It happened while he was gone to fulfill an Army contract and deliver horses to Fort Churchill. Away from the ranch for the better part of a week, Joe was ready for a slower day, but his father greeted him at breakfast with some discouraging news. A teamster from the timber camp named Jeb Sellers died when his heavily loaded wagon turned over coming down a slope.
"What could I say to his wife? He was in a hurry and took a chance. It was an accident. He knew better than to take that kind of risk. Left behind a pretty young woman who's expecting their first child in a few months." Ben shook his head and reached over to cover Kate's hand with his. He was thankful that Mary and Hannah had left the table already and that Sam was too young to understand the heavy conversation.
Joe paused from eating, holding his fork above his plate. "What will she do?"
"I'm not sure. She didn't know yet at the funeral what her plans are. I was hoping you might go out to their place and see what needs done. Hoss has got his hands full right now with winter coming soon."
Joe blew out a weary breath. "It's not that I don't feel for her, but couldn't you send one of the hands?"
"I would go myself, but I'm headed to Carson City this morning for a prison review board meeting. I would feel better if someone from the family took care of it."
Joe nodded. "All right. Where is the place?"
"It's the old Horton place just south of Virginia City. Hop Sing will have a basket of food for you to take along."
"And I've got some baby things for her as well." Kate added.
"I'll get ready and head out soon so hopefully I can get a few things done around here later this afternoon." Joe made haste to clear his plate.
"Sounds good. Take a few tools with you just in case there are a couple of simple jobs to be done. By the way, I'm planning to stop by Adam and Cecille's. Anything I need to pass along."
"Naw. Just tell them hello and that I'll get over to see them one of these days. Joe sighed heavily and drained his coffee cup. "Guess I'd better be on my way."
"Thank you, Joseph." Ben called out sincerely.
"Sure, Pa." Joe moved toward the door and snapped his fingers before turning around. Oh the baby things?"
Kate gave him a grateful smile. "Yes, thanks, I'll bring them right out. You go ahead and start getting ready."
Joe nodded and headed for the barn. Shortly thereafter, with a basket of food and another filled with things for the Sellers' baby, Joe slapped the reins on the team hitched up to the buckboard. The Sellers' place was just outside of town; so it was already mid-morning by the time he reached the homestead. A good-sized female dog and three pups met him with loud barking when he pulled the buckboard to a stop in front of the house. Mrs. Sellers appeared on the porch trying to identify her visitor. There had been a number of people stop by over the past few days to offer their condolences. Joe took note of Tori Sellers' round belly under her wrap skirt. The significant bulge indicated as his father had stated that the woman was probably less than two months from delivering her child. Her dark brown hair was plaited into a thick braid that fell on her back.
"Good morning, Mrs. Sellers. I'm Joe Cartwright." He flashed the woman a tentative smile and then jumped down from the seat of the buckboard. "I apologize for showing up without notice."
"Good morning, Mr. Cartwright. That's quite alright. How can I help you?"
Joe suddenly felt awkward and reached up to remove his hat. "Well, uh, I just want to say how sorry I was to hear about your husband and offer my condolences.
"Thank you, Mr. Cartwright."
"Joe, ma'am, you can call me Joe. Mr. Cartwright is my father."
"Yes - Joe. Um, thank you."
"I was wondering if there was any work you needed done."
Tori Sellers nervously gripped the sides of her skirt not sure how to respond. "That's really kind of you - Joe," she stumbled over his name, "but I'm not certain at the moment. Uh, I was just shelling some beans and cutting up some pumpkins to dry."
"Sounds like you're busy. I don't want to be a bother. What if I just take a look around and see if there's anything that needs fixing?"
"Thank you."
"No problem. Happy to help." Joe replaced his hat and tipped it at the lady. She nodded her thanks and reached for the door handle. "Oh, ma'am, our cook and my step-mother sent some food and baby things for you."
Tori Sellers waited as Joe brought the baskets to her. "That was so thoughtful of your family to do this for me. Please give them my thanks and stop back at the house before you leave and have a cup of coffee. It's the least I can do."
"Thank you, ma'am. I'll do that."
