Summary:<\/b>\u00a0The Cartwrights have major problems with the projected pipeline but Hoss has other things on his mind, as does his eldest brother.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 27,570 words<\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cartwright Saga Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Lawyer <\/a><\/span> Pipeline Problems<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss had been so sorry for his brother and sister-in-law and was much relieved to see them close again but even so he had thoroughly enjoyed the hours he had stolen with Sue, gradually getting to know her better. He had decided what he wanted, her beside him for the rest of his life but he couldn\u2019t ask her, not so close on all the upheaval sure they both needed time to think. He wasn\u2019t surprised when, two days after bringing Adam and Carole back together, Sue announced her intention of returning to town. She had a job and ought to get back to it now that they didn’t need her. Carole was almost recovered physically and was glad to keep busy with the children and in the last two days Adam had made remarkable progress and looked very much better. Their family could now give them all the help that they needed. Hoss could only accept it but he put his arm round her. \u201cI really will miss you Sue but I guess you have to get back. I can get into town one night during the week, maybe by then you\u2019ll know when you\u2019re getting a day off and we can arrange something?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTell you what. Can you arrange for two weeks of at Christmas, you must have some holidays due and all those nuns don\u2019t go nowhere round Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI expect I could, but….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome out and spend Christmas and New Year with me. Either stay at the main house with Pa, Joe and me, or if\u2019n you\u2019re worried stay here. Adam\u2019s gonna have a houseful, he\u2019s already said you\u2019re real welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue hesitated and then smiled \u201cI\u2019d love to Hoss and I guess your father is sufficient chaperone. I\u2019ll stay at the main house if you want me.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss pulled her close and engulfed her, making her feel small and so very feminine in his embrace, She turned her face up towards him and he kissed her passionately, his voice husky as he said, \u201cYou know I do Sue, my darling.\u201d<\/p>\n For the first time Sue knew for sure that Hoss felt the same way she did and knew that when he felt it right he would ask her to marry him. Hardly able to believe her own good fortune, she clung tight to him. He was a rich powerful man but it was his gentle strength that she loved, the first man to ever make her feel feminine. No longer even anxious about his family, knowing that whatever she was, if she made him happy they would welcome her very willingly.<\/p>\n Adam accepted her decision and he wouldn\u2019t offend her, or belittle her help by offering her money. He would make sure that he got her a very special gift for Christmas but there was something he could give her now and shortly before she was due to ride in with Hoss he brought Sheba over. He had managed to get a lady\u2019s light saddle for the mare and led her over to Sue. \u201cI guess with the weather closing in you won\u2019t be able to get out here so easily over the net weeks, I can\u2019t have Sheba moping over you. She\u2019s yours Sue. I\u2019ve arranged for stabling at the livery stable in town. The owner\u2019s an old Ponderosa hand and he\u2019ll take good care of her for you. It\u2019s all settled. Just a small token, there\u2019s no real way to say thank you for all your help.\u201d Adam put his arm round her and held her close, kissing her forehead, \u201cThank you so very much SueEllen for everything.\u201d She blushed hotly as she realised what Hoss could be implying and Adam, sure of it, grinned so knowingly at his brother that Hoss embarrassed punched his brother gently in the stomach. Then as Adam bent over in \u2018mortal agony\u2019 Hoss tied Sheba onto the back of the buckboard and helped Sue up, before driving her back to town.<\/p>\n Adam watched them out of sight and then went in to join Ben, Joe and Carole who were with the children by the fire. They looked up slightly surprised by the expression on his face. Adam grinned, \u201cHow long do you reckon we\u2019ve got to choose a present for them?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned and Adam went on, \u201cHoss will be adding that redhead to the family Pa and personally I think she\u2019ll be almost as worthy addition as mine.\u201d He gripped Carole\u2019s shoulders and kissed her forehead.<\/p>\n Joe asked, \u201cHas Hoss said anything?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot in so many words. Want a bet brother?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head \u201cI might throw money away but I don\u2019t bet against certainties. She loves the big galoot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor all the right reasons. \u201cBen added, \u201cShe\u2019s just what he needs.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked over at Joe and then, grinning broadly, he commented, \u201cMight end up rather lonely in that big house Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed, \u201cWell if everyone else is getting married…..\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said wickedly, \u201cHow about Beth?\u201d<\/p>\n His father rose to the teasing, \u201cWatch it Little Joe, you\u2019re still not too big, I haven\u2019t lost my knack with a belt.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole laughed and Adam was so happy to hear a sound he\u2019d feared for a while that he wouldn\u2019t hear for a very long time. Delighted he lifted her bodily, crushing her against him as he kissed her soundly. Ben watched his son and Carole, glad that the worst of the black cloud over them was dispersed.<\/p>\n The next day Ben and Joe moved back home too although they were still frequent visitors and Ben made sure that Adam had little ranch work to do, although he couldn\u2019t prevent his son handling various legal work to do with the pipeline and the mines. Carole had been relieved to find that apart from the immediate family noone knew about her ordeal. There were rumours and inevitable speculation but her early appearance in town with Adam led most people to accept the Cartwrights stories of kidnap and a beating and if there were other stories noone was mentioning them near the family. Adam was very much fitter and beginning to plan for Christmas with guests due to arrive five days before, it was only six weeks off. Joe had broached the subject once, much as he wanted to see Nita and, knowing that Leland Stanford would jump on any change of plan as an excuse to prevent her coming, he wouldn\u2019t inflict any extra strain on Carole. She had taken more than enough. Alone with his brother out in the barn he had suggested that Adam should write to Will and get both his cousin and Meg\u2019s party to come to the main house instead. Adam was touched by his brother\u2019s concern, knowing from what Joe had said that it could well cost Joe his chance to show Nita the ranch. \u201cNo need Joe. She\u2019s better for being busy, too early to let her have time to brood and I\u2019ll make sure she doesn\u2019t overdo things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure Adam? She\u2019s absolutely marvellous, hell I still have nightmares, don\u2019t ask too much of her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI shan\u2019t Joe and anyway any changes would just start the rumours up again. You know what was being said, all too accurate, but just because she\u2019s so marvellous they faded. I don\u2019t think either of us could take it erupting again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, just as long as you\u2019re not being swayed by your promise to me. I can always arrange something else.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled affectionately at his brother, \u201cThanks for the offer Joe. I won\u2019t deny it was one factor but even without it I\u2019d have made the same decision.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I….\u201d Joe broke off; \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam knew his brother very well and as Joe went to turn away, he caught his arm and forced Joe to turn back, \u201cYou want to tell Nita what happened, the whole truth?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked into his brother\u2019s eyes, seeing the pain of memories, but unable to deny that that was what he had been going to ask. Adam smiled, \u201cEasy Joe. You can trust her to keep quiet about it or you wouldn\u2019t love her. I have no objections, just don\u2019t tell Carole that you are doing it and warn Nita not to say anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just that she ought to know the risks, what can happen out here. It somehow feels dishonest not to tell her. I won\u2019t go into details of course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can understand Joe. Do you really want to give her so many reasons to back out?\u201d Adam shook his head in disgust, \u201cI\u2019m sorry Joe. I shouldn\u2019t have said that, none of my business.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled, \u201cIts okay Adam. No I don\u2019t want to give her any reason to leave. I love her, she\u2019s as important to me as Marie was. For a while I doubted I\u2019d ever feel that way again and when I began to I fought it. Seemed disloyal to Marie. Now I know that she\u2019d approve, guess it\u2019s easier with Pa around, I\u2019ve known all my life that he loved all three of our mothers. I\u2019d like nothing better than to show her a rosy picture but I want to spend my life with her. I can\u2019t base it on a fraud can I? If she can\u2019t take it, best we both find out now before we get in any deeper.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled his little brother close and hugged him, suddenly emotional. \u201cI pray you and Hoss both find joy Joe. Between you, you helped to hold onto mine.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t answer; uncertain just how normal things were for his brother yet. He knew that Adam was still using a separate bedroom but when he\u2019d mentioned it to his father Ben had just said they had to give her time to readjust. She was remarkable really and certainly to a casual inspection life seemed to have reverted to normal.<\/p>\n Adam had found it harder than he would admit to have to hold Carole in some senses at arms- length. Physically nearly fully fit he was able to hold his worries to himself and neither Carole nor his family knew of the many sleepless nights. He spent hours sitting by the window staring out at the view he loved which he\u2019d designed his house to show, or sat poring over law books or scientific tomes unable to sleep and not wanting time to think. He was scared that she would never come back to him, knowing that he could take it as he\u2019d promised, but admitting to himself that it hurt more than he expected. He wasn\u2019t getting much sleep but he could hide that, knowing how much he had to be grateful for, her survival and recovery were little short of miraculous, maybe wanting more was just greedy. During the days he kept himself busy, the children a never-failing source of peace and laughter.<\/p>\n Adam spent long hours running over the results of the pilot logging run on the west bank of Tahoe with all his family, both together and separately. He slowly began to finalise definite plans for moving in supplies and arranging a full scale-logging season. Adam was determined to handle it himself; hopefully both his brothers would have equal reasons for not wanting to leave the house for too long come spring.<\/p>\n Two weeks later it was the anniversary of Joe\u2019s marriage and he rode up to the Lake after lunch, where he\u2019d been very quiet. He\u2019d had a letter from Nita the previous day she was very excited about her visit, not long off now and her father had had to go to New York without finding any reason to stop her coming. Joe sat by his wife\u2019s grave for long hours remembering very vividly the details of the short time they had had together. She seemed to be there with him and he kept feeling that if he just turned round Marie would run into his arms. He loved her as much now as he had that day when they walked out to join Adam and measure up for their house. He knew if she\u2019d lived he would never have looked at another woman, but life went on and he couldn\u2019t live alone, not having known the joys of married life. He told Marie about this other girl; sure that she would like Nita, he was only doing what Marie had wanted in finding someone else. No longer feeling guilty he still stayed up by the Lake until nearly midnight, He was at peace with himself but he always felt closer to Marie there. Even if he married Nita he knew he would still come back sometimes to talk to his gentle tiny first wife who would never lose the place she had made in his heart.<\/p>\n Adam rode over after dinner and wasn\u2019t particularly surprised to find his father alone, \u201cJoe up at the Lake?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs far as I know, he rode out after lunch, very quiet. It doesn\u2019t seem possible its three years ago since she was here and Joe so excited on his wedding day.\u201d Ben frowned, puzzled by something in his son\u2019s voice, \u201cYou disapprove?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not Pa. It\u2019s what Marie wanted. I miss her sometimes and I know Joe must but he\u2019s young. We couldn\u2019t sentence him to live alone and I\u2019d be the last to want it, You know how much my own marriage means to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben lent forward to grip his son\u2019s arm, \u201cHow is Carole recovering?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t meet his father\u2019s eye and brushed the question aside. \u201cShe\u2019s remarkable. What do you think about Nita Stanford? Joe\u2019s amazing isn\u2019t he? Difficult to imagine two more different backgrounds than Marie and Nita, No objections this time?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben acknowledged Adam\u2019s evasion, if his son didn\u2019t want to talk that was his prerogative but he smiled at his son. \u201cI learnt my lesson last time. I\u2019ll trust your brother\u2019s judgement, I don\u2019t mind betting that Nita like Marie will turn out to be something very special.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTalking of someone special, I suppose Hoss is in town?\u201d As his father nodded Adam grinned broadly, \u201cI\u2019ve never known my big brother find so many reasons to go to town, She\u2019s rather special too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know that Hoss has invited her here for Christmas, for a fortnight,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah he told me. Said something about arranging a party on the twenty-third here.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben gave a self-satisfied smile. \u201cHe has mentioned it, maybe he\u2019ll have an announcement to make. It can\u2019t be long, they are very much in love.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI couldn\u2019t be more delighted, Hoss has sometimes seemed almost scared of marriage. Guess it could be a busy spring, leave you lonely here Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIts what I always wanted for all of you and anyway with all three of you settled down on the ranch. I\u2019ll never really be lonely, just alone sometimes and that I\u2019m used to.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled out the papers from the California and the Consolidated Virginian the reason for his visit, but Ben just rested them on the table. \u201cAdam you know your married life is your own business and I don\u2019t want to pry, but you\u2019re still my son. Are you alright? It was an ordeal for both of you and I know how much it cost you. I don\u2019t want any details but can you begin to forget?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lent back and shut his eyes, very aware of the love and compassion in his father\u2019s eyes along with the anxiety. He took a moment and then sat up and smiled before answering very quietly. \u201cI am alright Pa, my word on it. Carole is not fully recovered yet and maybe it will still take quite a time but I have my wife home safe and sane. For a while that didn\u2019t seem too likely, it\u2019s enough. I have Carole and my children and I have you Hoss and Joe. Frankly I thank God every night for his mercy and his generosity to me. Maybe I\u2019ll never forget but we are both beginning to put it behind us and I think Christmas will help.\u201d Joe went home eventually but apart from being cold he was fine, perfectly at peace, even more convinced that Marie was supporting what he was doing. Ben had waited up for him and watched Joe take off his coat and gunbelt, relaxing as he saw his son was content. \u201cYou missed dinner Joseph, do you want anything?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo thanks Pa, just coffee. I\u2019m not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben got some fresh and they sat not talking for about ten minutes and then Joe said, \u201cI\u2019m fine Pa just tired I\u2019ll see you in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSleep well son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSurprisingly enough I think I will, goodnight.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sat on for a while longer thinking of his three sons. Joe had lost his Marie but now maybe found someone else. Hoss, who\u2019d always been backward in dating girls, suddenly seemed for the first time to have found the true meaning of love. Then there was his eldest son; Adam had finally found such joy with his Carole. Marred by events over the last weeks, Adam knew his son well enough to know how hard it had been for Adam but he also knew Carole\u2019s strength and the depth of love between them so he couldn\u2019t help but believe that time would again prove the great healer.<\/p>\n Hoss was late up the next morning and the others had already finished breakfast. It was most unusual for the big man and Ben was slightly worried, hoping nothing had gone wrong. Hoss got himself some coffee and joined Ben and Joe by the desk, looking very serious. Joe frowned as he caught his father\u2019s eye but Ben signalled him to be quiet and waited for Hoss to speak. Hoss sipped his coffee and then to their surprise he said, \u201cI met Jim Fair and John McKay in town last night.\u201d<\/p>\n Both Ben and Joe had expected something to do with Sue and they were taken aback. Ben asked \u201cTrouble?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure seems like it could be Pa. Lots of bad feeling against the pipeline. Troy has started some rumour about the risk of flooding the mines. All the miners are up in arms. Even the small farmers and the townsfolk seem to think we\u2019re gonna charge real high for water.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s senseless!\u201d Joe erupted, \u201cGod you\u2019d think they would know us better by now.\u201d He was furious and his father smiled wryly, \u201cSimmer down Joseph. You ought to have learnt by now that no mob thinks rationally.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do we do Pa?\u201d asked Hoss, \u201cI guess it ain\u2019t urgent we can\u2019t start digging until spring but if we don\u2019t sit on these rumours its gonna be dadburned difficult to hire any men.\u201d Hoss nodded and then as Hop Sing brought in his plate, volubly complaining about his lateness, he hurried over to the table. Knowing that the irate Chinaman was quite capable of throwing away the food if he was annoyed enough. Hoss ate rapidly while Joe got the horses saddled and twenty minutes later they were on their way to Adam\u2019s.<\/p>\n Adam was surprised to see his family so early and stood back to let them in, frowning in concern \u201cIs something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPotentially,\u201d his father said, \u201cWe thought we ought to have a talk.\u201d<\/p>\n The twins demanded attention before anything else could be done and Adam got Kam Su to make some fresh coffee and took it through to the study while his brothers and father pacified the little boys. Then he disentangled Joe and Hoss from their nephews and leaving Carole with the children Adam firmly shut the study door, The twins had learnt that when the door was shut Daddy was working and they weren\u2019t allowed in. They had occasionally tried testing the rule but it had stood firm and they accepted it. Once they were settled, Adam looked from one to the other, \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo on Hoss.\u201d Said Ben<\/p>\n Hoss settled back in the chair and explained exactly what Fair and Mackay had told him. They were running scared; a brick had been thrown through the window at Mackay\u2019s house with a note accusing him of trying to flood the mines. Schussler, who was back in town, had narrowly escaped a beating at the hands of some enraged miners, luckily Roy had been around to pull him out. Everywhere it seemed that the Cartwright name was mud, everyone seemed to feel that they were mainly to blame. Hoss couldn\u2019t help much when it came to who was behind the problems; all too many people seemed to be involved. The one definite figure was the President of the Gould and Curry mine, Alpheus Troy.