The Bank of California, part 1
by
Lyn Robinson

Adam was revelling in feeling well enough to be up and around and to begin with the only thing that he had been interested in were his three children, but Doc had brought out the latest news from town with him. The stock market seemed to have hit bottom with over 100 million dollars of paper value knocked off the Comstock shares and news of the effects were beginning to arrive from all areas. Dan had sent out news as had several other friends and once Doc had gone Ben and Joe joined Adam at the table and they began going through all the papers and short letters. Most of their close friends were safe but many acquaintances had been badly hit. Word was slowly coming in from Sacramento and San Francisco along with many smaller towns, where businesses were closing, people losing their homes as the Bank foreclosed on mortgages, the Bank itself badly hit. The report which worried them most indicated that Ralston himself was badly hit. Needing cash for his obsession the Palace hotel, Ralston had forgotten the basis of good money management and he had taken risks, buying heavily on margin. Now needing money to cover the stock he was selling off his possessions, his ranch to his father-in-law Colonel Fry and his holdings in the Virginia and Truckee railroad to Meg’s brother-in-law D.O. Mills for a loan of a quarter of a million dollars. According to the best estimates that Dan had been able to collect, Sharon’s manipulations had cost Ralston nearly three million in cash, Adam frowned as he pushed the papers over to Joe and began doodling figures on his pad, “They’ve taken him to the cleaners, some friends and relatives!”
Ben nodded “Even the Palace belongs to Sharon unless he can raise two and half million in cash and the interest mounts up. Sharon won’t forgive him one penny of it.”
“According to this the vultures are gathering.” Joe said, “The rest of the ring are getting out, turning their Bank stock over to him. Suddenly only real estate is safe! What do you think it means?”
Adam met his father’s eye “He can’t have much left, all of the Bank stock but much of that is based on the Comstock, sound enough in the long term, the question is can he hold on long enough. For the first time there must be a very real possibility of the Bank failing.”
Ben nodded “Apart from his own house on Pine Street and the ranch at Belmont he has precious little left. Just a question of who knows it, confidence is all in banking. We’ve found out with very little trouble, but then we have a great many contacts most people don’t. If word doesn’t spread too far he may survive, but if a run starts that will be it.”
Joe whistled softly “Still seems hardly possible, the Bank has always seemed so powerful.”
Adam rested his head on his right hand, “Banking is risky Joe, it has to rely on trust, confidence or there wouldn’t be any credit. No Bank can pay off all its creditors at once, that’s why I took such care with our charter not to leave us personally liable to more than a stated extent, keep the ranch clear.”
Joe frowned, but not really at Adam’s words, and got up to collect his brother a drink as Adam’s voice was very noticeably weaker than it had been. Adam was grateful for the weak brandy and water Joe passed him but when his father suggested that he ought to go and rest for a while Adam wouldn’t hear of it. In fact he was weaker than he’d expected, it seemed stupid after all there had only been superficial damage and Adam wouldn’t admit his weakness even to himself.
Carole had removed the children, not wanting to overtire him and she sat quietly sewing but watching Adam when he indignantly turned down his father’s suggestion she went to have a word with Sue. Sue was in the kitchen with the twins, but she left them to Nita and Kam Su as Carole asked for a word. Having got Sue alone, Carole didn’t seem to know what to say. Sue could see that she was worried and asked “Do you feel alright Carole?”
“Oh I’m fine. Funny I’m not even worried about the baby now. I know I’ll carry to term. It’s Adam.”
“But he’s marvellous and his back is healing very fast. I know he’s still in pain, more than he’ll admit but it is a lot easier.”
“I know that, it’s just that he’s so weak. Just sitting at table reading and he’s wilting already. I really didn’t expect it.”
Sue put her arm round the smaller woman, “You should have done Carole. I repeat he’s marvellous, just the pain he’s had and all the effort he expended getting to safety and then coming home. Drugs can give him sleep, but like you it’s not the same as natural sleep. It wasn’t until Adam got you to relax that you got any benefit from your sleep. It’s the same for him, he’s missing natural rest and he’s missed a lot of meals. The surprising thing is that he can walk around unaided, not that he wilts after a short time.”
“Are you sure?”
“He’s alright Carole. He should gain strength rapidly now. He’s eating much better and resting easier. I’ll have a word with him if you like get him to lie down for an hour.”
“You won’t manage it!”
“Oh I know your husband, low cunning. I just have to imply that he’s worrying you and that’s not good for you or the baby.”
“Don’t worry him.”
“I won’t.” Sue was true to her word and half hour later, to Ben’s surprise, she persuaded his eldest son to rest for an hour before dinner. It only took her a couple of minutes although Adam had ignored his own similar suggestion.
Nita saw the surprise on both their faces and came over to Joe as Sue and Carole went up with Adam. “Cheer up.” Joe put his arms round her holding her close, “How did she manage it?”
“Low cunning. Just suggested that Carole was looking worried.”
Joe laughed, but Ben anxiously asked “Is Carole alright?”
“Of course, glad to see Adam up and around but she doesn’t want him overdoing it.”
Adam even dozed for a while and he was ready for his dinner, glad to sit up and feed himself, even if he did need the food cut up. Over the next few days Adam gained strength rapidly and using the muscles in his back and shoulders eased the stiffness so that he could do more without it hurting. In fact his back was irritating more than hurting as it healed and at times it took all his willpower to prevent himself having a good scratch. He was glad when he managed to persuade everyone that he would be fine overnight, trusting in a strap to stop himself turning over onto his back. He was even sleeping without recourse to drugs and if slightly more broken nights were the results, his sleep seemed to bring much more benefit and he wasn’t looking nearly as drawn, much more himself. Adam was delighted to feel so much better and all of them relaxed and Joe left more to his father and brother riding out on errands most days, checking around the ranch and to town. Joe was keeping Hoss in close contact as his brother struggled to straighten out the mess on the west shore, Jess, Jackson and Santee had all gone out to help Hoss and between them they had a limited operation running again and were beginning to make some headway in clearing the devastated area, It left Joe to handle the main camp with flying visits, but Joe had got Peter Curtis installed to help Johnny. Luckily the two men hit it off well and Curtis was able to help in the organisation and paperwork, areas where Johnny was weak. Between them the two men kept things running fairly smoothly.
Adam had been up for nearly a week when Joe rode into town to collect some money. He rode in with Doc who had called into check on his brother and the three pregnant women. While he had Doc on his own Joe took the opportunity to cross question him and make sure he knew exactly what Doc thought,
Doc placidly answered Joe’s questions, knowing how close the brothers were and understanding the younger man’s fears that he might be glossing over things with Carole pregnant and their father not one hundred percent fit. Since Doc was very pleased with his patient’s progress he was eventually able to put Joe’s mind at rest. The major injury was well on the way to healing and if Adam’s hand was taking its time, that wasn’t too surprising after the trauma it had been subjected to. Overall Adam was recovering fast as always although he would have to take it easy for a while yet. After the scare Adam had had with Carole, Joe knew they wouldn’t have much trouble keeping him at home until the baby arrived. That thought led him to his other major worry, not just Nita but all three of the girls. As his anxiety about his eldest brother eased, as though abhorring the vacuum, fears for his wife had flooded back. With her he could remain calm as she looked so healthy and happy but for the last three nights he had been troubled by nightmares, memories of Marie’s death coming back with renewed force and the cold emptiness he’d known after she’d gone. He was scared for Nita and himself, but also for his brothers and their wives. Joe tried to keep his questions casual but Doc had known him all his life and he wasn’t fooled, but again he was able to be most reassuring. All three girls were fit and well and although he would keep a close eye on Carole after her threatened miscarriage, and on Sue as she was rather older than most with her first child, he foresaw no problems. Joe studied Doc carefully but slowly relaxed. Doc grinned, “Right Little Joe, if you’ve finished the interrogation this is where I turn off, another visit to make.”
“Sorry Doc.”
“That’s alright. I know they all matter to you, but really there’s no reason to worry. I know you’ve been getting more like Adam over the years but that’s one trait of his you’ll do well to avoid. One worrier in the family is enough!”
Joe grinned at that, “Thanks Doc. I’ll be seeing you.”
“Be out in a week to keep an eye on everyone. Try to keep out of trouble until then.”
Joe waved at him and put Cochise into a canter heading for town, He completed his business at the bank and had just delivered long lists of stores to be collected by a hand the next day when he saw two well known figures forcing their way through the crowds towards him. Although Joe knew them well he was surprised to see them in Virginia City. Flood and O’Brien were only infrequent visitors and he couldn’t remember the last time when they’d come together. James Flood was terse, “Good, wanted to see one of you, things to arrange.”
William O’Brien, tubby, red-faced and jolly was in fact Joe’s favourite amongst the four Irishmen and he grinned at Joe. “Come and join us for a drink Joseph, then we can talk.”
“Sure, I was about to go for a beer anyway.”
They pushed through to the Washoe club where Jim Fair was waiting but although the three Irishmen ordered champagne, Joe stuck to beer he’d had a long dusty ride. It wasn’t until they were settled round a table in an alcove that Flood reverted to business, “What do your father and Adam think of this market collapse?”
“Not unexpected,” Joe said carefully, “We’ve all watched the speculation on the Ophir, maniacal, Sometime it had to bust, no real basis for it and a good chance it would take the rest of the market with it. In time most of the stock will recover, the mines are sound.”
“You sold out early.” Jim said almost accusingly.
Joe chose his words with care, “We sold some stock certainly, overhauled our investments, personal and joint. Where it affected you, even slightly, I believe Adam informed you.”
O’Brien smiled “We ain’t prying Joe; main thing is this fall ain’t hitting you.”
“No, except in terms of paper value and the Bank is still well covered, our liquidity is high.”
“That’s one thing we ought to discuss.” Flood commented.
“There’s no problem on the last set of figures, unless you have something more recent I haven’t seen?” Joe queried slightly anxious,
“No problem, maybe opportunities.” Flood went on, “That’s why we’ve come, discuss the whole position with Jim and John and your family.”
Joe hesitated, it was a reasonable request but he couldn’t speak for his whole family on anything controversial and he sensed that something was being planned which the three men weren’t sure they would like. “I can’t speak for the others; you know we work by majority decision.”
Jim grunted “Don’t expect it Little Joe. Need your Pa and Adam. I know Doc said not to bother Ben but he’s better now ain’t he?”
“Just about fully recovered thank God.” Joe answered.
O’Brien said “How about Adam. We heard he was badly burnt but stories are pretty varied.”
“He was, still weak but he’s up and around. I doubt he could make town yet.” Joe made his mind up, “Pa still tires too but if you would like to join us out at Adam’s house then I’m sure we can discuss all relevant issues. Join us for lunch tomorrow and we can settle things during the afternoon.”
The others were willing to accept that, it was the obvious answer but as they weren’t prepared to elaborate beforehand Joe excused himself. He still had several things to do and with Adam out of action he needed to get back. Joe went down to the Palace and found Dan to collect the latest gossip Dan bought him a beer and demanded to know how Adam was before he would answer any questions. Once Joe had reassured him that Adam was on his feet and recovering well Dan filled him in on some of the local gossip. The town had been hard hit by the market collapse, several mills, small businesses of various types, shops and even boarding houses were being forced to close as the securities backing their mortgages collapsed, or speculators vainly tried to cover stock bought on margin. Some people were hanging on helped by friends or family, but all too many were bankrupt and there had been several suicides. None of their close friends has been driven to extremes yet, Ben had issued instructions to the local branch of the Bank of Nevada to be generous and all of them had made personal loans to help friends hold on. Many warned quietly to be careful had pulled out in time and they had helped others but it was all a small drop in the ocean of disaster. Not only Virginia City but most of the businesses in California were paralysed and even those who hadn’t speculated in stocks were drawn into the chaos, losing their jobs and in some places their homes.
A lot of the more spectacular items were in the paper but it was the mass of detail that Dan showed Joe which upset him more. Just nonentities, small people with no news value, but their lives were being upset for no reason, through no fault of their own. Children were going hungry, hard working men losing their jobs all because one man had decided to manipulate the market. Not wanting too many people to see how he felt Joe broke off his discussion with Dan abruptly as several other people wandered over to see what the truth was about Adam with so many varied stories. Joe was rather brusque and broke away as quickly as he could to head home.
Joe made one further stop at John Marye’s for the latest figures that John prepared for them every day. He was hoping to get in and out fast but John Marye wanted to talk to him. Before when the stock market had collapsed Adam representing the Cartwrights had acted decisively to bolster up the market and by doing it spectacularly had changed the tide of opinion. Now with things even worse than they had been then Marye urged Joe to get his family to act again, the mines were still sound, the stock ludicrously priced. Joe listened patiently but he would make no commitments, “Look we’ll talk it over, we were planning to anyway but that’s all I can promise. We have been rather tied up in our own affairs with Adam hurt, but I doubt if we could have acted anyway, not yet.”
“Someone has to Joe; things can’t go on like this. The whole of business is coming to a stop. In some ways we’re better than most, the mines are still producing.”
“I know and I don’t like it any better than you do but we’re only one of many influences and how much we can do yet I’m not sure.”
Marye had to be content with that, Joe looked very like his eldest brother as he concentrated on the figures and Marye accepted that was the best he’d get, a promise to consider matters. Joe rode home with all too much to think about, but he brightened up as he rode into the valley seeing his big brother coming down to join him. With things reasonably straight again Hoss had awarded himself a day off to come home and report. He was pleased to see Joe pull up and wait for him. The telegraph was very useful and just to be in contact enabled him to push his worries to the back of his mind, but he wanted more detail and alone Joe could speak openly.
Hoss pulled up next to Joe, “Hold on for a minute little brother.”
Joe searched Hoss’ face and relaxed sure that despite his unexpected arrival there was no trouble. “You’ve timed it well Hoss. Might need your support tomorrow all four Irishmen are coming out to discuss this stock collapse.”
“I’m no banker Joe.”
“I know but I get the impression they’re up to something. It keeps the numbers equal.”
“Yeah well we’ll worry tomorrow. How’s everything at home?”
“Sue’s fine, in fact everyone is. Nita and I have moved back home and with you back so can Sue, Pa’s staying hut it’s not really necessary. Carole seems to have fully recovered although she’s still taking it easy, just in case and Adam is much stronger.”
“His back?”
“Healing well and not nearly as painful, although he moans that he’d give anything to have a good scratch, irritating inevitably but that’s a good sign.”
“How about his hand?”
“Still taking its time but it really isn’t very long and he’s very much better than he was. Doing a certain amount of work now. Sue is bullying him into resting. She’s more successful than we’ve ever been. Uses underhand methods, says he’s worrying Carole and he becomes as meek as a lamb.”
Hoss frowned at that, it wasn’t like his brother but Joe grinned, “Cheer up, yesterday I looked in about twenty minutes after he’d gone up for a nap before dinner at Sue’s insistence. Sure he was lying down but that was as far as it went he was lost in a book.”
“He is better?”
“Much but it’s going to take a while Sue says he’s recovering very fast but Adam doesn’t agree. He still tires easily, fairly weak. Not surprising, he didn’t eat or sleep properly and all that pain was bound to take it out of him. Still he’s eating much better now, managing without drugs mainly.”
Hoss relaxed as Joe spoke and the wanting to see for himself said “Come on Joe let’s get home.”
Joe reached out and gripped his brother’s arm, “Don’t forget it’s late he was up early this morning. I’m not trying to hide anything but he is still weak, don’t expect too much.”
“It’s okay Joe I’m all too used to him being ill, all of you for that matter.”
“You’re a fine one to talk big brother, at least we don’t get hurt falling off buckboards!”
Hoss laughed and the brothers kicked on home. Adam was sitting at table reading one of the novels that Joe had brought him. He was rather tired, his hand throbbing and bothering him more than he would admit but he’d refused to go and rest. He brightened up seeing Hoss come in. Hoss put his arm round Sue who had gone straight over to him and once he’d kissed her soundly he led her over to his brother, still holding her close as he searched his brother’s face. Then perching on the table he gripped Adam’s hand “You’re looking brighter.”
“Feel much better. Glad you’re back Hoss, might stop your wife bullying me.”
Hoss laughed “Oh I’m sure you deserve it, you’ve never had any commonsense when it comes to your own health.”
Over dinner Joe filled them all in on the news from town and what he’d arranged for the next day but he couldn’t really help on why Flood and O’Brien had arrived, just their comment about opportunities. When Adam couldn’t hide a yawn his family combined to bully him into bed, tomorrow was likely to prove a long day. Hoss went up to help his brother wanting to see for himself just how the bad burns were healing. Adam was glad of Hoss’ help but refused any drugs, he’d had a large brandy and he was tired enough to sleep. Hoss fixed the strap to prevent Adam turning over and inspected his brother’s back carefully before pulling up the sheet. Adam grinned at him “Satisfied Hoss?”
“Yeah. Looks very much better, don’t think it’s even going to be as badly scarred as I expected.”
“I don’t much care, just wish it would stop itching! What I wouldn’t give for a good scratch!”
“I can imagine, still it’s not so painful is it?” Hoss frowned, still seeing too many pain lines on his brother’s face. Adam smiled affectionately at him “Take it easy big brother, it’s not painful now unless I knock it or something. Stop worrying I’m fine, Doc was out this morning says we’re all doing well. Go on take your lovely wife home. I think she’s been missing you.”
“That’s mutual, see you in the morning.”
Adam settled and tried to sleep but he couldn’t seem to get comfortable, the throbbing in his hand going through his whole body. He tried to ignore it, Doc had seen it that morning and said it was fine and his back had been very painful just before it started healing so it was probably a good sign. He was dozing when Carole looked in on the way to bed but soon after he was awake again and read for a while before again trying to sleep. His father had taken the room immediately across the corridor from Adam and he had as usual left his door open in case Adam wanted anything. Adam had no intention of disturbing his father, knowing that he was still low on stamina but dozing restlessly he was moaning. Ben heard and came over to him and gently held him still, Adam only dozing was awoken but for the moment he wasn’t too sure where he was. He’d been dreaming, or more precisely having a nightmare and he was soaked in sweat and shaking. Ben let him come to in his own time and poured him a drink. Adam downed it gratefully “Sorry Pa didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“Do you want to talk Son?”
“Nothing to talk about. I think I must have been dreaming but I don’t remember.”
“Do you feel alright?” Ben asked worriedly, “Is your hand bothering you?”
“Just a bit. I’m fine Pa, just finding it difficult to settle.”
Ben got out a tablet. “Come on Adam take one of these you must get some rest it could be a very long day.”
Adam didn’t want to give way and take drugs but seeing how worried his father looked he submitted on condition Ben went back to bed himself. Ben agreed and when he looked in half an hour later, Adam was sleeping peacefully.
Adam wasn’t the only one suffering from nightmares Joe had woken up in a cold sweat about three. He’d slipped out of bed not wanting to disturb Nita and come down to get himself a drink. He could remember all too clearly what he’d dreamt. Memories of the long hours when his world had seemed come to an end as he lost his beloved Marie, confused with his fears for Nita. He’d woken up as the coffin was covered over, but the face kept changing from Marie to Nita and sometimes even Sue or Carole. He’d seen his big brother standing alone by the lake sunk in misery at the loss of his beautiful red-head. Joe wasn’t even sure who he was scared for but he felt thoroughly sick. Pak Tsien heard someone moving around and came to investigate. Joe took advantage of it, assuring the little man that he was okay and was going to take a ride, not to disturb Nita but if she did wake before he got back he left a note.
Joe rode up to the Lake and knelt by Marie’s grace, his petite wife so clear in his mind’s eye that he felt almost as though he could touch her. He prayed for Nita, for Sue and Carole, and for the strength to hide his fears from them all. Marie seemed to calm him as always and sitting staring over the Lake he remembered as clearly as if it had only been yesterday what Adam had said, his advice which Joe had taken so very seriously to build up his memories and not spoil everything by panicking. Adam had said that if the worst happened Joe could face it and now he knew he could and his brothers were as strong as he was so there was no point in getting into a panic. Slowly the calm of the Lake and Marie had their effect and Joe rode back to join Nita for breakfast, tired but feeling calmer than he had for several days, Nita recognised that and for a while they forgot everything just sitting chatting in the study, discussing names for the child, the son she was sure she was carrying, What they wanted for their child until surprised Joe realised it was gone ten and they had better get over to Adam’s in case his family wanted to discuss anything before the Irishmen arrived.
Sue and Hoss were late too, taking advantage of some time on their own, with a lot to plan and dream, Sue was equally sure that Hoss had sired a son and she had her own dreams for the child she had never expected to bear and sometimes watching her big gentle man she still found it hard to believe her good fortune.
In fact none of them were missed, Carole was busy with Kam Su preparing for her guests while Ben ran over the figures from the Bank. Adam after the drug late in the night slept late much to their delight, knowing the impossibility of getting him to leave a business meeting even if he was virtually exhausted. He’d only just woken up when Hoss arrived and was having some coffee before getting up. His hand was still very painful but the drug kept the worst of the pain down and after a long sleep he was able to hide it. Hoss helped him dress and once he was settled in his favourite position at table Adam buried himself in the latest reports from the Bank.
The four Irishmen arrived soon after midday but they kept to social chat until after dinner. Flood and O’Brien both congratulated Adam on the two new houses which they hadn’t seen before. Carole had put on a very good meal but once it was cleared away the three girls left them with coffee and brandy, removing the children over to Joe’s house. With eight of them it was easier to remain around the dining room table for their discussions, rather than use the study.
Adam was glad of the brandy and got Joe to refill his glass before he settled himself as comfortably as he could to listen to the proposition that he was sure was coming. James Flood seemed to be the spokesman for the four Irishmen and Adam thought that both MacKay and O’Brien looked rather uneasy with Jim Fair as impatient as ever, but they could only wait and see. The four Cartwrights were ranged on one side of the table with Ben at the head of the table, Adam between his father and Hoss, his back protected by the wall with Joe on the far side of Hoss. The four Irishmen sat on the other two sides and all four Cartwrights were conscious of a distinct ‘us’ and ‘them’, unusual in their dealings with the four so-called ‘Silver Kings’, all long time business partners. Hoss understood why Joe had welcomed his support even though he would usually leave these details to his father and Adam.
