Welcome to the world of Captain Cartwright; this is the first story in this continuing saga.<\/p>\n
Summary<\/strong>: This story includes an alternative introduction of Candy to the Cartwright family, where he finds a restless Joe Cartwright who resents the fact that his eldest brother left the Ponderosa. Adam meanwhile has adventures of his own far away at sea … This story begins my Captain Cartwright series, however, it was preceded by, I Shall Cherish You Forever<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rated: K (72,755 words)<\/p>\n The final page contains reviews\/comments from the Old BonanzaBrand Library<\/p>\n Captain Cartwright Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n To Soar on Albatross Wings<\/a> <\/p>\n To Soar on Albatross Wings<\/strong><\/p>\n The men in the bunk house gave the newcomer a cursory glance before returning to their respective tasks. Some grunted a greeting and someone asked him if he would care for some coffee. The young man nodded, looked about him and threw his saddlebags and hat upon the one unused bed. This was followed by himself, cast down and stretched full length with his arms folded behind his head.<\/p>\n \u201cHere -\u201d<\/p>\n He looked up to see a big man standing beside the bed with a mug of steaming coffee in one hand. Sitting upright and swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he gratefully accepted the hot drink, took a sip and nodded in approval,<\/p>\n \u201cGood stuff. I like it strong.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll try and remember,\u201d the other cow hand said and extended his other hand \u201cEddy Davis.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCanady\u201d the other replied, and shook the other mans hand.<\/p>\n \u201cYou did a good day\u2019s work today, Canaday. I was watching you. You know your way around cattle pretty good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve worked with them long enough to have learned something.\u201d Canady replied with a slight scowl on his face. He gulped down the coffee, wiped his mouth on the back of his hand and looked over at the other men. Some were watching him and Davis now, listening in on the conversation with the natural curiosity of men who when confined together in a small space find any diversion of interest. A New hand being one of them,<\/p>\n \u201cMost folk call me Candy, on account of my name,\u201d the young man said by way of introduction and he smiled pleasantly, which lightened the sallow features and made the blue eyes sparkle, \u201cI was wondering what to do as I was running low on provisions and funds. A guy in Virginia City said to try the Ponderosa, said the boss here was taking on new hands.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a busy time of year,\u201d Eddy replied, \u201cI\u2019ve worked with the Cartwrights for five seasons now. They pay well, and the grubs good. All they expect from their hands is honest work, and keep the bunk house clean.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Candy glanced around the bunk house, \u201cI did notice that the lady of the house likes to keep things in order. This is about the neatest bunk house I\u2019ve been in for some time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen Cartwright\u2019s a widower.\u201d another man volunteered and paused in the act of pulling off his boots, \u201cAin\u2019t never bin no woman on the ranch since his third wife died.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTHIRD wife?\u201d Candy raised his eyebrows, \u201cCase of lock up your daughters, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n The boot clattered to the floor, swiftly followed by the other,<\/p>\n \u201cNothing like that,\u201d the cowhand wiggled his toes and shook his head at the sight of the hole in his sock, \u201cMr Cartwright\u2019s wife died over 20 year ago. \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cThe only one that applies to now is his youngest son, Joseph.\u201d Eddy chuckled, \u201cNow, HE is one to watch where the ladies are concerned. Pretty lad he is, and as full of pepper as a man can be.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy, as he preferred to be called, frowned,<\/p>\n \u201cSo who was the big guy that hired me on today?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, that\u2019s Mr Cartwright\u2019s middle son, Hoss. He\u2019s Mr Cartwright\u2019s second wife\u2019s son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s another one then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWas three of \u2018em\u201d Eddy nodded, took Candy\u2019s mug and took it back to join with a line up of others on a ledge near the stove, \u201cThe eldest left the Ponderosa about a year or more ago.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t tell me, he\u2019s the first born from Mr Cartwright\u2019s first wife?\u201d Candy allowed a half smile to grace his lips and his eyes twinkled.<\/p>\n \u201cS\u2019right,\u201d Eddy replied, \u201cHe was a good boss. Sure miss him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure do,\u201d the other man sighed, and there was a mumble of agreement from some of the others.<\/p>\n \u201cSo what\u2019s the matter with the others? That Hoss fella sure seemed to know what he was doing.\u201d Candy said a she resumed his seat on the edge of his bed.<\/p>\n \u201cOh they do, don\u2019t you worry none about that, there ain\u2019t no flies on the Cartwright boys. They sure do know all there is to know about how to run this ranch. It\u2019s just that they just don\u2019t seem to have got things sorted out yet since Adam Cartwright left here..\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t something you can rightly put your finger on, because they\u2019re all good at what they do and Mr Cartwright is just about the best boss a man can get, but Adam was disciplined and expected us to work according to his standard or else. He was a loss to the place, and that\u2019s a fact.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd it came to \u2018em as a shock, his deciding to get up and leave here. No one expected that to happen, not in a million years.\u201d Eddy sat down on his bed and stretched out his long legs. \u201cAnyways, Candy, where\u2019s you from?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRound and about Yuma way.\u201d Candy replied as he slowly unbuckled his gun belt and coiled it carefully upon the end of the bed. \u201cI worked for Jack Griffiths for some time, until he decided to sell out to Colonel Peterson.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh, I heard tell about that Peterson fella. Mean streak in him, I heard.\u201d the man with the hole in his socks muttered, \u201cBy the way, my names Andrews, Jake Andrews.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy nodded an acknowledgement to the man and pulled off his boots. He settled back upon the bed and once again folded his arms behind his head. He closed his eyes and hoped that the conversation would no longer concern him. He needed to think and plan for the future.<\/p>\n Life hadn\u2019t been so good over the past few years. There was no doubt about it, meeting Ann and falling in love with her had been like soaring heavenwards and catching stars. Getting married had been the first great commitment of his life, but then that was when everything had gone wrong. Everything. He squeezed his eyes shut to blank out the hurt. Even now, even after so long, it still hurt. He could still see her face. He could still hear those words \u2018marriage is over\u2019 \u2018annulment\u2019 \u2018over for good\u2019<\/p>\n How could something so wonderful, something that made them so happy suddenly have become so bad, so wrong? He had loved her and she must have loved him after all she had said \u2018Yes\u2019 to the marriage vows, and she had taken his ring and put it on her finger, kissed him and \u2026<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Candy -\u201d<\/p>\n Eddy\u2019s voice broke into his memories and he forced his mind to return to the now and present time to look over at his newly found associate. Eddy smiled,<\/p>\n \u201cTime to eat. Hop Sing\u2019s brought us over something for us to eat. Best cook in the world. Another reason why I keep coming back here season after season .\u201d<\/p>\n Candy nodded, rubbed his face with his hands and then raked through his thick dark hair with his fingers. Good food, clean bed, decent workmates, what more could a man want? He knew the answer to that one \u2026 a good wife who would love him forever.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cSo what\u2019s he like, this new hand?\u201d Joe Cartwright looked up at his brother and raised a questioning eyebrow, while at the same time he speared a good sized steak onto his knife and dropped it onto the plate.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a good worker.\u201d Hoss replied, carefully cutting into his meat, \u201cJust rode up and asked if he could be signed on. Roy sent him along. Good thing too, we were short handed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo, he\u2019s a good worker. What else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, he\u2019s quiet. Efficient. Works at a quicker pace than some. Knows his way around the cattle, and a good horseman. Pleasant enough I reckon.\u201d Hoss continued to tackle the steak and looked over at his father who was ladling potato onto his plate, \u201cYou okay, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am, Hoss.\u201d Ben replied in his deep even voice and he glanced over at his son and smiled, \u201cSo what is this new efficient worker\u2018s name? Do you think he\u2019ll last here long?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHard to tell, Pa. He seemed the kind that would be content to just drift for some while. His name\u2019s Canady, but I heard the men calling him Candy which he didn\u2019t seem to object to at all.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded and picked up some bread. Joe was deep in thought and concentrating on his food with a furrowed brow, \u201cNo, Pa, I was just thinking about what time to leave tomorrow, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, you weren\u2019t frettin\u2019 over that little gal of McDonald\u2019s were ya?\u201d Hoss grinned and raised an eyebrow in fun, \u201cI heard tell -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t listen to gossip. Anyway, it hasn\u2019t anything to do with you.\u201d Joe retorted sharply, and his lips thinned in annoyance, \u201cSeems to me a guy can\u2019t be doing anything around here without some one poking their big fat noses into it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShucks, Joe, there ain\u2019t no need to go on so,\u201d Hoss cried, \u201cI weren\u2019t gonna say anything .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you already did.\u201d Joe snapped and pushed himself away from the table, throwing down his napkin and about to stride away when Ben\u2019s hand grabbed at his wrist and brought him to a halt,<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d Ben said quietly and calmly, \u201cNow, young man, I suggest you just set yourself back down there and finish the meal Hop Sing has provided for you and apologise to your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut-\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo but\u2019s -\u201d Ben replied softly, \u201cAnd no more of this nonsense.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir,\u201d Joe sat down heavily on the chair and glanced over at Hoss, who lowered his eyes rather than be even more hurt by the anger on Joe\u2019s face, \u201cSorry, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh, yeah, sure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI said \u2018sorry\u2019, \u201cJoe snapped again, \u201cCan\u2019t you-\u201d Ben looked at Hoss sternly and then at Joe, then he shook his head and sighed, as though the bickering at the table was beyond his patience. Both Joe and Hoss resumed eating but both did so with a lack of appetite now, as though the harsh words had robbed them of the enjoyment they had previously.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, back to what you were saying, what have you decided to do about leaving tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got it all fixed, Pa. Hoss, do you reckon the new hand will be prepared to work along with us on the drive?\u201d he shot a sharp look at his brother, barely an acknowledgement but it was better than nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why not,\u201d Hoss replied in his normal manner, always prepared to let bygones be bygones just as quickly as possible, \u201cTalk was about nothing else at the camp so he\u2019ll know we\u2019re about to move them out anytime now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019ve four more men joining us in the morning. Should be here by dawn. Sam Downing has the chuck wagon already provisioned for and is ready to go. I guess we should be moving out by noon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMmm, well, it isn\u2019t as large a drive as we usually have at this time of the year.\u201d Ben sighed, \u201cOld man Wallis didn\u2019t want to join with us this time. First time he\u2019s missed sharing our drive with us for ten years.\u201d and he frowned thoughtfully, as though there was some other reason than the one Wallis had provided them.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh, spares us having to share his men as well. That foreman of his was always trouble.\u201d Joe retorted sharply and pushed his now empty plate away but drew the coffee pot closer.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean Jed Orton? He signed off several months ago. Decided he wanted to go to Sacremento and have a life.\u201d Hoss grinned, recalling to mind the conversation he had had with the Wallis\u2019 ex foreman.<\/p>\n \u201cOh sure, another one who thinks he has to move away from here to get a life \u2026\u201d Joe muttered and scowled at the coffee pot.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d Ben snapped, \u201cAre you implying that life here is boring or something?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot me, Pa. After all, I\u2019m still here, aren\u2019t I?\u201d Joe picked up his cup and saucer and excused himself from the table to take a seat on the settee opposite the fire.<\/p>\n Hoss and Ben raised their eyebrows at one another in mutual sympathy. They both knew exactly what Joe was implying for they had heard words of similar effect for over a year now. Ben cleared his throat and continued to eat, while Hoss filled his own cup with coffee and allowed himself to drift back in time.<\/p>\n It had been early one morning, springtime and with soft sun shining through the windows. A balmy breeze made the curtains drift too and fro over the floor. Sun beams made the dust motes dance in their light.<\/p>\n Hoss could recall the amount of time it had seemed to take his brother to come from his room. He had realised, of course, that despite all the hours of talking, planning, and anticipating the actuality of leaving home was going to be much harder. Naturally it would take longer but, and Hoss could recall the feeling so well, it sure made him as nervous as a kitten hanging around downstairs waiting.<\/p>\n \u201cReady?\u201d he had bellowed up the stairs and had been surprised at how his voice had cracked on just that one word. At the answering silence Hoss had cleared his throat and yelled, \u201cI said, are you ready?\u201d<\/p>\n Looking back now Hoss remembered the sound of Joe hurrying into the room, and had noticed his brush his sleeve across his face while at the same time he had yelled,<\/p>\n \u201cC\u2019mon, Adam, that stage ain\u2019t gonna wait all day for you.\u201d and there had been a catch in his voice as well. Hoss knew that Adam would have noticed, after all, he had.<\/p>\n They had heard the door shut a firm determined slam. Hoss could remember to this day how he had felt a shiver run down his spine and had wondered if Adam would ever come back home, if he would ever step through that door again. He could remember thinking it and then hearing his father speaking, obviously to Adam, but loudly enough for both Joe and Hoss to hear as well,<\/p>\n \u201cI guess no one is ever really ready to say the last goodbye, are they, son?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had turned to look at his father. The deep voice so gentle, so reassuring, so sad. Ben had smiled, his black eyes tender. Watching the two men as they had stood together on the stairs Hoss could remember sensing how his father was forcing himself to keep all his emotions in check. The anger, the misery, the pride and the love must have been all tumbling about inside him, just as they were churning away inside of himself. Hoss remembered, however, that the look on Ben\u2019s face had been only that of tenderness.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Pa, I guess not,\u201d Adam had replied in a voice barely a whisper, in fact; Hoss remembered he was straining his ears to catch the words.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll always be here, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss had looked away then and he heard Joe sniff. Sure, they\u2019d be here, but Adam wouldn\u2019t be, he\u2019d be gone, far away and life here on the Ponderosa would never be the same again. When he had looked up he had seen the sudden grief in Ben\u2019s eyes and knew his father had thought the same thing.<\/p>\n Hoss sighed now, and brought his mind back to the present. Tomorrow they would be starting a cattle drive. He made a mental note that it would be the second one without Adam riding along as trail boss. This trip it was going to be Joe\u2019s task, while he went along as ram rod. With the four men joining them in the morning, the new hand, Candy, and the other twelve ranch hands they had a full contingent of men to handle the drive. He looked at his father who was pouring himself some coffee,<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think that deal for the timber will work out with Jefferson?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why not,\u201d Ben replied, \u201cAs soon as I\u2019ve got the contract signed I\u2019ll cable you. You should be at Boulder\u2019s Creek by then.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded in agreement. Boulder\u2019s Creek was a regular stop over point. He glanced across the room down to where Joe sat in silent contemplation of the fire.<\/p>\n \u201cYou alright, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure. I\u2019m fine.\u201d Joe replied still staring into the flames.<\/p>\n \u201cHow about a game of checkers?\u201d Hoss pushed away from the table and smiled at Ben as he passed his father to join Joe at the fireside.<\/p>\n Joe nodded and turned his attention away from the flames. There was little point in dwelling upon the matter anymore, he told himself. But then he had said that oh probably a million times, every time, in fact, that his mind had trickled back to times before, when Adam had been there, been home, sharing the banter and the love. He looked at Hoss and smiled but his mind was saying \u201cHe didn\u2019t have to go and leave us, he didn\u2019t, not really.\u201d<\/p>\n Chapter 2<\/p>\n The four men arrived in the yard of the Ponderosa just as dawn was breaking. Sam Browning had already driven the chuck wagon to the location where the cattle had already been rounded up and most of the men in the bunkhouse had themselves ready for departure. Breakfast had been earlier than usual, and horses and equipment checked over and ready to leave the ranch.<\/p>\n Candy, as he appeared to prefer being called, fastened his horses\u2019 girth strap securely and glanced around him thoughtfully. He had worked on a number of fair sized ranches over the years since he had chosen an independent life and he was impressed by the way in which the ranch hands on the Ponderosa were organised for what was not the largest cattle drive of the season. Not a man there grumbled at the early start but were good natured, anxious to be off, and already planning what to do with their earnings at the time of pay day which was six weary weeks away.<\/p>\n He led his horse from the corral by the reins his eyes watchful of the men there as they saddled up and made their way, at a comfortable canter, to the designated spot for departure. His eyes caught sight of the four new cowboys who had ridden into the yard and he was wondering where they would fit in when the door of the house opened and a young man paused at the threshold, and upon seeing the men walked towards them.<\/p>\n There was some discussion between them and what appeared to be a package passed from the main spokesman into the younger mans hands. It was at this point that Joe, for it was him, glanced up and saw Candy observing them. He beckoned the man over to join them, watching him all the while as Candy strolled over towards them, his horse loping behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you Canady?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am.\u201d Candy nodded and looked straight into Joe\u2019s eyes, as though to indicate that although Joe may be paying him his wages at the end of six weeks he, Candy, in no way felt himself his inferior. He kept his hat on his head and raised his chin defiantly.<\/p>\n Joe nodded, a slight grin passed over his lips in acceptance of Candy\u2019s stance, and he turned his attention back to the four men who appeared to be waiting for his instructions.<\/p>\n \u201cCandy here will take care of you, if you\u2019d care to ride out with him. He\u2019s new here too so don\u2019t worry too much if you happen to lose your way.\u201d there was a twinkle in his eyes as he spoke and he glanced over at C andy to see how the man accepted the sarcasm. \u201cCandy, that is what you prefer to be called, isn\u2019t it?\u201d and as Candy nodded, he proceeded \u201cCandy, this is Tom Matthews, Phil Jackson, Andy Cooper and Travis Mayhews. Andy and Travis have ridden on our drives before now, so they can take their usual positions on the left flank. Tom and Phil join the men on the right flank.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd where do you want me to ride?\u201d Candy said quietly.<\/p>\n Joe raised his eyebrows slightly and tugged at his ear lobe before he said quietly,<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you had best ride drag.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy nodded. The worse place to be on a cattle drive and for some reason not unexpected to have been given him. He showed no irritation or annoyance but the way he flicked the reins too and fro between his fingers indicated that he was to the observant young Cartwright who gave them all a curt nod and turned into the house. The door closed behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cNew here are you?\u201d Travis asked as he turned towards his horse. \u201cThey\u2019re good folk to work for,\u201d Travis observed as he mounted his horse, \u201cJust keep your nose clean and give \u2019em a good days work for your pay. You\u2019ll be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy nodded and turned away. \u2019As though I asked your opinion,\u2019 he thought as he slipped his foot into the stirrup and took his seat in the saddle. He lowered his hat and led the way out of the yard.<\/p>\n In the house Joe walked to the study area where Ben was following with his eyes the route Hoss\u2019 finger was tracing out on the map. Both men glanced up as Joe walked into the room,<\/p>\n \u201cTravis brought the mail with him,\u201d Joe said and tossed it onto the desk.<\/p>\n \u201cWere they alright?\u201d Hoss asked, his finger poised at the place at which he had been interrupted by Joe\u2019s entrance.<\/p>\n \u201cSure, all eager to go. Oh, I met that Canady – Candy fellow as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh sure, how is he?\u201d Hoss grinned and his blue eyes lit up, \u201cWhat did you think of him?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe shrugged, more interested in watching his father shuffling through the letters than anything that Hoss had to say. It h ad been a ritual now, every time the mail arrived. Ben would go through each envelope one by one, glance at the address as a means of identifying the writer, and then putting it down to pick up the next. Always hopeful. Joe sighed and was about to make some comment to Hoss\u2019 question when Ben announced that there was a letter from Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cAt last, only took nine months.\u201d Joe responded with a brittle tone to his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve told you before, Joe, it isn\u2019t so easy to send mail when at sea.\u201d Ben said tersely as he ripped open the letter. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, boys, I should have realised you\u2019d be as impatient as myself to hear what Adam has to say. \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cSure am, Pa.\u201d Hoss declared, \u201cWhat\u2019s he say? Where is he? Is he alright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019d we know if he\u2019s alright?\u201d Joe snapped, \u201cThe letters nine months old already, anything could have happened since then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that -\u201d Hoss said with some impatience in his own voice, and he gave his brother a cold blue glare, \u201cRead it out aloud, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded, cleared his throat and began to read:<\/p>\n \u201cDearest Pa, Hoss and Joe,<\/p>\n As you will see from the envelope this letter is posted to you from Nottingham in the country of England. It has been my first opportunity to sit and write to you for weeks now and I am hoping that the mail boat will get round to seeing it arrives in America for you to receive it at the very first opportunity.<\/p>\n Are you all well? My thoughts are with you all every day, believe me, they really are. I find myself closing my eyes in order to conjure you all up before me again. I miss you all. I never thought a man could miss his family so much as I do mine. I worry about whether or not there were floods this winter. Are you keeping out of trouble, Joe? Hoss, don\u2019t work yourself too hard, you can\u2019t do everything at once even if you want to, it just isn\u2019t possible. Pa, take good care, won\u2019t you?<\/p>\n My thoughts are disorganised right now. The first chance to write and I can\u2019t think of what to say. I want to be able to write so much and fill in every moment that I have been absent but of course that isn\u2019t possible nor logical. Nottingham is a cotton mill town, dependent on the cotton that comes from the south (America) for its industry. They make a lot of lace here it seems as well as other cotton materials. The Civil War in the States have ruined a lot of the mill owners here and from the looks of things it\u2019s going to take some time for them to recover. The high prices of the bolls we have delivered wasn\u2019t received very happily. Looking out onto the high street of this town I can see a lot of poverty. We thought our little \u2019trouble\u2019 just affected ourselves, but it\u2019s plain to see that it was reached far wider than we could have realised.<\/p>\n In some ways the town reminds me of Boston, I guess that is because of the age of the buildings. It\u2019s quite cool, lots of spring flowers about, some I\u2019ve never seen before, lots of trees and it\u2019s very green here.<\/p>\n There was some trouble in the North Sea. We floundered badly during bad weather. The squalls were heavy. I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen such waves before and often I thought on the way down into the troughs that we would never rise up again. We lost our main mast and two men were washed overboard.<\/p>\n I shall write again soon. I\u2019m not sure where we will be going next as the Captain hasn\u2019t opened his orders yet. I shall write again though as soon as I possibly can.<\/p>\n Your obedient and respectful son, and brother, Ben sighed, put the paper down and for a while didn\u2019t raise his eyes to meet those of his sons. He didn\u2019t want them to see the moisture that pricked beneath the hooded lids as he thought of the dangers his son had endured, and of how little he had told them of himself. It was Hoss who spoke first,<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think he\u2019s alright?\u201d he asked in a rather anxious voice.<\/p>\n \u201cThen or now?\u201d Joe murmured and Hoss looked up at him as though surprised that his brother could have asked such a thing.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe doesn\u2019t say much about himself, does he?\u201d Joe addressed his father, who had looked up now and was slowly folding the letter to place back in its envelope, \u201cOnly the second letter we have received from him since he left and -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe told us all he could at the time. There must have been a problem for it to have taken this long to be delivered.\u201d Ben frowned, and drew in his breath, \u201cWell, no doubt there will be more letter s to come. Probably several will arrive all at the same time, that often used to happen when I was at sea.\u201d he forced a smile but it was obvious to his sons that the letter had depressed rather than enlightened their father.<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Pa. I guess that\u2019s exactly what\u2019ll happen.\u201d Hoss nodded and looked at Joe as though daring him to say anything different.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think he\u2019s getting our letters through alright, Pa?\u201d Joe asked, looking rather anxiously at Ben who shrugged,<\/p>\n \u201cNo doubt the same applies, Joe. He\u2019ll get a pile of them when he docks.\u201d Ben pushed the envelope into a drawer and then looked at them both, \u201cAnyway, we had best get on with business here. Where were we?\u201d<\/p>\n Chapter 3<\/p>\n The Ainola had been becalmed for three days and sat listlessly in the waters with her sails hanging from the masts as forlornly as great sheets put out on the line to dry in many a housewives back yard when not a breath of air came near to touch them. The Captain paced the bridge with a furrowed brow and his hands clasped behind his back while his chin was lowered upon his chest. This did not augur well for them and being superstitious, like many seamen, he was of the opinion that the trip was doomed and greater misfortune was to befall them.<\/p>\n The heat from the sun provided no problem as it was not unpleasant and the men were able to perform their tasks on board without difficulty or discomfort. But being on board a ship that was going nowhere was particularly difficult for the seaman as it forced a restraint upon them that was not so noticeable during days of activity at sea. Confined to the restricted space of the ship there were often personality clashes that burst forth during those days, for it was difficult to restrain ones mouth or fists when forced to be in the company of those that aggravated and annoyed so much.<\/p>\n There was also the forced restriction and rationing of essential supplies for when the indications were such that the weather was not going to change for the foreseeable future to be unduly cavaliar about their provisions was to eventually reap disaster.<\/p>\n Captain Greaves had already been forced to put two men in confinement for disobedience to the officers and disorderly behaviour. They had been denied their regulation tot of rum with their ration of water and the Sargeant of Marines had been ordered to ensure that they had smaller rations of food and water throughout the time of their confinement. It was his opinion that men who did not work would not have as great a need as those who did. So the two men who hated one another the most were forced to spend their days in even closer confinement than they had anticipated.<\/p>\n The sky remained as clear and cloudless as the previous days. The ship swayed back and forth in a slow monotonous motion that became increasingly irritating as the hours ticked past. There were no birds in the air to give them hope of land close by . Only the sound of bare feet on the boards of the deck as the men ran to do their work, and the constant creak of the ship as it lolled back and forth could be heard.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t good, Mr Cartwright.\u201d Greaves muttered to the young man standing on the bridge by his side, \u201cWe need to have wind soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d Adam Cartwright inclined his head and glanced up at the sky above him with a rueful air.<\/p>\n \u201cHow much water do we have now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot enough to last two more days.\u201d came the reply.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd provisions?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can manage a while yet, the men have been fishing and caught enough to augment their rations.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, that\u2019s the way of it and no mistake.\u201d Greaves mumbled and with a sigh continued to pace back and forth.<\/p>\n Adam Cartwright cleared his throat and sighed. With the Captain\u2019s pacing one way and the ship listing the other Adam was beginning to feel claustrophobic. He walked to the side of the ship and looked over it to where six men were sitting in one of the boats, each one of them with a fishing rod and line and taking their ease as happily as though sitting on a river bank back home.<\/p>\n \u201cAny success?\u201d he called down to them forcing himself not to let his mind wander to a certain brother of his who loved fishing.<\/p>\n \u201cGood enough, Mr Cartwright, sir.\u201d one man called up with a big grin on his face. He had managed to convince the Master\u2019s Mate that he was the best fisherman on board, and succeeded in getting out of keelhauling the deck as a result.<\/p>\n \u201cAnother hour and then you and your catch will have to come on board.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye aye, sir.\u201d and a snappy salute accompanied by a wide grin followed the words.<\/p>\n Adam nodded and turned back to return to the centre of the bridge. How small his world was now, he thought, as he glanced up at the rigging and saw the drooping sails. How small and how confined. He walked to the other side of the ship and glanced down over the side to where the water lapped against the ship\u2019s haul. How the vessel creaked, was there ever a ship that was so noisy? He glanced now up at the sky and saw nothing but blue sky.<\/p>\n Times past he would be sitting in a saddle and looking up at the sky, feeling the heat of the sun on his back, tasting the dry heat and dust in his throat. Times past he would have his brothers by his side, grumbling, joking, teasing, just talking. He sighed and turned away to return to the centre of the bridge once again, and to meet the Captain who was returning from the other side.<\/p>\n The bell tolled and there was a scampering of feet upon the deck as the men made their way below decks to where they could get their mid-day meal. The men in the boat below continued their fishing, knowing that their haul for the day would be used for the evening meal and salted down for use another day. The Captain and Adam descended the steps down to the lower deck and entered the dining room where the Doctor, the second Mate was already seated at the table. Both men rose to attention upon the Captain\u2019s entrance and it was Adam who closed the door behind them.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain, there\u2019s sign of scurvy on board. Several of the men -\u201d Doctor Howard rubbed his temples and shook his head, \u201cOne of the men looks like he has a fever. I\u2019ve had to bed him down.\u201d<\/p>\n The Captain scowled and took his seat<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t you at least wait until we\u2019ve eaten before you tell me these things, Doctor? We need to find some land and get fresh provisions. It doesn\u2019t take a doctor to know the remedy for their ills here, does it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but I thought I should mention it.\u201d Howard sighed, and glanced over at Adam as though for help.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s always best to know the worse first,\u201d Adam said immediately, \u201cThen whatever else is said can only be better and an improvement.\u201d<\/p>\n Greaves looked at Adam as though he were mad but let the comment pass. The second Mate sighed and poured out the wine,<\/p>\n \u201cIf we don\u2019t get moving soon whatever the wretch is suffering from will spread like wildfire. What is it exactly, Doctor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nothing to worry about too much, just yet.\u201d Howard replied, and with another sigh he picked up his glass, \u201cWater\u2019s low.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh for goodness sake,\u201d Greaves groaned, \u201cDo I really have to share my table with such a Job\u2019s comforter as yourself, Doctor. Of course the water\u2019s low, don\u2019t you think I am well aware of that? I can\u2019t create miracles, you know. I don\u2019t have command over the sea and the air, do I?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pursed his lips and raised his eyebrows. He decided that silence was the better course of wisdom. The door was opened and the cook came to serve up the meal. It was served in silence. No one spoke and the meal was eaten in an uncomfortable atmosphere. As he ate the food Adam recalled to mind the big room where he would sit to eat his meals with his father and brothers. What feasts they enjoyed really, and how much they took it all for granted. He looked at the food he was eating now and wondered what Hop Sing\u2019s reaction would be to it. He smiled briefly to himself at the thought,<\/p>\n \u201cIs something amusing you, Mr Cartwright? If there is, perhaps you would care to share it with us?\u201d Greaves snapped.<\/p>\n Adam picked up his wine and raised his eyebrows, Greaves was in a formidable mood and the wrong word would mean dismissal from the dining table until he was in favour again. He smiled and looked at the Captain<\/p>\n \u201cI was remembering times with my family, Captain. We had a Chinese cook who made the most wonderful meals for us\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cImplying that what we\u2019re eating now is not so wonderful.\u201d Jenkins, the second mate chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cI was wondering how Hop Sing would handle situations like these \u2026 restricted rations, limited water \u2026 it would certainly test his mettle as a chef.\u201d Adam replied carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh, I had a Chinese cook when I was in Singapore. \u201c Greaves mumbled, \u201cGreat little chap, could create anything from nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and kept silent. Navigation at sea was of paramount importance, even when it came to conversation.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n The second Mate closed the door of the cabin he shared with Adam and sat down on the comfortable chair which he had turned to face Adam who was reclining on his bunk. Adam remained where he was, his arms folded behind his head and his eyes closed.<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright, how about a game of chess?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam said nothing, but he could hear Jenkins setting out the pieces on the board. He had hoped for some more time alone. He had re-read the letters his father and brothers had sent him and which had arrived just before they had set sail for the Polynesian Islands. Three letters from Pa, two from Hoss and four from Joe. All dated at different times and all requiring him to set them out in chronological order to be able to make sense of them.<\/p>\n Thus he had learned that Pa had sprained his ankle and twisted his shoulder trying to brand a cow that was determined NOT to be branded. Joe had had to come to his rescue and had landed ignominiously on his back in the middle of a cow pat. Through the letters he received from Hoss he recognised a gift in the man that he had never noticed before in that Hoss could write a letter that was a novelists dream. Adam had recalled to mind that Hoss had been particularly friendly with Mr Charles Dickens on his visit, so perhaps something of the gift had passed on from him. Joe\u2019s letters had been – well – interesting.<\/p>\n Even as he listened to Jenkins\u2019 humming under his breath and setting out the chess pieces Adam recalled to mind the content of Joe\u2019s letters. He knew all the letters by heart now but nothing gave him greater pleasure and pain than taking them from his note book and re-reading them when he had time for it. Joe\u2019s letters \u2026 the first had been angry and hurt, scolding words from a pain stricken young man who had not understood why his brother could have left them. The second had been reconciliatory, excusing himself from the first letter and explaining to Adam that it was because of their father he had been angry, after all, he would surely realise his leaving would hurt their father more than anyone. The third had been pleasantly cheery, telling his brother of a beautiful young girl who had moved into the town and how glad he was that Adam was no longer around as it left the way clear for himself. The fourth had been a letter from Joe, untidy and scrawling, snatches of this and that, but Adam could imagine the twinkle in Joe\u2019s eyes as he had written it, and the smile on his lips as he had signed it with a flourish.<\/p>\n \u201cReady?\u201d Jenkins said, and Adam could hear the man rubbing his hands together. He obviously had high hopes of beating him this time.<\/p>\n Chapter 4<\/p>\n The term Clipper was first used in the United States soon after the War of 1812. It was a term used to indicate any fast ship. The Ainola came under the heading of being an extreme Clipper as she was sharp bowed in order to give her maximum speed. The upward curve of the lines of the hull was a graceful sheer, with a simple high arched stem fitted with her figurehead. She had a square stern, a very sharp bow and a large sail area. She was capable of achieving speeds from 16-18 nautical mph and had notched up the exceptional speed of 20 knots in prime weather conditions.<\/p>\n She was strongly built with iron strapped over the frames and on the sides of the inner keels. Her main expense was in the repair of any damage done to the spars, rigging, sails and topside fittings. In length she maximised at 210 ft. This placed her in as well in proportion for the longest clipper ship, mcKay\u2019s Great Republic was 302 ft in length, and the most common length was about 185 ft.<\/p>\n The Ainola carried a crew of 645 sailors. There were also 50 marines on board under the command of a Sargent at Arms, John Smith. Adam Cartwright ranked as the First Mate, Jenkins was Second Mate. There was a Doctor, a carpenter, and a sail maker. The Ainola\u2019s Captain maintained a Steward by name of Frederik Franks, not the most popular man on board, particularly at this moment of severe rationing as he had charge of the pantry. There was also on board a cook, Howard Dix by name. As he was in sole charge of the only source of fire in his ovens it was only by his \u2018mercy\u2019 that wet clothing could be dried. There were two cabin boys on board the Ainola who made every attempt possible to avoid work.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s duties as First Mate involved all the tasks expected of first lieutenant, boatswain, sailing master and quarter master. The Captain would tell him what was required to be done, and it was Adam\u2019s role to see it was done, by either doing it himself, or of assigning the task elsewhere. It was also his task to keep the log book, for which he was responsible to the Owners and the Insurers of the Ainola. It was also among his responsibilities to have charge of the stowage, and safe keeping and deliver of the cargo.<\/p>\n Jenkins as the Second Mate would have to carry out the tasks assigned him by Adam, as well as go aloft to reef and furl the topsails and to muck in with the rest of the men. In some respects he was neither Officer nor crew. It was customary for him to be on deck nearly all his time and only occasionally was he considered worthy of a seat at the Captain\u2019s table. It had taken Jenkins some time into the journey befor e he was able to forgive Adam in achieving the rank of First Mate over himself.<\/p>\n The crew were divided into two watches, of these Adam commanded the larboard and Jenkins the starboard. They divided the watches between them at four hourly intervals, so that when Adam with the larboard watch had the first night watch from 8 – 12, at the end of the four hours Jenkins would be called for the starboard watch until 4 in the morning. There were also the dog watches which would come during twilight and before the night watch was set. This was the time everyone was on deck but at 8 o\u2019clock when 8 bells is struck, Adam had to enter the log, set up the watch for the first four hours, relieve the wheel and shut up the galley.<\/p>\n So it was this particular evening as Adam entered the day\u2019s entry into the log Jenkins voice yelled that a wind was bearing upon them. Adam paused and raised his head to listen to the familiar sound of the sheets swelling in the ripening breeze, the feet thudding along the decks in order for every man to be in position and Jenkins himself opening the door and announcing with glee<\/p>\n \u201cA freshening wind at last, Cartwright. We\u2019re heading due east.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and made the entry accordingly. Now all they needed was to sight land.<\/p>\n Chapter 5<\/p>\n The sails filled and the ship seemed to lift itself above the water to settle once again upon the most unstable of elements. Adam left the fo\u2019c\u2019s\u2019le (forecastle) of the ship to mount the steps to the bridge and to watch as the wind brought life back to the limp sheets at last. A slight smile drifted over his lips as he remembered the days when his father would tell him of the way his own heart would swell with the sails when the wind first caught at them and would send the ship scudding over the sea. It had been a romantic picture planted in the mind of the boy, but even now Adam could recall his father\u2019s voice and echo it with his own. There was such a feeling of buoyancy, renewed vigour and hope when after days of being becalmed a ship once again came to life.<\/p>\n Beneath his feet he could feel the vibration of the vessel as it now scudded over the sea. The sails snapped and made a loud ovation as they billowed out and sent the clipper on its way once more. When he looked at the men at their work on the deck Adam could see the anxious faces now bearing smiles of relief and men would look up at the bridge and upon seeing him they would raise a finger to their brow in acknowledgement of his presence. Everywhere was a sense of buoyancy and optimism.<\/p>\n \u201cAll\u2019s well, Mr Cartwright, sir.\u201d the helmsman said as he held his hands steady on the wheel.<\/p>\n \u201cAll\u2019s well, Thompson.\u201d Adam replied without taking his eyes from the sight of the sails.<\/p>\n \u201cSet course east, Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, east it is.\u201d came the reply and Adam stepped to the ships port side to survey the waters as it parted to let the ship pass through the now cresting waves.<\/p>\n People have such romantic notions about clipper ships, the sails are always full and billowing white, the ship always proud and majestic ploughing through smooth crystal green grey and blue seas with perfect blue skies above, but Adam had been at sea long enough to have experienced those pleasant waters turn to molten black and boiling turbulence when water and sky combined to subdue the little vessel to their will. He had seen the sails snap and break, the masts creaking and breaking, the men lashed by the trailing ropes and cast overboard as mast and sails descended upon the decking.<\/p>\n But now at this moment he felt relief just like the men who were busy on the decks below. The day was going to draw to a close very pleasantly and he smiled once again at the thought of fish for supper, freshly caught that day.<\/p>\n Captain Greaves was in a far pleasanter mood as they ate they evening meal together. Jenkins was on watch duty and the doctor attending to the sick man in the sick bay. The cook had provided a substantial meal obviously feeling it was safe to cast caution to the winds, so to speak, and not worry about where the provisions were going to come in a few days time. The steward hovered until he was dismissed and Greaves leaned back in his big leather chair and relaxed.<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright, when do you think we should see land?\u201d Greaves asked as he unbuttoned his jacket and loosened his cravat.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we can maintain this speed we should see the islands by to-morrow afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you know about them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMost of them are uninhabited, we should be able to find fresh water and food there. Those islands that are inhabited -\u201d Adam\u2019s brow creased slightly and he looked thoughtfully at the wine in his glass before speaking, \u201cthe last report about them was that they are not friendly. They murdered a missionary and four sailors the last time anyone attempted to disembark.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case we had better make sure that we find an uninhabited island, huh?\u201d Greaves chuckled.<\/p>\n After a silence of a few moments he looked thoughtfully at his first mate and as he raised his glass said<\/p>\n \u201cI doubt if a few wild savages on those islands would worry you over much, Cartwright. After all, from what I hear of your past history, you\u2019re more used to seeing them than anyone else on board ship.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve not visited these islands before,\u201d Adam said thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t meaning that,\u201d Greaves replied, \u201cBut it\u2019s true, isn\u2019t it? You\u2019ve fought the wild Indians out west where you came from, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, \u201cThat\u2019s true enough.\u201d he agreed, \u201cYes, quite true.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen in that case you are probably the best suited person to take the skiff over to the islands tomorrow. Take the Sargent of Marines as well and some of his men. Make sure everyone is well armed. Try and come back with enough water to last us until we rendez vous with McKenzie\u2019s ship.\u201d he refilled his glass and gave his companion another searching look, \u201cYou don\u2019t talk much about your past, Mr Cartwright, yet there must be many an exciting tale you could tell us.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled politely and was about to speak when eight bells tolled. He stood up and made his excuses, it was time for his watch.<\/p>\n As he walked pass the fo\u2019c\u2019s\u2019le, which was the open deck at the bow and where the anchors were secured, several off duty sailors, who had gathered there to enjoy the evening and to talk and smoke their pipes, stepped to attention and acknowledged him with the respect due to his station. He accepted their salutations and continued on to the bridge where after a few words with the helmsman, John Ratcliffe now, he clasped his hands behind his back and allowed his mind to wander.<\/p>\n Why should he, he mused, talk about his past for the amusement of these men with whom he had to share his every waking moment now.? Why should he expose to them all the things he treasured and had cast aside so ruthlessly.? True enough he had learned and achieved much over the past years, and he had seen sights and marvels that his eyes would never have known had he stayed on the Ponderosa, but even so \u2026 even so his desire for such was sated, his heart longed for only one place and that was his home – the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n He raised his eyes to the sky and looked at the sky. It was a different sky to the one they would be seeing in Nevada. But the stars shone as brilliantly, and the moon was bright. There was a ring around the moon he noticed and he pursed his lips thoughtfully, that indicated rain.<\/p>\n For a while he indulged in searching through his mind and dwelling on memories. On nights like this he tried to conjure up their voices, imagine what they could be doing. Sometimes he would close his eyes and imagine he was in his room and they, just a door\u2019s distance from him. He could see them in the big room, Hoss and Joe playing checkers, and his Pa puffing some villainous pipe with wreaths of smoke swirling upwards while he read his newsheet and muttered comments to which no one paid any attention.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n He opened his eyes and observed one of the cabin boys looking up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, John?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour coffee, sir. Cook thought you would like it hot about now, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and took the mug of coffee which was steaming hot. The boy smiled, turned and then hesitated before turning back to him,<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, John?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hear you\u2019ll be taking the boats to land tomorrow, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf there is land, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, sir, could I come too? I\u2019ve not been off this ship for so long now and I\u2019ve not been on an island before. They said there are things like I\u2019ve never seen before on those islands, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo doubt. If you\u2019re here when we set off, John, then I think we may be able to find some room for you.\u201d<\/p>\n John opened his mouth and then shut it abruptly. His first instinct had been to cheer aloud, but memory served him well, one did not do this in front of an officer. He thanked Mr Cartwright very nicely and hurried away. Adam set the coffee down and watched the boy go. He wondered briefly if he had ever been so young, and for some reason, he found himself rather doubting it. He sighed, a nonsense thought which he tried to dismiss, but found that he could not. He picked up his coffee, and drank it, knowing it would not be as good as anything Hop Sing would have brewed, and upon drinking it, confirmed the fact.<\/p>\n Chapter 6<\/p>\n There had been a light rain during the night such as one would expect in the climate in which they were sailing now. It gave the air a less heavy feeling and for a while lightened the atmosphere.<\/p>\n It was Jenkins who was on watch duty at day break and it was his responsibility to check the men on the deck\u2019s \u2019turning to\u2019 when all the men would report on deck for roll call, thereby ensuring that no one had fallen overboard since the previous day. Now there was the washing down, scrubbing and swabbing of the decks and the rigging was coiled and rechecked. By the time seven bells was sounded all hands were ready for a good breakfast, providing of course the cook was in a good humour and there was sufficient provisions available.