Adam and Carole

by Lyn Robinson

In the weeks after Marie’s death Joe remained at Adam’s, working very hard to ensure he went to bed exhausted. It took him two weeks to pluck up the courage to go back to the main house and up to his own room. He stood staring at the bed for a long while, wracked by memories of those terrible hours as he’d sat by her bed while she screamed in agony, gradually realising that he was losing her. He bit his lip determined not to cry out, but gradually the memories of hell were replaced by memories of the good times and he calmed down, He was drenched in sweat and he washed and changed before going downstairs. His father noticed but didn’t comment.

Joe forced himself to go back to his room over the next weeks and gradually the painful memories ceased to torment him but he couldn’t quite face sleeping there yet.

His family and even the hands were very good, letting him lead the conversation. Joe knew how they felt and words couldn’t help so they didn’t upset him with protestations of sympathy. He’d had telegrams from Will and Laura and from Edwin but at least they were short.

The first time he went into town was the hardest of all to take. His father had left it up to him but Joe wouldn’t avoid it. He knew that it would build up into an even bigger threat the longer he left it and so a few days after moving into Adam’s, he asked his eldest brother to go into town with him to collect the stores. Adam went along with him, knowing just what an ordeal it would be. Those who knew Joe best, Dan, Roy, Beth, Mitch and a few others said the least. Too many rather more casual friends and acquaintances offered sympathy in clumsy words of comfort. Joe listened in silence while Adam did his best to shield his brother. By the time the stores were loaded Joe was very pale and drawn, so Adam decided to forego the usual beer and head straight on home. It wasn’t until they were well clear of other traffic that Joe gave in and buried his face in his hands. Adam didn’t try to talk to his brother, just put an arm round his shoulders and passed over his own hip flask brought specially, just in case. Joe sipped the neat brandy gratefully and once Adam felt him relax slightly he drove on home, leaving his brother to recover in his own time. By the time they reached the house Joe had calmed down and regained his colour. They had several horses requiring breaking and Joe asked Adam if he would mind dealing with the stores while he went to the horses. Adam gripped his shoulder “Sure Joe, you just be real careful.”

“Promise brother.” Joe forced a smile and then drove of some of his frustrations in the hard work. Over the next weeks Joe went to town as necessary and as the weeks passed and he had met all those who knew him he no longer had to face the condolences, meant so well but so painful.

As Carole got nearer her time she became very bulky indeed. Paul was puzzled the baby didn’t appear to be particularly big and he began to suspect that she might be carrying twins. He couldn’t feel two babies but sometimes one was masked by the other, so that didn’t necessarily prove anything. He questioned Carole but there was no record of twins in her family as far as she knew. She had nothing to compare with for the amount of activity of the baby but she did tell Doc it seemed fairly continuous. Doc couldn’t be sure but he told her that she should be prepared for the possibility, in which case they would probably be early. Carole asked him not to mention the possibility to Adam, who was worried enough anyway. Doc willingly agreed, he knew Adam well enough to see how worried he was and given recent events it came as no great surprise. He did however have a quiet word with Ben and mentioned the possibility. Ben knew of none in his family or Elizabeth’s, although Will did have twins. Doc shrugged, not really relevant it has to affect the woman. Ben also strongly backed Carole, Adam shouldn’t be told.

Adam was withdrawing more and more into a shell as the days passed. He tried very hard to hide his concerns from Carole with limited success, but he couldn’t hide it from his father and brothers. As the end of May approached, he was less and less inclined to leave the house just in case and gradually Ben formed the habit of coming over and working with Adam in his study.

After staying a month Joe felt he could face sleeping in his own room again. He was still uncertain how Adam and Carole really felt about having him around all the time, even though he did spend a lot of the time out working, or at the Lake or in his room. He sounded Adam out, uncertain whether his brother wanted him there or not, but as soon as he mentioned thinking about going home Adam begged him to stay at least until the baby came. One of his recurring nightmares was of Carole starting labour in the middle of the night and having to leave her to get help. He had vaguely intended to get someone to come and stay anyway. Joe was perfectly willing to stay if he could be of some use and reassured his brother. Adam was grateful but he sank back into his own thoughts. He was miles away and it was very obvious the thoughts weren’t pleasant. It was late in the evening and the brothers were alone in the study. Carole had had been very restless the previous night and tired she had headed up early.

Joe went and fetched fresh coffee and put it down on the table “Want some Adam?”

Adam was totally oblivious of his presence and looked to be in the depths of despair so Joe moved over to him and gripped his shoulder “Want to talk Adam? Sometimes it helps.”

Adam looked up at his brother, wanting to talk but determined not to do anything to upset Joe any more, he was torn in two. Joe smiled. Just some times he found his brother very easy to read “It’s okay Adam if you want to talk. I’ve been there I do know how you feel. You helped me then; maybe I can repay the favour. One of the last things Marie asked me was to try and help you over these last few weeks, she knew you were bound to be worried sick and she was very fond of you.”

Adam sat in silence for a minute and then smiled ruefully “She knew me very well.”

“She loved you. Once, not so long ago, you told me not to worry so much because if the worst happened I would be able to face it and all I was doing was ruining the present, instead of building up a stock of memories, just in case. I took your advice very seriously and tried to make every day the very best I could. Thanks to that I now have a very precious store of memories.”

Adam stared into the fire “I’m so scared of losing her Joe, I made her pregnant but now I can’t help her. She has to face the risks, the pain, on her own.”

“I had the one consolation that it wasn’t my child, the die was cast, but a few months later it would have been. Marie wanted children, so does Carole. She won’t be alone Adam. You’ll be able to help her as I helped Marie, I know I did. It was hell but my being there helped her and God was there, I couldn’t feel him but Marie did, right up to the end. She was so sure. He’ll be with Carole too.”

Adam was slightly surprised; he had realised that the tragedy had strengthened Joe’s faith rather than ending it, as his brother had feared. Joe saw the surprise and smiled, “Marie had faith, it sort of rubbed off on me. In that last hour before she died she wanted me to read the 23^rd psalm. She’d always loved it and ever since it’s sort of running in the background of my thoughts. I’ve come to believe it, maybe because I had to believe to stay sane. Carole means a lot to me and, for her sake as well as yours, I pray everything will be fine. But if the worst should happen you’d survive. I wouldn’t want my worst enemy to have to live through these last few weeks but from somewhere you get the strength. I don’t know whether it’s God or what but somewhere. At first I could only carry on by facing life an hour at a time. Then I could manage to think of days ahead, now I can face weeks. If I look into the future it still stretches ahead empty and lonely but I got through last week so I can manage next and slowly I think its getting easier. Outside things are beginning to matter again. Pa said time will heal the pain and I’m beginning to believe him. You’re as strong as I am. If you had to you could live with it. But you won’t, Carole’s so much stronger than Marie was; she hasn’t years of deprivation working against her. She wouldn’t want it any other way. She’s so proud to be carrying your child.”

Joe fell quiet, unsure whether anything he’d said had helped. It was the first time he had spoken about the way he felt. It was impossible to really explain.

Adam didn’t answer but after a few minutes he went over and got the decanter of brandy. He poured out coffee and put brandy in it. “Join me Joe?”

Joe nodded and Adam passed him a cup. Adam sipped his coffee and then looked up “Thanks little brother. I think I shall be able to sleep tonight. He squeezed his brother’s neck affectionately and then headed for bed.

Adam didn’t refer back to the subject, but over the next few days Joe was pleased to see his brother was calmer, still very worried, but more in command of himself. Even their father noticed and asked Joe if he knew why. Joe was riding alongside Ben on the way to the roundup “We had a long talk Pa. He helped me and I have some wonderful memories because of it, maybe I’ve partly repaid the favour,”

Ben didn’t press for details but knowing what it must have cost his youngest son, he felt very proud of him and that was clear enough on his face to warm Joe.

They concentrated on the work, cutting out a thousand head of prime animals to take up to the army, in Utah well south of Salt Lake City. It was unusual for them this early in the year but the army had offered excellent terms. The drive would take about three and a half weeks with luck and Joe was going to take it. He hoped to be back before the baby arrived. While he was away Hoss was going to sleep at his brother’s for Adam’s peace of mind.

Joe had an adequate number of men for the drive; all experienced men but none of them were close friends. They were aware of his bereavement and left him alone. Joe enjoyed the hard work and early in the year it was an easy trip with plenty of water available and they made good time, with no losses. When they had settled with the army Joe left the men to make their own way back and headed back alone, as fast as he could. He went straight to Virginia City to pay in the bank draft. Then with that done he went over to the Palace for a beer before heading home.

Dan was over in the corner and seeing Joe come in he called him over. Joe tired after pushing hard on the way home, sank into a chair and drained half his beer in one. Then he considered his old friend, “What news Dan?”

“No change at the ranch if that’s what you’re wondering.”

“Partly I wanted to get back in case I can help Adam.”

Dan considered his friend “You’re looking better Joe. Good drive?”

“Yeah. No problems for once. Have you seen Adam?”

“Not for more than a week but Hoss was in yesterday. He said Carole’s fine, Adam like quicksilver. Very good with Carole and in reaction taking it out on both Hoss and your Pa.”

Joe shook his head, “poor old Adam. When he loses his calm the whole world does tend to know, doesn’t often happen but... He was worried enough anyway and after Marie...” Joe’s voice tailed off and he took a drink of his beer. Then he changed the subject “What’s the latest on the Consolidated Virginia?”

“Nothing yet. My spies in Frisco say Sharon has been boasting to Ralston how he’s getting back the money you lot took from the Bank over the Hale and Norcross.”

“It’s early days yet.”

“True but that mine may never make you rich.”

“I don’t really care Dan, except that I’d like to beat Sharon again. I have enough money for me, I had plans if I was rich but without Marie they don’t matter.”

Dan considered Joe and then carefully picking his words he said, "I didn’t bother you at the time Joe, you knew how we felt but we all miss her. She was a very sweet lady.”

Joe smiled and drained his beer to lose the lump in his throat. Then he stood up “Thanks Dan. Still life goes on. Maybe I’d better get home try to help Pa and Hoss cope with Adam. He’s normally even tempered but when it does go, oh boy does the whole world know about it.”

Dan watched Joe leave and Roy came over to join him “Young Joe looks better.”

“Maybe. Hiding it better at a guess. Poor old Joe, lets hope Adam has more luck.”

Joe made a brief stop at the Lake and then rode into Adam’s house to find all his family in the study. Having filled them in on the drive, he went up to wash and change before dinner.

Over dinner Adam was very quiet but when Carole admitted to being tired and headed for bed, Adam grabbed his coat and went out to get Sport and rode off. They were using separate beds over the last few weeks, as Carole was too restless to want anyone with her, sleeping better alone.

Joe caught the look between Ben and Hoss as his elder brother walked out and he went and poured a drink “Alright what’s going on?”

Ben shook his head “Nothing really. Adam’s very tense. He has been biting both our heads of as soon as we say anything this last couple of weeks. It’s partly he’s tired out. This is the sixth night running that he’s ridden out as soon as Carole goes to bed.”

Hoss went on “On past form he won’t be back until three or four in the morning and he’ll still be up by six.”

Joe sighed “I thought he looked tired. Have you tried talking to him Pa?”

“Yes, but I got firmly side tracked.”

“I’ll have a go tomorrow. At least it’s not long before the baby is due.”

Ben said, “Doc thinks it may be early, Carole is very big, he thinks there’s a possibility of twins, but if so one is hidden behind the other, he can’t feel it.”

Joe frowned “Does Adam know?”

“No. Carole told Doc not to worry him with the possibility. He’s in a near panic anyway”

Hoss decided to go back home now that Joe was back, He wasn’t really comfortable in any bed other than his own specially made big one.

Joe was restless and decided to wait up for his eldest brother and he was curled up by the fire reading one of the novels he had bought in Sacramento, when Adam finally got home.

Adam felt stifled in the house. He was doing the very best he could to stay calm while Carole was there. She was feeling fit and well, a trifle impatient for the baby to come, wondering what it or they were like. At least if it was twins she had plenty of clothes having all those made for Marie’s baby. She was surprised herself how sure she was that everything was going to be alright. The baby was strong and healthy, the bruises on her ribs testified to that and even memories of Marie’s ordeal no longer frightened her so much. She knew that there would be pain but it was something she would willingly put up with just to be able to hold her baby. Adam had been surprised how calm she was but had come to realise it wasn’t just an act. She helped him while she was up but when she went to bed, the full force of his fear and depression came down on him and he felt the need to get out in the air to breathe. Trusting his brother to look after Carole, he rode for hours until he was so tired he could hardly stay in the saddle before returning home to get some sleep.

That night he was surprised to see a light still on in his study and when he went in he found Joe.

Adam was almost angry as he said “What are you doing up Joe? I though you said at dinner that you were tired.”

“I could ask you the same question big brother. You didn’t have to say you were tired, you look exhausted.”

“You waiting up for me Little Joe?”

“Yeah.” Joe put his arm on his brother’s arm seeing the anger. “You can’t go on like this Adam. It’s not fair on Carole. There’s not much point in insisting on Hoss or I staying here, if you spend the night riding heaven knows where. The baby is due in ten days and it could easily come early and we wouldn’t even know where to find you.”

“Don’t you think I’ve been telling myself that Joe.” Adam pulled away and moved over to the window to lean his aching head against the cool glass. Joe moved over behind him and gripped his brother’s shoulders. Adam went on “I know it’s senseless but I just can’t breathe in the house. I feel as though I could scream, worse than any claustrophobia I’ve felt down the mines.”

Adam was shivering at the thought of it and Joe realised just what a state his brother had got himself into. He had never known Adam so scared before and wasn’t at all sure how to help. Adam buried his face in his hands not wanting his little brother to see the naked fear and panic. Joe went and poured a large brandy and then gently forced his brother back over to a chair. He passed Adam the brandy before moving behind him and again gripping his shoulders. Adam sipped the brandy and slowly Joe felt him relax a little under his hands. Joe sighed, “Easy Adam. It’s alright only me and I do know how you feel.”

Adam looked up at his brother but he couldn’t talk about it and Joe didn’t know any words, which could help so he just slipped onto the arm of the chair and rested his arm, round his brother. Adam relaxed against him for a few minutes grateful for his company and silent understanding. Eventually he got to his feet “Bed Joe. I’m glad you’re back.”

Joe grinned and followed his brother up.

The next day Adam was very quiet but that night when Carole went to bed, he only went as far as the barn, where he started to make and carve decorations on a cot. They already had a rocking crib but this was a larger one. He worked late but went to bed about one, which was at least an improvement.

Little Joe told his father and Hoss the next day and Ben was pleased to get that much, “It’s all you can do Joe, more than we managed. Nothing is really going to help until the baby arrives not long now.”

In fact it was three days later on the 19^th of June that the pains began. Carole had been sitting by the fire reading when she felt a slight pain. Unsure whether it meant anything she carried on reading and a quarter of an hour later felt it again. She knew she wasn’t going to sleep until she was sure it meant nothing so she stayed where she was reading by the fire, instead of going to bed.

She wasn’t sure yet and wasn’t about to tell Adam, he would head straight for the Doc and it could too easily be a false alarm. The pains began to come regularly every ten minutes. They were only lasting ten seconds or so, no worse than period pains so far and Carole tried to lose herself in her book.

About an hour later Adam suddenly realised how much later it was than her normal bedtime “It’s quite late darling aren’t you going to bed?”

“Oh I think I’ll finish my book I’m not that sleepy.”

Adam stared at her hearing the undercurrent of excitement in her voice. “Are you alright Carole?”

“Fine darling don’t look so worried.”

“Has it started?”

“I’m not sure Adam, maybe.”

“Shall I get Joe to fetch Doc?”

“Not yet Adam it may be a false alarm. Either way there’s plenty of time.”

Adam stared at her and seeing the slight tightening of her lips as the next pain he moved over and knelt down by her taking her hand “Does it hurt love”

“Not really pet. I have worse each month usually. Don’t worry with luck our child will be with us in a few hours.”

“I’m going to send for Doc.”

“Not yet Adam.”

Adam got up “Yes now. I’m not taking any chances.” He turned to his brother who had been hovering in the background and looked at him, "Joe?”

“I’m on my way Adam, be back soon.”

Joe kissed Carole’s forehead and hurried out. Adam wanted to carry her to bed but Carole just laughed at him, “I am not going to bed yet and I don’t need carrying. I’m no invalid, it's all perfectly natural. We’ll be fine I promise.”

Adam looked unconvinced but now things had come to a head he was calmer than he had been.

Little Joe had stopped by the main house on the way to town and woke his father to tell him what was happening; sure that Adam would need their support.

Ben and Hoss both rode over to see if there was anything that they could do to help. Carole came to let them in to her husband’s disgust. She grinned happily at them “I’m glad you’re here maybe you can persuade Adam that I don’t need carrying to bed! Not yet at any rate.”

Ben kissed her “Take it easy young lady, you’ll need your strength,”

Carole grinned but she did go and curl up by the fire “But I’m fine honest.”

As time passed the pains began to be more frequent and after an hour and a half. They were every five minutes and lasting thirty seconds to so. They were beginning to be painful now and Carole was glad Joe had gone for the Doc. She asked Adam to rub her back as the pains took her and at last agreed to his repeated requests to go to bed. She still laughed at him when he wanted to carry her up. She waited until after a pain and then went up. Adam went with her but even then she wouldn’t go to bed, busying herself stripping the bed, covering it with paper and putting old sheets on to minimise the mess and damage. Adam protested in vain but all he could do was to help as Carole grinned and insisted that she was fine and would rather keep busy, that it was going to be a long time yet.

When the Doc arrived he examined her carefully. The contractions were quite strong about every four minutes and lasting 40 seconds but they didn’t seem to be achieving much. He took her pulse and reassured Adam as best he could, she was fine. He stayed by Carole, not wanting another tragedy and after a further hour he was sure that it was going to be a long job. Carole was still quite calm although the pains were hurting quite badly now. The Doc decided he’d better warn them both what to expect. He sent Adam to get some coffee and then sat down by Carole. “There’s nothing to worry about young lady but I’m afraid it is going to be a long job. You’re strong and the baby has always been kicking strongly and still is; but it’s not lying quite right. The contractions are good and strong but they aren’t having much effect.” He explained why he thought there would be a delay and Carole listened quietly, When he’d finished she said “My mother was in labour nearly two days with me and over a day with my younger brother. Do you think I’m like her?”

“It certainly looks like it. I want to examine you to check, if you’ll let me?”

“Go ahead Doc.”

“Just relax and I’ll try not to hurt.”

Carole had a great deal of trust in the Doc. She owed him twice over for her husband’s life. So she did as he asked and it only took him a minute. As Doc washed up he said “It’s as I thought Carole, you’ve barely started to dilate the neck of the womb, I doubt the baby will arrive today.”

She bit her lip “Will it harm the baby?”

Doc smiled reassuringly at her “No it’s still being fed and you’re strong.”

“Oh well we’ll manage the 21^st, it’s a nice day for a birthday. Do me a favour Doc, explain to Adam and make him understand that a delay is no reason for panic.”

“Of course Carole, I’ll go have a word, will you be alright on your own for a few minutes?”

Far more concerned about her husband than herself, Carole smiled “Of course.”

Not long after Doc went out, the door opened and Joe put his head round. "Doc said he wants to talk to Adam. I’m a good back rubber if you want some company?”

Carole smiled “Please Joe. I’d like a word anyway if you’re sure?”

Joe went in and sat by the bed, memories hit him but he hid all sign of it. Marie had his promise to help them, now was the time to redeem it.

Carole explained why the Doc had wanted to talk to Adam, Joe listened in silence and as she finished he rubbed her back as a pain caught her. “What do you want me to do?”

“Try and keep Adam sane. Make him believe that I’m okay, he’s had much worse pain, I’m glad of it if tomorrow I can hold my child see what he looks like, feel him suckle,”

Little Joe smiled “Aren’t you supposed to wait t see what sex it is?”

“It’s a boy Joe. I’ve always been sure of that. In fact I’m almost sure it’s two boys, but don’t tell Adam. You can tell him that I’m sure we’ll both be fine.”

Joe kissed her forehead just as another pain took her and rubbed her back almost automatically. As she focused again he smiled “I’ll do my best you just take it as easy as you can. He’ll be fine as soon as the baby is born and despite the look of him he’ll make out. He’s calmer now than he was waiting for you to start.”

Downstairs in the study, Doc was trying to explain to Adam why it was going to be a long job. “First please believe me Adam there’s no reason to get worried. It’s not straightforward but that’s because of the way Carole is built. From what she tells me she takes after her mother.”

Adam stared at the Doc trying to work out whether he meant what he said or was just trying to be reassuring. Paul met his gaze and slowly Adam relaxed slightly and nodded “Okay Doc I believe you, now please explain.”

“Well before the baby can come out it has to open the neck of the womb. The contractions force the baby’s head down onto the elastic neck of the womb and slowly it opens enough for the head to pass through and then through the pelvis and out. Now in Carole’s case the opening in the pelvis through which the baby comes is further back than normal. There’s no problem, it’s plenty big enough for the child but because it’s further back the baby’s head is at an angle, only slight but enough to cause it to only press on part of the neck of the womb. This means that the contractions don’t have as much effect as they should.” He sketched out what he meant for Adam and Adam stared at it “What does it mean Paul?”

“It takes two or three times as long depending on just how angled the head is. Carole has rather more pain to put up with but she and the baby are fine and strong so there’s no reason to worry. Her pulse isn’t even fast yet.”

Adam studied his old friend’s eyes as though he’d find the truth there and then trusting in Paul as he had so often over the years he accepted what Doc said “Can you stay Paul?”