Flood started by passing around updated figures from the Bank of Nevada, with it only recently setup and only limited loans made they could weather any storm. They had over a million dollars in cash on hand and a further four million in bullion from their own mines, apart from the healthy condition of their own personal accounts. Even with their cash spread around in several banks the Cartwrights had large cash deposits in their own Bank, more than three million between them and that cash hadn’t been touched yet. Adam wasn’t the only one half expecting a crash and few loans had been made as yet, certainly none for speculation.
Then Flood began to report in detail on conditions in the Bank of California, their rival as he called it. Their own contacts had outlined the position for the Cartwrights but it was obvious Flood had bought someone high in the rival Bank. He had detailed figures of the Bank’s position and the holdings still existing, both of the Bank and Billy Ralston in person. Ben frowned not really approving of the methods which must have been used to get this information but when he queried it Flood wouldn’t reveal his source just assuring them all that it was one hundred percent reliable. Jim Fair broke in “We’re in business Ben, wherever it’s come from we can hardly ignore the information now we’ve got it.”
Ben didn’t argue, it was patently impossible to ignore it now and he considered the copy he’d been passed. Joe was rather surprised that Adam was so quiet and, murmuring to Hoss to lean back, he lent across his big brother and touched Adam’s arm, asking softly “Are you okay?”
Adam looked rather flushed and he hadn’t eaten much lunch but he brusquely told Joe not to fuss, picking up the papers in front of him. Joe sat back exchanging glances with Hoss who was equally worried. Adam wasn’t as well as he’d hoped or indeed as Joe had led him to believe. Ben hadn’t missed the byplay and anxious himself, he suggested Joe fetch some fresh coffee, they could all do with some.
That was one offer Adam wasn’t about to turn down, he was very thirsty and draining one cup, he refilled it before finishing going over the figures. Ralston and the Bank were hanging on by the skin of their teeth, desperately needing the Comstock to regain its strength, much of the nominal capital in the depressed stock. The only other asset was one which surprised all the Cartwrights, Ralston had mortgaged his remaining property to the hilt and he had used the money to buy stock in the Spring Valley Water Company, until he virtually owned the company.
Ben queried that point as his sons put down the papers, signalling that they were ready to move on. Flood smiled “Oh I have more information on that, from his point of view it makes perfect sense, but first Adam, how much is that company worth? You saw round it before you hired Schussler didn’t you?”
Harv had designed the project to bring water to San Francisco and left it on limited operation to take over their own project, but without him it had taken a long time to bring fully on stream and it wouldn’t be working at full design capacity for another three months. Adam seemed a long time answering as he poured out yet more coffee, finding it hard to organize his thoughts. Just as Ben was beginning to get worried Adam looked up, “Difficult to put a figure on it. From this control has cost him about three million, not unreasonable, I guess. San Francisco badly needs the water; the company should show a healthy dividend.”
“If the city council bought it instead of paying for the water, what would be a reasonable price?”
Adam frowned, “Is that what he’s trying? Interesting. It’s been costly to build, taken too long to develop really but it would be a worthwhile investment for the City, cheaper than building again or paying for water long term. Price, God knows, I’d think somewhere between 6 to 8 million depending on whose doing the negotiating. Either way it’ll show Ralston a healthy profit.”
Ben nodded his agreement and Flood grinned “Sounds reasonable and you’ve seen it which is more than most people. Out of bounds now except for a select few, none of whom have much idea what they’re looking at. The actual price to San Francisco is going to be fourteen and a half million.”
Joe whistled softly but the rest just stared in amazement. Adam, sounding more like himself than he had all day, was the first to react. “That’s ridiculous, no way such a figure can be justified.”
Ben frowned “How does he expect to get away with it?”
Adam cynically answered his father “Only one way, the well established Californian way, buy the Mayor and the Councillors. The city government, like the Californian and Nevada legislatures have been in the Bank’s pocket for years. They only have one problem, when the Bank clashes with their other pay master, the Railroad.”
“Not quite their only problem at the moment.” Contributed MacKay “Word is that the Nevada legislature is about wiped out, all deep into Ophir stock on Sharon’s say so.”
Joe shrugged “Just about what they deserve but we’re getting from the point. Will Ralston pull off this deal? If he does the Bank is in the clear again. Even if he doesn’t he’ll still be okay if he can hold on until the Comstock picks up, as it’s bound to in time.”
“True.” Said Flood, “That’s why we’re here. What happens if this becomes public knowledge?”
Ben considered him, “How much of it?”
“The lot, including his attempts to buy the city government. Read this gentlemen, it won’t be released for about a week but then it’s going out country wide. An Associated Press reporter has it arranged. He’s given me a preview for certain assistance. Even the New York ‘Commercial Advertiser’ is running it.” Flood handed out several more sheets and the Cartwrights read the story, all of it in full, if rather lurid, detail. Adam finished first and putting it down he said, “Joe I think I could do with a brandy after that.”
Ben was of the same opinion and as they sipped brandy, Ben leafed through the story again. It called Ralston ‘a masked highwayman, a vicious swindler’. For a long time Billy Ralston had been the idol of the press but now they were turning on him with a vengeance. “Once this hits the streets his name is going to be mud. It will only need a spark to start a run and the Bank could fail.”
Adam nodded “It’s not going to do much good for his credit with the Banks back East or even internationally, not if the ‘Commercial Advertiser’ runs it. They’ll let him go under unless he’s got sufficient security and that means the Comstock. If it goes up fast, he might just hold on.”
Joe shook his head, “It’ll need to move fast, corruption okay we’re all used to it, most ordinary people just shrug, they know it goes on but so what. I think it’s going to be this colossal price which will ruin him. Even a year ago he wouldn’t have tried this. Whatever you think of Ralston, until now he’s been a San Franciscan first and last, determined to make it the greatest metropolis in the country. The people have reacted to that, enjoyed what he’s done. A year ago he’d have bought the water company and donated it to the town. Now their hero has clay feet, trying to rob them and they’ll turn on him, rip him to pieces for it.”
Noone was going to argue with Joe’s reading of events and Ben doodling said, “So it’s back where it started, the Comstock. If it rises fast maybe normality will return.”
Flood said, very quietly, “So we have to ensure that it doesn’t.”
At first Ben thought he’d misheard and then seeing the expressions on his sons’ faces he knew he hadn’t. They’d finally come to the crux of the meeting. He forced Flood to meet his eye, “I don’t think I quite understand you.”
“Logic Ben. Business logic. We’ve been fighting the Bank of California, all of us round this table, fighting them for nearly ten years. At times we’ve been the only ones. Now we have our own Bank of Nevada and we’re in direct competition, we have a chance to rid ourselves of that competition once and for all. There’s only one logical step to take, we’d be fools not to take it.”
Ben looked at the men round the table, his own sons, for once looking alike, all shocked, almost disbelieving, rather pale and the four Irishmen. Both O’Brien and MacKay looked a little ashamed but all four were very determined it was obviously decided between them and although numerically they were equal, the Cartwrights only had a 25% stake. Important enough in many things with need for their lumber and good will to get a lot done their way but they could always be outvoted. For a minute there was silence in the room, a tension you could cut with a knife.
Ben broke it finally and deceptively calm, he asked “Just what are you suggesting we do? I presume you want the Bank to fail?”
“It’s the only way. “O’Brien broke in, “We don’t need them now; we can take over.”
“Why?” asked Joe bitterly
“Why are Banks in business at all, to make money. Get rid of our main competitors and we’ll make plenty. That’s what business is about.” said Jim Fair, “Sure we’ll go along charity funding, low interest loans for pet projects, but basically it’s business. We make money and then you can play philanthropist just like Ralston has.”
Hoss couldn’t restrain himself. He normally stayed out of these discussions but not this time, “We’ve been doing alright anyways Jim. You got more money than you’ll ever spend same as the rest of us, so why do we need more? I for one don’t. We made some pretty fancy speeches when we opened the Bank, about using money to help this state and that means the people too. Now this sure ain’t gonna help them.”
“Get rid of the bank of California and we can do just that Hoss.” insisted John MacKay.
Joe glared at him, “Maybe but just how many little people here and in California are gonna lose everything first John? While you play games, how many more bodies are gonna be found in the Bay or hanging from a beam?”
Ben could understand the bitterness in his son’s voice but he wanted to keep it in the realm of discussion if he could and seeing the rising anger on Fair’s face and Flood’s he said “That will do Joseph. I still want to know exactly what you are intending doing?”
Flood said “We’ll let nature take its course; I’m not suggesting that we initiate a run. Just remove his last hidey-hole. Put the stock we hold onto the market, depress his stock even further so it’s worthless. Not the Virginia or the California of course, no need we have all that but just about everything else that the Bank holds or we do personally. You still have considerable holdings in some mines, throw the lot on. Once the Bank fails we can buy back equally cheaply, maybe even more so.”
It was about what they’d expected but even so for a minute the four Cartwrights sat thinking about what it would do, not only the further lowering of the stock, the last straw for many who were just managing to hold on but the inevitable failure of the bank. It had its feelers in virtually every part of life in the west, even further afield than California and Nevada and thousands would lose savings, maybe all they had. All four were revolted by the very idea put forward as simple business by men they’d known for years and called friend. Hoss looked at them almost in disbelief he’d never really liked Jim Fair, but the others especially John MacKay, he had and now he decided he could never really have known them. Ben and Joe were both thinking in circles trying to see a way out, knowing that they’d be outvoted and despite their wealth and the cash they had on hand, pitted against these four and the panic which would ensue they were realistic enough to know their money would just disappear into a bottomless pit. Any attempt to draw it out and aid the ailing Bank of California might end in the failure of the Bank of Nevada too, which would just spread more misery.
Ben had just about decided the only chance was to reason with the Irishmen forlorn though that seemed, after all they weren’t demons but long term business colleagues, men he’d called friend, when Adam broke his silence. Adam was very pale apart from an unhealthy looking fever colour high on his cheekbones. He seemed to have been hearing them from a long way off, the pain in his hand permeating his whole body but for the moment he’d even forgotten the pain. Shocked and outraged at what was being suggested, seeing similar feelings on his family’s faces and too ill to think clearly, for once Adam didn’t consider the long term, tact with people he had to work with, he very simply lost his temper. He came to his feet glaring at them making no attempt to hide his contempt for them and what they were planning. Anger gave him a spurious strength and his voice was strong. “I’ll have no part in it. So self-righteous at Ralston’s fraud, at least he’s trying to hold things together. You’re planning to manipulate things to cause disaster, disaster for Ralston but also for thousands of innocent people. The rest have pulled out already, you won’t hurt Sharon or Mills none of them, but how many small people living their own lives, trying their best for wives and children will suffer? You don’t care, don’t even consider and for nothing, money we don’t need, power..... For all the people we ought to help, not .... It’s despicable, contemptible, dishonest, I won’t ...” Adam’s voice had weakened tellingly and he swayed, leaning on the table for support murmuring “No, no.”
Hoss had already moved to support his brother who was obviously close to collapse and he looked at his father very worried. Ben was equally so, Adam had seemed so much better the last few days, now he was very obviously almost out on his feet, the surge of anger draining his last reserves of strength and he looked feverish. “You’d better help him up to his room Hoss, he must rest.”
Adam barely hanging onto his senses, made no protest as Hoss pulled his right arm round his own strong shoulders and slowly edged their way out round the table. The four Irishmen had been taken aback by Adam’s outspoken denunciation and could see he was ill and Jim Fair who had a great deal of respect for Adam if not for the others, said “I’m sorry we upset you Adam. Didn’t realise how ill you still were. Go get some rest, we shouldn’t have bothered you with business.” He raised his hand to pat Adam on the back as he often did only to find his arm gripped tight by Joe who had lunged across the table, throwing himself full length on it, his chair flying with a clatter as he realised what Jim would inevitably do. His grip was tight enough to be painful but Hoss and Adam weren’t even aware of what was happening behind them, Hoss was cajoling his brother to make one more effort and get to bed, badly shaken by the fever he could feel in Adam and Adam was only aware of pain.
Joe could see that all too clearly and wasn’t even conscious of the fact that he was still holding Jim’s arm as he watched his brothers, until Jim swore at him, prying his hand loose, “What the hell are you up to Little Joe.”
Joe pulled back and stood up, “Sorry it was necessary. You were going to clap Adam on the back, habit with you. But not at the moment, his back was burnt. It’s healing but he still can’t bear any touch.”
Jim rubbed his arm but he didn’t push it, “I didn’t know, thought he was better.”
Joe bit his lip, “So did we.”
Flood straightened up. “I’m sure he will be soon, but for now he’s not thinking clearly and we still have to decide what to do.”
Joe said bitterly “He may be weak and ill but he’s thinking straight. Everything he said is true and I go along with him. I’ll have no part of this. You say decide, but it’s already decided isn’t it? You four have 75% of the votes so what we say is largely irrelevant. Personally the whole scheme makes me feel sick.” Joe went and poured himself another brandy as Jim murmured something about impetuous young fools. Before the discussion could go any further Hoss was back down, taking the stairs three at a time in his haste.
Hoss had got Adam lying on his bed only too aware his brother was running a fever, scared he had picked up an infection although nothing had been obvious that morning. He asked what was wrong and when Adam said “My hand.” Hoss had gently undone the bandages, feeling the heat through them, before he’d finished. Adam’s hand was badly swollen and inflamed, the swelling already beginning to go up his arm. Hoss looked at it in horror remembering the pain he’d had and how nearly he’d lost his life, knowing the threat of amputation and scared for his elder brother already weakened by all too much pain. Adam stared at the mess too, knowing what it might mean and catching Hoss’ eye as he looked up both pain and fear were very evident. Hoss bit his lip as he wiped his brother’s face, “Try and rest. I’ll go get Pa and Sue, send for Doc.”
“Don’t frighten Carole.”
“No. You just rest.” Hoss ran downstairs, not aware how clearly his fears were marked on his face. “Pa, Joe he’s got an infection in his hand, very swollen and he’s got a high fever.”
Both Ben and Joe dropped their papers and came over to Hoss. Ben forced himself to think “Joe get Doc or send someone for him, real urgent. We’d better get Sue.”
“He don’t want Carole scared.”
“They’re at my house, I’ll wander over tell Sue you want her Hoss, pick up some papers. Send Pak Tsien for Doc, he’s a good rider and we can trust him.”
“Alright Joseph but get a grip on yourself or the girls will guess.” Ben turned to go up to his son with Hoss, business and the four Irishmen completely forgotten.
Joe did as he’d said, having a word with Pak Tsien first and impressing on him the urgency. Then he wandered in and grinned “Forgot some papers.” While he rummaged in his desk, he said casually “Sue, Hoss wants your help, mislaid something. He wasn’t too explicit, claimed you’d been tidying up!”
Sue laughed and began collecting her knitting “I’d better see what he wants, be back later. Have you finished your meeting Joe?”
“Not yet, likely to be several hours, we don’t agree.”
Carole was busy separating the twins who were squabbling but she looked up at the sound of anger in Joe’s voice, “Heated discussion Joe?”
“Yeah I think you could say that. We’ve all lost our tempers so Pa called a break, calm things down a bit. We’ll explain later.”
Carole let him go, seeing that he didn’t want to talk, but it did at least explain the unease she felt, Adam was still weak and easily upset, he was probably just angry. Nita watched Joe and Sue go out; half convinced that he’d been acting but not why. Either way, she could only go along with what he obviously wanted and she changed the subject with the help of the children.
As Sue and Joe walked down the path she asked “Is Hoss at home?” intending to go straight to her house but Joe took her arm. “No and he hasn’t lost anything, that was for Carole. It’s Adam, an infection in his hand, I’ve sent for Doc but until he gets here maybe you can help.”
Sue was horrified but she lengthened her stride as they went over to Adam’s house, “How bad?”
“I haven’t seen but Hoss said it was very swollen. He’s feverish all but collapsed.”
Sue and Joe went straight upstairs not even aware of the four Irishmen, waiting uneasily by the table wondering whether to stay or go. Ben and Hoss were both with Adam but there was little they could do. Ben was using cold compresses for the fever but Adam refused to take anything for the pain, he didn’t want to give way and pass out only to wake up and find he’d lost his arm. Scared of amputation he wanted his wits about him, it had to be his decision whatever happened and Hoss with all too vivid memories backed his brother.
Sue went straight over to Adam, Hoss moving out of her way. Hoss went to put his arm round his younger brother hearing the indrawn breath of shock as Joe took in just how big a mess it was. Sue felt Adam’s pulse and gently wiped his face. He was very weak and feverish, the poison taking its toll fast in his weakened condition and then she gently touched his hand trying to see where the centre of infection was. Adam’s whole body went rigid and he tried to stop the cry of agony at her touch but although muffled in his pillow it was all clearly audible downstairs.
Sue was very pale, she hated hurting him but it would be at least two hours before Doc could get there and by then amputation would be inevitable, if it wasn’t already. Given the rapidity with which he was weakening Adam might not survive the shock of the operation. Almost brusquely she told her husband to get Adam’s belt off and give it to him to bite on, her eyes begging Adam for forgiveness. She had to hurt him but she didn’t waste words. Adam understood and fighting for control of his breathing said “Go on Sue, whatever you need.”
Sue felt firmly round the inflammation, while Adam bit down and held on, the sweat pouring off him for what seemed an eternity. Then Sue sat back, “The centre of it seems to be here just at the base of the thumb. It’s got to be cut, opened, I’ve seen it done, but I’m no Doctor, I might do more harm than good, cut the tendons or something. Doc will be at least two hours. I’m not sure we can wait that long.” Sue lent back against her husband’s warm strength “I just don’t know darling.”
Ben frowned thinking hard, “Noone expects you to Sue. If we wait it may mean amputation, right?”
Sue nodded but everyone’s attention was on Adam. He’d lifted his head, his voice thick with pain, but he was smiling, “I’m a gambler, always have been. Odds look better if you cut it now, drain out some for the poison, like Hoss’. Don’t wait.”
Joe wiped his face, “Adam’s right. The sooner the better. I’ll go and get Kam Su to boil up some water and knives.” Joe hurried out and Ben moved closer to his son while Hoss led Sue over to the window. She buried her face against him and then very quietly told him of her fears, the shock of her amputation could kill Adam, he was right they had to act but she wasn’t sure what to do. There was a strong chance that she’d only achieve momentary relief for all the pain she caused and she might even make matters worse. She was shaking and Hoss held her close, scared for the baby she was carrying and for his brother.
Adam had seen her fears and low voiced he said to his father “Not fair on Sue. She’s a nurse, no Doctor.” Joe had come back and he heard that as he knelt down by the bed. “Adam do you want me to do it? I saw what Doc did for Hoss and I’ve cut open infections on horses often enough. I’m no expert but I have a steady hand.”
Adam nodded “Yes please Joe be best. Just don’t blame yourself if it doesn’t work out.”
Hoss came over at that “Right idea little brother but my job.” Adam met his brother’s gaze, seeing the fear there for his older brother, his wife, even for Little Joe, who would never forgive himself. Hoss said very simply, “I’m stronger.”
Adam knew he didn’t only mean physically but the mental strength to live with it if things went wrong and maybe Hoss was right, Joe was strong but he’d blame himself bitterly, in some way Hoss was more realistic. Adam just nodded, trusting his brothers equally. Sue had intended doing it herself but she was scared, unsure that she could inflict more pain on someone she loved. Hoss smiled “Easy Love. I’ll need your help but I can do this. I’ve cut bullets out of him before.”
Kam Su brought up the water and the sterilised knives and Joe collected clean bandages and lint, with an old sheet to cover the rest of damaged area. Sue carefully put covers over Adam’s back, scared of spreading the infection and then passed Adam his belt again. Ben sat by the head of the bed to wipe his son’s face while Joe took firm hold of his brother’s left arm, resting it on a small table by the bed. Hoss bit his lip apologising mentally for the pain he was bound to inflict and then picked up one of the knives. Sue pointed out where the cut should be and Hoss took firm hold of Adam’s hand with his left hand and knowing that delay would just make matters worse for all of them, he cut down firmly. The tight swollen skin seemed to resist him momentarily but then the initial incision was made and as though a dam had burst pus flooded out of the wound. Sue was ready with cotton wool to soak it up, a seeming never ending stream, and she threw wodge after wodge into the bowl she had beside her. Adam had tensed against the pain but slowly he felt some relief, Hoss was still holding the knife but was the flood eased and the wound began to bleed normally Sue took it from him. “You’ll need a clean knife.”
Hoss nodded and picked one up knowing that this was the hard part. He’d done it for stock but this was his brother. He had to cut into the wound now and try to find the seat of the infection. He looked at Joe, “Hold tight little brother this is going to hurt.” Some of the swelling had gone down so that it was easier to see what he was doing and Hoss forced himself to ignore Adam’s agony, so obvious in his vain attempts to hold still. Concentrating on the wound Hoss cut some of the diseased flesh away looking for the source of the infection. He wasn’t even aware of Sue wiping his face as the sweat threatened to blind him, or of her clearing the wound of pus and blood so he could see what he was doing. All his concentration was on that tiny area of flesh which could still cost his brother his life. Joe was having his work cut out to hold Adam’s arm still as he wordlessly prayed for Hoss’ success.
Ben was scared for his son, as Adam’s breathing became laboured, his pulse erratic, but Adam still wouldn’t or couldn’t give in and pass out. Joe met his father’s eye and saw the fear there but all he could do was hold his brother’s arm still. Time seemed to have stood still for all of them but eventually Hoss let his breath out as he saw something, Sue handed him some tweezers, “Should be it.” she murmured encouragingly. Such a small thing, a little piece of half burnt wood, so small that Hoss had a job to get hold of it, but as he pulled it out some more pus welled up, Sue swabbed the wound clean and Hoss looked at his wife, “Anymore?”
Sue swabbed it again but it seemed to be bleeding freely so she shook her head. As Hoss let go, his brother relaxed with a great sigh as the removal of the festering source brought almost instant relief from the agony he’d been in all day.
Ben wiped his eldest son’s face but Joe let go of Adam’s arm and poured a large brandy for Hoss who was shaking now he’d finished, accepting his wife’s verdict. Hoss knew just what excruciating pain he’d caused Adam, however necessary, and now there was the inevitable reaction. Joe put his arm round his big brother and fed him the brandy while Sue did what she could to cushion Adam’s hand leaving it free to continue draining, even if Adam could ill afford the loss of blood, at least until Doc got there.
