Summary: A very busy day in town for Adam brings unexpected news for Ben.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG\u00a0 (18,580 words)<\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cartwright Saga Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Lawyer <\/a><\/span> \n Ben and Beth<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n About a fortnight after Joe\u2019s wedding Adam rode into town alone to do some routine banking and to try and hire some new hands. They were going to need a lot with the new logging site on the far side of Tahoe, and there was more work already than those over wintering could cope with, as they began to prepare the tools that they would need. His father was busy with the outline work plan for the summer and his brothers had planned to take their new wives for a picnic as the weather was clear and crisp. On hearing Adam planned to go to town alone both Hoss and Joe independently offered to go with their brother. They had left everything to their father and eldest brother, just enjoying themselves, but for Hoss in particular it had been a month of lazing around, longer than ever before, except when he\u2019d been ill. He was beginning to feel guilty and he was unsure just how fit Adam was. He knew that Sue wouldn\u2019t mind if they had to change their plans, she knew it was a working ranch. Adam knew exactly why the offers were made and he laughed at his brothers, \u201cI can cope, just routine and I\u2019m perfectly fit. What I could never get through to any of you was that neither wound was serious, only flesh wounds and it was a month ago!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked over at his father but Ben just shrugged \u201cI expect Adam is right, he\u2019ll be fine. You go off on your picnic, enjoy yourself. You\u2019ve earnt it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had headed out fast before anyone else started fussing but Hoss had turned worriedly to his father. Ben acknowledged that Adam was still low on stamina and although healed over so that he no longer needed dressings, neither wound was fully healed. Still he pointed out that Adam had often been a lot worse and coped. Ben did his best to reassure Hoss and as his father wasn\u2019t really worried, Hoss was able to forget his concerns and join his wife Joe and Nita. Joe had been working with the pretty grey mare that Nita had chosen and he reckoned she was just about well enough schooled for his wife, who was a good horsewoman. They were going out to the herd to collect the mare and let Nita try her. Adam and Joe had built a small training corral out there, well away from the house, where they could work the blood stock without the barrage of interested comments and calls from the hands which normally went along with breaking horses. Joe planned to let Nita get used to the mare in the security of the training corral that the mare knew well.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took it easy on the way to town, not as fit as he\u2019d have the others believe but not too bad. He was very contented seeing both his brothers so happy; it had been an idyllic couple of weeks. Both Sue and Nita were fitting in so well and his own lovely Carole was seemingly fully recovered, the past if not forgotten, put well behind her. None of them had been in town for a week but Adam didn\u2019t expect anything much to have happened in that time. He went straight to the bank and spent twenty minutes on routine chores and arranged for a money-belt to be made up for him as he collected the next months wages, he would pick it up before leaving town.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Word that Adam was in town quickly spread and before he had finished in the Bank three messenger boys had contacted him with word what someone wanted to see him. The first two weren\u2019t totally unexpected, being from Fair and McKay and from John Marye, his main stock broker but he couldn\u2019t imagine what John Ferguson wanted to see him about. Puzzled Adam headed down to Ferguson\u2019s small office first. Ferguson was the chief engineer on the Virginia and Truckee railway and Adam had had many contacts with him in the past. All the main trestles were built with Ponderosa timber, but they had fulfilled their final contract the previous autumn and Adam couldn\u2019t believe anything needed replacing yet. Inevitably it would in time but the last time he had seen the biggest and best down at Devil\u2019s Gate it had looked in beautiful condition and he knew that the timber they had provided was top quality. Slightly worried Adam was deep in his thoughts as he pushed his way through the crowds down to Ferguson\u2019s and he didn\u2019t even hear his name being called until Tony Enders caught up with him and grabbed his arm. It pulled on the barely healed back muscles and Adam was a little pale as he turned to face Tony but he smiled at the youngster seeing the excitement in his eyes. \u201cHarv wants to see you; can you come over to the office the pipe\u2019s about ready?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s good news. I\u2019ll come over later but just at the minute I have another appointment, everyone seems to want to see me today. I\u2019ll be over as soon as I can.\u201d Adam, smiled again and the hurried on down the street.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ferguson was in his office and offered Adam coffee or brandy but Adam, slightly on edge, refused he had a lot to do and would rather get straight down to business, Ferguson smiled, \u201cIt isn\u2019t really business. It will be in the paper on Friday, but as you and your family have been involved from the start I thought I\u2019d tell you personally. The railroad is finished, apart from last minute checks and we will be opening it officially on Friday week. The full timetable is still to be worked out, but from Friday week we\u2019ll run twenty trains a day in each direction to start. I have the official invitations to the opening ceremony.\u201d He passed four to Adam \u201cFor your family, wives included of course.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had relaxed as he realised that it wasn\u2019t trouble and he was pleased by the gesture. Ferguson could easily have put the invitations into the post, instead he had made the effort to deliver them personally and he added his thanks for their prompt fulfilment of all the contracts with high quality timber, saying that it was a pleasure to do business with the Ponderosa. Adam appreciated it and he knew that his father and brothers would too. They chatted for ten minutes and Adam promised that some, if not all, of his family would attend the opening and then excused himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was fairly near the stockbroker\u2019s office and so he headed there next, going up to see John Marye, wondering what query had come up now. John was waiting for him and had a sheaf of papers needing Adam\u2019s and Ben\u2019s signatures, routine business as he kept an eye on their portfolios, but he quickly came to the reason he had asked to see Adam. For some reason which so far he\u2019d been unable to discover there was suddenly a great deal of interest in Ophir stock. Both Adam and his father held considerable blocks but until the last week it had been virtually valueless as the Ophir was in borrasca. Now suddenly there were buyers and it was already up over 30 dollars a foot. Marye hadn\u2019t sold any of the stock until he\u2019d had a chance to speak to them and find out what they wanted. Adam was intrigued but Marye couldn\u2019t tell him anything more, he hadn\u2019t been able to find out who the buyers were, although he still had feelers out. Adam wasn\u2019t selling until he knew what was going on and he was sure that his father would take the same position. Marye promised to push enquiries and try to find out and to keep them informed. Adam said that he would have a word with Philip Deidersheimer, still the superintendent of the Ophir. They didn\u2019t need the money and had originally bought the stock cheap, over the years the dividends had more than repaid the initial investment so they had nothing to lose. That didn\u2019t stop Adam being intrigued by this sudden surge of interest in the mine. Certainly several mines were in bonanza but the Ophir was out to one side of Mount Davidson and Adam wasn\u2019t at all sure that the body of rich ore in the lower reaches of the California and the Consolidated Virginia would reach as far as the Ophir. Until he knew more he wouldn\u2019t act and Marye hadn\u2019t really expected anything else. Adam collected a sheaf of documents to go through at home and resum\u00e9s of all their current holdings and then excused himself. He had hands to find apart from other meetings.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was determined to get all his business completed in one day although he was already feeling tired, more than he had expected. He decided to go and see Harv and get a brandy before attempting to find hands. From what Ferguson had said the railroad had laid off several thousand men, so for once maybe it wouldn\u2019t be too hard to find labour. By the time he reached Harv\u2019s small office Adam was glad to sit down with coffee and brandy. The streets seemed even more jam-packed than usual and several times he had been banged or jostled, catching his sore back. Although the wound was healed on the surface, the deep muscles were still knitting together and it was very sore and painful when banged. Harv recognised his tiredness and let Adam have a drink in peace before coming to business. Harv had heard from San Francisco and the pipe that they had ordered would be completed by next week. They had to arrange delivery. Adam was glad that he had gone to see Ferguson first and he was able to tell Harv that the pipe could come by train all the way, which simplified things considerably. It was nearly the end of February and they were lucky as the lower reaches of the pipe route near town were clear of snow, even though it was deep back in the mountains. Adam saw no reason why they shouldn\u2019t get a crew together and begin digging and he suggested that Harv join him after lunch when he was going to be hiring men anyway. For half an hour the two men ran over details of just how to lay the pipe. Harv had it all planned out and apart from a few minor suggestions Adam was satisfied with the plans. In order to facilitate the delivery he gave Harv an open cheque on his own account to pay for the pipe and delivery, promising to arrange a meeting of all the directors in the next week or so to settle the financing. Some was already available but not enough to cover the pipe and the hiring of men. Money had been worrying Harv more than anything but, with Adam taking care of that, he was confident that he could handle all the details.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam arranged to come back after lunch but well tired he had a bad headache and was determined to have half an hour in peace to enjoy a meal and a drink. He didn\u2019t want anything fancy and decided to go down to the Bucket O\u2019 Blood and get Don to do him a steak, He had found a table in the corner and was enjoying a beer making a conscious effort to relax when Dan de Quille came in. Adam was very fond of the reporter and usually enjoyed his company but just at the moment he wished Dan to perdition, he had hoped for half an hour\u2019s peace. Still as Dan came over with his beer, Adam pulled out a chair. Dan sat down scanning his friend\u2019s face \u201cYou look tired. All on your own?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine; Joe and Hoss are out on a picnic with their wives. Pa\u2019s working. They are both on their honeymoon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHow is it going?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam chatted for ten minutes, filling Dan in on the news from the ranch and then as he had Dan underfoot anyway, he decided to make use of it and asked what Dan knew about the surge of interest in the Ophir stock. Dan had noticed it too and had been making enquiries, always the best informed reporter on the mines. He had picked up a rumour that Ralston himself was interested but on checking with Philip he\u2019d been unable to find any reason. Certainly the Bank had put exploration teams into the Ophir as it had with all the other mines in which it had an interest, which weren\u2019t already in bonanza. Ralston as chairman of the Bank should know the results of that but then so should the superintendent of the mine and Philip hadn\u2019t heard of any major find. Dan knew Philip very well and was sure that his old friend wouldn\u2019t lie. If anything had been found Philip might equivocate, but he wouldn\u2019t give an outright denial,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam asked \u201cWhat about Sharon?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe owns some stock but as far as I can tell isn\u2019t in the market.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you find out anymore\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll send word out to the Ponderosa. One thing you might not have heard about Sharon, he\u2019s interested in the next Senate election again, or so the rumour goes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI thought we\u2019d squashed that!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOnly for one time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDamn the man. How about Jones is he still interested?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan shrugged \u201cI don\u2019t know. I have feelers out but little that\u2019s definite yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam finished his steak and ordered a brandy, he had plenty to think about and he still had Fair and MacKay to see. With nearly an hour to go before he\u2019d arranged to meet Harv he decided to get them out of the way. Chances were it was some legal problem they wanted him to solve, according to the latest reports both mines were running smoothly with rich ore pouring out of both and the 1500 foot level hadn\u2019t yet been broached in earnest. Saying goodbye to Dan with his promise to send word of fresh developments on either story, Adam headed up to the California mine offices. He was in luck both Fair and MacKay were there. They took Adam through to the small private office and offered coffee and brandy. Adam looked from one to the other seeing the bubbling excitement in the two men and he accepted another brandy, whatever they wanted it wasn\u2019t any routine legal problem.