<\/p>\n Joe shrugged \u201cTroy hates our guts, he\u2019ll be against anything we do on principle!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled faintly \u201cUnfortunately he has a lot of influence.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou humiliated and terrified him. I suppose we can\u2019t use that confession he signed?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed heavily \u201cYou suppose right Joe. It was all a very long time ago and if we brought it All the others had their own memories of those days and Ben was the first to push then to one side. That was all in the past they had present problems to face. Having regained his sons\u2019 attention he asked \u201cHoss what do Fair and Mackay want us to do?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss snorted, \u201cThey\u2019re running scared Pa. They don\u2019t know what they wanted us to do. Just to find someway to pull their chips out of the fire.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, \u201cThey\u2019ve got into the habit of running to Adam to sort out any legal or engineering problem. If he\u2019s not around one of us is a substitute.\u201d The habit had been annoying Joe for some time, ever since Fair contemplated worrying Adam just after Carole lost her baby.<\/p>\n Adam sipped his coffee to hide a grin \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the concern little brother but I can manage my own affairs, You seem to forget that we are majority stock holders in both mines and in this pipe project. Personally I should be even more annoyed if I wasn\u2019t kept adequately informed.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe subsided, glaring at his brother, and Ben with a definite edge of anger to his voice said \u201cLet\u2019s keep this in the realms of discussion. Adam you know that Joseph is right. Sometimes Jim and John do push their luck in getting you to sort things out, We have a big stake and we are directors of the companies but we have company lawyers, paid ones. However none of that seems particularly relevant here, Legally we can\u2019t be touched I take it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam relaxed a little, \u201cSorry Joe. No Pa we\u2019re safe, I drew the contracts for rights of way and water rights myself. It\u2019s all been paid for and whoever changes their mind, they can\u2019t back out. The contract Joe signed in San Francisco for the supply of pipe is equally solid; I\u2019ve checked them over often enough. I\u2019ll stake my reputation on them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood enough for me.\u201d Ben said<\/p>\n Hoss sighed heavily \u201cIt don\u2019t help Pa. Maybe we got the right to dig that trench, lay the pipe and bring the water, but the four of us sure can\u2019t do it alone, we\u2019re gonna need men.\u201d Hoss lent forward earnestly, \u201cFrom talk around town, not only is it gonna be difficult to get men to work on the pipeline but they\u2019re threatening to try and stop anyone working for any of our operations. It could get real nasty, give it a while to simmer up and it looks like real trouble to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said, \u201cCould bring in some Chinese work gangs like we did with the flume.\u201d Ben frowned, \u201cYou seriously think they\u2019d go that far Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe atmosphere in town is as nasty as I\u2019ve known it Pa. I could feel it even before Jim said anything.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben glanced over at Adam. \u201cWe could get an injunction to keep trespassers off the right of way.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cAs soon as there\u2019s any trouble. Probably do it now with all the talk but if it\u2019s as bad as Hoss says then no one is going to take any notice of a piece of paper.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said hotly, \u201cWe can force them to.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben and Adam caught each other\u2019s eye and both laughed, for a moment Joe was acting and even looking like the impulsive youngster they had so often had to curb five or six years earlier. Joe, rather shame-faced said, \u201cI don\u2019t see what so funny.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are little brother, threatening to take on the whole of Virginia City with how many guns?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve done much the same before.\u201d Joe protested weakly.<\/p>\n Ben sighed \u201cIn the past we\u2019ve had to on occasion but I hope by now we have some law and order and a little civilisation in this state. It is 1874 after all; we\u2019ve been a state over ten years now. I know progress has been slow but I won\u2019t believe it has been non-existent.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe knew himself that he wasn\u2019t being very realistic but he didn\u2019t like his family pointing it out and angrily said, \u201cFine sentiments Pa, but what are we going to do?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben glared at him, \u201cFor a start you can stop talking to me in that tone of voice.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam got to his feet, \u201cCalm down both of you. I\u2019ll get some fresh coffee. Joe come and give me a hand. I think Kam Su has been baking this morning, let\u2019s see what we can find.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe, glad of the excuse to back out gracefully, followed Adam out and as he put some cookies out on a plate, he grinned ruefully at his brother. \u201cI thought I\u2019d learnt to curb my impetuosity. Guess I haven\u2019t made it yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh I shouldn\u2019t worry, you\u2019ve never failed to so it when there\u2019s noone else around to stop you and it\u2019s rather nice just once in a while to see my excitable little brother back for a few minutes. He was a nuisance sometimes, but even though he\u2019s grown up into a close friend, I have been known to miss him.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe punched his brother\u2019s arm \u201cYou\u2019re an idiot Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam rubbed his left arm where Joe had hit; still sore although the wounds were basically healed, and sighed \u201cSo are you Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Remembering with sudden concern, Joe asked, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I forgot. Has it healed?\u201d The four Cartwrights sat quietly eating and drinking, each trying to think of the best way to try and defuse trouble. Eventually Ben pushed his cup away, \u201cAlright, obviously we have to do something before it gets any worse. Any suggestions?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said tentatively, \u201cDan would write an article giving the true facts if we asked him.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shrugged, \u201cHe\u2019s already written a couple. General opinion seems to be that he might be a fine mining reporter but he ain\u2019t no water engineer. When Philip tried to talk sense to them he got the same reaction.”<\/p>\n Adam got to his feet, \u201cThe only water engineer is Schussler and he\u2019s involved in the project and therefore biased. Great!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe asked, \u201cWell who is the expert on their side who is telling all these tall stories?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head, \u201cI don\u2019t know Joe, everyone\u2019s an expert when he tells you what you believe anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed, \u201cI\u2019m caught both ways, not primarily a water engineer and involved so I guess none will listen to me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to do something.\u201d Joe insisted.<\/p>\n Ben nodded, \u201cI think we had better arrange a meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho with Pa?\u201d Adam asked puzzled.<\/p>\n Ben said, \u201cEveryone who can get in. take over say McGuire\u2019s Opera house for the evening, it\u2019s about the biggest. The four of us, Fair and Mackay and Schussler, tell them in simple terms exactly what we are doing and answer any questions they have.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned as he considered the suggestion, before saying very doubtfully, \u201cIt could work, defuse the situation, just seems more likely to end in a riot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny better suggestion?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNone Pa, but if they don\u2019t want to believe what we tell them, there\u2019s no way on earth to make them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think a display of Cartwright solidarity might help, remind some of them at least that we\u2019ve always tried to help the town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWorth a try.\u201d Adam conceded, \u201cDo you want me to arrange it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, \u201cNo you\u2019ve enough to do and you\u2019ll be the principle speaker. Keep it simple. Joe, you and Hoss can arrange it, for as soon as possible. Fix a date with the hall, get Dan to publicise it in the paper and have handbills printed and passed round. With luck just the announcement of a meeting will forestall trouble for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, knowing exactly what his father wanted and capable of doing it. Adam said, \u201cTry not to get into trouble Joe, we don\u2019t need a fight! I think I\u2019ll go have a word with the three main farms that we will be crossing. Legally they can\u2019t back out but it won\u2019t do any harm to reassure them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood idea.\u201d nodded Ben; \u201cThis afternoon will do though. It\u2019s almost lunchtime. We ought to be making a move.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure you won\u2019t stay?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed \u201cDon\u2019t dare we didn\u2019t warn Hop Sing and he\u2019s already muttering about your big brother being late for breakfast!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had to laugh but Hop Sing was quite capable of throwing a fit of temper and deciding to go to San Francisco for a holiday. With Christmas coming, none of them wanted that, his visits down under were as unpredictable in length as in timing<\/p>\n Over lunch Adam explained to Carole why his family had come. She couldn\u2019t understand why the townsfolk should be so antagonistic to the pipeline. The Cartwrights were putting a lot of time and effort into it, to bring water to the town. They would be getting minimal return on their money and although the mines they were interested in needed the water, the main gainers would be those very people who were fighting them. Adam was less surprised, he knew the men and basically they were suspicious, all too often with reason. The Cartwrights could promise what they liked; frequently promises were made only to be broken later, once the monopoly was well established. He tried to explain to Carole but it wasn\u2019t easy, she was less familiar than he was with the mob mentality.<\/p>\n Carole was uneasy as he rode out but Adam laughed at her tentative suggestion that he take Jess along, just in case it was dangerous. The three men he was going to see were men he had known for many years. In their early days each had been helped to get started by the Ponderosa and whenever they had hit trouble it was always the Ponderosa whom they turned to for assistance. Eventually with an effort he pulled himself back to the present and swinging up on Blackie he rode off towards Virginia City. He considered the three men whom he was going to see. Fred Johnson, a bluff plain spoken almost illiterate man, born in England he was remarkable effective at ranching even though sometimes needing help to sort out his accounts. The second was a Swede although born in America, his parents having emigrated just before he was born and bringing him up to speak Swedish. A big man, Lars Svenson had always got on well with Hoss and Adam expected least trouble there. Lars was a sensible man and wouldn\u2019t be easily stampeded by rumours. The third man although he\u2019d known him the longest, was probably the most unpredictable. Henry Seton had come west from Ohio with the forty-niners and contrived to make some money in the gold fields. Then leaving California he had bought the ranch only seven years after the Ponderosa was established. A while later he had disappeared entirely for three years but come back to re-establish his ranch. He accepted help from the Ponderosa but Adam had always felt he rather resented it. He was a dark saturnine man, very quiet, seldom saying anymore than was absolutely necessary.<\/p>\n Joe and Hoss reached town about the same time that Adam reached the Johnson ranch. They went down to MacGuire’s opera house and negotiated with the manager to take over the building for one night. The building was vacant the following Tuesday and they settled on that night, Hoss let his little brother arrange the price of the hire and Joe rapidly drew up a contract. He was determined to get it signed and settled before MacGuire came under any pressure to back out. Joe had picked up enough legal knowledge from his brother and general legal work round the ranch to draw up a simple watertight contract. Once it was signed Joe handed over the cash to settle for the hire and got a receipt, the brothers had taken the precaution of drawing some cash when they first got to town. Having got everything witnessed by two men that Hoss had pulled in from the street, one of whom was Roy\u2019s deputy. Joe was content that there was noway MacGuire could back out.<\/p>\n As they came out Hoss glared at him \u201cWas all that necessary little brother. We only want to hire the hall for one night!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned, \u201cI\u2019m not taking any chances Hoss. We\u2019d look pretty silly if we publicised the meeting and then had nowhere to hold it. Just the sort of trick that Troy would pull. That\u2019s why I put in a heavy penalty clause. MacGuire will stand up to a lot more pressure it its going to cost him money.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grinned \u201cLittle brother you\u2019re getting near as devious as Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed and led the way down to the Palace to join Dan, rather pleased by his brother\u2019s compliment, if it was meant that way! Dan listened to their news and promised to publicise it but he seemed doubtful. \u201cMight help, but I reckon you\u2019d better go see Roy give him fair warning, could be trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was serious as he sipped his beer, \u201cI noticed we got some dirty looks on the way over. Who\u2019s stirring Dan?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cApart from Troy I\u2019m not sure. He\u2019s certainly behind this mine-flooding story but as for the rest….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll keep your ears open for us?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cHave been, but it\u2019s all so vague. You know how rumours spread round this town.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned, \u201cDrink up big brother, let\u2019s go arrange these hand bills.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan looked up \u201cJoe watch your backs will you? I\u2019m not too short of news and the Cartwrights just aren’t popular.” Dan laughed, \u201cI thought you just found him here, seems to me he\u2019s been living in town lately.\u201d Joe had got an outline of the handbill decided with his father before he left home and it only needed the insertion of the date and place. It didn\u2019t take long to arrange for a couple of thousand to be paid for. The printer was an old friend and set it up for them straight away, once Joe had explained the urgency. Joe stayed chatting while Hoss rounded up some of the horde of young boys round town to distribute the handbills. Hoss was popular with the kids, known as a soft touch. They had learnt he could be relied on to help out but couldn\u2019t be pushed and woe betide any of them found ill-treating another or an animal. Joe knew his brother would have no trouble arranging the distribution and he relaxed chatting to the printer Roger Cassell. Joe had made himself comfortable on a pile of paper in the corner and he was hidden from the doorway. When the doorbell rang Roger answered it and four men pushed in and surrounded him. Roger backed up against his press not a man of violence, he was frankly terrified. One of the men picked up a completed handbill, \u201cYou helping the Cartwrights? They ain\u2019t too popular.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a business proposition gentleman, \u201c Roger said placatingly.<\/p>\n Joe heard what was going on but hesitated about revealing himself, not sure if he would make matters better or worse. One of the men grabbed Roger\u2019s arm and pulled him roughly away from the press, \u201cReckon we\u2019d better break this here press, if this is all you can find to use it for.\u201d For a moment stunned by his appearance, an armed Cartwright of proven worth and considerable experience, ready and willing to fight, was a very different proposition from the scared unarmed printer. They just stared at Joe and he decided to push it while he had them off balance. \u201cThe doors behind you, get out. Don\u2019t try coming back, anyone touches Cassell or his shop for just doing his job and I’ll be looking for you, I know each of you and you\u2019ll pay whoever else is involved.\u201d<\/p>\n For just an instant they seemed to back away and Joe felt he\u2019d won, but then they seemed to realise he was only one man and that he didn\u2019t have his gun out. There were four of them and between then they could take him. The leader still had hold of Cassell\u2019s arm and a tray of print in his other hand. He couldn\u2018t draw against Joe but if he could get his hands on the smaller man he could pulverise the hated Cartwright. He shoved Cassell’s at Joe at the same time throwing the tray of print at him. Joe dodged backwards but there was little room to manoeuvre and Roger was in his line of fire. Time seemed to stand still for Joe and knowing that he badly needed help he drew his gun and got off the alarm signal of three shots before it was torn from his hand and he was sent across the room by one punch. Joe shook his head and struggled to get to his feet, with his back to a wall so he could try and defend himself. For a few seconds the four men got in each other\u2019s way and they gave him that much time to clear his head. Roger ignored them and ran outside and called for help, incapable of physically helping Joe.<\/p>\n For a minute Joe managed to keep them at bay but a heavy blow to the side of his head sent him to his knees and a kick to his stomach doubled him over. He tried to pull himself up and two of the men helped him, pinioning his arms as he flailed helplessly trying to defend himself. His head was rocked back by blows to the face and he could only see through a red haze as blood dripped from a cut on his eyebrow and then a fist sunk deep in his stomach and Joe retched unable to even ride the blow. Then as though from a great distance he heard a bellow of pure rage and to his indescribable relief he saw his big brother pull one man away and with one blow send the man who had just hit him to the floor. One of the men holding him was pulled away and the other decided to run away and Joe sank to the floor, leaning against the wall trying to catch his breath. Others had followed Hoss in but in the confined space they couldn\u2019t act and seeing four big louts attack his brother he needed no assistance. The four men had only one aim, to get away from the enraged mountain of a man; the fury so clear on his face terrifying them before he even landed a blow. Hoss turned but told the other men to let them go and then moved swiftly to kneel down by his brother. In an instant his expression softening as he looked at Joe with mingled tenderness and fear. Joe wiped the blood from his mouth; \u201cI\u2019m okay Hoss, thanks to your prompt help.\u201d<\/p>\n He was struggling to his feet and Hoss helped him, a touch of exasperation in his voice as he asked, \u201cJust what were you up to little brother? Any one of them would have been more than a match for you, let alone all four.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe lent heavily on Hoss, hardly able to stand upright with the pain in his stomach and for a moment he was scared that he\u2019d done some serious harm again, but gradually it eased and forcing a lop-sided grin he said, \u201cIt wasn\u2019t choice Hoss. Anyway I was relying on my big brother rescuing me.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grunted, \u201cYou ain\u2019t fit to walk.\u201d And ignoring Joe\u2019s protest Hoss picked up his brother and turning to Roger asked, \u201cYou okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Roger nodded, feeling very guilty, \u201cI couldn\u2019t help him, I\u2019m no good in a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss smiled at the little man barely five foot five inches tall and slight in build. \u201cNoone expects it Roger. There\u2019s two of Roy\u2019s deputies here now. You finish up those handbills I\u2019ll be back to collect them once Joe\u2019s patched up.