What's Right
By
EPM
"My son is dead. That was what you
wanted, wasn't it?" Ben Cartwright held his head a little higher as he
spoke to the group of riders in front of his home. His eyes were narrowed and
hard but they also held an immense sadness. "Now get off my land. Leave us
to mourn in peace."
"How
do we know he's really dead, Cartwright? Maybe you're lying. You'd say anything
to protect that kid of yours, even if he is a murderer." Hoss and Joe
stepped forward; one to the right, one to the left of their father.
"Maybe
you'd like to see what your bullets did to him, Simmons. Would you care to know
how he suffered before he died?" Ben shuddered at the sound of his own
words.
"No Ben, we don't need to see him and
nobody here is gonna bother you any longer.” Roy Coffee had trouble looking
into the eyes of his oldest friend as he spoke. "We'll be leaving
now" The sheriff gave the group a look that left no room for argument.
They turned and rode away; away from a family now torn apart by shock and pain
and unanswered questions.
Hoss
and Joe each took an arm of their distraught father and led him back into the
house. Ben sat down heavily in the stuffed chair beside the bed where his
oldest son lay unmoving. Putting his head into his hands, he could only wonder
how all of this had happened. Was it really only a few days ago that
**********
That
morning had started as any other. It was important to Ben that he see his sons
at breakfast. Not only to discuss the day's work but also to enjoy the easy,
comfortable relationship they shared; a relationship that had only deepened
through the years. So different, these sons of mine he thought. Certainly
different in looks and temperament but not in their sense of right and wrong
nor in their loyalty to each other and the land they loved.
"Pa, I'm riding out to the Paiute's camp
this morning. I'm worried they may not have enough supplies to see them through
the winter." The welfare of their Indian neighbors had always been
important to Adam. He valued their history and culture and respected them most
of all for the way they loved and honored the land. Adam had always seen both
sides of the conflict between the Indians and the white man and it often had
made him unpopular with those who wanted all Indians to simply disappear. His
own feelings on the subject were not always clear, even to himself. He knew the
land his family owned had once belonged to the people who lived on it long
before the white man came to "settle it". Should they be there at
all? But if they weren't, that only meant other whites would own it. That
certainly wouldn't solve any of the problems. At least his family tried to
understand their Indian neighbors and help whenever they could. There were no
simple answers.
"I'll
be back before supper" he said, suddenly smiling at his younger, larger brother.
"Hoss, you will save some for me?"
"Just
be on time, older brother, or I may not be able to promise anything" said
Hoss, popping the last of the bacon into his mouth. Joe just laughed and Ben smiled
at the friendly exchange between his sons. No, nothing seemed different about
that morning.
**********
It
was around
Sheriff
Roy Coffee hesitated. The two men had been close friends for years. Now he was
here to tell Ben his oldest son was seen riding with a group of Paiutes who
attacked the tiny settlement of Gold Creek and killed several of its
inhabitants.
"Ben,
I've got some bad news for you and I want you to just listen until I'm
finished" He told the story of a band of Paiutes who rode into Gold Creek
and without warning or provocation, killed several miners. A survivor reached
"Is
Adam here?" the sheriff asked his voice now taking on a more detached
tone.
"No,
he's not and how could you even think Adam would be a part of something so
appalling." Ben's anger was not hidden by the quiet, cool tone of his
voice.
"Now
Ben, I didn't say he was, I said, he was identified by some of the surviving
miner's and I want to talk to him as soon as he gets home. I'm doing my job and
Adam would be the first one to see that so you have him come on in."
Straightening his shoulders, Ben looked at the
sheriff and said, "we'll come in---
together." Without saying another word he turned and walked toward the
house.
**********
Hoss
and Joe returned from their day of mending fence. They were hot and tired and
definitely ready for something to eat. As they entered the house Hoss called
out "Adam, you'd better be in here cause I'm ready to eat my supper and
yours and part of Little Joe's, if he don't eat it quick enough." Ben
stopped staring at the papers on his desk and called out quietly "he's not
here son, your brother's not here."
"I
told him to be on time or no promises," said Hoss moving with Joe toward
their father's office. They both stopped short after seeing the worried look on
their father's face. "What is it, Pa?" Joe asked. Ben told them of
"Just
who's saying this, Pa?" Joe's anger was evident in his tone and the flash
of his eyes.
"I
told you,
They
sat at the table in silence; each lost in their own thoughts. The only sound was from Hop Sing's slippers
as he served dinner. Knowing their anger and growing fear, Hop Sing did not
scold them for not eating. He too was worried for the oldest son. After dinner,
Ben tried to read the paper while Hoss and Joe took up their regular game of
checkers. None of them could concentrate. They were too busy thinking about
what
"You
should try to sleep too Pa, worrying ain't gonna help Adam or you."
"He'll be home soon." Hoss didn't know if he said this to make
himself feel better or to try and convince his father and brother that things
were going to be ok. "Come on Joe, let's try and get some sleep. Good
night
"Please
Pa, come up stairs," Joe pleaded.
After
a distracted wave, Ben said "Good night boys, don't worry, I'll be up in a
little while."
***********
Ben
awoke to the sound of someone in the kitchen. He had not gone to bed but
instead fell into a fitful sleep in the same place he was the night before.
Hoping it was his missing son making those sounds, he made his way to the
kitchen. "Oh, Hop Sing, I thought you were Adam."
"Have
not seen boy since yesterday morning. Where Mista Adam go?"
Ben walked over to the window and gazed out
toward the hill's that surrounded the Paiute's home. "A better question
might be where is he now?" said Ben quietly.
Hop
Sing shook his head, mumbling something in his native language. He began his
morning ritual of fixing breakfast for his "family". The familiar
tasks calmed him until he started to set the table --- set for three, set for
four? Hesitating, he felt an
overpowering sense of sadness settle over him. He returned to the security of
his kitchen, a tear sliding down his cheek.