Ben gave Adam a little water but despite his pain and weakness it was Hoss he wanted. His voice was so weak that Ben had to strain to hear as he asked for his brother, but catching it he moved over to his younger sons. “Adam wants you Hoss. Easy Son you did a fine job.”
Hoss pulled away from Joe and went to sit by his brother, very gently stroking his hair back. Adam forced a smile “Thank you Hoss. Whatever happens thanks. Feels much easier.”
Hoss’ eyes were wet and he couldn’t find his voice as Adam weakly gripped his hand. Sue moved round to grip her husband’s shoulder and told Adam to try and rest. Hoss was swallowing hard, determined not to upset his brother and Ben suggested “Why don’t you take Sue down and get some coffee Hoss, both of you earnt it. Joseph and I will look after your brother.”
Joe endorsed that coming over to change the cold compress but before Hoss could move the door opened and Carole came in. She had tried to settle, telling herself that Adam was just angry and upset but eventually she couldn’t ignore his pain. She had left Nita to look after the children and come home. She had hurried straight upstairs and wasn’t surprised to find everyone gathered round Adam, She took in the open wound in his hand and looked questioningly at Ben, “Infection Pa?”
Ben nodded “Hoss has cleaned it.”
Carole smiled and as Hoss hastily made way, she went to sit by her husband gripping his right hand and kissing him gently as Adam tried to sound convincing “I’m alright now.”
She could feel the fever burning in him as his body fought the poison already in his bloodstream but she had herself well under control. She hadn’t missed how little he had eaten at dinner and it hadn’t really come as a shock. Once he was sure that she was under control Ben welcomed her presence, she had to know sometime and Adam needed her. Again he suggested that Hoss and Sue go for coffee, his big son was patently suffering from reaction and his wife would help him best alone. This time Hoss did as he was told and he went out with Sue, just touching his brother’s hair as he went with a silent prayer that it would now begin to heal, Adam had had more than enough pain.
They went downstairs, Hoss with his arm round his wife but as they reached the main room Hoss stopped dead. He stared at the four Irishmen whose presence he had totally forgotten, as he imagined his father had. The business meeting seemed an age ago and much as he disapproved the price of stock and the success or failure of a bank seemed strangely irrelevant as he prayed for his brother’s life, that he hadn’t just succeeded in obtaining a temporary relief. John MacKay came over “Is he alright Hoss?” His voice was anxious, he at least was genuinely fond of Adam. Hoss responded to the feeling “Early to be sure. An infection in his hand, blood poisoning. Done what we can to drain it, got to wait for Doc now.” Hoss frowned “I guess business will have to wait. Sue will you get coffee. I must have a quick word with Pa.”
Hoss hurried back upstairs, putting his head round the door “Pa can I have a word.”
Ben left Carole and Joe to watch Adam and went over to Hoss who moved outside to let his father out onto the landing and answered the question in his father’s eyes, “Have you forgotten the Irishmen are still here?”
Ben whistled softly and admitted “Entirely forgotten, I’d better come down,”
“What are you going to do Pa?”
“What we would probably have done anyway. We can’t stop them Hoss. I was going to try and dissuade them but I can’t now and I doubt very much I’d have done any good anyway, But if they go ahead its without us and I shall take every opportunity to make that clear and our stock won’t be touched. It’s all I can do. Seems strangely unimportant at the moment I wish Doc would get here.”
“Adam’s strong Pa.”
“Usually but he’s had all too much pain, low on stamina now. You did a fine job Son, gave him a chance and I know how much that cost you. All we can do now is wait for Doc and pray.”
“He’ll make out; he has too much to live for not to.” Hoss did his best to sound cheerful, his father looked tired and worried, badly hit by this relapse when he thought Adam was almost recovered. Ben straightened his shoulders and went down to join his business associates, somehow after today he would never think of them as friends again. He listened quietly to their expressions of sympathy at Adam’s condition but he couldn’t elaborate on what Hoss had said. He reverted to business, “We can hardly continue our discussions, probably doesn’t make any difference. My sons made our feelings clear and I suspect none of us will change. I hope you will think it over and see sense; the cost is too high for such a marginal advantage. If you go ahead it’s without us. I shall make that clear and any steps we can take to stop you we will.”
Jim Fair was close to losing his temper but Flood gripped his arm, “Not now Jim. We’ll have to agree to differ on this one Ben. When Adam is better maybe we can all get together again, most of our aims are still the same and we can work together as we always have,”
Are they?” asked Ben bitterly “After what I’ve heard today I find that hard to believe.”
John Mackay moved forward, “Not now Ben. We’ll be praying for Adam’s swift recovery. I for one am very sorry to upset him when he was ill.”
O’Brien endorsed that and suggested that they ought to get going and within five minutes they had collected their papers had gone out to the buggies. Ben watched them leave and poured himself a drink. Hoss came out of Adam’s study where he had taken refuge with his wife. He was worried about his father but although Ben looked very tired he insisted that he was alright.
Adam had given way and drifted into an uneasy sleep after the pain of Hoss’ efforts had passed and the acute agony eased. He had still refused to take any drugs but was at least resting and Joe did what he could to support Carole. When his father came back in Joe asked if Ben could cope for a few minutes as he wanted to go and explain what was happening to his wife. Ben nodded of course he could cope there was all too little anyone could do.
Nita had realised that something was wrong as first Sue, and then Carole, failed to reappear. She was upset to hear from Joe that Adam was worse again, very fond of her brother-in-law, but for the sake of the children she hid it. Joe helped her collect their things and moved them back to their own house, at least close to news. Joe spent a while playing with his nephews, although he had one ear cocked for the sound of Doc, who with luck wouldn’t be long now. Hoss and Sue came out to join them, glad of the distraction the children afforded. As Doc’s buggy pulled up in the yard Hoss and Joe were out to greet him. Hoss rapidly explained what he’d done and Doc told Joe to get Kam Su to boil some more water in case he needed to do any tidying up and then he hurried up to see his patient. Joe hesitated as Hoss and Sue followed Doc upstairs but Nita kissed him, “Go up to your brother, I’ll see Kam Su and look after the children.”
Joe held her very close for a moment more grateful than words could say for the support she gave him, the way she knew him and the freedom to do as he wanted. He didn’t realise how clear his feelings were on his face, giving her all the reward she wanted. Then he turned and hurried up to join his brother and find out Doc’s verdict.
Adam had woken up as Doc came in and Doc gave him a minute to recover before checking his pulse. Then he asked Adam how his back felt, making no attempt to look. Adam’s voice was still very weak, “Fine Doc just itches.”
Doc made no comment as he lifted Adam’s hand, at least his patient was rational although very feverish. He looked round at Carole “Why don’t you go downstairs young lady Sue can give me all the help I need.”
“I’m alright Doc and I’d rather stay.”
Ben nodded so would he, but he did move closer to his daughter-in-law. Doc gave way. “Alright.” He looked down at his patient “I must have a look at your hand Adam, I’m afraid it’s going to hurt.”
“Go ahead Doc.”
Doc turned to the other brothers, Hoss still looked drawn so Doc asked Joe to hold his brother’s arm leaving Hoss to wipe Adam’s face, having given him his belt to bite down on.
Doc washed his hands and then removed the dressing Sue had put on and with a sharp scalpel and a pair of tweezers he probed the wound, clearing a little more pus, but the wound seemed basically clean and the swelling was easing. Doc put his things down “You did a good job Hoss. Adam I’m going to put you out just for a few minutes, Sue will you help me, just chloroform.”
Adam lifted his head near to panic, “No! Why? I won’t let you.”
Doc frowned in surprise but Hoss could guess what his brother feared and cupped his hand round Adam’s face making Adam look at him “Easy Adam, easy. No-one’s gonna hurt you, not with us here, Doc why do you need to put him out?”
“Just to finish cleaning this, disinfect it. He’s had too much pain doesn’t need anymore and it’ll hurt.”
Hoss wiped his brother’s face, “Did you hear Adam. Noone is gonna cut your arm off. Trust me jest go to sleep, Doc’s right you’ve had more than enough.”
Adam wasn’t thinking very clearly but one thing penetrated, he could trust Hoss and he nodded. Doc frowned at Hoss, “Noone said anything about amputation.”
“I nearly lost my arm with blood poisoning. Adam’s bin scared all day, natural, scared what might happen while he was out. Maybe not too rational but he’s been badly hit.”
Doc could understand that and with Sue’s help he put Adam out and then double checked the wound, pulling out another tiny sliver of wood before disinfecting it thoroughly. It didn’t take very long and Adam lay quietly as Doc dressed and bandaged his hand. Doc told Sue to change the dressings twice a day and left the end of the wound open to drain for now and then checked over his patient. He smiled at Ben and Carole as he checked the pulse, no weaker than before. Then he straightened up leaving Hoss and Joe to tuck Adam up, “Good job you acted when you did, but we’ve cleared the source of the infection and everything else looks clean enough. A little in his bloodstream causing this fever but in another couple of hours it could have been far worse. I’ll hang on for a couple of hours but I think by then there’ll be a considerable improvement. Adam’s going to be fine. You caught it in time. Thing like that can spread like wildfire, but it hasn’t.”
Carole was the first to find her voice, “Are you sure Doc?”
“Pretty sure, he’ll sleep for a while and as I say in an hour or so I think you’ll find that fever easing down. Weakened him of course, he’s had a lot of pain, bound to sap his strength when he’s so weak anyway but he’ll recover the lost ground in a few days, soon forget the pain.”
Carole desperately wanted to believe him but for a minute she could only search his face, Ben felt the tension in her and pulled her close, “Relax Carole, Doc’s been proved right before, you’ll only start worrying Adam again if you don’t.”
Carole was close to tears at her husband’s pain and buried her face on Ben’s shoulder and gave way to tears. Joe, at his father’s nod, went out and collected coffee and brandy they all needed it. In an hour’s time Doc’s prognosis was obviously proving correct, Adam’s temperature was already dropping and he was sleeping very peacefully, so Doc went home and leaving Ben and Carole to watch him the others went down for some dinner.
Joe was rereading the various papers that Flood had brought, his lips tight in anger as he went over what had been said knowing their inability to do anything to stop the Irishmen. Hoss say the rising anger and came over and took the papers away, “Come and eat little brother, we can’t change the whole world, I know its all wrong but nothing we can do and we have a lot to be grateful for. Adam’s gonna be alright, a few hours ago that didn’t seem too likely.”
Joe acknowledged the justice of that and joined the others at table. Kam Su was taking trays up for Ben and Carole. Joe and Hoss were agreed that Ben and Carole both needed to rest but they knew better than to knock their heads against brick walls and until Adam woke up and could confirm he felt better neither would leave his side.
In fact soon after the children were in bed and the other four had rejoined Carole and Ben, Adam stirred. He was very thirsty and for a minute didn’t remember what had happened, puzzled by the presence of everyone round his bed. His hand was aching but it wasn’t until he moved, trying to sit up, that a stabbing pain from his hand reminded him. Even that was nothing compared to the pain he’d felt earlier and he sat up with Hoss’ help and grinned “I’m fine so stop looking so worried. Joe I could do with some coffee.” Even his voice sounded much stronger after a sleep and his temperature was almost normal so they all relaxed. Adam sipped his coffee “Sorry to worry you all, I just didn’t realise.”
Ben smiled at his son, “Just rest Adam we caught it in time before it spread. Doc says there’s no real problem, just need to take it easy and recover.”
“Thanks to Hoss.” Adam looked up at his big brother, knowing how much Hoss had hated hurting him, however necessary. He couldn’t put his thoughts into words but then words weren’t really necessary between the brothers. Hoss relaxed more than he had all day and lent over to grip his eldest brother’s hand momentarily. “Now you’re okay, I’m gonna take Sue home. I’ll be back later take over from Joe. You get some rest and I’ll see you in the morning fore I head back to work.”
Hoss had already arranged things with his little brother and Adam didn’t query it, just thanking Sue for her help and letting them go. He was more preoccupied with his own wife, who looked very tired. Ben and Joe excused themselves for a while leaving Adam and Carole alone. Nita had already gone down to get some fresh coffee and Joe pulled her onto his lap and the concentrated on the task of sending his father to get some rest. Ben wasn’t at all sure even though Joe claimed to have it all organised. His youngest son looked very drawn and tired himself after a sleepless night with nightmares and the fear for his brother. Nita could see the hesitation written clearly on Ben’s face but she could also feel the tension still in Joe’s body. He had relaxed a lot since it became clear that there were no long term consequences but the memory of his brother’s agony was still too vivid for him to rest. She slipped off his lap and went over to her father-in-law, saying quietly “I know he’s tired but he won’t rest until he’s relaxed. Let him do as he wants or he’ll start worrying over you again.”
Ben frowned considering the pretty young blonde “And you Nita? Joe’s been pretty preoccupied with us, leaving you to tend Adam’s children.”
“My niece and nephews. This is my family Pa. I never had much joy from my own but you must know I’ve come to love you all. I once told Joe not to apologise for wanting to help his brother. I’d got a fairly jaundiced view of the human race, all out for themselves. Maybe most are but Joe proved to me there could be more. Its one reason I love him.”
Ben didn’t try and answer her directly, seeing the pride on his son’s face but he stood up and kissed her forehead. “My sons have all been so very lucky in their wives, even if they do try and run things. Bless you Nita.” Then he headed up to bed, well overtired after a very long day it took him a long time to get to sleep. He was very conscious of how lucky they were that Adam was no worse. He heard Joe return from taking Nita home and pack Carole off to bed and for a few minutes he was conscious of a low voiced conversation between his sons before finally dozing off. Adam had tried to persuade Joe that he didn’t need anyone sitting with him, he was fine now and Joe looked in need of his bed, but it was a losing battle. Joe just ignored his brother and made himself comfortable and then said “Probably you’re right Adam but we’ll all sleep a lot better knowing someone is with you, just for tonight, so for the good of the majority you’ll have to put up with it.”
Adam was rather amused but feeling very dopy, he focussed on his brother with an effort and said accusingly “Did you put something in that milk?”
Joe nodded “Just some laudanum, you need to rest,” he was totally unrepentant and seeing it Adam murmured “Incorrigible” before giving way to his weakness and slipping into sleep. Once or twice Joe moved to wipe his face or hold his brother, as Adam moaned and moved restlessly, but most of the time Adam slept peacefully. When Hoss came over Joe was able to head home with a reasonably easy mind.
Hoss was half dozing by the bed when Adam woke up early the next morning. Adam was very thirsty and drank a glass of fresh lemon while Hoss considered him carefully still seeing all too much sign of pain on his brother’s face. Still Adam seemed relaxed and reasonably comfortable now and his temperature was back to normal or even a little low. At Adam’s request Hoss went down to get some coffee, it was so early not even the children were stirring but Kam Su was already up and had coffee waiting. He wanted to know how his master was and Hoss spent a few minutes reassuring him before going back up to find Adam had undone the strap and was sitting up nursing his sore left hand. Adam wasn’t even aware of Hoss coming in at first, he had assumed Hoss would have to make coffee and wasn’t expecting him back so soon. Hoss frowned seeing the pain on Adam’s face while he was not attempting to hide it but all he could do was show his sympathy. He sat on the bed next to his brother, he didn’t have any words to help and he couldn’t even put his arm round his brother as he normally would but had to contend himself with gripping Adam’s arm. Hoss would have taken the pain himself if he could, his brother had already had too much. Adam could read the sympathy and understanding on his brother’s so expressive face and knowing that Hoss would see through any act he didn’t bother, just resting his aching head against his brother’s warm strength. Hoss bit his lip, stroking Adam’s hair, unable to do anything to help. Adam relaxed against his brother for a couple of minutes and then sat up and smiled at Hoss, “Cheer up Hoss I’m okay. How about some coffee?”
Hoss poured him some but he still looked very worried and Adam said “Just sore Hoss, nothing like it was yesterday.”
“I hurt you enough.”
“Idiot!” Adam said fondly, “I’m not denying it hurt but before you did it, the ache went right through my whole body and the relief once you’d done..... I could have lost my arm, or my life, if you hadn’t had the nerve to do it. I’m trying to say thank you big brother.”
Hoss frowned, “You’ve had too much pain.”
“I’m alive Hoss, times that didn’t seem too likely. It passes and you forget. You know that so stop worrying. The worst is over, barring anymore infections, next time I’ll yell faster.”
“Oh yeah?”
Adam smiled “Yeah! My back hurt just before it started healing and I thought it was the same with my hand. Maybe I wanted to believe that, scared after what happened to you.”
“No more risks?”
“My word on it brother. Now will you help me get dressed.”
Hoss stared at him blankly for a moment and then keeping his voice down with an effort he said in outrage, “You are not getting up today.”
Ben had got up and was about to go downstairs to get some coffee, when he heard his son’s outraged tones. He couldn’t make out the words but he could make a good guess and he went in to join them. Hoss turned to him “Pa you tell him, he’s mad!”
Adam grinned “I’m alright. Certainly fitter than I was a week ago and you agreed then.”
“You were collapsing yesterday.” Hoss pointed out
“Sure but you and Doc cleared that and I’ve had a good night’s sleep since.”
Ben went over to join his sons, gripping his big son’s shoulders, “Take it easy Hoss. I must admit you look better Adam, but you had too much pain yesterday and a high fever. It was bound to take a lot out of you. Hoss is right, you should rest in bed.”
“I don’t do much when I’m up, just sit around.”
“You don’t want to worry Carole.” Ben pointed out.
Adam just glared at his father but he had to admit Ben was probably right and Carole would worry less if he stayed in bed. He sighed “Get’s so damned uncomfortable Pa.”
Ben heard the unwilling note of concession and he said, “Look stay in bed now and take it easy for the morning and, if you feel alright, you can come down for lunch. Deal?”
Adam nodded, “Have you got those figures Flood brought?”
Ben considered his son, Adam’s lips tight with remembered anger and decided that was the one thing likely to send his son back into a fever. “I’ve got them and they’ll still be here tomorrow. It’s the weekend so noone can make a move. You’re not well enough, forget business for today.”
“It’s not business Pa, it’s likely to be a massacre!”
“Tomorrow Son. Fret about it and you’ll be in bed for the next week. Settle down with a book.”
Adam looked as if he would like to argue but he could see this one he wouldn’t win. Hoss poured him more coffee, “We can’t change the world brother, Pa’s right don’t fret.”
“Alright, get me that Inigo Jones will you Hoss. It’s in the study.” Hoss did as he was asked and just handling the old book seemed to calm Adam down and although he hadn’t expected to he forgot everything as he lost himself in the book. It was partly the fascination of the old book and the concentration needed for the old script and partly the warm feeling as he thought of his little brother caring enough to know that he would love it and getting it for him.
Adam came down for lunch although he wasn’t very hungry, the pain and fever had taken more out of him than he was willing to admit even to himself, His whole family was there just grateful that he was well enough to be up and around. Adam forced down some food and in fact did rather better than Carole. She looked very drawn and tired and Adam begged her to go and rest for an hour after the meal. Seeing how worried he looked she agreed on condition that he rested too. Hoss helped his brother back to bed and once Adam was settled, he surprised Hoss by asking to see Sue for a few minutes. Hoss thought he ought to sleep but knew Sue would be far more efficient at handling his brother than he was and promised to send her up.
Adam was glad when Sue came up alone but he found it hard to put what he wanted to know into words. Sue sat down by the bed. She had already redressed his hand that morning and it had looked fine, but she asked anxiously if it was bothering him. Adam shook his head “No I’m fine. It’s Carole, she looked so very tired. I know I’ve worried her but.... The baby..... is it alright?”
Sue saw the fear in his eyes and took his hand. “Take it easy Adam. No guarantees, there never are, but she’s not had anymore alarms and the baby is kicking strongly. Seems healthy.”
Adam searched her face as though scared that she was hiding something, then reassured he buried his face in the pillow, scared that he was revealing more than he wanted. He said “We lost one child, damaged by Carole’s fever when she had diphtheria, a daughter.”
“I know. Hoss told me up by the Lake but it doesn’t mean anything, she’s had Marie since.”
“She doesn’t have them easily, takes a long time and Marie nearly died, if Hoss....” Adam bit his lip, for a minute he was quiet and then he looked up. “I’m sorry Sue, I tend to panic over childbirth, always have. We lost Marie. I just wish it was over.”
“Take it easy, you’re just weak and overtired. Every day that Carole carries with no trouble means the baby has a better chance and there’s no more risk for her than in any birth. Risks a lot less than you have taken on many occasions.”
“Logic says that you’re right but I don’t feel very logical.”
Sure poured him out a small dose of laudanum, “You must rest Adam. You’ve been hurt too much this year, never really had a chance to fully recover.”
“I’m alright.”
“And I’m the nurse. The only thing you can do for Carole now is to give her peace of mind by being sensible.”
Adam remembered saying much the same to Little Joe a long time ago and he meekly did as he was told. Sue stayed with him until the drug combined with his weakness to release him into sleep and then she went on down to find her husband prowling restlessly around, worried about his brother. Joe and Nita had taken the three children for a walk and Ben had gone home to collect the mail so Hoss was on his own and didn’t need to hide his fears. As soon as Sue appeared he grabbed her and demanded to know if Adam was alright, Sue smiled, “He’s asleep now, he’s alright just worried about Carole.” She told him briefly what his brother had said and for a moment Hoss stood staring at the painting of the Lake, remembering the tiny pathetic bundle that the three of them had buried, unrecognized by the law or the church, but to his brother a daughter he had dearly wanted, a child of his own flesh and blood. Sue was rather surprised by Adam’s reaction. She had watched him try and help to support Carole after her rape, seen him sit by his wife to reassure her, hiding the agony from his back and yet now with no imminent danger he had looked on the verge of breaking down. She had seen how much pain he’d had over the last few days and knew how weak he still was but even so she was surprised. She tried to explain to Hoss what she meant and Hoss pulled her down on his lap. He admitted that Adam always got very nervous and tense over childbirth, although so far he wasn’t as bad since the birth of the twins. He reminded her that Adam’s own mother had died in childbirth and as soon as Carole became pregnant his brother had become scared, compounded by Marie’s death at a time when Adam wasn’t fit, recovering from pneumonia. Then the long labour with his brother close to collapse scared they were losing both the girls. Since then he’d been better but Carole had nearly died from the haemorrhage after her miscarriage. Sue asked what Adam had meant about Marie and Hoss shrugged. “She left it a bit late to wake him and Doc didn’t get here in time so we had to deliver the baby. Pa was in town anyway but Joe and I came over. Perfectly straightforward at first but the water’s were green, cord caught round the baby’s neck. Reckon I must have heard sometime what to do, had her pant while I cleared the cord, no real trouble. He and Joe were both scared the baby would be deformed too, rather sooner after her miscarriage than they’d planned, I knew Joe was scared but Adam had never said nothing, jest couldn’t look at the child till I said it was perfect.”
