Summary:\u00a0 Preparing for Hoss and Sue’s wedding
\nRating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (50,740 words)<\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cartwright Saga Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Lawyer <\/a><\/span> \n A Turbulent Preacher<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Book 1 – A preacher causes more problem for the Cartwrights<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stood and raised his glass to his youngest son and his fianc\u00e9e and with huge pride looked at his eldest son with his wife and children and Hoss with his beautiful red-head. He felt a true patriarch what he had always wanted for his sons.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Laura was delighted as she congratulated Nita. She had grown very fond of the younger girl as she spent more and more time with Laura in San Francisco after meeting Joe and she knew how much in love Nita was. Everyone seemed pleased especially as Adam was so much in evidence and obviously delighted and Nita seemed to have relaxed with him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Only three people noticed Hoss\u2019 hesitation, his father, Adam and Carole and none of them commented although rather surprised. Joe was too excited and no-one else knew Hoss well enough to see past his act, not even Sue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole asked Beth to choose some material suitable for Nita\u2019s wedding dress when she went into town in an hour or so. Hoss was driving her in as he had some arrangements to make with his wedding only ten days away. Joe said that he would go with them as he had telegrams to send and arrangements to make, wanting to confirm the date and get the announcement in the paper. No-one was surprised at that but they were all surprised when Adam announced his intention of joining his brothers. Carole had seen the look that Adam gave his big brother and could guess exactly why Adam was going but knowing that he would hate anyone else to know, she helped to cover by producing a list of things that she required. As Hoss was driving Beth in on the buckboard it would be available to collect some stores and with such a houseful she always needed something, Adam accepted the list and her instructions to collect the material, provided Beth chose it for him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was so pleased with himself that it took the combined efforts of his brothers and his father to get him started for town. Nita in contrast seemed to be in a dream, very happy but hardly aware of all the congratulations. On the way to town Joe hardly stopped talking as he sorted out his thoughts on what had to be done, the arrangements to make, just what he wanted. Hoss made a definite effort with Beth along. She was a close friend but still an outsider, he teased Joe unmercifully for the second time he hadn\u2019t been able to resist copying an older brother when they got married. Joe was too excited and pleased with life to worry about anything and didn\u2019t notice the effort that Hoss was having to make but it was all too obvious to Adam. Adam hid it well but he couldn\u2019t help worrying, wandering what was eating at his big brother, it was so unlike him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For the moment they all had jobs to do and knowing they would take varying times, with Joe having the longest list, they arranged to meet at the Washoe Club for a celebration dinner, just the three of them. Adam made his first move to book one of the small dining rooms where they could be private, hoping that Hoss would arrive well before his little brother. It was very difficult with so many houseguests to find time for a private chat and he badly wanted one.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam collected the stores and two bolts of material that Beth had chosen and after thanking her for her help he headed over to the Washoe club and ordered himself a beer at the bar downstairs as he waited for Hoss. Roy saw him go in and came over to join him. He was very sombre and Adam asked what was wrong, forgetting all about weddings for the moment. Roy sighed heavily, \u201cThat Preacher McKenna has been stirring all round town. He gets quite an audience and he\u2019s been attacking you and your family.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe pipeline?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSeems largely to have forgotten that but according to him the Cartwrights are the personification of evil and sum up what is wrong with this town, I don\u2019t think many people take him too seriously, you four are too well known but he\u2019s good entertainment and they listen. I just don\u2019t want trouble. You react and people will start taking him more seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEasy Roy, I don\u2019t want trouble either.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah well it\u2019s not really you who worries me, but Beth said that Little Joe was in town and Hoss too. You know your brothers especially Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cActually today I think Joe has other things on his mind, he\u2019s pleased with the whole world. I shouldn\u2019t worry but I\u2019ll have a word with both of them. What do you know about this preacher?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot much, he just drifted into town a couple of months back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCould you make a few enquiries for me, especially in San Francisco? I think he may have some sort of tie up with Hearst.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do what I can I have a few favours owed, Anyway I don\u2019t like what he\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks Roy. I shall be in town on Tuesday, got a court hearing for the Consolidated Virginia, If you can dig up anything fill me in then, Keep my brothers out of it, just for the moment, I don\u2019t want anyone going off half-cocked. They\u2019ll be in and out for the next few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah I suppose you\u2019ll be busy with the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned \u201cMake that weddings! It\u2019ll be in the paper tomorrow, Joe and Nita took the plunge this morning, Joe\u2019s making the arrangements now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf I don\u2019t see him, pass on my congratulations. She\u2019s real beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe is that and she loves him very much, I think it will work out as well as his first marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat don\u2019t seem so long ago I must be getting old.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMore than three years, she\u2019s been gone not far short of three years even though sometimes it feels like yesterday. It was what she wanted, Joe to find someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s still a young man. It was probably inevitable, best thing anyway. Ain\u2019t nobody going to begrudge him another chance. We all knew how hard he took Marie\u2019s death. Still with two weddings you will be busy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust slightly. I reckon we probably have a fortnight between them, at least its winter and nothing much else to do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Half an hour later Hoss came in to join Adam, having finished his list of jobs. With Joe not there Hoss had no need to hide his uneasiness, knowing full well why Adam had decided to join in the trip to town. Adam left word with Quincy, the bartender, to tell Joe where they were and suggested they go straight up. Once there he ordered coffee and brandy and for once Hoss joined him. The brothers agreed to wait until Joe arrived to order food. Hoss sat down on the window seat and stared down to the busy street, \u201cJoe\u2019s bound to be a while yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hope he is. I want a word.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss wouldn\u2019t look at his brother \u201cI had a feeling you did, sudden decision to come along.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss parried with another question, \u201cDo you think Joe noticed?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe is hardly noticing anything this afternoon, looking at the world through rose tinted glasses, a haze of champagne and delight. In fact apart from me I\u2019m fairly sure only Pa and Carole noticed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell that\u2019s something.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou still haven\u2019t answered my question.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up at Adam for the first time \u201cI can\u2019t help thinking that for once our little brother is making a terrible mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That was rather more outspoken than Adam had been expecting even though he\u2019d known that some thing was wrong and he sipped his brandy, studying his brother intently before he answered. \u201cI thought you and Sue were getting on quite well with Nita?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah, she\u2019s been nice enough to us, but I got eyes Adam. It\u2019s been hard to sit by and watch the way she treated you. I only kept quiet \u2018cos it was tearing Joe apart anyways and I didn\u2019t want to make it worse.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why I contrived to talk to her alone this morning. We\u2019ve come to an understanding, I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any need to worry. In her own way she was just trying to defend Joe from what she saw as my condescension. She thought I belittled him and didn\u2019t trust him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s nonsense.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cI think I convinced her of that but she doesn\u2019t know us and she misunderstood, things like \u2018little brother\u2019, she thought I meant it in a derogatory way, not as a term of affection. You and I have defended Joe often enough she was only doing the same.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell maybe, but I still don\u2019t like the way she treated you. How much is that hard cynical bitch the real one? \u2018Cos if she is she\u2019ll break Joe\u2019s heart.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure it isn\u2019t, just a shell to hide behind. Laura has seen a lot of her and she says Nita has changed a lot since she\u2019s known Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah,” Hoss sighed \u201cWell I don\u2019t trust Laura\u2019s judgement, she chose Will instead of you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned at his brother, he hadn\u2019t realised that still rankled, \u201cThat was my fault Hoss, not Laura\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe, I don\u2019t know. All I do know is that one way or another you got pretty badly hurt then and Laura sure didn\u2019t help.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, it was my fault. I should never have proposed to Laura, I didn\u2019t love her, not the way I do Carole. She was a means to an end, a way to get the children I wanted. If I\u2019d really loved her, she would never have turned to Will.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stared down into his glass and then drained the brandy, \u201cI don\u2019t know Adam. I had to watch you spend weeks in a wheelchair and then struggle back to your feet. I know that was an accident but it didn\u2019t help what they did, Then you ran off to Europe and you didn\u2019t mean to come back, that was real hard to take. It\u2019s the one time in my life that I\u2019ve set out to get drunk and the first two bottles barely made an impression. I stayed drunk for three days but it didn\u2019t really help. I never wanted to see Will again. I don\u2019t think Joe really understood then just how much he was gonna miss you but I did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed hard \u201cI never realised Hoss.\u201d he put his hand out to grip his brother\u2019s shoulder. Hoss had never spoken of those days before. Hoss looked up \u201cI didn\u2019t intend you to. It was hard enough for you anyway and we could only sit and watch. Joe was hit hardest on his 21st birthday. For days beforehand he went into town to get the mail and although you sent a parcel and a long letter well in advance it didn\u2019t arrive until two days after his birthday, some strike in New York. Whatever we tried to do to celebrate Joe hadn\u2019t heard from you and you weren\u2019t there. I hated Will and Laura then and I think Joe did too, but when we went with Pa to San Francisco, we had to go see them. Pa had lost you we couldn\u2019t cut him off from Will too, but I found it very hard to begin with. It was a bit easier when we knew you\u2019d come back eventually but even when you were friends with them again, I\u2019ve never really felt the same.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam bit his lip, not knowing what to say. Hoss put his arm round his brother\u2019s shoulders \u201cAdam I\u2019m not trying to get at you, I know why you went and it was all a long time ago, I had to stand by and watch you go away, making a mistake I was sure, but I couldn\u2019t stop you. Now I\u2019m scared Joe is making an even bigger mistake and unlike you, he won\u2019t be able to change his mind once it\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gripped Hoss\u2019 arm \u201cI paid for my mistakes Hoss. If you missed me, I missed all of you. Especially in the days after I heard about the fight. Pa tried to gloss over it but there was no way to gloss over Jim Willy\u2019s death, or how nearly you\u2019d died. I paid then for the injury I nearly did Laura and the harm I did to you three. If you\u2019d died when I was so far away and I hadn\u2019t even tried to help \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNoone wanted you to pay for anything. You didn\u2019t do us harm, it was just that we missed you, knowing you weren\u2019t fit and unhappy and we couldn\u2019t help.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEnough of that Hoss, its ancient history but I hope you\u2019ve forgiven Will. He couldn\u2019t help falling in love and he stopped me making the same mistake you\u2019re worried about Joe making.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI suppose so, I didn\u2019t think of that. There\u2019s noone to stop Joe,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs it just the way she treated me that worries you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMainly, something in her character that just ain\u2019t nice.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s been a very unhappy girl for a long time. According to Joe she doesn\u2019t get on with her step-mother or her father. She loves him very much, surely you can see that?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes and Joe loves her I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen why so doubtful?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you think he\u2019s kidding himself, she\u2019s very beautiful and after Marie he\u2019s been pretty lonely? Maybe a bit like you and Laura he wants to get married too much?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head decisively, \u201cNo. There would have been easier people to fall for, not a girl in San Francisco. After first meeting her he didn\u2019t even know when he would be able to get back to San Francisco. It was a freak that he went this autumn. Anyway you know how awkward he was while you were marking up, you told me about it. Joe wasn\u2019t looking for love he was fighting against it, because of Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe.\u201d Hoss looked entirely unconvinced and very worried and Adam didn\u2019t know what to say to convince his brother. He\u2019d seen Hoss\u2019 hesitation in congratulating Joe but finding Joe\u2019s news allied in Hoss\u2019 mind with his own disastrous episode with Laura had really brought home to him how strong Hoss\u2019 misgivings were. Adam poured out some more coffee and hoped that Joe would still be quite a while as he tried to work out how to put Hoss\u2019 mind at ease.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss himself was surprised by the depth of his fears and the very clear memories of Adam running off to Europe, a time he had seldom thought of since Adam found Carole and settled down happily. Nita seemed pleasant enough most of the time but he had been infuriated by her treatment of Adam and he wasn\u2019t at all sure that she was right for Joe. Maybe his worries were accentuated because unlike Nita he knew that Adam had problems of his own and just how hard a time his brother had had a few weeks earlier. He knew that Adam was still not sleeping well and he was feeling protective towards his brother. Unable to help on Adam\u2019s major worries he, like Joe and Ben, was eager to protect Adam every other way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had been a lot less worried by Nita\u2019s attacks on him than either of his brothers, mainly concerned at their effect on Joe. Now as he saw the effect on Hoss too, he kicked himself for not acting sooner as Edwin had suggested, He could have stamped on it earlier if he\u2019d realised how badly both his brothers were reacting, Now he settled down to the task of persuading Hoss to his own point of view. \u201cI can remember a time Hoss when you were very doubtful about Joe\u2019s marriage to Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up at that surprised and Adam went on \u201cPa and Marie got off to a much worse start than Nita and I. It\u2019s ironic really I tried to persuade Pa that that wasn\u2019t a disaster but right for Joe, that he had to accept Marie or he\u2019d lose Joe. That Marie would be Joe\u2019s wife for the rest of Pa\u2019s life and yet she only had months to live. Now I\u2019m faced with the same problem, trying to persuade you that it isn\u2019t a disaster.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss frowned \u201cDo you know I\u2019d completely forgotten all that trouble. I wouldn\u2019t have thought that week, after I got home and before Joe reached you, that I\u2019d ever be able to forget. Pa looked terrible, even worse than when you left I think.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt proved irrelevant in the long term, that was a perfect marriage, only one thing wrong Marie\u2019s early death. But that first day when I told you and Carole about the baby you were very worried, and I couldn\u2019t even tell you that it wasn\u2019t Joe\u2019s baby.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned more freely than he had since Joe came in with his news. \u201cI asked you then what you thought of Marie and relied on your judgement. You said that she\u2019d make Joe happy because they loved each other and you were proved right. So I guess I can only do the same again.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201cSame applies Hoss. She adores him, it will be alright. She has fallen for the ranch too, I think it means more to her than to Sue and I\u2019d guess in time more even than Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt just seems so odd Adam, I mean Leland Stanford\u2019s daughter!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cProbably in the eyes of the work, it\u2019s a very predictable match between two of the most important families in the west.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what worries me, it ain\u2019t like Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s with you and Laura trying to take over, I\u2019m the worrier in this family! I am positive that Joe is marrying her despite her family connections, not because of them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah but she\u2019s so unlike Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss if she was like Marie we\u2019d all be worried sick in case he was fooling himself, trying to replace Marie when that\u2019s impossible. Joe himself says that she\u2019s as important to him as Marie was; why not trust our little brother\u2019s judgement? He proved to make a very fine choice first time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss thought about that for a moment and then he asked \u201cYou think she\u2019ll stop getting at you? \u2018Cos I ain\u2019t sure how long I\u2019m gonna be able to keep quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure Hoss and she did apologise for it, stop worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and relaxed slightly and if he hadn\u2019t stopped worrying Adam was confident he would at least be able to hide it. In a few days Adam was confident that Hoss would be able to see for himself that everything was alright. Hoss was deep in thought and for quarter of an hour neither brother spoke but then Adam considered his watch again and Hoss said \u201cJoe ought to be here by now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh it can take a long time; sometimes the vicar and Dan for that matter aren\u2019t easy to get away from.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t think he\u2019s got into trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe is so pleased with life this afternoon I\u2019d doubt anything would annoy him enough to get him into a fight. He can take care of himself.\u201d Despite the confident words Adam felt uneasy and the minutes dragged past. Ten minutes later he was on his feet pacing up and down wondering if they ought to go and look for Joe, Hoss remained by the windows and stared out, not even really seeing the busy street until he became aware of the crowds gathering outside the Palace, \u201cAdam there looks like trouble over at the Palace.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam lent over his big brother to look and finished what Hoss was thinking \u201cIf Joe went to see Dan, chances are he\u2019s in the Palace but even so it needn\u2019t be anything to do with him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was already getting to his feet, \u201cWhen is there ever trouble near Joe without him at least getting involved?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t answer but he was already at the door and telling the startled waiter that they\u2019d be back later, he led the way over to the Palace. By the time they reached the outskirt of the crowd they\u2019d heard Joe\u2019s name mentioned and seeing the Cartwright brothers the crowd made way for them to push their way in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had had no thought of trouble as he went along to the Palace, his last stop before joining his brothers. Everything in his world was marvellous, he\u2019d got the wedding arranged for just over three weeks time, on the 22nd as he\u2019d wanted, all the telegrams were sent and he\u2019d started the various arrangements knowing exactly what was needed especially having jogged his memory as he\u2019d helped Hoss. Now he had to tell Dan and get in the paper and he could go for a celebration meal with his brothers. So he was light-hearted as he went over to join Dan at his usual table, near the bar in the corner. He didn\u2019t even consider the other people in the saloon; the animosity around town seemed to have disappeared since the meeting. Dan wasn\u2019t altogether surprised at Joe\u2019s news but he enjoyed weddings at the Ponderosa and knowing just how hard Joe had taken the death his beloved Marie and he was honestly delighted that Joe had found someone else. He made no attempt to hide his delight, although teasing Joe about copying his brothers again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was just refusing a celebration drink explaining that his brothers were waiting for him when Preacher Mckenna came to stand over him, frowning heavily. Joe didn\u2019t want trouble and tried to excuse himself but the Preacher said, \u201cWait. I must talk to you. The youngest, maybe the least affected.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not interested in anything you might have to say.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou cannot marry; take an innocent girl into that sink of iniquity.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe held onto his temper with an effort, \u201cI\u2019ve already heard your views on my family and you couldn\u2019t be more wrong I don\u2019t want to hear anymore. I\u2019m free to marry whoever I like and I\u2019ll have God\u2019s blessing on my marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou take the Lord\u2019s name in vain. Too many years of evil influence, how can you know?\u201d The Preacher looked pityingly at Joe and Joe got to his feet \u201cI\u2019ll see you Dan.\u201d He was about to walk away not wanting trouble but the Preacher turned and addressed the saloon as a whole, \u201cIt is too late for this man but there are children out there, being brought up by the Devil\u2019s own man. We must rescue them while they are still young enough to be saved. They have his blood and it will be hard to redeem them but if we act now their souls might be saved. These devils should not marry, bear children to corrupt their innocence.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe lost all hold of his temper at that. He\u2019d stopped halfway across the saloon and now he turned back and Preacher or no, this man wasn\u2019t hiding behind his cloth any longer. Joe went back to the man and gripped his arms. \u201cMy brother is a better man than you can imagine and those children couldn\u2019t have a better father. I\u2019m warning you, set one foot on our ranch and I\u2019ll have you arrested for trespass and if you dare say another word against my family I\u2019ll sue you for libel and malicious mischief,\u201d Joe shook him hard once trying desperately to keep control and not to hit out as he wanted. The Preacher was silent until Joe turned to go out again but then he said \u201cThe Devil\u2019s own, will you stand by and watch a man of God attacked and do nothing?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe swivelled round \u201cYou wear his cloth but you don\u2019t know God at all and you started this attack!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Preacher was furious and the emotion on his face seemed to galvanize some of the men, most of whom barely understood what was going on. Dan yelled to Joe to watch his back and Joe dodged so that the gun-barrel aimed at his head just caught him a glancing blow on the ear. It didn\u2019t knock him out but the sight of blood seemed to excite a lot of the men and almost at once he was under attack from all sides. Dan came to help him and a couple of other friends pitched in and within a minute the saloon was a seething mass of fights with a few bystanders hurrying out of the way and the rest happily joining in the brawl. Joe was slightly stunned by the first blow and, under attack by three of four at a time, he was taking a lot of punishment fighting desperately with his back to the bar to stay on his feet. He knew if he once went down then the boot would go in and he risked serious injury. He lost all track of time, unsure how it could end but buoyed up by the fury he still felt at this second unwarranted attack on his family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Hoss pushed their way into the saloon and at first couldn\u2019t make out which side was which in the chaos. Then they saw Dan fighting hard if inexpertly and moved over towards him and only then did they see their brother as Joe sent one man in front of him flying, Joe\u2019s face was covered with blood but he was still on his feet giving a good account of himself so they shelved worries and fought their way over to him, Hoss bodily throwing men out of the way. Neither arrived unmarked but they were just in time as one particularly vicious blow to Joe\u2019s stomach put him down, He wasn\u2019t even aware of his brothers for a moment clinging onto the bar rails trying to get his breath, just grateful that noone was hitting him for a moment. Hoss and Adam took up position either side of him to protect their brother and fought anyone who got close enough to hit. Both were more than busy as the miners tried with sheer weight of numbers to force the brothers to the ground. Luckily the miners tended to get in each others way but even so the brothers had no time to see what was happening. Dan had finally caught a beauty and his knees had given way, he was slumped in a chair in the corner where he\u2019d fallen. He was watching the fight, no longer capable of taking part and assuming with Adam and Hoss there that he wasn\u2019t needed. Then he saw a man draw a knife and seemingly head for Joe\u2019s defenceless back as he lay his head resting on his arms on the bar rail trying to get enough breath to pull himself up. Dan was too far way to do anything and instinctively yelled a warning \u201cAdam behind you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had just sent one man flying and hearing the alarm in Dan\u2019s voice as it rang out over the noise in the saloon, he turned and seeing the knife in the man\u2019s hand aimed at his brother\u2019s back he had drawn and shot the man in the shoulder before he had consciously taken in what was happening. At the sound of the shot many of those fighting hesitated but one of Adam\u2019s erstwhile opponents and picked up a chair and broke it over Adam\u2019s head. Adam sank to his knees at the blow but he didn\u2019t lose his senses and he was still holding his gun and managed to train it on the man who had just hit him, as he raised the chair leg to hit again, \u201cThat\u2019s enough.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss in the temporary respite had drawn his gun too and with his back to the bar he said \u201cThat does it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam managed to get back to his feet and lent against the bar trying very hard to keep the gun steady and hoping noone realised how the scene was going round on him. Hoss, taking care to keep his gun steady, lent down and hoisted Joe to his feet too. Joe\u2019s gun had fallen from its holster in the struggle but to the brothers\u2019 relief Roy was forcing his way in with several deputies. Roy recognised Joe\u2019s gun and jammed it back into the holster and them told Adam and Hoss to put theirs away, \u201cRight what happened this time?\u201d he asked an edge of anger to his voice. Hoss shrugged \u201cI don\u2019t know. It was well under way when we came along, we just tried to protect Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy looked down at the man Adam had shot, \u201cAnd him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam said \u201cI shot him; he had a knife aimed at Joe\u2019s back. It\u2019s there.\u201d Roy picked it up \u201cOkay you three get out of here. I\u2019ll see you later but don\u2019t leave town until we\u2019ve talked. Go see Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan, staggering slightly, joined the three brothers as Hoss helped Joe down to Doc\u2019s. Adam refused all assistance even if the scene did have a tendency to go round on him, Doc was in the surgery cleaning up and as they came in he sighed, \u201cNot again this is getting monotonous. Can\u2019t you keep out of trouble for five minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat down by the sink and began mopping the blood from his face, \u201cTry talking to Joe. All we did was rescue him, He and Dan took on the whole saloon on their own.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan protested that there had been several others on their side and anyway it hadn\u2019t been from choice. Adam sighed resignedly \u201cIt never is Joe\u2019s fault, It just happens to him. What started it this time?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe mumbled \u201cI had words with that preacher again.\u201d Then as Doc began cleaning the cut on the side of his head he winced, \u201cOuch! Go easy Doc that hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was cross with his little brother, he\u2019d promise Roy that there would be no trouble and less than an hour later they were in the thick of it. The sheriff had reason to be angry, \u201cDamn that pipeline it\u2019s been nothing but trouble, Couldn\u2019t you have ignored him Joe, today of all days!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t want to tell Adam what had been said, although he knew eventually he would have to, and with his head swimming from the pain of Doc\u2019s stitches; he just let things float and made no answer. Dan had washed his face and felt better although sore and bruised and he answered Adam \u201cIt wasn\u2019t anything to do with the pipeline Adam. Really Joe did very well to land out and hit the Preacher he only shook him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou did what!\u201d Adam exploded. \u201cWhatever else he is, he\u2019s wearing God\u2019s cloth, no wonder the whole saloon went for you if you laid hands on him. Have you taken leave of your senses Little Joe? I thought you\u2019d grown up.\u201d He was furious with his brother unable to imagine sufficient provocation to justify what he could only see as Joe\u2019s stupidity, Hoss was aching and sore and he\u2019d been very worried about both his brothers, so he wasn\u2019t feeling any kinder towards his little brother than Adam was.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan looked from one angry face to the other and then looked over at Joe \u201cAre you going to tell them the provocation or am I.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI will Dan but later. Just leave it.\u201d Joe could understand his brothers\u2019 anger, but Adam was already badly shaken by the physical attack and he wasn\u2019t upsetting his brother in front of outsiders, not even such close friends as Doc and Dan, Something about his attitude and the way that he looked at Adam had the effect of calming both his brothers as they realised there was something going on that they didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc turned his attention to Adam who also had a bad cut on his head and Joe sat quietly waiting for the world to settle. Ten minutes later the worst of the injuries were attended to and the four were spreading ointment on their bruises; Adam turned to his youngest brother \u201cOkay Joe, you\u2019d better fill us in before Roy arrives. I don\u2019t think we\u2019re his most popular people at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hesitated and Doc said \u201cCome on Dan let\u2019s go and make some coffee.\u201d Dan nodded and the brothers were left alone. Joe had no choice, Adam would inevitably hear it eventually and it was better coming from him in private. Even so he couldn\u2019t look at his brother, staring out of the window as he told them verbatim what the Preacher had said. As he listened shock etched itself on the big man\u2019s face and he moved closer to his elder brother, putting his arm round Adam\u2019s shoulders as though physically warding off the accusations aimed at his brother. Joe told his brothers what he had said in reply and that fighting had then started, after which it was all a blur, he hadn\u2019t even been sure when they arrived. As he finished Adam pulled away from Hoss and went over to Joe and gently gripped his shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Joe I shouldn\u2019t have yelled at you. Dan was right, you did very well not to hit out at him. I\u2019m not sure I\u2019d have been so restrained.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe turned at that \u201cIt\u2019s so unfair Adam, just because he calls himself Preacher, people listen.\u201d To his surprise Adam was reasonably calm and even managed a half smile, \u201cThey listen, but they don\u2019t believe, not anyone whose opinion we care about. Remember what Dan said before, he goes too far. We are too well known for people to believe him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe studied his brother\u2019s face, seeing the inevitable anger but less pain than he had expected and he slowly calmed down. Adam went to open the door and let Doc and Dan in with coffee. Dan had told Doc the cause of the trouble and both were surprised to see how calm Adam was. Adam accepted the coffee and grinned at his old friends, \u201cIt\u2019s alright. Joe\u2019s told me, he had reason enough for trouble for once. I\u2019m going to have to do something about the Preacher.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLike what Adam?\u201d asked Dan<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAt the moment I haven\u2019t the faintest idea, the man is a fanatic and not susceptible to reason, but I\u2019ll think of something.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBe very careful won\u2019t you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI always am. Now we have a dining room booked at the Washoe Club and I for one am hungry, so if you\u2019ll tell Roy where we are I think we\u2019ll wander over.\u201d His brothers nodded and thanking Doc for his help they went over to the club. Neither Hoss nor Joe was much interested in food but they wanted to be on their own, unsure how much of an act Adam was putting on.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy had already heard exactly what had happened in the saloon and he got more details from Dan. Knowing the three brothers, he knew that with such an attack on Adam in Joe\u2019s hearing trouble was inevitable. Joe had, for him, been remarkably restrained and if anyone was to blame for the trouble, it had to be the Preacher. He went over to see the brothers and found them all very quiet and showing all too many signs of the fight. Roy didn\u2019t stay long and made it clear that he didn\u2019t blame them for the trouble but asked them to try and avoid any more. He promised to try and find out about the Preacher\u2019s background as a priority and then left them to finish their meal in peace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n None of them could finish the food and Adam ordered three large brandies and lent back in his chair. \u201cWe\u2019re going to have some explaining to do when we get home. There\u2019s no way to avoid them knowing we\u2019ve been fighting as soon as we get in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDan\u2019s gonna have to put it in the paper Adam, too many people heard.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that Joe so we have to tell them. First though I think we ought to warn the Vicar.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d asked Hoss puzzled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam bit his lip and looked at his brothers \u201cI don\u2019t suppose it will come to anything but he might just\u2026 If what he said in the saloon is anything to go by, he might query the banns.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe can\u2019t do that!\u201d Hoss said horrified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cCalm down big brother. At worst he can cause a scene, he can\u2019t actually have any effect, the banns will be read legally as planned but we ought to warn the Vicar of possible trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was planning to take Sue down to hear the banns.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded \u201cNita and I are going too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned but seeing the obstinacy on his brothers\u2019 faces he said, \u201cWell we\u2019ll just have to try and ensure that Preacher McKenna doesn\u2019t get a chance to interfere, but I still think we warn the Vicar, and you two will have to warn Nita and Sue. They are neither of them likely to have hysterics or faint, but they ought to be warned what to expect.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow about this evening?\u201d Joe asked, not looking forward to telling his father. Adam was only really worried about Carole, it was an attack on her as well in many ways and he knew she was still unsettled and more easily upset than normal. His brothers recognized his fears and waited patiently for him to think it out. Adam poured himself another brandy \u201cMarvellous we come to town to make wedding arrangements and end up in a fight! It\u2019s going to take a lot of explaining.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d asked Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGod knows!\u201d said Adam frankly \u201cThey all know us too well but I suppose we\u2019ll just have to tell them exactly what happened. I just want the chance to tell Carole on her own, she gets easily upset at the minute.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got time to think about it on the way home.\u201d Joe pronounced \u201cI for one have had enough of this town for one day.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded, the buckboard was loaded and ready to go and he wanted to get home too. They rode out of town together in silence each deep in their own thoughts, there was no easy way to tell everyone else. Finally Adam roused himself, \u201cJoe you never said, how did you get on with the arrangements, before all this blew up?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed, \u201cFunny I was so full of it when I went to see Dan and yet I haven\u2019t even realised I hadn\u2019t thought of telling you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCome on Joe we\u2019ve been in fights often enough it\u2019s not that important. One evil fanatic hitting out and trying to hurt. The more we let it hurt us the better he\u2019ll like it. He\u2019s not worth it. The important thing is that you have arranged your wedding. When is it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOn the 22nd, a fortnight after Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine. Hopefully by Hoss\u2019 the bruises will have faded, now what else have you done?\u201d Adam was determined to stop his brother brooding and slowly as Joe outlined the arrangements he\u2019d made he began to recapture some of the excitement he had felt earlier. Adam fell back slightly as Joe and Hoss argued about the best way to deal with flowers and drinks, he was lost in his own thoughts, worried about Carole\u2019s reaction and more angry about the aspersions against him that he had let his brothers see.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hesitated not wanting Adam to get too upset, but on the other hand wanting a word alone with Hoss. Deciding that Adam was alright for the moment, he dropped his voice \u201cHoss there\u2019s one thing you haven\u2019t made clear.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss frowned but guessed what Joe meant, \u201cI can\u2019t make up my mind little brother, that\u2019s if\u2019n you\u2019re talking about best man.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cExactly. You see I\u2019m lucky, I\u2019ve two brothers and this is my second wedding. You acted as best man last time so this time I shall ask Adam. I thought maybe he could get into practice at your\u2019s first.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss laughed, \u201cYou don\u2019t change little brother, always arranging things for me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve hardly interfered at all.