"We'll
head out as soon as we eat and pack some supplies. Joseph, please ask Hop Sing
to get enough food together. Hoss please get the horses ready and pack a couple
extra blankets. I'm going to get Adam's heavier jacket."
Ben
went upstairs and entered his son's room. There hanging neatly over the back of
a chair was Adam's coat. As Ben picked it up, a strangled sob rose up from deep
within him. He hugged the coat close to his chest and bent his face to touch
it. "Oh God, where is my son? Where is my boy?" He sat on the edge of
the bed and rocked back and forth, burying his face in his beloved firstborn's
coat.
**********
The
sound of several horses arriving brought Ben back to the present. He made his
way down the stairs, Adam's coat still held tightly to his chest. The sight of
a group of heavily armed men startled him. Joe and Hoss walked from the barn,
tied the horses and came to their father's side.
"What
is this
"Let's
go!" A new voice made them both turn around. John Simmons, foreman of Gold
Creek's only mine continued. "I don't know why we came out here in the
first place. Adam Cartwright has always taken the part of them Indians and now
he's stepped over the line. I say we don't treat him any different than any
other murderer." Joe jumped forward. He pulled Simmons out of his saddle
before anyone else could move." My brother's no murderer," he yelled.
He hit the surprised foreman on the jaw and sent him flying.
"Joseph,
stop that immediately." Ben pulled him away from Simmons. Hoss stepped in
and took over holding his brother back.
"Get
on your horse Simmons and keep your mouth shut and Joe, you need to simmer down
before that temper of yours gets you into real trouble."
Ben's
only words sounded a warning to the whole group. "Don't let anything
happen to my son!"
***********
The
three Cartwrights rode toward the Indian village. Ben knew that
Things
seemed peaceful enough as they approached. All three knew the chance they were
taking if indeed, the Paiutes had raided the gold camp
but
they were willing to take that chance to find their son and brother. Ben looked
at his boys, "No matter what happens, don't use your guns unless you have
no choise." All eyes were on them as they rode to the teepee that Ben knew
to be the chief's.
"Get
down Ben Cartwright. Do you come today because of what happened at the white
man's diggings?" The Paiute chief had known Ben since he arrived upon the
land so many years ago, he and his two young sons. He had watched this man as
he sweated and toiled to make a home for them. Beside him always was his
firstborn. The young raven-haired boy worked as hard as any man. This family
came as other whites had come but they seemed to love and cherish the land as
his people did. The passage of time created a respect between the Cartwrights
and the Paiute people.
"Great
Chief of the Paiute Nation, please tell me what you know of the attack on the
gold camp. I have only heard of what happened from men who say it was the
Paiute who attacked Gold Creek. I want to know what the Chief of the Paiutes
has to say." Ben desperately wanted to ask about Adam but he thought it
better to wait to hear what the chief had to say first.
"Ben
Cartwright, you have always been a friend to my people. It is with great
sadness that I tell you what happened. My young braves are angry at the diggers
from the gold camp. They come to Paiute land for the rocks that shine. They do
not go when we ask. I tell the young men to wait until we talk to the white
man's law but they are angry and will not listen.” The chief's eyes were now
bright with tears and he made no move to hide them.
" Your son came to our village yesterday
to offer supplies for the cold times. He saw and heard the angry braves."
At the mention of his son's name, Ben's body stiffened. Joe and Hoss looked at
each other but did not move. "Your boy spoke to them of what would happen
if there was bloodshed. He told them he would ride with them if they let him
speak to the diggers. After much talk, my braves agree. They ride to the gold
camp together."
Taking
a deep breath, the old Indian continued. "Much later, they return. Only,
they do not return as they left. Their number is smaller and others have many
bleeding wounds" Ben felt his heart rate increase as his fear escalated.
" Your son is with them, tied and bound to his horse. The young ones say
he betrayed them. Led them into a trap of many men and guns."
"Please
tell me, was my son injured?" Ben held his breath waiting for an answer.
" Your son had no wounds but his heart was heavy. He cannot make the
braves believe he had no part in the ambush of my people."
Ben looked into his friend's eyes. Both men
had been scared with the pain of loss and each recognized it in the other.
"Do you know where my son is now?"
"Yes
Ben Cartwright, my young braves have taken him to the mountains. They know the
whites will be coming soon.
"
Tell me where he is, Ben pleaded. I will do everything I can to help your people
but I must find my son. "
"Why
should I tell you where he is---will you take your son and go home or will you
tell the white man's law where my braves hide?"
" I look only to take my son home, no
more" promised Ben.
"
I believe you as I believe your son would not betray my people. Hurry, Ben
Cartwright, they will not be kind to him." The chief told the three men
where Adam was and after thanking him, Ben, Hoss and Joe rode hard toward the
hills.
***********
The
area they approached was foothills and forest. The tall rock formations offered
cover for anyone who wished to keep from being seen. Ben signaled for Hoss and
Joe to stop. "Listen to me. I believe your brother is still alive but I
will not sacrifice the two of you to find out for sure. I want you to wait here
while I go find him. If I can, I'll bring him back with me." Ben spoke
softly but his tone left no room for discussion. Still, the boys tried.
"
Pa, please let us come with you. We can't just wait here while you walk into
that camp," said Hoss.
Joe's
response mirrored the passion that always existed for him, just underneath
every thought, every decision. "
************
It
was late afternoon as Ben began his assent into the hills. The wind was picking
up and dark clouds began to come in from the North. A storm, he thought. Well,
maybe the wind and rain would help distract the Paiutes while he searched for
his son. The sound of voices came from a distance. He crept forward, inching
his way slowly. He found himself on a high ledge. It overlooked a clearing
surrounded by trees and boulders on the edge of the forest. The storm arrived
in earnest. The rain began to fall heavily, making it hard for Ben to see.
Shielding his eyes, he saw someone tied to a large pine tree. The man's arms
were stretched above his head; his wrists bound to the branches above him. His
head rested on his chest. Lightning lit the sky. Ben held back a strangled cry
as he recognized his son. "Oh Adam,
what have they done to you?"
