Summary: The pipeline is finally completed and a housewarming party for the two new houses.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (20,700 words)<\/p>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cartwright Saga Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Lawyer <\/a><\/span> \n Celebrations<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Carole watched her husband, limping slightly, head over to the barn. He was very much better but she knew all too well that the limp would be much worse by the time he came home. Not that Adam had much choice, his brothers were out at the timber camps and although his father was much better, taking over most of the financial work without overtiring himself, he wasn\u2019t up to physical labour. Carole wasn\u2019t expecting her husband home until late, another project was coming near completion and Harv had been out the previous evening asking for Adam\u2019s help to actually break into the lake itself.<\/p>\n Adam waved as he danced Blackie out of the yard, the horse reacting to his own excitement. It felt good to be going out on a definite job instead of dealing with the multitude of details as he had been doing, keeping all their various jobs moving and overseeing the finishing touches on his brothers\u2019 houses. He met Harv as arranged and the two men spent an hour checking exactly where the break through would go and then organising the crew to complete the pipeline. Adam had built a filter system to fit across the inlet to ensure that nothing but water entered the pipe and that was firmly fitted into the pre-prepared base. Both Adam and Harv were in and out of the Lake as they ensured that end of the pipe was safely settled. The allowed water in the first section of the pipe and everything seemed to be running smoothly but they had to do a final check of the whole pipeline and a few odd chores at the main pumping station before they could let the water through the whole pipe. At least they knew how long the remaining tests should take and settled on a date to turn the water on all the way, although it hadn\u2019t been announced yet.<\/p>\n It was late when Adam got back and he was stiff and sore, limping heavily, and had to admit that he had overstrained his sore leg but after a soak in a hot bath and a good meal, he slept like a log, the first night without any nightmares about his ordeal down the mine. Carole could see the difference when he came down for breakfast and the children revelled in their father\u2019s zany mood. It was gone nine before Adam tore himself away and headed over to the main house to update his father and let his brothers know. The telegraph was proving its worth very quickly and both Ben and Adam found it very reassuring to have daily progress reports from the timber camps. Both Hoss and Joe were making good progress; Joe had already planned in and covered most of the extra timber required by the Consolidated Virginia. Adam passed word to his brothers that they should be testing the pipeline on Monday, 6th June and hopefully, all being well would have a major celebration in town the following day. Both brothers intended working through the weekend and coming back to help out with the tests, as eager as Adam to see water going through the pipe to town. They had all worked hard and paid a lot, not just money, to get it built.<\/p>\n Adam knew that Harv was anxious about the pipe, worried whether the extra pumps they had installed would be sufficient, whether the repairs they had made would withstand the pressure, but Adam wasn\u2019t really worried. Harv was very competent and he had double checked everything himself. Still he would be relieved once the water was flowing, he had contracts with various mines and businesses only awaiting dates and signing which Adam double checked over the weekend.<\/p>\n Adam rode into town on Sunday for a final conference with Harv before the trial run. His leg was still very sore but healing well and the ride into town bothered him less than he expected. Word had leaked out that they were hoping to open the pipe on Tuesday and already plans had been laid to celebrate in style. From almost universal disapproval, the pipeline had become a symbol of the growing prosperity of Virginia City and everyone liked the idea of all the money they would save with free water. Dan saw Adam ride in and joined him in the Palace as he ordered a beer, \u201cHow\u2019s your leg? I can see you\u2019re still limping\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMuch better, we got off very light all things considered.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHeard you were down the mine again last week.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sipped his beer, \u201cHadn\u2019t finished what I went down for in the first place. Now can we change the subject?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPipeline going to work?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt had better. I hear the celebrations are all planned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny worries?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned \u201cInevitably, you know me Dan I\u2019m a worrier.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan I come along and watch the tests?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure. Provided you keep out of our hair but it won\u2019t be exactly exciting and if I tell you to get lost or that something is not for publication I expect you to go along.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair enough.\u201d Dan agreed, knowing that Adam wouldn\u2019t be unreasonable. He arranged when and where to meet and then he remembered something he had wanted to query, \u201cAn old acquaintance of yours is in town, maybe a future US President.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked puzzled not having the faintest idea what Dan was talking about. Dan just grinned, \u201cHe is very interested in this pipeline, remembers you clearly enough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have a lot to do Dan and I am not in the mood for guessing games.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan shook his head in mock disapproval \u201cYou really ought to read your local paper! Rutherford B Hayes, name mean anything?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam drained his beer \u201cOh yeah, Edwin introduced us when Carole and I were back East on our honeymoon. I\u2019m very surprised he remembers me. Is he in town now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBeen here three days, doing the usual tours of the mines, quite a man. He says that he can understand Robert Ingersoll\u2019s comment that maybe he was wrong and there is a hell after all.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed, he had been amused by the infamous agnostics\u2019 reaction. \u201cI hear he\u2019s standing for President come November.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did you hear that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWord filters through Dan, you know how many contacts Pa has, but I didn\u2019t know he was in town. Where is he staying?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt the International, the Presidential suite of course.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cI\u2019ll try and pop over if I have time but there\u2019s Harv and we have a lot to discuss.\u201d Dan knew when his friend had dismissed him and let Adam go over to join Harv in the private dining room he had booked so they could work as they ate. It was mainly detail and Adam took copious notes as they worked out exactly what checks needed doing before they actually tried testing it by turning on the main water supply. Adam had given his word to all those whose land they crossed that there was no risk and he was determined to ensure personally that there was none. Each section would be checked separately, every blowhole along the miles of pipe. A lot of it was going to be boring, tedious and repetitive but Adam was insistent that the two of them do it personally, with just his brothers\u2019 assistance, that way he could be sure that nothing would slip through.<\/p>\n Late in the afternoon they finished planning and Adam finished his final checks on the pump station and the arrival point in town. Nothing more could be done until the following day and he promised to be in early the next day with Hoss and Joe. Then rather tired and on edge Adam went back to the Palace Saloon for a drink before heading home. He was staring into his glass deep in thought, running over all that they had to do the next day oblivious of his surroundings. Quincy passed him a brandy and then stood watching very interested as the well dressed man being f\u00eated in the corner broke away and came over to the bar. Adam wasn\u2019t even aware of him until the man ordered two more brandies and said \u201cMr Cartwright I wanted to see you again, please do join me.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned and smiled \u201cMr Hayes. I\u2019m sorry I was miles away; I was going to come over to your hotel. How long are you in town?\u201d<\/p>\n Hayes hadn\u2019t really decided, his plans were fluid; he was sampling conditions across the country and be seen before the elections. He made no secret of that but he was honestly interested in the pipeline and Adam found him very easy to get on with. The two men were on the same wavelength and it seemed natural to invite him out to stay at the Ponderosa after the celebrations, provided the pipe worked well. Hayes had heard a lot about the ranch especially from Edwin, but also from many colleagues in the Senate who had visited it over the years and he didn\u2019t hesitate at all, accepting with a grin, unashamedly admitting that he had hoped the invitation would be forthcoming. He would very much like to see the largest ranch in the state and hear their opinion on local conditions.<\/p>\n Adam was surprised to find they had been talking for over an hour and he had to excuse himself with quite a lot still to arrange before the final tests on the pipeline. He rode home with all too much to think about and after a quick meal and having warned Carole of the invitation he had issued he was about to go over to the main house when to his surprise Carole said \u201cI think that you\u2019d better see if Pa can put him up at the main house.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was halfway through pulling his boots back on but he sat back at that looking worried, \u201cWhy are you ill? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n Carole smiled and kissed him \u201cCalm down darling, nothing disastrous, but I did have Doc out today after you went to town. Jess fetched him for me. Both the twins had come out with a rash. I wasn\u2019t going to tell you until you\u2019d finished all the arrangements. It\u2019s just measles and they have taken it mildly nothing to worry about. Doc says a lot of kids have it but all are taking it lightly and even if Marie succumbs it won\u2019t matter. Hasn\u2019t even dented their energy. Pa says you all three had it when Joe was a toddler and even Sue and Nita have had it as have I, but we can hardly entertain visitors. The twins may be rather fractious apart from the risk of passing it on.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam studied her \u201cThey are alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course darling, nothing to worry about, I just wanted you to have dinner in peace. Good job really, get a mild strain and get it out of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded but he had to go and see his sons before he could go over to the main house. Both had very spotty face but were sleeping peacefully and not running a temperature, so he went over to join the others reasonably at peace with himself.<\/p>\n Both his brothers had got home during the afternoon and once they had greeted their wives and satisfied themselves of Sue and Nita\u2019s health, they both asked about Adam, wondering how fully he had thrown off the effects of their ordeal. Ben did his best to reassure them but neither would really be satisfied until they had seen for themselves. Ben had told them about the twins\u2019 measles but with Doc\u2019s assurance that it wasn\u2019t a problem they weren\u2019t too worried about that, Adam trusted Paul too. They didn\u2019t have too much time to worry about Adam as their wives had a number of queries about the houses. By dinner time both had been dragged out to inspect the houses, which were coming on well and Joe was bemoaning the list of jobs which Nita wanted him to fit in over the next few days. Adam was taking over on the west shore after the celebrations while Hoss dealt with the main camp, while Joe handled details at the house. Joe had liked the idea of being close to Nita but he was rapidly going off it or at least claimed to be, but none of them took him seriously as he hugged Nita. They had finished dinner and were sitting round the fire with coffee when they heard a horse come into the yard, Joe went to see who it was and saw Adam handing Blackie over to Kirk, \u201cGood. It\u2019s Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam came in and grinned at his family, \u201cPour me some coffee please Joe, I\u2019ve got a wad of mail from town.\u201d He came over to the fire and began sorting out the mail, with letters for most of them and a telegram for Nita. They had all been busy ordering things for the two new houses and a lot of it was acknowledgements of the orders or notice of dispatch. By the time that Adam had drunk his coffee Hoss had looked over his mail and came over to his brother to ask how he was and the children. He kept his voice casual but he couldn\u2019t help himself studying Adam\u2019s face intently. Adam smiled affectionately, reading his brother\u2019s concern, \u201cI\u2019m fine Hoss, even free of nightmares the last few nights and the twins are very spotty but otherwise fine. Sleeping peacefully not even running a temperature and Carole says it hasn\u2019t even quietened them down yet.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss relaxed knowing Adam well enough to know it wasn\u2019t an act and Joe, who had been watching, began to concentrate on his mail. Adam turned to his father \u201cTalking of the twins and measles, can you help me out Pa? I invited someone to stay for a few days after the pipe celebrations, but as Carole said we can hardly inflict measles on a stranger.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course Son, but how about explaining who?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry Pa. It\u2019s Rutherford Hayes, the politician, you remember I told you Edwin introduced us in New York. I think you\u2019ll like him, easy to get on with, especially for a politician. He remembered me and came over to join me in the Palace. I must say I was surprised we\u2019d only met once.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was used to entertaining important visitors but this would be the first potential President and he was slightly uneasy. Adam grinned seeing it written all over Ben\u2019s face \u201cRelax Pa, he wants to pick your brains on local affairs and freely admits that he was angling for an invitation.\u201d Ben nodded but still wished that he knew more about the man.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s attention was caught by Nita, who looked very worried, \u201cI hope that telegram wasn\u2019t bad news Nita.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately it was!\u201d she said but the grin she gave him belied the words. Joe moved over and perched on the arm of her chair to read the telegram. He groaned as he took it in, \u201cHayes might have angled for an invitation but these haven\u2019t bothered, just an order to pick them up in town tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t you guess?