Summary:\u00a0 The Cartwrights realize just how much Hop Sing means to them when he becomes ill.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (9,560 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Old Friend<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Hop Sing opened his eyes with a weary sigh and glanced at the clock beside his bed in the dim light.\u00a0 Four o\u2019clock! He forced his eyes to remain open and reluctantly pushed the blankets back form his body before sitting up in the bed and rubbing his eyes. He blinked several times, hoping that the action would bring the usual feeling of eagerness to start the day to him and then frowned as he realised that he still felt as tired as he had seconds ago.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he swung his feet to the floor he straightened his back and blinked again, anxious to get his body to respond to him and allow him to get the day underway.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t remember ever feeling like this before \u2026 after all, four o\u2019clock was his usual time to wake in the morning and he had certainly had enough sleep last night. He knew that the Cartwright family wondered how he seemed to exist on so little sleep and he took great delight in making them wonder. The truth was that he went to bed very early, which allowed him to get a decent night\u2019s sleep, and wake refreshed each day before dawn. Once supper had been served and the dishes cleared away, the cook was anxious to get to bed.\u00a0 The family knew that he would not respond to any calls after that and so never bothered to disturb him.\u00a0 Once Hop Sing entered his room at night it was a signal to everyone that his work was over for the day.\u00a0 None of them \u2026 except in extreme circumstances \u2026 would have dared disturb him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He looked around his room and noted the dim light entering through the small window. Even though the sun had not yet risen, the full moon cast an eerie glow around the room that illuminated things just enough for him to see where he need to go. The days were getting longer again, he thought as he undid and re-braided his long hair.\u00a0 Soon it would be light enough at four o\u2019clock for him not to even have to light a lamp at all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he stood next to his washbasin and shaved by the light of his small lamp, he thought again how tired he felt and decided that it must be all the spring-cleaning he\u2019d been doing lately.\u00a0 It was like this every year, for he had so much to do after the winter snows had melted to get the house in order again and ready for the summer months when everyone worked long hours and stayed awake longer at night.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing sighed as he pulled his tunic over his head and straightened it out before bending to pull on his soft slippers. Getting up again was an effort and he held onto the side of the dresser for a moment before steadying himself and pulling on his cap.\u00a0 He opened the door that led into the passageway that led to the kitchen \u2026 his domain. None of the Cartwrights would have ever dared to question what he did there.\u00a0 They knew without question that he was the master in this kingdom of his and allowed him complete freedom within it.\u00a0 Mr Cartwright would never dream of questioning Hop Sing when it came to matters of the kitchen \u2026 or indeed the whole house \u2026 any more than Hop Sing would have questioned his boss about how he ran The Ponderosa.\u00a0 They both knew each other\u2019s strengths and never crossed the lines within.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He stared into the dying fire and watched with satisfaction as it roared back to life again, feeding itself on the fuel that he provided for it.\u00a0 As the flames grew before his eyes he found himself becoming mesmerised by them and had to shake his head to interrupt the trance that he felt himself falling into. He put the coffeepot on the hob and turned to pick up the basket behind him. He tiptoed silently from the room and made his way to the henhouse, noting as he did how the sun was now just peeking over the top of the mountain in the distance and its first rays of golden light were spreading over the tops of the tall pine trees that surrounded the front yard. He heard the faint cackling of the hens in their enclosure as he approached and felt a slight annoyance at the sound.\u00a0 He wondered why, as the hens normally didn\u2019t worry him in the slightest, but to his surprise he found himself kicking them away in frustration as he went about the task of collecting their eggs as he did every morning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He smiled as he thought about how this job had come back to him again. It used to belong to Little Joe, but some years before the young man had rebelled at the detested chore and Hop Sing had taken it back again. At times he berated the youngster with the fact and threatened to make him do it again.\u00a0 He liked to keep all the Cartwrights on their toes wondering if he were serious with the things he said at times.