Paul nodded, he couldn’t sit through every woman’s labour but the Cartwrights were very old friends and after Marie’s tragedy he would do everything in his power to ensure this was a successful birth. He smiled at Adam “Yes. I don’t think she’ll need me but if it goes on a long time and she’s tired, she may need a little help. We won’t take any risks. Anything really urgent and my wife knows where I am. You try and keep calm Adam. Carole is more worried about you than her or the baby.”

“I’m okay Paul. I’d better get back to her.”

“She’s not alone Adam. Little Joe went up to her.”

Adam stared in disbelief knowing how it must bring back painful memories for his brother.

Doc grinned, “I know but he’s very fond of Carole and determined to help. We talked on the way out and I think he’s coming out of the worst of it. Once Carole’s safely delivered I think he’ll begin to forget.”

Adam sighed heavily “I hope you’re right.” Then he headed on upstairs leaving Doc to explain to Ben and Hoss just what was going on. Ben was worried both about Carole and Adam. Doc said “It’s a pity there should be this problem, it can be dangerous if it takes too long and too much of the woman’s strength before the final stage. That’s why I’ll stay but Carole’s strong and I don’t really expect problems. It’s Adam, who will suffer most in some ways. After Marie I hoped she’d be quick. I know what a state he’s got into.”

Ben sighed heavily “Even before that, ever since he knew she was pregnant. Result of losing his own mother at birth I guess,”

Hoss said “Cheer up Pa. Adam’s strong and he’s got himself well under control, It’ll only be a few hours, we’ve been through worrying hours before.”

Ben smiled at his big son “Sure Hoss. Thanks Doc for filling us in. please keep us up to date will you?”

“Of course.”

Upstairs Joe had been about to take his leave when Adam came in but Carole took his hand “Would you mind staying Joe, I’m getting very bored with this and if you don’t mind breaks in attention every so often I fancy a game of cards.”

Adam stared at her in utter astonishment but she just grinned at him “Honest my love, apart from the pains, which aren’t really bad, yet I feel fine. We have to do something to pass the time if our son is going to be long winded, something reasonable mindless.”

Joe laughed at his brother “I’ll go and get the cards.”

Adam sat down on the bed and looked anxiously at his wife “I’m alright my love you don’t have to put on an act for me.”

“I’m not darling, honest. So far it’s not too bad.”

When Joe came back up Ben Hoss and Doc were with him and he had a tray with coffee and cookies and the brandy. Carole looked longingly at the coffee and Doc grinned, “Go ahead but no food and no alcohol. She was pleased to see the others and for several hours they sat playing cards as slowly the contractions got a little stronger. By dawn they were more frequent and Doc nodded to Ben, who excused himself, Hoss and Joe. Carole made Joe promise to fetch Adam for breakfast once it was ready. He went down to please her but couldn’t eat anything, just pushing the food around on is plate as he drank two more cups of coffee.

The contractions had settled down lasting about a minute every two and a half minutes, They were painful now, especially in the small of her back but bearable. While Adam was downstairs Doc examined her again “You’re making progress but not very much. It’s going to carry on like this, probably for the rest of the day.”

Carole smiled “I can cope.”

Adam stayed with her all day, rubbing her back giving her the towels to cling to as the pains hit, while the others popped in from time to time with coffee and offers of food. By nighttime Carole was running a temperature, her pulse was fast and she could no longer help moaning as the pains hit her. Doc sent Adam out and examined her again as he finished he said, “That’s a girl. Keep your chin up, you’re beginning to get there now,”

“I’m okay Doc.”
“Sure you are Carole. You’re a brave girl and we’ll soon have your baby here. It’s still kicking hard in there getting impatient to see the world.”

When Adam came back up Doc tried to reassure him, the head was further down now and things should begin to move a little faster.” Adam had seen for himself that Carole’s pulse and temperature were up and he queried it, Doc shrugged “What do you expect Adam. It’s very tiring they don’t call it labour for nothing, but she’s strong and a day or two’s sleep afterwards will take care of that.”

Adam sat by her all night getting more and more scared as things dragged on. Carole tired now and getting scared for the baby could no longer try and hide the pain at all and moaned as the pains came. Doc saw Adam getting more pale and drawn and as the dawn approached he insisted Adam go and get some fresh air for a few minutes, saying that he wanted to examine Carole.

The moans of a woman in labour are very similar and Carole sounded too much like Marie for Joe. His father watched him gradually lose colour and tried to persuade him to leave. Joe wouldn’t but he did go outside where he could no longer hear the moans.

Hoss was pacing up and down “How much longer Pa?”

“I don’t know but last time I spoke to Paul he said it would be several hours yet.”

When Adam came down he looked on the verge of collapse, even his lips seemed bloodless and Ben hurried over to his son “Any change?”

Adam shook his head “Not really her pulse is faster temperature up. Doc says it’s only to be expected. He wanted to examine her sent me out.”

“Take it easy Son. You ought to have something to eat.”

“I couldn’t Pa. I think I’ll get some fresh air.”

Ben let him go out knowing nothing would really help Adam until the baby was born. Adam went over to the corral fence and lent on it.” Joe saw his brother and came over to join him "Tell me if you want me to clear off?” Adam didn't seem to notice the words but he turned to Joe “How much more can she take Joe?”

Joe smiled and gripped his arm “Easy Adam. She’ll be fine, She’s strong, people can take a lot of pain. You of all people ought to know that. What makes you think that you’re so much stronger than she is?”

Adam stared at his brother, that was a new idea to him and he didn’t try to answer but calmed down a little. For quarter of an hour the brothers stood side by side watching the dawn break, They didn’t speak both praying for Carole and thinking of Marie, but Adam was very grateful for his brother’s presence, knowing that Joe knew how he felt. He gradually got back in control of himself. Eventually he turned to go in, he gripped Joe’s arm “Thanks little brother.” Then he went back up to join Carole.

Little Joe stood watching Adam go back in and a minute, later Hoss came out to join him “He looks a bit better than when he came down but if this goes on much longer he’s going to collapse. I ain’t never seen him so drawn apart from when he was badly hurt.”

Joe tried to reassure his worried big brother “Don’t forget Hoss he’s still not fully recovered his strength after that pneumonia. He’s done well not to lose ground these last weeks.”

“Pa said the same. How much longer can a baby take?”

“I wish I knew Hoss. Marie seemed to take forever but it was only a fraction of this. I know how he feels, he’ll stay with her in case he can help, wishing there was some way he could take her pain on himself. Each minute feels like an hour. According to Doc it’s only to be expected that her temperature will rise pulse weaken but Adam looks as thought he’s just about convinced himself he’s going to lose her. I don’t know what hell is but Adam’s as near to it now as he’ll ever be.”

Hoss put his arm round his brother’s shoulders “Looks to me as though you’re slipping back into it yourself Joe. There were good reasons against a drink when you might help Marie. There’s nothing you can do now. Join me?”

Joe nodded he felt the need of a drink. Hoss went in and poured two very large brandies and headed out to his brother. Ben watched him go glad to see it knowing how his youngest son must be feeling. He was worried about his eldest, who had looked ill again, but he knew Adam’s basic strength and was sure that he would keep going until the baby arrived.

The morning went past desperately slowly and still nothing happened except Carole slowly weakening, all her thoughts now were with her baby, scared the long labour would harm the child despite Doc's reassurances. She murmured about it from time to time in semi-delirium and Adam held her quiet and talked to her trying to reassure her hiding the fear from his voice, even if he couldn’t banish it from his eyes. She clung to him as the pains came now, no longer able to hide the pain needing his reassurance. Adam gave her what help he could, but after weeks of insufficient food and sleep, it was taxing his limited strength. About eleven-thirty Doc saw he was swaying as he sat and realised the younger man was close to fainting. He slipped out and called for Ben,

Ben hurried up “What’s wrong?”

Paul smiled reassuringly “Nothing. We’re getting there and the baby will be here today, nightfall at the latest I’d guess probably considerably earlier. Carole’s bearing up well, she’s still strong. There’s a risk but it’s not that high. It’s Adam I’m worried about. He’s about got himself convinced he's going to lose her and all this while he’s not really fit. Take him downstairs Ben get some food and drink into him, he’s on the verge of fainting, I’ll look after Carole for half an hour. Make him see how important it is, so he can help her when she really has to work, make an effort, in a couple of hours.”

Ben nodded and followed Doc into the room. It was easy to see why Doc was worried and Ben went over and took Adam’s arm helping him up “Come on Son, Carole will be fine for a few minutes.”

Adam was too close to fainting, with the room swimming round him, to even protest and leaning on his father he left the room while Doc moved up close to Carole.

Ben yelled for Hoss who had just come in from seeing Joe and hearing the urgency in his father’s voice, he took the stairs three at a time. Shaken as he saw Ben supporting his brother and Ben said “Carry him down Hoss.”

Hoss did so and his father followed close behind. Joe had heard his father’s call and come in to find out what was happening. He was badly shaken to see Hoss carry his eldest brother down. Hoss put Adam in a chair by the fire and encouraged him “Come on brother, head between your knees, that’s it.” He forced Adam to do as he was told while Joe looked questioningly at his father.

Ben smiled “Nothing wrong Joseph. Just all mounted up on him. Go see Kam Su we want meat broth or something he must eat.” Joe did as he was told. When he came back Adam was sitting up. He wanted to go back upstairs but his father stopped him “You’re not going anywhere until you’ve had a drink and something to eat or in ten minutes you’ll be fainting again.”

“I’m okay. I must go to Carole.”

Ben knelt down in front of his son and took both Adam’s hands in his “Adam listen to me. She’s going to be fine. Paul says the baby will be here by nightfall at the latest. There’s a slight risk there always is for a woman in labour but Paul is still sure she and the child are going to be fine.”

Adam stared at his father, wanting desperately to believe him, and Ben tightened his grip “Adam I’ve never lied to you, neither has Paul.”

Adam closed his eyes trying to get a grip on himself. “Alright Pa I believe you. Now let me go back up.”

“You must have something to eat first Son.”

“I couldn’t Pa. I’ll be sick.”

“Adam in a little while when the baby really starts to come she’ll have to work, make an effort, She’ll need you then, to encourage her, help her. You can’t do that if you’re on the verge of collapse. For her sake you must take a few minutes now and eat.”

Adam just looked mulish and Ben got to his feet going out to fetch a tray of food, Joe moved over to his brother. “Don’t be stupid Adam, You’re seeing double now. You must eat.”

Adam stared at his brother standing in front of him and had to admit to himself that Joe was right, there were two Joe’s wavering around in front of him. Ben put the tray down on the coffee table and then went and poured out a brandy. He handed it to Adam but his hand was shaking too much. Joe steadied it for his brother and Adam looked at his father for a moment and then drank it down before picking up the cup of broth. He forced himself to drink it and tried to eat some bread. He nearly gagged on that and pushed it away but he made no protest when his father refilled the cup. He drank that too and then pulled himself to his feet, “I’m alright now.”

Ben nodded and watched Adam go slowly upstairs. He was sure his son was still seeing double but equally sure that Adam would cope.

Joe had seen the agony in Adam’s eyes, mute testimony of his brother’s fears for his beloved wife and as Adam disappeared he turned to his father. “Is Doc that sure?”

“Yes Joe. It won’t be much longer. There’s a risk, no guarantees, there could still be a haemorrhage but she’s bearing up well, tiring but not dangerously.”

Joe stared into the fire, listening to the moans “She must be alright, we can’t lose both of them.”

Ben gripped his son’s shoulders “You could do with a meal too Joseph.”

Joe shook his head “I’m not hungry but if there’s nothing I can do for a bit I think I’ll go for a ride.”

Ben nodded “Good idea. There’s nothing any of us can do.”

Joe knew that Adam wouldn’t leave Carole now so there was noway he could help his brother and he was feeling stifled. He rode up to the Lake to sit by the grave for an hour. There in the open air he prayed for his sister-in-law.

Finally just after lunch the waters broke and Carole scared looked up at Doc clinging to Adam’s hand.

Doc smiled at her “Alright young lady, it won’t be very long now, Nothing to be scared about. You’re going to have to do some work soon. When you feel the urge to push you tell me.”

Adam talked quietly to her reassuring her as best he could with limited success, It was about 2 o’clock that Carole moved into the second stage of labour. She screamed as she felt the urge to push and felt as though she was being broken in two, It went straight through Adam who stared at Doc close to panic. He smiled “Right last stage. You push down when you feel the urge Carole and we’ll soon have the baby here.” The long ordeal had taken a lot out of her and although the urge to push was strong, she could only turn it rather feebly into action. After nearly three-quarters of an hour Doc was sure he would have to help her with the forceps but he wanted to give the child the best possible start and he let her do as much as she could. Adam tried to encourage her, she didn’t take in what he said, but she was aware of his voice and of his presence. It was something to cling to as the mists of pain threatened to drown her and every so often as the pains eased for a minute she reached out to grip his arm before grabbing again for the lifeline of knotted towels as the pains came. Eventually after what seemed an eternity they could see the top of the head covered with dark hair, Adam told Carole encouraging her “Not long now my darling, There’s my brave girl.” As the widest part of the head appeared the Doc used his forceps just to aid it and suddenly he was there, the boy she had been so sure of, He needed no help, yelling strongly as soon as he was born. Adam stared at the tiny mite, his son, in complete amazement. Carole smiled as she heard the child cry but then screamed as the pains hit her again with renewed vigour. The Doc tied the cord off rapidly and wrapping the child in a warm towel he handed him to Adam “Take your son Carole and I still have work to do.”

Adam stared at him, not understanding, and the Doc grinned “I suspected twins Adam I was right but this one won’t take long.”

Adam had never considered that possibility but he took the tiny boy and looked down at his son, who opened his eyes and yawned at his father. Adam felt warm and at peace and as the tiny hand closed round his finger he grinned delightedly. He hardly had time to feel fear for Carole again before the second baby was arriving. Doc again used the forceps for the final delivery and the second child another boy was yelling as lustily as his brother. The afterbirth followed fast and Adam held the two babies while Doc cleaned Carole up. She was looking at the two babies one in each arm and at peace now with the pains gone she was smiling widely. Adam lent over and kissed her “You clever girl I love you.”

Doc grinned broadly “She’s going to be just fine. Let’s get her cleaned up and into a clean bed.”

Carole looked up beseechingly “Please Doc can I have a drink first some coffee or something I’m so thirsty.”

Doc nodded “Whatever you want. Can I tell the others or do you want to Adam?”

Adam hesitated, not wanting to leave his wife, but Carole said “You go and show them the boys and get me a drink. Doc will help me get straight and then I want to see Pa and Hoss, Joe too if he wants.”

Adam could only accept that offer and kissed her and then went out.

Downstairs they had been listening to the screams in growing anxiety, Even Joe had come back in to join his father and brother, memories of Marie drowned out for the moment in his fears for Adam and Carole. He needed to know what was happening. Eventually at four thirty they heard a baby’s cry and all of them came to their feet grinning broadly, Hoss said, “Congratulations Pa, reckon you’re a grandfather.”

Ben had waited a long time for that to happen and he was grinning very broadly “I think drinks are indicated, I wonder if she was right in saying it was a boy?”

Hoss suddenly tensed up as he heard Carole scream again and looked questioningly at his father. Ben shrugged “Looks as though Doc might have been right when he thought it was twins.”

Quarter of an hour later it was all quiet and they waited for news. They heard the door opening and were waiting as Adam appeared at the top of the stairs, a small bundle in each arm. He walked down very carefully and his family converged on him. He looked so proud and happy as he said “Carole is fine and you have two grandsons Pa.”

Ben looked at them, neither of them really looked newborn, they were very pretty babies, both with dark hair, the second born having curly hair. Both had their eyes open and the first born already had dark eyes while his brother had the more usual blue eyes. Both were about the same size long for new-borns and about seven pounds. Ben studied an expression he had never seen before on his eldest son’s face and knew that he would never forget it. He gripped Adam’s shoulder “Congratulations Son, they are beautiful. Thought of any names yet?”

“Not yet Pa. I’d never given a thought to twins. Carole wants to see you all and she wants coffee. I’d give her the moon and she just wants coffee.”

Hoss clapped him on the back “They are beautiful brother congratulations, I’ll go get coffee and the brandy time to celebrate.”

At that Adam turned to his youngest brother, in this moment of his complete fulfilment Joe’s loss seemed even more poignant. Joe had felt a pang of deep jealousy as he saw Adam come down the stairs, his brother had everything and he had nothing; but in the couple of minutes while his father and Hoss congratulated Adam he pushed that thought down. Now recognising Adam’s thought he was relieved to feel honest delight for his brother and Carole. He moved closer and pulled the blanket back to look at the nearest baby the curly haired mite yawned at him and Joe smiled at his brother “Which one is the elder Adam or have you forgotten?”

“No. This one is the younger.”

“Can I hold my nephew?”

Adam grinned at his brother “Of course Joe, he handed it over and Joe held it intrigued by the tiny perfection of its hands. Then suddenly worried he looked at Ben as the baby hiccuped. Ben laughed at the expressions on his sons’ face “Easy. It’s very common with young babies. Lets take them back to their mother.”

Hoss was already on his way up the stairs with the coffee and he knocked on the door. Doc came and opened it and took the tray from Hoss. Doc had already helped Carole get into a clean nightie and now he asked the big man to lift Carole up while he and Ben stripped and remade the bed. Once she was propped up on the pillows Hoss poured her out coffee “You’ve more than earned this. Well done Carole they are gorgeous.”

Carole could hardly drag her eyes from her two sons and once she had drained two cups of coffee and dealt with the worst of her thirst, Joe and Adam handed her the babies. Excitement was banishing tiredness for now and she looked down at them almost in awe “Aren’t they gorgeous? They are worth it, worth any amount of pain and discomfort over the months, I’d willingly do it again,”

Joe dropped a kiss on her head “They are that Carole, very pretty. I thought all new-borns were red and wrinkly.”

Doc came over “Most are Joe. This pair are remarkably handsome and very healthy. I’m going back to town now, catch up on things. I’ll come by in two or three days make sure everything’s going on alright. Carole get as much rest as you can. Have plenty to drink to help get the milk established, and only suckle for a couple of minutes at a time to begin with, increase it gradually. With two to feed you must rest, especially after such a long labour, but otherwise do what you want.”

Carole grinned “I’m sorry I kept you waiting so long Doc.”

“That’s alright Carole. You’ve been a very brave young lady and you have two beautiful babies.” Adam went down with Doc “Thank you Paul, there really aren’t any words to say it.”

“Oh I didn’t have to do much, Mother Nature coped as usual. You’re a lucky man. Now will you take some advice too?”

“Sure Doc.”

“Carole must rest as much as she can for the next week or so, she’ll probably have a reaction in the next few days, get weepy it won’t mean anything. She’ll have to feed them but otherwise try and make sure she does as little as possible. She knows how to look after then but you can help. You need some rest too, get one of your brothers to stay and help for a few days. You need to take it easy, with Marie’s death and the upset of the last few days; you’re going downhill. Try too much and you’ll be back in bed.”

“I’ll be sensible Doc. I have three good reasons for it now.”

Doc smiled “Fine Adam and congratulations. I’ll see you in a few days.”

Adam went back upstairs where Carole was demanding food. He got the rocking crib and having carefully cleaned and dressed the babies under her instructions he tucked one up at each end of the crib and sat rocking it. Hoss had taken her order down and soon after the babies were settled he appeared with a large tray, Then the three men retreated downstairs leaving Adam and Carole alone with their babies.

As Carole ate they discussed names for the children, luckily they had fairly good ideas of what they liked and soon settle on the names David Benjamin for the older boy and Mark Joseph for the younger. Carole said, “I hope Hoss doesn’t object but he is unique. I can’t see anyone else living up to his name.”

“Hoss will understand, after all you only managed twins not triplets.”

She grinned happily at him and then looked down at the tiny babies, now both sleeping. Adam got to his feet “They are sleeping, you need to do the same my love. You’ve earned it. My precious clever girl.” He bent over and kissed her gently and then took the tray and helped her slide down the bed, leaving her to sleep.

Downstairs Kam Su had prepared a large stew ready for people when they wanted food, Ben and Hoss were both hungry and had made a good meal, but Little Joe only picked at his before he pushed it away, poured himself coffee and took it over to the window. Ben and Hoss looked at each other but made no comment, they both knew how he felt. Happy as he was for his brother it must contrast very strongly with his own situation. Joe stared out, pleased for Adam but he couldn’t help thinking how it might have been if only Marie had been as strong physically as she was mentally. For a while the full force of his loss hit him as it had in the beginning, but he was just about getting on top of himself when Adam came down.

Ben insisted that Adam sat and ate before he did anything else. For once Adam did as he was told, but he was exhausted. Buoyed up by the birth of his sons and too restless to relax yet, but as he tried to eat he found his throat seemed to close up and he couldn’t. He started off well and Ben left him with Hoss while he went over to his youngest son. Adam managed five or six mouthfuls and then was reduced to pushing his food around on the plate. Hoss recognised his brother’s total exhaustion and pushed the coffee pot over to him saying quietly “If you’ve finished I’ll take your plate into the kitchen.”

Adam pushed it over to Hoss, wordlessly thanking his brother for not fussing and preventing their father doing so. When Hoss came back in, he said quietly “What you really need is a long sleep.”

“Not yet. I’m too tense and I can’t really take it in, twins.” He shook his head in disbelief

Ben went over to Joe recognising the pain in this son’s eyes “Don’t you think it might be easier if you moved home now Joseph?”

“Not yet Pa.”

“You’re only giving yourself unnecessary pain son, you can’t help comparing things.”

