Chapter 14

"How on God's green earth could you get a wagon stuck in a tree?"

The Cartwright sons laughed, along with a handful of young people gathered in the large circle around that evening's fire.

"We've managed to get all sorts of things stuck in trees." Adam said, leaning against his saddle. "Rounders balls…"

"An essay on forest conservation." Hoss said, winking at Hamish who blushed.

"Me." Joe said, earning a wide-eyed look from his father, and more laughs.

"If we weren't stuck in trees, we were stuck in mud." Adam added, earning a chorus of groans. "And of course the mud had to be washed off. And that meant surrendering your clothes to the biggest bunch of thieves this side of the Mississippi."

Ben, laughing, tried to get out, "Someone stole your clothes, son?"

"How else could Joe end up stuck in a tree, Pa?" Adam asked, hiding his smirk behind his coffee cup.

"My own wagon train journey wasn't nearly as...uh...varied."

"I blame the kids." Joe said, earning protests from around the circle, and proud grins to follow.

"We got a good group here, Pa." Adam said.

Ben nodded, scanning the faces around the fire. "I can see that." He smiled. "My boys shared with me some of what you went through before this trip. It differs greatly from what the shipping company told us, doesn't it?"

The smiles of the boys and girls around the fire dimmed at the change in topic. The girls cast their eyes to the flames, and the boys moved a little closer to the girls, protectively. They all nodded.

Sewell leaned forward, hugging his knees. "Some of us are free now of our contracts. But not everyone."

"Adam told me about the legal tomfoolery you pulled. It was clever, but not the sort of thing that can be done more than once. Once can be seen as a clerical error. More than once becomes a con." Ben said, keeping his voice gentle. His words still managed to admonish and Adam stared at the surface of his coffee.

"It was a first step. If a rocky one." Adam admitted.

"Wendy, you say that your mother should be somewhere in Portland?" Ben asked.

Wendy looked up from the fire, raising her head from where she had been resting her chin on her palms. "I hope she's there. I don't know how long it would take to find her."

"But you are determined to find her?" Ben asked.

Wendy nodded. "She's my ma. Outside of Jamie, she's all the family I got left."

"If you find her, and if she agrees to return to the Black Butte Ranch, as the widow of the owner, the property and deeds belong to her." Ben pointed out carefully. "Not to Jamie."

"Were your parents legally separated at all?" Adam asked.

Wendy shook her head. "When Ma left it was because Jamie had….had threatened to kill her. Pa sent her away, to keep her safe, and cause...cause it was just too hard to stay home."

"How does Jamie feel towards her now?" Ben asked.

Every child and adult around the fire exchanged glances. "Not kindly." Wendy said finally.

Ben smiled and nodded his head, appreciative of Wendy's censorship in defense of her brother. "Wendy. Honestly, would Jamie try to do harm to his mother if she returned to Black Butte?"

Wendy's arms went around her waist and Jane, who was sitting beside her, put an arm around her, leaning her head on Wendy's shoulder. "I don't know. He might try."

Ben nodded and bowed his head for a moment before he asked, "Adam, how much would it cost to buy the remaining contracts?"

"To put it bluntly, $500 a head." Adam said.

"And Martha and Sewell's brief union has promised a sum of $6000 to the company that will never arrive, am I correct?"

The kids nodded, staring at the ground, or their hands, or the fire.

"The remaining contracts total…$8500, yes?" Ben asked.

Adam sat up, pursed his lips, then carefully said, "$9000, Pa. Albertus."

Ben's nostrils flared, his face coloring slowly in the fire light. "Fifteen thousand dollars. The only evidence we have of this monstrosity are contracts that are public record and could be easily interpreted as benign, so we can't simply involve the law. The alternative is grand theft, or paying it off."

"And calling that pay off, adoption." Joe said.

"We've overlooked the people expecting to receive this...property." Adam said, gesturing towards the children. "For all we know some of them may be well-intentioned. They may intend to take the children into their homes and show them love, and care for them. Provide for them. But…" Adam held up a hand, already seeing Jane, Martha and Catherine squirm in protest. "Those that were in New York the longest attest otherwise. That they were split apart and hired out. And I have every reason to believe that this has been happening for some time."

