{"id":6403,"date":"2010-08-23T21:55:56","date_gmt":"2010-08-24T01:55:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6403"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:23:41","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:23:41","slug":"independence-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6403","title":{"rendered":"Independence Day (by pkmoonshine)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>The Independence Day race, which the Cartwrights have been looking forward to all summer, ends in near tragedy. Part of the series begun in Bloodlines, this story takes place after Poltergiest II and includes the addition of several non-cannon characters.<\/p>\n

Rating: \u00a0K+ (39,720 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bloodlines Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bloodlines<\/a>
\nThe Lo Mein Affair<\/a>
\nThe Wedding<\/a>
\nSacrificial Lamb<\/a>
\nPoltergeist II<\/a>
\nIndependence Day<\/a>
\nVirginia City Detour<\/a>
\nThe Guardian<\/a>
\nLi’l One<\/a>
\nYoung Cartwrights in Love<\/a>
\nSan Francisco Revisited<\/a>
\nThere But for the Grace of God<\/a>
\nBetween Life and Death<\/a>
\nOrenna<\/a>
\nClarissa Returns<\/a>
\nTrial by Fire<\/a>
\nMark of Kane<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

Independence Day<\/p>\n

Chapter 1<\/p>\n

\n

Benjy Cartwright ventured hesitantly into the barn, pausing just inside the door to cast an uneasy glance at the stall occupied by his grandfather\u2019s horse, Buck. If the big buckskin gelding had actually deigned to take notice the young boy, he gave no sign. Rather, he seemed more intent on munching the fresh hay left in his trough. The stalls belonging to his uncles\u2019 horses and the one his father used stood empty. Papa, Uncle Hoss, and Uncle Joe had left early yesterday morning with Grandpa\u2019s junior foreman, Mister Canaday, to do something called riding fence. They wouldn\u2019t be back until late tomorrow night or sometime in the morning, day after tomorrow. Benjy smiled, upon remembering how Uncle Joe and Uncle Hoss had talked his father into what Mother disparagingly referred to as a crazy lark.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have the BOTH of ya know, I worked circles around you then, and by golly I can still do it today . . . IF I\u2019m of the mind,\u201d Papa declared in a firm, resolute tone of voice at the supper table the night before he, his uncles, and Mister Canaday left to ride fence.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Adam, Adam, Adam,\u201d Uncle Joe sighed, the expression on his face very like the same on a reluctant messenger about to deliver some very bad news, \u201cyou seem to forget Hoss \u2018n I were BOYS then . . . LITTLE boys. Very, VERY little boys.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh!\u201d Hop Sing snorted derisively, upon entering the dining room bearing the last of the chocolate cake he had served up for dessert the night before on a tray, already sliced and placed on serving plates. \u201cMister Hoss he NEVER little boy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid Hop Sing\u2019s right as rain \u2018bout that,\u201d Uncle Hoss agreed with a chuckle.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe point I\u2019M trying to make is Hoss \u2018n me were BOYS, \u2018n Adam here was a grown MAN,\u201d Uncle Joe argued. \u201cIt\u2019s a given any GROWN MAN can work circles around a couple of li—, uhhh YOUNG! Any grown man can work circles around a couple of YOUNG boys any day of the week.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAs I<\/strong> recall, neither you nor Hoss were all THAT young when I left,\u201d Papa very quickly pointed out.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were still young, nonetheless,\u201d Uncle Joe came right back, \u201cand while I freely admit that OL\u2019 Adam here works very hard at what he does . . . come ON! THESE days, he sits behind a desk— \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDrawing table,\u201d Papa growled.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDesk . . . drawing table . . . . \u201d Uncle Joe shrugged, \u201cfurniture doesn\u2019t matter. The point I\u2019M tryin\u2019 to make is . . . ol\u2019 Adam here\u2019s been a pencil pusher for quite a long time now— \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMy husband is NOT a mere pencil pusher, thank you very much,\u201d Mother added HER two cents worth, highly indignant, \u201che\u2019s an ARCHITECT . . . and a very FINE one, too, I might add.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cLook! I\u2019m NOT denying that Adam works hard and that he\u2019s very good at what he does,\u201d Uncle Joe argued, \u201cwhat I AM saying is . . . after having spent a whole lotta years behind a desk . . . drawing table . . . whatever, he\u2019s no longer able to handle all the intense, grueling physical labor WE hafta do around here to keep this ranch going.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c . . . and I<\/strong> say I CAN,\u201d Papa said.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou, um . . . wanna put your money where your mouth is, Bother?\u201d Uncle Joe challenged.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Mother replied before Papa could.<\/em><\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Joe and Uncle Hoss, too, would have been dead and maybe even buried that very night, if Mother\u2019s looks could have killed,\u201d<\/em> Benjy silently mused, with a half smile tugging hard at the corner of his mouth . . . .<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, that\u2019s enough,\u201d Grandpa said, using that same tone of voice Papa used whenever he and Dio were in deep trouble. \u201cAdam and his family happen to be GUESTS in our home, and— \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, it\u2019s ok,\u201d Papa said very politely, while holding up his hand. He, then, turned to Uncle Joe. \u201cAll right, BABY Brother,\u201d he said, \u201chow\u2019s THIS for putting my money where my mouth is? A hundred dollars and the loser buys the winner drinks at the Silver Dollar or any other saloon of his choice for the remainder of our visit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Papa\u2019s words drew a long slow whistle from Uncle Joe, and a few clipped words in Spanish from Mother that shocked Benjy, especially since not long after Christmas last year, he had gotten his mouth thoroughly washed out with soap for saying those words himself. Poor Grandmother\u2019s face went white, and Benjy half feared she was going to faint dead away.<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Papa prompted.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou got yourself a bet, Brother,\u201d Uncle Joe agreed. He put out his hand and the two shook on the deal. He, then, smiled. \u201cTomorrow morning, bright and early, you, me, Hoss, \u2018n Candy\u2019ll be leaving to ride fence.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Mother, at that point, had threatened Uncle Joe with a lot of dire happenstances, all of which were guaranteed to get her significant prison time, if Papa came home hurt.<\/em><\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

A footfall and the sound of a child\u2019s amused laughter drew Stacy\u2019s attention from the task of brushing the sleek coat of her own horse, Blaze Face. She turned and glanced past the open door of his stall, half expecting to find her niece. \u201cCAN\u2019T be Dio,\u201d<\/em> she silently remembered. Dio had gone into town right after breakfast with her mother and grandmother. Benjy silently mused, with a half smile tugging hard at the corner of his mouth . . . .<\/p>\n

She was very much surprised to see Benjy standing just inside the barn door. A snort from Sun Dancer\u2019s stall stopped the boy\u2019s laughter cold. The blood drained right out of his face, leaving it chalk white, and his dark eyes, went round with sheer horror. Benjy immediately turned heel, spinning with enough force and momentum to almost knock him off his feet, and bolted right out of the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be right back, Blaze Face,\u201d Stacy whispered quietly. She planted an affectionate kiss on his muzzle, and made sure the door to his stall was properly secured before setting off after young Benjy. Upon exiting the barn, she found him leaning up against the fence encircling the empty corral, hyperventilating, his entire body trembling.<\/p>\n

\u201cBenjy, you need to close your eyes and take DEEP breaths,\u201d Stacy said, taking care to keep her <\/em>voice calm and even.<\/p>\n

Benjy squeezed his eyes shut, and took a deep, ragged breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good, Benjy. Now again.\u201d<\/p>\n

The next breath Benjy took was deep, and a little less ragged. He took another deep breath, slow, more even, then another. Though his eyes remained closed, he no longer squeezed them so tight. The trembling in his body had also stilled, except for a slight tremor in his hands. \u201cCrazy idea,\u201d the boy murmured softly. \u201cCrazy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat idea is that?\u201d Stacy prompted gently.<\/p>\n

Benjy slowly opened his eyes and peered up into his aunt\u2019s face. \u201cI was going to ask you if . . . if you could help me get over being afraid of horses. We\u2019ll be celebrating Papa\u2019s birthday before we leave, and I thought THAT would be a good present, if I . . . if I could . . . . \u201d He shook his head dolefully. \u201cForget it, Aunt Stacy. It was a dumb, crazy idea to start with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that would make a wonderful gift for your pa, Benjy,\u201d Stacy said, treading carefully. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Sun Dancer startled you. With both of your uncles gone, I\u2019m doing their chores along with mine, which puts him off his exercise schedule, and makes him a bit restless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a stupid idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI<\/strong> don\u2019t think it was stupid,\u201d Stacy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think there\u2019s a chance that maybe\u2014?!\u201d Benjy looked up into her face hopefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cBenjy, I think you have every chance in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I . . . maybe . . . think about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Stacy replied. \u201cIf you want to go ahead, I\u2019m willing to work with you. But, I can\u2019t make any guarantees or promises on how everything\u2019s ultimately going to turn out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Benjy? For what it\u2019s worth? Making the decision to change how you feel about horses is half the battle,\u201d Stacy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cR-Really?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Aunt Stacy. I\u2019ll let you know what I decide.\u201d With that, Benjy turned and bolted back toward the house. Half way across the yard, he ran headlong into his grandfather, knocking the wind out of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa there, Young Fella,\u201d Ben wheezed, as he put out a hand to stop his young grandson, or at the very least, slow him down.<\/p>\n

\u201cOops! Sorry, Grandpa,\u201d Benjy immediately gasped out an apology. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to bump into you like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, Benjy . . . no harm done,\u201d Ben said, after taking a deep ragged breath, \u201cleastwise not THIS time. But, you\u2019d better slow down, Young Man, before somebody DOES wind up getting hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir. I\u2019ll TRY,\u201d Benjy earnestly promised, before turning heel and dashing past his grandfather.<\/p>\n

Ben stood, gazing after his exuberant grandson for a moment, before turning and resuming his intended path toward the corral, where Stacy remained. \u201cHe\u2019s all excited about something,\u201d he remarked, upon coming up alongside his daughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you keep a secret, Pa?\u201d Stacy asked, taking great care to lower her voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt depends on what the secret is,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was thinking of asking me if I\u2019d work with him to help him overcome his fear of horses,\u201d Stacy said, as she and her father began to slowly amble back toward the barn.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. As a birthday present for Adam,\u201d Stacy explained. \u201cHe actually came into the barn looking for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?!\u201d Ben queried, surprised, and visibly impressed.<\/p>\n

Stacy nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s quite an accomplishment all by itself,\u201d Ben murmured with a touch of pride, as he slipped his arm around Stacy\u2019s shoulders. \u201cYou think you can help him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat remains to be seen, Pa,\u201d Stacy said, as her arm loosely encircled her father\u2019s waist. \u201cWhile he was in the barn, Sun Dancer spooked him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. It took him a little while to calm down, and now, he\u2019s having doubts about the whole thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s too bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think, deep down, he still wants to try. I told him I\u2019d be willing to work with him, if he decides to go through with it,\u201d Stacy said. \u201cBenjy said he\u2019d think about it. But, Pa . . . speaking of Sun Dancer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think maybe we could take him out for a nice, brisk ride?\u201d Stacy asked, hopefully. \u201cHe\u2019s getting awfully restless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cWith Teresa, Dio, and Mrs. di Cordova spending the day in town, your brothers out riding fence, and Hop Sing with his hands full cooking, it\u2019s kinda up to you and me to keep tabs on Benjy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the meantime, how are YOU doing? I know it\u2019s not easy keeping up with your brothers\u2019 chores along with your own . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI fed the chickens and gathered the eggs earlier this morning, and I also milked Daisy and Shrinking Violet,\u201d Stacy began to recite the list of daily chores, as a litany. \u201cI\u2019m almost finished in the barn, too. All I have to do is give everybody fresh water, and finish stacking the kindling wood, then I\u2019m done for the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cTell you what, Young Woman. You see that everybody\u2019s properly watered, while I go and check up on Benjy. Then, if you and I both work on stacking that kindling wood, I\u2019m of the mind we just might be able to get Sun Dancer out for a nice long ride, when Teresa, Dio, and Mrs. di Cordova get back,\u201d he suggested. \u201cHow does THAT sound?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds great, Pa,\u201d Stacy said, as she slipped both arms around his waist and gave him an affectionate squeeze.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Dio Cartwright sat alone on the bench, just outside Tompkins\u2019 Dress Shoppe, owned and operated by Mrs. Myrtle Tompkins, a young widow with two daughters to raise and support. She stared morosely down at the opened, but as yet untouched bottle of sarsaparilla cupped in both hands, bored nearly to tears. Ever since Pa and her uncles left a couple of days ago to ride fence . . . whatever THAT was, Aunt Stacy hadn\u2019t been able to spend as much time with her, what with having to do nearly everybody\u2019s chores and stay on top of training Sun Dancer for that race coming up . . . .<\/p>\n

. . . and with Benjy always reading, Hop Sing always cooking, and the other grown-ups, Ma, Grandmother, and Grandpa with their heads together talking about what ever it was grown-ups talked about, Dio had grown bored, bored, bored very quickly. She had hoped that maybe this ride into town with Ma and Grandmother might prove an exciting change. Those hopes were immediately dashed when Ma and Grandmother went into that dress store and started going on and on, and WORSE, getting all giggly over a bunch of dumb material and notions.<\/p>\n

Dio sighed, and took a tentative sip from the open bottle in hand. \u201cI should\u2019ve stayed home,\u201d<\/em> she groused in silence. \u201cGRANDPA would\u2019ve come up with something fun to do. I KNOW he would\u2019ve.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are YOU?! Ain\u2019t never seen the likes o\u2019 you \u2018round here before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dio started, nearly dropping her bottle of sarsaparilla. She glanced up sharply, and found herself staring into the scowling face of an unkempt girl, roughly the same age as herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cM-My name\u2019s Dio . . . Dio Cartwright,\u201d she stammered, wholly taken aback by the other girl\u2019s blatant hostility.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo. You\u2019re one o\u2019 them high \u2018n mighty, too-good-for-their-blamed-britches Cartwrights,\u201d the other girl sneered. \u201cHow come I ain\u2019t never seen ya \u2018round?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t live around here,\u201d Dio replied, openly gaping at her companion\u2019s matted hair, her tattered, threadbare jumper, her bare feet, and dirty face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a liar!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dio frowned. Though Ma and Pa sometimes questioned the truth of her words, she couldn\u2019t remember a time either of them out and out called her a liar.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d the other girl demanded, standing with her feet shoulder length apart, and clenched fists resting squarely on her hips.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell WHAT?\u201d Dio angrily shot right back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatcha gonna do about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just said you\u2019re a liar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am NOT a liar,\u201d Dio countered, her ire swiftly rising.<\/p>\n

\u201cI<\/strong> say y\u2019 ARE.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I<\/strong> say I\u2019m NOT.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLiar, liar, pants on fire,\u201d the other girl taunted Dio in an annoying sing-song kind of chant. \u201cLiar, liar, pants on fire . . . liar, liar, pants on fi\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019M<\/strong> NOT THE LIAR,\u201d Dio shouted at the top of her voice, her face turning beet red with anger. \u201cYOU<\/strong> ARE!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTAKE IT BACK!\u201d the other girl shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI SAID<\/strong> TAKE IT BACK!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNO! NOT UNLESS YOU<\/strong> TAKE IT BACK FIRST!\u201d<\/p>\n

The other girl balled her fingers into a small, tight, rock hard fist and drove it into Dio\u2019s abdomen as hard as she could.<\/p>\n

Dio cried out in surprise and pain, as she doubled over, her small, thin arms wrapped protectively around her abdominal regions.<\/p>\n

\u201cTAKE IT BACK, YOU . . . YOU . . . YOU UPPITY CARTWRIGHT WHORE BITCH!\u201d the other girl shouted, using words she had heard other adults use. She knew them to be bad words, but hadn\u2019t the slightest idea as to their meaning. She seized a generous handful of Dio\u2019s coal black tresses in her grimy hand, and pulled with all her might.<\/p>\n

Dio instinctively reached out, and grabbed the other girl\u2019s bony arm in both of her hands. The girl screamed in agony and outrage as Dio sunk her teeth into the fleshy part of her forearm, drawing blood. The instant the girl let go of her hair, Dio lowered her head and, with a primal cry borne of pain, rage, and utter disbelief, charged her opponent, butting her squarely in the chest, forcing the wind right out of her lungs. The other girl fell off the board walk and landed sprawled in the dusty street beyond. Before she had opportunity to recover her wits, let alone act, Dio was on her pummeling her face, her shoulders, arms, and chest with blows from her own clenched fists.<\/p>\n

\u201cTAKE IT BACK!\u201d Dio shouted, as angry tears began to flow down her cheeks. \u201cTAKE IT BACK!<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d the other girl screamed, as she tried to shield her face from the blows Dio rained down upon her. \u201cYOU\u2019RE NUTHIN\u2019 BUT A DIRTY, ROTTEN, STINKIN\u2019 LIAR!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI AIN\u2019T THE DIRTY, ROTTEN, STINKIN\u2019 LIAR!\u201d Dio yelled. \u201cYOU<\/strong> ARE . . . AND YOU\u2019RE UGLIER \u2018N SIN, TOO.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inside the dress shop, Teresa Cartwright turned her attention from the bolt of material in hand to the shop door, standing wide open. She frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeresa?!\u201d Dolores di Cordova prompted. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . thought I heard DIO just now,\u201d Teresa murmured, as a bewildered frown creased the plain of her smooth brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cBITCH!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPIG!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYOU STINK!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYOU STINK WORSE<\/strong>!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWHORE!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSLUT!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat . . . IS Dio!\u201d Teresa gasped, her frown deepening from bewilderment to anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cB-But where did she learn . . . . ?! Teresa . . . you and Adam NEVER use words like that!\u201d Dolores stammered, her face pale, her eyes round with shocked horror.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea WHERE she learned those words,\u201d Teresa muttered through clenched teeth as she returned the bolt of cloth back to its table. \u201cBut, you can bet your sweet life I\u2019m going to find out.\u201d With that, she turned heel, and strode briskly toward the door, like an unstoppable furious juggernaut, her face darker than the sky of the most dangerous, most ferocious thunderstorm. Dolores followed meekly in her daughter\u2019s angry wake.<\/p>\n

Teresa immediately spotted her daughter and another girl literally rolling in the street, amid a steadily growing circle of other children, laughing and cheering. The two combatants shouted colorful invectives and pejoratives at the tops of their lungs, as they pummeled, kicked, bit, scratched, and pulled hair. Teresa waded into the gathering crowd, seized both girls by the shoulders, and forcibly separated them.<\/p>\n

\u201cLEMME GO!\u201d the other girl shouted, her face contorted with anger. \u201cLEMME GO RIGHT NOW, YOU . . . YOU . . . YOU BIG STUPID COW!\u201d<\/p>\n

Teresa handed her own daughter over to her mother, then grabbed the other girl by her shirt, all in the same fluid motion. \u201cYou Children, move along,\u201d she growled, glaring at each and every one. \u201cThis fight is OVER.\u201d<\/p>\n

The children groaned, but disbursed, in groups of two and three.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . and as for YOU, Young Lady, I\u2019d strongly suggest you apologize for that stupid cow remark right NOW,\u201d Teresa continued, bringing the full force of her anger down on the young girl who had just a short time before had been fighting with Dio.<\/p>\n

The smart retort sitting on the very edge of the girl\u2019s tongue died a quick and sudden death upon seeing the fierce look on Teresa\u2019s face. She swallowed nervously. \u201cO-Ok, Ma\u2019am, I . . . I\u2019m s-sorry I called you a . . . a big, stupid c-cow,\u201d she meekly apologized.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a good mind to speak to your parents about this,\u201d Teresa said sternly. \u201cA child your age has no business speaking like that to an adult.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy parents are both dead,\u201d the girl said sullenly. \u201cA year ago in some wagon accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you living with now?\u201d Teresa asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy uncle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s goin\u2019 on here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Teresa and Dolores both looked up and saw a tall man, with a thin, wiry build, standing in their midst, glaring down at both of them. The girl, so impudent and fresh just a moment ago, had become subdued to the point of timidity.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked ya what was goin\u2019 on here,\u201d the man drawled, glaring at Teresa first, then over at her mother. \u201cI expect an answer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teresa drew herself up to full height, and returned the man\u2019s glare with a murderous one of her own. \u201c . . . and I<\/strong> expect people, be they men OR women, to keep a civil tongue in their heads when speaking to me,\u201d she said, taking no pains to conceal her anger or her immediate, intense dislike for this man.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you,\u201d the man snarled. \u201cYou\u2019re one o\u2019 them snooty Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I am?\u201d Teresa demanded.<\/p>\n

The man snatched Teresa\u2019s wrist, and held it in a tight, vice like grip. \u201cI always said you Cartwrights\u2019re too uppity for your own good,\u201d he growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnhand me!\u201d Teresa snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got a good mind to teach ya some manners,\u201d the man drawled, as a nasty grin spread over his thin lips.<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Mornin\u2019 Teresa . . . Mrs. di Cordova.\u201d It was Sheriff Roy Coffee. Though he addressed Teresa and Dolores, his eyes were pointedly glued to the man\u2019s face. \u201cAnything I can help ya with?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a matter of fact, there is, Sheriff Coffee,\u201d Teresa said through clenched teeth. \u201cYou can tell this big, ugly moron to unhand me before I press assault charges against him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJack, you do as Mrs. Cartwright says,\u201d Roy ordered.<\/p>\n

Jack complied. \u201cNow that she . . . . \u201d he glared over at Teresa, and grimaced, as if he had just bitten into something extremely foul tasting, \u201c . . . mentions pressing charges, I oughtta press charges myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Jack, I don\u2019t want any trouble outta ya,\u201d Roy warned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer brat picks a fight with my niece, \u2018n now I\u2019M the one makin\u2019 trouble . . . all on account o\u2019 SHE\u2019S one o\u2019 them high \u2018n mighty Cartwrights,\u201d Jack growled in a sullen tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s lying!\u201d Dio declared indignantly. \u201cI<\/strong> didn\u2019t start that fight . . . SHE did.\u201d She thrust an accusing finger over at the girl she had fought. \u201cShe called me a liar when I told her I didn\u2019t come from around here . . . and then she pulled my hair and hit me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not!\u201d the girl hotly defended herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes, you did!\u201d Dio shot right back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did NOT!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019 DID SO<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough!\u201d Roy declared, glaring at the girl first, then over at Dio. \u201cYoung Lady, now I know for fact that your grandpa never held with your pa \u2018n his brothers brawlin\u2019 out on the street like a bunch o\u2019 hooligans . . . \u2018n I\u2019M thinkin\u2019 it\u2019s a pretty safe bet your pa \u2018n ma ain\u2019t gonna hold with YOU brawlin\u2019 out in t\u2019 middle o\u2019 the street like a hooligan either, so I\u2019m turnin\u2019 YOU over to THEIR tender mercies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does THAT mean?\u201d Dio demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll find out what that means when I get you home,\u201d Teresa said sternly.<\/p>\n

Dio paled at her mother\u2019s tone of voice and the angry look on her face. \u201c . . . uh oh. D-Does that mean I\u2019m in trouble?\u201d she asked, after swallowing nervously.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt means you\u2019re in BIG trouble, Young Lady,\u201d her mother immediately assured her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs for YOU, Midge,\u201d Roy said, turning his attention to the other girl. \u201cI\u2019ve warned ya about pickin\u2019 fights with other children THREE times now . . . THIS time\u2019s the fourth. If I hafta warn ya a FIFTH time, so help me, I\u2019M gonna give ya the tannin\u2019 of your life. You understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Midge meekly nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo help me, Sheriff, you so much as look at my niece cross eyed, and I\u2019ll\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYOU don\u2019t want me t\u2019 follow through, then you do as you ought by this child as her guardian, \u2018n see to it she\u2019s raised proper \u2018n decent,\u201d Roy countered. \u201cIn the meantime, why don\u2019t you take Midge and g\u2019won home?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Jack \u2018n me\u2019s got every right t\u2019 be here in town, just as much as them Cartwrights,\u201d Midge argued.<\/p>\n

\u201cMidge, let\u2019s go,\u201d Jack said in a sullen tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Uncle Jack\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI SAID, \u2018Let\u2019s go.\u2019 NOW!\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy Coffee stood with Teresa, Dio, and Dolores, watching Jack and Midge, as they both climbed up onto his big black, then headed toward the road that would take them to their home on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff Coffee, did that horrible man just say that he works for Ben?\u201d Dolores inquired with a shudder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid he does, Mrs. di Cordova,\u201d Roy sighed and shook his head. \u201c \u2018Course when they hired him . . . what?!\u201d He frowned, as he did some mental figuring. \u201cGuess it\u2019s been four or five years ago. He came into town with his wife, Martha \u2018n Luke, his son. Jack \u2018n Luke hired right on out at the Ponderosa. Back then, Jack O\u2019Connor was somethin\u2019 of a braggart, but he put in an honest day\u2019s work. Martha . . . she mostly kept to herself, but she made dang sure her men folk towed t\u2019 mark \u2018n kept their noses clean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Teresa asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo years ago, Luke got killed in a gunfight with a young trouble maker, name o\u2019 Whitby Gordon,\u201d Roy replied. \u201cThey was in the Silver Dollar, drunk as a couple o\u2019 skunks, gettin\u2019 into a shoutin\u2019 match over . . . I can\u2019t even remember what it was over. Joe was there that night, with a couple o\u2019 HIS buddies. He tried t\u2019 git Luke t\u2019 sit down, relax . . . have another beer, but Luke was in no mood t\u2019 listen.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne thing led t\u2019 another, \u2018n to another, \u2018n to another, until the next thing everyone knew, Luke \u2018n Whitby were drawin\u2019 on each other,\u201d Roy continued. \u201cEven then Joe STILL tried t\u2019 talk him out of it. Luke fired \u2018n missed by a wide mile . . . Whitby fired at pert near the same time, \u2018n ended up shootin\u2019 Luke straight through the heart. He died right then \u2018n there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow awful,\u201d Teresa murmured, shaking her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cMartha left Jack the day they buried Luke. Walked right outta the cemetery \u2018n boarded the stage. Hear tell she went t\u2019 live with her sister out in Denver. Jack started drinkin\u2019 heavier \u2018n heavier, until\u2014 \u201d He sighed. \u201cNowadays, he\u2019s drunk more often than he\u2019s sober,\u201d Roy somberly brought Jack\u2019s tragic story to its conclusion. \u201cHe somehow got it in his head that JOE was t\u2019 blame for Luke\u2019s death . . . \u2018n he\u2019s blamed the Cartwrights for just about everything bad that\u2019s happened to him, ever since. Ben probably wouldda fired him long time ago, if it weren\u2019t for Midge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis niece?\u201d Dolores asked.<\/p>\n

Roy nodded. \u201cHer ma \u2018n pa were killed when their wagon overturned, \u2018n she was sent here t\u2019 live with her uncle. Seems he\u2019s the only family that poor child\u2019s got. Teresa . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sheriff?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen the three of ya get back t\u2019 the Ponderosa, I think ya need t\u2019 tell Ben what happened,\u201d Roy advised. \u201cJack\u2019s a bitter, angry man, with a real large chip on his shoulder. Now maybe the only thing he\u2019ll do is get roarin\u2019 drunk on a two or three day bender. On the other hand . . . . \u201d His voice trailed away to ominous silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell Ben,\u201d Teresa promised. \u201cThank you for coming along when you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad I happened along,\u201d Roy said. \u201cIf ya ladies\u2019d like, I can ask Clem t\u2019 keep an eye on the three of ya while ya see t\u2019 the rest o\u2019 your business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff Coffee, could you possibly spare your deputy long enough to see us back to the Ponderosa?\u201d Dolores pleaded, wringing her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cMother, I don\u2019t think we need to put Sheriff Coffee\u2019s deputy out like that,\u201d Teresa said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo trouble, Teresa,\u201d Roy assured her, \u201cno trouble at all. You just let him know when you\u2019re ready t\u2019 go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019M ready to go back NOW,\u201d Dolores said firmly. \u201cRIGHT now . . . this very minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Grandmother, we were going to have lunch over at the International Hotel and get some ice cream,\u201d Dio wailed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you\u2019d behaved yourself . . . like a young lady ought, and not gotten into a fight with that little street urchin, we might not HAVE to leave,\u201d Dolores rounded furiously on her granddaughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Grandmother\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve talked about your temper before, Dio,\u201d Teresa said, \u201cand we\u2019ve talked about better ways of settling things than fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYOU\u2019RE no better, Teresa!\u201d Dolores angrily turned on her daughter. \u201cThe way you talked back to that man . . . you\u2019re no better than your daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMother, if you think for one minute I\u2019m going to stand by and allow ANYONE to treat me with such blatant disrespect\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have gotten yourself KILLED,\u201d Dolores passionately, fearfully argued. \u201cWorse, you could have gotten all THREE of us killed. It\u2019s a man\u2019s world, Teresa . . . like it or not, that\u2019s the way things are. The sooner you realize that and accept it\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I had KOWTOWED to that man, I could have gotten myself, maybe all three of us killed . . . or WORSE,\u201d Teresa angrily shot back. \u201cMen like that prefer victims who WON\u2019T fight back . . . who are easily intimidated.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy discreetly coughed to remind Teresa and Dolores of his presence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Sheriff Coffee,\u201d Teresa immediately apologized.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just gettin\u2019 ready t\u2019 tell ya that Clem\u2019s over in my office,<\/em> mindin\u2019 the store,\u201d Roy said. \u201cIf you\u2019ll meet me there, I\u2019ll ask him t\u2019 ride with ya out to the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Sheriff Coffee,\u201d Dolores said, casting a withering glare at Teresa, then at Dio. \u201cI<\/strong> would appreciate that very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Chapter 2<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cHow am I doing, Grandpa?\u201d Benjy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re doing fine, Benjy . . . real fine,\u201d Ben said with a proud smile. \u201cWhy, I\u2019ll just bet you\u2019re the best kindling splitter in all of Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was going to say he\u2019s become just about the best kindling splitter in the whole state of Nevada,\u201d Stacy said.<\/p>\n