Joe looked at his father for a minute and then he said “Yes in some ways. It makes me think of what might have been but its always going to do that Pa. If I run and hide now, what am I going to do for the next twenty years as my nephews grow up? I have to face it now. I love Adam and Carole and I’m pleased that they have two beautiful healthy boys, I haven’t got my own child now but that’s not going to stop me being the doting Uncle I would have been if I’d never met Marie.” Joe sighed and rubbed his hand across his aching head. Ben just gripped his son’s shoulder so very proud of his youngest. After a minute Joe went on “If I’d never met Marie I know what I’d do now, I’d stay here with Hoss and we’d walk the floor with the babies if they cried so that Adam and Carole could get the rest they both need. Even now that it’s over Adam looks tense and ill, When he finally relaxes he’s going to collapse, he wasn’t fit enough for these last two days, especially with the state he’d got himself into. If he doesn’t rest he’s going to be ill, you can see that as well as I can. Pa.”

Ben couldn’t argue with that but he tried once more to dissuade his son “I can stay here with Hoss and look after the babies. I’ve had more experience than you. There’s no need for you to put yourself on the rack Joseph.”

Joe stared out the window “There’s every reason Pa. When Adam walked down those stairs it hurt, just like it did when we lowered the coffin into the grave I wasn’t expecting it. I didn’t think I could be that selfish but for a second or two I almost hated Adam because he still has Carole and he has two beautiful sons. I’d dearly love to run away and hide, get drunk and forget but I have to face it here and now. Adam deserves all the luck he gets, he’s had it rough too often. Now I have to help him until he gets his strength back its the only way I’m going to find peace of mind.”

Ben didn’t argue any further but he out his arm round Joe’s shoulders “I’m very proud of you son. It was only natural to feel resentment you know, you wouldn’t have been human if you hadn’t; but I am so proud that even now just a few short weeks after losing her you can face it.”

Joe heard the undercurrent of pride in his father’s voice and it brought tears to his eyes but he blinked them away and managed a smile “Thanks Pa.

Then together they moved back to the table where Adam was drinking coffee. Joe perched on the table “Have you decided on names yet? We can hardly go on calling them it.”

Adam grinned “We’ve decided. The older one, that’s the one with dark eyes in case you’ve forgotten little brother, is to be David Benjamin and the curly haired one is Mark Joseph. Carole’s sorry Hoss but she didn’t have triplets and she says you’re unique, none else could live up to your name.”

Hoss smiled and Ben tried out the names “David Cartwright and Mark Cartwright, I approve very nice.”

Joe managed a grin although it didn’t reach his eyes “Well that settles one thing for the next couple of nights if Mark cries I walk the floor with him. Who is volunteering for David?”

Hoss grunted “You mean you ain’t already volunteered me little brother, you must be slipping.”

Adam looked from one brother to the other, staring longest at Joe, trying to read his face, knowing his own joy must by contrast emphasise his brother’s pain, but Joe just said “We’ll keep them out of earshot Adam so you and Carole can catch up on some sleep. You both need it.”

Adam grinned, “Well in that case thanks.”

Ben said “Carole won’t be able to feed them until the morning anyway so I suggest you bring the crib out so as not to disturb her. If they yell a little boiled water slightly sweetened is used for spoon feeding unless my memory is playing me tricks.”

Adam laughed more freely “You’re the expert Pa.”

“Not for much longer.”

Hoss went up to give Adam a hand and they moved the crib into the guestroom furthest removed from Carole’s room, Hoss laid down on the bed “Right Uncle Hoss is in control. Go and get some sleep Joe can use this other bed when he’s ready.” Adam tried to say thank you but Hoss just grinned at him, "You’re welcome big brother, go on you’re worn out.”

Downstairs Ben was intending to go home unless Adam wanted him to stay for any reason. There would be a pile of messages awaiting him after letting things slide for two days. Adam went to see his father off, “I’m alright now Pa I don’t really believe it yet, but everyone is fine. Thank you for being here. I was so scared."

“I know Adam. After Marie and with a long labour it would have been a miracle if you weren’t. You aren’t fit enough for all this, promise me to get some rest.”

“Sure Pa. Hoss and Joe will make sure of it. I still think Joe ought to come back with you, it must make him feel worse, I saw the pain in his eyes when I brought the twins down.”

“He admitted it Adam but he’s got to watch them grow up and he says the only way to find peace of mind it to face and beat the pain here and now. That if he runs away now it’ll just make it harder next time and he’s too fond of you and Carole to stay away.”

Adam bit his lip “I see, poor old Joe, I just pray one day he’ll find someone else. It’s what Marie wanted.”

“I know Adam, but it’s too soon to even suggest the possibility to him. If it’s any consolation to you I think he will. He’s proved to be a strong man these last months, he’ll come through this strengthened.”

Adam nodded “I hope you’re right Pa, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Adam went back in as Ben rode off to find Joe sitting alone by the fire. Joe looked up at his brother “Why don’t you go on up to bed? I’ll join Hoss in a few minutes.”

Adam shook his head “Not yet Joe. I can’t settle yet, too tense.” He went on through to his study and poured himself a large drink, Joe followed him in but Adam was oblivious of him, so Joe went and helped himself to a brandy. He sat down by the fire and watched his brother. Adam was just standing staring at the painting of the lake, just holding the glass, making no attempt to drink. As Joe watched, he suddenly began to shake violently, and Joe got to his feet and took the glass from his hand “Come on sit down before you fall down.”

Adam made no attempt to obey; everything was swimming in front of him threatening to go black. Joe took his brother’s arm and gently forced Adam into a chair and pushed Adam’s head down between his knees. After a minute Adam sat up, he was still trembling badly and Joe perched on the arm and slowly fed his brother some brandy. Adam fought for control but reaction after the long worrying time set in and he was too tired and weak to fight it. Joe realised he was on the verge of breaking down and he put his arm round his brother’s shoulders “It’s okay Adam. Only me here let go, have a cry you’ll feel much better.”

Adam didn’t really take in his brother’s words, just the sympathy in his voice and that was the final straw. He buried his face in his hands and wept. As he did so Joe could feel the tension leave his body. After ten minutes Adam was quiet and Joe handed him a handkerchief. Adam dried his eyes and shook his head “I don’t know what on earth I’m crying about, Carole is fine and I have two wonderful sons.”

Joe patted his back “You’re crying because you’ve spent two days in the nearest approach to hell on earth, because you’ve been so scared you’d lose her, because you love her and she was in pain and there was nothing you could do. I’ve been there Adam, I do know how you felt and although the outcome was so much better the actual ordeal was far more protracted than mine and you weren’t even fit to start with. There’s a very real pain in losing someone you love but the pain of seeing them dying in agony is no less real and in someway even stronger. You feel there must be something you can do.”

Adam looked up at his brother “You do understand, maybe now I understand what you’ve been going through.”

“I think you always did Adam; you, Pa, Hoss and Carole. You helped me as much as it is possible for anyone to help. Now come on I’ll give you a hand upstairs, you’re almost asleep on your feet.” Adam accepted willingly “I think I will sleep now.” Joe got his brother into bed. “Right now Hoss and I have everything under control. We’ll take care of anything Carole, David or Mark require. You get some sleep. Any nightmares or anything and call out I’m just down the corridor,”

Adam grinned up sleepily “I don’t think there will be any nightmares now, I think I can sleep thank you little brother.”

When Joe looked in ten minutes later Adam was fast asleep and so were the twins and Hoss. Joe sat by the crib for a while looking down at the tiny babies so freshly come into the world. Then feeling the need of some fresh air and sure that his big brother could cope if anyone awoke, he went downstairs had a drink and then rode up to the Lake.

Joe sat by the Lake for nearly an hour. He had done all he could for his brother, keeping his promise to Marie. In some ways it had helped him over the last weeks, determined to keep his word to his beloved wife, he had thought a lot about his brother and it had taken his mind of his own loss. Now, once Adam had recovered from the strains of the last days, his brother would be fine, he had everything that he wanted. Joe still felt twinges of jealousy and hated himself for it, His father might say it was natural but he felt more like a monster. He would have liked to stay by the Lake but he had promised to help look after the babies and he couldn’t leave it all to Hoss.

He joined Hoss upstairs and found him still fast asleep and snoring but one of the babies was whimpering. Joe went over to the crib and saw that it was Mark, who was crying. He picked up the baby and settled it in the crook of his arm. Then he washed his hands carefully. Once he was clean he let the baby hold his finger and let it suck on the knuckle of his little finger. The baby opened his eyes and stared at Joe. Little Joe knew he wasn’t supposed to be able to focus yet, but he found it difficult to believe, as Mark stared up at him sucking on his finger and gripping Joe’s other hand with his tiny one. The baby seemed quite content, despite getting no food and Joe sat holding him. Gradually he began to feel more at peace than he had since Marie died. This tiny trusting new life in his arms was proof that life could be good.

Hoss woke up and hitched himself up on his pillows. Joe wasn’t even aware of it and Hoss sat watching his brother. He recognised the peace in Joe and was pleased to see it. Joe sat totally relaxed, unable to take his eyes of this wonderful new life and he was smiling gently in a way he hadn’t since Marie died. Hoss recognised the smile; he’d seen it often early in the year, as Joe sat watching Marie unaware of anybody else.

Ten minutes later the other baby started to cry and Hoss got up. He picked up David and started walking up and down to calm the child, Joe looked up “Give him a knuckle to suck Hoss, his brother likes it.”

Hoss took his brother’s advice and sat down next to Joe. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

“I still don’t really believe in them yet,”

“Adam’s a lucky guy, two lovely sons.”

“It’s funny Hoss. When he brought them down I felt so jealous. I hated myself for it; Adam deserves all the luck he can get. Now suddenly sitting here holding Mark I no longer feel jealous. I was pleased for him but it was an effort, now I really feel happy for me. For all of us, it will be nice to have kids around and I’m sure Adam will let us have a share in his sons.”

Hoss put his free arm round Joe’s shoulders “No need to hate yourself for anything little brother, you’ve done a real good job helping Adam these last weeks. That’s quite a feat after losing Marie so recently.”

Joe didn’t answer directly but the grin he gave his brother told Hoss that his comment was appreciated. Gradually the twins went back to sleep and the brothers settled again. Later in the night they were driven to trying rather unsuccessfully to change diapers and spoon feeding as Ben had suggested, They were both quite relieved when Carole woke up the following morning. Adam was still fast asleep and Joe and Hoss stood in for their brother, They assured her that the twins were asleep and she should have them as soon as she’d eaten her breakfast. Hoss went down to collect the tray and Joe helped Carole ease herself up in the bed. She was very sore and found it painful to sit up. Joe arranged the pillows to support her as comfortably as he could. She was so content that the pain didn’t matter and it was obvious, Joe kissed her “You’re real clever Carole, two beautiful babies.”

She looked up at him wondering how he felt about it but he was obviously delighted about the babies.

Adam woke late in the morning and immediately headed to see Carole, She was feeding the babies and he stood in the door watching her for a moment. He was so proud and so happy and he didn’t know how to tell her. He had no real need as Carole could see it in his face as he came over and sat on the bed.

Ben came over later in the day and found Adam in his study “Happy Son?”

“More than I’d ever have believed possible. I never realised how adorable babies were and already they are so different, Mark has Little Joe firmly wrapped round his little finger already, I’ll have to watch my little brother or he’ll spoil the baby.”

“He needs something to love at the moment.”

“I know Pa and he’s very welcome.” Adam had been drafting the announcement of the twin’s birth for the paper and writing letters to Will, Edwin and various other friends. “Once the twins and Carole are settled this evening I thought I’d go into town. I should be able to get back before they wake or at least in time to help settle them. I want to arrange the Christening.”

“There’s no rush Adam, the babies are so healthy.”

“I know that and I’ll leave it until they are six weeks old, give Carole a chance to really recover, but I’d like a firm date. Will was talking about coming out this summer for a couple of weeks and maybe he could come, so I want it settled before I send this letter of to him.” Ben was pleased to hear that, he was fond of his nephew and pleased to see him and Adam back on such good terms.

When Adam got to town he found Doc had already spread the word, Dan and Roy were both in the saloon and they insisted on buying Adam a drink to celebrate Soon he was surrounded by his friends. They were all pleased by the news especially after the earlier tragedy. Adam had a job fending of drinks and found it impossible to get away. Luckily for the success of his mission the vicar came into the saloon to see Adam. The man Jim was an old friend of Adam's and they managed to get away long enough to have a quiet talk in the corner. Jim was able to confirm that it would be alright to have the babies christened on the Saturday just about six weeks off. He congratulated Adam on his sons and then more seriously asked “How is Joe taking it?”

“Marvellously. The contrast hurt him at first but Mark the younger one has already got Joe round his little finger.” Then the rest of the crowd surged round then. It was late when Adam finally managed to extricate himself but Carole had known what would happen and despite Adam’s protestations she had never expected him back.

Joe helped her settle down and despite her arguments insisted on removing the twins for one more night. As her milk wasn’t yet in, she didn’t argue very hard; she was still very tired. The twins were getting hungry and were very restless not really interested in boiled water. Joe insisted that Adam went to bed when he finally got home, his brother still looked exhausted, but by morning he was going off babies and very pleased to hand them over to their mother and get out for some fresh air. He rode up to check out the herd up on the high pasture.

Joe stayed for a further week to help out while Adam and Carole both regained their strength. At the end of the week Carole was up and around despite Adam’s protests. Doc agreed with her although warning her not to overdo things and Carole insisted she felt fine. The twins were settling into routine and they were very good babies, Adam was beginning to do some work again although he still didn’t want to leave Carole alone. His father willingly continued to work in Adam’s study.

Joe had moved back into his own room, the first night he had hardly slept at all but gradually he calmed down and was happy to be home. Seeing his son settled back in his own room Ben was reassured that Joe was coming out of the worst of his grief. Adam was happy with his family all thriving. They’d had tragedy but as a whole it was balanced by Adam’s joy,

Two days before the christening, Will Laura and the children arrived. Ben had offered to put them up but Carole wouldn’t hear of it, She was fine now and looking forward to seeing Laura. She missed Marie’s company very much and, much as she loved her family, it would be nice to have another woman’s company.

Adam and Hoss went into town to collect Will and Laura. Once everyone and all the luggage was loaded and they had congratulated Adam, Will asked how Joe was. Hoss and Adam looked at each other and Hoss said “He’s very unhappy but he’s beginning to hide it. He tries so very hard not to make the rest of us feel awkward. I think he’s found some consolation in Adam’s sons, especially Mark.”

Will looked surprised “I’d have thought that would make him feel worse.”

Hoss shrugged “Maybe it did just at first but that first night Adam was exhausted and Joe and I looked after the babies. You’ll see when we get to the house, young Mark is curly haired almost looks like Joe. He captured his uncle that first night. I woke up to find Joe looking down at the baby smiling. It was the first time he’d looked at peace since she died.”

Laura wasn’t particularly surprised she could see how a small helpless baby could take a hold in the circumstances.

Adam added, “Joe stayed with me for weeks before the babies came, helped me a lot.”

Hoss punched his brother's shoulder, “Reckon it helped him too, just to be of use. Don’t worry Will you don’t have to watch every word with him or nothing. He’ll just go quiet and go off on his own if he needs it. Otherwise he’s just the same as always, a bit quieter is all.”

Adam said, “Don’t try and tell him how sorry you are. He knows that and he still can’t bear the words of sympathy.” They both nodded and changed the subject.

Carole had just finished feeding the babies when they arrived and Laura went straight over to join her, She knelt down and took David into her arms “Oh Carole they are beautiful, much prettier than mine were at this age.” She left Will, Adam and Hoss to unload while Eve and Dawn started exploring and Peggy came to see the babies. Laura wanted to hear all about their arrival and was horrified to hear what a rough time Carole had had. Carole was telling her how good Adam had been and how much his family had helped him when the men came back down demanding food.

Ben and Joe were supposed to be coming over for dinner, but in the event only Ben arrived. Joe had intended to go but he had been getting more and more morose all day. The last time he’d seen Will and Laura he’d had Marie with him and the idea of facing them again alone forcibly brought back her loss. At first he tried to put it to the back of his mind, he was determined not to run away from things but during the afternoon he realised that even if he went he wasn’t a good enough actor to hide his feelings. He would only cast a pall over proceedings. Ben had seen how ill at ease Joe was and wasn’t surprised when Joe asked him to make his excuses. Joe promised he would go and see them the next day. Ben didn’t try to dissuade him but asked Joe to remember to have something to eat. Joe agreed but a few minutes later he rode out heading for the lake. Ben watched him go; he could understand how Joe felt. His son has been very good and he was best left alone. Ben explained to the others when he arrived and seeing how worried Adam looked he went over to his eldest son. “He’ll be alright Adam, He’s just having a few bad hours. It’s bound to happen and we can only leave him alone to get out if it, he’ll ask if we can help.” Gradually the pall cast by Joe’s absence lifted and they had a pleasant evening,

Joe came over early the next morning. He had spent the whole night up by the Lake and looked tired but he'd won back to calm. He was pleased to see Laura, Will and the kids, somehow it was easier to face them with Mark in his arms and he stayed for lunch.

On Saturday the whole family in the two buggies and a buckboard headed for town in good time, Adam had booked the hotel for a meal after the ceremony to which close friends had been invited. David had Hoss and Will as Godfathers with Beth as a Godmother and Mark had Joe and Dan as Godfathers with Laura as Godmother. Carole had made two beautiful christening robes, one had been intended for Marie’s baby but she had never given it to Marie so there was no awkwardness in using it. She wasn’t dressing the babies yet and had arranged to go to Beth’s house to feed the babies and change them just before the ceremony.

Joe was riding next to his father and he was grinning broadly, much to Ben’s relief who hadn’t been at all sure how Joe would feel. Ben asked, “What’s amusing you?”

Joe pointed to his eldest brother, who was turning round every minute or so to make sure that the twins were alright. They were travelling in two special baskets, which Adam had made to clip onto the sides of the buckboard. “He’s so proud of them Pa, he’s going to burst.”

“He has good reason Joe,”

“Oh I’m not arguing Pa and I’m very pleased for him but it’s still amusing.”

Ben had to grin, “You’re right at that.” He was glad to see Joe so relaxed, time was beginning to help a little, it was nearly four months since Marie’s death.

Beth was waiting for them. She was looking forward to seeing the babies and wanted to see Laura and her children too. They had an hour and a half before the ceremony so the men left Carole and Laura to their work and went for a drink. Joe passed Adam a beer “I’ll bet you that at least one of them yells his head off,”

Adam laughed “I don’t bet against certainties.”

Hoss joined them “Babies are allowed to create chaos, haven’t you noticed!”

Adam grinned ruefully “And how!” Every night recently had been well disturbed as the babies got out of step with each other. Joe laughed “How long was it before Laura reckoned they’d sleep through the night?"

Adam sighed heavily “When they are four or five months if we’re lucky” The prospect of another three months or more without sleep is terrifying, I think I’ll get Pa to find me a job in Frisco.”

Joe slapped him on the back “Drink your beer. You won’t cut and run.”

Dan joined them at the bar. He’d been very pleased to be asked to act as godfather but refused point blank to handle the baby, Adam laughed “That’s okay Dan. Joe’s used to Mark, he and Laura will be fighting over him.”

Dan grinned, “Good I’ll come into my own once he’s walking and talking,”

“It doesn’t seem possible that in a while they’ll be running around and yet it already seemed impossible to remember a time when they weren’t around.”

Fair and Mackay came over to the bar to join Adam. They had been invited to the ceremony and to the celebration afterwards. They were close business associates and Mackay at least was well liked. Jim Fair seemed to go out of his way to ensure that he wasn’t liked but none of them took much notice and his wife was popular. Adam bought them a drink and then asked how things were going in the Consolidated Virginia. Fair laughed “What’s the matter Adam feeling the pinch now your family is growing?”

Adam laughed “They aren’t exactly at the expensive age yet.”

“Good job” grunted Fair “We’ll find it but nothing yet, Sharon’s delighted.”

Joe looked over at Fair, “You’d better I’d hate Sharon to be proved right about that mine.”

Fair grunted “Don’t worry Joe, Sharon knows no more about mines than you do,”

Joe and Hoss met each other’s eyes and both grinned. Fair never missed a chance to put either of them down, He was jealous of the Cartwrights but didn’t dare try and put down Adam or Ben and took it out on Joe and Hoss. They knew him too well to take any notice of him but Hoss looked at his watch, “Time we made a move Adam.”

Adam nodded “Go ahead. Tell Carole I’ll be back in a minute I just want to make sure that everything is ready at the hotel.”

He went over to the hotel and checked that everything was ready and paid the bill for the meal. He gave instructions for wine to be provided and drinks offered afterwards. Everything to be put on his account. He had thirty guests and the private dining room would be crowded but everything was under control,

When he got back to Beth’s, his sons were immaculately attired in white lace robes, He grinned at Carole “Do you think we’ll actually get then to the church neat and tidy like this?”

She laughed “Not really but I live in hopes. It’s about time to make a move so they haven’t got long to get messy.”

Adam sighed, “They don’t need long!” He took David leaving her to carry Mark and they headed over to the church. It was the first opportunity most of the guests had had to see the babies and the women at least were curious, even if most of the men were along to celebrate with Adam, a good excuse for a party. Roy about summed up the attitude of the men when having, looked at the children he said in a surprised voice, “They actually look human.” It was surprised out of him and as he realised what he had said he became thoroughly embarrassed and flushed brick red. Adam and Carole just laughed and Adam said “Its all right Roy I know what you mean, a lot of new-borns look more like monkeys or drowned rats!”

