Summary:<\/b>\u00a0Illness leads to more people finding out the truth, but the writ is served and eventually Adam has to tell his family.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG13\u00a0 (67,351 words)<\/p>\n
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The Cartwright Saga Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Lawyer <\/a><\/span> \n Family Rows<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat up by the lake for hours, he was furious with his eldest son but equally with himself. He had done exactly what he had warned the rest of the family not to do and driven Adam even further away. He knew he shouldn\u2019t have tired to talk to his son then and there, he should have gone home and calmed down. What was even worse neither of them had kept their voices down and by now the whole town would know what had been said, a story which would lose nothing in the telling. The town gossip would make it even harder for Adam to back down and come home, even if he wanted to. Ben tried to see things form Adam\u2019s point of view, he couldn\u2019t miss seeing that Dinah was very lovely and presumably a very accomplished lover, just the sort to take as a mistress if a marriage really was finished. He knew from others that she was intelligent and well educated and much as he hated the idea, Ben was beginning to believe in his son\u2019s infatuation. She had come along just when Adam, was bored and restless, his marriage rocky, and she had bewitched him.<\/p>\n Ben knew that he had to go and warn Carole that he had driven Adam even further away but he dreaded doing it. He certainly couldn\u2019t tell her just what he had seen which had lost him all hold on his temper, but he needed to talk to someone so he went to Hoss\u2019 house.<\/p>\n Hoss was feeling very much better, his concussion just about cleared although he was still stiff and sore, resting quietly at home. He was pleased to see his father ride in, still too headachy to do much paperwork he was restless, needing to help. Sue had just taken Johnny up for a nap and Hoss was alone. He grinned as Ben came in but that quickly faded as he took in the expression on his father\u2019s face. \u201cWhatever\u2019s wrong Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs it that obvious?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. You look as though you\u2019ve just lost the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it\u2019s far worse. I\u2019ve lost Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs he hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, not physically anyway but I\u2019ve done what I warned you all not to do. I\u2019ve driven him away. He says he\u2019s fed up with us all fussing and is going to live in town for the time being.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben broke off and then meeting his son\u2019s worried gaze, he confessed, \u201cIt\u2019s all my fault I lost my temper.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss went and poured two brandies, he felt the need of one and from the look of his father so did Ben. He passed one over, \u201cCome and sit down Pa, tell me exactly what happened. You\u2019ll feel better when we\u2019ve talked it out. Old Adam gotta temper too, even if he means it now, he ain\u2019t gonna once he calms down,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I could believe that.\u201d Ben sighed deeply but he did move over to the fire and sit down, emotionally drained, he felt cold and exhausted. He had come to talk to Hoss, but now he was there he didn\u2019t know where to start.\u00a0\u00a0After a few minutes silence Hoss prompted him,<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did you see Adam, in town?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. You know he had leased an office below John Marye\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah Nita told us, maybe it makes sense, a base in town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s necessary but if it was what he wanted I wasn\u2019t arguing. The first time I popped in he wasn\u2019t there.\u201d He told Hoss how he\u2019d met Adam and Dinah on the road and just how animated Adam seemed then. He admitted showing his anger and contempt, furious that after all Adam had said he had to do in town he was spending his time driving his mistress round the countryside. Then he went on \u201cI went into town this morning and popped in again.\u201d He fell quiet and Hoss reached out to grip his father\u2019s arm. \u201cTell me Pa you gotta get it off your chest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know son. I knocked but got no reaction. I heard Adam\u2019s voice and I should have waited, known someone was there.\u201d He bit his lip.<\/p>\n Hoss said, \u201cI take it this English woman was there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, not just there. She was standing on the desk in front of him, virtually naked, doing a striptease.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gulped, totally taken aback, \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI admit I was shocked. Oh I\u2019ve seen strippers, but not in my son\u2019s office in the middle of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss stared into the fire, embarrassed, \u201cWhat\u2019d you do Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI ordered Adam to meet me at the Washoe Club in five minutes and got out. I was furious; I should have left it until I\u2019d had time to think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not surprised\u00a0Pa.\u00a0Did Adam come?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEventually and waiting didn\u2019t improve my temper.\u201d Ben got up leaning on the mantle, staring into the fire as he told Hoss virtually verbatim what had transpired between Adam and himself.<\/p>\n Hoss wasn\u2019t particularly surprised. Their father was not straight laced but that sort of behaviour was going too far and he knew all his family had fierce tempers when they lost control. He listened in silence until Ben finished with how he\u2019d stormed out. Ben turned to face him, \u201cWe were in one of the private rooms but we weren\u2019t exactly quiet and the main bar was crowded. The whole town must know. Adam won\u2019t back down, I\u2019ve made it impossible for him to do so. I\u2019d be the first to condemn anyone else for acting like that but ….\u201d He broke off, rubbing his aching eyes.<\/p>\n Hoss went over to his father and put his arm round the older man\u2019s shoulders, \u201cPa once before you told me you\u2019d done it all wrong, disowned a son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. That worked out and within months we\u2019d all forgotten there was even a row. This will work out too. You know in his heart Adam loves us and this ranch and he learnt years ago that he ain\u2019t happy anywhere else. He\u2019ll come back, not this week maybe but he will come back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you just calm down Pa, I think you\u2019ll know I\u2019m right.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben still didn\u2019t look convinced but Hoss was right about one thing, he did feel better for talking it over with his big son and gaining his understanding. Somehow he had to tell Carole the result of his meddling and Adam\u2019s decision to stay in town, even if not the reason for the row. Then he needed to go home and write a note to go out to Joe. His youngest son needed to know and this was one thing he couldn\u2019t send over the telegraph.<\/p>\n Hoss watched his father, seeing the changing expressions, \u201cDo you want me to warn Carole Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo that has to be my job, I owe her at least that much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt ain\u2019t your fault\u00a0Pa.\u00a0It\u2019s all of a piece with the way he\u2019s been acting for weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo you\u2019re human, you lost your temper, I\u2019ve done it a time or two, caused even more trouble if you remember. Anyways if\u2019n Adam is gonna stay in town, he\u2019ll need some clothes and things. I\u2019ll try and talk to him when he comes, maybe make him see sense.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI doubt you\u2019ll be successful but I\u2019d be grateful if you\u2019d try. At least make Adam see that one of the family is not against him.\u201d Ben straightened his shoulders and got his hat, \u201cI\u2019d better go and see Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome back for supper Pa. Don\u2019t go home alone and brood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing is expecting me. I don\u2019t want him going off to\u00a0San Francisco\u00a0in a tantrum.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll come over after I\u2019ve eaten.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo you\u2019re not fit enough. If I need to I will come back but I have the accounts to do. I\u2019ll get on with some work, easiest way to forget trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure you do come if\u2019n you need us. You know you\u2019re very welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I know that Hoss.\u201d Ben smiled fairly freely. \u201cYou\u2019ve already done your share son, thank you.\u201d He gripped his son\u2019s shoulder, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, you\u2019re right, in time it will all work out.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben walked Buck over to his oldest son\u2019s house; he knew he had to see Carole. In some ways he wanted it over but he also wanted to delay, not knowing what to say to her, maybe he needed to delay, to think. Even when he went in, he couldn\u2019t talk to her at first. He had to placate thee exuberant children and even Anne determined to get her share of attention, held out her arms to her grandfather. Ben was grateful for his grandchildren and he relaxed a little listening to their prattle.<\/p>\n However Carole had seen his face as Ben crossed the yard and knowing what Adam had been planning she could make a good guess at his errand. If Adam could carry it through she had to do her part and she hid her feelings behind the shell, which was slowly growing stronger again, just as it had after she left\u00a0Addison. She watched her father-in-law relax with the children and waited until they had calmed down and then suggested the twins take Marie out to play; it was time for Anne\u2019s nap.<\/p>\n She busied herself putting the baby down while Ben sipped coffee and talked about nothing in particular. Carole could see the tension growing in Ben and she was far too fond of him to want him to suffer, \u201cPa what\u2019s wrong? I can see that something is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was in town this morning and I….\u201d he bit his lip.<\/p>\n Carole sighed \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, we had a row.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole risked Adam having changed his mind, hoping to make Ben feel better. \u201cDid he say anything to you about staying in town?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh he has threatened me that he would move to town several times recently.\u201d She forced a rueful laugh, \u201cSeems I have turned into a nagging fishwife!\u201d<\/p>\n Ben moved over to her and put his arm round her shoulders, \u201cI don\u2019t believe that for a minute Carole. Maybe it might help to talk it over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t\u00a0Pa.\u00a0I know you only want to help but it\u2019s between Adam and me, noone else. What happened in town?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe had a row. I said some things I regret and when he said he was staying in town, I told him we wouldn\u2019t miss him in his current mood. Unfortunately we had both lost our tempers and weren\u2019t exactly quiet so the whole town will know what was said. It makes it very difficult for Adam to back down.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole kissed his cheek, \u201cDon\u2019t blame yourself\u00a0Pa.\u00a0It was going to happen sometime and you were just the catalyst, the last straw. It really isn\u2019t anything to do with you, it\u2019s between us and for a while maybe it will be easier if we are apart.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned but he couldn\u2019t help himself, \u201cCarole don\u2019t answer if you don\u2019t want to, but do you still love my son?\u201d<\/p>\n Her face softened and Ben had his answer even before she spoke. Carole could lie to her family about some things to protect them but she couldn\u2019t lie about this, \u201cOh yes Pa I love him. I always will, I don\u2019t think there is anything he could do which would change that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen he will come home; come back to us his normal self in time. I still believe that he loves you, Adam has his faults but disloyalty isn\u2019t one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa, try not to worry about us, I said before we will sort it out and only we can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBless you child, don\u2019t worry about me, just remember that I\u2019m there, anytime I can help, in anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know\u00a0Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben decided he had better get on home and he kissed Carole, gently touching Anne\u2019s sleeping head before going on home, feeling surprisingly easier in his mind since seeing his daughter. He had thought Adam\u2019s decision was on the spur of the moment but according to Carole his son had virtually decided anyway. His conscience easier, as he no longer carried the weight of driving his son away, he was able to think more clearly. When he had coffee Ben sat and drafted two notes, the first a short note to Hoss, telling his son about Carole\u2019s reaction her reiterated conviction that things would work out and that she still loved Adam.<\/p>\n The second note was more difficult. He had to let his youngest son know what was happening, but with Joe in no position to ask questions he also had to try and reassure him.<\/p>\n It took three drafts before Ben was even vaguely satisfied. He had given Joe full details of both the arguments and Carole\u2019s reassurances. Deciding that it was the best he could do Ben called Red in. The cowboy was now fully recovered from the explosion at the flume but still taking it easy round the ranch house. He was very willing to deliver both the notes and Ben told him to take his time there was no particular urgency.<\/p>\n Adam had quickly realised that word of his quarrel with his father had spread round town and that people he didn\u2019t even know were talking about his move into town. He knew\u00a0Virginia City\u00a0very well and wasn\u2019t particularly surprised at the reaction but it did emphasize that for the next few weeks he had made his choice and there was no going back.<\/p>\n Word had reached Hearst very quickly and he called in\u00a0Troy\u00a0and Grandison. The three men were delighted at the open rift between Adam and his family. Hearst was just anxious that it didn\u2019t become a total break. He wanted Adam in court, a distracted, upset, worried man, but a man that he knew. Given a total break the Cartwrights would bring in an outsider and with plenty of money, that stranger would be a specialist lawyer and totally unpredictable. Troy was quick to reassure Hearst that word had it Adam was still handling the legal and financial business of the Ponderosa, even though he was now doing it in town and with minimal consultation. That suited Hearst but he told Grandison to take a message to Dinah, warn her not to let the split get any wider.<\/p>\n Margaret had been quietly working at her desk in the corner of the room, unnoticed by the three men but as they left she jotted down details of their meeting. She got a chance to slip out an hour later and slipped the note to Marcy for delivery to Dick.<\/p>\n Adam got the note early the following morning and it encouraged him to tell Dinah that he had some work to do, accounts to settle, payroll to make up. He arranged to meet her for lunch but for now he needed to get some work done. Obedient to Hearst\u2019s orders Dinah made no protest and Adam was able to collect the two law books he was working on and carry them into his new office. He covered the desk with accounts and then concentrated on the land law; his saddle bags ready to slip the law books in if anyone came. He had slipped the lock so that he couldn\u2019t be surprised and with the break made he could only do his very best to prove his course of action both necessary and effective. In fact now that he had cut free Adam was able to forget about all the problems and all the pain he was causing his family and to concentrate effectively on the legal problems he faced. He took two hours to take Dinah to lunch and then returned to his office until gone six. He spent about half an hour on the finances that supposedly occupied him and the rest on the legal details. By the evening after a solid days work Adam felt as though he was finally getting to grips with the land law.<\/p>\n Throughout the evening as Adam wined and dined Dinah, laughed with her and even made love to her, only a small part of his mind was with her. Most of his thoughts were on the legal niceties and historical basis of land law. Adam had always had the ability to do two things at once, usually without anyone else noticing that only a fraction of his attention was there. He had the distinct feeling that this ability might prove a life saver over the long weeks ahead. Certainly Dinah didn\u2019t guess that she only had a small fraction of his attention and she thoroughly enjoyed herself.<\/p>\n It had started out as a job, a way to earn money to be independent, but now she found herself looking forward to the prospect of sharing her bed, her room, everything with this man for several weeks. She had always needed men but this rare man she actually liked and enjoyed being with, out of bed as well as in.<\/p>\n Joe was the last to hear of Adam\u2019s decision to leave home and live in town. Sue had told Nita about it and that Ben was sending a note to Joe. Nita, still furious with Adam for his attack on her husband and his neglect of Hoss, was inclined to say good riddance. At least this way Carole knew where she was and wouldn\u2019t be continually waiting, upset by his non-appearance. Sue wasn\u2019t so sure, but events seemed to be proving her theory wrong, although she was still sure that there was nothing wrong with Adam\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n Joe saw Red ride in and immediately jumped to the conclusion that there was more trouble. His fear wasn\u2019t exactly allayed by Red\u2019s comment that he had brought word from his father. Red tried to reassure him that nothing was wrong and Mr Cartwright had told him it wasn\u2019t particularly urgent. Joe sent Red to get food and grabbing some coffee he moved down to his favourite seat, looking across\u00a0Lake Tahoe\u00a0to the point where his Mother was buried, before opening his father\u2019s letter.<\/p>\n Joe read the letter twice before putting it away and staring across the\u00a0Lake. He could see where his Father was forcing himself to be optimistic and certainly it was good to hear that Carole still loved his brother, but he hadn\u2019t really had any doubts about that. It was Adam\u2019s feelings he was beginning to doubt. None of it altered the basic fact, whoever was to blame and that didn\u2019t matter now, Adam had taken yet another step away from them all, even the ranch. The thing Joe dreaded above all else, he still remembered all too clearly those long months when Adam had gone to\u00a0Europe, intending never to return. Joe had never realised just how much his brother meant to him or how much he relied on Adam until he had gone. He found it hard to believe that Adam would go again but he feared it and this made it seem more likely.<\/p>\n The hardest thing to accept was that he couldn\u2019t do anything. Hoss was going to talk to Adam try to dissuade him and in his current mood Hoss with his gentle placid reliability was the only one Adam might listen to. Joe knew full well that if he tried to intervene the chances were it would end in another fight, just making things even worse. The only way he could help was to do his own job to the best of his ability and that meant remaining on the\u00a0West\u00a0Shore. His mind made up Joe went back to work, trying to forget by keeping busy.<\/p>\n During the day it worked well, the\u00a0West\u00a0Shore\u00a0still a more complicated operation despite their growing expertise. The nights were more difficult and Joe found it hard to settle, despite all his hard work and growing exhaustion. It was still the illogicality which bothered him. He didn\u2019t always agree with Adam or even understand why his brother felt as he did but he could usually see the logic of Adam\u2019s position. His eldest brother had always been far more logical than Joe, until now!<\/p>\n On Sunday Dinah expressed a wish to go to church and\u00a0Adams\u00a0slipped on his smart evening suit and with Dinah demure in a high neckline long bronze walking dress he waited for the buggy he\u2019d ordered to come over. Dick brought it and took the chance to tell Adam that Jess was coming to town later in the day and wanted a word. Adam quickly changed his plans. He had intended picking up a picnic and going for a drive after church but as he\u2019d said nothing to Dinah it wasn\u2019t difficult to change.<\/p>\n Dinah still attracted attention, her dress close fitting showed off her figure and although she was on the way to church she couldn\u2019t help exuding sensuality, which virtually all the men they passed reacted to. Adam was hoping that none of his family were in town. The only real possibility was his father and he didn\u2019t want to face Ben for the first time after their row in public. He had deliberately left their arrival to the last minute and seeing no sign of any Ponderosa horses he was fairly confident that the rest of his family were fully occupied elsewhere as was normal at this time of year.<\/p>\n The pew which was by tradition the Cartwright\u2019s was empty as he\u2019d expected and he led Dinah to it. Adam didn\u2019t show by as much as a flicker that he was conscious of the reaction provoked by their arrival. However he didn\u2019t miss a thing. In fact he was quietly amuse by the interested looks Dinah got from most men along with the outrage and anger shown by the general stiffening of the female congregation. They reminded him of a pack of wolves with a stranger in their midst, all the hackles up.<\/p>\n Dinah had also seen the reaction, more or less what she had expected, but she studied Adam anxiously. She would be moving on in a few weeks and the town\u2019s reaction meant nothing to her but Adam had lived here since before the town was founded. Its reaction must be more important to him. At first she found it very hard to read his reaction at all but there was something. Then suddenly she realised with astonishment what it was, he was amused. Meeting his gaze she saw the laughter in his eyes. Hardly the right mood for a church service but undeniable. It was the last reaction she had expected; yet again this man had surprised her.<\/p>\n Adam acted with propriety throughout the service even though his thoughts were elsewhere. He said one fervent prayer to his God and had no doubt that he would be forgiven his inattention. At the end Adam made no attempt to hurry away, stopping for a chat with the preacher and introducing Di. All around he could hear the outraged murmur of the town ladies, incensed at his temerity and eventually Adam had to take Di off to the buggy and drive away quickly so that he could give way to the bubble of laughter in him.<\/p>\n Di watched smiling as Adam mopped his eyes after finally giving in. Adam grinned \u201cThey reminded me of nothing more than dogs or even pigs, with their hackles raised.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe shocked them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd they will relive and enjoy every minute of it. Heck at least two of those so self-righteous women worked in saloon before their husbands struck it rich. Not that that means anything but at least one was no better than a cheap whore and helped her man cheat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReformed characters are always hardest on everyone else, it doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course not. I don\u2019t give a damn about the town\u2019s old biddies and you could never fit in with them, even if you were staying around.\u201d<\/p>\n Suddenly serious Dinah asked \u201cWhat do you mean Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t let\u2019s fool ourselves Di. You\u2019re not exactly a one man girl, giving up the world to stay in the back of beyond for the love of a man.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve tried the faithful bit, five years and a bit. Came to the conclusion that I\u2019m not made that way either, I don\u2019t think many are, the domestic routine becomes a bore. You and I, we won\u2019t last as a pair. In the end neither of us is going to want to and I\u2019ll probably go meekly home, but for a few weeks, a few months maybe, we\u2019ll live higher and faster than the rest. Love and play hard and no regrets when it\u2019s over. Isn\u2019t that what you want?\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded slowly \u201cI guess so. I have dreams of the domestic bit but somehow I can\u2019t ever see myself settling down.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled her close and kissed her. \u201cYou won\u2019t you were born to bring excitement and glamour into the lives of many men. The lucky few, like me, who actually possess you for a short time and even all the others who look on with envy. At least you give them something to dream about.\u201d<\/p>\n Dinah was entranced by this idea of her life and after an enjoyable lunch, she made no protest when Adam claimed a meeting and left her alone at the hotel. Adam slipped down to the livery stable and settled to work, knowing that Dick would bring him word when Jess arrived.<\/p>\n Adam had made the move into town with his eyes open, knowing that it would restrict his movements and his free time. That just made it vital to use every minute that he had to the best of his ability. Adam had always been able to cut out everything else and concentrate on the job in hand to the exclusion of all else. He needed that knack now more than ever before. In the three hours before Jess arrived he got through work that would normally have taken even him a full day and it was almost a relief when Dick slipped in to say Jess had just ridden in.<\/p>\n The hard work had taken its toll and Adam felt exhausted as he finally broke off, with a severe headache. Dick could see and said, \u201cI\u2019ll put your things away, just leave them. Is there anything else I can do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWrite a formal note on these two references if you would. Like I showed you before.\u201d Adam passed over two large books with the places marked. The notes were to pass to the Judge at the trial, to remind him tactfully of precedents that he\u2019d probably never heard of. Adam knew the kid would take great care to pr\u00e9cis the facts accurately and write it all out neatly. A very necessary but time consuming job, which he was thankful to have help in. Dick was delighted to be asked, his first efforts must have been alright and with his final aim of becoming a lawyer he couldn\u2019t think of a better model than Adam, even his own boss Jamie almost hero-worshipped Adam.<\/p>\n Adam thanked Dick for his help and went out to find Jess brushing down his horse, making work for himself as an excuse to stay in the stable until; Adam arrived. As Adam came over, Jess put the brush down and wiped his hands, all the time considering his friend carefully. \u201cYou look worn out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay just been working hard for the last couple of hours. I fancy a beer come down the Palace with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought you only drank brandy these days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have a brandy chaser and contrive to spill it. I\u2019m getting adept at that. Old Charlie would be licking the floor if he knew.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess smiled as he visualized the old drunkard following Adam around licking up brandy beneath him. Then more serious he said, \u201cI rode by the Ponderosa yesterday, thought it was time I paid a visit, see how Hoss was. I heard about your row with your Father.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t have to go that far to hear, the whole town is talking about it. You know I was planning to move to town, I engineered the row quite deliberately to give myself an excuse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why you weren\u2019t out to let off steam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore or less. I guess I\u2019m not very popular at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI got the impression that Hoss and Sue are more confused than angry. Nita\u2019s pretty furious with you; she\u2019s still not forgiven that fight you had with Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt least Joe wasn\u2019t too worried.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll win her back as you did before. What exactly did set off the row? Hoss obviously knew but he wasn\u2019t saying.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat was because of Sue and Nita.\u201d To Jess\u2019 surprise Adam\u2019s eyes sparkled, an imp of mischief showing, but that was explained as Adam told him how he had arranged for Ben to witness Dinah giving him a strip show. Jess gave a grunt of laughter and Adam grinned. \u201cIt\u2019s all very well but it may well be the most difficult thing to talk my way out of at the end of this!\u201d<\/p>\n The friends had nearly reached the saloon and Jess felt in his pocket, \u201cHere you\u2019d better have these.\u201d He passed over several letters and a telegram. Then they went into the Palace and with two beers and a brandy for Adam moved over to one of the back tables. Dan was sitting scribbling in his usual corner and beckoned them over but Adam pretended not to notice. Jess shook his head at Dan and joined his old friend in the corner, \u201cDan will get to feeling hurt if you keep snubbing him like this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a wily old bird and he knows me too well. I daren\u2019t risk spending time with him. I\u2019ve already told Doc more than I ever intended. I know he\u2019ll keep it quiet but there are too many people in the know already. I can\u2019t take any more risks. He\u2019ll come round.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess wasn\u2019t arguing, relieved to find his friend more at peace with himself than he had expected. Adam entertained Jess with a description of the reaction he had received at church and then under cover of glancing through the newspaper he skimmed through the letters and telegram Jess had given him, while Jess got more beer. There was a long letter from Oliver Wendell Holmes, covering another couple of legal points which had struck him since John left. Also one from Liza Campbell in\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0with a few more details of the time allocations proposed for the court hearings next month and one from Johnny Rey with details of his latest researches. Adam smiled as he read it. The old lawyer seemed to have taken a new lease of life and was thoroughly enjoying himself, tracking down all possible facts for Adam.<\/p>\n The telegram was from Jamie and was enthusiastic, he had one more check to make with arrangements made to do so and then he would head home, another fortnight at most. Adam was pleased to hear it, anxious to know what Jamie had found and needing qualified legal help to do rather more than Dick could manage. Every big case engendered huge mountains of paperwork, all of which had to be prepared. He wasn\u2019t going to allow Hearst or Huntingdon the luxury of time by any technical mistake which might give then the opportunity to appeal.<\/p>\n As Jess came back over Adam put his letters away and folded up the newspaper, taking the chance to relax with about the only person who knew everything that was happening and could understand. Jess was close enough not to need words between them, closer than anyone outside his immediate family and under current circumstances closer than them. Jess could see his friend slowly relax over the next couple of hours as they just chatted generally and knew that it was relief for Adam not to have to put on an act for a while, as he did with virtually everyone else.<\/p>\n Eventually Adam had to get back but he felt much better just for the chance to relax. He took Dinah out for a meal and then back to her room. Dinah was determined to get satisfaction; she had found his whole attitude intensely exciting throughout the day and wanted to be loved. Adam found her seductive and athletic and he had to work hard to match her desire and inventiveness, His body reacted to her skilled touch and on one level he enjoyed their love making but on another level he sat and watched as though from outside himself and was vaguely disgusted. He found that after a while he could cut himself off and begin to plan what needed doing next while still exerting himself with the one single aim of exhausting her. It seemed to take forever but the time finally came when she snuggled down on his shoulder. \u201cYou\u2019re a wonderful lover Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam held her close until her even breathing testified that she was asleep. Then very carefully he eased out of bed. She moaned slightly in protest but subsided back into sleep as Adam tucked the blankets round her. Adam spent a few minutes washing and dressing, watching her carefully but she seemed fast asleep and he knew from previous experience that once settled she wouldn\u2019t stir until late in the morning. Adam knew that it was a risk to leave the hotel but he felt it was a risk he had to take. If he was to spend hours during the day and\u00a0the evening\u00a0with Dinah, he had to find time to work somehow. He was intending to let all routine ranch business slide until he could be sure that they had a ranch to run, which would give him some time. The rest had to be stolen from the night hours while Dinah slept. Adam reckoned over several weeks he could manage on an average of three to four hours a night and he intended to sneak out most nights.<\/p>\n On this first occasion he waited carefully to be sure she was asleep and spent a few minutes in two different crowded saloons on \u2018D\u2019 street as a cover if he needed it. They were off the beaten track, certainly not his usual haunts and he thought it unlikely that anyone would report on his presence unless he personally instigated it. He slipped very quietly into Dick\u2019s room and used the shaded light as Dick was asleep. He worked solidly for nearly five hours, leaving a note for Dick of two books to collect and where to find them, before slipping back into the hotel just before dawn. Dinah was asleep and barely stirred as Adam slipped in next to her. Adam allowed himself two and a half hours but he was still up and dressed before Di stirred. Adam had already ordered coffee and poured her one as she pulled herself up on her pillows. She seemed to have no idea that he had been out during the night and certainly Adam looked rested, as though he\u2019d had a night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n Adam joined her for breakfast to give her a chance to query his absence if she was going to but she made no comment. Adam finished his coffee \u201cI\u2019m going to the ranch to collect some clothes and books. Any chance of some closet space when I come back?\u201d<\/p>\n Dinah smiled, she didn\u2019t exactly travel light but she promised to clear some room for him. She was glad he was getting more things; it proved that he\u2019d meant what he said about staying in town. It wasn\u2019t just a decision made on the spur of the moment and gone back on as fast.<\/p>\n Adam was quite light hearted on the way home, whatever the reason for his visit it gave him the opportunity for some time with Carole and the children. He knew that she would be expecting him and would have his things ready packed but to outsiders he would be bound to spend some time sorting and packing. He half expected either his father or his big brother to try and talk to him, dissuade him from such a fundamental break but he\u2019d face that if he had to.<\/p>\n Carole had done exactly as Adam had expected and with everything ready he could romp with the kids and then give her all his attention for a couple of hours of peace, which did him more good than a month of sleeping normally. Carole knew that he would hardly, if ever, be able to get back again until the writ was served and things came to a head. Still that should only be another four weeks, if their information was correct. She knew Adam would have to bear the brunt of the pressure to bear alone and could only trust in Jess to help him, about the only one free to do so.<\/p>\n Adam was more concerned about Carole left alone to face the pity from his family for a month but Carole was insistent that she had the easy job. None of them would intrude if she made it clear she didn\u2019t want them to and their pity was aimed at a mirage that didn\u2019t exist. She was used to periods alone with the children and just as so often before Adam was away fighting for the ranch, even if his tactics had to be different. At least she didn\u2019t have to worry that he would be shot or hurt physically this time. On the other hand she was very worried at the toll on him emotionally and mentally but as it was too late to change their minds now, she said nothing about it. She just asked him to keep in close touch with Jess, who had promised to keep her informed.<\/p>\n Adam held her very close and promised to do so, even if second-hand news would be a very poor substitute for the warm loving woman he held in his arms.<\/p>\n Just then there was a knock on the door and husband and wife sprang apart, almost guiltily. It was Hoss and as he looked from one to the other he came to the erroneous conclusion that he had interrupted a quarrel. \u201cAdam I saw Blackie out front. Could you spare me a few minutes before you leave?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam could guess just what Hoss wanted but he was obviously not getting away until Hoss had had his say. He recognized the stubborn expression on his big brother\u2019s face. In many ways Hoss was the most placid and mild member of the family, but he was strong willed, even though his little brother had always been able to con him and just occasionally that showed through. When it did Hoss usually got his own way. Adam looked at Carole for a long moment and even his brother, who knew him so well, couldn\u2019t read his expression. However to Carole it was crystal clear, they had said all that there was to say and much as Adam hated to go, staying would only prolong the agony. So he would go with Hoss, hear him out and then head to town. She understood and nodded so slightly that Hoss didn\u2019t even notice.<\/p>\n Adam said, \u201cBetter be right now then. I\u2019m just about to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cWalk out back? I think more clearly in the open air.\u201d Hoss asked, not daring to go into the study that his brother had thrown him out of, too many memories there. Adam understood his feelings and even agreed with them, he nodded briefly \u201cAs you like.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam followed his big brother out, seeing the tension in the very way Hoss moved. He would have liked to dispel it and could have done so in just a few words but those words had to remain unsaid. Hoss led the way up beside the waterfall at the back of his own house and sat down on a big slab of rock by the side of it. Adam joined him there and then waited for Hoss to speak. Now he had his brother there Hoss found it almost impossible to start. He wanted to beg Adam to tell him what was wrong and somehow to help but he knew that wouldn\u2019t get him anywhere. Eventually staring into the water he asked \u201cAre you really moving into town?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Just collecting a few things.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t Adam. Your kids, Carole, the house you designed and built, you can\u2019t leave all that for …. I don\u2019t know what.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know damn well or at least you think you do.\u201d Adam let a touch of anger come into is voice. He knew he had to somehow convince Hoss and that was going to take the best acting job he had ever done. Hoss was surprisingly perceptive with those he loved. Adam went on<\/p>\n \u201cYou think I\u2019m leaving it for Di, for my mistress.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh in part maybe, she\u2019s quite a woman. I\u2019ve never known anyone else like her but it\u2019s more than that Hoss. Things were wrong between Carole and me, long before Di even arrived in town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know there\u2019s something wrong, Why won\u2019t you tell me or Pa, someone? Maybe talking it out will help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot this time Hoss. Time might I don\u2019t know but for now, for all our sakes, Carole and I are better apart.\u201d He had no problem sounding as though he meant that, because he did, although hardly for the reasons that Hoss believed.<\/p>\n Hoss bit his lip, not knowing what to say, \u201cAnd your children?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe gossip won\u2019t reach them here and they are too young to understand anyway. They are used to me being away. Let things settle and maybe in time we can pick up the pieces. Meanwhile why should you begrudge me the consolation Di can give?\u00a0\u00a0Is it so unreasonable?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss asked tentatively \u201cIt can only make matters worse if you flaunt her Adam, why not be a bit more discreet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot easy with a woman like Lady Dinah, she\u2019s a mite noticeable! Anyway you know the town gossips, they pick up on everything I do, even when it\u2019s innocent. I won\u2019t hide in a corner, we\u2019ve survived scandal before.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss knew that he\u2019d failed but at least Adam seemed logical even if Hoss disapproved of what he was doing and his fears for his brother\u2019s sanity seemed ill-founded. However wrong he believed Adam was, he was still the older brother he loved and Hoss gripped Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cJust remember one thing, we\u2019re here if we can help. You\u2019re my brother and whatever you do can\u2019t change that. I love you and anytime I can help I will.\u201d The depth of his feeling was obvious on his expressive face and Adam was more moved by that than anything else that had happened. For a moment he almost lost control and he held Hoss close and then, not daring to speak unsure he was capable of it past the lump in his throat, he turned and hurried away. Adam brushed the unbidden tears almost angrily from his eyes and went back to his wife. He kissed Carole fiercely and then fled to town, fighting for control.<\/p>\n In that brief minute, as Hoss totally penetrated his defences, Adam\u2019s guard dropped sufficiently for Joe on the far side of the lake to feel his brother call to him for the first time in weeks. He got an odd collection of confusion and pain but far more important and dominant was the love Adam felt for them all. Joe put down his axe and walked away, needing to be alone as he tried to unravel the message and send back his own love and reassurance. Within five minutes the shutters were down again, Adam back in control had cut himself off again, but for Joe those brief moments of contact were priceless. He became totally convinced that Adam had cut himself off deliberately for whatever reason but more important his brother still cared as deeply and that being so they couldn\u2019t fail to sort all this out eventually.<\/p>\n By the time he reached town Adam was fully in control and after delivering his things and spending an hour with Dinah, he excused himself for a meeting at the bank. The directors all eyed him with considerable interest, with all the rumours that were rife round town. None of them had the nerve to say anything directly to him, having far too much respect for both his fighting ability and his use of sarcasm. Adam had far too much to do to waste much time on the meeting and for once he rode roughshod over their susceptibilities, pulling them back to the point of discussion whenever they slid off at a tangent. It was the first time most of them had seen him take control as he would often do at home, particularly if his father was away, and they were both amazed and outraged as all the business of the day was completed in under an hour, rather than their normal four or five hours. Business complete Adam excused himself, leaving them to commiserate with each other about his treatment of them.<\/p>\n Adam slipped into the livery stable and used the time he\u2019d won to good advantage, only returning to the hotel mid-evening for a late dinner. Dinah was slightly worried and annoyed that he was so late but with his clothes hanging in her closet, she had done all that was asked of her and more. She knew men far too well to jeopardize the position she had gained by cross-questioning him about his every move.<\/p>\n Adam had counted on that reaction and made no attempt to tell her where he had been. She was a mistress not a wife and should accept his presence when he was there, leave him in peace about what he did when he wasn\u2019t. Not that he intended to leave too many large gaps unexplained, he could invent excuses, few people had any real idea what he did normally anyway, outside his immediate family. The last thing he wanted was a worried Hearst to start having him followed.<\/p>\n Just as the previous night Dinah showed herself eager for his lovemaking and then slept peacefully, allowing Adam to slip out and carry on with his work until near dawn.<\/p>\n That evening Hearst approached Marcy and asked them if there was another suite and a single room available in the hotel, from Friday week for about three weeks. He expressed satisfaction with the service he had received as well as the privacy and said that he had recommended their small hotel to a business colleague Collis P. Huntingdon. Mercy was swift to assure him that they would be honoured and said that she would book it in immediately. She managed to hide her amusement at the irony of his thanks and that was made easier by the idea of Huntingdon\u2019s arrival. This, the most remote of the railroad kings, had quite a reputation and she was nervous, scared that he would see all the things that Hearst had missed.<\/p>\n Marcy wanted to warn Adam but decided to check with Margaret first and see if she knew why he was coming. Margaret had slipped into the habit of going along to see Marcy for afternoon tea, provided she wasn\u2019t needed and Michelle often contrived to join them. The women\u2019s meeting was accepted by Hearst and seemed an innocuous, normal way for women to waste time. This meant they had no problem in exchanging information without rousing suspicion; they were just women and couldn\u2019t possibly do him any harm. That afternoon Michelle couldn\u2019t make it, helping her husband to entertain. Margaret, like Marcy, was full of information and wanted to pass it on to Adam as soon as possible.<\/p>\n Margaret had also heard that Huntingdon was arriving but she knew that he was bringing three men with him. The first Keane was his usual associate, the general dogsbody without whom he rarely moved. The other two were both lawyers and according to Hearst the best land law specialists in the country, one from\u00a0San Francisco, Edward Haslam and the other James Cullen was from\u00a0New York. Both men had worked for Huntingdon for a number of years negotiating rights of way for the railroads where necessary and dealing with the vast amount of real estate that Huntingdon had bought in his own right.<\/p>\n Margaret knew little more about them than that, she could only go on what Hearst had to say. Perhaps even more important she had found out that the grant papers under which they were claiming and the front man, who was actually making the claim, were both arriving in town within the week. She was still determined to get a copy for Adam and knew that he was anxious to start checks on the front man the opposition was going to use. So far all she had was a name Giacomo Sauvinet, but no idea where he came from or anything about him.<\/p>\n The ladies really wanted to talk to Adam but that might not be possible, they knew he couldn\u2019t afford to take any risks over the next few weeks. Marcy decided to send word to Liza and see if it was possible to arrange a meeting out at the ranch, but in the interim they both wrote down what they knew to pass onto Adam via Dick.<\/p>\n Margaret said that she would be able to slip it to Dick, knowing that Marcy had a lot to do at the hotel and with nothing urgent from Hearst. She decided to check on the possibility of hiring a buggy for Thursday afternoon as a cover for her visit to the livery stable. However as she went in she saw noone who knew her, a nondescript woman aged beyond her years by a hard life. She was confident that noone would notice her or remember if they did.<\/p>\n The stable was virtually empty, only Dick tidying up at the back and he had only slipped out to see who had come in. He had been helping Adam but he recognized Margaret and hurried over \u201cAdam\u2019s here if you want to talk to him.\u201d<\/p>\n Margaret, glad of the opportunity was about to say yes when an unshaven tall man came in. Margaret didn\u2019t know his name but she had seen him visit Hearst. She quickly changed what she had been about to say, praying he hadn\u2019t heard Dick, \u201cNo I don\u2019t really need to see your boss. I just want to book a buggy for Thursday afternoon. That quiet mare I had last time if possible.\u201d<\/p>\n Dick picked up on her lead and telling the newcomer that he would be with him in a minute, he took her over to the desk and fiddled around getting out a book while Margaret got out the notes she and Marcy had written and slipped them to Dick. She said \u201cI need the buggy to go out to Mr Ballard\u2019s ranch on Thursday; we are doing some sewing for charity.\u201d<\/p>\n Dick did a superb job of pretending to be the polite but bored stiff assistant. He went over to deal with the stranger but he followed Margaret as she left. Dick was fairly sure the man hadn\u2019t heard his initial comment but he was worried about Margaret and hurried to tell Adam.<\/p>\n Adam looked up from his books and seeing the concern on the youngster\u2019s face, he put his pen down and lent back in the chair. \u201cLock the door and then tell me what\u2019s wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n Dick did exactly that, telling Adam what had just happened and passing over the papers Margaret had left. He finished \u201cI don\u2019t think he heard what we said and she did a very smooth job of covering but he sure looked as though he was following her, or maybe checking up on this place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo out and make sure that he\u2019s not still hanging around.