Suddenly, he heard a noise from behind him. He
turned, gun in hand. "Joseph, Hoss; I thought I told you to stay where you
were." Ben's anger and fear were evident.
"
We just couldn't
"I'm
sorry son, of course you're right. You should be here."
Just
than, Joe saw Adam. "Oh God, no---Adam!" He started to rise and move
toward his helpless brother. Hoss pulled him to the ground and held him down.
"No Joe, you'll only get yourself killed and most likely him too. You
can't just go running down there."
Joe stopped fighting against his brother's grasp. Sounding desperate,
Joe asked, "What are we going to do, Pa?" The storm continued to
intensify.
A
voice rose above the noise of the storm. The Paiutes looked beyond the boulders
that surrounded their camp to the forest beyond. Roy Coffee came out from
behind the cover of the trees and walked forward. His hands were held in a sign
of peace. Ben and his sons could see that
at
Adam. His heart jumped when he saw his boy look up. Before the Cartwright's
could get to him, the leathers that bound his wrists to the tree were cut. Two
warriors were dragging him forward. Adam stumbled but caught himself. He began
trying to run with the Indians as they retreated into the thick forest. Ben,
Joe and Hoss started down the rocky outcropping. The hale of gunfire continued.
A flash of lightning seemed to split the sky. The bright light illuminated the
scene before them. They watched helplessly as Adam fell, face down, onto the
forest floor; blood already spreading across the back of his tan shirt. His
captures did not stop.
As
Ben and his sons made their way down from the rocky ledge, the gunfire ceased.
The men that had fired on the Paiutes moved out of the trees. They walked to
the side of the downed sheriff.
*************
It
was getting dark and there were few signs of the retreating band of Indians.
The rain had taken care of that. Cold and exhausted, the Cartwright men headed
home to the Ponderosa. They knew they had no chance of finding Adam in the
dark. They would try to eat and sleep and start their search in the morning.
Before they left, ugly words had been exchanged with the miners. Each of them
had wanted to take their frustrations out on the man who fired first. No one
knew or would tell who that might have been.
John
Simmons felt no regret for what had happened to Adam Cartwright. "Act like an Indian, you'll be treated
as one," he said. Before a fight broke out, the sheriff herded the miners
in one direction while Ben took his boys in another. Angry as Ben was, he knew that it wouldn't do
Adam or his other sons any good to get into a confrontation now. They needed to
concentrate on one thing only, finding Adam.
**********
Hop
Sing met them as they entered the house. "Mista Adam?" he asked. Ben
told him what had happened. He shook his head and turned toward the kitchen.
"I get suppa ready." They ate in silence. After dinner, they settled
in front of the fire. Hoss' gazed toward Adam's faded blue chair. He looked
away and put his head in his hands. Joe moved behind him, putting a hand on his
shoulder. "We should try to sleep now, boys.
The
sound of hoof beats, muffled in the soft mud, broke the silence. They all
started for the door at once. Hop Sing too had heard and came into the living
room. As quickly as the hoof beats came, they started to retreat. Puzzled, Ben
opened the door. The moon had finally
come out as the storm clouds passed. Its cold light illuminated a man lying
face down in the dirt of the front yard.
Ben knew before he was able to move that this was his missing son.
Hoss
reached his brother first. His large hands hovered over Adam's body as if he
didn't know what to do. He stared down at the tan shirt, now almost completely
soaked with blood. His father reached out and took his son into his arms. No
sound; no movement came from the injured man. Ben held him tightly against his
chest, rocking him as he had done when Adam was a small child. "It's
alright son. You're home. We'll take care of you now." Joe and Hoss
exchanged glances. Neither was convinced their brother was still alive.
"Pa---Pa,
let's get him into the house" Joe urged. Hoss took his brother out of
father's arms, lifted him and carried him inside.
With
great care, Hoss entered Adam's room and put him gently down on his bed. They
could see the rise and fall of Adam's chest in a rapid, shallow pattern. Ben
knew Adam had been shot in the back, but he didn't know what other injuries his
son might have suffered. Working together, the men removed the injured man's
boots and clothes. Ben gasped from the horror of what he saw before him. As he
looked over the body of his naked son, he knew that Adam had been terribly
abused long before he had been shot. Both Joe and Hoss took an involuntary step
backward when they saw what had been done to their brother. Joe turned and went to the window, suddenly
needing to pull in some fresh, cool air. Hoss closed his eyes and tightly
clenched his fists. Ben knew he couldn't give in to his own feelings, not now.
He had to help his son.
"Joseph,
I want you to go get Doctor Martin, but listen to me; don't let anyone see you
and tell Paul not to let anyone know he's coming out here. Is that clear?"
"Yeah,
Hop Sing entered with hot water and towels. If
the little man was shocked by what he saw, he gave no indication. "Help me
turn him over" directed Ben. Hoss helped his father than pulled a blanket
up to his brother's waist. Hop Sing and Ben washed away the blood so they could
see what lay beneath. One bullet had entered just above the right shoulder
blade and a second entered his lower ribs on the left side. Neither bullet had
an exit wound but both areas had stopped bleeding. Ben was afraid to wash them
for fear that they might start again. He put clean bandages over the ragged
holes. When they turned him back over, Adam uttered a faint moan.
"Adam---Adam,
can you hear me?" There was no response. Ben never realized how quickly
his hopes could rise, only to fall again. The three men started to clean the
battered body once more. Dark bruises, deep purple in color, stood out against
the pale skin. Ben looked at his middle son.
Hoss
ran the damp cloth down his brother's arm, speaking to him as he did. His voice
was soft and soothing. " You know, come November, you and me are due for a
little time off. I told you I'm gonna get that big buck we saw last year. Maybe
we ought to take Joe with us. What'd you think, big brother?" With silence
his only answer, Hoss stopped what he was doing and turned away. Ben left
Adam's bedside to go to his other son. He took Hoss' shaking body into his arms
and held him close. Both of them finally let go of their unshed tears. Quiet
sobs were all that could be heard. Hop Sing gently finished washing away the
rest of the dried blood. He pulled the covers up over Adam's chest and left the
room, praying to his God as he went.