Benjy grinned from ear to ear, as he warmed to the genuine, if lavish, praise his grandfather and aunt heaped on him. He had asked his grandfather to show him how to split kindling wood, ostensibly so he could make himself useful . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . I can\u2019t go out and ride fence with Papa, but there\u2019s plenty of other things I can do,\u201d he remembered saying.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Benjy, you\u2019re our guest,\u201d Aunt Stacy protested.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right . . . as long as Benjy WANTS to help us out,\u201d Ben said with a smile.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI do, Aunt Stacy. I really do . . . especially since you\u2019re a little short handed right now, with Papa, Uncle Hoss, and Uncle Joe being away,\u201d Benjy pressed.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou ARE right about us being short handed,\u201d Aunt Stacy had to agree, \u201cand since you WANT to . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Grandpa then showed him how to split wood for kindling. After a scant half dozen tries, he had mastered the technique with surprising strength for one so small and thin. He had spent the better part of the last hour and a half working contentedly alongside his grandfather and aunt.<\/p>\n

\u201cDinner ready ten minute,\u201d Hop Sing announced the big noon meal, as he stepped through the backdoor into the yard. He smiled the minute he noticed Benjy working alongside Mister Cartwright and Miss Stacy. \u201cAh. Hop Sing see Mister Cartwright have new ranch hand,\u201d he observed with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe sure do,\u201d Ben said, smiling over at his young grandson.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow he work out?\u201d Hop Sing asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cTop hand, Hop Sing,\u201d Stacy declared with a big, proud smile of her own. \u201cTop hand all the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTop Hand, eh?\u201d Hop Sing said, approvingly. \u201cThat good! That very, very good. Better for boy outside in fresh air. Not good for boy be in room all time, with nose in book.\u201d With that, he turned and ambled on back into the kitchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cStacy . . . Benjy . . . we\u2019d best get washed up,\u201d Ben said as he laid down his hatchet, and mopped his brow with the bandanna from around his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa . . . I hear horses,\u201d Stacy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two g\u2019won inside and get yourselves washed up,\u201d Ben said, noting his grandson\u2019s sudden pale, ashen complexion. \u201cI\u2019ll wait here, and see who it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Benjy,\u201d Stacy said. \u201cWe can go in through the backdoor and wash up in the kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Aunt Stacy,\u201d Benjy murmured, grateful that he didn\u2019t have to go in through the front door, and chance running into whatever horse or horses were just about to ride into the yard.<\/p>\n

Ben was mildly surprised to see the buggy, carrying his granddaughter, daughter-in-law, and her mother entering the yard at a brisk pace, with Clem Foster following right behind on Carla Jo, his big brown gelding. Two young men, recently hired, appeared to take charge of the buggy and single horse attached, the minute Teresa brought the conveyance to a complete stop.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Clem greeted Ben with a polite nod of his head, before dismounting. \u201cI was just seeing your family home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Ben said, taken a little aback. \u201cIs . . . everything all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a little trouble in town . . . nothing to worry about,\u201d Clem said very quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA minor set-to with Jack O\u2019Connor and his niece. No one was hurt, except maybe for some cuts \u2018n bruises.\u201d The deputy cast a meaningful glance over in Dio\u2019s general direction. \u201cSheriff Coffee sent Jack and the girl home, then asked me to see your family back here, make sure everyone got home safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing will be serving up dinner in a few minutes,\u201d Ben said. \u201cWould you care to join us?\u201d<\/p>\n

Clem grinned, as he turned to help Dolores down from the buggy. \u201cAny other time, I\u2019d say yes in a minute,\u201d he said, \u201cbut this afternoon, I\u2019m meeting Lisa and her parents for what the ladies call a light luncheon at the International Hotel at two.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHer parents?\u201d Ben queried with a smile. \u201cThis sounds serious.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so, Mister Cartwright,\u201d Clem said with a big, silly grin, \u201c . . . I sure hope so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope everything goes well for ya,\u201d Ben said, as he helped Teresa down from the buggy, then his granddaughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Clem said gratefully. \u201cWell . . . now that everyone\u2019s home safe, I\u2019d best get on back to town, so I have enough time to gussy up a little, before I meet Lisa and her parents.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you so much for seeing us back safely, Deputy,\u201d Dolores said gratefully. \u201cYou have no idea how much I appreciate this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad to be of service, Mrs. di Cordova,\u201d Clem replied. He politely touched the rim of his hat, then climbed back up into the saddle.<\/p>\n

After seeing Clem off, Ben turned his attention to the three women. \u201cSo . . . what . . . exactly, happened?\u201d he asked as they turned and started for the front door.<\/p>\n

\u201cAsk your daughter-in-law,\u201d Dolores snapped, as she favored Teresa with a dark, angry glare. She, then, flounced on ahead into the house, without further word.<\/p>\n

\u201cDio, you\u2019d best go on into the house, and get yourself washed up for dinner,\u201d Teresa told her daughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you hurry, you\u2019ll find Aunt Stacy and Benjy in the kitchen getting themselves cleaned up,\u201d Ben added, taking due note of his daughter-in-law\u2019s stiff, ramrod straight posture, and the dark, angry glare on her pale face.<\/p>\n

Dio nodded, then bolted around toward the back door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened, Teresa?\u201d Ben asked, after Dio had gone into the house.<\/p>\n

Teresa grimly gave a complete account of what had transpired between Jack O\u2019Connor and herself, along with her daughter\u2019s account of the brawl she had gotten into with Midge. \u201cSheriff Coffee said that man works here?! On the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I\u2019d have fired him a long time ago, if it weren\u2019t for his niece,\u201d Ben said soberly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Sheriff Coffee said,\u201d Teresa murmured softly. \u201cBen . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t quite know how to say this, but . . . well . . . I realize you employ a lot of men here, and that the Ponderosa is certainly large enough to guarantee that we probably won\u2019t run into this Jack O\u2019Connor again, but . . . I\u2019m NOT going to convince Mother of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand,\u201d Ben said, not without sympathy. \u201cI CAN ask Hank to send him out along with a couple of the other men to check a string of line shacks out on the edges of the northernmost pastures.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut . . . I thought you were short handed right now, especially with Adam, Hoss, and Joe out . . . . \u201d Teresa frowned, trying to recall the term. \u201cOh yes!\u201d she said a moment later. \u201cRiding fence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe boys\u2019ll be back in a couple of days,\u201d Ben said, \u201cand checking our line shacks, making sure they\u2019re in good repair and well stocked is something I prefer to see done by the end of summer anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long would that take?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA good two weeks, maybe three,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cThat should also keep him away from the saloons, as well as giving him a chance to cool off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about his niece?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhenever Jack has to be away . . . or when he goes out on a bender, Mrs. Braun takes his niece,\u201d Ben said. \u201cShe\u2019s a very kind, grandmotherly woman, who\u2019s developed a bit of a rapport with Midge. If that child\u2019s picking fights with other children again . . . perhaps some time AWAY from her uncle would be beneficial.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cToo bad there\u2019s no SUITABLE family member to take the child,\u201d Teresa said as she and her father-in-law began to move slowly toward the house.<\/p>\n

Ben nodded in complete agreement. \u201cI\u2019m sorry this had to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Dio all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, apart from a few cuts, scratches, and what\u2019s probably going to end up being a very colorful shiner by this time tomorrow,\u201d Teresa replied. \u201cI\u2019ll check her over more thoroughly after we eat, of course, but from the way she tore into the house just now, I\u2019d say she\u2019s probably none the worse for wear. I think I\u2019m more worried about Mother, than Dio. The day I finally talk her into getting out and riding into town . . . we end up having that little set-to with Jack O\u2019Connor and his niece. Now, she\u2019ll probably end up locking herself in her room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have a talk with her,\u201d Ben promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Ben,\u201d Teresa said with a weary smile. \u201cI think she just might listen to YOU.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

A soft knock against the back door, standing wide open to allow some of the heat from the kitchen to escape, immediately caught the attention of Patty Hopkins, one of the waitresses on duty that evening at the International Hotel Restaurant. She quickly placed her order with the chef, then walked over the door. \u201cYou can take\u2014oh! Mister O\u2019Connor, I\u2019m so sorry . . . it\u2019s usually the delivery men that come back here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018S ok, Miss. I\u2019m lookin\u2019 f\u2019r Miz Braun,\u201d Jack drawled. \u201cShe \u2018round?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s out front,\u201d Patty said half apologetically, trying her best not to wince against the strong smell of whiskey on his breath. \u201cOur hostess didn\u2019t show up for work this evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWou\u2019ja mind fetchin\u2019 \u2019er back?\u201d Jack asked. \u201cI ain\u2019 exactly dressed f\u2019r them fancy diggin\u2019s out front.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Patty agreed. \u201cYou can step inside if ya\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank y\u2019 kin\u2019ly, Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n

A few moments later, Patty returned with Gretchen Braun. \u201cGood evening, Mister O\u2019Connor,\u201d the latter greeted Jack politely, with a smile. \u201cWhat can I do for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta big favor t\u2019 ask . . . \u2018n I\u2019m real sorry \u2018bout it bein\u2019 on such short notice, \u2018n all, but can ya take Midge for a couple o\u2019 weeks?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gretchen scowled. \u201cMister O\u2019Connor, you PROMISED me\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t f\u2019r that,\u201d Jack growled. \u201cOk . . . yeah. I had a couple o\u2019 shots o\u2019 whiskey over at t\u2019 Bucket o\u2019 Blood jus\u2019 now, but that ain\u2019t why I\u2019m askin\u2019 ya t\u2019 look after Midge. I, uhhh . . . hadda bit uva set-to with ol\u2019 man Cartwright\u2019s prissy daughter-in-law t\u2019day, so f\u2019r punishment, I\u2019ll be out checkin\u2019 on a bunch o\u2019 line shacks what probably don\u2019 even need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be more than happy to look after Midge while you\u2019re away, Mister O\u2019Connor,\u201d Gretchen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Miz Braun . . . much obliged to ya,\u201d Jack said. \u201cT\u2019 ain\u2019 easy bringin\u2019 up a li\u2019l gal proper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not easy bringing up any child right and proper when you\u2019re the only one doing it,\u201d Gretchen said, with the quiet conviction of one who knows.<\/p>\n

\u201cI \u2018preciate y\u2019 takin\u2019 an interest in Midge,\u201d Jack said with heartfelt sincerity.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt took me awhile to win her over, but now, I feel like Midge and I\u2019ve become fast friends. I\u2019ll be around to collect her first thing tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks again, Miz Braun, much obliged. I don\u2019 know what Midge \u2018n me\u2019d do without ya sometimes . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cAunt Stacy, I\u2014oh! Grandpa! I didn\u2019t know you were up, too!\u201d Benjy exclaimed, as he ambled into the dining room, early the following morning. Two bright spots of red appeared on each cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Benjy,\u201d Ben greeted his young grandson with a smile. He took a sip of coffee from the mug in hand, then rose. \u201cIf you want to speak privately with your aunt\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018S ok, Grandpa,\u201d Benjy said, as he slipped into the chair across the table from the one occupied by Stacy. \u201cI guess I can tell YOU, just so long as you don\u2019t tell anybody else . . . especially Papa. If . . . . \u201d He swallowed nervously. \u201cIf I can do this . . . I want it to be a birthday present for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour secret is safe with me, Benjy,\u201d Ben hastened to assure the boy.<\/p>\n

\u201cAunt Stacy . . . I\u2019ve decided . . . I want to do it.\u201d The last words tumbled out one after the other in a rush.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s wonderful, Benjy,\u201d Stacy said with smile. \u201cLike I told you yesterday, deciding to do this is half the battle. Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Stacy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSince YOU know . . . and if it\u2019s all right with Benjy . . . you think maybe you could work with us?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you, Grandpa?\u201d Benjy asked, awed by the prospect.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want me to work with you and Aunt Stacy, I would be very happy . . . and honored to assist you, Young Man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I want you to, Grandpa. When can we start?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight after breakfast,\u201d Ben replied, as he turned and glanced in his daughter\u2019s direction. \u201cIf that\u2019s all right with your aunt?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine with me,\u201d Stacy agreed, with a smile and an emphatic nod of her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, good morning,\u201d Hop Sing greeted Ben, his daughter, and young grandson with a warm smile. \u201cCoffee for Mister Cartwright and Miss Stacy . . . glass of milk for Mister Adam number one son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, Hop Sing,\u201d Benjy returned the Chinese man\u2019s greeting with a bright smile of his own. \u201cThank you for the milk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Adam Boy very welcome,\u201d Hop Sing replied, as he set the tall glass in hand down in front of the boy. His smile slowly faded, upon coming to the realization that three members of the family were absent. \u201cWhere Mrs. Teresa, Little Girl, and Venerable Grand-Ma?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Hop Sing,\u201d Stacy said, as Hop Sing filled the mug next to her plate full of fresh, hot coffee. \u201cI . . . didn\u2019t hear Dio, but I COULD hear Mrs. di Cordova and Teresa going at each other fast \u2018n furious on my way down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey still are!\u201d Benjy said very solemnly, as he turned and cast an anxious glance over in the direction of the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . hope the both of ya weren\u2019t eavesdropping,\u201d Ben said with a pointed glance at his daughter first, then over at his grandson.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa,\u201d Stacy adamantly shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, neither,\u201d Benjy replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t the both of ya stay here, and dig in when Hop Sing brings out our breakfast?\u201d Ben said, rising. \u201cI\u2019ll g\u2019won up and see if I can get to the bottom of things.\u201d He took a big gulp of coffee, then started across the room for the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMuuu-ther . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFOR THE LAST<\/strong> TIME . . . NO!\u201d Dolores yelled back. \u201cNO, I AM NOT GOING INTO TOWN FOR THE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS . . . TO ATTEND\u00a0THE MAGIC FLUTE\u00a0AT THE OPERA HOUSE . . . OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON . . . UNTIL THE DAY WE GO IN TO CATCH THE STAGE FOR HOME<\/strong>! NOT WITH THAT . . . THAT HORRIBLE MAN OUT THERE LURKING!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDIDN\u2019T YOU HEAR ONE WORD BEN SAID TO YOU YESTERDAY?!\u201d Teresa demanded, thoroughly exasperated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYES! YES, YES, YES<\/strong>! I HEARD EVERYTHING BEN SAID, BUT THE FACT REMAINS THAT . . . MAN . . . WORKS<\/strong> HERE, LIVES<\/strong> HERE— \u201d<\/p>\n

A knock on the door to the guest room occupied by Dolores di Cordova brought her tirade to a screeching halt mid-sentence. \u201cWho is it?\u201d she snapped.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Ben, Dolores . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank heaven!\u201d Teresa murmured softly, before her mother had a chance to respond. Three long strides took her across the room to the door. \u201cBen, please . . . come in,\u201d she begged, after throwing the door wide open.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just came up to let ya know that breakfast is almost ready,\u201d Ben said, as Teresa took him by the arm and dragged him into the room. \u201cBenjy and Stacy are already downstairs at the table.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps YOU can talk some sense into Mother while I g\u2019won down the hall and make sure Dio\u2019s up,\u201d Teresa said stiffly. \u201cIf you\u2019ll both excuse me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Teresa,\u201d Ben immediately replied. \u201cWe\u2019ll join you downstairs in a few minutes.\u201d He waited until his daughter-in-law had flounced out of the room before turning his attention to her mother, standing in the center of the room, with back poker straight, and arms folded tightly across her chest. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Dolores, I . . . didn\u2019t mean to interrupt . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

Dolores leveled a withering, jaundiced glare at her host for a moment. \u201cOh yes, you DID, Ben Cartwright,\u201d she accused, \u201cyou don\u2019t fool ME for a minute.\u201d She closed her eyes and sighed. \u201cI\u2019m glad you DID, however . . . . \u201d she admitted in a more kindly, deferential tone. \u201cBen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Dolores?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat man Teresa and I met in town yesterday . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJack O\u2019Connor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d she replied. \u201cI\u2019m fully aware that the men you choose to hire, keep on, and dismiss is entirely YOUR affair, and none of my business, but . . . if everything Sheriff Coffee told us about him is true . . . why in the world DO you keep him on?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA large part of the reason has to do with his niece, Midge, as I said yesterday,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . and the rest?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a very bitter, very angry man, as you and Teresa saw,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cIf I fire him . . . he\u2019s got no where to go . . . no family to speak of except that niece of his and an estranged wife living out in Colorado, last I heard . . . so what\u2019s he going to do? End up in town, more than likely . . . doing whatever odd jobs he can get . . . assuming he can get any at all . . . drinking his wages at any number of saloons, like as not . . . and stirring up a lot a trouble.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy keeping him here . . . on the payroll, though he\u2019s not done anything close to an honest day\u2019s work since the day his son was buried . . . my foreman, Mister Carlson, keeps him busy, and there\u2019s a couple of men and their wives who keep an eye on Jack and Midge, making sure they get three square meals in \u2018em a day, and caring for the two of \u2018em if they\u2019re sick or injured. He\u2019s not caused any real harm, and thanks to Mister Carlson, Jack pretty much keeps out of everyone\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s far from being the ideal solution for Jack OR that niece of his . . . but, it\u2019s a whole heckuva lot better than my turning \u2018em loose,\u201d Ben concluded.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he . . . he HATES you,\u201d Dolores immediately pointed out. \u201cThe look he gave Teresa . . . if he\u2019d had the chance, he would have KILLED her! I KNOW he would have!\u201d She shuddered.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s leaving this morning with the two men who look after him to check the line shacks along the northern most boundary of the Ponderosa,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cThey\u2019ll be gone for a good three weeks, maybe a little more. You have nothing to fear from him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about that hoyden niece of his?\u201d Dolores demanded with a grimace.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen Jack\u2019s away, there\u2019s a lady she stays with in town,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cYou might say she\u2019s the grandmother Midge never had. She\u2019s very kind and loving, but she\u2019s also a very firm, very down to earth, no nonsense kind of woman. She\u2019s established a good rapport with Midge over the past year or so, and from all accounts, the girl enjoys staying with her . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d Midge shouted, her face beet red with anger. \u201cI WON\u2019T<\/strong> GO WITH MIZ BRAUN! I WON\u2019T, I WON\u2019T, I WON\u2019T<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

An exasperated sigh exploded from between Jack O\u2019Connor\u2019s thin lips. \u201cDon\u2019t start up with me again, Brat!\u201d he growled back, his voice low and menacing. \u201cDon\u2019t ya DARE start up with me again, \u2018cause if \u2019n ya do? Your sorry li\u2019l ass is gonna end up bein\u2019 so blistered . . . y\u2019 ain\u2019t gonna be able t\u2019 sit down for a whole solid month.\u201d He drummed his long, bony fingers against the buckle of the thick leather belt around his waist for emphasis.<\/p>\n

\u201cWHY?\u201d Midge demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy . . . WHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy CAN\u2019T I stay here?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018Cause I said,\u201d Jack growled back. He and Midge sat on the only two chairs, very crudely fashioned, before the once beautiful Queen Anne dining room table that had been passed down to his estranged wife from her mother. They were just finishing their meager breakfast. Midge had quickly polished off half a bowl of oatmeal. That, along with just under a quarter pound of flour, and three sugar cubes sitting in the cracked porcelain bowl on the table was all they had in the house. Jack downed the remaining whiskey in the pint bottle before him, then, with a cry of rage, hurled it across the room with all his might.<\/p>\n

Midge gasped and jumped when the bottle shattered against the far wall. She stared at the place where the bottle had hit the wall for a moment, then turned and looked up into her uncle\u2019s face through eyes round with trepidation.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look at me like that,\u201d Jack snarled, flinching away from the girl\u2019s intense gaze.<\/p>\n

Midge\u2019s eyes immediately dropped down to her lap. \u201cI DON\u2019T wanna go!\u201d she said again, her voice barely audible.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa gotta.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jack seized hold of the girl\u2019s arm and dragged her out of her chair, eliciting a cry of pain and alarm. \u201cYou stupid, willful bitch!\u201d he spat, his entire body quaking with a rage barely contained. \u201cNow you listen t\u2019 me \u2018n you listen good \u2018cause this is gonna be the last time I tell ya!\u201d<\/p>\n

Midge wordlessly nodded her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow! For the hundredth time Ol\u2019 Man Cartwright\u2019s sendin\u2019 me off on a gol\u2019 damned fool\u2019s errand for the next three weeks t\u2019 punish ME for that fight ya had with that stuck up gran\u2019daughter of his,\u201d Jack continued, \u201c \u2018n YOU can\u2019t stay here by yourself, with no one t\u2019 look after ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy NOT?\u201d Midge demanded. \u201cI don\u2019t need nobody mindin\u2019 me like I was a baby or somethin\u2019 . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanna spend the rest o\u2019 your days livin\u2019 in some orphanage?\u201d<\/p>\n

Midge vigorously shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s just where you\u2019re gonna end up if I go off \u2018n leave ya alone for three weeks, \u2018n Mister Carlson\u2019s big mouthed ol\u2019 biddy of an aunt finds out,\u201d Jack said, his voice filled with contempt. \u201cYou remember what happened just after ya came t\u2019 live with me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Midge nodded her head<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, then,\u201d he snapped. \u201cNow . . . ya finished eatin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cY-Yes, Sir,\u201d Midge replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen get yourself out to the horse trough \u2018n wash your face . . . \u2018n while you\u2019re at it . . . try runnin\u2019 a comb through that tangled mess o\u2019 knots on top o\u2019 your head. I want ya lookin\u2019 at least half way presentable when Miz Braun comes t\u2019 fetch ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

Midge slid out of her chair, and bolted headlong across the room, toward the front door.<\/p>\n

\u201cGol\u2019 damn\u2019 hard headed . . . . \u201d Jack grumbled under his breath after his niece had fled outside, slamming the front door shut behind her. \u201cAin\u2019t nothin\u2019 in t\u2019 world more blamed useless than a hard headed, smart mouthed female . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He awoke with a start. He slowly lifted his head and gazed stupidly at his surroundings, not quite knowing where he was . . . or how, exactly, he had come to be there. The light of the moon, swollen almost to full, shone in through the window, gilding the floorboards, the mantle, the love seat, and the matching milk glass oil lamps Martha prized so . . . with a silvery iridescence.<\/p>\n

As the clock on the mantle struck the hour of one . . . in the morning . . . he realized that he was seated on the love seat, with his booted feet propped up on the coffee table. Martha would be having a fit right now, if she had seen . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cMusta fallen asleep,\u201d he muttered as he rose stiffly to his feet, and stretched. Martha\u2019d no doubt gone to bed hours ago. She was a very firm believer in that old chestnut of an adage about early to bed and early to rise. Luke had gone into town, as had become his custom every Saturday night, since turning the age of consent his last birthday . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cYou be home by midnight, y\u2019 hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAww, Ma . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you \u2018aww, Ma,\u2019 ME, Young Man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMartha, leave the boy alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had turned to him, her dark eyes flashing with anger. \u201cI don\u2019t like this business o\u2019 him goin\u2019 into town every Saturday night, drinkin\u2019 . . . carousin\u2019 . . . playin\u2019 cards . . . \u2018n heaven only KNOWS what all else! LAST week, he came home so fallin\u2019 down drunk, I can\u2019t for the life o\u2019 me figure out how he managed to stay on his horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s young. He needs t\u2019 let off some steam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems t\u2019 me he\u2019s got plenty o\u2019 chance t\u2019 let off steam with all the work he does for Mister Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt just ain\u2019t, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBad trouble\u2019s gonna come o\u2019 this, John Paine O\u2019Connor, you mark my words . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

The remembered words of the argument he and Martha had every Saturday night after supper when Luke invariably announced he was going into town . . . fled at the sound of someone pounding on the door. He threw it open and, much to his surprise, found Joe Cartwright standing without clutching the rim of his hat in both hands, his face pale, his eyes round with shocked horror.<\/p>\n

Bad trouble\u2019s gonna come o\u2019 this, John Paine O\u2019Connor . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cKinda late t\u2019 be comin\u2019 \u2018round callin\u2019 on folks, Joe\u201d, he joked half heartedly, with a wan smile, trying desperately to ignore the words of his wife\u2019s dire warning now echoing inside his head<\/p>\n

\u201cMister O\u2019Connor, I . . . I . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

Bad trouble\u2019s gonna come of this . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019 got somethin\u2019 t\u2019 say, Boy?\u201d he snapped. \u201cC\u2019mon. Spit it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe swallowed nervously.<\/p>\n

Bad trouble. You mark my words . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cM-Mister O\u2019Connor, it\u2019s Luke.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNO.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe got into an argument with . . . with Wh-Whitby Gordon. I tried to stop it\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut-up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI tried. As God is my witness . . . I tried.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you to shut-up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mister O\u2019Connor?<\/p>\n

\u201cShut-up, Cartwright, you hear me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mister O\u2019Connor . . . .<\/p>\n

Jack\u2019s eyes flew wide open. \u201cIF YOU DON\u2019T SHUT YOUR LYIN\u2019 MOUTH, BOY . . . SO HELP<\/strong> ME . . . I\u2019LL<\/strong> SHUT IT FOR YA!\u201dhe shouted at the top of his voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cM-Mister O\u2019C-Connor, I . . . I\u2019m so sorry, I didn\u2019t mean to intrude . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

Jack was surprised and chagrined to find himself staring up into Gretchen Braun\u2019s pale face, and eyes, round as saucers. \u201cS-Sorry, Ma\u2019am, I . . . I guess I, uhhh kinda . . . dropped off,\u201d he immediately apologized. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean t\u2019 yell at ya like that . . . honest. I must\u2019ve been dreamin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quite all right, Mister O\u2019Connor,\u201d Gretchen said, as she inwardly struggled to regain at least a modicum of composure. \u201cI knocked, but . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I drop of t\u2019 sleep, I\u2019m afraid I\u2019m dead t\u2019 the world \u2018til I wake up,\u201d Jack said contritely. He rose stiffly to his feet, and gingerly stretched. \u201cMIDGE?\u201d<\/p>\n

No answer.<\/p>\n

Jack frowned. \u201cMIDGE!\u201d<\/p>\n

Again, no answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cGOL\u2019 DAMMIT, YOU BETTER GET YOUR SORRY ASS OUT HERE FRONT \u2018N CENTER RIGHT NOW OR SO HELP<\/strong> ME\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019M COMING!\u201d Midge shrieked at the very top of her lungs. She strode briskly out of her bedroom, wearing the same clothing she had worn the day before, carrying everything thing she owned in the whole wide world in a small burlap sack.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s got into \u2018er lately, but she\u2019s been a real pill these last couple o\u2019 days,\u201d Jack said contemptuously, \u201c . . . more stubborn than a blamed mule . . . sassin\u2019 me back every time I tell \u2018er t\u2019 do somethin\u2019 . . . . \u201d He turned and glared murderously over at his young niece. \u201cYou mind what Miz Braun says, y\u2019 hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

No answer, only a sullen silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe gives ya any trouble, y\u2019 got MY say so t\u2019 belt her,\u201d Jack growled.<\/p>\n

Gretchen nodded, but wisely refrained from voicing the opinion that such would NOT be necessary. \u201cCome along, Midge,\u201d she said briskly.<\/p>\n

The girl remained where she stood, glaring at her uncle, then over at Gretchen Braun.<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019 got \u2018til the count o three t\u2019 git,\u201d Jack said. \u201cIf you ain\u2019t moved by then . . . I\u2019m gonna pick you up \u2018n toss your blamed hide into Miz Braun\u2019s buckboard m\u2019self.\u201d<\/p>\n

At that, Midge fled from the house, clutching her burlap sack to her chest, without uttering a word.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Benjy Cartwright stood inside the corral, very close to his grandfather, watching through round, fear filled eyes, as his aunt led Gentleman Jim out of the barn, into the enclosure. For one brief, insane moment, he found himself wanting very much to thrust his hand into the warm security of Grandpa\u2019s larger one, as he had when he was a very small boy, when Grandpa stopped by to visit them in Sacramento. \u201cBenjamin Eduardo Cartwright, you\u2019re ten years old,\u201d<\/em> he admonished himself severely, in silence. \u201cYou AREN\u2019T a little kid anymore.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBenjy, I want you to close your eyes and take a deep breath.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was gentle, yet very firm.<\/p>\n

Benjy complied, grateful for his grandfather\u2019s presence, for his strong reassuring arm now encircling his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain,\u201d Ben said softly.<\/p>\n

Benjy took another breath, slow, deep, and even.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Benjy. I want you to know that. I\u2019m right here by your side . . . and I\u2019m gonna STAY . . . right . . . here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Benjy looked up, his own dark, chocolate brown eyes and face filled with gratitude and something else. Trust. \u201cThank you, Grandpa,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n

Ben looked down into his grandson\u2019s face, and smiled. \u201cYou ready?\u201d<\/p>\n

Benjy nodded.<\/p>\n

Ben looked over at Stacy, standing alongside Gentleman Jim roughly ten feet away from where he and his grandson stood, and nodded. With his lead firmly in hand, Stacy led Gentleman Jim over toward her father and nephew, taking great care to keep her movements slow and easy. The big brown gelding meekly followed, keeping his head lowered.<\/p>\n