\u201d<\/p>\n Dick did as he was asked and Adam swiftly read through the notes Margaret had left. He wasn\u2019t exactly thrilled to hear that Huntingdon was coming; he disliked the man although he had considerable respect for his expertise. When Dick came back in to say there was noone around now, Adam got him to repeat his story in detail. Adam was sure that Margaret hadn\u2019t been expecting trouble but it did look as though she was being watched. She had dropped a pretty pointed request for him to arrange a meeting at Jess\u2019 on Thursday and Adam decided the risk had to be taken. He needed to talk to her and make her drop this crazy idea of copying the grant claim. If she was under suspicion and they found out it could cost her life.<\/p>\n He quickly wrote a note to Jess so that Liza could arrange the meeting and he would slip out to the ranch. He knew Jess would ensure the hands were elsewhere. He asked Dick to take the note out and fill Jess in on what had happened so that Liza could warn all three women to be extra careful. Dick promised to go out as soon as he got off and Adam forced himself to try and concentrate. It was difficult he owed all those who were helping him a great deal and he hated the idea of them taking risks. Still the only justification for all that he had done and the risks everyone was taking was for him to win this case at the first hurdle, so convincingly there could be no appeal. Somehow he managed to cut himself off from all other worries and ploughed on through the legal jargon. There would be time to make further plans and worry about the women later while he wasted time with Dinah.<\/p>\n Eventually he had to go and show his face again but at least he had the consolation of achieving fair progress. Adam had a bad headache after two very short nights and decided to go over to the Bucket O\u2019Blood and have a brandy to try and relax. He was just crossing the street when he heard someone call his name. Tense and uneasy Adam turned, wondering who the hell it was, only to see it was Bill. Adam gave a sigh if relief and waited for Bill to catch him up. Bill considered him \u201cYou look tired old friend.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a little, I was going for a drink anyway, join me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure. Some good news anyway, the flume is back in operation. My men are just tidying up the camp and when I get back we\u2019ll be moving out.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam ordered two beers and a brandy chaser to maintain his reputation and led the way over to a quiet window table. \u201cThanks Bill you have taken one load of my mind, repairing the flume. I just didn\u2019t dare spare the time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know you\u2019re very welcome Adam. We owe you a hell of a lot more than a few days of our time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t owe me anything.\u201d Adam insisted.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a lot we owe you and if there is anything we can do John and I will be more than willing. One thing we did talk about before I came over was the trial itself.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned \u201cWhat do you mean Bill?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook you\u2019re doing all this to protect your family right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know I am.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell from the first time you open your mouth in court they\u2019re gonna know they\u2019ve been conned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t thought that far ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe did and we wondered if we could help. John bought a small ranch outside of\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0last year. It\u2019s really just a base to go back to between jobs but it could be a safe place for the children during the trial. We have a set of men who have been with us for a long time and we can trust them to act as bodyguards. Then you can fight knowing that they are still safe.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was taken aback at the offer, he hadn\u2019t dared to think that far but Bill was right he would have to make arrangements. For the moment he was too choked at the offer to make a coherent reply and Bill noticed that, patted his arm \u201cI\u2019ll get two more beers.\u201d<\/p>\n By the time he brought them back Adam was much more in control. Bill said, \u201cJust say if you want us to and we\u2019ll organize it Adam. We can arrange it so that you don\u2019t need to worry about your family, any of them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBill I would be so grateful. Don\u2019t ever talk of owing me anything ever again, now I owe you.\u201d<\/p>\n Bill took the hand almost formally \u201cWay I figure it we still owe you but guess it comes down to one basic fact. We\u2019re friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I get through this and win it\u2019ll be for one reason only. So many friends have helped.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll win Adam and the only reason so many friends help you is that over the years you have helped so many of us.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was warmed by the very obvious affection and concern on his friend\u2019s face. He was very grateful for the help Bill and John had already given and even more for the thought behind this offer. He couldn\u2019t put it into words but he didn\u2019t need to, Bill could read it on his face. Bill grinned \u201cTake it easy old buddy, only a month. I know that\u2019ll be rough, try and get some sleep, it does help. We\u2019ll have everything ready for you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll cope. You try and thank John for me will you. I\u2019m sorry we\u2019re messing up your summer but I need the help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo matter, told you before you\u2019re very welcome. Be nearly over when I see you again, must get back.\u201d He got to his feet and gripped Adam\u2019s shoulder, \u201cTake it easy, don\u2019t let it get to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see you in\u00a0Sacramento.\u201d Adam forced a smile and watched his friend leave, very grateful for his help but drained by first fear and then gratitude. Adam drank the brandy, for once glad of it and then with an effort got to his feet and went back to Dinah. By the time he was back at the hotel he had the mask firmly in place and was a light headed escort bent only on entertaining his lady in the ways she liked best. Although he slipped out later, Adam only worked for a couple of hours, before acknowledging that he was worn out and going back for some sleep.<\/p>\n Hoss had planned to head back to the\u00a0West\u00a0Shore\u00a0on Wednesday and take over from his little brother but in the early hours of Wednesday morning, as Adam was retreating to bed, his plans were thrown into confusion. Hoss was woken by Sue moving restlessly and as he reached out to her to see what was wrong, he found to his horror that she was running a high temperature.<\/p>\n Hoss quickly got up and dressed, fetched cold water to bathe her down and for cold compresses. He seemed to be moving as though in a dream, so scared for her, wondering what was wrong. Slowly as he bathed her face, Sue settled down a little and eventually woke up. She opened her eyes, but promptly shut them against the light.<\/p>\n Hoss moved the lamp and shaded it. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong my love? Should I send for Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n Sue gratefully took a drink. \u201cI ache all over. Kam Ling was saying that there was flu in\u00a0Virginia City, in the Chinese quarter. I think I\u2019ve got it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am calling Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. at least wait until the morning. All he can tell you is the same as I can. Fresh air, plenty of fluids and keep warm.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss did what he could, remembering several years earlier when all three of his family were down with flu. Adam being rundown anyway had taken it particularly badly. They had had the same advice then from a nurse,\u00a0Evangeline Woodtree, who had served at Scutari with Florence Nightingale. Several men had been very ill then but everyone had recovered and memories of those days calmed Hoss down enough to at least wait until dawn before acting.<\/p>\n It was just before dawn when Hoss heard a frantic hammering at the door. He hurried down to find Pak Tsien, nearly hysterical; his lovely blonde mistress had called for him, because she was burning up. It wasn\u2019t much of a stretch for Hoss to realise that Nita like Sue had the flu.\u00a0\u00a0For a minute he stood still his own head thumping, unsure what to do for the best, then he forced himself to think. \u201cPak Tsien, you calm down. Go get yourself dressed and then take a note to my Father. I\u2019ll go and get Carole to help.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss swiftly wrote a note to his father, explaining about the flu and asking him to send someone for Doc and send word to Joe. Then he called Kam Ling to keep an eye on Sue while he went over to wake Carole. If Carole was surprised to see him so early, it was quickly explained and she told him to call Kam Su so that he could be ready to listen out for the kids, while he got dressed. By the time Kam Su was awake, Carole was ready and she headed over to Nita, allowing Hoss to go back to Sue.<\/p>\n Carole found the young blonde very feverish and restless thoroughly sorry for herself, aching in every joint and scared. Carole sponged her down, opened the windows a little for some fresh air and then lifted Nita to rest against her and persuaded her to drink some milk. Nita desperately wanted her husband and her thoughts were about evenly divided between desire to see Joe and fear for her son. Carole did her best to reassure Nita but she couldn\u2019t convince herself that she had achieved anything very much. She was very relieved to hear her father-in-law\u2019s voice from downstairs, just as young Adam started to cry, wanting his breakfast.<\/p>\n Carole called down \u201cPa we\u2019re upstairs.\u201d Ben hurried up and taking in the worried expression on Carole\u2019s face he put an arm round her shoulder. \u201cEasy young lady we\u2019ll cope. You alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes I\u2019m fine but the baby…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll look after Nita; you go wash up and then feed young Adam. It\u2019s flu, there are half a dozen cases in the bunkhouse. We\u2019ve seen it before and we\u2019ll manage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoc?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sent a message to town before I left and I wired Joe. He\u2019s handing over to Tom Seton and Wilson on the\u00a0West\u00a0Shore\u00a0and then heading home. He\u2019ll be back late today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know Sue has it too?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes Hoss sent word. Easy Carole, you take Adam and Johnny home with you, remove than from the infection and let Hoss and I worry about your sisters. Can you manage the six children?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be over later, once we\u2019ve got everything organized, help you and get Doc to check you over.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole smiled, \u201cPa I can manage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood girl\u201d he said lightly, kissing her forehead and let her go to wash before collecting the babies. By the time she got back Anne was demanding food too but with Kam Su\u2019s help she placated and fed the three hungry babies. At least all the children seemed fit. They had barely dealt with the babies and thought about the older children when Hop Sing arrived. He had waited to get confirmation from Joe that he was on his way and then come to help his family as always.<\/p>\n Carole was glad of the help, overtired by events over the last few months; Hoss\u2019 early morning call has shaken her more than she liked to admit, even to herself. She knew with six children under five she had her work cut out and was glad for the steadfast Chinese pair.<\/p>\n Joe was badly shaken when he was woken up by Chris Sante\u00e9 to say that his Father wanted him on the telegraph. As it was still before 5 a.m. Joe jumped to the conclusion that it was bad news. Ben told him as gently as he could but it wasn\u2019t easy by telegraph and he had to break it to his son that his infinitely precious wife was ill, delirious and calling for him. Like Hoss Joe remembered the previous flu epidemic, indeed he knew personally just how weak and ill it made you feel. On the other hand noone had died, unlike other epidemics Joe had lived through such as the diphtheria onboard ship. That memory gave him the strength of mind to spend half an hour going over the work in hand with Sante\u00e9, Wilson and Seton. By the end of that time Joe was sure that the three men between them could keep things moving perfectly well for at least the next week. He tried to tell them how grateful he was but all three combined to send him home where he was needed.<\/p>\n Joe rode out, making good time with Cochise fresh and a good road all the way from the ranch to the\u00a0West\u00a0Shore\u00a0now. He was very thankful that over the last few years they had found several men who could take the extra burden of responsibility that went with being in charge. It always seemed so impossible to thank them and Joe didn\u2019t realise just how much a permanent job with additional wages for responsibility and a secure future meant to some of the older hands. Sante\u00e9 and Wilson in particular had been through several years of temporary summer jobs, paid off in the winter when younger men were kept on, forced into the mines to live, until they had reached the haven of the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n Doc went out early to the Ponderosa. He already had the start of an epidemic in the Chinese community in town but thus far it was contained within that closed community. He wasn\u2019t particularly surprised to find that it had jumped to the Ponderosa. The Cartwrights, all with Chinese housemen, had far more to do with Chinese community than most of the white men. Often they were the only source of protection open to the Chinese, although\u00a0Roy\u00a0always did his best.<\/p>\n Doc had heard of a new treatment that had been found effective, both in treating and preventing flu by use of quinine, long known as a treatment for malarial fever. When he had first heard about it he had ordered a substantial supply and it did seem to help so he took some with him to the ranch.<\/p>\n Ben had settled Nita as comfortably as he could and fed her some willow bark tea as Hop Sing advised, reassuring her about her baby. Eventually she dozed off into an uneasy sleep and Ben called Pak Tsien to watch her, while he went over to check with his big son. Sue was also dozing and Hoss seemed reasonably calm but scared that the others would catch it. Remembering the last time when he was the only member of the family to stay fit.<\/p>\n Ben had had the same thought and he suggested\u00a0\u00a0\u201cFor ease of nursing maybe we ought to consider bringing the two girls together. If any of the rest of us catch it, it could prove difficult nursing in two houses particularly with all the children to look after.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah I thought the same. Joe\u2019s is a mite bigger. If you heat up one of the spare beds I reckon I can wrap Sue up warmly enough to carry her over without doing any harm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright son. Try not to worry too much. I know flu makes you feel rotten but it\u2019s not fatal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Pa, don\u2019t forget I had you, Joe and Adam down with it before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI suppose we\u2019d better send word to Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMood he\u2019s in I\u2019m not even sure he\u2019ll care.\u201d Hoss said bitterly. \u201cSometime way he talks, it don\u2019t even feel like my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not still worried about his sanity are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot really. Last time we spoke it was rational enough. I didn\u2019t like it but ….\u201d Hoss broke off<\/p>\n \u201cAnyways you\u2019re right we have to tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll write a note, send one of the hands in with it, once we\u2019ve heard what Doc has to say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCould ask Doc to tell him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think with flu in town Doc has enough to do and anyway I\u2019d rather not publicise the rift in the family more than I have to.\u201d Ben sighed heavily and then changed the subject. \u201cI\u2019d better check if Carole needs anything, she\u2019ll have her hands full with six young children and then I\u2019ll get back to Nita.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t surprised to find Hop Sing there helping out, but with the two Chinese helping Carole had no problems, glad of something to take her mind off her other worries. Ben left her to get on, promising to bring Doc over to check the children before he left, Then Ben went back to Nita who was awake again, very feverish and unable to get comfortable. Ben bathed her aching head and fed her a little more tea, while Pak Tsien went to make broth for the sick ladies.<\/p>\n Nita tried hard not to fuss but she felt so ill, she couldn\u2019t help moving restlessly, wanting her own husband. However kind Ben was it wasn\u2019t the same. Ben tried to reassure her, Joe was on his way home.<\/p>\n Ben was glad when Doc finally arrived and he took him straight up to Nita. Hoss was still settling Sue in the spare room immediately opposite. Doc examined Nita but he could only confirm what they already knew, she had flu. He sat down by the bed. \u201cWell Nita you are going to have a miserable few days and there\u2019s not a great deal I can do to help. I have some tablets which will help a little. Otherwise, its fresh air, plenty of fluids and rest.\u201d<\/p>\n She forced a smile. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine. It\u2019s Adam I\u2019m worried about, could he catch it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBabies don\u2019t tend to. Anyway he\u2019s a Cartwright and if he should he\u2019ll soon throw it off.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita relaxed a little at that and took the quinine tablets Doc gave her before he went over to see Sue. Sue already knew what was wrong and was calm even though she felt rotten. Doc gave her the same tablets and told her to take it easy, let Hoss do the worrying. Sue was also worried about her baby but Doc couldn\u2019t fool her as he had Nita. It was true enough that babies didn\u2019t often catch flu but those who did all too often succumbed to it. Doc did tell her that the quinine tablets seemed to prevent people catching the flu and he had brought a supply for all the Cartwrights which should help. Sue relaxed, trusting her family to look after her son.<\/p>\n Ben went down with Doc to check what he really thought but Doc was fairly reassuring. There hadn\u2019t been any deaths amongst the Chinese, even when fairly young children were involved and the quinine seemed to help, both those who were already suffering and in preventing others catching it. He passed over a supply of tablets and reiterated his advice on nursing the girls, backing Hop Sing\u2019s use of the willow bark tea. He did warn Ben that although the fever should drop in three or four days, the aftermath tended\u00a0\u00a0to leave victims weak and finding everything far too much bother, often rather depressed and with women weepy. It wasn\u2019t anything to worry about and would clear up after a couple of weeks provided they took it quietly. The only real worry was if there were any complications, usually chest infections and if there were any signs of one than Doc wanted to be called. Ben thanked him for coming so swiftly and asked him to check the children just to be on the safe side. Doc did but all he could say was that they were all far too exuberant to be heading for sickness. Then he had to get back to town.<\/p>\n Ben went home to collect some clothes and some of the paperwork that needed doing and to send a note to Adam. He found it difficult to compose and that in itself felt very strange. He hated being on such bad terms with his eldest son that he couldn\u2019t talk to him. He wanted to tell his son what was going on without making him feel guilty if he didn\u2019t immediately come home. Ben still blamed himself for driving Adam into town and he couldn\u2019t afford to make matters any worse. Eventually he sealed up the note, not totally satisfied but unsure how else to phrase it.<\/p>\n In fact Adam wasn\u2019t around when the messenger Ben had sent arrived in town and he could only hand it over to the desk clerk to wait in Adam\u2019s pigeon hole. Adam was over at his new office, working hard with the door locked and blinds drawn so that it wasn\u2019t obvious anyone was in. At least he was able to settle down and get on with his work.<\/p>\n Joe made good time from the\u00a0West\u00a0Shore\u00a0and he got home mid-afternoon and headed straight into his own house. Ben was working in the living room and got up as his son came in, \u201cShe\u2019s sleeping at the moment Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHas Doc been?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, confirmed they both have flu. Quite a lot around in the Chinese quarter. Doc says that everyone has recovered so don\u2019t worry too much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Pa, but I have had it myself and I can remember how rotten I felt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNita feels pretty sorry for herself too but it\u2019ll pass. Go on up Joe, I\u2019ll bring some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks\u00a0Pa.\u201d Joe headed upstairs and once he\u2019d checked that his wife was still asleep he went across the corridor, more to check on his big brother than to check Sue. Hoss was just sitting by her bed, Sue was also asleep. Hoss, tired after an interrupted night wasn\u2019t attempting to do anything but seeing his young brother he got to his feet and came out into the hallway. \u201cHope you didn\u2019t mind me bringing Sue here. We thought it\u2019d be easier for nursing, especially if anyone else got it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be daft you big galoot, of course I don\u2019t mind.\u201d Joe considered his big brother<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not sickening are you Hoss? You don\u2019t look too good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a mite tired, an interrupted night. If you remember I was the only one who didn\u2019t catch it before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat don\u2019t make you immune brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah I know, but I\u2019m alright. How about you, must have been a bit of a shock.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA little but at least I knew what flu involved so I can be sure she\u2019ll be fine.\u201d Just then Ben brought coffee and both of his sons were glad of it. Joe had a quiet word with his father,<\/p>\n \u201cKeep an eye on Hoss, wouldn\u2019t be surprised if he\u2019s sickening too. I just want to go and have a word with Carole, see my son.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe went over to Adam\u2019s house and found Carole very busy with the kids. She was pleased to see him and asked after Nita. Joe forced a smile \u201cSorry for herself but she\u2019ll be okay.\u201d Joe went over and picked up his son. \u201cAt least this young man looks fit and well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoc says all the children are, but he\u2019s given me quinine tablets to feed them to try and stop them catching it.\u201d She smiled \u201cI gave them one each, it wasn\u2019t popular. They taste revolting.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe laughed \u201cI know Pa forced one on me,\u201d he went over and separated the twins, who were fighting \u201cYou sure you can cope with all these kids?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI usually do Joe. The babies are easy and this terrible trio are mine anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded \u201cI guess you do, still if there\u2019s anything I can do to help just ask.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will Joe I told you that before.\u201d She put her arms round him and kissed him \u201cJust to know that I can, makes everything so much easier.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe knew that she didn\u2019t only mean the kids and he held her tight for a moment, before going back to Nita. By early evening it was obvious that Joe had been right Hoss was coming down with flu too. Between them Ben and Joe bullied him into bed, gave him some willow bark tea and fed him another quinine tablet. Hoss was lucky he seemed to have taken it very lightly and protested that he didn\u2019t really need his bed.<\/p>\n Ben insisted that Joe go and get some rest, his son had had a long ride, then he\u2019d be fit enough to spell his father later. Joe couldn\u2019t help commenting that under normal circumstances Adam would be there to help too. Ben had been thinking the same but it didn\u2019t help to discuss it and he sent Joe off to bed.<\/p>\n In fact Adam didn\u2019t even know that anyone was ill. He\u2019d put in a solid day\u2019s work and when he went to collect Dinah for dinner he found her bubbling over. With him busy she\u2019d had too much time to herself and feeling bored had cast around for something to do.\u00a0\u00a0She had had the bright idea of holding a party, that Friday night and had already arranged to take over the Hotel\u2019s main dining room and found a band. She had issued invitations in her name and Adam\u2019s and although a few people had turned her down most, out of curiosity and respect for Adam\u2019s money, had accepted. She seemed to think it was a brilliant idea, they would show this town what a real party was like. Adam was furious but he managed to hide it, admitting to himself that it was difficult to see the difference between this and flaunting her at the theatre, even though it was very real to him.<\/p>\n Adam found it had one distinct advantage; she was so full of what she had arranged wanting nothing from him but a blank cheque that he didn\u2019t have to entertain her. Apart from the obligatory couple of hours attention in bed, he was able to think about what he needed to do next; an occasional yes, no, that\u2019s a good idea, enough to keep Di happy.<\/p>\n It bore fruit the next day too, with only a little over twenty four hours before her party she had plenty to arrange and didn\u2019t really want him underfoot. Adam spent an hour at the\u00a0California\u00a0on routine business and then headed for his office. He wasn\u2019t in the world\u2019s best temper, Jim Fair had announced his intention of being present the following night. Far worse he had greeted Adam as a fellow erring husband, only expressing\u00a0\u00a0surprise that he had chosen such a public display. As Jim had been notorious for adultery for the last ten years, Adam hated being classed in the same way. He admitted to himself that he had brought it all down on his own head but that didn\u2019t improve his temper.<\/p>\n Adam slowly calmed down as he buried his head in the law books. Time seemed to go very fast and Adam was surprised to find it was past 2 p.m. He was planning to slip out to Jess; knowing the girls were waiting for him. He had intended to get lunch first but without time for that he grabbed some jerky and headed out, sure that Liza wouldn\u2019t let hi starve.<\/p>\n Adam slipped into the barn where Jess came over to meet him. Jess had sent all his hands to work well away from the house\u00a0\u00a0but he was slightly concerned as Adam was later than he had expected, Having seen his friend Jess was even more concerned \u201cYou look worn out are you getting any sleep?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSome.\u201d Adam said lightly. \u201cI was working forgot the time and missed my lunch. Do you think Liza could feed me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, come on in.\u201d Adam led the way and went over to tell Liza that his friend was hungry. Adam stood stock still as he took in the room, only Marcy was sitting at the table. He lost colour and bit his lip, worried what it meant as he\u2019d expected all three of them and remembering Dick\u2019s report he was scared Margaret had compromised herself.<\/p>\n Marcy could see the fear on his face and she was quick to reassure him. \u201cThere\u2019s no trouble Adam. It\u2019s just Hearst he\u2019s panicked by the reports of flu in town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFlu?\u201d<\/p>\n Jess frowned at Liza \u201cYou hadn\u2019t heard Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess poured a stiff slug of whisky into a coffee and passed it over to Adam. \u201cStarted in the Chinese quarter in town, hadn\u2019t spread very far outside that but from what I\u2019ve heard it\u2019s reached the Ponderosa. Hoss, Sue and Nita all have it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned away to stare out of the window, grateful for the spirit \u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYesterday. Doc was out but from what Kirk said when I saw him earlier, it\u2019s not too serious. Uncomfortable but it\u2019ll pass. Doc hasn\u2019t lost anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had flu; I know what it\u2019s like.\u201d Adam rubbed his hand across his mouth and then squeezed the bridge on his nose, fighting for control as he stared out of the window unseeingly. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t they even bother to let me know?\u201d He couldn\u2019t help himself sounding very bitter. He knew he had deliberately cut himself off from his family but he found it hard to accept that with his brother and both sisters ill, noone had even told him.<\/p>\n Jess went over and gripped his shoulders, \u201cYou alright Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam swallowed hard and got a firm grip on himself \u201cSure.\u201d He turned and sat down, asking Marcy what she meant by Hearst being panicked by the flu. Marcy was glad to see him sitting calmly, sipping his coffee and she said \u201cSeems Hearst if very scared of all sorts of illness. He heard about the flu and immediately took over the whole hotel. It\u2019s good for Jeff and I of course, he\u2019s even paying for the meals we might serve otherwise. He doesn\u2019t want any of his associates out in the town, bringing back flu, so Margaret and Michelle have been told not to leave the hotel. Jeff and I are only allowed out on sufferance as someone has to get supplies and we\u2019re not allowed anywhere near him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam forced a smile, thankful the other two women were alright. \u201cFigures, it won\u2019t just be him. You said Huntingdon is coming and he\u2019s notorious for his finicky ways and fear of illness. When is he due?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA week today and according to Margaret he has three men coming with him.\u201d She explained everything that Margaret had managed to find out.<\/p>\n Adam wrote out telegrams which Jess promised to take up to\u00a0Reno\u00a0and send off. They were to friends who should be able to tell him these men\u2019s backgrounds, expertise and hopefully any weaknesses. All were in a well established Ponderosa code and hopefully wouldn\u2019t raise any alerts.<\/p>\n Then Marcy went on to fill in the details that Margaret had managed to obtain about the grant. Adam tried to get her to talk Margaret out of taking the risk of copying it but he didn\u2019t think he had got very far. Marcy was insistent that there was no risk, she was sure that Margaret wasn\u2019t under any suspicion. Hearst took his secretary far too much for granted. Margaret had also managed to find out a little more about Giacomo Sauvinet. Apparently he came from an old established, but currently broke, family from near Santa F\u00e9. She had picked up a rumour that he had been in real trouble, but not exactly what, and she didn\u2019t dare to push too hard.<\/p>\n Adam bit his pen, trying to think how to find out more about Sauvinet. Someone had to go to Santa F\u00e9 and there was no possible way that he could do it. In the end he decided to try and get some help from yet another old friend. The man he had in mind Tony Canmore was a lawyer and had taken on the job at the Bank of Nevada on Adam\u2019s recommendation. He was sure that Tony could find out all he needed to know, if he was willing to leave his family and got to Santa F\u00e9 at short notice.<\/p>\n Adam put that to the back of his mind for now and again begged Marcy not to take any chances or to let Margaret or Michelle do so. He was against anymore meetings out at Jess\u2019 or messages to the stables, a slightly unlikely place for them to be. Marcy, more realistic said<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to have someway to pass word Adam. If you don\u2019t like this can you come up with something better?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam got up and paced around the room, she was making sense but he was haunted by the fear that one of these wonderful women, who were helping him, would pay a heavy penalty. There had to be a safer way and then it came to him and he sat down grinning broadly.<\/p>\n \u201cMarcy, Liza how would you like a whole new wardrobe, at my expense?\u201d<\/p>\n Jess frowned, not at all sure that he liked the sound of that even from Adam but Adam was quick to see and punched his friend\u2019s arm \u201cEasy old buddy. I\u2019m not moving in on your wife! I have a very old friend, a friend of the family. She has already helped once and I am sure will continue to do so. The dressmaker Elizabeth Bowen, She\u2019ll take messages and you two can talk. If necessary I can slip in the back door and she\u2019ll keep me out of sight.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess nodded \u201cSounds a lot safer for the girls, if you\u2019re sure you can trust her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat I am sure of and I know she\u2019ll keep it from my family, just as you have done.\u201d<\/p>\n Marcy smiled \u201cWith all the money Hearst had been paying me, he won\u2019t think it strange if I spend some. In fact I can well afford to buy my own clothes.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam kissed her forehead, \u201cSure you can but at least let me do this much to say thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Put that way both women accepted and promised to go and see\u00a0Elizabeth\u00a0as soon as possible although Adam would have a word first. Adam felt happier about that contact and relaxing a little ate the food Liza had prepared before going back to town. He wanted to keep busy, not wanting to have time to think about his family\u2019s rejection, however much he had rejected them on the surface.<\/p>\n Adam rode into town and made his first stop at the Bank of Nevada. He was in luck Tony was working in his office. Tony put his pen down as Adam came in but Adam knew him well enough to see that his presence made his old friend uncomfortable. Adam perched on the desk, \u201cTony we\u2019ve been friends a long time but if you prefer me to go I\u2019ll understand.\u201d<\/p>\n Tony got to his feet and poured two brandies \u201cDon\u2019t be daft Adam as you said we\u2019re friends.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve come to ask a huge favour of you. I\u2019ll understand if you can\u2019t do it. I wouldn\u2019t ask if I could think of any other way. All I ask is that you keep this talk quiet, it stays within this room.\u201d Adam knew he had phrased that badly but thoroughly overtired and upset by his family\u2019s attitude, he had a severe headache. He didn\u2019t realise just how much his need and the intensity of his feelings was showing on his face,<\/p>\n Tony was very puzzled but he gave his word, nothing they said would go any further. He had been confused by Adam\u2019s behaviour over the last couple of months, it had seemed out of character for the man he thought he knew and had always greatly respected. However he had had to believe what his own eyes had seen; now he sensed he was getting an explanation.<\/p>\n Adam sat down more comfortably in a chair, at least Tony was listening. He outlined the threat to the ranch and the measures he was taking to get ammunition to fight it in court. Tony was stunned, \u201cI hadn\u2019t heard even a rumour.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou weren\u2019t meant to, even my family don\u2019t know apart from Carole and I couldn\u2019t cope without her support.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut why not? You said yourself you need help. You four have always acted together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis time the price for that looked like being too high.\u201d Adam went on to explain the two ways suggested to distract him, either a mistress and consequent family arguments, or death or maiming of one of the girls or one of the children, maybe more than one. A risk he couldn\u2019t take.<\/p>\n Tony went and poured himself a very large brandy. He found it hard to believe anyone could go through with that threat but Adam\u2019s behaviour proved that he believed it. It certainly explained everything he\u2019d done recently but Tony asked \u201cWhy not send the girls away with the children and you four can look after yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought of it Tony, don\u2019t imagine I like being estranged from my family, looked at with contempt by old friends, but it\u2019s too risky. These men Huntingdon and Hearst in particular have tentacles everywhere. I don\u2019t know where would be safe and away from us we can\u2019t even protect them. We could fort up on the Ponderosa but a determined attack finds a way. I know that from experience and I have to win. The ranch means too much to us, losing it would about kill\u00a0Pa.\u00a0This way I have time to gather my defence, before they are even aware that I know of the threat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re paying a hell of a price Adam.\u201d Tony offered his hand formally. \u201cAnything I can do, name it. It\u2019s your\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you Tony. I did warn you I\u2019m asking a lot and I know I have no right to ask.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRubbish, we\u2019re friends. You\u2019ve helped me often enough and even more helped make\u00a0Virginia City\u00a0a fit place for my wife and child. What can I do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI need someone to go down to Santa F\u00e9. The land grant is being claimed in the Giacomo Sauvinet. All I know is that he came from an old established family near Santa F\u00e9 and that he is rumoured to have been in trouble. I need to know a lot more.\u201d<\/p>\n Tony nodded \u201cAbout him and this trouble and even more important the family background, who could have got a land grant here and why, or preferably why not.\u00a0\u00a0Any holdings they had then and now and why wait until now to claim.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAny idea of the date on this supposed grant?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot for sure but best guess is the early years of this century. Prior to 1821 it\u2019ll be a Spanish grant but in the next 25 years\u00a0Mexico\u00a0made land grants. I\u2019d guess it would have to be earlier than 1830 if it\u2019s one of them. There were very few in the 30\u2019s at all and the cluster granted in the early 1840\u2019s to try and buy loyalty as the Americans began to appear were all on the coast as far as I know.\u201d Adam sighed \u201cFor now its guess work. Eventually I\u2019ll get a copy but ….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay so I concentrate on the early years but make sure I know in outline the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can do better than that, another old friend has collected most of the details from Santa F\u00e9 for me and I can give you a note of the information he found. So it\u2019s really the family and anything else that he missed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay that will save time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean you will go?\u201d Adam asked almost disbelievingly.<\/p>\n Tony gripped his shoulder, \u201cDid you really doubt it? My wife has wanted to go to\u00a0San Francisco\u00a0to visit her sister, who has recently moved out here. I\u2019ll go with her as far as\u00a0Reno\u00a0to throw anyone off who might be interested and then head south. Good excuse to avoid the women\u2019s talk! I should make Santa F\u00e9 in about four days. Say a week to check around and I\u2019ll be back in about a fortnight. Is that time enough?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam swallowed hard, a lump in his throat at this instant rearrangement of his life that Tony was prepared to do in order to help him. \u201cYeah I have a deadline of the 11th<\/sup>\u00a0of June, That\u2019s when it comes to court.\u201d<\/p>\n Tony grinned \u201cYou\u2019ll win Adam, this place need your family on the Ponderosa too much for God not to help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know how to say thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t even try. You said it all when you came in, we\u2019re friends.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had to get on and he accepted that still feeling he should say more, not realising how clear his feelings were on his face. He promised to drop the notes round to Tony\u2019s house first thing in the morning.<\/p>\n Then Adam headed to the dress shop and just caught\u00a0Elizabeth\u00a0before she shut. He went in openly, a beautiful satin evening cape in dark emerald sufficient reason for his visit. Adam was very clear that the cape was just an excuse. This time Adam briefly explained the threat to the ranch and to the family. As he came to a stop and drank the coffee she had poured him\u00a0Elizabeth\u00a0came over and put her arms round him, \u201cBeing you, you couldn\u2019t have done anything else. Of course I will help, anything at all, you\u2019ve already paid a heavy price.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam relaxed, \u201cSo many friends helping I can\u2019t fail. What I need now is a meeting place for two of them, Liza Ballard and Marcy.\u201d<\/p>\n Elizabeth\u00a0knew them both well and quickly promised to make up several dresses for each girl and charge Adam. She would take messages if necessary and suggested putting one particular hat in the window if she was holding anything so that Adam would know when to pop in. She gave him a spare key to her back door and showed him where she would leave things for him, in a hatbox at the bottom of a pile. Adam was very grateful and kissed her,<\/p>\n \u201cBless you Elizabeth\u201d and then taking the cape he headed back to the hotel.<\/p>\n As he went in the hotel clerk called him over, \u201cMessage for you Mr Cartwright. I\u2019m very sorry it came yesterday but got put in the wrong pigeonhole. I do apologize.\u201d Adam took the note and recognized his father\u2019s writing. He was very relieved to see that his family hadn\u2019t neglected to tell him and assured the clerk that it didn\u2019t matter, He couldn\u2019t go out to the ranch but he did spare time to go over and have a word with Doc. He was in luck Doc was working in his office and he put his pen down and came to let Adam in. He took one look at his old friend and poured a large brandy. \u201cDoctor\u2019s orders Adam You look as though you need it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can guess why you\u2019re here but you really don\u2019t need to look so worried.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow are they Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPretty sorry for themselves, especially Nita, she wanted Joe but he was still on his way home when I was out there. Hoss was okay then but I heard he had gone down with it since.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill they be okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure. Adam you\u2019ve had flu, you know it makes you feel rotten and depressed but this seems to be a mild strain and I haven\u2019t had any fatalities, even amongst those who were sickly to begin with. And very few complications.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam breathed a sigh of relief. \u201cDoc will you keep me in touch?\u00a0\u00a0I daren\u2019t go out to the ranch but I need to know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright but I still think you ought to tell your family what you are up to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t Doc, not yet and you gave me your word.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll keep it you know that but you just take care of yourself. I\u2019m only the Doc around here and you know better than me but you look worn out, rundown and a prime candidate for flu yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam laughed \u201cI don\u2019t have time to be ill Doc. You just keep an eye on my family for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc patted his shoulder, \u201cJust take it easy and try and remember even you need some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled but he had to get back and he hurried out, thankful that so far his children were alright, he found Dinah very busy with the details of her party and Adam entered into the spirit of it making arrangements where she was struggling. His name and the Cartwright money cleared all the outstanding problems much to Dinah\u2019s delight. She celebrated in the only way she knew how.<\/p>\n Adam near exhaustion after the fears and tensions of the day made no attempt to slip out. He had achieved a fair amount that day and he had to admit Doc was right he was short of sleep. He was beginning to feel that he understood the law and until more information arrived there was a limited amount he could usefully do. He settled to sleep, which proved very useful over the following days.<\/p>\n Ben stayed over at his youngest son\u2019s house, splitting the nursing with Joe, trusting Hop Sing and Kam Su to give Carole any help she needed. Joe had taken over from his father and sent Ben to get some sleep when Hop Sing appeared in the early hours.\u00a0\u00a0Carole had been woken very early as Mark became restless. It hadn\u2019t taken long for her to decide her young son had flu. With an effort she remained calm and washed him down to cool the fever, feeding him willow bark tea and then tucking him up in a new clean bed, well away from the other children. She placed a cold compress on his forehead and with him resting a little easier went to check the rest of the kids, leaving Kam Su to watch Mark.<\/p>\n Marie was very restless and obviously going to join her brother but David seemed fine. Carole carried her young daughter through to join Mark without actually waking her. Carole settled her daughter as best she could and then feeling tired and harassed she spared five minutes to wash, dress and collect some coffee. Hop Sing took one look at her and went and fetched the brandy decanter, pouring a healthy slug into her coffee, Carole didn\u2019t protest, glad of the warmth of the spirit, wondering how to cope with two sick children and four others, three only babies.<\/p>\n By mid-morning the situation had got worse as Anne showed every sign of flu and Carole overtired was close to panic. Hop Sing had taken word to Ben and Joe and leaving him to watch the adults they both came over. Carole wasn\u2019t too worried about Mark or Marie, both strong healthy children, and she was sure they would throw off the effects of flu rapidly. However Anne was another matter, still so little, with hardly the best start in life, her illness terrified her Mother. Joe put his arm round he and did his best to calm her down. After all Anne had shown just how strong she was, surviving those first few weeks. Even as he spoke<\/p>\n Joe frowned feeling the fever emanating from Carole\u2019s body. He looked up anxiously at his father \u201cPa, Carole has it too.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole pulled away, \u201cNo I\u2019m just tired.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben came over and felt her forehead, \u201cTiredness doesn\u2019t give you a fever young lady. Joe\u2019s right, bed for you right now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t the children.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not the only one capable of looking after children.\u201d Ben frowned as he tried to work out the best way of handling things. \u201cJoe I think we\u2019d better get Carole and the three sick children over to your house. Leave Kam Su to look after David, Adam and Johnny for now. Hop Sing and Pak Tsien can help me and I think you\u2019d better go to town. We need Doc to look at the children, especially Anne and Adam needs to know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe hasn\u2019t reacted to that note you sent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know but this is a bit different Joe, his own wife and three of his four children. Whatever\u2019s wrong between him and Carole, it can\u2019t be important enough for him not to come home now.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded \u201cI guess you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEasy with him, Joe doesn\u2019t make it any harder than you have to. You know what his kids mean to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know\u00a0Pa.\u00a0I\u2019ll just see if Nita\u2019s awake and then I\u2019ll go.\u201d Joe spent ten minutes reassuring Nita that their child was fine but admitted he had to fetch Adam as Carole. Mark and Marie had all caught it. Joe didn\u2019t mention Anne, hoping that she was still trusting in Doc\u2019s half truth that few young babies caught it. Then he headed for town. Unsure where his brother would be, he stopped off at Doc\u2019s house first and told him of the latest victims, asking for his help.<\/p>\n Dan was with Doc checking the latest news about the epidemic, which was slowly breaking out of the Chinese quarter. He was able to tell Joe that he had seen Adam go into his office beneath John Marye\u2019s earlier on Dan stopped Joe momentarily \u201cHave I got it right Joe, All three girls, Hoss and all of Adam\u2019s kids except David have succumbed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah and Pak Tsien didn\u2019t look too good when I left, I won\u2019t be surprised if he\u2019s in bed by now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree sick kids and three healthy, you sure got your hands full.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why I must see Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan nodded moving out of Joe\u2019s way but as Joe left he spoke to Doc. \u201cSeems to me what they need is a woman for the kids, someone they know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course they do!\u201d Doc said testily, \u201cNow if you\u2019ll stop wasting my time stating the obvious I\u2019ll get out there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry Doc but I\u2019m not really wasting time. Aleysha Purcell was bemoaning her fate the other day.