<\/p>\n
Summary:\u00a0<\/span>On a trip to San Francisco, the Cartwright brother become involved in fighting political corruption. This story was written for the Paddlewheel Poker challenge. Each writer was dealt a poker hand of elements to include in a story. *note: The character, James King of William, is an actual figure in San Francisco’s history.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Rated:<\/span> T\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Word<\/span>\u00a0count:\u00a0<\/span>12,847<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe. Come on; it\u2019s getting late.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t wanna.\u201d Hoss rolled his eyes. \u201cDoesn\u2019t matter. Ya gotta.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, I don\u2019t. We could just not go.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re going, Joseph, I don\u2019t intend to be late.\u201d Little Joe opened his eyes and studied his elder brother as he took a last swipe with the razor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not like we\u2019ve never missed services before. We didn\u2019t go to service last Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam wiped the last bits of shaving cream from his face and turned to place his full glare on the boy in the bed. \u201cLast Sunday attending church services was an impossibility. At last count San Francisco had eighteen churches, and one of them is less than five blocks from this hotel, so we will be attending. Now, get out of that bed and get dressed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sat up and pushed away the bed covers. \u201cThought this trip was supposed to be a birthday present. Seems like\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes darkened at his brother\u2019s muttering. Hoss reached out and swung his little brother from the bed setting him on his feet two steps from the wash basin. \u201cGet a move on, Short Shanks. I want time for a mighty fine breakfast before we head out. Can\u2019t have my stomach growling during the sermon.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe sloshed water from the pitcher into the basin. \u201cListening to Adam preach at me most every day should\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Raising his voice to cover his younger brother\u2019s, Hoss stepped into Adam\u2019s line of sight. \u201cWhy don\u2019t ya go down to the dining room and order us up some eggs and flapjacks and bacon, maybe ham, and biscuits, and umm, well, whatever they got that sounds good while Little Joe and I finish up. We\u2019ll be down directly. Quicker than spit in fact.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam made a single attempt to look around Hoss before sighing. \u201cThat\u2019s probably the best idea. See he has on a tie and his hair is brushed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI will; I will, and ya know that I\u2019ll have us down before any of that food can even start cooling.\u201d Hoss smiled and edged his older brother toward the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took two steps back and then turned. Proceeding to the door, he paused to address the youngest Cartwright without looking back. \u201cFifteen minutes, Joseph, not a minute more.\u201d He closed the door behind him quickly enough that hearing any response from either brother would be an impossibility.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe means it, Joe, so shake a leg.\u201d Hoss walked over to the dresser and picked up his own string tie.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI am; I am; don\u2019t you go griping at me too.\u201d Little Joe rolled his eyes as he wiped his face. \u201cSome present this trip is turning out to be.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNow, ya best rethink that attitude. Pa and Adam let ya come along because ya done turned thirteen and ya wanted to come so bad, but it ain\u2019t like there weren\u2019t half a dozen other gifts from Pa and Adam with your name on them. It ain\u2019t like they promised ya could have everything your way either just because it was partly\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d Little Joe pulled his nightshirt over his head and tossed it on the bed. He plopped down beside it and sighed. \u201cI know.\u201d The second declaration was softer and absent of whining.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen get yourself dressed, so we can get down to the table. I\u2019m getting powerful hungry.\u201d Hoss\u2019s stomach chose to punctuate his declaration with a loud rumble.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe giggled, shook his head, and then managed to dress in less than the fifteen minutes allotted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe lifted his eyes from his empty plate and bit the corner of his lip. \u201cUmm, Adam, umm, if you want the morning paper, I could fetch one for you. They have them at the front desk, but the man said sometimes they sell out.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam set down his coffee cup. Breakfast had been pleasant, and Little Joe had made no complaint about anything that had or had not been ordered. His eyes traveled to the open doorway through which he had a clear line of sight to the front desk. \u201cI\u2019d appreciate your fetching one then. Here.\u201d Adam reached into his pocket and held out a coin to his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe smiled, jumped to his feet, and took the coin. \u201cBe back in a snap.\u201d He headed toward the desk with a light, quick step.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe was tired this morning, Adam. He ain\u2019t been sleeping well not being in his own bed, and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd what?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd I think, well, I think he misses Pa most at night.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s finger ran from the tip of his nose up to the spot directly between his eyes and rubbed. \u201cI suppose so.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa know being tired makes him irritable, and, well, Little Joe ain\u2019t never been very good in the morning, not like you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat is an understatement.\u201d Adam took another sip of coffee. \u201cI want this trip to be a good one for him, for you, for all of us.\u201d He shifted in his seat and leaned forward crossing his arms on the table. \u201cIt\u2019s not just that Pa would have fits if he found out we just decided to shuck off church and go hightailing around the city of a Sunday morning. It\u2019s, well, it\u2019s the right thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe knows that. He\u2019d be feeling guilty pretty quick iffen we did just up and skip service. Pa saw to that with all of us some time back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, but when Little Joe\u2019s conscience started in on him, he\u2019d just tell it that it wasn\u2019t really his fault because after all I was the one who decided we didn\u2019t have to go.\u201d Adam leaned back and pick up his coffee again as Little Joe reappeared newspaper in hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHere, Adam.\u201d Little Joe handed the folded newspaper to his brother. \u201cAnd here\u2019s the change.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou can keep it.\u201d Adam set the cup down again and rose. \u201cWe best get going. They say the preacher is quite a speaker, and attendance is very good.\u201d He smiled at his brothers. \u201cWe don\u2019t want to arrive so late that the only pew open is the one in front.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe settled his eyes on the stained-glass window behind the altar. The depiction of the crucifixion had a very emaciated Jesus hanging on a cross guarded by an impressive Roman soldier and gazing at the weeping women below him. The colors were strong and backlit by the morning sun. Little Joe murmured his approval to Hoss who mumbled agreement as Adam shushed them both. Between the stained-glass pictures at every window, the elaborate carvings on the altar and pulpit, numerous statues, and the massive German pipe organ, Little Joe had decided that attending service was not quite the burden he had felt it would be earlier. He settled against the back of the pew squirming into a more comfortable position as the reverend mounted the steps to the raised pulpit. If the preacher kept the sermon short, he would be able to truthfully mention to Pa that he had enjoyed attending church in San Francisco.<\/p>\n \u201cBrothers and sisters\u2026\u201d The Reverend Alcott was an impressive man with a deep bass voice that immediately drew the attention of every person in the church. \u201cToday I take as my text Matthew Chapter 23 verses 27 and 28.\u201d The reverend opened the large Bible before him and raised the volume of his voice a notch.<\/p>\n Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead bones and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe jumped as the preacher slammed the Bible closed and pointed his finger outward.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFull of hypocrisy and iniquity!\u201d The words condemned, and Little Joe blinked. \u201cThere are those in this city, even within these walls, who stand with those Pharisees and hypocrites full of iniquity and evil. I say unto them- unto you all- as the Lord said unto those before him, \u2018Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?\u2019 Will they hear? I pray; I hope, but I fear not. Many of them will face the fire and repent only when the flames begin to lick at their feet. They have pledged their lives to Lucifer and lucre creating within a city named for a saint a Sodom of sin and transgression awaiting the judgment of Almighty God.\u201d The reverend\u2019s voice descended from its roar to a softer, sheepish tone. \u201cNot I, it cannot be I to whom he speaks. I have not raised up temples of evil, filled the streets with harlots, twisted justice and the law for my own benefit. Perhaps others have, but not I. Not I, Lord, not I.\u201d The voice stopped, and the entire church rang with the silence. Then the deep roar once again filled the sanctuary to its corners. \u201cYes, you, all of you who have seen the vile black beneath the whited walls and allowed it to remain. Not only remain but to grow, to prosper, to thrive and gain control of this place we call home. Each and every one of you who have allowed hypocrites and henchmen of Lucifer to be voted into office time and again without rising up with righteous indignation as did our Lord when he drove out those who defiled the temple and made of His Father\u2019s house a den of thieves. You share the blame, the condemnation, and you shall stand with them in the flames of eternal damnation if you do not join the fight against the sin and corruption that holds this city in its grasp.\u201d The Reverend Alcott placed both hands on the pulpit and leaned toward the congregation. Little Joe pressed against the back of his pew in an effort to distance himself from the reverend\u2019s glare, but he could not drop his gaze from the man\u2019s face. If fact, for the first time in his thirteen years on earth, Little Joe Cartwright sat through an entire sermon with rapt attention and without restless movement.<\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam gave the driver their destination and stepped into the Hansome cab taking the seat opposite his brothers.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, that\u2019s the kinda preaching that keeps a body from sleeping through the sermon.\u201d Hoss nudged Little Joe. \u201cAlmost worth getting up out of bed, uh, Sleepyhead?\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe shoved Hoss\u2019s elbow away and snorted. \u201cHe was a powerful preacher; that\u2019s for sure.