<\/p>\n At eight work begun under a blazing sun and azure sky. The ship was making good speed and Adam Cartwright was on the bridge with Captain Greaves when the cry went up from the crow\u2019s nest \u201cLand Ahead\u201d<\/p>\n Immediately Greaves and Cartwright had their telescopes to their eye and scanned the horizon to confirm the look outs cry. There had been some sign that approaching land was nigh for clouds were visible on the horizon and now they could see birds in flight and the dark outline of the first of the islands. Seamen enjoyed anything that would break the monotony of their day on board ship, so all rushed to the sides to get their first glimpse of land and were allowed by the officers to cheer and shout and make a general hallaballoo.<\/p>\n \u201cHelmsman, give her more speed.\u201d Greaves barked at Thompson and then he smiled over at Cartwright with a nod of satisfaction, \u201cYou were right, Cartwright, we should be there shortly after dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded. He held the telescope to his eye and watched keenly as the island began to grow from a dark outline on the horizon to something larger and larger. He turned to Greaves<\/p>\n \u201cPermission to select men for the boat party, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPermission granted.\u201d Greaves replied \u201cReport to me before you leave.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded assent and watched as the Captain left the bridge. All hands in the vicinity jumped to attention and cleared the way as the Captain, king of all he surveyed, passed through their midst. Adam watched them for a moment or two before calling out to the Sargeant of Arms who was surveying the landscape from the port side of the deck,<\/p>\n \u201cSargeant Smith, I\u2019ll need you and six of your men to join with me on a sortie to the islands this afternoon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mr Cartwright, I\u2019ll see to it right away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure all men are fully armed with ammunition to spare.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d John Smith saluted good humouredly, gave his moustaches a twirl and descended to the lower deck where the marines had their quarters. It was here that the ship had its armoury.<\/p>\n He called his men to muster up and then selected the six men who would accompany him to the islands later that day.<\/p>\n The Ainola sped by at a fair rate of knots, cutting through the waves and sending spray foaming in her wake. Closer and closer came the island they had first sighted. Silver white sands, thickly shrouded woodland, craggy rocks and a hill high enough to be considered a mountain came into view. Birds now thronged the skies adding their cacophony of bird song to the sound of the boat dashing through the water and the sails burgeoning out to the wind.<\/p>\n \u201cAny sign of human life?\u201d Jenkins murmured as Adam once again viewed the island through his telescope.<\/p>\n \u201cSmoke -\u201d Adam muttered, \u201cSeveral camp fires I would say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d Jenkins narrowed his eyes in an attempt to locate them.<\/p>\n \u201cSouth east, just below the knoll . Yes, quite a large village.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think they\u2019re friendly?\u201d Jenkins asked.<\/p>\n Adam remained silent for a little while as he surveyed the people in the camp through the telescope. It was hard to know if they were friendly or not. He was used to Indian tribes who painted themselves for war that made a quite definite indication of their intentions but these people were so remote from human civilisation that their mores were obviously going to be totally individual to themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cAh\u201d he exclaimed eventually, \u201cSome one has seen the ship. From the way they\u2019re dancing about I don\u2019t think I would assume that they are very friendly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRocks ahead, Mr Cartwright,\u201d yelled the look out so that Adam swung the telescope to the shore line and nodded in agreement,<\/p>\n \u201cThompson, steer north by north east. Clear the rocks. We don\u2019t want her grounded here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery well, sir.\u201d the helmsman replied and swung the wheel accordingly.<\/p>\n Adam scanned the shore line once again through the telescope and allowed a small smile to flicker across his lips, he handed the telescope to the bo\u2019sun (boatswain),<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Mr Jenkins, I think we can safely say they are not friendly at all .\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo we fire upon them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly not.\u201d Adam replied with the trace of humour in his voice, \u201cThey\u2019re warning us off not making war on us.\u201d<\/p>\n On the shoreline the men of the village had gathered to shake spears and other weapons at the ship that sailed gracefully beyond their reach. They were dark skinned and most of them naked, with only jewellery made from shells and stones their adornment.<\/p>\n \u201cOver to the port side, Mr Cartwright.\u201d Thompson yelled and one and all they turned their attention to the left of the ship where they could see some men leaping into slim long boats, gaily painted and decorated. The men themselves were now paddling furiously towards the ship, and from their throats rose a loud chanting that ended in a war cry of some ferocity.<\/p>\n \u201cPut some distance between us, Thompson.\u201d Adam ordered.<\/p>\n The clipper curved gracefully away from the islands, caught the wind fair in her sails and sped along leaving the infuriated villagers waving their fists and spears at them, and screaming out their imprecations and curses like men demented.<\/p>\n \u201cSome shot would have sorted them out,\u201d Jenkins muttered, watching the several boats turning round to return to the shoreline.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re too blood thirsty by half,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cThey\u2019re only doing what they feel they must to protect their families, as we would do, even if the odds were against them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re too lenient.\u201d Jenkins said with a slight shrug of the shoulders.<\/p>\n Adam said nothing to that, although it caused him to narrow his lips and turn away from the man. He had found over the months that he would never be able to make a friend of Jenkins, and often there had been occasions when as a superior officer he could have had Jenkins before the Captain. But the Ainola for all her length was still small compared to a township and the vastness of the Ponderosa. He would have to live with the man and swallow the insults, for it didn\u2018t do to make an enemy of ones fellow officers.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll talk about it later,\u201d he eventually said, feeling that something needed to be said in view of the number of men who would have heard the comment.<\/p>\n The Ainola continued on her way and by the time dinner was being eaten they had left the island far behind them with another looming right ahead. Over dinner they had discussed the islands, located them on the map and noted that they were a cluster of five. Greaves declared that the need for fresh water was paramount, if they didn\u2019t have it soon there would be typhus on board and who would want dealings then with a plague ship.<\/p>\n Chapter 7<\/p>\n The two boats made good headway towards the island that existed at latitude 20.00 S outh and 175.00 West in the South Pacific Ocean. The island of Tongo existed some miles west and had, in 1845, become part of the Polynesian territories. The islands existing on its far perimeters were still unsure of what existed beyond their boundaries and the inhabitants were still prepared to repel invaders at all costs.<\/p>\n The silver sands upon which the two boats beached were untouched by anything more dangerous than some turtles which scuttled quickly into the sea. Adam was the first to leap into the water and wade to the shore swiftly followed by his men and John. The sailors in the other boat, along with the marines, were not many minutes behind them.<\/p>\n Birds sang love songs to one another, trees rustled pleasantly in a cooling breeze and the waves drifted up to the shore with a lazy melodic rhythm that seemed to confirm the innocence of the island. Adam, pistol in hand and eyes wary, glanced at the treetops and saw nothing to indicate danger and yet he remained wary. John Smith approached him,<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Mr Cartwright, what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt all looks innocent enough, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d Adam replied, his pistol still in his hand and his eyes roving from one point of the beach to the other.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d best look for water while it is then,\u201d Smith grinned and Adam nodded,<\/p>\n \u201cGet the barrels from the boat. Follow me \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He led the way forward wondering just how safe they actually were as they entered into the thick undergrowth of tall fronded shrubs that bore fruits that they had never seen before. Above them trees towered, shielding them from the sun light and momentarily blinding them by the shadows. He stopped and the men behind him likewise paused and when he raised a hand for silence there came not a whisper from any man there.<\/p>\n \u201cOver there -\u201d he pointed to where he had heard the sound of trickling water sounding as pure and cool and inviting as only a thirsty man could picture it.<\/p>\n Birds were chattering now, scolding at the intruders and animals soft and small but fleet skittered along the trees limbs adding their shrill cries to that of the birds. Adam knew they were the invaders upon this tranquillity for his men were noisy now with the excitement of finding the water and knowing that they would be in a position to indulge in revelling in it for a moment or two.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep the noise down,\u201d Adam hissed and he heard his order repeated by Smith further along the line.<\/p>\n The men obeyed as disciplined men should do, and now in silence and with some stealth they approached the water.<\/p>\n Every man there paused to take in the sight of the waterfall as it tumbled unceasingly from the hillside. It was not a crescendo of a fall, nothing so grand as some could recall back home in the various States they came from, but it was still beautiful as it tossed itself over the rocks and boulders, foaming at its meeting with the river that swirled and twisted its way through the thick foliage that grew along its banks.<\/p>\n \u201cHurry. Full the barrels and make for the boats.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnything wrong, Mr Cartwright?\u201d Smith asked in an undertone as he watched the men roll the barrels forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cJust a gut feeling borne from long experience, Sargeant. Get your men on alert.\u201d<\/p>\n Smith looked at Adam rather doubtfully but nevertheless he did as he was told, and drew his own pistol from its holster, slipping off the safety catch as he did so. The marines held their muskets at the ready and positioned themselves in order to protect the sailors who, as well as filling the barrels and casks, were dipping themselves into the cool waters as though they had forgotten just how wonderful it was to feel cool water caress burning skin.<\/p>\n The cabin boy, John, had never experienced such sights before and relished the time he had to splash in the water. He tossed it high and watched it fall back sparkling in the sun like so many diamonds.<\/p>\n \u201cAre the barrels full now, Mr Jones?\u201d Adam called to one of the seamen who was hauling out one of the barrels, along with himself.<\/p>\n \u201cThey are, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen get back to the boats. All speed now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye aye, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n There were some secretive smiles slipped among the men as they pulled the barrels from the water and thumped in the bungs. Mr Cartwright was twitchy, they whispered and smiled. Mr Cartwright was acting like a cat on a hot tin roof and they sniggered, just a little, between themselves.<\/p>\n The marines flanked them as they made their way back. Some men pulled fruit from the trees and loaded the sacks as full as they could; some wild roots were pulled up and joined the fruit. They were well loaded down and the return to the boats took longer . Adam remained in the lead and Sargeant Smith brought up the rear. The cabin boy stayed as close to Adam as he could without falling over him.<\/p>\n The beach appeared before them like a silver line between jungle and sea. They bent their backs to roll the barrels over the soft sand, two men to a barrel for the task was not an easy one. They had reached the boats and loaded on two of the barrels when a wild cry ripped through the still quietude, there was a grunt and a gasp as Mr Jones fell upon his face into the sand with a spear in his back.<\/p>\n \u201cInto the boats. Take what you can with you. Hurry.\u201d Adam shouted as he fired into the trees.<\/p>\n Apart from the sounds of the men panting and gasping, the slop of water from inside the barrels, and the grating of the boats upon the sand there was now silence. Even the birds made no sound.<\/p>\n The marines took their positions to protect the boats and the men who were struggling to get into them. Sargeant Smith stood next to Adam both of whom had their pistols raised.<\/p>\n A swift glance over his shoulder was enough to see that the men were in the boats. Backing into the water the marines, Smith and Adam pushed the vessels free from the sand and clambered in with the men. It was then that their opponents emerged from the background of jungle and with ferocious cries and screams ran towards them casting their spears recklessly at these \u2018devil invaders\u2019 who were now rowing as hard as they could to get away.<\/p>\n \u201cRow harder, harder.\u201d Smith yelled firing at the beach and seeing one man fall.<\/p>\n The men bent their backs with that panic stricken discipline that made the boats seem to fly over the waves but even so a spear glanced against the side of one to show how they were still within range of the wild men on the shore.<\/p>\n The marines fired a round and saw several men fall, the distance was lengthening, the ship was getting nearer. Adam and Smith both fired off their guns again into the group of men who appeared to be dancing with rage on the beach while others had waded waist deep into the sea, flourishing their spears above their heads as though warning them of what would happen to them were they to approach their island again.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright men, at ease now.\u201d Smith murmured in a low voice to the marines. \u201cHadcroft got it in the leg, sir.\u201d a sailor volunteered on behalf of the injured man.<\/p>\n \u201cHughes is dead. Spear got him in the throat before we got into the boat, sir.\u201d another said.<\/p>\n \u201cAny one else?\u201d Adam glanced at the faces. \u201cWhere\u2019s the boy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe boy, sir?\u201d Smith frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cThe cabin boy, John. Where is he?\u201d<\/p>\n The men looked at one another, shook their heads, continued rowing until one of the marines said<\/p>\n \u201cI saw him on the beach, Mr Cartwright. He was right behind you one minute and then he wasn\u2019t. He was taken, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTaken?\u201d Adam echoed, but the question was rhetorical, he already knew the answer.<\/p>\n Chapter 8<\/p>\n \u201cHe did WHAT?\u201d<\/p>\n John Smith straightened hi s back and raised his chin. Greaves was always an uncomfortable character to discuss anything with as he was petulant, moody and incapable of making a decision on his own. He was the typical commissioned officer who had gained his promotions on the back of other officers, whether commissioned or non commissioned. As a result he was never sure of what he should do and in a sad way felt inferior to those who had gained their privileges by working through the ranks. This flaw in his character was well hidden beneath his posturing and bombastic attitude towards his officers and men.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright dived overboard as soon as he realised the boy had been left behind, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDived overboard?\u201d Greaves blustered, \u201cBut how\u2019s he to know the boy isn\u2019t already dead? And how many others were killed, did you say?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwo men , sir. We had to leave Jones on the beach but we brought Hadcroft with us.\u201d<\/p>\n Greaves stared coldly at Smith, his lips compressed and his pale greengage coloured eyes looking like glass,<\/p>\n \u201cDid you do nothing to try and stop Cartwright going over board?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI tried to persuade him that there was little point in going back for the boy. But Mr Cartwright just took off his jacket and laid it aside with his pistol. He took a knife with him and then went over the side.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou should have stopped him,\u201d Jenkins muttered with a slight frown furrowing his brow, \u201cAfter all it leaves us an officer down now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me, sir, but it is not my place to prevent an officer from carrying out what he considers to be his duty.\u201d Smith replied evenly, giving Jenkins a long cold look of appraisal.<\/p>\n Greaves shook his head and turned to the starboard side of the ship to look back at the beach where Jones\u2019 body no longer sprawled like a black spot upon the pristine silver sands. He clasped his hands behind his back and stared out to sea with his chin resting upon his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cWell now, Mr Jenkins, this is a fine kettle of fish we\u2019re left with now. What do you propose we do about it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think it may be wise to move away from here, Captain Greaves. It will be night soon and who knows those devils could well paddle their boats here under cover of darkness.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSir -\u201d Sargeant Smith began but Greaves and Jenkins turned their back upon his and effectively cut him out of the conversation. He was left to stand there at attention until his superior officers remembered he was there and dismissed him, or, perhaps, paid him the courtesy of asking his advice.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n From his shelter among the black seaweed encrusted boulders and rock, Adam was able to watch the proceedings that had taken place on the beach. Before he had dived into the sea he had seen that the natives had found the body of Jones to be of more interest than the boats that were now out of the reach of their spears. His entering the sea at this point would not, therefore, have been noticed unless there was a look out whom he had not noticed. With strong measured strokes and the help of the current it had not taken him long to reach the outcrop of rock that formed a circle around the beach, creating a semi lagoon effect.<\/p>\n The cruel abuse that was meted out to the seaman\u2019s body by the angry mob would have made a more squeamish man weep, but Adam knew that he had to keep his senses in order to find the boy, of whom there appeared to be no sign.<\/p>\n Small wavelets dashed against his face and eyes, so that it soon became necessary to move from the sheltering rocks more closely to the beach. The natives were obviously still hot from anger and had turned again towards the boats and ship, shaking their spears and shouting out their challenging war cries to the unwanted invader. Slowly Adam swam his way closer, until he was able to tread water to gain the beach. He paused to do so indeed, until the natives had disappeared taking the body of seaman Thomas Jones with them. Adam watched as they hauled away the man\u2019s body with as little care as that given to a deer that had been hunted down and was to be taken to the home to be quartered and butchered for the next meal.<\/p>\n He waited some moments and then made his way to the beach. Treading carefully now and with knife in hand he walked to where the boats had been beached and looked at the footprints that had made the beach a medley of churned sand. Footprints overstepped onto footprints making them indistinguishable from one another. He was on his knees now, his eyes scanning the mess and praying for some distinguishable sign. Every so often he would raise his eyes to look at the dark shadows of the wilderness into which the natives had vanished. One should never under estimate the enemy and he couldn\u2019t imagine that they would feel safe and secure with an American Clipper ship so close to shore.<\/p>\n As anxiety bit into his nerves he found what he was looking for, a smaller imprint than the others made clearer due to the fact that the boy had obviously stepped into Jones\u2019 blood . Leaning down more closely to read the sign written down upon the sands Adam felt a sense of relief as he saw that the boy had not been carried off but had panicked and ran to the rocks higher up on the beach. Following the footsteps closely Adam reached the outcrop, he saw where some sea weed had been dislodged from a boulder, and further along the mark of the boys\u2019 toes clearly discernable in the sand that filled the hollow in a rock.<\/p>\n The birds were singing again. At the back of his mind he was conscious of their songs, and the sounds of other animals that came from the trees of the forests. Slowly he followed the trail, glancing occasionally over his shoulder to ensure that he himself was not being followed. The sky was turning red and orange with streaks of gold and he knew that within minutes he would be plunged into the darkness of a tropical night. He had to find the boy before then and he cursed inwardly at the realisation that he had not thought out a plan thoroughly enough.<\/p>\n He was at a reasonable distance now from where the natives had disappeared so he cupped his mouth with his hands and called out as loudly as he felt would be safe,<\/p>\n \u201cJohn. Where are you?\u201d<\/p>\n There was no answer and anxiously he looked over his shoulder, then ahead of him where he saw several foot prints clearly defined and indicating that the bearer of them had walked into the sea. Surely, Adam asked himself, the boy didn\u2019t think to go swimming to the ship? Having thought such a thing he turned to look back at the Ainola and in amazement saw her skimming over the waves and away from the island.<\/p>\n Chapter 9<\/p>\n For a moment only Adam felt the blood freeze in his bones. There was something so devastatingly dreadful about seeing his ship sailing away from him that he felt momentarily paralysed. The ultimate betrayal? For what reason? He tried to put coherent and logical thought into his head but he was too dumb founded to think. His fingers tightened on the handle of his knife and he bowed his head while a deep sigh passed from his lips.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright – sir?\u201d<\/p>\n A thin tremulous voice from nearby and he turned to see the white face of the boy looking up at him from among the boulders. He turned aside from the sight of his betrayal and waded quickly through the water to where the boy was crouched.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you alright, boy?\u201d he whispered and crouched to his haunches in the water to look at the lad more closely, \u201cNot hurt, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you – did you see what they did to him? To Jonesy?\u201d John stammered, his voice shaking along with his body, his teeth chattered and his eyes seemed to be rolling in their sockets, \u201cDid you see?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Adam replied and put his hands on the boys\u2019 shoulders, \u201cLook, John, we can\u2019t skulk around here now. We have to find somewhere to hide and where we can be warm. It\u2019ll be dark very soon and -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut the ship, the Ainola, she\u2019s near, she\u2019ll come for us, won\u2019t she? I saw her just now. I saw her, Mr Cartwright.\u201d his fingers tightened on the man\u2019s shirt, screwing it into a ball<\/p>\n \u201cEvenso, John, we have to leave here. We\u2019re too exposed to the natives and when the tide comes in we could be in danger from the rocks. Come with me now, John.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s an order, John.\u201d<\/p>\n The boy gasped, a sharp quavering intake of breath, but he didn\u2019t make any more fuss. He sloshed out of the water u p to the beach and stood there, looking at Adam expectantly.<\/p>\n \u201cCome along,\u201d Adam said, \u201cWe need to be near fresh water. We\u2019ll head where the river must flow into the sea and take our chances there.\u201d<\/p>\n He glanced up at the sky. There were only minutes left before darkness descended. The tide was coming in which was good for it would wash away signs of their foot prints. He took the boy by the arm and half dragged and half carried him across the beach to the darkness of the undergrowth.<\/p>\n He took some time to remove traces of their prints which were above the tidal line and would be like a red arrow pointing to their whereabouts to any curious native who would pass by when day light came. After a last quick glance to sea where the Ainola could be see passing the point, he plunged into the forest, with John tagging as close to him as a hound dog.<\/p>\n The darkness was not quite total for the moon that shone upon them was fat and round and shed down silver light. With reasonable care they were able to pick their way through the undergrowth towards where the river could be heard tumbling towards the sea. To return to the waterfall would be going too far, and possibly the natives having knowledge of where their enemies had previously gone would make sure there were ones posted along the way to watch for any others who would take the chance to reach the site.<\/p>\n But the river soon came to view. Adam estimated they were merely half a mile from the sea yet well hidden by the abundance of foliage. The boy ran ahead and fell face first into the water to drink heartily. Adam, more cautious, followed, cupped his hands and raised the water to his lips. It tasted like nectar.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are the others, Mr Cartwright? Ain\u2019t they with you?\u201d John whispered as they sat side by side under cover of some broad leaved plant.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, they went on to the Ainola. We didn\u2019t realise you weren\u2019t with us when we left the beach. I came back for you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d John\u2019s brow furrowed, \u201cThank you, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t mention it.\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cTry and get some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what if \u2018they\u2019 come?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll stand guard and wake you if they do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI should take my turn, sir. I\u2019m part of the ship\u2019s company after all, and you\u2019re in this trouble because of me, ain\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n Again Adam smiled and shook his head,<\/p>\n \u201cJust get some sleep. I\u2019ll wake you when it\u2019s your turn to stand watch.\u201d<\/p>\n John closed his eyes after he had wiggled about a little in the dry leaves of seasons past. He had made himself quite a comfortable little nest when he opened his eyes and tugged at Adam\u2019s sleeve<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mr Cartwright, thanks for coming back for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, put a hand on the boys head and pushed it down as though to emphasise the boy needed to sleep. Despite the wet clothing, the fears from without, it took less than five minutes before the boy was asleep. His heavy breathing indicative of the toll fear had taken upon him.<\/p>\n Adam also made himself a nest into which he could recline. Then he lay upon his stomach, folded his arms and rested his chin upon them. In his hand he held his knife. It was his resolve that no one would take them alive.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/p>\n John woke much sooner than Adam had expected. For a few moments they remained as they were, side by side, without speaking.<\/p>\n \u201cHow old are you, lad?\u201d Adam finally asked, \u201c12 perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNearly 12, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat made you take to the sea?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWal, I\u2019m the sixth of ten children and my Ma was expecting another. My Pa was a seaman. I thought I should go and earn some money so I could send it to my Ma and help her raise those kids. It ain\u2019t easy for her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you tell her your plans or did you just run away?\u201d Adam stared out into the darkness, thinking of the careworn woman with all those children and, obviously, a feckless husband as well.<\/p>\n \u201cI – I told my eldest brother. He said he\u2019d explain to Ma.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy didn\u2019t he work to get some money?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe did, sir. He was working on the docks with my Pa. That\u2019s how I knew the Ainola was sailing when she did and got on board ship. I lied about my age though.\u201d he frowned, \u201cNot that Captain Greaves would care, he\u2019s -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHush, John. You know I can\u2019t listen to talk like that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, sir. I forgot.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam said nothing but looked out to the outline of the bushes ahead, beyond that he could see the silver of the moon\u2019s light upon the river. It was a rule on board any vessel that no seaman of any rank spoke derogatorily about any officer, particularly the Captain. Small petty complaints on board a ship soon gathered momentum and could result in out right mutiny. Best to nip it in the bud before it began. Depending on the tolerance of the Captain and first officer the discipline for \u2018loose talk\u2019 could be anything from loss of privileges to a flogging.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright, can I ask you something now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead. Can\u2019t promise you\u2019ll get an answer.\u201d Adam grinned, it softened the words.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat made you become a seaman?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, what indeed? Now there\u2019s a question and a half.\u201d Adam replied and raised his eyebrows. \u201cWell, John, my father was a seaman. His father and grandfathers were all seamen. My mother\u2019s father was a seaman, Captain of his own vessel, The Wanderer. His father, brother, Uncle and Grandfather were all seamen. \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cGuess you had no choice then, huh? It was kind of in your blood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I had a choice.\u201d Adam replied softly, \u201cThe thing is, I\u2019m not sure I made the right one now.\u201d he frowned slightly and lowered his head so that once again his chin was resting on his folded arms.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you always been a seaman, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, not always. There was a time when I had another life \u2026 not so long ago either.\u201d he paused and the frown deepened. \u201cSometimes in a man\u2019s life there comes a time when he has to decide whether to stay put or get up and go. I chose to get up and go. My grandfather -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c- the one with the ship?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the one. He wrote to me before he died. He wanted me to go to sea, like himself, and his family. My father had spoken so often about the sea and the ships he had sailed in \u2026 like yourself, my Pa had run away when he was 14. He worked his way up to Master\u2019s Mate before leaving. He taught me all about navigation, the stars, everything a seaman should know. When I was a boy we were always on the move, travelling in a wagon across the states until we found \u2026\u201d he stopped and gulped down the lump in his throat.<\/p>\n Oh how clearly he could remember the day. Pa had said simply \u2018This is it, this is our Eden.\u2019 They had clambered down from the wagon , he and Hoss, and they had chased one another across the long grasses to the river. Then Pa had called them together and placed a hand on their shoulders as they stood side by side of him. He had prayed then. Thanked God for deliverance, and asked Him for help and wisdom.<\/p>\n \u201cSo when you got your Grand pa\u2019s letter you up and left, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot for a long time. Then some things happened in my life and I thought – I need to get away from here. I remembered the letter. There was information there telling me how to get a Commission, all I had to do was apply to the President, tell him about my college education and my life \u2026 next thing I knew I was in Boston, visited the Admiral and stood in front of various Captains and the Admiral who asked various questions and before I knew it, I was on board the Ainola with the Commission in my hand. Just like that \u2026\u201d he sighed heavily. Just like that \u2026<\/p>\n He turned his head and glanced down at the boy, John was asleep, lightly snoring. The night was growing lighter. Soon it would be daybreak and a new day would begin.<\/p>\n Chapter 10<\/p>\n They slaked their thirst from the river, cupping their hands they splashed water upon their faces and around their necks and then drank a little more. John looked anxiously up at Adam<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright, are we going to get back to the ship now?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam heaved in a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, he pursed his lips and frowned before shrugging<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have to see, John. Let\u2019s find something to eat, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t we light a fire, Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, John, others may see it.\u201d<\/p>\n The boy nodded and Adam noticed a tremor run down the boy\u2019s back. Perhaps having slept so well John had forgotten just how dangerous the situation was for them.<\/p>\n \u201cNo talking now, John. Just follow me and do whatever I tell you. Trust me, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n The boy nodded. He clapped his hand to his belt and drew out a knife which he showed to Adam with a glint of pride in his eyes. With a smile Adam acknowledged the boys determination and ruffled his hair before turning and beginning to walk warily back to the beach.<\/p>\n They plucked wild fruit from the shrubs as they walked along. Some were too bitter to eat and was promptly spat out, but some were ripe and sweet. Adam found his energy levels boosted after a short while and felt more optimistic as a result. They reached the fringes of the forests where it met the beach, and crouched down. Looking towards the sea both of them searched for a sight of the ship. The horizon however, was empty.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s she gone?\u201d John cried involuntarily.<\/p>\n \u201cHush.\u201d Adam put his finger to his lips and pointed to the left of him which caused John to freeze and go white as he saw the sight of several natives approaching the beach. A skull adorned a pole which was driven into the sands. Neither Adam nor John had any doubts as to what this meant – Mr Jones\u2019 skull was there as a warning to the white invaders and the thought of what those savages had done to Mr Jones made John heave up vomit.<\/p>\n The natives were well built men, adorned with very little. They talked shrilly to one another, gesticulating wildly and pointing out to sea. From what Adam could interpret from their body language and signs some wanted to get into their boats and attack the ship, but others were advising caution. From their vantage point, stretched out on their bellies, Adam and John could see the whole scene clearly. John tugged at Adam\u2019s sleeve and signalled his desire to leave, but Adam put his hand upon the boy\u2019s arm and shook his head.<\/p>\n Finally the natives departed. The skull stared out to sea from its eyeless sockets. Waves lapped against the beach invitingly. For some moments Adam didn\u2019t move as he looked out upon the scene. Overhead birds sang and there was the rustle of things moving in among the trees but Adam still didn\u2019t move.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m scared, Mr Cartwright.\u201d John whispered, \u201cWhy isn\u2018t the ship there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, the Captain has to think about the welfare of the crew, John.\u201d Adam replied steadily, \u201che can\u2019t put them at risk just for the sake of two people, can he?\u201d<\/p>\n John lowered his eyes, he nodded, but couldn\u2019t raise his eyes to look at Adam for shame, knowing it was his fault that they were stranded there now.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought they were going to grab me after they struck down Mr Jones so I just ran, I didn\u2019t think I\u2019d be left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo point thinking about it now, we\u2019ve things to do.\u201d Adam replied and raised himself to his knees, \u201cLook, we need a boat, don\u2019t we? So -\u201d he paused at the way John\u2019s face lost colour, \u201cIt\u2019s the only way off this island, boy. Now, just do what I say. Follow me and not a word.\u201d<\/p>\n When one is too scared to think the best thing is to left the thinking to someone else and just mechanically do what one was told, that way any mistake was someone else\u2019s responsibility. Thus reasoned young John as he began to walk closely behind his Officer.<\/p>\n They skulked along the edges of the forest keeping the sea close in view until Adam seized John by the arm, forced him down onto his belly and put a finger to his lips for silence. Then he pointed towards the sea.<\/p>\n At least a dozen boats were beached upon the sands. There were signs of fishing implements strewn around, primitive style harpoons. One man was walking among them, seeming to be looking for something or someone. Eventually he found what he was looking for and turned to walk back to the village. Adam wished now he had pocketed his telescope but as it was he didn\u2019t have it so would have to hope for the best. He tugged at John\u2019s sleeve and beckoned him to follow<\/p>\n Keeping low to the sand and hastening to the cover of the rocks Adam and John made their way to the boats. Along the way Adam picked up one of the harpoons, as sharp as a razor, heavily weighted. He balanced it in his hand and then with a nod pointed over to the boats, indicating to John to move forwards.<\/p>\n He holed the first boat easily. The second boat took no time. At the third boat however there was a problem. As he struck in the harpoon head a dark face reared itself up from the inside of the boat and glared down at him. It\u2019s possible that the dark face paled at the sight of the white man who stared back at him. He opened his mouth to shout a warning only to have Adam\u2019s hand clapped over his mouth instantly and even as he writhed to free himself the other man brought down the weapon. The savage sunk down into the boat and Adam struck the harpoon into the boat\u2019s side to hole it.<\/p>\n He glanced over to where the other man had walked in what he has assumed was the way to the village. There appeared no sign of anyone although the sounds of the people could be heard quite clearly on the breeze. It was a warm and pleasant breeze and cooled him in his exertions. John, realising what Adam was doing, was using his knife to good effect, gouging out holes in the side of the boats as he dodged his way in and out of them.<\/p>\n The boy jumped when someone tapped him on the shoulder, and he was obviously relieved when Adam Cartwright looked down at him, then hauled him up over his shoulder and swung him into one of the boats.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep your head down.\u201d Adam whispered, \u201cSo far we\u2019ve got away with the damage we\u2019ve done, but I can\u2019t guarantee just how much longer our luck will hold.\u201d<\/p>\n Very carefully Adam pushed the boat away from the beach. It slid along smoothly, and slipped into the water as naturally and easily as could be while Adam swam alongside it, one hand hauling the boat along . No one seemed to notice the boat now loose upon the waves with seemingly no one in it. The sound of the villagers grew further and further away until Adam felt it was safe to get into the boat himself.<\/p>\n There were paddles cast casually in the boat as though the owner had been glad to have the days fishing over with and happy to be home. Adam, accustomed to paddling the bark canoes of the Paiute took his position and indicated to John to pick up the other paddle. With his eyes still on the shore Adam began to paddle the boat away and John, raised on the coastal line of New England, used the other paddle to good effect.<\/p>\n The shore receded at each stroke of the paddle. They were now at good way to sea and following the direction that Adam recalled the Ainola had taken. The paddles flashed in and out of the water and John, young though he was, proved himself to be an asset that day as he put his strength and power into the task. Too terrified at the thought of being caught he only wanted to have as much distance between himself and the natives as possible.<\/p>\n They saw as so many dots on a canvas the sight of the natives on the shore lining up and no doubt shouting their frenzied curses at the receding little vessel. It was too late for them to retrieve it or to capture the thieves. Even if they had tried they would not have got far before their own little boats would have filled with water and capsized.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, John, we won that round,\u201d Adam said with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir. Thank you, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Yes, they had won that round, but there were still others to confront.<\/p>\n Chapter 11<\/p>\n There was no respite from the sun. The heat sapped their energies and it wasn\u2019t long before the boy had abandoned the paddle and fallen into the bottom of the boat curled like a baby with his arms flung either side of him.<\/p>\n Adam paddled slowly now that the island was a single dot on the horizon. He had thought of circling the island and landing elsewhere so that water and food could be gathered, but the island was small in circumference and the anger of the natives considerable. He had no doubt that they would be on guard against his return, especially as it would take time for them to repair the boats.<\/p>\n He glanced behind him and to the left and right of him. Where had the Ainola gone? He couldn\u2019t accept the thought that they had simply abandoned him. Even though what he had said to John was the truth, a Captain\u2019s first duty was to his crew and ship, it was still the right and proper thing to rescue those in need of help.<\/p>\n He looked at John and knew the boy was exhausted. There was little hope of him being of any use now and it made Adam wonder whether he had made the right decision to leave the island. The boy was making little whimpering sounds now and it smote Adam\u2019s heart to hear them. Resolutely he knew there was only one thing he could do, and that was to return to the island and find food and water.<\/p>\n He paddled slowly first to the left and then to the right, conserving his energy and allowing the current to drag them towards the undertow which would take them to the island. As he paddled he thought back to his conversation with the boy the previous evening. He smiled a little remembering that the boy had fallen asleep while he had rambled on with his story.<\/p>\n He remembered how he had mentioned that there had been events that had caused him to make the decision to leave home. As he drove the paddle into the water, his back straight and eyes alert, and the sun burning through his shirt, Adam tried to recall to mind the events that he had referred to so briefly.<\/p>\n Well, there was that situation with Peter Kane. Even now he would dream about the wretched man, no, not dream, that was not the right word at all, he had nightmares about the mine, the heat, the humiliation. Kane. That was a name to conjure with\u2026 no one had seemed to have really understood why that had had such an effect on him. Even now, thinking about it here as he paddled this boat upon the bluest of waters and the calmest of seas, even now he couldn\u2019t put the horror of it all into words.<\/p>\n Pass on then, what was the other thing? The day he shot Joe. He closed his eyes and shuddered. There had been that couple in the buggy who had come to help them. Mr Rearden and his daughter, Sheila. \u2018Beautiful vistas and perfect sunsets\u2019. He could hear that girls voice now and the way she had said \u2018I hate it here\u2019 with such vehemence and he could remember the way his own heart had jumped at the words because at that moment he had understood how she had felt.<\/p>\n Adam bit his lip and applied himself to paddling furiously now as though he wanted to get away from his own memories. An impossibility. He paused, and put a hand to his forehead to wipe away the sweat. When the Rearden\u2019s had gone and he had been alone with his father \u2026 he could remember so well, so clearly, how he had felt.<\/p>\n It was strange how a hand on one\u2019s arm can be a source of comfort and encouragement one moment and of dread and consternation at another. When Ben placed a hand on Adam\u2019s arm the younger man felt a worm of misery crawl within his stomach. He looked up anxiously, his dark eyes taking on an even darker tone as he scanned his father\u2019s features.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want to talk about it now, son?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam had drawn in a deep breath and as he exhaled he lowered his head and looked away. The hand on his arm was warm, gentle but it felt like a ton weight. He had longed to shake it away, get up and run from the room but his own pride and respect for his father had prevented him from doing so.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know you are, Adam\u201d Ben had moved his hand away and had placed it upon his son\u2019s shoulder, unbeknown to him causing his son more irritation and annoyance as a result.<\/p>\n \u201cI just didn\u2019t see him there, Pa.\u201d Adam had raised a hand in a gesture of self disgust. \u201cI\u2019ve gone over and over it in my head and I still can\u2019t see him there. When I fired, all I saw was that wolf, I never saw Joe. I never saw him.\u201d<\/p>\n He had straightened his back, more as a means of removing that hand upon his shoulder, a hand that now seemed as hot as a branding iron. It had been unnecessary for Ben moved away, and had sat down in his chair and surveyed his son thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, accidents happen. You mustn\u2019t blame yourself any more than you have done all ready. I know from what the Reardons have said, and from Hoss, that you have punished yourself relentlessly over this accident. At the same time, you seem to have forgotten that you saved your brother\u2019s life.\u201d<\/p>\n He had glanced over at his father then and grimaced. Then he had shaken his head,<\/p>\n \u201cPa, none of what happened -\u201d he had paused as he saw the look on his father\u2019s face, one of impatience and it had caught him unguarded, \u201cYou\u2019re angry with me? Of course you are, you have every reason to be. I acted like some greenhorn rookie running in and firing off in all directions like I did. The stupid thing is that I thought I was protecting Joe. When I saw him there on the ground and knew it was my bullet that had brought him down \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Adam remembered the tears that had stung his eyes then, how he had brought his hand to his mouth and clamped down his teeth to prevent the tears from falling.<\/p>\n \u201cSon, I\u2019m not angry with you. I could not be angry with you over this. I just want you to stop punishing yourself. I want you to stop thinking that this place is barbaric and cruel. I want you to remember the things we love about it\u2026\u201d he had leaned forward, his near black eyes forcing Adam to look into his face, \u201cRemember how we found the Ponderosa? Remember how hard we worked to bring it to life? You, I and Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam recalled that moment now more clearly than he had ever done. The realisation that his father had been told about the discussion he and Hoss had had the previous evening. How Hoss had waxed lyrical about the Ponderosa and he had spouted Thoreau. Then he had railed at the Reardens about the heathenish place it was, no doctors, no refinements. Sunsets and wide vistas. He had remembered the words, they spun round and round in his head even now, hammered there like nails in a coffin.<\/p>\n \u201cThe land was more outlandish then than it is now, remember? We relied on the help of others. When Joe was born who was here to help us? But we are on the threshold of a wonderful future for this country. The Ponderosa is \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPa -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t finished speaking yet, boy.\u201d his father\u2019s voice had gone harder, the mouth a firm line in the lean tanned face, \u201cLook, I don\u2019t want you to be using this accident with Joe as the excuse for you to run out on what is, what has been, a wonderful thing here. I want you to stay, I want you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want? What about my wants?\u201d the words had been blurted out, hot, quick, hasty.<\/p>\n \u201cI always thought they were right here, on the Ponderosa?\u201d Ben had leaned forward again, his dark eyes scanning his son\u2019s face, \u201cI remember what it was like back East. The refinements, the easy way of living , the accessibility of everything. Sometimes I ask myself, why did I leave?\u201d he had stood up then, and turned to the hearth, observed it for some seconds and smiled, \u201cYou remember when we built this chimney? How we had cheered when the last stone went into place? Well, we\u2019re like those stones. Each one of us is a rock, supported by the other, each in their right place. The cement that binds them is the love we have for one another.\u201d<\/p>\n He had placed his hand upon Adam\u2019s arm, and smiled. It was strange, Adam thought now when recollecting that time, how the touch of a hand on one\u2019s arm can be a source of irritation and annoyance one moment, but of consolation and comfort the next.<\/p>\n A soft sigh passed through the lips of the boy and Adam snatched himself away from his memories. He raised his hand to his face to wipe away the sweat . This, he told himself,, was hardly the time to be spent in self pity and recriminations.<\/p>\n Chapter 12<\/p>\n He was careful to paddle the canoe just far enough away from the shoreline and out of reach of any optimistic spearsman. On the east side of the island the sand began to give way to coral and boulders over which the waves flung themselves with an energy that caught Adam by surprise. It was a struggle to single handedly manage the boat now and more than once the boat seemed determined to hurl itself upon the rocks along with the waves.<\/p>\n Kneeling in the boat now he paddled Indian style away from the rocks. Once more he drove the boat away from the shoreline and out to sea, away from the danger of being dashed against the rocks and lost forever. The temptation to scoop a handful of water to drink was cruelly tantalising although he did scoop some to tip over his face which he felt was now burning from his exertions and the heat of the sun.<\/p>\n He now skirted the eastern shore, avoiding the rocks and steering towards the southern side when, upon glancing along the horizon he noticed another island. Momentarily he paused to consider his options.<\/p>\n He recalled that there had been four islands shown on the map which was seriously out of date. They had avoided the first island due to the attentions of the natives, they had visited the second island, the one at which so much had happened. Perhaps he should attempt to reach the third of the islands and see whether or not there would be greater success in providing water and food than anywhere else.<\/p>\n Determined now he drove the paddle into the sea. They had several assets to hand, two knives, a primitive harpoon, a decent enough boat, courage and determination. There were times in the past when he had had far less but had won through. Thus, gritting his teeth Adam strove forwards.<\/p>\n The warm breeze was pleasantly cooling and much stronger than it had been when they had been on shore. Wavelets were now becoming quite forceful waves that seemed determined to drive the little vessel back against the rocks. He was paddling frantically against the tide and the currents were becoming fiercer by the moment.<\/p>\n He would have preferred not to have disturbed the boy, but there was nothing else he could do. He was not built on Hoss like proportions and powers and rather than be defeated by the waves he had to have some form of help. He shook John gently and roused him from his sleep<\/p>\n \u201cTake the other paddle, John. We\u2019re heading for another island.\u201d<\/p>\n John rubbed his face, yawned and picked up the other paddle. Imitating Adam\u2019s style he knelt in the boat and began to paddle. The little boat struggled but maintained its course, dipping into the waves as they went and water flowing over the sides of the boat to such an extent that Adam was fearful of them floundering before they could ever reach the shore.<\/p>\n Approaching the island they could see it was much smaller than the others. Once again they were dazzled by the brightness of the beach behind which grew an abundance of plant life and tall trees with large umbrella like leaves. The closer they got the smaller the island appeared in proportion to the other two islands. It also became easier to paddle now as the natural tide around the island drew them towards it.<\/p>\n John glanced anxiously over his shoulder at Adam. It had taken several hours to reach the island and now as they drew close enough for the bottom of the boat to grate against the sand below the water the fear that the inhabitants were like the previous natives they had met quite over whelmed the boy.<\/p>\n Adam was out of the boat now, pushing it up to the shore and pulling it onto the beach. He looked warily about him and drew out his knife. John did likewise, keeping as close to Adam as he possibly could.<\/p>\n The first thing to find was water so they walked into the mass of plant life. Adam paused and looked back to make sure of his bearings in order to relocate the boat later. The only foot prints on the beach were there own. Nothing else was there to mar its splendid perfection.<\/p>\n Feeling reassured by this Adam walked deeper into the cool damp interior of the forest. Keeping a watchful eye about him he would pause occasionally to strain his ears for any untoward sounds that would warn him of approaching feet, or even of the sound of a stream.