Homecoming

By: Lyn R.

Adam was first off the ship as it landed in New York. He had been very pleasantly surprised to find that the Captain and crew were the same as those he had met on the way to Europe although the name of the ship was different. Even more surprising they all seemed to remember him and he was quickly involved with the crew, checking out the engine and the navigation and on the Captain’s table every night for dinner. The ship made good time and his friends made it easy for him, arranging the delivery of his luggage to a hotel in the centre and allowing him to get off first.

Adam was surprised just how emotional he felt as he landed back on American soil. He had already decided that he would take a week in New York it was a long time since he had spent time there, back in his college days. On the way to Europe he had felt ill and depressed and didn’t care. He had deliberately avoided letting his family know that he was coming home so that he could take what time he needed. He had no idea how long it would take to make the arrangements that were required at Harvard to complete his qualification in law.

The first night he just collapsed into bed, more tired than he expected but he was up bright and early the next morning. He had a certain amount of shopping to do; some of the clothes he had worn in Cambridge didn’t seem suitable for travel to Nevada. He found it more difficult than he had expected to find the black jeans and shirts that his family would expect when he got home. He had no intention of allowing his brothers any material to tease him when he first arrived because of his clothing.

He was just about to take his purchases back to the hotel late in the afternoon when he spotted an advertising poster for a performance of Hamlet that evening starring his old college friend Edwin Booth. Adam had no intention of disturbing Edwin before the performance, although if he hadn’t been able to get a seat he had intended meeting his friend afterwards. In fact he was lucky and got a single seat in the stalls about halfway back. He had time to grab a meal and then settle in to watch the performance. He had seen the play several times before and even seen Edwin perform in it at least once before, but he was pleased to see his old friend on top form.

Adam waited until the final interval and then had a short note taken to Edwin by one of the theatre staff. He wasn’t surprised when an answer reached him just after the final curtain and he was escorted back to the star’s dressing room. Edwin was delighted to see his old friend, whom he had last seen in Paris just over a year ago. Edwin complained that Adam hadn’t let him know earlier and he could have arranged a better seat but Adam laughed at him. Edwin hated being disturbed in the run up to a performance and Adam knew him too well to risk his ire and anyway the seat had been fine. Adam grinned broadly “I enjoyed listening to the comments about your performance”

“I hope it was favourable,” Edwin said grumpily but Adam just raised a teasing eyebrow and refused to elaborate.

Edwin knew him too well to try and force an answer out of him and instead yelled for his manager Jim Forrester “You’ll at least join us for a late supper?”

Adam smiled “I would have been very disappointed if you hadn’t asked.” he turned to shake hands with Jim, another very old friend and grinned broadly, as Jim considered him carefully, before pronouncing that he looked one hell of a lot better than in Paris.

Adam was feeling fitter than he had for a very long time and very content, as he knew it was only weeks before he would be back home with the family he loved on his beloved Ponderosa.

The three men had a pleasant supper and soon drifted back into their usual easy comradeship. Adam and Edwin were soon embroiled in a long running argument over Hamlet. Adam had his own ideas on how Edwin ought to play the role and still insisted that it would be more effective if his friend underplayed the role, although compared to many, Edwin gave an intense but less theatrical performance. It was very late before they called it a night and Adam only got away then by agreeing to join the pair on Edwin’s day off on the Monday.

Adam had spent his time in New York revisiting some of the places he had known as a student, when he had spent a summer working in New York as his grandfather’s agent. To say nothing of renewing his friendship with Edwin, but after ten days he pulled himself away and booked a ticket for Boston.

The train journey was one he had done many times, but he was very relieved to find that even when he was tired it didn’t react on his back, and he arrived back in Boston well pleased with life. His grandfather had died some four years earlier so he had no real base in Boston and booked in at the Parker House hotel. It wasn’t cheap but Adam knew he had a good chance of meeting some old friends including Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. It was an immense hotel with all manner of white marble, public passages and public rooms. Adam had a corner room, high up but with a hot and cold bath in his bedroom. Adam had had dinner there several times while he was at Harvard, attending a reading by Longfellow on one occasion.

Adam was hoping that Oliver would be able to help him with the professors of law at Harvard. His old friend was the editor of the prestigious Harvard law review. Adam had a clear idea of what he wanted to do but he wasn’t sure if it would be acceptable to the University. He needed to get it sorted out before he headed home.

Adam was in luck, Oliver was eating supper in the hotel the first evening when he came down and seeing Adam yelled across the room “Hey Boy, you are a sight for sore eyes, come join me.”

It had been more than eight years since Adam had seen Oliver although they had always kept in contact by letter. The two men shook hands and then Adam sat down and they chatted about anything and everything. Somehow they managed to find a moment to eat and drink but it was nearly three in the morning when the waiters disapproving looks finally got through to them and they got to their feet. Once Oliver had checked that Adam was staying at the hotel for the next couple of weeks, they arranged to meet the following afternoon and headed for bed.

Oliver was sure that Adam didn’t even need his help to make arrangements but even so Oliver invited Adam to join him at church on Sunday. There he was able to introduce Adam to Professor Lyman Wilson of the law department and to the acting president of Harvard, the preacher Andrew Peabody.

Adam was surprised that the Reverend Peabody remembered him from his time at Harvard but it did make it easier. He barely had to say a thing as Oliver made a great story of his friend taking Cambridge by storm. Adam shook his head at the hyperbole and grinned “Oliver always did exaggerate.”

Professor Wilson remembered the approach Adam had made eighteen months earlier. “Are you coming back here to complete your degree?”

“If I can arrange it,”

“Oh I don’t think that it will be a major problem. I am busy for the next couple of days but if you can come and see me on Wednesday morning?”

“Of course Sir. Thank you.” Adam smiled.

The Reverend Peabody smiled “Good Lyman, Mr Cartwright will be a very useful addition to our student body.”

Oliver was about to comment on that but Adam decided it was safer to quit while he was ahead and grabbed his friend’s arm and walked away. He might not be in the same condition as he was before the fall that damaged his back, but his muscles were still far too much for the sedentary Holmes; his arm was leaving, so he had to go too.

For the next couple of days Adam relaxed and enjoyed the company of a number of his old college friends who had settled in Boston. He was welcomed for supper by his old roommate, now married and settled with two young children. Adam enjoyed the evening and he looked forward to seeing more of the family when he came back to Boston but he couldn’t help the pang of jealousy. If things had worked out, he would have been married and with Peggy have had a ready-made family. He knew that that dream would have turned into a nightmare if Laura hadn’t fallen for Will but he still wanted the family. He ended up going for a long walk through the dark streets that he knew well, too restless to sleep and for almost the first time he allowed himself to think of home. The longing to go for a ride across the open spaces of the land he loved was so real he could almost taste it.

On the Wednesday morning Adam went over to see the Professor and found that he was facing three of the professors of the law school. They were very keen on establishing the academic route for law rather than apprenticeship which was still used by far too many. Tying their college to the ancient foundation of Cambridge had its attraction for them but they were determined to keep the academic rigour that they had been fighting to establish. Adam found himself cross questioned closely over the work he had done at Cambridge and then Professor Wilson commented “Our students have also covered a certain amount of specific American case law.”

“If there is any work that I need to do to catch up I am, of course, very willing.”

The three men considered each other and then Professor Wilson came round and offered his hand “We are confident that you will do just that, so if you would like to come through to my office we can arrange the details.” Adam smiled and accepted with pleasure.

In fact the final arrangements he was able to make delighted Adam. They wanted three assignments from him but he would be able to buy the necessary books and complete those at home and send them in over the next months. Then provided he was back in Boston at the end of October he should be able to complete the course of study by the following March. It would mean another Christmas away from his family but at least he could be at the ranch to help during the busy summer months.

He took two more days to collect all the material he might need to complete the assignments and even borrowed a few articles from Oliver and then booked his ticket for the final stretch home.

At the ranch the family had more or less got used to Adam’s absence. Joe had found it very hard on his birthday. He had been to town virtually every day for the fortnight before but there was nothing from Adam and despite all the others could do Joe was sombre all day. He tried to enjoy the party that Ben held for him and he danced and plastered on a smile but it didn’t really reach his eyes. His eldest brother had forgotten his birthday, maybe he no longer cared, and for the first time in a while Joe faced the thought that Adam would never return. He had barely slept that night and Ben was little better off, he didn’t need any explanation of Joe’s mood. Joe cheered up when a parcel arrived about four days later. Adam had sent it in plenty of time but a longshoreman’s strike in New York had left it sitting on the dock for more than five weeks.

The only other time that Joe was as depressed was Christmas Eve, Ben found his son sitting in Adam’s room fingering his brother’s guitar. He went over to join his son on Adam’s bed “Missing him Son?”

“He always played and sung carols on Christmas Eve, just doesn’t feel like Christmas without him. This is the second year he’s been gone and even if he does come back it may be another three years, he won’t even know me.”

“I don’t think your brother will ever forget you Joe how ever long he has been away.”

“It was hard when he came back before, took us a long time to get back on terms.” Joe looked up and sighed “I know it was mainly my fault I made it hard on him.”

“This is different Joe, last time Adam left a young child and came back to a boy who thought he was full grown, even if he wasn’t. This time he left a man and will come back to find that same man just a little more mature.”

Joe found himself smiling at that “Only a little more Pa?”

Ben snorted remembering his youngest son’s escapades recently, including trying to breed rabbits, and added “Sometimes I doubt even that!”

Joe relaxed at the expression on his Pa’s face and giggled “Maybe old Yankee granite face won’t see so much change.”

“He will be home Joe, one of these days.” Ben watched his son go downstairs and he went over to the window to stare out at the view that his eldest son had always loved. He prayed that the land would call Adam home, the land and the family that he was still sure meant a lot to his eldest son.

As the weather eased up Ben began making plans for an early drive to the fort at Reno. He was going to entrust this drive to Joe as trail boss, Joe’s first and he was delighted at the way his youngest son was taking responsibility for all aspects of the drive. Hoss was busy setting up the lumber camp with a large contract from the railroad for a trestle.

Most of the work was going reasonable smoothly until Joe found two hands, Temple and Sand, drinking instead of doing their job. He fired them but the men, considerably older than he was, wouldn’t accept it. Joe was decidedly getting the worst of things when Dan Tolliver came over and with his gun out, ran the pair off.

Dan had been on the Ponderosa almost from the beginning teaching Ben some of the skills he needed in the early days, but now in his mid sixties he was slowing down. Joe was very grateful for the rescue but he was worried about Dan. He had found the old man asleep on his horse when he was on night herd. Joe’s concerns seemed justified when Dan had problems throwing a steer for trail branding. Another hand came to help but Dan wouldn’t accept it and pushed him out of the way. Unfortunately the man caught Hoss who was holding the branding iron. The hot iron caught Hoss arm and Joe rushed over to his brother. Luckily it was only a minor burn but it made up Joe’s mind. Dan was sure that the accident was caused by the interference and not his fault, but Joe felt differently.

Later that day Joe had to talk to his father, he wasn’t about to risk Dan on the trail, scared that next time the accident might be more serious and either Dan or someone else would be killed. Ben was horrified at Joe’s suggestion that Dan remained behind. He could remember years earlier being so grateful for the older man’s advice but his son did have a point and he had put Joe in charge. He ruefully considered his own position; it was more than ten years since he had acted as his own trail boss, handing over to his sons, first Adam, then Hoss and now Joe. He had done so partly for their own development but at least partly because he was getting older, that little bit slower to react, and he knew how dangerous that could be on a drive. Dan had always been a wrangler working with the stock and Ben had accepted that over the years, even though he expected his own sons to do all the jobs round the ranch.

Joe tried to make his father see that he didn’t want Dan to leave, he had known the wrangler all his life, and he just wanted him to settle to a job he could do. Ben gave in but he turned down Joe’s offer to tell the old man, he owed Dan too much and would tell him personally.

Ben’s worst fears were realised as Dan took the news very badly and insisted on leaving, he wouldn’t even accept a bonus just his wages. Joe tried to tell the old man that it had been his decision but Dan just glared at him “You had no right to judge me, no right at all.”

Joe tried to apologise to his father and reassure him that Dan would come round but Ben wasn’t at all sure, he knew just how stubborn Dan was. He did tell Joe not to worry about it, it had been bound to happen sooner or later, Dan would have to admit he was getting older.

Joe concentrated on the arrangements for the drive too busy to have any time to worry about Dan while his father accepted what had happened and put it to the back of his mind as he had had to do so often with far worse things in the past. Neither man expected any trouble but a drunken Dan fell in with the two men he had helped Joe run off, Sand and Temple.

They saw a way to use the old man in order to get the drive payroll out of the Cartwrights with no personal risk to themselves. Dan had heard a few home truths since leaving the Ponderosa and it was clear that as the story spread as to why he had left the ranch, no-one else was going to give him as job as a wrangler. Facing the prospect of a life eked out as a swamper in saloons like one of his old companions, Dan was willing to listen to the two men. He convinced himself that he was owed the money after the long years he had worked at the ranch and went along with them, with the promise that no-one would get hurt.

Just as Adam stepped off the train in Reno, his little brother was taken prisoner by Sand and Temple, on his way home from Virginia City with stores for the drive. Joe was more upset by seeing Dan watching up the hill, watching but not helping, than by being taken prisoner. Adam couldn’t face the stage and he hired a horse for the last stretch so eager now to get home and see his family.

Joe was tied up and left over by some rocks. Cold and sore, he watched the two men by the fire and it didn’t need a genius to guess what they wanted. Cursing himself for not being more alert on the way back from town Joe could only wait and see what happened. The discussion between the two men left him in no doubt that once they had the money they had no intention of leaving a witness. Ignored he was at least able to start work on the ropes holding his wrists together behind his back, rubbing them against the rock wall.

Ben was alone at the house, late in the evening he was wondering where his youngest son was, hoping Joe had just taken the stores straight out to the herd, where Hoss was looking after things just until his little brother could get out and take over. When Ben heard someone at the door he went over expecting to see Joe but he was delighted to see Dan, hoping it meant the old man had changed his mind.

Dan found it harder than he had expected, but remembering how he had been thrown on the rubbish dump by Ben and his son, he pulled a gun on Ben and demanded the payroll if he wanted to se Joe again. He gave Ben Joe’s gun as proof they were holding his son.

Ben could hardly believe what he was seeing, he hadn’t dreamt that Dan would react that way. It seemed so out of character for the man he had counted a friend for nearly thirty years. He was hurt that Dan could do that but as he said he would have given Dan the money if he had asked. Even now he could take it and Ben would not pursue him, provided Joe returned unharmed, but if any harm came to his son he would go after Dan and there wouldn’t be anywhere far enough or dark enough for Dan to hide.

As morning came Joe was nearly through the ropes but Temple was about to check them. Luckily Dan arrived and the two men were only interested in the money. Dan was going to cut Joe loose but Sand and Temple had other ideas and they intended to kill both Dan and Joe. There was sufficient distraction for Joe to launch himself at Sand and Dan grappled with Temple. Both pairs fought hard and then there were three shots, leaving two men dead and Joe hurt.

Joe was bitter, Dan had all the money just what he wanted. Dan insisted that Joe had forced it on him but Joe wouldn’t take that he wasn’t the first man to get old. Joe told Dan to take the money and go and try to buy a friend as good as his father.

Dan couldn’t do it and instead he went over and helped Joe back into the buckboard to take him home.

Ben could only wait for morning and pray that Joe would return unhurt but he didn’t even bother to go to bed, knowing he wouldn’t sleep. It was nearly midnight when he heard a horse coming in and Ben hurried over to the door praying that it was Joe but to his utter amazement he saw his eldest son riding up to the house.

Ben stared at Adam almost in disbelief, so many different emotions vying for supremacy. He was surprised and delighted to see his son when he had feared it might be years before he did so but equally his youngest son was being held and he couldn’t help the superstitious feeling that he was getting one son back to lose the other.

Adam frowned unsure at his reception but he dismounted and moved over towards his Pa, unable to find his voice to say anything. Ben was no better off but he moved swiftly forward and engulfed his son in a hug needing the physical contact. For a moment that was enough but then Adam pulled back and gripped his father’s shoulders “Alright Pa what’s wrong, you wouldn’t be rushing out here at this time of night if there wasn’t trouble. Where are my brothers?”