\u201d Little Joe looked across at his elder brother. \u201cAre folks in San Francisco as bad as he was making out?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked at the boy. \u201cNot most of them, but, well, a lot of the elected offices are filled with men more focused on making money for themselves than the welfare of the citizens, and some of them, well, quite a few actually, aren\u2019t above engaging in unlawful acts or at least getting paid to look the other way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not everybody\u2019s fault though; is it?\u201d Little Joe looked at Adam expectantly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tugged his left ear. \u201cNo, no, of course not. In fact, San Francisco has been growing and changing. More men have brought their wives and children to live here, good men who want a safe place for their families to live. They are starting to band together to fight against the vice and corruption they see ruining the city. There is a James King of William who started a newspaper,\u00a0The Daily Evening Bulletin<\/i>, who seems to be leading the charge or fueling the fire at least.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd that reverend there; he thinks folks should stand up for what\u2019s right, maybe join a group or something?\u201d Hoss\u2019s gaze had also settled on Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFrom what we heard, I would think so. I didn\u2019t know any of the clergy had taken to speaking so openly, especially\u2026well, a number of city leaders attend that church. It\u2019s the largest and finest Protestant church in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo, the reverend could get in trouble saying what he did about hypocrites and serpents and damnation?\u201d Little Joe\u2019s eyes had widened.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rubbed his chin. \u201cSpeaking out in truth has brought trouble down on many a man, Little Joe, but I don\u2019t think you need worry about the good reverend, not at the moment anyway. Besides, now that we have done our duty as good Christians, I feel the Lord would not frown on the Cartwright brothers enjoying some of the fine sights the city has to offer.\u201d Adam smiled. \u201cI thought we\u2019d go down and have a look at the sailing ships in the harbor first. It should be a bit quieter down there of a Sunday.\u201d He did not add the words \u201cand a bit safer\u201d but gave Hoss a look that assured that both of Little Joe\u2019s big brothers would have him in sight at all times.<\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s eyes lit up. \u201cThere should been some real clipper ships, shouldn\u2019t there, and maybe, well, just maybe we could go aboard one and look around just a little and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShort Shanks, a body can\u2019t just go walking onto a ship, why they are\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cActually, I heard that the\u00a0Green Dolphin<\/i>\u00a0is in port. I\u2019m acquainted with the captain, so there may be a chance\u2026\u201d Adam was interrupted by Little Joe\u2019s overly loud exclamation of delight, and his dimples deepened even as he reminded the boy to lower his voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******\u201c<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Little Joe, set your boots outside the door, and they\u2019ll be picked up and shined.\u201d Adam hung his suit coat up and turned toward his brothers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYours and Hoss\u2019s too?\u201d Little Joe had his boots in his hand and was looking around the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you please.\u201d Adam reached over without comment and picked up Little Joe\u2019s suit coat hanging it beside his own.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t mind if that happened to home.\u201d Hoss handed his boots to his little brother. \u201cThis is one fine hotel you have us staying at, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled. \u201cPa wanted us in this part of town, and, well, sometimes it does no harm to enjoy the finer side of life.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe returned from depositing the boots and plopped down on the settee beside Hoss. \u201cAnd we can \u2018cause we\u2019re rich.\u201d Then he sat up. \u201cAdam, just how rich are we? I mean, well, when I say anything about being rich Pa always starts in on money being the least of what makes a man rich and family and all that. You know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam exchanged a glance with Hoss. \u201cWe do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut we\u2019re the money kind of rich too, aren\u2019t we? Folks in town are always saying things about them rich Cartwrights.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose. \u201cPa has worked hard and has a good head for business, he\u2026, actually, Little Joe, we are what most folks would consider rich when it comes to money and land. Not the richest by far, but much more comfortable than most.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot just, Pa; you too, Adam. I heard Pa say as how you have a head for investing more than once.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cleared his throat. \u201cI learned from Pa. Hoss and pretty soon you would do well to do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shook his head. \u201cThe ranch and such, well, I\u2019ll learn all I need to see to that, but I\u2019m thinking as how I\u2019ll let you see to the investing and such.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat I\u2019m saying, Adam, is dividing things up and each doing what he is best at seems a good way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll see to the horses, Hoss can see to the beeves, we can both help with the timber while you see to the mines and the money. Things will work just fine.\u201d Little Joe settled back with his feet in Hoss\u2019s lap. It was clear that he considered the matter well settled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cocked his eyebrow. \u201cAnd Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, Pa will be seeing to us and playing with his grandkids. Like you said, he\u2019s worked hard, really hard, he deserves to lay back a bit soon as I get grown.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, I can\u2019t fault you there, little brother. In fact, I expect you and Hoss to do your share tomorrow morning while I\u2019m at my meeting concerning the timber contract.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat do ya mean?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa sent a list with us of things to buy and have sent back to the ranch. Quite a long list and I have divided it up. There are some things I think Hoss and you would be best at choosing, so tomorrow morning\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss and me? You\u2019re really going to trust Hoss and me to go out and choose things for the ranch without you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked down at his brother. \u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t I? Hoss is entirely capable, and he will have you to help. Some things, well, in all truth, I think for a few things you and Hoss are the best men for the job.\u201d Adam watched both his brothers chests expand, and their backbones straighten.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut, well, Pa\u2026\u201d Hoss shot Adam a questioning glance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWould skin me alive if I let the two of you wander around alone in parts of this city, but I intend to give you a list of places to go, and if you stick to them, well, you shouldn\u2019t have a problem.\u201d Adam saw the sparkle in Little Joe\u2019s eyes, and bit back the warning he had intended to add.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd iffen we don\u2019t, you\u2019ll skin the both of us and send the carcasses home to Pa.\u201d Hoss\u2019s tone was teasing, but his eyes caught Adam\u2019s and gave a serious promise.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, that goes without saying. Then I thought we would meet for lunch. After that Pa wants us all to get new suits and some shirts and things, so we have an appointment at the tailor\u2019s.\u201d Adam paused listening for a reaction from Little Joe, but it was Hoss who sighed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDid Pa say I had to get a certain color?\u201d Little Joe had always had his own ideas about how to look his best.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, he felt you\u2019re old enough now to make your own choices with some guidance that is. Then tomorrow night we\u2019re going to the theater.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe theater?\u201d The question came from both the younger Cartwrights with the same hesitancy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTo a musical revue. Jim Allerton told me that one of the respectable theaters was having a musical revue that was appropriate even for older\u2026umm\u2026young men like Little Joe, so I purchased tickets today.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat kind of music?\u201d Little Joe spoke softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cNot a symphony, singing and dancing, popular music, comedy, a few skits. You\u2019ll like it; I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe smiled. \u201cWe\u2019ll trust you then.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood. Now, best get to bed.\u201d Adam saw the protest forming in his little brother. \u201cWe all need to rest up; tomorrow will be a long day; we\u2019ll be out quite late.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYea, Little Joe, I don\u2019t want ya snoring through the music.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re the one who snores, ya big galoot.\u201d Little Joe gave Hoss a shove, but rose and finished changing for bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later, Adam felt the bottom corner of his bed give under the weight of a body. \u201cI thought you were asleep.\u201d He sat up and peered through the darkness at his little brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNaw, Hoss is, but I knew you weren\u2019t yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs something wrong?\u201d He could make out the shaking of Little Joe\u2019s head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI just, ummm, I just\u2026 the other morning, Sunday morning\u2026I, I didn\u2019t mean, well, I didn\u2019t mean some, most of those things I said\u2026I just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know. It\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shook his head again. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have. Pa wouldn\u2019t have let it pass.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps not. Brothers can though.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026I wanted you to know I know that you are trying real hard to give me a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou and Hoss, I want us all to have a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou and Hoss could have a better time iffen I wasn\u2019t here.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice was even softer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam leaned forward. \u201cNo.\u201d He reached out and rested his hand on his brother\u2019s leg. \u201cJoe, if Hoss and I were here alone we\u2019d do some things that we won\u2019t on this trip. If I was here alone, I admit there are some things I\u2019d do that I\u2019d enjoy but that I\u2019ll pass on because Hoss and you wouldn\u2019t , but , well, people can enjoy different things at different times with different people. A good time is a good time; it doesn\u2019t have to be compared to any other good time. I enjoy spending time with my brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo you won\u2019t mind going to the musical revue instead of the opera?