Summary:<\/b>\u00a0The Cartwrights find business can bring long hours of work, celebrations or explosive fights.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG13\u00a0 (25,070 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories.\u00a0 Should an author included in this project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories.\u00a0 We would also be happy to change contact information for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cartwright Saga Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Lawyer <\/a><\/span> \n For the three days after Beth\u2019s funeral, all of the Cartwrights got down to work. Ben had plenty to keep himself busy and worked late each evening but he was calm and under control. He was very quiet and sometimes lost in his own thoughts bur his sons weren\u2019t seriously worried, it was bound to take time to accept Beth\u2019s death, it had all been very sudden. All of them missed her and without any real discussion slipped back into work with more than enough paperwork to get on with.<\/p>\n Nita revelled in the added proof of how much all of them relied on her husband. Joe spent a day checking the mine figures, the future projections against the past performance and the test figures for the ore from the explorations, before giving his opinion that the raised dividends were fully justified. Adam had found more in the bank papers than he had expected and Ben was fully occupied with them too so the other three accepted Joe\u2019s word and told him to give their go ahead to Jim Fair. Joe arranged the meeting for the pipeline for Monday on the same trip.<\/p>\n Adam and his father rode into town for the meeting and Carole took the children over to the main house for the day as Adam would be gone until the evening. Joe had just started to go through the bank papers and was passing them onto Hoss as he finished with them. Once Marie was asleep and the twins had disappeared into the kitchen to badger Hop Sing for some cookies, Carole picked up the bundle of papers that Hoss had finished with and began to read for herself. Jim Fair had divided the papers into sections, general papers covering various probable results and detailed financial, political, personnel and legal papers. Hoss had read the general ones and was trying to make sense of the financial detail but as Carole settled by him he shoved the papers away, \u201cBeyond me. I\u2019ll get Adam\u2019s opinion worth more than that lot.\u201d He was more interested in the political and the personnel files and picked up one of those.<\/p>\n Sue and Nita hadn\u2019t thought of looking at the papers and Sue wasn\u2019t really interested, but Nita was intrigued. She had grown up with discussions of business but it had always been made very clear that it was nothing to do with her and that women had no business sense.<\/p>\n Seeing Carole curled up by the fire with the general proposals, Nita went over to Joe who was ploughing through the legal points that had to be covered to protect themselves. She hesitated at first but Joe was finding it very heavy going and was glad of an excuse to put the papers down. He sighed \u201cToo many whereas, and heretofores; I need coffee. What I can\u2019t understand is why Adam is the only lawyer who can write intelligible English and noone has ever successfully challenged a contract he\u2019s drawn.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole looked up and grinned, \u201cCame to the law too late in life to get badly infected. You have to think clearly to be an engineer and it carries over. Too many lawyers substitute for thought by saying things ten times over to try and cover every eventuality.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe got up and stretched \u201cWho else wants coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone did and Nita went with her husband to get it. As she picked up the tray she looked up at him and Joe took it from her and forced her to look him in the eye, \u201dAlright what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want something Nita, I know that look. Tell me I can only say no and I haven\u2019t done that yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita frowned and then shrugged \u201cIt doesn\u2019t really matter Joe. I guess I\u2019m just curious, but Carole is reading the Bank documents and I wondered if\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t need any further explanations and he grinned \u201cBring the cups. I bet Hoss hasn\u2019t made it clear either.\u201d He joined his brother and sisters-in-law by the fire while Nita rather puzzled followed. Joe waited until they all had coffee and then leaning on the mantelpiece in a favourite position he grinned, \u201cI may be doing you an injustice big brother but I\u2019m betting you haven\u2019t explained to Sue what her position is on family discussion, anymore than I have to Nita.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss just shrugged not answering, his little brother was quite right. They\u2019d drifted back into work and he hadn\u2019t considered it yet. Carole smiled seeing the glint of mischief in Joe\u2019s eyes. Joe went on \u201cIt\u2019s a family ranch, the four of us have equal say in all decisions and we abide by the majority. A lot of things we have to deal with now are technical and sometimes only one of us really has time to go into it and understand things or we rely on Adam as a lawyer or an engineer. That won\u2019t change, it\u2019s worked well and many of the things you won\u2019t be interested in, like Carole. You can\u2019t go down the mines, know the workings as we do. We\u2019ve been in them since the beginning, fifteen years that can\u2019t be replaced and you have your own interests. But the main thing I want to say is that you\u2019re part for the family Nita and you Sue, just as Carole is. We have no secrets, apart from birthdays or Christmas, and any time you want to know more about some proposal, no matter what, you\u2019re free to ask. Any papers you\u2019re interested in reading help yourself and if you don\u2019t understand ask. Perhaps more important if you feel strongly about anything one way or another speak up. If we can\u2019t go along we can at least explain why.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole nodded it was the way they worked. She seldom interfered but Adam always kept her informed and asked her opinion, normally she was happy to go along with his ideas. Hoss said \u201cJoe\u2019s about covered it, just one thing. If you get any ideas, things you think ought to be changed, different ways of doing things, or new things, speak out. No guarantees that we\u2019ll go along but we\u2019ll always discuss it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed, \u201cAnd turn it down!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour bright ideas little brother, the girls have more sense.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita looked up almost angry but seeing that Joe was grinning broadly she relaxed. Carole seeing her look said, \u201cYou\u2019ll get used to Joe\u2019s ideas. Whenever he\u2019s trying to look innocent, beware. They always sound marvellous at first, the pitfalls appear later and Joe usually sidesteps them but someone else ends up in trouble, commonly Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe protested \u201cIt\u2019s not fair to blame me. Most of the trouble we\u2019ve had recently came from your husband\u2019s big ideas. When you really wan to start looking out is when Adam starts talking about principles, then the sky usually drops on us!\u201d<\/p>\n Nita laughed and looked round at the others, it was a very different attitude to the one she had grown up with but seeing all three of the family took if for granted she accepted it. She began reading the papers Carole had finished. She was surprised how complicated even the general papers were, unused to such things and she made slow progress. She looked at Hoss in a new light because of it. She liked him but had considered the big man to be brawn not brain, rather dim. Hoss had read and mastered these papers a lot faster than she could, not as clever as his brother, he was slow and steady but there was nothing wrong with his intelligence.<\/p>\n At the meeting in town, Ben and Adam learnt that the pipe would be leaving San Francisco in exactly a week and should be coming down their new railway line the following Thursday. It was all arranged and Harv had booked storage space on the outskirts of town. As they rode home Adam was worrying about guarding the pipe but Ben changed the subject, they could settle security later, Jim was pressing for an answer on the Bank. Adam had been sliding away from discussion of the subject, but his father was right they had to make their minds up. The facts were all there and they couldn\u2019t put it off. He suggested \u201cOnce the children are settled Carole and I will come back over and we\u2019ll thrash it out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you rather we came over?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo need, the kids sleep like the dead once they\u2019re down and Kan Su is there if they should stir. The papers are all at the main house, mind you I have been over them so often I don\u2019t think I need them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan we leave it until this evening Pa, nearly home now.\u201d Ben could only go along but he was puzzled at his son\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n Adam and Carole came back as arranged and Adam went and poured himself a large brandy before sliding down onto the hearth and staring into the fire. He was more worried about this Bank proposal than he could explain even to himself, partly he was still over tired but he felt as though they were getting backed into a corner where they\u2019d lost all freedom to manoeuvre and he didn\u2019t like it.<\/p>\n Ben frowned not understanding Adam\u2019s reaction but as his eldest son was obviously not prepared to start he picked up the papers himself, \u201cWell you\u2019ve all seen these. Jim wants an answer. The Bank is going ahead regardless, with us or without. Do any of you have any firm ideas one way or another?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Joe waited for Adam but as he was quiet, Hoss said \u201cIf noone else will start I will. I\u2019m not at all sure Pa, fact is I\u2019m real dubious about getting involved. We ain\u2019t bankers and I don\u2019t see too much advantage in it. We can still carry on dispersing money back east like we have, make sure we\u2019re safe.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded \u201cJoseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFinancially we could do well I can see that, but like Hoss I\u2019m not sure that its worth the effort. I\u2019ve never minded a battle you know that, but it strikes me this is asking for trouble. Sharon hates us anyway and can you imagine what his reaction is gonna be when we move in on his own sphere of banking?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned \u201cTwo probable no\u2019s, is that right?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss and Joe nodded and Ben sighed. Adam still showed no sign of speaking, staring into the fire not obviously listening \u201cWell I\u2019m sorry to say I don\u2019t really agree with you. I can see your point Joseph, Sharon will be furious but he stays within the law so provided we take care in drawing up the charter we can cope. He hates us anyway so I doubt it will make much difference. I think Nevada needs its own Bank and some independence from San Francisco and I don\u2019t see anyone else in a position to carry it. We need legislative approval and we\u2019re rich enough to force it just now with people scared about Ralston. The chance may disappear if we don\u2019t move now.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe frowned and pulled Nita closer to him \u201cWell big brother that leaves you. You with Pa or Hoss and I?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled himself up and poured another drink. Ben frowned if Adam was with his brothers he would give way as always and although his sons seldom forced him to they had done it before and would again and knew him well enough to know that he wouldn\u2019t take it badly. If Adam was with him then they were tied and would have to argue it out but that wasn\u2019t unusual. As Adam came back he studied the puzzled looks on his family\u2019s faces, knowing that he wasn\u2019t reacting as he usually did in such discussions. He perched on the table and smiled ruefully, \u201cIn many ways I\u2019m with you Joe and Hoss, but there are two points I think are important that we haven\u2019t covered. First the Bank is going ahead regardless of us and I don\u2019t see how we are going to avoid the trouble that is coming. I agree with you Joe, Sharon is going to hit the roof but I think we\u2019ll get the blame whatever we do. Many banks have some directors, who keep quiet in the background, and we are so tied up with the other four that it\u2019ll take a lot of convincing Sharon that we aren\u2019t involved.<\/p>\n Joe frowned he hadn\u2019t thought about it but knowing Sharon he wouldn\u2019t bet against Adam being right. Hoss grunted \u201cYou said two points Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned \u201cI\u2019m not happy with any of this Hoss, I get the feeling that we are being forced into it whatever we feel. I agree with you Pa now is probably the best chance of doing it and that on balance it would be a good thing to do but I don\u2019t like the way we weren\u2019t told anything until it was all set to go. What worries me rather more are some of the detailed proposals, in several places the charter is wide open to a clever lawyer and Sharon can get plenty of those. Unless we go in we\u2019ll have no say in the charter and yet it could backfire on us too. We\u2019re involved with them, their sources of wealth to back the Bank are the mines and I can see them getting tied up in litigation if we let them go on as they are.\u201d Adam fell quiet and sipped his brandy while Ben Hoss and Joe considered what he\u2019d said.<\/p>\n Joe began searching through the proposal papers, the legal section and found one part which had worried him at the time.<\/p>\n Adam smiled faintly as he saw what his brother was reading, \u201cPrecisely Joe, whoever drew these up isn\u2019t as devious as we are and no disrespect to your legal ability but if you can find it, just how long do you think it will take Sharon?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben hesitated, \u201cJim will listen to you as a lawyer Adam, without us getting involved if all three of you are against.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Pa, I\u2019m still not sure how I feel in fact. I\u2019m annoyed at the way it\u2019s been done. The trouble is the one Joe\u2019s picked up is the most obvious. There are two more probable causes of trouble and a lot I haven\u2019t considered in detail. I would have to spend quite a lot of time and maybe we ought to reap the benefits, For the future anyway we wouldn\u2019t know if they were going off the rails so maybe we ought to go along, if you think I\u2019m right and we\u2019ll get the backlash anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned \u201cWe rely on you pretty heavily as a lawyer Adam and I\u2019ll bet on you being right but we used to manage before. Couldn\u2019t we get a decent lawyer for this new Bank? Must be some around and Jim would listen to your recommendation whether we were in or not.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged, \u201cI guess I could Hoss, maybe overrating myself, never feel safe when Sharon\u2019s around unless I handle it personally.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss protested, \u201cThat wasn\u2019t what I meant, we all feel safer with you doing it, heck even Jim Fair insisted on getting Sharon out here for you to handle over the Virginia when you were too ill to get to town. Noone is underestimating Sharon he\u2019s too darned clever. It\u2019s just if\u2019n we take this on too, Fair and Mackay are all too ready to dump their problems on you and you\u2019ve enough to do now.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded his agreement with that it often annoyed him but he was still thinking over Adam\u2019s points. \u201cI could do with a drink. Pa, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n They both nodded and Hoss said \u201cI still don\u2019t like it much but on your argument Adam we don\u2019t have no choice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what annoys me Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne question. How would it affect us if the four Irishmen get their mine stock tied up in law suits?\u201d Joe asked<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d have money tied up in non-productive mines the paper value would drop and we\u2019d lose all this cash but the ranch is free and clear so it wouldn\u2019t be disastrous and we\u2019d still own a quarter of the ore when it finally came out. It\u2019s got to be considered but it can\u2019t affect the Ponderosa, we can stay out.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grinned at his sons, \u201cI think you are all three taking a too negative view of it. Right we aren\u2019t bankers but then we aren\u2019t miners either. I believe we need an independent Bank and that it could do a lot of good for Nevada things Ralston and Sharon won\u2019t do. I know several things I\u2019d like to get done and I can only do it from the inside so all else being equal I\u2019d like to go in.\u201d It was a much more definite statement than his first and while the three girls sat fascinating, his sons considered each other, Adam shrugged and Joe was the first to speak \u201cAlright Pa, if you think it\u2019s that important I\u2019ll go along with you,\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss shrugged \u201cOkay I\u2019m in, on one condition.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d asked Ben.<\/p>\n \u201cWe get in some decent lawyer, once the charter is drawn. Adam\u2019s choice, someone he\u2019ll delegate to.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned at the disbelief Joe showed that he would ever delegate. \u201cAlright make it unanimous but we are only in on a decent charter and I\u2019m doing that myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNoone will object to that!\u201d Ben said confidently and then seeing that although his sons were going along none of them were enthusiastic he began to spell out his own ideas of what the new Bank could achieve. They would have to carry the four Irishmen with them and Ben was well aware that he would have a fight on some of his more philanthropic ideas but both O\u2019Brien and Mackay had some similar ideas and working from the inside he might slowly manage some of it. As he talked both Hoss and Joe got more interested but Adam was barely listening, looking at the legal papers again, slowly planning what needed changing and what checking, knowing what a massive job he was taking on, although he wasn\u2019t telling his family. There was a deadline in three weeks if the charter was to win approval in the current<\/p>\n Session of the Nevada legislature, if left to reconsider too long, too many of them might change their minds. He proposed going to see Jim in the morning and wanted the more obvious changes clear in his own mind to put to him.