\u201d<\/p>\n As Hoss carried his brother down to Doc\u2019s, Roy and Dan ran over to join him, both wanting to know what had happened. Joe heard the question but his head was spinning and he couldn\u2019t think straight. Hoss realised that and said, \u201cHold it for a bit he\u2019s almost out. Let Doc get him cleaned up and give him a drink. Then he can fill us all in \u2018cos I don\u2019t know how he got into trouble this time.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was glad of Hoss\u2019 warm strength and rested his head against Hoss\u2019 shoulder, feeling very woozy. He was glad to lie down on Doc\u2019s couch and willingly accepted the offer of a brandy. There wasn\u2019t really very much wrong and a few minutes quiet did a lot to make him feel better. Doc put four stitches into the cut on his eyebrows and cleaned him up putting ointment on the worst of his bruises and then Joe swung his legs round and sat up. \u201cCheer up Hoss, I\u2019m alright just a bit sore.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked questioningly at Doc, who smiled. \u201cHe\u2019s alright, no sign of concussion. What happened this time Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grunted, much relieved that Joe wasn\u2019t worse and almost angry after the scare he\u2019d had.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d better have a good story Joe. Adam told us not to get into a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pulled his shirt back on, wincing at the effort as it tore at his bruised muscles. \u201cGuess there\u2019s no way to hide it from him.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss glared at him \u201cYou\u2019ll have more to show in a minute if you don\u2019t start explaining Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe accepted another brandy and then told them exactly what had happened, even Hoss had to admit that he hadn\u2019t had much choice. Roy wanted to know if they knew the men and if they were pressing charges. Joe said, \u201cYeah I know all four of them but I don\u2019t think charging them will help much. I\u2019m okay and Hoss gave them a scare, probably as effective or more so than anything the courts can do. Best you keep out of it Roy, we aren\u2019t exactly popular.\u201d \u201cAlready arranged. You\u2019d better get Joe home before you find any more trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed bitterly, \u201cAmazing isn\u2019t it, we just set out to help and the very people we\u2019re trying to help suddenly hate our guts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know this town Little Joe, common-sense don\u2019t go with the sort of people who end up here. Maybe mining ain\u2019t a sensible way of life, down those hell holes twelve hours a day.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe could only nod, \u201cYou have a point Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss said, \u201cDoc can I leave Joe here where he won\u2019t get into any trouble? I wanna see those handbills spread around \u2018fore I leave town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course Hoss, he could do with taking it easy for a while anyway before you ride home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoc, I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph I am the Doctor remember. I admit I\u2019ve seen you far worse, all too frequently, but you\u2019re bruised and sore and pretty shaken, so put your legs back up and take it easy for a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd who is going to look after that big galoot?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell I reckon he\u2019s been doing a pretty good job of looking after himself.\u201d Roy observed, considering Hoss who didn\u2019t have a mark on him. \u201cBut I reckon I can watch his back adequately.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo need for you to get involved Roy.\u201d Hoss protested.<\/p>\n \u201cI think there is. For a start despite the idiots, we need that pipe and anyways this here is my town and I keep the peace here whenever I can.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe lent back, more sore than he was willing to admit, sure that Hoss was safe with Roy along and Hoss gave in and accepted help as he went to collect the handbills.<\/p>\n Meanwhile Adam wasn\u2019t doing a whole lot better than his brothers. At both his first two places of call there was surprising unanimity of view. Johnson and Svenson both regretted signing the contract to allow the pipeline across their property and for the necessary work to be carried out. Johnson blustered more about trying to break it but Adam got the impression both men had already consulted lawyers and learnt it wasn\u2019t breakable. Both seemed to feel that they were being cheated and to be worried in case any of the trouble headed their way. Adam spent about an hour with each man without really finding out what was eating them or more importantly who was getting at them. He did his best to reassure them about the pipe, the non-existence of risks to their land and the advantages of extra water, but although each heard him out, Svenson rather more politely, he didn\u2019t flatter himself that he had the slightest effect of their opinion. His denial of a fat profit coming to the Ponderosa met with very obvious disbelief. Adam rode onto this third port of call very sombre; these were steady older men who had known the Cartwrights for a very long time. If they were so convinced by the rumours, he didn\u2019t like to think of the effect in town. In time they would be able to prove to everybody that they meant every word, actions speak louder than words. A few days of free and plentiful water would do the job but that was six months off and if the whole area was against them, the pipe might never be built. Financially it would mean a loss as they were already contracted to pay for the pipe, but to Virginia City it would be a crippling blow, even if they were too blind to see it.<\/p>\n Adam rode into the Seton ranch and dismounted tying Blackie up. He knocked on the door but there was no answer and Adam turned to go round the back to see if anyone was out there. As he did so Seton came out of the barn and leaning on the doorjamb still holding the pitchfork he\u2019d been using he said, \u201cI\u2019m surprised you have the gall to come round here Cartwright. You and all your family swindling frauds, but you\u2019re the worst. Bloody lawyers, lowest a man can get, never seen a decent man yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam bit back the angry retort and said mildly, \u201cI heard you weren\u2019t too happy, thought maybe we could discuss whatever is bothering you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDiscuss! That\u2019s good. I tell you, you ain\u2019t taking no pipe across my land, not without cutting me in and I don\u2019t mean those few paltry thousands.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a contract Mr Seton.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can stuff your bloody contract.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny court will uphold it, give us an injunction to lay the pipe, using force if we have to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou come here and threaten me on my own place!\u201d Seton almost growled at Adam moving forward staggering slightly and for the first time Adam realised that if not drunk the man had been drinking heavily and the chances of talking sense to him were slight but he had to try. \u201cI don\u2019t mean to threaten you, just telling you the law. I don\u2019t know what stories you\u2019ve been hearing but the true facts are those my father and I told you initially. You were pleased enough to sign the contract then and nothing has changed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou Cartwrights are gonna make a fortune, you need my land and I want my share. Then I\u2019ll forget the risks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere are no risks and we aren\u2019t making any fortune, we told you the water will be made available free to all who need it. Only mines and businesses paying and just enough to cover the costs, we aren\u2019t looking for a big profit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah and hell just froze over! I wasn\u2019t born yesterday. Try telling the truth for once, even a lawyer can manage it once.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have told you the truth Mr Seton. I think its best we leave this discussion for another day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no, not now you\u2019ve deigned to come calling. You\u2019re here and I want a new contract.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a valid contract. I haven\u2019t either the authority or the desire to renegotiate. It is perfectly fair as it stands.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair!\u201d Seton screamed. You don\u2019t know the meaning of the word. Smith, Franks, Lloyd get out here.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stood very still not wanting to precipitate trouble, keeping his hand well away from his gun, not wanting to give them any excuse but hoping for once that they knew and would remember his reputation. \u201cMr Seton, you\u2019ve never had any reason to quarrel with the Ponderosa and there\u2019s none now. Too many uninformed rumours are flying around but we aren\u2019t making any attempt to defraud you, my word on it.\u201d<\/p>\n Seton spat at his feet, sneering, \u201cThe word of a Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam, tight-lipped with anger by now said, \u201cYes the word of a Cartwright and it has always meant exactly what it said. We keep our word, you should know that. We\u2019ve always tried to be good neighbours to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBloody condescending high n\u2019mighty Cartwrights.\u201d Seton glared in a fury unable to find words to express his distaste. \u201cBloody lawyers, typical you can\u2019t fool me with all your long words. I know how to treat lawyers.\u201d Then to Adam\u2019s surprise Seton seemed suddenly to realise that he was still holding the pitchfork and lunged forward with it. Taken by surprise at the sudden agility of the drunken man Adam barely moved in time. One tyne of the pitchfork tore his coat and gashed his left arm, but as Seton was carried forward by the very force he put into the blow, Adam caught him with one punch and the ranch owner measured his length on the ground, out cold.<\/p>\n The three men who worked there had all come out and on seeing their boss go down they went for Adam. Outnumbered three to one Adam took a lot of punishment but although versed in the rough and tumble of fisticuffs living and working in the west and hardened by their work on the range, none of the hands were anywhere near equal to Adam in his ability to handle himself. Most of the time he contrived to have a least one too dazed to help. Time seemed to standstill and he didn\u2019t know how long he\u2019d been fighting but although contriving to keep them from a joint attack he hadn\u2019t been able to get through to Blackie. Then Adam noticed Seton stirring and scared what the rancher might pull apart from the obvious risks of lengthening the odds against him, Adam made a final effort. As the smallest of the three men came at him, he picked him up bodily and threw him at the other two. As they went down, for the first time Adam reached for his gun, which by some miracle was still in his holster. \u201cThat\u2019s enough, no reason for this fight. Tell your boss I\u2019ll meet him, or my father will, any time he wants a reasonable discussion.\u201d<\/p>\n All of them knew Adam\u2019s reputation with a gun and having got decidedly the worst of the contest, the three weren\u2019t sorry to stay still and let him ride out. Adam rode slowly watching them as he danced Blackie sideways, making sure noone took a shot at him but as soon as he was out of range, he pressed Blackie to put some distance between him and the ranch, not wanting to end up shooting anyone. He mopped his face up as best he could, but his arm was still bleeding and dirty. He hesitated for a moment but not wanting to worry Carole, he decided to head straight to Doc\u2019s. He wasn\u2019t far from town anyway and could get cleaned up before going home, he tucked his throbbing left arm into his jacket and made the best time he could for town.<\/p>\n In town Hoss had ensured the boys distributed the pamphlets without disturbance and put some on the recognised notice boards around town himself, signing them prominently as a warning of trouble to anyone who fancied taking them down. Then he headed back to collect Joe. The brothers walked down to the Bucket O\u2019Blood. Joe refusing any assistance but they couldn\u2019t avoid hearing the muttered comments and seeing the filthy looks they got as they passed. The feeling against the Cartwrights might not make sense but it was abundantly clear and as the bartender came over to take their order Joe looked at Hoss and then said, \u201cJust two beers, we have to get home.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss said, very softly, \u201cNot like you little brother, had enough trouble for one day?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled, \u201cAs the man said, there comes a time when discretion is the better part of valour. Drink up Hoss and let\u2019s get home, I\u2019ve enough bruises.\u201d<\/p>\n The brothers were riding out of town as Adam came in on another road. Joe looked back at Virginia City as they reached the road turning of to their ranch, \u201cI can\u2019t remember being so unpopular. I\u2019m sure glad you were around to rescue me big brother. I reckon all that lot would have stood by and cheered.\u201d He shivered at the thought and Hoss concerned about his brother said, \u201cCome on Joe lets get you home, a hot bath and an early night is what you need.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t deny it and the brothers headed straight home, wanting to talk things over with Adam and their father. Things were much worse than even Hoss had realised.<\/p>\n Adam went straight over to Doc\u2019s and dismounted stiffly. He was in luck, Doc was still there and after one look at Adam he helped him over to the couch, \u201cThis is getting monotonous.\u201d Doc laughed, \u201cBe grateful you\u2019re right-handed, the amazing thing is that it keeps being your left. Anyway that wasn\u2019t what I meant. I only packed Hoss and Joe off half an hour ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up, anxiety flaring; his own aches and pains forgotten momentarily, \u201cWhat was wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYoung Joe got in a fight, four to one. Hoss broke it up. Cheer up Adam you\u2019re more damaged than he was, a couple of stitches in a cut eyebrow and a number of bruises. He was shaken but Hoss prevented real damage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSore knuckles.\u201d Doc chuckled, \u201cI don\u2019t reckon any of them stayed long enough to try and plant a blow on Hoss!\u201d Then he busied himself helping Adam strip to the waist and cleaning the dirty wound on his arm. \u201cHow did you get this Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPitchfork.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to disinfect it and then I think I need to cauterise it. Better safe than sorry, don\u2019t want lockjaw but it\u2019ll hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever you think necessary Doc.\u201d Adam took off his belt and bit down on it as Doc worked on the ugly gash, his senses reeling with the pain. Doc held his arm still expertly and although it felt forever to Adam, the whole operation was over in less than five minutes. Doc spread some soothing ointment n the wound and bandaged it tightly. \u201cI won\u2019t try stitching it Adam, not on that scar tissue. See how it goes for a day or two and then I want to see it again. I\u2019ll give you some ointment, redress it before you go to bed and after breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and then lay back with his eyes closed as Doc did what he could for the rest of his cuts and bruises. When he\u2019d finished Doc poured out a large brandy, \u201cDrink this Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sat up, resting his head on his hand for a minute as the room swayed round him and then took the brandy \u201cThanks Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFeeling is running very high round town I know, but where did you get this? Do you want me to fetch Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, keep it a private argument. Bringing in the law can only make a bad situation worse. The man who did it was drunk. I\u2019ll try and reason with him once he\u2019s sober but next time I won\u2019t go alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven if you don\u2019t want to get Roy to move on this maybe he ought to have someone ride home with you, it\u2019s a fair way. I presume you won\u2019t stop over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not leaving Carole alone, not yet. I\u2019ll get a meal before I head home, be fine, not serious after all.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc shook his head \u201cBad enough Adam. I know I hurt you, unavoidable, but you\u2019re badly shaken.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam just looked mulish \u201cI\u2019ll get a meal first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet me send out for one Adam, you don\u2019t want more trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am not afraid of anything in this town, neither am I in the mood to back down.\u201d Adam put his glass down and started to dress, forcing himself to use his sore left arm, albeit gingerly. Then thanking Doc for his help and paying the bill, Adam headed down town to the Washoe Club. Like his brothers, he got dirty looks and rude comments but despite the obvious bruises, most of them noticed the expression on his face and the way his hand hovered near his gun, his coat swinging open out of the way. He was obviously already in a bad temper and noone was going to provoke Adam Cartwright unnecessarily. Dan joined him at the bar as Adam ordered a brandy. \u201cWell looks like Joe won\u2019t have to worry about his fight. You don\u2019t look in much of a position to complain.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned, puzzled and Dan went on, \u201cHoss reminded Joe that you had warned them not to get into a fight, told him he\u2019d better have a good story. I assume you\u2019ve heard?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah Doc filled me in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCare to tell me about that?\u201d Dan asked, gesturing at Adam\u2019s bruises, but he wasn\u2019t surprised when Adam shook his head. \u201cI think not Dan. Probably a case of least said soonest mended. I\u2019m going for a meal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoin you, I haven\u2019t eaten yet, watch your back.\u201d Dan offered but again Adam shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks for the offer but I don\u2019t need protection. I can take care of myself and I\u2019m not feeling sociable.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay I can take a hint but watch yourself Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam went upstairs and took a corner seat with his back to the wall and ate his meal alone. It was an effort to force the food down but he managed the steak he\u2019d ordered and then, refusing anything else, had three cups of coffee and a large brandy. Draining the brandy Adam decided to go home but as he made his way down the elegant staircase, one of his favourite features in town, he became aware of the sudden hush in the saloon below. The reason was apparent as Troy came over towards him flanked by two of his bodyguards, used to \u2018negotiate\u2019 with the miners in Troy\u2019s mines. Troy was waving a copy of the handbill that Joe had had such trouble getting printed. The mutual hatred between the two men was apparent to the least perceptive observer as Troy waved the handbill at Adam and demanded, \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam bit back the hasty reply insulting Troy\u2019s intelligence and said mildly, \u201cI\u2019d have thought it was self-explanatory. There are a lot of rumours and worries about this pipeline. We thought it time that anyone who was interested could hear the actual facts.\u201d \u201cLook Troy we will have the directors and the engineer available. Once we\u2019ve outlined the situation as we see it, we are prepared to answer, as best we can, all questions that are put.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a gimmick.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll personally ensure you have every chance to put your point of view, or are you afraid to face me in debate….\u201d Adam hesitated the unspoken words \u201cas well as in a fight\u201d all too obvious between them. Troy went first scarlet and then chalk-white with rage, not even a tan hiding the changes in colour. He was a man who shunned the outdoors. Between gritted teeth he said, \u201cI\u2019ll be there and you\u2019d better have the answers ready. Then he turned and stormed out.