\u201d protested Joe<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell anyway if that\u2019s what you want. After all I was best man for both of you, made it hard to choose,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s tell him his two new jobs, might cheer him up a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss twisted to look \u201cTaken it harder than he tries to make out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know but I think he\u2019s mainly worried about Carole. I hope she doesn\u2019t get too upset.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grunted \u201cYou just worry about telling Pa and leave Carole to him.\u201d Then he called \u201cAdam, hey wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled alongside \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNothing wrong. Just Joe and I have come to a decision, the same one.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked puzzled but then as Hoss said \u201cWill you be best man next week?\u201d and Joe added, \u201cAnd a fortnight later?\u201d Adam smiled freely for the first time since he\u2019d gone over to the saloon. \u201cYou know I will. I\u2019d be delighted.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They were close to home now and Adam kept things light-hearted as they rode in with Joe wrangling with Hoss about his wedding being a mere dress rehearsal. They spared time to put the horses away and loaded up with the stores intended for the main house, leaving the rest in the buckboard for Adam to take home. Then they hesitated, none of them wanting to be the first one through the door, faced with the inevitable questions. Eventually Adam forced a grin, \u201cCome on you two, there\u2019s no way to avoid it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe hid behind his big brother and Hoss said, \u201cYou\u2019re the one with the persuasive tongue Adam. You convince them it\u2019s nothing to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed \u201cI\u2019m no miracle worker. Let\u2019s get it over with.\u201d The three brothers walked in, not surprised to find everyone sitting round the fire. None of them had worried about the brothers, knowing they had intended to eat in town, but as they took in the brothers\u2019 battered appearance all the women paled and Ben and Will both came to their feet. Adam dumped his load and went straight to Carole and gripped her shoulders. \u201cTake it easy all of you. Yes we\u2019ve been fighting again, but the damage is purely superficial and honestly it wasn\u2019t our fault.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had hastily scanned his three sons\u2019 face and what he saw reassured him. They looked rather sheepish and although cut and bruised none of them appeared seriously hurt, so he said resignedly, \u201cIt never is. You elected spokesman Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss and Joe both agreed with that and Adam smiled wryly at his brothers\u2019 conspiracy. \u201cIt\u2019s really Joe\u2019s story but it wasn\u2019t his fault. He was just telling Dan about the wedding in the Palace when Preacher McKenna started on us again. He went too far and Joe just warned him to stay away from the ranch. The Preacher incited then, asking if they would watch a man of God attacked and do nothing, Joe hadn\u2019t done anything Pa but it got into a fight. Hoss and I broke it up. Even Roy admitted it wasn\u2019t our fault.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned knowing full well that Adam was hiding more than he was saying, but he would get the details later and Adam was relieved when Edwin broke in to ask whether they had actually achieved what they had gone to town to do. Joe willingly accepted the change of subject and filled them all in on what he had arranged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole was trembling slightly and Adam spoke quietly to her and then smiling reassuringly at his father he led her upstairs to the room that had been his for so long. Carole pulled away from him as they went in and shut the door, leaning against it. \u201cRight Adam I want to know what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI told you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou glossed over it and just how badly are you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust one cut which needed some stitches, someone broke a chair across my head, luckily I\u2019ve got a thick skull, just a headache. Otherwise bruised and sore, Joe and Hoss are much the same. Joe took the worst of it but he\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened? Joe wasn\u2019t in the mood to start trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t start it, Come on darling sit down.\u201d Adam pulled her onto his lap. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t nice, an attack on me, on the family again. Just try and keep calm, he\u2019s not worth worrying about, a fanatic.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole frowned \u201cGo on.\u201d And Adam told her exactly what had been said. Before he finished she was in tears and very glad that Joe had again spoken up for his brother. Adam kissed her gently and tired to calm her down but in the end he just held her close and let her have her cry out, it was better than getting tense again. His head was pounding and he was relieved when she became quiet and he kissed her. \u201cEasy love, it\u2019s not that important.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow dare he, how dare he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe can\u2019t do anything darling, he can only talk, I\u2019ll find a way to handle him but it\u2019s bound to take time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole bit back her sobs, fighting for control, seeing how tired and headachy her husband was and slowly she began to relax slightly, much to Adam\u2019s relief. In fact she had taken it better than he had feared and he felt better than he had on the way home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Downstairs Joe and Hoss were steadfastly avoiding any discussion on events in town, keeping the conversation on the arrangements they\u2019d made, but all of the others were very curious and it was only a matter of time before someone\u2019s curiosity erupted, Ben saw the way neither of his younger sons would meet his eye and he was faintly amused but he was more anxious as to what exactly had happened.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam left Carole to wash her face and when she insisted that she was fine, he said \u201cI\u2019d better go and have a talk to Pa before he explodes. I don\u2019t think either Joe or Hoss are going to fill him in if they can possibly avoid it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you alright darling?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAngry of course but otherwise I\u2019m fine. I know that my God approves of my life, my conscience is clear and I have never asked him for help and failed to get it, so why should I worry about what some fanatic says?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole nodded, knowing him well enough to be sure he was telling the truth. \u201cGo see Pa, I\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBless you darling.\u201d Adam went down and considered the stilted conversation that was going on and shook his head. Everyone was going to have to know, his brothers couldn\u2019t keep avoiding the object much longer. He poured himself a brandy \u201cStill avoiding the details Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up sheepishly and Adam smiled, \u201cIts no good, one of them will have apoplexy in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben commented, \u201cYou still seem to be the spokesman Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDan was there so it\u2019ll all be in the paper, not nice I\u2019m afraid.\u201d Adam considered then, all close friends or family apart from John Mills and even he was an easy going chap and they got on well. \u201cYou want to know understandably. Joe, Hoss, I don\u2019t know if you want to tell Nita and Sue.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both his brothers shook their heads and Hoss pulling Sue down on his knee said \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind doing it Adam, go ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sipped his brandy leaning against the mantelpiece. \u201cYou already know the outline. The main thing I omitted was the actual attack Preacher McKenna made. I think you\u2019ve all heard about the meeting in town before Christmas. He took up where he left off, trying to persuade the people in the saloon that we shouldn\u2019t marry and that in particular I shouldn\u2019t be allowed to bring up innocent children, who were already at a great disadvantage tainted by my blood.\u201d Adam couldn\u2019t completely hide the anger he felt as he told them exactly what had happened. Nita and Sue were both close to tears, Laura openly crying by the time he\u2019d finished and all the men were furious but Ben was the first to react. Going over to Adam he smiled at his youngest son, \u201cYou couldn\u2019t have done anything else Joseph, at least you tried to stay within the law. For once Adam was right, it wasn\u2019t your fault.\u201d He gripped his eldest son\u2019s shoulder feeling the tension in him \u201cAre you alright Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAngry but its not that important.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edwin spoke up \u201cYou\u2019re right, one fanatic talking nonsense. Getting upset about it just makes him too important. You\u2019ve had harsh words aimed at you before.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at his friend knowing how many harsh words and worse he\u2019d had to fight after his brother assassinated Lincoln. \u201cTrue Edwin and we will again, an obvious target, I just wish I knew some way to shut him up. We\u2019re not even doing a very good job of ignoring him, simply because he\u2019s a preacher. It keeps ending in fights.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sighed \u201cI\u2019m getting bruises on bruises and Doc is gonna throw us out one of these days.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edwin shrugged \u201cI shouldn\u2019t worry. Strikes me his accusations are getting wilder and wilder. He\u2019ll get less and less attention, noone is going to take him seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stretched his aching arms and back, \u201cYou\u2019re right Edwin, anyway enough of that. You all know exactly what happened so let\u2019s forget about it. We have two weddings to plan for and that is very much more important.\u201d To his relief he was successful in changing the subject.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Late that night when Carole had fallen asleep in his arms Adam was restless and eased himself out of bed. He waited long enough to make sure that Carole didn\u2019t awake and then went downstairs. He forced himself to concentrate on the details of the court case arranged for Tuesday, he\u2019d known he would have to find two or three hours quiet to finalise his submission and try to anticipate any likely problems and now was as good a time as any. He worked steadily for three hours and then went to make himself some coffee. He has just settled down to work again when he heard someone moving around, he was about to investigate when there was a tap on the door. He called \u201cCome in\u201d and to his surprise it was Nita. She had been too restless to sleep and had heard him making coffee, Adam put his pen down, \u201cWhat are you doing up Nita?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cToo excited to sleep. I heard you and smelt the coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pointed to the cupboard in the corner \u201cCups in there, get one and help yourself. Though I don\u2019t suppose it\u2019ll help you sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita frowned as she poured her coffee, seeing what he was doing. \u201cJoe wouldn\u2019t approve, working at three in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe often disapproves of me, but like you I couldn\u2019t sleep, so I might as well get on.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go back to my room and let you get on if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, the back of it is broken anyway. Pull up a chair by the fire and I\u2019ll make it up a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam knelt down and made up the fire. \u201cI\u2019m sure. Is anything worrying you Nita? Joe gets into fights fairly often you know. He\u2019s pretty good at looking after himself and he wasn\u2019t much hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo. I know he\u2019s alright. I don\u2019t like what was said of course and I know Joe is worried he\u2019ll try and disrupt the reading of the banns even maybe the wadding, but he can\u2019t actually stop them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe may not be able to stop him causing a scene in the church in town but I can promise that he won\u2019t get near either wedding, not here on our ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think Joe\u2019s more worried than me. I\u2019m used to harsh words printed and spoken about my family, usually with a lot more reason than this insanity.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHave you told Joe that?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, do you think I should?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cI know my little brother, harsh words don\u2019t really worry him. He\u2019s only upset in case you are hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOr you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam agreed \u201cProbably especially me or me and Carole, It was aimed primarily at us.\u201d He considered her as she looked worried \u201cIs Carole alright?\u201d and to Nita\u2019s surprise he laughed. Adam lent back in his chair totally relaxed \u201cIt\u2019s alright Nita, not the strain showing. Just thinking twenty four hours ago we were barely on speaking terms.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She smiled \u201cDo you know I\u2019d forgotten, so much has happened today, this morning seems an age away.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAgreed and anyway we both said we\u2019d forget the past. I\u2019m just glad we can little sister, or am I going to get into trouble for that too?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStrangely I think I like it, my own brother has never called me sister.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh you don\u2019t get off so lightly round here. A ready made family as well as a husband.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn that case I thin k I will try and do what Joe would want. You aren\u2019t doing anymore work at this hour of the morning, you look stiff, sore and worn out and I\u2019m sure you have a headache so finish your coffee and go back to bed.\u201d Nita bit her lip wondering if she\u2019d gone too far but Adam just smiled \u201cI wonder why my little brother always chooses obstinate bullying women!\u201d The affection in his tone robbed the words of any sting and he smiled broadly at her before doing what she said. Nita followed him up and as they reached his bedroom door, Adam kissed her forehead, \u201cWelcome to the family Nita, I warn you I can come the big brother if I have to, you won\u2019t always get your own way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She smiled delighted and then went off to her own bed wondering how she could have been so wrong about him, understanding at last why the brothers were so close.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Despite his late night Adam was still down early and finding Carole much calmer after a good night\u2019s sleep, he was so light hearted that the rest were all surprised. Adam had no intention of explaining why, except to his two brothers, for different reasons. Joe was over early and said that Hoss and Sue would be following soon. Joe was surprised not to find Nita up and wondered if she\u2019d been upset by the trouble the previous day. Adam recognised the concern and taking his brother\u2019s arm he led him firmly into the study and shut the door. \u201cCheer up Joe she\u2019s earnt a lie in, a very late night.\u201d Then he briefly outlined their belated coffee meeting. Joe was incensed with his brother working so late but Adam told him to shut up and went on to explain how Nita had given him his orders and ushered him upstairs to ensure he obeyed. Joe listened almost in disbelief \u201cShe did that?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe did Joe; you\u2019re going to have your hands full if you think you\u2019re going to be boss!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that already, I didn\u2019t get far with Marie and I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll get any further now but I\u2019m glad to see that she\u2019s got you sorted at last.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know why I always have such trouble with your wives Joe and Sue\u2019s no better.\u201d Adam moaned but his brother just punched him \u201cCarole gives me my orders so why should you escape? Anyway if you behaved sensibly none of us would have to interfere.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam just laughed, seeing Joe\u2019s delight at this added proof that the two he loved were getting on terms. Later in the morning Adam was able to get Hoss on his own and told him about the early morning encounter. Hoss listened in silence but as Adam finished he grinned. \u201cMaybe you\u2019re right again Adam at least she has more sense than you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSuch faith brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have great faith in your judgement in most ways Adam but not when it comes to your own health. Nita had learnt that lesson fast.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt was odd Hoss, for a moment there it could have been Marie talking. So unlike in so many ways and yet\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve thought a lot about what you said yesterday and I\u2019ve watched them together and the way she looks at you. It sure has changed, I feel a lot happier about it now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad Hoss. Anyway with only just over a week to go that\u2019s the least of your problems.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt don\u2019t seem possible, but everything is going almighty smoothly. Guess we\u2019ve done it before, know exactly what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell maybe in some ways but I can\u2019t get any sense out of Carole, or any of the other women, they are only thinking about dresses!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole was equally determined to dress Nita and she had the bolt of material that Beth had chosen. She showed it to Nita to get her opinion. Beth knew that she already had the white satin and had chosen a bolt of heavy white lace to go with which Nita adored on sight. Nita\u2019s pleasure in the idea of Carole making her dress and the material had gone along way to reconciling Carole to the younger girl, that and Nita\u2019s changed attitude to Adam. Carole had been as infuriated as Hoss at Nita\u2019s bitching at Adam but she could see the difference, the slightly puzzled look as Nita considered Adam trying to reclassify him and finding he didn\u2019t fit into any of her preconceived ideas.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was right all the women were trying to decide on a design for Nita\u2019s dress, the best way to use the lace. Carole had a vague idea but she wasn\u2019t ready to put it down on paper yet but everything the others suggested were too ordinary for her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam saw Joe deep in conversation with Will and wandered over. This latest wedding was causing problems, Will couldn\u2019t extend his visit indefinitely even though this wasn\u2019t his busy time of the year. John Mills was in the same boat, a couple of extra days were one thing but two weeks was another matter. On the other hand both Meg and Laura were very eager to stay, both fond of Nita, they wanted to be there to support her, knowing that her only family might prove more than a little awkward. Adam joined his cousin and Joe as Will finished outlining the problem. Will didn\u2019t want to miss the wedding either but he had jobs to do. Adam suggested \u201cjust as an idea, how about leaving Laura and the kids here for the fortnight, you head back to San Francisco, maybe go a day or so earlier than planned, get ten days at home and then come back and collect them. Means a lot of travelling for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hadn\u2019t thought about that, it might be a solution. With the railroad to Reno I can hire a horse and cut down the time, not bother with the stage.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThink about it, \u201cJoe urged. \u201cI\u2019d really like you to be here and Laura, you\u2019ve both been so very good to Nita in San Francisco\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Will considered his youngest cousin but Joe obviously meant it and a little extra travelling was a small price to pay to keep on the sort of terms he\u2019d thought at one time he would never achieve. \u201cI\u2019ll have to have a word with Laura but if Adam doesn\u2019t mind looking after my brood for another fortnight I think it might work out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cYou know they are very welcome, Meg too if she wants to stay even if John can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both Laura and Meg were enthusiastic and although their husbands pointed out it was hardly flattering they agreed. John couldn\u2019t get back but Will would escort Meg home, glad of the extra help with the twins. Nita was very pleased to have their support, both had become very good friends. She had already had one reaction to her news by telegram, collected in the mail that morning. So far she hadn\u2019t plucked up the courage to show it to Joe. It was from her brother and was short and to the point, \u201cHave you gone mad. Father will never allow. Come home at once.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had brought her the telegram and he\u2019d seen her face when she opened it. Finding himself alone with her later in the afternoon he said tentatively, \u201cI hope that telegram wasn\u2019t bad news.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Niota sighed, \u201cNot news at all. All too predictable and I\u2019m afraid there will be others.\u201d She pulled it from her pocket \u201cMy brother\u2019s reaction,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben read it swiftly, \u201cYou expected it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh yes and my father won\u2019t approve either, but I\u2019m of age and there\u2019s not a thing any of them can do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have written to your father inviting him and as many of your family as can manage it, to stay at the Ponderosa. Do you think they\u2019ll come?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita shrugged \u201cI don\u2019t know. In some ways I hope they don\u2019t. My father will only try to cause trouble and my brother and sister are even worse. Joe knows my father disapproves.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt can hardly be a surprise to your family, anymore than it was to us.\u201d Ben commented rather puzzled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFather assumed I\u2019d be scared off by the rough land. In fact I love it but then he\u2019s never bothered to know me or care about how I feel. Mr Cartwright I doubt if you can understand a man like my father. For him children are only there as pawns to reflect credit on him, dress smartly and attend the right functions and the rest of the time we don\u2019t exist, he never noticed when I was unhappy. You care about your sons and I understand now why Joe cares for his family. I don\u2019t, they\u2019ve never given me cause to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m very sorry for that child.\u201d Ben considered her gravely but to his surprise Nita smiled \u201cDon\u2019t be Mr Cartwright. I didn\u2019t know what I was missing until now and as Adam says I\u2019m not only gaining a husband but a ready made family as well and this one is different, it does care and already matters more than my own.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn that case Nita how about joining Carole and the boys, Mr Cartwright sounds terribly formal. I answer better to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy own father never allowed anything except Father, now I\u2019m glad of that. You shall be Pa and thank you.\u201d Nita smiled up at him and Joe seeing it came over and caught her in his arms. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was just warning Pa about my family\u2019s reaction, the first instalment has arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes twinkled as the Pa registered and even the telegram had no power to really worry him. \u201cYou brother is probably right, you are mad, but you\u2019ve come home already.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t mind?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d prefer them to approve but then I didn\u2019t expect them to, it doesn\u2019t matter as long as you\u2019re happy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI am.\u201d Nita said nestling close and Ben left them together to go and pigeonhole Sue and persuade her to drop the formal name as well, it would be odd to have all his three sons settled and happily married, hopefully with families like Adam. It was what he had always wanted for them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue was as pleased as Nita at the invitation to call him Pa and willingly agreed. She had already grown very fond of her new family and wasn\u2019t even nervous of the wedding only a week off.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As neither girl would hear of not going to church to hear the banns read, virtually the whole party decided to go in case of trouble. Meg and John volunteered to stay behind and with Peggy\u2019s help look after the younger children. Adam and Hoss had made their own arrangements to try and prevent trouble. Half a dozen of their closest friends amongst the hands, led by Jos\u00e9 and Jess, had let for town well before the service to keep an eye on the roads to the church and if possible to prevent the preacher reaching the church. Adam had been very clear about the limits on their actions, there must be no physical force, not so much as touching the man. He warned them not to overstep the limits he set, not wanting to give the Preacher any additional ammunition, knowing that with Hearst\u2019 backing the Preacher would delight in taking them to court. Even so he had avoided telling his father what they had arranged, sure that his father wouldn\u2019t approve.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was quite a cavalcade that headed for town with all four buggies, the surrey and the buckboard to transport everyone to town, even so Adam was riding , tired and stiff his back was playing up enough for him not to want to drive and Ben took Carole, Edwin and Jim in the surrey. Adam rode alongside and considered his friend who rarely got up on a Sunday morning for church. \u201cYou know Edwin you didn\u2019t have to come.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re expecting trouble; sometimes an outsider can be more outspoken than the family.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cProbably won\u2019t materialise and anyway it isn\u2019t your problem.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy brother wasn\u2019t your problem either Adam, Don\u2019t forget I\u2019m the world\u2019s expert on harsh words.\u201d Edwin spoke lightly but the pain of old memories was clear in his eyes. Adam smiled \u201cThanks for coming old friend.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat else are friends for?\u201d Edwin countered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam made no further comment, as far as he was concerned the past was a long time ago and anyway Edwin didn\u2019t owe him a thing but he knew neither Edwin nor Jim believed that.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both Nita and Sue refused to worry about what might happen and did their best to cheer the brothers up but Hoss and Joe had seen the effects of the Preacher\u2019s words before. Even though they knew the words were nonsense it didn\u2019t stop them hurting, hating to hear the accusations levelled at their eldest brother, sure he was more vulnerable than usual at the moment. Both tried to hide their fears but the girls loved them and knew them too well for it to be very effective, Hoss had filled Joe in on what he and Adam had arranged but it seemed doubtful whether Jos\u00e9 and the others could achieve much.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All of them were on edge as they walked in to take their place in church, filling two complete pews. The vicar came over to speak to them; everything was going fine so far, no problems. Ben rose to his feet and spoke very quietly to the Vicar. \u201cAdam warned you of possible trouble I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes Ben he told me. I have heard some of the accusations which have been aimed at him. Most unfair all of them but I can\u2019t ban another preacher from my church, whatever he is reported to have said.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe understand that of course. It\u2019s just one way and another Adam has had a lot to take recently and Carole, she is easily upset at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf Preacher Mckenna does come, I\u2019ll do all I can to prevent trouble. It\u2019s a shame that such a happy occasion should be marred by fears. It\u2019s not often a family has two marriages so close together,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMost of them couldn\u2019t take the strain! I\u2019m beginning to wonder if we\u2019ll all starve before it\u2019s over.\u201d Ben smiled \u201cReally we are very happy, both the boys have chosen very well, Nita and Sue are beginning to fit into the family already.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben resumed his seat next to his youngest son and twisted to see Adam talking quietly to Carole, seemingly calm. Edwin was next to him and watching the door, worried for his friends. Just before the service was due to start Jess and Jos\u00e9 came in. Edwin touched Adam\u2019s arm and nodded towards the door. Adam looked round and Jess\u2019 eloquent shrug told him that the hands had failed. Joe and Hoss had seen Jess too and none of them were surprised as the gaunt figure of preacher Mckenna walked in and took up position at the end of the pew just the other side of the aisle from Edwin and Jim, considering the Cartwright party with an expression of sorrow. It didn\u2019t need the whispered introductions to tell any of the others who had just come in, the four Cartwrights had all tensed as he appeared. The rest of the party considered him in curious interest, he looked what he claimed to be, a man of God, even if he didn\u2019t act that way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put his arm round Carole feeling her shudder slightly but she relaxed against him, mainly worried by that threat to Joe and Hoss on what should be a happy day. Nita and Sue both glared at the Preacher, daring him to cause trouble. Ben gripped his youngest son\u2019s arm \u201cEasy Joseph just ignore him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n All of them were grateful when the Vicar started the service and as he\u2019d chosen hymns known well by all of them they relaxed slightly as they sang along, although Adam was very aware of the Preacher, who made no attempt to sing just staring unblinkingly at the Cartwrights. Edwin moved forward slightly to block the Preacher from Adam\u2019s view and Adam catching his friend\u2019s eye smiled faintly and then added his dark brown voice to the others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For a while the service proceeded as normal but everyone was on edge awaiting the announcements, expecting trouble then. The Vicar was uncomfortable but he had no intention of allowing anyone to cause trouble in his church, especially when that trouble was aimed at such good friends and the accusations were so wrong. From his voice noone would have guessed at the turmoil in his mind as he stood to make the announcements. He spoke quietly and the whole church seemed to wait expectantly. Many of the people had recognised the Preacher and they had all heard about the attacks he had made on the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To everyone\u2019s surprise the Vicar started by welcoming his fellow preacher to his church, Adam had taken Carole\u2019s hand wishing he had been able to persuade her to stay home and Joe and Hoss were both sitting close to their girls for mutual comfort. In many ways the girls were more relaxed than the three brothers, who had seen at first hand the trouble Preacher Mckenna could cause. They all sat listening intently with prayers for no trouble.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Vicar smiled at his congregation \u201cWe are not often honoured by a visiting man of God and he is very welcome to join our celebrations and our efforts to honour God. Today is a special day in another way especially for six members of our congregation, who within the next weeks are entering the holy state of matrimony. This particular day I have the rare pleasure of reading the banns for two members of the same family.\u201d He smiled directly at the Cartwrights. \u201cYou are not the most regular members of my congregation but then it is a long way in from your ranch and I realise that you are often away working. While I would welcome your more frequent attendance I know that few, if any families, in this town fulfil the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ more fully in their lives than you do. I have known you many years and it gives me great pleasure this day to read for the third time the banns for the marriage between SueEllen Riley and Eric known as \u2018Hoss\u2019 Cartwright and for the first time the banns between Nita Margaret Sanford and Joseph Francis Cartwright. I pray that God will make your marriages as fruitful as that of your eldest brother and I am sure that he will look favourably on all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Very simply the Vicar had cut the ground from under Preacher Mckenna\u2019s feet and fanatic or not he recognised that. Furious he stood up and walked out. Adam looked round and caught Jess\u2019 eye and jerked his head ordering Jess to follow him. Jess nodded and both he and Jos\u00e9 slipped out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Vicar just raised his eyebrows at the preacher\u2019s hasty exit but made no comment and moved onto the formal reading of the banns. Ben and his sons were all slightly embarrassed by the Vicar\u2019s kind words, but that was far outweighed by relief that the service was proceeding without a scene and they all relaxed. Although none of them really listened to the sermon, each with too much to think about.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Afterwards Ben tried to thank the Vicar for what he had said but the Vicar wouldn\u2019t let him finish. All he had done was to speak the truth and in God\u2019s house he could do no less. Ben accepted his dismal of the subject sure his old friend knew exactly how he felt and they finalised the arrangements for the first wedding the following Saturday.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The rest of the party was exuberant with the release of tension and they headed home singing, Adam pulled up halfway as he saw Jess and Jos\u00e9 coming. Jess apologised for not being able to prevent the Preacher going into the church but Adam shrugged \u201cI always knew that it was long odds against you being able to do anything. Anyway thanks to the Vicar it didn\u2019t matter, even if he didn\u2019t spare our blushes!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe just told the truth.\u201d Said Jos\u00e9 loyally<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEnough of that or I\u2019ll be blushing again. Where did he go?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStraight to Hearst\u2019s hotel suite. No hanging around he was let in at once.\u201d Jos\u00e9 reported.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jess added \u201cThere was some sort of argument going on, I\u2019d guess his failure wasn\u2019t popular but although we could hear raised voices we couldn\u2019t make out the words and we didn\u2019t want to hang around too long.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you think he knew you were following?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both men shook their heads. Jos\u00e9 added \u201cI\u2019m sure he didn\u2019t, we kept well back and he was in such a fury I reckon we could have ridden alongside without him noticing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jess agreed, \u201cHe certainly intended to cause trouble if he could.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks very much, no need to mention it to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you going to do Adam?\u201d Jos\u00e9 asked curious but Adam just shrugged \u201cI haven\u2019t the faintest idea yet but I\u2019ll have to do something. Choices are strictly limited with a man of the cloth.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His two friends could only warn him to be careful and then decided to cut back to town if he didn\u2019t want anything else. Adam grinned \u201cYou have already done a lot more than I really have a right to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That was shrugged off with a comment from Jos\u00e9 \u201cWhat are friends for.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam said \u201cGo enjoy yourselves but don\u2019t get into any trouble, least not on our account. Just remember any protecting of the Cartwright name, we can do it ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With a couple of rude comments about his doubts of their ability to take care of themselves, Jess and Jos\u00e9 headed back. Adam kicked Blackie on to catch up the rest of the party, who had barely noticed his absence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled up alongside Edwin, deep in thought. Edwin was curious and asked what he\u2019d found out and knowing it would go no further, Adam filled his friends in, Jim frowned trying to remember something he had heard about Hearst. Eventually it came to him \u201cMay have a good reason for spending time in Virginia City just now. Just before we left San Francisco I heard that he was in trouble there. He\u2019d been bribing some of the local officials to get his place exempted for local taxes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged, \u201cIt\u2019s not unusual they all do it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure and it\u2019s well known. That\u2019s not what really worries people. It\u2019s the crude way he did it and the fact that it is on the verge of public knowledge. Noone cares about him doing it, but he shouldn\u2019t have been found out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a cynic Jim Forrester!\u201d Adam laughed \u201cBut I don\u2019t mind betting that you\u2019re right. I\u2019m not sure if it helps though. Just how widespread was this information?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim shrugged but Edwin said \u201cNot very they were hushing it up on condition he got out and stayed away for a while. We only learnt about it from a rather drunken town official whose name I have forgotten. He was showing off pleased that he could make a millionaire do as he wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam settled down to extract every last detail from them. He might just be able to use it, he could do with some sort of hold on Hearst to make him back away from their business. At first both Edwin and Jim protested that they didn\u2019t know anything more but under Adam\u2019s skilful questioning both were surprised just how much they did remember. By the time Adam had sucked them dry they were home and Adam forgot all about it for the moment and enjoyed a light hearted meal with his family and friends as everyone relaxed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The following morning Adam firmly shut himself up in the study and tried to settle to the details of his submission to the court the next day. The outlines were complete but he still had the details, the precedents, other court decisions to draw up and with more than one mine involved in the Consolidated Virginia, more than one set of papers had to be drawn up. It wasn\u2019t particularly complicated but it all took time. He worked through the morning, just emerging once to collect some fresh coffee. Then knowing that he had several hours of work left he asked for his lunch on a tray, Time was getting short and he knew he shouldn\u2019t have left it to the last minute. The assay reports were exactly what he had required but he had come across a couple of awkward decisions, not strictly relevant but he was fairly sure they would be dragged in and he had to prepare an answer in case. He began to think he would be tied up all night at the slow rate of progress and he cursed the whole proceedings, wishing he had pulled in another lawyer for the detailed backup but it was too late now.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was busy preparing the tax statements for the new land and so Hoss, Sue and Joe came over on their own after lunch, The rest were still sitting around the table and Joe noticed that no place had been laid for his brother \u201cWhere\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole said \u201cIn the study he\u2019s been working all morning preparing for tomorrow. He\u2019s not in a very good mood, it\u2019s not going very well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned but made no comment pouring himself a coffee. He wandered over to Nita and lent over her \u201cDarling would you mind if we postponed that ride for a day or so. Sounds to me as though Adam needs some help and Pa\u2019s already up to his ears in paperwork. I\u2019ve been helping him this morning but he won\u2019t be finished until late, so it looks like time I did some work.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita smiled up at him \u201cWe\u2019ve got the rest of our lives to go for rides, you do your share. I know it\u2019s a working ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe kissed her, \u201cBless you darling, between us maybe we can get things finished fairly quickly.