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t hurt them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He collected some more kindling as he made his way back into the kitchen again, letting it fall into the box beside the stove with a thud. The sound annoyed him for some reason and he watched in annoyance as a piece rolled across the floor towards the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Here, let me get that for you,\u2019 a voice said behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing didn\u2019t even turn to acknowledge the speaker, for he knew without doubt whom it was.\u00a0 Adam was always the first one up in the morning and without fail made his way through the kitchen to say good morning on his way to do his outdoor chores.\u00a0 More often than not Hop Sing offered him a cup of coffee and the chores were delayed while they had a quiet few moments together.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This morning, however, the young man\u2019s intrusion into Hop Sing\u2019s domain annoyed him. \u2018What you do in kitchen?\u2019 he demanded as he stoked up the fire in the stove.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave the cook a strange look. \u2018Just passing through,\u2019 he said. \u2018I won\u2019t stay in your way if you\u2019re busy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing said nothing as Adam put the piece of kindling on top of the others and left the room.\u00a0 He felt guilty that he hadn\u2019t offered him a warm cup of coffee, but even so didn\u2019t call him back as he left. For some reason he just wanted to be alone this morning and couldn\u2019t be bothered to take the time to be sociable.\u00a0 As he beat the mixture of flour, eggs and milk into a fluffy concoction, Hop Sing sighed wearily.\u00a0 Why did he feel so tired today?\u00a0 For some reason he thought longingly of his bed and the thought annoyed him even more. He poured the first of the batter into the frying pan and watched it begin to bubble at the edges before flipping it over to produce the first of the many flapjacks that he\u2019d need to feed the four hungry men at breakfast.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The smell of the flapjacks entered his nostrils and caused a queasy feeling on his stomach.\u00a0 He leant against the side of the stove and held his head with one hand while attempting to flip another flapjack over with the other, feeling decidedly dizzy as he did so.\u00a0 Suddenly he felt himself begin to fall and reached out to steady himself.\u00a0 The last thing that he remembered before blacking out was the sight of the stone floor rising up to meet him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing? Hop Sing \u2026 can you hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing dragged himself back to consciousness reluctantly and forced his eyes open to see Doctor Paul Martin\u2019s face staring intently down at him from above.\u00a0 He closed his eyes again and then opened for a second time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing?\u00a0 Can you hear me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded, thinking as he did so just how much effort it took even for that small action.\u00a0 Paul smiled at him and put his hand on the Chinese man\u2019s forehead and felt it. \u2018He\u2019s hot,\u2019 he said to someone standing next to him and Hop Sing turned his head slightly to see Ben standing there looking every bit as anxious as the doctor. Paul patted him on the shoulder. \u2018Now you just take it easy Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019ve got a nasty bump on that head of yours from where you hit it on the floor.\u2019 Hop Sing opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Paul patted him on the shoulder again. \u2018Rest now,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just take it easy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing opened his mouth again and managed to whisper. \u2018Must \u2026 get \u2026 breakfast.\u00a0 Is \u2026 time.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now don\u2019t you worry about any of that Hop Sing,\u2019 said Ben as he leant over the man. \u2018You just rest like the doctor says.\u2019\u00a0 He watched with satisfaction as the Chinese man\u2019s eyes fluttered shut again and he drifted off to sleep with a sigh. Ben shook his head. \u2018Paul?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul Martin put his stethoscope away in his bag before replying. \u2018He\u2019s got quite a bump there Ben,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll have to watch him for concussion.\u2019\u00a0 He fingered his chin while he looked down at the sleeping man. \u2018Quite a fever as well.\u00a0 I\u2019m afraid it\u2019s the influenza.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How can you be so certain?\u2019 asked Ben.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018There are a number of cases of it in town,\u2019 replied Paul as he snapped his bag shut. \u2018Doctor Kwan told me that he\u2019s treated quite a few cases in the Chinese quarter during the past few weeks.\u2019\u00a0 He looked at Ben for a moment. \u2018I was actually wondering why you called for me and not him, to be honest Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked confused for a moment. \u2018To tell the truth Paul, it never occurred to me,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018We just always call on you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul raised an eyebrow. \u2018Of course,\u2019 he said. \u2018But Hop Sing is \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave the man a startled look. \u2018Is what?