Advanced Warning by Lyn Robinson

In one quarter news of Adam’s disappearance had been greeted with jubilation. George Hearst had never forgotten nor forgiven the Cartwrights for forcing him to back down over the pipeline. Ben had humiliated him, threatening to drag him into court like a common criminal. At the time he had had to give way but he had vowed to get his revenge. His fortunes had picked up in the interim and he was determined to add the wealth of the Ponderosa to his portfolio. He had laid his plans in his usual devious manner and had drawn in several partners, most of whom knew only part of his idea. The one thing they all shared was a common healthy respect, almost a fear of Adam. As their main attack would be through the courts, it was his ability as a lawyer
which worried them. None of them liked the idea of violence and would have abhorred the idea of killing Adam to get him out of their way but some way of blunting his keen legal brain suited them fine. They all objected to the Cartwrights although they couldn’t have explained why. It was all very well to profess principles, they all did, but you couldn’t let them interfere with business practice. The Cartwrights did actually acting on their principles and even worse they prospered. It made men like Hearst see themselves as the hypocrites they were and they didn’t like it, even if not admitting it even to themselves. Thus they hated the Cartwrights and gloated over Adam’s apparent fall from grace.

Judging Adam by themselves all believed implicitly in the rumours that he was enjoying himself with some pretty young girl, escaping from the ties of wife and family. They expected him to return and pick up his normal life but as Hearst said if he can fall once he can do it again.

They wanted him distracted, hopefully alienated from his family, for about six weeks or two months and now they could see how to do it, although admitting that it would need a very special woman. Hearst was determined to find one and accepted callously that if the plan failed they’d have to find another way to distract Adam, maybe an accident to his wife, or one of his brothers, or one of his children. Hearst found support amongst his associates for that plan, never dreaming of the utter horror he had aroused in his secretary.

His secretary, Margaret Hunter, was an anonymous figure, always there dispensing drinks, taking notes of anything he wanted done and Hearst was so used to her that he barely noticed whether she was there or not. Even if he had thought about her he wouldn’t have worried, trusting her discretion demonstrated over so many years. He paid her well and took her loyalty for granted. In most things he was right to do so but Margaret had a much older loyalty to the man, who ten years earlier had been best man at her wedding. Then five years later had stood by her husband, given him every possible support through an agonizing death due to rabies. That man was Adam Cartwright and if her employer was going to try and destroy him, then she would fight him any way that she could. She knew Adam well and didn’t believe the rumours but if they weren’t true, he had been missing for a long time and might be dead. Until he returned there was nothing that she could do and she held her peace, just listening carefully to learn as many details as she could of their plans.

Someone else was equally horrified when she heard their plans and that was Michelle Grandison. She had only met the Cartwrights twice, the first time was when they had taken in her parents after the fire in town, indeed Joe had rescued them from the Hotel, and then again when the architectural commission came to Virginia City. She had been very impressed by the close family and by the efforts Adam had expended on the poor in town, building new houses for them with his own hands. Her husband was one of Hearst’s associates and although he was a generous man to charities, liking to stand well with his fellows, he was cold never letting anything touch his heart except maybe money. Michelle had soon discovered that she was merely a pretty bauble to show off to his friends, but he didn’t mind if she was expensive and so she had gone long, even managing to bring her parents over to join her. Now in this she knew that he was wrong he was only considering his share of the wealth of the Ponderosa, not the means. She was sure that not only were the means wrong but they weren’t even likely to be successful. The men she had met at the ranch and the stories she’d heard later when asking about these intriguing Cartwrights, were more than a match for cold businessmen like her husband. So her head and her heart agreed that the commonsense thing to do was to cut herself right away from her husband and warn Adam Cartwright.

Adam was down early the day after he returned home, leaving Carole to sleep and placating Anne with a bottle as he enjoyed the company of his children. Hoss was also up early and seeing his brother’s light on he came over, needing to reassure himself that it wasn’t just a dream. Adam recognized why Hoss had come but forebore to tease his big brother. Hoss was restless and suggested that perhaps it would be a good idea to put Jess’ mind at ease and even those in town. Adam agreed, knowing his old friend well enough to guess that Jess was blaming himself for not finding out exactly where he had been going. However he didn’t want either the ride or to see outsiders, just for a day or so all he wanted was his family. Hoss could see how his brother felt and offered to pass on word, an offer Adam gratefully accepted. Hoss was about to go but Adam stopped him, still seeing concern in Hoss’ eyes, “I am alright you know. Just a bit stiff.”

“I can imagine how rough it was, trying to look after yourself, ill and alone.”

“I’m sure you can Hoss but that’s in the past. It’s over and done, to be forgotten.”

“You haven’t forgotten, not yet.” Hoss said positively, “If only we could have come.”

“My fault that you couldn’t. I won’t make that mistake again and anyway I wasn’t alone. Lonely sure, nuisance to have to cook for myself, but not alone. Whenever I felt most alone you were there, you, Pa Joe and most of all Carole. I could feel you, knew how much you cared. You’ll never know just how much that helped Hoss, at least I pray you won’t. Thanks for that help big brother.”

Hoss couldn’t find any words and just hugged his brother close for a moment before going off on his self-imposed errands. Jess was out in the corral with a young mare when Hoss rode in, but he swiftly dismounted and came over. He didn’t even need to ask, Hoss’ face as expressive as ever, told it all and Jess grinned broadly, “He’s come home.”

Jess insisted that Hoss come in and over coffee and cookies he extracted every last detail about Adam’s trip from his friend. He was sorry that Adam had been hurt but much relieved that it was no worse. He was going into town later that day anyway and promised to pass word onto Roy, Dan, Doc and the rest of Adam’s friends, saving Hoss the trip.

Meantime Carole had finally got up and was busy preparing a birthday party for that afternoon with Kam Su’s help. Adam was rather restless; he needed to talk but had no intention of upsetting Carole by giving her any more details. Joe was also restless and Nita sent him over to check his brother, sure he wouldn’t be able to do any work until he’d seen Adam. Adam was pleased to see him, once before Joe had said he would be around if Adam wanted help and that he didn’t scare easy, now, as then, Adam took him at his word and asked Joe to ride up to the Lake with him. Joe was more than willing and saddled Cochise and Lady for Adam, leaving Blackie to rest.

Adam was still stiff and sore and he accepted Joe’s help to mount and didn’t push the pace on the way up to the Lake, Having ridden up basically in silence, he allowed Joe to help him down too and went straight to the point to slide down into his usual spot, where the very ground seemed to welcome him back. For several minutes Adam lazed back, drinking in the serenity and beauty of Lake Tahoe, the unfathomable dark depths of the Lake Itself, the beauty of the snow clad Sierras and the magnificence of the pines, silhouetted against the blue sky, Then he turned slightly to look at his brother, “You once said, that you don’t scare easy.”

Joe smiled faintly, “I also said that I’d be around if you needed to talk. You went because I was needed here and I can understand that. As you said an accident and I don’t blame myself but it could very easily have been me. You won’t forget until you’ve got it out of your system and I’m here for as long as it takes.”

Adam reached out to grip his brother’s arm in mute thanks and then settled back staring out over the Lake. He told Joe exactly how scared he had been as he came round to find himself trapped and his efforts to get free. He spoke of his realization that if he didn’t put his leg back he could die where he was and how his memories of the old mountain man and of his younger brother had helped him. His search for a place to do it and his final success, the long, long walk back to the cabins, supported by his black stallion, moving on because he knew he would die of exposure if he didn’t. The first long lonely days with water so far away, weak and feverish as he tried to tend his own wounds and the support he gained from his family even at that distance. Finally the interminable lonely hours waiting to recover sufficient strength and for Blackie to recover so that he could come home. He didn’t speak of the agonizing pain he had had to endure but Joe had known about that anyway and it was etched on Adam’s face as he relived those days. Eventually he fell quiet and Joe unable to find the words to reassure his brother moved closer and hugged his brother. Then finally the pains, fears and tensions of the last three weeks caught up and Adam broke down in his brother’s arms. Joe knew the strain he had been under and was glad to see him give way, knowing he’d feel much better for it. The two brothers stayed there very close together in every way, but barely talking, for over an hour. Not being able to see into the future they neither of them realized that it was the last time they would be so close for a long time. Eventually stiff and hungry they headed back home, separating for lunch, before rejoining to celebrate Adam’s thirty-sixth birthday in style.

Only the family collected for the party, but including all the children there were now thirteen of them. Carole had put on a sumptuous spread but it was Adam who made the day. Having released the tensions of the last week up by the Lake he had relaxed and was exuberant, enjoying his wife and children and the company of all the rest of his family. He was delighted with all his presents but he had the most important thing of all, the presence of those he loved and after the last lonely weeks that was a gift beyond price.

In town, as Adam enjoyed his family, word had spread of his return and a meeting was taking place of men whose main aim was to disrupt that close family. The fact that he had returned for his birthday seemed to confirm for everyone that he had been free to do exactly as he wanted and had just been having a good time somewhere quietly.
Noone exactly told Jess that he was lying with this story about a fallen tree, they were sure it was what he had been told. However if he believed it he was being very gullible, after all Adam would have to have made up some such story. Even Adam’s closest friends, such as Roy, Dan and Philip weren’t sure what to believe and everyone else believed what they wanted to.

Hearst had arrived in town three days earlier and not wanting too many people to know that he was around he had taken rooms at the relatively small hotel run by Marcy and Jeff Beatty. He had a number of people out and about round the town, who were paid to bring him any information they picked up. Soon after Jess got to town one of the informants had told Hearst about Adam’s return. It wasn’t exactly unexpected, Hearst had, along with most others, assumed that Adam was free to return whenever he wanted. Before he could put any case forward to the court Hearst needed to distract Adam and so he called a meeting with four local men who were involved both with the current deal and over many years with the Ponderosa. Chief amongst them was Troy. He hated Adam who had humiliated him on more than one occasion and he had been partners with Hearst in attempting to stop the pipeline to Virginia City. He had narrowly escaped prison on that occasion and was eager to try his chances against the hated Cartwrights again.

Hearst intended to claim the Ponderosa under the terms of a Spanish Land Grant, predating the control of Nevada by the United States. His case would be based on the precedent set by two recent cases, one in Southern California near San Diego and the other in Texas, where such land grants had been upheld by the US courts. The former case had gone all the way to the Supreme Court in Washington but the land grant had been upheld. The last thing that Hearst wanted was Adam prying into the case in advance of it appearing in court, or an Adam at his incisive best in court. He wouldn’t kill Adam, in his absence the Cartwrights could afford the best lawyers and in Adam’s absence would hire them. What was required was a distracted Adam and his recent escapade seemed to show how.

The men discussed again the sort of female they could expect to attract Adam away from wife and duty. It had to be someone very special, this time he wouldn’t be hiding away with her. They envisaged the woman staying in Virginia City with the risk for Adam that his wife might find out. The five men who had gathered were all totally convinced that Adam could fall hard, it was just necessary to find exactly the right bait. Hearst had already sent for two girls, one from London and the other from Paris. Each girl was said to be beautiful and intelligent, well read, indeed for women of that time, well educated and each was a nymphomaniac. Hearst remembered Carole’s reputation when she first came to town, the ice maiden, and felt that if either girl succeeded in getting Adam into her bed, the contrast with his wife would be enough to keep him there for long enough. The discussion was crude and the alternatives to Adam’s entrapment of a serious accident to Carole or his children, or even to his sister-in-law, maybe some combination of accidents, were spelled out. None of the men discussing the various possibilities realized that Marcy had let herself into the adjoining room, to turn down the bed as they started to talk.

