{"id":8926,"date":"2014-07-15T20:55:32","date_gmt":"2014-07-16T00:55:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=8926"},"modified":"2025-08-01T13:29:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T17:29:15","slug":"cartwrights-return-or-a-story-of-the-prodigals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=8926","title":{"rendered":"Cartwrights Return or a Story of The Prodigals (by BluewindFarm)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: <\/strong>\u00a0Adam left the Ponderosa more than ten years before; and now, a letter has arrived announcing his intent to return. This story is his, as well as his family’s.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T – for minor cursing. \u00a0\u00a0(53,360 words)<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE CARTWRIGHTS RETURN <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

or a Story of the Prodigals<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter One<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He was a big man, at home as well as in town. The heart that beat within the man\u2019s chest was just as immense as the smile that greeted his father as he entered their home and walked towards the area where the older man sat behind his desk, working on the ledgers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s me Pa,\u201d Hoss Cartwright cheerfully answered, his boot steps sounded his approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat has you in such a fine mood this afternoon? You missed lunch today,\u201d Ben Cartwright stated, looking looked up and seeing the smile upon his son\u2019s face. He set down his pencil and began massaging his writing hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about missin\u2019 lunch, but the stage arrived, running late again, and had just dropped off the mail as I was gettin\u2019 ready ta leave. I decided to wait while it got sorted. Glad I did too, got a letter for ya\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly one?\u201d teased Ben on seeing the stack of mail Hoss held.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah, but this one here\u2019s gonna make ya happy,\u201d Hoss replied, reaching out to hand his father a letter with his right hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben mused after looking at the return address scripted in the upper left-hand corner. With a pen knife, Ben slit open the envelope, pulled out several sheets of paper, and began to read.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s ol\u2019 Adam got to say, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked as he set the rest of the mail on his father\u2019s desk and rested his hip against the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s coming\u2026 home,\u201d Ben announced, a hint of disbelief at the written words tainted his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s what?\u201d gulped Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt appears that\u2026 Adam is coming home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s coming for a visit?\u201d Hoss saw the expression on his father\u2019s face change. \u201cWhat else?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s sold Abel\u2019s ship chandler shop as well as resigned his position in the engineering firm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe done what?\u201d Hoss unbelievingly spoke aloud. \u201cSold the shop and quit? Why\u2019d he do that? That\u2019s all he\u2019s ever talked about in his letters; how he\u2019s contributing to society. That and bein\u2019 on the ground floor of progress.\u201d Hoss heaved his frame from against his father\u2019s desk, then sat down in one of the chairs in front of his father\u2019s desk. \u201cPa, if he done all that\u2026 does that mean he\u2019s comin\u2019 home to stay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026 It sounds like it, but\u2026\u201d Ben continued to read.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut what, Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t say much else except apologizing for being gone so long and hopes that I can forgive him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cForgive him? Whatcha need to forgive him for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure, but knowing your brother as I do, probably for not coming home\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not holdin\u2019 that against him are ya?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI never held it against him, nor would I hold it against you or Joe if you decided that the Ponderosa wasn\u2019t enough\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw shucks Pa, the Ponderosa is more than enough for me an\u2019 Little Joe. What else does he say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe says that he plans to get a room in town after his arrival\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA room in town?\u201d interrupted Hoss. \u201cDon\u2019t he know his room\u2019s a waitin\u2019 for him upstairs?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s probably feeling a mite uneasy\u2026 But, that doesn\u2019t matter,\u201d Ben made a flourish with his hand as if to dismiss the thought, \u201cHowever, I get the impression from what he\u2019s not written that there\u2019s more to his coming home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s comin\u2019 home. I don\u2019t care why he\u2019s comin\u2019, as long as he gets his scrawny butt back here. He\u2019s been gone too long. Much too long,\u201d proclaimed Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you know why he left\u2026\u201d Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026 And I wished him well, too. Twern\u2019t easy doin\u2019 what he done and all back then\u2026 I know why he left\u2026 I just kinda had hoped he\u2019da come for a visit or two. Be a heck of a lot easier than writin\u2019 an occasional letter.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just wish he\u2019d written more in this letter\u2026\u201d Ben answered as he looked at the sheets of paper still in his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen\u2019s he supposed to arrive?\u201d Hoss inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben skimmed the letter one more time, but couldn\u2019t find anything that would answer the question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t say. Says only that he planned to leave within the week from when the letter was posted, and that was well over a month ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we\u2019ll probably get a wire or something when he\u2019s closer, lettin\u2019 us know. Trains run pretty much on schedule between Boston and St. Louis, but once he\u2019s on a stage\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss, for now, let\u2019s keep this between us. No sense telling your younger brother until we know more about Adam\u2019s return.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir. How\u2019re ya gonna break the news to Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure\u2026 I honestly don\u2019t know how I\u2019m going to tell him his brother is coming home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss stood from where he had sat in front of the desk and turned to head across the floor of the great room, heading towards the dining room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cMista Hoss, you miss lunch!\u201d scolded Hop Sing who had waited at the corner of the dining room for father and son to finish their discussion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI shore did, and I\u2019m plumb ready to pass out,\u201d Hoss answered as he stood straighter and rubbed his hands over his stomach. \u201cYou did keep somethin\u2019 for me ta eat, didn\u2019tcha?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot here for lunch, no eat lunch,\u201d ranted the Oriental man, hiding a smile from his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe just a little snack?\u201d Hoss pinched his thumb and forefinger close together, as he followed their housekeeper\/cook into his domain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSnack for good boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI been good\u2026\u201d Hoss pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSandwich and milk on table in kitchen,\u201d a smiling Hop Sing replied, waggling his finger towards the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

Listening to the two, Ben leaned back into his chair and began to worry about what was missing from the letter he still held in his hands, he read it again before slipping the sheets back into the envelope and placing it in the center desk drawer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing set to organizing the evening\u2019s meal while Hoss ate his snack.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt be good have numba one son home,\u201d Hop Sing announced, keeping his eyes on the knife as he peeled the potatoes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019ll be good to have old Adam back home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHonorable fatha hurt by him staying away so long.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe all are. You included,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat of Lit\u2019le Joe. Boy not understand\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah it was rough on him, and now Pa\u2019s tryin\u2019 ta figure out how to let him know\u2026 I shore don\u2019t envy him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFatha?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe wise man. Mr. Cartwright know how to handle youngest son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe does at that, don\u2019t he,\u201d laughed Hoss, finishing eating the last of the cold roast beef sandwich before drinking the glass of milk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSon will forgive, when he sees brotha.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so. I shore missed Adam, cain\u2019t wait to see him again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFamily be whole, soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for the snack, Hop Sing. I best get back to the barn and tend to my chores.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing he had been too agreeable, the Oriental man started berating the large man, \u201cBig man leave mess in Hop Sing kitchen! Go back China!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Two<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe!\u201d Mitch Devlin called from behind as Joe tightened the cinch to his saddle before he mounted to ride home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, ya have to!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo I don\u2019t.\u201d Stopping what he was doing, Joe took a deep breath and calmly turned around. \u201cMitch, you know how busy we are this time of year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut how often does\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said no.\u201d Joe was emphatic, \u201cMitch, look. I don\u2019t know how else to explain it to you, but Pa\u2019s depending on me. I can\u2019t\u2026 I don\u2019t want to let him down. Besides, Pa and Hoss haven\u2019t hardly been home for the past five days. They\u2019ve been out working with some of the men to clear out a location for a new lumber mill. I need to get home and do my share so they won\u2019t worry. It\u2019s been practically dark by the time they\u2019ve come home lately.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot for just a little while?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two were best friends for as long as they could remember; ever since shortly after Marie\u2019s death, when the Devlin family moved into Virginia City and the two boys were immediately drawn to each other, and mischief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMitch, I\u2019ve got chores to do, my own and Hoss\u2019. You know I\u2019ve worked damn hard to make sure my grades are more than good enough. I want to leave all this behind me.\u201d Joe slowly swung his arm around to indicate the school house and yard. \u201cIf I go off and play hooky with you, I\u2019m not going to get my work done. If I do that, do you think Pa\u2019s going to see me as grown up and allow me to finally take my leave? You know there\u2019s talk about extending school\u2026 I\u2019ll be sixteen this fall and I don\u2019t really want to have to come back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that really such a bad thing? I mean the girls already outnumber us fellas three to one in school,\u201d pleaded Mitch, who had his eye on three different girls to squire to the barn dance for the Independence Day celebration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMitch I know what you\u2019re saying, but you have four older brothers. There\u2019s only Hoss and me,\u201d replied Joe. \u201cI want to work our ranch with my brother; that\u2019s always been Pa\u2019s dream.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut your Pa\u2019s got a whole bunkhouse full of hands,\u201d Mitch sounded exasperated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but I\u2019m considered one of the owners, even though I\u2019ve not reached my majority. I\u2019ve listened to Pa and Hoss talking after they think I\u2019ve gone to bed. There\u2019s more to running a ranch the size of the Ponderosa than just hiring men and paying them to do a job. Pa and Hoss are out there, right now, working alongside the men. It makes sense that for the men to want to work for us and do a good job that they have to see that we\u2019re right there with them\u2026 \u2026that we don\u2019t think of ourselves as better than them; that we\u2019re willing to get dirty right alongside them. You\u2019ve seen the turnover at some of the other ranches\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, their hands come and go all the time, with little warning.\u201d Mitch began to feel that it wasn\u2019t worth it to hang around town.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd our men return season after season, and we don\u2019t have to train a lot of new men every year. Sure some move on, but the ones who return are loyal to us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I should head on home, too,\u201d Mitch answered glumly, picking up the reins to his own mount.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow don\u2019t go totally shocking your Pa and brothers,\u201d teased Joe as he swung up into the saddle after making sure the straps to his saddlebags were secure so he wouldn\u2019t lose his school books as he raced home. \u201cYou can ride with me to the turn off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The two signaled their horses into a slow trot down the main street of Virginia City since school had finished for the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHEY JOE!\u201d Clive Morgan yelled, running out the door of the telegraph office after spotting the distinctive markings of the only black and white pinto belonging to the Ponderosa; he tried his best to gain the attention of the youngest Cartwright. He was successful, but caused Cochise to rear in fright, pawing his front hooves in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe calmly reined Cochise to the ground and patted the pinto\u2019s neck, encouraging him to stand still. Slightly flustered at the man for startling his horse, he looked over to see the telegrapher waiving something in the air. The boy inhaled deeply after seeing the angry man\u2019s face; worrying what he might have done to upset the man. Joe did well to hide his own anger surrounding almost being dumped, he didn\u2019t want word to get back to his father that he\u2019d lost his temper, or worse yet, that he\u2019d been disrespectful to an adult. It was something he was trying to keep firmly under control in order to show his father that he was responsible. Joe stepped down to face the man, he\u2019d been taught from a young age that when approached by someone on foot, you step down to their level.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes Mr. Morgan?\u201d Joe tentatively answered, having waved goodbye to Mitch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry I startled your horse\u2026 and I\u2019m not mad at you son.\u201d Clive Morgan rested his hand, as a sign of apology to the boy, on Joe\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m mad at my own boy. Seems he took a wire a couple of days ago and misplaced it\u2026 Tell your Pa I\u2019m sorry, but that I\u2019m real happy to hear that Adam\u2019s coming home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Joe squeaked out, taking the sheet of paper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt says it all right there.\u201d The man pointed to the telegram. \u201cHe\u2019s going to arrive today. You got about an hour or so until the stage arrives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam who?\u201d Joe looked up to the older man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, your brother,\u201d Clive answered, surprised by the boy\u2019s confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss hasn\u2019t gone anywhere. He\u2019s been working with Pa and some of the hands on clearing the site for building that new mill by Bear Creek Meadow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, guess it has been some time since Adam\u2019s been gone.\u201d Scratching at his head, Clive continued, \u201cWhy I guess it\u2019s probably been nigh on ten years since Adam left. Went to Harvard\u2026 If I remember right, it weren\u2019t but a few months after your Ma passed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh! Adam\u2019s coming home.\u201d Joe was surprised. Vague images filtered through his memory after he read the wire.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright
\nThe Ponderosa Ranch
\nVirginia City, Nevada Territory<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Will arrive the afternoon stage June 5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \/stop
\nCan\u2019t wait\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 \/stop<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Your son, Adam<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess it\u2019s too late for you to make it home and get your Pa back here. Tell Ben that I\u2019m truly sorry. I\u2019m gonna tan Jerry\u2019s backside when I get home tonight. That boy\u2026\u201d Clive Morgan turned and left Joe standing next to the boardwalk, staring at the wire. As Joe reread the telegram, he tried to latch on to the memories in hopes they would explain the uneasiness that settled in the pit of his stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe startled when he felt a hand placed to his shoulder. He looked up to see Paul Martin, the town\u2019s doctor and one of his father\u2019s best friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you alright?\u201d Paul Martin asked as he looked at Joe\u2019s pale complexion, and worried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hi Doc Martin. Yeah, I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul raised his eyebrows in surprise, whenever did the boy say he was anything other than fine.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything alright at home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh, yeah, I guess. Pa and Hoss haven\u2019t been home much, but that\u2019s to be expected right now,\u201d Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess so, your Pa told me about their new project. Anyway, I called your name a couple of times and you didn\u2019t answer. If you don\u2019t mind my saying, you look like you lost your best friend\u2026 Did you and Mitch get into trouble at school today?\u201d the physician teased.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 uh\u2026 Doc\u2026 you\u2019ve known my family for a long time\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, you know that. You were the first baby I helped bring into the world after my arrival. I remember it like yesterday, you weren\u2019t supposed to arrive for another month. Adam came racing into town to find me and\u2026\u201d Seeing Joe\u2019s face blanch, Paul asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026 He\u2019s coming home\u2026\u201d Joe plaintively stated, looking up from hooded eyes he handed the wire to the family physician.<\/span><\/p>\n

After reading, Paul understood and nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa doesn\u2019t talk about why he really left, only that he left so he could go to school\u2026\u201d Joe hesitated, \u201cSome of the other guys say he\u2019s some kind of black sheep of the family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam is NOT a black sheep. He\u2019s loved by your father and your brother, and you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026\u201d Joe paused as images of a gangly tall young man with dark hair and dark eyes so lost in hurt peered at him. \u201cDoc, he left because of me\u2026 didn\u2019t he\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, why don\u2019t you come with me to my surgery\u2026 I think it best we speak without everyone else listening in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The physician’s hand guided the boy as he walked along beside him as they stayed to the side of the dirt street that ran through the heart of Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

Arriving at the physician\u2019s surgery, Joe tied Cochise to the hitching rail, loosened his cinch, and followed the man inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave a seat Joe, I\u2019ll be right back. Marjorie, from the diner, brought over some lemonade earlier this afternoon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Handing a glass to the boy, Paul sat down at his desk and began his explanation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what do you remember from\u2026 after your mother\u2019s death?\u201d Paul asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot much, more feelings than anything\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cLoneliness, hurt\u2026 I remember being scared.\u201d Joe thought back through ten years worth of memories. \u201cAfter Momma died, Pa had to leave for a long business trip, I thought he was never coming home, and then Adam got hurt and left\u2026 I wasn\u2019t a good kid back then; I remember being on trial. I\u2019m surprised you never told Pa to send me to one of them homes for unruly boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026 You were so young\u2026, it doesn\u2019t surprise me that you don\u2019t remember everything exactly right. You have a few of your facts, not quite correct. Joe, your life was turned inside-out. And your brothers and Hop Sing did their best to protect you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did I need protected?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul wished that Ben was there, and was the one to explain to his son the tragic events from the past. But there wasn\u2019t time. The boy had a right to know, and since the doctor had played a part all those years ago, he continued\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Three<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ten years earlier:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMARIE!!\u201d Ben Cartwright screamed, having watched the horse stumble and fall, throwing his wife to the ground. Jumping from the raised deck and running across the yard, Ben caressed his wife\u2019s face in an effort to help her regain consciousness. \u201cMarie?\u201d Tears streaming down his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie Yeagle, the ranch foreman, came from the barn and pulled the limping horse away from the couple on the ground. Charlie was a small man in stature, but that didn\u2019t stop him from knowing his job, and the men respected him. He was always immaculate in his appearance whenever he wasn\u2019t out on the range, punching cattle. His dark hair was just starting to show some grey; however, once the grey appeared in his mustache and beard, he\u2019d shaved them both off and swore he\u2019d never grow them again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoss?\u201d Charlie called.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarie?\u201d Ben cried, his wife in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam called as he came from the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam! Keep your brothers inside!\u201d Charlie yelled, letting go of the horse\u2019s reins and went to help his employer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smoothed away the dirt from his wife\u2019s pale complexion, while behind them, a hand who had entered the yard turned his horse around and raced towards Virginia City and the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Almost three hours after the horse stumbled and fell, Doctor Paul Martin exited from the downstairs guest room and closed the door behind him; the sight in front of him was disheartening.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen?\u201d the doctor approached the grieving man. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Ben, but there was nothing I could do. If it is of any comfort, she didn\u2019t suffer. From what I can tell, Marie died instantaneously.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy wife\u2026 my beautiful wife,\u201d Ben whispered, trails of tears streaked his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stood, crossed the room and climbed the steps to the second floor of the ranch house. Moments later, Paul heard a bedroom door close.<\/span><\/p>\n

The physician looked at the two youngest Cartwrights, curled up sleeping next to each other on the red and white striped settee. He walked over to the oldest Cartwright son, who hid himself away in the study area, off the side of the great room; sitting at his father\u2019s desk, his head resting on crossed arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Paul said as he gently shook the seventeen year old awake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Struggling to wake, Adam muttered, \u201cHuh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s me, Doctor Martin. Adam, I need you to wake up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin\u2026\u201d he took in his surroundings and remembered, \u201cMarie died\u2026 didn\u2019t she\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, son\u2026 she died. The force of the fall broke her neck.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s grieving; he went upstairs a few moments ago. I wanted to let someone know that I\u2019m heading back to town. I\u2019ll let Fletcher, the undertaker, know that you\u2019re in need of his services. I\u2019ll also let Ada Michaelson know what happened. I\u2019m sure she\u2019ll want to be here to help with Marie\u2026 and the boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, I don\u2019t know what to do\u2026\u201d Adam wiped the tears from his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI highly suggest that you, and your brothers, all get some sleep. I\u2019ll return in the morning. If you\u2019d like, I can carry Hoss up, while you take Joe to his room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026 He won\u2019t wake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After seeing the Cartwright sons to their beds, Paul Martin returned downstairs seeking out the one person he knew would help take care of the family during their grief, Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTimes dark,\u201d the Chinese housekeeper\/cook spoke as the physician entered his kitchen. \u201cThey were happy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know they were, Hop Sing. The family is going to need you\u2026 especially the boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI care for boys, I help.\u201d The smaller man was not ashamed of the tears that streaked his face. He made no move to wipe away his grief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you will. I\u2019m leaving now, but I\u2019ll be back tomorrow. I strongly suggest that you lock the guest room door, to keep Little Joe and Hoss out of there\u2026 at least until Ben can tell them the news.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI help Mr. Adam take boys upstairs\u2026 put to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need. I\u2019ve already seen to that. You, my good friend, you need to sleep too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The man nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere\u2019s Momma?\u201d Joe asked, squirming in his chair at the dining room table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHush Joe, an\u2019 eat your breakfast,\u201d Hoss said before he sniffled and wiped his nose on the sleeve of his shirt. He\u2019d tried so hard the night before to stay awake. He knew something terrible had happened to his mother, but he had never thought it would be as bad as what Adam had told them earlier that morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both younger brothers had come down the stairs, surprised not to see their father already sitting at the table waiting to greet them for the morning while Marie helped Hop Sing in the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss cried when Adam told them of Marie\u2019s death, Little Joe looked confused. They\u2019d sat together on the settee until Hop Sing had called them for breakfast. Adam sent his brothers on to the table while he said he was going to get their father.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A noise from the room beside the dining room caught his attention. \u201cIs Papa in there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cDon\u2019tcha remember? Adam went upstairs to get him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s in there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever you mind, eat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin!\u201d Joe called, having seen the family physician come around the corner to enter the dining room. \u201cAre Momma and Papa sick? Is that why you\u2019re here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doc Martin had returned to the Ponderosa as promised, his soul saddened to see the tears streaking young Hoss\u2019 face and the look of confusion pasted on Joe\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you Joe?\u201d Paul asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you behaving yourself?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThat\u2019s good. Hoss, I need to speak with Adam or your father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s upstairs\u2026 with Pa,\u201d the boy answered. Paul could tell he was trying to be brave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, keep an eye on Joe, will you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Doc.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul slowly walked up the steps to the bedroom Ben and Marie had shared.\u00a0\u00a0 He paused outside the doorway and listened to Adam talking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026 Please, Mr. Fletcher will be here later today and Mrs. Michaelson is already here. You need to decide\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo away,\u201d Ben ordered as he hid with his grief in the darkened room, the heavy curtains drawn closed over the windows.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben lay in bed, still wearing the clothes from the day before, a blanket drawn up over his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t Pa. You have to decide on a coffin and what dress for Marie, at least come downstairs and share breakfast with Hoss and Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI said, go away!\u201d Ben yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul decided to make his presence known, \u201cAdam.\u201d It pained the man to see the heartbreak the young man was suffering in trying to deal with his own grief and yet still maintaining some composure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do this Paul,\u201d Adam answered as he walked to the doorway, looking over his shoulder to his father, tears leaching from his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. I\u2019ll handle your father\u2026 go be with your brothers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor Martin?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s about Joe\u2026 When Pa wouldn\u2019t come downstairs\u2026 I\u2026 I tried to tell him about Marie. He\u2026 I don\u2019t think I explained it right\u2026 he doesn\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul nodded. \u201cHe\u2019s young, it\u2019s to be expected. I know you probably don\u2019t feel like eating, but at least spend some time with them. I\u2019ll come down later and talk with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded before leaving his parents\u2019\u2026 father\u2019s bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam had barely sat in his chair at the dining room table before Joe began asking him questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Hoss won\u2019t tell me where Momma is\u2026 Do you know where Momma is?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Searching deep within himself, Adam answered, \u201cJoe, I told you this morning, your Momma had an accident\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin\u2019s here, he\u2019s gonna make her feel better, right?\u201d Joe asked, holding his porridge spoon upright in his left hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joe, Doc Martin can\u2019t make her feel\u2026 better,\u201d answered Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another noise came from behind the closed door next to the dining room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s in there? What\u2019re they doin\u2019?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Michaelson is in there taking care of Marie,\u201d Adam honestly replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMomma\u2019s in there?!\u201d Dropping his spoon, Joe jumped from his chair, ran to the door and turned the knob before Adam could reach him. \u201cMomma!\u201d Joe hollered as he opened the door and ran in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ada Michaelson had bathed Marie and dressed her in her petticoats and camisole, waiting for Ben to decide which dress she should wear to be buried.\u00a0\u00a0 It startled her to hear Little Joe enter the room, calling for his mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Little Joe, you shouldn\u2019t be in here.\u201d Ada turned and tried to stop the boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sidestepped the woman and called, \u201cMomma, there you are! You didn\u2019t give me my morning kiss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam reached Joe as he climbed up to the foot of the bed where Marie laid, the young boy stopped when his mother didn\u2019t wake and smile at him. \u201cMomma?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, no,\u201d Adam lifted his brother backwards and turned him to face away from his mother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me down!\u201d Joe yelled, twisting his body to see his mother. Adam held tight. \u201cI wanna kiss Momma! Momma always kisses me in the morning! I gotta wake her. Let me go!\u201d Joe kicked his legs and swung his fisted hands in an effort to get away from his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Marie\u2019s dead!\u201d Adam momentarily lost his temper, but softened before he continued, \u201cShe can\u2019t kiss you anymore,\u201d Adam cried as he carried his brother from the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMomma! Wake up! Let me go!\u201d Joe yelled. \u201cI want Momma!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Even those who knew her, found it hard to believe Ada Michaelson\u2019s age. Her dark raven hair had barely begun to grey at her temples and the creases that lined the faces of many women were absent from her own. She and her husband Archibald had been among the first settlers to greet and befriend Ben Cartwright and his two young sons when they decided to settle in the territory. It was an easy friendship and one that grew when Ben returned from an extended business trip to New Orleans with a French Creole woman as his wife.<\/span><\/p>\n

In her fifty plus years the strong frontier woman had witnessed her fair share of death, but still it was never easy. Even more so when the victim was young and vibrant; and left behind such a young child. Tears streamed down her face as she stood and watched the brothers leave the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam carried his fighting and screaming brother to the settee and sat down, cradling him in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShhh, Joe\u2026 I know you don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want Momma,\u201d Joe cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you do, but Momma\u2019s gone,\u201d Adam answered, tears constantly threatening. \u201cLittle Joe, she died yesterday. She can\u2019t hug you\u2026\u201d Adam gulped, \u201cor kiss you. She can\u2019t hold you in her arms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo wake her up Adam\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would if I could, little buddy\u2026 But no one can wake her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss walked over to his brothers and sat down next to them. \u201cI miss her, Adam,\u201d He rested his head against his brother\u2019s shoulder. \u201cShe\u2019s the only Momma I ever knowed. Why\u2019d she havta die?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want Momma,\u201d Joe whispered, placing his thumb in his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s in heaven, little buddy. Your momma\u2019s in heaven with our mothers, Hoss\u2019 and mine,\u201d Adam answered, closed his eyes and cried, he kissed his little brother on the top of his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMake \u2018em send her home,\u201d Joe quietly asked as Adam rocked him and tried to hum a song that Marie frequently sang. His throat constricted in his grief causing him to stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Twenty minutes later, Joe was curled up asleep on the settee, thumb still in mouth, and softly hiccupping from his crying. Hoss sat closer to his younger brother as Adam went to speak with Mrs. Michaelson.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s not going to be able to choose a dress, Mrs. Michaelson. Why don\u2019t you come upstairs and select one. You\u2019re Marie\u2019s dearest friend and I\u2019m sure you\u2019d know which dress\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I do. Thank you, Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

That afternoon, Mr. Fletcher arrived at the Ponderosa and waited for someone to answer his knock on the door. When it opened, he removed his hat before entering.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here to help with Mrs. Cartwright,\u201d he reverently spoke to the servant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMissy Ada already in room. Come, I show you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

By the time Mr. Fletcher was ready to leave the room where Marie lay, he and Mrs. Michaelson had dressed her in the gown that Ben had purchased to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary. She wore the necklace and matching earrings Ben had presented to her after the birth of their son. Her hair was beautifully coiffed and just a light touch of makeup adorned her face. The two people who tended to her yearned for her to wake, so lovingly had they treated her\u2026 she appeared as if only asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the undertaker exited the room and looked up, he saw Adam sitting at the dining room table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill your father be able to speak with me? We need to discuss arrangements for transporting Mrs. Cartwright to town and where in the cemetery she should be buried\u2026 and when he would like to hold the funeral.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Fletcher, my father is lost in his grief right now\u2026 But I know that he\u2026 he wouldn\u2019t want Marie to be buried\u2026\u201d Adam struggled, \u201c\u2026in town. There\u2019s a location here on the ranch that Marie loved. I think it would be better if she were buried on the Ponderosa. Can all the\u2026 arrangements be made to hold the services tomorrow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, if it could be scheduled for the afternoon. Is there someone here who could show me the location?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can do it\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut your brothers\u2026\u201d Mr. Fletcher countered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need to get out of the house for a little while. Let me tell Mrs. Michaelson and then I\u2019ll saddle my horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Adam turned to leave the spot that would be the eternal resting location for his second step-mother, he nodded at the undertaker\u2019s comment about having a beautiful silk-lined coffin that he thought would perfectly match Marie\u2019s gown. \u201cI\u2019ll bring it to the house tomorrow, late morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Four<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Adam rose early and woke his brothers, insisting both help him in the barn with the chores. Something to help Hoss keep his mind off his grief and to keep Joe out of the house for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

The day before, when he\u2019d returned from taking Mr. Fletcher to the location for Marie\u2019s grave, he\u2019d found Joe sitting outside of their father\u2019s bedroom, knocking on the door, crying.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIs Papa sick? He won\u2019t let me in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Joe. Papa isn\u2019t feeling well. Why don\u2019t you come with me?\u201d Adam knelt down, picked Joe up, and carried him downstairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t Momma make him feel better?\u201d Joe wrapped his arms around Adam\u2019s neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe. Momma can\u2019t make him feel better. Remember, I told you she\u2026 died.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what can you do when you died?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, buddy\u2026\u201d Adam pulled Joe\u2019s head to lie on his shoulder as he took him outside and to the corral; hoping the horses would keep Joe\u2019s from asking questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As the brothers worked in the barn, Adam kept Joe focused on various tasks he was able to perform\u2026 putting hay and oats in the mangers. He kicked up quite a dust cloud while he was raking the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chores were slowly accomplished for the morning. When the boys returned to the house, Hop Sing greeted them at the door, \u201cI have baths ready, clothes ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t Saturday. I don\u2019t need no bath,\u201d Joe replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we need to take a bath so we can look good and smell nice for when we say goodbye to Momma,\u201d Adam answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I see Momma?\u201d Joe looked up at his oldest brother, pleadingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will, later,\u201d Adam breathed deep to stop his tears. \u201cHoss will you help Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShore, come on there Shortshanks,\u201d Hoss reached for Little Joe\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hop Sing watched the two head to the backroom where they would bathe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Fletcher arrive with coffin,\u201d advised Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I saw him. Where\u2019s Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe still upstairs, honored doctor with him. You go boy, you no need see them place Missy Cartwright in coffin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded, and headed up the stairs as his tears could no longer puddle in his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam knelt in front of his youngest brother and finished tying the string tie that matched his own and Hoss\u2019. Hoss stood behind his little brother, both hands resting on his shoulders. The older two tried their best to quiet their tears, but seeing Joe and how he really didn\u2019t understand what was happening made it all the more difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n

Neither of the older brothers had ever known their own mothers, so they felt it was difficult to miss something they\u2019d never had. But this was the second step-mother that Adam had lost. For Hoss, Marie had been the only mother he\u2019d ever known, but he had known a time when there had not been a mother figure in his life. There once was a time when it was only he, Adam, and Pa, a time when they were happier than they were right now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I don\u2019t wanna wear a tie, it\u2019s chokin\u2019 me,\u201d Joe complained, sticking a finger between the collar and his neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to look nice for your mother, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but I can\u2019t breathe,\u201d Joe replied as he continued to tug at his collar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNeither can I, Shortshanks. But them people downstairs would think we weren\u2019t being respectable\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRespectful,\u201d Adam corrected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t wanna be rebectful,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cWill Momma let me take this off?\u201d Joe moved his hands to the ends of the tie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Joe.\u201d Adam stopped Joe from pulling on the string. \u201cPlease little buddy, just do this for me. You don\u2019t want the people to think your mother didn\u2019t know how to raise you properly, do you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMomma raised me good! Didn\u2019t she Hoss?\u201d Joe looked up and over his shoulder to the larger boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe raised all of us good,\u201d Hoss agreed, trying to keep the tears in his eyes from falling down his face. His little brother was so innocent in his questions, not understanding the implications of the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, I hear people arriving outside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam stood up, Joe reached for his hand and tugged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are people coming here? Are we having a party? Why didn\u2019t ya say we was having a party, Momma always makes sure I look nice for a party.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a party, Joe.\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cPeople come to\u2026 uh\u2026 say their piece.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s pay their respects,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are they gonna pay us? Is rebects as good as money?\u201d Joe queried.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose, dreading how he would ever make it through the afternoon. It had barely been forty-eight hours since Marie\u2019s death and their father had yet to leave his bedroom, Adam wished that he would take some time with Joe, maybe he could help explain what was happening so that the younger child could understand. But then Adam remembered the words of Doctor Martin, and how even he had sat Joe down the day before and attempted to explain what had happened. Joe was just too young to understand what it meant to die.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing opened the front door to allow entry to the first guests. Adam carried Little Joe as the brothers came down the staircase.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, there\u2019s Momma!\u201d Joe squirmed. \u201cWhy\u2019s she sleepin\u2019 in that box? Adam, ya gotta wake Momma! She\u2019s gonna miss all the people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Archibald and Ada Michaelson stopped once they heard Little Joe. They looked up to see the grief stricken faces of Hoss and Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ada met the brothers at the foot of the staircase, \u201cI\u2019ll take care of Joe today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s your pa, Adam?\u201d Archie asked, placing a consoling hand to the young man\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still upstairs\u2026 in his room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll head on up\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin and Sheriff Coffee are already there,\u201d Hoss helpfully answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just head up to see if they need any help,\u201d Archie answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded as he made his way to the front door, placing a hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder to encourage him to go with him and greet the others who were arriving.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNO!\u201d Ben Cartwright emphatically proclaimed to the two men who stood at the foot of his bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