<\/p>\n Ben acknowledged the sense of that and Adam went on home to go through the papers on his own. He insisted that Carole went on up to bed and when she came down and protested at<\/p>\n 2 a.m. he promised to be up soon. She dozed restlessly but Adam was determined to finish and it was nearly four before he went to bed but he was still up at seven. He headed for town after a hasty breakfast, wanting to catch Jim Fair before he headed below, which he usually did after dealing with the paperwork in the office.<\/p>\n Mackay was in with Jim and both were delighted that the Cartwrights were going along, their name lent the integrity which would ensure passage of the bill and business for the bank. They made no protest about having changes in the charter and were very pleased to have Adam iron out any possible problems, with great faith in his legal ability. He outlined the difficulties he saw but they made little sense to either of the others and they gave him complete freedom to do as he saw fit, just grateful for the Cartwright\u2019s support. Adam was pleased to have a free hand and stopped off on the way home to report to his father. Ben promised to leave him free otherwise, with Hoss and Joe slipping back into work and the winter weather still closed in allowing little outside work, Ben could manage the rest, particularly with his current need to keep busy.<\/p>\n Joe was checking all the arrangements and security for the pipeline and Adam was quite happy to leave that to his brother, he knew he could rely on Joe\u2019s commonsense. Even Ben didn\u2019t realise just what wholesale changes Adam was planning. The main problem that Adam had was having found two glaring mistakes he didn\u2019t trust any of the documentation and he has to check it all. He had borrowed several law books from friends in town to augment his own considerable law library and he hoped that he had enough to check all points but it all took time.<\/p>\n They had arranged to go in on Friday for the opening of the railway in the morning and the festivities in the afternoon and evening, all seven of them were attending and Adam had to fit that into his schedule, determined to clear the charter before the pipeline arrived the following week, well aware there could be any number of things to distract him, all the rumours pointed to trouble. At his most optimistic projection he would be pushed to finish by the following Wednesday and at every stage he found delays and problems as he dealt with the legal niceties which he wasn\u2019t familiar with and he had to double check to make sure he wasn\u2019t getting confused. By the Thursday evening despite working far into every night and managing on the minimum of sleep he was still falling behind his schedule. Only Carole realised the hours he was working and she knew better than to waste time protesting, but he looked so tired as he ate dinner not really wanting the food that she couldn\u2019t keep quiet any longer. \u201cHoss is right you take on too much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay, be finished next week, it has to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that but you\u2019re exhausted will you listen to one suggestion.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStay here tomorrow and get on. You won\u2019t be taking in anything even if you come and the Cartwrights will be well represented, Pa will take care of me.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had contemplated trying to slide out of the celebrations but he hadn\u2019t wanted to disappoint Carole, He considered her for a moment \u201cWould you mind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d prefer to have you with me of course but I\u2019ll be fine with the rest of the family and I\u2019d much rather you got an extra couple of hours sleep tonight instead of making yourself ill.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled her close and kissed her \u201cYou are the most wonderful wife any man could dream of. Less than a week and I\u2019ll be finished,\u201d<\/p>\n She smiled \u201cUntil you find something else. I\u2019m used to it Adam but you\u2019re still not fully fit so take it easy, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI promise.\u201d Adam kept his word taking her up to bed before midnight but he was up soon after four. Relaxed with her support he got on faster until 8.30 when the rest of the family dropped by to collect them. Carole was ready and she rapidly explained to Ben and he went to unsaddle Buck in the barn, ready to drive her in her buggy. Joe stropped the surrey and came over to see why his father was leaving Buck, \u201cAdam avoiding driving again?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam isn\u2019t coming, just Carole. He\u2019s too busy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPrecisely why he needs a break!\u201d Joe frowned \u201cI\u2019m going to talk to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCarole\u2019s quite happy to come with us on her own.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not fair on her and he needs the break, he\u2019ll be working all hours otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shrugged, like Joe he thought Adam had more than earnt a break but he could understand Carole\u2019s reasons for leaving him in peace. Still when Joe looked so cross nothing would stop him and he let his youngest son go to try and talk some sense into his eldest, although he didn\u2019t reckon much to his chances.<\/p>\n Joe wasn\u2019t surprised to find his brother deep in a law book and doing his best to ignore visitors. Adam had expected someone in and more probably Joe than anyone else. Joe took the book away from him and Adam lent back in his chair and waited for the explosion, it was quicker to let Joe have his say than to try and stop him. Joe glared at him \u201cYou\u2019re hopeless Adam, you look worn out now, and you need a break.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe job has to be done Joe, bigger than I expected I\u2019m not familiar with banking law.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that but can\u2019t you break now, have a day off. You\u2019ll get on faster afterwards. Anyway Carole deserves to enjoy herself and she won\u2019t nearly as much without you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was Carole\u2019s idea Joe. I\u2019m busy and all you\u2019re doing is holding me up.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe lost his temper and told his brother just what a fool he was, in no uncertain terms, not helped by Adam\u2019s attention drifting back to the papers in front of him. Eventually Joe ran out of breath and Adam looked up, his own hold on his temper very precarious. \u201cAlright Joe you\u2019ve had your say now leave it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI said leave it the others are waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed but he knew he was fighting a losing battle \u201cYou\u2019re an obstinate fool.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know you mean well little brother but really I have no choice, Look after Carole for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, \u201cYou know we will.\u201d He went back out, shrugged eloquently at his father and slipped back next to Nita. None of then were surprised at his failure but agreed it had been worth trying and especially on the surrey they were unanimous in their opinion of a pigheaded idiot.<\/p>\n In fact Joe had got through to Adam and to his family\u2019s surprise he suddenly appeared at the dance in the evening, arriving about nine, just as the formal dinner was finished. Very smart in black and white as always but all of them could see his near exhaustion, his eyes red with lack of sleep and a faint grey tinge to his skin. Even outsiders noticed but Adam laughed it off. He had come to dance with his beautiful wife and he proceeded to do exactly that.<\/p>\n As a friend took Nita out to dance Joe wandered over to join his father. \u201cSorry Pa. I\u2019ve managed the worst of all possible worlds. He looks exhausted and I told him that Carole would miss dancing with him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI shouldn\u2019t worry Joseph. He seems to be enjoying himself and it does make a break, be finished in another few days. I\u2019ve seen all of you look even worse when we were pushed.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grunted \u201cFinished for how long? Before the mine or the bank hits some problem, or the pipe, let alone our real job on the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben put his arm round his son\u2019s shoulders \u201cCheer up Joseph, we\u2019re here to celebrate. We\u2019ll face problems as we come to them. You\u2019re the one who said it was one of the penalties of being rich, too many jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt gets worse!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr better!\u201d grinned his father \u201cGo collect your wife Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had enjoyed the dance. He had got bogged down and so tired he couldn\u2019t think straight and see his way out, so he had come to join his wife. As the dance drew to a close, having made sure that Carole didn\u2019t mind, he asked his father to bring her home. Carole knew how much he hated driving, particularly when he was overtired, but she dared him to open another book that night. Adam gave her his word, but kissing her he announced his intention of riding up to the Lake, just for a few minutes.<\/p>\n Ben was happy to fit in with his son and Carole passed on what Adam intended doing. Ben wasn\u2019t surprised and Carole assured him that there was nothing wrong; Adam was just very busy and overtired. Adam had helped his wife up and got her settled and then he\u2019d swung up on Blackie and let the stallion stretch his legs, heading straight up to the lake. He had been trapped inside by paperwork for too long and felt the need of the open air and the beauty and magnificence of the scenery at the Lake. Adam looked down at the graves, the new one still very bare and fresh and for a few minutes he thought of Beth, both Marie\u2019s and his own child but then his memory went back many years and it was Ross and Delphine who were closest to him. He had accepted their deaths over the years but apart from his family, Ross had been his closest friend for a long time. Adam wandered up to the point and made a conscious effort to relax, slowly the peace of the lake reached him and he was able, for the first time in days, to forget the bank charter and the probable trouble when they started laying pipe. He was oblivious of time and looked up startled as his father said, \u201cYou must be cold Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben had taken Carole home and collected Buck, like his son he felt the need of the Lake. He had missed Beth a great deal that evening, over recent years at celebration events she had been by his side and he would have been dancing with her most of the evening. There had been too any people around at the funeral but he\u2019d been up several times since. Ben walked up to join his son but he was smiling, able to see that his son was more relaxed, \u201cGo on home Adam get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDespite your little brother\u2019s fussing I\u2019m not really worried, but you\u2019re not as fit as you could be. Low on stamina and you know it, take a few extra days and get some rest. Your brothers and I can handle the security for the pipe you know.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned his father, knew him very well, and then he did as he was told. By Wednesday he was on the final details, he had got on rather faster as he became more familiar with the terminology and the law that applied. However he had achieved it by averaging just a little over three hours sleep a night and he was too tired to really want food. Carole had tried protesting but had got nowhere so she had covered for him when Joe or Hoss enquired, although she told Ben the truth. Adam finally emerged from his study mid-afternoon and Carole could see he had finished, as for the first time in days he spared time to play with his children. Adam was proposing to go and show the new version of the charter to his father and brothers, but he relaxed with his children until their bedtime. As he tucked the twins in, he smiled at Carole, \u201cPlaying with them does me more good than a night\u2019s sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole didn\u2019t look convinced and suggested dryly that he needed both. Adam tried at dinner but he wasn\u2019t hungry and Carole said \u201cYou don\u2019t want it, leave it and go see your father. Then have an early night.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam kissed her grateful for her understanding and went out to saddle up. Carole was sure that Ben would send his son back early there was no way Adam could hide his exhaustion, his family knew him too well. It was three days since Adam had seen any of them and they were stunned to see how drawn and tired he looked. Nita was sitting next to Sue and asked worriedly \u201cIs he ill?\u201d<\/p>\n Sue shook her head, she\u2019d seen Adam as exhausted before and recognized the signs. Joe frowned but just poured his brother a brandy \u201cHere you are you fool, look as though you need it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll done Joe, just my brats exhausted me they have been making up for lost time all afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLiar! Come and sit down.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam got out the new charter, \u201cPa I\u2019d like to have your opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Hoss settled down to read the pages as Ben finished. Adam\u2019s final draft was only two thirds the length of the original and bore very little resemblance to it. It was clear, explicit and concise and as Joe put the final page down he smiled at his brother. \u201cCongratulations I wasn\u2019t sure even you could put that into recognizable English.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Joe, any queries?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head but their father who had been restudying one section asked, \u201cJust one point Adam, did you get Fair and McKay to agree to this charities section?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet, but I will. \u201c Adam said confidently and then shrugged, \u201cIf not it could be taken out intact, just one clause, only requires renumbering.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked up at that, \u201cYou make them leave it in or I for one don\u2019t put my name to this.\u201d<\/p>\n It was rare for Hoss to be so dogmatic about anything and for a minute his family just stared at him, then Joe asked \u201cYou think it\u2019s that important Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is to me, the one part that really matters.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned at him \u201cOkay you can make that two names Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam caught his father\u2019s eye and reading agreement there he went over to Hoss, \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ll get much argument it stays or no Cartwright name goes on the director\u2019s list.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t mean you to do that, not after all the work you\u2019ve put in on this.\u201d Hoss looked up worried but Adam smiled and gripped his brother\u2019s shoulder, \u201cThey\u2019ll give way and anyway you\u2019re right it is the most important part. You don\u2019t often insist on anything; at least let us back you when you do.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben poured out brandies all round \u201cTo the Bank of Nevada, You are right Hoss that section is the thing that will make our Bank different to the Bank of California, I shouldn\u2019t worry about Adam arguing it past the others, after all he put it in in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grinned, relaxing, glad of their support and knowing his family felt as strongly as he did, Adam collected the papers back together \u201cI\u2019ll take them into town tomorrow, is anyone else going in?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded \u201cYeah, Hoss and I have to arrange the security for the pipe. It\u2019s been delayed one day, not coming until Friday now. The railroad hasn\u2019t got their stock sorted out yet, they are finding even more demand than they expected. We\u2019ll pick you up if you like.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSuits me.” Adam yawned widely \u201cnot too early. Now if there\u2019s no query I\u2019m ready for bed,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbout time too.\u201d Joe commented, Adam shook his fist at his brother and then went on home. He fell exhausted into bed and slept through until nearly nine. He was surprised how late it was but there was nothing urgent and he\u2019d relaxed and more than slept the clock round. It was what he\u2019d needed and Carole was pleased to see it.<\/p>\n When he came down Hoss and Joe were playing with the children, Hoss being a horse for his nephews while Joe sat listening to Marie\u2019s attempts at words as she played with his hair. Adam laughed at the mess Joe\u2019s hair was in and Joe looked up \u201cI wondered is you were getting up today!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust let me have some breakfast and I\u2019ll be with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo rush.\u201d Hoss said pulling himself to his feet, \u201cI need some coffee myself before I\u2019ll be fit to ride, these two are getting too big.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was really hungry for the first time in days and he made a good meal while Hoss scrounged a snack. Then the brothers rode into town, light-hearted, enjoying each others company. For a few hours everything was under control and Adam wasn\u2019t worried about getting his charter accepted, he had so much ammunition in the mistakes of the original and anyway Fair and MacKay were well used to relying on his expertise.<\/p>\n In town they separated and arranged to meet later at the Palace Adam found rather more argument than he\u2019d expected, not on anyone point, if the Cartwrights insisted on charity funding, it was worth it to have them along, but Jim Fair was worried about the wholesale changes in the charter. The very simplicity of the language worried him; the original pair of lawyers had summed into him the need for verbiage to cover the directors from undue responsibility. It took Adam quite a while to explain how vulnerable the original charter had left them. Eventually Jim relaxed and trusted in Adam as he always had. He had all the political meeting arranged and didn\u2019t think he would need any help from the Cartwrights but Adam said to call on them if necessary, either he or his father would make the time to come along. He left the main copy of the charter with Jim and walked down to the saloon to join his brothers, feeling light-hearted able to forget the new Bank for a while at least.