\u201d He straightened up and grinned at Carole \u201cI\u2019d better report for duty, sounds like he needs a legal secretary and looker-upper.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole was relieved to hear Joe\u2019s offer, when she\u2019d collected his tray Adam hadn\u2019t bothered to eat much and had impatiently asked to be left alone to get on and she knew things weren\u2019t going as smoothly as he\u2019d hoped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up as Joe opened the door rather gingerly, carrying two cups of coffee one for his brother. Impatient of any interruptions Adam said \u201cThanks for the coffee Joe but I\u2019m busy. I haven\u2019t time for socialising.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smiled \u201cSo I see, I haven\u2019t come in to disturb you. You look as though you could do with another pair of hands. What do you want me to do?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam lent back at that \u201cI thought you were taking Nita out?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was but that can wait this submission can\u2019t and you know I can help. Nita knows it\u2019s a working ranch and she expects me to play my part.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam needed help and he knew he could trust his brother to note the relevant points and save him hours so he nodded, \u201cThanks Joe I could do with some help. I was beginning to think I\u2019d be here all night.\u201d He pushed a book over \u201cThat\u2019s the problem.\u201d and he went on to explain how he was tackling it and the notes required. The brothers had always worked well together and with the extra help Adam got more efficient and they made good progress.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss brought in coffee about an hour later and told Joe that Nita was going out for a ride with the rest of them. Joe busy with his notes grunted barely taking it in and Adam said, \u201cTell Nita thanks from me. Hopefully we\u2019ll be finished by dinner time. Enjoy your ride.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss left his brothers to get on, knowing there was no way he could help with a legal problem, that wasn\u2019t his forte. He shut the door behind him and smiled at Nita \u201cThey are very busy. Adam said to say thanks to you, with Joe\u2019s help he hopes to be finished by dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo reason for him to thank me.\u201d Nita insisted, \u201cJoe ought to do his share; he\u2019s an equal partner in the ranch and the mines. Why should Adam work himself into the ground so Joe can squire me around?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell we all take turns to carry the work if\u2019n someone wants a break.\u201d Hoss said very defensively, feeling rather guilty with all his family working but Carole saw that and moved over. She linked arms with her big brother-in-law \u201cWhat Hoss really means is that he is normally lumbered with his brothers\u2019 chores as they go off gallivanting, for several months once as we played in Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned at her \u201cI didn\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe know that Hoss, but you of all people needn\u2019t feel guilty when for once it\u2019s the other way round.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss dropped a kiss in her forehead \u201cI don\u2019t, not really. We\u2019ll be back in good time for dinner, don\u2019t work too hard Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole watched them leave not sorry for a couple of hours alone with her children even if she had Eve and Dawn too. Peggy was off on some ploy of her own while Edwin and Jim were rehearsing so she could relax, confident that Kam Su had the food under control. It was nice to have friends there but after more than a fortnight and knowing that they\u2019d there as long again she sometimes missed a chance to play quietly with the twins like she usually did<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By dinner time everything except the neat copies for the Judge were done and the possible secondary arguments were completed as far as Adam could guess what would be needed. As they came out to see who else wanted sherry Adam was trying to convince Joe that he could manage the neat copies on his own after dinner, it wouldn\u2019t take more than a couple of hours, but Joe wasn\u2019t having any of it with both of them it would only take an hour. Adam looked over at Nita \u201cCome on Joe you\u2019ve already done your share,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita wandered over and to Joe\u2019s delight she said \u201cI shall be sewing so provided you think Joe\u2019s handwriting is legible enough you might as well use him Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSuch faith!\u201d Joe moaned \u201c\u201dYou just haven\u2019t seen Adam\u2019s scrawl!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam made one more attempt at protest \u201cI can manage Nita.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course you can, but why work longer than you have to today? You\u2019ll be busy tomorrow.\u201d Nita parried.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam subsided \u201cI wish I knew how other men manage to control the women of the family.\u201d Joe punched him lightly \u201cIt needs all of us to din some commonsense into your thick skull.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWatch it little brother, you\u2019re still not too big to go over my knee\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe laughed \u201cGo get the sherry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam made a conscious effort to relax once he and Joe had finished. He was as well prepared for the court hearing as he could hope to be and it should go their way without too much trouble, but although handling a lot of legal problems both for the ranch and the mines, he only occasionally had to go into court. He was more nervous than he would show and he hoped none of them guessed. He would much have preferred to go to court alone or perhaps with Joe or his father to help out and give moral support but he couldn\u2019t prevent the others coming and he knew that virtually the whole party was intending to come and that made him even more nervous.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His brothers and Carole saw more than he wanted but as he was obviously trying to hide it they didn\u2019t comment. There was noway to help although Carole held him close in bed that night trying to get him to relax with limited success. Long after she had gone to sleep Adam lay awake running over his argument for the next day, He was determined to get into town early and decided to get his father to ride in with him and leave the rest of the party to follow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He was up early and had breakfast before anyone other than Carole and Laura had appeared, Adam explained what he wanted and they both agreed it was sensible so he collected all his papers and rode over to the main house. Hoss and Joe were quite happy to bring the rest in and Ben rode in with Adam. He had showed Adam the tax statement and Adam ran through it before they left, glad to think of something different for a while. He only had a couple of suggestions and Ben quickly made the necessary changes. They rode in silence for a while but then Ben asked \u201cNervous Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMore than a little I was hoping it didn\u2019t show, I don\u2019t often have to go to court.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI shouldn\u2019t worry. From what Joe said you have a good case.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that, he was a big help yesterday, I was beginning to wonder if I\u2019d ever finish.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe needs to pull his weight. Anyway noone is gong to see how nervous you are apart from Carole and your brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Laura too. Noone else knows me that well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re still fond of her?\u201d Ben commented<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI always was Pa, that was the problem, anyway it\u2019s mutual. I wonder how I could have been so stupid. I never realised how hard Hoss took it until the other day.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe missed you but Hoss doesn\u2019t often say much. Have you reconciled him to Joe\u2019s new bride yet?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t miss anything do you Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had plenty of time to get to know you three. Hoss hated the way she treated you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think I\u2019ve talked him round, he\u2019ll give her a chance and she\u2019ll do the rest. I like her Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo do I, plenty of character there. Joe will have his hands full, just like he did with Marie and I don\u2019t see why it shouldn\u2019t suit him just as well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cWe all will, she\u2019s swung right round in the last few days and she gives me my orders too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was pleased to see his eldest son relax as he brought the conversation round to his brothers and he went on with the arrangements for Saturday. Adam was hoping that the present he\u2019d ordered for them had finally arrived and he stopped off at the post office first to find to his delight that it had. He carefully carried the large package over to Beth\u2019s and asked her to look after it until he was heading home. She was perfectly willing and Adam undid it and showed her, wanting to ensure that it had arrived safely. Luckily it had and Beth was enthralled by it. Adam swore her to secrecy and then went over to the courthouse where Fair and Mackay were waiting. The brief interlude had done marvels at steadying his nerves and he was perfectly in control as he joined them and his father. Even so he was glad when the Judge called the case, for a few minutes he was very aware of his guest behind him but as they got into the legal details he became totally focused. Joe had joined him at the table and as anything was needed he had it ready to hand over. As Adam had tried to point out it was a civil case wit no obvious excitement, a long legal wrangle over the niceties of the law, boring for outsiders who wouldn\u2019t understand much of what was going on. It lasted just over two hours and, despite the high priced lawyers the Bank had called in to act for the Gould and Curry, Adam got the decision without even a recess, in a long but firm judgement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair and Mackay were the first to congratulate him and for once even Jim thanked not only Adam but also Little Joe too, the charge had been worrying him. Adam joined his party and after he had quietened them down said \u201cI warned you it would be very dull.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t realise just how impressive his and Joe\u2019s command of the law, the ability to see exactly where it was going next, had appeared to the rest. Nita was so proud she was nearly bursting. Adam saw that and although much amused, he made it clearer than he would normally have bothered to, just how grateful he was for Joe\u2019s help. However it was Edwin\u2019s reaction which had him laughing outright, Edwin insisted that Adam was more of a dramatic actor than he\u2019d ever guessed, that if he was this bad in a quiet civil case, Edwin could just imagine the histrionics Adam would throw in a murder case, and this was the man who was always telling him to underplay!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam excused himself to go and see Roy and collect some things. Hoss offered to go with him they\u2019d had too much trouble recently but Adam laughed, \u201cNot this time big brother. Sometimes I need you out of the way with a wedding coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up questioningly and Adam shook his head \u201cI don\u2019t want you either.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edwin and Jim got to their feet \u201cI\u2019ll look after him.\u201d Edwin promised and seeing the utter disbelief in their faces Jim laughed, \u201cWe can shout loudly for help.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned, \u201cAs the main person I want to see is Roy I think I will be quite safe even with this pair as bodyguards!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The three men headed out and Adam used his friends, loading them up with parcels as he bought what he needed with two weddings coming up. Then he sent them off to dump the lot at Beth\u2019s and check their theatre booking and the arrival of the rest of their company. Despite his brothers\u2019 fears, Adam was certain of his own ability, he\u2019d been looking after himself for a long time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy was expecting Adam and he had something for him, although unsure how much it would help. He had got a long letter from a friend in San Francisco, Preacher Mckenna was well known, he had been at the centre of a raging controversy. He had been the preacher for a small church on the outskirts of town and far too puritanical for his flock. Then he started cursing them when they didn\u2019t attend or went to a neighbouring village. Hearst had owned most of the property in the area and stepped in when people started to leave their homes. He had set the Preacher up in a mission on the Barbary Coast where the man had worked for two years with only occasional trouble amongst the shifting population. Then suddenly it was closed down and the Preacher disappeared just about the time he first appeared in Virginia City. It completed the tie up with Hearst but other than that gave them no useful lever. Adam reread the letter and then thanked Roy for his trouble. Roy asked \u201cWhat now, I heard the Vicar stopped him on Sunday and you can keep him away from the weddings but he is still stirring in town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow much attention does he get?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA lot less than he did at first but he still has some effect.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHearst set him on. I suspected that anyway and this proves it, so he can call him off.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you can make him!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Roy, I think my own contacts can help now, I wish I knew why he\u2019s bothered anyway, just what the pipeline has to do with him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he\u2019s just setting out to move against the Cartwrights as such and the pipe is a means to an end. You\u2019re getting very powerful, big mine owners these days. Maybe even bigger than he is.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe thought had crossed my mind too Roy but I don\u2019t really see any reason for it. Nothing that hasn\u2019t been true for several years. Anyway I\u2019ll get a few people digging.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo trouble Adam.\u201d Roy warned<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf I find out anything I\u2019ll let you know and I won\u2019t go outside the law,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy frowned \u201cYou know the law too well Adam I want to know what you intend.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know myself yet Roy but I\u2019ll talk it over before I go ahead, will that satisfy you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFair enough. It ain\u2019t that I don\u2019t trust you, but it wouldn\u2019t be the first time the Cartwrights have taken the law into their own hands.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled wryly \u201cI can remember more than one occasion when you\u2019ve taken off that badge and joined us. At least once when I wasn\u2019t even here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy grinned \u201cEveryone needs a holiday and sometimes the law can\u2019t act but I need to know after all this is the 1870\u2019s, law and order must reach Virginia City eventually.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam made a few discreet enquiries, sent off some veiled telegrams and got a few friends moving and then joined Edwin and Jim at the theatre. They were inevitably totally pessimistic at the chances of ever getting a show on. It took Adam more than an hour to get then out and having collected his things from Beth they headed home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was nothing else he could do until his enquiries bore fruit and apart from a long talk with Will so that his cousin could start some checks in San Francisco on his return, Adam put all thought of trouble away,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben enlisted all his sons\u2019 help to clear everything on Wednesday so that they could forget about work and concentrate on Hoss\u2019 wedding. As they got the last pay packet made up Ben sat back \u201cWell that\u2019s done.\u201d He considered his sons \u201cThree more days and the bruises will just about have disappeared, if you can manage to stay out of fights!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned, \u201cWe\u2019ll try but I gotta go to town tomorrow,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cThat makes two of us but if we leave Joe at home it should be safe enough.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was indignant at that, it had none of it been his fault, but with Hoss agreeing with Adam, Joe found himself talked down for once much to his father\u2019s amusement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue was getting very excited at the prospect of the wedding and with Carole and Laura helping she had just about everything ready. Even Nita\u2019s trousseau was well on its way to completion. Nita had sent a letter asking for all of her things to be sent on but apart from the telegram from her brother she had only had a brief acknowledgement of her news. The only encouraging sign was her father\u2019s intention of arriving several days before the wedding although she didn\u2019t know if anyone else was intending to come.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue had a few friends from the hospital but no relatives to invite and she didn\u2019t care. Carole had expected Sue to become nervous, remembering how she\u2019d felt before her own wedding but Sue was still living in a happy dream, getting something she had never expected and so much more beside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was outwardly his usual placid self and if he was quiet that wasn\u2019t unusual. Sue didn\u2019t suspect just how nervous he was underneath and apart form his father and brothers only Carole did. Everything was well up on schedule with this third wedding they knew exactly what needed providing and even Hop Sing had the extra help from Kam Su as well as two relatives from town. Hoss stayed out of the way when he was told to but as everyone else seemed to be swept up in the excitement, especially Sue and his little brother, it all seemed to be happening further and further away and have nothing to do with him. It wasn\u2019t exactly cold feet just an inability to believe it had anything to do with him. Even as he sat watching Sue busy with some job she seemed to be a dream and the only reality was the odd moment when he could hold her close.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had a quiet word with his eldest son when Adam came over to collect Hoss. He asked Adam to try and get his brother to talk \u201cHe\u2019s getting very tense. I tried last night and got nowhere, maybe you can get him to open up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that Adam. She\u2019s a fine girl and just right for him but that doesn\u2019t prevent nerves, I remember what you were like.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled, remembering his sudden nerves when he didn\u2019t want to get married. \u201cSeems ridiculous looking back but I don\u2019t think Hoss will be as stupid as I was. Still I\u2019ll see what I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was ready and Adam picked up his coat \u201cBuckboard all ready so let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded \u201cYou taking Blackie or joining me on the buckboard?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated he normally preferred to ride he found the buggys or buckboards on the rough roads made his back ache, weakened by too many injuries over the years. He had never admitted his reasons to his family; it was just something he accepted, a small price to pay to live an active life. This time he decided it would be easier to talk to his brother and to his family\u2019s surprise he said, \u201cI\u2019ll leave Blackie here if you can contrive not to fall off the buckboard this time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned he\u2019d taken a fair amount of teasing about falling off buckboards twice that year but he didn\u2019t care, it had gained him his beautiful fianc\u00e9e. Adam asked Kirk to look after his stallion and swung up next to Hoss, taking the reins from him and moving out. Hoss frowned trying to remember the last time Adam had used the buckboard \u201cYou don\u2019t often drive the days Adam, any reason?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust prefer to ride if I can,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged \u201cNo real reason.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stared at his brother, \u201cDoes your back still play up?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201cOccasionally but that\u2019s inevitable, you\u2019ve had old injuries. You know that they can ache at times. It\u2019s nothing. I have never driven much.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss let it drop and sank back into his own thought and for a few minutes Adam concentrated on moving onto the main trail for town and then he looked at his brother \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter Hoss? You look worried.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head but Adam didn\u2019t let it drop even if that was what his brother appeared to want and pressed, \u201cCome on old son, you\u2019ll feel better if you talk it over.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss caught his brother\u2019s eye and saw the affection and compassion there. \u201cI don\u2019t\u2019 know Adam I don\u2019t think I can explain.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cDo you remember going up to the Lake with me the night before my wedding? I was scared stiff that night; I didn\u2019t want to get married. You and Pa both helped me then. You said it was perfectly natural to be scared of a big change in my life but that I\u2019d be fine on the day and I was.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss remembered that night as though it was yesterday, his brother just back on his feet or barely even that, needing his support physically and emotionally. He relaxed slightly, knowing Adam would understand and suddenly wanting to talk. \u201cI remember Adam, Funny Joe was calmer than you and he had a lot more to worry about, but at least you had an excuse. You were nowhere near fit. What\u2019s my excuse?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy should you need one? It’s only me Hoss, if you\u2019re nervous I can understand. Noone else has noticed apart from Pa and if they had they would understand too. Pa said it when I was in the same state; we\u2019ve both been bachelors a long time before taking the plunge. You\u2019re only a little younger than I was, settled in our ways I guess and its hard to imagine what a difference it will make to be married. Joe was barely twenty four when he got married and of course this is the second time for him, so he has something to compare with.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI guess you\u2019re right. Sort of feel ashamed for being so scared.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI did too. Seemed such a silly thing to be scared of. It is really, but perfectly natural. It will be alright Hoss, you love each other.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou always wanted to get married, I didn\u2019t not really. Some times over the last few years I sort of assumed that I wouldn\u2019t I couldn\u2019t see me finding someone to \u2026. Not like Carole and Marie.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cYou always did underrate yourself big brother. Sue adores you, and you are perfect in her eyes. You mean every bit as much to her as I do to Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIts funny I believed that a few weeks back, I do now I guess, when we\u2019re on our own, when I can hold her, but the rest of the time I \u2026.\u201d Hoss broke off and sighed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTake it easy big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s no good Adam I never was any good with words.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNonsense you\u2019ve helped me with words often enough and sometimes just by being there. You know its going to be alright, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss hesitated for a minute \u201cDon\u2019t seem to know anything right now Adam. It\u2019s as though it\u2019s a dream, all happening a long way away and nothing really to do with me. Everyone else is getting all excited and I don\u2019t feel nothing. I make all the arrangements but I did that for you and for Joe, just another job.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled faintly \u201cAnd you said you were no good with words! I know exactly how you feel Hoss and I can promise you that you will wake up, probably early on Saturday morning but at the latest when Sue comes to join you in front of the vicar. Then the only reality will be you and Sue and the vicar.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wish I could believe that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou can Hoss. It will be fine, you and Sue are perfectly matched and she\u2019s a lovely girl, Noone can say there won\u2019t be problems in the future but you start with all that you need for a marriage as happy as mine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss impulsively grabbed his brother\u2019s arm \u201cDo you think I\u2019m doing the right thing? I know it\u2019s too late to back out but\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not too late or at least no more than anytime these last weeks. It was too late the moment the pair of you fell in love. You know its right Hoss, you didn\u2019t even hesitate. You need a wife, children of your own, not just an Uncle to mine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sighed \u201cLogically you\u2019re right and I don\u2019t even want to back out. I just don\u2019t know what I do want. Can\u2019t seem to think at all, sort of floating.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know the feeling Hoss but I think you do know what you want. You seemed very certain at Christmas; you want your lovely red-headed nurse.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI guess so,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTrust me Hoss, cold feet and nerves don\u2019t mean a thing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think I feel better for talking.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou know where I am, any time, or Pa will understand too. I just wish I could do more to help but as you told me, you\u2019ll be fine on the day and I\u2019ll be around if you need me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou always are.\u201d Hoss said, simply stating a fact and then he smiled \u201cYour marriage didn\u2019t come between us, I guess mine won\u2019t either.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNothing can Hoss you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t once and then I don\u2019t think I could have married. Isn\u2019t that stupid? Brothers ain\u2019t supposed to be that important.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe aren\u2019t just brothers though, we are friends and noone has ever denied the importance of friendship. It would be wrong if we stopped you finding a woman but I don\u2019t think we ever did. The only thing stopping you was finding the right one. It took me even longer to find Carole but I knew almost as soon as I met her and you did too or you wouldn\u2019t have been such a perfect patient.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned and to his brother\u2019s relief he relaxed. \u201cAlright Adam don\u2019t look so worried I\u2019m okay and I\u2019ll come for a talk if I start getting in a state again. You can tell Pa that you\u2019ve done your job.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cYou\u2019re as bad as he is for not missing anything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was surprised just how much better he did feel, remembering how upset Adam had been just before his wedding at least proved he wasn\u2019t the only one.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Their chores in town went very smoothly and having loaded the buckboard they went into the Palace for a beer before returning home. Dan was there \u201cYou two hiding out while all the work is done?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot a hope\u201d Adam groaned, \u201cI could do with a good excuse at the moment. Any news round town?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPreacher seems to have disappeared for the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t say I\u2019m sorry but we\u2019ll still have a few guards out on Saturday in case he decides he wants to join the party.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAm I allowed out early Hoss?\u201d Dan enquired.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure but you know the penalty, you get all the last minute chores while we get changed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was much more relaxed on the way home and Ben quickly recognised that and murmured his thanks to his eldest son. The main room was beginning to look very festive as they rearranged the furniture and put up decorations.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Late on the Friday evening Hoss came over and asked Adam to go for a ride with him. Adam immediately got his hat and coat. Going out he found Joe had already saddled Blackie for him and the three brothers rode up to the Lake together. Hoss liked having them both there but he was quite relaxed. Everything had slipped back into place once his brother forced him to put it into words and he was just excited. Once Adam realised that the three became positively light hearted and wended their way home eventually singing loudly. Ben considered them fondly, he knew they hadn\u2019t been drinking but they were almost intoxicated. Adam had seen Carole off to bed before he came out and he joined his father and brothers in front of the fire for another hour, full of memories of the past and anticipation of the morrow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As before Will had been pushed into service to give away the bride and Laura with Carole\u2019s help was getting Sue ready. Adam was trying to stop his children getting dirty or fiddling with the flowers and other unusual articles round the house. Eventually he went and poured himself a drink. Joe noticed, \u201cHoss is supposed to be nervous, not you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe word is harassed little brother. One problem we didn\u2019t have last time was three children. I\u2019m under strict orders to keep them clean and tidy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned but decided to help his brother out \u201cCome on Mark, David. Come upstairs with me. I promised to let you look at that big picture book sometimes, Now seems like a good time.\u201d Adam smiled appreciatively as Joe led the twins off and with just Marie he picked her up and went to see how Hoss was getting on. Ben was busily checking the presents in one of the spare rooms, the men already busy in Hoss\u2019 room and Hoss was using Adam\u2019s old room. Hoss was glad of some help with his tie and then to both brothers surprise the sound of the piano came from the end room where it had been stored ever since Marie\u2019s death. They looked at each other and then as one moved into the corridor. Adam recognised the music it was the start of Beethoven\u2019s Moonlight Sonata but he couldn\u2019t imagine who was playing. Hoss was pale as though for a moment he thought Marie had come back and Adam gripped his arm, \u201cShe never played Beethoven.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam knocked on the door and Nita turned guiltily from the piano, \u201cCome in.\u201d She looked at the brothers guiltily \u201cI\u2019m sorry I shouldn\u2019t have touched it. Carole said to use this room to change and it was staring at me.\u201d Hoss broke out laughing at the look on her face \u201cIts okay Nita. Belongs to Joe anyways and you sure play beautifully.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot really I can only play a little from memory, need the music and it\u2019s none of it mine.\u201d She frowned \u201cWas this Marie\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded \u201cShe played by ear, songs mainly but like you she had a nice touch. Noone else plays although she started to teach me but we didn\u2019t get far. Probably needs tuning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDid Joe buy it for her?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, my wedding present to them Joe will be glad to see it used again. Maybe I\u2019ll learn yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita relaxed as she realised that they didn\u2019t object but she intended finding out Joe\u2019s opinion before touching it again and she firmly closed the lid, \u201cLet me take Marie for you Adam. I\u2019m ready.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cVery lovely you look too.\u201d Commented Adam as he handed over his daughter. \u201cTell Pa we\u2019ll be down in a couple of minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The brothers watched her go down and Hoss smiled, \u201cMore and more like Marie, it\u2019s amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStill worried about that one?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned broadly \u201cI ain\u2019t worried about anything now. You\u2019ve got the rings and I can\u2019t forget my lines. It\u2019s my day and even the weather is cooperating.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTime we went down, unless you want a drink first?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t need one Adam, no doubts not now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood, then let\u2019s go and enjoy ourselves,\u201d Hoss nodded and the two brothers went on down where the Vicar had just arrived and they joined their father over by him Ben was surprised how calm Hoss was but Adam just shrugged as his father looked questioningly at him. It wasn\u2019t an act or at least not as far as he could tell.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe brought the twins down and joined Nita and Dan grinned at Adam, \u201cYou\u2019ve got your family well trained. What happens when they start producing?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy brood will be older and they will be well in practice to look after their own.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTrust you to have it well planned!\u201d Adam smiled but he moved away and began getting people to their seats, it was nearly time. As he went over to greet the last arrivals, Jess caught his eye and Adam went over \u201cAnything wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, just thought you ought to know Jos\u00e9 turned the Preacher back when he tried to leave the road?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe was on our land?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah we were careful to make sure of that and we are keeping close watch. He\u2019s being tailed back to town but he started back with no real argument.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine. I promised Hoss and Sue there would be no trouble so keep a close eye.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course we will and we\u2019re being very careful.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know, thanks Jess.\u201d Adam went back in and joined his big brother who suddenly had tensed up and was biting his lip as he waited for SueEllen. Adam said softly \u201cEasy Hoss. Carole\u2019s just come down so Will and Sue will be down in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and made a conscious effort to relax, everything was ready and waiting. Ben stood slightly to one side and had a feeling of d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu, this was the third wedding here for his sons and in a fortnight there would be another, what he\u2019d always wanted. He looked at his two eldest sons, both very smart and his youngest with Carole and his own bride-to-be, looking after Adam\u2019s three children. All his family looked relaxed and excited and he felt a lump in his throat as he watched Will lead SueEllen down the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue had hardly been able to believe her eyes as Carole settled her dress and train for her, the necklace and hairpiece Adam had given her, setting off the beautiful white material, just a very fine veil which Nita had made, as Carole was determined to show off Sue\u2019s beautiful hair. Sue knew she had never looked so lovely or so feminine and she was so happy that she was radiant. Carole had finally finished settling the dress and train and kissed Sue. \u201cHoss will be so very proud of you Sue with every reason.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue stood tall, for once she had no reason to worry about her height with Will and Adam a good three inches taller than she was and Hoss even more. Proud and radiant she walked down the stairs like a queen. Adam touched his brother\u2019s arm as she appeared and they both turned to watch her come down, Hoss was so proud that he could hardly believe that this was all his and he had no eyes for anyone else as Sue came to join him in front of the alter of flowers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 voice was husky as he made the responses and Sue\u2019s was very low. As they exchanged the matching rings Hoss\u2019 hand shook slightly and he had a job to slip it over her finger but the Vicar was quick to help. The simple ceremony didn\u2019t take very long and as they went to sign the book Carole and Ben joined them. Joe made no attempt to do so, glad to be able to use the children as an excuse. More moved than he had expected very glad for his brother. He had never seen Hoss look happier but for Joe there were all too many memories. Mark\u2019s questions had never been more useful to Joe than they were then. Brought back to the present by his nephew Joe took Marie and let Nita get up and then with children was the first to congratulate Hoss and Sue. Hoss grinned \u201cI don\u2019t know how you did it Carole, so very different from Marie\u2019s, but that dress is gorgeous. She looks like a queen. Thank you from both of us<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole kissed him \u201cI enjoyed doing it and I\u2019m already very fond of Sue, we get on so well. Every happiness in the world to both of you Hoss. I\u2019d wish you luck but I don\u2019t think you need it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve already had all the luck I need when she fell in love with me I still don\u2019t know why.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell I do. If I didn\u2019t already have Adam I could have fallen for you myself. You\u2019re a kind gentle loving man and I don\u2019t know a nicer person.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was taken aback \u201cCarole I\u2026.\u201d but Adam came to his rescue \u201cYou\u2019re embarrassing him darling. Quite right, even if he is my brother, but that\u2019s enough for now. Come on Hoss let\u2019s go and get the drinks, let Hop Sing get the tables laid.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe and Will helped and everyone was soon ushered over to the barn for sherry, as they had before. Edwin took the chance to congratulate Carole on Sue\u2019s dress, he had seen Marie\u2019s and knew how different they were, she was as clever at designing dresses as her husband was with houses.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue knew virtually everybody there for the wedding breakfast and she was at her ease, so very happy. Beth stood with Ben as he watched Hoss and his bride do the rounds to speak to everyone \u201cAmazing what love can do. She looks so different from the shy rather awkward girl I brought out to Adam\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s lovely in her own way and so well matched to Hoss. I\u2019ve never seen him so happy.\u201d Ben said quietly it was what he had always wanted and today was Hoss\u2019 day with his brothers leaving him the centre of the stage. The breakfast was delicious and even Hoss and Sue did justice to it. Only Joe was unable to manage much, but as he was still taking charge of his nephews at his own request that as easy to hide. Adam read out the telegrams, not that there were very many, most of Hoss\u2019 friends were present, but one long one from her parents brought a tear to Sue\u2019s eyes. Hoss put his arm round her and with this new family all around who had already come to mean so much to her she couldn\u2019t feel sad for long, especially as she looked at the ring on her finger and her wonderful big husband. Adam felt a pang as he read the final telegram at both his and Joe\u2019s weddings there had been telegrams from Charles Dickens. Although it was so long since he\u2019d seen him Adam still missed his friend\u2019s letters and for a moment the shock of his death came back, but he pushed the thought aside as his brother rose to thank everyone for coming and for their good wishes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Then it was time to go upstairs and open the presents, a large number had been piled up in the spare room, although more would be arriving during the evening. For a moment Sue looked stunned by the pile but Hoss just passed her one to get started on and asked Adam to make out a list so they didn\u2019t get confused. Sue was glad of a few minutes with just the family, almost overwhelmed by all the excitement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Only Ben, Adam, Carole, Joe and Nita and inevitably Dan had joined the newly weds as Will and Laura looked after all the children. At one point Adam Carole and Joe all burst out laughing and as Nita and Sue both looked puzzled Hoss explained \u201cBoth Adam and Joe got a pair of those when they got married. Now we got some. Noone has yet worked out what they are.