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI enjoy all kinds of music. I promised you we\u2019d enjoy tomorrow night. I was including myself in that.\u201d He reached out and ruffled Little Joe\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shook off Adam\u2019s hand but smiled and cleared his throat. \u201cI promise you something to, Adam. I promise, well, to try to be real good and watch my mouth and not fuss and have manners and not embarrass ya.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to grow wings and a halo. Just\u2026\u201d Adam\u2019s hand tugged his left ear. \u201cJoe, San Francisco\u2019s a big city, and the dangers here, well, you don\u2019t know them the way you do at home. Just promise me not to wander off, to mind me about\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t do nothing to make ya worry; really, I promise not to.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFine. I won\u2019t worry then.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe cocked his head and then shook it. \u201cYes, ya will. You always do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m responsible for you and for Hoss too. Pa put all his eggs in one basket, and I\u2019m the one carrying that basket.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re one of them eggs too. Still, you should worry less. Hoss is pretty much grown\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAll grown and big enough to take care of myself. Big enough to keep both of my brothers from getting shanghaied too, so ya both can quit yapping and let me sleep.\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice was muffled, but his intent was clear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe huffed but stood to return to his bed. \u201cWell, we\u2019ve got to admit he is\u00a0big<\/i>\u00a0enough.\u201d Stressing the last two words, he took a step and then launched himself at Hoss\u2019s bed. Hoss knew his little brother well enough to free his arms and catch Joe as the boy fell on top of him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBoys!\u201d Adam\u2019s voice stopped the wrestling. \u201cPeople are trying to sleep in this hotel.\u201d He watched Hoss set Little Joe on his feet. \u201cLet\u2019s join them.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked over and studied his elder brother as Adam watched the tailor and his assistant take Little Joe\u2019s measurements. He rubbed his hand up and down his thigh and then spoke softly. \u201cAdam, it\u2019s not the first contract that we haven\u2019t got. Sometimes, well, everybody gets outbid sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam turned his head and tugged his ear. \u201cOf course we\u2019ve been outbid before.\u201d He tugged his ear again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s something more, ain\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNothing you need to be concerned with.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWasn\u2019t you just saying that I needed to be learning about business. I ain\u2019t gonna be learning much if you and Pa keep on keeping things from me. I ain\u2019t a child.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou haven\u2019t reached your majority either, little brother.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNear enough. I understand not telling Little Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot telling me what?\u201d Adam and Hoss both looked up to see their brother standing beside Adam\u2019s chair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere\u2019s Mr. Atherton?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe went to get some material to show us. What weren\u2019t you going to tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss and I were just discussing business; it\u2019s nothing you would be interested in.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s always nothing when you don\u2019t want me knowing \u2018cause you think I\u2019m a baby.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s eyes sparked with indignation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He tugged his ear and sighed. \u201cYou know my meeting this morning was to try and get the timber contract with the city for the public wharves that are being built to extend the harbor.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou was meeting with a Mr. Mason, some kind of city councilman or supervisor or such.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, well, he made it clear that the contract was available to us\u2026\u201d Adam paused and cleared his throat and then lowered the volume of his voice. \u201cAvailable if we were prepared to pay a, umm, he referred to it as a special operating fee.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA special fee?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam straightened in his chair. \u201cWe could have the contract if we paid the highest bride to the mayor\u2019s office and another to him personally.\u201d Adam stood as he saw the tailor approaching with an armful of fabric swatches. \u201cI declined and that was that. Ah, Mr. Atherton, you seem to have quite the selection there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really late, Little Joe, so straight to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t sleepy.\u201d Little Joe flopped down on the hotel bed. \u201cThat was a humdinger of a show.\u201d He glanced over at his elder brother. \u201cThanks, Adam. Thanks a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou can thank Pa when we get home; he allotted quite a nice sum for entertainment.\u201d Adam smiled and swung Little Joe\u2019s shod feet off the bed as he passed by.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure were some pretty gals dancing and singing and\u2026\u201d Hoss glanced over at Little Joe and then cleared his throat. \u201cWe did have us a fine time tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat we did. Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know; I know; I\u2019m changing.\u201d Little Joe stood up and started to unbutton his shirt. \u201cAdam, you did have a good time, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI said I did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYea, but you\u2019ve been sort of quiet like all night.\u201d Little Joe tossed his shirt on the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHang it, please.\u201d Little Joe doffed his pants and then reached for his shirt.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs it \u2018cause of that timber contract?\u201d Little Joe sat down the bed, clothes in hand, and turned a serious gaze on Adam. \u201cThat Mr. Mason, he\u2019s one of those white sepulcher politicians that the reverend preached about.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, he is a corrupt politician.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe mayor must be too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt would appear so.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs asking for bribes illegal?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam tugged his ear. \u201cActually, it is.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo that\u2019s what ya been chewing on.\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes swung toward Hoss. \u201cAny use reporting this Mason to the police?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFrom what I\u2019ve heard and read, there is as much corruption within the police force as within city hall.\u201d Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose. \u201cI could file a report, in all probability it would simply get lost, so to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen\u2026\u201d Hoss shrugged. \u201cAin\u2019t much ya can do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou could tell somebody else. Somebody who\u2019d do something.\u201d Little Joe sounded naively confident. \u201cIs that what you\u2019ve been figuring on, who best to tell?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUmm, well, maybe, who\u2019d you say that newspaper fellow was? That King William\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJames King of William. He\u2019s not really a king, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut he publishes a newspaper. If the newspaper did a story about you reporting that Mason for asking for bribes, well, then it would be real hard for the police to just lose the complaint.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTrue.\u201d Adam\u2019s right hand tugged his left ear at least three times. \u201cIt would be my word against Mason\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt would be opening a big can of worms; that\u2019s for sure.\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice had grown thoughtful. \u201cWe don\u2019t even live here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, we don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOther folks do though.\u201d Little Joe caught Adam\u2019s eyes with his own. \u201cIt would be the right thing to do, wouldn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shifted his weight from one foot to another. \u201cWe\u2019d have very little chance of actually accomplishing anything.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf ya do the right thing, and other folks don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen the Lord won\u2019t be holding it against you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd neither will I. Tomorrow, I\u2019ll pay a visit to the police and then see if I can speak with James King.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll go with ya.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cYou will not, neither of you.\u201d He sent both his brothers a glare that they had long ago learned meant that Adam\u2019s mind was firmly made up. \u201cNow, we best all get to sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss and Little Joe exchanged a glance and then continued to prepare for bed without further comment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******\u201c<\/p>\n <\/p>\n No.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut he don\u2019t have to know. We\u2019ll just follow him, keep an eye, watch his back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss sighed. \u201cNo. Adam said we was to stay here at the hotel, and he meant just that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe should have somebody watching his back.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice was adamant.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe\u2026Joe, listen to me. We can\u2019t, but I can iffen you promise to stay put.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, if you go\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss put a hand on each of his little brother\u2019s shoulders and let his eyes bore into Little Joe\u2019s. \u201cI go or nobody goes. It\u2019s that simple. Iffen you want someone to have Adam\u2019s back than you promise for real and true, a brother\u2019s promise, that you\u2019ll stay in this room, this room only\u2026\u201d Hoss saw Little Joe\u2019s mouth begin to open and tightened his hold. \u201cIf ya need the necessary, there\u2019s a chamber pot. Believe me, neither of us is leaving unless I trust your promise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe pulled away from Hoss and turned his back to his brother.