“Hoss is with the herd but...”

“Little Joe?”

“He’ll be home in the morning.” Ben said but Adam knew his father too well and could hear him trying to convince himself. Ben had a multitude of questions himself but for now it was enough just to see his son. “Come on Son lets see to that horse and then go get some coffee.”

Adam willingly went along with that and the two men worked together as they had so often through the years and in no time had seen to the horse. As they went in Ben couldn’t resist resting his arm round Adam’s shoulders and then, sitting by the fire as they had so many nights through the years, he quietly told his son everything that had been going on and where his brother was.

Adam listened in silence but after a while he got up and collected the brandy bottle and poured two glasses, pushing one over to his Pa. He had missed his brothers so much and he didn’t dare let himself believe that he had returned just for his little brother’s funeral. There was a touch of near desperation in his voice as he protested that Joe would be alright, he was a survivor.

Ben reacted to the tone of voice rather than the words and moving over behind Adam, Ben began massaging the tight knots in the neck muscles that he knew he would find. Adam lent into the familiar hands and slowly relaxed. As he felt the tension ease a little Ben risked the question that had been uppermost in his mind since he saw his son “Why didn’t you let us know you were coming, just how have you managed it, is everything alright?” It seemed as soon as he started to ask a question, they all came bubbling out, but to his relief Adam just smiled up at him and Ben knew whatever had happened Adam had everything in his life under control.

“I’m fine Pa. I just wasn’t sure how long it would take me to get here so I thought I’d surprise you, typical of my little brother to upstage me.” Slowly Adam had calmed down and allowed himself to reach out to his youngest brother and for now he was confident that Joe was unhurt. “Pa I can’t believe that Dan will let anything happen to Joe. He has seen him grow up from a baby, whatever has been said he must still care.”

Ben moved round to face his son and studied his face as though he would find the truth there and then with a voice thickened by emotion, he moved forward again to hug his son “God I have missed you.”

“Well you are stuck with me at least until the autumn.” Adam said and then seeing the look on his father’s face he added quickly “Then six months should finish it, in Boston this time, back at Harvard.”

Ben searched his son’s face and seeing the peace that had been missing for so long, he relaxed a little. If he could just get his youngest son home safely then everything would be right in his world.

It seemed a long night to both father and son despite all the catching up they had to do, somehow neither of them could concentrate on that until their family was complete again, and both were glad when dawn arrived. Hop Sing was visiting a sick cousin and so Adam went into the kitchen to get some fresh coffee and cook some eggs for breakfast. Ben did at least rouse enough to comment that his son must have been practising as his coffee had improved, but only picked at his food.

Adam sat back “Do you want me to go and see if I can pick up a trail, or go tell Roy?”

“Not yet, give it another hour, if they released the boy this morning he may have had to walk home, but he could be anywhere. Dan warned me that I would only make matters worse if I tried to follow.”

“Dan won’t let him be hurt.” Adam reiterated but the lack of conviction in his voice was obvious to his father and Adam could no longer retain his conviction that Joe was fine. More from the need for something to do than for any other reason Adam went out to clear the barn chores that had been such a part of his life for all but the last months. He was surprised how stiff he felt as he straightened up before going into the house. His back wasn’t exactly painful just reminding him to be a little careful how he moved, but that was quickly forgotten as he saw their buckboard approaching the yard. Dan Tolliver was driving and as Adam moved forward he saw his little brother lying in the back, blood obvious on his side.

Ben had also heard the horses and he came out as Adam moved to lift his brother’s unconscious body. “Pa get the doors for me and I’ll get him up to his bed.” Ben nodded abut he had turned to Dan “How bad is it?”

“His side, don’t reckon it’s got the lung, I’m so sorry Ben I never meant the boy to be hurt.”

“Never mind that now go down to the bunkhouse and get Hank started for town to fetch Doc Martin.”

“Sure Ben, best get Roy Coffee too.”

“Your partners?”

“Both dead.”

“Then we have no great need of Roy. Leave that until Joe is fit. Hop Sing isn’t here so you go get some water boiling in the kitchen.”

Dan stared at him in disbelief “You don’t want him to lock me up?”

“You brought Joe home that’s all that matters.” Ben insisted and then turned to hurry after his sons. By the time he got upstairs Adam had his brother on the bed and was easing him out of his shirt and trousers. He hadn’t touched the cloth that Dan had pressed against the wound to stop the bleeding, it appeared to be clotting so he would leave that for Doc. He smiled reassuringly up at his father “I’ve seen little brother recover from worse. Breathing sounds okay.”

Ben relaxed a little and getting cold water he began to wash Joe’s face but his son showed no sign of coming round. All they could do was wait for Doc although Ben did go and send word to Hoss out at the herd. He needed to talk to his son and anyway Hoss needed to know that his older brother was back. Hoss might have been quieter about it than Joe but Ben was well aware he had missed Adam just as much. One of them would have to take the herd out because it was obvious Joe wasn’t going to be fit enough.

When he came back he heard Adam talking to his little brother and Ben hurried in but Joe was still out cold. Adam looked up a little embarrassed “I thought he might be able to hear me even if...”

“I know Son, but as you said he has recovered from worse. Maybe best he rests quietly until Doc gets here.”

They were in luck Hank found Doc heading back to town from a visit to Mrs Foster who had had twins four days earlier. Doc quickly turned his buggy and headed out to the Ponderosa.

He was very used to visiting the ranch and knowing that Hop Sing was away he just walked in and called for Ben. Ben had seen the buggy and he was at the top of the stairs almost immediately “Joe’s in his room.”

Doc came up and Ben yelled to Dan to bring the boiling water and then followed Doc into Joe’s room. Doc was very surprised to see Adam but moved over to shake his hand “Welcome home Adam. Your little brother is sure going to be pleased when he sees you, best medicine he could get.”

“I hope so.” Adam moved out of the way to allow Doc to get to his brother and then as Dan brought the water, he helped hold Joe still as Doc soaked the cloth of the wound. Joe moaned slightly but he didn’t really come round and Doc was able to examine the wound. He considered it and then turned to Ben and Adam. “Joe’s going to be fine but the bullet has splintered a couple of ribs. I need to scrape them and I think I need to put Joe under while I do it. Adam you can handle the ether for me if you would.”

Adam nodded it wasn’t the first time he had assisted Doc in caring for his brothers and although he hated it, it was still preferable to being banned downstairs where he could only sit and worry. It didn’t take long for Doc to complete the repairs and sow Joe up and as he did so he told Adam to stop the ether. He bandaged Joe up and then they could only wait for him to come round. Joe was slightly feverish but Doc insisted that was to be expected a reaction to the trauma, as was his continued unconsciousness, his body reacting to heal itself.

Eventually Doc pulled the blankets up round Joe and agreed to go downstairs for coffee, promising he would stay for a little longer until hopefully Joe woke up. Ben would have liked to stay with his son but for once he gave way and let Adam stay with his little brother. Adam kept cold compresses on Joe’s forehead and reverted to talking to his brother.

Downstairs Doc expressed his surprise at seeing Adam home and asked if Ben had been expecting him Ben shook his head “No he surprised me last night, but you’re right Joe is going to be very pleased to see his brother.”

“Is he back to stay?”

“For a few months anyway and then I think he is only planning a short trip.” Ben smiled “Time will tell but for now we will enjoy having him home.”

They had just finished their coffee when Hoss arrived back in a hurry. He hadn’t been able to make much sense of the message he had got just something about his brothers and trouble and that he was needed back at the house. He rode in and threw his reins to Dan, not even thinking about his presence. Hoss ran in “Pa, Pa”

Ben moved out from the dining room to greet his big son “Take it easy Hoss.”

“What’s wrong where’s Joe, he hurt?”

“He was shot but he’s upstairs resting Doc has patched him up, not too bad. Adam is looking after him.”

Hoss stared at his father as though he had lost his wits “Adam?”

He got his answer from the top of the stairs as Adam moved out for a minute having seen his brother’s arrival “Yes, you big galloot, now get up here.”

Hoss took the stairs three at a time and grabbed his older brother in a bear hug, hardly able to believe his own eyes. Adam didn’t want to leave Joe alone and led the way back into Joe’s room. He went back over to his brother and replaced the compress; Hoss gently felt his brother’s forehead “Don’t feel too bad. Why ain’t he coming round?”

“Doc used ether to make sure Joe was still while he cleaned up the wound, just be a little while I guess.”

Hoss nodded and then turned his attention back to Adam “It’s real good to see you brother. How come you got back?”

“Well I told you I would get through faster.”

“You finished studying?”

“Not quite about another six months but not until the autumn. We’ll have plenty of time to talk.”

“How’s your back?”

“Very much better, hardly troubles me at all now. One of us has to take the trail drive out, Joe sure can’t do it.”

“I was gonna set up the lumber camp while Joe took the drive.”

“Right toss you for it, winner chooses which job to do.”

“You sure Adam?”

“Come on Hoss I haven’t been away that long. I still know how to run a drive or serve as bull of the woods.”

Hoss grinned at his brother “Given I never win against you or Joe, why don’t you jest choose now?”

Adam punched his brother’s shoulder “I’ve missed you. If you don’t mind I really don’t want to leave the ranch, I’ve missed it too.”

“Okay I’ll take the herd and you can take a few days with Joe before you need to set up the lumber camp I think he’d like that.”

To their surprise a voice answered Hoss from the bed slightly mumbling and not quite with it Joe asked, “What’ll I like?” Joe hadn’t managed to force his eyes open yet and he had just managed to recognise Hoss’ voice.

Adam moved swiftly over to Joe and eased a hand under his head to feed him some water, ordering his big brother to call Pa and Doc. Joe was confused, he knew the touch and the voice, but it couldn’t be true Adam was in Europe and he wondered if he was delirious. Yet it felt so real and when he put his hand up Adam gripped it. Joe asked, “Is it really you?”

“It’s me little brother, can’t turn my back without you getting into trouble so I thought I had better come home.”

“Adam?”

“Just take it easy Joe, you’re going to be fine.” Adam moved to one side to let Doc in but he kept hold of his brother’s hand just to let Joe know he was there. Doc didn’t take long to confirm Adam’s opinion. He ordered Joe to stay in bed for the next three days and take it very easily for the next fortnight and then he would take the stitches out and see how Joe was. Joe barely seemed to be listening he couldn’t take his eyes off his eldest brother and Doc realised that. He turned to Ben and went over a few details and then asked if Ben wanted Roy to come out. Ben hesitated not wanting to drag his old friend out but something had to be done with the two bodies. Deciding that he didn’t want the men buried on the ranch, so he would take them into town and let Roy deal with it there.

Doc was surprised it wasn’t usually that easy to drag Ben away from any of his sons when they were hurt, but Ben nodded over to the bed where Adam was talking quietly to his brothers. “I think Joe has all he needs at the moment.”

Both Joe and Hoss were very content to see their big brother home and relaxed and Adam made it very clear that he was not leaving until October and only then for a relatively short trip. Neither much cared how he had achieved it, the important thing was that he was home.

Hoss had to leave the following morning and take the drive out but even then Adam rode along for most of the first day not wanting to lose contact with his brother too quickly. Then he returned to his youngest brother who had forced himself to stay awake until Adam got back not daring to go to sleep in case this was all a dream.

Once Adam had sat down next to him and described the events of the day Joe soon drifted into a peaceful sleep and Adam left the door open, sure he would hear if Joe wanted him and went down to join his father.

Ben had sat back and watched affectionately as the brothers re-established their close relationship but he was eager for his own chance to learn what his son had been doing over the last eighteen months and perhaps, more importantly, what his plans were for the future.

Adam relaxed in his favourite blue chair and considered his father with intermingled affection and amusement. Ben didn’t miss that expression and shook his head at his eldest son “I still wield a mean belt so don’t push your luck.”

“I think I’m a bit old for a visit to the barn, for a tanning Pa.”

“I’m not so sure!”

Adam just lazed back in the chair and smiled at his father, the grin reaching his eyes and a full display of his dimples. “Any questions you have I will try to answer, it is so good to be home.”

“How long are you home for?”

“Forever!”

“I’d love to believe that Son but I know you too well and you said something about Boston.”

Adam got restlessly to his feet and went to get some fresh coffee and then he propped himself upon the fireplace, staring into the fire. “Okay Pa, a few basic facts. I pushed hard in Cambridge and got my part one before Christmas, instead of over three years. Harvard is being very slightly awkward and wants three assignments to add to that before they will give me the equivalent. Provided I get those done to a satisfactory standard and send them in before August I can move into their fourth year. I need to be there by the 31^st of October and by the end of March I will be finished. Pass everything and I qualify although I will have to pass the bar here and in California although that is just a formality.”

“And then?”

“I told you I wanted to study law as it would be useful here on the ranch I still intend to use it that way.”

“And your back?”

“Very much better. I guess I should leave the breaking of horses to little brother and the younger men, but otherwise I can do my share. Starting with the lumber camp the day after tomorrow.”

“I hope you know just how delighted I am to have you home, I have missed my right hand man over the last eighteen months. I know you can’t have missed how pleased your brothers are.”

“No more so than me Pa. I have missed all of you so much and, once Joe is settled tomorrow, I want to go up to the lake because I have missed that too.” Adam considered his father “If you have the time I would really enjoy the company.”

That was one offer Ben had no intention of turning down. Hop Sing had returned that morning and could keep an eye on Joe while they were away and he was sure that Adam wouldn’t leave his little brother for very long. He was glad to hear Adam talking as though he was there to stay but he was not convinced yet that the wanderlust wouldn’t take hold of his son again. Thinking of that Ben encouraged his Son to tell him some of his adventures in Europe, knowing that he hadn’t stayed in England all the time.

Adam enjoyed reminiscing about some of his travels, a few stories he would keep to regale his brothers but most of it was fit for parental consumption and he knew that Ben had travelled widely enough as a ship mate to know the excitement of new places.

Some of it Ben had heard in outline in letters but it was very different getting the full story in person from his son, Adam had always been a very good storyteller able to build a picture in words. Father and son talked late into the night but even so when Ben went up he found Adam in with his brother tucking the covers round Joe’s sleeping form. Adam looked up, not even embarrassed, “Still as restless a sleeper as ever.”

“Your brother doesn’t change.” Ben looked down at him gently smoothing Joe’s hair back of his forehead and then as Joe settled peacefully recognising his father and brother’s touch, Ben added “He always settled well for you as a kid and that doesn’t seem to have changed either.”

Adam just smiled at him and headed for bed himself, but the smile stayed with Ben as he headed for bed, his eldest son was totally relaxed his dimples showing clearly and the smile lighting up his eyes. Like an icon for the future it hovered in Ben’s mind, all the time Adam looked like that the future was bright.

The following day Adam knew he had to get up into the hills and re-establish himself as the Bull of the Woods, but he had no intention of going before he had spent an hour with his youngest brother. Adam had spent part of the time the previous day arranging for stores to be taken up to the campsite that Hoss had chosen. He had been out at first light sending his crew up to the hills, confident that with Sport he could make up time and catch up the wagons.

Joe was awake early and determined to get up. He was surprised to find no argument from his eldest brother and, having got his way on the main point, he was willing to relax and let Adam help him get dressed. His side was still very sore and it hurt when he breathed but he was glad to get out of bed and move around, get rid of some of the stiffness. Adam eased him to his feet and then moved round in front of his brother and gripped his shoulders. “I have to go and get the lumber camp set up. I’ll try and get back in a couple of days but please give me your promise, take it real easy. Give Pa a break.”

“Joe studied his eldest brother for a minute and then he grinned “I’ll give you that promise if you give me one.”

“What?” asked Adam suspiciously.

“That you are home to stay.” Joe said very quietly, and to Adam’s amusement he noticed that Joe had fingers crossed on both hands. “Adam gripped his brother’s shoulders and pulled him close for a moment. Joe rested his head on Adam’s shoulder but he still needed an answer. Adam gently massaged Joe’s neck “I will have to go back to Boston at the end of October but that will only be for six months. After that you have my word I will come home and, as far as I have planned, I mean to stay here. I have missed you and Hoss and Pa and the ranch itself. I won’t make any promises because no-one knows what the future will bring but I have no intention of leaving.”