**********
Father
and son sat close to the bed, one on each side. Ben had left Adam on his back,
hoping the pressure would forestall any further bleeding. "Why'd he go
with them Paiutes to the gold camp anyway, Pa? Why'd he take that kinda
chance?"
"I'm
not sure Hoss but you know your brother. He's always fought for what he thought
was right, no matter who was involved.”
Ben
looked back at his gravely injured son and was surprised to see his eyelids
flutter. Adam searched for his father's hand. Looking at him through hooded
eyes and squeezing Ben's hand slightly, he murmured," I had to Pa, I had
to do it." Than his hand relaxed in his father's, he exhaled with a sigh
and his head dropped coming to rest on his chest.
**********
Joe
had managed to slip into
"Wake
up doc, we need you." Paul, used to late night visitors, reached for his
robe and descended the stairs. "Joe, what is it?"
"
We need you badly, Doc. Adam's been hurt. He's lost so much blood. I don't know
why he's still alive."
"Try
to calm down Joe and tell me how he's hurt." Joe lost his color as the
memory of his brother's body lying so still came back to him. " He's been
shot in the back and badly beaten. There are bruises all over his body."
Joe swallowed hard.
"Ok Joe, sit down while I get ready. You
might want to help yourself to a brandy."
"Oh
and Doc, nobody can know where you're going. I'll explain on the way."
Paul gave him a questioning look than started to gather the things he thought
he'd need.
**********
Doctor Martin arrived at the ranch with a frightened
young man at his side. Before he could
get out of the buggy, Joe was in the house.
Hoss stood before the glowing fire. He moved quickly
toward the stairs and grabbed Joe's arm. "Stay here with me. Let the Doc
and Pa and Hop Sing take care of Adam." Doctor Martin passed the boys and
ascended the stairs.
Joe tried to resist. He wanted to see his brother
but the look on Hoss' face made him stop. "What is it? What aren't you
telling me?" Joe's voice cracked with fear and he started to shake from
the cold that spread outward from his heart. Hoss shook his head than looked
straight at Joe. "We're gonna lose him, Joe. There's no way he can survive
what they done to him."
"Don't say that! Don't you say that," Joe
shouted as he backed away from his brother. "We aren't going to lose Adam.
How can we? He's always looked out for both of us and gotten us out of trouble.
Pa couldn't run the ranch without him---look at all he does!” Joe was shaking
uncontrollably now. "No, please Hoss-----please. I don't want my brother
to die." Hoss crossed the room. They held each other and cried for the
brother they loved.
**********
It had taken hours for Paul to do everything he
could for the oldest Cartwright boy. He had removed both bullets and repaired
the damage they had caused. He watched the bruising on his chest and abdomen
closely, praying it would not spread. Adam could not survive any more surgery.
Hell, he wasn't sure the man could survive what he'd done to him already.
"Ben---Ben, Paul called. Help me put him on his
stomach. I want him off his back. I don't think he's bleeding inside from the
beating but every so often we'll have to check on that too." Ben and Hop
Sing both moved forward to assist the doctor. Once Adam was positioned the way
Dr. Martin wanted him, he asked Hop Sing to stay. "Ben, please come with
me. I want to speak with you and the boys together."
The four gathered in front of the fire. "Ben,
boys----I can only say that Adam's chances to survive are not good. The bullet
wounds are severe and the beating he took would have killed most men outright.
I wish I could be more hopeful but I can't lie to you. I'll stay the night and
watch him. If he comes around, I'll make sure he's not in too much pain. I wish
there were something more I could do for him but there isn't. Do you have any
questions?" They stared at him helplessly. As a doctor, he had delivered
this speech on so many occasions, but this time it was personal. He genuinely
liked Adam Cartwright and above that, he respected the kind of man he was. This
time delivering the speech had hurt.
Ben held Adam's hand to his lips. "Come on son,
come back to me. There's so much to do---so much you haven't done yet. I can't
believe a merciful God would take all of that away from you. I can't believe
he'd take you away from me. Try Adam, please try."
Paul stood beside Hoss and Joe. "It could be a
very long night boys, don't you want to try and get some rest?"
"No doc, we'll stay here with
Adam hadn't moved or made a sound. His father and
brothers refused to end their vigil. The sun was just starting to light the
colors in the sky when Paul began to check his patient once again. The warmth
that heralded an infection was beginning to take hold. As he removed the
dressings, he could see the swollen, reddened edges of the two wounds. He knew the bullets had dragged pieces of
material and dirt deep into the muscle and bone. Doctor Martin thought to
himself, if it's your time Adam, I hope you never regain consciousness. I know
how terribly that would hurt your family but you will be the one to suffer the
most. No, if it's your time friend, I hope you go in peace. Paul placed clean
dressings over the wounds. His hand rested on Adam's forehead, checking for
fever. "Ben, I need to get back to town if we don't want to arouse any
suspicion. You know, as a doctor, I can't reveal or discuss anything about a
case so you don't have to worry. I'll try to come back tonight. Try to keep his
fever down, change the dressings if they drain and should he come to, get as
much water into him as he'll drink. I've left something for the pain."
Paul was hesitant to remove his hand; feeling something final in the gesture.
**********
Ben heard the
sound of riders and lifted his head. He had been leaning on the bed with his
forehead touching the back of Adam's hand. He had spent the night alternating between
praying to God, pleading with his son and falling into brief periods of light
sleep. Hoss and Joe seemed to have spent their night in the same way. When Paul
left, Ben had carefully washed his son with iced water brought up by Hop Sing.
He had also brought strong coffee for the three of them. Still, Adam had not
moved. Even the fever that was now taking hold of him in earnest had not
brought him around. Ben moved to the
window and with Hoss and Joe behind him, he turned and went to meet the men who
wanted his son dead.