\u201cBenjy, this is Gentleman Jim,\u201d Ben said, his voice calm and gentle. \u201cHe\u2019s the next oldest horse we keep here in the barn. He was pretty spirited as a youngster, but over the years, he\u2019s mellowed out into a very gentle horse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s everything his name suggests,\u201d Stacy quietly added.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe likes having his muzzle rubbed,\u201d Ben continued, as he reached out and gently rubbed the entire length of Gentleman Jim\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Benjy watched his grandfather for a moment, before putting out a tentative hand. Gentleman Jim ducked his head lower, allowing the boy to rub the top of his head, just above his eyes. \u201cG-Grandpa . . . Aunt Stacy . . . . \u201d he whispered, as fear slowly transformed into awe and wonder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Benjy?\u201d Ben queried, keeping his own voice to a decibel just above that of a whisper.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . I think h-he . . . I think he LIKES me,\u201d the boy marveled as he reached up to touch Gentleman Jim\u2019s mane.<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019 wanna know something, Young Fella?\u201d Ben said, himself surprised by the way Gentleman Jim had so carefully approached his young grandson. \u201cI<\/strong> think he likes you, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Chapter 3<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cMiz Braun?\u201d Midge spoke for the very first time, since leaving the small cabin she shared with her uncle out on the Ponderosa. For most of the ride out that morning, she sat in the passenger\u2019s seat, with her arms folded tight across her chest, and her eyes glued to her feet. Gretchen had tried to initiate conversation, but ultimately gave up on the idea when her inquiries were met by the girl\u2019s sullen, angry silence, or answered with curt, monosyllable words, barely audible.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Midge?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re they doin\u2019?\u201d Midge asked, watching shopkeepers and residents decorating stores and homes with red, white, and blue striped bunting, with mild interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re decorating for Independence Day,\u201d Gretchen answered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s Independence Day?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the day the American colonists signed their Declaration of Independence, declaring their freedom from rule by the British crown,\u201d Gretchen replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Midge responded with an indifferent shrug. \u201cI guess it\u2019s kinda like a holiday, hunh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a matter of fact . . . Independence Day IS a holiday,\u201d Gretchen said. \u201cThere\u2019s going to be all kinds of things going on . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm hmm.\u201d Gretchen nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kinda things?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019ll be all the usual roping and riding competitions, of course,\u201d Gretchen said with a delicate grimace.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, there\u2019ll be kinds of games, along with other contests . . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019ll be contests to determine the best animals, flowers, hand made things, food,\u201d Gretchen explained. \u201cI\u2019ll be entering my special apple-raisin pie and my canned spiced peaches in the food contests.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou make good apple raisin pie, Miz Braun. Real good!\u201d Midge declared with a smile. \u201cI\u2019ll bet you\u2019re gonna win hands down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Midge . . . for your vote of confidence,\u201d Gretchen said, inwardly relieved that the child appeared to have shaken off the black mood that had possessed her earlier. \u201cThe competition\u2019s going to be stiff, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Midge frowned. \u201cWhat does THAT mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gretchen smiled. \u201cIt means Winifred Mahon\u2019s [i]\u00a0black cherry and rum pie . . . and Clementine Hawkins\u2019 [ii] walnut brownies are every bit as good as my apple-raisin pie.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that mean . . . y\u2019 might NOT win?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look so downcast, Child,\u201d Gretchen gently admonished the girl. \u201cWinning\u2019s not the important thing anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s . . . NOT?!\u201d Midge queried, incredulous.<\/p>\n

\u201cMidge . . . I\u2019ve won so many blue ribbons over the years, I . . . well I can wallpaper my parlor and dining room both and STILL have plenty left over,\u201d Gretchen laughed. \u201cNow mind, I enjoy winning first prize, but the most important thing is doing my very best. This year, my apple raisin pie and my canned spiced peaches represent my very best.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019ll be plenty of games and races for you kids,\u201d Gretchen continued. \u201cMaybe you can enter one of the relay races, or better yet . . . you might ask one of the Blanchard girls, or Tommy Whittiker to partner with you in the three-legged race.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNa-aah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey HATE me,\u201d Midge said with a doleful sigh. \u201cALL the kids hate me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very sorry to hear that,\u201d Gretchen said quietly. \u201cMister Cartwright has a granddaughter visiting, and I understand SHE\u2019S a fast runner. If you asked HER nicely, maybe she would agree to partner with you for the three legged race.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe hates me most of all, Miz Braun,\u201d Midge said, her voice tremulous. \u201cYesterday, she \u2018n her ma \u2018n her grandma came into town. I saw her sittin\u2019 pretty as y\u2019 please out in front o\u2019 Miz Tompkins\u2019 shop, \u2018n y\u2019 know what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe hit me \u2018n she called me a bunch o\u2019 bad names . . . for nothin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gretchen favored her young companion with a dubious glare.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s true!\u201d Midge insisted. \u201cI didn\u2019t do nothin\u2019 t\u2019 her, I swear. Now Uncle Jack\u2019s gotta go away for three weeks . . . all \u2018cause o\u2019 HER.\u201d She sighed and shook her head. \u201cBlamed snooty, stuck-up ol\u2019 Cartwrights! I wouldn\u2019t run a three-legged race with HER for nothin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019ll be other games,\u201d Gretchen said. \u201cThere\u2019ll also be a horse race\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThem blamed Cartwrights gonna be in it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Gretchen replied. \u201cThe O\u2019Briens will also be in it\u2014 \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStinkin\u2019 Injuns!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMidge, what have I told you about that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Sorry, Miz Braun. I guess I kinda forgot,\u201d the girl apologized at once.<\/p>\n

\u201cClay Hansen, Abe Miller, and Blake Wilson also have entries in the race,\u201d Gretchen continued, \u201cand I\u2019ve heard tell that Clem plans to race Carla Jo.\u201d<\/p>\n

Midge laughed, remembering what Uncle Jack had said the other night about the deputy and that girl from Gold Hill he\u2019d been courting since the Valentine\u2019s Day Dance. She decided it best not to tell Miz Braun, though. The bad words would, like as not, upset her, and in any case, Midge herself had no idea at all what they meant.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter supper, there\u2019ll be a big dance,\u201d Gretchen said, \u201cand fireworks when it gets dark.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan WE go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou BET we can.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

With a long suffering, exasperated sigh, Dio Cartwright threw herself down on top of her neatly made bed, bored literally to angry tears. \u201cIt\u2019s not FAIR!\u201d she groused, the thunderous scowl, already present on her face, deepening. \u201cIt\u2019s not, it\u2019s not, it\u2019s NOT!\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t fair SHE had to stay in her room the rest of the day yesterday and all day today because some spiteful little girl she had never even laid eyes on until yesterday morning, called her bad names, then hit her first. She had avoided the spanking, something for which she was very thankful, because Ma believed her when she insisted that the other little girl had started the whole thing . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cEven so . . . . \u201d her mother\u2019s stern rebuke the day before echoed once again in her ears, \u201cyou should have walked away BEFORE you and that other girl came to blows.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWalked away?! Where?\u201d Dio demanded.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have come into the store with Grandmother and me . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Dio blanched, horrified by the very thought. \u201cBut, Ma-aaaa-aaahhhh . . . . \u201d she wailed, \u201cthat girl would\u2019ve thought I . . . that I was some kinda yella-bellied scaredy cat cry baby sissy if I\u2019d . . . if I\u2019d gone running to my ma \u2018n grandmother!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Grandpa wasn\u2019t any help either.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes, Sweetheart,\u201d he said, \u201cit takes more courage to walk AWAY from a fight than it does to retaliate . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s retaliate?\u201d she had asked in a sullen tone, half afraid she already knew the answer.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cTo retaliate means to get even or to get back at someone,\u201d Grandpa explained, confirming her absolute worst fears, \u201clike calling someone else a liar because she\u2019s called YOU one . . . or calling her bad names, after she\u2019s called you bad names.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c . . . and speaking of bad names, Dio, if I EVER hear you call anyone the names you and that other little girl called each other, I\u2019m going to wash your mouth out with soap very thoroughly,\u201d Ma said in what Dio privately called her real quiet promise tone of voice, because whenever her mother talked that way, she always meant exactly what she said.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAre they . . . are they cuss words?\u201d she asked, remembering again the classmate who got her mouth washed out with soap by the teacher at school for saying one of those words.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they aren\u2019t cuss words,\u201d Ma replied, \u201cbut they\u2019re bad words no one, child OR grown-up. has any business calling someone else. I won\u2019t punish you for using them this time, Dio, because I don\u2019t believe you really knew that those are bad words, but if I EVER hear you utter them again . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t,\u201d Dio immediately promised . . . .<\/em><\/p>\n

All things considered, she had gotten off lightly with just being confined to her room and no dessert after supper, but all that was nearly forgotten when she saw Benjy riding off in the buggy with Grandpa after breakfast to help Aunt Stacy exercise Sun Dancer. Had it not been for that mean little girl, she would have been riding in the buggy with her brother and Grandpa . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . or maybe even on Guinevere!\u201d Dio sighed dolefully as she rolled from her back onto her stomach. Her eyelids grew heavier and heavier as she imagined herself on Guinevere riding on one side of the buggy and Aunt Stacy on Sun Dancer riding on the other . . . .<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

The sound of horses entering the yard below the window roused Dio from the light slumber into which she had fallen, filled with dreams of her and Guinevere capturing a band of evil, mean looking bank robbers . . . numbering nearly a dozen . . . and collecting on a big reward after turning them over to a grateful Sheriff Coffee, then stopping a runaway stagecoach right there in the middle of town, saving the lives of all the passengers, one of whom turned out to be the President of the whole United States himself. She yawned, stretched, then scrambled off the bed and tore across the room to the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Dio exclaimed, her face brightening upon catching sight of her father riding into the yard behind Uncle Hoss, Uncle Joe, and Mister Canaday. She turned from the window with every intention of running down to greet them. Half way between the bed and the door, she all of a sudden remembered she was confined to her room for the remainder of the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cDa—!!!\u201d Dio gasped and threw both hands over her mouth before completing that particular word. \u201cDadburnit!\u201d she sighed, settling for Uncle Hoss\u2019 favorite expletive.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cYou boys back early!\u201d Hop Sing greeted the three sons of Mister Number One Boss Man of the Ponderosa and that same Boss Man\u2019s junior foreman, grinning from ear to ear, as he stepped from the kitchen door onto the porch.<\/p>\n

\u201cTurned out there was less damage to that pasture fence than we thought,\u201d Joe explained as he, his brothers, and Candy dismounted.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood you get back when you get back,\u201d Hop Sing teased. \u201cWhen you gone, Mister Cartwright get new boy. He and Miss Stacy say new boy top hand all the way. Work circle all way round all three of you.\u201d This last he added with a pointed glance over at Hoss, Joe, and Candy.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah?\u201d Hoss responded, the impish sparkle in Hop Sing\u2019s dark eyes not lost on him. An amused smile tugged hard at the corner of his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah! That right!\u201d Hop Sing declared with an emphatic nod of his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo tell us, Hop Sing . . . who IS this new boy Pa took on . . . who can work circles around Hoss, Candy, \u2018n me?\u201d Joe demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew boy Mister Adam boy,\u201d Hop Sing declared. He fell in step with the four men as they crossed the yard toward the barn with their horses\u2019 leads firmly in hand. \u201cHelp Miss Stacy feed chicken and get eggs for Hop Sing make breakfast . . . chop kindling wood with Miss Stacy and Papa . . . even help Miss Stacy milk cow after Miss Stacy show him how to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . hope Benjy\u2019s not overdoing things,\u201d Adam said with a worried frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, no, no, no,\u201d Hop Sing hastened to assure, wagging his head back and forth with each no. \u201cPapa and Miss Stacy real good. NOT let boy over do. Papa, Miss Stacy . . . and Hop Sing, too . . . all say do Mister Adam boy lotsa good be out in sun-shine . . . fresh air.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t argue with you there, Hop Sing,\u201d Adam agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?!\u201d<\/p>\n

The eldest of Ben\u2019s sons turned and smiled upon catching sight of his wife crossing the yard, moving at a brisk pace just short of breaking into a fast run.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . uuhhh . . . why don\u2019t you g\u2019won . . . greet that wife o\u2019 yours proper?\u201d Hoss urged sotto voce, the amused half smile broadening to a great big silly grin. \u201cJoe, Candy, \u2018n me\u2019ll put up the horses . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBig Brother . . . you\u2019re a prince,\u201d Adam declared as he handed Sport II\u2019s reigns over to Hoss. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSho\u2019 nuff!\u201d Hoss responded.<\/p>\n

Adam bounded back across the yard and literally swept his wife right off her feet much to the delight of his two younger brothers and Hop Sing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re back early . . . . \u201d Teresa observed, happily breathless, as she and her husband started back toward the house with their arms loosely wrapped around each others\u2019 waist.<\/p>\n

\u201cTurned out the damage to the pasture fence was no where nearly as extensive as Hoss and Joe thought,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cI hear tell Pa\u2019s taken on a new top hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes,\u201d Teresa replied. \u201cBenjy\u2019s been a real big help to Ben and Stacy over the last couple of days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope he\u2019s not overdoing things,\u201d Adam said anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou needn\u2019t worry about that,\u201d Teresa quickly assured him. \u201cBen and Stacy have been very good about letting him do the easier jobs and making sure he takes frequent rest breaks. Speaking for myself, I\u2019m glad to see him up and about . . . and I agree completely with Hop Sing about the fresh air and sunshine doing him a world of good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHard to believe he almost died . . . what . . . two weeks ago? Three?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCloser to three weeks ago now,\u201d Teresa said soberly. \u201cDoctor Martin stopped by in the afternoon the day you left . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did HE have to say?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s every bit as mystified . . . and as grateful . . . as I am,\u201d Teresa replied. \u201cHe told Ben and me that Benjy should take things easy for the next week or so, then gave him an official clean bill of health.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Benjy now?\u201d Adam asked, as he gallantly opened the door, then stood to the side allowing his wife to enter the house first.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone out in the buggy with Ben to help Stacy exercise Sun Dancer,\u201d Teresa replied. She waited while her husband paused next to the credenza long enough to remove his hat and gun belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Dio?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid Dio\u2019s confined to her room until tomorrow . . . except for meals and the necessary run out back,\u201d Teresa replied. She, then, shared with Adam everything that had transpired in town the previous day.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

A soft knock on her door startled Dio out of the glum reverie into which she had fallen. She closed the book that had lain open before her on the very first page for the better part of the last ten minutes or so, and scrambled down off the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome in,\u201d she invited warily, expecting it to be Ma, or worse, Grandmother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Princess . . . . \u201d Adam greeted his young daughter as he stepped into her room and quietly closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA!\u201d Dio cried out with gleeful abandon, as she tore across the room and threw herself into her father\u2019s open arms. \u201cOh, Pa, I missed you so much!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam held his daughter close for a moment. \u201cI missed you, too, Princess,\u201d he murmured softly, then gently planted a kiss on her forehead. \u201cThat\u2019s . . . quite a shiner you\u2019ve got there,\u201d he murmured softly, as he held his young daughter apart just enough to study the lurid purple, black and green bruising around her left eye. \u201cHow did it happen?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dio sighed, and her shoulders slumped visibly. \u201cDidn\u2019t Ma and Grandmother tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour ma did,\u201d Adam confessed. He rose to his feet, then held out his hand. \u201cBut I\u2019d like to hear it from YOU.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dio slipped her small hand into her father\u2019s much larger one, and meekly allowed him to lead her back across the room to the bed. \u201cIt\u2019s not fair, Pa,\u201d she half sobbed as the vision of Benjy going off with Grandpa and Aunt Stacy again swam before eyes now filling with tears.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Adam asked as he and Dio sat down together on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was sitting outside on a bench while Ma and Grandmother were in . . . it was some kinda store where they sold material \u2018n other stuff to make clothes,\u201d Dio began. She told her father about the other girl calling her names, liar among them, then hitting her. \u201cI didn\u2019t do anything to HER, Pa! Honest! I swear!\u201d she declared passionately.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you, Dio,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen . . . oh, Pa, please? Can you talk to Ma . . . maybe ask her if I can . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re asking me to talk to your mother about letting you out of your room early, the answer\u2019s no,\u201d Adam said in a very quiet, yet very firm tone of voice.<\/p>\n

Dio sighed. She should have known. \u201cIt\u2019s still not fair,\u201d she lamented. \u201cPa . . . Ma \u2018n . . . \u2018n Grandmother especially . . . THEY think I should\u2019ve acted like some . . . like some big sissy \u2018fraidy cat cry baby. Grandpa, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey ALL said I should\u2019ve just walked away . . . like some yella-belly scaredy cat,\u201d Dio said dejectedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDio . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you remember what I told you and your brother when I taught the both of you how to fight?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou told Benjy \u2018n me we shouldn\u2019t go around looking for a fight, but it was ok to defend ourselves,\u201d Dio replied, \u201cand that\u2019s just what I did yesterday, Pa. I swear! She hit ME first!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was something else I told you and Benjy, too,\u201d Adam said quietly. \u201cCan you remember what THAT was?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dio fell silent for a moment as she tried hard to remember. \u201cI . . . think I remember,\u201d she ventured hesitantly, at length. She turned and gazed earnestly into her father\u2019s face. \u201cWas it something about fighting being the last thing you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm hmm.\u201d Adam nodded his head. \u201cYes, it was. Fighting should ALWAYS be the very last thing you do . . . AFTER you\u2019ve done everything you can to avoid it. MY pa . . . YOUR grandpa . . . told me, your uncles, and I\u2019m sure he\u2019s told your aunt, too, the very same thing. ONE of those things you can do to avoid a fight is to simply get up and walk away.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dio stared up at her father through eyes round with astonishment and dismay.<\/p>\n

\u201cBelieve it or not, Princess, getting up and walking away from an argument does NOT mean you\u2019re a yella-bellied scaredy cat,\u201d Adam continued. \u201cIt would have taken just as much, if not MORE courage to walk away from that argument before you and the other girl came to blows, and it would have shown a certain degree of maturity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKinda like being a grown-up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Princess . . . kinda like being a grown-up . . . especially since the girl who picked that fight with you yesterday is someone more deserving of your pity than your anger.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA-Are YOU saying I . . . that I should feel sorry for HER?!\u201d Dio stammered in complete and total disbelief. \u201cWhy? Pa, she\u2019s meaner \u2018n snake and . . . she HATES me. I didn\u2019t do a dadburned thing to HER, Pa, but she still HATES me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour ma told me about that little girl and her uncle just now,\u201d Adam said. \u201cWould you like me to tell YOU what she told ME?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . s\u2019pose,\u201d Dio sighed reluctantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe little girl\u2019s name is Midge,\u201d Adam began. \u201cMidge Frakes. Your ma told me that Midge\u2019s ma and pa were killed about a year ago when their wagon overturned.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes that mean she\u2019s . . . that she\u2019s an orphan?\u201d Dio ventured, with a touch of remorse.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Princess, she\u2019s an orphan,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cShe lives with her uncle, a man by the name of Jack O\u2019Connor, because he\u2019s all the family she has now that her ma and pa are dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs her uncle that mean man who got Ma real mad and scared Grandmother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he is,\u201d Adam replied, scowling despite his own best intentions upon remembering Teresa\u2019s harrowing account of their meeting with Jack O\u2019Connor in town the day before.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like him,\u201d Dio said with a shudder. \u201cHis face looks like he\u2019s real mad all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe probably looks that way because deep down inside, he\u2019s hurting,\u201d Adam patiently explained. \u201cYour ma told me Mister O\u2019Connor\u2019s son died a few years ago . . . in another kind of accident. MRS. O\u2019Connor left him the day their son was buried.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Princess?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Mister O\u2019Connor hurts down deep inside, why does he look so mad?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes, when people are hurting because they\u2019re sad, they become very angry, too,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cWhen Uncle Miguel and Aunt Elena\u2019s new baby died last summer, do you remember how mad Aunt Elena was?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dio thought for a moment, then very solemnly nodded her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you remember what your ma and I told you and your brother last Christmas when Aunt Elena yelled at Uncle Miguel when he asked where the manger set\u2019s Baby Jesus was?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

The horrifying vision of Aunt Elena\u2019s face, beet red, with the most fearful scowl, and tears streaming down her cheeks from a pair of eyes looking as if they were going to burst right out of their sockets any minute, once more swam before Dio\u2019s eyes. With a shudder, she nestled close to her father, exhaling a very soft sigh of relief upon feeling his strong comforting arm about her shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Dio ventured very softly, at length, her voice tremulous.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Princess?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo y-you . . . oh, Pa . . . is Midge\u2019s uncle ALWAYS that mad . . . \u2018cause he\u2019s hurting?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t really know for sure, Sweetheart, because I\u2019ve never met Mister O\u2019Connor or his niece,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cbut taking into account what your grandpa and Sheriff Coffee told your ma . . . and what SHE\u2019S told me . . . I\u2019d have to say it\u2019s possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . and he\u2019s the only family she has now . . . \u2018cause her ma and pa died?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Midge has to live with an uncle who\u2019s mad all the time like the way Aunt Elena was last Christmas,\u201d Dio stated very quietly, her mouth and chin firmly set. \u201cI\u2019ll try my best to ignore her and not fight with her . . . . \u201d She swallowed nervously. \u201c . . . even if she DOES think I\u2019m a yella-bellied scaredy cat sissy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you\u2019re going to try your very best, Princess,\u201d Adam said, \u201cand I want YOU to know something, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I<\/strong> know you\u2019re not a yella-bellied scaredy cat sissy,\u201d Adam said in a gentle, yet firm tone. \u201cYou\u2019re the bravest little girl I know. Promise me you\u2019ll remember that . . . no matter what happens?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll remember, Pa. I promise,\u201d Dio vowed, before slipping her arms around Adam\u2019s waist and hugging tight.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Chapter 4<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cHop Sing, I can\u2019t begin to tell you how wonderful that meal was,\u201d Adam effusively complimented the chef as he, and the rest of the family rose from their places at the dining room table. \u201cT\u2019was ambrosia . . . nectar of the gods.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mister Adam,\u201d Hop Sing responded. He reached out and gently squeezed Adam\u2019s forearm. \u201cHop Sing appreciate Mister Adam com-pli-ment very, very much, so please NOT take Hop Sing wrong way . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m . . . not quite sure what you mean,\u201d Adam responded with a puzzled frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing know Mister Adam appreciate Hop Sing cooking,\u201d the Cartwrights\u2019 chief cook replied, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. \u201cHop Sing also know after spend two days, two nights, and part of third day, eat Mister Hoss, Little Joe cooking . . . anything taste real good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam threw back his head and roared.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno about YOU, Hoss, but I think we\u2019ve just been insulted,\u201d Joe declared with mock severity, favoring his oldest brother and Hop Sing with the meanest, nastiest glare he could possibly summon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI KNOW we have,\u201d Hoss retorted, laboring to keep back the amused smile threatening to break out on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatsa matter, Guys? Can\u2019t take the truth?\u201d Stacy teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmpf! The REAL truth, Li\u2019l Sister, is . . . if there\u2019s anyone in this family who\u2019s a worse cook than Hoss \u2018n me . . . it\u2019s YOU!\u201d Joe returned without missing a beat.<\/p>\n

Stacy responded by sticking out her tongue.<\/p>\n

Joe returned the gesture, and thumbed up his nose for extra good measure.<\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, you surprise me,\u201d Teresa said. \u201cI\u2019D have thought you would have sat the world\u2019s three worst cooks down long before this, and taught them how to boil water properly at the very least.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, no, Mrs. Teresa. That Hop Sing not do. Not now, not ever never,\u201d Hop Sing said very solemnly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Teresa asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJob security,\u201d Hop Sing returned with a smug grin. \u201cNow you go. Hop Sing clear table, then bring coffee and desert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo . . . what\u2019re we havin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Hoss favorite,\u201d Hop Sing replied. \u201cApple pie. Now you go. Everyone go. Hurry up, chop, chop,\u201d he ordered. \u201cSooner Hop Sing clean up, sooner bring dessert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, Hop Sing, I\u2019m goin\u2019,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cMa? Please?\u201d Dio begged. That sad, whipped puppy dog look on her face set Ben to wondering for just a moment whether or not a certain uncle might have been giving her pointers. \u201cApple pie\u2019s MY favorite, too . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Sweetheart,\u201d Teresa responded, not without a measure of sympathy, \u201cbut you remember what I told you yesterday?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Ma\u2019am,\u201d Dio replied with a melancholy sigh. \u201cYou said I had to stay in my room the rest of yesterday \u2018n all day today because of . . . of . . . because of what happened in town yesterday . . . except when I ate and to go outside for umm . . . YOU know . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Dio,\u201d Teresa said, \u201cand what ELSE did I tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo dessert while I hafta stay in my room,\u201d the girl answered with much reluctance.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Teresa . . . she\u2019s HAS been good today . . . very good in fact,\u201d Dolores immediately pointed out, \u201csurely you could relent . . . just a little . . . and allow her to have a slice of Hop Sing\u2019s wonderful apple pie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTHIS from the woman who was ready to lock Dio upstairs in her room . . . not only for the remainder of our time HERE, but for a whole year, maybe two after we got home . . . after she got through tanning her within an inch of her life?!\u201d<\/em> Teresa silently wondered as she, and her father-in-law as well, looked over at her mother as if the older woman had taken complete leave of her senses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Dolores demanded with a bewildered frown, as her eyes flitted from her daughter\u2019s face, over to Ben\u2019s, then back again.<\/p>\n

\u201cDolores, speaking as a father with many, many, MANY years of experience behind him to a mother with just about the same behind HER, surely you remember how important it is to stay your course,\u201d Ben said smoothly, favoring Dolores with a big, warm smile, and offering her his arm. \u201cHow\u2019s a child to learn other wise?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is true,\u201d Dolores sighed as she daintily slipped her hand through the crook of his arm, and allowed him to lead her over to the settee next to the fireplace.<\/p>\n

Ben wisely kept to himself the fact that he had secretly asked Hop Sing to set aside a small piece of that apple pie for the child to enjoy tomorrow after her time upstairs in solitary came to an end.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . guess I\u2019ll g\u2019won back up to my room now,\u201d Dio sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell everyone good night first, Princess,\u201d Adam said. \u201cI\u2019ll be up when it\u2019s time to tuck you in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, Pa . . . goodnight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam leaned down, allowing his young daughter to throw her arms around his neck and plant a sound kiss on his cheek. Smiling, he hugged her close for a moment, and after a whispered, \u201cSweet dreams, Princess,\u201d he kissed her forehead and sent her off to her mother.<\/p>\n

As Dio quickly made the rounds, bidding the family good night, she consoled herself with the prospect of being allowed to come out of her room tomorrow . . . finally . . . AND joining everyone for dessert after supper, even though she had to miss out on the apple pie tonight.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Young Fella . . . . \u201d Hoss said, as he turned and favored his young nephew with a broad grin, \u201chow \u2018bout a game o\u2019 Checkers with your Uncle Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Benjy readily agreed, \u201cbut, it\u2019s been a long time since I played. Would you mind refreshing my memory?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad t\u2019 do it,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019 know, Hoss . . . I\u2019M thinking it might be a good idea if YOU stepped aside and allowed an expert teach our nephew the game of Checkers,\u201d Joe suggested with a smug grin and eyes sparkling with mischief.<\/p>\n

\u201cLi\u2019l Brother, every once in a while you come up with some really good ideas,\u201d Hoss responded a little too affably. \u201cHey, Stacy . . . YOU wanna come over here \u2018n show Benjy the ropes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStacy?!\u201d Joe hooted. \u201cSHE\u2019S less of an expert than YOU are.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least I<\/strong> play an HONEST game,\u201d Stacy retorted, then stuck out her tongue.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you insinuating that I cheat?!\u201d Joe demanded with mock severity, favoring his young sister with a scowl so comically mean and ferocious, Stacy threw back her head and laughed out loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Li\u2019l Brother, I\u2019LL say it straight out,\u201d Hoss gamely volunteered. \u201cYou cheat at Checkers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do NOT cheat,\u201d Joe declared in a lofty tone of voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf COURSE not,\u201d Adam quipped, \u201cyou just get real creative with the rules, which is why I\u2019D rather Hoss or Stacy be the ones to show Benjy how the game\u2019s played.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Benjy,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cWe can set up the board over here . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

Adam surrendered the blue chair to his younger, bigger brother. Hoss nodded his thanks then went to work setting up the checker board for play, while Benjy seated himself on the hearth.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa!\u201d Joe now turned to appeal to the clan patriarch. \u201cWHEN are you going to teach that CHILD of yours a lesson or two or maybe six or seven about respecting her elders?\u201d He thrust an accusing finger in Stacy\u2019s general direction.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . uhhh, Pa, if I might say a word on my sister\u2019s behalf, she\u2019s been nothing BUT respectful to Teresa and me,\u201d Adam declared in a tone of voice a bit too solemn.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho asked ya?\u201d Joe growled back with mock severity.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf anyone . . . anyone at all in this family needs a good lesson or two in respecting his elders . . . . \u201d Adam turned and stared very pointedly at his youngest brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think YOU\u2019RE man enough to teach me?\u201d Joe challenged.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny day of the week.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBOYS . . . that\u2019s enough,\u201d Ben said. \u201cAdam, if you feel your brother\u2019s somehow lacking in manners or proper respect for his elders, you have MY permission to teach him OUTSIDE . . . in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a date!\u201d Joe immediately quipped with a feral gleam in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as it\u2019s AFTER Sun Dancer\u2019s training session,\u201d Stacy insisted. \u201cYou DO want the both of us to win . . . right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou betcha!\u201d Hoss declared. \u201cI hear tell the bettin\u2019 on our li\u2019l sister here \u2018n Sun Dancer\u2019s runnin\u2019 \u2018bout ten t\u2019 one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s pretty respectable given it\u2019s her first race,\u201d Adam remarked, visibly impressed.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . which reminds me,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . uh oh. Here comes \u2018The Talk\u2019,\u201d Joe quipped.<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018The Talk\u2019?\u201d Stacy echoed with a bewildered frown. \u201cWhat do you mean by \u2018The Talk\u2019?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the talk Hoss, Joe, and I got from Pa right before WE ran OUR first races,\u201d Adam explained with a nostalgic smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, it\u2019s just a reminder, Young Woman,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cA reminder, Pa? Of what?\u201d Stacy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a fine thing to win, Stacy, and I think you already know I\u2019d very proud if you and Sun Dancer DID win this year\u2019s race, but that\u2019s not what\u2019s important,\u201d Ben said in a very quiet, yet very firm tone of voice. \u201cDoing your best . . . running an HONEST race . . . showing good sportsmanship . . . and losing graciously if it comes to that . . . ARE. I\u2019ll be even MORE proud of ya, if you remember to concentrate on THOSE things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa,\u201d Stacy replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough talk of horse-race,\u201d Hop Sing ordered as he entered the great room bearing a tray with the family\u2019s silver coffee service, and cups, saucers, spoons, and napkins all neatly stacked. \u201cHop Sing bring coffee, then bring apple pie. Hop Sing even make up whip-cream.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSho\u2019 \u2018nuff?\u201d Hoss queried, as he rubbed his hands together in gleeful anticipation.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou betcha,\u201d Hop Sing replied, as he set the tray down in front of Ben, who was ensconced in the red chair.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Jeff Bonner stood before the gray stone fireplace, unmoving, staring down in complete and utter dismay at the foreclosure notice he gripped so tightly, the knuckles of his left hand had literally turned white. \u201cCan\u2019t be . . . . \u201d he muttered, wagging his head slowly back and forth. \u201cThis . . . no! Can\u2019t be, can\u2019t BE!\u201d He closed his eyes and tried to draw in a deep breath, but the muscles in his chest had become as lead, pressing down upon his lungs and starving his body of much needed oxygen.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The voice of Seth Adams, president of the First Mercantile Bank of Virginia City, echoed again within the ears of his inward hearing.<\/p>\n