About an hour later, Joe knocked at the door of the house. He was anxious to get back to the ranch, but he did not want to appear rude and ride off without accepting the cup of coffee Mrs. Sellers had offered. The young woman answered the knock promptly.
"Mr. - I mean, Joe, are you ready for some coffee?"
"I don't want to put you to any trouble, ma'am. I got a drink at the pump already; so I can just be on my way."
"Now that would be no way to thank you for your kindness. Please have a seat here on the porch and I'll be right out with the coffee."
"Yes, ma'am. Thanks."
Joe took a seat in one of two rockers on the porch which only made him feel even more uneasy as he wondered which one had been Jeb's. Tori soon came out carrying a tray with the coffee pot, two cups and sandwich.
Joe reached out took the tray. "Here. Let me help you with that."
"Thanks."
Joe set the tray on the small table that sat between the two rocking chairs.
"Really, ma'am, you didn't need to feed me, too."
Tori began filling the cups with steaming coffee before taking her seat in the other rocker. "It was no trouble. It's lunch time and you've got to be hungry."
"What about you?"
I had a bite soon after you got here. Kind of eat when the spirit moves."
Joe nodded in understanding. He picked up the sandwich and took a healthy bite. Thanks, it's good", he praised after his mouth was empty. He continued to eat and Tori sipped her coffee in silence.
"I - uh - probably should let you know what I did." Joe stammered.
"Yes, thank you so much for your help."
"Well, I really didn't do a whole lot, ma'am."
"Please, it's Tori."
Joe gave her a lopsided grin. "Tori. There really wasn't too much that I was able to do today. Put in a few nails here and there and straightened a couple of posts. Maybe I could come back another time or send someone to do some of the bigger jobs. You got a good place here."
Tori ducked her head. "Jeb kept very busy hauling timber and didn't always have time to get things done, but he was a good worker and a good husband."
"Yes, ma'am. I'm sure he was." Joe paused and debated how to ask the question that had been running through his mind. "I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I was wondering how you are going to handle this place on your own."
Tori looked up from her coffee cup and focused on the horizon. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Joe could see the turmoil he had caused by asking such a question. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I - uh - I - just want you to know that my family would be happy to help you any way we can."
Tori swiped at the tears that were running down her cheeks. "It's alright. Everyone is trying their best to be of help. I can imagine how hard it is for folks not knowing what to do for me. Some people from town took up a collection and I've been staying nights at a boarding house in town so I'm not here at night by myself. I've been working in the garden and taking care of the animals during the day. I'll just be honest with you, I don't know what I'm going to do. Jeb took out a loan to buy this place. He would have had it paid off in another year, but I'll be out of money soon. I suppose the bank will put the property up for sale."
Just then the female dog and her three pups trotted up on the porch interrupting the conversation. Tori sighed. "Oh Dellie, what am I going to do with you and your pups?"
"Dellie?"
"It's for Delilah. Doesn't she have the prettiest eyes?"
Joe chuckled. "Yeah, she sure does."
"Well you got somebody's attention with those eyes, didn't you girl?" Tori choked out a laugh. "Sorry. Guess that's farmyard talk."
"That's alright. Things happen on ranches, too." Joe reached out to pet the mother dog.
"I need to find homes for her pups. Jeb was going to take care of that but - you wouldn't happen to know anyone who needs a dog, would you?"
"Well, both my brothers have mentioned it a time or two."
"Really? Do you think you could take two of the pups for me. They are plenty old enough to leave their mother. I mean - part of me hates to see them go, but it's just one more thing for me to deal with and the pups are starting to eat a lot now that they are weaned."
"Um, well, I guess I could take two of them back with me if you've got some twine or something so I can keep them in the buckboard."
"Oh that would be such a big help. I don't know how I can ever thank you. Do you hear that Shadrach and Meshach?" Tori reached down and petted a brown and white spotted pup and another that was mostly brown with white belly and socks. "You're going to get a new home."
"Shadrach and Meshach?" Joe's hand went out to the third pup that was mostly white like its mother. "So I'm guessing this one's Abednego?"
"Yes, I call him Bendy. I know it makes no sense, but, oh well, he doesn't know any better, do you Bendy?"
"Your dog's sure have interesting names."
"Delilah just seemed to fit for the momma and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were three brave men; so I figured they'd be good names for her boys."