\u00a0You stubborn galloot! You mean it, and when you look like that, you\u2019re as stubborn as a Missouri mule, suborner than anybody. <\/i>\u201cI could\u2026\u201d Little Joe turned back to his brother. \u201cPlease let me come. I can\u2019t just sit here waiting. Pleaseee!\u201d Hoss remained silent; his eyes giving not an inch. \u201cOkay, okay, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss drew in a deep breath and released it slowly. \u201cSay it all. Say it all and swear on Mama\u2019s grave.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gasped. \u201cHoss! Mama\u2019s grave!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss nodded. \u201cOn Mama\u2019s grave.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe gulped, huffed, and let out a slow sigh. \u201cI promise on our Mama\u2019s grave that if you go after Adam, I won\u2019t leave this room for any reason, well, unless the hotel is burning down or collapsing or some such.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss bit the corner of his lip. \u201cSome\u00a0such<\/i>\u00a0ain\u2019t no out for ya following me. I won\u2019t forgive ya if ya break this promise, the spirit of the promise, you have to be in real danger if you stay before ya can think of leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s knees buckled; he sat down abruptly on the end of the bed. \u201cI won\u2019t. I\u2026I promised Adam too that I wouldn\u2019t do nothing that would worry him. I\u2019ll stay put, so get going.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss walked over to his traveling bag and reached inside. Taking out his gun belt, he buckled it around his waist, grabbed his hat, and hurried out the door.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n Little Joe looked at the clock on the mantle and saw that barely three minutes had passed since his last glance. He paced across the room again figuring exactly how many minutes his brothers had been gone and estimating the time it might take to file a police report and to talk to a newspaper publisher. Then he shook his head and walked to look out the window at the busy street below. After a few minutes, he strode over to the armoire and opened it. Three sets of saddlebags lay where they had been placed on arrival. Adam\u2019s saddlebags were on the bottom. Little Joe caught hold of the edge and tugged. Adam had worn his gun belt, but Little Joe knew his brother. The saddlebags hit the floor with a thud. Little Joe squatted down. A quick search revealed a smaller, older revolver and a box of bullets. Little Joe chewed the corner of his lip.\u00a0You carrying a loaded gun is something Adam would worry about. He\u2019s the one taught you to shoot, well, mostly. Maybe he\u2019d worry more about you being alone with nothing to defend yourself. Maybe if the gun wasn\u2019t loaded? What good is a gun that ain\u2019t loaded? You ain\u2019t got no gun belt, a gun in your pockets or your pants… If I have the gun and the bullets separate, I could load it quick but couldn\u2019t shoot nothing on accident or \u2018cause I fell or got knocked or nothing.\u00a0<\/i>Little Joe picked up the gun, checked automatically that it was unloaded, tried it in his pocket, and then stuck it in the waistband of his pants at the small of his back. Putting on his jacket, he checked in the mirror to see if the gun was noticeable, and a small smile tilted the corner of his lips. He then placed the box of bullets in his pocket, checked in the mirror, shook his head, took the box from his pocket, removed a handful of bullets, placed the bullets in his jacket pocket, replaced the box in Adam\u2019s saddle bag, and then turned to check the clock once again. His stomach dropped as he realized how long it was before he could even consider expecting his brothers to return, and once more he began to pace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam paused at the top of the steps and studied the street. He frowned, took two steps down, and then stopped. He looked across the street, and as a delivery wagon rolled forward caught the scene reflected in the window across from the steps of the police station where he stood. His eyes widened, his nostrils flared, and he was down the steps in less than three seconds. Four seconds more and his hand was gripping the collar of his younger but larger brother forcing him against the brick wall of the station.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll kill you myself!\u201d The words were not shouted but hissed. \u201cWhere\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBack at the hotel. He\u2019s fine; he promised to stay put.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Instead of loosening, Adam\u2019s grip tightened the material at Hoss\u2019s throat. \u201cIs that so? And I suppose you believe he\u2019s gonna stay put better than you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t promise; he did.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s broken promises before, bent them anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt was a brother promise, and he promised on Mama\u2019s grave. He promised you too.\u201d Adam\u2019s hand dropped to his side. \u201cYa needed someone watching your back. I\u2019m grown, and Little Joe\u2019s safe. Be as mad as ya want, but I\u2019m here, and I\u2019m staying.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cToo big for ya to drag back to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s expletive was extremely rude. \u201cI knew it would come to this the day you were born; everybody said you were the biggest baby they\u2019d ever seen.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAccept it then; Joe had to accept staying put. I settled my mind on things.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd once settled\u2026\u201d Adam shook his head. \u201cThere will be retribution; make no mistake about that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know; that\u2019s what I\u2019ll have to accept. Did ya tell them that Mason was asking for bribes?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe chief of police himself took the report of Mr. Mason soliciting bribes for himself and in the name of the mayor\u2019s office. Actually, only Mason can truly be accused; there is no proof that the mayor knew or encouraged his actions, or that any of the bribe money would ever have gone to him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe police chief himself, that\u2019s good\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head. \u201cIf there is corruption in the police force supporting the commissioners and mayor it is far more likely to be the leaders of the force than the lower officers.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGuess that\u2019s right. Do you think\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think the paper I signed would have been destroyed already if I wasn\u2019t an important businessman and hadn\u2019t mentioned I would be making my accusation public.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSo now we go speak to that King fellow?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI sent a message to him this morning, and he is willing to see me at eleven.\u201d Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose. \u201cYou\u2019re certain Little Joe won\u2019t leave the hotel room.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t; I wouldn\u2019t have left him if I didn\u2019t believe that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, then you might as well come with me. We\u2019ll catch the trolley at the corner.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis is our stop.\u201d Adam rose, and Hoss followed. Adam paused a moment and then took the two steps down to the street. As his foot touched the bricks, he felt a hand in his back push hard. As he hit the street face down, he heard a gunshot. His gun was in his hand in a second. Then he spotted the glint of sun on metal in the shadows of the alleyway, sighted, and as another gunshot rang out he fired. The screams and shouts of the witnesses circled him. He rose, keeping his gun in his hand and trying to check his surroundings. The man he had shot had fallen forward into the light and lay unmoving. \u201cHoss\u2026Hoss? HOSS!\u201d His brother lay head on the street and feet on the trolley steps blood pooling beneath him. Adam moved instinctively, kneeling next to his brother, locating the wound, calling orders to the bystanders who had cautiously begun to approach, pressing a pad of folded handkerchiefs firmly against the flow of blood, and convincing the policeman who appeared to commandeer a wagon and help him to accompany his brother to the nearest hospital. It was not until the doctors took charge and forced him into a seat that his hands began to shake.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dear God, he can\u2019t die. Do you hear me God: my brother cannot die! He can\u2019t; Pa\u2026oh, my God it will kill Pa and Joe\u2026Good God in heaven Little Joe, he\u2019s all alone; I have to\u2026\u00a0<\/i>Adam stood and took two steps.\u00a0But Hoss, I can\u2019t leave him alone; I\u2026oh, God if he should die alone\u2026 He isn\u2019t going to die; I won\u2019t allow it. Do you hear me God; my little brother is not going to die.\u00a0<\/i>Adam closed his eyes and drew in his breath slowly trying to still the shaking of his hands. I need to\u2026\u00a0what about Joe? What can I do about Little Joe? They wouldn\u2019t\u2026 they can\u2019t know, can they? He\u2019s dead. He was just a hired gun; Mason\u2026Mason has no idea about Joe. Joe\u2019s alone; I should\u2026 but Hoss. Oh my God what if he should die?\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d Adam looked up and focused on the doctor before him. \u201cYour brother needs an immediate operation to stop the bleeding and repair the damage. We will be taking him into the operating room momentarily. If you wish a moment with him\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be going with him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Mr. Cartwright. That will not be possible. Only hospital staff is allowed in the operating room. We have a very well-trained staff; your brother is in good hands.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou have to let us do our jobs, Mr. Cartwright, and since this job needs to be done quickly.\u201d The doctor motioned to the stretcher where Hoss Cartwright lay in obvious pain. Adam moved to his brother\u2019s side and picked up his brother\u2019s hand in both of his. He was surprised when Hoss\u2019s eyes fluttered open.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2026\u201d The word was a barely croaked question.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShhhh, I\u2019m fine. Don\u2019t talk. The doctors are going to operate and fix you right up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d Hoss\u2019s eyes lids fluttered, and then he pushed them open to focus on Adam\u2019s face. \u201cIffen…\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam leaned over and spoke into his brother\u2019s ear. \u201cYou will not die, Eric Cartwright, do you hear me? I forbid you to die, and \u2026I\u2019ll, I\u2019ll never forgive you if you do.\u201d His voice broke.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll mind ya.\u201d Hoss\u2019s eyes closed, and Adam let his hands drop to his side as they took his brother away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n He sat down and dropped his head into his blood-covered hands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d Adam looked up. He doubted that the man standing before him was a doctor. \u201cYou are Adam Cartwright?\u201d At Adam\u2019s nod, the man who had spoken extended his hand. \u201cI am James King of William.