<\/p>\n That didn\u2019t last long as he took in the serious faces both of them were showing and before enquiring what was wrong, he ordered another round of beer and sipped his own waiting patiently. Neither of his brothers seemed eager to tell him what was wrong, but eventually Joe picked up his beer and suggested they move over to a table in the corner where they could talk in private. \u201dThere\u2019s been trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can see that on your faces, how about explaining what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwo things.\u201d said Hoss as Joe stared pensively into his drink. \u201cHarv says half a dozen men have pulled out of the labour crew, threats in town, but he can\u2019t prove it and Seton is threatening trouble if we move onto his property, Harv\u2019s already organised an injunction to warn him off from interfering, to try and force him to keep his contract but Seton don\u2019t seem to care. According to Tony Enders, Seton seems sure we won\u2019t even be trying to move in next week as planned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny idea why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope, but he\u2019s a bright kid and I wouldn\u2019t bet against him. The other problem is storage for the pipe. We thought we had it all arranged but old man Freer had backed out, filled his shed with furniture. Word is obviously out, noone will hire us storage space.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was cross, \u201cI thought you\u2019d tied him down with a contract Joe, to prevent just this.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed and looked up, \u201cSo did I Adam. I even wrote in a penalty clause. He had the money ready and waiting for us, said he was sorry but it was cheaper than rebuilding.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed \u201cSorry Joe not your fault, When is it due in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTomorrow evening about nine. Ten car loads and we have to move it somehow and put it somewhere safe.\u201d Joe grinned \u201cAll your\u2019s big brother. I\u2019ve been racking my brains for the last two hours and I can\u2019t find a practical solution. There isn\u2019t spare storage space at any of the mines where we have enough power to force anything,\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grunted \u201cBe one hell of a lot of wagon trips to get it all out to the ranch and we can\u2019t hire wagons either. Pressure is on Adam. It ain\u2019t that we\u2019re unpopular like before. Most guys are real sorry to have to say no but they ain\u2019t sticking their necks out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged \u201cTroy I guess, we can\u2019t get more than rumours and that bloke Barnes who sells water out in the north side. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if Hearst is still playing games but if so he\u2019s keeping well hidden after the scare Pa put into him. Without proof what can we do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot much, Come on let\u2019s go home talk it over with Pa. If there was a simple solution in town you two would have found it, but for goodness sake cheer up. We\u2019ll sort it out somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n The three brothers rode out of town all deep in thought and not talking and then Hoss suddenly pulled up. Joe and Adam realised that he wasn\u2019t with them and stopped to look back at him. Hoss grinned \u201cGot an idea, may not come to anything. You two go on home I\u2019ll join you once I\u2019ve checked it out.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam said \u201cAren\u2019t you going to explain?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope not until I\u2019ve checked, I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d Hoss turned and headed back towards town leaving his brothers looking at each other. Joe shrugged, \u201cLet the big moose do what he wants. I\u2019m hungry and I want to see Nita.\u201d<\/p>\n When they reached the main house Carole was already there. She\u2019d put the children to bed and come over with Sue for dinner. Sue was surprised not to see Hoss with his brothers and looked at them questioningly. Joe had gone to Nita but Adam grinned, \u201cNo trouble Sue. I don\u2019t know exactly where he is but we hit a problem in town and partway home Hoss got some inspiration on how to deal with it. Wouldn\u2019t tell us until he\u2019d checked and headed back to town. Said he would join us here once he had.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed \u201cWith both you and food here Sue, the big moose won\u2019t be long. Flatly refused to tell us what he was up to, but he looked mighty pleased with himself!\u201d<\/p>\n The others had eaten and Hop Sing soon provided the brothers with food leaving Hoss\u2019 to keep warm. While they ate Adam filled his father in on the bank charter and Joe on the trouble he had found. Ben suggested three or four ways of getting round it, but in each case Joe had already tried them and people weren\u2019t prepared to stick their neck out and help. Ben couldn\u2019t see any obvious way round the problem and Adam refused to discuss it. He sat back with his guitar, \u201cI\u2019m going to wait to see Hoss; I think he\u2019s already solved the problem so why should we waste time cudgelling our brains?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam began playing some of the songs they all knew and slowly the others joined in. It was nearly an hour later when Hoss finally came in, he grabbed Sue first and then demanded food, he was starving. He looked very pleased with himself, but slightly on edge as he\u2019d gone ahead and committed all of them without any consultation. Ben had been able to see from Hoss\u2019 face that Adam was right his big son had come up with some solution, but he stopped everyone badgering him until Hoss had eaten.<\/p>\n Nita managed to keep Joe under control until Hoss was sitting back with coffee but then he wouldn\u2019t wait any longer, \u201cCome on Hoss don\u2019t keep us in suspense any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss moved over to the fire, \u201cPa I\u2019ve sorta of committed us I know I don\u2019t really have the authority but seemed best to move straight away,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019ve found a solution to storing this pipe, all anyone is gonna do is cheer.\u201d commented Adam.<\/p>\n Ben nodded, \u201cIf you thought it right Hoss, then I\u2019m sure it was. Now explain before your little brother explodes.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grinned \u201cVery simple. Still means moving it out of town, but we gotta do that anyways eventually. I want to see Lars, his big barn is virtually empty, winter feeds used up and he\u2019s willing to let us store the pipe. I promised we\u2019d pay the same rate we\u2019d agreed in town. I know its longer time than we expected but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo Buts.\u201d His father insisted \u201cExcellent idea. It\u2019s right on the pipeline, as convenient as could be; I wonder why none of us thought of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Adam grinned and Joe said \u201cThe genius of simplicity. It took Hoss to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned \u201cWatch it little brother. I ain\u2019t too sure how to take that,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA compliment Hoss, I promised.\u201d Joe smiled \u201cNice job brother, exactly what have you arranged?\u201d<\/p>\n Sure now that he had done the right thing Hoss filled in the details. He had promised men to help clear the barn the next day and men to cover the security of the pipe. Payment the same as agreed in town, for as long as they used the barn, promising to have it clear before the autumn when Lars would need it again. He\u2019d arranged to deliver the pipe to the barn over the day or so after its arrival the next evening. Lars had agreed to allow the use of his two wagons although he wouldn\u2019t help personally. Hoss said \u201cI know it still mean a lot of wagon trips but its less that a quarter the distance to Lars place than anywhere we could store it. I reckon its possible, gotta move the pipe out sometime.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShould be easier to guard it.\u201d Joe added.<\/p>\n Adam pulled a pad over \u201cIts possible Hoss and probably the only solution but its still going to be a big job. How many wagons can we pull in here Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been collecting in case we needed. There are ten here now, only the ones up at the mine aren\u2019t available.\u201d<\/p>\n That was a lot better than Adam had expected, often the wagons were well dispersed round the ranch and it could take a long time to collect them in. That gave then twelve wagons so far plus probably at least a couple more from the mines they owned in town. Adam looked over at Joe, \u201cTen car loads right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah and we have twenty four hours to clear them, maximum.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have to allow four loads per car, forty in all agreed?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded but Hoss shook his head. \u201cThat pipes real heavy Adam. Steep haul out of the rail-yard, we\u2019d have to double the teams fer that section, be okay later but that first part, I reckon you\u2019re asking too much.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam doodled for a minute, \u201cI\u2019d forgotten that steep section. What are you suggesting Hoss, six loads per car?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded \u201cI\u2019d have thought it was the best we could do.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed, \u201c60 loads. How long to get to Lars place and back including unloading? What do you think allow five hours?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least.\u201d Said Ben, \u201cMore during the day when you have traffic to contend with but I don\u2019t see we have much choice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow about doubling the teams to the outskirts of town and then splitting them?\u201d suggested Joe.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head, \u201cWe\u2019d have to go so far to clear the traffic we\u2019d need a heck of a lot of horses and we haven\u2019t started training this year yet, the stock is a bit low.\u201d Hoss agreed he had no intention of trying to unravel teams in the middle of the continuous traffic jam in Virginia\u2019s streets.<\/p>\n Ben said, \u201cRight we accept sixty loads, that means at least fifteen wagons and allowing for inevitable trouble we need a minimum of two spares, preferably four or five. Even then its four trips per wagon and the teams are going to be real tired.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMight manage a couple of spare teams Pa.\u201d Hoss said \u201cBut we can\u2019t hire wagons in town not easily, Joe and I tried today and we\u2019re barely making fifteen. The mines have their own commitments, supplies coming in for the California as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam suggested \u201cGet Jess and a couple of the hands to go down to Carson City. Try and hire some and bring them up to Virginia City by the evening.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded slowly, \u201cI guess we\u2019ll have to but there\u2019s no guarantee the block hasn\u2019t been put in there too.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said, \u201cI\u2019ve got an idea.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbout time,\u201d said Hoss, \u201cYou\u2019re usually full of them!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBe quiet.\u201d ordered Ben \u201cLet\u2019s hear it Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s have a word with Hop Sing see if he will have a word with his relatives. I\u2019m sure he can round up half a dozen wagons for us.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grinned \u201cYou\u2019d better go get some sleep Adam, all the ideas from your brothers today! I\u2019m sure you\u2019re right Joe; they\u2019ll help us out as always. I\u2019ll leave you and Hop Sing to arrange it. Up to another ten. We have plenty of drivers and the more we have the better, gives us a little leeway.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam yawned widely, \u201cI\u2019ll take you up on that. Be over tomorrow to settle things. Nice to see them pulling their weight for once.\u201d He warded off two cushions and grinned at his brothers.\u201d Come on Carole, let\u2019s leave the mad house to it retire to peace and sanity.\u201d<\/p>\n She laughed, \u201cOnly in the evenings.\u201d<\/p>\n The following day Ben ran over the plans again with his sons before they headed for town, but other things needed doing too and he left the arrangements to them. Adam and Joe rode into town early, leaving Hoss to bring the wagons and the large labour force they would require from the ranch later in the day. Hop Sing went in with brothers and as Joe had predicted the Chinese willingly provided nine extra wagons. With the twelve they had Adam thought it would be enough. If things went wrong they could come down on the mines for one or two extra later.<\/p>\n Adam had seen the railroad superintendent Frank Nelson and he got the wagons parked in the marshalling yard where Nelson proposed to leave the ten car loads of pipe. Desperately short of stock Nelson was prepared to do anything to expedite the unloading of the ten cars, freeing them for other business. By late afternoon everything was in place and they couldn\u2019t do anything else until the cars arrived. Adam left four men on guard, promising to relieve them later and let the others go for a meal and a drink, warning of dire consequences to anyone who wasn\u2019t there, fit for work at quarter to nine.<\/p>\n It was going to be a long night and the three brothers went with Harv to relax over a meal at the Washoe Club. As they had a drink beforehand Tony Enders came over, rather apologetic, he\u2019d never forgotten his attack on Adam and Joe even though they seemed to have done so. Adam invited him to join us for a meal but Tony declined, he\u2019d already eaten. He had seen Stoner down in the Silver Dollar and Seton, well drunk, had been saying that no Cartwright would set foot on his land, damn any injunctions, and that anyway by midnight they wouldn\u2019t have any reason to want to.<\/p>\n Adam consider it for a minute and then grinned \u201cThanks Tony. I\u2019d guess someone if going to try and damage the pipe. We have guards rounds the yard and we\u2019ll be there in force once it arrives, Nothing we can do until then so we might as well relax, could be a very long night. Sure you won\u2019t join us?\u201d<\/p>\n Tony nodded, \u201cJust thought you ought to know\u201d and then he excused himself. Once he\u2019d gone they tossed it around for a few minutes but Adam, was right they could only wait and see. Adam accepted Joe\u2019s point that they would have to do something about Seton but there would be time to consider him once the pipe was safely stored and he firmly changed the subject.<\/p>\n When they went back to the yard the men had nearly all returned and were waiting for them and the train had already pulled in with the various freight cars being separated for unloading before the train returned to Carson City. With his men all over the place Adam couldn\u2019t see how anyone hoped to get close to the pipe and although the wagons made it clear that they were moving the pipe, very few people knew the destination. He couldn\u2019t see how they would arrange a large scale ambush and his own plans included adequate guards along the trail and at the barn. Joe recognized the puzzled look on his brother\u2019s face \u201cWe can only wait and see, if they are up to something they\u2019ll have to show their hands soon.\u201d<\/p>\n In fact it was shown all too soon, almost as soon as the last car was parked ready for unloading and before anyone could start undoing the cars an explosion went off. It proved to be the first of a series. Adam yelled to everyone to stay back and to take cover, not that they needed any orders, The horses were frantic as the bangs went off so close and most of the Ponderosa hands had their work cut out trying to control the animals. In fact they were far enough back to be in no danger unless the explosions got a lot more severe. The whole yard was a scene of chaos, not helped as people began running in from town, attracted by the explosions, wondering what was going on. Only a few people kept their heads but Adam took it for granted that his brothers would be two of them. As the explosions stopped as abruptly as they\u2019d started he ran along the line of cars, yelling to Jess to keep the men and horses back \u201cHow many Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201dI made it ten in both of these cars.\u201d Joe waved at the two in front of him.<\/p>\n Adam nodded \u201cSame up the front. Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss had been down near the rear and he had come to join his brothers \u201cAgreed. Think that\u2019s it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnly one way to check, You two keep everyone back,\u201d Adam didn\u2019t really expect any more. They had been fairly continuous and now there\u2019d been a break of over two minutes and not waiting for the inevitable argument he headed for the nearest wagon, His brothers could only do as they were told, Adam had actually reached the car and was scrambling up onto it when the whole train erupted again. Three explosions went off almost simultaneously in the wagon he was climbing on and he was thrown backwards off the wagon. Hoss and Joe were moving almost before he hit the ground running to their brother, fear with a cold grip on their hearts. Jess yelled at Harv and the others to keep back.<\/p>\n Adam had hit the ground a few yards from the car and was lying in a crumpled heap. Hoss spared time to feel for a pulse and to his relief it was good and strong and then he picked up his brother as carefully as he knew how. He looked up at Joe, \u201cHe\u2019s alive.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded and ran back to the men, leaving Hoss to bring Adam over to safety, where they could see what the damage was, he sent one man for Doc, detailed ten others, one to each car to count the explosions and then hastily piled some horse blankets in the back of the nearest wagon, Hoss laid Adam down on them while Jess hastily removed the horses from the shafts to ensure the wagon stayed still.