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam lent back in the chair, rather sideways trying to ease his aching back and looked from one to the other. \u201cAlright what did you want me for?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim Fair got out some papers from the desk. \u201cWe want to raise the dividends on both mines. The figures speak for themselves, Flood agrees with us and was gonna talk to O\u2019Brien. I was coming out tomorrow to see you and your father but, as you are in town, you\u2019ve saved me a trip.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam held out his hand for the papers and began checking the figures. For five minutes he was left in peace, both men knew him very well and knew he wouldn\u2019t be rushed. Then Adam looked up \u201cWhat are you suggesting?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair said \u201c$1 040 000 per month for each mine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam whistled softly at that, the Cartwrights would clear over half a million dollars in cold cash every month without even considering the value of their shares, For a moment he just stared at the figures and then looked up, \u201cI can\u2019t give you an answer now. I want to go through the detailed breakdown, talk it over with my family, but offhand I see no real reason why not. I\u2019ll get back to you before the weekend,\u201d he frowned, even such large sums didn\u2019t explain the excitement that he could see, \u201cWhat else did you want?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair and Mackay grinned at each other, they were well used to Adam. John came over and pulled up a chair close to his friend. \u201cArises out of this Adam. You must have large sums of money sitting around, like us. Be even more now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned, he knew they had some proposition for him but he was already deeply involved in several mines, pushed to provide the lumber needed for them and with more money than they would ever need. He wasn\u2019t at all sure that he wanted to get any deeper involved and he knew that his family, especially Hoss felt the same way. Still these were long time colleagues and friends and the least he could do was listen. \u201cGo ahead John, I\u2019m listening.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou bank with the Virginia City Bank?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou know we do.\u201d said Adam very puzzled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re with the Bank of California, don\u2019t make much difference, it controls the Virginia City Bank.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe but Harris has proved a good friend to us on many occasions. I don\u2019t understand what you\u2019re getting at.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cToo much money in one place, in one Bank. Suppose the Bank of California failed?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged \u201cBe a major disaster for everyone. It controls all the banks in the both Nevada and California eventually, but with the mines in bonanza I don\u2019t see that it\u2019s likely.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cRalston is said to be losing his grip.\u201d Jim commented.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned \u201cI still don\u2019t see what you\u2019re getting at,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jim grinned \u201cWe\u2019ve decided that it\u2019s time there was a separate bank, a Bank of Nevada. We have plenty of cash; we can buy the expertise, set up our own bank. Flood and O\u2019Brien both agree and we\u2019ve had a feasibility study done. We want you in too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d said John expansively \u201cWe got all the papers together Adam. Wanted you and your Pa to look at it fresh once we\u2019d got the details, see what you thought.\u201d He moved and picked up a bundle of papers nearly six inches high and passed it over to Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned at it, \u201cWe can\u2019t give you an answer in a hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fair and MacKay accepted that, he wasn\u2019t ruling it out immediately and that was all they had hoped for now. They were sure that the case they had made would stand on its own. They were prepared to give the Cartwrights time, wanting the integrity of the Cartwright name behind their new venture.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam excused himself five minutes later with an alarmingly large bundle of papers from various sources, enough to keep him busy for the next week at a conservative estimate. He had been completely taken aback by this new idea and overtired, not thinking too clearly he didn\u2019t seem able to react at all. He went down the street to join Harv, almost in a dream.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had put up notices for men wanting work before going to the Bank but, even knowing that the railroad was laying off, he was surprised to see the mass of people surging around outside the small office he\u2019d borrowed. Harv was already there but nonplussed with several hundred men outside he hadn\u2019t known what to do and hadn\u2019t made a start. The men here were rough and ready and before he had always taken over existing work crews, only dealing with the managers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had a job to push his way through, some of the men seemed to think he was trying to jump the queue, but others recognised him and as word spread who he was a passage opened for him. Adam was grateful for that, he\u2019d caught an elbow in the ribs on his injured side and it was aching fiercely. Pale and drawn he firmly shut the door and sat down on the desk for a minute. He had talked it over with his father and decided to hire up to eighty hands although he hadn\u2019t expected to get them easily today, Harv wanted a crew too and with plenty of labour available he decided to hire sixty men. Adam concurred, even then they would only need less than half of the men waiting so they could pick and choose, Adam opened the door and informed the men of the two jobs available, wither digging ditch for the pipeline or lumbering on the far side of Lake Tahoe. He ordered them to get into line for whichever job they wanted. Adam was able to pick and choose, paying higher wages than the ditching crew. Many of the men had worked on the railroad and he gave preference to those who\u2019d done lumbering before, helped to build the trestles. He saw two men that he knew, Peter Curtis and Tom Seton who had been foremen on the main trestle at Devil\u2019s Gate and snapped them up, He had worked with both of them personally and knew they were good man who weren\u2019t shy of responsibility. Checking the men\u2019s background it all took a long time and several times during the afternoon one of the men mentioned being warned off, that trouble could ensue if they worked for the Cartwrights. None of them had taken it very seriously, all wanting work and not liking the confined spaces in the mines. Adam got the most details from Curtis but even he hadn\u2019t known the men who warned him off. The main effort seemed to have been aimed at men intending to dig the pipeline ditch; the pipe was still unpopular in certain quarters. Adam had a word with Harv, who had picked up the same rumours but no details, he was nervous and Adam decided to hire an extra ten men to replace some of his long term hands who could ride guard along the pipeline until they saw what was happening, It was a first move, anything else could await discussion with his father but he decided to get a few old friends digging to try and find out what, if anything, was planned. Adam was exhausted by the time he had finished hiring men and arranging for them to go out to the ranch but he still hadn\u2019t finished. He spent another hour getting his contacts started on enquiries round town. Then he went down to the Palace for a brandy before heading home, shivering slightly, well aware that he\u2019d overtaxed his strength, but it hadn\u2019t been planned. There had been too many things coming up all at once and he hadn\u2019t really had any chance to stop and think about any of them. He was glad of the warmth of the brandy and was tying his many papers into a couple of neat bundles before going home when Roy cam over to join him<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned as Roy ordered himself a large whisky and drank it down in one gulp. Roy was good at hiding his feelings but Adam knew him very well and could see that he was very upset about something, although he couldn\u2019t imagine what. Adam asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Roy? Do you want another drink?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlease Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam signalled the bartender and then waited until he\u2019d left before looking over at Roy \u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust a message for you Adam, Doc would like to have a word with you before you go home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned worriedly and Roy put a reassuring hand on his arm, \u201cNothing to do with your family as such.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut there\u2019s something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy downed the whisky \u201cYeah, but if you don\u2019t mind I\u2019d rather leave Doc to tell you.\u201d He straightened up at that and walked out of the saloon. Very puzzled Adam could only go to ask Doc, so he finished his brandy, collected his papers and headed down there. He was so tired, both his back and his side aching, that it seemed to take forever to reach Doc\u2019s. He pushed his horse through the crowded streets, very worried imagining disasters everywhere, although he had Roy\u2019s word that it wasn\u2019t his family, He dismounted stiffly tying Blackie up outside and went in. Doc was waiting for him and as Adam came in he frowned \u201cYou\u2019ve been overdoing it Adam, you look all in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEveryone wants to see a Cartwright today, been busier than I expected. What\u2019s wrong Doc? Roy made it very clear that something was.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCome and sit down Adam. Do you want a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust tell me Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Beth. I was going to send for your father.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with her?\u201d Adam frowned, he\u2019d last seen her at Joe\u2019s wedding and she had seemed fine,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been treating her for more than a year, something wrong with her kidneys as far as I can tell. She\u2019s dying Adam, went into acute failure yesterday. She has two, maybe three, days.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stared at Doc in disbelief, very pale, hardly able to believe what he was hearing. He had known Beth for many years and was very fond of her. When they had needed help she had always been ready, even before asked. Just a month ago when he was injured they had turned to Beth. He knew that his father had come close to marrying Beth and all of them would have accepted it and welcomed her to the ranch. Ben hadn\u2019t been able to take the final plunge but Adam knew just how much Beth meant to his father. Upset for her and dreading having to tell his father, Adam could understand now why Roy was so upset; he was as fond of Beth as Ben. Eventually Adam licked dry lips and looked up, \u201cCan I have that drink now please.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Exhausted anyway the shock hit Adam hard and Doc checked his pulse before pouring him a large brandy. Adam sipped it \u201cAre you sure Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wish I wasn\u2019t. She didn\u2019t want anyone to know. This is the fifth time she\u2019s gone into failure each one worse than the time before and until lunchtime I was hoping I could pull her round again for a while but there\u2019s no chance. She was asking for your father, you know she has loved Ben for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know Doc. Can I see her? We all know her and love her, owe her so much.\u201d Adam bit his lip blinking hard, close to breaking down. Doc nodded \u201cI\u2019m sure she\u2019d like to see you. She\u2019s at home with a nurse from the hospital; Sister Cecily has been with her most of the time. Just don\u2019t overtire her.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded and pulled himself to his feet \u201cI\u2019ll tell Pa. He\u2019ll be in later I\u2019ve no doubt.\u201d He rubbed his hand across his aching eyes and Doc said \u201cI\u2019m sorry to land you with such a hard job when you\u2019re exhausted anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEasiest coming from me, not a stranger. Thank you for letting us know. Beth is important to all of us.\u201d Doc sighed \u201cShe is to me too, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know that and I\u2019m sure that she does. Oh God, why Beth?\u201d Adam took a deep breath to get control of himself and slowly made his way over to her house. By the time he arrived he was well in control and he went up to her room and knocked quietly in case she was asleep. Sister Cecily came out and looking at Adam she led him into the next room \u201cDoc has told you. She\u2019s awake and I\u2019m sure she\u2019d like to see you. She\u2019s asking for Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know and I\u2019ll go and get him in a minute but I\u2019d like to see her. Once I thought she\u2019d marry Pa and I\u2019d have welcomed it, I love her too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTry and take it easy Adam. I know you love her but Beth has accepted it. She is very peaceful. Doc is keeping the pain down, even if it costs her a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t trust his voice and the nun patted his arm \u201cShe\u2019s in good hands, you believe that don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded slowly and with an effort got control, \u201cI\u2019m alright. I won\u2019t upset her.\u201d Satisfied of that Sister Cecily went back to her patient to tell her that Adam was there. Beth was very fond of all the Cartwrights but next to Ben she was closest to Adam, he was only ten years younger than she was. As Adam came in he was shaken at how frail and jaundiced Beth looked, the mark of death was already clear on her and he couldn\u2019t doubt the accuracy of Doc\u2019s prognosis, although he feared the timing might be optimistic. He forced a smile for Beth as he sat down by the bed but he couldn\u2019t hide the shock and sorrow in his eyes. Adam took Beth\u2019s hand, it didn\u2019t seem possible that she had lost so much weight so quickly; her hand had no strength, seemingly no blood, every bone clear. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell us Beth?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She patted his hand, \u201cNothing anyone could do Adam Doc wrote to all the experts, there\u2019s nothing, I knew it was just a matter of time and I\u2019ve had many lovely times these last months, If you\u2019d known it would always have been there, maybe awkward. So many of my best hours have been on the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs there anything I can do Beth? Take you back there now if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beth smiled; she couldn\u2019t take the journey and knew it, as did Adam. \u201cJust one thing Adam. Break it gently to your father and I\u2019d like to see him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course Beth. He\u2019ll be here as soon as he can, you try and rest now. I\u2019ll come back with Pa and we\u2019ll both be praying for you.\u201d Adam lent over and kissed her forehead. \u201cWe all love you Beth, love you and owe you so much, so many kindnesses over so many years.\u201d He couldn\u2019t trust his voice to say anymore and just kissed her again, before getting to his feet and walking out, almost blindly. He stood on the landing gripping the handrail for a couple of minutes, so many memories, fighting for control. He was desperately tired and upset, feeling weak and ill, but he had to get home and try to tell his father somehow and then try to help, because Ben was going to take it very hard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stuffed all his papers, all the work in his saddle bags, it had seemed important but now none of it mattered. He had to go and tell Carole first, warn her that he wouldn\u2019t be back and tell her about Beth. Despite his near exhaustion Adam was determined to stay with his father, for once Ben would need his help. He didn\u2019t rush home needing time to think and to force himself to relax so that he would be able to help his father. With so many other things coming up that he hadn\u2019t planned on Adam was very much later heading home than he had expected. He hoped that Carole wouldn\u2019t be worried. He had warned her that he might be delayed but even so, neither of them had expected it to be this late.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In fact Carole was beginning to get very worried, it was past eight o\u2019clock and she had finally had her dinner, not waiting any longer for Adam. Nita, Sue Hoss and Joe had all come over after their dinner and they\u2019d been there about ten minutes when Adam finally reached home. Joe and Hoss were both worried about their brother, knowing he was still short on stamina and they were discussing whether to go meet him and risk the eruption it would cause. On the other hand any number of things could have held him up in town and although he would be carrying a large amount of cash, noone should know about that. They had just about decided to head for town when they heard a horse coming in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam collected his thoughts as he rode into the yard. He had to break it to Carole and then go to see his father, he left Blackie tied to the rail and as he walked round it he saw Joe and Hoss. He was relieved to see them, at least he wouldn\u2019t have to leave Carole alone, she was fond of Beth too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Equally his brothers were relieved to see Adam and Joe said, \u201cAbout time. Do you want me to see to Blackie?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo leave him. I\u2019m going to see Pa in a minute. He isn\u2019t here is he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo but can\u2019t it wait until the morning, you look all in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo Joe. Come inside I have bad news.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe and Hoss could see that etched on his face and followed him in, wondering what on earth was wrong. Carole came over to him as soon as she saw his face \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took her hand and gently forced her down into the nearest chair. \u201cIt\u2019s bad news sweetheart. Doc asked to see me in town and he told me that Beth is dying. Her kidneys have failed. She has maybe two days, I saw her and there\u2019s no doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBeth?\u201d said Carole almost in disbelief.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s been ill for more than a year, but she didn\u2019t want any of us to know. She knows that she is dying now and she wants to see Pa. I must go and tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had sat down staring into the fire, he\u2019d known Beth most of his life, while Hoss walked over to the window almost blindly staring out unseeingly, his back to the rest as he tried to accept what Adam had said. Carole was in tears she had grown close to Beth over the years since before her marriage and Adam held her, burying his face in her hair, close to joining her. Nita and Sue looked at each other; both knew Beth but not very well. At Christmas they had seen just how easily she fitted in with the family and both could see how upset their husbands were. Nita was the first to move, she collected the brandy and glasses and began pouring drinks. Only Adam refused, he\u2019d already drunk enough for one day and he needed his wits about him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked up as he drained the brandy. \u201cLet me go and tell Pa. You\u2019re exhausted now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThanks Joe but no. I promised Beth, my job. I\u2019m going back to town with him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole went to protest but something in her husband\u2019s eyes kept her quiet. Joe was right he was exhausted but this was something he needed to do and he wouldn\u2019t rest anyway. Instead she reached up and kissed him. Adam read the understanding on her face and he was very grateful to his beloved wife. Adam got stiffly to his feet and took the money belt off from round his waist. \u201cSome things you can do. Joe will you stay with Carole tonight, you and Nita? Bring her into town in the morning. Wages have to be made up; the list is in my study. I\u2019m not sure how long it will be but Pa won\u2019t leave her and I\u2019m staying with him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe took the money, \u201cIt\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned to Hoss, \u201cBefore you come to town in the morning can you arrange to open both the spare bunkhouses. Get Jess or Jos\u00e9 to arrange stores. I hired ninety men today; they\u2019ll be coming out tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan we see Beth?\u201d Hoss asked, still not turning from the window. His voice was very low as he didn\u2019t trust it and Adam put his arm round his big brother. \u201cI\u2019m sure that she\u2019ll want to see you all. She\u2019s very peaceful. Sister Cecily is with her and Doc is keeping the pain down even if does make her dopy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss straightened his shoulders and turned to his brother \u201cGo on; tell Pa. It won\u2019t be easy for you. We\u2019ll be fine, just need a little time. I can\u2019t believe it.\u201d Hoss knew that his brother was weak and tired; he needed to husband his strength if he was to help their father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was glad to have one job out of the way and he pulled his coat on again. \u201cI\u2019ll see you all in town tomorrow and I\u2019ll do what I can to help Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe and Hoss caught each other\u2019s eye, both knowing that there would be very little Adam could do to help Ben, but neither of them could do more and, with their recent marriages, their father would feel guilty at separating either of them from their wives. Once Adam had gone Joe voiced the thought in all their minds, \u201cAdam\u2019s not really well enough but there\u2019s no stopping him. Maybe if Pa is concerned about him it will act as a sort of counter irritant.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole poured herself another drink \u201cHe\u2019ll be alright. You don\u2019t have to stay here Joe I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI promised Adam and the bed is all made up in the room Will used, so we\u2019ll stay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita went over to Carole \u201cOf course we\u2019ll stay, you\u2019re fond of her too, you don\u2019t want to be alone.\u201d The five of them moved into the study and all pulled up close to the fire, hardly talking with so many memories but glad of the company.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rode into the main yard and tied Blackie up to the hitch rail and then went down to the bunkhouse first and asked Kirk to saddle Buck for his father. Kirk followed him out \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Son? You look as though the weight of the world\u2019s on your shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed, Kirk knew him very well. \u201cBeth Kelly is dying and I have to tell Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kirk knew Beth and her close relationship with Ben was no secret, at one stage bets had been taken on the wedding date. \u201cAin\u2019t no easy way Adam. She\u2019s such a nice lady. I\u2019ll have the horse ready, you wanna change horse?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo Blackie will be fine. I\u2019ll get him some extra oats in town.\u201d Adam left Kirk and walked slowly across the year dreading facing his father, knowing that Kirk was right however he did it, it was going to hit hard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was working at the desk as Adam came in and Adam went straight over to pour out two brandies. The tension and exhaustion was very obvious even from his back and Ben came out from the desk and moved over to his son.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned with the drinks and Ben stopped dead, seeing the mingled worry and exhaustion in his son\u2019s face and also a compassion that he didn\u2019t understand. Adam said \u201cSit down Pa, please.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took the brandy Adam offered him and did as his son asked and then to his surprise Adam went over to the fireplace and resting his own drink on the table, lent against it staring into the fire, his back to his father. \u201cIts bad news Pa. Its Beth, she\u2019s dying and she\u2019s asking for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben had known it was bad news from the moment he\u2019d seen his son\u2019s face but he hadn\u2019t expected that and for a moment he just felt stunned. She was still a young woman, fifteen years younger than he was. It was one reason he hadn\u2019t asked her to marry him. He had loved her, he still did but not with the overwhelming passion of his youth, not as he had his three wives. He had always felt he would be offering second best, an older man\u2019s quiet love, when she was still young enough to find again the excitement of love and passion that she had known with her big Irishman. Beth had accepted it, accepted his friendship, his company sometimes and his affection but she had never seemed to look for more elsewhere. She loved Ben and knew that with his sons and his ranch, he didn\u2019t really need her. Now she was dying and he could have given her so much more over the last six or so years, it was too late now and he felt very guilty. It seemed impossible to believe that she was dying, only a fortnight ago she\u2019d been dancing in his arms in this very room and he could almost see her here now. He sat staring straight ahead, the drink forgotten, too shocked to even ask questions as he tried to believe what his eldest son had said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sipped his drink, just glancing at his father from time to time, not wanting to intrude but after nearly ten minutes when Ben hadn\u2019t moved or said a word, just sitting there very pale, staring unseeingly ahead, Adam moved over behind his father. He was worried knowing it had to have been a shock and he gripped Ben\u2019s shoulders, biting his lip as he realised how cold his father was. \u201cDrink your brandy Pa, I think you need it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was no reaction, Ben didn\u2019t even seem aware that Adam was there and very worried Adam sat down on the arm of the chair and put his arm round his father\u2019s shoulders and took the glass from him. Ben still didn\u2019t seem to notice but as Adam held the glass to his father\u2019s mouth, Ben began to shiver uncontrollably. Adam held him closer \u201cEasy Pa easy. Come on try and drink this, drink it please Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Slowly he managed to get his father to drink the brandy and Ben relaxed against his son, rubbing his hand across his eyes almost seeing double with such a fierce headache from the shock. Adam asked \u201cDo you want some more brandy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head, just glad of his son\u2019s warmth, \u201cI\u2019m alright now. What happened Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam hesitated as he tried to think how to tell his father, realising that Ben was assuming it was some sort of accident. Supporting his father as Ben lent against him for warmth was making his back ache fiercely and for a moment he couldn\u2019t seem to think clearly, but it had to be done. \u201cShe\u2019s been ill for more than a year Pa. Doc has been in touch with all the specialists, even in London but there\u2019s nothing anyone can do. Her kidneys just aren\u2019t working. She didn\u2019t want anyone to know. She said that many of her best hours were here on the Ponderosa and if we\u2019d known it would always have been there maybe spoiling things. Doc said that she\u2019d gone into failure before, each time a little worse and until lunchtime he had hoped he could pull her through this time too but it wasn\u2019t to be.\u201d Adam felt his father tense up as he realised that Beth had known and hadn\u2019t told him. \u201cIt was what she wanted Pa. She\u2019s accepted it, very peaceful. Doc’s keeping the pain down but she\u2019s so very frail already marked by death. She wants to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh God, why didn\u2019t I marry her?