<\/p>\n
Summary:\u00a0Hop Sing faces a dilemma.<\/p>\n
Rated:\u00a0T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a02017<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Traces of Sand<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n He had felt it first beneath his house slippers and then beneath his fingers as he stooped and ran his hand over the wooden planks of the floor. When he lifted his hand, it clung to his fingertips slightly reflective in the strong sunlight from the window. Fine white sand had been brought into the house. Not the usual dark earth or darker mud that he cleaned endlessly but definitely pure, fine sand. The sand itself was not disturbing, but its presence here in the room of number one son was. There were not many places on the Ponderosa where such sand could be found, none of them were places that the boy should have been without his father\u2019s permission, and Hop Sing had heard Ben\u2019s orders that young Adam not leave the confines of the yard while he was up at the lumber camp for two days. Hop Sing rose and began sweeping vigorously as he contemplated options for both action and inaction.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam felt eyes upon him and looked up from the book before him. Glancing about, he saw only the retreating back of the Chinese cook. Turning his eyes back to his schoolbook, Adam allowed his mind to wander. He did not know the circumstances that had led to his father hiring Hop Sing. Before going into town that day his pa had made no mention of hiring anyone, let alone a Chinese man, to cook and clean for them. They had, of course, moved from the cabin into the first floor of what one day would be a large and impressive two-story house. Hop Sing was an excellent cook, and his presence did allow Adam more time to study and to assist his father in real ranch business learning what he would need to know as he and the ranch both grew. Still, at times, that presence left Adam feeling uncomfortable and unsettled. Pa insisted that all adults be treated with due respect by both his sons, and Hop Sing, though young, was definitely an adult. Adam seldom spent time alone with the hands, but he spent large amounts of time alone with this servant who obeyed his requests yet held an elder\u2019s authority over him. Adam shook his head as if to dislodge his musings and returned to his studies.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing gave an almost imperceptible sigh. Here again was the white sand. With certainty it had been brought in on the boots of his master\u2019s elder son, and just as surely the boy had disobeyed his father in acquiring it. Hop Sing stared at the grains as if trying to decipher one of the intricate puzzles of his youth. In the two months that he had worked for Ben Cartwright, he had come to respect the man greatly and feel for him a loyalty he had before felt only for elders within his own family. He knew that Mister Cartwright did not draw the same line between servant and master that he had seen in his homeland and even among many of the rich in this new country. He had not spoken of the sand to his master after discovering it the first time. He was unsure that it was his place to do so, yet several times when business had kept Mr. Cartwright from his home overnight, he had placed the responsibility for his sons\u2019 welfare in Hop Sing\u2019s hands. Hop Sing felt that responsibility as he stared at the sand on the floor and began sweeping it away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing.\u201d Ben Cartwright\u2019s voice caused Hop Sing to turn. \u201cHop Sing, is there any coffee left from breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlways coffee is on stove in kitchen. I get for you now.\u201d Hop Sing set the broom against the nearest wall.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can get it myself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head slightly. \u201cI get.\u201d He moved quickly toward the kitchen and returned with a tray containing a small pot of coffee, a cup, and a plate of freshly baked cookies. He carried them to the desk behind which Ben Cartwright had settled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled. \u201cThank you, Hop Sing.\u201d Picking up a cookie, he added, \u201cDon\u2019t let Hoss eat too many of these before lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNumber two son always eat good lunch. Cookies no spoil.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, they never have,\u201d Ben agreed. \u201cWell, I better get to these books and stop interfering with your cleaning.\u201d Ben opened the ledger before him as he munched a ginger cookie. Hop Sing returned to his broom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben reached for his coffee cup and noticed Hop Sing\u2019s eyes upon him though they were quickly removed. Minutes later while reaching for another cookie, he noticed that the houseman was again regarding him silently.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben leaned back in his chair. \u201cHop Sing, is there something. . .\u201d Ben let his question hang as he was not sure precisely what he wanted to ask.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMistah Calwight,\u201d Hop Sing began and then walked slowly toward the desk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, Hop Sing? Is there something you would like to ask or perhaps tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing answered with a slight bow. \u201cHop Sing have knowledge he not know if his place to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAbout what?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNumber one son.\u201d He waited and studied the face of the man before him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam. You know something I should know about Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing dropped his eyes. \u201cIs not so that white sand found only near some of lake?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s brow furrowed. \u201cSand? Yes, the only sand around here is at the lake. There\u2019s a desert full of it, of course, but…\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNumber one son bring sand into house on boots.\u201d It was a softly delivered statement of fact.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben drew his own conclusions quickly. \u201cWhen?\u201d he snapped.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFind last week and again today when sweep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re sure about all this? Sure that it was Adam?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was harsher than he intended.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded. \u201cWould not say if did not know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The pen in Ben\u2019s hand clattered against the desktop. \u201cExcuse me, Hop Sing.\u201d His long strides took him quickly through the door, across the yard, and into the barn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss!\u201d The little boy turned quickly at the sound of his father\u2019s voice. \u201cGo in to Hop Sing. He has some fresh cookies for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As pleasant as the suggestion was, Hoss heard the anger in his father\u2019s voice and realized his absence was being ordered. Giving a quick glance to his elder brother, he scurried away with a swift, \u201cYes, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam had also noted his father\u2019s tone and the absence of his own name from the offer of cookies. When Ben pointed to the spot in front of him, Adam walked to stand there immediately if not speedily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHave you been anywhere near the lake without my permission?\u201d The direct question and the force of its delivery made the boy\u2019s eyes blink then widen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhy would you think I went to the lake without your permission, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben took in a breath and blew it slowly out of his nose. Even at eleven, his son\u2019s ability to evade telling a lie was well-developed. \u201cAdam, if you are wise, you will not anger me with evasions, deceits, or lies.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know better than to lie to you.\u201d Adam kept the tremble from his voice until the final word.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhen were you last near the lake?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam could not resist a final attempt. \u201cHow near the lake, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d The two syllables lashed out like a bullwhip.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam could not reason how, but he knew that his father had discovered his transgression. \u201cYesterday.\u201d The word seemed to drain from him with the remaining color from his face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe whole story now, young man, and I had better not have to ask again.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It was a simple story of boyish disobedience and forbidden adventure. He had met two other boys in secret. Nothing they had done there had been wrong in and of itself. It was simply that he had gone beyond his boundaries and engaged in deceit to do it. That and the inherent danger in three boys alone at the lake without anyone knowing fueled his father\u2019s indignation. Ben Cartwright did not allow his sons to engage in disobedience or deceit with impunity. Adam\u2019s punishment was swift and thorough. After it had been delivered, Ben walked the crying child into the house and up to his room. As Adam buried his face in his pillow, his father placed a hand on his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe matter is settled, Adam. Next time you will remember the consequences of such actions and make a better choice.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, Pa,\u201d the boy managed to reply though the words were barely audible. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou are also forgiven.\u201d Ben patted his son\u2019s back very gently. \u201cYou will stay in your room until I call you for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t want any lunch.\u201d The statement was not defiant or petulant but simply true.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNevertheless, you will wash your face and hands and come to the table when I call.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was not harsh only firm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir.\u201d Adam heard his father\u2019s footsteps as Ben left the room and the closing of the door. The boy then allowed himself the indulgence of removing his pants and crying himself to sleep upon his bed while one thought repeated in his head, How did Pa find out; how did he know?<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n ~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even a far less astute man than Hop Sing would have known that the boy had received a whipping by simply observing him at the table. Hop Sing set down the platters and bowls with unusual swiftness and departed to the kitchen. He sat down and pushed the food on his own plate around.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing?\u201d He had been lost in thought and was greatly startled to hear Mister Cartwright\u2019s voice in his kitchen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSomething you need, Mistal Calwight?\u201d Hop Sing sprang to his feet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben motioned for him to sit again. \u201cYes, and that is what I want to speak to you about.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing hesitated and then sat back down. Ben took a seat opposite him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing, I am raising two boys without the help of a wife. I need help to do that properly. While you live under the same roof with us, I need your help. You said you did not know if it was your place to share what you knew about Adam\u2019s disobedience.\u201d Ben paused.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot know if my place to be part of family business between master and son.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed heavily, \u201cI have told you, Hop Sing, I am not your master. I am your employer and someday I would like you to consider me your friend.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMistal Calwight has been much a friend to Hop Sing.\u201d Hop Sing drew in a breath, \u201cYou wish Hop Sing to look upon sons as sons of brothers be looked on?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d Ben nodded for emphasis. \u201cI would like you to consider the boys in your care even when I am not gone.\u201d When Hop Sing did not answer immediately, Ben inquired softly, \u201cIs that asking too much of you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shook his head gravely. \u201cNot too much. Hop Sing willing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben relaxed and smiled. \u201cThank you, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing returned the smile. He knew what was expected. Things could be dealt with if one knew what was expected.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rose, but Hop Sing\u2019s voice stopped his leaving. \u201cDoes number one son know?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t tell him who or what had given him away. I don\u2019t intend too. I can\u2019t if I want to stay a step ahead of that boy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI shall speak to both boys, though, about your position in this house.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing nodded again. That would be good as he intended to keep that position for a very long time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Disclaimer:<\/u>\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summary:\u00a0Hop Sing faces a dilemma.<\/p>\n Rated:\u00a0T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Word count:\u00a02017<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":143,"featured_media":6426,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1016,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-pa","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-1016-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/vsy.jpeg?fit=248%2C203&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/143"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7621"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7621\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6426"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}