<\/p>\n Adam was unconscious, bleeding badly from a cut on his scalp just at the hairline on his temple but once Joe had stemmed the bleeding sufficiently to see the damage he could see it was superficial and there was none of the sponginess that would indicate a bad fracture. Hoss has been checking as best he could and sat back, \u201cNo limbs broken, gash on his hip but it\u2019s not that deep and he hasn\u2019t broken open either of the old wounds.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe relaxed slightly, \u201cI guess it could have been worse, but until he comes round and Doc gets here\u2026.\u201d He broke off and smoothed the hair back of his brother\u2019s forehead. For a moment he had been so scared that Adam was dead but although his brother seemed to have escaped with cuts and bruises, they couldn\u2019t be sure until he came round and Doc had checked. There was always the risk of some internal injury or given Adam\u2019s history a recurrence of his back injury. Hoss knew what Joe feared, he felt exactly the same but he forced a grin \u201cEasy Joe, his pulse is fine, no sign of shock, just knocked himself out.\u201d Hoss concentrated on tucking a blanket round Adam while Joe wiped his brother\u2019s face, the blood still flowing from the scalp wound. Both of them were glad of the brandy that Jess found for them. The explosions had died away again but Joe was determined that noone else was going to be hurt and ordered the men to wait. Sure enough a few minutes later another round started. Before it had finished Doc arrived with both Dan and Roy. All three hurried over to Hoss, the big man unmistakeable even amidst all the chaos. Joe and Hoss both denied any real idea of what was going on, other than what could be seen, and they were only really interested in their brother. As Doc began his examination Adam began to show signs of coming round, Doc sat back and waited for him to come round in his own time but looked over at Joe \u201cHow long has he been out?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe had lost track of time but consulting his watch he realised it couldn\u2019t be very long, \u201cMaybe ten minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded \u201cCan\u2019t be much more,\u201d<\/p>\n Doc smiled reassuringly at them, \u201cSeems to have got off lightly.\u201d He turned his attention back to Adam, \u201cJust take it easy now Adam, don\u2019t try to move.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam put his hand to his aching head \u201cWhat hit me?\u201d He struggled to sit up wincing as it pulled at his bruised side, ignoring Doc. Hoss was quick to help his brother and as Adam sat up and took in the scene in front of him he remembered, \u201cDon\u2019t let anyone get near.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe took his hand \u201cEasy Adam, all under control. Running counts on each wagon, noone is going near until we\u2019ve got seventy per wagon. I\u2019d guess they\u2019ve dynamited each box, plenty of time on the away down from Reno. You just do as Doc says and take it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc took his pulse and then asked, \u201cI know you must ache all over Adam but any particular pains?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam acknowledged the truth of Doc\u2019s comment, but he slowly tested his limbs and with Hoss assistance made it to his feet. For a moment the scene swayed round him but it quickly passed and he forced a smile to reassure his brothers, \u201cJust bruised I think, mainly on my right side.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc nodded \u201cCouple of cuts which need some stitches, so we\u2019ll get you back to my place, a hot bath, get you bandaged up and then straight to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned ruefully, \u201cNice idea Doc but I can\u2019t just leave this lot; I shouldn\u2019t be able to settle anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n None of them were surprised at Adam\u2019s reaction and all of them knew him well enough to know the futility of arguing. Hoss had moved away, once he was sure Adam was alright, to have a word with a very worried Frank Nelson. It was difficult to judge the extent of the damage as yet but Hoss promised Ponderosa help to repair the cars. In return he got Nelson\u2019s offer of the rest room at the back of his own office, there were even facilities for a hot bath. Hoss accepted gratefully and Nelson sent one of his men off to heat the water while Hoss went back to his elder brother with his compromise suggestion. If Adam would go with Doc, just over to the offices, get patched up and have a bath, rest for a while, Hoss promised to keep him up to date with what was going on and as soon as it was possible to judge the damage and start to sort things out, he would be in a far better case to help.<\/p>\n Adam accepted unwillingly and Hoss carried him over to the office just ignoring Adam\u2019s protests that he was quite well enough to walk. Joe asked Jess to go and stick by his pigheaded elder brother, knowing Adam would insist Hoss come back to help him. Doc might need some help if Adam passed out again. Despite Adam\u2019s efforts to send him back Hoss stayed while Doc patched up the worst of the injuries and helped Adam ease his aching body into a hot bath, sure that Joe could cope. Then leaving Adam to soak with Jess to keep an eye on him, Hoss went back to join Joe. There had been intermittent explosions for all of the intervening time but for the moment it was quiet. Joe looked up as Hoss came over \u201cHow bad is he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery bruised all down the right side, gash on his hip, Doc\u2019s put some stitches in it and that scalp wound. Neither are serious but he\u2019s gonna be mighty stiff and sore. Doc said that after he\u2019d had a soak they\u2019d put some liniment on, but I don\u2019t reckon it\u2019ll help much.\u201d Hoss sighed heavily and then forced a grin \u201cStill we\u2019re real lucky it\u2019s no worse, How about here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot sure, its difficult to know how many we have missed, but including the first lot the highest per car is 56, lowest 47. I\u2019d guess there\u2019s one more round to go. We wait.\u201d<\/p>\n Almost as Joe finished speaking the explosions started again. As the last one faded away Joe considered the reports ranging from 57 to 65.. Hoss frowned knowing what his brother was going to suggest \u201c Suppose we\u2019re wrong in thinking its one per box or one of those uncounted ones is late going off?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed \u201cI know. Give it ten minutes, there hasn\u2019t been that long a gap and then I\u2019ll check the wagon where we counted 65.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t like it Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned ruefully \u201cI\u2019m not exactly delighted with the idea myself Hoss, but we have to know the extent of the damage and soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded, he knew it had to be done but with one brother already hurt he hated the idea of more risks being taken. Partly to pass the time and partly from genuine bewilderment, Hoss asked \u201cWhat do you reckon Joe? There\u2019s been a lot of bangs but there seems mighty little mess around, just wood, ain\u2019t no sign of broken pipe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBeen puzzling me too. Maybe they didn\u2019t use enough to make a job of it. No way to tell until we can get closer. Meantime let\u2019s try and collect the paperwork, be a help if we knew exactly what was supposed to be in each car.\u201d Glad of something to do Joe went over to have a word with Harv and collected the manifests. He studied the one for the car that he intended to check. Each of the cars had seventy boxes of pipe and each box had been labelled with its contents. The cars had been loaded in order as the pipe was so specific each piece individually tailored to the ground. Each of the boxes contained fifteen lengths of pipe and each of them was individually labelled with a reference number, tying up with Harv\u2019s original specification. It should be possible to sort out the chaos but it was going to be a very long job, always supposing that there was anything to salvage from the chaos.<\/p>\n Adam felt better for a soak and insisted on getting dressed after, determined to rejoin his brothers. He admitted to a headache, very obvious from his glittering eyes, but he\u2019d noticed that the explosions had stopped and he wanted to see for himself. Jess tried to dissuade him without noticeable effect and the Doc just told Jess he was wasting his time. Doc knew that Adam was stiff and sore but he\u2019d escaped with just bruises and nothing would make him rest under the circumstances, so Doc contented himself with ensuring that Adam had coffee and a large brandy before he went back to join his brothers. Hoss kept his promise and sent word of the count on the wagons and of Joe\u2019s intention to check when ten minutes had passed peacefully. That settled it, if Adam had felt twice as ill as he did he would have gone to join his brothers. If his little brother was taking risks, even ones he\u2019d accepted personally he had to be there.<\/p>\n Jess could only go along with Adam unable to change his mind and Adam refused any assistance preferring to make his own way, albeit rather slowly, limping heavily on his sore right leg. Neither Hoss nor Joe were surprised as he rejoined them and Adam pushed off their anxious enquiries, he wasn\u2019t badly hurt just bruised and sore. He didn\u2019t even want to sit down and after begrudgingly agreeing to Joe going to check, he stood by Hoss tense and worried. Hoss put his arm gently round his brother\u2019s shoulders, \u201cShould be safe enough now Adam. You just try and take it easy.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lent against his big brother, glad of Hoss\u2019 warmth, despite his thick coat Adam was shivering badly shaken by earlier events. It was a cold damp night with a biting wind, hardly surprising for the end of February but at least it wasn\u2019t snowing or even raining. Joe had to check the car was safe first before he could begin to estimate damage and it took time, especially with the limited light of one lantern. His brothers realised that but time seemed to come to a stop. Logic said that the longer Joe was in there the safer it was, if there was any danger he\u2019d have found it and anyway it would have gone off by now but logic didn\u2019t help much when it was their little brother in danger. Joe might be in his late twenties and married for the second time but on occasions like this the habit of years was too engrained in both the older brothers and they couldn\u2019t help worrying. Joe knew then very well and especially with Adam already hurt and badly shaken he made a hasty check and as soon as he was sure it was safe, he emerged and waved them over. Hoss helped his brother over and Joe grinned, \u201cAll safe. We need more light, it\u2019s chaotic but at least some of the pipe is intact and none of its smashed as far as I can see.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam insisted on getting up into the car and Hoss helped him before collecting more lanterns and then the three brothers stood staring at the mess. All the boxes were broken open but the explosions had been too unconfined and apart from spilling the pipes in one almighty mess, it didn\u2019t seem to have damaged them badly. Adam forced himself to kneel and pick up some of the pieces. Of the first ten only one was damaged, a slight crack which could be mended with their own resources, The cars were badly damaged the sides blown out and even some of the metal struts twisted. Adam sighed as he tried to work out what to do, \u201cWell at least Nelson won\u2019t be in any great hurry to have these wrecks back. Whether he\u2019ll haul anything else for us I doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was examining the car as best he could, \u201cBase looks sound enough Adam. Repairs shouldn\u2019t be beyond us; maybe if we offered to try and repair them for him he\u2019d feel a bit better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWorth a try. It\u2019s going to take a lot longer than 24 hours to sort out this lot.\u201d Adam had to get Hoss to help him back to his feet. He was unsure where to start, more shaken than he was willing to admit even to himself, Hoss decided that they all needed coffee and he sent two men to make some and bring it over and sent half a dozen others to try and collect as many boxes as they could so that they\u2019d have someway to repack the pipe as they unloaded. Meanwhile Joe got Harv to collect paper and pencils. They were going to have to check every single piece of pipe to decide what needed replacing, what they could repair and then they\u2019d have to repack it in its original order, Joe frowned as he looked at his eldest brother, Adam\u2019s indecisiveness was all too clear evidence of how badly he\u2019d been affected, and Joe could see that he had a severe headache but he knew that nothing on earth would persuade Adam to leave all of the chaos and rest. Maybe later if they could get a system organised and it was running smoothly with some idea of the extent of the damage, then Joe felt he might stand a chance of persuading his brother to rest.<\/p>\n At least there were plenty of men hanging around, eager to help if someone would explain how. Joe decided the first job had to be to check the remaining cars for unexploded devices. He asked for volunteers and wasn\u2019t surprised when most of the men came forward. He chose the steadiest and allocated two per wagon and then went over to join Adam who was talking with Nelson. Nelson was grateful for their offer of assistance to rebuild but he didn\u2019t blame them for the trouble. He was exceedingly grateful that they weren\u2019t blaming him, it was obvious that the explosives had been set while the pipe was on the train from Reno to Virginia City, when security was his responsibility and he had been warned of possible trouble. Joe asked Nelson if he could lay his hands on any trestle tables that they could use and Nelson willingly agreed to find some.<\/p>\n Hoss brought over coffee and insisted that Adam have some while Joe and Harv checked the manifest and the papers sent on by the company, who had made the pipe. It had all been logically packed and as a supply of crates began to appear. Joe had Jess begin to label them on his instructions, starting with the pipe for the far end near Tahoe in the last car. He had seventy crates labelled and loaded on six wagons, empty. Then he set up five tables with light, paper and pencils and had Harv and Tony help him to copy out a list, divided into four parts, covering over a thousand pipe numbers, dividing them into blocks of fifteen for each crate. As soon as that was done, he got three men who could write to join Tony and start preparing four lists for the next car. Then Joe called over a dozen men and showed them how he\u2019d arranged the crates on the wagons and the arrangements on the four tables. He told them to collect pipe from the railroad car and bring them to the table where one of them would note its condition. They would have to hold back the damaged or broken ones and get the others packed in the appropriate crate. Joe asked Jess to organize and label the crates for the second car and then went over to join Adam and Harv to explain what he\u2019d done. Hoss had been busy too, getting the Chinese to help scour the town for all the boxes and crates that they could lay their hands on and more were arriving all the time.<\/p>\n Adam had sat back quietly in the office with Dan once the initial checks were started he didn\u2019t feel up to anything else and trusted implicitly in his little brother\u2019s organizing ability.<\/p>\n After nearly an hour\u2019s peace and quiet he looked much better when Joe came to find him although he was very stiff. Joe was glad to see some colour back in his brother\u2019s face even though the glitter in his eyes bore witness to his severe headache. Joe kept to business as he explained what he had arranged. He was hoping that with the three brothers taking a table each and Harv taking the fourth one they could have the thousand pieces of pipe checked for damaged and repacked by the time that Tony and Jess had arranged things for the second car. It was as neat a system as Adam could have hoped and he thanked his brother gratefully.<\/p>\n At first as they consulted on doubtful pipes it was rather slow but gradually the four men became more confident in what they were doing and the lines began to move faster. The men soon had a feel for the doubtful ones and amazingly few were really damaged. A few were chipped but from the first car none were really irreparable even with the modest resources available on the Ponderosa. About ninety pieces from the first car needed some attention. It had been good quality well made pipe, designed to resist accidental damage and frosts and the explosive hadn\u2019t been well enough confined to affect it.<\/p>\n About an hour and a half from starting the first six wagons were ready to leave for Lars\u2019 barn. Adam was worried that there had been time to organise yet more trouble, but Hoss reassured him that Roy was taking some of the spare hands and would escort the wagons out and then leave guards round the barn before escorting the empty wagons back in. He was also arranging spare men to stand guard along the way. Roy also had his deputy ready to escort the next six wagons when they were ready with a rota of guards.<\/p>\n Hoss saw his brother visibly relax at that, but even so he thought Adam looked exhausted and suggested that Adam go and get some sleep for a few hours. They could manage without him now that things were up and running. Harv was there to deal with any of the dubious pipes.<\/p>\n Adam wouldn\u2019t hear of it but he did allow Hoss to send for some food and brandy as well as coffee. All the men who were there were in need of it and it would be many hours before they were finished.<\/p>\n It was tiring, laborious and repetitive work but the system was working and three hours later with a total of eighteen wagons loaded and off to Lars and three cars dealt with, Adam submitted to his brothers\u2019 repeated entreaties to go and rest. None of them were going to be able to work straight through the ten cars, a minimum of fifteen hours hard concentration and he could see that Harv was looking drawn. Hoss used that to his advantage pointing out that there was no way that Harv would rest until Adam had done so, after his earlier encounter with the explosives. Giving way Adam agreed to go and rest on the cot in Nelson\u2019s office but insisted that he be called before they started the fifth car. Hoss gave his word and with that Adam allowed his brother to help him over to the cot and was asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.