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright -\u201d John grabbed at his sleeve after they had been walking for twenty minutes, \u201cOver there. I saw something.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam could see it now, the flash of silver that indicated water, a stream, a river, maybe just a big puddle, but they both began to run towards it without any heed to the danger they could have brought upon themselves at the noise they were creating as they dashed through the plants and crashed down leaves. Only those who had been deprived of water for so long in such heat and having undergone such exertion could have understood as they now flung themselves into the water.<\/p>\n It was fresh and cool and intoxicatingly refreshing. They drank it, threw it over their faces, down their necks and over their bodies. It was wonderful for five minutes. Then sense prevailed and they hurriedly moved away and back into the shadows of the trees.<\/p>\n Once again they ate fruit that grew abundantly around them. Using his knife Adam dug up roots of plants he had seen in a botany book on board ship and recognised as good to eat. They were tough and chewy, but edible.<\/p>\n \u201cHow are we going to get water to the boat, Mr Cartwright? We\u2019ll need water if we\u2019re going to get to the Ainola.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded. He didn\u2019t say anything about the Ainola, it would be cruel to dash the boy\u2019s faith in his fellows. The problem was, as John said, how to get the water to the boat. Then he gave a low chuckle and ruffled Johns hair before pointing upwards to the trees around them<\/p>\n \u201cJohn, do you know what they are?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, sir, what are they?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy, they\u2019re coconut palms. These islands are volcanic in origin, John, that\u2019s why there\u2019s such an abundance of plant life. See -\u201d he pointed to some round objects that lay about the ground, \u201cThat\u2019s what we can store the water in. Idiot that I am \u2026\u201d he slapped himself on the brow (not very hard) and shook his head, \u201cI should have noticed them before, what was I thinking about!\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n John picked one up and shook it, his eyes rounded in surprise<\/p>\n \u201cIt rattles. There\u2019s something inside.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve not seen a coconut before, John?\u201d Adam smiled and taking the hilt of his knife he shattered the shell, and the cut across the top of the nut much like one slices the top of an egg, \u201cYou\u2019ll know what it is now, won\u2019t you?\u201c his smile widened as he held the hairy ovoid in front of the boy,<\/p>\n \u201cA coco nut!\u201d John exclaimed, \u201cI\u2019ve seem \u2018em before, Pa brought one home once when -\u201d he paused and his voice wobbled.<\/p>\n John took the coco nut and raised it to his mouth, rather carefully he tilted it and let the fluid inside trickle down his throat.<\/p>\n Adam sat down on the ground, having found himself a decent sized one he tilted it up and drank the juices, John shrugged, smiled and felt awkward. It was an unusual thing for an Officer to apologise to him, a mere cabin boy. He stretched, yawned, and looked about him,<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think there are any bad men here, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, John. I rather doubt it. The island is very small and hardly likely to sustain a community of people. They may come over here at times in their boats -\u201d he shrugged now, and glanced about him. \u201cAre you tired?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir. Sorry, sir. I know I shouldn\u2019t be, but I am\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t expect too much from yourself, boy. Here, curl up and sleep. I\u2019ll collect up some food and water, and when I\u2019m ready for leaving I\u2019ll wake you.\u201d<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t long before John was asleep again. Adam collected up more fruit of which there was an abundance. He thought of the number of lemons and limes that had been gathered up by the sailors of the Ainola. The Doctor would be pleased, it would keep the scurvy down. He cut down the large palm leaves and bundled the fruit into them, he did the same with the coco nuts. Now he had only to think of a means of transportation.<\/p>\n Birds trilled as they flew from plant to plant, tree to tree. For a moment Adam allowed the beauty of the place to steal over him. He wished that it were possible to have a machine which could capture the scene, like a picture. He nudged John and within minutes they were walking back to the boat with their arms laden with their bundles.<\/p>\n \u201cStay here.\u201d Adam cautioned, putting his arm across the boys chest and preventing him stepping any further onto the shore.<\/p>\n \u201cBut -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHush,\u201d he put down the bundles and drew out his knife.<\/p>\n There was another set of foot prints leading to the boat, footsteps that walked away from the boat and towards the forest. With foreboding in his heart and his knife in his hand Adam ran to the little vessel to find, to his dismay, that a hole had been violently smashed into its side. There was no possible way that they would be leaving the island now.<\/p>\n Chapter 13.<\/p>\n Adam turned away from the boat and knelt down in order to examine the footprints. For a moment he was puzzled for he had expected to see the inprint of a naked foot, but instead he saw that of a mans booted foot. Square toed at that and the heel light, toe print deep indicating that the man had ran from the boat.<\/p>\n He glanced over to where John stood, a pale faced little boy with big frightened eyes. He was about to call out when the boy was lifted off his feet as an arm seized him from behind and dragged him out of view.<\/p>\n Adam was running now, sprinting as fast as he could to wards where John had been standing. His knife in his hand prepared to strike out. When the form of a man appeared before him strike out he did, only to be greeted with a hearty chuckle.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright. Lord love us, sir, what do you think you\u2019re a-doing of?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSmith? Sargeant Smith? What are you doing here?\u201d Adam exclaimed, and in his voice there was sheer relief as the Sargeant of Marines stepped forward with a smart salute and wide grin on his whiskered face.<\/p>\n \u201cMy men and I came across from the Ainola on the jerry boat, sir. Sorry about the little boat yonder, sir. Thought it belonged to some of them barbarians and thought better to hole it in case they got it into their scurvy heads to come and ambush us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how delighted I am to see you, Sargeant. Did the Captain order you to look for us?\u201d<\/p>\n Smith grimaced, a rather comical twist of the lips, he raised his eyebrows and shook his head,<\/p>\n \u201cTo be honest, sir, he sent us to get more fruit and water. We could see the island was uninhabited. The doctor wanted to get more fruit to stave off the scurvy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d Adam nodded, narrowed his eyes and hid his disappointment as best he could.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright, if I may have a private word with you \u2026 in private\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d Adam nodded, and stepped closer.<\/p>\n \u201cJust by way of a warning, sir. There\u2019s a certain person on board ship who, to put it bluntly, don\u2019t think too kindly of you, sir and -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s enough, Sargeant.\u201d Adam stepped back, \u201cDon\u2019t say anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, sir, quite right, sir. It was just private talk, sir, between two officers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d Adam nodded, and put his hand reassuringly on the other mans shoulder, \u201cLet\u2019s get back to the boat. It\u2019s been a very hard time for the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir, I can well imagine it has been.\u201d Smith replied and obliged with a very smart salute.<\/p>\n Adam nodded and followed them slowly. He picked a bundle of fruit up but after a few steps dropped it. It didn\u2019t seem to matter now. He had an enemy on board ship. There were no prizes for guessing exactly who it was for he already knew.<\/p>\n For Adam the return to the deck of the Ainola was a great source of personal pleasure as the men, upon seeing their First Officer step on deck, gave a resounding cheer. Several men called out to him – quite contrary to Ships Regs – saying how pleased they were to see him again. Young John was whisked away below decks to be cross examined by the curious, and particularly so by 14 years old Robin, the other cabin boy who wished more than anything now that he had gone on the trip instead.<\/p>\n Captain Greaves was smoking his pipe and playing a game of backgammon with the Doctor when Adam knocked and upon being invited in, stepped into the Captain\u2019s private quarters.<\/p>\n \u201cBless me,\u201d the Doctor exclaimed, \u201cMr Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReporting for duty, sir.\u201d Adam said standing very erect and tall and saluting his superior officer as required.<\/p>\n \u201cCartwright,\u201d Greaves the hypocrite said silkily, \u201cWell, man, come on inside and take a glass of wine with us. My goodness, this is a pleasure. We were told that you had been taken captive with the boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally, sir? I can\u2019t understand where you got such a tale from as nothing of the sort happened at all.\u201d Adam replied with his face calm and placid.<\/p>\n \u201cJenkins was of the opinion – Doctor, pour out some wine for Mr Cartwright, thank you – yes, Jenkins was of the opinion that that was what had happened. No doubt things got a bit garbled in the translation. You know how it is.\u201d Greaves smiled as the wine was handed to Adam by the Doctor who looked very pleased to see him, \u201cIt\u2019s a really good Chardonney, Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, sir.\u201d Adam nodded appreciatively and took a sip before replacing the glass on the table, \u201cIs it in order for me to return to my duties, Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly, of course.\u201d Greaves cried as though there could not possibly be any doubt in the matter, then as Adam turned to leave the room he murmured as an aside to the Doctor, \u201cJenkins is not going to be too happy about this, he thought he had promotion in the bag. Apart from which he owes me $50, I bet him Cartwright would come out of this alive, and I was right\u201d and he burst into a peal of laughter.<\/p>\n Adam closed the door smartly behind him. For a moment he stood there very calmly, took in a deep breath, and then walked to his cabin.<\/p>\n \u201cAh Cartwright,\u201d Jenkins had the door open even before he had reached the cabin, \u201cI heard you were on board, congratulations.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou ordered the Ainola to leave the island, didn\u2019t you?\u201d Adam said quietly as he closed the door behind him and leaned against it.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, well, actually, you see, the Captain \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou told the Captain that the boy and I had been taken by the prisoners and that as there was no hope for us it would be better to leave the vicinity of the island in order to protect the crew from attack.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI – I can\u2019t quite remember if that was actually what was said. There were concerns for the safety of the ship\u2019s company, you understand. Regulations say \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know what regulations say, Mr Jenkins. But you left a man and a boy on that island at the mercy of those savages \u2026\u201d Adam paused and stepped further into the room, Jenkins stepped back several paces in order to put some distance between them. \u201cAnd you made a bet of $50 with the Captain that we would not be seen on board ship again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what the Captain is like -\u201d Jenkins stuttered.<\/p>\n Adam reached out a hand and grabbed hold of Jenkins\u2019 shirt front, hauling the man towards him so that they were nearly nose to nose,<\/p>\n \u201cListen and listen very carefully, Mr Jenkins, I have no wish to be your enemy, or your rival. I would be very grateful if you would just remember that while we are on board ship you forget your petty little animosities and keep your nose out of my life. If I find you causing me any further trouble, in any way whatsoever, large or small, you\u2019ll find out what having a Cartwright as an enemy really is all about!\u201d<\/p>\n Jenkins gulped. His mouth went slack and his eyes bulged a little more than usual. Adam gave him a slight shake,<\/p>\n \u201cUnderstood?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, understood.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. Now, as far as this ships\u2019 company is concerned you and I are the best of friends. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight. Could you let me go now, please \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd when I leave this ship, I\u2019ll make sure that you get your promotion. Is that understood?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d Jenkins whispered, his face almost as white as his shirt which Adam now released letting the man stagger back befor e regaining his balance.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad we understand one another, Mr Jenkins. Now, if you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019d like to have the cabin to myself for a while. I\u2019ve not slept since yesterday morning.\u201d<\/p>\n The door closed. Adam looked at his bunk and then at his book shelf. Taking down a book of poetry he opened it, and took from within its pages his father\u2019s letters. Then he settled down on the bed and began to read the well worn pages, the words of which he already knew by heart. `At the end of the day it truly was a blessing that no one had been killed. As Hoss Cartwright narrowed his eyes to peer into the dust his heart was pounding so loudly within the confines of his rib cage that he could barely catch his breath. Slowly, bit by bit, figures could be more clearly discerned through the gloom and as the dust ebbed away so, one by one, the horsemen became more sharply defined as they rode wearily towards him.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was close,\u201d Candy Canady muttered as he drew alongside the trail boss, and wiped sweat and dust from his face.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was,\u201d Hoss replied, his eyes sweeping over the other mans face and noting that apart from weariness and anxiety Candy had emerged unscathed from the chaos of the stampede.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d Hoss asked, turning in his saddle to find his brother, his breathing was harsh, mirroring that of Chubb who was snorting and fighting the bit in his mouth as though despite the perils he had undergone he was more than willing to re-enter the fray.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here,\u201d Joe said quietly wiping his brow with the back of his arm, \u201cI\u2019m alright, how about you two?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re alright,\u201d Hoss replied giving his youngest brother a quick scrutiny to ensure the truth of his statement, and relieved to see that his brother was indeed, unharmed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo men hurt?\u201d Joe asked, bringing his canteen to his lips and taking a long few swallows of the cool water.<\/p>\n \u201cNone,\u201d Hoss leaned on the pommel of his saddle and frowned, \u201cI reckon those cows ran off quite a few pounds of fat in the run off of theirs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow many head did we lose? Do you know yet?\u201d Candy asked, he took the canteen from his saddle horn and opened it, then tilted his head up to pour refreshing cool water over his face before he put it to his lips to drink long swallows of the liquid.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I was about to go in with Jake and Zeke to find out. You two had better get to the chuck wagon. Sam\u2019s fixing up some coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy and Joe said nothing to that, but turned their horses heads and walked them towards the camp. They rode side by side, and for an instance, just an instance, it seemed to Hoss that he had gone back in time and saw his two brothers riding back to camp.<\/p>\n No man there grumbled about the dangers they had just encountered. They waited in line for their coffee and whatever there was that Sam could provide to go along with it. Danger was all part of the work for which they were being paid and the cattle could spook at anything. They looked up at Joe and Candy as the two men rode into the camp, nodded as though pleased to see them both and returned to their drink. From the oldest to the youngest, each and every one of them had been near death that day. Whether from falling from their horses into the path of the pounding hooves of the cattle or from the horns that could disembowel a horse as easily as a butcher\u2019s knife, or could tear off the leg from a man, each one of them had survived.<\/p>\n They counted it a blessing and those that had a faith thanked God for it, while those without faith just put it all down to a days work.<\/p>\n \u201cYou did well today, Candy.\u201d Joe said as they waited for Sam to pour out coffee and provide them with a hunk of bread to go with it.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t realise you were watching,\u201d came the rather sarcastic reply.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I wasn\u2019t, too busy like everyone else, but it just seemed to me that you kept coming into my line of vision\u2026 thanks, Sam\u201d he took the mug of hot liquid and nursed it between his hands, declining the bread.<\/p>\n \u201cFunny how that happens sometimes\u201d Candy replied and shrugged slightly as though it didn\u2019t really matter to him one way or the other.<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you getting on with the men?\u201d Joe looked up at the other man, to observe the eyes of the man.<\/p>\n \u201cWell enough. There\u2019s just one guy gives me some bother now and again, but I don\u2019t let it get under my skin like some may do. He\u2019s only a little problem after all.\u201d and Candy raised his eye brows and looked directly at Joe over the rim of his cup as he drank his coffee.<\/p>\n Joe smiled slowly, shrugged and finished his coffee, he threw the bitter dregs onto the ground and then turned to walk back to the chuck wagon, then he paused,<\/p>\n \u201cWe should hit Boulder\u2019s Creek tomorrow. How about riding in with us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho exactly is us?\u201d Candy asked with a slight twinkling of the blue eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss and me,\u201d Joe shrugged, \u201cSome of the men who aren\u2019t on shift will be going in too. \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cSure,\u201d Candy nodded, \u201cYou can count me in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood,\u201d Joe nodded, and walked away, put the cup down and then returned to Cochise. He swung himself into the saddle and rode slowly out of camp and back to the cattle. \u2018Just a little problem was he?\u2019 Joe ground his teeth, well, he thought, you\u2019ll soon find out how big a problem I can be, Mister Clever Canady. You\u2019ll see!<\/p>\n Chapter 15<\/p>\n Boulder Creek had grown since the last time the Cartwrights had passed through town. Like many \u2019mushroom\u2019 towns it was prospering from its location near a river and being on the regular route for cattle runs. No one paid much attention to the half dozen men who rode into the town late in the day. Hoss dismounted outside the telegraph post office and after a brief exchange of words with Joe disappeared inside the building. Joe walked Cochise to the hitching rail outside the saloon where the other men, including Candy, had tethered their horses.<\/p>\n The bar keeper looked up and recognised some thirsty men with a gleam of pleasure in his eyes and the saloon girls suddenly appeared from various locations in the building to sashey over to them and drape themselves around the men. Joe watched in the mirror as the Ponderosa men drifted to various tables, some to play a serious game of poker with the resident diehards in the saloon and about to start a new game, and others to enjoy the flirtation with the girls. He watched as Candy sought a table to himself and seemed to drift into deep thoughts of his own. When a pretty girl strolled over to Candy and sat at his table to lean provocatively over at him, Candy said something in a quiet tone that made the girl flounce away with a petulant look on her face.<\/p>\n Joe took his beer and the one that he had paid for Hoss and walked over to Candy\u2019s table,<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t mind if I join you, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n Candy looked up as though surprised that Joe would be the one to ask the question but muttered that it was all the same to him whatever Joe decided to do, upon which gracious invitation Joe put down the glasses and pulled out a chair.<\/p>\n \u201cLike your own company, Candy?\u201d he leaned back in his chair, \u201cShe was a pretty girl.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, she\u2019s all yours, Joe.\u201d Candy swept his hand in the direction of the girl, and smiled with a bitter twist to the lips, \u201cI prefer to keep my own company when I get the chance to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, you want me to leave then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can do whatever you wish.\u201d Candy shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not actually going out of your way to be friendly, Canady.\u201d Joe murmured, then glanced over to the doors of the saloon as they swung open, \u201cHey, Hoss, over here.\u201d he smiled and then turned to his companion, \u201cYou don\u2019t mind, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n Again Candy only shrugged, but smiled a greeting at Hoss when the big man came and pulled out a chair to sit down. Hoss set down a package of letters, then picked up the beer which he gulped down much like water goes down a plug hole.<\/p>\n \u201cAnother?\u201d he smacked his lips, \u201cCandy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThree more beers over here, mister.\u201d Hoss boomed and then he took off his hat, wiped his brow on the back of his sleeve and sighed, \u201cSure needed that. For some reason Sam\u2019s cooking just ain\u2019t doing it for me anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n The three of them took their glasses and Candy was about to say something when there was an angry shout from one of the tables which drew their attention. Big Zeke was standing up, his cards thrown down on the table<\/p>\n \u201cYou twister, I saw where that card came from and it weren\u2019t from where it should have done either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou calling me a cheat?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe and Hoss exchanged glances, how many times had this happened? It was such a regular occurrence that they turned away to leave Big Zeke to deal with it himself,<\/p>\n \u201cHappens all the time,\u201d Joe muttered in explanation to Candy who had also resumed drinking, \u201cZeke is pretty hot headed at times.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlmost as bad as you, huh?\u201d Hoss grinned.<\/p>\n There was the sound of a gun being fired and again they turned to see what had happened. A girl screamed \u201cYou killed him\u201d and suddenly all the Ponderosa men were on their feet. Zeke was protesting that it was self defence, but another card player claimed it was no such thing. The \u2019dead\u2019 man suddenly had a resurrection and pulled out a gun which he aimed at Zeke who proceeded to flatten him by a punch on the nose. The girl screamed again \u201cYou killed him\u201d and immediately there were fists flying, tables being overturned and chairs being thrown about.<\/p>\n \u201cAren\u2019t you going to help them?\u201d Candy asked, looking at Hoss and Joe who were cradling their beers against their chests to ensure they didn\u2019t get knocked over in the event of some clumsy cow poke falling into their table. Hoss looked surprised at the question,<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, why? They can take care of themselves. Not too sure about the townsfolk though, they do seem a scrawny bunch, don\u2019t you think so, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I feel sorry for them,\u201d Hoss said in a melancholy tone of voice, \u201cZeke and Hank carry a lot of weight behind their punches.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Joe sighed and raised his glass to his lips.<\/p>\n The batwings flew open and several more men piled into the melee. Hoss and Joe exchanged a look and grimaced<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like the odds have turned.\u201d Hoss sighed, gulping down the last of his beer.<\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t you just know it, just when I thought it was about over.\u201d Joe grumbled and put his empty glass on the table.<\/p>\n Candy watched as his trail boss and ram rod weighed into the battle. He stepped to one side, holding tightly to his glass, as he watched Hoss pick up one man by the scruff of the neck and cast him casually over the counter. Joe was entangled with two men who seemed to think he was some kind of punch bag to practise on until he hit back much like a Jack in the box. There were screams from the ladies, curses from the men, thumps and thuds from all parts of the room, the crashing of furniture shattering as bodies landed on them, or they were smashed over bodies.<\/p>\n \u201cHere\u2019s one for you, Hoss.\u201d Joe cried pushing one burly cowboy over to his brother who gave him a neat thud on the head which sent him sinking almost gracefully to the floor.<\/p>\n Joe laughed and he turned to grab at a man who had sneaked up behind him. As he did so one of the gambling men took out a gun and aimed it at Joe\u2019s unprotected back.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t if I were you,\u201d Candy suggested ramming his own pistol barrel into the man\u2019s back, \u201cJust put it back in its holster – nicely.\u201d<\/p>\n The fight seemed to die its own death at that point, Candy re-holstered his gun and Joe and Hoss returned to their table, set it upright and beckoned to the bar keeper for three more beers. Throughout the saloon tables were being set to rights, chairs turned right side up and order slowly being restored.<\/p>\n The bar keep brought over the three beers and set them down on the table,<\/p>\n \u201cWho do I send the bill to? There\u2019s a lot of damage your men did here.\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2018t just our men, and it wasn\u2019t our men who started it.\u201d Joe said wiping blood from a cut in his lip.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right, your gambling friend over there started it all. You should see to him for damages.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll the same your men still did a lot of damage here even if they did have help from Simpson and the others.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe pulled out his wallet and carefully withdrew some notes from it which he folded and pushed into the bar keepers hand. Satisfied with that he trundled off back to the counter, counting out the dollar bills and feeling smugly pleased with how it had turned out to his benefit after all.<\/p>\n \u201cYou gave him too much,\u201d Candy said quietly.<\/p>\n Joe shrugged, and looked at Hoss but his brother was saying nothing, so he looked over at Candy and raised his eye brows,<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve seen enough of these brawls -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd been in enough\u201d Hoss quipped.<\/p>\n \u201c- to know roughly how to estimate the damage. Thanks, anyhow, for your advice.\u201d there was an edge to his voice which made Hoss sit up and take notice.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Joe, you should be thanking Candy here. He saved your life.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow come?\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes narrowed and he looked at Candy doubtfully, even a trifle angrily as though the last thing he wanted on earth was to be beholden to this man.<\/p>\n \u201cHe stopped a guy shooting you in the back, that\u2019s how come.\u201d Hoss informed him, and he looked over at Candy and nodded his thanks.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t see you in the fight, thought you were sitting out of it.\u201d Joe said begrudgingly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t my fight, couldn\u2019t see the point in getting busted up over nothing.\u201d Candy replied, \u201cBut it\u2019s always worth watching and seeing what goes on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, so it seems. Thanks anyhow.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy nodded and raised his glass to his lips. Hoss started scrabbling around on the floor to collect up the letters that had spilled onto it, and he placed them carefully in his pocket.<\/p>\n \u201cWeren\u2019t we supposed to be meeting Mr Cartwright here?\u201d Candy observed, pushing his glass away from him, and leaning back in his chair.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, that\u2019s why we stopped over.\u201d Joe replied.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019ll find us.\u201d Hoss said nonchalantly and was about to speak when Joe excused himself and left the saloon, alone.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with him?\u201d Candy asked, \u201cIt seems that nothing I do pleases him, not even when it comes to saving his life.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss frowned, pursed his lips and shook his head,<\/p>\n \u201cWal, I got me an idea, Candy, and I may be way off the beam with this one, but it might be because of how he feels about our brother, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam? Sure, I heard of him. But what does he have to do with me?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss sighed and cradled the half empty (half full?) glass in his hands, he shrugged,<\/p>\n \u201cYou dress in black, you\u2019re his colouring, kinda. In some ways you have a lot of his way of doing things \u2026 like just now in that fight, you acted just how Adam would have done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I can\u2019t rightly help that,\u201d Candy said after he had taken a few minutes to think it over, \u201cI\u2019m who I am, people have to accept me for who I am and for who they think I may be like.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, I know that,\u201d Hoss sympathised, \u201cI did say it was just an idea of mine. I ain\u2019t sure I\u2019m right. It\u2019s just that my little brother – well, he kinda had a special relationship with Adam, and – and I guess there\u2019s a whole lot of anger still boiling away there over his leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid he have to leave?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam thought so. Joe didn\u2019t.\u201d Hoss shrugged, picked up his glass and emptied it. He pulled out his watch and frowned, \u201cGuess I\u2019ll be heading back. I don\u2019t want to be here too long with those cows still restless after what happened yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about your Pa? Ain\u2019t ya waiting for him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows where we are,\u201d Hoss smiled amiably, \u201cI\u2019ll see you back at camp.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy nodded and watched the big man leave the saloon. The batwings swung too and fro and then stopped. With a sigh Candy Canady found himself on his own, again.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cThis came through, Mr Cartwright, Glad I caught you before you left town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, does it require a reply?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess it does, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded and then seeing Joe walking towards him beckoned to his brother to join him. He had read the cable by the time Joe had reached him and passed it to Joe without a word. He could see his brother\u2019s face go pale upon reading the cable and the large eyes widen, flutter as though trying to comprehend the message and then looking up at him,<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d better get back.\u201d Joe cried, \u201cI\u2019ll cable Dr Martin and tell him we\u2019re on our way now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook, Joe, I\u2019ll have to arrange for someone to take on the responsibility of the herd. Joe said nothing but could only shake his head as though in disbelief, before gulping rather loudly,<\/p>\n \u201cHe will be alright, won\u2019t he, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, you know our Pa, he\u2019s too stubborn to just go and die before we get home. I mean, he won\u2019t die, Joe. He won\u2019t\u2026\u201d and Hoss\u2019 earnest blue eyes glared into his brother\u2019s face as though earnestly wanting Joe to confirm the truth of the matter, Pa wouldn\u2019t die, no, so that was it, final say on the matter. But Inwardly he was praying hard, and crying too.<\/p>\n He watched as Joe returned to the Telegraph Office with the Clerk, and then quickly returned to the saloon where he found Candy still mulling over his beer. He hurried to the table and pulled out a chair, then sat down so heavily that the chair nearly gave way beneath him.<\/p>\n \u201cCandy, we\u2019ve had some bad news.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah? Such as what?\u201d Candy straightened his back, his face anxious and eyes alert. It was a reaction that gave Hoss some measure of comfort with regard to what he was going to request of the man,<\/p>\n \u201cWe just got a cable to say our Pa was ambushed just outside of Virginia City. Roy\u2019s got the shooter, and Dr Martin\u2019s seen to Pa, but he\u2019s awful ill.\u201d Hoss paused to bite hard on his bottom lip, it was the only way he knew how to stop it from quivering. \u201cLook, I know you ain\u2019t been part of this outfit for long, but I feel I can trust you -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou can, Hoss. What do you want me to do?\u201d Candy replied with a nod of his head.<\/p>\n Hoss said nothing for a moment, doubtful now of his actions, and wondering if he should have consulted Joe in this decision. He glanced around the saloon and saw the Ponderosa men there who were half intoxicated with drink, gambling or flirting with the girls. He nodded as though he had seen enough to confirm his thoughts, and having done so he took out the letters from his pocket.<\/p>\n \u201cCandy, you\u2019ll have to take over the cattle drive, I\u2019m asking you to take over as Trail Boss. Just say if you feel you can\u2019t do it\u2026\u201d he stared into the other man\u2019s eyes and saw there no hesitation, no doubt whatsoever, \u201cFine, that\u2019s good. Now, I\u2019d recommend that you get young Hal Pickering as your ramrod, he\u2019s been with us about two years now but he\u2019s still young and the men won\u2019t respect him like they will you. Do you want me to put this in writing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you feel better about it that way,\u201d Candy shrugged, then glanced around the room, \u201cWhy not just tell the men here what your intentions are, that should be enough I would think.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded, and got to his feet. He walked to where Zeke was pouring some whiskey into a glass and called for their attention. When he mentioned about Ben\u2019s condition there was a concerned murmur but that was silenced when he told them his decision to transfer trail boss duties to Candy, and that Hal Pickering would be ramrod. He noticed some sharp looks between the men and Zeke didn\u2019t look overly pleased but no one said anything to contradict the decision, several nodded in acceptance of it, then they returned to what they had been doing prior to his announcement.<\/p>\n \u201cWal,\u201d he muttered as he resumed his chair, \u201cI can\u2019t guarantee that it\u2019s going to be the easiest job to take on, Candy, but I do have confidence in you. Now, this is the mail that came today for the men. When you get paid for the cattle contact us and I\u2018ll send on details to you about anything else you need to know. How\u2019d you feel about doing this, Candy? Is it alright by you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLook, Hoss, if it wasn\u2019t I would have stopped you in your tracks before you\u2019d got started. Best thing if for you to get back to the Ponderosa and make sure Ben is alright. Oh -\u201d Candy raised his eyebrows, \u201cdoes Joe agree with this arrangement?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe doesn\u2019t know about it yet. Look, I\u2019m trail boss and it\u2019s my decision. To tell you the truth, Candy, I\u2019ve been on cattle round ups before with most of these men, and there\u2019s not one I have as much confidence in as yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t let you or Mr Cartwright down, Hoss, I promise.\u201d Candy stood up and extended his hand which Hoss shook warmly. \u201cI hope you find your Pa in good health when you get there, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss murmured his thanks, turned and made a hurried exit from the saloon leaving Candy to finish his drink and to come to terms with his sudden promotion.<\/p>\n Joe had sent off the cable by the time Hoss joined him and it took little time to get food purchased for the trip back home. Neither of them spoke, it was as though speech would rob them of time, and time, they felt , was of the essence. The thought that their Pa could be dying was something that they couldn\u2019t envisage, couldn\u2019t and wouldn\u2019t believe possible. When it crossed Hoss\u2019 mind he found himself breaking out into a sweat and coming over all shaky and sick feeling, whereas with Joe, well, he was just a bundle of nervous energy and fidgets.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss,\u201d he said as they were about to mount their horses, \u201cWhat about the cattle? Who\u2019s going to take charge?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry none, I\u2019ve already dealt with all that.\u201d Hoss replied hurridly, \u201cLet\u2019s jest git going.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho\u2019ve you put in charge then?\u201d Joe asked, his hazel eyes hooded beneath his eyelids and his lips pursed as though he already knew the answer he was about to get.<\/p>\n \u201cCandy and Hal Pickering.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy Candy?\u201d Joe snapped, and yes, that had been exactly the answer he had expected which made him even angrier.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I trust him, Joe. Now, leave the subject be, I jest want to git home to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said nothing as the thought of his Pa needing them back home drove any other consideration out of his thoughts. Together the two brothers urged their horses forwards, towards home, towards Pa.<\/p>\n Chapter 17<\/p>\n \u201cBen? Ben? Stay with us, old friend. Stay with us \u2026\u201d Paul Martins voice faded into a sigh as he stepped back from the bed. He bowed his head and looked at Hop Sing and Roy Coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cWell? How\u2019s he doing?\u201d Roy wanted to know, while Hop Sing said nothing but only stepped nearer the bed and looked down at his dearly beloved friend.<\/p>\n \u201cNot good. He lost too much blood before he was found, Roy. I still can\u2019t understand why Jefferson did this to him.\u201d he rummaged about in his medical bag and checked through his instruments, \u201cThe first bullet could have killed him, there was no need to fire the second.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. Jefferson said that after he\u2019d fired the first bullet it just didn\u2019t seem to mean anything, made no impact on him, so he fired again, to make sure, and -\u201d Roy shrugged, \u201cThe man\u2019s been boiling over an imagined slight by the Cartwrights for years, since Cilla died there was no one at home left to argue with him and get him to reason on things. He just brooded \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you trying to put forward some kind of defence for him?\u201d Paul cried, \u201cHe\u2019s a killer, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBen\u2019s still alive, Paul. At present Jefferson is just an tired world weary old man who couldn\u2019t handle life anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe had no right to try to take someone else\u2019s life before his ended though.\u201d<\/p>\n Once again Paul leaned over the wounded man and checked his vital signs. He lifted the heavy eyelids and felt the pulse beat at the neck, and listened to the heart beat. Once again he stepped away from the bed and shook his head,<\/p>\n \u201cIt would help if his boys were here right now. At this rate Ben could be dead before they get home.\u201d he looked at Hop Sing who was struggling to stop the tears from welling up and overflowing, \u201cHop Sing, I\u2019m going to have to turn over the care of Mr Cartwright to y ou. I\u2019ve other people to see,\u201d he paused and heaved a deep breath, \u201cif only there were more doctors, or even nurses who could help in these situations. I feel so inadequate at times.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cInadequate perhaps, indispensable definitely,\u201d Roy said in his calm slow voice, he placed a friendly hand on the doctor\u2019s shoulder, \u201cLook, Paul, you\u2019ve done what you could, best you go and see to those other folk and when you can, come back and see what\u2019s happened here.\u201d<\/p>\n Paul nodded again, once more he looked over at Hop Sing who had stood now at the foot of the bed as though carved in stone. He snapped the medicine bag shut,<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n The man turned to face him, and it was only then that the doctor could see more clearly the effect Ben\u2019s illness was having on him. Hop Sing looked ravaged, and aged, the friend with whom he had shared half his life time could soon be dead and Hop Sing was bereft.<\/p>\n \u201cLook after him, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n There was really no need to even have said the words. There was no doubt at all that Ben Cartwright would be lavished with the most gentle tender care any man could wish for in such circumstances.<\/p>\n Roy left the house with Paul, he also had duties to other people to attend to and his responsibilities to one man could not be allowed to intrude on those to others. He rode alongside Paul who was in his buggy, once out of the Ponderosa entrance they went their separate ways.<\/p>\n Time ticked loudly by for the ticking of the clock was almost the only sound in the ranch house. In the big bed Ben Cartwright remained prone and still, the most shallow breathing the only indication that he still lived. Just occasionally his eyelids would flutter and there would be perhaps a sigh pass his lips. The attentive Hop Sing never left his side but stood with hands clasped at the head of the bed.<\/p>\n \u201cADAM!\u201d<\/p>\n The name was shouted out and Ben sat up in the bed as though some electric shock had galvanised him into action. He sat with his eyes staring at the far wall and his hands clutching at the bed covers<\/p>\n \u201cADAM\u201d he cried once more before he crumpled and the gentle arms of his friend gently lowered him down again upon the pillows.<\/p>\n Another hour and the pale face became rouged with the blush of fever, his lips moved as rapid words, incoherent and disoriented were at times whispered, at times shouted aloud into the room. His hands twitched nervously and plucked at the covers, or flailed from side to side so that Hop Sing had to reach out to hold them down upon the bed.<\/p>\n \u201cIs he alright?\u201d Ben whispered, \u201cSuch a little chap. Marie, don\u2019t let him near the horses. Adam. Adam. The sea calls my name. No, not Abel\u2019s, not his name. Get Hoss, get Hoss to do it, he\u2019ll know, he\u2019ll know what to do. Hoss, don\u2019t know what I\u2019d do without him here. Good \u2026 good \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Gently Hop Sing bathed his face and moistened his lips with clean cool water with something added that he knew would calm the fever. Once Ben opened his eyes and looked up at Hop Sing and smiled,<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing? You here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I not go away, Mr Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a good friend, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou also are Hop Sing\u2019s good friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben\u2019s lips had parted in a smile and he closed his eyes, \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cHow is he?\u201d Paul Martin entered the house and looked like a man in need of a doctor. He put the heavy bag down on the bureau as though he no longer had strength to lift it.<\/p>\n Hop Sing felt a surge of sadness for the doctor who had been their friend for so long. H e wished that he could have offered his services and eased the burden for him, but knew that was not acceptable in a country that was still struggling to accept his race.<\/p>\n \u201cI do get you some good coffee. You see Mr Cartwright now and come down to have good breakfast and coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s good of you, Hop Sing, but I have to get to Murphy\u2019s place after I leave here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSheriff say last night, you indispensable Hop Sing know meaning of word. Sheriff right. You have breakfast and coffee before you leave Ponderosa. You see, Mr Cartwright much better now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d Paul turned a hopeful face to the other man and smiled, \u201cAre you sure?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing stay all time with him in room. Have much fever but Mr Cartwright very strong man. Very stubborn. He fight fever very much\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank God,\u201d Paul Martin murmured and hurried up the stairs to his friends\u2019 bedroom.<\/p>\n Hop Sing had not been wrong. Although definitely very weak still Ben was safely out of the danger zone. He would require careful nursing for a while of that there was no mistake, but there was no longer the lingering fear of death. The steady breathing, the calm features and the good colour of the man all spoke of one who was now in recovery.<\/p>\n After a short while Paul left the sick man and upon gaining the main room saw Hop Sing standing behind a chair at the table. The one place was set with a plate laden with good food, the coffee pot, milk \u2026 he smiled and walked slowly to the table and sat down,<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, aren\u2019t you going to join me?\u201d he said softly.<\/p>\n Hop Sing smiled, bowed politely,<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing eat already. I bring you more bread.\u201d he nodded in acknowledgement of the invitation and appreciated it for all that it was worth.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n The day ended. It had been a quiet day and for Hop Sing a busy one tending to the needs of the injured man. Bandages had to be changed, the wounds cleaned, soiled linen removed and replaced. Ben floated in and out of consciousness, sometimes aware of what was happening but mostly totally unaware. By days end he was in a deep sleep in a warm and clean bed with his good friend seated in a chair by his side.<\/p>\n When he heard the sound of horses Hop Sing immediately thought it was Paul back to check over the patient. It was only when the door slammed upon being opened and then slammed again when it closed that he had an inkling of who was now home. He stood up and hurried to the door,<\/p>\n \u201cPa? Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Anxious voices called from below, fearful steps took the stairs two at a time and then the door was thrust open. \u201cPa?\u201d Joe croaked through a throat that was so dry the word could barely pass through the tubes.<\/p>\n \u201cIs he – how is he?\u201d Hoss whispered, wiping his cheeks from sweat and tears, leaving streaks down his dust covered face.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright much better. Soon be even much more better when he see you home.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing smiled as the two men stepped gingerly into the room and pulled out chairs upon which they could sit by the bedside. Both men took a hand of the beloved one in their own hands and gazed upon the face of their father.<\/p>\n \u201cI go now, make coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n There was no answer. Hop Sing had not expected one. He closed the door behind him and walked down the stairs to the kitchen.<\/p>\n Chapter 18<\/p>\n A week dragged wearily along during which Ben made a slow but steady recovery. Long hours were spent at his bedside by his sons, who willed him to strength and would willingly have given their all to see their father strong once again. Hop Sing was the equivalent to a fussy mother hen, always there with the right remedies, the perfect coffee and the strengthening meals. By the end of the week Ben was sitting up in bed and able to eat at last, although it was little in comparison to the meals his sons tucked away.<\/p>\n By the beginning of the following week Ben was demanding to be allowed out of bed and down stairs. There was work to be done and he needed to attend to it. Jefferson\u2019s trial was given a date, which was two weeks ahead, and an appointment that Ben insisted he would be attending.<\/p>\n He listened to their account of the cattle drive attentively, and picked up on Joe\u2019s reluctance to talk about somethings whereas Hoss, as always, held nothing back . When Hoss told his father that he had arrange for Candy to take control of the herd and the men Ben nodded his approval, but his sharp eyes noticed the tautening of Joe\u2019s jaw and the tension in his shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cA good choice, Hoss. Young Canady is good material. I like him a lot. He\u2019s honest, looks you in the eye when he has something to say, and doesn\u2019t quibble when there\u2019s things to be done that he\u2019d rather not do. Have you heard from him yet?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShucks, Pa, we bin too busy here looking after you.\u201d Hoss protested.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I don\u2019t need wet nursing any longer. Why don\u2019t you two go into town and relax for a while. Oh, and take those letters to be posted off to Adam.\u201d he didn\u2019t add that just perhaps there would be some letters from his son awaiting for collection, but they knew that would be at the back of his mind, unspoken but there all the same.<\/p>\n \u201cWal, if\u2019n you\u2019re sure.\u201d Hoss sighed, his brow creased and he looked at his father steadily, \u201cWe won\u2019t be gone long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust get from under my feet will you,\u201d Ben chuckled but as they rose from their chairs to leave the room Ben called out \u201cJoseph, one minute.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe hesitated by the door, then turned reluctantly back into the room and stood in front of their father. He could hear Hoss cluttering down the stairs and wished he had been with him for he was more than aware of what was about to be said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the problem you have with Canady?\u201d Ben asked, coming immediately to the point as always, for he never did believe in beating around the proverbial bush with his boys.<\/p>\n \u201cNo problem, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t lie. It\u2019s obvious that there is one, equally obvious that you didn\u2019t agree with Hoss\u2019 decision to have Canady take over the cattle run. Why not speak out, boy, and get it off your chest.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed and shook his head,<\/p>\n \u201cIf I could understand what was wrong I would tell you, Pa. There\u2019s just something about him that I don\u2019t feel comfortable with and it\u2019s got under my skin. I don\u2019t think he has much of a n opinion of me either, come to that-\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you keep giving him the edge of your temper one couldn\u2019t blame him, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt hasn\u2019t been easy for him, son. I\u2019ve had several long chats with him and he\u2019s told me some of his life, some of the things that have happened. He needs friends, just like we all do, so why not try and make a better effort at being one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d Joe paused and bit his bottom lip, then raised his hazel eyes to his fathers, \u201cCan I go now, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben nodded but his own smile faded as Joe left the room. He listened to the sound of the door closing and eventually the horses leaving the house. He shook his head, poor Joe, when would he ever learn. He swung himself out of the bed and pulled on his dressing gown, shuffled his feet into his slippers and carefully walked to the window.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n There were letters from Adam. Two for Joe, as well as for Hoss, and three for Ben. It took a lot of self discipline not to open them until after their meal when they were seated by the fire. Talk at the table had been the success of the cattle run, a cable from Candy had confirmed that all had gone well. Prices had been high and he was waiting for confirmation about giving men a bonus. There had been some trouble on the way and two men had been killed, one of them had been Zeke.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be interesting to find out what the trouble was with Zeke,\u201d Joe muttered.<\/p>\n \u201cDoesn\u2019t mean that Zeke caused the trouble, he could have just been the victim of it.\u201d Ben commented slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know about that,\u201d Hoss sighed, \u201cI recall the look he gave Candy jest before I left. I wouldn\u2019t mind betting that Candy had more than cows to worry about en route.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you tell him to pay the men their bonus\u2019?\u201d Ben enquired and was given an emphatic nod of the head in reply.<\/p>\n Now here they were and the envelopes were ripped open and the letters pulled out, dates scanned, placed in chronological order and then read in silence. There were the usual enquiries into their healths, what had been happening there, had Joe married yet and were there any Grand children on the way for Ben to dangle on his knee. The major news was the adventure of the hurricane which Ben read out when the other letters had been chewed over and discussed for over an hour.