{"id":7066,"date":"2014-01-06T23:55:01","date_gmt":"2014-01-07T04:55:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7066"},"modified":"2025-04-07T01:04:22","modified_gmt":"2025-04-07T05:04:22","slug":"one-candle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7066","title":{"rendered":"One Candle (by Cheaux)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>A tragic event in Virginia City sends shock waves across the globe and spurs Adam to return home to find the truth. A What Happened Instead for the episode, \u201cFive Candles\u201d written by Ken Trevey. \u00a0It is not necessary to have seen the episode to follow or understand this story.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0WC \u00a016,000<\/p>\n

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author.\u00a0 The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.\u00a0 No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

One Candle<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Part 1<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

London \u2013 31 December 1869<\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright settled into his wingback leather armchair beside a roaring fire secure in the knowledge that all was right in his world.\u00a0 Though he did not care for tobacco, he wore a black cashmere smoking jacket that suited him fine.\u00a0 A Christmas gift from his father, it was the perfect attire in which to spend the start of the New Year in pursuit of his favorite pastime\u2014reading.\u00a0 Moreover, thanks to his brothers, the library shelves in his new house now held an assortment of books as colorful as they were diverse.<\/p>\n

Since he was a young boy Hoss tended to judge a book by its cover\u2014the more vibrant and ornate the binding, the better the content to his way of thinking\u2014a practice which often led to Adam being gifted with such interesting titles as The Art of Manliness, The Ornithology of Australia or Peter Parley\u2019s Geography for Beginners.\u00a0 Joe on the other hand had developed an eclectic taste in literature over the years.\u00a0 For a kid whose singular passion was dime novels, his adult choice of authors was now vast and impressive\u2014from Tolstoy to Alcott, Jules Verne to Alexandre Dumas, Hawthorne to Balzac.<\/p>\n

The kid.<\/em>\u00a0 In actuality, it had been a long time since Joe was a child; in his mind\u2019s eye, however, Joe would be forever young.\u00a0 Thus, it was with a start that he realized he was now older than his father had been when Joe was born.\u00a0 How the years had flown since he left the Ponderosa to see the world!\u00a0 Like his father, he had traveled, experienced untold adventures, and counted friends on nearly every continent.\u00a0 But now he was home and home was best.<\/p>\n

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

The crate from Nevada arrived a few days before Christmas. \u00a0Adam had allowed his valet to place the wrapped Christmas gifts under the tree in the parlor, and disperse the personal and household items to the appropriate nooks and cubbies, but forbade the unpacking of books until this evening.\u00a0 It was Harrison\u2019s first time in service to an American.\u00a0 Although dubious, he accepted his employer\u2019s explanation that the task was a savored ritual for he was nothing if not respectful of tradition\u2014no matter how uncommon.<\/p>\n

Adam indeed took great pleasure in removing the wrappings that cushioned each volume, categorizing and placing each book almost reverently on the appropriate shelf.\u00a0\u00a0 When all was finished, he ran his hand along the spines stopping here and there to linger on a particular title recollecting the times he had read the story to his younger brothers, their eyes wide with wonder over the adventures of King Arthur, Ulysses, or the Arabian Knights.\u00a0 For weeks later Hoss and then Little Joe would re-enact scenes, jumping over furniture, building forts or castles with hay bales, and generally driving their father to distraction with their antics.\u00a0 Pa would scold them and wag a finger at Adam, but wrapped the reprimand in a warm smile and delivered it with kindness.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d Adam inquired when Harrison placed a neatly folded stack of paper at the corner of his desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cNewspaper, sir, used to wrap the books.\u00a0 Even old news is often welcome when one is far from home, especially at the holidays.\u00a0 I thought you might enjoy reading these at your leisure before I put them in the rubbish bin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, that\u2019s very thoughtful.\u00a0 Will you be going out in this evening, Harrison?\u201d he added as an afterthought.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing out, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo celebrate.\u00a0 New Year\u2019s Eve?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, sir!\u201d The man seemed genuinely affronted that Adam would think he would desert his post.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to stay, Harrison.\u00a0 I’m looking forward to a quiet evening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. Very good, sir.\u00a0 I’ll see that nothing disturbs you.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was not what Adam meant, but he gave up.\u00a0 Speaking the same language did not guarantee comprehension.<\/p>\n

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

After supper, Adam returned to the library to savor the quietness of his house, the scent of burning yew logs, and the orderly display of cherished pictures and small mementos from his travels.\u00a0 He looked again at the pleasing sight of walls filled with his books\u2014both old and new\u2014flanking the heavily draped window that shut out the cold and damp fog pervasive in London at this time of year.<\/p>\n

In his hands, he held an autographed first edition of Bleak House, the perfect book in which to immerse himself on such a night.<\/p>\n

Fog everywhere. Fog up the river, where it flows among green aits and meadows; fog down the river, where it rolls defiled among the tiers of shipping and the waterside pollutions of a great (and dirty) city.\u00a0 Fog on the Essex marshes, fog on the Kentish heights. Fog creeping into the cabooses of collier-brigs; fog lying out on the yards, and hovering in the rigging of great ships; fog drooping on the gunwales of barges and small boats. Fog in the eyes and throats of ancient Greenwich pensioners, wheezing by the firesides of their wards; fog in the stem and bowl of the afternoon pipe of the wrathful skipper, down in his close cabin; fog cruelly pinching the toes and fingers of his shivering little \u2019prentice boy on deck. Chance people on the bridges peeping over the parapets into a nether sky of fog, with fog all round them, as if they were up in a balloon, and hanging in the misty clouds.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The soft thud of the front door closing brought Adam back to the present and he waited for an explanation.\u00a0 When none was immediately forthcoming, he made inquiry.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was it, Harrison?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA messenger, sir, from Berry Bros.\u201d\u00a0 A few minutes passed before the manservant entered the room silently and placed a polished rosewood box on the antique Georgian desk. \u201cI\u2019ve taken the liberty of removing the wrappings.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fog, sir,\u201d Harrison replied to the unspoken question, \u201cmade the package rather sodden.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course.\u00a0 The fog.\u00a0 Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill there be anything else, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think not.\u00a0 Good night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the paneled pocket doors of the library closed, Adam resumed reading, or rather, his eyes returned to the page but no leafs were turned.\u00a0 He remained that way for some time until the lure of the mysterious wooden box superseded the predictability of his nightly routine.<\/p>\n

Berry Bros. was the finest purveyor of wine and spirits in London.\u00a0 Who had sent the box was an intriguing question given his relatively recent arrival in the city.\u00a0 With a sigh, he bookmarked his place and crossed to the desk.\u00a0 The bottle inside the box was encased in a dark burgundy velvet bag embossed with the Berry Bros. coat of arms.\u00a0 He set it aside to look for a card but there was none.\u00a0\u00a0 Perhaps the sender\u2019s name and address were on the wrappings Harrison discarded.\u00a0 He would have to ask him in the morning.<\/p>\n

Adam returned the bottle to the box and in doing so noticed again the carefully pressed newspapers on the corner of the desk.\u00a0\u00a0 No longer interested in reading Bleak House, he decided Harrison had the right idea.\u00a0 It would be amusing to catch up with local events and the Territorial Enterprise was certainly a source of entertainment, if not news, especially the often witty and irreverent articles by Dan DeQuille.<\/p>\n

Mostly the pages contained advertisements, business, and social news.\u00a0 The Mercantile was a having a sale.\u00a0 Osborne\u2019s was moving to South C Street.\u00a0 The Consumer Price Index continued to drop reaching its lowest levels since 1850.\u00a0 Unfortunately, that also meant that stocks were down.\u00a0 Mrs. Walter Grayson was delivered of triplets (her husband fainted).\u00a0 McHenry\u2019s livery burned down, causing a panic among the owners of neighboring establishments along E Street who feared sparks from the fire would ignite their property.\u00a0 Luckily, Engine Company No. 4 was across the street and they quickly extinguished the conflagration.\u00a0 Arson was suspected, but no arrests had been made.\u00a0 As he turned the page, the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.<\/p>\n

Rising quickly, Adam swept aside the heavy brocade curtains to check the window latches were secure.\u00a0 No draft accounted for the sudden chill.\u00a0 After adding a log to the fire, he returned to his desk.\u00a0 The shrouded windows, the blazing fire did nothing to warm him or quell the bile that was rising from his stomach to his throat as he re-read the banner headline that had shook him to the core.<\/p>\n

BEN CARTWRIGHT BURIED ALIVE!<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s only words on paper . . . innocent and powerless!<\/em>\u00a0 Adam told himself.\u00a0 Breathe.\u00a0 Breathe.\u00a0 Okay, now.\u00a0 Read.\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s only words on paper . . . \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

An Exclusive Interview with Ben Cartwright
\nas told to Dan DeQuille<\/strong><\/p>\n

Virginia City, Nevada \u2013 The Territorial Enterprise continues its series Buried Alive! featuring exclusive interviews with survivors of the Storey County Courthouse collapse on October 19.\u00a0 In Part II, Ben Cartwright, owner of the Ponderosa Ranch, shares his perspective of events.<\/span><\/p>\n

Survivor!\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0Only now could Adam truly breathe deeply.\u00a0 He poured a brandy and swallowed it in one gulp, then poured another and focused on the pages before him.<\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 You were in the basement record vault for over 16 hours.\u00a0 Did you have any idea about the extraordinary efforts going on to rescue you?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 \u00a0Not at first.\u00a0 We yelled but no one heard us.\u00a0 Then we started banging on the stovepipe and eventually someone answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0\u00a0 How long did it take for air to reach you?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0\u00a0 I\u2019m not sure.\u00a0 Someone above asked if we were willing to risk having a pipe pounded through the debris to carry the air hose.\u00a0 Soon after, we started breathing easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0\u00a0 Did you know it was your son Joe who was on that pipe?\u00a0 Or that Hoss was working the compressor?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC: \u00a0\u00a0No.\u00a0 Communications were sketchy and my Morse Code skills are pretty rusty. Toby\u2014the man on trial\u2014kept us informed as long as he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 Could you explain?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 The tremors continued and debris was falling all around us.\u00a0 We had to take cover from time to time because we were certain the whole building was going to collapse. When communications were cut off, the airflow also stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 When was that?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 Right after Pike had confessed his complicity in the murder of Wilderson and told us Arch Tremayne was responsible.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 Did you have any idea it was Tremayne on the receiving end of those communications?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 No.\u00a0 No we didn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 Were you aware when the compressor stopped working?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 Of course.\u00a0 The air became thick again and we lost hope\u2014all of us except Toby.\u00a0 I guess that\u2019s what working underground for ten years does to a man.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 Did you know Bristol Toby before that day?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 No.\u00a0 Initially, I thought he was just another hot-tempered miner headed for the gallows. \u00a0It was when I learned he’d been a sailor that my feelings began to change.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 You must have been relieved to learn he was not a murderer.<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 I was.\u00a0 Desperate situations often bring out the best\u2014and the worst\u2014in people.\u00a0 Under pressure, Jonathan Pike showed his true stripes.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 How do you mean?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 Pike was a poor excuse for a man.\u00a0 Peacock–that’s what Toby kept calling him. \u00a0Pike lied to save himself . . . a lie that would have put Toby on the short end of a rope.\u00a0 I\u2019m not so sure I could have been as forgiving as Toby was in the end.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 You mentioned adversity brings out the best in people.\u00a0 That was certainly true of Banty Williams, wasn\u2019t it?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 Yes.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know the man, but my son Hoss did and he believed in him when no one else did.\u00a0 And Joseph believed in Hoss, so together . . . believing worked a miracle.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 Banty insisted there was another way into the basement via a coal chute, is that correct?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 Yes.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 And your son Joe was the first one to reach you?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 Yes.\u00a0 After hours of waiting, we had all but given up hope. \u00a0When Joe burst through the wall and into my arms, I was stunned though I suppose I should not have been surprised. \u00a0My youngest son is like a dog with a bone when it comes to overcoming impossible odds. \u00a0He never gives up.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 What happened then?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 Callie was first up and she sent down a rope for the injured deputy.\u00a0 Pike and Toby were next.\u00a0 As soon as Joe and I got the deputy out I was right behind. \u00a0I didn’t think I would make it, but strong arms pulled me from the incline and helped me find my footing.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 What happened then, Mr. Cartwright?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 The ground shook. I turned to reach for Joe but all that came out of the chute was a cloud of dust and dirt.\u00a0 Moments later the upper floors caved in one by one and the building imploded.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 What do you remember most about that moment?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 I don\u2019t remember how I got out of that alley.\u00a0 Hoss most likely carried me, or Candy, or both of them.\u00a0 The next thing I knew I was sitting on the boardwalk across the street and Doc Hill was fussing over my ankle.\u00a0 I do remember the sun was warm on my face and a breeze that blew the dust away in soft little puffs leaving nothing but silence hanging over the street like a pall.\u00a0 I gradually became aware of people talking . . . saying the odds were zero that anyone could have survived the collapse.<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 Where was Joe?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 He . . . he was . . . buried . . . .<\/span><\/p>\n