That was enough for Joe he trusted his brother implicitly and he could understand that Adam wouldn’t promise if he wasn’t one hundred percent sure. Adam had never broken his word and for the foreseeable future he had his brother’s word that he would be there. Joe relaxed, surprised himself just how much better he felt with that word.

Adam made good time up to the hills revelling in the feel of his strong chestnut under him and the beautiful scenery he had grown up with. Even the myriad of chores incumbent on him in setting up the camp didn’t disturb his serenity. Happy to be doing a job he could do well and feeling physically fit, Adam found things went far more smoothly than he felt he had any right to expect. After a couple of days he was able to hand over to Will Hunter, a logger who had been with them for a number of years and head home in the late afternoon. He would barely be back for dinner and would have to leave before dawn but Adam was confidant that Hop Sing would feed him well and it was worth it to see his family after too long an absence.

Ben was surprised when Joe wouldn’t settle for dinner, but Joe insisted they wait that his brother was coming home. Ben was hungry and he was beginning to get impatient when he heard a horse come in. Dan was waiting and took Sport for Adam leaving him free to go and see his family and Joe relaxed grinning at his father “I told you he was coming, he promised.”

Adam quickly washed up and then joined his father and brother. Ben considered him carefully, unsure just how fit his son was but the natural grace of Adam’s movements put his mind at rest, trusting the body language far more than anything Adam might say.

Adam was delighted to see his little brother looking much better healing as fast as ever and he relaxed in a zany mood, keeping his family laughing over the antics of some of the loggers, particularly when they disturbed a wasp nest and fled in all directions.

Joe was delighted to see him and that was obvious to Adam and pleased him enormously. For once Ben could have read both sons like a book and he just sat back and enjoyed the obvious affection between the pair.

Adam was up at four and heading back up into the hills but the short night and long ride was more than worth it in his estimation and he went back to work thoroughly refreshed by his visit. He only managed two more fleeting trips over the next couple of weeks, as the schedule at the camp became more demanding. Then to his delight Joe came up to join him bringing fresh stores and, even more importantly their father’s order, that Adam give the men a holiday and get himself home for a party on Saturday when their big brother should be back from the drive.

Adam was delighted to see his little brother looking so much better and pleased that Joe was going to stay over night, give him a hand to update the paperwork and ride back with him. Adam had devised the method they used for keeping track of cutting and he had taught Joe himself but even so he was pleasantly surprised at Joe’s efficiency, which allowed them to get away at least two hours earlier then he had hoped on the Saturday morning.

Adam suggested tentatively that they went home via the lake and Joe willingly agreed. It was the first time that Adam had been there since he left for Europe and he went over to kneel by the graves. Joe left him in peace and moved up to the point overlooking the lake. There were three graves, one that Joe visited regularly was his mother’s, and the other two belonged to Ross and Delphine Marquette. Adam had been best man at their wedding sand then five years later Ross had become mentally ill killing Delphine and Adam had been forced to kill him. Joe knew very well that his brother still blamed himself for not noticing earlier that something was wrong and perhaps being able to change the course of events.

Despite being slightly sombre when he rejoined his brother Adam soon relaxed, the lake had always had the effect of bringing all problems into perspective and now seeing it again after a long break he was even more aware of the beauty of the view. Finally he lazed back and looked up at Joe, who was grinning broadly. Adam raised his eyebrow quizzically and Joe got up moving slightly away “I was just having a bet with myself that wherever you wandered abroad you never found anywhere more beautiful.”

Adam laughed “You’d have won Joe. I saw some pretty spectacular scenery but I kept comparing it with this and nothing quite measured up.”

“Well if you have seen your fill for the moment we ought to get home. I’ll bet Pa has a few last minute jobs for us and we can’t leave them all to Hoss.”

“I was wrong little brother you have changed. It never used to worry you, leaving Hoss to do the work!”

“Well maybe not but it’ll be good to see the big moose, too long since we were all three home together.” Joe said a little sheepishly but Adam accepted his hand to get back up and nodded his agreement he wanted to see Hoss too.

The party went well, and if a number of the younger girls were there to see Joe, even more were there to welcome Adam back, a favourite companion for many of them; quite a few still cherished hopes of changing his bachelor status. All three brothers enjoyed dancing and the food and Adam found a few minutes to catch up with some of his male friends. Even so it was the quiet few minutes when the guests had gone home and the four of them collapsed amongst the detritus of the party that meant the most. All three brothers supported Ben’s suggestion of going to church the following day, followed by a picnic and some fishing for just the four of them.

Adam found himself far more moved by the church service than he had expected, as the preacher welcomed him back to the congregation and just being there with his father and brothers with so many memories. He could almost see the squirming child that had been his little brother and then it merged into the fine young man that his brother had become. Adam bit his lip, determined to hide his emotions and he managed it for all but his immediate family. Ben was almost brusque at the end of the service and to Adam’s infinite relief proclaimed that they needed to get home, work awaiting them. Joe looked disappointed at that, thinking his father had forgotten the promised fishing trip. Adam knew his father rather better and he moved close to him and murmured “Thanks Pa.”

Ben pushed fairly fast on the way home and each was quiet lost in their own thoughts, bot Hoss and Joe were depressed at the idea of working that afternoon and Adam lost in his memories. Ben himself was very conscious of his eldest son and hadn’t realised why his younger sons were so quiet. As they pulled up in the yard Ben ordered Joe to go and collect the food from Hop Sing while the rest of them saw to the buggy and saddled up their horses.

As Hoss and Joe hesitated Ben frowned “Don’t you want to go fishing?”

Hoss stammered “Bbbut but you said work.”

Adam grinned “That was just an excuse to get me out from the old biddies in town who didn’t come to the party”

Ben nodded and the pair rushed off to start doing the jobs that were needed to get them up to their favourite fishing place. Hop Sing had excelled himself with the picnic for his four favourite people and after eating Hoss lazed back tying the line round his foot and settled to doze.

Joe and Adam were chatting quietly remembering other times they had come fishing and Ben was very content seeing the pair, who had so often argued over the years, in complete harmony. Gradually he joined in and eventually their laughter even woke Hoss.

The fishing was poor as they all made far too much noise but none of them cared as they reminisced and speculated on the future. The mere fact that Adam was talking of a future, which involved him being on the Ponderosa, was enough for his family. As the sun began to set Adam moved up to the point overlooking the lake and stared at the view that he loved. There with all those who meant most to him he felt more at peace than he had in years.

Slowly over the next few weeks Adam slipped back into the life he had known so long. Several jobs required his particular expertise, running water down to fresh pastureland from the lake and building fresh flume to meet up to the main flume to help with cutting in fresh areas. He enjoyed using his engineering skills but still found time to complete the assignments that Harvard had asked for. Ben realised that the brothers wanted time to spend together and as far as possible ensured that he paired Adam equally with his brothers. Eventually with pressure from jobs on all sides Ben did have to ask his eldest son to take over some contract negotiations in Sacramento. Ben knew his son did not want to be away from home and had originally planned to go himself but he had taken a tumble from Buck and badly wrenched his knee. Doc Martin had been scathing at his suggestion that the knee could be bandaged and he would continue with his original plan. Adam had laughed off his apologies and gone up to pack, making a point of taking his leave of both his brothers, before rushing to town to catch the stage.

Adam had been away ten days and came home to an empty house. He was stiff and sore, the road, part washed away by heavy rains few days earlier had been dry and dusty. He felt as though he was bruised and shaken, his back aching still not very happy with stage travel and he was filthy. Once he had checked with Hop Sing that his father had recovered and his brothers were fine, he tentatively asked about a bath. Hop Sing in his inimitable fashion was ahead of him and already had the water heating.

Ben came in and saw his eldest son’s hat on the credenza, he called for Adam but Hop Sing came in “Mister Adam is having a bath, hard trip. I think his back ache.”

Ben acknowledged that and asked for coffee, then pouring two, one for himself and one for Adam, he went out to the washroom. Adam was relaxing back in the water allowing the warmth to ease away the aches in his body and as he heard the door he opened one eye and looked up at his father. “Hi Pa”

Ben passed him the coffee “Do you mind if I stay and talk?”

Adam grinned “Shut that door and then scrub my back and you can talk all you want.” Ben did as he was asked and then as Adam lazed back again he studied his eldest son’s face “Rough trip?”

“Well successful I got the contract, good terms I think, but I’ll give a sigh of relief when they finish the railway down here. The roads were in a terrible state, very rutted and dusty. But no matter about that, what’s wrong?”

Ben grinned ruefully “Is it that obvious?”

Adam laughed “When you can’t even let me soak the travel grime out in peace something is seriously wrong. Hop Sing said you were all okay, so what is up?”

Ben pulled a chair up and sat down sipping his coffee “Roy was out this morning looking for you. He’s badly worried scared he is losing control of the town. It doesn’t affect us directly but...”

Adam whistled softly knowing just how difficult things could be if the town was wide open. “What’s wrong, the mines?”

“Not this time. What do you know about Gustav Kessler?”

Adam frowned whatever he had been expecting that wasn’t it. He considered the question but really it didn’t amount to a lot. “He owns tow or three saloons and I’ve heard rumours that he’s behind a couple of the madams. I wouldn’t trust him further than I could throw him, very cold and manipulative man, but I thought he was small time.”

“That’s what we all thought but he seems to have been moving behind the scenes. Roy reckons he has taken over or has an interest or some sort of hold on virtually every saloon in town, apart from the Palace and the Washoe Club. Even they are treading very careful round him since the Palace was near burnt out last week.”

“Yeah I noticed that when I came through town. Arson?”

“Roy thinks so but there is no proof, let alone anything to tie it to Kessler. He has most of the madam’s under his control as well and anyone who doesn’t do his bidding gets blacked.”

“No drinks and no girls, tough for most of the miners.”

“Precisely and the big mine owners go along with him because he has threatened to black their workforce and they’d have a mutiny on their hands.”

“If they all worked togther..,.” Adam laughed at himself “Of course this is Virginia City it would take more than that to make them pull together.”

“Got it in one Son. Now Kessler is starting up a full scale protection racket but Roy can’t get anyone to make a complaint.”

Adam sat frowning, thinking over what his father had said and despite the hot water he shivered. “How on earth has he got so big without Roy noticing, he’s no fool.”

“That was exactly what Roy was asking, not even Dan had heard any rumours and you know he doesn’t miss much. Seems Kessler had made all his arrangements behind the scenes and waited until Roy was away for a week, out on tour, to bring it all out in the open. Clem didn’t know what to do and by the time Roy got back he was met with a fait accompli.”

“What does Roy want me to do?”

“Remember Bryant?”

Adam shivered again at that. He had been so scared that he was making the wrong decision and he would pay with his father’s life and his youngest brother’s hatred. “I’m not likely to ever forget him.”

Ben squeezed his shoulder “You handled it well. The point is we undermined him by showing that he wasn’t above the law. Roy wants to do the same with Kessler. Once we’ve made the initial breech, the rest will follow. We have an opportunity in about three weeks. A federal Judge will be in town. Roy needs help to collect evidence against one of Kessler’s men and to persuade people to testify. Then he’ll get a jury well seeded with men from the ranches, who aren’t under Kessler’s thumb and hope for the best.”

“You haven’t answered my question, what does Roy want of me?”

“He wants a deputy he can trust and you have legal knowledge, know what is required, to say nothing of a number of contacts. Clem is fine but Roy needs something more. I didn’t make any promises Adam it has to be your decision, I just said that I would ask you.”

Adam rubbed his hand across sore eyes and then sat up a little straighter, shaking his head “But you think I ought to agree?”

His father didn’t answer but Adam could read his father’s face. He sighed “If I do this you and my brothers must be real careful.”

“Lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place Son.”

Adam wasn’t sure about that but he let it pass and Ben went on “I know you wanted a few weeks quietly at home before you go to Boston, but I do think its important and I think you could help.”

“Alright Pa, I’ll head in to see Roy tomorrow.”

“Thanks Adam, we can’t let someone like Kessler take over Virginia City.” Ben left his son in peace to finish his bath and went into the main room to sit staring into the fire. Ben had revelled in having his eldest son home, fit and relaxed and on very good terms with both his brothers. It seemed to make the Ponderosa complete and now Ben was dreading Adam’s return to his studies. Ben kept telling himself that this time Adam was intending to return. He had known that his son was not at all sure he would ever come back when he set off for his five year course. Then Ben’s only hope was that this land and his family had a tighter hold on Adam than his son realised. He seemed to have been proved right by events, but even so Boston had always had a hold on his eldest son, and Ben was always scared when Adam headed east. Ben tried to shake himself out of his despondency after all it wasn’t that far to Virginia City and he could always find an excuse to go in and see his son.

Suddenly the peace in the room vanished and with it his despondency, as his two younger sons burst in arguing fiercely. Ben couldn’t make any sense of what they were saying as both appealed for his support at the top of their voices. Eventually Ben yelled at them to be quiet and in the sudden silence Adam’s laughter could be heard from the stairs. Quarrels forgotten, both brothers descended on Adam and soon all three were talking at once, as they caught up with the news of the last week. Ben sat back very content watching the banter between his three sons. Neither Ben nor Adam said anything about his job in town that evening, enjoying the companionship between the four that had been so much a part of all their lives.

The following morning Ben broke the new arrangement to his younger sons. He wasn’t surprised at Joe’s instant offer to back his brother, but there was too much to do round the ranch for Ben to allow it. Ben did promise Joe that if it became necessary for Adam to have help then he should go. Adam had collected the few things he would need and with a promise of a beer for his brothers when they could get to town, he took his leave of them.

Roy was pleased to see Adam ride in, although not surprised, he had never asked for help from the Cartwrights and failed to get it. Clem was out on his rounds and Roy poured two coffees as Adam came in “Thanks for coming Adam. Your Pa explain what I wanted?”

“Yeah, a sort of temporary deputy cum legal adviser.” Adam grinned “I assume unpaid!”

“Well I reckon the town can manage three dollars a day and I’ve got a spare cot back in my room.”

“Deal.” Adam laughed but he pulled a face at the strong coffee Roy liked, even worse than his own efforts “Although maybe I ought to make the coffee.”

Roy lent back in his chair and studied the younger man “Sorry to drag you into this Adam but I needed help I could trust.”

“Forget it. Now I am here, let’s have some details and you can explain what you have in mind.” Roy swore Adam in formally and the two men, with some help from Clem, spent the day talking and planning possible areas of attack. Then Adam went out and started talking to some of his friends, in areas where Roy as the law wasn’t welcome. He had a long list of places that were paying protection, getting information from some of the saloon girls, the Chinese and the youngsters who worked in the stores rather than from the owners themselves.

Like Sam Bryant years earlier, Kessler did very little of his own dirty work, sitting in the office in his main base the Golden Nugget saloon and the attack would have to be indirect. His second in command, a man called Stevens, actually collected most of the protection money according to Adam’s information, with a gang of four ruffians backing him up. Adam had been sounding out various people to try and find those who would stand up to Kessler, if offered help and support. If they could convict Stevens it would put a huge dent in Kessler’s prestige.

Adam and Roy argued most of the evening going over and over the people who might stand up to Kessler. They ruled out all those with families as being too vulnerable to reprisals. Eventually they whittled the list down to five possibles, all of them close friends of the Cartwrights, two being relatives of Hop Sing. Adam promised to speak to them all the next day and see if he could persuade them to refuse to pay and to testify, promising to put the weight of the Ponderosa behind them to protect them.

The following day Adam managed to get support from three of his possibles, all fed up with paying and ready to rebel even without the promised support. One was Lo Tang a distant cousin of Hop Sing who ran a laundry, the second the town gunsmith John Waller who had been a friend of Ben’s for more than twenty years and the third was a very good friend of Adam’s Chuck Morris. Chuck ran a small independent stock brokers, initially set up with Adam’s support, and he was still Chuck’s most important client, putting all his personal business through Chuck. Adam was very careful to explain the risks but he promised to have two men with them at all times and to be on hand personally when they actually had to face Stevens. All three men had had more than enough of paying protection money and had been about to refuse anyway, now with the prospect of support, they only wanted to be told what to do. Adam insisted that for the next week he just wanted them to continue to pay, not arouse any suspicions. He was determined to time their move as close as possible to the Judge’s arrival, in order to limit Kessler’s chance to react.