<\/p>\n Tony was far enough on with the lists, and had sufficient confidence that the men with him knew what they were doing, to leave that job and take Adam\u2019s place at the tables. He swapped places with Joe so that he was next to Harv to query the awkward ones but soon picked it up. As things were going smoothly Harv suggested they leave Adam to rest, but Joe knew his brother too well. \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t do any good. He knows near enough how long it\u2019s gonna take to deal with a car and he has an inbuilt alarm clock. He might get an extra ten minutes sleep, but he\u2019d be so cross at our breaking our word that it would counteract any good the sleep might do.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss agreed and went over to wake his brother, taking some coffee with him. In fact Adam was already awake, bearing out Joe\u2019s contention, but he was very glad of the coffee before forcing himself to his feet. Hoss tentatively suggested that they could carry on with out him for a while longer but Adam knew that Harv wasn\u2019t used to working under this sort of pressure or at such hours and insisted that the little man needed some rest. Harv was so tired, shocked by the attack and worried about the future that he felt ready to drop and could only marvel at Adam keeping going even with some rest and perhaps even more at the younger men\u2019s resilience and energy. He protested that he was alright, but his protests didn\u2019t even convince himself and he gratefully collapsed on the cot that Adam had vacated.<\/p>\n The first wagons that had gone out to the ranch returned before the next car was unloaded and the driver were able to report that there hadn\u2019t been any trouble along the way and that Roy had the route well guarded. As they finished the fifth wagon Hoss got up and stretched \u201cWe\u2019re halfway and I for one can\u2019t face another pipe until I\u2019ve had a proper sit down breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe could only agree, like Hoss he had been sitting concentrating for nearly eight hours out of the previous nine and he was very tired. His eyes and his head were both aching and he was stiff and hungry. Adam knew just how solidly his brothers had been working, an hour or more setting things up before they could start and then all the hours at the tables. All of them had earnt a break. He stood up and stretched in the grey light of morning, still very dull although it was gone 8 a.m. \u201cI think we\u2019ve all earnt some breakfast. Jess send half the men to get some and take charge here until we get back please. We\u2019ll only be half an hour and then you can go.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess grinned at his friend \u201cSure, you just take your time.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam limping heavily welcomed Hoss\u2019 support but he stopped before they had gone ten yards and turned, Tony was checking the lists for the next car to make sure that the men hadn\u2019t made any mistakes but Adam called \u201cCome on Tony.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe went back and grabbed his arm \u201cCome on you\u2019ve been working as hard as any of us. We all need a break.\u201d<\/p>\n As they came up Adam forced a grin \u201cJoe\u2019s right, anyway when we first saw the chaos I wouldn\u2019t have thought in my wildest dreams that we could have half of it sorted out already.\u201d<\/p>\n They ate mainly in silence too tired to talk much but they couldn\u2019t get away from the thought of trouble, like a tongue probing a sore tooth they speculated on further risks to the pipe, trouble with the diggers and the problem of repairing the damaged pieces. Even with less than one in ten damaged there would still be nearly a thousand pieces to deal with and few people experienced enough to do it. Overtired the logistics of the situation were frightening but Hoss firmly refused to worry, they would deal with when they had to, first jobs first and they had another eight or more hours to complete the work awaiting them at the yard.<\/p>\n Feeling better for some food Joe started four men collecting what was needed to repair the cars. Nelson had reappeared and he offered his help, leaving Joe free to return to the pipe. Slowly the chaos was being reduced to order and the damaged sections were sent to the ranch all labelled with the car number, so that those needed first could be dealt with first. Harv had rejoined them but even with five of them checking the flow of pipes, tiredness had begun to take its toll of efficiency and each car took over two hours. One box in the seventh car was more extensively damaged than the rest by some fluke. Five pieces were repairable but the other ten were smashed and it took time finding the numbers and checking the lists to ensure they had all of them. Adam sent Harv to find the master specification so that he could telegraph Frisco straight away and reorder the appropriate pieces but it all took time.<\/p>\n The first that Ben heard of trouble was the arrival from town of the damaged pipe. Adam had deliberately sent Hank with the wagon, he could be relied on to give his father a reasonably straight story without too many lurid embellishments and he had dared any of them to mention his own accident. It was minor and he was fine and would fill Ben in when he got home. Even without that piece of news Ben couldn\u2019t help being worried. It had seemed a big enough job anyway moving the boxes out of town and now with every piece needing checking individually and cars needing rebuilding he knew the pressure there must be on his sons and all the men with them and knew they must all be exhausted. Ben quickly filled the three women, Carole having brought the children over. Then warning them not to expect anyone to be back until very late, if at all, Ben collected Jos\u00e9 and two dozen men and headed for town to at least relieve some of the pressure.<\/p>\n His sons had just finished sorting out the smashed pieces in the seventh car and had three left to do when Ben rode in late in the morning. None of them were surprised to see him and the extra men were badly needed to relive some of the others, everyone was short a night\u2019s sleep and some tempers were beginning to fray. Ben headed over stopping at the first car to see for himself the mess that had been caused before going over to join his sons. All of them looked very tired and drawn, eyes red-rimmed and bloodshot, but his attention was all on Adam the bandage round his forehead eloquent testimony that something had happened. Adam smiled more freely than he had for a couple of days, \u201cTake it easy Pa, I\u2019m okay.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben snorted and turned to his younger sons for enlightenment. Joe swiftly filled him in on what had happened but tried to reassure his father, it wasn\u2019t serious, just cuts and bruises. Ben tried to get Adam to rest but he wouldn\u2019t budge. He had rested for an hour while his brothers arranged things initially and had had a sleep since while his brothers had worked straight through. Now he admitted he was tired but he would see the job through.<\/p>\n Ben had to admit his eldest son had a point, Joe and Hoss looked equally tired and headachy. Joe suggested that his father deal with the rebuilding of the cars and the peripheral organisation leaving the three of them with Harv and Tony to deal with the pipe. They had the system working well now and knew what to look for. As everyone became even more tired there had been too many niggling little problems and with Ben handling those the five men could get on but it was still nearly six hours before the last pipe was in its correct box. Even so that was twenty four hours before Adam had expected and he made no protest as Ben ordered his brothers to see him home and then get to bed themselves. Ben intended to stay and finish up rebuilding the cars and then dispose of the evidence of their long stay, get the wagons back to their rightful owners and all the other details. In all the cars only ten pieces of pipe were irreparable and despite their tiredness everyone had to agree that they had been very lucky.<\/p>\n Adam thanked Harv and Tony for all their hard work and then leaning heavily on Hoss limped down to the livery stable where he needed the help of a mounting block to get onto Blackie, so very stiff. Not that his brothers were much better off, they were all more tired than they could remember being for a long time. They rode out of town slowly, leaving the horses to make their own way home, not talking, Hoss and Joe had pulled in close on either side of Adam, worried about him knowing how exhausted they felt and he had been blown up and not even started out fully fit. It seemed to take a long time to get home and Adam had slumped down in the saddle but insisted that he was fine, just tired. Hoss led the way to Adam\u2019s house first, his brother was going straight to bed, Adam made no protests and Joe got down and slipped into the house to warn Carole, leaving Hoss to help Adam.<\/p>\n Carole was sitting by the fire reading and she looked up as Joe came in, not really surprised by the very obvious exhaustion, She frowned as she took in the worried look on his face and then smiled \u201cAlright Joe what\u2019s he done now?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled, she knew him very well \u201cHe\u2019s alright, Hoss\u2019 helping him down, just bruised and tired. He got knocked out by one of the explosions last night, only out for a few minutes, couple of cuts and very bruised, no need to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole studied Joe\u2019s eyes for a minute before deciding there wasn\u2019t any real need to worry. Then Hoss helped Adam in, grinned at her and the picking up his brother carried him straight to their room. Carole followed listening to Adam\u2019s protests and as Hoss put him down Adam took her in his arms, \u201cI\u2019m alright love, just very tired and bullied!\u201d<\/p>\n Carole kissed him \u201cSure you are, but while Hoss is here take advantage of it. Give him a hand to get to bed please Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded \u201cEvery intention of doing so and then I\u2019m going home to do the same.\u201d He yawned widely setting both his brothers off. Carole asked Joe to join her on the landing and got a more detailed report of what had happened and the limited rest they had forced on him. Joe didn\u2019t look much better than his brother and Carole didn\u2019t push for details, they could be filled in once the brothers had slept the clock round.<\/p>\n Joe was about to go downstairs when Adam called him. Before he could settle Adam had to try and thank his brothers, they had done an excellent job in organising things and sorting out the mess when he wasn\u2019t capable of thinking straight enough to help. Neither felt it was necessary Adam had done more than his share and the pipe was a joint project anyway, but equally both were touched that he\u2019d cared enough to want to thank them when he was nearly asleep.<\/p>\n They left him to sleep and went down with Carole. Hoss tried to make sure she would be alright on her own that she wasn\u2019t going to sit and worry but Carole reassured him. She was well used by now to their habit of getting into trouble and suggested they go and reassure their own wives who weren\u2019t as used to it as she was. Exhausted both brothers were glad to do exactly that.<\/p>\n Nita and Sue had both been very worried, especially after Carole had taken her children home, she was calm, well used to problems and the Cartwright\u2019s capability in handling them and looking after themselves. They found it hard to settle without her calming influence and were sitting by the fire, talking rather desultorily as they waited for news. Both jumped up as Hoss and Joe came in and hurried over to their husbands, Joe had to stifle a yawn before he could kiss Nita, \u201cSorry love. We\u2019re alright just tired, it\u2019s been a bit hectic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe heard, you must be exhausted.\u201d Nita said studying his face anxiously.<\/p>\n \u201cBeen working hard, sort of concentrated\u2026.\u201d Hoss broke off and yawned and Sue said \u201cDo you want food or baths?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss hugged her \u201cPersonally I just want my bed, we\u2019ve had several meals as far as I can remember.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe could only agree and they headed straight for bed where both men were asleep almost instantly, tired out, not just by a missed night\u2019s sleep but also by the sheer concentration and the strains and worry of the last 36 hours.<\/p>\n Ben came home in the early hours and headed straight for bed, but he was still first down the next morning. Sue slipped out leaving Hoss to sleep and went down to join her father-in-law. By the time they had finished breakfast Nita had also come down leaving Joe asleep too. Ben filled them in what had happened in town, he had got all the details from Jess and the others. Both were worried to hear that Adam had been hurt again, but Ben reassured them that it wasn\u2019t serious, he\u2019d just needed some sleep and in fact Adam was there to prove his father right before Joe and Hoss appeared,<\/p>\n Adam was very stiff and he had a bad headache but he ignored his aches and pains, more worried about the trouble he foresaw with the pipeline. By the time he had reassure the others that he was alright, Joe and Hoss had appeared both demanding breakfast. Adam emphasized just how much they\u2019d had to do and how well they\u2019d done it, much to his father\u2019s private amusement, but Sue and Nita were both delighted as Adam had intended. Once the brothers were fed and the girls up to date, the four men settled down to decide on the next priorities. For a start they had a large pile of pipe to repair, and Ben decided to pass Hoss the job of organising that, he knew which men could be trusted to do the repairs and the worst ones he could handle himself. Hoss accepted that but it was bound to take time, Adam just reminded him to do it in order and there shouldn\u2019t be too much of a rush. All things considered they\u2019d got off very lightly and the pipe was very well guarded now.<\/p>\n Little Joe said \u201cFine as far as it goes but whoever set that dynamite didn\u2019t care who got hurt and they won\u2019t stop. Have to keep trying and the diggers must be vulnerable.\u201d<\/p>\n The others knew that he was right but it was difficult to know what more they could do, they had reliable hands riding guard on the diggers. Hoss asked \u201cWhen do we move onto Seton\u2019s range?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTuesday if everything goes as planned.\u201d Adam told him, \u201cWhich gives us two days to get organised. Harv has all the legal moves covered. Judge Neely has granted the injunctions to order him to keep his contract but we have to enforce it.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss said, \u201cHe knew about the plan to dynamite the railroad cars.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded \u201cThat hadn\u2019t escaped us Hoss. He\u2019s obviously well in with whoever is behind this, but Seton hasn\u2019t the money or the muscle to be doing it on his own.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t make much odds Pa. If he\u2019ll go that far he\u2019ll try to stop us digging the trench.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI realise that, the question is how and when?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam very sore, still wasn\u2019t comfortable sitting down and he got up and lent on the mantelpiece, \u201cThe how I\u2019m not sure, force obviously and probably gunmen, but the when is obvious, Tuesday morning as soon as we move onto his land.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben queried it, \u201cMight wait a few days, lull us into a sense of security before moving in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think so Pa. The minute he lets us start digging without any protests he throws away one large card and Seton is bright enough to see that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe already have the injunction and that contract is tight.\u201d Ben said puzzled.<\/p>\n Adam grinned wryly \u201cSure in a court of law but I\u2019m thinking of the court of public opinion, Seton will have less to fear from the law if he can claim in that court and there it\u2019ll be important to move at once to stop us.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Hoss both agreed with their brother and Ben wasn\u2019t betting against him. Joe shrugged and said \u201cIn some ways it makes things easier, we\u2019ll have to go over on Tuesday, move them in under our personal protection. Take enough of the hands to force our point.\u201d He wasn\u2019t seriously worried at the prospect of a fight; he\u2019d faced them too often and usually found that if they stood up to bullies then the opposition caved in fairly easily.<\/p>\n Nita had been listening in silence but at that she couldn\u2019t help the inevitable protest which rose to her lips, \u201cBut Joe\u2026..\u201d She broke off and bit her lip, despite Joe\u2019s insistence on her having an equal say she couldn\u2019t really believe it. Joe moved over to her and sat down on the arm of her chair \u201cGo on Nita say what you think.\u201d<\/p>\n She wasn\u2019t sure but he smiled down encouragingly at her \u201cIt\u2019s just that you; I mean you\u2019re directors of the company building this pipeline, that\u2019s all. You have men hired to build it, why do you have to go out. Adam\u2019s already been hurt all of you worked yourselves into exhaustion and it\u2019s not really your job.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned he hadn\u2019t even considered the possibility of not going, Ben looked at his three sons, all showing surprised at the idea of leaving it and said judiciously, \u201cNita has a point. Fair and Mackay have an equal share in this venture and I didn\u2019t see them at the marshalling yards, let alone Flood or O\u2019Brien.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned \u201cWell maybe they could have helped out, guess they were busy but we don\u2019t need them in a fight. Heck Jim Fair with a gun is more dangerous to himself than anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not really the point Hoss. Nita is right we put up the money for the pipe and hired Harv to build it, now it\u2019s his problem. You were the one who was worried about me delegating.\u201d Adam looked from Hoss to Joe and Nita, deliberately non-committal himself but Joe glared at him \u201cIts different Adam and you know it.