DD:\u00a0 Mr. Cartwright?<\/span><\/p>\n

BC:\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry.\u00a0 Did I mention Joe has made a career out of overcoming impossible odds?\u00a0 I have to hold on to that thought.\u00a0 I have to.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s only words on paper . . . it\u2019s only words on paper.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>Adam kept telling himself this over and over until he could think things through logically.<\/p>\n

The article was Part II.\u00a0 He had to find Part I, or more importantly, Part III to find out what had happened to his brother.\u00a0 With bravado he did not feel, Adam picked up the rest of the stack and began sorting the pages in date order to disambiguate the story.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Damnation!\u00a0 Why couldn\u2019t they have used a complete paper when packing the books?<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0 He tossed aside any page dating back more than six months.\u00a0 Skimming the remaining articles, Adam was able to put together a rough sequence of events though there were gaps\u2014a murder, a trial, perjury, exoneration and in the middle of all that, the courthouse collapsed.\u00a0 It was a quote from Doc Hill that again caused his heart to skip a beat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think it was a good idea for Joe to find his Pa\u2019s body in the rubble. \u00a0It never occurred to me that it would be Ben who would find Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It would be Ben who would\u00a0find Joe<\/strong>\u00a0. . .\u00a0find Joe<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0. . .\u00a0find Joe<\/strong><\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The words leapt off the page and into Adam\u2019s throat.\u00a0 He stood abruptly and bolted out the front door into the dense fog that threatened to suffocate him.<\/p>\n

Blocks later Adam came to his senses.\u00a0 Joe had to be alive or Pa would have cabled.\u00a0 The papers were months old.\u00a0\u00a0He would have told me.\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0Feeling foolish, Adam turned and retraced his steps home, but if it hadn\u2019t been for the lantern Harrison was swinging in street when he approached, he would have missed the house entirely.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u00a0 Are you all right?\u00a0 I heard noises and found the door wide open.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 I\u2019m fine, Harrison.\u00a0 Just some disturbing news; I needed air.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you care for some tea then, sir?\u201d\u00a0 Harrison asked as he closed and locked the front door.\u00a0 \u201cTo ward off the chill?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, thank you.\u00a0 I\u2019m fine.\u00a0 You can return to your quarters.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry I disturbed you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I suggest a brandy, sir?\u00a0 You really don\u2019t look well, if I may say so.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I . . . yes . . . all right tea then . . . tea would fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent, sir.\u00a0 I shall be but a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Like Hop Sing who always seemed to have hot coffee ready at a moment\u2019s notice, Harrison returned almost immediately with a pot of tea, a plate of scones with jam, and a crock of clotted cream.\u00a0 Adam found he was actually hungry and devoured the scones at once.\u00a0 Feeling calmer, he poured a second cup of tea and turned his attention once again to the newspapers.<\/p>\n

His father had mentioned a Banty Williams.\u00a0 Adam searched up and down each column of every page until he found a\u00a0first-person account by\u00a0Bertrand Williams.<\/p>\n

I ain’t always been a drunk. Time was when folks looked up to me. \u00a0Not actual like, a course, being short as I am, but respecting me. \u00a0I helped build this here courthouse. \u00a0Always did think it was a mistake raising it over a mine, but who was I to say so? \u00a0Hell, half\u2014probably more \u2019n half\u2014of Virginia City is built over shafts. \u00a0Them tunnels is honeycombed all over the Comstock.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Yep.\u00a0 I was too small and lightweight to work in the mines, but I was built just fine fer masonry and roofing work. Had me a right steady job constructing a lot a building\u2019s after the fire of \u201965. You can find my brickwork in more than a dozen structures around town. \u00a0I marked them special you see and placed them down low, not to hide them, but so as I could show my little boys and sissy their Pa\u2019s work. \u00a0Theys was right proud, too. \u00a0My Erma as well. \u00a0That was afore the sickness done took them. \u00a0All of them. \u00a0 After that . . . well, there weren\u2019t much reason to build things anymore.\u00a0 Guess that’s when I started drinking.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

But seeing how those Cartwright boys cared about their pa reminded me how much family can mean to a man.\u00a0 So I got sober and stayed that way \u2018cause Hoss needed me, especially after I told him there was a coal chute leading into the basement.\u00a0 Sure, I know it sounds like the ramblings of a fool . . . who ever heard of coal in Virginia City? . . . but it ain\u2019t.\u00a0 And Hoss<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The paper was torn but the story continued on the reverse side although it was obvious several paragraphs were missing.<\/p>\n

Sober,<\/span> I was ashamed of the part I played in trying to hang Toby. \u00a0Turned out he were innocent after all. \u00a0I felt right bad about that. \u00a0It were thinking about Pike and Tremayne now in jail that got me to thinking about that cell in the basement. \u00a0It\u2019s made a iron and iron don\u2019t fall apart. \u00a0Twist mebbe or bend, but not come apart.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss always treated me decent. \u00a0Always had a kind word to say, a cuppa coffee or a meal to offer when I needed it. \u00a0It ain\u2019t right his little brother being trapped down there.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Once again the last words of the article cut to the quick.\u00a0 Joe was trapped; at least he was 10 weeks ago.\u00a0\u00a0Where is he now?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0**********<\/em><\/p>\n

On Sunday morning Harrison produced the box wrappings as requested but the only return address to be found belonged to Berry Bros., 3 St. James\u2019s Street, London.<\/p>\n

The next 24 hours were spent, both figuratively and literally, in a fog.\u00a0\u00a0A nether sky of fog.<\/em>\u00a0 Wandering through the streets of London, Adam marveled anew at the brilliance of Dickens\u2019 prose.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cMay I be of assistance?\u201d the Berry Bros. clerk asked Monday morning when he unlocked the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 My name is Adam Cartwright.\u00a0 I live at No. 7 Charlton House Terrace.\u00a0 A package was delivered to my home on Friday evening.\u00a0 I need to know who sent it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas there something wrong with the package, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 Nothing wrong.\u00a0 I need to know who sent it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would of course replace any defective merchan\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014Look, there was no damage.\u00a0 I just need to know who ordered the delivery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe card would have had that information, sir, if the giver had desired to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014There was no card.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you quite sure, sir?\u00a0 We always include a card.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere is your manager?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am quite capable of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

With one swift move, Adam grabbed the hapless clerk by the lapels lifting him off the floor and pulling him to within an inch of his face.\u00a0\u00a0 In a deep staccato voice, he growled, \u201cEither get me the information or get me your manager.\u00a0 I don\u2019t much care which, but you will. Assist me.\u00a0 Now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes-s-sir,\u201d the clerk croaked.\u00a0 \u201cRight away, s-sir!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam made it to the corner before he stopped and braced himself against a lamp post.\u00a0 With a trembling hand he turned over the embossed card to look at the name of the sender.\u00a0 \u00a0Cartwright.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0That\u2019s all?? No first name?\u00a0 No initial?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

When he looked up, a distinguished looking gentleman in a morning coat extended his gloved hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Adam Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHenry Berry, sir,\u201d the gentleman said as he shook Adam\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cI am one of the owners of Berry Bros.\u00a0 I am dreadfully sorry for the breach in protocol.\u00a0\u00a0 Since 1698 we have offered an unsurpassed level of customer service.\u00a0 I assure you, the employee responsible will be terminated immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is not necessary or required Mr. Berry.\u00a0 It is I who must apologize for my behavior.\u00a0 I was upset, but I have the information I came for.\u00a0 There is no need for disciplinary action.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do not understand, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 The reason there was no gift card included with your delivery was because we were instructed to replace it with a letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA letter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u00a0 A letter inadvertently\u2014but inexcusably\u2014omitted from the package delivered on Friday.\u00a0\u00a0 The mistake was only just discovered this morning by our shipping manager, but not soon enough to inform our store clerks in the event of enquiry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sealed envelope proferred by Mr. Berry was addressed in his father\u2019s unmistakable script. \u00a0Adam resisted the urge to rip it open until he arrived at home, but the gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach began to swell with each step he took.\u00a0 He found his pace quickening until he was running the last few blocks to Charlton Terrace.<\/p>\n

25 November 69<\/span><\/p>\n

My Dearest Adam,<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time you receive this letter, Christmas will have passed and a new decade begun. 1870! It hardly seems possible, however, I have only to look at Hoss\u2019s balding pate and Joe\u2019s greying hair to remind me that time is passing much too quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dinner today was a quiet affair with just your brothers, Hop Sing and Candy at the table, but we are together and that is all that matters.\u00a0 Your presence, son, was sorely missed as it is at every meal, but especially on this Thanksgiving Day.\u00a0 Nevertheless, we are grateful for so many blessings, chief among them the miracle of Banty Williams.<\/span><\/p>\n

I trust you received the Christmas presents we shipped along with your household goods. This last minute gift was Joe\u2019s idea, though I confess I am at a loss as to why he insisted it must be delivered with all due haste.<\/span><\/p>\n

You are now shaking your head, no doubt mentally berating your old father for indulging his youngest yet again.\u00a0 I think, however, that when you understand the circumstances, you will forgive my extravagance in granting his request.<\/span><\/p>\n

Last month, explosions in the shafts of the Golconda Mine undermined the structure of the courthouse causing it to collapse.\u00a0 I was in the records vault with others when the tremblers started. Before we could escape, all exits were blocked. Long story short, Banty Williams was responsible for saving us.<\/span><\/p>\n

I twisted an ankle and Joe broke a few ribs but is mending.\u00a0 Hop Sing has been fussing over \u201chis\u201d Little Joe, cooking all his favorite meals which, as you well remember, do not necessarily coincide with Hoss\u2019s favorites.\u00a0 That Hoss has not complained tells you how guilty he still feels for leaving all the excavation work to Joe and Candy, even though Joe has repeatedly told Hoss\u2014rightly so\u2014he did the most important work of all . . . believing in Banty when no one else would listen.\u00a0 Suffice it to say Hoss did listen and we are here today\u2014all of us\u2014because of them both.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe send their regards and hope you are pleased with the books they selected this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

With deepest affection and best wishes for the New Year,<\/span><\/p>\n

Your Loving Father<\/span><\/p>\n

P.S.\u00a0 Joseph says to tell you his New Year\u2019s wish is in the bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leave it to his father to sugarcoat events by reducing days of torment to a few words.\u00a0 Bemused, yet perplexed, Adam sat back in the chair, steepled fingertips pressing against his lips.\u00a0 Although it was very like his father to acquiesce to Joe\u2019s whims when the kid was younger, it was incongruous that he do so now.\u00a0 His brother was solvent\u2014finally\u2014and had the business acumen to accomplish whatever he wished without aid.\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t Joe make arrangements for the shipment himself?\u00a0\u00a0What else is Pa sugarcoating?<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam re-read the letter several times and each time his eyes focused on one sentence.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis New Year\u2019s wish is in the bag.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