\u201d There was anguish in his voice and Adam gripped his shoulder \u201cEasy Pa, easy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI could have given her so much these last years, instead we wasted it. I\u2019d hoped she would find someone to give her more but\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou meant it for the best Pa. Beth hasn\u2019t gone short of anything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCompanionship, affection, it didn\u2019t seem enough but it would have been more than she had.\u201d Ben felt so guilty and it sounded in his voice. Adam didn\u2019t miss it but it was too early to try and calm his father down, later he could maybe persuade his father that there was no reason for guilt but until Ben accepted the basic facts he wouldn\u2019t be capable of thinking rationally. \u201cHave another drink Pa and then we\u2019d better get to town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBuck?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cKirk is saddling him for you.\u201d Adam got up stiffly and stretched his aching back before pouring his father another drink. He left Ben to drink it while collecting his coat, boots and gun and then popped into the kitchen to tell Hop Sing what was going on. Hop Sing listened in silence and then said simply \u201cVery sorry. You look after your father but you rest too, very tired.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam forced a smile and then went out to join his father, who was about ready. Adam swung up on Blackie and moved in close to Buck as they left the ranch. Ben found it very difficult to believe, Beth had seemed alright at Joe\u2019s wedding. A little drawn and tired by late evening, but when he\u2019d queried it she had laughed it off saying that Doc was making her a tonic.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They made fast time to town, not talking much, just occasionally Ben spoke his thoughts aloud, not bothering to explain knowing his son was in tune with his thoughts. He didn\u2019t query Adam\u2019s presence; glad to have his eldest son along. Almost too soon they reached town, Ben still found it impossible to believe that she was dying and he was fighting for control, not wanting to make things harder for Beth, At first he couldn\u2019t find any control but then in some strange way memories of the way his youngest son had hidden his fears and anguish and supported Marie came to his aid. If Joseph could do it then he could do as much for Beth. Maybe he had failed her for the last six years, he couldn\u2019t fail her now. As they rode into town Adam was relieved to see his father straighten up and a mask cover the emotion, which had been very evident when they left the ranch.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They went straight to Beth\u2019s house and Adam dismounted, glad that Blackie was between him and his father and for the dark which hid his pain and exhaustion. He took the horses into the stable allowing him a few minutes to hide the worst of it, before following Ben inside and up the stairs to Beth\u2019s room. Sister Cecily was still there and as she opened the door and saw Ben she pushed the door open. \u201cShe\u2019s dozing for the moment. Sit by her if you like.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and went over to the bed. Adam worried about his father, followed him in. Sister Cecily scanned his face, seeing the exhaustion that Ben hadn\u2019t even noticed. \u201cI\u2019ll make some coffee.\u201d Adam forced a smile \u201cThank you.\u201d He went over to stand behind his father gripping Ben\u2019s shoulders, feeling him shudder as he stared down at Beth. Despite Adam\u2019s warnings he\u2019d been praying for a miracle, but now he too could see the mark of death, she only had hours. His head pounding Ben lent back against Adam for a moment relying on his son\u2019s strength, thankful that Adam was with him. Then as she stirred he lent forward and took her hand, kissing her cheek gently. Beth focussed on the father and son both looking so alike in their sorrow and compassion and she smiled at them. \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re both here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben swallowed hard not trusting his voice and felt her hand grip his, so weakly but the best she could do. \u201cDon\u2019t try Ben there\u2019s nothing to be said. I just wanted you here. Thank you Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam came round and kissed her forehead, \u201cRest easy Beth, we\u2019ll stay just as long as you want us, we love you.\u201d Then close to tears he walked over to the window, leaving his father with Beth. At first Ben couldn\u2019t find any words but then slowly as he recognized the truth of his son\u2019s statement, she was at peace, he was able to talk to her quietly. He tried to thank her for so many things over the years remind her of the happy times they had shared. Beth was too weak to talk much but she smiled as she watched the man she loved, heard his soft brown voice, seeing the love and pity in his eyes, feeling his hand on hers. She\u2019d always known that she loved him more than he loved her, more than he realised and she\u2019d understood his failure to marry her. Maybe if Adam hadn\u2019t got so disastrously involved with Laura she would have had a chance, but as it was she accepted his friendship and never let him know how vain were his hopes of her finding someone else. If not enough he had over the years given her great happiness and she\u2019d built a life that satisfied her and now when she needed him at the end of that life he was with her.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sister Cecily brought in coffee but didn\u2019t disturb Ben and Beth knowing Beth would doze again soon, it would be time enough to give Ben a drink then. Instead she went over to Adam who was leaning his head on his arm over by the window, trying to ease the pain in his back. Keeping her voice very low she said, \u201cCome and sit down have some coffee. You must rest or you\u2019ll be worrying your father even more.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam could only acknowledge the sense of that and he was glad of the support of her arm over to a small table in the corner. He sank into a chair and for a moment rested his head on his arm, so very tired and sore. Sister Cecily stayed between him and the bed until Adam sat up and he smiled at her \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou ought to lie down, get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo I\u2019m okay, just need to sit still for a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sister Cecily didn\u2019t look convinced and disappeared downstairs, reappearing a few minutes later with a bottle of brandy and pouring a liberal slug into Adam\u2019s coffee. Adam grinned \u201cI didn\u2019t think you approved.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStrictly medicinal, it\u2019s useful at times. You need it. You ought to rest and if you won\u2019t at least have a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam relaxed a little and tried to ignore the pain in his back and get control, determined not to worry his father further. Gradually he realised that there was no more talk from the bed and looking over he saw that Beth had dozed off again. Ben was still holding her hand and Adam poured out coffee and brandy and despite the Sister\u2019s offer he took it over to his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took it gratefully, still feeling cold from the shock. He drank it slowly and then looked up from Beth and scanned his son\u2019s face. \u201cYou ought to go and get some rest Adam. You\u2019re not fully fit and you look exhausted.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay Pa and I love her too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben studied him for fully a minute but with the brandy and a chance to rest for a few minutes Adam had been able to hide the worst of his exhaustion and pain so eventually Ben nodded \u201cDo as you want.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He was glad to have Adam there and Adam pulled up a chair close to Ben, not talking much, not needing words. Ben was more grateful than he could say, knowing that his son knew exactly how he felt. Twice more Beth woke for short periods and Adam left them alone going back to the window until she slept again. It seemed a long night but when dawn came Ben could only wonder is she would live to see another. Adam recognised the thought but he couldn\u2019t think of anyway to help and just instinctively gripped his father\u2019s arm. Ben could see the understanding and compassion in his son\u2019s eyes and he patted Adam\u2019s hand \u201cYou ought to sleep for a while. I\u2019m alright now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo Pa, I couldn\u2019t\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t make yourself ill again.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t but I would like to stretch my legs, go get some food. I won\u2019t be long.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTake as long as you want Adam. I\u2019ve been more grateful than I can ever say to have you here all night but I\u2019m alright now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam went downstairs and went outside to look over Virginia City for a few minutes, already noisy and crowded despite the early hour. He looked up at the mountains wishing he could get up to the Lake and then unloaded the papers from Blackie\u2019s saddle before fetching fresh water and feed for the two animals that he had put in Beth\u2019s stable the previous evening. As he came out Roy came over the question, evident in his eyes. Adam said \u201cShe\u2019s still alive. But I doubt she\u2019ll see the day out. Pa is with her and Sister Cecily.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy stared at the house, \u201cIt was always Ben that she wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy not come up Roy, you love her too and she knows it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe a little later, I have work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t leave it too late.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t somehow I have to say goodbye. I always thought I\u2019d lose her but not like this, I thought she\u2019d marry, maybe leave town, not Ben not lately.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam bit his lip, knowing that Roy would have married her himself if she would have had him and not wanting his old friend to say too much, maybe get embarrassed later. Roy caught his eye and shrugged ruefully \u201cIt\u2019s alright Adam. I\u2019ll be back later.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam watched him leave and went into the kitchen and cooked some food, taking up three plates full. Sister Cecily accepted one and said \u201cYou two can care for her for a couple of hours. I\u2019m going to get some sleep, if you won\u2019t\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled a table close to his father and put the plate down, the food ready cut. Ben frowned \u201cI\u2019m not hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou must eat Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and not wanting to worry Adam he forced the food down. In fact Adam was the only one who couldn\u2019t finish what he\u2019d brought. He was taking the plates down to fetch fresh coffee when Doc arrived. Doc frowned at his erstwhile patient, but made no comment and went up to join Ben by her bed. Beth had weakened even more than he had expected but as he felt her pulse, she opened her eyes and looked at them. She smiled at Ben but then concentrated on Doc, \u201cHow long?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA few hours Beth, try and rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo. I want to say goodbye to those who matter. Just a few people. Dan, Roy Aleysha.\u201d She looked over at Adam, \u201cIs Carole coming, Hoss and Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ll be here this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe children? My goddaughter?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure. We can fetch them if you want. If you don\u2019t think it would tire you too much?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She smiled \u201cToo late to worry about tiredness, plenty of time to sleep and I\u2019d like to see the Vicar.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam swallowed hard. \u201dI\u2019ll tell them, send for the children.\u201d He went out, deeply moved that she\u2019d asked for his children, knowing that if she had had her way they would have been her grandchildren, one reason for them being very special to her. He went downstairs, pulled on his coat, and then went down to find Dan and Aleysha and find someone to send out to the ranch. Since Aleysha had returned from the Indians she and Beth had become very friendly and she had known more than anyone else other than Doc. Although upset, Adam\u2019s news didn\u2019t come as a shock to her and she promised to go over as soon as her son was off to school. Adam found a young boy and wrote a quick note for Joe before sending him out to the ranch, emphasising that if he met Joe on the way in he was to pass it over. Then he had to go and tell Dan unsure how much his old friend knew, sure that he hadn\u2019t yesterday. Dan was as fond of Beth as either Roy or his father and Adam dreaded the idea of breaking the news yet again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan was in the Palace, scribbling away at a small table in the corner and at that hour the saloon was virtually empty. As Adam came over Dan got to his feet in alarm, his old friend looked on the verge of collapse. \u201cDo you want a drink? What the hell\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shut his eyes which felt red hot. \u201cBeth is ill Dan. She\u2019d like to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan was puzzled to get the message via Adam and puzzled by the expression on his friend\u2019s face, which he\u2019d never seen before. Slowly he read the truth in Adam\u2019s eyes and he didn\u2019t really need the answer as he asked, \u201cHow bad is it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s dying Dan, a few hours. She wants to say goodbye to those who matter to her.