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stood reflexively. \u201cHow did you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA man is shot to death and another wounded almost on the doorstep of my newspaper. If I didn\u2019t know the details in minutes, heads would roll, and when I am waiting to meet with a Mr. Cartwright about the corruption in our city, and the wounded man\u2019s name is Cartwright, I would be remiss in not seeing to the matter myself.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes. Of course.\u201d Adam ran his hand over his face. \u201cI \u2026 right now I can\u2019t. My brother\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have spoken with the hospital officials. They are operating on your brother now?\u201d Adam nodded. \u201cI extend my sincerest regrets on your brother\u2019s shooting. I know the head of the hospital and have spoken with him. I assure you that your brother is in the best of hands. There are none finer in the country. This is the most advanced hospital in the city. A private room has been arranged, and your brother will be given excellent care.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. He knew that sometimes it was who you were and who you knew that made the difference, and for Hoss he would use any advantage at hand. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have an important question. I know this is not the time for a full discussion, but do you believe that this shooting was connected with what we were going to discuss?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, I do.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe city is crime-ridden. Could it have been simply\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo. He\u2026 from ambush\u2026he was aiming for me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes. Well, I thought as much. Please, please sit back down.\u201d Adam sat reflexively, and James King took a seat on the bench beside him. \u201cIs there anything \u2026 perhaps someone who should be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sprang to his feet. \u201cMy brother\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI assure you again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, no, my baby brother, Little Joe, he\u2019s only thirteen; he\u2019s… he doesn\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe is here in the city with you?\u201d James King rose to his feet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAt the hotel. He\u2019s alone. I haven\u2019t\u2026I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou needed to be here, of course, and I\u2019m sure he is entirely safe. Your hotel?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe Bay Regent.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe safest part of town and the hotel maintains its own security staff.\u201d King placed his hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m sure he is fine, but no doubt you would like him here with you.\u201d Adam nodded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJames.\u201d Adam and James King both turned at the sound of a bass voice. Adam recognized the Reverend Alcott approaching.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis is the Reverend Abraham Alcott. I thought that some pastoral support might be welcomed. I presumed to send for the reverend. I attend his church.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe were at services Sunday. I\u2026thank you, thank you for coming reverend.\u201d Adam offered his hand. Reverend Alcott took it both of his.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour brother is in my prayers. Perhaps later we can pray for him together.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes. Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright and I were discussing that his younger brother is alone at their hotel and as yet unaware. I was just going to offer to go myself and bring him here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, he\u2026he might be afraid, I mean, he doesn\u2019t know you, and he\u2019s expecting Hoss and I\u2026 he knows there may be some danger. I just don\u2019t know.\u201d Adam ran his hand through his hair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Reverend placed a hand on Adam\u2019s back. \u201cYou said you were at my church Sunday. Your brother was with you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, he\u2026yes, we were all there.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe boy would recognize me then?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, yes, he would. He, well, he focused on your sermon better than I\u2019ve ever\u2026 Yes, he would recognize you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen, if I carried a note from you, he would not fear coming with me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2026 yes, he\u2019d come.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen I shall go and fetch him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWould you; would you, please? I\u2019ve been\u2026I didn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cConcern yourself no more.\u201d Reverend Alcott patted the back beneath his hand.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll send Prescott with you, Abraham. I don\u2019t think there will really be a need, but we will be prudent.\u201d King saw the question in Adam\u2019s eyes and gestured to a tall man standing near the outside door. \u201cPrescott works for me. He is a former soldier and an upright and trustworthy man, a friend really. I would, in fact, have trusted him with my life. More importantly, I would trust him with the life of any of my children. He is an excellent shot.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam let out a slow breath. \u201cI\u2019ll write a note then.\u201d James King produced pencil and paper. Adam sat down on the bench. Taking a deep breath, he began writing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe, \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Adam<\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam drew in another deep breath and released it as he folded the note. \u201cThis should do it. Thank you so much, Reverend.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad to help. Since we\u2019re coming to the hospital, I\u2019ll have to tell him your brother has been hurt, but I\u2019ll also tell him you need to be the one to explain. He\u2019ll be most anxious, so we\u2019ll be as quick as possible. Perhaps, by the time we return, there will be encouraging news.\u201d The reverend and King walked over to Prescott. The two men departed, and James King returned to Adam\u2019s side.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know your mind is occupied, but time may be important. I thought, perhaps we could wait in the room that will be your brother\u2019s, and you could give me some details. It might do well to distract your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam straightened. \u201cYes, yes, of course. If you know the way\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n James King motioned with his hand. \u201cI know who to ask.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe heard the knock and turned from his vigil at the window. He started toward the door and then stopped.\u00a0Hoss or Adam wouldn\u2019t knock. Who? Someone from the hotel? What if\u2026<\/i>\u201d Little Joe touched the gun at his back. The knock was repeated, and Little Joe completed the walk to the door. \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, Little Joe Cartwright, your brother Adam sent me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam!\u201d Little Joe had the door unlocked and opened before it occurred to him that doing so might be unwise. He took a step back when he recognized the man at the door. \u201cYou\u2019re, you\u2019re that preacher.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The reverend nodded reassuringly. \u201cYes, yes, I am the Reverend Abraham Alcott. Your brother Adam, well, he has been, umm, detained, and asked that I bring you to him. He sent this note.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe snatched the offered paper and unfolded it. His eyes widened as he read. \u201cIs, is he, is Adam hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d The reverend swallowed. \u201cAdam will explain everything if you come with me and Mr. Prescott here.\u201d Reverend Alcott was startled by Little Joe\u2019s rapid movement through the door and down the hall, but Prescott quickly caught the boy around the waist.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWoe, lad, wait\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe struggled against the restraint. \u201cI\u2019ve got to go to Adam. I\u2019ve got to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd we\u2019ll take you as quickly as possible, but you have to stay with us. Where were you heading?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe blinked at the realization that he had no idea where his brother was. He stilled. \u201cHurry, hurry, please, I think he needs me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The reverend pulled the hotel room door closed. \u201cCome, lad, we\u2019ve a carriage waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A hospital doesn\u2019t mean nothing, not here in the city. We\u2019ve been to Dr. Paul\u2019s lots and lots. Hoss is strong; he\u2019s the strongest. Adam didn\u2019t come get me. Hoss is strong, real strong.\u00a0<\/i>Little Joe sat on the edge of the seat and mentally cursed each person and vehicle that impeded the carriage\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll go in the side entrance.\u201d Prescott gave instructions to the driver. As the horses slowed, he turned to see that Little Joe had already jumped down and was heading up the steps. \u201cWait!\u201d He sprang down and caught up with Little Joe as he opened the door. \u201cHold up, boy. We need to find which room your brother is in. You need to stay with us.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe slipped from beneath the hand on his shoulder and darted inside. \u201cADAM! ADAM!\u201d His voice echoed down the long hallway.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe.\u201d The reverend had caught up with them, and his voice came out in a deep, parental rumble. \u201cThis is a hospital, child. You can\u2019t holler like that. The patient\u2019s rooms are on the upper floors.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe swallowed. \u201cMy brothers\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A member of the hospital staff had reached them. Prescott spoke with him; he left and returned within a minute with a number. Prescott led them down the hallway, up a set of stairs, and down other hallway. Stopping at a door with a 26 on it, he told Little Joe to go in. \u201cThe reverend and I\u2019ll wait out here a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe took a second to say, \u201cthank you\u201d and then stepped inside. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rose to his feet. \u201cLittle Joe! Thank God.\u201d He opened his arms, and his brother ran into them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go and speak with Prescott.\u201d Little Joe had not noticed the presence of James King and did not register his departure.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss? Hoss? What happened to Hoss?\u201d Little Joe stepped back to stare up into his brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSit down, and I\u2019ll explain.\u201d Adam\u2019s explanation was general but thorough. \u201cThe doctor should bring word any time now, and they\u2019ll bring Hoss here after the operation.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s going to be all right. He is, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou know how strong that brother of ours is.\u201d Adam reached out and wrapped his arms around Little Joe. His hand patted the boy\u2019s back and then moved down it in a soothing circle. \u201cWhat?