\u201d He took his wife\u2019s hand, knowing their life and ways of doing things weren\u2019t what she was used to and willing to explain, but she had to learn because he couldn\u2019t change and despite Ben\u2019s and Adam\u2019s understanding of her point of view, in the last analysis neither could his family. He got up and moved round in front of her \u201cDarling I\u2019ve always warned you that it can be rough out here. We can\u2019t stand back and do nothing, ignore a fight, whatever the risks. We hire men to dig trenches, lay pipe, tend cattle and we pay them for that. They know the risks involved in that work and accept them. Anytime someone is hurt we do all we can to help, get them the best of care, make sure that families don\u2019t suffer and we\u2019re repaid a hundred fold by good loyal men. This is different we didn\u2019t hire anyone to fight for us. We don\u2019t hire gunmen and we don\u2019t expect anyone to risk their lives for us, whether in defence of us, this ranch or in this case the pipeline. We\u2019ll fight our own battles and because we\u2019ve always done that, always taken the lead our men will back us and when we ask for volunteers most if not all will back us. The day we sit here in comfort and don\u2019t fight ourselves we\u2019ll lose something very important, Something I can\u2019t quite explain but without it, on more than one occasion, we\u2019d have lost the Ponderosa and probably our lives too.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita has sat searching Joe\u2019s eyes as he spoke and she smiled at him, \u201cI have a lot to learn.\u201d Ben was very proud of his youngest son \u201cYou say you can\u2019t explain Joseph, seems to me that you\u2019ve done a pretty good job of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita had seen the sincerity in Joe\u2019s eyes hear it in his voice as he tried to explain his family\u2019s creed and she realised they weren\u2019t fighting for the love of fighting as for a moment she had feared but from a deep sense of commitment. They seldom, if ever, invested money into a project just to make money at least not heavily, and once committed became deeply involved. In the last analysis everything would go apart from the ranch, but all the time there was no risk to the Ponderosa, they would try everyway they could to make other projects a success.<\/p>\n Slowly they settled to detailed plans to move onto Seton\u2019s land on Tuesday and once decided Adam proposed going to town to fill Harv in on what was happening and warn Roy. Ben vetoed that Adam was still very stiff and he ought to rest, he would go to town himself. Adam had to admit he was sore and warned Joe that he\u2019d better be in practice because any situation needing a fast draw was all his. Adam grinned \u201cI reckon you\u2019d outdraw me easily at the minute Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grunted, \u201cJust as long as you can shoot straight don\u2019t reckon it\u2019ll matter much so if you\u2019ll give over frightening the girls lets change the subject.\u201d<\/p>\n Monday was quiet, Ben had spoken to the hands whose support they needed and everyone was to be ready to move out at 4 a.m. the next morning. The digging crews were to combine and wait for them on the edge of Seton\u2019s range nearest to town only moving in under their protection. Ben suggested everyone got an early night but none of them got much sleep, Adam was too stiff and sore to be able to get comfortable and both his brothers were very conscious of their wives. Neither Sue nor Nita wanted to keep their husbands awake, but they couldn\u2019t settle knowing Hoss and Joe were going out to face a probable fight, from which they might not return. Both of them did their best to lie still but it wasn\u2019t easy and first Joe and then Hoss gave up the attempt to sleep and with limited success tried to reassure their wives. Nothing was going to happen to them, they\u2019d faced fights before and knew how to take care of themselves. They had plenty of excellent help and would be fine.<\/p>\n All four were down for an early breakfast although the girls only wanted coffee. Ben could see the fear they were trying valiantly to hide and like his sons did his best to reassure them but he could see that he wasn\u2019t making any impression. Still he gave the girls full credit both managed to send their husbands off with a smile and good luck wishes even if he was sure they would go inside to cry on their own, once the men were out of sight. Joe and Hoss realised that too but as Joe murmured to his brother, \u201cAt least they have each other for company.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam rode up to join then just then and Hoss said, \u201cCarole is on her own.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe tried to be positive \u201cShe\u2019s got the kids and anyway she\u2019s more used to us fighting. She\u2019ll be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam caught the end of it \u201cWho will?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled \u201cAll of them. Sue and Nita are worried but they are both strong, so\u2019s Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe was going over to join them once the kids are up.\u201d Trusting in their wives mental strength, the brothers put all thought of wives from them and concentrated on the expected trouble. They had fifteen men with them, chosen from the numerous volunteers, all steady men and good shots, Jess and Stevens among them. Jos\u00e9 had been very irate when Ben refused to let him come but Ben didn\u2019t want to risk the vaquero being hurt with a hectic summer planned, Jos\u00e9 played far too important a role in the ranch activities. Ben had been very hesitant about letting Jess come for the same reasons, They had begun to rely more and more on the dark haired cowboy, who had become such a good friend of Adam\u2019s. He and his sons had to take the risks but noone else did.<\/p>\n Harv and Tony Enders joined them on the road just before they cut through to the trench and all of them were surprised to hear the sound of men working as they approached, it was still only 5.30 a.m. and while they would expect the men to be up and getting breakfast in the dim light of the false dawn, it was most unusual for work to have started. Ben pulled up and signalled his men to be quiet. \u201cThere\u2019s something going on, they\u2019ll know we will be expecting trouble today, may have moved in overnight.\u201d<\/p>\n The Cartwrights had placed guards round the camp to prevent just that but all of them knew that a determined enough attack out here, with little suitable cover for a defensive action, could have overcome the guards. Ben turned to his youngest son \u201cJoe head forward very carefully. Don\u2019t start anything I just want to know what\u2019s going on. We won\u2019t move in until the light is better, don\u2019t want our own men hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe threw Cochise\u2019s reins to hoss and slipped forward on foot. The others waited tensely for his return but all knew Joe\u2019s ability to use cover and darkness, moving very quietly. He hadn\u2019t been brought up with an Indian without learning their tricks from Jim Willy. Even so time seemed to stand still until he returned and the sky was beginning to really lighten. Joe swung back up on Cochise, \u201cNothing very obviously wrong, but even given that two crews have combined there are too many men in the trenches. None of the men we left on guard are visible. Light wasn\u2019t great but I\u2019d have spotted at least one of them if they were there. I\u2019m sure of that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny sign of Seton himself or anyone else we know?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n Joe shook his head, “Not as far as I could see but there was a little knot of men at the far end of the trench, not making any attempt to do anything, and I couldn\u2019t get close enough to see who was there. Mind you attempts to work are at the best half hearted.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned; it was difficult to know what to do for the best with his own men muddled up with the opposition.<\/p>\n Adam queried \u201cAny idea how many extra men Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t dare get too close and I can\u2019t be sure but I\u2019d guess maybe twenty, makes us evenly matched.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcept that they have the protection of the trench to say nothing of up to sixty hostages!\u201d Adam sighed and put like that it seemed very depressing, Adam eased his aching body in the saddle, trying to think what to do, \u201dI suppose we could just ignore them.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss suggested \u201cHow about going up to the north end of Seton\u2019s land start digging the trench there, it might draw them out.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cIt could at that Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head \u201cToo many of our men here we can\u2019t just walk away. Before word got to them there just might be a massacre. Only needs someone to go off half-cocked and then to get scared about leaving witnesses.\u201d \u201cIts been known, ever hear of the Mountain meadows massacre? More than 120 men women and children died there so they couldn\u2019t witness against the Mormon\u2019s original killing of two men.\u201d Ben sighed \u201cThere have been other cases, not so extreme but bad enough it only needs a couple of men to start, the rest get carried along.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s getting light Pa, we have to make a move \u201cJoe urged and Ben recognised the sense of that but it wasn\u2019t so easy to know what to do. None of them could be sure of recognising their own men, the sixty in the digging crews were strangers to most of them. \u201cI don\u2019t see that we have much option. We take up position in what cover we can and order the men to leave the trenches. Tell them that anyone with their hands up and unarmed won\u2019t be hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n Noone had any better idea although as Adam pointed out, the armed men might try to prevent anyone leaving the trench. Ben shrugged \u201cRisky for them too, outnumbered, maybe they\u2019ll be glad to get rid of the non-combatants and face us. They have the better cover.\u201d<\/p>\n Tony edged close to Adam, \u201cI don\u2019t understand what they hope to gain by this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMake it so expensive in every way that we\u2019ll give up. If we can\u2019t cross Seton\u2019s land there\u2019s no pipeline, so stop us going onto it. Maybe kill a couple of Cartwrights so we back out, maybe force a stalemate and enrol public opinion against it again. Really desperation, they have run out of other ideas. You watch yourself; noone will wait to give you a fair chance here.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben gave the orders and sending Adam and Hoss to cover the trench from one side with half the men, he and Joe took the rest of the men to the far side. Adam suggested Harv stay and look after the horses but he wasn\u2019t having any of it and drew out his rifle, \u201cI can shoot. This is my pipeline and I\u2019ll do my share.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was impressed by the little man\u2019s tenacity and he couldn\u2019t deny his right to be along but he warned him to keep close. Then they moved forward to take up position. They were expected and as soon as the men in the trenches saw that they had guns out and weren\u2019t walking into any trap, they began shooting. Adam ordered his men to take cover but not to return fire and then he heard his father offer safe passage to anyone who came out unarmed and with their hands up.<\/p>\n Many of the diggers didn\u2019t need a second invitation and began scrambling out of the trenches. A couple were pulled back but then Seton ordered his men to use it, mingle with them, with so many men moving around the Cartwrights wouldn\u2019t be able to see who was armed and who wasn\u2019t. It was their best chance of killing the Cartwrights, the only way he could see to finally settle matters.<\/p>\n Suddenly everyone erupted from the trench nearly ninety men, heading in both directions, some just running away, others trying to kill. The light was still not marvellous and the rain began to fall as the two sides clashed. It was sheer chaos and none could see more than their own immediate area. It was impossible to know who was the enemy, until they tried to shoot you. Things cleared a little as the digging crews removed themselves hastily from the scene not wanting to get hurt. With very limited cover and little chance to reload, the Cartwrights were all glad of the extra guns Ben had insisted that every man carry. There was a sudden burst of firing all round the area and noway to know how it was going, when Adam saw Seton right in front of him. They exchanged bullets but Seton missed by miles while Adam\u2019s caught him in the ribs and he fell. Adam kicked the gun away as Seton fell and bending over Seton told him to call his men off but Seton just spat at him \u201cGo to hell.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess yelled a warning to Adam and Adam whirled to face a new threat but Jess had already dealt with it although he\u2019d taken a bullet himself. There was no time to worry about his friend as another gunman loomed up and Adam\u2019s shot shattered the man\u2019s arm. Then before he could do anything else Adam was thrown bodily off his feet as Tony launched himself at his friend. Adam, fell heavily on his already badly bruised right side and very nearly lost control of his senses. There were two simultaneous shots and Tony\u2019s body lay like a dead weight on him. Adam couldn\u2019t move. but there was a sudden silence and he could see several men putting their hands up as others stood up, moving out from cover<\/p>\n Hoss saw his brother was down and ran over to him, fear like a cold lump on his chest, he found it hard to catch his breath. He was relieved to see Adam was conscious but his brother was covered in blood. Adam was very glad to see Hoss, he could feel Tony\u2019s blood on him and was scared for the young man. \u201cI\u2019m okay, lift him off me Hoss, real careful I don\u2019t know how bad he is.\u201d Hoss did as he was asked still scared for his brother but Adam recognised that \u201cNot my blood Hoss I\u2019m fine.\u201d Shaken, winded and bruised he was far from fine and it cost him a lot to pull himself up and move over to kneel by Tony. The youngster had taken a bullet just under the heart and Hoss shook his head as Adam looked questioningly at him Tony was still alive but it could only be a minute or so. As Adam felt his pulse Tony opened his eyes and looked up at Adam. He didn\u2019t seem to be in any pain \u201cYou alright Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks to you Tony, proved yourself a real good friend.\u201d<\/p>\n The boy\u2019s lips curved into a smile at Adam\u2019s words but even as he did so the grip on Adam\u2019s hand fell away as he died. Adam bit his lip and closed his eyes for a moment while Hoss felt for his pulse \u201cHe\u2019s gone Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled himself to his feet and turned away, there was nothing he could do for Tony now and he had seen Jess fall too, also trying to protect him. He hurried over to Jess to find two of the other Ponderosa hands trying to pad a wound in his friend\u2019s chest. Adam took over the job and looked at the nasty wound in Jess\u2019 ribs and the tell tale bubbles of blood at his mouth which told of a lung wound. All he could do was pad the wound so Jess lost no more blood and get him to a doctor. He felt Jess’ pulse and at least that was strong. Hoss had followed him over and he asked \u201cHow bad is Jess?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBad enough, lung damaged. We need to get him to Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTown\u2019s closest, get him to the hospital, there\u2019s others hurt too. We need wagons, I\u2019ll get them from Lars he\u2019s closest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPad them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know what to do Adam try and take it easy I won\u2019t be long.\u201d As Hoss hurried to his horse his father saw him and ran over \u201cYou okay? Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah Pa but Jess is badly hurt. Tony Enders and Seton are dead. I\u2019m going to get a wagon from Lars. Joe okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBullet in the arm not serious. Nothing too serious as far as I\u2019ve seen on our side. You go ahead.\u201d Ben had to take a grip on things and Joe came to help him, a hasty bandage round his right arm, which he rested in his jacket. Ben said \u201cGo make sure Adam\u2019s alright first, Jess is badly hurt. \u201c Joe nodded and hurried over to Adam while Ben got Stevens to collect together the armed men who had all surrendered. Harv was reorganising his digging crews while Ben collected his own men together and released the ten who had been on guard over night. They had been captured one by one and tied up. Ben was glad to see that none of his other men were badly hurt. There were several minor wounds like Joe\u2019s, but apart from Jess, none of them were life threatening. Three others of Seton\u2019s men were dead and two seriously hurt with again a sprinkling of minor injuries. The worst of the fighting has been over near Adam as Seton himself had gone that way. Ben recognized several of the worst element in Virginia City and he tried to question them, find out who had hired them but few would talk at all and none of them mentioned anyone other than Seton. He had all of them bound, hands behind their backs and then told eight of his men to take those who were fit to ride into Roy,<\/p>\n Meanwhile Joe had joined his brother and knelt down on the other side of Jess, feeling his pulse. He tried a smile of encouragement \u201cJess is strong he\u2019ll make out.\u201d Adam nodded slowly \u201cI pray he will Tony Enders is dead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Take it easy, are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, not my blood.\u201d Adam frowned for the first time taking in the bandage on Joe\u2019s arm, \u201cHow bad\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSore, but my arm still works.\u201d Joe frowned seeing something in his brother\u2019s eyes that he couldn\u2019t understand.. \u201cYou sure you\u2019re okay?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam tried to pull himself together and as Jess stirred he bent over his friend holding him still and telling Jess not to try and talk. Jess moaned as the pain caught him and Adam wiped his face \u201cEasy Jess just lie still. You\u2019re going to be fine. We\u2019ll get you to Doc in a minute and make you more comfortable. Don\u2019t talk, you\u2019ll be just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess seemed to relax as Adam talked to him and after a few minutes he passed out again. Adam prayed quietly that his friend would survive and that two people wouldn\u2019t end up giving their life for him on the same day. He felt so very guilty, somehow he should have protected both himself and them better, especially the young boy who, however fast he was on the draw, couldn\u2019t know how to handle himself in such a fight.