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dan went very pale and Adam went over to the bar and ordered two brandies. He took one and pushed it in front of Dan. \u201cHere drink this, get used to the idea and then come and see her. She\u2019s very peaceful.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam downed his in one and then went back to Beth\u2019s, He couldn\u2019t help Dan and he needed to husband his strength if he was to help his father. He took the mine figures up with him and as Ben sat talking to Beth, he tried to concentrate on the detailed breakdown. He didn\u2019t really care but he was able to lose himself in the work and relax a little, forget his aches and pains.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doc stayed for quite a while, not knowing whether he would be able to get back before the end. There was nothing he could do for her and others needed his skill, but she mattered to him as few did. He couldn\u2019t bring himself to say goodbye but he kissed her gently. As he straightened up, Ben put a hand on his arm. \u201cHave a look at Adam for me; try to get him to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll have a word.\u201d Doc went over to Adam and tried to persuade him to come out. At first Adam was loathe to go but as Ben looked over worriedly he gave way. Outside he listened in silence as Doc read him a lecture about getting some rest and not worrying his father. Adam promised to consider it once his brothers had arrived and grateful for that much Doc let him go back in. Adam went over to his father, who looked up very worried about his son. Beth was dozing again. \u201cI\u2019ll take a nap when Hoss and Joe get here Pa. Don\u2019t worry about me. I\u2019m okay.\u201d He had managed to hide most of the signs of his exhaustion and with his promise to rest Ben relaxed and slowly began to talk, remembering the times Beth had given them her support, how she\u2019d borrowed money from Sharon to buy the Hale and Norcross out from under him. Adam just listened occasionally commenting but letting his father talk, recognising his need to.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was over an hour later when they heard the downstairs door go and Adam went to see who it was. He found Aleysha and Dan was with her. Dan said \u201cJoe and Hoss are just down the road, all three girls and the children.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBeth asked to see them. She\u2019s dozing at the moment but she may wake at any time, go on up. Pa is with her.\u201d Adam went into the front room to wait for his family. Hoss was the first one in and he was horrified at how drawn and tired his brother looked. Adam forced a smile \u201cNow you\u2019re here I\u2019ll go and get some sleep. She wants to see the children, wake me up before you take them in. I\u2019ll just have a nap on the settee.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss gave his word, knowing Adam wouldn\u2019t settle otherwise and Adam just waited long enough to kiss Carole before disappearing. Joe suggested that they take the children into the small back room and he\u2019d go and have a word with his father. None of them had slept much, Sue and Nita doing the best but even they had been conscious of their husband\u2019s restlessness. Joe went upstairs and joined his father, seeing the toll the long night had taken on him. \u201cAdam is having a doze, maybe you ought to do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t leave her, I owe her that much.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe knew too well how his father felt and there were no words to help, all he could do was to stay close. He could see that it would be over soon. Then as Beth woke up, almost taking it for granted that Ben was there, Aleysha and Dan moved close. She was too weak to talk much, but she needed to say goodbye and thanks for their friendship. Aleysha was in tears as she came out and Dan hurried out not much better off. Only as they left did Beth seem to take it in that it was Joe behind his father and not Adam, she smiled \u201cLittle Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe kissed her forehead but she had dosed off again. Ben looked up the anguish clear, \u201cGet Roy, Joseph. He should be here she can\u2019t last long now.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded and slipped out but he went to find Hoss first and Hoss went up to join his father. Ben wasn\u2019t really surprised when his big son joined him and he was grateful for the company, the reassurance that something\u2019s in his world were still normal and even happy. Hoss stared down at Beth for a long time, she\u2019d always seemed such a young woman and now suddenly she was old and drawn, frail and dying, He remembered her many kindnesses when she had come out to nurse him and his brothers, especially when Adam was trying to cope alone, with both of them badly hurt, before his marriage. Hoss remembered all her help and yet now, when she needed it desperately, all they could do was to be there so she didn\u2019t die alone. Ben could read his son\u2019s thoughts and he was glad Beth mattered to all of them not just him and he was glad of Hoss\u2019 company even though they sat by her not talking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had found Roy and passed on his father\u2019s message but Roy was strangely loathe to go over and see her. All the time he stayed away, he could in some strange way forget the truth, it was almost a dream. Roy was sure she wouldn\u2019t give in and die until she\u2019d done what she wanted, seen those she cared for and it was almost as though by staying away he could force her to fight a little harder, live a little longer. Eventually he couldn\u2019t fiddle around in the office any longer and he followed Joe out but he wouldn\u2019t go upstairs to see her until she woke, knowing the ravages of her illness he wanted to remember her as she\u2019d been, so very lovely. He went in to join Adam just wanting to sit quietly, be alone and he promised Joe that he wouldn\u2019t disturb his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was fast asleep to Joe\u2019s relief; he\u2019d seen his eldest brother\u2019s complete exhaustion and even a short sleep would help a little. Joe went back to Carole and the children but even they were quiet, seeming to understand their elders\u2019 mood. Nita and Sue were playing with the twins while Carole held her sleeping daughter. They all looked up as Joe came in but other than the fact that Adam was sleeping he had no news for them. He was restless and after five minutes Nita said, \u201cGo and join Pa and Hoss, you\u2019re just unsettling the children.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was what Joe wanted and he was grateful to her for seeing it and he kissed her gently before hurrying upstairs. Beth was still asleep and Joe pulled up a chair on the other side of his father. Ben was stiff and tired he\u2019d hardly moved all night, sitting holding her hand sure she was aware of his presence. He could at least give her what she wanted now, although he hadn\u2019t been able to when she was well. Joe offered to fetch coffee or drinks but noone wanted and after he had assured Ben that Adam was sleeping, Roy downstairs and the Vicar on his way, Joe fell quiet, lost in his own memories.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam slept for nearly two hours and then woke up, surprised to find Roy with him. Seeing the deep sorrow and pain on the older man\u2019s face, Adam pulled himself to his feet and with his head pounding unmercifully, went over to the drinks cupboard. He pulled out a fresh bottle of brandy, \u201cJoin me Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy nodded and Adam poured out a large one for him. Adam took five minutes to drink his own and then decided to go and see what was happening He promised to let Roy know and went up to rejoin his father. He wasn\u2019t surprised to find both Hoss and Joe there and as they all looked worriedly at him, he forced a smile. \u201cI\u2019m okay.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before they could push it Beth stirred and all four men were looking down at her as she opened her eyes. She just looked at then for a moment and then smiled \u201cI never realised how alike you four really are.\u201d On each face was the very same expression of mingled love, compassion and deep sorrow and for once all three sons looked very much like their father. Joe was about to go and get Roy, Carole and the children when Beth said \u201cWait, all four of you, the Cartwrights, majority decision. I have one great favour,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Her voice was already weaker and Ben said \u201cAnything, you know that Beth.\u201d He couldn\u2019t think what she wanted and it was Joe who was most in tune with her and smiling asked \u201cThe Lake?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beth nodded \u201cYour private sanctuary but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben hesitated \u201cYou don\u2019t want to be next to Kevin?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She shook her head \u201cI love that point.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss lent forward and covered her hand where it rested on his father\u2019s \u201cYou shall go there, as close as we can take you to God, he\u2019ll look after you the rest of the way.\u201d There were tears on the big man\u2019s cheeks as he went on \u201cI\u2019ll go and get the Carole and the kids, rest a while.\u201d Hoss walked out on the landing and Sister Cecily came over as he wiped his eyes, \u201cGo have a drink Hoss, its always hardest for those who are left.\u201d She patted his arm and more in control he went down to collect Carole, He told Sue and Nita to bring the twins, they were family and anyway could remove the children quickly, she was desperately weak.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he went to fetch Roy, the vicar arrived and Hoss said \u201cYou\u2019d better go straight up; I don\u2019t reckon she has very long.\u201d Roy had overheard and he came out, he couldn\u2019t put it off any longer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beth was too weak to do more than kiss the children and Carole couldn\u2019t find words, not knowing that Beth could read her feelings clearly on her face. After a couple of minutes Ben told Joe to take them all back down and Hoss and Joe both kissed her gently and went out knowing they wouldn\u2019t see her alive again. They left her with Ben, Roy, the vicar and Adam. Beth could see how hard Roy was taking it and she put her left hand in both his and looked from Roy to Ben and back \u201cMy two best friends you\u2019ve both meant so much to me these last years. I\u2019m only sorry I have to leave you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy swallowed hard but even so his voice was breaking as he urged her to rest. The vicar murmured a few words assuring her of God\u2019s mercy but as she slipped back into unconsciousness it was the simple words that Hoss had said which lived in her mind. None of them were sure if she would come round again and Roy, unable to just sit and watch her die, decided that they had to get Doc back and went out. Adam sat down next to his father and they waited while the Vicar and Sister Cecily talked quietly. Nearly an hour later she opened her eyes again and meeting Ben\u2019s she murmured, so very softly he had to strain to hear \u201cI love you and thank you for so many good times.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt should have been more.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe settled for friendship a very precious friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben couldn\u2019t find his voice and Beth smiled at him \u201cRead to me Ben, Isaiah chapter 35. I always loved it,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Adam could barely make out her words but Adam got up and found her bible and passed it to his father, open at the appropriate place. There was no strength at all in her hand now, it just lay in Ben\u2019s and Ben could see the pale waxiness of imminent death on her face. He swallowed hard and began to read, conscious of her gaze fixed on his face. \u201cThe wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy and singing the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord and excellency of our God.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice broke but he swallowed hard and went on \u201cStrength ye the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees.\u201d As he spoke he remembered reading the Bible, the story of Adam, to his beloved first wife as she lay dying nearly thirty-five years ago. Elizabeth was as clear to him as Beth and the pain of losing Beth were intermingled with too clear memories of that old pain. He managed one more verse \u201cSay to them that are of fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.\u201d It seemed so very inappropriate and Ben\u2019s voice gave way completely and he murmured \u201cOh Beth I shall miss you so very much.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam realised Ben couldn\u2019t carry on and he took the Bible from his father and while Ben continued to look at Ben, it was his son\u2019s slightly deeper, but equally soft, melodic voice<\/p>\n <\/p>\n which continued the verses that she loved. \u201cThen the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart and the tongue of the dumb sing, for in the wilderness shall waters break out and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool and the thirsty land springs of water; in the habitation of dragons where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there and a way and it shall be called the way of holiness, the unclean shall not pass over it but it shall be for those, the wayfaring men, though fools shall not err therein. No lion shall be there nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads, they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and fighting shall flee away\u201d Adam stopped as he reached the end of the chapter and there was absolute silence in the room, as the beautiful words seemed to fill the room, then Beth murmured \u201cI love you Ben.