Marcy hadn’t really been listening until Adam’s name cropped up. She knew all the Cartwrights well and had often flirted and danced with Adam before her marriage. After the collapse of the Bank of California she had borrowed money from Adam which was still to be repaid. She knew that he was missing and very busy all day she hadn’t heard of his return. Hearing Adam’s name she pricked up her ears and heard of his return with some relief but then as the men began to lay their plans to keep him out of the way while they grabbed the Ponderosa; she listened intently with growing horror. At first just stunned she quickly decided to warn Adam and she wrote down the gist of what was said, not wanting to forget anything. Then hearing two men take their leave, indicating the meeting was finished, she slipped out of the room and headed downstairs, not daring to arouse their suspicions, these men were potential killers.
Marcy didn’t realize that she had been seen coming out it the room. Luckily it was only by Margaret, still acting as secretary for Hearst but determined to contact Adam. Margaret knew that he was back but it was difficult, she didn’t dare contact any of the Cartwrights direct. She had been in and out of the meeting, ignored as always and knew what had been discussed. Now suspicious of the look on Marcy’s face, Margaret let herself into the room Marcy had just come from. The connecting door was flimsy and without any real effort Margaret could hear every word that was being said next door. Now it was only casual chit-chat but it hadn’t been earlier and Margaret was almost certain that Marcy had over heard.

Margaret had lived in Virginia City for several years, before and during her marriage and she knew Marcy, although not very well. She was going more by the expression on Marcy’s face than her rather vague memories of her when she went downstairs to speak to the other woman. Badly shaken Marcy was in the office, looking almost in disbelief at the notes she had made. When Margaret knocked and came in, Marcy rather guiltily pushed her notes under her blotter. Margaret didn’t miss it and she was careful to shut the door before she spoke. “Marcy I’m sticking my neck out but I think you heard something you weren’t supposed to upstairs.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Marcy insisted.

Margaret smiled faintly, “Yes you do. Maybe I’m wrong but I think you intend to do the same as I want to, warn Adam.”

Marcy stared at her suspiciously, “You work for Hearst.”

“Yes and I do a good day’s work for a day’s pay. I have earnt enough to keep my daughter Louisa in reasonable comfort but Hearst doesn’t own me.”

Marcy sat back and considered Margaret, not at all sure whether she was being trapped. Margaret recognized the suspicion and her mind was easier, sure that she had read Marcy correctly. Now her problem was to convince Marcy that they had to work together. She sat down, “Marcy do you remember when I lived here, with my husband Sam? Do you remember how he died?”

Marcy flushed slightly unable to meet her eyes, “It was rabies wasn’t it? I know we were all very sorry.”

“Its alright I learnt to accept it years ago. It was easier because I didn’t have to see it. The only reason I didn’t have to live through it was Adam. Adam made me take Louisa away and he stayed. He lived through it with Sam, stayed with him through those long days before he died when Sam didn’t even know him. Doc wrote to me afterwards and he made it clear just how much Adam had done to ease Sam in every way that he could. He also made it clear how much it cost Adam. I owe Adam a lot more than I can ever repay but now I at least have the chance to do something for him.”

Marcy remembered clearly now and she could see the painful memories etched on the other woman’s face and so she decided to take a chance, “Okay so I overheard. I owe the Cartwrights too and they are long time friends so I am going to warn them.”

Margaret lent forward “Just stop and think a minute Marcy. I agree we have to tell Adam but we have to be careful or we’ll just buy an accident to one of his children.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“If we can tell Adam very quietly and I can remain in my job, then I’ll know if there is anything else planned. Let Adam decide for himself how to handle it. I can’t afford to be seen talking to him or any of the Cartwrights but you might be able to get away with it.”

“Hearst intends staying for a while, it might be better if I don’t see them obviously either.”

“Any idea how we could do that?”

“You probably left before Jess got established at the Ponderosa. Outside the family, I guess he’s Adam’s closest friend.”

“I don’t know him, but how does it help?”

“Jess got married just after Christmas, bought the Ferguson ranch. I know his wife, could pretend to know her better than I do, and I’m sure Jess could arrange for me, maybe for both of us, to talk to Adam without anyone realizing.”

Margaret accepted that as reasonable and it would certainly be better if she could talk to Adam herself rather than have to use a go between. She was scared that he wouldn’t take the risks seriously enough. She told Marcy to try and arrange it as soon as possible.

Meanwhile the third potential member of the triumvirate of women, who were trying to stop Hearst and his cronies, was dealing with a drunken husband. Grandison was bragging about their big plans and the women that had been sent for, one French like her but fancier and more intelligent. The resources of the Ponderosa would soon belong to them. All he succeeded in doing was infuriating his wife and making her more than ever determined to separate herself from him and warn the Cartwrights, It was more difficult to know how to achieve that.

Once her husband slid into a drunken sleep, she went downstairs; the Grandson’s were staying at the same hotel as Hearst. Michelle didn’t know anybody in Virginia City and she wasn’t prepared to stick her neck out by going out to the Ponderosa, even though she did have an excuse after their rescue of her parents. Her husband had made it very clear that he didn’t want her to have anything to do with the Cartwrights on this occasion. The last time they had come to Virginia City as part of the architectural mission after the fire, the Cartwrights had been f?ted, Adam in particular with his various designs. Then her husband had been glad that she knew them, now he had warned her that they were to have nothing to do with the family.

Michelle went into the dining room and sat down, ordering some tea. She was wondering what to do when Marcy came in and seeing her alone, brought her tea over and smiling sat down, as she did so often with women on their own in her hotel. The two women sat chatting casually and Michelle was grateful for the company. She decided to take advantage of this chance encounter and turned the conversation to the Ponderosa and the Cartwrights. Marcy was slightly on edge as the Cartwrights came up in conversation, just when they were so much on her mind. She parried all the questions while Michelle pushed hard, this was possibly her only chance to find a way to contact them. Slowly as the women talked both came to the conclusion that the other knew something and became very uneasy. Then each recognized the unease, until eventually Michelle took the plunge, “I’d like to talk to one of the Cartwrights, preferably Adam. They were very kind to my parents.”

“That’s easy enough, he’s on the Ponderosa.”

“I need to contact him without my husband knowing.”

Marcy stared suspiciously at her, “Why?”

“My husband is staying very quiet this trip, business.”

“You mean you’ll be betraying him?”

Michelle was feeling desperate, “Its vitally important I speak to Adam Cartwright.” Fear was very obvious in her voice as she wondered if she had walked blindly into trouble, but there was something in Marcy’s expression which told Michelle that the other woman knew exactly what she meant and almost without thinking she blurted out, “You know why. I must warn him.” She put her hand to her mouth, aghast at her own idiocy in giving herself away. But then Marcy just smiled, “It’s alright I’m glad you do. I owe the Cartwrights a lot and I overheard some plans I didn’t like this afternoon. I think we need to talk privately.”

Michelle nodded and the two women went through to Marcy’s private rooms. Luckily both had decided their only choice was to be straight with each other and it didn’t take long for Marcy to discover Michelle’s revulsion at her husband’s plan and her determination to distance herself from them. She knew more details on some parts of the plan, in particular the two women they had hired to try and ensnare Adam. In her turn Marcy told of her decision to get to Adam through his friend Jess. For now she made no mention of Margaret, just in case she was mistaken about Michelle, there would be time for that later. Eventually with Marcy’s promise to try and arrange something quietly through Jess, Michelle went back to her room. Marcy took the first opportunity to tell Margaret of the new recruit but Margaret enjoined her to silence for a day or so. If she was a spy, some sort of trap, Margaret was sure that she’d find our fairly rapidly, certain that she herself was above suspicion. Meantime Marcy was to contact Jess and see what could be arranged.

At the ranch it was late in the evening before the birthday party broke up. Adam was still sore, his leg and his ribs aching but he could forget it now, having talked it out with Joe and he had reveled in the day, having his family close. One birthday that he knew he would never forget.

The following morning they congregated again but much more soberly, the work of the ranch had to continue. Although the paperwork was more up to date than it had been in years, there was still a lot to be done. The weather had finally lifted and spring was in the air so the men were starting the annual check for winter ravages over the broad acres of the ranch. Marking up had to be carried out for the two main timber operations, one up in the hills at the head of the original flume and the other over on the west bank of Lake Tahoe. The annual roundup and branding had to be started, preparatory to the cattle moving up to the high pasture in two or three weeks time. Apart from the major jobs all the minor ones, such as ice cutting, planting winter feed down in the river lands of the Carson Valley and all the multitude of chores connected with the horses and the mines had to be planned.

As Adam kept notes of their discussion his mood became graver as the list grew longer. He was used to the interminable list of chores at this time of year but normally he was fit enough to cope. Now he knew he wasn’t well enough to do anything involving physical labour. His leg still became swollen at the slightest provocation and he was weak enough to be more of a liability than a help. Eventually he was reduced to doodling, miles away, barely hearing his father and brothers as they discussed the herd. José would, as usual, handle the cattle and to Adam that wasn’t important, all cut and dried.

Ben recognized his son’s mood and called a halt for coffee and a snack. He sent his two younger sons to see what Kam Su had available and went over to Adam “Take it easy Adam.”

“I just feel so useless Pa. I’m not ill but my leg just isn’t up to scrambling around on rough land. I’d be a liability not a help.”

“We know that Adam but it’s not important. For a while there I was so scared that you wouldn’t survive. You did, that’s the only thing that matters. If you’d been fit I guess you would have marked up on the west shore with the limited help of whatever hands were with you while Joe and Hoss coped this side.”

Adam nodded, “I had meant to but ...”
“Now you’re not well enough. Sure it’s a burden, hard work to manage with just the hands but you’ve done it before and would have again. Instead both your brothers will have to do it. Hard but they are as capable as you are Adam and just as willing to do what is needed.”

“I know that and I’m not doubting their competence, it just seems unfair.”

Ben shook his head, “Adam sometimes you still forget that they are grown men. It’s no more unfair for them to do it than it was in the past for you to do it.”

Adam had to grin, maybe his Pa was right and he was still trying to protect younger brothers as he had so often over the years. Anyway as Ben pointed out, working down the list, he might be sitting at home but he wasn’t going to have time to be lazy!
Slowly during the day the men sorted out the way that things had to be handled, who was doing what and what they needed to achieve. Joe and Hoss were planning to ride out the next day, it was past time marking up was done, but a combination of bad weather and the anxiety about their older brother had prevented them going out earlier. At least with the telegraph lines working they would be able to keep in touch with the ranch and more particularly with their wives.

Adam would take charge of the main control centre at the ranch, getting reports and allocating work as the men toured the ranch and found the inevitable damage. Ben intended heading up to the mines and the cattle operation, checking with the men planting in the bottom lands and all the other close by operations which needed starting, saving his son from unnecessary riding. The women were as before going to give Adam a hand with the paperwork and all the ordering which would be needed, so Ben knew that his son could cope without undue strain.

The next morning Hoss and Joe came by Adam’s, ostensibly to check last minute details, in fact to reassure themselves once more of Adam’s continued good health before heading for the back country. Ben had provided a first class crew for both of them, Santée and Wilson, Sven Christiansund, Jackson, Peter Curtis and Tom Seton, all good men capable of taking rather more initiative than most and Curtis in particular, who was going with Hoss, even able to help out with the paperwork. Even with these men to help Adam knew the hard work involved in the jobs his brothers had to do and he would have preferred to be doing it himself. He also recognized why they had come to see him but for once forebore to tease, warmed by their concern. He was able to send them off happy enough about his health and with the babies growing rapidly, confident in their wives ability to cope.