\u201d He reached beneath Little Joe\u2019s coat and pulled out the revolver. \u201cA gun?\u201d He stiffened.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt ain\u2019t loaded, Adam; it ain\u2019t. The bullets are in my pocket.\u201d He put his hand into his pocket and then held the bullets toward his brother. Adam took them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph!\u201d Adam turned a glare on his brother but breathed in slowly at the look in Little Joe\u2019s eyes. He was scared; he was alone and scared.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI got worried, and ya didn\u2019t come, and \u2026 the bullets were in my pockets; it was safe. I thought if I needed it quick, I should be ready.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s words tumbled out of his mouth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rubbed the bridge of his nose. \u201cIt made you feel safer.\u201d It was more a statement than a question. \u201cActually, well, perhaps it was a good decision to be ready.\u201d He checked the gun quickly to make sure that it was completely empty.\u00a0He can\u2019t shoot himself with an empty gun.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m thirteen now.\u201d Little Joe said softly. Adam handed the gun to his brother who tucked it back into place. The sound of the door opening drew the attention of both. Adam maneuvered Little Joe out of the way and held him back while the hospital staff moved Hoss to the bed.<\/p>\n The doctor entered. \u201cAh, Mr. Cartwright, the operation went very well. The bullet is removed, and the damaged repaired. Barring infection, there should be a complete recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss heals real well, doc.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s words brought the doctor\u2019s attention to the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, well, that is what a doctor wants to hear. I could tell he was a strong and healthy young man.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe strongest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, let the doctor\u2026\u201d Little Joe squirmed beneath Adam\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s hands exerted pressure. \u201cHow long?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf all goes well, in a few days he should be ready to move, umm, you are staying in a hotel? Well, in a few days he should be able to move to the hotel. He will need to recover before any major traveling will be advisable. Mr. Cartwright, there are some new ideas about preventing infection. As they can do no harm, we practice them here. Especially in our private rooms but in our public wards too, we have a much lower incidence of infection than normal. There is every reason to be optimistic.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat means Hoss is gonna fine. That\u2019s what he said, isn\u2019t it, Adam; Hoss is gonna be fine?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Joe, we\u2019ll all see to it that he is up and around as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere will be nurses and attendants in and out. I\u2019ll be back to check on him regularly. As this is a private room, you can, of course, remain with him. Mr. King spoke with our administrator about an exception being made for the boy to stay also.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAn exception?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cUsually, children under sixteen are not allowed in the wards or patient\u2019s rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m staying!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph! You said an exception?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDue to the special circumstances, he may stay with you, but we ask that he not roam about alone.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe won\u2019t be roaming or alone; I assure you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, then, Hoss should be waking any time now. I have other patients, so please excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Thank you, Doctor Hanson, thank you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled the two available chairs to either side of the bed. He and Little Joe sat down to wait.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAaa\u2019m\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, come on, wake up now; no, no, be still. Here take a sip, just a sip or two. Good. Good.\u201d Adam gently set his brother\u2019s head back upon the pillows.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhaaa, what?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou got shot, Hoss. I let ya go by yourself, and you got yourself shot.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLittle Joe, he\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe brushed the hair back from his brother\u2019s brow. \u201cBut you\u2019re going be fine, just fine. Hear me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss\u2019s eyes went to Adam\u2019s face. \u201cYou?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot a scratch.\u201d Adam straightened, and his eyes sparked. \u201cYou pushed me down.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSaw the flash.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNext time\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t gonna be no next time, or if there is I\u2019m gonna be there. You two\u2026can\u2019t let the two of you out of my sight.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s tone grew more exasperated as he spoke. Hoss exchanged a glance with Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe man?\u201d Hoss\u2019s words seemed to come a little easier.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI shot him. He\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA hired hoodlum. We assume he was hired by Mason or someone in league with him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve spoken to James King of William. He came here to the hospital. He\u2019s been of a good bit of service. The Reverend Alcott has been here also. He fetched Little Joe for me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood.\u201d Hoss let his eyes close for a moment and then opened them again. \u201cPa know?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cleared his throat. \u201cUh, no, I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood. Don\u2019t send no wire yet.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, I have\u2026 he has to know.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo need him coming here. Ya know if\u2026 wait to tell him and say there ain\u2019t no need. If he left today, I\u2019d be mostly healed up \u2018fore he could get here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut Pa would want to know.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice had acquired a demanding whine.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And you want your pa.\u00a0<\/i>\u201cI don\u2019t know. Pa racing here\u2026I just don\u2019t know.\u201d\u00a0Or is it you just don\u2019t want to face him. You told him you\u2019d take care of the both of them.\u00a0<\/i>\u201cWe\u2019ll see how the night goes.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa don\u2019t have to stay. Neither of ya.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI ain\u2019t going! Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re both staying.\u201d Adam saw that Hoss was about to speak. \u201cDon\u2019t bother, little brother, my mind is settled on it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe plop back down in his chair and crossed his arms on his chest. \u201cMy mind is settled too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss just closed his eyes. Adam stepped to the door to ask the man guarding it to tell the next nurse that passed that his brother had wakened.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs there any fever?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The nurse turned from Hoss to Adam. \u201cVery slight and entirely expected. He\u2019s doing just fine.\u201d She walked over to a washstand and proceeded to wash her hands. \u201cWe\u2019ll be bringing in a little something for him to eat in a bit. Until then keep getting him to drink as often as you can. We have to replace those lost fluids.\u201d She smiled and walked out of the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe settled on the edge of Hoss\u2019s bed. \u201cNo fever\u2019s a good sign.\u201d It was both an observation and a request for reassurance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA very good sign. Where there is infection there is fever.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice sound slightly more relieved than before the nurse\u2019s visit.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe patted Hoss\u2019s arm softly. \u201cI told that doctor you were a good healer. Now you just got to get your strength back, and everything will be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, you and Little Joe should go to the hotel and get some real rest.\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice was weak, but his words clear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAin\u2019t happening!\u201d Little Joe\u2019s arms crossed on his chest. Adam simply looked at Hoss and shook his head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, ya should at least go out and get some breakfast. Like ya said I\u2019m gonna be fine, so there ain\u2019t no sense in worry about me putting ya off your feed.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not hungry.\u201d Little Joe looked from Hoss to Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe needs to eat; you too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe will\u2026okay, we will. I\u2019ll send out for some breakfast. There should be somebody about.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no reason\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cleared his throat. \u201cWe\u2019ll make a deal. We\u2019ll send out for breakfast and lunch. If you eat and drink and don\u2019t let that fever go up, well, Little Joe and I will go out for supper, and, umm, we\u2019ll go by and send a wire to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re going to tell him not to come?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam cleared his throat and tugged his ear. \u201cEven if I advise him there is no need, he may still come. I expect he\u2019ll wire back either way.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked down at Hoss. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you want Pa to come? I always want Pa when I\u2019m sick.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss exchanged a glance with his elder brother. \u201cI ain\u2019t sick. Getting yourself shot ain\u2019t exactly the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou think Pa\u2019s gonna be mad?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, this is all my responsibility, all mine. If Pa\u2019s upset with anyone, it will be me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou didn\u2019t do nothing wrong, Adam. You\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A knock interrupted Little Joe. Adam walked to the door, opened it, and spoke to the man outside. He opened it wider, and James King of William walked into the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t wish to intrude, but the doctor said that your brother is doing well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe is.\u201d Adam motioned to a chair. James King seated himself, Adam took the other chair, and Little Joe settled on the foot of the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHoss, Little Joe, this is Mr. James King of William. Mr. King, these are my brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe mumbled a polite reply.