Joe's amusement with the pups' names slipped away as he began to get a sinking feeling in his stomach. He wondered what had possessed him to agree to finding homes for the dogs and how in the world he would manage them on the trip home. He was not too worried about Hoss accepting one of the pups, but Adam was a different story. His mind was churning trying to figure out what he would do if Adam declined. His father had allowed Mary and Hannah to have Lucky, but Joe knew that having two dogs permanently was out of the question. He poured himself a second cup of coffee while Tori went into the house to find the twine.
Moments later she returned and handed him a ball of twine. "I've got something that may make your trip go a little smoother." Joe secured the pups near the seat in the back of the buckboard while the young woman went inside again. Shortly Tori came carrying a bowl and handed him two bones.
"Ah, yes, thanks! Those will be a big help!" Joe's face lit up with a genuine, grateful smile.
Delilah and Abednego sat on their haunches at the woman's feet with their noses pointed toward the bowl. Tori thanked Joe profusely and then walked back to the porch and gave Dellie and Bendy each a bone so they did not follow the pups that were leaving.
As Joe traveled back to the ranch from the Sellers' place, he was amazed that the two pups lying in the wagon bed seemed so calm. Of course the bones that Tori Sellers had given the dogs to chew had been just the trick for keeping them occupied. His visit with the young widow played through his head as he mindlessly drove the buckboard toward the Ponderosa. He would have liked to have asked more questions but knew it would be inappropriate to pry since she had buried her husband only a few days ago. Tori was young and pretty, just as his pa had mentioned, but obviously resilient given the circumstances life had given her. Joe found himself drawn to her for reasons he could not explain. He shook his head and forced himself to think on other things, mainly how he was going to get his brothers to take Shadrach and Meshach.
Since Tori had been so kind as to give him a sandwich, Joe headed straight to Hoss' house. He was hoping to be down one dog by the time he showed up at home. Despite his concerns, Joe could not help but smile when he neared his big brother's place. Hoss had built a beautiful home that was situated just right for watching the setting sun from a large porch. He could not help but be envious of Hoss who had thoroughly embraced his life as a husband and father, as Joe had always known he would.
Joe pulled the team to a stop at the hitching rail near the house. Gabrielle came out the door carrying Matthias before Joe even made it to the porch.
"Hello Joe! Look Matty, it's Uncle Joe!" Gabrielle took her son's arm and waved.
"Hey there, big boy!" Joe reached out and tweaked Matthias chubby jowl. "And hello to your Mama, too."
Joe held out his hands to the sandy-haired baby boy causing him to bounce in his mother's arms until she gave him over to his uncle.
Gabrielle laughed. "He does love his Uncle Joe."
Joe's voice took on a juvenile tone that Matthias delighted in hearing. "Well, of course he does. You tell your Mama that I've got all kinds of plans once you're walking and out of diapers. We're going to get ourselves into all kinds of trouble, aren't we Matty boy."
Gabrielle's eyebrows shot up. "That's what I'm afraid of, Uncle Joe!" She laughed again. "So what brings you out our way." Joe did not get time to respond before whimpering came from the buckboard and two furry heads popped up over the seat. "Dogs? What are you doing with two young dogs?"
Joe gave his sister-in-law a sheepish grin. "Well, it's a long story, but the short part of it is I told the owner that I would try to find homes for these two."
Gabrielle walked over closer to the wagon to which the pups responded with louder cries and pulling on their restraints. "They look like nice dogs."
"Mind if I let them down for a walk and a drink. We've been on the road a while."
"Sure I'll go get a bowl for some water. A bucket might be a bit difficult for them." Gabrielle took her son from Joe.
"Thanks."
Joe untied the pups but kept hold of the length of twine attached to each so that the pups could relieve themselves. When Gabrielle returned with the bowl, both dogs took lengthy drinks and then went back to curiously sniffing around the area in front of the house.
Having never been around dogs, Gabrielle watched them with interest. "Do they have names?"
Joe chuckled. "Yeah, the spotted one is Shadrach and the other is Meshach."
"Sounds like we're missing one." Gabrielle giggled. "What happened to Abednigo?"
