a moment none of the three men could move. Adam was the first to gain control and he got to his feet and took the gun from Enders\u2019 loose grip. As though he had broken a spell Joe moved too, taking Trent\u2019s gun and reclaiming his own. Then he checked Trent was dead and took the money-belt back. He checked Munroe and then walked over to Adam who was still standing looking down at Enders, who had sunk to his knees, buried his face in his hands and was sobbing bitterly.<\/p>\n
\nEnders went back downstairs not knowing quite what to do. As he waited a man came in and he stared at Enders, demanding to know who he was. Enders gave his name and immediately found himself covered by a gun and the man called \u201cAdam are you there, Joe?\u201d The alarm in his voice was very obvious and Adam left Carole and Hop Sing to cope and hurried downstairs. As he took in the tableau he smiled, \u201cIt\u2019s alright Jess, put your gun away, he\u2019s a friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nCarole had come to investigate \u201cWhat gunfight?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam had spared time to put a pad on his own side but it was only grazed, but his arm was a different matter. It was very sore and he\u2019d fixed a sling for it but the pain from it seemed to go through him every time he moved.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYeah. I recognised one of them. He was with Pardoe so I know where he got the idea. It\u2019s not as bad, just a single blow this time, but it aches a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHungry. I think I missed too many meals yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBen gave his eldest son a hand into the saddle and warned him to take it easy, even if the schedule slipped slightly. Adam smiled \u201cI\u2019ll be fine Pa. See you at the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n