For three days Adam worked hard but in the comfort of his own home, under his wife’s eagle eye, he rapidly regained his strength. Ben was out and about, popping in occasionally and Sue and Nita came over every day with the babies. As the only male Adam was bullied and cosseted and for once he enjoyed every minute of it. Not only accepting but positively encouraging their fussing, after weeks of looking after himself while feeling so ill, it was marvelous to just have to look up to elicit the offer of coffee or food. Happy to be home Adam, was recovering fast, unaware just how short a respite was to be afforded him. Even the ranch seemed to cooperate with everything running very smoothly and despite a severe winter, relatively little damage and exceedingly few losses amongst the livestock.
Carole had warned her husband about Virginia City’s reading of his absence but as long as she wasn’t upset by it, he couldn’t have cared less. The people who mattered to him, knew the truth and Carole knew that he had never looked at another woman since he found her, totally content in his marriage. The rest didn’t matter. Adam wasn’t particularly surprise, he was used to the masculine town and perhaps more importantly used to being the subject of gossip. It would die away as it always did and wasn’t that important.

On that Wednesday Jess rode into town to collect some stores and complete some business at the bank. Marcy had been watching out for him, knowing that he was usually in town at least one a week and seeing Liza go into the store, Mary slipped out and headed over there. Liza was rather surprised to be greeted so effusively by a woman that she barely knew as Marcy pretended to be delighted to see her old friend. Liza assumed, erroneously, that Marcy was reacting to her step up in status from saloon girl to ranch owner’s wife but she was too polite to give Marcy a set down and found herself promising to come over with her husband for coffee before leaving town. Marcy tried to keep it light in case she was seen and yet tie Liza down and she could only hope that she’d succeeded as she returned to the hotel. It was in the balance as Liza explained to Jess. He wasn’t keen, he had a lot to do at the ranch and only knew Marcy and Jeff very casually, but as Liza had given her word, he went along, after all it couldn’t take very long.

Marcy was very relieved to see Jess and Liza come into the hotel and went out to greet them, leading the way through to her private sitting room, the picture of old friends meeting for Hearst’s man who was sitting in the lobby. Once the door was shut, she let go of Liza’s hand and sank down onto a chair, “You must think that I’ve gone mad but I had to talk to you Jess, in private.”

Jess and Liza looked at each to her in total bewilderment and Jess took the seat opposite Marcy, “I think you’d better explain.”

Liza sat down wondering what on earth was coming but Marcy’s next words just confused her even more. “I assume Adam Cartwright still matters to you Jess?”

“Of course he does, my best friend, but what does he have to do with all this?”

“There’s a plan to take over the Ponderosa. You know Hearst, he’s behind it. He’s staying here and I have some information on his plans. I need to warn Adam but I don’t want anyone to know. As long as they don’t suspect I may be able to find out more.”

Jess relaxed back at that, “I’m sorry Marcy, my imagination has been working over time, thinking the worst about you. What can I do to help?”

“There are three of us with information. All with our own reasons for wanting to help Adam, It would be best if we can meet him secretly. I hoped you might be able to arrange it.”

Jess whistled softly, “I guess I can, probably easiest out at our ranch.”
Marcy smiled, “That’s what I hoped you’d say, why I pretended to be best friends with Liza. The other two are both female too so how about a sewing bee. Nobody will know that Adam just happened to stop by to see his friend.”

Liza nodded, “Good idea, anything at all. We owe the Cartwrights a great deal.”
With that settled Marcy relaxed and as she felt it was urgent for Adam to be warned, they arranged for the three to visit on Friday, giving Jess time to find Adam if he wasn’t at home. Jess didn’t press for details but accepted a drink and considered Marcy. He had always felt that she and her husband had taken advantage of the Cartwright’s generosity but seemingly there was more to her than he’d ever realized. Marcy didn’t want to go into details until Adam was there, she was sure that Jess was taking her seriously and that was good enough.

Jess and Liza couldn’t help speculating on the way home, just who else was involved and what was Hearst up to this time, but Jess didn’t make the mistake of taking it lightly. After all as he explained to his wife, Hearst’s last efforts over the pipeline had very nearly cost him his life.

Jess had deliberately stayed away from Adam, knowing that his friend was both very busy and nowhere near fit. Despite the knowledge that Adam was bound to be worried by the news he had, Jess was glad of the excuse to see for himself just how his old friend was recovering. Liza thought it would be easier if Jess went on his own and so that evening after supper, Jess headed for Adam’s house.

Adam still weak, tired more easily than usual and with the paperwork remarkably up to date he was able to relax by the fire most evenings. Carole was reading while Adam softly playing his guitar when Jess arrived. Jess felt awkward at interrupting them but Adam was pleased to see his old friend, “I hoped you’d come by, all these females ganging up on me, wouldn’t let me ride over.”

Jess studied his old friend’s face, even after a week of cosseting Adam was still thin and drawn, pain lines all too clear. “Hoss told me what happened. How are you?”

“Fine, just a bit stiff.”

“I should have insisted you told me where you were going, could have brought help.”

“Don’t be daft Jess, my mistake and anyway no long term harm. I’ll be more careful in the future. Come on, have a drink and relax.”

Jess sat down, “Maybe you’d better have one too Adam. I didn’t come just to see how you are.”

Adam poured out three brandies and sat down by Carole, lightly resting his arm round her shoulders, “Trouble.” It was a statement, not a question, he knew Jess too well.
Jess nodded, “I don’t really know any details but it seems Hearst is back on the move. He still wants to beat the Cartwrights, take the Ponderosa.” He filled Adam in on exactly what Marcy had said and the sewing bee that had been arranged at his ranch on Friday afternoon. Adam could only thank him and promise to drop by very casually and as unobtrusively as possible, a job made easier as Blackie was still not fully fit. Then he tried to cheer Jess up, he’d handled Hearst before and would again. Then he turned the conversation to Jess’ progress on his new ranch.

For well over an hour the old friends chatted and then Jess headed on home and Adam turned his attention to Carole. His wife had sat by very quietly until Jess left but she couldn’t help being worried, Adam had been badly hurt last time Hearst moved against them. She couldn’t help thinking that his failure then wouldn’t have endeared the Cartwrights to him. Slowly Adam persuaded her that there was no point in panicking until he’d heard the whole story and neither would he worry his father until then. Carole gave way and tried to hide her concern but long after Adam was asleep, she lay awake scared of the future and unsure just why she was so pessimistic.

The Friday dawned bright and clear and Adam was up with the dawn. Not only did he have the afternoon meeting on his mind but he was very conscious of his youngest brother. Little Joe was over on the west shore and despite all the help was finding the work very hard and tiring. On this particular day he was grateful that he had so much to do. It was March 30th and exactly four years ago he had gone with Adam and his tiny wife to measure up for the house that was destined never to be built. Now he had Nita and complete fulfillment with his own son, but despite all that the pain of losing her hit him almost as severely as in those first hours. Joe hadn’t expected it and was very glad to bury himself in work, hoping that none of the three with him could see. At least they didn’t say anything and slowly as the morning passed he won back to control.

Joe’s pain and memories were felt by all his family and none of them needed any explanation, each with their own memories of four years earlier. Ben came by to check with Adam before riding up to the mines and barely needing words they confirmed the others thoughts, Joe was having a bad few hours. It was sufficient explanation for Ben for the tension that he could see in his eldest son. And he didn’t realize that worry for his brother was only a minor factor. Once before Ben had explained to Adam that he knew from his own experience that Joe would have occasional bad moments for the rest of his life but he wouldn’t lose the peace that he’d found. Adam had accepted that and although sorry for his little brother he wasn’t worried about him. Now Joe had Nita and his son he would always be fine.

On the other hand despite his casual words to Jess and Carole Adam was very concerned about Hearst and anxious to learn details, he found it very difficult to settle to work and was glad when it was time to head over to Jess’ ranch.

Marcy had driven Margaret and Michelle out to the ranch quite openly, visiting her old friend for a sewing bee. With nothing much happening Hearst had been quite willing for Margaret to take a half day, he was playing poker. Grandison had suggested himself that Michelle should join them as he was also going to play in the poker game.
None of the men considered the women, women had nothing to do with business, even a useful secretary like Margaret just did as she was told.

Liza had entered into the spirit and even had a patchwork quilt out ready to work on just in case Hearst was checking. The four women had settled with coffee and were sowing in a very desultory fashion when Adam rode in. He left his horse in the barn and used the covered way they’d made to join Jess.
As Adam came in the women put their sewing down. Adam had expected Marcy but he was very surprised by the other two. He knew them both, Margaret rather better than Michelle but he hadn’t seen her for more than eight years. Margaret was the first to speak, “Its good to see you Adam I just wish we had rather better news for you.”

Adam took both her hands and kissed her forehead, “The years have dealt kindly with you Margaret, you look wonderful.”

Adam said hello to Marcy and Michelle and accepted coffee from Liza, “Jess said that you have some news for me, urgent news, but I must admit I’m puzzled I don’t see just what you three ladies have in common, apart from beauty.”

Margaret smiled briefly but then very serious said, “We all have a conscience and a debt to the Cartwrights.”

Adam shook his head to disclaim that but as he went to speak Margaret went on, “We are all in some way associated with George Hearst. I’ve worked for him for five years, the last two as his personal secretary.”

Adam was surprised at that, he’d lost contact with her after Sam’s death, she had family of her own in Denver. Margaret went on, “I’ve earnt a good living and if I don’t approve of all he does, well that’s true for many businessmen and usually I’ve decided that it was none of my business, but this time he is intending to go far further than usual and his target is the Ponderosa. It’s a long time since Sam died but I’ve never forgotten what you did for us Adam and I know from Doc just how much it cost you. This time I had to act.”

Marcy took it up. “I overheard some of his plans. He’s staying at the hotel and I meant to warn you. Margaret caught me listening and we agreed to pool our resources.”
Adam looked enquiringly at Michelle. “My husband is partnering Hearst in this. We do not agree but he thinks me just a pretty model for fancy clothes to show off. He won’t listen but this I could not ignore. You were kind to my parents, I try to stop his damage.”

Adam sipped his coffee, embarrassed that these three women, little more than acquaintances, were going out of their way to try and help him. “I don’t know what to say Ladies, except thank you and that seems so very little.” He knew that each in their own way were risking loss to help him and however it turned out he was very grateful.
Jess recognized his feelings and interrupted to ask if Adam wanted him and Liza to leave before they came to specifics. Adam looked up, glad of the interruption but quick to deny the need, he trusted Jess absolutely. He grinned “I got a lesson a few weeks back about the folly of not keeping you informed I don’t forget so easily.”

Margaret said “We all have slightly different stories but the basic facts are simple. Hearst in partnership with Grandison, Troy of the Gould and Curry, Jerry Lynch of the Lady Bryant, James Keil of the Nevada Bar saloon and a man called Bain who seems to be fronting for Collis Huntingdon are going to claim the Ponderosa on the basis of a Spanish Land grant.”

Adam sat back at that, stunned. He had heard of the two recent cases but to his knowledge no land grants had been made in the area that was now Nevada. He was more shaken by the line up against them, Hearst and Troy didn’t surprise him, they had worked together before but both Lynch and Keil were powerful men and if Huntingdon had a finger in this pie he was really powerful, strong enough to buy a court and for a moment Adam was scared that they might lose. Then he straightened his shoulders, they’d faced fights before and already he had unexpected allies. “That’s quite a line up Margaret but in a court of law I can hold my own and we’ll fight this to the supreme court if necessary.”

“It’s been done Adam and they lost. The only thing they fear is you winning the very first battle.”

“Is the land grant legitimate?”

“I’ve no idea but I think Hearst is scared of you finding out too soon. They are aiming to bring it to court in front of Judge Harris, he gave the decision for the land grant in San Diego. He’ll be holding court in Sacramento in June.”

Jess looked up at that, “The Ponderosa is in Nevada, no court in Sacramento has jurisdiction.”