“He said he panicked over childbirth.”
“Inevitable after Marie, scares us all I guess.”
“Are you scared Hoss?”
Hoss caught her in his arms, burying his face against her hair, not wanting her to see just how scared he was and for a moment he couldn’t trust his voice. Then not wanting to upset her he got control. “Of coarse I am darling, you know just how much you mean to me but we both want children, so we have to trust in Mother Nature and in God. You ain’t like Marie, and Nita ain’t either so I guess it’ll be okay. She was so very tiny.”
“You loved her didn’t you?”
“Still do, sometimes almost seems she’s still here and yet its three years. We all love her. Funny at first Nita seemed such an unlikely choice for Joe, I hated the way she bitched at Adam especially just then, Adam insisted it was right for Joe but I sure didn’t like it. Never thought I’d even like her”
“And now?”
“She’s quite a girl, guess I’m near as fond of her as I am of Carole and Marie.”
“I can even date the time you came round.” Sue grinned and as Hoss looked puzzled she went on, “From the time she insisted she’d get married in jail if anyone was misguided enough to arrest Joe or even Adam.”
Hoss had to admit she was probably right, but then as Ben came back he went out to reassure his father that Adam was sleeping. It was late afternoon before Adam came down, better for a rest, and even made a reasonable meal.
Hoss had intended returning to the west shore the next morning but Ben suggested that he leave it for one more day, they had a lot to discuss and with Adam looking better, he knew his eldest son wouldn’t put it off any longer. There wasn’t that much scheduled and the men in the crew were very capable. Anyway as Ben pointed out Sue hadn’t seen a lot of her husband. Nothing loathe, Hoss agreed going home early for a quiet evening with his wife in his own home.
Ben had every intention of packing both Adam and Carole to bed early and having an early night himself, so Joe and Nita also went home accepting Ben’s assurances that he could cope. Adam was obviously better and didn’t need anyone with him, Ben would just leave the doors open.
All of them were back early before Adam and Carole were awake and they rescued Ben from his grandchildren, while Sue popped up to see how Carole was. Ben reassured his sons Adam had barely stirred all night and was still asleep. The pain had eased and let his weakened body get the rest he needed. It was nearly ten before Adam called down for coffee, Carole hadn’t been up very long, looking better for a long sleep and she took coffee up to her husband.
Adam was surprised how long he’d been asleep but he felt better for it and was content to sit and talk quietly to his wife for a few minutes, grateful she was looking better. Then his big brother came up to give him a hand to get dressed.
Ben and Joe were going over the papers the four Irishmen had left. Ben was reasonably calm but Joe was close to losing his temper again. When Joe saw his brothers coming down he went over to the window to stare out, not wanting to upset Adam. Nita had been playing with Marie and seeing the tension in her husband she left the little girl and went over to join him. She knew why he was upset, he had explained it all to her the previous evening and she was well aware that she couldn’t really help. She didn’t try to talk just putting her arm round his waist.
Adam was preoccupied with the twins for a long time as they tried to explain some complicated story to him, both talking at once. He’d sat down on a chair and had one on each knee and lifted Marie up as well when she came over. He was doing all he could to protect his left hand and winced once as Mark slid his arm round his father’s neck wanting a cuddle, Adam lost colour but gently asked the little boy to let go. Carole moved forward but something in his expression stopped her, even at the cost of a little extra pain Adam needed his children, he’d hated having to hold them at arm’s length. The lines of pain on his face softened and faded as he listened to their prattle. Eventually the three children went off to play and Adam nursed his sore hand as he drank coffee, but noone nagged him, and when he said, “Time we got down to work.” all three concurred.
The four men moved through to the study and Adam settled at his desk and looked at the reports on the Bank of California, remembered anger threatening to surge up again but now it was time for practical thought not anger and he pushed the paper away. He asked Joe to pour him a drink and saw the same anger on both his brothers’ faces. He sipped his brandy for a minute and then asked “Did anything happen after I collapsed?”
His father shook his head, “Business seemed very unimportant and we agreed to differ, I told them we were against it, that our stock wasn’t to be touched and that we would make how we felt clear, wherever possible. I asked them to reconsider, that it was too high a price for a marginal advantage, but I can’t flatter myself that it will make any difference.”
Adam was doodling and Joe made the relevant point, “There isn’t a thing we can do is there? Protect a few people who matter to us, but that will be a drop in the ocean.”
None of them liked to admit it but they knew Joe was right. Hoss said “Last time you made the spectacular gesture Adam, turned opinion. We have a lot more cash available now than then we must be able to do something.”
Adam looked up, “I wish we could Hoss. I don’t like this one bit better than you do. If it was just Fair and Mackay then we could counteract it but don’t forget Flood and O’Brien each have a stake as big as the four of us between us and no ranch eating up the cash.”
Ben frowned at that and Adam sighed, “You know we all think the ranch is the best investment we can make. I just mean that we have to keep cash for payroll and taxes to ensure the ranch is safe. They don’t.”
“Easy Son I understand. Unfortunately with the panic as bad as it is, we’d just be throwing money down a bottomless pit and we might just cause the failure of our own bank too.”
Hoss couldn’t sit still “Isn’t there anything?” He paced up and down restless and it was so unlike him that his family all considered him anxiously. Joe went over to him “You alright big brother? Not sickening are you? You don’t look too marvellous, very tired.”
“I’m okay, jest didn’t sleep too good, don’t fuss.”
Adam was doodling figures on a pad, listing the cash they had deposited in various banks around the country. They hadn’t any in the Bank of California as such but still had a large sum in the Virginia City bank, which was closely tied to the main bank. He circled that deposit and then conscious of his father’s gaze on him he looked up, “Maybe we could do something, not much but....”
Ben frowned but he knew exactly what Adam meant “We’d have to talk it over with Harris, find out how committed he is.”
Hoss looked puzzled and Joe came over to perch on the desk, “What are you suggesting?”
Adam sat up, supporting his arm, “Self interest really but we have enough to support the Virginia City Bank, if it’s not too closely tied in to the California, We’d lose a lot if it went, Get some more cash for it and put our name behind it. It would help locally at any rate.”
Ben grinned “Self interest maybe, but be honest Adam that’s not why you want to act.”
“One reason Pa. Might help a little locally, it’ll be a month or more before we can start picking up the pieces otherwise. Overextend and we can’t help then, but we can do this much I think.”
Ben nodded “Worth trying to find out anyway, I want to send a telegram to Will tomorrow, make sure he’s safe. I’ll see Harris. Otherwise all we can do is personal loans. I’ll drop the word around that we are sympathetic and optimistic about the long term prospects. Let’s forget about it for now as Hoss said yesterday we can’t change the world. It’s nearly lunchtime.”
His two younger sons concurred, Adam was already looking very tired and he pushed his food around at lunchtime barely eating, although insisting that he was fine. Joe had a quiet word with Nita and then with his brother, before suggesting that the four of them took the children out for a picnic. The twins were exuberant at the prospect and Adam could only agree.
As they left Adam took his coffee back into the study and was anxiously considering the work that had to be done in San Francisco. He had intended handling it himself but as he lent over his desk nursing his sore hand he knew that he couldn’t take the long train journey. His back was much better, but even so his clothes still chafed on the tender skin causing him more pain than he was prepared to admit and he couldn’t bear any touch yet. The train was bound to be rough and usually crowded. Adam thought round in circles, hating to admit that he was physically incapable of the job. Carole followed him in and sat down by the fire, feeling very tired but not sure why. Adam pushed his papers away and getting up went over to her, “Are you alright darling?”
“Fine. Just tired, I don’t know why.”
“Maybe you’ve finally relaxed and stop worrying about me.”
“You are better?”
“Much. Just rather sore, bit low on stamina. Why don’t you go up and have a doze for an hour?”
“You look tired too.”
“I more than slept the clock round. If I go up now, I’ll never sleep tonight. Anyway I must have a chat with Pa, easier now while the rest are out of the way.”
“Is anything wrong?”
“Plenty but nothing that can harm us. No its just time we tried to plan how to handle things over the next weeks.” He touched his hand, “This has rather thrown our plans into confusion.”
Carole finished her coffee, “Alright I’ll trust your father to keep you under control.” She went on up to her room, feeling heavy and lethargic, although fit enough. Probably Adam was right and it was just reaction to all the worry she’d had but she would be glad when this baby was safely delivered. The children had plenty of attention but not enough from their own mother and she hated to feel that she was neglecting them even if it was inevitable with her husband ill and the need to protect this new precious life.
Adam frowned as he watched her go up, despite Sue’s reassurance he couldn’t help worrying about her and the baby which meant so much to them both. He felt so helpless not even able to take her in his arms as he usually did, always so conscious of his injuries and knowing that she was too. Too weak still to be able to hide competently how easily he tired, even a short business meeting and his head was throbbing, he knew he was still worrying her.
Ben came in to join his son but seeing the frown and the tension he hesitated, “Do you want me to leave you in peace Adam?”
“No Pa I wanted to talk. I’m okay just fed up with being so weak. Its time we decided how we’re handling things, someone has to go to San Francisco within a week.”
Ben pulled a chair up and poured himself some coffee, “There’s only one practical solution. I’ll go.”
Adam had expected that but he searched his father’s face, remembering just how close they had been to losing him and knowing that his father was still low on stamina. He’d done well not to lose ground with the worry over his eldest son. Ben grinned able to read his son like a book, “I’m fine Adam after all it’s more than four months.”
“That’s not very long Pa, not after a major operation.”
“At my age! If it was you or your brothers, you’d have forgotten all about it by now.”
“Maybe Pa, but it took Joe all of that to recover.”
“Slightly different, long taxing journey and a great deal of pain over a long time, not eating. It was a miracle he survived at all. Anyway I shan’t be riding to San Francisco, train all the way with Will and Laura to fuss over me while I’m there. If I go a few days earlier than I absolutely have to I can arrange things so that it’s not too big a rush.”
“I don’t like it Pa.”
“I was intending to persuade you and your brothers that I was fit enough anyway, I like to pull my weight too Adam, you’re not unique. Now it’s the only solution. Think about it for a minute. The work involved is too complicated for Hoss as he would be the first to admit, which leaves three of us. I will not send Joseph so far from Nita while she’s pregnant, not after Marie. He’s staying remarkably calm, at least around her, but I’m sure he’s troubled by nightmares. I know how he feels and I won’t make it worse, neither will I take the risk of letting her go along, the trains are rough and she’s too far advanced.”
Adam could only agree, although he was unsure just how calm his little brother was, knowing full well that Joe would take care to hide any problems from him in his current state. “She’s got to be alright Pa. Nine months is such a long time.”
“Your brother is strong, he’s proved that. I’ve no doubt he will get more anxious as the time gets nearer but he’s not likely to be any worse than you were before the twins and at least he’s fit.”
“He helped me so much then.”
“Maybe you’ll be able to repay the favour, we’ll all do what we can and Joe will come to us if we can help. To revert to San Francisco, have I made my point?”
“Not quite Pa, I could go.” Adam wouldn’t meet his father’s eye as he went on “No need to go for more than a week yet.”
Ben shook his head smiling gently “You haven’t even convinced yourself that it’s possible! You know those trains, it will be months before your back will be sufficiently recovered. In time Doc assured me it will harden off but it’s bound to take time.”
“I could ride.”
“You’re not strong enough and anyway clothes will chafe and your muscles still have to recover. I doubt you could even reach Virginia City. You worry about me not being fit, its four months since Doc operated, but its only 48 hours since you collapsed and Hoss had to operate.”
“Not the same.” Adam protested
“Why not? An infection that could have killed you if it had been left. Okay the damage was on the surface but it was much more extensive and I know just how much pain you’ve had these last week and how much it’s taken out of you. I ought to know you Adam after half a lifetime,”
“I just feel so useless.”
Ben accepted his son’s surrender even if Adam couldn’t bring himself to put it into words. “You’ll have plenty to do here, leave Joe free to move around, especially if we can help Harris. Anyway even if you were fit I’d want you to stay for Carole’s sake, after that alarm. She seems fine now but she does tire easily and she needs you here.”
“I can’t help being scared Pa. Sue says there’s no reason she shouldn’t carry to term and Doc agrees but....” Adam shook his head.
“Well the baby is due in what ten weeks, she only has to get through another month and the child stands a reasonable chance anyway.”
“Like Marie’s.” Adam commented bitterly
“There’s no comparison, the baby was deformed and it was a hard labour. Anyway Carole and the baby survived that threatened miscarriage, God helped you both then, why should he desert you now?”
Adam couldn’t answer but he slowly relaxed and after a few minutes asked for fresh coffee and reverted to the detail of what had to be covered in San Francisco. After half an hour he was tired, but relaxed enough to go up and dose for a while.
Meanwhile the others had all gone up to the Lake. The children were excited and all talking at once, Marie clinging to her youngest Uncle while the twins chattered at the girls in Sue’s buggy. Hoss was very quiet but preoccupied with the children the others didn’t notice. They didn’t go to the point for once, taking the children to an area of rocks and small streams where they could clamber around and play. Sue and Nita had brought dry clothes for them and it was a warm day so it wouldn’t matter if they got wet. Joe was the first to notice that his brother was in an odd mood, unusual for the big man. After a quiet word with Nita, Joe went and threw himself down next to Hoss while Nita suggested to Sue and the children that they went and explored.
Hoss didn’t even seem aware that they had gone and Joe lent on one elbow studying his brother who looked very tired and tense. Joe frowned, wondering what was wrong as Hoss stared up unseeingly at the sky, with all the signs of a severe headache. Hoss had been troubled by nightmares for several weeks and they had been getting worse. The previous night he’d slept for an hour and then woken up in a cold sweat and been unable to get back to sleep, He was only rarely troubled, unlike his brothers, and had always slept well needing more sleep than they did.
Eventually Joe reached out and gripped his brother’s arm. “What’s the matter Hoss, you look whacked.”
Hoss turned over on his side and met his little brother’s gaze, “I’m okay Joe, jest didn’t sleep too well last night.”
“Why?”
Hoss shrugged, tempted to talk but not wanting to upset his brother. He could have talked to Adam but his brother wasn’t well enough to be bothered and was quite worried enough about his own wife.
Joe sat up as it became obvious that Hoss wasn’t going to answer him. “It’s not like you Hoss, must be some reason.”
Hoss got up and wandered over towards the Lake and Joe followed him. “You might feel better if you talked it over big brother. You’re going back to the west shore in the morning, pretty tiring there anyway without losing sleep.”
“I’ve got plenty of help.”
“Maybe but you still looked tired when you came back on Thursday.”
“Don’t fuss Joe. I can’t, never was any good with words.” Hoss sighed heavily and almost to himself murmured “If Adam....”
Joe gripped his brother’s arms, forcing Hoss to stop and look at him, “I thought we were friends.”
“You know we are little brother.”
“Then how come suddenly you can talk to Adam, tell him things you won’t tell me?”
“It’s not like that Joe.”
“Isn’t it? Didn’t you mean you’d have gone to Adam for help if he was fit? I’m not a child now Hoss.”
Hoss sighed again, “Alright Joe. I might have tried to talk to him, something we’ve talked about before, but I can’t worry him at the minute. I’ll be okay.”
Joe let go of his brother and turned away. “Okay Hoss up to you I only wanted to help.” he couldn’t help sounding hurt, he’d relied on Hoss often enough and he’d always thought it worked both ways.
Hoss gripped his shoulder, “Don’t take it that way Joe.”
“Your business.”
“It ain’t that little brother, oh hell.” Hoss rubbed his aching eyes.
Joe turned, reading his brother’s face “Is it because of Marie?”
“Didn’t want to upset you. You’re doing a lot better than I expected when Nita got pregnant.”
Joe relaxed as he realised his big brother was just at his old game of trying to protect his little brother. “Come on Hoss let’s go and sit down on those rocks. I’m okay, occasional nightmares but talking won’t make it any worse. From the looks of you, you’ve had quite a few yourself.”
“Yeah, didn’t sleep too much last night, maybe I....”
“You’re scared about Sue.”
Hoss met his brother’s gaze and slowly nodded, “Doc seems very optimistic but Sue’s not much younger than Carole, only a few months. It’ll be Carole’s fourth baby, Sue’s first. She’s not young for a first baby.”
Joe didn’t answer for a minute recognising the depth of fear, near panic, that Hoss couldn’t hide. Hoss dropped his eyes and Joe reached out to grip his arm “It’s not surprising Hoss I do understand. It’s just that you love her so much, but she wants children and she’s kept so well.”
Hoss couldn’t help himself, he’d needed to talk and now Joe had forced him to start it was as though a dam had burst. He couldn’t meet Joe’s eyes staring at the ground as he explained “We both wanted children Joe. Guess I never really expected to get married, even with the twins around I was just the doting Uncle, not daring to let myself think of having kids of my own. I didn’t ever really know how much I wanted them until Sue was pregnant, but its Sue I need. I’d give up all thoughts of kids, I can’t risk losing her.”
Joe out his arm round his brother, “Easy Hoss. Sue is strong and she has a lot to live for.” Joe realised that his brother wasn’t taking in anything at the moment as Hoss trembled fighting for control and so he just waited until Hoss had calmed down a little and then suggested, “Maybe if you told me the nightmare it wouldn’t trouble you so much.”
“I can’t Joe.” Hoss straightened up “I had to lie still, watch you walk around for hours too stunned even to cry. Only one thing kept me quiet, it just weren’t possible to find any words to help.”
Joe smiled faintly, “You kept me sane Hoss. More than three years ago and yet sometimes the pain of losing her is as sharp as it was then, but time leaves you free. Pa told me that. He lost three wives and still loves them all. Sure I have occasional nightmares but it won’t be any worse from talking.”
“Are you sure Joe?”
Joe was very serious “I wasn’t kidding Hoss. I don’t know how I’d have got through those first days without you. I owe you, I pray I’ll never have a chance to repay it but at least let me help now.”
“For a while I thought you’d never.....”
“Remarry? I’m very lucky, two girls so very different and yet both have given me so much. I fought against falling in love with Nita at first, seemed disloyal to Marie, even though it was what she wanted but I’m sure she understands.”
“You scared Joe?”
“What do you think? This time it’s my child, our decision. We want children but I sometimes wake up in a cold sweat, although Doc assures me everything is fine. Easier when she’s there, obviously fit and healthy, as Sue is.”
“Yeah.”
“Tell me.” Joe ordered his brother and Hoss haltingly told him of his dream, of going up to the Lake to dig a grave and the coffin, never with a lid, his lovely redhead and the baby dead, hidden as he threw in a clod of earth, at which point he always woke up.
Joe smiled wryly, remembering the almost identical dream he’d had years ago. Adam had said then that it wasn’t a portent but unfortunately it had proved all too accurate and he could only pray for Hoss and Sue that this didn’t. Hoss couldn’t understand the expression on his brother’s face and he frowned. Joe said “I had a very similar dream, the night before Adam moved into his new home after that pneumonia.”
Hoss frowned, surprised his brother could date it so accurately and Joe grinned, “The day after we tied Sharon down to that contract. Adam had slept late and was awake when I went downstairs after my nightmare. He wasn’t fit but I needed help. I didn’t think I’d have the strength to live without Marie. I was so scared, even thought of suicide if she died. Adam said that I believed in God, a life after death, and I couldn’t so that to her. I thought I’d lose all faith if she died but she was so sure, maybe I needed to believe. I don’t know but she’s there, even now when I need her, she’s there.” Joe turned to face his brother “I spent all night thinking about what Adam said, he made a lot of sense. He said that the die was cast; all I could give her was comfort, security and peace of mind, that she knew how scared I was because she loved me. He said if the worst happened I was strong enough to live with it but that there was a good chance it wouldn’t and all of the time I was panicking I was ruining the present, instead of storing up memories against the worst happening. I took him very seriously and I have a precious store of memories and the knowledge that I gave her a few months of happiness. The pain fades but the good memories don’t. Even now I can see him talking to me and panic stays away most of the time. I can’t do less for Nita than I managed for Marie.”
Hoss frowned as he thought over what his brother had said, “She was so sweet.”
“So easy to love. I didn’t expect to be lucky twice but then I found Nita.”
“Did you have any doubts Joe?” Hoss looked at his brother almost aghast; the words had come out of their own volition.
Joe smiled “It’s alright Hoss. Of course I had doubts at first, maybe the worst was at your wedding. I didn’t sleep that night, same people same room. I could see Marie ethereal in that beautiful dress that Carole made for her. I went up to the point and I couldn’t even remember her face, overtired I guess, in a right state. I was betraying her and yet it was too late to back out.”
“I didn’t know.” Hoss said shaken.
Joe grinned “You weren’t supposed to. I was lucky Adam was up here and he made me talk. Marie had left a message with him telling me to find someone else. He reminded me of that, said I was still young and needed a wife and children of my own. It was odd slowly things got clearer and I could see both Marie and Nita, it was almost as though they’d made a pact to look after me and love me, I never had any doubts again.” Joe hesitated but then went on, “Imagination I guess Hoss. I’ve never told anyone but on my wedding day I was watching for Nita and I saw Marie on the half landing as clear as you are, in her wedding dress. As Nita appeared Nita smiled at me and blew me a kiss and then she faded away. She was happy to hand me over to Nita because Nita loves me too.”
Hoss was taken aback but he could see Joe meant every word, his brother might say it was imagination but he didn’t really believe it, Joe could see his brother’s surprise “I haven’t take leave of my senses Hoss, I don’t believe in ghosts or anything like that. It was an hallucination if you like but she was there. She always is when I need her, not physically
but .....” He couldn’t explain anymore but Hoss could understand, so often he’d felt his brothers’ and father’s presence over miles, relying on it so much that in its absence they’d all been scared Adam was dead
“I’m glad Joe.”
“And yet at first you didn’t like the idea.”
“Not the idea, little brother. It was Nita, she seemed an odd choice for you and then she was so bitchy to Adam and I guess I wanted to protect him and Carole after that... Long time ago now.”