This was the scene that Archie Michaelson witnessed after entering the master bedroom of the Ponderosa ranch house. Ben Cartwright was as haggard as he\u2019d ever seen him, even after weeks on a cattle drive. Ben\u2019s hair was plastered against his head, stubble on his chin and cheeks, dark shadows under his eyes, holding the blanket tight over his shoulders as he lay curled on his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, your friends are arriving in order to pay their last respects to Marie and to offer their condolences to you and the boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell them to go away,\u201d growled the grieving husband.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, if not for yourself\u2026\u201d Archie spoke, walking to stand next to the bed. From the looks he saw on the faces of their friends, he knew they had been up here for some time, attempting to coax Ben to leave his room. He grabbed the blanket, pulled, and said, \u201cGet your ass out of bed and get cleaned up! Marie would be ashamed of you! Your boys need their father!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo Hell with you!\u201d Ben venomously declared as he pulled the blanket back to his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, hide away all by yourself. You don\u2019t care about anyone but you! Leaving those boys downstairs to fend for themselves!\u201d Archie threw the words at him. \u201cWhat would Marie think?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s dead!\u201d Ben declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Marie\u2019s dead. But ya got three sons downstairs who need their Pa!\u201d Sheriff Roy Coffee replied, thinking that maybe Archie had it right. The best way to get the man moving was not to coddle him; make him angry. \u201cLying there, wallering in your own grief, not caring anything about them boys; pathetic is what you are!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you?!\u201d Ben bolted upright in his bed, eyes glaring anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe dare because we care for those boys!\u201d Paul encouraged. \u201cYour sons need you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With his eyes glowering at the three men, he threw back the covers and made his way to the wash stand in his room. \u201cGet out!\u201d He pointed towards the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the door closed, Ben looked at himself in the mirror.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Marie\u2026 why\u2026\u201d Ben stood there, palms of his hands flat on the washstand, leaning onto his straight arms, head hung low. \u201cHow can I go on without you?\u201d He shook his head back and forth. \u201cTell me that this is all just a dream\u2026 that you didn\u2019t say goodbye. Please, let me wake from this nightmare and find you in my arms.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Blocking out the vision entrenched within his soul, he told himself he had to do this for the boys. Ben shaved and gave his body a cursory wash. Tears fell again as he applied a small amount of the bay rum cologne that Marie so loved.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Many of his friends were already downstairs when Ben finally appeared; he saw his eldest and his middle sons talking with Edgar Wistram and his wife, and made his way to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Hoss called when he spied his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded and placed a hand to his son\u2019s shoulder as he looked Adam in the eye and acknowledged him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry for your loss Ben, Marie was a beautiful person,\u201d Ellena Wistram stated as she patted the man\u2019s upper arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMighty fine woman,\u201d Edgar seconded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout the afternoon, stoically, Ben accepted handshakes from the men and hugs from the woman as each one expressed their sorrows. When it was time, Paul walked with Ben outside to the carriage that had been reserved for the family, in order to follow behind the glass-enclosed caisson that carried the sealed coffin of Marie Cartwright. Roy escorted Adam and Hoss, while Ada walked beside Archie who carried Little Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

A crying Hoss sat in the front seat next to the driver, while Ben and Adam sat in the seat in back. Adam struggled to keep his tears at bay; Ben sat stiff and straight, his face emotionless. From Archie Michaelson\u2019s arms, Little Joe tried to climb onto his father\u2019s lap, but Adam motioned that he would mind his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want Papa,\u201d Joe stated, struggling to reach his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot now, Joe,\u201d Adam whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPapa?\u201d Joe pitifully cried and pulled on his father\u2019s suit jacket sleeve.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben never acknowledged his youngest as the driver signaled the horses to finally move out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss stood between his father and his oldest brother. Joe stood in front of Adam, who rested his hands to his littlest brother\u2019s shoulders. Most of the people who had been at the house had followed in the procession to the burial location.<\/span><\/p>\n

As friends and family settled around the grave, Reverend Hastings began the service, \u201cFriends and loved ones\u2026 we are gathered here today to commit the earthly remains of Marie Cartwright to the ground. Marie was a loving wife and mother, and a friend to many. It is a tragedy that her life was ended so young, but as we know from the bible, she has already been received in the Kingdom of Heaven.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tried to be good as the reverend spoke and those around him sniffled. His young mind couldn\u2019t understand the concept of death and he thought this might be some kind of new game his mother was playing. A game he no longer wanted to play, having to stand there and be still, and wearing uncomfortable clothes. He didn\u2019t want his mother in the box anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe was gonna take me on a picnic after church,\u201d Joe turned around and looked up to his oldest brother. \u201cPlease Adam, tell them to let her out of there! I don\u2019t want to play this game no more!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe reached out to his mother, but Adam restrained him, picking the boy up and cradling him in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShhh\u2026 Joe. Just go to sleep,\u201d Adam whispered into his brother\u2019s ear. Adam\u2019s hand encouraged Joe\u2019s head to his shoulder. He\u2019d tried to be stoic, but his brother\u2019s pleadings were tearing at his own heartstrings, causing tears to fall anew.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reverend Hastings spoke for a few more minutes before concluding the service. Those gathered filed past the coffin, not a dry eye in the crowd, especially after everyone heard Little Joe plead for them to let his mother out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Returning to inside their home, Ben didn\u2019t acknowledge any of his sons, nor did he say anything to the few close friends who returned with the family. He pulled off his tie, dropping it to the floor as he headed towards the stairs and to his refuge.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Five <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Five-year old Little Joe followed his oldest brother, Adam, like a shadow, never letting him too far out of his sight during the first week after his mother\u2019s funeral. Hoss tried to keep Joe occupied so Adam could do his work, but Hoss just didn\u2019t do things the same way as Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam doesn\u2019t do it that way,\u201d was heard more times than not when Hoss attempted to help his brother get dressed or brush his hair. The only time things went smoothly was when the older boy play-struggled with his brother in order to put the boy\u2019s socks and boots upon his feet. Joe would lie with his back on the bed with Hoss holding one foot or the other up in the air, all the while Joe squirmed to prevent from being tickled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing also had tried to find work in the house to keep Joe busy so Adam could run the ranch in his father\u2019s stead, but it seemed the boy always ended up sitting outside his father\u2019s bedroom door, crying himself into a distressed sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the days passed, Adam grew more frustrated at his father; he wanted\u2026 needed the man\u2019s help. The oldest Cartwright son had only turned seventeen a few weeks before his step-mother\u2019s death. He didn\u2019t really know everything about what it took to run the ranch full time as well as to take care of his brothers. He relied heavily on Hop Sing where his brothers and the house were concerned; and on Charlie Yeagle for the running of the ranch. But in his father\u2019s refusal to partake in their lives, he felt compelled to step in to his father\u2019s shoes, he had no choice. He was a Cartwright after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of an evening, once he\u2019d shared bedtime stories with his brothers, he retreated to his own bedroom and felt lost. He knew his brothers were struggling, both with Marie\u2019s death and their father\u2019s apparent abandonment. And he felt those voids as well; however, the Ponderosa still needed to be run and his brothers needed to be cared for, and\u2026 life continued. The downstairs long clock would yet to strike the quarter hour before Adam\u2019s eyes closed in exhaustion and he slept.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cIt\u2019s been two weeks, Paul,\u201d Roy Coffee stated as he sat in Paul Martin\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI been out there today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were?\u201d Paul asked. \u201cSomething happen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCornelius at the post office brought me a letter addressed to Adam\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it couldn\u2019t wait until one of the hands came to town to collect the mail?\u201d Paul couldn\u2019t fathom what letter would spur the lawman to travel out to the Ponderosa as a courier.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt came from Boston\u2026 Harvard College to be exact.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s eyes opened wider, he knew what the letter contained or rather what the letter should contain. It was difficult for the physician to believe that it had only been a month before that Adam had received a wire informing him of his acceptance to the college and that a formal letter of acceptance with further instructions would come later. As a good friend of the family, Paul and Roy had both been invited to attend a special dinner Marie insisted be prepared in her step-son\u2019s honor. The reticent young man was all smiles and disbelief at his good fortune when his father handed him the wire, just before Hop Sing brought in the dessert.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened when he opened it?\u201d Paul inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe looked at the return address and tossed it on the desk in the study area.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a shame\u2026 That boy worked harder than anyone I\u2019ve ever known, including myself, to make sure he had the background and the grades to attend. Do you think he\u2019ll still go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDepends on what happens next\u2026 If Ben starts acting like their pa again, I don\u2019t see why he wouldn\u2019t go.\u201d Roy also had an ulterior motive in taking the letter out to the Ponderosa, \u201cI also wanted to see how the boys are gettin\u2019 along. What I seen\u2026 well\u2026 It\u2019s just a shame.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul raised his eyebrows, he wondered if Roy had the same inclination as he did.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2019s runnin\u2019 hisself ragged trying to do all and be all. Something has to happen to get Ben living again. If not for himself or the ranch, at least for them boys!\u201d Roy punched his right fight into the palm of his left hand for added emphasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026 I was out there over the weekend, and I wasn\u2019t happy with what I saw. Ben\u2019s not come from his room and more times than not, he barely eats anything. Hoss is trying his best to help Adam by doing chores around the house and the barn, but there\u2019s only so much that an eleven year old can do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then there\u2019s Little Joe\u2026\u201d Roy shook his head in heart-felt regret.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe. He panics anytime he can\u2019t find Adam. Hoss can barely calm him down if Adam hasn\u2019t returned to the house before Joe\u2019s woken from his afternoon nap.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy interrupted, \u201cHop Sing told me that for the past few days, Adam\u2019s taken to having Joe ride in the saddle with him whenever he feels it\u2019s safe, ya know, depending on what job he needs to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Hoss and Hop Sing looking out for Joe. They were over the weekend,\u201d Paul inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThings were sorta okay, until the nightmares started, the boy started waking during all hours of the night. Hop Sing said Joe would scream and yell, fighting something that only he can see in his dreams. If anything, that should have alarmed Ben enough to get him out of his damn bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul spoke after thinking on all that had happened to the Cartwrights of late, \u201cYou remember Marie\u2019s funeral?\u201d When Roy nodded, Paul continued, \u201cHe never acknowledged Little Joe\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can we do?\u201d the situation was pulling at the lawman, especially where the youngest Cartwright son was concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust be there for the family when the dam finally breaks, and pray it\u2019s soon,\u201d Paul fervently wished.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHop Sing!\u201d Adam yelled, hurriedly making his way through the front door, re-entering the house. He had been startled to enter the barn to start chores for the morning and couldn\u2019t believe what he\u2019d seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMista Adam, what wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHas Pa been down here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo see Mista Cartwright, take tray with breakfast up soon,\u201d Hop Sing spoke in his stilted English.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBuck\u2019s not in his stall.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPAPA!\u201d Joe screamed from upstairs. \u201cPapa! Where are you?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hop Sing raced for the second floor and Ben\u2019s bedroom one behind the other; arriving to see Joe there, shirt buttons askew and his boots upon the wrong feet, crying and looking through the room and under the bed, calling for his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam hurried towards his brother and knelt down in front of him. Adam wanted to smile at his brother\u2019s disheveled method of dressing himself, but the boy\u2019s distress overrode any humor in the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Papa?\u201d Joe asked, tears streaking his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you in here?\u201d Adam pulled his brother close, almost a hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted Papa\u2026 The door opened,\u201d Joe pointed back to the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing behind the brothers, the Oriental man saw the doors to the armoire were hanging open; he walked over and looked, \u201cSome clothes gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaving the room, Adam ran down the hallway, passing a confused Hoss exiting from his bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam? What\u2019s goin\u2019 on? What was Joe yellin\u2019 about? Is Pa okay?\u201d Hoss asked, following his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Adam gasped from the stop of the stairs after realizing what he had missed seeing earlier. He dropped his head to his chest at the sight of his father\u2019s gunbelt missing from the sideboard. And his father\u2019s hat was no longer hanging on the rack on the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid he go to town?\u201d Hoss wanted to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a sniffling Joe in his arms, Hop Sing approached the brothers, \u201cMaybe father go to Missy Cartwright\u2019s grave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe cried harder, burying his face in Hop Sing\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt okay Lit\u2019le Joe, you cry,\u201d Hop Sing crooned to the child.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe had stopped asking about his mother, he had come to understand that she wasn\u2019t coming home, that she now lived in the grave. His brothers and Hop Sing constantly reinforced that she had loved him, and if she could, she would come home. But once you were in Heaven\u2026 she was now Joe\u2019s guardian angel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, would you keep an eye on Hoss and Joe\u2026\u201d Adam left his sentence uncompleted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna come too,\u201d Hoss proclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m going to be riding faster than you\u2019re comfortable going.\u00a0\u00a0 If Pa\u2019s not at Marie\u2019s grave, I need to go to Virginia City to see if he\u2019s there. I won\u2019t have time to keep an eye on you, and you know how Pa feels about you wondering the streets of town without him there\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam,\u201d Hoss pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I know you want to help find Pa, but I need for you to be here. In my absence, someone needs to do the barn chores. Can I depend on you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure ya can\u2026 ya knows that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam quickly saddled Beauty and headed to where he prayed he\u2019d find his father. He had felt it was a good sign that his father had finally left his room, but it confused him why he hadn\u2019t said anything to Hop Sing as well as the fact that he\u2019d left some time before the sun had risen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Disappointment washed over Adam realizing no one had been to Marie\u2019s grave since the day of her funeral, he had wanted to find his father quick. He turned his horse and raced towards town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Roy was startled when a panicked Adam ran into his office, demanding to know if the lawman had seen his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t seen him since Marie\u2019s funeral,\u201d Roy answered. \u201cYou know he refuses to see me when I visit\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s gone! No word to anyone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean he\u2019s gone?\u201d Roy asked, confusion painted his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 Buck wasn\u2019t in his stall when I got out to do chores; I thought Pa was finally coming around\u2026 Like he did after Inger\u2019s death. But Hop Sing said he hadn\u2019t seen him.\u00a0\u00a0 And then Joe was screaming in Pa\u2019s room and Pa wasn\u2019t there. His gunbelt, rifle, and hat were also missing\u2026 Hop Sing said some clothes in his armoire were gone too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he went on a business trip?\u201d Roy suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWithout telling anyone? Sheriff Coffee, does that sound like my father?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that you say it that way\u2026 Maybe he\u2019s in one of the saloons.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI already checked\u2026 he wasn\u2019t in any of them. I also went to those\u2026 houses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHouses?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHouses\u2026\u201d Adam emphasized the word and blushed. \u201cYou know the Houses? The ones where the women\u2026 um\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I guess it were a long shot to check them as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t see Pa going there either, but where else could he be? I figured he might be trying to drown his sorrow to lose himself in his misery\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy thought on what Adam had said, a saloon yes. A house of ill repute, no way, he knew Ben\u2019s views that one did not partake without the sanctity of marriage. And after the death of the woman who was his life, no.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go see if maybe he stopped in and saw Paul.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam insisted that the lawman move faster as they headed to Paul Martin\u2019s medical practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam listened to the lawman and the doctor discussing the situation concerning his father. No one had any better idea on where Ben Cartwright might have gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t we send out a wire?\u201d Adam inquired, his voice frustrated and worried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSon,\u201d Roy turned to face Adam and placed a hand to his shoulder. \u201cYour pa\u2019s a grown man. He\u2019s not done anything illegal, nor is he wanted by the law.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s wanted by two small sons who need him!\u201d Adam lost his patience, pulling from the lawman he punched his fist into the door frame.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know he is. I\u2019ll see what I can do, but in the mean time, son, you need to go back home and take care of your brothers. I\u2019ll get word to you on anything I find out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaking his hand at his stupidity, Adam left.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter six<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Almost a week had passed and Adam sat heavily in the chair behind the desk in what he had always considered his father\u2019s study. He did well enough to keep up the ledgers and working with Charlie to assign tasks to their various crews; however, he was worried after Hiram Woods stopped him in town earlier in the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cAdam!\u201d Hiram called as the oldest Cartwright son drove past the law office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Woods,\u201d Adam greeted, halting the team of horses. The wagon loaded with various supplies for building new corrals, as well as the supplies from the list of goods for Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you holding up? Any word from your father yet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re doing as good as one could expect.\u201d Adam motioned with his head to the figure sleeping on the sacks in the back of the wagon, an indication that he couldn\u2019t really answer that question as thoroughly as he would have preferred.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiram smiled when he rose up to his toes to peer over the edge of the wagon to see the sleeping Little Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure looks like an angel when he\u2019s asleep,\u201d Hiram stated as he grinned. \u201cI\u2019m glad I caught you in town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something I can do for you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just that there\u2019s a timber contract coming up for renewal\u2026 I need to know if the Ponderosa is still interested in pursuing the contract or letting it go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich contract? I don\u2019t know of any that are due\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the one with Sun Mountain. If you choose not to renew, I\u2019m sure Will Poavey will win the contract and he\u2019ll do his best to bleed the company dry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember Pa talking about that contract last year\u2026 It\u2019s a pretty lucrative one for us; he was pleased to have pulled it out from under Mr. Poavey.\u201d Adam was torn, with everything else, \u201cI don\u2019t think Pa has a copy of it at the house. Do you have a copy of the contract and their new specifications that I can review?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, they\u2019re right here,\u201d Hiram handed Adam packet. \u201cWe only have three weeks to finalize and submit the bid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking the papers, Adam sighed, \u201cI\u2019ll keep that in mind. Mr. Woods, if Pa\u2019s not back before the due date\u2026 I\u2019m shy of reaching my majority\u2026 Can I legally sign the contract if ours is the winning bid? Can my bid even be considered?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, a long time ago your father gave me his Power of Attorney to sign for anything like this that might come up\u2026 You work the figures and I\u2019ll sign the contract.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Mr. Woods,\u201d Adam secured the specifications under the seat before rein slapping the team of horses to get them moving.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Even though he would have given anything to follow his brothers up to bed, Adam pulled out the folder and reviewed the Sun Mountain contract that was set to expire before the end of the month. As he read, Hop Sing quietly filled his coffee cup before returning to his own domain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes were practically crossed by the time he finished reading the contract, and how confusing it was, the party of the first part, the party of the second part, therefore, and the aforementioned\u2026 Adam thought, \u2018And men pay good money to go to college to learn how to\u2026\u2019<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Images flashed through Adam\u2019s thoughts, \u2018Son, I\u2019m proud of you. You did it,\u2019 Ben had said as he handed the college notification wire to his oldest, his face and posture expressed his pride in his oldest son\u2019s accomplishments.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess college is out of the question, now.\u201d Adam grieved for one more loss as he set to reviewing how his father had calculated the previous contract.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

He\u2019d only slept for four hours before he woke to begin a new day. As Adam exited the house to proceed across the yard to the barn, he encountered their ranch foreman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning Adam,\u201d Charlie casually greeted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning Charlie. How are you today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe a fair bit better than you. You look tired son\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t be helped.\u201d Adam breathed deeply before exhaling. \u201cYou\u2019re out here earlier than usual. Is something up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but I\u2019m not sure how to handle the situation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam struggled with his emotions; he needed to get his chores done before Joe woke. But he knew he needed to deal with any possible ranch problems that Charlie brought to his attention, he motioned for the man to accompany him to the chairs on the raised deck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, it makes me mad to have to tell ya what I need to\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not leaving are you?\u201d Adam panicked, \u201cCharlie, I need you. I\u2019d be lost without your help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don\u2019t worry, I ain\u2019t leaving, but there\u2019s a few of the hands well, who aren\u2019t pulling their weight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey never had any trouble takin\u2019 orders from me, when Ben was here. But they know he ain\u2019t and I\u2019ve heard a few grumblin\u2019 about takin\u2019 order from\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone who\u2019s wet behind the ears?\u201d Adam offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s putting it politely,\u201d Charlie replied, almost aggrieved. He knew the young man was struggling and these were exceedingly trying times on the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven though we discuss everything and most of what happens is your suggestion\u2026\u201d Adam tried to smooth over the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey don\u2019t see it that way\u2026 Essentially\u2026 you are the boss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can we do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know that there is anything WE can do,\u201d Charlie hoped the boy would understand what he was implying.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen why bring it to my attention\u2026\u201d Adam was flustered. Deep down he felt there was something more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie knew what he wanted to have happen, but he wanted to see if his employer\u2019s oldest son had the gumption to figure it out on his own and if so, how he would handle the situation. He sat there watching the young man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie\u2026 I guess I know why Pa keeps you around.\u201d Adam stood and looked over to the bunkhouse. \u201cTell all the men I want every one of them present in thirty minutes. That\u2019ll give me time to take care of my morning responsibilities before I address MY employees.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill do, Boss,\u201d Charlie grinned as he slapped him on the shoulder before standing to take his leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The employees of the Ponderosa stood in the morning sun as directed by Charlie, and waited to hear what Adam Cartwright had to say. Adam strode purposefully from the house and climbed up a few bales of straw that were stacked in front of the barn. He\u2019d changed into darker clothing since talking with Charlie\u2026 he was also wearing his hat, chaps, and his gunbelt; he looked older than his seventeen years of age.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know many of you are aware what\u2019s happened here over the past month, the death of Marie Cartwright and the fact that my father is temporarily not here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTemporarily?\u201d Tuff Conners snorted out. \u201cHe ain\u2019t been here for neigh on over two weeks. When\u2019s he gonna get back?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s none of your concern. In my father\u2019s absence, I am in charge of the running the Ponderosa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t taking no orders from no kid\u2026\u201d someone else, who Adam was not able to identify, proclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEach and every one of you are paid by the Ponderosa, and the Ponderosa is owned by the Cartwrights. In case any of you have forgotten\u2026 MY name is Adam CARTWRIGHT. In exchange for wages and a place to stay and grub, you are paid to do a job, as instructed by Our ranch foreman, Charlie Yeagle or a member of MY family. If anyone has any problems with their assignments, they are to come directly to me. Charlie\u2019s orders are my father\u2019s orders; keep the Ponderosa running. Take care of the cattle, the horses, and the land. You don\u2019t want to follow these orders\u2026 then step forward and draw your pay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A few of the men mumbled as the individuals within the group shifted uneasily at the intense stare that Adam directed at each and every man. He took note of those who would not look him directly in the eye, and gave a brief nod of the head in answer to those indicating they accepted his position as their boss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince no one has stepped forward\u2026 I take it that every man here will give one hundred percent to the job assigned. Charlie, give them their assignments.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Most of the men willingly parted as Adam stepped down from the bales and began to stride across the yard. A few men had tried to push the issue, but ultimately gave way as he neared. He walked to where Beauty was tethered and climbed into the saddle. Once in saddle, he signaled his horse to walk to the porch where Hoss and Little Joe waited. Extending his arm, Adam reached down, grabbed his little brother\u2019s arm and hoisted him to sit in front of him in the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe settled into the saddle, he pulled his hat from his head and hung it by the stampede string over the saddle horn. He\u2019d learned a few weeks earlier that this was the only way he could keep his hat with him; otherwise as he bounced back into Adam\u2019s chest it kept falling off.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you know Hop Sing wants his kindling box filled this morning. Once that\u2019s done, you can ride out to where we\u2019re building the new corrals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShore thin\u2019, Boss,\u201d Hoss smiled at his brothers, then looked to the men who still waited for their orders. \u201cSee ya soon, Adam, Shortshanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBye Hoss!\u201d Joe replied as he took the reins from his brother\u2019s hand and directed Beauty out of the yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sun had set by the time Charlie entered the barn to see Adam checking to make sure all was right within, before closing it up for the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle one already bunked down?\u201d Charlie asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, he fell asleep on our way in, barely kept his eyes open through dinner. I tucked him in myself a little while ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss done a good job in here today, and all the woodbins are filled. I think in addition to the men, you inspired him to take your orders seriously and to do what needs done before being asked,\u201d Charlie commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate the work he did, saved me some time tonight.\u201d Adam turned to where the lantern hung on one of the support beams. \u201cHow\u2019d it go with the men today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour little \u2018speech\u2019 shut up most of them,\u201d answered Charlie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut not all of them\u2026\u201d Adam understood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be asking too much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the lumberjacks, have you heard any trouble coming from the lumber camps?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, but it probably would be prudent to address them sooner rather than later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPrudent? Kind of a fancy word for you to use Charlie\u2026\u201d Adam teased, trying to ease the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you and your book learning is kind of rubbing off on me,\u201d Charlie replied. \u201cSo, what about a trip to the lumber camps?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get it done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d responded Adam as he wearily headed inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Breakfast was almost ready to be placed on the table and the two youngest brothers were upstairs when one more burden was placed on Adam. \u201cMr. Adam, Hop Sing worry about Lit\u2019le Joe\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked up from strapping his holster to his leg. \u201cHe\u2019s alright, isn\u2019t he?\u201d Adam worried, had he allowed his brother too much and there was more wrong with his brother than just falling asleep the day before.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI no like him riding with you all the time. You have much work to do, lit\u2019le boy keep you from doing work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know Hop Sing, but what am I to do? Pa ain\u2019t here, and he screams bloody murder\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy learn, if you be strong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, I appreciate your concern\u2026 But he\u2019s lost so much right now, what with Marie\u2019s death and Pa missing. If it takes longer for me to get my work done so he can sleep through the night, what\u2019s the harm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHarm is\u2026 you no take care of you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam dropped his chin to his chest; he knew the truth in the words the family\u2019s longtime caretaker was speaking. Looking up he said, \u201cI know. But if there were any way I could convince him to stay home\u2026 I\u2019m all out of ideas. I don\u2019t want him to think I\u2019m going to leave him too, and taking him with me is the only way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe careful?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI try.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At that moment, Joe came trampling down the staircase with Hoss close behind, he stopped at seeing Adam already tying down his holster to his thigh. Tears formed in his eyes, \u201cYou\u2019re not leaving me\u2026\u201d *sniffle* <\/em>\u201care you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Little Buddy. Charlie and I are heading up to the lumber camps to have a talk with the men. How about you staying here with Hop Sing and Hoss today. I\u2019m sure they could use your help.\u201d Adam prayed Joe would accept.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Please don\u2019t leave me Adam!\u201d Joe cried, running to his brother and wrapping his arms around Adam\u2019s legs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked to Hop Sing, his eyes pleaded for help or understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLit\u2019le Joe, we make cookies\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNOOOO!\u201d Joe screamed, \u201cAdam don\u2019t go!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Kneeling down to unwrap his brother from his legs, he said, \u201cYou get a quick bite to eat while I go saddle Beauty. Can you do that?\u201d Adam wiped the tears from his brother\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see that he eats good and proper,\u201d Hoss stated as he reached for his little brother\u2019s wrist to lead him to the breakfast table. \u201cMe, I think I\u2019m gonna like stayin\u2019 here and lickin\u2019 the batter bowl and snitchin\u2019 cookies from the rack.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou snitch, you no get more!\u201d Hop Sing declared, understanding his defeat where Little Joe was concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Five days later, Joe Cartwright sat in the chair beside the solid, double doors that separated Roy Coffee\u2019s office from the jail cells. He alternately swung his legs back and forth while sucking and gnawing one of the licorice whips Adam had purchased for him earlier in the morning. Every now and then, Joe would lean over the arm of the chair and look into the cell area and giggle at Morton Brumble when the man snorted while sleeping off a drunken hangover.<\/span><\/p>\n

He watched Adam and Sheriff Coffee quietly talk on the other side of the room; he couldn\u2019t hear what they were saying.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHow\u2019s the boy doing?\u201d Roy nodded towards Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as I keep him with me during the day, he does pretty well at night. It\u2019s on the days where I tell him he has to stay home\u2026 those nights he screams as if someone is killing him and it takes a while for me to wake him up and even longer to get him to calm down so he can try to go back to sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s becoming a great help around the house and the barn, taking on a number of the chores himself. He still has his moments where it\u2019s all too much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a shame that Ada and Archie Michaelson had to head over to Denver to help their son and his wife with their newborn twins.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure Joe would love to spend time with Miss Ada.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, whenever he was being obstinate, Mrs. Michaelson could always get him to behave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish I knew how to help you boys\u2026\u00a0 \u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe too. I just wish someone knew where Pa was and got word to him that I really need him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou, not the boys?\u201d Roy grew curious.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe all need him, but\u2026\u201d Angry emotions controlled the volume of Adam\u2019s voice. \u201cCharlie and I think we\u2019ve got rustlers striking the Ponderosa. I can\u2019t believe\u2026\u201d In desperation, Adam shook his head, \u201cHas anyone else reported rustlers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI tell ya Adam, none of the other ranches in this area have reported any loss of cattle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan you at least ask around?\u201d Adam insisted. \u201cThey may be experiencing loss but haven\u2019t reported anything yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you know that\u2019s not how the ranchers around here work.\u201d Roy Coffee looked up to the young man while he sat behind his desk, papers scattered about. \u201cIt\u2019s like them three swordsmen in that \u2026 oh\u2026 that book\u2026 The one Marie was talking about that last time I came over for supper\u2026 One man and everyone else for each other\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, the Three Musketeers, \u2018One for All and All for One\u2019,\u201d Adam replied, remembering the nights he and Marie would read and discuss passages within the book.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, if anyone else was having a problem with rustlers, they\u2019d let me know and then the Cattlemen\u2019s Association\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam hated the thought that the Ponderosa was specifically being targeted, but it did make sense, especially since his father had been gone for over a month. \u201cI guess I need to let you know that we\u2019re missing cattle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow many?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight now, we think about twenty-five to thirty head,\u201d Adam answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not a lot\u2026 Are ya sure they\u2019re just not wandered away?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie\u2019s had a crew out looking for three days straight and not found a sign. You know how Pa always has us keep an accurate count\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right Sheriff Coffee,\u201d Joe added having finished his licorice whip; he jumped down from the chair and came to stand next to his brother. \u201cMy butt hurts.\u201d Joe emphasized his point by rubbing the offended part of his anatomy. \u201cI was out in the saddle with Adam looking for them blasted\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d hissed Adam looking down to his youngest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 looking for them cows all day yesterday,\u201d Joe corrected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, if you really are dealing with rustlers, do you think it\u2019s wise to take Little Joe out riding like ya do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I\u2019m a Cartwright!\u201d Joe declared. His eyes narrowed at the lawman for talking about him as if he wasn\u2019t there. \u201cYou know we do the work we expect our hands to do!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy smiled at the boy\u2019s spunk and understood what Adam was facing when it came to his little brother. But the lawman also knew how dangerous it was for the boy to ride with his brother, especially now with the threat of rustlers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t you think it might be best if you stay home and help Hoss defend the house?\u201d Roy asked, knowing that Adam had probably argued until he was blue in the face with the boy. Looking into those innocent green eyes of the five year old; who could really refuse the boy? \u201cThere\u2019s also Hop Sing to think about, what if those rustlers came to the house, and wanted some grub. He\u2019s pretty well known for his cooking around these parts, his vegetables and those desserts of his. What if there weren\u2019t enough men to chase them off? I mean, Adam probably has most of the men out looking for the thieves\u2026\u201d The lawman waited, hoping the boy would accept what he was saying, without realizing he was trying to keep the boy from harm.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe listened to what the lawman said and looked to his brother, \u201cI hadn\u2019t thought about Hop Sing\u2026\u201d His face changed with each passing thought that flittered through his mind. \u201cAdam, Sheriff Coffee does have a point\u2026 Would you be okay riding out on your own? I mean you\u2019re not really alone, ya got Mr. Charlie and the others. Hop Sing only has Hoss and I want to help protect him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I hadn\u2019t thought on what it would mean if something happened to Hop Sing\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy continued to help bolster the youngster\u2019s perception of his new assignment. \u201cJoe, you do realize how important this job is, why\u2026\u201d Roy rubbed his chin, \u201cI think it only wise that a real honorary deputy sheriff take the job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes grew large as he heard the title of deputy sheriff.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy selected a badge from his desk and asked for Joe to raise his right hand before being sworn in.\u00a0\u00a0 In closing Roy stated, \u201cDo you promise to do your best to protect Hop Sing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Raising his right hand after the badge was pinned onto his shirt, Joe answered, \u201cI promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow this badge only gives you the authority to protect Hop Sing at the house, and nothing more. It\u2019s too big of a job for you to take on any other responsibilities, other than the chores that Adam, Hoss, or Hop Sing might ask you to do. Do you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head as he continued to touch the badge pinned to his shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, are you sure you don\u2019t need any additional help to watch the house?\u201d Adam hoped that Sheriff Coffee understood how much he appreciated what the man had done to alleviate any potential temper tantrum from his youngest brother once they returned home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah, Hoss and I can do that. It ain\u2019t as big as the Ponderosa,\u201d Joe declared as he looked up and puffed up his chest. \u201cDoes Hoss need to be deputized?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, seeing as how you\u2019re my senior honorary deputy, I think I can allow you to deputize an assistant honorary deputy,\u201d Roy smiled and pulled out another badge. \u201cGlad to see you\u2019re thinking, and not trying to take the entire job on your own shoulders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss gots bigger shoulders than I do, so he can help me\u2026 uh\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCarry the load,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, carry the load. He\u2019s good at carrying his own weight,\u201d Joe giggled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019ll start spreading the word to the other owners; you could be right. They might be experiencing rustlers, but don\u2019t know it, yet. I\u2019ll send word to you when the Cattlemen\u2019s Association decides to convene.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded and winked at the lawman, thankful for his intervention and assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam lifted Joe to his hip as he prepared to leave the Sheriff\u2019s Office, \u201cThanks, Sheriff Coffee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBye Sheriff,\u201d Joe waved to the lawman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Hiram Woods called as he entered the office. \u201cGlad I caught you in town. Have you finished with the bid?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe bid? Mr. Woods, I\u2019m so sorry, I started, but with everything else\u2026 I\u2019ll work on it tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s due day after tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t mean to forget; there\u2019s just a lot going on at the ranch. Thank you for reminding me. I\u2019ll have it to you tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, are we gonna come back to town tomorrow?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, WE\u2019RE not coming back to town, you are going to stay home and guard Hop Sing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s gonna come with you? I mean, who\u2019s gonna protect you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I bring one of the men?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like that,\u201d Joe responded, bobbing his head up and down. Joe didn\u2019t want to leave the protective arms of his oldest brother, but he knew that he had promised to protect Hop Sing. And a Cartwright always keeps his promise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