Adam shook his head, “Not true Jess. This land grant must have preceded 1846, that’s when we settled here and up until 1850 this area was part of California, the whole of Utah was too. Its an arguable point but the initial case would go to Sacramento.”

Margaret went on, “We can’t help about the grant, least not yet. I’ll try and find out but no promises. The reason we’re all here is their plans for you personally Adam. They are all scared of you but equally Hearst and Bain want you to handle the legal side. Sure it’ll be easier to handle you, who they know well and can predict than a stranger. Reckon your Pa could afford the very best.”

Adam was very puzzled at that and Michelle tried to explain, “They want you in court but you not thinking well. They plan to distract you. My husband he likes that word, makes it seem all nice and civilized.”

The three women showed equal disgust and Margaret explained that originally Hearst had thought in terms of a planned accident, not necessarily fatal to one of his children or maybe his wife, brothers or sister-in-law. Adam lost colour and couldn’t hide his anger at that thought, knowing from past experience the near impossibility of complete protection for anyone. Jess poured him a brandy and Adam downed it in one Marcy said, “They discussed it as a business proposition. I took notes listening through the wall. Just some of their ideas, but there may be others.” She passed several sheets over and Adam read the first couple involving children falling off cliffs, straying into a stall with a frightened horse, bitten by a snake and he felt cold at the thought. Certainly if one of his children was lying badly hurt it would be very difficult to concentrate on legal niceties, but even though he was forewarned, he couldn’t see how complete protection could be ensured for three months.

Michelle leant forward, “They think they have a safer way to distract you Adam, where noone gets hurt.”

“What do you mean?”

“You disappeared for three weeks, came back for your birthday. Word was that you had found a lady friend.”

“Yeah I heard.” Adam laughed ruefully, “I only wish it had been true, been a lot less uncomfortable, but so what?”

Margaret answered him, “If you can fall from grace once you can do it again. They’ve decided that you are restless ready for anything and all they need is the right bait. An affair in town with a wife and four young kids at home would distract any man from business, especially you with your close family.”

That seemed so unlikely to Adam that he found it hard to take seriously but as Michelle filled in the details she’d learnt of Carole’s reputation, that his wife was an ice queen, who didn’t want any more children and the erroneous conclusion that Adam was banned from her room and bed, it began to make sense. From that viewpoint his light hearted comment of becoming a knight errant and consequent vanishing act for three weeks did lead to an apparent obvious conclusion. Having, as they believed, betrayed his wife once, the next time would be easier. Michelle was very convincing and Adam even managed a smile as he learnt that his taste was believed to be so discerning that Hearst had sent to Europe for the bait. Michelle was even able to tell him their names, Suzanne Fauré and Lady Dinah Marchbrook, a true if minor member of the British aristocracy, betrayed by the needs of her body into a very different life. Both were due in Virginia City within the next ten days and tentative plans were already laid to ensure that their paths crossed with Adam’s.

Adam sat back trying to take in all that he’d been told and Liza collected fresh coffee. They all left him in peace to get his thoughts sorted. Quarter of an hour later Adam came back to join them and he carefully questioned each of the women until he was sure he knew everything that they did. Then he sat back and smiled, “Forewarned is forearmed. I’ll never be able to repay you for the information you have given me but I hope you all know that you have my deepest gratitude. If there’s ever anything I can do for you I beg you to ask.”

Margaret shrugged, “We don’t think that you owe us anything Adam. I will pass on anything relevant to Liza and Jess. I think Hearst intends staying for the duration.”
Adam bit his lip in obvious concern, “ You’ve all taken risks telling me this much I can’t ask you to carry on.”

“You didn’t ask.” Marcy pointed out, “We offered and you can’t stop us. Why do you think we asked Jess to arrange this meeting so quietly?”

“But....” Adam tried again, very worried, especially for Margaret, not daring to think how Hearst would react if he found his own employee acting against him.

Margaret interrupted him, “Adam we came to see you partly because we all owe you but partly for our own self respect. We had to do something and that’s still true. We may not be able to do much but when men are evil enough to even think of harming, maybe killing a child to further a business deal, then they must be stopped.”

“No risks.” Adam insisted, “If you hear something and can pass it on then fine but no prying or questions, nothing to lead to suspicion. Apart from not wanting any of you hurt, my best chance is to play along, let them think that they have me distracted and that I know nothing about the case. Then they will get a shock when it comes to court.”

The women looked at each other, not liking to ask and it was Jess who put the leading question, “You mean that you’ll accept their bait?”

“Yeah, maybe improve my French.”

“Hard on Carole.” Jess said worriedly.

Adam sighed, “I know but not nearly as hard as perhaps losing one of our children. If it prevents an attack on them, what choice do I have?”

Margret kissed his cheek. “I hoped you’d have the sense to see that Adam.”

“One more thing.” Adam looked round the room, “The five of you know what’s going on and I shall tell Carole. She has to understand and agree before I go any further, but if she does agree it has to be done properly. They are all clever men, very astute and if they sense anything wrong it may send them back to their alternative plan.”

The others could only agree with the sense of that but didn’t understand what he was getting at. Adam recognized their confusion and smiled wryly, “The distraction must be caused by my infatuation but the main factor will be the dissension it causes in my family, not just Carole but with everyone.”

Margaret nodded, “That’s what they expect.”

“So my family have to react in the right way and they will do that most convincingly if they believe in it too. I don’t want anyone else told anything. Just keep it between us and Carole.”

They were all taken aback at that, Adam was the most directly involved and it had seemed obvious to see him first but each had assumed that he would fill the rest of the family in. Still it was his right to act as he felt best and in many ways it did seem to make sense.

Only Jess tried to make him change his mind, walking out with Adam to the barn. Jess knew all too well just how big a burden alienation from his family would be for his friend, however unreal it was on one side at least. Adam listened in silence, knowing that Jess was only worried about him but then he asked, “You know Hoss, how expressive his face is, just how good an actor do you think he is? Or Joe if he loses his temper? I love my brothers and respect their competence in most things but not as actors when one tiny note off key could sign a death warrant for one of my children or one of the girls or even one of them.”

“I can understand Adam. I guess you’re right but just remember if you need to blow off some steam I’m here.”

“I will Jess and I may well be grateful before this is over but for now I must go and talk to Carole. I won’t act without her support.” Adam sung up on his horse and headed home slowly, needing time to get his thoughts in order. His first reaction had been to send Carole, Sue and Nita with all the children away, even as far as Europe until the case was heard. The rest of them could at least protect themselves and had faced similar threats before. However one name scared him more than all the others put together. If Bain was acting for Huntingdon then nowhere was safe, he had contacts everywhere, even in Europe and far away the women and children might end up even more vulnerable than here on the Ponderosa. The alternative was to deceive his family and it was bound to hurt Carole even if she understood the reasons and that was the last thing he wanted.

Eventually totally confused Adam kicked on just wanting to hold his wife and with her help maybe make some sense of this. It was mid-evening by the time he got back and all the children were in bed. Carole was alone in the study and Adam pulled her up into his arms burying his face in her hair. Carole could feel the tension in him and knew that whatever was wrong it was serious. Slowly Adam calmed down a little and he sat down, pulling her onto his lap. Very quietly he explained what the trouble was and the two alternative plans to distract him. Carole was badly shocked and for a few minutes after he had finished she just clung to him; scared for him and for her children, the whole family, facing the idea of losing the ranch, unsure what it would do to them, it would just about kill Ben. “What are we going to do?”

“God is still with us darling. Three wonderful women have warned us, we can make our own plans.”

“You can’t risk the children.”

“I know but with Huntingdon involved I can’t be sure you’d be safe even in Europe.”

“I won’t leave you.”

“Do you know what you’re saying?”

“They think you are ripe for an affair and that I’ll cause enough trouble to stop you doing you’re job. You’ll have to prove them right in the first part of that and they won’t know the rest doesn’t follow.”

Adam stroked her cheek gently, staring into her eyes, “Do you understand what it will mean Carole, I can’t just pretend. The woman will be reporting back to Hearst. I’ll have to go to bed with her, pretend to care, expose you to pity, contempt, all the rest.”

“The alternative is serious injury or even death to one or more of the family. How could we be sure of protecting the twins, they are used to running around freely between the houses.”

“I know darling but if we are to protect them, no-one must suspect that I’m acting not even Pa or my brothers. It’s their reactions which will convince Hearst.”

Carole stared at him in horror, she had taken it for granted that the family would act together. As she stared at him she thought about her brothers and the force of Adam’s argument hit her, “Have we the right to act for everybody without discussing it?”

“I’m really not sure but I just think it will be the safest way for everyone and the legal moves would be my job anyway.”

Carole bit her lip, “It’s going to split the family, hurt your father.”

“Worse than that, over the next week I’m going to have to deliberately cause rows, persuade them that I really am restless enough for anything and that our marriage is no longer prefect, because they know that I wasn’t shacked up with a woman.”

“Is it fair?”

“A few week bad feeling and unhappiness against the Ponderosa. You know how badly it would affect all of us if we lost it.”

“Is that a real possibility?”

“Two recent decisions have gone in favour of Spanish Land grants.”

“What can you do?”

“One reason I want a row is to give myself an excuse to go to Sacramento, check some records myself and contact some friends who can hopefully act for me. These wonderful women have given me the gift of time, time I wasn’t supposed to have. Time to check the records in Spain, in Mexico and in the Vatican. I have friends that I believe can do it, get me the facts then I can put together our defence but I have to buy that time here.”

Carole pulled away from him and went over to pour herself a large brandy. She sipped it slowly, staring up at the painting of Lake Tahoe, knowing whatever he felt Adam wouldn’t do anything against her wishes. She tried to think out all the possible pathways, the likely outcomes, the problems which would be involved. She wasn’t even aware of the passage of time and Adam made no attempt to rush her. He sat watching the emotions flitting across her face and was sufficiently in tune with her to have given a reasonably accurate summary of her thoughts. Eventually she drained her glass and going back to him kissed him “I love you.”

Nothing loathe Adam pulled her close and Carole nestled her head on his shoulder, she said, “You belong to me in so many way my love as I do to you, far beyond the purely physical. However many times you have sex with this woman, she will never touch what we have together, all the time I have your heart.”

Adam kissed her passionately, “You know that you do.”

Carole smiled more freely than he expected as she went on, “I know you must have slept with other women before we met but it’s never mattered and neither will this. You are right we have to take the burden here because we’re the only ones who can. I know that it’s going to be hard, particularly for you, but it’s the only way.”

Adam buried his face in her hair, “I love you so much, the last thing that I want to do is hurt you.”

“You won’t hurt me. I know you only love me, you’re the one who’ll be hurt. Your family will take my side you know that. You’ll be on bad terms with your brothers and your father, can you bear that? Can you hide your feelings from them or will telepathy betray you despite yourself?”

“I know it won’t be easy but I’ll do what I have to.” Adam kissed her forehead, “More than once recently when things have been tough I’ve thought of giving up but each time I see you and the children and know that I have too much to live for. Knowing that you are here with our children will give me the strength I need to keep up an act, after all it can only be for a few weeks.”

Carole accepted that and for now they went up to bed to prove once again that their love for each other was the only real thing and no-one could come between them, whatever the outside world might think.

Adam was awake very early the following morning and he cuddled his sleeping wife in his arms his thoughts very sombre he wondered if he did have the strength he claimed, enough to alienate all those who were closest to him. It was almost a relief when Anne cried and he slipped out of bed to go to his daughter leaving Carole to sleep. As he fed his youngest daughter the twins and Marie came to join him, glad to get Daddy to themselves for once. For nearly an hour Adam played with his children drawing strength from them and regaining his certainty that any course which protected their young lives had to be the right one.