"Yeah, he's still back with the owner. Didn't think I could manage three dogs." Joe's eyes suddenly had a pleading look. "Think you all might be interested in having a dog?"
"Well, you are probably asking the wrong person since I know nothing about dogs. I imagine that Hoss could be persuaded to take one, but I would feel better if he made that decision."
Joe shrugged and nodded. "So where is that brother of mine anyway?"
"He went to check some fences, but said he would be back by the middle of the afternoon; so I expect him anytime. Maybe you could put the dogs in the barn until he comes home that way you can come inside and have something to drink. It's time for Matty's nap. I'll go get him settled. Just come on in."
"Thanks! Sounds like a plan." Joe breathed out a relieved sigh grateful the Gabrielle seemed receptive to the idea of having a dog around.
Joe made sure that all the doors were secure before leaving the barn and heading for the house. The pups cried at being left alone, unaccustomed to the strange surroundings. Joe shot a glance back over his shoulder as he stepped up onto the porch. He wondered whether anyone would get much sleep tonight if he ended up taking both pups back to the ranch house.
A little while later, Hoss rode into the yard and saw the wagon. "Looks like we got us some company, Chubby."
Hearing Hoss' voice, the pups began yipping and barking.
Hoss turned toward the barn. His face scrunched up with a puzzled expression. "Hey, now, what in the world is that all 'bout?"
Deciding that he better check out the commotion, Hoss opened the door with caution and was greeted by two excited pups who pushed to get out. He caught them by the twine leads and picked them up.
"Where'd ya fellas come from? Aren't ya good lookin' little pups." Hoss chuckled as the dogs struggled in his arms and licked his face. "All right! All right! Guess I'd better go find out what's goin' on. Sorry ta do this to ya, but your gonna have ta go back inside for now."
It was a challenge, but Hoss managed to get the dogs back inside and shut the door. When he turned around, Gabrielle and Joe were coming out the door of the house and headed his way.
"So Little Brother, just whatcha been up to showin' up at my place with two young pups?"
"Actually it's kind of a sad story. You probably heard about Jeb Sellers."
"Yeah, but what's he gotta do with those two?" Hoss poked his thumb toward the barn.
"Well, Pa sent me over to the Sellers' place today. They have a dog that had three pups. Mrs. Sellers said she really needed to find homes for them; so I took two hoping maybe you and Adam might be interested."
Hoss nodded in understanding and then looked at his wife. "What do ya think, Gabbie? I know Matty's too young right now ta 'ppreciate a dog, but in another year or so - I jest r'member how much I wanted a dog when I was a young'un." He moved to slip his arm around his wife's waist. "Might be good company for ya too when I'm away and all."
Gabrielle looked up and gave him a sweet smile. "Are you trying to convince me or yourself?"
A deep chuckle rumbled in Hoss' chest. "Ya know me. I don't need much convincin'."
Gabrielle leaned into her husband. "I'm sure you can teach me what I need to know and you're right that it could be helpful to have a dog to look out for us when you're away."
"All right, Little Brother, I'll take the spotted one."
Joe clasped his hands and rubbed them together. "Great! Thanks! One down and one to go! Oh, by the way, his name is Shadrach."
"Shadrach? Huh? Guess Shad ain't a bad name for a dog. Better 'an Meshach and Abednego, that's for darn sure."
"Yeah, well, Meshach is the one with the white socks and their brother, Abednego is still back at the Sellers' place."
Hoss guffawed but then sobered as he thought on the situation. "Sure a sad business for a young gal ta be without her husband. Thanks for helpin' her out, Joe. Hope Adam 'ill take Meshach for ya."
"Yeah, me too. Well, I need to be on my way. Let me get Meshach and head for home. Guess he'll be spending the night with us, and I'll go over to Adam and Cecille's tomorrow."
"Tell them we said hello." Gabrielle added.
"Yeah, tell 'im now he'll have a dog that matches his horse!" Hoss cut loose with a hearty laugh.
"I'll do that. Hope Adam agrees with you! Come on, Hoss, and get your pup."
Joe secured Meshach to the seat of the buckboard since Shadrach was staying behind. He smiled and waved goodbye to his brother and sister-in-law as he pulled away thinking that Shad already looked like part of the family nestled in Hoss' big arms.