\u201cPLEASE, Mister Adams,\u201d Jeff begged, \u201ca little more time— \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Seth Adams closed his eyes and exhaled a very audible, melodramatic sigh of the long suffering. \u201cYou said that LAST month, Mister Bonner,\u201d the bank president reminded him, \u201cand the month before . . . AND the month before THAT<\/strong>.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThis year\u2019s not been good for us . . . for my brother \u2018n me . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Seth said, not without a small measure of sympathy. \u201cA LOT of folks are hurting what with the draught last summer, and a decline in the price of beef . . . but your mortgage payments are now six months in arrears. Six MONTHS.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . have a bit of the money PA left Rick \u2018n me,\u201d Jeff wheedled.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHow much?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cA bit over nine hundred dollars, Mister Adams. I know that won\u2019t cover the entire six months we\u2019re behind . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c . . . but that WILL cover half of what you\u2019re in arrears,\u201d Seth said slowly, thoughtfully. \u201cAll right, Mister Bonner. You pay the bank nine hundred dollars by the close of business at five o\u2019clock tomorrow . . . I will give you another thirty days to try and raise the balance.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Sir. Thank you, thank you,\u201d Jeff babbled. He took Seth\u2019s hand in both of his and pumped it vigorously.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNine hundred dollars by five o\u2019clock tomorrow afternoon,\u201d Seth reiterated sternly, \u201cand the balance you\u2019re in arrears within thirty days. This is absolutely the last time I\u2019m giving you and your brother an extension.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDamn . . . damn . . . DAMN that ol\u2019 coot!\u201d Jeff swore, his voice cracking like a whip. He balled the notice into a tight paper wad and hurled it into the dark firebox of the massive stone fireplace, dominating the entire great room.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn WHAT ol\u2019 coot?\u201d Rick, the youngest of the Bonner brothers, demanded as he sauntered in through the front door. Lee Hobbes, a distant cousin on their mother\u2019s side of the family, followed close behind. He worked for the Bonners as their foreman in exchange for room and board. \u201cSay! Ol\u2019 man Webber ain\u2019t givin\u2019 us problem over his damned water rights again . . . IS he?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRick . . . . \u201d Jeff turned and glared over at his brother through eyes narrowing with suspicion.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . uhhh . . . what?\u201d Rick responded, while he and their cousin divested themselves of their gun belts. He flinched away from Jeff\u2019s intense, angry glare.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast week, I gave you nine hundred bucks . . . the very LAST o\u2019 what Pa had squirreled away under his mattress,\u201d Jeff replied, while silently, desperately hoping and praying the suspicions forming within his worried mind would ultimately prove unfounded. \u201cI asked ya to take it to the bank . . . you remember that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rick swallowed nervously. \u201cY-Yeah . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you?\u201d Jeff snapped out the question.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . uhhh . . . did I . . . what?\u201d<\/p>\n

The scowl on Jeff\u2019s face deepened. \u201cDid you take that money to the bank like I told you?\u201d he demanded, trying his best to ignore the uneasy sinking feeling that had all of a sudden formed deep in the pit of his stomach.<\/p>\n

Rick and Lee warily exchanged troubled glances.<\/p>\n

Jeff groaned inwardly upon seeing the silent exchange between his brother and cousin. \u201cDammit, Rick . . . did you take that money to the bank . . . or didn\u2019t you?!\u201d he demanded, fearing that deep down in his heart, he already knew the answer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI, uh . . . I m-meant to . . . . \u201d Rick murmured, his voice barely audible.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou MEANT to?! Just what the hell\u2019s THAT supposed to mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . uhhmmm . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRick, so HELP me . . . if you lost that money in some damned poker game—!!!\u201d Jeff knew this to be the case, when his brother showed a sudden, near obsessive interest in the thumbnail of his left hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cJeff . . . it was a hot day,\u201d Lee tried to explain, \u201ca real hot day. You remember, don\u2019t ya? . . . \u2018n the ride was long \u2018n dusty. We . . . uhh, kinda stopped to wet our whistles at the, um . . . B-Bucket of . . . Blood?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYOU MORONS!!\u201d Jeff shouted. Less than a half dozen long strides brought him from the fireplace to the front door, still standing wide open, where his brother and cousin yet remained. He shoved Lee aside then jabbed his balled fist square in his brother\u2019s face, sending the younger man toppling over backwards.<\/p>\n

Rick landed on his rump with a dull thud. \u201cHey! Wha\u2019 was THAT f\u2019r?\u201d he angrily demanded, as he reached up to gingerly rub his nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cTHAT was for being a damned stupid idiot!\u201d Jeff shot right back. \u201cHow much of that nine hundred did you lose?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was winning, Jeff,\u201d Rick whined as he slowly rose to his feet. \u201cI was winning big! REAL big!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe WAS, Jeff,\u201d Lee said in stout defense of his cousin.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf COURSE you were winning big,\u201d Jeff sneered. \u201cThat\u2019s the way card sharps do. They sit a nitwit like YOU down to play a few rounds of poker, and to start with, they let him win big. REAL big! Then, see . . . the nitwit starts losing . . . until he finally loses every damned cent he came to the table with . . . and then some, like as not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rick bristled against the insult and the bitter truth in his older brother\u2019s words. \u201cI started out using my OWN money,\u201d he countered, angry yet very much on the defensive, \u201cand I won big, like I said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTHEN you started t\u2019 lose . . . just like I<\/strong> just said,\u201d Jeff returned bitterly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I could win it back,\u201d Rick argued. \u201cHonest! I . . . thought . . . I could win it all back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much of that nine hundred did you lose?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cY\u2019 know what?! You\u2019re makin\u2019 a great big mountain out uva li\u2019l ol\u2019 MOLE hill,\u201d Rick accused, \u201cjust the way MA always did—!!!\u201d His words abruptly terminated mid-sentence with a squawk mixed with astonishment and righteous indignation when Jeff slugged him again, this time with a powerful right cross that sent him careening into the wall directly behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you . . . . \u201d Rick angrily lashed out with a straight jab, aimed right for Jeff\u2019s mouth, with the intention of doing damage to that so called pretty smile in which his older brother took so much pride.<\/p>\n

Acting purely on instinct, Jeff turned slightly, barely dodging the intended blow. He followed through with an uppercut to Rick\u2019s chin. \u201cTHANKS TO YOU<\/strong> . . . WE\u2019RE GONNA LOSE THIS RANCH . . . OUR HOUSE . . . AND DAMN NEAR EVERYTHING ELSE<\/strong> WE OWN,\u201d he yelled, his face beet red, and eyes, round as saucers, nearly bulging right out of their sockets. He thrust an accusing finger in his younger brother\u2019s face. \u201c . . . ALL BECAUSE YOU HADDA GET YOUSELF INTO A POKER GAME WITH A BUNCH O\u2019 NO GOOD, DOUBLE DEALIN\u2019 CARD SHARPS!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWELL, WHAT ABOUT YOU<\/strong>?!\u201d Rick shot right back, his face contorting with raw fury. \u201cWHAT ABOUT ALL THAT MONEY YOU SPENT BUYIN\u2019 CLOTHES, EXPENSIVE JEWERLY, \u2018N DRINKS FOR THAT CHEAP, GOLD DIGGING SLUT, WHO USED T\u2019 WORK AT THE SILVER DOLLAR??!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shut your mouth, you hear me?\u201d Jeff returned in a low, menacing tone. \u201cYou shut your filthy lyin\u2019 mouth about Annabelle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIT\u2019S THE TRUTH<\/strong>, BIG BROTHER. I <\/strong>KNOW IT . . . EVERYONE IN TOWN KNOWS IT . . . HELL! I\u2019LL BET EVERYONE IN THE WHOLE STATE O\u2019 NEVADA KNOWS IT,\u201d Rick relentlessly pressed, \u201cEVERYONE \u2018CEPT YOU<\/strong>!!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI TOLD you to shut . . . up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . AND IN THE END . . . IN THE VERY END, SHE UP \u2018N LEFT YOU FLAT FOR SOME GREAT BIG FAT MONEY BAGS FROM OVER PLACERVILLE WAY!!!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeff ducked his head and charged, bellowing at the top of his lungs like an angry bull.<\/p>\n

Rick leapt backward with all the grace and panache of a the occasional professional hoofer, who had at one time or another trotted his way across the stage at Piper\u2019s Opera House, laughing derisively. The heel of his booted foot slammed against the low footstool that had belonged to their mother, throwing him off balance. He waggled his arms in a desperate bid to remain on his feet. For one brief moment, he steadied, teetered, then fell over backwards striking the wood floor behind him with a dull, sickening thud.<\/p>\n

Jeff was on him in an instant, his hands reaching for Rick\u2019s throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cAggh! Hey! You crazy—!!!\u201d Rick barely managed to choke out as he worked frantically to break Jeff\u2019s tight, vice like grip on his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cALL RIGHT, GUYS . . . ENOUGH ALREADY!\u201d Lee shouted, as he waded into the fray with healthy fear and trepidation.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuh-guh-guh . . . gud \u2018im off me!!!\u201d Rick begged.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop it, Jeff!\u201d Lee wrapped his fingers around the back of Jeff\u2019s collar and tried with all his might to pull him away from Rick. \u201cStop it! Let \u2018im— \u201d His words ended in an agonized grunt when Jeff took one hand from Rick\u2019s throat and drove his elbow into Lee\u2019s abdomen with all his might.<\/p>\n

Lee immediately let go of Jeff\u2019s collar and backed away, with his back hunched and arms wrapped protectively about his abdomen.<\/p>\n

Rick, in the meantime, took full advantage of the momentary distraction Lee had provided. Balling his right hand into a tight, rock hard fist, he caught Jeff with a powerful uppercut right under the chin. He, then, followed through with an elbow strike to the side of his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

Lee shambled across the room toward the front door and the wall pegs, where he and his cousins customarily hung their gun belts, while Rick pounded Jeff without let up. He slipped his own revolver from its holster, and, aiming toward the floor well away from his feet, squeezed the trigger.<\/p>\n

For the two combatants, the sound of Lee\u2019s gun firing acted as a bucket of ice cold water thrown into their faces. Both of them froze.<\/p>\n

\u201cRick . . . back off,\u201d Lee ordered, training the weapon in hand on the younger of his two cousins.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack off?!\u201d Rick sputtered angrily. \u201cThis damned stupid galoot tried to KILL me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSit down,\u201d Lee growled, inclining his head toward the old, worn easy their father had many years ago brought to his marriage with their mother.<\/p>\n

Rick brought his empty hands up to shoulder level and did as ordered, keeping a wary eye on his cousin and the revolver in his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cJeff, YOU sit down, too . . . on the settee . . . AWAY from Rick,\u201d Lee ordered.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlad you stopped me,\u201d Jeff spat contemptuously, as he directed an evil, venomous glare at Rick, \u201c \u2018cause he sure as hell AIN\u2019T worth getting\u2019 my neck stretched for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s gotta be SOMETHIN\u2019 we can do about this . . . . \u201d Rick protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t you hear one damn thing I said?!\u201d Jeff queried, angry and incredulous. \u201cFirst off, when I gave you that nine hundred bucks, I TOLD you it was the LAST of the money Pa left us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOooohhh no! YOU said it was the last of that wad Pa kept under his mattress,\u201d Rick argued, pushing himself to the very edge of his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . WHICH AMOUNTS TO THE SAME DAMNED THING! THAT MONEY UNDER THE MATTRESS WAS ALL PA HAD!!!\u201d Jeff yelled.<\/p>\n

Rick muttered a long string of obscenities under his breath. \u201cCan\u2019t be!\u201d he returned. \u201cYou know Pa as well as I do . . . how much he hated banks. \u2018You can\u2019t trust a gol\u2019 durned banker as far as you can THROW him,\u2019 Pa always said. There\u2019s GOT to be more squirreled around here . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere AIN\u2019T,\u201d Jeff insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do YOU know?\u201d Rick demanded, rising slowly to his feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI KNOW \u2018cause I\u2019ve LOOKED!\u201d Jeff returned. He also rose to his feet. \u201cIn the attic, in the kitchen, behind that loose stone in the well, in the woodpile, out in the barn . . . hell! I\u2019ve even poked around up at that worthless ol\u2019 claim Pa worked from time t\u2019 time. There\u2019s NO money . . . NONE, except what Pa had stuffed under his mattress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome ON, Jeff . . . you, too, Rick,\u201d Lee begged. \u201cWe\u2019re NOT gonna solve anything by fighting amongst ourselves . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not gonna solve anything, period,\u201d Jeff snapped. \u201cMister Adams said he\u2019d give us another month, if . . . IF . . . we paid him nine hundred dollars . . . HALF of what we\u2019re behind. But . . . since Rick over there lost it all \u2018n then some in a damned, stupid poker game . . . ain\u2019t nothin\u2019 left for us to do, \u2018cept clear on out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on a minute . . . . \u201d Lee said slowly. \u201cThe Independence Day Race . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about it?\u201d Jeff growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got that big black of yours entered, don\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJuggernaut? Yeah. We got \u2018im entered in the race,\u201d Rick replied, \u201ckind uva moot point though, since HE\u2019S gonna end up on the auction block along with everything ELSE we got . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long b\u2019fore we gotta clear out?\u201d Lee asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThirty days, but . . . if you\u2019re thinking that money in the winner\u2019s purse is gonna spell an end to our troubles . . . forget it!\u201d Jeff said disparagingly. \u201cFirst off, there\u2019s ONLY a couple hundred bucks in that purse . . . not even enough to make a monthly payment!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJeff\u2019s right,\u201d Rick sighed, \u201c \u2018n besides . . . fast as ol\u2019 Juggernaut is . . . Pete Wilson\u2019s General Ulysses is ten times faster.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if . . . what . . . if . . . we could slow Wilson\u2019s General down a mite . . . just enough for Juggernaut to beat \u2018im?\u201d Lee asked.<\/p>\n

An exasperated sigh exploded from between Jeff\u2019s thinning lips. \u201cDidn\u2019t I just get through tellin\u2019 ya— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m NOT talkin\u2019 about the damned winner\u2019s purse,\u201d Lee angrily shot right back. \u201cWhen Rick \u2018n I were in town the other day, I overheard that little squint down at the livery say he was givin\u2019 two to one odds on Wilson\u2019s General Ulysses . . . and thirty-seven to one on Juggernaut,\u201d Lee said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what?\u201d Jeff demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo . . . if you were to bet . . . oohhh, say about a hundred bucks or so on Juggernaut, and he won? YOU\u2019D collect thirty-seven hundred dollars,\u201d Lee gamely pointed out. \u201cThat\u2019d be more than enough— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re forgetting two things,\u201d Jeff rudely cut his cousin off. \u201cFirst, Rick \u2018n me ain\u2019t got a hundred bucks. Second . . . didn\u2019t RICK just get through telling you that Juggernaut doesn\u2019t stand a snowball\u2019s chance in hell of beating Wilson\u2019s horse?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . unless Wilson\u2019s horse wasn\u2019t exactly doing his very best,\u201d Lee countered with a nasty smile.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . and how do YOU plan to make sure Wilson\u2019s horse doesn\u2019t run his best?\u201d Rick asked, mildly interested.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat purple stuff growing out in your north pasture,\u201d Lee replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cLoco weed?\u201d Rick queried.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. The day of the race, we take some with us \u2018n slip it into General Ulysses\u2019 feeding trough,\u201d Lee explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t that kill him?\u201d Jeff asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cCould,\u201d Lee replied, \u201cif we gave him enough. But I don\u2019t intend on giving General Ulysses enough to KILL him . . . just enough to . . . well, to umm make him a little . . . loco?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rick chortled. \u201cI LIKE it,\u201d he declared, grinning broadly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt just might work at that,\u201d Jeff agreed, \u201cbut . . . where are we gonna get a hundred bucks to bet on ol\u2019 Juggernaut?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI<\/strong> have some greenbacks stashed away for a rainy day,\u201d Lee replied . . . .<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Chapter 5<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Nearly all of the good citizens of Virginia City agreed the weather on Independence Day that year couldn\u2019t possibly have been better, even if they\u2019d had the means of special ordering it themselves. The sky above was a bright azure blue, with not even the merest wisp of cloud. Though the temperature was plenty warm enough to allow the lemonade stands run by the Virginia City Ladies\u2019 Temperance Union and a handful of enterprising kids to do brisk business, a gentle, intermittent breeze kept things tolerable.<\/p>\n

Midge Frakes sat cross legged on the carpeted floor of the International Hotel lobby, in the corner farthest from the door with a Bavarian family of paper dolls arranged in a half circle before her. They were a gift from Miss Heidi, Mrs. Braun\u2019s youngest daughter. She held up one of the dirndl dresses for the daughter of the family that she had just cut from the page with excruciating care. It was a brilliant red with some kind of flowers . . . .<\/p>\n

Miss Heidi had told her what kind of flowers they were last night. A-dell . . . a-dell . . . something . . . .<\/p>\n

She frowned for a moment, trying to remember.<\/p>\n

\u201cA . . . dell . . . VICE!\u201d she murmured softly. Yes. That was it! A-dell-vice. Edelweiss.<\/p>\n

She held up the dress for a moment, taking in the bright red, its hemline and bodice trimmed with the edelweiss flowers, the sleeves, collar, apron, and stockings white as snow. The shoes were the same red as the dress, and she saw, much to her delight, that the apron\u2019s hem was trimmed with tiny red roses. It was the prettiest dress she had ever seen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat would it be like to wear a pretty dress like this?\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Midge couldn\u2019t help but silently wonder. She placed the paper outfit down over the doll for whom it was intended and closed her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWha\u2019cha wanna wear a sissified dress like THAT fer?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Midge could hear Uncle Jack\u2019s voice now, just as loud, just as clear as if he were sitting on the floor beside her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat kinda dress is for prissified li\u2019l gals,\u201d <\/em>Uncle Jack\u2019s voice snorted derisively inside her head, \u201cnot for a gal like YOU, who\u2019s homelier \u2018n a mud fence.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

She sighed very softly, and upon opening her eyes, reached for the page with other clothing for the paper doll daughter. There was a plain green dirndl, with yellow sleeves, collar, apron, and a simple yellow ribbon trim at the hem. Though the red one was her very favorite, a brilliant royal blue dirndl, with its white sleeves, collar, and apron trimmed with lace was a close second. The bottom of the skirt had a white ruffled trim,and a colorful array of flowers adorned the hem line. Miss Heidi had told her those kinds of flowers grew in a place called Bavaria, where Miz Braun and her mister once lived before they came to America.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t let Uncle Jack see,\u201d<\/em> Midge silently ruminated, as she set to work cutting out the remaining dresses on the page.<\/p>\n

\u201cGol\u2019 damn waste o\u2019 time, \u2018n any way, you\u2019re too old t\u2019 be playin\u2019 with dolls made outta paper.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0 She could almost hear him now.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe Miz Braun\u2019ll let me keep \u2018em at HER house, so I\u2019ll have \u2018em t\u2019 play with next time I come visit,\u201d<\/em> Midge decided. She already kept the rag doll Miz Braun made for her upstairs on the bed in the tiny attic room, where she liked to sleep when her uncle had to be away, or if he got sick at the saloon. She also kept a few pennies and a bright shiny nickel in the tiny red reticule, given her by her mother just before she and Papa died, under the mattress of the attic room bed. It was the only way she could keep Uncle Jack from taking it.<\/p>\n

The sound of voices drew Midge from her dismal reverie. She very quickly gathered up the paper doll family, and the clothes she had already cut out, and hid them safely away inside the pocketed folder Miz Braun had given her, so that she wouldn\u2019t lose any of the dolls or their wonderful clothes. Midge, then, turned her head toward the concierge\u2019s desk, and scowled upon seeing Ol\u2019 Man Cartwright with that prissy stupid cow of a daughter-in-law, to quote Uncle Jack, the old lady who was with them the day her uncle got in trouble, and some man she didn\u2019t quite recognize.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamned high-\u2018n-mighty, too big for their blamed britches Cartwrights,\u201d the girl angrily muttered just under her breath. The little girl who had dang near beat her to death, \u201call fer nothin\u2019,\u201d who she blamed entirely for Uncle Jack being sent away, was no where in sight. \u201cI\u2019ll get even,\u201d<\/em> Midge silently, vehemently vowed, \u201cI dunno HOW, but somehow . . . some way . . . I\u2019M gonna get even.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Blissfully unaware of the intense, angry scrutiny being brought against them, Ben completed the task of registering his family at the hotel.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Cartwright,\u201d Lawrence Thatcher, the desk clerk, turned his attention to Adam and Teresa, \u201cI\u2019m giving you, your wife, and family the Presidential Suite,\u201d he continued, as he handed Adam the key. \u201cI\u2019ll see to it that the bell boys bring a couple of trundle beds to your room for the children when they take your bags upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mister Thatcher,\u201d Adam responded, then turned to his wife. \u201cI . . . don\u2019t know about YOU, Teresa, but I\u2019m ready for a nice big breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Teresa grinned. \u201cYou and me both,\u201d she declared. The entire family, including Hop Sing had packed up and left very early that morning<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Why don\u2019t we corral the kids and head on down to the C Street Caf\u00e9?\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cMiss Maxine and Mrs. Letty STILL fry up the best scrambled eggs and sausage west of the Mississippi, according to big brother, Hoss . . . uhhh, coming in a very close second to Hop Sing of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds wonderful,\u201d Teresa replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Dolores? Would you like to come with us?\u201d Adam queried.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s all the same to YOU, I\u2019d just as soon retire to my room, and have MY breakfast served to me THERE, thank you very much,\u201d Dolores declared with an emphatic nod of her head. Had it not been for the fact that her host had given Hop Sing a few days off to visit with his relations here in town, she would have remained at the ranch. The only thing worse than the prospect of encountering that awful O\u2019Connor man and his hoyden niece in the company of her son-in-law\u2019s family was the thought of the same thing happening alone, at that ranch, miles and miles from no where. The day she got on board that stage to return home to Sacramento would be among the happiest in her life.<\/p>\n

Lawrence, meanwhile, signaled to one of the bellhops. \u201cMrs. di Cordova, I\u2019m putting you in the room across from the Presidential Suite,\u201d he said. \u201cThis young man . . . . \u201d he inclined his head toward the tall, lanky sixteen year old standing at her elbow, \u201c . . . will carry up your luggage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Sir,\u201d Dolores murmured in a stiff, faintly condescending tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Pa? How about YOU?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cWould you like to join us for breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I would,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cthough I\u2019d like to stop by Grainger\u2019s Livery to check up on your sister and Sun Dancer . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy all means,\u201d Adam said. \u201cWe\u2019ll hold you AND Stacy a place, assuming she\u2019s got Sun Dancer properly settled.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee ya in a few minutes,\u201d Ben said in parting.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Adam and Teresa found their son, Benjy, seated on the settee before the fireplace in the hotel lobby, with his nose deeply buried in a book he had borrowed from his grandfather\u2019s library.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Dio, Son?\u201d Adam asked, mildly surprised to find his daughter absent.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe went with Aunt Stacy and Sun Dancer to the livery stable, Papa,\u201d Benjy replied, then swallowed nervously. \u201cI, uhhh . . . hope that was ok . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine,\u201d Adam replied, much to his son\u2019s relief. He hoped and prayed, however, that Dio had stayed with her aunt. \u201cYou ready for some breakfast, Buddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou bet!\u201d Benjy declared, as he closed the book in hand, then rose. \u201cAre Grandpa and Grandmother coming?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour grandpa is,\u201d Teresa replied. \u201cHe\u2019s gone to check on your aunt and Sun Dancer. Your grandmother . . . . \u201d She exhaled a long suffering sigh and shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour grandmother\u2019s a bit tired from the ride into town,\u201d Adam added. \u201cShe\u2019s going to rest and have breakfast upstairs in her room.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Midge, meanwhile, slipped the folder containing her paper dolls and their clothes under the edge of the rug, and watched Ol\u2019 Man Cartwright walk right out the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll betcha anything he\u2019s got the horse he\u2019s gonna race over at Grainger\u2019s Livery,\u201d<\/em> she mused in grim, angry silence. Most people who stayed at this hotel put their horses up at Grainger\u2019s. Like as not that whole blamed Cartwright family did, too.<\/p>\n

Then, all of a sudden, she remembered that large, prickly burr she had found about a week ago, when Uncle Jack had locked her out of their cabin so he could spend the morning, and as it had turned out, a good bit of the afternoon, too, doing what he called \u201csleeping it off.\u201d She had brought it to town with her, too, in her sack, set right on top of all her other stuff. A nasty smile spread across her face, upon remembering Uncle Jack telling the two women, who often brought them supper, something about that kind of a burr . . . .<\/p>\n

It was a joke, Uncle Jack said. Ol\u2019 Man Cartwright had just hired some new guy, \u201ca real city slickin\u2019 greenhorn,\u201d whatever that was. Uncle Jack and another man he called Evans had placed a burr like the one she had found, under the greenhorn\u2019s saddle, so when he got on his horse, it started to buck like anything. The greenhorn flew up over the horse\u2019s head and landed in mud, flopping around like a fish out of water. Uncle Jack was laughing so hard, he was near doubled over, and had tears streaming down his cheeks. The two ladies didn\u2019t seem to think that story was funny at all, but her uncle didn\u2019t seem to notice.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah! THAT\u2019S what I\u2019ll do!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0 She rubbed her hands together in absolute glee at the very thought. First chance she got, she\u2019d sneak into the livery stable and embed the burr into the horse blanket, exactly the same way Uncle Jack said he and that man, Evans, did. Ol\u2019 Man Cartwright was probably going to have that young one of his, the young pretty one with the green jacket who Uncle Jack seemed to hate more than any of them, riding in that race this afternoon. Wouldn\u2019t that be a funny sight indeed to see him sail right over the head of his horse and belly flop around in the dirt. She couldn\u2019t wait to tell her uncle all about it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll show \u2018em! That\u2019ll show ALL them stuck-up, high \u2018n mighty Cartwrights a thing or two!\u201d she declared very softly.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cGrandpa!\u201d Dio exclaimed with delight, the instant she caught sight of Ben entering the livery stable. She leapt up from the bale of hay upon which she had been sitting and ran to meet him.<\/p>\n

Ben knelt down and gave his granddaughter a great big bear hug. \u201cYou giving your Aunt Stacy a hand with Sun Dancer?\u201d he asked, as he rose to his feet and held out his hand.<\/p>\n

Dio eagerly seized hold of Ben\u2019s hand, then led him in the direction of the stall given to Sun Dancer. \u201cYep,\u201d she replied. \u201cI\u2019ve been . . . uhhh . . . . \u201d she frowned for a moment, trying to remember. \u201cI\u2019ve been . . . suuu . . . soup? Super?! Super something . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSupervising?\u201d Ben asked with an indulgent smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it, Grandpa!\u201d Dio declared, then frowned. \u201cWhat\u2019s that mean . . . exactly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt means watching over someone and making sure he . . . or in YOUR case SHE . . . does the job right,\u201d Ben explained. \u201cSo, Sweetheart . . . you tell me. Has your Aunt Stacy been doing the job right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh!\u201d Dio replied, nodding her head vigorously.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s it coming, Young Woman?\u201d Ben asked his daughter, as he and Dio approached Sun Dancer\u2019s stall.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll finished, Pa,\u201d Stacy replied. She patted the golden stallion\u2019s neck, then stepped out of the stall, latching the door behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ready for some breakfast? Adam, Teresa, and Benjy are holding a table for us at the C Street Caf\u00e9.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the moment, I\u2019m more thirsty than hungry,\u201d Stacy replied, \u201cand a big, tall glass of Miss Maxine\u2019s lemonade would really hit the spot right about now . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

After finishing a good, hearty breakfast at the C Street Caf\u00e9, the members of the Cartwright family went their separate ways, after agreeing to meet each other where Joe was scheduled to take part in the bronco riding competition at two o\u2019clock.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa . . . Adam . . . would it be all right if Benjy and I played some of the games they\u2019ve got set up down the street?\u201d Stacy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right with me,\u201d Ben replied. He looked over at his eldest. \u201cHow about YOU, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cIt\u2019s all for one good cause or another . . . right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll even thrown in an advance on your allowance,\u201d Ben said as he removed his wallet from his pants pocket. He removed a couple of bills and handed them to his daughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa,\u201d Stacy replied as she took the money her father offered. She pocketed the bills, then turned to her niece, still seated at the table sandwiched between her parents. \u201cYou want to come, too, Dio?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you, Aunt Stacy,\u201d Dio replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s perfectly all right, Princess,\u201d Adam encouraged.<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018S ok, Pa. I\u2019d rather stay with YOU,\u201d Dio said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure?\u201d Adam queried, mildly surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure.\u201d Dio figured if Midge Frakes saw her in the company of her father, she\u2019d be less likely to try and start something. \u201cIt\u2019s NOT because I\u2019m afraid of her,\u201d<\/em> she silently reminded herself. \u201cI just don\u2019t want to take the chance of her making me mad again and getting me into MORE big trouble.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019d better g\u2019won back to the hotel and look in on Mother,\u201d Teresa said, \u201cthen I\u2019m going to have a good look at all of the entries in the various sewing competitions.\u201d She smiled and gave her husband a kiss on his cheek. \u201cSee you later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019ll be at the livery around noon to check on Sun Dancer,\u201d Stacy promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about Sun Dancer, Stacy, I\u2019LL look in on him,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou and Benjy enjoy yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d Stacy gave Ben a quick hug, then left the caf\u00e9 with Benjy.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Adam and his daughter spent the better part of the morning chatting with friends and neighbors he\u2019d not seen in many years, and trying out some of the game booths, set up and run by community groups and church congregations to raise money for their many and varied endeavors. He won a carving that Hoss had made of Guinevere and donated as a prize to the target shoot, run by the Cattlemen\u2019s Association. All of the proceeds would go to benefit the local orphanage.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Pa,\u201d Dio said, surprised, grateful, and overjoyed when Adam presented her with the prize. She threw her arms around his waist and squeezed. \u201cThank you, thank you, thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re very welcome, Princess,\u201d Adam replied before bending down and placing a kiss atop her head.<\/p>\n