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNice to meet ya, Mr. King.\u201d Hoss attempted to sit up a little, but Adam\u2019s hand gently pressed his shoulder back down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd I am pleased to be able to meet you.\u201d King turned toward Adam. \u201cThe police are conducting an investigation, but the official decision I am sure will be that your brother was the sad victim of an attempted robbery.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMason?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHas, of course, denied everything, and suggested that due to being the disgruntled loser of a sizeable business deal you may have misinterpreted something he said.\u201d King shrugged and rubbed his chin. \u201cYou are still willing to testify if we manage to see the case brought to trial?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s eyes drifted to first Hoss and then Little Joe. \u201cYes. Has Mason been arrested?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot as of yet. The matter is still quote under investigation. This evening\u2019s paper should exert some more pressure though.\u201d King glanced at Hoss and then Little Joe before gazing directly into Adam\u2019s face. \u201cYou will continue to, umm, take precautions.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd I shall keep you apprised of any developments.\u201d King rose. \u201cI\u2019m sure the doctor would not wish me to overstay my welcome, so I will bid you all good day.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam walked with King to the door and stepped out into the hall with him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss bit his lip, and Little Joe leaned forward and patted his brother\u2019s hand. \u201cWe know now. We\u2019re being real careful. There\u2019s a Mr. Prescott with a gun outside, and I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A nurse walked through the door bearing a tray, and Little Joe slipped to the floor then into the bedside chair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked over the book he held open even though he had not actually been reading for some time. He watched Little Joe walk to the room\u2019s single, small window and look down.\u00a0He\u2019s been in this room for over twenty-four hours.\u00a0<\/i>He set the book down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam.\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice was a soft whisper that drew only his older brother\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Instinctively, Adam answered in a whisper also. \u201cWhat? Do you need\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo. Little Joe needs to get out of this room.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pinched the bridge of his nose. \u201cI know, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIs it \u2019cause you think… to keep him safe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI do think the hospital is the safest place. Still\u2026\u201d He paused as Little Joe came over to Hoss\u2019s bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre we going to go out for supper?\u201d Little Joe addressed Adam, but then turned his gaze on Hoss. \u201cWe don\u2019t have to if you want us to stay with ya.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe certainly won\u2019t if you don\u2019t want to be alone.\u201d Adam tugged his ear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAlone? I\u2019m in a hospital; there\u2019s lots of folks here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut not in this room.\u201d Little Joe flopped down in the bedside chair. \u201cI wish Pa and Hop Sing were here.\u201d He looked at both his brothers. \u201cWell, I do. They\u2019re the ones that know how to take care of us when we\u2019re hurt. Them and Dr. Paul. I like Dr. Paul better than this one.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s an excellent doctor, Little Joe. We should be grateful that such good medical care was at hand.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was firm but held no edge. \u201cThough I would much rather be at home with all three of them seeing to things like always.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s just what I was meaning.\u201d Little Joe looked at Adam from under his lashes. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean\u2026well, not disrespect. I thanked that doctor more than once.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI know you did.\u201d Adam stood and paced to the window. \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking. Perhaps\u2026well, perhaps Pa should come. I know, I know, I intend for you to be well on the way to being healed by the time he could arrive, but, well, if things haven\u2019t been settled and I need to stay on a while, well, Pa could take you and Little Joe home.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd leave you alone!\u201d Little Joe sprang up, shaking his head. At the same time, Hoss grunted.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t need Pa to take us home. If we decide it\u2019s best, I can take Little Joe home. I ain\u2019t no kid, no matter what you think.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe ain\u2019t going to leave Adam alone!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThough maybe Pa coming to fetch Little Joe home while you and I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFetch me home! NO!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, settle down!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe bit his lip and clenched his hands but held his tongue. Adam walked over and settled his hand on his younger brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWe don\u2019t have to decide anything now except what to put in the wire to Pa and how things will go tonight. Some things may resolve themselves before anybody as to stay or go. And if Pa does come, well, the final decision will be his; that\u2019s for certain.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss let out a slow if shallow breath. \u201cYou nor Little Joe need to sleep in no chair again or pretend to anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou ain\u2019t staying alone all night; while we eat supper, maybe, but not all night.\u201d Little Joe looked up over his shoulder at Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, no, he\u2019s not staying alone. You aren\u2019t going to stay alone at the hotel. I don\u2019t even want, well, I thought of asking the reverend, but, no\u2026\u201d Adam sighed. \u201cThere are things we need from the hotel. I think what would be best is if Little Joe and I go to that place just across the street and eat a decent supper. Then I\u2019ll go\u2026\u201d He felt Little Joe\u2018s response beneath his hand. \u201cI won\u2019t go alone. I\u2019ll have Prescott go with me. I\u2019ll bring what is needed to make Little Joe a pallet there by the bed. That will be at least as comfortable as a bedroll on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss huffed. \u201cAnd one for you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rolled his eyes and then rubbed the stubble on his chin. \u201cAnd my shaving gear and such. It shouldn\u2019t take me very long.\u201d Adam squeezed Little Joe\u2019s shoulder and sent a silent message to Hoss. \u201cLittle brother can keep an eye on you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two younger Cartwrights gave grumbles of agreement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll go after they bring your supper and you\u2019ve eaten it.\u201d<\/p>\n \n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In order to allow the nurses quick access to Hoss, Little Joe\u2019s pallet had been made against the hall side wall with his head near the door and his feet tucked into the corner. Adam had laid out a pallet on the other side of the door but remained in the same bedside chair where he had spent the previous night. Though Prescott had left after accompanying Adam to the hotel and back, another armed guard named Anderson was seated outside the door. Since all reports from the nurses had been positive, and Hoss had eaten some solid food and grumbled about missing the meals they had been eating at the hotel, the carefully worded telegram Adam had sent his father was as positive as possible. As a reply could not really be expected before the morning, Adam had settled enough to drift into sleep just after midnight with his ears attuned to the snores emitting from his brother\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A muffled sound from the other side of the wall had wakened, Little Joe. He opened his eyes and tilted his head as the door slowly opened. A small, darkly shaded lamp near the bed sent a dim light across the room. Little Joe stiffened as that light caught the glint of metal in the hand of the man who walked past Joe toward Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The opening of the door had awakened Adam, and he turned toward it expecting to see a nurse; instead, he stared into the barrel of a gun. Before he could react, his heart dropped at the sound of his youngest brother\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDrop your gun, or I\u2019ll shoot.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice shook only slightly; the revolver in his hand shook not at all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The intruder glanced sideways just enough to recognize that a boy sitting on the floor did indeed have a gun pointed at him. \u201cI can shoot your brother, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen he won\u2019t have no reason not to kill you dead.\u201d Hoss\u2019s voice had a coldness Little Joe had never before heard from his middle brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam\u2019s voice had a different coolness. \u201cWe\u2019re country boys. We taught baby brother to shoot when he was, umm, seven or was it six.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSix. He was hitting most everything he aimed at by the time he was seven. No way he could miss at that distance.\u201d Hoss had straightened to a sitting position.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cShooting a man is different than shooting targets or game. Bet you ain\u2019t never shot a man; have you, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat depends on if you count that Paiute I shot near two years ago. I do, but you might be one of the folks that don\u2019t.\u201d Little Joe\u2019s hand still held steady, and only his brothers knew that was not his light-hearted tone.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cConsider well if you are willing to die to save another man from jail.\u201d Adam rose slowly from his chair. \u201cYou may kill me, you may survive my brother\u2019s bullet, but only if you\u2019re very lucky and the doctors at this hospital are disposed to treat a gunman well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A shout from the hall turned the intruder\u2019s eyes momentarily, and Adam whose own eyes had never left his attacker\u2019s face kicked at the gun. It flew across the room as two men burst through the door. The following fight ended quickly with the only injuries being to the assailant. Gun in hand, Adam took charge. After the police departed, he walked back into his brother\u2019s room, closed the door, and leaned back against it. Little Joe ran to him, and he wrapped his arms around the boy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYa sure you\u2019re fine?\u201d Hoss was sitting up in his bed leaning forward searching his elder brother for any sign of injury.