He put down the letter and lifted the bag from the box.\u00a0 Carefully he undid the cord and pulled the bottle from the velvet wrapper to read the label.<\/p>\n

VORS Amontillado 30 year old<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Part 2<\/em><\/h2>\n

From the ridge, the house looked the same.\u00a0 As usual, a candle burned in the study window to light the way for wayfaring strangers . . . or wayward sons.<\/em>\u00a0 The main chimney was smoking and the smell of pine was pervasive.\u00a0 Although the yard was white with snow, there were freshly shoveled paths from house to barn, bunkhouse and corral.<\/p>\n

A blast of icy wind reminded Adam it was getting late.\u00a0 He slapped the reins on the carriage horse’s back and clicked his teeth to move the animal forward.\u00a0 By the time he entered the yard, it was near dark. Evidently, the bells on the horses tack were audible because the front door opened as soon as he pulled up.\u00a0 A man about thirty years of age with a lopsided grin and an easy manner emerged from the house.<\/p>\n

“Howdy.\u00a0 You looking for directions or someone in particular?”<\/p>\n

Under his beard, the corner of Adam\u2019s mouth twitched in amusement.\u00a0\u00a0Wary but polite; this cowboy gives away nothing.<\/em>\u00a0 Adam climbed out of the carriage, pulled a glove off and extended a hand. “Are you by any chance Candy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what they call me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m Adam.\u00a0 Adam Cartwright.”<\/p>\n

“Well, I’ll be hornswoggled!\u00a0 You do exist!\u201d Candy returned the handshake.\u00a0 \u201cI was beginning to think you were a figment of your family\u2019s imagination . . . straighter than a Ponderosa Pine, wiser than an owl, ornerier than a mule on locoweed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me guess,\u201d Adam laughed.\u00a0 \u201cPa says I\u2019m morally straight, Hoss thinks I\u2019m wise, and Joe thinks I\u2019m crazy\u2014or ornery\u2014I\u2019m not sure which is the greater insult.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething like that.\u00a0 Brrr,\u201d Candy said, changing the subject.\u00a0 \u201cIt’s cold out here.\u00a0 Go on in and make yourself comfortable.\u00a0 I’ll settle your horse and rig.”<\/p>\n

Adam liked the way Candy handled himself with a supposed stranger and would be sure to mention it to his father.\u00a0 Inside, he removed his hat and coat and hung them in the usual spot.\u00a0 The other pegs were empty and there were no side arms on the credenza so he figured everyone must be out, a fact he was glad of for it gave him time to take in his surroundings without being smothered.<\/p>\n

In his mind, a few items were out of place but he figured only he would notice, frozen in time as his memory was.\u00a0 The same blanket hung over the bannister and he idly wondered who currently had custody of the dreadful Indian portrait that everyone abhorred but his father refused to give away.\u00a0 Sadly, Marie\u2019s Oriental rug was gone; he would have to ask about that.\u00a0\u00a0 When he reached the desk, he immediately picked up the silver frames that held pictures of his mother, Inger, and Marie.\u00a0 The daguerreotypes were a little faded but comforting nonetheless.<\/p>\n

He skimmed the bookshelf to see what held his father\u2019s interest of late and then noticed a new gun with a distinctively checkered walnut stock mounted on the wall behind the desk.\u00a0 It was a derringer target pistol with an Indian headdress engraved on the trigger guard bow.\u00a0 Adam carefully removed it and felt the weight in his hand before siting the firearm, humming in appreciation at the workmanship.\u00a0 After returning the gun to its mount, he took a seat in the worn leather desk chair and\u2014through habit\u2014opened the desk drawer that held the ranch\u2019s books.\u00a0 The current year\u2019s ledger was in a hand he did not recognize and his brow wrinkled in puzzlement.\u00a0 The last few pages of the 1869 ledger were in the same script, but earlier months were mostly in Joe\u2019s undisciplined scrawl.\u00a0 Only occasional entries were in his father\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

When heavy footfalls on the porch alerted him to Hoss’s arrival, he closed the books and rose from the desk just as the big man entered the house in a rush.<\/p>\n

“Adam!\u00a0 Hot diggity!\u00a0 It really is you!\u00a0\u00a0 I couldn’t believe it when Candy told me you were here.\u00a0 Why didn\u2019t you let us know you were comin\u2019?”<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know myself.\u00a0 It’s good to see you Hoss.\u00a0 You haven’t changed a bit . . . Except there’s more of you!\u201d Adam swatted Hoss\u2019s stomach with the back of his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd there’s less of you,\u201d Hoss said, rubbing Adam’s balding head.\u00a0 \u201cOr was it you needed to move that fuzz you call hair to your face to hide that smirk?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, you . . .\u201d The brothers fell into a warm and heartfelt embrace that ended with the familiar clap on the back just as Candy walked in with Adam\u2019s bags.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust leave them there, Candy, I\u2019ll take them up to my room later assuming I still have one, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you do, Adam.\u00a0 \u2018Course, we done shipped nearly everything to you so there\u2019s not much in it, but it\u2019s still yours.\u00a0 Always will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Hoss.\u00a0 That means a lot.\u00a0\u00a0 So, where are Pa and Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Candy answered, \u201cThey\u2019re not here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see that,\u201d Adam said, gesturing toward the hat rack. \u201cWhen will they be back?\u00a0 I\u2019m starving and I don\u2019t smell any dinner cooking.\u00a0 Don\u2019t tell me Hop Sing has another sick cousin he\u2019s tending to?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked at Candy and then toed the rug.<\/p>\n

“Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa and Joe are in California.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalifornia?\u00a0 For how long?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cDunno exactly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam looked from Hoss to Candy\u2014who met his gaze head on he noted\u2014and back to Hoss who was still staring at the floor, hands buried deep in his pockets.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, what’s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like you boys got some talkin\u2019 to do,\u201d Candy said as he turned toward the kitchen.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll cook. Nothing fancy, but it\u2019ll do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grabbed his arm as he walked past.\u00a0 \u201cNot so fast.\u00a0 You\u2019re part of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen let\u2019s all go in the kitchen so I can get the grub started.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s come a long way and he\u2019s hungry.\u00a0 Am I right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight you are,\u201d Adam replied. \u00a0\u201cI\u2019ll bring the whiskey.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Something tells me we\u2019re going to need it.<\/em><\/p>\n

By unspoken agreement, the three made small talk during meal preparation and consumption.\u00a0 As they discussed overall ranch operations, herd movements, the price of cattle, the sale of horses, and timber negotiations with the railroad, a weight lifted from Adam\u2019s shoulders that he had not realized he was carrying.\u00a0 Impressed with Candy\u2019s knowledge, he said so.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t take the credit, Adam.\u00a0 I carry out orders, don\u2019t make \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m sure Pa takes what you have to say under advisement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe listens to Hoss and Joe, not me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, come on, Candy, you know that\u2019s not true,\u201d said Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cAnyway, it\u2019s mostly Joe Pa consults with when it comes to business stuff.\u00a0 I take care of the stock.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot an inconsequential role, Hoss, considering the Ponderosa\u2019s assets rest primarily with stock,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u00a0 And I guess it\u2019s time I did just that.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss got up from the table to retrieve his hat and sheepskin coat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll help,\u201d Adam called after him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ll let ya,\u201d Hoss replied as he disappeared into the great room.\u00a0 Returning to the kitchen he added, \u201cCandy, you dish up that pie Miz Hawkins sent out and we\u2019ll be back in two shakes of a lamb\u2019s tail.\u00a0 Comin\u2019, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight behind you, Hoss.\u00a0 Just let me get my coat.\u201d\u00a0 After Hoss shut the door, Adam added, \u201cHow long has he been like this, Candy?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Adam pointed to the barely touched steak on Hoss\u2019s plate.\u00a0 \u201cHe hardly spoke during dinner and it\u2019s not because he was stuffing his face.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got a lot to catch up on.\u201d\u00a0 Candy shrugged.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll put the coffee on.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Out in the barn the brothers fell into a comfortable rhythm as the years slipped away.\u00a0 Here nothing had changed, Adam noted.\u00a0 The feed was where it was supposed to be, the tack hung on the same hooks, curry combs, brushes, and hoof picks in the same buckets.\u00a0\u00a0 Sport appeared glad to see him or maybe he was just happy to have the extra carrots Adam had thought to grab from the vegetable bin.\u00a0 Although fond of the animal, Adam did not have the intensely personal relationship with the chestnut gelding that Joe had with his paint Cochise.<\/p>\n

The fact that Cochise was in his stall and not with Joe was not a good sign.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDoes the collapse of the courthouse have anything to do with why Pa and Joe are in California?\u201d Adam asked point blank when they were back in the kitchen and eating pie.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you know about that?\u201d Hoss asked, surprised.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe crate was packed with newspaper.\u00a0 I saw the interview with Pa . . . and a couple other articles . . . enough to figure out Joe was in the basement when the courthouse collapsed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDagnabit.\u00a0 Never meant for you to find out that way, Adam.\u00a0 Pa was gonna write you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did but his letter was, shall we say, vague.\u00a0 What happened Hoss?\u00a0 The truth and all of it.\u00a0 Let\u2019s start with why Pa was in the basement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where the records vault was.\u00a0\u00a0 He was looking through old deeds to find out who owns Yankee Meadows.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYankee Meadows?\u00a0 That worthless strip of land?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot so worthless anymore now that construction has started on Sutro\u2019s Tunnel,\u201d Candy said.<\/p>\n

Adam raised an eyebrow, but decided to table any questions he might have had until later as Hoss continued.\u00a0 \u201cI didn\u2019t know he was down there.\u00a0 When Banty come runnin\u2019 in the saloon shoutin\u2019 about a cave-in at the courthouse, I went right over and helped a few folks out.\u00a0 They was stragglers after the trial recessed for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was the Wilderson trial, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u00a0 We thought we had accounted for everyone \u2018til Roy told me his deputy took a prisoner down to the holding cell and asked me to go check.\u00a0 The stairs to the basement were blocked and the floor was sinkin\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Candy picked up the story from there.\u00a0 \u201cJoe and I walked into the saloon just as Arch Tremayne\u2014he was the man in charge\u2014said your pa was in the basement.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe was angry\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0demanded to know why something wasn\u2019t being done.\u00a0 Some men volunteered to help and we started clearing debris away from the stairwell as fast as we could until Tremayne stopped us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cSaid there was too much debris in the center of the room and that we needed to clear that first real slow and careful like before the whole floor caved in and killed everyone down below.\u00a0 Well, that put the fear of God in all of us.\u00a0 We started tiptoeing and formed a chain to remove the wreckage to the street.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere were you, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOut in the street stacking the wreckage.\u00a0 Tremayne was afraid the support beams was gone and said I was too big and heavy to work inside the building.\u00a0 I tell ya, Adam, I felt helpless and it ain\u2019t a feelin\u2019 I\u2019m used to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss got up from the table to fetch the coffee pot.\u00a0 Without asking, Adam added a healthy slug of whiskey to each mug.<\/p>\n

\u201cMuch as I hate to say it, Hoss, he was right.\u00a0 The first priority would be to lighten the load.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that, Adam.\u00a0 I just wish you\u2019d been in charge, that\u2019s all.\u00a0 You woulda been able to calm Joe down.\u00a0 Get him to act more cautious like without rilin\u2019 him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u00a0 Not rile Joe?\u00a0 When has that ever been true, Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least you wouldn\u2019t have said stuff like \u2018You\u2019re gonna kill your pa.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Incredulous, Adam looked to Candy for confirmation.<\/p>\n