The service went smoothly, David and Mark behaving themselves well apart from a scream of protest from David at the holy water. Even Eve and Dawn behaved themselves much to their parent's amazement. The vicar kept things simple and didn’t test them too far. He and his wife were joining the celebrations at the hotel after the service. Jim walked over with Ben “How does it feel to be a grandfather?”

Ben grinned broadly “It is so good to have kids around again, I was beginning to wonder if any of my sons would ever make me a grandfather! I think its even helping Joe.”

“He seems to be recovering well.”

“Yes he is still determined not to let her down. It will take time and he’ll never be quite the same. He’s matured a great deal.”

“At least Adam is happy and Joe is still young.” At that they reached the hotel and Ben took the opportunity to change the subject. On this happy day he didn’t want reminding of the tragedy, it was always close to his thoughts anyway.

There was chaos at first and it took Adam and his brothers several minutes to get people settled in their places but everyone was hungry and they finally co-operated. Carole had hopefully put the babies down to sleep but she wasn’t very optimistic, with reason as soon both were screaming. Joe and Hoss looked questioningly at Carole, unsure what she wanted to do. She sighed, “We’ll have to pick them up or noone will be able to hear themselves think. They can’t be hungry, just unsettled.”

Joe grinned “Don’t worry we’re both getting good at eating one handed.” The brothers picked up the babies and cradled them in one arm while making a good meal with the other. Dan laughed and turned to Adam, “You’ve got them well trained.”

Adam looked at him in disbelief, “The twins?”

“No your brothers.”

Adam grinned, “Novelty value Dan. It wore thin mighty fast in the middle of the night. That’s when father comes into his own.”

Joe laughed at the resigned tone “Don’t sound so hard done to Adam, Carole bears the brunt of it.”

Adam smiled at his wife “I’ve never denied it and a very good job she does of it.”

The celebration dinner went with a swing and didn’t break up until late in the evening. Carole and Laura had taken the babies back to Beth’s early on and along with Beth took turns to stay with the children. Adam had persuaded Will to let Peggy stay up as a special treat and she was making the most of it, feeling very grown up. Joe tried to teach her to dance and he sank down exhausted next to Adam as Will took over. “I wouldn’t have believed such a little one could weigh so much and she has a great affinity for my left foot!”

Adam laughed “Poor old Joe.”

Joe groaned “I feel old with the next generation multiplying and Peggy old enough to dance!”

Eventually close to midnight Adam decided they had to leave if they were to get home before the twins were due their next feed. He broke up the party and paid for the extras. Then having said goodbye to everyone and thanking them for their presents and congratulations he began collecting his party. All four babies were asleep and they managed to transfer them to buckboard and buggy without waking them. Peggy was almost asleep and Will gratefully accepted Hoss’ offer to drive so that he could look after Peggy, Having finally said goodbye and thank you to Beth the cavalcade set out. Carole was soon asleep and Adam supported her with one arm while driving with the other, luckily the team was well trained and knew it was on the way home. He looked so content that Ben didn’t even bother offering help, Joe had enjoyed the party, happy for his brother, but once they were well on their way he had a quiet word with his father before cutting up towards the Lake.

Adam motioned his father over and Ben pulled up alongside. “Is Little Joe alright?”

“Yes. He said that he’d enjoyed himself but he wanted to be on his own for a bit.”

“Headed up to the Lake?”

“Where else. He’s fine Adam, very fond of his nephews but he’s bound to get moments when he wants to be alone. Its only four months.”

“I know Pa it only seems like yesterday she was laughing with us. If it feels like that to me, I can imagine how Joe must feel. Sometimes I feel guilty for being so happy.”

“That’s stupid Adam. Joseph is the last one to begrudge you your happiness, you’ve known so many hard times in your life.”

“Yeah I know that Pa my little brother is far too generous but I just wish there was someway to help.”

“He’ll ask if there is, but the only thing that really helps is time. Even that never completely heals the pain. Just occasionally I still feel the pain at the loss of your mother or of Inger or Marie. Some little thing brings them back and even after more than thirty years I can feel the pain of losing them. But life moves on and your little brother has plenty of time ahead when this is well in the past to find happiness again.”

Adam didn’t answer his father but as he drove on in silence he said a prayer of thanks for his good fortune and for its continuance and another for his little brother.

Up by the Lake Joe sat thinking back over those few short months of his marriage, He wasn’t really unhappy, slightly melancholic but calm and at peace. He sat up by the Lake for nearly two hours before returning home. He had arranged with his father to go on business to Sacramento the next day and he needed an early start. He willingly took on more of the travelling to save Adam having to leave Carole and the twins, even if did mean a lot of paperwork. Adam had been very grateful but Joe just laughed, it was time he pulled his weight.

Carole had finally got the twins into routine again and they were sleeping from ten through to about six so she wasn’t doing too badly for sleep. She was so happy with her husband and two beautiful sons that at times she could hardly believe it was really true. She was very placid these days and took any slight mishaps in her stride. Adam loved just watching her as she nursed the babies. He had had more joy out of his sons than he would ever have believed possible.

The day after the christening Adam was working on the accounts at his desk while Carole fed the children by the fire. Carole said. “I haven’t seen Joe today I hope it didn’t upset him yesterday, Sometimes I look at him and I feel guilty for being so happy.” Adam went over and joined her by the fire taking David to change him as he had finished feeding and kissed her soundly “I love you Carole. It’s funny I said exactly the same to Pa last night on the way back from town when Joe headed up to the Lake. He said that Joe was the last person to begrudge us our happiness.”

“Maybe.” Carole shook herself “Oh I know your father is right. Joe is far too generous to want anything but good for us, but if nothing is wrong why hasn’t he been round today? It’s the first time for weeks that he hasn’t popped in, if only for ten minutes.”

Adam grinned “I do believe you’re missing my little brother darling.”

Carole shrugged and then grinned ruefully “I am.”

“Well you’ll have to get used to it, Joe was going to Sacramento this morning for a couple of weeks. He’s going to finalise delivery dates on that timber contract that I got last autumn and make preliminary contacts to find out what is required for three big trestles, they are building next year, so that I can make up a bid.”

Carole looked up sharply at that “Isn’t that normally your job Adam?”

“Usually, Joe has done it before when I’ve been ill or away. He’s perfectly capable.”

“You’re not ill now.”

“No but Joe knows that I don’t want to be away so long while they are still so little.”

“Much as I love having you here darling you must do your job. I can manage very well now and I can always get over to the main house or send Kam Su, there’s a good road now.”

Adam held up a hand in a peace sign, “Easy Love. I didn’t ask Joe to go for me. He said he was restless and would enjoy getting away for a week or two. I won’t be staying at home all the time anyway. I have some work to do up at the mines, the new tunnel needs better shoring.”

Carole smiled “Sorry darling I wasn’t meaning to nag but I know the twins and I have already disrupted all your plans for this summer. That’s fair enough where you’re concerned but there’s no reason why Pa, Hoss and Joe should be upset.”

“Don’t be stupid all three of them are thoroughly enjoying having the twins around and Joe said the other day that he enjoyed coming here because you were so placid and peaceful it made him feel at peace.”

She smiled, “That’s nice. He does seem to be calmer and he’s so good with Mark.”

“He’s going to spoil the child.”

Carole laughed “Well Hoss is as bad with David and you have no room to talk you’ll spoil them both!”

Before Adam could answer Will and Laura came down having put their twins to bed. Laura helped Carole get the babies settled and then the four settled down to a game of cards.

Over the next couple of weeks Adam had to concentrate on work. Things had been rather drifting all summer with the various distractions. He went over to work with his father most days leaving the house to Carole and often brought work back with him in the evening. He had to spend four days up at the mine and although he knew Will and Laura were with Carole so that she wasn’t on her own, he missed her and the twins. Although it was late in the evening when he finished supervising the new shoring into position he was determined to go home. There was nearly a full moon and he went home by the long route not risking Rock Canyon in the moonlight. He got in about three and slipped into a guestroom so as not to disturb Carole.

Adam was eager to see his family and he was subconsciously waiting of the babies to cry. It was about 6.30 when he heard the babies and he quickly got up, washed and dressed and went in to join Carole. She was very surprised to see him so early but delighted.

Adam joined her and took Mark who had already been fed; “He’s grown.”

She laughed, “You’ve only been gone four days.”

“I don’t care he’s grown and so has David.” Carole lent forward to kiss him before sitting back hastily as David protested at the top of his voice. As Adam played with his little son, Carole filled him in on what they’d been up to and asked if he could spare the time that afternoon to join them on a picnic. Will and Laura only had two more days before they had to head home, Adam willingly agreed with the proviso that he must go and see his father later in the morning and something might prevent him.

Ben was pleased to hear that the mine was safe again and passed over some papers for Adam to check for him, but he assured his son that there was no rush for a couple of days. Hoss was handling the lumber camp, José the cattle and everything was under control. They hadn’t overreached themselves this summer for once, although Ben wanted Adam to survey and make out plans for another flume further back into the high country. Adam asked if there was any news from town but Ben hadn’t been in recently.

Adam hovered over the desk, shuffling papers without really looking at them. Ben watched his son for a couple of minutes and the put his pen down, “Come on Adam join me in a coffee and tell me what is wrong.”

“Is it that obvious Pa?”

Ben laughed “I’ve had more than thirty years experience of your moods Adam.” He went out to the kitchen and brought in two cups of coffee. Adam had sat down by the fire and Ben joined him. “Alright what’s worrying you?”

“It was something that Carole said the other day Pa. She wondered why Joe hadn’t been round and I explained that he had gone to Sacramento and why. She was surprised said that I’d normally have gone. That I was fit now and I must pull my weight. Thinking about it these last few days, I haven’t really done my share this year.”

Ben sat back and laughed softly, mainly at himself he should have known, “Is that all Adam?”

Adam looked up surprised and slightly annoyed by his father’s reaction. Ben went on “For a start you were very ill early in the year. You can say that you’re fully fit but if you’re truthful Adam you’re still not fully recovered. I know you’re much better but you don’t have the stamina you normally have. That’s one reason I haven’t asked you to do too much. Secondly we just aren’t that pushed this year, no troubles and everything is running smoothly. Thirdly Joseph needs to keep busy at the moment, he needs to go to bed exhausted or he’ll brood. I haven’t pushed him; I’ve left him to decide exactly what he wants to do. He’s a grown man now and can take more responsibility than we’ve been used to.”

Adam sat and thought about it, he knew he still had to really recover his full strength, he was well over a twenty pounds lighter than his normal weight. Eventually he grinned ruefully at his father “Okay Pa. Just as long as you don’t think that I’m avoiding work. Carole has the twins well under control and she knows I usually spend quite a bit of time away.”

“Stop worrying Adam. We all know you don’t avoid work, you normally do far more than your share.” Adam shrugged but he relaxed, provided his father thought he was pulling his weight that was sufficient.

After lunch Adam was helping Will to load up the buggy while the girls got the children ready. Laura was busy trying to get Eve’s shoes on while Peggy was dancing her pony round the yard, when Hoss rode in. Adam went over to his brother “You free this afternoon?”

Hoss nodded “Pa said something about a picnic?”

Adam grinned broadly “I’ll go collect some extra food.” Hoss threw his hat at Adam just as Carole came out with the babies. She came over “Oh good Hoss, can you come too?”

“If you can feed me Adam seems to have his doubts.”

Laura coming out behind Carole laughed “Ignore him Hoss, we have enough to feed an army!”

They finally got started and rode out to a small box canyon towards the north of the ranch. There was a small stream running through the canyon but it was only a few inches deep and it was a beautifully warm day. Laura and Carole were well prepared with dry clothing and let the older twins run around. Eve and Dawn thought it was marvellous and were soon very wet. It was beautifully warm day and Laura let them get on with it. Peggy was exploring up the back of the canyon while the adults collapsed by the stream after their meal and chatted.

Adam had to be in Frisco in just over a month, to sort out a contract with the army and some shipping problems and he willingly accepted Will’s offer of hospitality for the duration of his stay. Hoss tired out after a hectic few days at the lumber camp had dozed off after his meal. Carole was picking Laura’s brains on the best ways to handle twins while Adam and Will were discussing the new plans of the railway company to get itself a monopoly of transport in California. Nobody noticed Eve and Dawn come out of the stream, sopping wet, and launch themselves at their sleeping Uncle. They soon noticed as Hoss bellowed with rage, suddenly woken out of a deep sleep. His temper wasn’t improved as the other four burst out laughing. Then Carole realised her brother-in-law’s normally equable temper was badly ruffled. He was very tired and not in the mood for the twins attentions. She went over and removed the twins, bodily dumping Eve on her father and Dawn on Adam. Then she gave Hoss a towel “Want some coffee Hoss?”

“Please Carole and thanks. I’m more tired than I realised, sorry for the display of bad temper.”

Carole kissed his forehead “I shouldn’t worry, its exceedingly rare from you. You’re usually on the receiving end,” Hoss drank his coffee and came down to normal, They stayed for tea and to let Carole feed David and Mark before returning home. Hoss excused himself and went straight home, leaving the others to a game of cards by the fire. Laura and Carole were tired and went to bed fairly early. Adam settled down to work for an hour or so while Will wrote some letters by the fire.

Adam took Will and Laura in to catch the stage home and saw them aboard. Then he delivered a long list of stores and went to have a drink while they were collected for him, In the bar Dan pigeon holed him and asked what the latest news was on the Consolidated Virginia. Adam denied any knowledge; it was sometime since he had been to town. He tried to tie Dan down as to why he expected news but Dan denied any firm facts, all he had to go on was a feeling. Whenever he’d been with Fair and Mackay these last few days, he had got an impression of a suppressed excitement about them, but neither of them was saying anything even though Dan was a minority shareholder. Adam was sufficiently intrigued to try and find either Fair or Mackay once he left Dan. He even went up to the Gould and Curry but noone had seen either man that day. He asked a few questions from some old friends at the mine but noone knew anything. The two men had been secretive ever since the tunnel into the Consolidated Virginia had been opened and several people said they’d got even more secretive the last few days. Adam asked around town without tracking down either of them, or any useful information. He wasn’t exactly surprised, if it was easily detectable Dan would have had all the facts at his fingertips. Eventually he went and collected his stores and headed home, if something of interest had been found at the mine, he would hear of it soon enough.

Adam stopped at the main house with the stores he’d picked up for his father Ben saw that his son was puzzled about something and asked Adam to join him for coffee. Adam did so and filled Ben in on what Dan had said and the little he’d been able to find out, Ben was intrigued by the little he had found out. He agreed it was annoying not to be able to contact Fair and Mackay but if anything had been found they would learn of it soon enough. Ben was intending going in to the bank the day after tomorrow anyway and he sad he’d make a few enquiries himself and let Adam know if he found anything.

Adam went on home and over supper filled Carole in, not that it amounted to much. She laughed at him as he talked round in circles “We’re not exactly short of money. Adam does it matter so much?”

Adam sat staring into his cup for a moment, every serious. “It’s not just the money love. It’s partly Sharon. We want to beat him again. It does no one any good if the Bank gets too powerful. The Hale and Norcross business cut him down for a while but the effect has worn off. The other reason is more important. If we find ore it will be good for the whole Comstock. Too many mines are in borrasca. It’s not just the miners who are affected, if they have no money to spend, then those who provide services are out of work and it spreads wider. If the mines aren’t working they don’t need lumber, the mills stop working and the Comstock slowly dies. That’s why it’s so important for people like us, with money, to put some back into the Comstock in a gamble to look for more ore.”

Carole listened quietly to him, she had never considered the effect on Virginia City neither had she really realised the depth of responsibility her husband felt for the town. As she thought about it, she realised she should have known the Cartwrights had always done a lot to help the town and their friends there. She said “Sorry love I never really thought about it.”

Adam grinned, “Don’t swing too far Love. I’m no saint I enjoy the gamble especially with the prospect of beating Sharon.”

Ben was no more successful than Adam when he went into town. There were plenty of rumours but no facts and no sign of Fair or Mackay, or even their wives. No rock had been brought out of the Consolidated Virginia for three days and noone was talking, There was nothing to do but to wait.

In fact Fair and Mckay had taken their wives to Sacramento where they had telegraphed Flood and O’Brien to meet them, They had go away without attracting too much notice but hadn’t dared risk calling either Ben or Adam in as well. It would attract too much notice, which they didn’t want at the moment. Mackay was planning to see the Cartwrights quietly as soon as possible after he got back. The major job at the moment was for Flood and O’Brien to quietly get hold of the outstanding stock. They met circumspectly in a small hotel on the outskirts of Sacramento and Flood took a sample of the ore that they’d found. In San Francisco he had a friend, who was an assayer, who would be able to confirm just how rich their find was and would keep his mouth shut. Fair and Mackay wanted to know the exact figures but they had no need of an expert to tell them it was some of the richest ore they’d ever seen. They weren’t going to make a move until the stock was in their hands, until then worthless rock would continue to come out through the Gould and Curry.

In fact their luck was in. That evening as Flood and O’Brien went to catch the steamer down river to Frisco they saw Little Joe coming out of the railway main offices, a large sheaf of papers under his arm. Flood went over to speak to him being rather less noticeable than O’Brien. Flood stopped Joe who was oblivious of his surroundings, still running over the meeting that had just finished, wondering if he’d forgotten anything. Joe was surprised to see Flood “What are you doing in Sacramento?”

“I’ve only got a minute Joe but something has come up. If you can get over to the Makepeace Hotel this evening you’ll find Fair and Mackay there, I know they want to speak to one of you. They’ll explain but keep it quiet eh!” Then not wanting to be noticed talking to Joe he hurried back to join O'Brien.

Joe had sensed the underlying excitement in the man and he guessed it must be good news from the Consolidated Virginia. Even a few months earlier he’d have rushed straight over to the Makepeace but Joe had grown up in a lot of ways. Now much more mature and more ready to accept the responsibility for the ranch he’d normally left to his father or eldest brother, he carried on back to his own hotel. His first job was to get all his impressions down on paper for Adam before they became blurred so that Adam would be able to frame a successful bid. He put the Consolidated Virginia to the back of his mind and settled down to work. It was two hours later before he sat back sure that he’d done his very best and got down on paper everything he’d managed to glean about the requirement and exactly what he himself had said. He tied up his papers and locked them into a case and then feeling hungry headed down to the hotel dining room feeling as though he had earned his dinner. He still found it strange just how exhausting the long meetings were.

As he sat over his meal on his own, Joe began to wonder just why Fair and Mackay were in town and what news they had. He took his time over his coffee and then wandered casually down the street. He went into the saloon and had a beer, but noone was taking any notice of him and he couldn’t see anyone he knew, so he headed down to the Makepeace Hotel. He was in luck; Fair and Mackay were both in Mackay’s room discussing their next moves. They were very surprised to see Joe and rather worried how he had learnt about their presence, in Sacramento. Joe put their minds at rest, as far as he knew there was no rumour out, Flood had passed the word onto him.

Jim Fair refused to explain things to Joe, he insisted that he wanted Adam to see for himself without any preconceived notions. They wanted a second opinion as they were too close to things. They admitted that they had found ore, that much was obvious from the excitement in the two men and they asked Joe to get his brother to drop by the Gould and Curry. They would be back in town in three days and then they would show Adam.

Joe accepted that was all he was going to get for now. “Fine I’ll tell my brother I’d like to have a look too so I’ll probably come with him.”

Fair begrudgingly agreed “If you must, not that you’ll learn much.”

Joe laughed “I’ve been around mines most of my life. I know what I’m looking at.”

Mackay poured a drink “Don’t take any notice of old grouser Joe, You’re a partner, got as much right to look around as Adam does. You’ll be welcome.”

“Jim has been riding Hoss and I for too many years for it to worry me.” Then he changed the subject, knowing that he wouldn’t get any more out of Fair and not wanting to offer him any further opportunities for snubbing him. He stayed for quarter of an hour and then excused himself and headed for a beer before bed. He was going home the next day and wanted an early start.

As he left Mackay poured another drink “You want to watch it Jim. Little Joe is no kid now, he’s grown up a hell of a lot since he got married and lost his wife. I think we’d better start reckoning on him. He’s no fool and Ben and Adam are trusting him with more and more work. He has an equal say in all their decisions so it’d be foolish to make an enemy of him.”

Fair just grunted but he had to accept the justice of what Mackay had said and made up his mind to watch his step with Joe.

Joe got off early before the heat of the day and made good progress. He rested at midday and then carried on, letting Cochise make his own pace. He didn’t intend bothering with a camp there was plenty of light from the moon and it was a good trail. He reached near home about four in the morning. He wasn’t really tired and didn’t want to disturb his family that early in the morning so he stopped by the Lake. Joe sat by Marie’s grave and thought back to his last trip to Sacramento, the weather so different. Then he had been so eager to get home; knowing that Marie would be anxiously waiting for him. Now she would never run again to greet him, never be standing in the window of their room waiting for him to come and hold her tight. He had had her with him such a short time and yet so quickly got used to having her there and he still found himself turning to speak to her, forgetting for a moment that she was gone. Now on returning home, knowing she wasn’t there, his loss hit him hard again. Joe took a couple of hours at the Lake to calm down before riding on home.

Joe rode into the house just before seven and found Ben and Hoss sitting over breakfast. Hoss had already been busy for more than an hour and was, as usual, starving. He was surprised to see his little brother come in so early; they were expecting him back that day but not at that hour. Joe said “It was a beautiful night and I was restless so I kept going.”

Hop Sing hustled in and started his usual complaints about people not telling him what they were doing and then went back into the kitchen to cook up a fresh eggs, ham and flapjacks for Joe. Joe just grinned, “Thanks Hop Sing I’m starving.” He turned to his father “I’ll just go get washed up and then fill you in over food.”