That night, after being tucked into bed, Joe looked at the badge that lay on the table next to his mother\u2019s picture. He picked up the badge and held it in his hands, then turned onto his side and pulled his mother\u2019s picture and placed it on his pillow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMomma, Sheriff Coffee made me a deputy this morning\u2026 I wish you could be here to see me.\u201d Tears began to fall from Joe\u2019s eyes, streaking his face. \u201cI wish you\u2019d come home\u2026 Adam tells me there\u2019s lots of boys and girls in heaven who need a momma to hug them and kiss their boo boos and watch over them as they say their prayers\u2026\u201d *sniffle*<\/em> \u201cDon\u2019t ya know that I need you too. It\u2019s not the same without you or Papa\u2026 I love Adam and Hoss, but I want you to come back home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With closed eyes, Joe\u2019s tears continued to fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The clock next to the front door was near striking the half hour at two, thirty in the morning when Adam stood from the desk in his father\u2019s study. The bid was inserted into an envelope for delivery. Wearily he trudged up the stairs; before entering his own room, he looked in on his brothers to ensure they were sleeping.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Seven<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As dawn crept over the land, an exhausted Adam quietly bemoaned spending time in the saddle to ride to town and back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie!\u201d Adam called out on his way across the yard to where Charlie stood at the corral. \u201cThis is the bid for the Sun Mountain logging contract. Do you think you could have one of the men deliver it to, Hiram Woods?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I\u2019ll let the man know how important it is to get this bid to him this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Charlie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie watched the young man slowly walk the rest of the way to the barn, recognizing the exhaustion in his stride. Shaking his head, he turned to walk back to the bunkhouse to see who was still around to make the trip to Virginia City.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Having entered the barn, Adam was surprised to find his middle brother already hard at work cleaning the horses\u2019 stalls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing up so early, Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoing chores,\u201d Hoss happily answered, tossing a pitchfork full of soiled bedding onto the wheelbarrow. \u201cI got to thinkin\u2019, after your talk with the men\u2026 And decided I should be out here helpin\u2019 ya; now that I got Joe to help me protect Hop Sing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? Oh yeah,\u201d Adam smiled at the image that came to mind. \u201cI\u2019m thankful for Roy\u2019s help with that. You know I gave every argument against Joe riding with me, but I didn\u2019t know what else to do\u2026 It\u2019s going to take some of the pressure off of me knowing he\u2019s safe, here with you. I know how clingy he can be right now\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about that older brother; I\u2019m just thankful Shortshanks accepted the job.\u201d Hoss laughed at the memory of Joe telling him that Roy had deputized him to be an honorary sheriff with his sole responsibility being the safety of Hop Sing. And that the sheriff said he could deputize Hoss to help him. \u201cI didn\u2019t like him out there with ya neither, and I knew how worried ya\u2019s were because ya didn\u2019t have any other way a doin\u2019 it.\u201d Hoss leaned the pitch fork up against the outside of Beauty\u2019s stall before grabbing the handles of the wheel barrow to take the soiled bedding outside. \u201cAnything else I can do for ya today? I know how ya need ta get out to look for them missin\u2019 cattle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan you handle finishing up the barn, feeding the horses and anything else Hop Sing might need?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShore can.\u201d Setting the wheelbarrow back down, Hoss sniffled and asked, \u201cAdam\u2026 do ya think Pa\u2019s comin\u2019 home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, don\u2019t he love us no more?\u201d Even though Hoss was big for an eleven year old, he was really a child. And no matter how much he would appear grown-up for Joe\u2019s sake, he still grieved over Marie\u2019s death and their father\u2019s disappearance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam walked to his brother and wrapped an arm around the youngster\u2019s shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Pa loves all three of us\u2026 It\u2019s just that\u2026 Marie was the third wife he\u2019s lost\u2026 and I guess he lost a lot of himself when she died, seeing how long they were together. It\u2019s going to take some time in order for him to find himself again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe couldn\u2019t a done that here?\u201d With his big, innocent eyes, Hoss looked up to his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wish he could have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam hugged Hoss tight as he shook his head; he looked up in an effort to prevent the tears that were welling in his eyes from falling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want him home, Adam\u2026\u201d Hoss wrapped both his arms around his brother and cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe too, Hoss. Me too.\u201d Needing to change the subject in order to end his own morose feelings, \u201cHoss, what help do you need today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Stepping back and wiping aside his own tears, Hoss answered, \u201cI got it under control, Adam. I\u2019ll finish up here and check Hop Sing\u2019s kindlin\u2019, and see about choppin\u2019 some wood for the fireplaces, and maybe I can convince Joe ta help me clean out the chicken coop.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you going to get Joe and his sling shot out of Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen?\u201d Adam lightly huffed at the sight he\u2019d come home to the evening before, Little Joe sound asleep on a pallet of blankets in the corner of the kitchen with his slingshot in his left hand and his right thumb in his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s easy, I heard Hop Sing say he was plannin\u2019 on workin\u2019 in the garden if the weather were nice. We can protect Hop Sing from the coop; I\u2019ll explain to little brother about how it will be the perfect cover should any of them rustlers come lookin\u2019 around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you\u2019re a genius,\u201d Adam laughed as he began saddling Beauty for the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Charlie entered the bunk house, Gus Gibraltar was the only one to have not headed out to the range. Of all men to still be in the bunkhouse it had to be Gus; Charlie wasn\u2019t pleased, but what else could he do. The man had been with the Cartwrights for a little over a year and tended to boast of how much bigger everything was in Texas; it got on Charlie\u2019s nerves, considering Texas was his own home state and he knew exactly what was what.<\/span><\/p>\n

The tall, lanky Texan approached the ranch foreman with his saddlebags thrown over his shoulder and stopped as Charlie acknowledged him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGus, I need you to take this envelope to town this morning and give it to Hiram Woods, the lawyer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m supposed to be out looking for cattle\u2026\u201d Gus sourly replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is important. Mr. Cartwright needs this bid delivered and it has to be delivered this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy can\u2019t Mr. Cartwright<\/em> deliver it himself?\u201d Gus asked. \u201cI\u2019m a cattleman, not a messenger boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGus, as Mr. Cartwright said the other day, you take the assignments given or draw your pay.\u201d Not wishing to antagonize the man, Charlie hoped to turn the conversation to the benefits. \u201cBesides this quick trip to town will allow you the chance to stop by the Bucket O\u2019Blood for ONE beer, before heading out to look for them missing cattle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Well, now that you put it that way\u2026\u201d Gus took the envelope from the foreman and tucked it into his saddlebag and left the bunkhouse. As he stepped down from the porch, he twisted his blonde, long-handlebar mustache.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Long before Gus had left Texas, he\u2019d heard about the Ponderosa and working for Ben Cartwright. The Ponderosa wasn\u2019t as large as some of the spreads he\u2019d worked for in Texas, but the Ponderosa paid better than most and rumor had it that given time, the Ponderosa would be THE place.<\/span><\/p>\n

He felt it strange that the owner wasn\u2019t above getting his hands dirty and worked alongside his men, rain or shine. That shocked him, and that the old man insisted his eldest be out there with the men. The sons of all ranchers we\u2019d ever worked for in Texas only \u2018dallied\u2019 in the work; they oversaw the workmen, but never stopped to help. Cartwright sure was different, but it irked him that under the present circumstances he was taking orders from a seventeen year old boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019d heard Al Gordon and Cliff Barnstable grumble. He\u2019d also overheard them talking about ways to make more money than they ever had ever seen in their life. The lanky Texan knew the plan they were trying to put into place was well beyond their experience, it was one thing to make off with a few head of \u2018branded\u2019 cattle, it was something totally different to \u2018get rid of the evidence\u2019 afterwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today\u2019s extra jaunt allowed him to make contact with a long-time friend of his and collect the money for the cattle, keeping fifty percent for himself and allowing the remainder to be split between the other two.\u00a0\u00a0 The two men were stupid enough to think they were making a killing over the money they received for their stolen cattle.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After arriving in town, Gus headed straight for the Bucket O\u2019Blood; Charlie had said he could stop by for one beer. With his saddlebags hung over his left shoulder, he wound his way through the tables until he reached the bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA beer, Sam,\u201d Gus called, setting his bags to the counter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cComing right up,\u201d the bartended answered, reaching for a mug and twisted the tap in the keg. Setting the mug in front of the cowboy, he picked two coins from the countertop and deposited them in the moneybox he kept secure in the back wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell if it isn\u2019t Gus Gibraltar,\u201d called a dark-haired man, who stood from one of the back tables. \u201cSurprised the Cartwright kid allowed you to come in to town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need no kid\u2019s permission to come to town. Sides, I\u2019m here on business anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBusiness? A Texas drover\u2026 on business in town.\u201d The man set his empty beer mug on the bartop. \u201cDon\u2019t make me laugh, Gus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPoavey, why don\u2019t you go pester someone who gives a rat\u2019s ass about you.\u201d Gus raised his mug to his lips and sipped the frothy brew.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m scared.\u201d Poavey motioned Sam to pour him another beer. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on out on the Ponderosa? The old man come back yet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sam poured the beer and turned to walk to the back room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah, don\u2019t rightly know when he will either. Probably a good thing for that kid to figure out what it\u2019s like living in the real world, not having daddy around all the time to tell him to wipe his nose and what time to go to bed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not that happy working there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m happy, just don\u2019t care to be working for no kid,\u201d Gus took another drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not come work for me,\u201d offered Will Poavey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t no tree hugger. Sitting in the saddle is high enough off the ground for me\u2026 thank you very much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have men manning the saws on the ground,\u201d Poavey offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, back breaking, arm aching work too. I don\u2019t aim to have no logger drop a tree on my head. Sitting in a saddle all day is a heck of a lot easier than what you\u2019re offerin\u2019 me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat business brings you to town anyway?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGotta drop off some stupid paperwork to that lawyer. Was told I had to get it to him this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMight this be the bid for the Sun Mountain lumber contract?\u201d Poavey asked as he surreptitiously eyed the saddlebags set on the counter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know. Don\u2019t care. You\u2019re all so eager\u2026 Take a look for yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Will Poavey couldn\u2019t believe his luck, he\u2019d been infuriated the year before when Ben Cartwright had underbid him to win the contract, but this new contract was more demanding. More lumber and a farther distance to travel for delivery. From what Crawford had said the year before, the tipping point for Ben Cartwright\u2019s proposal was his personal oversight in fulfilling the contract. Pulling the pages from the envelope, Will smiled. He knew his own bid was higher than the one being submitted by the Ponderosa, but he figured he had plenty of ammunition in order to convince Crawford and Hawkins that he should be awarded the contract \u2013 no one knew the current location of Ben Cartwright.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee all ya need?\u201d Gus asked as Poavey placed the envelope back into his saddlebags.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Will Poavey stated and slipped Gus a twenty dollar gold coin before returning to his table.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Gus was glad his morning in Virginia City had gone as smoothly as it had, and he\u2019d been profitably paid for the fifty head of cattle they had managed to rustle from under Cartwright\u2019s nose. With the gold rush in California, buyers were taking all offers of cattle for sale to feed the hungry miners and everyone else who came to strike it rich.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prior to the California strike, cattle would sell for maybe eight to ten dollars a head at best, but now, buyers in San Francisco and Sacramento were paying upwards of thirty to forty dollars. Gus couldn\u2019t quibble on the fact that he\u2019d accepted only twenty dollars a head; he\u2019d been startled at the profit and they had only to drive the small herd to a hidden valley and make the arrangements for its pick up. He hadn\u2019t spent weeks on the trail driving a herd into California; had he, he\u2019d of demanded the full amount. For a few nights\u2019 secret work, he\u2019d pocketed five hundred dollars with the other half to be split between his two partners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before he\u2019d left the location of the exchange, Gus nodded when informed by the buyer that he would be open to taking as many head of cattle as he could\u2026 no questions asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Eight<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam!\u201d Little Joe declared as his oldest brother ushered him into the wash house. \u201cI can\u2019t go to church this morning!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou will. It\u2019s about time the three of us did. It\u2019s something Pa always said we should do when the weather was good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I gotta protect Hop Sing!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot today, little buddy. Today I\u2019ll have Charlie and Bayou keep an eye on the house,\u201d Adam explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I gotta deputize them!\u201d declared Little Joe as he tried to pull away from his brother\u2019s restraining hand. The young boy was all excited to be able to deputize others but stopped his struggles when he realized and proclaimed, \u201cSheriff Coffee didn\u2019t give me any other badges!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t you think it would be better, should the rustlers show up, that they don\u2019t know we have \u2018secret\u2019 deputies to keep an eye on Hop Sing.\u201d Adam was thankful for his own quick thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSecret? Ya mean like that\u2026 that\u2026 uh\u2026 lawman in my book?\u201d A month before Marie\u2019s death, she had purchased Joe one of the latest dime store novels written especially for young children. She hoped the book would encourage Joe to read more, like his oldest brother. Joe\u2019s eyes widened at the thought that he\u2019d actually be able to oversee some real detectives. The little boy looked upwards and backwards over his shoulder as Adam propelled him forward to the tub Hop Sing was preparing for his bath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, just like your book. Tell you what; you get your bath, wash behind your ears and between your toes\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh Adam, them old ladies at church ain\u2019t gonna see my feet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but they shore could smell them,\u201d teased Hoss as he stepped from the tub and began to dry himself off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe wiggled his toes, causing one to protrude through the hole he\u2019d worn in his sock.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy you put on holey sock?\u201d Hop Sing chastised as he finished pouring fresh warm water into the tub. He took the socks the boy handed to him. \u201cSocks stink, feet stink. Wash feet when wash body!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Once Joe was cleaned and dressed for church, he insisted to Adam that he had to deputize his secret posse before they left.<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie stood next to Bayou Brown, both attempting to keep a serious demeanor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bayou had arrived in Virginia City a few months after the birth of Joe Cartwright, straight from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He\u2019d been in town for less than a week when he encountered a young woman, with a baby in her arms standing next to a buckboard, looking slightly distressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

He introduced himself and offered his assistance; fifteen minutes later had carried all her packages from the general store and loaded them securely into the buckboard. The stranger was in the process of bidding her good day, hat in one hand, with her hand in his other, he lifted the dainty appendage to his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy pleasure to help such a beautiful damsel in distress; a true native daughter of the south.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He placed a kiss to the back of her hand before turning his attention to the bundle in her arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd this child?\u201d he\u2019d inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA son of the west, a son of Ben Cartwright.\u201d Marie smiled when she heard her husband shout her name, and turned to see him running across the dirt road to the boardwalk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarie?\u201d He spoke out of breath, \u201care you okay?\u201d Ben watched the stranger step back and fold his arms across his chest after returning his hat to his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am. You\u2026 are late,\u201d Marie declared with a hint of amusement, her face a fa\u00e7ade of mock indignation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, I\u2026 I lost track of time.\u201d Ben noticed Marie\u2019s packages already in the buckboard. \u201cPlease forgive me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need to worry about that, sir,\u201d Bayou drawled out. \u201cAll men beg forgiveness in front of such southern charm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you are?\u201d Ben asked as he stood straight and stared the stranger in the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBayou Brown.\u201d He extended his hand in greeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy rescuer,\u201d teased Marie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPleased to meet you, Ben Cartwright.\u201d Ben took the proffered hand and gave a firm hand shake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Brown. Your assistance was quite welcomed,\u201d Marie offered as she rocked the child in her arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026 Thank you for helping my wife. I see she has been quite busy in emptying my wallet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, Joseph has needs\u2026 He\u2019s a growing child\u2026 as are Hoss and Adam. All three of your sons are growing like weeds.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSurely you can\u2019t be the mother of three children?\u201d Bayou asked, and then begged apologies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam and Hoss are my sons from previous marriages,\u201d Ben answered sternly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. I was raised better than to ask such impertinent questions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have business in town?\u201d Marie asked when the conversation waned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably not, just passing through unless I can find a job,\u201d Bayou replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat kind of work do you do?\u201d Ben asked, always eager to find good men to work his ever prospering ranch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHorses, cattle, sheep, goats\u2026 You name it and I\u2019ve probably worked with them. I ain\u2019t picky about work to put food in my belly or my horse\u2019s, but I\u2019m an honest man \u2013 ain\u2019t gone against the law.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m always looking for experienced men to work on my ranch\u2026 Pay\u2019s fifteen a month in wages, with a roof over your head and a solid bunk to sleep in.\u00a0 A well-bedded stall for your horse\u2026 We have a ranch cook for meals and such.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like you have yourself a new hand, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome aboard, Mr. Brown.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBayou, everyone calls me Bayou.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

And so Marie\u2019s knight in western garb found an easy camaraderie with Ben and accepted his offer of employment. The man\u2019s eyes revealed the same depth and compassion for the land, as did Ben\u2019s. His raven hair was always slicked back, almost plastered against his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Joe grew from an infant into a toddler, and then to a young child, he had always enjoyed listening to the man speak in his deep southern drawl; telling tall tales on the porch to the bunkhouse or whenever he was the one assigned to chaperone Marie into town if Ben couldn\u2019t go.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The two men stood straight in front of the five year old, proudly wearing his deputy\u2019s badge and listened as the boy told them about the rustlers and how he and his brother Hoss had been charged with keeping an eye on their home, and more importantly, making sure the rustlers never reached Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta go to church with my brothers, but I still have to see that Hop Sing is safe. So, I\u2019m gonna deputize ya. I can\u2019t really swear you in, because\u2026\u201d Joe stopped speaking and looked to his feet. He wiped at his eyes when Adam knelt down beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t swear \u2018em in, because Momma never liked to hear us swear,\u201d Joe whispered and began crying.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Joe,\u201d Adam wrapped his arm around his brother, \u201cThis is a totally different type of swearing in, and your momma would approve.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHonest?\u201d Joe looked to his brother with innocent eyes, his grief still apparent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHonest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing away from his brother, Joe stood straight, \u201cMr. Yeagle and Mr. Brown, ya gotta raise your right hand and promise to do everything you can in order to protect Hop Sing, until me and Hoss get back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both men smiled at the boy as they promised.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Charlie and Bayou waved goodbye as Adam drove the buggy away from the ranch house, with his brothers sitting beside him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bayou told Charlie he was going to go clean out the stalls in the back barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the buggy disappeared, Charlie hoped that the morning away from the ranch would help to rejuvenate the oldest brother, or that maybe Doc Martin would see how tired the young man was becoming from all the stress of taking on the mantle of running the Ponderosa. He knew Adam Cartwright was a son who Ben Cartwright could depend upon, with the running of the ranch and caring for his brothers. But that didn\u2019t mean that the boy didn\u2019t need someone to care and watch over him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh shucks Ben, ya shouldn\u2019t a left them. Adam\u2019s a good man, but he still needs ya, almost as bad as them two young\u2018ens do.\u201d Charlie turned to walk to the forge.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss did his best to keep his little brother from tugging on his shirt collar, hoping to keep him distracted by pointing out all the different animals he saw a small distance from the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over an hour later, Adam halted the single horse harnessed to the buggy in front of the Virginia City church and, holding his brothers\u2019 hands, they made their way inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Virginia City was a growing town and many of her citizens had attended the funeral of Marie Cartwright and were aware that Ben had left his sons home alone. Of those who stood in the church yard, waiting for the church bell to ring, a few of the women discussed how it was wrong that two young children should be left to their own devices while their older brother paid them no mind. In their minds, the ranch was a full-time job and raising children was women\u2019s work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost three quarters of the church pews were filled as the circuit preacher made his scheduled stop in town. Adam appreciated the quiet way in which this man of the cloth chose to deliver the significance of his sermon. The oldest son of Ben Cartwright had never appreciated the previous reverend\u2019s fire and brimstone method of delivery; shouting and all the wild gestures with his hands and arms, and slamming his fist to the surface of the pulpit. What Adam appreciated the most this day, was that the various hymns chosen for the congregation to sing complimented the sermon, helping to instill the day\u2019s message. And they were hymns that suited his range of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked down as Joe tugged on his hand during the final hymn and held his arms up, indicating he wanted to be picked up. Adam complied and lifted his brother to where Joe could rest his head on his oldest brother\u2019s shoulder, briefly Joe hummed along. As Joe\u2019s body relaxed in his arms, Adam looked to see that his singing had put his brother to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

As services concluded, Adam and his brothers made their way to the reverend and thanked him for such a fine serve.<\/span><\/p>\n