Yes, it had only been a few days, he thought to
himself as he sat in the stuffed chair next to Adam's bed. So many unanswered
questions. Ben felt a tinge of guilt
when he thought of the way
Adam's soft moan brought Ben out of his reverie. He
smoothed the black hair back from his son's forehead. "Adam, Adam--can you
hear me? Try not to move."
"Hot--I'm so hot and thirsty" he
managed to whisper.
"It's ok boy, try to drink a few sips of
water." Ben tipped his son's head up and helped him to drink the cool,
life-giving liquid. Adam's whole body shuddered.
"Pa, I'm sorry to worry you this way. Please
believe me, I tried to stop the fighting."
" It's going to be ok son, please don't talk
anymore. You must rest." Adam was beyond caring about what was good for
him---he just wanted to be cool again and for the pain to leave him.
"Pa, it
hurts. How bad?" He had to push the words out on short bursts of breath.
Ben could tell it was costing Adam precious strength
to speak. He knew trying to hide things from this son would be impossible. They
had been close for so long, shared too much. Taking a deep breath, Ben said
"You've been shot in the back and beaten badly. Now you have a little
fever. Paul was here all night. He wants us to keep you cool and change the
dressings. You need to drink as much as possible." Adam's eyes were bright
from his rising temperature. They stared back at his father. "Please son,
drink the medicine Paul left. It will take away the pain and let you
rest." Adam did as his father asked.
In a short time, his eyes became heavy and he knew sleep was near. He
wasn't afraid. He knew his father was there.
**********
"No,
no don't---don't fire. Stop! Oh, God!" Adam's words made little sense to
his younger brothers. He was caught up in restless, fever driven dreams. Hoss
and Joe had convinced their father he needed to rest while Adam slept. Finally,
Ben gave in and went to his room with the promise he would be awakened if
Adam's condition changed.
Hoss reached for his brother's hand.
"Easy now, you're home and nobody can hurt ya. It's our turn to look after
you. Seems about time, don't ya think?"
Adam's
head turned toward the sound of his brother's voice and he opened his eyes.
"Hoss, Joe---stay close." Once again his eyes closed to the waking
world.
"We're
here, Adam---we're here, " Joe said.
**********
John
Simmons sat in the office of the Faded Glory mine. The tiny camp of Gold Creek
was eerily quiet since the attack. If Adam Cartwright really was dead, his
troubles were over. Nobody else could identify him as the one who fired on the
Paiutes when they rode into camp. Only Cartwright and those savages and nobody
would believe them, especially not now. Roy Coffee and the rest of the Miner's
Association accepted Ben Cartwright's word but he had an uneasy feeling. Not
something he could put into words but it was there none the less. He'd find out
the truth for himself.
**********
The
three Cartwright men and Hop Sing took turns sitting with their fever-ravaged
patient. His condition altered as the hours passed. Sometimes he was awake and
lucid. He eagerly drank as much as his father allowed and than slipped back
into sleep. Ben hopes soared only to be brought low again when he changed his
son's dressings. The drainage coming from his son's wounds was fetid and foul
and once again, Adam entered the world of delirium.
**********
Fact
fueled by rumor spread the circumstances of Adam Cartwright's death though out
**********
Unknown
to anyone else, Paul Martin returned to the Ponderosa late the next night. As
he entered the front yard, he wondered at what awaited him inside. Had Adam
died in peace as he hoped or was he still lingering, battling with the
inevitable? Stopping the buggy, he hesitated for a moment than got down and
walked to the entrance. Hop Sing had
heard the doctor's arrival and opened the door for him.
There,
behind one of the pines planted by Ben and Adam, was the shadow of a man
outlined on the ground. He stayed away from the light of the moon. When the
doctor entered the house, he ventured out of his hiding place. Simmons knew
he'd hang if Adam Cartwright were still alive. He had to find out! With only
that thought in mind, he crept forward to a window. He saw the elder Cartwright
greet the doctor at the bottom of the stairs and usher him quickly upward. Now
what, he thought. Wait, wait and be patient he said to himself. You'll know
soon.
Paul
and Ben entered Adam's bedroom. Both Hoss and Joe looked up as the men came in.
The doctor smiled at them. "Boys, you look exhausted. None of you are
going to do Adam any good if you fall over." He laid a hand on Adam's
forehead; still hot but no worse he thought. He proceeded to uncover the wounds
in his patient's back. Was there actually some improvement; the edges a little
less reddened, a little less swollen? Maybe Hop Sing's medicinal herbs had
helped. Ben told him of Adam's periods of lucidity followed by delirium.
"Well Ben, I never would have believed it, but he's no worse. Certainly,
not out of danger, but no worse. Help me turn him over so I can take a look at
those bruises."
Adam gave a soft grunt, as he was turned face
up. The deep purple coloring had not spread any further. That pleased Paul but
he knew the prolonged fever was sapping Adam's strength. "We need to get
that temperature down and keep trying to get him to drink." Paul was moved
to action by the slight improvement he saw in his patient. "I have to tell
you, I never gave him a chance when I left but now---well maybe. Can we get
some cool water and towels?" Ben went to the top of the stairs and
requested the items from Hop Sing.
As
Hop Sing hurried to the kitchen, he did not notice the face looking in a
window. Hidden half in shadow, Simmons watched as the Cartwright's diminutive
housekeeper walked through the house and up the stairs with things that were
needed to care of somebody that was sick. Being patient had paid off. Adam
Cartwright was alive! But not for long he thought as he slipped away and melted
into the darkness.
**********
Dawn
saw an uncertain calm spread over the Cartwright home; a calm brought on by a
combination of fatigue and relief. There had been a constant battle between the
heat of the fever and the cool water. Paul had irrigated the wounds over and
over again trying to flush away as much of the infection as possible. Every
time Adam awoke, the men were there to encourage the replacement of the fluids
his body craved. All had taken their turn to sleep, but each was too restless
for the light sleep to help much. The fever began to recede for longer and
longer periods.