Candy nodded, then added, \u201cAfter it was outta Tremayne’s mouth, he was a little more . . . diplomatic, I guess you\u2019d say.\u00a0 Explained why he wanted stuff done a certain way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss snorted, \u201cYeah.\u00a0 He was real diplomatic when he told me I killed everyone down there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did what?\u201d\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t know who this Tremayne was, but he was going to enjoy diplomatically ripping him apart when he saw him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was later, Hoss.\u00a0 Let\u2019s not get ahead of ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 \u201cYou go on Candy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom what I\u2019ve been told, Joe was kinda willful as a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKind of!\u201d Adam exclaimed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing much has changed, Adam.\u00a0 He may not yell or carry on as much as he did when he was a youngster, but he gives a cold stare that lets ya know he\u2019s gonna do what he durn well pleases come hell or high water.\u00a0 So even though he backed off for a time, I knew nothing or no one would prevent him from getting to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is right.\u00a0 What Tremayne said got through to Joe and he settled down, moved real cautious and we were making progress until he unearthed an arm.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think he drew a breath until I uncovered enough of the poor devil to identify him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho was it?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe Morrissey.\u00a0 Did you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo; the name\u2019s not familiar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could hear a pin drop as Morrissey was carried out.\u00a0 All of a sudden, Joe went crazy and started ripping debris away from the wall like a maniac.\u00a0 We had no idea what was driving him but it turned out in the silence, he had heard someone banging on a stovepipe vented through the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe kid always did have ears like an elephant,\u201d Adam chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, Candy.\u00a0 Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTremayne started sending Morse Code.\u00a0 We found out there were five people down there, one of whom was injured but we didn\u2019t know who.\u00a0 They also said there was smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSmoke.\u201d Adam repeated.\u00a0 \u201cThe timbers in the shaft must have caught fire from the blasting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s what we figured and we needed to get air down to them right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where I could finally help,\u201d Hoss continued.\u00a0 \u201cWhile I rounded up a compressor and chopped wood to stoke the fire.\u00a0 Joe pounded a pipe into the floor to deliver the air line.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately,\u201d Candy interrupted, \u201cthe pounding caused a brick wall to fall right on top of Joe and me.\u00a0 Of course your little brother said he was fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Adam said. \u201cAnd I haven\u2019t known you long, Candy, but I have a feeling you said the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Hoss said, reaching for the whiskey bottle and pouring another shot into each mug, while Adam added more coffee.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re two peas in a pod all right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ignoring Hoss\u2019s comment, Candy continued, \u201cI finally got the Doc to look at him.\u00a0 Joe broke one rib and cracked a couple of others and that\u2019s where his willfulness comes in.\u00a0 The Doc wanted him to stay put but Joe said forget it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy am I not surprised?\u201d Adam groaned.<\/p>\n

Hoss laughed, \u201cBecause you know our little brother.\u00a0 I told you nothing would prevent him from getting to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe air was flowing pretty good by then and when Banty come by to tell me about a coal chute into the basement,\u201d Hoss said, \u201cwe went huntin\u2019 for it.\u00a0 While we were lookin\u2019, that dadburn compressor overheated and blew up and no amount of axle grease would get those pistons workin\u2019 agin.\u00a0 That\u2019s when Tremayne lit in ta me somethin\u2019 fierce for abandoning my post.\u00a0 \u2018Those folks down there are going to run out of air and they\u2019ll be dead before we can get to them, thanks to you.\u2019\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>That\u2019s what he said.\u00a0 Made me feel no bigger than a gnat on an elephant, I can tell you that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam reached out and put his hand on Hoss\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn straight it wasn\u2019t!\u201d Candy shouted.\u00a0 \u201cIt was Tremayne!\u00a0 And he tried to set fire to the courthouse!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTurns out he was the one that done murdered Wilderson not Toby and he tried to kill everyone down there so no one would find out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Roy stopped him?\u201d Adam asked, but when he saw Candy and Hoss exchange looks, he had a feeling . . . \u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

Candy nodded.\u00a0 \u201cFound Tremayne pouring kerosene on the debris and fought him\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014with broken ribs?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThen he joined me and Banty in the alley just as we found the coal chute.\u00a0 He grabbed a shovel and started digging\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014with broken ribs.\u201d\u00a0 Adam shook his head slowly from side to side.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then he dove head first into the chute without knowing whether there was a brick wall at the other end.\u201d\u00a0 Candy paused for effect. \u201cThere wasn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss continued.\u00a0 \u201cEveryone scrambled out.\u00a0 Pa said he and Joe carried the deputy to the chute and lifted him into it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014with broken ribs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDadgummit, Adam!\u201d Hoss jumped up, knocking over his chair, and towered over Adam.\u00a0 \u201cStop sayin\u2019 that.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know his ribs was broke!\u00a0 Do you think I woulda let him do that if I coulda stopped him?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam stood and reached out to his brother.\u00a0 \u201cHoss, that\u2019s not what I meant.\u201d\u00a0 But Hoss slapped his hand away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell it sure enough sounded like you meant it.\u201d\u00a0 Hoss poked two fingers into Adam\u2019s chest.\u00a0 \u201cYou ain\u2019t been here and I done the best I could\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014I never said you didn\u2019t\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou weren\u2019t here; you didn\u2019t see him.\u00a0 Candy told you, he was crazy with fear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know Hoss.\u00a0 I remember how he got that time when we thought Pa was dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you weren\u2019t here this time!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou keep saying that.\u00a0 I came didn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u00a0this<\/em>\u00a0time!\u00a0 Where were you when Joe\u2019s finance was murdered?\u00a0 Or when Candy and Pa were held hostage in an abandoned mine?<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014are you saying that what happens here when I\u2019m 5,000 miles away is somehow my fault?\u201d Adam drew himself up to his full height and stood toe to toe with Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop it!\u201d Candy shouted, rising.\u00a0 He righted Hoss\u2019s chair and commanded, \u201cSit down!\u00a0 Both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the Cartwright brothers sullenly complied, he remained standing.\u00a0 \u201cThis contest has to end.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat contest?\u201d asked Adam, never taking his eyes off Hoss who was glaring back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis competition to see who feels guiltiest.\u00a0\u00a0 Because no matter who wins . . . you.\u00a0 Or You.\u201d he pointed at each brother in turn. \u201cOr your Pa . . . no matter how you slice it, Joe is the loser.\u201d<\/p>\n

That got the brothers\u2019 attention; their posture changed, eyes widened, jaws unclenched, and both looked a little sheepish.<\/p>\n

Adam was first to apologize.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, Hoss.”<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, me, too.\u00a0 Stuff happens all the time around here.\u00a0 Suppose it would whether you were here or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Candy said, \u201cLook, Adam, I don\u2019t know you from . . . well, from Adam . . . but I do know Joe and Hoss and I know that if you cut one, the other bleeds.\u00a0 Those two couldn\u2019t be more different, yet more alike, than if they were twins.\u00a0 And now that I\u2019ve met you, I\u2019d say triplets is more like it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The three men were silent for a moment, each reflecting on the events told.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo . . . ,\u201d Adam said finally.\u00a0 \u201cJoe\u2014exhausted, with broken ribs, no food, no water, no air\u2014is in the basement alone, with no discernible way out . . . for how long?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThree days,\u201d Candy said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThree days.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThree days give or take,” Hoss amended.<\/p>\n

The silence around the table was oppressive.\u00a0 Eventually, Adam asked, \u201cHow did he get out?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBanty,\u201d Hoss said.\u00a0 \u201cWhen everyone else gave up, Banty felt there was still a chance he was alive if Joe had taken cover when the floors collapsed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI went past the courthouse on the way out here.\u00a0 It\u2019s nothing but a pile of rubble.\u00a0 Where would he have found shelter?\u00a0 Wait . . . don\u2019t tell me . . .The holding cell.\u00a0 It\u2019s made of iron.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know that, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was in the Territorial Enterprise.\u00a0 Banty said, \u2018it might twist or bend, but it wouldn\u2019t break.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Pa was beside himself with grief.\u00a0 Sheriff Coffee, miners, engineers, Paul Martin, the Mayor . . . everyone told him it was hopeless,\u201d Candy said.<\/p>\n

Adam nodded solemnly, \u201cBut Pa wouldn\u2019t believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s just it, Adam.\u00a0 He did believe it.\u00a0 He believed it and he gave up hope.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know what to do.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t seem likely even a fly coulda survived in that heap a bricks, but Banty believed there was a chance and he was right about the coal chute, so . . . so Candy and me . . . .\u201d\u00a0 Hoss stood abruptly grabbing the empty coffee pot, but when he reached for the pump handle, he let the pot clatter into the sink and stood bent over his hands gripping the edge.<\/p>\n

Adam quickly rose and put a reassuring hand on his big brother\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

\u201cDadgumit.\u00a0 Never have a kerchief when I need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d Adam said, handing over his own.\u00a0 While Hoss blew his nose and composed himself, Adam refilled the pot and added coffee from the canister above the stove.\u00a0 He figured the details could wait until another time so, looking straight at Candy, he mouthed, \u201cBottom line?\u201d<\/p>\n

Candy nodded his understanding.\u00a0 \u201cWith help, Banty tunneled through the rubble and attached chains to the bars.\u00a0 It took two freight wagons to pull it out.\u00a0 Joe was inside.\u00a0 Barely breathin\u2019 but alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Banty?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t make it.\u00a0 Despite the shoring we put in place, when the cage was pulled free, it all collapsed.\u00a0 There wasn\u2019t anything anyone could do,\u201d Candy said, and for Hoss\u2019s benefit, added, \u201cBanty knew it was a one-way trip going in.\u00a0 It was his choice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa said in his letter he was grateful for \u2018the miracle that was Banty Williams.\u2019\u00a0 Now I understand.\u201d\u00a0 Adam put the coffee pot to rest on the sideboard.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHoss, it wasn\u2019t your fault; not any of it and you have no call to feel guilty.\u00a0 If you hadn\u2019t listened to Banty, if you hadn\u2019t bucked Roy, we\u2019d be standing in a cemetery now instead of the kitchen.\u00a0 Pa and Joe are all right because of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just it, Adam.\u00a0 Joe ain\u2019t all right.\u00a0 He may never be all right again.\u00a0 And if he ain\u2019t . . . it\u2019ll kill Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss walked stoop shouldered from the kitchen.<\/p>\n

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

Candy carried Adam\u2019s bags upstairs and deposited them in the correct room, which was somewhat of a surprise to Adam who was following close behind.\u00a0 But what really baffled him was when Candy entered the bedroom down the hall instead of heading to the bunkhouse.<\/p>\n

As soon as Hoss\u2019s snores echoed through the rafters, Adam ventured into the hallway.\u00a0\u00a0 Sure enough, there was light under Candy\u2019s door and he knocked softly.\u00a0 \u201cYou still up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s open,\u201d Candy said.\u00a0 He was stretched out on the bed reading but sat up when Adam entered.\u00a0 \u201cPull up a chair.\u201d<\/p>\n

A quick glance over the furnishings told Adam the room was Candy\u2019s personal quarters, not the guest room it had been before.\u00a0 He drew the desk chair toward the bed, sat down backwards with his arms folded across the head rail, and appraised the man before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI assumed Pa and Joe were in California on business.\u00a0\u00a0 Why are they really there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe damaged his lungs inhaling all of that dust and debris.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe knows to breathe shallow in situations like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he did while he was buried, but not while we were working.\u00a0 He was breathin\u2019 crap for a lotta hours . . . before his ribs were cracked and after, both above ground and under according to your Pa.\u00a0 Doc Martin was afraid of bronchitis or pneumonia if he stayed on the ranch through the winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere in California?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMonterey.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey weren\u2019t on the Ponderosa for Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere.\u00a0 Alone.\u00a0\u00a0 I got stuck in Carson when a storm hit.\u00a0 Didn\u2019t get back to the ranch until the middle of January when the roads cleared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Hop Sing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe went with your Pa and Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo Hoss was alone for the holidays,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