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue turned them over \u201cOne dark one white, if you keep collecting them you could use them to play checkers.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam chuckled, \u201cThat\u2019s the most constructive suggestion I\u2019ve heard yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue turned her attention to a big box from Will and Laura, it was a lovely dinner service and she was delighted while Hoss undid an elegant coffee pot from Nita. She had felt uneasy knowing that Joe had already bought his present and opted for a separate one. Hoss kissed her in thanks and then turned to a large parcel from his little brother, He caught Joe\u2019s eye and his little brother looked so cheeky that he put it down again. \u201cIt won\u2019t explode or something will it little brother?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe tried in vain to look innocent and then said \u201cI think Sue had better undo it. It\u2019s sort of for her but I reckon you\u2019ll appreciate it.\u201d None of his family knew what he had bought and were all as taken aback as Hoss when Sue undid it. At first it looked like a pile of lace but as she shook it out she found three matching sets of filmy lace nightgowns and negligees and an elegant bedcover, Adam was vainly trying to keep a straight face as his father told Dan that it was not for the paper and Hoss didn\u2019t know whether to laugh or be angry. However Joe had judged Sue more accurately than the rest and she was absolutely delighted, she had never had anything so feminine and Hoss seeing her very real pleasure laughed \u201cYou push your luck little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll appreciate the pretty sight later on.\u201d Joe commented and then ducked away as Hoss aimed a punch at him<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Then they turned their attention to the last parcels both from Adam and Carole, one in a large box and the other a flat parcel. Hoss undid the larger first and found a new saddle but when he picked it up he was amazed at how light it was. He considered his big brother puzzled and Adam grinned<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had noticed Hoss\u2019 saddle was well worn and several months earlier had designed a special one for his brother. It looked exactly the same as normal but with use of bracing instead of solid material Adam had cut the weight by half although he was confident the strength wasn\u2019t affected. He explained briefly how he\u2019d achieved it and made Hoss laugh at the arguments he\u2019d had in getting it made. Hoss had been very impressed anyway, he rode heavy enough and the weight saved was a godsend, but now he knew that his brother had spent time designing it specifically for him, it made it even more important.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was still lightly puzzled as it was very much a gift for him but that was explained as Sue undid the flat parcel. She quickly realised that it was a painting but it wasn\u2019t until she\u2019d propped it up on the bed and stood back to look that she realised what it was. The subject of the painting was the Mountains of Mourne, a view so very similar to the one she had grown up with, that for a moment she was almost transported home again. She stared at the large oil painting for more than a minute, saying nothing after the first ooh of surprise. Hoss had read the name of it and remembered her mentioning the mountains once when she had been talking about home, in the days while Carole was so ill and upset. Obviously Adam had remembered but Hoss was surprised his brother had been taking anything in then. Eventually Sue went to Adam and Carole \u201cIt\u2019s just the way it looked at home, I don\u2019t know how you knew.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA friend of mine knew the artist and he said it was accurate, I\u2019d seen and liked the painting so when you mentioned it, I wrote him on the off-chance he\u2019d sell. I\u2019m just glad you like it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLike it!\u201d she said \u201cOh Adam it\u2019s like having a piece of Ireland here with me, it\u2019s beautiful.\u201d She kissed him and Carole and Hoss grinned broadly, \u201cThanks Adam, it\u2019s a lovely painting anyway. One day I\u2019ll take her back and see for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Then Ben suggested going across to Hoss\u2019 bedroom. Hoss knew what his father had been up to but Sue was astounded at the change in such a short time and as Hoss thanked his father she went over and gave Ben a big hug. So thrilled with everything she was close to tears and the rest left them alone for a few minutes, although Ben warned his son that the other guest were beginning to arrive.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they went out Adam teased his little brother, he\u2019d been very lucky to escape with his hide intact after his choice of present. Joe defended himself \u201cSue liked them and she\u2019ll look lovely for Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not denying that but you should have left him to get them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe snorted \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t think of it and anyway he wouldn\u2019t have the nerve to go in and buy then,\u201d Adam couldn\u2019t argue with that and then seeing some old friends he moved over with Carole to greet them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was trying hard to fit into the party mood but although very happy for his brother he found it hard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss held his new wife close, telling himself over and over that she was indeed his wife but still hardly able to believe it. Sue pulled away after a minute and going back to collect the painting she rested it on the mantelpiece where it fitted perfectly. Hoss put his arm round her shoulders \u201cLooks nice.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She rested her head on his shoulder; she had never expected to find one that fitted her so well. \u201cI could almost believe the artist was staying in Lisnacree. It\u2019s almost exactly the view I had from home. I still can\u2019t understand how Adam knew.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll get used to him, he don\u2019t miss much; although I must say he\u2019s surprised me too this time. Still the idea ain\u2019t strange. He carries that picture of the Lake around with him if he\u2019s gone for long; Pa gave it to him on his wedding day. The remarkable part is finding the picture; still he\u2019s always had a lot of odd friends. Talking of friends we\u2019d better go meet some of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even with strangers Sue felt so much more confident and knew how lovely she looked, so she was relaxed and unworried. Hoss introduced her around never letting her go, his arm round her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan wandered over to Ben \u201cI told Hoss he\u2019d have to get a redhead to complete the trio and he\u2019s gone and done it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood job Joe has chosen another blonde or it would ruin your plan Dan.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan frowned, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t look too happy about it at the moment. Is he okay?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course. He\u2019s very fond of Sue. Probably too many memories, with luck he\u2019ll get them out of the way today and be free to look forward to a fortnight\u2019s time.\u201d Ben was sombre for a moment but then seeing Hoss was ready to dance, he punched Dan\u2019s arm \u201cIt\u2019s a day to celebrate and I\u2019m going to ask Beth before Roy gets there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss led Sue out to start the dancing and his family swiftly followed suit. Nita didn\u2019t try to talk as she danced with Joe sensing the effort he was making to appear light hearted and she made no comment when he slipped away, leaving her with Edwin. She knew enough of the guests never to be short of a partner or someone to talk to. Joe stayed around enough not to cause comment but every so often he couldn\u2019t keep up the act and he disappeared for quarter of an hour. Luckily he was outside later in the evening when Carole came out for some fresh air. She was on her own but unworried with several others doing the same thing. She wandered over to the corral, looking up at the mountains where the snow was clear in the moonlight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe saw Carole but he didn\u2019t want to talk to anyone until he saw a figure come out of the shadows and approach her. It was the Preacher and he recognised Carole as Adam\u2019s wife. Carole knew him instantly but she was mainly anxious to prevent him upsetting Hoss and Sue, this was their day. The Preacher took her arm and told her that she must take her children and leave the Devil\u2019s man. In time she could still earn redemption but she must leave before it was too late. Carole didn\u2019t want to cause a scene and tried to pull her arm away \u201cPlease leave I don\u2019t want to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou must listen; I want to save you and the children,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole had never been more grateful to see her brother-in-law emerge from the shadows and come over to her. Joe also tried to keep things quiet, \u201cThe lady asked you to leave. This is private property and you\u2019re trespassing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s God\u2019s property.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGod is already well represented here. It is also my ranch and I am asking you to leave peacefully. We don\u2019t want any trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Several people had noticed the trouble and gathered round and Joe asked one of the hands to find Preacher McKenna\u2019s buggy, Jos\u00e9 had come over and he shook his head \u201cSorry Joe. We saw him back to town once.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot your fault Jos\u00e9, but if you wouldn\u2019t mind repeating that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 and Red saddled up and as the Preacher started to protest Joe said \u201cWe don\u2019t want to hear, just leave quietly.\u201d He had his arm round Carole\u2019s shoulders and she was relaxed with him there to cope. Word had spread and Roy came over but Joe smiled \u201cNo trouble Roy, the Preacher is just leaving,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The buggy was brought over and the Preacher got into it unable to argue against the cold indifference with which Joe treated him. As he got up Adam and Laura came out to investigate having heard a rumour, Adam saw the Preacher and then realised that Carole was there and he broke into a run going to his wife. He was very pale, scared she\u2019d been upset and took her in his arms. Joe said \u201cDon\u2019t come back Preacher. This is our ranch and next time I will charge you with trespass. You have been warned so be very careful. Jos\u00e9 and Red lined themselves up one either side or Joe ordered them to see him off the ranch and then smiled at all the others who had gathered, \u201cNo trouble folks, why not go back in, enjoy the dancing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they dispersed Adam said bitterly, \u201cHe shouldn\u2019t have been allowed to get this far.\u201d Then he led Carole off wanting to be alone with his wife, unsure how upset she really was, knowing what wounding things had been said before.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe watched them go and Roy said \u201cAs he doesn\u2019t seem likely to give you any credit I will. You handled that very smoothly Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smiled and nodded but as Roy moved off Laura linked arms with Joe. \u201cWhat is wrong with Adam and Carole?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stiffened \u201cNothing is wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Laura smiled \u201cCome on Joe. I\u2019ve known there was something ever since I got here. I know your brother very well and I\u2019ve known Carole for years. She\u2019s no weakling to dissolve into hysterics over a few harsh words, so why is Adam so worried about her? He\u2019s been treating her as though she was a delicate piece of china all holiday. It\u2019s not like either of them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCarole is just a bit easily upset at the minute.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI loved your brother Joe, in many ways I still do. It\u2019s more than that; I\u2019ve seen the ache in his eyes when he looks at her. Why is she easily upset, she\u2019s not pregnant or he\u2019d have told me and anyway she always takes that in her stride.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo it\u2019s not that, nor likely to be.\u201d Joe hesitated but as Laura looked intently at him he protests \u201cIt\u2019s not my story to tell.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSomething happened to Carole?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe gave way, \u201cAlright she was kidnapped abut two months ago. We found her and the two men are dead but she was very badly treated still not fully recovered.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Laura frowned, \u201cRaped?\u201d She didn\u2019t need Joe\u2019s nod, in many ways it wasn\u2019t a surprise and she could understand , it explained so many things that had puzzled her over the last weeks, \u201cI\u2019m sorry Joe I shouldn\u2019t have pried but I\u2019m very fond of them both and with another fortnight here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIts okay but I don\u2019t want to talk about it, especially not today. She\u2019s very much better but it was hard on all of us especially Carole and Adam.\u201d With a conscious effort Joe forced the thoughts away and said \u201cCome on I haven\u2019t danced with you all night.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam held Carole close, \u201cWhat did he say to you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot very much Joe came over very quickly and he was marvellous, didn\u2019t let the Preacher say anything.\u201d She snuggled close to him \u201cI\u2019m alright Adam I\u2019m fine. Don\u2019t look so worried. This is Sue and Hoss\u2019 day, lets go back in and don\u2019t you dare upset them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam kissed her, thanking God for her strength and slowly he calmed down and they followed Joe and Laura in. When the music stopped Adam joined his youngest brother at the punchbowl and very quietly thanked him for handling it so well. Then as Hoss came over they changed the subject and suggested it was time for the cake. Hoss agreed and sent Joe to tell Hop Sing. He was so happy as he watched Sue chatting to Carole and their father that Adam just savoured the expression on his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss noticed and grinned \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever been so happy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll find plenty more over the years Hoss, of that I\u2019m sure, just as I have. Wait until you hold your own child.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m content with what I\u2019ve got at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou enjoy it brother you\u2019ve more than earnt the right.\u201d Hoss took his brother at his word and enjoyed every minute of his day but at last it was time to take his bride upstairs and shut out the world. As his brothers before him he ordered a final waltz and then from the stairs thanked everyone for their presents and their good wishes before leading Sue upstairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue was shy but she couldn\u2019t resist Joe\u2019s present and although a virgin she wanted the big man she adored just as much as he wanted her, and to Hoss\u2019 delight she came to him with passion. He couldn\u2019t believe his luck and long after she was asleep in his arms, he lay awake remembering every moment of a perfect day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He wasn\u2019t the only one lying awake; neither of his brothers were asleep either for very different reasons. Joe had been badly shaken by just how strong his memories of Marie and his first wedding had been. Everything was so similar that for a moment he\u2019d felt as though Marie would appear, ethereal in her wedding gown. He wished now that they had arranged something totally different but it was too late to change now and the Preacher\u2019s arrival had showed the risks that would have been involved, He loved Nita very much and he wanted to marry her but he was tormented by memories of his equally beloved Marie, He dreaded ruining Nita\u2019s day in a fortnight with similar memories. Unable to sleep he had abandoned his bed and sat for hours staring out of his window trying to sort out his thoughts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was awake because, like Hoss, he was very happy. Carole had moved close to him in bed once the children were settled. She knew he was still worried in case the Preacher had upset her and she wanted to put his mind at rest and maybe with memories of her own wedding night brought back vividly by Hoss\u2019 marriage. She pressed very close to him but Adam pulled away slightly. He had given her his word but he was only human and he still desired her very much, Carole took his hand and put it on her breast and Adam said \u201cCarole I\u2026\u201d She kissed him with passion but he broke away \u201cAre you sure darling?\u201d Carole just smiled and reached for him. Adam accepted her decision and with infinite gentleness and tenderness he took her, thrilling as he felt her respond. Carole was equally delighted to find she didn\u2019t have to act, the past was past, and her body responded to Adam as it always had. Afterwards totally relaxed in his arms she said \u201cI\u2019m just sorry it took me so long,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t sweetheart, you\u2019re marvellous and it\u2019s alright now.\u201d Adam didn\u2019t have to ask, he knew her too well; she was his as she always had been. He didn\u2019t want to sleep and lay holding her hoping that Hoss was as happy as he was. He dozed for a while but very early Carole was awake again and she moved closer to him as she realised he was awake too; more passionately than the night before they finally put the past behind them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Laura was up very early as Will wanted to be on his way to Reno and she took Marie, David and Mark down with her twins to allow Adam and Carole to have a lie in for once. Eventually Adam got up tucking Carole in to get some sleep; he would look after the children and anyway wanted to see Will and John before they left.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Despite a virtually sleepless night Adam was more at peace than he had been in months and totally relaxed. Laura recognised the difference as soon as he came down and she poured him coffee and then gave him a hug. Adam frowned puzzled, considering her and then he smiled \u201cYou know what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI pried it out of Joe. I knew something was wrong, but it isn\u2019t anymore is it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head in mock disgust \u201cIs it that obvious?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOnly to me and probably your father and brothers, we all love you Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled her close and kissed her. \u201cI still don\u2019t understand why I didn\u2019t fall in love with you Laura.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAncient history. It\u2019s all worked out very well we\u2019re both happy with our own families and better friends than we ever were.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled and as Will came in to get his breakfast he said, \u201cIt\u2019s a pity you can\u2019t stay Will. Still we\u2019ll see you in twelve days and I\u2019ll look after Laura and the kids.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Will grinned looking pointedly at Adam\u2019s arm still round Laura\u2019s waist, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t leave her if Carole wasn\u2019t here!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh you won that fight cousin, I just hope you know how lucky you are; she\u2019s a remarkable woman, almost as remarkable as my Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Will could see how light hearted his cousin was even if unlike his wife, he didn\u2019t realise the reasons. Fond of Adam he accepted it and they had a hilarious breakfast but when John and Will were ready to leave, Adam was eager to go out and get some fresh air himself. He was too exuberant to want to be stuck inside on such a clear crisp morning. Meg and Laura assure him that they would take care of the kids until Carole woke up and so Adam saddled Blackie and rode a short way with the other men. Then arranging to see Will in a few days and shrugging off John\u2019s thanks he said goodbye and cut up towards the Lake. He tied Blackie on a long rope to graze and walked up to the point, remembering again Hoss\u2019 words about being closer to God there. He said a very heartfelt prayer of thanks for his wonderful wife and her full recovery Now he could begin to forget the events of the autumn and if his memories would always have the power to hurt, he was too aware of how very lucky he was to care. Carole was fully recovered and by some miracle the terror his sons had known didn\u2019t seem to have had any effect on the little boys.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood staring out over the Lake, more in tune with the peace and magnificence there than he\u2019d been in quite a while. His own marriage was perfect again and his big brother looked to be finding that same joy. In under a fortnight Little Joe would be joining them again and the growing family all seemed to be fitting together so well. Hardly aware of the time, Adam wandered along the cliff by the Lake, it was too cold to stay still, so happy he was seeing everything as though for the first time, the view clearer and somehow more magnificent than it had ever been.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had stayed in his room until fairly late, no nearer sorting out his thoughts but not wanting anyone else to see. He finally achieved some measure of control and very thirsty went down to get some coffee, even though he didn\u2019t want food. He might as well not have waited, Hoss and Sue were still in their room, his big brother for once finding something more important than his breakfast and only Ben was at the table. However good his mask it wasn\u2019t enough to fool his father but as Joe obviously didn\u2019t want to talk, Ben kept to a few casual comments about the previous day. He could imagine what the trouble was but if he could help Joe would come to him. To Joe\u2019s relief his father made no comment when he just had some coffee and then said he was going for a ride. Joe also headed up to the Lake but he was so lost in his thoughts that he didn\u2019t even notice Blackie as he tied Cochise up and headed up to his wife\u2019s grave.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe knelt down by it but for once he couldn\u2019t get any feeling of her nearness. Thoroughly confused and overtired he felt drained and empty, he couldn\u2019t talk to her or even pray. He was no longer sure if he wanted to marry Nita, unable to visualize either her face or Marie\u2019s. Cold he got stiffly to his feet and began to walk along the cliff, following his brother although he didn\u2019t realise.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was the first to realise that someone else was there as he heard a twig crack and he turned slightly tense, ready to draw although not really expecting trouble. He wasn\u2019t particularly surprised to see his brother and was about to call to Joe when he took in the expression on his brother\u2019s face, almost reminiscent of the pain he\u2019d shown in those first hours when he\u2019d sat up by the Lake, alone cold and empty unable even to break down trying to take in his bereavement, Adam hesitated unsure if his brother would want even him around but it was too late to back off and get to Blackie as Joe had seen him. Joe knew his brother often sought solace up by the lake when things were going wrong. Remembering Carole\u2019s encounter with the Preacher he was suddenly scared that she had been more affected than he\u2019d thought. As fear flared for his sister who had already endured so much, Joe forgot his own confusion and moved swiftly over to his brother \u201cIs Carole alright? That Preacher didn\u2019t\u2026.\u201d Joe stopped as he saw the glow in his brother\u2019s eyes. Adam smiled \u201cCarole is fine, one hundred percent alright. She\u2019s wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe considered his eldest brother; there was a reverence, a sheer delight and almost disbelief in Adam\u2019s eyes. An expression he only remembered seeing once before when Adam had first brought the twins down to show his family. Even in his own misery Joe couldn\u2019t help responding to the delight, the near ecstasy in his brother\u2019s eyes. He didn\u2019t need any explanation, only one thing could have that effect on Adam and Joe knew that he need not worry about Adam and Carole anymore, they were one again. Joe gripped his brother\u2019s arm \u201cI\u2019m so glad Adam, now you can really begin to forget.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam knew Joe understood, words had never been essential for communication between them and something like this would never be put into words but that didn\u2019t make the understanding any less. He covered his brother\u2019s hand \u201cThanks Joe, I was so full of thanks I had to come up here and try to\u2026 Maybe I ought to get back. Carole was still asleep so I\u2019ve landed Meg and Laura with the children.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe knew that his brother was prepared to go away and leave him alone but Adam was the one person he could talk to and he couldn\u2019t face Nita until he had sorted himself out, he wasn\u2019t getting very far on his own, \u201cThey won\u2019t care Adam, I\u2019m glad you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to talk Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow much did you notice yesterday?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEnough. I was watching you just before Will and Sue came down.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWho else do you think noticed?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa and Carole, maybe Nita a little but you put on a pretty good act for her, the only thing is she loves you and that makes her harder to fool. I doubt if anyone else did and I\u2019m sure Hoss didn\u2019t everything was perfect for him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI hope so. I haven\u2019t seen him this morning. Its funny Adam I didn\u2019t expect it. But it was all the same, even most of the people were the same. I could see Marie, that lovely dress that Carole made, ethereal and beautiful. So many memories. I wish to hell I\u2019d arranged a wedding in town.\u201d Joe shuddered \u201cOh God Adam what am I doing?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam put his arm round his brother\u2019s shoulders feeling the tension in him \u201cTake it easy Joe,\u201d he hesitated not knowing what to say to help his brother but before he could speak Joe pulled away and burying his face in his hands he went on \u201cShe\u2019s not there, not even up here. I can\u2019t even remember her face today. What am I doing to her? My Marie.\u201d Joe fought for control, taking in great gulps of air while Adam could only grip his brother\u2019s shoulders in mute sympathy, Slowly Joe straightened up and Adam said \u201cDo you remember before we went to Europe. I told you the message Marie had left for you. She wanted you to find someone else to love you and bear you children. She knew that you had too much love to give to waste it. You know it was what she wanted and you love Nita, it will be alright Joe…\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked straight at his brother for the first time \u201cIt\u2019s too late to back out I have to go through with it. I couldn\u2019t hurt Nita like that.\u201d To his surprise Adam smiled \u201cIt\u2019s only a few days since Hoss was saying that it was too late for him to back out. He calmed down and I\u2019ve never seen him happier than yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned \u201cI knew the big moose had got very tense.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh he wasn\u2019t as bad as I was. The night before my wedding I think I\u2019d have cut and run if I\u2019d been physically capable and if Pa and Hoss hadn\u2019t talked sense to me. You love Nita and I know you still love Marie, but Joe you\u2019re a young man. You need a wife to share your bed give you children just as I do. Someone there to share your life, your hopes and fear, the good times and the bad. You\u2019ve known that joy once, you can\u2019t live without it. Not with someone who loves you so much waiting to take that place.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe threw a stone across the Lake watching it sink \u201cI was so certain Adam. Logically you\u2019re right but yesterday it was as though Nita didn\u2019t exist. I missed Marie so much it could have been three years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam said slowly, \u201cMaybe it would have been better to arrange something different but I really don\u2019t believe it will matter. With any luck your memories will have expended their force yesterday. Last time you were worried, nervous, scared that Marie would be snubbed. I said then that the only important people were the pair of you and the Vicar joining together in the sight of God two people, who were very much in love. You said it yourself Joe, Nita is as important to you as Marie. I know you; you\u2019re in love, both of you, just as Carole and I or Hoss and Sue. It\u2019s right Joe and, when it comes to the point, you won\u2019t have any memories or doubts, the only reality will be you and Nita and those promises to each other, with God\u2019s blessing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stared at his brother for several minutes, thinking over what he\u2019d said and searching his brother\u2019s face as though he\u2019d find the truth there, then he turned and walked back to the cliff edge. Clear in his mind he could see Marie as she lay dying, more at peace than he\u2019d ever known any dying person. Hear her voice as she thanked him for the love they\u2019d shared, the happiness of their few months together, more than most people had in a lifetime; and as once before he could hear her voice in the message she\u2019d given Adam for him. He remembered again his own wedding but it was those few precious minutes when they made their vows oblivious of the world. Now she was with him again, he hadn\u2019t lost her and she insisted that nothing in this new love was a betrayal of those vows. Slowly as his certainty about what he was doing seeped back Nita\u2019s face became clear to him too and it was almost as though the two women had made their own pact to love and care for him. Strangely Joe knew that the memories which had tormented him yesterday wouldn\u2019t be there in a fortnight. His Marie approved of Nita and she wouldn\u2019t let this other girl\u2019s wedding day be any less marvellous than her own. Joe didn\u2019t even realise his face was wet with tears as he turned back to his eldest brother, at peace with himself again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam recognised that at once and wordlessly handed Joe a hankie. Only then did Joe realise and wiping his eyes he smile ruefully. \u201cI must be more tired than I thought, I didn\u2019t even realise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter. You know where I am if you need to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know but somehow I don\u2019t think I will need to now. I\u2019d like to come and see Nita.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe stopped to pray by this wife\u2019s grave and this time she was there, he joined Adam over by the horses and gripped Adam\u2019s arm momentarily \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam just smiled it was more than sufficient to see his brother back at peace and they headed on down to the house to see Nita and Carole, very content in their enlarged family group and looking forward to the next wedding.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Book 2 – Events the day after Hoss’ wedding distract him from his honeymoon as he has to help his brothers with the threat of real trouble hanging over them.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n A turbulent preacher \u2013 part 2<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n By Lyn Robinson<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Joe were heading back from the lake to join the rest of the party, the day after Hoss\u2019 wedding when Stevens intercepted them with news that drove all thought of weddings from their minds.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stevens was glad to see the brothers on their own, he had wanted a word in private with one or other of them. He pulled up as he saw them. \u201cI have some news. Can we talk, its urgent.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure do you want to come back to the house?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cQuiet here. Maybe you won\u2019t want it to go any further.\u201d Stevens considered the two brothers, both of whom were looking very puzzled. \u201cPreacher Mckenna. He\u2019s dead, about three miles from here, on Ponderosa land.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whatever they had expected it hadn\u2019t been that and for a moment they just sat taking in the implications, not needing to be told what trouble it could mean. Joe was the first to find his voice \u201cHow did he die?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot too sure, broken neck would be my guess. The buggy is overturned, horse still tangled up in it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed, \u201cAfter all the trouble he\u2019s caused he would die on the Ponderosa. We\u2019re gonna have a hell of a job proving we weren\u2019t involved, I wanted him to leave but I meant the man no harm.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stevens said, \u201cIf I wasn\u2019t sure of that Adam Cartwright I wouldn\u2019t offer, but noone else knows, not yet. Do you want me to bury him, destroy the buggy, let him disappear, like he appeared?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked questioningly at his eldest brother but Adam smiled ruefully \u201cThank you very much for the offer Stevens. I hope that you really believe that none of us were involved and that none of the hands got over enthusiastic in our defence.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stevens shrugged \u201cIf I weren\u2019t positive I wouldn\u2019t consider it, but this ranch don\u2019t work underhand. He\u2019s gonna do you a lot more harm dead than he ever did alive. Too many folks like to believe the worst and I don\u2019t see how you can prove it was an accident. I don\u2019t reckon you should pay anymore to him for something that\u2019s not true, so I\u2019ll hide it, say a prayer for him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head, \u201cNo Stevens, we can\u2019t. As I say I am grateful for your offer and the thoughts behind it, but we\u2019ll face the facts as they are. Somehow we\u2019ll prove our non-involvement. We are innocent so we can\u2019t be proved guilty.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had known his brother\u2019s decision and although Stevens\u2019 offer was tempting he had to go along, they couldn\u2019t live with it any other way, \u201cWhat do we do next Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go and have a look for ourselves, if you\u2019ll lead the way Stevens.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stevens wasn\u2019t surprised at their decision although he still thought they were buying themselves a lot of unnecessary trouble and he led out. Joe murmured, \u201cPity we can\u2019t take him up on his offer.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe couldn\u2019t live with the fear that someone had seen something. Try and cover it up and we\u2019ll automatically be found guilty.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Very sombrely Joe commented, \u201cWe will anyway, even if they can\u2019t prove it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why we have to move fast, try and establish what actually happened before everyone believes the rumours that are inevitable. For a starts let\u2019s see what the tracks say.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNoone is going to believe us anyway!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCheer up Joe, those whose opinions matter will believe us. We\u2019ve always found ways to force others to before, why not this time too. Let\u2019s make sure it was an accident for a start.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded, glad of something to do, knowing that at the very least every harsh word aimed at his family, and in particular his eldest brother, would be rehashed over and over again. It didn\u2019t take them very long to cover the three miles to the crashed buggy and as it came in sight Adam pulled up, \u201cLet\u2019s leave the horses here, not mess up the sign. Stevens what did you do before?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLeft my horse back aways, checked he was dead. I didn\u2019t move anything came straight to find you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled tautly, \u201cSensible as always. Thanks Stevens.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stevens hesitated as the brothers dismounted but Joe said \u201cCome on Stevens, you know what you\u2019re looking at as well as we do, another opinion always helps.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The three men circled carefully around the buggy, Adam went down on one knee several times to examine the sign, puzzled by what he saw but he said nothing, letting his brother and Stevens come to their own conclusions. He finally moved over to the buggy and the dead man and horse. The horse\u2019s leg was shattered but Adam couldn\u2019t see how he had done it and from the mess the horse had died there fairly recently, the blood still wet. Adam felt the Preacher\u2019s body but he had been dead quite awhile. Hoss saw his brother get out his knife and cut away some of the mud on the wheel hub, where the buggy\u2019s wheel had dug into the ground. He had been going to do the same and knew his brother was thinking along the same lines, underneath the mud was a slightly drier layer, well pocked by shale. Joe showed it to his brother as Adam lent over his shoulder. \u201cLeave it like that Joe, let\u2019s move back have a talk.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stevens hadn\u2019t been looking for sign before but now he was as puzzled as the brothers and backed of. Adam lent against his stallion, \u201cNot as straight forward as I hoped. It may have been an accident but other people have been here and I don\u2019t think he died here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stevens shrugged, \u201cThe horse did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah and more recently than the Preacher by my guess.\u201d Joe said quietly \u201cGood job we didn\u2019t take up your offer Stevens, it would have been just the proof they wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned \u201cMay be jumping to conclusions Joe. All we can say for certain is that at least two other riders have been here, early this morning. We ought to try and get Doc to have a look at the Preacher, see if he can tell us when the man died, none of us are experts.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCome on Adam\u201d Joe expostulated, \u201cThat horse died long after the Preacher and that buggy has been moved. Someone is trying to frame us.\u201d He glared at his brother but Adam just grinned. \u201cI\u2019m not responsible for it Joe so don\u2019t lose your temper with me. I don\u2019t say that you\u2019re wrong but we do have to try and prove it. If there was an accident somewhere else and they have reset it here, we need to find out where it actually took place. We also need some independent opinions about what we have here. The one thing we don\u2019t have is time. The weather is holding at the moment, but we need to check quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe calmed down as quickly as he\u2019d blown up and asked \u201cWhat do you suggest?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think we need to split up.\u201d Adam got out his notebook and started to write a quick note to Roy, explaining what they had found and asking him to come out personally and bring one of his best trackers, preferably someone not too well known by the Cartwrights. He also asked Roy to see if Doc could come and have a look at the body before it was moved. As he wrote Adam said \u201cStevens, will you take this into Roy Coffee, get him moving and bring him back here to see this before we move anything. Joe you try and back trail the buggy, If we\u2019re right they are bound to have tried to hide the trail but at least try. Anything will help but if we could find tracks of another horse tied on behind the buggy, or even better the original accident site.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned \u201cSo you do agree with me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI saw the same signs as you Joe but noone is going to believe us. I\u2019ll get back to the house; get some of the best trackers headed out towards town. Jos\u00e9 can try and pick up the trail from where he left the buggy. I\u2019ll make sure that noone else knows anything, tell Pa and Hoss and then aim to get back here before Roy arrives.\u201d Joe had no better suggestion to make and so they all mounted up and set out. The brothers were both glad of a few minutes alone to come to terms with this unexpected problem. Adam wasn\u2019t sure if Joe had yet thought of the other reason why time was so critical, with this hanging over them Leland Stanford had the perfect excuse for interfering with the wedding and, whatever Joe\u2019s fears earlier, he was sure that Joe didn\u2019t really want anything disrupting his plans.