\u00a0Wayne\u00a0has taken the boy off on an extended hunting trip and glad as she was to see them on terms she was at a loose end. She\u2019s an old friend of the Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRisk she\u2019ll catch it too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cNo more than here in town, way you told it just now, people dropping like ninepins all over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrue and they could certainly do with her help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome by her place before you leave. I\u2019ll go and have a word.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoc she can\u2019t volunteer until she knows that she\u2019s needed.\u201d Dan hurried over to Aleysha\u2019s and as he expected she was bored on her own and more than willing to help out when Dan explained the situation. Dan was glad to be able to help his old friends, however indirectly and decided to drop by Adam\u2019s office seeing Joe\u2019s pinto outside, to tell Joe what he\u2019d arranged.<\/p>\n Dan was surprised to hear angry voices as he approached. All too well aware of Adam\u2019s strange recent behaviour, he knew Adam\u2019s love for his children better than most outsiders and hadn\u2019t contemplated Adam doing anything except rush home. Joe had been just as sure and he\u2019d tried to break it as gently as he could, that not only his wife but all his children, except for David, had the flu.<\/p>\n Adam had been very surprised to see Joe and his first move had been to hide the law books he had been working on, knowing how observant Joe was and equally that Joe knew the current position too well. Joe would know the subjects he was studying had no current relevance to his knowledge and the last thing Adam needed was a suspicious younger brother. Only then did Adam sit back and consider his brother, lack of sleep and worry etched on Joe\u2019s face. Adam assumed that Joe was worried about his wife, although their big brother and Sue would come a close second.<\/p>\n Slowly Adam took in what Joe was saying, not only Carole but his children, even Anne young as she was, were ill. For a moment Adam was on the verge of giving up, this was too much, why did God let it happen, but then as though she was standing in front of him he could hear Carole. \u201cYou handle things in town, the law and her; I\u2019ll look after our family and our children. It will soon be over my love.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared at him, wondering if Adam had taken in what he\u2019d said as there was no reaction.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam did you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure. What do you expect me to say Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d expect you to be worried and come straight home with me now.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam got up and went over to the window. He wanted nothing better but Dinah had arranged a party for this very night. If he walked out on her so publicly, even for the sake of his own children, Hearst was going to read it that she didn\u2019t have him in her web as she claimed. Adam knew that as clearly as he could see Joe and knew that if he did what every fibre of his being demanded of him and went home, then he would have wasted all his efforts over the least weeks. The obvious outcome would be that it wouldn\u2019t only be flu hurting his family. Adam stared out of the window unseeingly, not even aware of his brother as he searched for the strength to stay in town.<\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t understand his brother\u2019s reaction and after a couple of minutes he moved swiftly across the room and forced Adam to look at him, \u201cWhat on earth is the matter? We ought to be getting back.\u201d As he turned his brother Joe was taken aback by the naked pain on his face but Adam swiftly put the shutters up again and Joe let his hands fall seeing his brother\u2019s withdrawal.<\/p>\n Adam found the strength from somewhere, he wasn\u2019t sure where. \u201cI can\u2019t come home just now.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe showed his shock \u201cBut Adam ….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have commitments here in town Joe. I can\u2019t just drop them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour wife and children are ill, isn\u2019t that a prior commitment?\u201d Joe asked angrily.<\/p>\n \u201cFlu isn\u2019t exactly lethal,\u201d Adam said, \u201cI\u2019ll be out when I can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLeaving someone else to look after your family here and now.\u201d Joe said bitterly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean you don\u2019t want to?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n Joe flared up, \u201cYou know I don\u2019t mean that but I remember too often in the past when you\u2019ve told me that an uncle is not the same as a father. Times when you\u2019ve driven yourself to the edge of collapse, given up everything, for those children. Now you can\u2019t even spare the time to come home and see them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s my business.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor God\u2019s sake Adam what\u2019s the matter with you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you Joe, I\u2019ll come when I can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll come with me now, if I have to drag you home,\u201d Joe said in a sudden fury, thinking how drawn and upset Carole had looked when he left, but that was enough to lose Adam\u2019s hold on his temper. Almost in a reaction at the effort it had taken to say he wasn\u2019t going home he was glad to take it out on someone. He glared at his brother \u201cYou have never in your life been big enough or strong enough to take me. What makes you think you can do it now?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe furious said, \u201cMaybe I have never had so much reason before. You\u2019re coming home it I have to tie you up and take you home over your horse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d Adam said and almost contemptuously pushed Joe away. That was the final straw for Joe who went for his brother, determined to do exactly what he\u2019d said and take Adam home by force.<\/p>\n Outside Dan heard the fight start and he hurried in to see the brothers both fighting with complete seriousness. Dan yelled at them to stop but they were oblivious of him, only aware of each other, both needing to release pent up emotions with physical activity. Dan managed to grab Joe as Adam sent him across the room. He held onto Joe \u201cThat\u2019s enough Joe.\u201d Joe struggled but Dan held tight, \u201cCome on enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lent on the table, fighting for breath, his brother had landed enough blows to hurt. He made no attempt to follow as Dan hustled Joe outside, supporting him as his legs tended to give under him. Joe lent against the window, slowly recovering, not even aware he was the centre of many interested eyes. Dan damped a handkerchief and Joe mopped his face up, a swelling already half closing his right eye. Dan asked \u201cYou alright Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah but Adam has to come home with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t make him Joe. Don\u2019t go back in, another fight won\u2019t change anything.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed heavily. \u201cI suppose you\u2019re right but what\u2019s wrong with him. I just don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know Joe but you can\u2019t force your brother to do anything. I came round to tell you that Aleysha is going out with Doc to help with the kids. She\u2019s on her own at the minute and pleased to be useful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Doc but what those sick kids need is their father and nothing would normally keep him away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe leave your brother alone, he\u2019ll come to his senses in time. You go on home, you\u2019re needed there.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe knew Dan was right about one thing there was no way he could force Adam to go home but he just didn\u2019t understand. His head was throbbing after the fight, but it was tension and anger not the blows which caused him to feel ill. He felt he had failed his family, especially Carole, and he mounted Cochise to go join Doc, feeling sore, tired and defeated.<\/p>\n Dan watched Joe ride down the street his defeat written in the very way he sat the saddle. He could understand Joe\u2019s feelings and he decided to try and talk to Adam. There was still time for his old friend to catch up his brother. He went back into the office to find Adam staring out of the window. Adam was very shaken both by the news and by the way he had taken the shock out on his brother. He didn\u2019t like himself very much at the moment. He watched Joe leave, his whole form eloquent of his feelings and Adam knew he\u2019d hurt his brother far more by his attitude than with his fists.<\/p>\n Dan asked quietly \u201cAre you alright Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned \u201cYeah I\u2019m fine, but I\u2019m very busy, so if you\u2019ll excuse me….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive me five minutes Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can guess why Dan. Please don\u2019t say anything, we\u2019ve been friends a long time and I\u2019d like to keep it that way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut Adam….\u201d Dan broke off as Adam very deliberately got his accounts out and started making notes.<\/p>\n Dan shrugged, he\u2019d told Joe he couldn\u2019t force his brother, maybe it was time to take his own advice. \u201cHave it your own way Adam.\u201d Dan sighed heavily but he left Adam alone. Adam waited until he\u2019d gone and then locked the door. Sinking down in his chair he buried his face in his hands, close to breaking down. The mere thought of his wife and children ill and being unable to go to them made him feel physically sick. It was sheer will power that enabled him to push the thought to the back of his mind and settled back to work. Slowly the work calmed him and he put all his trust in his father and brother. However they felt about him he knew they would take every care of his wife and children.<\/p>\n Soon after 4 p.m. Adam had to leave his work and go to keep his promise to Dinah. She was very excited by the prospect of the party, not that she cared about any of those who were coming but she enjoyed the organizing. There was very little left for Adam to do except change and he had to listen as she spoke about their various guests. She was very cynical about just why people were coming and her opinion of many of them would rapidly have changed their minds about attending. Adam had to admit that in many cases her initial judgment on their guests was remarkably accurate if rather harsh, She had no sympathy for social climbers and fools, born with great advantages, well-educated and beautiful, she had little time for those with less.<\/p>\n Adam found the only way to get through the evening was to watch Dinah as she subtly insulted and snubbed many of their guests without them even noticing; some of them people he had cordially disliked for a long time. He carried his part of with considerable suavity, just too remote for anyone to dare say anything to him directly. He saw contempt in too many eyes but he ignored that, he found it harder to ignore the envy and the almost jovial hints dropped by men he knew to have had mistresses themselves, especially Jim Fair.\u00a0\u00a0Certainly Dinah looked very beautiful and he could see the lust in many men\u2019s eyes and the envy of his position. Dinah enjoyed being the focus of attention even if Adam didn\u2019t. For Adam the party seemed to last forever, he played his part well but only a little of his brain was engaged, all too much of it free to worry about his beloved wife and kids.<\/p>\n It was nearly 1 a.m. before the last guest left and even then Dinah expected Adam to take her to bed, Adam forced himself to perform but luckily she was tired after two busy days and quickly fell asleep. Adam immediately got up, dressed and slipped out. He collected Blackie and pushed hard for his own home.<\/p>\n It was gone 4 a.m. before he reached home and slipped into his own house first. There were no lights on and he checked the nursery first, David, Johnny and Adam were all sleeping peacefully and for a moment Adam stared down at them. Then he kissed his son tucking the blanket a little tighter before slipping out again. He assumed from what Doc had said that all the sick were together, probably in Joe\u2019s house and he went over there.<\/p>\n There was a light on the landing and several doors were ajar. His father heard him on the stairs and came out to see who it was. If he was surprised to see his eldest son he didn\u2019t show it. \u201cCarole\u2019s in the end room, the children in here.\u201d Then he moved aside to let Adam in. Adam knelt down by his youngest daughter\u2019s cot. She was burning up and very restless but as those so familiar arms held her she calmed down a little. Adam picked up the bottle that his father had been trying to feed her and offered it to his daughter. With her safe in his arms, he went over to Mark and Marie. Both of them were feverish but not as bad as Anne, He kissed them both and only than turned to face his father.<\/p>\n Ben could see the ravages of emotion on his eldest son\u2019s face, the long delay in coming to his children had cost him dearly. Adam asked \u201cWhat does Doc say?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled \u201cHe thinks they will be fine. Says kids often have a high fever, but it goes down as quickly as it comes up. They are all strong and will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t look at all convinced and bent his head over his young daughter, \u201cCarole?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not go and see her for yourself? She\u2019s much the same as Sue and Nita, miserable for now and worried about the children but she\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head, \u201cI won\u2019t disturb her\u00a0Pa.\u201d He had somehow got to keep up the masquerade however hard it was. He bent over Anne who was at least feeding quietly and that would give her strength.<\/p>\n Ben gripped his son\u2019s shoulders, feeling the tension in him \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019ve come Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told Joe that I would when I could. I hope I didn\u2019t hurt him too much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA good black eye but that\u2019s about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah well he got a few good ones in too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you stay Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t\u00a0Pa.\u00a0I must get back to town by daylight, but please look after my children.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou should know that you don\u2019t even have to ask that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do care Pa, it\u2019s just circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess you\u2019ll explain when you can.\u201d Ben said slowly, \u201cYou\u2019re still my son and when you want help I\u2019ll be here. I\u2019ll take care of everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben watched as Adam changed his daughter and settled her down to rest, more comfortably. Then Adam gently wiped down both Marie and Mark, wrapped them up warmly, before kissing each in turn. He got to his feet \u201cI must go\u00a0Pa.\u00a0I\u2019ll try and get back tonight but….\u201d<\/p>\n Ben could see the agony of mind clear on his son\u2019s face as Adam tore himself away from all he loved to return to town. For the first time Ben became totally convinced that whatever was going on, it was more than marital rows and a mistress. He knew the depths of Adam\u2019s feelings for his children and no mistress, however seductive, would be able to pull him away from them. Ben couldn\u2019t imagine what was going on but he could only wait for Adam to enlighten him when he was ready.<\/p>\n Adam pushed hard on the way back to town, all too aware that he had stayed too long and ran the risk of being seen in town. Luckily Dick was awake and he took Blackie allowing Adam to slip through the alleys and in through the kitchens. Only the early workers were in, and all of them were Chinese and with one word he could be confident that they would keep his secret. One of them showed him up the back stairs and he slipped into Dinah\u2019s suite unseen. Swiftly he stripped and crawled back into bed in near exhaustion.<\/p>\n Dinah had stirred as he\u2019d left and somehow she senses the emptiness of the room and knew that she was alone. She had only dozed since and woke as he returned but not wanting to cause a row, she pretended to be asleep as he got in next to her.<\/p>\n Adam was very cold when he got into bed, more from his exhaustion than from the cold night but within two hours he was sweating freely, his temperature rising rapidly. Dinah woke again as he tossed restlessly and feeling his forehead soon realised that he was very feverish. She got up and got dressed, whatever else she was Dinah was no coward, but she didn\u2019t know much about illness and she was worried.<\/p>\n Dinah got some cold water and washed his face before persuading him to drink a little water. Her attempts to help proved successful and Adam\u2019s eyes flickered open. He forced himself to sit up \u201cI must get up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo you\u2019re not going anywhere, you have the flu.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be silly Adam, you\u2019re ill, I\u2019ve sent for the Doctor and you have to stay in bed at least until he has been.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut….\u201d<\/p>\n Dinah shushed him and kissed his forehead, \u201cHere drink this. I\u2019m sure you must be thirsty sweating like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you stay here, you\u2019ll catch it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not worried Adam, I never get ill.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeither do I.\u201d Adam said ruefully, \u201cNot usually.\u201d He felt far too weak to move and closed his eyes against the bright light, every joint in his body ached and he felt sick and ill.<\/p>\n Doc came over half an hour later. He confirmed Adam had flu as he had warned and very run down, he\u2019d taken it badly. He banished Dinah from the room while he examined Adam but found his patient interested in only one thing, how seriously ill were his children and would they recover. Doc was able to give him a reasonably optimistic report, they were strong and this particular version of flu, although very contagious was not proving fatal, even amongst young children. Adam studied Doc\u2019s face but slowly relaxed, he had always believed he could trust Paul and would do so now.<\/p>\n Doc was in fact more worried about Adam than he was about his children, Adam had had pneumonia before which had left a slight weakness and he could hear slight sounds of congestion already. Worn down by the events and the lack of sleep of the last few weeks Adam had taken it badly. He gave Adam some quinine and told him to drink as much willow bark tea as he could and otherwise to rest.<\/p>\n Then he went out into the outer room where Dinah was waiting. He hesitated for a minute but Dinah offered coffee so Paul sat down. Doc sipped his coffee and considered her, wondering if there was anything behind the beautiful face. Eventually he said, \u201cAdam has this flu that is doing the rounds. It is very contagious. I can arrange nursing at the hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo I\u2019ll look after him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could catch it too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I do then you can take both of us to your hospital, but I don\u2019t usually catch things. Tell me what to do and I\u2019ll tend him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe has taken it badly, he must be kept quiet, use cold compresses to try and keep the fever down and get him to drink plenty of fluids.\u00a0Willow\u00a0bark tea for the fever and water, milk if he can take it. Don\u2019t let him out of bed. I know Adam and he is a bad patient always trying to deny his illness and do more than he should.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll look after him Doctor.\u201d Doc stared at her reading the real worry and compassion beneath her more usual look. \u201cAlright Lady Dinah. If you have any cause for concern, let me know. He\u2019s a very good friend of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly Doctor and thank you. He will recover?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes Adam is strong. He has survived many things that would have killed most men, but I\u2019ll pop in tomorrow morning and you can call me before if you are worried.\u201d Doc got to his feet and glanced in again on Adam. Adam was breathing rather harshly so Doc went over and slipped a couple of pillows behind him to raise him up and aid his breathing. Adam had begged Doc not to say anything to his family, convinced that if they knew he was ill they would take him home and he was in no state to stop it. He was so scared just how Hearst might interpret it. Doc bent over to him before he left, \u201cYou have my word Adam, your children will be fine and I won\u2019t tell anyone that you\u2019re ill.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam forced a smile, \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be back tomorrow and I\u2019ll check your family first, on condition that you rest, drink all you can and try to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be good.\u201d Adam promised, if he was honest with himself sleep was all that he wanted. If he opened his eyes and lifted his head the room swayed round him and he ached far too much to move willingly.<\/p>\n Throughout the day Dinah nursed him, as his fever steadily mounted, this man had come closer to touching her heart than any man she had ever met. She felt the tension in him as she nursed him, Adam was near to delirium and all too aware of all the things that mustn\u2019t be said. That combined with his fear for his wife and children, his brother and their wives, prevented him relaxing into sleep.<\/p>\n As the afternoon wore on Adam\u2019s fever steadily mounted despite the cold compresses and the tea Dinah managed to get down him and slowly even his iron will gave way and he began muttering in delirium.\u00a0\u00a0At first he spoke of his children but as the night drew on he lost all touch with reality. Dinah couldn\u2019t make much sense of what he said but she did pick up the overall trend of his thoughts, his fear for his family and his love of them. She slowly came to understand that while she thought she had been using him, he had in fact been using her. For a short time she was furious but slowly she began to see the funny side. She had even more respect for him as she realised just how cleverly he had used her and she compared him with the men who had hired her, the scales were very heavily weighed in Adam\u2019s favour. She knew that she couldn\u2019t let him down and admitted to herself that she had fallen in love with him, not as many women seemed to do but perhaps as deeply as she was capable.<\/p>\n All she could do for Adam was to try and hold him quiet, use the cold compresses and he was getting more and more restless. She was close to sending for Doc again when finally Adam fell into a restless sleep.<\/p>\n Meanwhile at the ranch Ben had been able to cheer up both Carole and his sons with news of Adam\u2019s late night visit. They were all kept busy with the victims of the flu, even with Aleysha\u2019s help.\u00a0\u00a0At least none of them were any worse. Nita and Sue were beginning to show signs of recovery, able to eat a little broth, their temperatures dropping. The children seemed hungry, despite the fever and Joe decided that if they wanted food it would give them strength and so he fed them. He was thankful that his brother had come home to see them, even if only on a flying visit. He had no idea that his brother was the latest victim of the flu, Adam had become so used to shielding his mind from his family, he was still doing it as he fought against revealing thing better kept secret.<\/p>\n Adam had slept for a couple of hours but then he was tossing around very restlessly and Dinah had a job to hold him still. The flu had reacted on his chest and his breathing was harsh and painful. Dinah was very worried but Doc had promised to come back so she decided to wait. As dawn broke Adam opened his eyes. He was aware he had been talking but not what he\u2019d said. He knew there was so much to do that he forced himself to try and sit up but the room swayed round him.<\/p>\n Dinah moved quickly to support him, \u201cTake it easy Adam you have to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo you\u2019re not, you\u2019re burning up. Drink this.\u201d She helped him to sip some tea and then she bathed his face. \u201dTry and rest, you\u2019ve been very restless all night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was talking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes from time to time but you didn\u2019t make much sense, don\u2019t worry about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam relaxed a little and had a drink of water. He kept thinking of all the things that needed doing but he couldn\u2019t even focus so it was a waste of time to try. He let Dinah settle him back on his pillow and she sponged him down which made him feel slightly better. He rested more easily but wouldn\u2019t give in and go to sleep, scared he might again drift into delirium and very worried about his family, he had all too much time to think.<\/p>\n It was after lunch before Doc came back to the hotel. He had been out to the ranch to find all his patients on the mend. Anne was very fretful but he wasn\u2019t seriously worried even about her. She had always been a self-opinionated little madam, and not feeling well was very vociferous in letting everyone round her know it. Marie and Mark were both on the mend although still aching and restless and the three women improving. Hoss was feeling much better and had even insisted on getting up, although just sitting by the fire. He kept his word to Adam and let no hint of his illness drop.<\/p>\n Ben had been disappointed and more than a little surprised when Adam hadn\u2019t reappeared the previous night, He was convinced that his son was up to something and asked Paul if he saw anything of Adam. Paul didn\u2019t like that turn of events and was evasive, \u201cOn occasion, if I see him I\u2019ll tell him that everyone is on the mend.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow about Anne?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat little madam will make everyone\u2019s life a misery for a few days yet until she feels better and has her own mother back, but she\u2019s on the mend. No need to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank God for that.\u201d Ben smiled with heartfelt relief; she had seemed so small and weak.<\/p>\n \u201cI must get back to town Ben. You look as though a rest this afternoon might make you feel brighter. Don\u2019t wear yourself out or you\u2019ll be the next victim.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo need for me to come back unless you\u2019ve any cause for concern. You know as well as I do how to nurse convalescents. Send word if anything worries you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure and thanks Paul.\u201d<\/p>\n When Paul arrived at the hotel, Dinah explained why she was so worried, her patient so restless, delirious, his breathing harsh and painful. Doc promised to talk to her before he left but first he had to examine Adam. He found Adam wasn\u2019t showing any signs of recovery, indeed he was far weaker and if anything his fever was higher than the previous day. At least for now Adam was in his right mind and Doc was able to give him reassuring news about his family. For Adam the best news was that Doc didn\u2019t feel the need to go out again. It cut him off from news but at least it meant he didn\u2019t need to worry. If there had been the slightest reason Doc would have continued his daily visits, the Cartwrights were his oldest friends. Adam relaxed a little at that which eased his breathing a little but it was still ragged.<\/p>\n Doc examined him and then sat back very stern, \u201cYou take any risks at all Adam and this is going to develop into pneumonia and you know what that means.\u201d<\/p>\n All too aware of the crucial work awaiting him over the next weeks Adam promised faithfully to obey all Doc\u2019s orders. Then he asked \u201cIs there any chance of getting someone in to relieve Lady Dinah overnight? She insists I need nursing all the time and she\u2019s going to make herself ill.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc frowned, \u201cWith so many people ill it will be difficult.\u201d Then as he took in Adam\u2019s expression he asked \u201cWhat is the real reason Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I was delirious last night, talking. Di said that I wasn\u2019t making sense but I\u2019m scared to sleep in case I start talking again. Too many things mustn\u2019t be said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to get some sleep Adam, it\u2019s the best, just about the only, cure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know but…..\u201d Adam couldn\u2019t explain but at the thought his breathing became far worse. Doc bathed his forehead and gave him a dose of laudanum. \u201cTry and relax Adam. I\u2019ll find someone you can trust. You rest now.\u201d<\/p>\n It was all that Adam felt fit for and with the drug he did doze off, but Doc knew it wouldn\u2019t hold him for long. Doc went out to join Lady Dinah \u201cHe\u2019s taken it as badly as anyone in town. It will be a couple of days yet before he begins to mend. You can\u2019t cope on your own or you\u2019ll be our next victim. I\u2019ll have the hotel bring a separate bed for in here and I\u2019ll send a nurse to take over during the night.\u201d<\/p>\n Dinah was very tired after a night without sleep and made no protest at that. She took it for granted that a nurse could be found for an important man like Adam Cartwright, no matter how many sick there were in town.<\/p>\n Doc was more worried just where he could find an available nurse, but he knew he had to. He knew Adam\u2019s iron will, he\u2019d seen it demonstrated all too clearly as Adam fought for his youngest daughter. Adam was quite capable of fighting off sleep, for fear of saying anything, long enough to end up critically ill. The only trouble was finding someone to help.<\/p>\n Doc was about to head over to the hospital when Jess came over to him. Dick had thought that Adam looked terrible when he came back from visiting his children and as Adam hadn\u2019t reappeared since, he wondered if he was ill and had told Jess. Jess asked \u201cDoc, have you seen Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy\u201d<\/p>\n Jess shrugged \u201cJust that I wondered if he was alright. Didn\u2019t look too good last time I saw him.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc still hesitated and Jess tried again, \u201cWe\u2019re very close friends Doc and sometimes he\u2019d want me to know, even if his family isn\u2019t to be worried.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc considered the young rancher and the intense anxiety he showed and decided to risk it. \u201cYou\u2019re right Adam has this flu and he\u2019s taken it badly.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess sighed \u201cGuess it\u2019s hardly surprising, he\u2019s been on mighty short rations of sleep for weeks now. Where is he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLady Dinah is nursing him in her suite.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess showed near panic at that and Doc guessed that Jess had a clearer idea of what was going on than he did himself. Doc added, \u201cAdam\u2019s been verging on delirium and he\u2019s scared of giving away more than he wants. He\u2019s asked me to find him a nurse overnight but it\u2019s difficult with so many people sick.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess was very insistent. \u201cYou have to help Doc. I can\u2019t explain but it could literally be a case of life or death. I\u2019d do it or get Liza to, but it would be far better if we can keep out if it. Please Doc you can\u2019t imagine how important it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTake it easy Jess. I don\u2019t know what going on and I don\u2019t want to, but I\u2019ll do what Adam asked. Whatever he\u2019s up to it\u2019s costing enough anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Doc. I only wish I could help more but ….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s one thing you can do. Carole and all the kids except David have flu. Adam is far more worried about them than himself, even though he\u2019s taken it the worst. I\u2019ve been going out to the ranch and reporting back to him but they don\u2019t need me anymore. If I go out again I\u2019m just going to worry Ben and the others but that means Adam can\u2019t get any news. You could drop by and check on them. Let me know and I can tell Adam. One advantage of being a doctor, I can order everyone else out and get privacy.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess gripped Doc\u2019s hand, \u201cOf course I will and thanks Doc, I can\u2019t explain but Adam needs every friend he has just now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get Sister Cecily to look after him, she\u2019ll keep everything quiet and I\u2019ll help when I can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Doc.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole knew that Adam had been once to see the children but not her. She could understand why, with his father there and even in her head understand why he hadn\u2019t been back. However weakened and depressed by flu she found it hard to accept, not having any idea that he was ill.\u00a0\u00a0When Adam cut himself off from his family it affected her too. She found herself snapping at Aleysha and her family when they were only trying to help and to look after her. She apologized to Joe after nearly snapping his head off and Joe sat down on the bed and took her in his arms. \u201cDon\u2019t be silly Carole I\u2019ve had flu, I know just how depressed and irritable it leaves you feeling. It doesn\u2019t matter, my shoulders are broad.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole relaxed in his arms, very fond of her brother-in-law but she couldn\u2019t help wishing it was her own strong husband.<\/p>\n Adam forced himself to keep control all day, not daring even to doze and Dinah was well aware of the tension in him which she couldn\u2019t ease. He was still burning up but meekly took all the fluids she offered, resting with his eyes closed against the light but awake. Adam found it hard to think of anything except his children and Carole, even the court case faded into insignificance in comparison. It seemed a very long time before night drew in and Doc reappeared with Sister Cecily. Adam watched them as they came in and it was a real effort not to allow the relaxation to show as he realised he could finally give in and sleep.<\/p>\n Doc came over and felt Adam\u2019s pulse \u201cA dose of laudanum and a long sleep for you Adam.\u201d he gave Adam the drink and then suggested he settle down, Doc had already introduced Lady Dinah to Sister Cecily and the little old nun had just accepted Dinah, neither condemning nor condoning. Dinah was tired, unused to the heavy work of nursing and she was pleased to leave Sister Cecily to cope and get some sleep,<\/p>\n Sister Cecily expertly remade Adam\u2019s bed after sponging him down and Adam settled back more comfortable and relaxed just to know he could sleep. The sister bent over him. \u201cYou sleep now, anything you say will be as safe as if it were in the confessional.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry I dragged you out but ….\u201d<\/p>\n She wiped his forehead \u201cWe owe you and your family a lot more than a little nursing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy family mustn\u2019t ….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSleep Adam. I told you nothing goes any further.\u201d Adam accepted that and almost as soon as he gave in he was asleep thoroughly overtired and weak. He did talk in his sleep once or twice but wasn\u2019t quite so restless and got some good from his sleep. He felt rather more human in the morning, but when Doc came to collect Sister Cecily he made Adam promise not to attempt to move from his bed for at least a couple of days. He warned Adam that if he pushed too hard now, he would spend at least a couple of weeks flat on his back. Adam had to accept Doc was talking sense and for once in his life he promised to obey.<\/p>\n Dinah was up and she brought in her breakfast to join Adam. He still couldn\u2019t face any food but drank some milk. She thought he looked rather better, not as feverish although still running a temperature. Doc had been reassuring and promised that Sister Cecily would nurse overnight again so she was able to put her best efforts into tending him during the day. Surprise at herself just how much she was capable of doing and perhaps even more that she was enjoying looking after him. Adam relaxed and let her look after him, even enjoying some of her caustic comment about the town personalities. He even felt confident enough that he dozed from time to time.<\/p>\n Doc hadn\u2019t intended going out to the Ponderosa again but late in the afternoon Ben got worried and called Joe and Aleysha in to look at Marie Joe took the little girl in his arms and offered her some milk but fretfully she pushed it away and when it spilt, she began to cry. Joe slowly calmed her down feeling the increased fever in her again. Slowly he persuaded her to open her mouth and saw what his father meant, her throat was very inflamed. Joe gently settled the little girl back in bed and Aleysha looked after her. Ben and Joe left her to cope and went out. Joe sighed \u201cI don\u2019t know I guess we\u2019d better call Doc back. It may be nothing serious.\u201d<\/p>\n Then to their horror Carole came out of her room. Still weak enough to need the support of the wall \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben moved swiftly to support her \u201cYou should be in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy children?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben held her close \u201cEasy Carole. Marie has a slightly inflamed throat that\u2019s all. We were thinking of getting Doc, just to be on the safe side.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole pulled away from him and ran into Marie. Joe followed and found her shaking having had a look at her daughter\u2019s throat. Joe was sure that she was just going to upset the children and he picked her up and took her back to bed. By the time he reached it Carole was clinging to him hysterically, she was convinced that Marie had diphtheria and that she was going to lose her eldest daughter. Weak and ill she desperately wanted her husband and in her hysteria she cried out for Adam. Hoss hurried in from Sue\u2019s room, worried by what he\u2019d heard just as Ben had to slap her face to make her snap out of her hysterical sobbing. Carole clung to Joe, still crying but more naturally, and Hoss stared at them in horror, \u201cPa what\u2019s wrong now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMarie has a very sore throat, temperature up again; send someone for Doc will you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d Hoss hesitated scared by what he\u2019d heard, \u201cIs it?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up \u201cTake it easy Hoss. It\u2019s not diphtheria I\u2019m sure. I got too familiar with it to be wrong. Plenty of things give a sore throat.\u201d He smiled and kissed Carole\u2019s forehead \u201cFlu leaves you depressed ready to think the worst but that don\u2019t make it true.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss turned out to find Kam Ling and send him to tell Doc that he was needed again. Carole slowly calmed down a little and Joe persuaded her to drink some milk which Ben had laced with laudanum. His daughter was too weak to get herself in such state. Joe stayed with her until she slept and then went to join his father and brother. Marie was still very restless but Aleysha insisted that she could cope and suggested the three men went and got something to eat and check with Hop Sing who was looking after the three fit children.<\/p>\n Ben accepted the sense of that, worried about his big son, who still didn\u2019t look very well despite being up and dressed. He could see the signs of strain on both his sons\u2019 faces and he led the way into the dining room where Pak Tsien had food ready. For a few minutes the men ate in silence but then Joe pushed his plate away, still half full. Anger was very clear on his face and alone with his father and brother he could no longer hide it. \u201cWhat the hell is Adam playing at? He knows the children are ill and Carole, yet all he does is one flying visit for half an hour. He should be here. I don\u2019t care what arguments there have been, what reasons he has. Carole and those children need him.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sat back \u201cJoseph try thinking. You know as well as I do, how much Adam\u2019s children mean to him. You watched him nearly kill himself to keep Anne alive.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Pa that\u2019s why I\u2019m half coming round to Hoss\u2019 idea.\u201d Joe looked very bleak \u201cThe only explanation I can see is that he\u2019s going mad.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, \u201cHe was sane enough when he was here. I don\u2019t know why he had to go so quickly but he had reasons he thought sufficient. He was just about tearing himself apart having to leave them; that was very clear. Whatever the reason for his behaviour, it\u2019s more than a breakdown of his marriage and a mistress.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged \u201cEasy to say but what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor some reason Adam doesn\u2019t want us to know but I\u2019m totally convinced he\u2019s up to something and when the time is ripe he\u2019ll tell us and come back to us.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked at his brother, \u201cI\u2019d like to believe that but I\u2019m not sure. What do you think Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSue thought much the same all along, now Pa agrees with her, guess I\u2019m coming round to their way of thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe wasn\u2019t at all sure. \u201cWhatever the reason surely he could at least visit his own children when they are sick. Why doesn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shrugged \u201cI don\u2019t know Joseph but I do know that if there was any possible way to be here he would and that it\u2019s tearing him apart not to be.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe still unconvinced and thoroughly overtired didn\u2019t even want coffee. Instead he went over to his brother\u2019s house to see his own son, Adam\u2019s namesake. He held his son and let him play with his father\u2019s curly hair. Joe wandered into Adam\u2019s study and stared up at the picture of the lake. That picture meant so much to Adam the spot where he\u2019d buried both friends, step-mother, sister and his own daughter. Joe remembered that Adam had taken it with him when they travelled round Europe, remembered so many occasions when he\u2019d been with Adam up by the Lake, some sad but many joyous. Those memories seemed to crystallise Joe\u2019s thought and he talked to his young son \u201cIf big brother ain\u2019t mad and I guess Pa should know, then he plans to come back. He wouldn\u2019t leave this picture if he was going away, he\u2019d need at least that much of the ranch. So if he plans to come back then Pa\u2019s right and he\u2019s up to something.\u201d Ben had followed Joe over and he heard his son\u2019s words, glad to see Joe visibly relaxing. Joe sensed his approach and he met his father\u2019s gaze over his son\u2019s head. \u201cOkay so big brother is up to some ploy of his own. I can\u2019t even begin to imagine what could lead him to act the way he has.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNeither can I Joseph, but unless I\u2019m sadly mistaken we shouldn\u2019t have too long to wait, Whatever he\u2019s up to has been taking its toll. I doubt he can keep it up much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n Before they could discuss it further they had a visitor as Jess rode into the yard. He tied up his horse and came over to Adam\u2019s house, unsure who was around or where. Joe went to let him in, \u201cHi Jess come and have some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe. I don\u2019t suppose Adam\u2019s around?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo he\u2019s in town.\u201d Joe busied himself pouring coffee not wanting even such a good friend as Jess to see the family dissension.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard that you had flu, so I came by to see if there\u2019s anything Liza or I can do to help.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben moved forward \u201cThat\u2019s kind of you Jess but we are just about under control. The patients are all beginning to recover apart from Marie who has picked up a sore throat on top of her flu.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow about my god-daughter?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s recovering well, bemoaning her fate because she\u2019s still uncomfortable but she\u2019ll be just fine.\u201d Ben hesitated \u201cDo you see much of Adam at the moment?\u201d<\/p>\n Jess shook his head, \u201cOccasionally when I\u2019m in town we\u2019ll have a drink but….\u201d he turned away to the window, scared Ben would read more than he wanted from his face. \u201cHe has a lot on his mind.\u201d Jess bit his tongue, even as he spoke but he couldn\u2019t help defending his friend even to his own family.<\/p>\n Jess changed the subject asking after Sue and Nita but with all three girls still in bed there was no way he could ask to see Carole. At least the news seemed fairly reassuring but with nothing he could do to help Jess didn\u2019t stay long.<\/p>\n As he rode out Ben frowned \u201cWhat did you make of that Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust come to try and help, he\u2019s a good friend.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he knew Adam wouldn\u2019t be here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo what? He\u2019d help Carole equally willingly. I think you\u2019re imagining things,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe but I got the impression Jess knows more than we do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat wouldn\u2019t be difficult Pa, we don\u2019t know anything! In fact I guess its likely if Adam is up to something and this is all an act, he must need some help and Jess is his best friend. By the same token if Jess knows he\u2019ll never say until Adam gives him leave.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben accepted that and headed back to Joe\u2019s study to try and clear some work before Doc arrived. With so much upset and illness he was finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate on the routine work but with Adam doing no more than the minimum of financial and legal work, the normal running of the ranch fell heavily on the rest of them<\/p>\n Doc was surprised to get their message but he headed out for the ranch as soon as he could. He prayed it was nothing serious, his old friends already had enough troubles. He went to Joe\u2019s house and as he let himself in Ben came out of the study and Joe in from the kitchen.<\/p>\n Ben said \u201cI\u2019m sorry to drag you out again Doc but Marie has a very sore throat, her temperature up again. Carole is convinced it\u2019s diphtheria, despite anything we can say and she\u2019s been hysterical at the idea. She\u2019s just not well enough for it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s okay Ben I told you to call me back if you were worried. Let\u2019s have a look at the little girl.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben led the way up to the children and Doc sat down by a fretful Marie. Carole had heard his voice and despite legs that really didn\u2019t want to work she forced herself along the corridor to her children. Joe was the first to spot her and he moved swiftly across to help her over to a chair, staying by her, his arm protectively round her shoulder. He could feel the tension in him as she watched Doc.<\/p>\n Doc persuaded Marie to show him her tongue and he felt her glands which were swollen. Then he smiled reassuringly at Carole. \u201cTake it easy young lady. Its certainly not diphtheria. In fact she has tonsillitis on top of her flu. No wonder she\u2019s fretful but it isn\u2019t serious.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole stared at him as though she could read the future on his face and slowly relaxed, he had never lied to her and wouldn\u2019t now. Seeing that Doc turned to Ben to give him details on how to treat Marie. He suggested trying to get her to gargle with salt water, plenty of fluids, rest and in a few days she\u2019d be far better. Then he turned his attention to Carole \u201cJoe why don\u2019t you carry Carole back to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss moved forward and lifted his sister, \u201cI\u2019ll do it. Come on Carole lets get you back to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n Doc shooed them all out once Carole was in bed, saying he wanted to examine her. However once they\u2019d gone he just sat on the bed and took her hand, \u201cTry and relax young lady. You need sleep and rest more than anything else. I promise you have nothing to worry about, all the kids will be bouncing around by the end of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure you are Carole but you have been under a lot of strain recently. It\u2019s taken its toll.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think you do but you must rest.\u201d Doc bit his lip unsure whether to tell Carole that her husband was ill or not. He had promised Adam not to tell his family but his instinct told him that Adam didn\u2019t mean to include his wife. He knew Carole very well and was fond of her; sure she would never let her husband down. He made his decision \u201cCarole I have something to tell you but it must be kept just between us.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole looked puzzled, \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about Adam. Your husband is just like you in bed with flu. That\u2019s why he hasn\u2019t made it back to see you and the children.\u201d<\/p>\n Alarm flared on her face \u201cHow bad is he?\u201d<\/p>\n Doc read the answer to his main question on her face. She was still very much in love with her husband. \u201cEasy Carole he\u2019s like you, sore and uncomfortable, weak and still a little feverish. A couple of days behind you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan you see him Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I can. One advantage of being a Doctor is that I can throw everyone out to examine my patient.