During the next week Adam was able to get home twice and he had long discussions with his father but both times his brothers were working out on the range and he didn’t get to see them. Ben could see the underlying worries that his son hid so well in town. Ben thought it was a risky strategy but he had to accept that they had no choice. Good planning should help to eliminate any trouble but he couldn’t help worrying that his son would get caught in the middle. He promised that as soon as Adam sent word

that they were making their move, he would come to town with Hoss and Joe and some volunteers and stay until after the trial.

Adam and Roy went over their plans again and again refining them for all the possible contingencies they could think of. Then all they could do was wait for word that the Federal Judge was coming. The tension began mounting and both men found it difficult to settle to sleep. Adam was used to hard work and with little to do as they waited he found the time hanging heavy on his hands.

Eventually Adam got word from a friend in Sacramento to let them know that the Federal Judge was on the move and would be with them in forty-eight hours. That was the signal for them to move and it fitted in well, as Stevens would be making that week’s collection the following day.

Adam went to see each of the men who had promised to help and gave them the go ahead to refuse to pay the following morning. They already had their two bodyguards but Adam had promised to be on hand personally. The gunsmith’s shop was right next door to Chuck’s stockbrokers so Adam said that he would cover them while Roy stayed with Lo Tang at the laundry. Roy wasn’t happy about it, he was the sheriff and felt he ought to take care of the two shops but Adam knew the men had agreed to help largely because he had promised his personal protection. Eventually Roy had to give way Adam was far too stubborn and just seemed to tune out his arguments.

Neither of them had any clear idea of what retribution Stevens was likely to try but Roy was guessing that the premises would be trashed or even burnt once Stevens had rounded up some more men. They had to allow him to start his action if they were to have a case, but Adam hoped that with the extra support that would be coming in from the ranch, they would be able to prevent too much damage. The one thing that seemed certain was an attempt at swift retribution. It would be essential for Kessler to act fast if he was to keep the lid on things. Both Roy and Adam were assuming that Stevens would have to go back to his boss to get instructions. Kessler kept a very tight rein on all his businesses.

Adam wasn’t taking any chances moving into Chuck’s back room very early to ensure he was there before anything happened. Adam relaxed with coffee enjoying the chance to chat to his old friend and catch up on the news from the last eighteen months. He was still very alert and quick to notice Stevens heading down the street. Adam eased behind a curtain into the back room ready to act if necessary and a witness of what was happening, the other two men stayed well back ready to come on his word.

Chuck had hated paying protection from the beginning and had been one of the most awkward customers that Stevens had had to deal with. Now that he had the chance to refuse with backing Chuck was delighted and he made it very clear as he told Stevens just what he could do with his protection. Adam bit his lip wishing Chuck would just keep it simple but even so he was taken aback as Stevens lost all hold on his temper. Stevens yelled at Chuck “I’ve had all I’m taking from you” and then drew his gun and fired point blank at Chuck before Adam could move. Adam drew his gun and moved out as Stevens fired twice more into Chuck’s inert body. Adam held the gun on Stevens and told him he was under arrest. Stevens’ reaction was a bullet, which took Adam in the left shoulder, but Adam shot simultaneously knocking the gun from Stevens’ hand. The gunsmith had followed them in eager to see what happened as he was about to refuse too, but he stood stunned as he watched the cold-blooded murder. The five men ran out of the shop, pushing the gunsmith out of the way, heading up the street. Adam followed them out and fired twice at their feet and warned them to stop or the next one would be in the back. None of them were willing to risk it knowing Adam’s reputation with a gun. Roy ran up to find Adam grim-faced holding the five, his gun level and for a moment Roy was scared he would shoot. The four men who had been helping guard the premises had come out to back Adam and Roy told one of them to get Adam down to the doctor, while the other three helped him get the five men to jail.

Adam tried to protest but the pain from his wound suddenly broke into his consciousness and he had to bite his lip to stop from moaning. He let himself be led down the street to Doc’s. Luckily Doc Martin was in and he helped Adam over to the examination table. The bullet was still in and Doc sat back and considered Adam “I need to put you to sleep, get that bullet out.”

“No. Just do it Doc. I can’t afford to be out.”

Doc shook his head but as Adam moved to get off the table, he pushed him back down. “It’ll hurt.”

“I’m not a fool suddenly, just got a bullet in my shoulder. Get it out and bandage me up. I need to get back over to the jail.”

Doc frowned at him, he had known Adam a very long time and he was usually the most reasonable of the Cartwrights. “Can you explain why Adam?”

“We have a chance to clean up the mess in this town over the next two days. I asked Chuck to help and he’s paid with his life, least I can do is make sure he hasn’t died in vain.”

Doc thought he had seldom seen Adam look so bleak but he found himself unable to argue. He just gave Adam something to bite down on as he went after the bullet. The bullet was deeper than he had hoped but it had come to rest against the bone and to Doc’s relief had only slightly chipped the bone. Doc had a job to get it out, ten minutes of his life that Adam just wanted to forget, but eventually Doc was able to sow up the wound and pad it heavily before bandaging it. Adam gave himself half an hour to get control and then asked Doc to help him up.

“You should stay right there and rest Adam, you lost quite a bit of blood.”

“I need to get over to the jail, once Kessler regroups he may decide to remove witnesses and I don’t want any more of my friends at risk.”

“I sent word to the ranch and I’ll bet your father and brothers will be here soon why not at least wait for them.”

Adam frowned at that he really didn’t want his family involved, although he knew Ben had been planning on coming in, especially now with cold blooded murder. Doc just smiled “You can yell at me if you like but there is only one of you. If I hadn’t sent word I’d have had the other three yelling.”

Adam had to accept that but he swung his feet down and pulled himself rather unsteadily to his feet. He got his balance and cradling his left arm to his chest reached over for his gun-belt. He swayed as he stood and Doc hastily came to steady him. “At least let me fix a sling for that arm so it doesn’t pull on the shoulder.”

Adam accepted that and the help to put on his gun-belt and then rather steadier he headed down to the jail. Doc insisted that he had to check Stevens and therefore needed to go along with Adam although the bullet had only hit the gun, breaking one finger as it wrenched the gun from Stevens hand and probably deflecting the aim enough to save Adam’s own life. Doc knew better than to offer any support in public and could only walk next to Adam and hope that the brittle strength that was keeping him going wouldn’t run out before they reached the jail. Roy had seen them coming and hurried down the street to meet them. He wasn’t taking any nonsense from Adam and put his arm round Adam's waist to support him, wanting his friend safe under cover but he was canny enough to say “Come on Adam I need my witness safe.” Put that way Adam accepted the help, his legs were beginning to fell rubbery and he was very grateful to be able to lean on the older man. Roy eased him straight through to his own room out back and deposited Adam on the bed, moving round to lift his legs up and then getting out of the way so that Doc could check his patient.

Adam settled back and closed his eyes for a few minutes, waiting for the world to stop whirling round him. Within ten minutes he was back up and although he accepted coffee and a chair he wouldn’t return to bed. He made a brief and very bitter report and Roy knew he was blaming himself for Chuck’s death but when he tried to tell Adam that it wasn’t his fault Adam ignored him, shutting himself off. He sat sipping coffee apparently oblivious to everyone else.

Roy was sufficiently worried to ask Doc just how badly hurt Adam was. Doc shrugged “I’m sure he feels weak and ill but the bullet is out, didn’t do too much damage and at least it was his left shoulder. He’s lost some blood and should be in bed for the next three or four days but you know Adam as well as I do. At the moment the death of his friend is hurting far more than his shoulder. We can’t do anything about that. Only one who might is Ben and I sent word to the ranch.”

“Anything I can do until Ben gets here?” Roy asked

“Just keep an eye on him. If he starts getting feverish call me and keep him supplied with drinks, coffee, water, soup maybe.”

At the ranch Joe had been busy training some of the newly broken horses and Hoss had ridden out to check the cattle in the west pasture. Ben was working on the books but his mind kept straying to his eldest son. He knew that Adam would be making his move any day now and he was scared there would be trouble that even Adam couldn’t handle. It didn’t come as any great surprise to Ben when word came from town that Adam needed them. He was expecting both of his other sons back for lunch in half an hour or so and decided to wait until they arrived. Doc had told him that Adam had been hurt but had emphasised that he was alright. Even so Ben had Hop Sing make up sandwiches they could eat on the way to town. Then he went out and sent word for the six men, he had already chosen from the volunteers, to come to town and meet them.

Joe and Hoss actually rode in together, both laughing, but as they saw their father’s face the laughs vanished. Joe pulled Cochise up close to his father “What’s wrong?”

“We need to go to town, Adam has been hurt.” Seeing the alarm on his younger sons faces “He’s alright. Just a shoulder wound but he does need our help.”

“Shall I saddle Buck for you Pa?”

“Thanks Joe. Okay with you two if we eat on the way, I have sandwiches?”

Hoss moved closer “I’ll just go get a drink Pa and I’m ready we can eat when we get to town.” Ben smiled at his big son, he had no doubt that Hoss had been looking forward to his lunch all the way back in from the west pasture but, despite his big appetite, he would put that on hold if his brother needed him.

The three Cartwrights made good time to town and went to Doc’s first, at least it was on the way. Doc was half expecting them and as Ben pulled up he moved outside to speak to them. Ben asked “Is he here?”

“No he insisted on going down to the jail. I had to take a bullet out of his left shoulder. He wouldn’t let me put him out so it was painful. Chuck Morris had three bullets in him, two in the heart, he died instantly.”

“And Adam is blaming himself?”

“You know your son Ben. I’ll be over later to change the dressings.”

Ben nodded “Thanks Paul.”

They rode over to the jail and then Ben asked Joe to take the horses down to the livery. Joe wanted to object, he was just as anxious about his brother but one look at his father’s face changed his mind. Roy was glad to see Ben come in and he gestured over to the back room, where they could talk privately. Ben had expected to see Adam but Roy just shook his head “Your son is even more stubborn than you are. He insisted on carrying on as though nothing was wrong, gone out on patrol. I tried to dissuade him after all he is an eyewitness, but it didn’t work. I sent Clem with him but apart from actually tying him up, there wasn’t a lot I could do to stop him.”

“It’s alright Roy I do know how impossible it is to change his mind. Any idea where I’ll find him?”

Adam had walked round the main saloons and he could almost taste the tension in them, the taste of fear. Eventually he went into the Palace. Part of it was still cordoned off after the fire but the bar had been reopened and Adam ordered himself a large brandy. His shoulder was throbbing and he wouldn’t take any of the painkillers Doc had given him, he needed a clear head. The bartender Quincy wasn’t at all sure that he should serve Adam, word had spread very quickly that Adam had arrested Stevens and his four cronies and he was scared that Kessler wouldn’t approve of him serving Adam. Even as he hesitated Kessler appeared personally “Give the man a drink Quincy, he looks as though he needs it.”

Adam took absolutely no notice of Kessler just picking up the brandy and sipping it. He used his left hand despite his sling and his right hand hovered near his gun. Kessler was a tall thin man and he was used to looking down on his associates but he had to look up slightly at Adam which annoyed him. Kessler was known as a cold calculating man and he wouldn’t admit that Adam had got to him, so keeping a firm grip on himself, Kessler said almost conversationally “I hear that there has been some slight misunderstanding between you and Stevens. I don’t quite see what this has to do with the Ponderosa Adam.” It was all said with a slight smile on his face, although it never reached a pair of the coldest eyes that Adam had ever seen.

The smile vanished instantly as Adam said “The name is Mister Cartwright.”

There was a sudden intake of breath by nearly everyone in the saloon and then a stunned silence. Everybody had always used the brothers’ first names to distinguish them from their father and this was the first time anyone could remember any of them objecting.

Then Adam turned round to face Kessler for the first time, his own eyes black with anger met Kessler’s cold blue eyes, but Adam’s voice was like ice as he said “The slight misunderstanding you mentioned was cold blooded murder. I was there. I saw it. I shall testify and I will watch Stevens hang.” As he finished speaking Adam pointedly turned his back and picked up his drink again and for once Kessler was lost for words. He realised that trying to talk to Adam’s back just made him look small and so he shook his head, trying to show that he was just sorry at Adam’s stupidity, and walked out.

There was utter silence in the saloon as all of them looked from one man to the other and slowly the men began to whisper to each other about the events they had just whispered. Adam remained at the bar an oasis of quiet in the renewed babble of noise in the saloon. The expression on his face more than sufficient to prevent anyone speaking to him directly.

Adam was apparently in a world of his own but he was watching everything that was happening behind him using the mirror over the bar. His right hand still hovered menacingly close to his gun and nobody was about to challenge him. He was still there sipping his second brandy when his father found him.

Ben sighed heavily, his son was pale under his tan and he could see the tension in every line of his son’s body, maybe not apparent to outsiders but all too obvious to his father. Adam didn’t even look at him as Ben came up still apparently staring into his brandy, but he had seen the approach and as Ben gently rested a hand on his shoulder, Adam said “Hi Pa, I’ve been expecting you.”

“I think we need to talk, shall we go somewhere quiet?”

Adam tossed off his drink and turned to face his father for the first time “Okay by me.”

Ben led the way over to Beth Kelly’s house. She was a very old friend of all of the family and these days, a business partner in the Hale and Norcross mine. Ben was sure that she would lend them her front room and they could talk in comfort. Adam didn’t say a word as Ben greeted Beth and asked if they could scrounge some coffee and some peace and quiet. Beth knew them well enough to know that something was wrong and that father and son needed time alone, so that she said that they were welcome to coffee but she had an appointment at the dressmakers.

Ben didn’t believe in her appointment but he kissed her forehead gratefully and led Adam into the front room. Adam sank gratefully into a chair and lent back shutting his eyes. His shoulder was aching fiercely and he had lost a fair amount of blood, but it was his sense of failure, of being responsible for Chuck’s death, which made his head pound. He continually thought round in circles trying to find the one move he should have made which would have ensured a different outcome, feeling so guilty.

Ben didn’t really need any explanation for the pain that was so obvious on his son’s face now they were alone. He knew none of it was because of his physical injuries it would all be his son’s deep-rooted feeling of responsibility. He knew that Adam had been close friends with Chuck for more than fifteen years, only a few days between them in age, Adam had been so much more experienced than the young farm boy, who had come west alone. Adam had taught him to handle a gun, to handle himself in this new land, even the accounting methods and maths that he would need for his stockbrokers business. Over the years the pair had managed to have some fun, even once being bailed out by an irate Ben after an over-exuberant Saturday night celebration. Ben might know how his son was feeling but he was far from sure how to help, this the most private of his sons.

Eventually Adam opened his eyes and met his father’s worried gaze. “I’m okay Pa, but I don’t really want to talk. I misjudged Stevens. I thought he would go back to Kessler for orders and then maybe try to burn the place. I never expected murder.”

He bit on his fist and turned away from his father to look out the window “For that misjudgement Chuck paid with his life. It just makes it that much more important to break Kessler.”

Ben moved over and gripped his good shoulder “Just one thing Son. Chuck was a grown man. He knew the risks. From all I’ve heard he was about to refuse on his own account and, it was partly because he had always been so awkward, before that Stevens reacted so instantly. Please don’t take all the blame on yourself.”

Adam pulled away and going over to the window he stared out “I asked him to refuse. I promised to protect him. I failed and he’s dead. Nothing you can say changes any of that.”

Ben knew Adam too well to say anymore at least for now and he left his son alone. Some ten minutes later Adam moved back to sit down and take a cup of coffee. There was slightly more colour in his face and the mask was up to hide the naked pain that had been so apparent since Beth left them alone. Ben waited until Adam had finished his coffee and then suggested that they ought to return to the jail.

Adam nodded and although he let his father help him to his feet in the privacy of Beth’s room, he pulled away as they emerged, unwilling to show any weakness in front of the town. The jail seemed a very long way away and he was keeping going by sheer willpower by the time they reached it. That much was obvious to both his brothers, who moved forward simultaneously. Ben shook his head at his younger sons as Adam oblivious of them moved over to perch on Roy’s desk. Ben signalled to Hoss to get coffee for his brother but for now Adam was only interested in what Roy had to say. After trying to talk to him in the bar Kessler had come over to the jail and tried to post bail for his men. Roy had refused it was a capital charge and the judge would be convening court the following morning at ten, until then the men stayed in prison.