\u201d Nita replied, \u201cMy dear brother and brother-in-law. Father has heard about this pipe and the number of important visitors who are attending the celebrations and decided that w should be represented.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe kissed her, \u201cI love you my pet but your family is another matter, especially Leland!\u201d<\/p>\n Nita laughed at him \u201cYou know my feelings on the matter. Still he is only intending to stay three days, we\u2019ll survive.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded and then he laughed \u201cWell at least I\u2019ll be able to prove one point. Pa says Bill Davidson is coming,\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cBoth him and John Chance, coming to be nosy and see what I\u2019ve been up to. You\u2019ll have them here too Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, plenty of room. It\u2019ll be quite a party.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned back to his little brother \u201cWhat point Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cKayser wouldn\u2019t believe me when I said you designed the flume and Bill was just using your design. Both he and Leland thought it was very funny, that I was showing off and had overdone it. As Bill doesn\u2019t pay you it can\u2019t be your design.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam knew nothing about that, although both Joe and his father had been annoyed by it before the wedding, Adam laughed at them, he didn\u2019t care what two rather weak juvenile men thought about his work, those whose opinion he cared for knew the true facts. He turned his attention to arrangements for the next day not knowing how long the final tests were going to take the next day, none of them could promise to pick up Leland and Kayser. Ben tentatively suggested going but his sons refused to countenance it, he was going to have a very easy day so he could enjoy the celebration the day after. Carole had her hands full with the kids ill and with so many guests Sue and Nita would be busy. The best they could do was have Jess meet the train and bring them out to the ranch. Nita knew her brother would take exception at being left to a hand but she didn\u2019t care, they had invited themselves when the Cartwrights were busy. Bill and John would make their own way out; both knew the ranch very well. Once the details were settled Adam, decided to head back, they wanted an early start the next day. Joe walked out with his brother, wanting reassurance that his brother was as fit as he appeared. Adam knew perfectly well why Joe suddenly wanted some fresh air but he didn\u2019t tease and just grinned at his youngest brother \u201cTry trusting me Joe, I\u2019m fine and the twins are alright. A good thing to get it out of the way while they\u2019re young, I caught it from Hoss at the same time you did when you were about three. You barely noticed but I felt dreadful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay big brother, go get some rest. We\u2019ll be over to pick you up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust make sure you\u2019re there by 5.30.\u201d<\/p>\n The brothers were in town early the following morning and Harv was waiting for them. He was worried about his pipeline as the final tests loomed, he\u2019d hardly slept, especially as he realised the concentration of important men gathering in town for the opening the next day. He was close to panic in case there should be some hold-up and found it impossible to adopt Adam\u2019s attitude. Adam was very calm, they hadn\u2019t invited anyone, just announced a provisional opening date. Anyway he was sure that apart from possible minor alterations everything would work as planned. They spent the whole morning checking the length of the pipeline, every joint and blowhole, tedious necessary work but necessary. All of them were glad to relax round a fire and have some lunch before starting to check for leaks as they let the water into each section in turn. There were inevitable leaks at some joints and some of them had to be remade but eventually the whole line had been checked and Adam helped recheck the top pump station while Hoss and Joe went to collect food and coffee. Although Adam\u2019s leg was healing fine after so much bending and kneeling he was limping heavily and Hoss insisted they take it easy in the office and have a decent meal before the final tests, especially as Adam was insisting on another check for leaks once the water was running. They were intending to try three cut offs to ensure the system was working and then fill the large cistern they had built. It would then be ready to run the fountains that were planned for \u2018C\u2019 street in the morning. Adam didn\u2019t really approve of the fuss that was being made but others had put up money too and if they wanted their day of glory he couldn\u2019t object. Anyway Adam thought that Harv deserved some of the congratulations which would be going, he had worked hard, having to face up to things outside his normal experience and although hating it he had pulled his weight.<\/p>\n They were all tired and slightly on edge and ate mainly in silence before going over to the pump controls, Harv was too nervous to operate the controls and asked Adam to do it. Adam got Joe to prime the pump and then began opening up the controls. Then it was a case of waiting for the water. It seemed to take forever. Hoss claimed he could hear the blow cocks going off but even his brothers weren\u2019t convinced at first and Harv was sure that there was something wrong. Then they all heard one blow and they could feel the pipe vibrating. Adam tried to reassure Harv that something was happening, after all Lake Tahoe was a long way away but even he was surprised at the time it was taking. Then suddenly there was a violent vibration and a spurt of water, for a moment it stopped and then settled down to a steady flow. The four men smiled broadly and congratulated each other, handshakes all round, they had done it. Joe handed brandies round and for a few minutes they toasted their success, watching the water flow into the large storage cistern, before Adam insisted on the final checks, turning off the water and then back on to ensure the manual override was working and the fail safe taps operated properly. Adam decided that Harv looked exhausted and insisted that the three of them could manage the final check for leaks on the way home, no need for Harv to come out again. Harv tired out after the nervous tension of wondering if it would work, wasn\u2019t sorry to avoid that job and promised to ensure it shut off once the cistern was full, ready for the ceremony the following day. The system should cut off automatically but at least they knew the manual override would work. Any minor problems could be sorted out the following day. The three brothers separated to check a section of pipe each arranging to meet Adam up by the Lake where he wanted to check the filter system. They weren\u2019t taking any chances and walked every foot of the pipe between them. There were no bad leaks, just a couple of minor ones which showed signs of sealing themselves which they marked to recheck the following day.<\/p>\n Adam had been into the Lake and he was soaked but well pleased as everything was working as designed with no problems that he could see. He was supposed to be picking Carole up at the main house and hopefully seeing his old friends for a while but his brothers insisted he was going home to change first. As Carole had her buggy Hoss saw to Blackie for him and put the saddle to dry, Joe went up with his brother to redress his thigh as the bandage was sodden, but first Adam went to check on his children, Marie had obviously joined her brothers but all three were sleeping peacefully, Mark even smiling at something he was dreaming, Adam and Joe looked down at then for a moment and then Adam carefully tucked David in as he\u2019d thrown off his bed clothes and they slipped out. Adam grinned at his brother, \u201cReal little brats but they are wonderful. I hope it\u2019s another girl, company for Marie. Carole won\u2019t tell me yet says she\u2019s not sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was very serious for a minute, thinking of the child Nita was carrying, his child and he shivered. Adam gripped his arm \u201cNita is fine Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. She says she\u2019s sure it\u2019s a boy. I am alright Adam, most of the time anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know where I am if you want to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course and I\u2019ll ask. Come on let\u2019s see to your leg and go see if John and Bill have turned up yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo say nothing of your brothers-in-law\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUgh! I was trying to forget them. Bet they were furious with only Jess there to meet them.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe wasn\u2019t far wrong. Jess had recognized then and gone over to greet them. They didn\u2019t recognize him, hands had been beneath their notice and even a close friend of the family had been barely noticed. It wasn\u2019t until Jess said \u201cWelcome back to Virginia City, the surrey is just over here.\u201d that they acknowledged him. Even then Leland was looking around for Joe and seeing no sign of him said \u201cIsn\u2019t one of the Cartwrights here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry they are all very busy with the pipeline opening tomorrow. Adam, Hoss and Joe are all running last minute checks and Mr Cartwright hasn\u2019t been too well so he\u2019s resting, busy day tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n Leland disapproved of the hands using the brothers\u2019 first names even though he could understand the reasons for it but as they permitted it he didn\u2019t say anything, He sighed heavily and motioned to their luggage, \u201cAlright you\u2019d better load up and we\u2019ll get this awkward journey out of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess hesitated, not wanting to make a fuss but Adam had been most insistent, he was not to lift anything heavy, he still wasn\u2019t fully fit so he just said, \u201cThe surrey is over here and led the way leaving the two furious men to carry their own valises. They fumed all the way to the ranch, ignoring Jess completely, talking to each other. As Jess pulled up in the yard, Ben came out to greet the two men. Unable to restrain himself Leland said \u201cPerhaps you could tell your man that guests expect certain attentions.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned \u201cI\u2019m sure Jess didn\u2019t mean to upset you. Jess?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam ordered me not to go hefting luggage around Mr Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not Jess, don\u2019t want to take any risks but what\u2019s the problem, just two valises? Did you have to leave some in town?\u201d Ben was honestly puzzled but Leland thought he was being sarcastic and flung inside, cursing his father for sending him back to this place. Kayser wasn\u2019t pleased to find Nita obviously pregnant, he hadn\u2019t succeeded with her sister despite several years of trying, but Nita mollified them both with coffee and drinks, not wanting to make things awkward for Ben.<\/p>\n Half an hour later Carole came over to join them for dinner with the children in bed and Kam Su in charge. Sue had spent the day with her in case the children needed her nursing skills but she quickly reassured Ben that although Marie had also caught it, the three were so full of beans, Carole had just needed her help to contain them. Ben relaxed taking Sue\u2019s word that there was nothing to worry about.<\/p>\n A few minutes later Bill Davidson and John Chance arrived too, full of the joys, enjoying being back on the Ponderosa where they had both spent great holidays on several occasions, with the prospect of another. They weren\u2019t surprised to find the brothers out and busy but both knew Ben well and had met Carole several times. Introductions were made and once the pair had finished exclaiming over the change in the family with everyone married and babies on the way, they went up to their room to wash and change.<\/p>\n It took a while for Kayser to realise that this was the elusive Davidson that his father had been trying to persuade to come and build a flume, as the two were in casual clothes and very much on first name terms with the Cartwrights. Over dinner the conversation was almost entirely on the pipeline as they tried to find out from Ben exactly what their old friend had been up to this time, knowing they\u2019d get a more accurate account of Adam\u2019s part in affairs from his father than from him. Between them Ben and Carole told most of the story, including the problems they had found and just how much of the work Adam had done, all the preliminary survey and settling the line which had been followed. John had met Harv Schussler and he was sure that with his expertise combined with Adam\u2019s there wouldn\u2019t be any real holdups and the brothers would be home soon.<\/p>\n After dinner as they sat round the fire with brandy Kayser enquired if Bill was the one building flumes around California, saying that his father was eager to have one on his ranch. Bill drained his brandy \u201cI have a long list of people wanting one, Adam didn\u2019t know what he was starting!\u201d he looked over at Ben \u201cI don\u2019t suppose you can persuade Adam to take a share? I feel a fraud making a fortune out of his design.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed, \u201cYou can try arguing with him but I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll just say good luck to you. He doesn\u2019t need anymore work, we\u2019re doing well and you work for your money.\u201d<\/p>\n Kayser and Leland looked at each other hardly believing what they were hearing and Leland asked \u201cWho designed the flumes?\u201d<\/p>\n Bill said \u201cAdam. I finished building it for him when he went to Europe and when other people were interested he kindly let me use the design.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grinned \u201cI did tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n Bill was puzzled \u201cI always try to give Adam the credit but he doesn\u2019t exactly help.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben poured fresh drinks \u201cI shouldn\u2019t worry about it Bill. He has credit where it matters to him and he isn\u2019t worried about a lot of people he doesn\u2019t even know.\u201d<\/p>\n Bill knew Ben was right but he still felt it was unfair. He didn\u2019t have much time to worry as the three brothers finally rode in. They left Kirk to see to the horses and went into the house. For a few minutes it was pandemonium with everyone talking at once. Bill and John knew Adam\u2019s brothers very well too and having heard of the cave-in to say nothing of rumours about expansion of the ranch as witnessed by the telegraph wires they had noticed, there was plenty to talk about. Joe was meticulous in greeting his brothers-in-law but as John demanded to know about the cave-in, he forgot them as he went to Adam\u2019s rescue. Joe adroitly changed the subject, promising details later and John knew Adam well enough to recognise his reluctance to talk.<\/p>\n Once they had confirmed that everything was ready for the following day Ben excused himself he was tired and it was going to be a long day. Adam watched his father go rather slowly upstairs unable to hide the anxiety he felt but Sue came over, \u201cHe\u2019s fine Adam had a good dinner. Just being sensible. It might be as well if you got Carole to bed too she\u2019s very tired.