Adam
opened his eyes and searched the room. He saw his father looking out the window
at the new day. Paul dozed in a rocker tucked into a corner. "Pa----
Adam
frowned. " Please don't worry Pa---I'm alright."
"Yes,
son, I know you are; it's just that you've been so sick and ----" Ben
stopped to catch his breath.
Adam moved his hand off the bed, toward his
father. " I'm not going anywhere,
Ben stepped forward to grasp his son's hand.
"I couldn't do it without you. You just remember that!" He smiled and
held on tight.
"Good
morning Adam. Well you've been giving us a good scare!" The doctor had
just emerged from his broken sleep. "How about we take a look at you and
see how you're doing?" Paul assessed all the vital parameters that told
him Adam Cartwright was indeed doing better. Certainly better than he had ever
expected. Just than the door to Adam's room opened and a sleepy Hoss entered.
Right behind him walked Joe with the same exhausted look on his face.
"Well gentlemen, the patient's fever is down and he seems to be breathing
easier. But that doesn't mean you can do anything foolish" Paul said,
turning his gaze toward the bed. Adam's eyes were half closed already. Just
Paul's exam and talking to his father had tired him out. "I think everyone
should leave now. The more sleep he gets, the better." Adam's eyes were
now closed and his breathing deep and even. With that, Paul ushered everyone
from the room.
"Ben,
I want to speak with Hop Sing before I leave. I'd like to know what herbs he
used on Adam's wounds." They all went to the great room and stood before
the fire. Hop Sing brought coffee for all and announced that breakfast would be
ready soon. For the first time in days, Hoss was feeling hungry.
"He still needs to be watched carefully. We'll let him have a
little broth and move on after we see how he does. You can turn him on his back
for short periods. His ribs must be giving him a lot of pain. Now, don't be surprised if his temperature
goes back up. I expect that will happen.
What he needs most is sleep and I don't think he feels good enough to
give you any trouble about that. I'll leave right after breakfast and come
again tonight, if possible." The family along with Dr. Martin sat down
together for the first time in days. Ben bowed his head and thanked God for the
life of his cherished son.
**********
Hoss
and Joe stayed close to home. Ben knew they were both over tired and feared
that a costly mistake could be made because of it. He was not about to take a
chance with the lives of his other two sons. Ben and Hop Sing took turns at
Adam's bedside. They managed to give him
a bath, wash his hair and remove the thick, dark stubble on his face. After his
linens and blankets were changed, Adam was exhausted and immediately fell into
a deep, peaceful sleep.
Much
later that day, Adam opened his eyes once again. "Hi son. Do you think you
could manage a little soup?" Adam smiled at his father and said yes.
Putting Adam in a semi-sitting position with pillows, Ben slowly fed his son
the broth prepared by Hop Sing. The
warm liquid felt good to his battered insides just as the cool water had felt
good to the fevered outside.
"How
did I get home? Adam asked. It occurred to him that he didn't remember anything
after being cut down from the tree by the braves and than falling.
"We
don't know who brought you home. By the time we got outside, whoever it was had
disappeared. Can you eat anymore?" Adam shook his head no. Neither of them
pursued the subject.
"Pa,
that day with the Paiutes-----I want you to know what happened." Worried
his son would overdo, Ben asked, " are you sure you're up to it?"
Adam nodded. "When I went to their village to talk about giving them extra
supplies for winter, the young men were ready to ride against the gold camp.
Apparently, Simmons and his men have been invading the Paiute's land for a gold
vein that runs underground from the Faded Glory. They had been warned to stay
off Indian land but the gold apparently was more important than a threat to
their lives. By the time I arrived, it was too late to reason with the Paiutes.
I couldn't stop them from going but because they trusted me, I was allowed to
ride with them. I asked them to let me speak to the miner's. I knew if neither
side gave in than both sides would suffer." Ben gave him a concerned look
but remained quiet. "When we reached Gold Creek, the miner's were waiting.
I started to ride toward them when I saw Simmons fire. All hell broke loose and
any chance at a peaceful settlement was destroyed." Adam was having trouble
catching his breath and Ben's concern turned to worry.
"Adam
please, you can tell me more later. You need to rest."
"Oh
Pa, the Paiutes thought I was part of a trap. They will never believe anything
I say again." Ben saw the anguish on his son's face and the threatening
tears. This man who held so much inside could not hide his feelings now.
"It's all so senseless."
Just
than, Hoss and Joe walked into the room. Seeing Adam flushed and short of
breath again took them both by surprise. They were just beginning to believe
that their brother would be well again.
"Adam, son please drink some of the medicine Paul left. You need to
rest now. The younger brothers gave their father a questioning look but Ben
silenced them with a shake of his head. His breathing returned to a normal rate
and Adam was able to drink the medicine." Boys, help me turn your brother
over on his stomach." Ben brushed the hair out of Adam's eyes. "Sleep
now. We'll send for
"Is
he bad again?" Joe asked in a tight voice.
"No
son, he told me what happened at the gold camp and it upset him. He just needs
to get his strength back. Than he'll be better able to deal with what's
happened. And I think that goes for all of us; we all need to sleep."
"That
includes you
"I know son; I know but I can't leave him
alone yet--it's just too soon. You two go to bed now."
"No Pa, please let us help. I promise to
wake you in four hours. Let me stay with him---please."
With a sigh Ben answered, "alright son but
promise you'll wake me if -----if he needs me before that."
"I promise Pa and than Joe can relieve
you." Ben hugged both of his sons and once more entered Adam's room. He
moved to the bedside, leaned forward and whispered "Sleep well, I love
you."
**********
Hoss
had checked on both his father and his brother before he settled into the old
rocker in the corner of Adam's room. Both were sleeping. He even went to see if
Hop Sing had settled down and found there was no light coming from under his
door. The huge ranch house that usually bustled with activity was quiet. He
dozed until he heard his brother stir. "Adam, you ok----you need
something?" "Help me turn over." Hoss help his brother move onto
his back. He turned his pillow and gave him something to drink. "Thanks
for the help. What happened, you pull guard duty tonight?" Hoss smiled.