Joe frowned and Hoss patted his shoulder, “I’m as fond of Nita now as I was of Marie or Carole. She’s mighty different from her family and she makes you happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you little brother.”
“Mutual brother, began to wonder if you’d ever settle down. Sue’s strong and you can trust Doc and God. If the worst did happen as Adam told me, quoting Pa, nothing can ever take the memories of the good times away from you.”
“I know that Joe, sometimes I can hardly believe my luck but don’t you see I’m different to you.”
Joe frowned not understanding, “You’re as strong as I am Hoss. You’d survive and in time nature helps, grief fades, life goes on, as it has for me, as it did for Pa.”
Hoss didn’t look convinced and Joe gripped his arm “I know Sue’s not young for a first baby but she’s not that old. Doc isn’t worried. She is strong and healthy and she’s hardly too small even if the baby is big. I really don’t believe you have anything to worry about, no more than I do and I know that doesn’t help much. There is a risk, noone denies it but if the worst should happen you’d survive and all you can do is give Sue peace of mind and the very best time you can, every day that you have.”
“You don’t understand Joe. That’s why I wanted to talk to Adam or might have done; it’s something we talked over.”
“No, I don’t understand Hoss, is it more than Sue?”
“No, well not really.” Hoss hesitated, “Once over on the west shore when you were hurt, delirious you called for Marie. Not surprising as Adam said you wanted those you loved. Even then I don’t know we couldn’t sleep, talked. I couldn’t imagine finding someone more important to me than you two and Pa. Adam didn’t accept the more, said it was different, father, brother, wife, child, impossible to put them in order, to choose. That you just prayed you’d never have to. I guess I never expected to find anyone like Sue, never dared let myself realise just how much I wanted someone. It didn’t seem possible I’d be that lucky. Don’t you see Joe, it wouldn’t happen twice, I’m not like you or Adam.”
Joe was still puzzled, “Sure I’ve been lucky I admit that but why shouldn’t you be?”
Hoss bit his lip, “Just look at me Joe, I’m not good looking, elegant, like you two. If you’re being polite I’m homely. Big and clumsy, hardly any woman’s dream. Sure I had plenty of caps set at me, same as we all have. I’m rich, powerful if’n I wanted, even if we can’t always do what we want. Just how many of those girls would have looked at me twice if’n my name wasn’t Cartwright? Half of them would have been insulted. I made up my mind years ago I wasn’t being married for money. Just never believed that I’d find someone to look at me the way Carole does at Adam or Nita does at you. I still find it hard to believe how lucky I am, I know Sue loves me for what I am not for what I’ve got but I’m a realist Joe. It’s my one chance I won’t get a second try and I can’t even go back to what I had before. I was content then because I hadn’t let myself realise I wanted a wife and kids just as much as Adam.”
Joe didn’t know what to say, his big brother was just Hoss. It was difficult to see him as a stranger might. He’d always known that Hoss was sometimes self conscious about his size, with a fellow feeling for other big men. Joe had always taken him for granted, relying on his brother’s strength and on his gentle, patient, good nature. Only now did he realise just how deeply Hoss felt about it and after a minute, wishing Adam was there, he said, “You said you talked to Adam about this?”
“Well sorta when I was plucking up courage to ask Sue to marry me.”
“What did he say?”
“That I’d always underestimated myself, that most of the human race got on without being great beauties and that Sue loved me.” Hoss smiled faintly “Sure was right about the last one.”
“He was right in all of it Hoss. Okay so it might be slightly harder at first but you have plenty of friends who rely on you, just like Adam and I do. Adam once said your heart is as big as you are, kind, gentle, dependable. So I’m biased but there’s plenty who agree with me.” Joe forced his brother to look at him, “The odds are good, a dammed sight better than you and Adam surviving that cave-in, or Adam that fire. Much less risk than we’ve all taken. Come Christmas we’re all seven gonna be here, with three new babies, as well as the kids. Anyway to be honest if anything did happen to the girls I reckon your chances of finding someone else in time are higher than Adam’s.”
Hoss looked at him as though he’d taken leave of his senses. “Don’t be daft little brother, He’s got so much going for him.”
“Too much! The best brain on the Comstock, he’s been called and who’s arguing, He wanted a heck of a lot in a woman, a brain to at least keep pace with him, a love of this wild land and of books, poetry and music to say nothing of beauty, our big brother sure appreciates beauty. He found it in Carole but there aren’t that many women in the world, let alone out here. Laura isn’t dim but she’s not as clever as Carole, I sometimes wonder if that’s why Adam didn’t fall in love with her. Even Nita and Sue can’t keep up with that pair and neither of them are stupid.”
Hoss thought about all the love affairs which hadn’t worked out for his brother, “Maybe you’re right I hadn’t thought about it like that.”
“No reason why you should, both Sue and Carole are going to be fine but just remember in his own way Adam is as out of the ordinary as you are. It isn’t a bad thing to be.” Joe smiled “And you might stop running yourself down in your own thoughts, none of us would want you any different. We rely on you to be what you are Hoss, as Carole said when the twins were born, you’re unique.”
Hoss could see the affection in his brother’s eyes, hear it in his voice and he relaxed more than he had in days. He lazed back on the grass pulling a long stem to chew. “Thanks for making me talk little brother. I feel better, guess I was just letting it build up.”
“It happens. Noone can guarantee anything, life ain’t like that, but I’ll bet everything will turn out right. God is on our side. Anytime you want to talk, I’ll be around.”
“I will now Joe. Guess I should have known, you helped Adam just a few weeks after losing her, it was just with Nita pregnant.”
“Its okay big brother, reverting to your old tricks, protect Little Joe, only I’m not the baby of the family anymore.”
“You’ve proved that again today. At least with the telegraph I can keep in touch and I’ve a feeling I won’t be so troubled by nightmares now. Thanks for listening.”
“Come on let’s find the girls.”
Joe hadn’t been the only one to notice Hoss’ mood. Sue had been aware of it ever since she got up and she didn’t need Nita’s explanation that Joe wanted to talk to his brother. She had tried to get her big husband to relax without success and she could only hope that Joe was more successful. As they came up Hoss looked even more tired but the tension had gone after a few minutes Sue got Joe on his own “Thanks Joe, you got him to talk and he looks better.”
“He’s okay, just tired.”
“And worried about me and he won’t believe me when I tell him that everything will be fine.”
“It’s just that he loves you very much.”
“And you love him and you’ve helped him.” Sue kissed him and then went back to her husband, leaving Joe to the mercy of his nephews, while Nita laid out the food. They all relaxed and enjoyed the picnic before taking three sleepy children home. When they got back both Adam and Carole looked better for a sleep during the afternoon and they settled for a quiet evening. Hoss took Sue home fairly early as he wanted an early start back to the west shore. Joe was going part way with him before heading up to the main lumber camp, so he and Nita followed soon after.
Adam tried to persuade his father that he was quite well enough for his father to return home now. Ben hesitated, his son had Kam Su on call and most of the time one of his brothers close at hand, but Joe would have to be out and about more over the next weeks. In the end he compromised. He was intending to spend at least one night in town and he would be going down under to San Francisco in about ten days so he suggested staying that long rather than sorting and packing twice, while Adam regained some strength. Still so very worried about his wife, Adam put up very little argument.
The next morning Ben set out for town at the same time his younger sons headed to the lumber camps. None of them were too happy about all being away at the same time, leaving three pregnant women to cope with Adam but it was a busy time of the year and they had little choice. At least the telegraph was operational and the girls had three reliable Chinese on call and could get help if they needed it and Adam was a lot better, even if still very weak and not above putting on an act.
Adam had had a reasonable night and knowing that his father would probably not be back until the next day, leaving the daily routine to him he was pacing himself. He was only too aware that he wasn’t really well enough to cope and much though he hated it he let things slide where an immediate answer wasn’t essential. Nita and Carole both gave him a hand while Sue looked after the children, but even so by late afternoon he was so tired that he was shivering and needed Kam Su’s help to get to bed.
Carole was very worried but Sue calmed her down, Adam was just overtired and would sleep off the worst of it. Sue was still amazed at how much he was able to do. She’d seen plenty of men with lesser injuries who would barely be able to sit up yet, let alone attempt a day’s work. Carole was in two minds once the children were in bed, uncertain whether to let Adam have his sleep out or wake him up. He hadn’t eaten very much at lunch and he wasn’t strong enough to miss meals. Sue agreed it was best to wake him or he wouldn’t sleep that night, but suggested putting the meal back an hour, so he’d have three hours or so rest first.
Carole had a job to wake him when she went up but slowly Adam sorted himself out and after washing his face and a chance to sit quietly with a sherry he found he was quite hungry and made a reasonable meal.
Adam left the girls to clear and went into the study to pour himself a brandy. When Carole came in to join him she was disgusted, if not particularly surprised, to find him working through some of the papers he’d left earlier. Adam looked up and grinned at her, knowing exactly what she was thinking and for a moment the lines of pain faded and he looked more like himself than he had for a long time. She couldn’t help grinning back and contented herself with informing him he was incorrigible.
In town Ben found the whole atmosphere muted, near despair. Many businesses were boarded up as the owners had gone bankrupt, men standing staring at the stock dial but there was little activity, just occasionally something clicked down. For the moment the stock had hit bottom and on many faces he could read disbelief that it could be so low when the stamp mills and the muted roars of dynamite far beneath them were testimony to the underlying prosperity of the Comstock. So far at least the Irishmen hadn’t carried out their threat but it was still early and the first full working day since they’d made it, although it seemed so much longer with the scare of Adam’s collapse.
Ben pushed through the crowds and up to John Marye’s office. He was shown straight in and John looked relieved to see him, looking no different from normal, if rather slimmer. Ben hadn’t been into town very much since his operation and for a few minutes the two old friends sat over coffee and caught up with the family news. Word of Adam’s relapse had spread and Ben was cross questioned about his son and then John got up and wandered over to the window, staring mesmerized as he so often at the stock dial. “Did Joseph tell you what I asked?”
“You want me to act, boost the stock like Adam did before?”
“Someone has to Ben. I hear it’s worse elsewhere but even here, even with the mines still working, we have queues do food at the soup kitchens, youngsters, whole families destitute.”
“I know we’ve contributed heavily,”
“I know that Ben but they need work more than free grub. The men need work, businesses to start up again. Roy says that the level of petty crime had already more than doubled and it’ll get worse.”
Ben came over and joined him at the window and watched as the Savage clicked down quickly followed by three others. He sighed heavily “It’s going to get a lot worse all round John and there’s not a thing we can do about it.”
John heard something in Ben’s voice and turned to stare at his old friend “What’s going on?”
To his surprise Ben countered with another question, “You don’t act for Jim Fair or John Mackay anymore do you?”
“No Flood and O’Brien handle most of it in San Francisco, got a youngster here acts under orders. You know that. Why?”
Ben was silent for a long moment watching several more stocks click down, almost certainly the Irishmen had started their move. Then he turned away, “Have you got any brandy?”
John got it out, “Rather early in the day for you Ben.”
“I should join me John, I’ve a feeling you’ll need it.”
John took him at his word and consciously braced himself for bad news, “Well?”
“The four Irishmen were out at the Ponderosa on Friday. They wanted us to go along with a scheme to finally eliminate our rival, the Bank of California. You’ve picked up the same rumours I have I’m sure. The bank is in trouble and Billy Ralston with it.”
“John licked suddenly dry lips and asked “How?” but he didn’t really need the answer.
Ben went on “It won’t be a secret for much longer. Virtually all the bank’s assets are in Comstock stock so they are throwing all their stock on the market, apart from the Virginia and the California, we own all that anyway. Depress the market and wait for the inevitable run. With the stock down the Eastern banks won’t help and Ralston will have to close his doors.”
John stared at him in near disbelief of a minute and then gulped down his brandy and poured another, Ben knew how he felt and he smiled grimly “Nice isn’t it.”
“You’re not going along.” It was a statement of fact and not a question for which Ben was grateful “No but we only have a quarter share between us, we can’t stop them. I made it clear our stock would remain untouched and I shall get Dan to print a statement to the effect that we believe in the Comstock but we haven’t the resources to stop this sort of fall and if the Bank goes, it will be a while before we can start picking up the pieces.”
John stared into his glass thinking round in circles as he began to realise the full implications, He knew that Ben was right, wealthy though the Cartwrights were their money could all disappear without trace as millions were wiped off the stock value, “Isn’t there anything you can do?”
“Maybe on a small local scale. Could you send one of your men over to the Virginia City Bank ask Harris to come over here at once. Tell him that I’d like to talk in private and that it’s urgent.”
John did as he was asked and refilled his glass again “Harris’ bank is tied to the Bank of California.”
“I know that. What I need to know is how tightly. The Virginia City branch of the California will go but if we can keep Harris and the Bank of Nevada clear of the fall it’ll be easier to pick up the pieces,”
“The Bank of Nevada?”
“Its safe not too many loans as yet, but again I only have a quarter share. I’ll do what I can and the way Adam drew up the charter will help somewhat but....”
The two men sat in silence, both seeing near disaster that they could do nothing to avoid. Ten minutes later Harris was shown in to join them. He had, over the years, often proved a good friend to the Cartwrights and knew that Ben wouldn’t send for him like this unless it was really important. On edge anyway with the state of the market he was glad of the chance to talk to one of the best informed men on the Comstock.
As Harris walked in it was John’s face which caught his attention. The stockbroker looked as though he had seen a ghost and a hostile one at that. Ben pulled out a chair and apologized for sending for him in such a peremptory manner but he thought it was important for all of them to discuss certain developments.
Ben passed Harris a brandy and then asked if he had seen the renewed activity in the market. Harris had and it didn’t take long to explain its origin, Harris knew enough of the affairs of the Bank of California, although not in the detail which the Irishmen had obtained, to know the inevitable result of the latest manipulations. He went chalk white as he considered the implications and Ben said softly “Drink that brandy.”
Harris drained his glass and looked up in near disbelief, “Do they know what they’re doing?”
Ben sighed “Destroying the opposition and somehow they’ve forgotten the thousands of little people who will be destroyed too.”
“Can’t you stop them?”
“Don’t you think we tried? But we only have a quarter share, the same between the four of us as Flood or O’Brien, with Fair and Mackay picking up the other quarter. We’re outvoted; all I can do is keep our stock out of it and wait to pick up the pieces.”
“If the Bank of California fails so do I.” Harris stared into space seeing a lifetime of work breaking up in front of him.
Ben gripped his shoulder “Maybe not, that’s why I wanted to see you.”
Harris took a minute to take that in and then turned to Ben “What do you mean?”
“We haven’t the resources to stop this slide or support the main Bank but maybe we have enough to stop you going under, at least minimize the damage locally.”
Harris stared at him “You’d do that?”
“Partially self –interest you hold a lot of our money anyway.”
“You could draw that out now while I can get the funds to pay you, before this becomes common knowledge.”
“And maybe precipitate the run right now. Whatever happens we won’t be badly hurt, the California and the Virginia are paying heavy dividends and the ore is there. The ranch is safe as long as I keep money for expenses and taxes and we have profitable contracts with sound bodies such as the US government, so we’re safe.”
“Your sons?”
“All behind me, it was Adam’s suggestion and Hoss and Joseph are both just sorry that we can’t do more. It has several advantages to us, if we can help you to hold on, those who will benefit most are the old timers in town, many of them friends who were with you before Sharon even arrived in town and have stuck. I don’t even know if it’s possible yet, just how closely committed you are to the Bank of California, just how vulnerable you are. But if you are willing we’d like to go into it in detail and see what we can do. We can’t jeopardize the Bank of Nevada that wouldn’t help anyone but we have cash spread around in Eastern banks as well. We got out of the market several months ago. Foresaw this crash with the Ophir stock so unreasonably high.”
“Willing!” murmured Harris, “You throw a lifeline to a drowning man and ask if he’s willing to take it, Whatever you want to know Ben, Do you want me to bring it out to the ranch, show you and Adam. He is the lawyer.”
“I wish I could but he’s nowhere near fit enough. If we go out there he’s bound to get involved and frankly he couldn’t cope yet. We’ll handle it in town.”
Harris frowned “We’re going to need a legal opinion and I’m not sure I’d trust the Bank lawyer. He’s under Sharon’s thumb, won’t help for Sharon to get detailed reports.”
“I’ll ask Tony Canmore to join us. He’s a good friend of Adam’s and an excellent financial lawyer. I have Adam’s assurance of that. We can trust him.”
“When?”
“This evening. I’m staying in town.”
“Okay why don’t you both join me for dinner at my house, it’s out of the way.”
Ben agreed to that and arranged a time. Then Harris had to get back to the bank, again he thanked Ben although as Ben said they couldn’t be sure yet just how much they could do. Harris said, “However it turns out you and your sons are trying to help and I am very grateful.”
Ben had a fair number of routine chores to do, wanting to get well up to date knowing that his youngest son was going to be very pushed with Adam unfit and wouldn’t want to have to come to town more than once while his father was in San Francisco, nor fight the inevitable battle to stop Adam going in when he wasn’t well enough. Ben had worked through without bothering with lunch and he was tired and hungry by mid-afternoon. He wandered over to the jail to see if Roy was there and to scrounge some coffee.
Roy considered him for a moment and then pushed a mug of coffee over “Trouble? You look a mite worn out.”
“More of the same, but not affecting the Ponderosa particularly.”
“See the market’s down again.”
Ben sipped his coffee, “Hear it’s keeping you busy.”
“Can’t really blame some of them, kids going short, involved through no fault of their own.” Roy sighed, he looked his age today, tired and drawn. He would uphold the law, tempering it with mercy where he could, but he didn’t have to like it. Roy changed the subject, “How’s Adam, Doc says he picked up an infection in his hand.”
“We caught it in time thank God. Cost him some pain but only put him back a few days in recovering. He’s doing marvellously well really.”
“Up to visitors? I could do with a few hours peace and quiet.”
“You’d be very welcome as always Roy. He’s up and around, still weak. He had all too much pain but it’s eased now as long as noone touches his back.”
“How bad was it, word varied?”
“His left hand and virtually all of his back, waist to neck, maybe a third raw another third blistered. It was a mess Roy going to be quite scarred but he’s healing fast.”
Roy whistled softly “Is it true he climbed a cliff like that, rumour said he did?”
“Yes it’s true. I don’t think even Adam knows how he did it, just too derned obstinate to give in.” Ben finished his coffee and straightened up, “I must get on. Don’t overdo it Roy and come out soon.”
Ben went out again and managed to complete his list of jobs and had half an hour before meeting Canmore, who had been very willing to join him and Harris to see if they could save the Virginia City Bank. Ben decided that he’d earnt a beer and went into the Palace. Dan was there as usual and he beckoned Ben over. Ben got two beers and went over to his table in the corner. Dan had already picked up word on the Irishmen’s action and he had enough contacts to know the background and what they were up to.
Ben wanted to see Dan anyway, determined to so as he had said and disassociate himself and his sons from what was going on. Maybe if a few people believed in the Cartwright name and their backing of the mines, they could hold on and help pull thing together a little faster. It could only be a minor effect but everything had to be tried.
Dan looked tired too, too many friends were affected by the closures and he’d spent the day watching the market go down yet further. The slow early slide had been gathering momentum throughout the day as Flood and O’Brien pushed more stock onto the market and made it obvious what they were doing. Some people had been holding on but seeing the Irishmen selling out they had panicked, so even more stock was flooding the market. Dan took it for granted that Ben was holding onto his own stock but he was a realist enough to know that the Cartwrights couldn’t buck the tide alone.
Dan accepted his beer “You want to get back to the Ponderosa Ben, this town is like a morgue and from what I hear its still a lot better than Sacramento or San Francisco, at least the mines are still operational.”
“You look as though it’s getting to you Dan.”
“Yeah well over the weekend I thought we’d at least hit bottom, that the only way was up. Then your friends moved in this morning.”
“One time friends.” Said Ben bitterly, “Shall we say business associates. We couldn’t dissuade them, it was all decided before they informed us and then with Adam having a relapse, we were otherwise occupied.”
“He is okay?”
“Yes caught it in time. Just weak. Nothing we can do Dan but I would be grateful if you’d quote me on this madness. If the Ophir was ludicrously overpriced before, most things are now equally under-priced.”
“You want to make a statement?”
“It might help fractionally,”
“Sure, can’t do any harm, I’ll run it and come out in a couple of days, get a quote from Adam too, help keep it alive. If he’s up to visitors?”
“I’m sure he’ll be pleased to see you and as usual our biggest problem will be to stop him overdoing things. Roy was thinking of going out too.”
“Not surprised Virginia City isn’t the pleasantest of a spots just at the minute.”
Dan took down exactly what Ben wanted to say and filled him on some of the local gossip, mutual friends who’d been badly hit. Ben asked him to drop a quiet word that anyone who was desperate and needed a covering loan which the banks wouldn’t finance might wander out, although he couldn’t cover stock speculation. Dan would be careful who he sent out, Ben knew he could rely on that.
With vague arrangements to see Dan out at Adam’s in a few days Ben went to meet Tony Canmore. He didn’t know the young lawyer very well, about three years younger than Adam, he had only come west four years ago and contacted Adam as they had a mutual friend in Boston. The two men had hit it off well and Adam had helped him get established.
Canmore had a pretty blonde wife and a son of about the twins’ age. He had brought his family out to Adam’s occasionally but Ben had only met him on business or at the large scale parties sometimes thrown. Still trusting in his eldest son’s judgement he hadn’t attempted to gloss over what they intended to do, running counter to their business partners in the interests of the whole community. Canmore had thought about it for a minute, he represented the Bank of Nevada, but then he grinned “I’m in, I’ll do what I can, if Adam reckons its right that’s good enough for me, he’s a director.”
“If you think it’s unethical?”
“Something sure is but I reckon we’re only doing what the Bank of Nevada was set up for, serving the people of this state. Forcing the California to fail doesn’t do that. If someone is being unethical I don’t see that it’s us.”
“We don’t want the others to know, they might decide to eliminate all opposition while they’re at it.”
“I’m allowed private clients under my terms of agreement. In this you are my client, separate from the Bank and protected by normal lawyer confidentiality.”