When Carole came down she stood watching unnoticed for several minutes, thankful for the peace she could see in her husband’s eyes. Adam finally noticed her and disentangled himself to join her for breakfast. Over it he outlined his initial plans. He had been working from home but proposed going over to the main house. Ben was due back that afternoon from the Carson Valley farms and Adam intended claiming that he’d been driven out by noisy children; then he would force a row and head off to Virginia City. There he would join some of his old cronies and get drunk, drop a few hints abut wives fussing. He warned Carole that he didn’t expect to be back until 2 a.m. or later. Carole frowned, “Is your leg up to riding to town?”

“I’ll be fine. I have to get to Sacramento in a few days. If Pa comes by here first, keep it light.”
“I can act too Adam, I’ll retreat inside my shell, just say that you were very busy and the children particularly boisterous so you headed over to the main house. Pa won’t question me, not yet anyway.”

“He may well do once I’ve forced a row. Luckily his temper is about the same as Joe’s, it’s easy to push him into losing it.”

“Don’t overdo it Adam. I know that we don’t have very long to lay the groundwork but if you act too far out of character either with your family or in town, someone will smell a rat.”

“I know darling but one or two words dropped in the right ear will soon spread all over town without me lifting another finger. Don’t worry my love, I’ll be late but you try and get some sleep.” Adam collected his things, kissed her lingeringly and then headed for the main house. He changed the sign directing reports to the main house and then headed onto the house, schooling his features to show irritability. Hop Sing was pleased to see him but Adam forced himself to be curt even with the old Chinaman, claiming that he’d come for some peace and quiet, all he wanted was coffee and to be left alone. Hop Sing quietly got him coffee and then retreated to his kitchen. Adam could see all too clearly the hurt look on Hop Sing’s face, unused to such treatment from Adam. It hurt Adam more than he’d expected and he would infinitely have preferred to go and apologize but he couldn’t do it. He knew he as going to have a lot more of the same to put up with but it was still a small price to pay for the safety of those he loved.

Adam was grateful to bury his head in his work. He had to get things far enough ahead for his father to cope, while he headed for Sacramento. He couldn’t explain to his father but he could ensure that Ben wasn’t overly pushed with the work.
It was late afternoon when Ben returned from the farms where his winter feed was being planted. Adam had almost completed his work and was on edge. He didn’t like being on bad terms with his Father and now that he was planning to do it deliberately, he wanted to take the plunge. Ben had intended to go and check with Adam but he was cold and hungry so he decided to go straight home, have a meal and then visit his son during the evening. The last thing he expected was to find Adam working at the desk in the main room.

Adam had been listening for his father’s horse and he had time to school his features. Ben came straight over not even taking off his coat or gun. “Is something wrong Adam?’ The anxiety was clear in his voice and on his face.

Adam laid his pen down and slowly looked up, knowing that the real test of acting ability was now. If he couldn’t convince his father from the beginning his plan was doomed to failure and in many ways Ben was even closer to him than his brothers.

“Nothing wrong. I just had a lot to do, needed some peace and quiet to get on.”

Ben relaxed slightly but he was very aware of the tension in his eldest son and not knowing the real cause he asked, “The children are alright?” wondering if perhaps they were ill. Adam took his chance and said with a touch of bitterness in his voce, “They’re fine, ebullient and quarrelsome. I suppose Carole does her best.” then he turned away from his father, leaving the ‘but’ hanging in the air.

Ben was taken aback by his eldest son’s attitude, young children were often noisy but Adam had always had the ability to cut himself off from the noise and concentrate. Over the years when he’d been under much more pressure than he was now he had welcomed the sound of the children’s laughter and always had the odd moments to spare for his beloved children. Ben wondered if his son was in fact more seriously hurt than he’d believed after his accident and worriedly he went over to Adam, turning his son to face him, scanning his face intently. “Adam are you ill? This isn’t like you. That accident?”

Adam pulled away and went over to his usual place, leaning on the mantlepiece, “I told you that’s all healed fine. Just that over those weeks I rediscovered the possibility of peace to think in. I think I’d forgotten it could exist. The twins continually squabbling, Carole fussing. I just needed to get away.”

Ben was worried by this hint of trouble in his son’s marriage but he had always tried to keep out of it and now he suggested mildly that as it was nearly dinner time maybe Adam ought to go on home and he’d come over that evening. He was amazed by the reaction he got as Adam erupted. “Not even welcome here now. I thought this was still my home too.”

“You know I didn’t mean it that way.”

“No? Be a good boy Son go home to your wife! Well to hell with it, don’t bother coming round I won’t be there I’m going to town.” Adam matched his actions to the words leaving his papers where they lay, he put on his gun coat and hat and went out to collect his horse.

Ben stood at the window watching him ride out, sure that something was seriously wrong with his normally sane sensible eldest son flying off the handle over nothing. He went and poured himself a large brandy and sat staring into the fire but all he could assume was that Adam and Carole had had a row. Slowly he calmed down convinced that his eldest son’s marriage was on much too firm a foundation for anything to affect it permanently. He could only be around if he was needed, he’d long ago decided to stay clear of matters between husband and wife.

Adam rode slowly into town, very conscious of his father’s concern. He would have like to head up to the Lake but there was a fair chance that Ben would do so and he didn’t want to see his father. He had done what he wanted, laid the foundation fairly successfully as far as he could tell, now he had to do the same in town. He could see his father’s shocked face in his mind’s eye and although he had set out to deliberately cause that reaction it still hurt. He took it slowly needing time to get his thoughts together before reaching town but even so the bustle of Virginia City surrounded him all too soon.

Adam didn’t want to see his usual friends and steered clear of the Washoe Club and the Palace, instead he headed for the Bucket O’Blood. Not his usual saloon and rowdier than the Palace, he used it sufficiently often for his presence not to arouse comments. Adam knew a lot of people in town and he wasn’t surprised to see a group including Philip Deidesheimer that he knew well. He went over to join them, ordering whiskey instead of his more normal beer. Several of the men were surprised to see him but as he was obviously not in a very good mood no-one pried. Adam drank quite heavily and got into a poker game with Philip and four others, slowly appearing to relax.

Eventually one of the men Sandy who had known Adam for years, a foreman at the Hale and Norcross mine, ventured to ask if he had recovered from his ‘accident’. The words were innocuous but the tone of voice implied complete disbelief and Adam flushed angrily, for once not needing to hide his feelings. “Yeah, now will you deal.”
Sandy was fairly drunk and couldn’t resist needling Adam, “How’s your wife?”
Adam slammed down his cards, “Fussing almost as much as you are!” he left the table and ordered a large whisky leaning against the bar. Philip joined him as he drained it and fond of the younger man he asked, “Are you alright Adam?”

“Don’t you start Philip. You mind your own business and leave me to mind mine.”

Philip took the hint and left Adam alone. Adam stayed at the bar for another hour apparently drinking heavily, obviously morose and not wanting company. He managed to spill a fair amount but had still drunk more than he wanted when he finally called it a day and headed home. The tension and the drink combined to give him a very bad headache and still weak his leg was sore and swollen by the time he finally got home. It was gone 2 a.m. but even so Carole was still up ready to help him to bed and soothe him in her arms. Once he’d explained briefly what he’d done Adam relaxed enough to fall asleep but Carole rested next to him wide awake, She could see the tension still in him, knowing it had only just started. The path her husband had opted to tread would cost him dearly over the next weeks and she could only pray that he would reap his just reward in court at the end.

Early the next day Adam again headed for the main house. His papers were there and
anyway he needed to build up the picture in his father’s mind of trouble between him and Carole and the restlessness that had in the past led him far afield even to Europe.
He didn’t have to act a hangover, unfortunately that was all too real and he could only be grateful that he’d thrown away as much whiskey as he had.

Ben had been up even earlier, worried about his eldest son and sure that Adam would have to come back, if only to collect his papers. He hoped it would be easier to talk to his son today, Adam seldom stayed in a bad mood for very long. Ben had learnt from Hop Sing that Adam had been angry when he arrived the previous day but Hop Sing had no idea why.

Ben had relaxed enough to eat a large breakfast as he hadn’t eaten much the previous day, but one look at his son’s face as Adam walked in was enough for Ben to realize that not only was his son’s mood as bad but he had a first class hangover. Ben went very carefully, sure that sooner or later his son would confide in him but that the first move had to be left to Adam.

Adam kept the conversation very strictly to work as he filled his father in on what he had done, the news, which had come in, and checked what his father had found, planning in the various jobs implied by Ben’s tour of the ranch. It was nearly lunchtime before they finished and Ben tentatively asked, “Are you staying for lunch?’

Adam pokered up instantly, “I’m not hungry.” He got himself a large brandy, collected the financial papers he needed and went up to his own room and shut the door. Ben could only let him do as he wanted, Adam had made it abundantly clear that he didn’t want to talk, but by mid-afternoon when Adam hadn’t reappeared even for coffee, Ben went up and knocked on the door. Adam had finished half an hour earlier and was standing staring out of the window at the view that he loved, trying to sort out in his own mind just what he could do to combat the claim.

Adam didn’t even hear the first knock but as Ben repeated it he went over and flung the door open in disgust, “Can’t I be left in peace anywhere?”

Ben ignored his temper, “Adam I think we need to talk.”

“No Pa. I’m sorry I’m taking it out on you. It’s nothing to do with you and I don’t want to talk. I just want to be left alone.”

“Doesn’t seem to be doing much good Son.”

“Oh hell I’m just restless, I think I’ll go to town.” Adam again suited the action to the word. He rode back to Virginia City, playing poker and drinking until the early hours. He rode back via the lake and sat for a while staring out over it, just able to pick out his youngest brother’s campfire on the far side. If he’d been fit he would have been there now and Adam envied Joe. Certainly it was very hard work but it was clean and satisfying unlike the job he’d taken on. He reached out to his brothers and was confident that both were progressing well, inevitably tired but successful. Then he knelt by his daughter’s grave, the tiny girl who had never had a chance of life but to him a loss of a much wanted child and he swore that somehow he would prevent any of his other children joining her. He took Carole’s warning very seriously, that had to mean shuttering his mind his thoughts from his family. Until this was over he daren’t allow himself the luxury of reaching out to his brothers or his father, if he could feel them equally they would know his feelings. He’d elected to walk this road alone and he would do so with what help Carole and Jess could give him.

Adam planned to head for Sacramento on Wednesday but for one day he could relax just clearing work at the main house with only Hop Sing to fool as Ben was going to the ice cutting and the flume. On the other hand he had the necessity of engineering a row with his father on Tuesday, an excuse to cover his disappearance for the four days he needed to get to Sacramento and back. It wouldn’t be that easy to force a full blown row, Ben knew him too well but for now Adam spent a little time relaxing with Carole and his children before heading out to play his part again.”

Meantime on the west shore Joe had found he had his work cut out to cope. He didn’t know the area as well as that by the main fume and that made the marking up and planning so much more difficult. Worry over his brother and earlier his son had left him a little run down and he still hadn’t fully thrown off the effects of the heavy cold he’d had earlier in the year. He was thoroughly overtired and seemed to be slipping further and further behind schedule day by day. Only the messages from Nita via the telegraph were keeping him sane. He struggled to catch up, working late into the night each day just wanting to get home on time. Despite his tiredness he was aware that his father was worried and that didn’t help, but there was no hint of a reason in the daily telegraph reports so he could only get on with his own work.

On the Tuesday Adam went over to the main house before breakfast, he had continued his trips into town each night and lack of sleep was beginning to show, apparent very quickly as he was still by no means fit. Ben tried to persuade his son to eat but Adam would only take coffee and retreated to his own room to work until the middle of the afternoon.

