HIGH STAKES

By:  Monette

 

            "All right now, Lou, watch this one," Adam leaned over the pool table at the International House.  "Every week I come to town I take another crack at this shot and I think I got the banking perfected."

            The pool table came from England a few months back, and already pool was becoming known as Adam's game.  He only played a short while once a week, but with such dedication and passion that most people sitting or standing around would stop what they were doing to watch.

            "I set the Death Ball, #8, against the left bank with only a finger's gap, just so it's not touching.  The cue ball is placed right in the center, as though it landed there all on its own.  I lean off the right corner just a little.  Take the cue stick, give it a twist as I connect..." Adam hit the ball right into the left corner pocket.  "And instead of heading for the right corner and missing, the ball goes in the left corner pocket.  Every time.  I call the shot beating death again."

            "By golly.  Don’t that beat all."  Lou took a swallow of beer.  "Mmm-hmm.  You know, you just got a natural knack at this.  Never see you sitting at the Faro table, you shun gambling---."

            "Except an occasional horse race," Adam said, making another shot.

            "And yet since this pool table's been here you've become a regular saloon door Charlie."

            "I'll tell you what it is about Faro and Five Card Stud and the like, Lou, it's luck.  You've got no control over what card you get next.  So you either get lucky, or you cheat.  Neither is good to depend on.  But billiards is something you work to get good at."

            Lou laughed.  “Yeah, that’s you, all right.”

            A roar of shouts and laughter outside sent Lou over to the window, squinting into the bright May daylight.  "Well, would you look what we got here.  An interesting character the stage has brought us today."

            Adam stood beside him, still holding the cue stick.  An older gentleman had fallen off the walk into the street, and groped on the ground for the white cane being kicked about by a gruff and angry drunk.  Finally the gentleman picked up his cane and got to his feet.  That was when Adam noticed his odd looking darkened spectacles.

            "He's blind," Adam leaned the pool cue against the wall and walked outside.

            He stopped on the walk just long enough to see the drunk break the cane in half over his knee.  The crowd no longer laughed, except one or two with unkind humors.  Adam ran up to the drunk and laid him flat with a solid punch in the jaw.

            Adam shook the pain from his fingers as he turned to the blind man.  "Are you all right, sir?" 

            The man was not as old in face as Adam imagined under that shell of white hair, and he wore a distinguished breasted suit that men of carriage from San Francisco wore.   He sighed heavily in the direction of the friendly sound of Adam’s voice.  "I have been warned about the lot here in Virginia City, but I did not imagine---."

            "Father!"  A lean brunette in travel dress came out of the stage station.  "I heard the noise out here but did not know it was over you.  Oh Father, you've been tormented again?"

            "Don't concern yourself so much, darling Lynette.  I am perfectly fine.  This kind stranger has taken over quite nicely.  What happened to the bully who snapped my cane cleanly, by the sound of it?"

            "Oh Father, it is broken." Lynette picked up the broken cane.

            "Ah, he's probably gone to have a few teeth remounted," Adam smiled ruefully.

            The man laughed heartily and held out his hand.  "Tobias Williamsferd, at your disposal, and my daughter Lynette."

            Adam shook their hands, his smile wide and warm.  "Adam Cartwright, and I was glad to help.  Are you staying over in Virginia City?"  His gaze lingered on Lynette as she smiled back.

            "We had thought to stay for a few days, if my business arrangements had worked out.  As it is, we must move on to St. Louis.  Did you get us tickets, dear?"

            "The next stage is filled, Father.  We'll have to wait for three days."

            "Ah!  A ploy sponsored, no doubt, by yon hotel to gather more business."  He gestured in a wide sweep with a finely manicured hand toward the International. 

            Adam looked across the slanted C Street.  "How did you know there was a hotel there?"

            "Ah, my good man, when you're blind, other senses are heightened to the highest degree.  You would be surprised at what smells and sounds can be associated with hotels.  Well, dear, I guess we stay, whether we have business arrangements or not.  I would have preferred leaving today after that bit in the street.  No offense, young man."

            "Oh, none taken.  Would you ah...consider staying as my guests on the Ponderosa?  You’ll feel much safer there, I assure you."

            "Ponderosa?  What's that?  You own a hotel?"  Tobias turned his ear in Adam's direction as Adam moved to guide them across the street.

            "No, it's my family's ranch, and we've plenty of room."  He took Lynette's arm.  "If you'll help me by pointing out your luggage."

            "Young man, this is nonsense.  I have never imposed on another soul in my life and even though I've been blind only three months I don't intend to start imposing now."

            "It's no imposition," Adam said as he tore himself from Lynette's smile and encouraging nod.  "I insist.  Virginia City is a rough town and you...well, if you're uncomfortable at the ranch after the first night, I'll drive you back to Virginia City tomorrow morning."

            "Is that a promise?"

            "Yes, sir!" Adam placed two fingers on his chest.  "And a Cartwright promise is a sacred bond."

            "Father, I can't explain it, but..." Lynette put a hand on Adam's arm.  "I trust him."

            "Well, my daughter, you are my eyes now.  If he looks honest to you, who am I to argue?"  He allowed Lynette and Adam to each take an arm.

            Adam helped first Lynette and then Tobias up into the buckboard, letting Lynette finish guiding her father into his squeaky seat.  "So, Mr. Williamsferd, you were hoping to find a business venture here?"

            "Please, call me Tobias.  It's such a mouthful the other way."

            "All right, Tobias.  I hope you don't mind my curiosity.  Most people who pass through Virginia City are miners, entertainers or dignitaries."

            "I'm afraid I'm no romantic dignitary.  Merely a hard working soul who by a nasty twist of fate has gone blind and now must find a new way of working at an old occupation."

            "Father is going east to see if the surgeons there can do anything for his eyes, and in the meantime he would like to see if he can still work.  He was a professional gambler, you see."

            Adam raised his eyebrows, looking first at Lynette before regarding Tobias.  "Cards?"

            "He was very good too, very skilled.  Now all he wants is one simple game before the surgery, using me as his eyes."

            Tobias found his daughter's hand after a few faulty tries and squeezed gently.  “We make quite a team, too, if I’m any judge at those practice games we’ve had.  I think if we could find a real game, we could do quite well."

            "Well," Adam said with a lopsided grin. "That's one game I hope you'd allow an audience for."

            Tobias chuckled.  "I'd like to see it myself."  He raised his head into the crisp spring air and took a deep breath.  "Ah, this does feel good after that stuffy stagecoach.  If only I could see my surroundings.  Not even a year ago I planned a trip to Virginia City, but one thing after another kept that goal from me.  Are we descending?"

            "Amazing how you can tell things without seeing.  Yes, we leveled out at over 6,000 feet over at the stage station, if we can believe the surveyors.  Of course the mountain’s a lot higher on windy days.” He smiled as they laughed at this.  “Now it's a long leisurely descent."

            "It's beautiful," Lynette said, her eyes glowing as she took in the hills around her.  "Oh look, a herd of wild horses grazing the side of that hill.  Oh, Father, if you could see this.”

            For an instant Tobias seemed look right at them.  "Must be mustangs, my dear.  At your ranch, Adam, do you catch and break wild horses?"

            "Occasionally.  We're mostly into timber and cattle."

            "Is the ride far?" Lynette asked as though hoping the answer was yes.

            Adam pointed off to the west.  "Down through the hills, look that way, you can almost see the trail winding to the bottom.  We stay west and now look up more foothills and into the mountains where I live."

            The wagon bounced and Lynette grabbed onto the men on either side of her.  "I'm not sure when I've seen such a beautiful place."

            "San Francisco is very lovely, if I remember right," Tobias reminded her.

            "Oh Father, it still is.  But if only you could see this."

            From the way Tobias lifted his face in the air, Adam supposed he almost could.

 

            Ben was at his entertaining best.  He delighted as always in the challenge of showing off Cartwright hospitality to the guests his sons sprang on him, only momentarily disordered over Tobias's broken white cane and dark glasses.  He barked at Hop Sing to kill three chickens, which Hop Sing had already left the kitchen to do, grumbling heartily.

            "Ah, nothing like Hop Sing's country fried chicken," Ben said as they all sat down to dig in.

            "Except for maybe his Hong Kong Mulligan," Hoss said, already eating.

            "Hoss, you don't have a favorite," Adam said, laughing.

            "Yeah, he likes everything.”  Joe addressed his comment to Lynette, too taken with her to further the jesting.

            As Adam watched his young brother his expression soured briefly.  "Tobias, tell my Father and brothers your plans while you spend the next three days with us."

            "Three days?"  Joe smiled.  "Miss Lynette, I would be honored if you'd allow me to show you around the Ponderosa."

            Adam cleared his throat.  "Joe, don't you have fences to mend?"

            Hoss looked up.  "Why no, Adam, we finished the south---."

            Adam kicked Hoss soundly under the table.