Matilda Weatherby was a plump woman in her mid-thirties who stood about five foot, three. Her long, sandy-brown hair was coiffed in a large bun at the base of her skull. The color of her dress contrasted unappealingly to the tone of her fair skin. She watched as Adam began to escort his brothers across the yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Adam Cartwright!\u201d Mrs. Weatherby called; her shrill voice woke Joe from his nap on his brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Mrs. Weatherby?\u201d Adam replied as he turned to answer the woman.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the woman approached, Joe indicated he wanted down. Once his feet touched the ground, his right thumb went into his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you and your brothers doing?\u201d she sympathetically inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re doing fine!\u201d Joe answered before sticking his thumb back into his mouth, holding onto his brother\u2019s hand with the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s nice,\u201d Mrs. Weatherby answered, looking down to the small boy before addressing the oldest brother again. \u201cAdam, it must be quite difficult for you to watch after your brothers and take care of the ranch at the same time\u2026 I mean with Marie\u2019s tragic death and Benjamin gone for who knows how long\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s coming back!\u201d Joe declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all well and good, child\u2026 but for now\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor now, Mrs. Weatherby, my brothers and I are taking care of each other,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut surely you can\u2019t watch these children and work out on the range.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have Hop Sing to help take care of Hoss and Joe when I\u2019m required to be elsewhere. And both boys have chores to do around the house and barn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s\u2026 they\u2019re so young.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChores never hurt a boy, Mrs. Weatherby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut if all you have to rely on is that\u2026 Chinaman\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis name\u2019s Hop Sing,\u201d Hoss declared. \u201cAnd he takes real good care of us when Adam can\u2019t be home. He\u2019s done taken care of us before Pa married Ma!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVirginia City is becoming more civilized and having a\u2026 foreigner taking care of white children is appalling.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Weatherby, Hop Sing is a good man; regardless of where he was born. He couldn\u2019t love Hoss or Joe more than if they were his own sons.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s statement shocked the woman. \u201cThe nerve of that yellow heathen, trying to be their father when he\u2019s not even a Christian!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Weatherby, there are many religions in the world and just because you don\u2019t subscribe to their faith, doesn\u2019t mean the person can\u2019t be a good provider. Just look at Sheriff Coffee\u2019s wanted board; there are plenty of \u2018Christian\u2019 men who have prices on their heads. There is no one else who I would prefer to have watch over my brothers than Hop Sing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Removing his thumb from his mouth, Joe retorted, \u201cHop Sing\u2019s family! Keep your nose outta our family!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The woman gasped in shock as Adam reprimanded Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Joe, now apologize to Mrs. Weatherby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Joe pouted and returned his thumb to his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee that\u2019s just what I mean. If a woman was taking care of these boys\u2026 nurturing them with love\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, but my step-mother recently passed away, AND I think it is totally improper for you to imply that our father should remarry strictly for someone to watch the boys. We\u2019re doing fine! Good day!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam turned, lifted Joe to his hip and with a hand on Hoss\u2019 shoulder they headed to the Ponderosa buggy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cOf all the nerve,\u201d Matilda Weatherby stated, taken back at the comments and the abrupt departure of the Cartwright brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMatilda, are you alright?\u201d Agatha Montgomery asked as she walked up beside her friend. Agatha stood half a head taller than Mrs. Weatherby. Her raven black hair framed a warmer complexion that complimented her hair color. Her dress was stylish and accentuated her femininity appropriately.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThose poor boys,\u201d Matilda tisk\u2019d.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Cartwrights?\u201d Agatha inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joseph and\u2026 Eric. They\u2019re left to the whims of a Chinaman while Adam is running the ranch. My Walter\u2019s told me what he\u2019s heard from some of their hands when they come to town. Young Joseph had the audacity to\u2026 to\u2026 If they only had the love of a woman. If something isn\u2019t done soon, the child will end up on a wanted poster.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMatilda, he\u2019s only a child\u2026 a five year old, how can you claim he\u2019ll end up one of those posters?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAgatha, he\u2019s at a delicate age and situation. His mother\u2019s death, his father\u2019s abandonment. One brother too busy to care for him and another not old enough. Actually, neither are old enough to care for the boy. Who knows what that\u2026 \u2018housekeeper\u2019 will be teaching him or allowing him to do. You were at the visitation\u2026 You saw all those rifles along the wall\u2026 just waiting for a child to play with it and accidentally hurt themselves or someone else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMatilda, the rifles were chained against such risk. Besides, there\u2019s nothing we can do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes there is. Joseph needs a mother\u2019s love and I can give that to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what of young Eric, or Hoss\u2026 as they call him,\u201d Agatha inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSurely after five daughters your Harry would appreciate the help of such a strapping lad. And just to think, he\u2019s a ready-made son\u2026 Harry won\u2019t have to wait for him to grow up to help him at the smithy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMatilda, you don\u2019t know what you\u2019re saying.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes I do. We have to do something. I\u2019m going to talk with Walter. Something has to be done and fast, before that child\u2026 those boys are ruined.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Sheriff Roy Coffee had observed the confrontation between Mrs. Weatherby and Adam, and waited until the boys were on their way to their buggy before he made his way to them. \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood afternoon, Sheriff Coffee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfternoon boys,\u201d Roy nodded to each brother in turn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can I do for you Sheriff Coffee?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was wanting to let you know that the Cattlemen\u2019s Association is planning to meet Wednesday afternoon about four o\u2019clock.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam made a mental note, and hoped he would remember.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Sheriff. Would you care to come out to the ranch for supper? Doctor Martin will be coming out shortly,\u201d Adam offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like a mighty find offer, but I can\u2019t make it out today. Maybe next time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, I got me some secret deputies watching Hop Sing while we come to church,\u201d Joe stated as he smiled at the lawman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaning in close to Joe as Adam held him, \u201cSecret, care to tell me who they are?\u201d the lawman whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey wouldn\u2019t be a secret\u2026\u201d Joe pouted a little.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, the sheriff\u2019s our boss. He\u2019s gotta know who all ya done deputized,\u201d Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I forgot about that.\u201d Leaning into the lawman and cupping his hands over the man\u2019s ears, Joe whispered, \u201cAdam said Charlie and Bayou could watch Hop Sing and since I didn\u2019t have any other badges, Adam suggested they could be secret deputies, like that man in my book.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s real smart of your older brother, there,\u201d Roy answered. Rocking back on his heels, hands behind his back he looked to Adam. \u201cI saw Mrs. Weatherby stopped you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOld biddy,\u201d Joe replied and received a swift smack from Adam to his posterior. \u201cOw!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWatch your language, Joe,\u201d warned Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss stood to the side, surprised with what his little brother had said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMomma said it all the time about her\u2026\u201d Joe answered, rubbing the seat of his britches.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not Momma,\u201d Adam whispered. \u201cAnd yes, Mrs. Weatherby wanted to stick her nose into our family business,\u201d he informed Roy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe shore didn\u2019t have nothin\u2019 nice to say about Hop Sing,\u201d Hoss added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m inclined to agree with Joe there,\u201d Roy smirked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we can think it, he just shouldn\u2019t say it,\u201d Adam warned, and tilted his head towards the brother in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay!\u201d Joe squealed as Adam hugged him tight.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Joe had been put down for a nap by the time Paul Martin arrived at the ranch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019re the boys doing, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam thought that was who the physician was really asking about. \u201cWe\u2019re keeping him busy, it seems to help. It\u2019s still pretty rocky putting him to bed of an evening. He wants Marie so much, she always read to him and watched over him saying his prayers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI spoke with Roy earlier; he said that he came up with a solution to keep Joe from insisting on riding out with you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam laughed and shook his head sideways, in disbelief that it had worked. \u201cOf all the solutions\u2026 I never dreamed of him wanting to stay home to protect Hop Sing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about the nightmares?\u201d Paul asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still having them, but none as bad when he\u2019d wake the entire household up. Most of the time he just comes to my bedroom and crawls into bed with me.\u201d Adam took a drink of coffee from the cup Hop Sing had set on the low table in the great room. \u201cI hope that he never has another one of those hair raisers. It was quite frightening.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe still grieving, but able to help out. I listen to him when he needs a shoulder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you?\u201d Paul asked as he thanked Hop Sing for the coffee and cream.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not what I meant and you know it.\u201d Knowing it would be fruitless to ask about how he was handling his own grief, Paul instead asked, \u201cHow are you holding up? You look tired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am. Too many long hours out on the ranch, hours working the ledgers and figuring out that lumber bid, trips to the lumber camp, trying to figure out if it is worth it to try to continue to build the business for providing horses to the army\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRaising your brothers\u2026\u201d Paul inserted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re not trouble\u2026 Besides, I have Hop Sing to help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard Mrs. Weatherby gave you an earful. Care to tell me about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly the fact that she believed Pa should remarry to provide a mother for the boys. That woman, I bet she\u2019d consider herself a prime candidate for Pa. Thank heavens she\u2019s already married.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss had sat quietly on the hearth, listening to Adam and the doctor, but couldn\u2019t keep quiet any longer, \u201cShe called Hop Sing a yella heathen, said because he weren\u2019t Christian he had no business tryin\u2019 to help raise us. But Adam done set her straight on that!\u201d Hoss nodded his head for emphasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing came around the corner and called for Hoss to come to the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul was thankful for the houseman\u2019s ever perfect timing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I know neither of us thought that your father would be gone this long\u2026 and\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam deadpanned, worrying about what the doctor had to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t exactly know when Ben will return and I\u2019m beginning to worry about you, especially when it comes to the boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can handle them. I don\u2019t need you suggesting that we can\u2019t take care of ourselves\u2026 you of all people!\u201d Adam lost control of his temper. As much as he tried to ignore it, everything associated with running the ranch and taking care of his brothers was draining.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m only asking that you think about writing to your grandfather\u2026 maybe he could come out here, just until Ben returns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy grandfather\u2026\u201d Adam allowed his head to fall backwards in disbelief. Looking to the physician, Adam stated, \u201cAsk my grandfather to travel practically all the way across the country and by the time he would\u2026 could arrive, even if he was able to travel, Pa will be home!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just an idea\u2026to have another family member around to help you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was one thing for my grandfather to offer to open his home to me when I was getting ready to go to college; it\u2019s totally different to ask a man of his age to come here! He knows nothing of this territory. Besides, you\u2019re asking a lot of a man who I only know through the occasional letters and Christmas presents.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he was opening his home to you; he must have looked forward to getting to know you. That must mean something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he wanted to get to know HIS grandson\u2026 not meet me and help take care of two children!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you written him to let him know of Marie\u2019s death and your father\u2019s disappearance?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I hadn\u2019t had the chance to think on that\u2026 and I\u2019d hoped Pa would be home long before now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you written him of your decision not to go to college?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t decided that yet,\u201d Adam answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHaven\u2019t you? That unopened letter on Ben\u2019s desk tells me different,\u201d Paul replied. He knew of the letter\u2019s arrival from Roy Coffee and he knew how much it meant to both Ben and Marie that Adam had been accepted to the prestigious school. They both had looked forward to the time when their oldest could fulfill his dream of a higher education, and meeting his grandfather.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd just what happens to the Ponderosa?! What am I supposed to do with Hoss and Joe if I were to go to college? I can\u2019t leave unless Pa\u2019s home, and even then\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, he\u2019d want to you fulfill your dream.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDream\u2026 my only dream right now is for him to walk through that front door and for all of this to be a bad dream. But I have to face reality\u2026 As long as Pa\u2019s not here, my only obligation is to my brothers and this ranch. I have to be here for Hoss and Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd who\u2019s supposed to be here for you? You can\u2019t carry all of this on your shoulders.\u201d Adam\u2019s attitude brought out Paul\u2019s ire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I wasn\u2019t left a choice, was I? Pa left in the middle of the night\u2026\u201d Adam stood up and stormed from the house, slamming the door behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin,\u201d Hoss spoke as he came back to the great room, carrying the silverware Hop Sing had asked for him to set on the table. \u201cWhere\u2019d Adam go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he needed a little time to himself. I said some things he didn\u2019t want to hear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Oh,\u2019 Hoss mouthed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Nine<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Charlie called out as he rode his mount into the yard and saw his boss heading towards the barn. \u201cAdam?\u201d Charlie called again as he realized he hadn\u2019t been heard, and sensed something was not right, he stepped from his horse to follow the young man into the building.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Charlie called into the dim interior of the barn. \u201cYou okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stood with his hands clutching the half-wall to Buck\u2019s empty stall. The ranch foreman saw the tension across the young man\u2019s shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Charlie\u2026 My mind was elsewhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything okay in the house? That\u2019s Doc\u2019s buggy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin? Yeah, he\u2019s here for a social visit,\u201d Adam tried to hide his hurt, but his voice betrayed him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like he\u2019s got you a little\u2026 riled?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe suggested that I wire my grandfather\u2026 A man I only know from what Pa\u2019s told me, and through correspondence. At the man\u2019s age, I can\u2019t imagine wiring him and asking him to come all this way\u2026 to help take care of two boys he\u2019s never met and aren\u2019t related to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI take it you haven\u2019t wired him of Marie\u2019s death, nor of Ben not being here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe never met Marie\u2026 and what good would it do to tell him about Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe might want to come help you, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t ask that of him\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou may not have to ask. Adam, you and your family are good people. And there are good people out in the world who would want to help you, even without your asking, and ask for nothing in return other than a thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t do it\u2026 All I ever heard before we settled here was that Cartwright\u2019s take care of our own. Pa never took charity off anyone on the wagon train.\u201d Adam remembered the one time \u2018charity\u2019 had been forced on Ben Cartwright, and his son who had taken ill; and through that one act of kindness, he\u2019d finally gained a mother. Standing away from the stall, Adam turned to the foreman and said, \u201cEven now, Pa doesn\u2019t rely on charity\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t charity, it\u2019s help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t\u2026\u201d Adam was conflicted. In his heart he knew he should ask for help, but his father\u2019s words rang true in his mind. He didn\u2019t like where his heart was leading him, so he changed the subject. \u201cWhat are you doing out and about? It\u2019s Sunday, unless you forgot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 I didn\u2019t forget, not after seeing you and your brothers off to church this morning. We got more problems boss, I hate to say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMore cattle missing?\u201d Adam wearily inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, probably seventy-five head all told, now. The men finished another count today. If your pa wasn\u2019t as strict about keeping an accurate count every month, it was good of you to suggest the men bump up how often we take the tally. If not for your Pa and you, we could have been bled dry by the time round-up starts, not realizing we were losing any.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re being bled dry now\u2026\u201d Adam answered with dejection in his voice. \u201cThat seventy-five head means we\u2019ve lost almost a thousand dollars.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot at the going rate they\u2019re paying in California. Your pa was planning this fall\u2019s drive to California. Cattle are selling for upwards of forty dollars a head because of the gold rush.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s three thousand dollars we\u2019ve lost!\u201d an exasperated Adam exclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut we\u2019re getting more per head for those remaining\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s still not a wash\u2026\u201d Adam turned away, wanting to punch something, anything\u2026 instead; he lowered his chin to his chest, grabbed his right elbow with his left hand and used his right hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, slowly shaking his head from side to side. \u201cCharlie, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Adam stated as he dropped his arms and looked up to the ranch foreman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be sorry. You\u2019ve got every right to be mad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPost guards on the herds, two men per herd. Sheriff Coffee told me the Cattlemen\u2019s Association has a meeting on Wednesday. I\u2019ll let you know what we need to do next.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll tell the men.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam left his foreman and the barn, and walked back into the house. He was a gracious host to the doctor during dinner, paid praises to Hop Sing\u2019s culinary skills, and gave his brothers the attention they craved. When it was only Adam in the great room later that night, he looked at the brandy decanter sitting on the round table by the stairs.\u00a0\u00a0 His mind screamed for released, \u2018One or two won\u2019t hurt, besides\u2026 Pa ain\u2019t here to say no.\u2019<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Holding his second glass of brandy half-empty, Adam slouched down onto the settee and watched as the flames flitted about within the fireplace. By the time the fire had consumed the logs on the grate; the empty glass had slipped from a sleeping Adam\u2019s fingers and came to rest at a crevice between the cushions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Gus, Al Gordon, and Cliff Barnstable, were half of the men selected to stand first watch over the three main cattle herds that roamed the Ponderosa. The men couldn\u2019t believe their luck, until they were informed that they would not be watching over the same herd; each man was assigned with one other man and headed out that night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll be relieved at midnight,\u201d Charlie stated having given the men their orders.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Early Wednesday afternoon, Adam watched as several men rode back to the ranch, with two helping a third man down from his horse, and acting as supports to help the man walk to the bunkhouse without putting any weight on his left leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened to Bayou?\u201d Adam called out as he stood from where he was working on the ledgers while sitting at the table on the deck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHorse spooked and threw him. Busted his leg,\u201d Gus answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHas the doctor been sent for?\u201d Adam ran ahead of the men to open the bunkhouse door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I think Gordon rode for town,\u201d the second man helping their injured co-worker stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Martin arrived at the ranch shortly before it was required for Adam to leave for the Cattlemen\u2019s Association meeting. After a brief examination, Paul informed Adam that he would need Hop Sing\u2019s help in order to operate to put the compound fracture back in place.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I was going to have him watch the boys while I head into town\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam. But my needs for him as a surgical assistant trump your needs for a baby sitter\u2026 I know, don\u2019t let Joe hear me say that. Why don\u2019t you take them to town, have supper with them. Treat them out for the evening.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut neither of them are dressed\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDaisy wouldn\u2019t mind. In fact, she\u2019d probably watch them for you too. You know how much she enjoys having your brothers stop by; she always did when Ben and Marie would take all of you to town to shop and then stop by her diner for a meal. I\u2019m sorry Adam, I didn\u2019t mean to dredge\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s alright; it\u2019s a fact of our lives that Marie\u2019s gone. Hopefully the bank will still be open and Mr. Hinshaw will allow me another withdrawal from my college fund account.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour college fund\u2026 why not the ranch account?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause\u2026 since Pa\u2019s missing, the bank has refused me access to the ranch account\u2026 my name\u2019s not on the authorization card. As long as Pa\u2019s signature was on the drafts, they had no problem with me cashing or deposing them. But now\u2026 Mr. Woods has been working to rectify the situation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut doesn\u2019t he have power of attorney?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded, \u201cYes, but Mr. Hinshaw is being a stickler and knowing that any requests are coming from me\u2026 He\u2019s waiting to hear back from all his backers before he\u2019ll grant my name to the ranch account.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo all this time\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSupplies, wages, everything\u2026 It\u2019s come from the money Pa set aside for me\u2026 I know, Pa wouldn\u2019t want me to spend my college money this way, but none of us could foresee Marie\u2019s death and everything else that\u2019s happened since. And, it\u2019s the only money I have access to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul shook his head as the young man left the bunkhouse, passing the housekeeper in the middle of the yard as the man brought supplies for taking care of Bayou.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Matilda Weatherby and Agatha Montgomery stepped from Mrs. Lewis\u2019 dress shop, when Matilda let out a \u2018thank heaven\u2019 comment and fanned her face with a hanky.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMatilda, are you all right?\u201d Agatha inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am, and thank heaven so are those two little boys,\u201d Matilda declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you talking about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBefore you arrived, one of the Ponderosa hands came racing through town and stopped at the doctor\u2019s, I thought for the life of me that something might have happened to Little Joe\u2026 or Eric. But they both are with Adam just now, and Doctor Martin hasn\u2019t return to town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou were that worried?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWalter told me about the Cattlemen\u2019s meeting scheduled for tonight. They\u2019re talking about rustlers. I\u2019m worried about those two youngsters being left home alone. What would happen if those rustlers decided to barge into the house? Those poor boys would be left defenseless.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRustlers\u2026 that\u2019s what Harry was talking about. You were right, Matilda. I can see it now, those two orphans. What can we do?\u201d Agatha inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy Walter is working on it. One of his friends from his time in the cavalry is now a circuit judge. He\u2019s written to Oscar Williams to inform him of what\u2019s happened and asked how best to proceed in a case of parental abandonment of a child.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI spoke with Harry, the other day\u2026 He said he wouldn\u2019t be against our taking in the middle boy, he\u2019d be right handy to have help working at the forge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Daisy Alford was a grandmotherly soul, she took anyone and everyone needing a good meal under her wing. In exchange for a little work around her small restaurant, she made sure everyone had a full belly by the time they left. And when it came to the three Cartwright boys\u2026 she was only too happy to oblige without expecting anything in return.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got no problem taking care of them while you attend your meeting Adam. I can make sure they\u2019re bathed and changed, shucks maybe I\u2019ll even have the two of them help me in the kitchen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLord help the folks who come to eat tonight,\u201d Adam said aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Adam,\u201d Daisy smiled and batted her hand towards the young man, \u201cyou know Wednesdays are my least busy night of the week. It\u2019s so boring that it\u2019ll be a pleasure to have them here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam paused momentarily, watching Daisy corral his younger brothers and march them upstairs to the residence on the second floor, both pleading against the need to take a bath.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Marcus Grant, president of the cattlemen\u2019s association called the meeting to order shortly after the last of the members arrived. Grant stood approximately six foot, three in height, and was well-muscled from years of working his own ranch. He didn\u2019t stand too much on appearances; he arrived straight off the range, proud to let others know through his attire that he was a working man.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Grant made his opening remarks, he looked to those present, a number of the other members of the Cattlemen\u2019s Association attempted to put on airs, they came dressed in their \u2018go to church\u2019 suits. He struggled to keep a slightly sarcastic smile off his lips as he knew those \u2018dressed\u2019 were the smallest of members, and not by their stature, but the size of their ranches and the number of cattle they boasted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grant outlined the reason behind the meeting, and stated that even though Adam Cartwright was not a bona fide member, Grant accepted his representation of the Ponderosa without any qualms and expected the others to do the same.\u00a0\u00a0 As he looked from face to face, he nodded at each man\u2019s own acceptance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone, I\u2019ve told you already that Sheriff Coffee has informed me that the Ponderosa has experienced a theft of cattle\u2026 I\u2019d like Adam Cartwright to explain what\u2019s been happening and what he\u2019s done so far. Once we\u2019ve heard from Adam, I\u2019ll open the floor up to anyone else.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Mr. Grant,\u201d Adam stated, standing to address the other cattlemen present. There weren\u2019t that many men present, maybe eight others, but each man\u2019s livelihood was dependent on the knowledge of what happened with their contemporaries, large or small. \u201cThe Ponderosa has experienced a theft of about seventy-five head of cattle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard it was only twenty-five!\u201d declared one of the members.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was,\u201d Adam responded, \u201cwhen I originally informed Sheriff Coffee. However, my father has always insisted on accurate counts of our herds, and not just during round up. This past weekend, we ascertained another fifty head gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny tracks? Surely so many head being taken is going to leave tracks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot all were taken from the same herd at the same time. I\u2019ve seen possible signs that our foreman, has pointed out\u2026 It appears these men know what they are doing, taking the cattle in smaller numbers, maybe five or so at a time. Not enough to draw attention to what they are doing, but we\u2019ve always taken counts every month. Since it was first brought to my attention that we were losing cattle, I\u2019ve had the men take a count every other week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you said they were taking a few here and a few there?\u201d asked Marcus Grant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, it makes sense\u2026 we would have noticed twenty-five head at one time right away. A few here and a few there, a hand tends to chalk it up to them being strays and they\u2019ll return on their own or be found during round-up. A couple head aren\u2019t going to go too far away from their herd mates.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cliff Barrows addressed the gathering, \u201cWhen I was first told about what was happening on the Ponderosa, I had my hands keep an eye on my herds, I\u2019ve got hands posted twenty-four, seven.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo has the Ponderosa, only I didn\u2019t think about it until Sunday,\u201d admitted Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re doing a good job, Adam. You did what you needed, got the word out in hopes to curtail any additional losses.\u201d Marcus came to stand next to Adam and addressed the gathering, \u201cHas anyone else experienced an over abundance of strays?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Justin Partlow answered, \u201cMy foreman told me I\u2019m missing some cattle, at first he, like anyone else, he chalked it up to them straying. But once I found out about the Ponderosa, I\u2019ve ordered a full count of my herds to see where we stand. I can\u2019t confirm an exact count of the missing, yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Grant took control of the meeting, \u201cI think it best that all of us order counts of our herds and put night guards on watch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about going after the varmints?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKind of hard, when we\u2019re only beginning to realize that we\u2019ve been robbed,\u201d Grant answered. \u201cI suggest we have all our men keep their ears open when in town, especially those coming to town on Fridays or Saturdays.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about a reward?\u201d someone else asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019re a little too early for that, but it\u2019s a good idea once we have a better understanding of what\u2019s going on,\u201d Grant stated. \u201cMen, I\u2019ll talk with Roy after we\u2019re through here, and ask him to be a central point where our messages can be collected.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam felt somewhat better after the words of Marcus Grant and hearing that others might be experiencing thefts, better that he\u2019d forewarned the others to be on the lookout and that they could take precautions to minimize their losses.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It was nearing six o\u2019clock as Adam excused himself from having dinner with the members of the association, explaining his brothers were waiting for him at Daisy\u2019s diner. He made his way along the boardwalk and encountered Hiram Woods, stepping out of his office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Woods,\u201d Adam greeted, still a little pre-occupied with the events of the meeting he\u2019d just departed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, do you have a few minutes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was on my way to Daisy\u2019s to meet up with Hoss and Little Joe; she was watching them while I was at the Cattlemen\u2019s meeting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWon\u2019t take but a few minutes, I\u2019ve news\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam followed the lawyer into his office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake a seat Adam.\u201d Hiram stood in front of his desk and rested his hip on the edge. He wanted this to be a comfortable meeting, forgoing traditional formalities, even though one piece of news would probably not be well received.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, tell me the good news first,\u201d Adam encouraged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard back from Mr. Hinshaw regarding the Ponderosa accounts and adding your name\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell, I wasn\u2019t one hundred percent successful in getting what we wanted, but I was able to work out a compromise. Mr. Hinshaw is opening up a separate account for running of the ranch; he\u2019ll oversee the transfer of funds from the main account to this one, and only transfer enough to cover expenses\u2026 He\u2019s audited the master account and has calculated what it takes for supplies, food and clothing for you and your brothers, and anything miscellaneous you might need to get by. He won\u2019t allow any extravagant purchases, such as new saddles, rifles, and the such, during this time\u2026 As for the expenses related to the ranch, the Ponderosa is pretty self sufficient, but there are always expenses for repairs and maintenance, and as long as they are viewed as reasonable, they\u2019ll be paid from the main account.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat of the hands? We have to pay them somehow\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Hinshaw has transferred the money from the Ponderosa account back into your college fund account for last month\u2019s payroll. Going forward, the payroll will happen from the main ranch account as it has in the past, down to the penny\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat means we can\u2019t hire any additional men for the Sun Mountain contract,\u201d Adam interrupted, sitting forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the bad news.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam slumped back in the chair. \u201cI lost the contract?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you didn\u2019t lose the contract.\u201d When Adam\u2019s eyes brightened, Hiram held up his hand and continued, \u201cAccording to Mr. Hawkins, the Ponderosa bid was the best submission overall, as far as being reasonable in price, expectations, and the ability to deliver quality and on time. There were others whose bids were lower, but the quality of timber wasn\u2019t the same.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo how did I mess up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t, Adam.\u201d The lawyer knew how much was weighing on the young man\u2019s shoulders, and the burden he was placing upon himself for what he deemed his failure. He needed the young man to understand how cutthroat some people could be. \u201cWill Poavey took advantage of your father\u2019s absence. His own bid was significantly higher than yours, but he stirred the flames, expounded the fact that your father is absent. And these are his words, \u2018the bid was computed by a boy still in his teens, and it appears that said<\/em> minor would be running the operations. And even if Ben Cartwright did return\u2026 Sun Mountain didn\u2019t have Ben\u2019s guarantee that there wouldn\u2019t be invoices for additional expenses.\u2019 He bragged that \u2018Sun Mountain would probably end up paying added costs that the boy couldn\u2019t foresee.\u2019 Adam, your father and I know how much Poavey padded his own bid last year. I don\u2019t know if you remember, but last year, Sun Mountain\u2019s awarding of the contract to your father was based on his word that his figures were accurate and honest and not low-balled in order to win the contract, nor did your father plan to submit additional invoices to cover the difference of possible unforeseen costs. And your father didn\u2019t incur any additional expenses, either. Your father went over that contract with a fine tooth comb before submitting his bid and gave the guarantee that his numbers were fact.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa was so happy to win that contract away from Mr. Poavey, and now I\u2019ve lost it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you didn\u2019t lose it,\u201d insisted Hiram, shaking his head, \u201cif anyone lost this contract it was your father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking the lawyer square in the eye, Adam commented, \u201cI\u2019d like to hear you tell Pa that when he hears the news.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will!\u201d Hiram relaxed back, seeing the small smile that appeared on Adam\u2019s face, and said, \u201cAnd then he can fire me being a loud mouth. Adam, I know this is difficult, and for what it\u2019s worth, I think you\u2019re doing an admirable job. It\u2019s just that Poavey played the facts against you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Adam stood, offered his hand to the lawyer, and left to meet up with his brothers for supper.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Ten<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ever since Matilda Weatherby had learned of Ben Cartwright\u2019s departure and as the days stretched into weeks without his return, she had incessantly pleaded to her husband the idea of adopting Little Joe Cartwright. At first Walter had been against the idea; he knew his wife still grieved over the young son they had lost ten years before due to scarlet fever. They had tried and tried, but had never been able to conceive another child. He remembered when Ben returned home from his trip to New Orleans with a new wife. They had been home for almost six months when Matilda had informed him that had Marie come to town to visit Mrs. Lewis\u2019 dress shop to order new clothes. At first the women had thought the reason was to order clothes more befitting life on the frontier, but then Marie announced to them that Doctor Martin had just confirmed that she was about three months pregnant. Walter had heard the heartache in his own wife\u2019s voice as she spoke of the glow and the fact that Marie\u2019s hands frequently strayed to her stomach, an indication she was ecstatic that she was carrying a child in her womb.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pregnancy news had quickly spread, by the woman and via her friends, as well as by nosy gossips. Everyone in town had held their breaths when news came months later that Doctor Martin was urgently required at the Ponderosa, Marie Cartwright was in labor earlier than expected. Each woman wondered if this child would be strong enough to survive the rigors or would it too succumb to the harsh reality of life in the territory; many women and child died during childbirth.<\/span><\/p>\n

After the first time Marie Cartwright had brought her newborn son to church, Matilda Weatherby had engaged the woman in conversation each trip she made to town, just so she could hold the child.<\/span><\/p>\n

But, of late, the more Walter\u2019s wife spoke of Joseph joining their family; she was becoming the woman he had originally married. She\u2019d sing as she worked around the house, she cooked wonderful meals, and greeted her husband each day with a smile and a kiss as he returned from his leather shop. How could he deny her something of her heart\u2019s desire?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Circuit Judge Oscar Williams arrived in Virginia City and was impressed with its change, it was actually taking on the appearance of a town. It had been a number of years since he had visited Walter and Matilda Weatherby; shortly after they had lost their son. He looked forward to the visit and the possibility of presiding over a case that could very well be in the best interest of all parties involved.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Sitting in the Weatherby home, sipping an after dinner drink, the conversation turned to the situation involving the Cartwrights. Judge Williams listened as Matilda told of the tragic death of the young mother, leaving behind a five-year old son, and what she had witnessed during the visitation. She repeated the story of the first time the boys had come to church since their father\u2019s abandonment. She told of the disrespectful way in which the young child had spoken to her, and the fact that the boy and another brother were left in the care of a Chinese servant when their eldest brother had to be elsewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walter Weatherby factually informed his long-time friend of the events he\u2019d heard about from some of the Ponderosa ranch hands when they\u2019d visit one of the saloons on payday. He also spoke of the rustlers that had begun to plague the area, at first the Ponderosa and then the other ranches. He didn\u2019t feel the need to embellish the stories, the fact that Ben Cartwright had been missing for well over a month spoke for itself. He did divulge that Paul Martin was a frequent visitor to the ranch, sometimes to perform services, sometimes as a guest. He mentioned in passing that Sheriff Coffee also visited the boys.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWalter, you said that Doctor Martin visits the family?\u201d Judge Williams repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know at least every Sunday he makes a trip out there. He\u2019s also been called out a few times to treat some of the hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWalter, tell them about the first week after Ben abandoned those boys. You learned they had sent for the doctor because poor, young Joseph woke screaming bloody murder, some of the hands heard him, and then young Eric came to the bunkhouse and asked one of them men to ride for the doctor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHad the boy injured himself or had someone else hurt him?\u201d Judge Williams inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, from what I heard, the boy suffered a horrible nightmare, and it wasn\u2019t the first time. I can only imagine that the doctor had to prescribe a sleeping powder to get the boy to sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWalter, tell Oscar how Adam would take the boy out with him on the range,\u201d Matilda insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTheir hands spoke of how the child would almost go into hysterics whenever his oldest brother would leave the house. The men said that Adam would always meet them on the range with Little Joe sitting in front of him in the saddle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that dangerous?\u201d Oscar inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt can be quite dangerous if the cattle are spooked into a stampede, and don\u2019t forget the rustlers. If those boys had encountered those thieves, who knows what could happen if the outlaws decided to shoot first\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Scratching his chin, Judge Williams stated, \u201cIt seems that you do have a valid case against Ben Cartwright for abandonment, and considering his eldest has not reached his majority\u2026 he cannot be granted guardianship over his brothers.\u201d Williams stood from his chair, walked over to the brandy decanter, refilled his glass, and returned to the comfortable winged-back chair he had been sitting in. \u201cIs there any other family?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard there might be a brother to Ben back east, and then Adam\u2019s maternal grandfather lives in Boston. The boy was to stay with him when he goes to Harvard,\u201d Matilda answered. \u201cThe middle boy might have an uncle somewhere, that\u2019s how he got that despicable nickname.\u00a0\u00a0 But they have no idea where to find the man. As for Marie, young Joseph\u2019s mother, she had a questionable reputation before Ben married her, but in the six years I knew her, she never spoke of family\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe eldest\u2019s been accepted to Harvard, that says a lot for his character, but then that\u2019s another fact in your favor,\u201d Williams admitted. \u201cI think I\u2019d like to meet with Paul Martin before I meet with the boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you going to tell him?\u201d worried Matilda.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever you mind; I won\u2019t let him know the real reason behind my inquiries. That can come about once I\u2019ve helped you file the appropriate paperwork.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Williams relaxed back into the chair, enjoying the fine brandy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The next day, Judge Williams followed the directions given to him from the man at the livery from where he rented a horse for his trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello,\u201d Adam Cartwright greeted, stepping from the barn having heard a rider approach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and I\u2019m Adam Cartwright. I\u2019d offer you my hand, but I\u2019m quite greasy right now.\u201d Adam held up his hands, still showing grime even after wiping his hands on the apron.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI understand. I\u2019m Oscar Williams. Is your father home?\u201d The stranger stepped down from his horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, but my father is away for the time being.\u201d Adam pulled a rag from his back pocket and continued to wipe his hands clean.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I had hoped to conduct some business with him. I\u2019ve been told that the Ponderosa claims to raise the best cattle around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe like to think so, but there are a few other ranchers around who would also make the same claim,\u201d Adam jovially replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d Little Joe yelled and bolted from the back kitchen door. \u201cAdam! Save me!\u201d Joe ran behind Adam, using his older brother\u2019s legs to hide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, we have company. Show some respect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s alright, son. Seems to me the boy needs some attention.\u201d Leaning over and placing his hands on his knees, Williams asked the boy, \u201cWho do you need saved from?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing!\u201d Joe pointed towards the kitchen. \u201cHe\u2019s gonna chop me up and feed me to the pigs!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam turned and knelt in front of his brother, wiping the tears from the boy\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe you know Hop Sing would never do that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh Huh! He said he would,\u201d Joe defended, nodding his head up and down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle buddy, tell me what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was only trying to help. I didn\u2019t know there were all them eggs in the basket.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou dropped the egg basket and broke a few?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Joe quietly answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen why was Hop Sing mad at you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI broke \u2018em all,\u201d Joe whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam wrapped his arms around Joe, picking him up as he stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I think you owe Hop Sing an apology,\u201d Adam suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease Adam, you gotta hide me!\u201d Joe declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Williams, if you\u2019ll forgive me, I need to tend to this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s alright son. Do you know when your father plans to return? Maybe I should come back then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 Pa\u2019s away on business right now, and I\u2019m not exactly sure how long it\u2019ll take for him to finish securing this contract.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, maybe next time I\u2019m in the area, then. Pleasure to meet you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Williams held out his hand, which was accepted into Adam\u2019s much cleaner hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLikewise, and thanks for understanding,\u201d Adam offered as he bid goodbye to the stranger and carried his youngest brother back to the kitchen, and Hop Sing. The boy begged his brother not to take him back to Hop Sing, \u201cHe\u2019s gonna feed me to the pigs!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo he\u2019s not,\u201d Adam soothed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oscar Williams watched as the two brothers headed back to the house before he remounted his horse to return to town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI tell you Roy,\u201d Paul Martin announced as he returned to the Sheriff\u2019s Office after spending time with the lawman over lunch, \u201cI don\u2019t like the questions that Judge Williams was asking. He knows way too much about the Cartwright boys\u2019 situation.\u201d Paul sat across the desk from the lawman after accepting a cup of coffee. \u201cThe meeting I had with him yesterday morning was creepy\u2026 I just don\u2019t know how better to explain it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t had the pleasure of really talking with the man myself. I do know he arrived off the stage three days ago, said he was an old friend of Walter Weatherby, knew him from their days in the cavalry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure I like that. You know how Matilda has been lately, harping on Adam that the boys need a mother\u2019s love and that he can\u2019t possibly run the ranch AND take care of \u2018Eric\u2019 and \u2018Joseph\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw Andy at the livery; he said the man inquired of directions to the Ponderosa yesterday afternoon when he rented a horse. I wished I\u2019d a known about your conversation with the man sooner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would have come, but there was an emergency out at the Bar-C ranch. One of their hands was gored by a steer, it was touch and go\u2026 spent most of the day out there and didn\u2019t get back until late.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think Williams is up to?\u201d Roy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea, but I\u2019m sure we\u2019re not going to like whatever it is,\u201d Paul replied, setting the coffee cup to the desk and standing to his feet. \u201cWell, thanks for sharing lunch with me today\u2026 you\u2019ll let me know if you learn anything.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny time old friend,\u201d Roy responded. \u201cAnd of course I\u2019ll let you know if I find out anything that affects Ben\u2019s boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Eleven<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The door to Sheriff Coffee\u2019s office slammed open, admitting a tearful and frightened Hoss Cartwright. Roy and Paul immediately were across the floor and to the boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff! Ya gotta\u2026 come! Adam\u2019s\u2026 been shot!\u201d Hoss grabbed the lawman\u2019s vest, tears streaming down his face. \u201cI gotta find Doc!\u201d the boy yelled as he turned to run away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEasy there Hoss, Doc\u2019s right here,\u201d Roy announced, preventing the youth from leaving.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho shot Adam? Where is he?\u201d Paul asked as he knelt in front of the boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe barn, they shot him in the barn, where the hands keeps their horses,\u201d Hoss cried. \u201cPlease, ya gotta save him! He\u2019s all we got!\u201d Hoss\u2019 hands grabbed the doctor as he tried to pull the man along.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere was he shot?\u201d Paul asked, stopping the large boy from pulling him outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told ya, in the barn!\u201d Hoss cried out. By now, Hoss was struggling to get away from the lawman\u2019s hand on his arm; he needed to get back home to his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy released his grip when Paul placed his hands on the boy\u2019s shoulders, \u201cHoss, take a deep breath. Did you see blood on Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded as he looked to the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere was the blood?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn his shirt, right here,\u201d Hoss pointed low on his right shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWas Hop Sing taking care of Adam when you came to get me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head, \u201cCharlie was, we\u2026 we heard the shots and\u2026 ran to the back barn.\u201d Hoss sniffled deeply. \u201cMr. Gordon\u2026 and\u2026 and\u2026 Mr. Barnstable came running out\u2026 and left on their horses. They musta seen who done it\u2026 and were going after \u2018em.\u201d Hoss gulped a deep breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else son,\u201d Roy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe went inside\u2026 and Adam was\u2026 Oh please\u2026 He\u2019s dying!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy and Paul felt they couldn\u2019t obtain any more information from the youth and left the office, both with a restraining, yet comforting hand resting on his shoulders. As they stepped into the bright light of the sun, they almost ran into Agatha Montgomery passing by on the boardwalk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh Agatha, Paul and I need to make a run to the Ponderosa,\u201d Roy announced. \u201cThere\u2019s been some trouble. Can you take care of Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d Hoss screamed. \u201cI gotta get back to Adam!\u201d Hoss used all the strength he had to pull away from the men, and ran to his horse, climbed into the saddle, and was kicking the horse\u2019s flanks to return home.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Agatha worriedly asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomehow, Adam\u2019s been shot,\u201d Roy stated as he strode to his own horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instantly, Agatha\u2019s hand was to her mouth. She turned and headed towards the Weatherby residence.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Agatha ran up the steps to the porch and urgently pounded on the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Agatha,\u201d Walter greeted, opening the door. \u201cWhat has you so upset?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking through the doorway, beyond the foyer, Agatha saw her friend approaching and cried out, \u201cYou were right, oh Matilda, you were right. Adam\u2019s been shot!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Only the supporting arms of Walter prevented the woman from collapsing on the spot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAgatha, what are you saying? What happened?\u201d Matilda clasped the woman\u2019s hands, gently squeezed, and led her into the living room of their home and helped her settle to the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Oscar Williams returned to the living room from the kitchen and listened with great interest to the story Agatha told.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was walking past the sheriff\u2019s office when he and the doctor came out, they said they had to go to the Ponderosa, there had been some trouble. The sheriff asked if I could watch Hoss. The boy screamed he had to get back to Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid Paul or Roy say anything else?\u201d Williams inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turning to the man she had met several days before, Agatha said, \u201cYes, I asked what happened and the sheriff said that Adam had been shot.\u201d The woman worried her hands in her lap, unable to accept the cup of hot tea that the Weatherby\u2019s maid was offering her. \u201cOh Matilda, you tried to tell me that it could happen. When Ben was home those rifles were sure to be chained, but now\u2026 Oh, please\u2026 Little Joe couldn\u2019t have shot his brother\u2026 Could he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt could have been an accident?\u201d Walter offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat or the boy was totally scared. He might have been fearful that their cook really was wanting to kill him,\u201d Oscar Williams stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Walter declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was there yesterday. The lad was petrified that this Hopsing was going to kill him and feed him to their pigs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s preposterous. That Chinaman dotes on them boys!\u201d Walter answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI only know what I saw.\u201d Replaying the events from the day before in his mind, \u201cThis Chinaman could have threatened the boy again, and in an effort to protect himself, the child could have accidentally shot his brother. You did say they had guns\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Walter, Matilda, and Agatha all nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA child that small could not hope to handle a weapon, but he must have been truly terrified to go to such lengths,\u201d Judge Williams put the facts together in his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss raced his horse back home, praying that the doctor and the sheriff were behind him. He stopped in the back barn and found only the dried pool of blood indicating where his brother had lain. Panic consumed him as he ran for the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Throwing open the front door, Hoss yelled, \u201cADAM!\u201d and searched around the great room before heading to the staircase.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, Adam up here. Please, be quiet,\u201d Hop Sing called from the second floor, yet the Oriental man spoke with compassion as he motioned for the boy to come up the steps. \u201cCharlie and I tend to brother. Is honorable doctor coming?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told him, and the sheriff. Is Adam gonna live?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome see, brother worried for you,\u201d Hop Sing stated as he led the boy down the long hallway.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe? Why\u2019s Adam worried about me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou go on long trip, you see him bleed. He know you scared. Brother rest better when he see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing and Hoss entered Adam\u2019s bedroom together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam, Hoss home,\u201d Hop Sing announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026\u201d Adam opened his eyes and breathily called out as he held out his left hand to his brother. \u201cGlad you made it home okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about me. I went to the jail, and told the sheriff\u2026 Doc was there too. They should be here soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tears still streamed down Hoss\u2019 face. He carelessly wiped them aside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou watch Joe for me\u2026\u201d Adam closed his eyes against the searing pain in his shoulder. \u201cProtect him\u2026\u201d were the final words the oldest brother said before he finally lost his fight against the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking up to Charlie, Hoss asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t seen the youngster,\u201d Charlie answered, his hand still pressed against the bloody towel on Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLit\u2019le boy play outside earlier,\u201d Hop Sing spoke. \u201cHoss, go find brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss ran to his little brother\u2019s bedroom and saw no sign of the boy inside, he checked everywhere in the great room and under the desk in his father\u2019s study. Hoss couldn\u2019t find Joe in the kitchen or the pantry. Next he cautiously stepped down into the cellar with no better luck.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time Hoss returned to the great room, he saw the doctor and the sheriff running up the staircase.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, where are ya?\u201d Hoss asked of no one. He left the house and headed to the barn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Hoss hollered once inside. \u201cJoe, please Shortshanks\u2026 answer me. It\u2019s Hoss\u2026 Come on punkin, where are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As he turned to leave the barn, bits of hay sifting through the loft floorboards filtered down as a board squeaked when the weight shifted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d the large boy barely heard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? You up in the loft?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh huh. Hoss!\u201d Joe called out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m comin\u2019 punkin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The large boy climbed the ladder and found his younger brother hiding under a pile of loose hay.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019cha doing under there?\u201d Hoss asked, helping his brother to his feet. He attempted to brush the hay from the boy\u2019s clothing and hair, but the boy wrapped his arms tightly around his brother\u2019s waist and wouldn\u2019t let go. Hoss felt him trembling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you cold, Joe?\u201d Hoss wrapped his arms around his brother in an effort to warm him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe answered with a shake of his head to indicate no.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cThey were mean\u2026\u201d *sniffle* \u201cThey shot Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss startled at his brother\u2019s words, he relaxed his arms around his brother and forced Joe to loosen his grip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you see what happened?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded, \u201cI saw them shoot Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tears streamed down Joe\u2019s face, and his breath hitched as sobs shook his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere, there now Little Joe\u2026 we gotta tell the sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, ya gotta tell what ya saw. You don\u2019t want them getting\u2019 away with shootin\u2019 Adam, do ya?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026\u201d Joe whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSides, you\u2019re a deputy\u2026 It\u2019s your sworn duty to tell Sheriff Coffee what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I wasn\u2019t wearin\u2019 my badge. I wanted to be like Charlie and Bayou, when we went to church\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026 that doesn\u2019t mean you weren\u2019t a deputy. Please punkin, ya gotta tell the sheriff.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m scared, Hoss. What if they\u2019re out there?\u201d Joe pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Gordon and Mr. Barnstable done gone after \u2018em.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re gone?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss nodded. \u201cCome on, I\u2019ll carry ya if it\u2019ll make ya feel better,\u201d Hoss encouraged. He knew how much his little brother enjoyed piggy-back rides.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The brothers entered the house as Roy Coffee came down the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff Coffee,\u201d Hoss called, seeing the lawman. \u201cHow\u2019s Adam? Did ya see him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw him, Doc Martin is getting ready to operate on him right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs Charlie upstairs?\u201d Hoss asked, setting Joe down from his back and to his own feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he\u2019s out getting some of the men to form a search party\u2026\u201d Roy was hesitant to scare the boys by telling them what Charlie had said, it appeared that two of their own ranch hands were responsible for Adam\u2019s condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, ya gotta listen to Joe, he saw whoever it were that shot Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded his head when the lawman asked if this was true.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho done it?\u00a0\u00a0 Do you know why?\u201d Roy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey was mean to me. I didn\u2019t mean to hear them; I was looking for clues\u2026\u201d Joe looked up to Hoss. \u201cWanted to make sure Hop Sing was safe from them rustlers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss knelt in front of the boy and in the light of the great room saw the imprint of a hand on his brother\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, who done slapped you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Barnstable.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy came to stand next to the brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Why would he slap you?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe found me in one of the stalls, I heard \u2018em talking about moving cattle and how easy it was.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s their job,\u201d Hoss replied, wondering why one of their hands would have slapped his little brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Gordon started yelling at him, telling him they had to get rid of me, that I\u2019d heard everything and that I\u2019d tell Adam.\u201d Joe took the hanky Hoss\u2019 offered to wipe his runny nose. \u201cThen Mr. Barnstable said he had a better idea. Said he had a way to get all the money they\u2019d ever need. He grabbed me and started shaking me, telling me I\u2019d better behave if I ever wanted to see Adam or you again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand\u2026\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d announced Roy. He motioned for the brothers to make their way to the settee. Hoss sat down and pulled his brother into his lap, while Roy sat on the low table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s possible that those men were gonna kidnap Little Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes widened, as did Hoss\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur own men were gonna take Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s possible. I\u2019m thinking they were planning on taking him as a hostage and then asking for ransom,\u201d Roy said. \u201cWhat else happened, Little Joe? Why\u2019d they shoot Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat bad man had me in his arms, and he was hurting me.\u201d *sniffle* \u201cI didn\u2019t want to go with them. I started yelling at them to put me down. Then Adam came in\u2026\u201d *sniffle* \u201cMr. Gordon pulled his gun and shot Adam\u2026\u201d *sniffle*<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOther than the slap and shakin\u2019 ya, did they hurt ya?\u201d Hoss asked as he hugged his brother closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe dropped me before they ran away, and hurt my leg\u2026\u201d Joe admitted as he reached for his left ankle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me look at it,\u201d Hoss crooned as Joe pulled up his pant leg.<\/span><\/p>\n