<\/p>\n Adam watched him go, at least it ensured Troy didn\u2019t arrange a boycott of the meeting, but it renewed the hatred between them. Adam had tried to avoid making things worse but there were too many things over too many years for them to be anything but bitter enemies.<\/p>\n Adam went out to Blackie to find Roy standing by his stallion waiting for him. Roy considered him and frowned \u201cHeard you hit trouble too, you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a mite sore, no problem. There\u2019s nothing you can do, I\u2019ll handle it and make sure the trouble doesn\u2019t escalate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair enough Adam. Want me to ride along aways?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I can find my own way home Roy. Funny thing Roy I fancy going via Washoe Lake tonight, should be pretty.\u201d It was a fairly long detour but noone would expect him to go that way.<\/p>\n Roy grinned, \u201cIdea just come to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust this minute.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine. I\u2019ll be seeing you. Tell that old bear of a father that I\u2019ll see him on Tuesday. A lot of my men are real interested in that pipeline.<\/p>\n Adam grinned as he swung up, Roy as usual was helping all he could even if he had a roundabout way of telling it. The route from Washoe led Adam past the main house before he reached his own home. He had warned Carole that he would probably be late so she shouldn\u2019t be worrying and Adam decided to stop off and rest for quarter of an hour and warm up. He was freezing and very sore. Anyway the sooner his father was informed of the potential trouble the better. It would give them all a chance to sleep on the problem and maybe by tomorrow have some constructive ideas.<\/p>\n As he dismounted stiffly in the yard Kirk came over, \u201cNot you too, what\u2019s the matter with you boys? Do you enjoy fighting?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot much Kirk, Just loosen the girth and give him a drink will you. I\u2019ll be heading on home in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you win?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cI won, temporarily at least, but fists don\u2019t solve much.\u201d Kirk was content with that and led Blackie off while Adam went into the house. Joe had just had a hot bath to ease his aches and pains and was curled up by the fire in his robe with hot coffee and brandy. As he saw his brother\u2019s bruised face he came swiftly to his feet and went over to Adam calling for his father and Hoss. Hoss was in his room and Ben in the kitchen talking to Hop Sing and all three hurried in. Adam smiled \u201cCalm down all of you. I\u2019m okay.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe fingered the torn sleeve of his coat, \u201cWhat did that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA pitchfork, don\u2019t worry I\u2019ve seen Doc all cleaned and bandaged.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took his right arm and led him over to his favourite blue chair, \u201cCome and sit down. Joe pour him a brandy. Have you eaten?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah in town. Don\u2019t look so worried Pa, according to Doc, Joe and I are about on a par. He was complaining of monotony.\u201d Adam didn\u2019t realise just how much the pain of the dressing still showed on his face or that with lack of sleep over weeks the afternoon\u2019s events had pushed him close enough to exhaustion for a tinge of grey to show on his skin, stretched taut over his cheekbones. Still he sat down willingly and accepted the drink that Joe gave him. Hoss asked, \u201cPlease.\u201d Adam grinned at his brother \u201cYou should be glad Joe as Doc said it hardly leaves me in a position to complain about you fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe glared at that comment \u201cHow bad is your arm?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a cut.\u201d Adam twisted the truth slightly, \u201cDoc didn\u2019t even bother stitching it.\u201d Slowly his family relaxed, although sore and tired, there was nothing a good night\u2019s sleep wouldn\u2019t do a lot to help. Adam relaxed, glad to sit still, \u201cI must get on home in a minute but I wanted to fill you in first, I heard all about the trouble at the printers in town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou must have noticed how unpopular we are.\u201d Commented Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, not pleasant, but maybe Tuesday will help. Roy will be there in force and Troy will be there in person.\u201d Adam briefly outlined his talks with both and then explained how he had come by his bruises. Ben was worried that Seton had gone so far as to attack him but Adam pointed out that the man was well drunk. When he\u2019d finished answering all their questions Adam pulled himself to his feet. \u201cI must get on home, like you Joe I fancy a long hot soak.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll be over tomorrow morning talk it out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine but please don\u2019t make it too early. Kids permitting I\u2019m going to have a lie in.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben walked out with his son and as they waited for Kirk to bring Blackie over, he examined Adam\u2019s face minutely under the porch light. \u201cYou are alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSore and tired Pa, no more. Doc made a thorough job of cleaning my arm, no chances with a filthy pitchfork. Hurt at the time and it still throbs a bit but nothing serious.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet some rest then we can talk.\u201d Ben watched Adam swing aboard and went back in very worried at the trouble, which had blown up so suddenly. At least Adam looked considerably better than when he\u2019d arrived, a chance to sit still and warm up by the fire and a drink had worked wonders. Anyway his son would be home in five minutes. As he went in Ben was aware of someone else riding out and to his surprise saw Jess follow after Adam. Puzzled Ben went in and ten minutes later heard a horse coming in and went out to see Jess ride back, Ben laughed to himself, Jess had less faith in his friend than his family did. He called out \u201cDid he get home safely?\u201d<\/p>\n Jess in some confusion muttered \u201cJust felt like a ride.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course Jess but I imagine you went by Adam\u2019s\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was putting Blackie away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess blushed hotly and spent several minutes seeing to his horse before returning to the bunkhouse to reassure Jos\u00e9 and Kirk, who had both wanted him to check after Kirk\u2019s report. Adam covered the worst of his pain and tiredness before going into join Carole. Even so she came to her feet in alarm as she saw him. Adam grinned ruefully, \u201cYes I\u2019ve been fighting again but it wasn\u2019t from choice. You should see the other guys.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole put her arms round him and he felt her shiver, \u201cCalm down my love. I\u2019m fine. It\u2019s not the first time I\u2019ve been in a fight. How\u2019s the hot water?\u201d<\/p>\n Carole pulled herself together, \u201cI\u2019ll get Kam Su to see to a bath for you and once you\u2019ve explained you can have one.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cThat sound suspiciously like an ultimatum.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole nodded, \u201cIt is!\u201d Adam relaxed by the fire and told her briefly what had happened and then before she could push questions, he told her about the trouble Joe and Hoss had encountered. She was worried but Adam told her not to fret they would talk it out tomorrow. Then his bath was ready and Adam kissed her, \u201cI\u2019ll be down soon don\u2019t sit here and worry.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole hesitated, she\u2019d been avoiding Adam while he was dressing, scared of memories but it was silly. \u201cDo you want coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes please, get Kam Su to bring some up.\u201d Adam gripped her hand \u201cI\u2019m alright, you\u2019ve seen me much more bruised than this. It was just a fight and I don\u2019t think they really had their hearts in it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hate you to be hurt.\u201d Carole bit her lip, feeling guilty, unsure how much she was hurting her husband by banning him from her bed. Adam knew her so very well that he could read exactly what she was thinking and his heart leapt in him, it was the first time she had shown any sign of considering things from his point of view, but he wasn\u2019t rushing anything. Smiling at her, very relaxed he said, \u201cI know that my love but all I need is a long sleep so go get my bed warmed up and try to stop the twins sitting on me in the morning and I\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n She bent down and kissed him, then went to do as he asked. Concerned about her husband, for almost the first time she forgot her ordeal totally and had an unbroken night\u2019s sleep herself, feeling much better for it. She managed to keep the twins quiet and it was nearly nine before Adam came down. He was surprised how late it was and even more that for the first time he hadn\u2019t been woken during the night, He ate a small breakfast and drank two cups of coffee and then as casually as he could asked, “No nightmares? Or did I sleep through it?\u201d Carole smiled happily, \u201cNot a sign of one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI must get in more fights obviously.\u201d He commented dryly. Carole put her arms round him,<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure there\u2019s an easier way. I guess I\u2019ve just been brooding too much, I\u2019ll try harder to forget.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam kissed her gently, \u201cYou have been and are the most wonderful wife any man could ever have.\u201d<\/p>\n She snuggled up against him and neither were aware of the door being opened until shrieks from David and Mark heralded the arrival of the rest of the family. Adam raised his head but didn\u2019t loosen his hold on Carole and he looked more at peace with himself and less tired than he\u2019d done in a long time. None of them missed the fact although noone commented and all three grinned before Joe and Hoss bent down to ward off attack from Mark and David respectively. Carole broke away and went to fetch fresh coffee and cookies. Even though they had come to discuss trouble, the family was very light-hearted over coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n It was nearly an hour later before Ben said, \u201cPleasant as this is we must get down to some work.\u201d Carole picked up Marie from his knee, \u201cTime she had a sleep anyway. I\u2019ll keep the twins out of your hair, why don\u2019t you move into the study. This place looks as though an earthquake has hit it, let me tidy up.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam considered the mess ruefully, \u201cI\u2019m glad of an excuse to leave it.\u201d The twins had been vying with each other to show their uncles every possession they had and then dropped them. Ben glanced at his other sons, Joe shrugged and Adam said, \u201cI just hit a brick wall by trying to talk round the subject. You know him best Hoss, handle it however you want. We need to know who is behind this trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded but Joe headed for the crux of the problem, \u201cSo both Johnson and Lars are feeling hard done by, they\u2019ll come round once they see we meant exactly what we said and neither of them will back out of a contract. But what about Seton. If he can go for Adam with a pitchfork a small matter of welshing on a contract ain\u2019t gonna worry him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan we go round his place if we have to?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n Adam shrugged, \u201cI suppose we could if we had to. It would be costly, fresh pipe would be needed, don\u2019t forget it\u2019s designed to fit the ground and we chose that route because it was the best.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben tapped his pencil on the desk, \u201cCould sue for damages, that contract is watertight isn\u2019t it Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d rather push to enforce it Pa. Could delay the whole scheme by six months or more and the town needs water. At the worst yes we have to sue can\u2019t let him get away with it, but we can try talking to him when he\u2019s sober, get an injunction if necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was doodling and he looked up, \u201cI\u2019m with Adam, make him keep to the contract, even if we need to protect the diggers by force.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grunted, \u201cPush straight ahead regardless! I thought you\u2019d grown up little brother, but these last few days I\u2019m beginning to doubt it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled, \u201cThere\u2019s one thing you\u2019ve forgetting Hoss. If we don\u2019t go over Seton\u2019s land the only other alternative route as I see it would mean crossing Martelli\u2019s land, If you don\u2019t think he\u2019d make us pay through the nose and then some, you have a different opinion of the man to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss hadn\u2019t thought of that and knowing how tight-fisted Martelli was, he had to admit his brother had a point. Adam added, \u201cJoe\u2019s right and anyway as a matter of principle I don\u2019t think we should let him back out.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe groaned, \u201cWhen Adam starts talking about principles he always ends us up in trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss punched him and added, with a grin, \u201cYou\u2019ll have to learn to duck won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben called them back to order and decided that on Sunday he would go to talk to Seton taking Adam and Joe for support, dropping Hoss off at Seton\u2019s on the way. With any luck on a Sunday Seton would be sober and with the three of them there shouldn\u2019t be any trouble. Noone had any better suggestion; it had to at least be tried. Then they turned their attention to drawing up a list of points, which had to be covered on Tuesday before throwing the floor open to questions. Adam questioned his brothers carefully, especially Hoss as he\u2019d been to town most often recently, trying to find out just what was worrying the people in town. Apart from the major fear of the mines becoming flooded and unworkable, the list was much the same as he had picked up at the farms. He wrote out the list and then Ben put the cat amongst the pigeons by telling his sons that at least until after Tuesday he didn\u2019t want them going to town on their own. Joe had already met trouble and Adam had been hurt, even though not in town, he wasn\u2019t risking more trouble.<\/p>\n Hoss was furious, he had already arranged to meet Sue the next day and although he was prepared to forego the rather vague promise to go in that night if he could, he wasn\u2019t missing the whole day tomorrow. He told his father so in no uncertain terms finishing up, \u201cI\u2019m derned well big enough to look after myself!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, \u201cYou\u2019re as vulnerable as anyone else to a bullet or a blow from behind and you made four new enemies yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSue\u2019s expecting me and I\u2019m going.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can send a message, Sue will understand, just until Tuesday and then we\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Hoss glared at them all, furious, then seeing the half smile on Adam\u2019s face he turned on his eldest brother. \u201cI don\u2019t see what you find so amusing, you always do exactly what you want.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEasy brother, I intend to do so tomorrow too, so stop hitting the ceiling. I\u2019m going into town, be glad of some company.\u201d Adam turned and considered his father \u201cIt\u2019s no good Pa, we\u2019re full grown, can\u2019t be wrapped in cotton wool and with both of us around nobody will try anything. We\u2019ll watch our backs.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben didn\u2019t like it but with his sons ganging up on him he could only give way. Adam was probably right they could take care of themselves and if unpopular, there were still a great many friends in town. Even so he couldn\u2019t prevent himself sitting around the next day, worrying. Joe was busy with some maps of the west shore that Adam had asked him to prepare but in the end he put his pen down and came out from the desk, \u201cPa you\u2019re making me nervous. Honestly they can look after themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen why don\u2019t you relax instead of pacing around.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed, \u201cIt makes me feel old when I start getting sensible advice from my youngest son!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on Pa, these can wait. Give you a game of chess, with your mind distracted maybe I can beat you.\u201d Hoss had been worried that Adam was only going into town to help him but Adam assured him that he had a day\u2019s work to do at the mines and then made the mistake of mentioning that he had to see Doc. Hoss reined up, \u201cWhy what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe just wanted to check my arm is healing alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs it?\u201d Hoss asked suspiciously.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine.\u201d Adam grinned affectionately at his brother, \u201cDon\u2019t look so worried Hoss, everything is alright.\u201d<\/p>\n In the end Hoss had to go and collect his brother and even then Adam was taking a pile of papers home to work on. Hoss frowned as Adam put them away in his saddlebag, \u201cHow much more you gotta do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt can wait until morning or even Monday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t let \u2018em push too much on you Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can take care of myself big brother. Did you have a good day?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss smiled broadly \u201cSure did. She\u2019s just about got that mare talking. We went for a ride. I hadda show her the line of that pipe; she\u2019d been reading Dan\u2019s articles, seen one of the handbills. I had grave difficulty in dissuading her from coming on Tuesday.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned at that in sudden alarm \u201cYou have stopped it? It could well prove to be the last place for a lady, even a nurse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019ll do as I told her.\u201d Hoss said with supreme confidence and Adam burst out laughing,<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll learn brother, you\u2019ll learn. I just hope she does this time.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss lent forward to fiddle with his bridle, embarrassed suddenly, not even wanting to face Adam, \u201cWhat do you think Pa and Joe would say if…. You and Carole too. I mean…\u201d he broke off in confusion.<\/p>\n Adam was pretty sure he could guess what Hoss meant but he wasn\u2019t jumping to conclusions, \u201cI can\u2019t answer that unless you\u2019re just a mite clearer.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss sat up biting his lip and looked at his brother, \u201cHow\u2019d you feel about having Sue as a sister?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned broadly \u201cI\u2019d be delighted and that I know goes for all of us. It won\u2019t exactly come as a surprise, we can all see you two are both in love.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t asked her yet, do you think she\u2019ll….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019ll say yes without any hesitation Hoss.\u201d Adam said very positively \u201cJust as Carole did and for the same reason, she loves you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t seem to find the words Adam, in case…. How did you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no brother. It\u2019s no good trying to plan it Hoss or try and use anyone-else\u2019s words. All you can do is just ask. You just need to be alone, your heart will tell you what to say. Carole and I weren\u2019t even alone. I\u2019d had all sorts of romantic plans of being up by the Lake but in fact we were by Joe\u2019s sickbed, both almost out on our feet with nursing him after that beating. It seems a very long time ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cQuite a while, a lot happened since, hard to remember a time without your little \u2019uns.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThings continue to happen, have you arranged that party on the 23rd?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore or less.\u201d Hoss grinned sheepishly, \u201cIt needs one thing yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUnless you\u2019ve been doing some shopping I don\u2019t know about I should make that two things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven if you\u2019re only having a short engagement, most women like a ring, so apart from the lady\u2019s consent…\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grinned even more broadly \u201cI have it in mind. Come on let\u2019s get home.