Stevens was insisting that he was innocent that he had fired in self defence and Kessler seemed prepared to wait for the trial. Now that Adam was safe inside the jail, as was John Waller, using the sheriff’s room, Roy was fairly sure they would have a quiet night. If Kessler couldn’t get at the witnesses his next move would probably come at the trial itself.

Both Waller and Adam were very clear Chuck hadn’t had a gun. Despite all Adam had taught him he was still more dangerous to himself with a gun than to anyone else. He had never owned a handgun and hardly ever used the rifle he kept at his own home, not at his office.

The night passed slowly but at least without any alarms. Adam sat in a chair tilted back against the wall and seemed to be studying the ceiling intently. Each of his brothers had tried to say how sorry they were and to try to get him to rest but had been swiftly cut off by their brother. In the end the pair had settled in one corner where low voiced they could at least discuss their worries and vent their frustration about their pigheaded older brother. Ben would dearly have loved to order Adam to go lie down and get some sleep but he managed to keep quiet, to his eldest son’s relief.

Eventually dawn arrived and it was obvious that Kessler wasn’t going to make a move until after the trial. Ben sent Joe to find Doc while Hoss collected food for them, then to his horror Adam announced he was going to the barber’s to get a shave. Roy tried to dissuade him but Adam just didn’t seem to hear him, neither would he accept Roy’s offer of a loan of his razor. Roy turned to Ben for help, but Ben knew just what his success rate in changing Adam’s mind was when he had that expression on his face, and just stated that he would go with his son. They were in luck, the barber had just opened and nobody was waiting so they were able to take the two vacant chairs. Adam had his gun on his lap as he waited his turn and wasn’t surprised to see Ben doing the same. The barber was a bit nervous but he managed to shave them without nicking them and Adam felt decidedly more human once he was clean-shaven.

Ben checked the street and then almost begged his son to go quietly back to the jail and wait for the court hearing. Adam even managed a half grin it was so unusual to hear that note in his father’s voice but he did comply. Doc was waiting for them and just shook his head at his obstinate patient well used to it from the Cartwrights. He helped Adam take his shirt off and then carefully removed the bandage. The dressing had slightly stuck to him and Joe brought over some boiled water to soak it off. At least the wound was clean with no sign of infection and Doc gently bathed it before redressing it and putting on a slightly neater bandage. He tried to fix the sling back but Adam pushed it away. His pride wouldn’t let him wear it in court. He would state the facts, he would not give anyone the opportunity to claim he was going for a sympathy vote because he was hurt.

Doc gave way shaking his head at Ben, “Obstinate all your sons.”

Despite his care Doc knew that he had hurt Adam and he passed over some coffee but Adam shook his head, he wasn’t at all sure he could even keep coffee down and he turned away from the food Hoss brought, his stomach threatening to rebel. Hoss would have protested knowing his brother hadn’t touched any food most of the previous day, but one look from his father quelled his protest. After the trial there would be time to fuss at Adam and get him to rest and eat; it was a waste of time trying now and would just make it that much more difficult for him.

Roy decided to go and talk to the Judge and at least put him in the picture. He knew Judge Nicols well and knew he would stick to the letter of the law, but he also had a strong feeling for justice. If something wasn’t actually against the law he would allow them the benefit of the doubt, if it served the ends of justice. Once apprised of the situation he might at least allow them some latitude in choosing the jury. The public prosecutor John McNeill was a very able man and a good friend of Adam’s and the evidence was strong with two eyewitnesses. Judge Nicol broke it to Roy that he had seen Morton go into the Golden Nugget earlier and he was doubtless acting for the defence. That came as no great surprise, he was expensive and cunning, with a reputation of being the most likely to extricate a guilty man from trouble. Kessler had to do all he could to try and get Stevens free. It would be an enormous blow to his own prestige if his second in command hung. Any grip of fear only works with the co-operation of those who are afraid and if the law handled Stevens, then with the backing of the Ponderosa, it might stiffen an awful lot of backbones. Kessler was making large profits and he had no intention of giving up without a fight.

The whole of town knew exactly what was resting on this case and by nine o’clock the courtroom was already beginning to fill up as everyone wanted to watch the confrontation between Kessler and the Cartwrights. The trial started promptly at ten and the jury were soon seated. Nobody missed the significance of the jury picked out of elderly townsmen or those from outside town, people who were the least vulnerable to being blacked by Kessler later. Judge Nicols had been willing to go that far but he would give reasonable latitude to both sides, this was a capital crime.

John Waller, the gunsmith was the first witness for the prosecution. He told of the protection racket and of his and Chuck’s determination not to pay. He told them how he had sneaked out and into the next door shop as Stevens and his four men walked in, wanting to know what the reaction was to the refusal. He had heard Chuck refuse and then heard Stevens say “I’ve had all I’m taking from you” and then saw him draw his gun and fire point blank at Chuck twice and then once more when Chuck was already down. Then he had seen Adam Cartwright come in from the back and exchange shots with Stevens, shooting the gun out of Stevens’ hand. The five men had run out past him, but stopped when Cartwright shot at them again.

The room listened in almost hushed silence and everyone seemed to lean forward as Morton got to his feet He started off almost conversationally “Adam Cartwright asked you to refuse to pay?”

Waller had to admit that he did and also admitted that Adam had been there deliberately in case of trouble. Then Morton tried to get the gunsmith to agree that Chuck had picked up a gun from his desk when he refused to honour the legitimate business contract. Waller looked at him as though he was mad and shook his head “Everyone knows Chuck never had a hand gun, just a rifle and he was a lousy shot with that. Anyway since when is taking money under threat a legitimate contract!”

Morton went back over the same ground several times in slightly different ways but he wasn’t able to get Waller to budge.

Then Lo Ting took the stand and confirmed the protection racket and the plan to refuse to pay. Morton left very clear his underlying feeling that the old chinaman couldn’t be expected to know anything about the law in the United States or be relied on to tell the truth. Ben could see all his sons tensing up at the blatant racial prejudice but he couldn’t help thinking that they should have expected it and maybe the choice of Lo Ting hadn’t been that sensible. The older man sat there very dignified and stuck to his story, but Morton just brushed it aside as though this witness was irrelevant, and then it was time to call Adam

Adam moved forward to take the stand. It was already obvious that the defence intended to extricate their men by throwing dirt at Adam and Joe was near boiling point. Ben gripped his youngest son’s arm and warned him to simmer down his brother could handle things. McNeill took Adam through his testimony, which supported John Waller precisely, but then he had to turn Adam over to Morton.

Morton asked “You are part owner of the Ponderosa, a large ranch outside of town?”

“I am.”

“Why are you acting as a deputy in town when you have a ranch to run?”

Adam said “The forces of law and order seemed to need a little help and some very good friends of mine were being victimised so I offered to help out.”

Morton went on “Do you admit to setting a trap for my clients?”

Adam lifted an eyebrow in a very familiar quizzical expression and said mildly “If by setting a trap you mean that I asked some friends to stand up to Stevens and refuse to pay him money demanded with menaces, then yes I did. It’s every citizens right to withstand illegal demands, indeed it can be considered to be their duty.”

Morton snorted “Nothing illegal about a business contract.”

“Depends on the contract.”

Morton said “You knew Morris was going to refuse to pay?”

“Yes”

“You were present because you expected trouble?”

Adam nodded wondering where he was going with this line of questioning “Yes, although none of us expected it to happen so quickly.”

Morton objected and Judge Nicols told Adam to just answer the questions. Morton went on “You expect us to believe that expecting trouble from what you term dangerous men, Morris didn’t even take the simple precaution of arming himself?”

Adam said “Mr Waller has already told you that Chuck was no good with guns, he would be more likely to hurt himself. Chuck didn’t even own a gun. He expected me to protect him.” Despite his best efforts, the bitterness was obvious in his voice and his brothers tensed up worried about him.

Morton lent forward “I suggest that not only did he own a gun but that he was pointing it at my client and that is why you, a known gunman, were too slow to move.”

Little Joe nearly erupted at hearing his brother described as ‘a known gunman’ but one look from Adam kept him quiet. Adam calmly answered the accusation “That’s nonsense.”

Morton went on “I further suggest that you hid the gun after my client left the shop with you shooting at him.”

Adam was very pale but calm “That’s a lie.”

Morton said “No more questions.”

McNeill took the opportunity to go over Adam’s testimony on redirect “Just to get things clear, was Morris armed?”

“No”

“What form of trouble did you expect?”

Adam shrugged slightly and then wished he hadn’t as it tore at his sore shoulder “We weren’t sure, reprisals of some kind when he refused to pay, maybe an attempt to burn down his office later. The last thing I expected was murder then and there. I admit I was slow to move and that Chuck Morris paid with his life for my slowness, but I just didn’t expect cold-blooded murder.”

Morton objected and the Judge ordered Adam’s last comment to be struck from the record. Adam just looked stubborn but he was released from the stand and was able to rejoin his family.

The defence was already well trailed and led by Stevens each of the five men gave an almost identical story. The prosecution witnesses were lying. Chuck Morris had grabbed a gun from his desk and threatened Stevens who had shot in self-defence and then Adam Cartwright had hidden the gun. McNeill got nowhere on cross- examination, the men had been well primed to keep quiet and say as little as possible, they just kept reiterating the same statements.

Late in the afternoon the Judge summed up “The only real point at issue here is whether the deceased was armed or not. The legality or otherwise of the demand for payment is irrelevant in this enquiry. If you believe the prosecution Morris was unarmed and the defendant Stevens is guilty of murder with the other four defendants guilty of aiding and abetting. If you believe the defence Mr Morris was armed and actually pointing the gun at the defendant, who shoot in self-defence and then Adam Cartwright hid the gun. One or other of the groups of witnesses is committing perjury and you must decide between them.”

Then the jury filed out but no-one in the courtroom moved. Nobody expected it to take very long to get a verdict

Adam had sat very still showing no emotion as the defence continually branded him a liar and accused him of trying to railroad an innocent man. Hoss and Joe were both furious and unable to hide it and Ben had difficulty in keeping them quiet, especially as he was so angry himself. Now Adam turned on his brothers and told them to calm down, it wasn’t important.

That lost Joe all hold on his temper and he burst out “Not important! He calls you a perjurer, a gunman, accuses you of tampering with the evidence, and conspiring to railroad an innocent man to the gallows and you say its not important.” He just had enough control to keep his voice down but he couldn’t hide his outraged feelings. Then under Adam’s steady gaze he fell quiet and looked down unable to meet his brother’s gaze. Adam reached out and gripped his arm, he wasn’t really cross with Joe warmed by his brother’s indignation on his behalf, but he had to make them see what he meant.

“Look Joe I say it isn’t important. No-one who knows me, or whose opinion is important to me, will believe a word of it. Even if the jury brings in a verdict of not guilty it won’t mean that they believe it, only that they used it as an excuse. The whole town knows Stevens is as guilty as hell, they knew Chuck and they know John Waller and me. That’s not what’s on trial here. What’s on trial is the grip of fear the Kessler has on Virginia City. Whether they will stand up to him or whether Chuck has died in vain. I can’t risk losing that just for the sake of losing my temper over what some shyster lawyer chooses to call me.”

His family sat in silence for a minute then Ben said “You’re quite right Adam and I congratulate you. I don’t think I could have remained so calm even though I agree it was necessary.”

Adam looked up and just for a moment the mask slipped “ Not calm Pa, just under control.” His family were momentarily taken aback by the sheer fury that showed for a moment and the Ben moved forward and put his arm round Adam’ shoulders “Well done Son. The important thing if to break Kessler, that must come first.”

Then before any more could be said the jury started coming back in and Adam went over to join Roy. They were quite hopeful about the verdict, sure that at least two member’s of the jury were very unlikely to succumb to Kessler’s threats so easily.

The whole room seemed to be holding its breath as the judge called for quiet and then asked the foreman of the jury for their verdict. The man stood up and seemed to be unable to look at the court, keeping his eyes firmly on the paper in his hands, but his voice was clear enough as he stated “Guilty as charged.”

Pandemonium broke out in the court and the Judge had a job to get quiet but eventually Adam called for quiet and all the people, who’d been trying to congratulate him fell silent. Joe and Hoss were grinning broadly but Ben new that this was only the first step, The Judge sentenced Stevens to be hung by the neck until he was dead. The sentence to be carried out at dawn the day after tomorrow. Adam and Roy stared at each other knowing the next days were going to be very hard, they had 36 hours to hold Stevens. Roy went to protest but Judge Nicols said “I have to give the accused time to sort out evidence for an appeal if it exists. Federal law has stipulated that this is the smallest period of time between sentence and execution. I’m sorry.”

It would have been easier to accept if Stevens hadn’t sat there grinning broadly, he seemed very unworried for a man who had just been sentenced to death. Roy ordered him to his feet and with Adam’s help led him over to the jail. The other four he sent with four men to the jail in Carson City to serve their sentence of ten years. No-one seemed the slightest bit interested in the four men, everyone’s attention was on Stevens.

Stevens himself came over to the two lawmen, he ignored Roy and looked straight at Adam “Very neat Cartwright but this was only the beginning. You’ll never hang me,”

Adam didn’t answer he knew only too well that Kessler didn’t dare let things rest. Roy led the way over to the jail, his hand firmly on Stevens’s shoulder while Adam brought up the rear, confident that his father and brothers were ready to act in support if it was needed. Even so both Adam and Roy gave a sigh of relief once they had Stevens locked up in a cell again.

Ben and his younger sons followed them in and Roy sat down at his desk “So far so good.” He got out a bottle of brandy and five glasses and passed them round “I’ll be real glad when the next couple of days are over.”

Ben sipped his brandy gratefully “We’ll stay in town, with your deputies and our men that gives us fourteen. All steady men, good with a gun, Kessler isn’t going to find it easy to get to Stevens.”

Roy smiled “I’ll be very glad to have you but even so Kessler has to make a move or he’s past history.”

Adam was standing over by the window staring out, oblivious of everything, as he sipped coffee the brandy ignored. Roy dropped his voice as he spoke to Ben nodding over towards his eldest son “They slammed hard into him, he kept remarkably calm.”

Ben shook his head “He’s been simmering furiously underneath all the time. He’ll explode soon with all this and Chuck’s death. I’ve already told his brothers to leave him alone.”

For once Joe and Hoss were doing as they were asked, sitting quietly in the corner and discussing their mutual concerns, but without worrying Adam.

Eventually Roy straightened up “Right we have a long haul ahead of us, no point in everyone being exhausted, so some of us need to get some sleep. We’ll keep four on duty at any one time and the rest try and get some sleep.” Ben nodded that made sense and between them the two older men drew up rotas to cover the next couple of days. Roy took one shift giving one of the others to Adam and the third to Ben. Ben put Joe with his oldest brother and took Hoss on his own shift. Then Roy told all those not on rota to try and get some rest.

Adam couldn’t settle his shoulder was still very sore, and he felt so guilty over Chuck’s death, and he was still raging over the mud that had been thrown at him in court. He had told his brothers that it wasn’t important and the jury had rejected it, but he couldn't help being angry and he had had to bottle it up, which didn't improve his temper.

Wandering around Adam saw lights approaching from the back and called Roy in. The two men studied what they could see but couldn’t make up their minds what it was. Adam said “I’ll slip out and go have a closer look.”

Roy shook his head “Good idea Adam but you’re not going. You may have dispensed with a sling but you’ve still got a hole in you.”

Joe had joined then and he said “I’ll go Adam.”

Adam hesitated not wanting his youngest brother to take any risks, but he knew that Joe could move very quietly in the dark and he nodded “Okay. But don’t take any risks. We want to know if they are coming this way and if so how many there are.”

Joe grinned tightly at his brother “Alright I’ll be real careful.”

Adam patted him on the back as Joe slipped out the front and then stood staring out on tenterhooks all the time his little brother was out there. Joe worked his way round to the back and found a group of about twenty-five men. Kessler was giving precise orders for the attack. If he could get Stevens out all well and good but the jail was well built and easy to defend so he didn’t expect too much from the frontal assault.