"Every reason to believe, but no proof whatsoever." Hoss said. "We been stuck on this thing, Pa."

"Yes." Ben said, falling silent for a bit before he said. "Thinking beyond this hiccup. If we were to get you legally free of your contracts, what would you do?" Ben looked up, scanning the faces around him.

Jane spoke first. "We want to stick together. Much as we can. We're a family, now." The rest of the kids around the fire offered various forms of agreement.

"Maybe we could get some land. Build a farm, or a ranch. We could work it together." Maudie offered.

"And Wendy...you'd like to return to Black Butte with your mother and your brother?" Ben asked.

Wendy nodded, suddenly not meeting the eyes of the others. "I'd...I'd love it to have all of you come with us. But...we can't afford no fifteen thousand dollars. We barely had any food left at all on the ranch when ya'll came in."

"It sure was nice there, though." Martha said, getting agreement around the fire.

Ben smiled and met the looks of his boys. "At least you know your own minds, and you're, almost all of you, in agreement. I'd like to make a contract of my own with you...all of you. We won't write anything out, we'll simply shake on it. But you will be bound by that contract just as surely as you are to Johnson Shipping."

Ben watched the children shifting, exchanging glances, but every eye returned to his face after a few moments and he continued.

"The parameters are these...that until further notice, you consider yourselves to be the property of the Ponderosa. No one else may claim ownership of you, no one else may buy or sell you. I own you and all your personal belongings. Everything in this train but for the wagons and the mules. You will agree to trust me to serve in your best interest, to act in a way that aligns with your wishes and see that all of you are taken care of until such time as you are legally responsible for yourselves."

Adam watched each of the kids, his own words echoing in his head. He shifted on the ground and cleared his throat. "Think of it as our community voting to hire a sheriff. We're giving something that we value to a man that we are trusting, to defend us against a great threat. We aren't...hiring a thug, or a gunman. We're placing authority on the shoulders of someone who will represent us. Stand for us."

Ben smiled and rested a hand on Adam's shoulder, squeezing his neck gently before he looked around the circle.

"What would we owe you?" Martha asked, her arms crossed defensively, but her tone careful.

Ben took in a deep breath and said. "Your trust. Your willingness to do as I ask. Your faith that I will respect your freedoms and rights, and see you through until you can stand on your own."

"I want that in writin', Mister Cartwright." Martha said, her eyes intense. "I want to put my name to somethin' that I agree to. Ain't one of us signed them contracts with Johnson Shipping. I signed a marriage license a few days ago and it's the first time I put my name to anythin'. My name had power. It still do. I'll agree to it...iffen you all put it to paper."

Ben smiled, meeting Martha's gaze and holding it. "I was told that you were a force to be reckoned with, Miss Washington. I see what they mean." He said.

Martha's face broke into a brilliant, fierce smile that she hid behind a deep, bracing breath after a moment.

"I'll put it in writing." Adam said. "You'll have the chance to put your names to it tomorrow morning."

"After which time I think we should continue our journey to Portland. I may borrow a horse and go on ahead of you. I'll find a place for you to secure the wagons and the children and do some investigating of my own. See what answers I can get."

"Mr. Cartwright." Wendy said softly.

"Yes?"

"I...can I go with you? If my ma is there, I want to see her alone. Before Jamie does."

"I think that would be wise." Ben said.

June 28 - 2 days to Portland

While the wagon train was bound by the speed of the mules, those on foot, and the conditions of the road, Ben Cartwright and Wendy Pauley were able to go more than twice the speed on horseback. Ben found Wendy to be capable and seemingly tireless and they were able to reach the city limits of Portland by evening. Wendy stuck closer and closer to Ben the deeper they waded into the press of humanity that was the big city. Ben caught her checking her reflection in shop windows, straightening her blouse, or tugging her shawl tighter around her shoulders anytime a well-dressed lady walked by them on the streets.

They left their horses at a livery and Ben suggested they find a place to eat before going to the constabulary. While they ate, Ben encouraged Wendy to talk about her life on Black Butte with her brother, how her father had died, and the circumstances of Jamie's accident.

"I came west with your grandfather and grandmother. Your father was...nothing more than a boy then. I feel ancient knowing that that little boy has a near grown daughter and son."