\u201d He knew that he didn\u2019t have to ask his brother to keep their talk confidential but it had crystallised his thoughts and he knew the following day once he\u2019d seen Svenson he was going to go and find Sue and settle things.<\/p>\n Ben looked up from the chessboard as his eldest sons came in and he didn\u2019t need to ask both men looked very pleased with life. Adam came over and considered the board, \u201cHe\u2019s got you on the run Pa. Can you spare me five minutes before I go on home? I think you need time to think before you move anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his fist at his brother, \u201cDon\u2019t go giving him any hints.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam held up his hand in a peace sign, \u201cI\u2019m not even sure that I could rescue him Joe.\u201d He ran over the important points of news from the mines and handed over several papers and then refusing to stay for a drink, he headed on home to Carole, who was gratifyingly pleased to see him. She had wanted to go in on Tuesday too but Adam had flatly refused and just occasionally he put his foot down and Carole had learnt when he meant it. This was one of those times and she accepted it.<\/p>\n Carole couldn\u2019t help worrying the following afternoon, with Adam returning to the Seton ranch, but with Ben and Joe along she had to admit that it should be safe enough. In fact it was a wasted journey, Seton flatly refused to talk to them, he\u2019d said all that needed saying to Adam. Ben tried to make him see sense, there was no harm in talking; but the most he got was a grudging admission that Seton would come on Tuesday and see them put in their place. Then he went on into the house and slammed the door. They obviously couldn\u2019t burst in on him and Ben gave up. Maybe it was best to give him time to calm down, it would be a couple of months at least before any digging would start. It was too soon to interrupt Hoss and so they left him to it and headed home.<\/p>\n Hoss was very straight with Lars, \u201cWe\u2019ve been friends for a long time now Lars. I\u2019ve always been straight with you; I wouldn\u2019t lie to you. I always reckoned you knew that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNoone is accusing you of lying Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t you, you sure as hell thought Adam was. He\u2019s my brother and I\u2019m telling you now, he told you the exact truth. We\u2019re not gonna make much, if any, profit on this derned pipeline.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell I won\u2019t call you a liar Hiss, but if you ain\u2019t, why build it?\u201d Lars sat back as though he\u2019d raised an incontrovertible argument.<\/p>\n Hoss considered the big man; \u201cI don\u2019t remember making any profit when we restocked your herd after that stampede. Maybe Pa and Adam forgot to tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n Lars frowned, \u201cWell I know you bore some of that loss for me and I\u2019m still real grateful. One of many reasons I ain\u2019t backing out on that contract. I know I owe your family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo need to feel beholding, it was our choice to help. You\u2019re a friend and we were real glad to do it, but we got lots of friends in town too and they need water. We\u2019ve got more money than we need and Adam\u2019s got the know-how so why shouldn\u2019t we help and not charge?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnly businesses, mines, not even the farms. A fixed rate to cover the cost over a few years. It\u2019s in the contracts; the water will be free to all individuals. Only way we\u2019d go along.\u201d<\/p>\n Lars considered Hoss silently for several minutes. Then he offered his hand, \u201cSorry Hoss perhaps you\u2019d pass it onto Adam. Reckon I should have known you all better. Now what can I do to make things right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t no need for that Lars but if\u2019n you could tell me why you thought the worst it might help. Thing is you ain\u2019t easily stampeded and if you doubted us, then most folks will. Was there anyone in particular got you worried? If there was, maybe we could have a word with him make sure he knew the real facts.\u201d<\/p>\n Lars frowned and tried to think, remember. Slowly over coffee he told Hoss of the rumours he\u2019d heard, the general discussions in the saloon with Troy sounding off and then he remembered the one who above all had convinced him personally. It was a quietly spoken itinerant preacher, who had seemed to have all the facts at his fingertips and even to have God on his side. He claimed that it was a blasphemy against God to try and redo his works, if he had wanted a river to run down from Tahoe he would have made one. Hoss was surprised that Lars had been swayed by such nonsense and even Lars looked slightly guilty, \u201cI can\u2019t explain him Hoss. He don\u2019t rant and rave. His words don\u2019t sound right when I say them but when he did, it just seemed obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny idea where I\u2019ll find this Preacher?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe has been around town all month, gaunt man about Joe\u2019s height, Preacher Mckenna. Otherwise I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGuess I\u2019ll have a word with him myself, thanks Lars.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll speak for you in town. Wanna stay for supper?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shook his head, \u201cThanks but no, I\u2019ve got an appointment in town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith the preacher?”<\/p>\n \u201c Nope, not today but another Irish visitor to our town.\u201d Hoss grinned happily and saying goodbye slowly rode into town, knowing that Sue wouldn\u2019t be off duty for another hour. Still she wouldn\u2019t be expecting him so he wanted to be there to meet her before she wandered off somewhere and he had a job to find her. He had listened to Adam very carefully and he was going to speak when he was ready, not try to plan it in advance. He was waiting outside the hospital when Sue came out and surprised she stopped dead. Hoss took her arm, \u201cHello darling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t expect you today Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell I was near town, thought I\u2019d ride on in and see you. Want to come for a ride, just for an hour?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. If you\u2019ll just wait while I get changed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go get Sheba, meet you outside the boarding house.\u201d Hoss was deep in thought as he headed down to the livery stable, there weren\u2019t many attractive spots close to town where he could depend on being alone, particularly on a Sunday. Eventually he decided to head down to Washoe Lake. On the west shore of that he would be on the Ponderosa and somehow he needed the confidence that the very land gave him, so much a part of him.<\/p>\n Sue was waiting when he came back with the horses and swung aboard before Hoss could get down to help her. She was puzzled by his mood as they rode out of town, he barely spoke to her. The previous day he\u2019d told her about the trouble and she assumed he was still worrying about that. Having tried two or three subjects of conversations and eliciting virtually no response, she gave up, just going along with his mood although puzzled why he had bothered to come to town. Sue smiled but made no attempt to answer. Hoss went on \u201cI\u2019m not much good with words Sue but I want to spend my life with you. I want you to bear my children. Will you marry me?\u201d<\/p>\n Sue had sensed what he was asking before he started, it was written all over his face and with her eyes glowing she said, \u201cYes darling, there\u2019s nothing I want more in this world.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss pulled her close and held her so tight he nearly suffocated her, \u201cOh Sue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love you Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah I can\u2019t get over my good luck.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m no prize.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you talk like that, you\u2019re beautiful. Most gorgeous hair I\u2019ve ever seen and the sweetest kindest lady I\u2019ve ever met. I\u2019d look derned silly with some tiny little girl. You\u2019re what I want.\u201d Then suddenly serious he said, \u201cYou know what I\u2019m offering.\u201d He gestured at the land, \u201cI won\u2019t leave here Sue, oh I\u2019ll go for trips maybe even follow my brothers and go to Europe, be worth it with you beside me. But this is my home; you\u2019ve seen what it can mean, Indian raids, outlaws. Its a rough country, we\u2019ll do everything we can to keep you safe, but as Adam found there\u2019s never any guarantees.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf that scared me do you think I would be working in Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, like Carole it was your choice to come here. I\u2019m just mighty glad you did. You\u2019ll have to give up nursing, mind you with the amount of trouble my family can find, especially my little brother, guess you\u2019ll get plenty of chances to use your skills.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love nursing but I\u2019ve always wanted a home and children but I just never expected to find someone like you. Oh I do love you so very much.\u201d Hoss just held her close and then they settled to making plans. He was going to announce their engagement at the party on the 23rd December and until then only his family would know, neither of them wanted the embarrassment of engagement presents. Then Hoss insisted he\u2019d get the banns read and the wedding arranged for the very first Saturday they could. Sue was just as eager, she had no relatives in America and although she would be contacting her parents back in Ireland there was noway they would ever come so she had no reason to delay. Eventually getting cold they had to ride back and Hoss was eager to get home and share his joy. He took Sue back to the boarding house and kissed her \u201cYou have made me the happiest man alive Sue, bless you darling. I\u2019ll come by Tuesday after the meeting let you know how it goes. Promise you won\u2019t try and come.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have my word on everything.\u201d Sue watched Hoss ride out of sight, her life was going to change but she had no doubts. She loved Hoss and she had spent enough time with his family to know that they would all welcome her and she could learn to love them too, much more than she had ever loved her own family. Suddenly she had been given everything she could ever have dreamt of and ten times more, a new life with things she would never have thought of, but it wasn\u2019t the material things she was thinking about. It was the gentle giant of a man, who couldn\u2019t hide from her his sensitive gentle nature or the love that he had for her, so much more than she had ever dreamt she could inspire.<\/p>\n Hoss rode home in a happy dream, hardly able to believe in his luck. He decided to drop by Adam\u2019s first before going on home and knocked on the door early in the evening. Adam had just finished his supper and was lazing by the fire in his study with coffee, while Carole was in the kitchen with Kam Su. As his big brother appeared Adam at first though that Hoss had found something out from Lars, but as his brother came over to the fire it was obvious that trouble was the furthest thing from his mind.<\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t really need telling but he sat back and waited as Hoss grinned broadly, \u201cYou were right again Adam, it wasn\u2019t even difficult and she said yes.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam came to his feet and gave his brother a big hug \u201cI couldn\u2019t be more delighted, Sue\u2019s a lovely woman.\u201d He went over and poured out three brandies, yelling for Carole, \u201cHey darling, get in here we have to celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole hurried in and seeing Hoss\u2019 face, she went straight over and kissed him, \u201cYou\u2019ve finally asked her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd she said Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course she did Hoss, she loves you. I am delighted, I\u2019ve missed having a sister and I like Sue very much.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss picked her up and gave her a hug before accepting the brandy Adam offered. He smiled at his brother with an expression Adam had never seen before and Adam said, \u201cTo you Hoss, you and Sue, a long and very happy life and our warmest congratulations.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole nodded \u201cShe\u2019s a very lucky girl\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cI think she deserves it and I think Hoss is just as lucky. What does Pa say?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t been home yet. Thought I\u2019d tell you first. Once Pa gets planning I won\u2019t get away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you Hoss,\u201d Adam said deeply touched. \u201cWhen is it to be?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe thought we\u2019d announce it on the 23rd, nobody to know beforehand \u2018cept you four. Then we\u2019ll get the banns read and arrange it for the first free Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not have a word with the Vicar Hoss. He won\u2019t tell anyone but he can get it all booked in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood idea Adam, I think I\u2019ll do that, far as I\u2019m concerned sooner the better. We\u2019ll live at home, least for now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll have to let us know what you want for a wedding present.\u201d Carole said with a grin but Hoss just shrugged \u201cWhy? I never got no help from big brother. He\u2019ll have to get his thinking cap on.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam clapped Hoss on the back, \u201cVery willingly big brother, now you\u2019d better go and tell Pa and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded, glad to see the very real delight and support written all over both Adam\u2019s and Carole\u2019s faces. \u201cI\u2019ll see you tomorrow and thanks for all your support.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo thanks need Hoss, we are both very very pleased, not exactly surprised but no less delighted. She\u2019ll be as good a wife for you as Carole is for me and a very lovely addition to our family. I know that you\u2019ll be as happy as we are and that\u2019s all I\u2019ve ever wanted for you and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss couldn\u2019t find any answer and hugged his brother for a moment before heading home to tell the other two people he loved. Ben was rather surprised that Hoss was so late and uneasy, scared his big son had hit trouble. Joe was reading by the fire and he laughed at his father, \u201cCalm down Pa, the big moose can look after himself and anyway I\u2019m sure there\u2019s nothing wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned at his youngest son but Joe just grinned and Ben realised that his son wasn\u2019t just trying to reassure him, Joe was very sure that nothing was wrong. Ben was used to the almost telepathic communication between his sons; they had always been able to sense when anyone was in trouble. He often sensed it himself; he had a close affinity with all his sons, maybe Adam more than the others, but every one, especially if they were in trouble. He relaxed slightly and at Joe\u2019s insistence they had supper without waiting any longer for Hoss.<\/p>\n Hoss left Kirk to put Chub away and went on in to join his family, They looked up as he came in and Joe caught his father\u2019s eye, something had obviously happened and he could guess what. Hoss went over to the desk and poured out three brandies and handed Ben and Joe one each, \u201cGot some news for you.\u201d<\/p>\n He hesitated but then grinned, \u201cGuess it won\u2019t come as no surprise, SueEllen had promised to marry me. Soon after Christmas as we can get it arranged.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grinned very broadly \u201cCongratulations Hoss, long life and happiness to you and Sue.\u201d He raised his glass and Joe did likewise, \u201cI\u2019ll drink to that very willingly big brother.\u201d Joe drained his glass and came to his feet to hug Hoss \u201cYou know how pleased we are Hoss. You\u2019re as bad as Adam, I began to wonder if you\u2019d ever summon up the nerve.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter Joe, fed up doing my chores?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe thought had crossed my mind!\u201d Joe slapped his brother on the back \u201cEvery happiness you big galoot and I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll find it, she\u2019s a lovely lady.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked over at Ben, \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you need to ask Hoss? I liked her anyway and she proved what a worthy addition she will be to our family in the way she helped Adam and Carole. Most important of all you love each other, I can\u2019t tell you how delighted I am.\u201d Joe sat next to him and punched his brother\u2019s arm, \u201cIt\u2019s so different when you\u2019re in love and you know for one hundred percent certain that its returned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t like the idea of someone else coming first before us. Guess Adam finally proved to me it don\u2019t make no difference. Just \u2018cause he has Carole and the kids that don\u2019t make us any less important to him.\u201d Ben listened to his big son, knowing Hoss was speaking from the heart as he rarely did. He got to his feet and moving behind his sons, he gripped Hoss\u2019 shoulders, \u201cI don\u2019t think anything can ever come between the four of us Son, we\u2019ve been through too much together. Still every man needs the fulfilment of a wife and children, I\u2019m sure with Sue you\u2019ll find it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was in a pensive mood and he didn\u2019t even notice as Ben took Hoss off to get some food. He had once dreamt of that fulfilment and possessed it for such a short time, only to lose it with more agony than he had ever known could exist. Now he was on the verge of finding it again and he prayed that Nita would fit in, scared that he would mar his brother\u2019s joy if once again he lost his dream.<\/p>\n Hoss looked questioningly at his father, worried by Joe but Ben said softly, \u201cYour brother is delighted but it\u2019s bound to bring back memories and I think he is hoping to join you after Christmas. Bound to have a lot to think about. Eat your food and let him be. How about Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWent by on my way home, he was delighted and Carole.”<\/p>\n \u201cWe all are Hoss. We\u2019ve been expecting it, as Joe said he wasn\u2019t betting against a certainty, even if you hadn\u2019t said anything. We already know just how well she will fit in with the family.”<\/p>\n \u201cNurse could be handy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot too often I hope.\u201d Ben turned the conversation to the detailed questions of exactly what Hoss wanted and when.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t until the following day that anyone gave a thought to the thing that Hoss had supposedly set out to discover, They were having coffee at Adam\u2019s bringing him and Carole up to date on the arrangements decided on so far. If Hoss was euphoric, Ben and Joe were surprised to arrive and find Adam and Carole in about the same exalted state and for a long time no sense could be gained from Adam.<\/p>\n The previous evening once Hoss had gone they had talked round the subject for a while wondering where Hoss would end up building and Carole was wondering about a wedding present but Adam just smiled knowingly, he had already made arrangements. Then suddenly Carole disappeared upstairs, to reappear a few minutes later with an armful of sheets. Adam stared at her in total surprise, \u201cWhat are you doing darling? You can\u2019t do the washing at this time of night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot going to, just thought I\u2019d put them ready for Kam Su in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s already gone to bed I think, do you want me to give you a hand to remake the bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, not now, we shan\u2019t be needing it until the guests start arriving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen why…\u201d Adam broke off, \u201cWhich bed have you stripped?\u201d<\/p>\n She blushed lightly and Adam took the sheets from her, \u201cDarling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome back to our bed Adam. I watched Hoss; I\u2019ve never seen him so happy and he made me remember that marriage is more than just the meeting of two minds. I haven\u2019t had so many nightmares anyway and I want you back.