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked over to see Carole half dozing in the corner and to his friends surprise he suddenly demanded to know if they had had measles. Both had although they didn\u2019t understand why he wanted to know. Adam quickly explained and took them off with him to relax in his study and catch up with the news while Carole got some rest.<\/p>\n Joe and Hoss soon took their wives to bed with an early start and a long day ahead. If their uninvited guests thought they were being hustled up early that was nothing to the complaints they made to each other when Joe announced that he would call them at five, as they all had to be in town by eight. There were a number of last minute arrangements to be made and the day\u2019s celebrations would start at ten.<\/p>\n Adam was too pleased to see his old friends to worry about sleep and it was very late before they separated to get a couple of hours sleep. Adam still refused to accept anything from Bill for the design of the flume but he was very interested in the new uses being found for it. John was going off railroading, there were too many big companies and little more than repair work being left for people like him and yet he liked being his own boss. Mellow with brandy and good fellowship Adam tossed out the idea that if he hadn\u2019t enough to do and Bill had too much, maybe they ought to go into partnership. The idea took instant root and both men wondered why they had never considered it before, but they both wanted Adam to join them, it had all been his design. He could be a director a sleeping partner, Adam refused, he would stake them if they needed extra cash to get started but he had more than enough to do with the ranch, various mines and a Bank to keep him busy, apart from an ongoing commitment to the pipeline. The Bank was news and he had to explain that, but mentioning the pipeline had reminded him of all he had to do in a few hours time and they headed for bed.<\/p>\n Nita had reassured Joe about his father and Carole and she was obviously blooming so he cuddled her close and they talked quietly. Nita filled him in on what had happened before he got home and Joe was delighted to hear that Bill had finally set Leland right about the design of the flume, just sorry he\u2019d missed it. Joe had explained what he knew about the celebrations planned for the next day and he warned her that he might pack her off home after a while, it was likely to get very boisterous. Nita didn\u2019t think her brother had a clue what to expect and she didn\u2019t think he was going to enjoy it very much. Joe went to sleep long before she could but Nita made up her mind that he should be able to stay and enjoy it even if she came home. He had worked very hard to make it possible.<\/p>\n The whole party got an early start with quite a number of hands riding along, as Ben had given them a day off, noone wanting to miss the excitement. Adam left Jess to drive Carole in for him while with Joe and Hoss he checked on the leaks they had marked the previous evening, John and Bill rode along to see the project for themselves and made no secret of how impressed they were. It had been a massive undertaking and they knew enough of the problems to recognize what a good job had been done. Only one leak needed any attention and the five men cut back to rejoin the main party just before they reached town.<\/p>\n Leland and Kayser were still very quiet, getting over the shock of such an early rise and just went along with Ben and the girls to John MacKay\u2019s house, where they all had a chance to freshen up and get some coffee. The brothers went to go over the final checks at the pump station and found Harv already busy.<\/p>\n Dan had joined Ben and filled him in on what was planned for the day in more detail than his sons had known. Virginia City had a lot of ideas of ways to celebrate free water. There would be an official turning on with speeches at ten, lasting about an hour, depending on the length of speeches. Ben groaned, \u201cSo that\u2019ll be at least two!\u201d Adam had been co-opted from the Cartwrights, agreeing as he knew his father hated public speaking. Then the fountain would be turned on and the general delivery system opened with free champagne for all. That was to be followed by a formal dinner at the Washoe club for the board of the pipeline and important visitors before the more informal celebrations. Bands representing all the mines, the fire companies and anyone else who could think of a reason to form one, would parade up \u2018C\u2019 Street. Most of the saloons were offering at least one free drink and the Chinese were contributing fireworks and a display of rockets after dark which were to be signalled by the firing of the ancient Fremont cannon on Mount Davidson. Various impromptu contests were being arranged, wrestling, marksmanship, rock drilling, lumber jacking contests amongst others, Dan warned Ben that plans were afoot to involve his sons, Adam and Joe in shooting and Hoss in wrestling. Ben shrugged \u201cThey can take care of themselves, I doubt Hoss\u2019 shoulder is up to wrestling but it\u2019ll give him an excuse if he wants it and as long as it\u2019s not fast draw the boys enjoy marksmanship contests.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLikely to get very rowdy later Ben.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDan I have known Virginia City since before it was named when there were only three shack here, I don\u2019t need telling. Though I must say I don\u2019t remember seeing so many people around before, it\u2019s jammed everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe reckon there are over 35 000 people in town now, we ran a survey month or so back before the elections.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben whistled \u201cGrown even bigger than I thought and women still outnumbered 10 to 1.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe even a little worse. It\u2019s a bachelor town, rough in work and play, but you\u2019re the heroes of it today. Adam can insist its Schussler\u2019s project until he\u2019s blue in the face but to most people that pipeline comes from the Ponderosa and that means one thing the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you saying Dan?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust that if you pull out when it gets hot, feelings could start going the other way. The town expects you to be around and join in, even if it\u2019s boisterous, too much for the girls.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd for me. I\u2019m a lot better but I don\u2019t want to get involved in anything rough. Guess word has spread, I haven\u2019t been in town much. You can help out, just tell the truth I\u2019ve no stamina at the minute. I\u2019ll take the girls home leave my sons to fly the flag.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCarole will understand but how about Sue and Nita and those hot house flowers with Nita. They show their disdain round town this evening and it could get nasty, the horse trough would be the least of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSue and Nita are sensible and once the formalities are over I think Stanford and Kayser will be glad to opt out. Now cheer up Dan we\u2019re here to enjoy ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben took the chance later to warn Sue and Nita that they would probably have to leave their husbands in town; it wouldn\u2019t be popular if they all left but it would get very boisterous. Nita surprised him again as she had already decided that it was inevitable. She was so unlike the rest of her family, for which Ben was exceedingly grateful.<\/p>\n The brothers had to force their way through the crowds to join Jim Fair and John Mackay once they had finished the checks up at the pump station. Too many people knew them and all wanted a quick word. The older men were more worried about the seating plan for the dinner than the pipeline and as Adam appeared they pulled him into the discussion of the planned events. Jim had tentatively put Adam\u2019s name down to let of the old cannon but Adam shook his head. He\u2019d been conned into a speech that was enough and then he glanced over at Joe and grinned broadly. \u201cHey Little Joe, once as a kid you told me your ambition in life and I warned you that any attempt to fulfil it would bring instant retribution, but now you can.\u201d Joe frowned at his eldest brother seeing the sparkle of mischief in his eyes. He hadn\u2019t been listening but Hoss had and he was also grinning broadly. Hoss gave his brother a broad hint, \u201cYou were about thirteen Joe and we let you collect some stores on your own, including some dynamite.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed as the penny dropped \u201cThe Fremont cannon.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded \u201cWant to fire it?\u201d<\/p>\n For a minute the mischievous teenage boy, who had at times driven his brothers to distraction, grinned at them and both his brothers laughed as Joe eagerly accepted that particular chore. Adam shook his head in mock disgust \u201cYou don\u2019t grow up Little Joe!\u201d Then he saw the real disgust on Jim\u2019s face and very serious for a minute he said \u201cFor God\u2019s sake Jim, it\u2019s just a bit of fun. Joe has grown up in everything that matters, he\u2019s earnt a laugh.\u201d<\/p>\n John, as so often, intervened and changed the subject. He wanted to know where to fit in Leland and Kayser, not wanting to upset either the Cartwrights or Stanford, but they hardly ranked as VIP\u2019s. Adam knew whatever was done they would detest the day and didn\u2019t much care but Joe was their brother-in-law so he called Joe over. Joe rapidly scanned the plan and changed a few names leaving Stanford near him and Nita while Kayser was a little further down but near Bill Davidson. \u201cRough on Bill but I\u2019ll make it up to him later. Guess they\u2019ll scuttle back to the ranch when things start livening up.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite everyone\u2019s fears everything was ready by ten and the platform party took up position. Ben escorted the three girls over with Jess and some of the man making a path for them. Bill and John with Stanford and Kayser joined the VIP\u2019s in seats below the platform while the mass of miners pushed in where they could. Ben and Adam had done their best to keep the formal speeches short but too many wanted to get in on the act and despite Adam\u2019s speech being short he was in a minority. Adam tried to push the whole kudos over to Harv. He had said initially that he wasn\u2019t after personal prestige and he had meant it, but Harv couldn\u2019t accept it, knowing just how much Adam had contributed and most of the other speakers seemed to equate the pipeline with the Cartwrights. Joe was very restless as yet another mine owner stood up, \u201cDidn\u2019t see him around when we were fighting the town to allow us to try.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shushed his son, it might be boring but they\u2019d all known that was inevitable. Eventually the speeches done, the fountain was turned on and the champagne began to flow. There were great cheers and choruses of \u2018For he\u2019s a jolly good fellow\u2019 and the directors and engineers were pushed forward to acknowledge the cheers, which rather embarrassed they did. Then Flood led the way over to the dinner. Ben was soon deep in conversation with Rutherford Hayes, whom Adam had placed next to his father. After introducing the two men Adam had slipped away to join John and Bill for a drink before taking their places. He apologised to Bill for inflicting Kayser on him but Bill didn\u2019t care, just surprised that Nita was so different.<\/p>\n The formal dinner lasted just over two hours but although rather boring, the food was good and with their wives and a leavening of good friends, all the Cartwrights managed to enjoy themselves. Hoss had filled Sue and Nita in on Joe\u2019s job for the afternoon and he was being well teased, but he was looking forward to it.<\/p>\n Eventually they were free to go out and watch the parade of bands. Adam, Hoss and Joe were at once surrounded by men intent on getting their participation in shooting and wrestling. Hoss used his shoulder as an excuse to get out of the wrestling but agreed to try his hands at rock drilling and his brothers accepted the challenge to their marksmanship. John was going to try his hand too, despite rude comments from Adam that he couldn\u2019t hit the side of a barn. Stanford and Kayser were making sarcastic comments to each other but rather too loudly and they were getting some dirty looks. Ben went over to them and very quietly said \u201cI should keep your opinions to yourselves. They aren\u2019t popular and it likely to get much more boisterous. You might just find yourselves the butt of the joke. Some of these men are fairly drunk now and they wouldn\u2019t hesitate to ride you out of town, tarred and feathered and without causing a riot, noone will be able to intervene.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell you shouldn\u2019t have brought my sister.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNoone will touch Nita, she\u2019s a Cartwright and you can see how popular Joe is. It will get rougher but not yet, unless we provoke trouble. After the fireworks we\u2019ll retire and leave my sons to represent the Ponderosa. Either look as though you\u2019re enjoying yourselves or go and wait in the hotel. If a presidential candidate can enjoy this, I don\u2019t see why it\u2019s beneath you two.\u201d<\/p>\n Certainly Hayes wasn\u2019t putting on an act, he was laughing so much as two big men wrestling almost in slow motion that the tears were running down his cheeks. Ben joined him and at the end of the contest they went to join the girls and watch the shooting. The preliminary eliminations and been carried out and about twenty men were left to test their skill in earnest. Each had six shots at plates thrown in the air, drawing and firing at each one and then a further six shots with a rifle at a target placed a long way up the hill. Adam, Joe and John were still in and Adam was the favourite in the betting although Joe had considerable support too as did one of Roy\u2019s deputies, Jim Tennant. The side gun part came first and amidst great cheering Adam smoothly downed all six plates to be followed by his brother, who achieved the same. Five of the contestants managed it, but John only got four and had to drop out. Nita was very excited much to her brother\u2019s disgust but she didn\u2019t care, hugging Joe as he came back to join his family. Adam clapped him on the back \u201cWell done little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss squinted up the mountain, \u201cCan you even see the target way up there? Reckon I ought to have done this, neither of you can see well enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed, \u201cSee the fly on the bull Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, I wonder how it broke its leg?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDangburn it Joe I was sure you couldn\u2019t see that break.\u201d Hoss slapped his brothers on their shoulders, \u201cGuess I might as well risk a few dollars,\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned \u201cWho are you backing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJim of course.