The larger boy gently pulled off his brother\u2019s short boot, observing that the ankle was slightly swollen and the skin was starting to mottle in color.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa made it all the way to the hayloft in our barn from the back barn with that ankle?\u201d Hoss asked in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn\u2019t hurt until you asked if they hurt me,\u201d Joe honestly answered. \u201cHoss, my ankle hurts.\u201d Joe closed his eyes and leaned into his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss rocked his little brother, trying to offer him comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs Adam gonna go away like Momma?\u201d Joe opened his eyes and looked to the lawman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Coffee spoke, \u201cDoc Martin is taking good care of him right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s gonna happen to us if Adam dies?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe ain\u2019t gonna die, so just stop fretting about that,\u201d Roy stated. Knowing these two boys as he did, he placed a hand upon their shoulders and gave them each a gentle squeeze.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe looked at the lawman desperately needing his reassurance. The brothers sat together, taking comfort that they were together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, you know that brother of yours is too stubborn to die. \u2018Sides, he knows how much ya need him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe needed Ma and Pa, too,\u201d Hoss quietly stated, his own tears began to fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Charlie entered the house and saw the lawman sitting with the brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI got men riding in right now, and others already trailing after\u2026 the shooters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t need to keep it a secret from the boys. They know who shot Adam, Little Joe saw them do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy stood from the table and approached the ranch foreman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, I\u2019ve pulled in all the men who were working close to the main house today, so there\u2019s about eleven of us for the posse. It\u2019d take too much time to go after those in the outlying areas to gather a larger group.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we have enough\u2026 I guess we\u2019re ready to ride.\u201d Turning back to the brothers who were looking over the back of the settee to them, Roy said, \u201cHoss, make sure you tell Hop Sing or Doctor Martin about Joe\u2019s ankle. I want it looked at, okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, sheriff,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cMr. Charlie\u2026 When you find them, are they still gonna be our men?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie walked to the back of the settee, \u201cThose two ain\u2019t our hands no more. I promise you, once we find \u2018em, I\u2019ll tell \u2018em they\u2019re fired. Why don\u2019t the two of you try to get some sleep\u2026 It\u2019ll be a while before the doc comes down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He watched as Joe and Hoss snuggled against each other and closed their eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The room was quiet except for the crackle of the fire in the hearth after the foreman and the lawman left to join the posse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Twelve<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam? It\u2019s Doctor Martin\u2026\u201d the physician stated as he stood next to the bed containing his patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the young man didn\u2019t answer, he worried\u2026 Charlie Yeagle had informed them that Adam had been conscious, fighting against the pain, up until the time his brother returned home. Only once Hoss was safely within the walls of their home had Adam given up the struggle and passed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to be fine Adam. First, I need to get ready before I remove that bullet,\u201d Paul kept a running commentary; even though Adam was not conscious, the physician felt that he could still hear. His words were meant to assure Adam that he was not alone, and to calm his own nerves. Yes he was nervous, he was about to perform surgery on the son of one of his dearest friends, a friend who had now been missing for longer than anyone ever thought possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Martin pulled out the various tools of his trade from his Gladstone bag, as well as a couple of needles and catgut thread, and set them on a metal tray placed on the bed-side table. As the physician prepared his surgical needs, Hop Sing carried in a second pan with hot water and several towels hanging over his forearms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou did well in arranging the lanterns in the room, Hop Sing,\u201d Paul softly spoke as the finally pulled a bottle of chloroform and a cotton covered strainer from his bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor need anything else?\u201d Hop Sing asked, setting the water pan on the desk in the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll need your assistance. You were present and helped with administering chloroform when Bayou broke his leg\u2026 Are you willing to help me with Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The housekeeper nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll also need you to help swab, wipe away the blood as I probe for the bullet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing can do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, let\u2019s begin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s administered the first drops of chloroform, making sure that Adam Cartwright was fully under the effects of the anesthetic; he couldn\u2019t risk the boy regaining consciousness before he\u2019d complete his surgery. From the tray containing the tools of his trade, he picked up a probe and inserted it into the wound created as the bullet pierced the boy\u2019s flesh. He needed to know the trajectory the projectile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026 boy,\u201d Doc Martin mused aloud. \u201cYou\u2019re not old enough to have suffered as you have\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy be alright?\u201d Hop Sing asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith the Almighty willing, yes. Another drop of chloroform, please.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul worried when his probe angled from the shoulder towards the lung; he\u2019d prayed the bullet had taken a straight path, front to back. \u2018It did take a straight path, only its direction wasn\u2019t perpendicular\u2026\u2019 <\/em>\u201cDamn\u201d he spoke aloud as he pulled out the probe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou find?\u201d Hop Sing worriedly asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but I can\u2019t risk using the extractor just yet, Adam was standing at an angle to his assailant. I fear the bullet is too close to his lung. Another drop, Hop Sing. I\u2019ll need to cut through his flesh and\u2026 you did wash your hands before we started?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing know cleanliness is important.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood man. I\u2019ll need you to help hold the expanded wound open so I can easily see the bullet to pull it out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Carefully, the physician picked up a scalpel and skillfully made his first incision, with each subsequent slice going deeper into the young man\u2019s chest. When necessary he requested his assistant to wipe away the pooling blood so he could see within to continue. He sliced through the membranes that connected rib to rib and found more damage. Setting aside his scalpel, he picked up a small retractor and picked out several chips of bone that had broken from the ribs as the bullet continued its path. Using his finger, he ran it along the damaged ribs and was unpleased to find the edges rough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll need to file these edges before I proceed. Another drop.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Returning to the tray, Paul picked up a small metal medical file and set to work smoothing the chipped edges.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using another device that had been on the tray; those outside of the medical field would have thought a torture device. Paul inserted it between the recently filed ribs. Slowly the instrument expanded the distance between the two ribs. Reclaiming his scalpel, Paul continued to work his way through the ribs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnother drop, Hop Sing. And then I need your help. Hold here and here,\u201d Paul pointed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Setting aside the scalpel, Paul picked up an extractor. With one hand he held the tool while his other hand guided the tool deep into the opening. He silently cursed as his blood soaked hands slightly slipped in controlling its descent. Twice Paul had unsuccessfully clasped the lead projectile, it was his third attempt where he succeeded in pulling out the misshaped bullet, and dropped it to the tray.<\/span><\/p>\n

Returning his attention to the gaping wound, Paul inserted his finger through the ribs, probing the lung, trying to ascertain if it too had been damaged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne small blessing\u2026\u201d Paul heavily breathed, using his upper arm to wipe away the sweat from his brow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked to the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe the bullet penetrated his lung.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s very good,\u201d Paul answered with a smile. \u201cNow, I just need to remove this expander.\u201d Paul slightly grunted and released the tension that allowed the tool to close. \u201cAnother drop of chloroform, please.\u201d Paul reached for the brown bottle that remained on the tray and poured its liquid contents onto a clean cotton swab to disinfect the area around the wound before he poured the carbolic acid within. A fresh swab was used to wipe down into the opened flesh and another swab was used to absorb the remaining antiseptic within. Assured that he had done all he could, Paul Martin began the tedious process of suturing closed the damage he had inflicted in order to save the young man\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing up straight, Paul stretched his back and nodded to Hop Sing. He took the bottle of chloroform from the smaller man\u2019s hands, as well as the strainer that was placed over Adam\u2019s nose and mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need to clean my hands and then I want to listen to his heart and lungs before we bandage that wound.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Within fifteen minutes of the surgery being completed, the only evidence in the room that an operation had been performed was the still form of Adam Cartwright, lying in bed with a bandage wrapped around his upper chest. Hop Sing had removed all the bloody towels and swabs, as well as taken the physician\u2019s instruments to put them in a pan of boiling water in the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

During one of his final trips downstairs Hop Sing heard the plaintive voice of his employer\u2019s middle son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing? Is Adam\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe come through surgery, Doctor with him. Brother sleep, you sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, them men who hurt Adam, they hurt Joe, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLit\u2019le Joe not shot!\u201d Hop Sing worried for the small child.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, they was a holdin\u2019 him and dropped him. His ankle hurts and it\u2019s turnin\u2019 funny colors. I promised the sheriff I\u2019d tell you or Doctor Martin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me look.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With loving hands, Hop Sing lifted a still sleeping Little Joe\u2019s left leg and looked at the swelling. He gently manipulated the joint to determine if the bone had been broken.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe think sprain. Hop Sing tell honorable doctor he have other patient.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Moments later, Hop Sing returned downstairs with Paul Martin, who after a thorough examination asked the faithful servant to bring out some bandages to wrap the ankle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with your assessment, Doctor<\/em> Hop Sing. I can\u2019t feel any indication that the bone has been broken, but this is going to be uncomfortable for him until the swelling diminishes and he can bear some weight on it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChinese elders use special mixture to soak bandages before wrapping, help relieve swelling,\u201d Hop Sing offered. \u201cLike poultice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour elders have practiced medicine far longer than I have, do you have the ingredients required?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFix in ten minutes,\u201d Hop Sing announced as he hurriedly shuffled out of the great room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre my brother\u2019s gonna be okay?\u201d Hoss asked the physician.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe will be fine. As for Adam, I won\u2019t lie to you Hoss\u2026\u201d Paul always believed that honesty was the best policy, and if this were Ben, he knew exactly what he\u2019d say. But this was an eleven year old child who was asking the question. \u201cThere\u2019s always a chance that something could still go wrong with Adam\u2019s recovery, but I\u2019ll do everything I possibly can to make sure you still have two brothers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI cain\u2019t ask no more\u2019n that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When Hop Sing returned, Hoss scrunched his face at the smell, \u201cI\u2019m glad I ain\u2019t the one wearing that\u2026 gunk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul reached up to brush Joe\u2019s long bangs from his forehead, thinking how innocent the child appeared. Without thought, he rolled the boy\u2019s head to the side to get a better look and saw the red imprint of a man\u2019s hand. \u201cHop Sing, do you have any of your ointment that might help reduce the sting from this hand print on Joe\u2019s face?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, once I wrap Joe\u2019s ankle, I\u2019m going to carry him to bed. Do you think you can stay with him and make sure he doesn\u2019t get out of bed?\u201d Paul inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can do that. Been right here with him while ya\u2019s operatin\u2019 on Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a good brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Two hours later, Paul Martin sat in the chair in Adam Cartwright\u2019s bedroom, having been pleased with the young man\u2019s vital signs. He didn\u2019t want to leave until his patient woke and he spoke with him, if only for a few minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The physician was startled from reading a copy of a medical journal by a young child\u2019s screams coming from down the hallway.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time Paul reached Joe\u2019s bedroom, Hoss was already comforting the distressed child, rocking him back and forth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss? Is Joe okay?\u201d Paul asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shrugged his shoulders in reply. The young child held a death grip on his older brother\u2019s shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay Joe, it was just a dream,\u201d Paul soothed as he too sat on the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey shot \u2018em,\u201d Joe pitifully cried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did he say?\u201d Paul asked as he looked to Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe saw \u2018em shoot Adam. Guess he was dreamin\u2019 about it,\u201d Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe saw it?\u201d The facts jolted the physician.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff said you were gettin\u2019 ready to operate on Adam, when Joe told him,\u201d Hoss replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLit\u2019le Joe okay?\u201d Hop Sing asked as he entered the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, I\u2019m going to leave some additional sleeping powders. Hoss just told me that Joe witnessed the shooting\u2026 You\u2019ll know when to use them to help the boy sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing nodded and sent a silent prayer to the elders to help watch over his family as their lives became even more strained.<\/span><\/p>\n

After drinking some water with the sleeping powders, and with tear streams down his cheeks, Joe fell back asleep in Hoss\u2019 arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

An hour later in Adam\u2019s room, Paul pushed aside the lace curtain that floated gently on the breeze; he\u2019d lost interest in reading from his medical journal after Joe\u2019s nightmare. He looked out over the main yard and thought of how, usually at this time of day, the hands would be returning from out on the range; laughing and joking.\u00a0\u00a0 Maybe some of them complaining of discomfort from the work performed. The physician grew angry as the yard remained empty, knowing that quite a few of the workers were riding with the posse. \u2018Ben where are you? These boys need you.\u2019 <\/em>Turning to the sounds indicating the young man in the bed was waking, Paul thought, \u2018Damn you, Ben Cartwright!\u2019<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Sitting down to the edge of the mattress, Paul spoke encouragingly to his patient, \u201cThat\u2019s it Adam\u2026 Come on, open your eyes.\u201d He gently patted Adam\u2019s face, hoping to further rouse him from the depths of sedation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Pa?\u201d Adam spoke before the dryness in his throat set him to coughing. He tried rolling over on his side, his movement caused him to grab at his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I need for you to lie still,\u201d Paul pressed against Adam\u2019s shoulders to hold him still on the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam called again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d Hop Sing quietly spoke from behind the physician, holding out a glass of water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you need to drink this\u2026 just small sips,\u201d Paul encouraged.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul held the glass to Adam\u2019s lips while his other hand lifted Adam\u2019s head from the pillows.<\/span><\/p>\n

The young man dutifully obeyed, though having not yet opened his eyes. When the glass was removed, he rested back into the soft comfort of his bed. His eyelids fluttered as Adam struggled, climbing the rest of the way out of the effects of the chloroform.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, can you hear me?\u201d Paul inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Adam answered as in small increments his eyes opened. He looked into the face of the doctor, waiting for his vision to focus, before looking beyond him to see a smiling Hop Sing, to whom he nodded. His eyes traveled the remainder of his room, searching\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Pa?\u201d Adam asked breathily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you remember?\u201d Hop Sing asked, standing next to his charge.<\/span><\/p>\n

As if in defeat, Adam sank farther into the bedding. \u201cI had hoped it was just a nightmare\u2026 Pa\u2019s really not here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 Ben left almost two months ago\u2026\u201d Paul regretfully confirmed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Images flickered through Adam\u2019s mind until a painful one settled, \u201cJOE!\u201d Adam shouted as he tried to sit up. Paul pushed him back down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrother asleep in own room,\u201d Hop Sing replied, placing his hand on Adam\u2019s uninjured arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid they hurt him? They\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll be fine Adam, he suffered a sprained ankle, but he\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Paul answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s sleeping?\u201d Adam starred between the two, and mumbled, \u201cNightmares\u2026\u201d The effort of staying awake was tiring.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe had one earlier, that\u2019s when I found out what happened. Hop Sing knows what to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss\u2026\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes drifted closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s keeping an eye on Joe. Speaking of eyes, go ahead and close yours and get some more sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Paul was assured his patient was sleeping comfortably, he stood to leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, I don\u2019t expect any complications, but if they do arise\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI send man for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Darkness began caressing all that was the Ponderosa as Paul Martin flicked the long reins to his buggy horse, encouraging the animal to move out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hop Sing set the bowl with the medicated bandages on the desk before he opened the window to the youngest brother\u2019s room. The cool morning breeze woke the older youth who slept curled up with his brother in the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Hop Sing,\u201d called Hoss, wiping the sleep from his eyes and then gently shook his brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMister Hoss sleep well?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI shore did\u2026 Shortshank here slept through the night too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cADAM!\u201d Joe screamed, bolting wide awake, arms flinging blankets aside as he jumped out of bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss and Hop Sing both missed reaching Joe, who after three steps, landed on the floor in a heap, crying and grabbing his ankle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShhhh\u2026 Lit\u2019le one,\u201d Hop Sing soothed as he lifted the boy from the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI gotta help Adam!\u201d Joe cried, wrapping his arms around his trusted friend\u2019s neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrother sleeping in his bed. You stay in your bed,\u201d crooned Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s okay?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe will be. Doctor take good care of him yesterday, just like he take good care of you. But now Hop Sing turn. I remove bandage and put on new.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Slipping his thumb back into his mouth, Little Joe watch in fascination as two hands unwound, bathed, and re-bandaged his ankle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBreakfast be ready soon. Boys get dressed,\u201d Hop Sing said as he picked up the dirty bandage and the bowl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan we go see Adam?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBrother sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Hop Sing,\u201d Joe pouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter dressed.\u00a0\u00a0 Brothers be quiet, no wake brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hoss carried Joe piggy-back down the hall. Joe turned the knob and quietly pushed open the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d Adam groggily called.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh oh!\u201d Joe whispered from his perch on Hoss\u2019 back.<\/span><\/p>\n

The covers on the bed moved as a left arm pushed them down and two bleary eyes looked to where the boys stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having seen Joe peeking over Hoss\u2019 shoulder, Adam closed his eyes and asked, \u201cHoss, when\u2019d you grow a second head?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t grow no extra head. Don\u2019t need no more brains than I already got,\u201d the large boy giggled. \u201cBut I did bring Shortshanks in so he could see ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Feeling the edge of his bed sink, Adam opened his eyes to see his brothers close at hand; Joe sitting at the foot of his bed and Hoss filling a glass of water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing said we weren\u2019t ta wake ya,\u201d Hoss spoke as he handed over the glass.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t, I was sort of awake already.\u201d Adam drank three quarters of the water in the glass before handing it back to Hoss. \u201cJoe, how are you? Hop Sing said you hurt your ankle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t hurt it, Barnshable dropped me,\u201d Joe replied with his thumb in his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam reached for his brother\u2019s hand and pulled it down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you\u2019re too old to be sucking your thumb. I thought you were a big boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am.\u201d Joe whispered. He looked at his thumb and then hid it inside his fist. \u201cDoes it hurt?\u201d Joe asked as he pointed to Adam\u2019s bandaged chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it hurts, but not as much as seeing those men being so mean to you. I was scared\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou scared?\u201d Hoss asked; his eyes wide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEven I get scared,\u201d Adam honestly answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI tell no wake brother,\u201d Hop Sing chastised as he carried a tray with fresh bandages, in case they were needed for Adam\u2019s wound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t wake me Hop Sing. But I\u2019m more awake now than I was earlier. It\u2019s good to see you guys,\u201d Adam answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you too,\u201d Hoss said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happened since yesterday? It was only yesterday, right?\u201d Adam looked to their housekeeper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, only yesterday. Honorable sheriff and posse of our men go look for those two. Doctor operate; remove bullet, then Hop Sing help bandage Lit\u2019le Joe\u2019s ankle. All better soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Mr. Charlie got all our men together for a posse said he was gonna tell them two they\u2019s fired,\u201d bragged Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the least they deserve,\u201d Adam answered. \u201cWait, you said all our men are on the posse? Who\u2019s taking care of the ranch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe tugged on Adam\u2019s hand, distracting him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI\u2019m hungry\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you\u2019re not Hoss?\u201d Adam teased, knowing there was nothing to be done to calm his previous alarm. With all the men out on the posse looking for Gordon and Barnstable, there was no one left to take care of the ranch, and he knew he couldn\u2019t, since he felt that he couldn\u2019t mount his horse, let alone attempt to sit up in bed.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhy don\u2019t you and Hoss go on downstairs, I\u2019m sure Hop Sing has breakfast ready for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the two youngest brothers left the room, Hop Sing carefully lifted the bandage and was pleased to see no seepage of blood. He quietly spoke, \u201cBrothers worried about you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was worried about Joe, Cliff was treating him roughly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy be okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you put your salve on that faded handprint on the side of Joe\u2019s face?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou see?\u201d Hop Sing had hoped the oldest brother would not have seen the injury inflicted on his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I saw it yesterday, only it looks a lot better this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMore salve today, be gone tomorrow. You hungry? Doctor say oatmeal or soft eggs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about eggs, a couple pieces of slightly toasted bread with apricot preserves, and some coffee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou drink water,\u201d Hop Sing handed Adam a full glass of water, to which Adam grimaced. \u201cI bring food and coffee shortly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. Hop Sing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes Mr. Adam?\u201d The cook turned around, he had begun to leave the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI really mean it. Thank you for watching the boys for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam very welcome. And not all men go with Sheriff, only those close to house. Men still watch cattle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Thirteen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sheriff Roy Coffee, Charlie Yeagle, and all the ranch hands who were working close to the house trailed after Al Gordon and Cliff Barnstable as the two men attempted to make good their escape from the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDamn that little whelp!\u201d Al cursed as they briefly gave their horses a respite, allowing both to drink greedily from the southbound stream while the men drank from their canteens and refilled them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDamn him?!\u201d Cliff yelled, grabbing the shirtfront of his partner and shoving the man down. \u201cDamn you! You had to go and pull your gun and shoot Cartwright! What were you thinking?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t like taking orders from him no better than I did!\u201d Al ranted, gaining his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo? Why\u2019d ya shoot him? We\u2019re gonna have a posse on our tails for sure!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was I supposed to do?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUSE YOUR BRAIN! Oh, I forgot, you have to have one to use it! All we had to do was threaten his brother. He would have thrown down his gun to keep that little brat from getting hurt. We could have knocked him out and tied him up. Then we could have sent a ransom note.\u201d Cliff stomped around during his rant. \u201cNow\u2026 we got no chance of getting any more money out of them! And if Cartwright dies!\u00a0\u00a0 They\u2019re gonna hang us!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was just a kid! He weren\u2019t no man!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKid or not, killing him was murder! Damn you!\u201d Cliff grabbed up the reins before climbing into the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019re you going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSouth! Mexico! At least we\u2019ve got a few hours head start; by the time someone rides for the sheriff and he gets back to the Ponderosa. Get in the saddle, NOW!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cliff spurred his horse\u2019s flanks leaving Al to catch up.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Before they set out, Roy had warned the men that unless absolutely unavoidable, these two men were to be brought in ALIVE. \u201cI\u2019ll not have any vigilantes in this posse!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry about that sheriff, we all want the pleasure of seeing them bastards swing\u2026 legally!\u201d one of the hands boasted.<\/span><\/p>\n

En mass, the posse left the front yard of the ranch house and headed south.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The sun was still above the western horizon when the posse came across a downed horse, its leg obviously broken.<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie chalked up another mark against the two men; you don\u2019t leave an animal to suffer. With a quiet, \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Charlie ended the horse\u2019s suffering.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey can\u2019t have gotten too much farther riding double,\u201d Roy announced as he looked ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy guess is they\u2019re up there, in the hills and trees,\u201d Charlie answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMen, we have at least another half hour worth of riding to reach those hills. When we get to the tree line, we\u2019ll split up into twos\u2026 wind your way in and out of the trees and around them boulders. Anyone finding any signs, you know the drill; if they\u2019re on the run, fire three shots, then wait for us to come to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After the posse had split up, each man who had a watch made note of the time and agreed to return to that location by the end of two hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Charlie Yeagle, the Ponderosa foreman, was alone when returning to where the other members of the posse waited. He\u2019d left Bayou Brown on his own to keep an eye on their quarry. Charlie hadn\u2019t been so sure of Bayou heading out with the posse; it had only been a few days since Doc Martin had removed the splints from his leg and allowed him to resume light duties. But the long-time hand had insisted, he wasn\u2019t going to be left behind like no woman, not when it came to running down the men responsible for shooting his boss\u2019 son.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they trailed over the uneven ground, Bayou\u2019s limp had become more pronounced as they left their horses and followed their quarry on foot. Having confirmed the men were less than fifty yards away, Bayou made his confession.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou head on back for the posse. I\u2019ll wait here for ya and keep an eye on them. My leg cain\u2019t take much more walking tonight, Boss. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNext time you\u2019ll listen to me,\u201d groused the foreman, only in good nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just didn\u2019t wanta be left back there if something happened to Adam\u2026 And I wanted to help bring these men in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Before I head back, I want to make sure it\u2019s Al and Cliff up there. While I\u2019m gone, keep your head down and your rifle handy, I\u2019ll be back as soon as I can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhere\u2019s Bayou?\u201d Roy asked of Charlie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe found them camped out, Bayou smelled their fire long before we seen them. Never saw the flames until I was almost in their camp, just smelled the smoke. They\u2019re holed up about two miles over the hill, pretty well hidden from sight, but where they are will make it all the easier for us to arrest them. There\u2019s only the one way in and out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure they\u2019re there?\u201d one of the other hands asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis could be a trap,\u201d Roy commented, stroking his mustache.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re there\u2026 We got close enough to hear them snoring. \u2018Sides I wanted to make sure it was them and not some other travelers. It\u2019s them alright,\u201d Charlie answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Having met back up with Bayou, the mounted posse was ordered to wait outside the opening of the draw while Roy, Charlie, and one other man headed in. A few members of the posse didn\u2019t trust the men who\u2019d gunned down their young boss. Bayou suggested a few of them leave their horses and make their way along the ridge on either side of the deep draw, keeping abreast of the three who walked in on foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEvening, gents,\u201d Roy called out with barely a hint of a smile on his face and his rifle resting along his crossed arms as he entered the camp.<\/span><\/p>\n

Al bolted awake, pulled his hand and his gun out from his under his saddle blanket. As he swung his arm to bring his weapon to bear on the voice, a weapon was discharged at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDrop it Cliff!\u201d Charlie ordered; his gun in hand and pointed at the other man.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy Coffee had already kicked away Al\u2019s gun before turning to see who had fired. It didn\u2019t surprise him to see Bayou Brown off to the far side, sitting on his horse, gun arm slowly being lowered to his lap.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t hear you ride in,\u201d Roy commented to the hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why I ride an unshod horse\u2026 Sorry about that,\u201d Bayou pointed with his gun towards Al Gordon. \u201cWeren\u2019t sure you\u2019d had time to see him pulling his gun. Didn\u2019t damage him too bad, did I, Sheriff?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy bent down and pulled Al\u2019s hand away from his upper arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot too bad, Doc\u2019s gonna have to patch him up\u2026 a little bit,\u201d Roy answered as he pulled his suspect to his feet and began to handcuff him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I need a doctor?\u201d Al Gordon yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll see you in town. I don\u2019t think you\u2019ll bleed to death.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A thunder of horses announcing the arrival of the posse members who had waited outside the draw, as the men charged their horses at the sound of gunfire.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Roy and Charlie dealt with the two men, Morgan Yates, the other ranch hand who had walked in with them began to saddle their prisoners’ horse.\u00a0 Bayou kept watch over the group, never returning his gun to his holster until the two suspects were mounted with their hands tied to the saddle horns.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the posse and their prisoners headed out, Charlie cast a critical eye towards Bayou.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you done was foolish, all it would atook was either of them hearing your horse kick a stone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThem two? You\u2019ve not spent a night with them watching a herd. They both sleep dead to the world. Only a stampede would awoke them,\u201d the man drawl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, next time, I\u2019ll let you handle it all by your lonesome,\u201d was offered with good humor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019d better not be a next time\u2026\u201d Charlie replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to ride?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, my boots ain\u2019t made for all this walking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they used your horse, too.\u201d\u00a0 Bayou grinned at the added insult to the ranch foreman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bayou lowered his arm to help grab the ranch foreman up to sit behind him as they made their way following the posse.<\/span><\/p>\n