His main aim was to disable the sheriff and clear the way for his second ploy.

Joe edged himself over as close as he could trying to hear what was being said but Kessler was nearly finished and he just heard the orders to split into four groups to attack from different directions, both at the front and the back. As they began to get organised Joe headed back to the jail and slipped inside, his brother anxiously waiting for him opening the door to let him in. Joe told Adam and Roy the little he had gleaned and Roy got all the rest of the men up.

The tension began to mount in the jail, a confined space for all the guards present, as they waited for the first move from outside. Adam was trying to load a spare gun, with his left arm still pretty useless, he knew he wouldn’t have a chance to do it in the heat of the action. Even without the pressure of time he was clumsy and Hoss noted and came over to do it for him, chiding his brother gently for not asking for help “You take it real easy Adam.”

Adam gave his brother the first real smile he had managed all day “I’m fine Hoss but thanks for the help. I’ve been waiting for a chance to fight back.”

Roy and Ben were debating the pros and cons of sending a group out to attack from the rear but as Joe warned them of the scale of the attack and that it was coming from more than one direction it seemed too risky. Then the silence was broken as a fusillade of shots came at the jail from both sides. Roy took charge at the front leaving Adam at the back. They returned fire and at least a couple of the shots found their targets judging by the cries they heard.

Battering rams were brought into play at both the front and back doors but the jail was sturdily built. Roy fired buckshot into the men using the ram at the front and they dropped it and scattered but he paid a heavy penalty. A sharp shooter was waiting for just that opportunity and fired catching Roy in the ribs. At the back Adam had done the same but the sharp shooter stationed there rushed his shot and he only succeeded in creasing Adam across the top of his left arm.

Ben ran over to his old friend as Roy collapsed and as Hoss came over he had his big son lift the sheriff through onto the cot in his back room. It was a bad wound and the bullet was still in. Ben fixed a pad to stop the bleeding with Hoss’ help and then he had to leave it until they could fetch Doc.

The firing had settled down to sporadic outbursts and there were no more attempts to ram the doors so Ben left Hoss to keep a close eye at the front while he went in back to check on his other sons. He found Joe just finishing tying a bandage round Adam’s arm and hurried over. Little Joe grinned reassuringly “Only a crease Pa, nothing to worry about.”

Adam pulled away from his brother “What’s going on out front Pa.? This lot have basically pulled back, just the odd shot to keep our heads down.”

“About the same at the front Adam but Roy’s been hit.”

Adam looked up in alarm and Ben gripped his right shoulder “It’s a nasty wound in the ribs and he’s out of it for the next couple of weeks, but he will be okay.”

Adam took a deep breath, at least his friend would be alright, but the burden on him suddenly felt ten times heavier. Ben could read his son in this and he did his best to reassure him “I know that puts the pressure on you Son. You’re the chief deputy so you are in charge but your brothers and I are here, anything we can do to help.”

Adam closed his eyes for a moment, even with his family’s backing the pressure was huge and he felt weak and ill, his head pounding, his shoulder on fire again. The bullet, which had creased his arm, had jarred the older wound, but he had no choice but to play the game through to the end and ensure that Stevens paid the penalty, he owed Chuck that much and more. With a supreme effort Adam straightened his shoulders, asked his brother to keep an eye on things for him and went through to check on Roy himself. The older man was unconscious but at least the bleeding seemed to be under control and Clem was looking after his boss. Adam went back out to check on things at the front but it was fairly quiet and Hoss firmly took his arm and made him sit down. He brought over coffee well laced with brandy for his brother “Ain’t nothing you can do for the minute so you just take it easy afore you collapse too.”

For the moment Adam was well aware that his family could look after things far better than he could and he shut his eyes trying to ease his aching head, but he had never felt further from sleep. He thought round in circles trying to guess Kessler’s next move, knowing that this was far from finished and that most of Virginia City would keep out of the way until they could see who had won this battle.

Eventually dawn came and with it the attackers vanished back into the saloons. When there hadn’t been any shots for more than ten minutes and with nobody in sight Ben asked his youngest son to go and fetch Doc. Adam heard that and came to his feet “Joe you be real careful please.”

Joe had seldom seen his eldest brother show his concern so clearly and he moved over to grip his arm “I’ll be careful but don’t worry I’ll be fine.”

Adam nodded someone had to go and he doubted his own ability to get as far as Doc’s, but he took up position at the window with a rifle ready to protect his little brother if necessary. Joe headed down the street without any trouble and within ten minutes he was back with Doc and the news that food was on its way, the jail clear.

Adam had gone in to Roy who had come round and was trying to apologise to Adam for getting hit and leaving him to cope alone. Adam smiled “I’m not exactly alone Roy. Clem will help and my family, we’ll cope.”

As Doc moved in to check the wound Roy passed out again and Doc sat back “I need to get him down to my office, where I can get the bullet out but I think he’ll be fine. Hoss, Clem if you two can give me a hand I think we can get him there without jostling him too much.”

The two big men nodded and Doc turned his attention to Adam “While I’m here lets get that dressing changed and then you need to go get some rest or you are going to collapse.”

Adam wanted to protest but somehow he couldn’t get the words that he wanted out and he found himself gently pushed down into a chair by his youngest brother. Ben left Joe to help Doc and took stock. Roy was out for the duration and his eldest son barely on his feet but the rest of the men needed a lead and would look to him for it. At least Kessler appeared to want the cover of darkness for his actions, at least for now, and with another full night to go. Ben made up his mind all the men looked tired and they would need their wits about them over night, so he decided to send half the men to eat and get some rest. Then they could swap over. He headed in to join his sons and see what Doc had to say. Doc was just straightening up from re-bandaging Adam’s shoulder. He smiled at Ben “No infection. Just taking time in healing I guess he’s too busy to spare the energy for his body just now. Get tomorrow over and then get him home for some peace and quiet.”

“You think he can cope until then?”

Paul laughed softly “This is Adam we are talking about. I know you expect your sons to obey you in many ways but, with all due respect, there is no way that either you or I will get Adam to leave town until Stevens is hung.”

Ben smiled ruefully and sighed “He is a mite stubborn, gets it from his mother.”

“Then he got a double ration.” Paul added and then more seriously said “He’ll keep up all the time he needs to. But try and make sure you or one of his brothers stays with him and get him to bed soon.”

Ben glanced over at Adam who seemed oblivious of the discussion between his father and the doctor. That in itself was enough to tell Ben that Adam was near the end of his tether. Ben beckoned Joe and Hoss over to him “Okay we need to get organised. Adam must get some sleep. I want you to go with him Joe, take half the men eat over at the hotel and then you get some rest. Make sure you share a room with Adam, I don’t want him on his own. Then about midday bring every one back and we’ll swap over. If Adam is still asleep, let him rest he needs it.”

Joe nodded “Sure Pa.”

Ben turned to his big son “Food is on its way Hoss so don’t worry you won’t starve.”

“Sure Pa, as long as I get some grub, I’m fine.”

Ben gave his orders to the men dividing them into two groups and then went back over to Adam and told him what he had arranged. Adam listened quietly and nodded it made sense but he needed to talk to his brothers and father first. He said as much and Ben turned “Hoss, Joe here a minute.”

The brothers came over the question clear on their faces. Adam pulled himself to his feet shrugging off Hoss’ helping hand, he was very serious as he looked from one to another “Do you three remember Sam Bryant?”

Joe stared at him as though he was mad “Well of course we do.”

“Then you remember how he tried to get Farmer Perkins out. I’m scared Kessler will try something similar.” Adam hesitated “I’d like you to all go back to the ranch just until this is over.” The expressions on all three faces were so similar that for once the three looked very alike and Adam laughed softly “Okay you don’t need to tell me that none of you are going to do that, but please be very careful. Watch your backs, keep someone with you, please.”

Ben nodded “Adam does have a point. Just take care, but for now Joe take Adam over to the hotel and both of you get some rest.”

Adam wasn’t arguing, he was so tired he was having trouble focusing and he wasn’t even interested in food. Joe arranged for some food to be sent up to the room and headed up with his brother. Adam loosened his belt and let his brother take his boots off and he was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Joe pulled a cover over him and sat down to eat himself. Then he carefully locked the doors and put a chair under it just in case someone tried to get in. He had asked for a room on the top floor with only a small window and he made sure that was locked before taking the other bed and getting some sleep himself. Joe had his gun under his pillow, close at hand just in case.

Joe had just got up when there was a soft knock on the door. He grabbed his gun and moved over to open the door a crack. He let the gun fall as he saw his big brother and Joe eased out into the corridor not wanting to disturb Adam. “What’s happening?”

“All quiet so far. Pa said for me to take over here, you get some grub and then go join him, let Adam sleep. Roy is on the mend Doc says he’ll be fine.”

Joe grinned at that “That’s great. I’d miss his ugly mug if anything happened to him.”

“How’s Adam?”

“He didn’t want anything to eat, but went out like a light soon as he laid down. Hasn’t stirred.”

“Best thing for him. I’ll get him some grub once he wakes up.”

Joe left Hoss to keep an eye on their eldest brother and headed back to the jail to join their father. As he went in he was surprised to see Ben in deep discussion with Dan Tolliver. After Dan’s little venture into kidnapping had been resolved Ben had finally persuaded him to come back and help train wranglers and do any other jobs he fancied. Dan had slowly started taking on responsibility for things round the ranch house, while José continued as the foreman out on the range. Ben had let the men sort it out between them and was very pleased with the outcome. Now Dan had come into town to let him know of Kessler’s most recent attempt to put pressure on Adam. Five men had arrived at the ranch to try and burn down the main house and the barn. They hadn’t realised just how many hands Ben employed and, even with most of them out on the range, there were three at the house as well as Hop Sing. Hop Sing had smelt the whale oil that the men were spreading around to ensure the fire took hold and slipped out and down to the bunkhouse. Dan had sent the youngest of the hands Liam over to the training corral to get the dozen hands that were there. Then with Hop Sing and Chris, he moved in on the men who were busily spreading oil around. None of them made a move until the leader straightened up and got out matches. At that Dan fired a warning shot by his feet “I wouldn’t do that.”

The five man had all turned but seeing the gang of cowboys running up from the corral all with guns out and ready and seeing the shotgun that Hop Sing was holding on them and the guns of Chris and Dan, they had given in without any argument. Dan had had them all tied up and left six men to guard them at the line shack closest to town. Then he had ridden in to report to his boss and see what Ben wanted him to do.

Ben had received a note thrown through the window attached to a stone just before Dan arrived, warning the Cartwrights to get home to their ranch if they wanted to save any of it from fire. He had been very relieved when Dan arrived with his news and the mixed feelings were still clear on his face as Joe moved over to join him. Joe frowned worried but Ben smiled at him “Its alright Joseph, Kessler tried a move out at the ranch but he didn’t reckon on Dan and Hop Sing, no damage done.”

Dan laughed “I wouldn’t quite say that old Hop Sing was yelling at everyone about that there smell. I reckon you’re safer here in town ‘til the smell fades a bit.”

Joe looked very puzzled and Ben gave him a brief summary of what had been going on. Dan confirmed that no real damage had been done. It should at least give them a few hours peace as Kessler wouldn’t know the attempt had failed until later. Joe hesitated “He must be watching and he’ll know we haven’t headed out.”

“Nothing we can do about that. I’m not leaving this jail unguarded, that would be asking for trouble, the uncertainty can only help. More importantly how is your brother?”

“He didn’t even stir when Hoss and I switched, sleeping like a baby. Bet he feels much better when he wakes up, reckon he had about had it, he was asleep within seconds once he got to bed. Hoss is on guard and he’ll make sure Adam gets a meal before he comes back over.”

“It’s all been quiet here apart from the broken window but Kessler is bound to make another attempt, probably wait until dark.”

“Time you got some sleep Pa. Have you eaten?”

“Not since this morning I’ll pop over to the hotel and get something and then come back and use Roy’s cot, get a nap.”

“Take back up Pa.”

Ben nodded and he called Clem over, he hadn’t had any rest either.” The rest of the men who had gone out with Joe had drifted back and replaced the others so they were the last two to go rest. Ben felt a lot better for a decent meal and then, as Clem was nodding off, he told him to go and use one of the rooms they had booked while he headed back to the jail to join his youngest son.

Joe had very nearly lost his temper with Stevens, who was still completely convinced that Kessler would get him out, and was making comments about Adam’s inability to keep up and having to leave things to his baby brother. Joe knew the older man was just trying to get a rise out of him and he did his best to ignore the comments but eventually knowing it was getting to him, he called in one of the others to cover the back and moved out to the front office. He was slightly surprised that his father wasn’t back but not really worried, after all Ben had Clem with him. Maybe Ben had gone up to check on Adam. As the time slowly passed and it reached an hour since Ben left, Joe began to really worry.

Ben had intended to do as he had promised his eldest son and be very careful and he was very alert, particularly on the way back to the jail alone. He had intended to keep someone with him but Clem was obviously exhausted and it was only a hundred yards down to the jail. He was very careful as he walked past alleys determined not to let anyone jump him but he hadn’t seen any danger in the smartly dressed woman in her thirties who was walking towards him. The sidewalk was narrow and Ben moved to one side to let her past but as she brushed against him he felt the gun in his ribs and she took his arm “Walk with me or I shoot.”

Ben had no choice but he knew that he had just made his sons’ job a hundred times more difficult and he found it hard to believe that twice he had let it happen, over confidence in his ability to look after himself costing them all dear. She led him down the next alley and the next thing Ben knew was the sudden darkness as he was knocked out from behind.

Joe was watching anxiously out of the window, when a young boy knocked on the door. Joe took the note that he was given and gave the boy a coin. Then fearing that he knew what was in the note, he moved through to the privacy of Roy’s room to read it, not wanting to let relative strangers see his feelings. It only took a minute and he went back out to send word to his brothers asking them to return to the jail. He was sorry to wake Adam but he knew his eldest brother would want to know as soon as possible. While he waited for them Joe found his thoughts returning to another very long night when his father had been under threat. Bryant had threatened to hang him if the Cartwrights had gone ahead and hung his man. At first Joe had been confident that they could find their father and backed Adam’s refusal to let Farmer Perkins go but as time went on he could only see his father’s dead body and wanted to give in. Adam had argued that they were safer to go ahead and Bryant was too clever to take on the law, if the law showed that it hung murderers. Joe remembered very distinctly his argument with his eldest brother. He had wanted to let Framer Perkins go and grab him again later once Pa was safe but Adam wouldn’t. He had accused Adam of gambling with his father’s life and hadn’t even listened when Adam tried to explain why he had to and why he thought everything would work out. Joe had demanded to know what Adam would do if he was wrong. Joe could still remember so clearly what he’d said so bitterly “What will you do if you’re wrong Adam. Will you go out to my father’s grave and say ‘Sorry Pa I made a big mistake.’” Equally clear was the hurt on Adam’s face as he had said quietly “He’s my father too.” Then Adam had been proved right and this time Joe was determined to back his brother all the way. He had trusted Adam to give them the right lead all his life and Adam had never let him down.

Just as Joe reached that point in his thinking he heard Hoss voice demanding to know where he was. Joe went over to the door and called his brothers in. As they came over he scanned Adam’s face, thinking his brother still looked tired and drawn. Adam went over to perch on the cot and took a deep breath before he asked “Where’s Pa?”

Joe went over to him and handed him the note “I’m sorry Adam. Pa left here with Clem just over an hour ago. He should have been back.”

Adam scanned it quickly and then passed it to Hoss, his face impassive as he tried to hide the sick feeling he had inside. This was just what he had tried to prevent.

Hoss read the threat to kill Ben Cartwright unless Stevens was released and shook his head “Seems to me we bin here before.”

Joe tried to be positive “Well it worked out then, we’ll do it again.”

Adam bit his lip “How could he, he promised.” He ran a slightly shaky hand through his hair and his two younger brothers looked at each other in consternation, Adam was always the strong one. Joe moved over and sat down next to him putting his arm round his brother’s shoulders “Easy Adam.”

Adam’s head was pounding and for the moment he couldn’t seem to think straight and he was glad to lean against his little brother’s warm strength. Joe looked up at Hoss “Has he had any food?”