Candy nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYou got here quick enough.\u00a0 How long did it take?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe miracle of modern transportation.\u00a0 London has steamships leaving every day, ten to twelve days to New York; a week across the continent by railroad; and a new spur direct to Virginia City from Reno.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHard to imagine!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam unfolded himself from the chair and put it back where it belonged.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas ranch life changed, Candy,\u201d he yawned, \u201cor does morning still come as early as I remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow that you\u2019re citified . . . earlier!\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam yawned again.\u00a0 On his way out he paused in the doorway with his hand against the jamb.\u00a0 \u201cSo . . . who said what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStraight, wise, ornery.\u00a0 Who said what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Candy grinned.<\/p>\n

Adam turned around.\u00a0 \u201cJoe said I was morally straight, wise as an owl and ornery as a mule?\u201d<\/p>\n

Candy\u2019s grin widened. \u201cHis exact words were \u2018rigid, a smart ass, and muleheaded\u2019 . . . I threw in the locoweed for good measure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaking his head, Adam shut the door and mumbled, \u201cTwo peas in a pod . . . indeed!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Part 3<\/em><\/h2>\n

When the telegram from Hoss arrived, Ben Cartwright couldn\u2019t believe what he read.\u00a0\u00a0Adam!\u00a0 Adam was coming to Monterey!<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t wait to tell Joe who strangely didn\u2019t seem terribly surprised.\u00a0\u00a0Well, never mind!<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0 Hop Sing was as excited as he and said there would be just enough time to prepare some of Adam\u2019s favorite dishes before he journeyed to San Francisco for Chinese New Year.<\/p>\n

Ben was up shortly before the sun rose even though the stage was not due until noon.\u00a0 He was too nervous to sleep or eat and, after a gallon of coffee, too jumpy to remain at the house without driving Hop Sing to distraction so he hitched the buggy and drove to Moss Landing.\u00a0 As he watched the waterfront workers unload cargo from the schooners, he could almost hear Abel Stoddard shouting orders to his crew to\u00a0look<\/em>\u00a0alive mates!<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0anchor\u2019s aweigh!<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0 Memories Ben had not recalled in years came flooding back with the tide.\u00a0 Voyages made. Bittersweet departures. Joyous homecomings.\u00a0 Elizabeth.\u00a0\u00a0Oh my love!<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Startled, Ben\u2019s vision evaporated and he had to look twice at the man standing before him.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYes.\u00a0 It\u2019s me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam!\u00a0 My boy!\u201d\u00a0 Ben embraced his son fiercely for fear he was dreaming.\u00a0 Only when Adam gripped his father\u2019s shoulders and pushed back did Ben reluctantly let go.<\/p>\n

“Where’s Joe?\u00a0 I thought he’d be with you,” Adam said.<\/p>\n

“He wasn’t up yet.”<\/p>\n

“At noon?”<\/p>\n

“What?” Ben looked\u00a0skyward suddenly aware that half the day had vanished.\u00a0 “I didn’t realize . . . I left at sunup before he was awake.”\u00a0\u00a0 Ben held his son’s bearded face in both hands.\u00a0 “So distinguished with a beard!\u00a0 You look wonderful.\u00a0 It’s so good to see you, son.”<\/p>\n

“At least you still have your hair, Pa.\u00a0 You and Joe must be the only Cartwrights who do.\u00a0\u00a0 I recall Will was getting a little thin on top the last time I saw him.”<\/p>\n

“And as I recall, Abel Stoddard was as bald as a cue ball by the time he was 40, so you can thank the Cartwright side of the family for whatever hair you have left!”\u00a0 Ben laughed.<\/p>\n

“You always said breeding would tell!”\u00a0 Adam\u00a0was\u00a0relieved to see his father’s\u00a0mood lighten for he had been concerned by what he saw prior to announcing his arrival.<\/p>\n

“How did you find me?” Ben asked.<\/p>\n

“When the stage rolled past I saw you standing here\u00a0lost in thought, so I walked back from the depot.\u00a0 Remembering your sea days were you?”<\/p>\n

“You caught me!\u00a0 Yes, I confess I was reliving the past.\u00a0 I seem to have a lot of free time lately to indulge those memories.”<\/p>\n

Adam sympathized.\u00a0 For a decisive man of action like his father, sitting idly around Monterey\u2014as beautiful as it was at this time of year\u2014must be difficult if not downright abhorrent.<\/p>\n

“How were things at the ranch when you left?” Ben asked.<\/p>\n

“Everything is fine. Colder than a witch’s teat, but fine.\u00a0 I met Candy.\u00a0 Good man. \u00a0I liked him.”<\/p>\n

“He’s foreman now.\u00a0\u00a0He is not you, son, but he knows his stuff.\u00a0 Gets along well with the men\u00a0and isn’t afraid to call them to task.\u00a0 What’s more, he holds his own with both Joe and Hoss which is not easy if you remember.”<\/p>\n

“I do indeed!\u00a0 Say, I’m\u00a0starving. Is there someplace nearby to get a beer or\u00a0at least\u00a0a cup of coffee?”<\/p>\n

“I’ve had enough coffee to float a whaler but I know a\u00a0tavern\u00a0where we can have a drink.\u00a0\u00a0I want to talk to you about Joe before we go up to the house.\u00a0 Better not eat anything though, or Hop Sing will have my head!”<\/p>\n

They had just settled into a booth\u00a0at the Sailor’s Knot\u00a0when\u00a0Ben excused himself to find the outhouse.\u00a0 After\u00a0his eyes adjusted to the darkened room, Adam looked around the establishment.\u00a0 It was definitely a sailor’s haunt;\u00a0the kind found in\u00a0any port in any town . . . in any country for that matter.\u00a0 Old nautical gear hung from the walls and ceiling and the place smelled of wet seaweed and salt brine fish.<\/p>\n

A moment after Ben returned to the table\u00a0the bartender\u00a0brought two lagers\u00a0along with\u00a0two bowls of chowder, a small loaf of bread and a crock of freshly churned butter.\u00a0 With a conspiratorial wink, Ben\u00a0tore the loaf\u00a0apart and handed half to Adam.\u00a0 “I won’t tell if you won’t.”<\/p>\n

Adam laughed.\u00a0 “It’s good to be back, Pa,” he said, genuinely pleased to be spending time with his father in a place like this.\u00a0 It\u00a0reminded him of their days on the road, eating plain but hearty\u00a0food in small taverns\u2014when they could afford it, that is, which wasn’t often.\u00a0 It was in such a\u00a0tavern\u00a0that Adam learned how to play the\u00a0guitar from Dieter Gruben\u2014Grubby to his friends\u2014a\u00a0toothless old man of indeterminate age who smelled of sausage and sauerkraut.\u00a0 His hands were gnarled and\u00a0his nails filthy\u00a0but the sound the strings made when he finger picked resonated deep within Adam’s soul.\u00a0 He\u00a0knew\u00a0from the first chord\u00a0that being able to make music like that would become as important to him as reading.\u00a0 By the time they moved on,\u00a0Adam had learned three chords which the old man assured would allow him to play almost any song there was.<\/p>\n

“A place like this makes me wish I had brought my guitar with me.”<\/p>\n

Ben’s brow furrowed momentarily then relaxed.\u00a0 “Grubby!\u00a0 I haven\u2019t thought of him in years.\u00a0 You know, I believe I saw a guitar at the house we’re renting.\u00a0 I’m sure the owners wouldn’t mind.\u00a0 Joe would love to hear you play and so would I.”<\/p>\n

“Speaking of Joe, how is\u00a0he doing?”\u00a0 Before Ben could respond, Adam added,\u00a0“By the way, Hoss and Candy filled me in\u00a0on the details you left out of your letter.”<\/p>\n

“Not well,” Ben admitted, ignoring the admonition.\u00a0\u00a0“His ribs are mending but he tires easily and is frequently short of breath.\u00a0 Paul said he wouldn’t be able to\u00a0manage\u00a0the thin air and that a few weeks at a lower altitude would help.\u00a0 But it’s been nearly two months now and he isn’t any better.”<\/p>\n

“Is he eating?”<\/p>\n

“He hasn’t lost weight if that’s what you mean.\u00a0 But his appetite isn\u2019t what it used to be.”<\/p>\n

“Nightmares?”<\/p>\n

“No.\u00a0 None of those, thank God.\u00a0 He was unconscious most, if not all, of the time he was trapped.”<\/p>\n

“But he hasn\u2019t talked about it?”<\/p>\n

“Just to apologize for not getting to me sooner.\u00a0 I think he feels guilty for not doing more to rescue us.”<\/p>\n

“Hoss feels the same.”<\/p>\n

“Hoss?\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 He did everything he could . . . they both did!”<\/p>\n

“Hoss doesn’t see it that way and to some extent he blames me for not being there to manage Joe.”<\/p>\n

“Is that why you came then?\u00a0 Because you felt guilty?”<\/p>\n

Adam took time to weigh his words carefully, afraid of\u00a0abrading his father’s already raw feelings.\u00a0 “I sensed I didn’t have enough\u00a0knowledge about events or circumstances\u00a0that had transpired to\u00a0form an opinion on the\u00a0best course of action should you ask me.\u00a0 My\u00a0maritime career was\u00a0over,\u00a0my home had closed escrow,\u00a0I had no pressing responsibilities or obligations . . . it seemed an opportune time to visit.”<\/p>\n

“So . . . this is just a visit then?”\u00a0 Ben’s disappointment was clear.<\/p>\n

“Yes.\u00a0 But I will do all I can to help while I am here.”<\/p>\n

Ben managed a small smile for his son’s sake, but a piece of his heart broke just a little.\u00a0 “Well . . . let’s go see what your brother’s been up to.”\u00a0 He threw a few coins on the counter and waved farewell to the innkeeper.\u00a0 Centering his hat on his head, he squared his shoulders and crossed the threshold into the bright sun that he blamed for the water in his eyes.<\/p>\n

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

Arms crossed, Adam leaned against the archway that led into the dining room watching Joe pick at his breakfast.\u00a0 He always thought the twelve years between them would dissolve or at least diminish as Joe got older, but since he\u2019d arrived, his brother had avoided being alone with him the same way he did when Adam had first returned from college.\u00a0\u00a0 It took months to regain his brother\u2019s trust back then; this time he only had weeks before he would have to return to London.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d he said, taking a seat at the table.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTown,\u201d Joe said as he slid a covered plate across the oilcloth.<\/p>\n

\u201cMmm.\u00a0 Pancakes.\u00a0 Who made them?\u00a0 Please tell me it wasn\u2019t Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Harvey, next door.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u00a0 Where\u2019s the syrup?\u201d\u00a0 There was no reaction so he asked again.\u00a0 \u201cJoe?\u00a0 The syrup?\u201d and was rewarded with a finger pointing to the sideboard.<\/p>\n

After individually buttering several pancakes, centering them on top of each other just so and artistically drizzling sorghum over the top, Adam cut the stack into precise bite-sized pieces one at a time, swirling each forkful in the pooled syrup exactly three times before placing it in his mouth.<\/p>\n

Joe snorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are such an old woman.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI like routine, I admit it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be the death of you.\u201d\u00a0 Joe stood abruptly and turned to exit the room but the suddenness of his movements made him dizzy and he collapsed against the wall with a thud.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam eased him back into the chair, keeping his hand on Joe\u2019s chest, feeling the heartbeat, noting the heavy breathing and closed eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nothing.\u00a0 I\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe panted.<\/p>\n