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t find any words and just held her close. When they went up to bed, he picked up a bolster to put down the middle of the bed as they had once discussed, but Carole took it away from him. \u201cNo Adam, I asked you to come back, no reservations.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure darling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery sure my love. Hoss reminded me what I should have always known, I love you and you\u2019re my husband.\u201d Carole bit her lip, she couldn\u2019t truly claim to want him, not yet.<\/p>\n Adam joined her in bed and took her in his arms, feeling her tense slightly although she tried not to. Adam kissed her forehead, \u201cRelax darling, I love the quiet time when we can lie close together and you go to sleep in my arms. That\u2019s all I want, for now anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could make me want you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably darling but don\u2019t lets rush things, for now this is heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole relaxed against him, it was all she wanted for now, as so often Adam could read her thoughts. Adam was telling the truth he was content and as she slept peacefully in his arms he lay awake for a long time just savouring her closeness.<\/p>\n The next morning despite lack of sleep he was exuberant as she moved all his things back into their room. Slowly the effects of her kidnapping were fading and for the first time he felt sure that eventually every last effect would vanish in time. With that certainty he could relax and he was happy as his family quickly realised, Adam was on his knees playing with the children and punning outrageously.<\/p>\n Eventually Ben insisted that they had to get down to business, they had the meeting arranged for the following day. Adam put the twins down, \u201cHoss are you going to town later?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThinking of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome with me I\u2019ve got to take Mark to Doc\u2019s get this cut off.\u201d He patted the plaster, \u201cNot before time it\u2019s filthy.\u201d David clamoured to go too and Adam looked helplessly at Carole hating to say no to his young son. Hoss said \u201cLet him come I\u2019ll look after him, only want a word with the vicar.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThought you might.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, \u201cCarole will you get your husband into the study, then maybe we\u2019ll get some sense out of him.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole giggled but did as she was asked, leaving the other three with the twins. Joe said softly Hoss shrugged, \u201cCarole\u2019s in about the same state, just a bit quieter, who knows….\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shushed him as Carole came out, \u201cWell he\u2019s sitting quiet but if you get any sense out of him, it\u2019s more than I have so far today.\u201d<\/p>\n None of them liked to ask her if she knew why and as she busied herself with the children they went into join Adam. He was sitting staring into the fire lost in his own thoughts, but from the half smile curving his lips they were pleasant enough. Ben sat down opposite him \u201cYou\u2019re remarkably exuberant Adam. Hoss I can understand but why you?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged \u201cJust everything going right I guess.\u201d Ben frowned, \u201cYou should be wearing a sling on that arm, you and Joe both show all too many bruises. We\u2019re so hated in town that you don\u2019t even dare take Mark in on your own. It seems a strange time to get pleased with life, especially with this meeting tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned, \u201cWhat a catalogue of woe! It\u2019ll all work out Pa. Hoss had got engaged to a sweet girl. Mark is fully recovered, the last sign going today and Carole is, what she\u2019s always been, she\u2019s just about recovered too, no more nightmares. With so much to be grateful for, why worry about a few bruises or some temporary mistaken unpopularity?\u201d<\/p>\n It was obvious to all of them that something had happened and they could only guess but it didn\u2019t matter the effect was great. Adam lent back \u201cOkay to business if Hoss can still remember anything that happened before he met Sue.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss laughed \u201cJust about brother.\u201d Then he filled them in on what he had learnt from Lars. Ben said, \u201cYou have the twins too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why I want Joe\u2019s help. If necessary Beth or someone will take care of the kids for half an hour I\u2019m sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben could only agree and as Joe signified his willingness to go along he gave way. There seemed little reason for this Preacher to be so against them, but with luck his sons would find out if he were genuinely mistaken or in someone\u2019s pay. Adam could be very persuasive and might even be able to change his mind. Carole had lunch waiting and as a special treat the brothers had agreed to take the little boys to town on horseback, riding in front of them, so there wasn\u2019t any great hurry to set out. They just laughed knowing that he didn\u2019t really mind and Joe said seriously, \u201cAnyway you don\u2019t want to strain that arm Adam.\u201d Adam had to admit it was still sore, but insisted that he was quite capable of handling both his sons without straining it, let alone one. Ignoring him Hoss and Joe set out for town and he moved Blackie out after them, waving to his father and wife, before slipping Blackie in between Chub and Cochise. The three chatted as they rode and answered the children\u2019s inexhaustible stream of questions and in no time they reached town. Hoss stopped off at the Vicar\u2019s, passing David over to his father and promising to join his brothers at Doc\u2019s once he had made the arrangements.<\/p>\n Doc was expecting Adam and Mark and he chatted to the little boy while his father held him. He was able to cut the plaster off before Mark really noticed. The bone had healed perfectly and apart from being rather white the arm was unmarked, He had been using his hand even with the plaster so it wasn\u2019t even weak. Doc reassured Adam that it was fine and Adam felt a surge of relief rather to his surprise. He had seen how freely Mark was using the arm and hadn\u2019t consciously been worried about his son. Then Doc handed Mark over to Joe, \u201cLet\u2019s see your arm while you\u2019re here Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned at his brother suggesting he took the twins out, but his very eagerness to get Joe out of the room convinced Joe to stay. The twins were busy pointing things out to each other from the window so Joe just shook his head. \u201cGive up Adam. I want to see for myself. Carole says you\u2019ve been dressing it yourself. What are you so keen to hide?\u201d<\/p>\n Paul laughed, \u201cReckon your family knows you real well Adam! Don\u2019t look so worried Joe, he\u2019s alright. Just a nasty gash, it was the dirt which was worrying and I took rather drastic steps to ensure there was no infection.\u201d As he spoke Doc unwound the bandage to reveal the mess underneath, the burnt flesh sloughing off, Joe stared horrified but Doc cleaned it gently and underneath it was already beginning to heal. By the time he\u2019d finished Adam was pale but his arm looked much better and Doc said reassuringly, \u201cHealing just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked questioningly at the brandy in the corner and Doc said \u201cGood idea Joe. Pour yourself one as well, look as though you need it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe handed one to his brother as Paul redressed the wound and told Adam, \u201cJust keep it clean, it\u2019ll be fine in a week or two, healing fast this time.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned, knowing twice recently he\u2019d got too upset and run down to heal as he usually did. \u201cCheer up Joe, Doc says its fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell us, it must have been agony.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t need you fussing and anyway it looked worse than it was.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was unconvinced but as Adam already looked brighter for the drink and not wanting to upset the little boys he let it drop, at least temporarily. Doc asked how Carole was and Adam grinned broadly as he told Doc his wife was so much more herself, only the occasional nightmare now. Once they had chatted to Beth for a little while the brothers left the twins with her and separated to look for the Preacher, with warnings to Joe from both his brothers of the dire consequence from them if he managed to get into any trouble. Joe was incensed particularly with Adam who had managed to get far more seriously hurt last time and had no room to talk. They arranged where each of them was to search and planned to meet up in half an hour whatever their success, or lack of it.<\/p>\n Adam started by sounding out Dan but although he had seen the man around he didn\u2019t know where he hung out and hadn\u2019t heard him talk. Dan wanted to know why the Cartwrights were interested in finding the Preacher but Adam wasn\u2019t wasting time with explanations, Dan would have to wait.<\/p>\n The atmosphere in town seemed more muted, although still unpopular, most people were waiting to hear what the Cartwrights had to say the next day. Adam came up blank and headed over to meet his brothers at the palace. Hoss was already there, waiting for him equally unsuccessful and as Adam came in he ordered two beers. Five minutes later they were on edge as Joe still didn\u2019t arrive, wondering if their little brother had found trouble yet again. They were just about to go and look got him when he appeared at the door and beckoned them over, relieved that he was alright, they ambled over to join him. Joe grinned, \u201cSorry I\u2019m late.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grunted, \u201cWe\u2019re used to it, hard to remember any occasion when you\u2019ve been on time, even though I gave you a watch!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe just laughed, \u201cWell at least I have news, either of you find anything?\u201d His elder brothers could only shake their heads and as Joe made no attempt to carry on, Hoss threatened to shake it out of him. Joe giggled but seeing the edge of anger on his eldest brother\u2019s face, he gave in \u201cI was just about to give up when Tom Parker told me that he was down at St Mary\u2019s in the Mountains. I went down there and he was talking to Father Minogue, agreed to see us.\u201d He looked ostentatiously at his watch, \u201c In just under ten minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam clapped his brother on the shoulder \u201cWell done Joe. Is he Catholic?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged \u201cI don\u2019t know but I guess he\u2019s at least a legitimate preacher or he would stay away from the Catholic Church, Father Minogue ain\u2019t no fool.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Joe but that doesn\u2019t prove anything. Let\u2019s go and talk to him.\u201d<\/p>\n They arrived to find a gaunt ascetic looking man waiting for them. Adam led the way over and joined the man in the small garden at the back of the church. Although not Catholics they had always been on good terms, supporting the church charities and Adam knew that Father Minogue wouldn\u2019t object. He smiled at the man \u201cPreacher Mckenna, I believe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy name young man.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam bit his lip, not feeling particularly young, especially as he doubted that Mckenna was more than his mid-forties but he went on, \u201cI am Adam Cartwright, my brothers Hoss and Joseph. As you know we are planning a pipeline to bring water to this town. A friend has told me that you disapprove. We would like the chance to discover why and maybe tell you a few things that you don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy bother with me, You are rich and powerful men, I\u2019m an itinerant preacher, bringing God\u2019s word to those who sorely need it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPreacher I don\u2019t know which sect you support, neither do I care, but I reckon we all believe in the same God and when any man of God disapproves of my actions I at least like to know why.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe you aren\u2019t beyond redemption.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGod is a God of mercy, can any man be said to be beyond redemption?\u201d Adam asked very mildly and then seeing his brothers\u2019 restlessness he moved to more practical matters. \u201cWhat we don\u2019t understand is your objection to this pipeline? The town is growing all the time and badly needs more water.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat can not be denied but God in his wisdom will provide.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he is doing just that by giving us the idea for the pipeline.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhose idea was it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMine initially I guess.\u201d Adam admitted and the Preacher looked at him almost pityingly, but with certain tenderness which Adam found embarrassing. The Preacher said, \u201cI have heard your reputation Adam Cartwright. You are fast with a gun; already have much to seek forgiveness for, even amongst the evil doers in this town.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was rapidly losing his temper but a glare from his eldest brother kept him quiet. Adam was determined to keep things calm as long as he could and very mildly said, \u201cNoone would deny that this is a rough town with much evil and sometimes we have to do things we don\u2019t like, but my conscience is clear. When the time comes I\u2019ll face my maker without fear. Either way it has little to do with this pipeline, just why do you object?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo latch on to such misery for profit, is reason needed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think you have been misinformed, we will make little or no profit from this pipe. It will take a couple of years to even cover our costs and the water will be freely available to all who need it.\u201d<\/p>\n The Preacher frowned and for the first time considered the younger brothers almost questioningly. Hoss nodded \u201cIt\u2019s all written on record down the courthouse, legal. We\u2019re just trying to help these people, give \u2018em water, maybe better cleanliness and health, how can that be wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf it is indeed so, then I have been misinformed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t lie preacher.\u201d said Joe curtly.<\/p>\n \u201cThat does rather change things, you aren\u2019t exactly what I expected.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lent forward slightly, at his most persuasive, \u201cMany people listen to you because you are a man of God. We have taken great care over this project and I can assure you that there is no risk to the town in any way. I am an engineer and I can be sure of that. Maybe you can think it over and withdraw your opposition.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo flooding? Too much to expect I suppose, but this is an evil town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTry not to judge it too severely Preacher. My brothers and I have known it since its earliest day and although much is still wrong, things have improved.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe you have never known different?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have travelled fairly widely Preacher. I have studied back east, even in Cambridge, England and Joseph and I have travelled in Europe. Virginia City does not have a monopoly of evil and there are many good people here.\u201d<\/p>\n The preacher nodded slowly and then stood up, \u201cI will think on what you have said. If you are telling me the truth then it does rather change things.\u201d With that he turned and walked off leaving three sorely puzzled brothers. Hoss said hopefully, \u201c Think you may have changed his mind Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure Hoss. Can\u2019t make him out, all so very softly spoken and not a word about blasphemy, but ….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell he did say it altered his ideas.\u201d Joe offered. \u201cNone too trusting, I\u2019d bet he goes over to the courthouse and reads the contract.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head, \u201cI wonder. Nobody else has bothered to, or if they have they don\u2019t take any notice of it and I\u2019m fed up with pointing it out. Come on we have another call to make before we go home and we can\u2019t leave the twins with Beth too long, they\u2019ll wreck the place!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Joe frowned, as far as they knew they had accomplished what they had come to town for. Still as Adam was heading of at speed they could only follow him. To their surprise he went straight down town and then Joe realised where he was going. He caught up, \u201cAnd suppose she\u2019s busy at the hospital?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll only keep her a few minutes but don\u2019t you want to congratulate her and welcome her to the family? I can\u2019t leave town without at least seeing her, suppose she heard that we have been in town? Not very nice.\u201d \u201cJust had to find the right girl. It can take time, not all of us have your luck Joe.\u201d Adam looked sideways, \u201c Sorry Joe, that came out all wrong, you know what I mean.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled, \u201cI know Adam. I have been very lucky to find two girls in such a short time, it took you several years longer to just find one.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam relaxed \u201cExactly.\u201d Then as Hoss came up to join them, Adam asked one of the sisters where Sue would be. Hoss had also guessed where his brothers had been heading and he was delighted that they wanted to see Sue so immediately. It didn\u2019t take them very long to find Sue but she was very busy and told Hoss of for coming in when she was working. \u201cNot my idea darling, this pair of idiots. I ain\u2019t responsible for them!\u201d<\/p>\n Sue accepted his kiss and his defence and then looked at Adam and Joe. Adam grinned, \u201cWe won\u2019t keep you a minute, but we were in town and with the twins along, without their mother to keep them in order, we couldn\u2019t wait until you got off duty. Had to come along and welcome you to the family. Many congratulations Sue and I am delighted to have you for a sister. \u201c Adam hugged her warmly and gave her a big kiss and then stood back as Joe followed suit. Joe grinned broadly \u201cI think Hoss is a very lucky man, I just hope you can keep him under control.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue was so delighted by their very evident pleasure that she didn\u2019t now what to say and promising to see her after the meeting the following evening as arranged Hoss chivvied his brothers out to let her get on. For quite a while Sue stayed in the small room where they had found her, fighting for control, close to tears with sheer happiness. She had known that they would accept her if that was what Hoss wanted but they had gone out of their way to show her how pleased they were and how much they approved of Hoss\u2019 choice; which she still couldn\u2019t help feeling was an odd one, sure that he could do so much better.<\/p>\n Hoss was equally delighted that his brother had wanted to see her. Glad that his wife to be showed every sign of fitting into the family just as well as Carole and Marie had. Despite Sue\u2019s low opinion of herself, Hoss was very proud of both her looks and her skill as a nurse, sure that she was brighter than he was and surprised that she had come to love him.<\/p>\n The following morning Adam ran over with his father exactly what he intended to say and as best they could guess what questions would be asked and how they would answer. Then he firmly refused to worry any more about it and they all tried to put it out of their minds. They rode in during the afternoon having arranged to meet Fair, Mackay and Schussler for dinner to run over the best way to handle things.<\/p>\n It was rare for the four Cartwrights to be riding into town together these days and without even Carole and the twins. Ben knew that several of his hands were intending to be at the meeting and he couldn\u2019t stop them, but had issued firm warnings that he didn\u2019t want trouble. Jess, Jos\u00e9 and the others had decided to ride in a little later not wanting to provoke Ben into ordering them to stay away.<\/p>\n Adam caught Joe\u2019s eye and saw the glint of mischief in it and he was waiting to see what his little brother was up to. Joe said casually, \u201cSue-Ellen going to come to the meeting Hoss?\u201d \u201cAll the more reason to expect to see her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019ll do as she\u2019s told!