Dio and Adam both had their fortunes told by the \u201cGypsy Queen\u201d Lyubitshka, better known as Clementine Hawkins on a day to day basis, at the booth being run by the Virginia City Literary Society to benefit the lending library in town. After a leisurely lunch with Teresa and Dolores in the hotel restaurant, father and daughter had a look at the entries in the livestock exhibition, then made their way over to the corral where the bronco riding contest had just gotten started.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2018ll be a monkey\u2018s uncle!\u201d Virgil Jared, owner and manager of the general store, murmured softly upon catching sight of an old friend, not seen in what his wife usually termed \u201ca dog\u2019s age,\u201d threading his way through the crowd of men, mostly, and boys gathered to watch the bronco riding contest, now taking place. \u201cADAM!\u201d he called out and waved. \u201cHEY, ADAM, OVER HERE, YOU SLY OL\u2019 SON-UVA—!!!\u201d<\/p>\n

Virgil immediately broke off upon catching sight of the little girl walking alongside Ben Cartwright\u2019s firstborn, holding his hand very tight. Three irregular shaped splotches of red broke out on each cheek like a rash, and quickly spread to his nose, forehead, and neck. \u201cI, uhhh . . . heard you \u2018n your family was here visitin\u2019 with your pa . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood seeing you, too, Virgil,\u201d Adam returned the greeting with a smile and a pointed glance at the storekeeper\u2019s sudden ruddier than usual complexion. \u201cI must say you\u2019re looking quite robust this afternoon . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s ro-bust, Pa?\u201d Dio asked in a very solemn tone of voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobust means healthy, Princess,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cI\u2019d like you to meet an old friend of mine . . . Mister Virgil Jared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Mister Jared,\u201d Dio responded with a smile that brought out the dimples in her cheeks. She very politely held out her hand. \u201cMy real name\u2019s Dolores Elizabeth, but no one calls me that, \u2018cept Ma \u2018n Pa when I\u2019m in real big trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do folks call ya when you\u2019re NOT in real big trouble?\u201d Virgil asked, as he gently shook hands with Adam\u2019s young daughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cDio,\u201d the girl replied. \u201cIt\u2019s short for Dolores.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m real pleased t\u2019 meet ya, Dio,\u201d Virgil said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pleased to meet you, too, Mister Jared. Did YOU come to watch Uncle Joe and Uncle Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they competin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u201d Dio nodded her head. \u201cPa says Uncle Joe\u2019s competing in the . . . I think it\u2019s the bronc . . . uhhh, bronc something . . . . \u201d She frowned, trying to remember.<\/p>\n

\u201cMust be the bronco ridin\u2019 contest,\u201d Virgil suggested kindly. \u201cYour uncle\u2019s real good at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know \u2018cause PA told me,\u201d Dio said proudly. \u201cSo did Uncle Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Virgil threw back his head and roared. \u201cThat scallywag!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s up next?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cEli Barnett\u2019s gettin\u2019 ready to ride now,\u201d Virgil replied. \u201cMatt Wilson\u2019s next, then your brother, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s winning so far?\u201d<\/p>\n

Virgil scowled. \u201cDick Faraday.\u201d He inclined his head in the direction of a tall, well built young man standing on the other side of the temporary corral, erected in the middle of C Street. \u201cNew man out at Miller\u2019s Folly. Most of the gals seem t\u2019 think he\u2019s heaven\u2019s gift, \u2018n HE agrees with \u2018em a hunnert percent.\u201d Virgil sighed and rolled his eyes heavenward. \u201cDon\u2019t ask ME what they see in him, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t help but notice he\u2019s limping a bit,\u201d Adam remarked, as he watched the young man approach a smartly dressed young lady with long, golden curls, and a coquettish pout on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard some young cowpoke gave him a good swift kick in the leg at the Silver Dollar . . . I think it was the night of Matt Wilson\u2019s bachelor party,\u201d Virgil said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard some very interesting stories about that bachelor party, Virgil, but I\u2019m afraid I don\u2019t remember very much,\u201d Adam said ruefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa wouldn\u2019t,\u201d Virgil declared with a knowing grin, \u201cwhat with you bein\u2019 the best man \u2018n all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPA! HEY . . . PA!\u201d<\/p>\n

Virgil turned, and smiled upon seeing his youngest daughter, Cora Lynn, weaving her way through the growing crowd, moving as fast as her legs could carry her. Amelia and Lilly Beth, Virgil\u2019s wife and eldest daughter respectively, followed at a more decorous pace.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?! Please? Pretty, pretty please? Can I watch the ridin\u2019 \u2018n ropin\u2019 with YOU?\u201d Cora Lynn begged, gazing up at Virgil with great, big, sad puppy dog like eyes. \u201cMa \u2018n Lilly Beth wanna go over \u2018n look at all them dumb dresses in that sewin\u2019 contest. Please? Don\u2019t make me go with \u2018em?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018S ok, Kitten. You can stay here with me,\u201d Virgil readily gave his permission. \u201cAdam, I know y\u2019 remember my older two, but I don\u2019t think you\u2019ve met my youngest. This is Cora Lynn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very pleased to meet you, Cora Lynn,\u201d Adam acknowledged the introduction with a warm smile. \u201cThis is MY daughter, Dio.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Dio,\u201d Cora greeted Adam\u2019s daughter with a big wide grin. \u201cYou gonna watch the bronco ridin\u2019, too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou betcha!\u201d Dio declared, pleased to have met another kindred spirit. \u201cMy Uncle Joe\u2019s gonna be ridin\u2019 soon . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Joe\u2019s GOOD!\u201d Cora said. \u201cReal, REAL good! He\u2019s won last couple o\u2019 years in a row . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVirgil Edward Jared, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s at all proper for a young gal t\u2019 be hangin\u2019 \u2018round all these dirty, smelly, sweaty men— \u201d Amelia started to scold.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Sweetheart. I love YOU, too,\u201d Virgil retorted good naturedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cVirgil, you know what I mean!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be all right, Amelia,\u201d Adam said, favoring the storekeeper\u2019s wife with a warm, ingratiating smile. \u201cI\u2019m allowing MY daughter to watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s \u2018cause Uncle Joe \u2019n Uncle Hoss \u2019re competing,\u201d Dio said proudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmelia, you know as well as I do, you\u2019d be spendin\u2019 half the time fussin\u2019 at the girl for one thing or another if ya drag her over t\u2019 see all the entries in the sewin\u2019 contest,\u201d Virgil amiably pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut NOTHIN\u2019,\u201d Virgil said. \u201cNow Cora Lynn\u2019ll be just fine here with me, \u2018n you \u2018n Lilly Beth\u2019d have a better time without havin\u2019 t\u2019 keep tabs on her every minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou promise me you\u2019ll keep a real sharp eye on \u2018er?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise. Now you two g\u2019won! Enjoy yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome ON, Ma,\u201d Lilly Beth urged, as she took hold of Amelia\u2019s forearm. \u201cYou heard what Pa said . . . . \u201d She barely took a half dozen steps before bumping quite literally into Ben Cartwright. \u201cOops!\u201d she squeaked, her face flushed a bright scarlet. \u201c . . . uhh, sorry, Mister Cartwright . . . please, umm . . . excuse me?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quite all right, Lilly Beth. No harm done,\u201d Ben responded with a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cAww, fer—!!! Lilly Elizabeth Jared, if fer two seconds you\u2019d watch where you was goin\u2019 . . . . \u201d Amelia scolded as she dragged her oldest daughter off.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam . . . Virgil . . . looks like those li\u2019l gals of yours have become fast friends,\u201d Ben observed with a smile, after Amelia and Lilly Beth had gone. He inclined his head toward Dio and Cora Lynn, now standing on the other side of Virgil with their heads together in what appeared to be animated conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t say I\u2019M surprised given what Virgil here\u2019s told me about Cora Lynn,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Virgil agreed with a smile, then sighed. \u201cI sure wish Amelia\u2019d let up on Cora Lynn, though . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Adam queried with up raised eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmelia\u2019s got definite ideas as t\u2019 how boys \u2018n gals are s\u2019posed t\u2019 act, \u2018n what they can \u2018n can\u2019t do,\u201d Virgil explained. \u201cLilly Beth, of course, has always enjoyed a lot o\u2019 the stuff her ma does, like spendin\u2019 an hour or so potterin\u2019 around in some notions shop, goin\u2019 t\u2019 quiltin\u2019 bees, doin\u2019 needlework . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . or looking over the entries in sewing competitions?\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Virgil replied. \u201cCora Lynn, though . . . she\u2019s more the rough \u2018n tumble kind a gal, who\u2019d rather spend a nice day like this outside than sittin\u2019 in the parlor learnin\u2019 t\u2019 needlepoint.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe sounds an awful lot like Dio,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Virgil?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes your wife object t\u2019 your daughter\u2019s tomboy ways?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cFirst off, according to my mother-in-law, Teresa was a lot like Dio when she was her age,\u201d he explained, \u201cand second . . . my wife and I both prefer to save our energy for the important battles, like why Dio should do her best in school, why it\u2019s wrong to copy test answers from the smartest kid in the class . . . things like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what it\u2019s worth, Adam, I agree with YOU a hunnert percent,\u201d Virgil said, \u201cbut that\u2019s a real bad stickin\u2019 point for Amelia, though . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d It was Dio.<\/p>\n

Adam and Virgil turned and found both their daughters standing behind them.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Princess?\u201d Adam queried.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan Cora Lynn \u2018n I do the three-legged race together?\u201d Dio begged. \u201cPlease, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too?\u201d Cora Lynn pleaded, looking earnestly up into Virgil\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter we watch Uncle Joe and Uncle Hoss of course,\u201d Dio added.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right with me, as long as it\u2019s also all right with Mister Jared,\u201d Adam readily gave his permission.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sure,\u201d Virgil replied. \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill you come \u2018n watch us?\u201d Cora Lynn begged, her eyes flitting from her father\u2019s face, over to Adam, then to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease?\u201d Dio wheedled.<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty, PRETTY please?\u201d<\/p>\n

Virgil grinned. \u201cWouldn\u2019t miss it, Kitten. Wouldn\u2019t miss it for the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou betcha!\u201d Ben voiced his wholehearted agreement with a big smile.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Chapter 6<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Midge Frakes paused for a moment just outside the livery stable door, and cast a quick, furtive glance over her shoulder. She was greatly relieved to see that folks passing by seemed more interested in the festivities going on and with each other. No one spared her so much as a passing glance. She quietly stepped inside the stable, and paused for a moment to allow her eyes to adjust from the bright sunshine outside to the dimly lit interior.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow which o\u2019 these horses belongs to them blamed Cartwrights?\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>Midge silently wondered, as she made her way down the long row of stalls, most of which were occupied. The only horse she recognized for absolute certain was General Ulysses, and that was because she just happened to be hanging around the stable yesterday when his owners brought him in. Uncle Jack occasionally referred to MRS. Wilson, the older one, as a \u201cgol\u2019 damned mouthy bitch who ain\u2019t learned yet when t\u2019 shut \u2018er yap,\u201d<\/em> but she couldn\u2019t remember him saying much of anything about the men in the Wilson family. Midge paused a moment before General Ulysses\u2019 stall and whispered, \u201cHi there, Mister General. Hope ya win the race this afternoon . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

The horse snorted and flicked his tail.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou give that blamed Cartwright horse a real good run for his money before ya beat his ass, y\u2019 hear me?\u201d the girl whispered to the horse most folks referred to as The General.<\/p>\n

The sound of men\u2019s voices approaching the entrance to the livery stable sent Midge scurrying into the empty stall next to the one occupied by General Ulysses. She pressed herself tight into the farthest corner, and prayed desperately that whoever had just come into the stable wouldn\u2019t find her, especially if they happened to be in the company of that mean ol\u2019 Mister Grainger.<\/p>\n

\u201cLee, you stand look out by the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

Midge recognized Rick Bonner\u2019s voice immediately. \u201cBonners\u2019re damned near as bad as them blamed stuck-up Cartwrights,\u201d<\/em> she silently groused. \u201cNuthin\u2019 but a couple o\u2019 rich man\u2019s spoiled rotten brats, who ain\u2018t done a lick o\u2018 real honest t\u2018 goodness work their whole worthless lives.\u201d<\/em> That was the kindest thing she had ever heard Uncle Jack say about the Bonner brothers.<\/p>\n

Rick Bonner, meanwhile, noted with grim satisfaction that so far as HE could see, the livery stable was empty save for the horses. He quickly made his way toward General Ulysses\u2019 stall, treading quietly just in case Tony Grainger\u2019s assistant was off in an empty stall somewhere napping. After casting a quick, furtive glace over his shoulder, Rick opened the door to General Ulysses\u2019 stall and entered.<\/p>\n

Midge frowned when she heard the bolt on the door to The General\u2019s stall being pulled back. She gingerly set the burr aside, then noiselessly crawled across the straw covered floor to the half wall separating the stall in which she had taken refuge from the one occupied by the Wilsons\u2019 horse.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot a li\u2019l treat for ya, General Ulysses,\u201d Rick cooed softly, \u201ca real SPECIAL treat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peering through the open knot hole positioned at her eye level, Midge saw Rick Bonner standing at the feeding trough putting something in it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s it, Boy . . . you just dig right in,\u201d Rick encouraged with a mirthless chuckle. He patted The General\u2019s rump, then let himself out.<\/p>\n

Midge remained frozen in place until the sound of Rick Bonner\u2019s retreating footsteps had died away to silence. She squeezed her eyes tight shut, silently counted to ten, then rose, and cautiously made her way out of her hiding place. Midge paused before General Ulysses\u2019 stall for a moment, then overwhelmed by curiosity, she unlatched the door with the intention of going into the stall and seeing for herself what Rick Bonner had put into the horse\u2019s feeding trough.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey! What\u2019re YOU doing in here?!\u201d<\/p>\n

Midge gasped. It was that mean ol\u2019 Mister Grainger. He stood not quite six feet away from the girl, with feet shoulder width apart and a pair of hard, well muscled fists planted firmly on his hips. Midge ducked her head and ran forward, hoping against hope she could slip past Mister Grainger and make her escape. The livery stable owner, however, proved too fast for the girl. As she tried to side step around him, his thin, wiry arm shot out, and the next thing she knew a hand full of long, skinny fingers were wrapped tight around her forearm.<\/p>\n

\u201cLemme go!\u201d Midge growled through clenched teeth as she tried to wriggle herself free from his tight grasp. \u201cDang it all, you\u2019re HURTIN\u2019 me!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll hurt ya a whole lot WORSE if you don\u2019t tell me what kinda mischief you\u2019re up to,\u201d Tony threatened.<\/p>\n

\u201cNuthin\u2019!\u201d Midge shot right back, her voice a mixture of anger and fear. \u201cI ain\u2019t done NUTHIN\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen WHAT were ya doin\u2019 in General Ulysses\u2019 stall?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told ya! Nuthin\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n

Tony strode briskly toward the door, leaving Midge very hard pressed to keep up, despite the hold he still had on her. Twice she stumbled. Tony\u2019s grasp on her forearm kept her from taking a very nasty fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou get your sorry ass OUT o\u2019 my stable, \u2018n you STAY out!\u201d Tony ordered as he sent the girl reeling out into the street. The heel of her foot caught against a small stone, and she fell, landing ignobly on her rump. \u201cIf I catch you nosin\u2019 around here again, I\u2019m gonna give you a tanning you\u2019ll NEVER forget, you understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo to HELL!\u201d Midge shot right back, as she scrambled to her feet.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . and finally . . . last but certainly not the least . . . Joe Cartwright on Circle R\u2019s Whirlwind,\u201d Deputy Sheriff Clem Foster announced in a loud voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhirlwind?!\u201d Ben echoed with a frown.<\/p>\n

The afore named horse was a black mare Nathan Ridley, owner of the Circle R, kept as part of his breeding stock. She was a powerful, strong horse, every bit as prolific as she was beautiful, having given birth to five foals in the past seven, going on eight years. Nathan, his sons, and their men spent the better part of a year and a half trying to break Whirlwind to saddle, but their efforts were in vain.<\/p>\n

Ben swallowed nervously as Joe carefully eased himself onto Whirlwind\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam queried very softly, taking note of Ben\u2019s sudden paler than usual complexion. \u201cPa, are you all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Ben said stiffly. \u201cJust fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clem, meanwhile, pulled his watch out of the right hand pocket of his vest and flipped up the cover. \u201cFive . . . four . . . three . . . two . . . . \u201d he softly counted, as the second hand moved up toward the twelve. \u201cGO!\u201d<\/p>\n

The makeshift chute opened and Whirlwind burst forth like a powerful explosion of nitroglycerin. Clem\u2019s eyes were glued to the second hand as it swept past the twelve toward the one.<\/p>\n

Together, Joe and Whirlwind were nothing less than poetry in motion, as each one struggled mightily for dominance. Less than three seconds into the ride, Joe felt himself shift in the saddle, but managed to regain his seat much to his father\u2019s deep, profound relief. The blonde haired girl who had been flirting with Dick Faraday a few moments ago turned to watch.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Dick . . . looks like you\u2019ve lost your gal AND this contest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dick Turned and glared over at Abe Miller\u2019s son, Ronald. \u201cFirst off, that cheap li\u2019l trollop\u2019s NOT my gal,\u201d Dick growled, \u201cand second, what\u2019s a fancy pants like you know about bronc riding?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know enough not to try it,\u201d Ronald retorted. \u201cTen dollars says Joe Cartwright wins this contest hands down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMake it twenty, Little Boy, and you\u2019ve got yourself a bet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about we separate the little boys from the grown men and make it fifty?\u201d Ronald challenged.<\/p>\n

That gave Dick Faraday pause.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . of course if your afraid of losing . . . . \u201d Ronald taunted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not afraid o\u2019 losing,\u201d Dick shot right back, \u201cespecially not to the likes o\u2019 Joe Cartwright.\u201d He held out his hand. \u201cYou\u2019ve got yourself a bet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Joe . . . . \u201d Virgil Jared whispered softly. \u201cThree more seconds . . . two . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . AND JOE CARTWRIGHT\u2019S THE WINNER BY THREE SECONDS,\u201d Clem shouted a split second before Whirlwind unceremoniously dumped Joe onto the dry packed earth right at her feet.<\/p>\n

After a quick admonition to his daughter to stay put, Adam followed his father into the corral, where Joe was in the process of rising on a pair of legs that had just turned to rubber.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe . . . that was one helluva a great ride,\u201d Adam said proudly. \u201cYou all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Joe declared with a feral, triumphant grin. \u201cI\u2019m just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . until I nail your hide to the barn wall when we get home,\u201d Ben growled. \u201cYou scared me half to death, Young Man . . . . \u201d He sighed, then added with a weary half smile, \u201cbut that WAS one helluva great ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . and with Hoss and Stacy shoe-ins to win the roping and riding competitions and the race respectively, it looks like the Cartwrights are having a great day,\u201d Adam added.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can do it, Benjy . . . I KNOW you can,\u201d Stacy said quietly. She and her nephew stood before the counter of the booth erected for the dart throwing game.<\/p>\n

Benjy closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He held it for a moment, then exhaled, slow and even. Upon opening his eyes, he studied the target for a moment, then raised the dart in his hand and took aim. \u201cPlease,\u201d<\/em> he silently begged anyone and everyone in the heavens above who might at that moment be listening, \u201cplease . . . . \u201d<\/em> The dart flew from his hand, arcing slightly, and struck the target nearly an inch above the tiny bull\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne more try, Son,\u201d the man running the game encouraged with a sly smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cAunt Stacy, I\u2019m NEVER gonna hit that bull\u2019s eye,\u201d Benjy said with a disparaging sigh.<\/p>\n

He so desperately wanted to win the necklace and matching earrings, \u201cmade with the finest of rubies and set in the purest of gold,\u201d according to the barker running the game. Ten minutes and a while dollar\u2019s worth of darts later, his goal seemed more frustratingly elusive than ever.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you mind a bit of friendly advice?\u201d<\/p>\n

Stacy and Benjy turned and found Jason O\u2019Brien standing behind them.<\/p>\n

\u201cBenjy, I don\u2019t think you were around when Jason and his sister, Susannah, met Dio,\u201d Stacy said quietly. \u201cHe had his family have been friends and neighbors for . . . I don\u2019t know how many years, exactly, only that it\u2019s been a good long time. Jason, this is Adam\u2019s son, Benjy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jason smiled and offered his hand. \u201cGlad to meet you, Benjy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, too.\u201d Benjy took Jason\u2019s proffered hand and returned his smile with a shy one of his own. \u201c . . . uhhh, Mister O\u2019Brien?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease call me Jason,\u201d the young man replied, \u201cor Mister Jason, if you\u2019d prefer. I kinda think of Mister O\u2019Brien as being my PA\u2019S name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, Mister Jason,\u201d Benjy said. \u201cCan you really help me win that ruby necklace for my mother?\u201d He pointed to the prize he so earnestly coveted.<\/p>\n

\u201cGlass more than likely,\u201d<\/em> Jason silently observed. A set of necklace and earrings with honest to goodness rubies would be worth a fortune. Even so, the workmanship appeared to be very good. \u201cI\u2019m . . . assuming you\u2019re aiming straight for the bulls eye?\u201d he said aloud, turning his attention to Benjy.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead on, Mister Jason.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTry aiming a bit lower,\u201d Jason said, \u201cjust under that bulls eye. If it doesn\u2019t work, I\u2019ll buy you three more darts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFair enough,\u201d Benjy eagerly agreed. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then another. He, then, opened his eyes, took careful aim, and let the dart fly. Once again, it arced slightly, but this time, it struck its intended target dead center.<\/p>\n

\u201cBenjy! You DID it!\u201d Stacy exclaimed, with a broad grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I have to hit it two more times,\u201d Benjy said, as he dug into his pocket.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, I happen to be a firm believer in good ol\u2019 fashioned hard work, and truth t\u2019 tell, I\u2019ve never seen anyone work so hard to win a real treasure, and for his ma of all people,\u201d the man running the dart game declared. \u201cHere y\u2019 are . . . . \u201d He placed the ruby necklace and earrings on the counter before the awestruck boy. \u201cTell your ma to wear it in good health.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. Definitely glass,\u201d<\/em> Jason silently observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow! Thank you, Sir!\u201d Benjy exclaimed, his eyes shining with delight. He, then, turned to Jason, and smiled. \u201c . . . and thank you, too, Mister Jason.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad I could help,\u201d Jason replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about YOU, Young Man?\u201d the barker turned his attention to Jason. \u201cYou, uhh . . . care to try your hand at winning the grand prize for your girlfriend?\u201d He cast a meaningful glance at Stacy, then inclined his head toward a doll, seated like a queen amid a carefully arranged hoard of toys, costume jewelry, and an assortment of other prizes. She wore an elaborate pink satin dress, trimmed with white lace, white stockings, and a pair of white shoes with pink buttons. A mound of golden curls surrounded her porcelain head, with its painstakingly hand painted child like features, like a halo and cascaded down both shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cI, uhh . . . kinda think my, umm girlfriend is . . . well, her ummm tastes are more for that carved tiger right there at the, ummm . . . doll\u2019s feet,\u201d Jason stammered, his complexion all of a sudden much ruddier than was his norm. He dug into his pocket and extracted a quarter. \u201cFive darts,\u201d he said curtly, forcing himself to keep his eyes focused on the carnival barker\u2019s face . . . .<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Li\u2019l Sister . . . \u2019n you, too, Benjy it\u2019s about time the two of ya showed up,\u201d Hoss said by way of greeting, when Stacy and Benjy joined the rest of the family, already gathered to watch riding and roping contests. \u201cYou done missed your \u2018ol\u2019 grandpa\u2019 make the ride o\u2019 his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGee, I\u2018m sorry I missed it,\u201d Stacy said with genuine regret. \u201cDid Grandpa win?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHands down,\u201d Hoss assured her with a broad grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo . . . what do you have there, Buddy?\u201d Adam, meanwhile, asked, upon taking note of the black box his son tightly clasped in both hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cA prize!\u201d Benjy replied, finally giving in to the impulse to smile. \u201cIt\u2019s a necklace. The man running the dart game said it\u2019s a genuine ruby necklace. I\u2019m going to give it to Mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA genuine ruby necklace, Young Man?!\u201d Ben queried, highly skeptical.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure is, Grandpa. You want to see?<\/p>\n

\u201cYou betcha.\u201d<\/p>\n

Benjy opened the box allowing his father and grandfather to see.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like real fine workmanship,\u201d Ben murmured softly, visibly impressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I have a closer look at that necklace, Son?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Benjy shrugged. \u201cSure, Pa,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes . . . the workmanship IS very fine,\u201d Adam observed after taking a moment to study the necklace closely. \u201cVery fine indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt kinda reminds me of the work of Alexander DuBois [3]\u00a0,\u201d Ben said slowly. \u201cYou remember, Adam . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed I do,\u201d Adam replied as he placed the necklace back into its box and returned it to his son.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s this Mister DuBois, Papa?\u201d Benjy asked. \u201cSome kinda jeweler, or something?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a jewelry maker, Son,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cand a very gifted one to say the least. Benjy . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Papa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you find your way to the hotel from here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Benjy nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it might be a good idea to take your prize back to our room for safe keeping,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, Papa,\u201d Benjy agreed.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like you won yourself one o\u2019 the animals you, me, Joe, \u2019n Hop Sing worked on t\u2019 donate as prizes for all the games,\u201d Hoss remarked, upon noticing the tiger his young sister held almost reverently in both hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell . . . actually . . . JASON won it and gave it to me,\u201d Stacy replied, drawing a sharp glare from Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah?\u201d Hoss queried, grinning wickedly from ear to ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Stacy replied, her eyes narrowing with a mixture of suspicion and bewilderment upon seeing the impish sparkle in her big brother\u2019s eyes. \u201cAnything WRONG with that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s scowl deepened upon hearing again the voice of his middle son the day Jason and his sister, Susannah, stopped by for a visit.<\/p>\n

\u201cKinda looks like ol\u2019 Jason\u2019s really smitten with our gal, don\u2019t it?\u201d <\/em>Hoss observed with a great big silly smile. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c . . . uhh, Pa?\u201d Adam ventured, drawing his father from the unsettling reverie into which he had fallen. He took hold of Ben\u2018s elbow and moved him a half dozen yards or so away from the rest of the family. \u201cI hardly think Stacy\u2019s reputation\u2019s going to suffer any because she accepted a carved wood tiger won by a young man playing a carnival game as a gift . . . especially when the young man in question and his family have been friends and neighbors for many years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2018re probably right, Adam, but all the same . . . I DON\u2019T like it,\u201d Ben said curtly . . . .<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. All in all, this has been a very good day for the Cartwrights,\u201d Adam mused softly, with a proud smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you say, Adam?\u201d Teresa asked.<\/p>\n

They had retired to their hotel room after watching Hoss compete in the roping events in order to rest up before the horse race scheduled to take place in another hour or so, and allow Teresa time to look in on her mother once more.<\/p>\n

Adam smiled. \u201cI was just saying that today\u2019s been a good day for our family, with Joe beating Abe Miller\u2019s man hands down at the bronco riding competition, and Hoss winning the calf and steer roping contests for three years in a row now.\u201d His smile broadened. \u201cOur own kids\u2019ve done well, too. Dio and Cora Lynn won the three legged race and Benjy tied for second place with Jeremy Watkins in the sack race.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeremy\u2019s father worked for Ben, and the entire family lived in a small cottage on the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost important, our children made some very good friends, which reminds me, Adam . . . I gave Dio permission to watch the fireworks with Cora Lynn and her family.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fine. I told Benjy and his new friend they could watch the fireworks with US,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cBenjy also did well at the dart throwing game . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he did,\u201d Teresa agreed with a warm smile. \u201cBetween you and me, Adam? I doubt those stones are real rubies, but the workmanship on the necklace and earrings is excellent, and I think they\u2019ll go very well with my new red party dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, ummm . . . actually intend to wear that set out in public?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? We both agree that the workmanship\u2019s very good, and besides . . . it was given to me by an admirer I happen to love very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam wrapped his arms about his wife\u2019s waist and gently nuzzled where her neck met her left shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, if only I wasn\u2019t afraid that one of our kids might come bursting in here any moment,\u201d Teresa sighed contentedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI, umm said all Stacy has to do now is win that race, and the Cartwright Family\u2019s victory today will be complete.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0*********<\/p>\n

Chapter 7<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Virginia City\u2019s mayor, Wilbur Dodds, chomped down hard on the half smoked cigar between his lips, then started up the half dozen steps leading to the judge\u2019s platform that had been hastily erected in front of the general store three days before. He was a short, rotund man, aged in his early to mid-fifties, who, by his own admission enjoyed good food in large quantities and eschewed moving about any more than he felt was absolutely necessary. He ascended the first five steps, then paused at the sixth to catch his breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Wilbur . . . just one more t\u2019 go,\u201d Roy Coffee urged from the platform where he and Virgil Jared stood patiently waiting.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, fer—!!! Keep yer britches on willya, Roy!?\u201d Wilbur panted and wheezed. He drew a tattered green bandanna from the right hand pocket of his suit coat and mopped the sweat from his beet red face. \u201cDang it all . . . what\u2019s this world comin\u2019 to when a body can\u2019t give a fella a minute t\u2019 catch his breath?!\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy sighed. \u201cCome on, Virgil, we\u2019d best give him a hand,\u201d he said, as he reached out and took firm hold of the mayor\u2019s left arm. Virgil nodded, then took Wilbur\u2019s right arm. Working together, they hauled the mayor up that very last step.<\/p>\n