Ben had been pleased with his attitude and he found the younger man waiting punctually, a case full of books in his hand to check any queries that might arise. They made their way down to Harris’ house, unobserved as far as they could tell. It was a small wooden house with an enclosed yard, the flower beds which had been tended by his wife just surviving. He could have afforded better but a widower for nearly five years he couldn’t face moving. He had sent out for food and had a decent meal waiting and the three men enjoyed their meal before settling to work. Harris had brought home his agreement with the Bank of California and the figures on his current position, outstanding commitments and loans, just how much he would have to find if a run developed, money that he didn’t have on hand as was inevitable.
They cleared the table and with coffee and brandy began to study the documents, mainly in silence. Canmore was more interested in the agreement with the Bank of California, tying the Banks to limited support of each other, It was fairly vague in wording, not as clearly drawn up as the Bank of Nevada charter but that very vagueness could be used to advantage by a clever lawyer.
Ben was going through the figures, the biggest single depositor was the Ponderosa and that money was safe, certain other deposits should be secure if he saw the men involved personally and explained just what they were doing, in effect guaranteeing their money would be safe. He jotted down the sums while Harris watched anxiously, wondering if the Cartwrights had realised the way the Bank had expanded over the last three or four years with the Comstock in Bonanza. In fact it was about what Ben had expected, not much different from the figures Adam had doodled around the day before. It all depended on the commitment to the main bank and he sat back and looked over at Canmore, “Well?”
“Read the agreement first.” Canmore held it out. Ben took it and not hurrying worked his way through it. He stopped once and said “Percentage.” and then finished it sitting back. “Looks like a question of timing to me.”
Canmore nodded “No court will expect you to go to the wall in an obviously futile effort to bolster up the main bank. Fulfil the terms of this and then if the Bank of California fails, pronounce it dead as an agreement and revert to independent status, because of the inability of the California at that stage to fulfil their part of the bargain.”
“Just one problem in that, you say fulfil the terms. If I have to send that much cash to San Francisco it won’t even need a run here, just normal business and I’ll be closing the doors.”
Ben smiled “Timing that’s all it needs. You are committed to five percent of your deposits if called upon.”
Canmore spoke up “Without stretching it too far this could be construed as the deposits, less certain long terms loans.”
“Even so, I keep a high degree of liquidity, 20% in cash, bullion and stock but the stock is valueless at the minutes and without it I’m down to less than a million in cash and bullion. I could be asked for over four million and even if I tried calling in short term loans, few would be able to pay and it still wouldn’t be enough.”
“Just take it easy a minute, let’s check these figures. You’re running on a basic capital of 7 million right?”
Harris nodded, “In normal times I have $1 400 000 in cash, stock and bullion about $250 000 in cash, $3 million in long term loans, about one and a quarter million in short term, 30, 60 days and the rest maybe six month paper, part of it to the town itself. Times aren’t normal and I’m short about $600 000 in stock value anyway as of this evening, likely to get worse.”
“Otherwise you’re covered?” Ben asked.
“In time sure, but no bank run gives you time and if I had to cash in loans in a hurry and pay the main Bank I’d be out maybe two million in all.” Harris felt a duty to warn Ben the worst he could be letting himself and his family in for.
Ben just nodded “We’re the biggest depositors about one and a half million between the ranch account and our personal accounts. I reckon about another three-quarters of a million is safe if I have a word with the owners and another million belongs to the town or other institutions, priority creditors, they won’t run scared.”
Harris nodded his agreement “Which leaves nearly four million plus what the Bank of California will demand.” There was a note of hopelessness in his voice and Ben grinned “Cheer up man. The two mines pay dividends of half a million in cash every month between us. Let’s take it a step at a time and firstly we’ll deal with the Bank’s demand. If things go as we expect that will be lost money. You might eventually get 20 cents on the dollar back but we want to be legally in the clear so it has to be paid.”
Canmore nodded “Once it’s paid if the Bank closes its doors you can tear up this paper the agreement is done.”
Harris accepted that, it was what he understood but he was still unsure how he could pay without running himself out of cash.”
Canmore said “We can certainly take the long term loans off your basic capital no court will rule that as unreasonable so that brings it down three million. Maybe take the medium term loans off too.”
Ben shook his head “We’re not taking any risks on a clever lawyer pulling us back into this mess, but from what Adam said it would be in order for me to withdraw all the Ponderosa money and our own, a certified cheque dated a few days before the crash and valid for thirty days. Pay it back in as soon as you are independent. You can take our cash off the books as far as this 5% is concerned.”
Canmore nodded “Perfectly legal. Anyone else you can trust to do the same?”
Ben nodded “Maybe another three quarters of a million, which cuts our commitment to the Bank from $375 000 to $87 000 on my figures.”
Harris nodded as he double checked and looked more cheerful than he had all day. “It will be a write-off.”
Ben agreed, “Of course but I’d rather write off $87 000 than $375 000. They will accept half cash and half bullion so that’s not too big a burden.”
Harris was looking at the figures again and poured another brandy pushing the bottle over to the others. “Even if you cut that out it still means four million near enough, apart from your own money. Way things are going, some of those loans are going to be write-offs. You could end up sending good money after bad Ben. You underwrite me, take over those loans and you may not see more than 50 cents on the dollar. Everyone else ends up even and you could lose two or three million.”
To his surprise Ben didn’t look too surprised or perturbed at the prospect and unable to curb his curiosity, Harris asked, “Just how much are you worth these days Ben, you and the boys?”
“My business I think.” Ben said but not unkindly, “Let’s say we have enough to finance this and to buy in at the bottom of the market to boost that once the fun and games cease. I don’t believe it will cost us nearly as much as you suggest, not in the long term and most of that we can recoup when the stock market goes back up, as it will.”
“It’s a lot of money Ben.”
Ben nodded slowly, pouring himself another brandy and staring at it contemplatively. “It’s what Adam calls funny money, play the game well because we’re good at it, better informed than most and we can use it here in Nevada but its hardly real. The Ponderosa is real and we always keep enough cash separate from all of this to make sure that the ranch is safe and enough in the Bank of Nevada to keep that safe because it’s backed by our name. I can’t think of a better use for the rest than here fending off some of the chaos which is going to ensue, So we lose some, easy come, easy go, none of us will worry.”
Harris shook his head “You’re remarkable Ben.”
“Not really, one man can only spend so much money in one lifetime, I’ve never seen the point in amassing it for the sake of it.”
Canmore commented “Money is power, taste it once and it becomes irresistible.”
“I’m, tempted like most men, comes hard to all of us to admit that we can only sit by and watch others manipulate the market, bring down the whole financial basis in the west, quite deliberately. If we had more money maybe we could stop them or just maybe we’d change too.” Ben said.
“You don’t believe that Ben!” said Harris in outraged tones, “Can you imagine Adam hurting anyone like that, let alone Hoss or Little Joe?”
“No, but then if a month ago you’d suggested that John MacKay or O’Brien would have gone along with this I’d have said you were mad.” Ben sighed. “Right let’s get back to practicalities. Timing is all important. What happens if I give you cash can you sign some of the short term paper over to me so we don’t increase the overall liability?”
Harris looked at Tony Canmore, “No reason why not, the medium stuff would be best, institutional loans and anyway you can give certified cheques for the cash as for the main deposit.”
Harris sighed, “The main problem is to have actual cash to hand over the counter. Some people will accept a certified cheque on another bank but not may in a panic.”
“We have a few days, if I give you cheques now on Banks in St Louis, Salt Lake City and New York and telegraph them for immediate clearance, how much does that help?”
“Quite a lot, I can get a certain amount of paper money in here within three or four days, maybe a week from New York, but it’s the coinage.”
“Well that’s where we are in luck. I have a three month run from our own mine at the stamp mill now, its going onto the Mint in Carson City day after tomorrow and they’ll hand me back the coinage day after that, I’m not sure how much exactly but it’ll be over $100 000 in gold and silver coin.”
Harris got to his feet, “Those cheques Ben?”
“I’ll cover you for four million plus the coinage, any more we should be able to cover here in town without damaging the Bank of Nevada.”
“You’ll take over long and medium term loans to that value?”
“To keep the books straight, just a temporary measure.”
“Out of the 7 million capital of this bank you’ll hold $5 600 000 and guarantee another three quarters of a million?”
Ben smiled “Don’t you trust me Harris? I don’t want another Bank I’ve already got one.”
“Oh I trust you, although off hand I can’t imagine another man I’d trust. It’s just a hell of a risk. I’d hate you four to go under, the State needs you.”
“I’ve told you the Ponderosa is clear. A risk yes, but less than a year’s dividends from the two mines, so lets keep it in proportion. We’ve made plenty of money out of this town; we owe it to the people to plough it back. More money than I ever dreamt of fifteen twenty years ago, even ten years back. We shall gradually pull out again and buy back into the stock market or whatever else we decide to invest in. At the moment the money is just sitting in banks because we knew enough to pull out early.”
Harris would dearly liked to have asked how much more money was sitting around but he had been snubbed once very gently and he knew Ben well enough to know that he shouldn’t have asked. “I still think you ought to talk it over with your sons first.”
Ben smiled “You know us, we work on majority decisions. You don’t think I’d have proposed this without my sons’ backing.”
“In principle maybe, but the size of this?”
“Oh it’s more or less what we expected. Adam estimated figures and he wasn’t far wrong. He seldom is, we agreed we could afford to back you up to five million plus our deposit and the coinage. I’m well within that.”
Tony was prepared to draw up the necessary legal documents to transfer the rights in the loans and the three men settled to the detailed work of changing the bank from a practical 20% liquidity to something over 60%, safe enough in any panic. Ben wrote out the cheques and telegrams while Tony ensured that all the legal technicalities were complied with and it was nearly 2 a.m. before they finished. Ben promised to go down to Carson City and get arrangements made for the coinage run to be delivered as soon as possible. He’d achieved all that he had wanted, but although buoyed up by the work, as he headed down to the hotel he felt fit to drop. He had put in longer hours at pressure than at any time since his operation and it proved to him that he hadn’t fully recovered his stamina, he felt fit to drop. He was very grateful for Tony’s supporting arm. Tony remembered how anxious his friend had been about his father not that long ago and he insisted on helping Ben up to the small back corner room at his favourite hotel. Ben was too tired to make more than a token protest and even let Tony help him off with his boots before thanking him and insisting he could manage now. They arranged to meet at ten to settle the final details and five minutes later Ben slipped into a dreamless sleep.
Despite the noise inevitable in town Ben slept late and woke up with a headache, feeling very heavy eyed. After a wash he felt a little more human and went in search of coffee and breakfast, going to a small restaurant that he didn’t generally use, not feeling sociable. He ate without being aware of what he was eating as he ran over the detailed arrangements that still needed to be made. He’d been touched by Tony’s concern the previous night and impressed by his getting to the point and drawing up the necessary papers. Although he had Adam’s word that Tony was an excellent lawyer well versed in banking law he missed having his eldest son handle things. Over recent years he had come to rely on Adam’s expertise, although they had survived for years without a lawyer in the family, and now Ben was always restless when he had to turn to outsiders, especially in something as important as this.
He met Tony and settled the remaining details by lunchtime and then drew enough cash to cover the ranch for the next couple of weeks, Roy was hovering as he came out, “Lot of cash Ben, you on your own?”
“I’ve carried money before Roy.” Ben said mildly.
“Sure but I told you, crime is way up at the minute, some men are getting desperate, handy haul. Let me send one of my deputies with you, Easy to arrange an ambush.”
“They’d have a long wait I’m going down to Carson City before I head home.”
“Who knows that?”
“Harris at the Bank and Tony Canmore, I don’t think that either of them are that desperate.”
Roy grinned “take it easy and watch your back Ben. Tell Adam I’ll be out to see him in a few days.”
“Dan was talking of coming out too if you want some company.”
“Yeah I know, see you.”
Ben didn’t push too hard on the way to Carson City. He’d known that he was overdoing things the previous day but he was surprised how tired he felt. He had been down to the stamp mill and found that his ore was being processed now and would be delivered on time, The foreman of the mill was an old friend and although he wasn’t a qualified essayist he was well experienced and Ben trusted his word that the ore was considerable richer than the normal ore from the Ponderosa. The mines had been rather left to themselves over the last few years; Swann was quite capable of running things and the Cartwrights had been busy with large lumber contracts. The sheer wealth of the mines in town had rather overshadowed their own mine on the Ponderosa which had long ago paid back their original investment. Several men had established homesteads just off the Ponderosa near the mine and settled their families. A small community was becoming established but the men still needed the wages from the mine and as long as it paid wages and expenses the Cartwrights would keep it open. From the sound of things this time there would be a hefty profit as well.
It was mid afternoon when Ben rode into Carson City. It was some time since he’d been there but it hadn’t changed much, not grown in the same way as Virginia City, still catering mainly for the farms in the Carson valley. A few old friends came to have a word and it took him time to get down to the Mint. He was well known there and he was let in without any query. It didn’t take long to finalise arrangements for coining the ore and to arrange delivery to the Virginia City Bank but then the old friends were eager to find out what was happening, worried about the financial situation and having heard rumours of Adam’s injuries. He was almost as well known at the Mint as his father and popular, one man the chief analyst was a close friend of Adam’s. It took Ben a long time to get away and head home and he was much later than he had intended. He could only hope that the girls had prevented Adam overdoing things, not having any belief in his son’s commonsense, and that Adam wasn’t too worried by his late return. Normally Adam would understand just how many things could hold his father up but very weak Ben wasn’t sure how logical his son would be. Apart from anything else Ben was getting hungry, he’d only had a snack lunch wanting to get through his jobs and home. It was nearly dinnertime and he still had five miles to go.
Ben wasn’t the only one on his way home Joe was also pushing hard to get home. He had spent a day working hard at the main lumber camp, making sure that everything was going smoothly, there orders being obeyed and that Johnny and Peter Curtis could keep things moving for a week or so. Then he had to go up by the sawmill , where Jack Catfish had everything under control, with two mills now operational and extra saws it was no longer a bottleneck but complicated to keep running smoothly. Jack had turned into a very efficient organiser. He was pleased to see Joe, too many stories had been circulating about Adam’s injuries and he wanted to know exactly how his old friend was. Joe relaxed with coffee and brought Jack up to date on the news round the ranch before settling to work. He had slept up at the sawmill before heading up to the high country to check the herd. There as well José had to be satisfied about Adam before he would think about anything else. Joe was used to the speed with which word spread around the ranch and wasn’t surprised that José knew about Adam’s relapse and the arguments which had upset his brother, if not the reasons for them. Once he’d satisfied José about his friend it didn’t take long to get the report on the herd, José as usual had everything well under control. Joe didn’t waste any time he wanted to get home and he still had to check up at the mine. Joe wasn’t sure how long it would take his father to complete everything they had agreed on and Adam wasn’t well enough to cope although he would inevitably try.
Joe had collected all he needed and said goodbye to José and he was just tightening the girth on Cochise when Stevens came over. Stevens looked as near embarrassed as that inscrutable man could and Joe waited wondering what he wanted. Stevens wouldn’t meet his gaze, “Just wondered how your brother really was?”
“Recovering remarkably fast. Thank God.”
“Someone said he got an infection.”
“Yeah in his hand but we caught it before it spread, not before he collapsed but it’s only put him back a few days.”
Stevens looked up “I saw those burns, don’t know how he got home and I’ve talked to Jess. He’s a good friend of mine.”
“And of Adam.”
“Your brother was safe on the right side of the fire line, no call to risk his neck.”
“I told you Jess is his friend.”
“You saying he wouldn’t have gone through if Jess hadn’t been there? Jess could have been dead like those other two.” Disbelief sounded in Steven’s voice.
Joe smiled wryly “No I’m not saying that, from what I heard Adam just reacted on impulse, went to try and help, he wouldn’t have had time to weigh the risks or the chance would have been gone.”
“Would you have gone in?”
“Who knows.” Joe parried and then in a moment of truthfulness he slowly nodded “Guess so. I’ve always been more impulsive than my brother; I’d probably have done the same. If there’d been time to weigh the risks or if he’d known how badly he would get hurt then maybe not but it’s an instinctive reaction to try and help.”
“Not in most cases, most react to look after themselves first and last. Self preservation.”
Joe shrugged, “It’s our ranch we can’t ask others to take risks we won’t.”
“Most bosses do, one reason I came back. Look I know you want to get back, Is it true he’s on his feet?”
“Yeah over a week now, He’ll be badly scarred maybe lose some use of his left hand still he’s always been very right handed, he’ll be okay,”
Stevens frowned seeing the anxiety in Joe’s eyes, belying the confident words “You’re worried.”
Joe sighed “Usual problem he’ll try to do too much, we’re very busy and even Pa is still not as strong as usual. Adam’s very weak, had a lot of pain, took it out of him.”
“That’s what I thought, why I spoke up. Ain’t my business really but I saw his injuries and that climb.” Stevens was quiet for a moment wondering what was so different about these men, why he’d returned after years as a loner not caring for anything or anyone. Yet here for the first time since he’d grown up he had men he called friend and who reciprocated. Joe smiled “I’m glad you did Stevens. We were grateful for your help on that mesa, especially what you said to Adam.”
“That’s the point Joe. Know you’re pushed anything I can do to help, just ask, extra time, odd jobs.” He shook his head, “Funny I’ve never volunteered much but I am now.”
“And I’ll take you at your word Pa has to go to San Francisco soon and I may need quite a bit of help. Thank you.” Joe held out his hand formally and Stevens shook it before Joe swung up on Cochise to head up to the mine, Joe looked back once and saw Stevens just watching him as he rode out of sight, Joe murmured to Cochise “Glad I listened to Kirk all that time ago, he said I’d got myself a hand he sure was right.”
Business at the mine didn’t take very long; Joe okayed the direction of future work, collected some papers and then over coffee filled them in on news before paying the men and headed on home. Fairly straight forward, the bonuses would be calculated once the results of the last three months came through from the Mint. Then Joe was able to head home, just hoping the three girls had managed to keep his obstreperous brother under control.
The work Adam had put in on Monday had at least had one beneficial effect, worn out he’d slept like a log, all his aches and pains insufficient to disturb him. It was the best night’s sleep he’d had since his injuries and he didn’t wake until nearly nine. Feeling better for a long sleep Adam came down for a belated breakfast, looking brighter than he had for several weeks, Carole was delighted to see it but she was worried by the stack of papers already awaiting him, Messengers had arrived both from town and from the main house and as he finished his breakfast another arrived from the main lumber camp.
Adam took coffee into the study and settled to work. At first he progressed rapidly making decisions and ordering the necessary work. Carole insisted that he stop half an hour before lunch and take it easy. Adam knew he was slowing down finding it difficult to concentrate and he agreed with little argument. He relaxed as he listened to a long story from his sons and made a reasonable meal. Feeling better for the break and a brandy Adam headed back to work, trying to at least keep the urgent work moving. Three times he had visitors from town, long time friends who needed help. The first was Frank, a man in his fifties who had worked for a small transport firm. His boss had speculated in stock and killed himself when he’d gone bankrupt. Frank had worked on the Ponderosa for more than ten years before marrying and settling in town. He had two kids nearing their teens and without a job or the prospect of one he was being threatened with eviction. He couldn’t afford the rent, relying on the free soup kitchens for food. Adam hadn’t a job to offer him, they couldn’t take on everyone thrown out of work, for once running full crews and he couldn’t hold out the hope of a quick return to normalcy. In time yes, the mines were producing richly and the town was prosperous but for the next month or so anything could happen. Adam offered Frank enough money to pay his rent and exist on for the next couple of months but the older man hesitated. He’d come for help but he disliked the idea of charity and yet with two children he couldn’t afford pride. Adam could understand all too easily how he felt and went and poured two brandies, passing one to Frank. He smiled “I understand how you feel Frank I never liked asking for help either. I can remember a time you didn’t wait to be asked, pulled me out of that river when my horse threw me.”
“That was more’n twenty years ago, you were just a kid.”
“Yes, relying on you and a few others. Twenty years I might not have had without your help.”
“You’d have been alright,”
“Maybe, you didn’t wait to see. Look Frank I have more money than I’ll ever need. I don’t like what’s going on but I can’t prevent it. I haven’t enough money for that. All we can do is help where we can.”
“It’s still charity Adam.”
Adam sighed he was spending time he couldn’t spare and he couldn’t hide his pain as he tried to ease his aching hand. Frank saw the pain and drained his glass “I shouldn’t have bothered you, you’re not fit.”
Adam wrote out a cheque, “Please Frank, take this. Just the equivalent of what you would have earnt in the next couple of months, by then maybe things will be better. If not we’ll have to see. Pay it back sometime if you’re worried but it really isn’t necessary.”
“I don’t know.”
“Please. As you say I’m not fit and I don’t feel like arguing.”
Frank searched his face and for a minute Adam gave up trying to hide his pain and he looked drawn and ill. Frank smiled and took the cheque, offering his hand. “Okay, thanks Adam, I’ll accept your gift, just hope you feel better soon.”
Adam’s next visitor was more realistic. Her husband wouldn’t ask for help but she had three children and she had danced with all three brothers often, both before and after her marriage. She wasn’t about to let he children go short because of false pride. Adam was glad of her business like attitude. She was in a mess, her husband had lost heavily on the market but he’d cut his losses and sold out. What he needed was enough money to hold on until things picked up again. He was the owner and manager of a small hotel and would lose it if he couldn’t keep up the mortgage repayments. Adam listened as she asked for the loan of $500 so that they could keep things going and not have to sack their staff. Adam made out a cheque as she said “Just one thing I’d like to make clear, we have no collateral left and I don’t know when we’ll be able to repay you.”
Adam passed her the cheque, “I’m glad you asked Marcy. We have been friends a long time. Don’t worry, repay it when you can. Jeff is a good man, he’ll get back on his feet. It’s all we can do, a drop in the ocean I know but it feels better to do something.”
Marcy kissed his forehead, “Look after yourself Adam, we need you around and thank you.”
Adam settled again to work, trying to ignore his growing weakness, he couldn’t just leave things, with all the chaos several involved legal queries were already waiting for him connected directly with the ranch, apart from others for the mines. He was tiring rapidly and despite Carole’s attempts he wouldn’t take a break and there was little she could do to help.
When the door went again Carole cursed it but she went to answer it and found a vaguely familiar figure outside but she couldn’t remember his name. The man was uneasy and Carole smiled “Can I help you?”
“Is Joe around Mrs Cartwright?”
“No, he’s out on the range somewhere but I think he should be back tonight. Does it have to be Joe? Do you want to leave a message?”