            Ben noticed what was a little more than playfulness in his sons.  He leaned forward to change the subject.  "You have a special reason for coming to Virginia City, Tobias?"

            "Actually, yes."  He patted Lynette’s hand.  "I'm sorry, dear.  I know this surprises you, but I did know that if we didn't book our passage east right away that we'd be stalled in Virginia City for a spell.  I have been around before my vision failed me, you know."

            "Oh Father," Lynette shook her head, exasperated.  "Adam, did you guess this old man was bluffing us all along?"

            "Mmmm, I had a hunch."

            "Oh-ho," Tobias laughed.  "I hope I don't tangle with you in a poker game."

            "Poker?"  Ben exchanged puzzled looks with Hoss and Joe.

            "My learned and acquired profession, gentlemen," Tobias said with a slight bow.  "As you can see, I can’t see and it has hampered me somewhat.  But with my daughter here as able eyes, I am hoping that in Virginia City I can run a good game one last time, before the surgery.  I had already one failed attempt at putting a game together, but there’s nothing from stopping me from trying again."

            "Father, that surgery will restore your sight!  I'm sure of it."

            "Let's face it, child, the doctor told us the risks.  It could also kill me."

            For a moment no one spoke or moved.

            "Ah, I'm sure everything will be fine," Joe said, grinning.  "In fact, I'd like to help.  I'll bet I could get that poker game arranged for you, Tobias."

            "Oh, Joe, that's so sweet of you to offer."  Lynette glanced over at Adam.  "But Adam---."

            "My oldest brother there is not at all fond of card games.  Just ask him."  He winked at Adam who smiled sullenly.  "But me, now I'm a natural organizer, and I’m well acquainted with all the card players in town."

            "That's for sure," Hoss said.  He glanced quickly at Adam and closed his mouth.  His shin was still smarting.

            “Yeah, he’s funded most of them on different occasions,” Ben added pleasantly.

            "I know everyone who likes to gamble, I know the miners with the most money, and...you know what?  I'd even get in the game myself.  Hey, Hoss, I bet you'd like to play, too."

            "Now settle down, Joseph," Ben jumped in. "That's probably not the kind of help Tobias was looking for."

            "Oh, on the contrary, Ben, this is perfect.  Perfect!"  Through the sides of his dark glasses Tobias’ eyes shimmered wet in the corners, and he forgot about finishing the food that had so far found its way into his mouth.  "Did you hear, Lynette?  All our practice, and now we'll have a game!"

            "It's wonderful, Father.  Oh, Joe, I've never seen him so happy.  Do you really think you can do this?"

            Joe gave everyone his cat-got-the-canary grin.  "Not hard at all.  How about it, Hoss?  You in?"

            "Well, if they're foolish enough to let you arrange it, I better be," Hoss said as he munched on another chicken leg.

            "This is wonderful," Lynette beamed at everyone before looking at Adam.  "I only thought we'd do a small hand or two back east, but this, to have a game right here in Virginia City, it's something Father's been hoping to do for years.  Joe, you will line up the best players, won't you?"

            "Of course.  Say, Miss Lynette, if you are finished eating, I could take you on a walk outside and we can work on all the details."

            Adam got to his feet quickly as Lynette rose with Joe.  "I don't think that's a good idea, right now, Lynette.  Your Father is through eating and I think he'd prefer if you helped him to his room to unpack."

            Tobias for a moment regarded Adam's tone of voice.  "He's right, my dear, the long day and this excitement has robbed my appetite.  I think turning in early would do me good."

            Ben stood.  "I can see to Tobias’ comfort if you like."

            "Pa, I think Lynette should do it tonight," Adam put up a hand to stop him.  "Ah, it has to do with a sacred bond."

            The four Cartwrights sat back down as Lynette and Tobias left the room.  At first none of them spoke, although Joe glowered at Adam.

            "Fine sort of brother you are," Joe finally said.

            "Got a problem, Joe?"

            "I suppose you got her all staked out?"

            "Lynette is free to come and go as she chooses.  I just plan to see to it who she chooses."

            "You don't even give a guy a sporting chance.  What's the matter, you afraid of losing?"

            "Joe," Adam said evenly, his brow set in a frown, "if you're getting up this game just to win over the girl, you may as well forget it.  You're playing out of your league."

            "Oh yeah?" Joe sprang to his feet, knocking his chair backward.  "Well, we'll see about that."

            "All right, you two, pipe down.  Can't a fella finish a meal in peace?" Hoss grumbled.

            "Pick up your chair and sit down, Joseph," Ben said, suddenly feeling tired.  "We've been through this before.  You both act friendly with the girl and let her do the deciding."

            Before Ben could finish Adam was on his feet and walked outside, shutting the door softly behind him.

            Hoss wiped his mouth with his napkin and leaned back.  "I think he's already stuck on her, Pa."

            Ben sighed.  "Yeah.  Joe..."

            Joe met his father’s stare pointedly.  "Look, I gave him a chance to tell me to back off himself.  And he didn’t do it.  The way I figure, like you said, Pa, let her do the choosing.  He just met her today, after all.”

            Hoss nodded, grunting, and the three of them finished their meals in silence.

           

            "You know, Lynette," Tobias said, removing his glasses to reveal sparkling and very alert gray eyes.  "I do believe we're going to pull this off.”

            "I suppose you're right," Lynette sighed, sitting on the brown quilted bed cover.  "And I know we came looking for this, but I wish we didn't have to involve such nice people."

            "I noticed you paying attention to those two young men.  Be careful or you'll end up in the middle of a family feud."  He tucked his glasses in his jacket and opened his travel bag.

            "Oh, I wouldn't want to do that.  But," she laughed lightly, "it is nice to have the attention of two such fine men after having been cooped up with you for the last three months."

            Tobias unpacked his bag until he found his cards.  "Let’s practice while they think you're helping me unpack."

            "All right, but practice being careful.  Several times today I caught you looking at something.  Adam saw it too, and I could tell he was puzzled."

            "That Adam is a smart one.  You're best off romancing the young one who's more eager."

            "But I do fancy them smart.  Isn’t that what I like about you?"  She watched as he dealt without looking.  "That looked fine, I did not see you glance down.  If Adam learns the truth about you, I could always say you fooled me as well."

            "Go after Adam if you like, Lynette.  But remember, the game comes first.  So keep that Joe fellow happy while he gets us a game and---."

            "I know.  Try not to start a feud between the two.  The game comes first."

 

            The near full moon had peaked the trees by the time Adam calmed from his walk.  He and Joe and Hoss had all favored the same girl at some time or another, but this time made him angry and he wasn't quite sure why.   He supposed by the end of his walk that he hadn't realized how lonely he was until he met Lynette.  There was something in her eyes, in the way she looked at him.  It was her concern for her Father, and it was Tobias, the way he retained his dignity even while being bandied about in the street.  It was his determination to go on as normally as he could, and Lynette helping at the sacrifice of her own life’s interests.  He sensed loneliness in her as well, and she seemed to return the interest.  Now there was Joe, ready to step in the middle.

            Adam wanted his own life, and he wondered if he had to give up the Ponderosa to get it.

            Ben was sitting in front of the fire reading when Adam walked in.  Adam's first instinct was to walk by and go on up to bed, but at the stairs he stopped and turned back.

            "Our guests settled in all right?"

            "Lynette went to her own room a short time ago."  He closed the book and looked at Adam glancing up the stairs.  "But she’d be asleep by now."

            Adam laughed shortly, scratching his neck.  "I wasn't expecting to see her again tonight."  He leaned on the rail to go up.

            "You were hoping."  Ben waited but Adam didn't answer.  "I'm going to stay out of this, Adam, and so is Hoss.  But I need to say one thing."

            When he hesitated Adam looked back over his shoulder.  "Well?"

            "Let her make up her own mind, and don't hold it against your brother."

            Adam's jaw clenched but he didn't answer.

            "If he had known how you felt right away---."

            But he was talking to Adam's back as Adam trudged up the stairs.

            Outside Lynette's room Adam heard a gasping.  He leaned closer - she sounded like she was crying.  He knocked lightly and the sound choked to a stop.

            "Who...who is it?"

            "Lynette?  Are you all right?"

            "Oh, Adam!"  He heard a scurrying and the door flew open.  "Please come in.  I'm so frightened.  You have to help me."    

            "What is it?  What's wrong?"  He let her lead him to her bed and sat next to her, holding her hands.

            "Adam, it's Father.  He seems changed now that your brother is getting a game together."

            "Is that bad?  I can tell Joe not to---." he started to get up but she pulled him back down.

            "No, it's not bad, Adam, it's just that, oh, Adam, I'm so afraid.  I have to be his eyes.  It's true, we practiced quite a bit, but what if I help him, and he loses everything?"

            Adam brushed her hair off her cheek.  "Have you told him how you feel?"