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was dreading telling his father and even less did he want to disturb his big brother. Hoss had earned his honeymoon and deserved time to enjoy himself, but he knew his brother too well to even contemplate Hoss keeping out of things once he learnt of trouble. Putting it off for a few minutes at least Adam headed for the bunkhouse first. Quite a number of hands were there nursing hangovers after the previous evening\u2019s celebrations. The expression on Adam\u2019s face was enough to tell most of them that there was trouble. In this the number one bunkhouse, the longest established hands lived, three more had been built over the years but here there wasn\u2019t a man that Adam couldn\u2019t depend on. They were all friends and all knew him very well, Jos\u00e9 moved forward as Adam perched on the table \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlenty, at least there maybe. Stevens found Preacher McKenna dead. His buggy overturned, about four miles out on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jess flared up at that, \u201cWell why in hell\u2019s name didn\u2019t he throw the lot in the lake?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a murmur of agreement round the bunkhouse and Adam grinned, relaxed by the instant support. \u201cEasy Jess. He came to tell me first, but he offered to do that or something similar. Luckily he\u2019s not as impulsive as you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStill seems the best solution to me.” observed Jos\u00e9 \u201cBound to cause talk after all he\u2019s been saying.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not that simple. Joe and I went to have a look at the sign. Other people have been there and I don\u2019t think the Preacher died there.\u201d Adam explained rapidly what he\u2019d seen and what he wanted done, sending Jos\u00e9 and Pio to try and trail from where they\u2019d left the buggy and the rest out in pairs to try and find any other accident site. If he was right there might be a second dead horse somewhere which wouldn\u2019t be easy to hide. As he finished a man moved forward from the back of the bunkhouse and Adam recognised him as one of the men he had hired on the drive in the autumn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man Santee had been delighted to find one of his old friends working on the Ponderosa and had come to chat with him. Santee said, \u201cI may be wrong but from where you say you found him, well he wasn\u2019t there last night. Wilson and I came back that way from town, well after midnight, no sign of anything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned and explained exactly where the buggy was and Santee nodded. \u201cThere wasn\u2019t a buggy there last night. We left town just after midnight. It was a full moon don\u2019t reckon we could have missed it. Ask Wilson.\u201d Adam hesitated, not knowing the man that well, unsure if he was telling the truth or just trying to help. Santee realised that and smiled, \u201cAsk Wilson. We weren\u2019t that drunk, couldn\u2019t have missed it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam acknowledged it and smiled \u201cThanks Santee. The sheriff may want a word with both of you. I\u2019m not sure how much it helps. I don\u2019t know when the Preacher died, how soon after Jos\u00e9 left him. What time was that Jos\u00e9?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 shrugged, \u201cAbout ten. I was back when the cake was cut.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt couldn\u2019t have taken him over three hours to get to where we found the buggy. Thanks Santee it all helps.\u201d Then Adam sent them all off and headed inside, no longer able to delay telling his father. To his relief Ben was on his own, Hoss and Sue had gone over to Adam\u2019s house, assuming that they\u2019d find their brothers there. Ben was surprised to see his eldest son and knew that something was wrong as soon as he saw Adam\u2019s face. He had heard from Roy about the trouble the night before and scared for his daughter, he went swiftly to his son, \u201cIs Carole alright?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To Ben\u2019s surprise Adam\u2019s expression changed and for a moment he forgot all the trouble, recapturing the glow of happiness he had felt earlier, \u201cCarole is fine Pa, fully recovered, in every way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben relaxed not needing any explanation, delighted for his son. \u201cThank God, she\u2019s a remarkable woman.\u201d But as Adam went over to get some coffee, Ben frowned \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong then?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPreacher McKenna is dead, here on the ranch.\u201d Adam said baldly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat down heavily and Adam passed him some coffee adding a slug of brandy in it before joining his father by the fire and filling him in on everything that he knew and what he had arranged. Ben listened in silence and sat staring into the fire unable to think of anything else Adam could have done but knowing how very hard it would be to clear their name. Adam tried to reassure him \u201cJoe was sure that it was a frame. Chances are he\u2019s right, the sign is easiest explained that way. The only one we know that is connected to the Preacher is Hearst.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t have done anything personally.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201cI know that Pa, but I asked Jim Thomas at the hotel to keep an eye on Hearst for me, a couple of days ago. It\u2019s just possible if someone went to get orders they might have been seen. I thought I\u2019d go into town once I\u2019d seen Roy and got the buggy and body removed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben got to his feet \u201cI want to see for myself. I don\u2019t see that Hoss can do anything for the moment, so I suggest we send word to Carole that the three of us have to go to town, nothing serious but a problem come up that has to be dealt with. Let Hoss have at least one day in peace with Sue. If either of us appear he\u2019ll see something is wrong. I\u2019ll come to town with you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam agreed with his father, Hoss should be kept out of it for as long as possible and he wrote a note for Carole, to try and put her mind at rest, going out to find Hank to take it over for him. Ben pulled his boots on and grabbed his coat and gun going out to join Adam, who had saddled Buck for him. The two men rode out in silence both seriously worried by the possible repercussions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole was surprised to get Adam\u2019s note but as he emphasized that Hoss wasn\u2019t to be worried she did her best to do as he asked. Hoss had been surprised not to find his brothers but he was so wrapped up in Sue, still hardly able to believe that she was his, that he accepted Carole\u2019s excuse that they had to go to town on business, even though it was Sunday. Nita was slightly more surprised and Carole showed her Adam\u2019s note, not that it was very informative, just that some legal business had come up and the three of them had to go into Virginia City urgently, not to expect them for meals and not to worry. Nita didn\u2019t worry too much, seeing both Hoss and Carole accepted it calmly, not realising both were so delighted with events over the previous night that it would have taken a lot more to disturb them. With those most nearly concerned not worried by the absence of the three the others all relaxed and enjoyed themselves.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Ben would have been glad to know that for one day Hoss was enjoying himself, but they had put all such pleasant thoughts behind them and ridden back to the dead body. Ben checked the sign carefully and came to the same conclusions as his sons, it was a frame, the accident set up, the Preacher had died somewhere else. Then they could only wait for Roy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy had been shocked at Adam\u2019s letter, he couldn\u2019t believe the Cartwrights would be involved in anything underhand but, knowing the almost fanatical loyalty they inspired in some of their men, he couldn\u2019t discount the possibility of one of the hands having at least contributed to the accident. For now he could only do as Adam asked and collecting a half breed Indian tracker attached to the army, he asked him to come and give a considered opinion. The man Montegna agreed to check for him for ten dollars and then Roy went to enlist Doc\u2019s help. In the privacy of the surgery Roy let Doc read Adam\u2019s note. Paul put it down sighing heavily and then almost to himself he said \u201cAdam said that he\u2019d have to do something about the Preacher, in this very room, when young Joe got beaten in the saloon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy was shocked, \u201cCome on Doc. Adam wouldn\u2019t do anything this stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that Roy. Heavens I have known him since he was a kid but he\u2019s taken all this attack very hard, especially with Carole still so vulnerable and if he said that to me he might have said the same somewhere else. If it gets out, who else is going to believe they\u2019re innocent?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell according to Adam there\u2019s something odd about the whole setup and he ain\u2019t usually wrong, so let\u2019s go check.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc got his bag \u201cOf course but we\u2019re too closely tied to the Cartwrights, who will believe us? They\u2019ll assume it\u2019s a cover up because that\u2019s what they\u2019d like to think.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Both Roy and Doc were very quiet as Stevens guided them out, not too surprised when Little Joe rode up to join them. Joe was badly shaken by what they\u2019d found and its probable consequences and his old friends recognized that and didn\u2019t question him. Joe just thanked them for coming and quickly led the way to the overturned buggy, glad to see his father and brother waiting there. The three of them stayed out of the way with Stevens sitting his horse quietly a few yards behind them, waiting to see how he could help. Roy and Montegna examined the sign, the buggy and the dead horse, while Doc examined the body once they had checked its position. For a few minutes the three Cartwrights watched then and then Ben turned to his son \u201cI assume you lost the trail?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAbout two miles back, headed towards town but then got onto that shale, hopeless. I scouted around but then saw Roy. Just one thing about half a mile back. It looked as though a horse was tied onto the buggy. I\u2019d bet on it in fact, but as always just a matter of opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll show Roy anyway.\u201d Ben decided.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe said, \u201cOne more thing, the horse has a distinctive plate on his rear off, two nails very close together one must have sheered. We might be able to identify it if we can find it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam straightened up at that \u201cShow me Joe.\u201d His brother cut over to the trail and quickly found an example. They knelt down by it and Adam frowned \u201cWe need someway to keep this for comparison.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan we cut it out put it in a box?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u201cNot here, it won\u2019t hold. Think Joe was there anywhere the trail cut across heavy soil?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe ran over the route in his mind and then grinned \u201cYeah down by Muddy Bend.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned to Stevens and asked him to go back to the ranch and collect some spades and boxes, asking him to hurry as he wanted Roy to oversee the operation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc was the first to come and join them and Ben asked \u201cWhen did he die? Any sign of a reason?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc shrugged \u201cBroken neck, nothing that wouldn\u2019t fit a pure accident. He just fell wrong, it happens. As for times that\u2019s not so easy, not to be accurate, I\u2019d say about midnight best I can guess but it could be three or four hours either side of that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned, \u201cDoc, not for swearing on in court but just your personal opinion, how likely is midnight?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc didn\u2019t answer for a minute and then shook his head \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam at best it\u2019s a guess, about midnight or a little earlier but I could be very wrong. I just don\u2019t know enough and he was such a skinny man. It depends on how cold it was here last night and too many other factors I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy joined them and he\u2019d heard Doc\u2019s comment. He had talked it over with the tracker and now he turned to Ben. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be awkward to prove. That horse had been dead sometime, could be later than the Preacher, probably is in fact, but then it might be argued that the horse took a long time to die.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben asked \u201cWhat do you make of the tracks?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAbout the same as you but I can\u2019t swear that the buggy\u2019s been moved, It could have got that mud on it much earlier. Certainly two other riders have been here but noway of saying exactly when. Personally I think you\u2019re right it\u2019s a frame but I couldn\u2019t swear to it in court, everything can be explained away. You need to find the original site to stand any chance of proving it and I can\u2019t even give you very long. I\u2019ll have to order an inquest and at best I can put that off until the day after tomorrow. Whatever else he was, he was a Preacher and feelings are going to run very high.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben accepted that as inevitable, he knew that Roy wanted to help but there was nothing more that he could do. It was only what they had expected. Adam called Santee and Wilson over and they told Roy their story, sure that the buggy hadn\u2019t been there late the previous night, but while it raised questions as to where the preacher had been in the three hours after Jos\u00e9 left him, it didn\u2019t eliminate the possibility of him dying where they had found him, after they had gone by. There was nothing to say that the man\u2019s death was anything other than an accident but all of them knew Virginia City well enough to know an accident would be considered far too convenient to be true. There were plenty of questions, why was the man in the middle of nowhere, whatever the time and as he was on the Ponderosa, the Cartwrights would be blamed. Adam and Joe went over to have a word with Jos\u00e9 as he rode in , having lost the trail not far from where he left the buggy. Roy turned to Ben \u201cYou realise how nasty this can get? Adam said to Doc that he would have to do something about the Preacher, said much the same to me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was tight lipped in anger but his old friend held up a hand in a peace sign \u201cHold your horses Ben. We both know you all too well. Hell if Adam had arranged an accident and I know it\u2019s not in him, there wouldn\u2019t be a breathe of suspicion. He\u2019s far too clever. Just that if someone else heard him say words to that effect and gets on the stand, with things as they are, good chance the coroner\u2019s jury will bring some charge, maybe even murder, against him or maybe Joe. He\u2019s been pretty outspoken in defence of his brother, or both.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben protested, \u201cThere\u2019s no proof that it was anything but an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAccidents can be caused, buggy\u2019s chased, horses frightened and juries don\u2019t always make a lot of sense. If they bring the charge I\u2019d have to take the boys in and even if a trial throws it out fer lack of evidence it\u2019ll always hang over them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed, but Roy was only putting into words some of the black thoughts which had been pressing on him ever since Adam told him. \u201cWe just have to prove what really happened. Even if the jury brings an open verdict we won\u2019t be able to walk the streets of our own town in safety. Just because he was a Preacher.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was bitter but Roy could understand that \u201cAnyway I can help you know I will.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded \u201cThe men are searching out here; they all know how important it is. I just wish we had longer. If you can try and keep it quiet for a few hours it would help. Just while we make some enquiries in town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll try but someone else may have other ideas. Its not gonna be safe in town, not for a Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo choice Roy we have to make a move we only have 48 hours.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy could only promise to cover their backs as best he could. Ben was right they had to try and the Cartwrights had many friends in odd places, who might talk to them but wouldn\u2019t give him the time of day. Ben mounted up and rode over to join his sons. Adam had already passed on orders to Jos\u00e9 for the rest of the men to search the whole area. Ben told Wilson and Santee to help Roy raise the buggy and get the body into town. Stevens had already brought a fresh horse. Roy rode with them for a while and supervised the cutting out of the hoof print. They managed three good specimens and Adam told Stevens to take one back to the ranch for safe keeping and took the others along to leave in Roy\u2019s office, insisting that Roy mark them so could swear to them later if necessary. Then leaving Roy to supervise the removal of the buggy, the three Cartwrights rode into town. Doc had already headed in. For a while they rose in silence and then Ben said \u201cNeither of you have alibis for last night.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned, \u201cAdam was with Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam laughed wryly \u201cWives don\u2019t count little brother you know that! With so much coming and going, neither of us could prove we didn\u2019t disappear for half an hour after you ran him of the ranch. Pa, has Roy asked?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot yet but I think he will have to. You do realise just how awkward things could get?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam caught his father\u2019s eye, knowing just how worried he was and his hatred of putting it into words. \u201cWith coroner\u2019s juries and a Preacher I should think the most likely verdict will be murder, unless we can prove what happened. Then it will be a toss up who they will name. Me most likely, or maybe Joe. Even both of us little brother. They might leave it open but that won\u2019t help. Anyway your future father-in-law is going to hit the roof Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was watching his youngest son but to his relief he saw Joe wasn\u2019t shocked, he had already come to the same conclusions, in fact Joe was smiling wryly. He remembered his fears earlier in the day, which now seemed so very long ago. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t arrive until after next weekend and our time is rather more limited. I can\u2019t get married if the bridegroom, or even the best man, is in gaol.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben relaxed seeing both his sons facing facts calmly and turned to Adam, \u201cJust what enquiries had you started round town?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI tried to do two things Pa, track any connection with Hearst and I had several people watching both Hearst and the Preacher, with luck they may have seen who was doing the dirty work. Then I wanted to know just why Hearst had involved himself at all. John Marye and Roy Naylor both promised to try and track down what he\u2019s been up to in the market and Harris was going to make a few enquiries through his contacts. Adam named another half a dozen close friends of his, who were checking on Hearst\u2019s financial affairs in town and he had people doing the same thing in San Francisco. Ben nodded, his son had been as thorough as he had expected and it could prove very useful now when time was short. \u201cGood job you started things moving when you did, let\u2019s hope we get some news that helps.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they rode in Ben warned his sons to be careful, they couldn\u2019t know when the word of the Preacher\u2019s death would reach town. He outlined the checks that were needed, he would see John Marye and Harris himself, leaving Naylor to Joe while Adam checked with Jim Thomas at the hotel and then with the various people he had asked to keep watch on the Preacher and Hearst, many of whom would only talk to Adam himself, repaying favours done quietly over the years.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The three men left their horses at the livery stable and headed down town to carry out their various jobs, arranging to meet at the Palace in an hour and a half. All were tense and had automatically eased their guns in the holster before leaving the stable.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They hadn\u2019t gone a hundred yards before the looks they got and the atmosphere in town got to them and Adam put into words what they all knew. \u201cI\u2019m not sure how but the news is out in some form.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe we shouldn\u2019t split up.\u201d Ben queried but sighing heavily he answered his own question, \u201cNo there\u2019s no time, we\u2019ll have to risk it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was listening to his father and watching the street ahead and the first he knew of trouble was the stunning blow in his back which sent him to the ground and another sharp pain in his side. Ben and Joe both heard the shots and Ben threw himself into cover drawing his gun but Joe just turned, his gun out, and went down on his knees next to his brother, trying to see where the shots had come from. He saw a rifle at an upstairs window just as a bullet caught his right arm, but although well down the street at an awkward angle Joe was accurate enough to put a bullet through the window and the rifle jerked back. Ben ran out to his sons, keeping low, his gun out, very thankful to see Adam struggling to his feet with Joe\u2019s help. Joe eased his brother to his feet relying on his father to keep watch, just wanting to get Adam to safety. The bystanders had all pressed back into cover at the first shot, but as the shooting ceased they came forward to stare. Noone offered to help and the town\u2019s opinion was summed up as one man at the back spat at them \u201c Bloody Preacher killers, serves you right.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Neither Ben nor Joe was worrying about the town\u2019s reaction at that moment, scared for Adam. With Joe\u2019s help he had made it to his feet and murmured \u201cCould be worse Pa, let\u2019s get out of here.\u201d Adam felt deathly weak and sick but for the moment there was no pain, leaning heavily on his brother he made it to the side of the road. The only help they could expect was for the men to move out of their way and Ben knew that he couldn\u2019t carry his son all the way to Doc\u2019s. They were only a short distance from Beth\u2019s and holstering his gun Ben said \u201cLet me have him Joseph, cover us. Go to Beth\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried to insist that he could walk but, as the first pain broke over him in a wave, he staggered and could only just hide the pain from the interested onlookers. Ben picked his son up and cut through to Beth\u2019s, thankful that it was no further. Joe with his gun out again covered them and then ran ahead to open the gate for his father and bang heavily on the door. Beth hurried to answer it, hearing the urgency in the knocking. Joe still had his gun out and the hand he was banging with was red with blood, but it was the fear on his face that sent Beth back as she opened the door. Seeing Ben with his burden Beth opened the door into the lounge and running through to the kitchen, grabbed a large table cloth and covered the sofa. As Ben came in she said \u201cPut him down here, how bad is it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head, \u201cI don\u2019t know. We need Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beth smiled \u201cI\u2019ll fetch him; you know where things are, help yourselves.\u201d She hurried out with a quiet prayer that Adam would be okay. Adam forced himself to sit up and was trying to get his coat off. \u201cI\u2019m okay Pa.\u201d As his words came through gritted teeth with waves of pain flooding over him, they lacked something in conviction but Ben told Joe to get some hot water and concentrated on helping Adam out of his thick coat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a mess of blood and for a moment Ben wasn\u2019t even sure how many times his son had been hit although he could see that it was mainly on the left side. Joe brought in a bowl of warm water, some rags, gauze and scissors. He knelt down in front of Adam, gripping his brother\u2019s right arm in mute sympathy and doing his best to give some support. Adam was resting his head on his right hand, his elbow resting on the arm of the sofa. He was breathing hard, trying to ignore the pain as his father pulled his clothing away from his useless left arm and he was very glad of his younger brother\u2019s supporting arm. Ben took the scissors and cut the rest of Adam\u2019s clothing away seeing two bullet holes before the blood welled up and obscured them. Joe had heavy gauze pads ready and he passed them to his father. Ben padded the wounds as best he could, trying to prevent Adam losing any more blood. Adam couldn\u2019t prevent a moan as Ben pressed hard on the pads, trying to stop the bleeding but as he took in his brother\u2019s anxious face, Adam managed a ghost of a smile, \u201cCheer up Joe, I\u2019ll still make the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe forced a smile, \u201cSure you will, easy now brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was very little that Ben could do until Doc arrived, apart from stemming the flow of blood. Adam closed his eyes, fighting to hang onto his senses as waves of pain and nausea kept passing through him, but hearing his father\u2019s anxious voice as Ben queried \u201cWhere the hell is Doc?\u201d Adam looked up \u201cGive Beth a chance Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe eased his brother\u2019s boots off, \u201cWhat are we gonna do, try to get him down to Doc\u2019s or\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSee what Paul has to say, there\u2019s at least one bullet to come out.\u201d Ben lent over his son \u201cEasy Adam let\u2019s get you lying down.\u201d Between them Ben and Joe lifted his legs up on the sofa and got him lying on his right side, his head resting on some cushions. Joe began sponging away the blood as best he could, taking in the position of the wounds although the actual injuries were covered by thick pads, stained bright red with blood, and he looked up anxiously at his father, wondering just how bad it was. Adam waited for the world to settle and then opened his eyes and focused on Joe\u2019s torn sleeve. He murmured \u201cHow bad is your arm Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had almost forgotten it and he frowned, \u201cMy arm works fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed, \u201cGet your coat off Joseph; let\u2019s have a look while we\u2019re waiting for Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa, still short of time.\u201d Adam said urgently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rested his hand gently on his son\u2019s hair, smoothing it back from his forehead. \u201cJust rest son, once we know how you are, your brother and I will cope with everything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJim Thomas won\u2019t talk with you, nor will Quinn \u2026.\u201d Adam bit his lip as the pain flared through him again and Ben wiped the sweat from his face. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Adam you\u2019re not indispensable, we\u2019ll manage, try and rest, no more talking.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was just examining Joe\u2019s arm when Beth came back in with Doc and Dan. He straightened up \u201cTrouble hit rather faster than we expected Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc was already on his knees by Adam lifting the gauze pads; one bullet had gashed its way through his side, damaging a couple of ribs, but at least passing through. The other low in his shoulder had no exit wound and for a minute Doc frowned but there was no sign of lung damage, \u201cFired from a distance?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFair way.\u201d Said Ben<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSmall calibre I\u2019d guess. Odd, best I operate here Ben. Beth get your large dining table covered with old cloths, he\u2019s too low here.\u201d Doc rummaged in his bag for a strong sedative, he didn\u2019t have the equipment to put Adam under ether with him, but to his disgust Adam flatly refused to take anything. \u201cI\u2019m okay. Just get on with it,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was helping Beth get the table covered and Doc went out to wash up and get his instruments sterilised. Ben knelt down by Adam, holding the drug. \u201cDon\u2019t be foolish Adam, drink this.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo Pa. Need my wits about me, no time. I won\u2019t be drugged.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWill you forget about that I\u2019ll manage.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled faintly, \u201cPa I don\u2019t want to convalesce in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben couldn\u2019t deny the possibility and giving way put the sedative down as Joe came back over to say everything was ready. Ben got Dan to help him and lifted Adam up and carried him over to the table. Adam tensed against the pain as he was moved but once on the table he looked over at Ben and Joe. \u201cI\u2019m okay. You two go and make a start, no time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned not wanting to leave until he was sure that his son was alright but Adam managed a smile \u201cBeth will help Paul. I\u2019m okay Pa, it\u2019s not that serious, go on.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at his old friend who was laying his things out, but Paul smiled and shrugged, \u201cHe won\u2019t settle unless he gets his own way! He\u2019ll be okay as far I can see Ben. No news for an hour or so anyway. Deal with young Joe\u2019s arm and then get on.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and leaving Dan and Beth to help Doc, he got a bandage on Joe\u2019s arm, thankful that it was only a graze and the bandage stopped the bleeding and also glad that it was his son\u2019s right arm. Then he and Joe headed down the street to his friend\u2019s stock broking business. It was an odd feeling to walk down the street in their own town, a tingling between the shoulders, scared of a bullet, knowing someone might want to finish the job they\u2019d started. Ben found it very hard to leave Joe but his son smiled, \u201cI\u2019ll be real careful and Adam will be okay. We don\u2019t have much choice.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded \u201cJoin me at the bank when you\u2019re through Joe.\u201d It was a real physical effort to turn away from Joe, but time was at a premium.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beth was fighting to keep the wound clear so that Doc could see what he was doing as he dug for the bullet while Dan held his friend still, although apart from tensing against the pain Adam held still. It wasn\u2019t the first bullet wound Beth had seen by a long way, nor was it the worst but she was very shaken by the little that Doc had been able to tell her of the reasons behind the attack. Luckily Doc found the bullet fairly easily and it didn\u2019t take him long to clean and sow up the wound. The bullet had wedged against the shoulder bone but hadn\u2019t damaged it. In fact the cleaning of the wound in his side and the removal of some bone splinters tried Adam a lot more and twice he nearly lost control of his senses and couldn\u2019t help the gasps of pain. Eventually Doc had finished and he padded the wounds prior to bandaging him up. Paul wiped his face \u201cWorst over now Adam, I wish you\u2019d take some pain killer.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo Doc, no time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not going anywhere Adam. Beth will make up a bed for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo. Not serious.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m the Doctor here. It\u2019s quite bad enough; either wound would put you into bed. With the two, its bed for a week and then take it very easy after that and you\u2019ll just about be on your feet for young Joe\u2019s wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam twisted slightly to see the Doc, biting his lip as the pain knifed through his back, \u201cWe don\u2019t sort this out and there won\u2019t be a wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLeave it to your father. You haven\u2019t any choice.\u201d Paul insisted, concentrating on bandaging Adam up. \u201cYou\u2019ve lost too much blood and you try moving around and you\u2019re going to collapse.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNonsense Doc. Nothing vital touched, no bones broken.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc couldn\u2019t deny that, the wounds were crippling, painful and quite enough to confine his patient to bed for the next two weeks but Adam had been very lucky nothing important was touched and, although weak from pain and loss of blood, by some miracle Adam was showing no sign of shock. Still he ignored Adam and told Beth to warm a bed for him. Adam eased himself up and smiled, \u201cDon\u2019t bother Beth. Virginia City isn\u2019t exactly safe. I\u2019m going home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not well enough Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you start Beth. Even Pa will agree he won\u2019t want your place besieged.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beth frowned \u201cThat\u2019s stupid.\u201d But Dan could only back Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s not fit enough but he is right. Things are so awkward in town that it could be dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was trying to sit up and seeing the obstinate look on his face Dan and Doc helped him up and back over to the sofa, lifting his legs up so that he could rest on his right side. Adam looked at his torn clothes \u201cDan would you go and get me a shirt and jacket?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure but you take it real easy. \u201c Adam nodded leaning his aching head against the arm of the sofa, fighting to push his aches and pains away, try to get his brain working again. There were certain jobs only he could do, people who wouldn\u2019t talk to anyone else, and somehow he had to get back on his feet. He was realist enough to know that he couldn\u2019t do anything until the nausea and faintness caused by Doc\u2019s work had eased and he did his best to relax. For ten minutes he lay back with his eyes closed while Doc washed up and sorted his instruments. Beth watched Adam for a few minutes and then joined Doc saying very softly \u201cMaybe he\u2019ll sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc shook his head \u201cI wouldn\u2019t bet on it, too damned obstinate and his back and side must be on fire. Go make some strong coffee and if you\u2019ve got some brandy he might take that and it will help a little.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got laudanum.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo Beth. It\u2019s his decision and Adam isn\u2019t a child. He\u2019s probably right and he\u2019ll only be safe back out on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was vaguely aware of them talking but he concentrated all his will power on relaxing, forcing the pain in his back away and getting control over his trembling limbs. Slowly the nausea faded and he made one big effort and sat up, the room spun around him but slowly it settled. Doc was there and he gave Adam a brandy \u201cYou belong in bed but you know that as well as I do. I know the problems and travelling home won\u2019t kill you, but please rest all you can until your father is ready.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be fine. Sorry to trouble you again Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBed as soon as you get home, and stay there for a couple of days. You should stay there for a week even given your recuperative powers Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was glad of the brandy and let Doc\u2019s words wash over him, knowing Doc was talking sense but not feeling that he had any choice, there were too many things to do that only he could achieve. Doc had other patients and he had to get on. Leaving Adam to Beth\u2019s care, just telling her to try and get him to eat something and rest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Slowly Adam sat up straighter and sipped strong coffee gratefully, sheer will power pushing the pain away. When Dan returned he got his old friend to help him slip on the clean shirt and jacket and then settled his useless left arm in a sling, where it didn\u2019t pull so badly on the torn back and shoulder muscles. After that much effort the room was swaying round him again and his face was wet with sweat from the pain. Dan quietly wiped his face and fed him a little water before trying to persuade Adam to lie down. Adam refused to do that but he did ask for another brandy and then demanded to know what the word was round town about the Preacher\u2019s death. Dan hesitated not wanting to upset Adam when he looked so ill anyway. Adam managed a ghost of a smile \u201cI already know that we\u2019re being blamed but how did word get out?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLots of rumours, all agree that he died last night on the Ponderosa. Blame you most of the time but young Joe\u2019s name is mentioned a lot too. How he died and how word got to town depends on who you listen to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe need help Dan.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnything you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe died in an accident, buggy overturned, broke his neck. The buggy was about three miles from my house on the Ponderosa but it had been moved. I can\u2019t prove it yet but two men had been there apart from us, moved the body and the buggy onto our land, to involve us. They are the only ones who can have started word in town, rest are all my men and only Stevens has been in, just to get Roy and Doc. We need those men by the inquest.\u201d Even the effort of talking had bathed Adam in sweat again and Dan got a damp cloth and wiped his face. \u201cEasy Adam, you ought to at least lie down. You want me to try and check back, see who started the rumours, who knows more than they should?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cSo little time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go and get started, you try and rest.\u201d Dan frowned but he knew he couldn\u2019t force Adam to rest; the only way to help was to do as he was asked. Beth smiled \u201cI\u2019ll look after him and if you see Ben, reassure him Adam will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Joe were at the bank, equally worried about Adam but with a job to do, both had certain information about Hearst\u2019s current preoccupations and Harris had some rumours for them but for the moment it didn\u2019t obviously help. Joe let his father do the talking and found himself praying that somehow they would sort it out, The future had seemed so clear and now he couldn\u2019t be sure of anything, not even their own survival over the next few days.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meanwhile Jess and Jos\u00e9 had ridden into town, they had found what Adam wanted, a second accident site, although the horse had been hauled away and had shown it to Roy. Proof was still thin but the odd shoe Joe had noticed showed up in one or two places and there was blood of about the right age and signs of the buggy. The whole area had been so messed up before their arrival that it was difficult to be sure of anything but it fitted Adam\u2019s theory and would have been on the Preacher\u2019s route home, albeit not the most direct route. Reaching town before Roy they quickly heard about the shooting and the general reaction that it was no more than the murdering Cartwrights deserved. It didn\u2019t take long to discover that their friends had taken refuge at Beth\u2019s and the two cowboys, very worried about their boss and friend, hurried over there. Beth was hesitant at opening the door but she knew both of them well and as soon as she recognized them she let them in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n From the stories they had expected to find Adam at death\u2019s door and at first, finding him sitting up fully dressed just his arm in a sling, they both breathed a sigh of relief. Only then did they take in how pale and drawn he was and as though moved by a single string they both turned to Beth knowing they\u2019d only get evasions from Adam, Jos\u00e9 asked for both of them, \u201cHow bad is he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll live, two bullets, one through the ribs, the other wedged against his shoulder blade. Doc has dealt with them both but he ought to be in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned remembering Doc\u2019s comment about small calibre. \u201cBeth have you got that bullet?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She brought it over and Adam turned it over in his hand. It was very noticeably smaller than the \u00b745 or \u00b738 bullets that were usually used. \u201cBeth you used to have a derringer, got any \u00b722 bullets around?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beth nodded \u201cShould have, I\u2019ll go find one.\u201d She disappeared and Jess came over to kneel down in front of Adam, gently wiping the sweat from his face \u201cWon\u2019t you at last lie down?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStop fussing. What did you two find?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 filled him in and Adam nodded \u201cThanks, it all helps, but we need more. This town has already made its mind up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing you can do so just rest.