"I still feel plenty like a child." Wendy admitted. "I still want to be a child. Have my Ma take over and...do the things that we did when we were younger. Go to parties. Hold dances. I've had a taste of that with the kids from the train. They've become dear friends in only a short piece of time."

"Yes, I can see that." Ben said. "Your grandfather and I felt that way, too, when we parted. The trials of the trail build a sort of kinship." He said wistfully. "I know that my boys will miss all of you when this is over."

Ben put his napkin on the empty plate before him and moved to push his chair back. "Shall we go find your mother?"

"Before we do, Mr. Cartwright. I wanted to apologize for what my brother done to Adam."

"You've...you've apologized once already for that." Ben said, settling back into the chair.

"I know, but I also know that what he done was agin' the law and.."

Ben's eyes fell to the gleaming salad fork still by his plate, and his fingers touched the handle of it idly. "You're afraid that we'll press charges."

"No...Mr. Cartwright. I…" Wendy's eyes began to fill. "I want you to press charges."

"What?"

"My brother is a bitter, hateful, angry boy." She said, tears falling freely down her cheeks. Ben shifted his chair so that he was sitting closer to Wendy and offered her a kerchief. "And I...I haven't been strong enough to.."

"Wendy..."

"He's hurt me…" Wendy said, her voice barely above a whisper. She had turned in her chair so that her face was hidden from the rest of the dining room, and her body was rigid. "I can't...even say how, Mr. Cartwright. But I've been hurt so bad I couldn't move. Some days I knew who I was. I would run the house, and Jamie would do as I asked and everything would seem just fine...like we was real brother and sister. Other times…" Her eyes locked onto his, her body shaking so badly that the tears that hadn't yet fallen trembled against her eyelashes. "It would be like he was possessed of the devil."

Ben put his hands on her arms gently, petting her.

"I love my brother." Wendy said, her voice choking off and the sobs, silent as they were, taking over. She shook her head, baring her teeth, trying desperately to regain control. Ben pulled her against his chest, waving off the concierge who had begun to walk their way. Ben held her until he felt her back stiffen and she pulled away.

"I'm terrified of what he'll do the next time we're alone. I'm...frightened of what he'll do to our ma. It isn't just his hands, it's his words, his mind. He hates the world and everything in it so very bitterly."

"I...I don't understand...Wendy, Adam has said that Jamie appeared to be coming around. Adam said that his attitude was-"

"He has money now. Or money coming to him. I don't know how he got it or where. He's told me he wants to sell Black Butte. He'll take the money and buy himself a saloon..or a gambling house. He wants me to be a saloon girl, to help him run the gambling tables. He hates the ranch, he hates the horses. He hates everything about that place."

Wendy shook her head, her mouth opening and closing for a moment with no words to say.

"He won't go back. I know it. And he won't let me go back. He needs me to fill in the gaps...where his legs and his back fail him. He's so proud. So angry. I want him to go to doctors and get medicines, but he won't. I know he won't. He tried to kill Adam...and if he's in jail...well he would be taken care of...wouldn't he?"

"Wendy...attempted murder, and the jail term that would follow, would not be kind to your brother. Jail isn't a rest home."

Wendy's gaze dropped and she nodded, sitting back.

"Consigning your brother to prison may be an answer. It may be the only answer. But it won't be an easy one. It won't be a blessing to Jamie. Wendy…" Ben strengthened his grip on her arms until she looked at him. "I am not...will not...judge you on this matter. I can't possibly imagine what you've gone through. I want you to understand that prison will kill your brother...as surely as a hanging."

More tears fell. "What do I do?"

"Begin by doing what we've set out to do. Let us find your mother. She is Jamie's mother too and should have a say in what happens to her boy."

Together they left to find rooms for the night. They found the local constabulary office and made inquiries. They were told that they should go to the census office in the morning and that a clerk would be able to help them. They could also obtain a list of boarding houses and hotels and milanaries, clothes shops and seamstresses there. "And we'll be on the lookout for your ma, too, Miss."

After leaving Wendy at their lodging for the evening, safely tucked into her room, Ben went out to find a place for the wagon train to camp when they arrived. He arranged for feed and supplies to be delivered to the spot in two days, then returned to the boarding house, the list of chores for the morning already piled high.