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you tell him that the children and I will be fine in a few days? Tell him to please rest and recover, not to try and work, it can wait and lastly tell him I love him very much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I will young lady and I think you know that he loves you and the children very much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes I know Doc. Remind him that it won\u2019t be for long now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope that\u2019s true Carole. Seems to me not only you two but the whole family have paid a heavy price these last weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Doc but not nearly as high as it could have been. Just tell Adam what I said.\u201d As Doc nodded she said, \u201cYou\u2019re sure he will be alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPositive so don\u2019t you start worrying again.\u201d In fact Carole felt much better just to know why Adam hadn\u2019t been round.<\/p>\n Doc made Adam his first call back in town and delivered Carole\u2019s message. Adam was relieved to hear from her and to know that she understood why he hadn\u2019t been able to get back. Doc\u2019s news and Sister Cecily\u2019s presence allowed him to relax and have a good night\u2019s sleep. In fact he slept through until nearly ten the nest day, the longest sleep he\u2019d had since he was first warned of the land grant. He finally woke up headachy from the long deep sleep but his fever was down. Sister Cecily had had to go but she knew he was no longer feverish and left with a clear conscience.<\/p>\n At the house Carole had relaxed enough to sleep well and felt the benefit of it and both Sue and Nita had insisted they were well enough to come downstairs. Joe and Hoss relaxed seeing their wives downstairs and tending their own sons, even if Aleysha and Pak Tsien were hovering ready to help at the first sign of overtiredness. The atmosphere was less tense than it had been for a long tie and after lunch when the girls had gone back to bed for a nap, Ben commented on it.<\/p>\n Hoss nodded \u201cI think I know why but I ain\u2019t sure how.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned \u201cThat don\u2019t make sense big brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt does Joe. We\u2019ve relaxed because somehow we\u2019ve come to the conclusion Adam\u2019s gonna come back, just as normal, sometime. What I don\u2019t know is how I\u2019ve come to that conclusion. I just know its how I feel. He ain\u2019t mad or anything and he\u2019ll be back.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded \u201cI agree I\u2019ve begun to think the same which is weird when you think about it. He\u2019s acting even more out of character, not coming to his children when they\u2019re ill. I\u2019ve seen him too often so desperately worried about them, forgetting his own needs totally in their\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben poured out three brandies \u201cBut that is exactly why we feel this way Joe. We could accept marital rows and a mistress, just. It was always unlikely but it was happening and so we had to accept it, look for reasons. This is just impossible on the facts as we know them your brother would be here, tending his own children. I saw him and I know how much it cost him to pull away and go back to town. No woman, no matter how infatuated he was, would have been enough. He wouldn\u2019t even have gone to Carole, much as he loves her, unless she was seriously ill if it meant leaving his kids. But he did it. There has to be a reason, something we don\u2019t know and if it is sufficient to explain him leaving the children, equally it will explain everything else he has done these last few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded \u201cThat makes sense Pa, but why won\u2019t he tell us, work it out together like always.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know Hoss. I can\u2019t begin to imagine what\u2019s wrong but we can only wait for Adam to tell us in his own good time.\u201d The brothers accepted that and felt more at ease over the whole situation than they had in weeks, able to concentrate on the outstanding ranch work.<\/p>\n Ben was still determined that Hoss took it quietly; although Hoss seemed to have thrown off the flu very quickly Ben didn\u2019t want his big son relapsing. Hoss wanted to get back to the\u00a0West\u00a0Shore\u00a0but Ben insisted that he leave it for another couple of days, the men would cope. Joe knew that it was past time he took a ride round the ranch and collect reports on their far flung operations and with the girls so much better he was prepared to go. The three men settled down to plant the next few weeks work in detail.<\/p>\n Dinah had just finished her breakfast when Adam finally stirred. She took him over coffee, glad to see his temperature was down. He felt cool and his eyes were much brighter. Adam hitched himself up on his pillows and gratefully accepted the cup. He was still weak enough for the room to tend to swim around him as he moved but at least he was able to hide it now and his joints didn\u2019t ache nearly as much. Two more cups of coffee later he was even able to face some food.<\/p>\n Dinah was thankful to see him brighter but didn\u2019t realize just how much of it was an act. She was determined to sort things out with Adam, she had found her feelings for him clarifying as she nursed him and she knew that no other man had touched her heart quite this way. She couldn\u2019t face going on with lies between them. Once Adam had finished eating and refused more coffee she fixed his pillows and then sat down on the bed. \u201cAdam where did you go when you slipped out at night?\u201d<\/p>\n The question out of the blue hit Adam hard, far weaker than he was pretending; he lost all trace of colour and could only stammer \u201cI don\u2019t know what you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n Having started Dinah could only plough ahead. \u201cThat last night after the party, you made very perfunctory love to me with your mind elsewhere and then slipped away for hours, coming back weak and ill.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam licked his lips but stuck to the truth, \u201cI\u2019d heard my children were ill, all but my oldest son. So I went to see them.\u201d<\/p>\n She seemed to accept that \u201cMmm I see.\u201d Adam began to relax but far too soon. She smiled \u201cThat only covers the last occasion, how about the other night\u2019s you slipped out for three or four hours. Where did you go?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared at her in horror, wondering how much Hearst,\u00a0Troy\u00a0and the others knew, scared he had compromised his family. Then his bodily weakness took over and he fell sideways off his pillow in a dead faint.<\/p>\n Dinah was petrified at that and hastily got a damp cloth and wiped his face. Then she tried to force a little brandy into him but it was several minutes before her efforts were rewarded with any success and his eyes flickered open. Dinah kissed him gently \u201cEasy Adam don\u2019t try and talk.\u201d She fed him some brandy and slowly Adam got control of himself.<\/p>\n Dinah was proposing to leave their discussion until he was stronger but she had gone too far for that and Adam grabbed her wrist with surprising strength. \u201cYou\u2019re not going anywhere until you\u2019ve told me exactly what you know and who you\u2019ve told.\u201d<\/p>\n Dinah could see the near desperation in his eye as he fought for the strength to cope with this new complication. Adam felt as though his head was in a steel band and he couldn\u2019t think straight, but somehow he had to or one of the children might pay the penalty for his failure. He did his best to ignore the nausea churning up his inside and forced himself to concentrate and somehow outwit her.<\/p>\n Dinah felt more affection and compassion for him in that moment than she ever had for anyone else in her life and she was determined to help him. She smiled \u201cI promise I won\u2019t run away, but let me go. I think we could both do with another drink. Then I\u2019ll tell you all that I know and what I\u2019ve guessed.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam let her go, physically he wasn\u2019t in a state to do anything else, and if she wanted to she could beat him with one hand tied behind her back just at the moment. Dinah kept her word and brought over fresh coffee laced with brandy. She knew that she was only buying time as she tried to think how to explain to Adam what she believed and why she was effectively changing sides.<\/p>\n Dinah sat down on the bed and took his hand, \u201cTry and take it easy Adam I promise there\u2019s nothing to worry about and I haven\u2019t told anyone anything. I didn\u2019t realize quite how weak you are or I\u2019d have left this for a few days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t leave it now.\u201d Adam protested with an effort, his breathing harsh again with the tension.<\/p>\n \u201cJust listen to me and try not to worry.\u201d Dinah insisted. \u201cI knew you had been out at night, although not where, I guessed at poker games and drink but I know now that I was wrong. I said that when you were delirious that first night that you didn\u2019t make sense and in many ways that was true. But you said enough for me to know that while I thought I was using you, in fact the reverse was true.\u201d<\/p>\n She broke off, seeing the near panic clear on his face and hastily fed him more brandy. \u201cI told you to relax. Let me try to explain and then you can have your say.\u201d She bit her lip \u201cMaybe I ought to try and explain myself first. You see I don\u2019t fit in. I like….\u201d she sighed \u201cI need sex but I don\u2019t like men.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned, very confused, wondering what she was on about. Dinah smiled a little ruefully, \u201cAccording to men women come in two categories. Sisters, mothers and wives, or those fit to be wives and they are chaste obedient and quiet, putting up with the sexual act in<\/p>\n order to bear an heir for their master. The other category are those women you have fun with, mistresses who enjoy sex, but whom you don\u2019t respect. My problem is being born into the first category but by temperament fitting into the second. It\u2019s funny but in this world a man who enjoys sex and is good at it is a bit of a rake and quite admired. A woman who is designed the same way by nature is beyond the pale, and even those men who enjoy her favours despise her. My God I learnt early that this is a man\u2019s world.\u201d She smiled down at Adam \u201cI know you\u2019re wondering what that has to do with anything. Well its the reason that I came in the first place and the reason I have in a way changed sides.\u201d<\/p>\n She fetched fresh coffee \u201cTo keep to chronological order. I had become just a shade too daring, caused a little too much scandal and my loving parents decided that I\u2019d be better out of\u00a0London, or preferably out of the country. They were only prepared to pay my expenses if I promised to mend my ways. I hated that kind of dependence on anyone and I wouldn\u2019t accept the rich old merchant prepared to forget the scandal for the sake of my title and to ally himself with one of the grand families. I was nearly desperate when this offer came up. Enough money invested sensibly to keep me near enough independent for life and all I had to do was to become the mistress of a man, I was assured was fairly personable. Not exactly a new role for me and I was told that if I achieved that I would be sufficient distraction to let them win an important court case. I was told that you were a lawyer and if I could separate you from your family that would be enough. I wasn\u2019t given many other details and even now I don\u2019t know what the case is about, but I have a shrewd suspicion that you do.\u201d She broke off and studied Adam\u2019s face but she couldn\u2019t read anything in it and he simply said \u201cGo on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell I came west as planned and I was warned that you were clever but I have usually found it easy to outwit even supposedly clever men. I guess I underestimated you but one thing was true. You were very attractive. I found it easier than I expected to make you my lover and an excellent lover you are, fun to be with too. I preened myself that I had played my part well, done exactly what was required. My employers were delighted with me and my independence seemed assured.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo what changed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe very last thing that I expected. You didn\u2019t treat me like dirt as so many men had done once they had their way with me. You acted as though you enjoyed being with me as a person, irrespective of sex. To my own surprise I came to like you, even to grow fond of you. I think that\u2019s why when I first noticed you disappearing at night I didn\u2019t say anything. I explained it away to myself that you had a reputation as a very heavy drinker and gambler and you had probably gone to a saloon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you telling me now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOver the last few days I\u2019ve realized just how fond I have grown of you. I won\u2019t say I\u2019m in love with you Adam because compared to many women I don\u2019t think I feel the same emotions, but you are the first person for a long time who has come to matter to me and probably the only man. I listened to your ramblings in delirium and one thing was very clear. You are deeply in love with your wife and you love your children and the rest of your family almost equally. I finally came to realise that while I thought I was using you, in fact it was the other way round. It was a long night and I had plenty of time to think, compare you with the men who brought me here. They didn\u2019t compare very favourably and I knew I couldn\u2019t betray you. You\u2019d beaten me, outwitted me fairly and I couldn\u2019t take advantage of what you revealed in delirium.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t answer, wishing he felt better and could think more clearly, unsure whether she was in earnest or if this was another form of trick. For a minute he was evasive. \u201cJust what are you suggesting Dinah, I\u2019m not sure I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think you understand very well Adam but you\u2019re just not sure if you can trust me or if this is some sort of test. I think you knew about the last one, when I sent for you, dunned for money and without any.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf that\u2019s true how are you going to prove I\u2019m wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know that I can but I\u2019m not asking you to tell me anything. I\u2019ll tell you what I have done and what I have come to believe is your position in all this. You can confirm it or deny it, or just say nothing. Either way I give you my word, what passes between us and what I have come to believe will not leave this room.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam relaxed a little against his pillow and drank some coffee, watching her face closely and with growing interest.\u00a0\u00a0She hesitated, unsure whether to name the men but eventually she said \u201cI think you know the names of those who brought me here. For now I won\u2019t name them, suffice it to say I was brought here to seduce you. I think you knew already why I was here and made it easy for me. There was I understood another woman on the same errand but I was determined you would choose me. I told you I needed the money.\u201d She studied him \u201cYou did know I was here and why?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam just raised his eyebrow but didn\u2019t answer and Dinah went on. \u201cFor reasons of your own I believe you went along with me and allowed yourself to be persuaded to come and live in town. I think you deliberately set up that scene in the office to cause a row with your father. I became convinced that you were playing a part for your family but not for your wife. I get the impression she knows all that you do but what that is I\u2019m not sure. I am sure that you love her deeply and although you have taken me for a mistress it isn\u2019t because of any lack in your marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shut his eyes for a moment, his head pounding, feeling totally confused and not knowing what to do for the best. Momentarily he wasn\u2019t able to hide his feelings and Dinah kissed his forehead \u201cAdam I mean it. I won\u2019t do anything to harm you. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam opened his eyes and hitched himself up on his pillows, studying her face, wondering whether he dared trust her or not. He smiled ruefully, it seemed a little academic at the moment she had apparently judged him all too accurately.<\/p>\n Dinah said \u201cThe only thing I haven\u2019t been able to work out is why you\u2019ve gone along with this charade. I would have thought, from what I\u2019ve heard about you and your family, that you were more than capable of defending yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n She was surprised by the obvious pain on his face and Adam couldn\u2019t help himself \u201cWe can but children can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hesitated and she lent over and kissed him gently. \u201cI mean it Adam, you can trust me. I think we have gone too far not to talk this out now.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam rested back and considered her, she already had enough to lead to disaster if she took her suspicions to her employers. He thought he could see compassion and real affection in her eyes and he had come to understand that she was a woman betrayed by her body but brought up to a high standard of values. Maybe his best chance was to tell her the truth and try to enlist her sympathies. He half accepted that she meant what she said and if it had only been his life at stake he wouldn\u2019t have hesitated but there was a lot more. He was too weak to be very successful in hiding his feelings and Dinah took his hand. \u201cI can\u2019t prove to you that I mean what I say, only time can do that but I swear you can trust me. Why did you go along?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t seem to have much choice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam I told you, you are about the only man I actually like and as far as I am capable have come to love. I won\u2019t betray you. I want to help. My employers are the type of men I like least and I have done all they wanted. It isn\u2019t my fault they underestimated you so badly.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam made his decision, \u201cAlright I\u2019ll trust you. You have guessed all too accurately. I did know, about you and the French girl Suzanne Faur\u00e9, and I chose to go along with my wife\u2019s agreement. You\u2019re also right I love her very much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe rest of the family do not know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo they are not good enough actors; they had to believe it was true. I couldn\u2019t take the risk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou still haven\u2019t explained why.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam swallowed hard, \u201cThat\u2019s very simple. I didn\u2019t dare not to. You said yourself you were to distract me because of a court case, If that distraction didn\u2019t work I was told what the alternative would be.\u201d He closed his eyes to hide the fear but she took his hand \u201cWhat was it Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said my family could look after themselves and so we can but not the children or my wife and sisters.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you saying?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam opened his eyes and met hers. \u201cIf I didn\u2019t get involved with a mistress and all the family dissension that would mean, then the plan was an accident, maybe even a fatal one, to one of the children or one of the women. We have six children out at the ranch, my twin sons are not quite four, my daughter two and my youngest daughter and two nephews all under a year. I couldn\u2019t take risks with their young lives or with our wives. My youngest brother lost his first wife in childbirth; none of us want to live through that sort of pain again.\u201d He saw the shock on her face and slowly relaxed, sure he had made the right decision. She fought to find her voice \u201cI didn\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI never thought that you did, but you can see why I had no choice.\u201d<\/p>\n She went and poured herself a stiff brandy, \u201cAnything I can do Adam. I didn\u2019t like Hearst and\u00a0Troy\u00a0anyway, but I didn\u2019t know they were capable of anything like this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know from bitter experience just what they are capable of. Many years ago\u00a0Troy\u00a0had my youngest brother beaten so badly that he was blind for more than a fortnight, he was only just nineteen. Hearst had me shot only a couple of years ago. They will order killings and never hesitate even if they wouldn\u2019t have the nerve to do it themselves. I know Huntingdon is involved too and he has tentacles all too widely so I couldn\u2019t even send my family to safety.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow can I help Adam? Anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you tell me everything that you know about these men? It might help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d For the next ten minutes she did her very best to comply but apart from a few minor details he didn\u2019t learn anything new. It did at least have the effect of calming Dinah down again and get her thinking more clearly. Everything she said and the way that she said it confirmed Adam\u2019s belief that she was telling the truth. Slowly he was able to relax and think more clearly as for the moment adrenaline was overcoming his weakness.<\/p>\n Slowly as she came to the end of what she could remember he said, \u201cYou realize you hare to keep up the act for them or it might lead to tragedy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know and I will.\u201d She fetched fresh coffee \u201cWhy Adam? What is this court case? I assume you know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes I know. They are after our ranch, a claim based on an old Spanish Land Grant as far as I know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan you win?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll win; the Ponderosa is part of us, all of us. It would just about kill my father to lose the ranch so I have a much stronger will to win than they can possibly have. Anyway I have so many friends who are giving up their time and energy, even taking risks, to help me. There is no way I can lose.\u201d<\/p>\n Dinah kissed him. \u201cAdam you look exhausted, you can count on one more on your side but try and sleep now. Later we\u2019ll think how best to sort things out for now just rest.\u201d<\/p>\n It was all Adam felt fit for but before he closed his eyes he met her gaze and studied her intently as he looked for the truth in her eyes. Dinah felt as though he was looking down into her very soul, she had never seen such intensity in anyone else\u2019s eyes but with nothing to hide she met his gaze, a slight smile on her face. For a minute Adam studied her and then as though satisfied he smiled, gave a slight sigh and closed his eyes and fell asleep almost instantly.<\/p>\n Relaxed, knowing he need no longer act in front of her it was a peaceful sleep and his mind at ease his body was able to get the rest it so desperately needed. When he finally woke up again about 3 p.m. he felt better than he had for weeks and very hungry. Although still weakened by the effects of the flu, he had thrown off the worst effects, his normal strength and resilience coming to his aid.<\/p>\n Adam got food and once he\u2019d eaten, he settled back \u201cYou still mean what you said about helping?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do. Anyone who could even consider harming young children just to win a court case, deserves all they get. What can I do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be a great help if I could work in here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course you can and noone will be checking up on you in here with me, they\u2019d assume the worst.\u201d She smiled at him \u201cjust one thing Adam. Although I know you are in love with your wife, I hope you might still consider some fun. You are a very good lover.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cI feel better Dinah but not that fit yet. As you say we need to keep the image. My only trouble is that I might end up liking you too much but I guess I can take that risk.\u201d<\/p>\n Dinah kissed him \u201cRecover first dear and then we\u2019ll see. Meanwhile can I fetch anything for you?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam closed his eyes, he was trusting her but it was still possible it was a trap and he wouldn\u2019t risk anyone else. There was very little of any use in his office. On the other hand the chance to get on couldn\u2019t be ignored and he decided that the only thing he could do was to collect what he needed himself.<\/p>\n \u201cWill you help me get dressed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam the doctor said to stay in bed!\u201d she said horrified, \u201cCan\u2019t I go?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. It\u2019s not that I don\u2019t trust you but the person who holds my books and papers will only release them to me. I won\u2019t be long and I\u2019ll go straight back to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n Dinah frowned but gave in and helped Adam, he was weaker than he thought and he found he needed her help to get his boots on. He was feeling dizzy, the room tending to swim round him but by sheer will power he made his way out of the hotel, keeping upright and walking straight. The livery stable seemed a very long way away but at least the sheer concentration needed to keep moving made him look very bad tempered and everyone moved out of his way. He had made about half the distance and was beginning to doubt his ability to make the stable, sweat rolling off him, when Dan came over to him. Dan could see that his old friend was ill and forgetting the events of the last weeks, he grabbed Adam\u2019s arm<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the hell\u2019s wrong Adam. You\u2019re ill, flu?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lent on Dan\u2019s arm, breathing heavily everything swimming, \u201c I…..I could do with some help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome in and sit down. I\u2019ll get you a beer.\u201d Dan helped Adam into the closest saloon. Adam sank down at the nearest table, resting his aching head on his hand. Dan reappeared with two beers and looking very concerned \u201cAdam what is wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust flu. I\u2019m on the mend, maybe got up a bit early.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell you\u2019d better get straight back to bed, looks like a relapse to me. Should I fetch Doc?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d Adam said insistently, \u201cDan please don\u2019t tell my family either.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan frowned, \u201cI wish I knew what you\u2019re up to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease.\u201d Adam pleaded \u201cWe have been friends a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou seem to have forgotten that lately.\u201d Dan said with a touch of bitterness, but seeing the evident pain on Adam\u2019s face. \u201cAlright I\u2019m sorry Adam. I\u2019ll do what you want. Is there anything else I can do to help?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had to admit to himself that he was going to be hard pressed to get back to the hotel, let alone go to the stable first. He had to trust Dan; it was only a few weeks before everyone would know anyway. He lent back in his chair, \u201cHave you got paper and pen Dan?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, what newspaperman doesn\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf I give you a note, could you take it to that young kid Dick Langton, works at the livery stable? He can collect some things for me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo problem\u201d Dan said very puzzled just why Adam looked so worried at the prospect. Adam found it hard to phrase an innocuous note, wondering how to get the books that he needed without totally compromising Dick He tried three times but crumpled up each one and put them in his pocket and in the end Dan said. \u201cYou said just now that we are friends. For once I\u2019ll forget I\u2019m a reporter, no questions, no comments. Just tell me what you want and I\u2019ll collect it and bring it back here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u201d Adam rubbed his hand across his mouth unable to think clearly.<\/p>\n \u201cLook I give my word. I won\u2019t tell anyone and I won\u2019t even ask any questions until you\u2019re ready to talk. I won\u2019t even hint at my suspicions to anyone, especially not your family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat suspicions?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat you\u2019re up to something.\u201d Dan smiled \u201cJust give me a note for the boy, telling him what you want and to give it to me. I promise I won\u2019t read it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, events were getting away from him and he felt too ill to fight but he couldn\u2019t help worrying. However he did write a note to Dick asking for several books and the last sets of papers from\u00a0San Diego\u00a0and from Oliver. He handed it to Dan \u201cI have to trust you Dan. Please don\u2019t probe, it could prove fatal.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to threaten me, we\u2019re friends.\u201d Dan said in horror.<\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u201cI wasn\u2019t. Just stating facts and you wouldn\u2019t be the victim.\u201d<\/p>\n Dan was very puzzled but despite his illness Adam appeared much more his normal self than he had for weeks. \u201cYou have my word Adam. I won\u2019t be long. You just rest easy and stay put.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam felt fit for nothing else and he sipped his beer, quietly recouping his strength for the trip he would have to make back to the hotel<\/p>\n Dick was very surprised to see the reporter but Dan had Adam\u2019s note and seeing the boy\u2019s concern, he said, \u201cI am a reporter but more importantly I\u2019m also a very old friend of Adam\u2019s. If you can find what he wants I\u2019ll take him back to the hotel with his books.\u201d<\/p>\n Dick hesitated \u201cI\u2019ll need to go and get them.\u201d He didn\u2019t want Dan to see where he had them.<\/p>\n Dan recognized the problem, \u201cI have to go to the General Store and collect a couple of oddments. I\u2019ll meet you back here in ten minutes if that gives you enough time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s fine\u201d Dick agreed and waited for Dan to go before slipping into his own room. He unlocked the trunk and made a parcel of all the things Adam wanted, carefully wrapping it so that noone could see the titles of any of the books. Dick destroyed Adam\u2019s note as he\u2019d asked and was waiting in the stable when Dan reappeared.<\/p>\n Dan accepted the package and hurried back to the small saloon where he\u2019d left Adam. He half expected Adam to have grown restless and moved but he was still there, half his beer still undrunk, so weak that he\u2019d been barely aware of the passage of time. Dan went over to him \u201cRight I\u2019ve got what you wanted. Now let\u2019s get you back to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can manage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLike hell you can. Come on lean on me I\u2019m stronger than I look.\u201d Dan called one of the ubiquitous urchins to carry the bundle and concentrated on supporting Adam. By the time they reached the hotel it was very obvious that Adam wouldn\u2019t have made it on his own. Even with Dan\u2019s help his legs felt like rubber and his breathing was harsh again, sweat pouring off him. Dan enlisted the assistance of the manager to help Adam up to Dinah\u2019s suite. Dan paid the urchin 50 cents and took the bundle in, putting it on a chair. Then he turned to Dinah accusingly, \u201cHe should have stayed in bed.\u201d<\/p>\n She raised an eyebrow \u201cHave you ever tried arguing with him?\u201d<\/p>\n Dan shrugged knowing she had a point and more gently asked \u201cCan you manage to get him back to bed on your own or should I help?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can manage now. Thank you for bringing him back. I did try to stop him going out.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam opened his eyes, \u201cI am here you two. Stop discussing me as though I\u2019m not. I just need some sleep and I can get myself to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you need Doc?\u201d Dan asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, just some sleep and for you to keep your promise.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will, don\u2019t worry. Sleep well.\u201d Dan let himself out and Adam with Dinah\u2019s help got back into bed, snuggling down willingly under the bedclothes, cold after all the efforts he had expended. He was soon asleep and by mid-evening when he woke up he had slept off the worst of it. He was fit enough to insist on getting his books and to Dinah\u2019s relief begin a little work.<\/p>\n Later in the evening Doc heard from Dan that Adam had been out and in a state of near collapse. Dan thought that Doc ought to check him over despite Adam\u2019s insistence that there was no need so Doc headed over to the hotel. Dinah was pleased to see him as she was still anxious and led him through to the bedroom where Adam was deep in a law book. Adam sighed putting his book down \u201cDon\u2019t tell me Dan\u2019s been fussing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith reason Adam. I warned you it could be very dangerous to push yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine Doc.\u201d Doc grunted and examined his friend carefully. He sat back \u201cWell you seem to have survived this time. I thought you\u2019d agreed to be careful. I warn you, you have been pushing too hard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot from choice Doc but I will be more careful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStay in bed, at least for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright. Doc have you heard anymore from the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll recovering well although young Marie has tonsillitis on top of her flu, so she\u2019s pretty miserable but she\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared up anxiety flaring but Doc met his gaze, \u201cI promise she\u2019ll be fine.\u201d Adam slowly relaxed. Doc got to his feet and confiscated all Adam\u2019s books, piling them up on the dressing table. \u201cTomorrow Adam. You need to rest, no more work tonight, you\u2019ve pushed your luck enough for one day.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was very tired and gave in without protest, settling down. Dinah was glad to see it and thanked Doc for coming. Once she had seen him out she looked in but Adam was already fast asleep.<\/p>\n Adam was awake early and feeling much better but he was prepared to work quietly in bed. He did need to let Jess know the new situation, not daring to put it into writing; he simply wrote a note asking Jess to meet him in the hotel bar the following morning. He asked Dinah to get one of the local boys to ride out and deliver the note. Most of the day he was content to sit quietly in bed and work, slowly sorting out the legal position to his own satisfaction. Whatever else went on he had to have all the facts at his fingertips when it came to court, so that he could answer everything that might come up. Dinah watched fascinated by a side of him that she had never seen. She glanced at some of the books and the notes he made but they were totally unintelligible to her, although she prided herself on a good brain. To her own surprise, she was perfectly content to sit and read a novel, while providing anything that Adam needed.<\/p>\n Adam felt well enough to do a reasonable job at hiding how weak and ill he still felt but the mask was knocked away in the late afternoon when a messenger arrived for Dinah. It was from Hearst and Huntingdon; they wanted to see her as soon as possible. For the first time since she\u2019d known him there was near panic on Adam\u2019s face and for a moment he was too weak to hide either that or the fear he felt. Dinah sat down on the bed and put her arms round him and felt a surge of affection far stronger than anything she was used to. \u201cTake it easy Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think they\u2019ve…..\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRelax will you. There\u2019s nothing wrong. There is no way they can know what we\u2019ve said in here and I gave you my word, you can trust me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuntingdon probably wants to look me over. I promise I\u2019ll be very careful, they won\u2019t get a hint.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam knew that she had to go but he was scared at the idea. He disliked Huntingdon, indeed with his current involvement Adam was close to hating him but he did have a great deal of respect for him. Dinah was clever, as he\u2019d found out to his cost, but with so much at stake he was petrified that she would let something slip. The more tense he got, the worse his breathing became and he was drenched in sweat, feeling absolutely dreadful by the time Dinah got back. She had only been about three quarters of an hour and was horrified to see the state he was in when she returned.<\/p>\n Dinah had the sense to get a damp cloth and wipe his face and then sat quietly by him \u201cIt\u2019s alright, no suspicions. They are very pleased at the job I\u2019m doing.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam stared at her face but what he saw reassured him and slowly he calmed down a little and his breathing eased. Eventually Dinah was able to persuade him to rest.<\/p>\n Dinah had been on edge when she went over to see Hearst now that she knew what was at stake. She was scared that she would reveal her contempt of them but fortunately she had always felt contempt for most men and was well used to hiding it. She found Huntingdon sitting sipping a dry sherry in Hearst\u2019s room. They were pleased with the progress she had made but wanted to know where Adam was as he hadn\u2019t been seen for several days. Dinah relaxed as she realised that they were just worried in case he had gone back to the ranch and quickly put their minds at rest, telling them that Adam was in bed in her suite recovering from flu. Both men moved away from her at that and Huntingdon held a handkerchief to his nose but despite their inclination to get away from her and possible germs they had questions they needed answered.<\/p>\n Huntingdon wanted to know exactly what her relationship was with Adam, and even more important the relationship between Adam and his family, what did he have to say about them, how often did he see them. Many of the anecdotes she told him he had already heard but seemed to need her reassurance. Eventually satisfied he told her to keep up the good work, another month at most was all that was required and she would have earnt her money. Dinah found him very cold and was glad to get away from him, in comparison Hearst seemed easy to fool.<\/p>\n Despite the alarms of the day Adam slept well and when he insisted on getting up and dressed the next morning Dinah didn\u2019t argue. He had a little more colour and at least the world had stopped spinning round him unless he tried to move too fast. He worked quietly for a couple of hours and then had to go down to the bar to meet Jess. Dinah was unsure he was fit enough but she bit back the worried questions and seeing that Adam kissed her. \u201cI\u2019m not leaving the hotel this time. I\u2019ll be fine. Its sweet of you to worry but it\u2019s not necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess had been surprised to get Adam\u2019s note but he did as he was asked and decided to kill two birds with one stone and went via The Ponderosa to get the latest news before seeing Adam. At the Ponderosa Carole, Nita and Sue were just about fully recovered as was Mark, much to his twin\u2019s delight. Anne was still a little fretful but well on the way to recovery and she was in her Mother\u2019s arms as Carole opened the door to Jess. To his delight she held out her arms to her godfather and he took the little girl as Carole led the way into Adam\u2019s study, very pleased to see Jess.<\/p>\n Jess kissed his goddaughter, \u201cShe looks better, how is everyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMarie is still a little feverish with a sore throat; Aleysha is up with her at the moment. The rest of us are fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going into town to see Adam, thought I\u2019d take him the latest news and a note if you want to send one. It will go right into his hands.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a kind thought Jess, I\u2019ll write one in just a minute but let me get you some coffee first.\u201d Carole hesitated but Jess saw \u201cI can ride back this way and bring a reply, or at least tell you how he is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to be a nuisance.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRubbish it\u2019s no problem.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole poured out two cups, \u201cI would be very grateful it seems so long since I saw him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot long now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what I keep telling myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow are things here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0She frowned \u201cI don\u2019t quite know why but it\u2019s a lot easier. The atmosphere has been terrible, so much so that I\u2019ve been avoiding the family but now it isn\u2019t. Almost as though they have guess what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess showed his alarm at that suggestion, \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh not exactly or anything like that, just a vague feeling that Adam is up to something. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s anything to worry about. They all have enough common sense to know if Adam puts on an act like this then he will have a very good reason and that it\u2019s vital for them to go along. Anyway Hoss and Joe aren\u2019t here. Hoss left yesterday to go back to the\u00a0West\u00a0Shore\u00a0camp and he\u2019s not due back for another two and a half weeks. Joe was leaving this morning for a swing round the ranch, check all the operations and pay the men. Barring emergencies he won\u2019t be back for nearly a week.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow about you Carole? How do you feel?\u00a0\u00a0That\u2019s gonna be the first thing Adam\u2019ll need to know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine now, a little low on stamina and I\u2019m going to bed early. Aleysha is staying to help out for a few days but please tell him I\u2019m fine. I\u2019m more worried about him I know he\u2019s had this flu and he\u2019s been pushing himself too hard for months.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll check and I promise you I will tell you the truth. Now why don\u2019t you write that note, say whatever you want it\u2019s going straight to him.\u201d Jess took the baby and his coffee over to the window and left Carole in peace to write. However in the end she only wrote a brief note, there were so many things she wanted to say that they were impossible to formulate in words on paper, so she settled for sending him her love, reassurances that she and the children were all fine, along with a plea not to overdo things.<\/p>\n Jess took the note and with a promise to return that afternoon he headed for town. He was a few minutes later than he had intended reaching the hotel but quickly spotted Adam at a small table in the corner, well out of the way with noone close. At least they would be able to talk without fear of being overheard, but Jess couldn\u2019t help wondering just what was so important that Adam had risked an obviously prearranged meeting like this. As he took two beers over and joined his friend. Jess\u2019 first concern was Adam\u2019s health and he scanned his friend\u2019s face anxiously, \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStill a little weak but well on the mend. I\u2019m just taking it easy for a day or so. It\u2019s good to see you Jess. Sorry to drag you in like this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat doesn\u2019t matter but is anything wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cI don\u2019t think so but events are getting a bit out of my control and I thought it was important that you and the girls knew the new situation.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess was totally confused by that, \u201cWhat on earth do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDinah knows exactly what I\u2019m up to and why.\u201d That blank statement took Jess by surprise and for a moment he could only sip his beer and study his friend, surprised that in view of what he\u2019d just said Adam was apparently so calm. Adam smiled ruefully \u201cI didn\u2019t reckon on flu. I was delirious, said a bit too much and I always knew she was very quick witted. She put two and two together very efficiently.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen surely you have no choice, go home, tell your family and barricade the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo it\u2019s not necessary. Dinah has swapped sides. I told her why I had gone along, the threat to the children and she wants to help, anyway she can.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess wouldn\u2019t meet Adam\u2019s eye, so scared that his friend believed what he wanted to believe and half convinced that Dinah, like most other prostitutes, would sell any man to the highest bidder. Despite his efforts to hide his feelings, Adam knew him too well and he said \u201cI know there\u2019s a risk that I\u2019m wrong and she\u2019s already told Hearst and Huntingdon. She had to go and see them yesterday afternoon, an official command. I don\u2019t believe she told them but I do know the gamble I\u2019m taking on my own judgement. I\u2019ve been wrong before.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess looked up at that, seeing the tension in his friend. \u201cIf you\u2019re sure I\u2019d back your judgement. I\u2019ve seen you proved right too often when we have disagreed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think she\u2019s that good an actress Jess. She was horrified at what they had planned; you could see the contempt in her eyes. Anyway I think she is fond of me in her own way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell if they want to get at anyone they might find it difficult. Reason I was a bit late, I came in via your house.\u201d Jess quickly filled Adam in on the news he\u2019d picked up, firstly on the health of his family and then the future plans, before passing over Carole\u2019s note. He left Adam to read it while he fetched two beers but even so when he came back Adam was obviously moved by his wife\u2019s note and too weak to hide his feelings. Jess gripped his friend\u2019s arm \u201cTake it easy Adam, you\u2019re not exactly fit yet, try not to overdo it.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gratefully took the beer, \u201cI\u2019m okay but my acting ability seems to be at a low ebb. Rate I\u2019m going the whole town is gonna know I\u2019m up to something. You say my family has at least guessed a little, I\u2019ve ended up more or less telling Dinah. Doc knows a little and now Dan does too.\u201d He told Jess what had happened two days earlier and rather ruefully concluded, \u201cRate we\u2019re going I\u2019ll be lucky if it isn\u2019t in the newspaper by the end of the month.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRemarkable thing is that we\u2019ve fooled so many people for so long or rather you have.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re beginning to sound like\u00a0Lincoln\u00a0at\u00a0Gettysburg!\u201d<\/p>\n Jess grinned, \u201cWhat do you want me to do? By the way I promised Carole to ride home via your house, just to pass on any messages.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam considered his friend affectionately \u201cA very direct route, only adds what another 13 or 14 miles!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know I don\u2019t mind Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the nice part Jess I do know and I would be grateful it you took her a note. I miss her more than I can say. I hate this charade and in some strange way its worse now Dinah is helping, I\u2019m scared of hurting her too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeems to me the one taking the biggest burden in all this is the only person you never consider \u2013 yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled but changed the subject and asked Jess to have Liza use the message drop at Elizabeth Bowen\u2019s to put the three Ms into the picture. He wanted to know any hint that Dinah\u2019s new attitude was suspect, or as Jess added silently to himself that she was lying. He assured Jess that although he\u2019d had to reveal a few things such as Jess\u2019 involvement, none of the girls nor Dick were in anyway compromised. Then he concentrated on writing a quick note to Carole, mainly to reassure her that he was fine, recovered from the flu and perhaps more vital to tell her just how much he loved and missed her and the children. Jess insisted on helping Adam back to his room and then headed for the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n Ben was still staying with Nita, wanting to make sure that none of his daughters overdid it until they\u2019d had a chance to recover their stamina. Working in Joe\u2019s study he hadn\u2019t missed Jess\u2019 earlier visit to the ranch, seeing him return in the afternoon he went over to speak to him. Ben made a pretty good guess that Jess was acting as a go-between for husband and wife. When he went in Carole almost guiltily pushed Adam\u2019s note into her pocket. Ben didn\u2019t miss the sparkle in her eyes that hadn\u2019t been there when he saw her at lunchtime, but neither did he miss the effort she made to hide it.<\/p>\n Jess had seen it too and he tried to distract his ex-boss\u2019 attention from her, \u201cI just brought a few things over from Liza\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cForget them this morning when you were here?\u201d Ben said gently and then seeing Jess\u2019 confusion he smiled \u201cAlright I won\u2019t pry but if you should see Adam, give him my love and tell him to come home as soon as he can.