“I don’t know.” The man licked dry lips, tired and drawn looking.
“Look at least come in for some coffee.”
“Yeah thanks. Adam home?”
“Yes. Do you want to see him?”
“Not sure, we never exactly hit it off and I hear he ain’t fit.”
“I’m sorry, your face is familiar but I can’t remember your name.”
“Wright, Harry Wright, I was at school with Joe. We ran wild a bit when we were kids. Guess Adam had reason to get annoyed we got in a fair bit of trouble.”
Carole grinned “From what I’ve heard of Joe when he was younger he didn’t need much encouragement! Come and have coffee and I’ll tell Adam you’re here.” Carole called to Kam Su and asked him to bring coffee and scones. She watched for a minute and then went in to rejoin Adam and Nita, who was sorting out some lists for him. She sighed as Adam looked so tired but she knew he wouldn’t want her turning anyone away. She smiled as he looked up questioningly. “Friend of Joe’s, he say you don’t hit it off, Harry Wright.”
Adam smiled as he remembered some of the escapades the two kids had got up to in their mid-teens. Harry had been scared of him but Joe knew him too well to worry about his temper, knowing that it would subside rapidly, Carole went on, “He needs help Adam he’s eating scones as though he hasn’t eaten in a week but he’s scared to ask, really wanted to see Joe.”
Adam nodded “I could do with some coffee anyway, easier alone, show him in love.”
Nita frowned, “I know Joe would want you to help him Adam, if they are friends, but then you must get some rest or you’ll be collapsing again.”
“Stop worrying I’m okay.” Adam forced a smile and watched his wife and sister-in-law go out. They had done a lot to help him but too much only he could handle. Adam tried to ease his aching back and then Wright followed Carole in. She brought coffee but then left them alone, Wright was obviously uncomfortable and Adam motioned at the decanters. “Help yourself Harry, there’s whisky or brandy. I could do with a brandy if you’ll pour me one, too much trouble to get up at the minute.”
Wright was glad of something to do and poured out the drinks, “We’ve never got along Adam.”
“Forget that for now Harry. You came to see Joe, he’s not around but I usually know what his reaction is likely to be or at the least I can give him a message.”
“Ain’t easy.”
Adam sipped his brandy “Rough everywhere Harry. We’ll do what we can to help, all too little unfortunately.” He knew Harry ran a small saddler’s shop and could imagine the problems he was facing as bills came due and people failed to pay, with demand virtually non-existent. “Are you into the market?”
“Minor loss but it don’t help. If’n I don’t pay my suppliers they are gonna force me into bankruptcy, take the lot.”
“If you pay up?”
“I can hold on, maybe, tighten my belt, try and get some odd jobs.”
“They are few and far between, When did you last eat?”
“Money’s tight, everyone after the same rabbits and squirrels.”
“How much do you need?”
“Adam I....”
Adam interrupted “Look if Joe was here you’d ask and he would be happy to help. You know that. I’m too tired to waste time Harry just tell me and I’ll act in his stead, he can pay me back later.”
“You don’t like me.”
“Not true. I used to get annoyed with both of you but that was a long time ago. Joe and I have always had different friends and in this I’m acting for him.”
Harry hesitated but he could see how drawn and tired Adam was and staring down he said “I’ll need $350.”
Adam nodded and made out a cheque for $500. Harry frowned at it and Adam smiled, “You’d have asked Joe for $500 wouldn’t you?”
Harry had to grin, “Probably, my stomach likes eating, I’m grateful. I’ll pay you back when I can.”
“I’ll leave you to take it up with Joe, I’ll collect from him, easier all round if you two deal with it.”
As Harry left Adam forced himself to settle to try and clear the essentials that he couldn’t leave for the next day. Carole tried to get him to rest but getting nowhere she gave in and just brought him some fresh coffee.
Nita and Sue came over as she emerged from the study, worried about Adam. Carole sighed “I know that look I won’t budge him, so I won’t make it more difficult for him. With luck Joe or Pa will be back soon and if he can hand over to one of them he might go and rest.”
“He’ll make himself worse if he carries on.” Sue warned.
Carole smiled ruefully “You should be used to my obstinate husband, noone has any real control over him. He’ll sleep off the worst of it and luckily he’s stronger than anyone ever gives him credit for. Just let him be Sue, the others should be back soon.”
As the afternoon wore on Carole was watching anxiously for their arrival but there was still no sign of them and the three women were getting increasingly anxious, Adam didn’t welcome interruptions but each had taken him coffee or helped out and he was looking more and more drawn but still refusing to give in. Not even admitting to himself just how ill he felt. When Carole heard horses coming in she looked out hopefully but it was only one of the hands from the main house with a complete stranger, a small dark haired man with a full beard, who stood for a moment considering the house before coming up to the door. Carole cursed silently, hoping it wasn’t any fresh emergency but she went to the door and let them in. The hand said “This gentleman wants to see Mr Cartwright, Kirk said to bring him over.”
“Thank you. Please come in, I’m Mrs Cartwright, what can we do for you.” Carole didn’t know the hand very well, one of the men who had recently hired on, and she assumed he meant Adam as Kirk had sent them over and was just awkward at using her husband’s first name in front of her. The stranger introduced himself as Albert Bierstadt, puzzling her as the name was vaguely familiar although she couldn’t place it. Seeing the incomprehension Bierstadt said, “Your husband invited me to stay some time ago to discuss a commission. We had to leave the date fairly open I hope it’s not inconvenient.”
“Of course not. I’ll just tell him that you are here. This is my sister-in-law. Nita, could you get some more coffee.” Carole went into the study where Adam was trying hard to concentrate on some figures and didn’t look up at first, not wanting Carole to see the pain he was having increased trouble in hiding.
Carole knew he would insist on seeing the man and poured him a brandy before telling him of the new arrival. For a minute curiosity drove the pain away and Adam looked up intrigued “There’s a mix-up somewhere. I haven’t invited him here and yet the name is familiar. I’ve heard it somewhere, I just can’t think where.”
“Do you want to see him?”
“You know I have to.” Adam smiled and twisted the glass, “That’s why you poured this, an hour ago you moaned at me for wanting one.”
“You can’t keep going forever on brandy and coffee!”
“While longer, Pa will be back soon. Stop worrying and show him in.”
Carole kissed him gently and then went out to collect the visitor, she just had time to warn him that her husband had been injured recently and wasn’t fully fit and then they were at the door. Carole introduced them and left them alone.
Adam invited him to sit down and offered a brandy. The man accepted and Adam poured him one and refilled his own, considering the stranger. Bierstadt was studying him as intently seeing the signs of pain and tiredness, the heavily bandaged hand. “I’m sorry if my timing is inconvenient we left the date very open.”
Adam smiled “Mr Bierstadt we have some sort of mix-up. I haven’t corresponded with you, maybe it was my father or one of my brothers.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t realise there was more than one Mr Cartwright.”
“There are four of us. I’m Adam Cartwright. Perhaps if you could explain what your business is. Your name is familiar but I can’t place it, not thinking too straight today.”
“I’m a painter.” Bierstadt pulled out the last letter he’d received and looked at the signature, “I’m sorry to disturb you, but your man sent me over. It’s Ben Cartwright I wanted to see.”
“My father.” Adam smiled “You had an exhibition of landscapes in Sacramento last year. I remember my father was most impressed. He did say something about trying to persuade you to come here.”
“I can see why, you have a beautiful ranch.”
Adam looked up at the painting of the Lake “We do indeed.”
Bierstadt followed his gaze but he couldn’t intrude on this man who was obviously unwell, “I’ll be getting back to town, I’m sorry I bothered you.”
Adam frowned at that “I’m sure my father invited you to stay didn’t he?”
“Well yes but I’ll come back some other time.”
“Nonsense we’re expecting my father back any time now. He’s staying here at the moment, I’ll just get my wife to arrange for a guest room to be prepared.”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“No problem we have plenty of space.” Adam went over to the door, keeping his back straight with an effort, “Carole will you arrange a room. Pa invited Mr Bierstadt; he painted those landscapes in Sacramento that Pa enthused over last year.”
“Of course. I knew I recognised the name, I’ll see to it.” Carole came over to him and kissed him, “Please take it easy darling.”
Adam forced a grin “I’m okay.” But his desk seemed a long way away and he was relieved to reach it and lean on it as he went back to his seat. Bierstadt was examining the picture over the fireplace, a very much better piece of work than he expected to see. “Is this on your ranch?”
“Yes. Spot about a mile from here up on Lake Tahoe. Pa had it painted for me.”
“You have had some very fine artists out here; I saw two other houses as we rode up here, newly built.”
“My brothers’ homes, both married just after Christmas so they built houses.”
“I don’t recognize the style of either of them or this for that matter, very impressive designs. I’ve been thinking over the architects I know who work out here, but none of them designed these I’m sure. Did you bring in people from the East or even Europe?”
Adam was amused and very flattered, “One man designed all three houses.”
“I find that very hard to believe.” Bierstadt frowned, “I admit there is a certain similarity. They all fit together so well although very different. Maybe the same firm with a different person heading each team?”
“No firm, no team.” Adam grinned at the disbelief he saw, “I can be sure I designed them myself.”
Disbelief solidified and Adam opened a drawer, pulling out the original sketches “Here. I studied Architecture and Engineering back East many years ago.”
Bierstadt looked through the drawings and stopped dead at the chalet “And this one?”
“It was for my youngest brother and his first wife but she died in childbirth, more than three years ago, and so it was never built.”
“It’s superb.”
“Thank you.”
“And yet you don’t take commissions or I’d have heard of you.”
“I have a ranch to run. More of a hobby than anything, I don’t somehow think I’d be able to design effectively for Nob Hill.”
“Have you seen Leland Stanford’s monstrosity? He wanted me to paint it for prosperity but I was able to plead that I only do landscapes, reckon prosperity will do better without.”
To the relief of the three women in the living room Adam’s laughter resounded at that although he did warn Bierstadt that one of the Mrs Cartwright’s outside was Stanford’s youngest daughter. He grinned, “Mind you I don’t think anyone is ruder about that mausoleum than Nita. She didn’t exactly appreciate it.” Adam was buoyed up by the interest of discussing his designs with another artist who had dabbled enough to know the difficulties of design. Adam had had his real payment from his family’s delight but although not really interested in praise from outsiders, this was an informed opinion and he was delighted to hear his designs so enthusiastically praised. Weak and ill it did his ego good, just when he was feeling particularly weak, useless and incompetent. For a while he could ignore the various aches and pains and the throbbing headache which had made focusing a problem.
Adam had been talking to Bierstadt for nearly half an hour when Joe arrived home the first to do so. Nita went over to him as he took off his hat and gun and kissed him but then said “Adam’s in the study. He’s exhausted, can you get him to rest?”
Joe held her tight for a moment bemoaning his fate, “I wonder what it is about my brother? First Marie and now you, work me into the ground to protect him...ouch!” Nita had pulled away and punched him in the ribs “Catching, she did that too, must be me. Other men have quiet obedient wives I choose troublesome spitfires.” As she raised her fist again Joe grinned “Alright I’m going.” Joe went into the study hardly aware of the stranger as he studied his brother’s face. Despite the smile of welcome Joe was very aware of the taut skin, black smudges under Adam’s eyes and the deep lines of pain. Adam was very pale and obviously near exhaustion, relaxing as he took in his brother’s arrival someone else to take over and he was on the verge of collapse. Seeing that Joe moved over to him, “Right big brother, you belong in bed, right now. Not to be trusted, you’ve been overdoing it. Come on arm round my shoulder easy now.”
“Joe we have a guest.”
Joe glanced over at the stranger “I’ll see to everything Adam when you’re in bed. You’ll excuse us.”
It was all Adam felt fit for and he was leaning very heavily on his brother as Joe eased him to his feet and then slowly led him out. Bierstadt had seen him wilt fast as someone else arrived to take over and just moved to hold the door open. Joe didn’t rush his brother but as Carole hurried over Joe said “Straight to bed I think. He’s almost asleep now.”
“Thanks Joe,” Carole hurried on ahead to turn down the bed and Joe let Adam take his own time and supported him as best he could up to the bedroom. Between them Carole and Joe helped him settle and Carole did up the strap pulling a sheet up.
Adam smiled “I’m alright just tired.”
“Sure you are brother. Too obstinate to give in when you should, but now you can settle down, sleep the clock round,” Carole kissed him “Get some sleep Joe will cope and Pa is due back anytime.”
Adam frowned vaguely worried about his father, “Late, he will be carrying a lot of money.”
Joe grinned, “Stop worrying, I expect he had to go down to Carson, three month coinage run due tomorrow.”
Adam relaxed, “Forgotten that.”
“Pa’s fine, go to sleep.”
It was all that Adam wanted and as soon as he gave up the fight to keep his eyes open he slipped into sleep. Carole stared down at him for a moment and then found Joe’s arm round her and relaxed against him, “Come on Carole, we’ll leave the door ajar but I don’t reckon he’ll stir until morning.”
“I know, it’s just that he’s so weak.”
“He’s pretty marvellous to be able to do as much as he does. It was only Friday that we feared for his life with that infection.”
Carole made a conscious effort to relax although both she and Joe knew that Adam was still having more pain than he’d admit to. She filled Joe in briefly on who Bierstadt was and Joe decided he’d better go down; he had been very brusque to put it mildly.
When he went back in the study Bierstadt was looking through the house sketches again. Joe said “I’m sorry I was rude, worried about my brother. I’m Joe Cartwright. My father should be back within the hour. Can I offer you a drink?”
Bierstadt shook his head, he still had some but as Joe poured himself one he asked, “What is wrong with your brother? I could see he wasn’t well, his hand?”
“Partially, He’s just been trying to do too much while he’s still weak, He had an argument with a forest fire, lucky to get away alive but he burnt his and his back badly and hasn’t been back on his feet for long. Unfortunately the last two days both my father and I had to be away and he’s been coping with the work, busy time of the year for us.”
Joe flicked through some papers on the desk and then straightened up, “He’s just too obstinate to let anything slide. Hates to admit he’s still weak but he’ll be fine in a few weeks.”
“Remarkable man, he showed me these designs.”
“He doesn’t often let people see them.” Joe picked up the sketch of his new home, “He made an impressive job of them. This is mine. I expect you saw them all so different.”
“Without any help?” There was still a tinge of disbelief in his voice and Joe heard it but he wasn’t too surprised, “None, a little hindrance from my wife who thought she knew what she wanted,” He dug to find the original sketch Adam had made “As you can see it bears a family resemblance, though how Adam made sense of her description I don’t know, I couldn’t.”
“How long did they take him?”
“The sketches here, maybe two or three days, although he’d been thinking about them for a week or so. I’m not sure about the detailed plans; they had to fit in with other work.”
“Remarkable!”
Joe grinned sure that his brother had enjoyed knowledgeable appreciation and as Bierstadt tried to apologize for disturbing Adam when he wasn’t well, Joe said, “No need to apologize we’re grateful for it. He wouldn’t have stopped working until I got back. Far better for him to relax a little, he’s already asleep and he’ll be much better by morning. He’s got time to regain his strength before we all have to be away again.”
“You take it remarkable calmly young man,”
“Rough land, we have had our share and more of injuries and illnesses, I know just how strong my brother is.”
Nita came in then “Pa’s back.” Joe went over to the door, “Entertain our guest darling, I won’t be long.”
Bierstadt commented that he’d seen her father a couple of weeks back and after Nita had enquired if he was well she asked what her father had wanted. On hearing she couldn’t help a grin ”I do hope you refused, it’s bad enough having it sitting there, without inflicting pictures on the future.”
Meanwhile Joe had joined his father, who asked anxiously about his eldest son. Joe shrugged, “He’s overdone it but I bullied him into bed as soon as I got back, about an hour ago. He’s fast asleep now and Carole said he ate a reasonable lunch so I’d guess he’ll sleep until morning, He’s kept everything reasonably up to date so it’s not surprising he’s whacked.”
“I’ll go up to him.”
Joe put a restraining hand on his father’s arm, “I told you he’s asleep, you’ll only risk disturbing him. My word on it he’s okay, just tired and anyway you have a visitor, Mr Bierstadt.”
It was sometime since Ben had exchanged letters with the artist, getting his promise to come out and consider the ranch in order to decide whether he would take the offered commission. With all the upsets and worries recently Ben had forgotten all about it but now he hurried in to greet his guest. Ben wanted a series of pictures of his ranch, a few of the best views, the ranch-house, his sons’ homes. He hadn’t really thought it out in detail, just a quick decision, having seen Bierstadt’s exhibition in Sacramento. It had been during the days he was fighting to finish his business in Sacramento before coming home to his sons after the Indian trouble. Despite frequent telegrams from Adam, it had been hard to concentrate on business and he’d known how good the landscapes were when he wandered in to fill time between meetings and nearly forgot the meeting and even the trouble at home as he wandered around.
Over dinner that night Joe and the girls entered into the discussions, all suggesting different views worthy of canvas. Bierstadt wouldn’t be tied, he’d take suggestions but he wanted to spend a couple of days riding around to see for himself and then he’d decide. Ben nodded “Of course. I will pay you for your time whether you decide to paint the ranch to not, but I’m pretty confident you’ll find views worthy of your brush.”
“This valley with the three houses for a start. You have a brilliant son Mr Cartwright.”
Ben grinned and then catching Joe’s eye he remarked “Eldest makes up for the youngest!”
Even Nita laughed at that as Joe raised a threatening hand to his father. It had taken time but Nita was well aware that Ben was equally proud of all three of his sons for varying reasons as they were of each other.
It wasn’t until Bierstadt had gone up to his room that Joe was able to find out the success of his father’s mission. For an hour they sat in Adam’s study with Nita and brought each other up to date. Carole and Sue had both headed for bed earlier. Joe was relieved to hear that they should at least be able to keep the Virginia City Bank from going under. Things were bad enough now and would only get worse but at least it was something. Eventually Joe took Nita home, leaving his father staring at the view over the Lake. Ben couldn’t help thinking about his eldest son as he slowly tidied up the design papers and he couldn’t resist looking in on Adam when he went up to bed. His son was sleeping very peacefully, the lines of pain softened and looked better so that Ben could go to bed with an easy mind. Well overtired himself he was late down the next morning and Adam had already eaten a large breakfast and was sitting talking to Bierstadt. Adam had already arranged for a horse and a long time hand to show him around the ranch. Kam Su was packing up a lunch and supplies so Bierstadt left soon after Ben reappeared.
By then Joe had arrived and once Adam was brought up to date with what they had been doing he filled them in on the little he’d done, including the visitors from town asking for help. Joe was grateful that his brother had persuaded Harry Wright to accept help knowing how his friend reacted to Adam and he could imagine the scenario, knew that it hadn’t been easy.
Then they had to settle to the outstanding work, Adam concentrated on the legal queries, finding it restful to deal with a job that he knew well, without having to bother with the continual interruptions and despite working hard all morning he was relaxed and ate a good
lunch much to Carole’s relief. He agreed to have a doze after lunch, very much under protest and when Joe looked in half an hour later he was looking through the portfolios which had come with the Vitruvius Britannicus. Joe went in and shut the door, keeping his voice low “You were supposed to be having a sleep!”
“I’m not tired little brother, slept for a long time last night, I do wish you would stop fussing I’m fine now.”
“You’re a liar big brother, weak as a kitten.”
“Stop rubbing it in. I know but I am picking up steadily now and I won’t overdo things, don’t want to worry Carole.”
Joe grinned, “I might believe that if I hadn’t had to almost carry you upstairs yesterday!”
Adam raised a fist, “Watch it little brother, I’m still fit enough to keep you under control.”
Glad that his brother was well enough to tease him, Joe left his brother to enjoy his book and went back down. Carole had dozed off in front of the fire and Sue had taken the three children outside. Joe joined his wife frowning slightly as he studied Carole. She had always carried without any trouble but this time, especially since her threatened miscarriage she was tiring very easily. He led Nita into the study and Ben asked, “What’s wrong Joseph?”
“Probably nothing Pa, just Carole. She seems to tire so very easily, I was just remembering how we left her to look after you and Hoss while we went to San Francisco; she was almost as far on then.”
“Lot of upsets with first the cave-in and then the fire.” Ben said
Nita moved closer to Joe, feeling the tension in him, Joe kissed her and made an effort to relax, determined not to worry his lovely blonde. “Sure and at least she’s being sensible, if we can just keep Adam sensible.”
They settled to work and a while later Adam came back to join them, pouring coffee before returning to his legal problem. Not pushed by the work with three of them at home they had time to discuss what they were intending to do when the Bank failed as seemed inevitable. Only then could they start picking up the pieces. With Ben due to go to San Francisco in just over a week they had to lay their plans so that they could work in conjunction with each other and not get at cross purposes. They couldn’t risk revealing what they were up to and their normal telegraphic code was insufficient, so Joe drew up a list of keywords to indicate certain actions and certain mines, so that they could keep in touch. Adam helped his brother or that was his opinion until Joe told him to go away that he was more of a hindrance than a help. In a zany mood having achieved a reasonable amount without feeling exhausted he was not only suggesting ridiculous words but bemoaning his brother’s refusal to cover impossible eventualities until Joe could barely write for laughing. In the end Joe begged Carole to remove her husband so that he could get on and Carole did very willingly, so pleased to see him looking brighter. Relaxing she felt better too and curled up next to him. They just talked idly trying to think of a name for this daughter that she was sure she was carrying. Not that they got very far, drifting onto some of the odd little things the children they already had, had got up to. Ben watched them for a few minutes and then his gaze fell on Nita, rather aimlessly turning the pages of a book, obviously restless, He went over to Joe, “Why not leave that for now Joseph, no great rush.”
“I’ve only just succeeded in getting rid of Adam and ...” Joe broke off following his father’s gaze to his wife, “Come to that maybe big brother has the right idea.” He tidied up his papers “I’ll see you in the morning Pa. Come on Nita lets go home.”
She looked up, trying to hide her eagerness, “I’m alright if you want to finish that.”
Ben kissed her forehead, “Take advantage of a break while you can, no rush for this. Joe will be very busy while I’m away.”
Nita accepted that and as it was a beautiful mild evening Joe harnessed her buggy and they drove up to the Lake, just able to pick out the fires at Hoss’ camp on the far side of the lake. Joe tried to tell her how grateful he was for the freedom she gave him, knowing that one way and another he didn’t have that much time for her and it was going to get worse before it got better. Not until the main herd had been delivered and the lumber contracts finished would he have much spare time. Nita laughed at him, “You warned me repeatedly before you proposed.”