The men had all agreed there would be no vigilantes on the posse; however, if looks could kill\u2026 Al Gordon and Cliff Barnstable would be long dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A tired Roy Coffee rode in front of the hands from the Ponderosa who surrounded his prisoners. Citizens of Virginia City who were out and about for the morning, gawked at the procession making its way to the Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When the iron door clanged closed behind his prisoners, Roy finally felt he could relax.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie, thank all the Ponderosa men for me, would you?\u201d Roy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo need, we were just doing what needed done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill, it coulda gone ugly, I know every last man out there respects the Cartwrights; and I\u2019m glad they didn\u2019t turn vigilante.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot this crew. It\u2019s because they do respect the family. And if they had taken the law into their own hands\u2026\u00a0 They wouldn\u2019t have a job to return to.\u00a0 So\u2026 with what Jonesy said\u2026 If Gordon and Barnstable are gonna hang, they\u2019re gonna hang because a judge ordered it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill let them know how much I appreciated riding with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie nodded, heading to the door, only to quickly step back when it was pushed open into him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Martin entered the office, black bag in hand; \u201cWord on the street is that one of your prisoners might be in need of my services?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Adam?\u201d Roy and Charlie asked, simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe survived the surgery and woke a little before night fell. He was sleeping when I left.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd the boys?\u201d Charlie asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cScared\u2026 I can\u2019t believe those two,\u201d Paul thumbed over his shoulder, indicating the men in the cells. \u201cHoss said that it was one of them who shot Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Adam told us that Barnstable was roughing up Joe and that Gordon was the one who shot him,\u201d Charlie spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWish I could just ignore them,\u201d Paul whispered as he looked over his shoulder to the cell area.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou and I both know better than that. The good thing is that it\u2019s not a deep bullet wound, may not even need to knock him out,\u201d answered Roy, with a smirk on his face. His expression made the physician give serious thought to the suggestion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I need to wire the circuit judge to let him know he\u2019s needed,\u201d Roy said as he sat back heavily in the chair behind his desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hate to recommend this, but why not have Judge Williams preside\u2026 Would save us a lot of time in having to wait for a judge to arrive,\u201d Paul suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I could ask him,\u201d Roy replied as he wearily stood to show the physician back to the cell area and opened the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWell?\u201d Paul asked as he met the lawman at Daisy\u2019s diner for lunch later that day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe said he\u2019d do it,\u201d Roy answered as he sat down in the chair and hung his hat from the back of one of the empty straight-backed chairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow soon?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you can have Adam up and about, day after tomorrow?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThursday? Good heavens, does that man not have any common sense?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI already tried to tell him about Adam\u2019s condition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould Hiram take a deposition on his behalf?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis judge seems to like to hear<\/em> both sides and allow both sides to cross examine. Both attorneys could be there for the deposition, but not the jury.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we can bed down the buckboard with an extra mattress so Adam can lie down, maybe I should heavily dose him with laudanum for the trip. If we transport him early in afternoon, he\u2019d have time to recuperate. It isn\u2019t going to be easy on him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I can\u2019t see how any of this is going to be easy on him,\u201d Roy answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI won\u2019t allow it!\u201d Charlie declared when Roy and Paul showed up at the Ponderosa right after lunch on Wednesday. Charlie had stepped out of the house after hearing riders enter the yard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no choice,\u201d barked Roy. \u201cAdam\u2019s testimony is crucial to this trial. After all it were him they tried to murder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie,\u201d Paul interrupted. \u201cIt\u2019s my intention to ride with Adam, he\u2019ll be heavily dosed with laudanum and I want the buckboard bedded deeply with mattresses and covers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like it,\u201d Charlie grumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNone of us do, but we sort of made our own beds by asking this judge to try the case. We don\u2019t have any choice,\u201d Roy replied. \u201cOtherwise it could be weeks before a circuit judge arrived.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie scowled at the two men, but gave thought to something else. Something had been niggling at the back of his mind ever since he\u2019d spoken with Little Joe the day before, after he\u2019d returned from riding with the posse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, let me ask you this? Do you think those two varmints are the only ones involved?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey were the only two you said rode out of the barn, and Adam told you that Gordon had shot him while Barnstable was roughing up Little Joe\u2026\u201d Roy spelled out the logic of his thought process. \u201cJoe himself told me it was them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, but\u2026\u201d Charlie quibbled and lifted his hat to scratch his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you getting at?\u201d Roy inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve lost over one hundred head of cattle in the past two months, not to mention the other ranchers in the area. Those two you got in jail, they couldn\u2019t be the only ones involved, there has to be more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think they\u2019re also the rustlers?\u201d Paul asked in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI talked with Little Joe yesterday afternoon, and from what he said, yeah, I do,\u201d Charlie answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey never did tell me why they was roughing up Joe and then shot Adam. Both steeled their lips shut whenever I asked questions. But you know\u2026 Joe said he heard them talking about moving cattle, and I forgot about that once Hoss said it were their job.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe they are our rustlers, or are part of the gang. Joe told me the same thing, and I bet you my next paycheck it was our stolen herd. And\u2026 Little Joe overheard them. Then things went downhill from there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re right, there might be more of them out there,\u201d mused Roy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll gather a few men to ride guard, and assign a couple of them to be outriders,\u201d Charlie offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Charlie pulled in some of the men, men who had felt slighted in not being brought in to ride with the posse, to ride guard over the Cartwright boys as they made their way to Virginia City. After seeing that the buckboard was bedded down to their approval, Charlie, Roy, and Paul made their way into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Roy and Paul explained to Adam the plan, while Charlie explained everything to Hop Sing. Within thirty minutes, overnight bags were packed and Adam was comfortably in a medically induced sleep in the back of the buckboard, with his brothers and Paul Martin keeping an eye on him. Hop Sing sat on the bench seat up front, next to Charlie who insisted on driving the team.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for the men, they only knew that it was imperative to get Adam and Joe to town to testify against the two men who had tried to kill Adam. The ranch hand, the lawman, and the doctor decided to keep it among themselves the fact that there was also the possibility that the suspects were also guilty of rustling.<\/span><\/p>\n

The riders and those in the wagon slowly left the yard; Roy Coffee rode in front with his rifle standing upright on his knee, while Bayou Brown and Gus Gibraltar mimicked him, bringing up the rear. As the group traveled towards the Virginia City Road, four other riders rode outlying positions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Doctor Martin was called away on an emergency shortly after Adam had been settled in an upstairs bedroom in the doctor\u2019s home.<\/span><\/p>\n

The oldest brother had lain peacefully in the large bed for almost an hour before he started rousing from sleep. Hoss was downstairs in the kitchen with Hop Sing while Little Joe sat in a large overstuffed chair near the bed where Adam lay. The large chair dwarfed the child, only his feet and ankles extended beyond the edge of the cushion. As he watched his brother sleep, he\u2019d subconsciously slip his thumb into his mouth and then pull it out once he realized what he had done, only to find it there again.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam began moaning, Joe sat up on all fours on the chair and climbed over to the bed. Quietly he sat and waited for his brother\u2019s eyes to open.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh,\u201d moaned Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s okay Adam,\u201d Joe whispered. \u201cThe doctor said you\u2019re gonna be okay.\u201d Joe mimicked what he had seen adults do, he gently patted his brother\u2019s face. \u201cCome on Adam\u2026 open your eyes. You can\u2019t sleep the day away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJ-Joe\u2026 Please, don\u2019t hurt him,\u201d Adam mumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI ain\u2019t gonna hurt anyone, Adam,\u201d Joe answered. \u201cAdam\u2026? please\u2026? wake up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Don\u2019t! Joe, please\u2026\u201d Adam\u2019s arms reached out in a defensive position, unavoidably pushing his brother away. \u201cJoe! Don\u2019t!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe scampered away from his brother and off the bed, and due to his aching ankle, he crawled across the floor and hid in the corner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moments later Adam bolted upright in bed and screamed, \u201cJOE!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing entered the room. It took a few moments to bring the young man to full wakefulness. With heavy breaths, Adam looked to the family cook and housekeeper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam awake?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026 I\u2019m awake. Hop Sing, where are we?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe at Doctor Martin house. We come here\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe trial. I forgot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have bad dream?\u201d Hop Sing asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery bad\u2026\u201d Over Hop Sing\u2019s shoulder Adam saw Hoss standing wide-eyed in the doorway. \u201cI\u2019m okay Hoss, just a bad dream.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss entered the room and climbed on the bed to sit next to his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay, now?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019m okay. Where\u2019s Joe?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was up here\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

All three turned when they heard the door squeaking, from where he was still sitting in the corner, Joe pushed the door closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing was first to see the crying child and was immediately next to the boy, gathering him in his arms and carrying him to his brothers, speaking gently to the child in his native Cantonese. Joe nodded his head at Hop Sing\u2019s words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam reached out with his left hand as his brother was placed on the bed. \u201cWhy were you behind the door?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do it Adam. I wouldn\u2019t hurt anyone,\u201d the boy answered as the tears streamed down his face; he\u2019d yet to let go of Hop Sing\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo what? Who did you hurt?\u201d Adam asked in confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa yelled my name and told me don\u2019t hurt him\u2026 I don\u2019t know who ya thought I was hurting.\u201d Joe sniffled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam stared at his brother and then he remembered his nightmare.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I was dreaming\u2026 I saw our men\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey ain\u2019t our men, remember Adam, Mr. Charlie said he were gonna fire \u2018em,\u201d Hoss interrupted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, in my dream\u2026 those two men had you. I saw Cliff hurting you. I yelled your name, but I was yelling at them not to hurt you. I just kept seeing them hurt you.\u201d Adam lowered his eyes at the pain the memory brought to bear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t hurt me too bad,\u201d Joe answered, finally letting go of Hop Sing\u2019s hand and crawled over to his brother. Joe insinuated himself into Adam\u2019s left arm, snuggling into his brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad, little buddy,\u201d Adam answered as he planted a kiss to his brother\u2019s head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre ya hungry?\u201d Hoss asked. \u201cMe and Hop Sing been in the kitchen, cooking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think I could eat\u2026 smells like a stew,\u201d Adam answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeef stew, fresh bread,\u201d Hop Sing replied. \u201cSupper ready later.\u201d Pointing to the oldest, \u201cYou sleep like little brother. Take nap, sleep make shoulder better. Hop Sing no want honorable doctor upset you not sleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With that, the cook accompanied the middle brother out of the room and closed the bedroom door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Fourteen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

That evening, with the brothers having eaten an early supper in the room with Adam; Paul and Roy joined them once Hop Sing had cleared away the dishes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Hiram is going to come over in a little while to discuss the case with you,\u201d Paul answered. \u201cI\u2019ve allowed this only because he has such a short time to prepare for the trial. But when I say you\u2019ve had enough, no arguments. I\u2019m still not happy about putting you on the witness stand just a few days after you were shot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo I get to tell what happened to me?\u201d Joe asked, nestled on one side of Adam, Hoss on the other; all three brothers on the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat will be up to Hiram to decide,\u201d Roy answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m a deputy!\u201d challenged Joe. Looking to the lawman he stated, \u201cBoss, I got to thinking\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, hush,\u201d Hoss spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo! I got sompin to say\u2026 I was looking for clues to the rustlers\u2026\u201d Joe continued. \u201cI checked our barn and didn\u2019 find anything, but then I got to thinking, and was checkin\u2019 the back barn when I heard them talking about moving cattle\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I done told ya that\u2019s their job,\u201d Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if it were our cattle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, who else\u2019s cattle would they be movin\u2019?\u201d Hoss argued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if Adam or Mr. Charlie didn\u2019t \u2018em tell to\u2026 Why would they be so mean to me and shoot Adam if they\u2019s only doin\u2019 their job?\u201d Joe crossed his arms; a mad look on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

A surprised Adam looked to the three adults, as Hiram Woods had been shown into the room by Hop Sing while Joe was talking. Adam hadn\u2019t thought much beyond the pain in his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe boy could be right,\u201d Roy answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTold ya!\u201d Joe replied, looking around his oldest brother and stuck out his tongue to his middle brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRoy?\u201d Adam queried.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie said about the same thing earlier, before we brung you to town,\u201d Roy responded. \u201cHe\u2019d talked with Joe the day before, trying to figure out why they woulda shot you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo it appears that this trial might be more than an attempted murder case?\u201d Hiram asked as he set down his portfolio and pulled out a pad of paper and a pencil, and began making notes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Believing the two events were related, the rustling and the shooting, Hiram thought to ask Joe to tell his story. The boy began his narrative with the sheriff deputizing him to protect Hop Sing from the rustlers and finished by telling of him looking for clues in the barn and watching Adam be shot. As his account of events unfolded, his tale wandered off topic from time to time. Roy smiled as Hiram quietly brought Joe back to the issue with a question or two.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that is quite the report,\u201d Hiram stated as he pulled out a fresh sheet of paper. \u201cAdam, what else can you add to Joe\u2019s explanation?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot much, only that I was looking for Joe and heard him yelling in the back barn. I entered to find Cliff Barnstable shaking him, and Joe had what looked like a hand print on his left cheek. I yelled Joe\u2019s name and then I saw Al Gordon go for his weapon, I yelled \u2018don\u2019t\u2019, and then he shot me. I don\u2019t remember much after that\u2026 It\u2019s a little fuzzy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell me what you remember.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike I said, Gordon shot me, I presume they put Joe down\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe dropped me, hurt my ankle,\u201d Joe raised up his pant leg to show the lawyer the bandage he still wore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe dropped Joe,\u201d corrected Adam, \u201cand then I remember hearing hooves racing away. I think Charlie came in, maybe Hoss\u2026 I told him that Gordon shot me\u2026 I heard Hop Sing yell something at Hoss\u2026 They were outside\u2026\u201d Adam spoke slowly as events replayed in his mind. \u201cCharlie and Hop Sing got me to my bed\u2026 Later, Hoss came in and said that Sheriff Coffee and Doc Martin were on their way\u2026 I don\u2019t remember anything else until I woke after surgery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, with what Joe said he heard the men saying, and knowing there have been rustlers in the area, it makes sense,\u201d Hiram stated. \u201cHowever, the evidence is pretty circumstantial. I\u2019m not sure we can get it to stand up in court.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam yawned, fighting to keep his eyes opened.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can try, can\u2019t we?\u201d Roy asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can surely try. I wish I had more time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut we don\u2019t,\u201d Paul answered. \u201cHiram, you\u2019ll have to make your case from what you\u2019ve already heard. I can\u2019t allow this interview to continue any longer. Adam\u2019s still recovering; he lost a fair amount of blood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t understand why the judge is pushing the case for tomorrow\u2026 How can I properly prepare a case for the prosecution?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we asked Williams to preside, considering those two were responsible for Adam\u2019s condition, we didn\u2019t want the reminder sitting in Roy\u2019s jail while having to wait for a regular circuit judge. We didn\u2019t think he\u2019d schedule it so soon,\u201d Paul explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can only imagine Alex Blake, he\u2019s probably pulling his hair out over short notice for a defense.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGonna be even shorter when he learns about the rustling,\u201d Roy replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The Bucket O\u2019Blood had been closed and all bottles of liquor removed from the shelves as it was transformed into a courtroom. Judge Oscar Williams sat upright as he prepared to preside over the case, happy that it was an open and shut case of attempted murder. But, as Hiram Woods begins his opening remarks for the prosecution, he tied the attempted murder case to the ongoing rustling of cattle in the area; and thus was the reason behind the shooting of Adam Cartwright. He outlined how Little Joe Cartwright had been in the barn, and accidently eavesdropped on a conversation and once found\u2026 The events were self evident.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alex Blake was surprised when his opponent had connected the two cases, and if he\u2019d been the prosecution, he\u2019d have done the same thing. In his discussions with his clients, he\u2019d put two and two together and came up with the same answer. It was every defense attorney\u2019s worst nightmare, defending people known to be guilty; well\u2026 the best he could hope for was a lengthy prison sentence for his clients. Anything to prevent a hanging; he\u2019d been instructed back in law school and you saw your case through to its conclusion, seeing your clients to the prison wagon\u2026 or to the gallows. From both sides of the court aisle way, prosecution and defense, he\u2019d witnessed too many hangings in his career.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Judge Williams accepted the closure of the opening remarks from both sides, he ordered the prosecution to call their first witness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiram stood and faced the jury, then spoke loudly for the packed courtroom to hear, \u201cThe prosecution calls Joseph Cartwright as our first witness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI OBJECT!\u201d Blake called out. He\u2019d known this would happen; putting a young child on the stand was only asking for difficulties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Williams asked as he held up his hand, hoping to stop the forward progress of Little Joe Cartwright; he didn\u2019t have to worry, Joe still wasn\u2019t up to walking on his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe witness is a child\u2026 You\u2019re willing to accept the testimony of a child and its impact on my clients? Does the child even understand what\u2019s happening?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like to ask the child a few questions before he begins his testimony?\u201d Williams asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was worth the shot, but Blake knew his objection had just been over ruled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill Joseph Cartwright please take the stand,\u201d Roy called out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the meaning of this?\u201d Williams asked as Hoss lifted his brother to his hip to carry him to the make-shift witness stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Hoss Cartwright and this here is my brother, Little Joe. He cain\u2019t walk on his ankle, because he hurt it,\u201d Hoss announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t hurt it, he did,\u201d proclaimed Joe, pointing over Hoss\u2019 shoulder towards one of the defendants.<\/span><\/p>\n

The courtroom snickered and the two defendants groaned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Williams and everyone else watched as Joe sat up in the chair and tried to straighten out his jacket and pulled at the tie that ran around his collar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, do you know why you\u2019re here today?\u201d Williams asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a trial and I\u2019m here to tell the truth,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Williams motioned for Hiram Woods and Alex Blake to approach the bench. \u201cI will not allow any derogatory or underhanded tactics in questioning this child. If I feel one question is inappropriate, I will hold either of you in contempt of court. Am I understood?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both men nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

To the court Williams announced, \u201cI am going to allow both attorneys to question the child to establish their comfort level in the competency of this child to give testimony.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiram deferred to Alex.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, do you know what a lie is?\u201d Alex asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAm I in trouble?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you ask that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I only get called Joseph when I\u2019m in trouble.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The crowd giggled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat name do you go by?\u201d Alex asked, knowing he was going to regret this.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe!\u201d Joe puffed up his chest. \u201cBecause I ain\u2019t as big as my brothers\u2026 yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, may I call you Little Joe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, all my friends do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I\u2019m a friend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf ya want to be. Do you want to be my friend?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

The question elicited another round of giggles from those present.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I do. And friends don\u2019t lie to each other, do they.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNooooo Sir.\u201d Joe strung out the pronunciation of the word no, with his voice rising and falling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens when someone lies?\u201d Alex asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt depends on if they get caught lying,\u201d Joe innocently answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, if someone gets caught lying, what happens?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 I don\u2019t know about anyone else, but me and my brothers\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alex tried hard to keep a serious composure on his face, \u201cWhen you and your brothers are caught lying, what happens?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa has a little\u2026\u201d Joe\u2019s voice quieted and then he stopped speaking, he looked to his lap here he folded his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Hiram offered. \u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss sat forward in his chair, he saw his brother\u2019s demeanor change.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI miss my pa,\u201d Joe answered. Looking up, Joe asked, \u201cIs he ever gonna come home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both attorneys looked to each other and then back to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope so, Joe,\u201d Hiram answered. \u201cJoe,\u201d Hiram said as he knelt down in front of the boy, \u201cCan you answer Alex what happens when you are caught lying?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf it\u2019s a little lie, I get extra chores. If it\u2019s a big lie, I get a necessary talk\u2026 that means I get spanked and extra chores,\u201d Joe quietly answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if you were to lie in this court, would it be a little lie or a big lie?\u201d Alex asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t be either because I\u2019m gonna put my hand on the bible and tell the truth,\u201d Joe proclaimed. He glared at the man for thinking he\u2019d lie after promising something with his hand on the Holy Bible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, are you satisfied,\u201d Judge Williams asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiram and Alex nodded. Roy approached with the bible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow Joe, I know you can\u2019t swear\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I get my mouth washed out with soap,\u201d Joe answered and the people laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I need to ask you to put your right hand on the bible and promise to tell the truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe did as asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The morning progressed with no new revelations as the lawyers asked questions of Joe and he answered. Joe was finally excused.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Hoss lifted his brother from the chair he said, \u201cYa done good Shortshanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ranch foreman Charlie Yeagle was next to testify on what happened once he reached the barn, what Adam had said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOBJECTION! Hear say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe testimony will be corroborated later this afternoon when Adam Cartwright takes the stand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not have him take the stand now?\u201d Judge Williams asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it\u2019s only been three days since he was shot, and Doc doesn\u2019t want him stressed anymore than necessary. He\u2019ll be called after lunch,\u201d Hiram answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cObjection over ruled,\u201d Williams stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie continued to tell of what happened after hearing the gunfire, getting Adam to his room and stripping his shirt, the doctor\u2019s arrival, and finally, trailing after the two defendants. He explained what happened in the draw. Once both attorneys were satisfied with his testimony, he was dismissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bayou Brown took the stand next, explaining how he and Charlie had trailed the two through the woods and into the draw. He told of telling the men to follow along the ridge, and then him quietly riding into the camp and how he saw Al Gordon drawing his gun, and since the Sheriff and the others were on the opposite side, he wasn\u2019t sure they saw it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI fired with the intent to wing him,\u201d Bayou drawled. \u201cDone it, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The last witnessed called before lunch was Doctor Paul Martin. His testimony had more to do with the seriousness of the wound inflected to Adam Cartwright, and he took the chance to dress down the court that if anyone upset his patient, he would stop the trial right then and there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy patient is my priority,\u201d Paul answered. \u201cIt is my duty to protect his well-being.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m your patient!\u201d Al Gordon yelled as he stood and held out his arm still in the sling. \u201cYa gotta protect me too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cQuiet in the court! You\u2019ll have your chance to defend yourself once the prosecution is finished.\u201d Turning to the witness, \u201cDoctor, I\u2019ll take your concern under advisement and will warn counsel not to upset the witness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After lunch, Paul Martin walked closely beside the eldest Cartwright brother as he made his way into the courtroom and to the witness stand. Judge Williams noted his pale complexion and the deliberateness of his stride; he was beginning to have misgivings for calling the trail so soon after the shooting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam Cartwright was succinct in his explanations of what happened that led up to his shooting; and explained how it was his little brother who put the pieces together, and the adults agreed.<\/span><\/p>\n

With minimal counter questioning, Adam was released to go back to the doctor\u2019s residence.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe it would be best for the two youngsters to leave the court to see to their brother,\u201d Judge Williams announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI have one last witness to call,\u201d Hiram announced. \u201cI call Sheriff Roy Coffee to the stand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Once Roy was seated, Hiram explained himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, during the earlier testimony, comments were made reflecting that Joe Cartwright was one of your deputies\u2026 I\u2019m surprised my esteemed colleague did not challenge the comments, but I am thankful that he did not press the issue with the child in attendance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alex Blake nodded his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, would you care to elaborate on those statements.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure. As most of you know, there had been several tragedies suffered by the Cartwright family. Most of the burden has fallen to the eldest son, Adam. He told me himself that in order to keep Joe calm, he was having to ride out having the boy with him. I knew this could be dangerous, especially as it came to light that we had rustlers in the area. I know that little boy and he\u2019d fight anyone tooth and nail if told he couldn\u2019t do something\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This elicited laughter from the crowd still in attendance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, I thought of another way to keep him safe and ease the stress Adam was under. I thought it might be a good idea to deputize him to watch over Hop Sing, their housekeeper and cook. Little Joe took to the idea immediately. He deputized his brother, Hoss, and on another occasion deputized their foreman, Charlie Yeagle, and one of their hands, Bayou Brown, with the sole purpose of watching over Hop Sing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Sheriff,\u201d Hiram replied. \u201cYour witness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSheriff, I applaud you for smart thinking to keep the child safe; however, by his own admission, he was looking for clues to the rustlers. Which I presume was outside of the scope of his authority?\u201d Alex felt silly for the line of questioning, but hopefully his clients would approve of him performing his job.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that you mention it\u2026 I\u2019m gonna have to have a necessary talk<\/em> with my deputy once this is over with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo further questions, your honor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The remainder of the afternoon was spent listening to the two defendants attempt to explain themselves. By the end of Al Gordon\u2019s testimony, he grew flustered and shouted out, \u201cI ain\u2019t gonna take the rap for everything, Gus Gibraltar done hooked us up with the money man for the cattle!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

By six o\u2019clock that night, both defendants had been found guilty, and though he wanted to pronounce a hanging sentence, the judge accepted recommendations by both counselors and remanded both prisoners to twenty years hard labor at the Nevada Territorial prison. Before the close of the trial, an arrest warrant was sworn out for Gus Gibraltar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have something else to say,\u201d Judge Oscar Williams announced. \u201cThere have been numerous comments made during this trial, regarding the fact that the Cartwright children are without the benefit and protection of any parent. I have received a request to terminate the parental rights of one Benjamin Cartwright, as well as have received two petitions for the adoption of the two youngest children.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa cain\u2019t!\u201d Roy declared, as did Charlie and Bayou.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOrder! I will hear all testimony pertinent to these petitions tomorrow beginning at one o\u2019clock, sharp.\u201d Hammering his gavel on the bar countertop, \u201cThis court stands adjourned.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Paul Martin opened the front door of his home to find the sheriff and the Ponderosa foreman standing on his porch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got trouble,\u201d Roy announced, making his way inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cGuess we know who filed the petitions,\u201d Paul stated after hearing what the two men had to say concerning the events that happened at the closing of the trial, after Paul had left with the Cartwright brothers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Later that night, Paul Martin walked down the hallway of the second floor of his home only to hear moaning coming from behind one of the doors. He\u2019d expected to hear these sounds from the room in which Little Joe slept with Hoss, he never expected the cries of distress to come from the room in which Adam slept.<\/span><\/p>\n

Opening the door, the moon shone through the lace curtains, illuminating the room well enough for Paul to see the figure in the bed thrashing about, crying, \u201cNo, Not Joe!\u201d \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to.\u201d \u201cI tried my best!\u201d \u201cThey can\u2019t!\u201d \u201cPA!\u201d bolted Adam upright in bed, gasping for breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was surprised to see the physician so quick to his side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I shouldn\u2019t have told you about the tomorrow\u2019s hearing,\u201d Paul quietly spoke feeling guilty for the additional burden placed on the wounded young man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d have hated you had you not told me, Paul.\u201d It was the first time Adam had ever called the man by his first name. \u201cI have to stop them! They can\u2019t take Hoss and Joe from me!\u201d Adam cried out, the pain in his heart and the pain in his shoulder competed for attention. \u201cI need to tell them, I need to assure Hoss and Joe that I love them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSon, they know that you love them. They both had a very long day, and are sleep. I\u2019ll tell them about the hearing in the morning. You, my young friend, have to lie down. That\u2019s what you need to do,\u201d Paul insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Settling back to bed, Adam thought on his dream and the uneasiness that had settled over his family; Marie\u2019s death and her funeral. The day he found his father missing which eventually lead to a verbal showdown with the ranch hands. Finding out their cattle were being rustled. He\u2019d tried so hard to win the Sun Mountain bid, but ultimately he\u2019d lost the lucrative contract. And finally, Joe\u2019s life in danger by two of their hands who turned out were a part of the gang of rustlers. His subconscious replayed the \u2018click\u2019 and he felt the searing pain in his shoulder, again. And now, as a last straw, friends of his father wanted to tear his family apart.<\/span><\/p>\n

All his life he had wanted to be his father\u2019s right hand man, and now that the growing empire of the Ponderosa was his responsibility, he came to accept he was an absolute failure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Fifteen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The hearing was called to order promptly at one o\u2019clock with the early portion involving statements from Roy Coffee and Paul Martin, given in their respective professional opinions. Charlie Yeagle spoke on behalf of the brothers, especially Adam. He\u2019d spoken with the young man earlier in the morning, once it became evident that his injury would prevent him from testifying; his excursion and testimony from the day before had exhausted his energy reserves. He could barely sit up in bed after Doc Martin had been forced to wake him from another nightmare; the second in the same night.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bayou Brown testified that if Ben Cartwright\u2019s parental responsibility had to be terminated, so be it\u2026 but don\u2019t split up the boys. They each, individually and together, had suffered more heartache than children should, and to separate them would only magnify the tragedies they had experienced.<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Williams listened to the sincere words of Hoss Cartwright in how his family meant everything to him, and that he didn\u2019t want to live without his brothers. As the man listened he shook his head, he knew how adaptable children really were and knew that the boy would adjust just fine, once the adoption was finalized.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the Judge spoke with Little Joe, he was not prepared for the hostility reflected back at him from smoldering green eyes. He\u2019d seen the five-year old behave more in line with a grown up when the boy had testified at the previous day\u2019s trial, but now\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy Pa may not want me anymore, but I know my brothers do. Ya ain\u2019t gonna take me away from them! I\u2019ll run away. You ain\u2019t gonna make me live with that old biddy!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The court room was filled to capacity, more so than it had been the day before, and they all gasped at Joe\u2019s declaration.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy momma didn\u2019t like her and I don\u2019t either. She\u2019s a nosy, know-it-all!\u201d Joe declared quite vocally.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYoung man,\u201d Judge Williams warned. \u201cI will not tolerate that tone of voice nor that language in my court room. Do you understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Anger poured from Joe\u2019s body as he sat on the bar top, arms crossed and stared at the woman in question.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

A rejuvenated Ben rode into Virginia City; planning to clean up before heading home to greet his sons; his face bore several weeks\u2019 worth of beard and his hair was longer than he\u2019d ever worn it before. He laughed to himself as he thought of the argument his youngest would give him the next time he ordered the boy to the barbershop, if the child were to see him now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking his horse along the main thoroughfare, Ben was surprised to see the street as deserted as it was. His curiosity got the better of him; he turned his horse, stepped down in front of the Sheriff\u2019s Office, and tied Buck to the hitching rail.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clive from the telegraph office had looked up to see a man riding a buckskin horse past his window, something looked familiar, he stared long and hard. \u201cBen Cartwright,\u201d he breathed and left his station.<\/span><\/p>\n

Running out the door, Clive called Ben\u2019s name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cClive, don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen Virginia City so quiet,\u201d Ben stated in greeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because of the hearing going on over at the Buck O\u2019Blood,\u201d Clive answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat hearing? Roy arrested a gang of outlaws?\u201d jested Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing like that. Why don\u2019t you head on over.\u201d Clive gave second thoughts to his impetuous action of calling out to Ben. He didn\u2019t want to be the one to tell him the purpose behind the hearing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNah, I just wanted to stop in town, get cleaned up and shaved before heading home to see my boys.\u201d Ben smiled at the just the thought of being clean as he dusted off some trail dirt from his jacket and pants.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think it might be best if you go see Roy before heading home, he\u2019s over at the saloon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure it can wait until later\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you really need to see Roy before heading home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The intensity in which Ben Cartwright looked to the man would cower most anyone, and Clive knew he was in this category.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, please\u2026 just go find Roy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned and walked across the barren road, barely pausing at the \u2018Court in Session\u2019 sign hung next to the doorway.<\/span><\/p>\n