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess didn\u2019t know what to say to that and was very relieved when Ben wandered off to play with his grandsons. Carole said \u201cYou see what I mean? He\u2019s guessed something. I\u2019ll be glad when we can tell them exactly what is going on.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess kissed her and then had to get home, he still had a ranch to run, little though he begrudged the time to help his friend.<\/p>\n Margaret had been kept very busy ever since Huntingdon\u2019s arrival. He had his own secretary with him but he was a man and saw no reason to do the more menial tasks such as writing letters when there was a woman around. Most of her work was totally unconnected with their reason for being in\u00a0Virginia City. Both men had numerous other business interests both in common and separately. However one or two were relevant, one to a firm of\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0lawyers, who would handle the local arrangements and others to the land law specialists who would actually handle the court case.\u00a0\u00a0Copies of those letters plus the names and addresses went down to Marcy to drop at the dressmakers. Then came the one thing she had been waiting for, the deed itself arrived, so that Huntingdon and his associates could check it over before it was taken to Sacramento to form the corner stone of their case.<\/p>\n Margaret unpacked it but only had time to read the date and the assignee before Hearst bustled in to collect it. She was on tenterhooks all afternoon as the men first pored over it and them left it on the table while they talked. She was scared Hearst would send it off to\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0that same day before she could get a proper look at it, but her luck was in. As dinner time approached Hearst, as was his wont, told her to tidy up the papers, indicating those papers, including the deed which were to be locked away in the safe. Margaret complied, taking her time and the men had gone down to dinner before she had finished. She locked up taking the key with her but she kept the deed and slipped into her own room. There she swiftly began to make a verbatim copy of the deed but with the preamble in Latin and the stilted language it took her far longer than she had expected. She had intended to slip it back into the safe, before the men came back from dinner but they returned while she was still only halfway through.<\/p>\n Margaret was scared that Hearst might take it into his head to check something on the deed or something else from the safe. He had another key, but it was too late to get the deed back now and anyway she hadn\u2019t finished the copy. She could only pray he had other things on his mind and that she would be able to slip the deed back in the following morning, while getting things out for the day\u2019s work.<\/p>\n Listening hard she was relieved to hear Michelle\u2019s voice coming from Hearst\u2019s room. If Michelle and her husband were in there poker was much more likely than work. Accepting that there was nothing she could do either way, Margaret concentrated on making an accurate verbatim copy and a full detailed physical description.<\/p>\n Margaret had finished and hidden away both the deed and the copy, but although it was late she was far too tense to go to bed. Despite telling herself that there was no point in worrying as there was nothing she could do Margaret couldn\u2019t help listening hard, trying to interpret every word and sound emanating from Hearst\u2019s suite. It was gone midnight when Michelle came out, on her own and Margaret frantically beckoned her over.<\/p>\n Michelle slipped into her friend\u2019s room, taking in the signs of strain and pallor showing so clearly, \u201cWhatever\u2019s wrong Margaret? Does Hearst suspect?\u201d Michelle had drunk quite a lot of wine as she suffered the boredom of being the solitary woman present but she had her wits about her sufficiently to keep her voice low.<\/p>\n Margaret shook her head, \u201cNo not yet. What are they doing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust as always, playing poker. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got the deed, I\u2019ve copied it but it took longer than I expected and they were back from dinner before I could put it back. Sometimes Hearst decides to work and it he goes to the safe and finds it missing…..\u201d<\/p>\n Michelle smiled reassuringly, \u201cHe\u2019s far too drunk to bother and anyway he\u2019s winning, he\u2019ll never stop or let the others do so while that\u2019s true. Huntingdon went to bed over an hour ago.\u201d<\/p>\n Margaret was very relieved to hear that, knowing that Michelle was right. Her knees felt weak and she sat down on the bed \u201cThank God.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan you get it back in the morning?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo problem. I\u2019ll slide it in with the fresh paper and then when I get the rest of the papers out of the safe I can slip it over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive me the copy and I\u2019ll take it straight down to Marcy so she can get it to Adam.\u201d Margaret got it from the drawer and clipped the physical description to it. Michelle hugged the older woman \u201cThat\u2019s marvellous, just be careful putting it back.\u201d and then hiding the papers in her shawl she went to find Marcy. She knew Marcy would still be around even though it was late; she always stayed up all the time her guests were around.<\/p>\n Marcy was delighted and promised to use the good offices of the dressmaker to pass it onto Adam the next morning. She had spent part of the evening talking to the two land specialists who had come with Huntingdon, Haslam and Cullen. Cullen was a cold man, never relaxing<\/p>\n But after he\u2019d left Haslam had got quite drunk and started dropping hints about the big land deal they were going to pull off, provided that fool Mexican didn\u2019t open his mouth too wide. Marcy assumed from what he said that he meant the front man Sauvinet and presumable he was the weak link in the chain. She had already written a note to tell Adam and added it to the papers Michelle passed over before finally heading for bed.<\/p>\n Marcy was\u00a0Elizabeth\u2019s first customer the next morning and she passed over a sealed packet \u201cIts vital Adam gets these as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have a signal; for him that there\u2019s something to collect but I haven\u2019t seen him around for several days. There\u2019s a letter here for you from Liza, maybe that will explain why?\u201d<\/p>\n Elizabeth\u00a0continued automatically measuring Marcy for a dress while Marcy read the most surprising note. It was actually from Jess and was to inform her of Dinah\u2019s apparent change of side. He emphasized that none of them were to take any risks in case it was a trap but also asked them to keep their ears open, anything that gave a hint either that it was indeed a trap of if not that she was under suspicion. It also explained why Adam hadn\u2019t been around in bed with flu, although Jess said he was well on the mend. Marcy read the note twice in consternation. She wouldn\u2019t trust Lady Dinah Marchbrook further than she could thrown her and she couldn\u2019t help wondering if the two men were just succumbing to a pretty face. Certainly she would redouble her efforts to hear what was going on and between the three of them they should be able to find out the truth.<\/p>\n Adam was thankful for the opportunity to work quietly in Dinah\u2019s room, without having to wonder if every sound he heard was someone coming and that he ought to hide his papers. He worked quietly all morning but he was feeling much better and decided it was time that he showed his face around town and give himself the chance to check local news.<\/p>\n Dinah didn\u2019t even try to stop him, he looked so much better but she did offer to go with him, just in case he wasn\u2019t as fit as he thought. Adam took her up on that, it was time he was seen around with her again, just to remind people of the scandal in their midst.<\/p>\n Adam led the way down past\u00a0Elizabeth\u2019s, eager to see if she had anything for him. The sign was in the window and as he had Dinah with him, he went in openly to buy her a new evening bag.\u00a0Elizabeth\u00a0was on her own and hurried over. She took Adam\u2019s hands and studied him carefully. \u201cI heard you had the flu, are you sure you should be wandering around?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine\u00a0Elizabeth. I want you to meet my new friend Lady Dinah Marchbrook.\u201d<\/p>\n Elizabeth\u00a0was a good friend of Carole\u2019s and she acknowledged the introduction coldly. She understood what Adam was up to and knew that he had Carole\u2019s blessing but she didn\u2019t really approve. Dinah recognized the coldness and turned away to look through some patterns, leaving Adam to talk to Elizabeth in private, Elizabeth kept her voice very low so that she wouldn\u2019t be overheard and explained that Marcy had already been in and had not only collected the note from Liza but had left a package for him. She passed that over along with Marcy\u2019s promise that all he asked would be done and then Adam had to leave.<\/p>\n Adam went as far as the telegraph office but there wasn\u2019t anything for him so he slowly turned and went back to the hotel, more tired than he wanted to admit. He would dearly have loved to go home and check on Carole and the children for himself but he had to admit he wouldn\u2019t make it yet. He was nearly back at the hotel when Dick hurrying down the street caught him up. Adam hesitated but seeing that the boy was bursting with news, he suggested that Dinah went on in, that he would join her later. Adam frowned at Dick who was showing all too clearly his own involvement with Adam and that might still usefully be kept quiet.<\/p>\n Dick had got over-excited but at Adam\u2019s frown he remembered what was at stake and moved into the general store to buy some oddments. Adam decided that despite his tiredness he had to find out what Dick wanted and following the boy in he ordered some stores for the house and managed to tell Dick that he would see him in his room in half an hour.<\/p>\n Adam slipped into the back alleys and once he was sure he wasn\u2019t being followed, he headed down to Dick\u2019s room and let himself in. As he did so he found out just why Dick was excited, Jamie had returned from\u00a0Mexico\u00a0and had come to see his law clerk.<\/p>\n Adam was very pleased to see Jamie but still weak enough for even pleasant shocks to effect him. His knees felt like rubber and seeing that Jamie swiftly helped him to a chair,<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cNothing, just recovering from flu. It\u2019s good to see you Jamie and that kid of yours Dick has done a first rate job helping me over the last few weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad to hear it. Now you take it easy and I\u2019ll fill you in briefly on what I\u2019ve found. Your contacts worked, Ramon was marvellous and there\u2019s nothing that can hurt your case. How much it can help I don\u2019t know. How long can you stay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot too long, half an hour at most, but if you give me the papers I can study them later. Just an outline report for now Jamie and make it as short as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n Jamie knew that Adam wasn\u2019t ungrateful just very pushed and he stuck to the real basics, before passing over all his detailed notes. Adam didn\u2019t know how to thank him, in a strange country, not even speaking the language Jamie had done everything he had asked for him and more. Adam wasn\u2019t surprised he\u2019d had great faith in the youngster but it had been more than fulfilled. Jamie could read Adam\u2019s feelings very clearly and he had all the thanks that he wanted, seeing the gratitude so clear on the face of his idol. Adam offered his hand, \u201cJust thank you seems so little Jamie but I hope you know how much this means to me, to all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure and you\u2019re very welcome. What else can I do Adam? I am a qualified lawyer, can I clerk for you, write the notes? I hear that Dick\u2019s been doing some.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam studied the boy so nearly his adopted brother and still little changed from the red-headed freckled urchin so well known to many round\u00a0Virginia City. \u201cTrouble is Jamie too many people know you and I don\u2019t want word getting to\u00a0Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI could keep out off sight at Jess\u2019. You know how time consuming the formal notes are. Make a list of what you want and give me the books and I\u2019ll do them, bring them into Dick and get fresh orders once those are done.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam accepted the sense of that, time was getting short and he could more profitably study the documents Jamie had collected for him than write the formal notes, which nine times out of ten would never be used. \u201cAlright hang on here Jamie. I\u2019ll get myself organized and send the first lot over later this afternoon. You\u2019re right I need the help.\u201d Adam got stiffly to his feet and took the precious documents. \u201cI\u2019ll need you to testify so just be very careful, for all our sakes.\u201d<\/p>\n Jamie smiled \u201cI will. You give yourself a chance to fully recover and between us, they won\u2019t know what hit them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWelcome home Jamie.\u201d Adam squeezed the younger man\u2019s shoulder before hurrying out to return to the hotel. Once there he undid the large package Jamie had brought. It included details of all the Mexican land grants on record in\u00a0Mexico City, including the ones he already knew about along the Californian coast and the one in\u00a0San Diego, which had led to a successful claim. According to Jamie there was nothing that he could find covering the Eastern slopes of the\u00a0Sierra Nevada\u00a0but to his surprise Adam did find a claim registered in the name of Sauvinet. It was for land near Santa Fee and certainly nothing nearly as far north as they were.\u00a0\u00a0Only when he had briefly scanned everything that Jamie had brought did Adam remember the package from Marcy. On opening it he found the copy of the actual deed. Despite all his pleas Margaret had gone ahead and Adam knew that it was invaluable but he couldn\u2019t help being scared that she might have given herself away in obtaining it. The mere thought made him go so white that Dinah who had been sitting quietly reading hurried over and insisted that he had a brandy<\/p>\n Adam reassured her but he was barely aware of what he was saying as he studied the document for flaws. It purported to be a land grant to the same man Sauvinet that had the Santa F\u00e9 claim registered to him in\u00a0Mexico. This was dated rather earlier in 1810 when grants were authorized in both\u00a0Mexico\u00a0and\u00a0Spain\u00a0and might be registered in either according to Oliver\u2019s report. Certainly nothing for this area or that date had turned up in Jamie\u2019s search and he could only await the reports from\u00a0Europe.<\/p>\n Adam read the document twice and was left with the feeling that something somewhere was wrong but he couldn\u2019t put his finger on it. Certainly as far as accepted history was concerned in 1819 the only people in\u00a0Nevada\u00a0were the Indians but that had always been a problem with the land grant. Ben had been one of the earliest white men in the land that was to become\u00a0Nevada. Adam had long realised that the documentation Hearst and company were offering must overset accepted history. The fact that this did came as no surprise. At least he was finally getting firm facts on which to work and that could only help. For now he concentrated on getting the list of notes that he required and going downstairs found one of the urchins to deliver it to Dick at the stable<\/p>\n Eventually about eight o\u2019clock Adam had to acknowledge that he couldn\u2019t do any more, he already had a severe headache, so he packed everything away and took Dinah down to diner. She had earnt it and he promised to take her to the theatre the following night.<\/p>\n Joe had been quite enjoying his swing round the ranch; it was good to be out on his own with just Cochise to talk to, away from paperwork and rumour. Even so he found that word of Adam\u2019s behaviour had spread to the far reaches of the ranch and although most of the hands didn\u2019t dare ask him for the truth of the rumours he could see the speculation in their eyes. A few snide comments were dropped, not normally by their long time hands but by some newcomers, enough to raise Joe\u2019s hackles. By the time he joined Jos\u00e9 up in the high pasture he had begun to lose all the benefits of his ride round the ranch, He was also losing the near certainty that he had had of a reasonable explanation of Adam\u2019s seemingly inexplicable behaviour.<\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 knew that Adam had left home and was living in town with another woman and as ranch foreman\u00a0\u00a0and an old friend he wasn\u2019t dropping hints he was determine to ask outright. \u201cWhat the hell is your brother up to Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe had fended off the casual half queries and ignored the speculative looks but this he couldn\u2019t ignore. He couldn\u2019t answer either because he didn\u2019t know, so on edge and still overtired he did the one thing left to him and lost his temper. He told Jos\u00e9 in no uncertain terms that despite his long term position on the ranch Adam\u2019s movements and behaviour were none of his business. With no way to vent his frustration at not knowing what his brother was up to Joe would have welcomed a fight. However Jos\u00e9 knew him too well and guessed all too accurately that what his friend meant was that he didn\u2019t know either. So to Joe\u2019s annoyance Jos\u00e9 backed off. \u201cAlright Joe take it easy, you\u2019re right it\u2019s none of my business, just that Adam\u2019s my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sat down with a sigh and accepted coffee \u201cI know and I didn\u2019t mean to jump down your throat. I only wish I knew what the hell he is doing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe will have a reason. Adam never does anything without good reason.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah I keep telling myself that but when I try to find out what it is, I end up with bruises and black eyes. He\u2019s not being forthcoming.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe not only friends should mind their own business Joe, maybe brothers should too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s made that abundantly clear, just isn\u2019t like him.\u201d<\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 tried to be reassuring, \u201cHe won\u2019t leave this place, means too much to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope you\u2019re right. I believe that too but…. Oh hell no point in talking in circles, I\u2019ve been doing far too much of that these last weeks. What\u2019s the calf tally? And how are you coping without my expert assistance?\u201d<\/p>\n Jos\u00e9 went along with Joe\u2019s change of subject and even his pretended light-heartedness but he could see that his young friend was still seriously worried about his brother. Joe was very uneasy and he knew Jos\u00e9 could read his feelings try as he might to hide them and he got up to go and make coffee, give himself the chance to cover up.<\/p>\n Hoss was out on the\u00a0West\u00a0Shore\u00a0and alone he too found that his certainty that things would work out was vanishing. He couldn\u2019t help remembering the bruises and cuts Joe had received and the coldness Adam had treated him to. It had one advantage as Hoss tried to bury his fears in work. He had got everything running very smoothly and even the paperwork was further on that it ever had been before. All the men on the\u00a0West Bank\u00a0could see he was troubled and many could guess why, plenty of rumours had reached them of the split in the family. However none of them dared say anything to the big man. In many ways the most approachable of the Cartwrights, he made it very clear that he didn\u2019t discuss his private affairs. Hoss wasn\u2019t sleeping very well and was losing weight, the only consolation was that Ben reported by telegraph\u00a0\u00a0that everyone was just about fully recovered, all the children thriving, even Marie.<\/p>\n Jamie had met Jess several times on visits to the Ponderosa over the last few years and he\u2019d been in touch with him over the last weeks. It had been Jess\u2019 suggestion that Jamie came and stay for a while and work for Adam. Jamie had had no hesitation in accepting. He had waited until Adam sent over the work he needed done first and then packed up and headed for Jess\u2019 ranch. Dick was remaining in town as the go between.<\/p>\n Jess was pleased to see Jamie back and for a couple of hours they chatted as Jamie filled Jess in on what he\u2019d done and Adam\u2019s reaction. Then Jess showed him to a spare bedroom and provided him with paper, pens and two tables to work on. Jamie was determined to make a start, he\u2019d been shaken by Adam\u2019s near exhaustion and wanted to do all he could to help. Jamie\u00a0\u00a0had brought out Jess\u2019 mail and amongst it was a long letter from Johnny Rey. He no longer practiced law but he knew all the lawyers in\u00a0San Francisco\u00a0and Adam had written asking for background on Edward Haslam. Rey knew all about him and had sent a detailed report. There were a variety of anecdotes of Hallam\u2019s sharp practices and suggestions about his possible weaknesses. Rey had no great opinion of him as a lawyer and even less of his moral rectitude. Jess read the letter more than a little amused by some of the barbed comments. He would pass it onto Adam in a day or two when he next went to town. He had seen how much toll the strain was taking on his friend and the risks of being seen with Adam and coming under suspicion seemed less that that of Adam trying to carry on single-handed. Jess was determined to try and get in to see him at least every other day from now on.<\/p>\n Ben found it very hard to settle, he had returned home now that his daughters were so much better but on his own he couldn\u2019t stop thinking about his eldest son. He tried to settle to work but even without Adam the normal ranch work was moving smoothly and there was nothing urgent enough to retain his whole attention. Eventually about 10 p.m. he abandoned all effort at work and pouring himself a brandy he sat down by the fire and thought back over everything Adam had said or done since his return from his unfortunate accident.<\/p>\n Somewhere Ben was convinced that there must be a hint as to exactly what Adam was up to. If there was such a hint Ben failed to find it but he couldn\u2019t help feeling that there was an underlying pattern to his son\u2019s behaviour, other than the obvious one. The one thing Ben did become sure of was that this couldn\u2019t go on. He blamed himself bitterly for what he had said to Adam in town, whatever the provocation and he hated being on such bad terms with his eldest son. About 2 a.m. he made his mind up, he would go to town the following morning and insist that Adam talk to him. He would explain how he felt and apologize for his own behaviour. Even if Adam wouldn\u2019t explain it should be possible for them to return to their own normal relationship. His mind made up Ben went to bed and for once slept well.<\/p>\n On the Saturday Ben put his decision into action and headed for town. Adam was feeling rather better, well enough to work hard and yet to hide just how much it was taking out of him. He wasn\u2019t prepared for the note that was brought in asking him to join his father for lunch in a private dining room at the Washoe Club. Adam would dearly loved to have just refused, he might be able to cover his weakness from outsiders but Ben knew him too well. The only problem with doing so was the knowledge that his father was most unlikely to take a \u2018no\u2019 without forcing the issue. Adam was too aware that Hearst was having him watched and the last thing he needed was a report to go in that he was back on good terms with his father. Torn in two, not sure which way would lead to the least disastrous scenario, Adam gave in and accepted the invitation, praying he was doing the right thing. He found it hard to settle back to work, knowing that he had to somehow force another argument with his father, little though he wanted to.<\/p>\n Adam was almost glad when it was time to go over to the Washoe Club. Dinah had seen his tension and she put her arms round him and kissed him but she couldn\u2019t think of anything to say and wisely said nothing.<\/p>\n Ben was waiting for him and had already ordered food, wine and brandy so that they could talk without being disturbed. He was determined not to allow himself to lose his temper, whatever Adam said and as his son walked in, Ben started by thanking him for coming.<\/p>\n Adam shrugged offhandedly, he had to try to put Ben off and the easiest way was to get him annoyed. Adam did come over and sit down and Ben studied his face in sudden concern<\/p>\n \u201cAre you ill Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou look very pale and drawn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf all you\u2019re going to do is fuss, I\u2019ll leave now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow is everyone at home? Recovering I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFlu seems to have about run its course on the Ponderosa anyway. Carole and the children are just about fully recovered and so are Sue and Nita. Your brothers are both out, Joe doing the swing and Hoss on the\u00a0West\u00a0Shore. No more cases amongst the hands for several days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d Adam had decided to allow his father to do the talking, initially at any rate and he was sticking to monosyllabic answers where he could.<\/p>\n Ben found it heavy going, all too many subjects were taboo between them, a position he wasn\u2019t used to where his sons were concerned. Eventually as Adam pushed the food away and poured himself more wine Ben decided to go straight to the point. \u201cReason I asked you to meet me was to apologize. Last time we met here I lost my temper and said a lot of things I didn\u2019t mean and have regretted ever since.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam just raised an eyebrow at that, certainly his Father had lost his temper but what he\u2019d said had been very accurate and he wasn\u2019t convinced Ben didn\u2019t still mean them.<\/p>\n Ben noticed the reaction but he was determined not to let Adam get under his skin this time and he ploughed on. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re up to Adam but I am sure it\u2019s something very different from the obvious. There are only the two of us here, please won\u2019t you explain. You\u2019ve carried this, whatever it is, alone for too long and the strain is beginning to tell, you look really ill.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVivid imagination\u00a0Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave I Adam? I\u2019ve known you for 36 years and I think I know what you are capable of. You once told Joe not to tell lies, because he wasn\u2019t very good at it. I think for some reason you have become very adept at lying recently.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks a lot Pa! Is that why you came, to apologize and then call me a liar?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat else should I call you Adam? Either a liar or you\u2019ve become a drunk, a gambler and a philanderer. I don\u2019t believe that anymore. It was a very convincing act but ….\u201d<\/p>\n Adam interrupted sure that this had gone far enough. If Ben was to even hint to outsiders what he was saying in here, the all too accurate reading of events could still lead to disaster. If he couldn\u2019t make Ben lose his temper then he would have to. He came to his feet, downing the brandy he\u2019d poured in one, \u201cThat\u2019s enough. You say you came to apologize and then you call me names. Well I don\u2019t have to stay and listen, a few drinks and I\u2019m a drunkard, one mistress when my marriage is over and I\u2019m a philanderer, oh thanks a lot Pa. Keep your moralizing, I don\u2019t need it. Try it on Joe and Hoss; they\u2019re still under your thumb. I\u2019ve finally grown up, found my freedom and I intend to keep it!\u201d\u00a0\u00a0With that Adam slammed out, far too weak for the sort of strain Ben had put on him. His only thought was to make it back to his hotel room before he collapsed. White with tension, to the intrigued bar it looked like fury and that was the report that went back to Hearst.<\/p>\n However Ben knew his son far better and he was even more convinced that he was right. There hadn\u2019t been any real anger in Adam\u2019s voice and certainly none in his eyes; it was an act he was putting on. As far as Ben could see the only possible reason was Adam\u2019s fear that his father was getting too close. Whatever the reason Adam thought it was vital and Ben would go along for a little longer but before he left town Ben hunted out\u00a0Roy\u00a0and Dan wanting the latest gossip and still convinced that his son was ill.<\/p>\n Ben found Dan in his usual; seat at the Place and put the reporter on the spot with a direct question \u201cDan have you any reason to believe that Adam is ill or has been recently?\u201d<\/p>\n The delay as Dan tried to formulate an answer, that wouldn\u2019t betray Adam without lying to Ben, was answer in itself. Dan acknowledged that with a grin. \u201cAlright I give in. he asked me not to say. He\u2019s had this flu, quite badly according to Doc and he got up too soon and was just about collapsing on the street. I helped him back to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat explains why he looks so pale.\u201d Ben said with satisfaction, It also explained why he hadn\u2019t been back to see the children. Having seen for himself that Adam was over the worst Ben was glad to know the reason. He pressed Dan for any other information but Dan had nothing new. Adam was living with Lady Dinah but the scandal was becoming yesterday\u2019s news. When Ben dropped in on\u00a0Roy\u00a0he didn\u2019t gain anything extra and decided that having got nowhere with Adam he would try the other half of the partnership, sure that Carole knew more than she was saying.<\/p>\n Carole was surprised to see her father-in-law halfway through a Saturday afternoon and for a moment alarm flared, but it was obvious that Ben was in too good a mood for anything to be really wrong. After placating the children Ben asked her to come into the study to talk. Then he gripped her shoulders \u201cCarole this had gone on long enough. I saw Adam in town today and he\u2019s beginning to look ill, tired and is obviously under considerable strain. I don\u2019t believe anymore in this act you two have been putting on for everyone. There\u2019s a reason for all this and I believe you know it. Its past time you told me, he can\u2019t go on like this.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole bit her lip, she wanted to turn away but Ben wouldn\u2019t let her. She\u2019d have loved to tell Ben everything but that had to be Adam\u2019s decision and Ben\u2019s presence here meant Adam wasn\u2019t ready to talk yet. She had promised her husband her backing and she took refuge in her shell \u201cI don\u2019t know what you are talking about.\u201d She consoled herself that if Liza was right, it could only be another two weeks at most and whatever the strain, she\u2019d back her husband to cope.<\/p>\n Ben had to admit defeat and he went on home, even more convinced Carole knew what her husband was up to, but respecting her for keeping his secret.<\/p>\n Adam was completely exhausted by the scene with his father and it was a real effort to try and study the drafts of grants, which Jamie had copied, looking for patterns, flaws in the Sauvinet deed. He paid particular attention to the later grant to Sauvinet, comparing it in detail with the copy Margaret had obtained. The two were strikingly similar, too similar he became convinced. He tried other comparisons but no two land grants that he could find were so alike. That discovery with its implications was enough to ward off tiredness and he continued with the detailed comparison until nearly eight. Then Dinah reminded him that they were going to the theatre.<\/p>\n Adam would willingly have foregone that but he had promised and it was time he flaunted her in public again, so he went to change. At least the play was light-hearted, an adaptation of Rip Van Winkle by the popular playwright Dion Boucicault, which Adam\u2019s old acquaintance David Belasco had put on. David had invited Adam for a meal afterwards with the stars and not wanting to turn the youngster down Adam had accepted.<\/p>\n Dinah enjoyed the meal and all the attention she got but Adam was moving through the evening just about mechanically, Tired out it was as much as he could do to keep his eyes open and make a pretence of polite conversation. When the party finally broke up about 2 a.m. he needed Dinah\u2019s support to get back to the suite. Luckily she was stronger than she looked and managed to get him there and through to the bed. Adam collapsed on it without even undressing and was fast asleep instantly. Dinah pulled his boots off and loosened his belt, but otherwise just covered him and let him sleep. She had been able to see his growing exhaustion all evening. She smiled down at him while she undressed, wondering why this behaviour endeared Adam to her, when in any other man it would have infuriated her; leaving her high and dry, not fulfilling their only real function in her life that attention at the end of the evening.<\/p>\n Dinah left him to sleep late but even so Adam was up soon after nine and having done an hour\u2019s work insisted on escorting her to church, just to ensure they were seen. On the way back Dick intercepted then and passed over a note before hurrying back to the stable.<\/p>\n Adam waited until they were in the privacy of the suite before undoing the note, in fact there were two separate notes. The first from Jamie and Jess to say that Jamie had finished the first set of notes and wanted the next and as Jess was coming to town he suggested sending them home with his host. Jess had added a rider to say that he would be in the Bucket O\u2019Blood and wanted to talk. The second note was from Michelle to say that Sauvinet, and the two lawyers were leaving that afternoon for\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0to put the initial details of the claim in front of the court. Adam considered that carefully, it would take two or three days for the writ to be produced in a case this elaborate and probably a couple of days for it to be served this far from\u00a0Sacramento. He estimated that by the end of the week the writ would be in his father\u2019s hands and the final acts would begin. There was still so much to do and so many people he hadn\u2019t heard from that Adam couldn\u2019t help being on edge but on the other hand he was glad it was coming to a head. The nine weeks since he\u2019d first heard of the threat felt like an eternity.<\/p>\n Adam kissed Dinah but explained that he had to meet someone. He promised not to be very long and headed down to the saloon. Jess had a corner table and was sipping beer chatting desultorily with one of the girls who had worked with Liza. She left as Adam came over and<\/p>\n Jess considered his friend accusingly, \u201cYou\u2019re tired out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t start Jess, What do you have for me?\u201d<\/p>\n Jess passed a package to him under the table \u201cThese from Jamie. He\u2019s working real hard that kid, eager for more.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam passed over the second list of questions he wanted filled out along with Oliver\u2019s notes, which only needed the full texts appended. Jess tucked them away and passed over Rey\u2019s letter and two from lawyers in\u00a0New York, men Adam had trained with, who had willingly sent him word on Cullen. Adam yawned as he sipped his beer but he did remember to warn Jess that his Father was on the rampage. He was close to the truth and looking for confrontation and details. Having failed with Adam, his son predicted he would try first Carole and when he failed with her he might try Jess. Adam was more concerned that his father would spot Jamie than that Jess would give anything away. Jess told him to stop worrying he\u2019d set up an early warning system for visitors, even if some of his hands were beginning to think he\u2019d taken leave of his senses.<\/p>\n There was nothing else urgent and Jess had to get back but at least Adam seemed in reasonably good spirits albeit thoroughly overtired. Jess promised to drop by on Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest. Adam knew exactly why Jess was coming to town so often but isolated from his family he was very grateful for his friend\u2019s company and made no attempt to dissuade him.<\/p>\n Monday brought confirmation that the case was now before the court in the form of a telegram from Liza Campbell. Seemingly innocuous she had sent it straight to Adam, just saying \u201cIt begins.\u201d Adam was glad to know and after a solid days work he spent part of the evening entertaining Dinah in the way she liked best. He found it far harder now that she knew the truth but Dinah was a very willing participant and ensured he had no real problems.<\/p>\n The following morning Adam got a note asking him to attend a special meeting at the Bank of Nevada. At first he cursed it and then realised the note was from Tony Canmore and making his excuses to Dinah who was still in bed, he went over hopefully. Adam wasn\u2019t disappointed, only Tony was there, he had arrived back late the previous night from Santa F\u00e9 and he was very pleased with himself. Sauvinet was well known round Santa F\u00e9 and not much liked. He had a reputation for welshing on bets and on friends. Attractive to women, he used them but didn\u2019t help if they got into trouble. More relevant and important to Adam he had twice been in trouble with the law. Once for fraud, when the case was finally dismissed as his Uncle had made restitution and the other time for perjury. He and two other men had tried to lie about the rape murder of a young girl. The three men had tried to pin the murder on an innocent man to get their own friend off. It hadn\u2019t been entirely clear just how involved the three perjurers were, rumour said they were rapists and murderers too but they bought enough time for the real killer to escape to\u00a0Mexico, before proof that they were lying was brought before the court. An irate Judge had sentenced them all to a year\u2019s hard labour for that but again Uncle had bought Sauvinet off.<\/p>\n Adam was delighted with Tony\u2019s efforts all fully documented and it should be no problem with that ammunition to discredit Sauvinet as a witness, Tony passed over all the papers and then joined him in a celebratory drink. Adam was delighted his case seemed to be coming together although he was still anxiously waiting for word from\u00a0Europe.<\/p>\n Joe had everything running so smoothly round the ranch as he tried to forget his worries in hard work that on Wednesday he decided to take a day off. He planned on taking the girls into town, they all deserved a break and he wasn\u2019t in the mood to take no for an answer. Driving the surrey he escorted Nita, Sue and Carole in, leaving all the children in the care of their respective housemen. Hop Sing had come over to help Kam Su for the day and as Joe said all four Chinese were going to be very disappointed if they reappeared before suppertime<\/p>\n Carole hadn\u2019t really wanted to come, she had been avoiding town since Adam moved out but she found it impossible to refuse Joe when he was in that mood and she did have some shopping she needed to do. Joe sensed her unease and did his best to keep things light-hearted as they drove in. Carole fell totally silent as\u00a0Virginia City\u00a0came into view, so much of it dominated by buildings Adam had designed, his presence was almost palpable. She wasn\u2019t even sure if she wanted to see him or not, it had been so long, but here under their opponents\u2019 eyes they would have to act. Adam had proved that he could do so for weeks but thus far she had only had to act for the family and was scared that she\u2019d let him down in town.<\/p>\n Sue felt her tension and moved slightly closer trying to reassure her sister. Carole read the compassion in her eyes and relaxed a little, warmed by it even if Sue had no real idea what was going on. Then all too soon they reached town. Joe pulled up by the General Store and helped the three women sown. All of them had shopping to do and Joe was quite happy to carry things for them. The morning passed swiftly and Joe led them over to one of the smaller hotels for lunch, not risking the International while Adam was staying there. Over lunch the women planned their afternoon mainly involving material for baby clothes and a visit to the dressmakers for the latest patterns. Joe was happy to escort them over but proposed to leave them to it while he did some routine business at the stockbrokers and the bank. Sue wanted to slip into the hospital and see her old friends for a few minutes, so having dropped Nita and Carole off Joe took her over there, promising to collect her once he\u2019d been to John Marye\u2019s. Unable to help himself Joe looked in his brother\u2019s office but Adam wasn\u2019t there and almost relieved Joe headed upstairs.<\/p>\n Thus far there had been no sign of Adam and Carole wasn\u2019t sure whether to be pleased or not but when Joe returned Nita was still busy and only Carole was ready to go to Elizabeth Bowen\u2019s. Frowning Joe muttered about women and shopping but none of them took any notice so he escorted Carole down to the dressmaker\u2019s promising to come back for his wife.<\/p>\n The timing couldn\u2019t have been worse. Adam had no idea that any of his family were in town but after working hard all day he had packed up for a while and fulfilled a promise to escort Dinah over to see Elizabeth who was making a lacy white evening gown for Dinah. Dinah had had this strange urge for something almost virginal. Approaching from opposite ends of town and with the usual heavy crowds neither couple were aware of the other until they virtually collided in front of the dressmaker\u2019s. Even then Dinah couldn\u2019t understand the sudden tension in Adam as he faced the beautiful brunette with her handsome escort. Dinah eyed Joe and was quite taken by his looks if she hadn\u2019t already got Adam she might have been tempted. Carole had never seen the woman Adam was sleeping with and she hadn\u2019t wanted to but as she took in the sensual beauty she couldn\u2019t help the stab of fear that Adam might be more involved than he wanted to admit and she blushed deep red. Both brothers were very pale, neither wanting this confrontation but as Adam went to walk past Joe grabbed his arm. \u201cYou can\u2019t just ignore us Adam. For God\u2019s sake this is your wife!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam icily calm, removed Joe\u2019s hand, \u201cI know that, but the middle of\u00a0Virginia City\u00a0is not the place for discussions. Be more to the point if you remembered your own wife. Now excuse us we are busy.\u201d and without so much as another glance at Carole he led Dinah into the shop with ostentatious care.<\/p>\n Joe was fuming but Carole close to tears, even though she knew Adam had no choice, very quietly asked to go home. Joe could see that she was upset with every reason as far as he was concerned and he quelled the desire to go in and teach his brother a lesson, partially because he knew he couldn\u2019t do it. He very gently led her back to the surrey and then drove along the street to collect first Nita and then Sue. They were surprised but one glance at Carole was enough to suggest a reason.<\/p>\n Carole sat in silence, her shell up again and so obviously impenetrable that the other three respected her silence and let her off at her own house. Joe promised to bring her shopping over later once he\u2019d unpacked and then headed for his own house. Only then could Sue and Nita succumb to their inevitable curiosity and ask exactly what had happened. Joe told them, still furious with his brother, who could publicly snub his wife like that. The three vented their anger in discussion but it didn\u2019t really help.<\/p>\n In town Dinah hadn\u2019t really needed Adam\u2019s murmured explanation \u201cUnfortunate. My wife and my youngest brother Joe.\u201d She wasn\u2019t entirely sure just how real the icy calm was either but\u00a0Adam couldn\u2019t let her know just how much that had hurt. He turned her over to Elizabeth and collected a couple of small items waiting for him before settling down in a chair to all intents and purpose a gentleman of leisure with absolutely nothing on his mind.<\/p>\n Word of the confrontation spread rapidly and Hearst was delighted to hear that Adam had snubbed both his wife and his brother. Everything was working just as he\u2019d planned and in a little over a fortnight the Ponderosa would be his. More important the infernal Cartwrights who had dared to defeat and to judge him, would be ruined, not only their precious ranch removed but their precious family ties broken.<\/p>\n Adam managed to keep up the act until he had delivered Dinah back to the hotel but then he suddenly announced he had to meet someone and turned on his heel, leaving her startled.<\/p>\n Adam went down to the stable first to see if Jess had done as he planned and come to town. For once he was in luck Jess was closeted with Dick passing on some orders from Jamie. Jess took one look at his old friend and asked Dick for the use of his room. Dick nodded and let himself out and then Jess made a quick hunt finding a bottle of brandy and pouring Adam a large one. \u201cDrink that and explain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing to explain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCome on Adam this is me Jess! Remember I know you and something has happened to just about tear you apart. You need to talk, let off steam. Remember you warned me that would be my major role in this business.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam relaxed a little and buried his face in his hands. Adam moved behind him and gripped his shoulders feeling the tension, \u201cEasy Adam just tell me what happened\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing really.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure you get this uptight crossing the road, the traffic\u2019s murderous lately!\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled at that and relaxed a little, \u201cAlright but really it was just bad timing.\u201d He explained what had happened and the little that had been said.\u201d I just hated having to treat Carole like that, pretend I didn\u2019t care.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can imagine old son but she knows you don\u2019t mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI remember you once told me that your Pa had pointed out Carole was equally as strong and able to bear things as you are. Seems to me you agreed. How many times over these last weeks have friends and family looked at you, treated you in a way that hurts?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve asked for it quite deliberately, planned for that reaction.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure I know that, but don\u2019t tell me it don\u2019t hurt. You have survived, Carole will do the same\u201d Adam had to admit Jess was talking sense and slowly he relaxed. Eventually he looked up and smiled, \u201cYou\u2019re good for me Jess. I couldn\u2019t have got through this far without you.\u201d<\/p>\n Feeling rather better Adam turned his attention to work bringing Jess up to date sp that he could pass it onto Jamie.\u00a0\u00a0The precise legal details Jamie needed were just what Adam needed to complete his regaining his composure. Jess was glad to see it although he personally found all the legal trivia very boring.<\/p>\n It was nearly two hours before Adam finished and he was amazed how late it was and hurried back to the hotel. Dinah had seen the tension in him and she was surprised to find him back so relaxed. Adam firmly put away his papers and took her out to dinner; he was far too tired to work constructively and knew that he needed a break. Things were coming to a climax fast now and Adam was on tenterhooks waiting for the writ to be served.<\/p>\n All day Thursday Adam waited finding it hard to settle to work. Most of the basic study on the documents that he already had was done and he didn\u2019t want to formulate his precise case until he\u2019d seen the writ and heard from\u00a0Europe. There were still several minor notes to be made but he found it hard to concentrate<\/p>\n Dinah surprised herself by helping him, supplying food and drink and making out neat copies for him. Even more amazing she was enjoying it.<\/p>\n Adam had estimated Thursday was the earliest the writ could be served and as it would be served on his Father, it would take time before he heard. As the evening dragged on without word, he could only assume he had underestimated the time it would take to get the writ out.<\/p>\n Eventually he packed everything away and took Dinah to bed, She deserved something for her unstinting support.<\/p>\n Later as Dinah curled up next to him she said \u201cI\u2019m going to miss you Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll miss you too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe but you\u2019ll go back to your wife, the one woman you really love. She\u2019s very beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think so,\u201d Adam said softly and then noticing the pain on her face, he added, \u201cSo are you my dear.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe now but I\u2019m not a very nice person and in time that\u2019s going to show.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned on hid side and cupped her face in his hands, \u201cDon\u2019t underrate yourself Lady Dinah. You have proved yourself something very special these last few days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s you Adam. I\u2019m scared that when I leave you I\u2019m going to revert to the hard headed bitch I was becoming.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll never do that Di. Give yourself some credit. It would have been far easier to give me away. I haven\u2019t been much company recently.\u201d<\/p>\n She laughed ruefully, \u201cI\u2019ve enjoyed it Adam. If anyone had told me I would I\u2019d have laughed but I was so bored with the social round. These last few days I\u2019ve felt useful, maybe for the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen carry on.\u201d Adam said quietly. \u201cFind some thing that you can enjoy, a job of some kind. You\u2019re far too intelligent to do nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not the done thing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you really care about that; be yourself. Force the world to accept you on your own terms. Maybe in time you\u2019ll find a man you can really share your life with, but until then fight for what you want. Don\u2019t let the world say you can\u2019t do anything just because you were born a titled lady.