\u201cKid,\u201d Adam said, sitting in the chair next to him but not letting go, \u201cwe have not seen each other in a long time, but I\u2019ve known you all your life.\u00a0 You are far from being \u2018fine\u2019 even by your loose definition of the word.\u00a0 Are you in any pain?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0\u00a0 You like England?\u201d<\/p>\n

Well, that\u2019s typical.\u00a0 Deflection was always Joe\u2019s first line of defense<\/em>.\u00a0 \u201cYes,\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you like about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHistory.\u00a0 Culture.\u00a0 Architecture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you live?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know where I live; you sent me a package, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI meant what part.\u00a0 London\u2019s a big place.”<\/p>\n

\u201cNear Charing Cross, in the center of London.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you buy or are you renting?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI bought a place.\u00a0 It\u2019s small, but comfortable.\u00a0 Harrison is taking care of it while I\u2019m away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHarrison?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou have a man?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMajordomo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThink of him as an English Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmmpfh.\u201d Joe opened his eyes and motioned for the coffee cup.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want it heated up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0 He took small sips, then yawned taking in great gulps of air.\u00a0 \u201cFirst or last?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst or last what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis name . . . Harrison.\u00a0 First or last?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow very British of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Similar exchanges peppered the next few days.\u00a0 If asked to describe their encounters, Adam would have said it was like fencing.\u00a0 Lunge.\u00a0 Parry.\u00a0 Riposte.\u00a0 On one level, he was impressed with his brother’s repartee; on another, Joe’s deft avoidance of any discussion regarding the events of October 19 infuriated him.<\/p>\n

The minute Hop Sing left for San Francisco Adam became the fulcrum in the seesaw between his father and brother.\u00a0 Conversations were with one or the other but not both together.\u00a0 Joe spent most of his time in the garden or on the verandah staring at the ocean.\u00a0 His father went into town every day to conduct business by wire and spent evenings writing letters or reading.\u00a0 They seldom entertained and visitors were rare despite the fact that the Cartwrights had friends in the area.\u00a0 Not only did Adam begin to wonder why he came, he started thinking about leaving sooner than planned.<\/p>\n

That all changed the following day.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben called.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, I need to go to Sacramento to meet a man about a trestle.\u00a0 It could mean the difference between making ends meet and a good year.\u00a0 Would you mind seeing Joe gets to the doctor on time?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u00a0 Just leave me the address.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe knows where it is.\u00a0 And don\u2019t let him twist the doctor\u2019s words.\u00a0 Dr. Warren is good, but he doesn\u2019t know your brother\u2019s propensity for fudging like Paul Martin does.\u00a0 Make sure Joe gives complete answers and follows directions.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be gone five or six days, depending on how negotiations go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa.\u00a0 Joe and I will survive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes . . . well.\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked as though he were going to say something, but changed his mind.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDespite Joe\u2019s assertions that he\u2019s fine, I’m worried. \u00a0He is not recovering as fast as he should have. Paul said a few weeks at sea level and he would be better. It’s been months and he’s the same, if not worse.”<\/p>\n

This was the second time his father mentioned Joe\u2019s lack of progress and, as much as Adam would have liked to, he could not disagree. True, Joe retained some color\u2014mostly because he spent his days sitting in the sun\u2014but his skin had a pasty quality and his breathing was shallow; even the smallest exertion winded him.\u00a0 Still, he had to offer his father some hope.\u00a0 \u201cFrom what I’ve read, it can take a long time for lungs to heal.”<\/p>\n

“What if he can never come home? The Ponderosa is everything to him.”<\/p>\n

Adam forgave the unintended rebuke but it stung nonetheless.\u00a0 \u201cEven if he couldn\u2019t live in the Sierras, he could still work for the ranch\u2014negotiate contracts, sell cattle, train horses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would kill him and you know it.\u00a0 Maybe not literally, but . . .\u00a0 it would kill his spirit.\u00a0 It already has,\u201d Ben said sadly.\u00a0 The passion and zest for living that once defined his son were gone.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, go to Sacramento, take care of business.\u00a0 Take as long as you need and then some and relax a little.\u00a0 You\u2019ve borne the burden of caring for Joe far too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow see here,\u201d Ben bristled, \u201cI\u2019ve never felt caring for any of my sons was a burden.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa, but you\u2019re tired.\u00a0 If I can see that, so can he and that may be why he\u2019s withdrawn from conversation.\u00a0 Let me look after him.\u00a0 I\u2019ll see if I can\u2019t draw him out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell . . . ,\u201d Ben said uncertainly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me do this, Pa.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that why you sent for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSent for you?\u201d\u00a0 Ben shook his head, his bewilderment plain to see. \u201cYou mean the brandy?\u00a0 All Joe said was that he wanted you to have a bottle to celebrate the New Year in your new house.\u00a0 I agreed.\u00a0 He wrote out the instructions for the merchant and I sent along a letter.\u00a0 Just what did you receive?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust that, Pa.\u00a0 A bottle and your letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen why did you think\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014just call it intuition, Pa.\u00a0 At any rate, I\u2019m here and am more than capable of looking after my kid brother for a few days.\u201d\u00a0 Adam kept his voice light, but he was now even more certain there was a hidden meaning to his brother\u2019s gift.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well.\u00a0 I\u2019ll walk into town to catch the stage so you can have the buggy.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Dr. Edward Warren\u2019s office was efficient.\u00a0 There were several consultation rooms off the central waiting area and a surgery down the hall.\u00a0 Diplomas on the wall bore the great seals of Columbia University\u2019s College of Physicians and Surgeons as well as Harvard along with a framed citation signed by President Abraham Lincoln that accompanied the Congressional Medal of Honor for Meritorious Service during the Battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862.\u00a0 Adam whistled softly.\u00a0\u00a0The bloodiest single day of the War.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A moment later, the doctor greeted him and Joe personally with a firm handshake and a no nonsense demeanor.<\/p>\n

The examination went much as his father predicted.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s predilection to prevarication when confronted by a doctor\u2019s probing questions required intervention from the start.\u00a0 Fortunately, a clearing of the throat and a raised eyebrow on Adam\u2019s part was all that was needed to quell the evasive responses to questions regarding diet, exercise, and sleeping patterns.<\/p>\n

When Joe was forthright in admitting he rarely slept through the night and found it difficult to nap during the day, Adam was surprised.\u00a0 He had seen Joe dozing in the garden, though had to admit it was impossible to tell if his brother was actually sleeping or just closing his eyes against the sun or, more like it, faking sleep to avoid conversation.<\/p>\n

What most disturbed him, however, was the way the doctor kept moving the stethoscope back and forth first on one side and then on the other all over Joe\u2019s bare torso starting at a spot above the collarbone, then below, then all around the pectoral and into the armpit, all the while asking Joe to breathe normally.\u00a0 Then he asked Joe to lean forward and he did the same thing to his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me about your cough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about it?\u201d Joe asked warily.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow often?\u00a0 Dry?\u00a0 Wet?\u00a0 Nocturnal?\u00a0 Day?\u201d<\/p>\n

The look on Joe\u2019s face was priceless.\u00a0 Caught without room to waffle, he was damned if he told the truth; damned if he didn\u2019t.\u00a0 The doctor waited him out, not giving up an inch of his authority nor wavering in his gaze.<\/p>\n

Out maneuvered, Joe closed his eyes and shook his head slightly in resignation.\u00a0 \u201cAll of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExplain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTalking a lot can make me cough.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDry then?\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDoes your throat hurt?<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s more like tickle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about at night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s deeper.\u00a0 When I lay down mostly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever coughed up blood?<\/p>\n

\u201cA few times; not lately.\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor ran his fingers over Joe\u2019s ribs, feeling each one.\u00a0 Afterwards, he repeated his exam with the stethoscope, this time asking Joe to cough whenever he moved the chest piece.<\/p>\n

When the exam was over, Dr. Warren made notes in his chart for several minutes and then told Joe he could put his shirt back on.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Doc?\u201d\u00a0 Joe asked.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s the word?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe good news is your ribs are fully mended and you can resume normal activities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe grinned from ear to ear.\u00a0 \u201cDo you hear that, Adam?\u00a0 I can go home!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on, Joe, not so fast.\u00a0 What about it, doctor?\u00a0 Can my brother return to Virginia City?\u201d<\/p>\n

The doctor frowned.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m afraid I have to concur with Dr. Martin\u2019s assessment that returning to the Sierras at this time is out of the question.\u201d<\/p>\n

The blood drained from Joe\u2019s face and he stumbled back against the examining table but waved off Adam\u2019s assistance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen,\u201d he choked.<\/p>\n

The doctor pulled a rubber balloon out of his medical bag and asked Joe to blow it up.<\/p>\n

He couldn’t.<\/p>\n

“When you can inflate this balloon and three more like it in rapid succession, you can return home.”<\/p>\n

Utterly defeated, Joe picked up his hat and walked out of the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse us a moment, doctor,\u201d Adam said, and hurried out into the street after his brother.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph Francis Cartwright!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do it, Adam,\u201d Joe whispered, the corners of his mouth pulled downward.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll never be able to go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe doctor is throwing you a lifeline.\u00a0 Blow up the balloons and you can go home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how am I supposed to do that?\u00a0 I don\u2019t have enough air to blow out a candle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen has Joe Cartwright ever backed away from a challenge?\u201d Adam said forcefully.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve been at death\u2019s door a dozen times and you\u2019ve always fought back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe just stared at him, drained\u2014all the fight gone out of him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m just so tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not in you to give up, Joe.\u00a0 You were born fighting for life and, God help me, you\u2019ll continue to fight as long as I\u2019m alive!\u00a0 I won\u2019t let you give up!\u00a0 Come on,\u201d Adam said, grabbing Joe\u2019s arm and pulling him back inside where Dr. Warren was waiting.\u00a0 Instead of the examining room, he ushered the Cartwrights into his office and pointed to chairs while he sat on the edge of his desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard what your brother said, Joe, and from reading your medical record, I can see you have grit and courage, so I won\u2019t lie.\u00a0 It will be a struggle to increase capacity in lungs as damaged as yours, but it is possible if you work hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Like a stone wall, Joe sat immovable and continued to stare at the floor.\u00a0 When Adam started to say something, the doctor held up his hand to silence him and continued to speak only to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have been favoring your ribs as they mended by breathing shallow and not exerting yourself.\u00a0 But to improve you\u2019ll have to breathe deep and often and that\u2019s going to hurt like hell because your ribs are not going to expand easily.\u00a0 That shouldn\u2019t be a surprise to you considering the number of times you\u2019ve broken them before.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe snorted softly but raised his eyes to meet the doctor\u2019s gaze head on.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstand that lack of oxygen can cause depression.\u00a0 Your shallow breathing may be partially responsible for your feelings of despair.\u00a0 The more oxygen you take in, the better you will feel.\u00a0\u00a0 The more you push yourself to the limits, the greater the capacity your lungs will have to inflate just like that balloon.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs for the coughing, that\u2019s a tough one.\u00a0 You\u2019ll need to cough to clear your lungs.\u00a0 And that is going to hurt as well, because you will feel bruised, like someone has pummeled you from the inside.\u00a0 The body tries to protect itself from injury by forming a barrier\u2014much like a blister on your heel when your boots are new.\u00a0 But added fluid around your lungs will make breathing that much harder and cause you to cough more.\u00a0 And so begins a vicious cycle, but one which will diminish over time if you persist.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Warren then turned to Adam.\u00a0 \u201cYou had a question?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else can he do besides breathing deep and walking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLifting weights.\u00a0 Swimming.\u00a0\u00a0 Singing.\u00a0 All require breath control.\u00a0 All will help.\u00a0 Just don\u2019t overdo.\u00a0 If he gets light headed, stop.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d Adam asked Joe who looked at him long and hard before answering.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