\u201d before slipping back into sleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s eyes were wet with tears as he looked down at Beth dying here in front of him and, almost as clear, he saw Elizabeth as she lay dying thirty five years ago, the baby who had cost her life crying in the first hours of his life. Now that baby was a grown man with children of his own, sitting with Ben trying to help but the intervening years seemed as nothing. Ben found himself unable to even pray for Beth and Adam, seeing the anguish in his father\u2019s eyes, moved closer and put an arm round his shoulders. He was deeply moved himself and almost unconsciously found himself murmuring the Lord \u2019s Prayer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t surprised, his sons might not be frequent attendants at church but each had a very real faith, their own personal relationship with God. Ben relaxed slowly against Adam seeing so many memories. For nearly two hours they sat close together not talking. Joe had brought up coffee and took his place the other side of Ben, he told them that Hoss had taken the others home and would dig the grave up by the lake as she wanted, but then he too fell quiet, remembering his vigil by Marie\u2019s bedside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beth was in a coma and it was obviously just a matter of time. Doc came back but there was nothing he could do and he\u2019d left fairly quickly. Just as the light of the day faded the sick woman shuddered slightly and then lay still. Joe moved to feel for the pulse in her neck but his father and brother didn\u2019t need his murmur, \u201cShe\u2019s gone.\u201d, somehow it was obvious.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For the first time in many hours Ben put down her hand. He stared at her for a long time and then buried his face in his hands. Adam put his arm round his father and said \u201cCover her up Joe,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe did so and then hesitated, unsure what to do; Adam looked over at the Vicar. \u201cShe wanted to be buried up by Lake Tahoe. We promised her.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, early I think.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll arrange it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at his brother \u201cShe had a lot of friends; some at least have to be told.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe nodded, \u201cI know. I\u2019ll see to it and then I\u2019ll borrow John West\u2019s place make her coffin myself.\u201d Adam nodded, recognising his brother\u2019s need to do something and knowing that his desire to do so would mean a lot to their father. \u201cWhoever wants to come, can you organize it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course, leave it to me.\u201d Joe came round behind Ben who didn\u2019t even seem aware of the discussion. He gripped Adam\u2019s shoulder and murmured \u201cTry and get him to rest and you ought to as well. You\u2019ll make yourself ill again.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay Joe and I\u2019ll stay with Pa, do what I can.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had to accept that and he walked out with the Vicar, \u201cWe seem to have kept you hanging around for hours when there was nothing you could do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour father and brothers seemed to do a pretty good job. I heard what Hoss said. We all love her and there\u2019s pitiably little anyone can do. She was at peace that\u2019s the best we can hope for.\u201d Joe was very serious, \u201cHoss is amazing, he always claims to be no good with words but so often he finds just the right thing to say.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s because he speaks from the heart.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe found it more difficult than he could ever say to tell so many old friends that Beth was dead. Word of her illness had spread rapidly and most people were able to read the truth on Joe\u2019s face so he didn\u2019t have to tell them. There was some surprise at her desire to be buried on the Ponderosa, but everyone knew how close she was to Ben and it was accepted with little real comment. Joe made the arrangements sure that Hoss and Carole would have got Hop Sing and Kam Su ready to feed the mourners. Eventually having told those who mattered most, he left word to spread and began working on a coffin, glad of the physical work, able to forget his memories for a while, too aware of both Beth and Marie.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the house Sister Cecily brought food and coffee for Ben and Adam and then she had to get back to the hospital and they were left alone. Adam tried to persuade his father to eat but Ben wasn\u2019t hungry and Adam couldn\u2019t force him. He only managed a little himself and both men were more grateful for the hot coffee than anything. For the time being Ben didn\u2019t want to talk and Adam left his father alone, just sitting by him, working through the mine figures and then beginning on the sheaf of share documents, unable to really concentrate, very tired with a severe headache and half of his concentration on his father, but the work had to be done and it was better than sitting brooding.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was lost in the past, wondering again if she should have married Beth years ago, given her the love, affection and companionship that she\u2019d missed in the last years, mingled with memories and unexpectedly sharp pains from Elizabeth\u2019s death so long ago. For a long time he didn\u2019t speak, only vaguely aware of Adam\u2019s presence and yet grateful for all his sons and all they had tried to do. Noone came to the house and it was nearly midnight when Adam put down his sheaf of documents and rubbed his eyes. So tired they felt as though they were full of grit and he was having a job to focus. \u201cI\u2019ll go and make some fresh coffee Pa. Do you want anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head, more in control than he had been, \u201cCoffee will be fine, then you must rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam ignored that and went to get coffee. While it was brewing he washed his face and stood outside the back door in the fresh air for five minutes. Feeling a little more human he went back to his father. They sipped coffee in silence but for the first time Ben turned away from Beth and concentrated on his eldest son. \u201cYou look exhausted Adam, you must rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWill you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLater.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had more sleep than you have.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot much and I haven\u2019t got two partly healed wounds in my back. You\u2019ll make yourself ill and that won\u2019t help anything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing you can do for Beth now, you rest and I will.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t, not yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to talk Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben hesitated, unsure, but he saw the understanding and compassion in his son\u2019s eyes. Adam was more than his eldest son, he was also his best friend and of all his sons he was most in tune with Adam. In some ways Adam had taken over a father\u2019s role for his brothers and although Ben was close to Hoss and Joseph, especially now they were mature men, there was an added affinity with Adam and he could say things to Adam that he would have hesitated to say to Hoss or Joe and wouldn\u2019t have dreamt of saying to another soul. Adam was right he couldn\u2019t rest while he felt so guilty and he was very tired. Ben bit his lip and looked down at the still figure on the bed. \u201cI should have married her. I could have given her six years or so, more than she had.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you Pa? We all half expected it, before I went to Europe. Even then I wondered if I\u2019d hear, but by the time I came back you\u2019d somehow settled as just friends.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI thought I had reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTry telling me, it might help. I know she loved you and you loved her, so why?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201dShe was only fairly young, only 37 when Kevin died, I was fifteen years older. If I\u2019d known how young she\u2019d die.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou couldn\u2019t have known that, don\u2019t blame yourself for not knowing the future, you aren\u2019t God.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt seemed second best, not like your mothers; maybe I was too old even then for real passion but Beth\u2026. And you and Laura.\u201d Ben fell quiet even for his oldest son he couldn\u2019t put it into words.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t need it spelled out, he knew his father too well. With his own disastrous attempt to settle for second best, he could understand why Ben hadn\u2019t been able to go through with marriage. The problem was how to help and for several minutes Adam was quiet and then as clearly as though his father was speaking he could hear Ben telling him of his own birth and his mother\u2019s death and he suddenly realised why Ben had been unable to continue reading the Bible. He also knew how to help but he had to pick his words with care. He looked at Ben \u201cStrange that Beth wanted you to read to her. I always remember you saying that my mother wanted the story of Adam read to her when she was dying.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was used to Adam reading his thoughts but even so he started and frowned. Then almost to himself he said \u201cNearly 35 years, half a lifetime, and yet for a while Elizabeth was there next to Beth. I could see her; hear you cry as though I was there, memories so strong, the pain as real as the day you were born.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBecause you loved my mother so deeply, and Joe\u2019s and Hoss\u2019. We all know that, we\u2019ve grown up with that knowledge. I\u2019m not sure how Beth felt but you said yourself, the affection and love you felt for her was second best. The way I felt for Laura and still do and in many ways the same as I felt for Beth.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned but he didn\u2019t interrupt and Adam went on \u201cI tried to base a marriage on it Pa, even when I knew that was all I felt and it wasn\u2019t until she\u2019d gone that I realised what harm I\u2019d have done. I couldn\u2019t have lived a lie all my life, Laura would have known. I\u2019d have hurt her the way her first husband did; I\u2019d despised him for it and yet planned to do the same. That was why I ran away to Europe, not because I\u2019d lost Laura ,but because I\u2019d desecrated my dreams of marriage by planning to go ahead when I knew I only loved her as a friend. I was lucky she found Will and once I\u2019d found all I\u2019d dreamt of in Carole, Laura and I picked up the pieces of a very special friendship. Outside of you three, Carole and my children, noone means more to me than Laura and certainly none knows me better. That\u2019s what you had with Beth she said it herself. Maybe once she had wanted more, Laura did too and Beth wasn\u2019t lucky enough to find someone else, but what you had was very precious. Maybe it would have worked if you\u2019d married but there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019d have ruined what you did have. You had three perfect marriages Pa, I don\u2019t believe you could have settled for second best and been happy and she would have known. Love is unpredictable, I never understood why I didn\u2019t fall in love with Laura as I did with Carole but it can\u2019t be forced and there\u2019s no point in blaming yourself for not falling in love. You gave Beth all you could. You know I\u2019m right Pa, did memories of my mother\u2019s death intrude when Inger died or Marie?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben slowly shook his head and Adam patted his arm \u201cYou loved them as wives, truly, passionately. Beth was a very special friend and that\u2019s important too. It\u2019s what Laura and I have and in many ways it\u2019s the true link between you and I and my brothers, but it isn\u2019t the love you give a wife. Maybe no less but different, I couldn\u2019t choose between Carole and my brothers or you, but its different and we can\u2019t control the way we feel.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam was quiet and for a long time Ben sat thinking over what his eldest son had said, searching his eyes as though he\u2019d find the truth there and slowly relaxing as he admitted the truth of it. Eventually Ben half smiled, \u201cCome on Son, let\u2019s both get some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at the shrouded body and Ben said \u201cI\u2019ll lay her out in the morning, she\u2019s not there, she\u2019s with God and alive in our memories.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There were twin beds in the next room and Ben helped Adam off with his boots and onto one. Adam could see his father was more at peace and so very tired he could no longer hide his pain and exhaustion. Ben put a pillow to protect his back and as Adam fell asleep almost instantly. Ben stood looking down at his son. He was not surprised at Adam knowing so exactly how he felt but he was very grateful for his son\u2019s help and understanding. He thanked God for all three of his sons and the wonderful relationship they had, both with him and with each other. More at peace than he would have believed possible a few hours earlier, Ben took the other bed and fell asleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had finished the coffin by the early hours and he got help to carry it back to Beth\u2019s house. He was hoping Adam would get some rest, well aware how exhausted he was, but as he quietly opened the door to Beth\u2019s room he was surprised to find her alone. He checked next door to find both his father and brother asleep and he was glad of it. In a few hours her body would be buried, another grave up by the Lake, but it seemed wrong to leave her alone now. He hadn\u2019t been able to leave Marie and now he pulled an armchair up by the bed, put his feet up on a small table and dozed restlessly by her still body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben was the first awake about five a.m. and he went in to find his youngest son with her, Joe woke as he came in and couldn\u2019t meet his father\u2019s eye knowing he was being sentimental, \u201cDidn\u2019t like to leave her alone.