By now Ben was seriously worried about his son and determined to force Adam to talk. It was the mood Adam had hoped to engineer but seeing the worry and compassion on Ben’s face he didn’t much like himself for causing it. Ben offered coffee but Adam shook his head and poured himself a brandy instead.

“You’re drinking a lot Adam, what’s wrong?”

“I’m a grown man, I pay my way round here, I’ll buy you a bottle to replace it”

“That’s not what I mean and you know it.”

“Pa some things are my business, not yours.”

“I only want to help.”

“Yeah well you’d all help best I you’d just leave me alone. Always fussing, never any peace and quiet, I’ve had it up to here. “Adam made a slashing motion across his throat as Ben stared at him in consternation.

Ben was conscious that Joe was finding it hard on the west shore and wondered if
Adam felt guilty still at his brother going in his stead. “Your brothers will be home in ten days or so.”

Adam sighed heavily, “Two more to fuss, make demands. Sometimes I wish I’d stayed in Europe.”

Ben looked at him aghast, “You don’t mean that Adam.”

“Don’t I Pa? Oh I don’t know what I mean I’m so restless. I need a few days to sort myself out. You can cope here?”

“Of course if that’s what you want but what about Carole?”

“Drop it Pa. I need time to think.” Adam put his papers down and got his coat but he couldn’t leave his father looking so despondent despite all his efforts to cause trouble and he gripped Ben’s shoulder for a moment, “Don’t worry Pa, it’ll work out. I’ll be back in three or four days.”
Ben anxious, remembering what had happened the last time Adam had gone off without telling anyone where he was going, called after him “Where are you going?” but he was talking to thin air. Adam had swung up on Blackie and cantered off.

Adam was keen to get to Sacramento as fast as he could but he didn’t want anyone to know of his visit so he intended riding, even though the train would be faster. Carole knew how important the trip was but she also knew that her husband’s leg wasn’t really up to the ride and this time Adam had to go alone. Adam held her close as they checked the sleeping children. “I’ll be fine darling but I think you can expect a visit from Pa.”

“I’ve already had Sue and Nita round, puzzled to find you away, especially in the evening and Sue saw you come home drunk last night when she got up to feed Johnny.”

Adam smiled down at her, “Good. I tried to time it so she would and I wasn’t drunk darling just acting.” he tilted her face up and very serious said, “You’ve had just a taste of what it will mean. It’s going to get far worse, there’s still time to change our minds. Tell the others and try to turn the Ponderosa into a fortress. Just say the word.”

“I can take it my love, can you? It’s going to be ten times as hard for you.”

Adam kissed her almost roughly, “I’d better get going there’s a full moon. I can be in Sacramento soon after lunch.” Carole passed him the pack she’d made up and watched him ride out, praying he’d take no harm from the long ride.

Nita and Sue were both at Nita’s house and watched him leave. Neither really liked to ask Carole what was going on but Adam wasn’t his usual self. They had barely seen him and when they did he had been brusque, obviously drinking heavily and never home. It was a side of him that neither woman had seen before and they weren’t sure what it meant. Carole seemed to have withdrawn back into her shell as she had while he was missing and they could only speculate about what was wrong between themselves.

Adam was right about one thing unable to find out from his son what was wrong, Ben had decided to try Carole. On Wednesday evening he went over to see her, she had just got the children to bed and was in the study, vainly trying to concentrate on a book, worrying about Adam. She wasn’t surprised to see Ben and welcomed him warmly, but Ben was all too aware of the signs of sleepless nights and worry etched on her face. If the causes were very different from what he thought, the effects were plainly visible. Ben put his arm round her, he’d intended to approach it sideways but he couldn’t help himself. “Whatever is wrong Carole? You look exhausted while Adam’s flying off the handle at the slightest thing and drinking far too much. What is it?”

Carole was very fond of her father-in-law and seeing the affection and compassion she had a great urge to confide in him but Adam was right. Only if his family’s reaction rang true could he convince the would-be killers in town. “It’s nothing Pa.”

“Carole I know you better than that.”

“Please Pa, leave it alone, Adam and I will sort it out, it has to be left to us.”

“Child I’ve never wanted to pry but I love you both. Are you sure I can’t help?”

“I know you mean well Pa, just don’t worry we’ll sort it out.”

“Where is Adam?”

“I’m not sure, he said that he’d be back Friday or Saturday.”

“Didn’t he give you any idea where he was going?”

“I’m not sure he knew.” Carole turned away scared Ben would see that she was lying and offered him a drink. She reverted to her hostess, almost treating him as a stranger
and Ben had to accept that she wouldn’t tell him anything either. He had come to believe as Carole planned that there was something wrong between husband and wife and just prayed that eventually the very real love between them would overcome whatever was dividing them now.

Adam found the ride to Sacramento more tiring than he’d expected. Blackie was still not fully fit and he’d taken a mare from the remuda. He knew her well and she was sure-footed and even gaited, but by the time the moon was down and he had to camp he was very stiff and sore, his knee swollen again, and he knew that he’d only managed about one-third of the journey. He made a fire and got some coffee on, knowing that he ought to get some rest but his brain was too active. This trip was crucial anything that he left undone now might not get done and it might be the one thing that he needed to prove their right to the Ponderosa. Adam made a deliberately effort to relax and eventually slept for two hours. He woke very stiff and had to do some exercises before he could remount but felt more clear headed for the sleep.
He didn’t push too hard, time to plan was probably more valuable now, he had to ensure he covered everything and he was so very grateful for the number of good friends he had in so many different places. They could gain him access to information that was not readily available, information he wasn’t supposed to find. If there was a Royal Spanish land grant then there should be records in at least to if not three separate places. Prior to 1848 the whole area of Nevada, indeed Utah, Arizona and New Mexico along with Lower California had belonged to Mexico. Even earlier before 1821 Mexico itself had still been ruled from Spain. Most of the land grants Adam knew about had been made in the first twenty years of the century in a desperate attempt by Spain to buy men who could hold their New World Territory. Later grants had been issued from Mexico City and by intendents acting for the Viceroys of the states set up by Spain, the so called ‘partidos’. Adam knew that Monterey had been accepted as the capital by Spain back in 1775 and that Mexican citizens had been given grants of up to 11 square leagues or 48 700 acres, but as far as he knew they were all near Monterey and the number of grants hadn’t been large, about 400 before 1846. Adam knew that there had been an increase after that time as the Mexicans tried to stave off inevitable take over by the United States. However those ones couldn’t be relevant as the Cartwrights had been on the Ponderosa by 1846. Still some early records were still kept at the Carmel mission at Monterey and at the Praesidio. Other records had been collected in Sacramento itself and those Adam intended checking personally, The other collections were more difficult, of prime importance were the records in Mexico City itself.

Mexico was going through yet another upheaval and although Adam had contacts in Mexico he wasn’t at all sure who was in charge. Juarez had die nearly four years earlier and at first the transition of power had gone smoothly. It had passed to the head of the Supreme court, Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, who had been elected President in his own right in November 1872. When his term ran out three years later trouble had started again. A man that Adam had met, even helped a long time back, Porfiro Diaz had taken the usual route to power in Mexico, that of revolution. Adam wasn’t at all sure if Diaz had been successful or not, but if he was then he was confident that Diaz would remember the American, who had pulled him out of an ambush as he tried to take gold south to his troubled land. Adam had been impressed by Diaz and thought that he could rely on his help at least as far as gaining access to the archives for his agent. The other possibility in Mexico was a man that Adam knew well from his time in Boston. The man Matias Romero was a politician to his fingertips. He had been Juarez’s representative in Washington and then taken charge of economic reform in Mexico, a job which necessitated, at least in his view, frequent visits to friends in the States. He would do all that he could to help as he had in other matters in the past, glad of assistance from the Ponderosa. It was just a matter of what power he still had in all the upheavals. Adam had confidence that in time his invaluable assistance would again be sought in Mexico but he might be lying low for the time being.

Adam knew exactly who he wanted to go to Mexico for him and had no doubt that help would be forthcoming. Some eight years earlier Ben had taken in a young boy when his father died leaving him alone. The boy Jamie Hunter had lived with them for several years, Ben had started the legal proceedings to formally adopt Jamie but before it went through Jamie’s maternal Grandfather had appeared from Boston. He had been domineering at first wanting to take the boy back east against his will but an accident to the wagon he was driving led to a broken leg. Jamie’s ingenuity in getting his grandfather back to the Ponderosa and a long convalescence gave time for the two to know each other. Ever since Jamie had split his time spending quite a lot of the time with his elderly grandfather in Boston. Late the previous year Callahan had died leaving Jamie at 22 independently wealthy. Jamie had followed his idol Adam into the law and had finally graduated and moved out to Sacramento to set up his shingle. He was determined to succeed on his own and not wanting to ride on the Cartwright name he had set up as Jamie Hunter. Adam knew that he could be trusted to move heaven and earth to discover what was needed, still very much part of the family and the Ponderosa mattered to Jamie too.

Even more difficult in the time available were the other archives, those of Spain itself in Madrid and since a lot of the original colonisation had been done by the church, the papal archives in the Vatican. There was nothing that Adam could do about those personally but he was going to send a long telegram asking Johnnie Sutherland for assistance. He was fairly sure that Johnnie was in London for the sittings of the House of Lords. Johnnie had a vast number of relatives and friends and Adam hoped he had contacts who could get into both archives. Certainly he knew that Johnnie would try very hard if he explained the position. He had had reason to contact Johnnie with private information in the past and had a private code, based on a method they had used to pass notes in lectures when it got too boring. In particular ones of Professor Grant and it was his saying that formed the basis of their code. Adam had spent a long time composing and encoding the telegram, giving Johnnie all the information he could on what he needed from the archives, how it could be obtained and the reasons why it was needed so urgently. He intended sending it off from a small town where he wasn’t known on the outskirts of Sacramento. Johnnie would know from the sender Professor Adam Grant, both who it was from and how to decode it. Adam was avoiding telegraphs and post where he could but in the time available he had no choice if he was to get information from Europe.

For Monterey Adam intended asking Johnnie Rey, their old lawyer in San Francisco to go and look. He would write a letter to Rey and hire someone to take it personally. Adam was confident that Rey would help, he had a lot of time on his hands in his retirement and was fond of the Cartwrights and their ranch.

The other information he needed was legal, details of the treaties affecting Nevada, anything pertaining to land grants and all recent decisions in full from all courts. The San Diego judgment by the same Judge was vital and for preference he wanted the full court records, but equally vital were the higher court judgments. Adam only vaguely knew the law involved with the land grants, it had never seemed relevant and now he had to learn it in a hurry under the worst possible conditions. Adam had thought hard about the best way to get the information he needed. He had decided to contact one of the best lawyers he knew. Although the man Oliver Wendell Holmes was almost exactly a year younger than Adam he had graduated from Harvard Law School before Adam thought of Law and he had been a lecturer when Adam was in Boston. By then Holmes was also Editor of the American Law Review, a very influential journal. The two men had a lot in common and became fast friends. Adam had seen him and his new wife Fanny when he took Carole on honeymoon. Adam was sure that Oliver would help and although he intended hiring him on the usual terms he knew that Oliver would put his needs to the front of the queue once he explained the urgency. He could be sure that Oliver wouldn’t miss the slightest point of any relevance. Again he would need to use the telegraph and could only hope that noone picked up on it.

By the time Adam reached Sacramento his leg felt as though it was on fire but he had a clear idea of exactly what he needed to do. He slipped into a small boardinghouse where he wasn’t know, not wanting anyone to know that he was in Sacramento. The first job was already done, a long telegram was on its way to London to Johnnie with instructions that any replies or acknowledgement were to go to Jess Ballard at the Ferguson ranch Nevada. It was still too close to home for comfort but Adam knew that once the game started in earnest he would have to have one contact. He could only hope that those involved wouldn’t believe the depth of friendship which existed between them being possible between employer and employee.