\u201d<\/p>\n Dinah looked at him in amazement, it was such a novel idea, although rebelling in some ways she had never thought of challenging that particular rule of her society.<\/p>\n Adam pressed, \u201cWith the money Hearst pays you you\u2019ll have some independence and I owe you more than I can ever repay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d she said in horror.<\/p>\n Adam grinned \u201cI am a very wealthy man Di. I can match Hearst\u2019s offer out of one month\u2019s dividends from one mine and still have money left.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t owe me anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think I do, without your support, if you\u2019d gone to Hearst, I could have lost so much. I\u2019m not trying to buy that support I know I don\u2019t have to but is there anything to stop me giving a friend a gift.\u201d He smiled down at her and she could see the sincerity in his eyes.<\/p>\n Dinah clung to him and for a moment wished that things were different, Carole non-existent and she could have him permanently. Still she was honest enough with herself to know she could never stay in this isolated mining time even if it meant having Adam. She knew him well enough to know he wouldn\u2019t leave.<\/p>\n Adam held her close and then took the opportunity to bring up something that was worrying him. \u201cHearst is going to know that\u2019s he\u2019s been tricked as soon as I open my mouth in court. I don\u2019t want you around where when that happens.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe can\u2019t blame me. I\u2019ll have been fooled too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive him a few days and he\u2019ll accept that, he won\u2019t be able to believe you were astute enough to see something that he didn\u2019t, but in the first day or so he might just hit out viciously.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you suggest?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam said \u201cHas he any plan for you leaving?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHasn\u2019t said anything to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell next time you see him why not suggest that as I\u2019m getting so dependent on you that before his court case comes up you should vanish. Tell him that that will be certain to upset me, distract me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt makes sense.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt would also get you paid and out of the area before he finds his mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t just leave without finding out how you got on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can telegraph to you anywhere, if you let me know where you\u2019re going.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t just burst in on Hearst.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo but once the writ is served I\u2019m guessing he\u2019ll want you to go and see him, tell him my reaction.\u201d That made sense to Dinah and she promised to do as Adam asked but then she began silently crying. Adam slowly became aware of it and gently wiped the tears from her face \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter Di?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe case comes to court in ten days or so?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs far as I know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll have to leave in about a week. I know you\u2019ll be glad when it\u2019s all over and for your sake I\u2019m glad, but it\u2019s been an idyllic time for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t think of anything to say, he\u2019d hated what he\u2019d had to do these last weeks and it had seemed never ending. Another week was far too long for him and she knew that. He wouldn\u2019t lie and all he could do was to hold her close and let her cry herself to sleep in his arms.<\/p>\n Adam was almost relieved when he learnt that things were finally moving. Dick sent a letter over to the hotel to say that a man had come off the morning train from\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0and come straight to the livery stable, hiring a horse and asking for instructions to find the Ponderosa. Dick had got him talking and the man said that he had legal papers to serve. Dick could guess what those papers were and immediately sent word to Adam. Adam was relieved to know that it was on its way but he still had to wait until his father sent word to him. The quickest way to pass the time was to work but he found it hard to settle, knowing that he would have to do the best acting job he ever had if he was to convince his family that this was as big a shock for him as it would be for them. For a few more days they needed to remain in ignorance. He was planning on moving everyone to the safety of John\u2019s ranch in a week\u2019s time and would have to tell them the whole story the day before. Until then he needed to keep up the pretence. Hearst and his men would be keeping them under even tighter surveillance now that the writ was served. Slowly he settled to work, forcing himself to concentrate, this might be his last real opportunity. Over the next few days he would have to be seen making orthodox moves, most of which he had long since covered.<\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t expecting trouble; he was overseeing the breaking of some horses to fulfil a contract with the army. Joe had gone up to the sawmill to check with Jack Catfish and was planning to join his father that afternoon to go over the accounts. Even when Ben saw a stranger in town clothes riding into the yard, he didn\u2019t expect any trouble. He went over to join the man who asked \u201cBen Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s me. How can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m serving this writ.\u201d And he passed over a large impressively sealed envelope. \u201cTo be answered in front of Judge Harris in\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0on Monday 11th<\/sup>\u00a0June.\u201d He passed over another paper. \u201cPlease sign to show that you have received it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know Mister. My job is just to serve them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is\u00a0Nevada\u00a0not\u00a0California.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRead the writ, maybe it explains. Or go see your lawyer. I\u2019m just doing my job.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben signed the paper and went inside thoroughly puzzled. He sat down ay the desk and undid the writ. At first as he read it he couldn\u2019t believe it. He wondered if it was some elaborate joke, a Spanish land grant in\u00a0Nevada! Ben had been there since the very beginning, known it as a territory and then as a state and he had never heard of such a thing. A careful study of the document itself seemed to dispel that idea. It was official and he had been given a bare ten days to fight this claim on his precious ranch.<\/p>\n The first thing had to be to collect his family together and warn them. His sons were equal owners of the ranch and whatever family arguments they had to have their say, especially Adam; he was the lawyer of the family. His mind made up Ben went first to the telegraph and contacted Hoss on the West shore. Ben had no intention of saying anything much over the wires, but he asked Hoss to return at once, just emphasising that noone was sick or hurt.<\/p>\n Hoss couldn\u2019t understand what was so urgent and his guess that it was something to do with Adam was well wide of the mark. He did do as he was asked and set off within half an hour. At least with so many worries on his mind he had been working very hard and everything was ahead of schedule, with even the paperwork so up to date that there was no real problem in handing over to the men to keep things going for the next week.<\/p>\n Ben decided that Joe would be back anyway before Hoss could get home so he made no attempt to send word to him but he did send a message to the three girls asking them to join him after lunch, leaving the children at home. They had as big a stake in the ranch as anyone and had a right to be there. That left the main problem, phrasing a letter to Adam that would bring him out to the ranch. He toyed with the idea of going into town to speak to his son personally but his previous efforts had not been conspicuously successful. He decided a note was the best way and he kept it simple \u201cI have had a writ served, which threatens the ranch. We need your expertise, Vital that you come home as soon as possible please as time is very short.\u201d Ben signed it and sealed the envelope and then called in Red \u201cWill you take this into town and see that Adam gets it. It must go to him personally. Tell him that I am called a family conference this afternoon and would be grateful if he could come.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing Mr Cartwright.\u201d Red rode out and headed for town and Ben sat down with a large brandy to reread the writ again, scared what it might mean. He had heard of the case which had been upheld in\u00a0San Diego\u00a0and tried to face the idea of losing his beloved ranch. He got up and went over to the window, staring out over the mountains, knowing that his big son couldn\u2019t possibly reach home until the late afternoon, even with the good road that they now had. He felt very alone and scared with this writ coming out of the blue, not knowing whereto start in fighting it. His land had been bought from the Government but all those deeds so carefully vetted might mean nothing if the land grant was valid and the Government didn\u2019t have the right to sell the land. Ben began checking his reference books but although there\u00a0\u00a0were items about various treaties and land grants none of it was detailed enough to give him any hint as to the agreements on land. He could only hope that when Adam arrived his son would know.<\/p>\n The morning dragged past and when it came to lunch Ben barely touched his food. Hop Sing was worried but he knew his boss well enough to know when not to fuss and just brought fresh coffee.<\/p>\n Joe was the first to arrive back after a satisfactory morning at the sawmill. Jack as usual had things well under control and Joe was pleased to find they were ahead of schedule on all fronts. He had been able to relax over lunch with Jack an old friend who didn\u2019t pry and was in a good mood as he came back. That lasted until he walked into the house; one look at Ben\u2019s face was enough to tell Joe that there was serious trouble. Joe went over and poured himself a brandy, \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, not this time, it may be worse. I\u2019ve asked Adam to join us this afternoon, sent for Hoss and the girls.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe turned and almost explosively demanded \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had a writ served on me. Someone is claiming the Ponderosa on a Spanish Land Grant.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared at him in utter disbelief, downed his brandy and poured another one. He went over to the window and looked up at the mountains \u201cThey can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben wordlessly passed over the writ and left his son alone to read it. For several minutes Joe just held it while he studied the view he knew so well, but he had to know the worst and feeling cold from the shock he went over to sit down by the fire and read through the writ. Five minutes later he looked up in horror, \u201cPa they can\u2019t mean the 11th<\/sup>, that\u2019s only ten days.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Joseph. I think it\u2019s deliberate, sprung as late as they legally can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan they make us appear in\u00a0California? This is\u00a0Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know Joseph, maybe, this predates the State. I wish Adam would come he might know.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe hesitated \u201cDo you think he will come?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe ranch means as much to him as it does to us Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that Pa but …. Maybe in his current mood we ought to get another lawyer.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned, \u201cJoe we can\u2019t\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa I love Adam you know that but the way he\u2019s been acting recently, well it\u2019s erratic to say the least. This is such short notice and so important, help might be needed anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe you know how much this ranch means to me but Adam means even more. If we don\u2019t trust him in this, we might finally drive him away, anyway he\u2019s the best lawyer I know and this case will mean more to him than to anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe stared into the fire for a minute and saw images of so many occasions when his eldest brother had come to his rescue, all the years he had trusted Adam and slowly he nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re right of course\u00a0Pa.\u201d He straightened up \u201cAlright we have a problem, a fight on our hands and we\u2019re short of time. None of that is new, it\u2019s happened before and we\u2019ve won. We\u2019ll do it again, working together as always. Four aces in every hand, how can we lose?\u201d He even managed to grin and Ben felt better just to have his son\u2019s support.<\/p>\n The next arrivals were the three girls; Sue had got her buggy out and collected Carole and Nita. They were puzzled wondering what was going on and expecting the worst. At first they were pleasantly surprised neither Ben nor Joe looked particularly upset, but by the time coffee was passed round they had all sensed the tension in the air. Carole had a pretty good idea what this call must mean and she was on edge knowing that she had to pretend that it was all as big a shock for her as it was to everyone else. She couldn\u2019t let Adam down but the Cartwrights knew her so very well and she had no great faith in her acting ability.<\/p>\n Ben waited until they were all seated with coffee and then he said, \u201cReason I called you altogether was this writ which was served on me this morning, but it affects us all. Someone has made a claim under an old Spanish land grant and the territory claimed includes nearly all of the Ponderosa on this side of\u00a0Lake Tahoe.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue, Nita and Carole looked at each other, each girl trying to work out what it meant, how serious it was and what they could do to fight it. Carole was the first to speak, \u201cPa what will it mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst point is to make it clear what it won\u2019t mean. It won\u2019t leave us destitute. Even if we lose all the money we already have, the income from the mines and our other holdings will ensure we have enough money for the rest of our lives, with plenty left over to give the kids a good start.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita asked tentatively \u201cBut the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf we lose….\u201d Ben hesitated and turned away to the window. \u201cWe would have to leave the ranch; all we would own would be the west shore land, a few oddments to the north and part of the south ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita got to her feet, \u201cWe can\u2019t. Not leave the Ponderosa.\u201d Joe went over to her and took her in his arms \u201cEasy darling we aren\u2019t going to lose.\u201d Nita rested her head on his shoulder, with his strong arms round her she could believe the Cartwrights were invincible.<\/p>\n Sue, badly shaken, knowing just how much the ranch meant to her husband asked \u201cWhat can we do to fight it?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed \u201cI\u2019m not sure yet Sue. It\u2019s basically a legal matter so we have to wait for Adam and hope he can tell us where to start.\u201d Ben went over and poured five brandies \u201cCome on calm down everyone and have a drink. I think we could all do with one.\u201d He had just finished passing out the drinks when he heard a horse come in and went out, expecting to see his eldest son, but it was just Red. Red came over to his boss. \u201cI saw Adam. He had a meeting but said that he would get out after it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, not about to let one of the hands see how annoyed he was. Even with a note that obviously spelt trouble Adam was still putting other things first and Ben knew the ranch business too well and knew that there weren\u2019t any important meetings scheduled. He hated the idea that Adam was staying with Lady Dinah instead of answering the call for help. Ben stayed outside for several minutes until he was sure that he had himself under control and then went in to tell the others that Adam had been delayed and wouldn\u2019t be there until late afternoon. Without more information they could only talk in circles but none of them could avoid probing the sore spot, Adam\u2019s absence. Carole was very quiet and she had taken the writ and settled in a corner to read it.<\/p>\n Adam had a shrewd idea of exactly where all his family were at any given time and he knew that Hoss was on the\u00a0West\u00a0Shore. At the most optimistic estimate Hoss wasn\u2019t going to get back before six and Adam aimed to reach the ranch about then. He knew that it would annoy his father, and probably Joe too, and with luck lessen their ability to see through his act. Adam was glad when it was time to get going, he wasn\u2019t looking forward to this meeting and he knew all his family would be shocked and upset by the writ. It had been quite a while since Adam had been able to get Blackie out and let him stretch his legs and despite dreading the meeting he enjoyed the ride, looking round the ranch with a fresh eye. Just looking at it Adam grew in confidence, he couldn\u2019t lose this case with so many good friends helping and so much information coming in, he couldn\u2019t lose. He stopped up by the lake for ten minutes; he hadn\u2019t been there for too long. The very land seemed to welcome him and Adam just knew it had to stay their\u2019s. Slowly he pulled himself away and took a minute just sitting on Blackie, stroking his soft neck, preparing himself for the ordeal ahead.<\/p>\n Adam made his entrance with perfect timing, as he turned into the yard he saw his big brother approaching down the hill. Adam slowly dismounted and allowed Kirk to take Blackie into the barn. Hoss came into the yard and hurried over to join his brother, \u201cWhat the hell is going on?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam knew that his big brother was really worried when he swore like that but he could only shrug. \u201cI don\u2019t know I\u2019ve only just arrived myself, why don\u2019t we go in and find out.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was very relieved to see his two elder sons, now maybe he could find out just how much trouble they were in and he didn\u2019t even comment on Adam\u2019s belated arrival. Joe looked up as his brothers came in and Adam\u2019s lips tightened as he read the contempt in his younger brother\u2019s eyes. Joe had his own ideas just why Adam was late and he didn\u2019t approve. Ben didn\u2019t miss the interplay even though nothing was said but hoped it was a case of less said the better. It was the first time in quite a while that Adam had been in the same room as all his family but he barely acknowledged their greetings, not even going over to Carole, just nodding at her, although it took him an almost physical effort not to go and take her in his arms. He still showed sufficient signs of the flu and the strains of the last weeks for it to be obvious to those who knew him so well that he wasn\u2019t fit, but noone commented. The tension in the room was almost visible and Ben intervened \u201cDo you two want coffee or a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBrandy.\u201d Adam said \u201cAnd more importantly some answers. What\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben went over and poured a brandy, he looked at Hoss enquiringly but his big son shook his head. Hoss had gone straight to Sue and she had provided him with coffee. Once he\u2019d given Adam the drink Ben went and picked up the writ from his desk. \u201cThis is the trouble. It was served this morning. Someone is trying to claim the Ponderosa under a\u00a0Spanish\u00a0Land\u00a0grant.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked up stunned but Adam\u2019s immediate reaction was blunt \u201cYou\u2019ve got to be kidding. There weren\u2019t any land grants in this area.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben handed him the writ, \u201cSomeone thinks there were.\u201d Adam downed his brandy and went over to refill his glass before sitting down at the desk to read the writ. At least he didn\u2019t have to act to show his interest in that, but it didn\u2019t tell him anything he didn\u2019t already know.<\/p>\n Hoss got up and went and poured himself a drink \u201cPa can they do this? We\u2019ve got all the deeds, ain\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam answered him \u201cThose deeds aren\u2019t worth the paper they\u2019re printed on if this grant is upheld. The Government wouldn\u2019t have had the right to sell the land. At best we could claim compensation for the improvements we\u2019ve made and return of the original price.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben said \u201cAdam you\u2019re the lawyer. What can we do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive me a minute.\u201d Adam reread the writ and then went over to the window apparently deep in thought. Ben went over to his son and gripped his shoulders. \u201cEasy son.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned \u201cWe don\u2019t have much time.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss asked \u201cHow can they take us to court in\u00a0Sacramento? That\u2019s\u00a0California.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben agreed \u201cI was wondering about that. Is it legal?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam came over and sat down facing his family. He bit his lip \u201cAlright a few basics. First the court has every right to hear this case. It predates\u00a0Nevada\u00a0as a state and the original treaty of Guadeloupe\u00a0Hidalgo\u00a0in 1848. The claim has to be from well before 1848 so\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0can claim jurisdiction. Pa did they say anything about who was sitting in court?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, a Judge Harris.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up at that, \u201cOh no.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe asked \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere was a case in\u00a0San Diego, a land grant upheld a while back. The sitting Judge in that case was Judge Harris.\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n Ben frowned \u201cYou mean he\u2019s biased?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know him but they have obviously planned this very carefully.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe haven\u2019t got long, can we ask for a delay?\u201d Ben asked<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d rather not.\u201d Adam said, trying desperately to marshal his thoughts. It was an obvious move and he should have been ready for the suggestion but he wasn\u2019t. He was convinced that it wouldn\u2019t be allowed, this was too carefully planned. He went on \u201cIt\u2019s a sign of weakness and if they\u2019ve planned it to be heard by this Judge, they\u2019ll have arguments all ready to prevent the delay.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe asked impatiently \u201cWhat do we do then?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben signalled his youngest to quieten down. \u201cAdam as we\u2019re so short of time and this isn\u2019t an area where you have special expertise, maybe we ought to get someone in to help.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s replay was almost explosive \u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss said quietly \u201cPa\u2019s making sense Adam, just to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe sort of person we could get at this notice wouldn\u2019t be worth having.\u201d Adam got to his feet and faced his family, “You all know as well as I do that we\u2019ve been arguing for various reasons lately but that\u2019s not important now. The only thing that matters is the ranch and is you\u2019ve ever trusted me, I\u2019m asking you to trust me now.\u201d For a moment he gave up all attempt to act and just became himself, he had to carry then with him on this it was vital.<\/p>\n For a moment there was silence and then Ben looked at his younger sons, both of them nodded and Ben smiled \u201cAlright Adam. You\u2019ve got it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe added \u201cYou\u2019ve pulled us out of trouble often enough in the past big brother. I\u2019ll back you to do it again. Now what do we do.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam let his breath out in a long sigh, his knees feeling weak with relief but he had to put his act back together for now. He went and got some more brandy, for once really wanting it and then sat down. \u201cRight Joe will you take notes. The first thing we have to do is check over our own deeds and make sure we have watertight documentation with us for our own claim. Joe you can do that, everything in detail.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, that was a part of the law he was familiar with and he could cope. Adam turned to his father \u201cDoes this guy Sauvinet ring any bells?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I\u2019ve never heard the name before.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe neither and I haven\u2019t heard of any white men in this area at the date they are claiming. I\u2019d guess he\u2019s a front man and I\u2019d like to know just who is backing him and who\u2019s acting for him. I think that\u2019s your job Pa, tap any and every source you can, here and in\u00a0Sacramento. Who is he? Where does he come from? Any information you can get and ask around the old timers, especially the Indians. Is there any hint of an expedition, anything in this area so early? Earliest I know of was Jedediah Smith and maybe some of the\u00a0Hudson Bay\u00a0trappers, anything you can dig up, especially involving a Sauvinet.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben accepted that, he had plenty of contacts but whether he would be able to find anything in such a short time he wasn\u2019t sure.<\/p>\n Adam turned to his big brother \u201cThe hardest part is your\u2019s Hoss.\u201d Hoss frowned wondering what his brother meant but Adam just smiled \u201cThis is bound to take time, we may be stuck in\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0for two or three weeks, maybe even more. We are going to win and this ranch has to carry on. That means getting everything organised so it can run without us for say the next month.\u201d He looked round, \u201cI assume that we\u2019re all going to\u00a0Sacramento?\u201d<\/p>\n There were nods all round, noone wanted to be left behind on this one and Adam went on \u201cYour job Hoss, arrange everything so we have something to come back to.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss would rather have helped out in preparing the case but he was no lawyer and Adam was right, there would be a lot to organize. \u201cOkay I\u2019ll see to that and if there\u2019s anyway I can help….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita said \u201cSurely there\u2019s something we can do?\u201d her sisters both nodded, she spoke for them all. Adam nodded \u201cWe are going to need two or three copies of a vast amount of documentation , one for us, one for the Judge and possibly one for our opponents, Joe will have to sort out what we need but he is going to need help to make the neat copies. I know it\u2019s very boring but it is essential.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita accepted that but wanted to know what Adam was going to do. Adam said, with a touch of bitterness, \u201cDon\u2019t worry I\u2019ll do my share.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was quick to intervene, \u201cNita didn\u2019t mean it like that.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam rubbed his aching temples and nodded \u201cOkay. Well I don\u2019t want other lawyers in court but I shall be hiring several to make record searches in\u00a0Sacramento,\u00a0San Francisco,\u00a0Carson City\u00a0and anywhere else I can think of. Also I am going to telegraph for a r\u00e9sum\u00e9 of the\u00a0San Diego\u00a0case and I\u2019ll get a couple in town to help me check on land law, make formal notes and precedents while I bone up on the law as it affects Spanish Land Grants.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben said tentatively \u201cWe need to keep in close touch over the next week.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrue but I need to borrow books and it\u2019ll be easier to work in town. You know where my office is and you\u2019ll probably be in using the telegraph most days anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long do you think we have?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we ought to plan on heading to\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0a week today, give ourselves a day or two to judge the atmosphere there. So we have a week. I don\u2019t know about you but that doesn\u2019t seem long to me, so I think I\u2019ll get back to town and make a start. Okay if I take the writ Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure. I made a copy this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam got to his feet and collecting his coat he walked out with just a nod of goodbye, leaving his family stunned. Carole was very pale, she would dearly have loved to go to him and she didn\u2019t have to act to show that she was upset, she missed him so much. Almost as soon as he\u2019d gone, she got to her feet, \u201cI\u2019d better get back to the children.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue offered to drive her but Carole shook her head, \u201cNo, I\u2019d rather walk. Joe anything I can do just tell me.\u201d With that she pulled her coat on and walked out.<\/p>\n Hoss was worried both about the ranch and about Carole and he looked over at his father, \u201cHe didn\u2019t even ask about the children\u00a0Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe did rather spring a shock on him Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah but even so…. and Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe still loves him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine\u00a0Pa,\u201d Joe said bitterly, \u201cBut that just makes it worse. Can\u2019t he see what he\u2019s doing to her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCalm down Joseph. We have a major fight on our hands and we have to work together to win it. Let\u2019s try and shelve all other problems until we\u2019ve done that and just maybe in working together we\u2019ll solve them anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n His sons accepted the sense of that and settled down to a detailed discussion on who to contact, where to go, what deeds were needed and what needed organizing so that each would have a clear idea of what to do the next day.<\/p>\n Adam stopped a mile down the road and led Blackie into the trees where he was violently sick. The unwanted brandy combined with the tension as he put on an act for his family and the effort of not going to his beloved wife had all mounted up on him. He gave himself ten minutes to recover and then headed for town planning out who to contact to make checks he had already done, but now the news had broken he had to be seen making the obvious moves, to stop anyone wondering just what he was really up to. It was a huge waste of time but couldn\u2019t be helped.<\/p>\n In town he went straight to the Palace and ordered a large brandy. Dan was there and for once Adam joined him and he made no secret of the reason he was upset, the writ that had been served and the enormous job he had in fighting it. He was sure that whatever the journalist knew, when not under a promise of confidentiality, would soon be known by the whole town. Far from making a start Adam spent two hours bemoaning his fate before returning to the hotel for the soothing attentions of his mistress. Hearst was delighted when the news was brought to him, just as he had planned, Adam was handling the legal affairs of the ranch but not an Adam at his efficient best, indeed far from it.<\/p>\n Adam spent Saturday morning hiring lawyers both locally and at a distance to do record checks and law reviews for him, none of which he really gave a damn about. All the moves he had made so far were totally predictable to the delight of his opponents. Just before lunch as he left the telegraph office a note reached him from Dick and he headed down to the livery stable. The last major piece was falling into place; the messenger from\u00a0England\u00a0had arrived.<\/p>\n Adam was totally taken aback when he saw just who the messenger was. Johnny, Earl of Northumberland had taken the job on personally and for a moment Adam was speechless. Johnny moved forward and hugged his old friend \u201cI decided I needed a break and if it was this important I\u2019d come myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh God Johnny.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice broke and he could only hug his old friend. Dick suggested that they move into his room, a little more private and by the time they had done so Adam had won back to control. Johnny became very businesslike, not having missed the strain on Adam\u2019s face, nor how close his friend was to breaking down. \u201cThese are all the grants issued anywhere within the area of the Mexican Cession before 1821. We had full cooperation from both the\u00a0Vatican\u00a0and\u00a0Spain. Most of the grants were registered in both places, but a few slipped through the net and were only registered in one or other. I also have translated attested copies of the land law as it was under Spanish rule and I am available to testify, along with the two men in charge of the searches. They are already in\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0and will meet us there.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sank down on the bed, \u201cJohnny I don\u2019t know how to even begin to thank you. It\u2019s so much more than I expected.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re friends.\u201d Johnny said lightly as though that ended it as indeed for him it did. He knew Adam would do as much or more for him if it was necessary. \u201cAnyway the important thing is that not one single grant is this side of the Sierra\u2019s or north of the 35th<\/sup>\u00a0parallel.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam took the papers and to give himself time to get control he began skimming through them, even though he wasn\u2019t taking in anything. Johnny knew him well enough to recognize that and busied himself making coffee and appropriating the whisky he saw he added a healthy slug to Adam\u2019s. \u201cCome on old son. Put those down, have a coffee and relax for a few minutes. Then you can tell me exactly what you have been up to, to get in this state and why I\u2019m not allowed to contact the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam did as he was told, recognizing the affection in Johnny\u2019s eyes. Over the next half an hour he filled his old friend in briefly on exactly what the situation was. At first Johnny found it impossible to believe that anyone would really hurt young children for a court case but he could see that Adam believed it and he had a great deal of faith in his friend\u2019s judgement.<\/p>\n \u201cHow much longer are you going to keep this from your family?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUntil Thursday I think, once we\u2019re on the move to\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0and staying at a friend\u2019s ranch, they\u2019ll have to know. Anyway by then I can more or less guarantee their safety for a few days at least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo wonder you look like death warmed up. It must have been hellish for you and Carole.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I understood what it would mean but I didn\u2019t. If I had that decision to make again, I don\u2019t know that I could go this way.\u201d That was as close as Adam would come to revealing just how impossible he\u2019d found the last months and even then he\u2019d revealed more than he wanted and swiftly changed the subject. \u201cYou remember my friend Jess?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure I\u2019ve been writing to him for weeks!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry I\u2019m not thinking straight. Until Thursday I think you\u2019d better join his growing collection of houseguests. He\u2019s already putting up Jamie, he was once nearly adopted brother, now a lawyer and he\u2019s been helping. Went to\u00a0Mexico\u00a0to do the same job there that you did in\u00a0Europe\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds fine if Jess doesn\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t mind. I couldn\u2019t have got through this without him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDick will take you out there, he\u2019s Jamie\u2019s law clerk been acting as messenger boy for reasons I don\u2019t understand.\u201d Adam looked up and smiled \u201cI\u2019ve had so much help so many good friends. I need to take this, study it properly and complete my case.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust make it a good one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be. This is one case I\u2019m going to win so convincingly that noone will ever try to take the Ponderosa again.\u201d There was a note of such certainty in Adam\u2019s voice that Johnny didn\u2019t doubt him for a second. Adam slipped out and asked Dick to take Johnny out to Jess along with the note that he had hastily written and then he headed back to the hotel with his last set of precious papers.<\/p>\n Dinah was pleased to see him but although Adam joined her at table she was well aware that he had no idea what he was eating and he very quickly settled down to read what Johnny had brought. This time his concentration was immaculate and after reading it through once he could have virtually recited everything verbatim. It was exactly what he wanted, a complete historical record of all land grants in the South Western United States. It showed how the forms had changed slowly over the years and without even checking the deed Margaret had sent he could think of several anachronisms in the language, at least one phrase which didn\u2019t appear in any other land grant for nearly twenty years. Even ignoring the vital fact that this grant was not on record anywhere it should be Adam was confident he could prove that the document was a fraud. For now he bent all his efforts in documenting the claims he was going to make that the grant was not valid, fabricated at a later date, in fact just a fraud. His work went well and later in the evening he packed up his things and took Dinah out for a late supper. He felt fitter than he had for some time and it didn\u2019t take much effort to entertain her especially as she recognized his improved mood and became livelier so that Adam even began to enjoy himself. They finished the evening in bed and Adam found that easy too. It was almost worrying but as she slept next to him he compared her with Carole and slowly came to the conclusion that far from lessening his feeling for his wife, this strange interlude had deepened them. On the thought that in five more days he would be able to return to his wife, he fell asleep more peacefully than he had in months.<\/p>\n His peaceful sleep did him good and he didn\u2019t look nearly as strained as he had done. Adam grinned at Dinah as she commented on it, \u201cTypical just as I\u2019m supposed to look worried I don\u2019t! I think I\u2019ll get a job with Edwin when this is all over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEdwin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEdwin Booth, the actor, he\u2019s a long time friend of mine. In fact he\u2019s due to come for a visit in just over a month.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI saw him once in\u00a0London. He\u2019s a fine actor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think so but then I am biased, he\u2019s one of my oldest friends.\u201d Adam got up, \u201cCome on let\u2019s go and scandalise the church for one last time.\u201d<\/p>\n Dinah giggled but as she got dressed she became more sombre. Adam\u2019s comment was a reminder that her time was running out and she would soon have to leave the only man who had ever touched her heart. She was honest enough with herself to know that she wouldn\u2019t meet Adam again once he left and to know that while she would miss him, he would just be relieved to get back to his family. She smiled wryly at her image in the mirror, not so long ago she had been very vindictive when a man left her, causing him considerable harm. Even though she had been bored with him and close to walking out herself. Now when leaving would really hurt she had only good wishes for Adam and she began to wonder if in letting him reach her heart she had allowed him to permanently change her. She was even seriously considering his suggestion that she find herself a career away from the social whirl which had been her world.<\/p>\n By the time Adam and Di were ready to go he was in such a zany mood that Dinah was quite concerned and warned him again not to let Hearst\u2019s men see. She needn\u2019t have worried, by the time they reached the lobby Adam was a different man, obviously with the cares of the world on his shoulders, even if his whispered comments proved his mood hadn\u2019t changed. In the end Dinah had to ask him to stop or she was going to ruin his act by a fit of the giggles. Adam sat back and watched the scandalised faces round the church and he to look down to hide the sparkle of mischief in his eyes. Di couldn\u2019t help but react in tune with his mood and they enjoyed their lunch in the main dining room with the curtains pulled round a private table, but as they sat over coffee a note was delivered to Adam. It was from Elizabeth Bowen and asked him to collect the hat he\u2019d ordered for Lady Dinah.<\/p>\n Adam was sure that it had to be really important for her to call him so directly and he headed straight over there. Despite it being Sunday Elizabeth was in her shop and when Adam tapped she swiftly opened the door to let him in from the alley. She smiled \u201cI\u2019m sorry Adam but I thought it was important enough to risk calling you over. Michelle is here and she wants to talk to you.\u201d She led the way though to the small fitting room where Michelle was sitting drinking coffee, As soon as she saw Adam she came to her feet, \u201cOh good. I have written the note but it is better we talk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright Michelle, what\u2019s the problem now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere was a big meeting last night. Hearst and Huntingdon call all the men in.\u00a0Troy, my husband and others. They were talking about the writ and your reaction, all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s no great surprise. Did they believe the reaction?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes, they seen sure it\u2019s all a big shock and you do what they expect. They laugh that you not have time to do it\u00a0\u00a0properly but Huntingdon he is not sure. He say they should do something more, that your family are too used to scandal, so it\u2019s not causing trouble now. He say they should do as planned before, one of the children.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam blanched \u201cGo on Michelle.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTroy\u00a0he was scared, he say it\u2019s too close to the trial, that your family would know it was because of the case, want revenge. Maybe you\u2019d find out who was behind it and they\u2019d have to pay. Huntingdon said just have to make it look like an accident, so you couldn\u2019t use in court. He say your twins on the run easy to get at, or the babies. He talk of a case in\u00a0San Francisco\u00a0when a baby is smothered in its cot, said it could be done again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDear God.\u201d\u00a0Elizabeth\u00a0gripped Adam\u2019s shoulder feeling the tension in him.<\/p>\n \u201cHearst he said it was dangerous and anyway Lady Dinah was his idea. He say to wait for a day or so and first check what she thought and if some of your family come in to town, see how they react. I thought you ought to warn Lady Dinah and your wife.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre they going ahead with the accident?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet,\u00a0Troy\u00a0too scared and Hearst not sure but you must be very careful, make sure the children all watched.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will. Bless you Michelle and thank you so much for the warning, but please be very careful. Everyone is on edge now. When do you go to\u00a0Sacramento?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNext Saturday by train. We are booked in at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. If I need to contact you can I do so?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hesitated but she was right it might prove necessary and he wrote down Liza Campbell\u2019s home and work addresses and passed them over. \u201cPlease make sure this stays hidden and only use it in an emergency but I\u2019ll make sure she knows how to contact me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry Adam we will take great care.\u201d She reached up and kissed him, \u201cYou just make sure you win.\u201d She had already been gone longer than she had intended and hastily slipped out and back to the hotel.<\/p>\n Elizabeth\u00a0had tactfully kept quiet but she could see that Adam was virtually in a state of shock. She fetched coffee and a large brandy \u201cHere Adam you look as though you need a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked up, the pain clear on his face and he couldn\u2019t find his voice but gratefully accepted the brandy and sipped it as he fought for control. Eventually he sat up and seeing the compassion on her face \u201cI thought it was nearly over, just a few days and I can tell them the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat will you do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWarn Di and Carole and then I guess I\u2019ll have to engineer another public row, I expect Joe will be in town tomorrow so I guess I\u2019ll try and force him into a fight. I prayed I\u2019d never have to do it again and I just hope that he can forgive me.\u201d The depth of despair sounded in Adam\u2019s voice and\u00a0Elizabeth\u00a0put her arms round him \u201cYou know Joe will, he\u2019ll understand and even more important he loves you.\u201d<\/p>\n Slowly Adam won control of himself, \u201cI\u2019d better write a note to Carole, send it via Dick and Jess. Then I\u2019ll see Di just in case Hearst sends for her today. Thank you for all your help Elizabeth, I just wish there was some way to repay you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not necessary; all I ask is that you beat them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do that, there\u2019s noway I\u2019m going to lose this case.\u201d Adam quickly wrote a note for his wife and a covering one for Jess and then he went through the back alleys to the livery stable and asked Dick to take it straight out. Then he headed back for the hotel. Dinah could see that something was wrong the minute he walked in but she was shocked as he told her that the threat to his children had been raised again. He warned her that Hearst was planning to call her in to give her opinion.<\/p>\n Dinah didn\u2019t query the source of his information. She knew that he must have a spy in somewhere close to Hearst and didn\u2019t even want to know who it was. She held him close<\/p>\n \u201cYou know I\u2019ll do everything that I can.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know dear, emphasize that I\u2019m still on bad terms with my family, say that our meeting on Friday nearly ended in blows. I\u2019ll do my best tomorrow when Joe comes to town to prove that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will and I\u2019ll also suggest that I throw you off balance by staging a row and walking out on you as we agreed. I\u2019ll say you have become very dependent on me since leaving your family. They may not believe that but it can\u2019t do any harm, they\u2019ll only think that I\u2019m showing off.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled her close, burying his face in her hair, \u201cJust be very careful Di, I don\u2019t want you hurt either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh I\u2019ll head back to\u00a0Europe\u00a0out of range, as you said Hearst won\u2019t believe I could see more than him, so he\u2019ll think I was fooled too.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam forced himself to concentrate on work but this renewed threat had come hard, just when he thought the end was in sight.<\/p>\n Jess got Adam\u2019s note, not that it said much, just asking him to see Carole received the enclosed letter. Jess didn\u2019t hesitate, Liza had been shy at entertaining a real life Earl but that had lasted all of ten minutes once she had met Johnny and he could leave her to look after Jamie and Johnny. He kissed her \u201cI may be late. I sense trouble and if Carole confirms it I may need to go to town to see Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou do that if he needs you, this has been an awful strain on him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know and I owe him so much.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you love him.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess shook his head and sighed, \u201cWhy does that sound so wrong about another man? But I guess next to you Adam means more to me than anyone else in the world.\u201d Jess kissed her again, \u201cDon\u2019t stay up waiting for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess headed openly to Carol\u2019s, there seemed little point in subterfuge at this point. She was in Adam\u2019s study making neat copies for Joe but hurried out when she saw Jess. She asked \u201cTrouble?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. Adam asked me to give you this letter as soon as possible.\u201d Jess handed it over and Carole ripped it open. As she read it she lost colour and Jess instinctively put his arm round her and gently forced her into a seat. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Carole?\u201d<\/p>\n Wordlessly she passed him the letter and buried her face in her hands. Adam had told her virtually verbatim everything that Michelle had told him and asked her to be extra vigilant with the children. He also warned her that he was planning to force a fight with Joe. Jess read it quickly, trying not to read the last paragraph where Adam proclaimed his love for her and the few days left before he could come home.