\u201d Hoss said and then grunted as his brother punched him in the ribs. The crowd was ready for the final part, there were two tellers up by the target and they would mark and signal the score after each shot. The target was a standard circular one with rings marking the score from one to ten. For six shots the maximum was sixty but at the range they used anything over forty was considered a good score. They drew for the order of shooting with Jim going second, Adam fourth and Joe bringing up the rear.<\/p>\n All the Ponderosa party were gathered to watch the shooting contest and Dan, Roy, the four Irishmen and Rutherford Hayes had joined them. Hayes was very impressed by the standard of shooting and wanted to know who they thought would win. The others left it to Ben to answer; two of his sons were involved. Ben shrugged \u201cJim Tennant has won for the last three years but my sons don\u2019t usually enter. I should think it\u2019s between the three of them. Adam is faster than Joseph but I doubt there\u2019s anything between them for marksmanship. Maybe Jim has the edge; he\u2019s used to this set up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam won once didn\u2019t he?\u201d asked Roy, trying to remember.<\/p>\n Ben nodded \u201cMust be thirteen or fourteen years ago. One of the first and he only entered one other, I think he was third then. They got pushed into it today.\u201d<\/p>\n Leland and Kayser had been impressed despite themselves and were hoping to see the brothers put down, but it didn\u2019t seem too likely they had to admit. Both brothers were joking easily, seemingly totally relaxed and unworried. Leland turned to his sister \u201cBrotherly love is going to take a dent whatever the outcome of this.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben overheard and his lips tightened in anger, Carole noticed and sure her father-in-law was already tiring she moved closer to him and gripped his arm. Ben just covered her hand but concentrated on Nita and Carole listened too, Nita frowned at her brother \u201cWhy should it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever happens one of them has to beat the other, damage their manly pride. Especially if your husband beats the famous fast gun. I reckon he\u2019d hate that, beaten by his own little brother. He likes being the big fish in a small pool, only reason to stay in this wilderness.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was furious and Carole frowned, glad that at least Leland was keeping his voice down and only Kayser was listening. Then to their astonishment Nita laughed, \u201cLeland you really shouldn\u2019t judge everyone by yourself! There are plenty of reasons for staying here, it\u2019s alive, beautiful and at least out on the ranch so very peaceful. I know why Adam stays; he loves this place just like I do. Maybe he is a fast gun but he\u2019s very much more that that. You heard the speeches, he\u2019s a fine engineer and acknowledged as such. If Joe should beat him I know Adam would be delighted, still be partly his achievement, he taught Joe to shoot. Joe knows Adam can usually outshoot him, faster anyway, but he\u2019s proud of his brother and if Adam wins Joe will help him celebrate. Even if they come fourth and fifth they won\u2019t care, it\u2019s only a game and they\u2019d still be in the top five marksmen in a town of over 35 000. When have you ever been in the top 5 of anything?\u201d<\/p>\n Leland had never been able to match his sister\u2019s tongue and now he just glared at her and turned back to Kayser, the only one he felt at home with, Ben was absolutely delighted at Nita\u2019s retort to her brother and his eyes glowed as he went over to her and put his arm round her. Carole was pleased too, from an initial hatred of Adam Nita had come to know him very well and was obviously fond of her brother-in-law. Nita looked up, \u201cWho will win Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGoodness knows but as you just said, it doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou heard? I\u2019m sorry about my brother, he has no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole grinned \u201cWe know that, but actually I\u2019m glad he spoke up, just proves how well you know them.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita smiled at her and then all of them turned their attention to the contest as the first man stepped up to shoot. He was obviously nervous as he contemplated the target and the gamblers had discounted him. Each man was allowed one ranging shot before the six that counted and after each shot the teller marked the target and called back the score. The man\u2019s ranging shot was a six and he was told it was low and to the left, but for the rest he was only told the score Joe and Adam watched intently as the man got 5,4,7,8 only to follow with a 6 and a 4 for a total of 34. He was obviously disappointed as he came back over to join them but as Adam pointed out, he hadn\u2019t exactly disgraced himself and even the fifth place had a handy 50 dollar prize. As Jim Tennant went over for his turn Joe moved closer to his brother \u201cAny advice Adam I haven\u2019t done this before?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re opponents little brother!\u201d Adam said but his eyes twinkled as he spoke and he went on \u201cWatch Jim, he takes his time. Use that ranging shot and the information you get to compensate. It\u2019s probably the most important shot even though it doesn\u2019t count.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned at his brother and then they watched Jim shoot. He had got an 8 with is ranging shot, level but to the right and he followed that with a nine, Joe caught Adam\u2019s eye, it could be hard to beat Jim. Jim followed up with a 6 and then two 7\u2019s. Joe murmured \u201cNot his best shooting.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged \u201cHe\u2019s never scored more than 44, it\u2019ll be close to that and quite good enough to win. It\u2019s a long shot little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Tennant finished with an eight and six for a score of 43 to tumultuous applause. He came back over and grinned at the brothers \u201cUp to you two, it\u2019s beatable but you\u2019ll need to shoot at your best.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cWe\u2019ll give it a try Jim, nice shooting.\u201d Then they watched the third contestant. He scored the first bull of the afternoon but he was erratic going down as low as three for a total score of 37.<\/p>\n Adam picked up his rifle and moved down to the shooting point with well wishes from his supporters on all sides. As soon as he took up position he was oblivious of everything just concentrating on the target way up the hill. He took great care with his ranging shot and got an eight, central but high and then settled down to see what he could score. His first shot was a seven and got rather muted applause but Adam knew he had overcompensated and followed with a nine and then and eight, but enthusiasm reached a peak as with his fourth shot he got a bull. The Ponderosa contingent, all backing him heavily, were ecstatic as he followed with an eight, they had been counting and anything above a one would give him the lead, In fact Adam finished with a nine for a score of 51, the first score over 50 anyone could remember. The applause resounded round the buildings with great cheering and many of the men were lining up to collect their winnings but noone was paying out until the shooting was finished.<\/p>\n Joe passed Adam as he moved down and stopped momentarily, \u201cFine shooting brother, but just how am I supposed to follow that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou always say you\u2019re as good a marksman as I am, go and prove it.\u201d Adam gripped his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cGood luck.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone was congratulating Adam and almost equally Ben on his son\u2019s prowess but they ignored everyone as Joe took up position. Jim commented to Ben \u201cBound to be an anticlimax, pity Joe didn\u2019t shoot first.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled wryly, \u201cMaybe you don\u2019t know my youngest son as well as we do. Just watch.\u201d<\/p>\n Perhaps Joe\u2019s immediate family were the only ones who weren\u2019t amazed as Joe followed his ranging shot of eight with another eight and then a bull and a nine, to better his brother\u2019s score after three shots by three. Everyone was watching intently and there was an almost unanimous groan as Joe snatched slightly at his fourth shot for a six. Joe could have kicked himself but he just concentrated on his final shots. He got an eight for a total of 41 with one shot to go and several people started congratulating Adam again, Joe couldn\u2019t beat him. Adam shushed them \u201cHe can still equal me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll need a bull.\u201d One of the men said and Adam laughed \u201cI think he knows that, he\u2019s taking his time on this one.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe ignored everyone and everything, just concentrating on the small circular disc he was aiming at, He breathed deeply and the held his breath as he gently squeezed of the shot. Almost before it hit the target he was sure he had what he wanted and he straightened up grinning broadly as Adam came over to join him. The crowd was silent and there was almost disbelief in the announcer\u2019s voice as he signalled another bull for the same final score of 51. For a moment there was stunned silence and then the whole area erupted as everyone congratulated the brothers. There was some pressure for a shoot off but they were both adamant, they were happy to share first position and the bookies could pay out on both of them, halving the odds so that the sum was the same. Most of the Ponderosa hands had backed both brothers as had Hoss, despite his rude comments, and they were well satisfied by the outcome.<\/p>\n The brothers finally fought their way through the crowd of well wishers to join their family both delighted with themselves, although Joe was insisting that he could have beaten his brother if only he hadn\u2019t snatched at the fourth shot. Still he was more than satisfied to draw and exuberantly swung Nita round. Then they all headed over to the rock drilling contest where Hoss and Jim Fair were teaming up to try their hand against twenty other teams of miners, Each pair had a rock drill, marked three quarters of the way up with a white line, and a sledge hammer. Taking it in turns to hold the drill and wield the hammer they had to drill into the rock until the drill was in as far as the line. The pitches had been carefully chosen to give each team similarly hard rock. Hoss had taken part before but he was no where near as experienced as many, very dependent on his strength. His brothers, John and Bill gathered close by the pair encouraging them with all the strength of their lungs and buoyed up by his brothers\u2019 success Hoss excelled himself and they came second to a team from the Ophir, ahead of many experienced miners. Hoss joined his brothers, sweating freely and demanding beer, but delighted by their obvious pride and pleasure in his success.<\/p>\n Dan wandered over to Ben \u201cYour day with a vengeance. You look as though you\u2019re in grave danger of bursting with pride!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben punched his old friend, but he was feeling very pleased with life and very proud of his sons. \u201cI have reason.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo one\u2019s denying it.\u201d<\/p>\n Things were getting more boisterous the bands still playing and dancing in the streets. The brothers pulled their wives out to join in. It got more crowded with some of the men already fairly drunk, throwing themselves around and first Adam and then Joe and Hoss took their wives back into the protection of the Washoe club. For a few minutes the whole party relaxed with a drink. Ben wasn\u2019t sorry to sit down with a large brandy, he was very tired. Adam came over to perch on the arm of his chair \u201cYou alright Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust tired. Quite an exhibition you and Joe put on, Hoss too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Pa. What are you going to do? It\u2019s going to get noisier.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait until the fireworks have finished and then I\u2019ll take the girls home. Rutherford Hayes is coming too and if they have any sense so will Stanford and Kayser.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hesitated and Ben grinned \u201cYou three will have to stay and represent the Cartwrights, everyone knows I\u2019ve been ill but it would get a very poor reception if we all disappeared, too high\u2019n\u2019mighty to join in the town\u2019s celebrations.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand that Pa and so will Carole, but what about Sue and Nita, especially Nita?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI warned them hours ago but they were both expecting it. Don\u2019t underestimate Nita,\u201d Ben went on to explain her reaction to her brother\u2019s prognosis of trouble between Adam and Joe over the shooting. Adam grinned widely at that and Ben said, \u201cThey can all see it\u2019s getting rough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair enough Pa. Time we made a move actually, Joe\u2019s firing the Fremont cannon to signal the start of the fireworks, due in five minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n Be laughed, \u201cOne boyhood ambition fulfilled! Go on Hoss and I will get the girls to a vantage point.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Joe made their way up the hill through the crowds to the old cannon, brought out west by John Fremont in 1847. It had been on the mountain for the last fifteen years. A crowd was already waiting for them and the cannon was loaded and primed. Joe was enthusiastic and Adam sat back on the end of a wagon, watching his little brother as excitable as when he was in his teens, highly amused. Joe fired the first charge and then he helped to reload and fired two more charges before rejoining Adam dirty from the explosives but very pleased with himself and they watched a few rockets going off close by before moving down to rejoin the rest of the family to watch the spectacular display the Chinese had arranged.<\/p>\n When the fireworks finished Adam got John and Bill to help him collect the surrey and buggy while Ben helped Rutherford Hayes collect his things. The three brothers saw the whole party out to the outskirts of town, Stanford and Kayser were very glad to get away from the increasing noise and the others knew it was getting too rough. Ben was tired but the brothers trusted their wives to look after him and went back in with John and Bill. It was an odd feeling to be free to join in the bachelor amusements of the town but pleased with themselves they were all in the mood for it. Sure their wives would understand, it was no chore and they set out to enjoy themselves in a way they hadn\u2019t for a long time. Not that any of them had missed it gaining something infinitely more precious, but even so it was nice occasionally to throw off all responsibilities and revert to the freedoms of bachelorhood for a few hours.