“Nope”

“Well I think we had better get something down him, send someone out for some and meantime get some coffee.”

“Sure little brother” Hoss brought coffee laced with brandy and Joe persuaded Adam to drink it. Slowly Adam got control and Joe smiled “Get some grub as well and you’ll feel more human.”

“Is that a promise Joe?” Adam smiled faintly “Thanks Joe. I’m okay. Right tell me exactly what happened.”

Joe did not that it helped at all but at least Adam got his brain working. “Okay lets check first in case we’re panicking over nothing. Hoss take two men with you and go over to the hotel check to see if Pa got there and see if Clem is around.”

Joe bullied Adam into eating while they waited for Hoss to get back and, although it tasted like cardboard and he really didn’t want it, Adam found it easier to give in to his little brother and eat than to resist him. He was sitting back with coffee when Hoss reappeared and Hoss grinned at Joe for a moment, at least Adam had a bit more colour in his face, but it quickly faded as Adam asked “Well any sign of Pa?”

“No. He and Clem got there fine, had a meal and then he told Clem to go to bed that he’d be fine getting back to the jail. Clem said he was being real careful checking alleys and the like. I asked in all the stores along the way and no-one saw anything.”

Adam sighed “Well he obviously wasn’t careful enough. Okay as you said we’ve been here before. Do we go ahead and hang Stevens?”

Joe said “Last time you said that it was the only safe way to get Pa back, that if we tried anything Pa would get the first bullet. You still think that’s true?”

“I wish I knew more about Kessler.” Adam tired to ease the tightness in his neck and Hoss moved over behind him and gently massaged his brother’s right shoulder and neck “Just take it easy Adam, there’s plenty of time. What do you want us to do?”

Adam tried to get his thoughts together and slowly straightened up “Okay we should at least try and find out where they are holding him. Joe you enlist the help of the Chinese, Hoss get the kids out checking and see Dan ask him to get all his contacts working. I want to know if anyone has seen anything and then a systematic check of all buildings. Get Dan to help you he has a map of the town. Make sure that everyone knows exactly where they are checking, at least we should be able to rule out most of the town. Just maybe Kessler is underestimating us, he doesn’t know anymore about us than I do about him. Do what you can but I want you both back here at eight, it’ll be dark by then and we don’t know what will happen tonight.”

Ben came round to find himself in the dark and with a stinking headache. At first Ben was almost scared he had lost his sight but then he saw a line of light under the door. He eased himself up on the cot he had been placed on and swung his feet round. Once his head had eased a little, his memory cleared and he cursed more fluently than his sons would have believed possible. He had no doubts why he had been grabbed, it was exactly what Adam feared most. For now he was left alone and could only hope his sons would cope.

A couple of hours later the door opened and Ben was momentarily dazzled by the light. As his eyesight settled down Ben saw Kessler standing there flicking dust off his suit. He looked down on Ben and Ben decided that he preferred to be on equal terms and stood up to face Kessler. Ben saw a flicker of distaste cross the other man’s face at finding himself only the same height as his prisoner, but then Kessler reminded himself that he had the upper hand. “Your sons had better hand over my colleague Stevens or I will kill you.”

“My sons will carry out the judgement of the court.”

“If they do they will sentence you to death.”

“You harm me and my sons will take it out of your hide.”

Kessler signalled to one of the men next to him, who sent Ben flying with a punch to the jaw. “You do not threaten Mr Kessler.”

Ben stayed down knowing if he got up one of them would probably follow up but he couldn’t resist commenting “I am not threatening just stating facts.” That statement earnt him a kick in the ribs but then Kessler called his men off “Mister Cartwright You need to face facts. I have the power in this town, if you continue to fight me then you will have no sons and no ranch. Already your home is ashes and one of your sons is injured. You need to consider your priorities and then I will return so that you may write a letter to your sons giving them their instructions. You have a reputation for keeping firm control on your sons.”

“A very mistaken reputation, my sons are equal partners in the Ponderosa.”

“I do hope you are wrong in that or you may find you are dead or the sole owner of a desert.” With that comment Kessler turned his back and Ben found himself back in the dark, worried just what had been happening while he had been out of contact. Had there been a second attack and the home of so many memories really been destroyed? Or was Kessler still not aware of what had happened at the ranch? The idea hurt but it faded into insignificance when put against the concern about his sons.

Adam had settled down and tried to relax, he knew he was sore and weak and he would need to be at his best over the next twelve hours. He had his own plans for the evening, he had to force Kessler to commit himself in public, or the pressure would not be on the man in the way it had been on Bryant years earlier. He had deliberately sent his brothers out knowing they would have stopped him doing what was needed. On the other hand he didn’t want to take too much punishment so he waited until ten to eight, knowing his brothers were due back and would be about soon.

Then leaving strict orders to the men at the jail to only open up to him or one of his brothers, Adam headed down to the Golden Nugget. He refused to take anyone with him but the men at the jail decided he ought to be covered if they were going to be able to face the younger Cartwrights and two of them, Pete and Larry, followed him as he went down the street. Adam had dispensed with the sling refusing to show any sign of weakness, but he held his left arm close to his chest to ease the pain in his shoulder.

Adam knew exactly what he wanted to do and he pushed his way inside the crowded saloon and pushing one man out of his chair used it as a stepping stone up onto the table. He already had everyone’s attention but he was looking for Kessler. As soon as he saw the man step out of his office at the back Adam turned to face him. “I have an announcement to make. With sheriff Coffee out of action I am in charge of the law in this town. The law will do no deals. Stevens will be hung according to the court’s ruling at dawn tomorrow. If any harm comes to my father I will arrest you Kessler and you will also pay the penalty of the law for murder and if by any mischance the law cannot hold you then you will answer to me personally. You will die if you harm Ben Cartwright.” Adam had locked gazes with Kessler and it was the older man who broke the lock and looked away feeling somehow cold and scared.

He moved out where he was visible to everyone, knowing that if he didn’t face Adam down now, or at the very least carry out a very public reprisal, then his grip of fear on this town was a thing of the past. He said “Adam Cartwright I have already told you that if you hang Stevens then you sign your father’s death warrant. Now maybe that is what you want, maybe you have just been waiting to take over but you should discuss this with your brothers before you make a decision.”

“My brothers will back me, you touch Ben Cartwright and you die.” Adam stated coldly and scared by this man and wanting to pull him down Kessler signalled to four of his men to move in. Adam suddenly found the table he was balancing on was rocking and he leapt down wanting to get his back to a wall. Three others joined in and suddenly Adam found he was facing seven men. The rest of the people in the saloon backed off but they didn’t move to help him, scared of Kessler they would wait and see who was coming out on top in this power struggle before they took sides. Kessler stood back and watched with some satisfaction as Adam went down under the onslaught.

Adam had managed to land a couple of good blows and at least one of the men was hors de combat, leaning back against the bar holding his jaw. Another was doubled over trying to catch his breath but then a blow on his wounded shoulder sent pain through his whole body and he had sunk to his knees. He began to take a lot of punishment as the men landed kicks on him and he could only see through a red haze as the blood dripped down from a cut on his forehead. Then he heard a bellow of rage and suddenly bodies were being thrown away from him as his big brother came to stand over him and protect him. Adam relaxed knowing he was safe with Hoss there and then he heard his little brother fire his gun. Everyone backed away from the furious pair and those involved in hitting Adam turned and tried to run away. Hoss didn’t really care and relying on Joe’s levelled gun to keep them safe he bent down and picked up his older brother. Adam was just conscious and rested his head against his brother’s shoulder, sore and tired but at least he was safe. He wasn’t really aware of what was happening as Hoss glared round at the people in the bar “No-one helped him. He’s fighting your battles. You know he’s hurt and should be in bed but you let him fight seven men alone. How can you call yourself men? You deserve Kessler.”

The whole bar watched in silence and Kessler disappeared back into his office as Hoss walked out carrying his brother with Joe covering his back. As they got outside Pete ran over to help cover them and said “Larry has gone to get Doc. We tried to get in Hoss but four of Kessler’s men held us up outside.” The blood and bruises on his face was testimony to his statement and Hoss nodded “Okay Pete lets get him back to the jail.”

Pete ran ahead to ensure there was water onto boil so that Adam’s injuries could be treated, while Joe concentrated on ensuring that his brothers were safe, not letting himself think about how badly hurt his eldest brother was. Hoss was just relieved when he could ease Adam down on the cot, his brother was no lightweight and despite his strength Hoss was glad to put him down. He was even more relieved when Adam struggled to sit up but that didn’t stop him putting his hand on Adam’s shoulder “Rest easy. Doc will be here in a minute.”

Joe had a damp cloth and wiped the blood from his brother’s face and fed him some water and then chided gently “Just what do you think you were doing Adam? You talk about me being foolhardy and go take on a whole saloon alone with a hole in you.” He shook his head still unsure what had got into his brother.

Doc bustled in and he wasn’t taking any nonsense as he checked Adam over. Adam had added three cracked ribs, bruised stomach muscles and bruises over his kidneys to his injuries and he had broken open both his shoulder wound and the crease on his arm. The rest was cuts and bruises and although Adam would find it hard to eat for a day or so with a badly split lip and was going to have a spectacular black eye none of it was serious. Doc gently cleaned the wounds and then bandaged Adam’s ribs while Hoss supported his brother. He had to redo the stitches in the shoulder wound but just put a firm bandage round Adam’s arm. Then he got out some powders and was about to put one in some water but Adam shook his head “No painkillers. I’m okay.”

Doc knew Adam very well, so he put the packet down, but he sat down and forced Adam to look at him. “Alright Adam I can’t force you to drink it but you must accept that you are not fit. You rest and take it real easy for the next couple of weeks or you will be collapsing.”

“I’ll take it easy Doc.” Adam promised

Doc sighed “I thought you had more sense than to get into fights with open wounds in you, you’re worse than your youngest brother.”

Joe grinned broadly at that comment, it wasn’t often that his brother was compared unfavourably with him. Adam said rather resignedly “It wasn’t my choice Doc.”

“Well you escaped this time but don’t push your luck any further Adam, you need rest.”

Joe went out with Doc and Doc knew him well enough to give him the reassurance he needed. His elder brother would be fine, just needed some rest and a chance for his body to heal. Joe felt a little easier about that at least until he turned to go back to his brothers to see Adam impatiently pushing Hoss aside. Joe hurried over to him “What the hell are you doing Adam? Doc just got through telling you to rest.”

“There’ll be plenty of time to rest tomorrow. I need to be up and around now.”

“Well at least come over and sit down, no need to walk around.”

“Stop fussing Joe I think better on my feet.” Adam was scared that if he relaxed, his bodily weakness would take over and he’d fall asleep, and he didn’t trust his brothers to wake him up.

“Just what did you think you were doing, going into that saloon without even waiting for us to back you?” Joe demanded and his temper wasn’t improved as Adam smiled slightly “I didn’t think you two would let me do what needed doing.”

Hoss was equally worried, maybe more so he had felt his brother’s weakness and pain as he carried him, and for once the big man was barely keeping his temper “Dadburnit Adam just what was so all fired important that you had to take that big a risk? You could have been killed.”

Adam turned to face his irate brothers “Pa’s life.”

Joe frowned “I don’t understand. What good does stirring up Kessler do?”

Adam perched on the edge of Roy’s desk and tried to marshal his thoughts. “Before when we faced Bryant everyone knew what was happening. Bryant was up front as the leader. We took a chance that he was too smart to risk hurting Pa, if the law showed it would deal with murderers, and we were lucky it worked out.”

Joe stared at the ground “You took the only possible chance and we fought you every step of the way.”

Adam reached out and gripped his brother’s arm “Long time ago brother, we were all scared then. Just like now. You backed me before we knew the outcome.”

Joe straightened up “Well the important thing is now and we act together now.”

Hoss grunted “Yeah well that’s fine but you still ain’t explained why you went to the saloon.”

“Kessler is more cunning than Bryant was. He has kept very much in the background, worked through the bartenders and Stevens. I know most people know he’s the man behind them but it would be hard to prove in a court of law. I had to get to him personally. Get him to make a statement in public or there’s no pressure on him. I had to make him realise that if he harmed Pa then he would pay personally.”

“Well I reckon you made your point brother but you sure paid a price for it.” Joe gently touched the heavy bandages round Adam’s ribs.

“Nothing that won’t heal. I did wait until I knew you two would be around to pull me out. Now the town has to see I am on my feet that he didn’t hurt me.”

“Just how are you proposing to do that?” Joe asked suspiciously.

“Well little brother you are going to take care of things here and Hoss and I are going to do the rounds. It’s about the time Roy normally does his rounds.”

“Let me go with Hoss, you can barely stand up.”

“Joe this is mind games you know that as well as I do. It has to be me the town has to see that I am fine. I represent the law, it has to be me. Word will get back to Kessler and he’ll be that little bit more uncertain. He’ll know I’m coming after him.”

“Okay brother but just remember that this time you aren’t fighting alone we’re in this together.”

Adam pulled his little brother close for a moment oblivious of the other men in the jail “I hope you know how much that means little brother.”

Joe watched his brothers head out and even though he knew how good an actor Adam could be he was surprised as Adam walked confidently down the street showing no sign at all of weakness or pain. Adam headed over to the Palace where Dan de Quille was as usual writing his next contribution for the territorial Enterprise. He moved over to sit down by Dan glad of the excuse for a rest.

Dan knew Adam far better than most of the townsfolk and he could see a little way through the act and he signalled Quincy for two brandies and then seeing Hoss he queried what he wanted “Just a beer for me Dan.”

Dan passed Adam the brandy “Real sorry but we haven’t found anything. Just about checked every building in town and no sign.”

“It’s alright Dan I didn’t really expect anything else. No way to really search and, even if we do find where they are holding him, I’m not sure it will help.”

“One thing that might. We are putting out a special edition of the territorial Enterprise tonight, just two sides. A verbatim statement of what you said down at the Golden Nugget and a list of the possible charges and the provable facts against Kessler. I had to be real careful not to mess up any possible court case so I got McNeill to write the second half. It’s being printed now and we’ll be giving free copies out, down at the Golden Nugget.”

Adam grinned appreciatively at that “Thanks Dan it all helps.”

“Well as Sam always said the men is mightier than the sword.” Hoss listened to that statement and for a minute he remembered previous trouble when Sam Clemens had used humour in print to undermine an attempted land grab. Sam was now using the name Mark Twain and was being successful with his tall stories but he still kept in touch with his friends in Virginia City. Hoss wondered what Sam might have done in this situation, still at least Dan was here and working with them.

Adam drained his brandy and eased himself to his feet “See you later Dan. His mask firmly back in place Adam led the way down to Lo Tang’s but the Chinese hadn’t any news for them either. It was no great surprise and Adam simply thanked him for his help and then he was prepared to go back to the jail. He had done what he wanted and made it clear that the law, in his person, was still in control in town.

It had all been quiet at the jail in his absence but Joe was prowling around unable to settle, worried about his father and his eldest brother. Time seemed to stand still and he kept looking up and down the street scared Adam would collapse, the only thing keeping him calm was the thought that his big brother would make sure Adam was okay.

Ben had been put back in his dark cell but a little later food was brought to him and at the same time his guard tried to torment him “Your sons don’t want you back. Guess they want all that rich ranch for themselves, ain’t willing to deal.”

Ben just tried to ignore him and eat the food; he was totally confidant that his sons would be moving heaven and earth to ensure his safety. It was less easy as the man went on seeing his first jibe had got no reaction “of course it may just be your two younger ones. Ain’t sure that Adam is gonna be around much longer. Took one helluva a beating tonight, folks pure don’t like him bad mouthing Mr Kessler.”

Ben refused to give him the satisfaction of asking for details and tried to hide his feelings, but once he was plunged back into the darkness he buried his face in his hands and prayed for his eldest son. He could imagine all too clearly what Adam had been doing, but his son was already hurt, and a beating on top of that could have done untold damage. All he could do was wait and pray, trust in his younger sons to look after their brother.

Joe was relieved to finally see Adam walking back to the jail with Hoss close by, but not giving any support. That changed the minute the door shut behind them and Adam, having done what he wanted, relaxed slightly. His legs didn’t want to support him but Hoss had been expecting it and quickly put his arm round his brother and helped him through to the cot.