As he headed upstairs, Hoss looked worriedly at his father, wondering just why Joe had been up all night. Ben smiled reassuringly, he had sensed the excitement in Joe, which had resurfaced as he calmed down, “I think something has happened Hoss but it’s good, he’s excited about it.”

Hoss shrugged hoping his father was right.

Joe washed and changed and then came down for food. Ben waited until he had assuaged the worst pangs of hunger before asking him how the trip had gone. Joe sat back with coffee before starting on the flapjacks “Successful I think. I’ll explain the details later when Adam’s here. I don’t want to have to go through it twice. The really interesting thing had nothing to do with timber contracts. I ran into some old friends in Sacramento.” He stopped there and began eating again, Ben grinned at Hoss as Joe ate in silence but eventually Hoss couldn’t wait any longer “Dadburnit Joe, don’t pull out the agony any longer. Explain!”

As Joe tried to finish his mouthful his brother half rose to his feet, “Talk little brother before I shake it out of you.”

That amused Joe and he laughed at Hoss, more freely than either his father or brother had heard him laugh for months and, as his peel of laughter rang through the house, Ben grinned at his sons. “You ought to know Little Joe by now Hoss the more you rise to his bait the longer it will be before he tells us a straight story.

Joe just grinned draining his coffee and then sat back, “I won’t tease Pa. Day before yesterday I came out of the final meeting and Flood came over to say hello. He only had a minute he was catching the steamer back to Frisco and I saw O’Brien waiting for him but he did say that if I could find time that evening to go out to the Makepeace Hotel. I did and found Jim Fair and John Mackay is residence complete with wives. They were very secretive, admitted they’d found ore in the Consolidated Virginia. That much was obvious, they were both sort of excited, No details they want Adam to go and look without preconceived notions, They’ll be back tomorrow and asked me to get him to drop by the mine quietly. I got a begrudging admission that I can go along if I must. That’s it.”

Ben stood up and paced up and down the room as he considered Joe’s news. Then he came back and poured out fresh coffee and filled Joe in on the rumours in town and the little that he and Adam had managed to glean. Then he asked, “What conclusion did you come to Joe? You saw them.”

Joe shrugged “As I said they were excited. I think that at the least they feel they are onto something big but its not that long since they were both excited over the Savage mine and that’s in borrasca. All we can do is wait until Adam has had a look.”

Ben nodded rather ruefully “I’d like to see for myself but it would cause too much comment if Adam and I both went. You and Adam can get away with it and I’ll have to trust your reports.”

“Adam’s the expert anyway.”

“Yes well he’ll be over in half an hour or so. You can explain to him then. We can’t do anything until Fair and Mackay are back anyway.”

When Adam came over he was most intrigued with Joe’s news but had to be patient until the others got back from Sacramento. The brothers decided to leave it an extra day to ensure Fair and Mackay were back and then ride in and see for themselves. Once that was settled and Joe’s enquiries about Carole and the twins answered, they settled down to run over the results of Joe’s trip. He passed over various papers and filled in a few details, Adam was impressed and said so “You’ve done a real good job little brother I couldn’t have done better myself,”

Joe grinned broadly, praise from his eldest brother was rare but meant all the more to him because of that, but as he said thank you he yawned widely. Ben suggested that he went and had a doze, he was short a night’s sleep, Joe shook his head “No I’ll have an early night but I don’t want a sleep now. If you can do without me for an hour, I think I’ll go and stretch my legs, go see my godson for half-hour, Carole’s always so peaceful. I’ll be back for lunch.”

Ben nodded and once Joe had ridden out he told Adam how his youngest brother had teased them that morning.

Carole had just bathed and changed the twins when Joe wandered in. She was pleased to see her brother-in-law especially looking so cheerful. He stayed chatting for nearly an hour making a fuss of both the babies and laughing at their antics. He went back home feeling as refreshed as is he’d had a night’s sleep.

Two days later Adam picked Joe up early and the brothers rode into Virginia City. It was too early for there to be very much traffic and it was a beautiful morning and very peaceful until they got close to the never-ending noise and chaos that was Virginia City. Adam was planning on avoiding the main part of town, leaving their horses which were as well known as they were round the back of Beth’s house.

They stayed in the back alleys and didn’t meet anyone at first but word would inevitably spread about their visit, from the men at the Gould and Curry. Adam had timed it well and the six o’clock shift had gone down the mine so there were very few people around as Adam and Joe made their way over to the small office which they had rented from Sharon for the use of the Consolidated Virginia. Fair and Mackay were both in the office; they were expecting Adam to come and probably Joe. The brothers wandered over, not making themselves too conspicuous but not hiding their presence, They found Fair and Mackay waiting with boiler suits for them to change into preparatory to going under ground. Neither of them would explain anything but were very eager to get started. Adam looked at Joe and shrugged but he went along and the brothers quickly got changed.

When they were all ready they headed over to the lift cage which would take them down to the 1300 foot level in the Gould and Curry from which the Consolidated Virginia tunnel started.

The cage only took two at a time plus the liftman and the brothers let the others go down first. Joe knew how much his brother hated going underground, especially deep as they would have to here. It was one reason that he had insisted on coming along. As the cage disappeared he looked at his eldest brother, who looked a little drawn. “You okay Adam?"

“I’ll be glad when we come back out again Joe. You know how I feel about the mines but I can cope I always have.” He fell silent but as the cage started on its way back up again, he looked at his brother and smiled faintly “I’m glad you’re along Joe.”

Joe just grinned and the brothers stepped through the steam at the mouth of the shaft and into the cage. The cage flashed past the stations of the upper levels, noisy with voices and the clank of machinery. As they got past the thousand-foot level the cage began to slow and they felt the spring of the cable. Joe knew that both Adam and his father hated the feel of the spring and he gripped his brother’s shoulder feeling the tension in him. As the cage came to a halt exactly at the 1300 foot level he felt Adam relax slightly and they stepped out to join Fair and Mackay, who were waiting for them.

Neither of the brothers had been down the mine since the tunnel into the Consolidated Virginia was started but they knew exactly where it had been planned to go from. They both knew the workings well enough to know where they were as Jim led the way through the forest of square set shoring. Adam looked round at them remembering the days when he had helped Philip Deidersheimer with the design and the fear he had known trapped down the Hale and Norcorss. He shivered involuntarily and Joe very aware of his brother hesitated. “Okay Adam?”

“Sure Joe carry on. Let’s get this done.”

Finally Fair came to a large double door, which marked the boundary between the two mines. It was padlocked as had been agreed to preserve the integrity of the mines. He unlocked the door and led the way through, closing the door behind him. As he did so all sound of men working was stopped and there was absolute silence. Even Joe shivered, it was as though the four of them were buried alive in the vaults of the earth. Adam had to force himself to speak in an ordinary voice and not whisper, as he asked “No shift working?”

Fair smiled “We’ve suspended operations temporarily, You’ll see why. I’ll take you to the end of the workings and leave you to look around.”

There was a single tunnel through the rock with short side passages from time to time as the men had followed up possibly interesting leads. After they had gone a short distance Fair passed over his big lantern “See for yourself we’ll wait here.”

Adam went on slowly, examining the side-walls of the cut while Fair and Mackay sat down and waited for the brothers to come back. It was stiflingly hot in the tunnel with the door cutting of even the normal air circulation from the Gould and Curry. Adam had insisted on ventilation tunnels, even though they were expensive, but although the minimum that he had managed to get accepted ensured that they were safe; it did nothing for comfort. Both Adam and Joe were dripping with sweat, even though the thick boiler suits provided absorbed a lot.

After some twenty minutes and Adam stopped and mopped his forehead Joe said worriedly “Maybe we ought to rest for a few minutes you don’t want to overdo things.”

Adam shook his head “Don’t fuss little brother I’m fine and anyway I think I can see what we’re looking for.” He went over to the wall and Joe saw the faint trace of a vein. The tunnel had followed the trace. They’d come along a straight drift tunnel nearly a thousand yards long and now the tunnel followed the vein, with occasional twists and turns mute testimony of how nearly the vein had been lost. Gradually the vein widened and in the end chamber where Joe and Adam stood it was nearly seven feet high. There were signs of a series of borings made in the walls and as the equipment was there Adam made two trial borings himself and had a look at the ore he’d collected. He passed it to Joe who fingered it and weighted it in each hand before passing it back. The air in the end chamber wasn’t very good and it was very hot, but the brothers wanted a quiet word before rejoining the others.

Joe said “You’re the expert big brother what do you make of it?”

Adam grinned, “Don’t play the fool with me Little Joe. I know you too well. You tell me,”

“It’s rich isn’t it? Considerably richer than the ore from our mine.”

“I think so. I shall be interested to see the assay figures, I imagine that’s one reason for the meeting with Flood and O’Brien to get it assayed in private. That vein is getting wider as you look at it, it’s deep too. I couldn’t bore out the far side. The ore we can see here will pay for a separate shaft down to get away from Sharon and from the indications it’ll make you as rich as you always claimed you wanted.”

Adam was finding it difficult to breathe in the congested atmosphere and at the end of a long speech, he was very short of breath. Joe took his arm “Come on we can talk it over once we get back into the fresh air.”

Adam found that the trip had sapped his strength more than he had expected and he was grateful of Joe’s supporting arm, preventing him stumbling as they made their way back to Fair and Mackay. Jim Fair wanted to know what they thought but Joe said “We’ll discuss this up top, this heat is no good for Adam.”

Adam protested that he was okay but both men could see that Joe was right, his brother looked very strained. They headed back to the cage and Joe and Adam went up first. Adam gave a sigh of relief as they stepped out into the fresh air but Joe hurried him over to the changing rooms. Even though it was only the end of August there was a nip in the air, especially compared to the tremendous heat in the mine. Baths were waiting for them in the changing room and Joe insisted on towelling his brother dry very vigorously afterwards, still worried. Mines were definitely not the right place for someone still not one hundred percent recovered from pneumonia and he wasn’t taking any chances. Adam laughed at his little brother after the bath he felt fine but he didn’t bother to argue, touched by his brother’s concern. When they were dressed Fair and Mackay were waiting for them and invited them back to John’s house where they could talk in private. It was close at hand and with luck noone would notice them.

When they were sitting comfortably round the fire with coffee Fair asked Adam what he thought. Adam countered with a question “What does it assay at?”

Fair had had confirmation of his own rather rough and ready assays from Flood the previous evening. He grinned, “Guess?”

Adam shrugged “It looks rich, let’s say $150 a ton.”

Mackay unable to resist broke in “Double that and then some $380 a tone.”

Adam whistled softly that was almost ten times as rich as the average assay of Comstock ore. Fair said almost proudly “Gold and silver.”

Adam sipped his coffee “I tried two bore holes, didn’t break through, did any of yours?”

“None.”

“Well it looks as though our gamble paid of. I assume Flood and O’Brien are collecting the remaining stock?”

“Yeah. Prices dropped a bit when I pulled the crew out, now they are oscillating. Noone’s sure what we’ve got and I intend to keep it that way.”

Adam nodded it was only sense. Then he made up his mind “The ore there will be sufficient to pay for a vertical shaft but maybe you’d better investigate a little further before we put up the money.”

Fair was furious and expostulated loudly “Damn it Adam you’ve seen that vein.”

Adam grinned, “It’s only a safety precaution. You’ve seen veins stop dead, even wide ones same as I have. We don’t know if there is a fault in the rock.”

“I know that mine Adam it ain’t faulted.”

“Okay Jim you’re probably right but you only really know the higher levels. If you’re buying up the remaining 30% of the stock none of you are going to have much spare capital and I imagine we are going to have to carry the shaft, at least to a large extent. I won’t agree to that until I am sure of a return on my money. I want one more week’s work before we finally decide and at that point I want another look I’ve brought out the ore from my trial borings and I’ll run my own assay.”

Fair and Mackay looked at each other, neither of them really surprised at Adam’s insistence and he was right the Cartwrights would have to carry the shaft, all their spare money along with Flood and O’Brien’s would be tied up in stock. Adam grinned at the resigned expressions on their faces. “Cheer up. It won’t even hold anything up. Have you surveyed for the shaft yet?”

Fair shook his head, “No we had to see Flood and O’Brien and you before we made a move.”

“Well why don’t you get that started. It won’t do much to the stock. Half the people will think you have struck it rich and the rest that you have nothing and are covering up while you unload. It will take us awhile to get organised to provide the lumber. Have you got a list?”

Fair passed over what they would require and Adam added on the extra that would be required for another week’s exploration. Joe came and sat on the arm of his chair and looked at the list over his brother’s shoulders. He whistled softly, “That will stretch us Adam."

Adam looked up at his brother, “You were up in the high country in the spring can we do it?”

Joe took the list and studied it carefully for a couple of minutes and then nodded slowly “We have to cover for it Adam, none of the timber has been paid for yet.”

Fair glared at him “As soon as the mine is producing you’ll be paid the rate we agreed.”

Joe ignored him, “We’ll need extra hands and you know what that means at this time of the year, we’ll have to build roads further back. There’s plenty of timber there but getting it out in a hurry for this won’t be easy. It’ll mean double shifting at the mill.”

Adam knew what his brother meant; it would be virtually impossible to get responsible men at this time of year. Even if they borrowed from the other crews, it would be a full time job to organise the timber before the weather closed in and prevented further work before the winter snows. He had three contracts to tie up and at least two trips arranged, one to Frisco and one to Sacramento, Hoss was already fully occupied fulfilling their other timber contracts.

Fair said “We can double the price of the lumber Adam.”

Adam grinned, “You will but that’s not the point. We are already slightly stretched with your other requirements. They weren’t planned on when we arranged other contracts last year, So far it’s not really been a problem but this amount so late in the season will be a massive job of organisation. It’s up to you Joe. You know the position and the bulk of the work will fall on your shoulders, I’m already committed to two trips.”

Joe had realised that and he borrowed a pen and pad and began jotting down what he would require and how long it would take, When he’d finished his rough estimate he passed it to Adam, who glanced over it. “Okay Joe I agree, So it’s possible, just but its cutting things very fine."

Fair impatiently demanded “What’s the alternative? Noone else can supple lumber at this notice.”

Adam caught his eye “Exactly Jim for precisely the same reasons that we are hesitating. What makes you think we are any different? The alternative is to wait until spring. The ore isn’t going to go anywhere.”

Mackay protested “We can’t do that, we all have too much money tied up in that mine we have to get it producing.”

“You could bring the ore out through the Gould and Curry, the agreement still stands.”

Fair came angrily to his feet “No damn it. I won’t pay Sharon a minute longer than I have to.”

Adam looked at his youngest brother leaving it to him. Jo grinned “Let’s give it a go, I always did like a challenge,”

Adam laughed “You have one little brother, you’ll be working every hour that God invented for the next couple of months, if you’re going to get this lumber out, I’ll do all I can to help.”

Fair and Mackay relaxed and Jim, almost against his principles, managed to say thank you to Joe for taking it on.

Adam promised to draw up a contract that afternoon to keep things on a formal basis, but insisted there would be no penalty for late delivery. As they weren’t proposing to pay until the shaft was finished, Fair wasn’t in a position to argue.

Mackay offered the brothers lunch but they excused themselves preferring to go and eat at the Washoe Club where they could start planning in detail what was required. Adam wasn’t entirely sure if Joe knew just what he had taken on, but as Joe amplified how he thought it best to tackle the job, Adam realised he was underestimating his brother. Adam suggested a couple of changes and Joe was quite prepared to accept them. Adam was noting down the outlines of the contract when it suddenly struck Joe that they were being rather high handed, “Do you think we ought to go ahead and sign a contract without even saying a word to Pa?”

Adam put his pen down “I don’t see any need to ask Pa. You said that you’re willing to try. That’s all Pa would want to know he trusts you do as you say.”

Joe grinned, “Fair enough Adam, All I have to do now is deliver.” Adam carried on drawing the contract. Joe knew he had taken on a big job but he still felt the need to keep busy and was glad of the challenge. He had a look at the contract once Adam had finished it and laughed at the price “Pa will like that!”

Adam clapped him on the back “You’ll earn it little brother every dime.”

“Well I think I’ll go and start earning it. See what labour there is around and see if I can hire some horses. We’re going to be short of trained animals.”

Adam agreed to meet Joe later at the Palace once he had the contract signed. And the brothers separated.

Joe had been reasonably successful in hiring labour and had arranged for ten men to go out to the ranch the next day, Adam had also managed to borrow a dozen from the Consolidated Virginia, at least until the timbering began in the shaft. They discussed details on the way home and then Adam handed over the contract and left Joe to explain to Ben, as he wanted to get home to Carole and the twins. Joe didn’t argue he thought his brother looked very tired. Adam was more tired that he cared to admit, even to himself, but he was well satisfied with his day’s work.

Even Joe was tired and his father recognised it and didn’t press him for details. Joe waited until after dinner and then when Hoss joined them in coffee by the fire, he explained exactly what they had seen and the assay figures. Ben was very impressed “At that rate we will have more money than we know what to do with.”

Joe looked at his father wondering how he was going to take his two sons signing a contract without prior consultation, Ben recognised that look and sat back in his chair momentarily stern “Right Joseph lets have the rest of it.”

Joe explained what Fair and Mackay wanted to do and their insistence on completing the vertical shaft as soon as possible. Ben could understand their reasons for that easily enough but he knew just what a big job it would be to cut the timber. Joe said, “We didn’t dare delay Pa. If we were going to do then things had to start moving fast. Adam insisted on another week’s exploration before they actually start sinking the shaft but I don’t think any of us actually have any doubts. Adam drew up the contract for the lumber and we signed it this afternoon, I’ve already hired ten men and Adam borrowed a dozen from the mine. I know it’ll be a big job Pa but I said I could do it,” He passed the contract over and Ben studied it, he grinned appreciatively at the price and Joe was sure that Adam was right and there wasn’t going to be an explosion, relaxed. He filled his father in on some of the detail of his plans and Ben listened intently. Once he was sure that Joe knew exactly what he had taken on, they settled back to try and see where the main problems were going to arise. Hoss in charge of the main contracts, for which there were penalty clauses for late delivery, had to have priority but slowly they argued out the best way to handle things. Hoss offered to ride up with Joe the following day and give him a hand in marking up, Joe gratefully accepted and eventually having planned as far as they could, Hoss tired out after a busy day at the lumber camp retired to bed.

Ben was having a last cup of coffee before going up and looked at his youngest son “How about you Joe you look exhausted.”

Joe grinned, “I am a bit tired but I want to stop thinking in circles first or I’ll never sleep.”

Ben to change the subject asked, “Was Adam alright, he never liked the mines?”

“He was very tired, it was suffocatingly hot down there. They’ve got a thousand-foot drift from the Gould and Curry. It’ll be a little better when the shaft is done, It was beginning to affect Adam’s breathing, he’s still not one hundred percent fit, but I made sure he didn’t get cold and he didn’t take any harm.”

Ben sighed, “I thought about that this morning, it wasn’t really sensible, but I know when I can’t win.”

“He’s okay Pa, and with Carole and the twins to think about he won’t take any chances.” They chatted for a few more minutes and then headed for bed.

Adam had filled Carole in and she was pleased that their gamble looked like paying off but Adam hadn’t hidden it from her that it would mean all of them working long hours over the next months to fulfil the contract he’d signed. It would take all Joe’s time and even then he would probably need some help and they would have to cover the jobs he would normally have been doing. Carole made no objections, she knew she’d been very fortunate to have as much of her husband’s company as she had that summer. At last now with the twins and her own home, time didn’t hang heavily on her hands, there were always all too many jobs to do, even with Kam Su’s help.

Joe and Hoss got things moving over the next couple of days, deciding where and how to cut and rearranging things to run a double shift at the sawmill. Joe rode into town with a list of supplies he needed and was able to arrange to get most of them on the spot and arrange for delivery within the week for the rest. He even managed to hire a dozen trained horses and well satisfied with his day’s work, he was having a look at the stock indicator, when Dan came over to join him. “Well Little Joe you’re on the inside, do I hold on or sell out.”

Joe looked at Dan and then decided it was a waste of time pretending ignorance. “You come and buy me a beer.”

Dam nodded “Are you going to tell me what’s happening down the Consolidated Virginia?”

Joe attempted to look innocent “Is anything?”

“The shift has been pulled out for five days, You went down with Adam three days ago and now Mackay’s running surveys on the surface. The stock is jumping and noone is talking.”

“Sorry Dan that includes me.”

Dan hadn’t really expected anything else but that didn’t stop him grumbling “I’m a stock holder too, only five percent but not nothing, How am I supposed to know whether to sell or hang on?”

Joe laughed “That puts you in the same position as lots of other, following your nose! You held the stock when it was worth a dollar a share, you can hardly lose if you hang on.”

Dan stared at his friend but Joe refused to discuss it further, he’d given his friend a hint quite broad enough for Dan. Dan gave way “Okay subject closed. How are things out at the ranch, how is my godson?”

Joe willingly changed the subject and chatted for a couple of hours before heading home. He’d been tempted to see Fair or Mackay and try to find out how the further exploration was going or how the shares were coming but it was too risky. There was enough comment anyway and Dan had already confirmed for him the shift was working again. Adam would be going in again in four days time anyway.