"Yeah, I guess I did----you ain't gonna give me any trouble now are
ya?" Adam smiled back. "Who---me? Not me, I haven't taken you on in
years" "That's right and a good thing too. Now you settle down and go
back to sleep before Pa comes in here and tells me I'm not doing my job."
Adam closed his eyes and in a brief time he was asleep once more.
The
only light he saw in the house was a faint glow coming from one window. That
had to be Adam Cartwright's room. Fortunately for him, Simmons saw how easy it
would be to get to the roof. Easy to climb and easy enough to put a shot
through the window he thought. By the time anybody knows what happened, I'll be
on my way back to the mine. After climbing the great Ponderosa pine that stood
next to the porch roof, he stepped lightly onto the surface. Keeping to the
right of the window, he was able to creep closer without the chance of being
seen. He carefully moved his head to peer inside. Yes, there was the man who
had caused him so much trouble and now threatened to expose him to the law.
Well, not for long, Indian lover. He drew his gun and brought it into firing
position. As he did, he saw the shadow of a man in a chair, half-hidden in the
corner of the room. Damn, he thought. I should have known they wouldn't leave
you alone. Your guardian should have put on a gun he laughed to himself. Too
bad for you Cartwright. He started raise his gun once more.
Hoss
opened his eyes and searched his brother's face. He seemed to be a bit
restless. Hoping the fever wasn't on the rise again, Hoss decided to get up and
check. He stood and arched his back to push out the kinks. His eyes caught the
glint of the moon shinning down on something outside the window. There,
outlined in the silver light, was a man pointing a gun at his sleeping,
helpless brother. Without his sidearm, Hoss could only think of one thing to
do. He lunged to the side of the bed, hugged his sleeping brother to his chest
and fell. Just as they hit the floor, a gunshot shattered the window and the
bullet plowed into Adam's pillow. Hoss had been able to keep his brother's head
from hitting the boards, but Adam landed flat on his back and he gave a
strangled cry of pain.
Hoss
used his body to cover his now struggling brother. He waited for the next shot,
knowing the gunman's only target was himself. None came. Joe entered the room
first. "Outside Joe, somebody tried to shoot Adam through the window"
he shouted. Ben entered as Joe ran for the stairs.
"What happened, Hoss?"
"Help
me Pa--we got to get him back to bed." Quickly, they put Adam face down on
the bed. Hoss told his father what
happened.
"I'm
sorry Pa----I hurt him when I pulled him outta bed." Tears threatened as he looked at the once
again open and bleeding wounds.
"
You aren't to blame for any of this son. Look at where the bullet hit the
pillow. You saved your brother's life." Hoss lost the color in his face
when he saw the gaping hole surrounded by powder burns.
A
shot rang out, startling both men. "Stay with him Pa, I'll go to
Joe." Hoss ran down the stairs,
grabbed his gun and went out the front door. Ben was torn. He wanted to help
his two youngest but his oldest needed him as well.
"
"Somebody
tried to shoot you through the window. Hoss and Joe have gone after him."
Ben placed clean bandages on Adam's back and pushed as hard as he dared. His son arched his back away from the
pressure and cried out but Ben knew he had to hold on. Adam had lost too much
blood during this whole ordeal already. How could this be happening to my son
again! Ben's expressions of rage stayed within but they clearly showed on his
face and in his eyes. Hop Sing entered. "Please, Hop Sing, get clean
towels and hot water." The little man left, thinking once more that death
was trying to enter this house.
"Joe,
Joe--- you ok?" Hoss asked.
"Yeah,
I'm ok but he isn't." Joe pointed to the body of a man lying next to a horse.
"Who is it anyway?" Joe moved to turn the body over.
"Simmons---it's John Simmons!" "He gave me no choice, Hoss. He
drew his gun but not fast enough."
"But
why did he want Adam dead?" Hoss was puzzled. "I know the two of them
have tangled in the past about the Indians but I never knew it was this
bad."
"We
can find out later---we better get back to Pa" Joe said as he turned and
started back to the house.
Both
men returned to their brother's room. Ben's relief was evident as the tension
left his shoulders and a small smile creased his face. "The man's dead,
"Not
until your brother and I talked earlier today. I'll explain later," Ben
said.
"I heard a shot----are Hoss and Joe
ok?" Adam's voice was a whisper once more. Ben had been able to stop the
bleeding but the loss had set Adam back. "They're ok son--- both of them
are here."
"Adam
I'm sorry I hurt you when we fell."
Hoss hung his head. Adam tried to reach for his younger brother but the
movement was too much as he grimaced in pain. Hoss understood and knelt down so
his brother would not have to lift his head.
"Don't
be sorry. Either you moved me out of the way or I'd be dead. Please Hoss, no
guilt. I'll be ok. Just need some rest."
Ben had given Adam some of the pain medicine Paul had left and it was
now beginning to take effect. His eyes slowly closed.
Hoss
cupped his hand and laid it softly on his big brother's cheek. He whispered,
" no Adam, you're right---no guilt. You just rest all you want."
Ben
watched the exchange between his two oldest. He wasn't quite sure what had
happened in the lives of his three sons to create the bonds that existed but he
knew that somehow they gained strength from each other.
"Pa,
I'll ride for Doc Martin. What about Simmons?" Joe's voice held a
question.
"Get
"I
promise
**********
"So
"Well,
I wish you had told me, Ben, but under the circumstances; I think I understand.
And everything seems to have worked itself out. "
"Thank
you, Roy" Ben walked forward to shake hands with his friend. "Thank
you for understanding."
Ben's
eyes kept glancing up the stairs. Paul had asked all of them to leave while he
looked at the new damage done to Adam's wounds. He didn't want to see the
anxious faces looking for answers he wasn't ready to give. Two hours after he
arrived, Paul walked down the stairs to join the apprehensive group below.