\u2019 he said tersely. \u2018Chinese?\u00a0 Is that what you meant? I\u2019m surprised that you would have an objection to \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul put his hand up. \u2018That\u2019s not what I meant and you should know that Ben,\u2019 he said. \u2018Surely you\u2019ve known me long enough to know \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018I\u2019m sorry Paul,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s just \u2026 well there are so many people around here who have such prejudiced ideas. Of course I know that you wouldn\u2019t be one of them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul smiled at his friend. \u2018All I meant was that Hop Sing may have preferred Doctor Kwan to attend to him. He usually does treat all the Chinese in town you know.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I do know,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018But as I said, it never occurred to me.\u00a0 I suppose we\u2019re so used to thinking of Hop Sing as part of our family that it just seemed natural to call on you.\u2019\u00a0 He looked down at the man in the bed. \u2018He\u2019s been here for so long now \u2026 and \u2026 well \u2026 to be honest I can\u2019t ever remember him even being sick before.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Paul shrugged. \u2018Neither can I,\u2019 he said. \u2018Well, he certainly is now though, I can assure you.\u00a0 He\u2019s going to need constant watching Ben.\u00a0 You\u2019re going to have to keep the fluids into him for a start and try and get that temperature down. I\u2019ll call back to see him tomorrow, or before if you send for me.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded as he opened the bedroom door for the doctor and followed him into the kitchen and then through the hallway into the main room of the downstairs. \u2018Thank you Paul,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll do our best.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced over to the fireplace where his three sons were sitting. \u2018We all will,\u2019 he added.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019 said Adam as Ben closed the front door after they had said their goodbyes to Paul. \u2018How is he?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018Not too well,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018Paul says that he has influenza.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked concerned. \u2018I heard tell that a few folks have come down with it in town,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s a nasty thing, ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It sure is,\u2019 said Ben, casting a worried look over his shoulder in the direction of Hop Sing\u2019s room. \u2018He\u2019s going to need care.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019ll look after him,\u2019 said Adam immediately and Ben shot his eldest son an appreciative glance. He knew how close he was to the man and it never would have occurred to Adam that anyone other than themselves would be the ones to look after Hop Sing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you son,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019re all going to have to pitch in and help while Hop Sing is recovering.\u00a0 I hope that all of you will do your part.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You can count on us Pa,\u2019 Little Joe assured his father. \u2018You want me to sit with him for a bit?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he replied. \u2018I\u2019ll stay with him for now.\u00a0 Maybe if one of you could organise some breakfast though?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ll do it,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019ll make some broth for Hop Sing as well and bring it in.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded and headed back to Hop Sing\u2019s room.\u00a0 As he entered it, he thought about how little he came in here.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t that Hop Sing wouldn\u2019t have welcomed him if he had, it was just that the man obviously needed some privacy and over the years the Cartwrights had made sure that he got it.\u00a0 His room was the one place in the house that Ben had ensured was off limits to the boys as they were growing up and even now none of them would have dreamed of disturbing the man in here.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He looked around and noticed how neat and orderly everything was.\u00a0 How like Hop Sing to keep it so!\u00a0 The man was meticulous about how he kept the rest of the house and so Ben would have expected no less in here.\u00a0 The furniture was sparse enough, yet the few possessions scattered around the room spoke volumes about the man and his life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sat down next to the bed and began to wet a cloth to wipe on Hop Sing\u2019 s forehead, continuing to look around the room as he did so. On the dresser next to the bed was a picture of a solemn Chinese girl who stared back at him with her almond-shaped dark eyes.