For three days after the visit to the doctor, Joe slept almost continuously.\u00a0\u00a0 Adam made certain there was always food ready when he woke up.\u00a0 While he ate, the linens were straightened or changed and the bedroom aired out.\u00a0 But aside from that, Adam kept the blinds drawn and allowed Joe to keep his own schedule, probably the first time in months he\u2019d been able to do so.\u00a0 Hoss had come up with the strategy for how to take care of Joe years ago.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAnimals eat when they\u2019re hungry, drink when they\u2019re thirsty, sleep when they\u2019re tired.\u00a0 Let him be Adam.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

On the fourth day, Adam was reading in the garden when Joe appeared, freshly scrubbed and fully dressed carrying two mugs of coffee.<\/p>\n

\u201cStill take it black?\u201d Joe asked, placing the mugs on a wrought iron table and taking a seat on the low garden wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cCoffee yes.\u00a0 Tea I take with milk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother British habit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMore the way Harrison fixes it.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t dare object.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s laugh immediately segued into a cough that continued for a full minute.\u00a0 Adam kept an eye on his brother over the rim of his mug, but otherwise resisted the urge to help and allowed him to quiet down on his own.\u00a0 When the spasm was over he asked, \u201cYou all right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Sweat ran down Joe\u2019s face and stained his shirt, but he nodded.\u00a0 Finally catching his breath he added, \u201cThanks.\u00a0 Pa woulda.\u00a0 Had.\u00a0 Fit.\u00a0 Sent for.\u00a0 Doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust breathe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSlow.\u00a0 In through the nose, out through the mouth.\u00a0 Again . . . Again . . . Again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eventually, Joe let out a long sigh and stretched out along the wall; within seconds, he was asleep.\u00a0\u00a0 Although there was a slight breeze off the ocean, the day was warming up and the sun had yet to reach its zenith.\u00a0 Adam decided it was best to leave him be.\u00a0\u00a0 Fifteen minutes later, he was awake again.<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go for a walk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on.\u00a0 Just down that path over there.\u00a0 We won\u2019t go far and you can sit down whenever you get tired.\u201d\u00a0 Adam reached down and pulled his brother up with both hands then offered him his elbow, which Joe declined.<\/p>\n

Wine bottles, whalebones, and abalone shells bordered the paths meandering through the sheltered garden.<\/em>\u00a0 Adam remarked on the variety of flowers and shared the Latin name along with horticulture tips he had picked up in England.\u00a0 He kept up an endless stream of information, allowing Joe to concentrate on breathing rather than talking.\u00a0 Before Joe knew it, they had made a complete circle of the garden and were back at the blue gate which gave the house its name.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere,\u201d Adam said, when Joe sat back on the garden wall.\u00a0 \u201cThat wasn\u2019t so bad was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe rolled his eyes but didn\u2019t deny it felt good to be more physically active.\u00a0 He tilted his head back breathing in the salt air as deep as he dared.<\/p>\n

Sitting on the wall beside him facing the house, Adam remarked on the unusual blend of Mexican adobe and New England Colonial styles in its design.\u00a0 He pointed out the various attributes of each style and wondered about the architect who had integrated them.<\/p>\n

Joe said, \u201cA lot of architects live in Monterey.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 When his brother didn\u2019t bite he dropped some names he’d heard but which meant nothing to him, \u201cDavid Wright.\u00a0 Thomas Larkin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLarkin designed this house?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe smiled, pleased he had found something to interest his brother.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u201cNo.\u00a0 This is The House of the Blue Gate.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know who built it, but the Soberanes family owns it.\u00a0 We\u2019re renting while they\u2019re in South America for the winter.\u00a0 Larkin built The House of Gold, Casa Serrano, and The House of the Four Winds.\u00a0 I heard he\u2019s also developing a lot of the land around Fisherman\u2019s Wharf.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery descriptive names.\u00a0 Reminds me of plantation names like Oak Alley, Hickory Grove\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014The Ponderosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wonder what Pa would say if he heard you comparing The Ponderosa to a plantation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe laughed.\u00a0 \u201cWell, he did get the three of us to work for peanuts . . .\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe you.\u00a0 I, on the other hand, made a handsome wage!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least I spent mine on living.\u00a0 You probably still have the first nickel you ever earned.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a criticism?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 It\u2019s an indictment of your lifestyle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean it, Adam.\u00a0 You never do anything for fun.\u00a0 Everything has to have purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve travelled the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and you got paid for that.\u00a0\u00a0 It was a job!\u00a0 When\u2014recently\u2014have you done something spontaneous?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI came here on a whim\u2014no plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou came here because of a sense of duty.\u00a0 You thought you owed it to Pa, or Hoss, or me because of something you read in the paper.\u00a0 Well things happen here all the time, Adam . . . birth, death, broken hearts, broken bones, fevers . . . it\u2019s called life and it\u2019s messy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust because I like order doesn\u2019t mean I don\u2019t have a life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou live walled up in a library, in a house joined wall-to-wall with other houses, in a city of three million people!\u00a0\u00a0 You say it\u2019s because of the history and culture.\u00a0 Well, the past is dead and gone and museums are filled with dead people\u2019s stuff.\u00a0 The theatre is all about watching someone else\u2019s life unfold and books are written about the adventures and passions of another.\u00a0 You are buried alive, brother.\u00a0 And the tragedy is you don\u2019t even know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cImmurement.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cBeing buried alive; it\u2019s called immurement.\u00a0 Like a firing squad or hanging, it\u2019s a form of execution practiced in some parts of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u00a0 So then what?\u00a0 You want me to say you\u2019re immured?\u00a0 Is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet it go, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you here, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp me?\u00a0 That\u2019s rich.\u00a0 Help me do what exactly?\u00a0 You can\u2019t breathe for me, or walk, or swim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp you face what happened in that basement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe building fell in.\u00a0 I was trapped.\u00a0 What difference does it make?\u00a0 I got out.\u00a0 End of story.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa said you haven\u2019t been bothered by nightmares.\u00a0 Is that true?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s nostrils flared; mouth open, he was just short of panting.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe thinks the reason you haven\u2019t had nightmares is because you were unconscious the whole time you were trapped and have no memory of the event.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam knew he was treading on dangerous ground but continued to press on.\u00a0 \u201cI think Pa\u2019s wrong.\u00a0\u00a0 In the Cask of Amontillado, Fortunato knew his fate.\u00a0 I think you were very much aware that you were buried alive and were going to slowly suffocate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop saying that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s more I think every moment since has been a waking nightmare because you are still buried alive . . . buried in guilt\u2014Pa\u2019s, Hoss\u2019s . . . your own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI said shut up!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now you\u2019re trapped in this house suffocating under weight of\u2014not bricks\u2014but 24 hour surveillance by our well-meaning, but totally over protective father to the point you can\u2019t breathe.\u00a0 Isn\u2019t that why you sent me the Amontillado?\u00a0 To help you escape?\u201d<\/p>\n

Left fist balled, arm cocked, Joe rocked back ready to throw a left hook when suddenly he sank to the ground gasping for air, heart pounding.\u00a0 He was unaware that Adam was sitting next to him until he felt the warmth of his brother\u2019s hand through his sweat soaked shirt.\u00a0 Adam rested against the garden wall and stretched his legs out but kept his hand on his brother\u2019s back.\u00a0 After a minute, Joe leaned into his shoulder just as he had done when he was a kid.\u00a0 Adam circled his brother with his arms and pulled him close.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened in the basement, Joe?\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI panicked,\u201d Joe responded as if it were an indictment.\u00a0 \u201cThe ground shaking scared the bejesus out of me.\u00a0 I wanted to get the hell out of there but Pa was still in the chute and the stairwell was blocked.\u00a0 There was nowhere to go and I panicked.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone would have; it\u2019s nothing to be ashamed of.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be so sure, Joe.\u00a0 We all experience moments of panic, even Pa.\u00a0 Could you see anything?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a lantern.\u00a0 It was dim . . . but enough for me to spot a table.\u00a0 I rushed toward it as the floor began to buckle.\u00a0 When the bottom gave way, I just kept moving, clawing at anything I could reach.\u00a0 Then the ceiling broke apart and everything fell in . . . just like Tremayne said it . . . would,\u201d he gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no hurry, Joe.\u00a0 Catch your breath when you need to, okay?\u201d \u00a0When Adam felt him nod, he said, “Keep going. \u00a0What happened next?”<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the light the plaster dust and wood chips looked like snow.\u00a0 The basement was so thick with it the air was yellow . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cMy foot caught in something before I vaulted over the table.\u00a0 When I reached down to see what it was, my cracked ribs broke.\u00a0 I think I screamed.\u00a0 At least I tried to scream.\u00a0 I opened my mouth but all I did was swallow dust.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t breathe . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cMy foot was in a picnic basket.\u00a0 There was wine, chicken . . . Pa\u2019s kerchief.\u00a0 It smelled of him. I held it over my nose and mouth and breathed shallow\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0like you taught me.\u00a0 I hurt less that way.\u00a0 Made me think of Pa . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cIt kept snowing.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t see the sun for all the snowflakes that swirled in the air.\u00a0 I kept wishing it would be dark so I could sleep.\u00a0 There was so much sand in my eyes, I just hoped it was Ole . . . Ole . . . what\u2019s his name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOle-Luk-Oie,\u201d Adam said, remembering the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale about the sandman Inger had read to him and he to Hoss and Joe in their turn.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah . . . Oie . . . bringer of sweet dreams . . . not his brother Death . . . on horseback . . . who said I was middlin\u2019 and made me listen to frightful tales\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0.\u00a0 But that damn lantern never went out.\u00a0 For all I know, it\u2019s burning still . . . .<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was cold . . . Reminded me of . . . when we were snowbound together and you read all those frightful tales . . . .\u00a0 The Tell-Tale Heart, Cask of Amontillado, Murders in the Rue Morgue, and . . . and . . . Pa\u2019s favorite\u2014what was it?<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Fall of the House of Usher.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that one.\u00a0 Now that I\u2019ve been buried alive I don\u2019t . . . wanna read them again . . . .\u00a0 Or eat chicken . . . .\u00a0 The wine wasn\u2019t much good either . . . .\u00a0 \u00a0Thought if I was to die by . . . by . . . whadya call it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cImmurement.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cImmure . . . ment.\u00a0 Roy would have to offer up a better meal.\u00a0 Guess I\u2019ll have to talk to him about that . . . next time . . . I\u2019m dying . . . in a snowstorm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNext time, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas for you, ya know.\u00a0 Not me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cAmon . . . lado.\u00a0 So\u2019s you . . . don\u2019t . . . bury yourself in books.\u00a0 Kay? . . . Promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI promise, Joe.\u00a0\u00a0 Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

He was asleep again and Adam was content to sit there as long as necessary.\u00a0 He hoped the telling would be enough to bring Joe closure.\u00a0 If history were any teacher, just sharing a nightmare would usually eliminate or help diminish the aftereffects.<\/p>\n

Dr. Warren said in order to go home, Joe would have to increase lung capacity.\u00a0 Breathe, cough, sleep.\u00a0 Walk, swim, sing.<\/p>\n

So, stretched out next to his brother, Adam began to formulate a plan.\u00a0 The next day he sent separate wires to his Pa, Hop Sing, and Hoss asking each to trust him and do as he requested without question for Joe\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n

He asked Pa to go home to the Ponderosa after he finished his business in Sacramento, without returning to Monterey, and he promised he would write faithfully about Joe\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n

He wished Hop Sing\u00a0xin nian kuai le<\/em>\u00a0and asked him to return to the Ponderosa after enjoying Chinese New Year in San Francisco with his cousins, as Hoss needed him far more than Joe did.<\/p>\n

He assured Hoss that he was following his prescription to the T for curing what ailed Joe.<\/p>\n

A cable to Harrison in London advised that he would remain in America for some time and let him know he had arranged through his solicitor for the continuation of Harrison\u2019s salary and payment of household expenses.<\/p>\n