            "Oh, I couldn't!  He would feel so badly for me he would cancel the game!  He's very sensitive, Adam.  And I couldn't live with myself if he gave up his dream for me."

            "Hmm.  Well, I believe that.  But you say you practiced hard together?"

            "We did, but it may not be---."

            "All right.  Let's say I'm blind.  How do you tell me what cards I'm holding so the others don't hear?"  He braced himself for her gentle whispering in his ear, and even before she touched him a long-dormant passion stirred in his chest.  After a moment, her fingernail gently scraped his back.  He cocked his head and frowned.  "Do that again."  She did, a little slower.  "Queen of Hearts."  He looked at her.  "Very good.  Very clever."

            "And you guessed without any practice!"

            "I couldn’t go wrong with your skillful touch.”

            "Oh Adam, thank you."  She threw her arms around him.

            They held each other tight for a minute.  Adam cleared his throat and loosened his embrace, though still warmed by her body pressed against his.  "I...don't think I should stay..."

            In mutual consent their lips met in a warm lingering kiss.  Sooner than he wanted to, Adam broke away and stood, and after their hands clung another moment, he bade her a soft good night and left the room. 

            Lynette touched her lips a moment before blowing out her lantern.

 

            Virginia City, on a usual day in 1863, was a sight to see.  There was never a moment's dullness in the streets, whether up the nearest hill where another fancy house was being built, or down C Street as another of the many businesses needed for the booming city was being hastily thrown together.  Down the streets below C Street on this particular day five more miner shacks were going up, miners haggling over the tin and scrap wood at hand.  There never seemed to be enough timbered wood to go around.  Indians who lived on the edge of D Street came into town, hoping to be accepted by someone long enough to work and earn some food.   A miner haggled with his last dime for more than a dime was worth with an uncooperative store clerk, as several from a local saloon grappled over a misunderstanding that ended up as a brawling fistfight in the dusty street.

            Around this activity walked the welcome sight of a lady tending to her errands.  On occasion she would smile somewhat discouragingly at the advances of the men thereabout, and fan the dust from her nose.  Women - the finer citizens of Virginia City - would most often be escorted by stately dressed men.  Miners' women could be seen as well, dressed more like their men to distinguish them as just as hard working, waiting patiently for their husbands to become one of the lucky ones to hit silver.  Women were not seen enough in these dust-swollen streets because if they had their choice, they moved back to San Francisco.

            Into this usual Virginia City morning Joe drove the buckboard with Lynette sitting next to him and Hoss following along behind on his horse.  Adam stayed behind to do what he called 'post roundup', although what post roundup could be neither Hoss nor Joe could guess.  Joe didn't miss Adam's expression though, and figured post roundup had something to do with justification - and the avoidance of tempers.

            Lynette was all sparkle and gaiety this morning, and Joe felt sure he was in love.  Hoss noticed the look on his face, having seen those puppy eyes all too often before.  He also noticed the intenseness on Adam's face this morning in his conversations with Lynette and her father.  He thought Adam’s intensity meant more than Joe’s lovesick look.  Although Hoss knew he couldn't really say that either, because Joe may feel his affections every bit as hard as Adam, only more often.

            "Here we go, Lynette, first stop."  Joe secured the reins and jumped down.

            "The Silver Dollar?  Do they gamble here?"

            "Do they!?  Hoss, tell Lynette about last month's game."

            "Oh!  Ha-ha."  Hoss tied his horse to the hitching post and joined them.  "Miss Lynette, it was the biggest pot anyone in Virginia City ever saw, but half the money, practically, got put in by mistake and couldn't be taken out again."

            "Oh no.  How could anyone put money in by mistake?”

            "You got to know Virginia City, Miss Lynette."

            "Hoss's right.  There are fellows who come here, stake a claim and at the first sign they got silver or gold, get all excited that they're gonna be rich.  They get in a card game for the first time, and because they're so excited don't listen to that rule that says whiskey and cards don't mix."

            "So they're drunk," Lynette said, nodding.

            "And before you know it the dealer, whoever the card player was, someone who does this dealing for a living - he has them conned into throwing in twice more than they wanted, and in hock to the boot."

            "That's pretty cruel, Joe.   My Father would never do that, he runs an honest table.  This card player who likes to con, is he still here?"

            "I hear he hoofed it out of here one day, right quick," Hoss said, laughing.

            "Too bad, Father would have loved working him over."  She walked inside the saloon.

            Hoss and Joe, taken by surprise, jumped forward to stop her but missed her arm by misjudging her enthusiasm.  Lynette stood a moment, getting her bearings.  When she spotted the two men at the faro table she walked over to them, Hoss and Joe close behind. 

            "Lynette, why don't you let Hoss and me---." Joe tried to guide her back outside.

            "Why, Joe darling, that would spoil my fun.  Besides, Father asked me to help you choose."  She turned back to the table and watched the players.  "Are you two any good bucking tigers?"

            "Ah, Miss Lynette," Hoss said, jumping over between the two fellows who turned with heavy frowns to the woman rudely questioning their game.  "This here's Arnie and Lem, considered the best faro players in town."

            "Well, I hope so, they seem to live here."  She pointed at the table.  "I think you should call it both ways, Lem."

            "Hoss," Arnie said, his teeth gritted into a smile.  "I would think you'd know better than to bring a lady in here.  If there was a dealer at this table right now, she'd be booted out on her ear, lady or not."

            "Now don't you bother explaining me, Hoss," Lynette leaned over their table, carefully avoiding their chips.  The four men watched her in alarm, even though she wasn't ruining the rote Lem and Arnie were playing.  "I have a proposition for you two.  How about leaving the faro for a night and playing something challenging, like poker?"

            "What's the catch, lady?  You staking us?" Lem chuckled and poked Arnie, who was seriously studying her out.

            She ignored them both and walked over to the poker table, where at the moment no one was sitting.  "Here is where the action will be tomorrow night, gentlemen."

            Joe, who hadn't far left her side, took her arm.  "Lynette, I thought we'd set up at the International House."

            "A hotel?  Oh, Joe, so lacking in character.  No, this is just right.  Gentlemen," Arnie and Lem had followed them over, puzzled but intrigued.   "My Father, Tobias Williamsferd, is an experienced gambler from San Francisco and he's come to Virginia City looking to get a game with the most skilled players he can find.  But you must have a minimum, a minimum, gentlemen, of $5,000.00 or even your skill won't get you in."

            "Miss Lynette," Hoss started as Arnie and Lem turned away to confer.

            "Don't worry, Hoss, that's not too much."

            "No, Lynette, we're thinking you should tell them your Father---."

            "Oh Hoss, Joe," she said gaily, pulling them to the bar.  "You don't think a little thing like my Father's blindness is going to make any difference to them, do you?" 

            She caught sight of movement outside and watched as riders alighted across the street.  She turned sharply, her breath catching in her throat.  She walked over to the poker table, thinking.  Arnie and Lem had walked past her over to Hoss, who had ordered beers for him and Joe.  The three of them didn't see Lynette's fear. 

            Joe put his hands on her shoulders.  "What's wrong?  You look like you saw something."        

            Lynette stared hard at the table.  Finally she blinked back a tear and turned.

            "Oh, I'm just jumpy, Joe.  My father's whole life is at stake here in Virginia City.  I've not helped him gamble before and I don't know if I can do it."

            "Come here," Joe led her to a more private corner of the saloon.  "Maybe it'll help you if you talk it out.  Explain to me how you plan to help him read the cards.  That's the part I don't get."

            "Well," she said, looking up at him coyly.  "What I did was work on moving my lips in such a way that no one can read what I'm saying, and I lean in real close to his ear, like this." She got so close to Joe he smelled her scent and could feel her warm breath on his face.  He tensed in anticipated desire.  "And then I ever so gently give him the code we developed for what he has in his hand to throw down, like this..." and she whispered very softly in his ear.  “So that no one else can hear.”

            Joe didn’t get what she was saying.  He figured Tobias was probably the only one who could, but that didn't matter.  When he turned his ear away from her lips, his lips brushed hers.

            "Miss Lynette, about that ride on the Ponderosa I was promising you..."

            "Yes, Joe?"

            "If you're not doing anything this afternoon I know this nice, lonesome trail down to the lake..."

            "Sounds lovely."

            "It is, it's..." As he forced himself away from her lips he grabbed her arm.  "So let's get this business done with!"  He pulled her to the bar, missing her furtive glances out the saloon door.  "Hoss!  You and me are going to come up with the money to sit in on the game."

            Hoss turned, his smile big and genuine.  "One step ahead of you, little brother.  Arnie and Lem here agreed to play if me and you are at the table too.  Miss Lynette, you got yourself four players already.  How many more you want?"

            "Just three more oughta do, Hoss."  She went to the saloon door, but couldn't see the two men she thought she recognized.  "Just three more."  She whirled back around.  "Can we make it tonight?"