\u00a0 He fingered the frame as he wondered who it might be. \u2018Hop Sing get up now and make breakfast,\u2019 he heard the man in the bed murmur as he lifted his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben pushed it back down again. \u2018You just stay right where you are,\u2019 he said in the tone of voice that he often used with his sons. \u2018You\u2019re not well enough to be doing anything right about now Hop Sing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sing frowned at him and lifted his head again. \u2018Must make breakfast,\u2019 he said. \u2018Must feed Cartwright family.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019re quite capable of feeding ourselves for a while,\u2019 said Ben in the same stern tone. \u2018You just lie back and rest Hop Sing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he insisted. \u2018Must get breakfast.\u2019\u00a0 He tried to sit up, but was unable to do so.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018See?\u2019 said Ben as he wiped the man\u2019s forehead with the wet cloth. \u2018You\u2019re sick.\u00a0 You need to rest.\u00a0 Doctor Martin left me with strict instructions that you weren\u2019t to get out of this bed.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing stared in wonderment at Ben. \u2018Doctor Martin?\u2019 he said. \u2018He come check Hop Sing?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Of course he did,\u2019 said Ben gently. \u2018We sent for him straight away.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing looked confused. \u2018But \u2026 but Doctor Martin not for Chinese patients.\u00a0 He should not care for Hop Sing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nonsense!\u2019 said Ben with a frown. \u2018He\u2019s for anyone who is sick \u2026 and that includes you!\u00a0 Now just close your eyes and rest while we look after everything here.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing continued to stare at Ben. \u2018Not right Cartwright family do for selves,\u2019 he insisted. \u2018Not right Cartwright family tend to Hop Sing.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why not?\u2019 asked Ben with a smile. \u2018You cared for us a time or two, haven\u2019t you?\u00a0 Isn\u2019t it about time we returned the favour?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing reached out and clutched Ben\u2019s sleeve. \u2018Not right!\u2019 he insisted. \u2018Hop Sing Chinese.\u00a0 Not right be cared for by Cartwright family.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head. \u2018Now you stop that!\u2019 he said. \u2018I want no more of that kind of talk around here Hop Sing.\u00a0 You are part of this family and we\u2019ll look after you any way we like.\u00a0 Now close your eyes and get some sleep!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing\u2019s eyes fluttered shut, in spite of his obvious efforts to keep them open.\u00a0 Ben watched him with a frown on his face, noting the lines around his eyes and mouth that were deeply etched into the skin. \u2018It\u2019s been long time Hop Sing,\u2019 he murmured softly. \u2018It\u2019s been a long time my old friend.\u2019\u00a0 His mind drifted back over the years to day long ago \u2026<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Ben!\u2019\u00a0 Marie clutched her husband\u2019s sleeve and then pointed across the clearing with her other hand. \u2018Ben look!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Ben looked.\u00a0 Across the clearing where his wife pointed he could see two men standing under a tree with guns pointed in the direction of a third smaller man. Without hesitation, Ben reached over and grabbed his rifle from the back of the buckboard and hopped down, only stopping to shout over his shoulder. \u2018Stay in the buckboard boys!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Marie immediately reached over and held onto Adam\u2019s arm to restrain him, conscious that the young boy was about to leap down after his father in spite of the man\u2019s warning.\u00a0 With the other arm she tightly clutched hold of baby Joe who was cooing on her lap and waving his fists around happily. She muttered a prayer under her breath as she watched Ben approach the men cautiously. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n As Ben approached the men his worst fears were realised. They were holding the smaller man at gunpoint and one look in their direction confirmed in his mind that they were up to no good. \u2018What\u2019s going on here?\u2019 he asked, staring at the small Chinese man who returned the look with a mute expression of appeal.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n The taller of the other two men gave Ben a snarl, which was meant to pass as a smile and spat on the ground in an offhand way. \u2018Nuthin neighbour,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just having a little discussion with this Chinaman here.\u00a0 Ain\u2019t no concern of yours.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Ben continued to point the rifle in their direction. \u2018Well then, why don\u2019t you just finish your discussion and get on your way?\u2019 he said. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n The second man stepped forward. \u2018My friend done told ya mister that this ain\u2019t your business,\u2019 he said. \u2018Why don\u2019t ya just get outta here ..\u2019 he glanced in the direction of the buckboard. \u2018Before someone gets in the way.