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe let loose a cackle of laughter at that. \u201cHoss! You do have a lot to learn doesn\u2019t he Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve already warned him little brother, if he thinks that he\u2019s going to be the boss he\u2019s got another think coming.\u201d Adam played up to his brother \u201cWhat do you think her first move will be?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPut him on a diet I should think, too big to be healthy and she\u2019s a nurse.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss almost scarlet couldn\u2019t find an answer as Adam agreed with Joe, \u201cAlmost certainly after the first two or three nights.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned, \u201cYeah when she finds out how much of the bedclothes the big moose filches.\u201d He danced Cochise out of the way expertly as Hoss raised his hand threateningly. Ben told his sons to stop teasing their brother; they were almost there. Joe pulled up the far side of Adam for safety and grinned at Hoss, who was still muttering darkly.<\/p>\n Schussler was waiting for them at the Washoe club; the other two would be joining them any minute. Hoss had booked a private room, so that they could talk undisturbed. Harv was very worried and nervous, not really used to violence. The threats against him had badly frightened the little man even though Roy had pulled him out physically unhurt, he was scared that this meeting was just asking for more trouble and that it would end up in a full scale fight. Physically a small man and no fighter he didn\u2019t know how to look after himself. Adam spent ten minutes doing his best to reassure Harv but he couldn\u2019t convince himself that he was doing much good. He did promise Harv that in the event of trouble he and his brothers would make sure they protected him, but it didn\u2019t help. However when he offered Harv a chance to pull out, not attend the meeting, the suggestion was indignantly turned down. Harv was determined, this was his project, his pipeline and he would speak in defence of it, the rumours were wild and untrue it was time someone put the true facts forward. Despite his insistence on coming Harv couldn\u2019t eat and picked at his food, amazed at the unconcerned way the other six, all used to trouble, ate solidly as they talked.<\/p>\n When the seven men headed over to the Opera House it was already half full. Roy was waiting for them and briefly filled them in on how he\u2019d spread his men around hoping to sit on any trouble before it really had a chance to spread. He was offering no guarantees and rather sombrely told Ben, \u201cI shall be very glad when this is over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe too Roy! I\u2019m beginning to wish we\u2019d never got involved in this pipeline, It\u2019s caused nothing but worry and work and frankly we don\u2019t stand to gain much from it. Should have stuck to the Ponderosa, we have enough to do there.\u201d<\/p>\n Roy just ignored his old friend\u2019s complaint, knowing that with the only water available involving crossing the Ponderosa, wild horses wouldn\u2019t have kept Ben out of it. Ben went to join his sons on the stage. The curtains were still closed but from the noise the Opera house was filling up rapidly. Joe stationed himself in the wings where he could see what was happening and kept the others informed as to who was arriving. He saw Troy and the Preacher come in and then turned in surprise, \u201cPa come here. I think that\u2019s George Hearst out there?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben went over and had a look and nodded \u201cYou\u2019re right Joseph. I wonder how long he\u2019s been in town. I hadn\u2019t heard he was visiting.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam saw Harv looking very puzzled and lent over to say quietly, \u201cGeorge Hearst lives on Nob\u2019s Hill in San Francisco. Very occasionally deigns to visit Virginia City but he is a big investor in the mines. Not our main ones but we are joint directors on some of the others like the Chollar-Potosi and the Savage. We have clashed occasionally, Pa doesn\u2019t see eye to eye with Hearst on many things. In Hearst\u2019s opinion the mines are here to provide money for himself and his cronies on Nob Hill but at least he\u2019s always had faith in the mines, backed them during the bad times.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was surprised and not too pleased to find Hearst there as well as Troy but the man had every right to be there, he was a major investor. Adam asked \u201cJoe is Sharon out there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot as far as I can see. Asking a lot for him to risk his precious person with this rough crowd. He\u2019ll have to someone here to report back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that but I\u2019d have liked to see his reaction. I\u2019m none too sure of his position on this and I never trust Sharon when I don\u2019t know what he\u2019s up to.\u201d<\/p>\n Jim Fair grunted, \u201cSeems to be keeping out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUnusual enough to be worrying in itself. \u201c Adam insisted.<\/p>\n Ben frowned, \u201cForget about it now. It\u2019s just about time to pull up the curtain. Joe come and sit down.\u201d Joe gave the signal to the man in charge of the curtain and joined his family. Ben was at the centre of the long table with Harv next to him and then Fair and Mackay, with his three sons on the other side, He was intending to get quiet if he could and then leave Adam to put their case as they had arranged. Adam had more confidence as a public speaker that Ben would ever have and this was his project, perhaps more than anyone else\u2019s.<\/p>\n As the curtain went up an almost physical barrage of hissing, shouts and boos came at them and Ben looked at his sons. Banging the gavel seemed to have very little effect and Ben waited for a moment for the noise to lessen. When it didn\u2019t he tried banging the gavel again but it had no effect. Hoss got to his feet and moved behind his father and took the gavel and then shouted loudly \u201cThat\u2019s enough boys.\u201d his roar sounded over the shouts and for a moment at least some of the people quietened down. Slightly more quietly Hoss went on, \u201cYou came here tonight to find out what we propose with this pipeline. If you don\u2019t hush up a bit, seems to me we\u2019ll all be wasting our time and I can find something better to do, even if you can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n By the time he\u2019d finished speaking most of the people were quiet and Hoss handed the gavel back to Ben, \u201cAll yours Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Hoss.\u201d The rest of the platform party relaxed slightly as virtually all the noise in the hall had subsided apart from Adam\u2019s voice; he had their undivided attention. Adam went on, \u201cThe risk is even lower than that. We are going to have to pump the water up the last stretch to Mount Davidson anyway, so that the risk of flooding just doesn\u2019t exist. The other thing that I have heard on all sides is the fortune we are going to make out of it. I guess in one way we will. Our mines need that water to get lower into the rich ore, good reason for us to build the pipe. It\u2019s mainly on Ponderosa land, that\u2019s another reason for our involvement, but profit from selling the water is not a reason.\u201d<\/p>\n That statement brought a great chorus of hisses and catcalls and Adam raised his voice to be heard. \u201cAny one of you can go and look up the deeds of the Tahoe water Company. Those deeds are legally binding on the present directors and any of their successors, I know they are water tight I drew them up myself and the legal language isn\u2019t too obscure. They say water must be provided free, I repeat free, to every individual requiring it. If we turn round in a year\u2019s time and start charging any of you, you can take us to court and you will win! The mines and businesses will pay a fixed sum per year, depending how much water they use but we expect it to take at least two years to cover the cost of the pipe. Noone is aiming to make a fortune out of this. Speaking personally I have more money than I need now so I can afford to help out.\u201d<\/p>\n There was a buzz of noise around the theatre, but it didn\u2019t sound quite so antagonistic as it had done earlier. The men were discussing what Adam had said with their mates. Adam glanced at his father. He had planned on making a few more points, but wondered if they ought to quit while they were ahead. Ben said quietly, \u201cAsk for questions.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam said, \u201cThat about covers it but if anyone has any questions we will do our best to answer them. Troy I promised you the chance to put your point of view. Do you want to start.”<\/p>\n Troy glared at him, as antagonistic as ever, he couldn\u2019t help but feel that Adam had undermined his position. With the small pipe sitting there, even he couldn\u2019t help but feel that the risk of flooding was slight. He was still sure that somehow Adam was twisting things, but didn\u2019t know what to say. He got slowly to his feet and was very relieved when he was interrupted by the Preacher pushing his way through to the front. The Preacher\u2019s voice was no longer quiet and reflective as he denounced the plan as the work of the Devil. Ben and Adam sat back, shocked by the attack, Adam hadn\u2019t been as sure as his brothers that they had convinced the Preacher of their good motives, but he certainly hadn\u2019t expected anything as virulent as this. Ben lent towards his eldest son, \u201cI thought Joe said that you\u2019d calmed him down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe said we\u2019d changed his mind. I didn\u2019t realise it was for the worse.\u201d<\/p>\n Before either of them could say anymore Joe was on his feet; furious at hearing his brother described as a killer, an agent of the Devil. He picked out a couple of men that he knew in the centre of groups inflamed by the Preacher. \u201cJohn Wheatley was it evil when my brother designed a windmill to raise water on your farm? You Smithers, is it evil to stop your wife paying a dollar a barrel for every drop of water in her laundry? Everyone of you here is changing the face of the land, building houses God hasn\u2019t provided with tree he has, but we have to cut them down first. Digging mines to follow the veins. Why is that right and yet a pipe to bring water people need, to use the water God provides in Tahoe, is blasphemous.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was so furious that the emotion in his voice made them listen but Preacher Mckenna took up the challenge. \u201cBrought up amongst such evil how can you know what is right or wrong?\u201d There was a touch almost of sorrow in his voice but at the added insult to his family, Joe erupted. \u201cI know more about evil than you seem to. At this minute you personify it. Trying to stop an attempt to improve the health and living conditions of this town. My God wouldn\u2019t force any one to go short of water unnecessarily.\u201d<\/p>\n That attack on the Preacher personally was just the spark needed, he was a man of God and without thinking logically many of the men recognised the attack and resented it. As though by some plan they came to their feet and surged forward towards the stage, the roar of anger very clear.<\/p>\n Ben got to his feet \u201cThat\u2019s torn it. Get out Harv, we\u2019ll cover.\u201d<\/p>\n The other six were all well versed in the rough and tumble of fistfights and they needed to be. Adam was slowest to react; he had seen something, which both surprised and distracted him, as he listened to the Preacher\u2019s attack. George Hearst had sat there, an expression of satisfaction on his face, not even surprised at what was being said. He saw the look the Preacher cast across to Hearst as though asking if that was what he wanted done, Puzzled by it Adam didn\u2019t even see the first blow aimed at him. It took him high on the cheekbone and for a moment he was stunned and took several more blows before Hoss could work close enough to try and protect him. One blow directly on his left arm broke open the wound again but the savage pain seemed to clear his head and although his left arm was useless, he began to do some good with his right, much to Hoss\u2019 relief. The brothers stayed close together protecting each other\u2019s back and working towards the exit, covering the three older men as best they could. Slowly Roy got some of his men up to help and in the pit it had degenerated into a free for all, everyone fighting for no particular reason. Roy was sure he couldn\u2019t calm it down until the Cartwrights were at least out of sight. He yelled at Ben and Adam to get out of it and they tried to oblige but it took time for the three brothers to break clear.<\/p>\n Adam was the last through the side door and shut it behind him, leaning on it as their erstwhile opponents tried to follow. Two of Roy\u2019s men loomed up from the alley; \u201cWe\u2019ll make sure noone follows. Get out of it before things get any worse.\u201d<\/p>\n The Cartwrights could only follow their advice and collecting their horses from the back lot moved slowly towards Sue\u2019s boarding house. All sore and bruised wanting to collect their thoughts get their breath back. As they stopped outside, Ben said, \u201cYou three okay? Any real damage?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss said, \u201cJust bruises. No need to wait. I\u2019ll see Sue catch you up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh no!\u201d his father said. \u201cFeelings running too high, you\u2019ll just have to be brief. We\u2019ll wait for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss wasn\u2019t surprised and going in, he promised not to be more than ten minutes. Adam moved over to the porch with its outside light, \u201cWhile we\u2019re waiting maybe one of you would rebandage this blasted arm of mine. It\u2019s fated.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben and Joe moved closer seeing the blood on his hand in sudden alarm. Adam grinned, \u201cJust broken it open.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben said, \u201cSit down. Joseph get the first air kit from Buck.\u201d He helped Adam out of his coat but before he could do anymore Sue was there, demanding all three come up to her room and at least wash and clean up before attempting to go home. Ben having seen Adam was hurt very willingly accepted. Sue wasn\u2019t surprised by the three having seen Hoss\u2019 state and since coming to Virginia City she\u2019d seen the effects of all too many fights to panic. It didn\u2019t take a moment to see that apart from cut lips, eyebrows and knuckles the main damage was bruising. The only more serious damage was Adam\u2019s arm so Sue concentrated on that, cleaning the wound and rebandaging it, \u201cYou\u2019ll have to have it stitched if you keep this up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot my choice Sue. Thanks it feels much better.\u201d Sue wasn\u2019t convinced but she turned to Hoss insistent in hearing exactly what had happened. Listening as she worked cleaning and putting ointment on all four men\u2019s faces and hands. Adam was quiet his arm throbbing and he knew he was going to have a beaut of a black eye, as was Joe. He had a stinking headache and a sense of failure. It was left to Hoss and Ben to explain what had happened to Sue. Joe was feeling very guilty, sure that by losing his temper he had provoked the fight, which might have been avoidable, he had taken a lot of punishment and was bruised and sore. They glossed over the accusations the Preacher had laid against all of them, Adam in particular. Sue wasn\u2019t too sure just what had started the fight but trying to cheer them up she said, \u201c Even though it ended badly, they did listen maybe it will penetrate when they have time to think.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed, \u201cI don\u2019t believe Virginia City ever stops to think, it just reacts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat will you do now?\u201d she asked. \u201cYou are very welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u201cI know that. We will see you soon but now I\u2019d better get them home before we end up in any more trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gave both his brothers a hand to mount and had just swung up himself when Ben came out. Ben mounted Buck and then the four keeping close together in case of trouble, moved out of town. Some of the miners involved in the fight saw them go but noone was going to attack the Cartwrights when they were all together. They rode in silence until they were clear of town and then Joe couldn\u2019t restrain himself any longer. \u201cI know I should have kept quiet but that stupid man daring to judge Adam, I just lost my temper, all my fault I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201cNot the first time brother, I\u2019ve been called hard names before and survived.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he was hiding behind his cloth, as though it was God talking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe know God doesn\u2019t judge us harshly Joe, too often we\u2019ve asked for and had his help when death threatened.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe glared at his brother \u201cSo I shouldn\u2019t have lost my temper, that\u2019s why I\u2019m saying sorry.\u201d He was on the verge of losing it again and Adam seeing that said, \u201cI lost mine too Joe. I can assure you I didn\u2019t like it one bit better than you did and I was very glad to have a champion in my little brother, even if it did precipitate trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shrugged, \u201cProbably inevitable anyway. We all knew the risk of a riot before we went.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam eased his aching body in the saddle, \u201cI\u2019m sure it was inevitable, maybe even planned.\u201d He had his family\u2019s attention and told them what he had seen, sure there was some relationship between Hearst and Preacher McKenna.<\/p>\n Hoss very puzzled, asked, \u201cDo you think it was an act?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head, \u201cOh no. Such pure fanaticism can\u2019t be acted I\u2019m sure, but it\u2019s not beyond Hearst\u2019s capabilities to bring it in deliberately and hint how best to achieve their joint aims.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned, \u201cWe\u2019ll try and check back. Whatever else we do I want to stop that man, he\u2019s dangerous. Any fanatic is, especially one who has his claws into us.\u201d Joe relaxed slightly glad that his family didn\u2019t blame him for the trouble and sure that Adam was right. When his brother was that positive inevitably he was. Ben insisted on seeing Adam home first and Hoss offered to see to Blackie for him. Adam smiled, \u201cI\u2019m fine you know, just bruised same as you three.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour arm\u2019s a bit more than bruised.\u201d Hoss commented, \u201cI\u2019ll see to Blackie.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright brother and thanks. I\u2019ll see you in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded \u201cWe\u2019ll be over after breakfast. Try and get a good night\u2019s sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n It took Adam a while to calm Carole down and then she wanted to know in great detail exactly what had happened. Adam pulled her down on his lap and then filled her in. he told her everything, scared that she would hear about it from another source if he didn\u2019t. He couldn\u2019t hide his anger at the things he\u2019d been called but did his best to reassure her than none of them were seriously hurt and if the meeting hadn\u2019t improved matters, it probably hadn\u2019t made them any worse. It was just possible that when they calmed down some of what he\u2019d said would have effect but he was very doubtful. Eventually after a long soak in a hot bath he turned to the more pleasant topic of Christmas and refused to worry any further.<\/p>\n All of them were in a sombre mood the next morning. Adam and Joe with spectacular black eyes and even Hoss and their father showed every sign of a fight. They went over the events of the previous day but it didn\u2019t help and noone knew what to do next. Even the antics of the children only raised the briefest of grins. It was easy to say they\u2019d forget about the pipeline until after Christmas but not so easy to do. They had invested very heavily in it, money, time and prestige. Carole had arranged lunch for all of then but she found herself attending to the children\u2019s wants while the four men ate basically in silence, not even too sure what they were eating, all deep in their own thoughts.<\/p>\n As they were sitting over coffee and brandy, Carole removed all the children upstairs before they really annoyed one of the men, none of whom was in a good temper. When the knock on the door heralded someone\u2019s arrival, Adam went to answer it. He stood back and let Dan in, unsure whether it was a social call or more trouble. Dan knew him too well to think the hesitation was aimed at him personally and he grinned, \u201cWell I must say you four are a colourful sight.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grunted, \u201cI\u2019m sure you didn\u2019t come out here to gloat and you were there last night so our bruises ain\u2019t news. What\u2019s wrong now?