<\/p>\n So, as lamps glowed and the fire cast its flickering light over their faces, Ben began to read the account as written by his son some months previously:<\/p>\n \u201cI was in command of the launch with several men and heading for the harbour of St Pierre\u2019s when Jackson mentioned to me that we should perhaps get a move on as there was an intense heat, the sky was misty and the water as still as a mill pond. The sun had swollen to three times its size and he mentioned that he had been in this area once before when conditions had been like this just prior to a hurricane.<\/p>\n The darkness fell suddenly, but the heat seemed only more intense as a result. The mist obscured the sky, and the atmosphere was such that it was hard to breathe. We had been near the harbour mouth but now we could see nothing, we were rowing blind. So we went turn about and the men rowed willingly to get back to the boat although we could not see any of her lights for the darkness was that intense. I didn\u2019t think that it could possibly get worse when there came a very strange moaning sound. It grew louder, like a loud keening though the air. Each and everyone of us stopped what we were doing, listening and waiting with the realisation that there was no escaping whatever was about to befall us.<\/p>\n The hurricane came with such a force that we had no time to do anything other than sit there waiting for it to come. Out of the darkness an even greater darkness enveloped us with a huge roar, the sea was of the most eerie milk white, and the mist looked like foam. The wind caught beneath our oars and the men were tumbled forwards, then the wind caught our boat again and tossed her about until she was driven forwards at a great speed. We were unable to regain our seats, our oars were dashed and all we could do was sit at the bottom of the boat and hold on to the thwarts.<\/p>\n Out of nowhere the sea rose up in a huge mass before us. One moment we were in a heavy swell and the next born aloft and then dashed to the bottom. Spray from the waves fell upon us like showers of rain, the wind was like a knife, there was no possibility of speech for the wind drove the words down ones throat and the noise all around us made it impossible anyway. The boat began to fill with water which we were baling out with our hats . I think we all knew that it was inevitable that the boat would sink but none of us wanted to give up too easily. I don\u2019t think any of us really know what to do were she to sink. We had lost our bearings totally now, and could not see whether we would cast up on the beach or upon the rocks or be dashed against the harbour walls.<\/p>\n Then it happened, the boat was dashed to pieces by the waves and we were all cast into the waves. There was no time to think now, the mind closed off and one was at the mercy of the elements. I found myself upon the beach. I must have been knocked out of my senses for I recall opening my eyes as though I had been asleep and seeing Jackson seated next to me, looking anxiously into my face.<\/p>\n Five of my men were killed that night. The rest of us had some kind of injury, broken legs, arms, ribs. The hurricane stormed on for hours and then gradually eased into a force 10 gale. The sky lightened and we could see the stars . We, the survivors from the launch, grouped together to sit out the storm and to look out for the Ainola. Daylight came, the gales eased and the rain stopped. There was nothing more to do now but to walk into the town, which we could see had been ravaged by the storm.<\/p>\n Debris of all sort had been cast upon the beach, and it was as we were walking towards the town that I saw the Ainola. Smashed, crushed, broken. Her masts were hanging in shreds upon the deck, the masts were snapped apart. At that point I could see no one human being alive and we, who had survived in a frail launch, stood together to say some kind of farewell to those who had died.<\/p>\n Well, Pa, I don\u2019t know if you ever survived a hurricane but the sights we saw that day were heartbreakingly sorrowful. No one took any notice of us, they were so numbed by their own misery, the loss of their families, children, homes. We offered help, which was accepted so those of us who could set to as best we could.<\/p>\n We walked further into town to help where possible, and even this far we could see the wreakage of ships, with masts ploughed deep into the sand, bodies strewn everywhere. The roar of the hurricane was now replaced by the howls and cries of the broken hearted. During the course of the day more of our shipmates, who had survived the hurricane, met up with us and assisted with doing all we could to help these unfortunates, and in between times they told us of what had happened to the Ainola.<\/p>\n So, that was the end of my time with her, Captain Greaves had survived and was safe in the Governors home, and Jenkins although injured, was with him. Most of the ships crew had died, taken down as the ship keeled over and was sucked into the maelstrom.<\/p>\n We spent several weeks there doing what we could to assist the people and recovering from our injuries, also awaiting orders from the Admiral. I am now serving under Captain Andrew Webster on board the Redoubt. She is a good clipper, about 112 ft long with a good turn of speed. There is talk, and has been for some while, that the days of the clipper ships are over. If so, it is a shame, for they hold their own beauty and I doubt if a steel ship will ever have such dignity on the seas.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben folded the letter and slipped it back into its envelope. Hoss sighed and relaxed, for so engrossed had he been in the story that he had imagined himself there and was so tense and knotted up that upon relaxing he found himself feeling quite exhausted. Joe sat very still and quiet.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you alright, Joe?\u201d his father, upon noticing, asked him.<\/p>\n \u201cHe could have been killed.\u201d Joe replied, \u201cAnd we\u2019d not have known it.\u201d he stood up and clenched his fists, \u201cHe writes about it as though it\u2019s a great adventure but -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t just an adventure, it was what his life is now, away from us, from here.\u201d and without another word he hurried from them, mounted the stairs and went to his room.<\/p>\n Chapter 19<\/p>\n Whatever Candy\u2019s feelings were when he galloped into the yard of the Ponderosa he kept them well hidden. He knocked on the big door and waited to be invited in as any good hired hand would, not presuming too much on the friendship of some in the family. Ben was crossing the floor to his study and paused to look up at the young man with a smile,<\/p>\n \u201cAh, Candy, welcome back, how did the trip go?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell enough, sir, and more than pleased to see you\u2018ve made a good recovery from your illness. \u201d Candy smiled, pulled some papers from his vest pocket and handed them to his employer, taking off his hat with his other hand as he did so. He felt rather gauche and awkward standing in the big room in front of Ben who was now scanning through the paperwork carefully while walking thoughtfully into the study area of the room.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you,\u201c Ben sat down, smiled at the young man, and for a few moments continued to look through the papers. The money he placed in the top drawer of his desk, \u201cWere the men pleased with their bonus?\u201c<\/p>\n \u201cDefinitely.\u201d Candy smiled more broadly, \u201cMind you, I haven\u2019t see hide nor hair of them since they hit the first town that we came to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, don\u2019t worry, they\u2019ll trickle back before long.\u201d Ben glanced up at him and raised his dark eyebrows, \u201cThis trouble you had on the journey, Candy. Did it involve any of our men at all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn what way do you mean, Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, my illness was caused by two bullets that I received from the end of a rifle, a neighbour of mine was at the other end. He was put on trial a two weeks ago and it came out that he had paid some men to prevent the cattle getting through. He wouldn\u2019t give names, and went off to serve his sentence without revealing more. I just wondered if Zeke -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cZeke?\u201d Candy opened his eyes wide and then shook his head, \u201cWell, if he was in Jefferson\u2019s pay he never said anything to anyone about it. He caused trouble, he refused to do anything I asked of him and was a liability.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe pushed it too far, had the men doubting their confidence in me, so it came to a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou killed him?\u201d Ben raised his eyebrows higher, such things were not uncommon, and he wouldn\u2019t have been surprised had Candy said yes, but the young man shrugged,<\/p>\n \u201cHe was drunk, lost the fight, drew a knife on me and one of the other men shot him. Saved my life.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d Ben nodded, \u201cAnd you had no other trouble than that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNone at all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s all well and good then, Candy. I\u2019m really pleased. Hoss is seldom wrong when it comes down to knowing whom to trust with responsibility.\u201d and Ben extended his hand to him, which was shaken with great warmth. \u201cLook, why not clean up and join us for dinner tonight? I noticed that Hop Sing had picked out a particularly plump chicken -\u201d and he smiled so pleasantly that Candy had not other recourse than to accept even though his heart sank at the prospect of sharing a meal with Joseph Cartwright.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n Joe glowered a little when Candy came into the room and took his place at the table. Hoss was more than pleased and made such a fuss over Candy that Joe felt even more annoyed that he had done when Ben had told them of the young man\u2019s invitation to the meal. However, after having received several stern looks from his father and a kick on the ankle from Hoss he put himself out to be as friendly as possible, actually laughing quite naturally at some of the things that were being discussed.<\/p>\n Candy told them about the fight with Zeke, and also told them about the death of another of their employees, a young man who had fallen in the way of a steer when his horse had broken its leg when stepping into a gophers hole.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll contact his mother tomorrow, Pa.\u201d Hoss said, \u201cShe would want to know what happened and being a widow as well -\u201d he paused and raised his eyebrows, indicating that perhaps they should do the right thing by her.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, he was a good worker and a pleasant lad. I\u2019ll leave you some money in an envelope for you to take to her. \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve his personal effects in my saddle bags, perhaps you could take them to her as well, Hoss?\u201d Candy suggested.<\/p>\n The talk gradually trickled back to other things, Ben regaled them with tales of his days at sea, and then Hoss mentioned about Adam\u2019s letter and the hurricane.<\/p>\n \u201cThe men talk a lot about your son, Mr Cartwright. They reckon him to have been a good trail boss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe was,\u201d Ben said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou must all miss him a great deal.\u201d Candy said and glanced at their faces as he said it. Ben nodded, and Hoss fidgeted,<\/p>\n \u201cCan\u2019t we talk about someone or something else?\u201d Joe said sharply, \u201cI don\u2019t know why Adam had to be mentioned in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause he\u2019s a member of this family,\u201d Ben said softly, \u201cand your brother in case you had forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s mouth tightened, he stood up abruptly, making the table rock, and pushed himself away<\/p>\n \u201cI know that, I hadn\u2019t forgotten, now if you\u2019ll excuse me\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph -\u201d Ben thundered, but Joe was not going to be compliant to his father\u2019s orders this time, he hurried from the room, and out into the yard, slamming the door behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go and talk to him, Pa. Sorry about this, Candy.\u201d Hoss stood up but before he could leave his chair Candy was already moving from the table,<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go, if you don\u2019t mind, Mr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked at Hoss, motioned to him to resume his seat and nodded at Candy who promptly left the room.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2019s still sore, ain\u2019t he, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeems to be,\u201d Ben sighed, and picked up a glass of wine, \u201cAfter all this time you would think he\u2019d have calmed down, accepted things as they are, as we have.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah,\u201d Hoss nodded, frowned, and wondered if his Pa really believed what he had just said after all, he didn\u2019t feel he could ever accept the fact that Adam had left the Ponderosa. In his heart of hearts, he didn\u2019t believe that his father had either.<\/p>\n Chapter 20<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want?\u201d<\/p>\n The ungraciously delivered enquiry could have deterred a less resilient man than Candy Canady who took it with a shrug of the shoulders and continued to walk towards the younger man who was leaning against the corral fence and staring into the stars.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to sort out this \u2018little problem\u2019. I thought in all fairness to your father and brother it should be sorted out sooner, rather than later.\u201d he replied and joined Joe at the corral fence.<\/p>\n Joe was leaning with his back against the fence and his arms hooked over one of the bars, but Candy chose to stand a foot or two away from Joe with his arms folded across the top bar and leaning towards the corral. In the gathering darkness their two shadows pooled into one on the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cI know you miss your brother, Joe. I can understand how you feel, missing a person so much that it seems to leave a hole in yourself, as though a vital piece of yourself has gone and can\u2019t be replaced.\u201d he said softly after some moments of icy silence had passed between them.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you know about it?\u201d Joe snapped, and then he heaved a sigh and shook his head, \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I shouldn\u2019t have said that, it wasn\u2019t fair.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it wasn\u2019t,\u201d Candy agreed and for a moment stared out at the stars as though thinking deeply about what to say next. \u201cThe thing is, Joe, you have so much here that you seem to be taking for granted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t!\u201d Joe exclaimed with such petulance that he seemed like a little boy having to take discipline from a teacher, and that made Candy smile.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you have a wonderful father. There\u2019s a saying in the world, isn\u2019t there, that you don\u2019t miss what you don\u2019t have, but sometimes I think that\u2019s a bit glib. A man can yearn for a good father if he hasn\u2019t had one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t have one?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, I did but not a man to respect like your Pa. My father saw life through the bottom of a bottle. When he died no one missed him. And that\u2019s sad, because, after all, he was my Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, guess so.\u201d Joe frowned, he had known many a man like Candy\u2019s father, and had been to school with many of their children. He shivered slightly, and nodded, \u201cMy Pa had his tough times, too. When my Ma died he left home for a while. I felt pretty annoyed then, frightened too. I thought he wouldn\u2019t come back, like Ma \u2026\u201dhis voice trailed away and he looked down at his feet, then turned round to lean against the bar in the same manner as Candy. \u201cIt was an odd time in my life really. I was five and suddenly everyone I loved was leaving home. Ma died, Pa left home. Pa came home, Adam went away to college.\u201d he shook his head, \u201cI couldn\u2019t understand what was going on in my life. The only constant was Hoss. I guess I clung onto him like a barnacle in case he went too.\u201d he gave a rather wobbly grin and cast a glance over at his companion, \u201cDo you have any brothers or sisters?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Thank goodness. I mean that there were no others to had to go through a childhood like mine. Although once my father died, my Ma married a good man and he taught me a whole lot of things. I remember praying that he wouldn\u2019t die and he wouldn\u2019t take to the bottle. But seemed he\u2019d taken the pledge so that was my prayer answered.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd he\u2019s still alive?\u201d Joe grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, still alive,.\u201d Candy looked down and kicked a pebble about with his foot. \u201cMy Ma died though when I was about 17, so that\u2019s when I left home. I was just glad she had some years of happiness in her life.\u201d he drew in a long deep breath and exhaled slowly, \u201cYour brother must be quite a guy. The men speak well of him. Folk in town have nothing but good to say about him. You act as though you worship the ground he walked on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI -\u201d Joe paused, then shook his head, \u201cNo, no, I don\u2019t. Adam and I often clashed over things, we\u2019re different in a lot of ways too. It\u2019s just that when -\u201d again he paused, and shrugged. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it does. It matters to you otherwise you wouldn\u2019t act the way you do. I mean, I\u2019m nothing like your brother, Joe, and -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know that,\u201d Joe interrupted and again he shrugged his shoulders, \u201cJUst sometimes you have a way about you that reminds me of him. It\u2019s like seeing a shadow on the wall and expecting to see the person you think the shadow belongs to, because – because it\u2019s familiar and then someone comes along who\u2019s a complete stranger. You\u2019re like that, a shadow. I want – I don\u2019t want -\u201d he bowed his head, \u201cAdam was like my Pa, he helped raised me, you know? He taught me things and when Pa went away that time Adam was the one who helped me over my grief and to understand my Pa\u2019s even thought I was only a kid. Then he went away and when he came back he was different.\u201d he cast a quick look at Candy who was listening intently, \u201cKnow what I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot exactly. Why not tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt would take too long. I guess looking back now he left here a kid and came back a man. He was – is – so clever and wise, and I miss him. I don\u2019t understand why he left, although when I read his letters and know that he\u2019s living a life without us, that he\u2019s ABLE to live a life without us, I get so angry. It\u2019s only because – well – it\u2019s like I can\u2019t not feel this way otherwise I\u2019ll lose him completely. He\u2019ll sink to the back of my mind and life will be full of other things and one day a complete stranger will walk back into my life and the Adam I knew was gone forever.\u201d he slumped a little upon the bars of the corral and rested his chin upon his arms. \u201cGuess it makes no sense, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Candy said nothing for a moment and then produced a picture from the top pocket of his shirt. He passed it over to Joe who looked at it carefully for although the moon was especially bright it was still too dark to get a clear view of the face peering up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWho is she? Your Ma?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. That\u2019s Ann, and before you ask me who Ann is, well, she\u2019s my wife, except that she isn\u2019t my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked at Candy in surprise and then glanced back down at the picture.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean, she\u2019s dead too?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. \u201c Candy took back the picture, sighed and replaced it in his pocket, \u201cAnn and I fell in love, and against her father\u2019s wishes we married. The next thing I know he\u2019s there, taken her home, and got the marriage annulled. I don\u2019t know much about the legal procedures or the religious doctrines they levelled at me, but I know that when I vowed to make her my wife I meant them. I don\u2019t and I won\u2019t view myself as free to marry until I hear she\u2019s married someone else, or died.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou love her that much?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll always love her.\u201d Candy replied and stared out into the sky as though Ann was there looking right back at him.<\/p>\n \u201cSo you\u2019re holding on too -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I\u2019m holding on too. Perhaps one day she\u2019ll walk back into my life and my life can carry on from where we left off.\u201d he frowned, and then looked at Joe, \u201cI only told your Pa, he said he wouldn\u2019t tell anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure. You can trust me.\u201d Joe smiled and thrust out his hand, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I gave you a hard time, Candy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault. It\u2019s just how life is at times.\u201d the older man said as he took Joe\u2019s hand and shook it warmly.<\/p>\n For a few moments they remained together, propping up the fence as some would say, and then together, they walked back into the house.<\/p>\n Chapter 21<\/p>\n Jacob Brown flexed his shoulders and tightened his hold upon the steering wheel. He was a big man, standing 6 ft and 4 inches in his stockinged feet which were big and in proportion to the rest of him. When he had come aboard The Redoubt with the ship\u2019s company Adam Cartwright did a double take for he thought his brother Hoss had signed up and come on board. Apart from having a fine head of hair and at this point of time an excellent beard to accompany it, Jacob Brown was indeed Hoss Cartwright\u2019s double.<\/p>\n Now he put his great strength to good use as he fought the steering wheel so vigorously that his knuckles were white on the fingers of his hands. Sleet, snow and hail pounded the ship as she rocked back and forth under the force of the gales that blew upon her. Adam Cartwright was at the poop deck with the wind lashing snow into his face and eyes, while he screamed orders at the men who worked under the vicious of conditions.<\/p>\n Waves the height of tower blocks crashed down upon the Redoubt, the boards shuddered beneath her and the great masts swayed and groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cJenkins,\u201d Adam yelled into a passing sailors ear, \u201cJenkins, get two men, axes, remove the main mast or she will have us over.\u201d a terrible decision to have to make but the force of the wind necessitated such an action. Should they survive the carpenter would soon be able to rig up a jerry mast to replace it.<\/p>\n \u201cRocks ahead. Steer to port. Steer to port.\u201d the lookout yelled and gestured to the left and the man next to him yelled \u201cRocks ahead, port side, steer to port.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHeaven help us -\u201d Jacob groaned as he forced all his strength to turn the wheel.<\/p>\n \u201cHaul hard, haul hard. Keep her steady.\u201d and Adam Cartwright was there his hands grabbing at the wheel and his body strained alongside Jacob\u2019s to keep the wheel steady.<\/p>\n \u201cHelmsman, port side, turn her to portside. Cartwright, I need you here.\u201d Captain Lewis shouted but his words were blown from his mouth as with a mighty crash the mast came down and was cast, along with the rigging and sails into the sea.<\/p>\n Waves smashed into the ship, plunged down through the hatches and into the holds below. Men lost their footing and were cast this way and then that way as the ship fought to survive the mountainous waves.<\/p>\n \u201cRocks to starboard. Rocks to starboard.\u201d<\/p>\n The cry echoed down through the line of men all struggling to remain upright and hanging on to whatever appeared stable enough to keep them safe. Jacob and Adam hauled with all their might against the wheel as the ship once again plunged downwards into the depths.<\/p>\n \u2018This time,\u2019 Adam thought, \u2018she won\u2019t right herself\u2019 and he saw his father\u2019s face, the gentle smile and dark eyes, and braced himself for the shock of being cast into the icy waters.<\/p>\n But she did right herself, soaring upwards and seeming to be poised in mid air for a moment before plunging back down again.<\/p>\n Doctor Fletcher was knocked off his feet when a butt of wine was sent crashing into him as the water fought a battle down below. Men were being thrown from one side to another and had not a sailor passed by to grab the Doctor by the hair and armpit\u2019s the man would have drowned.<\/p>\n It was only mid day and they had fought the gales since the previous day. Even now there seemed no indication of daylight as the sun and sky were blotted out by the elements. Hailstones had pelted them so vigorously for so long that they were now numbed, equally so with the cold.<\/p>\n \u201cGet Brinkley to secure the mast head.\u201d Adam yelled to a passing sailor<\/p>\n \u201cAye aye, Mr Cartwright\u201d came the reply only for another man to yell \u2018Brinkley\u2019s gone, sir, washed overboard.\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cYou then – secure the mast head.\u201d Cartwright ordered and the man staggered beneath the onslaught of the winds to do as he was ordered.<\/p>\n The wheel sprung in their hands and together Jacob and Adam fought to maintain control. Jacob Brown knew his own strengths but he had been fighting the storm and the wind for so many hours now that his legs were shaking from the stress that came as a result of the tautened muscles, and he was feel his body draining of energy. There was little he could do now, his body began to slump forward and he slid to the boards.<\/p>\n \u201cHoward, take him away, Jackson – take his place\u201d Fletcher yelled, \u201cMr Cartwright, can you -\u201d he was unable to say more as the sea rose to envelope him.<\/p>\n Jackson was beside Adam now and both men put all their strength into controlling the wheel and, therefore, securing the helm. Fletcher was carried along the deck and prevented from being swept overboard only by the fact that he got entangled with the rigging from the mast head.<\/p>\n Thunder scudded across the sky. The ship shuddered a little more and Adam felt as though very soon each one of them would have to surrender to the forces that were destroying them. His body was numb from the constant battering of hailstones and sleet, the screaming winds and cascading waves that poured in torrents upon them seemed never ending. Jackson was shouting something about the fo\u2019c\u2019stle breaking up when suddenly the storm passed.<\/p>\n It was the hailstones and sleet than ended first, and a slower abating of the waves that steadied the ship. The wheel was no longer fighting to gain control but was now amenable in the hands of one man. Gingerly everyone began to find their feet and walk as normal without the dangers of being cast overboard.<\/p>\n \u201cFogarty,\u201d Adam cried to one of the officers on the poop deck, \u201cPipe all men to assemble on deck. We need to know who is missing or injured.\u201d<\/p>\n Fogarty saluted smartly and proceeded to pipe the hands on deck. Adam waited, clenching and unclenching his fists, feeling the numbness of them, wondering when the pain would start as the blood warmed up to flow through the veins. He closed his eyes and it seemed as though everything was spinning around and around in his head.<\/p>\n \u201cAll assembled, sir.\u201d Fogarty\u2019s voice pierced through the fog in his brain and he forced himself to attend to the quarter deck where the men were assembled.<\/p>\n How weary, bedraggled and ragged they looked. The marines were, like the seamen, all in sagging sodden clothing. He walked up to them and surveyed them with a kindly eye, knowing that they, like himself, must be wondering just how they had managed to survive such a storm.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Miller, proceed with roll call.\u201d<\/p>\n Mr Miller stepped up smartly, and the names were called out. Every so often there was a pause. Perhaps someone else would supply an explanation as to the whereabouts of the one who did not or could not respond to his name, perhaps there was no response and one could only conclude the worse. Of the sixty men on board ship, plus the 25 marines, two had been swept overboard. Two had died of their injuries. One man had his leg amputated, the Doctor was nursing a few broken ribs, Mr Fletcher has a concussion. There were various other injuries, of a lesser nature.<\/p>\n \u201cVery well, lads, you all did well. Now we need to get the Redoubt ship shape once more. Mr Pollard, you and Simpson must set to and get a jerry mast to replace the main mast. Proceed, lads, set to your duties.\u201d Adam cried and the men dispersed immediately, obedient and willing to heed his command. Adam turned to the Captain who was dabbing a cut above the left eye with a soaking wet handkerchief<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain, may I have your permission for the mens allowance of rum to be given them now? They are frozen to the marrow and would find it of comfort.\u201d<\/p>\n The Captain nodded permission granted which gained him more popularity than anything else he had done since assuming command. He drew Adam to one side.<\/p>\n \u201cWe shall be in New York in two more days. Thank God we weathered that storm. We have a good ships crew, Mr Cartwright, they all did well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey did, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou also, sir.\u201d he smiled at Adam and shook his hand, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t doubt that there\u2019s a promotion in this for you, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam heard the words, nodded and smiled. When the Captain left the deck Adam walked to the side of the ship and glanced down at the sea far below. There was still quite a swell on the water, but nothing like what had already been experienced. He stared down at the inky depths and struggled to conjure up his father\u2019s face once more to his mind.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n He turned and saw Jacob Brown standing by his side,<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mr Brown.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just came to thank you for your help. If we had lost control of the helm the ship would have been a goner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know,\u201d Adam nodded, and turned to resume his gaze upon the waters, \u201cI hear that the days of the clipper ship are numbered, Mr Brown. Do you think a steam and steel ship would have fared any better today?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell,\u201d Jacob scratched the back of his head, \u201cWho\u2019s to tell, sir? I know many a clipper ship would have gone down today though. It was the heart of the ship that kept her afloat, and the heart of the ship is a good ship\u2019s crew, all pulling together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell said, Jacob.\u201d Adam replied quietly, \u201cNow, go and get your head seen to and your tot of rum. You have another shift in just under four hours.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d Jacob Brown smiled, he didn\u2019t have to say \u2019and so do you, sir\u2019 because he knew that Mr Cartwright would have known that already.<\/p>\n Chapter 22<\/p>\n There were letters awaiting him. The Captain had gone on shore and put in his report, been given his orders and returned with a mail bag burgeoning with post for his crew. It was always an exciting time when the men were piped on deck in order to receive their pay and their mail. The First Officer, Adam Cartwright, read out the name, paid him and handed him his post, if there was any. It was common practice for those who had received mail to auction it off to the men later, when they were below decks. Once pay and mail was disposed off the names would be read out of those men who were given shore leave.<\/p>\n On this occasion Adam preferred his cabin. Taking his letters with him he sat at his desk and opened letter after letter, put them into chronological order and began to read.<\/p>\n His heart sunk with dismay upon reading about Ben being ambushed by Jefferson. He remember the mean little man and his gentle wife very well, and could even recall the cause of the disagreement that had happened between them. So he eagerly read on to learn that Ben was now well, had signed a good contract for lumber at one of the new mines and that a new librarian had moved into the town who had seemed to have taken a shine to the handsome widower. He learned also that Candy Canady had become a close friend, so much so that he now had a room in the house. Joe and he were now inseperable \u2018buddies\u2019 and that the three men worked and played hard together.<\/p>\n Adam read that section and a faint frown furrowed his brow. He was not a jealous man, such emotions he felt to be negative and a waste of a man\u2019s energies, but yet he felt a little pang of something within himself, a feeling that went along with the old saying \u2018out of sight, out of mind\u2019. In Joe\u2019s letter particularly he got the impression that Joe had found himself a replacement for his eldest brother and imagining the three of them riding into town together gave Adam quite a jolt.<\/p>\n It was therefore with mixed feelings that he read this particular section of his fathers letter to him:<\/p>\n \u201cI am concerned about Joe. Over the past few weeks he has changed somewhat and I can\u2019t quite put my finger on the reason why. Of course he has been rather moody and touchy since you left, as I told you previously he didn\u2019t take to your leaving and for some time he was quite an embarrassment with regard to Candy. Now he and Candy are close friends, thankfully, not to the exclusion of Hoss, who is happy to be part of the trio.<\/p>\n For a while after befriending Candy Joe seemed very settled, back to himself one could say. Candy has moved into the house and has proven himself to be a good worker on the ranch. I am considering asking him to take on the role of foreman. But that is not the matter about which I am concerned. It is the general attitude Joe has to things just at this moment.<\/p>\n I have asked him if there is a lady hovering on the scene and he laughs, no, there is no lady. Perhaps had there been one he would not feel as he does, but when I ask him what he means by that he just shrugs and shakes his head. He talks a lot about what is happening beyond the Ponderosa. New lands opening up and he wonders what they are like and what is happening there. He reads the news tabloids with the close attention only an old man usually gives to them. No doubt he will disclose what is on his mind in time.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam re-read the letter and then picked up one from Joe with a corresponding date. He opened it and wondered what revelations there would be in it, and just how much influence this Candy could have had on his younger brother to make him so restless.<\/p>\n He scanned the pages first to prepare himself for what was to come, but it was a very good humoured general correspondence with little beyond anecdotes about some of the antics they had been getting up to, the work they had been doing, the new barn that was being built. Only one line caused Adam some concern when he put it in line with his father\u2019s comments:<\/p>\n \u201cThere seems so much going on in the world just now, new cities being built, new territories opening up. Sometimes the Ponderosa just doesn\u2019t seem as big as it used to be.\u201d<\/p>\n He sighed and carefully folded the letters away. It seemed to him as though his memories of home were fading away, only in his dreams was everything sharp and real again, making him wake up some mornings expecting to find himself in his room with the smell of Hop Sings cooking wafting up to him.<\/p>\n The last letter he had written to them was when he was in London and the Captain and some others of the crew had been taken ill. That had been his last correspondence with them. He took out pen and paper and began to write down the date, place and time when there was a knock on the door and a midshipman stepped inside to say that the Captain requested his presence in the state room.<\/p>\n Adam paused by the mirror as he was about to leave his quarters. He straightened his cravat, smoothed down his hair and the neatly groomed beard that he had grown during the past year. He looked at himself and tried to find the man he had been several years earlier, the man in black, that elusive memory from what seemed another age.<\/p>\n The Captain looked at Adam and waited for him to approach the desk before standing and extending his hand to him,<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, Mr Cartwright – I have my new orders here and also your commission as Captain has been confirmed. Congratulations.\u201d Captain Lewis shook Adam\u2019s hand and then clasped his hands behind his back as though he had accomplished quite a feat with which he was very well pleased. \u201cLet\u2019s drink on it, shall we?\u201d he suggested and walked to a side table where some glasses stood with the tantalis.<\/p>\n \u201cIs there any mention of an assignment, sir.\u201d Adam took the glass of wine and held it in his hand as he waited for Lewis\u2019 reply.<\/p>\n Sometimes a commission could come through but no ship provided, so the newly appointed Captain would have to hang around on an enforced leave until a ship became available. Other times he would have orders to take over a ships command immediately which meant a rather rapid dispersal of himself and his possessions from one ship to another, sometimes from one harbour to another in a quite different state.<\/p>\n Lewis smiled and turned<\/p>\n \u201cOh I think you\u2019ll be pleased with your ship, Captain Cartwright. It\u2019s the Redoubt.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s dark eyes widened in surprise and yet he flushed a little with pleasure as the Redoubt had proven a vessel more seaworthy than any he had previously known. Lewis continued,<\/p>\n \u201cAlso the ships\u2019 company will remain here. Your orders are here -\u201d he passed a leather pouch across the desk to Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Captain Lewis.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh don\u2019t thank me, Adam, your gained your commission on your own merits. My reports on your conduct have only been honest and truthful, and my recommendations sincere. I am only too pleased that everything is to your liking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what about yourself, sir? Where is your assignment?\u201d<\/p>\n Lewis nodded, drank a little of the wine and then set the glass down upon the table,<\/p>\n \u201cThe illness I contracted when in the Atlantic and forced us to stay in London was – is – more serious that at first thought. I shall have six months leave, stay with my sister in New Hampshire, and see how things go from there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I know how much you love the sea, and the Redoubt.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes -\u201d Lewis refilled his glass, paused to turn to Adam and filling the glass he had. \u201cYes, I shall miss the Redoubt, and all of you. I shall officially take leave this evening. That will give me time to clear my things away. I do wish you well, Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded thoughtfully. Captain of his own ship, and that the Redoubt no less. Abel Stoddard would have been proud of him. He looked at the desk, the room – when Captain Lewis walked away from this, it would belong to him.<\/p>\n Chapter 23<\/p>\n There was always so much to do when in harbour. Some men had extended shore leave but if orders were that the ship had to sail before their leave was completed and they had a particular respect and affection for the Captain they would cut it short in order to continue service with him rather than risk being allocated to a ship with a less agreeable Officer.<\/p>\n Other ranks were the same, they would \u2018swop\u2019 ships with others if there were ships companies in which they referred to sail. It was to Captain Cartwright\u2019s credit that the only man to leave the Redoubt, apart from Lewis, was the Doctor. So it was with great pride that Adam had the men piped up on deck to be given their orders. The fact that he knew each face there, some of whom had survived the hurricane and loss of the Ainola, and that they freely chose to continue service with him, made him feel almost light headed with emotion.<\/p>\n He felt even greater elation when Jacob Brown yelled \u201cCheers for our new Captain, boys\u201d and every man there gave a mighty rousing three cheers which brought a blush to Adam\u2019s cheeks.<\/p>\n The roll call was made, and all men were present except the new Doctor. Adam read out their orders and the time the ship was to depart from harbour. The men who had not yet enjoyed shore leave were given the freedom to do so and the reminder to be on board ship before night fall. Another rousing cheer went up as the men going on shore leave scrambled to leave the Redoubt with full pockets and the hope of enjoying every minute they had on land.<\/p>\n Adam watched them go and for a few moments was lost in thoughts of his own when he was aware of not being alone. He turned to find Jacob Brown standing close beside him,<\/p>\n \u201cI just wanted to say how well pleased I am at your appointment, Captain.\u201d Brown said with a smart salute.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Brown.\u201d Adam smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cNot going ashore, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d Adam\u2019s smile faded and he shook his head, \u201cI have letters to write to my family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes, of course, the great Ponderosa.\u201d Jacob nodded and gave a grin, \u201cI recall you telling me tales about your home, sir, and your family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you, Jacob? Aren\u2019t you going ashore?\u201d Adam asked not wishing now to discuss his family with anyone.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, sir.\u201d Brown stepped back as Adam turned in order to return to his study, \u201cMr Cartwright, sir? Permission to speak?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, what is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI jest wanted to tell you, sir, that I\u2019ll be watching your back for you, sir. I won\u2019t never forget how you saved my life in that storm, and when the hawser broke and nearly took me over the side. You won\u2019t regret it, sir. I\u2019ll make sure no harm ever comes to you.\u201d<\/p>\n A faint smile hovered over Adam\u2019s lips, and his eyes darkened slightly, he nodded however and straightened his shoulders,<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Jacob.\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t forgot you saying how I reminded you of one of your brothers. So, if\u2019n it\u2019s all the same to you, sir, I\u2019ll take such a brotherly interest in you so as you don\u2019t have to be concerned about anything.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you again, Jacob.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStrictly off the record, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course,\u201d Adam nodded.<\/p>\n Jacob Brown saluted smartly and stepped back to allow Adam passage back to the Captains study. Such a conversation would not be permitted once at sea. Adam knew as he passed through the door into the \u2018holy of holies\u2019 that he had taken the step that removed him from the normal contact with his men. It was something to be regretted for it had been something he had always enjoyed, and something that had helped him keep his \u2018ghosts\u2019 at bay.<\/p>\n He sat down at his desk and looked down at the half finished letter he had written to his father. For a while that was all that he could do, stare down at the words that now contorted themselves across the page, and he wondered how he could or whether he would tell his father that at present he felt himself to be the loneliest man in the world.<\/p>\n Orders were to sail to New England, and it gave Adam a warm feeling to know that his ship would be sailing into the harbour where he had been born. The Redoubt may even rub keels with The Wanderer were she still sail worthy.<\/p>\n From his position on the bridge he watched the harbour opening up to them. There he could see the row of houses and shops, bright in the morning sunlight and the colour of the flowers shimmering against the white stone walls. His eyes wandered in search of the house in which he had been born. They had only a few hours stop over for this was where they would take on board the new Doctor and various stores that would be necessary for their next trip.<\/p>\n He could hear the men at their duties, the rattle of the anchor chain, feet padding across the decking. But his eyes were fixed to the row of houses and his mind was floating back in time to previous visits here, when Abel had been alive, and when Abel Stoddard had died. Adam confirmed the time to return to the launch and then left them to their own devices. He himself wanted only one place to go and with a sigh he strode pass the houses and took himself off to the cemetery.<\/p>\n There was a bench seat under a tree close to the graves and upon this he sat, removing his hat and resting it upon his knee. He raised his face to the sun and closed his eyes as his mind trickled back in time \u2026 Abel Stoddard, Eli and his obsessions, the mother he had never known. He must have sat there for an hour before moving to stand at the graveside and to look upon them for possibly the last time in his life. The stone roses engraved upon his mother\u2019s headstone were greyer than ever now, and had lost their sharper outline and a little moss had gathered on the north side which he rubbed away with his thumb. He said his farewells and then replaced his hat. He saluted the grave of his grand father, wondered if the old man would have been proud of him, and then walked away, his back straight and his eyes moist. Candy Canady had proven himself to be a first rate ranch hand. As Joe sat on the top rail of the corral fence to watch the next horse being broken he began to think upon the other man\u2019s experiences. At the back of his mind a little voice told him to leave it alone because he would end up with the awful ache he\u2019d been carrying around inside him for so long, and why spoil the day? But one look at Candy as he shot out of the stall in the saddle of an evil looking brown mustang sent Joe along the familiar pattern that he seemed to have set himself for days now.<\/p>\n Candy was the same age as Adam, which meant he was twelve years older than Joe. He was good humoured, mature and a person comfortable with himself. Unafraid to face anyone down, yet gentle and kindly, generous and open hearted. So far so good. Joe cold admit that he was probably in much the same league as his friend.<\/p>\n But Candy could talk about being places, not just Yuma, San Francisco and Sacremento. He had been to places where only Indians still lived. He had had adventures, real adventures, not just falling off a horse during bronco busting, not just stopping stage coach robbers or being in a posse riding after some wasted individuals for Roy Coffee. Candy had experienced life and the problem for Joe was that he failed to see that he himself had experienced life too but in more narrow confines.<\/p>\n He smiled when Ben came and sat beside him. He could tell that his Pa found it a little less easy to climb up the corral rails, and the thought slipped into his mind that if he went away perhaps something would happen to his Pa that he wouldn\u2019t find out until much later. He shook that thought away. It was a fear they lived with every day and had, at times, had to face.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, son?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCandy\u2019s a good horseman, isn\u2019t he? Sure has a good wrist. Ooooh, that wasn\u2019t such a good idea. Couldv\u2019e got himself unseated there, dear me, what is he thinking of? Oh, well done, Candy!\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed as he listened to his fathers commentary on the manner in which Candy was breaking in the horse. He wondered if his father would actually miss him around the place if he did go. He bit his bottom lip – of course his father would miss him, after all he was his youngest son. But as a ranch hand, as a man about the place \u2026 perhaps his place could be easily filled.<\/p>\n Hoss came and leaned against the railings and watched without saying anything. It occurred to Joe that Hoss had been unusually quiet during the past week. He had even stopped eating as much.<\/p>\n \u201cYou alright, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, I\u2019m jest fine. Yourself?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine too.\u201d Joe grinned, \u201cCandy\u2019s having a bit of a tussle with this one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, so I can see.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe listened to the sigh that followed the comment. It occurred to him that Hoss must be in love, but if he were he hadn\u2019t said anything. He pursed his lips and looked down at his brother,<\/p>\n \u201cHow about going into town later? We could get a drink or two.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, if you like.\u201d came the almost sullen response.<\/p>\n Joe frowned. He had never known Hoss to be so unwilling to ride into town for a drink before. It must be love. He clambered down and stood beside his brother,<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Hoss? You in love or something?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss gulped, shook his head and blushed. How could he tell his little brother that he lived in fear of the day when Joe would up and ride out of the Ponderosa, out of his life perhaps?<\/p>\n \u201cWell, something\u2019s wrong. You always liked going for a drink in town, now it looks like you just want to be on your own. Well, fair enough, I\u2019ll go with Candy when he\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t say I didn\u2019t want to go with you, Joe.\u201d Hoss protested, \u201cI was just wondering if you really wanted to go or whether you were jest humouring me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh, why should I just be humouring you, you big ox?\u201d Joe forced a laugh, \u201cI like a drink in town as much as you do, don\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss grabbed at the peace offering and smiled, he slapped his brother on the back and nodded, winked and then turned to watch the rest of Candy\u2019s ride.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a good rider, ain\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep, he sure is.\u201d Joe replied, and leaned against the railing. \u201cGood thing he rode into the Ponderosa that day, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I\u2019d miss him if he were to go now.\u201d Hoss said and then gulped, he wished he hadn\u2019t said that, but the fear of anyone leaving, especially Joe, was so much crowding his head now that it just blurted out.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy should he leave? He\u2019s got a good job here, and friends.\u201d Joe replied, rather defensively.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but we ain\u2019t his family, are we?\u201d Hoss responded rather tetchily, and concentrated on watching the fight between man and beast that was going on before him.<\/p>\n Joe sighed. Two days ago he had received a letter from his half brother, Clay Stafford. Clay was another one who had travelled around and got first hand experience of life beyond the Ponderosa. He was travelling in Argentina now. Fancy that – Argentina. Joe had to go to the atlas to find out where it was and then Pa had told him about it, because Pa had been there once. Seemed everyone had been everywhere – except him. Oh, and Hoss of course, but then Hoss was happy where he was, a proper home grown variety and breed.<\/p>\n Ben clambered down and stood beside them. He smiled and put a hand on their shoulders,<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Candy did a good job there. Did I hear you boys saying something about a drink in town? I need to go in and see Roy. Mind if I come along?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure, Pa.\u201d Hoss grinned and looked at Joe, \u201cThat\u2019ll be fine, won\u2019t it, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled, nodded. He loved his Pa, he loved his brother – but he had to admit that there was such a tussle going on inside his head and pulling at his heart right now that he wished that he was already a thousand miles away from both of them. \u201cExcuse me, Captain, but I think you should come on deck and see this \u2026\u201d Fletcher paused at the door and waited for the Captain to move away from his desk, pick up his hat and follow him from the cabin. By the time he had reached the deck Captain Adam Cartwright had his hat on his dark head and his naval jacket buttoned.<\/p>\n There was a considerable noise coming from the port side of the ship where the men were crowded together looking over the side and shouting either to one another. Several officers were standing to one side encouraging the men to haul at some ropes but when Adam was seen approaching them they became quiet. One of the Midshipmen stepped to one side and saluted before informing Adam that they had found the remains of a ship floating by and there were men clinging for dear life on them.<\/p>\n \u201cShould we haul them up on board, sir?\u201d the Midshipman asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, I thought you were already doing so.\u201d Adam replied with a raised eyebrow and a small smile on his lips.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d the Middie replied and hurried back to join the other officers.<\/p>\n Adam approached the crowd of men who stepped aside to let him through, although the men hauling on the ropes, Jacob Brown being one of them, continued to do so.