The long-absent father witnessed his angry, youngest son lifted from where he had sat on the elevated chair by Roy Coffee and carried to a seat in the front row.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!\u201d declared Ben Cartwright, pushing through the entrance, allowing the winged doors to swing closed, back and forth, behind him. \u201cWhy is my son here?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss turned in his seat and Little Joe looked into the crowd after hearing that voice. They saw the scruffy man and underneath, \u201cPA!\u201d Both boys ran to their father, wrapping their arms around him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben startled at the raw emotions on his sons\u2019 faces, and the fact that Joe was limping.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI presume you are Benjamin Cartwright?\u201d Judge Williams asked as he looked down, actually and figuratively, to the man from his position in the front of the saloon\/courtroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am Benjamin Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you have to say for yourself, abandoning these two children?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked to Paul Martin and Roy Coffee who both had left their seats and stopped halfway to Ben. The men wore expressions of warning to the returning father. He lifted his youngest to his hip and placed his other hand to his middle son\u2019s shoulder, but moved no closer to the front of the crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, just what is going on here?\u201d Ben asked again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis hearing is to terminate your rights as their father,\u201d declared Matilda Weatherby as she proudly stood, knowing that soon Joseph would be hers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?!\u201d Ben replied loud enough that the glass chimneys in the overhead lanterns rattled in their bases.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard Mrs. Weatherby. A petition was put forth before this court, requesting termination of your parental rights on the grounds of abandonment and two corresponding petitions were received, one from Mr. and Mrs. Weatherby to adopt Joseph Francis Cartwright, while Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery petitioned to adopt Eric Gunnar Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you?!\u201d declared Ben staring at the two women who stood side by side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou abandoned those boys,\u201d Agatha Montgomery called out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou selfishly left without a word to anyone. For over two months no one has known whether you were alive or dead. Not one word was heard from you!\u201d Matilda Weatherby challenged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI beg the court\u2019s pardon, but I am home, now. And home I intend to stay,\u201d Ben said as he turned away from the two women, he refused to look at them any longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor now, but what of the next time?\u201d Matilda pressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour honor\u2026 It was not my intention to abandon my sons, I would never abandon them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you did!\u201d Matilda vehemently spoke.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I left, I went away\u2026 Surely the court can understand that an unbearable grief can force a man to do something that is totally out of his normal character. Your honor, prior to my leaving\u2026 I had recently suffered the death of my third wife.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThird? Are you a Mormon?\u201d Judge Oscar Williams inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I am not a Mormon. I have been married and widowed on three separate occasions. Each time I remarried, it was several years after the death of my previous beloved wife. Each wife blessed me with a most precious gift, my three sons. I had been married to Marie the longest, for over six years. I witnessed her fall to her death when her horse fell. I learned the hard way that grief can consume a man. Twice before I was able to continue, to travel west, and to raise my two sons, but this time\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was so different this time?\u201d Judge Williams queried, there was something about this man that made him press for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe, because Marie and I had been married for longer than either of my previous marriages\u2026 I guess I actually saw us growing old together. Also, before\u2026 I had no one else who I could rely on to take care of my boys in my absence, but this time\u2026 my oldest son\u2026 I knew that my oldest son, Adam, was of age and capable, that he would be able to care for his brothers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you abandoned your younger sons to the care of someone who is still a child himself?\u201d Williams\u2019 voice was accusatory.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s neglect! That\u2019s what it is!\u201d decried Matilda Weatherby.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will have order in this court.\u201d Judge Williams stared at his friend, beseeching the man to control his wife.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess it has been such a long time since I have considered Adam a child, he\u2019s been by my side through so much, that I see him as a man. I know what I did was wrong\u2026\u201d Looking to his two sons, Ben continued, \u201cI stand before this court, no longer in absolute mourning over the death of my wife. I will still miss her laughter and presence, but my grief will no longer consume me. Marie will hold a special place in my heart, as do Inger and Elizabeth. But within my heart, I also hold guilt. I left the three most precious gifts my wives ever gave me, to make their own way through their grief and through life these past weeks. I guess, in a way, I did abandon my children, but had I been in my right mind, I never would have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The judge intently listened to the man\u2019s heartfelt words, he watched emotions paint the man\u2019s face, and could tell that his mourning was past.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have three sons, two of whom are here with me. I love all three of them dearly, but my grief clouded over what I have\u2026 I could only see what I had lost. I wasn\u2019t myself when I left home, I had no idea where I was heading or what I was going to do\u2026 I just couldn\u2019t stay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere have you been this whole time?\u201d Williams asked as he looked at his calendar and counted, \u201cIt\u2019s been over ten weeks since you\u2026 left.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTen weeks since my wife\u2019s death, eight weeks, three days and nine hours since I rode away from my home. While I was gone, I worked here and there, earning just enough money to live day to day\u2026 I would work for food and a place to stay\u2026 for myself and for my horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen your ranch; surely you had money in the bank to withdraw,\u201d Williams stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn my grief, I had nothing, only loss,\u201d Ben spoke, looking directly at the judge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJudge\u2026\u201d Matilda interrupted. \u201cSurely this can\u2019t change the fact that he abandoned these boys?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Williams, before I take such a drastic measure as to tell these two boys that their father no longer has the right to call them his sons, I will listen to all pertinent information.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Walter is your friend! You said we had a case\u2026\u201d Matilda sat down in a huff as her husband chastised her and pulled her to sit. She did not like the fact that they had been so close and now, she felt a keen sense of loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour honor, until my dying days, I will do everything in my power to make it up to these two,\u201d Ben looked into the innocent eyes of Hoss and Little Joe, \u201cand their brother. It wasn\u2019t until I reached San Francisco and was ready to sign onto a ship\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A few in the courtroom gasped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I was lost in my grief, but one night, in talking with an old time sailor about my life previous\u2026 I came to realize that I still had a reason to live. In fact, I have three reasons to live, and if they can forgive a foolish old man\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa ain\u2019t old, Pa,\u201d Hoss proclaimed with happy tears in his eyes as he looked up to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I am. As I was saying, if they can forgive me, then I plan to be their father, the father they each deserve for the rest of my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, as a matter of your housekeeper\u2026 What would prevent him from chopping up your youngest son and feeding him to the pigs?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

More gasps came from the spectators, while Ben dared ask, \u201cJoseph, what did you do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt were an akydent. I dropped the basket and broke all the eggs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you apologize?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam made me,\u201d Joe cast his eyes downward.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened next?\u201d Ben inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told Hop Sing I was sorry, and he said he wouldn\u2019t chop me up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe said that he loved me too much, but next time, my britches might be warmed. Pa, I don\u2019t think he meant by the woodstove.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s comments elicited giggles from those closest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJudge Williams, this is outrageous!\u201d Matilda cried out while her husband tried to force her back to her seat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Williams ignored the latest outburst. \u201cI have listened to the facts presented during this hearing\u2026 along with what I learned during the trial that was held yesterday\u2026 I have serious reservations about proceeding with my original assessment. I know what grief can do to a man\u2026 When a man returns of his own volition, I must also take that into consideration. Adam Cartwright is wise beyond his years and he truly was capable of taking care of his siblings; had there not be such extraordinary interference. As for the father standing before me, he has opened his heart to those present. Which I\u2019m sure was not the easiest thing to do\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cActually, your Honor, saying what I said was quite easy. The hardest part,\u201d Ben announced, \u201cis yet to come. I still have to prove to my sons that I am, and will be, here for them. Words are easy\u2026 My actions will prove the truth of what I say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe case of the People vs. Ben Cartwright is hereby dismissed, and the petitions for the adoptions of Eric Gunnar Cartwright and Joseph Francis Cartwright are hereby denied.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Judge Williams hammered his gavel onto the countertop.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre ya really home Pa?\u201d Joe eagerly asked, his hands explored his father’s bearded face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben answered, \u201cYes Joe. I\u2019m home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As the \u2018courtroom\u2019 reverted back into the saloon, Ben escorted his sons outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I got me new boots,\u201d Joe stated. \u201cHop Sing helped me pick them out this morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou needed new boots?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa, he did. He kinda outgrew the others, that and he wasn\u2019t able to wear his old ones after he sprained his ankle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you sprain your ankle?\u201d Ben looked to his youngest, who he still held in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was a special deputy, protecting Hop Sing, and tracking rustlers,\u201d Joe innocently answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRustlers?\u201d Ben asked, knowing his son held a vivid imagination.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa weren\u2019t supposed to be doing that,\u201d Hoss offered. \u201cSheriff Coffee already told ya how wrong ya were.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, why don\u2019t you and the boys come to my home,\u201d Paul offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBy the way, where\u2019s Adam?\u201d Ben answered with a question, curious why his eldest wasn\u2019t present.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Adam\u2019s there,\u201d Hoss quietly stated, holding tight to his Pa\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe got shot because a me,\u201d Joe answered, he lowered his eyes and rested his head to his pa\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaul? Roy?\u201d Ben\u2019s heart beat erratically within his chest. \u2018What have I done?\u2019<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis way, Ben,\u201d Roy held out his arm, indicating for Ben to proceed to the doctor\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie Yeagle and Bayou Brown watched the family head down the boardwalk before they turned to go to the livery, and back to the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Sixteen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As the small group entered Paul Martin\u2019s home, Ben again asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s my son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, he\u2019s upstairs sleeping. I had to give him a tonic to force him to sleep, so his body could heal,\u201d answered Paul leading them into his parlor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe said he was shot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe suffered a bullet would, here,\u201d Paul indicated low on his own shoulder. \u201cI performed surgery and he\u2019s not suffered any adverse complications; however, he did lose a considerable amount of blood and I had to knock him out for the trip to town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou couldn\u2019t perform surgery at the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe did Pa, I came ta town and got the doc and the sheriff, they followed me home,\u201d Hoss explained as he sat in one of the chairs within the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, there\u2019s been a lot going on while you were away. We\u2019ve experience a rash of rustling and three of the rustlers turned out to be Ponderosa hands. We tried two of them yesterday, for rustling and shooting Adam,\u201d Roy explained. \u201cWe had to bring Adam to town so\u2019s he could testify, it weren\u2019t easy on the boy, barely three days after his surgery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to see my son,\u201d Ben stated setting Joe down on the settee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, as I said earlier, he\u2019s asleep. Why don\u2019t you leave the boys here, go down to the barbershop, have a bath, shave, and a haircut, and once you\u2019re back, I\u2019ll see about waking Adam,\u201d Paul offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, don\u2019t leave me,\u201d Joe cried, his thumb slipping back to his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can stay here with Adam and Hop Sing,\u201d Hoss declared. \u201cPa, why don\u2019t you take Little Joe with ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

An hour after leaving, Ben re-entered the doctor\u2019s home with his youngest son on his hip. He hurriedly set the child down on one of the chairs in the parlor as he heard his oldest son yelling. The worried father took the stairs two at a time and followed the voices to the right room.<\/span><\/p>\n

He entered to see Adam struggling with Paul Martin, while it sounded as if Paul was trying to wake him. Forcing the physician out of the way, Ben sat on the bed in order to wake his son and offer him comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam!\u201d Ben gently called. \u201cWake up, come on son\u2026 Wake up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben slapped his son\u2019s face, moving the boy closer to consciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on son, you\u2019re just having a dream,\u201d Ben continued to encourage his son to wake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes opened and as he recognized the man in front of him, he reached forward to embrace the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam heavily breathed as his father pulled him into a fierce hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen can I take my boys home?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow,\u201d Paul answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Is it really you?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes son, I\u2019m home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026\u201d Adam held tight to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to be sorry for, son\u2026\u201d Ben crooned, relishing the fact he was soon to be home with his boys.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Adam\u2019s grip on his father lessened, Ben allowed him to sit back and sink into the thick pillows. Ben pushed his son\u2019s long bangs back from his face. He looked intently into his son\u2019s eyes and tried to determine what he saw.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are Joe and Hoss?\u201d Adam asked, attempting to control his emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI left Joe downstairs with Hoss,\u201d Ben answered. \u201cHow are you son?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine\u2026 At least I will be\u2026 now that you\u2019re home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going home tomorrow. Right Paul?\u201d Ben asked the question without looking away from his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben ate supper with his boys before tucking Hoss and Joe into their bed. Next, he entered the room of his eldest. He grew concerned at what his sons had suffered during his absence; he needed to know the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, he\u2019s asleep and will be until the morning. We need to talk,\u201d Paul stated as he peeked into the room and saw his friend watching his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul escorted Ben into his parlor, where they joined Roy Coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 let me have it,\u201d Ben declared as he walked to stand in front of the fireplace, he turned to face his friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThem boys missed ya,\u201d Roy stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that\u2026 Tell me what I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Ponderosa\u2019s had problems. First Hinshaw refused Adam access to your bank account,\u201d Paul answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow much in arrears am I?\u201d Ben defensively crossed his arms. \u201cHow many men did I lose because they weren\u2019t paid?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou<\/strong> are not in arrears and you<\/strong> didn\u2019t lose any men, other than those three\u2026 The first month Adam used his college money to pay for everything while Hiram worked with the bank to remedy the situation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen there were the rustlers,\u201d Roy offered. \u201cThey struck quiet at first, a few on the Ponderosa and then they grew bolder\u2026 striking other ranches. They kind of took advantage of the situation\u2026 It coulda been a whole lot worse had you not insisted your men keep proper count and Adam maintained that while in charge.\u201d Roy wanted to avoid any accusation by saying while Ben was gone. \u201cOnce Charlie and Adam thought something was up, he shortened the interval between the counts, that\u2019s when he realized the Ponderosa was really losing cattle; he came to town, talked to me, and I notified the Cattlemen\u2019s Association.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat else?\u201d Ben asked as he finally sat down. \u201cWas Hiram able to work with Hinshaw at the bank? What about the bid for the Sun Mountain contract?\u201d Looking down, Ben admitted, \u201cI totally forgot all about it coming for renewal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe situation with the bank was sort of resolved; at least Adam didn\u2019t have to use his college money for the ranch. As for the logging contract, Adam did his best, from what Hiram stated. It\u2019s just a shame that Will Poavey used your absence against the boy. Adam felt horrible that he\u2019d lost the account for you. Hiram tried to tell him that he would have won it, had you been here,\u201d answered Roy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStrike two against me\u2026\u201d Ben stated as he laced his fingers together, resting his forearms on his knees. \u201cHow did Adam get shot?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul and Roy took turns explaining the events, the trial and the conviction of the two men, and the arrest of the third once his part had been exposed. Gus Gibraltar confessed his part and had been sentenced as well. All three were seen off to the Nevada Territorial Prison earlier in the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStrike three\u2026 Left my sons alone to face all this\u2026\u201d grieved Ben. \u201cHow is Adam, honestly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s struggling, even more so since I brought them to town so he and Joe could testify\u2026 I imagine he feels he\u2019s let you down, that he let his brothers down\u2026 What you saw earlier\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t the first nightmare he\u2019s experienced; happens most every time he\u2019s asleep. He keeps seeing those men roughing up Little Joe and then reliving being shot,\u201d Paul informed the father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHopefully with you being home, Ben, it will alleviate a lot of the stress and allow him to sleep and to heal,\u201d Roy offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Joe and Hoss?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey survived; Joe transferred a lot of his needs to Adam, and eventually to Hop Sing. Joe was so scared about being left alone, there in the beginning Adam would take him out with him. Once we figured there were rustlers, I knew it were too dangerous, so I concocted a plan to keep Joe at home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe being a special deputy?\u201d Ben asked. \u201cHe told me all about it while I was bathing and getting a shave and a haircut.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The lawman nodded, \u201cHowever, he was only supposed to protect Hop Sing, not go looking for rustlers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, glad you home,\u201d Hop Sing offered as he brought in a tray bearing coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for watching over my sons,\u201d Ben greeted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSons need father. Sons be better now father home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben rested back into the chair in which he sat; he had such grand images of his return home. None of his dreams were anywhere close to reality. He thought on what Matilda has said, \u2018selfishly, yes, I selfishly left my boys home, alone. And they suffered because I wasn\u2019t here.\u2019<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Roy\u2019s bid goodnight to his two friends was unheard by one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot the homecoming he expected, is it?\u201d Roy asked as Paul walked with him to the front door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 But he is home, and that my friend, is all that really matters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Paul returned to his parlor and sat across from Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me truthfully, Paul. Tell me about these nightmares of Adam\u2019s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe took a lot on his shoulders\u2026 and not all of it good. I see it in his eyes\u2026 He\u2019s scared\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cScared? Adam?\u201d Ben scoffed at the idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen, he\u2019s a seventeen year old boy who took on running something that he has only had a part-time hand in helping. He took on everything and tried his best\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all I\u2019ve ever asked of my sons, to do their best,\u201d Ben\u2019s tone brokered on the edge of anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut the way he\u2019s seeing it, his best wasn\u2019t good enough. He couldn\u2019t keep the rustlers away\u2026 He couldn\u2019t secure the Sun Mountain contract for you. He couldn\u2019t keep his brother safe and in the process, he was shot. And last of all, two damn, busy-body women tried to take his brothers away from him. How should he feel?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d Ben admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs Roy said, let\u2019s hope that your return will be the balm that boy needs in order to recover.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded and returned to staring into the fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Ben halted the wagon in the front yard, many of the hands were there waiting, Charlie Yeagle and Bayou Brown were in the forefront.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi Mr. Charlie! Bayou!\u201d Joe greeted as Ben restrained him from climbing over Hop Sing to get down. \u201cLook, Pa\u2019s home!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome home, Hop Sing, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Bayou greeted as he approached and offered a hand to steady Hop Sing as he climbed down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss jumped down from the back, grabbing the overnight bags out of the way so that the hands could lift the sleeping Adam from the back and carry him to his room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see that, young\u2019en,\u201d Charlie answered as he raised his arms up to help Joe down from the wagon seat. Joe eagerly flew into the foreman\u2019s arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBen,\u201d Charlie said, acknowledging his boss as he rested the boy on his hip and asked the child, \u201cHow\u2019s the ankle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc said I could start walking on it once I got home,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut not yet,\u201d Charlie grinned as Joe gripped him harder as Charlie leaned forward to set the boy down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shook his head sideways to indicate, no.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After seeing his sons settled in the house, Ben set out to find two of his ranch hands; thankful to find both of them sitting on bales of hay in the back barn. Charlie was working on rebraiding a rope cinch, while Bayou was working on punching holes in a leather strap used to tighten a cinch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to thank you two for sticking with Adam while I was\u2026 gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe boy needed someone,\u201d Charlie stated, knowing he was deliberately adding to the man\u2019s guilt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam did you proud, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Bayou spoke in his southern drawl. \u201cHe gave it everything he had.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019ll be a bonus in this month\u2019s pay, for both of you. Roy and Paul told me how much you helped\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe didn\u2019t do it for no bonus,\u201d Charlie replied, staring his boss straight in the eye as he set aside the cinch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026 And if truth be told, you didn\u2019t do it for me either,\u201d Ben acknowledged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, we did it for Adam. He more than proved himself to the rest of the hands,\u201d Charlie answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about proving himself to you?\u201d Ben looked to Charlie and then to Bayou.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, he didn\u2019t have to prove himself to us\u2026 We already knew he could do it. Damn shame three of our own turned out to be rustlers, and he ended up getting shot,\u201d Bayou answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill, I want to let the two of you know how much it means to me\u2026 That you were here for my boys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that you\u2019re home\u2026\u201d Charlie started to say as he stood up, and took a few steps towards Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know you were under a lot of grief\u2026 So I understand why ya left. You just make sure you keep your word to them boys, prove to them you\u2019re the father they deserve and you\u2019re here to stay. Next time, I might not be so charitable when you return. I wanted to knock your block off yesterday when you came into the saloon and demanded to know what was going on. I would say worse, but you make sure you never get me that riled again.\u201d Charlie poked Ben in the chest with his forefinger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI meant what I said yesterday,\u201d Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I meant what I just said.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I think we\u2019re both in agreement that this will never happen, again.\u201d Ben held out his hand to prove there were no hard feelings between employer and, hopefully, his employee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome back, Boss,\u201d Charlie smiled as he shook Ben\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It had been a turbulent three weeks since Ben\u2019s return, and all hopes that Adam\u2019s nightmares would subside with his father\u2019s return we just that, hopes. If the household was lucky, Adam only woke them once a night with his fears breaking through his dreams. Several nights saw Ben entering his eldest\u2019s room twice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Paul sat on the porch and watched as Hoss and Adam walked the pony around the corral with his young master sitting tall in the saddle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see him finally having light in his eyes,\u201d Paul stated as Adam laughed at something one of his brothers did or said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s only when he\u2019s like this, with his brothers, that his smile reaches his eyes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow have things been since I removed his stitches?\u201d Paul asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo better. Nightmares every night, sometimes twice,\u201d answered Ben, sipping from his cup of coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought so\u2026 I can see it in his face, even though he tries to hide it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe too. That and I know he\u2019s losing weight, even before I caught Hop Sing taking in his trousers\u2026 What can I do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he needs time away from here,\u201d Paul suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d Ben startled in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Martin wasn\u2019t a fool, he knew this discussion needed to be held and he was well prepared with his arguments. \u201cBen, send him to Abel. Let him meet his grandfather. Get him away from the constant reminders of what happened. Petition Harvard to allow Adam entrance after the holidays; for the spring semester. While he\u2019s meeting his grandfather and learning of his mother, hire a tutor to ensure he\u2019s kept ready for admission, that he\u2019s current with his contemporaries.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t make him feel guiltier for what happened. I\u2019m not ashamed of him.\u201d Ben answered, his eyes drifting to his sons. \u201cI won\u2019t send him away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? You were ready to let him go before Marie\u2019s death. Maybe that\u2019s the way you should look at it. You\u2019re not sending him away; you\u2019re letting him go\u2026to fulfill his dream of furthering his education.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Seventeen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat listening to the doctor\u2019s explanation of the events from his family\u2019s past; his hazy childhood memories came into sharper focus. Joe queried, \u201cDo you think he\u2019s here to stay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. The time away was what he needed in order to heal from the ordeals he suffered, physically as well as emotionally. There were a number of people who cared about your brother and helped him get past this tragedy, and kept your father and I appraised of his progress in putting all the nightmares to rest. It was because of them and his grandfather that Adam was successful during the five years he spent at Harvard, earning a Master’s Degree in Engineering.\u00a0 Your father read his letters home to you and Hoss?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know how upset your father was when Adam wrote of his plans not to return to the Ponderosa; he\u2019d been offered a very lucrative position with an engineering firm in Boston.\u00a0 He wrote me once to help explain, in case your father put up a strong argument against his staying…\u00a0 His letter to me also explained how this particular firm also focused on architecture. \u00a0 But, your father put away his own hurt because of what he\u2019d done after your mother\u2019s death and all that Adam had taken upon himself during those months. To Ben, if this was the life your brother wanted to live, your father knew he couldn\u2019t ask Adam to come home. Regardless of the reason, I think you and your family should be pleased that he\u2019s finally coming for a visit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Pa gonna take the news that Adam\u2019s coming home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be thrilled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes reverted to the paper in his hand. \u201cHe\u2019s arriving here in a little while\u2026 From this,\u201d Joe flipped the telegram, \u201che\u2019s probably expecting Pa to meet him, not me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy can\u2019t you meet him?\u201d Paul encouraged.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I make him upset\u2026 I mean, what\u2019ll we have to talk about? It\u2019s a long way home\u2026 What if he hates me for what happened?\u201d Joe\u2019s face clearly reflected his struggling emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt he could hate you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it was because of me he was shot, and because of me he had to leave\u2026 I kept hearing him cry out my name, screaming no\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t because of anything you did; his mind was trapped in the memory of seeing those men roughing you up. He was scared that they were going to hurt his baby brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026every time he saw me, he was reminded\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, your brother was only two years older than you are now, when all of this happened. Do you think that you could handle running the Ponderosa, dealing with men who didn\u2019t care to take orders from a youngster, not winning a contract that was important to your father, dealing with rustlers, seeing your younger brother threatened, and then being shot when confronting those men? And to top it all, learning of the petition to terminate your father\u2019s parental rights and adopting you and Hoss out to, for all intent and purposes, strangers. How do you think you\u2019d handle all of that, so soon after losing your second step-mother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo too good\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe was torn. Adam, his brother, was expecting someone from the family to meet him. \u201cCan you come with me?\u201d Joe begged. \u201cI mean, if he was in such a bad way when he left, and if seeing me makes him upset\u2026 Pa\u2019s always telling me how much I look like Momma, I don\u2019t want to upset him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d be happy to point him out to you, Joe. And re-introduce him to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc, I don\u2019t want him to know who I am\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Paul sounded scolding. \u201cHe\u2019s your brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt least not yet\u2026 Please\u2026 When we get home, I\u2019ll tell him. I want to make sure he doesn\u2019t hate me first. If he knew who I was he might get all upset again, or he\u2019d be asking me all sorts of questions and I might not have the right answers or say something wrong\u2026 and he might decide to leave again. Please, Doc?\u201d Joe pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, then who are you? If I tell him your name is Joe, he\u2019s bound to put it together with your eyes and how much you look like your mother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not call me Frank\u2026 Frank Wright\u2026\u201d Joe offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Frank<\/em>,\u201d Paul agreed, shaking his head from side to side, knowing he was probably going to regret it. But he was one of many people who had a hard time saying no to the boy with the expressive green eyes and irresistible smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I should go see about renting a buggy from the livery to get Adam home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRent a surrey, he\u2019ll probably have luggage, not an overnight bag.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Paul Martin and Joseph Cartwright stood on the boardwalk that ran in front of the stage depot. Joe nervously fidgeted with his hat as the stage rounded the bend and made its way towards them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything will be fine, Joe,\u201d Paul encouraged and placed a hand on the boy\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both watched as two men disembarked, with Paul shaking his head no as each man looked up from stepping down. A third man stepped from the coach, turned and offered a hand back inside, escorting a young woman and child from within. Paul nodded, indicating this man was indeed his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul wished to be a fly on the wall when Ben found out that Adam was married and had a young daughter. He was sure that if Adam had written of such, Ben would have told him. Paul exhaled in relief when Adam pointed down the street, then tipped his hat, and said, \u201cIt was a pleasure traveling with you.\u201d The woman took the child\u2019s hand and walked towards the International House; half way there the child pulled from her mother\u2019s hand and yelled, \u201cDaddy\u201d to a man who was kneeling with his arms outstretched.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stared at the dark haired man who reached up to accept two valises from the driver. Joe jumped as Slim, from the stage company, and another worker settled a large trunk from the boot of the stage to the wooden walk next to where he and the doctor stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Paul Martin beckoned after watching Adam settle his waistcoat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor Martin, it\u2019s good to see you again,\u201d smiled Adam as he turned and extended his hand in greeting. He looked around, \u201cI was hoping Pa would be here to greet me\u2026\u201d Paul heard the disappointment in the man\u2019s voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, please, call me Paul.\u00a0 As for Ben\u2026\u00a0 Unfortunately, there was a slight mix up caused by Clive\u2019s son\u2026 the telegrapher\u2026\u201d Paul explained. \u201cBen didn\u2019t receive your message; however,\u201d turning to Joe, Paul motioned for him to step forward, \u201cone of the hands from the Ponderosa was in town. Adam Cartwright, I\u2019d like you to meet\u2026 Frank Wright. I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll see you safely home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had planned to stay at the International House,\u201d Adam replied and looked to the boy standing closely beside the physician.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I think your father would be extremely upset if you stayed in town. Besides, Frank here has already gone through the effort of securing the surrey from the livery and putting his own horse up for the night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a little young to be working for my father, isn\u2019t he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe hid his bristling at the comment, well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about that. His brother is one of your father\u2019s most trusted men\u2026 they make a good team.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you say so,\u201d Adam eyed the boy once more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul tipped his hat goodbye, but before proceeding back to his office, he said, \u201cAdam, feel free to stop by my office the next time you find yourself in town. I would enjoy talking over a cup of coffee or maybe even lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Paul, might be sooner than you think.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo home, Adam,\u201d Paul teased and bid goodbye. \u201cFrank<\/em>, take good care of Mr. Cartwright\u2019s eldest\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrank, it\u2019s a pleasure to meet you.\u201d Adam stated, unknowingly addressing his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d Frank<\/em> answered as he reached for the valises and set them on the front seat of the surrey. \u201cI hope you have everything you\u2019ll need for the night in these. I don\u2019t think we have room for that trunk. I can come back in the morning with the buckboard to pick it up and get my horse at the same time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have everything I need for the next couple of days in these. But I can come back to town in the morning, I\u2019m sure you have school to attend,\u201d Adam answered, unbelieving that his father would honestly employ a child as young as Frank.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Frank answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t go to school?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, I mean yes sir, I do go to school, it\u2019s just that\u2026 well, tomorrow is only a half day, so since I already have to come to town, no sense you making a special trip.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Adam answered as he stepped to the second seat of the surrey and sat down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat uncomfortably straight as he guided the two-horse team down the main street of Virginia City and out the Virginia City Road towards the Ponderosa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing how long the trip would take to reach the main house of the Ponderosa, Adam decided to engage Frank in conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrank, how long have you worked for my father?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t exactly work for Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d Frank<\/em> answered, trying not to address his father a Pa, and to make it appear that he was respectful of the man\u2019s family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou live there with your brother? Doctor Martin informed me that your brother was one of my father\u2019s top hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Frank<\/em> replied, but kept the, \u2018you can say that,\u2019 <\/em>to himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow long have you lived on the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll my life\u2026\u201d Frank<\/em> mumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t hear your answer,\u201d Adam spoke a little louder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo me it feels like all my life. Don\u2019t remember calling any other place home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI take it you go to school during the week and help out on the weekends?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got chores to do in the morning and after school, but I work out on the range on weekends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI imagine my father teams you up with my youngest brother? Joseph?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Frank mouthed, Joseph<\/em>, but verbalized, \u201cA lot of the times he sends me out with uh\u2026 Mr. Hoss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Joe? I imagine he\u2019s about your age, maybe a few years older.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m almost sixteen,\u201d Frank<\/em> answered defensively.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam apologized for not realizing Frank\u2019s age; he commented that the young man appeared younger. He continued, \u201cIt would make sense to me that my father would team the two of you together. But then again,\u201d mused Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d Frank<\/em> asked, his tone conveyed attitude.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, just from what my father wrote when I was going to school\u2026 Joe could be a little precocious one minute and a green-eyed terror the next. But then, it has been quite a while since I\u2019ve been able to properly correspond with my father. Pa probably has you working with Hoss or your brother to make sure you learn ranch management properly. I can imagine how much work would get done with Joe in charge.\u201d Adam smiled at the thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe knows about the ranch! He works hard, probably knows more than you do!\u201d Frank<\/em> defended himself to his brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean to offend your obvious friendship with my brother. But from what my father\u2019s previously written, my youngest brother can be a handful at times; what with all the trouble he created when he was younger. I guess I do need to realize that Joe has grown up while I\u2019ve been away. Anyway, I was only attempting to make conversation,\u201d Adam indirectly apologized.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cApology accepted,\u201d Frank<\/em> muttered, sitting rigid in his seat, slapping the reins to the horses\u2019 haunches, asking them to move out at a faster trot.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Touchy,\u2019 <\/em>mused Adam, \u2018it appears that my youngest brother\u2019s friends are quite sensitive to what is said about him.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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

The surrey pulled around the corner of the barn, stopping in front of the main house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take care of the horse and bring your bags inside,\u201d Frank<\/em> offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot necessary, but thank you,\u201d Adam answered, stepping from the surrey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome, sir,\u201d Frank<\/em> replied as handed the valises to Adam, then turned and drove the surrey to the side of the barn, where he could unhitch the team before taking care of them for the night.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPrecocious he called me,\u201d mumbled Joe as he led the two horses into the corral and turned them loose once he\u2019d removed their harnesses. \u201cJust who does he think he is? Talking about me like that. Hell, he doesn\u2019t even know me. I\u2019ve busted my butt to prove to Pa and to Hoss that I\u2019m worth the name Cartwright\u2026 that I\u2019ll be as valuable a member of this ranch as Hoss is. Precocious my ass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Taking a deep breath, Adam entered the home from which he had been long absent. Inside the smells were just as he remembered; a mixture of Hop Sing\u2019s cooking and his father\u2019s pipe tobacco. He looked over the great room and noticed very little had changed in the ten years he had been away. The leather chair his father always sat in, the chairs surrounding the gaming table, and then there was the blue velvet chair that Marie had purchased shortly after her arrival. He wondered about the striped settee, but put those thoughts aside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho there?\u201d Hop Sing asked as he walked through the dining area and saw the back of a man standing in the middle of the room.\u00a0\u00a0 The Oriental\u2019s eyes opened wide as the man turned around. \u201cMr. Adam, honorable fatha not say you come home today.\u201d The man reverently bowed to the son who stood before him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing, it is good to see you again. Paul Martin met me at the stage and said there had been some kind of a mix-up involving the telegrapher\u2019s son. But one of the hands was in town and he drove me home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam\u2019s room wait his return. You come, I air out room while you put clothes away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing hurriedly led the way upstairs, opening the door to Adam\u2019s room and pulled down the bed sheets. After opening the window to help air out the apparent staleness of being closed up for so long, Hop Sing turned and watched Adam move around his room, looking at the items he had left so long ago. Adam noticed that even though the room was stale in smell, not a speck of dust appeared on any of the surfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI presume Pa and Hoss are working?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sun up, sun down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Joe? I presume he\u2019s somewhere hopefully doing chores?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe best come home soon, before fatha finds out he not come straight home afta school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA little side trip to go fishing with one of his friends, I bet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLit\u2019le Joe work hard, prove fatha he smart enough and old enough to leave school,\u201d defended Hop Sing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t mean to offend,\u201d voiced Adam, concerned that twice now he had offended people who were close to his youngest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam remember young boy, boy before go east to school. Boy fatha write about in letters. Brotha good boy, you see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess it will take a while to erase the images I have of Joe as being a terror on legs as a five year old,\u201d answered Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome downstairs when ready, I have coffee for you,\u201d Hop Sing bowed slightly before turning to leave the room<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNow Pa,\u201d Hoss stated while pushing open the door and allowing his father to enter first. \u201cDon\u2019t go gettin\u2019 upset at the boy. His teacher mighta kept him after school.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both men were dirty and tired, having spent the better part of four days working to clear the site for their newest lumber mill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t care. That teacher knows how far he has to travel to come home and he has no business keeping the boy so late, it\u2019s getting dark out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both stopped their conversation and turned at hearing Hop Sing \u2018shhhh\u2019 them. Their eyes followed the housekeeper\u2019s hand as he pointed to the man dozing in the blue velvet chair to the far side of the hearth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Adam tired after long journey,\u201d Hop Sing whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam?\u201d Ben\u2019s voice went silent as his heart pounded within his chest. \u201cIt\u2019s not a dream\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The figure sleeping in the blue chair was the image of the young man who had left home so many years before, but where before youth still showed in his face and his build\u2026 Ben now saw a man fully grown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCain\u2019t be a dream, Pa, because I see \u2018em too,\u201d Hoss whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Father and son walked across the floor, attempting to be quiet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam roused, sensing a change in the atmosphere within the room. He groggily woke before bolting wide awake, seeing his father and middle brother standing gape-mouthed in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three shared individual hugs before they parted to take a seat on the various pieces of furniture in the great room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was surprised that his middle brother towered several inches taller than him, and had put on considerable weight. He didn\u2019t know what else to expect, Hoss had just turned twelve years old right before he left to head east. A child-like gentleness still shown in his eyes. His father\u2019s hair was almost completely grey, and age was beginning to hint on his face. He wondered how much of that had been because of him.\u00a0\u00a0 Both oozed exuberance at seeing their long-lost family member.<\/span><\/p>\n