<\/p>\n Without even thinking about it Jess sat down on the arm of the chair and put his arm round Carole\u2019s shoulders holding her close. \u201cEasy Carole, just a few days. Watch the children and noone will be able to get close enough to cause an accident. Enlist the help of Kam Su and the others they won\u2019t ask questions but they\u2019ll make sure noone gets near.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole rested her aching head on Jess\u2019 shoulder not even thinking about the unlikelihood of this dependency of a cowhand, even if he was now a rancher. Jess was Adam\u2019s best friend and that was all that mattered. \u201cI can watch the children, now I know that the risk is back I can make sure that they are safe for a week. I\u2019m more worried about Adam. I think he expected the real trouble with his family was over and I\u2019m sure this will have hit him hard. How did he look?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know. He sent the note out with Dick and a covering letter asking me to bring it over.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh I see.\u201d The disappointment was obvious in her voice and Jess smiled and took her hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d guessed it meant more trouble and warned Liza that I\u2019d be late. I\u2019m going to town. I guess you\u2019re right and he may need to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole looked up at him tears clear in her eyes and Jess kissed her forehead. \u201cIt\u2019ll be very late, probably after midnight but if you\u2019ll risk your reputation I\u2019ll come tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t ask you to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess grinned \u201cYou didn\u2019t I offered. Anyways you\u2019re not going to get any sleep until you know how he is so you might as well wait up for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole clung to him for a moment \u201cHow would we have managed without you Jess?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2019s my best friend, closer than my brothers ever were. Take it easy and I\u2019ll see you later.\u201d Jess made good time on the way to town and headed straight to the hotel. He guessed that Adam would be there with Dinah as he wasn\u2019t at the livery but risked going straight up. He knocked on the door and Dinah opened it, puzzled by the travel stained cowboy. She put on her most superior air \u201cWhat can we do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs Adam here?\u201d<\/p>\n Before she could answer Adam came over \u201cIt\u2019s alright Di, This is my best friend. Jess Ballard meet Lady Dinah Marchbrook.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess nodded in acknowledgement but his attention was on Adam. He could see that he\u2019d been right, the tension was so very obvious. \u201cCan we talk Adam?\u201d Jess saw the alarm flare in Adam\u2019s eyes and guessed his friend was scared that his warning had been too late \u201cEasy Adam no trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam bit his lip but for a minute he couldn\u2019t trust his voice. Di didn\u2019t miss that and moved back \u201cCome in. I think I will go down to the restaurant for a late supper.\u201d Adam looked as though he was about to object but she kissed him \u201cIt\u2019s alright Adam I\u2019ll be fine, back in an hour. You talk to your friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess watched her go, seeing the genuine affection for Adam on her face. He had wondered if Adam was fooling himself and she was just laying a trap but now he was convinced she was just about in love with his friend. He just wondered how Adam felt. For now it was important to persuade Adam to talk. He went and poured two brandies, \u201cCarole wanted me to make sure you were okay. We both thought that news must have come hard.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sipped his brandy but with Jess he could relax, say what he really felt. \u201cIt did. I\u2019d just about decided the end was in sight, guess I relaxed too soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCarole says with the help of your housemen she can ensure that noone will get anywhere close to the children \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cI knew that she could manage that as long as she got the warning in time but ….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah I have to prove to them that I\u2019m still on bad terms with my family. I know Joe will be in town and he\u2019s the easiest to push into a public fight. I\u2019ve done it twice and I can do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he\u2019s your little brother and you hate hurting him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSomething like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe will understand,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI even know that but it doesn\u2019t stop me feeling physically sick every time I think about it. I hate this lying and acting. If I\u2019d known at the start what it would really mean I couldn\u2019t have gone that way,\u201d Adam buried his face in his hands, shaking with sheer tension. Jess moved behind him and gripped his shoulders, \u201cEasy Adam, easy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLiar\u201d Just try and relax, remember what you told Carole, only a few more days.\u201d Slowly Jess felt Adam relax a little but there was still far too much tension in his friend and he didn\u2019t know how to help. \u201cYou might feel better if you talk it out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s nothing to say Jess, you know it all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust mounting up old son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbably. I hate being on bad terms with my family even though I know they are angry at a mirage. I just pray they\u2019ll understand. Did I have the right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEasy, we\u2019ve talked this through before Adam. You know they\u2019ll understand and yes you had the right. Just think a minute what you have actually done. You have taken all the worries and all the trouble on your own shoulders for weeks on end, just to protect the girls and the children. That can\u2019t be wrong! A burden, a strain more than one man ought to be asked to bear, it\u2019s all of those but not wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was close to tears and Jess out his arm round his friend \u201cGive way Adam, you\u2019ve been under one hell of a strain for too long.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam knew that Jess would understand and in many ways tears would have been a relief but he couldn\u2019t, not yet. He had kept going this long and he had to keep it up for four more days before he could tell his family and share the burden. Until then he daren\u2019t relax. Jess felt him fighting for control and didn\u2019t say anything just staying close to calm him with his physical presence.<\/p>\n Eventually Adam pulled away and went and poured two more brandies, he smiled ruefully \u201cGuess we could both do with this.\u201d<\/p>\n As they sipped the spirit Adam said \u201cThanks for coming Jess I needed to let it out, to relax, and I think just now you\u2019re the only person I could have relaxed with.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re still uptight Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know and I guess I have to stay that way, just a few more days. I can\u2019t risk all we\u2019ve achieved by giving in this close to the end.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you win?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI have so much ammunition I don\u2019t think I can fail, all of it has come in during the last couple of weeks. Things I wasn\u2019t meant to have time to discover, information from sources that were supposed to be closed to me. If I\u2019d really only known on Friday they would have wasted their time distracting me because I couldn\u2019t possibly have fought this case and won.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust so long as you can do it now.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled and pointed at the large pile of documents on the table \u201cThose will win it for me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre they safe here?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned, so much depended on those documents and although he had the essentials noted and testimony available, the exact copies were the most damaging testimony. Jess saw his concern and asked \u201cAre you still working on them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I think I\u2019ve done all I can. It\u2019s just the detailed presentation for the Judge left now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you need to refer to any of these?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI doubt it I think I know them by heart and anyway if I do I can always confirm the odd fact at John\u2019s ranch. Will you take them home?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want me to drop them off at your house?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo that\u2019s too far out of your way.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess grinned \u201cWell I sort of promised Carole that I would come by on the way home. She was a mite worried about you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled and shook his head, \u201cGood thing you have Liza or I might start getting jealous. Reassure my lovely wife that I am fine, now you have performed your magic and have her lock these away in my safe. They are very valuable, worth the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess was relieved to see Adam relaxing as he teased him gently and ten minutes later, with a neat parcel of all the valuable documents, Jess headed back to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n Dinah had been watching for him to leave and went straight back upstairs. She had become used to Adam in his town clothes and had trouble visualizing him as a cowboy. Certainly the dusty cowboy in need of a shave seemed a very unlikely friend for her cultivated and civilized man. However as soon as she walked in the door she could see the change in Adam. Whatever the cowpoke was he had managed to get Adam to relax, where she had failed abysmally despite her best efforts. She soon noticed that all the documents were gone and queried it. Adam explained that as he had finished with them Jess had moved them to a safer place so that he would never have to carry them personally.<\/p>\n Dinah found that now Adam had relaxed a little he was prepared to forget work and she put her best efforts into enticing him into bed. He was one of the best lovers she had known, considerate of her desires and knowing that there would be few more opportunities she wanted to make the most of it. She knew she\u2019d be able to replace him in her bed even if her new lover was less satisfactory but it was going to be far harder to replace him in her life. She was still surprised to find that despite the gap he was going to leave she was very thankful she\u2019d known him. Somehow Adam had proved to her that just maybe she was a better person than she had thought she was and for that alone she would never forget him.<\/p>\n Meanwhile Carole was waiting very restlessly for Jess to return. She knew she had no real right to send him on such an errand at that time of night but with him offering she had been unable to turn him down. She knew his deep feeling for Adam which spilled over onto her, more apparent since his own marriage, as he became more assured in his relationships with the opposite sex. She had always been fond of Adam\u2019s friend but these last few weeks she had finally come to understand just why the two men were so close and to feel a deeper affection for Jess.<\/p>\n It was nearly 12.30 when Jess finally got back and she had hot coffee well-laced with brandy for him Jess was glad of it as he as very tired but he was quick to reassure her. \u201dAdam\u2019s fine. He was more than a little tense but he felt better for talking. He hates the idea of hurting Joe but I think I persuaded him that Joe will understand and in the same position would do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell done Jess, I don\u2019t think Adam would have coped without you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he would have but it doesn\u2019t do him any harm to blow off steam occasionally and he did warn me that would be my principle contribution.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo say nothing of messenger, collecting post, putting up visitors and calming wives.\u201d Carole went over and for the first time she kissed Jess warmly on the cheek. \u201cWe can never repay what you\u2019ve done, for us both.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a little of what I owe Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo you don\u2019t owe him anything and for a start you can forget that loan he made, that\u2019s repaid. Not that it\u2019s a case of money; no money could ever repay trips like this, when you\u2019re worn out, just to reassure me. That trip was made out of love to and none of us can owe love. All we can do is be thankful for it. I know Adam loves you just as he does his brothers, these last few weeks I\u2019ve come to feel the same way. Never talk of owing us again, there are no debts between family and you couldn\u2019t be closer, you and Liza, if you were blood family.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess was totally taken aback by that, it was the last thing he had expected but the sincerity was obvious in her voice and her eyes, her every expression. He didn\u2019t even argue about the money, for now she was right, that was unimportant and he just held her close. After a minute he pulled away and got out the precious package of documents. \u201cAdam asked me to bring those out. He said to lock them in his safe, they\u2019re valuable may well be worth the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole said almost defensively \u201cHe\u2019s going to win.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo he says and I\u2019ve never known Adam to be wrong when he\u2019s that confident.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sure he\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah holding on for Thursday\u00a0\u00a0when he can come home and dreading fighting Joe tomorrow but he\u2019ll cope with that and at least the end is in sight. He\u2019s missed you more than anything, you and the children.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s mutual but as you say we can survive for four days.\u201d Carole looked at her watch<\/p>\n \u201cLess than that it\u2019s well into Monday. You\u2019d better get home Jess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure you\u2019re alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes thanks to you.\u201d Carole frowned \u201cAre you coming to\u00a0Sacramento?\u201d<\/p>\n Jess laughed \u201cYeah Liza and I both have an invitation to John Chance\u2019s ranch. Guess it\u2019s gonna be a mite crowded but I wouldn\u2019t miss it for a million bucks, I\u2019ve been working hard to make sure my ranch is fit to leave for a fortnight, mind you my foreman is real good and he\u2019s managed for years so I guess he\u2019ll cope for a\u00a0\u00a0couple of weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad. If we win this victory will be your\u2019s as much as anyone\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA little less of the if\u2019s Carole. Have more faith in your husband, – when we win.\u201d On that note Jess kissed her good night and headed home. He had already decided that if Adam was forcing a fight with his brother the following day, then his place was in town ,ready to help if needed, When he explained to Lisa just how tense Adam was she was quick to agree.<\/p>\n Ben and Joe had been busy all weekends on their respective chores and in between discussing with Hoss just what had to be covered over the next weeks. All too many things had to wait for the end of the weekend and people\u2019s return to work and they rode in together early on Monday morning. Ben had a number of telegrams written out and Joe wanted to get a written record from the court house and a copy of the register of their deeds notarized.<\/p>\n In town they separated and Ben went to send off his telegrams. In most cases he was waiting for at least acknowledgements if not information and he intended staying in town most of the day. Wanting to know how Adam was getting on he went over to the office Adam had leased only to find it barred. Two subsequent visits had the same result and by eleven o\u2019clock when Joe came over to join him Ben was beginning to wonder just where his eldest son was.<\/p>\n Joe listened to his father\u2019s near explosion and tried to calm him down \u201cHe\u2019s probably working in some other law office. He said he\u2019d hire help as time was short.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEven so, how are we supposed to keep in touch if we can\u2019t find him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTake it easy\u00a0Pa.\u00a0I have to wait for the notary until after lunch. I\u2019ll find Adam get him to join us for lunch. Shall I book a room at the Washoe Club?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben, with vivid memories of two disastrous meetings in the Washoe Club, shook his head. \u201cNo let\u2019s just get a steak at the Bucket O\u2019Blood; it\u2019s usually quiet at this time of the day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay by me. I\u2019ll meet you there in an hour or so. I\u2019ll see Adam first, try and get him to join us.\u201d Ben nodded and watched his youngest son leave without the faintest premonition of trouble<\/p>\n Adam knew very well that both his father and his brother were in town. It was just as he\u2019d planned but that didn\u2019t make it any easier. He waited out of sight in his hotel room knowing that one or other would be checking his office in growing frustration. Then he got Di to dress up in her fancy riding habit that he\u2019d bought and he took her downstairs, determined to parade her up and down until he met Joe. Dinah knew exactly what he was up to and as she recognized his brother approaching she played her part to the hilt. She was smooching almost blatantly, pressing her body against Adam\u2019s and looking up at him.<\/p>\n Adam hadn\u2019t missed Joe\u2019s approach either but it would have taken a very acute observer to notice that not all his attention was on the lady. Joe already furious that Adam was wasting time with this whore, having asked them to trust him with their ranch was under threat, was the last person to notice. He forced his way through the crowds to his brother, anger already clear on his face.<\/p>\n Adam pretended not to notice him until Joe gripped his arm and then looked sideways at him and said impatiently \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe furious demand \u201cWhat the hell are you playing at? You said yourself we\u2019re short of time and we\u2019re relying on you but you\u2019re wandering around with no thought but this English whore.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMind your tongue Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you expect Adam? For God\u2019s sake come to your senses.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam fanned Joe\u2019s anger by pulling Dinah even closer \u201cThere\u2019s nothing wrong with my senses, I know beauty when I behold it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said bitterly \u201cSo she counts for more than the Ponderosa?”<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t say that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour actions do. You said meet you in your office. We tried but here it is 11.30 and you hadn\u2019t got that far. Too busy with the….\u201d Joe broke off and laughed bitterly \u201cI was going to say Lady but that\u2019s hardly an accurate description.\u201d<\/p>\n That was all the excuse Adam needed to land out and he had already ensured that Dinah would retreat to the hotel as soon as the fighting started. Adam hit out almost before Joe had finished speaking and to the gathering onlookers it appeared as he wanted, as an impulsive reaction. Certainly Joe already furious wasn\u2019t at all loathe to fight and within seconds both brothers were hitting out hard, with as far as could be told no holds barred, Word quickly spread\u00a0\u00a0round town that the Cartwright brothers were fighting and it was good fight for the onlookers. Adam had taught his brother well and although he had the advantage of weight and reach he was by no means having things all his own way. Joe vented some of the anger and frustration about the attack on the ranch on his brother and Adam with deep fear for his family had every incentive to make it seem real.<\/p>\n Ben still collecting replies in the telegraph office, heard of the fight and hating the idea of his sons fighting in the street he hurried out to confirm the reports. The fight wasn\u2019t hard to find immediately in front of the General Store, two of his sons were going at it as though they really wanted to hurt each other. For a moment Ben stared at them almost in shock but then he pushed through the crowd, who were cheering on the fighters, and reaching the centre he tried to separate them.<\/p>\n Adam had seen his father coming and he hit out hard, sending Joe down for the third but maybe the last time. Ben grabbed his arm, but Adam hating what he was doing, very coolly turned and hit his father hard. He caught Ben right along the side of the jaw and his father fell. Adam wiped the blood from his own mouth, \u201cDon\u2019t interfere and tell Joe to mind his manners in future.\u201d<\/p>\n With that he turned and walked away leaving his brother unconscious in the dust of the street and his father dazed and confused on the boardwalk. Adam kept his back straight with an effort and ignored all the looks and comments as he made his way back to the hotel. Dinah was waiting and she wordlessly helped him to clean up. He might have knocked his younger brother out but not before Joe had put more than one mark on him.<\/p>\n Adam was glad she was there to help him mop up and very thankful that it was over and done but he felt physically sick at the events of the last half hour. Yet again to save the weaker members of his family he had inflicted pain on the strongest and he didn\u2019t like himself very much for doing it.<\/p>\n Jess had been in town since before ten but he had kept out of the way, just keeping an eye on Joe knowing what Adam wanted to do. He stood back and watched the fight even though he would have loved to break it up and then he had to watch Adam leave, seeing the tension in the very way his friend moved. Jess waited until Ben got himself under control and went to Joe. Slowly Ben managed to bring Joe round with the use of a bandana dampened in the horse trough and Dan brought over brandy for both of them. Jess waited until Joe was back on his feet and walking with his father\u2019s help down to Doc\u2019s for a check-up and only then did he head to see his friend.<\/p>\n Adam was up in the hotel suite and this time when Jess knocked Dinah welcomed him in at once. She excused herself to go and finish her shopping and left the friends alone. Adam was surprised to see Jess, \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell as I knew what you were planning I thought you might just need a little help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMore or less. Joe has left his mark. You trained him well. More to the point Joe\u2019s okay, up on his feet and unless I miss my guess, on his way over to Doc’s for a check-up. Your father acting as escort.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou saw.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. He left himself wide open for you to force a fight and half the town saw.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure he\u2019s okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah I hung around to make sure. I thought that would be all that you wanted to know.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t want to hurt him but he\u2019s getting very difficult to stop.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEasy Adam, he\u2019s bruised but he\u2019ll mend and talking of bruises, he managed to inflict a fair number.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nothing I\u2019m alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure you are Adam and so will Joe be by now. You didn\u2019t really hurt him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWas it convincing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think that anyone in the crowd, apart from me with my inside information, would have doubted for a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was fine, a cut lip, that\u2019s all. Mind you I don\u2019t think you\u2019re exactly popular just now!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid they see you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope, I kept well back.\u00a0\u00a0Just take it easy will you. I\u2019m sure that will convince even Huntingdon that there is dissension amongst the Cartwrights and with Carole and the Chinese all on the alert the children will be safe. All you have to do it write your case up for the Judge and try to relax, only three days to go.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam lent back in the chair and shut his aching eyes and Jess went over to complete cleaning up the various cuts and bruises that Joe had inflicted. Adam bore his friend\u2019s ministrations in silence, just very grateful that he was there and slowly relaxing because of it.<\/p>\n When he\u2019d finished Jess poured them both coffee with brandy in it and sat down next to his friend, \u201cTake it easy Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam managed a grin and it wasn\u2019t entirely forced \u201cWhat would I do without you!\u201d For several minutes they sat in silence and then Adam straightened his back \u201cOkay Jess I\u2019m alright now, thanks for coming but maybe you\u2019d better go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou sure you\u2019re alright?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gripped his friend\u2019s shoulder, \u201cYou brought me the news that I needed. Joe is alright and this has to be the last time. I dreaded it but it\u2019s done and in just a couple of days I can apologize and explain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTry and get some rest, you look exhausted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs you said I trained him rather too well.\u201d Adam smiled almost freely \u201cBut I wouldn\u2019t have it any other way. Go home Jess, go spend some time with your lovely bride. I\u2019ve interrupted your summer far too much already.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know you\u2019re welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes I do and both you and Liza have been marvellous but it\u2019s just a waiting game now. Wait for Thursday to some when I can tell the truth. I\u2019ll see you on Friday and we\u2019ll all go to\u00a0Sacramento, ready to win, with no more secrets.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess gripped his friend\u2019s hand \u201cAmen to that, but if you do need me before you know where I am. Dick can fetch me in a couple of hours.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam grinned \u201cI won\u2019t deny I have needed you all too often but the worst is over now. They\u2019ve had their turn now it\u2019s ours.\u201d<\/p>\n Jess relieved to see him in control, left and headed on home not wanting to see Ben or Joe just now. He took an indirect route home via the Ponderosa and was able to tell Carole that the final fight was over and Adam in control, nobody badly hurt.<\/p>\n Meanwhile Ben helped his youngest son down to the doctor\u2019s, furious at Adam both for the blow he had taken himself and for what Adam had done to Joe. Ben was more shaken than he cared to admit even to himself, he couldn\u2019t remember the last time any of his sons had raised a hand to him and it came very hard from his eldest son. It wasn\u2019t the first time his sons had fought but it was along time ago and he was shocked by the apparent viciousness of Adam\u2019s attack on Joe. He had thought that he was beginning to understand what his son was up to but now he had to admit that he was wrong.<\/p>\n Joe was barely conscious and it was taking him all his time to put one foot in front of the other and hide how he felt from the watching crowds. At least that stopped him worrying about his brother\u2019s behaviour.<\/p>\n Luckily Doc was in his office and he helped Joe through and up onto the couch. He started to clean Joe up and only when the worst was done did he enquire how Joe had come by his injuries. When Ben told him with more than a touch of bitterness in his voice Doc was shocked. Ben added \u201cIt\u2019s not even the first time.\u201d not realising just why Doc was so shaken.<\/p>\n Doc enquired \u201cIs Adam alright?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe raised himself on his elbow, \u201cHe\u2019s bruised and sore too but I never could beat him. He\u2019s okay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou rest for a while Joseph.\u201d Ben ordered.<\/p>\n \u201cPa don\u2019t blame it all on Adam. I said some things that were better left unsaid, provoked him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright Joe I\u2019m not going to make bad even worse, I\u2019ll stay away from your brother. Just let me see what answers I have and see the notary and then I\u2019ll get you home.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry Pa, I\u2019m okay and Adam and I will work it out. He\u2019s still my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was impressed that his youngest son could still say that despite all his cuts and bruises and he went down to the telegraph office easier in his mind than he would have believed possible half an hour earlier. The gossip round town was all about the fight between the brothers but noone dared to speak to Ben about it. His expression showed all too clearly that his hold on his temper was precarious at best. Ben couldn\u2019t help noticing the way everyone stopped talking as he approached. He knew that his family was the prime topic of gossip in town again and by the time he returned to Joe\u00a0\u00a0he was in a cold fury, just wanting to get home.<\/p>\n Ben found Joe looking considerably brighter for a chance to rest and equally eager to get home. Joe recognized his Father\u2019s mood but for now it seemed safest to say nothing or he\u2019d risk an explosion. Ben called one of the town urchins over and sent him to get their horses; Buck and Cochise were almost as well known as their owners. Ben helped Joe into the saddle and led the way out of town, keeping the pace down; sure that his youngest son was more shaken by the fight than he was willing to admit.<\/p>\n Just at the moment Joe was more worried about the effect of his bruises on his wife and his big brother. Nita was still cross over earlier instances and she was going to be furious when she saw him. Hoss would react badly too, he still had a tendency to think of him as the little brother in need of protection. Joe hated the prospect of trying to explain Adam\u2019s actions again, hating the dissension between those he loved, that made him consider just how he would explain and the more he thought about it the less he understood. He was sunk in thought but as they came to the split in the road Joe straightened up, \u201cLet\u2019s go to the main house Pa I want to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben didn\u2019t argue, he could see the tension in his son and assumed he was more upset by the fight than he\u2019d claimed earlier. Kirk was in the yard and took the horses but although he couldn\u2019t help noticing the cuts and bruises on Joe\u2019s face he had the sense not to ask questions. Hop Sing wasn\u2019t so reticent and he said accusingly \u201cYou bin fighting again Mr Joe, bad.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t my idea.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou win?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNope Adam did.\u201d<\/p>\n As Hop Sing took that in he went off to the kitchen muttering a stream of Chinese, stating his opinion of these fights between his family; before hustling back with salve of his own concoction, which he insisted on applying to Joe\u2019s bruises ignoring Joe\u2019s protest that Doc had already seen to them. Unable to stop him Joe waited patiently until Hop Sing had finished and then managed a grin at the disgruntled Chinaman as he went to fetch coffee.<\/p>\n Finally father and son were left in peace and settled down in front of the fire. Joe sipped his coffee \u201cPa there was some thing wrong in all that.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben in outraged tones proclaimed that of course there was something wrong when Adam viciously attacked his own brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled \u201cCalm down Pa, I know he hit you but I did take the brunt of it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDoes that make it any better Joseph?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo but I was thinking about it all the way home. Why did he attack?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou said earlier that you had in a sense provoked trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure I said some things better not said but Adam has always been able to defeat me in argument. It\u2019s worse since he trained as a lawyer but he\u2019s always won verbal battles, never needed to resort to physical ones. So why now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA guilty conscience maybe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s possible but I don\u2019t think so. It\u2019s almost as though he had it planned.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand what you\u2019re getting at.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook\u00a0Pa, he must have known we were likely to be in town and yet he was wandering down the street, almost flaunting her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy should he want more trouble? Especially now with this writ hanging over us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know but I can\u2019t help thinking it\u2019s all connected some how.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat doesn\u2019t make any sense Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Pa but too many things Adam has done recently don\u2019t make sense. Maybe they are all related.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben thought about that but he couldn\u2019t agree with his youngest son. He thought Joe was just making excuses because he didn\u2019t like his brother attacking him. Much more likely he just lost his temper Joseph. We all have fierce tempers on occasion.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut that\u2019s just the point Pa, he hadn\u2019t. Look I may not understand what Adam\u2019s up to at the moment but I do know my brother very well. There wasn\u2019t any anger in his eyes. Sure he was upset and worried but it was almost….\u201d Joe hesitated, \u201cThere was compassion not anger\u00a0Pa.\u00a0he was doing it because he had to but he hated every moment of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned, it seemed very unlikely but his sons did know each other very well. He couldn\u2019t help feeling Joe believed what he wanted to believe but he did him the courtesy of taking what he said seriously. Ben tried to think back on how Adam looked but he couldn\u2019t be sure, he\u2019d never really met his son\u2019s gaze, it was all over too fast. \u201cI hope you\u2019re not fooling yourself Joe because that\u2019s what you want to believe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u00a0Pa.\u201d Joe spoke quietly but with conviction. \u201cI\u2019m sure but that\u2019s not the problem. You know how Nita and Hoss are going to react to this. How do I convince them that Adam didn\u2019t mean it? Hated hurting me.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head \u201cYou won\u2019t not for a day or so anyway. To be honest I\u2019m not even sure you\u2019ve convinced me. I hope you\u2019re right but ….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe you should have more faith in your sons, Adam as well as me.\u201d Joe grinned a little lopsidedly. \u201cBut I guess you\u2019re right I won\u2019t get anywhere for a while.\u201d He sighed \u201cI suppose I had better go and face the music.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want me to go and tell them first Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head, \u201cNo Pa, will you stop worrying it will work out, just lets play this down as much as we can,\u201d<\/p>\n Ben agreed to do as Joe wanted, his son was bruised and shaken and if he wanted to keep it low key that was his choice. \u201cI\u2019ll come over later this evening Joe. We have some things to discuss. This writ still has to be handled and I\u2019m getting very tempted to call in an outside lawyer before it\u2019s too late.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shook his head \u201cYou can\u2019t Pa. Adam asked us to trust him. He won\u2019t let us down.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben gently touched a bad cut by Joe\u2019s left eyebrow, \u201cIt\u2019s the Ponderosa at stake Joseph, are you that sure?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled \u201cYeah\u00a0Pa\u00a0I\u2019m sure.\u201d Ben had to accept that and went along but he wasn\u2019t nearly as convinced as his son. In many ways he was delighted that Joe had the nobility of spirit to think that way about his brother, while still in considerable discomfort from the beating Adam had given him. However Ben still felt Joe might be fooling himself just because he loved Adam and couldn\u2019t bear to think badly of him.<\/p>\n Joe could read the doubts on Ben\u2019s face but for now he had got his own way and decided he\u2019d better go home and get it over with. He pulled himself rather stiffly to his feet \u201cSee you later Pa and don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita was on the hearthrug playing with her son when Joe walked in. As she looked up the welcoming smile disappeared and her hand went to her mouth to stifle the cry. She scrambled to her feet \u201cJoe…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEasy Nita I\u2019m fine, just superficial.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow? Who?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a fight in town. Doc cleaned me up, no real harm done.\u201d Joe\u2019s instinctive evasion was enough for Nita and she said bitterly \u201cAdam again!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell yes but it was as much my fault as it was his.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow can you keep defending him when he seems to take delight in hurting you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pulled her close to him, hating the bitterness in her voice but he spoke very quietly though with total conviction \u201cOh no you\u2019re wrong Nita. I was there remember. Adam hated every moment of it; I think it hurt him more than it did me when he landed a blow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen why does he do it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure, partly I provoked it but I\u2019m still certain there\u2019s some reason behind all this that we don\u2019t yet know, In any case he\u2019s my brother and what we feel for each other can\u2019t be affected by a couple of minor fights, anymore than it was when we were younger and fights were fairly common. You love me Nita and for my sake if for no other reason I\u2019m asking you not to judge Adam too harshly.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita kissed him gently \u201cAlright Joe I\u2019ll try. I still find it very hard to reconcile his behaviour recently to the man I thought I\u2019d got to know over this last year and come to love.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s exactly the point darling. It\u2019s impossible to reconcile it\u2019s illogical but Adam isn\u2019t, so I keep coming back to there being some factor that I don\u2019t know, that will make sense of all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita shook her head disbelievingly but just encouraged him to sit down and take it easy.<\/p>\n Joe kissed her \u201cI will in a little while but first I must go and tell Hoss and Sue and Carole. I\u2019d rather do it myself so I can prove there\u2019s no real harm done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was in town with me, in fact while trying to break it up Adam landed a couple of beauties on him and Pa was flaming. He\u2019s calmed down now and he\u2019ll be over later.\u201d With that Joe went over to his brother\u2019s, moderately pleased at how his wife had reacted, even though he was well aware that she was hiding her bitterness for his sake.<\/p>\n Hoss hadn\u2019t been back from the mine very long and he was planning to ride out to the main timber camp and then the west shore. Sue was collecting him fresh clothes while he had coffee. When Joe opened the door and called Hoss yelled \u201cIn the kitchen Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0Joe went through as Hoss saw him the smile of welcome vanished and Hoss asked harshly \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cYeah, come on through we need to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll teach him a lesson. Take on someone his own size.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTake it easy will you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat the hell\u2019s got into him Joe? He\u2019s gotta be sick, attacking you like this.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d Joe asked lightly \u201cI did my share of fighting, he\u2019s well marked too and I\u2019m not sick.\u201d<\/p>\n Before Hoss could answer Sue came down and studied Joe in horror. Hoss pulled her onto his lap and Joe grinned. \u201cEasy. It\u2019s very superficial In fact Adam did an excellent job, just enough to mark me well and make it look good without really hurting me and then a knockout.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat don\u2019t make sense little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Hoss but although I provoked him and in a sense it was my fault, it was more that I gave him an excuse. He hadn\u2019t lost his temper and he hated every blow that he landed, but for some reason he had to put on a display for someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat whore?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo she wasn\u2019t there, hurried back to the hotel at the first punch. Just the general riffraff who always gather round a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe you sure you ain\u2019t just making excuses for him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s what Pa suggested but I do know Adam very well and I can tell when he\u2019s lost his temper. He hadn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not sure that don\u2019t make matters worse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll I\u2019m saying is give him a chance to explain his side when he comes back. Don\u2019t let\u2019s drive him further away. At the least I said a lot of things better left unsaid and half the fault is mine. So don\u2019t start taking my side against him, I don\u2019t want that.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss promised and Joe got up to leave, he still had to see Carole and then had a lot of work to do but he stopped with his hand on the door, \u201cHoss please don\u2019t worry. I am alright, just a few bruises and Adam and I will work it out between us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlright little brother. I\u2019m heading out to arrange the timber operations, should be back Wednesday night. I\u2019ll see you then, try and keep out of trouble till then.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe went over to Carole\u2019s house to tell her what had happened. He was in luck all the children were \u2018helping\u2019 Kam Su in the kitchen, apart from Anne who was asleep next to her mother in the study. Carole heard Joe call out and told him to come on in, assuming that he had some more work for her. Joe went through and shut the door not wanting to be disturbed by the children, Carole looked up and then put her pen down and sat back \u201cOh No Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright Carole purely superficial.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd my husband?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s bruised but not as bad as me; he won like he always does.\u201d Joe said lightly.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so sorry Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo reason for you to be, except that maybe you haven\u2019t been as honest with me as you usually are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know what you mean.\u201d Carole said defensively.<\/p>\n \u201cI think you do.\u201d Joe said and went over and kissed her on the forehead, \u201cBut I\u2019m not going to pry. Just listen to me Carole. Adam forced me into that fight but it wasn\u2019t because he had lost his temper. I know my brother too well for that. He planned it to impress someone else or.\u201d He shrugged \u201cI don\u2019t know the reasons but I do know he hated every minute Carole and he was very careful. He did showy superficial damage, without really hurting me and then knocked me out. I don\u2019t now what reason he had for that fight but I think you do. Sure I provoked him, gave him the excuse but he was looking for it. Either way Carole I just wanted to say I do understand Adam and there\u2019s no need to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole got to her feet and gripped his arm \u201cJoe I can\u2019t say anything not yet, not now, please be patient.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair enough and I won\u2019t say anything to anyone or even speculate aloud, but if you should be in contact with Adam tell him I understand.\u201d Joe grinned and went back to his own house and settled to work feeling very much better. Carole hadn\u2019t said anything but her whole attitude confirmed what he had come to suspect.<\/p>\n In town Adam had calmed down and settled to work but that evening a message came to the hotel for Dinah. Hearst wanted to see her and Dinah could guess why. She promised to be over in an hour and as soon as the man had gone she passed the note to Adam.<\/p>\n Adam read it quietly and then looked up \u201cI suppose Hearst will have heard about my fight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course he will, he probably wants to know what I think it means.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled her down onto his knee, \u201cBe very careful Di.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course I will. Don\u2019t worry. I might have the chance to suggest my disappearance from the scene.\u201d She said it lightly but Adam could see she hated the idea. He held her close, \u201cI didn\u2019t want to hurt you Di.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault Adam. Everyone has been trying to use you, especially me. If I get hurt it\u2019s my own fault I didn\u2019t mean to fall in love with you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was shaken by that, he had realised she was growing fond of him but this implied considerably more. He hadn\u2019t set out to make her fall for him but to his horror that seemed to have happened and although in some ways he had grown fond of her as he had of all the others who had helped so much, all he wanted to do was go home to the one person he really loved Carole.<\/p>\n Dinah kissed him \u201cDon\u2019t start blaming yourself Adam. In a few days I\u2019ll disappear from your life as abruptly as I entered it. I won\u2019t forget you and for a while I know I will miss you but I\u2019ve gained a lot from knowing you. I\u2019d begun to hate myself, I had no self respect left, you\u2019ve shown me that just maybe I\u2019m not such a bad person.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re one hell of a lady Di, I owe you a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d she shook her head decisively \u201cWe\u2019re even Adam and despite everything we\u2019ve had some fun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s true.\u201d Adam forced himself to grin, but then as she went out for her meeting with Hearst he could only sit and wait, worrying that she might make a slip.\u201d<\/p>\n In fact if Dinah had realised just who would be there she might not have taken it so lightly. Hearst had called together everyone involved but of the eight men round the table Dinah was only conscious of three, Hearst himself, the ice cold figure of Huntingdon, who seemed to see right through her, and the contrasting choleric figure of\u00a0Troy. The rest were nonentities in comparison.<\/p>\n Hearst was as usual the main spokesman, \u201cWe called you over to get your opinion of Adam\u2019s reaction to the writ and to that fight he had today.\u201d<\/p>\n Di considered them and then rather haughtily said \u201cHe was shocked by the writ although he seems half inclined to believe it is just a nuisance suit, that they will be able to buy it off. He keeps on, far too often, telling me that there weren\u2019t any land grants in\u00a0Nevada\u00a0that the Spanish and Mexicans did not get here. I have had more unwanted history lessons of\u00a0Nevada\u00a0than I care to remember.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs he handling the court case?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. From what I could gather his father had suggested bringing someone in but he had exploded and gained the right to handle it. He is worried about it but he is still distracted when I want!\u201d She smiled at them and all the men there could imagine why and were jealous of the imagined joys that Adam had.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has been round the lawyers in town?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes looking for particular law books. He doesn\u2019t seem too sure about the law that applies in land grants. He keeps saying that the time is so short and he can\u2019t get the information that he needs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d Hearst agreed and Huntingdon nodded. Hearst asked \u201cHas he said when he goes to\u00a0Sacramento?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFriday or Saturday I think, which means that my job is just about done. I want my money and then I want out.\u201d<\/p>\n Huntingdon suggested \u201cWhy not go with him to\u00a0Sacramento?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat wasn\u2019t part of our agreement and anyway he won\u2019t take me. He has made it very clear, at least some of his family are going and he won\u2019t risk them insulting me!\u201d She smiled<\/p>\n \u201cIronic isn\u2019t it, but he won\u2019t change his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d Hearst said dryly, \u201cSeems you have outlived your usefulness to us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere may be one thing I can do to help. Adam is, shall we say very involved with me. He believes I will be here waiting for him when the case is over. He has made it very clear that even if he loses he will still be a very wealthy man, from his mine holdings and bank investments. I shan\u2019t be here, as you know I intend to return to\u00a0Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you suggesting Lady Dinah?