"Well
Ben, as you know he opened both wounds when he fell. I've cleaned and
re-sutured them. I can't see anymore damage to his chest or abdomen; there
doesn't seem to be any internal bleeding. His temperature will probably rise
again, if not from the infection that's still there, than from the additional
trauma that's been done." Paul reached to pour himself a cup of coffee.
"He's asleep now and probably will be for quite some time. With meticulous
care, I think he'll recover. We need to be vigilant for the next few
days."
Everyone
in the room took a deep breath. Tense muscles started to relax and fatigue
started to set in. "We'll give him all the attention he needs---you know
that. Ben's voice faltered. His sense of relief mixed with the lack of sleep
brought all his emotions to the surface.
Paul
put a hand on Ben's shoulder. "I know you will. For tonight, I'm staying
here with Adam and I don't want any arguments. All of you need to sleep and that
includes you, Hop Sing. We'll talk about Adam's care in the morning. "
Paul turned and walked up the stairs.
"Well,
good night Ben, boys."
Hop
Sing had followed Dr. Martin upstairs. He gave the doctor a pillow and blanket
for the long night ahead. "Doctor want hot tea, he asked?" "No
thank you, Hop Sing. I'll be fine." Hop Sing glanced at the sleeping man
and smiled. Death had been driven away from this house once more.
Hoss
and Joe both went to their rooms but Ben needed to see his son once more before
he could rest. "I thought I told you to go to bed?" Paul's tone was
firm but he was smiling.
"I
will Paul, I promise. I just needed to see him." Ben's voice was taunt.
Tears were near the surface. "God, it was so close. I almost lost
him." He looked at his long time friend. "Oh, I could go on without
him; I'd have to. Hoss and Joe need me and I love them." He hesitated.
"But I wouldn't want to." He leaned forward and kissed his sleeping
son's temple. "Sleep well, my son. Good night Paul and thank you."
**********
Adam's
recovery was prolonged. At first he didn't care that he had to stay in bed. He
really didn't feel like getting up anyway. But as time passed and he grew
stronger, he became restless and short-tempered. The only one who seemed to
escape his bad moods was Hop Sing. The weather had turned cold and snow
threatened. Finally, Dr. Martin pronounced him well enough for light work. Adam
was thrilled to be released from his "prison" and quickly
donned
his gunbelt, jacket and hat.
"Hold
on son, where do you think you're going?" "Out---out anywhere. I need
some time away, by myself." Adam's tone was sharp. He hesitated and walked
to his father's side. In a gentle voice he said, "Pa, its not that I don't
appreciate all you and Hoss and Joe have done for me. I do! It's just that I
need some time to be alone. You understand, don't you?"
"Yes----yes
son I do but please be careful." Ben's manner betrayed his concern.
"I
will Pa----I promise." With a gait that showed no sign of his past
injuries, he walked to the front door, opened it and was gone. Saddling Sport
had been more difficult than he would have liked but he managed and soon they
were off at a brisk trot. It wasn't long before Adam needed to bring his horse
down to a walk. "Easy boy, we're both out of shape", he said, leaning
forward and scratching behind Sport's ears. The horse responded, seeming to
understand his master's needs.
**********
Keeping
a steady pace, he climbed toward the foothills. At first, he really had no
destination in mind. But with no conscious intent, he found himself headed for
the Paiute village. Adam stopped. He tried to think through what he would say
to these people. They had once trusted him, but now they saw him as any other
white man, someone to be feared and hated.
Adam
knew his father would be furious with him for coming here but he needed to try
and make things right again. While he lay in bed recovering, his thoughts often
went back to the last day he was there. Could he have done something
different? The question had become a
torment he chose not to share with anyone. Tightening his legs, he asked Sport
to move forward.
The
temperature dropped as he climbed higher. He continued, turning up the collar
of his coat and pulling his hat down a little further on his brow as he
went. It struck him as he entered the village
that it seemed unusually quiet. The normal activity of living was missing. Adam
directed his horse to the chief's tent. No one made an attempt to stop him. He
dismounted and waited. The chief of the Paiute nation came out. "Adam
Cartwright, why do you come here today?"
Adam
felt his muscles tense but he replied in a calm voice " I came to speak
with you about what happened the last time I was here and after, at the white
man's gold camp." He waited to see if he would be allowed to speak. The
chief's silence told him to continue. " I rode with your young braves to
the diggings, as I said I would. We were met by a group of miners. They were
angry, afraid really but they were willing to listen to what I had to say.
As
I started to speak, a shot was fired and one of your warriors fell." Adam
took a breath. " After that, neither side could be stopped." Adam
searched the chief's face but found no hint of what he was thinking.
"
The man who fired that shot is dead. I knew him but I didn't know he had planned
this trap for your people. He wanted a war between the miners and the Indians,
hoping you would be driven off. That way, he would be free to dig for the gold
on your land." Adam was beginning to tire and the aching of his injuries
returned.
"
It's over. Your land is safe." He shifted his weight from one hip to the
other, hoping to find some relief.
"Do
you think that is true?" The chief spoke at last. "It will never be
over until no Paiute lives on this land. More will come who love money and
power more than they love the land. My
young men still hide. No Adam Cartwright, it is not over."
Adam
found himself leaning against Sport, as he became more uncomfortable. "I
hope you are wrong, Great Chief of the Paiute." He was suddenly very
weary. Both men looked at each other seeing the sadness in the other's eyes.
"Please remember us if you need anything. We are still your friends at the
Ponderosa." With that, Adam mounted.
"Good
bye Adam Cartwright. I am glad your wounds are better. I was not sure you would
live when I brought you home. Ride safely back to the house of your
father." The Paiute chief turned and disappeared.
So
that's how I got home Adam thought. Silently he thanked the chief as he urged
Sport forward.
As
he descended from the hills, he saw something in the distance. He couldn't
quite make it out but as he came closer, a smile of recognition lit up his
face. His father and brothers had come to bring him home.
1/04