\u201d Jos\u00e9 insisted<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shut his eyes for a minute, knowing the uproar he was going to cause in a minute as he was proposing to go out, but for now he concentrated on the bullet Beth brought in and passed him. This one looked even smaller than the one Doc had dug out of him and Adam frowned before passing both to his friends and asking what they thought. Jess said tentatively \u201cCould be a \u00b725, they make some I think.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt was a rifle, I saw that much, Jess take it down to Jim Stanek, gunsmith\u2019s. No Jos\u00e9 you go, you know him. Get him to check the calibre for us and find out what guns take it, especially rifles.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWill it help, even if we find the gunman?\u201d Jos\u00e9 said hesitantly. He wanted the man who had shot his friend in the back but he was even more concerned that Adam shouldn\u2019t have to face a murder charge.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam eased his aching shoulder, unable to hide the grimace of pain but he had his voice under control, \u201cVery early for feelings to be running high enough to lead to shooting. If they had attacked us with fists I could understand it, but not back shooting, at least not until they were well liquored up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you suggesting?\u201d asked Jos\u00e9<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMight have been one of the men who set up the accident, wanting to stop us investigating.\u201d Adam suggested<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jess frowned \u201cLong shot.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe less than some of the others we are trying. Go on Jos\u00e9 get started, time is still short.\u201d Adam wiped his hand across his eyes, sweating again. Jos\u00e9 got to his feet \u201cI\u2019ll find him, you just take it easy Adam.\u201d As he went out Jess wiped Adam\u2019s face again and then glared suspiciously at his friend as Adam asked for help to put his coat on. \u201cWhy? If you\u2019re cold lie down and I\u2019ll get a couple of blankets.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo Jess I have to go to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jess looked at him in blank disbelief and Beth came to sit down by him, \u201cAdam don\u2019t be foolish, Doc said to rest. You\u2019re over doing it even thinking about going home, you should be in bed right now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled himself to his feet, smiling at them, not swaying through sheer will power. \u201cI know you both mean well but there\u2019s things that only I can do and if I don\u2019t I\u2019ll have plenty of time to rest in bed, in jail. I\u2019m going with or without your help Jess so please don\u2019t make it more difficult,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They both knew him well enough to recognize the stubborn expression, only partially hidden by the pain and Jess got his coat, he shrugged despairingly at Beth, he had no choice, he couldn\u2019t stop his boss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had already been into the hotel but Adam was proved right Jim Thomas flatly refused to speak to him. Ben had gone over to the Washoe Club to find out what gossip he could there and had suggested that Joe try and find out what the Chinese knew. Ben had collected a few telegrams which were waiting for Adam but he had put them in his pocket, not daring to relax his attention long enough to read them just now, He resisted the urge to go back to Beth\u2019s at least until he\u2019d finished the first round of checks, knowing that it would only unsettle his son further and trusting Beth and Doc to let him know if he was needed. Ben was in the Washoe club and Joe down in the Chinese section so neither of them saw Adam making his way over to the hotel, leaning heavily on Jess but managing to hide the worst of his pain from the interested bystanders. Roy saw him and headed over. He had been going over to see Adam having heard about the shooting as son as he got back to town. For a minute he couldn\u2019t believe what he saw. He had just left Doc\u2019s needing to check how badly his old friend was hurt. He was furious with Jess for allowing Adam to leave Beth\u2019s and he made that eminently clear as he joined them. Jess frowned \u201cAlright sheriff, but just what was I supposed to do? He is my boss and he was coming either with me or without me!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou should have got his father. I\u2019ll find Ben get him to talk some sense into that thick head.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam straightened up and pulled away from Jess. He gripped Roy\u2019s arm \u201cYou won\u2019t do that Roy. Leave Pa alone, he\u2019s worried enough. I am not a child and I know what I\u2019m doing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam you\u2019re hurt, two bullets.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can cope Roy and it\u2019s my decision.\u201d Adam left Roy then, sure that his old friend wouldn\u2019t go against him and, ignoring Jess too, he walked into the hotel keeping his back straight with an effort. Thomas was surprised to see him having heard about the shooting but however much he avoided the other Cartwrights, he owed Adam and he acknowledged the debt. He opened the door to the small back room and Adam went in and sunk gratefully down onto a hard chair by the desk, resting his aching head on his right hand. Jim looked at him \u201cDidn\u2019t expect you, look as though you ought to be in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cProbably but would you talk to my father or Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim spat eloquently into the spittoon \u201cYou didn\u2019t kill that Preacher did you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo. I doubt anyone did, accidental I think but someone moved the remains onto my doorstep. They might have been here late last night. When did Hearst get back?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAbout ten. He only had two visitors after that. That kid lawyer who works for Sharon<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And some guy I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTimes?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe kid about half ten, the other guy near midnight. I took him up, rough looking, just didn\u2019t seem a likely visitor for Hearst but he was let straight in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan you describe him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t no good at that Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlease Jim just try, its important.\u201d Adam began asking detailed questions and finally got a description of a man about 6\u2019 2\u2019\u2019 tall, heavy built with long greasy hair, no beard but needing a shave, droopy moustaches wearing standard range clothes. It would fit hundreds of men round town and Adam sat back wondering what to do now. Jim was doing his best to be helpful, Adam had gone out of his way to help him in the past and with Adam, obviously weak and in pain the debt seemed even more significant than it had the night before. He poured a brandy and Adam sipped it gratefully and as he did so Jim remembered, \u201cOne other thing might help. As he went in he said that the German sent him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe German. Are you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah but I don\u2019t know who that would be. I\u2019m sorry Adam I wish I could do more to help.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWould you point him out to one of my men if he comes back? I can have someone stationed here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure I think I\u2019d recognize him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs Jess out there?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah I\u2019ll get him for you.\u201d Jim opened the door and called to Jess, who was waiting in the lobby. Adam was trying to pull himself to his feet as Jess came in and Jess moved swiftly to help him \u201cWill you come back to Beth\u2019s now?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot yet. Thanks Jim I owe you. I\u2019ll have someone here in half an hour or so.\u201d Adam lent heavily on Jess, but insisted on going down to the Bucket O\u2019 Blood, hoping that he\u2019d find Quinn there. He found the street swaying around him and needed Jess\u2019 support, very grateful to reach the saloon and sit down. Jess helped him to table where his back was protected by the wall. Don McBride brought him over a brandy. \u201cLook as if you need it Adam, should you be walking around?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jess answered for him \u201cNo he should be in bed, but at the rate he\u2019s going he\u2019s just gonna get drunk.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot a bad idea.\u201d Adam murmured. Then seeing Quinn over in the corner he asked Jess to go and bring him over and then leave them alone. Quinn hesitated but seeing Adam he came over and Adam told Jess to bring a bottle of whisky and a glass, Quinn sat down and considered Adam \u201cYou look terrible. Want to hear who the Preacher was meeting eh!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt might help.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t see him much after lunch yesterday. Can\u2019t tell you how he died.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t expect that Quinn.\u201d Adam described the man Jim Thomas had seen and asked if he could remember seeing him with the Preacher, or a man called the German. Quinn tossed off a glass of whiskey and poured another, \u201cDon\u2019t know any German but there could be a man looked like that. He was with the Preacher day afore yesterday, handed over some papers. If\u2019n it\u2019s the same one I can tell you one thing about him, he had a new scar right across his left hand. Back of it, it\u2019d been stitched, real neat job. Doc might know him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam spent ten more minutes getting details of the Preacher\u2019s movements over the last couple of days and then he beckoned Jess over and scribbled a note to Jim Thomas. \u201cTake this back to Jim. It\u2019s a yes or no answer and I think he will even tell you that much.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jess hated to leave him but Adam didn\u2019t even look at him again, assuming he would be obeyed, and Quinn went to collect two others, who had been helping to watch the Preacher. Alone for a couple of minutes Adam didn\u2019t dare to relax hearing angry murmurs from a gang of miners. He sat up and pushed his coat back to clear his gun and waited, not realising how frightening he looked, drawn and grim faced, his reputation enough to keep them at bay. Jess came back and to his disgust as Thomas had agreed the scar was there Adam told him to go over to Doc and see if he could remember treating such a man. The other men hadn\u2019t much to add and none of them knew the German but they promised to ask around for him. Quinn had found Red and Adam sent him over to the hotel in case the man reappeared. Then he could only wait for Jess to come back. There was little more that he could do that the rest of his family couldn\u2019t and he was just about running out of strength. He knew that he couldn\u2019t make it back to Beth\u2019s without help.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy pushed his way through the crowd, having heard some ugly murmuring and he went to join Adam. The tension in the saloon had got to Adam and he was almost out on his feet, unable to relax, pain stabbing through his back and side and he was very relieved to see Roy. Roy sat down keeping a close eye on the men over by the bar. \u201cGot to get you out of here Adam,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was just waiting for Jess.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGetting nasty, Can you walk?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam wasn\u2019t too sure but he didn\u2019t have too much choice and he nodded \u201cSure, just give me a hand up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some of the men were edging closer and one yelled \u201cYou arresting the murdering bastard?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy wished he had some support, unsure that Adam could get two steps without collapsing and needing his gun hand free, he couldn\u2019t help much. Just then the doors swung back fiercely as they were thrown aside and Joe pushed his way in. He hadn\u2019t believed the old Chinaman, who said that he\u2019d seen Adam going into the saloon, but knowing just how stubborn his brother was he had gone to check. The angry murmurs and the gathering crowd bore evidence of its correctness. Scared for Adam he pushed his way through the crowd ignoring the angry comments. Relieved to see Roy over by his brother but also seeing that Adam was on the verge of collapse Little Joe said \u201cGet him out Roy before he collapses.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe\u2019s hand was on his gun and although they murmured angrily the men made way for Roy as he slowly led Adam out. Jos\u00e9 seeing the crowd ran over to back them up. Joe moved in next to his brother and Roy sighed \u201cThe jail is nearest, wish you were Hoss!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe eased Adam along talking encouragingly to Adam urging him to make one last effort. They were all very glad to reach the jail and Joe helped his brother into a chair by the desk where Adam slumped forward only really aware of pain, just about holding onto his senses. Joe very worried, feeling the fever in his brother, felt his pulse but although a little fast it was steady enough. Joe glared at Jos\u00e9 \u201cDid you know he was wandering around?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 could see that Joe was furious but he just gripped his friend\u2019s arm, \u201cEasy Joe, I didn\u2019t know either. What do you want to do now?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell by some miracle he doesn\u2019t seem to be bleeding. Find Pa will you, he went to the Washoe club we\u2019ve got to get this fool to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam lifted his head \u201cEasy Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe wiped his face and fed him some water, mingled anxiety and exasperation clear on his face. \u201cYou\u2019re a first class fool Adam, just rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn a minute Joe. Two things Jess is over at Doc\u2019s find him and we need two men, one\u2019s called the German. Jess knows the other one, pass the word to the Chinese, anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWill you stop worrying I\u2019ll do it,\u201d Joe looked up at Roy very harassed. Roy smiled \u201cI\u2019ll make sure that he stays here, you just watch your back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Joe went out he saw Jess and the Doc coming down the street, Jess had had to tell Doc what Adam was up to when he explained what they needed him to do. Doc was scared his patient would push himself into shock and determined to go and see him before he would even consider the question. Joe was glad to see him and hurried over \u201cAre you looking for Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, your brother will kill himself, the fool.\u201d Doc saw how white Joe went at his words and he patted his arm<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSorry Joe it takes rather more than this to kill Adam but I do want to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cRoy has him at the jail, only safe place. Jess will you fill me in, Adam wants the word spread around, those two men.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc smiled \u201cI\u2019ll look after your brother. Jess he could do with a bodyguard.\u201d Then he hurried into his patient. He ignored Adam\u2019s questions until he had finished checking him over and then read the riot act. He had ordered him to rest not wander around a hostile town asking questions. Adam shut his eyes and waited for the storm to abate, his head throbbing in sympathy with his back. Doc knew that he wasn\u2019t well enough to argue with and after a minute he fell quiet. At that Adam forced himself to sit up \u201cDid Jess explain?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe man with a scarred hand? Yes I\u2019ve been thinking, he described him but it could fit a lot of men,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMay be associated with a man called the German, if that means anything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe German.” Doc said pensively \u201cI\u2019ve heard that somewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThink Doc it could be important. You\u2019re the first one it\u2019s even vaguely familiar. \u201c Adam had moved forward to grip Doc\u2018s arm but he shivered and bit his lip as the pain knifed through him. Doc got Roy to help him get Adam through to lie down on the couch in the back room. Adam was so nearly out he made no protests and lay down glad to relax for the moment. Doc looked up at Roy \u201cI\u2019ll go check my records, might come up with something. Get them, out of town before it gets any worse.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy shrugged \u201cIt could get a lot worse if the inquest goes the wrong way.\u201d Doc shook his head as they walked out and murmured \u201cBefore the inquest is a problem they have to reach it alive.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before Roy could answer Ben and Jos\u00e9 hurried in. Ben stopped dead as he saw Doc but Paul smiled \u201cEasy Ben all bandaged and for the moment he\u2019s lying down. He\u2019s been walking around asking questions, pushing too hard, when he belongs in bed, but he\u2019s taken no real harm. Nasty wounds but not dangerous. He wants to go home and as far as I can see it\u2019s the only safe place. Let him rest for an hour and take it very easy and he\u2019ll make it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know he\u2019d left Beth\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve already read the riot act, not that it made an iota of difference, and he\u2019s not really up to arguing so take it easy on him. Joe has Jess with him so he should be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam has got word of a couple of men, one of whom I might have treated. I\u2019m going to check my records. If I come up with anything I\u2019ll tell Roy and get word out to you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded, grateful for the way so many friends were rallying around, more so than he could ever explain. He went through to his eldest son and pulled a chair up by the couch, studying Adam\u2019s face, the lines of pain very clear. Adam opened his eyes and waited for the explosion. Ben smiled, \u201cJust relax. You know you\u2019re an obstinate fool so I won\u2019t waste time telling you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The thought that he had come by it honestly flitted through Adam\u2019s mind but he had enough sense not to say it aloud, just saying \u201cNo choice Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust rest now. I\u2019ll arrange a wagon to get you home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMuch rather ride Blackie,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head, \u201cYou\u2019re not well enough.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlease Pa. Doesn\u2019t make my back ache so much, get home faster.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell we\u2019ll see but you rest for a while before we try going anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOne more thing, that young lawyer of Sharon\u2019s, the one who tried to buy my Belcher shares.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNeil Roberts?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s him. Saw Hearst last nigh. He was easy to trick into talking too much then, might talk now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go and find him, try and get him to talk, if you\u2019ll just rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, get Joe to do it; he\u2019s likely to underestimate my little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled \u201cWell at least your brain is still working. You try and doze for a bit while I get it organized.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grunted and giving way to his overtaxed body he relaxed and slipped into an uneasy sleep. Ben covered him with a blanket and Roy said \u201cHe\u2019ll be safe here Ben but you ought to get out of town before anything else happens. Let the rest of us carry on the enquiries here in town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLater Adam needs to rest anyway before I\u2019ll risk moving him home. I\u2019m going to find Joe.\u201d Ben knew that he could trust his old friend to look after his eldest son. It wasn\u2019t difficult to find Joe; a crowd was outside the gunsmith\u2019s, all angrily talking about him. Inside Joe was talking to the gunsmith Stanek after Jos\u00e9\u2019s comment about the ammunition. Ben went in to join his son and after reassuring him that his brother was finally resting, he explained what Adam wanted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It only took Joe ten minutes to track Roberts down in a small restaurant. Luckily it was crowded so it was natural for him to take one of the few free chairs at Roberts\u2019 table. Joe asked for coffee, very glad of the hot drink, while Roberts considered him, recognising the young man but for a moment unable to place him. Joe saw curiosity flare as Roberts placed him and played on it, realising that the other man couldn\u2019t have missed the rumours. He grinned ruefully \u201cNo we had nothing to do with the Preacher\u2019s death.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roberts hummed and hawed but at least he was talking and he was so busy trying to find out details that he didn\u2019t realise Joe was twisting the conversation round, getting what he thought of as details from the source, he reciprocated easily, not realising how interested Joe was. Joe finished his coffee and went out, wondering if Sharon knew how transparent his lawyer was, somehow he doubted it. The comments on the street soon wiped away the grin and he had a job to keep his temper under control as he heard the accusations against his family. Jess was waiting for him and Joe was glad to have someone backing him but even so both men were very glad to get back to the jail. Roy had all their horses tied up round the back and, although Ben hated having to run out of the town he had done so much to build, discretion was the only possible course He gratefully accepted Roy\u2019s offer of four men to cover them and watch their back trail. Roy promised to send word of any developments and to keep pushing hard but he was eager to get them out of town. Ben had every intention of returning later but for now they had to stop and think and he would be able to concentrate far better when he had his eldest son safely home in bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe came in and Ben asked \u201cAnything urgent Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot really I\u2019m not sure if it even helps.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOkay leave it for now, let\u2019s get home. Adam\u2019s awake.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShall I go and hire a wagon?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe wants to ride.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe glared angrily at his father \u201cPa! He can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t take it out on me son I don\u2019t want him to either but it\u2019s a waste of time arguing, you know your brother. He\u2019ll make out.\u201d Ben went back into his eldest son and helped him to sit up. Adam waited until things had settled before he attempted to get to his feet and his father was there to support him. Blackie was ready and Roy had got a large box over by the stallion which Ben helped his son onto so that it was easier to mount. At first the stallion sidled away at the unusual box but at a word from his master Blackie stood still and Adam was able to mount without pulling too hard on his wounds. Joe had already swung up on Cochise and he moved in close to steady his brother if needed. Ben came up the other side while Jess and Jos\u00e9 covered their backs and Roy\u2019s four men moved close round them as the cavalcade moved slowly out. Ben wouldn\u2019t push the pace sure that his son was keeping going on sheer will power.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the house Hoss had been wrapped up in Sue for most of the morning but as she helped Carole lay the table for lunch, he found himself staring at the picture of the Lake in Adam\u2019s study and thinking about his brothers. He was worried about them although he wasn\u2019t sure why, even though their non-appearance had come as a surprise. He couldn\u2019t imagine what could be wrong but as he stared at the picture he became convinced Adam at least was in trouble. Not wanting to disturb Sue, he waited until Carole was on her own after lunch. Carole couldn\u2019t help, Adam\u2019s note hadn\u2019t been explicit but as Hoss wondered aloud if his brother was alright, she blushed as she remembered the previous night. She assured Hoss that Adam had been fine that morning. Hoss looked down at her and maybe his own marriage made him more sensitive, but he read the truth in Carole\u2019s eyes and smiling affectionately he hugged her. \u201cIt was Adam\u2019s lucky day when you came to Virginia City.\u201d Pleased at what he\u2019d seen Hoss relaxed and none of the others guessed his unease. He still found himself slightly worried whenever he was on his own, but those moments were few and far between as Sue revelled in her new husband\u2019s company.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Joe were too concerned about Adam to spare much thought for Hoss as they slowly wended their way home. At least noone interfered with them but Adam had slumped forward in the saddle, not even his willpower enough to keep him upright. He was only really aware of pain, burning up with fever after all his efforts. He was very thirsty and very few minutes Joe gave him some water or wiped his face, but otherwise there was very little anyone could do to help. Ben kept an eye on his son\u2019s pulse while Jos\u00e9 led Blackie, but although exhausted and in pain Adam\u2019s pulse was strong and he was staying in the saddle without swaying. Ben tried to reassure Joe talking encouragingly to Adam and trying to hide his own fears. It wasn\u2019t until they were three quarters of the way home that Adam lifted his head, \u201cWarn Carole, Hoss can\u2019t burst in on them like this, scare them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Joe met each other\u2019s eyes, neither really surprised that Adam was thinking about those he loved despite his pain. Joe wiped his face again \u201cEasy brother, I\u2019ll ride ahead warn them and get your bed warmed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, Sue not fair, deserve\u2026.\u201d Adam bit his lip as the pain from his back caught him. Ben fed him a little water \u201cIt wasn\u2019t exactly our choice Son. Don\u2019t worry, Joe will break it gently and we know Sue is strong just like Carole.\u201d he signalled Joe to go on and Jess moved in closer in case Adam needed support.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe wasn\u2019t looking forward to telling Carole or his big brother, like Adam he would have done a lot to stop this interfering with Hoss\u2019 honeymoon. Hoss had earnt a chance to enjoy himself but there was no way to avoid it and it would be easiest coming from him. Somehow they had to clear things up over the next two days and then leave Hoss in peace. Joe remembered one piece of news that he could tell his big brother that might help, knowing how worried Hoss had been for their elder brother. Joe was sure that despite the pain, Carole\u2019s return to him would have given Adam peace of mind that all this trouble wouldn\u2019t be able to disturb.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe tied Cochise to the hitch rail and hesitated hearing the laughter coming from inside, but he didn\u2019t have very long before the others arrived so straightening his shoulders he went in. All of them were around the fire with the children and looking up they saw the tension and worry so clear on Joe\u2019s face and fell silent.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was the first to move and he went over to his brother \u201cI knew something was wrong. I\u2019ve been telling myself all afternoon it was imagination, but I knew it wasn\u2019t. Is Adam hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded slowly, moving over to Carole and gripping her shoulders, \u201cHe\u2019s been shot but it\u2019s not too bad. Pa\u2019s with him they\u2019ll be back in quarter of an hour. He\u2019s riding, Doc patched him up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole bit her lip but hen handing Marie to Laura she got to her feet, \u201cShall I warm his bed?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s what he needs Carole, to rest. He\u2019s got a gash in his side and Doc had to dig one out of his shoulder. He\u2019s running a temperature, been doing too much but he\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole nodded and went out to the kitchen to arrange hot stones, glad of something to do and needing a few minutes alone to compose herself. Hoss put everyone else\u2019s thoughts into words as he demanded to know how his brother had been hurt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed heavily, \u201cWe hit trouble. Preacher Mckenna is dead, here on the Ponderosa, a broken neck, the buggy overturned. We are getting the blame and as soon as we got to town someone cut loose at us from a window. I\u2019m so sorry it had to be now Hoss, Sue.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss had his arm round his wife\u2019s shoulders and knew he had her support as he said \u201cThat don\u2019t matter Joe, but just how bad is Adam and \u2018fer that matter what about you?\u201d Hoss reached out and touched the torn sleeve of Joe\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe forced a smile \u201cJust a scratch literally and Adam will be fine. He ought to spend the next week in bed but he won\u2019t. We left him at Beth\u2019s to rest after Doc dug the slug out of his shoulder. Pa and I were trying to find out more about the Preacher. Next time I saw Adam he was in the Bucket O\u2019Blood asking questions. Overdone it and a mite feverish, he\u2019s in some pain but not too serious.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita frowned, \u201cIf it was an accident why does it matter where it happened?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt shouldn\u2019t but after all the hard words people reckon it\u2019s just too convenient for us. Sort of accident which could be caused. Inquest day after tomorrow,\u201d Joe pulled her close to him \u201cWay feeling is running the jury is likely to charge Adam or probably both him and me with murder. Someone is working hard to create just that situation.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita paled, shocked at Joe\u2019s comment, finding it hard to believe and Sue moved closer to Hoss for comfort. Hoss put his other arm round Carole who\u2019d come in from the kitchen and heard Joe\u2019s statement. Carole lent against him glad of his warm strength. Joe went on \u201cEasy all of you. There\u2019s been a lot of odd things happening and we have to make sense of them, but we\u2019ll prove what really happened. Half the town is working on our side. We\u2019ll clear it all up and then we can concentrate on our wedding darling. For now I suggest everyone has a brandy and relaxes. Adam\u2019s hurt and worried but he was still more concerned about upsetting all of you so don\u2019t let him see.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded \u201cSense little brother. I\u2019ll get the glasses. Cheer up, we\u2019ve faced accusations before and as we\u2019ve done nothing wrong they can\u2019t prove we have. So even if they should charge Adam or both of them it ain\u2019t disastrous, we\u2019ll prove it weren\u2019t anything to do with us.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe relaxed slightly as Carole forced a smile \u201cOf course we will and Adam will be fine.\u201d He went and fetched the brandy and passed it round, Edwin caught his arm and asked quietly \u201cHow bad is he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBad enough, he\u2019s taken two bullets but no bones broken and nothing vital hit. He ought to rest but he won\u2019t until this is sorted out, all we can do is keep a close eye on him, help where we can.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edwin nodded and he was waiting outside as Ben led the way in. He called for Hoss knowing that his great strength was needed to get Adam to bed. Adam was barely conscious but as Blackie came to a stop, he made a determined effort to get control, not wanting to scare Carole or his friends. He was relieved to see his big brother and as Hoss moved close to Blackie, Ben said \u201cGet him down and straight to bed, careful of his left side and shoulder.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gently held his brother\u2019s right arm \u201cEasy Adam, let\u2019s get you in, one last effort old son, easy now.\u201d Adam tried to do as his brother asked but as Hoss carried him in there was noway that Hoss could prevent some pressure on his wounds and he felt Adam shudder as the pain caught him. Hoss went upstairs as quickly and smoothly as he could with Edwin opening the doors for him. Carole was waiting for them in the bedroom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss had vivid memories of the pain from a wound in the same place and knew just how his brother felt, so rather to Carole\u2019s surprise; he didn\u2019t lay Adam down but helped him to sit on the edge of the bed and then moved in front of him and supported his head against his own broad chest. Adam sitting leaning forward with his head supported was in just the position he would have chosen if he could have thought clearly and slowly the pain eased. Hoss smiled at Carole, \u201cHe\u2019ll be alright.\u201d He was almost unconsciously stroking his brother\u2019s hair telling him to take it easy, he was home now. Ben had hurried up after them but he made no attempt to interfere until Adam raised his head, fully five minutes later. Although his back was still on fire, he felt considerably better, his brother\u2019s warm strength had warmed him and the world had stopped swaying round him. He smiled at Carole, \u201cI hope we didn\u2019t scare you love, it\u2019s not serious.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole shook her head \u201cBad enough, you must rest. I\u2019ve seen you far worse but you are not up to wandering around.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBullied.\u201d Adam complained but his family ignored him and while Carole went to fetch him some broth, Hoss and Ben began to ease him out of his clothes and into a nightshirt. Despite all their care it hurt him badly and he was white and shaken by the time they had finished. Hoss helped him to settle in bed and tucked the blankets round him. Ben sat down very carefully on the edge of the bed. \u201cTry and get some sleep Adam. Will you take some laudanum now, ease the pain a bit, you\u2019ve had more than enough.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam opened his eyes and with difficulty focused on his father \u201cWe have to talk, sort things out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIn the morning, when you\u2019ve had some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo! Time\u2019s too short.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss took his brother\u2019s hand, \u201cThere ain\u2019t nothing you can do Adam, so just have somethin\u2019 to eat and then rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam forced a smile \u201cNothing wrong with my brain Hoss, maybe something someone else can do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou must rest.\u201d Hoss insisted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t, not until we\u2019ve talked this out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up for help to his father for help and Ben could understand his feelings. The ride home had taken a lot out of Adam who had exhaustion and pain written all over his face. As Ben hesitated, Adam pushed himself up on one elbow, \u201cEither you come up here with Joe, Jess and Jos\u00e9 or I\u2019m coming down.\u201d He meant every word and both Ben and Hoss knew it. Carole had just come back in and she shook her head \u201cYou might as well give in, when he gets that expression on his face you know he isn\u2019t going to give in, too stubborn.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben pushed his son\u2019s hair back of his forehead and picking up a damp cloth wiped his face. Adam was running a high temperature but he\u2019d known his son far worse. \u201cYou try and eat a little and then rest for an hour. Neither Joe nor I have eaten all day and I don\u2019t expect Jess or Jos\u00e9 have done any better, Then we\u2019ll talk if you still feel up to it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t doze off Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t relying on it, as Carole says too darned stubborn.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t drug me Pa, not this time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t going to. You\u2019re exhausted and in pain, but you\u2019re not in shock, and as you say there is nothing wrong with your brain, so be sensible and relax for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Glad to get that much Adam tried to do as his father suggested and although he couldn\u2019t manage more than a few mouthfuls of food, the chance to lie still gradually helped and the pain eased to as dull ache which he could ignore. Carole stayed by him, not asking any questions just letting him rest, glad to see a little colour come back to his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Downstairs the four men had been provided with food and having got Adam, safely into bed even Ben and Joe relaxed sufficiently to make a decent meal. As they ate Ben filled the rest in on what had happened in more detail. Meg and Laura got the children to bed and then rejoined them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe wasn\u2019t sure if Nita realised the effect on them, \u201cYou father will have plenty of ammunition to try and stop the wedding if we don\u2019t clear this up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She grinned dismissing her father casually, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201c\u201dDarling if we can\u2019t clear this up at the inquest we\u2019ll have to postpone the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita outraged, glared at him \u201cYou can\u2019t do that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The rest looked at each other wondering whether to leave the couple alone but it was fairly obvious that neither Nita nor Joe was aware of their presence. Joe tried to reason with the irate blonde, \u201cDarling there\u2019s a good chance that Adam and I will be in jail with a murder charge hanging over us.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo what?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked at her in amazement, \u201cBut darling\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita got to her feet and moved over to him gripping his arms \u201cThe sheriff is an old friend isn\u2019t he? I\u2019m sure he won\u2019t interfere and I think it would be rather romantic to be married in the jail.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pulled away \u201cI couldn\u2019t let you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t stop me. I\u2019m marrying you on Saturday week and if you are trying to get out of it you\u2019ll have to come up with something better than a murder charge, a phoney one at that! Actually even if they only arrest Adam we\u2019ll have to get married at the jail. He is to be best man and I am not changing my plans.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI love you darling and it\u2019s a sweet thought but I can\u2019t let you. Think what your family would say.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFather will cut me off, but I don\u2019t care. This is the family that matters and think what people here would say, that I don\u2019t believe in you, run at the first sign of trouble. I won\u2019t do it. You\u2019re not marrying me for my money anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe held her at arm\u2019s length, searching her face and seeing the absolute implacability there, on this she wouldn\u2019t budge. Very moved he pulled her close and buried his face in her hair for a minute and then capitulating he murmured \u201cHave it your own way.\u201d Then wanting to cover the emotion he felt he said, \u201cTrouble is I\u2019ve still got to clear things up. I want your money always wanted to be as wealthy as my big brother.\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes were sparkling with delight as he looked at her. This first major problem since she became part of the family and she was prepared to meet it head on, support them unquestioningly and calmly. So much more than he could have expected or even dreamt of from his lovely pampered rich girl. She had all the inner strength that Carole and Marie had, finally realising that Joe forgot all his fears for the future, if she could accept this she could adapt to anything. He crushed her to him and meeting his father\u2019s eyes, his pride in her was so very obvious that Ben grinned. Ben and Hoss were equally delighted as she lined herself up, not only with Joe but also Adam and perhaps from that moment Hoss put away his last doubts about his little brother\u2019s second marriage.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edwin hadn\u2019t missed any of it and he slipped away and went up to Adam\u2019s bedroom, knowing just how much this would mean to his old friend. He tapped softly in case Adam was asleep but Carole told him to come in even though she was rather surprised to see Edwin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edwin pulled up a chair, \u201cEasy Adam. I thought you might like some good news for a change.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam opened his eyes frowning slightly \u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know you old friend and I know just how much you worry about that little brother of your\u2019s, but for once there\u2019s no need.