<\/p>\n The brothers had known the town as long as it had existed, the younger ones growing up with it. Liked and respected for their ability to look after themselves and particularly popular today, for both the pipeline and the contests they had no fears of trouble, boisterous and rowdy maybe but everyone was out to enjoy themselves. They had their own friends and although often seeing each other they didn\u2019t stick together, although both his older brothers warned Joe not to get into trouble. All too many people wanted to buy the brothers a drink and it was difficult to say no. Adam was highly amused as he found one of the town drunks, Liam O\u2019Shea following him around, finishing off the drinks he sipped and left, but even so as midnight approached Adam wad drunker than he had been in a long time. Adam had been dancing in the street with some of the girls from the Bucket O\u2019 Blood when he bumped into Hoss also dancing and exceedingly merry. They broke away from their partners who were instantly taken by two other men and went over to the hotel porch. Hoss mopped his face \u201cI\u2019ve a feeling I\u2019m gonna pay for this in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe too, noone takes no for an answer. Is Joe still on his feet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWas last I saw, maybe quarter of an hour ago down by MacGuire\u2019s. Thinking of going home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn a bit, I\u2019d like to sober up a bit first. Wonder if there\u2019s any black coffee going?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll be damned as a spoilsport.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell someone has to be sober enough to get us home, John and Bill are both roaring drunk.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss giggled \u201cThe horses are sober.\u201d then a pretty brunette came over and grabbed Hoss\u2019 arm \u201cYou promised.\u201d Hoss shrugged resignedly at his brother, but nothing loathe rejoined the fray.<\/p>\n Adam moved on, avoiding bottles passed to him or just touching his lips to the most insistent ones, vaguely looking for his youngest brother. Finding himself outside the jail Adam went in to see if Roy was there. Roy was sitting by the window, just keeping an eye on things. He had finished his rounds a few minutes earlier, but everything was peaceful despite the noise and he wasn\u2019t expecting trouble. A large number of men were already sleeping it off in a drunken stupor and in another couple of hours things should start calming down. Most men had been given a holiday, but they would have to be back down on shift at six in the morning. Roy frowned as Adam came in, wondering what his old friend\u2019s arrival meant. Adam grinned \u201cGot such a thing as black coffee Roy?\u201d<\/p>\n Roy went and poured some as Adam perched on the desk, \u201cAre you drunk Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDrunker than I\u2019ve been in a long time but sober enough to know it. Probably more sober than Hoss, certainly a lot better than John and Bill and I can\u2019t find Little Joe.\u201d Adam nodded his head almost owlishly and Roy grinned and refilled his cup, \u201cI guess you\u2019ve earnt a chance to relax.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMmm, gotta get everyone home, someone\u2019s got to be sober at least vaguely.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s gonna take more than black coffee Son and I hope Carole is understanding. I wouldn\u2019t want your head in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d Adam wagged his finger at Roy, \u201cCan\u2019t be rude, noone takes no for an answer. Won money on us, wanna repay.\u201d He nodded his head, grinning lopsidedly. Adam stayed for half an hour and after four more cups of coffee he felt a little more in control of himself. He headed on down the street and found Joe dancing outside the Palace, very happy but although quite drunk, still walking a reasonably straight line. He joined Adam to go and look for Hoss admitting that he was tired and it was time to go home, already gone 1 a.m. The streets were still crowded and everyone recognised the brothers and they were offered numerous drinks, but Adam passed them off with a laugh and gradually made his way back to where he\u2019d seen Hoss. He had collected John on the way and managed to set his brothers and John off towards the livery stable while he hunted for Bill. Dan, who was not very much more sober than Adam, had seen Bill in the Sazerac saloon and Adam made his way down there. Bill had gone in with a lovely blonde, but he\u2019d had too much to drink and finally fallen asleep in a corner. Adam had a job to wake him and was glad of Dan\u2019s reappearance to help him support Bill down to the livery stable. The fresh air seemed to revive Bill and by the time they reached to stable he was in the middle of a full blooded rendition of Dixie. One man fighting drunk pushed through to stop them, he\u2019d fought for the north and took exception. Adam was very glad to see his big brother materialise. Hoss picked up the drunk bodily and gently deposited him on a pile of hay, \u201cSleep it off mate, he just likes the song, he fought for the north too.\u201d<\/p>\n The drunk was not quite drunk enough to think he could take on Hoss and subsided muttering furiously. Adam slowly managed to get his party organised and mounted up, wondering if he ought to tie anyone on. Joe was slightly better than the rest and he put Joe on one side himself on the other and slowly they moved out. Hoss pulled up alongside Adam, \u201cDid Bill fight in the war?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think he built some bridges for the army.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhich side?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cGood guess Hoss, the north.\u201d<\/p>\n The five men edged out of town and with none of them very sober they began singing again once clear of the crowds. It was not exactly melodic and they didn\u2019t always agree which song they were singing, at one stage Bill embarked on Dixie again and Joe tried to outsing him with the Battle Hymn of the Republic, with Hoss switching from one to the other while John managed to snore. Adam was trying to ensure his sleeping friend stayed on his horse and only occasionally joined in, but as they reached the last stretch he tried not too successfully to quieten them down. Failing that he shepherded them back to his own house where only Carole would be bothered. Tying up the horses he got them all into the study before anyone thought to query it. Joe considered matters as he sank down on the rug, \u201cOught to go home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBlack coffee first.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou saying I\u2019m drunk?\u201d Joe stuck his chin out pugnaciously but Adam just giggled, \u201cWe all are.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole was woken up by the caterwauling as Hoss and John tried to outsing each other on different songs and she had put on her dressing gown and come down. She put coffee to heat before coming in but arrived in time to hear Adam\u2019s comment. He realised she was there and put his arm round her, \u201cSorry love, didn\u2019t get much choice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter but you\u2019re going to have a bad head in the morning. Coffee is on.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam kissed her \u201cWonderful wife, sober them up a bit and send them on home.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole shook her head \u201cNot Bill, he\u2019s succumbed.\u201d Bill was curled up on the floor snoring quietly and Adam got Hoss to help him haul Bill up to a spare room, pulling off his boots and covering him, resting on his side to sleep it off. Hoss was creeping around on his toes and whispering loudly very insistent that they mustn\u2019t wake Carole and the kids. Carole had a job to keep a straight face as he tried to tell her to be quiet and then realised who she was. She assured him she was already awake and nothing woke the kids, but Hoss slumped in a chair still trying to work it out.<\/p>\n All of the men accepted coffee and after three cups had at least stopped singing. Carole kissed her husband, \u201cYou\u2019d better go and deliver this trio. You might be drunk but you\u2019re better than any of them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally impossible to avoid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDarling it\u2019s the first time in all the years I have known you and you\u2019re still making sense. That\u2019s a pretty good record. Go on get them home.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam did as he as told, raucous noises from the bunkhouse as they rode in proving the Cartwrights weren\u2019t the only drunks. As they came in Kirk appeared. He was sober, never touched drink, although he\u2019d been in town and enjoyed himself, especially the Cartwright success, vicariously his own. He was scathing at their condition but took the three horses, leaving Blackie for Adam. Adam got them inside and they tried to keep quiet, but although everyone had gone to bed, Ben Sue and Nita had only been dozing listening for their return. They all three got up to investigate and met at the top of the stairs. They got as far as the half landing before all of them gave way to laughter, trying to keep it quiet so as not to disturb their guests.<\/p>\n The four men below weren\u2019t even aware of them at first. Adam was exasperated at John who\u2019d sunk down the wall and wouldn\u2019t get up to go to bed. Adam had got his coat and boots off but couldn\u2019t persuade him to his feet Hoss was sitting on the stairs, telling everyone in a loud whisper to be quiet, and making more noise than any of the others. Joe was trying to pull Hoss\u2019 boots off but he wasn\u2019t stable bending down and had to keep giving up to lean against the wall as the room began going round. Even Adam wasn\u2019t sober enough to stop his low voiced harangue of John and get his brothers organized to help him or even to notice his father\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n Ben watched for a couple of minutes almost helpless with laughter, tears streaming down his cheeks when it suddenly struck him that the wives might not be so amused. As he looked at them both were grinning very broadly and Nita caught his eye and said very quietly \u201cSeems they have enjoyed themselves, not much to choose between them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2019s fractionally more sober but not by much. Its years since I have seen any of them in such a state, let alone all three. They\u2019re going to pay for it in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue nodded \u201cMaybe we\u2019d better rescue them and get them to bed or they\u2019ll still be on the stairs in the morning,\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded and went on down. Adam was the first to notice his father standing by Hoss and leaving John he went over licking his lips and to Ben\u2019s complete undoing, looking like a guilty schoolboy as he had occasionally in his early teens and virtually never since. Ben had a stitch from laughing so hard as Adam tried solemnly to explain that it wasn\u2019t his brothers\u2019 fault, noone would take no for an answer and they couldn\u2019t be rude. Ben couldn\u2019t find his voice for laughing and just then Hoss realised Sue was there. \u201cHello darling, we had to be soc….soc….friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue bent down and took his boots off and Hoss grinned at his father, \u201cHi Pa we sorta got drunk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI had noticed.\u201d Ben commented and Joe, who\u2019d found Nita and was cuddling her, looked up, \u201cWhole town is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeems as though you piped in booze not water!\u201d Ben said<\/p>\n Adam frowned \u201cYou said join in represhent the Ponderosa.\u201d His speech was slurred and he had the grace to grin. \u201cHelp me get John to his room. Bill didn\u2019t even get this far. Then I\u2019ll go sleep it off.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita and Sue were busy getting their husbands upstairs to do exactly that and Ben helped Adam pull John to his feet, steady him and get him up to bed. As they came out Ben studied his eldest son, \u201cYou alright to get home alone Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know I\u2019m drunk but not that bad Carole is waiting. We stopped there first. This is after several cups of black coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben grinned \u201cWhat were you like before?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam considered the question solemnly and then grinned, \u201cNoisy! All singing, no agreement on what song. Better get back.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben laughed and let his son go, not too surprised to see Kirk waiting with Blackie and his own horse and insistent on riding home and seeing to Blackie for Adam. Ben was sure that his son would have been alright on his own but with Kirk in attendance he could go to bed with an easy mind.<\/p>\n Hoss was the first of the revellers to appear the following day and it was nearly ten before he came down very gingerly, only wanting coffee. Joe appeared a few minutes later, nursing a king sized headache and rather vague about the latter part of the evening. Adam\u2019s memory was clearer but his head was no better than his brothers and neither John nor Bill appeared until after lunch. At first Bill was a little shamefaced but as Carole assured him, with a grin, there was very little to choose between the five of them. They all went over to the main house to see how Hoss, Joe and John were recovering and at least the five men could commiserate with each other, even if they got little sympathy from the rest. They spent the day quietly reminiscing over the previous day and filling the others in on events after they left. Slowly Adam and Ben slipped into a general discussion on local affairs with Hayes and eventually Carole decided to go back to the children and leave them to chat. Adam was in two minds, but as she obviously didn\u2019t mind he stayed and after a light tea Carole returned, the children safely in bed with Kam Su in charge.<\/p>\n Work had to carry on and between coffee and chatting they did manage to decide who was going to do what. The houses were nearing completion and it was more important for Hoss and Joe to be close at hand for queries so Adam was going back to the west shore. John and Bill had both had more than enough of saloons, drinking and dancing to satisfy then for a while, so with the promise of a good trout streams they were both intending to ride along with Adam for a few days, Adam was pleased to have their company although warning then he would be quite busy. They could help take over some stores and he\u2019d make time to enjoy their company, they didn\u2019t often get the chance to get together. Carole knew her husband would enjoy it and thought it was a marvellous idea.<\/p>\n Ben was slightly uneasy about asking Adam to go out so soon, unsure if his son was really more worried about the children than he seemed. Carole put his mind at rest the kids were fine, spotty but so ebullient that it was impossible to think of them as ill.<\/p>\n Rutherford Hayes had fitted in remarkably easily, enjoying the quiet comfort of the ranch and the knowledgeable conversation of his hosts. Now he tentatively asked to go along and see part of the ranch the flume and telegraph he\u2019d heard so much about. Adam was uncertain his brothers both had a lot to do and it was too far for his father to ride. Hayes seeing him hesitated said \u201cForget it if it\u2019s inconvenient.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot really, it\u2019s just that I won\u2019t be coming back and although there is a road, it can get rough. You aren\u2019t used to this country. Not that I expect trouble but we have had Indian raids and outlaws around not so long ago. I could get one of the hands to ride back with you, if that would be alright,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell of course it would, why ever not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just that my brothers will be busy. Jess will do it very willingly, he\u2019s still taking it easy, took a bad bullet a few months back. He gets bored hanging around here. He\u2019s a very good friend of mine but….