Wilbur quickly mopped his face once again, then ambled over toward the rail, facing the offices and shops lining the board walk. He stuffed his handkerchief back into the right hand pocket of his pants, then cleared his throat. \u201cLadies \u2018n Gents,\u201d he called for attention raising his voice slightly in order to be heard above the din of everyone talking at once, \u201cyour attention, please!\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd of people gathered at the starting line for the race continued talking amongst themselves, as if the mayor had not spoken.<\/p>\n

Wilbur once again cleared his throat. \u201cFOLKS, YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE!\u201d he yelled.<\/p>\n

Again, no response.<\/p>\n

Wilbur leveled a thunderous scowl at the crowd below, then bringing his thumb and first finger to his mouth, let out a shrill whistle. This time, a near deafening silence fell over the people. One by one, heads began turning expectantly toward the mayor.<\/p>\n

Wilbur\u2019s angry scowl instantly evaporated, as if it had never been. \u201cGood afternoon, Ladies \u2018n Gents,\u201d he greeted everyone cordially, with the great big, bright, sunny smile his detractors privately referred to as his electioneering face. \u201cI hope you\u2019ve ALL been enjoying Virginia City\u2019s Annual Independence Day festivities . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

The people responded with enthusiastic applause, a smattering of raucous cheering, and a couple of loud whistles.<\/p>\n

Wilbur held up his hands, calling for silence. \u201cFirst off, I\u2019d like t\u2019 introduce the gentlemen . . . and, ummm . . . lady . . . who\u2019re running in this race,\u201d he continued, after the crowd of people had quieted. \u201cOur first contestant and champion now for the last three years running . . . Matt Wilson on General Ulysses.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were highly favored to win again this year, if the modest two-to-one odds the bookmakers offered on the pair was any indication. The only exception was that scoundrel, Mick O\u2019Flynn, who was currently locked up in the jail on charges of bootlegging and arson. HE was offering three-to-one, leastwise he was when the mayor had placed fifty dollars with him on General Ulysses\u2019 nose . . . .<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cGeneral . . . whoa! Easy, Boy . . . take it easy!\u201d Matt murmured softly to his skittish mount.<\/p>\n

The big dark gray gelding danced restlessly from side to side, occasionally snorting and moving his head up and down.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis AIN\u2019T like him,\u201d Matt\u2019s father, Blake Wilson, muttered, wagging his head back and forth, \u201cain\u2019t like him at ALL. Matt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow was he last night \u2018n this mornin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was just fine last night,\u201d Matt replied, \u201cthis morning . . . he WAS a mite restless, but no more \u2018n he USUALLY is . . . first thing. Pa . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Blake snapped back.<\/p>\n

\u201cY-You . . . You\u2019re not thinking someone\u2019s . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDone somethin\u2019 to bring this on him?!\u201d Blake immediately returned. \u201cIt\u2019s crossed m\u2019 mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment, Matt stared over at his father, not quite able to believe what he had just heard. \u201cP-Pa . . . . \u201d he protested, the minute he finally found his voice, \u201cyou can\u2019t mean that! The other horses entered in this race belong to men who\u2019ve been our friends \u2018n neighbors . . . for years, some of \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat may very well be, Son, but you\u2019re forgetting one thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe General here\u2019s won three years in a row,\u201d Blake said grimly. \u201cWouldn\u2019t surprise ME none to find among those friends \u2018n neighbors of ours a man who\u2019d dearly love making damned sure he didn\u2019t win FOUR years in a row.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I know some of our neighbors have joshed around with you about that . . . Mister Hansen and Mister Cartwright among them, but they\u2019d NEVER— !!!\u201d Matt protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo . . . not Ben . . . Hugh . . . or even Clay, but there\u2019s OTHERS I sure as the dickens wouldn\u2019t put it past . . . . \u201d Blake turned and glared over at Abe Miller, owner of a small, but very lucrative cattle ranch called Miller\u2019s Folly. Abe and his foreman, Carl Yates, stood on either side of the long legged dark gold chestnut thoroughbred, imported from blue grass country for this race.<\/p>\n

Abe returned Blake\u2019s glare with a jaunty wave and a smug, triumphant smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur second contestant . . . Carl Yates on that da—uhhh, onKentuckyGold,\u201d Wilbur continued, stopping just short of uttering \u201cdamned Kentucky hayburner,\u201d the name Abe\u2019s wife, Maybelline, had reportedly given the horse. \u201cOur THIRD contestant, Ladies \u2018n Gents, is our own deputy sheriff, Clem Foster on Carla Jo . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

A petite, voluptuous young woman, with a thick cloud of red hair cascading to the center of her back, removed the white lace scarf from around her head and tied it around Clem\u2019s neck overtop his scarlet bandanna. She was a socialite from Carson City by the name of Lisa Garrett. \u201cFor luck,\u201d she murmured softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Sweetheart,\u201d Clem responded. He held Carla Jo\u2019s lead firmly in one hand while he gingerly fingered Lisa\u2019s scarf with the other. He tried his best not to grimace against the cloying, heavy scent of Lisa\u2019s favorite perfume, clinging to the thin, translucent piece of material.<\/p>\n

\u201cMother, Father, and I will be watching . . . . \u201d she cooed, then planted a chaste kiss on his cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoooo-wheee! Didja hear THAT?!\u201d Daryl Hughes cooed in a high falsetto, the instant Clem\u2019s girl was out of earshot. It was a wry, yet instantly recognizable imitation of Lisa Garrett\u2019s voice. \u201cBetter behave, Clem, \u2018cause Mother, Father, and I will be waaa-aaaahhhht-ching . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

Hugh O\u2019Brien hooted with laughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shut yer mouth, Daryl . . . before I<\/strong> come over there \u2018n shut it for ya,\u201d Clem growled back.<\/p>\n

\u201cOohhh . . . touchy, touchy!\u201d Rick Bonner guffawed, from the seventh place at the very end of the line.<\/p>\n

\u201cCut it out, willya?!\u201d Jeff growled, favoring his younger brother with a dark, murderous glare.<\/p>\n

\u201cAww, come ON . . . I was just funnin\u2019 a li\u2019l . . . . \u201d Rick whined.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can fun around all ya want AFTER the race,\u201d Jeff returned. \u201cYou know what\u2019s at stake here . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

Rick cast a quick glance over his shoulder, noting with a measure of satisfaction, that Andy Barnett, whose father worked as Clay Hansen\u2019s foreman at the Five Card Draw, seemed preoccupied with his own horse, Felix, a handsome flaxen chestnut.<\/p>\n

\u201cDammit, Jeff, would ya puh-leeze . . . relax?!\u201d Rick growled. \u201cI dunno WHY you\u2019re so hot \u2018n bothered. Lee says this race is as good as won.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you go getting cocky, LI\u2019L Brother, you hear me?\u201d Jeff warned. \u201cMaybe this race IS as good as won like Lee said, but we AIN\u2019T won it yet . . . \u2018n don\u2019t you DARE forget that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cContestant number four is Daryl Hughes on War Chief, who for the last two years running \u2018s come in a nice respectable third,\u201d the mayor, meanwhile, went on with the introductions. His eyes moved from Daryl and that magnificent black, the pride and joy of Hugh O\u2019Brien and that oldest daughter of his, and came to rest on Ben Cartwright, who appeared to be imparting some last minute words of wisdom to his young daughter before the start of the race. \u201cContestant number five . . . Stacy Cartwright on Sun Dancer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Word going around town, almost from the minute the Cartwrights brought that golden palomino in off the range, was that horse could beat the posterior regions off of Blake and Matt Wilson\u2019s General Ulysses, without hardly breaking a sweat. The experts were giving ten to one odds on the pair. Not bad . . . in fact, quite respectable taking several factors into account, not the least of which was the rider\u2019s gender.<\/p>\n

Still \u2018n all, though, Wilbur couldn\u2019t help but wonder what Ben Cartwright was thinking of when he gave his daughter permission to enter that stallion in this race. A fair number of women about town, his two younger daughters among them, had taken what he felt to be a decidedly unhealthy interest in the first rider of female persuasion to enter this race.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmpf!\u201d <\/em>he silently snorted. \u201cNEXT thing y\u2019 know, they\u2019ll be out ropin\u2019 cattle . . . bustin\u2019 broncs . . . and VOTING, heaven forbid!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Wilbur . . . . \u201d It was Roy Coffee. \u201cY\u2019 all right?! You look like you just got through seein\u2019 a ghost just now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a ghost, Roy . . . just a vision too horrible to contemplate,\u201d Wilbur replied, as he forced himself to return to his senses and the present moment. \u201cContestant number six, Ladies and Gentlemen . . . Andy Barnett on Felix, and contestant number seven . . . Rick Bonner on Juggernaut.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mayor grinned upon noting that a fair number of young ladies cheered for Andy. That grin very quickly faded when he saw his eldest daughter among them.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . uhhh, movingrightalonghere . . . Roy Coffee and Virgil Jared will be judges for this race,\u201d Wilbur continued. \u201cIn the event of a close finish, they will decide the winner.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mayor\u2019s pronouncement set off a flutter of murmuring.<\/p>\n

Wilbur immediately held up his hands. \u201cQuiet down, Folks,\u201d he ordered, raising his voice so to be heard above the rising din. \u201cIF YOU DON\u2019T SHUT YOUR YAPS RIGHT NOW \u2018N LET ME FINISH, YOU\u2019LL LEAVE ME NO<\/strong> CHOICE BUT TO MAKE A SPEECH!\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd immediately fell silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s better,\u201d Wilbur growled. \u201cRiders, the course of this race is as follows. When I give the signal, you\u2019ll go from the starting line right here, to that big gnarled oak tree about a mile or so outside of town. You\u2019ll circle \u2018round that tree and follow the road back here.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrinceton McGuire and Enoch Greeley are out by the tree around which the riders are to circle.\u201d Enoch Greeley was the owner of a small but very lucrative mine called Vein Glorious, an operation in which Ben Cartwright owned stock. Princeton McGuire and his four brothers made their living as musicians. \u201cTHEY will make sure ALL of the riders go completely around that tree.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mayor once again paused, just long enough to focus his complete attention on the seven riders, lined up at the starting line with their horses. \u201cFirst man . . . or woman . . . . \u201d this last he said with a glare over in Stacy\u2019s general direction, \u201cto cross the finish line right here will be declared the winner. Good luck to each and every one of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUp you go, Young Woman,\u201d Ben quietly urged, as the other six riders entered in the race, mounted their steeds. \u201cYou remember what we talked about after supper a few nights ago?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Pa,\u201d Stacy replied, after settling herself inthe saddle. \u201cYou told me that as much as you\u2019d like to see me win, that running an honest race . . . showing good sportsmanship . . . and doing my very best are much MORE important.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d Ben nodded his head and smiled. \u201cI have a something for ya . . . something for luck,\u201d he continued. He removed the neckerchief from around his own neck and handed it to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d Stacy accepted the proffered neckerchief and quickly tied it around her own neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood luck, Stacy. We\u2019ll ALL be waiting right here for ya at the finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMatt\u2019s sure havin\u2019 a hard time gettin\u2019 himself up on ol\u2019 General Ulysses,\u201d Hoss quietly observed. He stood with his brothers, a few yards away from the judges\u2019 stand.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d Adam queried, mildly surprised. He remembered Matt Wilson as being a natural horseman, every bit as good at riding and saddle breaking the wild ones as their youngest brother, Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomethin\u2019s . . . not right, Adam,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cAin\u2019t like The General t\u2019 be so dang skittish.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe lifted the binoculars to his eyes and watched Matt climbing onto General Ulysses\u2019 back, while his father, Blake, struggled to hold the reins. \u201cYeah,\u201d Joe agreed, as he watched Matt\u2019s struggle to climb onto his horse\u2019s back, \u201cyou\u2019re right, Hoss . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

*********\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cGENTLEMEN . . . . \u201d Mayor Wilbur Dodds, meanwhile, yelled at the top of his voice. He slipped the pearl handled derringer that had once belonged to his father, out of his right pants pocket. \u201c . . . uhhhh . . . MAKE THAT GENTLEMEN AND<\/strong> LADY . . . TAKE YOUR MARK . . . . GET SET . . . . \u201d He moved his arm out away from his body at just under a forty degree angle, aiming the barrel of the small gun he held tightly in hand toward the ground.<\/p>\n

The movement of the mayor\u2019s arm spooked General Ulysses. He lifted slightly on his back legs and surged forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa, General . . . whoa!\u201d Matt Wilson begged. He quickly backed his horse to his original spot behind the starting line. \u201cI sure wish I knew what\u2019s got into you, Boy . . . you\u2019re more skittish than a scared cat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMatt . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure you can handle him?\u201d Blake asked, as he watched the horse anxiously paw the ground in front of him, while his back legs danced back and forth. He made himself a mental note to question Tony Grainger about the feed later.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can handle him,\u201d Matt assured his father with a confidence he was all of a sudden very far from feeling.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Blake considered withdrawing the horse from the race. The normally even tempered dark gray gelding was certainly not himself. \u201cNow YOU\u2019RE getting\u2019 jumpy, Blake Emmett Wilson . . . \u2018n all over nuthin\u2019 like as not,\u201d<\/em> he silently castigated himself. \u201cAll right, Son.\u201d Blake let go of General Ulysses\u2019 bridle. \u201cYou be careful now . . . \u2018n good luck.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cGENTLEMEN AND LADY . . . TAKE YOUR MARKS,\u201d the mayor began once more, after Blake Wilson had resumed his place between his wife, Irma, and new daughter-in-law, Clarissa. \u201cGET SET . . . GO<\/strong>!\u201d He fired the derringer in hand signaling the start of the race.<\/p>\n

General Ulysses surged over the starting line like a shot, galloping at top speed, with Matt clinging for dear life, by all appearances.<\/p>\n

\u201cYAH!\u201d Rick Bonner shouted, urging Juggernaut to pour on the speed. A feral grin spread across his face as the distance between himself and Matt Wilson began to close.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cYep. Somethin\u2019s definitely wrong,\u201d Hoss murmured softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s not, Big Brother,\u201d Joe hastened to assure. \u201cThe Kid\u2019s doing just as we planned.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t talkin\u2019 \u2018bout Stacy \u2018n Sun Dancer,\u201d Hoss said grimly, the scowl on his face deepening. \u201cI\u2019m talkin\u2019 \u2018bout Matt \u2018n General Ulysses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . think Blake Wilson knows something\u2019s wrong, too,\u201d Adam said quietly, as his eyes came to rest on the anxious faces of Blake, Irma, and Clarissa Wilson, standing together on the other side of C Street. \u201cI was almost certain he was going to take them both out of the race.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe should\u2019ve,\u201d Hoss said grimly. \u201cSomethin\u2019 tells ME he\u2019s gonna be mighty sorry he didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cGol\u2019 DANG that boy!\u201d Blake Wilson muttered angrily as he trained the binoculars, he had borrowed from Clementine Hawkins , on his son, Matt, and General Ulysses, tearing down C Street as if both of them had the very devil himself on their tails. \u201cMatt . . . I dunno what the hell you think you\u2019re doin\u2019 . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

*********\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWHOA, BOY . . . WHOA!\u201d Matt yelled, as he worked frantically to slow his horse down. \u201cThe General\u201d as Blake and Matt affectionately called him, bolted right past Andy Barnett, then Stacy and Sun Dancer who were a half a length ahead.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the—?!\u201d<\/em> Stacy silently queried with a worried frown, as she watched General Ulysses and Matt pulling ahead of Carl Yates and Kentucky Gold. At the speed his horse was traveling so early on in the race, Matt Wilson would be extremely lucky if his horse finished. Period.<\/p>\n

General Ulysses easily passed Daryl Hughes and War Chief, then pulled alongside Rick Bonner on Juggernaut, who were in the lead.<\/p>\n

\u201cYAH!\u201d Rick yelled, as he urged Juggernaut on . . . faster . . . faster . . . .<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you\u2019re . . . giving odds forty-six to one on Juggernaut, \u2018ey?\u201d Jeff Bonner quizzed Mick O\u2019Flynn in the Virginia City Jail.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas,\u201d Mick replied. \u201cThe books are closed now that the race has started.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAww . . . come ON now, Mister O\u2019Flynn . . . forty-six to one odds . . . even YOU gotta admit that\u2019s a real long shot . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue \u2018nuff,\u201d Mick had to agree.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . \u2018n how would it LOOK me . . . Jeff Bonner . . . not betting on his own horse?\u201d Jeff urgently pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmmm . . . y\u2019 have a point, I s\u2019pose . . . . \u201d Mick had to agree. \u201cBut . . . . \u201d He shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Mister Bonner. T\u2019 ain\u2019t exactly ethical.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps not, but I WILL make it worth your while.\u201d Jeff dug into the back left hand pocket of his pants and pulled out his wallet. \u201cA hundred bucks, My Good Man . . . all on Juggernaut.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA hundred bucks?!\u201d Mick echoed, incredulous.<\/p>\n

\u201cA hundred bucks,\u201d Jeff reiterated as he fanned the bills right in Mick\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . \u2018n it ain\u2019t like you\u2019re bettin\u2019 on a SURE thing,\u201d Mick said slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Mister Bonner . . . if\u2019n you\u2019re so desirous o\u2019 bein\u2019 parted from your money . . . far be it from the likes o\u2019 myself to deny ya the pleasure,\u201d Mick said, snatching the money right out of Jeff\u2019s hand. \u201cOne hundred dollars . . . right smack dab on Juggernaut\u2019s nose.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was all Jeff could do to restrain himself from rubbing his hands together with glee.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Juggernaut and General Ulysses rounded the old gnarled oak tree, running neck and neck, both of them well lathered, with Carl Yates and Kentucky Gold following behind by two and a half lengths. The instant he reached the road, Carl, his face set with grim determination, urged his mount to go faster. The distance began to close with almost agonizing slowness. Clem and Carla Jo circled around the tree next, with Stacy and Darryl on their respective steeds running very close at his heels. Andy and Felix brought up the rear, trailing behind Stacy and Daryl by four lengths.<\/p>\n

\u201cUhhhhh NO!\u201d Darryl muttered under his breath, as Clem and Carla Jo increased their lead from a length and a half to two lengths. He urged his horse to pour on full speed. For what seemed an unbearable eternity, he and War Chief merely kept pace with Clem and Carla Jo. Then, slowly . . . very slowly, the distance between him and Clem lessened.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow . . . you\u2019re gonna want to start tearing down the road more \u2018n just about anything, Kiddo . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s words, spoken the very first day he and Hoss started training her and Sun Dancer for this race, echoed within the ears of Stacy\u2019s inward hearing. He spoke as someone who knew . . . all too well.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . but don\u2019t you DO it! Not yet! You\u2019ll need to move a little faster . . . but ONLY a little . . . . \u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Grandpa,\u201d Stacy murmured softly, as she urged Sun Dancer to quicken his pace . . . just enough to keep within four lengths of Clem and Darryl.<\/p>\n

Andy, meanwhile, nudged Felix to a full gallop, smiling with great satisfaction as the distance between him and Stacy began to quickly close.<\/p>\n

Just under a quarter mile from the tree, the road curved around a rocky mound, covered over by a thin layer of dust and sand. Matt and General Ulysses disappeared around the rise first.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome ON, Juggernaut!\u201d Rick urged, upon realizing that mound would for a moment conceal him and General Ulysses from the other riders. \u201cFaster, Boy . . . come ON! Faster!\u201d As he rounded the corner, he reached into the empty rifle scabbard attached to his saddle and slipped out his rider\u2019s crop. \u201cGo, Boy!\u201d Rick urged again, his voice filled with anxiety and grim determination.<\/p>\n

Up ahead, General Ulysses reared. Matt kept his seat . . . barely.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome ON, Boy . . . faster!\u201d Rick urged, with one hand on the reins, the other gripping his riding crop so tightly, his knuckles had turned white. A malevolent smile began to ooze its way across his lips.<\/p>\n

Matt, in the meantime, labored desperately to gain some measure of control over his agitated mount, and keep his seat. He barely registered movement out of the corner of his eye, when Rick Bonner and Juggernaut drew alongside. Rick raised his arm and brought down his riding crop on General Ulysses\u2019 rump with all his strength and might. The General reared again, then set off across the meadow on the side of the road to his right, galloping at top speed, with Matt barely hanging on.<\/p>\n

Halfway across the meadow, General Ulysses\u2019 right front leg slammed down hard into a deep chuckhole, throwing him off balance. Matt fell, as the frantic horse tried to right itself, and struck the ground with force sufficient to drive the wind right out of his lungs. Less than a second later, the horse collapsed, landing on its rider with a dull, sickening thud.<\/p>\n

Rick Bonner shuddered when he heard the bones in General Ulysses\u2019 leg snap. \u201cNo!\u201d he muttered in a low voice, wagging his head vigorously back and forth in denial. \u201cNo!\u201d He hadn\u2019t meant to inflict serious harm upon General Ulysses . . . or Matt Wilson either. He only wanted to keep them from winning this race. Rick squeezed his eyes shut, desperately hoping and praying this was but a horrible dream . . . that he would wake up in his own bed, or slumped in the saddle just as Juggernaut ran across the finish line. He counted three, then very slowly opened his eyes just in time to see General Ulysses struggling in vain to stand.<\/p>\n

Rick stared down at the riding crop still clutched tightly in his hand, as if it had just turned into something very strange and very ugly. He gritted his teeth and hurled the riding crop into the meadow with all his might, then urged Juggernaut to a fast gallop.<\/p>\n

Kentucky Gold shot around the bend four lengths behind Juggernaut. \u201cCome on, Boy . . . faster,\u201d Carl urged, his mind focused solely on the road ahead and Rick Bonner. Kentucky Gold poured on the speed, closing the gap between him and Juggernaut by half a length, then a full length.<\/p>\n

Clem and Daryl followed two and a half lengths behind Kentucky Gold, locked in fierce competition with each other, the former leading by just under half a nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cFaster, Boy, come on! Faster!\u201d Clem urged, his eyes glued to the rumps of Juggernaut and Kentucky Gold up ahead, tearing down the road at full gallop. He noted with glee that Juggernaut, at least, seemed to be slowing down a mite. \u201cCome on, Carla Jo! You can do it, Boy . . . you can DO it!\u201d The deputy sheriff was so intent on overtaking Juggernaut, he didn\u2019t even see the fallen rider lying so ominously still out in the meadow, half buried beneath a panicked horse struggling desperately to rise.<\/p>\n

Daryl, however, did see. He immediately slowed, his eyes glued with horrified fascination to General Ulysses as he raised his head with a snort and threw it forward. The weight of his head and momentum brought him to a semi-upright position and thrust all of his weight onto the right leg. He tried to rise, but the limb was unable to bear his full weight. Daryl grimaced and looked away as the horse collapsed back down onto its rider.<\/p>\n

\u201cHooo-leeee ****!\u201d Stacy whispered as she came around the rise and beheld the grim scene out in the meadow. That last word was Paiute. With heart in mouth, she brought Sun Dancer to a halt and quickly dismounted. She ground tied the golden stallion at the side of the road, all the while praying that the lessons she, Hoss, and Joe had been working to teach him over the past couple of weeks had taken hold, then started across the meadow, treading her way very carefully.<\/p>\n

The race was all but forgotten.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Chapter 8<\/p>\n

\u201cCome ON, Roy! Can\u2019t ya see \u2018em YET?!\u201d Ben queried impatiently for what had to be the fifth time in as many minutes. He stood at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the judges\u2019 platform.<\/p>\n

Roy muttered a few choice invectives under his breath, then snorted derisively. \u201cAll I<\/strong> gotta say is . . . your boys \u2018n that li\u2019l gal o\u2019 yours come by it honest!\u201d he said tersely, as he lowered his binoculars, sparing no energy whatsoever to conceal his growing annoyance.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome by WHAT honestly?!\u201d Ben demanded, with arms folded across his chest, the scowl already present on his face, deepening.<\/p>\n

\u201cBen, y\u2019 got a lotta virtues,\u201d Roy returned in a wry tone of voice, \u201cbut patience sure ain\u2019t one of \u2018em . . . an\u2019 those young \u2018ns o\u2019 yours take right after their pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy!\u201d Virgil Jared called out to the lawman. He stood right up next to the railing, with his binoculars trained on the road leading out of town. \u201cI think I see someone . . . there!\u201d He thrust a pointing finger toward the slight rise in the road just under a quarter mile away from the finish line.<\/p>\n

Roy immediately turned, raising his binoculars as he did so.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Ben demanded, squinting in the general direction in which Virgil had pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t sure, but . . . I THINK it kinda looks like Carl Yates on that hayburner o\u2019 Abe\u2019s,\u201d Roy reported, as he scanned the slight rise in the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see STACY?!\u201d Ben anxiously pressed.<\/p>\n

No reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cROY . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! I do—wait a minute . . . someone ELSE \u2018s comin\u2019 over that rise . . . . \u201d Roy said slowly, \u201ccan\u2019t . . . quite make out who it is yet . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGotta be The Kid,\u201d Joe declared with confidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . dunno \u2018bout that, Li\u2019l Brother,\u201d Hoss said very quietly. \u201cWe hadn\u2019t figured on Abe Miller getting\u2019 that race horse from Kentucky.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAggh! Those race horses from Kentucky are vastly overrated, in my humble opinion,\u201d Joe declared with a broad grin, his eyes dancing with impish delight. \u201cI beat one once . . . by a mile . . . remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI generally do my best NOT to remember that little incident [4]\u00a0,\u201d Adam said wryly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like Carl Yates \u2018n that Kentucky hayburner he\u2019s ridin\u2019 are in the lead, with . . . looks like Clem \u2018n Rick Bonner runnin\u2019 neck \u2018n neck,\u201d Roy reported, his binoculars still trained to the rise.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see STACY?!\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Ben,\u201d Roy said with a sigh and a wry roll of his eyes heavenward, \u201cI don\u2019t see hide nor hair o\u2019 . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Stacy started across the meadow, desperately hoping and praying her approach wouldn\u2019t spook the injured horse, causing him to, heaven forbid it, roll over onto Matt, driving the pommel of the saddle into his gut.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Boy . . . easy . . . . \u201d she began speaking to General Ulysses in a low, soothing tone of voice at a point midway between the road and the fallen horse and rider. His right front leg was broken. She could see that quite clearly. The sight of the injured limb grieved and sickened her. \u201cThat\u2019s right, Boy . . . . \u201d she continued speaking in as calm a voice as she could muster, focusing her eyes on the horse\u2019s head, while trying to ignore the bile that occasionally rose to the back of her throat.<\/p>\n

Stacy stole a quick glance over at Matt, noting with growing concern that he still hadn\u2019t moved. His face was deathly pale, though she was yet too far distant to ascertain whether or not his chest rose and fell. She heard Sun Dancer snorting from the spot near the road, where she had ground tied him. General Ulysses nickered and vigorously renewed his efforts to rise.<\/p>\n

Stacy froze. \u201cWhoa, Boy . . . whoa!\u201d It took nearly every ounce of will she possessed to keep her voice calm and even, as she watched General Ulysses attempt to rise and collapse back down upon his insensate rider, once, then twice. \u201cEasy there, Boy . . . steady . . . steady . . . that\u2019s it . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . uhhh . . . S-Stacy?\u201d<\/p>\n

She started, but refrained from crying out. Turning, she found Daryl Hughes standing a few feet behind her, to her left. \u201cIt\u2019s Matt,\u201d Stacy said tersely. \u201cMatt and General Ulysses. From the looks of things . . . I\u2019d say he stepped into a chuckhole . . . a deep one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Daryl\u2019s eyes wandered to the horse\u2019s injured leg, and lingered. \u201cDear Lord,\u201d he groaned softly, sickened himself by the sight.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got no idea as to what kinda shape MATT\u2019S in,\u201d Stacy added, half fearing the worst, while silently, desperately praying those worst fears would prove unfounded.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas he regained consciousness?\u201d<\/p>\n

Stacy shook her head. \u201cSome how . . . some way we gotta get him out from under General Ulysses,\u201d she stated the obvious, grateful all of a sudden that Daryl Hughes had stopped, \u201cand put that poor horse out of its misery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate like ANYTHING having to do this,\u201d Daryl said, \u201cLord above knows that poor animal\u2019s already suffered more \u2018n enough . . . but the only way I see of getting Matt out from under . . . is to try \u2018n encourage General Ulysses to get up one more time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was afraid that might be the case,\u201d Stacy said, feeling sick and miserable.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you can\u2019t bring yourself . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018S ok . . . I can do what I hafta,\u201d Stacy assured him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOk . . . . \u201d Daryl\u2019s voice trailed away to an uneasy silence as a wave of nausea swept over him.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . uhhhh . . . Daryl?!\u201d<\/p>\n

Daryl squeezed his eyes shut. \u201cI\u2019m ok,\u201d he snapped. \u201cCome on . . . let\u2019s do what we gotta \u2018n be done with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cYessir, it\u2019s gonna be a close race . . . a REAL close race,\u201d Roy remarked, barely aware that he had just spoken aloud. Rick Bonner and Carl Yates, riding Juggernaut and \u201cThat Danged Hayburner From Kentucky\u201d respectively, were tearing down the road toward the finish line so close together, the sheriff found himself wondering whether or not this race might be the first in Virginia City\u2019s history to end in a tie.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoy! Any sign of Stacy?!\u201d Ben demanded, yet again.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Roy snapped, his eyes glued to Juggernaut and Abe Miller\u2019s hayburner.<\/p>\n