            "Tonight?" Arnie stood from his leaning at the bar.  "You got to give us the time to come up with the money."

            "All right, tomorrow night then.  Come on Hoss, Joe, let's find those other three gents."

            Lynette stood on the wooden walk, unmoving, as people walked around her and a sudden wind kicked a cloud of dust up around her.  Instead of hiding her breath as most ladies would, she was intent on a single rider coming down the road.  The rider reined his horse back a moment and tipped his hat at her before continuing on.

            "Lynette?" Joe said, watching her from the side.  "Do you know him?" 

            "No," she shook her head suddenly, "no, I thought I did, but I don't.  Come on, fellas!"  On noting a forced gaiety, Hoss and Joe exchanged glances.  "Let's find us those players."

 

            Adam led his horse out of the barn with one of the gentler saddlebreds.  Both were saddled but he tied them to the hitching post and tightened cinches. 

            Ben came slowly out of the house, approaching Adam with a couple furtive glances over his shoulder.

            Adam tossed him a smile as he finished the cinching.  "He almost ready?"

            "I guess so.  Right now he's giving Hop Sing a lesson in making muffins moister."

            Adam laughed.  "Bet that's going over well."

            Ben frowned, staring at the saddlebred's feet.

            Adam noticed his unease.  "Go on."

            Ben looked up, and smiled ruefully.  "All right, I'll speak plain.  Tobias bothers me."

            "You too, huh."

            "Do you think he's here just to get up an honest game?”

            Adam leaned against the hitching rail, studying the roof of the house. "That much I do believe."  Adam put a hand on Ben's shoulder.  "Look, Pa, whatever else he is, he has a lovely daughter.  He can't be all bad."  He started for the door.  "I'll see if he's---."

            "Do you think he's blind?"

            This brought Adam up short.  After a minute he looked down and turned back.  "Why do you ask?"

            "Just the way he looks sometimes.  He hides very conveniently behind those glasses.  But even so, there are times when he's talking, I get the feeling that...I know I'm sounding foolish, but....."

            Adam grabbed Ben's arm and pulled him to the other side of the horses.  "Tobias is due out here any minute, I don't want him hearing us."  He took a deep breath.  "I don't think he's blind either."

            "You don't?  Well, what about..." Ben gestured at the house.

            "Lynette?  Pa, I don't think she knows it, so we have to keep up the pretense, at least until I talk to Tobias.  It's why I let Joe and Hoss take her to town today."

            "You had me concerned about that, son."

            "Not like me to give up so easily, you mean?"  Adam thought about telling Ben about last night in her room, but some events are best left alone.  "I figure to give Joe his chance.  But only one.  I’m taking Tobias to get the feel of the gambling table where they'll be setting up, but he’s letting Lynette do all the arranging.  Which is why I think she doesn't know."

            "Because she's doing the arranging?"  Adam didn't answer.  "Look, son, she's a very nice girl, but that doesn't mean she wouldn't do whatever her Father asked her to.  Why don't you keep your eyes on her as well?"

            "You know, you worry too much."  They heard a thumping at the front porch and the door slammed shut as Tobias came out waving his mended white cane in front of him.

            "Adam!  You out here?"

            "Over here, Tobias!" 

            Ben forced a smile and moved away as Adam went over to take Tobias’ arm. 

            "Got a nice rider for me, I hope.  Are we going all the way to Virginia City as we planned?  The weather is cooperating, is it not?"

            "It's a perfect day for a ride."  Adam helped Tobias up in the saddle and worked the cane in alongside the rifle. 

            Tobias felt what he was doing.  "A rifle?  My boy, what do I need one of these for?"

            "Just standard equipment with our saddles, you never know when you're going to meet up with a rattler or a mountain lion."  Adam unhitched the horses and mounted.  "Pa, don't wait lunch, we'll be taking our time."

            "I'm glad to hear that," Tobias said.  "Ben, your hospitality has been most gracious.  I'm looking forward to one of Hop Sing's fine dinners when we return.  Oh, you might tell him no more salt in that stew he's making."  They nudged their horses on.  "That cook of yours does have a temper."

            Ben watched them as they rode out of the yard.  A temper, indeed.  If Tobias was looking to see a temper, he might just try causing trouble for his boys.

 

            "Adam, I must confess something to you."

            "What's that?"

            "Riding out here like this, just you and me, I got to thinking.  I don't want you to take offense, but how do I know that you're not going to just let my horse wander off a cliff somewhere, me not being the wiser, as to direction, that is."  Tobias paused, glancing sideways at Adam's slight smile.  "I don’t know you all that well."

            "Well," Adam said, wiping his smile away before daring to speak.  "I guess you don't.  But seeing as how you've just been blind about what - three months - I think you'd know that horses tend to stick by each other pretty close.  And the horse you're on, she'd either follow me or bolt for home.  You'll be able to tell which is which."

            "Ah!  I guess you're right. You have to forgive me, Adam, being blind tends to make me a slight bit more of a doubter than I used to be."

            "Understandable.  We're going to be heading downhill for a ways now, so be prepared to shift back in your saddle and tighten up."  Adam watched closely.  Tobias seemed prepared even a bit before the incline began.  Blind, indeed. 

            Gunfire came from nowhere - Adam felt the sting before realizing what was happening.  "Get down, fall to your left!" he yelled to Tobias.  Once on the ground Adam scrambled over to him and grabbed his arm.  "Come on, there's some cover this way." Bullets nicked small holes in the ground around them as Adam pushed him to safety.

            When they were behind the rocks the gunfire ceased. 

            Tobias took a deep breath.   "My, but that was interesting.  What do you suppose they're after?"

            "I don't know, yet."

            "Are you injured?  I seem to be in one piece."

            "Just tore some skin from my hand, is all.  My gun hand."

            "Adam, does that make us defenseless?  You know I couldn't hit the broad side---."

            "I’ll manage."  Adam pulled his gun and slowly raised his head above the top of the rock.  Instantly gunfire sounded again, nicking the stone in front of him.  He squatted back down.  "I wonder what they want."

            "You say you’re a rich property owner, Adam.  They could be trying to rob us.”

            “Not this way.”  Adam glanced at Tobias, tempted to draw the man out here and now.  Another gun would help with his hand hurting.

            "I think I see one of them over here.  Why don't you stand a little to draw his fire, then I can get a shot."

            "You want me to act as lure?  How would I duck in time?"

            Adam grunted, and they ducked even lower as more gunfire beat the rock around them.  "Do you have any better ideas?"

            "Well, they are bound to run out of bullets eventually."

            "Right."  His hand was still bleeding.  He pulled his bandanna out of his hat and wrapped it around the wound tight.  At least the bullet only took a chunk of flesh and didn't break any bones.  He held the ends of the bandanna out at Tobias.  "Here, tie this, will you?”  Adam watched Tobias as he did an awkward but fair job of tying without looking.  "How did you lose your sight?"

            "Doctor wasn't sure.  He thinks probably disease.  My eyesight actually started failing me several years back."

            "And Lynette, has she always lived with you?"

            "What is this, Adam, the Inquisition?"

            "Just curious.  I'll admit," he paused as a small sigh of air escaped.  "I've grown fond of your daughter.  It interests me, this life you've chosen for her."

            "You mean, helping me gamble?"

            Another round of gunfire ripped through the air.  Adam heaved a rock out.  He shot at the first thing over the road in the foothills that moved.  For a moment he thought he might have hit something.  He squatted back down again.   "We can't sit here all day.  I think I ought to take a chance."

            "You have to be joshing.  You can't get out of here, not to mention leaving me alone."

            "Look, if I move fast enough, odds are from that distance they'll miss.” Adam paused.  “I don't think it's me they want anyway, I think it's you."

            "Me?"

            A low rumbling of thunder came from down the road toward Virginia City, followed by a loud “hyah!”  Two horses were pulling a buckboard in anxious speed.  Whoever encouraged the horse's speed was ducked low as the bullets flew around them, splintering the wooden sides.  Using the distraction Adam stood, took careful aim at one and fired.

            A direct hit.

            The buckboard came to an abrupt halt in front of them.  Joe and Lynette tumbled down to the ground next to Adam and Tobias.  Hoss poked his head out of the back, his rifle ready.  Adam figured he must’ve loosened his horse to run for home, figuring on better protection in back of the wagon.

            "Are you all right, Father?"

            "Lynette?  What are you doing out here?"

            "I was going to ask you the same thing.  Why are you surrounded by people shooting at you?"  She grabbed his arm, jumping a little as Hoss got off a shot, and then Adam followed with one.

            Joe came in next to Lynette.  "Lynette, could any of these fellows be the one you thought you recognized in town?"

            "Oh no, Joe, I don't think---."

            "Who did you think you saw?" Tobias demanded.

            "Looks like they're leaving, Adam!" Hoss hollered over from his position in the wagon.

            "Yeah, one of them’s hit, they're probably taking him back to town."