<\/p>\n There were indeed men clinging to the remnants of a ship. In all Adam counted ten men. He drew in a long deep breath and looked at Fletcher,<\/p>\n \u201cThey look as though they\u2019ve been like this for some time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, indeed, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet them on board as soon as possible. Fisher, go down below and get the Doctor immediately. Allsop, these men will need fresh water, put some rum in it, and get blankets.\u201d<\/p>\n The two men scurried in opposite directions to obey the orders. Men were now hanging from the rigging to overlook the operation of getting the shipwrecked men aboard. Some of the men were too exhausted to seize the ropes that were lowered to them and realising this was causing problems Adam ordered that a boat be lowered with several men to haul the victims aboard. This was done with a promptitude borne not only from human kindness but also from curiosity.<\/p>\n \u201cFletcher,\u201d Adam murmured to his First Officer, \u201cTell the men to continue with their duties. If they all persist on converging to this side of the ship we\u2019ll tip over.\u201d he smiled as he spoke but the Officer obeyed immediately. It did little good for the ship\u2019s discipline and morale for work to cease no matter how curious the reason may be for it to stop.<\/p>\n The first two men to clamber aboard and then subsequently collapse in a heap on the deck were two officers. One gasped a desire to speak to the Captain but then passed out, while the other was already unconscious before he had hit the deck.<\/p>\n \u201cTake care of them, Fletcher, and when they\u2019re strong enough bring them to my cabin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam returned to his cabin with a feeling of foreboding in his bones. His orders had been to rendezvous with the ship Avenger in this area. They had, in fact, been at anchor for two days for that very reason but there had been no sign of her. She was a well built ship with a good turn of speed and her Captain was known to be efficient and disciplined. Adam had been anxious for the past twenty four hours when it had become obvious that the Av enger had not been at the rendezvous point.<\/p>\n The two ships were to combine and work together to track down and stop a practice often referred to as \u2018black birding\u2019 among the islands of the south seas. This practice was nothing other than slave labour recruitment. Since the 1830\u2019s the term Piceroon was used to describe those who combined piracy with slave trading. Since the abolition of slavery in the American states had dried up the lucrative trade there, the slavers continued to ply their trade lucratively elsewhere.<\/p>\n Had they confined their means of trade among the islands no doubt the American ships would not have deemed it necessary to be involved, but far too many merchant ships had been attacked and destroyed to allow such a practice to continue. The Piceroons not only stole all the merchandise but they would murder in a most cruel fashion the seamen who manned the ships. Those they did not murder were taken as slaves and sold to the plantations of the South Pacific islands. Some seamen would even become part of the pirate team rather than spend the rest of their days labouring on some cruel plantation. They would continually raid the islands, pillaging from trading company\u2019s warehouses, carrying off everything they happened to find and could take to their ships.<\/p>\n It was some time before there came a tentative knock on the cabin door and the Officers entered. They seemed much more robust now although both still suffered from the ravages they had endured. Adam indicated the chairs for them to sit and asked his steward to bring refreshment for them, and also to ask First Officer Fletcher to attend.<\/p>\n \u201cI can see you\u2019ve been through a terrible ordeal. Can you account for any other men to be alive than those we have already found.\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s possible some may still be alive, but we ten have kept close together. We were in number up to 17 but injury and sharks have taken their toll. I am First Officer Warren of the ship Avenger. We were expected to rendezvous with you here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, that\u2019s correct.\u201d Adam said, \u201cWhat of your Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n The two men looked at one another, the spokesman of the two shook his head,<\/p>\n \u201cHe was killed.\u201d and he bowed his head and struggled to control his emotions for a moment before being able to continue, \u201cHe fought as well as he could but there were too many. They hacked him down -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Hargreaves was one of the bravest men I\u2019ve ever known,\u201d the other Officer said quietly, \u201cHe did not deserve to die in that fashion.\u201d<\/p>\n The steward and First Officer now entered the cabin so there was a pause as coffee was poured out for all, and refreshments which were declined. Fletcher looked at Adam and waited for his captain to speak.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Avenger was attacked, Captain Hargreaves has been killed.\u201d Adam informed him, \u201cI presume by the Piceroons we were supposed to be getting rid of?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Captain, the very same.\u201d the man struggled to get to his feet, \u201cFirst Officer O\u2019Brien reporting for duty, sir.\u201d he paused, and looked down at his companion, \u201cMaster\u2019s Mate Jones of the ship Avenger -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Adam Cartwright and First Officer Fletcher, of the ship Redoubt.\u201d Adam replied, and he waited for O\u2019Brien to resume his seat before he asked the man for a detailed report of what had happened.<\/p>\n \u201cSix days ago a ship hove into view flying the distress flags. Her signals were indicating that she was a Dutch vessel in need of assistance. Of course we went to her aid without realising it was a ruse for her to get close enough to jam our rudder with wooden wedges so that the Avenger could not be steered. They used grappling hooks to board the ship. They were heavily armed with pistols, daggers and even carried with them hand grenades made from wine bottles filled with gunpowder. Had we not realised until it was too late that it was an enemy vessel we would have out gunned it but it was too late.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSurely Hargreaves could have still ordered the guns to be fired upon the ship.\u201d Adam said, his brow heavily creased as he thought of the power of these ships.<\/p>\n \u201cThey were too close, sir, had we fired upon them it would have destroyed us as well.\u201d O\u2019Brien sighed, \u201cWe were out numbered, out guessed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut your ship was destroyed anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes, they didn\u2019t want any evidence of their whereabouts to be discovered. I think they intended to scuttle the ship so she would sink to the bottom without trace, but some of us got free and attacked them. The result was -\u201d he shrugged, \u201cat least some of us got away.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you any idea where they would be now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t, sir. We saw nothing of them all the time we have been in the water.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded thoughtfully and then looked over at Fletcher,<\/p>\n \u201cSee that these men are cared for and then come back here.\u201d he spoke without looking at his Officer, his eyes were already scanning the map on the desk which indicated the boundaries for his ship.<\/p>\n Pirates and buccaneers, Corsairs and Picaroons \u2026 how romantic they would sound in the novels that were churned out for the masses. Perhaps there was always some romance in the doing of what was wrong \u2026 the dashing highwayman, the reckless robber. Adam sighed, and leaned over the map to concentrate on what was to be done.<\/p>\n Strangely it was the approval of various nations to allow privateers to sail the seas and loot the merchant ships of enemy countries that had created or authorised pirating. These lawful privateers had flourished until 1856 when the majority of maritime nations signed the Declaration of Paris which banned letters of marque, legalising privateering, and therefore outlawing them. Unfortunately once the veil of legality was whipped away they were revealed for what they really were\u2026 robbers, murderers, slavers and the navies of each country was now used to enforce the law.<\/p>\n Fletcher knocked and entered the cabin, followed by the officers of the Redoubt all of whom removed their hats and awaited their instructions. Adam turned to regard them carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cIt had been our intention to join forces with the Avenger, but as you see we can no longer do that so we have two options before us. We can turn tail and return home. Or -\u201d and he looked at their faces carefully, \u201cWe can take the fight to them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re asking our opinion, Sir?\u201d Fletcher asked doubtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I\u2019m telling you the two options we have before us. Our orders were to remove those Piceroons that we came across with the Avenger as our ally. By my understanding there are two Dutch ships within four days sail of us. Once First Officer O\u2019Brien is refreshed enough to join us here we shall proceed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d the men looked at one another.<\/p>\n \u201cAny questions, gentlemen?\u201d Adam crossed his arms over his chest and waited for the response,<\/p>\n \u201cWe are going in pursuit of them, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. I need the latitude and such from O\u2019Brien, that\u2019s all. There\u2019s only so much sea between them and us \u2026\u201d he smiled slowly, \u201cI should imagine they\u2019ll be looking for us so it shouldn\u2019t take too long to find them.\u201d<\/p>\n There were some brief smiles, some anxious frowns, but they nodded in approval and waited for his further comments.<\/p>\n \u201cI want the men piped on board for assembly within the hour. I want each man on board to know exactly what I want them to do. Dismissed.\u201d<\/p>\n Chapter 27<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien was very clear in giving the proper co-ordinates of where they had been attacked and proof was this was becoming more evident with the density of wreakage that was being found. Several more men were hauled from the ocean, most of them too weak and emaciated to make their rescuers feel they had done them any favours apart from them dying in some degree of comfort rather than becoming shark bait.<\/p>\n They continued following the direction so the Avenger\u2019s first Officer and was within the boundaries that Adam had referred to as the area where the Dutch would be patrolling. It was as they were keeping a look out for the Dutch ships that a sail was observed on the lee bow.<\/p>\n \u201cMr O\u2019Brien,\u201d Adam passed him the telescope, \u201cDoes this ship look familiar to you?\u201d<\/p>\n For some moments O\u2019Brien was silent and then sighed deeply before returning the telescope to Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Captain Cartwright. She\u2019s the vessel that attacked us alright. She\u2019s flying the American flag -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI noticed that.\u201d Adam replied quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just a ploy to get you close to her. Once she\u2019s close enough she\u2019ll ram your rudder so you can\u2019t steer and then board you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know I have to trust you on this, Mr O\u2019Brien. Possibly she could be one of our own ships and if I fire on her I won\u2019t remind you of the consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, sir, it\u2019ll be considered an act of treason.\u201d<\/p>\n Fletcher, standing nearby to Adam licked his lips nervously. He glanced over his shoulder to see how many other men would have over heard this conversation. No man there would want to be accused of treason. But then, no one would want to be drawn so close to the ship as to be boarded by her should she prove to be the slaver.<\/p>\n Adam pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes. His brothers would have recognised the obvious signs of some plan formulating in his agile brain and waited to find out. He clasped his hands behind his back and watched as the sails of the ship loomed closer.<\/p>\n \u201cMr O\u2019Brien, I must have your positive guarantee that the ship approaching us is indeed the one that attacked you.\u201d<\/p>\n Once again O\u2019Brien put the telescope to his eye and scanned the horizon. He observed it long and hard, then there was a sharp intake of breath,<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the picaroons ship, I swear it. She\u2019s flying our colours.\u201d he passed the telescope to Adam who passed it to Fletcher,<\/p>\n \u201cCan you make out the name?\u201d he asked his First Officer.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Captain Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain, the master\u2019s mate who was brought up along with me, he\u2019s well enough to come on deck and swear to it that the ship approaching us is the one who attacked us. I swear, sir, I would not be lying to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Mr O\u2019Brien, but for the sake of my crew I have to be certain for I wouldn\u2019t want them to suffer unjustly by obeying my orders.\u201d<\/p>\n The Master\u2019s Mate was called up and scanned the ship through the telescope. He lowered it and with a sombre air returned the telescope to Adam,<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s the one that jammed us – there\u2019s no mistaking her. She may be flying our flag, but she\u2019s also got our colours on display. Her Captain must have been really sure that there would be no survivors to identify her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s flying the American flag because she must know we were supposed to be rendezvousing with you\u201d O\u2019Brien cried, and he shook his head sadly, \u201cThe men they took as prisoners must have told him that the Redoubt would be hereabouts. They were expecting you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo element for surprise then,\u201d Adam smiled drily. It was hardly possible to sneak up on anyone in open sea so the Officers smiled dutifully, \u201cPipe the men aft.\u201d<\/p>\n Once the men were assembled Adam walked to them and stood before them with his face calm, his dark eyes gleaming and a slight wry smile on his lips. He looked with approval at them all, even noting that some of the men who had come from the wrecked Avenger were present,<\/p>\n \u201cNow, my boys, you see approaching a ship flying the American flag. I don\u2019t want any one of you to be thinking you\u2019d be committing an act of treason by firing upon her as we have the sworn word that she is the picaroon who destroyed the Avenger and over the years some valuable merchant ships of ours. I have no intention of letting her get close enough to us to disable us. It\u2019s just the one ship after all, and we\u2019ve licked more than one before in our time so this one we should be able to dispose of before we pipe to dinner. To your stations \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMr Fletcher,\u201d Adam turned to his First Officer, \u201cget the sail trimmers from the guns, for I want to fight under sail, we have a good wind and should be able to out manouvre them. Mr O\u2019Brien, I believe you would want to take some action against this ship.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed sir,\u201d O\u2019Brien nodded, looking eagerly for orders.<\/p>\n \u201cVery well. Depress the foremost guns so that the shot goes under the water, not over them. Every shot must count as swiftly and as accurately as possible. She must be disabled before she has a chance to get close enough to board us. Starboard, Mr Brown.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cStarboard it is, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n The ship turned to starboard. Every man there had adrenalin pumping through their veins and awaited the first order to fire. The Redoubt was well armed, what a seaman would say showing a very good set of teeth for she mounted sixteen guns. The guns were prepared ready and every man there had his pistol, or his dagger, at the ready.<\/p>\n \u201cSteady now, Brown, steady.\u201d<\/p>\n The other ship was now nearing a mile away and had adopted a ploy of creating smoke screens by setting fire to yellow sulphur. O\u2019Brien cried out to Adam confirmation that it was definitely the ship they were after, for he now could see clearly the name painted by the figurehead.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s reassuring to know,\u201d Brown muttered under his breath knowing that he, like some others on board, had been more than a little concerned that their Captain intended to fire upon a ship flying the American flag.<\/p>\n They could now see through the smoke screens that the deck of the other ship was full of men with their boarding netting triced up. Adam flexed his shoulders as though preparing to offload a heavy burden.<\/p>\n \u201cOver to the lee guns, fire as they bear when we go round them. Hands by, lads. Quarter master, tend the boom sheet. Port hard, Brown.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPort it is, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n The Redoubt turned, her sails billowed with the wind and her guns were discharged. The broadside raked their sides before they even had their guns displayed.<\/p>\n \u201cBe quick, men,\u201d Adam shouted, \u201cLoad, reload. Stand by your guns and prepare to fire again. Fire now.\u201d<\/p>\n Boom Boom crashed the guns, the ships shuddered as the guns recoiled. The other ship still had not returned the Redoubt\u2019s fire, for she had no power in her sails to do a sharp turn and was a more cumbersome ship whereas the narrow stern of the Redoubt make her more efficient in her manoeuvres.<\/p>\n \u201cThey seem to be backing away.\u201d Fletcher cried.<\/p>\n \u201cGive them another broadside as we pass.\u201d Adam yelled, \u201cStand by the same guns. Stand by to haul over the boom sheet. Brown, helm amidships.\u201d<\/p>\n Now the other ship realised they had lost the advantage and would be unable to disable the Redoubt. Her attempt to catch the wind in her sails and circle around the other ship had only succeeded in bringing her closer to the guns which discharged another good broadside into her. This time she answered back with guns discharged but they were badly aimed and only two hit their mark.<\/p>\n \u201cShe is trying to get away,\u201d Fletcher cried and put a telescope to his eye, \u201cCaptain, the Dutchmen are approaching on the lee side.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood, they can watch us finish this up before they go back to their own waters.\u201d Adam replied and ducked as some bullets hit the mast, sending splinters scattering like shrapnel.<\/p>\n \u201cThey must be wondering why we\u2019re firing on a boat flying our own flag.\u201d Fletcher said, wiping blood from his cheek where a splinter had cut the skin.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they\u2019re that concerned they can ask about it afterwards.\u201d Adam replied, watching carefully as the other ship listed rather and the men on its decks started to throw their lethal grenades in the hope that they would cause maximum damage to the Redoubt\u2019s men. \u201cFletcher, make sure they cause no damage.\u201d Adam said calmly as though it were the easiest thing in the world to stop a grenade from exploding once it had hit its target.<\/p>\n The Redoubt tacked slightly distancing herself from the other ship so that the grenades mainly feel harmlessly in the water. One struck the main boom but it was a glancing blow and the damage was little.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s seen the Dutchmen.\u201d O\u2019Brien cried, his face blackened by the soot of gunfire, \u201cShe\u2019s trying to out run us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean, she\u2019s running away from us, Mr O\u2019Brien.\u201d Adam replied calmly, \u201cWell, we can\u2019t have that, can we? Anyway, where can she run to? She can\u2019t go into Dutch waters for she\u2019ll have two ships to fight then, and she won\u2019t be able to outrun us. What do you think she\u2019ll do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019ll not surrender. The Captain\u2019s one of the cruellest men I\u2019ve ever known.\u201d O\u2019Brien shook his head ruefully.<\/p>\n \u201cWere there slaves aboard, do you now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe were never on board her, but we heard the shouts of men who were terrified of what was happening. I would think, Sir, that if she had slaves on board her then, she must have off loaded them by now.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded. The Redoubt was closing in on the other ship again, and once more he gave the order to fire, once more the ship shuddered as gun after gun was discharged. He called out the order to move leeward once again distancing the ship from the other so that their grenades proved of little power.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s going to fight now.\u201d he said quietly, \u201cHer Captain has realised he has nowhere to run to. Mr Brown, starboard, hard.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAye, Captain, starboard it is \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Adam once again flexed his shoulders, he took his pistol into his hand and waited<\/p>\n a32;<\/p>\n Chapter 28<\/p>\n \u201cMr Wilson?\u201d Adam called up to the lookout \u201cHow\u2019s her head?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSouth West by south. Southerly, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what do you see?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve run down the flag, Captain and replaced it with their own.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood,\u201d Adam murmured, \u201cNow they have revealed themselves in their true colours and the Dutch will have no need to worry about what\u2019s happening now.\u201d he paused, \u201cNow, tack her, press her hard, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n So it was that as the Esperanza swung to port side so also did the Redoubt, keeping always a healthy distance to avoid the grappling hooks and the boarding nets that would bring the picaroons on board her. Each way the Esperanza turned she was shadowed by the Redoubt who would give her a broadside every time she ran parallel to the other ship.<\/p>\n \u201cHer main mast has gone. She\u2019s lost her sails. She can\u2019t go any further now.\u201d Adam observed to his officers, \u201cNow, what a maverick she is – where does a Captain go when his ship falls apart one wonders?\u201d and a slight smile touched his lips as he spoke, his eyes fixed upon the other ship which was now floundering.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s a ruthless man,\u201d O\u2019Brien replied, \u201cHe\u2019ll want this ship so he won\u2019t waste his guns on us, he won\u2019t want the Redoubt sunk.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, that he won\u2019t.\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n The Redoubt shuddered again as another volley of shot was sent over to the Esperanza, and one went through the hull just above the fore bits. Now the picaroons strove to hurl over more of their grenades, and fired with rifles with, sadly, some success for several of Adam\u2019s men fell injured or dead as a result of the steady gun fire.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain, they are lowering the boats and preparing to board us.\u201d Wilson yelled from his vantage point.<\/p>\n Adam now turned to face his men who had began to gather in groups awaiting his orders. The gunners never left their places, sending such broadsides to the other ship that sent much creaking and groaning of the timbers. They paused now to hear what their Captain had to say,<\/p>\n \u201cMy boys, prepare yourselves to repel boarders. Fight hard, your lives and your ship depend upon it.\u201d<\/p>\n Immediately there was a rush to the sides of the ships and as fast as grappling irons appeared to fasten into the wood so the seamen of the Redoubt chopped away at the ropes to send the other men plunging back into the sea or to crash into their boats.<\/p>\n Fletcher reeled back when a bullet hit him in the shoulder but resolutely he stood his ground and prepared to fight hard. Adam, who had remained upon the weather-hammock rails holding by the main rigging felt the ship rock as the other fought back with their guns but the ship recovered well and he yelled out the order to his men to give the other ship, the Esperanza, a broadside that would silence her for good.<\/p>\n The battle continued on for another fifteen minutes before the end came. There came the strange, unnatural silence as often befalls a battleground when the fighting is ended. The miserable sound of groans from the injured, the gasps of those taking their final breaths, the cries for help from those who see others walking by them.<\/p>\n Adam wiped sweat from his brow, his face was streaked with the soot from the fires and the guns. He narrowed his eyes for they were stinging from the heat and smoke. The smoke from the other ship billowed lazily in the wind and hovered like a black cloud above them. Finding his telescope the trained it upon the Esperanza to see what was happening there. There was so surrender flag run up and there were still men on the decks with rifles poised. He beckoned to O\u2019Brien who despite a cut above his brow still stood near him,<\/p>\n \u201cTake the boats and put an end to this,\u201d he murmered, \u201cMr Wilson -\u201d he turned, and puased, Mr Wilson was dead, hanging upside down from the rigging. He turned back to O\u2019Brien, \u201cTake whatever men you feel you need. When you have the ship under your control put their men in the brig as prisoners. Then take command of her and follow us into port.\u201d<\/p>\n A bullet from the other ship passed through his hat and he raised his eyebrows,<\/p>\n \u201cThe sooner the better, Mr O\u2019Brien, it seems they need a reminder as to who won the victory here.\u201d<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien took several boats crammed with willing volunteers among seamen and marines. The marines were particularly willing to take part in the fray as they had seen their officer shot down by the gunfire from the Esperanza and sought to take revenge.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Cartwright, we found the body of their leader -\u201d Fletcher jerked his thumb in the direction of a huddle of bodies near the poop deck. \u201cSo far we have ten men dead and fifteen wounded. They -\u201d he paused \u201cthey have quite a number dead.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPut the survivors in the brig as our prisoners. Now, John, take yourself to the doctor and get your wound seen to.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam watched for some moments as the men parted to form recognisable groups, the vanquished, the Redoubt\u2019s men, the dead and the injured. After some moments had elapsed he returned to the bridge and watched as O\u2019Brien encountered the Esperanza. The men had little trouble boarding the wreaked ship. The fighting from the men there was sporadic and half hearted and they quailed before the heat of the anger that burned within the other seamen. Adam took himself to his cabin. It was not for the Captain to linger after such events, although once the report was entered he would go down to sick bay to encourage the wounded. He sat at his chair and laid down his gun upon the desk. Leaning back he sighed deeply and closed his eyes. For a moment he wanted his mind to dwell upon pleasanter things, away from the sounds of the dying and wounded, the stench of burning wood and canvas, of cordite and blood.<\/p>\n He pictured the sun shining upon Lake Tahoe, and recalled to mind the smell of the pine on a warm summers day. He conjured up Joe\u2019s hearty chuckle and Hoss\u2019 warm guffaw. He saw his father\u2019s slow generous smile, the eyes lighting up as they did when hearing something good and pleasant. He wondered, just briefly, what they would be doing right at this particular moment in time.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain?\u201d<\/p>\n He jerked alert and wondered for a moment if he had fallen asleep,<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it, Connors?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMr O\u2019Brien sends his compliments and wondered if you would care to join him on board the Esperanza.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, of course.\u201d Adam nodded, and followed Connors from his cabin. It would be good to see the other ship and to be able to write in the report their findings there. We would also confirm their rightness on firing on a ship flying the American flag.<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien stood to welcome him on board with a solemn face. He then led him to the Captain\u2019s cabin where, amid the chaos and disruption caused by the battle, was all the evidence of the picaroons dealings as far as paper work was concerned. Chests full of money of different currencies stood on one side of the room, along with a mass of charts and maps.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are the names of men who are profiting from the slaves this ship has brought them. There are names here of men – even our men from the Av enger – who were taken to the islands as slaves. But for further proof follow me -\u201d<\/p>\n Adam did so, stepping aside from the bodies that still littered the decks where blood and water flowed with equal liberality. The hatches on the mid deck were pulled open and O\u2019Brien descended followed by Adam who found himself stepping down into the hell of a slave ships hull.<\/p>\n The stench was terrible, and if men condemned those who created the smell as animals then what kind of men could force others into such horrors as what beheld them now. Rows upon rows of boarding upon which were secured the shackles that would bind the men, women and children to the boards, incapable of moving, but very capable of dying, as they did in their hundreds.<\/p>\n The two Officers stood and looked upon the scene with loathing. After some moments Adam put his hand upon Obrien\u2019s arm, turned and mounted the steps back to the deck.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, there is no doubt that it was a slaver. Just be grateful there were no victims on this trip.\u201d he said quietly to the other man.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d have thought that with the abolition of slavery \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, legalities are all very well, but you will always find those men who know where there is a market and how to make the most money from it. Legalities don\u2019t come into the question with these people. Denmark led the way with abolishing slavery, it took us some time to catch up but here \u2026\u201d he shrugged and looked sadly at O\u2019Brien, \u201cWell, at least we can make sure these men don\u2019t profit from it anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe men they took from The Avenger,\u201d O\u2019Brien said quietly, \u201cWe know where they are -\u201d he looked thoughtfully at Adam, \u201cwe could rescue them.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded and gave a half smile,<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I suppose we could.\u201d he replied and turned to lead the way into the Captain\u2019s cabin.<\/p>\n It was as they were enroute to the cabin when a large white bird with black tipped wings hovered through the smoke as though seeking some place to land. O\u2019Brien groaned at the sight of it,<\/p>\n \u201cAll we need, an albatross.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2019Ah, well today! What evil looks \u201cYou\u2019re right, Captain, this ship is dead. \u201cBut if I could save my comrades I most willingly would, albatross or not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you superstitious then, O\u2019Brien?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIsn\u2019t every seaman?\u201d O\u2019Brien replied but all he received in reply was a laugh and a shake of the head.<\/p>\n Chapter 29.<\/p>\n If it had been possible for Adam to have transported himself to the Ponderosa at the time during which he was thinking of them, he would have found himself in the great room with the clock ticking, the flames of the fire licking the big logs, and the comfortable feel of home security that wraps around one at the end of a day.<\/p>\n Ben sat smoking his pipe, carefully writing out a letter to his eldest son. In mid sentence he pauses to look about him at the others in the room. In front of the fire and immersed in a game of checkers sat Hoss and Candy. There was little being said as the game was at the juncture where Candy was about to make his move and Hoss was trying to outguess him and hope he could go other places as a result. Seated on the settee and browsing through a Sears catalogue was Joseph. It seemed to Ben that Joe was particularly quiet and he was still staring down at the same page as when Ben had last looked over at him ten minutes earlier.<\/p>\n \u201cDadburn it,\u201d Hoss exclaimed breaking the circle of silence as Candy jumped three places and won the game. \u201cThat just about does it for me. I think I\u2019ll turn in. I\u2019ve an early start tomorrow morning. What are you doing tomorrow, Candy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been assigned clearing water holes.\u201d Candy grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, well, someone has to do it,\u201d Hoss laughed and slapped his friend on the back. \u201cC\u2019mon , Joe, you\u2019re with me tomorrow morning so\u2019s you\u2019d best head up for bed too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a moment, Hoss,\u201d Ben\u2019s deep voice intruded upon his son\u2019s arrangements, \u201cJoseph, I want a word with you before you go up.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe started as though only just aware that they were talking to him, he looked vaguely at his father and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d best be bidding you goodnight then, Sir,\u201d Candy got to his feet, stretched and smiled at Joe, \u201cSee you sometime tomorrow, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, Candy.\u201d Joe gave the other man a fleeting smile and a brief wave of the hand as Candy left for his room. \u201cSee you in the morning, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, Short Shanks.\u201d Hoss replied and made his way to the stairs where he could be heard whistling quite happily as he made his way to his room.<\/p>\n \u201cAnything wrong, Pa?\u201d Joe asked, putting the catalogue down on the table in front of him, pushing aside the checker board as he did so.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Joe. Perhaps, but I need you to tell me what it is if there is one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you mean?\u201d Joe asked warily, looking at his father \u2019s face for some sign of what his father could have meant.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, son, over the past few months it seems to me, and Hoss, that there\u2019s something weighing heavily on your mind. I thought at first it had something to do with Candy as we could see you had difficulties with him at first but that was soon settled\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure it was, Pa.\u201d Joe interrupted hastily, \u201cCandy\u2019s a good friend of mine, and I respect him a whole lot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, I can see that, and so can he. So what\u2019s happened since to cause you to be so withdrawn. I\u2019m still your father, Joe, and I like to think that I\u2019m also your friend in whom you can confide or share a problem.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe bit his bottom lip and looked down at the floor. He looked so hard that the colours of the rug seems to merge into each other, a hazy blurred swirl of colours. He cleared his throat,<\/p>\n \u201cThere ain\u2019t nothing wrong, Pa.\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure, son?\u201d Ben leaned closer, and put out his hand to rest upon his son\u2019s arm, he must have felt it tremble for his eyes became darker with anxiety, \u201cJoe, tell me the truth. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t -\u201d Joe paused, then moved his arm away from his father\u2019s hand, and even turned his face away, \u201cI don\u2019t really want to talk about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not? Are you in trouble of some kind? Is it some girl -?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no -\u201d Joe looked horrified, \u201cNo, Pa, nothing like that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo there is something gnawing at you? You might as well say now while we have this time together, Joe. Otherwise it is just going to grow bigger and bigger until it\u2019s grown out of all proportion and you\u2019ll find yourself well and truly weighed down by it.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sighed deeply, he bowed his head and leaned his elbows on his knees while he steepled his fingers against his chin,<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Pa, the fact is that -,\u201d he gulped loudly and his eyes darted nervously in Ben\u2019s direction, \u201cDarn it, Pa, I can\u2019t even get to say it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause – because if I say something then it makes it real, and then, making it real means having to do something about it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben leaned back in his chair and observed his son intently,<\/p>\n \u201cNot so long ago I was having a similar conversation with your eldest brother. He was the same as you, squirming about, stumbling over his words, trying to say something without it having any impact at all but at the same time frightened of the impact it would have anyway.\u201d he leaned across the arm of his chair to reach for the matches, he struck one upon the hearth and put the flame to his tobacco, he drew hard upon the stem of his pipe until the tobacco glowed in the bowl and smoke rings coiled upwards.<\/p>\n There was silence for some moments as Joe frantically tried to find the right words. A log, burned in half, fell upon itself in the grate, and the clock chimed the hour. Ben waited a few more moments before he began to speak again,<\/p>\n \u201cIn the end Adam just came right on out with it. \u2019Pa, I have to leave here. I have to leave here in order to find out what I\u2019m not appreciating here, and then when I come home I will have learned to appreciate things a whole lot more than I do just now.\u2019 Is that the way you feel, son?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe blinked, could it really be this easy? His Pa saying the words he needed to say and found so hard. But if he said yes, what would happen then?<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I guess so. It\u2019s just that I don\u2019t want to go to sea or anything. I just want to see what\u2019s out there, beyond the Ponderosa, and Nevada. I want to see the new territories being opened up, and I guess in a way -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn a way what?\u201d Ben asked gently when his son had paused overlong.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to have the kind of experiences you had when you were younger. You know, when you and Adam were travelling west and seeing and experiencing all the things that you did. Pa, for years I\u2019ve listened to you, Adam and Hoss talking about those times. I know they were hard for you all, but at the same time looking back on those things, those adventures, well, you got through the hard times and – and I never had them like that, I have always had security, a home with a roof over my head, Hop Sing to feed us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean, you welcome deprivation?\u201d Ben chuckled although his heart was pounding.<\/p>\n \u201cI welcome experience.\u201d Joe replied so soberly that Ben could only take his pipe from his mouth and look at his son as though through fresh eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes Hoss know this is how you feel? That you want to leave the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve not told him, I mean, I may have hinted\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice trailed away, the thought of Hoss and how unhappy this would be making him caused his resolve to falter. He looked at his father with large eyes that were rimming now with the dew of tears, \u201cPa, I don\u2019t want to hurt Hoss. I love him, but I have to do this on my own.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI doubt very much if even his love for you would cause Hoss to leave the Ponderosa , Joseph.\u201d Ben sighed, \u201cAlthough I could be wrong even then. I never thought you would want to leave, not after the way you acted about Adam going.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I feel kinda like a fraud now, in a way. But when I think back to when Adam left, I think it was because I was jealous of him. I thought with him gone, it would make it harder for me to go. I resented that as much as I resented him leaving me – and you, and Hoss, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, every parent has to accept the fact that their children are only loaned to them. We have to accept that the day will come when they will leave their home to make their own way in life. Adam chose the sea, just like I did.\u201d he paused then and nodded, \u201cI was just a lad of 12 when I ran away to sea but the Captain of the ship knew my father, and sent me back home. Then when I was 14 I ran away again. I ran away because I couldn\u2019t bear to tell my mother that I was going to leave her. I loved her very much but I knew her tears would persuade me to stay, perhaps for another year, and then another year would pass \u2026\u201d Ben shook his head, \u201cI was tormented for a long time by the thought of her face when she found my letter, and her feelings as she read it. I felt a coward, and unworthy of all the love she and my father had shown me. But even now when I look back I know I would have done it just that same way again had I the choice.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDid you see her again?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, on my first leave. It was 18 months later and she had gone grey, and weary looking, but I remember when she opened the door to me how her eyes lit up and her smile made her ten years younger. Well, never mind, that was then, and this is now,\u201d Ben sighed, \u201cI\u2019m glad I know how you\u2019re feeling, Joe. When you feel the time is right for you to leave, tell us, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded slowly, and rose to his feet,<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa. I was afraid -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAfraid of me? Of what I\u2019d say?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Not that, I was afraid that once I\u2019d said it then I would have to act on it. Now I can make plans openly, and with your help too.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled slowly and stood up, he put his arm across his son\u2019s shoulders and gave him a slight hug,<\/p>\n \u201cWherever you are, Joe, I\u2019ll always be here to help you. Be assured of that for a fact.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, whispered a \u2018Thanks, Pa\u2019 and made his way to the stairs. His heart felt lighter, as though a great weight had been lifted from it, but his head whirled with the thought of all the things he wanted to do, had to do, before he left. He could hardly believe it. As he closed the door to his room he leaned against it and bowed his head, just fancy that, he was going to leave home.<\/p>\n Chapter 30.<\/p>\n Joe bounced down the stairs in the manner of past times which quite surprised Hoss who, already seated at the table, had become accustomed to Joe trailing down the stairs as though he was carrying a ton weight of bricks upon his back.<\/p>\n \u201cYou alright, Joe?\u201d he asked, his blue eyes widening as he told himself what a stupid question that was to have asked when everyone could see that Joe was perfectly alright, in fact, more alright than he had been for a long time.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, sure.\u201d Joe smiled at his father and his brother, \u201cCandy gone already?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYep, he thought the earlier he started on them water holes the sooner it would be all over with.\u201d Hoss glanced over to his father who was looking rather solemn, more solemn than usual. Hoss then glanced at his brother who was positively glowing with positive joy in life. \u201cAre you alright, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked Ben, for the contrast in appearances gave him an itch of concern upon recalling the fact that Ben and Joe had been closeted together the previous night for some time.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Hoss, I\u2019m quite alright, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI jest wondered seein\u2019 how little brother here is just about bustin\u2019 his breeches with delight over something and you\u2019re looking like you lost every dime in your bank account.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Hoss,\u201d Ben smiled slowly and then looked over at his youngest son, \u201cAre you going to tell Hoss your news, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNews?\u201d both men repeated, Joe\u2019s voice going rather squeaky and Hoss\u2019 voice plummeting down to the depths. \u201cWhat news?\u201d Hoss added.<\/p>\n \u201cI – I was going to tell you later, Hoss. When we were together and – er – private.\u201d he cast a reproachful glance over at his father who looked totally unconcerned and obviously felt that Hoss needed to know sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n \u201cTell me what?\u201d Hoss sunk back in his seat and gave his brother a long long look. Then he sighed deeply, nodded and stood up, threw down his napkin and pushed himself away from the table, \u201cIt\u2019s alright, I know what it is already, you don\u2019t have to say nothing\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t know, Hoss, you\u2019re only guessing.\u201d Ben said quietly, \u201cCome back to the table and let Joe tell you what\u2019s on his mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know what\u2019s on his mind, Pa, I knows it becos he\u2019s been dropping little hints about it for months now. I know becos he couldn\u2019t hide it from me no more than Adam could\u2026\u201d Hoss paused in mid stride towards the door, and then turned to look straight at Joe, \u201cYou\u2019re leaving here, ain\u2019t\u2019cha?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSometime, Hoss. Not just yet?\u201d Joe replied very quietly, wishing more than anything that he could have enjoyed this bubble of excitement he had woken up with for at least another 24 hours before it burst into the reality of \u2018dealing with things\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cWal, it\u2019s all the same really, now, or then, doesn\u2019t matter, fact is you\u2019ve made your mind up to go and that\u2019s that.\u201d Hoss turned and the next thing they heard was the thud of the door slamming shut.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, I was going to tell him, honestly I was. I wouldn\u2019t just run out on him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe needed to know now, Joe. He\u2019s been simmering with worry about it long enough it was only fair that you told him as soon as possible after telling me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I – I\u2019ll go and talk to him now, shall I?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben sighed and nodded, and as Joe left the table he cast another anxious look over at his father before he also left the room.<\/p>\n Hoss was in the stable leaning against the bars of Chubbs\u2019 stall. He was stroking his horses\u2019 neck and just struggling hard to keep his emotions under control when Joe walked to his side and leaned against the bars alongside him.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss, but I have to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, so you said.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, doggone it, no I don\u2019t understand.\u201d Hoss replied and his words came out of his mouth all strangled up and he turned away from looking at Joe so that his little brother wouldn\u2019t see the tears in his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cHoss, I really do need to go, you know. It isn\u2019t that I don\u2019t love you as much as I ever did, it\u2019s just that I – I have this huge itch inside of me to go and see what else there is out there apart from the Ponderosa. Try and understand, Hoss?\u201d and he placed his hand on the big man\u2019s arm, but Hoss shrugged it off,<\/p>\n \u201cI gotta get on with some work.\u201d Hoss muttered, \u201cYou don\u2019t have to come with me. Best I get used to doing it on my own now, anyhow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright, Hoss, I\u2019ll come, after all -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI said, I\u2019ll go on my own.\u201d Hoss snapped angrily, and walked by his brother without even realising he had knocked into him and sent Joe staggering back against the stall bars.<\/p>\n He rode Chubb hard and fast out of the yard, and even faster after that. He just wanted to put as much distance between himself and his brother as he possibly could so that he could find his own place to pause, and fight through the emotion that was now threatening to choke him.<\/p>\n In the stable Joe rubbed his shoulder and watched the dust settle back upon the ground. He turned and walked slowly back into the house, back to the table and sat down,<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t remember Hoss acting up so uptight when Adam went and left home.\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that\u2019s because Adam and Hoss\u2019 relationship is different. He looks upon you as the baby brother he\u2019s always loved and protected. Adam was the brother he loved and respected.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe frowned, he wasn\u2019t sure whether he liked what his father had said, nor whether he agreed with the sentiments, but he said nothing but poured out coffee with the realisation that his leaving was going to cause his brother a lot of heart ache.<\/p>\n \u201cDid Hoss think Adam was right in leaving?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe couldn\u2019t understand it, anymore than he\u2019ll understand why you want to go. He could accept Adam\u2019s decision though because Adam was the eldest and because Adam had left here before, and he had come back. Hoss is happy enough to assume that his brother will come back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo will I.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Hoss has to work that out for himself. Give him time, he\u2019s only just been given the confirmation of his worse fears and he\u2019s hurting.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss dismounted from Chubb and walked slowly through the waist high grasses towards the beach of the lake. It was here he had come to think over Margie\u2019s rejection of him some years back. And it was here that he had come to consider over Adam\u2019s decision to leave the Ponderosa. He loved the water as it sparkled beneath the sun and reflected the blue skies. He loved the smells, and the way sea, earth and sky combined to make a circle that was so perfectly balanced that he could only rejoice in its creation.<\/p>\n But not today. Today he fell upon his knees and wept. The tears trickled down his cheeks and he rubbed them away with his hands. Then he buried his face in his hands and just let the tears fall. He had cried like this when Ma had died, when after the funeral he had come to be alone. Adam had found him as he always did and they had stayed together for several hours, him crying and Adam sitting, unmoving, with his arms around his brother.<\/p>\n But there were no comforting arms today. Only a huge ache in his heart. An emptiness where his little brother had been.<\/p>\n \u201cShucks, don\u2019t be an idjit.\u201d he mumbled and snuffled to himself, \u201cHe ain\u2019t even gone yet. He may not even go. Doggone it, Hoss Cartwright, you sure are making a right fool of yourself, you knew all along he was going to leave, he\u2019s been hinting enough for any sensible man to know for sure he was going to leave. Oh Joe \u2026\u201d his voice trailed away as he thought of his little brother, and memories crowded into his brain and tumbled one over the other to make him even more miserable than ever.<\/p>\n For Hoss Cartwright it was like his whole world had just fallen apart.<\/p>\n A t the back of his mind a thread of logic worded phrases to remind him that not everyone was like him, happy to be at home forever. He had to consider the differences in age as well as in temperament. But it hardly helped at all. Hoss was a man of deep feelings and before he could face Joe again he just had to pour them out, give them a good shake up and then try to stuff them all back into some semblance of order. Once done he would face Joe, talk it over like two sensible men, and then get on with life.<\/p>\n But not just yet; not for a little while yet.<\/p>\n Chapter 31<\/p>\n When Hoss returned home it was late in the evening. Ben was standing by the big window with a cup of coffee in his hands, but his eyes dark and introspective as he worried about his sons. Candy sat in the blue chair close to the fire attempting to extract a splinter from the palm of his hand. He appreciated the fact that he was able to live in this house, and sit at the table and share food with them, but he was not a member of the family. As soon as Hoss entered the house and closed the door behind him, Candy stood up and after giving Hoss a warm smile announced that it had been a long day and time for him to get to bed. It was a tactful withdrawal and one much appreciated.<\/p>\n Of Joe there was no sign. Cochise had not been in the stable when Hoss had ridden in. For a moment Hoss stood in the middle of the room and looked about him. In the future, he thought, this is what it will come down to \u2026 Pa and me.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, son?\u201d Ben asked him, moving away from the window now that the need for his vigil was over.<\/p>\n Hoss put down his hand, and slowly untied his gun belt. He placed it carefully on the bureau before he looked up at his father,<\/p>\n \u201cAny coffee left in the pot, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere is,\u201d Ben said quietly and watched as Hoss poured out some of the hot steaming liquid, \u201cWhere\u2019ve you been?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShucks, Pa, I\u2019ve only been – thinking.\u201d he frowned and swallowed down the coffee. \u201cPa, I done wracked my brains something orful, but I can\u2019t understand why they\u2019d want to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t give Joe much time to explain how he felt, son.