By the time Adam rode in four days later Joe had the first load of timber moving down to the sawmill and the double shift in operation. Joe had been working far into the night every night to achieve that and things were still not really running smoothly but with a scratch crew he had worked wonders. He was sleeping out with the lumber gang now but he had dropped by Adam’s house for dinner the previous night to bring him up to date so he could fill Fair and Mackay in. Carole thought he looked worn out and insisted on feeding him up but Joe said that he was fine. In fact he was quite enjoying himself, it was a challenge and he was so busy he didn’t have time to feel lonely. The first agonies of grief had subsided but even with his family around him; he still felt empty and lonely most of the time and the future stretched blankly ahead. These last few days with problems to be solved everywhere he turned, he’d had no time to feel anything and by the time he finally got to bed he was so tired he was asleep almost as soon as he lay down. Adam recognised that despite the problems his brother looked more at peace that he had done in months and prevented Carole fussing. Joe enjoyed an evening’s relaxation but he wouldn’t stay overnight, insisting on riding back to the camp to be on the spot to get things moving as soon as dawn broke.

Adam made an early start and was at the mine ready to go down with the shift, Mackay was there and he went along with Adam. They went straight to the working face where the week'’ work ad traced the vein further along, It had now widened to over twelve foot. Adam had checked the assay results with his own tests and he took another sample to check, but a quick comparison with ore from the previous site indicated it was just as rich, Adam didn’t stay long and when Mackay asked if he had seen enough, Adam nodded. “Let’s get back up and talk. You’re not needed here are you?”

“No they can manage without me I have a good shift captain. Jim will meet us at my place in an hour.”

Adam was glad to get back on the ground and wash and change back into his own clothes. Mackay laughed at him “You don’t really like the mines do you Adam?”

“There’s a lot more elbow room up here.”

They reached the house before Fair and while they were waiting Mackay filled Adam in on the latest stock position. Dan was hanging onto his five percent and none of them objected to him having a cut of their good fortunes. As Adam had been a stockholder initially anyway the Cartwrights already held 21 % and in their name another 4% had been bought making it up to the 25% as written in the original contract. They would be the major stockholders with Flood and O’Brien taking 23% each and Fair and Mackay 12%. So far counting Dan’s 5% they had 94% of the stock and O’Brien in his last telegram had been confident that he knew the whereabouts of the remaining 6% and could secure it within a couple of weeks.

When Fair arrived he got coffee and then demanded to know what Adam thought now. Adam asked, “Is the assay holding up?”

“Yeah on my tests, I haven’t had it checked officially.”

“Your tests are good enough for me. As far as I can see, it seems to fulfil all the promise it was showing last week. I’m prepared to put up the capital for the vertical shaft as soon as we have sufficient timber ready and we have the go-ahead from Flood and O’Brien, As long as Joe has the wood cut, we’re not so dependent on the weather. He has the first load at the mill now.”

Mackay sat up at that “That’s fast work.”

“Joe does work fast when it’s necessary and if we’re to complete the contract before the high country is blocked by snow, it is necessary.”

Fair grunted and Mackay glared at him, “Tell Joe thanks from both if us, He must have been working all hours.”

Fair didn’t add anything but half an hour later when all the details were settled, he walked down to the bank with Adam, where Adam was going to make arrangements for the necessary money to be available. On the way he said, “I think your brother is beginning to take after you Adam. You can tell him I said so. He’s doing a good job.”

“That’s quite a compliment coming from you Jim.”

“I only give compliments when they are deserved, I’ve never got on with young Joe, he’s far too irresponsible for me, but he’s finally growing up, I’m sorry for the reasons behind it but the effect is good.”

Adam’s jaw tightened “I think you have always under estimated Joe. Just because he enjoys a good time and would have a joke, didn’t mean he was irresponsible. He’s pulled his weight for years.” Then knowing he was close to losing his temper Adam changed the subject. He had no trouble at the Bank; the manager was an old friend and made the arrangements without question, although Adam could see he was dying to ask what the position was at the mine.

Then Adam had to hurry home, he had to finish drawing up their final bid and agree it with his father and then do the preliminary contracts as he was leaving for Sacramento the next day. He was expecting to be away a week and was loath to leave Carole and the twins that long but there was no choice, work was piling up. Both Joe and Hoss were out on the range, but his father had promised to come over whenever he could spare a minute to make sure that everything was alright and to give Carole a little company.

In fact they were all pushed for time. The summer seemed to be rushing past and things were piling up. Again José would have to handle the roundup without help, he was getting expert at it. Hoss and Joe were finding it increasingly difficult to keep the lumber camps running smoothly, they were overloading the flume and the stacking system at the sawmill. It was unavoidable but it meant that any slight snag causing a delay caused trouble right the way up the line. Tempers were beginning to get frayed and only Hoss’ placid good temper was keeping things running. On Saturday afternoon he told everyone on both gangs to go into town and enjoy themselves, but warned them that he expected everyone back prompt on Monday morning.

Joe had been contemplating offering the men double time to work on Sunday to try and get a bit ahead of schedule, When he came back from the flume and discovered what his brother had done he erupted and cursed his brother for interfering. Hoss was tired out and he just lay back on the grass, closed his eyes and waited until Joe’s tirade burnt itself out. When his brother was quiet, he hitched himself up on one elbow, “Have you done little brother?”

Joe sighed, running his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry Hoss, I just lost my temper.”

“That’s exactly why I sent the men off Joe. You’re tired out and so am I. Everyone’s tempers were getting more than a little frayed. I know we have to keep things moving but we’ll manage a dern sight better if we relax for a day and start out fresh. We’re on schedule and there ain’t no real sign of an early winter. We’ll make it.”

Joe rubbed his aching eyes “You’re right Hoss I am a mite tired, I think I’ll let everything go hang here and go home for two nights in my own bed.”

“That’s what I’m going to do?” Hoss agreed “Then I’m going into town this evening. Wanna come along?”

“Are you going to the dance Hoss?”

“Thought of it but if you don’t want I’m happy to just go to the Bucket O’Blood.”

“No you go ahead Hoss. You’ve earned a night off. I don’t think I can face dances just yet. I’ll stay home, maybe go over and see Carole and the twins. She’s probably lonely with Adam away.”

“I really don’t mind giving the dance a miss, Joe.”

“I know Hoss and thanks but I think I’m really too tired to bother.” Hoss didn’t push it any further and went to town on his own. At the dance he joined Dan by the punch bowl, Dan smiled at him “Long time no see Hoss. Did Joe or Adam come in with you?"

“Nope I’m on my own. Adam is in Sacramento, Joe stayed home.”

“Is he still upset?”

“Its not that long Dan. He’s okay, just not in the mood for dances yet.”

“He hides it well Hoss. These last few weeks he’s seemed his old self again.”

“Well I reckon he’s gradually getting over it Dan, but he was very much in love.”

“I know she was a sweet girl.” Then Hoss was surrounded by friends; he hadn’t been in town much recently. Several of them asked about Joe but Hoss avoided the subject just saying that they were very busy.

Joe rode up to the lake after dinner and then went to see Carole for an hour. She was missing Adam and was glad of the company but Joe was very tired and headed to bed early. Tired out after one of the busiest weeks he had ever known, he fell asleep at once.

On Monday morning everyone felt better for their break and things began to run more smoothly, even if it did take Joe and Hoss seventeen or eighteen hours a day to keep them running that way.

In Sacramento Adam was successful with his bid. It didn’t surprise him Joe had made a good job of the groundwork earlier in the year. He was slightly delayed over the details and had to spend two days longer than he had expected settling the contract. He was due in Frisco in another week and knew that if he had any sense he would go direct to Frisco. Instead he rode home wanting to see Carole and the twins even if it was only for two days before he’d have to turn round and come back again. By the time he was half way home he was cursing everyone and everything that had delayed him. The weather had broken and there was a steady downpour.

Adam wasn’t the only one cursing the weather, Hoss and Joe were even more vehement as they tried to keep things moving with all the trails and camps like quagmires. All the men were uncomfortable and irritable but they had no choice but to keep pushing hard.

Adam rode in to his house late in the evening, wet through and tired out, but glad to be home. Carole had been expecting him that day, as he had telegraphed that he’d been delayed and she had hot water ready. She went into his arms for a kiss, regardless of the mud and then sent him straight off to the washroom. A few minutes later as he lazed in the water she brought him in a large cup of coffee, laced with brandy, She sat on the side of the tub to talk to him. “You’re a fool my darling! Much as I have missed you and happy as I am to see you, you should have gone straight to Frisco. Four days riding most of it in horrible weather, just for two days at home.”

Adam grinned, “Logically you’re right but I don’t care, I wanted to see you and I wanted to see the twins, They change enough in a week. I shall be in Frisco for at least two weeks. I couldn’t not come home. It would have been five weeks; it will be over three anyway, that’s quite long enough. Anyway I needed my wife.” He pulled her close and kissed her soundly.

Carole gave up arguing and as Adam demanded to know how the twins were and his family and the news generally, she sat back and tried to fill him in. When Adam had warmed up and felt clean again he got out of the bath and wrapped up in his night-gown and robe he sat down to a good hot meal that Kam Su had ready for him. Once he had eaten Adam sat by as Carole fed the twins and changed the babies and cuddled them in delight. When they were sleeping again he retreated to bed with his wife and he knew that it was well worth the ride even if the weather had been terrible.

The next day Adam took the contract over to his father and learnt all the news and confirmed the details of his job in Frisco before going home for a quiet couple of days with his wife and sons before setting off again. There was no way he could avoid the task and Hoss had to take the herd out in another week. Ben didn’t see how they could avoid either job but that left Joe alone to handle both lumber camps, which at the moment were taking Joe and Hoss all their energy to keep them moving. Ben rode up there to see for himself how things were going. He had hoped that the backbone of the job would have been broken by the time the herd had to leave, but the bad weather had put paid to what, hadn’t been perhaps a very realistic hope anyway. He discussed the situation with his sons but as Joe pointed out the bad weather made it imperative that Hoss went with the herd. José had managed the previous year but it was a very heavy responsibility and with rivers swollen and the trail boggy, feed hard to find, they couldn’t ask him to do it this year.

Ben accepted the justice of that but it still left Joe an almost impossible task, Joe was tired anyway but he was still determined. “If José can trail brand without Hoss, I think we can manage. I’ll let everything go down here for a week and get all the remaining timber cut, if Hoss will handle the mill and things here. Then I can organise all the transport for both gangs and the cutting for the main gang from the lower camp.” Ben considered Joe’s suggestion “It might work. I’ll get up when I can give you a hand with the paperwork.”

Hoss agreed it was their best chance and willingly accepted the even heavier load on him for the next week, knowing how pushed his younger brother was going to be.

Adam rode out to Frisco after a very pleasant couple of days. The weather wasn’t any better and he was resigned to getting soaked. Carole was worried about him but she knew he wouldn’t take any unavoidable risks and he seemed to have more or less fully recovered. At least in Frisco Laura would look after him as well as Carole would herself. As the weather was so terrible Adam had decided to catch the steamer in Sacramento at least that way he could travel in the dry for the last part of the journey and it would only take one day longer than going direct. Once Adam was settled in at Will’s and had made the necessary preliminary contacts over his contracts, he went to the stock exchange cum bar run by Flood and O’Brien. They were pleased to see him and the three men went through into the private office at the back. Then over a drink they filled Adam in on the current position. They had all but 3 % of the stock, apart from Dan’s 5%. They agreed it wasn’t worth delaying for and drafted a telegram to Fair and Mckay to go ahead with the shaft. In turn Adam filled them in on the position as far as he knew it in Virginia City.

Hoss handed everything over to Joe running as smoothly as he could get it, “You’re going to have your work cut out little brother.”

Joe looked up at the clouds, still raining steadily with no sign of a break “You haven’t exactly got a picnic either Hoss,”

“Oh I’d rather have the rain than drought.”

“Maybe but you go real careful brother, too many people have drowned getting cattle across swollen rivers.”

Hoss grinned “There ain’t nothing that big Joe, anyway look at me I’ll float.”

Joe punched him “Good luck and be careful you big galloot. We don’t want to have to come and rescue you like last year.”

Hoss mounted up “I’ll be okay. You just concentrate on stopping this lot from snarling into one big mess. I’ll see you in a month.”

Joe settled down to work knowing he had to just about have everything cut or at least at the mill by the time Hoss got back if he was to fulfil the contracts. In another month there was a good chance the weather would be moving them out. It might not but he certainly couldn’t rely on more than another month.

The next three weeks were so busy Joe didn’t know if he was on his head or his heels, the nights he got more than four hours sleep became rarities. His father came up several times and sorted out all the wages and bonuses to help him, but there was little else he could do. Joe was the only one with the current position at his fingertips and therefore the only one in the position to make most decisions, Somehow Joe kept things moving and he had all but the final delivery of the main contract complete. He kept lumber going down to Fair and Mackay just ahead of their demands for it as they sank the shaft. Joe didn’t know himself how things got done but they did. The pile of papers awaiting his attention and the queue of men wanting decisions never seemed to get any smaller or shorter but he kept his head above water and they didn’t get longer either. At least his father was able to get supplies and stores for him, as they became necessary.

Adam arrived home after three weeks in Frisco and Ben was loath to ask him to go straight back out again when he had been away so much, but Joe badly needed help. In fact he needn't have worried. Adam had headed straight to his own house and got there mid-afternoon. Carole didn't worry him until the twins had been fed and put to bed. Once they were settled in the study and Adam had finished exclaiming over how much they’d changed in the three and a half weeks he had been away, he finally thought about the rest of his family. Ben had been over to see Carole occasionally and she had read between the lines just how pushed Joe was. She told Adam and he sighed and went and poured two drinks.

As he passed one to Carole she kissed him “In the morning, you go and fill your father in on your trip and then go help Joe.”

Adam pulled her over onto his lap “I love you, I’m afraid it leaves you on your own a lot.”

“I knew that when I married you Adam. This is a working ranch and it’s the busy time of the year. From what your father said Joe is working himself into the ground. I know he’s better if he keeps busy but if he does too much he’ll make himself ill.”

“Joe’s tough but if Pa is worried then it’s time I helped out.”

The next morning Adam went over to see his father very early and Ben was still sitting over coffee. Adam helped himself to some and after briefly detailing his successful mission, he said, “I thought I’d fill you in on the details and then go straight up to the lumber camp, From what Carole says Joe needs a hand.”

Ben grinned, “I might have known. I didn’t really want to ask you, you’ve been away a lot, but he does need help.”

Adam laughed “Carole has no such qualms. She didn’t ask me she ordered me.”

Ben clapped his eldest son on the back; “She was certainly a daughter-in-law worth waiting for.”

By mid-morning Adam had passed over all the relevant details to his father and he headed out for the lumber camp. He pushed hard but it was still late in the afternoon before he reached the camp. Adam rode in and dismounted and then went looking for his brother. Joe wasn’t hard to find, he was busy trying to settle an argument between two large lumberjacks, who both claimed the other had ruined a saw. Joe wasn’t in the mood for bickering and Adam stood back watching appreciatively as his little brother roundly cursed the two men for acting like children, Joe didn’t normally use much bad language but he had a good stock at his disposal when he needed it. The men understood that and were both grinning broadly at his inventiveness by the time he’d finished. Joe rounded it of by reminding them that sharpening a large saw was a two-man job and he suggested that they get on with it. Then as he turned to go back to the tent that he was using as an office he saw his eldest brother standing there grinning. “You’re a sight for sore eyes Adam, when did you get back?”

“Yesterday afternoon. Got any coffee Joe?”

“Sure come on in.” Joe had a table covered with papers and as he made room for the coffee mugs, Adam had a chance to look at his brother. Joe looked very tired and tense, his eyes were bloodshot and his colour was bad, almost grey with tiredness. Adam could see why his father was so worried. “You look exhausted Joe. From what Pa said you have been doing two people’s work these last few weeks.”

“Well we knew what it would mean when we took it on. The weather hasn’t exactly helped. It’s held us up a bit but the worst effect has been on tempers. I’ve had to waste all too much time in settling arguments, like just now.”

Adam sipped his coffee “What can I do to help?”

Joe stared at his brother for a minute and then said “I haven’t been able to get down to the sawmill for two days and God knows how I can fit it in today. There’s almost certainly chaos. There are two shifts working and lumber for both contracts going down. It’s all marked up but Jack Catfish is the only one who can head it in the right direction. He can’t work all the time and I’ve had to sort out the backlog and check the manifests myself. Otherwise we’d have no idea how much more we need.”

“You got the lists?”

Joe nodded “Here’s what we’ve sent down since I was last there and where it should be going. Identifying it won’t be easy.”

Adam smiled, “I’ve served my time as bull of the woods little brother. I’ll sort out the sawmill for you. Don’t worry about that.” Adam finished his coffee and went to go out and Joe got to his feet putting a delaying hand on his brother’s arm “Thanks Adam. Is everyone alright at home?”

“Everyone is fine and everything under control. I’ll fill you in later when you can spare time for a chat.” Joe needed to get on and nodded his attention already back on other pressing problems.

Adam found things at the sawmill were in chaos as Joe had predicted and tempers were frayed. They had enough hands to run the double shift but they lacked anyone else with Jack Catfish’ organising ability to control the second shift. Adam apologised to Jack for all the extra work he’d had put on him and promised him a hefty bonus at the end of the season. Jack was pleased but he insisted that the real weight of the work had fallen on Joe.

Adam checked all the wood ready cut and that awaiting cutting against the requirements. After a bit of physically moving around the timber he had the two contracts physically separated and had it checked against Joe’s list of the timber sent down. It was mid evening before he succeeded in making the lists tally and he promised to come back the following morning and sort out the night’s work. Then he headed back to the lumber camp.

Joe had been busy marking up the timber which was going down the flume, with instructions for cutting, while his men were still pulling in the final trees which had been cut that day. He still had to go out and double check the trees he wanted cut the next day. His usual daily round with the evening used to update the paperwork. Today even with Adam handling the Mill there had been too many petty hold-ups and he was even further behind than normal. He was measuring up one of the trunks before marking it for the sawmill when Adam rode in. Adam saw his brother struggling with the tape and came over and took one end, Once instructions were attached to the trunk and the men were moving it over to the flume, Adam took his brother’s arm “Coffee break Joe.”

Joe wanted to get on and opened his mouth to protest but he had seen that look on his brother’s face all his life and it wasn’t worth the effort of arguing, he couldn’t win. Sighing heavily he let Adam lead him into the tent and Adam poured out two coffees and then went over to check the papers on the desk. Adam had devised their system of keeping track on the lumber operations when they first started taking on large contracts and he had taught Joe. He knew his brother’s idiosyncrasies in notation and it didn’t take him long to see the current position. Adam perched on the desk “You’ve done very well Joe, especially given the weather, but you’ve worked yourself into the ground. Finish marking up the timber that you cut today, you know what you have planned for it. Fill it in on the plan and then I’ll take over. Up to you, stay here and get some sleep or head on home. Either way you spend tomorrow at home and I don’t want to see you until after lunch day after tomorrow.”

Joe protested “I’m okay.”

Adam shook his head, “You don’t look it Little Joe. Look about ready to collapse. Don’t you trust me? I can see what needs doing. Do as you’re told for once and have a day off and a lie in the next day, then we’ll split the work between us and I think we can clear it in a week to ten days without going entirely without sleep.”

Joe protested “You can’t Adam. What about Carole and the twins? You’ve been away for weeks. I can cope.”

“Sorry Joe I have my orders and I don’t dare go against them. The twins aren’t of an age to know whether I’m there or not and I can’t even flatter myself that they care. I played with them yesterday. Carole sent me to help you. She insists I pull my weight and she’s quite right, There’s nothing that Pa can’t handle or that can’t be left for a couple of weeks, This is the urgent job now and you know as well as I do that its a two man job.”

Joe wanted his brother’s help and he could hear the under current of pride in Adam’s voice as he spoke of Carole but he still protested that it wasn’t necessary. Adam laughed “Go on home Joe and you can try arguing with Carole if you want to but I warn you that you’ll be wasting your time!”

Joe finished marking up the trees and then decided that even if would be late when he got home he still fancied sleeping in his own bed and he rode out, feeling strangely free.

Even though it was late Ben was in town but Hop Sing bustled in and after taking one look at Joe he started arranging a hot bath and went to cook a meal while Joe soaked off the filth of the lumber camp. Joe was very glad to get clean but the hot water didn’t just wash away the filth it also dissolved all his tensions. Joe knew he wasn’t going to turn down his brother’s help, between the two of them they could complete the contracts. Joe decided he would go and see Carole the next day but not to argue, just to thank her and see his nephews. He was getting dressed in his nightshirt and robe when he heard his father come in.

Hop Sing had already told Ben that Joe was home. It didn’t come as any great surprise he had been fairly sure, that if Joe still looked as tired as he had last time Ben went by the camp; his eldest brother would dispatch him home. Joe wandered down clean and more relaxed but if anything looking even more tired. Ben got coffee and sat with Joe as his son ate. Joe was hungry but even so he only managed half the stew that Hop Sing dished him up before pushing the plate away. He poured himself a coffee and when Ben offered, had a brandy along with it. Joe had enquired if there was any news of his big brother and been glad to hear that Hoss had successfully delivered the herd, Ben had had a telegram that morning. He had had a few losses, not surprising with the weather but more than covered by the spares and no injuries to any of the men. He was leaving José to bring the men home and coming on ahead. Joe was pleased “Good that’s another job out of the way for the year. I bet he had a rough trip.”

“You’ve had it rough yourself Joseph.”

“Yeah well Adam is going to help me out and between us we should finish both contracts in say ten days. Maybe a week longer at the mill.”

“That’s great Joe, you have done an excellent job.”

Joe yawned widely “Well Adam has ordered me to take tomorrow off and not to reappear until after lunch the next day.”

“You’ve earned it. Why don’t you head to bed now? We can catch up the rest of the news in the morning.”

“Sounds good.” Joe grinned, “Night Pa.” He headed up to his own bed and was asleep almost as soon as he put his head on the pillow.