\u201d Huntingdon asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI think that he would be very upset if he knew that I was leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he would.\u201d Hearst agreed.<\/p>\n \u201cSo I suggest that I force an argument perhaps on Thursday, as public as possible to embarrass him and then walk out on him. I think that should cause some distraction, especially when word gets to his family and they can say \u2018I told you so.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Hearst looked over to Huntingdon for a lead, the other men respectfully waiting. Huntingdon asked \u201cWhy should you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll find it very hard; I\u2019ve grown fond of Adam.\u201d Dinah smiled to herself having made the one true statement of the evening and said it in such a way that noone believed her.<\/p>\n \u201cBut you could force yourself for a suitable remuneration.\u201d Huntingdon stated.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we could agree something suitable.\u201d Lady Dinah said coldly putting on her most aristocratic manner. The desire for money was exactly what\u00a0\u00a0Huntingdon and the other men understood and they never thought to question her reading of events.<\/p>\n Huntingdon agreed the principle and then left Hearst to handle the monetary haggling. Dinah got an agreement for an extra $10 000, in return she would engineer a public row and walk out on Adam. Then she left them careful not to show her elation. Treating these men with ice cold aristocratic disdain. They were delighted with it and congratulated themselves on finding exactly the right bait to distract Adam Cartwright and send him into court in less than top form.<\/p>\n Dinah was just thankful to get out of there; she had been worried that she would reveal more than she wanted. Adam meant so much more to her than any other man she had known, it felt as though that fact should be clear to everyone. Adam had been feeling uneasy all the time she was gone. He didn\u2019t doubt her willingness to help but was just a little worried about her ability. He had a great deal of respect for Huntingdon\u2019s ability to see further through most situations than other men. He was very relieved when she got back; it was very obvious that she\u2019d been successful. Dinah came over for a kiss and then over coffee and brandy told Adam exactly what had been said and the $10 000 bonus agreed for a public row.<\/p>\n Adam smiled, \u201dI think we can arrange that my pet, the dining room here should be public enough. All I ask is if you slap my face don\u2019t do it too hard.\u201d She kissed him but went very solemn hating the idea of leaving him. Adam recognized how she felt but he could hardly wait to go home and it would be hypercritical to say anything so he changed the subject.<\/p>\n For that evening and the next two days Dinah tried to forget the future and make the most of Adam\u2019s company, both in and out of bed. Adam went along willingly enough, she had done her very best to help him. He got up early and got three solid hours of work in on his presentation for the Judge. The back of the work was broken and he only needed to polish it over the weekend. During the morning and for an hour in the afternoon Adam made his public and futile visits to the land registry, court house and various law offices, Twice he met his father and once his youngest brother but it was as though the fight hadn\u2019t happened or at least had been put to one side for the time being. Ben was slightly reserved compared to his normal attitude to his eldest son but he was all business.<\/p>\n Adam listened carefully to everything his father and brother had to report the final pieces of the mosaic that he had been constructing for weeks. He spared time to take careful notes once they left but otherwise concentrated on entertaining Dinah. On the Wednesday night knowing that it was their last night together Dinah was insatiable. Strangely given that it was the last time Adam felt more guilty than ever, partly because she had in her own way come to mean something to him and partly her obvious regrets, contrasting with his own great delight that the end was finally coming.<\/p>\n Ben and Joe had quietly got on with their allocated jobs; Joe could at least feel satisfaction in providing detailed documentation to prove their title to every acre of the Ponderosa. Ben\u2019s job was far more tenuous, he had notarized statements from Wahome and three other old Paiute chiefs that they knew nothing of any early white expeditions to the area and certainly no settlements. However Ben knew just how much notice would be taken of the word of an Indian in a court of law, even though he personally knew that in such matters their traditions were far more accurate and trustworthy than most whites. Ben had also collected affidavits to the same effect from as many of the early arrivals as he could trace, although many were dead by now.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t seem much with such a crucial court case facing them. They had both met Adam but he hadn\u2019t been forthcoming and they had no idea how he intended fighting the case. Adam seemed very remote to both of them and the fight might never have taken place. Late on Wednesday evening Hoss feeling restless had joined Ben and Joe in Joe\u2019s study. He had done all he could to organise things around the ranch and luckily they had many loyal men. Most of the hands were up in arms at the mere idea of someone else claiming the ranch, word had spread very rapidly. Hoss was very sure that all the men would work very hard to ensure everything were running smoothly when they returned.<\/p>\n Ben was glad of that and sure his big son was right, he wasn\u2019t too worried about the ranch in their absence. He reverted to the subject none of them could avoid. \u201cI wonder why Adam had been so withdrawn this week, not a word about his own progress.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked at his little brother, still bearing marks of the fight and with a touch of bitterness said \u201cMaybe there ain\u2019t any.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe grinned \u201cYou don\u2019t even mean that brother. You know we can trust Adam, where the ranch is concerned he would never let us down.\u201d He got to his feet restlessly \u201cIt\u2019s funny Pa and I can\u2019t explain why but I got the distinct feeling he\u2019s waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor what?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n Joe shrugged \u201cI\u2019m not sure\u00a0Pa.\u00a0I did say I couldn\u2019t explain.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t sure but Hoss was willing to accept what Joe had to say. \u201cMaybe while we\u2019re away in\u00a0Sacramento, just the four of us, we can sort things out.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned, \u201cIsn\u2019t Sue coming. I know Carole intends to.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss looked puzzled \u201cBut what about the kids?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said \u201cNita is going to take Adam with us. We can get rooms at the Grand Hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned \u201cI hadn\u2019t thought.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe punched his brother on the arm \u201cI should have a word with Sue big brother, I think you\u2019ll find she has!\u201d Rather more seriously Joe went on \u201cI thought Adam wanted to go on Friday to give us a couple of days to sort things out in\u00a0Sacramento.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben agreed \u201cThat\u2019s what he said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn town they seem to think we\u2019re catching the train on Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you ask Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, he was as forthcoming on that as he is on everything else. Nita wants to know exactly when we\u2019re going, for packing and everything.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben frowned \u201cI was planning on Friday. I\u2019ve done just about all I can here, Just a couple of final replies and they should be in tomorrow. I was going to spend the day making up pay packets for the men so that Jos\u00e9 can pay them if we are longer than we expect. Would you mind going into town again Joe, collecting the mail and try and talk to Adam again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure Pa, no problem.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think you\u2019d better tell him that we will catch the train to\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0on Friday, stay at the Grand and he can join us as and when he wishes.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss asked \u201cDo you want me to come along Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe just grinned, \u201cIf Sue\u2019s anything like Nita she\u2019ll have a list of urgent jobs for you that have to be done before you go away! I think I can manage to pick up a few telegrams on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n That wasn\u2019t what was worrying Hoss and it was written all over his face. Joe got up to collect his coat and go home and in passing gripped Hoss\u2019 shoulder \u201cDon\u2019t worry we won\u2019t start fighting again.\u201d<\/p>\n In the event it was late morning before Joe was free to ride to town, he had been helping Nita collect some things together, with a trip of unknown duration the baby in particular seemed to need a lot. Joe spent the trip to town trying once more to puzzle out what his eldest brother was up to. It seemed a permanent and very frustrating occupation at the moment.<\/p>\n In fact Adam had spent the morning packing as well. He had quickly collected together most of his things and then helped Dinah fold all of hers up ready in neat piles. She was intending to catch the four o\u2019clock train to\u00a0Reno\u00a0which connected comfortably with a train for\u00a0New York. They planned a nice public row at lunchtime which would just give her nice time to pack and flounce out publicly for the train.<\/p>\n Once the worst of the sorting out was done Adam sat down and pulled her down on his knee. He kissed her again gently \u201cYou have made these last few weeks so much easier for me than I had any right to expect.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI came to trap you but I sort of fell into my own trap.\u201d She said ruefully.<\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cWe\u2019ve had some fun.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes we have but it\u2019s been much more than that.\u201d She twisted round to meet his gaze \u201cYou\u2019ve taught me a lot Adam Cartwright and I\u2019ll never forget you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou taught me that I wasn\u2019t all bad as a person and that just maybe there might be a man for me, that I can like men. Only problem is you are very special, there won\u2019t be many like you and you\u2019re already taken.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam hugged her \u201cYou\u2019ll find someone Dinah, you\u2019re very special yourself. I owe you a lot for protecting me these last weeks, I\u2019d hate to think that you were ever again in the position of having to work with bastards like Hearst and\u00a0Troy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI told you that with the money they are paying I shall be independent, that was the only reason I did it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know Di but one side effect of all this is that I have made a very hefty profit at the poker table. I\u2019d like you to accept just a small token, call it a sign of my gratitude and in remembrance of the good times.\u201d Adam passed over an envelope and Dinah opened it curious. Inside there were two things, a beautiful gold heart shaped pendent watch, so very delicate and the back opened to show it was a locket. Dinah begged a lock of Adam\u2019s hair to go in it. Then she slipped it on, only then opening the bank draft which was also in the envelope, She stared at it in amazement a draft for $50 000, \u201cI can\u2019t take this. I came here to fool you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you didn\u2019t, instead you have been working with me. I told you before use your brain, become a person, not just a beautiful body to be collected by men, but you\u2019ll need some money to give you independence to start with. It\u2019s worth part of my winnings and that\u2019s all this is. One day when you\u2019ve forgotten me I\u2019ll hear of you famous in your own sphere.\u201d He smiled at her and she felt herself melt and could only nod her head. \u201cI\u2019ll try to live up to what you say Adam.\u201d and she tucked the bank draft away.<\/p>\n Dinah straightened her shoulders, \u201cCome on my dear we have a public performance to give.\u201d<\/p>\n They headed downstairs to have lunch in one of the small booths off the main dining room, walking in ostentatiously apart as though already annoyed. Dinah was impressed by the aura of contained anger that Adam managed to portray and could only hope that she would be as good at acting. Adam ordered a meal without consulting her and she interrupted to change her order, showing the waiter her obvious annoyance. Adam frowned \u201cYou don\u2019t have to take it out on the world just because you can\u2019t always get your own way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you dare talk to me like that in front of the hired help!\u201d<\/p>\n The waiter beat a hasty retreat but it was enough to make them the focus of attention. Adam dropped his voice so none else could hear and Dinah followed suit but their every action, as cutlery was slammed down, food hardly touched, and in Adam\u2019s case considerable amounts of wine drunk, were testimony to the flaming row that was going on, clear on their faces.<\/p>\n Joe went to the hotel looking for his brother to pass on the message about\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0and was told that Adam was in the dining room. He went in to have a word but could see enough from across the room to know that now was not the right time. He took a seat well out of the way and ordered a steak and some coffee, watching what was happening. It was very obvious to Joe that both Adam and the girl were furious arguing vehemently and it was equally obvious that everyone in the hotel was watching and gloating over the fact.<\/p>\n Joe had no idea what the argument was about, at least his brother seemed to have sufficient discretion to keep his voice down. Joe ate his steak barely tasting it as he kept an eye on the increasing tension in the booth and then to his horror Dinah stood up, slapped Adam hard across the face and marched out.<\/p>\n Adam was quick to follow her; the imprint of his fingers clear on his face and Joe swiftly got out enough to cover his bill and went after his brother.<\/p>\n Dinah had run up to her room and locked the door as Joe reached the corridor he heard Adam banging on the door and threatening to break it down if she didn\u2019t let him in. All the way down the corridor doors were opening as people looked out, not wanting to miss anything. Joe hurried down the corridor wanting to stop his brother making a complete fool of himself, but just before he reached Adam Dinah gave in and opened the door. Adam glared at his brother but went inside without saying anything, slamming the door behind him.<\/p>\n Joe heard the key turn and hovered unsure what to do. The raised voices from inside could be heard all too clearly and Joe knew that everyone of the listening ears in the corridor were avidly taking in what was being said. He heard Adam say \u201cYou\u2019re not running out on me, after all I\u2019ve given up for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Di\u2019s reply was equally clear \u201cI am not staying around in this backwater in the middle of nowhere, hanging around while you go play at being lawyer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll bring you back something special and it won\u2019t be for long\u201d Adam said pleadingly.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. It\u2019s been fun. You\u2019re quite a good lover but there are plenty more and you are beginning to bore me. This town is so dull. I want something more than a frontier town and a gun slinging dilettante part time lover.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe felt himself blushing at the scorn in her voice and the interested looks all round and he turned on his heel, going back to the lobby. He got himself a large brandy and sat down, positioning himself so he could see if Adam or Dinah reappeared. The expression on his face enough to prevent any comment direct to him.<\/p>\n Upstairs Adam and Di hastily finished their packing, keeping up a loud verbal argument, with abuse on both sides for the interested parties they knew were outside. Eventually with everything ready it was time for Dinah to leave for her train ands she went into his arms for one last time, knowing that she would probably never see him again. She clung to him desperately for a minute and then pulled away without a word, not trusting her voice. She opened the door and walked out, not having to act, very obviously upset, if the reasons were different from what they all assumed. She went downstairs and told the manager to send two boys for her luggage and that Adam Cartwright would settle the bill. She waited for them to collect her luggage and Adam reached her first. He grabbed her arm \u201cYou aren\u2019t going anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t belong to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease for God\u2019s sake, you know what I\u2019ve given up for you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNoone asked you to. I\u2019m bored go back to your ranch and your saintly wife. You deserve them, leave me alone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t\u201d<\/p>\n The boys appeared with her luggage and she pulled away and marched off to the railway station. To Joe\u2019s horror Adam seemed ready to follow and grovel further, he hated the begging note he could hear in his brother\u2019s voice, hated seeing his brother so obviously upset that he let the whole town see. The manager was more concerned that the rather large bill was paid and intercepted Adam and insisted on payment. Adam had little choice and even though he didn\u2019t argue about any of the components of the bill it still took time to add it all up. Adam allowed everyone to see that he was very upset, knowing that word would be taken back to Hearst and Huntingdon and that should buy him the few hours he needed to get his family safely to John\u2019s ranch.<\/p>\n Joe went over to join his brother, hoping to calm him just by his presence as he had so often in the past, all ill-feeling forgotten as he saw his brother so obviously upset. In fact he made matters far worse, Adam was confident of his acting ability in front of strangers but nor for Joe who knew him so well. All Adam could do was ostentatiously ignore Joe and hope whatever his little brother thought he had the sense to keep quiet. Joe was so on edge, aware that Adam was the centre of attention that he didn\u2019t even realise it was an act and eventually Adam paid the bill and was free to go.<\/p>\n Adam hurried straight over to the train station well aware that not only Joe but at least a dozen other men were following him, loathe to miss any further drama. He was only just in time the train was just pulling it and Dinah was ordering the boys where to place the luggage, Adam ran over and took her in his arms \u201cI can\u2019t let you go.\u201d<\/p>\n She struggled against him but it wasn\u2019t until she again slapped his face hard that he released her. The sound of the slap rang round the station and everyone gawped open mouthed at this treatment of the mighty Adam Cartwright. Dinah was glacial \u201cAll you have done is prove my point. Neither you nor this town know anything of civilization. I\u2019m going back to\u00a0England\u00a0where there are gentlemen who know how to treat a Lady.\u201d She glared at him and then sweeping her skirt disdainfully aside mounted the train. She didn\u2019t even look out of the window as the train left, scared she\u2019d break down. She had done all she could for him and only later in the privacy of her own bunk did she break down and cry over the loss of the one man she had ever learnt to love. Maybe somewhere, some day she would find a man she could give herself to utterly but men like Adam Cartwright were few and far between. She was still very thankful that she had known him and for a few short weeks had had the affection and attention that he\u2019d given.<\/p>\n As the train drew out Adam stared after it, his thoughts hardly those everyone was attributing to him but he was in a strange way sorry to see her go, She had played her part magnificently and only he knew just how much that had cost her. He came back to the present with a start as Joe gently touched his arm, \u201cLet\u2019s go home Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pulled away from his brother and he glared round at all those watching him so avidly and went back to the hotel. Wordlessly he collected his belongings and didn\u2019t comment as Joe took half to carry. The brothers went down to the stables, conscious all the way of the whisper of conversation that followed them. Adam busied himself saddling Blackie, but spared a minute to tell Dick to take all his things and join Jamie at Jess\u2019 ready for the journey to\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0the following day.<\/p>\n Joe went along with Adam\u2019s unwillingness to talk, just distributing his brother\u2019s belongings between the two horses and moving Cochise alongside the black stallion as they edged their way out of town. Adam\u2019s whole form was rigid with temper and obvious unhappiness. Hearst Troy and Huntingdon watched from an upstairs window. They had already received detailed reports and watched Adam ride out with great delight. Lady Dinah had done exactly as she\u2019d said with the results she had predicted. They gloated over Adam\u2019s fall from grace, delighted to see the man they feared so much the laughing stock of the town, brought low by a woman.<\/p>\n Joe couldn\u2019t do anything to help, infuriated by some of the comments shouted at his brother from a safe distance as some of the town\u2019s jackals took the opportunity to gloat but Adam seemed oblivious of them all. Adam kept up the act until they were well clear of all town traffic and had turned onto their own road, safe on the Ponderosa. Then he allowed Blackie to dance, picking up his master\u2019s joyful mood and to Joe\u2019s utter amazement Adam turned to him grinning very broadly, his eyes dancing with mischief and said, \u201cCome on little brother I\u2019ll race you home.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe was totally confused \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll explain everything this evening, now come on I want to see Carole and my kids.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam I ….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLater.\u201d Adam kicked Blackie on and responding to his master the black stallion lengthened his stride, and Joe was hard pushed to keep up on the smaller pinto. Joe didn\u2019t understand but one thing he was swiftly aware of was that he could reach Adam again, feel his brother as he always used to be able to. Far from being upset Adam was calm, very happy and confident. Joe couldn\u2019t begin to understand but for now it was sufficient that Adam seemed to coming home in more ways than one.<\/p>\n As they approached the houses Adam said \u201cI\u2019m going home Joe. Can you collect Pa Hoss, Sue and Nita, and come over. I have lot to explain. Just give me an hour first I owe my kids that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Carole?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cI owe her more than I can ever pay but that\u2019s nothing new\u201d with that he galloped into the yard and dismounted at the run, hurrying inside not even tying his stallion up. Joe thoroughly puzzled saw to Blackie and then went to collect the others as he\u2019d been asked.<\/p>\n Carole had been expecting Adam and as he came in and swung her off her feet in a bear hug, she was almost overcome. She\u2019d hated their pretended estrangement even more than she\u2019d hated the idea of him having sex with another women. The signs of strain were very clear on both of them but it was over, he was home and they could explain and go back to being themselves. For a moment she clung very close to him but then the children realised Daddy was home and they too had missed Adam and bounded in, demanding attention. Adam didn\u2019t care, he\u2019d missed them more than he could ever say and for a few minutes he forgot everything except his wife and family.<\/p>\n Meanwhile Joe had collected the rest of the family in his study, giving Adam the time he\u2019d asked for, while he tried to fill them in on the weird happenings in town. He explained about the fight leading to Dinah\u2019s departure with Adam almost grovelling in his attempts to stop her going. Just how the town had gloated with Adam the picture of abject despair and then the strange metamorphosis as Adam threw that off and gave every sign of being delighted with life.<\/p>\n Ben was thoroughly confused and blamed Joe\u2019s ability as a story teller, Joe shook his head, \u201cI haven\u2019t left anything out and it doesn\u2019t make sense but Adam has promised to explain. All I will say is that he\u2019s come home in every sense. I can reach him like I used to\u00a0\u00a0be able to and despite everything he feels confident and happy.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head \u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe just shrugged, \u201cNeither do I Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n It was left to Hoss to make the practical suggestion that they go across to Adam\u2019s and find out. Nothing loathe the five adults with the two babies went over to Adam\u2019s, hoping the family really was going to become complete again. As they went in Adam looked up and smiled he was on the floor, his three older children sitting on him while Carole held Anne and watched, very content. Adam smiled up at them \u201cGive me five minutes to put these menaces to bed and I\u2019ll explain.\u201d<\/p>\n The twins considered it rather beneath their dignity to go to bed at the same time as Marie but Adam bribed them with the promise of a long ride and a train journey the next day if they were good now. Carole brought the baby up and between them they had all four tucked up in bed in not much over the five minutes.<\/p>\n As they came out of the nursery Adam hesitated, he owed his family an explanation and most of them apologies, especially his youngest brother, still toting bruises from their last fight. He wasn\u2019t looking forward to telling them, feeling guilty, unsure whether he had had the right to act alone. Carole could read the self-doubt on his face and put her arms round him, \u201cThey\u2019ll understand my love.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope so.\u201d Adam held her close and said \u201cMy God I\u2019ve missed you.\u201d for a moment his voice was thickened with emotion and he was closer to breaking down than he had been throughout.. He took a moment to win control and then went down his arm still round her for support.<\/p>\n The five adults all looked up as he reappeared and while relieved to see him close\u00a0\u00a0to his wife, confusion and questions were obvious on each face. Adam forced a smile \u201cCome through to the study I have a long overdue explanation and to most of you apologies.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam poured himself a brandy but only his father accepted the offer to join him. Carole sat in her usual chair by the fire but Adam was too restless to settle and stood behind her, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder as though he couldn\u2019t bear to break the physical contact now he\u2019d finally come home. Now he had them altogether and could reveal the truth, he didn\u2019t know where to start.<\/p>\n Adam looked from one face to another seeing bewilderment but affection, confusion but compassion and delight to see him back with his wife. He sipped his brandy \u201cI really don\u2019t know where to start so maybe by saying thank you to all of you for being so patient with me these last weeks. You must have thought I\u2019d gone mad but each in your own way offered your support with no strings attached and for that I was so very grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole reached up to cover his hand on her shoulder as she heard his voice quiver. Adam kissed her hair and a little more under control he went on. \u201cThere\u2019s no real way I can apologize for how I\u2019ve treated you. I just pray that when you understand why I felt I had to do it you\u2019ll forgive me.\u201d Adam moved over to his youngest brother and gently touched a fading bruise on his cheekbone \u201cEspecially you Joe. I\u2019m so very sorry but I really didn\u2019t have a choice.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole said \u201cI think you\u2019d better explain why darling but before he does, can I say that I have known everything from the beginning and I supported Adam in the choice he made. If he has deceived you all so have I.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled \u201cI couldn\u2019t have managed it without Carole\u2019s support. The basic facts are very simple. When you called me out last week with the writ I virtually had the case for the defence prepared. A few loose ends such as the local history and our own deeds that I knew I could leave to you Pa and Joe. I had known about the claim for nearly ten weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben met his younger sons\u2019 puzzled gaze and put the question for all of them. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell us so we could fight it together like always?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam downed his brandy and went over to the mantelpiece to look up at the picture of the lake, then he turned and looked over at his nephews both asleep in their mothers\u2019 arms. His expression was unreadable even for those who knew him so well. \u201cIt was legal matter and rightly or wrongly I took it upon myself to fight it. You\u2019ll have to decide if I had the right. Initially at least that fight was best done alone.\u201d He looked over at the babies again but couldn\u2019t find the words to explain and Carole asked \u201cDo you want me to explain my love?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head \u201cIt\u2019s alright sweetheart, \u201c He couldn\u2019t face his family and stared into the fire, \u201cWe have some very good friends and some of them took considerable risks ten weeks ago warning me about this claim. It meant I could set in motion all the checks there weren\u2019t supposed to be time for. I\u2019ll explain all that later. The important thing for now was the warning they brought along with the news of the claim. It seems I was seen as a threat and yet they preferred me in court against them, rather than some land law expert that they didn\u2019t know. Their plan was to have me acting for the Ponderosa but not at my best, distracted by family arguments or grief.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0Ben asked \u201cWho is they?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHearst and\u00a0Troy\u00a0yet again but this time with the active backing of Huntingdon apart from some minor members like Grandison.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben whistled softly \u201cPowerful.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned and spoke directly to his father \u201cThat was the trouble Pa, far too powerful to take risks with.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can understand that.\u201d Joe said, \u201cbut why not tell us and fight together?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gripped the mantelpiece, the decision he\u2019d made had seemed the only possible one at the time but now he wondered if he\u2019d had the right. \u201cMy three week absence was explained in town by a mistress, you know that. Hearst decided that if I could fall from grace once I could do it again given the right bait and that if it was public enough that would cause family rows. I couldn\u2019t tell you because it was going to be your reactions that would convince him I was really doing what he wanted. I daren\u2019t risk him not believing you, any of you, so I kept it secret. I went along, playing the bored restless man and then allowed myself to take up with Dinah, almost encouraged the rows. In fact Pa, Joe in some cases deliberately staged them. For that I apologize but I had to buy the time to collect all we needed to fight this case.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben and Joe were both stunned at that and Nita no better, not sure whether to be glad or angry. It was left to Sue to notice the one odd word Adam had used, the reason for it all. \u201cAdam you said they wanted to distract you by rows or grief. What did you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned to her and gently touched the head of his sleeping nephew. \u201cThat was the reason I chose to do it alone Sue, The alternative strategy if I could not be distracted by a mistress. They reckoned the death or maiming of one or two of the children or one of my brothers or our wives might be equally effective.\u201d Adam looked round seeing the same shock he\u2019d felt on each of their faces as both Nita and Sue instinctively held their babies even closer. He said almost pleadingly \u201cI had to go along, take the scandal, force the rows, I didn\u2019t know where we could be safe, not for ten weeks, not with all Huntingdon\u2019s connections I know I didn\u2019t have the right but I couldn\u2019t take the risk, the children.\u201d He broke off and went and poured another brandy, totally unsure how his family were taking his high handed behaviour. For a moment they were all stunned, it explained so much that had seemed so inexplicable but each in their own way was visualizing the immense strain Adam had been under. Only Carole could help at all and her help was inevitably limited by the nature of the path he\u2019d chosen, when he had to stay away from her. Ben was the first to move, seeing all too clearly the tremendous strain on his eldest son\u2019s face now he\u2019d relaxed a little. Ben went over to Adam and put his arms round him \u201cMy son.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked at his father, his face wet with tears \u201cI know I had no right but I couldn\u2019t risk….\u201d<\/p>\n Ben couldn\u2019t find the words to explain how he felt and it was left to Hoss \u201cThank you brother. I thank God you were strong enough to go through that hell alone rather than risk our children. A mere thank you don\u2019t seem enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned away blindly\u00a0\u00a0it was enough, more than enough, just to know that they understood. Joe went over to him \u201cHoss is speaking for me too, how can we ever really say thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned \u201cI hurt you, more than once, I hated it Joe but I did it, can you forgive me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing to forgive brother, not with the children\u2019s lives at stake. None of us are good enough actors and like Hoss I\u2019m just so very thankful you and Carole had the strength to carry it through and sorry for the things that I\u2019ve said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou reacted to a mirage I\u2019d created. It wasn\u2019t really me you were talking to …\u201d Adam broke off and suddenly it all got to him and he couldn\u2019t even face his family. He rubbed his hand across his eyes but he knew that he was on the verge of complete breakdown and he turned and hurried out of the room, just wanting fresh air and to be alone. He stumbled slightly as he went out, unable to see for tears. He went over to the corral fence and lent on it fighting for control, vaguely aware of the magnificent scenery.<\/p>\n Inside as Adam hurried out the rest looked at each other realising why and slowly coming to terms with what he\u2019d been doing. Joe met his big brother\u2019s eye and without discussion the two brothers went after Adam. Ben was happy to see it, for now the three brothers were best left alone. He went to his daughter \u201cCarole, this must have been very hard for you, are you sure you\u2019re alright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine now\u00a0Pa.\u00a0Now I have Adam back. It as been hard especially not being able to explain to you all, knowing how you felt about Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd this other woman?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe didn\u2019t matter\u00a0Pa.\u00a0She couldn\u2019t come between us we are far too close. She has no more meaning than those men who raped me. Adam\u2019s heart is mine and while that is true nothing else matters.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben put his arm round her \u201cAdam chose a very wonderful partner Carole, thank God. He is going to need all your support and love over the next few weeks. He\u2019s been under a most tremendous pressure and with the case looming that won\u2019t change. I think I\u2019m only just beginning to realise the strain on him.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole smiled \u201cHe\u2019ll be fine Pa. Joe and Hoss will calm him down and then knowing that he<\/p>\n has the support of all his family will be all that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita spoke up. \u201dHe has that support. I was so cross with him when he fought Joe but now I know why, know he was saving Adam and Johnny, the other children from death or maiming. I\u2019m just so thankful he had the courage to act as he did.\u201d<\/p>\n Carole smiled at the blonde, \u201cI\u2019ll tell him what you said Nita. I know it will mean a lot. He was more worried about the effect of his actions on his family than anything else.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t bother Carole. I\u2019ll tell him myself. I owe him that much after the hard things I\u2019ve been saying.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue came over and kissed Carole, \u201cI knew there had to be a good reason, you have far too good a marriage for it to go so wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n Outside Adam had buried his face in his hands and wasn\u2019t even aware of his brothers coming out. Joe met Hoss eye and said softly. \u201cIt\u2019s been harder than he\u2019ll ever say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know but he needs to relax Joe. It\u2019s gonna be tough over the next few days, with this case.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know but we\u2019ll fight together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam will win.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure he will.\u201d Joe said with conviction \u201cWith the amount he has invested he has to win.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded and without further discussion the brothers moved up one either side of Adam. he wasn\u2019t even aware of them until Joe put his arm round Adam\u2019s shoulders. Joe could feel the tension in him and said, \u201cEasy brother, it\u2019s over now, you\u2019re home.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam couldn\u2019t find any words, he had an enormous lump in his throat but as Hoss gently gripped his shoulders he felt tears stinging his eyelids. Hoss said, \u201cGive in brother, it\u2019s what you need. I can\u2019t even begin to imagine the strain it musta been.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam swallowed hard but the compassion on his big brother\u2019s face was the final straw and he turned to Hoss, buried his face in Hoss\u2019 shoulder and gave way to the tears that had been threatening ever since his family came. Joe stood close by his brothers, gripping Adam\u2019s shoulder in mute sympathy until he felt the tension slowly ease. It was nearly twenty minutes before Adam lifted his head and accepted the hanky that Joe offered.\u00a0\u00a0He felt the need to talk as he tried to explain just how hard it had been to fight one brother and not to come to the other when he was injured. The agony of mind when he couldn\u2019t come to his sick children and had to snub family and friends. He wasn\u2019t very coherent but his brothers recognized the need to talk and listened without comment, just staying very close, trying to calm him by their presence. Adam low voiced even spoke of the need to make love to Dinah and his attempts finally unsuccessful to fool her, of the guilt he felt and yet paradoxically the affection that had grown. He finished by telling them of the great effort he\u2019d had to make over weeks to curtain his mind from them and the sheer loneliness it had brought. Eventually he fell silent and physically weak, drained for now of all emotion, he was glad of Hoss\u2019 supporting arm as he stared up at the Sierra\u2019s, so beautiful in the moonlight, a token of what he was fighting for.<\/p>\n Joe very gently wiped his brother\u2019s face, he\u2019d shed tears himself as he\u2019d listened to Adam, knowing the chances were that Adam would never again reveal anything of the strain he\u2019d been under and had even now only touched the surface. \u201cDear God I don\u2019t know where you found the strength, but thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gripped Joe\u2019s hand, \u201cYou bore the brunt I had to, to convince Hearst, please forgive me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh you idiot Adam I told you there\u2019s nothing to forgive. For weeks you have taken everything on your own, now we can help.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam searched his brother\u2019s face but Joe\u2019s expression was clear, love and gratitude so obvious and he pulled his young brother close. \u201cPray God we never have to fight again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEasy Adam. Come on it\u2019s getting cold and I think we could all do with a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had relaxed a little as he talked to his brothers and as he relaxed he felt desperately tired but there was still so much to do and to explain that he couldn\u2019t give in. He got a grip on himself\u00a0\u00a0with an effort, \u201cYou\u2019re right Joe let\u2019s go in.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam headed straight upstairs to wash, not wanting everyone to see how he felt. Hoss went up with him not wanting to leave him alone, not yet. Joe went in to join the others, not realising just how clear the ravages of emotion were on his own face, He smiled at them,<\/p>\n \u201cAdam\u2019s okay, relaxed a little.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben poured a large brandy\u00a0\u00a0\u201cHere son you look as though you need a drink.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe talked, just a little.\u201d Joe sipped his drink before looking up at his father \u201cPa I don\u2019t know where he found that strength.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben put his arm round his youngest son, \u201cFrom love Joseph. Love of all of us and from God. He has grown into one hell of a man, my eldest son.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam coming down with his big brother blushed as he heard his father\u2019s testimonial and the hear, hears from Nita and Sue. They warmed him far more\u00a0\u00a0then the brandy Ben passed him. Adam still showed very clearly that he had broken down but all of them knew the need for it and were glad to see the unnatural tension had gone from his body. Adam sat down and pulled Carole close, needing her against him as proof that the nightmare was over but for now he was strictly practical.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve spread word in town that we will leave on Saturday and stay at the Grand Hotel in\u00a0Sacramento. In fact I want to go early in the morning by wagon as far as\u00a0Reno\u00a0and pick up the train there. Hopefully that will throw everyone off our track. Everyone to go especially the children and I\u2019ve arranged for us to be met in\u00a0Sacramento. John Chance has a small ranch outside\u00a0Sacramento\u00a0and he has arranged for some of his men, long time employees that he knows well to act as bodyguards. The ranch will be a fortress for the duration of the trial because as soon as I open my mouth they are going to know I\u2019ve been fooling them.\u201d<\/p>\n The others looked at each other in consternation. Adam was right the threat was still all too real but they hadn\u2019t come to terms with it yet. Adam smiled \u201cDon\u2019t worry for a few days we can ensure everyone is safe and I shall make it very clear to Hearst and company that any attack on us will be brought home direct to them.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam went on \u201cWe\u2019ll have company and extra men with us. I\u2019ve had so much help, so many friends, I couldn\u2019t have managed without them. Especially Jess and Liza. They have acted as my post office and go between from the beginning. Jess knew from the very start, the three girls who brought me the warning used him as a go between.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho were they?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cMarcy, she overheard Hearst talking, he\u2019s been staying at her hotel throughout. Michelle Grandison, grateful for Joe saving her parents and incensed because her husband was partner to all this and most of all Margaret Hunter. You remember Sam he died of rabies years ago. Since then Margaret has been Hearst\u2019s private secretary but when this came up she felt she had an older loyalty.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben, Hoss and Joe all remembered very clearly the way Adam had earnt that loyalty, the long hard days as he eased his friend as much as was humanly possible. To break the silence<\/p>\n Carole said, \u201cJamie will be coming too.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled at his father\u2019s surprise, \u201cI enlisted Jamie\u2019s help and Ramon Perez as an interpreter. Jamie has all the documentary evidence from\u00a0Mexico, he went there for me. Johnny Sutherland is at Jess\u2019 too, he arranged the searches in\u00a0Spain\u00a0and in the\u00a0Vatican\u00a0. The men who actually carried them out will meet us in\u00a0Sacramento. Steve Fallon and Johnny Rey have also been helping and I enlisted Oliver Wendall Holmes as an expert to prepare detailed reports on the law, John Chance went east for me and brought back books and copies of all the relevant statutes. So many friends Pa. Liza Campbell is in the land office and has kept me in touch with events in the court at\u00a0Sacramento. Elizabeth Bowen and Jamie\u2019s law clerk Dick Langton have acted as intermediaries. Margaret even took the risk of getting me a verbatim copy and detailed description of the grant and with the documents that Jamie and Johnny have brought I can prove it\u2019s a fraud.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben gripped his son\u2019s shoulders \u201cYou have done superbly Adam and somehow we\u2019ll manage to thank all those who have helped but for now take your wife and go to bed. You\u2019re exhausted and we all need time to think, it\u2019s going to be a long day tomorrow.\u201d Adam pulled himself to his feet, his eyes locked on his father\u2019s \u201cI know I had no right and I know I\u2019ve put you all through hell….\u201d<\/p>\n Ben pulled him close \u201cWe\u2019re just thankful you had the strength Adam. Don\u2019t ever apologize again, we all know that it was done out of love.\u201d<\/p>\n Nita added \u201cI will thank God for a long time that you had the courage to do as you did and protect us all.\u201d<\/p>\n Sue nodded \u201cWe can all see how much it cost you, you of all men to be estranged from your family. As Pa said we know you did it from love.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked round at all his family seeing love, understanding and gratitude where he had been so scared he would find condemnation. Somehow the support from his two sisters meant even more than his own blood relatives, they had others as their first priority and yet still understood. \u201cYou\u2019re kinder than I deserve, thank you all for your generosity and understanding. I think I\u2019ll sleep better tonight than I have for months.\u201d Total exhaustion was all too apparent and Ben smiled at his daughter, \u201cTake him to bed Carole, before he falls asleep on his feet.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam did sleep well but all the others had far too much on their minds as they tried to come to terms with everything he had said and what the immediate future might hold. Carole was awake too but she was just so very thankful the charade was over and her husband was lying peacefully next to her. Fast asleep he was holding her hand and when she went to move his grip tightened. For so long he had had to be away, now he was home\u00a0\u00a0and he wasn\u2019t letting go, that unconscious gesture said all Carole needed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nThe Homecoming<\/a><\/span>
\nHome to Stay<\/a><\/span>
\nHoneymoon and Arguments<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Marie<\/a><\/span>
\nAdam and Carole<\/a><\/span>
\nA European Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Aftermath<\/a><\/span>
\nA Busy Summer<\/a><\/span>
\nA Tree Falls<\/a><\/span>
\nSan Fracisco Trip<\/a><\/span>
\nA Stranger from the Past<\/a><\/span>
\nA Sense of Blame<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Medicine Man<\/a><\/span>
\nCourtship and Cattle Drives<\/a><\/span>
\nAngels with Red Hair?<\/a><\/span>
\nThieves and Murderers<\/a><\/span>
\nPipeline Problems<\/a><\/span>
\nGuests for Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nA Turbulent Preacher<\/a><\/span>
\nJoe and Nita<\/a><\/span>
\nBen and Beth<\/a><\/span>
\nBanks, Pipelines, and Railroads<\/a><\/span>
\nLost<\/a><\/span>
\nA New Operation<\/a><\/span>
\nA Slow Recovery<\/a><\/span>
\nCelebrations<\/a><\/span>
\nForest Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nA Premature Birth<\/a>
\n<\/span>The Bank of California<\/a>
\nTrail Drive<\/a><\/span>
\nRobbery and Assault<\/a><\/span>
\nVirginia City on Fire<\/a><\/span>
\nRebuilding Virginia City<\/a><\/span>
\nCatching Up<\/a><\/span>
\nChristenings, Commissions, and Christmas<\/a><\/span>
\nWinter Ills<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #2 \u2013 Advance Warning<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #3 – Family Row #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #4 \u2013 Family Row #2<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #5 \u2013 Family Row #3<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #6 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #1<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #7 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #2 – Court Hearing<\/a><\/span>
\nThe Lawyer #8 \u2013 The Spanish Land Grant #3 – Knight Errant<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #9 – The Spanish Land Grant #4 – The Long Journey Home<\/a>
\nThe Lawyer #10 – The Spanish Land Grant #5 – Troy’s Last Stand<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n