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s fine but I\u2019m sorry to be a nuisance, to your hands as well as you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks,\u201d Adam grinned and he couldn\u2019t help glancing over at Stanford and Kayser \u201cSome people take violent exception if we send one of the hands not dropping everything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI noticed it wasn\u2019t exactly their metier, still they are leaving in the morning aren\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Adam sighed \u201cLuckily my sister-in-law is very different from the rest of her family, anyway enough of our dirty washing.\u201d Adam changed the subject filling Hayes in on the use of the flumes, both here on his own ranch and more generally elsewhere. He didn\u2019t hide his own involvement and Bill joined the discussion.<\/p>\n Much later Adam and Carole headed home for a quiet couple of hours, having arranged to pick up Jess, Bill and John early the following morning along with Rutherford Hayes. The potential president was insistent that he was always up early and there was no reason to delay their departure on his behalf. All the necessary details had been settled and with the telegraph giving easy contact Adam felt much easier heading to the west shore.<\/p>\n The next day Adam didn\u2019t rush, enjoying showing of his beloved ranch to an intelligent visitor. Hoss rode along partway and insisted on stopping at the two new houses for a few minutes first. Hayes was very impressed by all three houses, all so very distinctive and yet blending in well and extremely elegant. He was also impressed if rather amused by the very evident pride Hoss had in his elder brother, but as they rode on and he saw the ranch, talked more widely about local developments and problems, he came to realise there was a firm foundation for that pride. When he finally left the three friends at the main flume terminus Hayes thanked Adam very sincerely for a fascinating and instructive day. As he rode back with Jess he got the hand to talk about his boss and friend, learning a lot about a complex character that Adam wouldn\u2019t have told him. He expressed surprise that Adam hadn\u2019t taken up politics and, maybe breathed a sigh of relief on learning of the pressure put on both Ben and Adam and their reaction to the idea of becoming Senators. He stayed on two more days and realised as he got to know Ben better, just why his sons were so different.<\/p>\n Adam spent a week keeping things moving but not pushing too hard enjoying his friends company as much as he could. While Adam was working John and Bill settled the details of a new partnership to build flumes. They tried again to persuade Adam to join them but he wasn\u2019t interested but since he refused any monetary reward they insisted on calling the company, \u2018The Cartwright Flume Company\u2019. He would get the recognition of his work even if he wouldn\u2019t accept anything else, Adam argued against it insisting that he didn\u2019t care but they wouldn\u2019t be budged and as he trusted them to ensure he had no legal involvement he gave way. Eventually the pair had to head home both with commitments to complete. Adam was sorry to see them go, touched by their gesture he had enjoyed the company it had been almost a holiday having then with him but his own work had slipped behind so he had plenty to do, For two days after they left he made a determined effort to get the paperwork back up to date. He had warned Carole that he wouldn\u2019t be back for the weekend and he managed to get the detailed marking up caught up but having let things slide he was contemplating staying over the following weekend too. He had to change his mind as Jess rode out with a note from Carole, asking him to try and get back on the Friday to help out. Carole made it clear that his father was recovering well but Joe was getting snowed under with too much to arrange as the various orders for the two houses began to arrive in a flood and all the last minute details needed to be settled, over and above the normal running of the ranch, Carole was scared that seeing his son so hard pushed Ben would be unable to resist temptation and overtax his strength. Although he was very much better Ben was still low on stamina and tiring easily but well enough to carry on through sheer will power, where a month earlier his body rebelled and he dozed off. Carole admitted that she was worried and Adam knew that his wife wouldn\u2019t dream of disturbing him unless it was really necessary and so he immediately changed his plans. He thanked his lucky stars for some of the good men who had recently joined the ranch and got three of the together and explained what he wanted done. Between them they would keep things moving for four or five days, giving him a free day on Thursday to update the paperwork and get everything marked in detail and planned in to keep them bust until he could get back. He was intending to ride home early on the Friday and return over Sunday night. If there were any real problems they were at least in contact and again Adam thanked heaven for Joe\u2019s inspired idea.<\/p>\n When Adam got home he spent an hour playing with the children now fully recovered from measles and chatting to Carole, before having a good lunch. Then he rode over to the main house to see how he could help. He found Carole had understated the case; Joe looked exhausted only averaging three or so hours sleep a night and well overtired, hardly efficient. The girls had been doing all they could to help but there was an avalanche of messages from all sides and even with hiring wagons in town not really enough transport. Short of trained horses and of reliable men who could be trusted to collect all of four different part loads. Joe was juggling things as best he could and endeavouring not to lose track of anything. His father had taken back a large part of the daily running to the ranch and Nita was helping him make up pay packets when Adam rode in, but that just gave Joe something else to worry about, scared his father was overdoing things, Joe was expecting both his brothers back for the weekend but he was very surprised when Adam rode in just after lunch on the Friday, Adam hadn\u2019t bothered to go to bed, leaving everything in reasonable condition on the west shore he had headed home in the early hours.<\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t hide his near exhaustion but Adam made no comment, just running over the current position with him and then Adam fetched coffee \u201cRight Joe, I suggest we have coffee and then take Sue and Nita over to the houses and go through each of them room by room, settle all remaining details. Hoss should be back soon he can join us. Then you take it easy with Nita, have an early night, I\u2019ll deal with this lot. In the morning you and Hoss go into town and check the position there bring what you can out and see what is due. Then on Sunday you can sort out the stuff in the barns allocate it to its right place. At the moment it looks rather as though we\u2019re setting up a hotel, I counted fifteen beds.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed \u201cIt made sense at the time, cheaper for bulk orders.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStill does little brother, cheer up, we\u2019ll soon get some order.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll very well but I can\u2019t just drop everything.\u201d Joe motioned at the piles of papers on the desk and the lent back rubbing his sore eyes his head aching fiercely. Adam smiled \u201cSince when have I been incapable of running the ranch? I\u2019ll take over for a couple of days, leave you free to sort out the houses and Hoss to help you. After all you were talking about moving in in ten days and a house warming party the following Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned \u201cYou\u2019ve been away ten days, not even seen Carole, must have been busy on the west shore.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot too bad, running reasonably smoothly now, we\u2019re getting used to it and the telegraph to the top of the flume and here for supplies has eliminated the worst of the bottlenecks. Its up on schedule despite my taking a few lazy days with John and Bill, even did some fishing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCarole?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe can join me here with the children while I work. Come on Joe, Carole sent me word to come home early. She can see you\u2019ve worked yourself into exhaustion just as easily as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita had been listening and now she gripped Joe\u2019s shoulders and kissed him as he looked up. \u201cAdam\u2019s right darling. You need help. You always say that you rely on each other equally, this time you need Adam why not accept it?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled, leaning back against her \u201cMight as well. I always do eventually, thank you brother.\u201d<\/p>\n They had only just made a start on Joe and Nita\u2019s house when Hoss rode in, Adam had been in touch by telegraph and he knew more or less what the position was. After hugging his wife and quickly bringing them up to date with his news such as it was Hoss decided they could do without him for quarter of an hour. He wanted to see his father and he wanted coffee so promising to be back soon Hoss went on home.<\/p>\n Adam methodically went through every room in Joe\u2019s house and he insisted that firm decisions be made on every outstanding point and he kept detailed notes from which he would draw up work orders for the next week. Joe found it much easier with Adam\u2019s help; his brother told him exactly what the alternatives were and knew what measurements and supplies were needed. Before Joe could have believed it possible they had finished and Adam firmly told him to forget all about the finishing touches, he had them under control. Adam suggested that Joe and Nita stay and begin deciding exactly where carpets were going and where all the things they\u2019d bought were going, commenting dryly that it saved a lot of time and energy later to have some idea. Joe remembering just how chaotic Adam\u2019s own move had been, had to laugh. For a while Adam hadn\u2019t wanted to go and there had been Joe\u2019s wedding and then the first attack by Pardoe putting Adam\u2019s arm out of action, so it hadn\u2019t been well planned.<\/p>\n Adam and Sue had just gone into her house when Hoss rejoined them and Adam had Hoss do the same thing and settle exactly what he wanted. Hoss thought his father looked overtired and hadn\u2019t missed how exhausted his little brother was but he relaxed as Adam explained what he planned for the weekend. Hoss went along willingly and he didn\u2019t really have to assure Adam that he would take the bulk of the work from Joe in town, his elder brother had taken that for granted.<\/p>\n By Sunday afternoon everything was reasonably straight and after two decent night\u2019s sleep Joe was back to normal and even Ben had relaxed, leaving Adam to cope. With only the normal running of the ranch Adam hadn\u2019t been too pushed although he had collected several law books and two legal queries to take back with him, Hoss had managed to arrange for three more wagons to be available and Jess was going to stay in town for the next week and collect together things as they arrived and arrange to dispatch then to the ranch so Joe should be able to cope more easily. Adam had found time to issue detailed orders to finish both houses and they should be completed in three or four days, which gave a couple of days leeway for inevitable hold-ups. Adam had already got virtually all the supplies needed piled in the barns with the wood being cut from their stocks of seasoned timber and ready for delivery the following morning. Joe lazed on the hearthrug leaning back against Nita\u2019s legs just watching his family, so very content. He had been getting so tired and tense, everything in a muddle and yet with help two days had seen a miraculous change, everything now orderly and he could see his way over the next weeks. Joe was very grateful but he knew that he didn\u2019t have to explain that, he had already thanked both his brothers but they had just laughed it off, still they knew how he felt. Nita and Sue were busy making out lists of stores they would need for store cupboards when Adam asked \u201cHave you thought about getting help, like Kam Su?\u201d<\/p>\n Both houses had been designed to provide living quarters for help but neither Hoss nor Joe had actually done anything to find someone. They looked guiltily at each other and Ben, Carole and Adam all burst out laughing, Ben said \u201cIts not that urgent but once the babies arrive both Sue and Nita are going to need some help.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe hadn\u2019t even discussed it with Nita unsure how she felt about the Chinese, remembering her initial reaction to Hop Sing and the disdain her family had shown him. Joe could afford servants easily enough but it wasn\u2019t easy to keep them, especially young females. In the strongly bachelor town of Virginia City, females regardless of age and look were soon married in the woman starved town and Joe had no desire to set up as a marriage mart. Hoss and Sue had already decided to try and find someone like Hop Sing but just hadn\u2019t done anything about it. Nita was the first to speak \u201cPa\u2019s right. I can cope but I don\u2019t like housework. Why not call Hop Sing in maybe he has a relative or knows someone, he seems to know all of Virginia City and most of San Francisco\u2019s Chinatown as far I can tell,\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned delightedly \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t mind someone like Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n Nita laughed \u201cImpossible I\u2019m sure he\u2019s unique but Kam Su is sweet too and I\u2019d much rather have a friend of theirs than a succession of girls. I\u2019ve no wish to set up as a marriage bureau for Virginia City. Any girl would be off courting but if we found someone half as loyal and hard working as Hop Sing we\u2019d be very lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe just squeezed her hand; glad she felt the same, very fond of the old Chinaman that he had known all his life. The rest of the family smiled marvelling again at the difference between Nita and her relatives, but the one who was best pleased was Hop Sing himself. He overheard in the kitchen and, grinning happily to himself, began running over again the list of people he liked enough and thought good enough to work for his beloved Cartwrights.<\/p>\n When Hoss called him in Hop Sing had about decided and although he considered the matter carefully as Hoss and Joe asked him he soon proposed two names. One was Kam Su\u2019s younger brother Kam Ling and the other a son of one of his cousins Pak Tsien. He promised to get both men to come out to the ranch and talk it over if they were interested in the jobs. Both were in Virginia City at the moment working, one in a laundry and the other as a carpenter and handyman.