Hoss looked reassuringly up at Joe “Just tired, guess he could do with some coffee and I sure could.”

Joe took the hint and fetched two coffees. Then he tried to persuade Adam to at least get some sleep. At first Adam wouldn’t consider it, but when his brothers promised faithfully to call him in three hours or earlier if there was any trouble, he gave in.

Dan brought a copy of the special edition over personally. He wanted to know how Adam was first and once assured that he was resting easily, Dan went on to explain what had happened when he delivered the copies to the Golden Nugget. Dan was already busy writing up an article for the next day’s edition describing how Kessler had gone nearly purple and had torn the paper into shreds. Dan had thoroughly enjoyed commiserating with him and giving him another copy as a momento.

Kessler had reread the article and the carefully worded threat of charges, recognising the legal language and he was scared by it. He had been so sure that the Cartwrights would give in as soon as their father was at risk, everything he had heard about them in town had said they were a very close family. He kept telling himself that they were just saving face and would give way in the small hours, in the dark. He couldn’t stop checking, sending men to see what was happening at the jail but each one reported further work on the gallows, which were nearly completed. Very restless he tried to think of another way to get Stevens out but each time he tried to work out what to do he could see himself walking up the gallows steps. It had been a very profitable few months in Virginia City and he finally decided that it wasn’t worth the risk, maybe he should cut his losses and take his profit.

His mind made up he ordered one of his men to go and get a buggy from the livery and leave it out back of the Golden Nugget. Then he went up to his office and opened the safe. He had never trusted banks and so he had the money available and began stuffing it into a valise. He had no intention of having the three Cartwrights chasing him and he wrote instructions for Ben to be released and had them taken down to the men at the mine where Ben was being held.

Then he headed back into the bar and in order to keep everyone’s attention there, he ordered drinks for everyone while he slipped out the back door. Two men who had worked more closely with Kessler than most were watching his every move. The men, Schaefer and Bauer, both came from the same small German community back in Pennsylvania and they knew Kessler better than anyone. They had been running the saloons for him with Schaefer based in the Golden Nugget. Now for the first time that they could remember Kessler was running scared. As Kessler left, the pair noticed and followed seeing him get on the buggy and start to drive away, they ran after him. Kessler wasn’t very used to driving himself, he tended to take stagecoaches and trains, so when they reached the corner he gave conflicting instructions to the mare and she balked. That gave the others a chance to catch up and Bauer grabbed at the reins pulling them away from his erstwhile boss.

Kessler had no intention of giving up his money and he drew a gun and fired at Bauer catching him in the shoulder but Schaefer also fired and Kessler was knocked off the buggy, He had taken a bullet in the ribs but grabbed the valise and tried to run.

Adam had just woken up and was sipping coffee when he heard the first shot. Whatever else was going on he was still chief deputy and responsible for law and order in the town, so he grabbed a shotgun and ordered Clem to come with him. The younger brothers looked at each other, and Hoss signalled Joe to go with his brother, he would keep an eye on things at the jail in case it was a planned distraction. Joe moved in behind Adam as his elder brother headed across the streets where shots were still being interchanged. Adrenaline was sufficient for Adam to forget all his aches and pains as he signalled Clem to take one side of the alley and accepting his brother’s help motioned Joe to follow him. The three Germans were far too busy trying to get at each other to take any notice of what was happening behind them and Clem grabbed Bauer without any problem. Joe spotted Kessler and he tapped Adam’s shoulder and signalled where he was going. Very quietly Joe slipped up some stairs at the side of the alley and then dropped down on Kessler from above. As Schaefer tried to see what the noise was about Adam moved behind him and prodded him in the back with the shotgun saying “Don’t even think of moving.”

Joe rejoined his brother hauling Kessler and a large valise with him and grinning broadly “Look what I’ve found.”

Adam bit his lip wondering what to do next and decided the best thing was to get everyone back to the jail and try to sort it out there. He yelled for Clem who dragged Bauer out and then had to turn his attention to Kessler who was almost babbling at him. Adam was sore and drawn but in the dim light, dressed all in black as usual, he loomed threateningly to Kessler without even trying. Kessler tried to make him understand that no harm had come to Ben Cartwright he had ordered his release, he had sent word to the Gould and Curry to release him. Adam couldn’t make sense of what he was saying at first, as under pressure, he had reverted to his original language and was speaking in German.

Joe had heard his father’s name and the name Gould and Curry, so as soon as he had helped Adam get the three men back into the jail, he signalled two of the Ponderosa hands to come with him. They headed up to the mine to see what was going on there.

When Joe got to the mine he found four men in heated argument. Kessler’s note to let Cartwright go had arrived but one of them was a good friend of Stevens and he wasn’t about to give up on the one lever they had, which might buy his friend’s life. Two others were very used to doing what Kessler ordered and had seen his methods with people who disobeyed, so they were all for letting Ben go and getting the hell out of there. The fourth man was swayed one way and then the other but intrigued by the argument and none of them noticed Joe’s arrival until Joe fired a shot in the air and warned all the men to put their hands up.

One tried to go for his gun but got a bullet in the arm so the others did as ordered and threw down their guns. Joe kept control while the other two began tying the men up and then Joe demanded to know where his father was. Totally demoralised none of them were willing to take on the irate man with a gun and one said “He’s in a small room on the first level, we ain’t harmed him.”

The men with Joe both knew him well and told him to go find his Pa they had things under control. Joe didn’t need a second invitation and he hurried down into the mine. Normally he felt uncomfortable going below ground but this time all his concentration was on finding his father and he never gave it a thought. As soon as he reached the first level Joe called for his father. At first Ben thought he was imagining things but his youngest son’s voice was so clear he decided he had nothing to lose by answering and he called “Joe, Joe, I’m in here.”

Joe heard him and found the cell door but it was locked “Okay Pa stand clear I’m going to have to shoot out the lock. I didn’t think to bring Hoss with me to break it down.”

“Alright Son go ahead.”

It took two shots but then Joe was able to pull the door open and rushed into grab his father in a big hug “Pa are you alright?”

“I’m fine son, just rather annoyed at myself for putting more pressure on you three. How is Adam? They said he was beaten up.”

“He’ll be fine, now he can take the time to recover. Still been wandering round town.”

Joe pulled free “Come on let’s get back and you can see for yourself.”

“But how did..” Ben broke off, questions could wait, the only important one had been answered and he followed his son back to the surface. They helped the others herd their four prisoners down to the jail.

Adam had finally tuned into the German and cross-questioned Kessler in that language. He had been about to head up to the mine to get his father when Hoss said “I think little brother has beaten you to it Adam” and glancing out the window Adam saw his father and brother coming down the street.

Adam sunk down on the desk feeling suddenly weak but grinning broadly “Well I think everything else can wait for morning why don’t you lock this trio up Hoss I don’t want to see their faces. Then we’d better get Doc back to tend them.”

“Gonna be real crowded back there looks as though Joe has some prisoners too.” Hoss commented as he herded the three through. Stevens' saw who was being locked up and for the first time faced the fact that he was going to hang. He started screaming at Kessler for letting him die but Hoss just shut the door on them.

Hoss hurried through to greet his Pa and had to laugh at the self-satisfied expression on his little brother’s face, but Adam just smiled at it, “Real good job Joe. Thanks.”

Ben moved over to his eldest son and the two men studied each other for a moment both seeing signs of strain and pain. Then Ben moved to pull his eldest son closer and for a moment Adam lent into the hug, but then he pulled away all too aware of all the other men in the jail.

Adam relaxed very tired he left his brothers to explain what was going on, it was enough that his father was safe.

By the time all of them were up to date it was time for the hanging. Adam insisted that it was his responsibility and Clem would support him but he refused to let his family come with him. Adam had had the gallows set up in the back yard. He would carry out the sanction of the law but he wouldn’t enjoy it and he wouldn’t allow it to become a public spectacle. Clem had to almost carry Stevens out as he sunk to his knees and begged them not to kill him, soiling himself even before they got him to the gallows. Adam had to swallow hard to overcome the nausea but he helped Clem carry out the hanging standing watching impassively, until Stevens was dead. Then Clem patted him on the shoulder “I can cope now. Time you went got some sleep.”

“Thanks Clem.”

Adam went back into find Doc sipping coffee, he had just dealt with the injuries the three Germans had inflicted on each other and was waiting to check on Adam. As Adam appeared very pale, still feeling sick from the hanging, Doc put his cup down and went over to him. He said resignedly “I can see you’ve taken about as much notice of my advice as your younger brother does.”

Adam tried to smile but with all that he could do completed, his bodily weakness was forcing itself on his consciousness. Doc turned to Hoss “I think it’s time you got your brother back to that bed in the hotel. I’ll come with you and change his dressings.”

Joe got to his feet and went over to his father “Reckon it’s safe enough here now. I’ll stay and give Clem a hand you go with Adam.”

Ben hesitated he could see that his young son looked very tired, but Joe grinned at him “I’ll swap with Hoss in a few hours Pa, be fine.”

Ben nodded and headed over to the hotel with his sons. Adam was barely awake but he needed to talk to his father and he tried to tell Ben just how much support he had had from his brothers and how much it meant to him. Doc wasn’t taking any nonsense and he expertly fed Adam some pain killer which put him out for the count. Ben looked very worried but Doc smiled reassuringly “Nothing that won’t heal, but he’s been overdoing things and I want to check his injuries and take my time over it. Make sure they are all healing, we don’t want any infection.”

Half an hour later Doc straightened up “Well I’m not sure he deserves it the way he’s been pushing himself, but everything is healing fine. Let him have his sleep out and then get him home for some of Hop Sing’s cooking. He’s due to go east again, in what just over a fortnight?”

Ben nodded “Fortnight on Friday.”

“I think for once he will take some fussing and given it he will be just about fit. For sure he’ll be fitter than when he headed of last time.”

“Thanks Paul.”

“I’ll come out the day after tomorrow and check him over for you but I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

When Joe swapped with his brother he was so tired he went out like a light and he was still sleeping when Adam woke up about four hours later. For the first time Adam was hungry as his stomach let him know how many meals he had missed but his first thought as he eased himself up was for his father and his brothers. Ben was sitting half dozing in a chair and Joe was curled up in the other bed, the blankets half on the floor as always. Adam rested on one elbow watching his little brother when Ben stirred. He considered his eldest son for a moment “You look very pleased with yourself Son.”

“Well we have you back safe, Kessler is in jail, his power completely broken.”

Ben raised his eyebrow questioningly knowing none of that explained the look on his son’s face. Adam grinned knowing his father so well “My brothers have matured so much Pa. They gave me so much support. Don’t tell them or I’ll never live it down but they really are men to rely on.”

Ben punched his eldest son gently “They have been for a while. Just takes you time to adjust to anything new.”

A week later, trials had been held and all of their prisoners dispatched to the State Pen for varying lengths of time. Roy was back on his feet, if not on the job, and Clem was enjoying a fairly peaceful time in charge. Adam had accepted a couple of days of his family fussing and then reverted to normal much to their relief, but he did crave their company, as his return to his studies loomed large. Being laid up had given him the chance to complete all the assignments he had been asked for and he had already sent those back to Harvard. He had then concentrated on clearing as much paperwork as he could for his father and made sure that the books were completely accurate and up to date.

Ben consulted with his son before he arranged a party on the final Saturday before Adam headed east. This time Adam was pleased with the idea, a chance to say goodbye to a lot of old friends, but only a temporary goodbye because he would be back to see them the following summer. He would still have three days with his family before catching the stage early on Wednesday.

Adam thoroughly enjoyed the party and he was persuaded to get his guitar out and play a Spanish Flamenco and then give them a couple of songs. He had just firmly refused to do another song, when he saw his big brother push out of the door almost blindly. Adam could see that Hoss was upset and he excused himself and went out to look for his brother. He found Hoss over behind the barn, his shoulders slumped and his head in his hands. Adam moved swiftly over to him and gripped his arm “Do you want to tell me about it?”

“It’s your party. You should be in there having a good time.”

“Yeah and I’m sure going to do that with you out here, with the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

Hoss straightened up a little “I don’t mean to spoil things.”

“You could never do that big brother but I think you need to talk. What suddenly upset you? You usually like me playing the guitar.”

“That’s the point Adam. You ain’t bin here for the last two Christmases and you ain’t gonna be here again this year. It just, it’s not the same Adam, I sure miss you playing and singing those carols. Guess I suddenly realised that I would have to face another Christmas without it.”

Adam sighed heavily, he had never had it brought home so clearly the cost there was for his family. He put his arm round his brother “I only wish I could get home Hoss but it is only a ten day break and it takes longer than that to travel in one direction. I do miss all of you so much.”

Hoss straightened up “I didn’t mean for you to know.”

“Come on brother, we have never managed to keep secrets from each other. I can’t change anything this year I won’t be here but I give you my word that I will do all I can to make this the last Christmas I miss.”

Hoss turned and gripped his brother’s arms staring into Adam’s eyes as though he could read the truth there. “You really coming back to stay?”

Adam smiled “I can’t predict the future Hoss and I won’t make promises I can’t keep. Ten years down the line I may need to go but at the moment all I want is to come back and settle back here, with all of you, on the land I love. I have seen so many of the things I have dreamt of for years, but somehow they aren’t enough. This place is where I put down roots as a kid and I guess it still calls me home.”

Hoss grinned “That’s good enough for me, brother. You reckon there’s still any of that cherry pie left?”

“Let’s go see big brother” and linking arms the pair returned to the party. Ben and Joe had seen the same as Adam but when Joe had been prepared to follow his brothers, Ben had stopped him “Leave it to Adam.” They were both standing over by Ben’s desk sipping punch when they saw the brothers come in and Joe grinned at his father “I think I’ll go claim a dance with Suzanna.”

Ben relaxed whatever had been wrong with Hoss his eldest son seemed to have dealt with it and he joined his sons in dancing. The party went on late into the night and then Adam took his leave of everyone as they slowly headed back to town.

For once the Cartwrights were not going to church the following day. They had their own place where they would offer their prayers to God. Hop Sing made them up a picnic and after they had straightened up the house the four men headed up to the lake. For a while they just stood looking over at the view. Then Adam moved over behind his father and younger brother “Just in case there’s any confusion, I think I’d better tell you two what I told Hoss last night. I don’t know exactly what the future will bring and I won’t make promises I’m not sure I can keep but I will be back for the summer work and for the foreseeable future. I told Hoss I will miss all of you at Christmas this year and I don’t intend that to happen again after this year.”

Joe pulled away and turned round to face his brother “You really mean that Adam?”

“I don’t say things I don’t mean little brother. Reckon I have had my fill of wandering for now.” Adam grinned “I’ve found a grown up little brother back here and I guess I want to come home and work with him.”

“My God, Adam in front of witnesses too.”

Adam laughed but reached deftly for Joe’s ribs just where he was most ticklish “Maybe I should have said near grown.” Ben stood back as his two sons wrestled like kids and soon drew Hoss in to join them.

Later after a meal, Joe went of to fish and Hoss dozed off leaving Adam with his father. Adam lazed back “Okay Pa what’s the matter?”

“What you said earlier.”

“Don’t you want me home Pa?”

“You know better than that. You’ve always been my right hand man since we set out to walk west. I just don’t want you staying because of some sense of obligation. You have given so much to this family to this ranch, but you must live your own life.”

“When I left I half intended to build something somewhere else, my own Ponderosa if you like. You knew that, so did my brothers I think. That’s why you were all so upset. I promised I would come back but I didn’t promise to stay. Trouble is nowhere I went measured up to right here. I saw things I had dreamt about all my life and I enjoyed it but I missed you and my brothers. I think I know what I want now and I think I can only build it here. As I said I don’t know if I’ll feel different ten years down the line, but I can assure you this is no sense of obligation.”

Ben moved over and gripped his eldest son’s shoulder “You couldn’t have said anything, which would have pleased me more.”

The four of them sat up by the lake until sunset, enjoying each other’s company and the view, building up some memories to carry then over the six months that Adam was going to be away. It was a day none of them would forget in a hurry and it proved sufficient on the Wednesday morning for them to take their leave of each other reasonably cheerfully. This time all three Cartwrights rode home together, confident that Adam would return from Boston in the spring, and their family would be complete again.

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