\u201cDang it all . . . Stacy \u2018n Sun Dancer oughtta be coming over that hill about now,\u201d Joe murmured softly, the worried frown on his brow deepening. \u201cWhere ARE they?\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Susannah O\u2019Brien anxiously, impatiently pressed. She was the youngest of Hugh O\u2019Brien\u2019s three children and a very close friend of Stacy. \u201cDo you see Darryl and War Chief?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, dang it!\u201d Hugh growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething\u2019s WRONG!\u201d Crystal McShane, Hugh\u2019s oldest, declared firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes ya say THAT?\u201d Hugh demanded, trying very hard to ignore the uneasy fluttering in the pit of his own stomach.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome ON, Pa. War Chief can run circles around the Bonners\u2019 Juggernaut and Clem\u2019s Carla Jo, too, for that matter,\u201d Crystal pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about, Stacy, Crys?\u201d Jason, Hugh\u2019s only son and middle child asked, his voice filled with concern. \u201cDo you see Stacy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Jason,\u201d Crystal replied, \u201cand I don\u2019t see hide nor hair of Matt Wilson, either.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Kentucky Gold and Juggernaut galloped across the finish line, running neck and neck, eliciting a hearty, raucous cheer from the gathered crowd that nearly drowned out the thunder of the horses\u2019 hooves. Clem and Carla-Jo finished two and a half lengths behind Abe Miller\u2019s and the Bonner Brothers\u2019 entries, coming in at a very respectable third. Andy Barnett and Felix crossed the finish line nearly three lengths behind Clem.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Wilson, may I have my binoculars back NOW?\u201d Clementine Hawkins demanded with a touch of asperity. The race was over, and with Blake Wilson monopolizing her binoculars, she felt as if she had missed the entire thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaggummit, where the hell is Matt?\u201d Blake muttered with Clementine\u2019s binoculars still trained on the rise.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Wilson—?!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAww fer—!!! Mrs. Hawkins, would ya please keep your bri—uhhh! Just a minute!\u201d Blake returned a mite testy, all the while trying his best to ignore Abe Miller and that trollop of a second wife, who stood a few yards away, jumping up and down like a couple of exuberant school children, yelling.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you see them, Papa Wilson?\u201d Clarissa asked, wringing her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Child . . . not yet,\u201d Blake sighed dolefully.<\/p>\n

Clementine Hawkins, her jaw set with determination, reached out to snatch her binoculars right out of Blake Wilson\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cGimme those!\u201d Irma Wilson growled, grabbing the binoculars from her husband a split second before Clementine. She raised them and began to scan the rise herself. \u201cHe\u2019s GOT to be there . . . he\u2019s GOT to be . . . . \u201d she muttered, angry and fretful.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Ben snapped, glaring at Joe first, then over at Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo look for The Kid?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben said grimly, \u201cto look for The Kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa? You want me to come along, too?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n

Adam turned for a quick word of explanation to his wife, then fell in step behind his father and younger brothers.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cIrma . . . Clarissa . . . I\u2019m goin\u2019 out t\u2019 look for Matt,\u201d Blake said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you want me to come with you Papa Wilson?\u201d Clarissa asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019s all right, Child,\u201d Blake tried to reassure his anxious daughter-in-law, speaking with a calm he was very far from feeling. \u201cSkittish as The General was . . . like as not he threw Matt \u2018n is headin\u2019 back home to his stall. Matt\u2019s probably walkin\u2019 along that road right now, headin\u2019 on back into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clarissa nodded, all the praying in silent desperation that her father-in-law\u2019s words would prove true.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

As the Cartwright men reached the bottom of the rise, they spotted Stacy and Sun Dancer tearing down the road about a tenth of a mile or so up ahead. Ben spurred Buck to a fast gallop and within less than a minute intercepted his daughter and the golden stallion. Though his daughter and her horse appeared to be physically sound, Ben noted with increasing worry that her face was a sickly ashen gray and that Sun Dancer\u2019s sides were lathered.<\/p>\n

Stacy told her father and brothers what had happened to Matt Wilson and General Ulysses. \u201cDaryl Hughes is with Matt, Pa,\u201d she concluded. \u201cI\u2019m on my way back to fetch Doctor Martin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Kiddo . . . I think you\u2019d better take Cooch,\u201d Joe suggested as he climbed down. \u201cHE\u2019S fresh as a daisy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Grandpa,\u201d Stacy agreed, knowing that Joe would follow behind Pa, Hoss, and Adam at a slower pace to allow Sun Dancer time to cool down.<\/p>\n

\u201cStacy?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cHow\u2019s Matt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive . . . leastwise he was when I left him and Daryl to fetch the doctor, but . . . he . . . he\u2019s in a real bad way, Adam,\u201d Stacy replied as she climbed on Cochise\u2019s back, and Joe quickly swing mounted into Sun Dancer\u2019s saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou g\u2019won,\u201d Ben urged, \u201cget the doctor. Your brothers and I are going to give Darryl a hand with Matt . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Paul Martin quietly entered the formal parlor, located on the first floor of the townhouse he shared with his wife, Lily.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s about damned time!\u201d Irma growled, as she halted her frenetic pacing mid-stride.<\/p>\n

Clarissa started violently, and with an outcry, shot right off the hard backed Queen Anne chair, set next to the fireplace, her face white as a sheet, her entire body trembling. Blake Wilson also rose, as did Adam and Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor Martin, is Matt going to be all right?!\u201d Clarissa demanded, giving voice to the question uppermost on all their minds.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Wilson, that husband of yours is one very lucky young man,\u201d Paul said, endeavoring to speak calmly in the face of the anger that had been steadily rising within him, beginning the minute Stacy Cartwright told him what had happened to the patient lying in his examining room. \u201cHe IS badly injured, but I\u2019m reasonably confident that with proper rest and good care, he\u2019ll recover.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank heaven,\u201d Clarissa sobbed, then buried her face in her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey there, Young L-Lady . . . now what\u2019re all these tears about?\u201d Blake gently admonished his daughter-in-law, his voice tremulous. \u201cDidn\u2019t you hear the doc? Matt\u2019s gonna be fine . . . just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cS-Sorry,\u201d Clarissa apologized. She took a deep, ragged breath, then blotted her eyes and cheeks against the sleeve of her blouse. \u201cDoctor, may I . . . may I s-see him? Please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cHe\u2019s sleeping now, but it\u2019ll be perfectly all right for you to sit with him. You\u2019ll find him in the examination room at the end of the hall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Doctor. Thank you very much,\u201d Clarissa babbled, as she let herself out of the Martins\u2019 parlor.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, Doctor Martin . . . what are you NOT telling Clarissa?\u201d Irma Wilson demanded.<\/p>\n

Blake groaned softly. \u201cAw, f\u2019r Lord\u2019s sake, Irma— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlake, please,\u201d Paul Martin effectively nipped the rancher\u2019s would be tirade in the bud with a gentle, yet firm hand on his shoulder. \u201cWhy don\u2019t we all sit down?\u201d He pulled one of the hard backed chairs out from under the small card table in the corner and carried it over to the furniture grouped around the fireplace.<\/p>\n

One by one the Wilsons and the elder Cartwrights resumed their seats.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I told Clarissa, Matt WAS badly injured,\u201d Paul began. \u201cBoth legs are broken. Fortunately they\u2019re simple fractures, so there shouldn\u2019t be any problems with him healing as long as he keeps off of them for the next couple of months or so. I\u2019ve set the bones and splinted Matt\u2019s legs to keep him from moving them. As soon as the swelling goes down, I\u2019ll replace the splints with casts.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo far, I\u2019ve seen no sign of internal bleeding . . . a miracle from what Daryl and Stacy had to say,\u201d Paul continued, \u201cbut . . . we\u2019ll need to keep Matt here for a few days and watch him closely to be absolutely certain. Taking into account the bruising on his torso . . . he\u2019s definitely fractured some ribs. If one of those ribs is actually broken, there a very real possibility of it puncturing a lung.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow soon willya know something, Doc?\u201d Blake asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll know more tomorrow,\u201d Paul replied. \u201cIn the meantime, I\u2019ve given him a sedative to ease his pain and allow him to sleep deeply. That lessens the chances of him breaking one of those fractured ribs by tossing and turning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long will he sleep, Paul?\u201d Irma asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll sleep the rest of the day, all night, and probably well into tomorrow morning at least,\u201d Paul replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould it be all right if we . . . if Blake and I,\u201d Irma cast a sidelong glance over at her husband, \u201cstay the night with Matt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Irma, Matt\u2019s a married man now, remember?\u201d Blake chided his wife gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts! That place at his bedside belongs to his wife,\u201d Blake said in a gentle, yet very firm tone of voice. \u201cI know you\u2019ve not been real happy about the woman Matt\u2019s taken for wife, but you can\u2019t deny that she loves him and she\u2019s been real good TO him \u2018n FOR him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know she has, Blake,\u201d Irma admitted grudgingly, \u201cbut at the same time you can\u2019t deny that I\u2019M his mother— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . \u2018n the Good Book says when a man gets hitched, he\u2019s s\u2019posed t\u2019 leave his ma \u2018n pa, \u2018n cleave to his WIFE [5]\u00a0,\u201d Blake immediately countered.<\/p>\n

Irma exhaled a loud, exasperated sigh, then lapsed into a sullen silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc,\u201d Blake continued, turning his attention now to the sawbones, \u201cIrma \u2018n me\u2019ll be over at the International Hotel. Now you promise me you\u2019ll send us word if . . . . ?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there\u2019s any change, whether for good or ill, I\u2019ll send word,\u201d Paul promised.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter what time?\u201d Irma pressed, wringing her hands anxiously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter what time,\u201d Paul Martin assured the distraught woman.<\/p>\n

Blake rose stiffly to his feet and stretched. \u201cThanks, Doc. I know Matt\u2019s in good hands with you, Lily, AND Clarissa lookin\u2019 out for him.\u201d He turned and gallantly held his hand out to his wife, still seated. \u201cCome on, Irma. Let\u2019s you \u2018n me g\u2019won back to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Irma reluctantly acquiesced, as she took hold of her husband\u2019s hand, and allowed him to help her to her feet.<\/p>\n

After the Wilsons left, Paul Martin sank down wearily onto the settee, placed directly opposite the fireplace. \u201cSix other people entered in that damned race,\u201d he groused, shaking his head in genuine bewilderment, \u201cyet only TWO had the common decency to stop and help Matt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, I\u2019D say, chances are, the other four were concentrating so hard on winning that race, none of \u2018em even SAW Matt or General Ulysses,\u201d Adam said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank the Lord Stacy and Darryl DID see them . . . and stop,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmen to that,\u201d Paul growled. \u201cHad they not gotten Matt out from under his injured horse . . . . \u201d His voice trailed away to an ominous silence. \u201cSuffice it to say that Stacy and Darryl saved Matt\u2019s life. There\u2019s no question at all in my mind about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Adam . . . we\u2019d best skedaddle so the doc can concentrate on looking after his patient,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cDammit . . . nothing like word of mouth when it comes to spreading bad news,\u201d Paul Martin groaned when he saw the elder Cartwrights to the door, and found what looked to be half the town\u2019s populace gathered outside the house. There had to be at least thirty people standing in the small front yard, and more, hundreds more, by the look of \u2018em pressing against the Martins\u2019 white picket fence. Upon catching sight of the doctor, all conversation, all their speculations, ranging from the mildly plausible to the outright ridiculous, came to an abrupt halt.<\/p>\n

Paul swallowed nervously, and tried his best not to flinch as the eyes of all gathered turned to him expectantly. \u201cFolks . . . your umm, concern\u2019s noted and appreciated,\u201d he began with a touch of wryness, raising his voice so that everyone might hear. \u201cMatt Wilson\u2019s going to be fine. In the meantime, I\u2019d appreciate it very much if all of you went about your business so he might get what he needs most right now, which is a bit of peace and quiet so he can rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Paul dodged questions, acknowledged offers to help, and thanked all the well wishers, Ben and Adam began searching among the gathered crowd for the members of their own family.<\/p>\n

\u201cPA! ADAM! OVER HERE!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben and his eldest immediately turned upon hearing Joe call out to them. They saw him, with Stacy in tow, struggling to make their way forward against a rip tide of people surging away from the Martin home.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Matt?\u201d Joe asked, the instant he and Stacy reached their father and oldest brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s find ourselves a place to talk that puts a respectable distance from us and this maddening crowd,\u201d Ben suggested. \u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss? I thought he was with you— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe said to tell ya he was going to go check on something,\u201d Joe replied . . . .<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Avery,\u201d Hoss greeted Tony\u2019s new assistant, Avery Mills, with a warm, friendly smile, as he entered the livery stable. \u201cHow\u2019s your ma farin\u2019 these days?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHowdy, Hoss,\u201d the young man responded, then grinned. \u201cMa\u2019s doin\u2019 lots better now, thanks for askin\u2019. She\u2019s home restin\u2019 up now so she can go with me to see the fireworks tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour sister ain\u2019t goin\u2019?\u201d Hoss asked, his smile fading.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah . . . IF that dang knucklehead Jim Knowles ever gets around to askin\u2019 her,\u201d Avery replied with a sigh and a wry roll of the eyes heavenward. \u201cHe\u2019s a good man, Hoss, a real good man, but a little dense upstairs, if ya know what I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled softly. \u201cAvery,\u201d he said, placing a gentle hand on the twelve year old boy\u2019s shoulder, \u201cI\u2019ll bet you anything that Jim Knowles right now\u2019s tryin\u2019 t\u2019 work up his nerve t\u2019 ask your sister to go t\u2019 see the fireworks with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Avery stared up into the big man\u2019s face with a look that very clearly questioned Hoss\u2019 sanity. \u201cYou ain\u2019t tellin\u2019 me he\u2019s SCARED . . . a-are ya?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s EXACTLY what I\u2019m tellin\u2019 ya,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cOne o\u2019 these days, SOONER, like as not, rather \u2018n later, YOU\u2019RE gonna find yourself standin\u2019 in ol\u2019 Jim\u2019s shoes, \u2018n then you\u2019ll understand a li\u2019l better what he\u2019s probably feelin\u2019 right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUuuhhhh NO!\u201d The boy vigorously wagged his head back and forth in denial of the claim Hoss had just made. \u201cUnh UHH! Not ME! I\u2019m NEVER gonna fall in love \u2018cause I don\u2019t wanna be turned into a bitherin\u2019 idiot like Jim or worse . . . like m\u2019 sister.\u201d The grimace on his face was so comically grotesque, Hoss found it very difficult not to laugh out loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cAvery . . . you had a chance t\u2019 clean out General Ulysses\u2019 stall yet?\u201d Hoss asked, changing the subject.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Avery replied. \u201cI\u2019m kinda late startin\u2019 my work \u2018cause Mister Grainger let me have the mornin\u2019 off to enjoy myself a little.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould it be all right if I had a look in General Ulysses\u2019 stall?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n

Avery pondered the question for a moment, then shrugged. \u201cI . . . guess it\u2019d ok,\u201d he replied, \u201c . . . uhhh, Mister Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it TRUE General Ulysses hurt himself and . . . and had t\u2019 be . . . you know . . . . \u201d The young stable hand\u2019s voice trailed away to an uneasy silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I\u2019m afraid it is,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s terrible,\u201d Avery whispered, his face a few shades paler than was his norm. \u201cI . . . I sure hope Mister Matt\u2019s gonna be ok . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMatt\u2019s gonna be just fine,\u201d Hoss assured the lad.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to hear THAT anyway, but I\u2019m real sorry \u2018bout General Ulysses. He was a fine horse,\u201d Avery said. \u201cBeautiful lookin\u2019 animal, and real even tempered.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure was,\u201d Hoss agreed. \u201cAvery, all right if I ask ya one more question?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Mister Hoss. What do ya wanna know?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just curious as t\u2019 whether or not anyone besides the Wilsons, Tony, or you might\u2019ve been in or around General Ulysses\u2019 stall,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t SEEN no one . . . . \u201d Avery frowned. \u201cBut . . . I remember Mister Grainger grumblin\u2019 somethin\u2019 \u2018bout catchin\u2019 Jack O\u2019Connor\u2019s niece hangin\u2019 around General Ulysses\u2019 stall this mornin\u2019. I don\u2019t think he ever found out what kinda mischief she might\u2019ve been up to, but he DID shoo her outta here before she had a chance to do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf that li\u2019l gal DID have mischief on her mind, her target was like as not one o\u2019 OUR horses,\u201d<\/em> Hoss silently ruminated. \u201cAin\u2019t no reason for her wantin\u2019 t\u2019 harm General Ulysses or Matt, though . . . not so far as I<\/strong> can see.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Avery,\u201d Hoss said aloud. \u201cI\u2019d better let ya get on back t\u2019 work.<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, Mister Hoss. If ya need anything, just gimme a holler, ok?<\/p>\n

\u201cSure will, Avery. Thanks again.\u201d<\/p>\n

After Avery had moved off, Hoss let himself into General Ulysses\u2019 stall and went right to the feeding trough. \u201cNow THAT\u2019S mighty odd,\u201d he murmured softly, when he peered inside and found nearly two thirds of the feed grain the horse was given that morning still there. Given the way Blake talked, that horse\u2019s appetite was the stuff of legend.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, well. Seems great minds think alike.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss turned and found Blake Wilson standing at his elbow, with arms folded across his chest and a dark scowl on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a way, I think I\u2019m kinda glad t\u2019 see someone ELSE had the same idea,\u201d Blake continued. \u201cI was half way startin\u2019 to believe I was seein\u2019 devils behind every tree, \u2018n under every rock. You find anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just about t\u2019 take a look,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cI . . . thought you\u2019d gone back t\u2019 the hotel with Miz Wilson.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s up in our room with Winifred Mahon \u2018n Florence Hansen,\u201d Blake replied. \u201cI wasn\u2019t much in the mood for sittin\u2019 around \u2018n listenin\u2019 to their chatter, so I thought I\u2019d come here \u2018n look around myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss began to carefully sift through the remaining feed in General Ulysses\u2019 trough, while Blake Wilson peered over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u00a0*********<\/p>\n

Chapter 9<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cStacy?\u201d<\/p>\n

She slowly lifted her gaze from the nearly untouched glass of lemonade sitting on the table before her at the C Street Caf\u00e9. She, her brothers, Adam and Joe, and their father had retreated to a table there, set in a back corner well away from the door. \u201cYes, Pa?\u201d Stacy responded as she turned toward him expectantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t had a chance to ask ya how YOU\u2019RE doing,\u201d Ben said quietly. \u201cI know you and Darryl did what you had to this afternoon, even though it wasn\u2019t easy for either one of ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be ok, Pa,\u201d she said with a melancholy sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cStacy, you and Darryl had no choice BUT to put General Ulysses out of his misery,\u201d Adam said very quietly, after finishing the last of a generous piece of cherry pie. \u201cThe break was a bad one, as you know.\u201d He felt a twinge of nausea once again upon remembering the sight of General Ulysses\u2019 injured limb. Adam quickly swallowed, then added, \u201cHe had absolutely no chance of recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stacy was keenly aware of this of course, but hearing Adam say so made her feel a little better. \u201cThanks, Adam,\u201d she said very softly.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . and I<\/strong> want you to know that I\u2019m very proud of you, Young Woman, for putting the care of a badly injured man ahead of winning that race . . . AND for mustering the wherewithal to get Matt out from under and put The General out of his misery,\u201d Ben said as he placed a comforting arm around his daughter\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that was the hardest thing of all,\u201d Stacy said quietly. \u201cIt was the only way to get Matt out from under, but trying to coax General Ulysses to get up once more, when I knew he couldn\u2019t— \u201d She abruptly broke off, unable to continue.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor Martin told us that you and Darryl Hughes saved Matt\u2019s life,\u201d Adam said, as he reached across the table and covered her hand with his own.<\/p>\n

\u201cR-Really?\u201d Stacy queried, her voice barely audible.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cHad you NOT stopped when you did, General Ulysses would\u2019ve kept right on trying to rise until he was exhausted. With the full weight of his horse crashing down on him repeatedly, Matt would\u2019ve been crushed to death long before anyone would have thought to look for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam . . . is Matt gonna be ok?\u201d Stacy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cThings ARE going to be touch and go for awhile, and he\u2019s got a long haul ahead of him, but the doctor\u2019s confident that with proper rest and care, Matt WILL make a full and complete recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure glad to hear THAT,\u201d Stacy said with heartfelt sincerity. She took a sip from her glass of lemonade, then asked, \u201cSo who finally won the race?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJury\u2019s still out to lunch on that, Stacy,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cCarl Yates and Rick Bonner . . . well, from where I stood watching, they appeared to have crossed the finish line at the same time. It wouldn\u2019t surprise me in the least if the judges decide to declare it a tie race.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think perhaps I ought to pay the judges a visit . . . leastwise the SHERIFF,\u201d Joe said, turning grim.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, Grandpa?\u201d Stacy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis.\u201d Joe showed them the riding crop Rick Bonner had thrown across the meadow. \u201cI found it while I was bringing back an armload of tree branches for the travois we made to get Matt back into town.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stacy\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cY-You mean . . . what happened to Matt Wilson and General Ulysses WASN\u2019T an accident?!\u201d she exclaimed, horrified by the very thought.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou hit the nail right on the head, Kiddo,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cN-Now waaaa-ait just a minute,\u201d Ben said, holding up his hands as a policeman might to stop traffic. \u201cJoe, in the first place, you\u2019ve got no idea how long that thing might\u2019ve been lying out in the meadow— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t have been very long, Pa,\u201d Joe said. \u201cSure the ivory handle\u2019s old, but the leather here feels soft and it\u2019s still tightly wrapped around the stick. If this thing had been lying out in the sun and the rain for any length of time, it\u2019d be dried and cracked.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. All THAT proves is the riding crop was lost . . . thrown . . . dropped . . . whatever recently,\u201d Ben argued. \u201cWe STILL have no way of knowing OR proving that one of the riders cheated by taking it into the race with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I see that riding crop, Joe?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere. Help yourself,\u201d Joe replied, holding the stick out to his oldest brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben queried, as he watched his eldest son study the riding crop very closely. \u201cWhat is it, Son? Something the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Adam shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s just that . . . well, this riding crop looks familiar to me for some strange reason . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got any idea who belongs to?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quite old, judging from the way the ivory handle\u2019s yellowed, but I . . . . \u201d Adam\u2019s voice trailed away to silence, as a memory from his early adolescence suddenly rose to the forefront of mind and thought. He was eleven years old, pushing very hard against twelve at the time . . . .<\/p>\n

To say that Pa didn\u2019t approve of the friendship that had grown between him and the Bonner boys over the past year would have been to grossly understate the case. Pa didn\u2019t mince words when it came to voicing his opinions about the Bonners, and his eldest son\u2019s continued relationship with them, but oddly, he never came right out and forbade him to associate with Jeff and Rick.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not that it would have done any good . . . .<\/em><\/p>\n

One afternoon, after he and the Bonner boys had spent a beautiful spring day fishing at Dressler\u2019s Pond . . . a day that also happened to have been a school day, Adam, Jeff, and Rick rode into the front yard of the Bonner ranch, making sure they timed their arrival to be the exact same time it would have been, had they not skipped school that day. The three of them dismounted from their steeds, chuckling to themselves, so cock sure they had pulled one over on their parents and the teacher . . . .<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cTHERE you are!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

It was Mister Bonner. By then, the three boys were in the barn seeing to their horses. Something in the way Jeff and Rick\u2019s pa spoke sent a chill running down the entire length of Adam\u2019s spine and left the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end.<\/em><\/p>\n

Three heads turned slowly, reluctantly, toward the door, where Mister Bonner stood, with one large hand balled into a tight fist resting squarely on his hip, and the other clutching . . . .<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c . . . this riding crop!\u201d Adam suddenly realized.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you say, Son?\u201d Ben queried with an anxious frown.<\/p>\n

Adam shook his head to clear away the last vestiges of a less than pleasant memory from a time many years past. \u201cPa, do you remember the time Jeff, Rick, and I skipped school to go fishing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s jaw dropped. \u201cY-You mean to tell me that you . . . Adam Stoddard Cartwright . . . who made my childhood miserable by reminding me of the value of an education and how lucky I was to have one at every turn . . . actually played hooky from school?!\u201d he demanded with mock, almost melodramatic outrage.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst and only,\u201d Adam replied. The mischief sparkling in his youngest brother\u2019s emerald green eyes gave lie to the thunderous scowl on his face. \u201cMy, ummm, seat of learning\u2019s never quite been the same since.\u201d He said this last with a sidelong glance over at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only that to have THAT necessary discussion with your brother ONCE,\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what\u2019s the only time you ever played hooky from school got to do with that riding crop?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Bonner found out we had skipped school because Rick had gone off and forgotten his lunch,\u201d Adam explained. \u201cHe took the lunch to school, and, of course, found out both of his sons were absent that day. When the three of us arrived at the Bonner ranch that afternoon, he was waiting for them . . . with THIS riding crop in hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure, Son?\u201d Ben pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure, Pa,\u201d Adam replied in a somber tone of voice. \u201cThe four of US . . . Hoss, Joe, Stacy, and I might joke about how we couldn\u2019t sit down for a whole month of Sundays after you dragged us into the barn for one of your necessary talks, but we all know that\u2019s a bit of an exaggeration. Pa . . . well, let\u2019s just say he made sure we got the message. Mister Bonner, on the other hand . . . . \u201d His voice trailed away to an uneasy silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo say that Jeff and Rick couldn\u2019t sit down for a whole month of Sundays is also something of an exaggeration,\u201d Ben said grimly, \u201cone that makes LIGHT of the matter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was forced to stand there and watch Mister Bonner have that \u2018necessary talk\u2019 with his sons that afternoon,\u201d Adam continued. \u201cI remember every detail of that day . . . including this.\u201d He held out the riding crop for emphasis.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, we\u2019ve GOT to show that riding crop to the judges,\u201d Joe pressed, \u201cespecially since Rick Bonner could very well end up being declared the WINNER of the race.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with Joe,\u201d Adam said. \u201cThough it\u2019s possible this riding crop WAS lost or perhaps unknowingly dropped out in the meadow were we found Matt and General Ulysses, Rick Bonner needs to answer for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d Ben had to agree . . . .<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cSo help me!\u201d Blake muttered softly from his place on a bale of hay set just outside the stall allotted to General Ulysses. \u201cIf I EVER find out who poisoned The General— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Wilson, I wish you\u2019d stop talkin\u2019 like that,\u201d Hoss said wearily. \u201cWe don\u2019t know that he WAS poisoned.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got your suspicions, Boy, and don\u2019t you DARE deny it,\u201d Blake shot right back. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t be here if\u2019n ya DIDN\u2019T.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss sighed. \u201cWell, I<\/strong> hope t\u2019 high heaven we\u2019re WRONG,\u201d he said as he returned his attention once more to the feed still lying in the trough.<\/p>\n

\u201cT\u2019 be up front \u2018n completely honest? I hope we\u2019re wrong, too,\u201d Blake admitted, \u201c \u2018cause I\u2019d hate like anything t\u2019 think a man I\u2019ve always known as friend \u2018n neighbor would set out to hurt Matt \u2018n The General on purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou \u2018n me both,\u201d Hoss wholeheartedly agreed. A moment later his face fell.<\/p>\n

Blake Wilson was off that hay bale like a shot. \u201cWha\u2019cha got there, Boy?\u201d he demanded, edging forward for a closer look. \u201cI KNOW y\u2019 found somethin\u2019 . . . I can see it in your face.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I found somethin\u2019 all right,\u201d Hoss responded with a heavy heart. He reached in and fished the crushed, chewed, and broken pieces of a weed out of the trough where it had lain buried under a covering of feed grain. The leaves had purplish undersides.<\/p>\n

Blake Wilson\u2019s anxiety underwent a dark transformation to raw fury upon seeing the pieces of weed lying in Hoss\u2019 hand. \u201cWhy those . . . those . . . no good—!! I\u2019ll KILL \u2018em for what they done t\u2019 General Ulysses \u2018n Matt, so HELP me— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Wilson, you stop talkin\u2019 like that,\u201d Hoss said tersely. The murderous gleam he saw reflected in Blake\u2019s eyes chilled him to the bone. \u201cJust . . . simmer down!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSimmer down?! You gotta lot o\u2019 gall, Boy, tellin\u2019 ME t\u2019 simmer down when those no good Bonners killed my horse \u2018n damn near killed Matt in the bargain,\u201d Blake turned on Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know they\u2019re responsible,\u201d Hoss argued.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t we?! There\u2019s only ONE place in the whole county where that stuff grows,\u201d Blake growled . . . .<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . \u2018n THAT\u2019S in what USED t\u2019 be the Bonners\u2019 summer pasture,\u201d Blake declared, punctuating his words with an emphatic nod of his head. He stood before Sheriff Coffee\u2019s desk, with arms folded defiantly across his chest, glaring down at the lawman, daring him to challenge.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I<\/strong> STILL say Jack O\u2019Connor\u2019s brat uva niece is the one that done it!\u201d Tony Grainger, owner of the livery stable where the unfortunate General Ulysses had been stabled over the past couple of days, argued. \u201cI caught her, Roy! She was lurkin\u2019 \u2018round General Ulysses\u2019 stall pretty as ya please!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAww fer—!!!\u201d Hoss groaned, rolling his eyes heavenward beseeching any and all who just might be listening for patience. \u201cDadburn it, Tony! In the first place, Avery told Mister Wilson \u2018n me YOU threw that li\u2019l gal outta the livery stable before she had a chance t\u2019 do any mischief, \u2018n second . . . ain\u2019t no way possible that she could\u2019ve put THAT loco weed in T\u2019 General\u2019s feedin\u2019 trough . . . \u2018n YOU dang well know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tony jammed his balled fists into the side pockets of his pants and lapsed into an angry, sullen silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe BONNERS\u2019RE the ones that poisoned my horse, \u2018n they damned near killed my son, too\u201d Blake said, his voice, his entire body quaking with anger. \u201cNow WHEN are ya gonna arrest \u2018em \u2018n throw their sorry asses in JAIL?!?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlake, we don\u2019t know Jeff \u2018n Rick were the ones responsible,\u201d Roy said grimly, while inwardly bristling against the man\u2019s challenging tone. \u201cSure . . . we got our suspicions— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWHADDYA MEAN WE DON\u2019T KNOW THE BONNERS WAS RESPONSIBLE?!\u201d Blake demanded, his voice rising. \u201cTHE PROOF O\u2019 THE PUDDIN\u2019S RIGHT THERE IN YOUR HAND!\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy pushed his chair back and rose very slowly to his feet. \u201cAll THIS proves is SOMEONE dug it up outta that abandoned pasture on the Bonner\u2019s ranch \u2018n put it in General Ulysses\u2019 feedin\u2019 trough,\u201d he explained, laboring mightily to keep his voice calm and even in the face of his swift rising ire and frustration.<\/p>\n