<\/p>\n Adam was glad when Hoss drove a wagon alongside and stood back to let his brother lift Jess into the wagon. Hoss was as careful as he could be but even so Jess screamed in pain as they moved him. Adam lost colour but made no comment and let Hoss help him up into the wagon to hold Jess still. Two other hands with leg wounds joined them in the wagon and Hoss set out for town, leaving Lars to follow with the wounded gunmen. The expression on his brother\u2019s face was enough to keep Hoss quiet and they made their way into town in silence. It wasn\u2019t far but to Adam holding his friend still hearing the bubbling of his breath, it seemed to take forever. Hoss went straight to the Sisters\u2019 of Mercy Hospital knowing word had already gone to Doc so that he would know what they intended doing. In fact Doc was there waiting for them. Hoss carried Jess in while Adam helped one of the others while Doc helped the third. Then Adam joined Jess as Doc began his examination, cutting his clothing away. The bullet had gone through splintering the ribs and Doc had to remove the slivers of bone one of which had cut into the lung. Doc didn\u2019t dare risk anaesthetic with a lung injury and had Adam and Hoss hold Jess still. Even with Hoss\u2019 strength they were hard pressed as Jess reacted although apparently unconscious. Eventually Doc had done all he could and got his patient bandaged up. Only then did Adam risk the question which was tormenting him, \u201cWhat are his chances Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve done all I can for him Adam, its up to him and maybe God. He has a chance. If it was one of you I\u2019d say you would probably make it but I don\u2019t know how good a fighter Jess is.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gripped his brother\u2019s shoulder, \u201cJess is a fighter, he\u2019ll make out, don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared down at his friend\u2019s drawn face \u201cPlease God he will, He was shot protecting me. So was Tony and he\u2019s already dead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on Adam it was a fight, everyone at risk, you can\u2019t blame yourself.\u201d Hoss looked down at his brother, seeing just how much Adam was blaming himself. Hoss knew his brother too well to try and talk sense into him yet and stayed with the practicalities. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you clean up a bit Adam, I\u2019ll go and get you some clean clothes. You stay with Jess for a while if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, he couldn\u2019t leave his friend yet and anyway he was so stiff and sore after being thrown down that he needed some time to get back on top of himself. He had been very badly hit by Tony\u2019s death. Hoss hesitated not wanting to leave his brother alone, but then decided that maybe it was what Adam needed just now.<\/p>\n Joe made light of his wound and helped his father sort things out before giving in to Ben\u2019s reiterated requests to go into town and see Doc, have his arm tended. Joe was just leaving for town when Stevens called to him, Stevens had found a man hiding in the bushes, a bullet wound in the leg and he wanted to know which side the man was on. Joe rode over and recognised the man, Barnes. Joe dismounted and grinned at Stevens. Barnes sold water at a high price and had been a vociferous opponent of the pipeline. Without sufficient money or power to pressurise some of the people who hadn\u2019t been willing to assist the Cartwrights, yet his name had been mentioned several time and Joe had got the distinct impression that he was acting as a front men for Troy. Joe decided that it would be useful to have a private talk with Barnes and get a statement out of him before taking him into Roy. He needed a witness and outlined to Stevens what he intended. Stevens just hauled Barnes up on to the front of his horse. He liked Jess and got on well with him and he didn\u2019t like what was being done and anyway his creed involved loyalty to the spread you signed on with. Especially in this case, when for the first time in his life he had returned of his own freewill to the ranch, which was the best he\u2019d ever worked for and where he was given responsibility and rewarded for it. Joe knew a line shack at the edge of Seton\u2019s land, less than a mile away and with Seton dead he couldn\u2019t see anyone objecting so he led the way over to it. Barnes was scared, Joe had a reputation for being impulsive and having a fiery temper and he could see that Joe was injured. Pain lines were obvious on Joe\u2019s face and Barnes couldn\u2019t help feeling that wouldn\u2019t improve Joe\u2019s temper.<\/p>\n Joe could see his fear and he played on it emphasising that he\u2019d lost friends that day ad at least one close friend was lying close to death, Barnes would get no help, no doctor, until he\u2019d made a full statement of his part in the events of the last few days and who else was involved. Joe perched on the table and studied the injured leg \u201cIf it get gangrene from that bullet it\u2019s just too bad, your choice.\u201d<\/p>\n Stevens nodded \u201cOnly he and I know where you are and I sure don\u2019t mind leaving scum like you to die.\u201d<\/p>\n Barnes was more scared of them than Troy or the law and he was very eager to talk. Troy had provided him and Seton with money, put pressure on the men in town not to help but he hadn\u2019t been closely involved. Joe could believe that, Troy was scared of violence even at one remove and would try to ignore its existence. He wasn\u2019t so believing as Barnes tried to blame all the worst excesses on the dead Seton and after an hour of persistent questioning had the wounded man reduced to a blubbering heap, who would have admitted to anything to get away from the merciless questions. Convinced at last that Barnes would tell the truth, Joe got paper and pencil from his saddle bag and began working through chronologically from the plans to destroy the pipe to the new plans to attack the diggers, and he learnt as a bonus of two men on the digging crew who had been bribed to set new explosives amongst the pipe in the barn once they began removing it. Troy\u2019s part seemed to consist mainly in providing the necessary financing and Joe wasn\u2019t at all sure they would be able to bring him to justice. Even so he took careful note of everything that Barnes said and he made sure Barnes signed every page and countersigned himself and then had Stevens sign as well as a witness. It all took time and it was more than two hours after reaching the line shack before they were ready to ride on into town. Stevens had sat by amused as Barnes cowered away and finally broke, so scared of Joe, who hadn\u2019t so much as lifted a finger against him, not even threatening to.<\/p>\n Eventually they headed on for town, Stevens again taking Barnes up behind him, Joe\u2019s arm had been bleeding again and it felt on fire with the bullet still in and he was glad it was no further to town.<\/p>\n Ben had given all the men the day off. Harv badly shaken by Tony\u2019s death was in no condition to organize anything. Then he had headed into town himself, leaving five hands to bring in the dead bodies. Ben was anxious about his eldest son and about Jess on whom they had all come to rely over the last years. Ben went straight to the hospital and seeing Doc and Hoss he went over, \u201cHow is Jess?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBad wound, I\u2019m afraid Ben, maybe fifty-fifty chance, depends on his own constitution and fighting ability, Adam is sitting with him, seems pretty badly shaken himself.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss had been back and persuaded Adam to change and have some coffee but his brother wouldn\u2019t talk and refused food, just wanting to be left alone. Hoss had done as Adam wanted but he\u2019d hated leaving his brother who looked drawn and strained, almost in shock. He sighed heavily \u201cHe blames himself Pa, Says both Tony Enders and Jess were hurt trying to protect him. Now one is dead and the other badly hurt, I can\u2019t get him to eat or talk and he looks ill.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, \u201cHe\u2019s very fond of Jess and that young man tried so hard to make amends, a tragic waste. It\u2019s not surprising he\u2019s upset. You ought to be used to your brother\u2019s ability to blame himself by now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMay have some reason Pa. Tony\u2019s body was lying on top of Adam when I reached them. Looked as though he\u2019d knocked Adam down out of the way, taken the bullet himself, hurt Adam\u2019s side too I reckon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll try and talk to him in a minute, don\u2019t worry to much. Adam will soon get things in perspective and Jess is tough. But first Doc how bad was Joe\u2019s arm?\u201d<\/p>\n Paul stared blankly ar Ben \u201cI haven\u2019t seen Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n It was Ben\u2019s turn to look blank, \u201cBut he headed for town to see you a good two hours before I headed in, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t seen him Pa. was he on his own?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure, he was talking to Stevens last time I saw him.\u201d Ben had gone pale, scared for his youngest son, and Hoss put his arm round his father\u2019s shoulders. \u201cEasy Pa, Joe should have headed straight in, if anything had happened, if he\u2019d passed out, you\u2019d have seen him or one of the men, been enough traffic on that road this morning, Chances are he went off on some ploy of his own, maybe with Stevens. I ain\u2019t seen him either and he\u2019s a good man to have around.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Joe\u2019s hurt, bullet still in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe didn\u2019t look too bad when I saw him, want me to go and look for him Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded \u201cMaybe we\u2019d both better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can get a few of the men to help, why don\u2019t you go and talk to Adam. I\u2019ll find my little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben recognized the sense of that and nodded, leaving Hoss to find Joe while he went to join his eldest son. At first Adam didn\u2019t even seem aware that his father was there and Ben could see why Hoss had been so worried. Adam couldn\u2019t do anything to help his friend, one of the nuns was with him and doing all that could be done. Sister Cecily had tried to persuade Adam to at least go and have a drink, even if he wasn\u2019t able to get the rest he needed, but she knew she had made no impression at all on the stubborn eldest Cartwright son. Adam couldn\u2019t explain to her, barely able to understand himself, but he felt that he owed it to Jess to stay with him. Jess had no family or at least none that he was in contact with and Adam was his closest friend, just maybe his presence would help, although Jess was in a coma, seemingly unaware of anything. Adam was deep in thought, memories of the past, remembering the times he\u2019d asked for Jess\u2019 support, the risks his friend had taken without hesitation trying to help him. He had come to rely heavily on Jess and didn\u2019t really understand just how much Jess revelled in the responsibility he was given. It was always well rewarded and Jess had enough to start up on his own, but at least for now until he found a girl he wanted to settle down with, he wouldn\u2019t leave the Ponderosa thoroughly enjoying the company and the work he did there. Adam only became aware of his father\u2019s presence when Ben moved over and gripped his shoulders, Then Adam half turned and looked up at his father, Ben knew as soon as he saw his son\u2019s face that Hoss had been right in sending him to Adam, he could be of more use here. Ben smiled \u201cI think we need to talk Adam. There\u2019s an empty room next door and Sister Cecily is bringing coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared down at Jess for a moment, but he knew that Jess wasn\u2019t aware of his presence, and slowly and painfully he levered himself to his feet and limping heavily went through to the next room. He went over to the window and stared out over the town, too stiff to want to sit. Ben poured coffee for them both and added a stiff slug of brandy to Adam\u2019s before handing it over \u201cI think you had better tell me what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure I want to talk Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think you need to. When Beth was dying you helped me get things into perspective. I still mourn a close friend but I don\u2019t blame myself. Seems to me its time to repay the favour.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned, seeing the compassion and understanding on his father\u2019s face. \u201cPa they were both hurt trying to protect me. Tony\u2019s dead, just a boy, and Jess \u2026. I should have done more. I\u2019m used to fights. Too slow, stiff, maybe if\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan you think of one single thing that you could have done and didn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d Adam said slowly \u201cBut that\u2019s not the point.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s exactly the point. You aren\u2019t fit and maybe you were slower to react than usual, but everyone knew that going in. You bore the brunt of the fighting, maybe it was intentional. Seton hated you, that much was obvious, the way he behaved before Christmas. Probably recognised you and headed that way deliberately.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe Pa but\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold on a minute let me finish. We never put it into words, didn\u2019t want to scare the girls but you and your brothers knew, just as well as I did that the only real way of preventing the pipeline being built was to kill Cartwrights. All four for preference, but even one or two might throw things into such confusion the pipeline would go by default.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded \u201cOf course I realised.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJess and Tony aren\u2019t fools they knew too. You were the prime target out there. Seton and the worst of his men came your way. It\u2019s not really surprising that they had to try and protect you, no reason to blame yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned, he hadn\u2019t thought of it like that and he stared at his father as he considered what Ben had said. Everything his father said made sense to him and insensibly he began to relax. He sighed \u201cTony was just a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could have killed him with complete justification a year ago. Not many men would have risked shooting his gun from his hand, not when he\u2019d sworn to kill you and already shot your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe made up for that. Strange, he was so like Bill in many ways. He had Bill\u2019s good qualities without that streak of greed and cruelty that Bill had.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBill was your friend for a long time. I know how hard it was for you to denounce him. Were you trying to find that friend again?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u201cI don\u2019t know Pa. He could almost have been my son, so very young. Such a waste.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe all feel that. Harv was badly shaken and I sent him home. Gave everyone a day off, but life is like that out here. You of all people know that Adam. I\u2019m not saying that you shouldn\u2019t grieve for him or worry about Jess, just don\u2019t take the blame on yourself. They were protecting the object of the attack and they both volunteered to do exactly that. In fights people get hurt and it wasn\u2019t our choice, it was forced on us.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam rubbed his aching eyes. They had lost friend in fights before, too often come close to losing one of the family. In many ways they had when Jim Willy died, but with the grip of law still precarious in Nevada they had no alternative. Adam was realistic enough to know that in the same circumstances he would behave in exactly the same way. He slowly drank his coffee, not answering his father but calming down as he thought over what his father had said. Eventually he smiled faintly, \u201cJess is in good hands. I think I\u2019ll go and get a hot bath, have a soak, I\u2019m very stiff. You did send word to the girls that we\u2019re all alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did.\u201d Ben nodded but he couldn\u2019t hide the worry on his face as he prayed that Hoss had found his brother and that Joe was indeed alright. Adam was quick to spot it \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe left for town more than two hours before me but he hadn\u2019t arrived. Hoss has gone to find him. Just delayed I\u2019m sure, it wasn\u2019t a serious wound.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was ready at once to go and check for news, all thought of baths forgotten and Ben was more than willing to join him. In fact they didn\u2019t have to go very far, as they walked down the corridor they heard Hoss\u2019 voice saying \u201cAt least sit down until Doc gets here!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grinned at his eldest son, Hoss didn\u2019t sound worried, more exasperated, and they pushed the door open to see Joe being forcibly pushed into a chair. Joe grinned broadly at them \u201cWill you stop this big moose bullying me, I wanted to have a word with Roy first but he dragged me in here.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam considered the bloodstained bandage on Joe\u2019s arm, fresh blood very obvious. \u201cFrom the look of you he did the right thing. What\u2019s so urgent about seeing Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStevens found Barnes trying to hide we, um, persuaded him to talk, got a full statement all signed and witnessed. That\u2019s what delayed me Pa. I\u2019m sorry if you were worried.\u201d Joe waved the statement \u201cI want to give it to Roy. Stevens has taken Barnes down to the jail.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned \u201cDid you\u2026?\u201d he couldn\u2019t put it into words but Joe knew what he meant.<\/p>\n \u201cDidn\u2019t lay a finger on him Pa. Just asked questions. Mind you I don\u2019t know what he thought we might do!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took the statement \u201cI\u2019ll see Roy gets this, you aren\u2019t budging until Doc has seen to that arm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBullied!\u201d Joe complained but his arm felt as though it was on fire and he felt rather sick and faint so he didn\u2019t push it, glad to relax for a few minutes. Adam perched on the table and read the statement, as he finished he whistled softly and passed it to his father. He looked at Joe \u201cDo you reckon it\u2019s all true?