He slept late the next day but for once Hop Sing didn’t even complain and had all Joe’s favourites for breakfast. Ben was working at his desk and let his son eat in peace and then joined him with coffee by the fire to find out a bit more detail on the current position. He thought Joe still looked exhausted but didn’t nag, they had had no choice once they accepted the job of supplying timber for the shaft. Joe went over the current position and then added “I didn’t want to land Adam with it, he’s been away so much recently but he said Carole had given him his orders.”

“Yes he told me the same thing. I think he was really proud of her attitude.”

“Yeah that was sorta obvious. After lunch I’ll go see her and my nephews. Anyway what is going on in town, how much news is out?”

“Nothing much. Dan’s still fishing and if he doesn’t know, noone does. Flood has finally tracked down his final three percent; some old barfly in Frisco owns it. They are still dickering and he’s getting all the free drinks he can mange before selling out, but he’ll sell. No movement in the stock, as we own all but 8% it’s not surprising.”

“What about the shaft?”

“It’s progressing, rather slowly. You have time in hand judging by the pile of lumber sitting there. Mackay wants his twelve men back but I told him to wait a week. We’re the only ones who can be shut down by weather. Fair has been carrying on with the exploration tunnel. The vein is still widening. I didn’t go down but he says they are practically cutting through solid ore now. He’s going to have to stop soon, until the shaft is completed, as he won’t bring it out through the Gould and Curry. He’s already stockpiling it in the 1000 foot drift.”

“How far down is the shaft?”

“About the seven hundred foot level, so just over half way, but Mackay says that it will move faster now that they are stopping the exploration tunnel so keep the timber coming. Jim Fair was saying that they hope to be in full operation in another month, say the end of October.”

“I shall look forward to seeing Sharon’s face, once he has to admit he’s wrong.”

“He probably knows. Now people see we’re actually digging the shaft, they are fairly confident its not just a stock manoeuvre. Certainly Sharon didn’t look very happy when I passed him in the street.”

“Good.” Joe said with satisfaction and his father laughed. “He may not like it but all the same he and the bank will gain by it. The whole Comstock will.”

After lunch Joe went over to see Carole. He thanked her for sending Adam to help him but she just laughed it off, of course Adam had to do his share. Then he played with Mark while his brother was fed before taking David to change him for Carole while Mark was fed. The twins had grown so much that Joe was totally intrigued and they were so different, even in the way they wanted to be held. Once the twins were ready to settle again Joe said goodbye and headed up to the Lake. He spent a couple of hours just wandering along the shoreline after he had visited his wife’s grave. By the time he headed home for an easy evening and an early night he was feeling much better.

With two of them, the work went much more smoothly and as though acknowledging that they would complete their job, even the weather improved. The sun came out and the rain stopped. After all the rain that they had had in the last month the sun didn’t have much of a chance to dry things up. Late in the year it wasn’t that strong, but if it did nothing for the mud it had a hugely beneficial effect on everyone’s tempers. With the weather improving and the end of the job in sight, with good bonuses waiting for them as the jobs were completed on time, everyone relaxed.

The biggest job for Adam and Joe was the paperwork as they checked and rechecked to make sure that all requirements were met and the spare timber they might need during the winter was cut, before pulling the men out for the season. Between them they managed to get a reasonable amount of sleep although they were still working late into the evenings.

At the end of the week Joe moved down to the sawmill to supervise the final work there and see the last loads moved out. Adam took most of the paperwork to finish up at home and sort out the bonuses. He arranged the dismantling of the camps and the greasing of the saws for the winter and the general tidying up before letting the men go.

Adam was busy in his study working out the wages the night he got home. Carole was very glad to have him back. She knew he had to do his work but she had missed him. She was curled up by the fire with a book while he worked, content just to have him in the same room and knowing that as the weather closed in she would see much more of him. When she heard someone at the door Carole sighed, but as Adam was busy she went to answer it. She was delighted to see her big brother-in-law and took his arm “Come on in Hoss.” She kissed his cheek and led him through to the study. Hoss had been very busy since he got back collecting winter supplies and she hadn’t seen him.

When Adam saw his brother he pushed his papers away. They could wait until morning and he hadn’t seen Hoss for quite a while. Hoss had brought over the cash so that Adam could make up the wage packets and his errand done, he was happy to join them by the fire to chat and catch up on the news.

Four days later Joe had finished up at the sawmill and with Hoss help those saws had been greased and packed away safely for the winter. The final delivery of the main contract had already gone off, delivered with a fortnight to spare. All that remained was the final delivery to the Consolidated Virginia. It was a large one with the remaining timber needed for the shaft and enough shoring timbers to carry the mine in full operation through to the spring when they could start cutting again. Just about every horse and wagon they had were pulled in to use and all four Cartwrights decided to go in with the final delivery and see for themselves how things were going at the mine, before taking an evening of in town. They’d all earned it and Carole insisted that she didn’t want to go in. Adam had been home for five days so he didn’t feel guilty at leaving her.

It was a long time since they’d ridden in together and as they followed the heavy wagons, they were chatting, mainly about the mine. Joe had decided that if it really did prove as rich as it seemed, he was going to put a certain amount of the money on one side for the orphanage, run in town by the Sisters of Mercy. He hadn’t meant to say anything about it but as they were talking it slipped out, For a moment as his family looked at him Joe was embarrassed and blushed, but they could understand his need to help the less fortunate.

Hoss grinned, “Good idea little brother. They are always short of money. I was thinking of doing the same sorta thing at the hospital. They do a real good job too, never have enough cash.”

Adam laughed at his brothers “Before you two go spending too many millions, let’s wait and see what they have actually found. So far all we can be sure of is enough money to pay us back for sinking the shaft.”

Joe reached over and punched his brother’s shoulder “Stop sounding so mercenary. You know you’re the softest touch round here for any good cause.”

Adam shook his head “I deny that. Pa is!”

They signed the various documents and collected the delivery notes to prove that the lumber had been all been delivered, completing the contract. Actual payment would have to wait until the mine was producing but it shouldn’t be very much longer. Once that was all completed Joe gave a sigh of relief “I don’t want to see anything to do with timber at least until spring.”

Ben laughed “You’ve done a fine job Joseph, Give yourself a week’s break and you’ll be ready to go again.”

Joe looked aghast at his father wondering what he was planning now. Ben saw and put up his head in a peace sign “Don’t worry you won’t have to think about lumber until spring.”

Joe gave a mock sigh of relief and got punched for his pains.

Jim Fair watched the by-play with ill-concealed distaste; “If you have quite finished I’ll show you around down the mine,”

Adam looked at his watch “I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m starving.” Hoss seconded that and Ben arranged for them to come back after lunch. Fair was annoyed but Ben pointed out that they had all been up very early getting the wagons loaded.

The four Cartwrights headed down to the Washoe Club and had a beer before going upstairs to eat. Dan saw then and came over “Rare to see you all in town together these days, anything special happening?”

Ben ordered another beer for Dan “Nothing Dan. Just tidying up odds and ends at the end of the season and having a night in town to celebrate. Completion of all our contracts for the year.”

Dan looked over at Adam “Is Carole in town too?”

Adam grinned broadly “Nope. She’s let me off the leash for one night on the promise that I’ll behave myself!”

Dan laughed “I must say you look the hen-pecked husband.”

Adam groaned “You don’t know the half of it Dan, I come home after weeks away in a lonely room, expecting some home comforts and she sends me out to work in the rain and the mud at the timber camp.”

He came to a sudden stop as Joe punched him in the ribs. Hoss said “That lonely room he’s so pathetic about was Will and Laura’s guest room and, judging by the weight he has put on, he was thoroughly spoilt!”

Adam could only laugh and Ben in mock anger told the boys to stop bickering it was time for lunch. He asked Dan to join them but Dan refused he had work to do. He did add that if they were still around that evening he would doubtless catch up with them again.

The four of them made a good lunch and then Adam demanded brandy with the coffee, Joe joined him but Ben and Hoss didn’t want. Adam admitted to himself, albeit to noone else, that a certain amount of Dutch courage came in handy when he had to go underground. They headed back to the mine in plenty of time to get changed and meet Fair at two o’clock as they’d arranged.

They went through the Gould and Curry as before although Fair hoped in another two weeks or so they wouldn’t need Sharon any more. Hoss and Ben went down first with Adam, Joe and Fair bringing up the rear. Fair grunted as they arrived at the lowest level “John should be down here somewhere. I expect he’s in the main chamber.” Fair led the way along the thousand-foot drift. It was the first time Ben and Hoss had been down and Ben realised why it had upset his eldest son the first time he’d come down; it was suffocatingly hot. As they moved along past the vein, past the point where the tunnel had stopped before, Ben started to take samples of the ore. They could see the vein visibly getting wider until in the end the main chamber was cut out of the vein itself, side tunnels each side showed solid ore and bore holes top and bottom showed the same. Mackay was there and reckoned the vein was at least fifty feet high and they hadn’t managed to find the end of it with side tunnels. It was richer than and of them had really dreamt of and Fair assured him the assays were holding up slightly richer if anything. The station for the end of the vertical shaft was ready and the shaft itself was down at the eleven hundred-foot level. Equipment still had to be got into position but it was ready and waiting and Fair and Mackay reckoned to have the mine operational in another couple of weeks.

Mackay said, “once it is all ready I suggest that we let Dan de Quille come in and look around. He’s the only outsider with stock and he knows what he is looking at.”

Joe looked round “Even 5% of this is gonna make him the richest reporter in the country.”

John grinned “I know, he’s a friend and I don’t begrudge him his share of this but don’t tell him anything yet. I want him to come down and measure it up for himself, make up his own mind. People trust him.”

Ben answered for all of them “We won’t tell him anything and I agree it’s a good idea. Let us know what day you’re letting him down I want to see his face.” Then noticing that his eldest son looked a little pale he headed back to the surface. Adam was very glad to get back on the surface and linking arms with is brothers “Right you two can endow orphanages and hospitals to your hearts content.”

Hoss grinned, “Sure looks like we are going to be rich.”

Adam chuckled, “We’ve not exactly had to worry about where the next penny was coming from for a long time Hoss.”

Hoss nodded “Yeah I guess we are real lucky.”

Joe rather sombrely added “In some ways.”

To distract his youngest son, Ben started planning a party to celebrate once the word was out. They could take over the Washoe club for the evening. The others agreed although as Adam pointed out they would ahve to get the veto against women waived for the evening.

Relaxed with no real problems outstanding, the four men headed to the saloon for a good time. Quite a lot of their friends joined them and the place was soon in uproar, Even Joe seemed his old happy self, at least the illusion was complete for outsiders. His family weren’t so convinced but at least he was well on the way to recovery.

Adam was sunk in thought over the first part of the journey home and he dropped rather behind the others. Ben, slightly worried, dropped back to join him, wondering if he had over done it, It had been a very long day. Adam looked up as his father reined in next to him and recognising the anxious look grinned, “I’m fine Pa. I was just thinking. We have nothing big planned for this winter do we?”

“Only the survey and plans for those two flumes in the back country.”

“I can work on those anywhere provided I get the surveys done, that will only take a couple of weeks.”

“True. What are you thinking about?”

“Well, if as seems likely we are not going to be short of money I’d rather like to treat Carole to a trip to Europe. I did say once that we would go but I couldn’t really afford it and wasn’t fit enough to go for a honeymoon. She wouldn’t leave the twins until they are quite old and probably now is going to be the easiest time to travel with them. They are too young to even really notice that we are moving around.”

“It sounds a good idea to me Adam, you’ve both earned it. What’s the objection?”

Adam grinned, “Is it that obvious Pa?”

“Frankly yes.”

“Well it’s early days yet. I haven’t even sounded Carole out to see how she feels, but if it’s to be worth making the trip we shouldn’t delay too long. I ought to be back by the end of March at the latest. We’ve already got heavy commitments for next year and with flume to build as well we will be every busy.”

“Your brothers and I have managed without you before Adam. You don’t have to rush back.”

Adam shook his head, “Oh no. I can’t go on that basis. Before I had an excuse, not a good one I freely admit but an excuse and my law training is proving its worth, but I can’t leave everything for a pleasure trip. The only thing is that it will mean being away for Christmas.”

Ben smiled “I know you said that your Christmas in Europe was the loneliest time you ever spent but this would be rather different, You’d have your wife and children with you and doubtless plenty of friends. I expect that you will miss us but it’s a small price to pay. We’ll be the quiet ones, even Will can’t get away this year.”

Adam looked sideways at his father and Ben frowned “Okay Adam lets have the rest of it.”

“Well as I say I haven’t spoken to Carole but I was wondering if Little Joe would like to come. If so it will leave you and Hoss very quiet.”

Ben stared at his eldest son for quite a while without commenting; finally he said, “What does Joe think about this?”

Adam smiled “I haven’t spoken to him about it Pa. I know at first he felt that he didn’t want to leave here, run away, but I wondered if now a change of scene might help. With the weather closing in there won’t be that much to do and with his wedding anniversary and Christmas to remind him of the contrast with last year, he’s going to start brooding again.”

“It’s a good idea in some ways Adam, a break might well help him but he won’t come along as an unwanted third on your second honeymoon.”

“It’s not like that Pa. He and Carole get on so well and he is so good with the twins. We don’t have to live in each other’s pockets and extra company to pass the time in travelling is welcome. In fact with all the extra luggage the twins seem to engender it would be positively useful. I really don’t want to have to drag a nursemaid along. In London or Paris he can do exactly what he wants. He already knows several people Charles, Johnny Sutherland and Mark Williams and his brother. He can go his own way, even Edwin is going to be in London in January, he’s doing a European tour.”

Ben nodded “Fair enough Adam. See what Carole thinks and then sound out your brother, Hoss and I can survive a quiet Christmas for one year, as you say the contrast with last year would probably make Joe brood, so he wouldn’t be much company anyway.”

Adam reached out and gripped his father’s arm momentarily “Thanks Pa. I’ll let you know what Carole thinks and maybe Joe would give me a hand on the survey, so we can talk.”

“I’m sure he will.” Ben let his eldest son cut off to his own house and followed Joe and Hoss home with a lot to think about. He would miss them if the two boys were both away, to say nothing of Carole and his grandchildren, but he could understand Adam’s reasoning. It might well be the best thing for Joe.

Adam slipped into his own home very quietly not wanting to disturb his wife. All was quiet and he went into his study to work out just what they could do. In the end he decided that they really needed to catch a ship for England at the end of the first week in December if it was to be worth going, which meant leaving towards the end of November, only some five weeks off. He carefully put his papers away and headed for bed.

He was too restless to sleep well and was up when Carole got up to the twins. Once the babies were fed and changed Carole put them down on the rug to kick and sat back looking at her husband. She could see that he had something on his mind. “What’s wrong Adam?”

He smiled at her “Nothing is wrong my love, but I do want to talk. Let me just get some fresh coffee.”

Puzzled Carole waited for him to bring the coffee in. Adam said, “We were down the mine yesterday. It’s far richer than any of us dreamt of, I don’t think we’ll ever have to think about money again.”

Carole shrugged, “We have more than enough anyway. I can’t get that excited about money.”

“I know that my love and we will make it perform some useful function but first lets spend some of it. I once promised you a trip to Europe but I couldn’t afford it last year, Now I can. Would you like to come to Europe for the winter? The twins are young enough not to really be upset by moving around and it probably our last chance for quite a few years. It’ll be some time before they are old enough to travel once they are mobile and we couldn’t leave them. At the minute they’ll sleep anywhere and Johnny Sutherland has a large nursery in his London house. I have a standing invite, he keeps asking me to bring my wife over.”

Carole was taken aback at the idea, she hadn’t really thought of such a trip. For a moment she sat in silence, she knew that Adam was right it would be easier to travel now with the twins than it would be again for years and in any case with luck other children would follow. “When were you thinking of going?”

“It would mean leaving in about five weeks, we would be in London for Christmas, have about three months away and get back here for the end of March, beginning of April.”

Carole sat excited by the prospect and the idea of seeing all the things she had heard Adam talk about. Then she began to think about the sheer amount of luggage they would need for themselves and the twins on a long journey. She puzzled over how they would cope and suddenly had an inspiration. She looked up at Adam “I wonder if ......” She tailed off as it suddenly dawned on her that maybe her husband wouldn’t approve of her suggestion.

Adam considered her and he made an accurate guess what she was thinking but he didn’t put words in her mouth just gently enquiring “You wonder what love?"

“Well I was just thinking we’ll have so much to carry and as you say there’s nothing much to do here in the winter and he’s so good with the twins.”

“Slow down Carole and explain.”

She looked down at her hands “I was just wondering if Joe would like to come along. He won’t be able to keep busy at home and with Christmas and all that, its bound to remind him. He was such good company on the train back last autumn ands he is so good with the twins. It would help us and maybe the change of scene would help him. It’s only an idea Adam, if you don’t like it forget it, I’m sure we can cope.”

Adam picked her up and swung her high in the air, before kissing her so soundly that she ended up totally breathless. “Great minds think alike my darling but I wasn’t sure how you would take it.”

Carole lent against his broad chest, enjoying the masculine smell of him. “I would be delighted if Joe came with us but it’s up to him, don’t push him and anyway how about Pa and Hoss, it will leave them very quiet, with all the work all winter.”

“I spoke to Pa about it last night and as he said they’ll survive a quiet winter but I don’t know how Joe will feel.”

“Make sure you don’t pressurise him, just make sure he knows that he is very welcome, by both of us. Do we go anyway?"

“Yes my love we go. I’ll ride into town in a minute and check the exact dates, make bookings. I’ll provisionally book an extra birth anyway, if Joe doesn’t want it maybe we’d better consider getting someone else along to help out.”

“Well maybe but I can’t think of anyone I want to be that close to for so long, apart from Joe, or your Pa or Hoss of course.”

“Pa wouldn’t leave the ranch for that long, particularly with me away and I don’t honestly think Hoss would enjoy London but I think Joe would.”

Carole sat down in the chair and pulled a pad close “I’ll start thinking about what we are going to need.”

“I still need to do the surveys for the flumes. I’ll head out tomorrow and get all the details I need so that I can draw the plans up while we’re away.”

Carole accepted that he’d be gone for a few days with equanimity, with a European trip to plan for, she would have plenty to keep her occupied.

Adam went by the main house before heading into town. He found Joe in the barn and asked his brother if he would give him a hand with the surveys. Joe with nothing much to do was already finding time hanging heavily on his hands and he willingly agreed. They arranged to meet at Adam’s house the following morning with enough equipment to stay out for two weeks if necessary. Joe was riding up to the mines and after checking that their father was in the house, Adam let Joe get on.

Ben was sitting at the desk with the accounts but he pushed them away on seeing his eldest son and came over to the fire. “Coffee?”

“Please Pa and then I’m going into town.”

“You spoke to Carole about Europe?”

“She loves the idea. I want to get of in five weeks so I want to get the bookings done now. Talk about great minds think alike Pa. I never mentioned Joe. Carole suggested that he might like to come, as she put it he’s such good company and so good with the twins, it would help us and maybe the change of scene would help him.”

“Have you spoken to Joe?”

“Not yet. He’s coming over tomorrow to go up to the backcountry and do the surveys. It’ll take a week or more and we can talk. I thought I’d book an extra passage. If Joe won’t come we may have to get someone to come anyway.”

“I think once he gets used to the idea he might well like it Adam. He’s getting restless now, without any pressure of work. I wasn’t sure last night when you first suggested it but after sleeping on it I think it’s a very good idea.”

Adam was pleased to have his father’s support and they chatted for a while, as Adam wouldn’t be seeing his father again until the survey was done. Adam made sure that they were agreed on exactly what they wanted. Ben promised to keep an eye on Carole while Adam was away and then Adam headed into town.

In town he was able to contact the shipping line, he’d travelled on before and was in luck, they had a ship leaving on the 6^th of December and he was able to book a large cabin with stateroom and a small adjoining cabin. He arranged bookings on the train easily enough and sent a telegram to Johnny to check if the invite was still open. Not that he had any real doubt the last invitation for that winter had only arrived a few weeks back.

Carole was excited when he got home able to tell her the name of the boat they would travel on. She began talking of all the things that she wanted to do until Adam started chuckling and pointed out they would only be staying three months not three years!

The next morning Joe was there bright and early. Adam was still eating his breakfast and Joe came in for coffee. He soon had his coffee down on the floor as he played with the twins. Both of them were biting anything they could get their hands on, although no teeth were appearing yet. Each grabbed one of his hands and he looked up enquiringly at his brother “Just how am I supposed to drink my coffee?”

Carole laughed “Just wait until they are bigger, if you think you have problems now!”

Adam went to get his coat “Come on little brother, stop playing we have work to do.”

Joe protested strongly “It’s your mad house brother!” Carole laughed at them both and told them both to go get on or she would never get the twins to settle.

The brothers rode out both smiling and headed for the wildest and in many ways the most beautiful part of their ranch. It was an area they both loved and exploitation of the timber there could make it more beautiful provided it was closely controlled. The paths of the flumes were more difficult to survey as Adam had done less preliminary work than he had on the main flume. On the other hand he had the experience from the main flume to draw on. The job had to be completed before the snow hid the details and the brothers knew they would have to work long hours; but the weather was co-operating and although it was cold it was at least dry and even sunny. Joe had always enjoyed trips with his older brothers, from those days when as a kid in his early teens it was a great treat for him to go along with Adam. They rode in silence; Adam thinking about Europe and Joe remembering the many trips they’d made in the past.