The silence was deafening, where to begin after so long? How to begin? The men wished Hop Sing to announce supper was ready, but when he didn\u2019t, Ben spoke, \u201cI\u2019m sorry, we weren\u2019t in town to meet you. We didn\u2019t know you were arriving today. How was your trip?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLong and tiring.\u201d Adam moved about in an effort to stretch the muscles that had cramped during his earlier confinement in the stage coach. \u201cPaul Martin met me and explained the mix-up at the telegraph office. However, a brother of one of your hands was in town, he rented a surrey and brought me home.\u201d Seeing the expression on the faces of his father and brother, he continued, \u201cSorry\u2026 I didn\u2019t mean to get the boy in trouble for being in town when he shouldn\u2019t have been there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss offered. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t call Leon or Clem boys, wonder what they ran out of? They were supposed to be branding cattle today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure who Leon or Clem are, but I can\u2019t imagine you\u2019d let a boy as young as Frank work at the pits, even if his brother was there,\u201d Adam stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019re ya talkin\u2019 about Adam?\u201d a perplexed Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrank Wright, his brother is the foreman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie doesn\u2019t have a brother who works here Adam,\u201d offered Hoss as he looked to his father in confusion. \u00a0Facing Adam he said, \u201cYou remember Charlie Yeagle don\u2019tcha?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie\u2019s still the foreman?\u201d queried Adam, happy to know that he knew one of the hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep. I know all the men who work here and we don\u2019t have any Frank Wright or anyone with the last name of Wright working for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaul was there and introduced us, said the boy\u2019s name was Frank Wright and that\u2026\u201d Sitting forward, Adam hesitated. Memories flashed through his mind; Marie laughing and holding a young child in her arms, his green eyes bright and happy, dark haired with curls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, son?\u201d Ben asked as he sat forward, concern etched his face as he looked to Hoss who sat on the low table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPaul stated the boy\u2019s brother was one of your most trusted men\u2026\u201d Adam sat back into his seat; a smile graced his lips as the pieces fit into place. Knowing that Frank<\/em> could only be his youngest brother, Adam described him with mirth on his face as he shook his head casually from side to side. \u201cDark curly hair, a bit over his ears and closer to his shirt collar than you ever allowed me to wear my hair. Green eyes that change with his emotions. Looks a lot younger than his actual age, which will be sixteen years this Halloween.\u201d Adam laughed out loud. \u201cHe became quite upset earlier when I repeated that you had once written that one moment Little Joe could be precocious and the next moment, a green-eyed terror.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa mean this Frank Wright is Joe?\u201d Hoss asked and when Adam nodded they both began to belly laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHop Sing?\u201d Ben shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright, suppa not ready yet. Why you yell?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you seen Little Joe?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy come home after Adam arrive, go up backstairs to room. Say he have plenty homework to do, take sandwich up with him. Mr. Adam sleep in chair, I no tell him younger brotha home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you Hop Sing,\u201d Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Oriental man returned to his kitchen to put the finishing touches on supper.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt least that explains why Cochise wasn\u2019t in the barn. He musta left him at the livery when he rented the surrey.\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cLucky for him, eh Pa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Ben replied. No exactly sure his son working on his homework would be a good enough reprieve after the events of the afternoon were revealed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand Pa, if Frank Wright is really Joe\u2026 why the subterfuge?\u201d asked Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSubter-what?\u201d queried Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSubterfuge\u2026 Deception\u2026 Posing as someone else. Why wouldn\u2019t he come right out and greet me?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked up towards the ceiling, hoping that he could see a vision of his youngest in his bedroom. How had the boy taken the news of his long absent brother\u2019s return? Why had Paul lied about Joe\u2019s name?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Hoss, if you\u2019ll excuse me, I think I need to talk with Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers watched their father make his way upstairs and heard his knocks on the bedroom door. Once the door opened and closed, there was nothing more to hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026 are you going to tell me why Joe lied about his name?\u201d asked Adam, knowing that Hoss couldn\u2019t keep a straight face and lie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cHe don\u2019t always confide in me that much of his feelings, now if it has to do with him not continuing his education or has something to do out on the range that he don\u2019t understand or he has an idea on how to do it better\u2026 watch out, Tornado Joe will keep after ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A few minutes later, Ben returned carrying an empty plate, \u201cHe\u2019s sound asleep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Eighteen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa!\u201d Hoss called out as he tromped down the staircase. \u201cYa seen Joe this morning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. I\u2019m surprised he\u2019s not already down here. Today\u2019s his final day at school.\u201d Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go wake him,\u201d Hoss answered as he turned around on the mid landing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Ben continued to enjoy their morning coffee until the rest of the family arrived at the table for breakfast.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, he ain\u2019t in his bed,\u201d Hoss announced as he walked across the great room floor. Pointing to the doorway, \u201cHis hat ain\u2019t with ours either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben pushed back his chair and stood, surprised he hadn\u2019t noticed his son\u2019s hat not with the others, but there was Adam\u2019s hat where Joe\u2019s normally hung.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019s just in the barn getting the team to the surrey ready before he goes to school,\u201d Adam suggested. \u201cHe did say he was planning to return the team and to get his horse\u2026 and my trunk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss looked at each other and felt that scenario was plausible, but very doubtful. Each slightly jumped at the knock on the front door. Hoss shrugged his shoulders and went to answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMornin\u2019 Charlie,\u201d Hoss greeted the long-time ranch foreman.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Hoss. I don\u2019t mean to alarm anyone, but it appears that one of the horses is missing\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, if you\u2019re looking for Cochise, Joe left him in town yesterday when he met up with\u2026 Hey Charlie, you\u2019re not gonna guess who come home yesterday!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss grabbed the foreman\u2019s upper arm and pulled him towards the dining room table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood Morning, Charlie. It\u2019s good to see you,\u201d Adam stood and greeted the man, extending his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019ll be. Welcome home, Mr. Adam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust Adam, Charlie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry\u2026 But Hoss, I knew Cochise wasn\u2019t in the barn last night and saw the matched set of surrey horses from the livery, so I figured you had company. Na, I\u2019m talking about that chestnut gelding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe one with the blaze and four white socks? The one that Joe\u2019s been working on settling?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCharlie, check with the men, see if any of them have seen Joe or someone riding that horse. Joe\u2019s not in the house this morning and didn\u2019t tell anyone he was leaving,\u201d Ben stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe tell me,\u201d Hop Sing stated as he came around the corner from the dining room and overheard the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe what?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLit\u2019le Joe wake early, come tell me he leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeave? Leave ta go where?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust leave\u2026say he have something to do,\u201d Hop Sing answered before returning to his kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben turned to their foreman, \u201cIt\u2019s too early for him to leave for school. Charlie, go and ask the men if they\u2019ve seen Joe and if so, what direction he was heading.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go saddle up, Pa,\u201d Hoss announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, saddle a horse for me too,\u201d Adam stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked at him as if he had lost his mind.\u00a0\u00a0 Who knew how long it would take to find their little brother and it had been some time since Adam had been in the saddle, he was just asking to be uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, he\u2019s my brother too. Even if he thinks otherwise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re going\u2026 Hoss saddle Buck for Adam to ride,\u201d ordered Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The brothers had been searching for over two hours without any luck, based on information from a few of the ranch hands who thought they had seen Joe. They were stopped under a large oak tree, resting their horses and offering their mounts water from their canteens.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what else do you suggest?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cWhere might Joe have gone to be on his own? Does he have any favorite hiding places?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a couple of places that he don\u2019t know that I know about\u2026\u201d Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell you what\u2026 let\u2019s split up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s such a good idea\u2026 Ya ain\u2019t been home\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, you forget, I used to live here and helped Pa when the Ponderosa was just starting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, alright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers split up after agreeing to meet back where they were, on the bluff overlooking where the road to the Ponderosa split from the road to Virginia City by early afternoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cNothing?\u201d Hoss inquired as he rode up to where Adam waited.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head and knew from the fact that Hoss was alone that he had no better luck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere to now?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHome. Maybe he returned home on his own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers turned their horses to the direction of the ranch house and signaled their horses to walk on, cutting cross country on their way. Both were torn between racing their horses in hopes that Joe was home versus prolonging their trip because Joe might not have returned.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Adam held out his arm, signaling his brother to halt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong,\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam pointed to something well off in the distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe neither of us thought of it,\u201d Adam answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cCharlie said a chestnut, with four socks and a blaze? And if I\u2019m not mistaken, there\u2019s a pinto next to it. If I remember, Pa wrote that he had finally traded Winnemuca for a black and white pinto for Joe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019ll be\u2026\u201d Hoss said after squinting harder in the direction Adam had pointed. \u201cDang his ornery hide!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The brothers entered the clearing to see Joe sitting with his back against the tombstone marking his mother\u2019s grave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDadgummit, Joe! You been here all this time!\u201d Hoss shouted as he stepped down from Chubbs. \u201cI\u2019m gonna pound you, but good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, hold on there,\u201d Adam warned as he stepped from Buck and stopped Hoss from advancing on their brother. Knowing that the big man wasn\u2019t going to go any farther, Adam turned to face Joe, who was now standing. \u201cJoe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 Hi Adam.\u00a0\u00a0 Guess you know who I am,\u201d Joe answered, shoving his hands into his front pockets until they were stopped by his thumbs; he shifted nervously from one foot to the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I know who you really are, Frank<\/em>,\u201d Adam smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about that, but I \u2026 uh\u2026 I\u2026 uh\u2026\u201d Joe looked from one brother to the other, and then down to his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss interrupted, the anger and worry still evident, \u201cNever mind that, where ya been? You been here all this time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShucks no! I came here early this morning to talk to Momma, and then had to get to school. Oh, and I told Morton at the livery we\u2019d return the surrey later. I also paid him for the extra time. And I got Cochise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeems to me you\u2019ve grown up a lot while I\u2019ve been gone,\u201d Adam stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf ya been here before school, why\u2019re ya back?\u201d Hoss asked, ignoring Adam\u2019s comment. \u201cDon\u2019t ya think Pa\u2019s worried about ya?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wanted to talk to Momma a little bit more. I wanted to know if she thought Adam blamed me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBlamed you?\u201d Adam asked, ignoring his other brother\u2019s tirade.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026 for you know\u2026 what happened, you getting shot and sent away\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why you had Doc Martin introduce you as Frank Wright?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 yeah. Doc helped me remember what happened after Momma died, I didn\u2019t want to upset Adam and have him leave again because of me. Pa missed him something fierce.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you said, \u2018sent away\u2019 and that you didn\u2019t want me to \u2018leave again\u2019 because of you,\u201d Adam stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking to his feet as he shuffled from one to the other, Joe answered, \u201cYeah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I wasn\u2019t sent away, well, in a way I was. Please look at me Joe.\u201d When his brother\u2019s eyes met his own, Adam continued. \u201cI went way, but it was for my own good, not for anything you did or think you might have done. I couldn\u2019t handle everything that happened\u2026 emotionally, I was a wreck. Pa and Doctor Martin thought it would be good for me to go meet my grandfather. Being on the Ponderosa was just too much of a reminder of my failures. It was always my intention to enroll in Harvard; I was notified of my acceptance a few weeks before your mother\u2019s death. I always wanted to further my education.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Doc Martin told me about you graduating and your degrees, he didn\u2019t want me to think you were a slouch when it came to schooling,\u201d Joe grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs for what happened after I graduated, I accepted a lucrative position with an engineering company and by that time, I had fallen in love with Boston. And my grandfather was there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin told me about that too. Can I ask you if you are home to stay?\u201d Joe asked in answer to his brother\u2019s statement, looking at his oldest brother with a hopeful expression.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like for me to stay?\u201d Adam asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, I mean the Ponderosa is your home too. You are a Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how do you feel about having me here?\u201d Adam asked as he casually walked closer to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s one more person to boss me around, but at least I\u2019m not a tinhorn like you!\u201d Joe cackled, slapping his oldest brother in the stomach with the back of his hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed ta mean?!\u201d Hoss answered with an undignified huff at the audacity of his little brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ve been working the ranch and he\u2019s been back east, in the city. If you\u2019ve been looking for me all time, I can only imagine how stiff and sore big brother here\u2019s gonna be. At least I\u2019ll be able to do a full day\u2019s work tomorrow,\u201d Joe cackled as Adam reacted to the reminder that his body was starting to stiffen up and ache.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss saw Adam\u2019s posture change and he too began bellowing in laughter at their oldest brother\u2019s situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat! Just great!\u201d bemoaned Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I warned ya,\u201d Hoss said between his fits of laughter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo Joe, tell me. What all do you really remember from before I left?\u201d Adam inquired as the three brothers walked toward their horses.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter talking with Doc Martin, I remember more than bits and pieces, and I do remember you taking care of me after Momma died. I remember you letting me sit in front of the saddle and hold the reins as we rode out and worked the ranch. And when I had nightmares, you were there. This morning, Momma told me about you teaching me how to skip stones, and taking me fishing. You were the one who put the worms on my hook,\u201d Joe answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat I was, little buddy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s where I heard it!\u201d Joe squealed out. \u201cYou\u2019re the one who always called me Little Buddy! Hoss always calls me Shortshanks!\u201d Joe jumped forward and wrapped an arm around his brother\u2019s shoulders and then playfully punched him in the stomach. \u201cThat\u2019s for all the times you tickled me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I do deserve that, but please\u2026 have pity on me. I\u2019m not used to the life of a rancher.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, give us a month or so and you\u2019ll remember everything, trust me,\u201d Hoss stated in good humor as he mounted Chubbs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, are you going to tell us what happened and why you came home?\u201d Joe asked as he mounted Cochise and picked up the reins to the chestnut horse he\u2019d ridden out on earlier that morning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d scolded Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess I probably should, but Pa needs to know too. Let\u2019s get you home, I can only imagine how worried Pa is about you,\u201d answered Adam as he stiffly climbed into the well-broke in saddle on Buck.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Nineteen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As the brothers neared the ranch house, they fell in line behind the Ponderosa wagon driven by Bayou, while Charlie rested back against the seat rest. Adam\u2019s trunk was tie down in the back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey what gives?\u201d Joe called ahead. \u201cIt takes two of you to get Adam\u2019s trunk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Charlie turned around in his seat and gave the youth a warning look. \u201cJust how were we supposed to return the surrey and pick up this here trunk? Didn\u2019t you think about needing the buckboard to get it home? That means one of us had to drive the surrey, while the other drove the buckboard to town.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe looked contrite at his oversight, but then laughed as he teased back, \u201cWell, don\u2019t blame me\u2026 Blame Adam for coming home!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, don\u2019t blame me. I gave fair warning of my return,\u201d Adam responded in his own defense.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait! Blame Mr. Morgan,\u201d Joe taunted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why would we blame him? From what Adam said, it were his boy who forgot to get us that telegram,\u201d Hoss answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 Mr. Morgan was the one who left Jerry to watch the office while he went and did something. He should have known better than to leave a kid in charge,\u201d replied Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bayou and Charlie looked to each other, while Adam and Hoss did the same, and then all four men looked to Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?!\u201d Joe squeaked out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOut of the mouths of babes,\u201d snickered Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, I ain\u2019t no babe!\u201d Joe protested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you\u2019re just a KID!\u201d Adam stated as he smacked his youngest brother in the arm with the back of his open hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe pouted, his dignity hurt at hearing the words, which set the men to laughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you might be a kid, but fear not, you\u2019ll grow out of it one day, it\u2019s not a life sentence,\u201d offered Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTry telling that to Pa,\u201d Joe stated, a wide grin broke out over his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben looked up at hearing the noise of horses and people laughing. He smiled at seeing the easy camaraderie his sons seemed to be sharing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did you find him?\u201d Ben asked as he stepped down from the deck to join his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was visiting with Momma,\u201d Joe answered, while Charlie and Bayou were busy unloading Adam\u2019s trunk and carrying it inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll morning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, I went there before school as well as after.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cSo Frank<\/em>, how does it feel to have your brother home?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAaww, Pa. I\u2019m sorry, it\u2019s just that I sort of remembered stuff, and then Doctor Martin told me the rest. I knew how much you missed Adam and\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere were a lot of misconceptions based on the memories of a child,\u201d Adam concluded. \u201cBut I think I\u2019ve dispelled those with this young man, haven\u2019t I?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, older brother,\u201d blushed Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey Pa, Adam said he was gonna to tell us why he come home and if he\u2019s gonna stay,\u201d Hoss offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think the three of you need to tend to your horses, and get cleaned up. Hop Sing has lunch waiting for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

After lunch, the family retired to the great room in preparation for listening to Adam\u2019s story.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you want to know more than what I wrote in my letters,\u201d Adam stated to his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

They each nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou pretty much know what happened after I first began living with Grandfather Stoddard, and working with the tutor, Mr. Arnold.\u00a0 Grandfather and Mr. Arnold kept you informed of my progress.\u00a0 There were also several professors who were quite willing to help me focus on my studies before my classes began, but they recognized that I had to learn to accept the past and move beyond what had happened.\u00a0\u00a0 I’ll admit, it took a while before I realized\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRealize what?\u201d Hoss queried as he sat forward in his seat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat I\u2019m only human, that I wasn\u2019t Atlas. I shouldn\u2019t expect to be able to carry the weight of everything on my shoulders as I did. I tried so hard to be everything and prove to Pa that I was capable\u2026 And it broke me; in the end it was living with Grandfather and focusing on my future that helped put me back together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t hold it against me?\u201d Ben hesitantly asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo Pa, I hold nothing against you. You were only human too. I can\u2019t imagine losing three wives\u2026\u201d Adam answered, giving Ben his final forgiveness. \u201cGrandfather even agreed with Paul, I should have wired him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo what else ya done after ya graduated?\u201d Hoss wanted to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe last five years or so, I\u2019ve enjoyed working with Adrian Longstreet, at his father\u2019s engineering firm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was your college roommate, right?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and together we teamed up to design several remarkable buildings.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou wrote that you were able to do a lot of traveling\u2026\u201d Ben offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, up and down the east coast, our buildings were making a name for us. I think the highlight was the year and a half that Adrian and I spent traveling and living in Europe. We had the idea of incorporating some of the European themes into our designs and our clients were impressed. We had a wonderful time, exploring the cathedrals and some of the castles\u2026\u201d Adam quieted as he remembered standing in awe inside the centuries old structures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam described some of the more interesting locations they had visited and described some of the most amazing structures in great detail.\u00a0 His story ended with his return to the States.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you gave it all up?\u201d Joe tentatively asked, still unsure if his brother was home to stay.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I gave it all up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour last letter said you sold everything,\u201d Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGrandfather passed away peacefully during his sleep a few months back, I\u2019d only returned to the States about six weeks before. He wrote nothing of his failing health in his letters while I was gone.\u201d Adam reflected of the second man who had such a profound impact within his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m sorry. The Captain was a remarkable man,\u201d Ben conveyed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was at that. It was after his final services that I met a friend of my mother,\u201d Adam replied. \u201cI spent several weeks talking with her of an evening, and occasionally on the weekends we\u2019d meet for brunch\u2026 She told me such amazing stories of my mother. Pa, she knew you. I believe she was one of mother\u2019s attendants during your wedding, Eloise Proffit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I remember Eloise\u2026 She went on to marry a politician if I remember correctly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, she did.\u201d Adam thought back to his memories. \u201cAnyway, after she exhausted all the stories of my mother, she asked why I was living in Boston, she knew of your dream and that we had left to travel west.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you tell her, son?\u201d Ben inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI told her the truth\u2026 I told her of Marie\u2019s death and the events of the following three months\u2026 I felt liberated in telling her what happened.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut ya done told them others\u2026\u201d Hoss interrupted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t the same Hoss. My professors helped me see beyond my past, and that everything worked out so that I could travel east, and they helped make sure that I maintained my academic standing. Grandfather and I would casually discuss things\u2026 But, I never spoke of those months in such detail\u2026 until Eloise. I\u2019m thankful that Eloise came into my life. It\u2019s because of my discussions with her that I came home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d Ben stated, captivated by what his son said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust a minute, I think I have something that will explain it all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam made his way upstairs to his bedroom. He returned carrying the music box that had once been his mother\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember this,\u201d Ben took the treasured possession lovingly into his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a letter inside that you should read.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cDearest Adam, <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

I know your mother would be proud of the man you\u2019ve become and all you\u2019ve accomplished here in Boston. Between your father and your grandfather, you have grown into a remarkable man; and I\u2019m not saying that as in regard to your accomplishments with Longstreet & Son. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

I have cherished my time in speaking with you about Elizabeth; it was wonderful to have had such a captive audience allowing me to relive my youthful days. Thank you for letting me share my memories of your mother with you. I\u2019m so happy to have met the man who was Elizabeth\u2019s child.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Many a man would turn bitter at life\u2019s events you have experienced, but you persevered. You\u2019ve overcome so much adversity in your young life that I see great things in store for you in your future. Your story of heartache and the subsequent events on the Ponderosa do not speak of your failure; I think you understand that now. God only gives us as much as he knows we can endure. But you didn\u2019t just endure, as with the Phoenix, you arose from your ashes to be an even stronger man. However; the one thing I have realized during our talks, is that this Adam Cartwright, the man who I\u2019ve befriended, is not the real Adam Cartwright\u2026 he\u2019s somewhere waiting in Nevada. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

There is one thing I have not told you\u2026 and maybe you have surmised and that is why you have spent so much time with an old woman. I know my own time is short, the doctors told me months ago that my health was failing. Upon reading of Abel\u2019s death in the papers, I was scared, but after meeting you\u2026 You gave me the strength to face what is to come, my heart grows weaker as I write this letter, but I must finish.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

As a dear friend of your mother, I do have a favor or two to ask of you, and they say you can never deny a dying person\u2019s request. Forgive yourself, Adam. You did nothing wrong. Once you finally accept that\u2026 you\u2019ll be able to accept my second request.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Go home Adam. Return to the folds of your family. Go back to those who love you; go back to where you belong.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

My only regret is that I won\u2019t be there to meet the real Adam Cartwright in person, but I will be watching. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A caring friend,<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Eloise<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben refolded the letter and slipped it into the envelope and replaced both within Elizabeth\u2019s music box. He stared at the porcelain vessel, so delicate, just like his first wife. But yet, it held a quiet strength, tempered by fire, just has her son, his son, their son\u2026 Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three brothers looked from one to another before settling on their father, waiting for him to say something.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing looked around the corner, from the kitchen, through the dining room, into the great room. Curious if the first son was home to stay.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m here to stay, if you\u2019ll have me\u2026\u201d Adam tentatively offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss looked to each other when their father didn\u2019t answer. Hoss queried, \u201cPa?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve waited for over ten years to hear those words\u2026 I want to pinch myself, to make sure I\u2019m not dreaming,\u201d Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chapter Twenty \u2013 Epilogue:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Saturday dawned bright across the Ponderosa as the four Cartwrights headed to the barn to begin their work.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, are you going to have Adam break his own horse, like we did Pa?\u201d Joe asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think your brother might be too rusty for that,\u201d Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he needs his own horse. He can\u2019t ride Buck all the time,\u201d Joe answered, remembering that his oldest brother had ridden their father\u2019s horse the day before when they were looking for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have something in mind, Joe?\u201d Adam asked, he thought he was getting pretty good in reading his youngest brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I was thinking on Granite Head\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGranite Head?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the chestnut he\u2019s been working for nearly two months,\u201d Hoss answered, nodding his head towards the chestnut in the far stall, as he grabbed Chubbs saddle and carried it to his horse. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t believe the time those two have given each other; in the beginning, we weren\u2019t sure who was trying to break who.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with him?\u201d Adam asked as he looked from one family member to the next, his hands squarely resting on his hips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing just that he\u2019s too good a horse to waste as a second mount\u2026\u201d Joe answered as he uncovered Adam\u2019s old saddle he had spent the morning applying a liberal amount of saddle soap to clean.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, that\u2019s my old saddle,\u201d Adam said as Joe carried it over and placed it on the half wall next to Granite Head\u2019s stall. \u201cGlad you recognized it, now you can saddle your own horse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As the family rode out, Adam had one question to ask, \u201cDo you think we can go by Creekside Meadows?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we can\u2026 I\u2019m sure Beauty will be thrilled to see you,\u201d Ben answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat obvious, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not the only one. We all have horses out there. Joe and I swap off riding out there, a couple times a week to check on the old-timer\u2019s herd, making sure they\u2019re doing okay. We bring them in, when necessary, ta keep their hooves trimmed properly,\u201d Hoss added. \u201cYou\u2019ll be happy to know we also moved the weanlings and yearlings in with them. Seemed to liven the bunch up having all them youngsters around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust like having me around, huh Pa?\u201d Joe teased and then Ben saw the mischievous smile develop on the boy\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joseph,\u201d Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As they neared the meadow, without warning, Joe signaled Cochise into a flat out gallop. Only a stride or two later, Adam wanting to not let his little brother get the better of him decided to test his own mount, he signaled his horse into a gallop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaning forward in his seat and petting the beast\u2019s neck, Adam called, \u201cCome on Sport, let\u2019s show them what we have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben and Hoss watched as the two brothers hooted and hollered, yelling above the thundering hooves while racing their horses the remaining half mile to the meadow.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The day for the Independence Day barn dance had arrived, and all four Cartwright men were ready for a night out. Ben watched the good natured bantering among his sons as they made their way down the staircase; all three dressed for the occasion, Joe and Adam looking more alike than ever before.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gone were the first few days of uncertainty; Adam\u2019s search for where he fit into the family. And Joe\u2026 well Joe had proven himself time and time again, being a patient teacher as his older brother relearned life on the ranch. As for Hoss, he enjoyed spending time with both his brothers, together and separate. Ben had watched as Hoss helped one brother conspire against the other, only to turn the tables on the first brother as they devised a pre-emptive strike.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Every female head turned when the Cartwrights entered the barn. Dancers graced the floor, twirling and moving, mirroring the calm waters of the ocean. The women already paired up strained their necks left and right to catch a glimpse of the eldest son returned. Others who stood on the sidelines hid their smiles behind gloved hands, but their eyes spoke volumes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss was immediately pushed towards Bessie Sue by Adam, as he gave his brother a nod of confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gave a glare as he placed a hand to his youngest son\u2019s shoulder. Joe smiled and nodded back to his father that he understood the implied warning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam accompanied Ben around the building, and was introduced to many residents, some who he remembered and those who had arrived since his departure. As they made their rounds, Adam did ask of Mr. and Mrs. Weatherby, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Walter and Matilda left a few months after you did. They headed back to Texas, said it was for Matilda\u2019s health.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMore like to keep you from wringing her neck\u2026\u201d Adam had the good grace to quietly respond.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs for Agatha and Harry, their little boy will be nine years old right before Christmas. They moved on to San Francisco to be with her parents.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you say anything in your letters?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t worth wasting the ink, I had more important matters to convey,\u201d Ben replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m glad for Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery. However, I do think they might have gotten the better part of the deal\u2026\u201d Adam teased as he looked over towards Hoss and Bessie Sue. When he saw the critical eye from his father, Adam answered, \u201cThey\u2019re not the ones having to foot Hoss\u2019 food bill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

After all these years, Ben realized that Adam had come to terms with and accepted the events of the past.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben and Adam were forced away from a conversation with Roy Coffee having heard sounds of a fight just outside the barn. Each one expected to see Little Joe Cartwright in the middle of the fray, and they were not disappointed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben grabbed Joe by the collar of his shirt and pulled him back.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI warned you Joe,\u201d roared Ben, he pointed his finger in an accusing manner to his son.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do nothing! I was trying to stop it!\u201d Joe proclaimed as he pointed back to the ongoing melee\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the three young ladies were pulled away by their concerned and embarrassed parents, Hoss stood laughing at the sight of Mitch Devlin sprawled on his backside. From the light shining through the window everyone saw the red punch running from his hair and staining his shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHonest, Pa. I know better than to invite three girls to the same dance. I want to see the fireworks, not BE the fireworks!\u201d Joe\u2019s laughter cackled across the barnyard, soon followed by the baritone and tenor laughs of his family.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Ben settled into bed that night, content that his family was whole. He knew the past few weeks were just the beginning and that life wouldn\u2019t be all smooth sailing; his sons were still basking in the newness of their being three. With time and patience, Adam would rightfully assume his place as his right-hand man, standing strong and exacting. As Adam relearned the Ponderosa, he\u2019d already offered several ideas to improve plans currently in motion. He\u2019d made vast improvements for the new lumber mill they were constructing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had seen the subtle signs indicating Joe was soon to bristle against his oldest brother, how could he not; he\u2019d worked so hard to prove himself. Yes, he was taking his place alongside to his father and brothers after leaving school. But now there was one more adult to give instructions, a brother who had been absent for over ten years. And with the twelve years of age difference between the two\u2026 Two different lifestyles lived. Two opposite styles of emotions; reserved and controlled versus excitable and unbridled.<\/span><\/p>\n

And Hoss, Ben smiled that he had a worthy buffer in his middle son to help keep the peace. Hoss worked well individually with both brothers, who tried his patience when all three were together. Hoss could always see both sides of the issue and grew frustrated when they butted heads. Eventually, the middle brother settled the discussion without too much trouble; but heaven help which ever brother ignored the warning signs and pushed him past his restraints.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

~The End<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

AUTHOR’S NOTE<\/strong>: I know that Roy Coffee was not in the first season of Bonanza, and others were the sheriff of Virginia City. However, this story just didn\u2019t feel right, nor would it work, without Roy. So I guess in my reality, Roy was away visiting family during the first season of Bonanza.<\/span><\/p>\n

Will Poavey, Mr. Crawford, and Mr. Hawkins are characters from the episode, The Quest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ada Michaelson was introduced in my story, The Vision.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Thank you for reading this AU version of the Cartwrights. At least they are all home and ready for their adventures to begin, starting with the episode, A Rose for Lotta.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags: Abel Stoddard, Adam Cartwright, Ben Cartwright, ESA, homecoming, Hop Sing, Hoss Cartwright, Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright, Letter, Paul Martin, Roy Coffee, rustlers, Trial<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Adam left the Ponderosa more than ten years ago; and now, a letter has arrived announcing his intent to return. This story is his, as well as his family’s. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 T – for minor cursing. \u00a0\u00a0(53,360 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":4147,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,23,41,61,30,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actionadventure","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-missing-scene","category-prequels","category-whn","wpcat-2-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-61-id","wpcat-30-id","wpcat-13-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":3124,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/Building20for20Forever_Adam.jpg?fit=116%2C116&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3778,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3778","url_meta":{"origin":8926,"position":0},"title":"A Letter to Adam (by Meg)","author":"Meg","date":"November 20, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Amelia writes a letter to her departed brother informing him on the on goings of the Ponderosa including the scams and trouble Little Joe and Hoss had gotten themselves into. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (1,210 words) Amelia Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/bonanza2.jpg?fit=720%2C475&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7611,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7611","url_meta":{"origin":8926,"position":1},"title":"Between First Borns (by DJK)","author":"DJK","date":"May 9, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Adam has a chance meeting with Clay after Clay has left the Ponderosa. Tag for \"First Born\" Rated:\u00a0 K+\u00a0 Word count:\u00a01445 Between First Borns Series, links to stories within the series are included.","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/FirstBorn98.jpg?fit=637%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/FirstBorn98.jpg?fit=637%2C480&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/FirstBorn98.jpg?fit=637%2C480&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2889,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2889","url_meta":{"origin":8926,"position":2},"title":"Homewards (by faust)","author":"faust","date":"March 25, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"After so many years, Adam is coming home. 540 words, rated T","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Pondarosa-House-3.jpg?fit=564%2C401&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47614,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47614","url_meta":{"origin":8926,"position":3},"title":"Distant Grief (by MeiraB)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"October 9, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Synopsis: Adam receives devastating news from the Ponderosa.\u00a0 Rating:\u00a0 PG Words:\u00a0 2,500","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1327,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1327","url_meta":{"origin":8926,"position":4},"title":"Christmas Letters (by KateP)","author":"KateP","date":"December 20, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Christmas letters from each of the Cartwrights Rated: K+ (2,285 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Christmas.jpg?fit=300%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1293,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1293","url_meta":{"origin":8926,"position":5},"title":"Out of Boredom Comes Fishing (by BluewindFarm)","author":"BluewindFarm","date":"August 5, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0It's only been a few months since Adam left the Ponderosa; this story finds Hop Sing and Little Joe\u00a0in the kitchen, talking.\u00a0 Rating K (990 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/frontporch.jpg?fit=439%2C305&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8926","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\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8926"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8926\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4147"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}