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben knew his son very well and he could understand but he suggested Joe went and had an hour on the bed he\u2019d just vacated; sure he must be stiff and sore. Joe hesitated but his father was quite calm, \u201cI\u2019m alright Joseph and I\u2019d rather be alone, just for a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure Pa, call if you want me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben slowly prepared the frail body for burial. He had a look at the beautifully polished coffin Joe had made and found an eiderdown to line it and then he went back up to sit by her just thinking, remembering but no longer feeling guilty. He had never known Adam speak so clearly about his reasons for running away to Europe. Ben had always known why his son went but Adam had never put it into words before. Now to help his father he\u2019d done so and Ben was warmed by his eldest son\u2019s concern. He was proud of Adam\u2019s knowledge and help given to his father, of Joe\u2019s sentimental honesty and of Hoss\u2019 faith and simplicity, which he\u2019d seen had helped Beth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam woke feeling better, but in need of coffee, and he slipped out leaving Joe asleep, not really surprised to see Joe instead of his father. As he was making coffee he heard movement and went into the front room to find Roy in there, Roy looked up guiltily but relaxed as he saw it was just Adam. \u201cYoung Joe\u2019s made a real good job of the coffin.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBeth means a lot to all of us. I\u2019ve got coffee on, want some?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPlease. Seems odd to think I won\u2019t be popping in here no more, came by most days. This house is as near to a home as I\u2019ve got.\u201d Roy busied himself straightening some cushions, embarrassed, \u201cGuess I\u2019m tired Adam, came as a shock.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI could see that in the Palace, hit us hard too. Do you want to go up?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNope, rather remember her as she was.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll all do that. You know she wanted to be buried up by the Lake?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah I heard. Don\u2019t blame her, if I had the choice I\u2019d opt for that too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhen your time comes, a long time yet I hope, you would be very welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI thought it was family.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFor those who matter to us. I buried two friends there a long time ago, Ross and Delphine. You\u2019ll be very welcome, if that\u2019s what you want, just as Beth is.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy stared at Adam but he recognised the sincerity of his offer, \u201cOne day I\u2019ll take you up on that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine, but a long time yet.\u201d Adam smiled \u201cNeed someone for my old bear of a father to wrangle with, I\u2019ll get that coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A few minutes later he took some up to his father and joined Ben by the bed, but as Ben was very peaceful, Adam continued working through the stack of papers he had collected, reading the arguments for the proposed new bank. Ben went to protest as Adam still looked drawn but as Adam was calm he left him to do as he wanted. Soon after seven Joe rejoined them and filled them in on what he had arranged. Once they had forced down some breakfast Joe went to hire a buckboard, Roy couldn\u2019t be persuaded to join them for food but he helped load the coffin onto the buckboard. Adam had helped his father put Beth into it. Roy rode next to Ben on the buckboard, he\u2019d take it back to town later. Adam and Joe followed on behind, keeping close together for company but hardly speaking. Part way out Roy told Ben of his son\u2019s offer. Ben wasn\u2019t surprised and backed it whole heartedly, in his turn Roy could rest by Beth, if that was what he wanted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss had taken everyone back to Adam\u2019s house but he couldn\u2019t settle and after a meal he\u2019d ridden up to the lake and dug a grave, with too many memories of doing the same job three years earlier and memories of Beth. He couldn\u2019t face being hemmed in by walls and he stayed up by the Lake all night, knowing Sue would understand. At the house as midnight approached, Carole suggested that Sue use one of the spare rooms. Sue accepted, \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019ll be back before morning,\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI doubt it. Hoss always likes the open spaces when he\u2019s upset. Beth is sort of honorary family.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI saw that over Christmas, such a nice woman.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was quite a cavalcade out from town for the short service. Beth had many friends, from Fair and MacKay, Philip and John Marye, to some miners who had lodged with her. After Kevin\u2019s death she had turned her house into a lodging house to retain her independence. Even the Bank manager Harris had come out and he came over to Adam and Ben. \u201cBeth left her will with me a couple of months back. I don\u2019t know if she spoke to you about it but she named you two, as joint executors.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beth hadn\u2019t said anything not wanting to cause comment and very sure that neither of them would mind. Harris had brought the will and he handed it over to Adam as he was the lawyer. Ben frowned \u201cWhen do we read it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have a look later and we can tell those involved after the funeral, Hop Sing and Kam Su are providing food at the main house. What about coffin bearers?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou aren\u2019t doing it Adam, you\u2019ve overdone things quite enough the last couple of days. Roy and I will take two, your brothers can take the others unless someone particularly wants to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the event, Dan took one corner and Joe joined Adam with the girls. They had left the children at the house. Although there had been several burials up by the lake but this was the first with more than the immediate family attending and although Joe admitted her friends\u2019 right to be present he couldn\u2019t feel the usual peace of the lake and he was very glad when the short service was over. Joe murmured to Nita that he ought to check that everything was ready at the house and slipped away to Cochise. Adam could understand how Joe felt and like Joe he would come to say his goodbyes to Beth when the Lake has reverted to its usual peace. He commented to his father \u201cToo crowded for me, Joe too I think. I\u2019ll go read the will.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam left Joe to ensure everything was ready and stopped off at his own house to take it quietly in his study for five minutes, needing a drink, still short on sleep. As he read Beth\u2019s will he was glad he had, before he\u2019d finished it he had tears in his eyes. Included with the will was a letter for Ben and one for him. Adam didn\u2019t touch his father\u2019s, his own was proof enough just how well Beth knew all of them especially Ben. Apart from thanks and apology for handing him a job with out asking, Beth asked Adam to look after his father, not to let him blame himself, admitting that she knew Ben didn\u2019t love her as she loved him and emphasizing just how much his affection had meant to her, along with the precious hours she\u2019d spent on the Ponderosa. Beth had had plenty of warning and she\u2019d put a great deal of thought into leaving her belongings. A wealthy woman now and with no relatives, most of those who were closest to her had no need of money and for Ben and Adam she had picked out a few carefully chosen pieces, some antique glassware, a painting and an elegant small clock that Adam had long admired, Carole and Aleysha shared her personal possessions with her jewellery going to her goddaughter Marie. The bulk of her money was for the Sisters of Mercy hospital with bequests to those who could use the money, Aleysha, Philip and some of the miners who had been her lodgers. The bequest which touched Adam most, apart from those to his own family where each member had been considered their taste so well known, was to Roy. She had left him a considerable sum of money and something which Adam knew would mean even more, her house. After Roy\u2019s comments earlier in the day Adam was determined to have a word with him in private before the will was read. He knew how much it would mean to Roy and he had no intention of risking the sheriff breaking down in public. By the time Adam reached the main house the mourners were drifting in slowly, Roy wasn\u2019t there yet and Adam busied himself ensuring that everyone had drinks. It had come on all of them very suddenly and everyone was quiet, talking in hushed tones in small groups, remembering Beth in their own way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy had stayed up by the lake as the others left to take his leave of Beth in his own way. He would have preferred to go straight back to town but he had promised to take the buckboard back for Ben. Ben had taken it back to the house giving Hoss a lift and leaving Chub for Roy. Roy only intended to put his head in for a few minutes and then go back to town, but Adam had been watching for him. As soon as he saw Roy he poured a large whisky and went over to Roy. \u201cWe have to talk Roy; will you come up to my room for a few minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy was puzzled but he knew Adam very well and followed him upstairs wondering what the younger man wanted. Adam took his own drink up with him and in his room moved over to the window, staring up at the mountains. \u201cI have some news for you Roy. Beth asked Pa and I to be executors of her will. She\u2019d left it with Mr Harris at the Bank. Beth has left you her shares in the Hale and Norcross and the Chollar-Potosi, some ten thousand in cash and most important of all, her house and furniture apart from a few named bequests.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy stared at Adam\u2019s back, hardly believing it \u201cLeft me her house?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s it Roy. I shall read the will formerly a little later but I thought I\u2019d let you know first. Now if you\u2019ll excuse me Joe asked me to get something.\u201d With that Adam slipped through the connecting door into Joe\u2019s room. Roy was close to tears that Beth should have done such a thing and he was very grateful for Adam\u2019s tact. He took nearly half an hour to get control of himself before going back downstairs. Only then did Ben begin to collect those mentioned in the will which Adam had outlined and his son read it out. Noone was particularly surprised at its contents although Aleysha was reduced to tears and Joe poured her a drink. Slowly everyone began to drift back to town and by 2.30 only the Cartwrights were left. All were very short of sleep but none of them could settle, Carole wanted to go home to her children and with Adam\u2019s promise to follow shortly she headed back with Jess as escort.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss went out to the storeroom to inventory what they had and begin a list of requirements to cater for all the new men, glad to get down to some routine work. Sue went with her big husband; she could at least take notes for him as he checked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam decided that Hoss wasn\u2019t the only one who\u2019d be helped by work and mentioned rather hesitantly to his father that several things had come up in town that they really ought to discuss, some rather urgent. Ben had had all too much time to think and remember and he jumped at the suggestion and as all the papers were in Adam\u2019s study he suggested they move over there. While Ben went to change his clothes, Joe took his eldest brother to task, whatever the rest of them did Adam ought to head straight to bed, he\u2019d missed too much sleep when he wasn\u2019t fit. Adam protested, \u201cIt\u2019s all very well nagging me Joe but Pa can\u2019t taker over until I\u2019ve filled him in and some of it is rather urgent, apart from Pa\u2019s need to work. I promised an answer on one thing by the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWith Beth dying, noone will expect you to stand by that.\u201d Joe said dismissively.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t bet on that little brother, I made the promise to Jim Fair!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had to smile at that and then as Nita came over to join them Adam frowned, \u201cAre you sitting in Joe or not?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo you want me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSome things will need your opinion but it could wait. No need to get down to work yet, it\u2019s only just over a fortnight since your wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe put his arm round his bride and pulled her close \u201cSomehow I don\u2019t think we feel like playing at the moment. Maybe take a few days when the weather improves. For now I\u2019ll do my share.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOkay then sit in. I have rather a lot of news on various fronts. Everyone wanted to see me on Tuesday.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d noticed the huge pile of papers you brought back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll need to read most of them Joe! I\u2019ll explain when we get home.\u201d Nita decided to come too and as the children were playing quietly, she and Carole joined the men to hear what news Adam had, anything to distract their thoughts. Adam poured himself a large brandy and tried to get his thoughts in order, he had plenty to tell them that it was difficult to know where to start. For the first time Ben seemed to notice his eldest son\u2019s exhaustion and suggested leaving it until the morning but Adam insisted that he was fine. He would have an early night but for now he\u2019d rather fill everyone in.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam started with the news that the railroad was complete and passed on their invitation to the opening ceremony. Then he moved onto the pipeline, the men he\u2019d hired and the threats that were being made. Joe was making notes of outstanding jobs and Adam pointed out the need for a meeting of directors to arrange the financing. They tossed around the threats but it was difficult to see what else to do, other than ride guard on the diggers. The pipe would be vulnerable once it arrived but with railroad all the way it should be safe enough until then.