Joe pulled her close “Each year we say we won’t take on so much, that it’ll be easier, This year we aren’t building flumes or anything but it’s more chaotic than ever.”
“You could hardly plan for your father being ill or Adam getting hurt.”
“I sometimes think we ought to, there’s always trouble.”
“You’re just tired; do you want to go home?”
Joe just kissed her and led the way slowly along the shoreline, letting the peace of the Lake perform its usual magic. “You are wonderful Nita, all so different from what you’re used to and you help us all.”
“Maybe, I hope so, but don’t you see I am so very much happier. I feel as if I’m useful, have some purpose, even when you’re busy you ask me to do things and all the time I have this wonderful new life growing inside me.”
Joe touched her noticeable bump very gently, “My child. It doesn’t seem possible.”
She put her arms round his neck, “In a few months you’ll hold the baby. We’re both going to be fine darling. You do know that, don’t you?”
“I...” Joe hesitated. At the moment when she was standing there in his arms looking up at him so very beautiful he could believe that she was right, but he knew in the early hours when he woke after a nightmare he would be very scared. He couldn’t lie to her, but he forced a smile, “I can believe it while you’re here, when I’m on my own I get scared. You are so very important to me sweetheart and I love you so much.”
“I’m not tiny and I am fit and strong. I want this child, your child because I love you and because I love children. You want it too I know that. I’ve seen you with your niece and nephews, you’ll be as good a father as Adam is.”
Joe nodded slowly, he couldn’t deny he wanted children, especially since he’d grown used to having his brother’s around and found out just how much fun young children could be. “Of course I want it whether it’s a boy as you insist, or a girl maybe even half as lovely as her mother.”
“Oh it’s a boy, you should have more faith, I know. Sue says hers is too and Carole has another girl.”
“Well if all three of you are right, maybe I’ll start to believe you do know.”
“Carole’s been right so far.”
“Maybe but the odds aren’t bad you know, fifty-fifty.”
Nita laughed and tried to tie Joe down to a discussion of names but Joe insisted he couldn’t decide until he knew what the baby looked like. He did issue a warning that he wouldn’t stand for Leland, the baby might grow up to be like her brother.
“Impossible!”
“I certainly hope so.” Joe said and then, as she giggled, he pulled her close and kissed her.
The next day Joe finished off the job he had left the previous evening while Ben checked the immediate work. They had planned as far as they could and now could only wait for news.
Late in the afternoon Bierstadt returned, very enthusiastic at what he’d seen. The care that Ben had always used to develop his ranch had made it even more beautiful than the wild neglected lands that the painter had been recording for the past fifteen years. Especially after travelling through the hills north of Virginia City where every tree had been cut regardless of the effects, in an attempt to satisfy the insatiable demand for lumber from the mines. Bierstadt’s enthusiasm was catching and all of them were pleased to hear it as they discussed his terms for a series of twelve pictures around the ranch. He wanted to do the Lake and the view Adam already had was the obvious one but Adam suggested that before he decided he might go to the west shore and see the view down to the promontory, maybe go back with Hoss next time his big brother came home. Bierstadt was happy to leave it open, he had plenty to keep him busy and the terms that Ben was suggesting were more than generous. Adam invited him to continue using his home as a base but Bierstadt preferred to camp out and work when he wanted to. He was used to roughing it and the weather was fine. Once he started on a burst of painting he would work long hours and even when the light was impossible he was wrapped up in his picture and preferred to be alone, not to have to be sociable. He tried to explain and Adam could easily understand and just made it clear that anytime he wanted a comfortable bed, a change of cooking, or just to collect supplies, he was very welcome. Bierstadt left before the dawn the next day, determined to start on the sprawling but impressive main house which somehow typified the whole ranch to him.
Joe was in two minds whether to go up to the main lumber camp, it could wait another couple of days but there wasn’t anything particularly urgent at the house and his father could manage. Hoss wasn’t intending coming back this weekend so it made little difference whether he went on Friday or Saturday. He was running over a few details with his father and Adam when they heard a sudden babble of conversation and opening the study door Joe quickly made up his mind to leave it for another day as both Roy and Dan had come out for a visit.
All three of them moved out to greet their friends, Adam almost automatically keeping his back to the wall, not risking any bumps with exuberant children and a seeming room full of people. Roy and Dan were both very fond of Adam and as he appeared they considered him carefully. His hand was still heavily bandaged and he looked pale and thinner than usual with all too many pain lines on his face but he was obviously pleased to see them and after an easy couple of days he wasn’t nearly as drawn as both had seen on occasion. Roy extricated himself first, “Good to see you Adam. Glad it was no worse.”
Adam nursed his hand, “I’m okay, always healed fast. Guess we were all rather lucky. Just so long as noone bangs my back. Enough of that, its good to see you two. I hear that you’ve had your hands full.”
Carole got coffee and calmed the children down. The adults gathered round the fire and Roy brought them up to date with events in town. It had been hectic the previous night with three killings, more even than Virginia City normally averaged in one evening. Dan had been querying just how his old friend was from Carole, knowing he’d get a more accurate report from her than from Adam. Carole was quite optimistic. She had seen her husband begin to recover rapidly the last few days with far less pain, mainly just irritation. Although if he did too much and his clothing began to chafe on the newly formed skin, she was aware that he still had some bad moments. Dan relaxed a little glad to see his friend looking better than he had expected after Doc’s report.
Roy finished outlining the events in town and then Ben asked what the latest position was in the market. Dan passed over a list from John Marye and Ben sighed as he read it and then passed it over to Adam. All the stock was way down, much of it standing at a nominal dollar or even less. Even the California was down despite none of the stock being on the market. Dan waited until they had read it, Joe reading over his brother’s shoulder, then he said “You can’t even give stock away at the moment, everyone’s running scared and this came out this morning.” He passed the local paper with its copy of the article they had first seen exactly a week earlier. Dan frowned as all three just glanced at it to check it was identical to the one they had seen before; he asked “You’ve already seen it?”
Ben nodded “A week ago, Flood brought a copy out. He said it was being released right across the country, even the New York papers.” He looked anxiously at his eldest son, who had just about collapsed before, all his strength drained by the fury he’d felt. Adam recognised the look “I don’t like it one bit better than I did then Pa but I am a lot stronger, so don’t worry.”
“How much have the Irishmen got to do with this?” Dan asked.
Ben shrugged “You know as much as I do. They had an advanced copy from this reporter for help rendered. Just what I don’t know, but they have a very complete dossier on Ralston and the Bank. Whether they pointed the reporter at it hardly matters, as far as I know it’s strictly true.”
“It’ll be the last straw with the market so far down, the Bank will fail, it’s just a matter of when.”
“I warned you that’s what they wanted.”
“I know. God how some people change.”
Adam smiled bitterly, “I think its about summed up by something I read a few months back, Lord Acton in his historical essays. ‘Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely, great men are almost always bad men.’”
“Hasn’t corrupted any of you.” said Sue loyally and Adam relaxed, “Thank you Sue. Though no doubt you’d find people to disagree with you, we have our enemies.”
Joe sighed, “If you’re quoting how about the bible, money is the root of all evil.”
Ben grinned, “Cheer up Joseph and if you must quote try to be accurate!”
Joe frowned trying to remember what it was, not even sure where it came from. It was a quote he’d often heard but he had never seen it written down as far as he could remember.
Ben took pity on him, “It’s frequently misquoted Joe. In fact the full quote is, the love of money is the root of all evil. Money is no more evil than a gun, either in the wrong hands do immeasurable harm. Maybe we’re conceited but I have always believed that we do more good than harm with both.”
Dan lent back in his chair and considered his friends “So I’m biased but, along with a lot of others, I rely on you being around when we hit trouble.”
Adam straightened up, “I want some more coffee, anyone else? I thought you two came out here to get away from the miseries of town. All we can do is wait, help where we can and, once the dust settles, pick up the pieces. It won’t be the first time.”
Ben got to his feet “Adam’s right when you can’t change anything it’s a waste of time and energy worrying.” It was easier said than done but slowly Dan and Roy relaxed. At lunch Adam suggested going for a picnic that afternoon up by the Lake. Dan was enthusiastic but then seeing the sideways looked Ben, Carole and Joe were giving Adam he asked, “You well enough?”
“Of course.”
Joe sighed “You haven’t been out Adam and Blackie hasn’t had much exercise, he’ll be very full of himself. Why not go with Carole in the buggy.”
Adam shook his head, “That I can’t face and anyway it’s a situation that has to be faced, longer I leave it the more feisty that stallion will be.”
Joe met his father’s eye seeing the anxiety there too but Carole smiled at them “Take it easy you two. Joe I know Blackie is Adam’s horse but you can ride him, he knows your voice.”
Joe frowned, he’d never ridden the stallion but he knew he could, “Sure, especially if Adam tells him to behave! Do you want me to take him out for a gallop first?”
Carole nodded and Joe looked at his brother, “Sounds sensible to me but he’s your horse?”
Adam grinned “Fine by me and I don’t think he’ll give you any trouble.”
Joe grabbed his hat and gun, “I’ll go saddle up, be back in half an hour.” Adam followed his brother out and as Joe saddle the stallion Adam talked to him and held him still as Joe mounted. Blackie tossed his head not really approving of someone other than his master but as Adam spoke to him he accepted it. Adam stood back “I think he’ll behave.”
“I’ll manage, just take the edge off him.” Joe let the stallion move out, slowly at first and then willingly Blackie stretched his legs. He was a larger animal than Cochise and very smooth. Joe enjoyed the sheer power of the magnificent stallion, not that he would have swapped his own pinto for any other animal.
Adam watched his brother out of sight and Dan came out to join him, “It doesn’t matter if you don’t feel like going.”
“My suggestion remember.” said Adam mildly.
“Yeah but I didn’t realise you hadn’t been out.”
“Past time I did, I’m fine, just a bit sore and I’ll be glad to get out of the house for a few hours.” Dan knew his friend well enough to drop the subject, Ben joined them and after a couple of minutes Dan left father and son alone. Adam frowned “Don’t you start Pa!”
“I wasn’t going to. Considering everything you have been remarkably sensible, just don’t overdo it.”
Adam grinned and got his father to harness up two buggies. Dan would take Carole up while Sue and Nita used the other buggy, the children fitting in with them. Despite his confident front Adam wasn’t at all sure how painful it was going to be to ride and he didn’t want too many people around. Once Joe got back it was easy to get the buggies started of to the Lake. Then Adam went over to his stallion. It suddenly looked a long way up and he sighed quietly. Joe joined his brother, “Want some help or a mounting block?”
“No thanks little brother.” Adam gripped the saddle and knowing it wouldn’t help to wait he swung up with less problems than he’d been fearing. It pulled on his back as he used muscles he hadn’t for some time but eased as he settled himself in the saddle, Adam grinned at the three remaining men and Joe swung up on Cochise and pulled in close to his brother. Ben was relieved to see his son mounting without obvious problems and got Buck. The four headed out and Adam let his father and Roy move ahead. Ben knew his son well and left Joe to look after his brother knowing that would suit Adam best.
Joe couldn’t stop himself watching his brother closely, seeing his lips tighten as the movement of the horse caused his clothes to chafe on the tender skin but Blackie obeyed a very loose rein and Adam barely had to use his muscles. Joe knew his brother too well to comment and just let Adam set the pace. Adam kept it to an easy lope and it didn’t take long to reach the Lake. He was pleased that it hadn’t troubled him more and he swung down not waiting for his brother’s help. He tied Blackie on a long rein and went over to Carole grinning broadly. She relaxed seeing that he was pleased with himself and in a zany mood Adam kept all of them amused. Eventually with the children’s bedtime approaching they had to make a move and Joe helped the girls collect things.
Adam was feeling more venturesome and he had a quiet word with Carole, he wanted to go for a longer ride, blow away some of the cobwebs after being stuck in the house for so long. Carole hesitated but he looked so much better, she just kissed him, “Go ahead but get Joe to go with you, just in case. I’ll explain to Pa.”
“You are the most wonderful wife a man ever had.” Adam said fervently, “I’ll be careful.”
Carole smiled up at him, knowing his restlessness and understanding it, knowing how much he hated being weak. She knew he still had a long way to go to recover his strength but trusted Joe to look after him. She would worry until he was back but not enough to stop him. She saw Joe frown as Adam spoke to him and went over, “He’ll be okay, Joe just stick with him.”
“You don’t mind?”
“I get restless too.” Carole grinned and Joe kissed her forehead “I’ll look after the obstinate fool.”
As the party began to move back to the ranch Ben waited until Adam was mounted and then rode out with Roy. It was five minutes before he realised that his sons weren’t following. He pulled up anxious but Carole called him over and explained. As Ben still looked worried she did her best to reassure him, “Joe is with him and just because I let him go without fussing he won’t go too far and worry me.”
Adam let Blackie stretch his legs once they were clear of the tree, enjoying the feel of the strong horse galloping, a freedom he hadn’t had in weeks but the jolting hurt his hand and after five minutes he pulled Blackie into a lope. He was a little pale and drawn but Joe made no comment. Adam kept going for about twenty minutes and then pulled up looking at the view over the Lake from the high point. He dismounted and stared out over the view he loved. He’d enjoyed the ride but his knees were feeling distinctly weak and he settled himself on a rock. Joe just joined him in silence and let the peace of the spot soak in. After ten minutes Adam turned back to Blackie not wanting to worry Carole. He found it more difficult to mount this time, an increasing weakness pervading his limbs and he didn’t disdain his brother’s help. They let the horses walk down the first steep section and then moved into a lope. About half a mile form the house Adam pulled up and asked for a drink, he was feeling the effects of his efforts, his hand and head throbbing in unison, weakness making it an effort to focus, Joe passed the flask anxiously but there was little point in fussing Adam already knew he’d pushing harder than was sensible and whatever he said they still had half a mile to go.
Adam was glad of his brother’s forbearance and slowly got control and moved Blackie on at a walk. Walking the last stretch gave Adam a chance to hide his feelings and although he accepted his brother’s help to dismount, he was able to walk in to join his wife without showing any sign of having taken harm from his ride, just a little tired. Carole was glad she’d let him go and at dinner he even managed a reasonable meal, rather to Joe’s surprise. Ben had about decided he could give up worrying about his son who had made his usual swift recovery. None of them were particularly surprised when Adam fought a losing battle to keep his eyes open after the meal, the fresh air catching up on him. Roy and Dan were both far too good friends for him to stand on ceremony and when Carole suggested that he could do with an early night, he put up only a token protest. He even accepted Joe’s help upstairs. Once he was in bed his little brother hovered and Adam knowing him so well, smiled up at him “I’m fine Joe just tired, thanks for your help.”
Doc came out the following day and checked Adam over very thoroughly, He was well pleased, although he knew Adam was still weaker than he was admitting. Everything was healing well and Adam insisted that his back was no longer painful even when Doc touched it. It really wasn’t too bad, although it hurt if he banged it. Doc made him do some exercises and Adam had to admit it pulled somewhat but he had a reasonable range of movement. Dan advised him to exercise a little each day, ease his muscles back into shape. He knew it had hurt Adam and suggested that they had coffee before he checked Adam’s hand but Adam insisted on finishing everything off. He rested his hand on the table and Doc undid the bandages and eased off the dressings. Sue had been changing them regularly and it was perfectly healthy, healing over. Doc prodded at it and Adam drew his breath in sharply. Doc sat back “Hurt?”
“A little, not too bad.”
“Adam?” Doc asked suspiciously.
Adam grinned “I’m not being a martyr Doc; it’s alright, just a bit sore.” Doc nodded slowly “Alright lets see what use you have with it.”
“Fair enough I haven’t been able to try anything much with all the bandages.”
“We’ll take it easy for a start. It’s still quite raw, not really healed in the wound.” Doc took Adam through a series of tests. Adam had a certain amount of feeling in his fingertips although less in his thumb, but Doc was confident most of it would return and although it hurt he had a full range of movement. Finally Doc said “Grip my hand Adam but don’t push it too far, stop if it hurts.”
Adam did as Doc asked biting his lip at the stabbing pain from the wound at the base of the thumb, but he had a surprisingly strong grip and Doc smiled “Okay Adam.”
Adam stared down fighting hard to keep his breathing under control not to worry his father or Carole. Joe pushed a brandy in front of him and Adam drank it gratefully. Doc had lent back in his chair, “Sorry Adam I know that hurt, still I’m confident you’ll regain full use once it’s healed.”
Adam was pleased with that and slowly relaxed and looked up, “It’s alright Carole, just sore for a minute."
She forced a smile not wanting to worry him and Ben got her some coffee. Doc and Sue contrived a smaller neater dressing instead of the bulky bandage that he’d been wearing, leaving some of the smaller injuries uncovered, and again Doc suggested a few exercises although he warned Adam not to push too hard.
Carole was pleased with Doc’s prognosis and Adam quickly regained his colour. Ben went out with Doc who had another stop to make and wouldn’t stop for coffee. Doc grinned at his old friend, “Be grateful Ben. Adam’s healed very fast and even the scarring won’t be as severe as it looked at first, although he’s always going to show that he’s been in a fire.”
“I’m grateful for that Doc, but how strong is he?”
“You know him better than anyone, strong enough to be a nuisance and push himself too far, but even if he overdoes it now I don’t think he’ll collapse, just tire easily.”
Content with that Ben let Doc get on and returned to his sons. Joe was about to leave for the lumber camp and was proposing to stay up there for a few days to check on the little things which tended to be allowed to slide without one of them in control. Not that they blamed Johnny he was a logger and he did a good job for them, but he wasn’t interested in conserving the forests the way they were. Joe felt much easier about his brother than he had in a long time and just warned Adam not to overdo things and worry Carole or their father.
Then he went home to take his leave of Nita.
Joe worked hard once he reached the camp and after a belated supper he was lazing by the fire chatting to Johnny and Peter Curtis when he was surprised to see his big brother ride in. For a moment anxiety flared as he feared Hoss was bringing bad news but although Hoss looked tired he was unworried so Joe just busied himself pouring coffee and dishing up a plate of food for his brother.
Hoss eased himself down, stiff and tired after a long day which had started before dawn and he took the plate gratefully. The other man left the brothers alone and Joe asked “Trouble?”
“Nope. Another fortnight or so will see us finished. Just needed to satisfy my curiosity. The telegraph is great but it ain’t the same as talking. Wanted the news.”
Joe relaxed understanding that and started with the essentials. “Sue is fine, in fact everyone is. Had Roy and Dan out for a visit yesterday and we all went up to the Lake for a picnic. Word from Harris in town his bank should be safe at least.”
“Adam?”
“Much better, Doc was out this morning, reckons he’ll he get back full use in his hand. Enjoyed a long ride yesterday, tired him but he was fine.” Joe went into more detail as his brother pressed him and Hoss relaxed reading the confidence in Joe’s eyes, his wife was fine and his brother well on the road to recovery. Hoss stopped overnight and had breakfast with Joe before heading back for the west shore. The brothers arranged to meet and ride home together on Wednesday to see their father and check things over before Ben headed to San Francisco. Hoss wanted to check for himself that his father was fit enough to cope.
Over the few days that Joe had been away Adam had built up his strength considerably, reasonably free of pain and eating and sleeping better, for the first time he didn’t need to put on an act he didn’t feel ill any longer and it showed. Carole relaxed so pleased to see him better and when he insisted that he wanted to go up to check on things at the sawmill she didn’t fuss, just asking him to take a hand along for her peace of mind. Jack Catfish was surprised to see Adam ride in; it wasn’t that long since he’d helped carry the stretcher down. Although Joe had given him encouraging reports he hadn’t expected Adam to be out and around yet, let alone without one of his family riding herd.
Adam was pleased to see his old friend but swiftly pushed off enquiries about his health, he wasn’t fit for a fight but otherwise recovering fine. They gossiped for a while and then Adam got up to date on the current position, well pleased with how far advanced his big brother was. On the other hand it raised a problem, Adam wanted to finish the survey for the second flume, he only had two days work left and that was taking it very easy. He hadn’t dared risk the uproar it was going to cause when he told his family what he was planning, The west shore was a long ride but Adam felt much stronger and able to cope with that and he wanted to get back to the west shore. He needed to see again the area where they had been trapped and the cliff, maybe then it would stop haunting his dreams, not really nightmares just too strong memories, which had woken him several times recently. His main nightmare was about Carole, but she seemed much better now, not tiring so easily, reacting to his own improvement in strength.
Hoss and Joe were already home when he got back, both anxious about him, especially Hoss and surprised that their father had let him go. However when Adam rode in he had obviously taken no harm from his outing, swinging down and greeting his brothers exuberantly. Even Joe was impressed by the strides Adam had made in just a few days, not moving so carefully now, as the scars on his back hardened off. They all relaxed with the work well up to date and all the arrangements they could make for any eventualities while Ben was away. Nita had prepared a meal and they all joined Joe and Nita in their home for the meal and a lazy evening.
Ben’s train didn’t leave until the late afternoon and the family spent a lazy morning with the children out by the stream back of Hoss’ house. Ben was surprised how easy his mind was, he had expected to be very worried about Adam but his son was obviously well on the way to recovery and there wouldn’t be any long term effects. Ben promised to keep in touch and not to push too hard, overdo things. His sons put more faith in Laura and will but Ben seemed to have more or less recovered his stamina, the worry over Adam had affected him far less than they had feared.
Joe had some jobs to do in town and cash to collect so after lunch he rode in with his father and could bring Buck home. As they rode Ben asked his youngest son to keep him in touch warning him that although his eldest brother was a lot better he wasn’t nearly as fit as he was making out. Joe laughed “You don’t have to tell me Pa I know him pretty well, but as you can’t control him what chance do I have?”
“Get Carole’s help and maybe Sue’s, she has a tendency to get her own way.”
“He’ll be fine you just make sure you don’t overdo things and we’ll see you in a month.” Joe gripped his father’s shoulder momentarily, “We’ll be fine.”
Ben was content with that, although if either of them had been privy to the suggestion Adam was putting forward at that moment they might not have felt quite so amused at the problems Adam’s stubbornness caused. As it was Joe saw his father on the train and then went for a beer before completing his own errands and heading home.

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