\u201d With that Edwin explained exactly what Nita\u2019s reaction had been to a possible delay in her wedding, By the time he\u2019d outlined Hoss and Ben\u2019s reaction too Adam was smiling delightedly. He reached out and gripped Edwin\u2019s arm, \u201cYou don\u2019t miss anything do you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edwin got to his feet \u201cYou rest now, I just thought you\u2019d like to know, one less thing to worry about, old worrier!\u201d He kissed Carole\u2019s forehead \u201cI\u2019ll leave him in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole smiled equally delighted knowing how much it would mean to Joe and the others \u201cThanks for coming up, he\u2019ll rest easier. You know him very well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t hear what they were saying but he suddenly demanded to see Nita and Sue. Edwin frowned \u201cI should have expected that, maybe I shouldn\u2019t have come up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole shrugged \u201che\u2019s alright as long as he\u2019s lying quiet, just do as he says, he\u2019s not well enough to argue. It was still worth telling him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edwin wasn\u2019t so sure but knowing his friend was quite capable of getting up and going to find the girls if he didn\u2019t get his own way, he went to fetch them, Nita and Sue were both surprised as Edwin told them that Adam wanted to see them, but Joe said \u201cGo on up, he\u2019s pretty weak so let him have his own way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they went upstairs Joe caught Hoss\u2019 eye \u201cCan I have a word.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and followed his brother into the study \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDaft question Hoss. I wish I saw my way through the next couple of days and nothing is going to keep Adam in bed, away from that inquest. It will be a miracle we can keep him there tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow bad is he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think it was only the low calibre of the weapon which saved his life. If it had been a .45, we\u2019d be at least fighting for his survival.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell it wasn\u2019t and even if he\u2019s in pain, he\u2019s well in control.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned and studied his brother \u201cYou\u2019re remarkably cheerful.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t look too upset yourself considering. Guess with Sue and Nita coming up trumps and Carole of course. We\u2019ll sort it out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou know don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss grinned \u201cDid Adam tell you? Yeah I know Carole didn\u2019t exactly say but somehow it was obvious. Adam\u2019s got her back and that\u2019ll outweigh any amount of pain and worry. If he was well enough for Pa to allow him to ride home, he\u2019ll cope.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI was going to tell you, as you say it outweighs a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need everything spelled out little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou never did.\u201d Joe relaxed slightly with the full backing of all his family and Nita, he was surprised how calm he felt now, somehow they\u2019d sort it out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole went down to get some coffee as Sue and Nita came in, knowing that she could rely on Sue to keep her husband quiet. They could both see that he was running a temperature but after a chance to relax he was able to hide most signs of pain and he smiled at them. Sue automatically checked his pulse and Adam said \u201cYou\u2019re not a nurse now Mrs Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou keep providing me with a patient. You ought to take a strong sedative and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLiar Adam, You\u2019ve been doing too much, got quite a fever.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled lazily and then looked up at Nita, \u201cI hear that you want to be married in jail.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to and I hope I won\u2019t have to, but if necessary I will. It\u2019s the least I can do to make my opinion of this stupidity very clear.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood girl Nita, I bet my little brother is almost bursting with pride.\u201d Adam reached out and took her hand \u201cI\u2019m so sorry for both of you. This shouldn\u2019t have happened interfering with what should be a very happy time, but don\u2019t let it get to you. We\u2019ve had trouble before and we\u2019ll have it again but you\u2019ve both been thrown in the deep end with a vengeance.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue kissed him \u201cDon\u2019t be stupid Adam, it\u2019s nothing to do with you and you\u2019re the prime target. We\u2019re just cross than anyone could believe such a thing about you or Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOur friends don\u2019t believe and most of the rest never stop to think and don\u2019t matter. Your family Nita\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She interrupted \u201cThey don\u2019t matter either Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He gripped her hand a little tighter and the smile reached his eyes, his dimples showing \u201cBoth my brothers chose so very well thank God. Nita will you tell Pa to bring everyone up, I want to know where we stand.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Niota looked over at Sue, she was the nurse but the redhead just shrugged \u201cHe\u2019ll have his own way before he\u2019ll rest. Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled at Sue, highly amused by his new sisters, who both seemed to have firm opinions about him already, but he didn\u2019t comment just asking Sue to help him sit up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue did so placing the pillows to support him expertly and pulling his dressing gown round him. \u201cOnly under protest Adam. You aren\u2019t well enough but I guess everyone has already told you that and you know it perfectly well so I won\u2019t waste my time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shut his eyes waiting for the room to settle again, but his brain was working clearly after an hour\u2019s rest and with Sue\u2019s help he was reasonably comfortable. Carole brought him some coffee and asked just who he wanted to see.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMight as well let everyone come up darling. Laura and Edwin are doubtless as curious and worried as the rest of us, same goes for Meg and Jim if they want to. Bring some chairs.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre you up to it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay and they are all old friends, may even have some ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole wasn\u2019t sure but she submitted knowing Adam would work as hard to hide his pain from her as anyone, not wanting to worry her and as he said they were all old friends. Sue got to her feet \u201cI\u2019ll go and tell Pa, sooner we get it done, sooner he\u2019ll rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t surprised at the message and all of them moved up to the bedroom, After an hour\u2019s peace and quiet Adam looked considerably better than he had since he was first hit and Ben relaxed. \u201cJoe if you\u2019ll take notes. Jos\u00e9 you start, exactly where and what did you find out?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 outlined the second accident site, where the same horse had been and Joe headed a list of things to try and do. They needed to track down that horse and to try and find the carcass of the horse from the buggy. Jos\u00e9 had to sound a note of warning, the sign was all so messed up that Roy\u2019s tracker had refused to accept their reading of events. Then Ben took over and began outlining what he\u2019d learnt in town. Hearst was deeply involved in mining shares as usual but at the moment he was very short of cash with much of his money tied up either in his elaborate mansion in San Francisco or in mines both locally and in Colorado, none of which were performing to expectations at the moment. Although still a wealthy man on paper, he was in trouble and Sharon was pushing him hard to cover a bank loan, with some of his stock bought on margin, he was walking a financial tightrope. Harris and Marye had made that much clear but in fact Joe had got the most useful comment from Roy Naylor. Fair and Mackay had sold out their shares in the water company once they had decided to go ahead with the pipeline and Hearst had bought heavily into it. Roy hadn\u2019t been able to prove it, he was still digging into the cover names for Joe to try and tie it down<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was interested by that, it was the first thing he\u2019d heard that explained Hearst\u2019s interest. \u201cPush it Joe, if we can tie him in, a nice money motive will make sense to the jury. Could be we\u2019re messing up his one source of steady income. Edwin will you tell them about the taxes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edwin filled in the story he\u2019d already told Adam, Ben listened quietly \u201cMaybe he just couldn\u2019t afford the taxes and that\u2019s why it was such a crude effort, desperation.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf so Pa maybe he\u2019ll break if we could force him onto the stand.\u201d Adam licked his dry lips and Carole poured him out some water \u201cEasy love.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned \u201cWe\u2019ll have to get a lawyer.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo Pa, I\u2019ll handle it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed, it was no more than he had expected but he was determined to try and talk his son out of it. \u201cNo. At the rate you\u2019re going it will tax your strength even to attend.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll manage. It\u2019s my head that\u2019s on the chopping block; I\u2019m not trusting anyone else.\u201d Adam smiled faintly \u201cWith luck I\u2019ll get more leeway than I deserve because of this.” as he touched his arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t giving way but decided to leave it for now. \u201cWe\u2019ll sort it out tomorrow. Let\u2019s concentrate on what else we need to clear before the inquest. Joseph, you saw the gunsmith.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded \u201cHe confirmed the bullet Doc took out of Adam\u2019s shoulder was a .25. He doesn\u2019t stock it, neither do either of the others in town, but he had one small gun which was loaded with .25\u2019s so we could compare. The bullets would have to be ordered specially and is must be done direct, none of the three have any record of it. As for the gun, we checked all his records and the only rifle taking that calibre is a European model, lightweight hunting rifle, I\u2019ve never seen one but if we could find one, its owner should have some interesting answers.\u201d The set of Joe\u2019s jaw didn\u2019t auger well for the man if they could lay hands on him. Adam reiterated his conviction that the man must be involved to have started back shooting so quickly. Ben shrugged \u201cProbably but it could be a fanatic. People go wild when a man of God is involved. Either way we want him. If he can shoot you in the back once he might try to finish the job.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole wiped Adam\u2019s face and gave him a brandy and catching her eye Ben asked, \u201cDo you want a rest Adam just for a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo I\u2019m okay Pa.\u201d Adam drained the brandy and then filled them in on what he\u2019d learnt from Jim Thomas and Quinn. \u201cMust send someone to relieve Red.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see to it. \u201c Ben promised \u201cLet\u2019s hope he goes back to the hotel, it\u2019s our most direct link.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHalf the town are looking out for him and trying to find what or who the German is.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edwin sat forward \u201c Joe, you said that .25 rifle was European. Where was it made?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe frowned trying to remember and then smiled \u201cMunchen. That\u2019s Munich isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt is indeed and in Germany.\u201d Ben said, \u201cMaybe we can guess who was firing at you. All we have everywhere is two men, reporting between Hearst and the Preacher, this German and the man with a scar. We have a rifle and a horse connected to them. We need one of them alive and talking and we have thirty six hours to find them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe sighed \u201cSounds simple put like that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt is little brother. Maybe impossible but its simple enough. If we can tie Hearst to the water company and the two men, tie them to the shooting and moving the buggy, we\u2019re free and clear. If I can just get the movement of the buggy proved and accepted we\u2019ll slide out from under, No reason for us to move it.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was noticeably weaker as he finished and Carole gently wiped his face and fed him a little more water.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took the list that Joe had made \u201cPlenty to follow up and maybe Roy or Doc might have news by morning, or some of the others we have asked for help. I don\u2019t think that there is anything we can usefully do tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned not sure whether that was for his consumption or whether his father really meant it. Ben could read his son and grinned, \u201cRelax. We\u2019ve got half the town running round in circles, only makes sense to let them have a chance to get something definite.\u201d He pulled out the telegrams from San Francisco and Sacramento. \u201cNot much here, .more details of the past tie between hearts and the Preacher and the usual rumours of his cash problems. You can read them later. For now try and get some rest. We\u2019ll try and tie up the ends tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was fighting a losing battle with his weakness, his father\u2019s voice seeming to boom and then fade away so Carole with Hoss\u2019 help got him settled. Hoss fetched a bolster to ensure that his brother didn\u2019t roll over onto his injured back and the other went downstairs. Adam grabbed Sue\u2019s hand before she left, \u201cSue I\u2019m sorry but I\u2019m going to have to borrow that big husband of yours tomorrow,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue didn\u2019t realise what he had in mind but she smiled, \u201cOf course. He\u2019ll go to town with Pa and Joe, a pretty good bodyguard. He\u2019ll want to do his share in clearing the family name.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAt least noone could suspect him. Wives can\u2019t give an alibi and be believed but on his wedding night\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sue kissed him \u201cGet some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAsk Hoss to come over in the morning before he goes to town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course I will.\u201d Adam watched her leave and then took Carole\u2019s hand \u201cI\u2019m alright darling.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know but you must rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI will now, don\u2019t worry.\u201d Adam shut his eyes still holding onto her hand and quickly slipped into sleep, as he gave way to his aching body. Carole sat by him for a while, but despite his temperature, he was sleeping quietly and she went down wanting a word with Ben before he left. As she came out Laura was there \u201cDo you want me to sit with him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks. I\u2019ll feel happier if he isn\u2019t alone but I think he\u2019s alright,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he will be but typical Adam, he\u2019s overdone it.\u201d Laura went in to sit quietly by him, tracing the all too familiar lines of pain on his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole found Ben with Joe and Hoss in the study settling their plans for the following day. She couldn\u2019t hide how worried she was and Ben put his arm round her. \u201cHe\u2019s been a lot worse; he\u2019ll be fine in a month.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that Pa. unless he overdoes it. Can you stop him handling the inquest; he gets in enough of a state about court appearances when he\u2019s fit.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do my best, at the very least bring in someone to back him, but you know your stubborn husband.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole did, all too well, but she slowly calmed down and refused their offers to stay overnight. She had plenty of help available if it was needed and all they could do was leave Adam to sleep. The three of them were going to be pushed the next day anyway; it only made sense to get a decent night\u2019s sleep first. Although they accepted it, none of them could settle quickly when they did get to bed, all worried about the next two days. They were all down early for breakfast and Sue joined them, used to it after years of early rising in her job. In fact she was the only one who looked refreshed, the others all heavy eyed with lack of sleep. Sue passed on Adam\u2019s message and thinking that his son had particular things that he wanted checked, Ben decided to let Hoss go over to see his brother while he and Joe headed for town. This time he was taking sufficient force to act as bodyguards, not risking going around alone, at all times he wanted at least three of them together. Every hand on the place had volunteered to help and Ben had been warmed by their unstinting support. Whatever was being said a great many friends were doing their best to help. Ben expected Adam to sleep in once he\u2019d given into his physical needs and Hoss didn\u2019t hurry over to his brother\u2019s house. He was taking Sue over too; she would help if she was needed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Joe headed straight to town, Hoss would be able to tell them how Adam was and anyway Carole had promised to send word if he was any worse or needed to see Paul again. Ben had seen the injuries and spoken to Doc and he wasn\u2019t too worried about Adam, if only his son would be persuaded to rest, he\u2019d recover fairly quickly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Hoss and Sue arrived they found the place in uproar. Adam had slept all night without stirring and his temperature had dropped considerably. He was awake early and had managed a decent breakfast. Then he\u2019d asked to see Edwin and Carole had left the two men alone while she went down to get her own breakfast and see to the children. Adam had had quite an argument when he told his friend that he wanted his help to get dressed, but as he just ignored Edwin\u2019s impassioned arguments and waited, Edwin gave way and helped. Adam gave himself five minutes to recover and then went down to sit quietly in the study and await his big brother\u2019s arrival. Carole wasn\u2019t altogether surprised and she didn\u2019t waste time arguing, smiling at the exasperated shrug which Edwin gave, which said it all. She brought Adam some coffee and dared the children to bother their father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone united in declaring he was a fool but couldn\u2019t deny that he looked better for a night\u2019s sleep and if he preferred to be down with them, he probably wouldn\u2019t take any harm from it. As Carole said they might just as well accept it and combine to send back to bed if his temperature rose.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam enjoyed his coffee and then catching Peggy\u2019s eye he called her over and got her to bring him his boots and gunbelt, Peggy just did as she was asked, although not sure that her elders would approve and she was kneeling down helping him on with his boots before anyone else noticed. Nita was the first to see and she touched Carole\u2019s arm \u201cWhat\u2019s he up to?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole took one look and headed straight over, she didn\u2019t need any explanation \u201cNo Adam, you\u2019ll kill yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was prepared for trouble and took her hand, \u201cHow many times do I have to tell you darling, I\u2019m alright, not much more than flesh wounds, no bones broken, nothing vital touched.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust sitting here and your temperature is up. You aren\u2019t going Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t if it wasn\u2019t important.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNothing\u2019s more important than your health.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201cMy neck is.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt won\u2019t come to that\u201d Carole dismissed it. \u201cThere can\u2019t be any proof, you haven\u2019t done anything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, but probably now is the easiest time to prove it, or none of us will be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour father and brothers can cope, you aren\u2019t indispensable.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf there was more time darling but I already have people working some of them will only do it for me. Everyone else has to start from scratch, I have to be in town, Jim will you saddle Blackie for me please.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you do any such thing.\u201d Carole glared at Jim who stood uncertain but Adam had pulled himself to his feet \u201cDarling I love you very much and I don\u2019t want to worry you but I\u2019ve managed when I\u2019ve been a lot less fit than now and this is something I have to do, I\u2019ll wait for Hoss and keep my big brother with me but I\u2019m going, I\u2019m not a child and I\u2019ll make my own decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole said \u201cHoss won\u2019t agree.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll do as I ask.” Adam said with complete certainty. \u201cPlease don\u2019t make it any more difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole looked round at Edwin and Laura for support but they just shrugged, short of force it would be impossible to stop Adam. Nita came over and tried to persuade him that it wouldn\u2019t help anyone if he collapsed and if he wanted to handle the inquest himself the following day he must rest now. Adam smiled appreciatively \u201cNice and devious Nita, good try, just about Joe\u2019s standard.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just at that point Hoss and Sue arrived and Carole turned to her brother for help. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to stop him; he says he\u2019s going to town with you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sighed \u201cSo that\u2019s why you wanted to see me, I should have guessed.\u201d He sighed heavily \u201cAdam you\u2019re mad.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was pulling on is coat and turned to Jim again \u201cJim will you saddle Blackie or have I got to do it myself,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss went over to his brother. \u201cWe can manage, will you stop frightening Carole, you\u2019re not up to it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going Hoss. If you\u2019ll come with me I\u2019ll stay with you but if not just get out of my way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss stared at Adam but he knew that expression and he turned \u201cGo on Jim. Carole I\u2019ll look after him try and make sure he takes it easy but I can\u2019t stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCarry him back to bed and lock him in. If he must act like a child treat him like one.\u201d Carole said bitterly close to tears, Hoss put his arm round her \u201cHey easy now.\u201d he caught his brother\u2019s eye, seeing the pain there at upsetting his wife. \u201cI can understand why he wants to make the effort, might make the difference between recovering here or in jail, he\u2019ll be running a temperature before the day\u2019s out, but he won\u2019t collapse and I\u2019ll stay with him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole looked up so scared for him and Hoss wiped a tear from her cheek. \u201cGo on kiss him goodbye don\u2019t make it any harder for him, he\u2019s not well enough.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole knew he was right and went over to Adam, \u201cYou win, as usual, but please be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI will. You can trust Hoss darling. Try not to worry too much.\u201d Adam held her close, knowing that she would but he didn\u2019t feel as though he had any choice. Hoss helped him onto his stallion and moved close to his brother, wondering if he was doing the right thing going along, but not seeing that he had any choice. He knew his brother too well to believe there was anyway of stopping him. Adam saw the doubts on his brother\u2019s face and smiled, \u201cPa couldn\u2019t have stopped me either, you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah Adam I know. You\u2019re a stubborn fool with an over inflated opinion of your own importance.\u201d Adam grinned broadly as he caught his brother\u2019s eye and Hoss grinned sheepishly \u201cAlright I accept you may be able to help but you take it real careful.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss kept the pace steady but even so before they got to town Adam\u2019s temperature was up. Hoss pulled up just short of town and wiped his brother\u2019s face and gave him the canteen. Adam was glad of a long drink but insisted he was alright. It was no more than Hoss had expected and knowing the depths of his brother\u2019s stamina, he didn\u2019t argue, just offering his brandy flask.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u201cNo not now, I expect I\u2019ll be glad of some later, but I don\u2019t want to get drunk. What had Pa asked you to do Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMainly checking my own contacts. Joe thought it might be worth enlisting all the kids I could and get then searching for that horse shoe. Pa wasn\u2019t sure,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSounds a good idea to me. Long shot but with all the kids you usually have around, it might pay off,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want to do?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStart at the Bucket O\u2019Blood, Quinn and a few of the others will only talk to me. Quinn has seen this scarred man. Find out if Doc or Dan had anything for us. How about Pa and Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe was pushing on the water company, Pa trying to get proof that Hearst needs money and tying up the links that show he brought the Preacher in. Both checking contacts they started moving yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell help me down to the saloon and then you can go and get started.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not leaving you!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be stupid brother, you have to get on too. We can find someone to hang around, if it\u2019ll keep you quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell maybe but only for a little while and someone I choose.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As they rode in Hoss spotted Stevens lounging around, one of several hands, who had decided to be on hand just in case of trouble. The man never had much to say but Hoss hadn\u2019t forgotten how he\u2019d backed their fight when Adam was in Europe. He beckoned Stevens over and having checked that he wasn\u2019t doing anything in particular asked him to stay with Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stevens nodded and then asked, \u201cYour Pa know he\u2019s in town?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNope and he\u2019ll hit the roof. Try telling him we\u2019ve already read the riot act without noticeable affect. Adam\u2019ll keep going and I\u2019ll be around most of the time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stevens moved in next to them as Hoss helped his brother down but Adam pulled away and as a crowd began to gather he cleared his coat from his gun and then walked into the saloon. Quinn saw him and came over as Adam settled at a table in the corner. Adam asked his brother to fetch a bottle of whiskey and a couple of glasses and a beer for himself. Once he brought them over Adam told Hoss to go ahead with his own chores but to be very careful. Hoss didn\u2019t like leaving his brother but he had little choice and began collecting some of the children and getting them to find their friends. He hadn\u2019t got very far when Joe came over to join him. So far Joe\u2019s day had proved reasonably successful. Roy Naylor had proved Hearst\u2019s ownership of the water company at least to his own and Joe\u2019s satisfaction and he was continuing to check. Roy was very willing to spend time and effort helping his old friend who had put a lot of business and help his way over the years, outraged at the accusations being thrown at the Cartwrights. His company had done Joe good, at least one person outside the family was indignantly supporting them and with Jess and Red covering him, Joe didn\u2019t feel so vulnerable to the hatred of the town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was worried about his big brother and as he joined him said, \u201cPa told you to keep someone with you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay, ain\u2019t noone accusing me of anything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re still a Cartwright and the hatred may spill over onto you. You\u2019re as vulnerable as Adam to a shot in the back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss hesitated and then gripped Joe\u2019s arm \u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI left him at the Washoe Club, then he was going down to see Doc. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201dAdam\u2019s in the Bucket O\u2019Blood.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat!\u201d Joe glared at his brother, outraged, \u201cHow could you Hoss? He\u2019s not well enough.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEasy to say Joe but when have I ever been able to control Adam? Carole and I did try, but he\u2019d have come alone if\u2019n I hadn\u2019t come with him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had to acknowledge the justice of that but he\u2019d spent too much time the previous day worrying about his brother, scared he would collapse and now he faced it again. He took a deep breath \u201cOkay since he\u2019s here let\u2019s make use of it. There\u2019s no way we\u2019re gonna keep him away from the inquest tomorrow so let him stay in town, save him two long journeys.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHardly safe. Pa won\u2019t want to risk Beth and the hotel sure ain\u2019t easy to defend.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJohn MacKay\u2019s place should be safe enough if we leave enough hands round it. John and Jim Fair are partly to blame anyway, selling off that damned water company when they knew it was gonna be worthless once the pipeline was built. So if he gets besieged it\u2019s his own fault.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOkay little brother, you arrange it and then persuade Adam to go along.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe on his own?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNope. Stevens is with him and I\u2019ll get back as soon as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was about to go and see MacKay when he suddenly stopped \u201cHoss, Dan reckoned that those rumours yesterday all seemed to have started at Chicksaw\u2019s saloon down on \u2018D\u2019 street. You might get the kids to concentrate round there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWill do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meanwhile Adam had a lead to the German. Quinn knew a prostitute whom the man used on occasion. She wouldn\u2019t be seen talking to a Cartwright but Adam persuaded Quinn to go and bring her up to the mine office at the Consolidated Virginia, where they could talk in private, promising to recompense her for her time. The office was only across the street and he could leave a message with Don for Hoss but Adam was hanging on hoping that his big brother would be back fairly quickly. Although at a pinch he was sure he could walk across unaided he was trying to husband his strength and it would be a lot easier with Hoss\u2019 help. He was about to give up and head over alone when Hoss came in. Adam explained briefly what he wanted and Hoss went along with him; Hoss told himself that he should be grateful Adam had had the sense to wait for him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even with Hoss\u2019 support Adam was trembling by the time he got to the office, sweat pouring off him with the effort as his temperature soared. Hoss helped him in, ignored an outraged Jim Fair, Quinn and the prostitute as he damped a clean handkerchief and wiped his brother\u2019s face before giving Adam, first some water and then some brandy. Only then did he look up and Jim said \u201cHe should be in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss snapped at him, \u201cIf you hadn\u2019t sold a worthless water company he\u2019d never have been shot. Now he\u2019s trying to prove he\u2019s no murderer.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEasy Hoss I\u2019m okay.\u201d Adam gripped his brother\u2019s arm \u201cJust get me some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss calmed down a little but the girl Wanda, who had come very much under protest, couldn\u2019t help feeling sorry for the tall good looking man, flushed with fever and in evident pain, and she was more willing to help than she\u2019d intended. Adam smiled at her \u201cWe didn\u2019t have anything to do with the Preacher\u2019s death and we believe a man called the German can help us prove that. You do know him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah. If he knew I\u2019d told on him\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t learn from us, but so far he\u2019s just a name. Will you tell me about him? I\u2019ll pay for the information.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou just wanna talk to him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all, my word on it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Wanda nodded and slowly Adam extracted a description of the man. He\u2019d been around town about two months but she had no idea of where he lived or how he earned his living. Wanda did volunteer the information that he had an odd rifle very light, that he carried everywhere, not wearing a pistol. She had never seen another one like it. When he was sure he had all that she knew Adam gave her twenty dollars and thanked her, leaving Quinn to take her back.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss poured more coffee and Adam drank it gratefully, while he was doing so Hoss passed on what he had learnt form Joe about the saloon and suggested wandering down to see if anyone of the right description appeared. Adam hesitated momentarily but it had to be tried and he pulled himself to his feet, \u201cOkay let\u2019s go see.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gently pushed him back into the chair, saying firmly \u201cYou ain\u2019t going anywhere. It\u2019s too far you won\u2019t make it. Anyways if he sees you he\u2019ll run a mile.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled faintly, \u201cYou aren\u2019t exactly inconspicuous big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll stay out of sight; send the kids and a couple of hands in, with that rifle he shouldn\u2019t be too hard to spot.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe have to talk \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah well we can\u2019t do that in a saloon. I\u2019ll persuade him to come along here for a chat in private. You rest until I get back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam could think of several people he could talk to but there was no guarantee that he would come up with anything. When Hoss offered to leave Stevens with him to try and bring over anyone he wanted to talk to, Adam gave way and agreed to stay put. He was weaker than he wanted to admit, even to himself. Jim Fair, surprised by Hoss\u2019 attack on him, so unusual for the normally placid big man, promised to get Adam anything he wanted and to keep an eye on the injured man.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Hoss went down the street his father and Jos\u00e9 joined him. Hoss knew that he wasn\u2019t going to be popular but to his relief his father said \u201cIt\u2019s alright Hoss, I\u2019ve just left Joe. Where is your pig-headed brother now?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss explained what they had done and learnt and Ben put his arm round his big son\u2019s shoulders \u201cEasy Hoss. Joe\u2019s arranged a bed for him and I doubt if I could have stopped him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe said that you wouldn\u2019t have.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head but he knew his stubborn firstborn. \u201cWell I just want to see Roy and I\u2019ll go join him. You be careful, Jos\u00e9 go with Hoss, I\u2019ll be fine with Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before Hoss could protest Hank came running over having seen them. He had left Pio at the hotel, the man had come back to see Hearst and Jim Thomas had pointed him out as he had promised. Pio was going to follow him when he came out. Ben at once decided that he would see Roy later and leaving Hoss and Jos\u00e9 to go down to \u2018D\u2019 street, Ben went with Hank back towards the hotel. Ben had agreed with Hoss that if either of them laid hands on one of the two men, they would take them to the mine offices where they could attempt to get them to talk in private. Pio had already left and Ben could only wait at the hotel for word.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pio followed the man with the scarred hand back to a small disreputable boarding house. He went in and heard him yell \u201cHey German you here?\u201d Apparently the other man wasn\u2019t around as there was no answer and Pio heard the bedsprings go as the man threw himself down to wait. Within five minutes there were sounds of snoring and Pio risked going downstairs and catching a young Chinese he knew vaguely, asked him to fetch any of the Cartwrights as quickly as he could. The young man had spoken to Joe the previous day and knew all about the trouble, so he was very willing to help. The man Ling Chou found Joe first and after passing on Pio\u2019s message offered to help. Joe was touched but he had Jess and Red with him so he just asked Ling Chou to find his father and tell him what was happening.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pio was very glad when the three men joined him, but their quarry was still fast asleep. Joe decided to take him while they had the chance with noone else seemingly around the boarding house. He looked at the other three \u201cIt isn\u2019t exactly legal. I have no right to take him prisoner and I don\u2019t want to get any of you in trouble with the law. Stay outside and warn me if anyone comes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jess spoke for all of them. \u201cWe\u2019re in this Joe, He\u2019s bigger than you, won\u2019t make any trouble when he sees four of us.\u201d Joe looked hard at each of the three men, seeing the total resolve and he grinned, \u201cThanks.\u201d The man woke up to find a gun under his chin as Joe said \u201cKeep very quiet.\u201d He flinched away but then seeing the others he lay hardly daring to breathe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStand up very slowly.\u201d Joe ordered wondering where to take the man. They obviously couldn\u2019t stay where they were; they were too likely to be interrupted. In lieu of anything better he decided to take his prisoner to John Mackay\u2019s. \u201cWe\u2019re going to walk out of here, all very friendly. My friend here, like many Mexicans, is very good with a knife. It will be right at your side, just in case you feel like yelling or doing anything to attract attention.\u201d Pio pulled out his knife and tried the edge against his thumb, ostentatiously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man paled and hoarsely swore that he\u2019d do anything they said but he didn\u2019t know nothing. Joe just smiled, although it didn\u2019t reach his eyes colder than the man had ever seen, \u201cYou\u2019ll remember quickly or it\u2019ll be very unfortunate.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was relieved to see his father hurrying down the street towards him. Ben saw that Joe was holding firmly onto the stranger\u2019s elbow and nodded \u201cWell done Joseph, Pio. Take him over to the Consolidated Virginia office. Adam\u2019s there already. I\u2019ll join you as soon as I\u2019ve had a word with Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meanwhile Hoss had been as successful as his brother. Before he even got to the saloon two very excited boys ran over to him. They thought they had found the horseshoe that he was looking for, a rather flashy bay, tied up outside the saloon. Hoss went over to check and while he was looking at the horse\u2019s foot, Jos\u00e9 saw a man suddenly start backing away. Jos\u00e9 frowned but then he saw the rifle the man was carrying and touched Hoss \u201cGoing in the alley. Fits the description.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss took that in rapidly and moved even faster. Before the man realised there was any trouble, especially from such a big man, a hand clamped on his shoulder as he turned to run away. Hoss took his rifle, \u201cYou and I are gonna have a talk. Interesting gun, my brother would like to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The German blustered that he didn\u2019t know what Hoss was talking about but Hoss had his arm and led the man through the alleys back towards the mine. Hoss stopped once to tell one of the kids that the horse had been found and call of the search. He had just arrived back with his prisoner when Joe came in. His brothers were pleased to see Adam looking better for sitting quietly for an hour even if he was still very drawn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam considered the two men and then said \u201cWe\u2019d better keep them apart, make sure their stories match.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There were two storerooms and he asked Jess and Red to take the German while Jos\u00e9 and Pio took the other man into the second room. Joe said \u201cPa will be here in a minute, do we wait for him?