Adam had a hasty meal and then set out to find Jamie. He had both office and home address for Jamie and he was in luck catching Jamie just before he went to dinner. Jamie was a lot older but in the first few minutes, delighted to see Adam, he was still the easily excited red headed ragamuffin who had lived with them for so long. Jamie quickly changed his plans for the evening they weren’t that important and he was delighted to see Adam. He had over the years built up an almost hero worship of both Ben and Adam and he hadn’t really grown out of it. Seeing that Adam was limping badly Jamie invited him in and got coffee and offered brandy. Adam accepted the coffee but he’d been forced into drinking more than he liked recently and refused the spirit. Word of Adam’s disappearance had reached as far as Sacramento and although the accepted version was the same as in Virginia City, Jamie hadn’t believed it and wanted to know what had happened, especially as Adam was limping.

Adam had to tell him and spend time convincing the younger man that he was okay before he could turn to the real reason for his visit. Jamie had a few clients but it was hard to get established and there was nothing that couldn’t wait. He could have got on faster by using the Cartwright connection but he had always been determined to make it on his own and he had the money to wait out the interim in comfort. Having checked that he was free Adam said, “I need your help Jamie, very badly, but it has to be done in secret, from everyone, even the rest of the family.”

Jamie was both flattered and bemused by that and Adam settled back to explain the position in full. He trusted Jamie totally and kept nothing back except for the means by which he had learnt of this threat to the Ponderosa, just saying that there was an informant close to Hearst who believed he owed a debt to the Cartwrights. Jamie was shocked both by the legal threat to the Ponderosa and the ways it was planned to keep Adam himself off balance, but he was very eager to help. However when he realized what Adam wanted him to do his initial reaction was that it was impossible, He spoke no Spanish and knew nothing about Mexico.

Adam had expected that reaction, it was after all the only sane one but Jamie cared for them and the ranch, so what he discovered or failed to discover would be important to him. Adam smiled at the young man, “You can do it Jamie. As far as Spanish is concerned I’ll give you the name and address of a friend of ours who will act as your translator, He is Ramon Perez and he’s bright but he isn’t a lawyer. I can also give you letters to two men in Mexico City. Its unsettled there at the moment and I’m not sure who is in power but one of them should be able to help. They are important men, Matias Romero, one of Juarez’s ministers and Porfiro Diaz who is leading the revolution. Its the best I can do Jamie but I am sure that between you and Ramon you will manage. It’s vitally important that I get copies of all the land grants registered in Mexico City or any part of Nevada. If possible any involved in the land ceded by Mexico in 1848 at the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.”

Jamie swallowed hard but Adam smiled encouragingly, so he nodded, “I’ll do my very best you know that. If you can tell me exactly what you want and this Ramon will help.”

“He’ll help, he’s a friend and has a mistaken idea that he owes us a favour.” Adam settled to detailed explanations of exactly what Jamie was looking for and the facts that he would require in court, with as much advice as he could as to how Jamie was to collect the information. Jamie took copious notes and it was nearly three hours later when they finally finished.

Adam still had several jobs outstanding and asked if Jamie had a friend who could be trusted to deliver a letter to Rey in San Francisco, bring back an answer and keep his mouth shut. Jamie had hired a young apprentice who wanted to learn about the law, more for company than from any pressure of business and assured Adam that his clerk Dick Langton was eminently trustworthy and would be willing to head out that evening even though it was already gone ten.

While Jamie went to find the kid, all of two years younger than he was himself, Adam wrote a detailed and long letter to Johnny Rey, explaining briefly why he need the information confidentially and exactly what was required. He didn’t explain that the rest of the family were being kept out of it but used the need for secrecy to ask Rey for all information to be sent by personal messenger to Jess, giving directions. He promised more than adequate expenses and included five thousand dollars as initial payment.

When Jamie arrived with the kid, Adam found himself quite taken by the youngster Dick Langton, he was small and slight but ebullient. Dick listened quietly to detailed instructions on how to find Rey and where to bring the reply and promised to return as soon as possible. Jamie was leaving for Mexico in the morning and as he wouldn’t be needing Dick’s services for the next few weeks Adam, almost by instinct, asked Dick if he would come to Virginia City. He could act as a messenger for Adam until Jamie’s return. Dick thought that was a great idea not wanting to sit around doing nothing and although Adam didn’t realize Dick had heard so many stories about the Cartwrights that the mere idea of personal involvement was sheer magic. Adam was taken by the kid’s intense excitement, reminding him of a much younger Little Joe and he was glad he had made the suggestion. Dick set out straight away, determined to make San Francisco and back in record time.

Adam still had two local problems apart from contacting Oliver Holmes and he asked Jamie’s advice about the quickest time to search through the records in the court house here in Sacramento. The last thing he needed was to be seen. Jamie grinned “Late evening, like now.”

“Fine but not very practical.”

“Oh yes it is, you know the clerk of the records, she will let you in any time.” Jamie emphasized the ‘you’ and Adam totally bemused stared at him, ”Just who is it that I’m supposed to know?”

“Liza Campbell. I got talking to her and she learnt I’d spent time in Virginia City. Your name came right up, seems she thinks a lot of you.”

Adam stared into the fire for a moment, a name from the past. He had inadvertently killed her husband when Jim Campbell opted for a life of crime, unable to make a go of farming. Jim’s bullet had just caught Adam’s arm and instead of disabling him as Adam intended he had killed. Afterwards he had tried to help the widow with a young child but she had come close to falling in love with him. Sure that it couldn’t work, how could she explain to her son that the man she loved had killed his father, she had run away, but she still had very warm feelings for him, obvious to Jamie.

Adam had lost touch and had no idea that she was even in Sacramento but he knew Jamie was right, yet another woman from his past could help and his need was too great not to ask. Jamie was even on sufficiently good terms to know her home address and Adam decided to try and catch her before work the following morning.
With both needing an early start Adam thanked Jamie, passed him plenty of money for expenses and made sure he had all the addresses he would need. Anything really important to be sent to Jess by personal messengers and not entrusted to the post. Jamie promised to do his very best and they separated to get a few hours sleep,

Adam intended to wire Oliver the following day and if Liza could help he only had one more major problem to solve, just who he could trust to get the vital details from San Diego? He would have liked to go himself but he didn’t dare vanish from sight for too long and it would take a week to ride there and back at the absolute minimum. In the end tired and sore Adam decided to sleep on it maybe inspiration would dawn.

The next morning Adam was up early and although stiff and limping badly he caught Liza at home. She was amazed and delighted to see him and when he explained briefly his need to search through the records without anyone knowing she willingly agreed to open them up just for him that evening. She occasionally worked late and it shouldn’t cause any comment. Adam accepted her invitation for dinner at seven and thanked her before leaving her to get on.

To his horror as he stepped back onto the street someone called his name. He turned but relaxed slightly as he recognized an old friend, ex-gunslinger now a US Federal Deputy Marshall, Steve Fallon. Adam had helped Steve break away from the ranks of gun fighters and join the law several years ago and the two men similar in their ability with a gun had remained good friends. Adam could rely on Steve keeping quiet and over breakfast he very briefly explained why it was necessary. Then as though in answer to his prayer for inspiration Steve said, “I’m on vacation for a month, at a loose end. Is there anything I can do?”

As a Federal Marshall Steve had access to all the court records without question and willingly agreed to ride down to San Diego, make a verbatim copy of all the proceedings in the Land grant case recently heard. He promised to check the rest of the records and bring it back to Virginia City for Adam. With his biggest problem solved Adam was able to relax and they spent a pleasant morning reminiscing before Steve headed off on his self-imposed errand.

Adam had to go and telegraph Oliver, his help was essential but it was the one weak point where he would have to use his own name and telegraph in the clear. If it was picked up then his sudden interest in Land Grants would be known and there could only be one reason for that. Adam didn’t like the risk involved knowing that both Hearst and Huntingdon were capable of having people listening in on the wires, but he didn’t see any alternative. He was sitting over coffee weighing the risks again for the millionth time when a familiar figure walked in, It was John Chance, proud owner of the Cartwright Flume company and long time friend. Adam was pleased to see him, but worried how John had found him. The last thing he needed was for his presence in Sacramento to become common knowledge.

John greeted him boisterously but then put his mind at rest, he was only there because Jamie had come by their camp and told them Adam was in town. He and his partner Bill Davidson had tossed for it and Bill had lost so that he stayed behind to oversee the work on their current flume project, which was still making them a fortune. Then more seriously John said, “We would like to help. Jamie told us the gist of what’s happening, said you needed a messenger to go east, hire yourself a lawyer and bring back the information. Bill can cope and I’ve met Oliver Holmes a couple of times, be safer than the telegraph and no slower if I wait and bring the results to you direct.”

Adam was so staggered by the offer that for a moment he couldn’t find his voice. It solved many problems but it seemed a tremendous imposition on men with their own lives to lead. John could see his feelings, for once etched on his face and smiled, “I talked it over with Bill. You never would take anything for your design, which is making us rich. At least give us the chance to help you for once.” Lost for words Adam could only offer his hand, unable to express his heartfelt gratitude. Once he gained control, Adam spent an hour filling John in on what was happening, in detail, and writing a long letter explaining exactly what research he required from Oliver and why. By 2 p.m. he saw John off on the train knowing that Oliver would be in a position to start almost as soon as he was back in Virginia City.

Buoyed up by the efforts his friends were making for him and by the good fortune God had bestowed on him in giving him so many friends in the right place at the right time, Adam made the best meal he had since first hearing from Jess. With so much help how could he fail to win in the end. He had nothing much to do until he joined Liza for dinner and although pleased at all the work his friends were doing he was still stiff and sore from the long ride. He decided to take the small risk involved in getting a hot bath at the barbers. The risk paid off, noone recognized him and the hot water eased his aches and pains.

Liza had been very busy preparing a meal to impress any man. She knew Adam was now married and wasn’t trying to interfere but she owed Adam a great deal Adam enjoyed his meal and seeing the young boy Kenny, who remembered him remarkably well rather to Adam’s surprise. Liza had arranged for a neighbour to watch Kenny and about 8 p.m. they headed back to the Records Office.

Liza had done a lot of groundwork during the day, putting off her normal work for a day or so. She knew what Adam needed and there wasn’t a vast amount in the Sacramento office. Just one case had been brought in their jurisdiction, nearly twelve years earlier and that was for an area near Monterey. Adam took detailed notes about the case and the various records they had of other land grants which hadn’t been contested. Many were agreed in the original treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo, all but two based round Monterey and they were registered in Sacramento. Adam took detailed notes with Liza’s help, including verbatim copies of the two original grants that were there. Even with Liza’s help it was nearly three before Adam had collected all the information that was there. So far he didn’t know what exactly he would need, he just had to find out all he could and learn more about the form of the grants. Then he would be in a better position to see if anything was wrong with the grant under which the claim was being made. Eventually Adam called a halt, sure that he had everything even vaguely pertinent out of the Sacramento records.

They packed up and then Adam took Liza home. He kissed her forehead, “Bless you Liza. I couldn’t have managed without you. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“You’re very welcome Adam, small part of what I owe you.”

“You don’t owe me anything.”

She kissed his cheek, “Oh yes I do but at least I’ve been able to help a little and if I hear anything else I’ll send word.” With that she went on in to get some sleep.

Adam took a couple of hours rest before paying his bill and heading home, anxious to get back before anyone suspected what he was up to.