\u201d<\/p>\n Dan sat down by the fire warming his hands at it, \u201cCheer up. The four of you look as though the sky is about to fall in. Nothing is wrong! I just thought you might like to see today\u2019s edition of the Territorial enterprise and hear the considered reaction around town.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head, \u201cBusiness so bad you have to come all this way to sell one copy of the paper Dan?\u201d Adam went over to his father to read over his shoulder, while Hoss read with Joe. The front page was largely filled with a verbatim report of the evening\u2019s events and Adam caught his father\u2019s eye as they finished reading it. Without twisting a single word Dan had managed to emphasise their arguments and the force of what Adam had said was backed up by quote from the deed, tying them to free delivery of water for individuals. Then Ben turned to the editorial and Goodman had let himself go. Not the most fervent supports of the Cartwrights and not a close friend, it made his words more effective. He concentrated on the personal attack made upon Adam and the family telling Preacher McKenna to check his facts. That although Adam had undoubtedly killed it had always been in defence of either his own or someone else\u2019s life and that wherever possible he\u2019d avoided it, even when he could have easily claimed legal and moral justification. Then he outlined the other times the Cartwrights had come to the assistance of the town without gain to themselves. He had finished up by stating that if the Cartwrights were sent by the Devil then he for one would change his allegiance because so much good was achieved. But he thought that the Preacher was just plain wrong, or maybe his God wasn\u2019t the God of mercy that Christians worshipped.<\/p>\n The four finished the editorial in silence and Adam found himself slightly embarrassed and busied himself getting fresh coffee. Ben asked Dan what the reaction was around town. Dan sat back comfortably with his coffee. \u201cI think Smithers about summed it up in the Bucket O\u2019Blood later. Seems you got to him Joe with the example of his wife\u2019s laundry and a lot of others too. He reckoned that the evening proved that Adam could talk and all of you could fight, which they knew already, but maybe it also proved you were only trying to help the town with the pipeline and maybe they ought to have known that too. That as an engineer Adam had helped set up the shoring and built the flumes everyone had laughed at but were now copying and maybe they ought to trust him to build a pipeline too.\u201d<\/p>\n The Cartwrights looked at each other almost in disbelief and it was left to Hoss to ask, \u201cHow typical is that reaction Dan?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFairly widespread. I think the attack on Adam went too far, most of them know you and know it just isn\u2019t true, so if that was wrong maybe the rest was too. That small pipe helped, just didn\u2019t look capable of flooding the town. So by the time they\u2019d sat back to think, finished boasting about their prowess in the fight, which everyone else enjoyed, even if you didn\u2019t, they began to give you the benefit of the doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head in amazement; \u201cWell I\u2019d never have believed it. I thought I knew Virginia City but after last night I began to wonder if we\u2019d dare to show our faces in town again.\u201d \u201cKind of you to come out. \u201c Adam said, well in control again. \u201cWe were all feeling a bit low, didn\u2019t seem to get through at all to them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell you did, both you and Joe. They respect him for speaking up for you.\u201d The atmosphere had totally changed by the time Carole came down and she recognised it at once, the men all looked so much more relaxed. Puzzled she joined Adam and he handed her the paper and once she\u2019d read it, explained what Dan had said.<\/p>\n Now they could relax and do as they had claimed forget about the pipeline. They spent a very pleasant couple of hours chatting with Dan and beginning to lay their plans for Christmas and a wedding, all getting very close now. Hoss filled them in on what he had arranged, with a little juggling of the banns over the Christmas services he had managed to get his wedding booked in for the 8th January. Hopefully Will would be able to extend his visit by a day or so and stay for the wedding. Dan promised not to tell anyone about the wedding until Hoss was ready, even if he did grouse about people who tried to gag reporters.<\/p>\n Eventually Dan had to get back to town and Adam walked out with him, thanking his old friend again for taking the time to come out and let them know the news. Dan just grinned he\u2019d had a good meal and a large brandy and had a follow up piece for tomorrows paper. \u201cJust make sure I get an invite for Boxing Day and the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know you have that.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam went back in to find his brothers wrangling over wedding presents with Hoss being unhelpful at least in Joe\u2019s estimation and he sat back and watched, pure amusement written all over his face as his brothers seemed to revert to childhood. Ben waited and within a couple of minutes his expectations were fulfilled as Adam got sucked into the argument. He went over to his daughter-in-law, \u201cI sometimes wonder if they will ever grow up, but maybe they need it after the last few days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey sound like the twins!\u201d She laughed, \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t want it any other way Pa, it\u2019s good to see them relax, now I really feel as though Christmas is coming.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/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
\nHoss grinned broadly and he sat on her confusion as she tried to say it was too much. \u201cAdam\u2019s got Blackie, he don\u2019t need Sheba. He\u2019s paid for stabling for six months in advance, then I guess we\u2019ll have had time to review the situation,\u201d<\/p>\n
\nCarole seemed to be able to put it behind her to a large extent but she still couldn\u2019t face sharing her bed, even on a platonic basis, waking too often to nightmares in the early hours. Adam had his own nightmares, but he was quick to go to Carole when she woke. Awake she was glad to find comfort in his strong arms and that more than anything else gave Adam the strength to face things calmly. He had thought of putting off their guests, but decided that Carole was better for being busy and with the added incentive of knowing just how important the visit was for his youngest brother, he had opted for carrying on as planned.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAnd now he is thinking of marrying again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBen accepted that and although his son looked rather tired Adam was relaxed so he tried not to worry, allowing Adam to turn the conversation back to work. Adam returned home before either of his brothers got back. He was tempted to ride up by the lake and make sure that Joe was alright but he pushed the idea away, if Joe wanted him he knew where to come.<\/p>\n
\nBen frowned in thought, \u201cFirst Hoss you have your breakfast and then I think we all ride over to Adam\u2019s. You can give all three of us as much detail as you know, I don\u2019t like making decisions without knowing the facts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nout now, having done nothing for years, it would just prove to everyone that we had something to hide.\u201d Adam fell quiet remembering how he had obtained the confession. In an attempt to force the Ponderosa to cut more tree and provide timber for his mine, Troy had used a lovely brunette to entice Joe out on his own and had him kidnapped. Joe had been so badly beaten that he\u2019d temporarily lost his sight. That was more than the girl had bargained for and she had told the Cartwrights where he had been grabbed and who had arranged it. Adam had gone to see Troy while Hoss attempted to follow the trail. Troy was a physical coward and Adam had shaken the truth out of him. He had found his little brother bound gagged and blind alone in a small shack miles from anywhere. Once he got his brother home Adam had gone back to town sent Doc out to the ranch and then forced Troy to sign a confession. Adam had sworn to take Troy to court if he ever moved against them again and had told the story to Dan. Despite the bad publicity, Virginia City needed Troy\u2019s money and organising ability at the time with several mines in borrasca and the square set shoring proving expensive and only slowly paying dividends as the mines got deeper. The Gould and Curry was one of the most successful and so Troy had survived but he hated the Cartwrights, especially Adam for that humiliation, not even grateful for their failure to press charges. Adam hated him equally for the pain he\u2019d had inflicted on Joe. Since then Joe had taken an even worse beating but at the time it had seemed terrible. Adam would never forget the state he had found his brother in, blind and scared, nor the long fortnight of fear before Joe\u2019s sight returned. Adam had lived through it himself and he\u2019d been best placed to help his brother but he knew that he\u2019d been able to do so very little. Even now thinking back his lips tightened in anger and it took Ben a minute or two to recall him.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHow long will they stay if someone starts shooting at them?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYeah but the scar\u2019s still a bit tender, punch somewhere else or better still not at all! Come on let\u2019s take this lot in before the kids arrive and snaffle all the cookies.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIt was a cold clear day and Adam wasn\u2019t sorry to get out of the house for once. He\u2019d barely left Carole\u2019s side apart from brief trips to the main house since her kidnapping. He rode up to the lake first and spent ten minutes out on the pint, glad of the peace there. Carole still didn\u2019t get through a night without nightmares and he was tired, long after she went back to sleep he would sit by her bed. He stared out over the Lake praying that in time she would be able to forget and come home to him. His marriage had been so perfect and he could only pray that in time they could find their way back to it.<\/p>\n
\nJoe grinned, \u201cWhy do you think I brought the big moose along? My own personal bodyguard.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHoss got to his feet, pulling Joe up with him, \u201cThat\u2019s enough from you two, Come on little brother work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoe didn\u2019t wait any longer and settling his gunbelt more easily, slipping the braid off which kept his gun in the holster, ready for a quick draw if he needed it. Then he stepped forward, \u201cIf you have an argument with the Cartwrights take it up with me, not a guy just doing the job he\u2019s paid for.\u201d His hand hovered over his gun, anyone of the men facing him outweighed him by more than thirty pounds and he prayed that Hoss would get back fast, but he hid his fear. The main thing was to force these men to back down if he once came to grips with them he would at the least risk getting badly hurt. He smiled, forcing himself to appear relaxed. \u201cDon\u2019t push it I may not be quite as fast as my brother but I can still take any of you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHoss added, \u201cMight keep an eye on Roger, make sure he don\u2019t get any more trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoe felt much better for a rest, but he was hungry and thirsty so he flatly refused to head home until that had been taken care of, despite Doc\u2019s protests and offer to get something brought in. Hoss agreed with his little brother, he was hungry too and not about to be driven out of their town by stupid rumours.<\/p>\n
\nAdam, examining his left arm as he eased his coat off, could only agree, the wound from the pitchfork had torn the new scar tissue from the two bullets he\u2019d taken. \u201cMy left arm does seem to have a fatal attraction for trouble at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe all know that you can talk, that don\u2019t change nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWant coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBen rejoined his younger sons and amused them with his story of how the hands were keeping watch on their brother. He insisted that Joe got an early night but sat talking to Hoss for over an hour, getting more details about the reaction in town and that of Schussler, Fair and Mackay to their plans. Each had agreed to support the Cartwrights but they had made it very clear they weren\u2019t optimistic about it doing any good.<\/p>\n
\nAdam was relaxing in the bath the hot water easing the ache from his muscles when the door opened and to his surprise Carole came in with a tray. He hadn\u2019t missed the care she had been taking to knock before coming in, to see if he was respectable. Carole stared down at him only aware of the red bruises and the heavily bandaged arm, too concerned about her husband for memories to bother her.<\/p>\n
\nBen started out by having Adam report in considerable detail exactly what had been said at all three farms. Adam was sure that someone had been causing trouble, not just Troy. He couldn\u2019t imagine Svenson taking Troy very seriously; he had a low opinion of all those involved with the mines. Whether it was being done deliberately or just some big mouth, he couldn\u2019t be sure. Hoss offered to go over and have a chat with Svenson, they had always got on well. Ben thought it might be sensible but he didn\u2019t want to be seen to be pushing too hard and suggested leaving it for a few days. Two Cartwrights in two days would only prove to him that something was going on. Hoss nodded, \u201cPa I ain\u2019t no hand at being tactful. Is there any objection to me asking Lars straight out who has been bad-mouthing us?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBen welcomed the distraction and soon got involved in a tight game with Joe. His youngest son\u2019s maturity even showed in his playing of chess and he was better able to give his father a game although he\u2019d never be better than average. Eventually Ben was concentrating so hard, seeing how Joe was trapping him but unable to avoid it, that he was surprised when Hoss and Adam came in just after nine.<\/p>\n
\nSue hadn\u2019t been out that way before and after a while Hoss roused himself to show her the boundaries where the Ponderosa started. Then led the way to a small grove of trees with a view down across the lake to Virginia City and in the other direction a view clear up to Lake Tahoe with the Sierra Nevada covered in snow looming over it. All his lands but he wouldn\u2019t comment, that wasn\u2019t what he wanted to offer her. Too often women had been prepared to take him for what he owned, but this time he was convinced it was different and he\u2019d been glad to find that Adam\u2019s judgement coincided with his own. He had great faith in his eldest brother. He dismounted and helped Sue down, taking her in his arms and kissing her. Then he let go and held her at arm\u2019s length, \u201cI love you SueEllen, I think you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHoss sat down on the sofa and grinned happily at them, \u201cFunny, once I was scared at the very idea of marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhat\u2019s got into him? It\u2019s been years since he\u2019s been in such a zany mood.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam was quiet when he finished barely aware of the discussion between his father and brothers. Eventually coming back to the present with an effort, he turned to his youngest brother \u201cJoe fancy joining us in town, maybe between the three of us we can manage to track down this Preacher. Seems a good idea to have a word with him before tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIn the even Hoss took David and Joe lifted Mark onto Cochise and by the time that Adam came out after saying good bye to Carole the twins were all set. His brothers just grinned as he commented dryly, \u201cMaybe once you two get kids of your own, I\u2019ll get a look in with mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThen Hoss arrived to collect them, looking very pleased with himself. He had everything arranged and had even found time to pop into Beth\u2019s and arrange for her to take care of the twins for an hour. She was delighted to see then even if Carole wasn\u2019t along and very pleased to have the little boys company for a while. They both liked Beth and were happy to stay with her; not that unusual as Adam and Carole often took them to visit Beth when they came to town.
\nHoss bullied his brothers into moving and saying goodbye to Paul they headed over to Beth\u2019s. On the way Hoss was full of news trying to tell them exactly what he had organised, more excited than either of his brothers could remember in a very long time.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOf course I do Adam. I\u2019m as glad about this match as you are. Sometimes I thought he\u2019d never settle down.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cOf course not. I done told her it ain\u2019t no place for a lady.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBen started by introducing the six directors and Harv as the chief water engineer, emphasising that he had built the Spring Valley Water Works for San Francisco and then he handed over to Adam, saying that his son had done all the preliminary work. Adam stood up and for a minute there was some hissing but he ignored it. Adam said, \u201cI\u2019ll try to keep it simple. The town needs water; the mines are using more and more as they go deeper. Icehouses use gallons and each one of you knows how expensive it is to provide enough water for cooking and the bare essentials of life. Lake Tahoe can provide as much water as the town needs without noticing the difference, so the obvious answer is a pipe. We dig a trench, deep enough to avoid frosts, lay the pipe and you have water.\u201d Adam held up a section of pipe. \u201cThis is it, 12 inch pipe. It will bring over two million gallons of water every twenty-four hours. That sounds a hell of a lot and it is a fair amount. Over fifty gallons for every man, woman and child in town at the moment. The mines will use a lot of it either directly or from the icehouses. Now I know that a lot of people have been worried about the risk of flood. \u201c He held up the pipe again. \u201cIt\u2019s all got to come through this small pipe. How long do you think it would take to flood one mine, let alone all? Twenty years?\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe man\u2019s voice boomed through the theatre. \u201cThis Godless town has little enough chance of salvation, the Devil works through his own agents. Sometimes they don\u2019t even realise their own evil. This time he uses his own man, a killer many times over to try and undo God\u2019s own work. This scheme is a blasphemy, designed as such, not even rational profit motives, just a way to desecrate God\u2019s works. If God had intended a river to this town he would have placed one, anyone involved in this or using tainted water will risk any chance of salvation. Denounce it now before a shovel touches the earth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam pulled himself to his feet, \u201cGo home and as far as I\u2019m concerned try and forget all about the blasted pipeline, I\u2019m sick to death of it and I don\u2019t care if it gets built or not. It will be Christmas soon and I have guests coming so I am going to get ready for them.\u201d He sounded slightly bitter and considering the way he had been attacked by the Preacher, none of his family were surprised. Sue looked puzzled but Hoss just kissed her and promising to come by on Friday, which was her day off, he went to help Adam downstairs. As his sons went out Ben turned and took hold of Sue\u2019s shoulders, \u201cWith all of this I\u2019ve forgotten the most important thing. Congratulations Sue, I\u2019m so very glad that Hoss is giving me such a lovely daughter. Welcome to the family.\u201d He kissed her forehead, \u201cWe don\u2019t usually spend our time fighting. Many thanks for your help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdam rubbed his sore arm, \u201cThat\u2019s why I was so slow to react when trouble started. I was watching the pair of them. They set out to cause a riot and they succeeded. Maybe you helped Joe but they weren\u2019t about to give up until they\u2019d achieved their aim, so personally I\u2019m glad you got a few digs back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nDan threw the paper at him and passed another copy to Ben, \u201cAs you about filled it, we\u2019ll even give you the copies free.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nDan laughed, \u201cThey\u2019ve swung over the other way now, almost making saints out of you! Not that it will last. However I don\u2019t think there will be anymore large-scale opposition to your pipeline. Troy and Hearst won\u2019t give up so there may well be more trouble but not the general hatred. I thought you\u2019d like to know the general reaction.\u201d<\/p>\n