<\/p>\n Adam took Carole and the children home after tea and spent an hour having a rough and tumble before reading bedtime stories and packing them off to bed. He spent a quiet evening with Carole, going to bed early and sleeping for three hours before riding back to the west shore. He had promised to return the following weekend and help his brothers move in, they had done a lot for him when he first moved. At least neither of them seemed to have any second thoughts about moving out as he had. He\u2019d half expected Hoss to be torn; knowing how little his big brother liked change but Hoss seemed calm, just excited at having his own home with his lovely wife.<\/p>\n With legal problems to deal with too Adam was pushed over that week but they hadn\u2019t scheduled too much for this first large scale operation and he was well ahead of schedule and even beginning to fit in preliminary surveying for the two flumes he felt were needed. He didn\u2019t get much sleep and was half dozing trusting Blackie to take him home on Friday but he was well satisfied with what he had achieved during the week.<\/p>\n Joe had everything under control and with an easier week Ben looked fitter than he had all year. Hoss had reached home mid-afternoon well up on schedule at the main lumber camp, he had left Johnny in charge until Wednesday. Hoss had also been by the sawmills and checked that everything was running smoothly there. Jos\u00e9 arrived at about the same time with good reports on the stock position and Joe had been up by the mines the day before. Everywhere their operations seemed to be going smoothly and only minor problems were reported from town. The stock market was very buoyant and all the stock they had decided to sell had been disposed of advantageously. They had huge sums in cash deposited in a number of banks which eventually they would have to decide what to do with but until the Ophir and other speculated stock settled down to a reasonable level Ben was happy to have the bulwark knowing the panic that could ensue.<\/p>\n Ben was pleased that everything was running so smoothly although he knew it couldn\u2019t last. He was surprised just how much help the three girls gave Joe and him to keep the paperwork moving and although there would be problems when the main drive and the contract negotiations in San Francisco had to be covered but for now they had to get his two younger sons moved into their own houses. It would seem odd to have them all up the road in their own houses but it was what he had always dreamt of for them and with the three families so close he would never need to be lonely, content to be alone knowing they were there whenever he needed them and most days he would see someone. Each of his sons and daughters had asked him if he wanted them to stay a little longer, perhaps Hoss and been the hardest to convince that he was fine on his own with Hop Sing to keep an eye on him. Carole had offered to come over or to have Ben over to stay for a while but Ben was insistent that it wasn\u2019t necessary and he looked so much better he had reassured all of them. He wasn\u2019t seriously worried so it wasn\u2019t too difficult to do.<\/p>\n They all worked hard for the two days over the weekend. Hop Sing\u2019s suggestions for jobs had proved remarkably successful. As soon as the two men appeared Sue had got talking to Kam Ling while the slightly younger Pak Tsien was obviously very taken by Nita\u2019s blond beauty and the whole thing was settled in minutes. Hoss wasn\u2019t around but Sue had his agreement to arrange things, after all she would be the one at home who would see most of whoever they hired. Both Chinese were delighted at the chance, knowing from Hop Sing and Kam Su how much they liked their jobs and knowing the prestige the jobs carried in town. Joe made it clear that if they wanted to marry later there was plenty of room and no obstacles would be put in their way. The Chinese used to working for very low pay at jobs not acceptable to the rest were taken aback by the generosity of the offer as Hoss and Joe were offering the same pay the hands got and all being well it would improve,<\/p>\n The two men came out on Saturday to help their respective families and were introduced to the rest of the family including the children, At first they were very formal but after a day of moving furniture, hanging curtains and trying to sort things out they began to realise that in this job they would be accepted by the whole family, Kam Su was helping out while Hop Sing looked after the children. Seeing how his brother was accepted and at ease with the brothers, Kam Ling slowly relaxed doing his best to help, demonstrate his willingness.<\/p>\n Eventually leaving the two Chinese in sole charge the family collapsed round the fire at the main house and Adam summed it up \u201cYou\u2019ll never be straight for next Saturday but it won\u2019t be from lack of trying by that pair. Look like being as great an addition to the ranch as Kam Su and Hop Sing, Mind you give them a month and from experience it\u2019ll be a moot point who is boss,\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss laughed, \u201cHop Sing sure is and I\u2019ve seem Kam Su getting his own way,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt happens.\u201d Adam agreed, \u201cThey\u2019re good friends do anything for us we are very lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita smiled, \u201cYou make your own luck just because you treat them as friends, they respond in kind. Such a simple thing and yet so few people learn it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam wasn\u2019t sorry to retreat to the west shore and leave the rest to sort out the chaos. It meant Ben doing a little more but he was feeling fine and Adam had had a long chat with his father and knew he was honestly pleased at Joe and Hoss having their own homes. Carole was doing what she could to help out, hemming curtains, arranging for stores to be collected and providing oddments that were needed but slowly things were getting straight.<\/p>\n On the Monday Joe and Nita actually moved in to sleep although Sue was staying at the main house until Hoss got back on Thursday. They had a joint housewarming party arranged with an outdoor barbecue between the houses over a hundred people coming on Saturday. Carole took charge of most of the preparations for that gathering, getting very adequate help from all four Chinese, the two newcomers seemingly as good at cooking as Hop Sing. They were gradually finding their feet and working hard to get the houses fit to show off. Nearly everything that had been ordered had arrived although Joe had been to town twice for wagon loads of supplies and still had to get Jess to go in most days.<\/p>\n Like Adam and Carole they had all left enough in their rooms at the main house to be able to go to bed and stay unhesitatingly if the circumstances arose but slowly the new houses began to look lived in. Carole liked having them close and the twins were delighted running in and out of all three houses under everyone\u2019s feet as they tried to help. Hoss came home and helped Sue move in, amazed at just how much had already been done and by the time Adam rode in Friday evening everything was neat and tidy although one room in each house was locked to hide the unsorted mess and the barns were still in chaos. Carole even had most of the food, and drinks organised, the tables and chairs ready for the party and the weather was very cooperative.<\/p>\n Adam freely praised the work they had all done and didn\u2019t hide his delight at escaping it. Certainly the new houses looked magnificent. Hoss\u2019 house was two stories high with an open veranda on three sides, a covered way to the barn at the rear, the main house similar in many ways to Adam\u2019s. Joe\u2019s house was closer to the sort of house found in San Francisco but less ornate, Joe only had a porch out the front but it was built over three stories, the top story a cupola with views in every direction which acted as Joe\u2019s study. The general proportions of all three houses were very similar and that made them fit together. Like his brother Joe had a covered way out the back to the barn, Adam had found just how effective that was over the last few winters. The house was orientated parallel to his eldest brother\u2019s, both looking up to the mountains. The furnishings showed them off beautifully, brought up together the three brothers had similar tastes and on the whole liked simplicity which seemed to fit in with the grandeur of the land, Nita and Sue had gone along, Sue was too big to like anything fussy and Nita was fed up with the ornateness of her old home. Even so they were rather surprised at just how effectively the furnishings fitted with the designs Adam had built for them.<\/p>\n Adam wanted to go and check the current position with his father and as all four began to try and thank him for the superb job he had made of the houses he edged away embarrassed and headed on home. Carole grinned as he disappeared \u201cWe are going to have to do some quietening down tomorrow or Adam will disappear for the duration.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s earnt every bit of praise he gets.\u201d Sue insisted.<\/p>\n Carole nodded, “I know but he\u2019s had all he wants, you four are pleased that\u2019s all that matters to him. He gets embarrassed so just ward it off a bit or he\u2019ll lock himself in his study.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Hoss knew Carole was right and promised to help her. They both had every intention of telling Adam just how delighted they were now that they had had a chance to live in his designs. Find out how practical they were apart from being aesthetically pleasing but they would wait until they were alone.<\/p>\n Adam knew the fuss there was going to be and he never knew quite what to say especially to those whose opinion he couldn\u2019t care less for, who often gushed impossibly. He would be glad once the house warming party was over but there was no way to avoid it. He knew once the first hour or so was over things would settle down and he would enjoy it too. He wanted to keep busy and spent the morning updating some contract queries and handling the routine work, insisting that his father took it easy, Ben teased him about avoiding the preparations but he knew perfectly well why Adam wanted to bury himself in work.<\/p>\n Everything was ready and Ben was making the punch as Hop Sing brought in sandwiches for lunch the others slowly drifting in to join them. People were due at four and after lunch they all headed for their own homes to ensure they were tidy and the men ready to handle horses and buggies before they went of to get dressed themselves. Carole got the children ready and left Adam to try and keep them tidy while she went to get changed.<\/p>\n For once all three were playing quietly drawing and colouring so Adam lazed back in his chair watching them. Joe came in and poured himself some coffee and then settled in the chair next to Adam, looking very smart in a dark suit and white frilly dress shirt with ribbon tie. Adam caught his brother\u2019s eye and Joe smiled \u201cOkay I know you\u2019re gonna be embarrassed enough over the next few hours we\u2019ll try and protect you. I won\u2019t add to it now as long as you know how thrilled Nita and I are, even better than the plans appeared. Thank you big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe didn\u2019t bother saying any more, knowing it wasn\u2019t necessary, but for once almost formal he offered his hand. Adam took it and gripped it hard for a moment, completely incapable of finding any words for once. Joe grinned broadly and changed the subject back to the children\u2019s antics and Marie pulled herself up onto her father\u2019s lap, giving him a chance to regain control.<\/p>\n Sue was the next to threaten his control taking the chance to try and thank him as everyone else was busy with the final arrangements. Seeing Adam colour as she tried to put into words how pleased she was. Sue gave up and just gave him a hug instead. Adam titled her face up to him and kissed her, \u201cThat say it all Sue, all I ever wanted, you and Hoss happy.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue kissed him and then as the first buggies appeared she broke away to join her big husband. Adam tried to remain in the background but everyone knew he had designed the houses and were taken aback to find them so different from each other and from his own. Those who knew him best, like Dan and Roy, kept it simple just the self-evident truth that he had done a superb job again, but too many went into raptures. Adam refused to get involved in showing people around, leaving his brothers to cope with the helpful assistance of the twins. He concentrated on handing out drinks, fortifying himself with a large brandy and passing most of the congratulations off with a smile, deliberately busy. Ben came over eventually to rescue his son as one woman was being particularly effusive and Adam didn\u2019t know what to say. Ben sent Adam off to see to Marie who had fallen over and was crying. Adam took the chance to hide in one of the bedrooms for a few minutes and regain control.<\/p>\n Slowly people calmed down and let him be and Adam emerged from the protective cordon of close friends where he had taken refuge, warning them that he didn\u2019t want to hear a word about houses. As they settled to the excellent food and drink provided Adam was able to relax and enjoy himself. Ben had arranged for some men to ensure an area between the houses was flat enough for dancing and once they had finished eating, a cold buffet and drinks were set up and a small band began to play. All the hands were invited to join then and things were going well when Adam noticed his father slip away, Ben took refuge in his eldest son\u2019s study, slightly tired but basically he was missing Beth, His partner at so many parties on the Ponderosa and he knew she would have loved this one. For a few minutes he wanted to get away rather melancholy if not exactly sad. He wasn\u2019t surprised to see his eldest son come in, \u201cAre you okay Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine, just wanted a few minutes peace.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go if you want.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo need, pour me a brandy please.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam did as he was asked \u201cLonely in that big house now?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled \u201cNo, its right, what I always wanted. You only have to look at Joe and Hoss to know its right. You\u2019ve done your brothers proud son and I can\u2019t remember a time when they both looked so happy.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned knowing his father so well, it wasn\u2019t an act Ben wasn\u2019t worried at Hoss and Joe moving out but there was something, sombreness in his father\u2019s eyes. Ben smiled \u201cBeth would have enjoyed it today.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam relaxed as he realised what was wrong, \u201cMissing her, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cInevitably Adam, I\u2019m alright very happy for the four of them, I just needed a break for a few minutes. Join me in a brandy, you may need it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam poured himself one but looked quizzically at his father \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDan is proposing a toast to them, long life and happiness, you know the sort of thing and Hoss is going to reply. I don\u2019t think you will get away scot free.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam downed the brandy, \u201cAt least there are dark shadows, and I can hide! Come on I might as well check the brats while I\u2019m here.