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Ben\u2019s blood ran cold at the inference in the man\u2019s gesture and tone of voice, but he stood his ground nevertheless. \u2018These men hurting you?\u2019 he asked the Chinese man.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n The man hesitated for an instant before replying. \u2018Need go Carson City,\u2019 he said and picked up a bag by his feet as he eyed off the men. \u2018Need go now.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n One of the men grabbed him by the sleeve. \u2018Hold on there Chinaman,\u2019 he snarled. \u2018No one told ya to go!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Ben pushed his rifle forward until it pointed directly at the man\u2019s chest. \u2018Leave him alone,\u2019 he said in a firm voice. \u2018In fact if I were you I\u2019d get right back up on those horses and ride out of here.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018And if I were you mister I\u2019d mind my own business,\u2019 the man snapped back at him.\u00a0 He took a step forward towards Ben, but his partner grabbed him by the sleeve. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Ain\u2019t worth it Sid,\u2019 he said in a low. \u2018Voice let\u2019s get outta here.\u2019 He shot the Chinese man a dark look. \u2018Who knows? Maybe we\u2019ll meet this one agin some time?\u2019\u00a0 He gave an evil chuckle. \u2018One day when he ain\u2019t got a protector with him!\u2019\u00a0 He spat on the ground before mounting is horse and turning it away.\u00a0 His companion followed suit and they soon disappeared over the horizon.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n The Chinese man bowed slightly to Ben. \u2018Hop Sing thank you,\u2019 he said stiffly.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Ben smiled at him. \u2018Think nothing of it,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t like to see that sort of thing happening.\u00a0 There\u2019s too many people of their sort roaming round here lately.\u2019\u00a0 He glanced down at Hop Sing\u2019s bag. \u2018You\u2019re headed to Carson City?\u2019 he said. \u2018I can give you a lift part of the way if you like.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hop Sing bowed again, but shook his head. \u2018No think you,\u2019 he said stiffly. \u2018 You done enough.\u00a0 Am happy to walk.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Ben frowned. \u2018I don\u2019t think that\u2019s a very good idea,\u2019 he said. \u2018Those two could be waiting for you over the hill.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hop Sing hesitated. \u2018Very well,\u2019 he said. \u2018Thank you.\u2019\u00a0 He followed Ben back to the buckboard and bowed in front of Marie as Ben introduced her and then Adam and Hoss who were sitting in the back.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Ben took his bag and put it in the back with the boys. \u2018I hope you don\u2019t mind sitting with the boys back here,\u2019 he said. \u2018There\u2019s not much room up front.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing not mind,\u2019 said the man as he climbed up.\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hoss stared intently at the man as the buckboard lurched forward again. \u2018How come you got long hair?\u2019 he asked eventually.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Hoss!\u2019 said Marie. \u2018It\u2019s not very polite to ask questions like that.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing not mind,\u2019 said the Chinese man and smiled at the young boy. \u2018Have long hair because custom in my country,\u2019 he explained.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Are you Chinese?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Why\u2019d you come to America then?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hop Sing hesitated again before answering. \u2018Many reasons,\u2019 he said.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Marie and Ben exchanged a glance.\u00a0 It was obvious that the man was not going to volunteer much about himself to them. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Like what?\u2019 persisted Adam.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Adam, that\u2019s enough,\u2019 interrupted his father. \u2018Hop Sing shouldn\u2019t have to answer all your questions.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n There was silence as they ambled along in the buckboard for a while longer. Suddenly Ben spoke. \u2018I\u2019ve been thinking Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Unless you\u2019ve got a job waiting for you in Carson City, would you consider staying with us for a few days and helping out?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hop Sing frowned. \u2018Helping out with what?\u2019 he asked.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Ben glanced at Marie who nodded slightly as she tried to still the squirming baby on her lap.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Things have been a bit hard for us in the last few months since the baby came,\u2019 explained Ben. \u2018I\u2019ve got to catch up on quite a bit before winter sets in and I sure could sue someone around the ranch to do the house chores for me while I get things up to date. How about it?