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t want to hear what he had to say, honest truth, Pa.\u201d Hoss sat heavily upon the settee and for a moment drummed his fingers against the arm, \u201cWhy don\u2019t I want to go? Is there something wrong with me?\u201d his brow creased and he sighed miserably.<\/p>\n \u201cWell,\u201d Ben sat down and leaned towards his troubled son. His dark eyes scanned Hoss\u2019 face and noticed how this son had suffered through the day, he clasped his hands together and rested his elbows on his knees, \u201cI remember whenever we stopped at some settlement on our journey here, Adam would come to me and say \u2018When are we going, Pa. This isn\u2019t the place for us, is it?\u2019 but you would come to me and say \u2018We are stopping here, ain\u2019t we, Pa? We ain\u2019t leaving, are we?\u2019 You see, even right back then you were so different. You were like a little homing pigeon wanting a roost to settle on, and Adam – well, he was like an eagle always soaring upwards looking ahead to something new. \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Joe? What about him? I always thought he\u2019d never leave here, that he was like me in how he felt about it here, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, well, what can you expect from a little boy who would listen to our stories about moving on, travelling, the hardships we faced \u2026 without our knowing it we planted those seeds in his mind, and they\u2019ve grown, taken root. Now he wants to do his share of travelling and facing hardships.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShucks, Pa, birds and plants \u2026\u201d Hoss wrinkled his nose slightly, \u201cPa, you and I know that Joe is as likely to run into trouble as soon as he leaves our back yard. He could break his neck any day of the week just falling out of bed. How\u2019s he gonna handle leaving here on his own without getting into trouble. And, if he does, how would we know? How could we help him?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben shook his head, and his clasped hands tightened so that the knuckles whitened, they were silent for the space of a heart beat before he said softly,<\/p>\n \u201cSon, don\u2019t you think I\u2019ve already thought of that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen, he can\u2019t go, can he? For his own good \u2026 you should tell him, Pa, he has to stay put.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t do that, Hoss. He has to do this for himself because if he doesn\u2019t, we\u2019ll lose him altogether. This way he\u2019ll come home to us some day, a more fulfilled man, perhaps. If we force him to stay for any reason, the resentment will just built up until all the things we love about him will be poisoned by it.\u201d Ben stood up and leaned against the chimney, for a moment he stared into the flames before turning to his son, \u201cWe have to put our faith in the one who looks after those we love, Hoss. He\u2019s been doing it for a long time now, and we shouldn\u2019t have any doubt about his ability to carry on doing so.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss was about to speak when Hop Sing came into the room, and after glancing from father to son he approached Hoss with a shake of the head and a wagging of the finger,<\/p>\n \u201cYou very bad boy. You not come home for supper and now supper all dried up and no good. You be very hungry now. Serve you right if you be hungry all night long. \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cAw, Hop Sing -\u201d Hoss protested.<\/p>\n \u201cGood job Hop Sing know you come back and be hungry. Now you come eat what I keep in kitchen. You come and eat all up or you in big trubble.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss sighed, got to his feet, and was about to follow Hop Sing when his stomach protested its emptiness very volubly. This sound was music to Hop Sing\u2019s ears for he began a shrill tirade of scolding in Cantonese that would have scalded Hoss\u2019 ears had he understood the language well enough.<\/p>\n Ben watched the two men leave the room, and for some moments listened to the sound of their voices. Then he bowed his head and whether he was thinking over the things they had said, or was saying a prayer to the one in whom he placed his trust one could not say.<\/p>\n Chapter 32<\/p>\n The Governor of the Island of \u2026\u2026\u2026 was more than magnanimous in the greetings he sent out to the two Naval Officers from the United States. The fact that the two men were asked to wait by the Governor\u2019s equerry while he \u2018prepared himself for their visit\u2019 made Adam wonder what kind of a martinet this man would turn out to be.<\/p>\n As he waited in the antechamber of the Governors state room Adam thought over the events during the past few days since they had encountered the picaroons ship. The Dutch Captains had both accepted the explanation, particularly so after being escorted around the slavers\u2019 ship. They had reacted with such abhorrence that they had shaken Adam\u2019s hand and thanked him profusely for helping rid the seas of such scum. They also appreciated the fact that had Adam not been there to deal with it more than likely they would have been forced to do so in due time.<\/p>\n During the conversation it transpired that the Dutch were building faster ships, made from steel and run by steam, for the Dutch fleet the days of the clipper ships were now over. Adam accepted the fact with a shrug of the shoulders, it was progress after all. A ship dependent on the wind was, after all, no rival to a fast moving steam ship that could move like a bullet regardless of the weather.<\/p>\n He had also discovered by going through the logs of the picaroons\u2019 ships that slavery was still a thriving concern in the south seas. It were as though the abolishing of it in America and Europe had concentrated it into this area. Looking through the lists of plantation owners who bought and sold slaves was like opening Pandora\u2019s box.<\/p>\n His agreement to work along with O\u2019Brien to release the men from the Av enger was the natural thing for a Naval Officer to do. The men were American born and bound to the United States in their naval duties. But, he told O\u2019Brien, it had to be done in the correct manner. Politics, policy and protocol first he had said.<\/p>\n So here they were, kicking their heels in this vast ornate and over decorated room while the highest official of that island decked himself out to greet them. Adam was pacing the floor with his hands clasped behind his back when the doors to the state room were opened and they were beckoned in to greet the Governor.<\/p>\n He was a tall man, very erect in his bearing and his hair, what was left of it, was greying. His dark eyes were piercing and denoted a cunning that made Adam feel uncomfortable. But he greeted them both quite regally and indicated that they could sit in his presence.<\/p>\n \u201cWe recently encountered the ship Esperanza which we understand has been terrorising your waters over the past few years, Sir.\u201d Adam stated.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Esperanza has indeed been a scourge and a plague for far too long. Yes, they had, with some others ships full of their filth, the worse living beings on this earth, caused us much hardship. They have carried off our men and women. Ruined crops burned down villages. What happened when you encountered her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe fought her. She\u2019s now a wreck that we are going to tow back with us in order to claim prize money. However -\u201d Adam stretched out his long legs, \u201cwe wanted to deliver up to you, Sir, the 23 men that we have as prisoners. We have heard that you are very fair and that you will afford them justice and the requisite punishment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey are picaroons?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll of them. Yes.\u201d Adam inclined his head and then leaned back in the chair which creaked a little under his weight, it was such a flimsy gold painted little thing.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the Captain? Is he among them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Captain is dead.\u201d<\/p>\n The Governor smiled coldly, and for a moment just stared towards the two men as though unaware that they were still in the room, then he nodded,<\/p>\n \u201cThat is very good. These other men you will bring here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey are already here waiting for your instructions to -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey will be dealt with, you have no worry about it.\u201d he waved his hand regally as though the thought was the deed. \u201cIs there anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere was a great deal of plunder in the Esperanza. Looking through her log books it would seem that most of it belongs to your islands, to your industry. We have that here also.\u201d<\/p>\n The Governor allowed a small smile to play about his lips and his eyes couldn\u2019t hold back from showing the glint of greed,<\/p>\n \u201cIs there much gold?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA considerable amount, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat also is very good.\u201d the Governor smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is another matter I would wish to put before you, Sir.\u201d Adam drew himself up straight backed and looked the Governor full in the face, \u201cRecently one of our ships was attacked by the Esperanza. Of course as they were picaroons and therefore a body of men that belonged to no nation it could not be considered an act of war on the part of yourselves or any other island. They captured a number of our men and sold them to a plantation owner here by the name of Legrand.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLegrand is a very powerful and rich man in these islands.\u201d the Governor said nervously.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, the fact remains that he had unlawfully taken a number of United States seamen, purchased them as slaves and is using them as such. We would ask you to intercede on our behalf and get them released.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou ask a lot.\u201d the Governor replied with a lift of the eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have already given you a lot, Sir. It could be that my Government would consider it an act of war on your part if you appear to condone the purchase of American seamen as slaves in your territory.\u201d<\/p>\n The Governor bowed his head and then sighed. He picked up a pen and rolled it between his fingers before he looked up and shrugged,<\/p>\n \u201cHow many men? Do you know their names? Are they rich men?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere were 11 men, we have their names on a list here.\u201d he leaned forward and placed a list of names on the desk, \u201cThe matter of their wealth is of no importance. They belong to us, as American citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n The Governor made a pretext of reading the names before letting the paper slip through his fingers back onto the desk.<\/p>\n \u201cI shall see what I can do for you.\u201d he said again, with a slight shrug.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope to see all eleven men on the quayside by four o\u2019clock this afternoon.\u201d Adam said coldly as he rose to his feet, \u201cThank you for this audience, Sir.\u201d \u201cIt and them are at the quayside already, Sir. But our men we would like to have there by 4 o\u2019clock.\u201d he reiterated before giving the man at the desk a slight bow and leaving the room.<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien looked at him and shook his head,<\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t do anything.\u201d he muttered as he put on his hat.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but he has until 4 o\u2019clock to prove it.\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd then?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll see \u2026\u201d Adam smiled cold, and with his back straight and shoulders square he strode away from the Governor\u2019s apartments as though he couldn\u2019t leave there quickly enough.<\/p>\n Chapter 33<\/p>\n As soon as the door closed behind the two Naval Officers another door of the state room opened and a tall fat man stepped into the room. He was a magnificent figure being so tall, even though he was now running to fat it was easy to appreciate he must have been a very handsome man when younger. Dressed in very expensive garb he made the Governor of the Island look drab in comparison.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you hear what our illustrious visitors had to say, Legrand?\u201d The Governor asked, picking up a small gold box which he snapped open to take a pinch of snuff which he inhaled into both nostrils as he waited for Legrand\u2019s reply.<\/p>\n Legrand walked to the window where he could see the two men striding across the courtyard.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I heard. I didn\u2019t like that man Cartwright. Arrogant. Like all Americans he talks as though we were nothing. He has to be taught a lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think your Captain Salvadore did try, but failed.\u201d came the sarcastic comment in response, \u201cPersonally I liked him, he was honest and if he had some pride then -\u201d he shrugged \u201cwhy should he not? He is a brave man and rather na\u00efve if he thinks he will get everything he wants.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPah.\u201d Legrand huffed and watched Adam and O\u2019Brien board a carriage which was slowly turning in the courtyard. He saw Adam\u2019s raised face looking up at the building and out of caution stepped back out of sight.<\/p>\n \u201cSo? What do you intend to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGold bullion is not to be ignored. As for the picaroons, we\u2019ll deal with them as we usually do, keep the fittest for the plantations and hang and tar the unfit. That will keep everyone happy. As for the American seamen \u2026\u201d he frowned, he shrugged, \u201cThey\u2019re a surly lot, always spouting out their rights as Americans, always starting fights. Perhaps we can arrange a compromise, of sorts.\u201d he smiled and turned to the Governor, \u201cI shall go now and make some arrangements.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLegrand, let me give you some advice. I don\u2019t think Captain Cartwright is a man to be crossed, so if you are going to make some compromises I would think very carefully how you go about them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou actually dare to give ME advice?\u201d Legrand smiled slowly and his heavy eyelids half hooded his eyes, \u201cYou now make me laugh. Am I a man to fear shadows? Believe me, I have no fear of this man Cartwright. And you, Governor, should no better than to offer advice to me. If it were not for me, you would not be sitting in this office now but would still be a puny clerk in my warehouse.\u201d he snapped his fingers and with a sneer on his face he turned and left the room.<\/p>\n The Governor watched him go, bowed his head and walked to the window. The carriage was now well out of sight but he looked for it even so. What a joy it would be if this Captain Cartwright could get rid of Legrand as well as having despatched Salvadore.<\/p>\n In the carriage Adam had settled back to think about his plan for action. His glance up at the palace had provided him with what he had expected to see, another man standing at the window other than the Governor, and this man, he instinctively knew, would be the infamous Legrand whose name he had heard, not only from the Governor, but from the picaroons he had questioned and the men at the quayside.<\/p>\n He closed his eyes, allowed his chin to rest upon his chest and allowed O\u2019Brien to assume he was sleeping.<\/p>\n _Chapter 34________________<\/p>\n After some time had elapsed Adam raised his head and took his watch from his pocket. It was a gold hunter, very handsome and a gift from his Grandfather which he treasured. He flipped up the ornately decorated lid and looked at the time, before closing the lid, looking quite smugly pleased about something, and slipping it back into his pocket.<\/p>\n \u201cDriver.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, suh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI find we have an hour or two spare so take us for a trip around the island, please. One that will get us back to the quayside before 4 o\u2019clock.\u201d<\/p>\n The driver touched the brim of his hat with the tip of his whip and turned the horses heads away from the harbour and took them for a coastal trip. Adam smiled at O\u2019Brien,<\/p>\n \u201cNow then, let\u2019s relax and enjoy the journey. Take note of the bays and coves, the lagoons and tranquil beaches as we have the time to spare, best to enjoy and learn.\u201d he sighed contentedly and stretched out his long legs, \u201cI doubt very much if we will get our men back, as you know, O\u2019Brien. But we have to act carefully because men of Legrand\u2019s kind are quick to accuse others of the very sins they themselves commit.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the Governor?\u201d \u201cSo what do you intend to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing until 4 o\u2019clock, except to enjoy this ride of course.\u201d Adam smiled and passed a hand over his neatly trimmed beard. \u201cIt\u2019s only after then that we know how the deck is stacked against us. That\u2019s when we shall play our hand.\u201d<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien nodded doubtfully and sighed heavily. He looked out at the passing landscape and fretted over the seeming delay and waste of time, while the Captain sat beside him taking a very eager interest in what he saw as the carriage passed along. He pointed out the coves that nestled below, hidden by cliffs and lush green foliage, with the splash of colours from the beautiful tropical plants that abounded there. He exclaimed over the elegant curves of a lagoon with the silvery beaches as though he had never seen one before in his life . When the coachman indicated it would be time to return Adam merely nodded in agreement and suggested they went by way of the plantations, a more inland journey than coastal.<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien showed more interest now, craning his neck to see the plantations and to scour the workers for a familiar face. But the public road was too far from the plantations for them to be of any use and he fell back, disappointed.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Cartwright, you saw the list of names of the men who were taken, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, to be honest with you -\u201d he paused, and sighed heavily, \u201cI probably should have said before but one of the men if my cousin, Jotham. He was brought up with me more like a brother than a cousin and we joined the navy together. I swore to him that I would find him and get him home safely. As they dragged him away I just had time to call out to him. He would know I was alive, and that I would do everything in my power to get him free.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you telling me this, O\u2019Brien? Do you think that one of the men being related to you gives him greater merit over the others? Do you assume that I would be more determined to rescue them because of his being one of them?\u201d Adam crooked an eyebrow as though surprised that he was even having to put such questions to the other officer.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I just wanted you to know that whatever you decided to do -\u201d O\u2019Brien paused, \u201cI have to keep my promise to Jotham.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course you do, I understand that only too well. I have a younger brother who was constantly in trouble. My other brother and I were always having to haul him out of scrapes so I can quite understand how you are feeling. But you have to remember that we are representatives here of our country and if we act rashly it could be misinterpreted to Legrands advantage.\u201d he pursed his lips in the familiar way that he had, and raised his eyebrows a little, \u201cIf my brother were among those unfortunates I would do everything in my power to get him free, believe me, I would.\u201d<\/p>\n Once again he took his watch from his pocket and checked the time. Satisfied he asked the driver to go faster in order not to be late as when they stepped from the carried the clocks in the township chimed four o\u2019clock exactly.<\/p>\n The Governor\u2019s men were already there carrying away the chests of bullion and loading them upon wagons. The picaroons, a rag tag bunch of men now, were being put in chains and pushed into line by the militia who used the butt of their muskets to achieve their ends. As Adam and O\u2019Brien walked down towards the highest ranking Officer present who appeared to be waiting for them several of the chained men called out in appeal to them.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Cartwright, Captain Cartwright -\u201d cried one wretch, stepping out of line to approach Adam, \u201cPlease, sir, have pity. Intercede on my behalf and let me go free. I\u2019ll serve aboard your ship willingly, sir. I was taken by Salvadore from my ship several months ago and forced to work along with these men. I am not like them \u2026 I beg you, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever your origins, it can\u2019t be helped. You willingly worked along with them for I know as a fact that no privateer or picaroon need take any action if he chooses not to do so. If you had not agreed their terms they would have sold you as a slave or had you killed.\u201d Adam shook his head, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, you took arms against my ship and my men, and you also took part in the death of Captain Hargreaves and his men. If I took you to America you would have to stand trial there, so there is little point in delaying the inevitable.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo you know what they will do to us -\u201d another man cried out, \u201cDo you?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam sighed and walked on. He knew very well what would be done with those men who stood trial and were found guilty. They would be hanged, and their bodies tarred, and then they would be put in cages and hung for all to see so that everyone could see that justice had been done. He walked on until he was face to face with the Officer who saluted him politely and handed him a letter with a large red seal on it.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are my men?\u201d he asked the Officer coolly as he ripped open the letter.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have brought here seven men, Captain Cartwright.\u201d the Officer replied and gestured to a group of men who stood close to Jacob Brown and some other seamen from the Redoubt.<\/p>\n \u201cOnly seven? What about the other men?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe letter explains it, sir. Who am I to ask?\u201d and the crafty man shrugged, grimaced and stood at ease, waiting for some reply or comment from Adam who was still reading the letter.<\/p>\n Adam said nothing for a while, his face was inscrutable as he refolded the letter and slipped it into the pocket of his jacket.<\/p>\n \u201cThank the Governor on my behalf, Captain. I see there is nothing more to be done. We shall secure our ship and the Esperanza and depart on the evening tide. Please convey my thanks to your superiors.\u201d and he gave the Officer a curt nod of the head by means of farewell and walked away.<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien now hurried to the seven men and went from one to the other of them searching for his cousin, but he was not among them, nor could any of the men tell him anything about Jotham. They themselves, despite their slavery being of such short duration, were dirty, ragged and emaciated. One man could barely stand on his feet and collapsed on the way to the boat, being carried aboard by Jacob and lain between the thwarts with considerable care.<\/p>\n \u201cIs your cousin here?\u201d Adam asked O\u2019Brien who shook his head and looked wild and confused. \u201cI see -\u201d the Captain said and stepped into the boat to take his seat among his men and the seven who had been rescued. Reluctantly O\u2019Brien took his place beside him.<\/p>\n The boat cast off and the men bent their backs to the oars to cross from the quayside to the Redoubt. The sun was still hot despite it now being early evening. Very soon the darkness would descend with typical tropical suddenness. As they rowed further and further from the shore O\u2019Brien felt that he would never see his cousin again.<\/p>\n Chapter 35<\/p>\n Jacob Brown had to duck in order not to crack his head on the frame of the door as he stepped into Adam\u2019s cabin. He found his Captain leaning over his desk with an assortment of papers laid out before him which he was carefully scanning. He didn\u2019t say anything to Jacob but turned his attention to a large scale map that was unfurled on a chair. He picked it up and set it down over the other papers, before trailing a finger along a route. He then paused and turned to Jacob,<\/p>\n \u201cWell, now, Jacob, are the men we\u2019ve just brought on board?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe doctors seeing to them, Sir. Just thought I\u2019d mention that another of our men died as a result of the fight with the Esperanza. Oh, and the man I carried on board \u2026 he died as well.\u201d Jacob rubbed his chin, \u201cDoc says he must have had a weak heart or something and couldn\u2019t stand the heat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cReally?\u201d Adam grimaced, \u201cI would have thought if he could stand the heat on board ship in a midshipman\u2019s berth he could have withstood it anywhere. But it\u2019s a pity all the same.\u201d he glanced down at the map again, as though deep in thought before he looked up at Jacob once more, \u201cI\u2019d best go and see them, there\u2019s some questions I need to ask of them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI presume you intend to get the other four men away from the islands, is that right, Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? What would you do if you were Captain, Jacob?\u201d Adam paused in the act of buttoning up his tunic and looked at the big man thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, best not ask, Sir. I\u2019d probably go in and shoot the whole place to blazes.\u201d Jacob Brown grinned from ear to ear.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that would be one way of dealing with the matter, I suppose.\u201d Adam said with slight smile.<\/p>\n They left the cabin and seeing his steward appearing, Adam asked him to get his Officers assembled in the cabin, also Mr O\u2019Brien. He then made his way to the sick bay where the injured men of the Redoubt were being tended as well as the 8 men from the Av enger. Every man there who could stand rose to their feet and saluted.<\/p>\n Adam looked at them all in turn, said a few words in passing to his own men, all the time wishing they could be in more salubrious conditions for the cramped quarters of a sick bay on board ship was never ideal. He then approached the 8 men, \u201cI am, Sir.\u201d a thin lanky red headed man stepped forward and saluted smartly.<\/p>\n \u201cYour rank?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMidshipman, Sir. Name of Hathaway.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow are you feeling now?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m alright, Sir. I just needed to get out of there and rest up a little. Once I get some shut eye, some decent food I\u2019ll be able to get back to work, Sir. Most of us will be come to that -\u201d and he glanced at the other men who warmly murmured their agreement.<\/p>\n Adam glanced up at the doctor who nodded his agreement. Adam once again surveyed them and stepped closer to them<\/p>\n \u201cWhy were only 9 of you sent back and not the whole number of men taken from the Avenger?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDunno.\u201d Hathaway shrugged, \u201cI\u2019ve been trying to figger it out for myself but it makes no sense. One thing though, Captain, the owner of the plantation is a big man, name of Legrand. He has a particular hatred of Americans. He was encouraging his overseers to humiliate us at every opportunity they had \u2026 that\u2019s what killed off Maher. They gave him a flogging and left him hanging in the mid day heat so\u2019s all the flies could get to him. If\u2019n I\u2019d had a gun I don\u2019t know who I\u2019d have shot first, the Overseer or Maher.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain?\u201d another man stepped forward, \u201cThomasin, Midshipman.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo ahead – what do you have to say?\u201d Adam asked quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cJust that those four men you were speaking about before – they were taken away from the plantation two days ago. I saw them being taken out from the fields by one of the Overseers and two guards. They were put in a wagon and driven out of the place. I didn\u2019t see \u2019em come back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t know this?\u201d Adam asked the midshipman, Hathaway.<\/p>\n \u201cThomasin mentioned it, Sir, but it still doesn\u2019t give any reason why they weren\u2019t brought back with us. Unless they\u2019re dead.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam frowned and said nothing. He then signed to Hathaway to follow him, thanked the other men and left the sick bay with the midshipman following him.<\/p>\n When he returned to his cabin his Officers and O\u2019Brien were already there, and rose to greet him. He walked immediately to his desk and pointed to it,<\/p>\n \u201cMr Hathaway, whereabouts here were you kept?\u201d he asked and then stepped back while Hathaway looked down at the map and after some moments pointed to an area which Adam then marked with his pen. He then made a swift calculation and then looked at his officers,<\/p>\n \u201cIt seems the four missing men were taken from the plantation some days ago. They never returned.\u201d he glanced at O\u2019Brien who had visibly blanched, \u201cNow, thanks to Mr Hathaway we can pinpoint exactly where the plantation is here \u2026\u201d he pointed to the mark on the map, \u201cwhich means that this cove here \u2026\u201d he trailed his finger across the map a little to the coastal outline, \u201c is the best place for us to leave the Redoubt and set out to find them. The cove, I noticed today, has a deep draught and sufficient cover to create a natural camalflage. I don\u2019t think we could hide there indefinitely but unless Legrand is really suspicious of our leaving and is keeping a lookout at every cove and lagoon on the island we have some hope of being hidden for sufficient time. \u201c<\/p>\n \u201cIf he is suspicious wouldn\u2019t that be the first place he would think of looking for us?\u201d Fletcher asked thoughtfully.<\/p>\n \u201cVery true.\u201d Adam nodded, \u201cI did say that was where we would leave the Redoubt \u2026\u201d he smiled, paused as there came a knock on the door and the steward entered with refreshments for them. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, gentlemen, I know exactly what you are concerned about, and have no plans for Legrand to find the Redoubt that easily.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen do we leave?\u201d Fletcher asked, looking thoughtfully down at the map and then up at his Captain.<\/p>\n \u201cJohn, you will be staying here. I shall need you here to take command of the Redoubt in my absence.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the Doctor will have my scalp if I let you come with us when your wounds will still be needing his attention.\u201d Adam continued, then turned away with a slight frown having noticed the looks that passed between his officers at the mention of scalping. Sometimes he forgot that these men were the well brought up off spring of the gently reared from states that had never seen a real Indian in their lives and scalping was something one did not mention in good company.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Captain, of course.\u201d Fletcher acquiesced in a softer tone of voice.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t you have any idea why Legrand took my cousin away, Hathaway?\u201d O\u2019Brien asked his fellow Officer who shook his head,<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr O\u2019Brien, I don\u2018t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMr Hathaway, you had better return to sick bay and in passing please ask the helmsman to attend to me at once.\u201d Adam said curtly and returned to look through the papers.<\/p>\n As the doors closed he shrugged,<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been reading the log for the Esperanza, and some personal papers that Salvadore was foolish enough to leave behind. It seems Legrand and the Governor were hand in hand with him, taking in a share of the profits from Salvadores pillaging. It would do these islands a lot of good if we can clean it up a little.\u201d he paused as Jacob entered, \u201cMr Brown, I want you to set the co-ordinates here and here -\u201d he pointed to the map, \u201cand set the Redoubt as close to shore as you can. You\u2019ll have further instructions later.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen do we leave, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled,<\/p>\n \u201cFive minutes ago, Mr Brown.\u201d he replied in the tone of voice that caused Brown to do a quick about turn and head aloft.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Fletcher, would you please make arrangements for the two dead seamen to be dealt with once we are away from shore. Mr O\u2019Brien, no doubt you would wish to accompany us on this – er – little survey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, please, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled, he knew had he been in O\u2019Brien\u2019s place and it had been Little Joe or Hoss that had been taken to wherever Legrand had taken them, he would have been equally as eager.<\/p>\n Chapter 36<\/p>\n Jacob Brown steered the ship to the co-ordinates given by his Captain. Mid-way they weighed anchor in order for the two dead seamen to have a prayer said over them by the Captain before they were dropped into the sea. Dead men on board ship were considered bad luck by the seamen who were, as O\u2019Brien had earlier observed, all superstitious.<\/p>\n Then the Redoubt set sail again, trailed by the frail and shattered Esperanza, which was manned by a few men on board under the authority of Hathaway. The sea was an oily black heaving mass sparkling with diamonds as the moon shed her light down upon them. It was a silent passage across the coast line to the cove where the two ships slid as close to shore as possible.<\/p>\n \u201cWeigh anchor.\u201d came the subdued order.<\/p>\n \u201cAnchor aweigh!\u201d was the soft response.<\/p>\n There came a splash as the anchor entered the sea, and then within minutes the jerk as the chain tautened as the anchor gripped the sea bed.<\/p>\n Jacob turned to face Adam who was approaching him,<\/p>\n \u201cMr Brown, do you recall my instructions to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCertainly, Captain. Once you are on shore I\u2019m to go to the lagoon S.W of East of here. There\u2019s an inlet into which the two ships can lay by.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery good. Legrand isn\u2019t stupid, he\u2019s proven that to have existed here for so long. It is possible this whole thing is a set up to reclaim the Esperanza and to get the Redoubt as well.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd bring shame on the whole American fleet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA good turn of phrase, Jacob, well done.\u201d Adam smiled in the darkness, and put a hand on Jacob\u2019s shoulder, \u201cI\u2019m sorry you couldn\u2019t join us, Jacob. I could have done with you being with us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy, thank you, sir.\u201d Jacob said with surprise in his voice, and as Adam turned to go the big man saluted him with even greater respect.<\/p>\n Yes, Adam thought, he would have liked to have had Jacob near by, although Jacob would probably not have thought it much of a compliment had he explained that the only reason was because of his likeness to Hoss. Adam sighed deeply, with Hoss at his side he had always felt confident that he could win anything. Hoss had been like – well – a bulwark. A shield. He smiled to himself and made his way to the boat where the men were waiting for him. Jacob may have been physically like Hoss, but there the similarity ended.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t take long to go down the rope ladder into the boat and then the men bent their backs to their oars and through the dark waters the two boats -O\u2019Brien in command of the other – passed as swiftly as two arrows, and as stealthily as serpents.<\/p>\n They beached the boats and hid them high up beneath the large leaved plants. The tide was rolling in and would soon erase their footprints and the marks of the vessels. Silently, stealthily, they slipped into the wilderness that massed together close to the sands.<\/p>\n They moved swiftly through the overgrown verdure of forest until they reached the edge of the plantation and here Adam deployed several men as sentries to ensure that their way back to the boats was protected.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember, if anyone comes along don\u2019t harm them, but make sure they are silenced and don\u2019t let them sound off an alarm.\u201d Adam whispered earnestly.<\/p>\n Now they advanced towards the plantation and upon reaching the first building they crouched low, in a huddle together. Once again Adam deployed several men, pointing to various strategic places for them to remain concealed and giving them the same instructions as previously. There was nothing he wanted less than to harm innocent victims of Legrand\u2019s making, nor to spread alarm by any his guards and overseers sounding out an alarm.<\/p>\n The new day had dawned and with its arrival the work force were leaving their shelters and making their way into the fields of sugar cane. There was the babble of voices as men and women made their way to their labours. Behind the walls of one building the seamen crouched low and waited for them to disappear into the distance.<\/p>\n The overseers came next, some riding horses and holding their whips curled innocently in their hands as they followed the workers. Some walked along, more in the attitude of guards, armed with rifles. They kept looking nervously about them, as though expecting at any moment to be attacked from some unknown source.<\/p>\n Adam beckoned his men to come closer,<\/p>\n \u201cThe guards came from the large building on the left. I doubt if all of them have left there yet. It may be the best time to go in there and see if they can give us any information about our men. Three of you, come with me. Mr O\u2019Brien, stay here with the men, keep hidden here. Don\u2019t create any trouble no matter what you see or hear in my absence.\u201d he particularly looked at O\u2019Brien whom he felt less aware of his abilities to be patient at times like this, his own men had been tested over the time he had served with them, but O\u2019Brien \u2026 he raised his eyebrows and received a reluctant nod of the head from the other man.<\/p>\n The four men sidled along towards the larger building. Upon reaching it Adam indicated that they remained where they were while he had a look around. Keeping close to the wall he approached a window and raised his head to look inside.<\/p>\n There were six men lounging about the big room. Some were playing cards, another was lounging against the door frame, another appeared to be sleeping. There was a low hum of voices. After some moments with the appearance of no other person Adam returned to the three men.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep close to me. I\u2019ll go in and you immediately follow. Jackson, there\u2019s a man on the left of the door, stop him from getting the drop on me. Are you ready?\u201d<\/p>\n They nodded and swiftly followed their Captain who stepped into the building with his gun in his hand, and before any of the men could react Jackson had the man by the door stretched out on the mud packed floor, and the other two seamen were inside, their guns levelled threateningly at the men in the room.<\/p>\n \u201c\u201cJackson, stand close to the door, make sure no one enters here. If anyone comes let them enter the building, disarm them and keep them covered.\u201d he ordered, then he turned his attention to the men who were grouped like sheep in the corner of the room, their eyes showing white with fear, \u201cAnyone of you speak English?\u201d he asked in fluent Spanish.<\/p>\n Not one man replied, but Adam noticed those who had reacted sufficiently to the question for him to feel that they would understand something of the English language, so he next addressed them.<\/p>\n \u201cFour American seamen. Where are they? Does Legrand have them?\u201d<\/p>\n Still no response. One of Adam\u2019s men stepped forward, his rifle cradled in his arms,<\/p>\n \u201cDo you want me to slap them around a bit, Captain?\u201d and as though to emphasise his words he spat onto the floor.<\/p>\n Two men gulped and swallowed hard, and Adam pointed them both out to Meadows, who grabbed them both from the group and hauled them in front of Adam who indicated that that was as far as any \u2018slapping about\u2019 would go.<\/p>\n \u201cThe four Americans, seamen, like us – where are they?\u201d<\/p>\n The two men looked at him, looked at one another, shook their heads. Adam lowered his eyes and frowned,<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a shame they don\u2019t understand what I\u2019m saying, Meadows.\u201d he sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, a big shame, Captain. Shall I \u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, no \u2026\u201d Adam raised a hand, and pursed his lips, \u201cI was thinking the poor wretches can\u2019t earn much. Legrand is a man who likes the best pickings. These men would get barely an existence in pay. I was quite prepared to pay them \u2026 \u201c he took out some money from his pocket and began to count out some of the coins.<\/p>\n The looks of lust and greed in the eyes of all the men said more than words could tell. One of the two men Adam had felt confident did understand English now put out his hand, and turned dark pleading eyes to him,<\/p>\n \u201cCapitano,\u201d he said, \u201cFour seamen – American – si, we know them.\u201d<\/p>\n From the corner one man cried out to him for silence but Meadows swept the barrel of the rifle in his direction and he backed against the wall. Adam gave the other man a gold coin.<\/p>\n \u201cFour American – Legrand takes them to the big house on the hill.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre they still there?\u201d Adam asked, producing another coin and holding it towards them between finger and thumb,<\/p>\n \u201cSi, they never leave there. Legrand has big – \u2018ow you say – \u2018ole in ground under house.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre they guarded?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSi, always.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam pressed the coin into the man\u2019s hand. He looked at them thoughtfully before asking the next question,<\/p>\n \u201cAre they still alive and well?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy wife, she cook food for them. Four men still alive.\u201d the man nodded a tousled head.<\/p>\n \u201cWill you come with us and show us where the hole in the ground is?\u201d<\/p>\n The man backed away a few steps, his hands clasped close to his chest as though to still his beating heart. The other man nodded,<\/p>\n \u201cI take you. You give me money?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnce we get there and more when we have the men safely out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded again, and turned to his companion and spoke some words of their native tongue, which had enough Spanish in it for Adam to roughly get the meaning of what was said. Adam turned to Meadows,<\/p>\n \u201cTie these men up and gag them. Don\u2019t let them cause any trouble. Don\u2019t fire your gun because if you do the whole lot will be down on us like a herd of buffalo.\u201d<\/p>\n Meadows nodded, not quite sure what a herd of buffalo had to do with anything but appreciating the meaning. Adam slipped out of the building and returned to O\u2019Brien and the other men with the Guard at his side.<\/p>\n The sound of footsteps approaching made them creep back into the shadows, Adam whispered to the guard that it would be better for him to act as naturally as possible, or it would be the worse for him. From the shadows they watched a thickset man come towards them, pause to say something to their man, and walk on.<\/p>\n \u201cYou come, follow me now.\u201d their guide whispered and putting their full trust in him and his love of money, they followed along closely behind him.<\/p>\n Chapter 37<\/p>\n The small group of men followed their guide closely, keeping close to the shadows and hugging the walls of buildings. Once two Overseers came strolling around to the back of a building armed with rifles and machetes. Upon seeing the seamen they threw the rifles down and one made a brave attempt to use his machete. Both men were dealt with by Adam\u2019s seamen, and tied with their own sashes and gagged. It was at this point that Adam gathered his men around him, while with one hand he held tightly to the back of their guide\u2019s loose shirt.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not too happy about this,\u201d he murmured, \u201cThose two men didn\u2019t have any idea of how to use those rifles, they weren\u2019t even carrying them safely . I\u2019ve a feeling that Legrand is expecting us and has armed his men accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow much do you think we can trust him?\u201d O\u2019Brien asked, pointing to their guide who upon seeing the attention was upon him started wriggling in an attempt to escape.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I had put my trust more in his love of money than anything else.\u201d Adam sighed and thrust the wretched man away from him and into the arms of two of his men. He took out his pocket compass and checked their position carefully, then he shook his head as he replaced it in his pocket, \u201cFrom Salvadore\u2019s notes Legrand\u2019s house is east of here, he\u2019s been leading us away from it.\u201d<\/p>\n The guide cringed back, clasping his hands together in an attitude of prayerful pleading,<\/p>\n \u201cYour wife -\u201d Adam said slowly to him, and the man nodded frantically while his eyes went round with fear, \u201cYou said she worked in the kitchens of the house. Is that true?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is true, I swear it on her life.\u201d he stammered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is her name?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEurydice\u201d<\/p>\n The men looked at one another as it was a name more associated with myth and ships than a woman in the part of the world they now found themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cEurydice what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRodney.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery well.\u201d Adam signalled to his men to deal with the guide who although he pleaded as though his life depended upon it, was promptly dealt with, tied up and gagged and rolled into the ditch along with the other two men.<\/p>\n \u201cRight,\u201d Adam said quietly, \u201cWe\u2019ll have to rely on our own instincts now. Come -\u201d and keeping close to the wall of the building they scurried in the direction that Adam\u2019s compass had indicated to be easterly.<\/p>\n Legrands house was like himself, ostentatious and over large. From the direction the guide had led them it could not be easily observed as the hills into which it was built hid it well. But once discovered it seemed hardly believable that they could have missed it.<\/p>\n It seemed to have taken hours since they had left the boats on the beach to have found the house. Checking his watch Adam was reassured that not so much time had elapsed as he had feared. He glanced up at the sky and the unremitting sun shone as brightly as ever.<\/p>\n Keeping under cover the men watched the movements of the people at the house. There were guards everywhere, holding their rifles and machetes and appearing to keep scrupulous watch around them. Adam grimaced and O\u2019Brien whispered<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think they are using Jotham and the others as some kind of bait?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPossibly. I can\u2019t work out why though.\u201d Adam whispered in return.<\/p>\n \u201cYou said he would want a ship, possibly our ship to replace the Esperanza.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but why? I mean, I know how involved he was with Salvadore and the slave trade around here, and he would want to replace the Esperanza, but he\u2019s far from stupid. He\u2019d be putting a lot of things in jeopardy \u2026\u201d he paused as from where they were hidden they could clearly see the driveway to the house, and now a carriage had arrived pulled by four magnificent white horses.<\/p>\n They crouched down and watched as the Governor and a woman, no doubt his wife, stepped down from the vehicle and mounted the steps to the building. In no time at all they were swallowed up inside.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t waste any more time.\u201d Adam said, \u201cStay here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are you going?\u201d O\u2019Brien cried, grabbing at his arm.<\/p>\n But Adam put a finger to his lips and gestured to them to keep down. Then with a nonchalant air he left their covert and strolled in the direction of the building. None of them were wearing their uniforms, they were what in naval terms would be referred to as \u2018mufti\u2019, casual civilian clothing. Adam would not have initially drawn attention to himself unless the guards were particularly curious and noticed that he had the build and bearing of a man not customarily seen about those parts.<\/p>\n He walked to a group of boys who were scrabbling in the dirt and playing a form of game called Jacks. Speaking to one of them and producing a coin, he asked the child to fetch Eurydice Rodney quickly as her husband had been taken ill. Not exactly an untruth for \u2018Mr Rodney\u2019 was going to wake up eventually with a very painful headache.<\/p>\n The boy bit the coin, nodded after pocketing it, and ran off towards the back of the building. The other children jumped about and demanded jobs as well, anything in order to have a coin of their own. But Adam admonished them to be quiet and to continue with their game. He in turn walked to the shelter and shade of the big wall that supported the steps to the house. He glanced up at the sun. Time was ticking away, slowly perhaps, but inevitably.<\/p>\n Chapter 38<\/p>\n There are times in life when situations are such that unless something is done then opportunities slip by and nothing is gained. Adam had felt in just such a situation as he had looked across from their covert to the house and wondered how they could possibly reach it without being seen. He had at first dismissed the idea of just sauntering across the drive but it had not taken long to realise that the guards were too busy lolling around doing very little.<\/p>\n Like so many islanders these native born people took all their duties with such nonchalance that one wondered if they could ever be assembled into an orderly disciplined army. Adam had noticed that many of them had left their rifles where they themselves should have been, in order to meet together to play a game of dice, or just stand around to talk. It may have been on Legrand\u2019s mind that there could be an attack of some kind from the Americans, but it was obvious that the seriousness of the matter had not really trickled into their heads.<\/p>\n Of course, when the Governor and his lady had rolled up in the carriage they had been more than happy to snap to attention and show themselves very proficient in handling their machetes and rifles. They had done so with a great deal of noise and attention seeking but as soon as the couple had entered the building they had swiftly returned to the more important things in their lives.<\/p>\n So there had indeed been little risk to the Captain as he had strolled from his well hidden den, chatted to the children and then taken shelter against the wall of the steps. Not many feet from him tall trees and shrubs grew in an abundance throwing out a dark shadow that also helped to obscure his presence.<\/p>\n He was so well hidden in fact that O\u2019Brien began to panic. As the minutes ticked by he became increasingly fidgety and restless, and eventually made a move as though to cross the driveway himself in search of the Captain. His arm was immediately seized by one of the Marines who had accompanied them,<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Mr O\u2019Brien, you\u2019d best stay put here. Captain said to wait until he came back to give us orders on what to do next.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, but as we can\u2019t see him how do we know what we have to do next? What if something has happened to him? How\u2019d we know? Can you see him?\u201d O\u2019Brien\u2019s voice rose a little as he glanced from one face to the other.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, but then neither can the guards, which is what he\u2019d want. Now, just be patient, Sir\u201d he didn\u2019t say it but O\u2019Brien could almost hear it \u2026 \u2018like a good boy.\u2019<\/p>\n He shrunk back and waited. The palms of his hands began to sweat and he realised that his heart beat had began to go faster. The other men remained calm, saying nothing, just waiting.<\/p>\n Suddenly there was a rustle in the bushes and everyone of them stiffened and reached for their guns or knives, then relaxed when Adam emerged with a young woman. He had her held tightly by one arm and his hand was clapped over her mouth,<\/p>\n \u201cHere, Jackson, you have her. Don\u2019t let her utter a sound. She fights like a cat and has the claws and teeth to prove it.\u201d Adam smiled as he thrust her over to Jackson who promptly covered her mouth with his hand. Adam pulled out a handkerchief and wrapped it around his hand, and then put a finger to his lips as he looked at the woman. \u201cEurydice, listen to me. Your husband is safe and well, but his remaining so depends a lot on you. Do you understand what I\u2019m saying?\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded, her eyes were like slits as she observed him with loathing. She still struggled but now it was more in an attempt to show she was an unwilling party to whatever was about to take place than for any other reason. Her long dark hair fell across her shoulders and now a tear trickled slowly down one cheek. Adam felt acutely sorry for her, but in the situation they were in there was little he could do to stop her fears for he quite accepted the fact that their presence was terrifying for her.