\u201d All three were sleeping peacefully and as Adam came downstairs his father was waiting and resting his arm gently on his son\u2019s broad shoulders they returned to the party together. Ben was relaxed with Adam there. Dan and Roy were busy organising everyone ensuring they all had drinks and then Dan called for silence and proposed a toast to Sue and Hoss, Nita and Joe, long life and happiness in their lovely new houses.<\/p>\n Everyone joined willingly in that and then Hoss stepped forward \u201cMany thanks to all of you, for coming out and joining us to celebrate our start in our new homes and to all those who have helped us to get \u2018em straight enough to live in, especially the rest of the family. We\u2019d also like to say a very special thanks to the designer. Lots of you have expressed surprise at how different unusual and elegant our houses are, Joe and I weren\u2019t surprised we know our clever older brother, many thanks Adam. Now lets get the dancing going again the night\u2019s still young.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita had gone over to Adam and she kissed him, \u201cI\u2019m sure Joe has said it better than I could but thank you.\u201d Adam smiled and whirled her onto the floor, glad of something to do.\u201d<\/p>\n Several hours later Hoss managed to catch hold of his brother, \u201cSorry if I embarrassed you brother but it needed saying. You know how we all feel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Hoss and I\u2019ve been repaid a million time over, just need to see the contentment in your eyes and Joe\u2019s. Sue and Nita too. It\u2019s good to have you so close at hand.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss hugged his brother close to him for a moment, maybe nothing more would ever be said but Adam had been amply repaid for the long hours of work and his family knew it. It might seem insufficient but it was all he wanted. Eventually people began to drift home and Adam bullied his father into going to bed, he looked tired, although nowhere near as bad as his sons had feared, steadily rebuilding his stamina now. Hoss and Joe were the hosts for this party and there was no reason that Ben shouldn\u2019t seek his bed. Carole soon followed suit but Adam organized some clearing up until everyone had gone, before retreating to bed himself.<\/p>\n Joe wasn\u2019t sleepy and as the others weren\u2019t either the four of them gathered in the small study with the fantastic views that Joe had wanted, even the stars were clear from the cupola and they were warm and snug as they reminisced over a nightcap. All had enjoyed themselves and if Adam had felt awkward he had earnt the praise. They were very proud of their new homes that Adam had designed and equally of him. Joe hugged Nita close, remembering how she had seemed to hate Adam initially and now she was as proud of his brother as he was and even more outspoken. Hoss hadn\u2019t missed it either and although long reconciled to his little brother\u2019s second marriage, indeed before the wedding, he finally admitted that it looked like being as successful as Joe\u2019s first and he prayed much longer lasting. Eventually they had to go to bed, loathe as they were to end a perfect day, but it was a nice thought that going home only meant Hoss and Sue walking for a couple of minutes along an already well trodden path.<\/p>\n The following day was spent tidying up and relaxing, work was generally under control and after lunch while Hoss played with the children his father and brothers gathered in Adam\u2019s study to, plan for the coming weeks, Joe was beginning to feel guilty, he had spent most of his time at home, busy admittedly but able to join his wife in bed each night, while Adam was rarely there, He wanted to know if Adam wanted to swap for a while he could cope with the west shore and Adam stay home. Joe had checked with Nita and she was fit and well and not bothered by the suggestion. Adam was lazing back in his chair at the desk, sipping a brandy and he grinned at his little brother as Joe put forward the various reasons for swapping but there was little urgently needing Adam\u2019s attention and so Joe was rather pushed to find reasons. The real one that he felt it was time Adam had a rest at home with his family remained unspoken although recognized by all three, Adam wanted to finish the preliminary surveys for the two flumes and although touched by his little brother\u2019s concern he wouldn\u2019t take up his offer. Carole seemed fit, sure that she had another daughter. She was confident that things would go well as it had with the twins and Marie, hiding the odd twinges she felt at times, so Adam wasn\u2019t particularly worried. Joe was remarkably calm better than any of his family had expected but Adam for one was sure that a large part of it was due to Nita. Like Carole and Sue she was blooming, more beautiful now that she was pregnant than she had ever been. She was so very well that Joe couldn\u2019t help believing everything was going to be alright but Adam felt if Nita wasn\u2019t around Joe might be unable to hold onto that belief. He knew just how much he personally relied on Carole\u2019s certainty, but he had the living proof that she could survive childbirth in his children and most of the time he could push his fears away even when she wasn\u2019t there.<\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t surprised when Adam thanked his brother for the offer but turned him down, saying that he wanted to finish the surveys so that they could build flumes the following year. Ben hadn\u2019t even realised Adam was surveying although they had decided that flumes would be useful at some stage. Ben was pleased at anything which improved his land and the flumes had proved how effective they were, but these so far away would be logistically difficult. Adam grinned \u201cNot pushing anyone Pa but at some stage we\u2019ll need them and the measurements aren\u2019t going to change, not too pushed. We didn\u2019t schedule that much and we haven\u2019t added in any unexpected contracts this year for once.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine as long as you can do it without going short of sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, we are getting some good foremen now, just hope we can hang onto them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDelegating? You?\u201d said Joe in disbelief.<\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cTo those who\u2019ve proved themselves! We\u2019ve always trusted Jos\u00e9 and now Jess and Johnny, but with Stevens helping out on the stock side I can now name four men who\u2019ll keep things going at the lumber camp. They all show a fair amount of initiative and a couple more who at a pinch can take charge\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned, \u201cSante\u00e9, Wilson and Seton, who else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPeter Curtis he\u2019s built these houses, all good men and Jackson or Sven Christiansund both gained confidence after that Indian raid.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, \u201cYour brother is right Joseph. Trust men and give them some responsibility and some flourish. We are beginning to find out which ones.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHope they stay.\u201d Adam went on and Ben shrugged, \u201cJust carry on as we have with Jos\u00e9 and Jack Catfish, give them the responsibility and pay them for the job and with luck they will.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe brought his brother back to the point at issue, \u201cYou sure you don\u2019t wanna swap just for a couple of weeks?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter Joe getting restless?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged, with trips to the sawmill, mine and herd as well as town he didn\u2019t mind the paperwork with the extra help his father was now giving him and the girls. Adam could see Joe was only worried for him and just insisted he\u2019d carry on. For the moment there wasn\u2019t any particular problem, someone would have to go to San Francisco for contract negotiations in the middle of August but that was a month off yet. Ben was hoping that he would be well enough to persuade his sons that he could manage that task himself. The drive wasn\u2019t due out for nearly two months and with the rapid progress at both lumber camps hopefully they would have completed all their lumber commitments before the herd was ready. For once they had plenty of labour and weren\u2019t too stretched. Adam was intending coming back once a fortnight for the next month and hoped to be well on the way to completion by then. In a month they could decide how to handle the rest of the year. Hoss was at least able to get back each weekend but with the telegraph they were all in daily contact. Carole was used to seeing little of her husband during the summer and wasn\u2019t too worried and with their own houses Sue and Nita could keep busy.<\/p>\n During the evening Adam had a long discussion with his father going over their financial position, They had retrenched considerably, selling a lot of stock, all at very good prices and Adam was surprised just how much money they had sitting in banks but he agreed with his father that they ought to lave it for the moment. At some stage the Ophir stock had to collapse, it was sitting at $278 at the moment and not worth a tenth of it. It was all too likely to take the rest of the market with it; several mines were at inflated prices in their opinion. For now all they could do was sit and wait, holding onto the stock in the mines they were interested in and in a few cases a token holding to entitle them to a say and copies of the various reports to stock holders.<\/p>\n The next fortnight went past smoothly reasonable successful on all fronts. Adam dumped all the figures he needed for one flume on his desk, pleased to have got that far. It was late on the Friday when he got back but once Carole had reassured him everyone was fine and everything on schedule he was able to relax. As he did so he showed just how tired he was, he\u2019d been pushing hard for a fortnight but he was content, feeling he\u2019d achieved a lot and he pulled Carole close and forgetting work and his family he was only interested in her and the children. He spent an hour after breakfast playing with them before going over to join his father at the main house. He felt much better for a good night\u2019s sleep and the prospect of a lazy weekend with his family.<\/p>\n Ben insisted that he and Joe had everything under control and after very briefly updating his son he firmly put all the papers away, Ben felt much more his old self, able to do a reasonable day\u2019s work without feeling more than pleasantly tired. He tried to reassure Adam but it wasn\u2019t until he had Joe\u2019s confirmation that Adam really believed it. He knew his father was quite capable of putting on an act but Joe had been working closely with him and Ben couldn\u2019t keep up an act all the time. There was one outstanding legal query but Adam insisted that would be a matter of an hour at most, otherwise things were running too smoothly to last.<\/p>\n Joe had been to town the previous day and over coffee he brought both his brothers up to date on the successful running of both the pipeline and the Bank. Already a number of prominent citizens had broken away from the Bank of California to join the new Bank of Nevada. There was to be a major meeting early the next week at which Ben and Joe would be representing their interests, Joe hesitated, \u201cDo you want to go Adam, I could take over on the west shore?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned \u201cI think I\u2019ll trust you and Pa. Now Tony Canmore is acting as the Bank\u2019s lawyer I\u2019m not too worried. He\u2019s forgotten more financial and bank law than I\u2019ve ever known and he won\u2019t miss a trick. If I go along I\u2019ll only get landed with something.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe had to admit the likelihood of that, the four Irishmen had taken Adam\u2019s suggestion of getting Canmore and accepted that he could be trusted but it would take a while for them to rely on him as they had become accustomed to relying on Adam. Then Joe changed the subject, he\u2019d picked up one item of news in town, although it hardly came as a surprise. Sharon had finally been confirmed as Nevada\u2019s senator. The State legislator had voted two days earlier and for better or worse, from November for two years, Sharon would represent them. They all shared similar views on the subject and there was little to discuss although Adam did suggest that they ought to keep a closer eye on the market. Even there Joe had been thinking along similar lines and had arranged for daily bulletins to be sent out and immediate news of any exceptional activity. John Marye was very willing to cooperate with such excellent clients. Adam wasn\u2019t surprised to find Joe thinking along similar lines and apart from asking to be kept informed, let the subject drop.<\/p>\n That evening Nita was entertaining the whole family and on the Sunday Sue took over. Both Adam and his father were quietly amused at the pride with which both pairs showed off their houses and wedding presents, but it made a very pleasant weekend and Adam rode back to the west shore late on Sunday totally relaxed and pleased with life he wasn\u2019t coming back for a fortnight but everything was running smoothly, almost too smoothly as he\u2019d commented to his father, it couldn\u2019t last!<\/p>\n
\nThe Homecoming<\/a><\/span>
\nHome to Stay<\/a><\/span>
\nHoneymoon and Arguments<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Marie<\/a><\/span>
\nAdam and Carole<\/a><\/span>
\nA European Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Aftermath<\/a><\/span>
\nA Busy Summer<\/a><\/span>
\nA Tree Falls<\/a><\/span>
\nSan Fracisco Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nA Stranger from the Past<\/a><\/span>
\nA Sense of Blame<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Medicine Man<\/a><\/span>
\nCourtship and Cattle Drives<\/a><\/span>
\nAngels with Red Hair?<\/a><\/span>
\nThieves and Murderers<\/a><\/span>
\nPipeline Problems<\/a><\/span>
\nGuests for Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nA Turbulent Preacher<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Nita<\/a><\/span>
\nBen and Beth<\/a><\/span>
\nBanks, Pipelines, and Railroads<\/a><\/span>
\nLost<\/a><\/span>
\nA New Operation<\/a><\/span>
\nA Slow Recovery<\/a><\/span>
\nCelebrations<\/a><\/span>
\nForest Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nA Premature Birth<\/a>
\n<\/span>The Bank of California<\/a>
\nTrail Drive<\/a><\/span>
\nRobbery and Assault<\/a><\/span>
\nVirginia City on Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nRebuilding Virginia City<\/a><\/span>
\nCatching Up<\/a><\/span>
\nChristenings, Commissions, and Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nWinter Ills<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #2 \u2013 Advance Warning<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #3 – Family Row #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #4 \u2013 Family Row #2<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #5 \u2013 Family Row #3<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #6 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #7 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #2 – Court Hearing<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #8 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #3 – Knight Errant<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #9 – The Spanish Land Grant #4 – The Long Journey Home<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #10 – The Spanish Land Grant #5 – Troy’s Last Stand<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n