            "I was hoping not to worry you, Father, but Langley Wentworth may be behind this.  If it is him, he’s lost a lot of weight."

            Joe looked from Tobias’ bland face back to Lynette.  "Langley?  Wentworth?"

            "Someone Father used to gamble with until six months ago, when Langley ran into bad luck.  I don't think Langley is capable of this, he knows you're blind."

            Tobias only stared blankly at the road.

            "Joe, can we get Father back to your ranch?  All this appears to have been too much for him."

            Hoss jumped down from the wagon.  "They've gone now."

            "Thank goodness."  Lynette stood up next to him, leaving Joe to help Tobias to his feet.  "I can’t be sure it was Langley.  Adam, do you have any ideas?”

            Adam touched her face briefly.  "Whether or not you recognized them, they were after your father, all right.”

            She wasn't as surprised as he expected. "I just don’t understand.  Even Langley Wentworth wouldn't do this to Father.  Why do you think they weren’t after you?"

            "Call it a hunch.  Hoss?"

            "Adam, your hand, it's all bloody." Lynette gingerly touched the blood-soaked bandanna.

            "Don't worry about him, Miss Lynette, he's lived through worse than that.  Adam, you want me to ride out after them?"

            "Yes, Hoss, but stay far enough behind or they'll turn on you.  See what you can find out.  They'll probably head to Doc Martin's."

            "Adam," Tobias cleared his throat.  "If these men were here with ill intent, why would they linger in town?  Following them seems fruitless."

            "No, Adam's right, Mr. Williamsferd,” Hoss said as he mounted.   “We're not as civilized out here like back in San Francisco.  Those fellas are gonna ride into town and say they was ambushed, and even if we say differ’nt, there ain’t a whole lot can be done to prove it either way."

            "Hoss, you be careful.   Tobias, I'm sorry, but I'm going to insist we go back to the ranch rather than to Virginia City.  We'll wait and see what Hoss has to report."

            "Tell Pa to hold supper for me, Adam."  Hoss pulled his hat lower.  "I’m gonna be hungry when I get home."  They all watched as Hoss rode off at an easy canter, disappearing around the hills.

            "Father, if Adam's right, we'll have to cancel the game tomorrow night."

            "My dear, don't you worry," Tobias pulled his kerchief from his jacket and wiped the sweat and dust from his face.  "That won't happen, not after all your hard work.  They won’t dare pull this stunt in town.  Whoever they are, they’re cowards, hiding behind rocks in an ambush.”

            "Joe, why don't you help Tobias and Lynette into the wagon and we'll get back to the ranch before our friends decide to return."  Adam turned with a frown after watching Hoss rode off and tied Tobias’ horse to the back of the wagon.

            The ride back was quiet and slow, nerves tight and jangled after the incident.  Lynette sat between Tobias and Joe, well aware that any gesture she made toward Joe could be misinterpreted by Adam.  Any conversation with Tobias could lead to her telling them who those men were, and that they would have to do some fancy scheming to hold a card game tomorrow night.  Altogether an unhappy mess, she realized, and now she had to figure a way out.  If she hadn’t come up with the blindness idea in San Francisco, her father would be dead right now.  Adam will forgive her when this is all over.

            To make matters worse, it appeared Adam was trusting his own little brother less and less around her.  Joe kept smiling at her in that charming and boyish way of his, and though Lynette smiled back, she wasn’t encouraging him.  But she didn’t know if Adam noted that or not.  And in the bumpy terrain of the hills they were climbing back to the ranch, her legs did tend to rub against Joe’s though innocently enough...

            "So, Lynette,” Adam said a little too loudly.  "Did you find all the players you wanted?"

            "Not only all we wanted, Adam, but we also found some content to sit back and wait to fill an empty but warm seat."

            "Well, sounds like you got there with both feet.  I hope that little skirmish didn't discourage you too much, Tobias."

            "No, indeed."  Uncertainty lingered in his voice.

            "I have to hand it to you, little brother, you wore the big boots this time."

            "Yeah, well, you know me," Joe shrugged, with a grin.  “Whatever I say I can do, you better believe I can do.”

            "He and Hoss are first round players as well," Lynette added.

            Adam whistled, raising his eyebrows.  "Now this is the Joe I'm used to.  Sure you know what you're doing, boy?"

            "Adam, you just worry about the cattle and the fences and leave the high stakes know-how to me.  I haven't been in a game yet where I haven't come out ahead."

            "I can remember a few---."

            "Yeah, but they were cheating."

            “Uh-huh.”

            "Don't you worry, Adam.  Father knows when it's time for someone to pull out.  Joe won't lose his shirt, or Hoss's, either."

            "Yeah, let's leave Hoss’s shirt on.  That's a sight Lynette's not ready for," Joe said, laughing.  The wagon hit a rock in the trail, throwing Tobias forward and Lynette against Joe.  Joe threw an arm around her and grabbed hold of Tobias’ shoulder, righting him.  He let his arm linger around Lynette, who looked up at him with a smile.

            Adam stopped his horse in front of the wagon team.  "All right, Joe, if you don't know how to guide a wagon, you better get down and let me take over."

            "Now Adam, you know how rocky these hills are."

            "And I know how well you can negotiate them too, when you try."

            "Now you're saying I did it on purpose!"

            "Didn't you?"

            "NO!"

            Lynette put a hand on Joe's arm to still him, but Adam didn't allow himself the chance to think about it.  He jumped off his horse and grabbed Joe's arm.

            "Come on down.  Now!" 

            "Now look, Adam, this is not the time or the place.  I'll be glad to take you up on this but wait until we’re back at the ranch where Lynette won't have to watch me pound you bloody."

            "Joe---." Lynette started.

            "Joe, if you'd listen instead of ragging off, I'm telling you I have a theory about the ambush that I need to discuss with Tobias, and I can do it better from the wagon."

            "Oh."  Joe flashed a sick grin at Lynette.  "Well, brother, you sure took a long time spilling your gut about it."

            Joe jumped down from the wagon.  Adam took his seat, and Joe grabbed the reins of Adam’s horse and threw himself into the saddle.

            Adam winked at Lynette.  "That's because I just thought of it." 

            Lynette and Tobias laughed lightly as Joe looked down at them.

            "What?"  Joe frowned.

            "I told them it was a matter of opinion who would get bloodier, you or me.  But I guess we'll never know, eh?  Hyah!"  The wagon team jumped on ahead of the horse.

            After a moment Joe pulled into the trail behind them.  "Yeah, well, you won't come any closer than this."

 

            Lynette and Tobias went to his room shortly after the meal.  Lynette was nervous, she said, and needed some practice.  Hoss hadn't returned, and Joe and Adam were silently worried.  They put off telling Ben what happened as long as they could.

            Ben sat quietly puffing his pipe, his face an unreadable mask, as Joe finished with how he and Hoss heard the gunfire and slap-dashed to their rescue.

            "Adam and I discussed this earlier, and we agree there's something Tobias isn't telling us about his gambling."

            Joe sat forward.  "Oh, come on now, Pa, you don't think that Lynette---."

            Adam shushed Joe’s loud retort with a finger to his lips and a wave of his hand.  Joe frowned at him, not yet in a forgiving mood, but he realized how close Lynette and Tobias were.  In the loud silence that followed they heard pounding hooves.  Joe sprang to his feet and ran to the front door as Lynette came out of the guest room.

            Adam went to her.  "Should be Hoss."

            "Father asked me to come out.  He's feeling so weary, poor dear."

            Hoss burst in past Joe.  "Adam!"  He saw Ben standing less evenly tempered than usual, wearing the frown that generally meant a scolding would follow.  “Hi, Pa.  Did Adam and Joe tell you..."

            "Yes, they did."  Ben cleared his throat as he turned to Lynette.  "I'm sorry to hear about the disturbance today.  I hope your Father will be all right."

            "Oh, he will, Mr. Cartwright.  Hoss, those men, did you..."

            Hoss looked down at the floor and jammed his hands in his pockets.  "I looked as hard as I could, Miss Lynette, but couldn't find nothing."

            Lynette put a hand on his arm, all earnest and wide-eyed.  Adam bit his lip, wondering if Hoss of all people could resist her.  "You mean no man with a bullet wound was brought to the doctor?"

            Hoss didn’t hesitate although he kept his eyes on the floor.  "Nope."

            "Isn't that odd?  So now I have to tell my Father we could still be in danger."

            "I wouldn't worry about it none, Miss Lynette."  Hoss said, taking a chance on looking at her.  "Since I didn't find them in town they're likely gone.  Probably just some fellas looking to rob you, Adam, that's all."

            "Oh!  Well, good.  Father needs the reassurance."  She went back to his room.

            After a moment of silence Hoss went over to the fire, and the others followed him.

            Ben kept his voice low but his anger bit hard at his sons.  “What kind of chance did you boys take out there!?  Hoss, following men who ambushed you could have got you killed!”