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely. You and Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI checked him over. Nurses done checked me, so quit worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam pulled Little Joe from him, placed a hand on either side of his brother\u2019s face, and searched his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m fine, Adam; Hoss told you I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam smiled slowly. \u201cGood.\u201d He patted the boy\u2019s cheek and arched his eyebrow. \u201cWhen did you load that revolver?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s lashes dropped to shield his eyes. \u201cI\u2026I\u2026I didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2026\u2026didn\u2019t?\u201d Adam\u2019s curse was one he had never before allowed his brothers to hear leave his lips. \u201cYou held an empty gun on a murderer!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI put the gun under my pillow; the bullets were still in my jacket.\u201d All of the brothers\u2019 eyes went to Little Joe\u2019s jacket flung across the back of the empty chair on the far side of the bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss groaned and slumped back against the pillows. Adam drew Little Joe to his chest, felt his knees buckle, and found himself on the floor with his brother in his lap. A minute passed in silence before he stated, \u201cI am never going to play poker with the kid.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam simply sat with his eyes on his brothers, and his ears focused on each sound around him. Hoss had been given orders by half a dozen people besides his brothers to rest and had fallen asleep first. Little Joe, perched on the side of his brother\u2019s bed, had slowly slumped into sleep and now lay curled on his side his hand resting on the solid bulk of his older brother. Adam detected voices on the other side of the door where two armed guards now stood, rose, and with one hand on his gun strode to the door and opened it. Seeing James King, he stepped out and closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy brothers are sleeping.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll not disturb them then, but I do bring news.\u201d King motioned with his hand, and he and Adam walked down the hall to a bench that stood against one wall. \u201cFirst, your brothers were truly unharmed?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPhysically they are fine. Well, Hoss is as fine as could be expected; the doctors don\u2019t feel that the\u2026the incident caused any sort of setback. In three or four days, he should be ready to go back to the hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you think that a home would be better than the hotel, mine is certainly at your disposal.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat is a most generous offer, but the hotel is quite comfortable. I do appreciate all you have done.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n James King waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. \u201cI\u2019ve done little enough.\u201d He cleared his throat. \u201cI was there though when your assailant was questioned.\u201d Adam cocked his eyebrow in question. \u201cHe named Mason. Mr. Cartwright\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, please.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAdam, Anderson asked me to reiterate his apologies.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head slightly. \u201cNo need, no need at all. No one expected him to be drugged.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHe feels if he had not drunk that coffee\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe sleeping draught would have simply been placed in water instead.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnderson will appreciate that you do not hold him to blame.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCharles Mason is the man I blame.\u201d Adam\u2019s voice hardened, and his eyes flashed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n King cleared his throat again. \u201cThat is what I came to tell you. There may be a great deal of corruption in our police force, but there are also some fine and honest officers. When your assailant- he gave the name Jake Benson- stated that Mason had paid him to kill you and your brother if necessary- I don\u2019t believe Mason was aware of Little Joe- officers were sent to place Mason under arrest.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam leaned forward. \u201cHe is in custody then.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n King cleared his throat yet again. \u201cNo, actually, he is dead. It would appear he was the ultimate coward. He committed suicide as the police broke through his study door.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sat back. \u201cHe\u2019s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, so the matter is at an end. The mayor will be publicly shocked that Mason was using his position to extort money and appalled that Mason could have had the audacity to pretend that any one at the mayor\u2019s office was involved. There is no evidence that anyone beyond Mason and his henchmen were involved. Benson has confessed and will plead guilty. So, yes, the matter should be at an end.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll not need to testify.\u201d It was a statement not a question.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, and there should be no further reason for anyone to harm your brothers or you as you are no longer a threat. In fact, a smart man would realize that harm coming to any of the Cartwright brothers could be counterproductive.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt would show that there was someone else involved in Mason\u2019s corrupt practices.\u201d Adam crossed his arms and tugged his ear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cExactly.\u201d James King studied the young man before him. \u201cYou can return to your ranch and a peaceful life.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cHaving accomplished\u2026\u201d Adam shrugged.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDoing the right thing.\u201d The bass voice of the Reverend Alcott inserted itself as they looked up to find the preacher had joined them. \u201cI heard what occurred last night. The boys?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAre fine.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n James King spoke up. \u201cThe assailant named Charles Mason. Mason committed suicide to evade justice.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI see.\u201d The reverend sighed. \u201cI came to make sure you knew that I am available should any of you feel the need for spiritual consul.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI appreciate that, Reverend.\u201d Adam chewed the corner of his mouth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The reverend exchanged a glance with James King. King stood.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf you are comfortable with the fact that there is no further danger, I\u2019ll go and dismiss the guards. Then I have business to attend. I hope to visit all of you when you return to your hotel and to have you to my home for dinner before you leave San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d enjoy that. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo, San Francisco owes a debt of thanks to the Cartwright brothers. I would like to meet the man who fathered three such fine sons.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam rubbed his chin. \u201cIt is possible you may have the opportunity.\u201d He shifted, and his hand dropped. \u201cIf not in the near future, at some later time. Business occasionally brings him to your city.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAt any time.\u201d King held out his hand and cleared his throat. \u201cThis battle may have ended, but the war to save our city will go on; I assure you. Good day.\u201d King shook Adam\u2019s hand and walked away.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Reverend Alcott took King\u2019s seat on the bench. \u201cYou still carry a burden. Perhaps, if you spoke to me of it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam studied the reverend\u2019s face then turned his eyes to study his hands. \u201cI promised my father that I would look after my brothers, keep them safe, protect them.\u201d Adam gave a dry, mirthless chuckle. \u201cI put them in harm\u2019s way and in the end they each had to save my\u2026 save me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWould your father have chosen to ignore Mason\u2019s bribery?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up. \u201cNo, he would have reported it.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThen certainly he could expect no less of you. After that choice was made you tried mightily to keep your brother\u2019s from harm.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnd failed mightily. If Hoss had died\u2026you don\u2019t know my brother, reverend; he knew he\u2019d be hit if he pushed me\u2026 and Little Joe, if Pa had lost his baby\u2026\u201d Adam shoulders slumped, and his eyes went to the floor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The reverend placed his hand on Adam\u2019s back. \u201cAs the story was told to me, you were stepping from the trolley, and your brother was behind you. Think for a minute. For that bullet to have hit your brother in the chest, it had to have been aimed at your head. You would have had no chance, no chance at all. Perhaps that is what your brother knew instinctively. I doubt your father would rather have you dead than your brother injured. \u201d Adam looked up at the reverend. \u201cYou all did what you felt was right, and in the end, God held you in His hand. Should we offer Him our thanks?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYes, yes, of course, but my brothers, they would want to join us in those thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The reverend stood. \u201cThen let us join them. We will give thanks and ask for his continued blessing on you all.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Summary:\u00a0On a trip to San Francisco, the Cartwright brothers become involved in fighting political corruption. This story was written for the Paddlewheel Poker challenge. Each writer was dealt a poker hand of elements to include in a story. *Note: The character, James King of William, is an actual figure in San Francisco’s history.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Rated:\u00a0T\u00a0 Word count:\u00a012,847\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":143,"featured_media":8908,"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,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[2,1009,23,30,40],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7652","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-brothers","category-drama","category-prequels","category-challenges","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-1009-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id","wpcat-40-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\/07\/San-Francisco.jpg?fit=463%2C336&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7652","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=7652"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7652\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8908"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7652"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7652"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7652"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nThere has been a problem, and I need you to come to me. The reverend will bring you, and I\u2019ll explain when you arrive. Things will be fine. Just come quickly. You are released from your promise to Hoss but not from your promise to me.
\n<\/i><\/p>\n