June 29 - 1 day to Portland

By nine the following morning Ben had located the workplace and lodging of Lily Beauchamp. Wendy had spent the morning bathing, washing her clothes and binding up her hair. She made herself look as neat and tidy as she could, but wouldn't take Ben's offer for a new dress.

"She might as well see me as I am." Wendy said.

They went, after lunch, to the ladies dress shop on the corner of Yamhill Street and Third Street. Even before they went in Wendy paused on the street staring at a woman who was a mirror image of the young girl. Lily didn't have the trail darkened skin, or the well-toned muscle in her arms, but she was skinny like her daughter, and moved with the same energetic gate, putting together a display of cloth goods.

They walked into the shop together and were greeted by Lily and the proprietress. It took only a moment for mother to recognize daughter.

"Wendy...oh, Wendy!" Lily cried, running to her girl and collecting her in her arms. The mistress of the store stood to the side, confused, and Ben stepped up to her, doffed his hat, and offered a quiet explanation. In minutes he had arranged for Lily to have the rest of the day off and he guided both women out of the store, suggesting that they step into a nearby tea shop.

Ben became a fly on the wall as mother and daughter reunited, imagining what it might have looked like when he had greeted his own sons only a few days before.

The ladies talked, laughed and cried, Lily holding Wendy's hand, petting her face, stroking her hair. Wendy hardly let go of her mother, explaining all that she could, as quickly as she could.

"Oh, but what to do about Jamie, Mama." Wendy said.

"My Jamie is with your boys, Mr. Cartwright?"

"He is, Mrs. Pauley. They should be arriving here in the city some time tomorrow."

"That boy…" Lily said, caressing her daughter's hand. "I understand his hate. I felt it towards myself for a long time after his accident. Even though Jameson forgave me. Even though Wendy never harbored ill toward me. He needed someone to hate for the hurt he was feeling. For losing so much, so young."

"There is a lot yet to be gained." Ben said. "I have known many that have gone from no use of their legs, to walking, and leading normal lives. I've known those that have adapted...found ways to be useful, despite their disadvantages. But...it takes a powerful heart. A powerful lot of love and support."

"Support he won't take from me, Mr. Cartwright. Much as it pains me to speak that way about my child." Lily said. "But...there is a community here in Portland. Of men and women, young children. All with infirmities. They live together. Care for each other. Many of them are veterans. Men who lost limbs in the war. It...it might be a start for your brother, Wendy. I've visited there many times. It would mean a financial sacrifice on our part. It would mean...leaving Jamie here."

"Knowing that your brother is taken care of, and not a harm to himself or anyone else, would soothe any misunderstanding between us." Ben said, meeting Wendy's questioning gaze.

"Will he go? Would he stay there?" Wendy asked.

"We can ask him." Lily said. "Though I haven't been as a mother to you for...far too long, I am still his mother. I still know what is best for him. For his body, anyway."

"Once Jamie is settled, will you return to Black Butte?" Ben asked.

"It...it's so much land, Mr. Cartwright. Not work that I know about or can do on my own. I wouldn't know..who to hire to care for it. Or even what value it has."

"A surveyor could tell you the value of the land itself. As a rancher, I can tell you that it is a fine piece of property. Worth so much that you wouldn't be able to sell it in one lump sum. Not in any great hurry. If you were to rent out the grazing land to some of your neighbors, plant some hay in the pastures, and a garden. You would have some profit by the fall, and food and feed enough to see you through the winter. You would keep your land in your name, and have it operating fully by summer of next year. I have some friends in San Francisco who could recommend a foreman and a few ranch hands for you." Ben smiled.

"I don't know how I would pay them. How I would feed them." Lily said.

"Surely your husband has something set aside." Ben said.

Lily straightened in her chair, her fingers folding in on themselves. "He may. Or he may owe so much in taxes and bills that we have nothing left. The disagreement with our neighbor did much to break my husband, even more so than our son's suffering. I feel no particular love for that land, the house, the animals. I love my children. And I hurt for them."

"I see." Ben said.