<\/p>\n \u201cYour husband told us that there are four Americans in the house. Over there \u2026\u201d he gestured towards the building and she turned her eyes in the direction of the house and nodded, \u201cHe said you would know where they were hidden. You work in the kitchen, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded and pushed aside the sailors hand,<\/p>\n \u201cMy husband? You hurt him?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve told you already, he\u2019s quite safe. But his safety depends upon your help.\u201d<\/p>\n She rubbed her wrist slowly, and her face became thoughtful as she looked from Adam to O\u2019Brien, and then the other men. Then she nodded,<\/p>\n \u201cI know where they are. What you give if I take you there?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam jingled the money in his pocket, and she nodded. Adam nodded and looked at O\u2019Brien,<\/p>\n \u201cYou come with me. Jackson, you take the men to get the carriage and horses round to the kitchen door.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019d you mean, Captain?\u201d Jackson asked, his eyes wide in confusion, \u201cThe carriage and horses?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou saw them, didn\u2019t you? The Governor drove up in it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut what?\u201d Adam sighed impatiently.<\/p>\n \u201cHorses, Captain?\u201d The men exchanged uncertain looks between them.<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t never handled a horse before, Sir. We\u2019re seamen. How\u2019d you steer them things anyhow?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shook his head and looked at O\u2019Brien,<\/p>\n \u201cYou had best go with them, O\u2019Brien.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d O\u2019Brien shook his head, \u201cNo, sir, I mean, if you don\u2019t mind I\u2019d rather go with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re disobeying orders?\u201d Adam said, raising his eyebrows and pursing his lips as though he couldn\u2019t believe what he was hearing.<\/p>\n \u201cYou may need me there, Sir. You can\u2019t go in alone.\u201d O\u2019Brien pleaded, and he looked at the other men, \u201cYou can handle the horses, can\u2019t you? Any of you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright to act as if it\u2019s the most natcheral thing in the world, Sir,\u201d one of the men said rather resentfully, \u201cBut you and the Captain are used to being among them creatures, being as how you were landlubbers at one time. Thing is, we\u2019ve been at sea all our lives and even when we were on land I for one never came near a horse.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSaw \u2019em, in the streets, so to speak.\u201d another piped up.<\/p>\n Adam raised his eyebrows again,<\/p>\n \u201cEnough of this nonsense, you\u2019re wasting time and disobeying orders. Now go and get that carriage and get it round to the kitchen door. I don\u2019t mind how you do it, but – do it.\u201d<\/p>\n The men nodded and began to creep through the undergrowth. Then Adam looked at O\u2019Brien, nodded as if in affirmation to what was to happen next, and taking hold of Eurydice by the arm stepped back onto the drive.<\/p>\n Eurydice was a pretty woman and was more than aware of the fact. She flounced a little as she made her way to the kitchens, having two handsome men in tow was quite an experience and the thought of her being the rescuer of her husband and the subsequent authority she would wield over him as a result quite elated her. Then, of course, there was the money. She had seen the coin the boy had been given just to get a message to her, so she thought, how many more coins would there be slipping into her pocket and for what? Just leading them to the Americans. So simple.<\/p>\n A sentry by the door winked at her, and she winked back. He leaned over and chucked her under the chin and she laughingly slapped his hand away, and gestured to her escorts. They passed through the kitchen which was in the usual disorder as the mid day meal was being prepared. A large woman yelled over to Eurydice and she yelled something back which was received with a shrug of the shoulders.<\/p>\n From the kitchen the two men were led along a dark corridor, down some steps where a sentry lounged against the wall. He was rolling a cigerette, his rifle was ten paces away from him. Seated at a table dealing out some greasy cards was another sentry, his rifle was resting against the wall. As they passed the two men one of them called out something to Eurydice and she replied with a toss of the head which made the two men laugh. Adam took one of the rifles as he walked pass it which action went completely unobserved by the men.<\/p>\n They went down more steps and then Eurydice turned, and pointed to a large wooden door. She tossed back her dark hair, and smiled,<\/p>\n \u201cAmericans in there. Now, I go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you stay.\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I go. You say if I help you find the Americans you give me money and let my husband go.\u201d and she promptly stuck our her chin and opened her hand for the money.<\/p>\n \u201cI said that if you helped us you would get some money and your husband would be safe from harm. Now, getting in was easy, now we have to get out and we\u2019ll need your help.\u201d Adam smiled although his eyes were dark with annoyance for time was ticking away and she was going to waste more of it.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, you give the money now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we are out of here.\u201d Adam replied, \u201cDo you love your husband, Eurydice?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes.\u201d she tossed her head again, and shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s locked,\u201d O\u2019Brien whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course it is,\u201d Adam replied, \u201cEurydice, go back and get the keys.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. That pig out there, always he want to kiss me and cuddle me. He is a pig. He sweat like a pig. You want key, you go.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked at O\u2019Brien and nodded over to the steps, which, to coin a phrase was as broad a hint as could be given in the situation. O\u2019Brien mounted the steps and hesitantly entered the chamber where the two sentries were now in heated discussion.<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien didn\u2019t understand the language but he could tell from the gestures and facial expressions that the loss of the rifle was now the topic of this conversation. While they were so involved with the matter of it\u2019s disappearance he looked for the keys and was relieved to see them on the table. He stepped forward to reach out for them when one of the sentries turned and shouted something at him.<\/p>\n He promptly stiffened and turned to the two men. He pointed to his mouth and gurgled \u2019argh argh\u2019 and then to his ears, hoping they would interpret that to mean he was a deaf mute. The sentry approached him, and spoke to him, and again O\u2019Brien shook his head, pointing to his ears and mouth.<\/p>\n The sentry gave him a push, and another, until O\u2019Brien was pushed up against the wall, at which poin the kicked the man soundly on the shins which made him dance a little until a swift uppercut to the jaw sent him toppling down like a log.<\/p>\n The other sentry gave a shout, and hurried towards the one remaining rifle which O\u2019Brien had also reached for in his anxiety to get out of the chamber. There was a subsequent tug of war until O\u2019Brien succeeded in pulling the rifle out of the wretched man\u2019s hands and striking him across the head with it. Like his companion the man went down, hitting the floor with a resounding whack.<\/p>\n Adam had come, seen what was happening and grabbed the keys while he could; he eventually found the right key for the lock and opened the door to, not a hole in the ground, but a dark damp cavern. It took some while to find the right keys for the locks of the shackles that bound the men to the iron rings on the walls but once found they were soon released.<\/p>\n Once the natural exclamations were made, and O\u2019Brien and his cousin had hugged one another, Adam told them what to do next and they hurried away from their prison. Mindful of the sentries, one of whom showed signs of coming to his senses, Adam instructed that they be locked in the cell, relying on Eurdice\u2019s good sense to see to their eventual release.<\/p>\n They made their way back to the kitchen without anything going wrong. The sentry they passed on the corridor assumed that the sentries were taking the prisoners elsewhere and after some saucy comments to Eurydice who was quite enjoying for flirtation with danger ignored the six men completely.<\/p>\n In the kitchen the big woman once again shouted over to Eurydice who replied that she would be back. The big woman came and barred their way, and in her native tongue demanded to know what was going on? Why were six burly men coming through her kitchen? What was the meaning of prisoners being taken without shackles? Her demands, spoken loudly, aroused the interest of two of the other kitchen workers who came over and gave Adam a shove, demanding to know who he was as he didn\u2019t look familiar.<\/p>\n All of these questions were spoken in the native tongue and at speed so that Adam could only guess at their meaning. He gave the kitchen hand a jab in the stomach with his elbow and followed it up by swinging the rifle and catching him in the chest. Eurydice started screaming for her money and her husband, and the big woman ran to pick up a big knife used for gutting fish.<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien was dealing with the other kitchen worker when he saw the big woman coming towards them at what Jacob Brown would have described as \u2018a good rate of knots\u2019 with the knife in her outstretched hand ready to run through whoever came first in her way. She was bellowing like a stuck pig herself and looked like some wild valkyrie on the war path. Adam was closest to her and the most likely to be run through but managed to side step her advance, grab her by the wrist and throw her backwards so that she tumbled over in a rather undignified fashion with her skirts flying over her head as she went.<\/p>\n The six men now rushed for the door with Adam and O\u2019Brien swinging the rifles in the hope that it would deflect the advances of the two men. Eurydice ran with them, her constant shrill whine for money being even louder than the rest of the racket combined. As he turned at the door Adam threw some coins into the kitchen which brought about such a scrabble and rush to the floor that they were able to make the rest of their way without pursuit.<\/p>\n The carriage with the white horses were waiting for them and the carriage door opened.<\/p>\n \u201cOn top with me,\u201d Adam commanded O\u2019Brien as he clambered up onto the driver\u2019s seat, where he was confronted by the startled and terrified eyes of the Governor\u2019s coachman.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Captain, you said to get the carriage here by any means possible and he was the only means I could get my hands on at the time.\u201d Jackson cried.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we don\u2019t need him now.\u201d Adam replied and pushed the man off the seat, while Jackson scrambled down and perched himself on the postillion\u2019s foot rest at the back of the carriage.<\/p>\n The horse\u2019s started as soon as Adam had touched the reins and the carriage bounced away with a speed that brought freedom swiftly nearer than anticipated. Behind them confusion reigned, as shouts and curses were initially to be heard but then followed by the sharp sounds of rifles being fired.<\/p>\n Down towards the wrought iron gates hurtled the wagon with Adam handling the reins with a confidence that no one else but himself could possibly have appreciated. The guards at the gates initially stood at attention expecting to see the Governor and his lady in the carriage but hearing the rifle shots and the noise that was gathering momentum as more and more men realised something was untoward was going on and were giving chase they immediately attempted to shut the gates to prevent the carriage passing through.<\/p>\n It was too late, however, and the carriage went through unscathed. More rifle shots were fired and now O\u2019Brien and Jackson, who had taken Adam\u2019s rifle, fired back with far more accuracy than the men who pursued them. He pulled up at a strategic point and clambered down, opened the door to the men inside who hurried out and ran into the lush evergreen jungle that shut off any view of the sea. Now they made, with great haste, their way to where the boats had been hidden, and once there pulled their boats from their hiding places.<\/p>\n From among the undergrowth the seamen whom Adam had left at various locations in the compound now emerged to help haul the boats free. They pushed against the sides of the boats sending deep ruts into the sand as the vessels slid smoothly towards the waters.<\/p>\n As the bow of the first boat touched the rippling wavelets so it seemed as though men appeared from every where behind them. Rifles were fired and bullets flew over their heads. There were yells and screams from their pursuers that were as bad as any Indian war whoop that Adam could recall hearing, and he urged his men to push ahead or be lost.<\/p>\n \u201cOBrien, you know where the Redoubt is hidden.\u201d he called out to the other Officer, \u201cMake haste to get to her and then set all sail for home. Put your backs into it, men. Hurry, hurry now.\u201d<\/p>\n More shots were fired and now Adam turned and fired back, behind himJackson did likewise while at the same time he jumped into the boat which was now buoyant upon the sea. Adam was knee deep in the water now and was about to spring into the boat himself when he fell. His fingers released their hold on the side of the boat and in the water a plume of red swirled into the eddies of the water washed up to the beach.<\/p>\n Jackson leaned over to grab at him and then fell himself as a bullet hit him squarely in the chest. O\u2019Brien was screaming to them to row as hard as they could and they were screaming back<\/p>\n \u201cThe Captain, Sir, the Captain\u2019s fallen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPut your backs into it,\u201d O\u2019Brien cried, \u201cOr you will all be dead men yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n Disciplined to obey orders the men bent to their oars, rapidly distancing themselves from the two bodies that floated in the waves of the emerald green pure waters of Legrand\u2019s island.<\/p>\n a32;<\/p>\n Chapter 39<\/p>\n Adam Cartwright opened his eyes to see the hazy outline of a face looking down at him. He could smell cigar smoke, it was strong and unpleasantly close. Pain shivered through him along with waves of cold sweat. He clenched his teeth and closed his eyes again in the hope that somehow he would be able to shut himself away from the moments that were to follow.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n A caressingly warm voice seemed to whisper in his ear and once again he opened his eyes, narrowed them in an attempt to get everything into focus, everything and everyone. A big man, fat, with greasy sallow skin was looking down at him with a cigar clamped between yellowing teeth. There were beads of perspiration dewing his brow and glinting through his beard and oiled hair.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Captain Cartwright. Welcome back to the living.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam closed his eyes again, and turned his head away. He felt incredibly weak and still the pain constantly ebbed and flowed through his body. A hand shook his shoulder, not roughly, but enough to make him groan aloud.<\/p>\n \u201cLeave him, Legrand. Can\u2019t you see he\u2019s in pain.\u201d<\/p>\n Another man\u2019s voice that came from some distance away but that seemed familiar. Adam opened his eyes again and turned his head in that direction, peering through a smog created by the cigar smoke as much as the haze visually due to the injury he had sustained.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, he recognises your voice, Governor.\u201d Legrand said and stepped back a few paces. \u201cWell, perhaps you should come here and speak to him. Tell him that he\u2019s been a very naughty boy and that if he isn\u2019t a little co-operative now it is possible he will never see his homeland again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLegrand -\u201d a note of protestation, perhaps desperation could be heard in the voice, in that one word.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember, Governor, you carry a title now, but it means nothing without my being right behind you all the time. Now then, come here and speak to him.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s vision was clearing now and he saw the big man step back to be replaced by the man he had met the previous day. He waited for the man to speak,<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Cartwright, we need to know where is your ship? It is important that we find it and if you know -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGet away,\u201d Legrand cried impatiently, \u201cWhat are you doing? You speak to him as though you are a beggar?\u201d<\/p>\n The real Governor of the island now stepped in front of Adam , and snapped fat fingers at some out of Adam\u2019s view. Immediately hands came from behind Adam and raised him up from the settee upon which he had been placed. The movement was rough, and created a stabbing pain that made him gasp, but he bit down on his bottom lip to stop himself crying out. He inhaled a shuddering gasp of air, and with some effort straightened his back, shrugging off the support of whoever had been behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you want, Legrand?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour thanks for one.\u201d the fat man replied, and he puffed on his cigar again, and looked coldly at Adam through the swirl of smoke, \u201cWe saved your life. You could have drowned with your friend in the waters and no one would have noticed or cared. We bring you here and lavish care upon you\u2026\u201d he waved his hands in the air as though in a gesture of one who could not understand such a lack of gratitude.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, thank you for saving my life.\u201d Adam replied quietly \u201cSo? Why did you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are not here to ask Me questions. I am the one who has questions to ask. You come here and invade my home, steal my guest\u2019s carriage, threaten my servants \u2026 how dare you, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow dare you take prisoner American seamen. How dare you make a mockery of my request to have them released.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour request? Your demand? Do you think because you are American you can come here to make demands on me? I care not for Americans who think so much of themselves that they come to our islands and demand from us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI made no demands from you until you took my men. My ship removed from your seas a scavenger, a thief, who was terrorising your people. Your people deserved more than what you have been giving them. MY people should have been awarded some thanks instead of being taken prisoner by YOU!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere -\u201d Legrand shrugged and waved his hand and the cigar in a vague circle above his head, \u201cThere is his lies. He makes accusations against us, Governor. Like all Americans he twists the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI gave you the bullion from Salvadore\u2019s ship. I gave you his men. Where is the falsehood in that?\u201d Adam asked, leaning a little forward now as the pain was beginning to nibble through his nerve ends and make him feel weaker than ever.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are other things that were in Salvadore\u2019s ship. You didn\u2019t give me everything.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam smiled slowly and leaned back against some cushions, temporarily at least they provided him with some support,<\/p>\n \u201cAnd why do you want my ship?\u201d he asked softly.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause it suits me to have it. When I want something, I reach out and I take it. That is sufficient for you to know. Where is it?\u201d Legrand lowered his head in order to look more closely at his captive.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d Adam attempted to shrug, he managed a movement of his shoulders, a vague parody of a shrug.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think maybe I am a fool?\u201d Legrand hissed and he stepped back, his nostrils flared and his fat lips quivering.<\/p>\n Befor e Adam could comprehend what was about to happen the mans hand struck him across the face, he felt the sting of something cutting the skin of his lips and there was blood suddenly in his mouth,<\/p>\n \u201cI still don\u2019t know.\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n Legrand\u2019s hand was about to fall again when the other man stepped in and seized it, gave the fat man a long look of reprobation before he turned to Adam,<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain, I am sorry about this, but we really do need to know where your ship is. You have no idea how important it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, perhaps not, but even so I can\u2019t tell you where my ship is, nor should you expect me to tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are being very foolish -\u201d Legrand said coldly.<\/p>\n \u201cThen tell me for what reason you need it.\u201d Adam replied, and placed a hand to the area of his body that hurt the most. He was surprised to feel the warm blood on his fingers as a result. For a moment he tried to remember what had happened, and hazily recalled wading through the water towards the boat, \u201cWhat time is it?\u201d he asked, his voice very low and the question oddly compelling.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is three o\u2019clock.\u201d the Governor said, \u201cWe brought you here from the beach. You were nearly dead from drowning, and the wound in your shoulder was bleeding badly. Legrand has a doctor who cares for his workers here, so he has come to see if you are well enough to help us with our enquiries.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam looked from one to the other of them and then shook his head,<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know where the ship is now,\u201d he sighed and his head rolled back, his eyes closed and the colour slowly drained from his face.<\/p>\n \u201cGet that fool doctor back in here.\u201d Legrand shouted, striding to his desk and pulling on a bell rope.<\/p>\n \u201cHe could be dying,\u201d the Governor said, \u201cWhy can\u2019t you accept the fact that he\u2019s telling you the truth?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause he\u2019s lying. That\u2019s what they do – the Americans, they lie all the time.\u201d and he pulled at the bell rope again.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think he is lying,\u201d the other man protested, \u201cI think he\u2019s telling you the truth. He wanted to know the time, didn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat has that to do with it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps he knew where it was when he left here, but now, at 3 o\u2019clock he doesn\u2019t know. That means \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh – that means that he knows they would sail without him?\u201d Legrand paused in throught and then shook his head, \u201cYou think I am stupid? You think they would go without their Captain?\u201d<\/p>\n At this point the door opened and several men burst into the room. One man, soberly dressed and easily identified as a doctor, went to attend to Adam while the other two men approached the desk.<\/p>\n \u201cWell? What is the problem? Have you found the ship?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOnly the Esperanza, and she is in flames.\u201d came the reply, delivered in such a timorous manner that Legrand wondered what other news there could be, \u201cThere was no other ship. Nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere has to be -\u201d Legrand shouted and thumped his clenched fist upon the desk.<\/p>\n The two men glanced at one another, shook their heads and retreated quickly as a tirade of abuse was hurled at them as they closed the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWe must find another way,\u201d the Governor murmured, sidling to Legrand\u2019s side and observing the doctor with his patient, \u201cIf there is no ship -\u201d he made a gesture of hopelessness.<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows where the ship is,\u201d Legrand replied and strode over to where Adam was regaining consciousness after the doctor\u2019s ministrations.<\/p>\n \u201cTell me, Captain, whereabouts is the ship now? Where were you expecting it to be at this time today?\u201d he leaned down close, looking deep into the dark eyes of the younger man.<\/p>\n \u201cJuan Cuevier\u201d Adam whispered and he sighed deeply, \u201cI gave O\u2019Brien instructions to take the ship to where Juan Cuevier is \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The two men straightened their backs and looked at one another. The Governor went pale, and his shoulders went slack, while Legrand just stared in disbelief at Adam. He promptly dismissed the doctor who scurried out of the room and disappeared to the safety of his home. Legrand approached Adam again,<\/p>\n \u201cYou know about Juan Cuevier?\u201d he asked bitterly.<\/p>\n \u201cIn Salvadore\u2019s log. He kept a journal. It was all there \u2026 what you planned to do, and how you were going to do it. But – had to get my men back first -\u201d Adam tentatively touched his wound, the doctor had padded it well and it felt much easiser, he looked up at Legrand, \u201cI don\u2019t know why you have this deep hatred for all things American, Legrand, but I can promise you this \u2026 you won\u2019t get to use an American ship to do what you intended, and you won\u2019t achieve what you and Salvadore had planned. It\u2019s over for you, Legrand, all the years you\u2019ve stolen from these people, and enslaved them, terrified them. It\u2019s over.\u201d he turned to the Governor who had stepped back with his hand upon his heart and the other over his mouth as though to stop from crying out, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Sir, but it\u2019s over for you too.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy wife -\u201d the man cried, \u201cMy wife. We can still get away from here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I\u2019m sorry about that – but we took your carriage.\u201d Adam looked at the wall where a large golden clock in the shape of a sun burst ticked away the hours, \u201cI suppose you could presume upon someone to lend you a wagon -\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n Chapter 39<\/p>\n Juan Cuevier was a tall thin man. His prematurely greying hair and the haggard hollows of his cheeks and sockets of his eyes indicated only too well the ravages of the hardships he had experienced in his recent times. He was seated at his desk when O\u2019Brien was ushered into his presence and raised his head wearily to regard him,<\/p>\n \u201cI was expecting a Captain Adam Cartwright,\u201d he said drily, \u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLieutenant O\u2019Brien from the ship Avenger, sir. Our ship was destroyed by the Esperanza captained by Perez Salvadore.\u201d<\/p>\n A light shone in the man\u2019s eyes, a sudden almost fanatical gleam at the name of Salvadore, and he stood up to face O\u2019Brien with more confidence in the news that was being brought to him,<\/p>\n \u201cWell, where is Salvadore?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDead. Captain Cartwright rescued us and pursued the Esperanza. She is now burning at sea.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd where is Captain Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien\u2019s adam\u2019s apple jerked convulsively, and he blinked rather rapidly before he said in a reverential tone of voice,<\/p>\n \u201cDead, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Cuevier bowed his head for a moment out of respect for the deceased and then sighed,<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that is not good news. What else have you to tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Cartwright gave explicit orders that I was to hand these to you, sir.\u201d and O\u2019Brien held out to the other man an oilskin wrapped package. \u201cIt was found in Salvadore\u2019s cabin. Captain Cartwright said to give it to you and to offer you any assistance you should require in whatever you decided to do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery well.\u201d Cuevier took the package and then looked at O\u2019Brien, \u201cI am sorry about your Captain, but at times like these there are always casualties. Please, if you would wait in my ante-chamber I shall get someone to bring you some refreshment while I read through these documents.\u201d<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien made a polite bow and left the room hearing as he passed through the door Cuevier giving instructions to someone to attend to the Officer. He walked to a window and looked out at the views before him, but he could see none of its beauty, all he could see was the scene as he left two men to die. If only Cartwright had not made him promise that no matter what happened \u2026 even should he die \u2026 O\u2019Brien shook his head, seamen get used to death, the departure of comrades, but sometimes there are those that one meet who become more than just a comrade, a bonding of heart and soul that creates a closeness. O\u2019Brien sunk his head upon his breast, and sighed.<\/p>\n He was disturbed by the sound of footsteps and looked up to see a young woman holding a silver tray upon which was something to drink and eat. She smiled and placed the tray upon a table and then left him alone, to his misery and his memories of a gallant man.<\/p>\n He had been alone for fifteen minutes when he became aware of a buzz of activity all around him. Doors were slamming and men were hurrying back and forth. Men in uniforms strode to Cuevier\u2019s office, full of self importance and the air of having something to do at last. O\u2019Brien rose to his feet and was about to ask what was happening when a servant approached him and requested that he joined the others in the Excellency\u2019s study.<\/p>\n There was a nervous air about the thin man now. The haggard face was rouged with the colour of excitement and passion. He stood tall and with his shoulders back, and his grey streaked beard seemed to bristle with energy while his eyes no longer had the dull weary look O\u2019Brien had seen earlier, but were gleaming with a joy associated with men of action about to engage in warfare.<\/p>\n \u201cMr O\u2019Brien, let me introduce you to my war cabinet\u2026\u201d he cried, gesturing to the six men standing with O\u2019Brien in the room, \u201cthe papers you sent me have given me all I needed to know of Legrand\u2019s plans and methods. Gentlemen -\u201d he turned to address them, seeming to have forgotten about the introductions, \u201cIt would appear that Legrand intended to capture an American vessel, and to have Salvadore use it as a means of opening a battle upon us. We would have assumed the Americans had taken leave of their senses and instead of wanting to open negotiations for better trading between our people and assisting us in removing the picaroons and slavers from these islands, were declaring war upon us. \u201cWhat about the Governor, Excellency? And Legrand?\u201d asked a man who seemed weighed down by the amount of medals on his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we know that Governor Emmanuel is just a puppet of Legrands, do we not? So we are not surprised that that he is in agreement and endorses these proceedings, even though it could have resulted in the needless death of many of his own people. Now, we no longer have to conduct our warfare against Legrand in the dark. Our fight can now be in the open and at last we can remove Legrand and Emmanuel and give our people what they deserve. Peace and prosperity.\u201d<\/p>\n There was a murmur of assent at this proclamation. O\u2019Brien felt a little out of his depth, as though he had stepped into the middle of something, then he realised that he had actually stepped into the ending of something far greater than first envisaged. He cleared his throat<\/p>\n \u201cSir, is there anything you would like us to do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, young man.\u201d Cuevier smiled and approached O\u2019Brien with a gentle look on his face, \u201cNo, for diplomatic reasons it would be better if you kept your men and your ship in the harbour, and peacefully remain there. This is a matter for my own people to settle for themselves. Should we fail -\u201d he paused and heaved in a deep breath, \u201cbut we shall not fail. Come. We have things to do.\u201d<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien stepped back and watched as a small cage with a pigeon in it was brought to Cuevier, and placed upon the desk. He took out the bird and placed a small cylinder upon its foot and opening the window cast it out to the wind. Everyone in the room watched as it took flight, O\u2019Brien among them.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have our people within Legrands compound and working as his servants. They are just waiting for a signal to act. That -\u201d he gestured to the window \u201ccontains the signal. By the time our forces reach Legrand our people there will have done all that is necessary. Soon,\u201d he paused and looked at his officers, \u201csoon we shall be releasing the doves of peace. Now, gentlemen, let us make our plans. Mr O\u2019Brien, may I bid you good day, and we shall meet again, soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Chapter 40<\/p>\n Adam Cartwright was finding it more difficult to keep his eyes open with every passing moment. The tension between Emmanuel and Legrand was so strong that the air seemed to pulsate around them. He was now unable to comprehend what they were saying as they were speaking in their native tongue but the anger, the hatred, was like vitriol spilling from their mouths.<\/p>\n He leaned against the cushions and wondered why he felt so very weary and weak. He had been the recipient of so many bullets in the past but he could not recall feeling so tired. He must have lost so much blood. He closed his eyes. It seemed as though some whirling darkness was just waiting to suck him down again, and he remembered the sensation of falling face down into the sea and how the water had filled his nostrils and throat. He recalled the almost pleasant sensation of drifting into death, once he had stopped fighting it.<\/p>\n There was a bang. His mind registered it as a gun shot but his eyelids were too tightly shut now. He just wanted to drift away, it was so pleasant just drifting and having nothing to worry about. He could think about Pa \u2026<\/p>\n \u201cWake up, fool.\u201d a harsh voice bellowed in his ear and a hand was shaking his arm and causing the pain to sear through him, across his chest and making him gasp for breath.<\/p>\n He forced open his eyes and saw Legrand staring down at him. The fat oily face was contorted with rage, with hate, and the eyes were now bloodshot and starting out of their sockets as though about to fall out. Adam blinked and shook his head, he raised an arm with great difficulty. Everything in his body was sluggish, his brain seemed to be malfunctioning, he wondered if he were drunk and then dismissed the idea as he had been given nothing to drink.<\/p>\n He was being hauled up onto his feet by Legrand and another man, but not the Governor. He saw a glimpse of a man\u2019s body stretched out upon the carpeted floor and his brain told him Governor Emmanuel had obviously lost the argument.<\/p>\n \u201cLeave me alone,\u201d he said, and he could hear that his voice was slurred, and the attempt of push the two men away was clumsy, ineffectual.<\/p>\n \u201cShut you mouth, you pig of an American. Or I shut it for you.\u201d Legrand hissed. \u201cLeave me alone, let me die here.\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n \u201cYou die when I say. Now shut up and move.\u201d Legrand gave him another brutal push that sent more pain through his body, but this helped to clear away some of the fog that was numbing his reflexes so that he was more able to walk without stumbling.<\/p>\n A door opened and they were outside the building. Adam was not sure where they actually were but Legrand and the other man continued to haul him forwards, so that he was seeing things now in a blur of colour. The drift of fresh air helped clear his head even more now, and he found himself able to think more clearly. He mentally back tracked the things that had been said by Legrand and Emmanuel as well as by himself, and recalled that the panic had set in when he had mentioned Juan Cuevier.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think Cuevier intends to do now, Legrand?\u201d he asked in a near normal voice and the fat man paused and turned to him with a face that was ugly with hate.<\/p>\n \u201cIf Cuevier knows what I had intended to do, if he has documents to prove it, then there is nothing he would not attempt to do now.\u201d he released Adam\u2019s arm to turn and look into the Captain\u2019s face, \u201cWhat does Cuevier know?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, whatever and everything that Salvadore had written down in his journals. You should never trust a thief. But then, you would know all about that, being one of the biggest thieves in the south seas. Salvadore knew he couldn\u2019t trust you, Legrand, so he wrote everything down so that in the event of things going wrong he could take his papers to Cuevier or perhaps some foreign power who would deal with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou speak very bravely, Captain. We\u2019ll see how brave you are when we leave here and have you on board my ship.\u201d<\/p>\n The two men hurried through the luxuriant undergrowth dragging Adam along with them. Everywhere there seemed a most unnatural silence. Adam stumbled along with them, the pain acting like a stimulant to his brain so that although his legs were weak from loss of blood and shock, his mental faculties were sharp and everything he was seeing and hearing seemed extraordinarily sharp and acute.<\/p>\n Legrand stopped now and gave a sharp whistle. Men emerged from the shrubs and uncovered a launch into which Adam was pushed. As the boat was pushed into the sea with Legrand seated in the thwarts facing him, there came the sound of gun shots. All the men in the boat turned their heads back in the direction of Legrand\u2019s house and plantation. There were other sounds now. The unpleasant sounds of many people baying for blood.<\/p>\n \u201cSeems you got out just in time.\u201d Adam commended Legrand, \u201cYou obviously know Cuevier very well to have realised he would have organised something like this so soon after receiving Salvadore\u2019s papers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t think he would be able to act so quickly as this -\u201d Legrand scowled, and drew a pistol from the pocket of his coat. This he held in one hand, while he caressed it fondly with the other.<\/p>\n \u201cYou do know how to use it, don\u2019t you? Oh, of course you do, I presume it was you who prematurely deposed of the Governor.\u201d Adam goaded.<\/p>\n \u201cShut your mouth.\u201d Legrand hissed, \u201cOr you will find out for yourself how well I can use this.\u201d<\/p>\n The boat was in the water now and the men were bending their backs to row. Adam looked about him, and saw some miles out a brig dancing in the waves. It was not very big but built well enough to have some speed on her. He put a hand to his wound which was beginning to bleed again.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy did you want to involve America in this war with Cuevier?\u201d he asked quietly, \u201cWas it just because you hated Americans so much?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCuevier is my half brother.\u201d Legrand said suddenly, some moments after Adam had spoken, as though he had needed time to think about his reply, \u201cHe was the son of an American woman. I was the son of a slave girl. He had everything. I had nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam shrugged, as though the personal life of the man meant nothing to him. He stared out at the brig wondering how he could manage to take her over and sail her to some pleasant bay and do some fishing. He shook his head, and wondered if he were becoming delirious.<\/p>\n \u201cSir, sir \u2026\u201d an excited cry from one of the men and a pointed finger and they turned to observe plumes of smoke rising from where the house would have stood.<\/p>\n \u201cSo soon? So quickly?\u201d Legrand groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cI should imagine Cuevier had some people working for him in your compound. It has been done before, if I recall rightly. Yes, a sort of Horse of Troy situation really,\u201d he gave a laugh, mirthless though it was, \u201cNothing new under the sun as the good book says\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill you shut up!\u201d Legrand hissed, \u201cOr I throw you over board for the barrcuda to eat for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy apologies,\u201d Adam waved a frivolous hand and sighed, \u201cI think the drugs that doctor gave me has made me a little light headed. Please go ahead with your story -\u201d he forced his face to look dutifully interested.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat story? My life? Pah, what is the point. Thankfully I have enough gold hidden away to fund a return to the island, and enough men loyal to me.\u201d Legrand turned to look at the ship, and nodded, they were making good head way, \u201cWe shall soon be on board my ship.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do you hate Americans so much?\u201d Adam thought to ask, \u201cWas it because of your stepmother?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe was not my stepmother. Only the mother of Cuevier. Why do I hate Americans? Because they have the power to support men like my half brother, and to help him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a wealthy man, you could benefit your people. You don\u2019t need America\u2019s help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat is what I think too, but not Cuevier. He wants to make trade deals with your country, and then he will be dependent upon them. Then they will suck all our wealth from us, like most wealthy countries do. I have been to America. I have seen how they are in their big cities. But now you have had your own war, and you are weak. Now would have been a good time to have involved you in a war here and to have weakened you further.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam said nothing to that, but watched Legrand play with the gun. He wondered why the fat man had not shot him down in the state room along with the Governor. Perhaps to use him as a bargaining ploy? He wondered how long it would be before Legrand realised that he was of little importance in the grand scheme of things, and was therefore, expendable. How long would he have to live then?<\/p>\n There was more commotion now from the island from which they were retreating. Guns were being fired upon them although they were already out of reach and the shooting was a waste of time and ammunition.<\/p>\n \u201cFools.\u201d Legrand hissed, \u201cFools all of them.\u201d he stood up in the bow of the boat and shook his fists at the mass of people who were assembling on the beach, some of them hauling out boats of their own in order to get pursuit of them, \u201cFools all of you. You\u2019ll find out to your cost that it doesn\u2019t pay to fight me. You\u2019ll all pay. You\u2019ll all pay the cost, believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSit down, man,\u201d Adam ordered and tugged at Legrand\u2019s pants, \u201cYou\u2019ll have the boat over if you continue prancing about like an ass.\u201d<\/p>\n Legrand pulled away, affronted by the touch of his enemy\u2019s hand upon his person. He pulled away and at the same time swung the pistol towards Adam. He fired and the recoil knocked him off balance. The boat swayed to left and right, and then keeled over sending one and all into the water.<\/p>\n Chapter 41<\/p>\n Adam did not have time to think or wonder where the bullet had gone as the boat flipped over and he hit the water which opened up to receive him and swallow him down. The first thing a seaman does if it appears the ship is going down it to remove his boots and heavy clothing, but with this unexpected event Adam found it hard to do as he continued to sink downwards.<\/p>\n By using his feet he succeeded in kicking off his footwear and then struggled to reach the surface. The wound he had previously sustained certainly hampered everything he knew he had to do now, although the buoyancy of the water helped as he propelled himself upwards with his one arm.<\/p>\n Upon reaching the surface he wiped water from his eyes and looked around him. He could hear the shouts of the men around him and this reminded him that what had appeared so long while he was sinking was in fact only a trifling few moments. Some men were struggling to swim towards the overturned boat and an ominous red stain was spreading around one unfortunate who had received the bullet so carelessly fired by Legrand.<\/p>\n Adam looked around him carefully. Legrand had to be somewhere among the melee of arms and legs that were splashing about him. He trod water for some moments looking around for some sight of the fat man but there was no sight of him anywhere. He now gave attention to doing something positive about the situation and turned towards the boat which the men had now reached and were attempting to turn right side up.<\/p>\n He swam to them and his hand had just touched the wooden framework when a voice screamed the one word no seaman wishes to hear \u2026 \u201cShark\u201d The men were yelling now, and swimming frantically towards the boat, all having the same intention in getting her the right way up so they could board her and not have vulnerable legs dangling for a shark\u2019s hors d\u2019ouvre. Adam felt the same frisson of fear trickle through him, after all, he was a wounded man and the flow of blood from his wound was an open invitation for a shark to come dine upon him. He pushed upon the boat along with the other men and with a feeling of relief mingled with delight it flipped over.<\/p>\n Legrand\u2019s fat face was the first thing they saw but when they realised that the dark eyes staring now up at the sky were sightless, and the lips were blue, they did what their own base initial instincts bid them do in the circumstances and pulled him out of the way so that the boat turned without hindrance.<\/p>\n Adam reached out a hand to grab at him as he drifted past before realising that it was going to be difficult enough to get into the boat with one hand. With mixed feelings he left Legrand to continue being carried by the waves while he struggled to get into the boat with the other men. Hands reached out for help, and bodies were subsequently hauled over the side. Now the sixteen men sat mutely silent and waited.<\/p>\n From the ship that had been waiting for them to board there seemed to be a great deal of noise and excitement. Hands pointing and voices yelling. All indicating what they knew to be obvious. A pack of sharks, dark fins cutting through the water, all swimming swiftly towards them.<\/p>\n There was a gabble of voices now as the men in the boat began to panic. Adam watched with a fascinated horror as the sharks came closer and closer.<\/p>\n \u201cQuiet. Quiet now.\u201d he shouted and raised his hand in a gesture commanding quiet.<\/p>\n All they could do was sit and wait. Of oars, there were only six remaining and it they were used then the motion and sound would reverberate through the waters and indicate their presence. He kept his hand raised and looked at them as though willing each one of them to be calm. His own heart was racing. He had seen sharks before and had seen them cut a swathe through twenty men who had been cast into the sea. Only two had survived unscathed and neither of them could explain how they came through unscathed.<\/p>\n At the same time he had seen sharks swim pass as though unaware of their presence, and the older more experienced seamen there had said they were obviously not hungry. Well, if that were the case now, Adam prayed, perhaps there was hope for them yet.<\/p>\n There were now only two dead men in the water, Legrand and the man he had so sadly shot. With fascinated dread and horror the men in the boat watched as the sharks came towards them. Four of them nudged the dead men out of the way and headed onwards towards the boat. One opened its jagged jaws and pulled the shot man down into the waters and immediately three others seized upon it resulting in a feeding frenzy that attracted the previous four who lazily turned back as though they also wished to take the opportunity of the meal.<\/p>\n The resulting frenzy in the bloodstained waters rocked the boat from side to side, so that all there had to cling to the thwarts and oarlocks in order to maintain their seats. Adam was more aware than ever of the pain in his shoulder but as much as he wanted to tear his eyes away from the spectacle that was taking place before his eyes he found impossible to avoid. He clung with his one good hand to the boat as though his life depended upon it and prayed heartily that by God\u2019s loving kindness the sharks, the nightmare, would soon pass.<\/p>\n Legrand\u2019s body, buoyed up by so much fat, was turning slowly and being tossed by the waves caused by the sharks threshing of the waters. Now the men watched as the body plunged down beneath the waters and a bloodied stain drifted upwards immediately followed by Legrand who bobbed up much like a cork cast upon the sea. Down he went again and there was no disguising the fact now that the sharks had moved on to the next entr\u00e9e. The boat rocked. Several men cried aloud in panic and from the ship to which they had been drifting ever closer came frantic cries to accompany those of the men in the boat. The boat bucked, was turned around and around, flipped from left to right. Adam saw the bloodied jaws of a shark yawn wide open just a foot away from him and he closed his eyes. This then was how it was all to end and all so very far from home.<\/p>\n After a minute had ticked by he opened his eyes. Blood stained the waters and something that had once been part of Legrand floated upon its surface. The sharks were gone. Gone into the depths of the ocean and the boat was steady, rocking gently too and fro as though their passing by had been nothing at all.<\/p>\n Now there were shouts of delight and the native seamen showed their relief in an exuberance that nearly threatened to overturn the boat once again. Adam could only drop his head into his hand and thank God for their deliverance. The only victims of the sharks had been those dead already, and therefore, beyond pain. The horror was over.<\/p>\n Chapter 41<\/p>\n Hands reached down to grip the hands of those from the boat who had succeeded in clambering up the rope ladder overhanging the ships side. Adam, who was well used to mounting up the rigging of the tall ships upon which he had served, succeeded in reaching the top and was grateful for the hands that hauled him onto the deck.<\/p>\n Barefoot, his wound bleeding profusely and soaking wet, he felt far from the Officer that had left his own ship earlier that day. Now that all the men from the boat were on deck they looked at him and from their appearances it was obvious that they were now wondering who he was and where exactly he fitted into the scheme of things.<\/p>\n \u201cWho is the Captain of this ship?\u201d he asked, his deep voice loud enough to sound authorities but soft enough not to be arrogant and overbearing among a native people who were naturally submissive but proud.<\/p>\n \u201cI am.\u201d came the answer.<\/p>\n A tall young man, obviously well bred, walked towards him. He was, surprisingly, wearing an official looking uniform in white, with gold braiding so much in evidence that with the sun shining it hurt the eyes to look upon him for too long.<\/p>\n \u201cI am Captain Adam Cartwright from the American ship Redoubt. I need to talk with you in private.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are the Captain of the American ship? Ah, I saw her in the harbour not an hour ago. A beautiful vessel, Captain.\u201d he extended his hand \u201cI am Captain Enrico Fernandez.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, shook the proffered hand and in silence followed the younger man into his private quarters. It was sparsely furnished. Compared to the cabin of Salvadore this officer was practically a pauper. Adam found a chair and sunk into it gratefully. He looked at Fernandez and was about to speak when the Enrico put a hand up to silence him,<\/p>\n \u201cI am no fool, Captain. I can see what is going on over there -\u201d he jerked his head in the direction of what had been Legrand\u2019s plantation, \u201c and I saw what happened to Legrand. It has been a long time in coming, but now, at last, we can say that we are at last free from the parasite that has been sucking the blood out of his people for far too long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre you on the side of Cuevier then?\u201d Adam asked quietly and the Captain smiled as he poured out a glass of port for his guest which he handed to him before speaking,<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Cartwright, do you know how many Governors and Presidents we have had over the pass three years? Thankfully with Legrand out of the way and manipulating things matters can settle down and we may have some decent governship -\u201d he frowned and shook his head \u201cthe word escapes me but it may be possible that Cuevier who is a decent man, as well as brave, will restore some harmony and stability to our country.\u201d again he paused and shook his head in dismay, \u201cMy apologies, Captain, I am neglecting my duties as your host. I see you are wounded -\u201d and immediately he rang a bell which was promptly answered when his steward stepped into the room, \u201cGet my doctor here, immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam raised a dark eyebrow and smiled slowly. He must look a strange sight in his dirty bloodstained and wet clothing, no shoes, and unkempt beard and hair. He was about to speak when the room began to spin and Enrico appeared to recede into a tiny pinpoint of white surrounded by darkness until even that light was snuffed out when he was totally engulfed by the dark.<\/p>\n Chapter 42<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien watched as the brig sailed into the harbour. He was leaning against the side of the Redoubt and thinking over the events of the past few days when he had first noticed the white sails approaching gracefully towards him and he thought what a lovely appearance she had as she dipped in and out of the clear blue waters. He was considering whether or not to hail her when he realised she was sending up a signal for the Redoubt and putting his glass to his eye he read it carefully.