\u201cOF ALL THE STUPID<\/strong>—!!! DAMMIT, ROY, WHO ELSE COULD\u2019VE DUG UP THAT WEED?\u201d Blake demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cANYBODY!\u201d Roy shot right back, his resolve to keep his temper shattered. \u201cIN CASE YOU\u2019RE FORGETTIN\u2019, BLAKE, THAT PASTURE LAND SITS LESS \u2018N A QUARTER MILE FROM THE DIRT ROAD THAT MEANDERS THROUGH THE BONNERS\u2019 LAND \u2018N HOOKS UP T\u2019 THE MAIN ROAD LEADIN\u2019 INTO TOWN!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSO WHAT<\/strong>?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSO THAT MEANS ANYBODY<\/strong> COULD\u2019VE GONE IN . . . DUG UP THIS LOCO WEED . . . \u2018N RODE BACK T\u2019 TOWN WITHOUT THE BONNERS EVEN KNOWIN\u2019<\/strong>,\u201d Roy argued as he shook the wilting plants he clasped in Blake Wilson\u2019s face. An exasperated sigh exploded from between his lips, and in the stunned silence that followed, Roy bowed his head for a moment, closed his eyes, and counted to ten.<\/p>\n

Slowly.<\/p>\n

Three times.<\/p>\n

\u201cBlake, I\u2019m sorry, I had no call t\u2019 rip into ya like that,\u201d the lawman apologized at length. \u201cI promise ya, I WILL find out who put this loco weed in General Ulysses feedin\u2019 trough, but I\u2019m goin\u2019 to do that within the bounds o\u2019 the law. Now I\u2019ve got enough here t\u2019 have the Bonners brought in for questionin\u2019, \u2018n I\u2019ve sent Clem out to find \u2018em \u2018n bring \u2018em in.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about that mouthy li\u2019l brat?\u201d Tony demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve asked Clem to bring HER in, too,\u201d Roy said curtly, \u201cthough for the record, Tony, I don\u2019t believe f\u2019r one minute SHE had anything t\u2019 do with puttin\u2019 that loco weed in General Ulysses\u2019 trough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tony drew himself up to the very fullness of his height and folded his arms defiantly across his chest. \u201cThat mouthy li\u2019l brat\u2019s nothin\u2019 but trouble, Sheriff, what with her pickin\u2019 fights with all the other kids \u2018round town, stealin\u2019 candy from the general store . . . . \u201d he grumbled, while directing a venomous glare in Roy Coffee\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cI KNOW she\u2019s a trouble maker,\u201d Roy grudgingly had to admit, \u201cbut I, f\u2019r one think ridin\u2019 all the way out t\u2019 that abandoned south pasture on the Bonners\u2019 ranch where that loco weed grows is BEYOND what that gal can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI STILL wouldn\u2019t put it past that . . . that li\u2019l monster,\u201d Tony growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff Coffee . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

The lawman turned and glanced over at the door as Joe entered, with Adam following close behind. His heart sank upon seeing their grim faces, with jaws rigidly set and Joe\u2019s mouth thinned to a near straight line. He needed more trouble right at this very moment just as much as he needed someone to put a bullet in his head. \u201cAdam . . . Joe . . . what can I do for ya?\u201d Roy asked, then mentally braced himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cI found this riding crop out in the same meadow where Matt and General Ulysses were,\u201d Joe replied as he and his oldest brother walked over to Roy\u2019s desk. \u201cAdam here says it belongs to the Bonners.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLemme see that ridin\u2019 crop,\u201d Roy ordered, holding out his hand.<\/p>\n

Joe wordlessly handed the item requested over to the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow YOU say y\u2019 found this lyin\u2019 in the meadow where Matt \u2018n The General were?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d Joe nodded. \u201cI was coming back with an arm load of branches for the travois, Pa, Adam, Hoss, and Darryl Hughes were putting together so we could get Matt back to town, when I almost tripped over the dang thing,\u201d he said grimly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam . . . . \u201d Roy turned and looked over at the eldest of the Cartwright offspring, \u201cyou positive this ridin\u2019 crop belongs t\u2019 the Bonners?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat more proof do ya NEED, Roy?\u201d Blake demanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore \u2018n we got,\u201d Roy said tersely. \u201cOnly thing I know f\u2019r certain is one o\u2019 the Bonners, or maybe that cousin o\u2019 theirs, dropped or lost that crop in the meadow were Matt \u2018n General Ulysses were. This don\u2019t tell me WHEN they dropped it— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we DO know it was dropped recently,\u201d Adam very quietly added, drawing a dark glare from the sheriff.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecently DON\u2019T mean it was dropped TODAY, \u2018n don\u2019t you forget that, Blake,\u201d Roy said sternly. \u201cNow I agree the Bonners hafta ANSWER f\u2019r that loco weed, \u2018n this ridin\u2019 crop, too . . . \u2018n like I said before . . . I\u2019ve sent Clem t\u2019 fetch both of \u2018em in here . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cYO! COSMO! THE NEXT<\/strong> ROUND OF DRINKS ARE ON RICK BONNER<\/strong>!\u201d the youngest of the two brothers yelled. He stood before the bar in the crowded Bucket of Blood Saloon, surrounded by a dozen friends and well wishers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the hell do you THINK you\u2019re doing, you . . . you blithering idiot?!\u201d<\/p>\n

Rick turned and, much to his chagrin, found his older brother, Jeff, standing beside him. \u201cI\u2019m celebratin\u2019,\u201d he responded, the half inebriated smile on his face drooping ever so slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cCelebrating?!\u201d Jeff echoed, angry and bewildered. \u201cCelebrating WHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won the race didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot YET! Last I heard it\u2019s STILL a toss-up between you \u2018n Carl Yates,\u201d Jeff pointed out.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn it, Jeff, would ya relax?! Look! It was a close race,\u201d Rick argued. \u201cWorst thing that\u2019s gonna happen is the judges\u2019ll declare it a TIE race.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJeff . . . Rick . . . . \u201d It was Clem, with their cousin in tow. \u201cSheriff Coffee wants to see you AND your cousin.\u201d<\/p>\n

A smug, triumphant, and ever so slightly lopsided grin spread across Rick Bonner\u2019s lips. \u201cSee, Jeff? I told ya!\u201d he quipped. \u201cThe judges are about t\u2019 declare Juggernaut \u2018n me the winners.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Chapter 10<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cSheriff Coffee, Deputy Foster told me that you wanted to ask Midge a few questions,\u201d Gretchen Braun said as she entered the sheriff\u2019s office, with Midge firmly in hand. \u201cMay I ask what this is about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s \u2018cause THAT li\u2019l monster POISONED Mister Wilson\u2019s horse,\u201d Tony declared, thrusting an accusing finger right at Midge.<\/p>\n

\u201cI DID NOT<\/strong>!\u201d Midge vehemently denied the charge.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou lyin\u2019 li\u2019l—!\u201d Tony growled taking a step forward.<\/p>\n

Gretchen immediately placed herself between Midge and Tony. \u201cMister Grainger, if you so much as touch a hair on this child\u2019s head, I\u2019ll have you jailed for assault and battery,\u201d she said sternly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI DIDN\u2019T DO NUTHIN\u2019 TO THAT GENERAL HORSE! I SWEAR<\/strong>!\u201d Midge cried. She turned toward Roy. \u201cPlease, Sheriff Coffee . . . y\u2019 gotta BELIEVE me,\u201d she begged, her voice tremulous.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t stop lyin\u2019, so help me . . . I\u2019m gonna turn you right over my knee and whale the livin\u2019 daylights outta ya,\u201d Tony vowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou DO, Mister Grainger, and so help ME . . . I\u2019m gonna belt you one so hard, you\u2019ll be picking teeth right off the pages of the Sears catalog,\u201d Gretchen returned.<\/p>\n

\u201cTRY it, you ol— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTony, that\u2019s ENOUGH!\u201d Hoss said curtly as he stepped between the livery stable owner and Gretchen Braun. \u201cBadgerin\u2019 that li\u2019l gal like y\u2019 are ain\u2019t gonna get us anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhaddya MEAN that\u2019s enough, Hoss Cartwright?! Da—uhhh, DURN it! I\u2019ve worked HARD buildin\u2019 up that livery stable . . . REAL hard . . . \u2018n I\u2019ll be danged if I\u2019m gonna let that trouble makin\u2019 li\u2019l up start ruin it for me,\u201d Tony growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow you\u2019re talkin\u2019 crazy,\u201d Hoss admonished with an angry scowl on his face. \u201cAin\u2019t no way that li\u2019l gal can ruin your business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe comes in . . . does her mischief in MY stable . . . and I\u2019M the one who pays for it in lost business or worse, losing everything if someone decides t\u2019 sue,\u201d Tony argued.<\/p>\n

\u201cTony, you AIN\u2019T gonna lose your business, leastwise NOT on account o\u2019 Midge Frakes,\u201d Roy said sternly. \u201cNow, I\u2019d appreciate it a whole lot if ya\u2019d sit down \u2018n shut-up, so I can do my job.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat job is THAT, Roy? Lettin\u2019 trouble makin\u2019 kids get off scot free after makin\u2019 their mischief?\u201d Tony returned in a sullen, angry tone of voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cDagnabbit, Tony, you open your mouth one more time, I\u2019m gonna throw ya in jail for obstructin\u2019 justice,\u201d Roy warned. \u201cYou understand me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tony nodded, then pointedly turned his back on the entire assembly.<\/p>\n

Roy exhaled a loud sigh borne of his rising exasperation as he turned his attention to Midge. \u201cAll right, Young Lady, lemme get this straight,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re tellin\u2019 me you didn\u2019t poison Mister Wilson\u2019s horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI just said so, didn\u2019t I?\u201d Midge responded insolently.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d strongly advise ya t\u2019 keep a civil tongue in your head when you\u2019re speakin\u2019 t\u2019 me,\u201d Roy warned, \u201clest ya find yourself in a whole world o\u2019 trouble, you got that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir,\u201d Midge replied through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow Mister Grainger tells me he caught ya in the stable hangin\u2019 \u2018round the stall where Mister Wilson\u2019s horse was,\u201d Roy continued. \u201cThat true?\u201d<\/p>\n

Midge\u2019s eyes flitted from the sheriff, to Gretchen Braun, over to Adam and Mister Wilson, then back again to Hoss. \u201cY-Yes,\u201d she murmured, her voice barely audible, as she edged closer to Gretchen.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould ya mind tellin\u2019 me why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Midge swallowed nervously. \u201cI . . . I . . . ok. I had this burr I found, \u2018n I was gonna put it under the saddle o\u2019 the . . . of the horse them bla—, I mean them Cartwrights were gonna enter in the race,\u201d she haltingly confessed. \u201cI wanted t\u2019 get even with \u2018em \u2018cause Uncle Jack had t\u2019 go away.\u201d This last she added with a touch of defiance.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee?\u201d Tony crowed. \u201cI TOLD ya that li\u2019l imp o\u2019 Satan was up t\u2019 no good!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . \u2018n I told YOU to shut-up,\u201d Roy tersely reminded the livery stable owner.<\/p>\n

Tony lapsed into sullen silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cDID ya put that burr under the saddle belongin\u2019 to the Cartwrights\u2019 horse?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy DIDN\u2019T ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMORE likely ya didn\u2019t \u2018cause I<\/strong> happened on ya before ya had the chance!\u201d Tony growled.<\/p>\n

\u201cTony, I AIN\u2019T gonna tell ya again,\u201d Roy warned. He closed his eyes and once more counted to ten. \u201cAll right, Midge . . . s\u2019pose you tell me what happened? Why ya DIDN\u2019T put the burr under the saddle belongin\u2019 t\u2019 the Cartwrights\u2019 horse?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard voices \u2018n footsteps,\u201d Midge replied. \u201cI thought it might be Mister Grainger, so I hid in the empty stall next to the General\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWAS it Mister Grainger?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Midge replied, \u201cit was two OTHER fellas, \u2018n I saw \u2018em go in—THERE!\u201d she cried, pointing as the Bonners and their cousin entered the sheriff\u2019s office, with Clem following close behind. \u201cHim \u2018n HIM!\u201d She pointed to Rick first, then to their cousin, Lee. \u201cTHEY went into the General\u2019s stall \u2018n they put somethin\u2019 in with his feed. I SAW \u2018em through the cracks in the boards!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . uuhhh, Sheriff?\u201d Rick queried. \u201cWhat\u2019s this all about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYOU wanna know what his is all about?! Well, by thunder I\u2019LL tell ya what his is about,\u201d Blake yelled, giving vent to the anger that had been building within him since hearing of the misfortune that had befallen his son and horse. \u201cYou dirty, rotten, no good sons of bitches POISONED my horse . . . \u2018n you ALMOST killed my son.\u201d He started toward the three, his eyes burning with murderous rage, with every intention of strangling the Bonners and their cousin with his bare hands.<\/p>\n

Adam immediately stepped in front of Blake. \u201cMister Wilson, no! Please . . . DON\u2019T do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGet outta my way, Adam,\u201d Blake ordered in a low, menacing tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know how you feel— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf ya know how I feel, you\u2019ll get outta my WAY!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff Coffee . . . what does he MEAN that we poisoned his horse and almost killed his son?!\u201d Jeff Bonner queried with a puzzled frown.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you DARE play innocent with ME, you— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBlake, either you settle yourself down right NOW . . . or I\u2019M gonna hafta ask ya to leave,\u201d Roy rudely cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Wilson, I\u2019M sorry about Matt \u2018n your horse . . . we ALL are!\u201d Jeff said, his gaze taking in Rick and Lee. \u201cBut WE had nothing to do with— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLIAR!\u201d Blake spat contemptuously.<\/p>\n

\u201cJeff . . . and you, too, Rick . . . that riding crop Sheriff Coffee\u2019s holding belonged to your pa,\u201d Adam stated very quietly. \u201cMy brother, Joe, found it lying in the same meadow Matt and General Ulysses were.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lee turned, and favored Adam with a malevolent glare. \u201cWhat makes YOU so sure that riding crop belonged to their pa?\u201d he challenged. \u201cYou ever seen him with it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cTakin\u2019 its good condition into account, this ridin\u2019 crop was dropped, or maybe THROWN, very recently,\u201d Roy said with a sharp, meaningful glance over at Rick. \u201cYou boys need t\u2019 tell ME when \u2018n where ya lost it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . Sheriff Coffee, I had no idea . . . n-no idea at all Pa\u2019s riding crop was missing,\u201d Jeff claimed.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . \u2018n I\u2019VE never even SEEN the damned thing before,\u201d Lee insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cRick?\u201d Roy Coffee prompted, while duly noting that the young man stood, unmoving, with back stiffly erect, head bowed, and hands jammed into the side pockets of his pants.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . didn\u2019t m-mean it . . . . \u201d Rick said, his voice barely audible.<\/p>\n

Lee Hobbs stared over at his cousin, with a mixture of anger and bewilderment. \u201cShut-UP,\u201d he hissed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t mean WHAT, Rick?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t . . . say . . . ANYTHING,\u201d Lee whispered through clenched teeth.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . d-didn\u2019t mean to . . . to . . . I d-didn\u2019t mean for . . . for what h-happened,\u201d Rick replied, his voice shaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cG\u2019won . . . . \u201d Roy urged gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . all I wanted w-was . . . was to get M-Matt \u2018n . . . \u2018n General Ulysses OUT of the race,\u201d Rick confessed. \u201cHonest t\u2019 God, I SWEAR! I . . . I used that crop on . . . on General Ulysses\u2019 flank \u2018n sent him \u2018n Matt runnin\u2019 into the meadow. I had no idea they\u2019d . . . that they\u2019d— \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got NO idea what he\u2019s talkin\u2019 about,\u201d Lee declared as he folded his arms tight across his chest. \u201cNo idea whatsoever!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe HELL you don\u2019t,\u201d Jeff said bitterly. \u201cThis whole thing was YOUR idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJeff . . . what do ya think you\u2019re DOIN\u2019?!\u201d Lee demanded, astonished and outraged.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe jig is UP, Lee,\u201d Jeff said, feeling oddly, as if a terrible burden had just been lifted from his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Lee said, grabbing the revolver from Jeff\u2019s holster. \u201cAww, NO! You AIN\u2019T gonna put ME in jail for . . . for something I didn\u2019t DO.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy rose to his feet very slowly. \u201cSon, please . . . don\u2019t do somethin\u2019 you\u2019re gonna end up regrettin\u2019,\u201d he pleaded. His hand automatically dropped down to the handle of his gun.<\/p>\n

\u201cHands UP, Old Man,\u201d Lee snarled contemptuously. \u201cALL of you . . . hands UP!\u201d He held Jeff\u2019s gun out at shoulder length, his arm straight as a poker. \u201cDon\u2019t any of ya even THINK o\u2019 movin\u2019.\u201d He began to back his way toward the door very slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you think you\u2019re tryin\u2019 t\u2019 pull, Young Man, but whatever it is, y\u2019 ain\u2019t gonna get away with it,\u201d Roy said very quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just told ya . . . I AIN\u2019T goin\u2019 t\u2019 jail,\u201d Lee shot right back. His eyes darted wildly from one face to the next. \u201cYou!\u201d he barked, his eyes coming to rest on Joe. \u201cOver here! YOU\u2019RE gonna be my ticket outta town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe . . . don\u2019t,\u201d Hoss begged.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be ok, Brother, trust me,\u201d Joe said curtly. He, then, straightened, and with hands upraised walked over and took his place in front of Lee.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, you fetch me the keys to your jail cell outta your desk,\u201d Lee ordered.<\/p>\n

Roy did as he had been told.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow put \u2018em right there on top o\u2019 your desk along with your gun,\u201d Lee said. \u201cNo tricks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roy noted with increasing concern that the young man\u2019s breathing was rapid, and the hand holding the gun trembled slightly. \u201cI\u2019m doin\u2019 as ya ask, Son,\u201d he said in as calm and steady a voice as he could muster, taking great care to keep his movements slow and even as he set the keys down first, then his weapon.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet your hands up! That goes for the rest of ya, too.\u201d Lee jammed the barrel of his revolver hard against Joe\u2019s back for emphasis.<\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss exchanged worried glances then slowly raised their hands, as did the Bonners.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf my son\u2019s left crippled, or . . . or—!\u201d Blake abruptly broke off, unable to complete that horrible thought. \u201cI\u2019ll be after you, Boy . . . and WHEN I find ya, I\u2019ll KILL ya . . . with my bare hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut-up,\u201d Lee snapped, \u201cand get those hands up like I said.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blake raised his hands, while directing a murderous glare at Lee first, then over toward the Bonners. One by one, Roy Coffee, Tony Grainger, Gretchen Braun, and Midge Frakes followed suit.<\/p>\n

\u201cI . . . I\u2019m gonna let the kid go,\u201d Lee decided. He, then, turned his attention to Midge. \u201cYou g\u2019won. Git!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about . . . I . . . I can\u2019t go without Mrs. Braun . . . . \u201d Midge murmured, horrified by the very notion.<\/p>\n

\u201cMidge, you go,\u201d Gretchen said quietly. \u201cYou\u2019ll find Heidi at the hotel or minding the booth selling pies and cakes. Stay with her until I come for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut—?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be all right, Child. Now you go like the man said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cB-But, I—!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow!\u201d Gretchen said tersely.<\/p>\n

Midge immediately turned bolted across the room, running as fast as her legs could carry her. Upon reaching the door, she threw it wide open and ran headlong into Ben Cartwright.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa there, Young Lady . . . . \u201d Ben placed his hands on Midge\u2019s shoulders to steady her wobbling balance, and prevent her from taking a nasty tumble.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeggo!\u201d Midge snarled, struggling mightily to free herself from Ben\u2019s hold on her. \u201cYou lemme go right now you . . . you blamed ol\u2019 Cartwright!\u201d She wiggled free, tottered momentarily, then righted herself and fled down the board walk, half blinded by tears borne of fear for Mrs. Braun\u2019s safety, and anger toward the Cartwrights and that mean ol\u2019 Mister Grainger.<\/p>\n

Ben, meanwhile, entered the sheriff\u2019s office and suddenly found himself looking into the barrel of Jeff Bonner\u2019s revolver. He noted with alarm that the hand clutching the gun shook slightly, the young man\u2019s round, staring eyes, and the tiny beads of sweat dotting his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay BACK!\u201d Lee hissed.<\/p>\n

Ben unconsciously took a step forward, his mind and senses reeling.<\/p>\n

Lee squeezed the trigger. Gretchen Braun screamed when Ben collapsed to the floor with a look of pure astonishment on his face, then all hell broke loose.<\/p>\n

Joe gritted his teeth and drove his elbow deep into Lee\u2019s stomach with all his strength, then pivoted, before Lee had a chance to recover, and followed through with a straight jab to the middle of his face. Adam ran to Ben, now lying over the threshold, half in the sheriff\u2019s office and half on the board walk outside, with blood flowing freely from a bullet wound to his right leg. Hoss and Roy surrounded the Bonner brothers, preventing them from using the ensuing fracas to make an escape, while Gretchen looked on in horror, her back pressed hard against the wall. Lee scrambled to his feet, gasping for breath, and bolted for the door.<\/p>\n

Adam knotted the tourniquet he had placed around his father\u2019s leg above the bullet wound, then drew his weapon. \u201cHold it right there, Mister,\u201d he ordered, leveling his revolver at Lee\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cN-No!\u201d Lee stammered, completely breathless, his entire body quaking. He reached for his gun only to find, much to his horror, that his holster was empty.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s OVER, Mister,\u201d Hoss said very quietly, as he moved in behind Lee and dropped his hand down heavily on the young man\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we got things in hand here now,\u201d Roy said curtly. \u201cYou g\u2019won . . . find Doc Martin. Your pa needs him.\u201d<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

\u201cThank the Good Lord Pa\u2019s going to be all right,\u201d<\/em> Adam silently mused as he made his way down the hall to Ben\u2019s hotel room, bearing a tray containing a scrumptious supper prepared in the hotel restaurant by Gretchen Braun. Though the bullet wound to Pa\u2019s leg had bled quite profusely at first, closer examination found that his leg had merely been branded. Paul Martin had cleaned the wound, bandaged it, then sternly ordered Pa to rest in no uncertain terms.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching the closed door to his father\u2019s room, Adam shifted the supper tray over and balanced it on his left arm, then knocked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d Ben inquired from within. \u201cWho is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRoom service, Pa,\u201d Adam announced, as he entered the room. He was not the least bit surprised to find his two younger brothers and only sister seated around their father\u2019s bed in chairs fetched up from the dining room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful!\u201d Ben said favoring his eldest with a weary smile. \u201cI\u2019m starved.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam walked over and carefully placed the tray down on Ben\u2019s lap. Ben removed the cloth napkin cover and to his delight found two pieces of fried chicken, green beans, a generously buttered ear of golden yellow corn, two biscuits, an enormous slab of apple raisin pie, and coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cSay . . . aren\u2019t the four of ya going to the dance and the fireworks tonight?\u201d Ben asked as he added cream and sugar to his coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n

Ben frowned. \u201cIf the lot of you think I\u2019m gonna stand for you hanging around and watching me sleep— \u201d he started to protest.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe city council and the dance committee decided to postpone the dance and fireworks until tomorrow night,\u201d Joe explained. \u201cWith everything that\u2019s happened today . . . . \u201d His voice trailed off to an uneasy silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo . . . what, exactly, IS gonna happen to the Bonners and their cousin?\u201d Stacy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff Coffee told me Jeff, Rick, and their cousin confessed to everything, while I was waiting for Mrs. Braun to prepare Pa\u2019s supper,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cIt\u2019s up to a judge now to pass sentence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTaking their past history into account, I don\u2019t imagine any judge is going to be inclined toward leniency ,\u201d Ben remarked with a sigh as he buttered one of the biscuits on his tray. \u201cI assume Blake still intends to press charges?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam nodded. \u201cThe good news there, however, is Mister Wilson\u2019s no longer talking about strangling Jeff, Rick, and their cousin with his bare hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad to hear THAT,\u201d Ben said, \u201cnot that I can blame him entirely. If that had been any of YOU, I\u2019d more \u2018n likely want to strangle those three young men with MY bare hands, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did they do it?\u201d Stacy asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMister Adams at the Mercantile Bank told Sheriff Coffee the Bonners haven\u2019t been doing well financially since their pa died a few years ago,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cThey\u2019re presently six months behind on their mortgage payments, and the bank was about to foreclose on their house and land.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d Ben exclaimed, his eyes round with astonishment. \u201cI don\u2019t understand that. I\u2019d heard Mister Bonner left those boys a handsome sum of money, most of which was, more \u2018n likely, stashed under his mattress.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReckless spending, Pa,\u201d Adam said. \u201cRick, by all accounts, dropped most of his share of their father\u2019s inheritance playing poker and blackjack, while Jeff . . . he spent his on a woman, who . . . well, up and left him after he had run out of money.\u201d This last he said with an anxious glance over at his sister.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I happen to know all about the woman Jeff Bonner spent all his money on,\u201d Stacy said with a disparaging sigh and a wry roll of her eyes heavenward, \u201cincluding the fact that the man Jeff\u2019s girl left him for was a big moneybags from Placerville, who was already married.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben glared over at his daughter. \u201c . . . and where, Young Woman, did you find THAT out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t eavesdropping, Pa,\u201d Stacy very quickly defended herself. \u201cMiss Mudgely was talking to Mrs. Jared about it right out in front of the general store where ANYBODY could hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Though relieved to hear that his daughter hadn\u2019t had her ear glued to a keyhole somewhere, knowing how Stacy did come by that kind of information didn\u2019t make Ben feel any better.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder what set their cousin off?\u201d Joe wondered aloud. \u201cHe was madder \u2018n a wet hornet, but somehow? I can\u2019t quite shake the feeling he was scared to death.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t surprise me,\u201d Adam said grimly. \u201cSheriff Coffee also told me that the Bonners\u2019 cousin served time in prison for robbing a bank and wounding a teller. It seems he suffered a great deal while incarcerated.\u201d The word Roy Coffee had used was \u201cviolated.\u201d Adam, however, had qualms about repeating that in front of his young sister. \u201cThe sheriff actually has their cousin under a suicide watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe gave a low somber whistle.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know those three hafta pay the consequences for what they done,\u201d Hoss said quietly, \u201cbut I still can\u2019t help feelin\u2019 sorry for \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c \u2018S ok, Big Brother. I feel sorry for them, too,\u201d Adam said quietly as he reached out and gave Hoss\u2019 shoulder an affectionate squeeze.<\/p>\n

Joe rose to his feet and stretched. \u201cI guess this means Carl Yates won the race,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOohhh, yeah! Carl \u2018n that Kentucky hayburner won all right,\u201d Hoss said with a broad grin, \u201c \u2018n by all accounts, ol\u2019 Abe Miller\u2019s fit t\u2019 be tied.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d Joe exclaimed with mild surprise. \u201cConsidering the lengths he\u2019s gone to win this race, I\u2019d have thought he\u2019d be overjoyed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t say I\u2019M surprised,\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you say that, Big Brother?\u201d Stacy asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned. \u201cHalf the fun o\u2019 winnin\u2019 the race is standin\u2019 there in the winners circle with all your friends \u2018n everyone else lookin\u2019 on,\u201d he was only too happy to explain. \u201cOl\u2019 Abe . . . well, I\u2019ll put it this way, Li\u2019l Sister. What with everyone bein\u2019 so concerned \u2018bout Matt, Abe Miller might\u2019ve had TWO people watchin\u2019 when he was given that trophy . . . maybe three . . . . \u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s always NEXT year,\u201d Adam philosophically observed.<\/p>\n

\u201c . . . that\u2019s right, Adam,\u201d Stacy wholeheartedly agreed, \u201cbecause next year, Sun Dancer \u2018n I are gonna beat Mister Miller and everyone ELSE . . . by a wide mile.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 August 2010<\/p>\n

Next Story in the Bloodlines Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Virginia City Detour<\/a>
\nThe Guardian<\/a>
\nYoung Cartwrights in Love<\/a>
\nSan Francisco Revisited<\/a>
\nThere But for the Grace of God<\/a>
\nBetween Life and Death<\/a>
\nOrenna<\/a>
\nClarissa Returns<\/a>
\nTrial by Fire<\/a>
\nMark of Kane<\/a><\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

Notes:<\/p>\n

[1] Winifred Mahon is the matriarch of one of the warring families in Bonanza Episode #96, \u201cBlessed Are They,\u201d written by Borden Chase and Frank Cleaver.<\/p>\n

[2] Clementine Hawkins appeared in Bonanza Episode #71, \u201cThe Burma Rarity,\u201d writer unknown.<\/p>\n

[3] Alexander DuBois appears in Bonanza Episode #97, \u201cThe Dowry,\u201d written by Robert Vincent Wright.<\/p>\n

[4] This happened in Bonanza Episode #121, \u201cThe Hayburner,\u201d written by Alex Sharp.<\/p>\n

[5] A paraphrase of Genesis 2: 24.<\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are property of the author. The author is not in any way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise, and makes no money from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 The Independence Day race, which the Cartwrights have been looking forward to all summer, ends in near tragedy. <\/p>\n

Rating: \u00a0K+ (39,720 words)<\/p>\n

Bloodlines Series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":8614,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[7,23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-6403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-u","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-7-id","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1655,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Bunting-01.jpg?fit=388%2C418&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13630,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13630","url_meta":{"origin":6403,"position":0},"title":"A Cry for Freedom (by JennieA)","author":"JennieA","date":"January 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It started with Ben giving Little Joe more responsibility for the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Little did the family realize the course Ben was setting in motion. 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