"I would like it very much to have a surveyor look at the property. If Jamie is to stay here, and if I am to ever again have a relationship with him, I feel that I should be near to him. Wendy, I want you to stay with me of course. Only because I love you, and want to care for you. I can help you find a job. Or you could enroll in the girl's college here."

Wendy's eyes searched her mother's face, then looked to Ben. "What about the orphans, mama?"

"Let me see to them." Ben said, standing. "I can see that Wendy's things are brought to your lodging. If I could leave your daughter in your care, there are things I must see to before tomorrow." Ben bowed slightly, then left the tea shop.

The streets felt coldly foreign and as he walked them he longed for Virginia City. The sounds would be the same, the dirt and the dust and the carts and horses would be the same. The buzz of commerce would be the same, but it would be home.

He wondered if Wendy felt that way. If she wanted most to return to Black Butte, or if the place held too many nightmares. Too many dark memories.

Ben paid a visit to the Home for Wayward Children next and was greeted by nurses, not nuns as he had expected. He played the part of a prospective adoptive parent and was asked to name his occupation, marital status and yearly income. Based on that information he was brought to the boy's dormitory where he was shown young men of 12 and up. When he asked his guide why he was only looking at boys of that age range, the man told him, "I assumed you wanted ranch hands."

"I want children." Ben said. "If I want ranch hands I'll go to the cattlemen's association."

He excused himself and left the Home, going next to the Hartland and Jones Trust Bank where his boys were to pick up their pay once the children had been delivered. The list of owners, etched into a plaque on the front of the building told him that Hartland and Jones was as much a part of the conglomerate that owned Johnson Shipping, as was the Home for Wayward Children.

Ben went to the telegraph office and sent a wire to an old friend on the east coast, as well as a financier he knew, then went to find a lawyer. With the contracts in hand, Ben spent the rest of the afternoon pouring over the fine print with a man called Felix Usher, only after reassuring himself that the lawyer wasn't also owned by the conglomerate.

"The contracts state that the signee, the parents, along with any progeny, are consigned to the service and care of the Johnson Shipping Company until such time as the agreed to amount has been repaid, or a term of 15 years of service has been completed, whichever comes first. The terms of that service are to be determined by the holder of the contract, and can only be terminated by the signatures of Johnson Shipping or two of its subsidiaries."

"Wait a minute." Ben interrupted. "Wait...does it mention which subsidiaries?" Ben asked.

"It does not."

Ben sat up out of the slouch that he had fallen into. "So...any subsidiary. Any partner in this conglomerate, this World Wide Shipping. Any business owner in this conglomerate..could legally...without payment changing hands, terminate the contracts?"

"According to the wording in these contracts, yes."

Ben did his best to keep from shouting for joy. "All of these contracts, the wording is the same?"

"It is."

"And once the contracts have been terminated, there is no way that action can be reversed."

"There is no clause evident for a reversal of a termination." Usher said.

"I must go to the telegraph office, but I have still more business to conduct with you. Will you be free later this evening?"

Usher, a man in his thirties, only ten years into his practice, had begun to smile at the eagerness in Ben. He laughed. "I'm far too intrigued not to be, Mr. Cartwright."

"Very good." Ben said, standing and pumping the man's hand. "Hold tight to those contracts if you please. And I shall return."

June 30th - Portland, Oregon

Ben met his boys at 1:45 pm the afternoon they arrived in Portland. The area he had selected for them to park the wagons was prepared for them, fires burning and coffee and a meal ready. Long picnic tables had been set out, end to end, covered in table clothes with punch and tea ready for their arrival. Wendy and Lily arrived in a buggy to collect Jamie and his chair, before the rest of the train was invited to eat and rest.

Ben made sure everything was in order before he told his sons that he was waiting for a confirmation from Boston. "I've asked the telegraph operator to send a boy out here the moment the message arrives. And when it does we can...all breathe a little easier." He said.

An hour later Felix Usher arrived in a hansom cab with a portable desk and a portfolio of papers. He was introduced to Ben's sons and each of the children. "I've been looking over your contracts most of the night. I know you well by name, but not by sight. It's a pleasure to meet you all." Felix said.