            Adam patted his shoulder.  “Pa, we did what we had to do.  Hoss, did you tell Lynette the truth?”

            Hoss walked over to the dining table after glancing behind him at the stairs, keeping his voice low. "When I caught up to them they were real willing to talk.  It's bad, all right.  They meant to do in Mr. Williamsferd, and you too, Adam, if you were in the way."  Hoss glanced at Ben, whose temper wasn’t improving.  "Now I'm not saying he's crooked or nothing, but these fellows seem to have a real gripe over some money they lost."

            "Anyone who gambles and loses reacts to the loss unpleasantly in some way or another," Adam said.  "But gunning a man down isn’t generally one of them.”

            "Seems Mr.---.”

            "Tobias."

            "Seems Tobias promised them another game to prove he didn't cheat, and they found themselves the best card jack they could to watch and make sure nobody cheats, and right before the game Tobias turns up blind.  They let him go after he gives them each a little money back, but they're busted again and still mad."

            Adam turned from Hoss to stare into the fire.  Finally he shook his head.  "So he's not blind, only hiding behind those glasses."

            "Yeah, I kinda reckoned it might be that.  Miss Lynette---."

            "You leave her out of this, Hoss!" Joe jumped in.

            "Just because Tobias says he's blind doesn't mean she knows about it,” Adam said quietly.  “He could be fooling her too.”  He didn’t sound as convinced as before.

            "I can't believe Tobias would do this!" Joe pounded on the dining table but managed to keep his voice low.  "Neither of you has any proof, you're only speculating, digging even deeper than the silver barons and coming up just as empty.”  Joe turned away, impatient with the whole conversation.  “Tobias is really blind.  Until we prove otherwise.”

            "You're right, Joe," Ben said, glaring at his older sons.  He walked over to his desk to refill his pipe as they watched him, waiting.  "We don't have proof, and those men had no right to try and kill because they don’t have proof, either.  As far as we know.  And until we know differently, we'll accept what our guests say. Hoss, those men may have a vendetta and that makes them dangerous.  They told you it’s against Tobias, but why?  Maybe it’s a smokescreen and they’re really after Adam.”

            “Oh, come on, Pa.”

            Ben held up a hand at his reticent eldest.  “Right now we’ll expect any possibility.  What will it take to make Tobias’ game safe tomorrow?"

            "I'll be there," Adam said.  "And I'll get Roy and a couple deputies posted outside."

            Hoss turned to Ben.  "I talked to Roy.  See, I got those fellas convinced that killing Tobias is not the way to get their money back.  I told them to wait in the saloon across the street until the game breaks up.  Then when Tobias comes out, they can make their move."

            "Oh great," Joe said, rolling his eyes.

            "Wait up, Joe.  We sneak Tobias out the back, see, once we prove he ain’t cheating.”

            Adam joined them with a grin  “And if we prove he is cheating, we’ll let the sheriff have him and pay off the ambushers.”

            Joe shook his head.  “He won’t cheat, but I’m all for setting a trap for those men who'll come out looking for him, and turn them over to the sheriff."

            Ben joined the trio.  “I’m not convinced they’re after Tobias, so all of you, keep that in mind, and watch your own backs.”

            Adam put an arm around Ben’s shoulders.  “Pa, we kinda figure that’s what you’re for.”

            Ben laughed, putting his pipe down.  “And I thought I should be done with that job by now.”

            Adam and his brothers laughed as well, and Adam deftly changed the subject after a subdued glance at Joe.   "Did you know Hoss and Joe are going to be at the poker table?"

            "Is that right?"  Ben looked at his younger sons.  "This could be quite a game.  A blind man calling everyone's bluff.  Well, Adam, I think that you and I both will be sure to watch that game."  He sighed.  "This whole game could turn out twice as serious as a one-eyed man calling aces."

            "Yeah," Adam said, scratching the back of his neck.  "So for Tobias’ sake, he better not win too big tomorrow night.  If at all."

 

            "Did you hear anything?" Lynette watched Tobias’ face as he stepped away from the door where he had been listening. 

            "Only a little at the end.   Ben's voice is like a low-firing cannon.  Lynette, you and I are going to need an early start tomorrow.  Like you said, we have us a deal to make.”

 

            Adam and Joe were almost done with breakfast and Ben just getting started when Hoss came in after barn chores and asked after Lynette and Tobias.

            Joe sat back with his coffee.  “Oh, they woke Hop Sing up to make them breakfast early. They were anxious to head to town.”

            "Bet Hop Sing was hopping mad,” Ben chuckled as he poured himself coffee.

            "Notice how crisp the bacon is?" Adam smirked.

            "Why leave for town this early?  The game isn't until 6:00 tonight." Hoss looked at Joe and then Ben, who shrugged and helped himself to more eggs.

            "Since Adam’s trip was abandoned yesterday, I suspect Tobias wanted time to get the feel of things."  Ben stared at a piece of burnt bacon before taking a bite. "Anyway, at least we know they'll be safe enough, until after the game."

            "Yeah, and none the wiser, thinking those fellows left town."  Joe leaned toward Hoss.  "Hey, Hoss, just think, by this time tomorrow you and me could be rich!"

            "You just watch your cards, Joe and I'll watch mine.  I'm not against taking your money neither."  Hoss chomped on another biscuit as Adam and Ben laughed.

            "Pa, I’m heading out to Virginia City after the branding this morning."

            "That'll be fine, Adam, I’ll probably join you.  And boys, you two see that the east section where the number two herd is grazing is secure before picking up your legal tender for the game.  We'll see you there."

 

            Adam's horse danced as he roped the last calf and pulled the noose secure.  Cleve took the rope from Adam and pulled the calf to where Ben was crouched beside the fire. 

            "Getting late already, Pa."

            The calf bleated low as its flesh was singed and ran obligingly to the pen when it was allowed.  Ben put the iron back down and stood.  "Cleve, you'll get the men to finish up here for the day, and Hop Sing will have a feed for all of you at the ranch."

            Ben jumped on his horse and followed Adam.  "I have to tell you, Adam, even though what you boys have schemed for tonight seems secure, there's no telling if those three men are going to cooperate."

            "Like I said, Pa, you worry too much."

            "Comes from raising three sons."  They exchanged a smile.  "Still, I'm looking forward to watching Tobias’ blind act."

            "You know, he might really be blind."

            "That’s right.  We don’t know anything for sure.”

            Adam alighted and checked the saddle cinch, glancing once at Ben.  "Pa, I got to see Lynette in her room again last night."

            Ben, still mounted, looked down with a raised eyebrow.  "Again?"

            "I'm planning to ask her to be my wife."

            "Well, Adam, I'll be...it's kind of sudden, isn't it?"

            "I haven't known her long, but long enough.  It feels right, Pa.”

            "And besides, Joe is forcing your hand?"

            "Once he knows she's marrying me, he'll back off.  And we'll have time before the wedding to be sure."  He paused.  "I'm doing the right thing, Pa."

            "I'm happy for you, son."  He reached down from his position in the saddle and slapped Adam warmly on the shoulder.  "Once this game is over, we’ll have a party and celebrate.  Come on, let's get to town."

            They kept their horses moving at a fast walk but felt no need to gallop, especially since the hill was taking a sleep upward slope and the rocks narrowed the path just before the curve around the bend.  They rode companionably slow, talking about the options for the end of the game when they found themselves facing the barrels of three rifles blocking the path after the bend.  One of the men had his arm in a sling.

            "That's far enough, gentlemen.” A lean looking blond in a dirty brown hat leaned casually at them with the rifle crooked in his bent arm.  “Now get down off those horses."

            At first they didn't move.  "Pa, I'd like you to meet our ambushers."

            "Can't say it's a pleasure."

            "Enough chatting.”  He whipped the rifle up in threatening speed.  “Get down!  Gus, grab the reins."

            Slowly Ben and Adam alighted, both standing tense at the sides of their horses.  Gus with the injured shoulder grabbed the reins as the other two got behind Adam and Ben to shove them forward. 

            "Pa, maybe if we tell these fellas they're trespassing on our land they'll listen to reason before we have them thrown in jail.”

            "Adam, I have a feeling men like this wouldn't have the slightest idea what reason is."  From behind him one slammed Ben in the back of the head with his rifle barrel, knocking him unconscious to the ground.

            "Pa!"  Adam reached down, but Harry followed suit and Adam crumpled to the ground next to Ben.

           

            Hoss and Joe finished securing the herd in the east section in record time, instead of dallying until “the better part of a year was gone,” as Adam would put it.  As they rode into town all Joe could think about was Lynette.  Finally, for a little while, he could have her to himself. 

            When Hoss and Joe finally caught up to them, Lynette was alone standing by the poker table, as though counting the chairs.  Hoss ordered them beers as Joe went to her.

            "Lynette?  Where's Tobias?"