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe said \u201cHow about Stonor? Will he keep to his contract?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shrugged \u201cI\u2019m not sure, but your point before is still valid. It\u2019ll cost us a fortune to go any other way. We have to try and make him honour it. We have about a fortnight before moving onto his land according to Harv\u2019s plan.\u201d He outlined what was intended and Ben decided that the problem of Stonor could be shelved for a few days.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Then Adam moved onto John Mary\u2019s news, passing a pile of routine papers to his father before telling him about the interest in Ophir stock and the little he\u2019d been able to discover. Ben\u2019s initial reaction was the same as Adam\u2019s, his stock had been paid for a long ago and he\u2019d hold on at least until things were clearer but he enquired Adam\u2019s opinion. Adam smiled a little sheepishly \u201cI have a sentimental attachment to the Ophir I think I\u2019ll hang on.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe snorted \u201cI don\u2019t know why, you very nearly lost your life in it!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita looked puzzled and Adam explained \u201cThere had been too many cave-ins; the shoring we used wasn\u2019t strong enough. After one bad one the foreman of the Ophir, Gil Fenton who was a good friend of mine, asked me to have a talk to Philip who\u2019d been brought in to find a better way of shoring and we went down the mine to see the latest trouble. We hadn\u2019t been down very long when we heard rumbles. Gil started back to check and he must have been killed instantly Philip and I were battered and bruised, trapped but alive. I don\u2019t remember very much, I was only conscious for maybe an hour or so, the air got pretty bad. Hoss was in town and he heard about the trouble and came to help, wouldn\u2019t let anyone give up and pulled us out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe grinned \u201cOne good thing came out of it, Philip and Adam were so determined that they came up with the square set shoring that we use now and the mines became much safer.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat was Philip\u2019s idea.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYeah but you and Hoss got it built, when everyone said it was too expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded \u201cThat original shoring is still standing and once they saw it in action everyone came round. You all did a good job Adam and you know Philip always gives you credit for the design too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAncient history.\u201d Adam said slightly embarrassed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe enquired \u201cWe sold off the Ophir stock we got in that market collapse, didn\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded \u201cYeah but Pa and I have some personal holdings, about 12% in all I\u2019d guess.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben agreed \u201cDo you think it\u2019ll come out of borrasca?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked over at Joe \u201cWhat do you think little brother?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re the expert,\u201d Joe parried.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled lazily \u201cLittle brother, stop playing the fool, no mock modesty here, we know you too well. You know the Comstock near as well as I do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe had to smile \u201cAlright, well I guess it\u2019s always possible, but I doubt it can reach the main body of rich ore we have in the California and the Virginia. It\u2019s to far off one side of Mount Davidson, end up with law suits all round.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded \u201cAgreed but it doesn\u2019t explain Ralston\u2019s interest, even if it does explain Sharon\u2019s lack of it.\u201d After tossing it around for a while longer, it came down to wait and see. Adam added in Dan\u2019s news of Sharon\u2019s renewed interest in the Senate seat and left his father and Joe to discuss that while he went for fresh coffee. At least he\u2019d been proved right in one thing his father looked more in control and relaxed with something different to think about.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Adam poured out coffee Joe said, \u201cYou still haven\u2019t explained what Jim wanted?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get to it Joe. I told you everyone wanted to see me on Tuesday.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo wonder you were so tired by the time you got home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned \u201cTalking of which you look exhausted now, at least have your coffee in peace. Joseph let me see that list.\u201d Leaving Adam to drink his coffee Ben went over the major jobs which had to be started with Joe. Someone would have to go into town the next day, arrange some meetings and check out what Adam\u2019s contacts had been able to discover about the threats to the pipeline. Then Adam lent back in his chair and waved at the pile of papers on his desk. \u201cNow we\u2019ll get to the two most surprising pieces of news.\u201d His father and brother were listening intently and even Nita and Carole, who had been talking quietly together as the men discussed technicalities, gave their attention, there was a certain something in Adam\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam said \u201cFirst dividends on the two mines. Fair and Mackay want to raise them. The figures are all here. They have Flood\u2019s agreement and he was going to talk to O\u2019Brien when he got home. I promised our answer by the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat to?\u201d queried Ben<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOne million and forty thousand per month for each mine!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe whistled softly \u201cWe\u2019d get over half a million in cash every month. Do the figures stand up?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam nodded slowly, \u201cAs far as I can see. They are in rich ore and even allowing for more development and exploration costs and an increase in overheads the dividends are covered easily, I want to have another look at the detailed breakdowns and I\u2019d like you two to check. As you say I\u2019m tired not thinking too clearly but I don\u2019t see why not.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nita was staggered, she\u2019d known they were wealthy but such large sums in cash astounded her even so. Carole just went on knitting calmly and seeing Nita\u2019s surprise she grinned, \u201cIt\u2019s all part of the funny money, I know its cash but the mines aren\u2019t real not like the ranch. How much is the stock worth at the moment Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam frowned, \u201cThe two mines alone, last time I saw figures, were worth about 160 million. Doesn\u2019t really mean much there\u2019s virtually none on the market. But Nita one quarter of it is ours; say forty million, which makes your husband worth ten million dollars from that stock alone. Let alone his other holdings and if Joe wanted to sell out at the moment, he could probably clear at least that in cash. A valuable property, hold onto him!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe laughed \u201cDo you know I hadn\u2019t realised I was worth that much.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam commented dryly, \u201cNeither had I!\u201d and got a punch for his trouble. He warded it off \u201cEarn your money little brother; go over the figures for me. As I said I promised Jim an answer.\u201d Adam lifted up the top file and passed it to Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned, \u201cOkay what\u2019s all the rest about?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at the pile of papers, \u201cI\u2019ve only just started going through these and frankly I don\u2019t know how to react. It\u2019s another proposal from Jim. John is going along but I got the impression that this one is all Jim\u2019s idea, too high flying really for John.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe considered his brother menacingly, \u201cIf you don\u2019t start explaining\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEasy Joe, Jim\u2019s latest idea arises from having so much money. He doesn\u2019t trust the Bank of California and as he says all the other banks in the state are eventually controlled by it, even our own Virginia City bank.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben frowned \u201cThat\u2019s not exactly news Adam. We transferred some considerable sums to Salt Lake City and back East last autumn for the same reason.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure Pa, but what is new is his suggestion to deal with it. The four of them, with us if we\u2019ll go along and without us if necessary as far as I can tell, are proposing to set up a new Bank. A totally independent Bank of Nevada. They have plenty of capital even without us, 120 million stock value and cash.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Neither Ben nor Joe had expected that and like Adam when he\u2019d first heard, they were too surprised to know how to react. For several minutes there was absolute silence and then Ben went and poured out a drink, he looked over at his sons and Joe nodded \u201cPlease Pa.\u201d but Adam shook his head. As he sipped his drink Ben enquired \u201cHow far advanced is it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam patted the pile of papers \u201cAll here Pa. Financial, legal, even political implications, prospective buildings and personnel. They even have options on three buildings. As I say it seems to be going ahead with or without us. I suspect Jim has tried to present us with a fait accompli.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t even finished going through it yet and frankly I\u2019ve been too tired to trust my own judgement, I still am.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben and Joe met each other\u2019s eye; neither could remember Adam making such an admission before. Ben picked up the pile, \u201cHow ever much Jim pushes we have to consider all the implications of this. Unless there\u2019s anything else Adam I think I\u2019ll take this lot home and start reading, we\u2019ll discuss it when we all have all the facts.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think that was the lot Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMore than enough. Joseph, you and Nita coming home?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure Pa, I\u2019ll make a start on the dividend figures.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked at his eldest son, \u201cGet an early night you\u2019ve more than earnt it.\u201d All the others went out, but Adam put a restraining hand on his father\u2019s arm, \u201cPa are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled affectionately, \u201cI\u2019ve needed you over the last two days. Overtaxed your strength I know. Now you rest I\u2019m fine. You were right I needed to work and once I\u2019ve been through this lot I guess I\u2019ll sleep. Your brothers are there if I need anything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou will ask them?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll ask but I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll need them Adam. We\u2019ll all mourn for Beth, but with your help I think I have things in perspective, so don\u2019t worry.\u201d Ben smiled at his son \u201cYou get some rest, no more work today. Strikes me we\u2019re all going to need our wits about us in the next few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe waited as his father went out and stopped long enough to assure Adam that he would keep an eye on their father and make sure he got some rest. Adam smiled \u201cThanks Joe but don\u2019t forget Nita in all this or Pa will be feeling guilty about something else.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe looked after his lovely wife with a broad grin, \u201cI\u2019m not likely to Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nThe Homecoming<\/a><\/span>
\nHome to Stay<\/a><\/span>
\nHoneymoon and Arguments<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Marie<\/a><\/span>
\nAdam and Carole<\/a><\/span>
\nA European Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Aftermath<\/a><\/span>
\nA Busy Summer<\/a><\/span>
\nA Tree Falls<\/a><\/span>
\nSan Fracisco Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nA Stranger from the Past<\/a><\/span>
\nA Sense of Blame<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Medicine Man<\/a><\/span>
\nCourtship and Cattle Drives<\/a><\/span>
\nAngels with Red Hair?<\/a><\/span>
\nThieves and Murderers<\/a><\/span>
\nPipeline Problems<\/a><\/span>
\nGuests for Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nA Turbulent Preacher<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Nita<\/a><\/span>
\nBen and Beth<\/a><\/span>
\nBanks, Pipelines, and Railroads<\/a><\/span>
\nLost<\/a><\/span>
\nA New Operation<\/a><\/span>
\nA Slow Recovery<\/a><\/span>
\nCelebrations<\/a><\/span>
\nForest Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nA Premature Birth<\/a>
\n<\/span>The Bank of California<\/a>
\nTrail Drive<\/a><\/span>
\nRobbery and Assault<\/a><\/span>
\nVirginia City on Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nRebuilding Virginia City<\/a><\/span>
\nCatching Up<\/a><\/span>
\nChristenings, Commissions, and Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nWinter Ills<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #2 \u2013 Advance Warning<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #3 – Family Row #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #4 \u2013 Family Row #2<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #5 \u2013 Family Row #3<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #6 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #7 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #2 – Court Hearing<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #8 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #3 – Knight Errant<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #9 – The Spanish Land Grant #4 – The Long Journey Home<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #10 – The Spanish Land Grant #5 – Troy’s Last Stand<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n