After the children began to migrate away from the food, bellies full, they fell naturally into setting up the rounders pitch. Before long even Ben and Felix were encouraged to participate in the game. When Ben was tackled by three of the young ones after rounding the pitch once, and trying to go around a second time, he bowed out of the game, laughing and pink faced.

When the young messenger came tearing into the camp on a spirited pony with Ben's answer in hand, Adam started the kids to cleaning up the meal and the rounders pitch. Before long the whole of the wagon train sat waiting in the shade of a few of the wagon flies, the sweetest breeze coming from the not too distant sea.

Ben stood with Felix beside the portable desk and chair.

"I spent the evening with Mr. Usher, here, reviewing your contracts. As it turns out, one of the conditions for the termination of your contracts is the collection of two signatures. The signatories must be associates or subsidiaries of Johnson Shipping or it's parent company."

Ben began to smile.

"Long before any of my sons were born I owned a small business in Boston. A shipping chandlery. That chandlery passed into the hands of my father-in-law when I went west. After he passed, I maintained a 50% share of the stock and sold the rest to a dear friend who now owns Boston Shipping, a subsidiary and partner of World Wide Shipping. And World Wide also owns Johnson Shipping."

Ben paused a moment before he said, "I, Ben Cartwright, am therefore an authorized signatory for World Wide Shipping and will be providing the first of two required signatures to officially terminate your contracts."

Ben was met with stunned silence.

"That means they won't exist anymore." Felix offered helpfully. The kids started to buzz with excitement.

"Adam…" Ben said, and Adam got to his feet. The two had a short conversation before Adam shook his head and tossed a thumb over his shoulder. "Really?" Ben asked in a surprised whisper. Adam nodded. "Uh...Bucky."

Bucky stood, confused, and walked to where Ben and Adam stood. After a few minutes of conversation he dug into his pocket and produced a single, silver dollar. He gave the dollar to Ben, and Ben handed Bucky a piece of paper and shook his hand.

"Now...ladies and gentlemen...children." Ben said, getting their attention once more. "Mr. Bucky Weems here has just, witnessed by all of you, purchased 40% of the shares of my chandlery, making him my business partner, and the second signatory."

Bucky straightened his shoulders and back and stood proudly in front of the group, holding the folded piece of paper in front of him like it was an award.

"Each of you will come forward and witness the termination of your contract, before signing your agreement. These contracts will be mailed to Johnson Shipping. As of today, you are no longer the property of anyone."

December 24 - Christmas Eve Day - Black Butte Ranch, Oregon

Ben Cartwright drove the sleigh piled high with gifts, a freshly shot and dressed turkey riding on top of the pile. Behind him his boys were on horseback arguing about whose shot had taken the turkey down. They traveled the ranch road in the bright sunlight and the crisp air of the Oregon mountains, over a couple feet of freshly fallen snow. The clouds over the mountains were promising more to come for the evening making Ben grateful that he had ended his boys foray into the wild when he had. Their arrival was expected, the turkey was extra.

They were half a mile from the house when a rider racing across the range pulled up beside the sleigh. The girl, dressed in jeans and a heavy coat, and a broad hat that covered her fine brown hair, jumped easily from her horse and into the driver seat of the sleigh flinging her arms around Ben Cartwright before she hooked her arm into his elbow. The rest of the way, talk of the turkey evolved into just how it would be cooked and what would go with it.

"We've got winter vegetables in. Cabbage, carrots, beets. We have pickles that we made in July that should be just perfect now. We got the hen house done right before the first snow and those ladies have been layin' and layin'. We've got roast goose planned for tonight, but that turkey will be wonderful for tomorrow."

As the house came into view Adam hardly recognized it. There was a large expansion on the eastern end of the house that extended to both stories. The barn had been expanded, and the fences moved to create a bigger corral. A bed that might have contained flowers in the summer took up most of the space in the dooryard, and a new well sat off to the side, decorated with winter dried, clinging vines.

"The place definitely has more of the woman's touch." Adam said as he stepped down from his horse.

"Looks just like a post card." Hoss said, leading his horse to the hitching post before going to the sleigh.

"The snow covers up quite a few blemishes. But it is far nicer than it was." Wendy said. Joe helped her down out of the sleigh, grinning fetchingly and she blushed. "I better...get inside and get changed into some decent clothes. You boys help yourselves to the barn. Hamish and Harley will be out in a minute to tend to your horses. I'll send the younger ones out for the presents."