            "Oh, Joe," she threw her arms around him.  "I don't know and I'm so frightened.  Those men could be---."

            "No, don't worry about them.  We'll find your father."

            "Joe?  I have a confession."  She took a deep breath, then pulled him to a far table in the saloon.  "Father is as frightened as I am.  He's not sure he can do this.  He's afraid the players won't accept him."

            "I guess that's normal, Lynette.  Want me to talk with him?  Since I’ll be in the game, I think I can reassure him that I'll do all I can to help ease the players’ minds." 

            "Joe, Father was approached this morning by those three men who ambushed him yesterday.  They didn't leave town.  They want their money back, money they said Father stole from them.  He played them once in a game and they lost big.  It's just the luck of the draw, Joe, you know that.  They accused my father of cheating, but he didn't.  Now tonight they said he better win enough to pay them back, or he's a dead man!"

            "If Langley is bothering you,” Joe murmured, enticed by her nearness, “you just tell me where he is.”

            "Langley?  Oh, yes, Langley.” Lynette turned away.  “Joe, what will Father do if he can't win?  He's never played blind before."

            "Lynette, has your Father ever cheated to win?"

            She met his eyes.  "No."  Joe nodded and stood.  "Are you going to help?" She asked, a slight gasp of fear in her voice.

            “Sounds like your Father needs to win some money.  I might be able to help.”

            “How?”

            "I think the Ponderosa can afford to lose a little, if it'll get your father off the hook.  Come on, let's talk to Hoss."  

 

            "Pa?  You all right?" Adam watched as Ben slowly came around.  His head pain wore off to a dull lingering throb. 

            Ben blinked hard and shook his head.  He squinted and saw two men sitting by the door with rifles, paying them no mind.  It appeared they were scratching some kind of code, or game, with a chunk of limestone on the shack’s thin wall.  The shack was small and dirty and the walls were tin.  They were off Ponderosa land now, Ben figured.  This was an abandoned miner's shack to keep hidden in until they got what they wanted.

            "How long you keeping us here?" Adam demanded.  “He might need a doctor.”

            Gus grinned, showing missing teeth.  "You’re lucky he ain’t dead."

            "Look," Ben fought the pain in his head, unable to raise his deep voice above a crackling whisper, "if there's somewhere you don't want us to be, just tell us."

            "Oh, you're funny, a real funny man.  Ain't he funny, Mel?"

            "I'm laughing."

            "Pa, they want Tobias.  They think Tobias is going to come here to help us.  But they're dead wrong."

            "No," Mel stood.  "You are.  Tobias is the one who paid us to take you here."

            Adam's eyes narrowed.  "You're lying."

            "No, Adam.”  Ben pursed his lips.  “Makes sense.  Tobias may have realized that you and I would be watching.  I think we make him nervous."

            Adam closed his eyes, straining his arms against the ropes.  "I have to get to Lynette."

            Gus laughed.  "Don't worry about that little lady.  She can take care of herself."

            "What do you mean by that?"

            "Adam, we'll just bide our time," Ben said, feeling the tightness of the rope around his wrists.  "These two will get tired of watching us soon enough.  Their greed and curiosity will overcome them."

            Adam strained against his ropes, feeling a little give.  "I have to make sure she’s all right.”

            "Patience, son.  Just a little more patience.  Take a look at those two.  They're itching to get to Virginia City already.”

            "I know," Adam grunted. "That's what I'm afraid of."  The ropes were going to cause some pain, but he just might have some luck getting them loosened.  And as he did, figured he was going to have to start believing in luck, just a little.

 

            The Silver Dollar was crowded with people, and the poker table filled except for one seat.  There was a ruckus at the door, and a wave of people parted for Lynette, leading Tobias in his dark sunglasses.

            Stu at the table rose quickly.  "Hey, is this Tobias?  He's blind?"

            "My Father is perfectly capable of playing cards, gentleman.  I shall be his eyes." 

            Arnie rose.  "I don't play with no blind man.  That's bad luck, the worst kind."                  

            "Why?" Lynette asked as she seated Tobias.  "Do you think a blind man can cheat?  How?  He can't see what he has in his hand.  What good would a gaper do him?"

            Lem stuttered.  "Ok, then, how do we know he's really blind?"

            Lynette sighed.  "I was hoping not to do this.  It embarrasses Father so.  Father," she put a hand on his shoulder.  "You heard his request.  We won't have a game unless you take off your glasses and show them."

            Everyone surrounded the table, the curious onlookers watching over the heads of those waiting to play cards. Tobias felt for his daughter's hand, and with the other hand slowly removed his glasses.  His pupils were barely visible, having rolled up into their sockets.  The sight of almost all white eyeballs made even the hardened gamblers suck in a noisy breath.

            "Put them back on, Father, they’ve seen enough." Lynette looked around at the nods of confirmation.  "Gentlemen?  Any further questions?"

            "Dadgumit," Hoss leaned to Joe, "he really is blind!  I wonder where Pa and Adam are.  They shoulda seen that!"

            "They'll be here,” Joe whispered back.  “I didn’t doubt his blindness for a minute, you know."

            Arnie spoke up for the players.  "All right.  Let's play cards.  But we reserve the right to stop any time we feel something untowards going on, and leave with the full amount we came with."                  So the game began.  Joe watched Lynette, and though she whispered in Tobias’ ear a few times, she was instead intent on moving her fingers on his back.  At first Joe was so fascinated he couldn’t concentrate on his cards.  Having Lynette so close was distracting enough.

            This lack of concentration was spoiling his game. Before he knew it he was a full half down in chips.  He shook himself out of the comfortable stupor because everyone else was here to play cards and not just watch to see if a blind man could bluff.

            Everyone was indeed watching Tobias closely.  He dealt the cards comfortably, not needing to see them to know they were there, and they responded appropriately to his touch.  He dealt almost as though he knew where everyone’s hands were, but just a little off mark.  Joe smiled as he leaned back after tossing his cards in on one particularly bad hand.  How could Hoss and Pa ever have doubted Tobias?  Those eyes of his were certainly convincing.  Everyone was respecting Tobias now, as he did, especially seeing how little he was winning, and how poorly Lynette was at keeping a straight face.

            The ups in the antes and the higher bets caught him by surprise, as did the continued run of his losing streak.  He told Lynette he would do it on purpose, but he didn’t have to.  Lynette was there to hand out the slips of paper for those who were running short but wanted to stay in, and she smiled at him when he accepted the paper.  Hoss left the game when his last chip disappeared and got a beer.  Tobias kept up the small talk, the easy chatter, Lynette once in a while singing softly under her breath.  Tobias never once looked down at any of his hands, making even the stubbornnest loser lean back in his chair and simply curse his own foul luck. 

            Behind them the crowds were slowly thinning as the clock chimed 11 p.m.  Joe finally got the hand he wanted, and this time the hand was a big one.  The pot would be his.  Tobias wiped his hand across his forehead as Lynette frowned over his shoulder. 

            "Lynette, another slip."  Joe wrote quickly and threw his note in the middle.  Lynette glanced at it and whispered to Tobias. 

            Tobias rubbed his forehead, and then nodded.  Lynette pushed an equal amount forward, and two more men left the table.  Hoss stood over Joe.

            "Joe, will you look at---."

            "Shhh." 

            Tobias stopped the bidding.  "Show your hand, Joe.  For everyone to see."

            Joe put them down.  "4 Aces." 

            A small murmur rose through the crowd.  Tobias laid down his cards. 

            "A royal flush.  Joe, he got a royal flush."  Hoss felt as dry-mouthed as a desert basin.

            Tobias grinned.  "Gentlemen, I believe the game has just ended.  I want to thank you all for a very entertaining evening, and I do hope you all have had a good time, even if you did not all come away winners.” 

            The players grumbled as they reconciled themselves to their losses and left the saloon, heading for whatever sleep they could claim that night. 

            Tobias leaned back, clearly drained.  “Lynette, my dear, how did we do?"

            "Well, Father, you did fine.  From Joe alone, you won close to---." she watched as the bartender exchanged the chips for currency and laid all the available winnings on the table in front of Tobias, along with the notes of money owed him.

            But Hoss didn’t let her finish as he grabbed the notes from the table.  After studying them a moment his mouth dropped wide.  "Joe, you lost practically half the Ponderosa!"

            Joe stared hard at the table as though willing the night to reverse itself.  "I can't believe it."  Lynette threw her arms around him but he was too numb to notice.  "I didn’t expect to lose that much.  Tobias, I need the chance to win my money back."

            The crowd was down to a few drunken stragglers as Hoss got himself and Joe a shot of whiskey.  He couldn’t bring himself to look at his little brother.  His hands were shaking so badly he spilt half his whiskey on his hand before he could get it to his lips - and, very unlike his usual self, drunk down quick the one he ordered for Joe.