Ben had found it hard to settle since Adam rode out, he had tried to talk to Carole again without success, Carole had withdrawn into her shell and she wouldn’t talk about anything personal. Ben felt her complete withdrawal, it was as though the years had turned back and they’d only just met. He didn’t like it and even less did he like the way his son was acting. Occasionally through the years Adam had acted in ways his father didn’t understand but Ben couldn’t remember a time when Adam had acted so out of character. He hated the feeling that he ought to apologize for his eldest son, a unique and very unpleasant thought.

Joe had been finding his job very hard, he was working into the early hours every morning to try and keep up anywhere near schedule. Luckily the three men with him, Santeé, Wilson and Jackson were all prepared to work very long hours too. They did their best to help and kept him well supplied with food and coffee. Despite the long hours he was working Joe slowly became aware that something was wrong, sensing his father’s unease. He telegraphed home but Ben couldn’t explain over the wire and just insisted everybody was alright. Joe had to accept it but he was still convinced that something was wrong.

Hoss had the easier job, knowing exactly what to do and knowing the area so very well. He was pushing hard and was well up on schedule because he knew exactly how hard a job his little brother had, He was determined to finish up and get over to the west shore to help out. He was too tired and busy to really be aware of his family, accepting the daily reports by telegraph, telling him that all was well.

Sue and Nita had tried going over to see Carole as they usually did but found her very remote and quiet. She kept herself busy with the children and with paperwork that Adam had had to leave. Carole managed to avoid discussion on anything except work or the children and as the days passed it became ever more obvious that she didn’t want to talk. Thus it became impossible for either Sue or Nita to raise the question of Adam’s absence.

Between themselves they did discuss it but neither really knew what to think. Both were very fond of their brother-in-law and held him in a great deal of respect. Sue had seen just how much Carole meant to him after she was raped, her withdrawal from him had made Adam physically ill. She couldn’t believe that there was anything seriously wrong between them but Adam was acting very strangely and there was a lot of tension about them both. Restless Nita could only await Joe’s return, he knew his brother as well as anyone. maybe better than most as he had demonstrated during Adam’s absence a few weeks earlier, perhaps he could make sense of what was going on.

Adam had camped out of town and waited for Dick to join him. He didn’t have long to wait, the youngster had made good time. He had success to report, Rey was delighted with the chance to be useful and was heading straight to Monterey. Dick had nothing he wanted in town and was thrilled with the idea of crossing the Sierra Nevada, born and bred in California, he’d only dreamt of traveling. He had heard wild stories about Virginia City and was looking forward to seeing for himself.

Adam found the boy’s excitement contagious and for a while as they traveled he forgot the problems ahead for a while. Just as he had taught Hoss and Joe years earlier he automatically showed Dick how to pick the easiest trail, pick out landmarks, a little tracking and the easy ways to camp in safety and relative comfort. Dick, the only son of a widowed mother, had only ever been given book learning and all this was new and magical. He very quickly came to hero-worship Adam just as his boss had done at a rather younger age. Dick already knew of Adam’s reputation as a gunman, lawyer and engineer, what he hadn’t expected was that this man, so far above him, would spare time to show him simple things with a great deal of patience and evident enjoyment. It seemed impossible but it was happening and Dick was even more determined to do all he could to help.

They made fair time but with the boy along Adam didn’t push as hard as he had going. Anyway he didn’t want to arrive home obviously exhausted, that wouldn’t fit the picture he was endeavouring to build. The slower pace suited his leg better and he survived the journey in reasonable condition. It was late evening on the Saturday by the time they reached the last stretch but Adam still had three jobs to do despite being very tired.

Adam led the way straight to Jess’ ranch, wanting to introduce Dick so that Jess wouldn’t be taken by surprise if he sent the boy with a message and anyway showing Dick where to go. Adam needed to check with his friend to see if Jess had any additional information for him. It was nearly eleven p.m. as they dismounted in the barn and the house was in darkness, but Adam led the way through the covered way he’d designed and let himself in with the key Jess had given him for such circumstances.

Dick followed a little embarrassed at going into the home of a total stranger in this manner. Adam was cold, stiff and tired and he rummaged around in the kitchen getting coffee onto heat before going to wake Jess, totally sure that his friend would want him to make himself at home. Once the coffee was heating Adam went on through to the bedroom and called softly for Jess.

Jess was a light sleeper and recognizing his friend’s voice, he slipped out leaving Liza fast asleep. He followed Adam through to the kitchen and there in the light, scanned his face, “You’ve overdone it. Come sit down before that leg gives out on you.”

“I’m alright, just a mite tired.”

“Exhausted! Sit down before you fall down.”

Adam smiled affectionately at his friend and did as he was told and only then did Jess even realize that anyone else was there. Adam introduced Dick and explained that he was Jamie’s clerk but while his boss was in Mexico, Dick was going to help him as a messenger boy. “Dick may well bring out word or collect things for me if I’m not free to come out.”

Jess welcomed the kid and suggested that he got a job at the livery stable. He’d been in town earlier that day and the owner Jesse Whelan, an old Ponderosa hand, had been bemoaning the lack of suitable youngsters to help out. It was an ideal job with no obvious contact to Adam and a fair amount of freedom to get out with the messages as needed.

One of the things that Adam wanted to do in town was to settle Dick and this sounded ideal as he told Jess gratefully, slowly relaxing with coffee. Thus far Jess didn’t have much news for him but there were two items. The first a very brief but encouraging telegram from London, “Message received and understood, all action initiated. John Sutherland.” In plain English but totally meaningless to most, it told Adam that his old friend, once Lord Sutherland and now Earl of Northumberland, had his telegram and already had plans and the relevant people needed to get him all the information available from the European archives. Adam had a great deal of faith in his friend but even so he was impressed with the speed with which Johnny was acting, he was a very busy man himself.

Jess had one other piece of information. The three women had come on another visit to Liza, building up the image of a group of friends, just women to be ignored. There was little new but Michelle had word that the first of the two possible female baits, Suzanne Fauré would be arriving in Virginia City the following day. Indeed Michelle’s husband had been sent to fetch her from Reno as Hearst assumed that he would understand French women and speak a little of their language as he was married to one.

That made it more important that Adam show his face in town, make it clear that he was around and he finished his coffee, apologized again to Jess for getting him out of bed and headed for town. He didn’t want Dick associated with him and once on the main road he gave the youngster some money, detailed instruction on the boarding house to use and the whereabouts of the stable and sent him in alone. Dick was to make no move until Adam contacted him.

Meantime Adam cut across country to come in on the road from Carson city. He headed over to the Palace, not wanting to change his normal habits too much or too abruptly, scared he would cause the very speculation he was trying to avoid. Seeing Dan in his usual position Adam ordered a brandy and went over to join the reporter, despite all his efforts Dam spotted the limp but he knew Adam well enough to realize that questions weren’t advisable. Adam didn’t stay long, he only wanted people to know that he was around and half an hour with their ace reporter ensured that. Three brandies during that time was all the hint that anyone would need that he wasn’t his normal self. Eventually Adam was able to head home, thoroughly overtired but as far as he could be he was satisfied with what he had achieved and eager to talk it over
with Carole.

Despite his tiredness Adam was alert as he reached home and seeing a light on at Nita’s he put on his drunken act and reeled home. He saw to his horse and before he had finished Carole had slipped out, using the covered way and was in his arms. For a long while Adam just held her very close, burying his face in her hair. He could feel the tension in her but when he finally let her go she smiled up at him, “Come on Darling, finish up and come to bed. Then we can talk in comfort.”

Ten minutes later they both curled up close together in bed. Carole had had a look at his swollen knee but Adam shrugged it off, it was okay and he wouldn’t be doing so much riding in the next few days, give it a chance to recover. Carole was eager to know how he had got on but before he would tell her Adam insisted on knowing hoe the family were reacting. Carole hesitated but he had to know, “More or less as we planned, Pa is very worried, a little puzzled I think but not really suspicious. He’s tried to get me to talk and I know it hurt him when I withdrew into my shell but he accepted it. I’m sure he’ll have another go at you now that you’re back. Nita and Sue are both on edge. They won’t ask but I’m sure they are speculating between themselves.”

“I won’t have helped this evening. Nita was up when I came home. Darling we knew that it was going to be hard and if we’re to fool them you’re going to have to handle it basically alone. Just say the word and we can stop.”

Carole pulled him close, “Adam we both knew what it was going to involve. When those women arrive it’ll be far worse but I know it’s an act. Just a few weeks against the risk of permanent injury or death to one of our children or your brothers or Sue and Nita. It doesn’t matter, the only important question, can we use the time we’re buying?”

Adam relaxed sure of her strength and of their love which nothing could touch. Remembering all the help he’d been offered from so many people he felt warmed, “We can use it my love.” He went on to explain just who had been volunteering to spend their time and effort to get him the information he needed. He was still amazed by their generosity. Some like Jamie he had expected to help but others had taken him completely by surprise and he felt it was more than he deserved, Carole knew too well the efforts that Adam, indeed all the Cartwrights, had made over the years to help others and she felt he was just reaping his due reward. Even so as he explained how much was being done, she was heartened with so many good friends how could they lose, She had one suggestion to make if they were to fool his family but seeing how relaxed he was, she left it until morning.

Despite their late night and talking even later both were awake early and Carole held him very close, “Darling if we are to fool your brothers once they come back we are going to have to start using separate bedrooms.”

Adam pulled her even closer, hating the thought, although he knew she was right, “I’m not sure I can.”

“We have to, at least for public consumption, but as long as the bed is rumpled and the twins find you there occasionally, who is to know what happens the rest of the night?”

“Just hate the thought of the kids picking up on it.”

“I can think up a story for them and none of the family is going to push it in front of the children.” Carole bit her lip. Knowing that Adam was going to hate her next suggestion even more. Adam took her chin and tilted her face up, “What else are you plotting my love?”

“The hardest to convince and the most essential are going to be Hoss and Joe, They both love you and will find it very hard to believe anything bad about you.”

“We’ve known that from the start,” Adam commented, very puzzled by the look on her face, sure she was going to come up with something new, that she expected him to hate.

“Yes but if your information is correct and those women are due in town this week, we won’t have time to lay the groundwork.”

“Sue and Nita will do that for us.”

“Yes but Joe will just assume that Nita doesn’t know you as he does, probably Hoss too.”

“So they get Pa to confirm it.”

“You can do that yourself my love. They are due back on Friday, gives you time to take the bait and Marie’s birthday is on Sunday.” Carole saw the horror on his face,
“She’s only going to be two, She doesn’t really understand what a birthday is, Just a day when she gets all the attention. So Daddy is away, he often is, she won’t know why.”

“I can’t!”

“Can you think of any easier way to have a first class row with your family. A row that rumour will amplify and spread everywhere, Any better way of showing infatuation.”
Adam got up and went over to the window, In many ways Carole was right but every fibre of his being argued against it. He would risk a lot, take the pain of alienation from his family but to risk hurting his little girl, to say nothing of the inevitable pity and compassion that Carole would find hard to take.

Adam stared out over the ranch he loved, tried to face the thought of losing it or even worse losing one of the family. Eventually he turned, “In many ways you’re right and I’ll miss the family gathering but not for a woman. It’s too soon for that anyway, they wouldn’t believe such a sudden break. I’ll stay out Saturday night, get in a poker game or something, neglect something around the ranch and use that as an excuse. But I’ll spend the morning with Marie. Don’t ask anyone until after lunch and then I can leave ostentatiously.”

Carole thought about it. It should serve just as well and had the advantage of not being so far out of character as well as being much easier to explain to the children. She went over and put her arms round him, “We knew it would be hard my love but its only for a few weeks out of a lifetime.”

Adam turned and kissed her passionately, “I can cope as long as I have your support.”

“And all my love.” Carole smiled at him as she held him close.

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