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded \u201cIt\u2019s true. I didn\u2019t lead him and by the end he was in a blue funk, just eager to tell me everything he knew to placate me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I\u2019ll stop by and see Troy before I take it to Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan we get Troy?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head, \u201cSeton\u2019s dead, too much of this is hearsay and the rest is Barnes word against Troy\u2019s. You can bet the money is well hidden, we won\u2019t be able to track that back. In a court of law he\u2019ll get off, just as Hearst would have done, too cunning. However he isn\u2019t getting off scot-free and I don\u2019t intend to have him causing any more trouble. I\u2019m bored with this pipeline; I want to hand it over to Harv as a standard job and let him finish it without being called in every five minutes for emergencies.\u201d<\/p>\n They all knew Troy was already scared of Adam and hated his guts and Ben was sure his son wouldn\u2019t go too far, it wasn\u2019t in him, so he made no protest. Just suggesting that as Adam was still stiff and bruised; Hoss should go with his brother. Hoss willingly agreed and they took the statement with them leaving Ben with his youngest son. Joe watched his brothers leave \u201cAdam looks better, is Jess going to be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEarly days 50-50 chance. I had a talk with your brother pointed out the stupidity of blaming himself. I think I got through to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d bet on it Pa. He\u2019s much calmer, looked terrible earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t look too good yourself Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHurts a bit, good job it\u2019s my right arm.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded and then, pulling his son\u2019s boots off, he helped Little Joe to lie down on the bed. He had hardly done so when Doc came in. It didn\u2019t take Paul very long to remove the bullet and then clean and stitch up Joe\u2019s arm, but by the time he\u2019d done so Joe\u2019s senses were swimming and his father\u2019s order to close his eyes and get some sleep seemed only commonsense. As soon as he stopped fighting it he was asleep and Ben tucked the blanket round him before straightening up. Paul smiled at his old friend \u201cNot serious. Try not to let him use it for a week, give it time to heal but there\u2019s not much damage and at least Joe\u2019s left handed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow is Jess?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBeginning to run a fever, hardly surprising but he\u2019s making a fight of it. Probably better than even chance he\u2019ll make it. Adam took it hard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cClose friend, anyway Adam\u2019s still badly bruised and he was shaken by Tony Ender\u2019s death.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. Try and keep them out of trouble for a few weeks Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t go looking for it.\u201d Ben commented dryly. Although at that moment he wasn\u2019t exactly accurate, Adam and Hoss had gone over to Troy\u2019s office. Troy was there on his own and he tried to shut the door in their faces when he saw who was there. Hoss soon put paid to that and pushed Troy down in his chair, standing behind him, a powerful menacing figure but he left his brother to do the talking. Adam made himself comfortable in a chair and for a minute just looked at Troy. At first Troy tried to meet his gaze but he couldn\u2019t do it and seeing the contempt on Adam\u2019s face he dropped his eyes and began fiddling with things on his desk, physically shaking.<\/p>\n Eventually Adam spoke, \u201cOnce before you tried pushing us. I still have the confession you wrote then, beating a young boy, kidnap and attempted blackmail, Now I have a fancy for it\u2019s mate.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI \u2026I don\u2019t know what you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh I think you do, I really can\u2019t be bothered with the trouble I took before, once is enough to dirty my hands on you, but Hoss won\u2019t mind, not for once. Our brother is at the moment having a bullet cut out of him, a close friend if fighting for his life and another is dead, and for what? Because you have irrational fears for your precious mines. Not the miners or the town, just for a non-existent threat to your wealth. The irony is that when the pipeline is finished you\u2019ll be wealthier, it\u2019s about the only argument against building the pipeline.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t done anything.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam picked up the statement, showed the signatures and read out the relevant passages. As he finished there was silence and then Troy protested \u201cYou can\u2019t prove it.\u201d<\/p>\n For the first time Hoss spoke, \u201cThat\u2019s why you\u2019re gonna write out your own confession.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not valid under duress.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss laughed \u201cWhat duress! You write it so the court can deal with you and I won\u2019t touch you. If you don\u2019t I reckon you have to pay and I\u2019ll break your back.\u201d<\/p>\n There was something all too convincing about the very quietness with which he spoke and Troy hastily picked up his pen. At first almost illegibly but then as he accepted the inevitable, more clearly, he wrote out a statement of his part in proceedings and signed it. Adam read it as he wrote and there were no queries so he collected the papers and eased himself to his feet. He stared down at Troy in disgust \u201cThis time you\u2019ve gone too far. The Comstock doesn\u2019t need you now and all of this will be lodged with Roy. You try and go back on the truth and one of us will make sure you pay \u2013 heavily.\u201d<\/p>\n It took a while to explain to Roy but then they left everything in his capable hands and Adam announced his intention of getting a bath. He was limping quite badly and Hoss went along, not sure that his brother was fit enough to be on his own. Adam was glad of Hoss\u2019 support and help to get into the bath but slowly the warmth of the water eased his stiffness and he was able to relax. Having talked things over with his father, he was able to face discussing events and he wanted his big brother\u2019s opinion. Adam trusted Hoss\u2019 inherent sense of right and wrong, his instinctive moral judgements, perhaps more than anyone else\u2019s. Finding Hoss in total agreement with their father Adam relaxed, he could only accept their reading of events.<\/p>\n When they went back to the hospital Joe was asleep but Ben had good reports on him. Jess was feverish and Adam went back in to join his friend. There was little more to be done in town although Ben wanted to see Roy to find out what attitude the law was taking. Hoss decided to go on home and reassure the girls personally. He was just about to leave when Joe reappeared, feeling much better for a short sleep. His arm was in a sling but he looked reasonable fit. Ben told Hoss to take Joe on home and to warn Carole that Adam would be staying in town at least for the next few hours, maybe a day or so, until Jess had turned the corner. They could reassure her that he was unhurt and she would understand Adam\u2019s need to be with his friend, who had noone else. Ben promised to come out later, but there were various details to be sorted out first.<\/p>\n Neither Hoss nor Joe were surprised and as they rode home Hoss was able to reassure his brother that Adam was much calmer, no longer trying to blame himself for everything. Word had been sent to the house that all of them had escaped without real damage and had successfully routed the opposition but even so Sue and Nita were on edge. Hearing voices they both went to the window and Nita went very pale as she saw Joe was wearing a sling, but before she had time to panic, Joe was there hugging her close with his good arm, leaving the horses to Kirk. He grinned \u201cNo real damage and Doc\u2019s cleaned it all up, so don\u2019t look so worried.\u201d After a sleep he wasn\u2019t showing much sign of the pain he\u2019d had and determined not to upset Nita, he was cheerful and demanding food so she calmed down. Carole went into the kitchen and warned Hop Sing that two starving males had arrived. By the time she came back Hoss and Joe had reassured their wives and Joe came over to her. \u201cAdam wasn\u2019t touched but he may not be back for quite a while.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole frowned, \u201cAlright Joe what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe is okay, we all are. I got the only bullet and that\u2019s only a flesh wound. Its just that Jess took a bad one, lung wound. He was trying to protect Adam and of course big brother blames himself. Pa\u2019s clamed him down to a large extent but he won\u2019t leave town until he\u2019s sure that Jess is going to make it,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill he?\u201d asked Carole, very pale, fond of Jess and knowing how upset and worried Adam must be. Joe put his arm round her \u201cDoc said if it was one of us hit was certain. He\u2019s just not so sure of Jess\u2019 fighting spirit. I am, Jess will be fine, take a while of course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs Pa with Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe has been, just a few details to finish up but he won\u2019t come home and leave Adam unless he\u2019s alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that Joe.\u201d Carole smiled, \u201cDon\u2019t overdo things with that arm. I think I\u2019ll collect the kids things and take them home.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned \u201cWhy not stay here Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going to get in a state Hoss. I am used to my pig-headed husband and his attempts to take the world on his shoulders. You two obviously think he\u2019s calmed down, you\u2019re remarkably light-hearted so I\u2019m not about to get upset. I\u2019d just rather get on home I have a lot to get on with.\u201d She seemed very calm and unworried so the brothers just helped her collect the kids\u2019 toys, which they had distributed widely over the house. Neither brother mentioned Tony\u2019s death to her; there would be time for that once Adam was home.<\/p>\n Carole was determined to leave the two newly married couples alone. Sue and Nita had both tried very hard to stay calm but they had been on edge all day and deserved some peace.<\/p>\n In fact she felt better in her own home and was able to keep busy while she waited, staying calm because she knew Ben was with her husband and anyway neither Hoss nor Joe had been really worried. They were slightly uneasy but that was all and noone knew Adam better than his brothers.<\/p>\n In town Adam stayed by Jess\u2019 bedside, standing staring out of the window most of the time, leaving the nuns to do the actual nursing. Ben was busy with the details, unsure whether it would be possible to take Troy to court, or even if he wanted to. Roy decided to go and talk to Troy at least throw the fear of the law into him and then let him stew while they thought about it and got Adam\u2019s legal opinion, once he was thinking clearly again. At least they could be sure that Troy wouldn\u2019t run, his wealth was too closely tied up with Virginia City and the mines.<\/p>\n Once Ben had ensured all his men who\u2019d been hurt however slightly had been seen to and that Roy had everything under control, he got a meal and then took some food in for Adam at the hospital. Adam wasn\u2019t really hungry, but it was obviously going to cause trouble to argue so he forced part of the food down. He tried to persuade his father to go on home but he looked so tired and drawn that Ben wouldn\u2019t hear of it. When Doc came back to check his patient he was optimistic and by late evening Jess\u2019 fever had dropped and he was sleeping peacefully. Doc promised that he\u2019d be fine although it would need a long convalescence and with Doc\u2019s word Adam was prepared to go on home. He knew he could trust Paul and he wouldn\u2019t say if he wasn\u2019t sure. Adam had already ensured that Jess would get the best of care although he knew the nuns would do that regardless, so he just left word that he would be back the following morning. He knew that Jess was likely to sleep the clock round but he would still come in to check for himself.<\/p>\n Adam needed his father\u2019s help to get to his feet, so tired and stiff but he wouldn\u2019t hear of staying in town, despite Ben\u2019s efforts to persuade him to be sensible. Hoss and Joe would have glossed over things with Carole and he hadn\u2019t been hurt but she was bound to be worried and he wanted the comfort of his own wife, his own home. Ben gave up the losing argument and concentrated on helping his son down to the livery stable and saddled Blackie for him. Very tired Adam didn\u2019t push the pace on the way home. The worst of his anxiety for Jess relieved he was hard pressed to keep his eyes open and before they were halfway he was dozing in the saddle. Blackie kept close to Buck and although Ben kept a close eye on his son, as usual Adam seemed to stay in the saddle instinctively. Ben woke him as the house came into view and helped Adam inside to Carole\u2019s care. He saw to Blackie for his son and then headed home himself, he was exhausted himself and glad when Kirk came to take care of Buck. He headed straight up to bed and wasn\u2019t too surprised when both Joe and Hoss looked out of their rooms hearing him come up. They both wanted to know the same, how was Jess and was Adam alright. Ben was able to reassure them before heading for bed himself.<\/p>\n Early the next morning with his wife in his arms and the children blessedly quiet for a few minutes, Adam told her about Tony\u2019s death and how Jess came to be hurt, She could see he still felt responsible but he was calmer that she expected. Adam smiled \u201cI\u2019m alright darling. Pa\u2019s already lectured me that it\u2019s silly to blame myself. Its just such a waste.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least Jess is going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank God, I\u2019ll go back to town and see him later, lot of tidying up to be done, legal details.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf he\u2019d like to come here to convalesce, as soon as he\u2019s fit enough to be moved, he\u2019d be very welcome. I\u2019m fond of Jess too.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam kissed her \u201cYou\u2019re wonderful. I\u2019ll ask him but I expect he will go to the bunkhouse, more company, especially at the minute until work really gets under way.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam proved a true prophet but Jess was pleased with the offer. He was very weak and Adam wouldn\u2019t let him talk much but he was going to be fine and that was all that mattered. Ben had gone in with Adam and they both joined Roy for a long discussion, trying to decide what to do. With Seton dead and Barnes injured and terrified, Adam was all for getting written confessions and ordering the men out of town with a warning not to return, especially as he had to accept that they couldn\u2019t make a case against Troy. Roy agreed with him but Ben needed some convincing. Roy didn\u2019t trust the judges and preferred to let men go his way rather than let the judges do it.<\/p>\n Eventually Ben gave way, he could understand Adam\u2019s desire to forget the fight and his son was right they had a very busy summer planned without being involved in the trials. Roy had a message for them that Fair and MacKay wanted to see them but on the way over Dan waylaid them and insisted on buying them a beer and getting their opinion of what had happened. Adam was very quiet leaving his father to do the talking but Dan knew him too well to try pushing him. It didn\u2019t take long for Fair to explain their doubts, scared what effect Seton\u2019s death had on the right of way for the pipe, Adam assured them that the contract was solid, the money paid and accepted months earlier. It was binding on whoever inherited or bought the land, he wouldn\u2019t make an elementary mistake like that.<\/p>\n Knowing that he was close to losing his temper Adam excused himself and headed home, but he went via the lake with all too many things to think about. They had been lucky this time and the pipeline would now be built hopefully without any need of their time but he felt the need to consider the future and needed the peace of the Lake.<\/p>\n \n
\nThe Homecoming<\/a><\/span>
\nHome to Stay<\/a><\/span>
\nHoneymoon and Arguments<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Marie<\/a><\/span>
\nAdam and Carole<\/a><\/span>
\nA European Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Aftermath<\/a><\/span>
\nA Busy Summer<\/a><\/span>
\nA Tree Falls<\/a><\/span>
\nSan Fracisco Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nA Stranger from the Past<\/a><\/span>
\nA Sense of Blame<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Medicine Man<\/a><\/span>
\nCourtship and Cattle Drives<\/a><\/span>
\nAngels with Red Hair?<\/a><\/span>
\nThieves and Murderers<\/a><\/span>
\nPipeline Problems<\/a><\/span>
\nGuests for Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nA Turbulent Preacher<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Nita<\/a><\/span>
\nBen and Beth<\/a><\/span>
\nBanks, Pipelines, and Railroads<\/a><\/span>
\nLost<\/a><\/span>
\nA New Operation<\/a><\/span>
\nA Slow Recovery<\/a><\/span>
\nCelebrations<\/a><\/span>
\nForest Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nA Premature Birth<\/a>
\n<\/span>The Bank of California<\/a>
\nTrail Drive<\/a><\/span>
\nRobbery and Assault<\/a><\/span>
\nVirginia City on Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nRebuilding Virginia City<\/a><\/span>
\nCatching Up<\/a><\/span>
\nChristenings, Commissions, and Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nWinter Ills<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #2 \u2013 Advance Warning<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #3 – Family Row #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #4 \u2013 Family Row #2<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #5 \u2013 Family Row #3<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #6 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #7 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #2 – Court Hearing<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #8 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #3 – Knight Errant<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #9 – The Spanish Land Grant #4 – The Long Journey Home<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #10 – The Spanish Land Grant #5 – Troy’s Last Stand<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
\nBanks, Pipelines, and Railroads
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nHarv protested \u201cThey can\u2019t kill over seventy people.\u201d<\/p>\n