Wendy's voice disappeared into the house and was replaced instantly by a high pitched shriek. The voice screeched, "Adam!" What followed was a boy half a foot taller than Adam remembered, flying into the dooryard. Adam caught Axel in his arms and swung him around, neck instantly wrapped tightly in a pair of spindly arms. Axel's head came to rest on his shoulder and Adam shifted Axel to his hip before walking to the sleigh.

"Axel...think you can grab that turkey, help me bring him in?"

Axel leaned to the side and grabbed the bound feet of the fowl, making a face at the talons that had stiffened in death. "Did you shoot it, Adam?"

A voice cleared his throat behind them and Hoss smiled. "I shot him, lil' fellar. Best shootin' I ever done."

Axel turned a suspicious glance towards Adam, who was glaring at Hoss. "I helped sight the rifle." Adam said, to salvage his wounded pride.

"I loaded the gun…" Joe said under his breath in passing.

"Oh boys, boys, boys." Ben said, shaking his head. He unhitched the horses, greeting Hamish and Harley as they ran from the barn to collect them.

Ben collected a crate of wrapped gifts from the sleigh and carried it into the house. The main room was warm, smelled wonderfully of freshly baked bread, of drying pine needles and the fire in the fireplace. There were children everywhere working to set the table, clearing space for the presents under the large tree, looking after their younger siblings or rushing outside in coats and hats to get more from the sleigh.

The expansion to the main house had created a larger dining area with a table top and seating built into the back wall, along with a larger dining table. Ben assumed the second floor held additional bedrooms. Martha swept out of the kitchen and took the crate from Ben's hands, grinning at him brightly. She pecked his cheek as she took the crate to the tree, guiding three young ones to empty the presents and then take the crate back out to the sleigh.

Wendy came down the stairs a few minutes later wearing a woolen skirt, blouse and vest. It made her look a little older, and far more confident than she had when last Ben saw her.

"You look lovely, my dear. And the house...looks simply amazing." Ben complimented.

Wendy blushed and smiled around her. "It's a whole new place, Mr. Cartwright. A wonderful, new place. Dinner should be ready soon. Can I get you some cider?"

"I would love it."

The dinner spread was ample with a variety of foods like the Cartwrights had not seen in a long time. There were Swedish pastries, bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding, goose, breaded and fried vegetables and collard greens. Despite the rainbow of cultures represented, the meal went together superbly. The room was never quiet but for during the prayer, children laughing, giggling, eating. Older siblings admonishing younger ones. The whole group clearly comfortable together, and at home.

After dinner they gathered around Adam and his guitar and sang every Christmas carol and hymn that he could play. The youngest of the children were put to bed in the addition, a nursery that housed a half-dozen bunk beds and a small pot belly stove.

In the main room a bottle of wine was opened and the eldest of the children sat together with the Cartwrights, talking and laughing.

"Will your mother and brother be joining us tomorrow?" Ben asked.

Wendy shook her head. "Jamie is still angry at being forced into the home, though mother says he gets along well there. He's begun learning woodworking, though. I've visited him a few times. He looks healthy."

"And your mother?"

"She will spend the day with Jamie." Wendy said.

"Well...we're happy to have been invited. As descriptive as your letters have been, they don't do you credit. You've all come a very long way." Ben said.

"This is still your orphanage, Mr. Cartwright. We have a high standard to live up to." Martha said, smirking.

"It's a ranch, not an orphanage. And it's only partly mine. Once each of you are able to, you'll buy out the stock and the land, free and clear."

Once the young ones were quiet above them the Cartwrights helped stuff stockings with some of the surprises they had brought.

The following morning the snow fell in gay, glittering spirals all day long. Hoss dressed up as Santa to greet the children, and the day was filled with food, presents, sleigh rides, snowmen and snowball fights. Ben, Adam, Martha and Sewell went over the finances before they left, assuring one and all that the ranch continued to operate at minimal loss, and that there would be cash enough for the necessary purchases in the spring.

When the Cartwrights left, a village of children and teens stood outside the main house waving until they had disappeared.

The orphan train had finally made it home.