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

Adam lay in bed, arms behind his head, staring at the ceiling.\u00a0 The nocturnal cough from Joe\u2019s room was painful to listen to, but they had an agreement:\u00a0\u00a0 as long as there was no blood involved, he would not interfere.\u00a0\u00a0 Easier said than done.\u00a0\u00a0 Now he understood why Pa had fussed at every gut wrenching cough and why Joe had hidden it from him whenever he was able.<\/p>\n

A private consultation with Dr. Warren had prepared Adam for what to expect.\u00a0 One step forward, two steps back was not out of the realm of possibility.\u00a0 Progress would be measured in fractions not miles.\u00a0 But that gave him an idea.<\/p>\n

The next day he sent one more telegram\u2014this time to Candy asking him to send a wrangler to Monterey with Sport and Cochise as soon as road conditions would allow but not to say anything to Joe.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d Joe asked when he came down to breakfast later that week and saw the picture frame on the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a map.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can see that.\u00a0 What are all the funny marks?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s Monterey,\u201d Adam pointed, \u201cand here\u2019s the Ponderosa. \u00a0Dr. Warren said you needed to inflate four balloons.\u00a0\u00a0 These circles on the road to home represent the balloons.\u00a0 We\u2019ll use each of these hash marks to record the progress you\u2019ve made toward inflating one balloon, then two, and so forth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe fixated on the map throughout breakfast.\u00a0 After Adam finished eating, he cleared the table and washed the dishes, leaving his brother to dry and put away.\u00a0\u00a0 When Adam returned to the dining room, he saw Joe had his feet planted firmly in front of the map, his eyes closed, the fingers of his right hand pressed against the final balloon, his left hand over his heart.\u00a0 It was as if he were taking an oath.\u00a0 Adam retreated quietly back into the kitchen and then made a noisy entrance.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about we . . . .\u201d\u00a0 He need not have bothered for Joe had already left the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOutside, Adam,\u201d Joe called from the second floor balcony.\u00a0 He was checking the weather to see if he needed his jacket.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to go for a walk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the garden?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I thought I\u2019d go down to the wharf.\u00a0 Maybe buy us some fish for dinner.\u00a0 Not the same as catchin\u2019 our own, but it\u2019ll have to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam opened his mouth to object, but Joe cut him off.<\/p>\n

\u201cUh-uh.\u00a0 No fussing, you promised.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome here,\u201d Adam walked to the end of the verandah and crooked his finger.\u00a0 \u201cTake a look,\u201d he said, pointing.\u00a0 \u201cNice walk down, but steep climb coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe frowned; he hadn\u2019t thought of that.\u00a0 Just climbing the stairs to the second floor living areas in this house was a struggle for him, though he did his best to hide that fact.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you get a head start while I hitch the buggy.\u00a0 I\u2019ll meet you down at the wharf and we can have lunch at this tavern Pa took me to.\u00a0\u00a0 It would be nice to eat out for change, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Recognizing a compromise when he heard it, Joe swallowed his retort and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd wear your jacket.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cScamp!\u201d Adam said, swatting Joe\u2019s butt as he walked past.\u00a0 He remained on the balcony and waited for his brother to appear on the steps below.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake it easy, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

A waved hand was the only acknowledgment.<\/p>\n

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

By the time he reached the wharf, Joe was more than a little winded but loathe to admit it, yet he almost cried with relief when he saw his brother waiting for him.\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t say a word when it was necessary to lift his brother into the buggy.\u00a0 Instead, he launched into a spirited monologue about ocean tides and weather patterns, allowing Joe to recover as they slowly made their way towards the Sailor\u2019s Knot.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo this is where Pa\u2019s been hanging out when he goes to town?\u201d Joe asked.\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s been holding out on me.\u00a0 Been here three months without a beer . . . just ain\u2019t fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, kid,\u201d Adam said as they clinked their steins, \u201cyou\u2019ve earned it.\u00a0 That was quite a trek down here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t argue!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll be a first.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

And so a ritual was begun.\u00a0 During the week, Joe would lift weights, do laps around the garden, walk up and down the steps at the house, all the while breathing deeply.\u00a0 On Saturday, he would walk down to the wharf where Adam would meet him and they would take a drive, lunch, and walk some more.\u00a0 As Joe\u2019s stamina improved, Adam taught him sea shanties like \u201cBlow the Man Down\u201d and \u201cWhat Do You Do with a Drunken Sailor\u201d\u2014the one Joe enjoyed the most.\u00a0 At first, he sang it in his head.\u00a0 When he could sing it out loud while climbing stairs, Adam said it was time to try inflating a balloon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m nervous, Adam.\u00a0 What if all this has been for nothing?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether or not you are able to inflate the balloon, it hasn\u2019t been for nothing.\u00a0\u00a0 You look better, you\u2019re not coughing as much, your stamina has improved.\u00a0 Besides, that\u2019s why we have the hash marks on the balloon\u2014to measure even the slightest improvement.\u00a0 Now, just like you used to do when Pa would throw coins in the pond for you to find, take two deep breaths and exhale all the way.\u00a0 On the third hold it and then blow up the balloon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe shook his arms and rolled his shoulders and his neck to loosen up.\u00a0 Balloon in hand, he inhaled and exhaled as instructed and then blew into the balloon.\u00a0 It was just as difficult as it was in the doctor\u2019s office and he got nowhere.\u00a0 Angry, he spit it out, \u201cI can\u2019t do it!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down.\u00a0 You blew too fast.\u00a0 Now, do it again and do it slow.\u00a0 Try singing \u2018Shenandoah\u2019 in your head as you\u2019re doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201c\u2019Shenandoah.\u2019\u00a0 You know the song.\u00a0 Sailors use it as a capstan shantey for long pulls.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes, centered himself, and began again.<\/p>\n

\u201cSteady.\u00a0 That\u2019s it.\u00a0 Deep breath, exhale.\u00a0\u00a0 Again.\u00a0 Deep breath, exhale.\u00a0 Again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his hands over Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cOpen your eyes,\u201d he commanded.<\/p>\n

Joe opened one eye a slit, then the other, and then both eyes wide.\u00a0 In his brother\u2019s hands was a big, beautiful, fully inflated balloon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did it!!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did it!!\u201d\u00a0 The brothers shouted simultaneously, slapping each other on the back and jumping up and down, like five year olds.\u00a0 Adam let go of the balloon and together they laughed when it made a rude noise and flew a zig zag path around the room as it deflated.<\/p>\n

Suddenly the door burst open and a familiar voice filled the room.\u00a0 \u201cYa gotta party goin\u2019 on here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss!\u201d\u00a0 Joe threw his arms\u2014as far as he could anyway\u2014around his big brother\u2019s frame.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, good to see you!\u201d said Adam, extending his hand.\u00a0 \u201cDid you come alone?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNah, I brought someone to see Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone to see me?\u201d\u00a0 Joe looked quizzically from one brother to the other.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s waitin\u2019 out front.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead,\u201d said Adam.<\/p>\n

The brothers walked out onto the balcony just in time to see Joe and Cochise reunite.<\/p>\n

\u201cHope you don\u2019t mind,\u201d said Hoss.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 The timing was perfect, either way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEither way?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll explain later.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded.\u00a0 \u201cHe looks pretty good.\u00a0 I didn\u2019t know what to expect after hearin\u2019 Pa tell it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s worked hard and made a lot of progress, but it\u2019s a long road, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYa think there\u2019s a chance he\u2019ll be home by summer?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI honestly don\u2019t know.\u00a0 There\u2019s a big difference between sea level and 7,000 feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s been frettin\u2019 about that.\u00a0 He found out Sacramento\u2019s elevation is around 50 feet and was thinkin\u2019 of rentin\u2019 a place there if you think Joe\u2019s ready.\u00a0 It would be closer to home and we could visit easier.\u00a0 Joe might even be able to help out with the trestle project\u2014you know, supervisin\u2019 like he did with the flume.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea, Hoss.\u00a0 And Placerville is around 2,000 feet.\u201d\u00a0 Adam went into the dining room and looked at the map.\u00a0 \u201cIf he keeps improving, he could move on up there when the time is right and then on to Carson City at 4,700 feet.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know why I didn\u2019t think of it.\u201d\u00a0 Adam found a pencil and wrote the elevations in on each balloon, pleased at the additional motivation the notations would provide for Joe.<\/p>\n

Over a glass of brandy following their celebratory dinner, the brothers toasted Joe as he filled in the first balloon on his path home.<\/p>\n

Later, as Adam was cleaning up, he found the spent balloon on the floor far from where they had been standing.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s road home would no doubt zig zag just as wildly, but it was the only option available for the first Cartwright born on the Ponderosa; the one with pine sap in his veins; the one for whom a candle would always burn bright.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

Author’s Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Written for the 2013 Ponderosa Paddlewheel Poker Tournament.\u00a0\u00a0The words dealt were:\u00a0\u00a0Cave-in, chopping wood, saloon, greasing axles, and Cask of Amontillado.<\/p>\n

\u201cWords – so innocent and powerlessas they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.\u201d \u2013 Nathaniel Hawthorne<\/p>\n

For the record: \u00a0\u00a0Rubber balloons were invented in 1824 and latex balloons were first manufactured in 1847.<\/p>\n

A topographical map is used to depict elevation. The earliest detailed surveys in the United States were made by the \u201cTopographical Bureau of the Army,\u201d formed during the War of 1812.<\/p>\n

Casa Soberanes\u2014During the 1840s, Rafael Estrada constructed an adobe brick home on a hillside overlooking Monterey Bay. His family lived there until it was sold to the Soberanes family in 1860.\u00a0 The living areas of the house were on the second floor which featured a balcony running the length of the house.\u00a0\u00a0The house\u00a0is a blend of Colonial and Spanish architectural elements and was furnished with early New England and China trade pieces mixed in with Mexican folk art.\u00a0 Casa Soberanes received its nickname\u2014The House of the Blue Gate\u2014from the blue gate at its garden entrance on Pacific Street.\u00a0\u00a0Wine bottles, whalebones, and abalone shells did indeed border paths meandering through the sheltered garden.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 A tragic event in Virginia City sends shock waves across the globe and spurs Adam to return home to find the truth.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0WC \u00a016,000<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":49254,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,40],"tags":[14,15,17,16,158],"class_list":["post-7066","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-whi","category-challenges","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","tag-pppt","wpcat-27-id","wpcat-40-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":4283,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/One-Candle.png?fit=358%2C350&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":7066,"position":0},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":7580,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7580","url_meta":{"origin":7066,"position":1},"title":"The Wheelchair (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Years later Adam\u2019s wheelchair from \u201cThe Triangle\u201d comes out of the attic. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0667 The Wheelchair Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Bird.jpg?fit=323%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6742,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6742","url_meta":{"origin":7066,"position":2},"title":"Grazed (by Jayne)","author":"Jayne","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0When Adam finds a slightly injured Joe, they share a strangely special moment. \u00a0A Young Cartwright short story. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0767","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Joe"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Joe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1091"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza7.jpg?fit=720%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5278,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5278","url_meta":{"origin":7066,"position":3},"title":"The Squirrel Incident (by Born in the USA)","author":"Born in The USA","date":"April 30, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0With Hoss and Joe away, Adam has to take care of his brother's chores. And gets a little 'surprise' along the way. Rated:\u00a0K+ (640 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":7582,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7582","url_meta":{"origin":7066,"position":4},"title":"Doctor’s Orders (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0Ben and Adam face off over the doctor\u2019s orders. Rated:\u00a0K+\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a0887","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/adam_11.jpg?fit=796%2C638&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6628,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6628","url_meta":{"origin":7066,"position":5},"title":"Forever – The Love of My Life – #3 (by Rider)","author":"Rider","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe and Alice think about their relationship on the eve of their wedding. 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