For the first three days the brothers worked hard and Adam forgot about Europe as they discussed and argued the advantages and disadvantages of the various possible routes for the flumes, It was a back breaking work as they measured and re-measured the routes and checked the rock for foundations. Joe had learnt a lot of the techniques over the years and Adam was surprised just how little help his brother needed. Joe made a good sounding block as Adam debated the routes and at the end of the three days they were agreed on both routes. All that needed doing now was the detailed surveys for the two routes that Adam required to work from. The technical difficulties were nowhere near as bad as for the main flume, there weren’t any long high sections, but there were still going to be some awkward lengths particularly on the longer flume.

That night with the back of the work broken, the brothers relaxed by the fire after their evening meal. Adam had no paperwork to do and he settled back and told Joe about his intended trip to Europe.

Joe listened quietly he wasn’t looking forward to the winter, with little to do he knew he would be restless. Now if his brother, Carole and the twins were going to be away, it would be even quieter round the ranch. Still he could see why his brother wanted to go, give Carole a treat. It had been a difficult year and she deserved it. “I bet Carole’s excited.”

“That she is. She’s going frantic planning what the twins will need and what she wants to do. Not that we could do it all, it would take years not months and I want to be back by April, It’s going to be a long summer. That’s why this survey has to be exact. I’ll do the plans on the journey so it’s no good forgetting anything. I won’t be able to pop up to check.”

“You’re definitely going then?”

“Yeah its booked we sail on 6^th December. I told Pa. He says he can survive a quiet Christmas.”

Joe sat staring into the fire, he would survive it too, but the prospect wasn’t inviting.

Adam recognised the look of despondency on Joe’s face and he put his arm round his brother’s shoulders. “Little Joe I have a suggestion to make. Please don’t answer straight away. I’d like you to think about it first. We would like you to come with us. Extra help on the journey would be a Godsend and in London you can do what you want, we don’t have to live in each other’s pockets. I know you didn’t want to run away in the beginning but you’ve faced up to things, now with nothing much to do maybe a change of scene would help.”

Joe looked at his brother in disbelief “Don’t be daft Adam. Carole wouldn’t want me along.”

Adam smiled “I had thought of asking you Joe but I didn’t say a word. Carole thought it up all on her own. She told me not to push you, just make sure that you knew you would be very welcome. As she said you’re good company on a long journey and a marvellous help with the twins. Anyway I provisionally booked an extra berth and seat on the train. If you don’t want to come there’s no problem I can cancel but if you do want to come they are yours.”

Joe sat staring at his brother but Adam busied himself making fresh coffee. Joe studied his brother and read the genuine invitation in his eyes, he was sure that Adam would really be glad if he went along.

Joe sat pondering over his coffee until it was cold. He took a sip “Ugh stone cold. I think I’ll have a stroll before turning in.”

Adam yawned “I’m whacked I’ll see you in the morning.” He curled up in his blankets as Joe walked out of sight. At least his brother hadn’t turned the suggestion down out of hand and he was sure Joe needed a change of scene.

Little Joe wandered around for several hours going nowhere in particular but needing to keep on the move to stay warm. He was dreading the long winter nights, although he liked books he hadn’t Adam’s ability to lose himself in them to the exclusion of the outside world. He was tempted by his brother’s offer. He had never really wanted to travel as Adam had done but the idea of seeing for himself some of the things Adam had spoken of was very tempting. He knew he would miss the Lake and visits to Marie’s grave but she was with him in his memories and he would carry those with him everywhere. It would leave all the work to his father and Hoss but he knew they wouldn’t object. Both would be happier to work a little harder and know that he was alright rather than have him there to share the work but brooding over his loss. He knew several of Adam’s friends in London, who had been to stay at the ranch, and for a few weeks he thought he could enjoy the social life. It would be an introduction back into social life with people who hadn’t known Marie and weren’t always conscious of her and trying to avoid upsetting him as too many of his friends still were. By the time he went back to camp and settled down for the night he’d almost made up his mind to go along but he still wanted to think about it before telling Adam.

The next day they began the detailed survey and soon were immersed in the hundred and one things that had to be remembered. It wasn’t until lunchtime that Joe brought up the subject of the European trip. He was very hesitant, studying his cup intently “That trip Adam I’ve been thinking about it. You sure Carole wouldn’t mind?”

Adam smiled broadly “I told you Joe. She suggested it. She had been bemoaning all the problems we would have, all the luggage, carting it and the twins between trains and boats and then she suddenly sat up as though she’d had an inspiration. Then she started talking in circles; scared I wouldn’t like it before coming out with her suggestion. I promise you that she will be as delighted as I am if you come with us. As she said we really could do with some help and you Pa and Hoss are the only ones she could face underfoot for so long. Pa won’t leave if I’m away and I really can’t see Hoss in London but I think you would enjoy it.”

Joe looked up and saw the smile on his brother’s face and couldn’t help grinning back, “Okay. To be honest I’ve been dreading the idea of winter with so much spare time. I think I’d like a change of scene. I’ll be your unpaid nursemaid cum porter.” Adam clapped his brother on the back showing his honest delight.

When they got back five days later the work completed Ben and Carole were equally pleased that Joe had decided to go along. Both were sure that it would do him good. Ben had filled Hoss in on Adam’s idea and when they told him he bemoaned his fate at being left with both his brother’s chores all winter. Neither of them took him seriously, seeing how pleased he was underneath. Joe grinned “Never mind big brother we’ll bring you back some nice presents and anyway just think how much turkey you’ll have without Adam and Carole and me taking any.”

Hoss punched his brother for his pains and threatened to put him in the horse trough but Hop Sing called them in for dinner and saved Joe.

Adam and Joe rode into town the next day to make arrangements at the Bank for drawing facilities in new York and London, together with letters of credit. Adam warned the Bank that he would be drawing a large sum in cash as well to take with them. Their business completed they wandered up to the Consolidated Virginia to find out how things were going.

Mackay was supervising the installation of the lifting equipment in the shaft. The shaft itself was finished and would be operational the following day. He wanted twenty-four hours to check everything out and then he had been intending sending word to the ranch anyway. The day after that he wanted to legally end the agreement with Sharon and that done, invite Dan to examine the mine. Adam promised that they would all be in town early in two days time, unless something went wrong in the meantime, in which case Mackay would notify them,

Adam and Joe joined Dan, Roy and Paul in the saloon for a beer before lunch. Rumour had spread about Adam’s intended trip, but all of them were surprised to hear that Joe was going too. They were used to Adam’s occasional disappearances but not Joe. Joe sat back with his beer and moaned that he was only going as an unpaid man of all work, but noone took him very seriously. As the brothers went upstairs for food Roy commented that it was a good idea of Adam’s to take Joe along, a change of scene for him.

Paul nodded “It’ll do him good, he’s still not really the light hearted idiot we are used to.”

Dan protested “He never was an idiot.”

But Paul just grinned, “ I really didn’t mean it in a derogatory sense, I know Little Joe too. Ben will find it very quiet with only Hoss at home,”

Roy shrugged “He won’t care if it helps Joe.”

Two days later all the Cartwrights were on their way into town. Carole had some shopping to do and was going to visit Beth and leave the twins there while she got what she needed. The prospect of their trip loomed ever closer and she was excited. She was chatting away to Joe who was riding along side the buggy about what they could do in London and the problems they could expect on the journey. She was bemoaning the recent troubles between France and Germany, which had made Adam decide against trying to fit in any trips to the continent. Joe was beginning to catch some of her excitement and was happy for the proof she gave him that his inclusion in the party had her wholehearted approval. It wasn’t just done out of pity or to please her husband; she really did want him along.

Adam was very quiet, hardly noticing his brother and wife chatting as he thought ahead to the business meeting with Sharon. He knew that Jim Fair had already arranged it for ten o’clock and the tying up of the contract had to be done as carefully as the initial contract was drawn up. He couldn’t afford to leave any legal loopholes especially as he wouldn’t be in the country during the next few months to deal with Sharon. Ben guessed why Adam was so quiet and as they reached town he had a quiet word to see if anything in particular was worrying him. Adam denied it and took Carole and the twins over to Beth’s. Ben asked him to tell Beth that he would be over later. She was delighted to see Carole and the twins and Adam left them to it.

Adam rejoined his family at the mine where everything was ready to start the following day. Fair was joining Adam and Ben in their meeting with Sharon and he proposed sending Dan under ground while they were gone. Ben concurred and sent Hoss to find the reporter. Hoss was back with Dan ten minutes later. Fair said “We’ve got a scoop for you Dan. We start operations tomorrow. I’m not telling you a thing or people will say I posted you. Go below look around, measure it up for yourself. Take what samples you want and make up your own mind.”

Dan, whose curiosity had been whetted by the manoeuvrings over the mine, willingly agreed.

The others were pleased Dan was an experienced mining man and he knew what he was looking at and his word would be trusted anywhere on the Comstock. They let him go down alone and then Adam, Ben and Fair headed over to Sharon’s office.

Sharon was in a foul temper. He had had to admit to himself that the four Irishmen and the Cartwrights had struck it rich. He knew better than anyone did the position on the stock market and there was no stock available so it was the only thing that made any sense. Any strike was good for the Bank but he hated being proved wrong, especially by this particular group for the second time. He’d spent an hour looking over the contract knowing that they were coming to end it and wanting to make it difficult. However Adam had been far too careful building in safeguards when they initially negotiated it and there was nothing Sharon could do which didn’t improve his temper. Although he hid it well he was furious as he showed them in. Adam didn’t beat about the bush he freely admitted that they had a rich strike and that’s all the stock was in their possession apart form the 5% belonging to Dan de Quille and that as agreed initially they were terminating the agreement. Sharon accepted that having no choice and called in a lawyer to get the termination drawn up as of now. Adam agreed to that and half an hour later a document agreeable to both sides was signed and sealed. Sharon showed them out icily polite on the surface.

Adam looked at his father as they moved out of the bank “If he hated us before I dread to think how he feels now and I don’t think Dan’s story will improve his temper.”

Ben grinned, “I don’t really care Adam. He can’t touch us within the law and, whatever you say about him, he does stay within the law. He has no hold on us.”

“ Thank God,”

Ben clapped his eldest son on the back “Come on lets see if Dan’s come up yet.”

When they rejoined Joe and Hoss they discovered Dan was still below ground. Loath to leave the mine until they had seen Dan’s reaction Fair suggested that they eat in the office and sent one of the men to collect some food. They had finished eating and were on their second cup of coffee when Dan finally came back up. He headed straight for the baths leaving them on tenterhooks. When he finally came over he didn’t really need to ask his opinion. He still showed wide-eyed amazement. He had samples for assay but asked for their figures while he was waiting. Jim Fair told him it was averaging $380 a tone, Dan whistled “I’m rich and I didn’t even know it” It’s fantastic. The ore in the level I’ve explored must be worth £230 000 000 and that’s a conservative estimate.” He was still staring non-plussed at the figures on his pad as they bore him off to the saloon for a celebration drink. Philip Deidersheimer was in the saloon having heard the rumours and Adam invited him to go down and check for himself, after he sat in stunned silence reading Dan’s figures, Dan himself began drafting the lead article for the Territorial Enterprise, heading it “The heart of the Comstock”. He suggested that they ought to get a government geologist out from Washington and Adam decided that was good idea. He drafted a letter to the director of the mint which he got Fair, Mackay and his father to sign as directors of the Consolidated Virginia. Then they settled to celebrate and finalise details for taking over the Washoe club in five days time for a big dinner. Adam excused himself fairly early on and went to collect Carole and the twins. Ben went with him and spent a couple of hours with Beth but Joe and Hoss stayed in the saloon at the centre of an ever more boisterous gathering, as the news of the strike spread.

Adam rode home with Carole. She felt guilty about dragging him away but he wasn’t worried. They would celebrate with all their close friends on Saturday and for now he was more than content to be with her and their sons.

The news caused uproar throughout the town as it spread. At first people wondered if Dan was exaggerating; but after two days below ground Philip emerged with a statement that if anything Dan’s estimate erred on the conservative side. He said that the Consolidated Virginia stock should be valued at $5000 a share, compared with its nominal $1 as share earlier in the year. The whole town celebrated, knowing that a major new find such as this would spread prosperity throughout the Community.

The celebration dinner was arranged for the Saturday night. Everything was to be of the very best, as Jim Fair said they could well afford it. The first ore was coming out of the mine and in a month’s time they were reckoning to be shipping out $250 000 a month in pure bullion.

The Cartwrights accepted that their gamble had paid of and they were rich; but as Ben said, apart from a couple of occasions when there was trouble, it was a long time since any of them had had to think about money and it wouldn’t really make much difference to them. The Ponderosa was still the only real thing and they would continue to run their ranch as they always had. It did at least mean that Adam, Carole and Joe could go off on their trip and be as extravagant as they liked without worrying.

As they rode into town the following Saturday Joe was very quiet. When his family had first told him about their gamble he had been very eager for it to pay off, he had had so many plans for the money but they had all been centred round the lovely young girl he had been about to marry. Now with more money of his own than he had ever had she was gone and there was nothing he really wanted to spend it on. As they reached the outskirts of town Joe roused himself, it was a celebration dinner and he didn’t have the right to put a damper on it for the rest of his friends and family. The road was crowded and Adam had a job to edge the buggy through the traffic to Beth’s house. She was waiting for them already dressed up to in a green silk dress, which admirably showed her beauty. Ben went straight over and kissed her while his sons grinned appreciatively at them.

Carole fed the twins and got them changed and settled in the small cot Adam had made to carry them around in. There was a small annex room at the Washoe club and she had arranged for the dressmaker to sit with the twins. The woman was a widow and pleased to earn a little extra and Carole would be right there if she were needed.

Women weren’t normally allowed into the Washoe club but the rules had been relaxed for one night. Carole and Beth along with John Mackay’s wife and Jim Fair’s wife were presiding over the meal. All their old friends were joining them delighted that the Cartwrights had struck it rich, both for their friends and for the general prosperity of the Comstock.

The women had arranged an excellent meal and the Washoe club had the staff to carry it out. Once they were all settled it was surprisingly quiet for a while as they did full justice to the meal, but they made up for it later. Over the desert there was a great hubbub of noise as everyone chatted at once. They all knew each other very well and for once there wasn’t even the slightest hint of awkwardness to mar the evening. Even Jim Fair was on his best behaviour and didn’t make one barbed comment all evening, which as Hoss very quietly said to his father, must just about be a record. Even the twins co-operated not stirring all evening so that Carole could relax and enjoy herself. The three of them would be leaving in about two weeks and didn’t expect to see most of their friends again until the spring, so they took the opportunity to say goodbye.

About 1 p.m., the Cartwrights decided it was time to head home, Celebrations were still carrying on but several of the women had retired and things were getting slightly rowdy, Adam looked round at his family “There’s no reason for all of you to come now. I’ll take Carole and the twins and see you tomorrow."

Hoss shook his head “I think I’ve had enough anyway brother. It’s been a good evening but it’ll be gone two when we get home anyway, lets ride home together the way we came.”

Adam grinned at his sentimental big brother “Alright Hoss you’re very welcome.”

“Right I’ll go get Chub and your buggy see you out front.”

“Thanks Hoss.”

Joe got to his feet “I’ll come with you Hoss collect the horses. Pa can help Adam with the twins.” They made a move but still had to run the gauntlet of their friends and it was fully half an hour before they got downstairs,

Ben helped his son get the babies cot tied onto the buggy and put extra blankets round them to ensure they stayed warm, while Hoss helped Carole up and wrapped a rug round her. The night struck very cold after the crowded dining room. It was very much easier to get out of town than it had been to get in, but even now in the early hours of the morning, there was plenty of noise in Virginia City as the stamp mills and the mines continued working. Testimony of the continuing prosperity of the Comstock to which the Consolidated Virginia would now contribute its share.

As they progressed home they chatted over the events of the evening. It had all gone very well and everyone had enjoyed it, gradually as tiredness caught up with them they fell quiet. Joe and Adam were chatting and gradually realised that none else was joining in. The realisation hit them at the same time and both twisted to see what their father and brother were doing. Carole had dozed off leaning against Adam some ten minutes earlier.

Adam grinned as he considered Ben and Hoss “What a pair of sleeping beauties!

Joe giggled “I could think of another description!” Both Ben and Hoss had dozed off in the saddle, trusting to their horses to take them home. Joe looked at his eldest brother “I’m not even sleepy.”

“That’s two of us Joe I’ve seldom felt more wide awake. Its such a peaceful night now we’ve got away from town,”

The stars were indeed showing bright in the clear sky and the moon bathed their land in a soft light giving it its own slightly mysterious beauty, Adam suggested “See that pair home and then come over and join me for coffee. I don’t feel like bed yet.”

Joe nodded, but a minute or two later he said “What I’d really like to do is to go up to the Lake. Will you come with me Adam?”

“Of course Little Joe. Just give me time to get Carole and the twins settled and I’m all yours. It will be very beautiful in the moonlight."

Joe rode in silence the rest of the way home. He woke Hoss and his father and they reached the house and told them where he was going. Ben looked worriedly at him for a minute but his son was at peace and he smiled “Fine Joseph. We won’t wake you in the morning, Come down when you’re ready.”

Hoss still half asleep grinned at his brother “Don’t disturb me when you come in!”

Joe laughed “Form the looks of you big brother that would take an earthquake! Go on to bed, I’ll see to the horses.” He stood watching them go into the house and quickly unsaddled and brushed down Buck and Chub before heading over to Adam’s,

He went straight into the barn and saddled Sport for his brother and put the buggy away. He had just finished when Adam came out. Adam had told Carole where he was going and made sure the twins were settled before he left to join his brother.

They rode in silence up to the Lake, It was so very beautiful in the moonlight, even the harsh contours of the Sierra Nevada softened and the Lake itself dark and mysterious. Joe dismounted and went to kneel by his wife’s grave and Adam left his brother alone walking up to the point to relax in the place he loved more than anywhere else in the world.

Ten minutes later Joe joined him, he looked serious but he was at peace. He glanced back at the two graves, now both grass covered, as he joined Adam. “In another year noone will be able to tell there’s nearly twenty years between them,” Adam didn’t answer but as his brother sat down, he joined him. Joe said “When you first suggested I came to England with you I accepted because I couldn’t face the long winter days here without enough work to keep busy; but now I’m actually getting excited at the prospect,”

“I’m glad Joe. Life has to go on.”

“It does Adam. Even a few weeks ago at the babies christening I felt sort of guilty about enjoying myself. Now I don’t’.”

“Marie wouldn’t want you to feel guilty Joe. She loved you so much, she only ever wanted your happiness.”

“I know that Adam. I gave her my word I wouldn’t run away that I’d rebuild my life here and I’m sure she was right; but now I think she’d approve of this trip.”

“I’m sure she would Joe.”

“She’ll never see all the things I had planned for her but in some strange way she’ll come to Europe with me in my memories.” Joe fell quiet and Adam slipped his arm round his brother’s shoulders. Joe relaxed against him, glad of his warm strength “I’m okay Adam, I’ll never forget her but I’ve accepted it now. It was inevitable, there was nothing I could do, I’m just so grateful I had those few months. She gave me more joy and love than I ever knew existed. The worst is over now and I think this trip will make a real break, let me come back and pick up all the threads again and try and build something.”

Adam sat remembering what Marie had asked him to do and he picked his words carefully not wanting to upset his brother and not sure it wasn't still too soon. "That day when I said goodbye to Marie she asked me to do what I could to help you. She said that I had to make you understand that the die was cast before she even met you. That you had given her more love and happiness in those months than most women have in a lifetime.” he fell quiet and Joe remembered those last hours when she had said much the same to him. Adam went on “I think maybe now you can accept that.”

Joe shrugged, “Yes but its no credit to me. She was so easy to love.”

“I know Joe. We all loved her but don’t underestimate what you did. You changed, you learnt how to put someone else first all the time, even when it hurts. You gave her a lot. She asked me one more thing.”

He fell quiet and Joe looked at his brother knowing what he was about to say, but he waited, making no attempt to stop Adam as he would have done even weeks earlier.

Adam said, “She said she knew you’d never forget her but in time you must find someone else to love, to give you children and to love you. That you have far too much love in you to waste it.” Joe could hear Marie talking as his brother passed on her words. He remembered that she had tried to tell him the same thing but he had stopped her then, unable to bear it, He didn’t answer Adam but sat staring out over the Lake.

Adam made no attempt to rush his brother and they sat quietly for several minutes and the Joe half-turned and looked at his brother. Adam was relieved to see a half smile on Joe’s face “Thanks Adam she tried to tell me then but I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else taking her place, not then. Now I can see that it wouldn’t be taking her place anymore than my mother took your mother’s place in Pa’s heart. I still can’t imagine anyone else giving me the love she did. I feel lucky to have found it once in my life, but now I can imagine trying to find it again one day. Not yet but one day.”

Adam was very pleased to hear his brother say that much, it proved he was getting over the tragedy and facing the future. “It’s been a miserable summer for you Joe.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget it Adam. There have been times when I couldn’t face going on but its gradually got easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you and Pa, Hoss and Carole. You’ll never know how much I’ve depended on you; at least I pray you never will. There’s no way I can say thank you.”

“There’s no need either. You’ve been very good, we were only sorry we couldn’t do more. Anyway you helped me so much before the twins arrived.”

“That’s what families are for I guess. As you say it’s been a miserable summer but its over the bad times fade but the good times don’t.”

“Nature’s compensation.”

Joe nodded “I wouldn’t have changed anything if I’d known that day when I walked into the saloon what the outcome would be, We had something very precious and nothing can ever take it from me.”

“I’m glad Joe.”

Joe lay back very much at peace and Adam relaxed next to him. His brother was over the worst and a trip to new places would complete his recovery. The two brothers stayed up by the lake for another half an hour totally relaxed, peaceful and content in the moonlight in the most beautiful spot on the ranch that they all loved so much.

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