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n There was no response from the back of the buckboard and Ben eventually looked over his shoulder to see if Hop Sing had heard him. Hop Sing stared back at him, a surprised look on his face. \u2018You would have Chinese man in your house to stay?\u2019 he asked.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Of course,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018We\u2019d give you food and lodging for the time you\u2019re with us.\u00a0 I\u2019d be able to pay a small amount as well.\u2019 Again there was silence. Finally Ben added. \u2018Of course if you have something waiting for you in Carson City then \u2026\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Is nothing waiting for Hop Sing in Carson City,\u2019 replied the man. \u2018I help out for few days at your ranch Mr \u2026\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Cartwright,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Ben Cartwright.\u2019\u00a0 He reached around and clasped the man\u2019s hand, shaking it warmly. \u2018Pleased to meet you Hop Sing.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hops Sing\u2019s eyes widened in surprise at the handshake and he bowed slightly from his seated position. \u2018Hop Sing please to meet Cartwright family,\u2019 he said. <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019\u00a0 Ben leant forward with a start as a hand was placed on his shoulder.\u00a0 He looked up to see Adam standing beside him, a steaming bowl in his hand. \u2018Pa? Are you OK?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled down at Hop Sing. \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said as he smoothed the cloth over the man\u2019s hot face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve brought some broth for Hop Sing,\u2019 said Adam as he sat down next to his father. \u2018Why don\u2019t you have a break while I feed it to him? I\u2019d like to sit with him for a while.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben nodded. \u2018That would be fine son,\u2019 he said. He understood completely Adam\u2019s need to sit with the man.\u00a0 Since the moment Hop Sing had come with himself and Marie that day, the two of them had always been close.\u00a0 Adam had seen it as his personal duty to help Hop Sing improve his English and the cook had been fond of the young boy who had been at such odds with his stepmother and father at the time.\u00a0 He patted Adam on the shoulder as he stood up. \u2018Try and get as much of that broth into him as you can,\u2019 he said. \u2018He needs the liquids.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam waited until his father had left the room before shaking Hop Sing gently on the shoulder. \u2018Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018Are you awake?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The oriental man opened his eyes and smiled at the young man sitting next to his bed. \u2018Mr Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018What you do here?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve made you some broth Hop Sing,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Here taste it as see if it\u2019s all right.\u2019\u00a0 He spooned some into the man\u2019s mouth, noticing as he did so the face that Hop Sing pulled as he tried to swallow. \u2018Hurts?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018Throat very sore.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Try and eat even so,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018It will do you good.\u2019\u00a0 He spooned some more into Hop Sing\u2019s mouth. \u2018You\u2019ve done this a time or two for me remember?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Hop Sing nodded. \u2018A time or two,\u2019 he agreed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You know Hop Sing, we\u2019re all very grateful to you for looking after us so well all these years,\u2019 said Adam as he continued to spoon the liquid into the man\u2019s mouth. \u2018We really couldn\u2019t have asked for anyone to look after us better \u2026 especially after \u2026 well after Marie.\u2019\u00a0 His eyes misted over for a moment and then he added, \u2018How is it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded as he tried to swallow. \u2018Is good,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not as good as Hop Sing broth though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam chuckled as he continued to spoon some broth into the man\u2019s mouth. \u2018Never could be,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018You\u2019ve got a way with food that no one else around here has you know.\u00a0 You always made sure that we were looked after well didn\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded as he opened his mouth again. \u2018Is my job,\u2019 he said simply.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Here,\u2019 said Hop Sing as he handed Adam a steaming cup of coffee. \u2018Drink this Mr Adam.\u00a0 Will do you good.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Adam took the coffee gratefully as he stared into the fireplace. \u2018Thanks Hop Sing,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018Have you seen Pa?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hop Sing sat down next to the young man. \u2018Father in bed,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not eat supper again.