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Brown, come here and read this-\u201d he exclaimed, \u201cTell me if it says what I think it\u2019s saying?\u201d<\/p>\n Jacob Brown left his place at the hammocks and took the telescope from the Officer. After scanning the signals he gave a gasp of delight and a whoop,<\/p>\n \u201cIf you read that the Captain was alive, Sir -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did, Brown.\u201d O\u2019Brien\u2019s eyes were dancing with relief and excitement, \u201cI did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy word, Sir, there\u2019s a rumour going around the fleet that Captain Cartwright has more lives than a cat, and now, for sure, I believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat else did you read?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re to take a boat over with his uniform.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood, that\u2019s what I read too. Get the men to organise the boat and -\u201d he paused and bowed his head, \u201cand ask Mr Fletcher if he could join me on deck.\u201d<\/p>\n Jacob nodded, touched his brow with his forefinger, and quickly hurried to comply with O\u2019Brien\u2019s requests. It was not long before Fletcher was standing beside O\u2019Brien.<\/p>\n \u201cMr Fletcher, Captain Cartwright is safe and well on the brig. He would like his uniform sent over. I do apologise if I exceeded in my duty, I forgot for a moment that I was not of this ship\u2019s company and overstepped my ranking.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re of equal ranking, O\u2019Brien.\u201d Mr Fletcher said quietly, \u201cand Captain Cartwright has entrusted you with duties, has he not? Apart from which, you don\u2019t happen to belong to any other ship\u2019s company, do you?\u201d he smiled and then turned to face the brig, \u201cPretty little thing, isn\u2019t she? I should imagine she has a nice turn of speed too. I wonder where the Captain came across her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey say on the fleet he has more lives than a cat.\u201d O\u2019Brien murmured, echoing Brown\u2019s words earlier and Fletcher laughed,<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s a fair summary of our Captain.\u201d Fletcher agreed and then turned his attention to the ordering the steward to prepare the Captains cabin for his return, and to bring his uniform on deck to be sent to the brig.<\/p>\n The steward and Fletcher, as First Officer of the Redoubt, left the ship not long after and were soon being shown into Enrico\u2019s cabin. The steward went to the sleeping area of the cabin where Adam had been able to recover, wash and clean himself sufficiently well after the doctor\u2019s ministrations. Even so the steward showed some alarm at the state the Captain was in, and in silence help him into his uniform.<\/p>\n It was a far more presentable personage who stepped out into Enrico\u2019s cabin. Smart in his uniform and his injured arm in a sling, Adam looked at the two officers and smiled,<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Captain, I think it is time we took our departure. May I wish you and your country every success.\u201d he said in his dark voice, and he extended is good hand to have it shaken by the other Officer.<\/p>\n \u201cI am sorry to see you leave, Captain Cartwright. Perhaps we shall meet again?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps.\u201d Adam replied, and then took a deep breath, \u201cCuevier will be in need of good officers like yourself to bring stability to your country, you realise that, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy country -\u201d Enrico shook his head, \u201cI do not think she knows what the word stability means, for when she gets it she tosses it aside like an overloaded donkey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen perhaps it is men like you and Cuevier who could show her how best to use it to her advantage. Thank you for your help, Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n Enrico saluted the injured man, and then followed him on deck from where he watched as the three Americans descended the ladder to the launch below. The spontaneous cheers of the seamen when they saw their Captain descend the rope made Adam\u2019s cheeks redden, and the Officer above envy him.<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien had assembled the remainder of the crew to greet the Captain as he was piped on board the vessel. Once again there were cheers which Adam accepted with a smile and an uplifted hand of thanks. He turned to O\u2019Brien and smiled,<\/p>\n \u201cEverything went well then?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. But he asked us not to interfere.\u201d O\u2019Brien replied, with a lift of the eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case we shall not. Mr Fletcher, get the men ready to leave harbour.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are we headed, sir?\u201d Fletcher asked as he followed Adam to his cabin.<\/p>\n Adam paused for a moment and then smiled,<\/p>\n \u201c38.90505 N, 77.01616 W\u201d came the reply as he pushed open the door of his cabin.<\/p>\n \u201cVery well, sir.\u201d Fletcher nodded and turned, paused and then looked back at his Captain who was carefully lowering himself in to his chair at his desk. He smiled and nodded again, before leaving the cabin, and closing the door quietly behind him.<\/p>\n Left now on his own Adam bowed his head and rested it upon his hand. Overhead he could hear the sound of the seamen\u2019s feet, and through the door the muted sounds of the Officers calling out their instructions. He was aware of an intense weariness that ate into his bones now. Slowly he unbuttoned his jacket and edged himself out of it, before loosening his cravat. Then he leaned back and closed his eyes as he listened to the sound of the sails being unfurled, the soft splash of water as the anchor was being drawn up. He recognised Brown\u2019s voice repeating the co-ordinates given him by Fletcher and the shout of a laugh as he realised where they were heading.<\/p>\n Adam sighed a long long weary exhalation of breath. If anyone had asked him what it was he would like to be doing right now he would tell them he would want to be sitting on the banks of Lake Tahoe, with Hoss on one side and Joe on the other. The sun would be shining down on them, and Hoss would be barefooted with a string tied to his big toe at one end and the other end floating in the lake for some fish to nibble upon. Joe would be chatting about his latest love, pulling daisies up, scattering grass. It would be perfect. Just perfect.<\/p>\n Chapter 43<\/p>\n The package came along with the mail. Hoss felt a quickening of the heart when he recognised Adam\u2019s handwriting and gave the little package a hearty shake. It was addressed to his Pa and Hoss wondered whether or not he would be able to persuade Ben to open it up before they got home. He placed everything in the saddle bag and slung that over his shoulder, thanked Sam Gubbins politely and headed for the door,<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Hoss,\u201d Sam paused in the act of licking the nib of his pencil, \u201cIs it right what I hear tell about Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbout Joe? What about him?\u201d Hoss asked, narrowing his eyes and giving Sam a sharp look.<\/p>\n \u201cAbout how he\u2019s bent on leaving the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWho told you that?\u201d Hoss demanded, thrusting out his jaw challengingly and squaring his shoulders as though preparing for a fight.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t recall just now. Figure it must be right though as I heard him talking about it myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen if\u2019n you knew it was right why stop me and ask.\u201d Hoss said and without waiting for any further comment he opened the door and stepped out onto the street, making sure he slammed the door shut behind him because Sam Gubbins hated it when folk did that. He had stewed on it for so long now that it was like revisiting a long worn out track in his brain. So many different plans and ideas that he had worked through and planned out only to dismiss out of hand. Always because Joe would present himself before him as large as life and happy. In fact, Hoss had to admit, now he had got Pa and himself knowing about his departure Joe had seemed happier than for a long time.<\/p>\n At the Bucket of Blood saloon Candy glanced up as the batwings opened and Hoss strode in. Candy could see instantly that there was something upsetting the big man, the usual genial smile was replaced by that faraway look of dismay and disbelief that Candy had seen too often lately. He ordered his friend a glass of beer and waited for Hoss to join him at the counter,<\/p>\n \u201cAnything wrong, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d Hoss picked up the glass of beer and sipped it. \u201cShould there be?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, if you say so, Hoss.\u201d Candy smiled, \u201cHaven\u2019t seen Joe or your Pa anywhere have you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet.\u201d Hoss replied glumly and he looked in the mirror behind the counter with his blue eyes and a faraway look on his face.<\/p>\n Not so long ago when he looked in the mirror he would see a tall man in black standing beside him, or lounging in one of the chairs by the table. There would the tousled headed youth on the other side, with a wide grin and twinkling eyes, bubbling with life and fun. Yeah, Hoss bowed his head, life and fun. They went hand in hand where Joe was concerned. Now it seemed the only fun he had in life was thinking of ways to get away from everything they had here. It was hard for Hoss to understand and he glanced up at the mirror again and saw the concerned features of his friend looking at his reflection in the mirrror.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just thinking,\u201d he said quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, sure, I can see.\u201d Candy replied and ordered another glass for them both.<\/p>\n \u201cFact is, I was thinking how it seemed not so long ago when it would be me and Adam with Joe, standing right here, looking in that mirror and talking over what to do next. Won\u2019t be long before there\u2019ll just be me \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd me \u2026\u201d Candy smiled and slapped Hoss warmly on the back.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I guess so, until you decided it\u2019s time to move on.\u201d Hoss sighed heavily.<\/p>\n \u201cLook, Hoss, it happens all the time, you know. Kids grow up and they want to move on.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, not every kid does, but most do. If you let them go, they\u2019ll more than likely come back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s if they go into a nice safe job, kind of back East in an office somewhere, where they can\u2019t get into no harm. There\u2019s Adam at sea being blown about every which way, and now Joe wanting to go and explore new territories full of all manner of Indians about whom he knows nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Tom the bartender leaned across to them,<\/p>\n \u201cSo it\u2019s true then, Joe is leaving the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, p\u2019raps, someday.\u201d Hoss growled.<\/p>\n \u201cHeard a rumour back along that he was going, but he still keeps coming in reg\u2019lar, so I thought it must be just a rumour after all. You know how rumours get about some in a town like this.\u201d Tom nodded his head and then heaved a sigh, \u201cWon\u2019t be the same without Joe here. It was bad enough when Adam left but he\u2019d always seemed the kind to drift on. Couldn\u2019t say the same about Joe, he always seemed steady like yourself, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeh, sure, I know.\u201d Hoss emptied his glass and sighed.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t fair. Too many people in town knew and too many people wanted to let him know that they knew. Hoss had had enough. He looked at Candy,<\/p>\n \u201cIf\u2019n you see my Pa and Joe, tell \u2018em I\u2019ve gone home.\u201d<\/p>\n Candy nodded. Hoss picked up his saddlebags and walked from the saloon looking every bit like a man with all the troubles of the world upon his shoulders. Candy and Tom looked at one another.<\/p>\n \u201cHe ain\u2019t happy about it, is he?\u201d Tom said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat, my friend, is an understatement.\u201d Candy replied and then he picked up his hat and followed his friend out of the saloon.<\/p>\n \u201cNo need for you to come home with me, Candy. You go and enjoy your time off work. I jest feel like I need time to myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ll have plenty of time to do that soon, Hoss. Why not stay put and wait for Joe and your Pa to join us?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss\u2019 brow crinkled in concentration and then he shook his head, The saddle bag containing the mail and the package bumped against his shoulder as he walked, his head bent low and his dark eyes clouded with sadness.<\/p>\n \u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n Joseph Cartwright had decided not to join his father, Candy and Hoss in town. He had decided that just for a few hours he wanted to be alone. There were things to think about that concerned his future, things that he had been thinking about for so long now that he could no longer think about them clearly. He rode slowly through the tall Ponderosa pines to where his mother\u2019s grave had been made, so many years ago now.<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t come here so often now. He couldn\u2019t even recall the last time he had visited like this, impromptu was the word that came to mind. They came as a family every year on the anniversary of her death and placed flowers at the foot of the headstone. But his coming, just on his own, had become very occasional now.<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t that he had come to talk. He was pass that stage now, and had decided that so far as conversation went, well, you don\u2019t get a conversation with someone who\u2019s dead. No, that\u2019s for sure. He felt a lump of dryness in his throat and coughed to be rid of it. Just through the next clump of trees and then he would be there. The grave would look like it always did, and he would sit where he always sat and stare out to wards the lake.<\/p>\n It was so quiet and so peaceful. The lake just shimmered so blue and silver, no wonder she had loved it so much. Little ripples tingling over the surface of the water. He stood there for a moment and took off his hat.<\/p>\n The smell of the pine trees was rich and heady, the dry duff beneath his feet reminded him of time passing. He turned to face the headstone, and reached out towards it, Joe sat down where he always sat, and pulled a daisy out of the ground. He twirled it round and round in his fingers for a minute, staring down at it.<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2019know, Ma, it was so hard to tell Hoss about leaving here. He doesn\u2019t understand. I think he did kind of understand about Adam, because Adam had gone away before and Pa had said that there was something in the blood – for the sea, I mean. Being from a long line of seamen it was in the blood. But what excuse can I give except that I just want to go.\u201d<\/p>\n He placed the daisy down at the foot of the headstone and then slowly read the words engraved upon it as though he had never seen it before. Then he slumped, his elbows on his knees, his chin resting in his hands.<\/p>\n \u201cI could try to explain to Hoss a million times over, but he\u2019ll not understand. I can\u2019t find the right words, you see. I can\u2019t even explain to myself. It\u2019s just a feeling. Like someone\u2019s pulling me away from here.\u201d<\/p>\n He turned to look at the headstone again, and then smoothed over the soil with his hand as though it were a blanket that needed the creases taken from it.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t explain to him what I can\u2019t explain to myself. Ma, what can I do to make it easier for Hoss?\u201d he slumped over again, and sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to explain nothing,\u201d Hoss murmured, stepping from out of the shadows, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why you want to go, because you\u2019re you and well, you ain\u2019t me.\u201d Hoss grimaced, \u201cBut I know folks do have to go and fit their lives around things other than being just here at home. I\u2019m sorry if\u2019n I\u2019ve made things harder for you, Joe. I never wanted that to happen, I know that you have to do what you feel you have a need to do. That\u2019s how life is \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe said nothing to that, but he rose to his feet and approached his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know you were here, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGuess not, otherwise you wouldn\u2019t have been so free talking to yourself.\u201d Hoss grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t talking to myself.\u201d Joe replied and cast his eyes to the gravestone.<\/p>\n Hoss said nothing to that after all, hadn\u2019t he come to the grave to do exactly the same thing as Joe? He smiled and gave his little brother a big hug, one that was warmly reciprocated.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get back home. Adam\u2019s sent Pa a package and I\u2019m just about dying to find out what he\u2019s got in it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds interesting.\u201d Joe smiled and picked up his hat, \u201cAny mail for me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNone smelling of perfume if that\u2019s what you mean?\u201d came the jocular reply.<\/p>\n They walked away together, each one of them hiding their real feelings beneath a thin veneer of humour. It was as though, suddenly, they didn\u2019t know what to say to one another anymore.<\/p>\n a32;<\/p>\n Chapter 44<\/p>\n Ben was already in the study when he heard the sound of his sons\u2019 return. He paused a moment with his head raised to listen to the sound of their footsteps upon the boards of the porch, and then sighed contentedly. He had listened to those footsteps for many years now – the scampering of a little boys boots, the whisper of a baby\u2019s bare feet – he smiled and returned to his ledgers.<\/p>\n Seated in the blue chair, so long his eldest son\u2019s favoured seat, Candy sat, reading a book that he had picked up nearly a year earlier and at this time had succeeded in reaching chapter 9. He also paused and waited for the two brothers to enter the house as he thought back to the mood Hoss had been in at the saloon earlier that day.<\/p>\n \u201cHi, Pa. Candy.\u201d Hoss was first into the house, and tossed down his hat and began to unbuckle his gun belt. He stepped back for Joe to come in. \u201cI brung the mail, Pa. Adam\u2019s sent you something. It\u2019s in the saddle bags thar.\u201d and he tossed the saddle bags onto the back of the settee, \u201cAny coffee brewin?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOn the table.\u201d Ben said, leaving his ledgers in favour of the mail. A package from Adam? How exciting! He rubbed his hands in anticipation. \u201cI wonder what he\u2019s sent us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t know until you open it and see.\u201d Joe chortled, and he tossed the package over to his father who caught it deftly. \u201cWhat\u2019s the post mark?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWashington D.C. and written not so long ago either. Are there any other letters from him?\u201d Ben looked up to view Joe\u2019s face and smiled in anticipation as he watched Joe sift through the mail.<\/p>\n \u201cHere\u2019s one addressed to Hoss, about 18 months old and post marked British Honduras. Ever go there, Pa?\u201d he raised an eyebrow at his father and Ben shook his head. \u201cOne for you, Pa, but it must be about -\u201d he squinted \u201cshucks, it\u2019s been just about everywhere before finally getting here. We\u2019ve had other letters from him since this one was written. Two for me -\u201d he waved them gleefully, \u201cand the other letters are from whoever!\u201d he shrugged and grinned and flung himself onto the settee.<\/p>\n \u201cAny for me?\u201d Candy asked, wondering if, just possibly, there was a letter from Ann, some news that would bring some hope to his heart but Joe shook his head and muttered a soft \u2018no sorry.\u2019<\/p>\n Joe read through the oldest and most battered looking letter from his brother, he smiled as some parts and looked serious in others. He ripped open the envelope to the other letter and glanced up at his father<\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t\u2019cha going to open the package, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, go on, Pa. Open the package.\u201d Hoss urged, his own letter tucked securely in the top pocket of his shirt.<\/p>\n Ben smiled, and then pulled off the red wax seal, and began to untie the string, which only added to the younger mens impatience, but he was an old seaman and nothing was wasted by ripping and pulling things apart, his eyes twinkled at them as he pulled back the paper.<\/p>\n \u201cDear Pa, Hoss and Joe<\/p>\n My apologies that this letter is so brief. Here I am in Washington D.C. having just returned from the South Seas. Reports of what occurred there somehow filtered through to the Admiralty and the day after we docked I was told to go and see the President. So I went with two of my fellow Officers who had been mentioned in despatches with myself, and we met the President, Mr Andrew Johnson.<\/p>\n It seems that around 1861 President Lincoln ordered that medals be struck for courage and valour, and so I am enclosing here what Mr Johnson gave me. I thought you should have it, Pa.<\/p>\n The Redoubt has been refitted and I am to leave tomorrow. Hardly time to catch breath. My first Officer, Mr Fletcher, has been promoted to Commodore and will be serving on a new ship, named The Barracuda. He has gone from clippers to the new modern steam and steel ship. The Admiral tells me that when I return I shall receive a promotion, but that was told me with a nod and a wink, or as we would say, between him, me and the garden gate.<\/p>\n I think the days of the clipper ship are coming to an end. In the name of progress we give way from beauty and dignity to speed and aggression. However, I am digressing and time is fast running out.<\/p>\n I send you, Pa, Hoss and Joe, my very warm feelings and assurances that I miss you all very much.\u201d<\/p>\n For a moment they remained in silence and then Ben slowly opened the first box and found, nestled within purple velvet, the Congressional Medal of Honour. They looked at it with slight awe and then looked at one another.<\/p>\n \u201cWonder what elder brother did to get that?\u201d Joe whistled, barely daring to breathe.<\/p>\n \u201cThankfully we know he survived, whatever it was, most of these medals are awarded posthumously.\u201d Ben said, slowly closing the lid of the little box.<\/p>\n \u201cKinda pretty, weren\u2019t it?\u201d Hoss mused, taking it from his father and opening the lid to have another peek, \u201cWorn around the neck, huh? And look, got his name and such on the back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c1862 was the year they were initiated.\u201d Candy said looking at it with respect after Hoss had handed it over to him, \u201cThe anchor shows that this is for naval duties.\u201d he handed it back to Ben, \u201cYou must be very proud of him, Sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, I am.\u201d Ben said solemnly, \u201cVery much so.\u201d he looked up then and smiled, his eyes turned towards Joe and Hoss, \u201cI\u2019m proud of all my sons. I always have been.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Pa, you have to show Hop Sing -\u201d Joe cried, and smiled broadly as Ben hurried off to Hop Sing\u2019s domain.<\/p>\n The smile slipped once Ben was out of sight and Joe wandered over to the big chimney upon which he leaned as he gazed down at the fire,<\/p>\n \u201cSure makes it seem pretty small around here now, don\u2019t it?\u201d he observed.<\/p>\n Candy and Hoss looked at one another, raised their eyebrows, and sighed. Candy shrugged,<\/p>\n \u201cWell, guess it depends on how you look at it, Joe. I don\u2019t think anyone could call the Ponderosa \u2019small\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, I guess not.\u201d Joe picked up the poker and began to prod the logs with it, so that sparks flew up the chimney and gathered like so many red ants upon the soot that had built up upon the rocks over the years. He watched as they slowly twinkled out of existence, \u201cI just meant -\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe know what you meant, Joe. You don\u2019t have to spell it out for us – again.\u201d Hoss said, and with a sigh he excused himself saying he wanted to read his letter from Adam in peace, even if it were out of date news.<\/p>\n \u201cHe doesn\u2019t understand.\u201d Joe muttered, watching his brother mount the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he doesn\u2019t, no more than you can understand why he wants to stay put here.\u201d Candy smiled slowly, \u201cJoe, you\u2019ve talked about going for so long now, do you think it\u2019s fair to leave your brother is suspense about what exactly you do intend to do? The whole towns talking about your leaving, you know? How do you think he feels when folk keep telling him about it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know folk knew about my plans in town.\u201d Joe darted an anxious look towards the stairs, \u201cI guess I should start do something instead of just mouthing off about it.\u201d he stared down at the fire and gave the logs another prod, \u201cI\u2019ve never been without Pa and Adam and Hoss in my life before, I guess I\u2019m just hanging on because I\u2019m not sure whether or not I can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA man can do almost anything if he sets his mind to it.\u201d Candy replied quietly \u201cYour brother has certainly proven that, hasn\u2019t he?\u201d \u201cPa, I hate to mention it right now, but I think I should really get down to making plans to leave.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben stopped short, he stared at Joe, and then he stared at Candy, and then he looked around the room,<\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Hoss?\u201d he asked in his deep voice, deeper by a trifle now, but detectable to his son who gulped nervously<\/p>\n \u201cHe wanted to read Adam\u2019s letter in his room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cVery well. I think you should discuss your plans when we are all together, Joseph.\u201d and he turned to his study.<\/p>\n They heard the safe door open and then close. Adam\u2019s medal was now locked away safe and sound awaiting its owner.<\/p>\n Chapter 45<\/p>\n \u201cMy dear brother, Hoss<\/p>\n There\u2019s so much I want to say in this letter but for some reason I can\u2019t quite find the right words in which to say them. I\u2019ve read letters from Pa and Joe that kind of hint at the fact that Joe may want to leave the Ponderosa. It may be that by the time you get this letter he will have already gone from you, or, perhaps, have changed his mind and settled back down.<\/p>\n Being so far away and with communication so difficult and erratic, it is hard to know what is happening, or even why. Well, perhaps I can understand the why –<\/p>\n There is little point in my asking you how you are feeling about all this. I can recall that evening when the Reardens were at the Ponderosa after Joe had got shot. I would have given anything to have turned the clock back that day for that not to have happened, but it did, and I think it made me realise how frustrated I was with life there. I recall spouting off some Thoreau, and you patiently listened and then expressed how you felt about the Ponderosa, about home. You spoke pure poetry then, Hoss, well, I think your heart was speaking for you.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s heart doesn\u2019t speak that way, Hoss. It never will. That is why, if he is intent on leaving, you have to step back and let him go. When I come back, Hoss, I fully expect to find him at home too. He has French blood in him, he\u2019s a romantic, he\u2019s a whole mass of contradictions and he\u2019s a young man. It\u2019s time for him to go out and test his mettle, without us.<\/p>\n Be patient with him, Hoss. Be gentle on yourself too, don\u2019t blame yourself or think that perhaps you did something wrong because he feels that way – it has little to do with you in one respect. What it does have to do with you is that all you have done for him, and been for him, is partly what will bring him home again.<\/p>\n Take care of Pa for me, Hoss. Write back just as soon as you can. I am off to the south seas now and I don\u2019t know when I shall be back. Hopefully your letter will reach me soon \u2026<\/p>\n Your brother always Hoss sighed and re-read the letter. It had been written so long ago now, and yet was so pertinent for now. He slipped it back in its envelope and put it under his pillow. Later, after supper, he\u2019d read it through again.<\/p>\n The meal was pleasant enough. They exchanged some of the things that Adam\u2019s other letters had contained, and Candy worked hard to keep the atmosphere as light as possible knowing, as he did, that Joe was chomping on the bit to tell them his decision.<\/p>\n Hop Sing had cooked a special meal in honour of the medal Adam had achieved and Hoss surprised them by eating with more enthusiasm than he had done for some time. It caused Ben to wonder if Hoss was of the opinion that Joe was not going to go after all, that he could relax now and assume that everything was going to be just as it always had been. He glanced occasionally over at Candy to see if the young man had similar thoughts but Candy was too busy talking, joking, and making sure he didn\u2019t catch anyone\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n \u201cPa – can I speak now?\u201d Joe said as they finished the meal and stood up to take their last drinks to the other part of the room where they could relax near the fire.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, son, say what you have to say.\u201d Ben said quietly and sat down in his big leather chair and looked at Hoss.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it about your leaving?\u201d Hoss asked, blinking rather rapidly and gulping hard.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it is, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen you\u2019d best git it said, hadn\u2019t you?\u201d Hoss replied and sat down on the settee as though he needed to have something solid beneath him.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I guess I should. I\u2019ve been putting it off for so long now that you might have thought I\u2019d forgotten about it. The fact is that I\u2019ve decided it would be best if I left at the end of the month.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s two weeks away.\u201d Candy said quietly.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, that\u2019s right. It\u2019s just about the best time of year to travel though \u2026\u201d Joe replied in rather a rush, and he looked at Hoss, \u201cDon\u2019t you think so, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure it is,\u201d Hoss replied, \u201cGuess you got your route planned as well, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe nodded, he bit down on his bottom lip and turned to look at his father who was looking thoughtfully at the fruit bowl as though it contained all the answers to all the problems in the world.<\/p>\n \u201cPa? Is that alright with you?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben looked up and saw his son\u2019s anxious eyes, and nodded. He remembered when the young man had been a boy, worried about a homework assignment and would look anxiously up at them for help, when he had been a small boy who had just found that he could walk\u2026 he remembered so much when he looked now into the young face that held a look of apprehension, of pride and nervous excitement. He nodded again,<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine, son. You have to do what you feel is right, for you.\u201d and he smiled while his heart shivered inside his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cBest get the maps out and show us whereabouts you intend to be heading, shortshanks.\u201d Hoss said and rose to his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, sure I will -\u201d Joe bounded up, and hurried over to the desk where he began to pull out maps, \u201cOf course, you have to realise a lot of these maps are out of date now. New territories are springing up everywhere so there will be boundaries having to be drawn up all over -\u201d<\/p>\n Ben followed them over and listened. He could hear another eager voice pointing to various points on an old globe that his father had kept, and how they had patiently listened, nodded their heads, enthused and slapped him on the back. Except that his mother hadn\u2019t slapped him on the back, she had caressed his head as though he were her only infant and she feared she would never see him again. Then he had gone, feeling as though he had wings on his heels and his heart so buoyant and light that it flew ahead of him. It was that never ending cycle, one that went round and round forever and ever. \u201cStill dressed, Hoss? I thought you\u2019d be asleep by now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNah, I had things on my mind, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoe do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, that\u2019s right. Are you alright about his going, Pa?\u201d Hoss looked at his father carefully, wanting to make sure that he could see for himself that his father was telling the truth.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Hoss, I\u2019d be lying to you if I said I was happy about it. Like I said to you once before, a parent only has the loan of a child. Joe has to grow up now \u2026 and we have to let him go.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss nodded. That was what Adam had written. He sighed and sat down in the chair opposite his father,<\/p>\n \u201cSure was a fancy old medal they gave Adam, weren\u2019t it Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben smiled, nodded, and he sighed. As he stared into the fire he wondered where his eldest son would be now, all those miles away at sea. Was he safe? Would he come home?<\/p>\n Chapter 45<\/p>\n a32;<\/p>\n 55.56 south and 67.19 west lies Cape Horn. Loved and hated by seamen over the many years since it\u2019s discovery in the 17th Century made men aware of this unique terrible passage. 1,400 feet of harsh rock reared up from the sea and the sea threshed continuously as though still in its labour pains. This stretch of water between Cape Horn and the Diego Ramirez Islands was more than sixty miles wide but the violent weather conditions found in the area made it unpredictable and violent.<\/p>\n Despite the violence of the weather and geographical conditions sailing around the Horn became the accepted route from New York to San Francisco, particularly from the time of the Californian Gold Rush in the 1840\u2019s. Waves higher than 65 feet could be reported upon by those who survived the journey, and those that did qualified to be part of a superior class of seaman, the \u201cCap horniers.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam Cartwright had rounded the cape twice during his career in the navy. Once in the Redoubt under his own command. Now, in a convoy of eight ships, he was fighting the hostile environment once again.<\/p>\n They had seen a pod of whales earlier that day, a beautiful sight and one that had sent the men racing to the side of the ship and trampling the hammocks under foot rather brutishly. It was not the first time such beautiful mammals had been sighted, but each time the heart soared at their majesty and dignity as they ploughed through the waves.<\/p>\n The wind had been less severe and the men had asked if they could lower a boat to give chase and harpoon one, but the Captain had refused to allow them. At first there had been a dissatisfied grumbling but it soon gave way to gratitude when the Horn reverted to type and battered them as vigorously as any man could remember.<\/p>\n The eight ships struggled onwards. Each man in his own ship could well believe that they were the only ones alive to face such perils and to pray that they would survive to see the storm end and their ship cruise into safer waters.<\/p>\n Adam, at times when his men and his ship were in peril, never deserted the bridge. Never an Officer who would stand to one side and just direct orders, he would often step in and do the task himself should he see that there was none other to do it. To his men he ranked as one of the best Officers in the fleet and for a man who had turned to the sea later in life than most his prominence was often likened to that of a meteor in the firmament above.<\/p>\n Jacob Brown had struggled for some time to assist several men in recovering a 12 inch manila hemp hawser before it fouled in the Redoubt\u2019s propeller. Struggling against the force of the winds and the rain, the sleet and snow that lashed against them the men were tossed one way to the other. Losing his footing the big man grabbed at the hawser only for it to snap in two and rewind with such suddenness and ferocity that it slashed against his leg<\/p>\n Adam, having already been making his way to give assistance, grabbed at an axe which was fortunately still in place close to hand, and slashed against the hawser with a determination that exceeded logic. His men, seeing the helmsmans plight and recognising their Captain\u2019s attempts to free the man abandoned their own tasks to assist them, so that within several heart stopping moments Brown was free was his near death.<\/p>\n The agony of his injury had sent the man unconscious and he lay spread eagled out upon the deck which was awash with the sea and his blood.<\/p>\n Signalling to several men to take the helmsman below to the sick bay Adam worked along with the other men to rewind the broken hawser so that it could not be sent flailing with the wind to cause more injury and pain among the crewmen. It was a task hard enough at the best of times but now, fighting against the conditions wrought upon them at the Horn it took the six men ten minutes of intense struggling to achieve the task.<\/p>\n Two days passed before they sailed into calmer seas and each man on each vessel was a hero in achieving tasks beyond the normal reach of men. Two vessels were lost. There had been no sight nor sound of their passing. Each vessel had fought their own battle for survival and when the battle was over they looked about them thankful at their own deliverance and sorrowful for the loss of the two vessels and the hundreds of men who had lost their battle against the Horn.<\/p>\n Jacob Brown opened his eyes at the touch of a hand upon his shoulder. After blinking a little to focus he saw the face of his Captain looking down upon him, and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cYou saved my life, sir.\u201d he said quietly and extended his big calloused hand to the younger man who shook it warmly.<\/p>\n \u201cI and six others, Jacob.\u201d Adam replied with a smile, \u201cHow are you feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGlad to be alive, Sir.\u201d Jacob said with undeniable warmth to his words, \u201cI hear that two ships didn\u2019t make it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Vigilant and the Scott.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood ships, Sir. I sailed one time with the Vigilant under Captain Marriott. But it\u2019s often the way when there\u2019s a convoy fighting the Horn, and impossible to help them when all hands are fighting for their own lives on board their own ships.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, and looked about him at the other men who were in their hammocks bearing the evidence of their wounds. Jacob put out a hand and placed it gently upon the arm of his Captain,<\/p>\n \u201cI hear we lost several men, Sir?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Two men washed overboard and not known until too late. Crewman Willets, died from head injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, he had six children, sir.\u201d Jacob sighed, \u201cThis isn\u2019t the life for a married man, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam only smiled and was about to get to his feet when Jacob\u2019s grip on his arm tightened,<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain, I shan\u2019t never forget what you did for me. You saved my life, and you also saved my leg. Had it not been for you that old hawser would have wrenched my leg off as clean as a whistle. I\u2019ll never forget it, Sir, and I swear should you ever be in need you just whistle up for me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI recall you made the same promise once before, Jacob.\u201d Adam smiled wistfully, and shook the man\u2019s hand, \u201cBe grateful that our men are so well disciplined that an axe was where it should have been at a time when it was most needed.\u201d<\/p>\n He stepped away from Jacob Brown now and went to attend to other men whom he knew would be glad and grateful for a few moments of personal attention from their Captain. Jacob Brown\u2019s promise was forgotten during the course of time, but it was one that was to be fulfilled, one day.<\/p>\n There was a stench in the sick bay that was unavoidable considering it\u2019s close confines so he gratefully returned to the fresher air of the deck. It was not long before O\u2019Brien was standing at his side, and like his Captain, stood with straight back and hands clasped behind him, eyes far out to sea.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you thinking about, Sir?\u201d O\u2019Brien asked eventually.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, well -\u201d Adam shrugged and grinned rather sheepishly, \u201cI was thinking of my family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs was I earlier, Sir. I should think there would not be many who would not be doing so today.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam nodded, and his eyes clouded over a little as he thought of the many widows and orphans that would have resulted from this journey and the tragic subsequent losses.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, O\u2019Brien, have you sailed around the Horn before?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn that case you become part of the elite having survived your first journey. It means you can wear an earring on your left ear or on your chest. Did you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeveral men told me that, sir, and also that I could now urinate to windward.\u201d O\u2019Brien grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, but don\u2019t make a practise of it,\u201d Adam laughed, \u201cyou may be a \u2018cap hornier\u2019 now, but the wind still has a mind of its own and no respect for anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien smiled and looked out at the horizon. He sighed heavily and then looked once again at his Captain. Perhaps there was a strand of white in the black hair now that had not been when they had first met, perhaps the eyes were more sunken in the hollows of their sockets, and perhaps the mouth did not smile as much as it once did, but still he saw before him a handsome man, a proud and resolute man. A man of whom he could proudly say \u201cCaptain, oh my Captain \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Next Story in the Captain Cartwright Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n To Fly with Eagles<\/a> <\/p>\n Reviewer: Beej<\/a> Signed I’ve finally jumped into the Captain’s (Commodore’s) adventures and I’m kicking myself for waiting so long! Once I started I simply couldn’t stop reading So much action and adventure. So much danger! Adam stays true to himself through and through, and on land you’ve got a completely different \u00a0and still captivating story! I’ve never been a fan of Candy’s (He tried to take Adam’s place!) but here I am, for the first time, finding out what it is everyone likes about him. I’m about to start the second story… can’t wait to see what happens!<\/p>\n Author’s Response: Oh my goodness, Beej, what a great super surprise to find that you have jumped aboard, I am delighted!! Yay, doing a happy dance and if I could I would turn cartwheels… I do so hope that you enjoy the whole series as much as you have this one. As for Candy, well, I never saw him on the series so it is just conjecture on my part. Thank you for such an encouraging review. Krystyna<\/em><\/p>\n ***********<\/em><\/p>\n Reviewer: Snuffybear Anonymous Once again I am so impressed with your attention to detail. I held my breath during the hurricane scene, and was nervous during the fight with the pirates. The scene with the sharks reminds me of a favorite painting (Watson and the Shark by Copley). I also enjoy the flashes of life on the Ponderosa and wonder where Joe will go.<\/p>\n Author’s Response: Hi Snuffybear, wow, I have never seen that painting but it must be really something … Marion, I am so glad you enjoyed the story. I tried to establish life as it would be after Adam had left, explaining how he was an officer when on the ship even though he had entered the navy in mid life, so when a reader expresses such lovely appreciation I get quite emotional. Thank you so very, very much, I do so hope that you enjoy the others. In To Fly with Eagles you will find out all about Joe and his adventures, and his romance, and the story is all on land with the brothers being united. Thanks again and best wishes Krystyna<\/em><\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Reviewer: sunrider Signed Just finished reading this wonderful story, or should I say this two stories in one? Very excited writen and your way of describing emotions is always touching my heart. I hope I have time for the next part soon.<\/p>\n Author’s Response: Hi sunrider. I was very touched by your kind review, thank you so very much. There was a lot of reading there, wasn’t there? Thank you for taking time out to read the story and for leaving such a lovely review. I truly did appreciate finding it here today. Thank you. Krystyna<\/em><\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n Reviewer: jfclover<\/a> Signed clap clap clap<\/p>\n Great job, Krystyna!\u00a0 I felt like I was reading 2 books at once.\u00a0 Very well done.\u00a0 I’m amazed at your knowledge of the sea and clipper ships – amazing.\u00a0 I always love to see Joe struggle with what he wants or needs to do and poor Hoss – life is hard for him at times.\u00a0 Don’t want to give anything away so I’ll shut up now.\u00a0 Great read!\u00a0 On to the next chapter~<\/p>\n Author’s Response: Thank you, Pat, really impressed that you read it so fast and so very pleased you enjoyed it. I’m surrounded by sea lochs here on the islands, and boats and ships are part of life here. What I dont know I look up, and do research, with a sprinkled of imagination. Yes, in many ways Hoss suffered a lot, I often wonder how he ever survived the things Joe put him through at times, bless him. The next chapter I hope you will find equally as interesting, a lot of SJS and SAS in it. Krystyna<\/em><\/p>\n **********<\/p>\n
\nTo Fly with Eagles<\/a>
\nCaptain, Oh My Captain<\/a>
\nThe Commodore<\/a>
\nInvictus<\/a>
\nCarpe Diem<\/a>
\nA New Command<\/a>
\nA Duty to Live<\/a>
\nAll Those Tomorrows<\/a>
\nWritten in Stone<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\u201cAnything on your mind, son?\u201d Ben asked kindly, and when Joe looked up at his father Ben smiled reassuringly,<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJoseph!\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cCame yesterday.\u201d Candy replied.<\/p>\n
\nHe scanned it quickly, and the two younger men watched their father\u2019s face as though each shadow would give them some indication of what the writer was saying. He paused and looked up at them,<\/p>\n
\nLet me tell you about where I am right now. It is spring time here in England. We berthed yesterday evening and have two days shore leave. I am sitting in a tavern or hostelry (they all them public houses here) with a steady floor beneath my feet for the first time in months.<\/p>\n
\nAdam<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAny injured?\u201d Adam asked turning to look at the men who were rowing with a consistent action towards the boat.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI am sorry, John, I should have looked out for these on the other island. We would not have had such a hard journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nChapter 14<\/p>\n
\nSend the cable and then get some food packed up for us. Shucks, Joe, this isn\u2019t good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBest get some coffee ready, the boys will be here soon. Tell them I want to see them in the study.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHoss and Joe stood in the doorway and stared at the recumbent body of their father, then looked at Hop Sing,<\/p>\n
\nJackson said once again that the signs were not good, and he asked my opinion as to whether or not we should head back to the Ainola. I knew that if there were to be a hurricane then the ship would certainly be in need of all her hands.<\/p>\n
\nThe ship weighed anchor. He commanded his launch to be made available and offered any of his officers to enjoy going on board with him. The first Officer and the Sargeant of Marines requested such and the three of them were rowed across to the wharf in good time.<\/p>\n
\nChapter 25<\/p>\n
\n\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/p>\n
\nIt seemed hardly any time at all before the Esperanza\u2019s colours were struck, and the American flag replaced it. O\u2019Brien appeared on the deck and waved his hat with a wide smile on his face. For him there had been retribution for his fallen Captain, and for that the opportunity to have gained it was warmly appreciated.<\/p>\n
\nHad I from old and young!
\nInstead of the cross, the Albatross
\nAbout my neck was hung.\u201d Adam quoted softly and raised a cynical eyebrow while he smiled \u201cWell, what could be more apt,\u201d he said, \u201cbut an albatross settling on a dead ship.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe bullion – I shall send some men to collect it, and the prisoners too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJust a pawn in Legrand\u2019s game. Often times the man at the top is merely a puppet operated by far more powerful others. I don\u2019t know much about the history of this place but I believe there was a military take over a few years ago and since then they have had two Presidents and four Governors. Somehow or other Legrand seems to have been a consistent figure throughout.\u201d he ran his hand over his dark hair, still as dark as ever and curling over the collar of his naval jacket.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWelcome aboard the Redoubt, gentlemen. Who is the senior officer here?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI take you to kitchen. You follow me and I take you then to the four Americans.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBut no man was a match for those white horses even though they were having to haul a heavily laden carriage behind them. The path was downhill and the speed was exhilarating bringing back to Adam\u2019s mind the number of times he had encouraged the Ponderosa\u2019s horse drawn wagon to go at top speed whenever he was able to do so.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHad we retaliated there would have been information sent to the Americans that we had fired upon one of their ships while they were in pursuit of their duty and hoping to negotiate a trade treaty with us. In short – we would have been annihilated.\u201d he shrugged, \u201cWhat could we have done against the Americans. A futile few moments of mindless slaughter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe door closed with what seemed to Adam a very loud bang. He wondered if everyone in the building had heard it. He pushed once more against the hands that supported him,<\/p>\n
\nThe smell of blood. The red stain that was slowly drifting through the water, a calling card to any predator of the sea.<\/p>\n
\nAdam turned away. The sight sickened him and he felt his head reeling. He had in his lifetime seen many terrible things take place before his eyes, sights that even now could return in his dreams to haunt him. But this was something so perverse to human nature.<\/p>\n
\nHe stopped now and looked up and down the street. How many, he wondered, knew about Joe\u2019s wanting to leave home. Oh sure, it had not been mentioned at home for some time now, but the boy had that restless itch all over him. There wasn\u2019t going to be anything Hoss could say or do that would stop him now. As far as Joe was concerned he was just biding his time, and now that the townsfolk knew then there was no real time left before he did go. Hoss pushed his hat to the back of his head and scratched his scalp, and then wondered if there was any possible thing he could do to stop Joe\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cNo, dadgumit, I jest feel too full of the miseries to stay put here.\u201d and he stomped off in the direction of his horse.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThing is, Ma, I just need to go. I keep saying I\u2019m going and I said it weeks ago, and yet I\u2019m still here. Was that how it was for you? You left New Orleans for a new life here. You were happy though, weren\u2019t you, Ma? You never regretted it for a minute, did you? I can remember the way you laughed, sure, I can, Ma. Sure I can.\u201d he paused and captured the memory of the young woman who had such a happy laugh, \u201cRemember how you would sometimes put on that pink dress, the one that was always so like a silk bubble. Remember how you used to get Pa to dance with you and how he\u2019d say no, he couldn\u2019t dance and you would laugh and tell him to stop telling lies in front of the children.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJoe nodded thoughtfully, he didn\u2019t like to mention the fact that Adam was a quite different person to himself, and that his decision to leave was not done on an emotional whim which, he felt, his own desire was based upon. He turned aside from his musings and looked at Ben who had returned to the room with the box in his hand and a smile on his face,<\/p>\n
\nAdam\u201d<\/p>\n
\nLater when he was alone, sitting by the dying embers of the fire, he tried to remember exactly what Joe had told them. He sucked at the stem of his pipe and couldn\u2019t be bothered to relight it. He just wanted to think. The creak of a stair made him look up and he saw Hoss coming towards him.<\/p>\n
\nCaptain, Oh My Captain<\/a>
\nThe Commodore<\/a>
\nInvictus<\/a>
\nCarpe Diem<\/a>
\nA New Command<\/a>
\nA Duty to Live<\/a>
\nAll Those Tomorrows<\/a>
\nWritten in Stone<\/a><\/p>\n
\nDate: 03 Jun 2013 07:09 am Title: Chapter 1<\/p>\n
\nDate: 03 Feb 2013 07:47 pm Title: Chapter 1<\/p>\n
\nDate: 21 Aug 2011 11:46 am Title: Chapter 1<\/p>\n
\nDate: 03 Aug 2011 09:51 pm Title: Chapter 1<\/p>\n