            Tobias shook his head.  "Joe, I'm sorry, but this game proved to me that I really don't enjoy gambling anymore.  The satisfaction disappeared when my sight left me.  No, Lynette and I must be getting on to Boston for my surgery---."

            Joe grabbed Tobias by the shirt and pulled him up.  “Don’t fool with me!”  The motion knocked Tobias' glasses off.  Joe stared at Tobias, at eyes obviously startled and seeing him back. He tossed Tobias back into his chair.  "My family was right, you're not blind.  You cheated!  This whole thing was just a ruse, to throw everyone off guard!"

            "That's right, young fella."  Three men stood in the doorway of the saloon waving rifles.  "Now if you'll all just back away from the table, we'll be taking what's due us."

            "Now wait a minute..."  Joe took a step forward but halted as the hammer of the rifle snapped back, his gut the target.  At the moment dying didn’t seem as bad as facing Pa, but being gut shot didn’t appeal at the moment either.  At least Pa would kill him in a more merciful fashion.

            Tobias stepped forward, holding out a fistful of bills.  “It’s all here, fellows, just like I promised, everything you lost to me.  Now as you promised, you’ll let me and my daughter....”

            Hoss and the drunks were shoved over to the poker table as well as the bartender, to keep everyone in their sighted rifle barrels. 

            “Don’t think so, Tobias.”  Mel said, advancing on him.  “See, I don’t take kindly to being fooled.  I expect you owe us everything you took tonight, after what you put us through.”  Mel put his rifle down.  “Harry, get the money.”  While Mel and Gus watched, Harry took the saddlebag from his shoulder and loaded everything from the table into the bag.

            "You old cheat, Tobias,” Mel said as he walked behind the bar for a shot of whiskey.  “If you hadn't won we woulda killed ya for sure.  Now that you have, you proved yourself a cheat and a fraud. Now you owe all of them, instead of us.”  He slammed the whiskey down.  “You greedy old fool.  Oh, and you…” he pointed at Joe.  “You will still owe Tobias, and we’ll get that, too.  You can bet on it.”

            Mel hefted the saddlebag stuffed with the cash and left the written notes for Tobias.  Gus and Harry waved at the crowd to back away as Mel turned to the door.

            To find himself facing Roy’s rifle, and four deputies behind him.

            "Just drop it on the table there,” Roy said, with the official menace in his voice.  "If you don't think I mean it, you just go ahead and try me.”

            Gus and Mel lowered the rifles.  Harry dropped his to the floor, but in a split instant he had Lynette against him and pulled his gun. 

            "Go on, Sheriff, shoot me.  You'll get the girl first.  Go on."

            Roy didn't move.  "Let her go.  You don't want to hurt the lady.”

            "Good call, Sheriff.  So go on, back out, and let us go free.  Or she's dead."

            Lynette whimpered but didn't struggle.  Joe started toward them but Hoss grabbed his arm.  Gus and Mel re-aimed their rifles and with the saddlebags followed Harry and Lynette out into C Street.  Hoss and Joe followed at a distance behind, looking for their chance.  Joe glanced back at Tobias, but the silver haired scoundrel had fallen into his seat, staring at the empty poker table.

            Up the street two horses rode fast into town, rifles gleaming under street torches.

            Hoss recognized the horses the instant before Adam fired.  Harry's eyes went wide and Lynette flung herself to the ground.  Mel and Gus broke for their horses across the street. Another gunshot and Mel's rifle went flying.  Gus jumped on his horse and Joe leaped, pulling Gus out of the saddle to the ground.   Hoss laid a strong fist into Mel's jaw, landing him flat in the dirt - all before Harry bit the ground face first from the first gunshot.

            "All right, party's over."  Roy said, picking Mel up off the ground.  "Everyone go on home.  Hoss, get Harry over to the doc’s, will ya?  Maybe there’s a chance he can save the scoundrel’s life.”  They hauled Mel and Gus off to the sheriff's office.

            Adam and Ben stepped into the street, Adam still holding his rifle.  Lynette ran to him. 

            "Adam, I was so worried about you.  When I found out what Father had done, I was ready to disown him.  In fact, now that I know you're all right, I can tell you that..."

            "Lynette." Tobias came out of the saloon and sat down on the stoop.  "I think it’s time we call the whole charade to a close.”

            "What Tobias means, Adam, is that he's not blind," Joe said.

            Adam kept his arm around Lynette.  "I know."

            "You know?"  Lynette looked up with hope into Adam’s face.

            "Well, Pa and I suspected, and when we were shanghaied were able to figure the rest out.  He didn't want us in the way tonight."  Adam grinned at Joe.  "How much did you lose, little brother?"

            "Well, you know me, I just like staying in the game, and I knew Tobias wouldn't mind, so I wrote out some phony notes and that way---."

            "Joe, you played in a legitimate card game with a skilled dealer.  If you were allowed to stay in with notes that you signed, they weren't phony," Ben said.  "How much did you lose?"

            Joe mumbled, looking away.

            "What?"

            "About half the Ponderosa," Hoss said.

            "WHAT!!!"

            "If Tobias and Lynette hadn't been cheating----."

            Adam grabbed Joe's arm and jerked him close.  "Be careful who you call a cheater."

            "I’ll bet you Lynette knew her pa wasn’t blind all along.   Go ahead and ask her.  If she was sweet talking you, she was sweet talking both of us together just to keep us from guessing and----.”

            Adam laid back and delivered a clean punch to Joe's jaw, knocking him to the ground.  Ben got between them.  "Adam, that's enough."  He turned to stop Joe from coming back with his own closed fist.  "Joe, this is going no farther.  Tobias, I want to see you inside that saloon.  Joe, Hoss, come with me."

            "But Pa, he---."

            "Joseph."

            Lynette was alone in the street with Adam.  The sky seemed darker than just a moment before, and she couldn't see any stars.  She could almost feel the ground trembling beneath her, although the mines' stamping machines seemed so far away.        

            "Adam..."

            He took her in his arms and kissed her briefly.  When they broke away, his smile was rueful.  "I have the feeling it's the last time I'll want to do that."

            "Oh, Adam, don't say that."

            Adam turned away.  He couldn't look into those lovely gray eyes any longer, those eyes that were filled with passion and lies at the same time.  He didn't know who she was and yet he loved her.  "What is the truth, Lynette?  Was anything you've told me since we met the truth?"

            "How I feel about you is.  That's enough."

            "Is it?"  He turned back in anger.  "I don’t know where my mind was.  Once I was sure Tobias wasn’t blind, I still couldn’t see that maybe you were lying, too.  I had planned to find out why he lied to you, but that isn’t necessary.  Because whatever his scheme was, it was yours as well."

            "Oh, Adam, don't hurt me this way.  Tell me what I can say to have you forgive me and take me in your arms again.  Adam, I’ll do anything you say.  He can go on without me."

            "No.  No, he won't, because you're not welcome here.  One thing could have made this all end differently.  When you wanted us to have a chance, you would have told me the truth right away.  Not wait until it all fell apart."  He turned back to his horse.

            "Adam?"  She waited but he didn't turn back.  "Is it really too late?  Doesn't a gal in Virginia City get a second chance?"  She looked up at the sky.  "I always heard about second chances here, where the sky is so close you can almost touch the stars."  She was crying real, uneffected tears, the loss from deep inside her.  "Where are they?  I don't see the stars."

            Adam wiped his face on his sleeve before looking up at the sky.  "They're not out tonight."  He mounted up and walked the horse off into the darkness.  Lynette watched until she couldn't see him.

            She felt someone come up behind her. 

            "You lost a good one there," Roy said.  "Just your rotten luck."

            She bit back a retort and walked inside the saloon, and Roy followed.  Tobias and Ben were shaking hands.

            "Lynette, darling, I have agreed to give Ben back the notes that Joe signed.  After all, he did extend his wonderful hospitality to us."

            "Ben, does this mean you're not pressing charges?"  Roy asked.  "I hear tell Joe accused Tobias of cheating."

            "No, no charges from us.  Although I don't know what'll happen if the other players catch wind of this.  What do you think, Roy, do they need to be told?"

            "I think they can maybe come up with the idea on their own.  After all, in any card game I've ever seen, you either win or lose.  You may have lied about your eyes, but does it mean you cheated at cards?”      

            "And Roy, you'll be glad to know that Tobias here has agreed to turn over most of these winnings to get those two men a fair hearing back in San Francisco.  That should leave him just enough money to get to Boston."  He put a hand on Tobias’ shoulder.  "I've convinced him to try acting back east, he's good at it!"

            Lynette took Joe's hand.  "You were so kind, letting my Father win all that money.  Do you think it’s possible to give a girl a second chance..." she leaned up to his cheek.

            "Lynette?" Joe said softly, his lips close to hers.  "Have a good life in Boston."

 

            Within an hour the three Cartwrights caught up to Adam and rode home under clouds that parted for the stars to open up the skies.

 

 

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