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Did Hoss and Joe eat?\u2019 asked Adam wearily.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018Little boy not eat much, but some. I put them to bed after supper.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Thank you,\u2019 said Adam again as he sipped his coffee and continued to stare into the fire.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018I get you supper now,\u2019 said Hop Sing as he stood up. \u2018Have kept it hot in oven until you come.\u2019 Adam nodded his head but said nothing, too tired to even acknowledge the man\u2019s remark. It seemed to him as if every bone in his body ached from the physical exertion he\u2019d forced himself to since dawn, but more insistent than even that was the aching in his heart.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know how much longer he could go on like this for.\u00a0 He desperately needed to talk to his father about things, but that was a vain hope given the man\u2019s present state of mind.\u00a0 Ever since Marie had died a few weeks ago his father had withdrawn into a shadow world that no one seemed to be able to penetrate.\u00a0 It was as if he had buried himself with his beloved wife.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked up to see Hop Sing staring down at him intently. \u2018Mr Adam all right?\u2019 he asked softly. Adam nodded, but his face spoke a different story. Hop Sing sat down again. \u2018Father will get better,\u2019 he said.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Adam nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said simply.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hop Sing gave the weary young man a sympathetic look. \u2018It will get better,\u2019 he said. <\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Adam nodded again. \u2018I know,\u2019 he replied listlessly. \u2018It\u2019s just that everything needs attending to at once.\u00a0 The ranch \u2026 there\u2019s the herd to be moved and the haying has to start soon.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know where I\u2019m going to get the men from to help.\u2019\u00a0 Hop Sing nodded sympathetically. \u2018And then there\u2019s the boys \u2026\u2019 Adam\u2019s voice trailed away and he continued to stare into the fire. \u2018I just don\u2019t know \u2026\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n There was a small movement on the stair behind them and they both turned to see a small nightshirt clad figure standing there staring at them both. \u2018What are you doing out of bed?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Little Joe took his thumb out of his mouth before replying. \u2018I couldn\u2019t sleep,\u2019 he said. \u2018I went in to see Pa, but he done gone to sleep already.\u2019\u00a0 His bottom lip quivered and Adam tried to stir himself to attend to his little brother.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Come over here,\u2019 he said as he beckoned to the little boy.\u00a0 Little Joe ran over and sat between the two men, looking up at both of them trustingly. \u2018Can I stay up and talk for a bit?\u2019 he asked pleadingly. \u2018I don\u2019t like it up there by myself in the dark with no mama.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Adam\u2019s heart lurched and his eyes filled with tears for the woman that he\u2019d grown to love so dearly and the little son she\u2019d left behind. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said as he put his arm around his little brother and Little Joe snuggled into his older brother\u2019s side. \u2018You can stay up and talk for a bit, he said.\u00a0 \u2018I could do with that supper if you don\u2019t mind Hop Sing. I\u2019ll eat it here if you don\u2019t mind.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded and patted Little Joe\u2019s curly hair before leaving the room. Joe sucked hard on his thumb as he stared into the fire and sniffed. \u2018I want mama to come back Adam,\u2019 he said finally. \u2018Why can\u2019t she?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u2018We\u2019ve been through this before haven\u2019t we?\u2019 he said wearily. \u2018I\u2019ve told you buddy \u2026 she can\u2019t come back.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Little Joe started to sniffle louder. \u2018But I want her to!\u2019 he said. \u2018Why can\u2019t she?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u2018Because she died.\u00a0 I explained all that to you before buddy.\u00a0 She \u2026\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n The child\u2019s sobs became louder still. \u2018No!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018I don\u2019t want her to be dead!\u00a0 I want her to come back now!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Adam tried to lift the little boy onto his lap, but Joe kicked out at him in his distress. \u2018No!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018I don\u2019t want you! I want my mama!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Adam fought in vain to control his little brother, but the child was becoming distraught and wasn\u2019t ready to listen to anything he had to say. \u2018Will you calm down?\u2019 he said in frustration. \u2018Listen to me Joe.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n