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cI\u2019ll take the German, you take the other one. We want to know everything they did after the Preacher left our house. I think we know pretty well but they have to testify.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd the shooting?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll forget it if they cooperate. Promise not to press charges on that and they haven\u2019t broken any laws yet. If they don\u2019t testify, we can get them on conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and even attempted murder. That gives us a lever and the main thing is to get them into court. Hoss take the rifle over to Stanek, check it\u2019s a \u00b725, it\u2019s the proof we need.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His brothers knew that it was a waste of time arguing and begrudgingly agreed, but by the time Ben joined them the two prisoners were still being evasive. Adam and Joe left them for the moment and came out. Ben made no comment about his eldest son\u2019s presence to Adam\u2019s relief, but listened in silence to Joe\u2019s r\u00e9sum\u00e9 of progress or lack of it. They couldn\u2019t contemplate violence but Ben was prepared to threaten it once Hoss got back. The sheer size of his big son was enough to frighten the men, especially knowing what they had done to his brother. The close relationship between the brothers was well known round town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When Hoss returned with Stanek\u2019s written statement, confirming that the rifle was indeed a \u00b725 and as probably the only one in town almost certainly used to shoot Adam, Ben explained what was required. He didn\u2019t like asking his son but with his brothers possibly facing a lynch mob if the inquest didn\u2019t go their way, Hoss was prepared to go a lot further than that.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben told Adam to rest for a while and went to talk to the German while Joe went back into the man with the scarred hand, Hoss going with him. Joe sat by while Hoss shook the man bodily until his teeth rattled and then told him to start talking before he began taking him to pieces. Joe considered the frightened looking man and judiciously advised the man to do as he was told as his big brother was quite capable of it especially with their eldest brother shot in the back. At first hesitantly and then almost eagerly the man, who gave his name as Croton, began to talk After a few minutes Hoss left him to Joe and went to join his father with the German.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This one was a tougher nut and fell back on the German language, pretending not to understand English. Ben pushed for a while but getting nowhere begrudgingly called his eldest son through, helping Adam over to a chair. Ben said \u201cAs best I can make out he\u2019s claiming to only understand German.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s knowledge of German was fairly rudimentary and it was sometime since he had used it, but while in Europe he had spent nearly a month in areas where he had spoken nothing else. At first slowly and then more rapidly as he began to remember, Adam explained that he spoke the language and began framing questions. The rather guttural tongue was well suited for interrogation and as Adam asked question after question the German seemed to deflate, although still refusing to answer. Then as though it was all too much for him he suddenly came out with a long outburst of German, which Adam was pushed to understand. Adam hid his uncertainty, determined not to lose his ascendancy by asking him to repeat it or admit that he didn\u2019t understand. The man gave his name as Frank Bauer and as far as he could judge Adam thought the long tirade was a justification for his own actions and a condemnation of Hearst. Adam pushed hard getting the man to admit the basic facts and then risked moving back into English. Having once given in Bauer no longer hid his knowledge of English and spoke freely, only wanting to avoid an attempted murder charge. Adam decided that he wanted signed statements from both men so that they couldn\u2019t retract their statements in court. He got his father to write it down as he went through everything again and then had Bauer sign it. He put the position plainly, they could prove Bauer had shot him in the back and were in a position to charge him with attempted murder and perjury if he altered his story on the stand. Adam promised that if he testified honestly they wouldn\u2019t press charges. Bauer was a realist and he agreed without hesitation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam went out leaning heavily on is father, leaving Hoss with the prisoner. He was very tired the effort of using a strange language head left him feeling drained and Ben thought he was on the verge of collapse. He offered his son a brandy but Adam just wanted coffee. Adam sat quietly in a chair, leaning forward resting his head on his hands with his eyes closed. His head and his back throbbed in unison and he was so very tired he only really felt like sliding into sleep but here was one more job to be done here and that still left Hearst to deal with. He was cold, shivering and the hot coffee seemed to have settled in a lump on his chest, just making the rest of him feel colder. Slowly he forced himself to sit up \u201cI\u2019d better get the other statement.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe and I can do that, just rest and we\u2019ll get you to bed shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo I\u2019m going into court with it tomorrow, I have to know what problems there might be. Only any good if I do it. If he hesitates today, may change his mind tomorrow. Best if I\u2019m prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben didn\u2019t like it but had little choice and helped Adam in to join Joe. Joe was taken aback by how quickly his brother had wilted. Last time he had seen Adam, just under an hour ago his brother had looked pale and drawn but alright, now he looked on the verge of collapse. Joe met his father\u2019s eye and what he saw there kept him quiet. Ben knew as well as Joe did that his eldest son was close to collapse and it wouldn\u2019t help to waste time discussing it. Adam wanted to cover the same facts with both men and having the questions clear in his own mind it only took half an hour to get Croton\u2019s statement written down and signed. Then leaving Jess with Croton, Ben and Joe helped Adam back out to the main office to rejoin Hoss. Ben said \u201cRight bed for you Adam, you\u2019ve had it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLater. I couldn\u2019t face the ride home yet anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood because you\u2019re not going home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up at that, \u201cI must. Carole will be worrying and anyway you agreed town isn\u2019t safe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat on the table next to him and took his son\u2019s hand. \u201cCarole will worry a lot less if she knows that you are resting in bed and that I\u2019m with you, than if you push yourself to ride all the way home and then all the way back tomorrow. As for safety Joe has arranged for John Mackay to put us up. We can go in the back way and noone will know that we are there so it should be safe. Some of the hands will stay in town. Jos\u00e9 has booked four rooms in the hotel across the road from John\u2019s and Roy knows we\u2019ll be there. Any trouble and there is help available.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAll organised.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis time you\u2019ll do as you\u2019re told.\u201d Ben insisted<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was dreading the ride home, knowing he\u2019d overdone it and his temperature was way up, feeling weak and sick, so he made surprisingly little protest. It was going to take all his strength to get through the inquest the next day and it made sense not to waste any on a long journey. Even so he couldn\u2019t go to bed yet, even if it was all he felt fit for. \u201cPa, I\u2019ll do as you say, but we still have to decide how to handle Hearst himself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had been thinking of that too, \u201cIt won\u2019t be easy to prove he gave the orders.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlmost impossible legally, the word of Croton against Hearst and you know who will be believed. The rest is just hearsay.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe is a dangerous man to make an enemy of. I think we might make it possible for him to slide out from under, in return for the withdrawal of his opposition.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t stick to a deal.\u201d protested Joe \u201cWe ought to nail him, this is all his fault.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled wryly \u201cPersonally I\u2019ll settle for some peace and quiet I don\u2019t think we can nail him Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe try and don\u2019t make it and he\u2019s gonna be an even worse enemy.\u201d Hoss commented.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben could only agree with his big son \u201cI think I\u2019ll try and talk to him at least, nothing to lose and maybe we can come to terms.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tried to pull himself to his feet \u201cI\u2019ll come with you.\u201d but Ben gripped his arm as he swayed and shook his head. \u201cNo. Hoss is taking you to bed. You have had it Adam and I can manage, Nothing will be written down and if necessary you can see him tomorrow, but if you don\u2019t get some rest you won\u2019t make the inquest tomorrow. Joe take Jos\u00e9 and Pio with you, find Roy. He\u2019s agreed to look after our guests for the night if they were co-operative. Then you can get home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo I\u2019m staying with Adam. If it\u2019s safe enough for him it is for me too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t surprised \u201cHave it your own way. Hoss do you mind telling Carole and the others what has been happening and what we\u2019ve arranged?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course not Pa. Sounds like pretty good news to me and I\u2019ll bring them in for the inquest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d protested Adam, \u201cIt won\u2019t be safe, not until this is over.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll bring enough men to guarantee they\u2019re safe Adam but you ain\u2019t the only obstinate one in this family. I couldn\u2019t stop Carole or Nita, not to mention Sue, any more\u2019n I could stop you this morning. Singly I don\u2019t do too well and when they gang up \u2026.\u201d Hoss shook his head, with such a lugubrious expression on his face that Joe broke out into giggles.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled \u201cDon\u2019t worry Adam they\u2019ll be safe enough. Alright Hoss, once Joe joins you, head on back home to your wife. Some honeymoon!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah well after tomorrow maybe I can get back to it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took Hank and Stevens with him, leaving Jess to help Hoss get Adam over to MacKay\u2019s. Once Adam was settled Jess promised to get Blackie, Cochise and Buck out of the way in the stables at the back of Beth\u2019s house, as the horses were almost as well known as the Cartwrights themselves. Jess checked noone was around and then leaning heavily on Hoss, Adam moved slowly over to John\u2019s house. It wasn\u2019t far but to the weak man it seemed to take forever. Twice Hoss tried to persuade his brother to be carried but however careful Hoss was he couldn\u2019t help pressing on one or other of the wounds and Adam couldn\u2019t face anymore pain for now. He preferred to walk even if each step seemed to take conscious effort, his limbs reluctant to obey his brain\u2019s orders. Hoss very aware of both the weakness and fever emanating from his brother was very relieved as Jess opened the door into John\u2019s house. The Irishman was there waiting for them. Joe hadn\u2019t minced words when he came by, blaming John for at least part of the trouble and almost demanding help. Even though John knew that Adam had been shot, he also knew that he was wandering around town trying to clear himself and John hadn\u2019t realised how badly hurt his friend was. Now seeing him drawn and exhausted in obvious pain and feverish, hardly seeming to know what was happening, John was so taken aback that he just stood there, blocking the doorway. Hoss said impatiently, \u201cGet out of the way John. Joe said you\u2019d have a bed ready for him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, yes of course, warmed and ready. My God Hoss is he\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLater. Let me get him to bed.\u201d As they came to the stairs Hoss said \u201cYou won\u2019t make it brother. Come on arm round my neck.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam did as he was asked, the whole scene swirling round him and Hoss lifted his brother taking virtually all of Adam\u2019s weight on his right arm, just steadying him with his left, avoiding the wound. He was more than glad to reach the bedroom and ease Adam down on the bed, the old wound in his back making it clear that while better, such feats of strength were asking rather too much. Hoss straightened up and turned to John and Jess who had followed him up. John was hovering so Hoss asked him to fetch some coffee, Jess would give him a hand. Adam made no protest as Hoss and Jess slowly and carefully helped him out of his clothes and into bed. He settled down on his side and Hoss placed a pillow to protect his back and didn\u2019t even answer Hoss\u2019 query about coffee and food. So very tired, he just threw off most of the covers and shut his eyes, waiting for the pain to ease, then exhaustion had its way and within seconds he was asleep. Hoss was relieved to see it and tucked Adam up again, knowing he was running a high temperature but with luck a long sleep would work wonders. Jess was looking worried and Hoss grinned \u201cYou should be used to him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOne day he\u2019s gonna push too far.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe not. He knows his own strength, other people underestimate him and he\u2019s not been proved wrong yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss spent a while calming John down and persuading him that there was no need to disturb Doc, there was nothing that Paul could do. By the time that Joe arrived, a chance to rest was already dropping Adam\u2019s temperature, so Hoss wasn\u2019t too worried as he rode home. He went straight to the main house and got two hands to go and keep watch around Adam\u2019s house, promising to have them relieved later. He wasn\u2019t going to tell Carole, not wanting to worry her, but he wasn\u2019t prepared to take any risks. Then he went over to join Sue and the rest of his family. He had success to report and Adam was resting from his exertions, not having taken any real harm from over doing it. Carole listened in silence but what Hoss said made sense even if she would rather have been with her husband see for himself. The big man\u2019s face was always so expressive that she could be sure he wasn\u2019t hiding anything from her and if he wasn\u2019t worried about his brother, she had no need to be. Carole thanked Hoss for telling them and promised not to worry and then told him to take his wife home. Hoss arranged to pick them all up in the morning in good time for the inquest but as Sue got her cloak he hesitated, \u201cI can stay if\u2019n you want Carole. You ain\u2019t gonna sit here and fret are you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole smiled, \u201cI\u2019m fine Hoss, Thank you but you take your wife on home, it\u2019s your honeymoon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Edwin clapped the big man around the shoulders \u201cGo on I can look after Carole and Nita. Adam\u2019s my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure Edwin and thanks. I\u2019m glad you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita sighed, \u201cThese men, mutual admiration society isn\u2019t in it! As though the four of us females can\u2019t look after ourselves. We don\u2019t get into trouble; they\u2019re the ones who need a bodyguard, fighting all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Laura said \u201cHere, here.\u201d And Carole burst out laughing at the hard done by looks on the men\u2019s faces.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben spent two hours with Hearst making it very clear just how many ways they could tie him in, the Preacher, his men, money troubles, the water company, with Croton and Bauer\u2019s statements perhaps even conspiracy to murder if they pushed it hard enough. Hearst was so shocked as he realised that the Cartwrights knew about his involvement, and then all the details that Ben seemed to have, that for a while he didn\u2019t seem able to think at all, not even denying it. When Ben offered a deal he almost jumped at it, he couldn\u2019t afford more scandal. Ben was prepared to let all three men out, if it was proved that the Preacher\u2019s death was an accident and nothing to do with the Ponderosa and on condition that there was no more opposition to the pipeline from Hearst. Hearst was glad to get out from under so easily and professed himself willing, so Ben spent time explaining exactly what he wanted and the provisions he intended making to ensure that Hearst didn\u2019t go back on his word. After the initial shock Hearst got back into control and started trying to haggle about the details but Ben had the whip hand and he knew it. Ben pushed hard and eventually got his own way. It all took time but he was satisfied in the end and very glad that he had dissuaded his son from coming; in his present state Adam just couldn\u2019t have coped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Mrs Mackay had cooked a meal for Joe and had food ready for Ben and Adam if they wanted. Joe sat by his brother\u2019s bed but Adam hadn\u2019t stirred and his temperature was considerably lower as he rested. When Ben got over to join his sons, he checked Adam and then leaving the door open so that they would hear if he stirred, Ben and Joe moved into the next room. Ben filled his youngest son in on what had happened with Hearst while he ate. Everything seemed to be going their way but it was still essential to show the whole town at the inquest the next morning. Joe was worried, unsure that his brother could cope; he had wilted very quickly during the day. Ben shrugged \u201cAll we can do is make sure he gets a decent couple of meals and a good sleep. He\u2019ll be much better in the morning and he won\u2019t have that long ride. You know your brother Joseph, we won\u2019t change his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe could only accept that but he found it difficult to relax and was pacing around, Adam finally stirred just before midnight and Ben went in to him and helped him to sit up, while Joe went and fetched coffee. Adam looked and felt much better and he ate a decent meal while getting details from his father about the meeting with Hearst. He was trying to settle his strategy for the inquest, not looking forward to it. He always got nervous when he had to appear in court even if it was only obvious to those who knew him very well indeed, his own family. This time when he was feeling weak and unsure of his own strength the mere idea made him tense up and the pain in his back and side brought him out in a cold sweat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe wiped his face and offered him a drink but Adam refused. Ben moved in \u201cCome on Son, lie down and get some more sleep it\u2019s going to be a long day tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think I can go back to sleep again yet Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t having Adam lying around worrying and he had a strong sedative that he had collected from Doc, who had been disgusted to hear that his patient had come back to town. He poured out a dose \u201cCome on drink this and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want drugs.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFor once you don\u2019t have any say in the matter. Either drink this and get some more rest or you are not leaving this bed tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned but on occasion Ben could be as stubborn as he was and he recognised the expression, it wasn\u2019t worth arguing, so he submitted. Within ten minutes he was dozing again but he was very restless, muttering indistinguishably and tossing around in the bed. Ben and Joe took it in turns to get some rest while the other one stayed with Adam to try and ensure that he didn\u2019t hurt his back again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam finally slipped into a peaceful sleep about dawn and with the inquest at eleven Ben let him sleep until nine, not wanting him to have too long to fret, knowing how nervous he always got. Joe had been up early and had organised all the papers that his brother could possibly need, so that Adam could find them easily. With any luck if the two men told the truth the whole thing could be over in less than half an hour. They had both claimed that they had seen the accident, as the Preacher lost control of his horse. Ben was hoping that they would get away with three witnesses, Doc and the two men.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Eventually Ben decided he had better wake his son so he had time to get himself ready without being rushed. Ben had collected breakfast determined that Adam should have a decent meal in him before he got up. Adam wasn\u2019t hungry but once he\u2019d washed and shaved he forced himself to eat, knowing that his father was quite capable of locking him in until the inquest was over if he didn\u2019t. Tensing up as he got nervous, hoping that his strength would last out, caused his wounds to send stabs of pain through him and he was hard pushed to hide the pain. He couldn\u2019t finish the food his father brought him but he managed over half and after two cups of coffee, Ben helped him get dressed. He offered a brandy but Adam refused, still slightly dopy from the sedative, he wasn\u2019t sure how it would react and he needed his wits about him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The courthouse was down the other end of town and despite Adam\u2019s protests Ben wasn\u2019t having him walk all that way and got Joe to find Jess and Jos\u00e9 for protection and then go and hire a buggy. They left in plenty of time but the buggy jolting one the rough road, deep with mud hurt Adam badly and he had lost all trace of colour before they were halfway there. Ben would have given a lot to stop right there and forbid Adam to go on but he couldn\u2019t. All he could do was to get to the courthouse as soon as possible and allow his son time to recover. He sent Joe on ahead to arrange the use of one of the small offices and Joe had even managed to provide coffee for his brother. Ben helped Adam in and he sat down resting his head on his arm, only really aware of the pain in his back, already running a temperature. Joe stared horrified at his father \u201cPa you have to stop him, he can\u2019t cope.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam reacted at that and raised his head, managing a smile for his little brother, \u201cUnderestimating me again! Have you got coffee or have I overestimated your organizing ability?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe shook his head in disgust but went and poured coffee. Adam slowly got control of himself, drank two cups of coffee and consciously relaxed until the pain eased. Then he got to his feet \u201cTime to make a move. Are Carole and the others here yet?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had been keeping an eye out and he nodded \u201cArrived a couple of minutes ago, Jos\u00e9 was keeping seats for them. It\u2019s packed out there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had expected that. His father had managed to arrange for him to present the case. It wasn\u2019t unusual for a case to be presented by one of the local lawyers and the judge was prepared to accept it but he had warned Ben that he would not stand for any cover up and would be questioning the witnesses as he saw fit. There wasn\u2019t any way to keep Hearst\u2019s name out of it completely but provided they weren\u2019t to be charged Croton and Bauer were prepared to take all the responsibility for their idea of moving the body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he went in Adam met Carole\u2019s eye and smiled reassuringly at her and she returned it, not about to worry him but as soon as he had gone past the smile was replaced by a worried frown. Ben slipped in next to her and gripped her hand, \u201cIt\u2019s alright. Be over fairly quickly. He\u2019s had a long sleep and two decent meals, he can manage.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole was relieved to see that Doc was sitting over near Adam, due to testify he would also be there if her husband needed him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam called Joe first and took him through the preacher\u2019s visit to the ranch with Joe having him escorted from it and then the word coming of the accident, with their visit to the site to check before sending for Doc and the sheriff. The Judge then took over querying why they had bothered. Joe was quite frank, the Preacher had had a lot to say about his family, none of it complimentary and with his body on their ranch they didn\u2019t want to be accused of involvement and had lent over backwards to do everything by the book, so they couldn\u2019t be accused of covering up anything. The angry murmur from the crowded courtroom was testimony that most people there didn\u2019t believe Joe and Adam tensed a little, hoping that they could convince the hostile crowd by the end of the morning. He could only continue with his plan and he called Doc next. Paul testified that there was nothing about the body which would indicate anything other than accidental death, his neck broken when the buggy overturned.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Needing to lay the foundations for his next witnesses, Adam questioned Doc about the dead horse and the disparity of the time of its death and the probable time of the Preacher\u2019s death. The jury began to sit forward interested by that, sensing that it might be a more interesting inquest than they had expected.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once Paul left the stand, Adam eased himself to his feet and with all the attention on him, he explained about the two hands who had passed the area late at night on their way home to the Ponderosa without seeing any sign of the buggy. He passed the two signed statements, on the top of the pile Joe had prepared for him, to the Judge, assuring him that the men were there and available to testify if required. The Judge signalled him to go on and Adam explained that although the point where the buggy was found was on the direct route to the ranch for horsemen it was a very rough road for a buggy. Given the place where his men had last seen the Preacher the night of the wedding, there was no reason for the Preacher to be there.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Then Adam called Croton to the stand. He was very tense hoping the man wouldn\u2019t go back on his statement and it was an effort to keep his back straight. Joe had taken a seat just behind Adam and seeing the tension he lent forward, murmuring \u201cEasy Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took a deep breath and made a conscious effort to relax and then started taking Croton through his story, the signed statement ostentatiously in his hand, Croton said that he and his partner worked for George Hearst and the Preacher was an old friend of Hearst\u2019s, so they sort of kept an eye on him, he wasn\u2019t too good at looking out for himself. They knew he\u2019d gone to the Ponderosa but he had come back faster than they had expected and they weren\u2019t at the meeting place. They saw the Preacher as they headed out towards it and he had lost control of his buggy horse which was running away with him. Adam asked if there was anyone else around but Croton shook his head, he hadn\u2019t seen anyone or heard anything. Croton had no idea what had set the horse running but he did admit that it was well off the Ponderosa. By this time the whole court was listening so intently the only sound the questions and answers, but the position of the buggy was noticed and there was a sudden murmur as everyone commented to their neighbour. Adam waited for quiet again and then asked what else Croton had seen. Croton explained that the wheels of the buggy had caught in the mud; the horse tried to pull on and got caught up in the reins breaking its leg. The buggy had turned over and the Preacher was thrown out. He was dead by the time they reached him. Adam emphasized where and when the death occurred and the Judge began to look very puzzled. Adam went on, bringing out that they had moved the body and set up a new accident site on the Ponderosa. Unable to wait the Judge interrupted demanding to know why they had done such a bizarre thing. Croton wouldn\u2019t look at either the Judge or Adam, staring down at the floor but his voice was clear enough. He explained that he and his partner knew that both the Preacher and his boss disliked the pipeline and they had decided that if the Cartwrights had something else to think about they might give it up. He claimed that they had been drinking as an excuse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While the Judge was still considering that testimony Adam called the German. The worst hurdles over he had relaxed and for a moment nearly lost control of his sense the whole room seeming to fade away and as the Judge asked him something his voice was just booming, making no sense. Joe came to his feet and steadied his brother, urgently asking for someone to bring some water. Hoss moved over and took the Judge\u2019s water glass that the older man held out to him. He fed it to Adam and Joe asked, “Adam do you need to ask for a break?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam heard his brother\u2019s voice and made the effort to pull himself together, grateful for a drink but he was back in control. He pulled away from Joe and apologised to the Judge for the delay and then began taking Bauer through his story. He kept it short as Bauer\u2019s English was slightly limited but the German backed Croton up all down the line. Having finished with Bauer, Adam sat down and looked up at the Judge. \u201cI think that about covers it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Judge shook his head \u201cNot quite.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tensed up at that wondering just what the Judge wanted to probe into, maybe embroiling Hearst in it. The pain in his side and back stabbed at him as he tensed and he bit his lip, trying desperately to hide his pain. As though from a long way away he heard the Judge suggest that he take the stand himself and explain how they had tracked down two witnesses, who were presumably reluctant to testify. The Judge seemed almost to suspect that the men had been paid to tell a story and Adam realised that he should have been prepared for that reaction but he couldn\u2019t think clearly. Joe lent forward \u201cCall me again Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam could only do as Joe suggested, it was taking him all his time to keep control and sit upright. Joe gripped his arm and smiled \u201cTake it easy relax, its okay\u201d He took the stand and the Judge reminded him that he was still under oath. Joe was relieved to see Hoss slip forward to sit next to his brother, a supporting arm round him, but then Joe concentrated on the Judge, who had taken over the questioning, seeing Adam was close to collapse.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe smiled casually, seemingly totally relaxed as he told the Judge about the horse with the distinctive shoe, indicating the sample in the box which Roy had brought along to the inquest. He explained how they had hunted for the second site, discovered it and again found the distinctive shoe. In town they had traced rumours back to one saloon and with assistance from some of the local kids they had found the horse. Once they had found the bay, it was just a case of waiting for the owner and his partner.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Judge frowned \u201cWhat did you offer them to talk?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA prosecution for perjury if they lied! Once they realised that we knew exactly what they\u2019d done, they caved in. It wasn\u2019t breaking the law until they lied on oath and we promised that if they did we\u2019d prosecute.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Judge grunted but as Joe sat relaxed just looking enquiringly at him he gave up and turned it over to the jury.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The jury didn\u2019t even bother to retire, bringing in a verdict of accidental death. They added that Croton and Bauer might like to leave town before they got run out on a rail and that certain people ought to apologise for things said to and about the Cartwrights. The Judge admonished them that such comments weren\u2019t part of their job but the jury was unrepentant. Hoss was delighted and grinned at his father, the whole atmosphere in the room had swung round, not only the jury had cleared them. Joe had settled on the other side of Adam talking quietly to his brother, telling him to hold on just a few more minutes. Adam was just about managing to keep his head up but he was not really aware of what was going on, not even hearing the jury\u2019s verdict, it was all just noise. As people came to their feet Hoss and Ben moved to stop anyone coming over to try and congratulate Adam. Ben murmured to his big son \u201cAdam\u2019s about out, get him through to the Judge\u2019s room; we can\u2019t move him through this crowd.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded and carefully picking Adam up, he followed as Joe pushed the door open into the Judge\u2019s room at the rear of the court house. The Judge was just collecting his papers together and looked up outraged as Joe came in. Joe held the door open for his brothers \u201cI\u2019m sorry Sir, but Adam\u2019s gonna pass out with all that noise and bustle.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss put Adam down in a chair and knelt down in front of him, supporting his brother who didn\u2019t seem aware of where he was. The coroner opened a drawer and got out a bottle of brandy and a glass, he pushed them towards Joe \u201cHere, he looks as though he needs it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank you Sir. He needs a week in bed and that\u2019s where he\u2019s going. I apologize for intruding on you but he\u2019d hate to collapse with so many interested spectators and we couldn\u2019t get him through them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI could see that he wasn\u2019t well, the sling for a start but I hadn\u2019t realised how ill he was. He seemed alright when I spoke to him earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust overdoing it. You heard that he\u2019d been shot.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d said the Judge horrified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was surprised and briefly outlined the hatred they had found in town and the attack, just why the inquest had been so vital to them, the alternative looking like a lynch mob for something that was nothing to do with them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Judge whistled softly \u201cIf I\u2019d known I wouldn\u2019t have pushed so hard.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you didn\u2019t know Sir. We have nothing to hide, now everyone knows that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss had fed Adam the brandy and he slowly sat up more in control. He heard Joe\u2019s final comment and asked \u201cJoe, you say they know, what was the verdict?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Neither of his brothers was particularly surprised that he hadn\u2019t taken it in while in court, even if the Judge was, and they rapidly filled him in. As they did so Ben and Carole came in to join them and Ben added his apology for their invasion but the Judge shrugged \u201cOnly sensible things to do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had his arm round his wife, vainly trying to convince her that he was fine. Ben wasn\u2019t accepting that either but now he could take time to rest he would recover rapidly. He had done a fine job, as had Joe, and they could forget all about the Preacher. Ben insisted that Adam was going to rest before they attempted anything else and he took a room at the nearest hotel and settled his son for a couple of hours sleep. Then he arranged for a meal before they headed home.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam insisted that he was going to ride his black stallion home; he\u2019d had more than enough of a buggy for one day. As the drive over had been so hard on him Ben accepted that his son probably knew the easiest way to travel, knowing that Adam had always avoided wagons and buggies whenever he could, especially with the roads as rough as they were at the moment. Carole argued against it but Ben said \u201cHe\u2019ll be better on horseback and we can always stop and change round if we need to,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole gave way consoling herself that after a rest and a meal her husband looked much better. He was very pleased with the way things had gone and Doc had checked him over, lecturing him on overdoing things but having to admit he\u2019d taken no real harm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Buy the time they were halfway home Adam was wilting but with his brothers close on either side he made the house where Hoss carried him straight to bed. Ben went up to help and Adam was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow and leaving his door open they went on down. Everyone was delighted with the way the inquest had gone and very impressed. Adam hadn\u2019t realised how theatrical he looked, very pale and the white sling showing against his dark clothes, his voice low because of his weakness he had dominated the room until his near collapse. Joe had produced an equally effective performance skirting round the things they didn\u2019t want brought out without making it obvious. Even though Adam was still weak and in pain he wasn\u2019t seriously hurt and would recover quickly now he could allow himself time to relax. They could all concentrate on the preparations for Joe and Nita\u2019s wedding, only ten days off now.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe found it almost impossible to imagine how he had got into such a state at Hoss\u2019 wedding only three days ago. It felt like a lifetime away, but as his wedding was threatened so it became more imperative to go ahead as planned and now nothing could stop him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even Carole had relaxed, the threat of prison was gone for good and even if it was wrong she was glad the Preacher was dead and couldn\u2019t any longer insult her husband with complete impunity, hiding behind his cloth as a Man of God. Adam would be fine now he could take time to recover.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Much to Adam\u2019s disgust the next day everyone ganged up on him and insisted that for one day at least he was staying in bed; give his body a chance to recover. Very much under protest Adam gave way and had no reason to complain about neglect. When he was awake his room was always full. Edwin talked over his plans for his show opening in three more days and Adam was determined to attend the opening night. Carole made it very clear that he was only going to go if he rested in the interim. It was all he really felt fit for and for once he was an almost model patient, all too aware that he had been overdoing things.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat back and watched his big son so happy with his new bride, his youngest exuberantly planning his wedding, and his eldest content with his wife and three kids. Life was better than ever and he was the self satisfied patriarch, rather obviously so to the amused gaze of his three sons.<\/p>\n
\nThe Homecoming<\/a><\/span>
\nHome to Stay<\/a><\/span>
\nHoneymoon and Arguments<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Marie<\/a><\/span>
\nAdam and Carole<\/a><\/span>
\nA European Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Aftermath<\/a><\/span>
\nA Busy Summer<\/a><\/span>
\nA Tree Falls<\/a><\/span>
\nSan Fracisco Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nA Stranger from the Past<\/a><\/span>
\nA Sense of Blame<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Medicine Man<\/a><\/span>
\nCourtship and Cattle Drives<\/a><\/span>
\nAngels with Red Hair?<\/a><\/span>
\nThieves and Murderers<\/a><\/span>
\nPipeline Problems<\/a><\/span>
\nGuests for Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nA Turbulent Preacher<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Nita<\/a><\/span>
\nBen and Beth<\/a><\/span>
\nBanks, Pipelines, and Railroads<\/a><\/span>
\nLost<\/a><\/span>
\nA New Operation<\/a><\/span>
\nA Slow Recovery<\/a><\/span>
\nCelebrations<\/a><\/span>
\nForest Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nA Premature Birth<\/a>
\n<\/span>The Bank of California<\/a>
\nTrail Drive<\/a><\/span>
\nRobbery and Assault<\/a><\/span>
\nVirginia City on Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nRebuilding Virginia City<\/a><\/span>
\nCatching Up<\/a><\/span>
\nChristenings, Commissions, and Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nWinter Ills<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #2 \u2013 Advance Warning<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #3 – Family Row #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #4 \u2013 Family Row #2<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #5 \u2013 Family Row #3<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #6 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #7 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #2 – Court Hearing<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #8 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #3 – Knight Errant<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #9 – The Spanish Land Grant #4 – The Long Journey Home<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #10 – The Spanish Land Grant #5 – Troy’s Last Stand<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n